Device for dispensing at least one bulk food product, and associated system
The bulk distribution device uses a flexible packaging bag with a pinch mechanism to address contamination and mixing issues in existing devices, ensuring easy operation and maintaining product hygiene without the need for device cleaning.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- EP2022723165
- Authority / Receiving Office
- EP · EP
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2021-04-21
- Filing Date
- 2022-04-20
- Publication Date
- 2025-04-16
- Estimated Expiration
- 2042-04-20
AI Technical Summary
Existing bulk food distribution devices require frequent cleaning, which can lead to product contamination and mixing issues, and are not suitable for bulk food products with large pieces.
A bulk distribution device featuring a flexible packaging bag with a pinch mechanism that allows for easy insertion and removal of the bag, minimizing contact with the product and eliminating the need for device cleaning.
The device facilitates easy replenishment and use while maintaining product hygiene and traceability, avoiding contamination and mixing risks, and reducing water consumption.
Smart Images

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Abstract
Description
[Technical field]
[0001] The present invention relates to a device for dispensing at least one bulk food product, as well as to a storage and dispensing system comprising such a device.
[0002] It relates more particularly to the field of distribution of bulk food products, such as, for example and without limitation, dried fruits, nuts, rice, pasta, semolina, seeds, cereals, sugar, sweets, dried vegetables such as lentils, chickpeas, quinoa, peas, etc. in bulk, in particular for distribution and sales areas such as stores, grocery stores and wholesalers. [State of the art]
[0003] Bulk storage and distribution devices are known, primarily used in the field of organic food distribution. Such devices allow for the metered distribution to the consumer of a food product such as, for example, cereals, nuts, dried fruits, rice or pasta.
[0004] Bulk storage and dispensing devices generally comprise a plastic silo receiving the product to be stored and dispensed, a pouring spout connected to the silo and actuated by a lever, as known for example from documents EP2294948 and EP2599406. To receive the product from such a device, the consumer places a container, for example a bag, at the pouring spout and actuates the lever, a movable flap mounted in the pouring spout pivots to release the product it retains. Then the product is poured into the consumer's container.
[0005] Particularly in the field of bulk distribution of organic products, such storage and distribution devices need to be cleaned regularly in order to guarantee hygiene, product traceability and to avoid any risk of product mixing, for example, when such a cleaned device is used to be filled with another food product.
[0006] Cleaning such a device is carried out by removing at least the plastic silo to wash it using cleaning products, then drying it. Such cleaning has the disadvantage of risking contamination of the product that the silo will contain by the use of cleaning products.
[0007] Furthermore, after cleaning, it may be necessary to modify the labeling of these devices to obtain traceability of the food products they contain.
[0008] The state of the art can also be illustrated by document US6273297 which proposes a device for dispensing a viscous liquid, such as a food sauce, contained in a pouch, and which implements a mechanism for pinching a nose of the pouch between two jaws, one of the jaws being movable in translation to either crush and pinch this nose, or move apart and release the nose to release the viscous liquid from the pouch. Suitable for a viscous liquid, this device is however unsuitable for a bulk food product, which includes more or less large pieces which would hinder pinching by such jaws. [Summary of the invention]
[0009] The present invention aims to remedy at least one of the aforementioned drawbacks, by proposing a bulk dispensing device which is designed to facilitate replenishment and cleaning operations, or even to minimize cleaning.
[0010] Another aim of the invention is to provide a bulk dispensing device which is easy to use for dosing and serving, while providing optimal hygiene.
[0011] To this end, the invention proposes a device for dispensing at least one food product in bulk, this device comprising a first part and a second part configured for holding a flexible packaging bag containing the at least one food product, where the first part is configured to allow the suspension of a first side of the bag, and the second part comprises a pouring spout supporting a pinching mechanism and a control mechanism for controlling the pinching mechanism, this pinching mechanism being configured to allow the pinching of a second side of the bag opposite the first side, and it comprises at least a first blade and a second blade deformable in flexion between: a closed position in which the blades are not mechanically constrained by the control mechanism and are configured to keep the second side of the bag closed and, an open position in which the blades are mechanically constrained by the control mechanism to deform in flexure and thus move apart from each other to release the second side of the bag so as to deliver the food product through the spout.
[0012] The invention advantageously allows the use of the flexible bag used as a silo in the distribution device. This eliminates the cleaning constraints known from the prior art. Furthermore, the use of the flexible bag as a distribution silo preserves the traceability of the product and avoids any unwanted mixing.
[0013] Such a pinching mechanism advantageously makes it possible to ensure a closing or an opening of the second side of the flexible packaging bag (and more precisely of a dispensing opening provided on this second side of the bag) so that the food product(s) contained in the bag can be delivered or not without the device being in contact with the product(s) contained in the packaging bag.
[0014] In an advantageous embodiment, the pinching mechanism is detachably mounted in the second part, in particular in the pouring spout.
[0015] To insert a packaging bag into the device of the invention, the pinching mechanism can thus be removed from the spout of the second part, the blades are then separated from each other to allow the pinching of the second side of the bag intended for the delivery of the product(s) contained in the bag. The pinching mechanism and the packaging bag are then placed on the device by inserting the pinching mechanism into the second part and suspending the first side of the bag from the first part of the device.
[0016] The device according to the invention allows the monitoring of expiry dates since the packaging bag containing the food product(s) is not refilled but replaced by a new pre-filled packaging bag.
[0017] It should also be noted that the device does not require a cleaning phase and therefore avoids water waste.
[0018] The second end of the packaging bag can be cut at any time once it has been pinched. For example, the dispensing opening of the bag can be in the form of a spout that can be cut once pinched.
[0019] According to another embodiment of the invention, one end of the first blade is connected to one end of the second blade by a pivot connection around the same pivot axis.
[0020] According to another embodiment of the invention, the control mechanism is movable in translation relative to the second part, the control mechanism being provided to detachably receive said pivot connection of the blades of the pinching mechanism and allow them to pivot around the pivot axis.
[0021] It is thus possible to manipulate the blades by operating the control mechanism.
[0022] According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the control mechanism comprises a hinge part ensuring the pivoting of the blades around the pivot axis, the hinge part being integral with at least one rod passing through the second part to be connected to a lever.
[0023] When the lever is pushed, the support piece pushes the blades through the rod sliding in the second part.
[0024] Advantageously, the support piece is secured to two rods, each rod being connected to the push lever.
[0025] The sliding of the rods is improved compared to the second part, thus improving the actuation of the blades.
[0026] According to one embodiment of the invention, the second part comprises a housing having at the level of the blades a generally oval shape limiting the authorized travel of the blades of the pinching mechanism.
[0027] According to another embodiment of the invention, the end of the first blade, called the first end, is connected to the end of the second blade by the pivot connection, called the first pivot connection, around the pivot axis, called the first pivot axis, and the other end, called the second end, of the first blade is connected to a second pivot connection around a second pivot axis, and the other end, called the second end, of the second blade is connected to another second pivot connection around another second pivot axis.
[0028] Alternatively, the second pivot link and the other second pivot link are distinct, with the second pivot axis parallel to and spaced from the other second pivot axis.
[0029] According to one variant, the second pivot link and the other second pivot link are merged, with the second pivot axis coaxial or merged with the other second pivot axis.
[0030] According to one embodiment of the invention, each second pivot connection of the blades is connected to a spacer.
[0031] Thus, to reload the device, for example when the food product contained in the flexible bag is used up, it is sufficient to remove the pinching mechanism and separate the spacers pivoting by the second pivot connection and the other second pivot connection in order to remove the second side of the flexible bag stuck by the blades, and to replace a new bag pre-filled with the food product to be dispensed by wedging the second side of the new bag between these blades before replacing the pinching mechanism in the second part.
[0032] According to another embodiment of the invention, the housing of the second part further has a shape complementary to the spacers so that when the latter are received in the housing they form a vice configured to clamp the second side of the flexible bag.
[0033] Advantageously, the second part has two notches allowing two fingers to grasp the spacers in order to remove the clamping mechanism from the housing.
[0034] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first blade and the second blade have a predetermined curved profile allowing them to be spaced apart from each other.
[0035] In other words, each blade has a curved profile that promotes the flexing of the blade in question in a predetermined direction when these ends are compressed.
[0036] According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the blades have faces opposite each other, each face comprising at least in part a deformable insulating layer arranged in correspondence.
[0037] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first blade extends in a first longitudinal plane and the second blade extends in a second longitudinal plane in the closed position, the first end of each blade comprises a first pivot attachment having the first pivot axis as its axis of rotation, and the second end of the first blade comprises a second pivot attachment having the second pivot axis as its axis of rotation, and the second end of the second blade comprises a second pivot attachment having the other second pivot axis as its axis of rotation, and furthermore the first pivot axis and the second pivot axis of the first blade are separated by the first longitudinal plane, and the first pivot axis and the other second pivot axis of the second blade are separated by the second longitudinal plane in the closed position.
[0038] According to one embodiment of the invention, the pinching mechanism comprises a plurality of first blades and a plurality of second blades.
[0039] The use of several separate blades is particularly advantageous for trapping loose food products over the entire height of the clamping mechanism, and thus improving its sealing despite the presence of products stuck between the blades.
[0040] According to one possibility, the first blades extend in a first longitudinal plane in the closed position, the second blades extend in a second longitudinal plane in the closed position, the first plane and the second plane being distinct.
[0041] According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the plurality of first blades and the plurality of second blades are arranged so that a first blade overlaps a second blade at the first pivot connection.
[0042] Advantageously, the first and second blades are arranged alternately.
[0043] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first part and the second part are separated from each other by an adjustment means, such an adjustment means allowing the adjustment of the distance between the first part and the second part from each other.
[0044] According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the adjustment means is telescopable.
[0045] According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the device comprises a hanging mechanism for suspending the dispensing device from a display.
[0046] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first part is formed by a support bar configured to allow attachment of the first side of the flexible bag.
[0047] Advantageously, the support bar includes a label holder at its end.
[0048] According to another embodiment of the invention, the first part is formed by a pivoting crown and configured to allow attachment of the first side of the flexible bag.
[0049] Advantageously, the crown includes a label holder at its end.
[0050] According to one embodiment of the invention, the device comprises a structure for constraining the flexible packaging bag, arranged between the first part and the second part, the structure comprising reinforcements configured to tighten the flexible bag and constrain the product(s) it contains towards the pouring spout.
[0051] According to another aspect, the invention relates to a system for storing and dispensing at least one food product comprising the device as defined above and a flexible packaging bag as defined, the flexible bag allowing the storage of said product.
[0052] According to the invention, the bag has a first side and a second opposite side, where the first side of the bag is suspended on the first part of the device and the pinching mechanism allows the pinching of the second side, and in particular of a dispensing opening provided on this second side. [Brief description of the figures]
[0053] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the non-limiting description which follows and the appended figures which schematically illustrate several embodiments of the invention. There Figure 1 represents a general perspective view of a first embodiment of a dispensing device according to the invention equipped with a flexible packaging bag, the device comprises a first part and a second part separated by an adjustment means. The Figure 2 represents a general perspective view of the distribution device of the figure 1without the soft packaging bag. The Figure 3 represents a general perspective view of a second embodiment of a dispensing device according to the invention not equipped with a flexible packaging bag. The Figure 4 represents a perspective view of the second part of the device of the figure 1 Or 3 . There Figure 5 represents a perspective view of a first embodiment of a pinching mechanism intended to be received in the second part of a device according to the invention. The Figure 6 represents a perspective view of a second embodiment of a pinching mechanism intended to be received in the second part of a device according to the invention. The Figure 7 represents a top view of the pinching mechanism according to the second embodiment in the closed position. The Figure 8represents an exploded view of a plurality of first blades and second blades according to the second embodiment. The Figure 9 represents a top view of the pinching mechanism according to the second embodiment in the open position. The Figure 10 represents a top view of the pinching mechanism according to the second embodiment, in the unfolded configuration. [Detailed description of several embodiments of the invention]
[0054] To the figure 1 , a first embodiment of a bulk distribution device 1 equipped with a flexible packaging bag 2 containing one or more food products is shown.
[0055] The device 1 comprises a first part 11 and a second part 12 configured to hold a flexible packaging bag 2 containing the food product(s).
[0056] The first part 11 and the second part 12 are separated from each other by an adjustment means 3 allowing the adjustment of the distance between the first part 11 and the second part 12 from each other according to the dimensions of the packaging bag 2 that the device 1 must receive.
[0057] According to this first embodiment, the first part 11 is formed by a crown 11' pivotally mounted relative to a mechanism 4 for attaching the device 1 to a display. The crown 11' comprises two longitudinal elements 11'a, 11'b provided to encircle a first side 2a of the flexible bag 2 that it contains. Furthermore, the crown 11' is provided to allow the attachment of the first side 2a of the flexible bag 2 in order to suspend it, for example using a clamp fixed both to the flexible bag 2 and to one of the longitudinal elements 11'a, 11'b.
[0058] The longitudinal elements 11'a, 11'b are connected to each other by a label holder 11'c provided for displaying information relating to the product(s) contained in the flexible packaging bag 2.
[0059] As shown, the second part 12 comprises a body 12a detachably receiving a clamping mechanism 5 and further comprises a pouring spout 12b guiding the flow of the product(s) contained in the packaging bag 2.
[0060] The pinching mechanism 5 of the second part 12 is provided to pinch a second side 2b of the packaging bag 2 opposite the first side 2a suspended from the first part 11, and more specifically to pinch a dispensing opening provided on this second side 2b.
[0061] In all cases, the pinching mechanism 5 comprises at least a first blade 51 and a second blade 52 deformable in flexion between: a closed position (visible on the Figures 6 And 7 ) in which the blades 51, 52 are not mechanically constrained and make it possible to keep the second side 2b of the packaging bag 2 closed, and an open position (visible on the Figure 9 ) in which the blades 51, 52 are mechanically constrained to deform in flexion and thus move away from each other and allow the second side 2b of the bag 2 to be released so as to supply the food product(s) contained in the packaging bag 2 through the pouring spout 12b.
[0062] The dispensing device 1 advantageously makes it easier to refill a device 1 by replacing the exhausted packaging bag 2 with another filled packaging bag 2. Furthermore, the pinching of the second side 2b of the packaging bag 2 ensures that the device 1 is not in contact with the product contained in the packaging bag 2. This eliminates the need for cleaning.
[0063] Referring now to the figure 4 , the body 12a of the second part 12 of the device 1 is shown. The body 12a comprises a housing 13 in which the clamping mechanism 5 can be inserted in a detachable manner, i.e. movable in at least one direction without constraint.
[0064] The housing 13 of the body 12a has at the level of the blades 51, 52 a generally oval shape 12a1 to allow the spacing of the blades 51, 52 of the pinching mechanism 5 to be limited. Thus, such a shape allows mobility of the blades 51, 52 between the open position and the closed position of the pinching mechanism 5.
[0065] The generally oval shape 12a1 of the body 12a of the second part 12 is aligned with the pouring spout 12b to allow the delivery of the product(s) contained in the packaging bag 2 when the blades 51, 52 are separated.
[0066] Referring now to the Figure 5 , a first embodiment of the pinching mechanism 5 of the invention is shown.
[0067] The pinching mechanism 5 shown here comprises only two blades 51, 52 articulated relative to each other each at a first end 511, 521 using a first pivot connection L1 around the same first pivot axis A1. The first pivot connection L1 is here produced by means of pivot attachments 513, 523 complementary to each other.
[0068] The other end 512, called second end 512, of the first blade 51 comprises a second pivot connection L2 around a second pivot axis A2, and the other end 522, called second end 522, of the second blade 51, 52 comprises another second pivot connection L20 around another second pivot axis A20, parallel to the second pivot axis A2.
[0069] Each second pivot connection L2, L20 of the blades 51, 52 is connected to a spacer 5c, 5d allowing, on the one hand, the separation of the blades 51, 52 when the pinching mechanism 5 is removed from the housing 13 of the body 12a and, on the other hand, their placing in the closed position when the pinching mechanism 5 is inserted into this housing 13.
[0070] In addition to the generally oval shape 12a1, the housing 13 of the body 12a has a complementary shape 12a2 to the spacers 5c, 5d so that when the latter are received in the housing 13 they form a vice configured to clamp a part of the second side 2b of the flexible bag 2.
[0071] When the pinching mechanism 5 is inserted into the housing 13, the spacers 5c, 5d ensure continuous pinching of a portion of the second side 2b of the bag 2 while the first blade 51 and the second blade 52 ensure intermittent pinching of this second side 2b at the level of the dispensing opening, so as to temporarily release the product(s) contained in the bag 2 when the blades 51, 52 are stressed.
[0072] When the pinching mechanism 5 is outside the housing 13, it can be unfolded, by pivoting around the first pivot link L1, as visible in the Figure 10 , which makes it easier to set up the pinching mechanism 5 each time the bag is changed.
[0073] As represented in the Figure 5, the first blade 51 and the second blade 52 may have a predetermined curved profile promoting the flexing of the blade 51, 52 concerned in a predetermined direction when these ends 51, 52 are compressed.
[0074] It will be understood that such a curved profile prevents the fall of the product(s) contained in the packaging bag 2 since it pinches both the second side 2b of the packaging bag 2 and the product(s) at the level of this second side 2b.
[0075] Also shown on each inner face 510, 520 of the blades 51, 52 opposite each other is a deformable insulating layer arranged in correspondence with each other.
[0076] The deformable insulating layers thus positioned prevent the risk of tearing of the flexible packaging bag 2 at the second side 2b by avoiding contact of the blades 51, 52 directly with the packaging bag 2.
[0077] In addition, the deformable insulating layers make it possible to improve the sealing of the packaging bag 2.
[0078] Referring to the figures 1 to 3 , a control mechanism 6 for the blades 51, 52 is shown.
[0079] The control mechanism 6 comprises a lever 6a connected to a hinge part 6b by means of at least one rod 6c passing through the body 12a of the second part 12.
[0080] The articulation part 6b is designed to receive in a detachable manner (here simply by pressing) the first pivot connection L1 of the blades 51, 52 of the clamping mechanism 5 and to allow them to pivot around the first pivot axis A1.
[0081] It is thus possible to manipulate the blades 51, 52 by operating the lever 6a.
[0082] When the lever 6a is pushed, the articulation part 6b pushes the blades 51, 52 via the rod 6c sliding in the body 12a. The blades 51, 52 are then forced into deformation, thus allowing them to tilt from their closed position to their open position. The second side 2b of the bag 2 is then released and the product(s) contained in the bag 2 can flow through the pouring spout 12b.
[0083] When the lever 6a is released, the unstressed blades 51, 52 naturally return to their initial position corresponding to their closed position, thus retaining the product(s) in the packaging bag 2.
[0084] According to a variant of the pinching mechanism 5 shown in the figure 8, the or each first blade 51 extends in a first longitudinal plane P1 in the closed position (unflexed configuration) and the or each second blade 52 extends in a second longitudinal plane P2 in the closed position (unflexed configuration), and the first end 511, 521 of each blade 51, 52 comprises a first pivoting attachment 513, 523 having as its axis of rotation the first pivoting axis A1, and the second end 512, 522 of each blade 51, 52 comprises a second pivoting attachment 514, 524 having as its axis of rotation the second pivoting axis A2 (for the or each first blade 51) or the other second pivoting axis A20 (for the or each second blade 52), the first pivoting axis A1 and the second pivoting axis A2 of the or each first blade 51 being separated by the first longitudinal plane P1 comprising the first blade 51 in the closed position,and the first pivot axis A1 and the other second pivot axis A20 of the or each second blade 52 being separated by the second longitudinal plane P2 comprising the second blade 52 in the closed position.,
[0085] The arrangement of the first pivot axis A1 and the second pivot axis A2 relative to the first longitudinal plane P1 and the arrangement of the first pivot axis A1 and the other second pivot axis A20 relative to the second longitudinal plane P1 advantageously make it possible to orient the direction of bending deformation of the blades 51, 52 concerned when its ends 511, 512, 521, 522 are stressed.
[0086] According to a second embodiment of the pinching mechanism 5 shown in figures 7 and 8 , it comprises a plurality of first blades 51 and a plurality of second blades 52 produced according to the variant of the pinching mechanism 5 of the figure 6. And where, the first blades 51 extend in the first longitudinal plane P1 in the closed position and the second blades 52 extend in the second longitudinal plane P2 in the closed position, the first plane P1 and the second plane P2 being distinct and intersecting.
[0087] In the configuration shown in figures 7 and 8 , the plurality of first blades 51 and the plurality of second blades 52 are arranged such that a first blade 51 overlaps a second blade 52 at the first pivot connection L1.
[0088] Furthermore, the plurality of first blades 51 and the plurality of second blades 52 are mounted symmetrically with respect to a main plane PP separating them.
[0089] To the figure 3, another alternative embodiment of the invention has been shown in which the first part 11 is formed by a support bar 11" configured to allow the attachment of the first side 2a of the flexible bag 2, for example using a clamp taking the bar 11" and the first side 2a of the packaging bag 2. In addition, the support bar 11" comprises at its end a label holder 11"c allowing the display of information relating to the product(s) contained in the flexible packaging bag 2.
[0090] It will also be noted that the body 12a of the second part 12 has two notches 12c allowing two fingers to grasp the spacers 5c, 5d in order to remove the pinching mechanism 5 from the housing 13.
[0091] As represented in figures 1 to 3 , the adjustment means 3 comprises a telescopable bar 3a slidably mounted relative to the body 12a of the second part 12.
[0092] The hanging mechanism 4 comprises fixing lugs 4a from which hanging pins 4b extend for suspending the distribution device 1 from a display.
[0093] The hooking mechanism 4 is advantageously mounted adjustable in position on the telescoping bar 3a.
[0094] Referring to the figure 2 , device 1 of the figure 1 not equipped with the packaging bag 2 as shown in the figure 1 , this in order to better illustrate a structure 7 for stressing the flexible packaging bag 2.
[0095] The stressing structure 7 arranged between the first part 11 and the second part 12 comprises longitudinal reinforcements 7a, 7b configured to tighten the flexible bag 2 and constrain the product it contains towards the pouring spout 12b.
[0096] These longitudinal reinforcements 7a, 7b are integral with the second part 12 and extend to the first part 11 where free ends 7a', 7b' engage in notches 11'd of the crown 11' of the first part 11. Such a configuration advantageously makes it possible to ensure stable support of the crown 11'.
[0097] The longitudinal reinforcements 7a, 7b comprise constriction portions 7a", 7b " of the flexible packaging bag 2 provided at the level of the spacers 5c, 5d in order to constrain the product(s) contained in the packaging bag 2 towards the pouring spout 12b.
Claims
1. A dispensing device (1) for bulk dispensing at least one food product, said dispensing device (1) comprising a first part (11) and a second part (12) configured for holding a flexible packaging bag (2) containing the at least one food product, the first part (11) is configured to allow the suspension of a first side (2a) of the bag (2), the second part (12) comprises a pouring spout (12b) supporting a pinching mechanism (5) and a control mechanism (6) for controlling the pinching mechanism (5), the pinching mechanism (5) being configured to allow the pinching of a second side (2b) of the bag (2) opposite the first side (2a), said dispensing device (1) being characterized in that the pinching mechanism (5) comprises at least one first blade (51) and one second blade (52) deformable in flexion between: - a closing position in which the blades (51, 52) are not mechanically constrained by the control mechanism (6) and are configured to keep the second side (2b) of the bag (2) closed and, - an open position in which the blades (51, 52) are mechanically constrained by the control mechanism (6) to be deformed in flexion and thus move away from each other to release the second side (2b) of the bag (2) so as to deliver the food product through the pouring spout (12b).
2. The dispensing device (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein one end (511) of the first blade (51) is connected to an end (521) of the second blade (52) by a pivot connection (L1) around the same pivot axis (A1).
3. The dispensing device (1) according to claim 2, wherein the end (511) of the first blade (51), called first end (511), is connected to the end (521) of the second blade (52) by the pivot connection (L1), called first pivot connection (L1), around the pivot axis (A1), called first pivot axis (A1), and the other end (512), called second end (512), of the first blade (51) is connected to a second pivot connection (L2) around a second pivot axis (A2), and the other end (522), called second end (522), of the second blade (52) is connected to another second pivot connection (L20) around another second pivot axis (A20).
4. The dispensing device (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein each second pivot connection (L2; L20) of the blades (51, 52) is connected to a spacer (5c, 5d).
5. The dispensing device (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the control mechanism (6) is movable in translation relative to the second part (12), the control mechanism (6) being configured to detachably receive the pivot connection (L1), called first pivot connection (L1), of the blades (51, 52) of the pinching mechanism (5) and allow their pivoting around the pivot axis (A1), called first pivot axis (A1).
6. The dispensing device (1) according to claim 5, wherein the control mechanism (6) comprises a hinge part (6b) ensuring the pivoting of the blades (51, 52) around the pivot axis (A1), said first pivot axis (A1), the hinge part (6b) being secured to at least one rod (6c) passing through the second part (12) to be connected to a lever (6a).
7. The dispensing device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second part (12) comprises a housing (13) having, at the level of the blades (51, 52), a generally oval shape (12a1) limiting the authorized stroke of the blades (51, 52) of the pinching mechanism (5).
8. The dispensing device (1) according to claims 4 and 7, wherein the housing (13) of the second part (12) further has a shape (12a2) complementary to the spacers (5c, 5d) so that when these latter are received in the housing (13) they form a clamp configured to clamp a part of the second side (2b) of the flexible bag (2).
9. The dispensing device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first blade (51) and the second blade (52) have a predetermined curved profile allowing their spacing relative to each other.
10. The dispensing device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims taken with claim 3, wherein the first blade (51) extends in a first longitudinal plane (P1) and the second blade (52) extends in a second longitudinal plane (P2) in the closed position, the first end (511; 521) of each blade (51, 52) comprises a first pivot attachment (513; 523) having the first pivot axis (A1) as its axis of rotation, and the second end (512) of the first blade (51) comprises a second pivot attachment (514) having the second pivot axis (A2) as its axis of rotation, and the second end (522) of the second blade (52) comprises a second pivot attachment (524) having the other second pivot axis (A20) as its axis of rotation; the first pivot axis (A1) and the second pivot axis (A2) of the first blade (51) being separated by the first longitudinal plane (P1) and the first pivot axis (A1) and the other second pivot axis (A20) of the second blade (52) being separated by the second longitudinal plane (P2) in the closed position.
11. The dispensing device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pinching mechanism (5) comprises a plurality of first blades (51) and a plurality of second blades (52).
12. The dispensing device (1) according to claim 11, wherein the first blades (51) extend in a first longitudinal plane (P1) in the closed position, the second blades (5a2) extend in a second longitudinal plane (P2) in the closed position, the first plane (P1) and the second plane (P2) being distinct.
13. The dispensing device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first part (11) and the second part (12) are separated from each other by adjustment means (3).
14. The dispensing device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the device (1) comprises a structure (7) for constraining the flexible packaging bag (2), disposed between the first part (11) and the second part (12), the structure comprising reinforcements (7a, 7b) configured to clamp the flexible bag (2) and constrain the product(s) it contains towards the pouring spout (12b).
15. A system for bulk storing and dispensing at least one food product, comprising a dispensing device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, and further comprising a flexible packaging bag (2) containing the at least one food product, said bag (2) having a first side (2a) and a second side (2b) opposite each other, in which the first side (2a) of the bag (2) is suspended on the first part (11) of the device (1) and the pinching mechanism (5) allows the pinching of the second side (2b).
Citation Information
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