Device for dispensing a liquid product contained in a flexible bag

Abstract

A device (1) for dispensing a liquid product contained in a flexible pouch (50) comprising: - means for compressing said flexible pouch (50) capable of assuming: - a relaxed state in which they do not exert pressure on said pouch (50), and - a compressed state in which they compress said pouch (50) so as to extract said product, - means for controlling said compression means. The compression means include an inflatable balloon (14) capable of assuming at least: - a deflated state in which it does not compress said pouch (50), and - an inflated state in which it compresses said pouch (50) so as to extract said contained product, said control means comprising a pump (16) capable of sending pressurized gas into said balloon (14) to change it from its deflated state to its inflated state.

Description

1. Scope of the invention

[0001] The field of the invention is that of devices used for distributing products packaged in bulk in flexible pouches, such as cleaning products, cosmetics and food products such as oil, dishwashing liquid, laundry detergent, cream, deodorant, fresh or non-fresh food products such as crème fraîche, yogurt, compotes, orange juice, wine... 2. Prior art

[0002] In an effort to reduce waste produced, it is becoming increasingly common to offer consumers the option of buying products in bulk, which they can store in reusable containers they already own.

[0003] Thus, a wide variety of products can be found in stores sold in bulk, including cleaning products and food products.

[0004] Retail outlets offering to sell products in bulk are therefore equipped with bulk product distribution devices allowing consumers to fill their containers.

[0005] Liquid products sold in bulk are generally packaged in flexible pouches equipped with a tap to allow their contents to be emptied.

[0006] The liquid product contained in a bag flows out by gravity when the bag's tap is opened.

[0007] Such a system is particularly suitable for distributing highly fluid liquid products such as wine, juices, dishwashing liquid...

[0008] However, it is not ideal for dispensing more viscous liquid products such as yogurt, toothpaste, creams...

[0009] Indeed, in these cases, the flow of products outside their storage pouch is: The dispensing process is rather slow, leading to inconvenient waiting times for customers in stores, and incomplete, as the product fails to flow out of the pouch and remains inside, resulting in costly product losses that are incompatible with an environmentally friendly approach. It should be noted that these product losses are due to a lack of time on the part of the point of sale to "wring out" the end of each pouch to retrieve the contents, or an inability to wring out the pouch end for storage in a container for the end consumer. Consequently, there is a need to improve dispensing techniques for bulk liquid products packaged in flexible pouches, especially viscous ones. 3. Objectives of the invention

[0010] The invention aims in particular to provide an effective solution to at least some of these different problems.

[0011] In particular, according to at least one embodiment, an objective of the invention is to provide an optimized technique for distributing bulk products packaged in flexible pouches.

[0012] In particular, the invention aims, according to at least one embodiment, to provide such a technique which makes it possible to limit the loss rate at the end of the pouch, that is to say to reduce the quantity of lost product which fails to be extracted from the pouch.

[0013] Another objective of the invention is, according to at least one embodiment, to provide such a technique which allows the point of sale to save time by not requiring an employee to wring out the end of the pocket to retrieve the contents.

[0014] Another objective of the invention is, according to at least one embodiment, to provide such a technique which makes it possible to accelerate the flow out of a pouch of the product which is stored therein and to reduce accordingly the waiting time at distribution points of products packaged in bulk.

[0015] Another objective of the invention is, in at least one embodiment, to provide such a technique which is simple and / or robust and / or economical. 4. Presentation of the invention

[0016] These objectives, as well as others that will emerge subsequently, are achieved in whole or in part by means of a device for dispensing a liquid product contained in a flexible pouch, said device comprising: compression means for said flexible bag capable of taking two states: a relaxed state in which they do not exert pressure on said bag, and a compressed state in which they compress said bag so as to extract said product, control means for said compression means for said flexible bag capable of causing said compression means to take said relaxed and compressed states.

[0017] According to the invention, said compression means comprise an inflatable balloon capable of taking at least: a deflated state in which it does not compress said flexible pouch, and an inflated state in which it compresses said flexible pouch so as to extract said product contained in said flexible pouch, said control means comprising a pump capable of sending a pressurized gas into said balloon to change it from its deflated state to its inflated state.

[0018] Thus, the invention consists of implementing an inflatable balloon intended to be inflated to act on a flexible pouch so as to compress it in order to extract the product it contains.

[0019] This implementation makes it possible to optimize the distribution of product packaged in flexible pouches in a simple and effective way, and in particular to reduce the amount of lost product that fails to be extracted from the pouch and to accelerate the flow out of a pouch of the product stored there and consequently reduce the waiting time at distribution points for products packaged in bulk.

[0020] According to one possible characteristic, said inflatable balloon has a U-shaped section with a base from which two branches extend in the same direction, delimiting with said base a space for receiving said pocket, said two branches being inflatable.

[0021] This implementation allows for more uniform product extraction and further reduces the amount of product lost that fails to be extracted from the bag.

[0022] According to one possible characteristic, the base of the balloon is inflatable.

[0023] This implementation allows for even more uniform product extraction and further reduces the amount of product lost that fails to be extracted from the bag.

[0024] According to one possible feature, a device according to the invention includes means for maintaining constant pressure exerted by said balloon on said flexible bag throughout its passage from a minimum inflation state allowing the extraction of said product from said bag to a maximum inflation state.

[0025] This implementation allows for a regular extraction of the product contained in the bag.

[0026] According to one possible feature, a device according to the invention comprises a compartment housing a removable drawer suitable for containing said balloon and said pocket, said drawer being movable between: a retracted position in which it is housed in said compartment, and an open position in which it is at least partially outside said compartment to allow the insertion of said pocket into said drawer or the extraction of said pocket from said drawer.

[0027] According to one possible characteristic, said compartment is refrigerated.

[0028] This implementation ensures the proper preservation of a fresh product stored in a flexible pouch.

[0029] According to one possible feature, a device according to the invention comprises means for automatically connecting said tank to said pump, said automatic connection means being configured to: connect said balloon to said pump when said drawer is in the retracted position, and disconnect said balloon from said pump when said drawer leaves its retracted position.

[0030] This implementation allows the bag to be pressurized as soon as the drawer is closed.

[0031] According to one possible characteristic, said automatic connection means comprise a first connector integral with said compartment and a second connector integral with said drawer, one of said connectors comprising a male element and the other of said connector comprising a female element intended to interconnect, said male element: being housed in said female element when said drawer is in its retracted position so that said male element and said female element are in fluidic communication, and exiting said female element when said drawer leaves said retracted position towards said open position so that said male element and said female element are not in fluidic communication.

[0032] This implementation allows for automatic connection in a simple, efficient, robust and reliable manner.

[0033] According to one possible feature, a device according to the invention includes means for venting said balloon to the open air.

[0034] This allows a user to completely empty the balloon to facilitate the placement of the pocket.

[0035] According to one possible feature, a device according to the invention includes means for manually starting said pump.

[0036] In this case, a user can start the pump to ensure the distribution of the product.

[0037] According to one possible characteristic, said pump (16) is permanently supplied.

[0038] In this case, as soon as the drawer is closed, product dispensing begins as soon as a user opens the bag tap.

[0039] According to a possible characteristic, which product belongs to the group of food or non-food products including oils, dishwashing liquid, laundry detergent, detergent, cosmetics and personal hygiene products, fresh cream, yogurt, compotes.

[0040] The invention also covers the use of a device according to any of the above variants for the distribution of a product belonging to the group of food or non-food products including oils, dishwashing liquid, laundry detergent, detergent, cosmetics and personal hygiene products, fresh cream, yogurt, compotes. 5. Description of the figures

[0041] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of particular embodiments, given by way of simple illustration and not limitation, and the accompanying drawings, among which: [ Fig 1 ] there figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of an example of a device according to the invention; [ Fig 2 ] there figure 2 illustrates an exploded view of a drawer in the device of the figure 1 ; Fig 3 ] there figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of the balloon of the device of the figure 1 ; Fig 4 ] there figure 4 illustrates a perspective view of the first connector of the device figure 1 ; Fig 5 ] there figure 5 illustrates a perspective view of the second connector of the device figure 1 ; Fig 6 ] there figure 6 illustrates a longitudinal paired view of the first and second connectors not connected together; [ Fig 7 ] there figure 7 illustrates a longitudinal paired view of the first and second connectors connected together; Fig 8 ] there figure 8 illustrates an exploded view of the third connector of the device figure 1 ; Fig 9 ] there figure 9 illustrates a view of the interconnection between a third connector and a balloon of the device. figure 1 ; Fig 10 ] there Figure 10 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the figure 9 ; Fig 11 ] there figure 11 illustrates a front view of the drawer of the device figure 1 ; Fig 12 ] ] Fig 13] [Fig 14 ] THE Figures 12 , 13 and 14 illustrate cross-sectional views along axis AA of the figure 11 showing the balloon at different inflation levels; Fig 15 ] there figure 15 illustrates a cross-sectional perspective view of a drawer in the device figure 1 containing a balloon with a triangular cross-section. 6. Description of specific embodiments 6.1. Architecture

[0042] We present, in relation to the figures 1 to 14 , an example of a device 1 for distributing liquid products packaged in bulk in flexible pouches 50.

[0043] As illustrated, such a device 1, in this embodiment, includes a refrigerator 10, since the product packaged in the flexible pouch is a fresh product that requires refrigeration for preservation. However, in some variations, the device might not include a refrigerator, particularly when the product to be dispensed is not a fresh product.

[0044] Both the refrigeration methods and the general structure of this refrigerator are in themselves classic and are not described here in more detail, only the more particular aspects will be described later.

[0045] This refrigerator 10 includes a refrigerated compartment 11, as well as a removable drawer 12 that moves between: a retracted position in which it is housed in the refrigerated compartment 11, and an open position in which it is at least partially outside the refrigerated compartment 11.

[0046] When no refrigerator is in operation, the compartment is not refrigerated.

[0047] This drawer 12 comprises a base 120, three side faces 121, and a front face 122 defining a compartment 123 suitable for holding a flexible pouch 13 for bulk packaging of a liquid product. It has a top opening 124 to allow the insertion of a flexible pouch 50 into the compartment 123 and the removal of a flexible pouch 50 from the compartment 123.

[0048] The front face 122 has an opening 1220 allowing the installation of a dispensing tap 51 attached to the flexible pouch 50 which can be held in position by means of a sliding guillotine type system 1221 adapted to cooperate with a groove formed in the body of the tap 51. The front face 122 is also provided with a handle 1222 to facilitate the movement of the drawer 12 from one of its positions to the other.

[0049] The device includes means for compressing the soft pouch 50 contained in the housing 123 of the drawer 12.

[0050] These compression methods are likely to take at least two states: a relaxed state in which they do not exert pressure on the bag, and a compressed state in which they compress the bag in order to extract the product.

[0051] The device also includes means for controlling the compression means of the flexible pouch capable of making the compression means assume the relaxed and compressed states.

[0052] More specifically, in this embodiment, the compression means include an inflatable balloon 14.

[0053] This inflatable balloon 14 has a U-shaped section with a base 140 from which two branches 141 extend in the same direction, delimiting with the base 140 a reception space 142 for the pocket 50. The base 140 is equipped with an inflation fitting 400.

[0054] At least two arms 141 are inflatable. The bottom 140 of the balloon is also preferably inflatable.

[0055] The device includes means for securing the ball 14 to the drawer 12. In this embodiment, these securing means comprise two plates 15, each secured along the upper edge of a branch 141 of the ball. Each of these plates 15 includes recesses 150 adapted to receive pins 151 attached to the lateral faces 121 of the drawer 12. Other suitable securing means could be provided, such as snap fasteners, magnets, or reversible fastening systems of the hook-and-loop type.

[0056] This inflatable 14-foot balloon is suitable for holding at least: a deflated state in which it does not compress the soft pouch, and an inflated state in which it compresses the soft pouch so as to extract the product contained within it.

[0057] The control means include a pump 16 capable of sending pressurized gas into the balloon 14 to change it from its deflated state to its inflated state.

[0058] This pump operates continuously. Therefore, as soon as the refrigerator is switched on, the pump delivers air.

[0059] However, in some variations, the control means could also include an actuator, such as an activation button, allowing a user to manually trigger the change of the compression means from their released (i.e., deflated) state to their compressed (i.e., inflated) state. This button could, for example, be a pedal which, when pressed by a user, triggers the pump to start and the change of the compression means from their released (i.e., deflated) state to their compressed (i.e., inflated) state, and when released, triggers the change of the compression means from their compressed (i.e., inflated) state to their released (i.e., deflated) state.

[0060] In this case, the control means may also include automated systems programmed to activate the blowing pump when the pedal is pressed.

[0061] The device also includes means for automatically connecting the tank to the pump. These automatic connection means are configured to: connect the balloon to the pump when the drawer reaches the retracted position, and disconnect the balloon from the pump when the drawer leaves its retracted position.

[0062] The automatic connection means include a first connector 19 attached to the refrigerated compartment 11.

[0063] This first connector 19 comprises a body 190 having a connection port 191 to the pump and an outlet port 192 in fluidic communication with each other.

[0064] The connection port 191 is connected to the pump by means of a pipe.

[0065] The automatic connection means further include a second connector 20 attached to the drawer 12.

[0066] This second connector 20 includes a tube 21 with a connecting portion 210 to the first connector 19 and a connecting portion 211 to the balloon.

[0067] The connecting portion 210 to the first connector 19 constitutes a male element intended to cooperate with the output port 192 of the first connector 19 which constitutes a female element.

[0068] More specifically, the 210 connection section: is housed in the exit orifice 192 when the drawer 12 is in its retracted position, and exits from the exit orifice 192 when the drawer 12 leaves the retracted position towards the open position.

[0069] A seal 193 ensures the seal between the connecting portion 210 and the outlet orifice 192.

[0070] A truncated conical collar 194 is disposed at the periphery of the outlet orifice 192 through which the connecting portion 210 enters the outlet orifice 192 to facilitate the insertion of the connecting portion 210 into the outlet orifice 192.

[0071] When the connecting portion 210 is in the outlet port 192, the air expelled by the pump flows from the outlet port 192 into the tube 21. Otherwise, the air expelled by the pump exits the first connector 19 into the ambient air through the outlet port 192.

[0072] In this embodiment, the first connector is female and the second connector is male. In variations, the first connector could be male and the second connector could be female.

[0073] The automatic connection means include a third connector 30.

[0074] This third connector 30 comprises a body 300 having an inlet port 301 and an outlet port 302 in fluidic communication with each other.

[0075] The inlet port 301 is connected to the connecting portion 211 of the second connector 19. The outlet port 302 opens into the balloon 14. The outlet port 302 is tapped.

[0076] The automatic connection means could include only the first and second connectors if the second connector was connected to the balloon.

[0077] The device includes means for connecting 40 of the balloon 14 to the third connector 30.

[0078] These connection means include the inflation fitting 400. This inflation fitting includes a threaded portion 401 for cooperating with the threaded outlet 302 of the third connector 30. It also includes a flange 402 from which the threaded portion 401 projects. It further includes a diffusion portion 403 which extends in line with the threaded portion 401 beyond the flange 402.

[0079] The balloon 14, in particular its bottom 140, includes an opening 143 through which the threaded portion 401 extends. The threaded portion 401 extends outside the balloon 14, the diffusion portion 403 extends inside the balloon 14, and the collar 402 extends inside the balloon 14 and bears against a seal 41 bearing against the inner face of the bottom 140 of the balloon.

[0080] The inflation fitting 400 is put in place by introducing the diffusion portion 403 and the collar 402 inside the balloon 14 through the opening 143, taking care to first place the seal 41 around the threaded portion 401 against the collar 402.

[0081] The connection between the balloon 14 and the third connector 30 is made by screwing the threaded portion 401 into the tapped outlet 302. The seal 41 is then compressed between the flange 402 and the balloon wall, which itself rests against the face 121 of the drawer.

[0082] The third connector 30 includes means for venting the balloon 14.

[0083] These venting means include a piston 303 that moves in translation against the effect of a spring 304 in a chamber 305 formed in the body 300, into which the inlet 301 and outlet 302 ports open.

[0084] Piston 303 is movable between: a closed position, illustrated in the Figure 10 , in which it closes an opening 306 made in the body 300 and leading into the chamber 305, so that the balloon 14 is kept under pressure by the pump, and a venting position, reached by pushing the piston into the chamber, in which it releases the opening 306 in order to allow the air contained in the balloon 14 to escape outside the third connector 30 through the opening 306.

[0085] To manually operate the piston 303, it is extended by a button 307 projecting out of the body 300.

[0086] The device includes means for maintaining constant pressure exerted by the balloon on the flexible bag throughout its passage from a state of minimum inflation allowing the extraction of the product from the bag to a state of maximum inflation.

[0087] These pressure-maintaining means include a pressure-maintaining valve (not shown). This valve may optionally be adjustable to allow setting the pressure maintained in the tank. It is located along the connection path from the pump to the tank. Preferably, it is positioned along the line connecting the pump to the first connector. Alternatively, it could be positioned along the line connecting the second connector to the third connector. 6.2. Operation

[0088] The operation of a distribution device will now be described.

[0089] To place a flexible pouch containing a liquid product such as yogurt inside the drawer, drawer 12 is placed in its open position.

[0090] In this position, the connecting portion 210 of the second connector 20 is not in the outlet orifice 192 of the first connector 19. The balloon is therefore not supplied with air by the pump which blows air into the ambient air via the outlet orifice 192 of the first connector 19.

[0091] The pouch 50 is then inserted into the housing 123 of the drawer 12 through the upper opening 124 or more precisely into the reception space 142 defined by the balloon 14 which is itself housed in the housing 123 of the drawer 12. The valve 51, with which the pouch 50 is equipped, is also passed through the opening 1220 of the front face 122 of the drawer then the guillotine 1221 is lowered to cooperate with the groove of the valve body to hold it securely to the drawer 12.

[0092] To facilitate the insertion of the bag 50 into the receiving space 142, the piston 303 can be momentarily moved from its closed position to its venting position so as to allow the air contained in the balloon 14 to escape to enlarge the receiving space 142.

[0093] The pocket 50 is then surrounded by the front face 122 of the drawer 12 and by the branches 141 and the bottom 140 delimiting the reception space 142 for the pocket 50 of the balloon 14 which is deflated.

[0094] Drawer 12 is then slid into place inside refrigerated compartment 11 in its retracted position.

[0095] At the end of the movement of the drawer 12 towards its closed position, the connecting portion 210 of the second connector 20 is inserted into the outlet 192 of the first connector 19. The balloon 14 is thus connected to the pump via the first 19, second 20, and third 30 connectors and the connecting lines between them. The balloon 14 is then inflated. The base 140 and the arms 141 of the balloon exert pressure on the walls of the bladder 50. The pressure inside the balloon and the pressure it exerts on the walls of the bladder 50 are constant due to the pressure-maintaining valve.

[0096] When a user wants to fill their yogurt container, they bring it close to the tap on the bag and activate it to open it.

[0097] Given the pressure exerted by balloon 14 on bag 50, the contents of bag 50 flow into the container via the tap.

[0098] The pump continuously supplies water to the balloon 14. As the balloon inflates, its arms and base also expand, increasing their volume and thus reducing the volume of the space containing the pouch. This gradually compresses the pouch, causing the yogurt inside to escape through the tap.

[0099] Due to the implementation of the pressure-maintaining valve, the pressure exerted by the balloon on the bag is constant, so the flow rate of the yogurt out of the bag is also regular.

[0100] When the user has finished filling their container, they close the tap.

[0101] The pump continues to supply the balloon 14 which always exerts a constant pressure on the bag 50 taking into account the pressure-maintaining valve.

[0102] The next user can then fill their container by doing the same thing.

[0103] There figure 12 illustrates a drawer 12 containing a full pocket 50 against the walls of which the very slightly inflated balloon 14 exerts pressure.

[0104] There figure 13 illustrates a drawer 12 containing a partially full pocket 50 against the walls of which the partially inflated balloon 14 exerts pressure.

[0105] There figure 14 illustrates a drawer 12 containing an empty pocket 50 against the walls of which the fully inflated balloon 14 exerts pressure.

[0106] When no more yogurt comes out of the bag while the tap is open, the bag must be replaced with a full one.

[0107] To achieve this, the drawer 12 is slid into its open position. As the drawer 12 moves from its closed position towards its open position, the connecting portion 210 of the second connector 20 gradually moves away from the outlet 192 of the first connector 19. This prevents the pump from supplying the tank.

[0108] When drawer 12 is in the open position, the guillotine 1221 is raised to release the tap, and then the pouch 50 is removed from the drawer. Finally, a new pouch 50 is inserted into drawer 12 as described previously, and then drawer 12 is closed. 6.3. Advantages

[0109] The use of the inflatable balloon allows pressure to be applied to the pouch, thereby extracting the product it contains. The U-shape ensures uniform pressure across the entire pouch, resulting in a very small amount of product remaining after extraction is complete. The technique according to the invention thus reduces product loss.

[0110] In addition, this implementation accelerates the flow of the product out of the pouch and thus reduces user waiting time.

[0111] The implementation of pressure maintenance methods makes it possible to obtain a constant product flow rate. 6.4. Variants

[0112] There figure 15This illustrates a variant in which the inflatable balloon has a triangular cross-section, as does the pocket. The filled pocket, together with the inflated balloon, forms a square or rectangle when placed in the drawer. This geometry is less efficient than the U-shape but nevertheless more efficient than movable flaps.

[0113] A device according to the invention can distribute any type of liquid product, whether food-grade or not, with varying degrees of viscosity. The viscosity of the liquid can vary depending on its nature. Thus, liquids such as juices or wines will be particularly fluid, while liquids such as dishwashing liquid, laundry detergent, or yogurt will be considerably more viscous.

Claims

1. Dispensing device (1) for a liquid product contained in a flexible pouch (50), said device comprising: - means for compressing said flexible pouch (50) capable of assuming two states: - a relaxed state in which they do not exert pressure on said pouch (50), and - a compressed state in which they compress said pouch (50) so as to extract said product, - control means for said compression means of said flexible pouch (50) capable of causing said compression means to assume said relaxed and compressed states, characterized in thatsaid compression means include an inflatable balloon (14) capable of taking at least: - a deflated state in which it does not compress said flexible bag (50), and - an inflated state in which it compresses said flexible bag (50) so as to extract said product contained in said flexible bag (50), said control means including a pump (16) capable of sending a gas under pressure into said balloon (14) to change it from its deflated state to its inflated state.

2. Device according to claim 1 in which said inflatable balloon (14) has a U-shaped section with a bottom (140) from which two branches (141) extend in the same direction, delimiting with said bottom (140) a space for receiving said pocket (50), said two branches (141) being inflatable.

3. Device according to claim 2 in which said bottom (140) of said balloon (14) is inflatable.

4. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 3 comprising means for maintaining constant pressure exerted by said balloon (14) on said flexible pouch (50) throughout its passage from a minimum inflation state allowing the extraction of said product from said pouch (50) to a maximum inflation state.

5. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 4 comprising a compartment (11) housing a removable drawer (12) suitable for containing said balloon (14) and said bag (50), said drawer (12) being movable between: - a retracted position in which it is housed in said compartment (11), and - an open position in which it is located at least partially outside said compartment (11) to allow the introduction of said bag (50) into said drawer (12) or the extraction of said bag (50) from said drawer (12).

6. Device according to claim 5 in which said compartment is refrigerated.

7. Device according to claim 5 or 6 comprising means for automatic connection of said balloon (14) to said pump (16), said automatic connection means being configured to: - connect said balloon (14) to said pump (16) when said drawer (12) is in the retracted position, and - disconnect said balloon (14) from said pump (16) when said drawer (12) leaves its retracted position.

8. Device according to claim 7 in which said automatic connection means comprise a first connector (19) integral with said compartment (11) and a second connector (20) integral with said drawer (12), one of said connectors (19, 20) comprising a male element (210) and the other of said connector comprising a female element (192) intended to interconnect, said male element (210): - being housed in said female element (192) when said drawer (12) is in its retracted position so that said male element (210) and said female element (192) are in fluidic communication, and - exiting said female element (192) when said drawer (12) leaves said retracted position in the direction of said open position so that said male element (210) and said female element (192) are not in fluidic communication.

9. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 7 comprising means for venting said balloon (14) to the open air (303, 305, 306).

10. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 8 comprising means for manually starting said pump (16).

11. Device according to any one of claims 4 to 8 in which said pump (16) is permanently supplied.

12. Use of a device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, for the distribution of a product belonging to the group of food or non-food products including oils, dishwashing liquid, laundry detergent, detergent, cosmetics and personal hygiene products, fresh cream, yogurt, compotes.

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