Fluid product dispensing device, associated apparatus and method

Abstract

Fluid product dispensing device, associated apparatus and method The present invention relates to a fluid product dispensing device (10), comprising a pump (12), a control unit (16) and a dispensing nozzle (14), the pump (12) being fluidically connected to the dispensing nozzle (14) such that the pump (12) is adapted to pump fluid to the dispensing nozzle (14). The pump (12) is a piezoelectric membrane pump. The control unit (16) is adapted to generate a periodic alternating voltage and supply the pump (12) with the periodic alternating voltage. The periodic alternating voltage has a pattern comprising in this order a rising edge extending over a duration strictly less than 100 µs, a high plateau directly following the rising edge, a falling edge extending over a duration strictly less than 100 µs and a low plateau directly following the falling edge.Figure for abstract: Fig 1.

Description

Title of the invention: Fluid product dispensing device, associated apparatus and method

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for dispensing a fluid product, in particular a cosmetic product, comprising a pump, a pump control module and a dispensing nozzle, the pump being fluidically connected to the dispensing nozzle so that the pump is adapted to pump fluid from a reservoir to the dispensing nozzle for dispensing the fluid.

[0002] The invention further relates to an associated method and apparatus.

[0003] A cosmetic product is advantageously a product as defined in Regulation EC No. 1223 / 2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council, dated November 30, 2009, relating to cosmetic products.

[0004] The fluid product distributed by the device of the invention is, for example, a perfume, an eau de parfum or an eau de toilette.

[0005] The use of inkjet technology is known for accurately dosing small volumes by ejecting drops with a volume of less than a microliter. However, such a system does not allow larger volumes, for example of the order of a milliliter, to be dispensed in a limited time.

[0006] In the case of a dosing system comprising a piston system, the motor, the body and the tip of the syringe are different depending on the volume to be dispensed. Thus, to dose both small volumes and larger volumes, it is then necessary to modify these elements at each change.

[0007] A dosing system with a peristaltic pump has a discontinuous flow rate and would therefore not be suitable for microdosing.

[0008] Thus, none of its systems is suitable for both accurately dosing small volumes and dispensing larger volumes.

[0009] This is particularly useful for producing a sample, then, after validation of the sample, for distributing the product.

[0010] Providing two different systems, one for dosing low volumes and the other for dispensing larger volumes, is expensive, bulky and more complex.

[0011] Finally, a distribution system with a piezoelectric jet distribution valve allows both to be done, but this system is particularly expensive and involves putting the liquid reservoir under pressure, which complicates implementation and refilling.

[0012] The aim of the invention is then to propose a distribution device allowing, on the one hand, to dose small volumes, of the order of a microliter, and, on the other hand, to distribute larger volumes, of the order of a milliliter, without this device being particularly expensive or complex.

[0013] For this purpose, the invention relates to a device for dispensing fluid, comprising a pump, a control unit and a dispensing nozzle, the pump being fluidically connected to the dispensing nozzle so that the pump is adapted to pump fluid to the dispensing nozzle for dispensing the fluid, characterized in that the pump is a piezoelectric membrane pump, and in that the control unit is adapted to generate a periodic alternating voltage and supply the pump with the periodic alternating voltage, the periodic alternating voltage having a pattern comprising in this order a rising edge, a high plateau, a falling edge and a low plateau, the high plateau being directly consecutive to the rising edge, the low plateau being directly consecutive to the falling edge, the periodic alternating voltage having a high average value at the high plateau,the periodic alternating voltage being comprised at any time of the high plateau between 0.9 times the high average value and 1.1 times the high average value, the periodic alternating voltage having a low average value at the low plateau, the periodic alternating voltage being comprised at any time of the low plateau between 0.9 times the low average value and 1.1 times the low average value, the rising edge extending over a duration strictly less than 100 ps, preferably strictly less than 1 ps, advantageously strictly less than 10 ns, the falling edge extending over a duration strictly less than 100 ps, preferably strictly less than 1 ps, advantageously strictly less than 10 ns.

[0014] Such a pump is particularly suitable for delivering a fluid product with a fairly high flow rate. In addition, by the very steep signal change between the front and the plate, this causes a shock wave at the pump generating an overpressure, which causes the product to fall drop by drop, as it is supplied by the pump, at the nozzle, which allows precise dosing, including for volumes of the order of a microliter. In the absence of this shock wave, there is a risk that the drops generated by the pump will collect at the nozzle and only fall by gravity when the weight of all the drops carries said large drop, this therefore not corresponding to precise dosing.

[0015] According to other advantageous aspects of the invention, the device comprises one or more of the following characteristics, taken in isolation or in all technically possible combinations:

[0016] - the pattern further comprises a descent directly following the high plateau and a rise directly following the low plateau, the descent extending over a duration strictly less than 100 ps, preferably strictly less than 1 ps, advantageously strictly less than 10 ns, the rise extending over a duration strictly less than 100 ps, preferably strictly less than 1 ps, advantageously strictly less than 10 ns,

[0017] This allows for a clean closure and improves the shock wave.

[0018] - the control unit comprises a pump power supply module, the module pump power supply being capable of generating the periodic alternating voltage supplying the pump, the pump power supply module being supplied with an input voltage, the power supply module comprising four transistors, more particularly four insulated gate field effect transistors, mounted in an H-bridge, the input voltage supplying the H-bridge;

[0019] This makes it possible to provide a signal exhibiting steep transitions.

[0020] - the pump has a pump volume of between 0.5 pL and 10 pL, preferably mainly 0.8pl and 5pl;

[0021] This allows for precise dosing of microvolumes

[0022] - the piezoelectric membrane is adapted to move with a frequency between 10 Hz and 60 Hz,

[0023] This allows the volumetric flow rate of the pump to be adjusted.

[0024] - the control unit comprises a remote communication module, the control unit piloting being able to communicate remotely with an electronic device via the remote communication module, more particularly via the Bluetooth standard;

[0025] This allows distribution to be controlled remotely.

[0026] The invention also relates to an apparatus for dispensing fluid products, comprising a plurality of fluid product dispensing devices as described above, each dispensing device comprising a reservoir of a different respective fluid product.

[0027] According to other advantageous aspects of the invention, the device comprises one or more of the following characteristics, taken in isolation or in all technically possible combinations:

[0028] - the dispensing apparatus comprises a common outlet, each dis tribute leading to the common exit, or

[0029] - the dispensing apparatus comprises an outlet, the dispensing devices being mobile, so that each of the distribution nozzles can be selectively connected to the outlet.

[0030] The invention also relates to a method for dispensing a fluid product, comprising providing a dispensing device as described above and supplying the pump with the periodic alternating voltage.

[0031] The invention will appear more clearly on reading the description which follows, given solely by way of non-limiting example, and made with reference to the drawings in which:

[0032] [Fig.l] [Fig.l] is a schematic view of an example of a dispensing device according to a first embodiment of the invention,

[0033] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is an example of a periodic alternating voltage within the scope of the invention,

[0034] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is a schematic representation of a part of a pump supply module, within the framework of the invention,

[0035] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] is a schematic view of an example of a dispensing device according to a second embodiment of the invention, and

[0036] [Fig.5] [Fig.5] is a schematic top view of an example of a dispensing apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0037] A first example of a fluid product dispensing device 10 is shown in [Fig.l].

[0038] The fluid product dispensing device 10 is capable of dispensing a fluid product.

[0039] The fluid product has, for example, a viscosity strictly less than 50 centigrades (cp), that is to say strictly less than 50 mPa / s.

[0040] The fluid product is, for example, a cosmetic product as defined previously.

[0041] More particularly, here, the fluid product is a perfumery liquid, in particular an eau de parfum, or an eau de toilette.

[0042] The fluid product comprises, for example, at least 50% alcohol, more particularly at least 70% alcohol, more particularly at least 80% alcohol.

[0043] The alcohol(s) used comprise, more particularly consist here of, for example, ethanol or propanol or isopropanol.

[0044] The dispensing device 10 comprises a pump 12, a dispensing nozzle 14 and a control unit 16.

[0045] The pump 12 is fluidically connected to the dispensing nozzle 14, such that the pump is adapted to pump fluid to the dispensing nozzle for dispensing the fluid.

[0046] More particularly, the pump 12 comprises an outlet 18 fluidically connected, more particularly by a pipe 20, to the distribution nozzle 14.

[0047] The pipe 20 is preferably rigid. It can also be flexible but, if necessary, its internal volume does not change as a function of the pressure of the fluid.

[0048] The pipe 20 has, for example, an internal diameter of between 0.5 mm and 1.3 mm.

[0049] The dispensing nozzle 14 has, for example, a cylindrical outlet opening.

[0050] The dispensing nozzle 14 is adapted to dispense fluid product ejected by the pump 12, for example in a bottle 22 or on a strip 24, in particular for testing perfume.

[0051] The dispensing nozzle 14 has, for example, an internal diameter of between 0.2 mm and 0.8 mm.

[0052] Pump 12 is a piezoelectric diaphragm pump.

[0053] The pump 12 has a pump volume of between 0.5 pL and 10 pL, preferably 0.8 pL and 5 pL.

[0054] The pump volume corresponds to the maximum volumetric pumping capacity of the pump during a pumping cycle, that is to say that, during a pumping cycle, the pump is able to pump at most the pump volume.

[0055] The pump 12 is adapted to be supplied with a voltage, here a periodic alternating voltage supplied by the control unit 16.

[0056] The piezoelectric membrane is adapted to move with a frequency between 10 Hz and 60 Hz.

[0057] More particularly, the pump 12 is adapted to be supplied with a voltage having a frequency between 10 Hz and 60 Hz, the piezoelectric membrane deforming with the voltage.

[0058] The pump 12 is adapted to be supplied with a peak-to-peak voltage of between 60 and 250 V.

[0059] The pump 12 has an inlet connected to a supply line 26 for a fluid product.

[0060] The supply line 26 is, for example, fluidically connected to a reservoir 28 of fluid product.

[0061] The supply line 26 is, for example, connected in a sealed manner to the reservoir 28.

[0062] This makes it possible in particular to limit the escape of possible vapors.

[0063] The pump 12 is thus supplied with fluid product from the reservoir 28.

[0064] The fluid supply line is, for example, flexible and non-deformable under fluid pressure.

[0065] The supply line 26 is, for example, equipped with a non-return valve 30, so as to prevent any flow of fluid product in the direction from the pump to the tank.

[0066] The non-return valve 30 is, for example, connected to a controller adapted to control its opening and closing.

[0067] The valve 30 is, for example, open during pumping by the pump 12, and closed when the pumping stops.

[0068] The non-return valve 30 also serves to prevent any possible leakage of product when the pump is at rest.

[0069] Alternatively, the reservoir 28 is positioned such that the level of the liquid in the reservoir 28 is always below the end of the nozzle in order to avoid natural leakage of the liquid through the pump after siphoning.

[0070] The pump 12 is, for example, non-return. Nevertheless, the non-return valve 30 provides additional safety at this level.

[0071] In the embodiment shown, the reservoir 28 has, in an upper end, an opening 32 connected to a valve 34.

[0072] The valve 34 is, for example, connected to a controller adapted to control its opening and closing.

[0073] Valve 34 is open at the time of pumping.

[0074] This allows in particular air to enter the reservoir 28 to replace the pumped liquid.

[0075] Alternatively, the valve 34 is replaced by a simple vent that is constantly open. Such a vent allows air to enter the reservoir 28 by depression during pumping.

[0076] The control unit 16 comprises a power supply module for the pump 40.

[0077] The control unit 16 further comprises, optionally, a module of control 42.

[0078] The control unit 16 further comprises, optionally, a valve power supply module 44.

[0079] The control unit 16 further comprises, optionally, a remote communication module 46.

[0080] As described below, the control module 42 and / or the remote communication module 46 may be common with one or more other distribution devices.

[0081] The pump power supply module 40 is adapted to generate a periodic alternating voltage and supply the pump with the periodic alternating voltage.

[0082] The periodic alternating voltage has, as shown in [Fig.2], a pattern comprising in this order a rising edge 210, a high plateau 212, a falling edge 214 and a low plateau 216, the high plateau 212 being directly consecutive to the rising edge 210, the low plateau 216 being directly consecutive to the falling edge 214.

[0083] The pattern further comprises a descent 218 directly following the high plateau 212 and a rise 220 directly following the low plateau 216.

[0084] In the example shown, the rising edge 210 is directly consecutive to the rise 220, and the falling edge 214 is directly consecutive to the fall 218.

[0085] The periodic alternating voltage has a high average value at the high plateau, the periodic alternating voltage being at any time of the high plateau between 0.9 times the high average value and 1.1 times the high average value.

[0086] The periodic alternating voltage has a low average value at the low plateau, the periodic alternating voltage being at any time of the low plateau between 0.9 times the low average value and 1.1 times the low average value.

[0087] The rising edge extends over a duration strictly less than 100 ps, preferably strictly less than 1 ps, advantageously strictly less than 10 ns.

[0088] The falling edge extends over a duration strictly less than 100 ps, preferably strictly less than 1 ps, advantageously strictly less than 10 ns.

[0089] Thus, the change in voltage towards the high ceiling and the low ceiling is relatively sharp. This generates a shock wave at the pump, which generates an overpressure which is transmitted into the fluid product, up to the nozzle, which causes the fluid product to fall each time the voltage reaches the high ceiling or the low ceiling.

[0090] The descent extends, for example, in addition, over a duration strictly less than 100 ps, preferably strictly less than 1 ps, advantageously strictly less than 10 ns.

[0091] The rise extends, for example, in addition, over a duration strictly less than 100 ps, preferably strictly less than 1 ps, advantageously strictly less than 10 ns.

[0092] This allows a net displacement of the membrane from its deformation to its resting state, and improves the shock wave.

[0093] The power supply module of the pump 40 is, for example, supplied with an input voltage, more particularly direct current.

[0094] The input voltage is, for example, between 10 and 125 V.

[0095] Here, the input voltage is equal to 125 V.

[0096] More particularly, a direct current voltage of 10 V is supplied, transformed into 24 V, then transformed into 125 V and supplied to the power supply module of the pump 40.

[0097] The power supply module 40 comprises four transistors 410, 412, 414, 416, more particularly four insulated gate field effect transistors, called MOSFET from the English Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistor, mounted in an H bridge, the input voltage supplying the H bridge, for example by two variators 418, 420, also called drivers.

[0098] These insulated gate field effect transistors have a particularly short switching time, for example between 8 ns and 10 ns.

[0099] This offers the possibility of having particularly short signal fall and rise times.

[0100] The two variators 418, 420 are supplied with the input voltage.

[0101] An example of an H-bridge according to the invention is shown in [Fig.3].

[0102] The bridge has two branches, each connected on the one hand to ground (GND) and on the other hand to the pump power supply (V+HV).

[0103] The transistors here are enhancement MOSFETs.

[0104] The transistors here are N-channel MOSFETs.

[0105] Each branch of the bridge comprises a pair of transistors 410, 412, 414, 416 placed in series on the branch.

[0106] Each branch is associated with a respective corresponding driver.

[0107] The source of a first transistor of each branch is connected to ground.

[0108] The drain of said first transistor is connected to the source of the second transistor of the pair.

[0109] The drain of the first transistor and the source of the second transistor are connected to the return of the high-side floating supply (VS) of the corresponding driver.

[0110] The drain of the second transistor is connected to the pump power supply.

[0111] The gate of the first transistor is connected to the output of the corresponding low-side driver (LO).

[0112] The gate of the second transistor is connected to the output of the corresponding high side (HO) driver.

[0113] The control module 42 is capable of implementing the operation of the distribution device, as described later.

[0114] The control module 42 is, for example, adapted to control the pump power supply module 40, and furthermore the valve power supply module 44 and / or the remote communication module 46.

[0115] The control module 42 is an electronic circuit designed to manipulate and / or transform data represented by electronic or physical quantities in registers of the computer and / or memories into other similar data corresponding to physical data in the memories of registers or other types of display devices, transmission devices or storage devices.

[0116] As specific examples, the control module is implemented in the form of a programmable logic component, such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or an integrated circuit, such as an ASIC (Application Specified Integrated Circuit).

[0117] Alternatively, when the control module is produced in the form of one or more software programs, i.e. in the form of a computer program, also called a computer program product, it is furthermore capable of being recorded on a medium, not shown, that is readable by a computer. The computer-readable medium is, for example, a medium capable of storing electronic instructions and being coupled to a bus of a computer system. For example, the readable medium is an optical disc, a magneto-optical disc, a ROM memory, a RAM memory, any type of non-volatile memory (for example FLASH or NVRAM) or a magnetic card. A computer program comprising software instructions is then stored on the readable medium.

[0118] The valve control and supply module 44 is, for example, adapted to supply and control the non-return valve 30 and / or the valve 34, if applicable.

[0119] The control unit 16 is capable of communicating remotely with an electronic device via the remote communication module 46, more particularly via the Bluetooth standard.

[0120] The remote communication module 46 is capable of receiving instructions from the electronic device and transmitting them to the control module 42.

[0121] The remote communication module 46 is, furthermore, capable of receiving information from the control module 42, for example relating to an error in the operation of the device and / or in the event of steam detection and / or on the operating history of the device, and of transmitting it to the electronic device.

[0122] A variant of the dispensing device is shown in [Fig.4].

[0123] Only the points in which this embodiment differs from the embodiment of [Fig.l] will now be described.

[0124] Identical or similar elements have the same numbering incremented by 100.

[0125] The dispensing device 110 comprises a filling system 180 of the reservoir 128.

[0126] The filling system 180 here allows the tank to be filled to a given level.

[0127] The filling system 180 comprises a storage container 182 filled with fluid product.

[0128] The storage container 182 is fluidically connected to the reservoir 128, more particularly to an edge of the reservoir located above the given level, by a refill pipe 184.

[0129] The storage container 182 is, for example, fluidically connected to an opening defined in an upper end of the reservoir 128.

[0130] The storage container 182 is, for example, arranged above the reservoir 128 along the vertical, defined with respect to local gravity.

[0131] The refill line 184 is, for example, provided with a valve 186 movable between a closed position, not allowing the passage of fluid product through it, and an open position, in which it allows the passage of fluid product from the storage container 182 to tank 128.

[0132] The valve 186 is, for example, controlled by the control unit 116, in particular the valve supply and control module 144.

[0133] Alternatively, the refill pipe 184 is not provided with such a valve 186. The storage container 182 is then, for example, not arranged above the tank vertically.

[0134] The filling of the tank is then, for example, carried out by another system.

[0135] The dispensing device 110 does not, for example, comprise, in second the embodiment shown, of non-return valve on the supply line 126 or of valve allowing the detection of steam.

[0136] Alternatively, the dispensing device 110 comprises a non-return valve on the supply line 126 and / or a valve allowing the detection of vapor, as described with regard to the first embodiment.

[0137] A method of dispensing a fluid product by a dispensing device as described previously will now be described.

[0138] The distribution method comprises the following steps:

[0139] - providing a dispensing device as described above, and

[0140] - supply of the pump with periodic alternating voltage.

[0141] More particularly, the control unit 16; 116, more particularly the pump power supply module, supplies the piezoelectric membrane pump with the periodic alternating voltage, as described previously.

[0142] In a particular embodiment, the method comprises a step of receiving a fluid product command by the control module.

[0143] In a particular embodiment, the method comprises a step of reception by the remote communication module 46 of the command.

[0144] The command includes, for example, a desired volume.

[0145] The desired volume is, for example, likely to be between 0.5 pL and 50 mL.

[0146] The method further comprises a step of transmission by the remote communication module 46 of the command to the control module 42.

[0147] Alternatively, the control module 42 receives a command via another interface, for example wired to the control module 42, for example by activating a push button corresponding to a given volume or by selecting a choice on a human-machine interface, for example a touch screen.

[0148] In a particular embodiment, the method comprises the calculation by the control module of a frequency and the peak-to-peak voltage of the periodic alternating voltage to be generated to power the pump, more particularly as a function of the command, more particularly of the desired volume.

[0149] The frequency and peak-to-peak voltage of the periodic alternating voltage determine the volumetric flow rate of the pump.

[0150] The method further comprises the calculation by the control module of a distribution duration as a function of the command, more particularly of the desired volume.

[0151] The method then comprises a step of sending a control signal to the power supply module of the pump 40 to generate a periodic alternating voltage with the calculated frequency and peak-to-peak voltage, more particularly for the distribution duration, said periodic alternating voltage powering the pump.

[0152] The periodic alternating voltage complies with the characteristics detailed previously with regard to the power supply module of the pump 40.

[0153] The calculation of the signal to be generated to distribute the desired quantity of product is carried out on the basis of a pre-established calibration for each pump of the volume distributed as a function of the number of cycles, the frequency and the supply voltage.

[0154] The piezoelectric membrane of the pump, in the presence of the periodic alternating voltage, deforms and moves, which pumps the fluid product.

[0155] Fluid product is dispensed at the dispensing nozzle 14.

[0156] If necessary, the non-return valve 30 and the valve 34 are opened by the controller while pumping.

[0157] The volumetric flow rate of the fluid product at the outlet of the pump, and thus distributed, depends on the pumping frequency, linked to the frequency of the periodic alternating voltage, and to the amplitude of displacement of the membrane, linked in particular to the amplitude of the voltage.

[0158] As detailed previously, the overpressure wave allows that, for small volumes, the fluid product is distributed drop by drop and thus, with precise dosage.

[0159] In a particular embodiment, the method further comprises a step of filling the reservoir 128 by the filling system 180.

[0160] The method comprises, for example, a step of monitoring the level of fluid product in the reservoir 128, for example using at least one detector arranged in the reservoir 128.

[0161] When the fluid product level in the reservoir 128 falls below a given low level, the control module sends an opening signal to the valve 186, the signal comprising an instruction to move from the closed position to the open position, so as to fill the reservoir 128.

[0162] When the fluid product level in the reservoir 128 falls below a given high level, the control module sends a closing signal to the valve 186, the signal comprising an instruction to move from the open position to the closed position, to stop the filling of the reservoir 128.

[0163] Alternatively, after receiving the opening signal, the valve 186 remains open for a given duration, the control module not sending a closing signal.

[0164] The invention further relates to a fluid product dispensing apparatus, comprising a plurality of fluid product dispensing devices as described previously.

[0165] An example of such a dispensing apparatus 310 is shown in [Fig.5].

[0166] Only one distribution device 312 is partially shown in detail in [Fig.5], the other distribution devices being shown schematically.

[0167] Each dispensing device 312 comprises a reservoir of a different respective fluid product.

[0168] This then makes it possible to distribute the various fluid products, in particular to create a mixture, for example a perfume composition from several products, each product corresponding to an odor.

[0169] Each dispensing device 312 comprises a piezoelectric membrane pump 314 as described previously.

[0170] In the present example, the apparatus comprises, for example, a single remote communication module and a control module common to all of the distribution devices 312.

[0171] The distribution apparatus 310 comprises a common outlet 316.

[0172] In the example shown, each distribution nozzle 318 of the distribution devices opens at the common outlet 316.

[0173] More particularly, the distribution devices 312 are arranged so that the distribution nozzles 318 extend opposite the common outlet 316 in the vertical direction.

[0174] The distribution devices are, for example, arranged around a central vertical axis, the common outlet 316 being a disc centered on the central vertical axis.

[0175] The respective positions of the dispensing devices are, for example, symmetrical by discrete rotation around the central vertical axis, more particularly by an angle equal to 360° divided by the number of dispensing devices 312 in the apparatus.

[0176] The dispensing devices are arranged so that their dispensing nozzle 318 is their end closest to the central vertical axis.

[0177] The distribution devices are here fixed relative to each other, and relative to the common output 316.

[0178] In an alternative embodiment, the dispensing apparatus comprises an outlet, the dispensing devices being movable, so as to be able to selectively connect each of the dispensing nozzles to the outlet.

[0179] The exit is, for example, an opening centered on a central vertical axis.

[0180] The dispensing devices are, for example, mounted on a carousel, more particularly mobile in rotation around the central vertical axis.

[0181] The dispensing devices are, for example, arranged around the central vertical axis. The respective positions of the dispensing devices are, for example, symmetrical by discrete rotation around the central vertical axis, more particularly by an angle equal to 360° divided by the number of dispensing devices in the apparatus.

[0182] The distribution devices are here arranged so that the positions of the distribution nozzles are symmetrical by discrete rotation around the central vertical axis, one of the distribution nozzles being arranged opposite the outlet in the vertical direction.

[0183] Thus, by successive rotation of the carousel, for example by an angle equal to 360° divided by the number of dispensing devices, it is possible to select the dispensing nozzle opposite the outlet, so as to dispense the corresponding fluid product.

[0184] Here, the dispensing devices are arranged so that their dispensing nozzle is their end closest to the central vertical axis.

[0185] A method of using the apparatus described above will now be described.

[0186] In a particular embodiment, the method comprises a step of receiving a command for a mixture of fluid products by the control module.

[0187] In a particular embodiment, the method comprises a step of reception by the remote communication module of the command.

[0188] The order includes, for example, a desired total volume and a ratio of the different desired fluid products.

[0189] The desired total volume is, for example, likely to be between 1 pL and 50 mL.

[0190] The method further comprises a step of transmission by the remote communication module of the command to the control module.

[0191] Alternatively, the control module receives a command via another interface, for example wired to the control module, for example by selecting choices of different fluid products and volumes on a human-machine interface, for example a touch screen.

[0192] In a particular embodiment, the method comprises, for each fluid product of the mixture, the calculation by the control module of a frequency and of the peak-to-peak voltage of the periodic alternating voltage to be generated to supply the pump of the distribution device corresponding to the fluid product, more particularly as a function of the command, more particularly of the desired volume of said fluid product, calculated from the desired total volume and the corresponding ratio.

[0193] The method further comprises, for each fluid product of the mixture, the calculation by the control module of an associated distribution duration.

[0194] The method then comprises, for each fluid product, a step of sending a control signal to the power supply module of the pump of the dispensing device corresponding to the fluid product, of generating a periodic alternating voltage with the calculated frequency and peak-to-peak voltage, more particularly for the dispensing duration, said periodic alternating voltage supplying the pump.

[0195] In the embodiment shown, the steps of sending the control signals are, for example, carried out so that the distribution of the different fluid products is carried out simultaneously.

[0196] Alternatively, the steps of sending the control signals are, for example, carried out so that the distribution of the different fluid products is carried out successively.

[0197] This results in the dispensing of a desired total volume of fluid product mixture in the requested ratios.

[0198] In the embodiment with the mobile dispensing devices, the control module is further capable of controlling the movement of the dispensing devices, more particularly here the rotation of the carousel.

[0199] The method then comprises, successively, for each fluid product of the mixture, a step of sending instructions for moving the dispensing devices so as to select said fluid product, more particularly at the carousel, then a step of sending the control signal corresponding to said fluid product to the supply module of the pump of the dispensing device.

[0200] In a particular embodiment, the method further comprises, for example, a step of monitoring the presence of steam and / or a step of filling the tank by the filling system, as described previously.

[0201] Such a device thus makes it possible to produce a mixture of fluid products adapted to a particular requirement.

[0202] It is, for example, possible to request, via an electronic device or a human-machine interface of the apparatus, a sample having a first composition. The sample has, for example, a volume of less than 10 pL and is intended to be dispensed onto a test strip arranged below the outlet of the apparatus.

[0203] The precise dosage of the dispensing devices, including for small volumes, makes it possible to obtain a mixture whose ratios conform to those desired.

[0204] If satisfied, it is then possible to request the distribution of the mixture, having the first composition, in a container with a volume of several milliliters, for example at least 10 mL.

[0205] In case of dissatisfaction, it is then possible to request one or more other samples, modifying the composition, until the desired result is obtained, for example, in the case of a perfume a satisfactory smell.

Claims

Claims

1. A fluid product dispensing device (10; 110), comprising a pump (12), a control unit (16; 116) and a dispensing nozzle (14), the pump (12) being fluidically connected to the dispensing nozzle (14) such that the pump (12) is adapted to pump fluid to the dispensing nozzle (14) for dispensing the fluid, characterized in that the pump (12) is a piezoelectric membrane pump, and in that the control unit (16; 116) is adapted to generate a periodic alternating voltage and supply the pump (12) with the periodic alternating voltage, the periodic alternating voltage having a pattern comprising in this order a rising edge (210), a high plateau (212), a falling edge (214) and a low plateau (216), the high plateau (212) being directly consecutive to the rising edge (210), the low plateau (216) being directly consecutive to the falling edge (214),the periodic alternating voltage having a high average value at the high plateau (212), the periodic alternating voltage being comprised at any time of the high plateau (212) between 0.9 times the high average value and 1.1 times the high average value, the periodic alternating voltage having a low average value at the low plateau (216), the periodic alternating voltage being comprised at any time of the low plateau (216) between 0.9 times the low average value and 1.1 times the low average value, the rising edge (210) extending over a duration strictly less than 100 ps, preferably strictly less than 1 ps, advantageously strictly less than 10 ns, the falling edge (214) extending over a duration strictly less than 100 ps, preferably strictly less than 1 ps, advantageously strictly less than 10 ns.,

2. Dispensing device according to claim 1, in which the pattern further comprises a descent (218) directly following the high plateau (212) and a rise (220) directly following the low plateau (216), the descent (218) extending over a duration strictly less than 100 ps, preferably strictly less than 1 ps, advantageously strictly less than 10 ns, the rise (220) extending over a duration strictly less than 100 ps, preferably strictly less than 1 ps, advantageously strictly less than 10 ns.

3. A dispensing device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control unit (16; 116) comprises a pump power supply module (40; 140), the pump power supply module (40; 140) being capable of generating the periodic alternating voltage supplying the pump (12), the pump power supply module (40; 140) being supplied with an input voltage, the pump power supply module (40; 140) comprising four transistors (410, 412, 414, 416), more particularly four insulated gate field effect transistors, mounted in an H-bridge, the input voltage supplying the H-bridge.

4. Dispensing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, in which the pump (12) has a pump volume of between 0.5 pL and 10 pL, preferably 0.8 pL and 5 pL.

5. A dispensing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the piezoelectric membrane is adapted to move with a frequency of between 10 Hz and 60 Hz.

6. Dispensing device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, in which the control unit (16; 116) comprises a remote communication module (46; 146), the control unit (16; 116) being capable of communicating remotely with an electronic device via the remote communication module (46; 146), more particularly via the Bluetooth standard.

7. Apparatus (310) for dispensing fluid products, comprising a plurality of fluid product dispensing devices (312) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, each dispensing device (312) comprising a reservoir of a different respective fluid product.

8. Dispensing apparatus according to claim 7 comprising a common outlet (316), each dispensing nozzle (318) opening at the common outlet (316).

9. A dispensing apparatus according to claim 7, comprising an outlet, the dispensing devices being movable, so as to be able to selectively connect each of the dispensing nozzles to the outlet.

10. A method of dispensing a fluid product, comprising providing a dispensing device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 6 and supplying the pump (12) with the periodic alternating voltage.

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