FR3159964A1 - Device for dispensing liquids contained in a set of bottles - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (100) for dispensing liquids contained in a set of bottles (30-1, 30-2, …, 30-N), comprising:- a set of supports (2-1, 2-2, …, 2-N) movable relative to a frame (1), each movable support (2-k) comprising a device (3-k) for fixing a bottle (30-k) containing a liquid (L-k), in which each movable support (2-k) can be moved between: a first position (P1) in which the liquid (L-k) remains contained in the bottle (30-k), and a second position (P2) in which the liquid (L-k) flows from the bottle (30-k) to a collection container (40),- a set of actuating devices (4-1, 4-2, …, 4-N) configured to selectively move a movable support (2-k) between the first position (P1) and the second position (P2), position (P2),- a control device (5) of the set of actuating devices (4-1, 4-2, …, 4-N) configured to trigger and interrupt a flow of liquid from each bottle (30-k). Abstract figure: Figure 4

Description

Device for dispensing liquids contained in a set of bottles

The present invention relates to the field of liquid dispensing devices. Such devices make it possible to prepare a mixture of different liquid compounds contained in different storage bottles, according to well-defined proportions of the different compounds.

Devices for preparing mixtures of different liquid products for private use have already been proposed. Such devices allow users to prepare their own cosmetic products from different basic components contained in different bottles. These different components are mixed in defined quantities to obtain a desired composition, generally based on a recipe.

Known devices are generally complex to use, or impractical, or even imprecise.

Therefore, overdoses of certain products are possible, especially when certain components are added in small quantities. In the case of preparing a mixture containing essential oils, possible overdoses can be dangerous for users and should be avoided.

Additionally, using multiple base products may require cleaning the device before dispensing a new product, the purpose of which is to eliminate the amount of old product still present in the device, before dispensing the new product.

There is therefore a need to provide a device for preparing a mixture of liquid products contained in different containers or bottles, with improved operation.

Summary

For this purpose, a device is proposed for dispensing liquids contained in a set of bottles, the dispensing device comprising:
- a frame,
- a set of supports movable relative to the frame, each movable support comprising a fixing device configured to receive a bottle containing a liquid,
in which each mobile support can be moved between:
a first position called the rest position, in which the liquid remains contained in the bottle, and
a second position called the flow position, in which the liquid flows from the bottle so as to distribute the liquid to a collection container,
- a set of actuating devices, each actuating device being configured to selectively move a movable support between the first position and the second position,
- a control device for the set of actuating devices configured to trigger and interrupt a flow of liquid from each bottle.

Each holder of the dispensing device can receive a bottle containing a liquid product to be incorporated into a mixture to be prepared. Each liquid to be dispensed to make the desired preparation is poured directly from the bottle containing this product. A control device allows the flow of liquid to be started and stopped, in order to obtain a desired quantity of liquid.

The features listed in the following paragraphs can be implemented independently of each other or in any technically possible combination:

In the second position, called the flow position, the liquid contained in a bottle flows by gravity.

According to one embodiment, the dispensing device comprises a device for measuring a quantity of liquid dispensed by each bottle, and the dispensing device is configured so that a quantity of liquid dispensed by each bottle is equal to a predetermined quantity.

The control device is configured to control each actuating device of the set of actuating devices so as to trigger the flow of the liquid contained in the bottle. To do this, the actuating device moves the movable support from the first position to the second position.

The control device is also configured to control each actuating device of the set of actuating devices so as to interrupt the flow of the liquid contained in the bottle. To do this, the actuating device moves the movable support from the second position to the first position.

The control device is configured to control each actuating device of the set of actuating devices independently.

Each fixing device of a mobile support can receive a maximum of one bottle.

Each attachment device of a mobile support can remain empty and thus not receive a bottle. In this case, the mobile support concerned plays no role in the distribution of liquid.

When a bottle is received in the corresponding fixing device, the bottle is rigidly connected to the movable support.

When a movable support is in the second position, called the flow position, the liquid flowing from the bottle falls into the collection container without coming into contact with any device other than the collection container.

In other words, the liquid poured from a bottle falls directly into the collection container, without touching any other wall. Since no wall other than that of the collection container is in contact with the liquid, no cleaning operation is necessary. In addition, the risk of pollution by dirt remaining on the walls is eliminated.

According to one embodiment of the dispensing device, the device for measuring the quantity of liquid dispensed comprises an optical drop counting system.

The optical drop counting system includes a laser light emitter and a photodiode for receiving the light emitted by the laser emitter.

According to an alternative embodiment, or in a complementary manner, the device for measuring the quantity of liquid dispensed comprises a weighing system.

According to another variant embodiment, or in a complementary manner, the device for measuring the quantity of liquid dispensed comprises a system for counting the duration of liquid dispensing.

According to one embodiment of the distribution device, each mobile support is movable in rotation relative to the frame around an axis.

Preferably, the axis of rotation of a movable support is substantially horizontal when the liquid dispensing device is in a nominal operating position.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the distribution device, each actuating device comprises:
- an electric motor, and
- a transmission system linked to the electric motor and configured to rotate the mobile support.

The mobile support is configured to move from the first position, called the rest position, to the second position, called the flow position, by rotation in a first direction of rotation of the mobile support.

The movable support is configured to move from the second position, called the flow position, to the first position, called the rest position, by rotating the movable support in a direction of rotation opposite to the first direction of rotation.

According to an example of realization, all the mobile supports are identical.

According to an exemplary embodiment, all the actuating devices are identical.

In particular, the respective electric motors of the actuating devices are identical.

The transmission system connecting the electric motor to the mobile support may include a reducer.

According to one embodiment of the distribution device, the electric motor of an actuating device is a servomotor.

This type of electric motor ensures position holding without additional mechanisms, such as a brake. Position holding is naturally ensured by a servomotor, which makes this type of motor particularly suitable for the application in question here.

The transmission system connecting the electric motor to the mobile support can be a coupling sleeve.

The rotation axis of the electric motor and the rotation axis of a mobile support are, for example, coaxial.

According to one embodiment of the dispensing device, the control device is configured to control the set of actuating devices sequentially,
a control period of each of the actuating devices being separate from a control period of the other actuating devices.

The control device is configured so that only one movable support at a time can be in the second position, called the flow position.

According to another embodiment of the dispensing device, the control device is configured to control at least two actuating devices of the set of actuating devices simultaneously.

According to one aspect of the dispensing device, each actuating device is configured to move the movable support from the first position to the second position in less than 2.0 seconds.

According to another aspect of the dispensing device, each actuating device is configured to move the movable support from the second position to the first position in less than 2.0 seconds.

According to one embodiment of the dispensing device, each fixing device comprises a housing for receiving a bottle, the receiving housing extending along an axis.

According to one embodiment of the dispensing device, the axis of the housing for receiving a bottle is perpendicular to the axis of rotation of a mobile support.

According to one embodiment of the dispensing device, a nozzle for discharging the liquid from the bottle is coaxial with the axis of the housing for receiving a bottle, and
the axis of the receiving housing of a bottle intersects with a straight line joining the laser emitter and the photodiode.

When the rotation axis of a movable support is horizontal, with the axis of the bottle receiving housing perpendicular to this rotation axis, and with the liquid flow nozzle coaxial with the axis of the receiving housing, and the axis of the bottle receiving housing intercepting the laser light emission direction of the drop counting system, a drop falling from the bottle tip crosses the laser beam regardless of the angular position of the movable support. Thus, all drops falling from the bottle are counted.

According to one embodiment, the distribution device comprises:
- a first fluidic unit, comprising:
-- a first mobile support,
-- a first actuating device, linked to the first mobile support,
- a second fluidic unit, comprising:
-- a second mobile support,
-- a second actuating device, linked to the second mobile support.
The first fluidic unit and the second fluidic unit are arranged symmetrically about a vertical axis.

According to one embodiment, the distribution device comprises:
- a third fluidic unit, comprising:
-- a third mobile support,
-- a third actuating device, linked to the third mobile support,
- a fourth fluidic unit, comprising:
-- a fourth mobile support,
-- a fourth actuating device, linked to the fourth mobile support.
The third fluidic unit and the fourth fluidic unit are arranged symmetrically about a vertical axis.

Both fluidic units of a pair of fluidic units can be identical.

The dispensing device may comprise four identical fluid units.

The main components of the distribution device can thus be standardized.

The axis of symmetry of the first fluidic unit and the second fluidic unit may be identical to the axis of symmetry of the third fluidic unit and the fourth fluidic unit.

According to one embodiment, the axis of rotation of the first mobile support is perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the third mobile support.

Similarly, the axis of rotation of the second movable support is perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the fourth movable support.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the distribution device, each fixing device comprises an elastic interlocking device.

The fixing device comprises, for example, a C-shaped hook.

According to an exemplary embodiment, each fixing device comprises a bottom wall configured to form a stop for a bottom of the bottle.

The C-shaped hook and the back wall extend in parallel planes.

The C-shaped hook and the bottom wall extend in planes perpendicular to the axis of the bottle receiving housing.

According to one embodiment of the dispensing device, each fixing device comprises an angular indexing device configured to cooperate with an angular indexing device of a bottle so that an angular orientation of the bottle relative to the movable support corresponds to a predetermined orientation.

The angular indexing device of a fixing device is formed on the bottom wall of the fixing device.

According to one embodiment of the distribution device, the frame comprises a height adjustment device.

The height adjustment device allows the liquid dispensing device to be adjusted to ensure its horizontal position and to compensate for any imperfections in the support on which the device is placed. Thus, drops of liquid poured from a bottle and falling into the collection container intercept the laser light beam, making it possible to count the number of drops poured.

According to an embodiment not shown, the dispensing device may comprise a device for detecting the presence of the set of bottles.

The dispensing device is configured to operate in a first operating mode, called manual mode, in which the control device is configured to be manually activated and deactivated by a user of the dispensing device.

According to one embodiment, the dispensing device is configured to operate in a second operating mode, called recipe mode, in which the value of the predetermined quantity of liquid to be dispensed by each bottle is stored in a memory of a data storage device.

According to one embodiment, the dispensing device is configured to operate selectively:
- in a first operating mode, called manual mode, in which the control device is configured to be manually activated and deactivated by a user of the dispensing device, or
- in a second operating mode, called recipe mode, in which the value of the predetermined quantity of liquid to be dispensed by each bottle is stored in a memory of a data storage device.

The user can thus choose, depending on their current needs or preferences, the most suitable operating mode.

The data storage device may be internal to the liquid dispensing device.

The data storage device may be an external device configured to communicate with the liquid dispensing device, for example by a digital communication protocol.

Also provided is a method of controlling a liquid dispensing device as described above, comprising the steps:
- activating the control device so as to move a movable support from the first position to the second position, the movable support comprising a bottle containing a liquid,
- determine a temporal evolution of a quantity of liquid distributed,
- if the quantity of liquid dispensed during a first predetermined duration is less than a first predetermined threshold, activate the control device again so as to move the movable support to a third position called the accelerated flow position, an inclination relative to a horizontal axis of the axis of the receiving housing in the third position being greater than an inclination relative to a horizontal axis of the axis of the receiving housing in the second position.

When the amount of liquid delivered appears to be moving very slowly, as may be the case with a liquid with high viscosity, the inclination of the bottle is increased to promote flow and increase the speed at which the liquid leaves the bottle. This reduces the time required to obtain the preparation.

The control process may include the step:
- move the mobile support to the third position called the accelerated flow position,
- determine a temporal evolution of a quantity of liquid distributed,
- if the quantity of liquid dispensed during a second predetermined duration is less than a second predetermined threshold, issue an alert indicating a bottle fault.

If the amount of liquid dispensed remains very low even after the bottle has been placed in the accelerated flow position, a problem with the bottle is detected and the user is informed.

The bottle defect may be insufficient filling of the bottle.

The bottle defect may be a partial or total blockage of the bottle tip.

When the bottle has a vent, the bottle defect may be a partial or total blockage of the bottle vent.

The alert signal can be a light signal, such as the lighting of a warning light.

The liquid dispensing device may have a unique alert light.

The liquid dispensing device may include an alert light for each mobile support, in other words for each bottle.

The alert signal can be an audible signal.

The liquid dispensing device may include a sound transmitter.

Also provided is a bottle for a liquid dispensing device, the bottle comprising:
- a liquid storage enclosure,
- a liquid flow nozzle,
- a vent configured to form an air inlet passage into the bottle separate from the flow tip,
- a portion of a cap fixing,
- an angular indexing device configured to cooperate with an angular indexing device of a fixing device so that an angular orientation of the bottle relative to the movable support corresponds to a predetermined orientation.

The bottle storage enclosure is cylindrical in shape.

The angular indexing device of the bottle comprises a protruding portion and the angular indexing device of the fixing device comprises a cavity for receiving the protruding portion.

The protruding portion and the receiving cavity have a complementary shape.

The protruding portion of the bottle is arranged on a bottom wall of the bottle.

The liquid flow nozzle is coaxial with the axis of the liquid storage enclosure.

The tip and vent are formed on a cap closing an opening in the bottle enclosure.

The predetermined orientation is an orientation in which, when the movable support is in the second position called the flow position, the height of the vent is greater than the height of the nozzle.

This allows the vent to remain clear, i.e. not covered by the liquid, while the liquid flows from the bottle.

Other characteristics, details and advantages will appear on reading the detailed description below, and on analyzing the attached drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a device for dispensing liquids, these liquids being contained in a set of bottles,

FIG. 2 is a schematic view illustrating the operation of the proposed liquid dispensing device,

FIG. 3 is another schematic view illustrating the operation of the proposed liquid dispensing device,

FIG. 4 ] is a partial perspective view of a liquid dispensing device according to one embodiment, the liquid dispensing device being equipped with bottles,

FIG. 5 ] is a schematic top view of the liquid dispensing device according to the embodiment of the FIG. 4 ,

FIG. 6 is a partial perspective view of the liquid dispensing device of the FIG. 4 , not equipped with bottles,

FIG. 7 is a view of a storage bottle used with the liquid dispensing device of the FIG. 4 ,

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a fluidic unit of the liquid dispensing device of the FIG. 4 , not equipped with a bottle,

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a fluidic unit of the liquid dispensing device of the FIG. 4 , equipped with a bottle,

FIG. 10 includes time evolution curves of parameters illustrating the operation of an embodiment of the proposed liquid dispensing device.

To facilitate reading the figures, the different elements are not necessarily represented to scale. In these figures, identical elements bear the same references. Some elements or parameters may be indexed, i.e. designated for example by first element or second element, or first parameter and second parameter, etc. This indexing is intended to differentiate similar, but not identical, elements or parameters. This indexing does not imply a priority of one element or parameter over another and the names may be interchanged.

The expression "a second element is placed between a first element and a third element" means that the shortest path from the first element to the third element or from the third element to the first element passes through the second element.

When it is specified that a subsystem includes a given element, this does not exclude the presence of other elements in this subsystem.

In the figures, the X, Y, and Z axes denote the three directions of space. The Z axis denotes the vertical axis, i.e., the vertical direction. The X and Y axes extend in a horizontal plane.

It has been represented on the FIG. 1 a device 100 for dispensing liquids contained in a set of bottles 30-1, 30-2, 30-3, 30-4.
Liquid dispensing means providing different liquids so as to obtain a liquid solution of a desired composition.
The dispensing device 100 makes it possible to prepare a liquid solution by mixing the liquid products contained in each of the bottles provided.
The preparation can for example be a preparation of essential oils, but other applications are of course possible.
The dispensing device 100 makes it possible to obtain a preparation having a precisely adjusted composition, with a total quantity of prepared solution corresponding to a quantity desired by the user.

The device 100 for dispensing liquids contained in a set of bottles 30-1, 30-2, …, 30-N comprises:
- a frame 1,
- a set of supports 2-1, 2-2,…, 2-N movable relative to the frame 1, each movable support 2-k comprising a fixing device 3-k configured to receive a bottle 30-k containing a liquid Lk,
in which each 2-k movable support can be moved between:
a first position P1 called the rest position, in which the liquid Lk remains contained in the 30-k bottle, and
a second position P2 called the flow position, in which the liquid Lk flows from the bottle 30-k so as to distribute the liquid Lk to a collection container 40,
- a set of actuating devices 4-1, 4-2, …, 4-N, each actuating device 4-k being configured to selectively move a movable support 2-k between the first position P1 and the second position P2,
- a control device 5 of the set of actuating devices 4-1, 4-2, …, 4-N configured to trigger and interrupt a flow of liquid from each bottle 30-k.

The index k is a positive integer denoting the rank number of an element in a set of N elements. The index k therefore varies from 1 to N. The first element corresponds to the value 1 of the index k, the second element corresponds to the value 2 of the index k, etc.
In the illustrated example, the liquid dispensing device 100 comprises four movable supports, each movable support being able to accommodate a bottle respectively. Otherwise, N=4 in the illustrated example.
The index k designating the rank number of each device can thus vary from 1 to 4.

In Figures 2, 8, 9 which represent one of the four elements included in the device 100, the index k has not been mentioned. The element represented in these figures can be any of the four elements of the device 100.

The frame 1 forms an enclosure in which the various components of the distribution device 100 are received. The frame 1 also forms a support for the various components.
In the example illustrated, frame 1 is generally parallelepiped in shape, but other shapes can be used.
The frame 1 of the device is placed on the surface of a support 45, which may be, for example, a work surface. The frame 1 may also be placed on the floor.

On the FIG. 1 , schematic, the liquid L-1, L-2, L-3, L-4 contained respectively in the bottles 30-1, 30-2, 30-3, 30-4 flows into the collection container 40.
The sign V denotes the volume of liquid already poured into the collection container 40.
The sign T denotes the free surface of the volume of liquid already poured.
The signs G-1, …, G-4 schematically show the drops of liquids L-1, L-2, L-3, L-4 flowing respectively from the different bottles 30-1, 30-2, 30-3, 30-4.

Each support 2-1, 2-2, 2-3, 2-4 of the dispensing device can receive respectively a bottle 30-1, 30-2, 30-3, 30-4, each bottle containing a liquid product to be incorporated into a mixture to be prepared. Each liquid to be dispensed to produce the desired preparation is poured directly from the bottle containing this product. A control device 5 makes it possible to start the flow of liquid, and to stop it, in order to obtain a desired quantity of liquid.

There FIG. 7 illustrates an example bottle used in the dispensing device 100.

Bottle 30 contains:
- an enclosure 31 for storing a liquid,
- a liquid flow nozzle 32,
- a vent 33 configured to form an air inlet passage in the bottle 30 separate from the flow nozzle 32,
- a fixing portion 34 of a plug, not shown in this figure.

The enclosure 31 is sealed and forms a storage volume for a liquid. The end piece 32 is integral with the sealed enclosure 31, and forms a channel for the liquid to flow out of the enclosure 31-k.
Bottle 30, for example, is made of glass.
On the example of the FIG. 7 , the bottle 30 is generally cylindrical in shape.

There FIG. 2 illustrates the flow of a liquid distribution from a given bottle 30.

In the first position P1 called the rest position, the liquid L remains contained in the bottle 30, because the height H1 along the vertical axis Z of the free surface S of the liquid in the enclosure 31 is less than the height H2 of the tip 32. This position is shown diagrammatically in part A of the FIG. 2 The bottle is oriented parallel to the vertical Z axis.
Part B shows schematically the position of the bottle 30 during a movement of the bottle by the actuating device 4. The bottle is inclined relative to the vertical axis Z.
Part C shows the position of the bottle when it is in the second position P2, called the flow position. The inclination of the bottle 30 relative to the vertical axis
In the second position P2 called the flow position, the liquid L flows from the bottle 30k, because the height H1' of the free surface of the liquid in the enclosure 31 is greater than the height H2' of the tip 32.
The product contained in the bottle flows out of the bottle 30 and falls into the collection container 40.
The collection container 40 may have any shape, provided that its opening allows the liquid flowing from the bottles to be collected and that its capacity is adapted to the quantity of liquid to be poured.
The collection container 40 is unique here, that is to say that all the poured liquids flow into the same collection container.
However, it is possible to use several collection containers simultaneously, for example to make several simple preparations in parallel involving a small number of different liquids.

Height is the dimension along a vertical Z axis oriented from bottom to top. Under the action of gravity, an object naturally moves from the highest height to the lowest height.
The free surface S of the liquid in the bottle 30 is understood to mean the interface between the liquid contained in the bottle and the layer of air covering the liquid. The position and shape of the free surface S of the liquid vary with the filling level of the bottle, as well as with the orientation of the bottle 30 relative to the horizontal axis X.

In the second position P2 called the flow position, the liquid L contained in a bottle 30 flows by gravity.

According to the illustrated example, the dispensing device 100 comprises a measuring device 6 for measuring a quantity Q-k of liquid dispensed by each bottle 30-k, and the dispensing device 100 is configured so that a quantity Q-k of liquid dispensed by each bottle 30-k is equal to a predetermined quantity C-k.

The control device 5 is configured to control each actuating device 4-k of the set of actuating devices 4-1, 4-2, …, 4-N so as to trigger the flow of the liquid contained in the bottle 30-k.
For this, the 4-k actuating device moves the 2-k movable support from the first position P1 to the second position P2.

The control device 5 is also configured to control each actuating device 4-k of the set of actuating devices 4-1, 4-2, …, 4-N so as to interrupt the flow of the liquid contained in the bottle 30-k.
For this, the actuating device 4-k moves the movable support 2-k from the second position P1 to the first position P2.

A bottle is thus moved from the first position P1 to the second position P2 to dispense the liquid contained in this bottle, and the bottle is returned to the first position P1 once the desired quantity of liquid has been obtained.

The control device 5 is configured to control each actuating device 4-k of the set of actuating devices 4-1, 4-2, …, 4-N independently.

Each 3-k mounting device of a 2-k mobile support can accommodate a maximum of one 30-k bottle.
When the desired preparation includes fewer different liquids than available supports, each 3-k fixing device of a 2-k mobile support can remain empty and thus not receive a bottle. In this case, the mobile support concerned plays no role in liquid dispensing.

When a 30-k vial is received in the corresponding 3-k fixing device, the 30-k vial is rigidly connected to the 2-k movable support.

Rigidly connected means that the 30-k bottle has no degree of kinematic freedom relative to the 2-k movable support, for a level of mechanical stress corresponding to normal use of the dispensing device 100.
In other words, a movement of a 2-k movable support causes a corresponding movement of the 30-k bottle received in the 3-k fixing device.

When a movable support 2-k is in the second position P2 called the flow position, the liquid flowing from the bottle 30-k falls into the collection container 40 without coming into contact with any device other than the collection container 40.

The liquid poured from a 30-k bottle falls directly into the collection container 40, without touching any other wall. Since no other wall than that of the collection container 40 is in contact with the liquid, no cleaning operation of the dispensing device is necessary. In addition, the risks of pollution of the prepared mixture by dirt or contamination that may have remained on the walls of the dispensing device are eliminated.

Different types of devices for measuring the quantity of liquid dispensed can be used.

According to the example illustrated, the device 6 for measuring the quantity of liquid dispensed comprises an optical drop counting system.

The optical drop counting system comprises a laser light emitter 7 and a photodiode 8 for receiving the light emitted by the laser emitter 7.

The photodiode 8 delivers a first level of electrical signal when it receives the light beam emitted by the laser transmitter 7. The photodiode 8 delivers a second level of electrical signal when it does not receive laser light.
When a drop G of liquid crosses the emitted laser light beam, the photodiode 8 stops receiving light. After the drop G has passed, the photodiode 8 starts receiving light again. The transitions of the electrical signal delivered by the photodiode 8 during a given time interval make it possible to count the number of drops that have crossed the laser beam during this time interval.
Counting the number of drops poured allows you to accurately determine the volume poured.
The flow of liquid out of the vials is discontinuous in this example. In other words, the liquid drops pass one after the other into the laser beam, and a non-zero time interval separates the passage of two successive drops.

According to an alternative embodiment not shown, the device 6 for measuring the quantity of liquid dispensed comprises a weighing system.

According to this variant, the liquid collection container 40, as well as the liquid contained in the collection container 40, are weighed at successive times when a 30-k bottle is in the flow position P2.
Monitoring the temporal evolution of the cumulative mass of the collection container 40 and of the liquid contained in this collection container 40 makes it possible to determine the quantity of liquid distributed in the collection container 40.
This weighing system can replace the optical drop counting system.
The weighing system can also be used in conjunction with the optical drop counting system, as a complement to it.

According to another variant embodiment not shown, the device 6 for measuring the quantity of liquid dispensed comprises a system for counting the duration of liquid dispensing.

In this case, the amount of liquid dispensed from a bottle is determined from the time that bottle is held in the flow position P2, and from an instantaneous flow pattern of liquid flowing from the bottle.
A duration corresponding to the time required to obtain the desired quantity of liquid is determined, and the bottle is returned to the resting position once this flow time is reached.
Such a device 6 for measuring the quantity of liquid dispensed is mainly applicable to applications for which the volumes to be prepared are too large to implement drop counting.

Each mobile support 2-k is here mobile in rotation relative to the frame 1 around an axis Ak.
Preferably, the axis of rotation Ak of a mobile support 2-k is substantially horizontal when the liquid distribution device 100 is in a nominal operating position.
Each 4-k actuator device includes:
- a 9-k electric motor, and
- a 10-k transmission system linked to the 9-k electric motor and configured to rotate the 2-k mobile support.

The 4-k actuating device is configured to selectively drive the 2-k movable support in a first direction of rotation or in a second direction of rotation opposite to the first direction of rotation.
In other words, the control device 5 makes it possible to select the desired direction of rotation for the movable support 2-k.

The mobile support 2-k is configured to move from the first position P1, called the rest position, to the second position P2, called the flow position, by rotation in a first direction of rotation of the mobile support 2-k.
A rotation of the movable support 2-k in a first direction of rotation allows the flow of liquid out of the bottle to be triggered.

The movable support 2-k is configured to move from the second position P2 called the flow position to the first position P1 called the rest position by rotating the movable support 2-k in a direction of rotation opposite to the first direction of rotation.
In other words, a rotation in a direction opposite to the first direction of rotation stops the flow of liquid out of the bottle.

According to the illustrated example, all 2-1, 2-2, …, 2-N mobile supports are identical.
Likewise, all actuating devices 4-1, 4-2, …, 4-N are identical.
Likewise, the respective electric motors 9-1, 9-2, …, 9-N of the actuating devices 4-1, 4-2, …, 4-N are identical.

According to a variant not shown, the liquid distribution device 100 may comprise a support 2-j different from the other supports. This configuration may for example be used when one of the bottles has a different capacity from the other bottles, with different dimensions.

According to variants not shown, the 10-k transmission system connecting the 9-k electric motor to the 2-k mobile support may comprise a reducer.
In other words, the kinematic connection between the output shaft of the electric motor and the movable support may comprise a gear train, or a worm and pinion system.

According to the illustrated example, the 9-k electric motor of a 4-k actuator is a servo motor.
Using a servo motor allows for position holding of the 4-k actuator without adding an additional mechanism such as a brake.

The 10-k transmission system connecting the 9-k electric motor to the 2-k mobile support can be a coupling sleeve.

The rotation axis Bk of the 9-k electric motor and the rotation axis Ak of a 2-k mobile support are coaxial here.
The shaft of the electric motor 9-k is, for example, inserted into a receiving housing of the movable support 2-k. The receiving housing has a shape complementary to the shape of the shaft.

According to the illustrated example, the control device 5 is configured to control the set of actuating devices 4-1, 4-2, …, 4-N sequentially,
a control period of each of the actuating devices 4-1, 4-2, …, 4-N being separate from a control period of the other actuating devices.

The control device 5 is configured so that only one movable support 2-k at a time can be in the second position P2 called the flow position.

In other words, the control periods of each of the actuating devices 4-1, 4-2, …, 4-N do not overlap. A control period of an actuating device 4-k does not overlap with a control period of all other actuating devices in the set of actuating devices 4-1, 4-2, …, 4-N.
Liquid dispensing is then done in turn for each 30-k vial, until all the vials required for the desired preparation have been used. Liquid dispensing from a given vial begins once liquid dispensing from the previous vial is complete.

There FIG. 3 schematically illustrates the sequential control of a first actuating device 4-1, in which a first bottle 30-1 is fixed, and of a second actuating device 4-2, in which a second bottle 30-2 is fixed.
The first bottle 30-1 contains a first liquid L-1 and the second bottle 30-2 contains a second liquid L-2.
Diagrams A to D are in chronological order.

In part A, the first bottle 4-1 and the second bottle 4-2 are both in the rest position P1. The first bottle 4-1 begins its movement towards the flow position P2, the direction of movement being shown diagrammatically by the curved arrow.
The second 4-2 bottle is still.
In part B, the first bottle 4-1 has reached the flow position P2, and drops G-1 of the first liquid L1 flow into the collection container 40.
In part C, the distribution of liquid from the first bottle 4-1 is complete, and the first bottle 4-1 has returned to its rest position P1. The second bottle 4-2 begins its movement towards the flow position P2, the direction of movement being shown diagrammatically by the curved arrow.
In part D, the second bottle 4-2 is in flow position P2, the dispensing of liquid from the second bottle 4-2 is in progress. Drops G-2 of the second liquid L-2 fall one after the other into the collection container 40.
When the desired quantity of the second liquid L-2 has been poured, the second bottle 30-2 is returned to the first position P1, and the assembly is found in a configuration identical to that of part A of the FIG. 3 .

According to another embodiment of the distribution device 100, the control device 5 is configured to control at least two actuating devices 4-i, 4-j of the set of actuating devices 4-1, 4-2, …, 4-N simultaneously.

Each 4-k actuator device is configured to move the 2-k movable support from the first position P1 to the second position P2 in less than 2.0 seconds.
Additionally, each 4-k actuator device is configured to move the 2-k movable support from the second position P2 to the first position P1 in less than 2.0 seconds.

The bottle tilting phases are thus sufficiently sharp to ensure good repeatability of the drop size. A parasitic flow of liquid, for example at the end of the pouring phase, is avoided.

There FIG. 10 illustrates the operation of the dispensing device 100.
On part A of the FIG. 10 , curve M1 illustrates the evolution over time of the position of the mobile support, reflecting the inclination of the bottle, curve M2 illustrates the evolution over time of the quantity Q of liquid poured, and curve M3 illustrates the logical state of the control of the electric motor of the mobile support.

At the initial instant, the angle of inclination of the mobile support has the value an1, corresponding to the rest position P1.
At time t1, the electric motor control starts, as shown by curve M3, and the tilt angle of the mobile support begins to increase. At time t2, the tilt angle reaches the value an2, which corresponds to the flow position P2.
From time t2, drops of liquid flow from the bottle, and the quantity poured Q increases. Each slot on the curve M2 corresponds to the passage of a drop.
At time t4, the desired quantity of liquid C is reached. The bottle begins to be returned to its initial position. At time t5, the mobile support has returned to its initial position corresponding to the rest position. The electric motor control is stopped.
A pouring of liquid from another bottle, not shown, can continue.

Each 3-k fixing device includes a housing 11-k for receiving a 30-k bottle, the receiving housing 11-k extending along an axis Dk.
According to the example illustrated in particular on the FIG. 8 , the axis Dk of the receiving housing 11-k of a 30-k bottle is perpendicular to the axis of rotation Ak of a movable support 2-k.

When rotating the movable support 2-k from the first position P1 called the rest position to the second position P2 called the flow position, all of the successive positions of the axis D-k of the receiving housing 11-k of a bottle 30-k are included in a plane. This plane is perpendicular to the axis of rotation A-k of the movable support 2-k.

According to the example illustrated, in particular on the FIG. 2 and the FIG. 9 , a 32-k tip for discharging the liquid from the 30-k bottle is coaxial with the axis Dk of the receiving housing 11-k of a 30-k bottle, and
the axis Dk of the 11-k receiving housing of a 30-k bottle is secant with a straight line R joining the laser emitter 7 and the photodiode 8.

When the rotation axis A-k of a movable support 2-k is horizontal, with the axis D-k of the receiving housing 11-k of a bottle 30-k perpendicular to this rotation axis A-k, and with the liquid flow nozzle 32 coaxial with the axis D-k of the receiving housing 11-k, and the axis D-k of the receiving housing 11-k of a bottle 30-k intercepting the laser light emission direction of the drop counting system, a drop falling from the nozzle 32 of the bottle crosses the laser beam regardless of the angular position of the movable support 2-k. The exact angular position of the movable support at the moment when a drop leaves the bottle has no influence on the drop counting. Thus, all drops falling from the bottle 30-k are counted by the optical drop counting device.

There FIG. 5 details the relative arrangement of several fluidic units. A fluidic unit forms a module comprising the elements necessary for the manipulation of a given bottle.

According to the illustrated embodiment, the dispensing device 100 comprises a first fluidic unit 20-1 and a second fluidic unit 20-2.
The first fluidic unit 20-1 comprises a first mobile support 2-1, and a first actuating device 4-1 linked to the first mobile support 2-1.
The second fluidic unit 20-2 comprises a second mobile support 2-2 and a second actuating device 4-2, linked to the second mobile support 2-2.
The first fluidic unit 20-1 and the second fluidic unit 20-2 are arranged symmetrically with respect to a vertical axis Z.

In other words, the figure formed by the first fluidic unit 20-1 and the second fluidic unit 20-2 is invariant by a rotation of 180° around a vertical axis.
The rotation axis A-1 of the first movable support 2-1 is parallel to the rotation axis A-2 of the second movable support 2-2.
The plane defined by the axis of rotation of the first mobile support 2-1 and by the axis of rotation of the second mobile support 2-2 is here perpendicular to the vertical axis Z.

On the FIG. 5 , the distribution device 100 comprises a third fluidic unit 20-3 and a fourth fluidic unit 20-4.
The third fluidic unit 20-3 comprises a third mobile support 3-1 and a third actuating device 4-3, linked to the third mobile support 2-3.
The fourth fluidic unit 20-4 comprises a fourth mobile support 2-2 and a fourth actuating device 4-2, linked to the fourth mobile support 2-2.
The third fluidic unit 20-3 and the fourth fluidic unit 20-4 are arranged symmetrically with respect to a vertical axis Z.

The axis of rotation of the third movable support 2-3 is parallel with the axis of rotation of the fourth movable support 2-4.

The axis of symmetry of the first fluidic unit 20-1 and the second fluidic unit 20-2 is here identical to the axis of symmetry of the third fluidic unit 20-3 and the fourth fluidic unit 20-4.

According to the example of the FIG. 5 , the rotation axis A-1 of the first movable support 2-1 is perpendicular to the rotation axis of the third movable support 2-3.
Similarly, the axis of rotation of the second movable support 2-2 is perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the fourth movable support 2-4.

Viewed along a vertical axis Z, the figure formed by the first 20-1, the second 20-2, the third 20-3 and the fourth fluidic unit 20-4 is invariant by a rotation of 90°.
In other words, a 90° rotation around a vertical axis allows you to move from a given fluidic unit to another fluidic unit.
The center C of the collection container 40 can be aligned, along the vertical axis Z, with the center of rotation allowing passage from one fluidic unit to another.
This arrangement makes it possible to obtain a particularly compact arrangement and thus to limit the size of the distribution device 100.

The two fluidic units of a pair of fluidic units may be identical. The first fluidic unit 20-1 may thus be identical to the second fluidic unit 20-2. Similarly, the third fluidic unit 20-3 may thus be identical to the fourth fluidic unit 20-4.
Preferably, the dispensing device 100 comprises four identical fluidic units.
The main components of the distribution device 100 can thus be standardized.

Each fluidic unit 20-1, 20-2, 20-3, 20-4 is secured to the frame 1, respectively by a fixing 25-1, 25-2, 25-3, 25-4. The fixing can for example be a mechanical profile.
Each fluidic unit is rigidly connected to frame 1.

The device 6 for measuring the quantity of liquid dispensed comprises a first unit for determining the quantity of liquid supplied by two fluidic units, and a second unit for determining the quantity of liquid supplied by the other two fluidic units.

To do this, a first laser beam is used to count the drops coming from the first fluidic unit 20-1 and the second fluidic unit 20-2.
The distribution device 100 thus comprises a first laser emitter 7 and a first photodiode 8 receiving the light emitted by the first emitter 7.
A second laser beam is used to count the drops coming from the third fluidic unit 20-3 and the fourth fluidic unit 20-4.
The distribution device 100 comprises a second laser emitter 7' and a second photodiode 8' receiving the light emitted by the first emitter 7.

The first laser emitter 7 and the second laser emitter 7' may be identical. The first photodiode 8 and the second photodiode 8' may be identical.
Signal processing is thus facilitated.

Figures 8 and 9 detail the installation of a bottle 30 in a corresponding fixing device 3.
On the FIG. 8 , bottle 30 is not installed. On the FIG. 9 , bottle 30 is installed.

According to the embodiment of the dispensing device 100, each 3-k fixing device comprises an elastic interlocking device.

The 3-k fastening device includes, for example, a 12-k C-shaped hook.
The 12-k hook surrounds a portion of an exterior surface of the bottle 30.
The 12-k hook can elastically deform when the bottle 30 is inserted. The 12-k hook returns to its original shape once the bottle is inserted, and prevents the bottle 30 from accidentally detaching.

Each 3-k fastener includes a 13-k bottom wall configured to form a stop for a bottom of the 30-k bottle.

The 12-k C-shaped hook and the 13-k bottom wall extend in parallel planes.
The C-shaped hook 12-k and the bottom wall 13-k extend in planes P1, P2 perpendicular to the axis Dk of the housing 11-k for receiving a 30-k bottle.

The bottom wall 13-k here has the shape of a half-disc. The bottle 30 here having the shape of a cylinder of revolution, one half of a bottom of the bottle 30 rests on the bottom wall 13 when the bottle 30 is placed in its receiving housing 11.

According to an embodiment of the dispensing device 100 not illustrated, each fixing device 3-k comprises an angular indexing device configured to cooperate with an angular indexing device of a bottle 30-k so that an angular orientation of the bottle 30-k relative to the movable support 2-k corresponds to a predetermined orientation.

The angular indexing device of a 3-k fixing device is for example formed on the bottom wall 13-k of the 3-k fixing device.
The angular indexing device of a 3-k fastener device for example comprises a receiving cavity, and the angular indexing device of a 30-k vial comprises a protruding portion insertable into the receiving cavity.
The receiving cavity is offset from the axis of the bottom wall 13-k, so that the bottle 30-k can be inserted into the fixing device 3-k in a single angular orientation.

According to one embodiment of the distribution device 100, the frame 1 comprises a height adjustment device 15.

The height adjustment device 15 makes it possible to adjust the level of the liquid dispensing device 100 so as to ensure its horizontality and to compensate for any imperfections in the support 45 on which the device 100 is placed. Thus, the drops of liquid poured from a 30-k bottle and falling into the collection container 40 are sure to intercept the laser light beam making it possible to count the number of drops poured. The risk of missing the passage of drops is eliminated.

According to one embodiment, the dispensing device 100 comprises a device for detecting the presence of the set of bottles 30-1, 30-2, …, 30-N.
The presence detection device makes it possible to avoid starting a preparation when one or more bottles have not been inserted into the device.
The presence detection device has not been shown in the various figures.

The dispensing device 100 can operate in several operating modes.

According to one embodiment, the dispensing device 100 is configured to operate in a first operating mode, called manual mode, in which the control device 5 is configured to be manually activated and deactivated by a user of the dispensing device 100.

In this so-called manual operating mode, the operator triggers the flow of liquid from a bottle, maintains the flow until a desired quantity is reached, and interrupts the distribution of liquid himself when the desired quantity for the product contained in this bottle corresponds to the desired quantity.
The operator then repeats the operation for a second bottle, then a third if necessary, until all the desired products have been dispensed.
The operator can monitor the quantity dispensed in real time, in order to know when to stop dispensing the product from each bottle.
In other words, the user stops dispensing liquid from a bottle when he judges that the predetermined quantity Ck of liquid to be dispensed from each 30-k bottle is reached.

According to another embodiment, the dispensing device 100 is configured to operate in a second operating mode, called recipe mode, in which the value of the predetermined quantity C-k of liquid to be dispensed by each bottle 30-k is stored in a memory of a data storage device.

The same device 100 can operate on demand in either manual mode or recipe mode.

Thus, the dispensing device 100 can be configured to operate selectively:
- in a first operating mode, called manual mode, in which the control device 5 is configured to be activated and deactivated manually by a user of the distribution device 100, or
- in a second operating mode, called recipe mode, in which the value of the predetermined quantity Ck of liquid to be dispensed by each 30-k bottle is stored in a memory of a data storage device.

The user can thus choose, depending on their current needs or preferences, the most suitable operating mode.

The data storage device 20 may be internal to the liquid dispensing device 100.

The data storage device 20 may be an external device configured to communicate with the liquid dispensing device 100, for example by a digital communication protocol.
The storage of data allowing the reproduction of a desired recipe, that is to say a preparation having the desired composition and the desired quantity, can for example be carried out using an application operated by a mobile phone, a tablet, or a computer.
Other means of storing data indicating the quantities to be poured of the different products can of course be used.

There is also provided a method for controlling a liquid dispensing device 100 as described previously, comprising the steps:
- activating the control device 5 so as to move a movable support 2-k from the first position P1 to the second position P2, the movable support 2-k comprising a bottle 30-k containing a liquid Lk,
- determine a temporal evolution of a quantity Qk of distributed liquid,
- if the quantity Qk of liquid dispensed during a first predetermined duration T1 is less than a first predetermined threshold S1, activate the control device 5 again so as to move the mobile support 2-k to a third position P3 called the accelerated flow position, an inclination relative to a horizontal axis of the axis Dk of the receiving housing 11-k in the third position P3 being greater than an inclination relative to a horizontal axis of the axis Dk of the receiving housing 11-k in the second position P2.

When the quantity Q-k of liquid delivered appears to be changing very slowly, as may be the case with a liquid with high viscosity, the inclination of the bottle is increased to promote the flow of the liquid and increase the liquid exit speed. The time required to obtain the preparation is thus reduced.

The third position P3, called the accelerated flow position, may correspond to a position in which the bottle is vertical, with the tip 32 pointing downwards. This position corresponds to the position in which the force of gravity is most favorable to the flow of liquid out of the bottle.

The control process may include the step:
- move the mobile support 2-k to the third position P3 called the accelerated flow position,
- determine a temporal evolution of a quantity Qk of distributed liquid,
- if the quantity Qk of liquid dispensed during a second predetermined duration T2 is less than a second predetermined threshold S2, issue an alert indicating a bottle fault.

If the amount of liquid dispensed remains very low even after the bottle has been placed in the P3 accelerated flow position, a problem affecting the bottle is detected and the user is informed.

The bottle defect may be insufficient filling of the bottle.
In other words, the bottle is empty, or about to be empty.

The bottle defect may be a partial or total blockage of the bottle tip. In this case, even if the bottle is sufficiently filled, the liquid flow is incorrect.

When the bottle has a vent, the bottle defect may be a partial or total blockage of the bottle vent.

The alert signal can be a light signal, such as the lighting of a warning light.

The liquid dispensing device 100 may include a single alert light.
The liquid dispensing device 100 may include an alert light for each 2-k mobile support, in other words for each 30-k bottle.

The alert signal can also be an audible signal.
The liquid dispensing device 100 in this case comprises an audible transmitter. The audible transmitter is triggered when a defect in the bottle is detected.

There FIG. 10 illustrates the operation of the dispensing device 100.
Part B of the FIG. 10 illustrates the operation of the dispensing device 100 in a case where the accelerated flow position P3 is used.
Curve M1' illustrates the evolution over time of the position of the mobile support, reflecting the inclination of the bottle.
Curve M2' illustrates the evolution over time of the quantity Q of liquid poured.
Curve M3' illustrates the logical state of the control of the electric motor of the mobile support.

At the initial instant, the angle of inclination of the mobile support has the value an1, corresponding to the rest position P1.
At time t1', the electric motor control starts, curve M3', and the tilt angle of the mobile support begins to increase. At time t2', the tilt angle reaches the value an2, corresponding to the flow position P2.
From time t2', drops of liquid flow from the bottle, and the quantity poured Q increases, each slot corresponding to the passage of a drop.
At time t3', duration T1 is reached. At this time, the quantity poured is less than the first predetermined threshold S1. The angle of inclination of the mobile support is therefore increased again, and reaches at time t4' a value an3 corresponding to the accelerated flow position P3. The quantity poured Q continues to increase, more quickly than previously.
Time t5' corresponds to the end of the second predetermined duration T2. At this time, the quantity paid is greater than the second predetermined threshold S2. No alert signal is therefore emitted.
At time t6', the desired quantity of liquid C is reached. The bottle begins to be returned to its initial position. At time t7', the mobile support has returned to its initial position and the electric motor control is stopped, curve M3'.

By comparison, in the case of part A of the FIG. 10 , the quantity paid Q is greater, at time t3, than the first predetermined threshold S1. This time t3 corresponds to the moment when the order duration T1 is reached.
Liquid distribution therefore continues without using the accelerated flow position P3.

Also offered is a 30 bottle for a 100 liquid dispensing device.
This 30-bottle of a particular type includes:
- an enclosure 31 for storing a liquid,
- a liquid flow nozzle 32,
- a vent 33 configured to form an air inlet passage in the bottle 30 separate from the flow nozzle 32,
- a fixing portion 34 of a plug,
- an angular indexing device configured to cooperate with an angular indexing device of a fixing device 3-k so that an angular orientation of the bottle 30 relative to the movable support 2-k corresponds to a predetermined orientation.

The enclosure 31 for storing the bottle 30 is here cylindrical in shape.

The angular indexing device of the bottle 30 comprises a protruding portion and the angular indexing device of the fixing device 3-k comprises a cavity for receiving the protruding portion.
The protruding portion and the receiving cavity have a complementary shape.

The protruding portion of the bottle 30 is arranged on a bottom wall of the bottle 30.
The liquid flow nozzle 32 is coaxial with the axis E of the liquid storage enclosure 31.
The tip 32 and the vent 33 are formed on a cap 37 closing an opening 38 of the enclosure 31 of the bottle 30.

The predetermined orientation is an orientation in which, when the movable support 2-k is in the second position P2 called the flow position, the height of the vent 33 is greater than the height of the tip 32-k.
This allows the vent to remain clear, i.e. not covered by liquid, while the liquid flows from the bottle.
This ensures that air enters the bottle through an orifice other than that through which the liquid flows out of the bottle.

When the desired preparation includes more different liquids than vial supports, this preparation can be fractionated.
Thus, in the example illustrated where the capacity of the device is four bottles, the first four liquids can be poured without operator intervention in loading the device.
The bottles from which the desired quantity has already been dispensed can then be dismantled and replaced with other bottles containing the rest of the liquids to be poured.
There is no need to move the collection container 40 when replacing the bottles, which limits the risk of contaminating the already prepared solution.
The remaining liquids can then be re-disbursed.
In the case of preparation involving the mixing of a large number of different liquids, the bottles can be replaced several times in a row, until all the products necessary to obtain the desired preparation are obtained.
Since the flow of the various ingredients takes place directly into the collection container 40, no rinsing is necessary when a bottle change is carried out.
Complex preparations can thus be obtained easily and quickly.

Claims (25)

Device (100) for dispensing liquids contained in a set of bottles (30-1, 30-2, …, 30-N), the dispensing device (100) comprising:
- a frame (1),
- a set of supports (2-1, 2-2,…, 2-N) movable relative to the frame (1), each movable support (2-k) comprising a fixing device (3-k) configured to receive a bottle (30-k) containing a liquid (Lk),
in which each movable support (2-k) can be moved between:
a first position (P1) called the rest position, in which the liquid (Lk) remains contained in the bottle (30-k), and
a second position (P2) called the flow position, in which the liquid (Lk) flows from the bottle (30-k) so as to distribute the liquid (Lk) to a collection container (40),
- a set of actuating devices (4-1, 4-2, …, 4-N), each actuating device (4-k) being configured to selectively move a movable support (2-k) between the first position (P1) and the second position (P2),
- a control device (5) of the set of actuating devices (4-1, 4-2, …, 4-N) configured to trigger and interrupt a flow of liquid from each bottle (30-k). Dispensing device (100) according to claim 1, comprising a measuring device (6) of a quantity (Q-k) of liquid dispensed by each bottle (30-k), in which the dispensing device (100) is configured so that a quantity (Q-k) of liquid dispensed by each bottle (30-k) is equal to a predetermined quantity (C-k). Dispensing device (100) according to claim 2, wherein the device (6) for measuring the quantity of liquid dispensed comprises an optical drop counting system. Dispensing device (100) according to the preceding claim, in which the optical drop counting system comprises a laser emitter (7) of light and a photodiode (8) for receiving the light emitted by the laser emitter (7). Dispensing device (100) according to one of claims 2 to 4, in which the device (6) for measuring the quantity of liquid dispensed comprises a weighing system. Dispensing device (100) according to one of claims 2 to 5, in which the device (6) for measuring the quantity of liquid dispensed comprises a system for counting a duration of distribution of the liquids. Dispensing device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, in which each movable support (2-k) is movable in rotation relative to the frame (1) around an axis (Ak),
and wherein the axis of rotation (Ak) of a movable support (2-k) is substantially horizontal when the liquid dispensing device (100) is in a nominal operating position. Dispensing device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein each actuating device (4-k) comprises:
- an electric motor (9-k), and
- a transmission system (10-k) linked to the electric motor (9-k) and configured to rotate the mobile support (2-k). Dispensing device (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein the electric motor (9-k) of an actuating device (4-k) is a servo motor. Dispensing device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the control device (5) is configured to control the set of actuating devices (4-1, 4-2, …, 4-N) sequentially,
a control period of each of the actuating devices (4-1, 4-2, …, 4-N) being separate from a control period of the other actuating devices. Dispensing device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the control device (5) is configured to control at least two actuating devices (4-i, 4-j) of the set of actuating devices (4-1, 4-2, …, 4-N) simultaneously. Dispensing device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein each actuating device (4-k) is configured to move the movable support (2-k) from the first position (P1) to the second position (P2) in less than 2.0 seconds, and
wherein each actuating device (4-k) is configured to move the movable support (2-k) from the second position (P2) to the first position (P1) in less than 2.0 seconds. Dispensing device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, in which each fixing device (3-k) comprises a housing (11-k) for receiving a bottle (30-k), the receiving housing (11-k) extending along an axis (Dk),
and in which the axis (Dk) of the receiving housing (11) of a bottle (30-k) is perpendicular to the axis of rotation (Ak) of a movable support (2-k). Dispensing device (100) according to the preceding claim, in which a nozzle (32) for discharging the liquid from the bottle (30-k) is coaxial with the axis (Dk) of the receiving housing (11) of a bottle (30-k), and
the axis (Dk) of the receiving housing (11-k) of a bottle (30-k) intersects with a straight line (R) joining the laser emitter (7) and the photodiode (8). Dispensing device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising:
- a first fluidic unit (20-1), comprising:
-- a first mobile support (2-1),
-- a first actuating device (4-1), linked to the first mobile support (2-1),
- a second fluidic unit (20-2), comprising:
-- a second mobile support (2-2),
-- a second actuating device (4-2), linked to the second mobile support (2-2),
wherein the first fluidic unit (20-1) and the second fluidic unit (20-2) are arranged symmetrically with respect to a vertical axis (Z). Dispensing device (100) according to the preceding claim, comprising:
- a third fluidic unit (20-3), comprising:
-- a third mobile support (3-1),
-- a third actuating device (4-3), linked to the third mobile support (2-3),
- a fourth fluidic unit (20-4), comprising:
-- a fourth mobile support (2-2),
-- a fourth actuating device (4-2), linked to the fourth mobile support (2-2),
wherein the third fluidic unit (20-3) and the fourth fluidic unit (20-4) are arranged symmetrically with respect to a vertical axis (Z). Dispensing device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein each fixing device (3-k) comprises an elastic interlocking device,
and wherein each securing device (3-k) comprises a bottom wall (13-k) configured to form a stop for a bottom of the bottle (30-k). Dispensing device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein each fixing device (3-k) comprises an angular indexing device configured to cooperate with an angular indexing device of a bottle (30-k) so that an angular orientation of the bottle (30-k) relative to the movable support (2-k) corresponds to a predetermined orientation. Dispensing device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the frame (1) comprises a height adjustment device (15). Dispensing device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a device for detecting the presence of the set of bottles (30-1, 30-2, …, 30-N). Dispensing device (100) according to one of claims 2 to 20, configured to operate selectively:
- in a first operating mode, called manual mode, in which the control device (5) is configured to be manually activated and deactivated by a user of the dispensing device (100), or
- in a second operating mode, called recipe mode, in which the value of the predetermined quantity (Ck) of liquid to be dispensed by each bottle (30-k) is stored in a memory of a data storage device. Method for controlling a liquid dispensing device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising the steps:
- activating the control device (5) so as to move a movable support (2-k) from the first position (P1) to the second position (P2), the movable support (2-k) comprising a bottle (30-k) containing a liquid (Lk),
- determine a temporal evolution of a quantity (Qk) of liquid distributed,
- if the quantity (Qk) of liquid dispensed during a first predetermined duration (T1) is less than a first predetermined threshold (S1), activating the control device (5) again so as to move the movable support (2-k) to a third position (P3) called the accelerated flow position, an inclination relative to a horizontal axis of the axis (D) of the receiving housing (11) in the third position (P3) being greater than an inclination relative to a horizontal axis of the axis (D) of the receiving housing (11) in the second position (P2). Control method according to the preceding claim, comprising the step:
- move the mobile support (2-k) to the third position (P3) called the accelerated flow position,
- determine a temporal evolution of a quantity (QK) of liquid distributed,
- if the quantity (Qk) of liquid dispensed during a second predetermined duration (T2) is less than a second predetermined threshold (S2), issue an alert indicating a bottle fault. Bottle (30) for a liquid dispensing device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 21 in combination with claim 18, the bottle (30) comprising:
- an enclosure (31) for storing a liquid,
- a liquid flow nozzle (32),
- a vent (33) configured to form an air inlet passage in the bottle (30) separate from the flow tip (32),
- a fixing portion (34) of a plug,
- an angular indexing device configured to cooperate with an angular indexing device of a fixing device (3-k) so that an angular orientation of the bottle (30) relative to the movable support (2-k) corresponds to a predetermined orientation. Bottle (30) according to the preceding claim, in which the angular indexing device of the bottle (30) comprises a projecting portion and the angular indexing device of the fixing device (3-k) comprises a cavity for receiving the projecting portion (36),
and wherein the projecting portion and the receiving cavity have a complementary shape.