EP4467244A1

EP4467244A1 - Fluid dispenser

Info

Publication number: EP4467244A1
Application number: EP23175216.3A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Thomas Wyss; Christian Huber; Stefano LECCHINI
Original assignee: Sensile Medical AG
Current assignee: Sensile Medical AG
Priority date: 2023-05-25
Filing date: 2023-05-25
Publication date: 2024-11-27
Also published as: WO2024240948A1

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a dispenser (1) suitable for dispensing a fluid composition dose (70) to an outside of the dispenser in one discharging cycle. The composition dose includes a fluid carrier dose, a fluid agent dose, and a pressurized fluid booster dose. The dispenser comprises: a carrier supply system (30) configured to supply the carrier to a pre-mixing area (90); a booster supply system (40) configured to supply the pressurized booster to the pre-mixing area (90), the booster supply system being independent from the carrier supply system; an agent supply system (20) configured to supply the agent to a mixing area (50), the agent supply system being independent from the carrier supply system and the booster supply system; the pre-mixing area (90) arranged downstream of the carrier and booster supply systems (30, 40) in flow directions of the carrier and the booster, the pre-mixing area (90) being configured to mix the independently supplied carrier and booster doses to form a booster carrier dose (91); the mixing area (50) arranged downstream of the agent supply system (20) in a flow direction of the agent, the mixing area (50) being configured to mix the independently supplied agent dose and the premixed booster carrier dose (91) to form the composition dose (70); and a dispenser head (60) configured to discharge the composition dose to the outside, the dispenser head being in fluid connection with the mixing area.

Description

The present disclosure relates to a dispenser for fluids.
In particular, the dispenser is suitable for dispensing a fluid composition dose including at least three fluids.
In the fields of fluid (liquid or gaseous) cosmetics (such as fragrances or perfumes) or drugs (compositions for medical use), it might be necessary to mix the components of a fluid composition dose, which is to be dispensed to an outside of the dispenser within one discharging cycle, directly before dispensing the dose. In other words, it might be undesirable that a fluid composition dose, which is ready to be dispensed, is stored for a long time (i.e., for time periods exceeding several seconds or at least several minutes). One reason for avoiding long-term storage of the fluid composition dose might be that the characteristics of the components or ingredients of the dose might change or deteriorate over time due to interaction of the components of the dose. Another reason might be that a fluid composition which is an emulsion might undergo an undesired process of de-mixing before being discharged.
Therefore, it can be generally desirable to store the components of a composition separately within the dispenser and to mix the components directly before dispensing the composition dose.
The components of a composition are typically an agent that provides the main characteristics or effects of the composition, and a carrier for enabling the handling or the transport of the agent. In the field of cosmetics, the agent would normally be a perfume oil (e.g., fragrant essential oil or aroma compounds). In the field of drugs, the agent would normally be an active agent or ingredient (e.g, an antibiotic).
One exemplary case, in which the separate storage of the components is desirable, is in the field of cosmetics.
Conventionally, a fragrance dose, which is an example of a fluid composition dose, mainly comprises a carrier fluid (carrier) and a perfume oil (oil) being the agent. In most cases, the carrier fluid is an alcohol-based fluid, particularly an ethanol-based fluid. The reason being that alcohol-based carriers are good solvents for oils. Further, they have less impact on the characteristics of the oils than other carriers have. However, alcohol-based carriers have several disadvantages as well. One disadvantage being that the production and transportation of alcohols requires a lot of resources and effort, and cause higher costs. Further, alcohol-based carriers might irritate the user's skin. Additionally, alcohol-based carriers might cause air pollution when being discharged from the dispenser. Moreover, some users might have objections to alcohol-based carriers, e.g., for environmental reasons. Finally, alcohol-based carriers might not be desirable for specific user groups, such as children typically having a sensitive skin, or for users from specific cultures, in which the use of alcohol might be prohibited (e.g., in the Islamic culture).
To overcome the drawbacks of alcohol-based carriers, water-based carriers or water as the carrier can be used in the field of cosmetics. However, oils are barely solvable in water. Therefore, storing a composition of a water-based carrier and oil (i.e., an emulsion) for a long time before use is not desirable. During long-term storage, the emulsion would decompose or de-mix into its components.
Accordingly, to be able to use water-based compositions, the separate storage of the components and mixing directly before the discharging is desirable. However, the mixing of the water-based carrier and the oil (agent) into the composition dose to be discharged is challenging in view the duration of the whole dispensing process, the dosage of the components, the handling by the user, and the quality of the composition (e.g., the mixing pattern of the components). In the fields of cosmetics and drugs, these parameters are of particular importance.
The present invention has been made in order to overcome at least some of the above-mentioned disadvantages.
A dispenser and a method according to the present invention are set out in the independent claims. Further advantageous developments of the present invention are set out in the dependent claims.
According to the present invention, a dispenser is provided that is suitable for dispensing a fluid composition dose to an outside of the dispenser in one discharging cycle.
According to the present disclosure, one discharging cycle includes the activation of the dispenser (or the start of the dispensing process) by the user, providing the components or ingredients of the composition dose to a mixing area (including a pre-mixing area), providing the composition dose by mixing the components in the (pre-)mixing area, and discharging the composition dose to the outside of the dispenser. Once the composition dose has been discharged, the discharging cycle ends. In some cases, a purging or flushing process is conducted after the discharge of the composition dose before the discharging cycle ends. When the user activates the dispenser or starts the dispensing process again, a new discharging cycle begins.
According to the present disclosure, a composition dose is the amount of a composition, which is discharged during one discharging cycle.
According to the present invention, the composition dose includes at least a fluid carrier dose, a fluid agent dose, and a pressurized fluid booster dose. The booster is for discharging the composition dose from the mixing area to the outside via the dispenser head.
According to the present disclosure, a carrier dose is the amount of a carrier, which is provided for one composition dose. Similarly, an agent dose is the amount of an agent, which is provided for one composition dose. Similarly, a booster dose is the amount of a booster, which is provided for one composition dose.
According to the present invention, the dispenser comprises a carrier supply system, a booster supply system, an agent supply system, a pre-mixing area, a mixing area, and a dispenser head.
The carrier supply system is configured to supply the carrier separately from the agent and the booster to the pre-mixing area of the dispenser. The booster supply system is configured to supply the pressurized booster separately to the pre-mixing area. That is, the carrier supply system and the booster supply system are independent from each other. The agent supply system is configured to supply the agent separately from the carrier and the booster to the mixing area of the dispenser. That is, the agent supply system is independent from the carrier supply system and from the booster supply system. In other words, each of the systems has all the components which are necessary to provide the respective fluid dose to the (pre-)mixing area without having to rely on the components of the other systems. This means that the systems are fluidically or hydraulically separated from each other. That is, the systems are not in fluid communication with each other, except for the (pre-)mixing area on the systems' most downstream ends in the flow direction of the fluids (i.e., the carrier, the booster, and the agent). Accordingly, the carrier and the booster cannot come into contact or mix until they reach the pre-mixing area. Similarly, the agent cannot come into contact or mix with the carrier and/or the booster (or the booster carrier) until the agent reaches the mixing area.
The pre-mixing area is arranged downstream of the carrier supply system in the flow direction of the carrier and the booster supply system in the flow direction of the booster. The pre-mixing area is configured such that the independently supplied carrier and booster doses are mixed to form a booster carrier dose.
The mixing area is arranged downstream of the agent supply system in a flow direction of the agent. The mixing area is configured such that the independently supplied agent and booster carrier doses - the booster carrier dose being pre-mixed in the pre-mixing area - are mixed to form the composition dose.
According to the present disclosure, "downstream" and "upstream" refer to the flow directions of the respective fluids during a normal discharging cycle.
The dispenser head is configured to discharge the composition dose to the outside of the dispenser. The dispenser head is in fluid connection with the mixing area.
Preferably, the mixing area is arranged downstream of the pre-mixing area in a flow direction of the booster carrier. In this case, the dispenser is configured to allow the booster carrier to flow from the pre-mixing area to the mixing area by the pressurized state of the booster carrier. Alternatively, the mixing area is arranged parallel to the pre-mixing area in a flow direction of the booster carrier and the agent. In other words, the pre-mixing area and the mixing area are arranged side-by-side (next to each other). In this case, the dispenser is configured to allow the booster carrier and the agent to mix in the mixing area by the pressurized states of the booster carrier and the agent.
Preferably, the agent supply system comprises an agent reservoir and agent supply means. The agent reservoir might be a tank that is configured to store the agent. The agent supply means is configured to supply the agent dose, most preferably in discrete pulses, from the agent reservoir to the mixing area during one discharging cycle. That is, one dose of the agent for one discharging cycle is preferably provided from the tank to the mixing area in a pulsed, discontinuous flow that has interruptions. The agent supply means may include, for example, a pump and conduits connecting the tank, the pump, and the mixing area (or an interface to the mixing area, preferably a valve).
Preferably, the volume of the agent reservoir is 0.5 to 10 milliliters, more preferably 5 to 7 milliliters. Preferably, the agent reservoir might be a collapsible reservoir.
Preferably, the carrier supply system comprises a carrier reservoir and carrier supply means. The carrier reservoir might be a tank that is configured to store the carrier. The carrier supply means is configured to supply the carrier dose, most preferably in discrete pulses, from the carrier reservoir to the pre-mixing area during one discharging cycle. That is, one dose of the carrier for one discharging cycle is preferably provided from the tank to the pre-mixing area in a pulsed, discontinuous flow that has interruptions. The carrier supply means may include, for example, a pump and conduits connecting the tank, the pump, and the pre-mixing area (or an interface to the pre-mixing area, preferably being a valve).
Preferably, the volume of the carrier reservoir is 20 to 100 milliliters, more preferably 30 to 70 milliliters. It might additionally have an air vent for pressure equalization. Alternatively, if the carrier reservoir needs to be hermetically sealed (e.g. to prevent degradation of the carrier over time), the carrier reservoir might be included in a cartridge comprising a plunger or a pouch (collapsible reservoir).
Preferably, the booster supply system comprises booster supply means. Additionally, the booster supply system has a booster reservoir configured to store the booster, and supplies the booster from the booster reservoir. Alternatively, the booster supply system sucks ambient air from the outside of the dispenser into the dispenser as the booster. In this case, the fluid booster is air and no booster reservoir is needed.
The booster supply means is configured to supply the booster dose, most preferably in a continuous flow, to the pre-mixing area during one discharging cycle. That is, one dose of the booster for one discharging cycle is preferably provided in a continuous flow. In other words, the booster is preferably provided to the pre-mixing area in a flow that has no interruptions or pulses. The booster supply means may include, for example, a pump and conduits connecting the pump, the pre-mixing area (or an interface to the pre-mixing area, preferably being a valve), and the booster reservoir or the outside of the dispenser.
Preferably, the dispenser comprises a pre-mixing interface. The pre-mixing interface connects the carrier supply system and the booster supply system to the pre-mixing area. More preferably, the pre-mixing interface are check valves that prevent backflow from the pre-mixing area into the carrier supply system and the booster supply system, respectively. Alternatively, the pre-mixing interface is a spool valve. Preferably, the spool valve is a 3/2-way valve having three ports and two positions. The three ports being two inflow ports (for the carrier and for the booster) and one outflow port (for the booster carrier).
Preferably, the dispenser alternatively or additionally comprises a mixing interface connecting the agent supply system to the mixing area. More preferably, the mixing interface is a check valve that prevents a backflow from the mixing area into the agent supply system.
More preferably, the pre-mixing interface and the mixing interface are combined into one mixing adapter. The mixing adapter is configured to control the inflow of the carrier and the booster to the pre-mixing area. The mixing adapter is also configured to control the inflow of the agent and the booster carrier to the mixing area. More preferably, the mixing adapter is a valve. Most preferably, the mixing adapter is a 4/2-way valve having four ports and two positions or a 4/3-way valve having four ports and three positions. The four ports being three inflow ports (for the carrier, for the booster, and for the agent) and one outflow port (for the fluid composition).
Preferably, the dispenser is configured to allow the flow of the booster to enter the pre-mixing area prior to the flow of the carrier. Additionally or alternatively, the dispenser is configured to allow the flow of a substantially unmixed booster to be discharged from the dispenser head after the discharging of the composition dose has finished. In other words, the dispenser is configured to dispense a dose of only the booster through the pre-mixing area, the mixing area, and the dispenser head, for example, to purge the dispenser after a composition dose has been dispensed by the dispenser.
Preferably, at least one of the agent supply means and the carrier supply means have/has a high accuracy output in the microliter range.
Preferably, at least one of the agent supply means and the carrier supply means is/are a micropump. More preferably, the micropump is a mechanical micropump. Even more preferably, the mechanical micropump is a piezoelectric micropump, a peristaltic micropump, or a piston micropump.
Preferably, at least one of the agent supply means and the carrier supply means is/are a micropump. More preferably, the micropump is a non-mechanical micropump. Even more preferably, the non-mechanical micropump is a valveless micropump, a capillary micropump, and a chemically powered micropump.
Preferably, the micropumps have a high performance at their inlets/outlets. Additionally or alternatively, the pumps have free-flow prevention means against back-pressure on their upstream and/or downstream ends. Also the booster pump preferably has free-flow prevention means against back-pressure on its upstream and/or downstream end(s).
Generally, the micropumps have a high accuracy of dosing and have a high performance (i.e., are configured to supply large and exactly dosed volumes of fluid in a short time).
Preferably, the micropump for the agent might have a rotational speed in the range of 1 to 5 Hz. It might have a speed sensor. Further, it might have a metered volume increment of 1 to 30 microliters, more preferably 10 microliters. The flowrate of the micropump might be in the range of 1 to 30 microliters (more preferably 10 microliters) per second (at a speed of 1Hz) to 5 to 150 microliters (more preferably 40 microliters) per second (at a speed of 5Hz). The dosing accuracy might be +/- 10%.
Preferably, the micropump for the carrier might have a rotational speed in the range of 1 to 15 Hz, or even up to 20 Hz. It might have a speed sensor. Further, it might have a metered volume increment of 1 to 30 microliters, more preferably 10 microliters. The flowrate of the micropump might be in the range of 1 to 30 microliters (more preferably 10 microliters) per second (at a speed of 1Hz) to 15 to 450 microliters (more preferably 150 microliters) per second (at a speed of 15Hz). The dosing accuracy might be +/- 5%.
In the carrier and the agent supply systems, different types of pumps might be used that are adapted to the different fluid characteristics.
Generally, the micropumps might correspond to the micropumps disclosed in WO 2005/039674 A1 , WO 2007/074363 A2 , and WO 2019/115276 A1 , the content of which is included herein by reference.
Downstream of the mixing area, the dispenser head is arranged. The dispenser head is in fluid connection with the mixing area, such that the fluid composition dose, which has been mixed in the mixing area using the agent dose and the booster carrier dose, can flow from the mixing area to the dispenser head and can be discharged (jetted) to the outside of the dispenser by a (spraying) nozzle of the dispenser head.
Generally, the generation and the dispensing of a fluid composition dose can be described in five steps, the first step being the ingredients intake step (aspiration or input step), the second step being the ingredients dosing step (dispensing or output step), the third step being the pre-mixing or pre-loading step, the fourth step being the mixing or loading step, and the fifth step being the discharging or spraying step.
In the first step, predetermined amounts (in the range of microliters) of at least two different fluids (for example, the carrier and the agent) are sucked from the separate reservoirs by separate micropumps (aspiration). The micropumps are operated independently from each other. In other words, the sucking (aspiration or input) of the fluids by the pumps may be conducted with different flow rates, flow velocities, and flow amounts. The flow rate is dependent on the dimensions of the micropumps as well as the operation parameters (rotational speed, total number of revolutions) that are set for the pumps. The function of the micropumps is described below. In the first step, the booster is also sucked from the outside or from the booster reservoir by the booster pump (aspiration or input). The booster pump is operated independently from the micropumps for the other fluids. In other words, the sucking (aspiration or input) of the booster by the booster pump may be conducted with different flow rates, flow velocities, and flow amounts as compared to the micropumps for the other fluids (for example, the carrier and the agent). The flow rate of the booster is dependent on the dimension of the booster pump as well as the operation parameters (rotational speed, total number of revolutions) that are set for the pump.
The charge size of the aspiration of the carrier and the agent is defined by the dimension of the micropump (internal pump chamber). In one preferred embodiment, the volume of the pump chamber is substantially 1 to 30 microliters, more preferably 10 microliters. The accuracy of the aspiration by the micropump, i.e., of the volume of the fluid dose that is sucked by the micropump, depends on the characteristics/design of the micropump, the viscosity of the fluid, physical/hydraulic parameters (flow resistance, elasticity) of the fluid input side (upstream of the pump), and the speed of the aspiration.
If the fluid is perfume oil, the aspiration is restricted due to the oil's higher viscosity as compared to the carrier. The oil's viscosity may be in a range of 10 mPas (millipascal seconds) to 100mPas.
If the micropump is operated at high rotational speeds, the high viscosity results in a high pressure load of more than 2 bar of the system. The rotational speed of the micropump is thus limited. Therefore, the range of the rotational speed of the micropump that is used in the agent supply system is 1 Hz to 5 Hz.
The density of the perfume oil is less than 997 kilograms per cubic meter.
In contrast, there are no such limitations for the micropump that is used in the carrier supply system. This is due to the lower viscosity of water-based carriers or water as compared to the oil. The range of the rotational speed of the micropump that is used in the carrier supply system is 1Hz to 15 Hz.
In the second step (ingredients dosing step, dispensing or output step), the fluid doses (the amounts of the fluids aspirated in the first step by the micropumps and the booster pump) are separately provided towards the pre-mixing area and the mixing area through independent fluid output paths. The amounts and flow velocities of the fluids (pulsed flow rate) is dependent on the operation modes of the corresponding micropumps and the booster pump. The exact dosage of the amount of fluid is defined by the output (dispensing) step, and by the preceding input (aspiration) step of the micropump and the booster pump. The accuracy of the dosage of the amount of fluid of the micropumps is in the range of +/- 5% due to manufacturing tolerances of the micropumps.
The accuracy of the dispensing by the micropumps, i.e., of the volume of the fluid dose that is output by the micropump, depends on the characteristics/design of the micropump, the viscosity of the fluid, physical/hydraulic parameters (flow resistance, elasticity) of the fluid output side (downstream of the pump), and the speed of the dispensing.
The flow rate related behavior of the micropump is dependent on the repeatedly performed aspiration/dispensing by the micropump, the duration of the aspiration/dispensing, and the time intervals between the aspiration/dispensing. Due to the characteristics and the operation modes of the micropumps, the flow rate related behavior may be fluctuating (pulsed output of the doses). The flow rate of the micropump can be varied by the rotation speed of the micropump. The rotation speed of the micropump can be in the range up to 20 Hz when considering the restriction that particular desired accuracy of the dosing/flow rate has to be met.
If the fluid is perfume oil, the dispensing is restricted due to the oil's higher viscosity as compared to the carrier, as explained above. The rotational speed of the micropump is thus limited to the range of 1 Hz to 5 Hz is such cases. The range of the rotational speed of the micropump that is used in the water-based carrier supply system is 1 Hz to 15 Hz.
In one preferred embodiment, the input and the output of the micropumps (the aspiration and the dispersion, i.e., the first and the second steps) are combined into one pump cycle. More preferably, each of the input, the output, and the two transitions therebetween (i.e., the transition from the aspiration to the dispersion and the transition from the dispersion to the aspiration) take 1/3 of the pump cycle. This is advantageous insofar as only the time for the pump output of the agent dose has to be considered before the third (mixing) step. In this case, the input of the agent dose to be output in a pump cycle has been performed in the previous pump cycle.
In another preferred embodiment, the input and the output of the micropumps can be performed separately, i.e., within separate pump cycles (this is also referred to as split pump cycle). If the input and output of the micropump are separated, the suction of the fluid can be conducted in a preparing step. As soon as the generation of the fluid composition dose is requested by the user, only the output of the fluid has to be performed. Therefore, the duration of the whole dispensing process can be shortened.
The split pump cycle is particularly advantageous for perfume oil as the fluid due to the restrictions of the rotational speed of the micropump, i.e., the restrictions of the intake step duration. In this case, assuming that the volume of the oil dose (i.e., the amount of oil that is output for one fluid composition dose) is 1 to 30 microliters (preferably 10 microliters) and that the output of the oil dose is normally 1/3 of the pump cycle (360 degrees of rotation), the (overall) dispensing process duration can be reduced to a range of 60 milliseconds to 400 milliseconds.
The split pump cycle may be performed by the oil pump while the carrier pump performs the combined cycle in which the aspiration and the dispersion are combined into one pump cycle.
Generally, the adjustment of the flow rates, the fluid amounts and the flow velocity of the fluids may be achieved by varying operational parameters of the micropumps and the booster pump, such as the rotational speed and the total number of revolutions per pump cycle. They are also influenced by the size and the design of the micropump and the booster pump.
Generally, the pumps might include output valves. The output valves can prevent that the simultaneous operation of the pumps for dispensing the fluids results in a situation that the pumps mutually hydraulically affect each other (reduction of flow rate and free flow as well as prevention of undesired backflow or inaccuracies of the dosing of the fluids). In other words, due to the output valves, the pumps are configured to correctly dose the fluids and provide correct flow rates.
Generally, short pressure loads (pressure peaks) up to 3 bar in the hydraulic system downstream of the micropumps are acceptable. The normal pressure in the downstream part of the system is up to 2 bar.
Generally, short pressure loads (pressure peaks) down to -0.4 bar in the hydraulic system upstream of the micropumps are acceptable. The normal pressure in the upstream part of the system is down to -0.2 bar.
The pressurized booster is supplied to the pre-mixing area with a pressure in the range of 0.8 to 2.6 bar.
In the third step (the pre-mixing or pre-loading step), the carrier and the booster are mixed in the pre-mixing area into the booster carrier. Preferably, the dispenser starts providing the booster to the pre-mixing area before it starts providing the carrier to the pre-mixing area. The preferably pulsed flow of carrier is mixed with the preferably continuous flow of booster. The resulting booster carrier is driven by the pressurized state of the booster towards the mixing area. The mixing area can be arranged downstream of the pre-mixing area. In this case, the booster carrier flows, driven by the booster, downstream towards the dispensing head to reach the mixing area. Alternatively, the mixing area can be arranged parallel to the pre-mixing area. In this case, the booster carrier flows, driven by the booster, towards the mixing area without flowing downstream of the dispenser towards the dispensing head. The mixing of the fluids (carrier and booster) directly depends on the preceding ingredients dosing step (second step), and indirectly depends on the ingredients intake step (first step).
Preferably, the ramp-up time of the pre-mixing step upon activation of the dispenser by the user is less than 200 milliseconds.
Preferably, the time that is needed for the booster to reach the pre-mixing area upon activation of the dispenser by the user is less than 100 milliseconds.
Preferably, the delay between the beginning of the premixing-step and the beginning of the mixing step is less than 200 milliseconds.
In the fourth step (the mixing or loading step), the continuously supplied booster carrier and the agent that is preferably supplied in pulses are mixed in the mixing area (mixing chamber) into the composition dose with a predetermined mixing ratio. The mixing of the fluids directly depends on the preceding pre-mixing step (third step) and ingredients dosing step (second step, particularly on the dosing of the agent), and indirectly depends on the ingredients intake step (first step) and the ingredients dosing step (second step, particularly on the dosing of the carrier and the booster).
To achieve a specific mixing ratio of the carrier and the agent in combination with a specific mixing amount, the micropumps are operated in predetermined and synchronized operation modes.
A perfume composition is generated with a mixing ratio of perfume oil/carrier on the basis of the set flowrates of the two fluids and the total amount of the fluids. Since the flowrate of the oil is limited by the speed of the oil micropump being maximum 5 Hz, the pump chamber volumes of the oil and the carrier pump have to be synchronized (adjusted to each other) in view of the desired mixing ratio of the oil and the carrier in the perfume composition.
Table 1 shows exemplary mixing ratios of perfume oil and carrier, and how such ratios can be achieved.
An oil flow rate of less than 1 microliter per second might result in a composition having a poor olfactometry due to little perfume oil. Large oil or carrier outputs might result in a varying (non-constant) dispensing behavior of the composition.
As shown in Table 1, an oil/carrier mixing ratio of, for example, 1/4 is obtainable using different micropumps settings or configurations (pump chamber volume, speed).
For the implementation of the present invention, i.e., for the generation of a perfume composition according to the present invention having a desired olfactometry, the mixing ratio of the oil and the carrier has to be considered in advance with regard to the amount of composition that is to be generated per unit time. Preferably, the amount of the perfume composition is in a range of 30 to 200 microliters per second. The mixing ratio of the oil and the carrier is in the range of 1/4 to 1/15.
If the amount of the perfume composition is in a range of 30 to 200 microliters per second, the flowrate of the oil is in the range of 2 microliters per second to 50 microliters per second and the flowrate of the carrier is in the range of 20 microliters per second to 150 microliters per second.
Preferably, the range of the flowrate of the booster is 1 to 5 liters per minute, and the pressure of the booster is in a range of 0.5 to 2.8 bar.
For the fourth step, the amount of the agent with the preset flowrate is provided from the micropump to the mixing area, triggered by the dispensing of the agent micropump. A hydraulic pressure of up to 2 bar is provided from the agent micropump to the mixing area for the dispensing of the agent. This hydraulic pressure downstream of the agent micropump is caused by the effectively simultaneous operation of the carrier micropump, the already provided fluid booster, and the fluid resistance of the hydraulic system downstream of the micropump. The same situation arises downstream of the carrier micropump that is pressurized, but not influenced, by the fluid booster and by the continuous operation of the agent micropump.
Because of the use of the fluid booster, there is almost no transition between the mixing step and the discharging step (fourth step and fifth step).
Generally, for the mixing of the fluids, other parameters than the behavior and the characteristics of the micropumps might be relevant as well. For example, the hydraulic characteristics of the fluid paths (e.g., dead volume, the useful volume, hydraulic resistances, etc.) and the size/design of the mixing chamber (mixing area)/pre-mixing chamber (pre-mixing area) can be relevant. The maximum dead volume of the fluid path downstream the carrier pump up to the pre-mixing area might be less than 10 microliters.
The mixing is performed using the FIFO (first in, first out) principle.
In the fifth step (the discharging or spraying step), the mixture of the fluids (the agent and the booster carrier) that has been provided in the mixing area in the fourth step, is transferred towards a spray nozzle of the discharge head by using the fluid booster (e.g. pressurized air). The spray nozzle is preferably arranged on the downstream end of the mixing area. Alternatively, the spray nozzle is connected with the mixing area via a fluid path. The fluid composition dose (including the fluid booster) is discharged via the spray nozzle. In other words, the mixture provided in the mixing area including the fluid booster is jetted to the outside via the spray nozzle (hydraulic resistance). The mixture is atomized. Single droplets are generated from the mixture and are transported to the outside of the dispenser in a predetermined spraying or discharging direction.
The time range between providing the mixtures in the pre-mixing area and in the mixing area, and the start of the discharging or spraying step is preferably in a range of less than 300 microseconds. Due to this short time range, no significant de-mixing processes of a mixture can take place.
The atomization or the distribution of the composition dose into single droplets is dependent on the type of spray nozzle mechanics, the pressurized air (flow rate of the air, pressure generation), the amount of the composition dose, the mixing ratio, and the physical/fluidic characteristics of the single fluids. Preferably, the type of atomization is adapted to the predetermined use of the dispenser. For perfume applications, the adaptation of the atomization effect for the evaporation of the oil/carrier with regard to the olfactometry is an important factor.
The generation of droplets by atomization should be as homogeneous as possible. The largest part of the droplets dimension (diameter of a droplet) should be in a range of 0.05 to 0.5 millimeters.
A discharging cycle duration is approximately 1 second (+/- 0.5 seconds). A maximum discharging cycle duration is less than 10 seconds. However, the generated cloud that exits the dispenser lasts longer (due to the atomization and the evaporation processes).
The discharging cycle duration might be dependent on the actuation time of the dispenser by the user. The user might set the actuation time, for example, by pressing a button (actuation portion) of the dispenser (start, duration, and stop). The longer the user presses the actuation portion for generating and dispensing the composition, the longer the dispensing of the composition dose will last. Upon releasing the actuation portion by the user, the processes for generating and dispensing the composition are stopped.
Using the pressurized booster, a purging process can be initiated after the dispensing of the composition is completed. The purging process can remove residues of the composition dose remaining in the dispenser. The purging process can be implemented by a delay in the stopping of the booster supply system (by approximately 100 to 500 milliseconds) when stopping the dispensing process.
In one preferred embodiment, the dispenser has a modular structure.
Preferably, the modular dispenser has a housing and a cartridge or capsule (first cartridge). The cartridge is detachably mountable to the housing. Preferably, the cartridge is configured to accommodate the agent reservoir. More preferably, the cartridge also comprises the agent supply means. Even more preferably, the cartridge additionally comprises the mixing area (with or without the mixing interface or the mixing adapter). In an even more preferred embodiment, the cartridge comprises the dispenser head.
The modular structure allows changing the agent within the cartridge without having to change the whole dispenser. Therefore, costs and space can be saved. Further, this is advantageous in view of environmental protection.
If a valve is used at the interface of the fluid supply systems and the (pre-)mixing area, the valve may be also included in the cartridge.
Furthermore, if a valve is used at the interface of the booster supply system and the pre-mixing area, the valve may be also included in the cartridge.
Generally, the cartridge can be configured to accommodate any component of the dispenser that comes into contact with the agent. In other words, when the cartridge is not attached or mounted to the housing, the housing does not include any component that comes into contact with the agent during normal use. Such a modular dispenser has the advantage that it does not have to be purged, once the user changes the fragrance or the drug, for example. Therefore, the change is easier and the desired quality of the new fragrance or drug is instantly available, since it does not mix with the old fragrance or drug during the first discharging cycle(s) after the exchange.
In the modular structure of the dispenser, the cartridge(s) might be disposable. This modular structure is favorable in view of the easy and convenient handling for the user. For environmental reasons, the cartridge(s) might be reusable (e.g., refillable or reloadable) or recyclable. Additionally or alternatively, some cartridge(s) might be semi-disposable. This means that if a cartridge includes more than one component (e.g., a reservoir and the corresponding supply means), at least one of the components is disposable and replaceable by another component (e.g., the reservoir), and at least one of the other components (e.g., the supply means) is reusable. Additionally or alternatively, some cartridge(s) might be refillable. In other words, a cartridge including a reservoir might be configured such that the reservoir can be refilled and the cartridge can thus be reused.
In one of the modular structures, the housing is configured to accommodate at least the carrier supply means, drive units for the carrier and agent supply means, a power source for the dispenser, and a controller for the dispenser. Preferably, the housing is configured to further accommodate the booster supply system. Alternatively or additionally, the housing is configured to further accommodate sensors for controlling the supply of the carrier and/or the agent, and/or the booster.
The power source of the dispenser is preferably a rechargeable power source.
The controller might be configured to perform all the method steps described herein. It might further be configured to process all data from sensors such as speed sensors, fill-level detection sensors of liquids, composition/components identification sensors for tracking and traceability or pressure sensors. The tracking and traceability is important in view of counterfeited and imitated cartridges that can be excluded from being used in the dispenser. For example, the controller might prohibit the use of the dispenser (e.g., might electronically or mechanically block it) if the tracking and traceability sensors detect a non-original cartridge attached to the dispenser. The controller might be further configured to control the communication between the dispenser and the user and/or between the dispenser and other devices (e.g., mobile devices such as smartphones or tablets).
In one of the modular structures, the dispenser comprises a second cartridge that is detachably mountable to the housing and/or to the first cartridge. The second cartridge is configured to accommodate the carrier reservoir. Preferably, the second cartridge is configured to also accommodate the carrier supply means. Additionally, a third cartridge could be provided that is detachably mountable to the housing, to the first cartridge, and/or to the second cartridge. The third cartridge is configured to accommodate the agent reservoir. Preferably the third cartridge consists of (only) the agent reservoir (i.e., is the agent reservoir or includes only the agent reservoir that is in a housing) and of a mechanical (and preferably an electronic) interface to the other parts of the dispenser.
There are four types of modular structures of the dispenser which are particularly preferred, the types being A1, A2, B1, and B2. However, other types of modular structures are also possible and are not excluded from the present invention.
In type A1, the drive units for the agent and the carrier supply means, preferably the booster (more preferably air) supply means, the controller of the dispenser, and preferably (if provided) the micro valve for the booster (more preferably air) system are provided in the housing. Most preferably, the housing is reusable. The other components of the dispenser are provided in the first cartridge that is removably mountable to the housing. Preferably, the first cartridge is disposable. Alternatively, not all of the other components are provided in the first cartridge, but the carrier reservoir and the carrier supply means are provided in a second cartridge. The second cartridge is removably mountable to the first cartridge. Preferably, the second cartridge is also disposable.
In type A2, the housing includes the same components as in type A1, and additionally includes the carrier supply means. The first cartridge (preferably in combination with the second cartridge that is mounted to the first cartridge) includes the other components of the dispenser. Type A2 is the most preferred type of a modular structure of the dispenser.
In types A1 and A2, the carrier reservoir is included in the first or the second cartridges. In types B 1 and B2, the carrier reservoir is included in the housing (or in the second cartridge that is mounted to the housing).
Type B 1 corresponds to type A2 but additionally includes the carrier reservoir in the housing (or in the second cartridge that is mounted to the housing).
Type B2 corresponds to type A1 but additionally includes the carrier reservoir in the housing (or in the second cartridge that is mounted to the housing).
For example, if the modular structure of the dispenser is used for perfumes, the lifetime of the housing might be between 3 to 5 years, more preferably more than 5 years. The lifetime of the first cartridge might be up to 1 year or even more.
The present invention also relates to a method of dispensing a fluid composition dose to an outside of a dispenser in one discharging cycle. The composition dose corresponds to the composition dose described above and includes at least a fluid carrier dose, a fluid agent dose, and a pressurized fluid booster dose.
The method comprises the following steps: a first supply step, a pre-mixing step, a second supply step, a mixing step, and a discharging step.
The supply steps might correspond to a combination of the first and second steps as described above. In other words, the first and second supply steps might be a combination of the first step being the ingredients intake step (aspiration or input step) and the second step being the ingredients dosing step (dispensing or output step).
Some or all of the steps can overlap each other during one discharging cycle. That is, the steps can be performed simultaneously by the dispenser (although they can start and stop at different points in time).
According to the present invention, the first supply step comprises supplying the carrier dose and the booster dose independently from each other to the pre-mixing area for (pre-)mixing.
According to the present invention, the pre-mixing step comprises (pre-)mixing the independently supplied carrier and booster doses to obtain the booster carrier dose.
The pre-mixing step might correspond to the above-described third step being the pre-mixing or pre-loading step.
According to the present invention, the second supply step comprises supplying the agent dose and the booster carrier dose independently from each other to the mixing area for mixing.
According to the present invention, the mixing step comprises mixing the independently supplied agent and booster carrier doses to obtain the composition dose for discharging.
The mixing step might correspond to the above-described fourth step being the mixing or loading step.
According to the present invention, the discharging step comprises discharging the composition dose to the outside of the dispenser.
The discharging step might correspond to the above-described fifth step being the discharging or spraying step.
Preferably, the mixing step is performed downstream of the pre-mixing step in a flow direction of the booster carrier. In the second supply step, the flow of the booster carrier is driven from the pre-mixing area to the mixing area by the pressurized state of the booster carrier.
Preferably, the mixing step is driven by the pressurized states of the booster carrier and the agent. In the second supply step, the agent dose is supplied towards the pre-mixed booster carrier and the booster carrier is supplied by being provided by the pre-mixing step, such that the pre-mixing area and the mixing area are substantially overlapping areas of the dispenser.
Preferably, the flow of the booster enters the pre-mixing area prior to the flow of the carrier in the first supply step. Additionally or alternatively, the flow of a substantially unmixed booster is discharged from the dispenser head after the discharging of the composition dose in the discharging step has finished.
Preferably, the carrier is supplied to the pre-mixing area with a high accuracy in the microliter range in the first supply step. Additionally or alternatively, the agent is supplied to the mixing area with a high accuracy in the microliter range in the second supply step. More preferably, supplying the fluids with the high accuracy is performed using one of the aforementioned micropumps.
Additionally or alternatively, the booster is either supplied from a booster reservoir storing the booster or the booster is ambient air from the outside which is sucked into the dispenser in the first supply step.
Preferably, the method comprises further steps that are performed prior to the supply steps. One such step might be a preparation step comprising detachably mounting a (first) cartridge to a housing of the dispenser. The cartridge might be one of the aforementioned cartridges of a modular dispenser. Additionally or alternatively, the housing might be one of the aforementioned housings of the modular dispenser.
Preferably, the preparation step further comprises detachably mounting a second cartridge to the housing or to the first cartridge of the dispenser (the first and second cartridges correspond to the cartridges as described above in connection with the four types A1, A2, B 1, B2 of the modular structures). The first cartridge is preferably for accommodating all the components coming into contact with the agent.
If the fluid booster is not sucked from outside the dispenser but is stored in a reservoir (preferably in a pressurized reservoir), the reservoir can be preferably accommodated in the first or in the second cartridge.
Preferably, an agent to carrier volume ratio supplied to the mixing area is in the range from 1/3.75 to 1/25, more preferably from 1/4 to 1/15, and even more preferably 1/5.
Preferably, in the aforementioned dispenser or method, the composition is a cosmetic or a medical composition. The carrier might be a substance which is biocompatible. Additionally or alternatively, the carrier might be a substance which is environmentally friendly. However, the carrier may impair the stability of the agent over time. In other words, the carrier might affect the composition and/or characteristics of the agent over time. Therefore, separate storage of the carrier and the agent might be desirable.
Generally, in the aforementioned dispenser or method, the carrier may be a water-based carrier. More preferably, the carrier might be water.
Generally, in the aforementioned dispenser or method, the booster may be air.
All of the aforementioned features of the dispenser for and the method of dispensing a fluid composition dose can be combined as long as the combinations are technically feasible.
In the following, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail. The present invention, however, is not limited to these exemplary embodiments but is defined by the appended claims.

Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of the components and the fluid paths of a preferred dispenser according to the present invention.
Fig. 2 a diagram schematically showing one discharging cycle of the dispenser.
Fig. 3 is a time diagram showing one discharging cycle of the dispenser.
Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram of the type A1 modular structure of the dispenser according to the present invention.
Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram of the type A2 modular structure of the dispenser according to the present invention.
Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram of the type B 1 modular structure of the dispenser according to the present invention.
Fig. 7 is a schematic diagram of the type B2 modular structure of the dispenser according to the present invention.

In the following, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 7. The preferred embodiments relate to a modular dispenser for dispensing fluid compositions doses such as cosmetics. However, the fluid composition doses might also be for a medical use or any other compositions of at least three fluids.
Fig. 1 shows a dispenser 1 having an agent supply system 20, a carrier supply system 30, a booster supply system 40, a pre-mixing area 90, a mixing area 50 and a dispenser head 60.
As depicted in Fig. 1, the agent supply system 20, the carrier supply system 30, and the booster supply system 40 are independent from each other.
The agent supply system 20 has an agent reservoir (oil reservoir) 22 for storing the agent 21 being perfume oil in the present embodiment. The oil reservoir 22 is connected via a first fluid path 25 with an input (upstream end) of a first micropump 23 (corresponding to an agent supply means in the present embodiment). The first micropump 23 is driven by a first drive unit 24 (e.g., an electric motor). An output (downstream end) of the first micropump 23 is connected via a second fluid path 26 with an input (upstream end) of a mixing chamber 50 (corresponding to the mixing area in the present embodiment).
Preferably, a first check valve (non-return valve) 27 is provided at an interface of the second fluid path 26 and the mixing chamber 50. The first check valve 27 corresponds to a mixing interface 110 that connects the agent supply system 20 and the mixing chamber 50. The first check valve 27 (or generally the mixing interface 110) prevents backflow of the fluids from the mixing chamber 50 to the agent supply system 20. The mixing interface 110 might be part of the mixing chamber 50.
The carrier supply system 30 has a carrier reservoir (water reservoir) 32 for storing the carrier 31 being water in the present embodiment. The water reservoir 32 is connected via a third fluid path 35 with an input (upstream end) of a second micropump 33 (corresponding to a carrier supply means in the present embodiment). The second micropump 33 is driven by a second drive unit 34 (e.g., an electric motor). An output (downstream end) of the second micropump 33 is connected via a fourth fluid path 36 with the input (upstream end) of a pre-mixing chamber 90 (corresponding to the pre-mixing area in the present embodiment).
Preferably, a second check valve (non-return valve) 37 is provided at the interface of the fourth fluid path 36 and the pre-mixing chamber 90. The first check valve 27 may be a part of a pre-mixing interface 100 that connects the carrier supply system 30 and the pre-mixing chamber 90. The second check valve 37 (or generally the pre-mixing interface 100) prevents backflow of the fluids from the pre-mixing chamber 90 to the carrier supply system 30.
The dispenser 1 further comprises a booster supply system 40. The booster supply system 40 is a system for supplying pressurized air as a discharge booster to the pre-mixing chamber 90. The booster supply system 40 (air supply system) has an air pump 41 (corresponding to the booster supply means in the present embodiment). Preferably, the air supply system 40 has a micro valve 42 (see Figs. 4 to 7) for accurately controlling the airflow into the pre-mixing chamber 90. A downstream end of the air pump 41 is connected with an upstream end of the optional micro valve 42 via a fifth fluid path 43. A downstream end of the optional micro valve 42 is connected via a sixth fluid path with the input (upstream end) of the pre-mixing chamber 90. If the micro valve 42 is not provided (as shown in Fig. 1), the downstream end of the air pump 41 is connected with the input (upstream end) of the pre-mixing chamber 90 via the fifth fluid path 43.
Preferably, a third check valve (non-return valve) 45 is provided at the interface of the fifth fluid path 43 or the sixth fluid path and the pre-mixing chamber 90. The third check valve 45 (in addition to the first check valve 27) may be a part of the pre-mixing interface 100 that connects the booster supply system 40 and the pre-mixing chamber 90. The third check valve 45 (or generally the pre-mixing interface 100) prevents backflow of the fluids from the pre-mixing chamber 90 to the air supply system 40.
The air supply system 40 sucks the air by the air pump 41 either from an air reservoir (not shown) or from the outside of the dispenser 1.
In the pre-mixing chamber 90, the air and the carrier 31 are mixed, thereby forming a booster carrier 91, which exits the pre-mixing chamber on its downstream side towards the mixing chamber 50.
As explained, the second and the third check valves 37, 45 can be part of a pre-mixing interface 100. Instead of the second and the third check valves 37, 45, the pre-mixing interface 100 can be a spool valve (not shown). The spool valve may be a 3/2-way valve having three ports and two positions. The three ports may be two inflow ports, on the upstream side of the valve, from the carrier supply system 30 and from the air supply system 40, and one outflow port, on the downstream side of the valve, into the pre-mixing chamber 90. The pre-mixing interface 100 might be part of the pre-mixing chamber 90.
The pre-mixing interface 100 and the mixing interface 110 can optionally be combined into one mixing adapter being configured to control the inflow of the carrier 31 and the air to the pre-mixing chamber 90, and to control the inflow of the perfume oil 21 and the booster carrier 91 to the mixing chamber 50. The mixing adapter may be a valve. The valve may be a 4/2-way valve having four ports and two positions or a 4/3-way valve having four ports and three positions. The four ports may be the three inflow ports, on the upstream side of the valve, from the carrier supply system 30, from the air supply system 40, and from the agent supply system 20, as well as one outflow port, on the downstream side of the valve, into the mixing chamber 90. The pre-mixing chamber 90 would be part of the mixing adapter in this case.
In the mixing chamber 50, the oil 21 and the booster carrier 91 are mixed to become the composition dose (perfume dose) 70 which is to be discharged to the outside (e.g., towards the user's skin).
The mixing chamber 50 is connected directly or via a further fluid path to the dispenser head 60 downstream the mixing chamber 50. The perfume dose 70 flows through the dispenser head 60 and is discharged to the outside of the dispenser 1 via a spray nozzle 61 of the dispenser head 60.
Fig. 2 schematically shows the discharging cycle of the dispenser 1. The oil 21 and the carrier/water 31 are sucked by the respective pumps 23, 33, and the booster/air is sucked by the air pump 41 in the first step (ingredients intake step, aspiration or input step). The doses of the oil 21 and the water 31 sucked into the pumps 23, 33 as well as the dose of the air sucked into the air pump 41 in the first step are then discharged from the respective pumps in the second step (ingredients dosing step, dispensing or output step). The air and the water 31 are discharged to the pre-mixing chamber 90. The oil 21 is discharged to the mixing chamber 50. Fig. 2 shows the pulsed flow of the oil 21 and the pulsed flow of the water 31. The figure also shows an exponentially increasing pressure or amount of the air that is discharged from the air pump 41. In the third step (pre-mixing or pre-loading step), the doses of the continuous air and the pulsed water 31 are mixed in the pre-mixing chamber 90 to form the booster carrier 91 as depicted in Fig. 2. In the fourth step (mixing or loading step), the dose of the pulsed oil 21 and the continuous booster carrier 91 are mixed in the mixing chamber 50 to form the perfume dose 70 as depicted in Fig. 2. The pressurized perfume dose 70 is then released towards the spray nozzle 61 and to the outside of the dispenser 1 in the fifth step (the discharging or spraying step of the perfume dose 70). Fig. 2 additionally indicates that the first to fifth steps can be reiterated depending on the number of discharging cycles desired and set by the user of the dispenser 1. It is also conceivable to define the discharging cycle such that more than one of the iterations of the first to fifth steps depicted in Fig. 2 are encompassed by one discharging cycle.
Fig. 3 is a time diagram showing the discharging cycle of the dispenser 1.
In the uppermost line of Fig. 3, the user action is shown. The user starts the dispensing process (the discharging cycle), for example, by pushing a button (actuation portion) on the dispenser 1 or on another device such as a smartphone or a tablet. Further, the user stops the stops the dispensing process (the discharging cycle), for example, by pushing the button (actuation portion) again or by releasing the button. In other words, the user can set the duration of the dispensing process (the discharging cycle) by the number of times of the actuation of the actuation portion or by the duration of the actuation of the actuation portion.
In the next line of Fig. 3 (second line from the top), the operation of the water micropump 33 is shown, which is performed at 1 to 15 Hz rotational speed of the pump. The operation of the water micropump 33 including the aspiration and the dispensing steps of the water 31 starts after the user has started the dispensing process. After the user has stopped the operation of the water micropump 33, a shut-down process is initiated. In other words, the flow of the water 31 driven by the water micropump 33 does not stop instantly once the user has stopped the dispensing process (the discharging cycle).
In the next line of Fig. 3 (third line from the top), the operation of the air pump 41 is shown. In the shown embodiment, the operation of the air pump 41 is started after the start of the operation of the water micropump 33. This can be a desired setup in cases in which, for example, a residual odor remains in the dispenser 1 that is caused by the previous dispensing process (discharging cycle). In such cases, the aspiration and the dispensing of the oil 21 and/or the water 31 are started first to prevent degradation of the odor of the current composition dose. However, in cases in which the residual odor is not an issue, the operation of the air pump 41 can be started earlier than the water micropump 33 and the oil micropump 23. Once the dispensing process (the discharging cycle) has been stopped by the user, the air pump 41 is driven further at nominal speed and is not stopped until the shut-down processes of the water micropump 33 and the oil micropump 23 are completed. Only then the air pump 41 is stopped and starts the shut-down process. The air that is driven by the air pump 41 during the shut-down is used for flushing or purging the hydraulic system of the dispenser 1 (flushing or purging process).
In the next line of Fig. 3 (fourth line from the top), the operation of the oil micropump 23 is shown, which is performed at 1 to 5 Hz rotational speed of the pump. In the present embodiment, the operation of the oil micropump 23 including the aspiration and the dispensing steps of the oil starts after the ramp-up processes of the water 31 and the air are completed. However, as described above, the aspiration and the dispensing of the oil 21 can be started earlier. After the user has stopped the operation of the oil micropump 23, a shut-down process is initiated. In other words, the flow of the oil 21 driven by the oil micropump 23 does not stop instantly once the user has stopped the dispensing process (the discharging cycle).
In the lowermost line of Fig. 3, the discharging step of the perfume composition is shown, which is driven by the pressurized air from the air pump 41. After the user has started the process, a ramp-up process of the water 31 and the air is visible first. Then, a perfume (oil 21) ramp-up process follows. The main part of the dispensing process (the discharging cycle) is the dosing/mixing and spraying time. This part is followed by a perfume (water 31 and oil 21) shut-down process. As a last process, the purging or flushing process using the air is conducted.
Turning now to the modular structure of the dispenser. Figs. 4 to 7 show four preferred types of a modular structure of the dispenser 1 according to the present invention. Fig. 4 shows type A1, Fig. 5 shows type A2, Fig. 6 shows type B1, and Fig. 7 shows type B2. In each of the Figs. 4 to 7, the housing 10 and the first cartridge 120 are schematically shown by two dotted-and-dashed lines. The lower line defines the housing 10 of the dispenser 1 and the upper line defines the first cartridge 120 of the dispenser 1 in each of the Figs. 4 to 7. The optional second cartridge 130 is shown by a dotted line in each of the Figs. 4 to 7. In each of the Figs. 4 to 7, the other depicted parts of the dispenser 1 correspond to the parts of the dispenser 1 as depicted in the preceding Figs. Therefore, the reference numbers for some of the depicted parts have been omitted for the sake of lucidity.
As shown in Fig. 4, in the type A1, the first and second drive units 24, 34 for the oil micropump 23 and the water micropump 33, the air pump 41, the controller (not shown) of the dispenser 1, and the preferably provided micro valve 42 are provided in the housing 10. The housing 10 does not include components of the dispenser 1 that come into contact with the oil 21. The oil reservoir 22, the first micropump 23, the first check valve 27, the second check valve 37, the third check valve 45, (alternatively) the pre-mixing interface 100 and the mixing interface 110 or the mixing adapter, the pre-mixing-chamber, the mixing chamber 50, and the dispenser head 60 are provided in the first cartridge 120. The water reservoir 32 and the second micropump 33 are also provided in the first cartridge 120. Alternatively, the water reservoir 32 and the second micropump 33 can be provided in the second cartridge 130 that is detachably mountable to the first cartridge 120.
Accordingly, the first and second cartridges 120, 130 can form a cartridge unit that is detachably mountable to the housing 10.
As shown in Fig. 5, type A2 of the modular dispenser 1 differs from type A1 in that the second micropump 33 is accommodated by the housing 10. In all other respects, the modular dispenser 1 of the type A2 corresponds to that of the type A1. The type A2 is a particularly preferred modular structure of the dispenser 1 according to the present invention.
In types A1 and A2 shown in Figs. 4 and 5, the water reservoir 32 is included directly in the first cartridge 120 or alternatively in the second cartridge 130 that is mountable to the first cartridge 120.
As shown in Fig. 6, type B 1 differs from type A2 in that the water reservoir 32 is accommodated directly in the housing 10 or in the optional second cartridge 130 that is removably mountable to the housing 10. In all other respects, the modular dispenser 1 of the type B1 corresponds to that of the type A2.
As shown in Fig. 7, type B2 differs from type A1 in that the water reservoir 32 is accommodated directly in in the housing 10 or in the optional second cartridge 130 that is removably mountable to the housing 10. In all other respects, the modular dispenser 1 of the type B2 corresponds to that of the type A1.
In types B1 and B2, the water reservoir 32 is included in the housing 10 or in the second cartridge 130 that is mountable to the housing 10.
The second cartridge 130 can be mountable to the first cartridge 120 and to the housing 10. In types A1 and A2, the second cartridge 130 is first detachably mounted to the first cartridge 120 (or the other way round) and then both cartridges 120, 130 are mounted to the housing 10. Alternatively, only one of the two cartridges 120, 130 is directly mounted to the housing 10 while the other cartridge 130, 120 is mounted to the cartridge 120, 130 that is mounted to the housing 10.
In types B1 and B2, the two cartridges 120, 130 can be independently mounted to the housing 10. They can be mounted to each other while being mounted to the housing 10.
Additionally, in all of the types A1, A2, B 1, and B2, a third cartridge (not shown) can be provided that is detachably mountable to the housing 10, to the first cartridge 120, and/or to the second cartridge 130. The third cartridge is configured to accommodate the oil reservoir 22. Preferably the third cartridge consists of (only) the oil reservoir 22 (i.e., is the carrier reservoir or includes only the carrier reservoir that is in a housing) and of a mechanical (and preferably an electronic) interface to the other parts of the dispenser, i.e., to the housing 10, to the first cartridge 120, and/or to the second cartridge 130.

Claims

Dispenser (1) suitable for dispensing a fluid composition dose (70) to an outside of the dispenser (1) in one discharging cycle, the composition dose (70) including a fluid carrier (31) dose, a fluid agent (21) dose, and a pressurized fluid booster dose, the dispenser (1) comprising:
a carrier supply system (30) configured to supply the carrier (31) to a pre-mixing area (90);

a booster supply system (40) configured to supply the pressurized booster to the pre-mixing area (90), the booster supply system (40) being independent from the carrier supply system (30);

an agent supply system (20) configured to supply the agent (21) to a mixing area (50), the agent supply system (20) being independent from the carrier supply system (30) and the booster supply system (40);

the pre-mixing area (90) arranged downstream of the carrier and booster supply systems (30, 40) in flow directions of the carrier (31) and the booster, the pre-mixing area (90) being configured to mix the independently supplied carrier (31) and booster doses to form a booster carrier (91) dose;

the mixing area (50) arranged downstream of the agent supply system (20) in a flow direction of the agent (21), the mixing area (50) being configured to mix the independently supplied agent (21) dose and the pre-mixed booster carrier (91) dose to form the composition dose (70); and

a dispenser head (60) configured to discharge the composition dose (70) to the outside, the dispenser head (60) being in fluid connection with the mixing area (50).
Dispenser (1) according to claim 1, wherein
the mixing area (50) is arranged downstream of the pre-mixing area (90) in a flow direction of the booster carrier (91), and the dispenser (1) is configured to allow the booster carrier (91) to flow from the pre-mixing area (90) to the mixing area (50) by the pressurized state of the booster carrier (91); or

the mixing area (50) is arranged parallel to the pre-mixing area (90) in a flow direction of the booster carrier (91) and the agent (21), and the dispenser (1) is configured to allow the booster carrier (91) and the agent (21) to mix in the mixing area (50) by the pressurized states of the booster carrier (91) and the agent (21).
Dispenser (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein
the agent supply system (20) comprises
an agent reservoir (22) configured to store the agent (21), and

an agent supply means (23) configured to supply the agent (21) dose from the agent reservoir (22) to the mixing area (50); and/or

the carrier supply system (30) comprises
a carrier reservoir (32) configured to store the carrier (31), and

a carrier supply means (33) configured to supply the carrier (31) dose from the carrier reservoir (32) to the pre-mixing area (90); and/or

the booster supply system (40) comprises a booster supply means (41), and wherein

the booster supply system (40) is configured to
supply the booster from a booster reservoir configured to store the booster, or

to suck ambient air from the outside into the dispenser (1) as the booster.
Dispenser (1) according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising
a pre-mixing interface (100) connecting the carrier supply system (30) and the booster supply system (40) to the pre-mixing area (90), the pre-mixing interface (100) preferably being
check valves (37, 45) preventing backflow from the pre-mixing area (90) into the carrier supply system (30) and the booster supply system (40), respectively, or

a spool valve, more preferably a 3/2-way valve having three ports and two positions; and

a mixing interface (110) connecting the agent supply system (20) to the mixing area (50), the mixing interface (110) preferably being a check valve (27) preventing backflow from the mixing area (50) into the agent supply system (20).
Dispenser (1) according to claim 4, wherein
the pre-mixing interface (100) and the mixing interface (110) are combined into a mixing adapter being configured to control the inflow of the carrier (31) and the booster to the pre-mixing area (90), and the inflow of the agent (21) and the booster carrier (91) to the mixing area (50); wherein

the mixing adapter is preferably a valve, more preferably a 4/2-way valve having four ports and two positions or a 4/3-way valve having four ports and three positions.
Dispenser (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the dispenser (1) is configured to
allow the flow of the booster to enter the pre-mixing area (90) prior to the flow of the carrier (31); and/or

allow the flow of a substantially unmixed booster to be discharged from the dispenser head (60) after the discharging of the composition dose (70) has finished.
Dispenser (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein
the agent supply means (23) and/or the carrier supply means (33) have a high accuracy output in the microliter range; or

the agent supply means (23) and/or the carrier supply means (33) are a micropump, preferably a mechanical micropump, more preferably any one of the group of a piezoelectric micropump, a peristaltic micropump, and a piston micropump; or

the agent supply means (23) and/or the carrier supply means (33) are a micropump, preferably a non-mechanical micropump, more preferably any one of the group of a valveless micropump, a capillary micropump, and a chemically powered micropump.
Dispenser (1) according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising
a housing (10); and

a cartridge (120) detachably mountable to the housing (10); wherein

the cartridge (120) is disposable or semi-disposable, or refillable; and/or

the cartridge (120) is configured to accommodate
the agent reservoir (22), and preferably

the agent supply means (23), and more preferably

the mixing area (50) preferably including the mixing interface (110) or the mixing adapter, and even more preferably

the dispenser head (60); or

the cartridge (120) is configured to accommodate any component of the dispenser (1) that comes into contact with the agent (21).
Method of dispensing a fluid composition dose (70) to an outside of a dispenser (1) in one discharging cycle, the composition dose (70) including a fluid carrier (31) dose, a fluid agent (21) dose, and a pressurized fluid booster dose, the method comprising:
a first supply step comprising supplying the carrier (31) dose and the booster dose independently from each other to a pre-mixing area (90) for mixing;

a pre-mixing step comprising mixing the independently supplied carrier (31) and booster doses to obtain a booster carrier (91) dose;

a second supply step comprising supplying the agent (21) dose and the booster carrier (91) dose independently from each other to a mixing area (50) for mixing;

a mixing step comprising mixing the independently supplied agent (21) and booster carrier (91) doses to obtain the composition dose (70) for discharging; and

a discharging step comprising discharging the composition dose (70) to the outside.
Method according to claim 9, wherein
the mixing step is performed downstream of the pre-mixing step in a flow direction of the booster carrier (91), and, in the second supply step, the flow of the booster carrier (91) is driven from the pre-mixing area (90) to the mixing area (50) by the pressurized state of the booster carrier (91); or

the mixing step is driven by the pressurized states of the booster carrier (91) and the agent (21), and, in the second supply step, the agent (21) dose is supplied towards the pre-mixed booster carrier (91) and the booster carrier (91) is supplied by being provided by the pre-mixing step, such that the pre-mixing area (90) and the mixing area (50) are substantially overlapping areas of the dispenser (1).
Method according to claim 9 or 10, wherein
the flow of the booster enters the pre-mixing area (90) prior to the flow of the carrier (31) in the first supply step; and/or

the flow of a substantially unmixed booster is discharged from the dispenser head after the discharging of the composition dose (70) in the discharging step has finished.
Method according to any of claims 9 to 11, wherein
the carrier (31) and/or the agent (21) are/is supplied with a high accuracy in the microliter range in the first and the second supply steps, respectively; and/or

the booster is
supplied from a booster reservoir storing the booster, or

ambient air from the outside which is sucked into the dispenser (1), in the first supply step.
Method according to any of claims 9 to 12, further comprising, prior to the first supply step,
a preparation step comprising detachably mounting a cartridge (120) to a housing (10) of the dispenser (1), and preferably further comprising detachably mounting a second cartridge (130) to the housing (10) of the dispenser (1), the second cartridge (130) accommodating the carrier (31); wherein

the cartridge (120) is disposable or semi-disposable, or refillable; and/or

the cartridge (120) accommodates the agent (21), and preferably

the mixing area (50); or

the cartridge (120) accommodates any component of the dispenser (1) that contacts the agent (21).
Method according to any of claims 9 to 13, or dispenser (1) according to any of claims 1 to 8, wherein
an agent (21) to carrier (31) volume ratio supplied to the mixing area (50) is in the range from 1/3.75 to 1/25, preferably from 1/4 to 1/15, and more preferably 1/5.
Method according to any of claims 9 to 14, or dispenser (1) according to any of claims 1 to 8, and 14, wherein
the composition is a cosmetic or a medical composition; and

the booster is air; and/or

the carrier (31) is a substance which is biocompatible and/or environmentally friendly, but may impair the stability of the agent (21) over time; and/or

the carrier (31) is water.