EP4168350B1 - Device and method for filling containers - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a device for filling containers and in particular to such a device from which the containers to be filled can be fed by a user and/or manually and from which the filled containers can also be removed again (in particular by a user). The device described below is a so-called beverage dispenser with which an end customer can fill his container. Such beverage dispensers can be found, for example, in universities, train stations and the like. It is known in the prior art that disposable containers, such as plastic cups, are used, which are then filled with the beverage. However, there is also a need to use reusable containers. A device for filling containers according to the introductory part of claim 1 is known from EP 0424682 A1 known.

The present invention is therefore based on the object of providing a filling device for filling reusable containers, which also enables reliable and clean filling of the containers. This is achieved according to the invention by the subject matter of the independent claim.

Advantageous embodiments and further developments are the subject of the subclaims. A device according to the invention for filling containers has a carrier on which a container to be filled can be placed and fixed, wherein this carrier can be pivoted with respect to a pivot axis and/or rotated with respect to a rotation axis, wherein this pivot axis runs at an angle other than 0° with respect to a longitudinal direction of the container to be filled. Furthermore, the device has a first filling device in order to fill the container in a first pivot position of the container with respect to the said pivot axis via its mouth.

According to the invention, the device has a rinsing device for rinsing the container in a second pivoting position of the container with respect to the pivot axis through its mouth, in particular with a liquid.

The device preferably has a further loading device which is suitable and intended for introducing a further liquid into the container, wherein for this purpose the container can in particular be pivoted into a further pivoting position. This further liquid can be, for example, a further liquid to be filled, but also a rinsing liquid for rinsing the container.

A device is therefore preferably proposed which enables rinsing and subsequent filling of the container. In order to achieve this object, a structure is proposed in which a rotatable or pivotable carrier and/or plate is provided onto which the consumer places the container to be filled. Preferably, the pivot axis mentioned is arranged or designed in such a way that the mouth of the container runs around it. It is possible for a distance between the mouth of the container and the pivot axis to remain constant and for the pivot axis to therefore run on a certain radius or at a certain distance around the pivot axis.

The filling device may have one or more filling valves.

It is possible that the filling device is suitable and intended for filling a single-component beverage, for example water, but it would also be possible for the filling device to fill multi-component beverages.

The device can have a collecting device and/or a collecting container to collect liquid. In particular, this can be rinsing liquid with which the container is rinsed.

It is also possible for any residues of liquid that may still be present in the containers to be collected by this collecting container. This means that this collecting container is preferably located at least below the pivot axis with respect to which the container is pivoted.

In a further preferred embodiment, the pivot axis runs perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the container. This pivot axis and/or rotation axis is preferably aligned horizontally or approximately horizontally. The container is therefore preferably pivoted in a vertical plane.

In order to rinse the container, this design merely requires that the container be rotated by a predetermined angle, for example by 180°, for example in such a way that its mouth projects vertically downwards, thus enabling rinsing from below.

Particularly preferably, this rinsing device is designed in such a way that a rinsing medium reaches all areas of the container, in particular also a bottom area of the container.

Furthermore, it is also possible for the flushing device to be designed in the form of a flushing lance, which can be inserted into the interior of the container.

For rinsing, the container can be moved and/or swivelled downwards over the rinsing device, for example a rinsing nozzle.

It would also be possible for this rinsing device not to be arranged at a 6 o'clock position as in one embodiment, but at an angle to it, for example at the 5 o'clock position. However, the position for rinsing or flushing is preferably at 4 o'clock (or 8 o'clock), for example, to prevent the contaminated rinse water running out of the bottle from contaminating the rinse nozzle. It would also be conceivable to fill the rinsing liquid into the container at "1 o'clock", for example, and then swing the container downwards to remove the rinsing liquid from the container. This also prevents contamination of the rinse nozzle.

If a user were to place a container that was not empty into the device, the medium in the container would run over the rinsing nozzle or the flushing device when it was swiveled downwards. This could dirty the flushing device, which could lead to contamination of the next containers. To prevent this, the rinsing nozzle could also be arranged in a different position so that the liquid flows out of the container first and then a flushing process takes place.

However, it would also be possible for a control system to first swivel the container into another position, for example a 7 o'clock position or a 5 o'clock position, in which position residual liquid can flow out of the container and only then is the container moved over the flushing device. In this variant, the liquid would flow out of the inclined container and flushing could then take place. In the variant described above, the liquid would flow vertically downwards from the container and the flushing device located at an angle next to it would not be touched by the liquid.

The device may comprise a cleaning device for cleaning the rinsing device.

For example, it would be possible for the flushing device itself to be cleaned after each flushing process.

During a filling process, it would be possible for the container to remain in the rinsing position for a predetermined period of time, even after the rinsing device has been deactivated. This allows the rinsing medium to drip out. The carrier or plate can then move into a further rotation position in order to bring the mouth of the container into a position that is suitable for filling it through a suitably placed filling valve.

The filling device can have a filling valve in the form of a free jet valve, which simply allows the filling medium to run into the container and/or a counter pressure valve, which presses on the mouth, preloads the container and then fills it.

Especially when filling CSD with a free jet, it is advantageous to tilt the container during filling, as this minimizes foaming.

The device can have a closing device which closes the filled container with a closure. This can also be a closure supplied by the user, but it would also be possible for the closures to be taken from a supply in order to close the container.

In a further advantageous embodiment, a carrier is provided with a fixing device for fixing the container to the holding device or carrier. In order to be able to fully utilize the potential of the device described here, the type of container to be filled is important. In order to be able to carry out the rinsing process in particular, the container should be attached in some way to the rotating carrier or plate. This can be done, for example, by an active or passive clamp into which the user inserts and/or clips the container. This fixing device is preferably designed in such a way that it can at least hold the weight of the container.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the fixing device has fixing means which are selected from a group of fixing means which includes vacuum fixing means, magnetic fixing means, gripping elements, mechanical elements, combinations thereof and the like. This fixing device can also prevent the container from moving sideways relative to the carrier.

For example, in addition to or alongside the clamps described above, a vacuum could also be used to hold the container to the carrier. Alternatively, a mechanism could be used that can fix the container using force or form locking. For example, the container can be designed in such a way that a fixing device can grip behind it.

It would also be possible for the container to be attached or fixed to a plate or support using magnetic forces. This can be done, for example, by inserting a ferromagnetic steel insert into a double-walled stainless steel bottle, as described in more detail below. In addition to this, or in addition to this, it would also be conceivable to integrate a piece of ferromagnetic material into the bottom of a container to be filled in another way. This can be done, for example, by gluing a steel plate to the bottom of a glass bottle or a plastic bottle. Alternatively it would be possible that the container itself is made entirely or partly from a ferromagnetic material.

Such a container has other advantages, for example it can be held securely in one position in the car using a magnetic plate.

In a further preferred embodiment, the container also has second fixing means for fixing the container to the carrier. These fixing means can be, for example, the magnetic plate described here, but also engagement options into which, for example, a projection of a gripping arm or a gripping clamp can engage.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the first filling device is arranged in such a way that the container is filled in a pivoting position by this first filling device, which deviates from a vertical orientation of the container. This means that the container is not filled in a precisely upright state, but in a pivoting position that deviates from this. As mentioned above, this can be advantageous with certain filling mechanisms.

Advantageously, the container is not filled exactly in an upright position, but at an angle to the vertical position that is greater than 5°, preferably greater than 10°, particularly preferably greater than 15°.

In a preferred embodiment, the flushing device is arranged such that the container can be flushed by this flushing device in a pivoting position which also deviates from a vertical orientation of the container. As described above, this can prevent the flushing device from becoming contaminated by leaking liquid.

The above-mentioned collecting container for collecting liquid can be emptied. For example, a collecting container can be provided which can be removed from the device in order to carry out the emptying.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the device has a second filling device in order to fill the container in a second pivoting position of the container with respect to the pivot axis via its mouth.

Preferably, the first filling device and the second filling device are arranged in different pivoting positions. In this way, it is possible for the container to be filled with two different liquids or drinks, for example. It would also be possible for the first and second filling devices to be used to fill the container with different components.

The device can have an operating device with which a user can, for example, select a beverage to be filled. Accordingly, a display is also preferably provided, by means of which the user can check a filling process or receive confirmation of a selected beverage.

In addition, the device may also have a coin and/or credit card acceptance mechanism that allows the user to pay for a drink.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the device has an inspection device for inspecting the container. The inspection device is preferably suitable and intended for inspecting an interior of the container. The inspection device preferably has an image recording device such as in particular but not exclusively a camera.

It is possible that this inspection device, for example a camera, is fixed. This inspection device is used in particular but not exclusively to check the interior of the containers for dirt or foreign substances.

The device can have a drive device for rotating the above-mentioned carrier on which the container is arranged (with respect to the pivot axis). Preferably, a control device is also provided for controlling the drive device.

A rotational movement of the carrier taking into account one or more image recordings can be controllable by the camera, in particular such that the image recording device can record one or more image recordings of the container from different directions.

To support the inspection, a rotation of the bottle plate or carrier can be used. For example, the bottle plate, especially with the container attached to it, can perform a short right-left movement to cause any drink residue in the bottle to slosh. This makes detection, particularly of transparent drink residues such as lemonade, much easier. The carrier preferably has a first arrangement area for arranging the container and a second arrangement area, and the container can be arranged either on the first arrangement area or the second arrangement area.

These arrangement areas can be adapted to different containers, for example to containers with different cross-sections or container heights.

Particularly preferably, the first arrangement area is formed at a first distance from the pivot axis and the second arrangement area is formed at a second distance from the pivot axis and these distances are different. In this way, for example, the first arrangement area can be used to arrange taller containers and the second arrangement area can be used to arrange shorter containers. If two or more bottle heights are to be filled in the machine, the carrier or plate can have several docking positions for the containers. This or these arrangement areas can again have the above-mentioned fixing devices.

Additionally or alternatively, it would also be conceivable for the filling device(s) and/or the filling valves (and possibly the rinsing nozzle) to be movable. These can then be ideally positioned for the respective bottle height.

The containers do not necessarily have to be filled to 100%. The user can tell the machine (e.g. via smartphone, voice input, and/or touchscreen, etc.) that its container should only be partially filled (e.g. "Fill 300ml into a 500ml container"). The filling can also be carried out depending on a payment. In a further preferred embodiment, a filling speed at which the filling device fills the container is variable and/or adjustable. For example, in order to keep the CO2 loss during filling as low as possible, the carbonated drink (CSD) is preferably filled slowly into the container. A filling speed of less than 100ml/s is advantageous here, a speed of less than 50ml/s is particularly advantageous, and a speed of less than 25ml/s is even better. This corresponds to 20s for filling a 500ml bottle.

The present invention is further directed to a method for filling containers, wherein a container to be filled is first fixed to a carrier. The carrier with the container fixed to it is then preferably pivoted into a rinsing position in which the container can be rinsed. The container is preferably rinsed through the mouth using a rinsing liquid. This rinsing liquid can also be water, for example.

In a further process step, the carrier with the container fixed to it is pivoted into a filling position and, in a further process step, the container is filled with a liquid through its mouth.

In a further preferred method, the container first pivots into an emptying position, which serves in particular to empty liquid in the container.

The device can have a measuring device to determine the amount of the drink or liquid to be filled into the container. This can be a flow measuring device, but it would also be possible to use a weight measuring device. Alternatively, the fill level of the container can also be determined by measuring the torque that the container being filled generates with respect to the axis of rotation of the carrier.

Preferably, the containers to be filled are standard containers that are standardized for this process or the device described here. In particular A predetermined area of the containers can be adapted to the fixing device.

The pivot axis, with respect to which the container is pivoted, can be arranged underneath the container (when the container is standing upright). However, it would also be conceivable for the fixing device to be designed in such a way that the geometric pivot axis runs through the container.

In another method, a customer first places a container to be filled on the plate or carrier. Any protective device that may be present, such as a protective cover, can be closed. Preferably, an electromagnet or other gripping device located in the carrier is activated and fixes the container on the carrier.

In a further step, the wearer swings the container with its mouth over the rinsing device. The rinsing process can start in this position.

After the rinsing process has been completed, the wearer swings the container mouth under a filling valve or under a filling device. The customer can then select the desired drink via a display, an app or even by voice input. The filling process starts.

Once filling is complete, the carrier swings back into its original position. The fixing device, e.g. the electromagnet, is deactivated, an optional protective device can be opened and the filled container can be removed.

The invention is therefore characterized by the fact that the filling process can be carried out in several treatment steps, in particular including a rinsing process, with a single movement, namely a rotation. Each treatment can be placed at the most favorable position in the area around the carrier. This means, for example, a rinsing nozzle at the bottom and the filling valves at the side or top. The container is fixed on the rotating part.

A suitable container, which preferably consists at least partially of a ferromagnetic material, is preferably held in position during the treatment by means of magnetic forces.

Further advantages and embodiments can be seen from the attached drawings.

Fig. 1

Eine Darstellung einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung;

Fig. 2

eine Darstellung der Vorrichtung aus Fig. 1 in einer weiteren Behandlungsposition;

Fig. 3

eine Darstellung der Vorrichtung aus Fig. 1 in einer weiteren Behandlungsposition;

Fig 4

eine Darstellung eines Behältnisses für eine erfindungsgemäße Vorrichtung;

Fig. 5

eine Detaildarstellung des in Fig. 4 gezeigten Behältnisses; und

Fig. 6

eine weitere Darstellung einer Vorrichtung zum Befüllen von Behältnissen in einer weiteren Ausführungsform.

Showing:

Fig. 1

A representation of a device according to the invention;

Fig. 2

a representation of the device from Fig. 1 in another treatment position;

Fig. 3

a representation of the device from Fig. 1 in another treatment position;

Fig 4

a representation of a container for a device according to the invention;

Fig. 5

a detailed representation of the Fig. 4 container shown; and

Fig. 6

a further representation of a device for filling containers in a further embodiment.

Figure 1 shows a representation of a device 1 according to the invention for filling containers 10. This has a carrier that can be pivoted and/or rotated about a pivot axis S. This carrier has a fixing device (not shown in detail) for fixing a container 10. The container 10 has an opening 10a through which it can be filled and rinsed.

The reference number 4 designates a first filling device, which can fill the container in a certain position. The reference number 42 designates a filling valve of this filling device 4. The reference number 8 designates a second filling device, which can also have a filling valve here. The reference number 20 designates a housing or a carrier on which the filling devices 4 and 8 as well as the carrier 2 are arranged.

The reference number 6 designates a flushing device for flushing or rinsing the containers. The reference number 62 designates a flushing valve or a flushing lance, which can allow a flushing liquid to flow into the interior of the container. It would be possible for this flushing lance to be designed to be extendable so that it can be inserted into the interior of the container. It would also be conceivable for the container to not only be pivotable but also to be linearly displaceable in order to insert a corresponding flushing lance into the container.

The reference numeral 12 designates a collecting container for collecting rinsing liquid and, if necessary, also for collecting any liquid that may still be in the container.

Figure 2 shows a representation of a device according to the invention in a rinsing position. Here, the container is deflected vertically downwards with the container mouth pointing downwards. In this position, rinsing of the interior of the container is possible. Figure 3 shows a further illustration in which the container is in a filling position, i.e. the container mouth is arranged below the first filling device 4.

Figure 4 shows a representation of a container with a bottom area 10b. In the Figure 5 It can be seen from the illustration shown that the container as a whole has an outer container 34 and an inner container 32. A ferromagnetic element 36, such as an iron plate/steel plate, can be arranged between these two containers 32 and 34. By means of this iron plate, the container can be attached to the Figure 1 shown supports can be temporarily attached.

However, it would also be possible for the container to be attached to the carrier in another way, for example it could be sucked onto its base as well as its peripheral wall using suction devices. It would also be possible for the container to be placed in a ring or ring-segment-like structure, which is then at least slightly placed on the container. Such a retaining ring could also have elastic means to hold the container securely. In this case, it should be taken into account that that such a retaining ring only has to hold the weight of the container itself, since this is supported by the carrier itself during the actual filling process.

Fig. 6 shows a further embodiment of a device for filling containers 10. The carrier 2 here has a first arrangement area B1 and a second arrangement area B2, on each of which the container 10 can be arranged. Preferably, the two arrangement areas B1, B2 also each have fixing means for fixing the container 10.

The two arrangement areas have a different distance from the pivot axis S. In this way, for example, a higher container can be placed in the arrangement area B1 and a less high container in the arrangement area B2. It would also be possible for the filling device 4 and/or the filling device 8 to be adjustable in the vertical direction or in the longitudinal direction of the container in order to enable adaptation to containers of different heights.

In addition, it would also be possible for the carrier 2 to have three or more arrangement areas.

It is also possible for the carrier 2 to have at least one arrangement area B1 or B2 and for the filling device 4 and/or the filling device 8 to be adjustable in the vertical direction or in the longitudinal direction of the container. Thus, at least two containers of different heights can be treated in at least one arrangement area B1 or B2.

list of reference symbols

1

device

2

carrier

4

first filling device

6

flushing device

8

second filling device

10

container

10a

mouth

10b

floor area

12

collection container

20

Housing

32

inner container

34

outer container

36

ferromagnetic element

42

filling valve

62

flush valve or flush lance

S

swivel axis

B1

first arrangement area

B2

second arrangement area

Claims (13)

1. An apparatus (1) for filling containers (10) with a carrier (2) on which a container to be filled can be placed and fixed, wherein this carrier being pivotable with respect to a pivot axis (S) which extends at an angle different from 0° with respect to a longitudinal direction (L) of the container to be filled, with a first filling device (4) in order to fill the container in a first pivot position of the container (10) with respect to the pivot axis (S) via its mouth,
   characterized in that
   the apparatus has a rinsing device (6) in order to rinse the container (10) through its mouth (10a) in a second pivot position (S2) of the container with respect to the pivot axis.
2. The apparatus (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that
   the pivot axis is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the container.
3. The apparatus (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that
   a fixing device (22) for fixing the container to the carrier is arranged on the carrier.
4. The apparatus (1) according to the preceding claim,
   characterized in that
   the fixing device (22) comprises fixing means selected from a group of fixing means comprising vacuum fixing means, magnetic fixing means, gripping elements, mechanical elements, combinations thereof and the like.
5. The apparatus (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims,
   characterized in that
   the container comprises second fixing means for fixing the container to the carrier.
6. The apparatus (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that
   the first filling device (4) is arranged in such a way that the container is filled by this first filling device (4) in a pivot position which deviates from a vertical orientation of the container.
7. The apparatus (1) according to claim 2,
   characterized in that
   the rinsing device is arranged in such a way that the container can be rinsed by this rinsing device in a pivot position which deviates from a vertical orientation of the container.
8. The apparatus (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that
   the apparatus comprises a second filling device (8) for filling the container in a second pivoted position of the container (10) with respect to the pivot axis (S) via its mouth.
9. The apparatus (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that
   the apparatus (1) comprises inspection means for inspecting the container.
10. The apparatus (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that
    the carrier comprises a first arrangement area (B1) for arranging the container and a second arrangement area (B3) and the container can be selectively arranged at the first arrangement area (B1) or the second arrangement area (B2).
11. The apparatus (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that
    a filling speed at which the filling device fills the container is variable and/or adjustable.
12. A method for filling containers comprising the steps of:

    - fixing a container (10) to be filled to a carrier (2)

    - pivoting the carrier (2) with the container (10) fixed thereto into a rinsing position and rinsing the container (10) through its mouth (10a) with a rinsing liquid

    - pivoting the carrier with the container fixed thereto into a filling position and filling the container through its mouth (10a) with a liquid.
13. The method according to claim 12,
    characterized in that
    the container (10) is inspected.

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