Beverage Dispenser

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (1) for filling containers (10), comprising: a positioning surface (12) on which a container (10) to be filled can be arranged; a filling device (2) which is suitable and intended to fill the container via a container opening (10a) of the container. According to the invention, the device (1) comprises: a contour detection device (4) which is suitable and intended to: determine the contour of the container (10) to be filled; and a determination device (6) which detects the internal volume of the container (10) taking into account the contour of the container (10).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus for use in a method for filling containers and in particular to a so-called beverage dispenser. Background Art

[0002] The various designs of beverage dispensers are known in the prior art. Here, also known beverage dispensers are known in which an empty container is placed by the user in the beverage dispenser, and the container is filled subsequently.

[0003] In the case of beverage dispensers from the prior art, the user is responsible for selecting the appropriate filling volume. This is done by either the user selecting the desired volume by pressing a button or in some other way, or the user continues to press a button until the desired time for filling has arrived. Both procedures involve a high probability of error. Thus, for example, the container can be overfilled or the container can be contaminated from the outside.

[0004] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned processing method, the filling medium is wasted in some cases. In addition, such a processing method is problematic, especially in the case of a beverage dispenser in which the user does not preset a specific container, but rather places an arbitrary container into the beverage dispenser by the user. This processing method has recently become more and more popular in consideration of environmental protection, because various reusable containers can also be set by the user. Summary of the invention

[0005] Therefore, the object on which the present invention is based is: in particular avoid such overfilling of containers. Here, the present invention should also be applicable to various containers in particular.

[0006] The device for filling a container according to the present invention comprises a positioning device and especially a positioning surface, and the container to be filled can be arranged on the positioning device and especially the positioning surface. In addition, the device comprises a filling device, which is suitable for and is intended to fill the container via its container opening with a liquid medium.

[0007] According to the invention, the device comprises a contour detection device which is suitable and intended to determine the contour and in particular the outer contour of the container to be filled and comprises a determination device which determines the inner volume of the container taking into account the container contour.

[0008] Therefore, it is proposed within the scope of the invention to detect the contour and in particular the outer contour of the container. In this case, it is particularly possible to determine the inner volume of the container while also taking into account the (possibly approximate) wall thickness of the container wall of the container. In a preferred embodiment, the filling device has a control device to control the filling of the container as a function of the detected inner volume.

[0009] The filling device can have a measuring device in order to determine the amount of liquid filled into the container. For example, this can be a flow meter or a weighing device. It is also possible to determine the volume of the liquid filled by measuring the filling time (time filling).

[0010] Preferably, the liquid to be filled is a beverage.

[0011] In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the device for filling containers comprises a positioning device and in particular a positioning surface, on which the container to be filled can be arranged. In addition, the device comprises a filling device, which is suitable and intended to fill the container through its container opening, in particular with a liquid medium. According to the invention, the device here generally comprises a volume determination device, which detects the internal volume of the container to be filled and fills the container taking into account the internal volume to be determined.

[0012] Thus, for example, it is also conceivable to detect or determine the height of the container and, for example, starting from a plurality of different containers, estimate the internal volume based on the height of these containers. It is also possible to detect the cross section of the container in addition to detecting the height of the container, for example, to determine the bottom of the container and estimate the internal volume of the container based on the bottom and the height.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, the device comprises a position detection device, which detects the position of the container relative to the positioning surface. In this way, as explained in more detail below, the filling mechanism or the filling nozzle can be moved into the correct position for the filling process.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the positioning surface is oriented horizontally or horizontally and the container is placed on this surface in an upright position (with the opening and in particular the mouth facing upwards). However, the container can also be arranged obliquely in the filling device or beverage dispenser. In a preferred embodiment, the container is a bottle. However, other containers, such as cups, buckets, cans, etc. can also be used.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, the device comprises an operating device, by means of which the user can select at least one variable characterizing the filling process. Thus, for example, the user can select the beverage to be filled or also the volume to be filled by means of the operating surface. If necessary, the user can also determine the temperature of the liquid to be filled, for example whether the user wishes to dispense with hot or cold water. In another preferred embodiment, the device also comprises a display device, which outputs information to the user, such as whether the choice of a beverage is available, etc.

[0016] In a further preferred embodiment, the device comprises a reservoir or container for receiving a liquid and in particular a beverage.

[0017] In another preferred embodiment, the filling device has a filling element, which can be moved at least in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the container (and / or in a direction parallel to the plane of the positioning surface). In this way, the filling element can be adapted to the position of the container. In a preferred embodiment, the filling element is a filling nozzle, which can be positioned above the mouth for filling.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment, the filling element can also be moved in a second direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and perpendicular to the first direction. Thus, the filling element is preferably movable in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the container.

[0019] In another preferred embodiment, the filling element is movable in the longitudinal direction of the container to be filled. In this way, containers of different heights can also be filled, for which purpose the filling element is preferably guided close to the mouth or opening of the container. In this way, soiling of the device or the outside of the container to be filled by the filling material can be prevented.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment, the contour detection device is suitable and intended to generate a two-dimensional image of the container. In this embodiment, it is based on the fact that the container itself is usually designed to be rotationally symmetrical. In this way, the internal volume can also be inferred from the two-dimensional image of the container or determined while taking into account the rotational symmetry.

[0021] In a further embodiment, it is possible to reproduce the contour or an image of the contour on an image reproduction device.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment, the contour detection device has a plurality of radiation sources, the radiation of which can be directed onto the container. The radiation source can in particular be a light source, for example an LED or a laser light source. Preferably, the radiation sources are arranged one above the other in the height direction of the container or in its longitudinal direction. Preferably, the radiation devices are arranged equidistant from one another. Thus, for example, it is possible that the individual radiation devices are arranged at a predetermined spacing from one another. Preferably, the radiation sources are arranged along a line.

[0023] In this embodiment, the beverage dispenser therefore comprises a sensor device in order to determine the contour and / or the volume of the container to be filled. In the embodiment described here, for example, a light curtain can be used which measures the contour of the container.

[0024] The light sources preferably have a spacing of more than 0.1 mm, preferably more than 0.3 mm, preferably more than 0.5 mm, preferably more than 1 mm and preferably more than 2 mm from each other. In another preferred embodiment, the light sources have a spacing of less than 20 mm, preferably less than 15 mm, preferably less than 10 mm, preferably less than 8 mm and particularly preferably less than 7 mm from each other.

[0025] Particularly preferably, the contour detection device also has a sensor device for detecting light. It is thus possible that the contour detection can be designed in the form of a plurality of light barriers, each of which is suitable for detecting the contour of the container by distinguishing whether the container is present in the region in the longitudinal direction or in the height direction of the container. However, preferably, the sensor device is arranged on the same side of the device as the container and thus preferably detects the reflection of the radiation emitted by the radiation source after reflection by the container.

[0026] However, instead, one or more laser units may also be provided which are designed to be movable in order to scan the interior of the device behind the container in this way.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment, the radiation source or light source mentioned is arranged at a carrier, which can be moved in a direction relative to the longitudinal direction of the container. In this way, the space in which the container is located can be scanned in the transverse direction of the container, so that the contour of the container can also be detected.

[0028] Yet can be feasible: be provided with the array of light source, this array preferably extends along the longitudinal direction of container and transverse to its direction.Here, for example, each light source of this array can be activated in a row, so that the existence of the container is also scanned in this way.

[0029] In another preferred embodiment, the light curtain or the radiation source is arranged parallel to the side of the receiving space, wherein the receiving space is used to receive the container. In a preferred embodiment, the side that preferably absorbs light is arranged on the side of the space opposite the radiation source. In this way, the container can be detected in a spatially resolved manner by means of a plurality of radiation sources.

[0030] It is possible here that the radiation sources or light sources can be activated individually or in groups to scan the container. It is thus possible that the carrier with the radiation sources can be moved step by step and all radiation sources are activated together or in a predetermined sequence in each position in order to determine the contour of the container.

[0031] However, instead of a plurality of radiation sources, it would also be possible to use one or more cameras which observe the receiving space with the container located therein. By means of a corresponding image evaluation device, it is likewise possible to measure the contour of the container located in or on the surface of the receiving space.

[0032] Thus, for example, it is possible to provide two image recording devices or two cameras which observe the container. It is possible here to observe the container from two different sides by means of two image recording devices, for example to observe the container in two different transverse directions by two cameras. Furthermore, it is possible to arrange the image recording devices or cameras above the container. It is also possible to detect the position of the container and its contour by means of suitable image recording software.

[0033] To evaluate the corresponding images, it is possible to use artificial intelligence, i.e., for example, deep learning methods. It is also possible to compare the image recorded by the camera with a plurality of reference images in order to infer the type of container therefrom. However, it is also possible that the image evaluation device or the image recording device detects the contour of the container, for example, because it stands out against the background. For this purpose, in addition to the image recording device, a lighting device that illuminates the container can also be used.

[0034] Such an image recording device can also be used to record the filling state of the container by means of a camera.

[0035] From the two-dimensional image, the spatial content of the container can be determined, for example, for round bottles (particularly after subtracting the wall thickness). It is possible to deduct a specific value, which is permanently programmed in the control device, as the wall thickness. In this way, the risk of overfilling the container is eliminated. Furthermore, it is not necessary to position the container at a specific point on the positioning surface.

[0036] In a further advantageous embodiment, the device comprises at least one first distance detection device which is suitable and intended to detect the distance of the container from the distance detection device.

[0037] The distance detection device can be, for example, an ultrasonic sensor, which detects the distance between the container or its outer wall and the sensor. Preferably, the distance detection device is also arranged on the above-mentioned movable carrier and / or can be moved perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the container. By moving the distance detection device and thereby repeatedly detecting the distance, characteristic properties of the container can also be detected, such as whether the container is round or angular, because the distance between the container and the distance detection device can be determined based on the movement direction of the distance detection device.

[0038] The spacing detection device is preferably arranged in the bottom area of ​​the container. In another preferred embodiment, it is also possible to provide a plurality of such spacing detection devices, which respectively detect the spacing of the containers. In this case, the spacing detection devices can be arranged side by side in the longitudinal direction of the container and in a direction extending perpendicularly thereto.

[0039] Furthermore, it is also possible that by appropriate measures, such as the holder, the user can pre-set an exact position, and the user can position the container on the holder. Thus, for example, a V-shaped frame can be provided on the positioning surface, and the user places the container in the V-shaped frame so that the container is in an exactly defined position. The frame can, for example, have contact elements, so that the filling process is only triggered when the container contacts the contact elements. In this way, it is also possible to achieve an already relatively accurate pre-positioning of the container on the positioning surface.

[0040] However, preferably, the position of the container and in particular the position of the mouth is determined by the recorded two-dimensional image and preferably by an additional ultrasonic sensor in three-dimensional space, which determines the y coordinate of the container position. Alternatively, however, laser scanners, cameras, etc. can also be used for the purpose of measuring the container.

[0041] In this case, the user only has to place the container to be filled in the device and press the triggering means, i.e., for example, a start button. Alternatively, if an existing sensor system is used for detecting the insertion of the container, pressing the button can also be omitted. Thereafter, the filling process can be carried out immediately after the container has been inserted (= measuring the container and then filling).

[0042] In another preferred embodiment, the device comprises a filling state detection device, which detects the filling state of the liquid in the container.

[0043] Furthermore, the filling state detection device can be, for example, a further ultrasonic sensor device which preferably detects the distance to the liquid in the container through the opening of the container. The filling state detection device can be arranged above the opening of the container to be filled.

[0044] Furthermore, the filling state detection device can be arranged on a carrier, which is preferably movable in at least one direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the container and preferably in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the container. Furthermore, the filling state detection device can be arranged on the same carrier, on which a filling element for filling the container is also arranged.

[0045] In another preferred embodiment, the filling state detection device is an optical filling state detection device. It is thus possible that, for example, the image recording device observes the container through the mouth or from the side and infers the filling state of the liquid in the container from the corresponding recorded images.

[0046] It is also possible to use a laser as a filling state detection device, which is irradiated laterally into the container. In addition, the filling state detection device can also have other sensor devices, such as an acoustic camera or a radar detector, which checks the container from above through the mouth or from the side and infers the filling state accordingly.

[0047] In another preferred embodiment, the device comprises an input device, via which the user of the device can control, for example, trigger the filling process. Thus, an input area can be preset, via which the user can enter commands or selections to the device.

[0048] However, it is also conceivable that the device comprises an input module having a voice control device. Here, the user can, for example, start a filling process, select a beverage, etc. by voice input.

[0049] The invention also relates to a method for filling containers, wherein a container arranged on a positioning surface is filled via its container opening by means of a filling device. According to the invention, the contour of the container is detected by means of a contour detection device and the inner volume of the container is determined taking this contour into account.

[0050] Preferably, the wall thickness of the container is also taken into account when determining the inner volume of the container. Preferably, the position of the container on the positioning surface is also detected, which can be performed in particular by a distance detection device as described above.

[0051] In a further preferred method, the filling process of the container is also controlled on the basis of the inner volume.

[0052] In another preferred method, the filling state of the liquid in the container is determined at least once and the filling process is determined based on the filling state. In a preferred method, the wall thickness of the container is inferred from the filling state and in particular taking into account the container contour and / or the wall thickness of the container is determined.

[0053] In order to start the filling process, various procedures are conceivable. Thus, the filling process can be started by an input from the user, for example by pressing a button. The filling process can also be started automatically after the container is set. For example, the filling process can be started automatically after measuring the contour and / or position of the container. This means that the triggering is triggered, for example, by the above-mentioned light curtain or contour detection device.

[0054] However, it is conceivable to trigger the filling process by reading in or detecting a mark, for example, by reading in an RFID chip, a QR code, a barcode, etc. and in particular a mark located at the container. Thus, for example, the container can be identified based on this mark and the corresponding filling process can be triggered.

[0055] Preferably, the device comprises a safety device which allows the container to be filled only if certain conditions exist. Thus, for example, the sensor device can detect whether the user's hand is still in the filling space. Only when this is no longer the case is the filling process triggered and / or started.

[0056] In a preferred method, a portion of the liquid to be filled is firstly filled into the container and its filling state is then determined and the wall thickness of the container is inferred from this filling state.

[0057] In another method, it is also possible to detect and / or measure the bottom contour of the container. This can also be achieved, for example, by the above-mentioned ultrasonic distance measuring device.

[0058] The above method works for all containers with approximately the same wall thickness. However, problems arise if, for example, instead of filling PET containers in cans, glass bottles or double-walled stainless steel or aluminum cups are filled on the machine. In this case, the wall thickness can vary greatly, so that different methods are proposed for this case.

[0059] In this preferred method, the outer contour of the container is also determined as described above. Then, the filling process begins. However, only part of the liquid is filled, for example only 50% of the calculated filling volume is filled, and then a short interruption is performed. During the interruption, further measurements are performed. A sensor device, such as an ultrasonic sensor, preferably measures the achieved filling level from above and / or through the mouth of the container. The wall thickness of the container can be calculated from the comparison of the target filling height and the actual filling height.

[0060] Subsequently, the remaining amount to be filled is calculated and filling is continued. With this method, all types of containers can be filled, for example double-walled or rectangular containers. In any case, the desired ideal volume can be filled. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0061] Further advantages and embodiments can be seen from the attached drawings. The drawings show:

[0062] Figure 1 A filling device or beverage dispenser according to the invention is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0063] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a device 1 according to the invention or a beverage dispenser 1 according to the invention is shown, which comprises a housing 5 enclosing an interior space 20. The housing has a plurality of side walls, such as the side wall 24.

[0064] Reference numeral 12 denotes a positioning surface which is preferably flat and horizontal and on which a user can position an unclosed container 10 with its mouth 10a facing upward. Reference numeral L denotes the longitudinal direction of the container.

[0065] Reference numeral 2 schematically and roughly denotes a filling device for filling containers. The filling device here has a filling element 22 which can fill a liquid into the container 10. The filling element 22 is arranged here on a carrier 45. The carrier 45 can be moved here in directions x and y. In addition, the carrier can also be moved in a direction z parallel to the longitudinal direction of the container 10. In this way, the filling element can be positioned above the opening 10a to fill the container 10.

[0066] Reference numeral 48 denotes a second sensor device for detecting the filling state in the container. In addition, the second sensor device 48 can be used to check before the filling process starts whether the user has removed the closure of the container before placing the container in the device. The device also includes a drive (not shown) that realizes the movement of the carrier 45 in the directions x, y, z. The drive is especially an electric drive, but pneumatic, hydraulic or linear motor drives are also conceivable. Reference numeral 50 schematically denotes a control device, which is used to control the movement of the carrier or the filling element and / or the sensor device 48. Reference numeral 6 denotes a processor device.

[0067] Reference numeral 44 denotes a carrier that can be moved in the direction y, on which a plurality of radiation sources 42 are arranged. The interior 20 can be scanned by the movement of the carrier 44, and the contour of the container 10 can be recorded by irradiating the container 10. In addition, a sensor device (not shown) can also be provided on the carrier, which is used to detect the radiation output by the radiation source 42 and reflected by the container 10.

[0068] However, it is also possible and preferred that the radiation device 42 is arranged on the first section 44a of the carrier 44 and the sensor device is arranged on the opposite section 44b of the carrier. In this case, the contour detection is carried out by using a plurality of light barriers, which are respectively formed by the radiation device on the section 44a of the carrier and the sensor device on the section 44b of the carrier cooperating with the radiation device. By moving the carrier 44 and activating the individual radiation sources accordingly, the outer contour of the container 10 can be measured.

[0069] A drive may also be provided to move the carrier 44. It is also conceivable that the carrier 45 is likewise arranged on the carrier 44 and preferably arranged displaceably on the carrier 44 in the direction x. In this way, a drive for the device can be omitted.

[0070] Reference numeral 8 denotes a distance measuring device or spacing measuring device, which determines the distance of the container 10 from the distance measuring device. Here, the distance measuring device or spacing measuring device is also arranged on the carrier 44 and is thus arranged to be movable in the direction y.

[0071] Reference numeral 6 schematically denotes a determination device or processor device, which determines the internal volume of the container based on the determined contour thereof. Based on the internal volume thus determined, the filling of the container can be controlled. Furthermore, preferably, the determination device 6 can also determine the position of the container 10 and preferably also its geometry based on the data of the distance measuring device 8. Based on this information, the filling element can be moved into the correct filling position.

[0072] The applicant reserves the right to claim the features disclosed in the present application documents as the essence of the present invention, as long as the features are novel with respect to the prior art, either individually or in combination. In addition, it should be noted that features that can be advantageous in themselves are also described in the various figures. It should be immediately recognized by those skilled in the art that a particular feature described in the figures can also be advantageous without the use of other features in the figures. In addition, those skilled in the art recognize that advantages can also be obtained by combining more features shown in individual or different figures.

[0073] Reference numerals list

[0074] 1 Equipment

[0075] 2 Filling device

[0076] 4 Contour detection device

[0077] 5 Housing

[0078] 8. Spacing measuring device

[0079] 10 Container

[0080] 10a Opening of container

[0081] 12 Positioning surface

[0082] 20 Interior Space

[0083] 22 Filling elements

[0084] 24 Sidewall

[0085] 42 Radiation Device

[0086] 44 Carrier

[0087] 44a, b Section of carrier 42

[0088] 45 Carrier

[0089] 48 Canned state measuring device

[0090] L Longitudinal direction.

Claims

1. A device (1) for filling a container (10), the device comprising: A positioning surface (12) on which a container (10) to be filled can be arranged; a filling device (2) suitable for and intended to: fill the container via a container opening (10a) of the container, It is characterized in that The device (1) comprises: a contour detection device (4), which is suitable and intended to: determine the contour of the container (10) to be filled; and a determination device (6), which detects the internal volume of the container (10) taking into account the contour of the container (10), wherein the device (1) comprises a position detection device (8), which detects the position of the container relative to the positioning surface (12), wherein the filling device (2) has a filling element (22), which can be moved in at least one direction (X) perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (L) of the container, and the filling element can also be moved in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (L) of the container and perpendicular to the at least one direction (X), and the filling element can also be moved in the longitudinal direction (L) of the container.

2. The device (1) according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The contour detection device (4) is suitable for and intended to generate a two-dimensional image of the container (10).

3. The device (1) according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The contour detection device has a plurality of radiation sources (42), the radiation of which can be directed onto the container.

4. The device (1) according to claim 3, It is characterized in that The radiation source is arranged on a carrier (44) which is movable in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the container (10).

5. The device (1) according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The position detection device (8) is a first distance detection device, which is suitable for and intended to: detect the distance between the container and the distance detection device.

6. The device (1) according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The device (1) comprises a filling state detection device (48) for detecting the filling state of the liquid in the container (10).

7. A method for filling containers, wherein a container (10) arranged on a positioning surface is filled via its container opening (10a) by means of a filling device, It is characterized in that The contour of the container (10) is detected by means of a contour detection device (4), and the internal volume of the container (10) is determined taking into account the contour, and the position of the container relative to the positioning surface (12) is detected by means of a position detection device (8), wherein the filling device (2) has a filling element (22) which can be moved in at least one direction (X) perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (L) of the container, the filling element can also be moved in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (L) of the container and perpendicular to the at least one direction (X), and the filling element can also be moved in the longitudinal direction (L) of the container.

8. The method according to claim 7, It is characterized in that A filling state of a liquid in the container is determined at least once, and a filling process is controlled based on the filling state.

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