Local facilities for handling containers

Abstract

The invention relates to a facility (10) for handling containers, which is set up in a shopping mall or a railway station. The facility (10) has a receiving area (12), a cleaning device (14), a filling device (16), a removal area (18) and a handling device (20). The facility (10) can advantageously be set up or installed directly in a shopping mall, a railway station or a central area of ​​a public space (e.g. a market). The facility (10) allows beverages and other products to be filled locally. In this case, the containers (10) can be cleaned beforehand to ensure hygienic filling. The invention also relates to a method for operating the facility (10).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a facility for processing containers and a method for operating a facility for processing containers, wherein the facility is suitable for local installation in a shopping mall or a railway station. Background Art

[0002] Beverages and other liquid or pasty products are manufactured in large factories and packaged into small containers (primary packaging), for example, consisting of a plurality of individual containers. These containers are combined into larger containers by secondary packaging. The larger containers are then transported to the retail industry, mostly by truck, and partly via the wholesale industry.

[0003] Single-use or reusable containers are used for both primary and secondary packaging. Single-use packaging is only partially recycled, the rest is incinerated or landfilled - with corresponding environmental damage and destruction of valuable resources. All packaging must be transported from the packaging manufacturer to the filler, from the beverage filler to the wholesaler and from the wholesaler to the retailer. The reusable containers return again along the same route. Single-use packaging must be transported from the retailer or consumer to a recycling facility or a landfill or incinerator. In addition, packaging in the form of small receptacles requires significantly more packaging material than large receptacles, since the small volume is surrounded by a large surface area.

[0004] WO 2018 / 118659 A1 discloses a method for delivering products using consumer refillable packaging in a retail environment. The method includes manufacturing a liquid product at a manufacturing location. The liquid product is then transported to a retail location in a refillable tank, which is installed in a storage room as part of a delivery subsystem for transferring the liquid product from the storage room to a refilling station in a retail location. The consumer operates the refilling station to refill the liquid product from the tank in the storage room into a refillable container through the refilling station. Summary of the invention

[0005] The task on which the present invention is based is to create a technology for supplying beverages and / or other products to consumers which is environmentally friendly and generates less packaging waste.

[0006] This object is achieved by the features described below. Advantageous developments are described in the embodiments described below.

[0007] One aspect relates to a facility (e.g., a small facility and / or a local facility) for handling containers set up in a shopping mall (e.g., a retail environment or a wholesale environment) or a train station. The facility has a receiving area in which at least one container can be manually positioned by a user. The facility has a cleaning device for cleaning the interior of the at least one container. The facility has a filling device for filling the at least one container. The facility has a removal area from which the user can manually remove the at least one container after processing (e.g., cleaning and filling) in the facility. The facility has a handling device, which is configured to transport containers between the receiving area, the cleaning device, the filling device, and the removal area (e.g., by means of individual manipulation or individual handling of single or multiple containers).

[0008] Advantageously, the facility can be directly set up or installed in a shopping mall, a train station or a central square of a public space (e.g., a market). The facility enables beverages and other products to be filled locally. In this case, the container can be pre-cleaned to ensure hygienic filling. Advantageously, the container is a reusable container, such as a glass bottle or a metal bottle (or a can, a carton, a vial, etc.). The facility can provide the following advantages: the packaging can be reused more frequently and the transportation path is shorter. The primary packaging (= container) is only transported from the consumer to the point of sale and from the point of sale to the consumer. Secondary packaging can be reduced: for example, only reusable boxes are used, and film is no longer required. In order to transport from the manufacturer to the point of sale (= facility), for example, only large storage containers (containers) can be used. When the content is the same, the weight of the large storage container is lighter than that of a single container and the space occupied is less. Therefore, for example, more products can be transported in a truck. In general, for example, less carbon dioxide can be emitted and resources can be saved.

[0009] In one embodiment, the receiving area and the removal area are designed as an integrated unit. Thus, a space-saving solution for receiving and exporting containers can be advantageously provided.

[0010] In another embodiment, the receiving area and / or the removal area is designed as a (e.g. monitored) compartment, which preferably restricts access to the facility (e.g. to the cleaning device, to the filling device and / or to the handling device). Advantageously, unauthorized access to the facility can be prevented and the risk of injury to the user can be reduced, for example.

[0011] In another embodiment, a plurality of containers can be positioned manually (or at once) in one receptacle, preferably one box, in the receiving area by the user. Alternatively or additionally, a plurality of containers in one receptacle, preferably one box, can be manually removed from the removal area at the same time (or at once). The performance of the facility can thus be advantageously improved and, for example, a real alternative to a conventional beverage department in a conventional beverage market or supermarket can be created.

[0012] In another embodiment, the handling device has at least one preferably multi-axis robot, preferably an articulated arm robot, a portal robot and / or a parallel robot (Deltaroboter) (or is constructed as such a robot). Alternatively or additionally, the handling device flexibly connects the receiving area, the cleaning device, the filling device and the removal area to each other (for example, adaptably, variably or programmably in control technology). Alternatively or additionally, the receiving area, the cleaning device, the filling device and / or the removal area are distributed around the handling device, preferably in a star shape. Therefore, a particularly space-saving facility can be advantageously created. Preferably, container transportation can be designed very flexibly. For example, when some containers are cleaned in the cleaning device, the handling device can transport other containers out of the filling device or the receiving area. The handling device is preferably always able to accurately transport containers where container transportation is just needed.

[0013] For example, the handling equipment may be arranged substantially in the center of the facility.

[0014] In one embodiment, the filling device has a plurality of filling stations for filling the at least one container in different ways. Advantageously, different products can also be filled in this way.

[0015] In another embodiment, a plurality of filling stations are at least partially connected or connectable to a large reservoir filled in different ways. Alternatively or additionally, at least one of the plurality of filling stations is connected to a mixing system, a reverse osmosis system, a softener, a remineralization system, a carbonator and / or a drinking water connection of the facility. Alternatively or additionally, at least one of the plurality of filling stations is configured as an aseptic filling station for aseptic filling. Alternatively or additionally, at least one of the plurality of filling stations is configured to mix a plurality of products during filling.

[0016] In another embodiment, the facility also has a closure release device for releasing a closure, preferably a screw closure, from at least one container. Alternatively or additionally, the facility has a closure device for closing at least one container, preferably using a screw closure. Alternatively or additionally, the facility has a closure cleaning device for cleaning the closure of at least one container. For example, the closure cleaning device can be integrated with the cleaning device or constructed separately therefrom.

[0017] In another embodiment, the facility also has a buffer area in which the at least one container can be temporarily stored. Advantageously, for example, a filled container can be temporarily stored until an operator comes to retrieve it. The container thus does not, for example, block the removal area and, if necessary, the receiving area.

[0018] In another embodiment, the facility also has an unpacking station and / or a packing station, at which multiple containers can be removed from a storage container, preferably a box and / or positioned in a storage container, preferably a box, preferably with the aid of the handling device or with the aid of a robot of the unpacking station and / or the packing station, preferably a SCARA robot.

[0019] In a variant embodiment, the facility also has an inspection device, which is designed to inspect the containers for damage and / or contamination, preferably visually, chemically and / or by means of a mass spectrometer. Thus, damaged containers or containers with contamination that can no longer be cleaned can be advantageously excluded.

[0020] In another embodiment variant, the facility may also have a labeling device and / or a printing device which is designed to set a shelf life and / or information about the filling medium for the respective container depending on the filling medium which has been filled into the respective container by the filling device.

[0021] In one embodiment, the device further comprises a communication interface for communicating (e.g. directly, indirectly and / or wirelessly) with a mobile terminal device (e.g. a tablet, a smartphone, etc.). Advantageously, the device can thus be controlled, for example, via the mobile terminal device and, for example, an application installed on the mobile terminal device. For example, the transmission can be carried out from home via the Internet or directly on site at the device by means of wireless communication with the device (e.g. WLAN, Bluetooth, NFC, etc.).

[0022] In one embodiment, the communication interface is configured to receive order information for filling at least one predetermined container with a predetermined filling medium from a mobile terminal device (and, for example, transmit the order information to a control unit of the facility). With the help of the application, for example, the product to be filled can be selected at home.

[0023] In another embodiment, the communication interface is configured to send extraction information for extracting at least one predetermined container from the removal area to the mobile terminal device. Thus, the user can be advantageously informed when he can extract the filled container from the facility.

[0024] In another embodiment, the communication interface is configured to send status information about the current processing status of at least one predetermined container to the mobile terminal device, so that the user can be advantageously informed of how long the processing will continue.

[0025] In another embodiment, the communication interface is configured to receive billing information for processing the at least one predetermined container from the mobile terminal device and / or to send the billing information to the mobile terminal. It is thus preferred that payment can be made, for example, via an application.

[0026] In another embodiment, the communication interface is configured to send information about the available filling medium of the filling device, about the estimated container processing time, about the price of container processing, about compatible containers and / or about the occupancy status of the facility to the mobile terminal device.

[0027] In one embodiment, the facility also has a user interface, by means of which a user can enter order information about filling at least one predetermined container with a predetermined filling medium. Alternatively or additionally, information about the available filling medium of the filling device, about the estimated container processing duration, about the price of the container processing, about compatible containers and / or about the occupancy status of the facility can be output by means of the user interface. Alternatively or additionally, the user interface is designed to receive cash, make cashless payments and / or output (e.g. digital or printed) invoice receipts.

[0028] In one embodiment, the facility has a total footprint of ≤100qm, ≤80qm, ≤60qm, ≤50qm, ≤40qm, ≤30qm, ≤20qm, ≤15qm or ≤10qm. Thus a relatively small facility for installation in a shopping mall, railway station or the like can be advantageously created.

[0029] Unpacking devices and / or packaging devices, inspection devices, closure release devices, closure cleaning devices, buffer areas, closing devices and / or labeling devices and / or printing devices (for example also) can be distributed around the handling device.

[0030] The handling equipment can be configured to transport containers between unpacking equipment and / or packaging equipment, inspection equipment, closure release equipment, closure cleaning equipment, buffer areas, closing equipment and / or labeling equipment and / or printing equipment (e.g., by means of individual handling or individual handling of single or multiple containers).

[0031] Another aspect relates to a method for operating a facility as disclosed herein, preferably in a shopping mall or a railway station. The method comprises manually positioning at least one container in a receiving area by a user, transporting the at least one container through the facility by means of a handling device, and cleaning the at least one container by means of the cleaning device. The method also comprises filling at least one (e.g. cleaned) container by means of a filling device (e.g. with drinking water, milk, juice, soft drinks, soda, beer, wine, detergent or care product) and providing at least one (e.g. cleaned and filled) container in a removal area for manual removal.

[0032] For example, the method may further comprise removing the at least one container from a receptacle, preferably a box, by means of an unpacking device. Optionally, the method may comprise loosening a closure from the at least one container by means of a closure loosening device. The method may preferably comprise inspecting the at least one container by means of an inspection device. Preferably, the method may comprise cleaning the loosened closure by means of a closure cleaning device or a cleaning device. For example, the method may further comprise closing the at least one container by means of a closing device, preferably with a cleaned closure. Optionally, the method may further comprise packing the at least one container in a receptacle, preferably a box, by means of the packaging device. The method may preferably further comprise temporarily storing the at least one container in a buffer area.

[0033] Preferably, the term "control unit" may relate to an electronic device (e.g. with one or more microprocessors and a data memory) which, depending on the design, may undertake control tasks and / or regulation tasks and / or processing tasks. Even if the term "control" is used in this context, this may also suitably include or mean "regulation" or "control with feedback" and / or "processing".

[0034] The above-mentioned preferred embodiments and features of the present invention can be combined with each other arbitrarily. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] Further details and advantages of the invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0036] Figure 1 A schematic top view of a (small) facility for processing containers according to an embodiment of the disclosure is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] Figure 1 A container handling facility 10 is shown. The facility 10 is configured as a small facility or a local facility. For example, the facility 10 has a total floor area of ​​≤100 m2, ≤80 m2, ≤60 m2, ≤50 m2, ≤40 m2, ≤30 m2, ≤20 m2, ≤15 m2 or ≤10 m2. The facility 10 can preferably be set up or used in a shopping market (e.g., a supermarket, a discount store, a beverage store, a retail store, a wholesale store, a shopping center, etc.). Alternatively, the facility 10 can be set up or used, for example, in a central square of a railway station or a public space. The facility 10 can be placed, for example, in a closable room that cannot be entered by a user B of the facility 10 or can only be entered by technical and service personnel (e.g., protected by a key).

[0038] The facility 10 has a receiving area 12, a cleaning device 14, a filling device 16, a removal area 18 and a handling device 20. The facility 10 can also have an unpacking and / or packaging station 22, a closure release device 24, an inspection device 26, a buffer area 28, a closure device 30 and / or a labeling and / or printing device 32. The facility 10 can also have a user interface 34, a communication interface 36 and / or a control unit 38.

[0039] The receiving area 12 is designed to receive a container 40 from a user B. The user B can position the container 40 himself in the receiving area 12 . The container 40 positioned in the receiving area 12 can preferably be transported away by the handling device 20 .

[0040] The container 40 is preferably a reusable container. The container 40 may be intended for use in the facility 10. Preferably, the container 40 is a glass container (e.g. a glass bottle) or a metal container (e.g. a metal bottle), preferably for filling food or beverages for hygienic reasons. However, the container 40 may also be, for example, a plastic container, preferably for filling cleaning agents or care products or health products. In order to use the facility 10, the user B may carry the container 40 with him or, for example, purchase the container 40 on site at the facility 10.

[0041] For example, the container 40 can be placed individually, in multiples, or in at least one container (e.g., a box) into the receiving area 12. The receiving area 12 can also be divided into a plurality of sub-areas. A sub-area can be designed to receive a single container 40. Another sub-area can be designed to receive at least one storage container having a plurality of containers 40.

[0042] The receiving area 12 can have a fixed parking surface for the container 40. Alternatively, the parking surface is movable, for example, in the form of a plate or belt conveyor. The container 40 can be transported on the movable parking surface, for example in the direction of the handling device 20 and / or in the opposite direction thereof.

[0043] The receiving area 12 can separate the user B from the facility 10. The receiving area 12 can be designed as a compartment. The compartment can, for example, have at least one compartment door 42, 44.

[0044] The compartment door 42 in the closed position may prevent access to the receiving area 12 from outside the facility 10. The compartment door 42 in the open position may allow access to the receiving area 12 from outside the facility 10.

[0045] In the closed position, the compartment door 44 can prevent access to the receiving area 12 from within the facility 10 and / or for handling equipment 20. In the open position, the compartment door 44 can allow access to the receiving area 12 from within the facility 10 and / or for handling equipment 20.

[0046] The compartment door 42 and / or 44 can be moved, for example displaced and / or swung, between a closed position and an open position. The compartment door 42 and / or 44 can be moved, for example, by means of a drive, preferably an electric drive.

[0047] During normal operation of the installation 10 , the compartment doors 42 , 44 may be controlled by the control unit 38 such that at most one of the two compartment doors 42 , 44 is open at the same time.

[0048] The receiving area 12 can also be monitored, for example by means of a camera, an LED scanner or a laser scanner. If an inadmissible movement into the receiving area 12 or an inadmissible intrusion into the receiving area 12 is detected, the control unit 38 can, for example, prevent the compartment door 44 from opening, initiate the closing of the compartment door 44 and / or close the handling device 20 or convert it to a safe state.

[0049] The receiving area 12 and the removal area 18 can also be designed as a common receiving-removal area, such as Figure 1 Alternatively, the receiving area 12 and the removal area 18 can be designed separately from one another, for example.

[0050] The cleaning device 14 is configured to clean the container 40 from the inside. The cleaning device 14 can receive the container 40 from the handling device 20. After cleaning, the handling device 20 can transport the cleaned container 04 away.

[0051] The cleaning device 14 can clean and / or disinfect the filling container 40 with a cleaning liquid (e.g. water), optionally using a cleaning additive (e.g. lye). The cleaning device 14 can, for example, rinse the container 40. For example, the cleaning device 14 can have a plurality of liquid nozzles, from which the cleaning liquid can be sprayed into the container 40. The container 40 can be positioned and / or aligned in the cleaning device 14 so that the liquid nozzles are aligned with the container opening of the container 40.

[0052] For example, the cleaning device 14 can clean the container 40 from above. The container 40 can be transferred from the handling device 20 to the cleaning device 14, for example, upside down.

[0053] The cleaning device 14 can clean the container 40 in a stationary manner. Alternatively, during cleaning in the cleaning device 14, the container 40 can be transported, for example, from the inlet of the cleaning device 14 to the outlet of the cleaning device 14, preferably by means of a driven conveyor. The container 40 can be taken over or output by the handling device 20 at the inlet. The container 40 can be taken over or transported away by the handling device 20 at the outlet.

[0054] The filling device 16 is configured to fill the container 40. The filling device 16 is preferably designed as a linear filler. Alternatively, the filling device 16 can be designed as a filling turntable, for example. The filling device 16 can receive the (cleaned) container 40 from the handling device 20. The filled container 40 can be transported away by the handling device 20.

[0055] The filling device 16 can have a plurality of filling stations 16A-16D for filling the container 40 with different products or filling media. Depending on the configuration, at least one of the filling stations 16A-16D is used to fill drinking water (bottled mineral water), at least one fruit juice, at least one soda, at least one lemonade, at least one soft drink, at least one milk, at least one wine, at least one beer, at least one (body) care product and / or at least one cleaning product.

[0056] At least one of the filling stations 16A-16D can be configured for aseptic filling, for example, of milk into the container 40. The milk can be pasteurized beforehand, for example, in a milk processing and connected to the corresponding filling station in a large reusable container.

[0057] For example, at least one fruit juice, soda and / or soft drink can be filled with filling station 16A. For example, filling station 16A can be connected to mixing system 46 and reverse osmosis system 48. Preferably, pasteurized concentrated fruit juice can be connected to mixing system 46 in a large reusable reservoir. Reverse osmosis system 48 can be connected to a drinking water connection and treat drinking water to provide reverse osmosis water. In mixing system 46, a desired beverage can be mixed with the reverse osmosis water from reverse osmosis system 48 and optionally carbonated. Alternatively, mixing can be performed, for example, in a filling valve of filling station 16A. The mixed beverage can be filled into container 40 using filling station 16A, preferably aseptically filled.

[0058] For example, at least one drinking water can be filled with the filling station 16B. For example, the filling station 16B can be connected to a reverse osmosis system 48 and a remineralization system 50 (e.g., with a mineral metering station, a dolomite filter). Optionally, for example, a softening system may also be present. Reverse osmosis water can be provided by the reverse osmosis system 48. The remineralization system 50 can remineralize the reverse osmosis water as desired to produce table water, so that, for example, mineral water can be "copied" on site from the facility 10. If desired, the drinking water can be optionally carbonated. Alternatively, the drinking water can be provided by the manufacturer, for example, in a large reusable reservoir and connected to the filling station 16B.

[0059] For example, beverages such as beer or wine can be filled with the filling station 16C. Beer, for example, can be filled by a brewery into a large reusable container 52 (e.g., a KEG or extrusion cartridge—depending on the sales volume; Figure 1 16C). For example, wine can be filled by a wine merchant into a reusable large reservoir 52 (e.g. KEG, extrusion cylinder - depending on the sales volume). The large reservoir 52 can be connected to the filling station 16C. The product contained in the connected large reservoir 52 can be filled into the container 40 by the filling station 16C, preferably aseptically.

[0060] For example, a cleaning agent (e.g., washing liquid, vinegar-based cleaning agent, etc.) or a care product or health product (e.g., liquid soap, shampoo, etc.) can be filled with the filling station 16D. The cleaning agent or care product can be filled, for example, by the manufacturer in a large reservoir 54 (in Figure 1 A large container 54 can be connected to the filling station 16D.

[0061] The large reservoir 52 and / or 54 may, for example, have a volume of at least 10 liters, preferably at least 30 liters or at least 50 liters. In the case where the product has been mixed, the large reservoir 52 and / or 54 may also have a volume of 1 cubic meter.

[0062] The filling stations 16A-16D can be cleaned by means of self-cleaning (e.g. by means of a CIP system = cleaning-in-place). This cleaning can be carried out automatically, for example, at predeterminable time intervals, after a predeterminable number of filling cycles, at the beginning of operation of the facility 10 and / or at the end of operation of the facility 10. Optionally, product categories can be set up for controlling the cleaning, which can be filled by the same filling valve of the filling stations 16A-16D. For example, a matrix can be set up: what kind of cleaning is required (not required, only water, lye, acid, etc.) when a specific product is followed by a specific other product at the same filling station 16A-16D.

[0063] The removal area 18 is configured to provide (cleaned and filled) containers 40. The removal area 18 can receive the containers 40 from the handling device 20. For example, the containers 40 can be provided in the removal area 18 individually, in multiples or in at least one storage container (e.g., a box). The removal area 18 can also be subdivided into a plurality of subareas. A subarea can be designed to provide individual containers 40. Another subarea can be designed to provide at least one storage container with a plurality of containers 40.

[0064] The removal area 18 can have a fixed parking surface for the container 40. Alternatively, the parking surface is movable, for example, in the form of a plate or belt conveyor. The container 40 can be transported on the movable parking surface, for example in the direction of the handling device 20 and / or in the opposite direction thereof.

[0065] The removal area 18 can separate the user B from the facility 10. The removal area 18 can be designed as a compartment, corresponding to the explanations regarding the design of the receiving area 12 as a compartment. The removal area 18 can, for example, have at least one compartment door 42, 44 or the like.

[0066] The handling equipment 20 can connect the equipment or areas 12, 14, 16, 18, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30 and / or 32 to each other for transporting containers between these equipment or areas 12, 14, 16, 18, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30 and / or 32, preferably operating separately (i.e., non-inline process).

[0067] The handling device 20 preferably has at least one, preferably multi-axis robot or is designed as at least one robot. The at least one robot can have, for example, an articulated arm robot, a portal robot and / or a parallel robot. The handling device 20 can also have at least one container conveyor.

[0068] The handling device 20 can be arranged substantially in the middle or center of the facility 10. The equipment or areas 12, 14, 16, 18, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30 and / or 32 are preferably distributed around the handling device 20, preferably in a star shape. The handling device 20 can be arranged so that it can reach the equipment or areas 12, 14, 16, 18, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30 and / or 32.

[0069] The handling device 20 can turn the container 40 upside down. For example, the handling device 20 can rotate the container 40 upside down before transferring the container 40 to the cleaning device 14. Alternatively or additionally, the handling device 20 can rotate the upside-down container 40 from the cleaning device 14 back to an upright orientation. Alternatively, for example, the cleaning device 14 can be configured to turn the container 40 upside down and / or rotate the container 40 back.

[0070] The unpacking and / or packaging station 22 is configured to remove or remove the container 40 from a storage container (e.g., a box) and / or to pack or position the container 40 in a storage container (e.g., a box). For this purpose, the station 22 can, for example, have its own robotic device, such as a SCARA robot. Alternatively or additionally, the station 22 can, for example, be operated by the handling device 20.

[0071] For example, the station 22 can receive the container 40 from the handling device 20. After unpacking in the station 22, the handling device 20 can transport the container 40, for example, to the closure release device 24, the inspection device 26 or the cleaning device 14. After packaging in the station 22, the handling device 20 can transport the receptacle with the container 40 to the removal area 18, for example.

[0072] The unpacking and / or packaging station 22 can be configured as an integrated unit for unpacking and packaging. Alternatively, the unpacking and / or packaging station 22 can be designed as two separate units, for example. For example, the separate units can also be spatially separated. The unit for unpacking can be arranged, for example, directly adjacent to the receiving area 12. The unit for packaging can be arranged, for example, directly adjacent to the removal area 18.

[0073] The closure release device 24 is configured to release a closure from a container 40. The closure release device 24 may receive a container 40 from the handling device 20.

[0074] For example, the closure release device 24 can unscrew a rotating or screw closure from the container 40. The released closure can be discarded (disposable closure) or preferably cleaned (reusable closure), for example in the cleaning device 14 or a separate cleaning device for the closure. The closure can also be sterilized. After cleaning and, if necessary, sterilization, the closure can be conveyed to the closing device 30, for example, by means of the handling device 20, to close the container 40.

[0075] As an alternative to the arrangement of the closure releasing device 24 , it may also be possible, for example, to request and optionally check that the container 40 is positioned by the user B in the receiving area 12 without a closure.

[0076] The inspection device 26 is configured to inspect the container 40 for damage and / or contamination. For example, the inspection can be performed visually, chemically and / or by means of a mass spectrometer. For the inspection, the inspection device 26 can, for example, receive the container 40 from the handling device 20. Alternatively, the handling device 20 can guide the container 40, for example, past the inspection device 26 for inspection.

[0077] The buffer area 28 is configured to temporarily store the container 40. The buffer area 28 can receive the container 40 from the handling device 20. The handling device 20 can transport the container 40 away from the buffer area 28. The buffer area 28 can be arranged at a suitable location in the facility 10, for example, where a "bottleneck" may occur, or for example adjacent to the removal area 18 and / or the receiving area 12.

[0078] The buffer area 28 can have a fixed parking surface for the container 40. Alternatively, the parking surface of the buffer area 28 is movable, for example, in the form of a plate or belt conveyor. The container 40 can be transported on the movable parking surface, for example in the direction of the handling device 20 and / or in the opposite direction thereof.

[0079] The closing device 30 is designed to close the container 40, for example using a lid, a cork, a crown cap or a screw closure. The closing device 30 can be designed, for example, as a closing turntable or a linear closing device. The closing device 30 can have a plurality of closing stations for closing a plurality of containers 40 simultaneously. The closing device 30 can receive the container 40 from the handling device 20. The handling device 20 can transport the (closed) container 40 away from the closing device 30.

[0080] The labeling and / or printing device 32 is configured to label and / or print the container 40. For example, the device 32 can set a shelf life and / or information about the filling medium in the container 40, depending on the filling medium in the container 40 that has been filled into the container 40 by the filling device 16. The shelf life and / or the information can, for example, be included or printed on an adhesive label, for example using alkali-soluble ink.

[0081] like Figure 1 As shown, the devices or areas 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30 can be constructed as separate units. However, multiple units can also be integrated with each other. For example, the filling device 16 and the closing device 30 can be integrated with each other in one unit.

[0082] The user interface 34 is configured to output information to the user B and / or to input input commands by the user B. For example, the information can be output to the user B visually and / or audibly. The user interface 34 can preferably have a display device, preferably a touch-sensitive display device. Alternatively or additionally, the user interface 34 can have, for example, at least one button, at least one switch and / or a microphone, etc. for inputting input commands. Preferably, the user interface 34 is arranged adjacent to the receiving area 12.

[0083] The input information may preferably include order information for a predetermined container 40 of user B for filling the predetermined container 40 with the desired predetermined filling medium by means of the filling device 16. The order information may be transmitted to the control unit 38 in order to control the installation 10 accordingly.

[0084] The output information may preferably include, for example, information about the available filling medium for the filling device 16, information about the estimated processing duration of the facility 10, price information about the processing container 40, compatibility information about compatible containers 40 and / or information about the occupancy status of the facility 10, etc.

[0085] The user interface 34 may be configured to receive payment for container handling of the container 40. For example, user B may pay for container handling with cash and / or cashless (e.g., with a card and / or mobile terminal device 56) on the user interface 34. The user interface 34 may also output an invoice receipt to user B. User B may pay for container handling with a receipt at a separate checkout counter.

[0086] The communication interface 36 is configured to communicate with the mobile terminal device 56 of user B. The communication can be performed directly between the communication interface 36 and the mobile terminal device, for example, via WLAN, Bluetooth and / or NFC. Alternatively or additionally, the communication can be performed indirectly between the communication interface 36 and the mobile terminal device 56, for example, via the Internet. For example, an application such as an APP is installed on the mobile terminal device 56, which enables communication with the communication interface 36.

[0087] By means of the communication interface 36, for example, order information for filling a predetermined container 40 with a desired predetermined filling medium by means of the filling device 16 can be received from the mobile terminal 56. This order information can be transmitted to the control unit 38 in order to control the installation 10 accordingly.

[0088] By means of the communication interface 36, for example, extraction information for extracting at least one predetermined container 40 from the removal area 18 can be sent to the mobile terminal device 56. Status information about the current processing status of the at least one predetermined container 40 can also be sent to the mobile terminal device 56. Alternatively or additionally, for example, billing information for billing the processing of the at least one predetermined container 40 can be received from the mobile terminal 56 and / or sent to the mobile terminal 56.

[0089] In contrast to the user interface 34 , at least one piece of information about the available filling medium of the filling device 16 , about the estimated container processing duration, about the price of container processing, about compatible containers 40 and / or about the occupancy status of the facility 10 can also be sent from the communication interface 36 to the mobile terminal device 56 .

[0090] The control unit 38 is designed to control the facility 10. The control unit 38 can be used, for example, to control the facility 10 in signal connection with the receiving area 12, the cleaning device 14, the filling device 16, the filling stations A16A-16D, the removal area 18, the handling device 20, the unpacking and / or packaging station 22, the closure release device 24, the inspection device 26, the buffer area 28, the closing device 30, the labeling and / or printing device 32, the user interface 34, the communication interface 36, the compartment door 42, the compartment door 44, the mixing system 46, the reverse osmosis system 48, the remineralization system 50, the softener and / or the carbonator.

[0091] The container may be identified at the receiving area 12 or other location of the facility 10. Container identification may include identification of the shape of the corresponding container 40 and / or identification of a code (e.g., a QR code, RFID, etc.) on the corresponding container 40. Alternatively or additionally, the container may be identified based on input by user B, such as input at the user interface 34 and / or sent by the mobile terminal device 56 and received from the communication interface 36.

[0092] Based on the container recognition of the container 40, the control unit 38 can, for example, control one or more of the devices or areas 14-32 in order to interact with the corresponding container 40 as desired or as predefined. For example, the filling device 16 can be controlled so that the identified container 40 is always filled with the same filling medium and / or filled with a filling amount or filling level predefined for the identified container 40. For example, it is possible to prevent the filling of food such as beverages in the identified container provided for the cleaning agent or care product. For example, the cleaning device 14 can be controlled so that when cleaning the identified container 40, a cleaning program predefined for the identified container 40 is performed. For example, the handling device 20 can be controlled so that the identified container 40 remains in the area predefined for the identified container 40. For example, the closing device 30 can be controlled so that the closure predefined for the identified container 40 is installed on the identified container 40 and / or the closure is installed at a position predefined for the identified container 40. For example, the closure releasing device 24 can be controlled in such a way that a closure is released from a recognized container 40 at a position predetermined for the recognized container 40 .

[0093] The present invention is not limited to the preferred embodiments described above. On the contrary, a large number of variations and modifications are possible, which also utilize the ideas of the present invention and therefore fall within the scope of protection. All range descriptions herein are to be understood as being disclosed in the following manner, i.e., all values ​​falling within the corresponding range are disclosed individually, for example also as the respective preferred narrower outer limits of the corresponding range.

[0094] Reference numerals list

[0095] 10 Facilities

[0096] 12 Receiving Area

[0097] 14Clearing equipment

[0098] 16 Filling equipment

[0099] 16A-16D Filling Station

[0100] 18 Removal area

[0101] 20 Handling equipment

[0102] 22 Unpacking and / or packaging stations

[0103] 24 Closure loosening equipment

[0104] 26. Check the equipment

[0105] 28 buffer area

[0106] 30 Closed equipment

[0107] 32 Labelling, coding and / or printing equipment

[0108] 34 User Interface

[0109] 36 communication interfaces

[0110] 38 Control Unit

[0111] 40 containers

[0112] 42 compartment door

[0113] 44 compartment door

[0114] 46 Hybrid System

[0115] 48 Reverse Osmosis System

[0116] 50 Remineralization System

[0117] 52 large storage containers

[0118] 54 large storage containers

[0119] 56 mobile terminal devices.

Claims

1. A facility (10) for handling containers, which is set up in a shopping mall or a railway station, wherein the facility (10) comprises: a receiving area (12) in which at least one container (40) can be manually positioned by a user (B); a cleaning device (14) for cleaning the interior of the at least one container (40); a filling device (16) for filling the at least one container (40); a removal area (18) from which a user (B) can manually remove the at least one container (40) after processing in the facility (10); a handling device (20) which is designed to transport containers between the receiving area (12), the cleaning device (14), the filling device (16) and the removal area (18), in: A plurality of containers (40) can be positioned manually by a user (B) in one receptacle simultaneously in the receiving area (12); and / or A user (B) can manually remove a plurality of containers (40) in one storage container from the removal area (18) at the same time, wherein the facility further comprises: An unpacking station and / or a packing station (22), at which a plurality of containers (40) can be removed from a storage container and / or positioned in a storage container by means of the handling device (20) or a robot of the unpacking station and / or a packing station (22).

2. The facility (10) according to claim 1, wherein: The receiving area (12) and the removal area (18) are constructed as an integrated unit; and / or The receiving area (12) and / or the removal area (18) are designed as compartments.

3. The facility (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The handling device (20) has at least one robot; and / or The handling device (20) flexibly connects the receiving area (12), the cleaning device (14), the filling device (16) and the removal area (18) to one another; and / or The receiving area (12), the cleaning device (14), the filling device (16) and / or the removal area (18) are distributed around the handling device (20).

4. The facility (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The filling device (16) has a plurality of filling stations (16A-16D) for filling the at least one container (40) in different ways.

5. The facility (10) according to claim 4, wherein: A plurality of filling stations (16A-16D) are at least partially connected or connectable to large receptacles (52, 54) that are filled in different ways; and / or At least one of the plurality of filling stations (16A-16D) is connected to a mixing system (46), a reverse osmosis system (48), a softener, a remineralization system (50), a carbonator and / or a drinking water connection of the facility (10); and / or At least one of the plurality of filling stations (16A-16D) is configured as an aseptic filling station for aseptic filling; and / or At least one of the plurality of filling stations (16A-16D) is configured to mix a plurality of products during filling.

6. The facility (10) according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising: a closure release device (24) for releasing a closure from the at least one container (40); and / or a closing device (30) for closing the at least one container (40); and / or A closure cleaning device (14) for cleaning the closure of the at least one container (40).

7. The facility (10) according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising: A buffer area (28) in which the at least one container (40) can be temporarily stored.

8. The facility (10) according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising: An inspection device (26) is configured to inspect the container (40) for damage and / or contamination.

9. The facility (10) according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising: A labeling device and / or printing device (32) is constructed to set a shelf life and / or information about a filling medium for the container (40) based on the filling medium in the corresponding container (40) that has been filled into the corresponding container (40) by the filling device (16).

10. The facility (10) according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising: A communication interface (36) for communicating with a mobile terminal device (56), wherein the communication interface (36) is configured to: - receiving order information for filling at least one predetermined container (40) with a predetermined filling medium from the mobile terminal device (56); and or - sending to the mobile terminal device (56) extraction information for extracting at least one predetermined container (40) from the removal area (18); and or - sending status information about the current processing status of at least one predetermined container (40) to the mobile terminal device (56); and or - receiving from the mobile terminal device (56) billing information for billing the handling of at least one predetermined container (40) and / or sending the billing information to the mobile terminal device (56); and or - sending information about the available filling medium of the filling device (16), about the estimated container processing time, about the price of container processing, about compatible containers (40) and / or about the occupancy status of the facility (10) to the mobile terminal device (56).

11. The facility (10) according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising: User interface (34), - by means of the user interface, the user (B) can enter order information for filling at least one predetermined container (40) with a predetermined filling medium; and / or - by means of the user interface, information about the available filling medium of the filling device (16), about the estimated duration of container processing, about the price of container processing, about compatible containers (40) and / or about the occupancy status of the facility (10) can be output; and / or - The user interface is configured to receive cash, make cashless payments and / or output invoice receipts.

12. The facility (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The facility (10) has a total floor area of ​​≤100 m2, ≤80 m2, ≤60 m2, ≤50 m2, ≤40 m2, ≤30 m2, ≤20 m2, ≤15 m2 or ≤10 m2.

13. The facility (10) according to claim 2, wherein: The compartment restricts access to the facility (10).

14. The facility (10) of claim 1, wherein: The container is a box.

15. The facility (10) according to claim 3, wherein: The robot is a multi-axis robot.

16. The facility (10) of claim 3, wherein: The robot is an articulated arm robot, a gantry robot and / or a parallel robot; and / or The receiving area (12), the cleaning device (14), the filling device (16) and / or the removal area (18) are distributed in a star shape around the handling device (20).

17. The facility (10) of claim 6, wherein: The closure is a screw closure; and / or The closure device (30) has a screw closure.

18. The facility (10) of claim 1, wherein: The storage container is a box.

19. The facility (10) of claim 1, wherein: The robot is a SCARA robot.

20. The facility (10) according to claim 8, wherein: The inspection device (26) is configured to inspect the container (40) for damage and / or contamination visually, chemically and / or by means of a mass spectrometer.

21. A method for operating a plant (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the method comprises: manually positioning at least one container (40) in the receiving area (12) by a user (B); transporting the at least one container (40) through the facility (10) by means of a handling device (20); cleaning the at least one container (40) by means of a cleaning device (14); filling the at least one container (40) by means of a filling device (16); and The at least one container (40) is provided in the removal area (18) for manual removal.

22. The method according to claim 21, wherein: The method is used in a shopping mall or a railway station.

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