DRINK DISPENSER

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a device in a method for filling containers, and in particular to a so-called beverage dispenser. Beverage dispensers are known in a wide variety of designs from the prior art. Beverage dispensers are also known in which a user places an empty container into the dispenser, which is then filled.

[0002] With state-of-the-art beverage dispensers, the user is responsible for selecting the appropriate fill volume. This is done either by selecting the desired volume by pressing a button or in some other way, or by holding down a button for as long as the dispenser is to be filled. Both methods carry a high potential for error. For example, the container can be overfilled or become soiled on the outside.

[0003] Furthermore, these methods sometimes waste the filling medium. This approach is also problematic, especially with beverage dispensers where users are not prescribed a specific container, but rather can place any container they wish into the dispenser. Such methods have become more common recently, also with environmental considerations in mind, as users can insert a wide variety of reusable containers. Beverage dispensers that partially meet these requirements are already known from the prior art, as described, for example, in US 2009 / 314801 or US 2018 / 201492.

[0004] The present invention is therefore based on the objective of preventing, in particular, such overfilling of containers. The invention is also intended to be applicable to a wide variety of containers. These objectives are achieved according to the invention by the subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments and further developments are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0005] A device according to the invention for filling containers comprises a positioning device and, in particular, a positioning surface on which a container to be filled can be arranged. Furthermore, the device comprises a filling device which is suitable and intended for filling the container, in particular with a liquid medium, through its container opening.

[0006] According to the invention, the device comprises a contour detection device which is suitable and intended to determine a contour and in particular an outer contour of the container to be filled, as well as a determination device which, taking into account the contour of the container, determines an internal volume of the container.

[0007] Therefore, the invention proposes that a contour, and in particular an outer contour, of the container be detected. It is especially possible to determine the internal volume of the container, taking into account the (possibly approximate) wall thickness of the container. In a preferred embodiment, the filling device includes a control unit to regulate the filling of the container based on this detected internal volume. The filling device can include a measuring device to determine the quantity of liquid filled into the container. This could, for example, be a flow meter or a load cell. It would also be possible to determine the volume of the filled liquid by measuring the filling time (time-fill).

[0008] Preferably, the liquid to be bottled is a beverage.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment, the device for filling containers comprises a positioning device and, in particular, a positioning surface on which a container to be filled can be arranged. Furthermore, the device comprises a filling device which is suitable and intended for filling the container, in particular with a liquid medium, through its opening. According to the invention, the device generally comprises a volume determination device which detects the internal volume of the container to be filled, and the filling device fills this container taking into account the internal volume to be determined.

[0010] For example, it would be conceivable to record or determine the height of a container and then estimate its internal volume based on this height, perhaps using a large number of different containers. It would also be possible to record the container's cross-section in addition to its height; for instance, the container's base area could be determined, and the internal volume could then be estimated based on this base area and height.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment, the device includes a position detection unit that detects the position of the container relative to the positioning surface. In this way, as explained in more detail below, a filling element or filling nozzle can be moved into the correct position for the filling process.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, the positioning surface is horizontally oriented, and the container is placed on this surface in an upright position (with the opening, and in particular the mouth, facing upwards). However, it would also be possible to position the container at an angle in the filling device or beverage dispenser. In a preferred embodiment, the container is a bottle. However, other containers, such as cups, canisters, cans, or the like, can also be used.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, the device includes an operating interface with which the user can select at least one parameter characteristic of the filling process. For example, the user can select a beverage to be filled or a volume to be filled using this interface. The user can also optionally specify the temperature of the liquid to be filled, for example, whether they want hot or cold water. In another preferred embodiment, the device also includes a display device that provides the user with information, such as an available selection of beverages or the like.

[0014] In another preferred embodiment, the device has a reservoir or container for holding a liquid and, in particular, a beverage.

[0015] According to the invention, the filling device comprises a filling element which is movable in at least one direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the container (and / or parallel to a 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 opening for filling.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment, this filling element is also movable in a second direction, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and perpendicular to the first direction. Thus, the filling element is preferably movable within a plane that is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the container.

[0017] In another preferred embodiment, the filling element is movable in the longitudinal direction of the container to be filled. This allows containers of different heights to be filled, for which purpose the filling element is preferably positioned close to the mouth or opening of the container. This prevents contamination of the device or the outside of the container being filled by the contents.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment, the contour detection device is suitable and designed to generate a two-dimensional image of the container. This embodiment assumes that the container itself is rotationally symmetrical, as is customary. From this two-dimensional image of the container, the internal volume can be deduced or determined, taking the rotational symmetry into account.

[0019] In another embodiment, it is possible that this contour or an image of this contour is displayed on an image display device.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment, the contour detection device comprises a plurality of radiation sources whose radiation can be directed onto the container. These radiation sources can be, in particular, light sources such as LEDs or laser light sources. Preferably, these radiation sources are arranged one above the other in a vertical direction or along the longitudinal direction of the container. These radiation sources are preferably arranged equidistant from one another. For example, it is possible that the individual radiation sources are arranged at a predetermined distance from each other. Preferably, these radiation sources are arranged along a line.

[0021] In this configuration, the beverage dispenser incorporates sensors to determine the contour and / or volume of the container to be filled. In the embodiment described here, for example, a light curtain can be used to measure the container's contour.

[0022] Preferably, the light sources are spaced apart from each other at a distance greater than 0.1 mm, preferably greater than 0.3 mm, preferably greater than 0.5 mm, preferably greater than 1 mm, and preferably greater than 2 mm. In a further preferred embodiment, the light sources are spaced apart from each other at a distance 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.

[0023] The contour detection device preferably also includes sensor devices that detect light. This makes it possible for the contour detection to be configured as a plurality of light barriers, each capable of detecting the contours of the container by resolving, in the longitudinal or vertical direction of the container, whether or not the container is present in that area. Preferably, however, these sensor devices are arranged on the same side of the device as the container and thus preferably detect reflections of the radiation emitted by the radiation sources that have been reflected by the container.

[0024] However, instead, one or more laser units could be provided that are designed to be movable in order to scan the interior of the device for the container.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment, the aforementioned radiation or light sources are arranged on a support that is movable in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the container. In this way, the space in which the container stands can be scanned in a transverse direction of the container, and thus the contour of the container can also be captured.

[0026] However, it would also be possible to use an array of light sources that preferably extends both along the longitudinal direction of the container and in a direction perpendicular to it. The individual light sources of this array could, for example, be activated sequentially to scan for the presence of the container.

[0027] In a further preferred embodiment, this light curtain or the radiation sources are arranged parallel to a side surface of a receiving chamber, this chamber serving to hold the container. In a preferred embodiment, a side surface is arranged on the side of the chamber opposite these radiation sources, which preferably absorbs light. In this way, the container can be detected with spatial resolution using this plurality of radiation sources.

[0028] It is possible for these radiation sources or light sources to be activated individually or in groups to scan the container. This would allow the carrier to be moved step by step with the radiation sources, and in each position either all radiation sources are activated together or in a predetermined sequence to determine the contour of the container.

[0029] Instead of multiple radiation sources, it would also be possible to use one or more cameras to observe the recording space and the container within it. With a suitable image processing device, it is also possible to measure the contour of the container in the recording space, or on its surface.

[0030] For example, it would be possible to use two image capture devices, or two cameras, to monitor the container. The container could be monitored from two different sides by these two devices, for instance, by two cameras positioned at different angles across the container. Alternatively, one image capture device, or camera, could be positioned above the container. Furthermore, suitable image capture software could be used to record both the container's position and its contours.

[0031] Artificial intelligence, such as deep learning methods, can be used to analyze the images. The images captured by the cameras can also be compared with a large number of reference images to determine the type of container. Alternatively, the image processing or image acquisition system could detect the container's contours, for example, by identifying them as contrasting with a background. For this purpose, a lighting system can be used alongside the image acquisition system to illuminate the containers.

[0032] Such an image recording device can also be used to record the fill level of the container using a camera.

[0033] From the aforementioned 2D images, the volume of a round bottle can be determined, for example, after subtracting the wall thickness. It is possible to subtract a specific value, pre-programmed into the controller, as the wall thickness. This eliminates the risk of overfilling the container. Furthermore, it is not necessary to position the container at a specific point on the positioning surface.

[0034] In a further advantageous embodiment, the device has at least one first distance detection device which is suitable and intended to detect a distance of the container from the distance detection device.

[0035] This distance sensing device can, for example, be an ultrasonic sensor that detects the distance between the container or its outer wall and the sensor. Preferably, this distance sensing device is also arranged on the aforementioned movable support and / or can be moved perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the container. By moving this distance sensing device and thus repeatedly measuring the distance, characteristic properties of the container can also be determined, such as whether it is round or rectangular, since the distance of the container from the distance sensing device can be determined as a function of the direction of movement of the distance sensing device.

[0036] Preferably, this distance sensing device is arranged in a base area of ​​the container. In a further preferred embodiment, it would also be possible to provide several such distance sensing devices, each measuring the distance of the container. These could be arranged side by side along the longitudinal direction of the container, or perpendicular to it.

[0037] Furthermore, it would also be possible to predetermine the exact position for the container to be placed by suitable measures such as holders. For example, a V-shaped frame could be arranged on the positioning surface, into which the user places the container, ensuring it is in a precisely defined position. This frame could, for instance, have contact elements, so that a filling process is only triggered when the container touches these elements. In this way, a relatively precise pre-positioning of the container on the positioning surface could also be achieved.

[0038] Preferably, however, the position of the container, and in particular the position of the opening, is determined in three-dimensional space using the recorded 2D image and preferably the additional ultrasonic sensor (which determines the y-coordinate of the container position). Alternatively, a laser scanner, a camera, or similar device can also be used to measure the container.

[0039] In this case, the user only needs to place the container to be filled into the device and press a trigger such as a start button. Alternatively, pressing a button could be omitted if the existing sensors are used to detect when the container is placed inside. The filling process (measuring and then filling the container) can then begin immediately after the container is inserted.

[0040] In another preferred embodiment, the device has a level detection device which detects the level of a liquid inside the container.

[0041] This level detection device can, for example, be another ultrasonic sensor device, which preferably detects the distance to the liquid inside the container through an opening in the container. This level detection device can be arranged above an opening of the container to be filled.

[0042] Furthermore, this level detection device can be arranged on a support that 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. The level detection device can also be arranged on the same support on which a filling element for filling the container is arranged.

[0043] In another preferred embodiment, the level sensing device is an optical level sensing device. For example, an image acquisition device could observe the container through the opening or from the side, and the liquid level in the container could be determined from the resulting image.

[0044] A laser can also be used as a level detection device, shining into the container from the side. Alternatively, the level detection device could also include other sensor devices, such as an acoustic camera or a radar probe, which inspect the container from above through the opening or from the side and thus determine the fill level.

[0045] In another preferred embodiment, the device has an input device through which a user can control the device, for example, by triggering a filling process. An input field can be provided through which the user can enter commands or selections to the device.

[0046] However, it would also be conceivable for the device to have an input module with voice control. Here, the user could, for example, start a filling process, select a beverage, or similar actions by voice command.

[0047] The present invention further 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, a contour of the container is detected by means of a contour detection device and, taking this contour into account, an internal volume of the container is determined.

[0048] Preferably, the wall thickness of the container is also taken into account when determining its internal volume. Preferably, the container's position on the positioning surface is also recorded, which, as described above, can be done in particular by means of distance detection devices.

[0049] In another preferred method, the filling process of the container is also controlled based on this internal volume.

[0050] In another preferred method, the fill level of a liquid in the container is determined at least once, and the filling process is determined based on this fill level. In a preferred method, the wall thickness of the container is deduced and / or determined from the fill level and, in particular, taking into account the contour of the ratio.

[0051] Several approaches are possible for initiating a filling process. For example, a filling process could be started by user input, such as pressing a button. Alternatively, the filling process could start automatically after a container has been placed. This could involve automatically starting the filling process after the container's contour and / or position has been measured. This means that the triggering mechanism could be, for example, the light curtain or contour detection device described above.

[0052] However, it would be conceivable to trigger the filling process by reading or detecting markings, for example by reading RFID chips, QR codes, barcodes, or similar markings, and especially markings located on the container. For example, such a marking could be used to identify the container and trigger the corresponding filling process.

[0053] Preferably, the device includes a safety feature that only allows the container to be filled under certain conditions. For example, a sensor can detect whether a user's hand is still inside the filling chamber. Only when this is no longer the case is the filling process triggered and / or started.

[0054] In a preferred method, a portion of the liquid to be filled is first poured into the container, its fill level is then determined, and the wall thickness of the container is deduced from this.

[0055] Another method would allow for the detection and / or measurement of the container's base contour. This can also be achieved, for example, using the ultrasonic distance measuring device mentioned above.

[0056] The methods described above work for all containers with approximately the same wall thickness. However, problems can arise if, for example, glass bottles or double-walled stainless steel or aluminum cups are filled on the machine instead of PET containers. In this case, the wall thickness can vary significantly, so a different method is recommended.

[0057] In this preferred method, the outer contour of the container is determined as described above. A filling process then begins. However, only a portion of the liquid, for example, 50% of the calculated filling volume, is poured in and then briefly interrupted. During this interruption, another measurement is taken. A sensor device, for example, an ultrasonic sensor, preferably measures the achieved fill level from above and / or through the opening of the container. The wall thickness of the container can be calculated by comparing a target fill level with the actual fill level.

[0058] The remaining fill volume is then calculated, and the filling process continues. This method can be used to fill all types of containers, including double-walled or rectangular containers. In every case, the desired ideal volume can be achieved.

[0059] Further advantages and embodiments are shown in the attached drawings: These show: Fig. 1 a filling device or beverage dispenser according to the invention.

[0060] Fig. 1 Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a device 1 or a beverage dispenser 1 according to the invention. This dispenser has a housing 5 which surrounds an interior space 20. This housing has several side walls, such as side wall 24.

[0061] Reference numeral 12 designates a positioning surface, which is preferably flat and horizontal, and on which a user can position an unlocked container 10 with its opening 10a facing upwards. Reference numeral L designates the longitudinal direction of the container.

[0062] Reference numeral 2 schematically denotes a filling device for filling the container. This filling device has a filling element 22, which can fill a liquid into the container 10. This filling element 22 is arranged on a support 45. This support 45 is movable in the x and y directions. In addition, this support is also movable in the z direction, which is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the container 10. In this way, the filling element can be positioned over the opening 10a to fill the container 10.

[0063] Reference numeral 48 designates a second sensor device used to detect the fill level within the container. This second sensor device 48 can also be used to check, before the filling process begins, whether the user has removed the container's closure before placing it in the device. The device further includes drives (not shown) that enable movement of the carrier 45 in the x, y, and z directions. These drives are primarily electric motor drives, but pneumatic, hydraulic, or linear motor drives would also be conceivable. Reference numeral 50 schematically designates a control device for controlling the movement of the carrier or the filling element and / or the sensor device 48. Reference numeral 6 designates a processor device.

[0064] Reference numeral 44 denotes a carrier movable in the y direction, on which a plurality of radiation sources 42 are arranged. By moving the carrier 44, the interior 20 can be scanned, and by irradiating the container 10, its contour can be recorded. In addition, the carrier may have (not shown) sensor devices for detecting the radiation emitted by the radiation sources 42 and reflected by the container 10.

[0065] However, it would also be possible and preferred that the radiation devices 42 are arranged on a first section 44a of the carrier 44 and sensor devices on the opposite section 44b of the carrier. In this case, contour detection is carried out by using a plurality of light barriers, each formed by the radiation devices on section 44a of the carrier and the sensor devices on section 44b of the carrier that interact with them. By moving the carrier 44 and activating the individual radiation sources accordingly, the outer contour of the container 10 can be measured.

[0066] A drive device can also be provided for moving the support 44. It would also be conceivable that the support 45 is also arranged on the support 44 and preferably movably in the x direction on the support 44. In this way, a drive for the device could be eliminated.

[0067] Reference numeral 8 designates a distance measuring device, which determines the distance of the container 10 from this distance measuring device. This device is also mounted on the support 44 and is thus movable in the direction y.

[0068] Reference numeral 6 schematically designates a detection device or processor that determines the internal volume of the container based on its determined contour. The filling of the container can then be controlled based on this determined internal volume. In addition, the detection device 6 can preferably also determine the position of the container 10, and preferably also its geometric shape, based on data from the distance measuring device 8. Based on this information, the filling element can be moved into the correct filling position. Reference symbol list

[0069] 1 Device 2 Filling device 4 Contour detection device 5 Housing 8 Distance measuring device 10 Container 10a Container opening 12 Positioning surface 20 Interior 22 Filling element 24 Side wall 42 Radiation device 44 Support 44a, b Sections of the support 42 45 Support 48 Level measuring device L Longitudinal direction

Claims

1. Apparatus (1) for filling containers (10) with a positioning surface (12) on which a container (10) to be filled can be arranged, with a filling device (2) which is suitable and intended to fill the container via its container opening (10a), wherein the apparatus (1) has a contour detection device (4) which is suitable and intended for determining a contour of the container (10) to be filled, and a determination device (6) which, taking into account the contour of the container (10), detects an internal volume of the container (10), characterised in that the filling device (2) has a filling element (22) which is movable in at least one direction (X) which is perpendicular to a longitudinal direction (L) of the container.

2. Apparatus (1) according to claim 1, characterised in that the apparatus (1) has a position detection device (8) which detects a position of the container relative to the positioning surface (12).

3. Apparatus (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the contour detection device (4) is suitable and intended to produce a two-dimensional image of the container (10).

4. Apparatus (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the contour detection device comprises a plurality of radiation sources (42) whose radiation can be directed onto the container.

5. Apparatus (1) according to the preceding claim, characterised in that the radiation sources are arranged on a carrier (44) which is movable in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the containers (10).

6. Apparatus (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the apparatus (1) comprises at least a first distance detecting device (8) which is suitable and intended to detect a distance of the container from the distance detecting device.

7. Apparatus (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the apparatus (1) has a filling level detection device (48) which detects a filling level of a liquid inside the container (10).

8. Method for filling containers, wherein a container (10) arranged on a positioning surface is filled by a filling device via its container opening (10a), wherein a contour of the container (10) is detected by a contour detection device (4) and an internal volume of the container (10) is determined taking this contour into account, characterised in that the filling device (2) has a filling element (22) which is movable in at least one direction (X) which is perpendicular to a longitudinal direction (L) of the container.

9. Method according to claim 8, characterised in that a filling level of a liquid located in the container is determined at least once and the filling process is controlled on the basis of this filling level.