DEVICE AND METHOD FOR FILLING CONTAINERS

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for filling containers, and in particular a device from which the containers to be filled can be fed by a user and / or manually, and from which the filled containers can also be removed again (in particular by a user). The device described below is a so-called beverage dispenser with which an end customer can fill their container. Such beverage dispensers are found, for example, in universities, train stations, and the like. It is known in the prior art that disposable containers, such as plastic cups, are used, which are then filled with the beverage. However, there is also a need to use reusable containers. A device for filling containers according to the introductory part of claim 1 is known from EP 0424682 A1.

[0002] The present invention therefore aims to provide a filling device for filling reusable containers, which also enables reliable and clean filling of the containers. This is achieved according to the invention by the subject matter of the independent claim.

[0003] Advantageous embodiments and further developments are the subject of the dependent claims. A device according to the invention for filling containers has a support on which a container to be filled can be placed and fixed, wherein this support is pivotable about a pivot axis and / or rotatable about a rotation axis, wherein this pivot axis extends at an angle other than 0° with respect to a longitudinal direction of the container to be filled. Furthermore, the device has a first filling device for filling the container in a first pivot position of the container about the aforementioned pivot axis via its opening.

[0004] According to the invention, the device has a rinsing device to rinse the container in a second pivot position of the container with respect to the pivot axis through its opening, in particular with a liquid.

[0005] Preferably, the device includes a further application device which is suitable and intended for introducing another liquid into the container, wherein, in particular, the container can be pivoted into a further pivoting position. This further liquid can, for example, be another liquid to be filled, but also a rinsing liquid for rinsing the container.

[0006] A device is therefore preferably proposed that allows rinsing or washing and subsequent filling of the container. To achieve this, a design is proposed in which a rotatable or pivotable support and / or plate is provided, onto which the user places the container to be filled. Preferably, the pivot axis is arranged or designed such that the opening of the container rotates around it. It is possible for the distance between the opening of the container and the pivot axis to remain constant, and for the pivot axis to rotate around the pivot axis at a specific radius or distance.

[0007] The filling device can have one or more filling valves.

[0008] It is possible that the filling device is suitable and intended for filling a single-component beverage, for example water, but it would also be possible that the filling device fills multi-component beverages.

[0009] The device may include a collection device and / or a collection container to collect liquid. In particular, this may be rinsing fluid used to rinse the container.

[0010] Furthermore, it is also possible that any remaining liquid in the containers will be collected by this collection container. Therefore, this collection container is preferably located at least partially below the pivot axis around which the container is pivoted.

[0011] In another preferred embodiment, the pivot axis is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the container. Preferably, this pivot axis and / or rotation axis is horizontally or approximately horizontally oriented. Therefore, the container is preferably pivoted in a vertically oriented plane.

[0012] In this design, rinsing the container only requires rotating it by a predetermined angle, for example by 180°, such that its opening points vertically downwards, thus enabling rinsing from below.

[0013] This rinsing device is particularly preferably designed in such a way that a rinsing medium reaches all areas of the container, especially the bottom area of ​​the container.

[0014] Furthermore, it is also possible that the rinsing device is designed in the form of a rinsing lance which can extend into the interior of the container.

[0015] For rinsing, the container can be lowered over the rinsing device, for example a rinse nozzle, and / or swivelled.

[0016] Alternatively, this rinsing device could be positioned not at the 6 o'clock position, as in one embodiment, but at an angle to it, for example at the 5 o'clock position. Preferably, however, the rinsing position is at, for example, 4 o'clock (or 8 o'clock) to prevent the contaminated rinse water from the bottle from fouling the rinse nozzle. It would also be conceivable to fill the container with the rinse liquid at, for example, the 1 o'clock position and then tilt the container downwards to remove the rinse liquid. This also prevents contamination of the rinse nozzle.

[0017] If a user places a non-empty container into the device, the medium inside the container would run over the rinse nozzle or rinsing unit when the device is tilted downwards. This could contaminate the rinsing unit, potentially leading to contamination of subsequent containers. To prevent this, the rinse nozzle could be positioned differently, ensuring that the liquid first drains from the container before rinsing.

[0018] However, it would also be possible for a control system to first swivel the container to a different position, for example, a 7 o'clock or 5 o'clock position, allowing any residual liquid to drain from the container in this position, and only then move the container over the rinsing device. In this scenario, the liquid would drain from the tilted container, and rinsing could then take place. In the scenario described above, the liquid would flow vertically downwards from the container, and the rinsing device, located at an angle next to it, would not be touched by the liquid.

[0019] The device may include a cleaning device for cleaning the rinsing device.

[0020] For example, it would be possible for the washing machine itself to be cleaned after each washing cycle.

[0021] During the filling process, the container could remain in the rinsing position for a predetermined period, even after the rinsing device has been deactivated. This allows the rinsing medium to drip out. The carrier or plate can then move into another rotational position to bring the container's opening into a position suitable for filling through a properly placed filling valve.

[0022] The filling device can have a filling valve in the form of a free-jet valve, which simply allows the filling medium to flow into the container, and / or a counter-pressure valve that presses against the opening, pre-tensions the container and then fills it.

[0023] Especially when filling CSD using a free jet method, tilting the container during filling is advantageous, as this minimizes foaming.

[0024] The device may include a closing mechanism that seals the filled container with a closure. This closure can be supplied by the user, or it is possible for closures to be taken from a supply to seal the container.

[0025] In a further advantageous embodiment, a fixing device for securing the container to the support is arranged on a carrier. To fully utilize the potential of the device described here, the type of container to be filled is important. In particular, to enable the rinsing process, the container should be attached to the rotatable carrier or plate in some way. This can be achieved, for example, by an active or passive clamp into which the user inserts and / or clips the container. Preferably, this fixing device is designed such that it can withstand at least the weight of the container.

[0026] In a further advantageous embodiment, the fixing device comprises fixing elements selected from a group including vacuum fixing elements, magnetic fixing elements, gripping elements, mechanical elements, combinations thereof, and the like. This fixing device can also prevent the container from shifting laterally relative to the support.

[0027] In addition to or alongside the clamps described above, a vacuum could also be used to hold the container to the support. Alternatively, a mechanism that secures the container through force or form fit could be used. For example, the container could be designed so that it can be gripped from behind by a fixing device.

[0028] Furthermore, it would also be possible to attach or fix the container to a plate or support using magnetic forces. This could be achieved, for example, by inserting a ferromagnetic steel insert, described in more detail below, into a double-walled stainless steel bottle. Alternatively, or in addition, a piece of ferromagnetic material could be integrated into the base of a container to be filled in a different way. This could be done, for example, by gluing a steel plate to the base of a glass or plastic bottle. Another option would be for the container itself to be made entirely or partially of a ferromagnetic material.

[0029] Such a container has further advantages; for example, it can be securely held in position in the car using a magnetic plate.

[0030] In another preferred embodiment, the container also has second fixing means for securing the container to the support. These fixing means can be, for example, the magnetic plate described here, but also engagement points into which, for example, a projection of a gripping arm or a gripping clamp can engage.

[0031] In a further advantageous embodiment, the first filling device is arranged such that the container is filled in a pivoting position by this first filling device, which deviates from a vertical orientation of the container. This means that the container is not filled in a perfectly upright state, but rather in a pivoted position. As mentioned above, this can be advantageous for certain filling mechanisms.

[0032] Advantageously, the container is not filled in a perfectly upright position, but at an angle to the vertical position that is greater than 5°, preferably greater than 10°, and most preferably greater than 15°.

[0033] In a preferred embodiment, the rinsing device is arranged such that the container can be rinsed by this device in a pivoting position that also deviates from a vertical orientation of the container. As described above, this prevents the rinsing device from becoming contaminated by leaking liquid.

[0034] The aforementioned collection container for collecting liquid can be emptied. For example, a collection container can be provided that can be removed from the device to carry out the emptying.

[0035] In a further advantageous embodiment, the device has a second filling device to fill the container in a second pivot position of the container with respect to the pivot axis via its opening.

[0036] Preferably, the first and second filling devices are arranged in different pivot positions. This allows the container to be filled with, for example, two different liquids or beverages. It would also be possible for the first and second filling devices to be used for filling the container with different components.

[0037] The device may include a control unit with which a user can, for example, select a beverage to be filled. A display is also preferably provided, by means of which the user can monitor the filling process or receive confirmation of a selected beverage.

[0038] In addition, the device may also have a coin and / or credit card acceptance mechanism that allows the user to pay for a drink.

[0039] In a further advantageous embodiment, the device includes an inspection device for inspecting the container. Preferably, the inspection device is suitable and intended for inspecting the interior of the container. Preferably, the inspection device includes an image acquisition device, such as, but not exclusively, a camera.

[0040] This inspection device, for example a camera, may be permanently installed. Its primary, but not exclusive, purpose is to check the interior of the containers for contamination or foreign matter.

[0041] The device may include a drive mechanism for rotating the aforementioned support on which the container is mounted (relative to the pivot axis). Preferably, a control device for controlling the drive mechanism is also provided.

[0042] A rotational movement of the carrier, taking into account one or more image recordings, can be controlled by the camera, in particular in such a way that the image recording device can take one or more image recordings of the container from different directions.

[0043] To aid inspection, the bottle plate or carrier can be rotated. For example, the bottle plate, especially with a container attached to it, can perform a brief left-right movement to cause any remaining beverage in the bottle to slosh around. This makes detection, particularly of transparent beverage residue such as lemonade, significantly easier. Preferably, the carrier has a first mounting area for the container and a second mounting area, and the container can be positioned either in the first or the second mounting area.

[0044] These arrangement areas can be adapted to different containers, for example containers with different cross-sections or container heights.

[0045] Preferably, the first arrangement area is configured at a first distance from the pivot axis, and the second arrangement area is configured at a second distance from the pivot axis, with these distances being different. In this way, for example, the first arrangement area can be used for arranging taller containers, and the second arrangement area for arranging shorter containers. If two or more bottle heights are to be filled in the machine, the carrier or plate can have multiple docking positions for the containers. This arrangement area or these arrangement areas can again feature the aforementioned fixing devices.

[0046] Additionally or alternatively, it would also be conceivable to design the filling device(s) and / or the filling valves (and possibly the rinse nozzle) to be movable. These could then be ideally positioned according to the respective bottle height.

[0047] The containers do not necessarily have to be filled to 100%. The user can instruct the machine (e.g., via smartphone, voice input, and / or touchscreen, etc.) that their container should only be partially filled (e.g., "Fill 300 ml into a 500 ml container"). Filling can also be triggered by a payment. In another preferred embodiment, the filling speed at which the filling device fills the container is variable and / or adjustable. To minimize CO2 loss during filling, for example, the carbonated beverage (CSD) is preferably filled slowly into the container. A filling speed of less than 100 ml / s is advantageous, a speed of less than 50 ml / s is particularly advantageous, and a speed of less than 25 ml / s is even better. This corresponds to 20 seconds for filling a 500 ml bottle.

[0048] The present invention further relates to a method for filling containers, wherein a container to be filled is first fixed to a support. The support with the container fixed to it is then preferably pivoted into a rinsing position in which the container can be rinsed. Preferably, the container is rinsed through its opening using a rinsing liquid. This rinsing liquid can, for example, be water.

[0049] In a further process step, the carrier with the container attached to it is swivelled into a filling position, and in a further process step, the container is filled with a liquid through its opening.

[0050] In another preferred method, the container first pivots into an emptying position, which serves in particular to empty any liquid contained in the container.

[0051] The device may include a measuring device to determine the quantity of beverage or liquid to be filled into the container. This may be a flow meter, but a weight meter could also be used. Alternatively, the fill level of the container can also be determined by measuring the torque that the container, while being filled, generates with respect to the axis of rotation of the support.

[0052] Preferably, the containers to be filled are standard containers that are standardized for this method or the device described herein. In particular, a predetermined area of ​​the containers can be adapted to the fixing device.

[0053] The pivot axis, about which the container is pivoted, can be located below the container (when the container is upright). However, it would also be conceivable for the fixing device to be designed such that the geometric pivot axis runs through the container.

[0054] In another method, the customer first places a container to be filled onto the plate or carrier. Any protective device, such as a cover, can be closed. Preferably, an electromagnet or other gripping device located in the carrier is activated and secures the container to the carrier.

[0055] In a further step, the operator swivels the container with its opening over the rinsing device. The rinsing process can then begin in this position.

[0056] After the rinsing process is complete, the operator swivels the container opening under a filling valve or filling device. The customer can then select their desired beverage, for example, via a display, an app, or voice command. The filling process then begins.

[0057] Once filling is complete, the carrier swings back to its starting position. The fixing device, for example the electromagnet, is deactivated, any optional safety guard can be opened, and the filled container can be removed.

[0058] The invention is characterized by the fact that the filling process can be carried out in several treatment steps, including a rinsing step, with a single movement, namely a rotation. Each treatment step can be positioned at its most advantageous location around the carrier. This means, for example, a rinse nozzle at the bottom and the filling valves on the side or top. The container is fixed to the rotating part.

[0059] A suitable container, which preferably consists at least partly of a ferromagnetic material, is preferably held in position during treatment by means of magnetic forces.

[0060] Further advantages and embodiments can be seen from the attached drawings.

[0061] It shows: Fig. 1 A representation of a device according to the invention; Fig. 2 A representation of the device made of Fig. 1in another treatment position; Fig. 3 a representation of the device made of Fig. 1 in another treatment position; Fig. 4 a representation of a container for a device according to the invention; Fig. 5 a detailed representation of the in Fig. 4 shown container; and Fig. 6 a further representation of a device for filling containers in a further embodiment.

[0062] Figure 1 Figure 1 shows a representation of a device 1 according to the invention for filling containers 10. This device has a support that is pivotable and / or rotatable about a pivot axis S. This support has a fixing device (not shown in detail) for fixing a container 10. The container 10 has an opening 10a through which it can be filled and rinsed.

[0063] Reference numeral 4 designates a first filling device that can fill the container in a specific position. Reference numeral 42 designates a filling valve of this filling device 4. Reference numeral 8 designates a second filling device, which may also have a filling valve. Reference numeral 20 designates a housing or support on which the filling devices 4 and 8, as well as the support 2, are arranged.

[0064] Reference numeral 6 denotes a rinsing device for rinsing the containers. Reference numeral 62 denotes a rinsing valve or a rinsing lance that can allow a rinsing fluid to flow into the interior of the container. This rinsing lance could also be extendable to reach into the interior of the container. It is also conceivable that the container could be not only pivotable but also linearly displaceable to allow the rinsing lance to be inserted into it.

[0065] Reference numeral 12 designates a collection container for collecting rinsing fluid and, if applicable, also for collecting any fluid that may still be in the container.

[0066] Figure 2Figure 1 shows a representation of a device according to the invention in a rinsing position. Here, the container is deflected vertically downwards with the container opening pointing downwards. In this position, rinsing of the interior of the container is possible. Figure 3 Figure 1 shows another illustration in which the container is in a filling position, that is, the container opening is located below the first filling device 4.

[0067] Figure 4 shows a representation of a container with a bottom area 10b. In the Figure 5 As shown in the illustration, the container as a whole comprises an outer container 34 and an inner container 32. A ferromagnetic element 36, such as an iron / steel plate, can be arranged between these two containers 32 and 34. This iron plate allows the container to be attached to the surface shown in the illustration. Figure 1 The support shown can be temporarily attached.

[0068] However, it would also be possible to attach the container to the support in a different way; for example, it could be suctioned to both its base and its outer walls. Alternatively, the container could be placed inside a ring or ring-segment-like structure, which would then be applied, at least slightly, to the container. Such a retaining ring could also incorporate elastic elements to securely hold the container. It should be noted that such a retaining ring only needs to support the container's own weight, as this is supported by the support itself during the actual filling process.

[0069] Fig. 6Figure 1 shows a further embodiment of a device for filling containers 10. The carrier 2 has a first mounting area B1 and a second mounting area B2, on each of which the container 10 can be arranged. Preferably, both mounting areas B1 and B2 also each have fixing means for securing the container 10.

[0070] The two mounting areas are positioned at different distances from the pivot axis S. This allows, for example, a taller container to be placed on mounting area B1 and a shorter container on mounting area B2. Furthermore, it would also be possible for the filling device 4 and / or the filling device 8 to be adjustable in the vertical or longitudinal direction of the container, respectively, to accommodate containers of varying heights.

[0071] In addition, it would also be possible for carrier 2 to have three or more order areas.

[0072] Furthermore, it is possible that the carrier 2 has at least one arrangement area B1 or B2 and that, in addition, the filling device 4 and / or the filling device 8 are adjustable in the vertical direction or in the longitudinal direction of the container. Thus, with at least one arrangement area B1 or B2, at least two containers of different heights can be processed. Reference symbol list

[0073] 1 Device 2 Support 4 First filling device 6 Flushing device 8 Second filling device 10 Container 10a Outlet 10b Base area 12 Collection container 20 Housing 32 Inner container 34 Outer container 36 Ferromagnetic element 42 Filling valve 62 Flushing valve or flushing lance S Swivel axis B1 First arrangement area B2 Second arrangement area

Claims

1. An apparatus (1) for filling containers (10) with a carrier (2) on which a container to be filled can be placed and fixed, wherein this carrier being pivotable with respect to a pivot axis (S) which extends at an angle different from 0° with respect to a longitudinal direction (L) of the container to be filled, with a first filling device (4) in order to fill the container in a first pivot position of the container (10) with respect to the pivot axis (S) via its mouth, characterized in that the apparatus has a rinsing device (6) in order to rinse the container (10) through its mouth (10a) in a second pivot position (S2) of the container with respect to the pivot axis.

2. The apparatus (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pivot axis is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the container.

3. The apparatus (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a fixing device (22) for fixing the container to the carrier is arranged on the carrier.

4. The apparatus (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the fixing device (22) comprises fixing means selected from a group of fixing means comprising vacuum fixing means, magnetic fixing means, gripping elements, mechanical elements, combinations thereof and the like.

5. The apparatus (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the container comprises second fixing means for fixing the container to the carrier.

6. The apparatus (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first filling device (4) is arranged in such a way that the container is filled by this first filling device (4) in a pivot position which deviates from a vertical orientation of the container.

7. The apparatus (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the rinsing device is arranged in such a way that the container can be rinsed by this rinsing device in a pivot position which deviates from a vertical orientation of the container.

8. The apparatus (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the apparatus comprises a second filling device (8) for filling the container in a second pivoted position of the container (10) with respect to the pivot axis (S) via its mouth.

9. The apparatus (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the apparatus (1) comprises inspection means for inspecting the container.

10. The apparatus (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the carrier comprises a first arrangement area (B1) for arranging the container and a second arrangement area (B3) and the container can be selectively arranged at the first arrangement area (B1) or the second arrangement area (B2).

11. The apparatus (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a filling speed at which the filling device fills the container is variable and / or adjustable.

12. A method for filling containers comprising the steps of: - fixing a container (10) to be filled to a carrier (2) - pivoting the carrier (2) with the container (10) fixed thereto into a rinsing position and rinsing the container (10) through its mouth (10a) with a rinsing liquid - pivoting the carrier with the container fixed thereto into a filling position and filling the container through its mouth (10a) with a liquid.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that the container (10) is inspected.