Device for refilling a bottle with a fluid, in particular a cleaning, care or disinfecting fluid for hands, and method for refilling a bottle with a fluid, in particular a cleaning, care or disinfecting fluid for hands

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (10, 10') for refilling a bottle (150) with a fluid, in particular a cleaning, care or disinfecting fluid for hands, comprising a storage container (55) for storing the fluid, a pump and metering unit (20) which is or can be releasably connected to the storage container (55) and by means of which the fluid can be conveyed out of the storage container (55) and dispensed through a dispensing opening (22), wherein the device (10, 10') has a first sterilisation device (130, 130') having a first UVC light source (131, 131') for sterilising an outer surface (151) of the bottle (150) and / or a second sterilisation device (140) having a second UVC light source (141) for sterilising an inner surface (152) of the bottle (150). The invention also relates to a method for refilling a bottle (150) with a fluid, in particular a cleaning, care or disinfecting fluid for hands.

Description

[0001] Device for refilling a bottle with a fluid, in particular a cleaning, care or disinfection fluid for hands, and method for refilling a bottle with a fluid, in particular a cleaning, care or disinfection fluid for hands.

[0002] The invention relates to a device for refilling a bottle with a fluid, in particular a cleaning, care or disinfection fluid for hands, and a method for refilling a bottle with a fluid, in particular a cleaning, care or disinfection fluid for hands.

[0003] The use of small-volume fluid bottles, especially those with a volume of 200 ml or less, is widespread for many purposes. The fluid can be cleaning, care, or disinfectant, particularly for hands. Small bottles are easier to transport and can often be carried around, for example, in a handbag or jacket pocket. The so-called "lab coat bottles" are particularly well-known; these are bottles containing disinfectant fluid, typically with a volume of 100 ml, which hospital staff carry in their lab coat pockets.

[0004] Up to now, such small-volume bottles have been disposed of after the fluid has been used up, resulting in a large amount of waste. In particular, refilling bottles is not permitted in certain industries, especially in the healthcare sector, because certain hygiene regulations cannot be reliably met. The object of the invention is therefore to provide a device and a method for refilling a bottle with a fluid, in particular a cleaning, care, or disinfecting fluid for hands, which enables improved refilling of bottles, especially with regard to compliance with hygiene regulations.

[0005] The object is solved according to the invention by a device for refilling a bottle with a fluid, in particular a cleaning, care or disinfection fluid for hands, with the features of claim 1 and by a method for refilling a bottle with a fluid, in particular a cleaning, care or disinfection fluid for hands, with the features of claim 20.

[0006] Advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

[0007] The device according to the invention for refilling a bottle with a fluid, in particular a cleaning, care or disinfection fluid for hands, comprises a reservoir for holding the fluid, as well as a pump and dosing unit which can be detachably connected to or is connected to the reservoir and with which the fluid can be pumped out of the reservoir and dispensed through a dispensing opening, and has a first sterilization device with a first UVC light source for sterilizing an outer surface of the bottle and / or a second sterilization device with a second UVC light source for sterilizing an inner surface of the bottle.

[0008] Preferably, the device comprises both the first sterilization device with the first UVC light source for sterilizing the outer surface of the bottle and the second sterilization device with the second UVC light source for sterilizing the inner surface of the bottle. It is also possible that the first sterilization device also constitutes the second sterilization device, thus providing a single sterilization device with a single UVC light source that can be used to sterilize both the outer and inner surfaces of the bottle.

[0009] By providing the possibility of sterilizing the bottle to be filled, the formation of germs on or in the bottle, which can occur particularly when fluid residues remain in the bottle or the bottle is frequently touched by hand during frequent use, can be avoided.

[0010] Sterilization using UVC radiation in the range of 200 joules to 500 joules, preferably in the range of 250 joules to 450 joules, particularly preferably 400 joules, for 4 s to 10 s, preferably for 5 s to 9 s, particularly preferably for 6 s, is sufficient to reliably prevent germ formation.

[0011] Preferably, the first sterilization device comprises a hood with a circumferential wall and a top wall, wherein the first UVC light source is arranged on an inner surface of the hood. The hood can, for example, have a round or rectangular, and in particular square, cross-section. Such a hood can be easily placed over the bottle to be filled and allows irradiation with UVC light from all sides. Advantageously, the first UVC light source is strip-shaped and, in particular, arranged spirally on the inner surface of the hood wall and, preferably, also spirally on the inner surface of the top wall. Such an arrangement allows for the UVC light source to be positioned over as much of the entire surface as possible, thereby optimizing irradiation of the bottle from all sides.

[0012] Preferably, the hood has a height at least equal to the height of the bottle to be filled and a diameter within which the bottle can be positioned upright and the bottle cap lying next to it. The appropriate height allows for irradiation and thus sterilization of the bottle along its entire length. The appropriate diameter allows the bottle cap to be sterilized from as many sides as possible. In particular, the cap should be removable during sterilization and stored in a designated location to allow for internal sterilization of the bottle.

[0013] A preferred embodiment of the invention provides that the first sterilization device is arranged circumferentially around the dispensing opening, in particular concentrically to the dispensing opening. Such a design makes it possible to position the bottle to be filled in a position in the device in which both the sterilization process and the filling process can take place.

[0014] Preferably, the first sterilization device is movable relative to the dispensing opening and / or relative to the filling bottle. This simplifies the insertion of the bottle to be filled into the desired position in the device and allows the sterilization process to be coordinated with the filling process.

[0015] Preferably, the second sterilization device comprises a hollow tube, with the second UVC light source arranged on the outside of the hollow tube. The rod-shaped design allows the second sterilization device to be easily immersed through the bottle opening and neck into the bottle to be filled, in order to sterilize the inside of the bottle. The hollow tube design also allows the dispensing opening, including a feed tube, to be arranged inside the hollow tube, thus enabling a compact design.

[0016] Preferably, the second UVC light source is designed in a strip shape and is arranged, in particular, in longitudinal strips on the hollow tube of the second sterilization device. Such an arrangement allows for the UVC light source to be positioned over as much of the entire surface as possible, thus optimizing irradiation of the entire inner surface of the bottle.

[0017] Advantageously, the hollow tube has an outer diameter that is smaller than the inner diameter of the bottle neck of the bottle to be filled, and a length that is at least half the height, and preferably no more than the height, of the bottle to be filled. The corresponding outer diameter allows for easy insertion of the second sterilization device into the bottle to be filled. The corresponding length allows for sterilization of the inner surface of the bottle to be filled, ideally over the entire height of the bottle, while ensuring that the maximum length, which is no more than the entire height of the bottle to be filled, minimizes the emission of UVC radiation into the surrounding area.

[0018] Preferably, the second sterilization device is arranged circumferentially around the dispensing opening, in particular concentrically to the dispensing opening. Such a design makes it possible to position the bottle to be filled in a position within the device in which both the sterilization process and the filling process can take place.

[0019] A preferred embodiment of the invention provides that the second sterilization device is movable relative to the dispensing opening and / or relative to the filling bottle. This simplifies the insertion of the bottle to be filled into the desired position in the device and allows the sterilization process to be coordinated with the filling process.

[0020] Preferably, the device comprises a monitoring unit comprising at least one input means with which data of the fluid can be recorded and stored at least temporarily as fluid-related data and / or with which data of the bottle can be recorded and stored at least temporarily as bottle-related data, as well as a label printer for printing a label for the filled bottle, wherein at least part of the fluid-related data and / or the bottle-related data is printed on the label.

[0021] Fluid-related data can include, for example, the type of fluid, its best-before or expiration date, or the product batch number. This fluid-related data can be located, for example, on the storage container and accessible via at least one input device. Bottle-related data can include, for example, the number of sterilization or refilling cycles the bottle has undergone, a bottle number for uniquely identifying an individual bottle, the bottle's manufacturing date, the bottle's material, or the bottle's volume. This bottle-related data can be located on the bottle, particularly on a label, and accessible via at least one input device.

[0022] If a label is printed after a refilling process containing information related to the process, particularly information about the fluid added or the bottle itself, good documentation of refilling processes can be ensured. On the one hand, this allows the user of the bottle to be informed about the fluid contained in the bottle after refilling, even after the process has been completed. For example, the expiration date of the currently contained fluid can be printed on the label.On the other hand, information regarding the bottle itself, such as how many sterilization or refilling processes it has already undergone, or the bottle's age, can also be indicated on the label. This provides a way to exclude a specific bottle from further refilling processes after a certain age or number of refills. The monitoring unit allows relevant data to be stored, at least temporarily, for documentation purposes and thus enables the monitoring of compliance with predefined hygiene regulations. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one input device is designed as a barcode reader. Barcodes, which also include QR codes, or similar codes, represent a particularly simple way to graphically display information in coded form.

[0023] Advantageously, the monitoring unit comprises a first input device for acquiring fluid data and a second input device for acquiring bottle data. The fluid to be filled into the bottle is held in the reservoir, on which the fluid-related data can be located, for example, in the form of a barcode, while bottle-related data can be located on the bottle to be filled, also for example, in the form of a barcode. Since the reservoir is typically handled separately from the bottle, providing two input devices simplifies the acquisition of the corresponding data.

[0024] Preferably, the device comprises a housing with an interior space, wherein the storage container is arranged in the interior space. The housing can, for example, be designed as a cabinet in which the storage container can be stored. It is also possible to keep new, empty bottles in the housing as a supply and to provide a collection container for old bottles that are not to be refilled.

[0025] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the first input means is arranged on the inner wall of the housing. Such an arrangement enables a compact design of the device. Furthermore, the first input means can be arranged such that, when the reservoir is changed, the fluid-related data can be directly acquired by the first input means.

[0026] Preferably, the dispensing opening is part of a filling station located on the top of the housing. Positioning the filling station on the top of the housing allows for good and easy access to the filling station.

[0027] Advantageously, the dispensing opening can be closed by a baffle. The baffle is preferably only open during the filling process, and in particular only when the dispensing opening is immersed in the bottle being filled, so that contamination of the dispensing opening, especially by contact with a user, can be reliably prevented.

[0028] Advantageously, the filling station includes a receiving unit for holding the bottle to be filled and / or for positioning the bottle relative to the dispensing opening. Such a receiving device ensures that the fluid is filled directly into the bottle and that as little fluid as possible is spilled.

[0029] The receiving unit is preferably designed such that, in one position of the first sterilization device, the hood overlaps at least partially with the receiving unit to form a closed space around the bottle to be filled. This ensures that the UVC radiation cannot escape from the space around the bottle during the sterilization process. A preferred embodiment of the invention provides that the second input means is arranged relative to the receiving unit such that the label of the bottle to be filled is detected by the second input means when the bottle is inserted into the receiving unit. Such an arrangement ensures that the necessary bottle-related data can be captured before a refilling process.

[0030] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the receiving unit has at least one drainage opening, with a collection tray arranged below the receiving unit. Such a design allows for the reliable collection of dripping or spilled fluid.

[0031] A particularly preferred embodiment of the invention provides that the pump and dosing unit comprises a peristaltic pump or a similar pump, which preferably includes a tube extending from the interior of the reservoir to the dispensing opening. This design allows the fluid to be easily pumped directly from the reservoir into the bottle and, in particular, ensures that the fluid filled into the bottle during the refilling process only comes into contact with the tube, thus preventing contamination of the fluid. The tube is, in particular, guided at least partially through the hollow tube of the second sterilization device, enabling a compact design.

[0032] According to a preferred embodiment, the device includes a user identification device with which the identity of the device's user can be recorded and stored, at least temporarily, as user-related data. Such a user identification device enables the tracking or documentation of the refilling operations performed by an individual user.

[0033] Advantageously, the user identification device includes an input device for manually entering a user ID, preferably in the form of a touch display. Entering a user ID has the advantage that a user does not need to carry additional items such as cards, RFID tags, keys, or similar items to identify themselves.

[0034] A preferred embodiment of the invention provides that the monitoring unit additionally records and at least temporarily stores device-related and / or user-related data.

[0035] Device-related data can include, for example, the device's location or the number of sterilization or refilling cycles performed. User-related data can include, for example, the user's name or the number of refilling cycles performed by that user. Collecting such data enables further documentation.

[0036] Preferably, the device, in particular the filling station, has a display. The display allows the user to receive instructions for carrying out the refilling process. Warning messages can also be displayed, for example, if the bottle is already too old or has undergone too many sterilization or refilling cycles and should therefore not be refilled again, or if the reservoir is almost empty and needs to be replaced.

[0037] Advantageously, the device includes a transmitter and receiver unit for data exchange with external units, such as a server or a mobile device. This enables centralized documentation of the refilling processes performed by multiple devices.

[0038] Preferably, at least one input device is designed as a handheld barcode reader. A handheld barcode reader allows barcodes to be read in a wide variety of positions, as it can be held by hand against the barcode. This makes it possible to use a single input device with which the user can capture all the necessary information.

[0039] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the device comprises, on the one hand, the first and second input means described above, which, in particular, can be permanently installed in the device as described, and additionally includes a third input means, which is designed as a handheld barcode reader. Processes can be started or acknowledged by the user via the third input means. For example, after the filling process, the user can scan the newly printed label to complete the refilling process. It is also possible to deregister unusable bottles using the third input means. Alternatively or additionally, the third input means can also capture further data, for example, user-related data.A system according to the invention comprises at least one device according to the invention for refilling a bottle with a fluid, in particular a cleaning, care, or disinfection fluid for hands, and furthermore at least one server designed and configured for storing data acquired by the at least one device, and / or at least one device designed and configured for retrieving the data from the at least one device and / or, if present, from the server, and for displaying this data. Such a system enables monitoring and documentation of the refilling processes carried out by the device.

[0040] If a device is part of the system, it is preferable to have an app installed on the device to retrieve the data from the at least one device and / or from the server and to display this data, which can enable easy handling.

[0041] The inventive method for refilling a bottle with a fluid, in particular a cleaning, care or disinfection fluid for hands, comprises the following steps:

[0042] - Sterilizing an outer surface of the bottle with a first sterilization device comprising a first UVC light source and / or sterilizing an inner surface of the bottle with a second sterilization device comprising a second UVC light source and

[0043] - Filling the bottle with fluid from a reservoir.

[0044] By implementing a sterilization process for the bottle to be filled, bacterial growth on or in the bottle can be prevented. This growth can occur particularly when fluid residues remain in the bottle or when the bottle is frequently touched by hand during frequent use. Refilling a previously used bottle can also be made possible by implementing a sterilization process.

[0045] Sterilization using UVC radiation in the range of 200 joules to 500 joules, preferably in the range of 250 joules to 450 joules, particularly preferably 400 joules, for 4 s to 10 s, preferably for 5 s to 9 s, particularly preferably for 6 s, is sufficient to reliably prevent germ formation.

[0046] Preferably, a closed space is formed around the bottle for sterilization. This ensures that the UVC radiation cannot escape from the space around the bottle being filled during the sterilization process.

[0047] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, to sterilize the outer surface of the bottle, a hood with a circumferential wall and a top wall, wherein a first UVC light source is arranged on the inside of the hood, is positioned over the bottle, and / or to sterilize the inner surface of the bottle, a hollow tube, wherein a second UVC light source is arranged on the outside of the hollow tube, is inserted into the bottle through a bottle neck. Such a hood can be easily placed over the bottle to be filled and can allow irradiation with UVC light from all sides, while such a hollow tube can be easily inserted into the bottle to be filled and can allow irradiation of the entire inner surface of the bottle with UVC light.Advantageously, a dispensing opening is inserted into the bottle for filling, and in particular, the cover over the dispensing opening is only opened once the opening is in place. Inserting the dispensing opening into the bottle ensures that the fluid can be dispensed with minimal contact with the surrounding environment. The cover also prevents the dispensing opening from being touched, which could lead to contamination.

[0048] A particularly preferred embodiment of the invention provides that the filling process takes place only after the sterilization process has been completed, in particular only when the first sterilization device and the second sterilization device have been de-energized. This procedure ensures compliance with the necessary explosion protection measures.

[0049] A further development of the invention provides that

[0050] - before filling the bottle, a current label of the bottle ( 150 ) is captured and current fluid-related data and current bottle-related data contained on the label are read out, and that after filling the following steps are carried out:

[0051] - Determining new fluid-related data and new bottle-related data,

[0052] - Printing a new label, wherein at least some of the new fluid-related data and / or the new bottle-related data is printed on the new label,

[0053] - Affix the new label to the bottle ( 150 ).

[0054] As previously explained, documentation of refilling processes becomes possible when a label containing information related to the refilling process is printed after each refill. Printing a new label with at least some of the new fluid-related data and / or the new bottle-related data allows the label to be updated with regard to the bottle's contents. Reading the label before refilling and processing the data contained on the current label, and preferably also on the new label, can enable documentation of the refilling processes and, in particular, compliance with hygiene regulations.

[0055] Preferably, the bottle-related data includes the number of sterilization cycles or refills, which is incremented by one after each refill and printed on the label as part of the new bottle-related data. This allows for the documentation and tracking of the refills performed.

[0056] A particularly preferred embodiment of the invention provides that, when the current bottle-related data contained on the label is recorded, the number of sterilization processes or refills is compared with a predetermined maximum number of sterilization processes or refills, and a warning message is issued when the maximum number of sterilization processes or refills is reached or exceeded. Since it can be assumed that a bottle deteriorates hygienically after undergoing a certain number of sterilization processes or refills, or after reaching a certain age, this embodiment makes it possible to exclude such a bottle from further refilling processes.The warning message can, for example, be designed in such a way that the user is asked to dispose of this bottle, in particular to deregister it from the refilling process, and to select a new bottle for the refilling process, in particular to register this new bottle in the refilling process.

[0057] If all bottles to be filled have the same volume, the same volume of fluid can always be dispensed during a refilling process. Preferably, the bottle-related data includes the bottle's volume, and after the current bottle-related data on the label is detected, the bottle is filled with the corresponding volume of fluid. This design allows for the filling of bottles of different sizes.

[0058] Advantageously, the new fluid-related data includes the expiration date and / or information about the composition and / or product batch of the fluid contained in the reservoir. This ensures that a user of the bottle always has access to the most up-to-date information regarding its contents, even after refilling.

[0059] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, a user ID is captured, preferably before the filling step, and additionally printed on the label. Capturing the user ID enables person-specific tracking of the refilling processes carried out. Preferably, the date of the refill is also printed on the label.

[0060] Preferably, when refilling or replacing the reservoir, fluid data is recorded and preferably stored, at least temporarily, as fluid-related data in a storage medium, for example, a storage medium of the monitoring unit, so that this fluid-related data can be printed as new fluid-related data on the label during a refilling process. In this way, it can be ensured that the fluid-related data indicated on a label of a refilled bottle corresponds to the contents of the refilled bottle.

[0061] Advantageously, the fluid-related data and / or the bottle-related data are captured by reading a barcode with a barcode reader, which allows for easy handling.

[0062] Preferably, the device acquires at least fluid-related and bottle-related data, and preferably also device-related and / or user-related data, and transmits this data to a server for inclusion in a database, particularly during each filling process. This enables complete documentation of all refilling processes.

[0063] An advantageous further development of the invention provides that the database is read and / or maintained using an app, which is preferably installed on a separate device, preferably a separate mobile device, thus enabling easy handling.

[0064] An embodiment of the invention is explained in detail with reference to the following figures. They show

[0065] Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a device according to the invention with a filling station, a housing with a storage container arranged therein, a sterilizing device, a label printer and a handheld barcode reader.

[0066] Fig. 2 shows a front view of the device according to Fig. 1, in which the storage container has been removed.

[0067] Fig. 3a shows a front view of the sterilizing device of the apparatus according to Fig. 1 with a hood in an open position.

[0068] Fig. 3b shows a section along line AA in Fig. 3a,

[0069] Fig. 4a shows a front view of the sterilizing device of the apparatus according to Fig. 1 with the hood in a closed position.

[0070] Fig. 4b shows a section along line BB in Fig. 4a,

[0071] Fig. 5 shows a schematic representation of a system according to the invention.

[0072] Fig. 6 shows a perspective view of a further embodiment of a device according to the invention with a filling station, a housing with a storage container arranged therein, a sterilizing device, a label printer and a handheld barcode reader.

[0073] Fig. 7 shows a front view of the sterilizing device of the apparatus according to Fig. 6 with a door in a closed position; Fig. 8 shows the view according to Fig. 7 with the door removed.

[0074] Fig. 9 shows a longitudinal section through the sterilizing device and the filling station of the device according to Fig. 6 with the second sterilizing device extended.

[0075] Fig. 10 shows a further longitudinal section through the sterilizing device and the filling station of the device according to Fig. 6 with the second sterilizing device extended and

[0076] Fig. 11 shows the view according to Fig. 10 with the second sterilizing device retracted.

[0077] Figures 1 to 4 show different views of a device 10 for refilling a bottle 150 with a fluid, in particular a cleaning, care or disinfection fluid for hands.

[0078] The bottle 150 has an outer surface 151 and an inner surface 152 and can be designed as a plastic bottle with a cap 155, wherein the cap 155 can be screwed onto the bottle neck and may have a hinged closure that covers a dispensing opening. The bottle 150 can have a volume between 30 ml and 250 ml, preferably a volume of 100 ml to 150 ml. A label can be affixed to the bottle 150, on which at least bottle-related data is printed.

[0079] Bottle-related data can include, for example, the number of sterilization or refilling processes that the bottle has already undergone, a bottle number for the unique identification of an individual bottle, the manufacturing date of the bottle itself, the material of the bottle, or the volume of the bottle.

[0080] If it is a new, unfilled bottle, the label will only contain bottle-specific data. In this case, the number of refills is zero.

[0081] The device 10 comprises a reservoir 55 for holding the fluid to be refilled. The reservoir 55 can, for example, have a volume of 5 to 20 liters, or in one embodiment a volume of 10 liters. The fluid contained in the reservoir 55 is characterized by fluid-related data.

[0082] Fluid-related data can include, for example, the type of fluid, the minimum shelf life or expiration date of the fluid, or the product batch number. The fluid-related data can, for example, be located on the storage container 55, in particular printed on the storage container 55 or on a label affixed to the storage container 55.

[0083] The device 10 can comprise a housing 60 with an interior 61, wherein the storage container 55 is arranged in the interior 61. The housing 60 can, for example, be designed as a cabinet in which the storage container 55 can be stored. It is also possible to store new, empty bottles 150 in the housing 55 as a supply and to provide a collection container 65 for used bottles 150 that are not to be refilled. The housing 60 can have casters to allow it to be easily moved to a desired location. The device 10 further comprises a pump and metering unit 20, which can be detachably connected to or is connected to the storage container 55 and with which the fluid can be pumped out of the storage container 55 and dispensed through a discharge opening 22.The pump and dosing unit 20 can include a pump 24, which is in particular designed as a peristaltic pump or similar pump and includes a hose 26 which preferably extends from the interior of the storage container 55 to the dispensing opening 22.

[0084] The pump and dosing unit 20 and in particular the dispensing opening 22 can be part of a filling station 70, which can be arranged on the top of the housing 60.

[0085] The filling station 70 can include a receiving unit 80 for receiving the bottle 150 to be filled and / or for positioning the bottle 150 to be filled relative to the dispensing opening 22. The positioning of the bottle 150 to be filled by the receiving unit 80 is intended, in particular, to ensure that the bottle 150 is positioned below the dispensing opening 22.

[0086] The receiving unit 80 can have at least one drain opening 82 to allow any overflowing or dripping fluid to drain away. For example, the base of the receiving unit 80 can be designed as a perforated sheet. A drip tray 84 can be arranged below the receiving unit 80 to collect any overflowing or dripping fluid. The drip tray 84 is designed to be removable so that the fluid collected in it can be emptied from time to time. A hose 86 can also lead from the drip tray 84 to a collection container arranged in the housing 60.The dispensing opening 22 can be vertically adjustable to allow it to be positioned as close as possible to the neck of the bottle 150, or even inside the bottle 150, during filling. This minimizes both the risk of fluid spillage and the risk of fluid contamination. The dispensing opening 22 can be closed by a shutter, which opens only when the dispensing opening is in the filling position to further reduce the risk of contaminants entering the dispensing opening 22 and the hose 26. Preferably, the dispensing opening 22 is detachably mounted on the filling station 70 and is autoclavable for cleaning.

[0087] The device 10 comprises a first sterilization device 130 with a first UVC light source 131 for sterilizing the outer surface 151 of the bottle 150. The first sterilization device 130 can include a hood 132 with a circumferential wall 133 and a cover wall 134, wherein the first UVC light source 131 can be arranged on an inner surface of the hood 132. The hood 132 of the illustrated embodiment has a circular cross-section. The first UVC light source 131 can be strip-shaped and, in particular, comprise UVC LEDs. The strip-shaped UVC light source 131 can be arranged spirally on the inner surface of the wall 133 of the hood 132 and preferably additionally, in particular, spirally or in concentric rings, on the inner surface of the cover wall 134.

[0088] The hood 132 has a height HH, which corresponds at least to the height HF of the bottle 150 to be filled, and a diameter DH, within which the bottle 150 to be filled can be arranged standing upright and the lid 155 of the bottle 150 can be arranged lying down next to the bottle 150.

[0089] The first sterilization device 130, in particular the hood 132, can be arranged circumferentially around the dispensing opening 22, particularly concentrically to the dispensing opening 22. The first sterilization device 130 can be displaceable relative to the dispensing opening 22 and / or relative to the filling bottle 150. For example, when the hood 132 is arranged in an open position (see Figs. 3a and 3b), the bottle 150 can be positioned in the receiving unit 80, and then the hood 132 can be lowered into a closed position (see Figs. 4a and 4b), in which the receiving unit 80 and the hood 132 form a closed space around the bottle 150 and preferably the lid 155 arranged next to the bottle 150. In particular, the hood 132 and the receiving unit 80 overlap section by section in the direction of movement of the hood 132, so that it is ensured that no UVC radiation can escape through a gap to the outside.

[0090] To increase safety, the first UVC light source 131 can only be activated in the closed position of the hood 132 in order to sterilize the outer surface 151 of the bottle 150.

[0091] As an alternative to, or in addition to, the first sterilization device 130, in the present embodiment in addition to, the device 10 comprises a second sterilization device 140 with a second UVC light source 141 for sterilizing the inner surface 152 of the bottle 150. The second sterilization device 140 may comprise a hollow tube 142, wherein the second UVC light source 141 may be arranged on the outside of the hollow tube 142. The second UVC light source may be strip-shaped and may, in particular, comprise UVC LEDs. The strip-shaped UVC light source 141 may, in particular, be arranged in longitudinal strips on the hollow tube 142 of the second sterilization device.The hollow tube 142 can have an outer diameter ADR, which is smaller than an inner diameter IDF of a bottle neck of the bottle 150 to be filled, and a length LR, which corresponds to at least half the height HF, preferably at most the height HF, of the bottle 150 to be filled.

[0092] The second sterilization device 140 can be arranged circumferentially around the dispensing opening 22, in particular concentrically to the dispensing opening 22. In particular, the dispensing opening 22 is arranged inside the hollow tube 142, wherein the hose 24 leading to the dispensing opening 22 is guided at least partially through the hollow tube 142.

[0093] The second sterilization device 140 can be displaceable relative to the dispensing opening 22 and / or relative to the filling bottle 150. In particular, the second sterilization device 140, especially the hollow tube 142 with the UVC light source 141 arranged on the outside of the hollow tube 142, can be immersed in the bottle 150 to sterilize the inner surface 152 of the bottle 150. If the UVC light source 141 is located completely inside the bottle 150, the wall of the bottle 150 itself can shield the UVC radiation from the user.

[0094] In the present embodiment, the first sterilization device 130 and the second sterilization device 140 are jointly movable and, in particular, jointly activatable, so that the arrangement of the first sterilization device 130 provides shielding. To increase safety, the second UVC light source 141 can only be activated to sterilize the inner surface 152 of the bottle 150 when the second sterilization device 140 is retracted into the bottle 150, or when both the first sterilization device 130 and the second sterilization device 140 are present and the hood 132 is in the closed position.

[0095] Figures 6 to 11 show a second embodiment of a device 10' for refilling the bottle 150 with a fluid, in particular a cleaning, care, or disinfecting fluid for hands, which differs from the device 10 shown in Figures 1 to 4 only in the design of the first sterilizing device 130. Unless explicitly stated otherwise, the other explanations given with reference to device 10 also apply to device 10'. While in device 10 the first sterilizing device 130 has a hood 132 that is slidable relative to the bottle 150, device 10' has a first sterilizing device 130' in which a hood 132' with a circumferential wall 133' and a cover wall 134' is fixedly arranged on the housing 60. The hood 132' can, in particular, have a rectangular cross-section.To position the bottle 150 in the first sterilizing device 130', the hood 132' has a door 137' which can be opened to insert the bottle 150 and then closed again. The hood 132', which is fixed to the housing 60, also forms an enclosed space around the bottle 150 when the door 137' is closed. The first sterilizing device 130' can have a first UVC light source 131', which is arranged, in particular, on the inner wall of the hood 132'. The first UVC light source 131' can be strip-shaped and, in particular, comprise UVC LEDs. The strip-shaped UVC light source 131 ' can be arranged in longitudinal strips on the inside of the wall 133 ' of the hood 132 ' and preferably additionally, in particular, in concentric rings or in longitudinal strips on the inside of the cover wall 134 .In this embodiment, the second sterilization device 140 is movable relative to the first sterilization device 130'. To position the bottle 150 within the first sterilization device 130', the second sterilization device 140 can be arranged in a raised position (see Fig. 11), while after the bottle 150 has been positioned and preferably after the door 137' has been closed, it can be retracted into the bottle 150 (see Figs. 9 and 10).

[0096] The device 10 can include a monitoring unit 30, which includes at least one input means 40 with which data of the fluid can be acquired and stored, at least temporarily, as fluid-related data, and / or with which data of the bottle 150 can be acquired and stored, at least temporarily, as bottle-related data. The at least one input means 40 can, for example, be configured as a barcode reader. It is possible to equip the device 10 with only a single input means 40, which is then preferably configured as a handheld barcode reader.

[0097] In the embodiment of the device 10 shown in the figures, the monitoring unit 30 comprises at least two input means 40, namely a first input means 41 for recording the fluid-related data and a second input means 42 for recording the bottle-related data, both of which are preferably designed as barcode readers. The first input means 41 is preferably arranged on an inner wall 62 in the interior 61 of the housing 60, such that when the reservoir 55 is changed, the label containing the fluid-related data or the area of ​​the reservoir 55 containing the fluid-related data comes to lie in front of the first input means 41 in such a way that the fluid-related data can be recorded directly by the first input means 41.

[0098] The second input means 42 is in particular arranged at the filling station 70 and preferably arranged relative to the receiving unit 80 such that the label of the bottle 150 to be filled is detected by the second input means 42 when the bottle 150 is inserted into the receiving unit 80.

[0099] The device 10 may further comprise a third input means 43, which is designed as a handheld barcode reader. The third input means 43 may be arranged on the top of the housing 60.

[0100] The device 10 can include a label printer 50 for printing a label for the filled bottle 150, wherein at least part of the fluid-related data and / or the bottle-related data is printed on the label. The label printer 50 interacts in particular with the monitoring unit 30, from which the corresponding data can be transmitted and / or processed and / or generated. The labels are designed to be resistant to acids and alcohols.

[0101] The device 10, in particular the filling station 70, can have a display 95. As explained below, a wide variety of information or instructions for a user can be displayed on the display 95. Data can also be entered by a user via the display 95.

[0102] The device 10 can include a user recognition device with which the identity of the user of the device 10 can be recorded and stored, at least temporarily, as user-related data. The user recognition device can include an input device 90 for manually entering a user identifier, which is preferably designed as a touch display. In particular, the input device 90 designed as a touch display is part of the display 95 of the device.

[0103] In addition to fluid-related data and bottle-related data, the monitoring unit 30 can also record and at least temporarily store device-related and / or user-related data.

[0104] Device-related data may include, for example, the location of the device or the number of sterilization or refilling operations performed.

[0105] User-related data can include, for example, the user's name or the number of refill operations performed by that user.

[0106] The device 10 can include a transmitting and receiving unit 35, in particular for transmitting acquired data to external units, but preferably also for data exchange with external units. Figure 5 illustrates the integration of the device 10 described above into a system 100. The system 100 comprises at least one such device 10, in the illustrated embodiment three devices 10, as well as at least one server 110, which is designed and configured for storing data acquired with the at least one device 10, and at least one device 120, which is designed and configured for retrieving the data from the at least one device 10 and / or from the server 110 and for displaying this data. An app 125 for retrieving the data from the at least one device 10 and / or from the server 110 and for displaying this data can be installed on the device 120.

[0107] A procedure for refilling bottle 150 can proceed as follows.

[0108] When an empty reservoir 55 is changed or when the device 10 is put into operation for the first time, the fluid-related data of the fluid 55 contained in the reservoir 55 can be recorded and stored in the device 10, in particular in the monitoring unit 30. Fluid-related data can include, in particular, the type of fluid, the minimum shelf life or expiration date of the fluid, or the product batch number. The fluid-related data can be displayed on the reservoir 55 or on a label affixed to the reservoir 55 and recorded using the first input device 41. Recording of the label can be triggered either by moving the reservoir 55 in front of the first input device 41 during the changeover process or by manually starting the process by pressing a button or touching the display 95.The user can be guided through the process of changing the reservoir 55 by corresponding instructions on the display. A user who wishes to refill the bottle 150 can log in to the device 10, for example by manually entering their user ID via the display 95, which may include a touchscreen for this purpose. The user can also be guided through the process of refilling the bottle 150 by corresponding instructions on the display.

[0109] The bottle 150 can be placed in the receiving unit 80 of the device 10. The current label of the bottle 150 is detected, in particular by the second input means 42, and current fluid-related data and current bottle-related data contained on the label are read out and, in particular, stored at least temporarily in the monitoring unit 30. The detection of the label can be triggered either by moving the bottle 150 in front of the second input means 42 or by manually starting the process by pressing a button or touching the display 95.

[0110] The fluid-related and / or bottle-related data can be checked. For example, the number of sterilization cycles or refills already performed can be read from the bottle-related data and compared with a predefined maximum number of sterilization cycles or refills, which could be, for example, 50. A refilling process is only authorized if the maximum number has not yet been reached or exceeded. It can also be checked whether bottle 150 is an approved bottle 150 for refilling. If, for any reason, refilling is not possible, a corresponding message can be displayed to the user, for example, via display 95.In this case, bottle 150 can be removed from the process, for example by scanning the label of this bottle 150 using the third input device 43. This bottle 150 can be disposed of in the collection container 65 of the housing 60. The user can then take a new bottle 150 for the desired filling process, which may also be stored in the housing 60. This new bottle can be scanned using the third input device 43, scanned into the process, and finally inserted into the receiving unit 80. The cap 155 of the bottle 150 is removed and preferably positioned next to the bottle 150 in the receiving unit 80.

[0111] Once the bottle 150 is positioned in the device 10, a sterilization process is initiated. For this purpose, the hood 132 of the first sterilizing device 130 can be lowered together with the hollow tube 142 of the second sterilizing device 140 in the device 10, in particular to form an enclosed space around the bottle 150 together with the receiving unit 80. Alternatively, the door 137 can be closed in the device 10' to form an enclosed space together with the hood 132', and then the second sterilizing device 140 can be lowered. In both cases, the hollow tube 142 of the second sterilizing device 140 is positioned inside the bottle 150 in order to sterilize the inner surface 152 of the bottle 150 using the second UVC light source 141, while the first sterilizing device 130 is arranged around the bottle 150 in order to sterilize the outer surface 151 of the bottle 150 using the first UVC light source 131.The first UVC light source 131 and the second UVC light source 141 can now be activated. For the sterilization process, irradiation with UVC radiation in the range of 200 joules to 500 joules, preferably in the range of 250 joules to 450 joules, particularly preferably 400 joules, for a period of 4 s to 10 s, preferably 5 s to 9 s, particularly preferably 6 s, is generally sufficient.

[0112] After the sterilization process, the first UVC light source 131 and the second UVC light source 141 can be deactivated. In particular, they are switched off for explosion protection reasons.

[0113] The first sterilizing device 130 and / or the second sterilizing device 140 can now be opened or retracted.

[0114] Once the sterilization process is complete, bottle 150 can be filled with fluid from the reservoir 55. For this purpose, the dispensing opening 22 moves close to or into bottle 150. Preferably, the aperture in front of the dispensing opening 22 is only opened in this position. If the volume of bottle 150 is predetermined, the corresponding quantity of fluid can be filled into bottle 150, particularly using the pump and dosing unit 20. Alternatively, the volume of bottle 150 can be read from the bottle-specific data, and the corresponding quantity of fluid can be filled into bottle 150 based on this data.

[0115] New fluid-related data and new bottle-related data can be determined during or after the filling process. The new bottle-related data can include, in particular, the number of refilling operations performed, which, after the filling process, corresponds to the number of refilling operations recorded on the current label of bottle 150, increased by one. If other bottle-related data, such as the bottle material or the manufacturing date of bottle 150, does not change, this data can be used unchanged as new bottle-related data. The new fluid-related data includes, in particular, the data stored in the device 10 regarding the fluid contained in the reservoir 55, which is filled into bottle 150 during this filling process.During each refilling process, the relevant fluid-related data of the fluid stored in the reservoir 55 can be linked to the refilled bottle 150. In particular, the new fluid-related data includes the minimum shelf life or expiry date of the fluid stored in the reservoir 55 and thus filled into the bottle 150.

[0116] After the filling process, a new label can be printed, preferably without requiring any user intervention. This new label should contain at least some of the new fluid-related and / or bottle-related data. At a minimum, the new best-before date or expiration date of the fluid filled into bottle 150 should be printed on the label. Additionally, the filling date, fluid composition, product batch, number of refills, user ID, or other information may be printed on the label.

[0117] The user can then affix the new label to bottle 150. The existing label can either be covered over or, preferably, removed before the new label is applied. To complete the filling process, the user can scan the new label on bottle 150 using the third input device 43. Some of the data acquired by the device 10, at least fluid-related and bottle-related data, and preferably also device-related and / or user-related data, can be transmitted to server 110 for inclusion in a database, particularly during each filling process, once a day, or at other suitable intervals, especially by means of the transmitting and receiving unit 35. The database can be read and / or maintained using the app 125, which is preferably installed on a separate device 120, for example, a mobile device.

[0118] Reference symbol list

[0119] 10 Device

[0120] 10 ' Device

[0121] 20 Pump and dosing unit

[0122] 22. Drop-off opening

[0123] 24 pump

[0124] 26 hose

[0125] 30 monitoring units

[0126] 35 Transmitting and receiving unit

[0127] 40 Input devices

[0128] 41 first input device

[0129] 42 second input device

[0130] 43 third input means

[0131] 50 label printers

[0132] 55 storage containers

[0133] 60 cases

[0134] 61 Interior

[0135] 62 Inner wall

[0136] 65 collection containers

[0137] 70 filling stations

[0138] 80 recording units

[0139] 82 Drain opening

[0140] 84 On drip tray

[0141] 86 hose

[0142] 90 Input device

[0143] 95 Display

[0144] 100 System

[0145] 110 servers

[0146] 120 device

[0147] 125 App

[0148] 130 first sterilizing device

[0149] 130 ' first sterilizing device 131 first UVC light source

[0150] 131 ' first UVC light source

[0151] 132 Hood

[0152] 132 ' Hood

[0153] 133 Wall

[0154] 133 ' wall

[0155] 134 Cover wall

[0156] 134 ' Cover wall

[0157] 137 ' Door

[0158] 140 second sterilizing device

[0159] 141 second UVC light source

[0160] 142 Hollow tube

[0161] 150 bottles

[0162] 151 outdoor area

[0163] 152 interior surface area

[0164] 155 lids

[0165] RF height

[0166] IDF inner diameter

[0167] HH Height

[0168] DH diameter

[0169] LR length

[0170] ADR outer diameter

Claims

Patent claims 1. Device (10, 10') for refilling a bottle (150) with a fluid, in particular a cleaning, care or disinfection fluid for hands, comprising - a reservoir (55) for holding the fluid, - a pump and metering unit (20) , o which is detachably connectable or connected to the reservoir (55) and o with which the fluid can be pumped out of the reservoir (55) and dispensed through a dispensing opening (22), characterized in that the device (10, 10') has a first sterilization device (130, 130') with a first UVC light source (131, 131') for sterilizing an outer surface (151) of the bottle (150) and / or a second sterilization device (140) with a second UVC light source (141) for sterilizing an inner surface (152) of the bottle (150).

2. Device (10, 10') according to claim 1, characterized in that the first sterilization device (130, 130') comprises a hood (132, 132') with a circumferential wall (133, 133') and a cover wall (134, 134'), wherein the first UVC light source (131, 131') is arranged on an inner side of the hood (132, 132').

3. Device (10, 10') according to claim 2, characterized in that the first UVC light source (131, 131') is strip-shaped and in particular spirally arranged on the inside of the wall (133, 133') of the hood (132, 132') and preferably additionally in particular arranged in a spiral shape on the inside of the cover wall (134, 134').

4. Device (10, 10') according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the hood (132, 132') has a height (HH) which corresponds at least to the height (HF) of the bottle (150) to be filled, and has a diameter (DH) within which the bottle (150) to be filled can be arranged standing upright and a lid (155) of the bottle (150) can be arranged lying down next to the bottle (150).

5. Device (10, 10') according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first sterilization device (130, 130') is arranged circumferentially around the dispensing opening (22), in particular concentrically to the dispensing opening (22).

6. Device (10, 10') according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first sterilization device (130, 130') is displaceable relative to the dispensing opening (22) and / or relative to the filling bottle (150).

7. Device (10, 10') according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second sterilization device (140) comprises a hollow tube (142), wherein the second UVC light source (141) is arranged on the outside of the hollow tube (142).

8. Device (10, 10') according to claim 7, characterized in that the second UVC light source (141) is designed in a strip shape and is arranged in particular in longitudinal strips on the hollow tube (142) of the second sterilization device (140).

9. Device (10, 10') according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the hollow tube (142) has an outer diameter (ADR) which is smaller than an inner diameter (IDF) of a bottle neck of the bottle (150) to be filled, and has a length (LR) which corresponds to at least half the height (HH), preferably at most the height (HH) of the bottle (150) to be filled.

10. Device (10, 10') according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second sterilization device (140) is arranged circumferentially around the dispensing opening (22), in particular concentrically to the dispensing opening (22).

11. Device (10, 10') according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second sterilization device (140) is displaceable relative to the dispensing opening (22) and / or relative to the filling bottle (150).

12. Device (10, 10') according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device (10, 10') comprises a monitoring unit (30) at least one input means (40, 41, 42, 43) with which data of the fluid can be recorded and stored at least temporarily as fluid-related data and / or with which data of the bottle (150) can be recorded and stored at least temporarily as bottle-related data, and a label printer (50) for printing a label for the filled bottle (150), wherein at least part of the fluid-related data and / or the bottle-related data is printed on the label.

13. Device (10, 10') according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device (10, 10') comprises a housing (60) with an interior (61), wherein the storage container (55) is arranged in the interior (61).

14. Device (10, 10') according to claim 13, characterized in that the dispensing opening (22) is part of a filling station (70) which is arranged on the top of the housing (60).

15. Device (10, 10') according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the dispensing opening (22) can be closed by a shutter.

16. Device (10, 10') according to claim 14, characterized in that the filling station (70) comprises a receiving unit (80) for receiving the bottle (150) to be filled and / or for positioning the bottle (150) to be filled relative to the dispensing opening (22), wherein the receiving unit (80) is such that is designed such that in one position of the first sterilization device (130, 130') the hood (132, 132') overlaps at least partially with the receiving unit (80) to form a closed space around the bottle (150) to be filled.

17. Device (10, 10') according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pump and dosing unit (20) comprises a peristaltic pump which preferably comprises a hose (26) which extends from the interior of the storage container (55) to the dispensing opening (22) and is guided, in particular, at least partially, through the hollow tube (142) of the second sterilization device (140).

18. System (100) comprising at least one device (10, 10') for refilling a bottle with a fluid, in particular a cleaning, care or disinfection fluid for hands, according to any one of claims 12 to 16, and further comprising at least one server (110) designed and configured for storing data acquired with the at least one device (10, 10'), and / or at least one device (120) for retrieving the data from the at least one device (10) and / or from the server (110) and is designed and set up to display this data.

19. System (100) according to claim 18, characterized in that an app (125) for retrieving data from the at least one device (10, 10') and / or from the server (110) and for displaying this data is installed on the device (120).

20. Method for refilling a bottle (150) with a fluid, in particular a cleaning, care or disinfection fluid for hands, comprising the steps - Sterilizing an outer surface (151) of the bottle (150) with a first sterilization device (130, 130') comprising a first UVC light source (131) and / or sterilizing an inner surface (151) of the bottle (150) with a second sterilization device (140) comprising a second UVC light source (141) and - Filling the bottle (150) with fluid from a reservoir (55) .

21. Method according to claim 20, characterized in that a closed space is formed around the bottle (150) for sterilization.

22. Method according to claim 20 or 21, characterized in that, for sterilizing the outer surface (151) of the bottle (150), a hood (132, 132') with a circumferential wall (133, 133') and a cover wall (134, 134'), wherein a first UVC light source (131) is arranged on the inside of the hood (132, 132'), is positioned over the bottle (150) and / or that, for sterilizing the inner surface (152) of the bottle (150), a hollow tube (142), wherein a second UVC light source (141) is arranged on the outside of the hollow tube (142), is inserted into the bottle (150) through a bottle neck.

23. Method according to one of claims 20 to 22, characterized in that a dispensing opening (22) is provided in the bottle (150) for filling the bottle (150). bottle (150) is inserted, and in particular an aperture covering the dispensing opening (22) is only opened when the dispensing opening (22) is inserted into the bottle (150).

24. Method according to one of claims 20 to 23, characterized in that the filling process only takes place after the sterilization process has been completed, in particular only when the first sterilization device (130) and the second sterilization device (140) are de-energized.

25. Method according to one of claims 20 to 24, characterized in that - before filling the bottle (150), a current label of the bottle (150) is captured and current fluid-related data and current bottle-related data contained on the label are read out, and that the following steps are carried out after filling: - Determining new fluid-related data and new bottle-related data, - Printing a new label, wherein at least part of the new fluid-related data and / or the new bottle-related data is printed on the new label, - Affixing the new label to the bottle (150) .

Images