Device for filling a container such as a capsule, in particular a capsule for a coffee machine, and filling system including such a device

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (1) for filling a container (2) with a product in powder or granule form, the filling device (1) including: - a cover (12), intended to be connected to a vessel (10), the cover (12) including a passage intended to put the inside of the vessel (10) in communication with the outside; - a device (14) for sealing the passage (122), including a stationary portion (16) and a movable portion (18), the movable portion (18) including a closure element (180) and a container support for a container (2) including a filling opening and a peripheral rim (20), such as a flange (20), the movable portion (18) of the closure device (14) being movable between: - a closed position, in which the closure element (180) closes the passage (122); and - an open position, in which the closure element (180) does not close the passage (122), and in which a central opening (182b) provided in the container support (182) is positioned opposite the passage (122).

Description

Description Title of the invention: A device for filling a container such as a capsule, in particular a coffee machine capsule, and a filling system comprising such a device Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to the field of accessories for preparing beverages from a base in powder or granule form. The invention finds advantageous application in the field of preparing hot beverages using machines with pre-filled capsules, such as coffee machines using coffee capsules. Previous technique

[0002] The preparation of beverages such as coffee using machines with pre-filled capsules represents a considerable market. The number of coffee capsules sold worldwide reaches several billion each year. It is known that a large proportion of these capsules are made from an aluminum alloy, and that even though recycling programs have been established, the proportion of aluminum capsules actually recycled remains very low. A significant proportion of capsules are made by assembling elements from different materials, for example, a mixture of aluminum and plastic, which makes their recycling very complex. The consumption of capsule-based beverages therefore generates a considerable amount of waste. Furthermore, the manufacturing and recycling of aluminum capsules involve processes that are very energy-intensive and consume a large amount of raw materials.

[0003] To address this problem, reusable and single-use capsules made from low-environmental-impact materials have been introduced to the market. These capsules allow users to fill their own with the coffee of their choice, thus purchasing coffee in larger, more environmentally friendly containers. However, reusable and single-use refillable capsules have the drawback of being somewhat impractical due to their small size. This makes them difficult to fill without spilling coffee outside the capsule. Furthermore, filling these capsules efficiently and quickly is difficult because the process requires great care from the user. In addition, such capsules must be sealed before use in a machine, usually with a self-adhesive lid that sticks to a collar on the capsule. However, this collar often gets soiled with coffee during the filling process, resulting in poor adhesion of the lid.

[0004] Application WO 2022 / 096839 filed in the name of the Applicant describes a filling device that allows for the efficient and rapid filling of a container such as a coffee capsule. This device is highly effective and very popular with users. Although it fully satisfies its users and enjoys significant commercial success, this device can nevertheless be improved, particularly to reduce its manufacturing cost.

[0005] The present invention therefore aims to provide a device having the same function as that of document WO 2022 / 096839, but which can offer more extensive functionalities and which is of simplified design so as to reduce the cost of manufacturing. Description of the invention

[0006] To this end, the invention relates to a device for filling a container with a product in powder or granule form, the filling device comprising: - a cover, intended to be connected to a tank, the cover having a passage intended to connect the inside of the tank with the outside; - a device for closing the passage, the closing device comprising a fixed part and a movable part, the movable part comprising a closing element and a container support for a container having a filling opening and a peripheral rim extending over at least part of the contour of the filling opening, such as a collar, the movable part of the closing device being movable between: - a closed position, in which the closing element closes the passage; - an open position, in which the closing element does not close the passage, and in which a central opening provided in the container support is positioned opposite the passage and is intended to connect the inside of the tank with a container positioned on the container support.

[0007] Thus, the filling device according to the invention, combined with a suitable container to form a filling system according to the invention, allows a user to fill a container, such as a coffee machine capsule, with a preparation base in powder or granule form very simply and easily. The necessary filling steps take only a few seconds and prevent spilling coffee (or any other beverage preparation base contained in the reservoir) outside the capsule. The filling system according to the invention fulfills both the storage and filling functions of a container. Furthermore, the filling device according to the invention is simpler in design than the known device and is therefore less expensive to manufacture.In particular, since all the elements ensuring the dispensing function are integrated into the filling device—that is, the assembly formed by the lid and the sealing device—the reservoir can be a container of conventional shape and construction, such as a generally cylindrical container, to which the lid of the filling device is attached removably, for example, by screwing. Thus, the filling device can be used with different reservoirs, allowing a user to have, for the same filling device, several reservoirs filled with different products (such as different types of coffee).

[0008] According to other features of the invention, the filling device according to the invention may include one or more of the following optional features, considered alone or in all possible combinations.

[0009] According to one feature, the container support is configured so that, when a container is placed on the container support, it prevents the removal of that container at least when the moving part is in the open position.

[0010] According to one characteristic, the filling device is such that: - when the moving part is in the closed position, the container support allows the container to be positioned such that the peripheral rim of the container rests on a base of the container support; and - when the moving part is in the open position, the container support is arranged so that at least part of the peripheral rim of a container positioned on the container support is arranged between the base of the container support and the fixed part of the closure device, so as to prevent the extraction of the container.

[0011] According to one characteristic, the moving part of the shutter device is movable in translation relative to the fixed part.

[0012] According to one characteristic, the fixed part of the sealing device has an upper wall partially covering the moving part, with an opening provided in the upper wall.

[0013] According to one characteristic, the opening in the upper wall of the fixed part has a first part and a second part, with the container support positioned: - at the level of the first part when the moving part of the shutter device is in the closed position; and - at the level of the second part when the moving part is in the open position.

[0014] According to one characteristic, the dimensions of the first part of the opening allow the insertion and removal through the opening of at least a part of a container including the peripheral rim.

[0015] According to one feature, the dimensions of the second part of the opening are provided so that, when the moving part is in the open position, at least a part of the peripheral rim of the container is held between a part of the base of the container support and a part of the edge of the opening of the fixed part.

[0016] According to one feature, the fixed part has a lateral slot configured to allow the passage of the closing element of the moving part when the latter moves from the closed position to the open position.

[0017] According to one feature, the moving part is configured so that a free end of the closing element is recessed relative to the side slot when the moving part is in the closed position, and so that, when the free end of the closing element is at the level of the side slot, the moving part is in an intermediate position between the closed and open positions. in which at least part of the peripheral rim of a container positioned on the container support is arranged between the base of the container support and the fixed part of the closure device, so as to prevent the extraction of the container.

[0018] According to one feature, the container support is configured to be removably attached to the container, so as to prevent the extraction of this container when the moving part is in the open position and when the moving part is in the closed position.

[0019] Depending on one characteristic, the container can be attached to the container support by: - screwing; - clipping; or by - magnetic attraction.

[0020] According to one feature, the movable part has two lateral tabs, the lateral tabs being sandwiched between an upper wall of the cover and the upper wall of the fixed part of the sealing device.

[0021] According to one characteristic, the container support includes a container positioning element, the positioning element being configured so that a user can drive the movement of the moving part of the closure device by means of a container positioned on the container support.

[0022] According to one characteristic, the positioning element forms a projection from the base of the container support, the positioning element being configured so that a portion of the internal surface of a container positioned on the container support is in contact with or in the immediate vicinity of the positioning element.

[0023] The invention also relates to a system for filling a container with a product in powder or granule form, the filling system comprising a filling device as defined above and a reservoir.

[0024] According to a feature of the filling system, the lid of the filling device is attached to the tank by screwing. Brief description of the drawings

[0025] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a filling system according to the invention, comprising a filling device and a reservoir, the movable part of the sealing device being in the closed position.

[0026] Figure 2 is a partial perspective view of the system in Figure 1, with the moving part of the shutter device in the open position.

[0027] Figure 3 is a partial perspective view of the filling system of Figure 1, with a container positioned on the filling device for filling.

[0028] Figure 4 is a view analogous to Figure 3, with the moving part of the shutter device in the open position.

[0029] Figure 5 shows the filling device of Figure 1 seen from above, with the moving part of the sealing device in the closed position.

[0030] Figure 6 is a view analogous to Figure 5, showing the moving part in the open position.

[0031] Figure 7 is a cutaway perspective view of the filling device of Figure 1, with the moving part in the closed position.

[0032] Figure 8 is a view analogous to Figure 7, with the moving part in an intermediate position between the closed position and the open position.

[0033] Figure 9 is a view analogous to Figure 7, with the moving part in the open position.

[0034] Figure 10 is a partial view of the filling system of Figure 1, seen in cross-section in a plane perpendicular to the axis of translation of the moving part of the sealing device, the moving part being in the open position.

[0035] Figure 11 is a partial view of the filling system of Figure 1, seen in cross-section in a plane parallel to the direction of translation of the moving part of the sealing device, the moving part being in the open position. Detailed description

[0036] Figures 1 to 11 illustrate a filling system 100 according to the invention and / or a filling device 1 according to the invention.

[0037] Figures 1 and 2 are perspective views of the filling system 100. The filling system 100 comprises a reservoir 10, in this example cylindrical with a circular base, and a filling device 1. The filling device 1 has a lid 12. The lid 12 is removable and, in this example, is screwed onto the reservoir 10. The reservoir 10 is configured to hold a product to be dispensed, for example, in powder or granule form, such as a base product for preparing a beverage, like ground coffee.

[0038] The filling device 1 is shown alone, viewed from above, in figures 5 and 6. The filling device 1 includes the lid 12 and a sealing device 14. The lid 12 has a closing wall 120, in the example an upper wall 120, in which is provided a passage 122 allowing communication between the inside of the reservoir 10 and the outside, in order to distribute a product into a container, and more particularly a container 2 arranged on the lid 12 as described in detail below.

[0039] In order to dispense the contents of the reservoir 10 only when a container is present, the filling device 1 includes a closing device 14 for the passage 122. The closing device 14 is integral with the cover 12 and surmounts it (when the filling system 100 is in the position shown in Figures 1 to 4). The closing device 14 can be selectively placed in two distinct configurations: a closed configuration, visible in Figures 1, 3, 5, and 7, in which the passage 122 is closed (the reservoir 10 being then hermetically sealed), and an open configuration, or filling configuration, visible in Figures 2, 4, 6, 9, and 11, in which the passage 122 is open, the contents of the reservoir 10 being free to flow through the passage 122.

[0040] In the example in the figures, the shutter device 14 comprises a fixed part 16 and a movable part 18. The fixed part 16 is fixed relative to the cover 12. The movable part 18 is movable relative to the cover 12.

[0041] The movable part 18 of the closure device 14 comprises a closing element 180 and a container support 182. The container support 182 is adapted to a container 2 having a filling opening and a peripheral rim 20 extending over all or part of the contour of the filling opening, such as a collar 20 (visible in particular in Figures 3 and 4, which are perspective views of the filling system 100 in use). The closing element 180 and the support 182 are fixed to each other, the movable part 18 being, in this example, formed of a single piece.

[0042] The movable part 18 is movable between two positions: - a closed position, visible in particular in figures 1, 3 and 5; and - an open position, visible in particular in figures 2, 4 and 6.

[0043] In the example, the movement of the moving part 18 from one of these positions to the other is a translational movement. However, other types of movement can be implemented, such as a rotational movement.

[0044] In the closed position, the closing element 180 covers the passage 122, thus sealing it. The reservoir 10, fitted with the lid 12, is then hermetically sealed, and the contents of the reservoir 10 cannot flow out. In the closed position, the container support 182 is offset from the passage 122, allowing the positioning of a container 2, as shown in Figure 3.

[0045] The container support 182 includes a base 182a, in this example annular in shape, on which the collar 20 of the container 2 can be positioned. A central opening 182b is provided in the container support 182. The central opening 182b, which in this example is circular, is centered with respect to the base 182a. The central opening 182b is thus positioned opposite the container 2 placed on the container support 182.

[0046] In the open position, the closing element 180 is recessed relative to the passage 122, thus freeing this passage. The container support 182 is then positioned opposite the passage 122. Therefore, in the open position, the central opening 182b and the passage 122 coincide. The contents of the reservoir 10 can then flow into a container 2 placed on the container support 182, through the passage 122 and the central opening 182b.

[0047] Advantageously, the container support 182 is configured so that, when a container 2 is placed on the container support 182, it prevents the removal of this container 2 at least when the movable part 18 is in the open position. By ensuring that the container support 182 is capable of retaining the container 2 at least when the movable part 18 is in the open position, spontaneous removal of the container 2 is prevented during the use of the filling device 1, as will be seen below.

[0048] In the example shown in the figures, the closure device 14 is configured so that placing or removing a container 2 from the container support 182 is possible when the closure device 14 is in the closed position (i.e., when the movable part 18 is in the closed position), but removing or placing a container 2 from the container support 182 is not possible when the closure device 14 is in the open position (i.e., when the movable part 18 is in the open position). To this end, the fixed part 16 of the closure device 14 has an end wall 160, in this example an upper wall 160, partially covering the movable part 18. Thus, the movable part 18 is partially positioned between the upper wall 120 of the lid 12 and the upper wall 160 of the fixed part 16.The upper wall 160 of the fixed part 16 has an opening 162 allowing access to the container support 182. The opening 162 has a first part 162a and a second part 162b.

[0049] When the movable part 18 is in the closed position, the container support 182 is positioned within the first part 162a of the opening 162. The shape and dimensions of the first part 162a of the opening 162 are compatible with the positioning of a container 2, and, more specifically, allow the insertion through the opening 162 of at least a part of the container including the collar 20. In the example, the first part 162a of the opening 162 has a circular shape with a diameter greater than or equal to the diameter of the collar 20, for example greater than this diameter by at least 1 mm.

[0050] When the movable part 18 is in the open position, the container support 182 is positioned within the second part 162b of the opening 162. The second part 162b has a narrower shape compared to the first part 162a. Indeed, the shape and dimensions of the second part 162b of the opening 162 prevent insertion or removal, through the opening 162 of a container 2. In the example, the second part 162b has an oblong shape, the end of the second part 162b located opposite the first part 162a having a circular shape with a diameter less than the diameter of the collar 20, and for example less than 1 mm than this diameter. Thus, as can be seen in particular in Figure 4, and in Figure 10 which represents the filling device 1 seen in cross-section, when the movable part 18 is in the open position, a container 2 positioned on the container support 182 cannot be removed, part of the collar 20 being trapped between the base 182a of the container support 182 and part of the edge 162c of the opening 162. This configuration of the sealing device 14 makes it possible, as will be seen below, to prevent spontaneous withdrawal of the container 2 during the use of the filling device 1.

[0051] Advantageously, as can be seen in particular in Figures 1 to 4 and 7 to 11, the container support 182 includes a positioning element 182c, which ensures the positioning of a container 2 and allows a user to move the movable part in translation via the container 2. The positioning element projects from the base 182a of the container support 182. The positioning element 182c is configured to bear against or in the immediate vicinity of the internal or external surface of the container. In the example, the positioning element 182c is an externally frustoconical element arranged around the central opening 182b.Thus, as can be seen in particular in Figures 10 and 11, when a container 2 is placed on the container support 182, the collar 20 of the container 2 rests on the base 182a, and part of the internal surface of the container 2 rests on or is in the immediate vicinity of the external surface of the positioning element 182c. This configuration prevents relative movement of the container 2 and the container support 182 when the sealing device 14 is to be repositioned, and therefore the movable part 18 to be moved. This configuration ensures that a translational movement of the movable part 18 will move the container 2 and vice versa.

[0052] As can be seen in particular in Figures 1, 4, 6, 9 and 11, the fixed part 16 has a lateral slot 164. The lateral slot 164 is configured to allow the passage of the closing element 180 of the moving part 18 when the latter moves from the position of closure in the open position. As can be seen in particular in figures 2 and 11, when the movable part 18 is in the open position, the closing element 180 extends through the lateral slot 164.

[0053] To allow translational guidance of the movable part 18, the movable part 18 advantageously comprises two lateral tabs 182d (figure 10), extending on either side of the container support 182, in a direction parallel to the direction of movement of the movable part 18. The lateral tabs 182d each slide in a respective space, delimited between the upper wall of the lid 120 and the fixed part 16. In the example, a part of the lateral tabs 182d is located in the extension of the base 182a of the container support 182.

[0054] The use of the filling system 100, including the filling device 1 according to the invention, is very simple and practical. To fill a container 2, such as a reusable coffee capsule, the user simply needs to position an empty container 2, as shown in Figure 3, when the sealing device 14 is in the closed position. The user then moves the container 2 to move the assembly formed by the container 2 and the moving part 18 to the open position, as seen in Figure 4. The user then turns the filling system 100 (i.e., the assembly formed by the reservoir coupled to the filling device 1) so that the lid is positioned downwards (i.e., in the position shown in Figures 7 to 9), thus allowing the contents of the reservoir 10 to flow, through the passage 122 and the central opening 182b, into the container 2.The user can optionally, depending on the product contained in the reservoir 10, shake the filling system 100 to ensure optimal filling of the container 2. The user must then move the container 2 and the moving part 18 towards the closed position, keeping the filling device 1 facing downwards. Once the moving part 18 is in the closed position, the user can extract the correctly filled container 2, with the filling opening of the container 2 then facing upwards.

[0055] Advantageously, as can be seen in Figures 5 and 6, the closing element 180 has a longitudinal dimension L (measured along the direction of movement of the moving part 18) such that, when the moving part 18 is in the closed position, the free end 180a is recessed by a distance E from the lateral slot 164. Thanks to this configuration, a user who presses the closing element 180 to push the movable part 18 towards the open position is not likely to move the movable part 18 all the way to the open position. Indeed, the user will only be able to push the closing element 180 to a position in which the free end 180a is flush with the outer lateral surface of the fixed part 16. In this position, the movable part 18 is in an intermediate position between the closed and open positions, a position in which the container 2 cannot be removed (it being held by the fixed part 16 in the same way as when the movable part 18 is in the open position).This configuration prevents the container from being released unintentionally when using the filling system, by requiring the user to bring the moving part 18 into the open position via the container 2, and therefore by holding it.

[0056] In the example shown in the figures, the filling device and system are designed for use with a container having a symmetrical shape of revolution, such as a reusable coffee capsule. However, the filling device can also be adapted for use with containers of different shapes, such as a container with a square or rectangular cross-section. Furthermore, regardless of the container's external shape, the peripheral rim may extend only over a portion of the container's filling opening.

[0057] In an embodiment not shown, in order to prevent the extraction of a container 2 when the movable part 18 is in the open position, the container support 182 is configured to be removably attached to the container 2. Thus, the container 2 is linked to the container support 182 in the open position as well as in the closed position of the movable part 18. In this configuration, the container can be attached to the container support 182 before moving the movable part to the open position, and then detached once the movable part has been returned to its closed position.

[0058] As an example, container 2 can be attached to container 2's support by: - screwing, the container support 2 having a thread, or elements such as lugs intended to cooperate with a thread present on the container 2; or by - clipping, the peripheral rim 20 of the container 2 cooperating by elastic interlocking with container support 182; or by - magnetic attraction, the container support 182 being equipped with one or more permanent magnets to ensure the retention of container 2 (container 2 being at least partially made of a ferromagnetic material).

[0059] When container 2 is screwed to container support 182, the container support 182 may include a tubular positioning element with an internal thread for screwing container 2 to be attached. In this case, the peripheral rim of the container is discontinuous, comprising, for example, two diametrically opposed segments. Advantageously, the thread of the positioning element is of the quarter-turn type. Alternatively, the thread may be provided on the container 2 itself (for example, on its internal surface), in which case the container support 2 includes features such as lugs configured to cooperate with the thread of container 2.

[0060] In the example shown in the figures, the reservoir 10 and the lid 12 have a generally cylindrical shape with a circular base. The reservoir, the lid, and the closure device can be made of any suitable material. For example, the reservoir can be made of a metallic material, and the lid and the various components of the closure device can be made of a plastic material, particularly by molding or additive manufacturing.

Claims

Demands

1. A filling device (1) for a container (2) with a product in powder or granule form, the filling device (1) comprising: - a cover (12), intended to be connected to a tank (10), the cover (12) having a passage (122) intended to connect the inside of the tank (10) with the outside; - a closure device (14) for the passage (122), the closure device (14) comprising a fixed part (16) and a movable part (18), the movable part (18) comprising a closing element (180) and a container support (182) for a container (2) having a filling opening and a peripheral rim (20) extending over at least part of the contour of the filling opening, such as a collar (20), the movable part (18) of the closure device (14) being movable between: - a closed position, in which the closing element (180) closes the passage (122); - an open position, in which the closing element (180) does not close the passage (122), and in which a central opening (182b) provided in the container support (182) is positioned opposite the passage (122) and is intended to connect the interior of the tank (10) with a container (2) positioned on the container support (182), in which the container support (182) is configured so that, when a container (2) is placed on the container support (182), it prevents the extraction of this container (2) at least when the movable part (18) is in the open position.

2. Filling device (1) according to claim 1, wherein: - when the movable part (18) is in the closed position, the container support (182) allows the positioning of a container (2) such that the peripheral rim (20) of the container (2) rests on a base (182a) of the container support (182); and - when the movable part (18) is in the open position, the container support (182) is arranged such that at least a portion of the peripheral rim (20) of a container (2) positioned on the container support (182) is arranged between the base (182a) of the container support (182) and the fixed part (16) of the sealing device (14), so as to prevent the extraction of the container (2).

3. Filling device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the movable part (18) of the sealing device (14) is movable in translation relative to the fixed part (16).

4. Filling device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fixed part (16) of the sealing device has an upper wall (160) partially covering the movable part (18), an opening (162) being provided in the upper wall (160).

5. Filling device (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the opening (162) formed in the upper wall (160) of the fixed part (16) has a first part (162a) and a second part (162b), the container support (182) being positioned: - at the level of the first part (162a) when the movable part (18) of the shutter device (14) is in the closed position; and - at the level of the second part (162b) when the moving part is in the open position.

6. Filling device (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the dimensions of the first part (162a) of the opening (162) allow the insertion and removal through the opening (162) of at least a part of a container (2) including the peripheral rim (20).

7. Filling device (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the dimensions of the second part (162b) of the opening (162) are provided such that, when the movable part (18) is in the open position, at least a part of the peripheral rim (20) of the container (2) is held between a part of the base (182a) of the support of the container (182) and a part of the edge (162c) of the opening (162) of the fixed part (16).

8. Filling device (1) according to any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein the fixed part (16) has a lateral slot (164) configured to allow the passage of the closing element (180) of the moving part (18) when the latter moves from the closed position to the open position.

9. A filling device (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the movable part (18) is configured so that a free end (180a) of the closure element (180) is recessed from the side slot (164) when the movable part (18) is in the closed position, and so that, when the free end (180a) of the closure element (180) is at the level of the side slot (164), the movable part (18) is in an intermediate position between the closed and open positions, a position in which at least a portion of the peripheral rim (20) of a container (2) positioned on the container support (182) is disposed between the base (182a) of the container support (182) and the fixed part (16) of the closure device, so as to prevent the extraction of the container (2).

10. Filling device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the container support (182) is configured to be removably attached to the container (2), so as to prevent the extraction of this container (2) when the moving part (18) is in the open position and when the moving part (18) is in the closed position.

11. Filling device (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the container (2) can be secured to the container support (2) by: - screwing; - clipping; or by - magnetic attraction.

12. Filling device (1) according to any one of claims 4 to 11, wherein the movable part (18) has two lateral tabs (182d), the lateral tabs (182d) being sandwiched between an upper wall (120) of the cover (12) and the upper wall (160) of the fixed part (16) of the sealing device (14).

13. Filling device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the container support (182) includes a positioning element (182c) for a container (2), the positioning element (182c) being configured so that a user can cause the movement of the movable part (18) of the sealing device by means of a container (2) positioned on the container support (182).

14. Filling device (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the positioning element forms a projection from the base (182a) of the support of containing (182) the positioning element (182c) being configured so that a portion of the internal surface of a container (2) positioned on the container support (182) is in contact with or in the immediate vicinity of the positioning element.

15. Filling system (100) of a container (2) with a product in powder or granule form, the filling system (1) comprising a filling device (1) according to one of the preceding claims and a reservoir (10).

16. Filling system (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein the cover (12) of the filling device (10) is fixed to the tank (10) by screwing.

Images