EP2858043B1 - Filling machine for liquid and pourable goods - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a self-service machine as automatic filling, which provides pourable and / or liquid goods in a final packaging. Thus, it is possible with the invention to provide individual goods and / or individual recipes consisting of several pourable and / or liquid goods in the form of a self-service machine in a final package. For this purpose, there is a virtual shop system for the customer or consumer in order to select his individual composition from the number and quantity of the available goods. For the filling machine comprises several replaceable reservoir with a controllable outlet opening. The filling takes place in a transport container which is at the same time as a final packaging by a transport device in at least two dimensions in position displaceable. Thus, the transport container, such as a cup or a bottle, can be filled directly.

Filling devices for liquid and pourable goods are known in different designs.

Known bottling machines are in particular vending machines. Coffee machines may be provided with a grinder and a water heater. The coffee is usually scalded in the machine and then enters the transport container. Sugar, milk or cocoa may be added. An improved coffee machine is in the document DE 2346324 A proposed, wherein the cup is held on a bogie and with this between a drying station, in which a cup and dry raw materials are supplied from a supply, as well as a water filling station, where hot water is added to the cup rotates. The font DE3323703 A1 discloses a beverage vending machine in which a rotatable carousel has a plurality of radially spaced apart receiving wells in which stacks of cups are inserted and means for rotating the carousel. The granules to be dissolved are introduced beforehand into the corresponding batches of cups so that a selection of different drinks is made possible. A similar solution is also from the Scriptures DE2346324A known. From the Scriptures EP 373126 A1 a beverage dispenser is known in which the cups are guided on a straight path between the filling stations. The DE 10 2006 049 160 B3 discloses a storage device for loose objects, wherein the storage device comprises a frame unit and within the frame unit in the direction of a vertical axis a movable and pivotable about this axis linear unit is arranged. The linear unit is coupled to a handle for a container. The assembly has a filling position for a container and a plurality of storage positions in the direction of the vertical axis and associated therewith for a container.

Furthermore, the describes DE 10 2005 044 011 A1 a method for providing a cereal preparation in a machine, wherein in the machine at least one supply of a coarse-grained dry cereal component and at least one supply of fine-grained dry component for preparing a must suitable liquid component are kept and a portion of the coarse cereal component separated and fed directly to a removal vessel and a Portion of at least one fine-grained component is divided and fed to a mixing vessel, wherein the fine-grained components dissolved in the mixing vessel in a certain amount of water and mixed to the liquid component and the extraction vessel or another extraction vessel is supplied. The US 4,526,215 discloses a device for mixing colors with separate shelf-like containers for each color.

The EP 0 602 737 A1 discloses a volumetric feeder with a plurality of cups and bottles for mixing liquids by means of a dosing head, wherein the cups and bottles are arranged in a horizontal plane.

Finally, that describes DE 10 2009 050 825 A1 an automated muesli bar that stores, doses, mixes and packages the individual components, with the muesli bar having an interior divided into compartments and equipped with storage boxes, equipped with a dosing system with transponder and with storage compartments provided with closures / openings are the access of the goods to the dosing devices and to a mixing container, wherein the cereal is fed to a tubular bag packaging device.
A disadvantage of this prior art is in each case the fact that the respective components are transported or conveyed within the machine through channels, pipes, pipelines and other fixed installations and thus remain in these channels, pipes, pipelines and internals of forced dimensions residues of the food components. As a result, mold or other complications that affect the food components and the machine through interactions can occur, which can only be avoided with regular and expensive cleaning.

Claim 1 discloses the invention. Claims 2-9 disclose preferred embodiments. The invention has for its object to provide a bottling machine for various ingredients in several containers containing the goods for liquid and pourable goods, with a direct supply of ingredients from the goods containing containers should be made in a package handed over to the customer. In addition, the machine should be low maintenance and easy to use, as well as allow a clean and hygienic operation. The filling machine should also allow the use of a large number of different goods or ingredients.
The invention task is solved with the features of the main claim.
The filling machine consists of several, arranged in at least two dimensions, reservoir receptacles for receiving replaceable storage containers. The storage containers may consist of reusable or disposable packaging and are provided with a controllable or operable outlet opening. The storage containers are used for the storage of liquid or pourable goods. The outlet openings are each an immediate part of the reservoir. The opening and closing of the outlet opening takes place by means of an actuating device which is controlled as a passive component or as an active component via a control unit. The outlet openings can be designed, for example, as valves, slides or flaps. The control of the outlet openings via actuators, such as actuating cylinders, cams, electromotive or electromagnetic actuators or levers or Vakuumsaugeinrichtungen. The reservoirs are like a shelf, so arranged in at least two dimensions. The transport container is in each case moved by the automatic transport device to the corresponding position of the outlet opening of the relevant storage container. For this purpose, the transport device moves the transport container in the dimensions in which the storage containers are arranged. There, the delivery of the goods from the storage container takes place directly in the respective transport container, so that no other parts in the automatic filling come into contact with the product, so only the reservoir or transport container comes as a final packaging with the goods in contact. As a result, it is ensured, in particular in the case of foodstuffs and animal food products, that no residues of other goods can fall into the final packaging during the dosing process. The control of the movement by the transport device is carried out by a corresponding control unit. The direct guidance of the transport container to the outlet openings of the storage container ensures that there is a strict separation of the supply of the individual ingredients in the transport container. Thus, persistent beyond the change cycle of the reservoir impurities are avoided. In this way it can not come to unwanted reactions and hygienic problems. It also prevents unwanted ingredients from getting into the transport containers. This avoids possible problems with allergic persons. Also, the maintenance is reduced. The filling machine is universally applicable. It can be used for hot drinks, cold drinks, pourable goods such as cereal components, flour, ground coffee, tea, liquid and pasty products such as jam or honey. The filling machine can be used in particular in supermarkets and as a self-service machine. A combination with other machine functions is expressly included. It can be used a very large number of different goods. Likewise, the invention for different sized reservoir and transport container is available.

Advantageous embodiments of the automatic filling machine for liquid and pourable goods are disclosed in the subclaims.

The movement of the transport device of the filling machine is made possible by moving elements. A first movement element realizes the variation in the vertical direction. A second moving element is provided for shifting in the horizontal direction. The control of the movement elements associated actuators is controlled by the control unit.

A receiving unit for the transport container is a holder, possibly supplemented by a gripper, which is designed for example as a cup gripper. Another way of separating the transport container is that gearwheel-like wheels are arranged laterally at the edge of the transport container, which press by rotation in each case the lower transport container at the edge downwards, so that the transport container is released from the transport container stack and slips into the cup gripper. Thus, it is possible with the device, the transport container as the final packaging in the form of a cup or a bottle, first to grab and then hold and eventually lead to. The transport device is positioned directly by the movement elements.

Movement elements can be, for example, threaded rods, toothed belts, chain drives, but also hydraulic or pneumatic cylinders. The drives of the movement elements are actuators such as motors, in particular stepper motors or servomotors, which can position the transport device accordingly by the interaction with the movement elements. Depending on the motors used, there is an open or closed loop. A first movement element realizes the vertical movement, ie in height. A second movement element ensures horizontal positioning. The holder or deflection of the movement elements can be realized for example by arrangement in a guide frame or holding frame. By simultaneous control of both movement elements, the receiving unit with the transport container can also realize a diagonal movement.

In one embodiment of the automatic filling machine for liquid and pourable goods according to claim 2, at least one positioning device for positioning the transport container relative to the storage container or the outlet opening in at least one dimension is provided on the receiving unit of the transport device. Is to the positioning device connected to the control unit and has depending on the drive an open or closed loop. This positioning device allows a fine adjustment of the transport container with respect to the outlet opening and is driven by means of a servomotor or stepper motor. The fine adjustment relates in particular to the positioning of the transport containers in a third dimension and allows movement of the transport container in the depth. This movement may be a pivotal movement or a straight-line movement. Thus, once the transport containers can be moved in one plane and brought in a second plane to the outlet openings. Thus, an exact alignment of the outlet openings on the reservoirs in a plane is not required. On the other hand, several rows of shelves, such as two opposite shelves, can be integrated. This increases the number and redundancy of usable goods. Furthermore, the positioning device can be designed so that tilting and pivoting movements can be performed. The movement through the positioning device takes place analogously by correspondingly suitable movement elements with actuators. Furthermore, an actuating device is provided, wherein the actuating device can be controlled by a control unit and actuates the outlet opening and possibly additional outlet aids individually. In an active actuator, activation by the control unit will cause the actuator to actuate the outlet port.

Possible embodiments of the actuator for the outlet opening are the actuation of a mechanically operable flap, a slider or a valve by a lever, which pivotal or rotational movement of the flap or slider or by the generation of a magnetic field, which cooperates with a designed as a solenoid valve outlet port. Electromechanical or hydraulically or pneumatically driven valves, flaps or slides can be used. The outlet openings and valves are part of the reservoir, which are actuated by the actuator, so that no permanently contained in the bottling machine elements come into contact with the goods, so when replacing the Reservoir and the outlet openings or valves are replaced and thus a high hygienic feature is achieved. All necessary for the omission of the goods from the reservoirs outlet openings belong to the reservoir and are operated externally.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention according to claim 3, the reservoir, the receiving unit, reservoir receptacle and / or the transport device are provided with a discharge auxiliary device. An evacuation aid is e.g. a pressing device to push out pasty goods. The pressing device, for example, as a prestressed spring, which acts on the reservoir, empties the reservoir, which, for example in the form of a carton with lying therein hose (bag in box), is compressed from the outside. Another emptying auxiliary device may be a vibrating device, which supports the emptying of the reservoir by means of vibrations. The vibrations can be triggered, for example, by a coil or another known vibration element, for example, by unbalance generation, which is provided for each individual holder of the reservoir in influence or only on the transport device. Thus, the coil generates an alternating magnetic field to which a magnetizable on the reservoir and / or on its holder element is vibrated. The vibrating element on the transport device is in direct contact with the reservoir and thus transmits the vibrations. The frequency of the vibrations and the position of the vibrations can e.g. be varied depending on the level and / or the contents of the reservoir. Appropriately, the holders of the reservoir are resiliently mounted.

According to a continuation of the invention according to claim 4, the reservoirs are provided with codes. At the transport device, a corresponding reader for reading the codes is provided. Codings may be, for example, one-dimensional codes, two-dimensional codes or electromagnetically stored codes that can be detected by the corresponding readers. The codes provide information about the goods contained and, if applicable, the quantities and the best-before date, Allergy information, etc. About a mounted on the transport device reader the corresponding codes are readable. In an alternative embodiment, a plurality of readers attached to the holders of the storage containers can also read out the corresponding codes. The information obtained is stored in a data memory connected to the control unit. By detecting the codes and storing the corresponding positions of the outlet openings of the reservoir in the data memory, the control unit can be self-learning executed. Thus, it is possible that the relevant storage container can be controlled quickly and in appropriate order according to the desired composition and the respective level. Thus, the filling time can be shortened. Likewise, the reservoirs by the self-learning effect not certain positions must be assigned permanently. In addition, expiration date, start date and other data can be recorded, stored and used for the hygienic safety of the delivered goods. Likewise, it can be ensured with the detection of the best-before date that corresponding storage containers are replaced before complete emptying or, depending on the desired quantity, they are preferably emptied.

By according to the disclosure, at least one reservoir is arranged in a reservoir receptacle, a reliable seat of the reservoir is achieved in particular when the vibration elements. In addition, the position and position of the reservoir within the housing are unique. Provided are corresponding reservoir receptacles, which can accommodate at least one reservoir but also two or more, wherein the reservoir are each arranged side by side in a reservoir receptacle.

In one embodiment of the invention, the storage container and / or the storage container receptacle are each displaceable in at least one dimension, and / or tiltable, pivotable and / or oscillatable. By a shift in depth, the outlet opening can be brought to the transport container. Furthermore, for example, by tilting deliver goods in the transport container and thus realize the function of Warenauslasses.

Likewise, by a corresponding device, the respective storage container and the reservoir receptacle can be set in vibration in order to prevent bridging of the contents and thus to promote the emptying of the reservoir. Thus, it is possible, by means of arranged in the housing and universally applicable reservoir receptacle, the vibrations by the arranged vibrating elements targeted and locally individually act on the respective reservoir and thus favor the emptying depending on the content and metering. The movement of the storage container or of the storage container receptacle takes place by means of correspondingly controllable devices, e.g. with corresponding actuators, which are arranged on the storage containers and / or on the transport device or on the reservoir receptacle.

As outlet openings according to claim 5 metering devices can be used, which allow a precise metering of the goods. Metering devices may be, for example, screw conveyors. Another embodiment of a metering device is a cylinder divided by dividing elements. In sections of the cylinder enters the goods, being released by further rotation of the separating elements of the contents of the sections in the transport container. Due to the size of the sections, the order of magnitude of the amounts to be metered can be specified. The metering elements can thus simultaneously act as controllable outlet openings.

According to a development of the filling machine according to claim 6 weighing devices are arranged on the storage containers and / or the transport container or the receiving unit, which are preferably connected to the control device. This can be used to determine which quantities were dispensed in each case, which is relevant for the metering device, for the price determination and for the contents. At the same time it can be signaled when reservoirs are to be refilled or replaced. Of course, instead of the weighing device, a level measurement or another determination of the amounts can be provided.

An embodiment of the invention according to claim 7, the filling machine with a closing device for closing the transport container, with a

Labeling and / or a payment device connected. The labeling device prints information on the product being filled, such as price, contents, shelf-life on a label or directly on the transport container. The labeling device is preferably connected to the control device.

The payment device can be embodied, for example, as a coin-operated machine, card-reading device or as another electronic payment device. Thus, the filling machine is particularly suitable as a self-service machine. The closing device closes the transport container, for example, with a film, a lid or a screw cap. These are accordingly dumped in the filling machine and are placed accordingly by the closing device on the transport container and reliably closed. Possibly. can also the spoiling of the goods inhibiting substances such as gases or liquids are supplied to the transport container. The transport container is thus at the same time the transportable final packaging, which is handed over to the customer.

• Auswahl einer gewünschte Ware oder Warenzusammenstellung mittels einer Eingabeeinheit
• Weiterleitung der Auswahl an die Steuereinheit,
• Bewegung der Transportvorrichtung mit Transportbehälter mittels einer Steuereinheit zu mindestens einem Vorratsbehälter, der die Ware enthält,
• direkte Ausgabe der Ware in den Transportbehälter,
• Bewegung des Transportbehälters mittels der Steuereinheit und der Transportvorrichtung zu einer Entnahmeöffnung zwecks Übergabe an den Benutzer.

The method of the disclosure for taking liquid and / or pourable goods, which are stored in a plurality of storage containers provided with an outlet opening, comprises the following steps:

• Selection of a desired product or assortment by means of an input unit
• Forwarding the selection to the control unit,
• Movement of the transport device with transport container by means of a control unit to at least one storage container containing the goods,
• direct delivery of the goods in the transport container,
• Movement of the transport container by means of the control unit and the transport device to a removal opening for the purpose of transfer to the user.

The steps of movement of the transport device with transport container to a storage container containing the goods and the direct issue of the goods in the transport container are repeated here according to the previous selection of goods and the request of the user or customer.

A development of the method according to claim 11 includes a measurement of the weight and / or the volume of the issued goods and / or the transport container. Determining the weight of the individual ingredients dispensed enables a specific content-dependent price determination. In addition, the desired dosage is accurately determined. Furthermore, it is thus possible to calculate the respective residual quantity or the respective residual weight in the storage containers.

Advantageously, according to the disclosure of two or more containers filled with the same goods, the selection and emptying of the storage container based on the existing and / or desired amount and / or based on the existing and / or desired weight. In this way, on the one hand in a given case, a complete emptying of the residue is achieved and, on the other hand, the filling takes place from that storage container, which is closest to the transport container. So a fast filling is achieved because a path optimization is possible. It is possible to achieve an optimum, according to which the goods in the storage containers have the shortest possible service life and, in addition, product residues in the storage containers are avoided. Thus, after a residual emptying of a storage container with a product optionally further filling at the next still filled reservoir with the same product. Thus, the filling of the transport container 2 on the basis of the measured values of the weight and / or the volume is advantageously carried out for the emptying of a completely emptied storage container. The removal and possibly disposal is limited to empty storage containers. Remains of goods need not be disposed of.

The advantageous embodiment of a method comprises the connection of arranged on the storage containers and / or on the transport device vibrating elements. By the vibrations, the delivery of goods can be accelerated and promoted. The formation of goods bridges in the storage containers is avoided. In addition, the dosage is improved because the respective goods can be delivered controlled.

According to the disclosure, the transport container is closed by a lid, a screw cap and / or a film, wherein the transport container is closed unchanged or before closing a separate product or packaging unit is supplied to the transport container. As a result, the contamination of the respective product, leakage or spillage or the subsequent manipulation of the product is avoided. Furthermore, can be with the lid or the film additional goods separated from the other goods but in the closed transport container accommodate. Likewise, an information, product or merchandise imprint can be placed on the lid or screw cap.

In the development of the method takes place prior to the issue and transfer of the transport container to the removal opening labeling of the transport container or label sticker is printed and output to the removal opening with the transport container or a label sticker is printed and placed on the transport container or the lid, the screw cap and / or stuck on a closing foil. As a result, the billing information is provided to the customer in addition to the necessary goods information for the customer.

• Fig. 1 eine Außenansicht auf einen Abfüllautomaten
• Fig. 2 eine schematische Darstellung eines Abfüllautomaten,
• Fig. 3 eine Ansicht eines Abfüllautomaten von vorn ohne Gehäuse mit Transportvorrichtung und Vorratsbehältern mit Gewindespindelstellantrieben,
• Fig. 4 eine räumliche Ansicht eines Abfüllautomaten ohne Gehäuse mit Transportvorrichtung und unterschiedlich großen Vorratsbehältern und Zahnriemenstellantrieben,
• Fig. 5 eine seitliche Ansicht eines Abfüllautomaten ohne Gehäuse mit Transportvorrichtung und Vorratsbehältern und Zahnriemenstellantrieben,
• Fig. 6 bis 8 perspektivische Detaildarstellungen eines Vorratsbehälters in einer Vorratsbehälteraufnahme mit vertikalem Bewegungselement, Aufnahmeeinheit und Transportbehälter,
• Fig. 9 eine perspektivische Detaildarstellung einer Transportvorrichtung mit Aufnahmeeinheit, Wägeeinrichtung und Betätigungsvorrichtung,
• Fig. 10 eine perspektivische Detaildarstellung einer Transportvorrichtung mit Transportbehälter, Aufnahmeeinheit, Wägeeinrichtung und Betätigungsvorrichtung,
• Fig.11 eine perspektivische Detaildarstellung von oben von einer Transportvorrichtung mit Transportbehälter und Betätigungsvorrichtung sowie mit den Gewindespindelstellantrieben,
• Fig. 12 eine perspektivische Detaildarstellung mit horizontalem und vertikalen Stellantrieben als Zahnriemenantrieb und mit Positionierungseinrichtung und
• Fig. 13 eine perspektivische Detaildarstellung mit horizontalem und vertikalen Stellantrieben als Gewindespindelantrieb und mit Transportbehälter, Aufnahmeeinheit und Positionierungseinrichtung.

Several embodiments of the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the drawings. Show it:

• Fig. 1 an exterior view of a bottling machine
• Fig. 2 a schematic representation of a bottling machine,
• Fig. 3 a view of a bottling machine from the front without housing with transport device and reservoirs with threaded spindle actuators,
• Fig. 4 a spatial view of a filling machine without housing with transport device and different sized reservoirs and timing belt actuators,
• Fig. 5 a side view of a filling machine without housing with transport device and reservoirs and timing belt actuators,
• Fig. 6 to 8 detailed perspective views of a storage container in a storage container receptacle with vertical movement element, receiving unit and transport container,
• Fig. 9 a detailed perspective view of a transport device with receiving unit, weighing device and actuator,
• Fig. 10 a detailed perspective view of a transport device with transport container, receiving unit, weighing device and actuator,
• Figure 11 a detailed perspective view of a transport device with transport container and actuator and with the threaded spindle actuators,
• Fig. 12 a detailed perspective view with horizontal and vertical actuators as a toothed belt drive and with positioning device and
• Fig. 13 a detailed perspective view with horizontal and vertical actuators as threaded spindle drive and with transport container, receiving unit and positioning device.

In FIG. 1 a bottling machine 26 is shown from the outside. The filling machine 26 is constructed like a cabinet. Visible from the outside, the removal opening 6 with the transport container 2, here a cup. Above the removal opening 6 is designed as a touch screen control unit 16 is arranged. At the same time, the operating unit 16 is also a display unit 16 which displays the selectable components and preset recipes and enables a corresponding selection. As a transport container 2 and thus final packaging or dispensing container cups, bottles, trays, cups, glasses, bags and boxes are provided in particular.

The in FIG. 2 schematically shown filling machine 26 for a variety of liquid and / or pourable goods consists of a variety of storage containers 1 in the form of disposable or reusable packaging containing different goods, the reservoir 1 are interchangeable. The storage containers 1 are arranged like a shelf in two dimensions and have an outlet opening 4. The outlet 4 is a direct part of the reservoir 1. The outlet 4 can be opened and closed, for example in the form of a pivoting flap by means of an actuatable by a control unit 12 actuator 17. The filling of the different goods takes place directly in a transport container 2. The transport container 2 is also the final packaging, which is given to the customer after the respective filling. There is no further transfer or intermediate storage. This transport container 2 is by a transport device 3 in at least the two Dimensions of the arrangement of the reservoir 1 movable, so that the contents of the reservoir 1 can be discharged by appropriately controllable opening of the outlet 4 directly into the transport container 2. Thus, it is possible to fill different goods successively by approaching the outlet openings 4 of the various storage containers 1 in the transport container 2. The control unit 12 controls the movement of the transport container 2 and the opening and closing of the outlet openings 4 by means of the actuating device 17.

The transport device 3 has, as in the Figures 9 and 10 shown, a receiving unit 5 for securely receiving the transport container 2. For moving the transport device 3 actuators 7 with moving elements 8, 9 are present. In a specific embodiment, a first movement element 8 carries out the displacement of the transport container 2 in the vertical direction. At least one second moving element 9 is provided for the movement in the horizontal direction. In a concrete embodiment, as in the FIGS. 4 and 5 shown, two moving elements 9 each provided with a Stellanstrieb 7 as a toothed belt, which are respectively arranged above and below in or on the automatic filling machine 26 and each lead and move the arrangement or axis for the first vertical movement element 8 with its actuator 7. The movement elements 8, 9 are moved by appropriate actuators 7 as a toothed belt drive in the horizontal and vertical directions.

The moving elements 8, 9 are, as in the FIGS. 3 to 5 and 11 to 13 Depending on the requirements threaded nuts or output pinion for timing belt, which are moved by a provided with a motor drive 24 threaded rod or corresponding drive pinion with timing belt, which serve as an actuator 7. By varying the direction of rotation or direction of movement of the respective actuators 7, the moving elements 8, 9 and thus the transport container 2 can be moved up or down and to the right or left. The assembly, consisting of actuators 7 and movement element 8, 9, can also be realized by a pneumatic solution or by linear direct drives or linear motors (not shown). Likewise possible is a by appropriate actuators 7 freely movable robot arm (not shown).

The vertical movement is, as in the FIGS. 3 to 5 shown, Favor an axial or rectilinear movement along the direction of action of the respective drives. The horizontal direction of movement is depending on the design, as in the FIGS. 4 . 5 and 12 shown as a rectilinear movement or, as in the Figures 3 . 11 and 13 shown, provided as movement on a circular path section. The horizontal movement element is guided according to the circular path section in a guide rail 29. The horizontal movement element 9 is moved in both cases by the axially acting actuator 7 accordingly.

In addition, as in the Figures 12 and 13 a positioning device 23 for fine adjustment of the transport device 3 and receiving unit 5 is arranged, which allows the exact positioning of the transport container 2 with respect to the outlet opening 4. Here, by way of example, a movement provided in a third dimension, which takes place as a pivoting movement by means of a stepper motor with toothed belt, wherein the pivoting movement is achieved by a rotation about the drive axis of the vertical actuators 7. Thus, the various outlet openings 4 can be controlled in optionally different depths through the transport container 2. For this purpose, the arrangement or axis for the vertical movement element 8 with actuator 7 is rotatable and allows rotation about its own axis, regardless of the horizontal position and location. The actuation of the positioning device 23 is also carried out by the control unit 12 and in the example given as an open loop. Likewise, by appropriately designed positioning means 23 (not shown) an exact positioning of the transport container 2 in the vertical and / or horizontal direction in front of the reservoir 1 can be realized.

A passive actuator 17 may, as in the Figures 9 and 10 illustrated, be designed as a lever, which realizes an opening / closing of the outlet opening 4. This lever is arranged, for example, on the vertical movement element 8. Alternatively, the transport container 2 can be used as an actuating device (not shown) by acting on the outlet 4, for example, mechanically. Likewise, as in the Figures 11 and 13 shown, other assemblies, such as vacuum suction, which are connected to the transport device 3, be designed so that an opening and closing of the outlet opening 4 is possible. Furthermore, the actuator 17 may be an electromagnet which cooperates with the magnetic field responsive outlet opening 4 (not shown).

Another expedient embodiment is an emptying auxiliary device 10, which, for example, exerts pressure on tube-like storage containers 1 with pasty contents, such as honey or jam, in order to enable the goods to be removed. Furthermore, it is provided that the storage container 1 or the storage container receptacle is tilted for emptying. When emptying auxiliary device 10 is a lever into consideration, which causes a tilting of the reservoir receptacle 28 or the reservoir 1 and thus simplifies the feed of the product from the reservoir into the final packaging or possibly possible. Also, devices that put the reservoir 1 in vibration or vibration, support the emptying. Such vibration elements 10 are, as in the FIGS. 4 to 8 , represented, for example, current-carrying coils, which act through an alternating magnetic field on a connected to the reservoir 1 magnetizable material such as iron and stimulate this to mechanical vibration. For this purpose, the reservoir 1 are resiliently mounted. Another possibility is to generate the vibrations by vibration elements 10 in the form of unbalance motors (not shown). In a further embodiment, as in FIG. 11 illustrated, the vibrating element 10 is arranged in the form of an electromagnet or imbalance motors on the transport device 3 and is carried along accordingly. If necessary, the solenoid is switched on and acts on the reservoir 1 or the reservoir receptacle 28th

The reservoir 1 are, as in the FIG. 2 shown, advantageously provided with encodings 13. Correspondingly, a reading device 14 is arranged on the recording unit 5, that reads out the coding 13 and forwards it to the control unit 12 with data memory 15. The codes may contain information about the content, the shelf life and the price as well as further information. Thus, the filling machine 26 by the control unit 12th self-learning with the data memory 15 and can update their position and other information when replacing individual reservoir 1, without causing the reservoir 1 must be used with the respective goods to the same, previous places in the housing 26. Also, if necessary, additional codings 13 can assist a precise alignment of the transport container 2 by marking the outlet openings 4. As codings are one-dimensional codes, such as EAN code, two-dimensional codes, such as QR code, optical readable and electromagnetically readable codes, such as by means of RFID transponder in question.

The outlet openings 4 can, as in FIG. 2 shown to be designed as metering devices 18, which are actuated by means of the actuators 17. The metering device 18 may be a screw feeder 18, for example. The control of the metering device 18 cooperates with a weighing device 19 on the transport device 3, the receiving unit 5 or the storage container 1 together to determine the delivered quantities of goods and to influence the corresponding delivery. The weighing device 19 is, for example, as in the FIGS. 6 to 10 shown, a load cell for measuring the weight. The outlet opening 4 is provided as part of the goods-carrying storage container 1. Thus, the respective metering device 18 is part of the reservoir 1. Thus, these are exchanged with the reservoir 1 and do not remain in the automatic filling machine 26, whereby impurities and contamination in the automatic filling machine 26 are avoided.

The transport container 2 are provided as a final packaging or coin container for the customer. For this purpose, the transport container 2 are provided by a labeling device 20 with a label that may include the summary with quantities and price and durability. The data are taken in cooperation with the control unit 12 and the data memory 15. An expedient embodiment comprises a payment device 21, which cooperates with the control unit 12 and the data memory 15 and enables self-sufficient operation as a self-service machine. The payment device 21 can be designed for a payment with cash and / or cashless.

If necessary, the contents of the transport containers 2 can be mixed with a mixing device arranged on the receiving unit 5. The mixing device can be shaking devices or vibrating devices which act on the transport container from the outside and thus mix the individual goods or ingredients in the transport container or cup. A mixing device as a stirring device, for example in the form of a plastic spoon, is also conceivable, but would be issued with the transport container, as this would be left an impurity, which is not wanted from a hygienic point of view.

The storage containers 1 can, as in FIG. 4 represented, in each case be arranged as a wider simple arrangement as a narrower double version in the filling machine 26. Thus, an increased variety of goods or redundancy of the product availability, for example, by two or more reservoir 1 with the same product, is achieved with the same space requirements. The emptied container can be exchanged without the availability of the goods being restricted. In this arrangement, the paths of the transport device 3 can be optimized. It can be replaced automatically by a corresponding device, the reservoir 1. The availability of goods is thus almost unlimited. In addition, it is advantageous that in the event of possible total emptying of a storage container 1, this is preferably emptied, although another, optionally full, storage container 1 is closer to the current position of the transport container 2.

In the housing 26 is, as in the FIGS. 3 to 5 illustrated, the assembly assembly of the filling device consisting of reservoir 1, the receiving unit 5, the transport device 3, the actuator 17 and the actuators 7 with the controllable movement elements 8, 9. The reservoir 1 are arranged like a shelf. These are parked on shelves 27 or inserted into reservoir receptacles 28. The reservoir receptacles 28 are trough-like or trough-like, wherein the reservoir receptacle 28 surrounds the reservoir 1 over a large area. This allows a good lateral guidance, positional stability of the storage container 1 used against shifting or falling out and high inherent stability. Under this reservoir receptacles 28 are, as in the FIGS. 4 to 7 represented, the vibrating elements 10 are arranged as electromagnets on the shelf 27 and thus ensure respectively for an unimpeded transport of goods from the outlet opening 4 in the transport container 2. The reservoir receptacles 28 are resiliently attached to the shelf 27.

In another embodiment, not shown, the vibration elements 10 are arranged as unbalance motors directly to the reservoir receptacles 28. The vibrating elements 10 can be operated or controlled continuously or pulsed as needed. With more than one vibrating element 10, these can be controlled simultaneously or sequentially or in groups in order to favor the dispensing of goods and to dissolve any blockage caused by bridging.

The FIGS. 4 . 11 and 13 show in perspective view details from the FIG. 3 , The transport device 3 with horizontal and vertical movement element 8, 9 can be seen. The movement is effected by the adjusting rods 24 driving the threaded rods 7. In addition, a positioning device 23 designed as a swiveling device is provided, which allows a movement in the third dimension in order to move the transport container 2 held by the receiving unit 5 below the outlet opening 4.

The FIGS. 6 to 8 show as a perspective detail a shelves 27 with a vibrating element 10 under the reservoir receptacle 28, in which a cuboid reservoir 1 is introduced. In addition, the storage container 1 is placed in the receiving unit 5 with weighing device 19 in front of the storage container 1. In FIG. 7 In addition, the outlet opening 4 is open.

The movement of the transport container 2 is effected by the vertical movement element 8 along the associated threaded rod of the actuator 7 in the vertical direction. The horizontal movement is realized by the horizontal movement element 9 along the horizontal threaded rod 7. Provided for the vertical and horizontal actuators 7 are also linear direct drives, linear motors and belt drives. This ultimately makes every point of the matrix achievable. Thus, reservoir 1 different heights and widths are used, the transport device 3 with the Transport container 2 is moved under the corresponding outlet openings 4 of the reservoir 1.

1. A) Auswahl der gewünschten Ware oder Waren mittels einer Eingabeeinheit 16 durch den Benutzer,
2. B) Übermittlung der Auswahl an eine Steuereinheit 12,
3. C) Ansteuerung einer der Transportvorrichtung 3 für den Transportbehälter 2 durch die Steuereinheit 12,
4. D) Bewegung des Transportbehälters 2 zu einem und ggf. weiteren Vorratsbehältern 1,
5. E) Abgabe der Ware vom Vorratsbehälter 1 in den Transportbehälter 2 durch Ansteuerung der Auslassöffnung 4 und
6. F) Bewegung des Transportbehälters 2 mittels der Steuereinheit 12 und der Transportvorrichtung 3 zu einer Entnahmeöffnung 6 zwecks Übergabe an den Benutzer.

The method for using the bottling machine 26 for liquid and pourable goods comprises the steps:

1. A) selection of the desired goods or goods by means of an input unit 16 by the user,
2. B) transmission of the selection to a control unit 12,
3. C) control of the transport device 3 for the transport container 2 by the control unit 12,
4. D) movement of the transport container 2 to one and possibly further storage containers 1,
5. E) delivery of the goods from the storage container 1 in the transport container 2 by controlling the outlet opening 4 and
6. F) Movement of the transport container 2 by means of the control unit 12 and the transport device 3 to a removal opening 6 for the purpose of transfer to the user.

Depending on the selection of the goods and the respective quantity and composition of the goods in the transport container 2, the method steps D and E are repeated.

• G) die Entnahme eines Transportbehälters 2 aus einem Depot von Transportbehältern (vor D) H) Abwicklung der Bezahlung über eine Bezahleinrichtung 21 (nach A)
• I) Ausdruck und ggf. Anbringen eines Etiketts am Transportbehälter 2, Deckel, Schraubverschluss und/oder an der Folie mittels einer Etikettiervorrichtung 20 (nach A)
• J) Mischen der Waren im Transportbehälter 2 durch eine Mischvorrichtung (nach E)
• K) Wägen des Inhalts des Transportbehälters 2 (parallel zu E),
• L) Einlegen zumindest einer weiteren separat verpackten Ware, vor dem Verschließen des Transportbehälters 2 (also vor F oder vor M) und
• M) Verschließen des Transportbehälters 2 mit Deckel, einen Schraubverschluss und/oder einer Folie (vor F).

Further expedient process steps are

• G) the removal of a transport container 2 from a depot of transport containers (before D) H) processing of the payment via a payment device 21 (according to A)
• I) Printing out and optionally attaching a label to the transport container 2, cover, screw cap and / or to the film by means of a labeling device 20 (according to A)
• J) mixing the goods in the transport container 2 by a mixing device (according to E)
• K) weighing the contents of the transport container 2 (parallel to E),
• L) inserting at least one further separately packaged product, before closing the transport container 2 (ie before F or before M) and
• M) Closing the transport container 2 with lid, a screw cap and / or a film (before F).

As a virtual shop system, a user interface can also be made available for any PCs or smartphones with the aid of a software or homepage, so that the consumer also has the option of being able to select his individual composition independently of the input module of the machine. The virtual shop system reflects the inventory of goods that are in the vending machine in the storage containers. The communicative connection between the bottling machine 26 and the virtual shop can be done in addition to a data connection via the Internet with the help of reading codes from a printout or from a smartphone display or the like. For this purpose, the machine is equipped with an Internet access and / or a code scanner.

The goods are food or pet food products, possibly also non-food items. An example of bulk food products is muesli with cereal components such as cereals and lyophilized fruits. Other examples are candy for a single dispensing or as an individual confectionery mix, coffee beans for a single dispensing or individual blending, ingredients for different blended blends, and single issue or spice blends. Examples of liquid food products are juices for a single issue or as juice blends and cocktails. Examples of pourable goods for pet food are dog food, cat food and bird food. As non-food items come as pourable goods such as screws, washers and nuts into consideration.

Compilation of the reference numerals

1 -

reservoir

2 -

transport container

3 -

transport device

4 -

outlet

5 -

recording unit

6 -

removal opening

7 -

actuator

8th -

mover

9 -

mover

10 -

Discharge aid, vibration element

12 -

control unit

13 -

encodings

14 -

reader

15 -

data storage

16 -

Input unit, operating unit, display unit

17 -

actuator

18 -

metering

19 -

weighing

20 -

labeling

21 -

paying means

23 -

positioning device

24 -

motor drive

26 -

Housing, filling machine

27 -

shelf

28 -

Reservoir recording

29 -

guide rail

Claims (7)

1. Automatic filling machine (26) for a variety of different pourable foods or animal feed products as goods, where the goods are stored in several, interchangeable storage containers (1), which are arranged in shelf-type manner at least in two dimensions in that the storage containers (1) are fitted with an outlet opening (4) and arranged in a housing (26) and in that the housing (26) has a removal opening (6) and in that an input unit (16) is arranged on the filling device and where the input unit (16) is connected with a control unit (12), characterised in that,
   at least one transport container (2) can be moved by a rolling/moving or sliding/moving transport device (3) due to the dimensions of the arrangement of the storage containers (1) so that the transport containers (2) can be transported to the storage containers (1) and/or their outlet openings (4) and the content of the storage containers (1) can be dispensed directly into the transport container (2), where the transport device (3) can be selected by the control unit (12) and where the transport container (2) constitutes the final packaging, where the housing (26) contains storage container retainers (28) where one, two or more storage containers (1) are each arranged in a storage container retainer (28) and the storage containers (1) and/or the storage container retainers (28) are designed to allow at least in one dimension sliding, tipping, swivelling and/or potentially vibrating, where the transport device (3) features a vibration element (10) as emptying assistance device (10) and where the vibration element (10) on the transport device (3) has immediate contact with the storage container (1) and transfers vibrations to the storage container (1), where the frequency of the vibrations transferred by the vibration element (10) of the transport device (3) and the position of the vibrations transferred by the vibration element (10) of the transport device (3) vary depending on the filling level and content of the storage containers (1).
2. Automatic filling machine according to claim 1,
   characterised,
   in that at least one positioning facility (23) for positioning of the transport container (2) relative to the storage container (1) in at least one dimension and/or at least one actuating device (17) for the outlet opening (4) is provided, where the positioning facility (23) is connected with the control unit (12) and the actuating device (17) may be connected with the control unit (12).
3. Automatic filling machine according to one of the claims 1 to 2,
   characterised,
   in that the storage container (1), the receiving unit (5) and/or storage container retainer (28) is provided with an emptying assistance device (10).
4. Automatic filling machine according to one of the claims 1 to 3,
   characterised,
   in that the storage containers (1) are equipped with codes (13) and on the receiving unit (5) or the transport device (3) a reading unit (14) for the code (13) is arranged where the information of the code (13) can be stored in a data store (15) connected with the control unit (12).
5. Automatic filling machine according to one of the claims 1 to 4,
   characterised,
   in that the outlet openings (4) are designed as metering devices (18).
6. Automatic filling machine according to one of the claims 1 to 5,
   characterised,
   in that on the storage containers (1), on the receiving unit (5) and/or the transport device (3) a weighing facility (19) is arranged, where the weighing facility (19) is connected with the control unit (12).
7. Automatic filling machine according to one of the claims 1 to 6,
   characterised,
   in that a closing device for closing the transport container, a labelling device (20) and/or payment facility (21) is provided, where the labelling device (20), the closing device and/or the payment facility (21) is connected with the control unit (12).

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