EP4631907A1

EP4631907A1 - Receptacle filling equipment for filling of a plurality of bottles and related line

Info

Publication number: EP4631907A1
Application number: EP25170403.7A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Matteo Dalle Fratte
Original assignee: Dkr Drinkatering Srl
Current assignee: Dkr Drinkatering Srl
Priority date: 2024-04-12
Filing date: 2025-04-14
Publication date: 2025-10-15

Abstract

A receptacle filling equipment comprising a first plurality of transfer ducts (3), each having at least one first inlet end (3a) configured to interface with a dispenser and to receive from it a flow of a liquid, and at least one second outlet end (3b) connected to at least one flowmeter (5), wherein the flowmeter (5) is connected to a dispenser group (6) comprising a valve (7), configured to selectively allow the passage of the liquid, the valve (7) being connected to a dispensing duct (9).

Description

The present invention relates to a receptacle filling equipment for filling a plurality of bottles or liquid containers. The present invention further relates to an industrial line provided with such equipment and to a method for using such equipment.
Nowadays, the use of reusable products is increasingly widespread compared to disposable ones. In particular, bottles and similar containers must be subjected to a washing and disinfection process to allow their subsequent reuse.
Once washing and disinfection are completed, before being placed back on the market, the bottles must be filled and sealed.
Currently employed bottling solutions are predominantly based on filling one bottle at a time. This occurs for several reasons.
First, filling a single bottle is simple and precise. However, this proves to be time-consuming and, consequently, makes the machinery inefficient. As an alternative, two or more machines can be used in parallel, but this results in a high economic cost.
Another reason supporting the one-bottle-at-a-time filling approach is that the same filling machine is used at different times to fill bottles with different beverages: each type of beverage requires a specific filling flow depending on its characteristics, such as pH, carbon dioxide content, and alcohol content. Therefore, each beverage would require a specific bottling machine.
However, this is economically burdensome.
Alternatively, specialized personnel can intervene to change the machine parameters to allow its use with different beverages.
However, such interventions increase the overall filling time and further reduce the efficiency of known machinery.
Moreover, existing equipment is often bulky and heavy, requiring dedicated spaces for installation and an adequate supporting structure.
The bulk and weight of known solutions result in considerable complexity during transport, handling, and maintenance operations, negatively affecting daily operations and flexibility of use. In addition, production and management costs are high, making such equipment economically viable only for large-scale facilities, and limiting their use in environments with restricted space or budget.
The purpose of the present invention is therefore to overcome the above-mentioned drawbacks.
The invention, as characterized in the claims, achieves this purpose through a structural modification of the filling equipment.
The main advantage achieved by the present invention is that it allows the simultaneous filling of a plurality of bottles, while maintaining a high degree of bottling precision and significantly increasing filling efficiency.
Furthermore, the invention is highly flexible, as it is capable of simultaneously filling bottles with different beverages, ensuring compliance with the respective bottling parameters.
Additionally, the invention has compact dimensions and is easily transportable, making it suitable for integration even in confined spaces and representing a cost-effective solution, suitable not only for industrial facilities but also for laboratories, small-scale businesses, and mobile units.
Moreover, the invention allows switching from one type of liquid to another without requiring process interruptions or manual reconfiguration interventions, thus ensuring continuous operation even in the presence of beverages with different characteristics.
Finally, the invention can be easily integrated into an industrial line.
Further advantages and features of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description, made with reference to the attached drawings, which illustrate a non-limiting embodiment, wherein:

Figure 1 shows a top plan view of the invention;
Figure 2 shows a top view of a portion of the invention of Figure 1;
Figure 3 shows a sectional view of the portion of the invention of Figure 2, according to plane II-II;
Figure 4 shows a side view of a first detail of the section of Figure 3;
Figure 5 shows a lateral perspective view of the invention;
Figure 6 shows a side view of the invention in an operating condition;
Figure 7 shows a sectional view of the invention of Figure 6, according to plane VI-VI;
Figure 8 shows a top plan view of the invention of Figure 6;
Figure 9 shows a lateral perspective view of a second detail of the invention;
Figure 10 shows a lateral perspective view of a third detail of the invention;
Figure 11 shows an exploded view of the detail of Figure 10;
Figure 12 shows an enlarged view of a particular of the detail of Figure 11;
Figure 13 shows an exploded view of a fourth detail of the invention;
Figure 14 shows a side view of a fifth detail of the invention in a first operating condition;
Figure 15 shows a top plan view of the detail of Figure 14;
Figure 16 shows a side view of the fifth detail of the invention in a second operating condition;
Figure 17 shows a top plan view of the detail of Figure 16.

As shown in the figures, the invention concerns a receptacle filling equipment 1 for filling bottles or liquid containers, comprising a first plurality of transfer ducts 3. Each of said ducts 3 comprises at least one first inlet end 3a configured to interface with a dispenser and to receive a flow of a liquid from it.
By way of non-limiting example, the dispenser may be a water supply network or an assembly composed of a pump connected to at least one tank in which at least one beverage is contained.
Each duct 3 also comprises at least one second outlet end 3b connected to at least one flowmeter 5. Such flowmeter 5 is configured to detect the flow rate of the liquid present inside the respective duct 3.
Each flowmeter 5 is connected to a respective dispenser group 6 comprising a respective valve 7 configured to selectively allow the passage of the liquid.
In particular, based on an external automated command or a user-provided command, the valve 7 allows the flow of the liquid to be dispensed.
Each valve 7 is connected to a respective dispensing duct 9 configured to dispense the liquid.
Thus, the equipment 1 is configured to simultaneously fill a plurality of bottles B, positioned in correspondence with the dispensing ducts 9.
Preferably, as shown in Figures 10, 11, 14, 15, 16, and 17, the first plurality of ducts 3 may be formed within at least one first plate 10, which may be flat.
In particular, the first plurality of ducts 3 is formed within the body of the first plate 10 and distributed from a common first inlet end 3a towards a plurality of distinct second outlet ends 3b. Preferably, each duct 3 branches off from a central or feeding area, in communication with the dispenser, and extends towards the periphery of the first plate 10, splitting into separate branches configured to convey the liquid towards their respective second outlet ends 3b.
This branched configuration allows a uniform distribution of the liquid flow coming from the dispenser, simultaneously serving multiple bottles B while maintaining structural compactness and symmetry. Indeed, the branching distribution is preferably symmetrical with respect to a transverse axis perpendicular to the first plate 10, passing through the central point of the first plate 10 itself.
The equipment 1 may comprise at least one second plate 12, superimposed on the first plate 10, facing towards the bottles B to be filled. Also the second plate 12 may be flat.
The second plate 12 is provided with a second plurality of transfer ducts 30, of which at least one first inlet end 30a is configured to interface with a dispenser and to receive a flow of a liquid from it, and at least one second outlet end 30b is connected to a respective dispenser group 6, via a respective flowmeter 5. Such flowmeter 5 may be common: both the second outlet ends 3b, 30b of the ducts 3, 30 formed respectively within the first plate 10 and within the second plate 12 may be connected to the same flowmeter 5. In other words, each flowmeter 5 may be connected to two distinct ducts 3, 30, one formed within the first plate 10 and one within the second plate 12.
The second plate 12 comprises a plurality of pass-through eyelets 31, close together at the second outlet ends 30b of the second plurality of ducts 30 and aligned with the second outlet ends 3b of the first plurality of ducts 3 of the first plate 10. Thus, the second outlet ends 30b of the second plurality of ducts 30 of the second plate 12 are located close to the second outlet ends 3b of the first plurality of ducts 3 of the first plate 10. Their proximity allows for combined or sequential dispensing of liquids, optimizing spatial distribution and overall process efficiency.
The pass-through eyelets 31, instead, connect the second outlet ends 3b of the first plurality of ducts 30 formed within the first plate 10 to the outside and allow the liquid to be dispensed towards the flowmeter 5. Indeed, the liquid passes through the second plate 12 without obstruction. The first plate 10 may also be provided with one or more central pass-through eyelets configured to connect the dispenser to the second plurality of ducts 30 formed within the second plate 12.
The second plurality of ducts 30 is formed within the body of the second plate 12 and may be distributed from a common first inlet end 30a towards a plurality of distinct second outlet ends 30b. In a preferred version, each duct 30 branches off from a central or feeding area, in communication with the dispenser, preferably through a central pass-through eyelet, and extends towards the periphery of the second plate 12, splitting into separate branches configured to convey the liquid towards their respective second outlet ends 30b.
The presence of the second plate 12 enables the equipment 1 to provide two separate circuits: the first plurality of ducts 3 of the first plate 10 and the second plurality of ducts 30 of the second plate 12. This allows differentiating flow rates, pressures, or liquids used in the two circuits, increasing the effectiveness of the bottle filling without increasing the overall bulk of the equipment 1. Having two different dispensing circuits, respectively located in the first plate 10 and the second plate 12, enables the withdrawal of a first and a second liquid from different dispensers and their selective delivery into the bottles B.
As will be apparent to a skilled person, the ducts 3, 30 may be arranged differently with respect to the embodiments shown in the figures.
In a preferred embodiment, the equipment 1 may comprise a plurality of flow diverters 32, one of which is shown in detail in Figure 12. Each flow diverter 32 comprises at least one recess 34 configured to be positioned in correspondence with a respective second outlet end 3b of the first plurality of ducts 3 formed within the first plate 10 and/or a respective second outlet end 30b of the second plurality of ducts 30 formed within the second plate 12. Examples of embodiments of the equipment 1 provided with a plurality of flow diverters 32 are shown in Figures 14 to 17.
The recess 34 is shaped so as to deviate and distribute the liquid flow inside a respective flowmeter 5. This improves the filling efficiency, even in the presence of containers or bottles with complex internal shapes or narrow necks.
Moreover, the presence of the recess 34 helps to reduce undesired turbulence and to guide the jet in a more controlled manner.
By way of non-limiting example, the attached figures illustrate flow diverters 32 provided with a plurality of recesses 34. This makes it possible to differentiate the shape of the recesses 34 intended for the second outlet ends 3b and 30b of the ducts 3 and 30 formed respectively within the first plate 10 and within the second plate 12.
Preferably, at least one plate 10, 12 is made of plastic material, for example by molding or thermoforming, or of metallic material. This helps reduce the overall weight of the equipment, simplifies industrial production, and lowers manufacturing costs. Additionally, the use of plastic allows the creation of complex internal shapes, such as branched ducts, with high precision and repeatability, while providing good corrosion resistance.
Still preferably, at least one flow diverter 32 is made of steel, optionally stainless steel. This ensures greater mechanical strength and high durability, even under intensive use conditions and in contact with high-pressure liquids. The use of steel, in particular of stainless steel, guarantees high hygienic standards, ease of sanitation, and corrosion resistance, making the flow diverter 32 particularly suitable for applications in the food, pharmaceutical, or professional catering sectors.
Alternatively, the flow diverters 32 may be made of other metallic materials or of plastic material.
Preferably, the data detected by the flowmeters 5 are processed by a processing unit 30, which is connected to regulating means 33 capable of adjusting the flow rate in each of the transfer ducts 3, 30. This allows precise control of the flow rate in each duct 3, 30 resulting in accurate filling of the bottles B.
In the case where the equipment 1 is configured to fill bottles with the same beverage, the flow rate in the transfer ducts 3, 30 can be set at a common predetermined value in all transfer ducts 3, 30, that value being based on the characteristic parameters of the beverage or liquid to be dispensed into the bottles B.
Alternatively, the flow rate in the transfer ducts 3, 30 can be set differently; for example, subgroups of transfer ducts 3, 30 may be set to have the same flow rate, so as to simultaneously fill one plurality of bottles B with a first beverage or liquid and another plurality of bottles B with a second beverage or liquid.
Thus, the equipment 1 according to the invention is highly flexible, being capable of simultaneously filling bottles with different beverages or liquids, ensuring that the respective bottling parameters are met.
Preferably, the valve 7 consists of an electrovalve, which allows improved management of the selective dispensing of beverages.
Furthermore, at least one flowmeter 5 may be connected to the dispenser group 6 via an additional duct 11. This facilitates optimal spatial arrangement of the dispenser groups 6, thereby providing high versatility in the installation of the equipment 1.
Moreover, the equipment 1 may comprise at least one inlet collector 13, connected to a plurality of first inlet ends 3a, 30a of the transfer ducts 3, 30. This permits the easy grouping of the subgroups of transfer ducts 3, 30 designated for the same beverage, thereby rendering the structure more robust.
Preferably, at least one dispensing duct 9 consists of a nozzle. In this way, the dispensing of the beverage into the bottle B is facilitated.
Furthermore, the dispenser group 6 may comprise at least one flow regulator 15 positioned upstream of the dispensing duct 9. The presence of the flow regulator 15 improves the filling of the bottles B by stabilizing the flow rate in the dispensing duct 9 despite variations in pressure. For example, the flow rate can be limited to a maximum of 2.5 liters per minute, thereby achieving significant stabilization.
Moreover, the dispenser group 6 may comprise at least one aerator 17, i.e. a device designed to mix air with a fluid, positioned upstream of the dispensing duct 9. The presence of the aerator 17 improves the outflow of the beverage from the dispensing duct 9.
The dispenser group 6 may be made of plexiglass in order to enhance its structural strength.
Preferably, the equipment 1 further comprises at least one UV lamp 19. The presence of these lamps enables disinfection of the dispensing ducts 9 during filling.
The equipment 1 can be easily integrated into a frame 35. An exemplary embodiment of the frame 35 is shown in Figure 9.
The present invention also relates to an industrial washing line 100, a detail of which is shown in Figures 6, 7, 8 and 13, comprising moving means 20 for at least one bottle B and at least one receptacle filling equipment 1 as previously described. The moving means 20 may, for example, be constituted of a conveyor belt. In this case, the bottles B can be grouped into baskets 40.
The line may also comprise positioning means 24 for at least one bottle B, which may, for example, include a basket stop or a photocell. These positioning means 24 are configured to position a plurality of bottles in correspondence with the dispensing ducts 9.
An example of positioning means 24 is shown in Figure 13. The positioning means 24 may include one or more grids, fixed or movable, provided with housings for the bottles, or removable baskets. For instance, in the positioning means 24 shown in Figure 13, there is at least one bottom grid 42, comprising a first plurality of housings 43 configured to receive the base of a bottle B; at least one top grid 44, comprising a second plurality of housings 45 configured to receive the neck of a bottle B; and at least one further grid 46, interposed between the bottom grid 42 and the top grid 44, comprising a third plurality of housings 47 configured to receive an intermediate portion of a bottle B.
The present invention further relates to a method for filling bottles B in equipment 1 as previously described, which comprises at least the steps of positioning a plurality of bottles B in correspondence with the dispensing ducts 9, setting a flow rate in the transfer ducts 3, 30 to a predetermined value in all transfer ducts 3, 30 or to different values in subgroups of transfer ducts 3, 30, and finally dispensing at least one beverage into the bottles B.

Claims

Receptacle filling equipment characterized by comprising a first plurality of transfer ducts (3), of which at least one first inlet end (3a) is configured to interface with a dispenser and to receive a flow of a liquid from it, and at least one second outlet end (3b) is connected to at least one flowmeter (5), wherein the flowmeter (5) is connected to a dispenser group (6) comprising a valve (7), configured to selectively allow the passage of the liquid, the valve (7) being connected to a dispensing duct (9).
Equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that the first plurality of transfer ducts (3) is formed within at least one first plate (10).
Equipment according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by comprising at least one second plate (12), superimposed on the first plate (10), provided with a second plurality of transfer ducts (30), of which at least one first inlet end (30a) is configured to interface with a dispenser and to receive a flow of a liquid from it, and at least one second outlet end (30b) is connected to a respective dispenser group (6) via a respective flowmeter (5), the second plate (12) comprising a plurality of pass-through eyelets (31), close together at the second outlet ends (30b) of the second plurality of ducts (30) and aligned with the second outlet ends (3b) of the first plurality of ducts (3) of the first plate (10).
Equipment according to claim 3, characterized by comprising a plurality of flow diverters (32), each flow diverter (32) comprising at least one recess (34) configured to be positioned in correspondence with a respective second outlet end (3b) of the first plurality of ducts (3) of the first plate (10) and/or with a respective second outlet end (30b) of the second plurality of ducts (30) of the second plate (12), the recess (34) being shaped to deviate and distribute the liquid flow into a respective flowmeter (5).
Equipment according to any one of claims from 1 to 4, characterized in that at least one valve (7) consists of an electrovalve.
Equipment according to any one of claims from 1 to 5, characterized in that the flowmeter (5) is connected to the dispenser group (6) via an additional duct (11).
Equipment according to any one of claims from 1 to 6, characterized by comprising at least one inlet collector (13) connected to a plurality of first inlet ends (3a; 30a) of the transfer ducts (3; 30).
Equipment according to any one of claims from 1 to 7, characterized in that at least one dispensing duct (9) consists of a nozzle.
Equipment according to any one of claims from 1 to 8, characterized in that the dispenser group (6) comprises at least one flow regulator (15) positioned upstream of the dispensing duct (9).
Equipment according to any one of claims from 1 to 9, characterized in that the dispenser group (6) comprises at least one aerator (17) positioned upstream of the dispensing duct (9).
Equipment according to any one of claims from 1 to 10, characterized by comprising at least one UV lamp (19).
Equipment according to any one of claims from 1 to 11, characterized by comprising a processing unit (30), connected to regulating means (33), configured to adjust the flow rate in the transfer ducts (3; 30).
Industrial washing line characterized by comprising moving means (20) for at least one bottle and at least one receptacle filling equipment according to any one of claims from 1 to 12.
Line according to claim 13, characterized by comprising positioning means (24) for at least one bottle (B).
Method for filling receptacles (B) in equipment according to any one of claims from 1 to 12, characterized by comprising at least the steps of positioning a plurality of receptacles (B) in correspondence with the dispensing ducts (9), setting a flow rate in the transfer ducts (3; 30) to a predetermined value in all the transfer ducts (3; 30) or to different values in subgroups of the transfer ducts (3; 30), and dispensing at least one beverage into the receptacles (B).