WO2017091164A1

WO2017091164A1 - System and method for in-situ preparation of a product in form of liquid mixture, and vending thereof

Info

Publication number: WO2017091164A1
Application number: PCT/TR2015/050193
Authority: WO
Inventors: Hakan YEDIER; Olcay Yilmaz Damar
Original assignee: Yedier Hakan
Priority date: 2015-11-23
Filing date: 2015-11-23
Publication date: 2017-06-01

Abstract

A system for automated preparation of packaged ready-to-use liquid final mixtures including active ingredient(s); the system comprises an inline mixer pump (2b), a closed-circuit pipeline (2a) connectable with one or more perfume container(s) (la), one or more concentrated active ingredient container(s) (lb), one or more packaging container(s) (ic), and one or more closure container(s) (Id); said closed-circuit pipeline (2a) comprising a water inlet (2e), and a filling outlet (2c); said system being connectable with a computing means and a related user interface configured for entering user preferences related to the packaged ready-to-use final mixture, and for accordingly calculating volumetric amounts of components of the final mixture to be transferred into the closed-circuit pipeline (2a); the system further comprises a packaging container (1c), a packaging positioning mechanism (3a) configured for transferring a packaging from the packaging container into a position where liquids from the filling outlet (2c) to be poured into the packaging; a compressor (4b) configured to transfer air into the closed-circuit pipeline (2a); a washing line (4c) for inlet of water at a cleaning phase.

Description

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR IN-SITU PREPARATION OF A PRODUCT IN FORM OF LIQUID MIXTURE, AND VENDING THEREOF

Technical Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a system and method for in-situ preparation of a product in form of liquid mixture, and vending thereof.

Background of the Invention

Ready-to-use liquid product mixtures preparation systems typically include dilution of a concentrated liquid with a diluent such as water, into a ready-to-use product. Some documents considered to be related to the subject matter of the present invention include US 7 131 468 B2, US 2002 030 102 Al and EP 0 509 602 Al.

A major issue in the known systems is air contamination to the liquids constituting the product. Along with hygienic issues, this further causes foaming at product preparation and filling steps, leading to cavitation in pumps and also overflow of the final product from the container to be filled therewith.

A further issue is that the systems in the prior art documents is that such systems require feeding of empty rigid containers, since rigid containers necessitate high amount of stock volume. Since unused containers include high amount of air inside, it is not effective to feed containers automatically from integrated container storages to such filling systems. The air inside such unused containers may cause further hygienic issues.

Additionally, the mixture preparation methods and systems mainly prepare liquid mixtures with limited variation in terms of fulfilling customer preferences. For instance, in case of detergent mixtures preparation, a common base formulation including a concentrated active ingredient is employed in the final mixture, which can not meet different technical requirements at removing different types of stains.

Objects of the Invention Primary object of the present invention is to overcome the abovementioned shortcomings of the prior art.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a compact system and efficient method for hygienic preparation and vending of a product in form of liquid mixture. A further object of the present invention is to provide a system and method for hygienic preparation and vending of a product in form of liquid mixture, accurately meeting technical requirements related to consumer preferences.

Summary of the Invention

The present invention proposes a system for automated preparation of packaged ready-to-use liquid final mixtures including active ingredient(s); the system comprises an inline mixer pump, a closed-circuit pipeline connectable with one or more perfume container(s), one or more concentrated active ingredient container(s), one or more packaging container(s), and one or more closure container(s); said closed-circuit pipeline comprising a water inlet, and a filling outlet; said system being connectable with a computing means and a related user interface configured for entering user preferences related to the packaged ready-to-use final mixture, and for accordingly calculating volumetric amounts of components of the final mixture to be transferred into the closed-circuit pipeline; the system further comprises a packaging container, a packaging positioning mechanism configured for transferring a packaging from the packaging container into a position where liquids from the filling outlet to be poured into the packaging; a compressor configured to transfer air into the closed -circuit pipeline; a washing line for inlet of water at a cleaning phase. The present invention further proposes a relevant method for preparation of hygienic preparation and vending of a product in form of liquid mixture. Brief Description of the Figures

The figures, whose brief explanations are herewith provided, are solely intended for providing a better understanding of the present invention and are as such not intended to define the scope of protection or the context in which said scope is to be interpreted in the absence of the description. Figure 1 shows the isometric view of a system according to the present invention.

Figure 2 shows the isometric view of a system according to the present invention, from a different angle.

Figure 3 shows the front view of a system according to the present invention, from a different angle.

Figure 4 (a-d) show detailed views of various connection alternatives around mixer pump of the system according to the present invention.

Figure 5 (a-d) show representative detail views of automated packaging positioning at a system and method according to the present invention, in various phases of a packaging preparation sequence: at moments of (a) taking a packaging from a packaging container; (b) carrying the packaging towards a filling position under the filling outlet; (c) and (d) packaging positioned under the filling outlet for a filling phase, shown from two different aspects.

Detailed Description of the Invention Referring now the figures outlined above, the present invention proposes a system for hygienic preparation and vending of a ready-to-use product in form of liquid mixture, and a relevant method.

The system comprises a closed-circuit pipeline (2a); which is connectable with one or more perfume container(s) (la), one or more concentrated active ingredient container(s) (lb), one or more packaging container (lc), and one or more closure container (Id).

The active ingredient container can either be a disposable, single use container e.g. a capsule, or a multiple use container which can receive an amount of active ingredient sufficient for preparation of multiple ready-to-use liquid mixture packages. Preferably, especially in case where the final mixture is laundry detergent mixture, the system further comprises containers including a plurality of enzymes targeting different types of stains. Said containers can be refillable for refilling by an operator with respective contents (i.e. perfume, active ingredient, packaging or caps). Alternatively, pre-filled perfume or active ingredient containers or packaging or closure containers can be individually obtained and connected to the system for direct use. Plurality of packaging containers or closure containers may be employed for different size packaging and caps selectable in accordance with user preferences; or for provision of additional storage ability thereof to the system.

The closed-circuit pipeline is connectable to a water reservoir, preferably to mains water system. Further preferably, the closed-circuit pipeline is connectable to the water reservoir through a filter or membrane, thereby securing hygiene of water to be inlet to the system, and such connection is provided via a water inlet (2e). Water inlet is preferably followed by a water treatment equipment (4a) for pre-conditioning water entering through the water inlet (e.g. in terms of hardness).

The closed-circuit pipeline (2a) is preferably configured to be airtight at least during mixing of the ingredients of the product, for exclusion of air surrounding the system from the ingredients to be mixed at a mixing phase. Thus hygienic issues due to dusts and microbial contamination from air surrounding the system, and inaccuracies due to foaming are eliminated.

The system is automated and used in connection with, or preferably comprises a computing means and related user interface (e.g. a touch panel, or a panel with buttons and a display) configured for entering user preferences and accordingly calculating volumetric amounts of components (including perfume, active ingredient, water) of a final active ingredient mixture (product) to be transferred from individual respective containers and from water reservoir into the closed-circuit pipeline. Said preferences may include one or more variable(s) selected from a list comprising: several preset active ingredient ratios in the final mixture, said ratio to be used for calculation of volumetric ratio of one or more active ingredient(s) stored on the system, to be included into the product. The preferences preferably further include one or more item selected from a list comprising: a list selection of scents obtainable by mixing various perfumes stored on the system; volumetric amount of the final mixture; and entrance of an expected total price of the product in relevance with final volumetric amount or ingredients quality of the product.

Preferably, for the case where the final mixture is a laundry detergent mixture, said preferences further include a list selection of stain types (e.g. grass, wine, etc.) which serves for selection of a suitable enzyme or enzyme combination targeting selected stain, and calculation of required amounts of enzyme(s) stored on the system, to be included in the final mixture. Various enzymes each targeting different types of stains are known in the technical field of laundry detergents. Specific types of stains to be removed from laundry are mainly caused by certain molecules, ant such molecules are targeted by enzymes (which can be called as stain-specific enzymes); for instance grass stain is mainly caused by chlorophyll, which can be removed by 'chlorophyllase' enzyme.

In case where the final mixture is a detergent mixture, the preferences may further include a list selection of attributed cleaning power, in correlation with a respective active ingredient ratio in the final mixture (e.g. volumetric ratio of a detergent as active ingredient). For example, the selection can be named as "weak", "medium" and strong where the final mixture contains 1-5% (v/v), 5-10% (v/v), and "strong" where the final mixture contains more than 10% (v/v) of active ingredient, respectively. In use, in accordance with a user preference input, calculated amounts of ingredients (including perfume, active ingredient and water) are transferred into the closed circuit pipeline, and mixed using an inline mixer pump (2b). The mixture obtained is transferred from a filling outlet (e.g. a nozzle) (2c) into a packaging automatically transferred to a location below the filling outlet from a packaging container (lc) by a packaging positioning mechanism (3a). The packaging positioning mechanism (3a) is configured for transferring a packaging from the packaging container into a position where liquids from the filling outlet (2c) are poured into the packaging. Thorough transfer of the mixture into the packaging is ensured by gravity preferably assisted by compressed air provided by a compressor connected to the closed -circuit pipeline, or even by a further suitable means e.g. by a pigging system (not shown) integrated to the outlet or to the closed -circuit pipeline. By selecting the filling outlet as a nozzle, more accurate alignment can be achieved between the filling outlet and a packaging to be filled.

The packaging positioning mechanism is preferably provided with a packaging edge opener (not shown) for obtaining a clear opening on the packaging suitable for filling liquid (mixture) from the filling outlet. After filling, a closure positioning mechanism (3c) transfers a closure from the closure container onto an opening on the packaging through which the mixture is filled. The closure is closed by a packaging closure mechanism (not shown) which closed the opening with the closure in an airtight manner. In other words, the packaging preparation system takes an empty packaging from the packaging container, and positions the packaging under the filling outlet. Preferably, a packaging seal opener (not shown) opens an unsealed edge of the packaging. Then the closure positioning mechanism transfers and positions a closure from the closure container onto the package opening, then a packaging closure mechanism seals the opening with the closure from a closure container, in an airtight manner.

The system preferably comprises several packaging containers each to be loaded with packagings of different sizes. In this case, the empty packaging used as described above is of a size in accordance with a user preference of total volumetric amount of components constituting the final mixture. Thus use of unnecessarily big packaging is avoided for lower final volumetric amounts of the final mixtures. This embodiment is rational from the stand points of both environmental pollution and economics, by minimizing the packaging wastes after consumption of the final mixture by a customer, and also the packaging costs on a provider/operator of the system, respectively. If the packaging is sealable e.g. as in a thermoplastic bag, or re-sealable e.g. as in a zipper storage bag, a respective sealing mechanism automatically seals the packaging accordingly in an airtight manner. The packaging is preferably an easily stackable packaging such as a soft packaging (e.g. DoyPack^®).

In a preferred embodiment according to the present invention, the outlet or the packaging positioning mechanism is movable with respect to the other in vertical direction, such that, in use, at the beginning of a filling phase the distance between the outlet and the bottom of the packaging are relatively short, and throughout the filling phase said distance increases. This embodiment prevents volumetric inaccuracies related to foam generation due to collision between the bottom of the container and the active ingredient mixture falling thereon from the outlet. The system further comprises a washing line (4c) (by-passing the water treatment equipment where applicable), for inlet of water into the closed-circuit pipeline at a cleaning phase after product preparation, where remains of a previously prepared product are rinsed from inner surfaces of the closed-circuit pipeline. In a further preferred embodiment according to the present invention, the inner surfaces of the closed-circuit pipeline comprise a hydrophobic coating (i.e. a hydrophobic coating comprising nanotechnological material), for minimizing such remains which are water-soluble (i.e. hydrophilic). This embodiment reduces duration of the cleaning phase and related water consumption.

In a preferred embodiment according to the present invention, the system comprises a plurality of closed-circuit pipelines and related elements including connections to perfume and active ingredient containers, packaging and closure containers, mixer pumps, etc. This embodiment reduces waiting time of multiple users simultaneously expecting different final products.

The system further comprises a compressor (4b) connected to the closed -circuit pipeline. The compressor provides pressurized air into the closed-circuit pipeline for drying it with air. Both cleaning water and air leave the closed-circuit pipeline through the filling outlet after cleaning phase and drying, respectively. After washing and drying phases, the system is ready for an immediate further product preparation. In use, when a consumer preference is input, the system transfers accordingly calculated amounts of ingredients from respective containers into the closed-circuit pipeline, mixes them with water, automatically fills a suitable packaging therewith, and closes the packaging with a cap.

The system preferably comprises a printer in data connection with the computing means for printing product-related information onto labels to be fixed onto packagings, or for printing directly onto a surface of packaging. After the preparation of the product is finished, the packaging positioning mechanism preferably releases the packed product on/onto a service surface (4d) configured for being taken by a consumer as ready-to-use packaged final mixture (end product), or configured for receiving a package released by the packaging positioning mechanism.

In other words, the present invention proposes an automated preparation method of ready-to-use packaged product comprising a final mixture of active ingredient(s). The method comprises the steps of:

a) computer input of one or more user preference(s) selected from a list comprising one or more scent(s); an attributed cleaning power in correlation with a respective active ingredient ratio in the final mixture; a list selection of stain types to be used for selection of enzyme(s) with respect to selected stain type and for computation of required amounts of said enzyme(s) to be included into the final mixture, preferred volume of the final mixture, and preferred final price of the packaged product;

b) computation of volumetric amounts of components to be mixed for preparation of active ingredient mixture in accordance with the user preference(s). Said components include active ingredient(s) to be included to final mixture in different volumetric ratios representing different cleaning power of the final mixture, water and one or more component(s) selected from a list comprising one or more perfume(s) of different scents, and enzymes targeting different types of stains (e.g. coffee, wine, grass, blood, etc.). The computation is followed by automated transfer of calculated volumetric amounts of selected components into a closed -circuit pipeline, and mixing them;

c) automated transfer of a packaging to be filled with the components mixture of step (b) below an filling outlet (e.g. filling outlet) of the closed-circuit pipeline. The transfer is followed by automated opening of edges of the packaging for obtainment of a clear opening through which the active ingredient mixture is to be filled, automated filling of the packaging with said mixture, automated closure of the packaging in an airtight manner;

d) one or more cleaning phase(s) including transfer of water into the closed- circuit pipeline, and purging the cleaning water from the filling outlet; followed by drying of the closed-circuit pipeline by compression of air thereinto. Preferably, said closed circuit pipeline is airtight and said mixing is performed using an inline mixing pump.

Preferably, the distance between the filling outlet and bottom of the packaging increases throughout the filling, such that foam generation during filling is at least substantially prevented.

The system and method according to the present invention is highly suitable for preparation of such active ingredient mixtures in soft packaging. Employing soft packaging enables highly effective use of storage space, i.e. with small packaging containers; which provides a compact system with minimized material costs for the machine producer, and minimal occupation of space.

The final mixture to be prepared with the system and the method according to the present invention can be a personal hygiene product where the active ingredient is a surfactant suitable for skin cleaning. In such case, the surfactant can be a soap and the final mixture is a soap mixture prepared by at least diluting a soap concentrate. Alternatively, the final mixture can be a domestic hygiene product wherein the active ingredient includes a detergent, or a hypochlorite. Preferably, the final mixture is a liquid laundry detergent mixture and the active ingredient is one or more surfactant suitable for laundry use, and more preferably said mixture further comprises one or more enzyme used in laundry washing.

The method and system according to the present invention further prevents contact between diluted active ingredients with air, thus minimizing hygienic concerns and eliminating inaccuracies due to foaming. The system and method further allows scent selection, cleaning power, certain types of target stains (stain-specific product), packaging size, total volumetric amount, and final price of a ready-to-use active ingredient mixture.

Thus the following objects are achieved by the present invention:

- overcoming the abovementioned shortcomings of the prior art,

- provision of:

- a compact system and efficient method for active ingredient mixture preparation and vending, a system and method for hygienic preparation and vending of active ingredient mixtures, accurately meeting consumer preferences.

Claims

Claims:

1. A system for automated preparation of packaged ready-to-use liquid final mixtures including active ingredient(s); wherein the system comprises an inline mixer pump (2b), a closed -circuit pipeline (2a) connectable with one or more perfume container(s) (la), one or more concentrated active ingredient container(s) (lb), one or more packaging container(s) (lc), and one or more closure container(s) (Id); said closed-circuit pipeline (2a) comprising a water inlet (2e), and a filling outlet (2c); said system being connectable with a computing means and a related user interface configured for entering user preferences related to the packaged ready- to-use final mixture, and for accordingly calculating volumetric amounts of components of the final mixture to be transferred into the closed-circuit pipeline (2a); the system further comprises a packaging container (lc), a packaging positioning mechanism (3a) configured for transferring a packaging from the packaging container into a position where liquids from the filling outlet (2c) to be poured into the packaging; a compressor (4b) configured to transfer air into the closed- circuit pipeline (2a); a washing line (4c) for inlet of water at a cleaning phase.

2. System according to the Claim 1, wherein the closed-circuit pipeline (2a) is configured to be airtight at a mixing phase.

3. System according to any one of the previous claims, comprising a water treatment equipment (4a) for preconditioning water entering through the water inlet (2e).

4. System according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the preferences include preset cleaning power levels for the active ingredient mixture, said power levels to be used for calculation of volumetric ratio of one or more active ingredient(s) stored on the system, to be included into the product; preferably the preferences further include one or more item selected from a list comprising a list selection of scents obtainable by mixing various perfumes stored on the system; volumetric amount of the final mixture; a list selection of various stain types for selection of a suitable enzyme or enzyme combination targeting a selected stain, and calculation of required amounts of enzyme(s) stored on the system to be included in the final mixture; and entrance of an expected total sales price of the active ingredient mixture in relevance with final volumetric amount or ingredients quality of the active ingredient mixture.

5. System according to any one of the previous claims, wherein a pigging system is integrated to the outlet or to the closed-circuit pipeline.

6. System according to any one of the previous claims, comprising a packaging edge opener for obtaining a clear opening on the packaging suitable for filling liquid from the filling outlet.

7. System according to any one of the previous claims, comprising a closure positioning mechanism (3c).

8. System according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the filling outlet or the packaging positioning mechanism is movable with respect to the other in vertical direction, such that, in use, at the beginning of a filling phase the distance between the filling outlet and the bottom of the packaging are relatively short, and said distance increases throughout the filling phase.

9. System according to any one of the previous claims, wherein inner surfaces of the closed-circuit pipeline comprise a hydrophobic coating.

10. System according to any one of the previous claims, comprising a plurality of closed-circuit pipelines connected with perfume containers, active ingredient containers, enzyme containers, packaging and closure containers, and a mixer pumps.

11. System according to any one of the previous claims, comprising a printer in data connection with the computing means configured to print product-related information onto labels to be fixed onto a packaging, or for printing directly onto a surface of the packaging.

12.System according to any one of the previous claims, comprising a service surface (4d) configured for receiving a package released by the packaging positioning mechanism.

13. An automated preparation method of a packaged product comprising a liquid final mixture of active ingredient(s); said method comprising the steps of: a) computer input of one or more user preference(s) selected from a list comprising of one or more scent(s); an attributed cleaning power in correlation with a respective active ingredient ratio in the final mixture; a list of stain types to be used for selection of enzyme(s) with respect to selected stain type and for computation of required amounts of said enzyme(s) to be included into the final mixture, preferred volume of the final mixture, and preferred final price of the packaged product; b) computation of volumetric amounts of components to be mixed for preparation of active ingredient mixture in accordance with the user preference, said components including active ingredient(s) to be included to final mixture in different volumetric ratios representing different cleaning power of the final mixture, water and one or more component(s) selected from a list comprising one or more perfume(s) each having different scents, and one or more enzyme(s) each targeting different stain type; followed by automated transfer of calculated volumetric amounts of selected components into a closed-circuit pipeline, and mixing them; c) automated transfer of a packaging to be filled with the components mixture of step (b) below an outlet of the closed-circuit pipeline, automated opening of edges of the packaging, automated filling of the packaging with said mixture, automated closure of the packaging in an airtight manner; d) one or more cleaning phase(s) including transfer of water into the closed- circuit pipeline, and purging the cleaning water from the outlet; followed by drying of the closed-circuit pipeline by compression of air thereinto.

14. Method according to the Claim 13, wherein said closed circuit pipeline is airtight and said mixing is performed using an inline mixing pump.

15. Method according to any of the Claims 13 and 14, wherein the distance between the outlet and bottom of the packaging increases throughout the filling, such that foam generation during filling is at least substantially prevented.