WO2024052436A1

WO2024052436A1 - Device for filling cups, and method for ordering beverages and dispensing them into cups using the device

Info

Publication number: WO2024052436A1
Application number: PCT/EP2023/074521
Authority: WO
Inventors: Yoann RUAUD
Original assignee: S.A.S. Eyo Ess Concept
Priority date: 2022-09-09
Filing date: 2023-09-07
Publication date: 2024-03-14
Also published as: FR3139562A1

Abstract

The invention relates a device for filling cups comprising a tray configured to support cups (16) to be filled as well as a dispensing system (28) which comprises at least one dispensing head (32) as well as at least one Cartesian robot, supporting the dispensing head (32), configured to move it in a vertical direction and at least a first horizontal direction, each dispensing head (32) supporting at least two outlet tubes (36.1, 36.2) via each of which exits a liquid to be poured into the cups (16) aligned in a top view in at least one direction forming an offset angle α greater than or equal to 10° with a second horizontal direction perpendicular to the first horizontal direction. This solution makes it possible to automate the preparation of an order. The invention also relates to a method for ordering beverages and dispensing them into cups using such a filling device.

Description

Cup filling device, method of ordering and dispensing drinks into cups using said device

The present application relates to a cup filling device as well as a method for controlling and dispensing drinks in cups using said device.

According to one embodiment, a method of ordering and distributing drinks comprises an ordering step, a payment step, an order preparation step then a final order distribution step.

According to one operating mode, to carry out the ordering step, each customer addresses a server and communicates a list of drinks. This list of drinks includes drinks of different types, with capacities which may vary from one drink to another. To reduce the quantity of waste, the customer has reusable cups which do not necessarily all have the same capacity and which he gives to the server at the same time as the order.

Generally, the payment step is dematerialized to eliminate money handling.

Having the order list in mind, the waiter collects the cups and prepares the order. He then fills the cups one by one, filling each one with the right volume and the right drink.

Once the order is ready, the distribution step consists of the server bringing the cups from the customer's order back to the counter.

These different steps, relatively long, tedious and a source of errors for the server, prove problematic during festive, musical, cultural or sporting events for which a large number of orders must be processed in a short period of time.

To optimize this ordering and distribution process, in the case of fast food, the ordering step is dematerialized like the payment step. Thus, the customer chooses the products he wants at a terminal or on a merchant site on the Internet. Once the list of products has been established, the customer pays electronically and receives in return a order number. The list of products is then transmitted to a preparation station at which a person collects the selected products one by one, at different points, and brings them together on a tray. Once the order is ready, the order number associated with this list of products is displayed and the customer who placed the order is invited to collect it.

Even if this solution could be applied to the distribution of drinks, the preparation of the order is still manual.

To automate the preparation of the order, certain beverage establishments are equipped with an automatic dispensing device allowing better control of the volume distributed. According to one embodiment, an automatic dispensing device comprises in the upper part, a storage zone for the different bottles of drinks to be distributed, each of them being connected to a dosing pump then to a distribution network configured to convey the volume of selected liquid to a dispensing station. This type of device generally only allows the filling of one glass at a time. It is therefore not suitable for distributing a large number of orders in a short period of time.

The present invention aims to remedy all or part of the disadvantages of the prior art.

To this end, the subject of the invention is a cup filling device comprising a tray configured to support cups to be filled as well as a distribution system configured to fill the cups, characterized in that the distribution system comprises at least a dispensing head as well as at least one Cartesian robot, supporting the dispensing head, configured to move it in a vertical direction and at least a first horizontal direction, each dispensing head supporting at least two outlet tubes via each of which exits a liquid to be poured into the cups, each outlet tube having a rectilinear tubular section and a center, the centers of the rectilinear tubular sections of the two outlet tubes being aligned in at least one direction forming an offset angle a greater than or equal to 10 ° with a second horizontal direction perpendicular to the first horizontal direction.

The filling device automatically fills the cups and automates order preparation, which increases the number of orders processed in a given time. Other characteristics and advantages will emerge from the description of the invention which follows, description given by way of example only, with reference to the appended drawings among which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a container equipped with several cup filling devices illustrating one embodiment of the invention,

Figure 2 is a perspective view of a cup filling device illustrating one embodiment of the invention,

Figure 3 is a schematic representation of part of a distribution system illustrating one embodiment of the invention,

Figure 4 is a front view of a dispensing head of a cup filling device illustrating one embodiment of the invention,

Figure 5 is a perspective view of the dispensing head visible in Figure 4, Figure 6 is a bottom view of the dispensing head visible in Figure 4,

Figure 7 is a top view of a tray of a cup filling device illustrating one embodiment of the invention,

Figure 8 is a perspective view of a cup support of a cup filling device illustrating one embodiment of the invention,

Figure 9 is a top view of the cup holder visible in Figure 8,

Figure 10 is a section along the line X-X of the cup support visible in Figure 9,

Figure 11 is a schematic representation of a cooling circuit of a cup filling device illustrating one embodiment of the invention, Figure 12 is a schematic representation of a distribution circuit of a filling device of cups illustrating an embodiment of the invention, Figure 13 is a side view of an outlet tube illustrating an embodiment of the invention,

Figure 14 is a top view along arrow V14 of Figure 13 of the outlet tube. Figure 15 is a bottom view along arrow V15 of Figure 13 of the outlet tube. According to one embodiment, a beverage point of sale 10 comprises at least one cup filling device 12. According to one configuration, the drinks point of sale 10 comprises at least one parallelepiped container 14, of the converted maritime container type for example, having at least one side face 14.1 at at least one opening 14.2 in which at least one filling device 12 is positioned.

According to a configuration given by way of example and not limitation, the container 14 has on each of its two side faces 14.1 two openings 14.2 at each of which three filling devices 12 are provided.

According to one application, the filling devices 12 are used to distribute draft beer, the distributed beer being able to have different volumes (25 cl, 33 cl, 50 cl) and be flavored with different aromas (lemon, peach, strawberry or others). ). According to a non-limiting example, a filling device 12 makes it possible to distribute two different volumes of beer, the beer being for each of them plain (without perfume) or flavored with three different aromas for example. Of course, the invention is not limited to this example.

According to one application, the drinks dispensed are filled in reusable cups which can have different capacities. As illustrated in Figure 4, a cup 16 has a bottom 16.1 having a given diameter and a slightly frustoconical side wall 16.2 with a certain height. According to one configuration, each cup 16 has, projecting relative to the lower face of the bottom 16.1, a circular rib 16.3 in the extension of the side wall 16.2. These cups 16 exist in several formats, a first format, adapted to contain 33 cl, having a first diameter (of the order of 7 cm) and a first height (of the order of 11.5 cm) as well as a second format, adapted to contain 50 cl having a second diameter (of the order of 8.5 cm) and a second height (of the order of 15 cm). The second format allows both volumes to be poured into the cup, while the first format only allows the smaller volume to be poured.

For the present application, the term cup covers any container of liquid used for drinking.

According to one embodiment visible in Figure 2, a filling device 12 comprises a substantially parallelepiped base 18 having an upper surface, at least one plate 20 configured to support the cups 16 to be filled and positioned at the level of the upper face of the base 18, a substantially parallelepiped head 22 positioned directly above the base 18, a distribution space 24 interposed between the base 18 and the head 22 as well as a column 26 connecting the base 18 and the head 22. According to one arrangement, the base 18 and the head 22 have approximately coplanar front faces 18.1, 22.1, positioned substantially at the level of the side face 14.1 of a container 14 when the filling device 12 is integrated into the container 14. The base 18 and the head 22 have substantially identical horizontal sections and the column 26 extends over the entire width of the base 18 and the head 22.

The filling device 12 comprises a distribution system 28 which comprises at least one Cartesian robot 30 (visible in Figure 3) supporting at least one distribution head 32 and configured to move it in three orthogonal directions, a first longitudinal direction perpendicular to the front faces 18.1, 22.2, a transverse direction Y horizontal and perpendicular to the longitudinal direction

According to a configuration visible in Figure 3, the Cartesian robot 30 comprises four uprights 34.1 oriented in the vertical direction Z, a substantially horizontal frame 34.2 connected to the four uprights 34.1 by slide connections, at least one crosspiece 34.3 parallel to the longitudinal direction X and connected by slide connections to two sides of the frame 34.2 parallel to the transverse direction Y as well as a carriage 34.4 connected to the crosspiece 34.3 by a slide connection. According to this configuration, the frame 34.2 can translate in the vertical direction Z, the crosspiece 34.3 can translate relative to the frame 34.2 in the transverse direction Y and the carriage 34.4 to which the dispensing head 32 is connected is movable relative to the crosspiece 34.3 in the longitudinal direction

Of course, the invention is not limited to this embodiment for the Cartesian robot 30. According to a simplified variant, the latter is configured to move the distribution head 32 in the vertical direction Z and at least one direction of movement horizontal (longitudinal or transverse X, Y).

The distribution system 28 comprises several outlet tubes 36.1 to 36.3 supported by the distribution head 32. Each outlet tube 36.1 to 36.3 has a first end

38.1 oriented downwards as well as a second end 38.2 oriented upwards and connected to a flexible liquid supply conduit 40. According to one arrangement, each outlet tube

36.1 to 36.3 presents at its second end 38.2, a rectilinear tubular section having a vertical axis and, at its first end 38.1, a J-shaped tubular section and an outlet 42 via which the liquid exits. The shape of the J and that of the outlet orifice 42 are configured so that the jet of liquid leaving the outlet 42 forms an angle less than 45° with a horizontal plane. Thus, the jet of liquid leaving the outlet 42 is projected towards the side wall 16.2 to limit the formation of foam. The outlet tube may be metallic in order to be refreshed before, during and after the passage of the liquid in order to limit the creation of foam. The dimensions of a J tube are more than 100mm long and an inner diameter greater than 6mm.

Of course, this tube can be bent in three dimensions to obtain a size allowing the liquid to be deposited less than 70mm from the bottom of several models of cups in order to limit the creation of foam.

According to an embodiment visible in Figures 13 to 15, the outlet tube 36 has a first end 38.1 oriented downwards via which the liquid to be served exits as well as a second end 38.2 oriented upwards via which the liquid enters to serve.

This outlet tube 36 has a substantially constant circular section between the first and second ends 38.1, 38.2, with an interior diameter Di of the order of 14, 12, 10, 8 or 6 mm and an exterior diameter De of the order respectively 16, 14, 12, 10 or 8 mm. This outlet tube 36 has a first rectilinear section 92 which extends from the second end 38.2 as well as a second helical section 94 which extends between the first section 92 and the first end 38.1. The second helical section 94 has an external winding diameter Dee of the order of 50 mm. Thus, the centers of each cross section of the second helical portion 94 of the outlet tube 36 follow a helix of radius R of the order of 19 mm in top view. This winding diameter makes it possible to insert the outlet tube 36 into the smallest cups. In operation, the second helical section 94 is positioned coaxially with the side wall of the cups. This arrangement helps reduce foam formation during filling. According to one configuration, the second helical section 94 extends over a turn. Of course, it could extend over several rounds.

The pitch of the second helical section 94 is as small as possible so that the axis A36 of the outlet tube 36 at the first end 38.1 forms an angle A less than 20° with a horizontal plane, as illustrated in the figure 13. This arrangement helps reduce foam formation during filling. According to one configuration, the second end 38.2 is positioned in a plane perpendicular to the axis A36 of the outlet tube 36. The first end 38.1 is positioned in a plane PI forming an angle Al with a plane perpendicular to the axis A36 of the tube outlet 36 between 10 and 45°. This arrangement helps reduce foam formation during filling.

The outlet tube 36 has a height H of around 225 mm. This dimension makes it possible to fill large cups, while positioning the first end 38.1 close to the bottom of the cup to avoid the formation of foam during filling.

Whatever the embodiment, each rectilinear tubular section has a center which corresponds to the point of intersection between the vertical axis of the rectilinear tubular section and a horizontal plane.

The distribution system 28 comprises at least two outlet tubes 36.1 to 36.2 supported by the distribution head 32, the centers of the rectilinear tubular sections of the two outlet tubes 36.1 to 36.3 being aligned in at least one direction forming an offset angle a greater than or equal to 10° with a direction perpendicular to the direction of horizontal movement of the dispensing head 32. For example, if the dispensing head 32 moves in the longitudinal direction X, the two outlet tubes are aligned in a direction forming with the transverse direction Y an offset angle a greater than or equal to 10°. This arrangement makes it possible to position the cups in a staggered manner on the plate 20, which makes it possible to reduce the travel of the dispensing head 32 and to increase the filling rate.

According to an optimized configuration, each distribution head 32 comprises first, second and third outlet tubes 36.1 to 36.3 arranged so as to form a V in a horizontal plane, the centers of the rectilinear tubular sections of the first and third outlet tubes 36.1, 36.3 being aligned in the transverse direction Y, the center of the rectilinear tubular section of the second outlet tube 36.2 being offset in the longitudinal direction straight line passing through the center of the rectilinear tubular section of the second outlet tube 36.2 and one of the centers of the rectilinear tubular sections of the first and third outlet tubes 36.1, 36.3 forms with the transverse direction Y an offset angle a greater than or equal to 10°. Of course, the invention is not limited to this configuration for the number of output tubes. For example, the distribution system 28 may include five outlet tubes arranged in a W top view.

As illustrated in Figures 4 to 6, the dispensing head 32 comprises at least one branch 44, which extends between first and second ends 44.1, 44.2, oriented in a direction which forms an angle substantially equal to the angle of offset a with the transverse direction Y as well as a vertical passage hole 46.1 to 46.3 for each outlet tube 36.1 to 36.3, the latter being positioned at the ends of each branch. According to one arrangement, the outlet tubes 36.1 to 36.3 all have the same external diameter and each passage hole 46.1 to 46.3 has a diameter identical to the external diameter of the outlet tube which it receives. In operation, the outlet tubes 36.1 to 36.3 are fixed relative to the distribution head 32.

When the distribution system 28 comprises three outlet tubes 36.1 to 36.3, the distribution head 32 comprises two branches 44, 44' connected together and forming a V as well as three through holes 46.1 to 46.3 positioned at the ends of the branches 44, 44'. Each of the branches 44, 44' forms an angle with the transverse direction Y substantially equal to the offset angle a.

To ensure better retention of the outlet tubes 36.1 to 36.3, the distribution head 32 comprises, at the level of each passage hole 46.1 to 46.3, a significant thickness T32, at least twice greater than the thickness T32' of the branches 44 , 44' between through holes 46.1 to 46.3. This embodiment makes it possible to increase the length of the passage holes 46.1, 46.2 without, however, excessively increasing the mass of the dispensing head 32.

As illustrated in Figure 6, the distribution head 32 comprises, for each passage hole 46.1 to 46.3, a secondary passage hole 48 used to channel at least one tube of a cooling circuit.

According to an embodiment visible in Figure 12, the distribution system 28 comprises, for each outlet tube 36.1 to 36.3, a distribution circuit 50 which extends from a liquid reservoir 52, like a beer keg per example, up to the outlet tube 36.1 to 36.3, this distribution circuit 50 comprising a dosing system 54 of the liquid distributed to control the quantity of liquid poured into each cup as well as a tap 56 via which is introduced, if necessary, an additive like a syrup for example. In addition, the distribution circuit 50 comprises, for each additive used in particular to flavor beer, a syrup reservoir 58, a syrup dosing system 60, a tube 62 connecting the syrup reservoir 58 and the syrup dosing system 60 as well as a collar 64 connecting the different syrup dosing systems 60 to the nozzle 56.

The distribution system 28 also includes a controller, to control the different dosing systems 54, 60, which may be common to the Cartesian robot 30.

According to an arrangement given by way of example and not limitation, the liquid reservoirs 52 are provided under the base 18, the different dosing systems 54, 60 and the automaton are positioned in the head 22 and the distribution circuit 50 runs in base 18, in column 26 then in head 22.

Of course, the invention is not limited to this embodiment for the distribution circuit 50.

According to an embodiment visible in Figure 11, the distribution system 28 comprises a cooling circuit 66 configured to maintain the liquid distributed at a cool temperature between each liquid reservoir 52 and the corresponding outlet tube 36.1 to 36.3.

This cooling circuit 66 comprises at least one zone juxtaposed to the distribution circuit 50 or at which the distribution circuit 50 is submerged. According to one arrangement, the cooling circuit comprises a first zone 66.1 at the level of the base 18, a second zone 66.2 at the level of the column 26, a third zone 66.3 at the level of the head 22, a fourth zone 66.4 at the level of the distribution head 32, a cooling fluid supply 68.1, a cooling fluid outlet 68.2 as well as a circuit 68.3 configured to convey the cooling fluid from the supply 68.1 to the distribution head 32 passing through the first, second third and fourth zones 66.1 to 66.4 then from the distribution head 32 to outlet 68.2.

Of course, the invention is not limited to this embodiment for the cooling circuit 66.

According to one embodiment, the filling device 12 comprises a rinsing system 70 for the cups 16 positioned at the level of the upper surface of the base 18.

The filling device 12 may comprise a single tray 20 or several juxtaposed trays 20 positioned at the level of the upper surface of the base 18. According to a first embodiment, each tray 20 is fixed and secured to the base 18. According to another embodiment, at least one tray 20 is movable relative to the base 18 and can be used to serve the cups. According to this last embodiment, the plate 20 is placed on or above the upper surface of the base 18.

Whatever the embodiment, each tray 20 includes indentations 72, one for each cup, arranged in a staggered manner. Thus, the imprints 72 are sufficiently spaced apart to be able to accept all cup formats. When the cups 16 positioned in the recesses 72 are all large format cups, their upper edges are closely spaced.

Each plate 20 comprises an upper face F20, substantially horizontal, oriented towards the head 22, a lower face opposite the upper face and each imprint 72 is in the form of a cylindrical orifice passing through the plate and opening out at the level of the upper faces and lower.

The number of impressions 72 on a plate 20 corresponds to a multiple of the number of output tubes 36.1 to 36.3.

Each plate 20 comprises a single group of impressions 72 or several groups of impressions. In Figure 7, the plate 20 comprises two groups G1 and G2 of imprints each comprising a number of imprints 72 corresponding to a multiple of the number of outlet tubes 36.1 to 36.3, the groups of imprints Gl, G2 being offset the relative to each other in the transverse direction Y.

Each group of impressions Gl, G2 comprises several rows of impressions RI, R2, R3 parallel to the longitudinal direction imprints 72 of the different rows being offset in the same way as the outlet tubes 36.1 to 36.2 supported by the distribution head 32. According to one embodiment, the distribution head comprising three outlet tubes 36.1 to 36.3, each group Gl, G2 includes three rows RI, R2, R3. All rows include the same number of prints 72.

In the presence of several odd rows RI, R3, the latter present imprints 72 aligned along several lines parallel to the transverse direction Y. Likewise, in the presence of several even rows, the latter present imprints 72 aligned along several lines parallel to the transverse direction Y. According to one arrangement, a straight line passing through the center of each imprint 72 of an even row and the center of an imprint 72 of an odd row closest forms with the transverse direction Y an angle substantially equal to the angle of offset a.

Thus, the cups 16 positioned in the recesses 72 of the same group Gl, G2 are filled by the same dispensing head 32 which moves step by step in the longitudinal direction X to successively fill the cups 16 at each step, the head distribution 32 filling a cup 16 positioned at each row of imprints RI, R2, R3. According to this embodiment, the dispensing head 32 fills three cups 16 at each step.

The same dispensing head 32 can fill the cups 16 positioned in the recesses 72 of several groups Gl, G2. In this case, after filling the cups 16 positioned in the recesses of a group Gl, the dispensing head 32 translates in the transverse direction Y to fill the cups 16 positioned in the recesses of another group G2. Alternatively, the distribution system 28 includes as many distribution heads 32 as groups of impressions Gl, G2.

According to a first configuration, the cups 16 are directly positioned in the indentations 72. In this case, each indentation 72 has a diameter greater than the smallest section of the cups of the largest format and less than the largest section of the cups of the smallest format.

According to a second configuration visible in Figures 2, 8 to 10, the filling device 12 comprises, for each cavity 72, a cup support 74 positioned in the cavity 72 and configured to support cups of different formats. Thanks to the cup supports 74, the position of the upper edge of the cups 16 is perfectly known.

As illustrated in Figures 8 to 10, each cup support 74 comprises a wall of revolution 76 which has an axis A76 and extends between upper and lower edges 76.1, 76.2 as well as a bottom wall 78 substantially perpendicular to the axis A76, positioned between the upper and lower edges 76.1, 76.2 and configured to receive a single cup 16 at a time. The wall of revolution 76 has an exterior face F76 configured to fit into a cavity 72 and immobilize the cup support 74 relative to the plate 20.

To know the position of the bottom wall 78 relative to the upper surface F20 of the plate 20, the cup support 74 comprises at least one stop 80, projecting relative to to the outer face F76, configured to bear against the upper face F20 of the plate 20. According to one configuration, the stop 80 is in the form of a collar 80.1 which extends over the entire periphery of the outer face F76. According to one arrangement, the flange 80.1 is positioned at the level of the upper edge 76.1 of the wall of revolution 76 and has an external diameter greater than the diameter of the indentations 72, the wall of revolution 76 having an external diameter just below the flange 80.1 substantially equal to or slightly less than the diameter of the indentations 72.

According to one arrangement, the bottom wall 78 has a through orifice 82 making it possible to avoid the accumulation of liquid in the cup holder 74.

Each cup holder 74 is configured to hold a cup 16 and prevent it from tipping.

The bottom wall 78 is offset relative to the upper edge 76.1 of the wall of revolution 76 so as to delimit with the latter a housing configured to receive the lower part of a cup 16.

According to one embodiment, the wall of revolution 76 has an interior face F76' which flares starting from the bottom wall 78 towards the upper edge 76.1. All the cups have a slightly frustoconical shape, this flared shape allows the lower part of each cup to fit together.

According to one configuration, the bottom wall 78 comprises, at the level of its upper face F78 oriented towards the upper edge 76.1, at least one circular rib 84 projecting relative to the upper face F78 and having an internal diameter substantially equal to the diameter of the bottom 16.1 of cups of a first format. Each circular rib 84, 84' can be continuous over its entire circumference or include at least one cutout 86, as illustrated in Figure 9.

According to a first arrangement, the bottom wall 78 has several circular ribs 84, 84', one for each format of cups, each of them having an internal diameter adapted to the lower section of the cups of a format. According to this arrangement, the ribs 84, 84' have different heights which increase depending on the diameter of the circular ribs. According to another arrangement, each circular rib 84, 84' of a cup support 74 has a height substantially equal to the height of a circular rib 16.3 of a cup. For each cup format, the bottom wall 78 comprises two circular ribs 84, 84' spaced at a distance substantially equal to the thickness E of a rib circular 16.3 of cups of a first format. Thus, the circular rib 16.3 of the cups of a first format fits and comes to rest between two circular ribs 84, 84' of the cup support 74. The number of circular ribs 84, 84', their spacing and their shape are configured so that the circular ribs of the cups of each format can fit together and be immobilized between two circular ribs 84, 84' of a cup support 74.

Of course, the invention is not limited to these embodiments to avoid tilting of the cups positioned in the cup supports 74.

According to one embodiment, the filling device 12 is configured to fill different cup formats. Thus, the same order can include a list of drinks with different volumes, each of them adapted to a given cup format.

For this purpose, the filling device 12 comprises a system 88 for indicating the format of the cups to be positioned at each imprint 72, making it possible to avoid pouring into a cup a volume of liquid greater than its capacity. This indication system 88 is managed by a automaton which may be the one managing the different dosing systems 54, 60 and the Cartesian robot 30.

According to one configuration, the indication system 88 comprises a screen 88.1 on which the format of the cup of each imprint 74 is displayed. As an indication, the screen 88.1 is positioned at the level of the front face 22.1 of the head 22 of the device filling 12. According to this configuration, each imprint 72 of the tray is displayed on the screen 88.1 in a certain way depending on the format of the cup to be placed there. According to one embodiment, each imprint 72 is represented in the form of a disk 90 on the screen 88.1, the disks 90 being distributed on the screen 88.1 in the same way as the imprints 72 on the plate 20, the disks having different diameters depending on the format of the cup to be positioned at each imprint 72. Alternatively, the discs 90 are displayed in different colors depending on the formats of the cups. Thus, the discs 90 associated with cups of a first format are represented in a first color, those associated with cups of a second format are represented in a second color different from the first and so on.

According to another configuration, the indication system 88 comprises a light indication associated with each imprint 72, the light indication being configured to change color depending on the format of the cup to be positioned in the imprint 72 associated with the light indication. Thus, the light indication associated with an imprint at which a cup of a first format must be positioned lights up with a first color, that associated with another imprint at which a cup of a first format must be positioned. a second format lights up with a second color different from the first and so on.

According to one embodiment, the light indication can be a light point, such as at least one light-emitting diode for example, configured to change color depending on the format of the cup to be positioned.

According to another embodiment, the light indication associated with each imprint 72 comprises several light points, such as light-emitting diodes, of different colors, only one of the light points lighting up depending on the format of the cup to be positioned.

According to another embodiment, the light indication is obtained by projecting a luminous flux onto each imprint 72 which has a color varying depending on the format of the cup 16 to be positioned in the imprint 72. According to this embodiment, the device filling device 12 comprises at least one light source configured to generate a light flux at the level of each imprint 72. According to one arrangement, the filling device 12 comprises a light source for each imprint 72 positioned at the level of the head 22, each light source being configured to emit a luminous flux in the direction of the imprint 72, the color of the luminous flux varying depending on the format of the cup 16 to be positioned.

According to another embodiment, the filling device 12 comprises an order management system comprising a centralized control as well as, for each cup holder 74, at least one light indication integrated into the cup holder 74. According to this mode of embodiment, at least part of each cup support 74 is made of a translucent material configured to diffuse light and each cup 74 comprises at least one light emitting diode integrated in the translucent part. According to one arrangement, the wall of revolution 76 is made of translucent material. Each cup holder 74 includes at least one group of light-emitting diodes of different colors which light up depending on the information to be indicated. Thus, the different pieces of information are each associated with a different color from one piece of information to another. Cup holder 74 can be configured to indicate multiple pieces of information simultaneously. Thus, as illustrated in Figure 8, the cup support 74 comprises a first part 96.1 corresponding to a first angular sector of the circumference of the wall of revolution 76 configured to indicate, thanks to a color code, information of a first type, such as the type of drink, as well as a second part 96.2 corresponding to a second angular sector of the circumference of the wall of revolution 76 configured to indicate, thanks to a color code, information of a second type, such as the order to which belongs the cup positioned on the cup support 94.

According to this embodiment, each cup holder 74 includes electronics configured to communicate with the centralized control and generate the color of each light indication.

The indication system 88 can also be used to differentiate between different drinks poured. For example, each disc 90 associated with each imprint 72 is displayed with a given diameter varying depending on the format of the cup 16 to be positioned in the imprint 72 and a given color varying depending on the nature of the drink poured into it. the cup 16 positioned in the cavity 72.

The filling device 12 can be used to implement a beverage ordering and distribution method which includes an ordering step, a payment step, an order preparation step then a final order distribution step.

According to one operating mode, the ordering step is dematerialized. Each customer can, on a website or terminal, create an account and place an order. For each order, the customer chooses a list of drinks with the desired volume for each of them. For each drink, the customer can specify the additive chosen. For example, the customer can choose several cups of beer, specifying for each cup the desired volume and the desired flavor, plain, peach, lemon, strawberry or others. Each order is assigned an order number communicated to the customer.

The customer can pay at the time of ordering or when collecting their order. Payment is preferably electronic.

The preparation step can be carried out by the client or a server. During this step, the cups 16 are positioned on the plate 20 according to the arrangement indicated by the indication system 88. Beforehand, if necessary, the cups 16 are rinsed using the rinsing system 70. Once the cups 16 are correctly positioned, the automaton of the device filling 12 controls a movement of the dispensing head 32 so as to position the outlet tubes 36.1 to 36.3 above a first series of cups 16 of a first group Gl, then a translation of the dispensing head 32 towards the bottom so that the outlet tubes 36.1 to 36.3 are positioned in the cups and their outlet orifice 42 to the right of the side walls of the cups. Next, the machine pours the appropriate volume into each of the cups. Once the cups of the first series are filled, the automaton controls an upward translation of the dispensing head 32, a translation of the dispensing head 32 in the longitudinal direction X so as to position the outlet tubes 36.1 to 36.3 above a second series of cups 16, then a translation of the dispensing head 32 downwards so that the outlet tubes 36.1 to 36.3 are positioned in the cups 16 and their outlet orifice 42 in line with the walls side of the cups 16. Next, the machine pours the appropriate volume into each of the cups 16. These operations are repeated until all the cups 16 of the first group Gl are filled. From then on, the automaton controls a movement of the dispensing head 32 until the outlet tubes 36.1 to 36.3 are positioned above a first series of cups of a second group G2. The operations carried out to fill the cups 16 of the first group Gl are repeated to fill the cups of the second group G2. When all the cups are filled, the order number associated with each ready order is displayed and, for each order number, the customer who placed this order is invited to collect it.

The filling device 12 makes it possible to automatically fill the cups and automate the preparation of the order, which makes it possible to increase the number of orders processed in a given period of time.

Claims

1. Cup filling device comprising a tray (20) configured to support cups (16) to be filled as well as a distribution system (28) configured to fill the cups (16), characterized in that the distribution system (28) comprises at least one dispensing head (32) as well as at least one Cartesian robot (30), supporting the dispensing head (32), configured to move it in a vertical direction and at least a first horizontal direction ( X), each distribution head (32) supporting at least two output tubes (36.1, 36.2) via each of which comes a liquid to pour into the cups (16), each output tube (36.1 to 36.3) with a tubular section rectilinear and a center, the centers of the rectilinear tubular sections of the two outlet tubes (36.1 to 36.3) being aligned in at least one direction forming an offset angle a greater than or equal to 10° with a second horizontal direction (Y) perpendicular to the first horizontal direction (X).

2. Filling device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that each dispensing head (32) comprises first, second and third outlet tubes (36.1 to 36.3), the centers of the rectilinear tubular sections of the first and third outlet tubes (36.1, 36.3) being aligned in the second horizontal direction (Y), the center of the rectilinear tubular section of the second outlet tube (36.2) being offset in the first horizontal direction (X) relative to the centers of the rectilinear tubular sections of the first and third outlet tubes (36.1, 36.3) so that each straight line passing through the center of the rectilinear tubular section of the second outlet tube (36.2) and one of the centers of the rectilinear tubular sections of the first and third outlet tubes (36.1 , 36.3) forms with the second horizontal direction (Y) an offset angle a greater than or equal to 10°.

3. Filling device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the plate (20) comprises several recesses (16) configured to each receive a cup (16).

4. Filling device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the impressions (16) are grouped into at least one group (Gl, G2), each group of impressions (Gl, G2) comprising several rows of impressions (RI , R2, R3) parallel to the first horizontal direction (X), the number of rows being equal to the number of outlet tubes (36.1 to 36.3) present on the distribution head (32), all rows comprising the same number of indentations (72), the indentations (72) of the different rows being offset in the same way as the outlet tubes (36.1 to 36.2) supported by the distribution head

(32).

5. Filling device according to one of preceding claims 3 to 4, characterized in that each cavity (72) is in the form of a cylindrical orifice passing through the plate (20) and in that the dispensing device comprises , for each imprint (72), a cup support (74) which comprises a wall of revolution (76) having an axis (A76) and extending between upper and lower edges (78.1, 78.2) as well as a wall bottom (78) positioned between the upper and lower edges (76.1, 76.2) and configured to receive a cup (16), the wall of revolution (76) being configured to fit into a cavity (72).

6. Filling device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that each cup support (74) comprises a stop (80), projecting relative to the exterior surface (F76) of the wall of revolution (76), configured to rest against the upper face of the plate (20).

7. Filling device according to one of claims 5 to 6, characterized in that the bottom wall (78) comprises, at the level of its upper face (F78), at least one circular rib (84) projecting relative to on the upper face (F78) and having an internal diameter substantially equal to the diameter of the bottom (16.1) of the cups of a first format.

8. Filling device according to one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that each cup support (74) comprises at least one light indication.

9. Filling device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each outlet tube (36.1 to 36.3) has, at its end (38.1) facing downwards, a J-shaped section and an orifice outlet (42), the shape of the J and that of the outlet orifice (42) being configured so that a jet of liquid leaving the outlet orifice (42) forms an angle less than 45 with a horizontal plane °.

10. Filling device according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that each outlet tube (36) comprises a first end (38.1) via which the liquid to be poured into the cups exits, a second end (38.2) , a first rectilinear section (92) which extends from the second end (38.2) as well as a second helical section (94) which extends between the first section (92) and the first end (38.1).

11. Filling device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the axis (A36) of the outlet tube (36) at the first end (38.1) forms an angle less than 20° with a horizontal plane and in this that the first end (38.1) is positioned in a plane forming an angle with a plane perpendicular to the axis (A36) of the outlet tube (36) of between 10 and 45°.

12. Filling device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the distribution system (28) comprises, for each outlet tube (36.1 to 36.3), a distribution circuit (50) which extends from a liquid reservoir (52) up to the outlet tube (36.1 to 36.3) and comprises a dosing system (54) configured to control the quantity of liquid poured into each cup as well as a nozzle (56) via which is introduced , if necessary, an additive.

13. Filling device according to the preceding claim, characterized the distribution system (28) comprises a cooling circuit (66) configured to maintain the liquid distributed at a cool temperature between each liquid reservoir (52) and the outlet tube ( 36.1 to 36.3) corresponding.

14. Filling device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the filling device (12) is configured to fill different formats of cups and in that the filling device (12) comprises an indication system ( 88) of the format of the cups to be positioned at the level of each imprint (72).

15. Filling device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the indication system (88) comprises a screen (88.1) on which the format of the cup of each imprint (74) is displayed.