Method and Device for Filling Containers

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device and a method for filling containers such as crates with products, such as glass objects, eggs etc. The device herein comprises a filling station with a setup position for placing the container with the bottom thereof. There is also a feed which during operation feeds at least one of the products at a time to the setup position and is adapted to place the at least one of the products in the container. The method comprises of corresponding operations. In order to achieve an optimum fill factor of the container and prevent breakage of and/or damage to the products as far as possible, the device and the method are respectively distinguished by a fluid flow generator adapted to generate a fluid flow during operation through the bottom of the container and by generating the fluid flow through the bottom of the container.

1 . A device for filling a container at a time, on a bottom thereof with products, comprising:
 a filling station with a setup position for placing the container with the bottom thereof;   a feed operative to feed at least one of the products at a time to the setup position and adapted to place the at least one of the products in the container; and   a fluid flow generator adapted to generate a fluid flow during operation through the bottom of the container at the setup position.   
     
     
         2 . The device as claimed in  claim 1 , further comprising at least one gripper which, during operation of the fluid flow generator, acts on the container to hold the container stationary in the fluid flow at the setup position. 
     
     
         3 . The device as claimed in  claim 1 , further comprising a control operator to act during operation at least on the fluid flow generator to adjust the force of the fluid flow at the position of the container. 
     
     
         4 . The device as claimed in  claim 3 , wherein the control is adapted to set the force of the fluid flow subject to a weight of the products to be placed in the container at the setup position. 
     
     
         5 . The device as claimed in  claim 4 , wherein the force of the fluid flow can be selected so as to cause the products to float at or just above the bottom of the container. 
     
     
         6 . The device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein at least one opening is arranged in the setup position and the bottom of the container for passage of the fluid flow. 
     
     
         7 . The device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the fluid flow is an airflow and the fluid flow generator is an airflow generator such as a fan. 
     
     
         8 . The device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the fluid flow generator is arranged under the setup position and is adapted to blow the fluid flow through the setup position. 
     
     
         9 . The device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the fluid flow generator is arranged above the setup position and is adapted to suction up the fluid flow through the setup position. 
     
     
         10 . A method for filling a container at a time, such as a crate or an incubator box on a bottom thereof with products such as glass objects or eggs, comprising:
 placing the container with the bottom at a setup position;   feeding at least one of the products at a time to the setup position and placing the at least one of the products in the container; and   generating a fluid flow through the bottom of the container.   
     
     
         11 . The method as claimed in  claim 10 , further comprising gripping the container at the setup position during generation of the fluid flow. 
     
     
         12 . The method as claimed in  claim 10 , further comprising adjusting the force of the fluid flow subject to a weight of the products to be placed in the container at the setup position. 
     
     
         13 . The method as claimed in  claim 12 , comprising setting the force of the fluid flow so as to cause the products to float at or just above the bottom of the container. 
     
     
         14 . A filling station for filling a container at a time on a bottom thereof with products, having a setup position for placing the container with the bottom thereof, wherein the filling station is, at least in use,
 combined with a feed which during operation feeds at least one of the products at a time to the setup position and is adapted to place the at least one of the products in the container;   adapted to be combined with a fluid flow generator adapted to generate a fluid flow during operation through the bottom of the container at the setup position; and   a fluid flow generator adapted to generate a fluid flow during operation through the bottom of the container at the setup position.