Method and apparatus for generating a filling pattern for filling containers

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for generating a filling pattern for filling a product in a container, comprising a measuring unit ( 11, 12 ) for measuring each composition ( 10, 20 ); a filling head ( 30 ) having an output nozzle ( 31 ) oriented towards the mouth of a container ( 2 ); a distribution conduit ( 21, 22 ) configured for distributing the flow rate from the measuring unit to the filling head; rotating means ( 40 ) configured for rotating the container ( 2 ) about a vertical axis (Z) thereof and vertical displacement means ( 50 ) configured for varying the relative vertical distance between the container ( 2 ) and the nozzle ( 31 ). It additionally comprises horizontal displacement means ( 60 ) configured for varying the relative horizontal distance between the container ( 2 ) and the output nozzle ( 31 ) in a horizontal plane (XY) perpendicular to the vertical axis (Z); and control means for controlling the filling of the container ( 2 ).

1 . A method for generating a filling pattern for filling a product in a container, said product being formed by a plurality of compositions supplied separately, said method comprising:
 regulating the flow rate of each composition;   distributing the flow rate of each composition towards a filling head having an output nozzle which is configured for metering each composition, said nozzle is oriented towards the mouth of a container;   rotating the container about a vertical axis thereof;   varying the relative distance between the container and the nozzle in the direction of the vertical axis;   varying the relative distance between the container and the output nozzle in a horizontal plane perpendicular to the vertical axis; and   filling the container, controlling the flow rate of each composition, the rotation of the container and the variation of the relative vertical and horizontal distances between the container and the nozzle, for generating a filling pattern for filling the product in the container.   
     
     
         2 . The method for generating a filling pattern for filling a product in a container according to  claim 1 , wherein the variation of the relative vertical distance between the container and the output nozzle comprises:
 moving the container in the direction of the vertical axis.   
     
     
         3 . The method for generating a filling pattern for filling a product in a container according to  claim 1 , wherein the variation of the relative horizontal distance between the container and the output nozzle comprises:
 moving the filling head in the horizontal plane.   
     
     
         4 . The method for generating a filling pattern for filling a product in a container according to  claim 1 , wherein the variation of the relative horizontal distance between the container and the output nozzle comprises:
 moving the container in the horizontal plane.   
     
     
         5 . The method for generating a filling pattern for filling a product in a container according to  claim 1 , wherein the filling pattern with a spiral shape of variable diameter has a first composition embedded in a second composition. 
     
     
         6 . The method for generating a filling pattern for filling a product in a container according to  claim 1 , wherein the filling pattern divided into at least two parts has a first composition embedded in a second composition. 
     
     
         7 . An apparatus for generating a filling pattern for filling a product in a container, said product is formed by a plurality of compositions supplied separately, wherein said apparatus comprises:
 a measuring unit for measuring each composition, configured for regulating the flow rate thereof;   a filling head having an output nozzle which is configured for metering each composition and which is oriented towards the mouth of a container;   a distribution conduit for distributing each composition, configured for distributing the flow rate from the measuring unit to the filling head;   a rotating means configured for rotating the container about a vertical axis thereof;   a vertical displacement means configured for varying the relative distance between the container and the nozzle in the direction of the vertical axis;   a horizontal displacement means configured for varying the relative distance between the container and the output nozzle in a horizontal plane perpendicular to the vertical axis; and   a control means for controlling the filling of the container configured for controlling the flow rate of each composition, the rotation of the container and the variation of the relative vertical and horizontal distances between the container and the nozzle, for generating a filling pattern for filling the product in the container.   
     
     
         8 . The apparatus for generating a filling pattern for filling a product in a container according to  claim 7 , wherein the distribution conduit comprises flexible connections connecting the measuring unit and the filling head to allow moving the filling head in the horizontal plane. 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus for generating a filling pattern for filling a product in a container according to  claim 7 , wherein the rotating means comprise:
 a frame on which there is arranged one or more containers, each of them vertically aligned with a filling head and arranged on a rotary support base coupled to a gear train; and   a rotation mechanism meshing with the gear train to transmit a controlled rotational movement to the support base.   
     
     
         10 . The apparatus for generating a filling pattern for filling a product in a container according to  claim 9 , wherein the vertical displacement means comprise:
 at least one extendable bar parallel to the vertical axis with an upper end attached to the frame;   a vertical displacement mechanism elongating or shortening the length of the extendable bar to transmit a controlled movement of the container in the direction of the vertical axis.   
     
     
         11 . The apparatus for generating a filling pattern for filling a product in a container according to  claim 7 , wherein the horizontal displacement means comprise:
 a first screw parallel to the Y axis of the horizontal plane;   a first transfer carriage traversed by the first screw which can be moved along same, the movement of which is transmitted to the filling head; and   a first horizontal displacement mechanism configured for rotating the first screw and for producing a controlled movement of the transfer carriage along said first screw.   
     
     
         12 . The apparatus for generating a filling pattern for filling a product in a container according to  claim 11  wherein the first transfer carriage comprises an attachment bar which allows the fixing thereof to one or more filling heads. 
     
     
         13 . The apparatus for generating a filling pattern for filling a product in a container according to  claim 7 , wherein the horizontal displacement means comprise:
 a second screw parallel to the X axis of the horizontal plane;   a second transfer carriage traversed by the second screw which can be moved along same, the movement of which is transmitted to the filling head; and   a second horizontal displacement mechanism configured for rotating the second screw and for producing a controlled movement of the second transfer carriage along said second screw.   
     
     
         14 . The apparatus for generating a filling pattern for filling a product in a container according to  claim 13 , wherein the horizontal displacement means further comprise:
 a third screw horizontally parallel to the second screw;   a third transfer carriage traversed by the third screw which can be moved along same, the movement of which is transmitted to the filling head; and   a third horizontal displacement mechanism configured for rotating the third screw and for producing the controlled movement of the third carriage, in a synchronized manner with the movement of the second carriage.   
     
     
         15 . The apparatus for generating a filling pattern for filling a product in a container according to  claim 14 , wherein the first screw is attached to the second and third transfer carriage to be moved therewith.