EP3468911B1 - Apparatus for the machine-controlled production of multi-component beverages - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a device and a method for the machine-controlled production of mixed drinks according to the preamble of claim 1 or claim 13.

Especially in the catering sector, the problem of serving mixed drinks, such as cocktails, quickly and reliably occurs at certain peak times. Bar employees and serving staff should therefore have the drink ready to be served to the guest as soon as possible after the guest has ordered it.

It's already out of the pamphlet DE 196 27 360 C2 a preparation device for the machine-controlled production of a cocktail is known. The automation is based on a computer control with appropriate storage media. After the desired cocktail has been selected, the computer program in the data processing system determines all the parameters that are necessary for producing the cocktail. This includes in particular the type of glass, the mixing ratio of the liquids, the dosage, the recipe, a glass rim decoration, crushed ice or ice cubes, shaking or stirring, separating the mixture from the ice, sieving, decanting from the shaker into the glass, selection of the Types of fruit, drinking straw and acoustic, optical or other accompanying effects.

The beverage containers are filled via dosing cylinders using a pump unit or hydraulically. The filling nozzles can be bundled, whereby beverage ingredients can be taken from several storage containers. This fully automatic mixing and filling system only makes one drink available at a dispensing station.

The pamphlet EP 1 295 844 A1 relates to a cocktail maker with which a large number of typical beverage components with different properties, such as cream products, spirits, juices or fruit pulp, which are necessary for the preparation of cocktails, can be brought together in one system. Here, the beverage components are removed from containers, each with a pump. Each fluid container can be controlled and pumped out separately. In a favorable variant, the pumping device and the overpressure lines can be fed via a common pressure supply system in order to reduce the space required by the cocktail maker. Several separate outlet lines are arranged next to one another in the outflow area and can be controlled in parallel or one after the other to fill a cocktail glass. A computer and a control unit with corresponding data lines take over the control. This fully automatic cocktail maker in turn provides only one drink at a dispensing station.

In addition, from the pamphlet WO 00/58200 A1 a device for the automatic production of mixed and non-mixed beverages is known. The device has a conveyor belt which transports one or more beverage containers. In addition, the device comprises a motor-driven rotary head which carries a plurality of receiving containers for the ingredients which are filled into the beverage containers. Each of the receptacles is equipped with an automatically metering actuation valve. The automatic operation of the dosing takes place via the valves using a magnetic switch. Bar and beverage mixing devices with a comparable degree of automation are also from the references U.S. 6,196,712 B1 and U.S. 6,354,468 B1 known.

Furthermore, from the pamphlet FR 2 624 844 A1 a device for the production of cocktails with reservoirs is known, which contain various liquid ingredients for the composition of a certain number of cocktails. Dosing pumps are used to remove the liquid ingredients from the containers in specified quantities. A corresponding filling funnel is arranged above a filling station for a cocktail glass. The automated control includes a microcomputer with memory that stores information about the ingredient mixes that the device can produce. A keyboard and screen are used to enter and monitor data for the desired cocktail type. An electronic circuit is used to selectively control the dosing pumps from the containers in Dependence on the information contained in memory about the composition of the given cocktail.

Other references describe specific details and embodiments of automatic beverage dispensers. In the pamphlet U.S. 2013/0 226 338 A1 describes, for example, positioning devices by means of which lids can be attached to beverage cups. Also be in the U.S. 2011/0 049 190 A1 Disclosed ice chutes with monitoring sensors to portion a desired amount of ice from a storage container.

Based on this problem, the task is to develop a device and a method for the automated and rapid preparation of a larger number of identical or different mixed drinks.

This object is achieved by the device and by the method having the features specified in independent claims 1 and 13, respectively. The dependent claims relate to advantageous embodiments and developments of the invention.

The invention includes a device for the machine-controlled production of mixed drinks, in particular cocktails, with a cup dispenser and a filling unit for a plurality of beverage containers. As well as a data processing system with at least one operator-guided computer program for mixtures of several mixed drinks in software-stored form and a display, the data processing system using the computer program to carry out all controls or regulations, the computer program using the computer program after a specific mixture has been selected by the operator through the filling unit, the ingredients of a Mixed drinks can be filled into beverage containers in a controlled and regulated manner.

• ist in Zusammenwirkung mit der Abfülleinheit eine Transportvorrichtung mit Halteeinrichtungen für Getränkebehältnisse ausgeführt,
• weist die Abfülleinheit eine Mehrzahl an Befüllstationen auf, unter denen die Halteeinrichtungen der Transportvorrichtung mit den Getränkebehältnissen anordenbar sind,
• weisen die Befüllstationen zumindest eine erste Befüllstation zum Befüllen mit festen Zutaten und zumindest eine zweite Befüllstation für den Mischvorgang der Getränkekomponenten auf,
• sind die Befüllstationen automatisiert mittels der Datenverarbeitungsanlage simultan einsetzbar,
• ist nach der Abfülleinheit die Transportvorrichtung als Ausgabeeinheit zur Bereitstellung mehrerer fertiger Mischgetränke ausgeführt.

here

• a transport device with holding devices for beverage containers is designed in cooperation with the filling unit,
• the filling unit has a plurality of filling stations, under which the holding devices of the transport device with the beverage containers can be arranged,
• the filling stations have at least one first filling station for filling with solid ingredients and at least one second filling station for the mixing process of the beverage components,
• the filling stations can be used simultaneously in an automated manner using the data processing system,
• After the filling unit, the transport device is designed as an output unit for providing several ready-made mixed drinks.

According to the invention, the holding devices of the transport device for beverage containers are designed with turntables, by means of which one beverage container can be rotated. For rotation, a ring gear of a gear wheel can be arranged on each turntable as the axis of rotation, which gear ring engages in a ring gear of a rotary drive at selected positions of the filling unit. In this way, a rotation for beverage production can take place in selected cup positions in the filling unit.

Furthermore, according to the invention, a turntable can be rotated by means of a motor-driven rotation device located under the second filling station for the mixing process of the beverage components. In this position, the beverage container is arranged under the filling station for the mixing process and begins to rotate around its own axis. The beverage container is filled with the beverage mixture and this is further mixed through the rotation in the beverage container at the same time. The speed of rotation is variable. Depending on the rotation speed, a slight mixing or even a sub-layering of selected beverage components can take place.

The inventive idea is based on the idea of providing a fully automatic, computer-controlled dosing and filling system for mixed drinks with a powerful pump system. One of the goals is to have drinks ready almost every second to provide an entire order.

To prepare the drink, the liquid components and ice cubes, sugar or fruit ingredients are placed simultaneously or as quickly as possible in the drink containers provided. The components for a drink can be selected automatically or manually via a display in the form of a touch display.

The filling unit interacts with the transport device in that the holding devices with the beverage containers are positioned exactly below the dispensing stations for liquid or solid components of the mixed beverage. Once the respective position of a beverage container has been reached, the beverage ingredient is made available in quick succession. In the case of solid ingredients, it may be necessary to prepare ice or fruit accordingly for an addition. For this purpose, powerful and precisely working feed devices for the liquid components are being considered.

The filling unit comprises a plurality of filling stations under which the holding devices of the transport device with beverage containers can be arranged. There is a sufficient number of separate or interacting filling stations that are required for the quickest possible preparation of mixed drinks. The filling level of a beverage container can be monitored using sensors, for example an ultrasonic sensor.

It is essential that the filling stations have at least a first filling station for filling with solid ingredients and at least a second filling station for the mixing process of the beverage components. For example, different solid or also liquid beverage components can be provided individually or already as a mixture from a filling station. For fast beverage preparation and in particular to maximize the degree of automation, several filling stations can be used simultaneously using the data processing system.

The output unit designed after the filling unit as part of the transport device serves to provide several ready mixed drinks. This output unit is correspondingly easily accessible for the staff to take drinks. Expediently, when the dispensing unit is completely filled, the filling process stops until free dispensing positions are available again. The device according to the invention is also equipped with an appropriate sensor system that provides the data processing system with sufficient information for optimized control or regulation of the beverage preparation.

Alternatively, the dispensing unit can also include a gripping arm for removing the prepared mixed drinks. With a gripper arm, the beverage containers can be placed on a separate tray or other surface provided for temporary storage.

A further unit for labeling the mixed drinks can optionally be arranged after the filling unit and before the dispensing unit. This unit can optionally include a printer or a labeling station, by means of which the outside of the beverage containers can be labeled. An inscription can contain, for example, the name of a mixed drink, in particular a cocktail or the like. Furthermore, the beverages can be marked in some other way, for example to identify a related batch for the operating personnel. The ingredients can also be specified in the labeling of the beverage containers. This is particularly advantageous in those cases in which the mixed drinks are dispensed in closed beverage containers to be taken away by a consumer, ie as a to-go variant.

A significant advantage of the invention is that, for example, bar employees and waitresses can order drinks remotely during the ordering process and produce them fully automatically. To support the ordering process, data can be automatically transmitted via radio or WLAN from a handheld device to the fully automatic dosing and filling system for mixed drinks without any unnecessary loss of time. This means that a large number of drinks can be ordered be made available for collection in rapid succession. Due to the stored data, the staff does not need any further knowledge about the mixing ratios. In addition, no rework is required on the finished drink. The solution according to the invention results in an enormous time saving, since mixed drinks can be produced within a few seconds. The preparation device for the machine-controlled production of mixed drinks thus provides a large number of prepared drinks in the dispensing station for removal.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, a station for closing the beverage containers can be arranged after the filling unit and before the dispensing unit for providing the finished mixed beverages. In the case of beverage production in cups, mixed beverages can be offered to take away. This with the highest level of hygiene measures, as no open beverage containers are stored or transported. In particular when there is a larger number of sealed beverage containers, it is advantageous to equip a dispensing unit with a gripping arm in order to make the prepared beverage containers available for collection on a separate tray or some other surface provided for temporary storage.

In an advantageous development of the invention, the station for closing the beverage containers can include a welding device for plastics. Such additional functionalities, such as sealed take-away cups, can be particularly advantageous at venues for security reasons. Glasses are often not allowed, especially at venues with large crowds of people. A closed beverage container is also secured against spilling during transport.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the filling unit can interact with a storage container containing at least one beverage. Such reservoirs contain the ingredients such as juices, syrup, spirits or mineral water. The reservoirs can either be arranged inside the device according to the invention or also outside in the periphery. In any case, the reservoirs are easily accessible and can be quickly replaced or replaced fillable.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the filling unit can include at least one pump and a flow control device. Each beverage component can therefore be removed individually and added to a beverage mix in a defined quantity. This means that the high hygienic requirements can be met. Part of the preferred embodiment are also parallel working pumping devices and filling stations, which provide the required amount of liquid and other ingredients in a short time.

Advantageously, the first filling station for solid components can be equipped with at least one ice cream scoop, which has a storage container for ice components, on which a slide device is arranged. A screw conveyor can be arranged in the storage container for ice components, which conveys the quantity of ice desired for a mixed drink, in particular a cocktail, onto the slide device. Consequently, a pre-portioning of the respective quantity of ice takes place on the slide device designed as an inclined plane. When the desired amount of ice is reached, the screw conveyor stops. The sliding device has an opening flap on the front side at the outlet, which is closed during pre-portioning. After pre-portioning, the opening flap releases the desired amount of ice into a beverage container. For renewed pre-portioning, the opening flap is closed again by means of a motor drive.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the sliding device of the ice cream scoop of the first filling station for solid components can have a weighing device. The amount of ice required for pre-portioning is weighed out with this weighing device. With the weighing result of the weighing device, the rotation duration of the screw conveyor is ultimately also automatically controlled.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the storage container of the ice cream scoop of the first filling station for solid components can have a weighing device. As a result, the respective actual quantity of the storage container can be determined by continuous weighing and thus the removal quantity of the material conveyed onto the slide device Ice cream portion to be determined.

In both of the above cases, the sliding device and the storage container are not rigidly connected to one another, or are not connected at all, for each weighing of the ice cream portion.

In a further supplementary embodiment, the second filling station for the mixing process can be arranged after the first filling station for solid components. As a result, solid components can be introduced before the beverage mix is filled. Alternatively, solid components, such as sugar, ice cream or fruit, can be introduced into the beverage container and optionally layered in both before and afterward.

The filling with solid components before the mixing process has the advantage that the solid components such as ice or the like are also set in rotation by the rotation of the glass and thus improve the mixing of the liquid components, i.e. they act like a stirring element.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the transport device can be a rotary table with holding devices arranged on the outside. The holding devices are arranged on the rotary table in such a way that they can be positioned with the beverage containers under the respective filling positions of the filling unit. Alternatively, a transport device can also be designed as a circulating belt with holding devices arranged in columns. In this case, the finished mixed drinks are pushed onto a fixed dispensing unit at the end of the belt. In this case, a large number of finished mixed drinks can be provided on a tray-like dispensing unit.

The data processing system can preferably be controlled by means of wireless communication. The desired drink is usually selected via the touch display on the device. However, there is also the possibility of remote communication by means of wireless communication, for example via a method that is customary in gastronomy handheld device to transfer order data and even to start the beverage preparation.

Due to the fact that the holding device has an exchangeable holding ring, it can easily be adapted to different container diameters or container geometries. The retaining ring fixes the beverage container and serves as a driver that prevents it from slipping during rotation.

The invention is explained below by way of example with reference to the figures.

Figur 1

schematisch eine Frontansicht der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung zur maschinengesteuerten Herstellung eines Mischgetränks;

Figur 2

schematisch eine Seitenansicht der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung zur maschinengesteuerten Herstellung eines Mischgetränks;

Figur 3

schematisch eine Halteeinrichtung für Getränkebehältnisse;

Figur 4

schematisch einen Rundtisch als Transportvorrichtung mit am Außenbereich angeordneten Halteeinrichtungen;

Figur 5

mit Teilfiguren 5a bis e schematisch die Funktionsweise eines Früchteportionierers einer Befüllstation für feste Bestandteile;

Figur 6

mit Teilfiguren 6a und 6b schematisch die Funktionsweise eines Eisportionierers einer Befüllstation für feste Bestandteile; und.

Figur 7

mit Teilfiguren 7a und 7b schematisch die Funktionsweise einer weiteren Ausführung eines Eisportionierers einer Befüllstation für feste Bestandteile.

Show it:

figure 1

schematically a front view of the device according to the invention for the machine-controlled production of a mixed drink;

figure 2

schematically a side view of the device according to the invention for the machine-controlled production of a mixed drink;

figure 3

schematically a holding device for beverage containers;

figure 4

schematically a rotary table as a transport device with holding devices arranged on the outside;

figure 5

with sub-figures 5a to e schematically the functioning of a fruit portioner of a filling station for solid components;

figure 6

with sub-figures 6a and 6b schematically the mode of operation of an ice cream scoop of a filling station for solid components; and.

figure 7

with sub-figures 7a and 7b schematically shows the functioning of a further embodiment of an ice cream scoop of a filling station for solid components.

figure 1 shows a schematic front view of the device 1 according to the invention for the machine-controlled production of a mixed drink. A data processing system 4 with an operator-guided computer program for mixing several mixed drinks, such as cocktails, and a display 5 designed as a touchscreen takes over all controls or regulations. After the operator-side selection of a specific mixture, the required beverage containers 10 are made available via a cup dispenser 2 and transported to the filling unit 3 . The ingredients of the mixed drink are filled into beverage containers 10 there in a controlled and regulated manner.

For this purpose, a first filling station 31 for solid components and a second filling station 32 are arranged one after the other in the work sequence above the transport device 6 as the filling unit 3 . By means of pumps 33, the liquid components are removed from an in figure 1 pumped reservoir, not shown, and introduced via the second filling station 32 in the beverage containers 10. The first filling station 31 for solid components consists in this case of a structural unit with a fruit scoop 311 and an ice cream scoop 312, both of which supply the solid components of a beverage at the same station in one unit. However, a fruit scoop 311 and an ice cream scoop 312 can also be arranged spatially separate from one another, so that the solid components can also be fed in at a number of filling stations.

The transport device 6 is designed as a rotary table 61 with an axis of rotation 62 and a motor drive 63 . Several holding devices 7 for receiving the beverage containers 10 are present in the rotary table 61 . During beverage production, the motor drive 63 rotates the beverage containers 10 into the respective desired position under the filling stations 31, 32. The filling stations can be used automatically by means of the data processing system 4 for a number of beverage containers 10 simultaneously.

Each individual holding device 7 is formed in the rotary table 61 itself as a turntable 71 as a glass bottom plate which has a ring gear 72 . The ring gear 72 is rotatably mounted via a ball bearing 73 . At certain positions, this toothed ring 72 engages in one of the figure 1 not shown further sprocket of a drive device to set a beverage container 10 in rotation. This can be done, for example, at the second filling station 32 in order to better mix the liquid components. The turntable 71 is provided with spacer bolts 74 on which a retaining ring 75 for laterally fixing the beverage containers 10 is arranged. The retaining ring 75 can in particular be exchanged with different Be configured inner radii and / or inner contours, so that it can be adapted to different geometries of the beverage containers 10.

After the filling unit 3 , the transport device 6 turns the beverage containers 10 on to the dispensing unit 9 . The dispensing unit 9 is used to provide several ready-made mixed drinks, which can be removed from there.

The entire automation is supported by a control unit 11. Cleaning tanks 12, for example as a rinsing device for cleaning the feed lines, are also arranged inside the machine. For the sake of clarity, the cable routing and connecting cables of the individual components are not further in figure 1 shown. These result expediently from the functionality of the system. The automation can also take place by means of a microprocessor control.

figure 2 shows a schematic side view of the device 1 according to the invention for the machine-controlled production of a mixed drink. In this side view, the sequence of the first filling station 31 with a fruit scoop 311 and an ice cream scoop 312 for solid components and the second filling station 32 in the workflow after the cup dispenser 2 can be seen. Under the two filling stations 31, 32 beverage containers 10 are arranged for simultaneous filling before the finished beverage is then conveyed to the dispensing unit 9. In order to allow the beverage containers 10 to be removed easily by the operating personnel, the system housing is designed to be set back somewhat in the area of the dispensing unit 9 .

figure 3 shows schematically a holding device 7 for beverage containers 10. Each holding device 7 is designed as a turntable 71, which has a gear rim 72 below a beverage container 10. The ring gear 72 is rotatably mounted via a ball bearing 73 . The ball bearing 73 is used in conjunction with the ring gear 72 as a rotary device in engagement with other gears of a drive unit. Such drive units can rotate the beverage containers 10 at one or more points. This allows the liquid components of a mixed drink, for example, can be better mixed. The turntable 71 is provided with spacer bolts 74 on which a retaining ring 75 for receiving and stably fixing the beverage containers 10 is arranged.

figure 4 shows schematically a rotary table 61 as a transport device 6 with holding devices arranged on the outside area. In order to explain the mode of operation, part of the filling unit 3 is also shown schematically.

The use of a rotary table 61 and the holding devices 7 arranged on it on the outside as cups or glass holders creates the possibility of continuous beverage production. Several work processes are made possible at the same time.

First, the mixed drink is selected via the touch display. The data processing system processes the parameters stored in the recipe management.

When the preparation device is started, an empty container 10 is first positioned from the cup dispenser 2 in a holding device 7, starting in cup position (a), and this is rotated further to cup position (b). Solid components, such as ice or limes, are placed in the beverage container 10 in the first filling station 31 . After that, the rotary table 61 clocks here counterclockwise by one position.

In the cup position (c), the beverage container 10 begins to rotate about its own axis and is placed under the second filling station 32 for the mixing process. Here the beverage container 10 is filled with the beverage mix. At the same time, in cup position (b), a following beverage container 10 is filled with solid components. In addition, other empty beverage containers 10 are refilled at the same time in cup position (a). The rotary table 61 cycles with the finished drink mix into the closing station 8 with the cup position (d). There, a lid or a film cover is welded on by means of a welding device. At this time you can turn at all previous positions beverage containers 10 are ready to be filled. The dispensing unit 9 includes the remaining cup positions (e) to (k). Consequently, in this case, ready mixed drinks can be taken from seven cup positions.

During the welding process, the beverage container can initially be arranged largely countersunk in the holding device 7 and then be positively removed from the holding device by means of appropriate actuators. In this way it could also be ensured that a holding device 7 which reaches the cup dispenser 2 is empty. As a result, a sensor system in the area of the cup dispenser could become superfluous.

The welding device is intended in particular for use situations in which the device according to the invention is used outside of classic gastronomy, for example in street sales or event gastronomy.

Depending on the design of the rotary table 61, the number can also have more or fewer holding devices 7 arranged on the outside. With this fully automatic dosing and filling system for mixed drinks, the principle of assembly line production has been implemented.

One or more of the in the figure 4 The cup positions shown, in particular the positions ad, can advantageously be equipped with sensors, in particular with ultrasonic sensors (not shown in the figure). Such a sensor system makes it possible, for example, to detect at position a whether there is still a beverage container 10 in the holding device located at this position, for example because an operator has not yet removed a ready-made mixed beverage. In such a case, for example, the dispensing of a beverage container 10 can initially be prevented until the corresponding holding device 7 is again available for receiving a beverage container 10 . It is also conceivable to also arrange corresponding sensors at the other stations, with which, for example, the fill level, the presence of a Beverage container 10 or the presence of solid components can be detected.

figure 5 shows with the partial figures 5a to e schematically the functioning of a fruit portioner 311 of the first filling station 31 for solid components 311.7. A mixed drink with lime is selected in the recipe. The starting position of the fruit portioner 311, for example for preparing a lime as a fixed component 311.7, is in Figure 5a shown. The storage container 311.1 for the fruit is filled with limes 311.7. A first cylinder 311.2 is used with a feed rod 311.3 to transport the bottom fruit in the storage container 311.1. A second cylinder 311.4 is equipped with a cutting blade 311.5. Both cylinders can be controlled and operated, for example, by means of pneumatics and corresponding reed switches.

In the starting position, both the feed rod 311.3 in the storage container 311.1 and the cutting blade 311.5 are retracted. The feed rod 311.3 has an L-shape on the front. The L-shape is directed downwards so that fruit in the storage container 311.1 does not get stuck. A fruit is positioned in front of the feed rod 311.3 in the storage container 311.1.

This fruit will, as in Figure 5b shown, first pressed halfway through a cutting device 311.6 for dividing the fruit 311.7 by means of the feed rod 311.3. The cutting device 311.6 is a multiple blade with which a fruit 311.7 can be divided into several parts.

In order not to get too long strips of fruit, follow as in Figure 5c shown, the lime 311.7 being cut in half by means of the cutting blade 311.5 of the second cylinder 311.4. The pieces of the first half of the cut lime 311.7 fall into the beverage container 10. The cutting blade 311.5 is then pulled back again.

If necessary, the second half of the lime 311.7 is placed in the same beverage container 10 pressed.

However, the transport device can also position a further subsequent beverage container 10 for a beverage selection with lime 311.7 for the second half of lime 311.7. As in Figure 5d shown, the second half of the lime 311.7 is then pushed in the direction of the cutting device 311.6 by further advance of the feed rod 311.3. In Figure 5e the feed rod 311.3 is in the end position in the direction of the cutting device 311.6, with the pieces of the second fruit half falling into the other beverage container 10.

Of course, if the recipe is changed, several beverage containers 10 in between can also be equipped without fruit. For a further cycle, the feed rod 311.3 is pulled back into the starting position, as a result of which fruit 311.7 can again slide down in the storage container 311.1.

It is also conceivable to dispense with halving the lime 311.7 and to press it completely through the cutting device 311.6 by means of the first cylinder 311.2. In this case, the second cylinder 311.4 can remain inactive. In variants of the invention, the second cylinder 311.4 as well as the cutting blade 311.5 can be omitted. A person skilled in the art will make the structural modifications required for this.

The steps described above are repeated for other recipes with pieces of fruit. The lime stock and all other automated processes are monitored by sensors.

figure 6 6a and 6b schematically show the functioning of an ice cream scoop 312 of a first filling station 31 for solid components. The ice cream scoop 312 has a storage container 312.1 for ice cream ingredients, on which a sliding device 312.2 is arranged by means of a flexible connection. A conveyor screw, not shown in the figure, is arranged in the storage container 312.1, which conveys a certain quantity of ice onto an inclined plane of the slide device 312.2.

A weighing device 312.3 is arranged on the sliding device 312.2 of the ice cream scoop 312. This weighing device 312.3 is equipped with a DMS load cell, for example, with which the amount of ice required for pre-portioning is weighed. The rotation duration of the screw conveyor is automatically controlled with the measuring signal of the load cell of the weighing device 312.3.

The sliding device 312.2 has an opening flap 312.4 on the front side at the outlet-side end of the inclined plane, which is closed during pre-portioning ( Figure 6a ). After pre-portioning, the opening flap 312.4 is opened by means of a drive 312.5 ( Figure 6b ), releasing the desired amount of ice into a beverage container. For renewed pre-portioning, the opening flap 312.4 is closed again by means of a drive 312.5.

figure 7 7a and 7b schematically show the functioning of a further ice cream scoop 312 of a filling station 31 for solid components. In this case, the storage container 312.1 of the ice cream scoop 312 has a weighing device 312.3. With this weighing device 312.3, the respective total amount of ice in the storage container 312.1 is determined by continuous weighing. The portion of ice cream conveyed onto the sliding device 312.2 is determined as the removal quantity and the conveying screw is controlled accordingly when the opening flap 312.4 is initially closed ( Figure 7a ). The opening flap 312.4 is then opened by means of the drive 312.5 ( Figure 7b ) and released the portioned amount of ice in a beverage container.

Reference list:

1

contraption

2

cup dispenser

3

filling unit

31

first filling station for solid components

311

fruit scoop

311.1

reservoir

311.2

first cylinder

311.3

feed rod

311.4

second cylinder

311.5

cutting knife

311.6

cutting device

311.7

fruit, lime

312

ice cream scoop

312.1

reservoir

312.2

slide facility

312.3

weighing device

312.4

opening flap

312.5

Drive for opening flap

32

second filling station for beverage components

33

pump

4

data processing system

5

screen

6

transport device

61

round table

62

axis of rotation

63

motor drive

7

holding devices

71

turntable

72

sprocket

73

ball-bearing

74

spacer bolts

75

retaining ring

8th

capping station

9

output unit

10

beverage containers

11

control unit

12

cleaning container

a to k

cup positions

Claims (15)

1. Device (1) for the machine-controlled production of mixed beverages, with a cup dispenser (2) and a filling unit (3) for multiple beverage containers (10), with a data processing system (4) with at least one user-operated computer program in the form of stored software for the mixing of multiple mixed drinks and a display (5), whereby the data processing system (4) executes all control or regulation processes using the computer program, whereby the ingredients of a mixed beverage can be added to beverage containers (10) by the filling unit (3) in a controlled and regulated manner using the computer program, once the user has chosen a specific mix, whereby

   - a transportation unit (6) with holders (7) for beverage containers (10) operates in interaction with the filling unit (3),

   - the filling unit (3) has multiple filling stations (31, 32), beneath which the holders (7) of the transportation unit (6) can be positioned with the beverage containers (10),

   - the filling stations (31, 32) comprise at least one initial filling station (31) for filling with solid ingredients and at least one second filling station (32) for the mixing process of the beverage components,

   - the filling stations (31, 32) can automatically be used simultaneously using the data processing system (4), and

   - after the filling unit (3), the transportation unit (6) operates as an output unit (9) to supply multiple finished mixed beverages,

   characterised by
   rotary plates (71) fitted to the holders (7) of the transportation unit (6) for beverage containers (10), which can be used to rotate a beverage container (10), whereby the rotary plate (71) is rotated by means of a motorised rotation unit located beneath the second filling station (32) for the mixing process of the beverage components, whereby the device is designed so that the beverage container (10) can be filled with a beverage mix beneath the second filling station (32) while the beverage container (10) is simultaneously being rotated.
2. Device according to claim 1, characterised by the positioning of a station (8) to seal the beverage containers (10) after the filling unit (3) and before the output unit (9) for the provision of finished mixed beverages.
3. Device according to claim 2, characterised by a sealing unit for plastics incorporated in the station (8) in order to seal the beverage containers (10).
4. Device according to one of the claims 1 to 3, characterised by a filling unit (3) connected to a storage container that holds at least one beverage.
5. Device according to one of the claims 1 to 4, characterised by a filling unit (3) with at least one pump (33) and one flow regulator.
6. Device according to one of the claims 1 to 5, characterised by the first filling station (31) for solid ingredients being fitted with at least one ice dispenser (312), which features a storage container (312.1) for ice that incorporates a slide element (312.2).
7. Device according to claim 6, characterised by the slide element (312.2) of the ice dispenser (312) on the first filling station (31) featuring a weighing facility (312.3) for solid components.
8. Device according to claim 6, characterised by the storage container (312.1) of the ice dispenser (312) on the first filling station (31) featuring a weighing facility (312.3) for solid components.
9. Device according to claims 1 to 8, characterised by the second filling station (32) for the mixing process being positioned after the first filling station (31) for solid components.
10. Device according to one of the claims 1 to 9, characterised by a transportation unit (6) that is a rotary table (61) with holders (7) positioned on the outside.
11. Device according to one of the claims 1 to 10, characterised by a data processing system (4) that can be controlled via wireless communication.
12. Device according to one of the claims 1 to 11, characterised by a holder (7) with a changeable mount (75).
13. Process for the machine-controlled production of mixed beverages with a device with a cup dispenser (2) and a filling unit (3) for multiple beverage containers (10), with a data processing system (4) with at least one user-operated computer program in the form of stored software for the mixing of multiple mixed drinks and a display (5), whereby the data processing system (4) executes all control or regulation processes using the computer program, whereby the ingredients of a mixed beverage can be added to beverage containers (10) by the filling unit (3) in a controlled and regulated manner using the computer program, once the user has chosen a specific mix,
    whereby

    - a transportation unit (6) with holders (7) for beverage containers (10) operates in interaction with the filling unit (3),

    - the filling unit (3) has multiple filling stations (31, 32), beneath which the holders (7) of the transportation unit (6) can be arranged with the beverage containers (10),

    - the filling stations (31, 32) comprise at least one initial filling station (31) for filling with solid ingredients and at least one second filling station (32) for the mixing process of the beverage components,

    - the filling stations (31, 32) can automatically be used simultaneously using the data processing system (4),

    - after the filling unit (3), the transportation unit (6) operates as an output unit (9) to supply several finished mixed beverages, and

    - the holders (7) of the transportation unit (6) for beverage containers (10) are fitted with rotary plates (71), which can be used to rotate a beverage container (10), whereby the rotary plate (71) is rotated by means of a motorised rotation unit located beneath the second filling station (32) for the mixing process of the beverage components,

    characterised by
    a beverage container (10) being rotated while the beverage container (10) is simultaneously filled with a beverage mix.
14. Process according to claim 13, characterised by the addition of solid components to a beverage container (10) before the beverage container (10) is filled with a beverage mix.
15. Process according to one of the claims 13 to 14, characterised by the beverage containers (10) having a variable rotation speed.

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