Filling a container with a multi-component filling product
The method and device adjust the mixing ratio of beverage components during filling to address uneven distribution issues, ensuring even mixing and maintaining product quality in free-jet filling systems.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- DE102024123239
- Authority / Receiving Office
- DE · DE
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-08-14
- Publication Date
- 2026-02-19
AI Technical Summary
Existing beverage dispensing systems fail to achieve optimal mixing of multi-component beverages, particularly sugary drinks, resulting in uneven sugar distribution due to density differences, which is exacerbated by the use of a free-jet filling method that prevents direct contact with the filling mechanism.
A method and device that adjust the mixing ratio of beverage components during the filling process by varying the flow rates or velocities of the components, ensuring they enter the container separately and mix within it, using a mixing ratio adjustment device and container inclination to achieve uniform distribution.
Ensures even distribution of additives like sugar throughout the container, maintaining product quality by reducing turbulence and foaming, especially in high-speed filling processes.
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Abstract
Description
Technical field
[0001] The present invention relates to a method and a device for filling, in particular by free jet filling, a container with a multi-component filling product, preferably a beverage. The device is particularly suitable as a beverage dispensing system or beverage dispenser, and preferably allows for the reuse of the containers by refilling. State of the art
[0002] Various technologies exist for mixing and dispensing beverages consisting of several components. In beverage dispensing systems and dispensers, the components, most commonly carbonated water and syrup or flavorings, are mixed in the filling mechanism or mixing nozzle. The resulting beverage is then usually dispensed vertically into the container, such as a bottle, cup, etc.
[0003] There is a growing demand for technical solutions that allow for the reuse of containers / bottles through refilling. The idea is that a refill machine, installed, for example, in a shopping center, would allow consumers to refill beverage bottles with drinks, especially carbonated products. On an industrial scale, carbonated beverages are typically filled under pressure, i.e., pressed against the filling mechanism. For hygienic reasons, this cannot be implemented in such refill machines, because to prevent the transfer of contaminants, germs, etc., from bottle to bottle, the product should not be pressed against the filling mechanism but rather dispensed using a free-jet principle.
[0004] Beverage dispensers that allow the reuse of containers by refilling are shown, for example, in DE 10 2020 124 352 A1 and DE 10 2020 116 266 A1.
[0005] In beverage dispensing systems, beverage dispensers, and similar filling devices that allow the filling of multi-component products, the components of the product are mixed in the filling element or at least partially in the filling stream, i.e., before the product enters the container. For example, WO 2013 / 091750 A1 describes a filling element that, in principle, allows the filling of a multi-component product, whereby the components are at least partially mixed in the product stream. A beverage dispenser for dispensing mixed drinks is also described in WO 2007 / 056407 A2.
[0006] State-of-the-art beverage dispensers dispense the beverage components at a largely constant rate during the filling process. In a dispensing nozzle, water and syrup are mixed and dispensed into the container in a constant ratio (for example, 1 part syrup to 5.5 parts water) during filling.
[0007] When filling beverage components simultaneously at a largely constant speed, the mixing of the components in the filled container may not be optimal. It has been observed that, particularly with sugary drinks such as soft drinks, the sugar concentration (Brix) is higher in the lower part of the container than in the upper part. This is likely due to the higher density of sugar compared to water. During filling, the sugary component, for example, syrup, tends to sink to the bottom. Description of the invention
[0008] One object of the invention is to provide an improved method and an improved device for filling a container with a filling product, preferably a beverage, comprising several product components, in particular to improve the mixing of the product components in the container.
[0009] The problem is solved by a method with the features of claim 1 and a device with the features of the dependent device claim. Advantageous embodiments follow from the dependent claims, the following description of the invention, and the description of preferred embodiments.
[0010] The method and apparatus are used for filling, preferably by free-jet filling, a container with a multi-component, liquid filling product, which is preferably a beverage. The method and apparatus are particularly preferably used in a beverage dispensing system or a beverage dispenser, for example for filling soft drinks, smoothies, juices, coffee products, dairy products, mixed drinks and the like, wherein the apparatus is preferably configured to allow reuse of the containers by refilling.
[0011] The filler product comprises at least two product components, which are also referred to herein as the "main component" and "additional component," without this designation implying any order, sequence, or prioritization. The main component is preferably water or carbonated water, and the additional component may be syrup, flavoring, pulp, etc. However, many other combinations are possible, for example, coffee as the main component and coffee creamer as the additional component, juices with fruit pieces, where pulp is added to a juice main component as an additional component, beer and soft drink, and the like. Several additional components may also be added to the main component.
[0012] The method comprises: holding the container by means of a container holder; and carrying out a filling process by introducing the product components into the container via a filling device, at least overlapping in time, preferably simultaneously or substantially simultaneously; wherein the mixing ratio of the product components is changed during the filling process by means of a mixing ratio adjustment device. "Substantially simultaneously" here means that the product components are introduced into the container at the same time for at least a large part of the filling process. The change in the mixing ratio between the product components refers to the period during which the product components are filled simultaneously.
[0013] By filling the individual product components with a variable mixing ratio, such as variable flow rates or variable speeds, the properties of the finished product can be better controlled. For example, when filling sugary drinks, this makes it possible to ensure a more even distribution of the sugar content throughout the entire height of the container.
[0014] The change in the mixing ratio of the product components is intentional and controlled by the mixing ratio adjustment device during the filling process. Any technically induced fluctuations, particularly during the switching on and off of the filling process or resulting from a time lag in the switching on or off of the corresponding product component flows, are not included here. Preferably, the change in the mixing ratio during the filling process is continuous and tends to increase or decrease; for example, a pulsed mixing of the additive component into the main component is not included in this case.
[0015] The mixing ratio adjustment device modifies, in particular, the volumetric flow rate and / or velocity of at least one product component to change the mixing ratio of the product components. For this purpose, the mixing ratio adjustment device comprises, for example, at least one valve, in particular a proportional valve, and / or a pump, several valves and / or pumps, or one or more other suitable devices. Preferably, the mixing ratio adjustment device acts only on the volumetric flow rate of the additive component, while the main component remains unaffected.
[0016] Changing the mixing ratio of the product components during the filling process is particularly advantageous when the product components differ in density and / or viscosity. This is the case, for example, with sugar-containing products comprising a main component of water or carbonated water and a sugar-containing additive component, such as syrup. Typically, the quantity of the additive component added to the container during the filling process is less than the quantity of the main component.
[0017] Preferably, the mixing ratio of the additive component to the main component increases during the filling process. In other words, less additive component is dosed at the beginning of the filling process, i.e., the dosage amount of the additive component is below average, and as the filling process progresses, the additive component is dosed at an increasing rate or volumetric flow rate until, towards the end of the filling process, an above-average amount of additive component is dosed. In this way, better mixing of the product components in the container is achieved, particularly when the additive component has a higher density than the main component.
[0018] Preferably, the main component is introduced into the container with a constant volume flow throughout the filling process, whereby the mixing ratio adjustment device only acts on the additive component and can be simplified accordingly in terms of design.
[0019] The specific variation in the mixing ratio during the filling process can deviate from the aforementioned design variants as needed, particularly depending on the properties of the product components. For example, a disproportionate increase in the volumetric flow rate of the additive component relative to the main component is possible. Alternatively, the volumetric flow rate of the main component can be reduced during the filling process, while the dosage of the additive component remains the same or is increased. It is also possible for the dosage of the additive component to begin only after a certain period of time in the filling process, with its volumetric flow rate increasing as the process progresses. Alternatively, the dosage of the main component can end prematurely, i.e., before the completion of the filling process, with the additive component being added primarily towards the end of the filling process.
[0020] Preferably, the product components are introduced into the container via the filling device in such a way that each product component bridges a free-jet area in a separate jet, and in particular, the product components bridge the free-jet area in separate jets, so that the product components only mix within the container. In other words, the product components do not mix in the filling device or in the falling filling jet. The product jets bridge the free-jet area simultaneously or at least overlapping in time.
[0021] By preventing the mixing of product components in the filling device and / or product stream, product quality is maintained even at high filling speeds, as any reduction in product quality caused by turbulence is prevented or at least significantly reduced. In the case of CO2-containing filling products, any foaming and the associated CO2 loss are reduced.
[0022] Changing the mixing ratio of the product components during the filling process is particularly helpful in free-jet filling with separate product jets, since the mixing of the product components only occurs within the container. Uniform mixing within the container can be supported by appropriately adjusting the relative flow rates or velocities of the product jets.
[0023] The container has a conventional opening, wall, and bottom. During filling, the container is preferably held at an angle by the container support so that, after bridging the free jet area, the product components strike the container wall but not directly the bottom. The effects described above can be further optimized by such an inclination of the container, as the free jet area is shortened, thus reducing the momentum of the product jets upon impact with the inner container wall.
[0024] Preferably, the container has a cylindrical shape, thus defining a container axis. A strictly circular cylindrical shape is not required. Preferably, the container axis and the jets of product components form a non-zero angle during filling, approximately in the range of 10° to 45°. By causing the product jets to strike the container wall at an angle, the momentum of the product jets can be further reduced, thereby further minimizing any reduction in product quality caused by turbulence / momentum.
[0025] Preferably, after contacting the container wall, the product components run as a film along the container wall towards the bottom, thus further stabilizing the filling process. Ideally, the film wets only a segment of the container or bottle circumference, preferably less than 270°.
[0026] Preferably, after bridging the free jet area, a product component, in particular the additive component, impinges on the film of the underlying product component, in particular the main component, whereby the main component can act like a cushion for the additive component, further stabilizing the filling process. This is particularly advantageous when the main product jet has a higher volumetric flow rate than the additive product jet(s).
[0027] The above-mentioned problem is further solved by a device for filling a container with a filling product, preferably a beverage, comprising several product components, wherein the device comprises: a container holder for holding the container during filling; a filling element which is configured to introduce the product components into the container during a filling process at least temporally overlapping, preferably simultaneously or substantially simultaneously; a mixing ratio adjustment device for changing the mixing ratio of the product components; and a control device which communicates with the mixing ratio adjustment device and is configured to change the mixing ratio of the product components during the filling process.
[0028] The features, technical effects, advantages and embodiments described in relation to the method apply analogously to the device.
[0029] Preferably, for the reasons stated above, the mixing ratio adjustment device is configured to change the volumetric flow rate and / or velocity of at least one product component during the filling process in order to alter the mixing ratio of the product components. For this purpose, the mixing ratio adjustment device comprises, for example, at least one valve, in particular a proportional valve, and / or a pump, several valves and / or pumps, or one or more other suitable devices. Particularly preferably, the mixing ratio adjustment device acts only on the volumetric flow rate of the additive component, while the main component remains unaffected.
[0030] Preferably, the control device is configured such that the quantity of the additive component filled into the container during the filling process is less than the quantity of the main component, i.e., the main component is filled on average with a higher volume flow rate than the additive component(s) over the filling process.
[0031] Preferably, for the reasons mentioned above, the control system is configured to actuate the mixing ratio adjustment device such that the mixing ratio of the additive component to the main component increases during the filling process. Alternatively or additionally, the control system is configured to actuate the mixing ratio adjustment device such that the main component is introduced into the container at a constant volumetric flow rate throughout the filling process. However, as explained above, the specific variation of the mixing ratio during the filling process can deviate from the aforementioned configurations as required, particularly depending on the properties of the product components.
[0032] Preferably, the filling device has a nozzle section with multiple product outlets and is configured to introduce the product components into the container in such a way that each product component bridges a free-jet area in a separate jet. For the reasons mentioned above, the nozzle section is preferably configured so that the product components bridge the free-jet area in separate jets, thus ensuring that the product components only mix within the container.
[0033] Preferably, the product outlets are spaced apart from one another, particularly at a distance of more than 5 mm, and especially preferably in the range of 5 mm to 10 mm. The mixing of the product components in the container can be further improved by the division, arrangement, and orientation of the product outlets and thus the various product jets.
[0034] Preferably, the container holder is designed to hold the container at an angle in the range of 10° to 45° relative to the direction of gravity.
[0035] For the reasons mentioned above, the nozzle section and the container holder are preferably arranged so that, after impacting the container wall, the product components run as a film along the container wall towards the bottom of the container, the film preferably wetting only a segment of the container or bottle circumference, particularly preferably less than 270°.
[0036] For the reasons mentioned above, the nozzle section and the container holder are preferably arranged so that, after bridging the free jet area, a product component, in particular the additive component, impacts the film of the underlying product component, in particular the main component.
[0037] Further advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments. The features described therein can be implemented individually or in combination with one or more of the features set out above, provided that the features do not contradict each other. The following description of preferred embodiments is given with reference to the accompanying drawings. Brief description of the characters
[0038] Preferred further embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail by the following description of the figures. These show: Fig. 1 a schematic view of a device for free-jet filling of containers with a multi-component filling product; Fig. 2a schematically a distribution / spread of the product film in the container at a first point in time during filling; Fig. 2b schematically a distribution / spread of the product film in the container at a later second time during filling; and Fig. 3a to 3f are exemplary dosing processes as time diagrams, where the volume flows of the product components are schematically represented as a function of time during a filling process. Detailed description of preferred embodiments
[0039] Preferred embodiments are described below with reference to the figures. Identical, similar, or equivalent elements in the different figures are designated with identical reference numerals, and repeated descriptions of these elements are sometimes omitted to avoid redundancy.
[0040] The Fig. Figure 1 is a schematic view of a device 1 for free-jet filling of containers 100 with a multi-component filling product, in particular a multi-component beverage.
[0041] The device 1 is particularly preferably configured as a beverage dispensing system or beverage dispenser, comprising in particular a filling device that allows the reuse of the containers 100 by refilling. In this case, the containers 100 to be filled are typically fed in manually by a user and removed again after filling. Such beverage dispensers are installed, for example, in shopping centers, restaurants, universities, train stations, airports, and the like.
[0042] The container 100 has a container wall 101, preferably cylindrical in shape, a container opening 102, and a container bottom 103. In the case of a cylindrical shape, the container 100 defines a container axis A. The container 100 is preferably a bottle, for example made of glass, plastic, or aluminum. The container 100 is preferably designed for multiple uses.
[0043] The device 1 comprises a filling element 10, which is designed as a free-jet valve, i.e., the filling jet bridges a free-jet zone F after leaving the filling element 10 and enters the container 100 through the container opening 102 essentially without external influence. The filling product is preferably introduced into the container 100 without pressure. In particular, during free-jet filling, the container is not pressed against the filling element and does not come into contact with it.
[0044] The containers 100 are held in the device 1 for and during filling by a suitable container holder 2, which may be designed as a clamp, magnetic holder or in another way, below the filling element 10 or its outlet section 11.
[0045] Suitable products for filling include, for example, soft drinks, smoothies, juices, coffee products, dairy products, mixed drinks, and the like. Device 1 is particularly suitable for filling carbonated beverages using a free-jet system.
[0046] The product being filled comprises at least two product components, also referred to herein as main component H and additive component Z. The main component H is preferably carbonated water, while the additive component Z can be, for example, syrup. However, there is no restriction in this regard. For instance, the main and additive components H and Z can be milk with different fat contents, thus allowing for flexible adjustment of the desired fat content in the filled product. Alternatively, coffee can be filled as main component H and coffee creamer as additive component Z, as can juices with fruit pieces, where pulp is added to a juice main component H as additive component Z, beer, and soft drinks, etc. The additive component Z can include additives, flavorings, etc. Furthermore, applications outside the beverage and food industries are possible, for example, in the care sector for filling shampoo and similar products.
[0047] The filling element 10 is suitable for a quick, flexible change of product type, especially when the different filling products are based on a common carrier medium - the main component H - and different additives - the additive components Z.
[0048] In an upper section of the filling device 10, a first product feed line 30 and a second product feed line 40 are provided, both in the Fig. Figure 1 schematically illustrates how to introduce the main component H and the additive component Z into corresponding channels of the filling device 10. The product supply lines 30 and 40 obtain the product components H and Z, for example, from a reservoir 31 for the main component H, a reservoir 41 for the additive component Z, a production device, a product connection, or in another suitable manner.
[0049] The filling device 10 has a discharge section 11 with multiple product outlets, comprising one or more main outlets 11a and one or more auxiliary outlets 11b, which are configured to introduce the main component H and the auxiliary component Z into the container 100 accordingly.
[0050] In particular, for the additional component Z, several outlets, i.e. several additional outlets 11b, are preferably provided, similar to a shower head, cf. Fig. 2a and Fig. 2b, in which two auxiliary outlets 11b are shown as examples. The diameter of the main outlet 11a is, for example, 5 to 6 mm, while the diameter of the auxiliary outlets 11b is, for example, 2 mm.
[0051] The device 1 includes a mixing ratio adjustment device 20, which is configured to adjust the mixing ratio of the main component H and the additive component Z, and in particular to change it during the filling process. This is achieved by modifying at least one of the volume flows, i.e., the volume flow of the main component H and / or the volume flow of the additive component Z. The mixing ratio adjustment device 20 can be integrated into the filling element 10 or installed separately from it.
[0052] The mixing ratio adjustment device 20 comprises at least one valve, for example a proportional valve, and / or a pump 22, several valves and / or pumps 22, or one or more other suitable devices for modifying the flow rate of at least one of the fluid components. The mixing ratio adjustment device 20 particularly preferably acts on the volumetric flow rate of the additive component Z, while the main component H is not affected.
[0053] A control unit 50 is provided for controlling the filling device 10. This control unit communicates with the components of the device 1 to be controlled and potentially read out, i.e., in particular with the mixing ratio adjustment device 20, any valves for opening / closing the main and auxiliary outlets 11a, 11b, and any sensors for monitoring the filling process, and is configured to control or regulate the filling process. Communication can be wired or wireless, digital or analog. Communication does not necessarily have to involve bidirectional information exchange. A unidirectional flow of data and / or signals falls under the term "communication" here. The control unit 50 does not necessarily have to be a central computer or electronic control system; rather, it includes decentralized and / or multi-stage systems, control networks, cloud systems, and the like.The control unit 50 can also be an integral part of a higher-level plant control system or communicate with one.
[0054] The outlet section 11 of the filling device 10, comprising the main and auxiliary outlets 11a, 11b, is preferably configured such that the main component H and the auxiliary component Z do not mix either in the filling device 10 or in the free jet area F. Rather, in this case, the main and auxiliary components H, Z bridge the free jet area F in separate jets, so that the various components of the filling product only mix in the container 100, in particular at the container wall 101.
[0055] The main and auxiliary outlets 11a, 11b are preferably spaced apart from one another and oriented such that the product jets separately bridge the free jet area F, i.e., run parallel to or away from each other. The distance between the various product outlets, in particular the main and auxiliary outlets 11a, 11b, is preferably more than 5 mm, for example, in the range of 5 mm to 10 mm.
[0056] Preferably, the additive component Z is not injected into the main component H, or vice versa. Likewise, the main component H and the additive component Z preferably do not exit the nozzle section 11 via a common outlet. The product jets H and Z bridge the free jet area F simultaneously or at least with temporal overlap; that is, complete temporal separation is not desired.
[0057] In the preferred embodiment, by preventing the main component H and the additive component Z from mixing in the filling element 10 and / or product jet, product quality is maintained even at high filling speeds, as a reduction in product quality caused by turbulence is prevented or at least significantly reduced. In the case of CO2-containing filling products, any foaming and the associated CO2 loss are reduced.
[0058] The effects described above can be further optimized by introducing the product components H and Z into an inclined container 100, such that the main and auxiliary components H and Z do not strike the container bottom 103, but rather the inclined container wall 101. For this purpose, the container support 2 is preferably configured to tilt the container 100, i.e., the container axis A deviates from the vertical / direction of gravity. The container axis A and the rays of the main and auxiliary components H and Z form an angle, preferably in the range of 10° to 45°.
[0059] The product jets H and Z strike the container wall 101 and travel together as a film along the container wall 101 towards the container bottom 103. This is shown in the Fig. 2a and Fig. 2b shows the distribution or spread of the product film at an initial point in time during filling ( Fig. 2a) and a later second time of filling ( Fig. 2b) represent schematically. Fig. 2a, Fig. Figure 2b shows container 100 from the side, relative to the representation of the Fig. 1 seen. The film ideally only wets a segment of the bottle's circumference, preferably < 270°. Preferably, the additive component Z comes into contact with the film of the underlying main component H, so that the main component H can act like a cushion for the additive component Z to further stabilize the filling process.
[0060] The preferred division of the components into separate streams (for syrup / flavoring, division into two or more streams is particularly advantageous) and the controlled convergence due to the inclined container 100 result in a slow and gentle mixing of the components. Dividing the components into multiple streams (for example, syrup and water) creates larger interfaces, thus significantly improving the mixing of the components.
[0061] By tilting the container 100, the momentum of the jets can be kept low due to the comparatively short exit path, i.e., a small free jet area F or a low drop height from the filling device 10 to the point of impact on the container wall 101, which contributes to a further improvement in the quality of the final product. In the case of CO2-containing filling products, any foaming and the associated CO2 loss can thus be minimized, primarily due to the slow mixing of the flow films on the surface of the container wall 101.
[0062] Depending on the properties of the product components H, Z (density differences, viscosity differences, etc.), two or more jets with optimized arrangement are used to achieve good mixing.
[0063] To further improve the mixing of the product components H, Z in the container 100, especially in the case of separate product streams and product components H, Z of different density and / or viscosity, the mixing ratio adjustment device 20 is installed and set up to change the mixing ratio of the product components H, Z during the filling process.
[0064] Here, the Fig. 3a to 3f are exemplary dosing processes in the form of time diagrams, where the volume flows of the main component H and the additional component Z are schematically represented as a function of time during a filling process.
[0065] The Fig. Figure 3a shows a reference example in which the main component H and the additive component Z are dosed at a constant volume flow rate or constant velocity throughout the filling process. The timing of the filling process can be as follows: First, a valve for dosing the main component H is opened. Simultaneously or shortly thereafter, a valve for the additive component Z is opened, or a corresponding pump 22 is activated to start pumping the additive component Z. Subsequently, the main component H and the additive component Z flow into the container 100 at a constant velocity (apart from any minor, technically induced fluctuations). To end the filling process, the corresponding valves are closed or pumps 22 are stopped, either simultaneously or sequentially.It is possible that shortly before reaching the desired fill quantity, pump 22 for the additional component Z is deactivated first, and then the valve for the main component H is closed.
[0066] According to the exemplary embodiment of the Fig. 3b A constant volume flow rate for the main component H is maintained throughout the filling process. At the beginning of the filling process, however, less additive component Z is initially dosed; that is, the dosage amount of additive component Z is below average. If the mixing ratio adjustment device 20 includes a pump 22 for conveying the additive component Z, the pump 22 runs more slowly at the beginning of the filling process. During the course of the filling process, the additive component Z is dosed with increasing speed or volume flow rate until, towards the end of the filling process, an above-average amount of additive component Z is dosed. Fig. Figure 3b shows an example of a linear increase in the dosage of the additive component Z over the filling process. In total, the same amount of additive component Z can be dosed as in the reference example according to [reference example]. Fig. 3a, but distributed differently over time.
[0067] The Fig. Figure 3c shows an exemplary dosing process with a disproportionately increasing dosage of the additional component Z during the filling process.
[0068] The Fig. Figure 3d shows an example of a dosing process in which the dosage of the main component H decreases during the filling process, while the dosage of the additive component Z increases. The mixing ratio adjustment device 20 thus acts on both the main component H and the additive component Z.
[0069] The Fig. Figure 3e shows an exemplary dosing process in which the dosage of the additional component Z only starts after a certain time and then increases in the further course of the filling process.
[0070] The Fig. Figure 3f shows an exemplary dosing process in which the dosing of the main component H ends prematurely, while the additional component Z is mainly dosed towards the end of the filling process.
[0071] By filling the individual product components H and Z with variable flow rates or speeds, the properties of the finished product can be better controlled. For example, in the case of filling sugary drinks, this makes it possible to ensure a more uniform distribution of the sugar content throughout the entire height of the container.
[0072] Where applicable, all individual features shown in the exemplary embodiments can be combined and / or exchanged without leaving the scope of the invention. Reference symbol list 1 Device for filling a container 11 Mouth section 11a Product outlet / Main outlet 11b Product outlet / additional outlet 2 Container holders 10 Filling organ 20 Mixing ratio adjustment device 22 Pump 30 First product feed 31 Main component reservoir 40 Second product supply 41 Reservoir of the additional component 50 Control unit 100 containers 101 Container wall 102 Container opening 103 Container bottom H Product component / main component Z Product component / additional component A container axis F Free jet area QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION
[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature
[0000] DE 10 2020 124 352 A1
[0004] DE 10 2020 116 266 A1
[0004] WO 2013 / 091750 A1
[0005] WO 2007 / 056407 A2
[0005]
Claims
[1] Method for filling a container (100) with a filling product, preferably a beverage, comprising several product components (H, Z), wherein the method comprises: Holding the container (100) by means of a container holder (2); and Performing a filling process by introducing the product components (H, Z) into the container (100) via a filling device (10) at least in a temporally overlapping manner, preferably substantially simultaneously; wherein by means of a mixing ratio adjustment device (20) during the filling process the mixing ratio of the product components (H, Z) is changed. [2] Method according to claim 1, characterized by , that the mixing ratio adjustment device (20) changes the volume flow and / or the velocity of at least one product component (H, Z) during the filling process to change the mixing ratio of the product components (H, Z). [3] Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the product components comprise a main component (H), preferably water or carbonated water, and an additive component (Z), preferably syrup, wherein the quantity of the additive component (Z) filled into the container (100) during the filling process is preferably less than the quantity of the main component (H). [4] Method according to claim 3, characterized by , that the mixing ratio of the additive component (Z) to the main component (H) increases during the filling process. [5] Method according to claim 3 or 4, characterized by , that the main component (H) is introduced into the container (100) with a constant volume flow throughout the filling process. [6] Method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the introduction of the product components (H, Z) via the filling device (10) into the container (100) is carried out in such a way that the product components (H, Z) each bridge a free jet area (F) in a jet, wherein the product components (H, Z) preferably bridge the free jet area (F) in separate jets, so that the product components (H, Z) only mix in the container (100). [7] Method according to claim 6, characterized by , that the container (100) has a container wall (101) and a container bottom (103), wherein the container (100) is held at an angle by the container support (2) during filling, so that the product components (H, Z) hit the container wall (101) after bridging the free jet area (F). [8] Device (1) for filling a container (100) with a filling product, preferably a beverage, comprising several product components (H, Z), wherein the device (1) has: a container holder (2) for holding the container (100) during filling; a filling device (10) which is designed to introduce the product components (H, Z) into the container (100) during a filling process, at least in a temporally overlapping manner, preferably substantially simultaneously; a mixing ratio adjustment device (20) for changing the mixing ratio of the product components (H, Z); and a control device (50) which communicates with the mixing ratio setting device (20) and is configured to change the mixing ratio of the product components (H, Z) during the filling process. [9] Device (1) according to claim 8, characterized by, that the mixing ratio adjustment device (20) is configured to change the volume flow and / or the velocity of at least one product component (H, Z) during the filling process in order to change the mixing ratio of the product components (H, Z). [10] Device (1) according to claim 8 or 9, characterized by that the product components comprise a main component (H), preferably water or carbonated water, and an additive component (Z), preferably syrup, wherein the control device (50) is preferably configured such that the quantity of the additive component (Z) filled into the container (100) during the filling process is less than the quantity of the main component (H). [11] Device (1) according to claim 10, characterized by, that the control device (50) is set up to control the mixing ratio adjustment device (20) in such a way that the mixing ratio of the additive component (Z) to the main component (H) increases during the filling process and / or the main component (H) is introduced into the container (100) with a constant volume flow throughout the filling process. [12] Device (1) according to any one of claims 8 to 11, characterized by , that the filling device (10) has a nozzle section (11) with several product outlets (11a, 11b) and is configured to introduce the product components (H, Z) into the container (100) in such a way that the product components (H, Z) each bridge a free jet area (F) in a jet, wherein the nozzle section (11) is preferably configured such that the product components (H, Z) bridge the free jet area (F) in separate jets, so that the product components (H, Z) only mix in the container (100). [13] Device (1) according to claim 12, characterized by that the container (100) has a container wall (101) and a container bottom (103), wherein the container support (2) is configured to hold the container (100) at an angle during filling, so that the product components (H, Z) impact the container wall (101) after bridging the free jet area (F), wherein the container support is preferably configured to hold the container at an angle in the range of 10 to 45° relative to the direction of gravity. [14] Device (1) according to claim 12 or 13, characterized by that the product outlets (11a, 11b) are spaced apart from each other, preferably at a distance of more than 5 mm, particularly preferably at a distance in the range of 5 mm to 10 mm. [15] Device (1) according to any one of claims 8 to 14, characterized bythat the device (1) is a beverage dispensing system or a beverage dispenser, wherein the device (1) is preferably configured to allow reuse of the containers (100) by refilling.
Citation Information
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