阅读说明：本技术 用于碳酸化饮用液体的碳酸化器、饮用液体容器和设备 (Carbonator for carbonating a drinking liquid, drinking liquid container and apparatus ) 是由 贝恩德·弗雷斯特 西蒙·弗洛伦 贝特霍尔德·康拉德 约翰内斯·迈克尔·鲁比 史蒂芬·霍特尔 于 2020-01-22 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明涉及一种用于碳酸化饮用液体(2)的碳酸化器(10),包括：反应容器(12),用于空间分离地容纳活化液体(6)和碳酸化剂(4),所述碳酸化剂是化学活性的并且与活化液体(6)一起形成CO-2气体(8),其中反应容器(12)具有气体出口(14)；连接机构,用于将活化液体(6)和碳酸化剂(4)合并,以触发活化液体(6)和碳酸化剂(4)之间的化学反应；和设置在气体出口(14)处的接口机构(80),用于连接具有要碳酸化的饮用液体(2)的饮用液体容器(100),其中在气体出口(14)中设置有出气阀(16)。(The invention relates to a carbonator (10) for carbonating a drinking liquid (2), comprising: a reaction vessel (12) for the spatially separate accommodation of an activating liquid (6) and a carbonating agent (4) which is chemically active and forms CO together with the activating liquid (6) 2 A gas (8), wherein the reaction vessel (12) has a gas outlet (14); -a connection mechanism for combining the activating liquid (6) and the carbonating agent (4) to trigger a chemical reaction between the activating liquid (6) and the carbonating agent (4); and an interface means (80) arranged at the gas outlet (14) for connecting a drinking liquid container (100) with a drinking liquid (2) to be carbonated, wherein a gas outlet valve (16) is arranged in the gas outlet (14).)

1. A carbonator (10) for carbonating a drinking liquid (2), having:

-a reaction vessel (12) for spatially separately containing an activating liquid (6) and a carbonating agent (4) which is chemically active and forms CO together with the activating liquid (6)₂A gas (8), wherein the reaction vessel (12) has a gas outlet (14);

-a connection mechanism for combining the activating liquid (6) and the carbonating agent (4) to trigger a chemical reaction between the activating liquid (6) and the carbonating agent (4); and

-an interface means (80) provided at the gas outlet (14) for connecting a drinking liquid container (100) with a drinking liquid (2) to be carbonated,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

an outlet valve (16) is arranged in the gas outlet (14).

2. Carbonator according to claim 1, characterized in that the gas outlet valve (16) can be placed at least in an open position by means of the drinking liquid container (100) connected, so that the CO generated in the reaction vessel (12) is₂Gas (8) can flow into the drinking liquid (2).

3. The carbonator according to claim 1, wherein the reaction vessel (12) has a first chamber (30) for containing the activating liquid (6) and a second chamber (50) for containing the carbonating agent (4), and

the connection mechanism comprises at least one connection opening (66), wherein the connection opening (66) connects the inner spaces of the first chamber (30) and the second chamber (50).

4. The carbonator according to claim 3, wherein the connection mechanism comprises at least one valve (68), wherein the valve is arranged in the connection opening (66).

5. The carbonator according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the first chamber (30) is provided in the second chamber (50) and the connection opening (66) is provided in the first chamber (30).

6. The carbonator according to any one of the claims 1 to 5, wherein the connection means comprise an operating means (62) for operating the valve (68).

7. Carbonator according to claim 6, characterized in that the operating mechanism (62) is operable by means of a connected drinking liquid container (100).

8. The carbonator according to claim 1, wherein the reaction vessel (12) has a chamber (13) for jointly containing the activating liquid (6) and at least one carbonating agent (4) in at least one package (5).

9. The carbonator according to claim 8, wherein the connection mechanism comprises an opening mechanism (70) for opening the package (5).

10. The carbonator according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the reaction vessel (12) has a reaction cup (20) and a lid (24) closing the reaction cup (20), wherein the opening mechanism (70) is provided at the lid (24).

11. The carbonator according to any of the claims 1 to 10, wherein the reaction vessel (12) is a pressure vessel.

12. The carbonator according to any of the claims 1 to 11, wherein the reaction vessel (12) has a safety valve (90).

13. The carbonator according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the carbonator (10) has a gas filter (44).

14. The carbonator according to any one of the claims 1 to 13, wherein the interface mechanism comprises a flexible hose (112), wherein the hose (112) is fluidly connected at a first end with the reaction vessel (12) at the gas outlet (14), and wherein the hose (112) is fluidly connectable at a second end with the drinking-liquid container (100).

15. A drinking-liquid container (100) having a wall in which at least one gas inlet (108) with at least one inlet valve (110) is provided, characterized in that the inlet valve (110) is a priority valve which opens by means of a gas pressure applied from the outside in the event of a preset set pressure being exceeded.

16. A device (1) for carbonating a drinking liquid (2) having a carbonator (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 14 and a drinking-liquid container (100) according to claim 15.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a carbonator for carbonating drinking liquids according to the preamble of claim 1. The invention also relates to a drinking liquid container and an apparatus for carbonating drinking liquid.

Background

Carbonated beverages are popular with a large number of consumers. To avoid carrying carbonated beverages, such as mineral water or bottled water, while shopping, consumers use devices to carbonate conventional tap water, sometimes referred to as carbonators or carbonators.

The carbonating equipment is connected with carbon dioxide (CO)₂) Filled gas cylinders and the liquid can be carbonated until the CO in the gas cylinder₂The gas reserve is exhausted. A disadvantage of using gas cylinders is that the transport of the cylinders is subject to strict requirements and regulations due to the risk of explosion in case of cylinder damage. This results in high costs during transport, for example from production to the distributor. Furthermore, the cartridge must be filled again in a costly manner, as a result of which a compressor is generally required. Typically, the dealer of the cartridge provides the refill service, however, the use of such a service is expensive to the consumer.

To circumvent these problems, alternative solutions exist in which chemical reactions are used to release the gas. For example, use is made of so-called carbonators or carbonating agents, said carbonates or carbonsAcidifying agents, e.g. with water, to CO₂Gas and residual components.

For example, a system is known from US 9,364,018B1, in which CO is obtained from a carbonating agent and an activating liquid₂Gas, which is then used to incorporate the carbonic acid into the beverage. The carbonating agent and beverage additives, i.e., syrup for example, are delivered together in a sealed capsule. To prepare a beverage, the first chamber with the carbonating agent is opened and an activating liquid is added to the carbonating agent. Thus produced doped with CO₂The liquid of gas is then directed into the carbonation tank. The carbonated liquid is withdrawn from the carbonation tank and delivered to a mixing chamber where the beverage additive from the second chamber of the capsule is mixed with the carbonated beverage. The beverage thus prepared is filled into a drinking cup.

US4,186,215 a discloses a drinking cup into which an object having two chambers is placed. The beverage additive is located in the upper chamber and the powdered carbonating agent is located in the lower chamber. The two chambers are separated from each other by a semi-permeable membrane so that liquid can penetrate into the carbonation chamber and gas can escape from the carbonation chamber. If the drinking cup is filled with liquid, a portion passes through the semi-permeable membrane. The portion of the liquid passing through the membrane reacts with the powder, thereby releasing gas that passes through the membrane and carbonates the liquid. The remaining components of the reaction can lead to an undesirable aftertaste in the drinking cup.

EP 2921087B 1 discloses an apparatus for carbonating a drinking liquid, the apparatus having a carbonation chamber or cartridge chamber. A cartridge having a carbonating agent is inserted into the cartridge chamber. Another embodiment provides that the cartridge comprises a space with the carbonating agent and a space with the drinking liquid. The chamber with the carbonating agent is pierced to deliver the activated water. Activated water and CO₂The mixture of gases passes through the membrane into the drinking liquid. The bottom of the cartridge is also pierced to discharge the brewed carbonated liquid downwardly.

In the carbonator, the reaction products may also reach the drinking liquid.

WO2014/000092A1 and WO2014/131101A1 disclose a beverage for drinkingCarbonated automatic beverage machines. The carbonation chamber, in which the carbonator, in particular a mixture of soda and citric acid, reacts with the activating liquid, in particular water, to CO, is within the automatic machine₂Gases and reaction products. The activating liquid for the reaction is taken out of the bottle, in which the drinking liquid to be carbonated is located, via the first connecting line and using a pump. The pump is activated by the user, whereby the carbonation process is also undertaken.

CO liberated by reaction₂The gas is conducted into the beverage bottle via the second connecting line and the remaining liquid is carbonated. For this purpose, the bottle has an opening in the bottom, which has an air inlet valve and a nozzle. The carbonating agent is located in the barrel, for example, above the reaction chamber. Upon insertion of the cartridge, the cartridge is opened by the cutting device, allowing the carbonating agent to fall into the reaction chamber.

Since the activating liquid is removed from the bottle containing the liquid to be carbonated, the user must wait until the reaction of the carbonating agent with the activating liquid is complete. Furthermore, the robot imposes high demands on the construction of the bottle, since the bottle must have two connection points for connection to the robot. Conventional bottles with standardized closures are not considered for use with such robots.

US5,549,037 discloses an apparatus in which a carbonating agent is located in a first chamber of the apparatus and an activating liquid is located in a second chamber of the apparatus. The device is configured as a bottle collar and is screwed onto the bottle before use. By turning the bottle over with the collar, the activating liquid flows to the carbonating agent and releases CO₂A gas. CO2₂The gas flows through the filter and the opening into the bottle where the drinking liquid is carbonated.

In order for the reaction products (such as salt, etc.) not to reach the filter and enter the drinking liquid, an intermediate wall is required in the mouthpiece, which causes: diverting CO in a suitable manner₂Gas and entrap reaction products. The intermediate wall must also be designed such that residual liquid is prevented from reaching the beverage when the bottle is rotated back with the collar, so that the beverage does not contain an undesired aftertaste. Furthermore, the operation in which the bottle is turned over with the carbonation apparatus is inconvenient for the consumer,and the consumer must wait until the carbonating agent reacts with water and releases CO₂Gas is used as the carrier.

US4,466,342 discloses a device similar to US5,549,037, but constructed as an insert and inserted into the neck of a bottle. The carbonation process is also performed by inverting the bottle and possibly by shaking the bottle with the insert.

Disclosure of Invention

Compared with the prior art, the invention aims to: a carbonator for carbonating a drinking liquid is proposed, which performs carbonation without using electrically powered components and which improves the operation for the user. The object of the invention is also: a corresponding drinking-liquid container and an apparatus for carbonating drinking liquids are proposed.

A carbonator for carbonating a drinking liquid, comprising: a reaction vessel for spatially separately accommodating an activating liquid and a carbonating agent, wherein the carbonating agent is chemically active and forms CO with the activating liquid₂And wherein the reaction vessel has a gas outlet. In addition, the carbonator includes a connection mechanism for combining the activating liquid and the carbonating agent to trigger a chemical reaction between the activating liquid and the carbonating agent. Furthermore, the carbonator comprises an interface means provided at the gas outlet for connecting a drinking-liquid container with the drinking liquid to be carbonated. An air outlet valve is arranged in the air outlet.

The drinking liquid can be, for example, water (in particular drinking water), a mixture of water and flavouring ingredients (in particular flavoured syrup or alcoholic drinks).

The activating liquid may be, but is not limited to, for example, water, fruit juice, wine or dilute acid (e.g., citric acid). The carbonating agent may comprise a carbonate salt, such as sodium bicarbonate, potassium bicarbonate, or sodium carbonate.

"chemically active" is understood to mean the property of a substance which, as a result of increased reactivity, undergoes a chemical reaction at a high rate and/or yield, in this case the reaction of an activated liquid with a carbonating agent to form CO₂Gas and residual components. The chemical compounds can be activated, for example, by the delivery of activation energy (in particularWhich is activated by heating, irradiation with light) or by conveying a catalyst.

The interface means may be, for example, threads, snap-on closures, plug-in and lock connections or other connection means suitable for withstanding the gas pressure in the interior of the reaction chamber.

Drinking liquid containers are understood to mean, in particular, bottles, kettles, cans or other containers for holding liquids.

The gas outlet valve in the gas outlet leads in a particularly advantageous manner to the CO2 gas being held in the reaction vessel until the gas outlet valve is opened. Although CO in the reaction chamber can be released through the gas outlet valve₂The gas, but may be stored for later use regardless of whether the drinking liquid container is connected to the carbonator. Whereby a user may for example initiate a reaction to release CO₂Gas and free to determine when it is desired to carbonate the drinking liquid.

For example, the user may also start a new reaction immediately after use in order to carbonate another second drinking liquid later on. In this process, the user must wait until the CO₂The reaction was complete. However, this waiting time is not perceived by the user as disadvantageous because the reaction may occur "in stock". At the moment the user wants to carbonate the second liquid, the CO₂The gas is already available to it, thus making the user free of waiting. By means of the proposed carbonator, the time span from the point in time when the user has created a wish to drink a carbonated beverage to the point in time when the user is actually provided with a beverage that has completed carbonation can be minimized.

In a further embodiment, the gas outlet valve can be brought at least into an open position by means of a drinking-liquid container connected thereto, so that CO produced in the reaction vessel₂Gas may flow into the drinking liquid. Furthermore, the outlet valve can be placed in the closed position, preferably by means of a drinking liquid container, in addition to the open position.

According to a further embodiment, the outlet valve can have an operating device, by means of which the outlet valve can be manually placed in its open position and/or in its closed position.

By passingPlacing the air outlet valve in the open position by means of the connected drinking liquid container ensures that: CO only when a drinking vessel is connected at the reaction chamber₂Gas can flow from the reaction vessel into the drinking liquid container. CO can thereby be avoided₂The gas accidentally escapes outwards, i.e. not into the drinking liquid container.

The outlet valve can preferably be provided with a spring device which is preloaded when the outlet valve is opened. For example, when the drinking liquid container is removed from the carbonator, the gas outlet valve is moved to its closed position by the spring means.

In another embodiment, the reaction vessel has a first chamber for containing the activating liquid and a second chamber for containing the carbonating agent, and the connection mechanism includes at least one connection opening, wherein the connection opening connects the interior space of the first chamber and the interior space of the second chamber.

In this embodiment, the reaction is preferably carried out in a second chamber, wherein the activating liquid is introduced into the second chamber with the carbonating agent prior to the reaction.

The spatially separate storage of the activating liquid and the carbonating agent in the different chambers has the advantage that, when the carbonating agent and the activating liquid are fitted to the reaction vessel, for which fitting the reaction vessel must be opened, CO does not start to be released₂Premature undesired reaction of gases, wherein the CO₂Gases may escape from the still open reaction vessel. Subsequently, the activating liquid and the carbonating agent may be combined through the connection opening such that the reaction of the carbonating agent with the activating liquid may start at a desired point in time, which is determined, for example, by the user.

In another embodiment, the connection between the first and second chambers comprises at least one valve, wherein the valve is arranged in the connection opening.

The valve is preferably arranged such that when the valve is open, the activating liquid can flow from the first chamber into the second chamber driven by gravity. The valve is preferably designed such that when CO is produced₂Upon gas, the valve automatically enters the closed position. The valve may also preferably be manualOpen and close.

By selecting the duration of the opening of the valve in the connection opening, a reduced amount of activating liquid relative to the initially set amount can be combined with the carbonating agent, or vice versa, whereby a smaller amount of carbonating agent reacts and thus releases less CO than in the case of complete reaction of the carbonating agent₂A gas.

In another embodiment, the first chamber is provided in the second chamber and the connection opening is provided in the first chamber.

The first chamber is preferably arranged in the upper region of the second chamber, so that the liquid flows into the second chamber via the connection opening due to gravity. The costly pumping mechanism can be bypassed. In this regard, the carbonator may carbonate the potable liquid independently of the current.

In another embodiment, the connection mechanism comprises an operating mechanism for operating the valve.

In an advantageous manner, the valve can be brought from the closed position into the open position and vice versa by means of the operating mechanism. In another embodiment, the valve may be opened gradually such that the valve is opened only to a fraction of the maximum opening. For example, the valve may be opened to 25%, 35%, 55%, or 85%. The flow of activating liquid to the carbonating agent may be controlled via the time that the valve is open. The user can better determine with a smaller open valve: how much activating liquid flows from the first chamber into the second chamber and thus how strongly the drinking liquid should be carbonated. With a small amount of valve opening, the activating liquid flows more slowly, so that more time is provided for the user to influence the inflow duration.

In another embodiment, the operating mechanism comprises an operating pin protruding from the reaction vessel. For example, the actuating pin can be coupled, in particular mechanically coupled, to a valve in the connecting device. If the operating pin is operated, a valve in the connecting mechanism is opened. The valve may also be closed using an operating mechanism. The following possibilities also exist: the valve or the operating pin has a return device, for example a spring device, so that the valve closes automatically, for example when the pressurized operating pin is released.

Advantageously, the reaction in the interior of the reaction vessel can be initiated from outside the reaction vessel by means of a pin protruding from the reaction vessel. Thereby simplifying the operation of the carbonator. The user may arm the carbonator with the activating liquid and carbonating agent, close the reaction vessel, and operate the operating pin at any point in time to initiate the reaction.

In another embodiment, the operating mechanism is operable by means of a connected drinking-liquid container.

The reaction of the activating liquid with the carbonating agent may advantageously be initiated automatically by connecting the drinking liquid container.

If the drinking-liquid container is connected with the carbonator, for example, via a screw connection, according to another embodiment, the operating mechanism may be operated by screwing the drinking-liquid container onto the carbonator via the interface mechanism. For this purpose, the interface can preferably be designed such that the actuating device is actuated only via the drinking liquid container when the combination of drinking liquid container and reaction container forms a fluid-tight unit, wherein the gas, in particular CO₂Gas does not escape from the cell. Thereby it is ensured that: by connecting the drinking liquid container to the reaction vessel, it has not been undesirable to prematurely initiate the reaction of the carbonating agent with the activating liquid. It is also possible to: when the drinking-liquid container is connected, the wall of the drinking-liquid container engages at the operating pin.

For example, a rotational or locking resistance can be overcome when connecting the drinking liquid container to the reaction vessel, wherein the tightness of the system consisting of drinking liquid container and reaction chamber is signaled by the resistance being reached. For example, upon overcoming a rotational or locking resistance, the operating mechanism may be operated, whereby the reaction may start in the interior of the reaction vessel.

In another embodiment, the reaction vessel has a chamber for collectively containing an activating liquid and at least one carbonating agent in at least one package. The carbonating agent is spatially separated from the activating liquid by: i.e. it is in a confined space defined by the package.

In this embodiment, the carbonating agent in the package is positioned directly in the activating liquid as, for example, a tablet, capsule, or the like. In this embodiment, the structure of the carbonator can be advantageously simplified, whereby the production cost can be reduced. The package may be made of, for example, without limitation, plastic, rayon, cellulose, waxed paper, or other conventional packaging materials.

By dividing the carbonating agent into packets, the amount of carbonating agent is pre-dispensed so that a user can always use a limited dose of carbonating agent in order to drink a liquid with e.g. a constant degree of carbonation. Thereby minimizing the probability of the user getting too little or too much carbonated drinking liquid. The amount of carbonating agent may be dispensed, for example, for a particular volume of drinking liquid, particularly but not limited to a volume of 0.25l, 0.5l, 0.75l, 1l, 1.5l, or other volume. In addition, for specific CO per unit volume₂Content, amount of carbonating agent may include, but is not limited to: for example, 1.5-2.5g per liter for "bubble free" carbonated drinking liquids, 3.5-4.5g per liter for "medium" carbonated drinking liquids, and 6-8g per liter for "classical" carbonated drinking liquids.

In another embodiment, the attachment mechanism comprises an opening mechanism for opening the package.

The packaging of the carbonating agent is opened by an opening mechanism in order to initiate the reaction. This may include, for example, intentionally damaging the package. In particular, the package can be opened mechanically. For example, the opening mechanism may consist of a rod provided with a pointed formation or a pointed appendage, in particular a needle, which opens the package by piercing the packaging material by the formation or appendage.

In one embodiment, the package may be discarded after opening and after use for carbonating the potable liquid. In another embodiment, the package is a reusable package.

In another embodiment, the opening mechanism comprises a cutting device.

The cutting device may advantageously ensure opening of the package. For example, the cutting device may be designed such that the carbonating agent in the package may be placed on the cutting device. The cutting means may thereby contribute to a correct positioning of the package. For example, the cutting device can be pressed into the package or the package can be pressed into the cutting device by means of the operating mechanism, whereby the package is cut open. Since the package with the carbonating agent is placed in the activating liquid, the activating liquid enters the package through the opening or cut created by the cutting device and the reaction of the carbonating agent with the activating liquid begins.

In one embodiment, the reaction vessel has a reaction cup and a lid which closes the reaction cup, wherein the opening mechanism is provided at the lid.

Advantageously, the lid is moved in the direction of the reaction cup by closing the reaction vessel, wherein the opening mechanism opens a package of the carbonating agent positioned in the reaction cup. The opening means may comprise, for example, a needle, a cutting means, in particular a blade or a bladed element or other means suitable for opening the packaging of the carbonating agent.

In a further embodiment, an opening mechanism is provided at the lid, so that after the reaction cup is closed with the lid, the opening mechanism does not open the packaging of the carbonator, but can be operated by an operating mechanism, in particular an operating pin. After the reaction cup is closed with the lid, the reaction of the carbonating agent with the activating liquid can be initiated at any point in time by operating the operating mechanism.

In one embodiment, the reaction vessel is a pressure vessel. The reaction vessel can be subjected to high pressures in an advantageous manner, so that the CO produced in the reaction vessel₂The gas can be safely stored until it is extracted. Releasing CO upon reaction of the carbonating agent with the activating liquid₂A gas. Thereby increasing the pressure in the interior of the reaction vessel. The gas pressure in the reaction chamber may be, for example, up to 5bar, in particular up to 15bar and in some cases up to 20 bar. In order to withstand such pressures, it is advantageous to configure the reaction vessel as a pressure vessel.

In another embodiment, the reaction vessel has a safety valve.

For example, if the dosage of the carbonating agent is selected too high, in particular if too many tablets, tablets or parts are used, so that the pressure in the interior of the reaction vessel exceeds a defined threshold value, the safety valve opens and the CO₂Gas from the reaction vesselAnd (4) discharging. If the pressure in the interior of the reaction vessel is below the threshold value, the valve is closed again to maintain sufficient CO for the desired carbonation of the potable liquid₂A gas. Advantageously, the probability of damage, in particular destruction, of the carbonator due to overpressure in the interior of the reaction vessel can thus be minimized. Preferably, the threshold value is less than or equal to 20bar, in particular less than 15 bar.

In one embodiment, the reaction vessel has a pressure measuring device.

Advantageously, the user of the carbonator can read the internal pressure of the reaction vessel from the pressure display and identify whether the carbonation of the drinking liquid has ended. After the carbonating agent and activating liquid have begun to react, due to the CO released₂Gas, the pressure in the interior of the reaction vessel rises. If CO is present₂The gas dissolves in the drinking liquid and the pressure in the reaction vessel decreases again. The user can identify from the pressure display which pressure just fills the reaction chamber and wait until the pressure drops to a level that is safe for opening the reaction chamber. Thereby, a safe opening of the reaction vessel can be supported and the probability of a premature opening of the reaction vessel can be reduced.

In one embodiment, the reaction vessel has an acoustic and/or optical display device. The display means may for example comprise a sign, a whistle, a light and/or a loudspeaker.

For example, the display device may be coupled to the internal pressure of the reaction vessel and have a mechanism that lifts from the outside of the carbonator when the internal pressure of the reaction vessel reaches a certain value. For example, the whistle can be operated by the internal pressure of the reaction vessel and by means of CO present in the reaction vessel₂The gas produces a whistle sound.

In this way, the user can particularly easily identify in an advantageous manner: in what state the drinking liquid to be carbonated is, for example, whether the carbonation is over or is still in progress.

In one embodiment, the carbonator has a gas filter.

The gas filter can advantageously lead to only gas, in particular CO₂The gas reaches the drinking liquid container. The filter can prevent reaction residues, in particular of the reaction of the carbonating agent with the activating liquid, from penetrating into the drinking-liquid container and giving rise to an unpleasant taste of the drinking liquid. The gas filter is positioned at the gas outlet, for example in the reaction vessel.

In another embodiment, the interface mechanism comprises a flexible hose, wherein the hose is fluidly connected at a first end with the reaction vessel at the gas outlet, and wherein the hose is fluidly connectable at a second end with the drinking-liquid container.

The advantage of the hose as an interface for the carbonator to the drinking-liquid container is that CO is generated in a container which is spatially and structurally separate from the drinking-water container₂. The separation in turn leads to a reaction vessel which is easier to handle, since it can be connected to a drinking water container via a hose. Thereby, the reaction vessel can be connected to any drinking water vessel in an improved manner with respect to the prior art.

Shaking, and preferably vigorous shaking, of the drinking liquid container results in CO in the drinking liquid₂The gas dissolves better in the drinking liquid and improves the carbonation of the drinking liquid. By using a hose, the drinking liquid container can be moved away from the reaction vessel, which simplifies the shaking for the user.

Furthermore, shaking the reaction vessel may result in a better interaction of the carbonating agent and the activating liquid, since e.g. small pieces consisting of the carbonating agent dissolve better. Thus, CO is improved by using a hose as the interface mechanism₂And reduces the risk of drinking liquid coming into contact with the activating liquid or reaction products therein.

The generation of CO2 depends on, among other things, how soluble the carbonating agent is in the activating liquid and how much of the carbonating agent reacts with the activating liquid. The carbonating agent is preferably present in the form of a compressed tablet or powder. By shaking the reaction vessel, small lumps or supporting tablets in the carbonating agent are broken, which increases the reactivity of the carbonating agent. In other words, shaking results in more CO₂The gas is generated from the carbonating agent and the activating liquid.

In another embodiment, the hose comprises an adapter at its second end, by means of which the second end can be fluidly connected to the drinking-liquid container.

Depending on the requirements and the variety of drinking liquid containers, different adapters can be provided for different interfaces at the drinking liquid container.

The connection of the hose via the adapter to the drinking-liquid container advantageously results in that the adapter can be exchanged depending on the drinking-liquid container, in particular depending on its opening or its interface shaping. Depending on the type of interface of the drinking-liquid container, a suitable adapter can be selected, for example, from a large number of different adapters. Thereby, the proposed carbonator can be connected to a large number of differently shaped drinking liquid containers.

In this embodiment, the air outlet valve may be provided in or at the hose, and in particular at the first or second end of the hose. In other words, the reaction vessel is connected to the drinking liquid container via the gas outlet valve and the hose.

In a further aspect, the invention relates to a drinking-liquid container having a wall in which at least one gas inlet with at least one inlet valve is arranged, wherein the inlet valve is a priority valve which is opened by means of a gas pressure applied from the outside in the event of a preset setting pressure being exceeded.

For example, the set pressure of the priority valve may have a value of more than 1 bar.

In another aspect, the invention relates to an apparatus for carbonating a potable liquid having a carbonator and a potable liquid container.

Drawings

Embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the drawings. The figures show:

fig. 1 shows the intent of an embodiment in which the reaction vessel includes two chambers.

Fig. 2 shows a schematic view of an embodiment in which the reaction vessel comprises one chamber.

Fig. 3 shows a schematic enlarged view of a part in fig. 1.

Fig. 4 shows a schematic view of an embodiment in which the reaction vessel comprises one chamber with a detailed description of the sealing means of the reaction vessel.

Figure 5 shows a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a carbonator having two chambers and a drinking-liquid container.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 shows a cross-sectional view of an apparatus 1 for carbonating a drinking liquid 2, the apparatus being in a drinking-liquid container 100. The drinking liquid container is formed by a circumferential wall 104 and a bottom wall 106. A gas inlet 108 is positioned in the bottom wall 106, and an inlet valve 110, in particular a priority valve, is positioned in the gas inlet opening. The intake valve 110 is removable from the gas inlet 108 so that the gas inlet 108 can be used as a drinking opening. Thus, the drinking-liquid container 100 can be used as a drinking bottle.

The apparatus 1 comprises a carbonator 10 having a reaction vessel 12. The reaction vessel 12 comprises a lid 24 and a reaction cup 20, wherein in this embodiment the lid 24 and the reaction cup 20 are connected to each other via a snap-on closure 26. Reaction cup 20 includes a bottom wall 22.

The first chamber 30 is disposed in the interior of the reaction vessel 12. The first chamber 30 is formed by a chamber insert 32 that includes an annular peripheral wall 34 and a bottom wall 36. The first chamber 30 is fixed at the reaction cup 20 via a flange 38. The second chamber 50 is formed by the reaction cup 20 itself. The first chamber 30 and the second chamber 50 are fluidly connected to each other via a connection opening 66.

The activating liquid 6 is in the first chamber 30. Carbonator 4 is in second chamber 50. In this embodiment, carbonating agent 4 is present in powder form. In other embodiments, carbonating agent 4 may be present, for example, in a compressed tablet, a solid, or in some other suitable form.

In the connecting opening 66 is a valve 68, which on the one hand prevents CO₂The gas 8 penetrates into the first chamber 30 and, on the other hand, traps the activation liquid 6. The valve 68 in the connection opening 66 can be operated via the operating mechanism 62. In this embodiment, the actuating means 62 is designed as an actuating pin 64 which extends through the first chamber 30 and the cover 24 into the region outside the reaction vessel 12.The operating pin 64 may be operated manually by a user of the carbonator or automatically by connecting the drinking liquid container 100 to the carbonator 10. In the embodiment shown here, the bottom wall 106 of the drink liquid container 100 is pressed against the operating pin 64 when the drink liquid container 100 is connected.

By operating the operating pin 64, the valve 68 in the connecting opening 66 is opened. The activation liquid 6 can flow from the first chamber 30 into the second chamber 50 via the connection opening 66. Upon contact of the activating liquid 6 with the carbonating agent 4, a reaction is initiated in the second chamber 50 in which CO is released₂And (4) gas 8.

The drinking liquid container 100 is connected to the carbonator 10 via an interface mechanism 80. The interface 80 may be configured, for example, as a nipple 82a having threads 84 or a snap-fit closure. In the embodiment shown here, two pipe connections 82a, 82b are provided, of which pipe connection 82b engages at the wall 102 of the drinking-liquid container 100.

The flange 38 has an opening 40 for CO generated in the second chamber 50₂Through which the gas 8 can exit from the second chamber 50. A gas filter 44 is arranged before the opening, said gas filter being derived from CO₂The gas was filtered of the undesired reaction residues.

Released CO₂The gas 8 passes through the gas filter 44 and through the opening 40, the gas outlet valve 16, the gas outlet 14 and through the inlet valve 110 into the drinking liquid container 100, in order to carbonate the drinking liquid 2 there.

In this embodiment, carbonator 10 includes a relief valve 90 positioned in reaction cup 20. CO2₂The gas 8 may be vented from the second chamber 50 through a safety valve 90 to avoid overpressure in the reaction vessel 12. Furthermore, the carbonator 10 includes a pressure measuring device 92 that displays the pressure in the interior of the reaction vessel 12 to a user of the carbonator 10.

Fig. 2 shows a schematic view of an apparatus 1 for carbonating a drinking liquid 2 according to another embodiment. The device 1 comprises a drinking liquid container 100 filled with a drinking liquid 2. The drinking liquid container 100 includes a surrounding wall 104 and a bottom wall 106. Gas inlet 108 structureIn the bottom wall 106. In the gas inlet 108 is an inlet valve 110, which prevents the drinking liquid 2 from flowing out of the drinking liquid container 100. The inlet valve 110 in the gas inlet 108 is also made so that the gas, in particular CO₂Gas may be introduced into the drinking-liquid container 100. The inlet valve 110 is a priority valve which opens when a preset set pressure is exceeded, for example a set pressure of more than 1 bar.

Since the drinking liquid container 100 has a drinking opening 101, said drinking opening 101 being provided at the end of the drinking liquid container opposite the gas inlet 108, the inlet valve 110 can be kept in the gas inlet 108 if the user wants to remove the drinking liquid container 100 with carbonated drinking liquid 2.

A drinking liquid container 100 is connected to the carbonator 10. The carbonator 10 includes a reaction vessel 12 formed by a reaction cup 20. The lid 24 is fixed at the reaction cup 20 via a snap-on closure 26, whereby the reaction vessel 12 is closed. The reaction vessel 12 forms a chamber 13. Reaction cup 20 includes a bottom wall 22. A powder pack holder (padauflow) 28 is positioned at the bottom wall 22. A carbonating agent 4 in the form of a powder pack (Pad)3 is laid on the powder pack holder 28. The powder packet 3 has a package 5 in which a carbonating agent 4 is located. The powder package holder 28 holds the powder package 3 with the carbonating agent 4 in a position such that the opening mechanism 70 can open the powder package 3 with the carbonating agent 4. In this embodiment, the opening mechanism 70 is configured as a cutting device 72. In operation, the cutting device 72 cuts into the package 5 of the powder packet 3 with the carbonating agent 4, thereby opening the packet.

The reaction cup 20 is filled with an activating liquid 6 which surrounds the powder packet 3 with the carbonating agent 4. If the packaging 5 of the powder packet 3 is opened by operating the cutting device 72, the activating liquid 6 reaches the powder packet 3 with the carbonating agent 4 and/or the carbonating agent 4 can leave the powder packet 3 and enter the activating liquid 6. The activating liquid 6 and the carbonating agent 4 react with each other and release CO₂And (4) gas 8. Released CO₂The gas 8 passes through the gas outlet 14 fitted with the gas outlet valve 16 and into the drinking water container 100 through the other gas inlet 108 of the drinking liquid container 100 fitted with the inlet valve 110. In the drinking water container 100, the drinking liquid 2 to be carbonated absorbs CO₂The gas 8 is thus carbonated.

The carbonator 10 is also equipped with a safety valve 90 configured for: when the pressure in the interior of the chamber 13 reaches a certain, possibly critical value, CO will be introduced₂The gas 8 is released from the chamber 13 into the environment. Furthermore, the carbonator 10 is equipped with a pressure measuring device 92. The pressure measuring device 92 measures the pressure in the interior of the chamber 13. The display 94 displays the pressure within the chamber 13 as measured by the pressure measuring device 92 to a user of the carbonator 10. For example, the pressure measuring device 92 and/or the display device 94 may be formed purely mechanically, purely electronically or electromechanically.

Fig. 3 schematically shows a cross-sectional view of a connection between a drinking-liquid container 100 and a carbonator 10 according to one embodiment. The diagram corresponds to the portion X in fig. 1. The gas outlet 14 provided in the lid 24 of the reaction vessel 12 is shown on one side of the carbonator 10. A gas outlet valve 16 comprising a spring element 17, a seal 18 and a valve body 19 is arranged in the gas outlet 14. The seal 18 is fixedly connected to the cover 24. The spring element 17 is supported on a component which is not shown.

The valve body 19 can take up two positions. In the closed position, the valve body 19 bears against the seal 18, so that there is no CO₂Gas 8 may escape from the reaction vessel 12 through a gas outlet 14. The spring element 17 is pretensioned such that it presses the valve body 19 into the closed position, i.e. against the seal 18.

A portion of the bottom wall 106 of the drinking-liquid container 100 is shown. A gas inlet 108 with an interface mechanism 80 is positioned in the bottom wall 106. The gas inlet 108 includes an inlet valve 110. Inlet valve 110 allows CO₂The gas 8 flows into the drinking-liquid container 100. The inlet valve 110 blocks in the opposite direction and prevents the drinking liquid 2 from flowing into the reaction vessel 12. The threads 84 are provided at the interface means 80 of the drinking-liquid container 100 and at the lid 24 of the reaction vessel, respectively, so that the drinking-liquid container 100 can be connected via the further gas inlet 108 to the reaction vessel 12 via the gas outlet 14.

When the drinking liquid container 100 is connected with the reaction container 12, the connection is carried outThe mouth piece 80 is connected to the seal 18 in a form-fitting manner, so that no CO is present₂Gas 8 escapes between the drinking vessel 100 and the reaction vessel 12. If the drinking-liquid container 100 is connected to the reaction vessel 12, for example by screwing the drinking-liquid container 100 with the gas inlet 108 at the lid 24 with the gas outlet 14 using the thread 84, the interface 80 moves the valve body 19 in the direction F against the spring force of the spring device 17. Thereby, the valve body 19 is disengaged from the seal 18 and CO₂Gas 8 may flow from the reaction vessel 12 into the drinking liquid container 100. If the drinking-liquid container 100 is separated again from the reaction vessel 12, the spring means 17 presses the valve body 19 against the seal 18, so that the reaction vessel 12 is closed again.

Fig. 4 shows an apparatus 1 for carbonating a drinking liquid 2 according to another embodiment, the apparatus having a chamber 13. The chamber 13 is formed by the reaction vessel 12. The reaction vessel 12 includes a reaction cup 20 and is closed by a lid 24. In the interior of the chamber 13 are an activating liquid 6 and a powder packet 3 filled with a carbonating agent 4 and closed by a package 5.

The powder package 3 is placed on the powder package holder 28. If the cover 24 is placed on the reaction vessel 20 and moved downward in the direction F, the cutting means 72 fixed at the cover 24 is also moved downward in the direction F. Here, the cutting device 72 is moved downwards, so that it opens the packaging 5 of the powder packet 3 and the activation liquid 6 comes into contact with the carbonating agent 4. Thereby, the reaction of the activating liquid 6 with the carbonating agent 4 to CO can be started₂Gas 8 and remaining components.

The reaction vessel 12 must already be pressure-tightly closed at the point in time when the reaction begins. If this is not the case, the CO released₂Gas 8 escapes from the reaction vessel 12 between the reaction cup 20 and the lid 24. For sealing the reaction vessel 12, a seal 27, in particular an annular seal, is arranged between the reaction cup 20 and the lid 24. In this embodiment, the seal 27 between the reaction cup 20 and the lid 24 is configured as an O-ring. The seal 27 is shown in the enlarged portion Y between the reaction cup 20 and the lid 24.

If the cover 24 has already been fitted on the reaction cup 20 but has not yet been placed in its final position, the reaction vessel 12 passes through the sealThe seal 27 is closed pressure-tightly. At this point in time, the cutting device 72 has not yet reached the package 5 of the powder packet 3. This moment is shown in fig. 4. If the cover 24 is moved downwards in the direction F, the edge of the cover 24 slides along the wall of the reaction cup 20, wherein the reaction vessel 12 remains pressure-tightly closed. The reaction of the activating liquid 6 with the carbonating agent 4 may now release CO₂Gas 8, and CO₂The gas 8 cannot escape from the reaction vessel 12.

Fig. 5 shows a system 1 for carbonating a drinking liquid 2. The system 1 comprises a carbonator 10 which is fluidly connected to the drinking liquid container 100 via a hose 112.

The carbonator 10 in the illustrated embodiment has a left chamber and a right chamber, i.e., two chambers. The two chambers together form a reaction vessel 12 here. The chambers are separated from one another by a partition wall and are connected to one another via a connecting mechanism, which is arranged here as a connecting opening in the upper region of the reaction vessel.

To carbonate the drinking liquid 2, an activating liquid 6 is filled into one of the chambers. Carbonating agent 4 is introduced into the other chamber. In the embodiment shown, by tilting the carbonator, the activating liquid 6 from its chamber flows via a dividing wall into the adjacent chamber with the carbonating agent 4, which brings the carbonating agent 4 into contact with the activating liquid 6. If desired, carbonator 10 may be shaken to better mix the mixture of activating liquid 6 and carbonating agent 4 and add CO₂Yield.

Upon reaction of the activating liquid 6 with the carbonating agent 4, CO is released₂Gas 8, said CO₂The gas rises in the excess activation liquid 6 or the remaining components of the reaction and collects in the upper region of the reaction vessel 12.

In the upper region of the reaction vessel 12, the carbonator 10 comprises a gas outlet 14. The carbonator 10 is fluidly connected to the drinking liquid container 100 via a flexible hose 112. To this end, a first end of the hose is fluidly connected to the gas outlet 14, while a second end is fluidly connected to the drinking-liquid container 100.

To prevent CO₂The gas 8 is up to the specific and necessaryWhen it comes out of the reaction vessel 12 before the pressure required for carbonating the drinking liquid 2, the carbonator 10 comprises a gas outlet valve 16 in the gas outlet 14. In this embodiment, another outlet valve 16 is positioned at the second end of the hose 112. The outlet valve 16 can be designed in particular as a check valve, and preferably as a ball check valve.

For example, the outlet valve 16 may be configured such that it is opened by inserting the hose 112. To this end, the first or second end of the hose 112 may include a plug that opens a mechanism in the interior of the outlet valve 16.

For safety reasons, the embodiment shown has a pressure relief valve 114 in the drinking liquid container 100. Excess CO if the pressure within the reaction vessel 12 becomes excessive for the drinking liquid vessel₂The gas 8 may be released to the environment via a pressure relief valve 114. In an alternative embodiment, the pressure relief valve 114 is located, for example, directly in the carbonator, and in particular in the wall of the reaction vessel 12.

In fig. 5, the state of the system 1 is shown, in which the activation liquid 6 and the carbonating agent 4 have mixed with each other and released CO₂And (4) gas 8. CO2₂The gas 8 enters the drinking liquid container 100 through the gas outlet 14, the gas outlet valve 16 and the hose 112, where the CO is present₂The gas carbonates the drinking liquid 2.

In an alternative and not shown embodiment, the two chambers of the carbonator 10 are connected to each other via a connection mechanism, wherein the connection mechanism comprises a valve. In this embodiment, the reaction occurs in only one chamber, as the valve prevents back flow of the activating liquid 6 from the chamber with the carbonating agent 4.

In another alternative and not shown embodiment, the first chamber with the activating liquid 6 is positioned in a second chamber filled with the carbonating agent 4. For this purpose, the first chamber can be designed, in particular, in the form of a pot, so that it can be suspended in the second chamber. In this embodiment, the first chamber has a closable outlet representing the connection means. The outlet can be opened from outside the reaction vessel 12, for example, by mechanical or electromechanical coupling, and in particular manually by connecting the reaction vessel 12 to a hose 112 or by operating a pin.

List of reference numerals

Apparatus for carbonating drinking liquids

2 drink liquid

3 powder bag

4 carbonation agent

5 packaging

6 activating liquid

8 CO₂Gas (es)

10 carbonator

12 reaction vessel

13 chamber

14 gas outlet

16 air outlet valve

17 spring device

18 seal

19 valve body

20 reaction cup

22 bottom wall

24 cover

26 Snap closure

27 seal

28 powder bag base

30 first chamber

32 chamber insert

34 surrounding the peripheral wall

36 bottom wall

38 flange

40 opening

44 gas filter

50 second chamber

62 operating mechanism

64 operating pin

66 connection opening

68 valve

70 opening mechanism

72 cutting device

80 interface mechanism

82a pipe joint

82b pipe joint

84 thread

90 safety valve

92 pressure measuring device

94 display device

100 drink liquid container

101 drinking opening

102 wall of a drinking liquid container

104 surrounding the wall

106 bottom wall

108 gas inlet

110 inlet valve

112 hose

114 pressure reducing valve

In the F direction

Moiety X

And (3) amplifying the part of Y.