EP1557220A2 - Apparatus for dispensing a carbonated beverage - Google Patents

Abstract

The dispenser for beverages containing carbonic acid, and especially a domestic appliance to give an automatic delivery of chilled soda water, has a mixing container (4) for water with a control valve linked to a supply of compressed carbon dioxide. At least part of the base wall of the container has a high thermal conductivity as a cooling plate (31), working with a thermo-electric Peltier element (33) with its cool side in contact with the base wall. The container has a horizontal rotating shaft (20) with attached mixers (29). A powered external shaft (25) is in alignment with the internal shaft, with a non-contact magnetic coupling between them.

Description

The invention relates to a device for dispensing beverages, in particular a device for fully automatic production of cooled soda water in the household area. It is too for use in offices, restaurants and everywhere suitable where soda water is needed.

Various soda water devices are known in the art. For the household sector kitchen appliances are commercialized, in which in a to be inserted into the device bottle Drinking water is filled, this then by Using a pressurized carbon dioxide cartridge with Carbonic acid is added. Here is the resulting drink with the original temperature continues to be used.

From EP 0 990 863 a device for dispensing still water is known, wherein the water is temporarily stored in a container. In the container protrudes a heat exchange surface which is connected to the one, cold side of a Peltier element, wherein the other, warm side of the Peltier element is connected via a heat sink to the outside space.
Based on this prior art, the present invention seeks to improve a device of the type mentioned in order to be able to offer at any time in the domestic sector cooled soda water, so a mixed with carbon dioxide beverage.

This object is erfinlungsgemäss for a device of the type mentioned solved with the features of claim 1, which comprises a device for dispensing beverages, in particular for the fully automatic production of cooled soda water in the Household area, with a mixing container for holding water, with a pressurized, carbon dioxide releasing Means, with a pressure limiting in the mixing vessel control valve, wherein at least a part of a bottom wall of the container consists of a good heat conducting material and that one The thermoelectric element is provided with its in operation Cooling side with the said part of the bottom wall thermally conductive connected is.

This device is characterized by its storage volume of 2.5 liters Water to cover the daily requirement of fresh soda water Family designed by three people. The water will be at least completely renewed three times a day. A higher consumption But it does not matter, because the used water replaced immediately; at the same time the carbonic acid content is supplemented, so that the mixture of water and carbonic acid is always constant remains. This fully automatic mixing process guarantees a constantly constant quality of soda water. Of the Content of the carbonic acid cylinder is sufficient for the production of about 40 liters of soda water. After the carbon dioxide is consumed is, the empty carbonated cylinder with a full commercial-usual Carbonic acid cylinder to be replaced.

The adjustable heat exchanger (electronic cooling unit), allows you to set a constant temperature of the soda water.

In order to achieve a higher economic efficiency, the device is with an electronic timer equipped with the help of the Operating times can be programmed.

Commissioning is very easy; the apparatus is set up or for example with the help of four dowels on the desired Place attached to the wall, on the water pipe over connected to a water stop, and via the socket with electricity provided. Due to the small size of the device (a Prototype has a height of 450mm, a width of 330mm and a depth of 350 mm), there is the possibility of this to accommodate everywhere.

The soda water is removed by placing under the soda-drain - Faucet 7 held a glass, and the button 45 is pressed.

Advantageously, a rotatable horizontal shaft is in the Container provided, are mounted on the mixer elements.

In a preferred embodiment is aligned with the shaft provided outside the container a driven shaft, arranged on both waves permanent magnetic elements are to form a non-contact magnetic coupling, with which the mixer elements are driven. This indicates the usually in operation under a pressure of up to 2 bar standing-hende Container only a few passages to the outside, a water inlet, a water outlet and gas inlet, also in one single or two passes can be combined. Especially So tightness problems when driving the mixer elements be consistently avoided.

Further advantageous embodiments are in the subclaims characterized.

Fig. 1

eine schematische Seitenansicht des Gerätes nach einem Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung,

Fig. 2

eine perspektivische Ansicht des Gerätes nach Fig. 1 schräg von unten,

Fig. 3

eine schematische Seitenansicht des Gerätes von der nach Fig. 1 gegenüberliegenden Seite,

Fig. 4

eine perspektivische Ansicht des Gerätes nach Fig. 3 schräg von oben,

Fig. 5

eine schematische teilweise geschnittene Ansicht des Gerätes entlang der Linie A-A aus Fig. 3,

Fig. 6

eine schematische teilweise geschnittene Ansicht des Gerätes entlang der Linie B-B aus Fig. 5,

Fig. 7

eine schematische perspektivische Ansicht eines Magnetantriebes des Gerätes nach Fig. 1,

Fig. 8

eine schematische vergrösserte Ansicht eines Teils des Magnetantriebes nach Fig. 7,

Fig. 9

eine schematische perspektivische Ansicht eines Gerätes nach einem zweiten Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung als integrierter Bestandteil eines fahrbaren Schrankes,

Fig. 10

eine schematische Vorderansicht des seitlich offenen Gerätes nach Fig. 9,

Fig. 11

eine schematische Seitenansicht des Gerätes nach Fig. 9, und

Fig. 12

eine geschnittene vergrösserte Ansicht des Gerätes nach Fig. 4.

The invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying embodiments. Show it:

Fig. 1

a schematic side view of the device according to an embodiment of the invention,

Fig. 2

a perspective view of the device of FIG. 1 obliquely from below,

Fig. 3

1 is a schematic side view of the device of the opposite side of FIG. 1,

Fig. 4

a perspective view of the device of FIG. 3 obliquely from above,

Fig. 5

3 is a schematic partially sectioned view of the device along the line AA of Fig. 3,

Fig. 6

2 is a schematic partial sectional view of the device along the line BB of FIG. 5,

Fig. 7

1 is a schematic perspective view of a magnetic drive of the device according to FIG. 1,

Fig. 8

a schematic enlarged view of a portion of the magnetic drive of FIG. 7,

Fig. 9

a schematic perspective view of an apparatus according to a second embodiment of the invention as an integral part of a mobile cabinet,

Fig. 10

a schematic front view of the laterally open device of FIG. 9,

Fig. 11

a schematic side view of the device of FIG. 9, and

Fig. 12

a sectional enlarged view of the device of FIG. 4th

Fig. 1 shows the device via the water connection 1 and a water stop 9 is connected to the water line. Through the carbonic cylinder guide 11, in the view of 3, a filled carbonic acid cylinder is introduced, and screwed into the electromagnetic carbonic acid valve 12. The device usually has to be connected to the usual power supply (230V) can be connected. By operation of the switch 39, the device is put into operation. The indicator light 40 lights up. As the container for soda water preparation 4 is empty, the switch shown in Fig. 6 Float 3 with switch for water level, in the container 4 is provided, the electromagnetic water valve 2, so that at the water connection 1 pending tap water on the Inlet water pipe 5 into the tank 4 for soda water preparation can flow into it. Once the desired water level is reached, the float 3 switches with a switch for Water level the electromagnetic water valve 2 off.

Once the control electronics 30 reaches the signal "water level" (in the present embodiment about 2.5 liters) has gotten, the electric motor 18 (see Fig. 1) is turned on. Via the belt drive wheel 21, drive belt for water mixer 23 and the pulley for water mixer 24 is the initialized magnetic mixing system, or over the Drive belt for fan 22 becomes the fan with belt drive wheel 27 actuated. At the same time the electromagnetic carbonic acid valve 12, so that the carbonic acid from the carbonic acid cylinder 10, over the check valve 17 and the carbon dioxide inlet line 13 in the container for soda water preparation 4 can get. After the pressure reaches about 1.8 bar is the carbonic pressure switch 14 switches the electromagnetic Carbonic acid valve 12 off, and interrupts the carbonation. The check valve 17 prevents the pressure can dodge.

Meanwhile, with the help of the magnetic water mixer system in Shape of a rotatable shaft 28 with the pallets for water mixer Put the water in the container for soda water preparation 4 mixed with carbon dioxide under constant whirling. Of the Container 4 has a lying cheese bell shape, that is, the water level 82 is in each case parallel to the axis of symmetry of Bell jar. The water mixers 29 are on the shaft 28 on the axis of symmetry fastened, rotate about this symmetry axis 20 and dive into the water more or less depending on the level one. You have a hole pattern that, for example, between 30 and 70 percent passage for the water offers. The water mixer 29 are rounded in the upper bell area and follow the Inner wall of the container 4. It can, for example, four mixers be provided at a regular interval of 90 degrees. The Number can also be bigger or smaller.

By mixing under pressure, the carbonic acid between the Fixed water molecules. This reduces the pressure in the container for soda water preparation 4; the carbonic pressure switch 14 opens again the electromagnetic carbonic acid valve (12) until the default value of 1.8 bar is reached again. This Cycle repeats so often, until in a short time the pressure in the soda-water preparation tank 4 remains constant. So the soda water gets the ideal concentration of carbon dioxide. The carbonic acid content of a typical (C02) carbonic acid cylinder 10 is enough for approx. 40 liters of soda water. Will the carbonic cylinder 10 completely emptied, the carbonated differential pressure switch turns 15 via the control electronics 30 the Device off. The carbon cylinder idle indicator 16 lights up on. To the empty carbon dioxide cylinder 10 with a full to be able to replace the lid 43 in the operator direction drawn. This is a very simple procedure since the lid is in the upper area runs on two plastic rails, and in the Corners is held with four magnets. After the lid 43 has been removed, the carbonic cylinder 10 is counterclockwise turned out, and the full carbonated cylinder, in Turned clockwise. The lid is with the top Edge placed on the two guide rails, and towards the device pushed until this held by the four magnets again becomes. To restart the device, the (on / off) main switch 40 first on (off) and then on (on) actuated. This repeats the described cycle.

To cool the soda and make it tastier, the device has a cooling unit with Peltier - Heat exchange element 33. The radiator plate 31, in the Fig. 12 according to shown in a perspective section, the via a sealing ring to the container for soda water preparation 4 is made of aluminum, and is so Constructed that they deal with a large amount of soda water in constant contact. In particular, the radiator plate 31 of a good heat conducting material in the area arranged below the axis 20, since there is the main part the water is located. Between the radiator plate 31 and the body frame 42 is a cold insulation plate 32, (Polystyrene). The Peltier heat exchange element 33 is in the cold -Isölierungsplatte 32 embedded and by means of a thermal paste glued to the radiator plate 31. The opposite Surface is placed on the cooler for the Peltier element 34 with thermal grease glued. The Peltier heat exchange element 33 has the Property that it is connected to DC between its hot and cold surface a big temperature difference of up to 40 ° C. Through permanent cooling the hot surface over the cooler for the Peltier element 34th By means of fan with belt drive wheel 27, the temperature drops the cold surface, or the temperature of the radiator plate 31, which continues to cool the water. To the emergence counteracting too low a temperature is a provided electronic temperature switch, which is the Peltier element when falling below a lower threshold temperature switches off and when an upper threshold temperature is exceeded turns.

The sensor of the temperature switch is on the radiator plate 31st glued, and made possible by means of a potentiometer (cooling range temperature controller) 36 the temperature of soda water between 6 ° C and 16 ° C set. The temperature controller function display 37 lights up when the desired temperature is reached is. To colder seasons, or in the event that one Soda water temperature above 16 ° C, it is possible the chiller via the chiller (on / off) switch 38 off. The chiller (on) indicator 39 then goes out.

The most important function in the preparation of soda water, and to achieve the best possible quality of soda water is the very good mixing of carbon dioxide in the water. In the world Comparison to other soda water preparation devices in the Household, and in its small size, this device is the Only ones of its kind that achieve the ideal quality of soda water can, and fully automatically.

This is achievable with pallets 29 which are more even certain speed (about 60 to 180 rpm, in particular 120 U / min.) In the water rotate so that it under Water comes to very strong turbulence. This movement process is achieved by on the driven part, pos.2 of the magnetic drive, four pallets, in pairs facing each other and rotated 90 ° to each other, with a pallet width shifted, to be assembled. The pallets must have holes (minimum diameter 10 mm) so that the turbulence is so high as much as possible. The same purpose is served by the additional ribs 81 standing on the inside wall in the tank for soda-water preparation 4 are attached. Fig. 6 shows six im Angle uniformly spaced ribs 81, the slightly offset from the symmetry axis of the container 4 are. From the illustration of Fig. 6 it can be seen that the pallets 29 with their nabenfernsten areas comb-like in the ribs intervene. The float 3 is here at hub height attached, so that the resulting water level 82 exactly half container fills. The float 3 could also be higher or higher be located lower; the advantage of this arrangement is that that always half of the pallets 29 plow through the water, while half the container space is under pressure.

For this function of mixing is a magnetic drive for Water mixer provided, which will now be described. Of the Tank for soda water preparation in which the soda water is prepared consists of the tank for soda water preparation 4 and the radiator plate 31, which by means of a seal are attached waterproof to each other. If the cooler plate 31 forms the entire base plate of the container 4, is the rigid axle 20 is pushed through the center of the radiator plate 31 and watertight screwed to the plate 31. On this axis 20, the entire magnetic drive is constructed, as shown in Fig. 7 and FIG. 8 is shown. Outside the water tank 4 is the Drive part (referred to Pos.1) of the magnetic drive system for water mixer 25 ball bearings. This will be the part on Pulley for water mixer 24 attached. Frontal in the drive part and parallel to the axis of rotation 20, on a pitch circle of 40 mm, twelve magnets (in the embodiment with a Diameter of 7.6 mm and 28 mm long). Here is taken into account that with these magnets the poles (N or S) alternate toward cooler plate 31, as in the solenoid drive scheme shown, show. On the drive part Pos.1, turns ball-bearing the fan with belt drive wheel 27 with here approx 1200 rpm. Both rotary movements are done with an electric motor 19 via the Riemenantriebsrad 21, and in each case via the drive belt for fan 22 and the drive belt for water mixer 23, driven at different speeds. In order to a magnetic rotor is given, with the rotational energy magnetically or electromagnetically transmitted to the shaft 28 becomes. The magnetic field strength is dimensioned such that a for mixing optimum torque is transmitted.

On the projecting into the water tank end of the axis, is the driven part (referred to Pos.2) of the magnetic drive attached with the pallets of water mixer 29. The driven one Part, Pos.2, like the drive part equipped with magnets. The number and execution of the here attached is correct Magnets preferably with the magnets mentioned under Pos.1 match. The container near the end of the axis 20 is preferably spherically formed, so that the axial force, the between the magnets of the drive part Pos.1 and the magnets of the driven part Pos.2 acts, in one point at the end of Axis 20 is recorded. This design causes on the one hand, that friction is reduced to a minimum value, and on the other hand This means for the entire drive of the magnetic drive and the fan that only has an electric motor of about 60W needed at 230V.

The magnetic fields of the drive part Pos.1 and the driven Part Pos.2 close through the radiator plate 31, for example an aluminum plate as in the magnetic drive scheme 8, and cause the driven part Pos.2 rotates synchronously to the drive part Pos.1. In this area the aluminum plate should not be thicker than 3 mm, and the distance between the magnets should then not exceed 3.5mm. In Fig. 8, the cavity between the magnets shown, for the sake of clarity, the Plate itself not shown.

To facilitate the operation of the device and economical is preferably a programmable electronic Timer 44 installed. With this timer, it is possible to program the device so that, for example, in one Household, at 17 o'clock, when the family members come home, the device is turned on automatically, and at 23 o'clock, if the family members usually go to sleep, automatically is switched off. When setting up a device in At an office, the device will switch on at 7 o'clock when the employees to appear to work, and at 18 o'clock, if the employees usually go home, the device turns off. Over weekends the device stays switched off anyway. It can be provided be that soda water generation with or without cooling also in the periods of shutdown by a corresponding operation can be forced.

Figs. 9 to 11 show a second device, especially for Operating locations is provided, where no connection to a Water pipe is possible, or the water quality is not guaranteed is. Then it is preferably provided that as in the embodiment described below, the drinking water from a commercial water tank is obtained.

The device described in connection with FIGS. 1 to 8 will in this case on a frame 46 equipped with castors appropriate. At the bottom of the frame is a cupboard, in which the drinking water tank 47 is located.

Through the water supply line 50, the device to the water pump 49 connected. The water intake 48 protrudes to the bottom of the drinking water tank 47 and is directly to the Water pump 49 connected.

If the water level 82 in the tank 4 sinks for soda water preparation, the float 3 switches over the switch for water level the electromagnetic water valve 2 and the water pump 49, so that the required water pressure at the water connection 1 can be achieved.

The commissioning of this device is also very easy because it is possible to move the device to the desired location roll, and via a standard power supply (via the Power supply). The dimensions of the device According to FIGS. 9 to 11 are height 1465 mm, width 600 mm and depth 600 mm and remain here in a very acceptable frame. The table height for filling a drinking vessel 83 is here 850 mm.

In both versions, the device is characterized by its very compact design, a corresponding shapely design, small Dimensions and despite its complex control and functionality as extremely user-friendly. Easy handling, and the special magnet drive and storage of bewegli parts keep the wear to a very low level, and allow the device a long life at one time low power consumption of approx. 60W at 230V.

Finally, FIG. 12 shows a section enlarged View of the device of FIG. 4. The axis 20 is rigid and waterproof connected to the radiator plate 31. There is in the Radiator plate 31 has an opening 84 which through the axis 20 tight is completed. For this, the axle element 12 has a flange-like thickening caused by the in the container. 4 existing overpressure supports the sealing effect. On this rigid, non-rotatable shaft 20 rotates within the water tank 4 the driven shaft 28. Outside the water tank, on the drive side, the drive shaft rotates 25. It is essential in the illustrated embodiment, ensure that the cooler plate 31 is made of a non-magnetizable Material consists, so that the magnetic drive through this metallic barrier can reach through.

The container 4 has a taken in the Fig. 12 from the circle Magnification, which represents the top 121 of the axis 20. An inwardly directed projection 122 in the container 4 offers a second tip, against which the front of the cylindrical Wall of the front shaft portion 120 of the shaft 28 is supported, whereas the back of the cylindrical wall of the front shaft portion 120 of the shaft 28 opposite said Tip 121 is arranged.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1.

mains water supply

Second

Electromagnetic water valve

Third

Float with switch for water level

4th

Container for soda water preparation

5th

Inlet - water pipe

6th

Soda - drain - water pipe

7th

Soda drain - faucet

8th.

Water differential pressure switch for water stop

9th

water stop

10th

carbon dioxide cylinder

11th

Carbonic acid cylinder - guidance

12th

Electromagnetic - carbonic acid valve

13th

Carbonic acid inlet pipe

14th

Carbonic acid pressure switch

15th

Carbonic acid differential pressure switch

16th

Carbonic acid cylinder - empty status indicator

17th

Non-return valve for carbon dioxide

18th

Toroidal transformer

19th

electric motor

20th

axis

21st

Riemenantriebsrad

22nd

Drive belt for fans

23rd

Drive belt for water mixer

24th

Pulley for water mixer

25th

Magnetic drive system for water mixer

26th

magnet

27th

Fan with belt drive wheel

28th

rotatable shaft / magnetic water mixer system

29th

Pallets for water mixer

30th

control electronics

31st

cool plate

32nd

Cold - insulation

33rd

Peltier heat exchange element

34th

Cooler for Peltier element

35th

seal

36th

Cooling area - temperature controller

37th

Temperature controller - function display

38th

Cooling unit (on / off) - switch

39th

Cooling unit (on) - Display

40th

(on / off) - main switch

41st

(on) - Display

42nd

Construction - frame

43rd

cover

44th

Electronic timer

45th

stud

46th

roll stand

47th

water Cooler

48th

Wasseransaugleitung

49th

water pump

50th

Water supply line

81st

ribs

82nd

water level

83rd

drinking vessel

84th

opening

120th

front shaft section

121st

axis tip

122nd

head Start

Claims (10)

Apparatus for dispensing beverages, in particular for the fully automatic production of chilled soda water in the household sector, with a mixing container (4) for receiving water, with a pressurized, carbon dioxide emitting means (10, 12, 14), with a pressure in the mixing container (4) limiting control valve (14, 15), characterized in that at least part of a bottom wall (31) of the container (4) consists of a highly thermally conductive material and that a thermoelectric element (33) is provided, with its in operation Cooling side with the said part of the bottom wall (31) is thermally conductively connected. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the thermoelectric element (33) is a Peltier element. Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the bottom wall (31) is arranged vertically and that the container (4) placed on the bottom wall (31) can receive a glove and / or a pressure of more than 1.5 bar. Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that a rotatable horizontal shaft (28) in the container (4) is provided, are mounted on the mixer elements (29). Apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that the mixer elements (29) have a to the inner wall of the rotationally symmetrical body of the container (4) substantially complementary shape. Apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that the mixer elements (29) have openings and / or that on the inner wall of the container (4) Verwirbelungsrippen (81) are provided. Device according to one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that symmetrical about the longitudinal axis of the shaft (28) outside the container (4) magnetic elements are provided, that on the shaft (28) permanent magnetic elements are arranged to a non-contact magnetic coupling, wherein the shaft (28) is rotatable about its longitudinal axis by means of a rotating electromagnetic field generated externally by said magnetic elements. Device according to one of claims 4 to 7, characterized in that in alignment with the shaft (28) outside the container (4) is provided a driven shaft, and that on both shafts permanent magnetic elements are arranged to a non-contact magnetic coupling form. Device according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the device for water supply via a water pressure regulating device (1, 2) has. Device according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that in the container (4) a water level switch (3) is provided.

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