WO2020156900A1

WO2020156900A1 - Carbonator, drinking liquid container and device for carbonating a drinking liquid

Info

Publication number: WO2020156900A1
Application number: PCT/EP2020/051495
Authority: WO
Inventors: Bernd Freystedt; Simon Floren; Berthold Conradt; Johannes Michael RUBY; Stefan Hother; Giselher MARX
Original assignee: Brita Gmbh
Priority date: 2019-02-02
Filing date: 2020-01-22
Publication date: 2020-08-06
Also published as: CN113412059A; EP3917332A1; DE202019000510U1; IL285243A

Abstract

The invention relates to a carbonator (10) for carbonating a drinking liquid (2), comprising a reaction container (12) for spatially separately accommodating an activating liquid (6) and a carbonating agent (4) that is chemically active and together with the activating liquid (6) forms CO2 gas (8). The reaction container (12) has a gas outlet opening (14), joining means for combining the activating liquid (6) and of the carbonating agent (4) in order to trigger the chemical reaction between the activating liquid (6) and the carbonating agent (4), and having connecting means (80) arranged at the gas outlet opening (14) for connecting a drinking liquid container which has a drinking liquid container (100) containing a drinking liquid (2) to be carbonated, a gas outlet valve (16) being arranged in the gas outlet opening (14).

Description

Carbonator, drinking liquid container and device for carbonating a drinking liquid

description

The invention relates to a carbonizer for carbonizing drinking liquids according to the preamble of claim 1. The invention also relates to a drinking liquid container and a device for carbonating a drinking liquid.

Carbonated drinks are popular with many consumers. In order to avoid carrying carbonated beverages, such as mineral or table water, when shopping, consumers use devices to aerate conventional tap water, sometimes called carbonators.

Carbonation devices are connected to a gas cartridge that is filled with carbon dioxide (CO2) and can carbonate liquids until the supply of C0 ₂ gas in the cartridge is used up. The disadvantage of using gas cartridges is that the transportation of the cartridges is subject to strict regulations and regulations due to the risk of explosion if the cartridge is damaged. This results in high costs during transport, for example from production to a dealer. Furthermore, the cartridges have to be refilled, which usually requires compressors. Cartridge dealers usually offer a refill service, which, however, is expensive for the consumer to use.

To overcome these problems, there are alternative solutions that use a chemical reaction to release gas. For example a so-called carbonate or carbonizing agent is used, which, for. B. reacts with water together to form CO ₂ gas and residual components.

A system in which C0 ₂ gas is obtained from a carbonating agent and an activating liquid when it is then used to carbonate a beverage is known, for example, from US Pat. No. 9,364,018 B1. The carbonating agent and a beverage additive, such as. B. a syrup, are delivered together in sealed capsules. To prepare the beverage, the first chamber with the carbonating agent is opened and an activation liquid is added to the carbonating agent. The CCVGas liquid thus produced is then fed into a carbonation tank. The carbonated liquid is removed from the carbonation tank and fed to a mixing chamber, where a beverage additive from the second chamber of the capsule is mixed with the carbonated beverage. The drink prepared in this way is poured into a drinking glass.

The US 4, 186.215 A discloses a drinking glass in which a two-chamber object is placed. There is a beverage additive in an upper chamber and a powdering agent is provided in a lower chamber. The two chambers are separated from each other by a semipermeable membrane, so that liquid can penetrate into the carbonate chamber and a gas can escape from the carbonate chamber. If liquid is poured into the drinking glass, some of it passes through the semiper meable membrane. The liquid portion passing through the membrane reacts with the powder, releasing the gas which penetrates the membrane and carbonizes the liquid. The residual components of the reaction can lead to an undesirable aftertaste in the drinking water.

EP 2 921 087 B1 discloses a device for carbonizing drinking liquids, which has a carbonization chamber or cartridge chamber. points. A cartridge with carbonizing agent is inserted into the cartridge chamber. Another embodiment provides that the cartridge has a space with carbonating agent and a space with drinking liquid. The chamber with the carbonating agent is pierced in order to supply activation water. The mixture of activation water and CO ₂ gas reaches the drinking liquid through a membrane. The bottom of the cartridge is also pierced in order to draw the prepared carbonized liquid downwards.

With this carbonizer, too, reaction products can get into the drinking liquid.

WO 2014/000092 A1 and WO 2014/131101 A1 disclose an automatic beverage dispenser for carbonating beverages. Inside the machine there is a carbonation chamber in which carbonizing agent, in particular a mixture of sodium and citric acid, reacts with an activation liquid, in particular water, to form CO ₂ gas and a reaction product. The activation liquid for the reaction is removed via a first connecting line and using a pump from a bottle in which the drinking liquid to be carbonated is located. The pump is started by the user, which also initiates the carbonation process.

The CO ₂ gas released by the reaction is passed into the drinking bottle via a second connecting line and the remaining liquid is carbonized. For this purpose, the bottle has an opening in the bottom with a gas inlet valve and a nozzle. The carbonizing agent is, for example, in a cartridge above the reaction chamber. When the cartridge is inserted, it is opened by a cutting device so that the carbonizing agent falls into the reaction chamber. Since the activation liquid is taken from the bottle in which the liquid to be carbonated is contained, the user must wait until the reaction of the carbonating agent with the activation liquid has been completed. Furthermore, the machine places high demands on the structure of the bottle, since it must have two connection points for connection to the machine. A conventional bottle with a standardized cap is out of the question for use with such a machine.

US 5,549,037 discloses a device in which carbonizing agents are in a first chamber of the device and an activation liquid in a second chamber of the device. The device is designed as a bottle top and is screwed onto a bottle before use. By turning the bottle together with the attachment, the activation liquid flows to the carbonating agent and releases C0 ₂ gas. The CO2 gas flows through a filter and an opening into the bottle, where the drinking liquid is carbonized.

So that reaction products such as salts and the like do not get to the filter and into the drinking liquid, partition walls are necessary in the attachment, which cause the CCV gas to be deflected in a suitable manner and the reaction products to be retained. The partitions must also be designed in such a way that when the bottle with the attachment is turned back, residual liquid is prevented from getting into the drink, so that the drink does not have an undesirable aftertaste. Furthermore, the Flandhabung, in which the bottle with the carbonation device is turned over, has to stand for the consumer and the consumer has to wait until the carbo nizing agent reacts with the water and C0 ₂ gas is released. US 4,466,342 discloses a device similar to US 5,549,037, but which is designed as an insert and is inserted into the neck of a bottle. The carbonation process is also carried out by turning over and, if necessary, shaking the bottle with the insert.

The object of the invention compared to the prior art is to propose a carbonizer for carbonizing a drinking liquid, which carries out the carbonization without the use of electrically operated components and improves handling for a user. It is also an object of the invention to propose a corresponding drinking liquid container and a device for carbonating a drinking liquid.

The carbonizer for carbonizing a drinking liquid has a reaction container for the spatially separate reception of an activation liquid and a carbonating agent, the carbonating agent being chemically active and forming CCV gas together with the activating liquid, and wherein the reaction container has a gas outlet opening. The carbonizer further comprises connecting means for bringing together the activation liquid and the carbonization agent in order to trigger the chemical reaction between the activation liquid and the carbonization agent. Furthermore, the carbonizer comprises connecting means arranged at the gas outlet opening for connecting a drinking liquid container which has a drinking liquid to be carbonized. A gas outlet valve is arranged in the gas outlet opening.

The drinking liquid can be, for example, water, in particular drinking water, a mixture of water and a flavoring component, in particular flavored syrup or alcoholic beverages. The activation liquid can be, for example, but not limited to water, juice, wine or dilute acids (eg citric acid). The carbonating agent can comprise a carbonate, for example sodium hydrogen carbonate, potassium hydrogen carbonate or sodium carbonate.

“Chemically active” is understood to mean a property of a substance that triggers a chemical reaction - here the reaction of the activation liquid with the carbonizing agent to form CO ₂ gas and a residual component - due to its increased reactivity at high speed and / or yield. A chemical compound can be activated, for example, by supplying an activation energy, in particular by heating, irradiation with light or by supplying a catalyst.

The connection means can be, for example, a thread, a bayonet lock, a plug-in and snap-in connection or another connection which is suitable for withstanding the gas pressure in the interior of the reaction chamber.

A drinking liquid container is understood to mean in particular a bottle, jug, can or another vessel for storing liquids.

The gas outlet valve in the gas outlet opening has the effect, in a particularly advantageous manner, that the CCV gas is held in the reaction vessel until the gas outlet valve is opened. The CCV gas can be released in the reaction chamber through the gas outlet valve, but can be saved for later use, regardless of whether a drinking liquid container is connected to the carbonator or not. In this way, for example, a user can start the reaction to release CO ₂ gas and freely decide when he wants to carbonate his drinking liquid. For example, the user can also start a new reaction immediately after use in order to later carbonate another second drinking liquid. In this process, the user has to wait until the CCV reaction has ended. However, the waiting time is not perceived by the user as a disadvantage, since the reaction can take place “on stock”. At the moment when the user wants to carbonize a second liquid, CO ₂ gas is already available so that the user does not have to wait.

With the proposed carbonizer, the period of time from the point in time at which the user has developed the desire to consume a carbonated drink to the point in time at which the user actually has a carbonated drink available be minimized.

In a further embodiment, the gas outlet valve can be brought into at least one open position by means of the connected drinking liquid container, so that the CCV gas generated in the reaction container can flow into the drinking liquid. Furthermore, the gas outlet valve can preferably be brought into a closed position by means of the drinking liquid container in addition to the open position.

According to a further embodiment, the gas outlet valve can have an actuation device by means of which the gas outlet valve can be brought manually into its open position and / or into its closed position.

By placing the gas outlet valve in the open position by means of a connected drinking liquid container, it is ensured that the CO ₂ gas can only flow from the reaction container into the drinking liquid container when the drinking liquid container is connected to the reaction chamber. This can prevent accidental escape of CO ₂ gas to the outside, i.e. not into the drinking liquid container. The gas outlet valve can preferably be provided with a spring device which is pretensioned when the gas outlet valve is opened. If, for example, the drinking liquid container is removed from the carbonator, the gas outlet valve is moved into its closed position by the spring device.

In a further embodiment, the reaction container has a first chamber for receiving the activation liquid and a second chamber for receiving the carbonizing agent, and the connecting means comprise at least one connecting opening, the connecting opening connecting the interior spaces of the first chamber and the second chamber.

In this embodiment, the reaction preferably takes place in the second chamber, the activation liquid being introduced into the second chamber with the carbonating agent before the reaction.

The spatially separated storage of the activation liquid and the carbonization agent in different chambers advantageously has the effect that when the reaction container is filled with the carbonization agent and the activation liquid for which the reaction container has to be opened, no premature unwanted reaction begins, as a result of which CO ₂ - Gas would be released, which could escape from the still open reaction container. The activating liquid and the carbonizing agent can then be brought together through the connecting opening, so that the reaction of the carbonating agent with the activating liquid can begin at a desired point in time, for example the user. In a further embodiment, the connecting means between the first chamber and the second chamber comprises at least one valve, the valve being arranged in the connecting opening.

The valve is preferably arranged so that the activation liquid, driven by gravity, can flow from the first into the second chamber when the valve is open. The valve is preferably designed such that the valve automatically goes into the closed position when CCVGas is created. The valve can preferably also be opened and closed manually.

By selecting the opening duration of the valve in the connection opening, a reduced amount of the activation liquid compared to an originally intended amount can be combined with the carbonizing agent, or vice versa, whereby less carbonizing agent is converted and thus less CCV gas is released than with a complete conversion of the Carbonating agent.

In a further embodiment, the first chamber is arranged in the second chamber and the connection opening is arranged in the first chamber.

The first chamber is preferably arranged in an upper region of the second chamber, so that the liquid flows into the second chamber via the connection opening due to gravity. A complex pump mechanism can be avoided. In this respect, the carbonator can carbonize a drinking liquid independently of electrical current.

In a further embodiment, the connecting means comprise an actuating means for actuating the valve. The actuating means can advantageously bring the valve from a closed position into an open position or vice versa. In a further embodiment, the valve can be opened gradually so that the valve is only opened to a part of the maximum opening. For example, the valve can be opened 25%, 35%, 55% or 85%. The inflow of the activating liquid into the carbonating agent can be controlled over the time that the valve is open. With a valve that is opened less, the user can better determine how much activation liquid flows from the first chamber into the second chamber and thus how strongly the drinking liquid should be carbonated. If the valve is opened slightly, the activation liquid flows more slowly, so that the user also has more time to influence the inflow duration.

In a further embodiment, the actuating means comprise an actuating pin which protrudes from the reaction container. The actuating pin can, for example, be coupled to the valve in the connecting means, in particular mechanically coupled. If the actuating pin is actuated, the valve in the connecting means opens. The valve can also be closed using the actuating means. There is also the possibility that the valve or the actuating pin has a resetting device, for example a spring device, so that, for example, the valve is automatically closed when the depressed actuating pin is released.

Advantageously, the pin protruding from the reaction container allows the reaction inside the reaction container to be started from outside the reaction container. This simplifies the handling of the car bonizer. The user can equip the carbonizer with the activation liquid and the carbonizing agent, close the reaction container and actuate the actuating pin at any time to start the reaction. In a further embodiment, the actuating means can be actuated by means of the connected drinking liquid container.

In an advantageous manner, the reaction of the activation liquid with the carbonating agent can be started automatically by connecting the drinking liquid container.

If the drinking liquid container is connected to the carbonator, for example via a screw connection, then according to a further embodiment the actuating means can be actuated by screwing the drinking liquid container onto the carbonator via the connecting means. For this purpose, the connection means can preferably be designed such that the actuating means is only actuated by the drinking liquid container when the combination of drinking liquid container and reaction container forms a fluid-tight unit from which no gas, in particular no CO ₂ gas, can escape. This ensures that by connecting the drinking liquid container to the reaction container, the reaction of the carbonating agent with the activating liquid is not started undesirably at an early stage. It is also possible that when connecting the drinking liquid container engages a wall of the drinking liquid container on the actuating pin.

For example, when connecting the drinking liquid container to the reaction container, a rotational or latching resistance can be overcome, the tightness of the system from the drinking liquid container and the reaction chamber being signaled when the resistance is reached. When overcoming the rotational or latching resistance, for example, the actuating means can be actuated, whereby the reaction inside the reaction container can begin. In a further embodiment, the reaction container has a chamber for jointly receiving the activation liquid and at least one carbonizing agent located in at least one packaging. The carbonizing agent is spatially separated from the activation liquid by the fact that it is located in a defined space defined by the packaging.

In this embodiment, the carbonizing agent is positioned directly in the activation liquid in a packaging, for example as a tab, capsule or the like. In an advantageous manner, the construction of the carbonator can be simplified in this embodiment, as a result of which the production costs can be reduced. For example, but not limited to, the packaging may be made of plastic, plastics, cellulose, wax paper, or other common packaging materials.

By packing the carbonating agent, the amount of the carbonating agent is pre-portioned so that the user can always use a defined dose of the carbonating agent so that the drinking liquid has, for example, a constant degree of carbonation. This minimizes the likelihood that the user will receive a drinking liquid that is too low or too strongly carbonated. The amount of carbonating agent can be portioned for example for a certain volume of the drinking liquid, in particular, but not limited to, for 0.251, 0.51, 0.751, 11, 1, 5I, or other volumes. Furthermore, the amount of carbonating agent for a certain CO ₂ content per volume, for example, without being restricted thereto, to 1.5-2.5 g per liter for a “still” carbonated drinking liquid, 3.5 - 4.5 g per liter for a "medium" carbonated drinking liquid or 6 - 8 g per liter for a "classic" carbonated drinking liquid. In a further embodiment, the connecting means comprises an opening means for opening the packaging.

The packaging of the carbonating agent is opened to initiate the reaction from the opening agent. For example, this may include deliberate damage to the packaging. The packaging can in particular be opened mechanically. For example, the opening means can be a lever which is provided with pointed formations or pointed attachments, in particular needles, and which opens the packaging by perforating the packaging material from the shaped portions or attachments.

In one embodiment, the packaging can be disposed of after opening and after use for carbonating a drinking liquid. In another embodiment, the packaging is a reusable packaging.

In a further embodiment, the opening means comprises a cutting device.

The cutting device can advantageously ensure that the packaging is opened. The cutting device can, for example, be designed such that the carbonizing agent can be placed on the cutting device in the packaging. The cutting device can thereby contribute to correct positioning of the packaging. By means of the actuating means, for example, the cutting device can be pressed into the packaging or the packaging into the cutting device, whereby the packaging is cut open. Since the packaging with the carbonizing agent is placed in the activation liquid, the activation liquid penetrates into the packaging through the openings or cuts made with the cutting device. and the reaction of the carbonating agent with the activating liquid begins.

In one embodiment, the reaction container has a reaction cup and a lid which closes the reaction cup, the opening means being arranged on the lid.

Advantageously, by closing the reaction container, the lid is moved in the direction of the reaction cup, the opening means opening the packaging of the carbonizing agent positioned in the reaction cup. The opening means can comprise, for example, needles, cutting means, in particular blades or elements equipped with blades or other means which are suitable for opening the packaging of the carbonizing agent.

In a further embodiment, the opening means are arranged on the lid in such a way that after the reaction cup is closed with the lid, the opening means does not open the packaging of the carbonizing agent, but rather that the opening means can be actuated by an actuating means, in particular an actuating pin. After the reaction cup has been closed with the lid, a reaction of the carbonizing agent with the activating liquid can be started at any time by actuating the actuating means.

In one embodiment, the reaction vessel is a pressure vessel. The reaction vessel can advantageously withstand high pressures, so that the CO ₂ gas generated in the reaction vessel can be stored in a safe manner until it is removed. The CO ₂ gas is released when the carbonizing agent reacts with the activation liquid. This increases the pressure inside the reaction container. The gas pressure in the reaction mer can for example be up to 5 bar, in particular up to 15 bar and possibly up to 20 bar. In order to withstand such pressures, it is advantageous to design the reaction vessel as a pressure vessel.

In a further embodiment, the reaction container has a safety valve.

If, for example, the dosage of the carbonating agent was chosen too high, in particular if too many tablets, tabs or portions were used so that the pressure inside the reaction container exceeds a defined threshold value, the safety valve and C0 ₂ gas opens drained from the reaction vessel. If the pressure inside the reaction vessel falls below the threshold value, the valve closes again in order to hold sufficient CCV gas for the desired carbonation of the drinking liquid. In this way, the likelihood of damage, in particular destruction of the carbonator due to excess pressure in the interior of the reaction container, can advantageously be minimized. The threshold value is preferably less than or equal to 20 bar, in particular less than 15 bar.

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

In an advantageous manner, the user of the carbonator can read off the internal pressure of the reaction container on the basis of the pressure display and can recognize whether the carbonation of the drinking liquid has been completed or not. After the reaction of the carbonizing agent with the activation liquid begins, the pressure inside the reaction vessel rises due to the released CO2 gas. If the CCV gas is dissolved in the drinking liquid, the pressure inside the reaction vessel decreases again. The user can use the Detect the pressure display, which pressure is currently inside the reaction chamber and wait until the pressure has dropped to a safe level for opening the reaction chamber. As a result, safe opening of the reaction container can be supported and the probability of the reaction container opening too early can be reduced.

In one embodiment, the reaction container has an acoustic and / or visual display device. The display device can include, for example, a marker, a whistle, a lamp and / or a loudspeaker.

A display device could, for example, be coupled to the internal pressure of the reaction vessel and have means that rise out of the outer surface of the carbonator when the internal pressure of the reaction vessel reaches a certain value. A whistle could be operated, for example, by the internal pressure of the reaction container and could generate a whistle using the CO ₂ gas in the reaction container.

As a result, a user can advantageously recognize particularly easily the state in which the drinking liquid to be carbonated is, for example whether the carbonation has been completed or is still in progress.

In one embodiment, the carbonizer has a gas filter.

The gas filter can advantageously have the effect that only gas, in particular CO ₂ gas, gets into the drinking liquid container. The filter can prevent, in particular, reaction residues of the reaction of the carbonating agent with the activation liquid from penetrating into the drinking liquid container and causing an unpleasant taste of the drinking liquid. The gas filter is positioned, for example, in the reaction container at the gas outlet opening.

In a further embodiment, the connection means comprise a flexible hose, the hose being fluidly connected at a first end to the reaction container at the gas outlet opening and the hose being fluidically connectable to the drinking liquid container at a second end.

The hose as the connecting means of the carbonator to the drinking liquid container advantageously has the effect that the CCV generation takes place in a vessel that is spatially and structurally separate from the drinking water container. The separation in turn makes the reaction container easier to handle because it can be connected to the drinking water container via the hose. As a result, the reaction container can be connected to any drinking water container in an improved manner compared to the prior art.

Shaking and preferably intensive shaking of the drinking liquid container leads to the C0 ₂ gas dissolving better in the drinking liquid and the carbonation of the drinking liquid being improved. By using the hose, the drinking liquid container can be moved detached from the reaction container, which makes shaking easier for a user.

Furthermore, shaking the reaction container can cause the carbonating agent and the activation liquid to react better with one another, for example because small lumps of carbonating agent are better dissolved. By using a hose as a connection means, the C0 ₂ production is improved and the risk that the drinking liquid comes into contact with the activation liquid or a reaction product is reduced. The CO ₂ production depends in particular on how well the carbonizing agent dissolves in the activation liquid and how much of the carbonating agent reacts with the activation liquid. The carbonizing agent is preferably in the form of a compressed tablet or as a powder. Shaking the reactor vessel destroys small lumps in the carbonizing agent or aids in dissolving a tablet, which increases the reactivity of the carbonating agent. In other words, the shaking causes more CCV gas to be generated from the carbonating agent and the activating liquid.

In a further embodiment, the hose comprises at its second end an adapter with which the second end can be fluidly connected to the drinking liquid container.

Depending on the need and diversity of the drinking liquid containers, different adapters can be provided for different connections to the drinking liquid containers.

A connection of the hose to the drinking liquid container via an adapter advantageously has the effect that the adapter can be exchangeable and shaped in accordance with the drinking liquid container, in particular in accordance with the opening or its connection. Depending on the connection type of the drinking liquid container, for example, a suitable adapter can be selected from a large number of different adapters. The proposed carbonizer can thus be connected to a large number of differently shaped drinking liquid containers.

In this embodiment, a gas outlet valve can be attached in or on the hose and in particular on the first or the second end of the hose. to be in order. In other words, the reaction container 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 with a wall in which at least one gas inlet opening with at least one inlet valve is arranged, the inlet valve being a pressure connection valve which opens when a predetermined setting pressure is exceeded by means of a gas pressure applied from the outside.

The set pressure of the pressure switching valve can be, for example, at a value greater than 1 bar.

In a further aspect, the invention relates to a device for Karbonisie ren a drinking liquid with a carbonator and a drinking liquid container.

Embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to figures. Show it:

Figure 1 is a schematic view of an embodiment in which the

Reaction vessel comprises two chambers.

Figure 2 is a schematic view of an embodiment in which the

Reaction container comprises a chamber.

Figure 3 is a schematic and enlarged view of a section

Figure 1. Figure 4 is a schematic view of an embodiment in which the reaction container comprises a chamber with a detail of the sealing of the reaction container.

Figure 5 is a schematic representation of an embodiment of a carbonator with two chambers and a drinking liquid container.

FIG. 1 shows the cross section of a device 1 for carbonizing a drinking liquid 2, which is located in a drinking liquid container 100. The drinking liquid container is formed by a peripheral wall 104 and a bottom wall 106. A gas inlet opening 108 is positioned in the bottom wall 106, in which an inlet valve 110, in particular a pressure connection valve, is positioned. The inlet valve 110 can be removable from the gas inlet opening 108, so that the gas inlet opening 108 can be used as a drinking opening. As a result, the drinking liquid container 100 can be used as a drinking bottle.

The device 1 comprises the carbonator 10, which has a reaction container 12. The reaction container 12 comprises a cover 24 and a reaction cup 20, the cover 24 and the reaction cup 20 being connected to one another via a bayonet lock 26 in this embodiment. The reaction cup 20 includes a bottom wall 22.

A first chamber 30 is arranged in the interior of the reaction container 12. The first chamber 30 is formed by a chamber insert 32, which comprises a peripheral wall 34 and a bottom wall 36. The first chamber 30 is attached to the reaction cup 20 via the flange 38. A second chamber 50 is formed by the reaction cup 20 itself. Via a connec tion opening 66, the first chamber 30 and the second chamber 50 are fluidly connected to each other. In the first chamber 30 there is an activation liquid 6. In the second chamber 50 there is carbonizing agent 4. In this embodiment the carbonizing agent 4 is in powder form. The carbonization agent 4 can be present in further embodiments, for example in the form of a pressed tablet, a solid or another suitable shape.

In the connection opening 66 there is a valve 68 which on the one hand prevents the penetration of CO ₂ gas 8 into the first chamber 30 and on the other hand retains the activation liquid 6. The valve 68 in the Verbindungsöff opening 66 can be actuated via an actuating means 62. The actuating means 62 is formed in this embodiment as an actuating pin 64, which cher extends through the first chamber 30 and the lid 24 into an area outside of the reaction container 12. The actuating pin 64 can be actuated 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 drinking liquid container 100 presses against the actuating pin 64 when the drinking liquid container 100 is connected.

By actuating the actuating pin 64, the valve 68 in the connec tion opening 66 is opened. The activation liquid 6 can flow through the connec tion opening 66 from the first chamber 30 into the second chamber 50. When the activation liquid 6 comes into contact with the carbonizing agent 4, a reaction begins in the second chamber 50, in which CO ₂ gas 8 is released.

The drinking liquid container 100 is connected to the carburetor 10 via the connection means 80. The connection means 80 can, for example, as Pipe socket 82a be formed with a thread 84 or a bayonet lock. In the embodiment shown here, two pipe sockets 82a, 82b are provided, of which the pipe socket 82b engages the wall 102 of the drinking liquid container 100.

The flange 38 has an opening 40 through which the CCV gas 8 generated in the second chamber 50 can exit the second chamber 50. A gas filter 44 is arranged in front of the opening and filters out undesired reaction residues from the CO 2 gas.

The released CÖ2 gas 8 passes through the gas filter 44 and passes through the opening 40, a gas outlet valve 16, a gas outlet opening 14 and through the inlet valve 110 into the drinking liquid container 100 in order to carbonate the drinking liquid speed 2 there.

In this embodiment, the carbonizer 10 comprises a safety valve 90, which is positioned in the reaction cup 20. CO 2 gas 8 can be discharged from the second chamber 50 via the safety valve 90 in order to avoid excess pressure in the reaction container 12. Furthermore, the carbonizer 10 comprises a pressure measuring device 92 which indicates the pressure inside the reaction container 12 to the user of the carbonator 10.

Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of a device 1 for karbonisie ren of drinking liquids 2 according to another embodiment. Before device 1 comprises a drinking liquid container 100, which is filled with a drinking liquid 2. The drinking liquid container 100 comprises a circumferential wall 104 and a bottom wall 106. A gas inlet opening 108 is formed in the bottom wall 106. In the gas inlet opening 108 there is an inlet valve 110, which prevents the drinking liquid 2 from flowing out of the drinking liquid container 100. The inlet valve 1 10 in the gas inlet Opening 108 is also configured such that gas, in particular CCV gas, can be introduced into the drinking liquid container 100. The inlet valve 110 is a pressure cut-in valve that opens when a predetermined setting pressure is exceeded, for example at more than 1 bar.

Since the drinking liquid container 100 has a drinking opening 101, which is arranged at the end of the drinking liquid container opposite the gas inlet opening 108, the inlet valve 110 can remain in the gas inlet opening 108 if the user wants to remove the drinking liquid container 100 with the carbonated drinking liquid 2.

The drinking liquid container 100 is connected to the carbonator 10. The carbonizer 10 comprises a reaction container 12, which is formed from a reaction cup 20. A cover 24 is fastened to the reaction cup 20 via a bayonet catch 26, as a result of which the reaction container 12 is closed. The reaction container 12 forms the chamber 13. The reaction cup 20 comprises a bottom wall 22. A pad support 28 is positioned on the bottom wall 22. A carbonizing agent 4 in the form of a pad 3 is placed on the pad support 28. The pad 3 has a packaging 5 in which the carbonizing agent 4 is located. The pad support 28 holds the pad 3 with the carbonizing agent 4 in one position so that an opening means 70 can open the pad 3 with the carbonizing agent 4. In this embodiment, the opening means 70 is designed as a cutting device 72. When actuated, the cutting device 72 cuts into the packaging 5 of the pad 3 with the carbonizing agent 4 and thus opens it.

The reaction cup 20 is filled with an activation liquid 6 which surrounds the pad 3 with the carbonizing agent 4. If the packaging 5 of the pad 3 is opened by actuating the cutting device 72, the activation liquid 6 enters the pad 3 with the carbonizing agent 4 and / or the carbonizing agent 4 can leave the pad 3 and get into the activation liquid 6. The activation liquid 6 and the carbonizing agent 4 react with each other and release CO ₂ gas 8. The released CO2 gas 8 penetrates through the gas outlet opening 14, which is equipped with a gas outlet valve 16, and through the gas inlet opening 108 of the drinking liquid container 100, which is equipped with the inlet valve 110, into the drinking water container 100. In the drinking water container 100, this increases carbonizing drinking liquid 2 the C0 ₂ gas 8 and is thereby carbonized.

The carbonator 10 is also equipped with a safety valve 90, which is designed to discharge the CCV gas 8 from the chamber 13 into the environment when the pressure inside the chamber 13 reaches a certain, possibly critical value. Furthermore, the carbonizer 10 is equipped with a pressure measuring device 92. The pressure measuring device 92 measures the pressure inside the chamber 13. A display device 94 shows the user of the carbonator 10 the pressure in the chamber 13 measured by the pressure measuring device 92. For example, the pressure measuring device 92 and / or the display device 94 can be designed purely mechanically, purely electronically or electromechanically.

FIG. 3 schematically shows a section of the connection between the drinking liquid container 100 and the carbonator 10 according to one embodiment. The illustration corresponds to the detail X from FIG. 1. On the side of the carbonator 10, the gas outlet opening 14 is shown, which is in the lid 24 of the Reaction container 12 is arranged. A gas outlet valve 16 is arranged in the gas outlet opening 14 and comprises a spring element 17, a seal 18 and a valve body 19. The seal 18 is firmly connected to the cover 24. The spring element 17 is supported on a component, not shown. The valve body 19 can assume two positions. In a closed position, the valve body 19 lies against the seal 18, so that no CCV gas 8 can escape from the reaction container 12 through the gas outlet opening 14. The spring element 17 is pretensioned in such a way that it presses the valve body 19 into the closed position, that is to say against the seal 18.

A section of the bottom wall 106 of the drinking liquid container 100 is shown. A gas inlet opening 108 with a connection means 80 is positioned in the bottom wall 106. The gas inlet opening 108 includes an inlet valve 110. The inlet valve 1 10 allows C0 ₂ gas 8 to flow into the drinking liquid container 100. In the opposite direction, the inlet valve 110 blocks and prevents the drinking liquid 2 from running into the reaction container 12. A thread 84 is arranged on the connection means 80 of the drinking liquid container 100 and the cover 24 of the reaction container, so that the drinking liquid container 100 can be connected via the gas inlet opening 108 to the reaction container 12 via the gas outlet opening 14.

When the drinking liquid container 100 is connected to the reaction container 12, the connecting means 80 is connected to the seal 18 in a form-fitting manner, so that no CCV gas 8 can escape between the drinking liquid container 100 and the reaction container 12. If the drinking liquid container 100 is connected to the reaction container 12, for example by screwing the drinking liquid container 100 with the gas inlet opening 108 onto the lid 24 with the gas outlet opening 14 using the thread 84, then the connecting means 80 moves the valve body 19 in the direction F opposite Spring force of the spring device 17. This releases the valve body 19 from the seal 18 and the CCV gas 8 can flow from the reaction container 12 into the drinking liquid container 100. If the drinking liquid container 100 is separated from the reaction container 12 again, the spring device 17 presses the valve body 19 against the seal 18, so that the reaction container 12 is closed again.

Figure 4 shows a schematic representation of a device 1 for Karbonisie ren of drinking liquids 2 according to another embodiment with a chamber 13. The chamber 13 is formed by the reaction container 12. The reaction container 12 comprises the reaction cup 20 and is closed by the lid 24. Inside the chamber 13 is the Aktivierungsflüs liquid 6 and the pad 3, which is filled with a carbonating agent 4 and sealed by the package 5.

The pad 3 lies on the pad support 28. If the lid 24 is placed on the reaction container 20 and moved downward in the direction F, the cutting device 72 attached to the lid 24 also moves downward in the direction F. The cutting device 72 moves so far down that it opens the packaging 5 of the pad 3 and the activation liquid 6 comes into contact with the carbonizing agent 4. As a result, the reaction of the activation liquid 6 can begin with the carbonizing agent 4 to form CO ₂ gas 8 and a residual component.

The reaction container 12 must already be closed in a pressure-tight manner by the time the reaction begins. If it is not, the released CO ₂ gas 8 escapes from the reaction container 12 between the reaction cup 20 and the cover 24. A seal 27, in particular an annular seal, is provided between the reaction cup 20 and the cover 24 . In this embodiment, the seal 27 between the reaction cup 20 and the lid 24 is designed as an O-ring. The seal 27 is shown in an enlarged section Y between the reaction cup 20 and the lid 24. The reaction container 12 is closed in a pressure-tight manner by the seal 27 when the lid 24 has already been placed on the reaction cup 20 but has not yet been brought into its final position. The cutting device 72 has not yet reached the packaging 5 of the pad 3. This moment is shown in Figure 4. If the lid 24 is moved downward in the direction F, the edge of the lid 24 slides along the wall of the reaction cup 20, the reaction container 12 remaining closed in a pressure-tight manner. The reaction of the activation liquid 6 with the carbonizing agent 4 can now release CO ₂ gas 8 without the CCV gas 8 being able to escape from the reaction container 12.

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

The carbonizer 10 in the illustrated embodiment has a left and a right chamber, that is to say two chambers. Both chambers together form the reaction container here. The chambers are separated from one another by a partition and connected to one another by means of a connecting means, which is arranged here as a connection opening in the upper region of the reaction container.

In order to carbonate a drinking liquid 2, an activation liquid 6 is filled into one of the chambers. In the other chamber a Karbonisie approximately 4 is introduced. In the illustrated embodiment, the carbonizing agent 4 can be brought into contact with the activation liquid 6 by tilting the carbonizer and the activation liquid 6 flowing from its chamber via the partition into the adjacent chamber with the carburizing agent 4. If necessary, the carbonator 10 can be shaken to better mix the mixture of activation liquid 6 and carbonizing agent 4 and to increase the CO ₂ yield.

During the reaction of the activation liquid 6 with the carbonizing agent 4, CO ₂ gas 8 is released, which rises in the excess activation liquid 6 or the remaining components of the reaction and collects in the upper region of the reaction container 12.

In the upper region of the reaction container 12, the carbonator 10 comprises a gas outlet opening 14. The carbonizer 10 is fluidly connected to the drinking liquid container 100 via a flexible hose 112. For this purpose, a first end of the hose is fluidly connected to the gas outlet opening 14 and a second end to the drinking liquid container 100.

In order to prevent the CCVGas 8 from flowing out of the reaction container 12 before a certain pressure, which may be required for the carbonation of the drinking liquid 2, is reached, the carbonator 10 in the gas outlet opening 14 comprises a gas outlet valve 16. Another gas outlet valve 16 is shown in FIG in this embodiment, positioned at the second end of tube 112. The gas outlet valves 16 can be designed in particular as a check valve and preferably as a ball check valve.

The gas outlet valves 16 can, for example, be constructed in such a way that they are opened by attaching the hose 112. For this purpose, the first or the second end of the hose 112 can comprise a pin which opens a mechanism inside the gas outlet valves 16.

For safety, the illustrated embodiment has a pressure relief valve 114 in the drinking liquid container 100. If the pressure inside the reaction container 12 is too large for the drinking liquid container, the excess can C0 ₂ gas 8 are released to the environment via the pressure relief valve 114. In alternative embodiments, the pressure relief valve 114 is positioned, for example, directly in the carbonator and in particular in the wall of the reaction container 12.

In Figure 5, a state of the system 1 is shown in that the Aktivierungsflüs liquid 6 and the carbonizing agent 4 have already been mixed together and C0 ₂ gas 8 is released. Through the gas outlet opening 14, the gas outlet valve 16 and the hose 112, the C0 ₂ gas 8 enters the drinking liquid container 100, where it carbonates the drinking liquid 2.

In alternative and not illustrated embodiments, the two chambers of the carbonator 10 are connected to one another via a connecting means, the connecting means comprising a valve. In such an embodiment, the reaction takes place only in one chamber, since the valve prevents the activation liquid 6 from flowing back out of the chamber with the carbonizing agent 4.

In a further alternative and not shown embodiment, a first chamber with the activation liquid 6 is positioned in a second chamber filled with the carbonizing agent 4. For this purpose, the first chamber can in particular be cup-shaped, so that it can be suspended in the second chamber. In this embodiment, the first chamber has a closable outlet, which represents the connecting means. The outlet can be opened, for example, by a mechanical or electromechanical coupling from outside the reaction container 12 and in particular by connecting the reaction container 12 to a hose 112 or an actuating pin. Device for carbonating a drinking liquid Drinking liquid

Pad

Carbonating agent

packaging

Activation fluid

C0 ₂ gas carbonizer

Reaction vessel

chamber

Gas outlet opening

Gas outlet valve

Spring device

poetry

Valve body reaction cup

Bottom wall

cover

Bayonet lock

poetry

Pad pad first chamber

Chamber insert

Peripheral wall

Bottom wall Flange opening

Second chamber gas filter actuator

Actuating pin

Connection opening

Valve opening means

Cutting device connecting means

a pipe socket

b pipe socket

Threaded safety valve

Pressure measuring device

Display device 0 drinking liquid container

1 drinking opening

2 wall of the drinking liquid container 4 peripheral wall

6 bottom wall

8 gas inlet opening 110 inlet valve

112 hose

114 pressure relief valve

F direction

X neckline

Y enlargement

Claims

1. carbonator (10) for carbonating a drinking liquid (2)

- With a reaction container (12) for the spatially separate reception of an activation liquid (6) and a carbonizing agent (4) which is chemically active and together with the activation liquid (6) forms CO ₂ gas (8), the reaction container (12) has a gas outlet opening (14),

- With connecting means for merging the activating liquid (6) and the carbonizing agent (4) to trigger the chemical reaction between the activating liquid (6) and the carbonating agent (4), and

- With connection means (80) arranged on the gas outlet opening (14) for connecting a drinking liquid container (100) which has a drinking liquid (2) to be carbonated, characterized in that a gas outlet valve (16) is arranged in the gas outlet opening (14).

2. Carbonator according to claim 1, characterized in that the gas outlet valve (16) by means of the connected drinking liquid container (100) can be brought into at least one opening position, so that the CCV gas (8) generated in the reaction container (12) into the drinking liquid speed (2 ) can flow in.

3. Carbonizer according to claim 1, characterized in that the reaction container (12) has a first chamber (30) for receiving the activating fluid (6) and a second chamber (50) for receiving the carbonating agent (4) and,

that the connecting means comprise at least one connecting opening (66), the connecting opening (66) connecting the interior spaces of the first chamber (30) and the second chamber (50).

4. Carbonizer according to claim 3, characterized in that the Ver binding means comprise at least one valve (68), the valve being arranged in the connection opening (66).

5. Carbonizer according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the first chamber (30) is arranged in the second chamber (50) and that the connecting opening (66) is arranged in the first chamber (30).

6. Carbonizer according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the connecting means comprise an actuating means (62) for actuating the valve (68).

7. Carbonizer according to claim 6, characterized in that the actuating means (62) can be actuated by means of the connected drinking liquid container (100).

8. Carbonizer according to claim 1, characterized in that the reaction container (12) has a chamber (13) for jointly receiving the activation liquid (6) and at least one carbonization agent (4) located in at least one package (5).

9. Carbonizer according to claim 8, characterized in that the connecting means comprises an opening means (70) for opening the packaging (5).

10. Carbonizer according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the reaction container (12) has a reaction cup (20) and a lid (24) which closes the reaction cup (20), the opening means (70) on the lid (24 ) are arranged.

11. Carbonizer according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the reaction vessel (12) is a pressure vessel.

12. Carbonator according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the reaction container (12) has a safety valve (90).

13. Carbonizer according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the carbonizer (10) has a gas filter (44).

14 carbonizer according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the connection means comprise a flexible hose (112) sen, the hose (112) at a first end with the reaction container (12) at the gas outlet opening (14) fluidly connected is and wherein the hose (1 12) at a second end with the drinking liquid container (100) is fluidly connectable.

15. drinking liquid container (100) with a wall in which at least one gas inlet opening (108) with at least one inlet valve (1 10) is arranged, characterized in that the inlet valve (1 10) Pressure connection valve is, which opens when a predetermined pressure is exceeded by means of an external gas pressure.

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