DE102011123025B3 - Household appliance for portion-wise carbonation and flavoring of water and process for the portion-wise production of water-based carbonated postmix beverages for direct consumption - Google Patents

Abstract

Household appliance (1) for carbonating and flavoring water, the household appliance (1) having a water supply, a carbonation unit (4) for carbonation of water, a storage container (5) for CO2 and a capsule holder (6) for holding an exchangeable beverage capsule (7) , in which a beverage concentrate is arranged, the capsule receptacle (6) having an opening mechanism (8) with a sealing means, characterized in that the storage container (5) is connected to the capsule receptacle (6) in such a way that the storage container ( 5) stored CO2 can be introduced into the beverage capsule (7), which is accommodated in the capsule receptacle (6), in order to expel the beverage concentrate in the beverage capsule (7) when the beverage capsule (7) is open, as well as that in the Beverage concentrate located in the beverage capsule (7) is carbonized by the expelling CO2.

Description

The invention relates to a household appliance for portion-wise carbonation and flavoring of water, a method for portion-wise production of water-based carbonized postmix drinks for direct consumption and a system for portion-wise production of water-based carbonized post-mix drinks.

Postmix is generally understood to mean that a beverage concentrate, in particular a syrup, is only mixed with water to form a beverage at the consumer or when serving.

Postmix beverages and their industrial or gastronomic production are well known. For example, it is known from the "Dispensing system" processing status: March 26, 2010, 21:38 UTC on Wikipedia.de that a container with beverage concentrate is connected to the dispensing system in so-called "Postmix" systems. The beverage concentrate is pressed to the tap using a propellant - usually carbon dioxide or nitrogen. In a carbonator, pre-cooled drinking water, if necessary under pressure, is _{"carbonized" with carbon dioxide (CO 2} ) and then also pressed to the tap. Only in the tap head are carbonated water and beverage concentrate mixed. Vacuum-based systems are now also available for postmix systems. The beverage concentrate is sucked into these using a vacuum pump from so-called “bag-in-box” containers and then pressed with compressed air to the dispensing system.

Disposable capsules for the production of hot beverages such as coffee in particular are well known. For example, from the EP 2 154 101 A1 a method for removing a single serving of a beverage from a container. The container has a deformable body and an opening with an edge zone. The opening is closed with a seal which breaks in a predefined manner when the container is pressurized.

From the DE 10 2007 001 609 A1 a device for providing a particularly carbonated mixed drink made of water and a liquid concentrate can be found, with a housing, a supply device for the water provided in the housing, and a dispensing unit via which the mixed drink can be fed to a cup. It is characterized in that a mixing chamber, which can be closed pressure-tight by a lid and into which a capsule filled with the liquid concentrate can be inserted, is arranged between the feed device and the output unit, and engagement means are provided which establish a flow connection between the feed device when the cover is closed and generate the interior of the capsule and the dispensing unit.

The capsules known from the prior art have either carbonated or “still” water flowing through them to produce a mixed drink.

The main problem with postmixed beverages is the production of a homogeneous mix. Pure syrup, as it is used, for example, for the production of mixed drinks in the widespread hand bubblers, has to be added to the carbonated water in a mixing ratio of 1:23, for example. However, due to the high viscosity and the very small amount of syrup, it is impossible to achieve a homogeneous mixture in an automated manner. For this reason, all professional postmix systems as well as all capsule systems work with a dilute syrup solution that is mixed with the carbonated water in a mixing ratio of 1: 5 to 1: 5.5.

However, this has the consequence that a relatively large amount of syrup solution is required in order to achieve the desired flavoring of the finished drink. The addition of the syrup reduces the CO ₂ content in the mixed drink by a total of around 20%. For example, in order to obtain a cola mixed drink of commercially available quality, a CO ₂ content in the mixed drink of 6.5 g CO ₂ / l is required. As a result, the water to be mixed must first be enriched _{to a CO 2} content of more than 8 g CO _{2 / l.} Such a high level of carbonation, however, requires a very high level of mechanical complexity with high pressure and low temperatures. In the professional field, this effort is achieved by high-pressure pumps and compressor cooling. However, due to the high costs, such an apparatus is fundamentally unsuitable for a broad development of the household segment.

From the AT 298 282 B a machine for the preparation of effervescent beverages from aromatic substances contained in capsules using effervescent or soda water is known with a support element for holding the capsule containing the aromatic substance, a support arranged under the same for a container for holding the beverage and a perforation and feeding device for piercing the upper end of the capsule and for admitting a medium causing the aromatic substance to escape from the capsule and fall into the receptacle into the capsule. The machine has a controllable line for direct introduction, which is separate from the supply line for the medium into the capsule of the shower or soda water in the receptacle. Furthermore, a feed line is provided for the supply of air with normal air pressure or a compressed gas, for example compressed air or carbon dioxide, into the capsule.

Out US 2003/0 056 661 A1 it is known that a beverage concentrate arranged in a beverage capsule can be mixed with a pressurized gas which is provided to provide a hot beverage that has been prepared by means of the beverage capsule with a sufficient hood of foam.

From the DE 198 01 695 C1 a method for starting up a liquid metering system with in-line properties, in particular in the production of soft drinks from water, syrup and carbon dioxide, is known, in which a first liquid, in particular water, is freed from gas admixtures, in particular air (degassing) , a second liquid, in particular syrup, is added to the first liquid in the required quantity ratio (dosing), then a gas, in particular carbon dioxide, is added to the liquid mixture (carbonation) and the product (soft drink) is fed into and over a buffer tank.

The object of the present invention is therefore to provide an improved household appliance and an improved method which, in particular, allow carbonated postmix beverages to be produced in an affordable way for the household sector.

The object is achieved according to the invention by means of a household appliance according to claim 1, a method according to claim 7 and a system according to claim 15. Further advantageous embodiments can be found in the following description and the subclaims. The individual features of the configurations described are not limited to these, but can be linked to one another and to other features to form further configurations.

A method is proposed for the portion-wise production of water-based carbonated postmix beverages for direct consumption, with water preferably being carbonized by means of an inline process and then mixed with a pre-carbonized beverage concentrate packaged in portions.

In an inline process, the water to be carbonated is carbonized during a conveying process, that is, the water is _{enriched with CO 2} while it is pumped through a carbonation unit, for example. For example, the WO 2007/141339 A1 a method in which a liquid flow is passed through a continuous mixer, the gas is fed into this continuous mixer, so that it mixes therein with the liquid flow, wherein the feed pressure of the gas is regulated in such a way that the pressure difference between the liquid flow and the fed gas is largely constant. The flow rate of the liquid flow is kept constant largely independently of fluctuations in the liquid pressure by a flow rate regulator. On the WO 2007/141339 A1 in particular with regard to the carbonization method and the device for implementing the carbonization method proposed there, reference is made in full in the context of this disclosure. Various other inline carbonation processes are already known from the prior art and are therefore not discussed further in this context.

From the WO 2009/024139 A2 an inexpensive method and a device for intermittent carbonization of water is known. In connection with the present invention, the device and the method can likewise advantageously be used for producing carbonized water in portions. The revelation of the WO 2009/024139 A2 is therefore added in full to the disclosure of the present application by reference.

A portion in the context of the invention is understood to mean an amount which corresponds to a normal household amount of beverage to be produced. In particular, a beverage serving is an amount of about 20 ml to about 1000 ml, further preferably about 100 ml to about 500 ml, even more preferably about 100 ml to about 300 ml, particularly preferably about 200 ml the selected container size or glass size. Furthermore, the portion size can depend on a selected mixing ratio of water and beverage concentrate. The portion size can particularly preferably be selected by a user. According to one embodiment of the invention, a beverage concentrate packaged in portions has an amount of beverage concentrate that is sufficient to produce one beverage portion. In a further embodiment, a beverage concentrate packaged in portions comprises an amount of beverage concentrate that is sufficient to produce the largest selectable beverage portion. For example, the largest selectable drink portion can correspond to around 400 ml postmix drink. If, however, a drink portion size of approximately 200 ml should be selected by a user, it is provided in a first embodiment that two drink portions can be produced by means of the drink concentrate packaged in portions. In a second In an embodiment, it is provided that the beverage concentrate packaged in portions can be used to produce a beverage serving which, in particular, includes a higher concentration of the beverage concentrate. In a further embodiment, a beverage concentrate packaged in portions has an amount of beverage concentrate that is sufficient to produce a beverage serving with an average amount, for example about 200 ml. The concentration of the beverage concentrate in the finished beverage can preferably be varied, that is to say increased or decreased, by means of the portion size.

Insofar as the term “approximately” is used in the present invention, this indicates a tolerance range which the person skilled in the art working in the present field considers to be customary. In particular, the term “approximately” is to be understood as a tolerance range of up to +/- 20%, preferably up to +/- 10%.

The beverage concentrate can be any dry or liquid concentrate for making beverages. In one embodiment, it is provided that the beverage concentrate comprises a syrup. In a further embodiment, the beverage concentrate has at least one ingredient selected from a group at least comprising syrup, alcohol - in particular ethanol, a spirit - for example brandy, beer, wine, beer concentrate, malt extract, malt syrup, sugar, maltitol, sweetener, lemonade concentrate, effervescent concentrate, Fruit or vegetable juice concentrate - so-called thick juice, unthickened fruit juice, coffee, caffeine, taurine, guarana, spices, table salt, vitamins, minerals, dyes, enzymes, fungi - for example yeast or kombucha, bacteria - for example lactic acid bacteria, carbon dioxide and / or preservatives.

The packaging unit is preferably a beverage capsule. In a particularly preferred embodiment it is provided that the pre-carbonized beverage concentrate is packaged in a pressure-resistant beverage capsule.

In the context of the invention, a pressure-resistant beverage capsule is understood to mean that the beverage _{capsule withstands an internal pressure which is essentially caused by CO 2} that is degassed from the beverage concentrate. The beverage capsule preferably has a bursting pressure of greater than approximately 100 kPa, more preferably greater than approximately 200 kPa, particularly preferably between approximately 500 kPa and approximately 1000 kPa, even more preferably greater than approximately 1000 kPa.

Particularly preferred in connection with the present invention is a design of the packaging unit as a single-use article, for example in the form of one-way packaging. However, it is also conceivable to design the packaging unit as a refillable container, which conserves resources. In the context of the invention, a pre-carbonized beverage concentrate is to be understood as a beverage concentrate that comprises _{CO 2.} The CO ₂ is preferably dissolved in the liquid beverage concentrate. In a further embodiment, the CO _{2 is} at least partially undissolved next to the beverage concentrate in the packaging unit. In a variant it is provided that the CO _{2 is} only present dissolved in the beverage concentrate in the packaging unit. In a further embodiment, at least one further gas is dissolved in the beverage concentrate, for example oxygen - O ₂ .

In an embodiment that is not part of the invention, in which at least part of the CO _{2 is present} undissolved in the packaging unit, it is provided that the gas pressure of the CO _{2 is} sufficiently high to remove the beverage concentrate from the packaging unit without supplying an additional medium to drive out. The gas pressure in the capsule is preferably about 500 kPa to about 2000 kPa, more preferably about 1000 kPa to about 2000 kPa, even more preferably about 1600 kPa.

In one embodiment, the beverage concentrate is carbonized before being filled into the packaging unit. In a further embodiment, carbonized water is mixed with other ingredients in order to produce the beverage concentrate. Furthermore, one embodiment provides that the beverage concentrate is carbonized by fermentation or fermentation before being filled into the packaging unit. Furthermore, one embodiment provides that carbonation by fermentation or fermentation takes place at least partially in the packaging unit. In one embodiment, a biological carbonation process is preferably _{terminated after the desired CO 2} concentration has been reached in the beverage concentrate by heating the beverage concentrate or the entire packaging unit. Another variant provides that CO _{2 is} fed to the packaging unit in order to carbonize the beverage concentrate.

In a further embodiment it is provided that the pre- _{carbonized beverage concentrate has a CO 2} content of about 2 g / l to about 10 g / l, preferably about 4 g / l to about 8 g / l, particularly preferably about 6 g / l . Furthermore, it is provided in one embodiment that the water carbonized by means of an inline process has a CO ₂ content of about 2 g / l to about 10 g / l, preferably about 4 g / l to about 8 g / l, particularly preferably about 4 g / l to about 8 g / l and in particular about 6 g / l. The beverage concentrate preferably has approximately the same CO ₂ concentration that is or should be present in the finished product. This has the advantage that the carbonated water produced in the household appliance does not have to have a higher CO ₂ concentration than is provided for in the finished drink. The addition of beverage concentrate thus does not reduce the total concentration of CO ₂ in the finished beverage.

The pressure of the gaseous carbon dioxide for the carbonization of the water is temperature-dependent and, at 20 ° C., is preferably in the range from about 400 kPa to about 600 kPa. This is far below the pressure that is usual in the postmix systems known from the prior art. Due to the lower pressure required to produce the postmix beverage, the acquisition and operating costs for the postmix system are also lower. Such a postmix system thus becomes affordable for household applications.

In a variant according to the invention it is provided that the carbonated beverage concentrate is expelled from the beverage capsule by _{CO 2 introduced into the beverage capsule.} This method also enables beverage concentrates with a viscosity of about 10 ⁴ Pa · s or more (at 20 ° C.) to effectively expel the beverage concentrate from the beverage capsule during a tapping process.

Another aspect of the invention is a beverage capsule for producing carbonated postmix beverages, the beverage capsule having a container and a beverage concentrate arranged in the container, characterized in that the container is pressure-resistant and the beverage concentrate is carbonated.

In this context, too, a pressure-tight container in the sense of the invention is understood to mean that the container _{withstands an internal pressure which is essentially caused by CO 2} that is degassed from the beverage concentrate. The container preferably has a bursting pressure greater than approximately 100 kPa, more preferably greater than approximately 200 kPa, particularly preferably between approximately 500 kPa and approximately 1000 kPa, even more preferably greater than approximately 1000 kPa.

In one embodiment, the container comprises a material selected from a group at least comprising aluminum, tinplate, cardboard, a polymer material such as polyolefins, in particular polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polylactide and / or glass. The material of the container preferably comprises a composite material, for example composed of a metallic and a polymer material as mentioned above.

In a further embodiment it is provided that the container has several chambers in which different ingredients are preferably arranged. The ingredients are preferably only mixed into a finished beverage concentrate when they are dispensed from the container. For example, a reaction of various ingredients when the beverage capsules are stored can be largely avoided in this way.

In one embodiment it is provided that the beverage _{concentrate in the container has a CO 2} content of about 2 g / l to about 10 g / l, preferably about 4 g / l to about 8 g / l, particularly preferably about 6 g / l having.

In a further variant it is provided that the beverage capsule according to the invention, i.e. the container filled with beverage concentrate, has an internal pressure of approximately 10 kPa to approximately 1000 kPa, preferably approximately 100 kPa to approximately 800 kPa, more preferably approximately 400 kPa to approximately 600 kPa.

Another concept of the invention provides a household appliance for portion-wise carbonation and flavoring of water, i.e. for producing a carbonated postmix beverage, the household appliance having a water supply, a carbonation unit for inline carbonation of water and a capsule holder for holding a pressurized beverage capsule having, wherein the capsule receptacle has an opening mechanism for the beverage capsule with a sealant.

According to one embodiment, the water supply has a water tank which can in particular be refilled by a user. The water tank can preferably be removed from the household appliance. In a further variant it is provided that the water supply has a fresh water connection which can be connected to a fresh water line and in particular to a common household water tap.

In one embodiment it is provided that the capsule receptacle is arranged downstream of the carbonation unit, so that carbonized water flows through the capsule receptacle.

In a further embodiment it is provided that the household appliance has a mixing device in which the carbonated water and the beverage concentrate are mixed. The water and the beverage concentrate are preferably fed separately to the mixing device. In a further embodiment it is provided that the mixing device is arranged after a capsule receptacle through which carbonized water flows, in particular to ensure thorough mixing of the carbonized water with the beverage concentrate. In another In an advantageous embodiment, carbonized water and pre-carbonized beverage concentrate are finally mixed in the container provided by the user, for example his drinking glass. In this embodiment, the mixing device can be omitted; instead, two separate outlets for carbonated water and pre-carbonized beverage concentrate are provided, which can preferably be operated jointly.

In one embodiment it is provided that the opening device has a mandrel and / or a cannula. An exemplary embodiment for a suitable opening device for a beverage capsule is to be understood DE 60 2005 004 183 T2 to be taken, the technical teaching of which is added by reference to the subject matter of the present application. In a further embodiment it is provided that the capsule is not opened by means of the opening device until the tapping process. In a further embodiment it is provided that the capsule is opened after it has been inserted into the household appliance, for example when the capsule receptacle is closed. In one variant, the opening device is actuated by closing the capsule receptacle. In a further variant, the opening device is actuated during a dispensing process.

Another alternative technical approach to opening a beverage capsule according to the invention consists in designing the outlet opening of the beverage capsule as a "predetermined breaking point" (e.g. by means of a locally reduced wall thickness of the capsule or by making embossings in the container wall), in particular according to a preferred embodiment as a pressure holding / Overflow valve, the structural design of which is widely known from the prior art. If such a capsule is externally pressurized, e.g. gaseous carbon dioxide and / or carbonized water supplied through the capsule, and this pressure exceeds an opening pressure determined by the structural features of the capsule, the capsule outlet opens and the beverage concentrate located in the capsule flows out of the Capsule out. Such a predetermined breaking point / such a pressure holding / overflow valve simultaneously fulfills the function of a safety valve, e.g. if the ready-to-use beverage capsule is improperly stored in direct sunlight, etc.

An advantageous embodiment of a beverage capsule with a predetermined breaking point that can be opened by an opening tool and / or the pressure of an extraction fluid is, for example EP 2 133 285 A1 as well as the DE 692 00 472 T2 to be taken, the disclosed technical teaching is also completely added to the subject matter of the present application by reference.

In a further embodiment it is provided that the capsule receptacle is set up to press a beverage capsule received in the capsule receptacle with a pressure of more than approximately 10 kPa against a sealing surface of the sealant. This prevents the beverage concentrate and / or the CO ₂ from escaping in an uncontrolled manner from the beverage capsule.

The beverage concentrate is preferably mixed with the carbonated water immediately after the beverage capsule has been opened. Furthermore, the beverage concentrate is preferably mixed with the carbonated water only during a tapping process. The beverage capsule is particularly preferably only opened when the postmix beverage is tapped.

In a further variant of the invention it is provided that the household appliance further comprises a reservoir of gaseous CO _2, the thus with the capsule holder is connected to the CO ₂ -Vorratsbehälter stored and preferably pressurized CO ₂ in an accommodated in the capsule accommodation beverage capsule can be introduced. The beverage concentrate is preferably driven out of the capsule in this way. In one embodiment it is alternatively or additionally provided that, in particular, the _{carbonized beverage concentrate is not carbonized or only slightly carbonized by the expelling CO 2} , in particular until the concentration of the beverage concentrate roughly corresponds to that of the carbonated water. In this way, the CO ₂ concentration in the beverage concentrate in the capsule can be reduced, so that the required bursting pressure of the beverage capsule and thus its production costs can be reduced without departing from the subject matter of the invention.

In a further variant it is provided that a connection mechanism is provided which _{opens the connection between the CO 2} storage container and the capsule receptacle after a beverage capsule accommodated in the capsule receptacle has been opened by means of the opening mechanism. The connection mechanism preferably comprises an in particular switchable valve.

Another concept of the invention provides a system for the portion-wise production of water-based carbonated postmix beverages for direct consumption, the system comprising a household appliance described above and at least one beverage capsule described above.

• 1 eine schematische Ansicht eines Haushaltsgerätes,
• 2 eine schematische Ansicht eines erfindungsgemäßen Haushaltsgerätes,
• 3 eine schematische Ansicht eines weiteren Haushaltsgerätes, und
• 4 ein Ausführungsbeispiel einer erfindungsgemäßen Getränkekapsel.

Further advantageous configurations emerge from the following drawings. However, the exemplary embodiments shown there are not to be interpreted in a restrictive manner. Same parts or parts with the same function have the same reference symbols below. Show it:

• 1 a schematic view of a household appliance,
• 2 a schematic view of a household appliance according to the invention,
• 3 a schematic view of another household appliance, and
• 4th an embodiment of a beverage capsule according to the invention.

1 shows a schematic view of a household appliance 1 which does not form part of the invention. The household appliance 1 has a water tank 2 on, its contents by means of a pump 3 , preferably an oscillating piston pump, a gear pump or a centrifugal pump with a pressure of 2 to 20 bar, preferably about 4 to 6 bar (16 bar in the case of the oscillating piston pump), and a carbonation unit 4th is promoted.

The carbonation unit preferably comprises 4th a continuous mixer with a connection for the water, a connection for the gaseous CO ₂ and a withdrawal connection for the carbonated water. Furthermore, a differential pressure regulator is provided for regulating the gas pressure as a function of the water pressure, in such a way that the pressure difference between the supplied water and the injected CO _{2 is} largely constant. A flow rate regulator for keeping the flow rate of the water constant, largely independent of pressure fluctuations, is also provided in one embodiment. The flow rate regulator is preferably arranged in such a way that it keeps the dispensing rate constant per unit of time. The flow rate regulator is particularly preferably adjustable, so that the user can set a desired dispensing amount per unit of time.

The carbonation unit 4th gaseous CO _{2 is} preferably under a pressure of about 600 kPa from a CO ₂ cartridge 5 supplied and dissolved in the also supplied water.

Downstream of the carbonation unit 4th the carbonized water becomes a mixing chamber 9 fed. This is also a beverage concentrate from a beverage capsule according to the invention 7th fed. For example, it drifts in the beverage capsule 7th located CO ₂ the beverage concentrate from the beverage capsule 7th the end. With a suitable arrangement of the beverage capsule 7th or the outlet opening from the beverage capsule generated by the opening tool 7th gravity has a supporting effect on the beverage concentrate when it is expelled from the beverage capsule 7th on. In particular, by an arrangement of an opening mechanism 8th generated outlet opening at the lowest point of the beverage capsule held in the household appliance 7th ensure that the beverage capsule is located above the bottom of the beverage capsule 7th collecting beverage concentrate forms a gas space which is filled with gaseous carbon dioxide and is in equilibrium with the carbon dioxide dissolved in the liquid beverage concentrate. The gas pressure prevailing in this gas space, that of the filled beverage capsule 7th is in the range of a few bar, the liquid beverage concentrate standing on the capsule base presses out of the beverage capsule through the outlet opening located at the lowest point of the capsule 7th out. Located in the beverage capsule according to the invention 7th If the gas pressure is sufficiently high, the beverage concentrate escapes when the beverage capsule is opened 7th through the opening mechanism 8th even without the additional application of a propellant gas such as CO _2, at least largely completely from the outlet opening.

In a further, further improved embodiment (not shown) it is provided that the mixing chamber 9 has a Venturi nozzle, by means of which the beverage concentrate is dispensed from the beverage capsule during a tapping process 7th is sucked.

The carbonated water as well as the expelled beverage concentrate are in the mixing chamber 9 merged and mixed. After that, the finished postmixed drink is made 10 to a tap 11 funded and issued there.

Another household appliance, which is largely analogous to that in 1 The illustrated embodiment of the household appliance is constructed with a device for inline carbonization, includes the features associated with this from the portion-wise carbonization of water WO 2009/024139 A2 known device for the portion-wise carbonization of water, to which reference is hereby made. In principle, all of the methods and devices for carbonizing water named from the prior art, in particular for carbonizing water in portions, are conceivable for implementation in a household appliance according to the invention.

2 shows an embodiment of a household appliance according to the invention. In this embodiment, gaseous CO _{2 is obtained} from a separate storage container, for example the CO ₂ cartridge 5 , in a capsule holder 6th brought in. In the capsule holder 6th is a replaceable beverage capsule according to the invention 7th arranged. The beverage capsule 7th is by means of an opening mechanism 8th open at least on one side, preferably on two opposite sides. That in the capsule holder 6th Introduced CO ₂ drives into the beverage capsule 7th arranged beverage concentrate from the beverage capsule 7th and conveys it into the mixing chamber 9 .

The carbonated water and the expelled beverage concentrate are placed in a mixing chamber 9 merged and mixed. After that, the finished postmixed drink is made 10 to a tap 11 funded and issued there.

3 shows a variant of a household appliance not according to the invention 1 for the carbonation and flavoring of water. In this embodiment, the household appliance comprises 1 no water tank 2 rather, it is connected to a domestic water supply 12th connected, which is to be regarded as technically equivalent, also with regard to the first two exemplary embodiments. The pressure of the domestic water connection is preferably 12th to transport the water through the household appliance 1 sufficient. As in the previous embodiments, the water is in a carbonation unit 4th mixed with CO _2. In contrast to the above exemplary embodiments, the carbonized water in this exemplary embodiment is used directly to accommodate the capsule 6th piped, with the carbonized water in the capsule holder 6th through the opened beverage capsule located there 7th is pressed. In the beverage capsule 7th or in the capsule holder 6th This means that the beverage concentrate is mixed with the carbonated water. After that, the finished postmixed drink is made 10 through the tap 11 issued. This "in-line" arrangement of the capsule holder 6th is also in connection with the formation of a separate mixing chamber, described in the above exemplary embodiments, downstream of the carbonation unit 4th convertible, wherein the capsule receptacle is preferably arranged immediately adjacent to the mixing chamber upstream of this.

In all of the exemplary embodiments described above, it has proven to be advantageous if the capsule 7th is only opened when a user starts the tapping process. The opening mechanism works for this purpose 8th preferably together with the tap or is operated simultaneously with the tap when the tap is operated, for example mechanically or electrically.

4th finally shows a view of a beverage capsule 7th . This has at least one curved base 13th on. The arched bottom is particularly advantageous with internal pressures of more than 400 kPa in order to prevent bursting, for example at high storage temperatures, due to the possibility of the bottom bulging 13th to prevent. The beverage capsule 7th is advantageously made of aluminum or tinplate. In a further embodiment it is provided, for example, that the beverage capsule 7th comprises a composite material in particular comprising plastic and cardboard. The beverage capsule is particularly preferred 7th designed as a disposable item, ie intended for single use. This has both in terms of hygiene and the shelf life of the ready-to-use beverage capsule 7th Advantages.

Claims (17)

Household appliance (1) for carbonating and flavoring water, the household appliance (1) having a water supply, a carbonation unit (4) for carbonation of water, a storage container (5) for CO ₂ and a capsule holder (6) for holding an exchangeable beverage capsule ( 7), in which a beverage concentrate is arranged, wherein the capsule receptacle (6) has an opening mechanism (8) with a sealing means, characterized in that the storage container (5) is connected to the capsule receptacle (6) in such a way that in Storage container (5) stored CO _{2 can be introduced} into the beverage capsule (7), which is received in the capsule receptacle (6), in order to expel the beverage concentrate located in the beverage capsule (7) when the beverage capsule (7) is open, and to carbonize the beverage concentrate located in the beverage capsule (7) by the expelling CO _2. Household appliance (1) according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the carbonation unit (4) is set up for carbonation of water in portions. Household appliance (1) according to one of the Claims 1 or 2 , characterized in that the capsule holder (6) is arranged downstream of the carbonation unit (4). Household appliance (1) according to one of the Claims 1 until 3 , characterized in that the household appliance (1) has a mixing device (9) for mixing the carbonated water and the beverage concentrate. Household appliance (1) according to one of the Claims 1 until 4th , characterized in that the opening mechanism 8 has a mandrel and / or a cannula. Household appliance (1) according to one of the Claims 1 until 5 , characterized in that a connection mechanism is provided which opens the connection between the storage container (5) and the capsule receptacle (6) after a beverage capsule (7) received in the capsule receptacle (6) has been opened by means of the opening mechanism (8). Process for the portion-wise production of water-based carbonated postmix beverages (10) for direct consumption, wherein water is carbonized and then mixed with a beverage concentrate packaged in portions in a beverage capsule (7) and the beverage concentrate is expelled from the beverage capsule (7) _{by means of CO 2} , whereby the beverage concentrate is carbonized _{by the expelling CO 2.} Procedure according to Claim 7 , characterized in that the beverage capsule (7) is opened by means of an opening mechanism 8 at least on one side, preferably on two opposite sides. Method according to one of the Claims 7 or 8th , characterized in that the beverage capsule (7) has a predetermined breaking point, the predetermined breaking point being opened when the beverage capsule (7) is externally pressurized, and wherein the beverage concentrate is expelled through the opened predetermined breaking point. Method according to one of the Claims 7 until 9 , characterized in that the beverage concentrate is conveyed to a mixing device (9) and mixed there with the carbonated water. Method according to one of the preceding method claims, characterized in that the beverage concentrate packaged in the beverage capsule (7) is carbonized and has a CO ₂ content of approximately 2 g / l to approximately 10 g / l. Method according to one of the preceding method claims, characterized in that the carbonized water has a CO ₂ content of approximately 2 g / l to approximately 10 g / l. Method according to one of the preceding method claims, characterized in that water is carbonized in portions. Method according to one of the preceding method claims, characterized in that the water is carbonated by means of an inline method. System for the portion-wise production of water-based carbonated postmix beverages (10) for direct consumption, comprising a household appliance (1) according to one of the Claims 1 until 6th and at least one exchangeable beverage capsule (7) which has a container and a beverage concentrate arranged in the container, the container being pressure-resistant and the beverage concentrate being carbonized. System for the portion-wise production of water-based carbonated postmix beverages (10) for direct consumption Claim 15 , characterized in that the beverage _{concentrate has a CO 2} content of about 2 g / l to about 10 g / l. System for the portion-wise production of water-based carbonated postmix beverages (10) for direct consumption Claim 16 , characterized in that the beverage capsule (7) filled with beverage concentrate has an internal pressure of approximately 10 kPa to approximately 1000 kPa.

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