Carbonator with integrated water treatment and removable water reservoir

Abstract

A carbonator with integrated water treatment, the carbonator comprising: a carbonator system for carbonating water in a bottle attached to a carbonator head thereof, a removable water reservoir configured to be attached to a base with an outlet port for allowing water to flow therefrom, tubing connecting to the outlet port of the water reservoir for transferring water from the removable reservoir and dispensing the water into the bottle, a pump for drawing water from the water reservoir and transferring the drawn water through the tubing, a controller configured to control the pump, and one or more water treatment components fluidly connected to the tubing for providing water treatment to water flowing through the tubing.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The present invention relates to a carbonator, and more particularly to a carbonator with integrated water treatment and a removable water reservoir. [Background technology]

[0002] Carbonators are commonly used in homes, offices, cafeterias, and other environments. A typical carbonator may be operated to inject carbon dioxide into water or another liquid in a bottle that may be attached to the device. Other types of carbonators may be configured to dispense a carbonated beverage into a cup or other container.

[0003] Typically, a carbonator user fills a bottle that is attached to the carbonator with water (some users prefer cold water) to the recommended water level and then attaches the water-filled bottle to the carbonator head of the carbonator.

[0004] Water can contain different types of contaminants: physical contaminants such as sediments, organic matter (e.g., suspended in the water), chemical contaminants (e.g., compounds or compositions of matter), biological contaminants (e.g., living organisms), and even radiological contaminants (e.g., unstable atoms that emit ionizing radiation).

[0005] Water treatment may aim to remove contaminants by using filtration media that act as a physical barrier and / or by carrying out chemical and / or biological processes.

[0006] There are many different types of water filters, such as water pitcher filters, faucet filters, countertop filters, under-sink filters, whole house filters, and reverse osmosis filter systems.

[0007] If a user wishes to fill the reservoir with tap water, place the reservoir in the refrigerator, and make a carbonated beverage, it may be desirable for the carbonator to have water treatment and an integrated, removable water reservoir so that the reservoir can be attached in place and chilled water can be used in making the carbonated beverage. Summary of the Invention

[0008] Thus, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a carbonator with integrated water treatment. The carbonator may include a carbonation system for carbonating water in a bottle attached to the carbonator head. The carbonator may also include a removable water reservoir configured to be attached to a base with an outlet port for allowing water to flow therefrom. The carbonator may also include tubing connecting to the outlet port of the water reservoir for transferring water from the removable reservoir and dispensing the water into the bottle. The carbonator may also include a pump for drawing water from the water reservoir and transferring the drawn water through the tubing. The carbonator may also include a controller configured to control the pump. The carbonator may also include one or more water treatment components fluidly connected to the tubing for applying water treatment to water flowing through the tubing.

[0009] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the piping is located within the housing along with the carbonation system.

[0010] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the one or more water treatment components may be selected from the group consisting of a filter and a UV LED.

[0011] According to some embodiments of the invention, the carbonator further comprises one or more valves disposed in the piping that can be adjusted between a first position in which stagnant water in the piping is diverted and discharged via a water return conduit, and a second position in which water from the water reservoir is transported through the piping into the bottle.

[0012] According to some embodiments of the invention, the controller is configured to switch the one or more valves between a first position and a second position when a condition is met.

[0013] According to some embodiments of the invention, the one or more valves are configured to divert standing water to a separate water collector when in a first position.

[0014] According to some embodiments of the invention, the one or more valves are configured to divert standing water back to the water reservoir when in a first position.

[0015] According to some embodiments of the invention, the water reservoir comprises an upper compartment through which standing water is bypassed, and a drain for draining water from the upper compartment down into a tank of the water reservoir.

[0016] According to some embodiments of the invention, the upper compartment comprises a main filling passage for pouring water directly into the tank and a surrounding reservoir into which stagnant water is bypassed, the surrounding reservoir comprising a drain.

[0017] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the drain comprises one or more pinholes.

[0018] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the total area of ​​the drain is 20 mm 2 wherein the one or more pinholes include a pinhole having a diameter of up to 5 mm or a plurality of pinholes of consistent diameter.

[0019] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the total area of ​​the drain is 10 mm 2 wherein the one or more pinholes include a pinhole having a diameter of up to 3.6 mm or a plurality of pinholes of consistent diameter.

[0020] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the fill opening in the upper compartment substantially overlaps only the main fill passage.

[0021] According to some embodiments of the invention, the base includes an inlet port through which diverted water is transported.

[0022] According to some embodiments of the present invention, an outlet check valve is provided at the outlet of the water reservoir and is closed as a default and configured to open when the water reservoir is placed on the base.

[0023] According to some embodiments of the present invention, an inlet check valve is provided at the inlet of the water reservoir and is closed as a default and configured to open when the water reservoir is placed on the base.

[0024] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the carbonator further comprises a floating outlet configured to drain the standing water returned above the water surface in the water reservoir.

[0025] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the carbonator further comprises a heat separator for placement above the water level in the water reservoir.

[0026] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the heat separator is made from a thermal insulating material.

[0027] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the carbonator further comprises a flow meter along the piping.

[0028] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the carbonation system includes a carbonation head to which a bottle is attached.

[0029] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the carbonation head includes a mount for attaching a bottle.

[0030] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the carbonation head includes a tube for transferring carbon dioxide gas into the bottle.

[0031] According to some embodiments of the present invention, a carbonation system includes a gas canister holder for holding a gas canister and carbonation tubing for transporting carbon dioxide gas from the gas canister into the bottle. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0032] In order to better understand the present invention and appreciate its practical applications, the following drawings are provided and are referred to hereinafter. It should be noted that the drawings are given by way of example only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention in any way. Similar elements are provided with similar reference numerals.

[0033] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 illustrates an overall view of a carbonator with an integrated, removable water reservoir in an engaged state, according to some embodiments of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 illustrates a general view of a carbonator with an integrated, removable water reservoir in a disengaged state, according to some embodiments of the present invention. [Diagram 3] 1 illustrates an exploded view of a water reservoir, according to some embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 4A] FIG. 1 is a hydraulic schematic diagram of a carbonator with integrated water treatment and an integrated removable water reservoir according to some embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 4B] 1 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a removable water reservoir of a carbonator with integrated water treatment and an integrated removable water reservoir according to some embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 4C] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a removable water reservoir and separate return water collector for a carbonator with integrated water treatment and integrated removable water reservoir according to some embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 4D]13A-13C show alternative designs of a removable water reservoir for a carbonator with integrated water treatment and an integrated removable water reservoir according to some embodiments of the present invention. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded view of a carbonator with integrated water treatment according to some embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a carbonator with integrated water treatment and an integrated removable water reservoir according to some embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 illustrates a bottom view of a carbonator with integrated water treatment and integrated removable water reservoir according to some embodiments of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0034] In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, components, modules, units and / or circuits have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the present invention.

[0035] For example, descriptions utilizing terms such as "processing," "computing," "calculating," "determining," "determining," "analyzing," "examining," and the like, may refer to operations and / or processes of a computer, computing platform, computing system, or other electronic computing device that manipulates and / or transforms data represented as physical (e.g., electronic) quantities in the registers and / or memory of the computer into other data similarly represented as physical quantities in the registers and / or memory of the computer, or other information non-transitory storage medium (e.g., memory) capable of storing instructions for performing the operations and / or processes. For example, while embodiments of the invention are not limited in this respect, the terms "plurality" and "a plurality" as used herein may include "multiple" or "two or more." The terms "plurality" or "a plurality" may be used throughout this specification to describe two or more components, devices, elements, units, parameters, and the like. Unless expressly stated, the method embodiments described herein are not limited to a particular order or sequence. Moreover, some of the described method embodiments or elements thereof may occur or be performed simultaneously, at the same time, or together. Unless otherwise indicated, the conjunction "or" as used herein should be understood to be inclusive (any or all of the listed alternatives).

[0036] Carbonator with integrated water treatment and integrated removable water reservoir, according to some embodiments of the present invention, is designed to provide a removable water reservoir in the form of a water reservoir that can be engaged with the carbonator to provide water that can be pumped through one or more water treatment components and into a carbonation bottle and carbonated by the carbonator.

[0037] The water reservoir may be filled with, for example, chilled or room temperature tap water and kept in a cooler or refrigerator until it is desired to make a carbonated beverage, such as sparkling water or soda. When a user desires to make a carbonated beverage, the reservoir may be removed from the cooler or refrigerator and attached to its predefined base for engagement with a carbonator, such that water may be pumped from the reservoir through said one or more water treatment components and dispensed into a bottle that is attached to a carbonator head of a carbonator. The carbonator may then be operated to inject carbon dioxide into the bottle, into or above the water contained therein, to carbonate the water. After completion of the carbonation process, the bottle may be removed from the carbonator head of the carbonator, and the carbonated water may be poured into a glass or glasses or otherwise consumed.

[0038] Carbonators according to some embodiments of the present invention may include one or more integrated water treatment components so that water directed from a water reservoir through the carbonator and into the bottle may be subjected to treatment (e.g., filtration, UV treatment, etc.) as it passes through the carbonator.

[0039] According to some embodiments of the present invention, a flow scheme of a carbonator with integrated water treatment and an integrated removable water reservoir can be applied to replace water present in the carbonator piping that may have become warm and is warmer than the chilled water in the reservoir including the chilled water from the reservoir, thereby allowing only chilled water to be poured into the bottle attached to the carbonator to ensure that only chilled water is treated and carbonated as desired, as the warmed water is not used for carbonation but is diverted back to the top compartment of the reservoir.

[0040] The above and further features and advantages of several embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings.

[0041] 1 is a general diagram of an engaged carbonator 100 with an integrated, removable water reservoir 114, according to some embodiments of the present invention. The carbonator 100 typically comprises a housing 102 that houses water treatment components and a carbonation mechanism configured such that, upon activation (e.g., by pressing an operating button 104), carbonation gas (typically carbon dioxide) is released from a gas canister, flows through predetermined carbonation plumbing, and is dispensed through a carbonation tube 108 into a bottle 110 containing a liquid (typically water) to carbonate the liquid.

[0042] Juxtaposed to the housing 102 is a water reservoir connector, e.g., a water reservoir base 116, which may extend from a base 112, upon which a water reservoir 114 may be mounted. The water reservoir 114 may be provided with an inlet port (not shown in this view, see 120 in FIG. 2) and an outlet port 118, e.g., at the bottom.

[0043] 2 is an unengaged overall view of a carbonator with integrated water treatment and integrated removable water reservoir according to some embodiments of the present invention, with the water reservoir 114 located to the side of the carbonator 100. The reservoir 114 may include a handle 124 for holding the reservoir which may be coupled to a post clip 122, in which a water return conduit may be located (described in more detail herein below). An outlet port 118 and an inlet port 120 are visible on the reservoir base 116. Corresponding check valves 118a and 120a, respectively, are provided at the bottom of the reservoir 114 (see FIG. 7) and allow flow through the outlet port 118 and the inlet port 120 only when the reservoir 114 is properly mounted on the reservoir base 116, and prevent flow through these ports at other times. When properly mounted on base 116, check valves 118a and 120a, which are closed by default (e.g., by a spring pushing against the check valve to maintain it in a closed position), can be forced open (e.g., by a protrusion on a port acting against the spring to force the check valve open).

[0044] 3 is an exploded view of the water reservoir 114 according to some embodiments of the present invention. The water reservoir 114 may include a water tank 128 for receiving and holding water. Level indicators 136a and 136b may be provided on a visible portion of the side wall of the water tank 128 to indicate to a user the amount of water required for the small or large bottle, respectively. An upper compartment 130 may be provided that is configured to fit and stay on the top of the water tank 128 and includes a drain (not shown in this view, see 131 in FIG. 7) to allow water in the upper compartment 130 to drip or otherwise flow into the water tank 128.

[0045] The upper compartment 130 may include a cover 132 configured to cover a top of the upper compartment 130. The cover 132 may include a fill lid 134 configured to rotate between an open position in which the cover does not cover a fill opening 133 through which water may be poured into the tank 128, and a closed position in which the fill lid 134 covers the fill opening 133.

[0046] FIG. 4A is a hydraulic scheme of a carbonator with an integrated, removable water reservoir, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0047] All elements shown in FIG. 4A except for reservoir 114, bottle 110 and gas canister 172 are part of the carbonator.

[0048] When the fill lid 134 (see FIG. 3) is opened, water can be poured into the reservoir and into the tank 128 through an opening in the upper compartment 130 .

[0049] Initially, the reservoir 114 may be initially filled with chilled water, or may be filled with tap water and placed in a cooler or refrigerator to cool the water. If it is desired to carbonate the water, the user may place the reservoir with the chilled water on the reservoir base 116. When properly placed on the reservoir base 116, the check valves 118a and 120a are forced open. This may be facilitated, for example, by using springs to maintain the check valves in a closed position until the reservoir is properly placed on the base 116, when the protrusions on the ports 118 and 120 force the check valves 118a and 120a, respectively, open. If the reservoir is not properly installed on the reservoir base 116, the check valves 118a and 120a will remain closed.

[0050] When a user activates the carbonator, for example, by pressing an operating button (button 104, see FIG. 1 ), a water pump 160 can pump water from the tank 128 of the reservoir 114 out of the tank 128 through a check valve 118a. The pumped water can be passed through a filter 156 to filter out contaminants from the water and then subjected to ultraviolet (UV) radiation (e.g., UV-c) from a UV light emitting diode (LED) 158. The three-way valve 164 may be adjusted to a default setting (e.g., position "0") to allow water, possibly stagnant water, that has been stagnant in the water piping 165 (which may include tubing and various components, e.g., pumps, flow meters, valves, water treatment components, that are fluidly connected, e.g., from the outlet 118 to the three-way valve 164), to be passed through the valve and diverted into the upper compartment 130 through the return piping 169, the inlet port 120 of the reservoir 114, and the water return conduit 126 to the upper compartment 130. In an alternative design, the three-way valve may be replaced by two separate valves, one valve controlling the flow of stagnant water back to the upper compartment of the reservoir 114, and the other valve controlling the flow of cooling water from the reservoir 114 through the water piping 165 and into the bottle 110 via the control valve 175 and the bottle piping 173.

[0051] A flow meter 162 may be provided to determine the volume of water passing through the carbonator water piping 165 and may be used to monitor and control filtration and UV treatment adequacy, for feedback to identify leaking and / or clogged filters, to identify improper functioning or placement of filters, and / or to identify pump problems and / or failures.

[0052] The controller 182 may be configured to determine whether the standing water has been completely drained from the water piping 165. This may be accomplished, for example, by utilizing a timer to time a predetermined time for the standing water to be completely drained and / or by utilizing a flow meter to measure / calculate the volume of water that has flowed out of the reservoir.

[0053] Once the controller 182 determines that the stagnant water has been completely drained and diverted back to the reservoir, the three-way valve 164 can be adjusted (e.g., to position “1”) to allow water from the reservoir 114 to flow through the water piping 165, via the control valve 175 and the bottle piping 173, and into the bottle 110.

[0054] Once controller 182 has determined that a predetermined amount of water has been dispensed into the bottle, gas canister actuator 174 may operate a valve on gas canister 172, for example, by applying mechanical pressure to the valve via piston 170 that is pneumatically operated (e.g., using air pump 154 ​​and pressure relief valve 166) using compressed air 168. When the valve on gas canister 172 is opened, carbon dioxide from the gas canister flows through carbonation line 167 and carbonation tube 108 into bottle 110, carbonates the water in bottle 110. The bottle with the carbonated water may then be disconnected and removed from the carbonator, and the carbonated water may be consumed. One or more safety measures may be provided to prevent excessive pressure from building up within the device, such as, for example, one or two pressure relief valves 176, 178, and / or a burst disk 180, which are designed to release excess pressure if necessary.

[0055] The controller 182 may obtain data from sensors (e.g., flow meter 162) and may be used to control the operation of adjustable / adjustable and / or operable components of the carbonator.

[0056] FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view of the water reservoir 114, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0057] The upper compartment 130 can be provided with a main fill passage 130a, e.g., a conduit (e.g., a tube), disposed under the lid 134 so that when the lid is opened, water (e.g., tap water) can be poured into the reservoir 114 and flow directly into the tank 128 through the main fill passage 130a.

[0058] The filling passage 130a may be at least partially surrounded by a surrounding container 130b with a drain 131 (e.g., with a pinhole 131a). Returned standing water flowing into the upper compartment 130 through the water return conduit 126 is thus collected in the surrounding container 130b and allowed to slowly drip into the tank 128 through the pinhole 131a of the drain 131. To ensure that the returned standing water only drips back into the tank 128 through the drain 131, the filling passage 130a and the surrounding container 130b may be separated from the bottom of the upper container 130 by the walls of the filling passage 130a to at least a predetermined height above the bottom of the upper compartment.

[0059] In some embodiments of the present invention, the total area of ​​the drain 131 is less than 20 mm 2 The drain 131 may be 10 mm or smaller in diameter, with a single pinhole having a diameter of 5 mm, or may be 10 mm or smaller in diameter, with a plurality of pinholes having consistent surface area. In some embodiments of the invention, the drain 131 has a total area of ​​up to 10 mm 2 up to 3.6 mm in diameter and may have a single pinhole with a diameter of 3.6 mm or may have multiple pinholes of consistent diameter.

[0060] The lid 134 and fill opening 133 may be configured to substantially overlap only the main fill passage 130a to ensure that water poured through the fill opening 133 flows directly through the main fill passage into the tank 128 without water remaining in the surrounding container 130b.

[0061] In some embodiments of the invention, the interior volume of the water tank 128 is designed to contain at least the entire contents of the bottle 110 when full. In some embodiments of the invention, the upper compartment 130 is designed to contain at least the entire stagnant water contents of the water piping 165 between the check valve 118a and the three-way valve 164.

[0062] FIG. 4C is a schematic diagram of a removable water reservoir and separate return water collector for a carbonator with integrated water treatment and integrated removable water reservoir, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0063] In this embodiment, the returning standing water is diverted via a check valve 120a to a separate return water collector 114a to completely avoid mixing of the standing water with the cooling water in the water reservoir 114. The return water collector 114a may be removable, so that it can be removed from the reservoir base 116 and emptied when required.

[0064] 4D shows an alternative design of the removable water reservoir of the carbonator with integrated water treatment and integrated removable water reservoir according to some embodiments of the present invention. In this embodiment, the water reservoir 114 does not have an upper compartment. Instead, the drained standing water is bypassed back to the water reservoir 114 through a floating spill outlet 123 via a check valve 120a and a water return conduit 126, which is configured to allow the returned standing water to gently spill out above the water surface in the reservoir 114. Due to the temperature difference (the returned stagnant water is expected to be warmer than the cooling water in the reservoir) and provided that the returned stagnant water is gently drained onto the surface of the water in the reservoir to avoid agitation or turbulence in the water in the reservoir, it can be expected to establish a stratification in which the cooling water in the reservoir forms a first layer and the warmer returned stagnant water forms a second layer, thus effectively maintaining complete or large separation of the two layers.

[0065] In some embodiments of the invention, a thermal separator 121 (e.g., a mesh-like sheet made from an insulating material) may be used that floats on the surface of the water in the water reservoir 114 and physically prevents or significantly reduces mixing of the returned standing water that drains over the thermal separator with the cooling water below. The separator sheet 121 may be configured to provide effective thermal stratification by retarding mixing of the returned standing water with the cooling water in the water reservoir 114.

[0066] The floating outlet 123 may be designed in the form of a funnel with a wider rim on top so that when the water fills the funnel it will overflow and the returned water will flow out onto the heat separator 121. The water return conduit 126 may be surrounded by perforated posts 125 to add sturdiness and create an even flow distribution at the higher thermal layers.

[0067] FIG. 5 is an exploded view of a carbonator with integrated water treatment according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0068] Carbonator 100 may include left and right walls 142 and 146, left cover 140, right cover 144, top cover 138, front cover 139, and inner cover 148, all of which form housing 102. Located within the housing are gas canister holder 152 and carbonator head 150. Base bottom 113 closes the housing at the bottom and extends laterally to support reservoir base 116.

[0069] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a carbonator with integrated water treatment and an integrated removable water reservoir according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0070] Shown in this view are gas canister holder 152, air pump 154, filter 156, UV LED 158, water pump 160, flow meter 162, and three-way valve 164. For simplicity, connecting plumbing is not shown.

[0071] FIG. 7 is a bottom view of a carbonator with integrated water treatment and integrated removable water reservoir, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0072] Shown in this view are the bottom of the water pump 160, the three-way valve 164, and the reservoir base 116, along with the outlet port 118 and the inlet port 120.

[0073] Below is an index of the elements shown in the figure. 100 - Carbonator with integrated water treatment and integrated removable water treatment reservoir 102-Housing 104-Operation button 106-Carbonation Head Mount 108-Carbonation tube 110-Bottle 112-Base 113-Base bottom 114-Water Reservoir 114a-Return water collector 116-Reservoir Base 118-Exit Port 118a-Check valve 120-inlet port 120a-Check valve 121-Heat Separator 122-Support clip 123-Floating outlet 124-Handle 125-perforated column 126-Water return pipe 127-Nozzle 128-Water tank 130-Upper Compartment 130a-Main filling passage 130b- Peripheral container 131-Drain 131a-Pinhole 132-Cover 133-Filling opening 134-Filling lid 136a, 136b-Small bottle and large bottle water level indicator 138-Top cover 139-Front cover 140-Left cover 142-Left wall 144-Right cover 146-Right wall 148-Inner cover 150-Carbonation Head 152-Gas Canister Holder 154 - Air pump 156-Filter 158-UV LED 160-Water Pump 162-Flowmeter 164-Three-way valve 165-Water piping 166-Pressure relief valve 167-Carbonation piping 168-Compressed Air (Pneumatic) 169-Return piping 170-Piston 172-Gas Canister 173-Bottle Piping 174-Gas Canister Actuator 175-Control valve 176-First Pressure Relief Valve 178-Secondary pressure relief valve 180-Burst Disc 182-Controller

[0074] Different embodiments are disclosed herein. The features of a particular embodiment can be combined with the features of other embodiments. Thus, a particular embodiment may be a combination of features of more than one embodiment. The foregoing description of the embodiments of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that many modifications, variations, substitutions, changes, and equivalents are possible in light of the above teachings. It should therefore be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and variations that fall within the true spirit of the present invention.

[0075] While certain features of the invention have been illustrated and described herein, many modifications, substitutions, changes, and equivalents will occur to those skilled in the art, and it is therefore to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes that fall within the true spirit of the invention.

Claims

1. A carbonation device with integrated water treatment, comprising: a carbonation system for carbonating water in a bottle attached to the carbonation head; a removable water reservoir configured to be attached to a base having an outlet port for allowing water to flow therefrom; a pipe connected to the outlet port of the removable water reservoir for transferring water from the removable water reservoir and dispensing water into the bottle; a pump for pumping water from the water reservoir and transporting the pumped water through the piping; a controller configured to control the pump; one or more water treatment components fluidly connected to the piping for providing water treatment to water flowing through the piping; A carbonation device comprising:

2. The carbonator of claim 1 , wherein the piping is disposed within a housing with the carbonation system.

3. 3. The carbonator of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the one or more water treatment components comprise one or more components selected from the group consisting of a filter and a UV LED.

4. The carbonator of any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising one or more valves that can be adjusted between a first position where stagnant water in the piping is diverted and discharged via a water return conduit, and a second position where water from the water reservoir is transported through the piping into the bottle.

5. 5. The carbonator of claim 4, wherein the controller is configured to switch the one or more valves between the first and second positions when a condition is met.

6. 6. The carbonator of claim 5, wherein the condition is selected from the group of conditions consisting of a predetermined amount of time having elapsed and a predetermined volume of water having been determined to have passed through the tubing.

7. The carbonator of claim 4 , wherein the one or more valves are configured to divert the stagnant water to a separate water collector when in the first position.

8. The carbonator of claim 4 , wherein the one or more valves are configured to divert the standing water back to the water reservoir when in the first position.

9. 9. The carbonator of claim 8, wherein the water reservoir includes an upper compartment through which the standing water bypasses and a drain for draining water from the upper compartment down into a tank of the water reservoir.

10. 10. The carbonator of claim 9, wherein the upper compartment includes a main fill passage for pouring water directly into the tank and a peripheral reservoir through which the stagnant water is bypassed, the peripheral reservoir including the drain.

11. The carbonator of claim 10 , wherein the drain comprises one or more pinholes.

12. The total area of ​​the drain is 20 mm ２ 12. The carbonator of claim 11 , wherein the one or more pinholes comprise a pinhole having a diameter of up to 5 mm or less, or a plurality of pinholes of consistent diameter.

13. The total area of ​​the drain is 10 mm ２ 12. The carbonator of claim 11 , wherein the one or more pinholes comprise a pinhole having a diameter of up to 3.6 mm or less, or a plurality of pinholes of consistent diameter.

14. 11. The carbonator of claim 10, wherein the fill opening in the upper compartment substantially overlaps only the main fill passage.

15. 10. The carbonator of claim 9, wherein the base includes an inlet port through which diverted water is transported.

16. 10. The carbonator of claim 9, wherein an outlet check valve is provided at the outlet of the water reservoir and is configured to be closed as a default and to open when the water reservoir is placed on the base.

17. 17. The carbonator of claim 16, wherein an inlet check valve is provided at the inlet of the water reservoir and is configured to be closed as a default and to open when the water reservoir is placed on the base.

18. 9. The carbonator of claim 8, further comprising a floating outlet configured to drain standing water returned above the water surface in the water reservoir.

19. 20. The carbonator of claim 18, further comprising a heat separator for placement above the water surface in the water reservoir.

20. 20. The carbonator of claim 19, wherein the heat separator is made from a thermally insulating material.

21. 21. The carbonator of any one of claims 1 to 20, further comprising a flow meter along the piping.

22. A carbonator according to any preceding claim, wherein the carbonation system comprises a carbonation head to which the bottle is attached.

23. 23. The carbonator of claim 22, wherein said carbonator head includes a mount for mounting said bottle.

24. 23. The carbonator of claim 22, wherein said carbonator head comprises a tube for transferring carbon dioxide gas into said bottle.

25. 25. The carbonator of claim 1, wherein the carbonator system comprises a gas canister holder for holding a gas canister, and carbonation piping for transporting carbon dioxide gas from the gas canister into the bottle.

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