Receiving device for receiving a gas cartridge for a carbonating machine; Carbonating machine; Method for using a carbonating machine

Abstract

A receiving device for receiving a gas cartridge for a carbonating machine is proposed, characterized in that the receiving device comprises a pressure chamber, wherein the receiving device is configured such that, by means of an overpressure that can be generated in the pressure chamber, a sealing device can be pressed onto the gas cartridge and / or the gas cartridge can be fastened to the carbonating machine.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a receiving device for receiving a gas cartridge for a carbonating machine. Furthermore, the invention relates to a carbonating machine and a method for using a carbonating machine. Background Art

[0002] Carbonating machines are generally known, which are provided for carbonating liquids, for example water. Such carbonating machines are also particularly referred to as drinking water bubblers and are mainly used as household appliances for end consumers. Carbonating machines can in principle be used to carbonate different liquids and to prepare different beverages. For carbonation, the machine typically has a replaceable gas cartridge, in particular a CO2 cartridge, which provides a gas, with which the liquid is doped. The liquid to be carbonated is typically filled into a bottle. The bottle with the liquid to be carbonated is then mounted at the carbonating machine in order to perform the carbonation.

[0003] An important aspect in this regard is the reliable and user-friendly mounting and fastening of the gas cartridge in the carbonator. High pressures occur during carbonation, which necessitates a fail-safe mounting of the gas cartridge on the carbonator. On the other hand, the gas cartridge should be replaceable without difficulty for the user, so that an empty gas cartridge can be removed from the carbonator without problems and replaced by a full gas cartridge. Summary of the invention

[0004] The object of the present invention is to provide a receiving device for receiving a gas cartridge for a carbonating machine, which allows an operator-friendly and at the same time reliable and stable fastening of the gas cartridge to the carbonating machine, wherein preferably a high flexibility with regard to the use of different gas cartridges is possible. In addition, an object is to provide a corresponding carbonating machine.

[0005] This object is achieved by a receiving device according to claim 1. The receiving device according to the invention for receiving a gas cartridge at a carbonating machine has the following advantages over the prior art, namely that by means of a pressure chamber, a reliable and stable fastening and sealing (towards the outside) of the gas cartridge at the carbonating machine can be achieved by means of pneumatic compensation. According to the invention, it is particularly advantageous that different gas cartridges, in particular with different heights and tolerances, can be reliably fastened at the carbonating machine by means of the receiving device and sealed to the outside during carbonation. In addition, it is advantageously possible by means of the receiving device according to the invention to reliably mount, fasten at the carbonating machine and seal to the outside during carbonation with differently constructed mouth areas and / or valves. It is particularly advantageous here that no thread is required for mounting and fastening the gas cartridge at the carbonating machine. Thus, it is possible on the one hand to use a gas cartridge without a thread, but on the other hand to use a gas cartridge with a thread, wherein the thread of the gas cartridge does not have to be used in an advantageous manner when mounting the gas cartridge at the carbonating machine. According to the invention, it is therefore possible to mount gas cartridges having different diameters in the mouth region or having differently designed threads (or no threads at all) on the carbonator. A further advantage of the invention is that even when the gas cartridges have relatively large height differences and / or manufacturing tolerances, the receiving device and therefore also the carbonator can be used, which is particularly flexible with different gas cartridges having different gas cartridge heights. According to the invention, a fastening of the gas cartridge on the receiving device can be achieved which also reliably withstands the high pressures during carbonation. At the same time, a particularly high user comfort can be achieved, since the fastening of the gas cartridge on the carbonator and the removal of the gas cartridge from the carbonator can be carried out comfortably for the user, in particular without the need to screw the gas cartridge. Furthermore, no motorized structures or the like are required for fixing and reliably fastening the gas cartridge, whereby the susceptibility to errors and the costs can be reduced.

[0006] According to the invention, it is conceivable that the gas cartridge is arranged vertically in the carbonator. In particular, the central axis of the gas cartridge is arranged perpendicular to the base, such as a workbench or tabletop. Alternatively, an angled arrangement of the gas cartridge (at an angle different from 90° relative to the base) is also conceivable.

[0007] By means of the receiving device according to the invention for receiving a gas cartridge for a carbonation machine, the gas cartridge can be connected in a particularly reversible manner to the carbonation machine. For example, when the gas cartridge is empty, the gas cartridge can then preferably be released from the carbonation machine.

[0008] The gas cartridge can be inserted and / or introduced into the carbonator by the user, in particular by means of a receiving device. According to the invention, it is possible that when the gas cartridge is received or inserted, the gas cartridge is not yet (finally) fixed / fastened to the carbonator or the receiving device. It is therefore particularly advantageously possible that when the gas cartridge is received, the gas cartridge does not have to be fastened separately by the user. Thus, when the gas cartridge is introduced, it is possible, for example, to dispense with screwing the gas cartridge in the carbonator. The fastening of the gas cartridge to the carbonator and in particular the fixing during carbonation is preferably carried out automatically by means of a pressure chamber by pneumatic compensation, which increases user comfort and facilitates operability. However, according to the invention, it is also conceivable that there are additional fastening means or fixing parts for the gas cartridge.

[0009] According to the invention, it is preferably conceivable that the carbonator and the receiving device for receiving a gas cartridge on the carbonator are provided for domestic use.

[0010] According to the invention, “overpressure” can be understood in particular as a pressure that exceeds the ambient pressure and / or the atmospheric air pressure, in particular a pressure that exceeds 1 bar. According to the invention, it is possible that the overpressure generated in the pressure chamber during carbonation exceeds the atmospheric pressure by a large margin.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the invention, it is conceivable that the carbonator has a further receiving device for receiving bottles, in particular bottles filled with liquid, by means of which the bottles can be received and fastened in a particularly secure manner on the carbonator.

[0012] By means of the further receiving device, the bottle can be connected to the carbonator in particular reversibly. In particular, after the carbonation of the liquid in the bottle has been performed and / or ended, the bottle can then preferably be released from the carbonator.

[0013] The “liquid to be carbonated in the bottle” can be, for example, water or a flavored beverage. A bottle, in particular a bottle filled with liquid, can have different shapes and can also be understood as a cartridge or a vessel.

[0014] The bottle preferably has glass. It is conceivable that the bottle is made of glass completely or partially. As an alternative or additional solution, it is conceivable that the bottle has plastic and / or metal.

[0015] The liquid to be carbonated is preferably filled into the bottle and is particularly preferably already present in the bottle when the bottle is received in the further receiving device.

[0016] The bottle is preferably designed in such a way that it withstands an internal pressure that is increased compared to the normal ambient pressure (approximately 1 bar). For example, it is conceivable that the bottle is designed in such a way that it withstands an internal pressure of up to 11 bar, preferably up to 15 bar (at a temperature of 20° C. and an external pressure of 1 bar) without bursting.

[0017] The gas cylinder is preferably designed in such a way that it is subjected to an internal pressure which is increased compared to the normal ambient pressure (approximately 1 bar).

[0018] A gas cartridge is in particular a cartridge filled with CO 2 which provides gas, ie in particular CO 2 , for carbonating a liquid. A gas cartridge can also be understood as a gas cylinder.

[0019] Advantageous embodiments and developments of the invention are apparent from the dependent claims and from the description with reference to the drawings.

[0020] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the receiving device is set up in such a way that during carbonation the pressure chamber is connected to the interior of the gas cartridge in such a way that an overpressure is generated in the pressure chamber, in particular during carbonation. It is advantageously possible that the overpressure in the pressure chamber is generated by means of the gas cartridge, in particular by the entry of gas from the gas cartridge into the pressure chamber, in particular during carbonation of liquid in a bottle installed at the carbonator.

[0021] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the receiving device is configured such that, in particular during carbonation, by means of the overpressure generated in the pressure chamber:

[0022] - pressing the sealing means onto the cylinder, in particular onto the mouth region of the cylinder, and / or

[0023] - Fastening, in particular clamping, the gas cartridge to the carbonator. It is particularly advantageously possible here that the gas cartridge is clamped over its entire length, in particular at the top and at the bottom, by the forces generated by the overpressure of the pressure chamber and is thus advantageously and reliably fastened. In particular, according to one embodiment of the invention it is advantageously possible that, unlike the systems known from the prior art, the gas cartridge is not fastened in the carbonator only by its thread or by the region of its thread, but that the gas cartridge is clamped at its top and its bottom.

[0024] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the pressure chamber is part of a gas connection, through which gas can be introduced from the inner cavity of the gas cartridge, in particular during carbonation, into a bottle, in particular filled with liquid. The pressure chamber is then preferably part of a gas connection between the gas cartridge and the bottle filled with the liquid to be carbonated. As a result, an overpressure is advantageously automatically generated in the pressure chamber when carbonation is started. If the gas cartridge is opened during carbonation, an overpressure is generated in the gas connection between the gas cartridge and the bottle and therefore also in the pressure chamber. This overpressure in the pressure chamber preferably causes the sealing device to be pressed against the gas cartridge, preferably against the mouth area of ​​the gas cartridge, which advantageously causes the gas cartridge and the gas connection to be sealed relative to the surrounding environment. As a result, a particularly reliable, space-saving and efficient arrangement can be achieved.

[0025] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that the receiving device has a pressure transmission device. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the pressure transmission device can also be understood as a pneumatic compensator. The pressure transmission device can be, for example, a plastic component. As an alternative or additional solution, the pressure transmission device can also have other materials, such as, for example, metal.

[0026] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the receiving device is set in such a way that the pressure transmission means presses the sealing means onto the gas cartridge due to the overpressure generated in the pressure chamber during carbonation. The pressure transmission means is particularly arranged in such a way that it is pressed in the direction of the gas cartridge due to the overpressure generated in the pressure chamber and thereby presses the sealing means onto the gas cartridge. Thus, an advantageous fastening of the gas cartridge during carbonation can also be achieved by means of the pressure transmission means.

[0027] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the pressure transmission device is movable, wherein the pressure transmission device forms part of a boundary and / or a wall of the pressure chamber. It is thereby possible that the pressure transmission device is pressed and / or moved in the direction of the gas cartridge when an overpressure is built up in the pressure chamber and as a function of this overpressure. Since the pressure transmission device forms part of a boundary and / or a wall of the pressure chamber, it is possible that the size of the pressure chamber can be changed, in particular increased, when an overpressure is built up in the pressure chamber, since the pressure transmission device moves due to the overpressure built up in the pressure chamber. The pressure transmission device can be moved, in particular within the carbonator, in a vertical direction, i.e. in particular parallel to the central axis of the gas cartridge.

[0028] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the sealing device is arranged partially or completely between the pressure transmission device and the gas cartridge, in particular between the pressure transmission device and the mouth region of the gas cartridge. It is thus possible in an advantageous manner for the sealing device to be pressed onto the gas cartridge by the pressure transmission device. Thus, the gas connection between the interior of the gas cartridge and the bottle can be advantageously sealed to the outside during carbonation. In this way, a high-quality seal can be achieved which also withstands the high pressures in the gas connection during carbonation.

[0029] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the sealing means comprises a sealing ring, in particular an O-ring. A flat sealing washer with a through-opening, in particular a through-opening which is centered or offset from the center, is also conceivable as a sealing ring. As an alternative or in addition, it is conceivable that the sealing means is designed integrally with the pressure transmission means, for example as a sealing region of the pressure transmission means.

[0030] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the receiving device is set in such a way that the gas cartridge is clamped and / or fastened in the receiving device, in particular during carbonation, by means of a pressure transmission device. In particular, the gas cartridge is clamped and securely fastened in the carbonation machine by means of a pressure transmission device, which presses in the direction of the gas cartridge due to the overpressure in the pressure chamber.

[0031] According to one embodiment of the invention, it is conceivable to set the receiving device in such a way that the gas cartridge is clamped, in particular during carbonation, between the sealing means and / or the pressure transmission means on the upper side of the gas cartridge and a matching element on the lower side of the gas cartridge, in particular the bottom area of ​​the carbonation machine. This allows an advantageous clamping / tensioning of the gas cartridge over its entire height.

[0032] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is conceivable that the receiving device comprises a guide element, wherein the pressure transmission device is arranged within a recess of the guide element, wherein the pressure transmission device is preferably movable within the recess of the guide element, in particular parallel to the central axis of the gas cylinder when the gas cylinder is arranged in the receiving device.

[0033] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that a further sealing means is arranged between the inner wall of the guide element and the pressure transmission means. The inner wall of the guide element is in particular a wall which forms a recess of the guide element.

[0034] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the further sealing means comprises a sealing ring. As an alternative or in addition, it is conceivable that the further sealing means is formed integrally with the pressure transmission means or the guide element, for example as a sealing region of the pressure transmission means or the guide element.

[0035] According to one embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that the receiving device includes a spring device, wherein, in particular, a force can be applied to the pressure transmission device by means of the spring device. When the gas cylinder is introduced into the receiving device, the gas cylinder moves from below against the pressure transmission device and pushes this pressure transmission device upward. The upward movement of the pressure transmission device causes the compression of the spring device. The spring device is therefore compressed when the gas cylinder is introduced and thus preloaded. Thus, in the starting state or starting position, that is, after the gas cylinder has been introduced into the receiving device but before, for example, carbonation is started, a force / pressure is also applied to the pressure transmission device by means of the preloaded spring device, whereby the pressure transmission device is pressed downward in the direction of the gas cylinder. Therefore, it is feasible that the sealing device itself is pressed onto the mouth area of ​​the gas cylinder in the starting state, before carbonation, due to the pressure transmission device. However, this pressure caused by the spring device or this force is preferably significantly lower than the pressure applied by the pressure chamber during carbonation to press the sealing element onto the gas cylinder. It is conceivable that the spring device forms a resistance when the gas cartridge is introduced into the receiving device and is preloaded when the gas cartridge is introduced. The spring device is particularly responsible for guiding the pressure transmission device in the direction of the gas cartridge in the starting position, so that the gas cartridge is preferably positioned in the carbonation machine without clearance. It is possible through the spring device to arrange gas cartridges with different extensions along their central axis, i.e. with different heights, in a particularly advantageous manner in the carbonation machine and to position them in particular without clearance. As a result, it is possible to achieve an advantageous compatibility with different gas cartridges and, in addition, to balance the tolerances of the gas cartridges in a particularly advantageous manner. At the same time, the introduction of the gas cartridge and the positioning of the gas cartridge are very comfortable for the user, because only a relative movement between the gas cartridge and the receiving device, in particular at least partially parallel to the central axis of the gas cartridge, is required in order to introduce the gas cartridge into the carbonation machine and position it and in particular preload the spring device. Here, the relative movement between the gas cartridge and the receiving device when the gas cartridge is introduced can be achieved not only by moving the gas cartridge from below into the receiving device, but also by guiding the receiving device from above onto the gas cartridge. It is conceivable that the gas cylinder can be introduced into the receiving device with a pivoting movement or a tilting movement.

[0036] The spring device comprises in particular a spring which is arranged around or partially around the rod-shaped element. The spring is preferably arranged between the guide element and the pressure transmission means. It is in particular conceivable that the spring is designed as a helical spring, for example as a cylindrical, conical or barrel-shaped helical spring. When the gas cylinder is introduced into the receiving device, the gas cylinder moves relative to the pressure transmission means, in particular in the direction of the pressure transmission means, and thus pushes the pressure transmission means in particular in the direction of the spring. The spring is thereby compressed and prestressed.

[0037] A further subject matter of the present invention is a carbonating machine comprising a receiving device for receiving a gas cartridge according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] According to one embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the gas supply device protrudes into the bottle during carbonation. The gas supply device is part of a gas connection, which is constructed between the inner cavity of the gas cartridge and the bottle (or the inner cavity of the bottle) during carbonation, so that the gas from the gas cartridge is introduced into the bottle during carbonation via the gas supply device.

[0039] According to one embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the carbonation machine comprises an operating device for starting and / or carrying out the carbonation, in particular by a user.

[0040] According to one embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the actuating device has an opening means for opening the gas cylinder.

[0041] According to one embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the sealing means has a through-opening for passing the opening means. For example, the sealing means can be embodied as a sealing ring with a central through-opening or with a through-opening offset from the center.

[0042] According to one embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that the opening device can be switched to the carbonation position from the starting position, wherein the opening device is arranged in the carbonation position during carbonation. In particular, the opening device is switched to its carbonation position from its starting position by means of an operating device in order to start carbonation.

[0043] According to one embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the opening device opens the closing device of the gas cartridge in the carbonation position, in particular in such a way that gas can escape from the interior of the gas cartridge and / or a gas connection is formed between the interior of the gas cartridge and the bottle. The closing device seals the interior of the gas cartridge in the initial state of the gas cartridge, so that the gas can be held at a high pressure in the gas cartridge. To carry out the carbonation, the closing device is opened by means of the opening device, so that gas can reach the bottle filled with the liquid to be carbonated from the gas cartridge via the gas connection. It is in particular conceivable that the closing device recloses the gas cartridge after carbonation. The closing device in particular comprises a valve, which can be opened by means of the opening device.

[0044] According to one embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the opening device comprises a rod-shaped element or is configured as a rod-shaped element. It is conceivable that the rod-shaped element is guided downwards, in particular parallel to the central axis of the gas cartridge when carbonation is started, and thereby opens the closing device of the gas cartridge in order to perform carbonation. It is feasible that a gas channel is configured adjacent to the rod-shaped element and / or as part of the rod-shaped element, which connects the inner cavity of the gas cartridge - during carbonation - to the pressure chamber. The gas channel can have different shapes or cross-sections here. It is feasible that the gas channel is configured partially or completely between the rod-shaped element and the pressure transmission device. It is preferably feasible that the gas channel is part of a gas connection, which is configured between the inner cavity of the gas cartridge and the bottle during carbonation.

[0045] According to one embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the operating device comprises an operating device, in particular a lever device and / or a button, wherein the opening device can be switched from its starting position to the carbonation position, in particular when the operating device is operated by a user. Here, it is also possible that the operating device has not only a lever device but also a button, wherein the button is connected to the lever device or has a mechanical contact with the lever device. It is conceivable that the lever device can therefore be operated by the user via the button. Different designs are considered for the lever device and / or the button.

[0046] According to one embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that the position of the opening device in its starting position is configured according to the height of the gas cylinder, in particular so configured that the opening device is placed on the gas cylinder or an element connected to the gas cylinder, in particular a closure device. The opening device is arranged in such a way, in particular due to its own weight and gravity, that the opening device is placed on the gas cylinder or an element connected to the gas cylinder in its starting position. As an alternative or additional solution, it is conceivable that the opening device is arranged by means of a spring device and a pressure transmission device so that the opening device is placed on the gas cylinder or an element connected to the gas cylinder in its starting position.

[0047] According to one embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the opening device is carried by the force acting on the pressure transmission device by means of a spring device, and is thus already guided in the direction of the gas cylinder in the starting position. In particular, it is conceivable that the opening device has a carrying device, wherein the pressure transmission device carries the opening device by the carrying device, in particular in the direction of the gas cylinder by the force acting on the pressure transmission device by means of a spring device. It is conceivable that the carrying device includes a protrusion that partially or completely surrounds the rod-shaped element in the circumferential direction, wherein the protrusion can engage in the pressure transmission device, so that the rod-shaped element is carried in the direction of the gas cylinder and is already positioned close to the gas cylinder in the starting position. In particular, the upward movement of the opening device is limited in the starting position by means of the carrying device. Other design schemes for the carrying device are also considered. As an alternative or additional scheme, it is conceivable that the pressure transmission device has a carrying device for guiding and / or positioning the opening device in the starting position.

[0048] According to one embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the height compensation device can be arranged between the opening device and the operating device. With the aid of the height compensation device, it can be advantageously achieved that gas cartridges of different heights can be used in the carbonating machine, wherein the operating device is automatically arranged in the starting position for these gas cartridges of different heights in such a way that the opening device can be moved by the operating device. With the aid of the height compensation device, it is therefore possible for the contact point or the operating point to remain the same for the user even for different gas cartridges of different heights. The height compensation device is advantageously set in such a way that the button and / or the lever device is triggered at the same operating point for different gas cartridges.

[0049] According to one embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the height compensation device comprises a wedge-shaped element. It is therefore in particular conceivable that the wedge-shaped element can be arranged between the opening device and the operating device. It is preferably possible that the wedge-shaped element can be arranged between the opening device and the lever arrangement. With the aid of the wedge-shaped element, an advantageous height compensation can be achieved in the receiving device and / or the operating device for different gas cartridges, which have in particular different heights. Thus, the carbonator can be used particularly flexibly with different gas cartridges, even when the gas cartridges have relatively large height differences and / or manufacturing tolerances.

[0050] According to one embodiment of the invention, it is conceivable that the wedge-shaped element tapers in one direction. Different designs and geometries are conceivable for the precise course of the taper.

[0051] According to one embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the opening device is connected to a wedge-shaped element, wherein the opening device carries the wedge-shaped element in its starting position in such a way that the introduction depth of the wedge-shaped element between the opening device and the operating device depends on the position of the opening device in its starting position. The position of the opening device in the starting position depends in particular on the height of the introduced gas cartridge. The starting position relates in particular to a position in which the gas cartridge has been introduced into the receiving device, but carbonation has not yet been started. The wedge-shaped element can therefore ensure that in the starting position - also for different gas cartridge heights - a mechanical contact is constructed between the opening device and the operating device, such as a lever device, respectively, because the introduction depth of the wedge-shaped element between the opening device and the operating device depends on the position of the opening device in the starting position. It is therefore advantageously possible to track the wedge-shaped element, in particular according to the height or extension of the gas cartridge introduced into the carbonation machine, so that the operating device is already arranged in the starting position in such a way that the operating device is directly grasped when it is operated by the user and does not have to be guided by the user, in particular before the mechanical contact is constructed, by which the operating device can move the opening device. It is thus possible that the actuating means is automatically arranged in the starting position for gas cartridges of different heights so that the opening means can be moved by the actuating means. The wedge-shaped element can thus prevent the user from having to press down the actuating means, for example a button and / or a lever device, very far before starting carbonation, when, for example, a relatively small gas cartridge of low height is used. The contact point or actuating point thus remains the same for the user for different gas cartridges of different heights. For example, the button and / or the lever device is released at the same actuating point for different gas cartridges.

[0052] Therefore, height compensation for different gas cylinder heights can be achieved by means of a wedge-shaped element. In particular, it is conceivable that height differences of up to 7 mm, preferably up to 15 mm, can be compensated by means of a wedge-shaped element.

[0053] According to one embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that when the gas cylinder is introduced into the receiving device, the wedge-shaped element moves between the opening means and the operating means. Here, the introduction depth of the wedge-shaped element between the opening means and the operating means is particularly dependent on the height of the gas cylinder introduced.

[0054] According to one embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the opening device is connected to the wedge-shaped element by means of a lever system. The wedge-shaped element can be a separate element from the lever system, connected to the lever system or part of the lever system. The wedge-shaped element is carried by the opening device via the lever system, so that the position of the wedge-shaped element in the starting position depends on the position of the opening device in the starting position.

[0055] According to one embodiment of the invention, the lever system is designed such that an axial movement of the opening means, in particular parallel to the central axis of the cylinder, is converted by means of the lever system into a lateral movement of the wedge element, in particular perpendicular to the central axis of the cylinder.

[0056] A further subject matter of the invention is a method for using a carbonation machine according to one embodiment of the invention, wherein a bottle filled with a liquid is mounted on the carbonation machine, wherein carbonation of the liquid is carried out by means of the carbonation machine, wherein an overpressure is generated in a pressure chamber of the receiving device during the carbonation, wherein by means of the overpressure generated in the pressure chamber:

[0057] - press the sealing device onto the cylinder, and / or

[0058] - Fasten the gas cartridge to the carbonator.

[0059] According to one embodiment of the invention, in particular of the method, it is possible that the bottle with the carbonated liquid can be separated from the carbonation machine after the carbonation has been carried out and in particular removed from the carbonation machine.

[0060] According to the invention, in particular one embodiment of the method, it is possible that the gas cartridge is arranged at the carbonation machine by means of a receiving device before the carbonation is carried out and in particular is positioned in the carbonation machine. It is also conceivable that after the carbonation (or one or more further carbonations) has been carried out and / or after the gas cartridge is empty, the gas cartridge is removed from the carbonation machine and replaced by another filled gas cartridge.

[0061] It is preferably possible to realize carbonation by means of a gas cartridge, wherein during carbonation a gas connection is formed between the interior of the gas cartridge and the bottle with the liquid to be carbonated. During carbonation, preferably a gas supply device projects into the interior of the bottle. The gas supply device is a part of the gas connection formed between the interior of the gas cartridge and the bottle (or the interior of the bottle) during carbonation. Thus, gas from the gas cartridge is introduced into the bottle for carbonating the liquid by means of the gas supply device during carbonation.

[0062] According to one embodiment of the invention, an overpressure is generated during carbonation in a pressure chamber which is also part of the gas connection between the interior of the gas cartridge and the bottle. The overpressure in the pressure chamber is thus automatically generated during carbonation by the overpressure in the gas cartridge, thereby achieving a particularly advantageous and automatic pneumatic compensation.

[0063] For the carbonating machine according to the invention and for the method according to the invention for using the carbonating machine, the following advantages and designs can be used, which have already been described in connection with the receiving device according to the invention for receiving a gas cartridge for a carbonating machine or in connection with an embodiment of the receiving device according to the invention. For the receiving device according to the invention for receiving a gas cartridge for a carbonating machine and for the method according to the invention for using the carbonating machine, the following advantages and designs can be used, which have already been described in connection with the carbonating machine according to the invention or in connection with an embodiment of the carbonating machine according to the invention. For the receiving device according to the invention for receiving a gas cartridge for a carbonating machine and for the carbonating machine according to the invention, the following advantages and designs can be used, which have already been described in connection with the method according to the invention for using the carbonating machine or in connection with an embodiment of the method according to the invention for using the carbonating machine. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0064] Further specific details, features and advantages of the present invention are obtained from the drawings and from the following description of preferred embodiments based on the drawings. Here, the drawings only illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present invention, which do not limit the main inventive concept. Among them:

[0065] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a receiving device for receiving a gas cylinder according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0066] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a carbonator according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0067] Figure 3 A schematic diagram shows components of a receiving device for receiving a gas cylinder according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0068] Figure 4 A schematic diagram shows components of a receiving device for receiving a gas cylinder according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0069] Figure 5 A schematic diagram shows components of a receiving device for receiving a gas cylinder according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0070] In the various figures, identical components are always provided with the same reference symbols and are therefore generally also mentioned only once.

[0071] exist Figure 1, a schematic diagram of a receiving device 10 for receiving a gas cartridge 20 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown. The receiving device 10 is a component of the carbonation machine 1 or can be connected to the carbonation machine 1. In the illustrated diagram, the gas cartridge 20 is received by means of the receiving device 10. The gas cartridge 20 is a pressure-stable cartridge, in whose interior 21 a gas 28, in particular CO2, is enclosed under high pressure. The gas cartridge 20 provides the gas 28 for carbonating the liquid 4 arranged in the interior 3 of the bottle 2.

[0072] The receiving device 10 is configured in such a way that the gas cartridge 20 can be fastened to the carbonation machine 1 by means of the receiving device 10. The receiving device 10 has a guide element 11 with a recess 11′. A pressure transmission device 40 is arranged in the recess 11′. Both the guide element 11 and the pressure transmission device 40 can also be a one-piece or multi-piece component. The receiving device 10 further comprises a spring device 67, in particular having a helical spring 68. The spring device 67 is arranged between the pressure transmission device 40 and a horizontal region of the guide element 11. When the gas cartridge 20 is introduced into the receiving device 10, the gas cartridge 20 can be guided from below by the user to the receiving device 10. Figure 1 . Alternatively, it is possible to move the receiving device 10 from above onto the gas cylinder 20. A tilting / pivoting movement of the gas cylinder 20 is also conceivable. When the gas cylinder 20 is introduced, the gas cylinder 20 moves relative to the pressure transmission device 40 and pushes this pressure transmission device upward, thereby compressing and prestressing the spring device 67. Here, with the help of the spring device 67, gas cylinders 20 with different heights can be received by the receiving device 10, and different gas cylinder heights can be advantageously compensated.

[0073] The sealing means 31 is located between the pressure transmission means 40 and the mouth area 20 ′ of the gas cartridge 20 and is configured as a flat sealing ring 32 in the embodiment shown. The pressure transmission means 40 comprises a recess 43, which is arranged centrally in the pressure transmission means 40. An opening means 61 extends through the recess 43 of the pressure transmission means 40 and comprises a rod-shaped element 62. Different cross sections, for example circular cross sections, for the rod-shaped element 62 and the recess 43 are conceivable. The opening means 61, in particular the rod-shaped element 62, can be guided through the through opening of the sealing ring 32. When carbonation is started, the rod-shaped element 62 is guided downwardly parallel to the central axis 200 of the gas cartridge 20 and thereby opens the closure means 27 of the gas cartridge 20.

[0074] exist Figure 1The diagram shown in the figure shows the receiving device 10 and in particular the opening device 61 in the starting position. The starting position here refers to the following state, in which the gas cartridge 20 has been introduced into the receiving device 10, but carbonation has not yet been performed (i.e., for example, the state before the start of carbonation). The opening device 61, in particular the rod-shaped element 62, preferably has been guided to the closing device 27 of the gas cartridge 20 in this starting position. In particular, the position of the opening device 61 in the starting position depends on the height 20 of the gas cartridge, wherein the opening device 61 is arranged, for example, so that the opening device 61 is placed on the gas cartridge 20 or on the closing device 27 of the gas cartridge 20. This is currently achieved by means of a spring device 67 and by means of a pressure transmission device 40. The opening device 61 is guided in the direction of the gas cartridge 20 in the starting position by the downward force applied to the pressure transmission device 40 by means of the spring device 67. For this purpose, the opening device 61 has a carrying device 69, for example, a protrusion that partially or completely surrounds the rod-shaped element 62. The pressure transmission element 48 is already in the starting position in the direction of the gas cylinder 20 (i.e. in the direction of the gas cylinder 20) due to the spring device 67. Figure 1 It is possible here that the carrying device 69 engages in the pressure transmission device 40, so that the opening device 61 is also moved in the direction of the gas cylinder 20 and is already positioned close to the gas cylinder 20 in the starting position.

[0075] A further sealing means 50, in particular a further sealing ring 51, is arranged between the inner wall 12 of the guide element 11 and the pressure transmission means 40. The inner wall 12 of the guide element 11 is in particular a wall forming the recess 11' of the guide element 11. The further sealing means 50 is provided for sealing the transition between the inner wall 12 of the guide element 11 and the pressure transmission means 40. Thus, the further sealing means 50 also seals the pressure chamber 30 to the outside during carbonation (and therefore also the gas connection 100 at this location). Furthermore, a further sealing means 55, in particular in the form of a sealing ring 56, is arranged in the upper region of the guide element 11, in particular in the guide channel 57 of the guide element 11, in which the opening means 61 is partially arranged. The further sealing means 55 is arranged between the guide element 11 and the opening means 61 and therefore seals the transition between the guide element 11 and the opening means 61 to the outside during carbonation. In particular, the further sealing means 55 also seals the pressure chamber 30 to the outside during carbonation (and therefore also the gas connection 100 at this point).

[0076] A gas channel 42 is formed between the rod-shaped element 62 and the sealing ring 32 and between the rod-shaped element 62 and the pressure transmission means 40 .

[0077] When the gas cartridge 20 is open, i.e. in particular during carbonation, the gas channel 42 connects the interior 21 of the gas cartridge 20 to the pressure chamber 30 of the receiving device 10. The pressure chamber 30 is partially or completely formed between the pressure transmission element 40 and the guide element 11. The gas channel 42 and the pressure chamber 30 are in particular part of a gas connection 100, which is formed during carbonation between the interior 21 of the gas cartridge 20 and the interior 3 of the bottle 2 and through which the gas 28 enters from the interior 21 of the gas cartridge 20 into the interior 3 of the bottle 2. Thus, the gas 28 can pass from the gas cartridge 20 into the pressure chamber 30 through the gas channel 42, whereby an overpressure can be generated in the pressure chamber 30. Due to this overpressure in the pressure chamber 30, the pressure transmission means 40 is pressed downwards, i.e. in the direction of the gas cartridge 20. As a result, the pressure transmission means 40 presses the sealing means 31, i.e. in particular the sealing ring 32, onto the mouth region 20′ of the gas cartridge 20. In this case, the transition between the gas cartridge 20, the sealing means 31 and the pressure transmission means 40 is sealed to the outside. Thus, when the gas cartridge 20 is opened during carbonation, an automatic pneumatic sealing of the gas connection 100, in particular the gas channel 42, to the outside is achieved by the pressure chamber 30. At the same time, the gas cartridge 20 is advantageously and reliably clamped and fastened in the carbonation machine 1 by the overpressure in the pressure chamber 30 that is generated during carbonation, which presses the pressure transmission means 40 in the direction of the gas cartridge 20. In particular, the gas cartridge 20 is clamped or clamped here between the pressure transmission means 40 and / or the sealing means 31 on the upper side 22 of the gas cartridge and a matching element 25, for example the bottom region 26, of the receiving device 10 or the carbonation machine 1 on the lower side 23 of the gas cartridge. Thus, by means of the pressure chamber 30, not only a pneumatic and automatic sealing of the gas connection 100 to the outside is achieved, but also a reliable and stable fastening of the gas cartridge 20 in the receiving device 10, in particular during carbonation. In this case, the gas cartridge 20 can be fastened particularly advantageously with different sizes and tolerances by means of the receiving device 10. Furthermore, both gas cartridges 20 with a thread and gas cartridges 20 without a thread can be used, wherein any thread of the gas cartridge 20 that may be present does not necessarily have to be used for fastening and fixing the gas cartridge 20 to the receiving device 10. Thus, according to the invention, it is particularly advantageously possible to dispense with the laborious screwing-in of the gas cartridge 20 for fastening the gas cartridge 20 to the carbonation machine 1.

[0078] The carbonation machine 1 further comprises an operating device 60. By means of the operating device 60, an opening device 61, in particular a rod-shaped element 62, can be moved downwards in order to open the closure device 27 of the gas cartridge 20 and start carbonation. In the embodiment shown, the operating device 60 comprises a lever device 63. The lever device 63 can be operated directly by a user, for example, or connected to a button, in particular a push button switch, wherein when the button is operated by the user, the lever device 63 is moved by the movement of the button. The arrow marked with the reference numeral 128 indicates a gas flow 128 of the gas 28 from the gas cartridge 20 in the direction of the bottle 2 during carbonation, i.e. when the closure device 27 is opened.

[0079] exist Figure 2 2 shows a schematic diagram of a carbonation machine 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. A gas cartridge 2 is arranged in the carbonation machine 1, which provides gas 28 for carbonating a liquid 4 in an inner cavity 3 of a bottle 2. The gas cartridge 2 is provided, for example, by means of a Figure 1 The receiving device 10 of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 is fastened to the carbonation machine 1 . Figure 2 The area above the receiving device 10 is not shown in detail. The bottle 2 is fastened to the carbonation machine 1 by means of a further receiving device 80. Not only the bottle 2 but also the gas cartridge 20 can be separated from the carbonation machine 1 and in particular can be removed from the carbonation machine 1. During carbonation, the gas supply device 81 forms part of the gas connection 100 between the bottle 2 and the interior 21 of the gas cartridge 20, which protrudes into the interior 3 of the bottle 2. The gas 28 can reach into the interior of the bottle 2 via the gas supply device 81, so that the liquid 4 can be carbonated. It is conceivable that the carbonation can be started by actuating the actuation device 60 by the user.

[0080] exist Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a receiving device 10 for receiving a gas cartridge 20 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown. The receiving device 10 is part of a carbonation machine 1 or can be connected to the carbonation machine 1. In the illustrated diagram, a gas cartridge 20 is received with the aid of the receiving device 10. The gas cartridge 20 is a pressure-stable cartridge in which a gas 28, in particular CO2, is enclosed in an inner chamber 21 thereof with a high pressure. The gas cartridge provides the gas 28 for carbonating a liquid 4 arranged in an inner chamber 3 of a bottle 2. In Figure 3 2 shows a height compensation device 65' for compensating for different heights of the gas cylinder 20, wherein the height compensation device 65' comprises a wedge-shaped element 65. The area surrounding the pressure chamber 30 of the receiving device 10 is not completely Figure 3 However, for example, it is possible to Figure 1 The embodiment shown in FIG.

[0081] The wedge-shaped element 65 is arranged between the opening means 61 and the operating means 60 ′, in particular the lever arrangement 63. With the aid of the wedge-shaped element 65, advantageous height compensation can be achieved in the receiving device 10 and / or the operating device for different gas cylinders 20 with different heights in particular. For this purpose, the opening means 61 is connected to the lever system 66 via a connection 66 ′. The lever system 66 is connected to the wedge-shaped element 65, or the wedge-shaped element 65 is designed as a component of the lever system 66. Thus, the wedge-shaped element 65 is connected to the opening means 61, in particular the rod-shaped element 62, by means of the lever system 66.

[0082] The opening device 61 carries the wedge-shaped element 65 via the lever system 66 in such a way that the insertion depth of the wedge-shaped element 65 between the opening device 61 and the lever device 63 (in a direction perpendicular to the central axis 200 of the gas cylinder 20) depends on the position of the opening device 61 in its starting position (parallel to the central axis 200 of the gas cylinder 20). Therefore, the lever system 66 is designed in such a way that an axial movement 302 of the opening device 61 and / or the pressure transmission device 40 parallel to the central axis 200 of the gas cylinder 20 is transformed into a lateral movement 301 of the wedge-shaped element 65 perpendicular to the central axis 200 of the gas cylinder 20. The insertion depth of the wedge-shaped element 65 between the opening device 61 and the lever device 63 is changed by this lateral movement 301. The wedge-shaped element 65 is moved between the opening device 61 and the lever device 63, in particular when the gas cylinder 20 is inserted, by the lever system 66.

[0083] By means of the wedge element 65, it is thus possible to achieve that in the starting position of the opening device 61, a mechanical contact is already formed between the opening device 61 and the lever device 63 for gas cartridges 20 with different gas cartridge heights, since the insertion depth of the wedge element 65 between the opening device 61 and the lever device 63 depends on the position of the opening device 61 in the starting position. Therefore, the wedge element 65 is tracked according to the position of the opening device 61 in the starting position (when the gas cartridge 20 is inserted). Therefore, the pressure point or the actuation point of the actuation device (e.g., a button or a lever device) is respectively the same or at least very similar for the user for different gas cartridges 20 with different heights. For example, a button or a lever device 63 is triggered at the same actuation point for different gas cartridges 20 with different heights, since the wedge element 65 compensates for the height difference. Therefore, a particularly advantageous height compensation for different gas cartridge heights can be achieved by means of the wedge element 65, which enables flexible and user-friendly use of a carbonation machine 1 with a plurality of differently constructed gas cartridges 20.

[0084] exist Figure 4 2 shows a schematic diagram of components of a receiving device 10 for receiving a gas cylinder 20 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The area surrounding the pressure chamber 30 of the receiving device 10 is Figure 4 It is not fully shown in the figure, but it can be done, for example, according to Figure 1 The embodiment shown in FIG. Figure 4 , a height compensation device 65′ for compensating for different heights of the gas cylinder 20 is shown, wherein the height compensation device 65′ is in the following position, which it adopts when the gas cylinder 20 with a relatively large gas cylinder height is introduced. Due to the relatively large height 20 of the gas cylinder, the opening device 61 and the pressure transmission device 40 are positioned relatively high in their starting position, i.e., they are relatively far upwardly moved along their possibility with respect to the axial movement 302. Therefore, the wedge element 65 is led relatively far from the area between the opening device 61 and the lever device 63 along its lateral movement 301 by the lever system 66, i.e., it has only a small insertion depth between the opening device 61 and the lever device 63. In this way, the opening device 61 is positioned relatively high due to the large height of the gas cylinder 20, but in the starting position shown, a mechanical contact is nevertheless formed between the opening device 61 and the lever device 63 by the wedge element 65. When the actuation device is actuated by the user, the lever device 63 therefore does not have to be guided all the way downwards until it reaches the opening means 61 , but rather there is a clearly defined pressure point.

[0085] exist Figure 5 The invention is shown in Figure 4 Schematic diagram of components of a receiving device 10 for receiving a gas cylinder 20 according to an exemplary embodiment shown in FIG, wherein a height compensation device 65 ′ is in a position in which the height compensation device is introduced with a height difference compared to the height compensation device 65 ′. Figure 4 The smaller cylinder height of 20 occupies this position. Figure 5 The area surrounding the pressure chamber 30 of the receiving device 10 is not completely shown in the illustration of FIG. The opening device 61 and the pressure transmission device 40 are due to the large size of the gas cylinder 20 compared to the Figure 4 smaller height and are positioned slightly lower in their starting position, i.e. along their axial movement 302 compared to Figure 4 61 and the lever device 63. The wedge-shaped element 65 is thus introduced deeper into the region between the opening device 61 and the lever device 63 along its lateral movement 301 by the lever system 66, i.e., has a greater insertion depth between the opening device 61 and the lever device 63. Since the wedge-shaped element 65 is thus tracked by the lever system 66, in the starting position, a mechanical contact is also formed between the opening device 61 and the lever device 63 by the wedge-shaped element 65. Therefore, the pressure point of the actuating device remains the same for the user.

[0086] List of reference numerals:

[0087] 1 Carbonation Machine

[0088] 2 bottles

[0089] 3 bottles of inner cavity

[0090] 4 Liquid

[0091] 10 Acceptance equipment

[0092] 11 Guiding elements

[0093] 11′ Recess for guide element

[0094] 12 Inner wall of guide element

[0095] 20 cylinders

[0096] 20′ cylinder mouth area

[0097] 21 Inner cavity of the cylinder

[0098] 22 Upper side of the cylinder

[0099] 23 Underside of the cylinder

[0100] 25 matching components

[0101] 26 Bottom area of ​​the carbonator

[0102] 28 Gas

[0103] 30 Pressure chamber

[0104] 31 Sealing device

[0105] 32 Sealing ring

[0106] 40Pressure transmission device

[0107] 41 Boundary of the pressure chamber

[0108] 41′ Pressure chamber wall

[0109] 42 Gas channel

[0110] 43. The space left for the pressure transmission device

[0111] 50 Additional sealing devices

[0112] 51 Sealing ring

[0113] 55 Yet another sealing device

[0114] 56 Sealing ring

[0115] 57 Guidance Channel

[0116] 60 operating device

[0117] 60′ control device

[0118] 61 Open device

[0119] 62 Rod-shaped elements

[0120] 63 lever device

[0121] 65 wedge element

[0122] 65′ height compensation device

[0123] 66 Lever System

[0124] 66' Connection between the lever system and the opening device

[0125] 67 Spring device

[0126] 68 coil spring

[0127] 80 Additional receiving equipment

[0128] 81 Gas supply device

[0129] 100 Gas connection

[0130] 128 Gas Flow During Carbonation

[0131] 200 The central axis of the cylinder

[0132] 301 Lateral movement of wedge-shaped element

[0133] 302 Axial movement of the pressure transmission device.

Claims

1. A receiving device (10) for receiving a gas cartridge (20) for a carbonating machine (1), in, The receiving device (10) comprises a pressure chamber (30), wherein the receiving device (10) is designed such that, by means of an overpressure that can be generated in the pressure chamber (30): - the sealing means (31) can be pressed onto the cylinder (20), and / or - the gas cartridge (20) can be fastened to the carbonation machine (1), It is characterized in that the receiving device (10) has a pressure transmission device (40) and is designed in such a way that the pressure transmission device (40) presses the sealing device (31) onto the gas cartridge (20) during carbonation by means of the overpressure generated in the pressure chamber (30), - wherein the receiving device (10) comprises a spring device (67), wherein a force can be exerted on the pressure transmission means (40) by means of the spring device (67).

2. The receiving device (10) according to claim 1, wherein: The receiving device (10) is configured such that during carbonation the pressure chamber (30) is connected to the interior (21) of the gas cartridge (20) in such a way that an overpressure is generated in the pressure chamber (30) during the carbonation.

3. The receiving device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The receiving device (10) is configured such that during the carbonation, by means of the overpressure generated in the pressure chamber (30): - pressing the sealing device (31) onto the cylinder (20), and / or - Fasten the gas cylinder (20) to the carbonation machine (1).

4. The receiving device (10) according to claim 3, wherein: The receiving device (10) is configured such that during the carbonation, by means of the overpressure generated in the pressure chamber (30): - pressing the sealing means (31) onto the mouth region (20') of the cylinder (20), and / or - Clamping the gas cartridge (20) to the carbonator (1).

5. The receiving device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The pressure chamber (30) is part of a gas connection (100) through which gas (28) can be introduced from the inner cavity (21) of the gas cartridge (20) into the bottle (2) during the carbonation.

6. The receiving device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The pressure transmission means (40) is movable, wherein the pressure transmission means (40) forms part of a boundary (41) and / or a wall (41') of the pressure chamber (30).

7. The receiving device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The sealing device (31) is partially or completely arranged between the pressure transmission device (40) and the gas cylinder (20).

8. The receiving device (10) according to claim 7, wherein: The sealing means (31) is arranged partially or completely between the pressure transmission means (40) and the mouth region (20') of the gas cylinder (20).

9. The receiving device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The sealing device (31) comprises a sealing ring (32).

10. The receiving device (10) according to claim 9, wherein: The sealing ring (32) is an O-ring.

11. The receiving device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The receiving device (10) is configured in such a way that the gas cartridge (20) is clamped during carbonation by means of the pressure transmission means (40) and / or the gas cartridge is fastened in the receiving device (10).

12. The receiving device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The receiving device (10) is configured such that the gas cartridge (20) is clamped during carbonation between the sealing device (31) and / or the pressure transmission device (40) on the upper side (22) of the gas cartridge and a matching element (25) on the lower side (23) of the gas cartridge.

13. The receiving device (10) according to claim 12, wherein: The receiving device (10) is set in such a way that the gas cartridge (20) is clamped during carbonation between the sealing device (31) and / or the pressure transmission device (40) on the upper side (22) of the gas cartridge and the bottom area (26) of the carbonation machine (1) on the lower side (23) of the gas cartridge.

14. The receiving device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The receiving device (10) comprises a guide element (11), wherein the pressure transmission device (40) is arranged in a recess (11') of the guide element (11), wherein the pressure transmission device (40) is movable in the recess (11') of the guide element (11) when the gas cylinder is arranged in the receiving device (10).

15. The receiving device (10) according to claim 14, wherein: When the gas cylinder is arranged in the receiving device (10), the pressure transmission means (40) is movable parallel to a central axis (200) of the gas cylinder (20).

16. The receiving device (10) according to claim 14, wherein: A further sealing means (50) is arranged between the inner wall (12) of the guide element (11) and the pressure transmission means (40).

17. The receiving device (10) according to claim 16, wherein: The further sealing means (50) comprises a sealing ring (51).

18. Carbonating machine (1) comprising a receiving device (10) for receiving a gas cartridge (20) according to any one of the preceding claims.

19. The carbonator (1) according to claim 18, wherein: The carbonation machine (1) comprises an operating device (60) for implementing carbonation.

20. The carbonator (1) according to claim 19, wherein: The actuating device (60) has an opening means (61) for opening the gas cylinder (20).

21. The carbonator (1) according to claim 20, wherein: The opening means (61) can be switched from a starting position into a carbonation position, wherein the opening means (61) is arranged in the carbonation position during the carbonation.

22. The carbonator (1) according to claim 20, wherein: The opening means (61) comprises a rod-shaped element (62) or is designed as a rod-shaped element (62).

23. The carbonator (1) according to claim 20 or 21, wherein: The actuation device (60) comprises an actuation means (60'), wherein the opening means (61) can be switched from its starting position into the carbonation position.

24. The carbonator (1) according to claim 23, wherein: The operating means (60') is a lever device (63) and / or a button, and / or wherein the opening means (61) can be switched from its starting position into the carbonation position when the operating means (60') is operated by a user.

25. The carbonator (1) according to any one of claims 20 to 22, wherein: The position of the opening means (61) in its starting position is designed in accordance with the height of the gas cylinder (20) such that the opening means (61) rests on the gas cylinder (20) or on an element connected to the gas cylinder.

26. The carbonator (1) according to claim 25, wherein: The element connected to the gas cylinder is a closure device (27).

27. The carbonator (1) according to claim 23, wherein: A height compensation device (65') can be arranged between the opening device (61) and the actuating device (60').

28. The carbonator (1) according to claim 27, wherein: The height compensation device (65') comprises a wedge-shaped element (65).

29. The carbonator (1) according to claim 28, wherein: The opening device (61) is connected to the wedge-shaped element (65), wherein the opening device (61) carries the wedge-shaped element (65) in its starting position in such a way that the insertion depth of the wedge-shaped element (65) between the opening device (61) and the actuating device (60′) depends on the position of the opening device (61) in its starting position.

30. The carbonator (1) according to claim 28, wherein: The opening means (61) is connected to the wedge element (65) by means of a lever system (66).

31. The carbonator (1) according to claim 30, wherein: The lever system (66) is designed in such a way that an axial movement (302) of the opening means (61) is converted into a lateral movement (301) of the wedge element (65) by means of the lever system (66).

32. Method for using a carbonator (1) according to any one of claims 18 to 31, wherein: A bottle (2) filled with liquid is installed at the carbonation machine (1), wherein the liquid (4) is carbonated by means of the carbonator, wherein an overpressure is generated in the pressure chamber (30) of the receiving device (10) during the carbonation. Therein, by means of the overpressure generated in the pressure chamber (30): - pressing the sealing means (31) onto the cylinder (20), and / or - Fasten the gas cylinder (20) to the carbonation machine (1).

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