Apparatus for dispensing mineralized water and associated method

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for dispensing mineralized water and an associated method. The device comprises: an inlet for loading water; a distillation unit connected to the inlet and configured to distill water, the distillation unit including at least one heater configured to provide heat; a water dispenser configured to transfer a predetermined amount of distilled water extracted from the distillation unit to the removable container, provided with an outlet nozzle configured to face the container in use; a mineralization unit disposed between the distillation unit and the outlet nozzle, configured to access the inner cavity of the bladder to extract at least a portion of a mineralized fluid solution or powder therefrom, and / or configured to evacuate the bladder from the solution or powder and transfer at least a portion of the solution or powder from the bladder to a water dispenser, the bladder contains a solution or powder in the cavity; the device is configured to mix the solution or powder with the transferred predetermined amount of distilled water through the water dispenser.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the patent application for invention with the application date of August 30, 2019, application number 201980099791.9 (PCT / EP2019 / 073278), and invention title of "Device and Associated Method for Distributing Mineralized Water". Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to the field of devices for distributing drinking water, and more particularly to devices for distributing mineralized water; the present invention also relates to a method for distributing mineralized water. Background Art

[0003] Today, the distribution of bottled mineral water is generally provided by distributing bottles of mineral water across several regions. These bottles can be made of glass or plastic materials, such as PET.

[0004] Although the cost of distributing bottled mineral water in the area around the source is relatively negligible, the applicant has noticed that the distribution of bottled mineral water to remote areas increases the distribution cost and reduces the sales range, especially when compared to the appropriately calculated selling price per bottle. In addition, if the environmental impact of distributing bottled mineral water is considered, it can be noted that even in the case of distributing bottled mineral water in the area near the source, the transportation of the bottled mineral water has a relevant impact, at least in terms of pollution and / or carbon dioxide. The least consideration involves the specific weight of water, which is quite heavy for transportation at one ton per cubic meter; a relevant quantity of bottled mineral water therefore requires the use of heavy-duty trucks, or in some cases, ships may be needed, which causes environmental pollution with an overall impact that cannot be ignored, especially when the shipment needs to travel long distances across countries. Another consideration factor can involve the impact in terms of carbon dioxide emissions for the production of the bottles themselves.

[0005] The applicant has further noticed that the consumption of bottled mineral water occurs all over the world, including remote areas, where the supply of drinking water is not easy due to local water pollution or continuous water shortage.

[0006] The applicant has further noted that, immediately following the physiological need for water, the user selects water based on price and, if financially able, also based on the taste of the water. It is continuously noted that the mixture of minerals dissolved in water provides a unique taste and feel when the user drinks a specific mineral water, and a change in said mixture can cause a change in this effect. A typical example can be noted when water is purified by a sterilization station, which provides a typically unpleasant taste to the water. This drawback combined with the fact that the user may sometimes feel unsafe drinking water sterilized only by means of a sterilization station has led to a demand for bottled mineral water, provided that there is someone - the company producing the water - who provides a guarantee of the purity of the water and the absence of unpleasant sensations from the customer's perspective.

[0007] The applicant has further noted that the collection of bottled mineral water is critical to some extent depending on specific storage conditions. Especially when considering plastic bottled mineral water, it is known that storage can be carried out in a cool, dry area without direct exposure to sunlight or heat sources. In any case, long-term storage of plastic bottled mineral water may pose a potential risk of substances being released from the plastic into the water itself. It should be noted that the use of glass bottled mineral water only partially addresses this specific drawback, as glass bottles are associated with a much greater risk of breakage - compared to plastic bottles - and because the weight of glass bottles is much greater than that of plastic bottles and thus has a more serious environmental impact.

[0008] The scope of the present disclosure is to provide an apparatus and method for dispensing mineralized water that can address the aforementioned drawbacks. Summary of the Invention

[0009] Relevant aspects of the present invention will be disclosed in the following aspects, which can be combined in any suitable combination and / or can be combined with parts of the claims or the following detailed description.

[0010] According to one aspect, there is disclosed an apparatus 1 for dispensing mineralized water, the apparatus comprising:

[0011] - an inlet 3 for loading water from an external source 100;

[0012] - a distillation unit 2 connected to the inlet 3 and configured to at least partially distill a quantity of water by heating, wherein the distillation unit 2 further comprises or is operatively connected to at least one heater 4, the heater 4 being configured to provide heat in an amount sufficient to raise a quantity of water to at least the boiling temperature;

[0013] - A water dispenser 5 configured to transfer a predetermined amount of distilled water D withdrawn from the distillation unit 2 to a removable container 10, the water dispenser 5 being provided with an outlet nozzle or orifice 6 configured to face the container 10 in use;

[0014] - A mineralization unit 7 disposed between the distillation unit 2 and the outlet nozzle or orifice 6, the mineralization unit 7 being configured to take from the lumen of a disposable sachet 20 - which contains a mineralization fluid solution or powder M in said lumen - at least a portion of the mineralization fluid solution or powder M, and / or being configured to empty the sachet 20 of the mineralization fluid solution or powder M and transfer at least a portion of the mineralization fluid solution or powder M from the sachet 20 to the water dispenser 5;

[0015] - The device is configured to optionally mix the mineralization fluid solution or powder M with a predetermined amount of distilled water D transferred by the water dispenser 5 to the removable container 10.

[0016] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the predetermined amount of distilled water D transferred by the water dispenser 5 to the removable container 10 corresponds to at least a portion of the water contained in the distillation unit 2, and the device is configured to optionally mix, by means of the water dispenser 5, the predetermined amount of distilled water D transferred by the water dispenser 5 to the removable container 10 with the mineralization fluid solution or powder M in a ratio defined as the ratio of the amount of the mineralization fluid solution or powder M to the amount of distilled water D, and the ratio is less than 1, and / or wherein the amount of distilled water D is greater than the amount of the mineralization fluid solution or powder M.

[0017] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the device 1 is configured to mix the mineralization fluid solution or powder M with a predetermined portion of a quantity of distilled water D before it exits through the outlet nozzle or orifice 6.

[0018] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the device is configured to optionally remove substantially all of the mineralization fluid solution or powder M from the sachet by means of the mineralization unit 7, and / or to remove all of the mineralization fluid solution or powder M from the sachet.

[0019] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the device is configured to mix the mineralization fluid solution or powder M with the predetermined amount of distilled water D transferred by the water dispenser 5 to the removable container 10 by causing at least a portion of the predetermined amount of distilled water D to flow into the sachet 20, and / or the mineralization unit 7 is configured to receive at least a portion of the predetermined amount of distilled water D withdrawn from the distillation unit 2 and cause at least a portion of the predetermined amount of distilled water D to enter or flow into the sachet 20 before being directed to the water dispenser 5.

[0020] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the device 1 is configured to mix a mineralized fluid solution or powder M with a predetermined portion of the distilled water D transferred by the water dispenser 5 to the removable container 10 substantially corresponding to the water dispenser 5.

[0021] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the device 1 further includes a cooling unit 8 disposed between the distillation unit 2 and the mineralization unit 7, the cooling unit 8 being configured to cool the water leaving the distillation unit 2 and / or being configured to allow the water leaving the distillation unit 2 to condense, and the cooling unit 8 optionally includes at least one active feed cooler, in particular a Peltier unit.

[0022] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the distillation unit 2 is provided with at least one wall allowing to define an inner cavity suitable for accommodating a liquid, the at least one wall having an inner face facing the cavity, and the inner face includes an antibacterial material, optionally including an antibacterial metal containing silver and / or copper.

[0023] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the distillation unit 2 is provided with at least one wall allowing to define an inner cavity suitable for accommodating a liquid, the at least one wall having an inner face facing the cavity and being mounted on a vibrator 11 and / or an ultrasonic source, or being provided with a vibrator 11 and / or an ultrasonic source, and the vibrator 11 and / or the ultrasonic source are configured to prevent distillation particles or residues from adhering to the inner face of the distillation unit 2.

[0024] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the distillation unit 2 is provided with an upper part 2u and a lower part 2l, and the lower part 2l can be detachably connected to the upper part 2u, optionally by means of threads 2t arranged on the side walls of the upper part 2u and the side walls of the lower part 2l to be detachably connected to the upper part 2u.

[0025] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the distillation unit 2 is provided with a plate column or a tray column, the plate column or the tray column includes at least one plate or tray 12 arranged in the inner cavity, and at least one channel 14 with a reduced size is defined between a lower region of the cavity arranged below the plate or tray 12 and an upper region of the cavity located above the plate or tray 12. Optionally, wherein the plate column or the tray column forces the vapor to pass through a curved path before leaving the distillation unit 2, and / or optionally, wherein the plate or tray 12 includes at least one dome-shaped structure 13 arranged substantially corresponding to the channel 14, particularly located above the channel 14, for forcing the steam to flow along a curved path.

[0026] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the device is configured to perform distillation at least under vacuum conditions, and / or the distillation unit 2 is a vacuum distillation unit, and the distillation of water is carried out at a pressure lower than atmospheric pressure.

[0027] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the apparatus 1 includes a vacuum pump 16 having an inlet connected to the distillation unit 2 and adapted to provide a vacuum at least in the distillation unit 2, the vacuum pump 16 being configured to extract at least a portion of the air contained in the upper top portion of the distillation unit 2.

[0028] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the distillation unit 2 is provided with a bottom wall shaped to define a recess 2r such that at least a portion of the bottom wall projects inwardly, optionally, wherein the recess 2r corresponds to the central portion of the distillation unit 2 itself.

[0029] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the recess 2r has a bottom wall that is optionally substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis X of the distillation unit 2, the recess being provided with a protruding portion 2p that projects substantially orthogonally with respect to the bottom wall of the recess and thus defines an annular region of the recess adapted to receive at least a portion of the heater 4.

[0030] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the heater 4 is an induction heater 4 that is optionally at least partially circularly around the side wall of the distillation unit 2 or is substantially arranged below the bottom portion of the distillation unit 2.

[0031] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the heater 4 is provided with a first outer ring 4o and a second inner ring 4i, the first outer ring 4o at least partially circularly around the side wall of the distillation unit 2, and the second inner ring 4i is configured to be introduced into the annular region of the recess 2r.

[0032] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the distillation unit 2 has an inlet opening connected to the inlet 3 of the apparatus, optionally, wherein the apparatus 1 includes at least one filter and / or at least one feed pump arranged between the inlet opening and the inlet 3 of the apparatus.

[0033] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the distillation unit 2 is provided with an outlet, and the apparatus includes a storage chamber 9 adapted to store distilled water after the distilled water has left the distillation unit 2, the storage chamber 9 being arranged downstream of the cooling unit 8.

[0034] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the storage chamber 9 is provided with a cooling unit configured to cool the distilled water D leaving the distillation unit 2 and / or configured to condense the distilled water D, the cooling unit optionally including at least one active-feed cooler, in particular a Peltier unit.

[0035] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the cooling unit 8 is provided with a storage chamber adapted to receive at least a portion, optionally all, of a quantity of distilled water leaving the distillation unit 2, the storage chamber being arranged to be at least partially surrounded by an active feed cooler, in particular a Peltier unit.

[0036] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the distillation unit 2 is at least partially provided with a metal body adapted to be heated by induction, in particular by RF induction.

[0037] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the apparatus 1 includes at least one delivery pump 1p or an electric control valve and / or a mechanical control valve arranged downstream of the outlet of the storage chamber 9 and upstream of the water distributor 5.

[0038] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the apparatus 1 includes at least one delivery pump 1p or an electric control valve and / or a mechanical control valve arranged downstream of the outlet of the distillation unit 2 and optionally upstream of the water distributor 5.

[0039] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the delivery pump 1p is configured to force the liquid flow into the water distributor 5.

[0040] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the water distributor 5 includes at least one first inlet port connected to the distillation unit 2 and a second inlet port connected to the mineralization unit 7, optionally, wherein the first inlet port is connected to the distillation unit 2 through the cooling unit 8 and / or through the storage chamber 9.

[0041] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the water distributor 5 is configured to vortex-mix the distilled water with the mineralized fluid solution or powder M taken out from the bladder 20 before the distilled water and the mineralized fluid solution or powder M taken out from the bladder 20 pass through the outlet 6.

[0042] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the water distributor 5 is configured to jet and / or micronize and / or atomize the mineralized fluid solution or powder M together with the distilled water.

[0043] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the mineralization unit 7 includes a mineralization pump 7p configured to force the mineralized fluid solution or powder M to be taken out from the bladder 20 and inject the mineralized fluid solution or powder M taken out from the bladder 20 into the second inlet of the water distributor 5.

[0044] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the device 1 includes a UV (ultraviolet) sterilizer 15 configured to allow sterilization of the removable container 10 when installed in a sterilization position on the device or in a sterilization position corresponding to the device, and / or configured to allow sterilization of at least a portion of the distilled water D and / or at least a portion of the mixture of the distilled water D and the mineralized fluid solution or powder M before dispensing from the outlet nozzle or orifice 6.

[0045] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the UV sterilizer 15 is arranged substantially corresponding to the water dispenser 5, optionally mounted on the water dispenser 5, such that the radiation pattern of the UV sterilizer 15 is substantially axially aligned with at least a portion of the removable container 10 and / or enters the container 10 substantially corresponding to the orifice of the container 10, and such that during dispensing through the outlet nozzle or orifice 6, at least a portion of the removable container 10, optionally the bottom of the removable container 10, is simultaneously irradiated by UV radiation together with the water delivered from the distillation unit 2 and / or by the delivery pump 1p and / or the mixture of the certain amount of water D and the mineralized fluid solution or powder M.

[0046] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the mineralization unit 7 includes a movable extraction element 7s or a movable piercing element 7a, which is at least capable of selectively shifting into a first configuration or a second configuration. In the first configuration, the extraction element 7s or the piercing element 7a does not interact with the bladder 20. In the second configuration, the extraction element 7s or the pierced element 7a interacts with the bladder 20, optionally piercing the bladder 20, to extract the mineralized fluid solution or powder M from the bladder 20.

[0047] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the device 1 includes a liquid level sensor 2s arranged substantially corresponding to the distillation unit 2, and the liquid level sensor 2s is configured to provide a signal proportional to the liquid level of the water inside the distillation unit 2.

[0048] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the extraction element 7s or the piercing element 7a is configured to form a sealed contact with at least a portion of the bladder 20 in the second configuration.

[0049] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the bladder 20 is provided with an auxiliary orifice 20a configured to allow air and / or fluid to enter the inner cavity at least during removal or emptying of the bladder 20, and / or configured to open corresponding to the auxiliary orifice 20a to allow introduction of air and / or fluid at least during removal or emptying of the mineralized fluid solution or powder M.

[0050] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the mineralization unit 7 is configured to introduce a fluid, optionally at least water, particularly a portion of the distilled water distilled by the distillation unit 2, into the bladder 20, optionally configured to introduce a fluid, optionally at least water, particularly a portion of the distilled water distilled by the distillation unit 2, into the bladder 20 through the auxiliary orifice 20a or by opening or puncturing the bladder 20 corresponding to a second position different from the first position, at which the extraction element 7s or the movable puncturing element 7a is configured to interact with the bladder 20.

[0051] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the device includes an actuating mechanism that is at least capable of moving between a first configuration and a second configuration. Corresponding to the first configuration, the actuating member allows the bladder 20 to be introduced into the mineralization unit 7. Corresponding to the second configuration, the actuating member causes the bladder 20 to open, and the actuating mechanism is configured to be at least partially actuated by direct contact of a user.

[0052] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, moving the rod between the first configuration and the second configuration causes the movable device to move between the first position and the second position.

[0053] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the mineralization unit 7 is provided with a kicker or a pushing element that is capable of moving between a first position where it does not contact the bladder 20 and a second position where it contacts the bladder 20 with a suitable force to cause the bladder 20 to fall into the funnel 7h.

[0054] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the device 1 is configured to perform cyclic distillation and distribution of water. Optionally, each cycle at least includes:

[0055] - Loading a predetermined amount of water to be distilled into the distillation unit 2;

[0056] - Enabling at least one heater 4 for a time period sufficient to distill at least a portion of the water contained in the distillation unit 4, optionally the entire content of the water contained in the distillation unit 2;

[0057] - Enabling at least one cooling unit 8 to condense the distilled vapor located outside the distillation unit 2 to obtain a predetermined amount of distilled water D;

[0058] - Optionally transporting a predetermined amount of distilled water D to the water dispenser 5 through the delivery pump 1s, where the predetermined amount of distilled water D is mixed with the mineralized fluid solution or powder M taken out from the bladder 20, and optionally, the bladder can be processed or discarded;

[0059] - Distributing the predetermined amount of distilled water D mixed with the mineralized fluid solution or powder M to the removable container 10.

[0060] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the apparatus is configured to perform distillation of water at a pressure below atmospheric pressure and to re - establish standard atmospheric pressure in the distillation unit 2 after the water contained in the distillation unit 2 has been completely distilled and / or after the previously contained water, optionally the water contained at the start of the cycle, has been emptied from the distillation unit 2.

[0061] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the mineralization unit 7 includes a movable device configured to interact with the bladder 20, in particular configured to limit the movement of the bladder 20; the mineralization unit 7 is configured to cause the bladder 20 to fall into the funnel 7h after the bladder has been opened due to the relative movement between the bladder 20 and the movable device.

[0062] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the mineralization unit 7 is configured to hold the bladder 20 to prevent the bladder 20 from falling into the funnel 7h before the bladder 20 is opened by the movement of the movable device.

[0063] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the movable device is provided with a retaining wall 7r against which the bladder at least strikes when introduced into the mineralization unit; the retaining wall 7r also defines a receiving portion for at least a part of the bladder.

[0064] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a recoil or pushing element is configured to move between a first position and a second position at a speed or with a force sufficient to release the bladder 20 from contact with the retaining wall 7r.

[0065] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the mineralization unit 7 is configured to cause the bladder 20 to enter the mineralization unit 7 such that the bladder 20 is axially offset or tilted with respect to the axis B of the receiving portion or recess defined by the retaining wall 7r.

[0066] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, during the movement of the movable device from the first position to the second position, the bladder 20 is forced to gradually reduce the offset and tilt of its own axis A to partially enter the receiving portion such that it is substantially axially aligned with the axis B of the receiving portion.

[0067] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the movable device is provided with teeth 7k, which are optionally arranged in the front part of the retaining wall 7r; the teeth 7k are configured to engage with the bladder 20, optionally corresponding to the front teeth 20t of the bladder 20, and the teeth 7k are further configured to:

[0068] - Facilitate moving the bladder 20 away from the rear wall 7b of the mineralization unit 7 and causing the bladder 20 to fall into the funnel 7h after moving away; or

[0069] - Contribute to separating the bladder 20 from the movable device to allow the bladder to fall into the funnel 7h.

[0070] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the tooth portion 7k is firmly fixed to the movable device.

[0071] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the tooth portion 7k is arranged on the fixed portion of the mineralization unit 7, and the fixed portion is particularly different from the movable device.

[0072] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the sac-like member 20 is provided with a rear ring 20u, which is optionally arranged at the rear end portion of the sac-like member 20, and the rear ring 20u protrudes from the side wall of the sac-like member 20 and is configured to engage with the tooth portion 7k.

[0073] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the mineralization unit 7 is configured to allow the sac-like member 20 to be introduced between the rear wall 7b and the movable device, and optionally the rear ring 20u of the sac-like member is located between the tooth portion 7k and the rear wall 7b.

[0074] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the actuating mechanism 1m or the rod is connected to the movable device through an inclined plane mechanism and / or through a belt and gear rack connection.

[0075] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the device includes a control unit 30, which is configured to cause at least one cycle including the following:

[0076] - Enabling the electric control valve and / or the mechanical control valve 3v or the pump 3p to load a predetermined amount of water into the distillation unit 2;

[0077] - Enabling at least one heater 4 for a time period sufficient to distill at least a portion of the water to be distilled contained in the distillation unit 2, and optionally the entire content of the water to be distilled contained in the distillation unit 2,

[0078] - Enabling at least one cooling unit 8 to condense the distilled vapor located outside the distillation unit 2, thereby obtaining a predetermined amount of distilled water D,

[0079] - Optionally, by enabling the delivery pump 1s to deliver a predetermined amount of distilled water D to the water dispenser 5, wherein the predetermined amount of distilled water is mixed with the mineralized fluid solution or powder M,

[0080] - Mixing a predetermined amount of distilled water D with the mineralized fluid solution or powder M leading to the removable container 10 through the water dispenser 5.

[0081] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the control unit 30 is configured to enable the UV sterilizer 15 in the cycle and at least for the time required to perform the mixing of the predetermined amount of distilled water D with the mineralized fluid solution or powder M and to complete the delivery of the resulting mixture to the removable container 10.

[0082] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the control unit 30 is configured to enable the vacuum pump 16 in a cycle and for a predetermined amount of time, and / or to enable the vacuum pump 16 and then deactivate the vacuum pump 16 after a predetermined vacuum level is reached within the distillation unit 2.

[0083] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the control unit 30 is configured to enable at least one vibrator 11 or ultrasonic source, which is arranged substantially corresponding to the distillation unit 2 and / or arranged in contact with the distillation unit 2 and / or arranged within the distillation unit 2.

[0084] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the mineralization unit 7 includes a movable device configured to interact with the bladder 20, in particular configured to restrict the movement of the bladder 20; the mineralization unit 7 is configured to cause the bladder 20 to fall into the funnel 7h after the bladder 20 is opened due to the relative movement between the bladder 20 and the movable device.

[0085] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the mineralization unit 7 is configured to hold the bladder 20 to prevent the bladder 20 from falling into the funnel 7h before the bladder 20 is opened by the movement of the movable device.

[0086] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the movable device is provided with a holding wall 7r against which the bladder at least strikes when introduced into the mineralization unit; the holding wall 7r also defines a receiving portion for at least a part of the bladder.

[0087] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is disclosed a computer program product adapted to be stored in a memory support, the program product including a software code portion that, when executed by the control unit 30, performs at least the one cycle.

[0088] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the mineralization fluid solution or powder M is a solution in which minerals are dissolved in pure and / or sterilized distilled water.

[0089] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is disclosed a method for dispensing mineralized water, the method comprising the steps of:

[0090] - Loading a predetermined amount of water to be distilled into the distillation unit 2;

[0091] - Enabling at least one heater 4 for a time sufficient to distill at least a part of the water contained in the distillation unit 2, optionally to distill the entire content of the water contained in the distillation unit 2,

[0092] - Optionally condensing the distilled vapor located outside the distillation unit 2 by means of a cooling unit 8 connected to the distillation unit 2 to obtain a predetermined amount of distilled water D,

[0093] - Optionally, a predetermined amount of distilled water is delivered to the water dispenser 5 by means of a delivery pump 1s, wherein the predetermined amount of distilled water D is mixed with the mineralized fluid solution or powder M.

[0094] - The predetermined amount of distilled water D mixed with the mineralized fluid solution or powder M is dispensed into the removable container 10.

[0095] - Wherein the mixing is carried out by taking out the mineralized fluid solution or powder M from the disposable sachet 20 or by emptying the disposable sachet 20 of the mineralized fluid solution or powder M.

[0096] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the steps according to the foregoing aspect are carried out cyclically, optionally in a manner of electronically controlled cyclic operation, optionally in a manner of filling each removable container 10 with mineralized water, and the steps according to the foregoing aspect are provided at least once.

[0097] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, obtaining a predetermined amount of distilled water D and then dispensing the predetermined amount of distilled water D mixed with the mineralized fluid solution or powder M into the removable container 10 is a process of softening and subsequent remineralization of water achieved by means of the device 1 for dispensing mineralized water including the distillation unit 2.

[0098] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the mixing is carried out in a predetermined ratio, which is defined as the ratio of the amount of the mineralized fluid solution or powder M to the amount of distilled water D, and wherein the ratio is less than 1, and / or wherein the amount of distilled water D is greater than the amount of the mineralized fluid solution or powder M.

[0099] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, taking out the mineralized fluid solution or powder M from the disposable sachet 20 or emptying the disposable sachet 20 of the mineralized fluid solution or powder M is carried out by means of the following: taking the sachet 20 corresponding to the first position, optionally corresponding to the first orifice, at which time the mineralized fluid solution or powder M is taken out from the sachet 20; and taking the sachet 20 corresponding to the second position, optionally corresponding to the auxiliary orifice 20a, wherein, corresponding to the second position, forcing or allowing fluid, in particular water and / or air, to enter the inner cavity of the sachet 20 containing the mineralized fluid solution or powder M.

[0100] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, taking out the mineralized fluid solution or powder M from the disposable sachet 20 or emptying the disposable sachet 20 of the mineralized fluid solution or powder M is carried out by means of the following: causing at least a part of a predetermined amount of distilled water D to flow into the sachet 20, optionally causing substantially all of the distilled water D distilled from the distillation unit 2 to flow into the sachet 20.

[0101] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the method includes the step of introducing the sachet 20 into the tank 7a of the device 1 for dispensing mineralized water, wherein the sachet is opened by the extraction element 7s or the puncturing element 7a of the device 1 for extracting the mineralized fluid solution or powder M from the sachet 20. Optionally, the step of introducing the sachet 20 into the tank 7a of the device 1 for dispensing mineralized water occurs before a predetermined amount of distilled water D is delivered to the water dispenser 5 and / or before a predetermined amount of distilled water D mixed with the mineralized fluid solution or powder M is dispensed into the removable container 10.

[0102] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, loading a predetermined amount of water to be distilled into the distillation unit 2 includes feeding a predetermined amount of water to be distilled into the distillation unit 2 by enabling, optionally electrically controlled enabling, the inlet pump 3p or by opening, optionally electrically controlled opening, the inlet valve 3v, the inlet pump 3p or the inlet valve 3v being connected to the water source 100.

[0103] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, loading a predetermined amount of water to be distilled into the distillation unit 2 includes: comparing the signal provided by the level sensor 2s with a predetermined level threshold, and interrupting the loading when the signal provided by the level sensor 2s corresponds to a level equal to or exceeding the predetermined level threshold, the level sensor 2s being arranged corresponding to the distillation unit 2 and configured to detect the level of water located inside the distillation unit 2.

[0104] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, enabling at least one heater 4 is performed after a predetermined amount of water to be distilled has been loaded into the distillation unit 2.

[0105] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a predetermined amount of distilled water D is delivered to the water dispenser 5, optionally by the delivery pump 1s, after the distillation of the water contained in the distillation unit 2 is completed and / or after the distillation unit 2 is emptied, where at the water dispenser 5, a predetermined amount of distilled water D is mixed with the mineralized fluid solution or powder M.

[0106] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the delivery is triggered by the control unit 30 in the following steps: electronically comparing the signal provided by the level sensor 2s with a level threshold, and subsequently electronically sending an enabling signal for at least one delivery pump 1p, in particular an enabling signal for feeding to the water dispenser 5.

[0107] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the mineralized fluid solution or powder M is extracted from the sachet 20 after the distillation of the water contained in the distillation unit 2 is completed or after the distillation unit 2 is emptied.

[0108] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the method includes: establishing a pressure below atmospheric pressure in the distillation unit 2 for at least the time required to perform, in particular to complete, the step of distilling the water contained in the distillation unit 2; and re - establishing standard atmospheric pressure in the distillation unit 2 after the distillation of the water contained in the distillation unit 2 is completed and / or after the distillation unit 2 is emptied of the previously contained water, optionally the water contained at the start of the cycle.

[0109] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the method includes vibrating the distillation unit 2 at a predetermined frequency, which may optionally be in the ultrasonic range, to substantially prevent distillation residues from adhering to the inner wall of the distillation unit 2 or to reduce the amount of distillation residues adhering to the inner wall of the distillation unit 2.

[0110] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the method includes vibrating the distillation unit 2 at a predetermined frequency by activating a vibrator 11 and / or an ultrasonic source, which is / are arranged corresponding to the distillation unit 2 and / or arranged in contact with the distillation unit 2 and / or arranged below the distillation unit 2.

[0111] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the method includes stopping the vibrator 11 and / or the ultrasonic source after the distillation unit 2 has emptied the previously contained water and / or after the distillation of the water contained in the distillation unit 2 is completed.

[0112] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the method further includes the step of sterilizing at least a part of the container 10 and / or at least a part of a predetermined amount of distilled water D and / or a mixture of a predetermined amount of distilled water D and a mineralized fluid solution or powder M. The sterilization step includes activating a UV sterilizer to generate a UV radiation pattern that is substantially axially aligned with at least a part of the removable container 10 and / or enters the container 10 corresponding to the orifice of the container 10. The method includes simultaneously irradiating at least a part of the removable container 10, optionally the bottom of the removable container 10, the water transported from the distillation unit 2 and / or through the delivery pump 1p, and / or the mixture of the predetermined amount of water D and the mineralized fluid solution or powder M with the UV radiation generated by the UV sterilizer.

[0113] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the method includes the step of opening the bladder 20 corresponding to at least a first part of the bladder 20, and includes the step of causing the bladder 20 to fall into the funnel 7h after opening the bladder.

[0114] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the falling of the bladder 20 into the funnel 7h is caused by the movement of the movable device of the mineralization unit 7.

[0115] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the method includes: moving a movable device of the mineralization unit 7 from a first position corresponding to the still-closed bladder to a second position where the bladder is opened, in particular by the action of the movable device; and causing the bladder 20 to fall into the funnel 7h due to or following the movement of the movable device back to the first position after the bladder is opened.

[0116] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the method includes capturing the bladder between the rear wall 7b of the mineralization unit and the movable device, in particular between the retaining wall 7r of the movable device. The method includes causing the bladder 20 to enter the mineralization unit 7 such that the bladder 20 is axially offset and tilted with respect to the axis B of the receiving portion or recess defined by the retaining wall 7r.

[0117] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, during the movement of the movable device from the first position to the second position, the bladder 20 is forced to gradually reduce the offset and tilt of its own axis A to be partially introduced into the receiving portion, so as to be substantially axially aligned with the axis B of the receiving portion.

[0118] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the movable device is provided with teeth 7k, which are optionally arranged in the front part of the retaining wall 7r and are configured to engage with the bladder 20, in particular with the front teeth 20t of the bladder 20. The teeth 7k are configured to help move the bladder 20 away from the rear wall 7b of the mineralization unit 7 and cause the bladder 20 to fall into the funnel 7h after moving away.

[0119] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, during the movement of the movable device from the second position to the first position, at least a part of the bladder 20, in particular the rear ring 20u that projects from the side wall of the bladder 20 and / or is arranged substantially corresponding to the rear end portion of the bladder 20, strikes the teeth 7k arranged on the fixed part of the mineralization unit 7.

[0120] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, after the bladder 20 has struck the teeth 7k, it optionally falls into the funnel 7h due to gravity and / or by means of the force applied by a recoil device or a pushing element.

[0121] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the method includes actuating a recoil device or a pushing element that can move between a first position where it does not contact the bladder 20 and a second position where it contacts the bladder 20, such that the recoil device or the pushing element moves at least from the first position to the second position, thereby forcing and / or helping the bladder to leave the receiving portion generated by the retaining wall 7r and / or separate from the rear wall 7b.

[0122] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the method includes the step of introducing the sachet 20 into the mineralization unit 7 such that a rear ring 20u protruding from the side wall of the sachet 20 and / or arranged substantially corresponding to the rear end portion of the sachet is placed between the rear wall 7b of the mineralization unit 7 and the tooth portion 7k.

[0123] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, mineralization of distilled water is achieved by the mineralization unit 7 at approximately normal temperature or below normal temperature.

[0124] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, removal of the mineralized fluid solution or powder M from the disposable sachet 20 or emptying of the disposable sachet 20 of the mineralized fluid solution or powder M occurs by and / or according to the following: the actuating mechanism 1m moves from a first configuration in which the sachet 20 can be introduced into the mineralization unit 7 to a second configuration in which the mineralization unit 7 is configured to open the sachet 20.

[0125] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the movement of the actuating mechanism 1m includes the movement of an actuating rod from a first position to a second position.

[0126] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the actuating mechanism 1m or the actuating rod is connected to a movable device by an inclined plane mechanism and / or by a toothed rack coupling, and the movement causes the inclined plane and / or the toothed rack coupling to move and / or rotate. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0127] Some non-limiting embodiments of the objectives of the present disclosure will be presented in the following detailed description and illustrated in the drawings, where:

[0128] - Figure 1 a schematic diagram showing an embodiment of the device according to the present disclosure;

[0129] - Figure 2 a cross-sectional view showing an embodiment of the distillation unit of the device;

[0130] - Figure 3 a side view showing another embodiment of the distillation unit of the device;

[0131] - Figure 4 a schematic diagram showing another embodiment of the device according to the present disclosure;

[0132] - Figure 5 a cross-sectional view showing an embodiment of the distillation unit of the device;

[0133] - Figure 6 a diagram showing the variation of the boiling point - pressure of water;

[0134] - Figure 7 a plan view showing a specific embodiment of the water dispenser according to the present disclosure;

[0135] - Figure 8 shows a side view of a water dispenser; Figure 7 of;

[0136] - Figure 9 shows another non - limiting embodiment of a water dispenser according to the present disclosure;

[0137] - Figure 10 shows a first side view of a part of a device for opening a sachet, the device being part of an overall device according to the present disclosure;

[0138] - Figure 11 shows a second side view of a part of a device for opening a sachet, the device being part of an overall device according to the present disclosure;

[0139] - Figure 12 shows Figure 11 details of the device of;

[0140] - Figure 13 shows a part of a first embodiment of a sachet;

[0141] - Figure 14 shows a part of a second embodiment of a sachet;

[0142] - Figure 15 shows a plan view of an embodiment of a sachet;

[0143] - Figure 16 shows details of a partial cross - sectional view of a mineralization unit that is part of an object of the device according to the present disclosure;

[0144] - Figure 17 shows a schematic perspective view of an object of the device according to the present disclosure provided with an actuating rod;

[0145] - Figure 18 shows a schematic top view of a non - limiting embodiment of a mineralization unit part of an object of the device according to the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0146] In Figure 1 shown generally by reference numeral 1 is a device for dispensing mineralized water.

[0147] The device according to the present disclosure, in its simplest understanding, provides for the softening of a predetermined quantity of water by distillation, thereby generating distillation vapor - which is then condensed to produce a predetermined quantity of distilled water D, and then provides for the mixing of the aforementioned predetermined quantity of distilled water D with a mineralized fluid solution or powder M taken from a disposable sachet indicated by reference numeral 20 in the present description, in order to introduce the mixture into a removable container 10, such as a bottle, so as to obtain mineralized water having a predetermined and calculated quantity of minerals. In practice, the device according to the present disclosure first softens the water received from an external source - in order to provide softened water without any combination of unwanted minerals or any minerals with a harmful, unwanted or unpleasant taste - and then remineralizes the water with a mixture of suitable minerals by means of the sachet 20. This is in particular the reason why the device which is the subject of the present disclosure is called "for dispensing mineralized water": the water is not only mineralized, but has undergone a process of softening and then remineralization (extra emphasis) by means of the sachet.

[0148] The device object of the present disclosure can advantageously be used as a household appliance, but in non-limiting embodiments can be configured to be used as an industrial device; in the first case, the device object can have a conveniently designed housing and can be provided with a slot 7a allowing the introduction of the sachet 20 into the body of the device itself. The housing can preferably be transparent in order to cover the technical elements housed within the housing and at least the remineralization unit 7 accessible through the slot 7a.

[0149] For the purposes of the present disclosure, by "disposable sachet" is meant a sachet that can be used only once and, in particular, a sachet that is configured to be disposed of or discarded once the mineralized fluid solution or powder M contained therein has been completely removed.

[0150] The device 1 according to the present disclosure is specifically conceived for domestic use and can thus be installed as a countertop device.

[0151] Preferably, but within non-limiting bounds, at least a portion of the sachet can be made of aluminum or any recyclable material. In this way, the sachet helps to reduce environmental pollution in terms of the waste derived from the use of the system disclosed herein.

[0152] Advantageously, the mineralized fluid solution or powder M does not contain any chemicals other than purified sterile water with an appropriate quantity of minerals dissolved therein.

[0153] The mixing ratio between a certain amount of mineralized fluid solution or powder M contained in the bladder 20 and transported to the container and a predetermined amount of water or an equivalent amount D of distilled water to be transported to the container 10 is less than 1, and particularly significantly less than 1. This means that the amount of distilled water D is greater than the amount of mineralized fluid solution or powder M, and particularly far greater than the amount of mineralized fluid solution or powder M. In a non-limiting embodiment, the bladder may be configured to contain between 20 ml and 30 ml of mineralized fluid solution sufficient to fill a container with a standard capacity of 3 / 4 l to 1 l. Due to this aspect, a significant weight saving can be achieved for the predetermined amount of final mineralized water in the container 10 compared to a traditional bottle. Substantially, if for the sake of simplicity the weight of the housing of the bladder itself is excluded from the calculation, the advantage can have a ratio of approximately 20 ml to 30 ml to 3 / 4 l to 1 l of water. It should be noted that the water to be distilled is obtained at the location where the device 1 is installed and is therefore not considered for the purposes of the said calculation. In fact, due to the said device, only the bladder 20 is transported, and therefore the shipping cost and volume are only associated with the bladder itself.

[0154] The capacity of the inner cavity of the bladder 20 can be achieved according to the said ratio, but the maximum allowable soluble minerals per amount of water also need to be considered; for the applicant, it is important that the bladder 20 contains water in which the minerals are fully dissolved. This aspect allows the mineralized fluid solution or powder M to be evenly distributed into the above-mentioned amount of distilled water D. The typical size of the bladder 20 can be to contain 5 ml of solution M or 10 ml of solution M or 20 ml of solution M.

[0155] As Figure 1 disclosed in, the device 1 at least comprises:

[0156] - an inlet 3 configured to allow loading of water from an external source, which external source can be a pressurized water source such as, for example, a white water pipe or alternatively an unpressurized water source such as a depression or a pond;

[0158] - a distillation unit 2 connected to the inlet 3 and configured to distill a certain amount of water at least partially by heating;

[0160] - a heater 4 operably connected to the distillation unit 2 and configured to provide heat to the distillation unit in an amount sufficient to heat a certain amount of water to at least the boiling temperature;

[0162] - a water dispenser 5 configured to transfer a predetermined portion or particularly a predetermined amount D of distilled water of a certain amount of water contained in the distillation unit 2 to the container 10 through an outlet nozzle or orifice 6 configured to be used on the container 10;

[0164] - Mineralization unit 7, which is placed between the distillation unit 2 and the outlet nozzle or orifice 6.

[0165] The mineralization unit 7 is configured to retrieve a disposable sachet 20 containing a mineralized fluid solution or powder M for removing the mineralized fluid solution or powder M from the sachet 20 and to transfer the mineralized fluid solution or powder M from the sachet 20 to the water dispenser 5. Thus, the device delivers a mixture produced by the mineralized fluid solution or powder and a predetermined amount of distilled water D to the container 10. Preferably, but within non-limiting ranges, mineralization is carried out at room temperature or below room temperature. For the purposes of the present disclosure, "room temperature" will mean any temperature within a range generally between 18 °C and 26 °C.

[0166] Advantageously, any sachet 20 can be filled with a mineral of a predetermined formulation such that, once dissolved in a suitable amount of water, a mineral of a certain formulation roughly equivalent to that of traditional bottled mineral water can be obtained. In this way, the user does not experience any unpleasant taste in the water delivered by the device described herein; in addition, the user can reuse the same container 10 multiple times.

[0167] The applicant emphasizes that by choosing different formulations of minerals for the sachet 20, different types of mineralized water can be obtained, i.e., water that is minimally mineralized or highly mineralized as well as different tastes can be obtained. In this way, the device according to the present disclosure can produce different types of mineral water according to the user's wishes, simply by changing the type of sachet 20 - i.e., by changing the mixture of minerals in the sachet.

[0168] The device according to the present disclosure not only allows the user to select the specific formulation of minerals that they want to add to the water, but also helps to reduce the overall environmental impact of the distribution compared to bottled mineral water.

[0169] In the course of the present disclosure, the references "downstream" and "upstream" are used. The meaning of "stream" shall mean from the outlet 3 to the distillation unit 2, then to the cooling unit (if present) and / or to the second chamber or storage chamber (if present), then to the mineralization unit and / or the water dispenser.

[0170] The basic form of the distillation unit 2 can roughly assume the form of a vase provided with a bottom wall and side walls defining a top opening from which, in use, the steam can leave. In a preferred and non-limiting embodiment, the distillation unit 2 takes the shape of a body of revolution, for example of a body of revolution of an annular section with a given longitudinal axis X. It is provided that, in use, the distillation unit 2 should be heated to allow the distillation to take place, and the material used to realize the distillation unit 2 can include temperature-resistant plastics or, in some cases, metals. Having a distillation unit 2 realized at least partially in metal allows the water contained therein to be heated by means of electromagnetic induction.

[0171] In a specific and non-limiting embodiment, the distillation unit 2 may comprise an upper part 2u and a lower part 2l which may be separate from the upper part 2u or equivalently may be connected to the upper part 2u in a detachable manner. Within the scope, the lower part 2l, which may be designed to be detachable from the upper part 2u, allows cleaning of the inner cavity of the distillation unit 2, in particular for allowing cleaning and removal of solid residues remaining after the water has been completely distilled and the unit is empty. The lower part 2l may be coupled to the upper part 2u by means of a thread 2t, which in a non-limiting embodiment is realized in the internal face of the lower part 2l to match the corresponding reverse thread arranged on the external face of the upper part 2u. In any case, the threaded coupling may be reversed, i.e. the thread 2t on the lower part may be on the external face of the side wall, while the reverse thread of the upper part 2u may be on the internal face. The use of a threaded coupling allows withstanding the high pressures that may occur during distillation.

[0172] In another non-limiting embodiment whose technical features can be combined with any of the aforementioned technical features, the distillation unit 2 can be provided with a bottom wall having a recess 2r; in the case where the distillation unit 2 has the shape of a body of revolution, the recess 2r is centered on the longitudinal axis X, such as Figure 2 . The recess 2r has: a side wall, which may be annular and parallel to the longitudinal axis X; and a bottom wall, which is substantially transverse to said axis, in particular orthogonal to said axis. A central protruding portion 2p protrudes substantially orthogonally from the bottom wall relative to the bottom wall itself and defines or leaves an annular area of ​​the recess suitable for accommodating at least a portion of a heater 4, in particular an inductive heater.

[0173] As already disclosed above, the distillation unit 2 can be heated by an inductive heater 4: in an embodiment, the inductive heater 4 can have a substantially annular shape that at least partially surrounds the side wall of the distillation unit 2, and in particular, can be arranged corresponding to the bottom part. If the distillation unit 2 is provided with the aforementioned recess 2r, the first inductive heater 4o can be arranged so as to at least partially surround the side wall of the distillation unit 2, and the second inductive heater 4i can be arranged in the annular area of the recess 2r. In this way, the heating of water is optimized.

[0174] In a non-limiting embodiment in which its technical features can be combined with any of the previously disclosed technical features, the distillation unit 2 can be provided with a level sensor 2s configured to allow detection of the amount of water present in the distillation unit 2; the level sensor 2s is preferably configured to provide, in output, a signal proportional to the level of the liquid in the distillation unit. The level sensor 2s can be a capacitive sensor or any other type of sensor suitable for detecting the liquid level.

[0175] The distillation unit 2 is connected to the inlet 3 of the device either directly or, according to a particular embodiment, through an electrically controlled valve and / or a mechanical valve 3v or through an electrically controlled inlet pump 3p. In this way, a controlled introduction of water into the distillation unit 2 can be achieved. It can be noted that the device object of the present disclosure is preferably conceived to operate for distilling clean white water, but in a non-limiting embodiment, a purification filter can be provided upstream of the inlet of the distillation unit 2 to have pre-cleaning and / or for reducing bacteria, algae, and chemical contaminants that may affect the water at the inlet 3 of the device.

[0176] In a non-limiting embodiment in which its technical features can be combined with any of the previously disclosed technical features, at least a part of the inner face of the distillation unit 2 can be made of an antibacterial material, in particular an antibacterial metal containing silver or copper. This helps to reduce the growth of bacteria from the very beginning when water is introduced into the device. It can be noted that the particles released from the metal will remain in the distillation unit 2 due to distillation, without significantly affecting the amount of distilled water D produced by the unit itself.

[0177] In a non-limiting embodiment in which its technical features can be combined with any of the previously disclosed technical features, the device 1 of the present disclosure can be configured to allow distillation under vacuum conditions, which means that the distillation unit 2 is at least specifically conceived to distill water at a pressure lower than standard atmospheric pressure. The boiling point of water is related to pressure by an established law, and this established law generates Figure 6Graph showing the boiling point of water against pressure. The reduction of pressure, at least within the distillation unit 2, allows the distillation of water at a lower temperature, thus requiring the injection of a small amount of heat, and therefore saving a part of the energy required for heating. For this purpose, the distillation unit may be provided with a vacuum port which is preferably but within a non-limiting range located in the upper part of the distillation unit so as to remain outside the upper liquid level of the water. In a non-limiting embodiment, the vacuum port is connected to the vacuum pump indicated by reference numeral 16 in Figure 4 which is aimed at maintaining a vacuum within the distillation unit 2 at least for the time required to carry out the distillation, preferably complete distillation, of the water contained in the distillation unit 2, i.e. for the time required to finally completely empty the distillation unit.

[0178] In a particular configuration in use, the vacuum generated within the distillation unit 2 by means of the vacuum pump 16 can also be used to accelerate the introduction of other predetermined amounts of water into the distillation unit 2, such that the force required by the inlet pump 3p can be reduced in the presence of the inlet pump 3p. In a particular embodiment, the vacuum pump 16 can be a hermetic vacuum pump: in this way, once stopped, no further valves need to be closed to prevent air from returning into the distillation unit 2.

[0179] Figure 5 A particular configuration of the inner cavity of the distillation unit 2 is shown, which can be applied to any alternative disclosed herein, i.e. in particular to the case of distillation at atmospheric pressure and to the case of distillation under vacuum conditions. The cavity of the distillation unit 2 may be provided with at least one and preferably a plurality of trays 12 or plates, the purpose of which is to force the vapour to enter the cavity in a curved, non-linear path, in particular the following path, rising to the top orifice of the distillation unit 2, in which path, for at least a part of the vapour, the direction of the vapour should be significantly different from the direction specified by the longitudinal axis X. In a particular configuration, the distillation unit 2 is provided with a number of trays 12 arranged at different heights, each tray defining at least one channel 14 for moving the vapour from a lower height relative to the tray or plate to a higher height relative to the tray or plate, and optionally the channel is provided with a domed structure 13 which is arranged substantially corresponding to the channel and in particular in an axially aligned manner with the channel. The domed structure contributes to the advancement of the flow in a curved path. When there is at least one, preferably a plurality of trays 12, the distillation unit 2 can adopt a configuration of a column of plates or a column of trays.

[0180] As previously mentioned, the device object of the present disclosure may be provided with a cooling unit 8, which is arranged downstream of the distillation unit 2 and is configured to allow the distilled water vapor to condense. In a particular embodiment, the cooling unit 8 may include a portion of a pipe, and at least one and preferably a plurality of Peltier units are arranged on the outer surface of the pipe. The Peltier unit may alternatively be replaced by any active-feed cooler, which may be fed by electrical energy or a cooling fluid or a cooling gas. Preferably, but within a non-limiting scope, for the purpose of providing good thermal conductivity and avoiding the release of unwanted substances from the metal that may otherwise contaminate the distilled water, a portion of the pipe may be made of a thermally conductive metal, such as surgical stainless steel. The pipe preferably terminates in a second chamber designated by reference numeral 9, and the purpose of the second chamber is to store or collect a predetermined amount of distilled water D that will further undergo mixing as expected. In an embodiment, the cooling unit 8 may be provided with a second chamber, and in the case where the cooling unit 8 is provided with a second chamber, the active-feed cooler may be arranged to at least partially surround the side surface and / or the lower surface of the second chamber. In other respects, the cooling unit 8 may not exist as a separate component and may be directly integrated into the second chamber.

[0181] It should be noted that in the case of performing distillation under vacuum conditions, the assembly formed by the distillation unit 2, the cooling unit 8, and the second chamber 9 may operate under vacuum conditions at least temporarily, thus forming - still at least temporarily - a single confined environment whose inner cavity is subjected to a pressure lower than atmospheric pressure.

[0182] It can be noted that a first one-way valve and / or a first check valve may optionally be present at the outlet of the distillation unit 2, and / or a second one-way valve and / or a second check valve may optionally be present at the outlet of the cooling unit 8 or the storage chamber 9. The direction allowed by the valve is such that it allows flow from the distillation unit 2 to the cooling unit 8 and / or the second chamber, and / or to the water dispenser 5 after a predetermined pressure level is reached upstream of the valve itself; the valve in any case prevents flow in the opposite direction.

[0183] In a non-limiting embodiment, for the purpose of forcing a predetermined amount of distilled water D to be taken out of the second chamber 9 so that the predetermined amount of distilled water D is forced into the water dispenser 5, the second chamber 9 may be provided with an outlet connected to an electric control valve and / or a mechanical control valve 1v or to a delivery pump 1p.

[0184] The water distributor 5 is provided with a first inlet connected to the second chamber 9 (which may be connected to the delivery pump 1p and / or the electric control valve and / or the mechanical control valve 1v if present) and a second inlet connected to the mineralization unit 7. The water distributor 5 is configured to mix a predetermined amount of distilled water D from the second chamber 9 with the mineralized fluid solution or powder M from the sachet 20 opened by the mineralization unit 7 simultaneously, particularly in accordance with the said predetermined ratio. The emptying of the sachet 20 is preferably carried out step by step as the second chamber 9 is gradually emptied, so that a uniform mixture is thus obtained. It should be noted that the desired ratio may be a fixed desired ratio or (optionally) a variable desired ratio, and may be defined or otherwise controlled by adjusting the operation of the delivery pump 1p relative to the mineralization pump 7a, which may conveniently be arranged upstream of the second inlet in the mineralization unit 7. If the ratio is variable, then in a non-limiting embodiment, the ratio may be electronically set by inputting a predetermined command or data to the control unit.

[0185] A pump operable controllably in terms of flow rate and / or operating time allows for a device that can be configured to deliver the correct mixing ratio amount over a number of container 10 volumes. By varying the container volume 10, the predetermined amount of water to be loaded into the distillation unit 2 will also vary proportionally, and the volume of the sachet 20 (or at least the amount of the mineralized fluid solution or powder M taken from the sachet 20) will also vary proportionally. If this technical feature is optionally present in the device 1, the user can advantageously select the volume of the container 10 via the user interface, so that the control unit 30 appropriately selects the correct amount of water to be loaded and also allows the control unit 30 to appropriately select signals to send to the various pumps of the device in order to have the correct mixing ratio and the correct overall amount of mineralization water introduced into the container 10. It can be noted that a fixed ratio of the mixture can be provided by selecting suitable flow rates for the two injection nozzles arranged corresponding to each of the two inlets of the water distributor.

[0186] The water distributor 5 is provided with a specific shape such that a predetermined amount of water is ejected and / or micronized or atomized together with a predetermined amount of the mineralized fluid solution or powder M, so as to obtain a uniform mixture of the two components, preferably by means of a helical path.

[0187] In a particular but non - limiting embodiment, the device object of the present disclosure is provided with a sterilization device, in particular a UV sterilizer 15, the purpose of which is to allow sterilization of at least a part of the container 10 and / or at least a part of the mixture of distilled water and the mineralized fluid solution. In a particular embodiment, the UV sterilizer 15 is configured to allow simultaneous sterilization of at least a part of the container 10 and at least a part of the mixture of distilled water and the mineralized fluid solution. The applicant has envisioned a particular configuration of the water dispenser 5 with an annular distribution portion 5t that opens onto the neck of the container 10 in use; the annular distribution portion defines a central opening that is axially aligned along a distribution axis (indicated as axis Y in Figure 8 ), and the distribution axis connects the central axis of the container 10 to the center of the opening of the water dispenser 5. Here, the mixture of distilled water and the mineralized fluid solution or powder arrives at the annular distribution portion 5t from a lateral pipe 5i that is arranged substantially orthogonally to the distribution axis Y, and then rotates circularly (see the arrow F in Figure 8 ) before entering the container 10. The UV sterilizer 15 is configured to direct at least a part of the UV radiation in a direction such that the UV radiation can reach the bottom of the container 10. When the water dispenser injects the mixture of distilled water and the mineralized fluid solution or powder M into the container 10, the injected mixture is also irradiated by the UV radiation, and thus simultaneous sterilization as described above is achieved. Due to this technical aspect, the device object of the present disclosure can perform the distillation and sterilization of drinking water according to two different principles (thermal distillation, radiation sterilization).

[0188] It can be noted that according to Figure 5 , another simpler type of water dispenser 5 can be implemented as a simple double - inlet pipe, such as a "Y" - shaped pipe or a "T" - shaped pipe, where the first inlet port 5a is optionally connected to the distillation unit 2 through a second chamber 9 and / or a delivery pump 1p.

[0189] Figure 10 and Figure 11 discloses various configurations of the mineralization unit 7 configured to extract a certain amount of the mineralized fluid solution or powder M from the bladder 20. According to Figure 10 , the mineralization unit 7 includes a piercing element 7a in the form of a needle, which can be axially moved from a first position where the piercing end of the piercing element 7a is away from the bladder 20 to a second position where the piercing end of the piercing element 7a is located inside the bladder 20 after having perforated at least a part of the bladder 20. In a preferred and non - limiting embodiment, the movement of the piercing element 7a can be axial (see Figure 10Arrow W indicating the axial movement of the piercing element 7a). The mineralization unit 7 may include a front retaining wall 7r provided with a recess adapted to replicate or trace at least a portion of the contour of the sachet 20 so as to hold the sachet 20 in an open position, at least temporarily, in which the sachet 20 can be perforated. It may be noted that the sachet 20 may be provided with a weakened portion.

[0190] Figure 11 Another embodiment of the mineralization unit 7 is shown, which includes an opening element 7s configured to remove the mineralization fluid solution or powder M from the sachet 20 without directly perforating it. In this case, the opening element 7s may conveniently be provided with a sealing ring corresponding to the valve 20v of the sachet 20 and in contact with the side wall 20p of the sachet 20. The removal of the mineralization fluid solution or powder M from the sachet may be carried out by means of vacuum extraction with the opening element 7s provided with a sealing ring. The valve 20v arranged on the side wall 20p of the sachet 20 may conveniently be configured to open outwards and may conveniently be implemented in the form of a duckbill valve. Additionally, in this embodiment, the opening element 7s may be implemented to move axially from a first position where the opening element 7s is remote from the sachet 20 to a second position where the opening element 7s is in substantial contact with the side wall 20p of the sachet 20.

[0191] In a particular and non - limiting embodiment, the sachet 20 may be provided with an auxiliary orifice 20a configured to allow the introduction of air (or any other suitable gas, such as carbon dioxide or nitrogen) and / or fluid into the inner cavity of the sachet 20. Such introduction may be forced (by an active feeding element, such as a pump) or may be freely introduced in other ways, such as by free introduction indirectly caused by suction occurring at the first orifice. In an embodiment, the auxiliary orifice 20a may be arranged in a position opposite to the position of the valve 20v. When using such an embodiment of the sachet 20, it may be convenient to have a mineralization unit 7 having the following:

[0192] - the mineralization unit 7 is configured to open or pierce the sachet by means of the opening element 7 or the piercing element 7a corresponding to a first position, for example the position where the valve 20v is present, and

[0193] - the mineralization unit 7 is configured to open or pierce the sachet preferably by means of an auxiliary piercing device and / or an auxiliary opening device corresponding to a second position, for example the position where the auxiliary orifice 20a is present.

[0194] In particular, the mineralization unit 7 can be used to force water and / or air into the inner cavity of the sachet 20, which helps to achieve complete emptying of the sachet. Thus, the process of accessing the sachet 20 can be achieved through the mineralization unit 7. Among them, taking out the mineralized fluid solution or powder M from the sachet 20 or emptying the mineralized fluid solution or powder M from the disposable sachet 20 is carried out in the following manner: accessing the sachet 20 corresponding to the first position, optionally corresponding to the first orifice, at which the mineralized fluid solution or powder M is taken out from the sachet; and accessing the sachet 20 corresponding to the second position, optionally corresponding to the auxiliary orifice 20a, wherein, corresponding to the second position, fluid, especially water and / or air or any suitable gas, is forced (through an active feeding element) or otherwise freely enters the inner cavity of the sachet 20 containing the mineralized fluid solution or powder M. In the case where not all of the distilled water D is taken out from the distillation unit 2, the water can at least partially flow through the auxiliary orifice 20a. In other words, the mineralization unit 7 can be configured to receive a portion of the distilled water produced by the distillation unit 2 and allow a portion of the distilled water to enter or flow into the sachet 20 before reaching the water dispenser 5. It can be noted that this process can be particularly convenient when dealing with powders, and especially when forcing or allowing fluid to enter the inner cavity of the sachet, because a kind of washing is carried out in the inner cavity, and as a result, all relevant powders are taken out.

[0195] The applicant has noted that by making the sachet 20 such that after removal by means of the opening element 7s or the piercing element 7a, the least amount of residue of the mineralized fluid solution or powder M remains, the device 1 is promoted to obtain a specific efficiency: in particular, it will be preferred that no residue of the mineralized fluid solution or powder M remains in the sachet 20 after removal by means of the opening element 7s or the piercing element 7a. Thus, in a particular embodiment of the device, the sachet 20 is configured by means of the mechanical structure of the inner cavity of the sachet 20 or by means of the spatial orientation it has once at least properly installed in the mineralization unit 7 such that it allows substantially all of the mineralized fluid solution or powder M to be removed. For example, as schematically shown in Figure 13 the sachet 20 can be provided with an inner cavity 20 substantially realized by a circular hemispherical end, and once located in the mineralization unit 7, the sachet should be oriented in such a way that the hemispherical end is located on the bottom of the cavity 20c; in use, as the mineralized fluid solution or powder is gradually removed from the sachet 20, the liquid level in the cavity drops and the mineralized fluid solution or powder M remains in the hemispherical end, and thus in a region of gradually decreasing diameter, until the axial bottom point of the hemispherical end where no liquid solution remains. It should be noted that in this case, the piercing element should be in substantial contact with the lowest part of the hemispherical end of the sachet.

[0196] In Figure 14 In another embodiment represented in Figure 14 , the bladder may have an inner cavity having a tapered portion 20t corresponding to the sidewall 20p, and in use, once the bladder is introduced into the mineralization unit 7, the tapered portion 20t is located in the lowest part of the bladder. This particular configuration of the inner cavity can be particularly convenient in the case of extracting the mineralized fluid solution or powder M by vacuum in combination with the opening element 7s as previously disclosed.

[0197] In any case, the bladder object of the present disclosure may be provided with an inner cavity 20c under pressure or conversely under atmospheric pressure. It can be noted that, in order to facilitate compliance with shipping regulations, the pressure present in the inner cavity of the bladder 20c may be lower than the threshold defined by the standards specifically adopted for pressurized containers.

[0198] The applicant has further noted that, for ease of use, the bladder 20 may be provided with an external shape configured to allow introduction into the mineralization unit 7 only in the correct manner. This helps to reduce the risk of damaging the mineralization unit 7 or the risk of opening or perforating the bladder at the wrong location. In one embodiment, the bladder 20 may be implemented in a generally rectangular shape having sidewalls 20p that are mainly arranged according to a first direction A and a second direction orthogonal to the first direction A; the side portion arranged according to the first direction has a length l1 that is different from the length l2 of the side portion arranged according to the second direction; the edges connecting the side portions arranged according to the first direction A and the side portions arranged according to the second direction B are provided with tapered portions 20R so that the generally smaller fifth side portion is arranged obliquely with respect to the two said first and second directions. In another embodiment, this effect can be achieved by combining the shape of the groove 7a located on the housing of the device 1 with the external shape of the bladder 20 itself.

[0199] In a preferred but non - limiting embodiment, the device object of the present disclosure can be provided with a control unit 30 which is configured to control the operation of the device itself and is particularly configured to cause a predetermined amount of water to be distilled to be loaded into the distillation unit: this loading can be carried out by means of an appropriate signal sent to the electric control valve and / or the mechanical control valve 3v or the inlet pump 3p. Stopping the pump 3p or closing the valve 3v can be carried out by receiving an appropriate signal from the level sensor 2s in the presence of the level sensor 2s, or after a predetermined amount of time. The control unit can also be configured to enable the heater 4 for a time period sufficient to distill at least a part of the water contained in the distillation unit 2, particularly to distill the entire content of the water contained in the distillation unit 2. The complete emptying of the distillation unit 2 can be verified by the level sensor 2s in the presence of the level sensor 2s, or in other cases the control unit 30 can be configured to de - enable the heater 4 after a predetermined amount of time.

[0200] In a preferred and non - limiting embodiment, the control unit 30 can be configured to control the enabling of the vacuum pump 16 in order to achieve a vacuum inside the distillation unit 2. In particular, the control unit 30 can be configured to perform the step of enabling the vacuum pump 16 only after the filling of the distillation unit 2 from the inlet 3 up to a predetermined level corresponding to a predetermined amount of water to be distilled is completed. The appropriate vacuum can be verified by a pressure sensor connected to the control unit and sensing the pressure in the distillation unit 2, or indirectly by enabling the vacuum pump 16 for a predetermined amount of time. It can be noted that the enabling of the heater 4 should be carried out after the generation of a vacuum in the distillation unit 2 is completed; thus, the control unit 30 can be configured to enable the heater 4 by sending an appropriate signal only after the step of generating a vacuum in the distillation unit 2 is completed, i.e., only after the vacuum pump 16 stops.

[0201] The control unit 30 can be configured to control the enabling of the cooling unit 8 to condense the distilled vapor outside the distillation unit 2, thereby obtaining a predetermined amount of distilled water D; the enabling of the cooling unit 9 is preferably carried out automatically when the heater 4 is enabled, and the disabling of the cooling unit 8 is carried out simultaneously or immediately after the heater 4 is disabled.

[0202] The control unit 30 can also be configured to control the operation of the mineralization unit 7, particularly to control the movement of the extraction element 7s or the piercing element 7a, and to control the subsequent enabling of the mineralization pump 7p after the extraction element 7s has come into contact with the side wall 20p of the bladder 20 and / or after the piercing element 7a has entered the inner cavity of the bladder 20. Preferably, the enabling of the mineralization pump 7p is carried out simultaneously with the enabling of the delivery pump 1p in order to allow a proper, correct and simultaneous mixing of a predetermined amount of distilled water D with the mineralization fluid solution or powder M.

[0203] In the case where the device 1 is provided in this way, the control unit 30 can also be configured to enable the vibrator 11 and / or the ultrasound source, preferably under one of the following conditions: during the water distillation step, i.e. while the heater 4 is enabled, or in an intermediate step, after deactivating the heater 4 and, for example, before enabling the delivery pump 1p.

[0204] Where the apparatus 1 is provided with a UV sterilizer 15, the control unit 30 may be configured to enable the UV sterilizer 15 for at least an amount of time sufficient to allow a predetermined amount of distilled water D to be completely dispensed into the container 10 together with the mineralized fluid solution or powder M. In a non-limiting embodiment, the UV sterilizer 15 may receive an enable signal from the control unit 30 prior to enabling the mineralization pump 7p and the delivery pump 1p. In this way, the container 10 is also irradiated prior to the introduction of any fluid into the container 10, thereby providing a brief direct irradiation of at least a portion of the inner surface of the cavity of the container 10 prior to the introduction of the water. Due to this aspect, the water dispensed into the container 10 is made safer, as it may be convenient for the proper safety of the drinking water to also sterilize the container 10.

[0205] The control unit 30 may be a general purpose processor specifically configured to perform one or more of the aforementioned operations, in particular by executing a predetermined software or firmware program, or in another case, the control unit 30 may be a specific type of processor, such as an ASIC or FPGA provided with a specific software program. The control unit 30 may be provided with a single-core processor or a multi-core processor, and may be provided with a memory, in particular a non-transitory memory, suitable for storing the aforementioned program and / or one of the predetermined time values ​​for controlling, for example, the delivery pump 1p, the inlet pump 3p or the electric and / or mechanical control valve 3v, the mineralization pump 7p, and / or for storing the threshold level or value of the signal provided by the pressure sensor or the level sensor 2s, and / or for setting an appropriate time to enable the UV sterilizer 15. A memory support may be physically provided inside or outside the control unit 30 and / or the device 1, and the memory support may in particular be a remote memory accessible to the data connection logical channel; in particular, the memory may be a "cloud" memory. The control unit 30 may also be provided with an interface system, not shown in the accompanying drawings, for sending and receiving signals from a user interface of the apparatus 1 and / or for allowing signals and controls to be transmitted to / received from a remote portable device of a user, preferably over a wireless channel.

[0206] It can be further noted that the device object of the present disclosure can be configured to transfer or move the bladder 20 from the mineralization unit 7 to a collection space located below the funnel 7h. This obviates the need for manual removal of each bladder 20 after use. Generally, the mineralization unit 7 can include a movable device provided with a retaining wall 7r and configured to limit the movement of the bladder 20, and configured to cause the bladder 20 to fall into the funnel 7h due to relative movement between the movable device and the bladder 20 after the bladder is opened. The mineralization unit 7 is configured to hold the bladder 20 so as to prevent the bladder 20 from falling into the funnel 7h before being opened by the movement of the movable device. In an embodiment, the funnel 7h opens into a collection space that can be part of a drawer accessible from an external portion of the housing of the device 1. In this way, the used bladders can be conveniently removed from the device 1 and ultimately discarded or recycled.

[0207] In an embodiment, the movable device moves between a first position and a second position. The mineralization unit 7 is also provided with a support wall 7b optionally arranged axially opposite to the movable device; the distance between the support wall 7b and the movable device is such that the bladder 20 is held captive or caught between the movable device and the support wall 7b at the moment when the bladder 20 is introduced into the mineralization device 7 when the movable device is in the first position and is forced to fall into the funnel 7h after the movable device moves back from the second position to the first position.

[0208] In particular, the retaining wall 7r is realized as a wall that impacts the bladder at least at the moment when the bladder is introduced into the mineralization unit 7. The retaining wall 7r defines a receiving portion or recess adapted to receive at least a part of the bladder 20. As Figure 16 shown, the entry of the bladder 20 into the mineralization unit 7 causes it to be axially offset and tilted with respect to the axis B of the receiving portion or recess defined by the retaining wall 7r. The wall is provided with teeth 7k in its front portion, which are configured to engage with the front teeth t7 of the bladder 20. During the movement of the movable device from the first position to the second position, the bladder is forced to gradually reduce the offset and tilt of the axis A to partially enter the receiving portion, so as to be substantially axially aligned with the axis B. The rear portion of the bladder designated by the reference numeral 20b impacts the rear wall 7b of the mineralization unit. When the movable device moves back from the second position to the first position, although the teeth 7k provide retention, the rear portion 20b of the bladder 20 gradually moves away from the rear wall 7b, with the result that it tends to fall from the rear portion into the funnel 7h. When a sufficient distance is created, the rear portion of the bladder 20 no longer contacts the rear wall 7b of the mineralization unit 7, with the result that it falls into the funnel 7h.

[0209] In an alternative embodiment, the teeth 7k of the retaining wall and the teeth 20t of the bladder 20 may be replaced by a gripping ring (not shown in the figures), which may be conveniently disposed on the outer face of at least a portion of the side wall of the bladder. The gripping ring is configured to force the rear portion 20p of the bladder to separate from the rear wall 7b of the mineralization unit 7 after the bladder 20 has been opened as described above.

[0210] The mineralization unit 7 may be provided with a recoil or pushing element configured to force the bladder out of the retaining wall 7r and / or to assist in removing the bladder from contact with the rear wall 7b. The recoil or pushing element may move between a first position in which it does not contact the bladder 20 and a second position in which it contacts the bladder 20. The movement between the first and second positions causes the bladder to be struck by the recoil or pushing element with a force sufficient to remove the bladder from its previously held position, such that the bladder falls into the funnel 7h.

[0211] In Figure 18 (as viewed from the top) another embodiment, the configuration of the mineralization unit 7 is such that the teeth 7k may not be provided on the retaining wall of the movable device, but instead are provided in a fixed portion of the mineralization unit 7 that projects into a cavity allowing the bladder 20 to be received. In the embodiment, the bladder 20 may be provided with a rear ring 20u that projects from the side wall of the bladder. The rear ring 20k is arranged corresponding to one end portion of the bladder itself, and for this purpose there is provided a rear face that also generally defines the rear face of the bladder. If the bladder 20 is implemented in a cylindrical shape, the diameter of the rear ring 20u is generally greater than the diameter of the remaining portion of the body of the bladder. The diameter of the outer ring portion is such that the bladder engages the teeth 7k only at a height generally corresponding to the receiving portion defined entirely by the retaining wall 7r of the movable device. As Figure 18 shown, the rear ring 20u of the bladder is generally located between the rear wall 7b and the teeth 7k.

[0212] In use, when the movable device is moved from a first position to a second position, the back surface of the rear ring 20u is forced against the rear wall 7b of the mineralization unit. Once the piercing element 7a or the opening element opens the saccule or enters the saccule in any way, then when the movable device is then moved back from the second position to the first position, the piercing element or the opening element optionally applies a holding force together with the retaining wall 7r (e.g., due to partial expansion of the body of the saccule caused by forcing gas or water to enter through the auxiliary opening 20a). This holding force is sufficient to move the rear ring 20u slightly away from the rear wall 7b of the mineralization unit 7 and cause the rear ring 20u to strike the tooth portion 7k. The stroke performed by the movable device on the first part causes the saccule 20 to be completely separated from the receiving portion formed by the retaining wall 7r and allows the saccule to fall by gravity into the funnel 7h - this situation can be aided by a recoil device. In the latter case, the removal of the mineral fluid solution or powder M from the saccule 20 involves moving the movable device away from the saccule and / or moving the movable device back from the second position to the first position such that due to this movement, the saccule 20 moves away from the rear wall 7b and the rear ring 20u strikes the tooth portion 7k and, for example, partially follows the stroke direction of the movable device returning from the second position to the first position due to the holding force exerted by the piercing element during the removal from the saccule. This results in the complete removal of the saccule from the receiving portion achieved by the retaining wall. There may be steps that provide further assistance in this removal, and this step can be implemented by means of the aforementioned recoil device. Thus, this causes the saccule 20 to fall into the funnel 7h.

[0213] As Figure 17 shown, finally it can be noted that the device 1 object of the present disclosure can conveniently be provided with an actuating mechanism 1m that is at least configured to move between a first position or a first configuration and a second position or a second configuration. In the first configuration, the mechanism allows the introduction of the saccule into the mineralization unit and optionally also allows the saccule to fall into the funnel 7h after being opened. In an embodiment, the second configuration corresponds to the configuration when the movable device of the mineralization unit is in the first position. In the second configuration, the mechanism allows the opening of the saccule 20, which in certain cases can be to perforate the saccule 20. The actuating mechanism 1m can be provided with an electric motor acting on the movable device, or conversely can be completely manual and / or can be provided with a rod that the user can directly contact or grasp, and the rod acts on the movable device, for example, acting on the movable device by means of an inclined plane mechanism or a toothed wheel carrier coupling: In particular, in the case where the actuating mechanism is provided with a rod, the rod or the handle can be provided with a toothed wheel, and the movable device can be provided with a bracket, as Figure 16 schematically shown.

[0214] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments illustrated in the figures. Therefore, it should be understood that if a feature recited in the appended claims is followed by a reference numeral, inclusion of such numeral is solely for the purpose of enhancing the intelligibility of the claim and in no way limits the scope of protection of the claim.

[0215] Finally, without departing from the scope of protection provided by the appended claims, those skilled in the art may make obvious additions or changes for the purposes of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A device for dispensing mineralized water, the device comprising: An inlet (3) for loading water from an external source (100); A distillation unit (2) connected to the inlet (3) and configured to distill a quantity of water at least partially by heating, wherein the distillation unit (2) further comprises or is operatively connected to at least one heater (4) configured to provide heat in an amount sufficient to raise the quantity of water to at least boiling temperature; A water dispenser (5) configured to transfer a predetermined quantity of distilled water (D) withdrawn from the distillation unit (2) to a removable container (10), the water dispenser (5) being provided with an outlet nozzle or orifice (6) configured to face the container (10) in use; A mineralization unit (7) disposed between the distillation unit (2) and the outlet nozzle or orifice (6), the mineralization unit (7) configured to access the interior cavity of a disposable sachet (20) for withdrawing at least a portion of a mineralized fluid solution or powder (M) from the sachet (20), and / or configured to empty the sachet (20) of the mineralized fluid solution or powder (M) and transfer at least a portion of the mineralized fluid solution or powder (M) from the sachet (20) to the water dispenser (5), the sachet (20) containing the mineralized fluid solution or powder (M) in the cavity; The device is configured to optionally mix the mineralized fluid solution or powder (M) with the predetermined quantity of distilled water (D) transferred by the water dispenser (5) to the removable container (10).

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein The predetermined quantity of distilled water (D) transferred by the water dispenser (5) to the removable container (10) corresponds to at least a portion of the water contained in the distillation unit (2), and the device is configured to optionally mix the predetermined quantity of distilled water (D) transferred by the water dispenser (5) to the removable container (10) with the mineralized fluid solution or powder (M) in a ratio defined as the ratio of the amount of the mineralized fluid solution or powder (M) to the amount of distilled water (D), the ratio being less than 1, and / or wherein the amount of distilled water (D) is greater than the amount of the mineralized fluid solution or powder (M), The device (1) is configured to mix the mineralized fluid solution or powder (M) with a predetermined portion of the quantity of distilled water (D) before it exits through the outlet nozzle or orifice (6).

3. The device according to one or more of the preceding claims further comprises a cooling unit (8) disposed between the distillation unit (2) and the mineralization unit (7), the cooling unit (8) being configured to cool the water exiting the distillation unit (2) and / or to allow the water exiting the distillation unit (2) to condense, and the cooling unit (8) optionally comprises at least one actively-fed cooler, in particular a Peltier unit.

4. The device according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein: the distillation unit (2) is provided with an upper part (2u) and a lower part (2l), the lower part (2l) being removably connectable to the upper part (2u), optionally by means of threads (2t) arranged on the side walls of the upper part (2u) and the side walls of the lower part (2l) for removably connecting to the upper part (2u); and / or the distillation unit (2) is provided with at least one wall allowing to define an inner cavity adapted to accommodate a liquid, the at least one wall having an inner face facing the cavity, the inner face comprising an antibacterial material, optionally comprising an antibacterial metal containing silver and / or copper; and / or wherein the distillation unit (2) is provided with at least one wall allowing to define an inner cavity adapted to accommodate a fluid, the at least one wall having an inner face facing the cavity, and the distillation unit (2) is mounted on a vibrator (11) and / or an ultrasonic source, or is provided with a vibrator (11) and / or an ultrasonic source, the vibrator (11) and / or the ultrasonic source being configured to prevent distillation particles or residues from adhering to the inner face of the distillation unit (2).

5. The apparatus according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein, The distillation unit (2) is provided with a column of plates or a column of trays, the column of plates or the column of trays comprising at least one plate or tray (12) arranged in the inner cavity, and defining at least one channel (14) with a reduced size between a lower region of the cavity arranged below the plate or tray (12) and an upper region of the cavity located above the plate or tray (12), optionally, wherein the column of plates or the column of trays forces the vapor to pass through a curved path before leaving the distillation unit (2), and / or optionally, wherein the plate or tray (12) comprises at least one dome-shaped structure (13) arranged substantially corresponding to the channel (14), in particular located above the channel (14), for forcing the vapor to flow along a curved path.

6. The device according to one or more of the preceding claims is configured to perform the distillation at least under vacuum conditions, and / or the distillation unit (2) is a vacuum distillation unit, and the distillation of water occurs at a pressure below atmospheric pressure; the device comprises a vacuum pump (16), the vacuum pump (16) having an inlet connected to the distillation unit (2) and being adapted to provide a vacuum at least in the distillation unit (2), the vacuum pump (16) being configured to extract at least a part of the air contained in the upper top part of the distillation unit (2).

7. The device according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein, The distillation unit (2) is provided with a bottom wall which is shaped to define a recess (2r) such that at least a part of the bottom wall projects inwards. Optionally, wherein the recess (2r) corresponds to the central part of the distillation unit (2) itself, and wherein the recess (2r) has a bottom wall which is optionally substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis (X) of the distillation unit (2). The recess is provided with a protruding portion (2p) which projects substantially orthogonally with respect to the bottom wall of the recess and thus defines an annular area of the recess adapted to receive at least a part of the heater (4).

8. The device according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein, The heater (4) is an inductive heater (4) which is optionally at least partly circularly around the side wall of the distillation unit (2) or is substantially arranged below the bottom part of the distillation unit (2).

9. The apparatus according to claims 7 and 8, wherein, The heater (4) is provided with: a first outer ring (4o) which at least partly circularly surrounds the side wall of the distillation unit (2); and a second inner ring (4i) which is configured to be introduced into the annular area of the recess (2r).

10. The apparatus according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein, The distillation unit (2) is provided with an outlet, and the device includes a storage chamber (9) which is adapted to store the distilled water after the distilled water has left the distillation unit (2). The storage chamber (9) is arranged downstream of the cooling unit (8).

11. The device according to claim 10, wherein, The device (1) includes at least one delivery pump (1p) or an electric control valve and / or a mechanical control valve arranged downstream of the outlet of the storage chamber (9) and upstream of the water distributor (5), or wherein the device (1) includes at least one delivery pump (1p) or an electric control valve and / or a mechanical control valve arranged downstream of the outlet of the distillation unit (2) and optionally upstream of the water distributor (5); The delivery pump (1p) is configured to force the liquid to flow into the water distributor (5).

12. The apparatus according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein, The water distributor (5) includes at least one inlet port connected to the distillation unit (2) and a second inlet port connected to the mineralization unit (7). Optionally, wherein the first inlet port is connected to the distillation unit (2) through the cooling unit (8) and / or through the storage chamber (9), and wherein the water distributor (5) is configured to vortex-mix the distilled water with the mineralized fluid solution or powder (M) taken out of the bladder (20) before passing through the outlet (6).

13. The apparatus according to claim 12, wherein, The mineralization unit (7) includes a mineralization pump (7p) which is configured to force the mineralized fluid solution or powder (M) to be taken out of the bladder (20) and inject the mineralized fluid solution or powder (M) taken out of the bladder (20) into the second inlet of the water distributor (5).

14. The device according to one or more of the preceding claims, comprising an ultraviolet sterilizer (15), the ultraviolet sterilizer (15) being configured to allow sterilization of at least a part of the removable container (10) when installed in a sterilization position corresponding to the device or in a sterilization position on the device, and / or being configured to allow sterilization of at least a part of the distilled water (D) and / or at least a part of the mixture of the distilled water (D) and the mineralizing fluid solution or powder (M) before dispensing from the outlet nozzle or orifice (6).

15. The apparatus according to claim 14, wherein, The ultraviolet sterilizer (15) is arranged substantially corresponding to the water dispenser (5), optionally mounted on the water dispenser (5), such that the radiation pattern of the ultraviolet sterilizer (15) is substantially axially aligned with at least a part of the removable container (10) and / or enters the container (10) substantially corresponding to the orifice of the container (10), and such that during dispensing through the outlet nozzle or orifice (6), at least a part of the removable container (10), optionally the bottom of the removable container (10), and the water conveyed from the distillation unit (2) and / or through the delivery pump (1p) and / or the mixture of the predetermined amount of water (D) and the mineralizing fluid solution or powder (M) are simultaneously irradiated by ultraviolet radiation.

16. The apparatus according to claim 15, wherein, The mineralizing unit (7) includes a movable removal element (7s) or a movable piercing element (7a), the removal element (7s) or the piercing element (7a) being at least capable of selectively shifting into a first configuration or a second configuration, in the first configuration, the removal element (7s) or the piercing element (7a) does not interact with the bladder (20), in the second configuration, the removal element (7s) or the piercing element (7a) interacts with the bladder (20), optionally piercing the bladder (20), for removing the mineralizing fluid solution or powder (M) from the bladder (20).

17. The apparatus according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein, The bladder (20) is provided with an auxiliary orifice (20a), the auxiliary orifice (20a) being configured to allow air and / or fluid to enter the inner cavity at least during removal or evacuation of the bladder (20), and / or being configured to open corresponding to the auxiliary orifice (20a) to allow introduction of air / or fluid at least during removal or evacuation of the mineralizing fluid solution or powder (M).

18. The apparatus according to claims 16 and 17, wherein, The mineralization unit (7) is configured to introduce a fluid, optionally at least water, in particular a part of the distilled water distilled by the distillation unit (2), into the bladder (20), optionally configured to introduce the fluid, optionally at least water, in particular a part of the distilled water distilled by the distillation unit (2), into the bladder (20) by means of the auxiliary orifice (20a) or by opening or piercing the bladder (20) corresponding to a second position different from the first position, at which second position the extraction element (7s) or the movable piercing element (7a) is configured to interact with the bladder (20).

19. The device according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein, The device comprises an actuating member that is at least movable between a first configuration and a second configuration, corresponding to the first configuration, the actuating member allowing the introduction of the bladder (20) into the mineralization unit (7), corresponding to the second configuration, the actuating member causing the bladder (20) to open, the actuating mechanism being configured to be actuated at least in part by direct contact of the user.

20. The apparatus according to claim 19, wherein The mineralization unit (7) comprises a movable device configured to interact with the bladder (20), in particular configured to limit the movement of the bladder (20); the mineralization unit (7) is configured to cause the bladder (20) to fall into the funnel (7h) after opening the bladder (20) due to the relative movement between the bladder (20) and the movable device. The mineralization unit (7) is configured to hold the bladder (20) to prevent the bladder (20) from falling into the funnel (7h) before operating to open the bladder (20) by the movement of the movable device.

21. The apparatus according to claim 20, wherein, The movable device is provided with a retaining wall (7r) against which the bladder at least strikes when introduced into the mineralization unit; the retaining wall (7r) also defines a receiving portion for at least a part of the bladder.

22. The device according to one or more of claims 21 and 21, wherein, During the movement of the movable device from the first position to the second position, the bladder (20) is forced to gradually reduce the offset and inclination of its own axis (A) to partially enter the receiving portion, so as to be substantially axially aligned with the axis (B) of the receiving portion. And wherein the movable device is provided with teeth (7k), which are optionally arranged in the front part of the retaining wall (7r) and are configured to engage with the bladder (20), in particular with the front teeth (20t) of the bladder (20), the teeth (7k) being configured to facilitate moving the bladder (20) away from the rear wall (7b) of the mineralization unit (7) and causing the bladder (20) to fall into the funnel (7h) after moving away.

23. The apparatus according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein, The device (1) is configured to perform the cyclic distillation and distribution of water, optionally, wherein each cycle at least comprises: loading a predetermined amount of water to be distilled into the distillation unit (2); Activate the at least one heater (4) for a time period sufficient to distill at least a portion of the water contained in the distillation unit (2), optionally the entire content of the water contained in the distillation unit (2). Activate at least one cooling unit (8) to condense the distilled vapor located outside the distillation unit (2) to obtain a predetermined amount of distilled water (D). Optionally, convey the predetermined amount of distilled water (D) to a water dispenser (5) by means of the delivery pump (1s), wherein the predetermined amount of distilled water (D) is mixed with the mineralized fluid solution or powder (M) removed from the sachet (20), optionally enabling the sachet (20) to be processed or discarded. Distribute the predetermined amount of distilled water (D) mixed with the mineralized fluid solution or powder (M) to the removable container (10).

24. A method for dispensing mineralized water, the method comprising the steps of: Load a predetermined amount of water to be distilled into the distillation unit (2). Activate the at least one heater (4) for a time period sufficient to distill at least a portion of the water contained in the distillation unit (2), optionally the entire content of the water contained in the distillation unit (2). Optionally, condense the distilled vapor located outside the distillation unit (2) by means of a cooling unit (8) connected to the distillation unit (2) to obtain a predetermined amount of distilled water (D). Optionally, convey the predetermined amount of distilled water (D) to a water dispenser (5) by means of a delivery pump (1s), wherein the predetermined amount of distilled water (D) is mixed with a mineralized fluid solution or powder (M). Distribute the predetermined amount of distilled water (D) mixed with the mineralized fluid solution or powder (M) to a removable container (10). Wherein the mixing is carried out by removing the mineralized fluid solution or powder (M) from a disposable sachet (20) or by emptying the mineralized fluid solution or powder (M) from the disposable sachet (20).

25. The method according to claim 24, wherein, Obtaining a predetermined amount of distilled water and then distributing the predetermined amount of distilled water (D) mixed with the mineralized fluid solution or powder (M) to the removable container (10) is a process of softening and subsequent remineralization of water achieved by means of a device for dispensing mineralized water comprising the distillation unit (2).

26. The method according to claim 24 or 25, wherein The mixing is carried out in a predetermined ratio, the ratio being defined as the ratio of the amount of the mineralized fluid solution or powder (M) to the amount of distilled water (D), and wherein the ratio is less than 1, and / or wherein the amount of distilled water is greater than the amount of the mineralized fluid solution or powder (M).

27. The method according to one or more of the preceding claims 24 to 26, wherein, Removing the mineralized fluid solution or powder (M) from the disposable bladder (20) or emptying the disposable bladder (20) of the mineralized fluid solution or powder (M) is carried out by taking the bladder (20) corresponding to a first position, optionally corresponding to a first orifice, at which the mineralized fluid solution or powder (M) is removed from the bladder (20); and taking the bladder (20) corresponding to a second position, optionally corresponding to an auxiliary orifice (20a), where, corresponding to the second position, fluid, in particular water and / or air, is forced or allowed to enter the inner cavity of the bladder (20) containing the mineralized fluid solution or powder (M).

28. The method according to one or more of the preceding claims 24 to 27, comprising the step of introducing the bladder (20) into the trough (7a) of the device (1) for dispensing mineralized water, wherein, The bladder (20) is opened by the removal element (7s) or piercing element (7a) of the device (1) for removing the mineralized fluid solution or powder (M) from the bladder (20). Optionally, the step of introducing the bladder into the trough (7a) of the device (1) for dispensing mineralized water occurs before the predetermined amount of distilled water (D) is delivered to the water dispenser (5) and / or before the predetermined amount of distilled water (D) mixed with the mineralized fluid solution or powder (M) is dispensed into the removable container (10).

29. The method according to one or more of the preceding claims 24 to 28, wherein, Loading a predetermined amount of water to be distilled into the distillation unit (2) includes: comparing a signal provided by a liquid level sensor (2s), which is arranged corresponding to the distillation unit (2) and configured to detect the liquid level of water inside the distillation unit (2), with a predetermined liquid level threshold; and interrupting the loading when the signal provided by the liquid level sensor (2s) corresponds to a liquid level equal to or exceeding the predetermined liquid level threshold.

30. The method according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein, Optionally, the delivery of the predetermined amount of distilled water (D) to the water dispenser (5) by the delivery pump (1s) occurs after the water contained in the distillation unit (2) has been distilled and / or after the distillation unit (2) has been emptied, where the predetermined amount of distilled water (D) is mixed with the mineralized fluid solution or powder (M) at the water dispenser (5).

31. The method according to claim 30, wherein, The delivery is triggered by the control unit (30) in the following steps: electronically comparing a signal provided by the liquid level sensor (2s) with a liquid level threshold, and subsequently electronically sending an enabling signal for at least one delivery pump (1p), in particular an enabling signal for feeding to the water dispenser (5).

32. The method according to one or more of the preceding claims 24 to 31, comprising: For at least the time required to carry out, in particular to complete, the step of distilling the water contained in the distillation unit (2), a pressure below atmospheric pressure is established in the distillation unit (2); and standard atmospheric pressure is re-established in the distillation unit (2) after the water contained in the distillation unit (2) has been distilled and / or after the distillation unit (2) has emptied the previously contained water, optionally the water contained at the start of the cycle.

33. The method according to one or more of the preceding claims 24 to 32, the method comprising vibrating the distillation unit (2) at a predetermined frequency optionally included within the ultrasonic range to substantially prevent distillation residues from adhering to the inner wall of the distillation unit (2) or to reduce the amount of the distillation residues adhering to the inner wall of the distillation unit (2).

34. The method according to one or more of the preceding claims 24 to 32, further comprising the step of sterilizing at least a part of the container (10) and / or at least a part of the predetermined amount of distilled water (D) and / or at least a part of the mixture of the predetermined amount of distilled water and the mineralized fluid solution or powder (M), the sterilizing step comprising activating an ultraviolet sterilizer (15) to generate an ultraviolet radiation pattern that is substantially axially aligned with at least a part of the removable container (10) and / or enters the container (10) substantially corresponding to the orifice of the removable container (10), the method comprising irradiating at the same time at least a part of the removable container (10), optionally the bottom of the removable container (10), the water delivered from the distillation unit (2) and / or by the delivery pump (1p), and / or the mixture of the predetermined amount of water (D) and the mineralized fluid solution or powder (M) with the ultraviolet radiation generated by the ultraviolet sterilizer (15).

35. The method according to one or more of the preceding claims 24 to 34, the method comprising the step of opening the bladder (20) corresponding to at least a first part of the bladder (20), and comprising the step of causing the bladder (20) to fall into the funnel (7h) after opening the bladder.

36. The method according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein, The falling of the bladder (20) into the funnel (7h) is caused by the movement of the movable device of the mineralization unit (7); The method comprises moving the movable device of the mineralization unit (7) from a first position corresponding to the bladder still being closed to a second position where the bladder is opened, in particular by the action of the movable device, and the falling of the bladder (20) into the funnel (7h) is caused by or follows the movement of the movable device back to the first position after the bladder is opened.

37. The method according to claim 36, capturing the bladder between the rear wall (7b) of the mineralization unit and the movable device, in particular the retaining wall (7r) of the movable device, the method comprising causing the bladder (20) to enter the mineralization unit (7) such that the bladder (20) is axially offset and tilted with respect to the axis (B) of the receiving portion or recess defined by the retaining wall (7r).

38. The method according to claim 37, wherein, During the movement of the movable device from the first position to the second position, the bladder (20) is forced to gradually reduce the offset and inclination of its own axis (A) to be partially introduced into the receiving portion, so as to be substantially axially aligned with the axis (B) of the receiving portion.

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