Independent carbonation device

Abstract

A carbonation device comprising:-a discharge nozzle; a gas cylinder comprising a chamber and a check valve; -a distribution valve configured to selectively supply the gas in the gas cylinder to the discharge nozzle; the dispensing valve includes a valve body selectively coupled to the opening of the chamber and an actuator movable in a seat of the valve body along a valve axis; the valve body is provided with a seat in fluid connection with the discharge nozzle and with the opening of the chamber of the gas cylinder, and the actuator is configured to selectively move the plug between a closed position in which the plug prevents gas flow through the opening and an open position in which the plug allows gas flow through the opening to supply the discharge nozzle; -a drive device configured to control the dispensing valve and comprising a knob rotating about an axis of rotation arranged transverse to the valve axis and a transmission device connected to the knob and to the actuator, the transmission device being configured to convert a rotational movement of the knob into a translational movement of the actuator in the seat.

Description

[0001] Citations of Related Applications

[0002] This patent application claims the benefit of Italian Patent Application No. 102024000008329, filed on April 12, 2024, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to a carbonation device configured to carbonate water and beverages.Preferably, the present invention relates to a stand-alone carbonation device for domestic use.

[0004] The technical field of reference of the present invention relates to domestic carbonation devices, preferably non-electric carbonation devices. Background Art

[0005] As is known to all, home carbonation devices are mainly used to make tap water or any beverage (such as water-based beverages and juice concentrates) carbonated or effervescent.

[0006] The use of tap water reduces the environmental impact of transportation and bottling sparkling water in bottles.

[0007] The use of carbonation devices has increased significantly in recent years due to increased consumer sensitivity to environmental impacts.

[0008] Most known carbonating devices are provided with a cylinder for carbon dioxide in gaseous form and are configured to supply an adjustable amount of carbon dioxide from the cylinder into a container (usually a bottle) already filled with water.

[0009] Carbonation devices of the aforementioned type are available on the market. These devices are equipped with electrical operating systems and require an electrical power supply. While fully functional and equipped with highly advanced control and regulation systems, these devices are difficult to place in a home environment due to the constant need for electrical connections. Furthermore, the need for an electrical power supply and the presence of a control system also have an aesthetic impact on the overall size. Summary of the Invention

[0010] The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a carbonating device which is not subject to the above-mentioned disadvantages of the prior art; in particular, it is to provide a mechanically operated carbonating device which overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages in a simple and economical manner from a functional and configuration point of view.

[0011] Therefore, the present invention relates to a carbonating device comprising:

[0012] discharge nozzle;

[0013] Gas cylinders, including:

[0014] a chamber provided with an opening and configured to contain carbon dioxide in gaseous form;

[0015] a check valve disposed at the opening of the chamber and provided with a plug;

[0016] A dispensing valve configured to selectively supply gas from a gas cylinder to a discharge nozzle; the dispensing valve comprising:

[0017] a valve body selectively coupled to the opening of the chamber of the gas cylinder; the valve body being provided with a seat portion, the seat portion being fluidly connected to the discharge nozzle and to the opening of the chamber of the gas cylinder;

[0018] an actuator movable along the valve axis in the seat of the valve body; the actuator configured to selectively move a plug of the check valve of the gas cylinder between a closed position, in which the plug prevents gas from flowing through the opening, and an open position, in which the plug allows gas to flow through the opening to supply the discharge nozzle;

[0019] A driving device configured to control the dispensing valve, and comprising:

[0020] a knob rotatable about a rotation axis disposed transverse to the valve axis; and

[0021] A transmission is connected to the knob and the actuator, and the transmission is configured to convert the rotational motion of the knob into the translational motion of the actuator in the seat.

[0022] Due to the structure of the carbonating device according to the present invention, the user can control the activation of the device by rotating a knob without the need for electrically operated controls. In addition, the claimed structure allows for efficient use of space, thereby minimizing the overall size of the carbonating device.

[0023] Finally, due to the structure of the carbonator according to the present invention, the user's use of the carbonator is simpler than with solutions involving the use of buttons or joysticks. With the knob, the movements and gestures performed to adjust the carbonation are more intuitive (rotation of the knob is the movement typically associated with the "adjustment" action). Furthermore, the knob allows the user to perform the rotational movement with just one hand, without having to use the other hand to hold the carbonator still (unlike joystick systems, which typically require the use of the other hand to prevent the carbonator from becoming unbalanced). BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] Other features and advantages of the present invention will be better understood upon reading the following description of a non-limiting embodiment of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0025] Figure 1is a side perspective view of a carbonating apparatus according to the present invention;

[0026] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 a perspective view of a carbonating apparatus with some parts removed for clarity;

[0027] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 a perspective view of a first detail of a carbonating device with some parts removed for greater clarity;

[0028] - Figure 4 It is in the first operating position Figure 1 A side cross-sectional view of a carbonation device;

[0029] - Figure 5 is in the second operating position Figure 1 A side cross-sectional view of a carbonation device;

[0030] - Figure 6 It is in the first operating position Figure 4 An enlarged side cross-sectional view of a carbonation device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] exist Figure 1 1 , a carbonating device according to the present invention is shown in FIG.

[0032] The carbonating device 1 includes a base 3 , an upright portion 4 extending from the base 3 , and a head 5 extending from the upright portion 4 .

[0033] The upright portion 4 is arranged orthogonally to the base 3 , and the head 5 is arranged orthogonally to the upright portion 4 . Preferably, the head is arranged at the end of the upright portion 4 opposite to the base 3 .

[0034] The carbonator 1 is a stand-alone carbonator and does not require an electricity supply.

[0035] refer to Figures 2 to 5 The carbonation device 1 includes: a gas cylinder 6 containing carbon dioxide in gaseous form; a discharge nozzle 7; a distribution valve 8 configured to selectively supply the gas contained in the gas cylinder 6 to the discharge nozzle 7; and a drive device 10 configured to control the distribution valve 8.

[0036] Specific reference Figure 4 and Figure 5 The gas cylinder 6 comprises a chamber 12 provided with an opening 13 and configured to contain carbon dioxide in gaseous form, and a check valve 14 arranged at the opening 13 of the chamber 12 and provided with a movable plug 15. The check valve 14 allows the chamber 12 to be filled with gas and prevents the gas from flowing out of the chamber 12 unless the plug 15 is intentionally moved to allow the gas to flow out.

[0037] The gas dispensing valve 8 includes a valve body 16 selectively coupled to the opening 13 of the chamber 12 of the gas cylinder 6 and a movable actuator 18 .

[0038] refer to Figure 6 In the detail shown in FIG, the valve body 16 is provided with a seat 20 which is fluidically connected to the discharge nozzle 7 and to the opening 13 of the chamber 12 of the gas cylinder 6 .

[0039] In detail, the valve body 16 is provided with a connection piece 21 configured to be connected to the opening 13 of the chamber 12 of the gas cylinder 6 .

[0040] Preferably, the connection piece 21 is defined by a cylindrical wall 22 having an internal thread in order to couple to a corresponding external thread arranged in the region of the opening 13 of the chamber 12 of the gas cylinder 6 .

[0041] The seat 20 is defined by a generally cylindrical passage formed in the valve body 16 and extending along the valve axis A. The seat 20 is provided with:

[0042] an inlet 25 facing the connection piece 21 so as to be fluidically connected to the opening 13 of the chamber 12 of the cylinder 6 when the cylinder 6 is coupled to the connection piece 21; the inlet 25 being substantially centered on the valve axis A;

[0043] an outlet 26 arranged along the wall defining the seat 20 , preferably in a position substantially close to the inlet 25 ; this outlet preferably extends in a direction orthogonal to the valve axis A;

[0044] A maintenance opening 27 , arranged opposite the inlet 25 and configured to allow the movable actuator 18 to be housed in the seat 20 .

[0045] The actuator 18 is movable in the seat 20 of the valve body along the valve axis A and is configured to selectively move the plug 15 of the non-return valve 14 of the gas cylinder 6 between a closed position, in which the plug 15 of the non-return valve 14 of the gas cylinder 6 prevents the flow of gas through the opening 13, and an open position, in which the plug 15 of the non-return valve 14 of the gas cylinder 6 allows the flow of gas through the opening 13 to supply the seat 20 and the discharge nozzle 7.

[0046] Specifically, the actuator 18 comprises a cylindrical foot 30 provided with an end 31 configured to come into contact with the plug 15 of the check valve 14 , and a body 33 which is preferably cylindrical and provided with a head 34 having a diameter greater than that of the body 33 .

[0047] A connecting portion 35 exists between the main body 33 and the foot 30 .

[0048] The body 33 has a larger diameter than the foot 30 , and the connecting portion 35 is tapered so as to generally define a connecting portion having a frustoconical shape between the foot 30 and the body 33 .

[0049] The foot 30 is configured to engage with the inlet 25 of the seat 20 during use and has a smaller diameter than the inlet 25 to allow gas to flow therethrough.

[0050] In use, the head 34 defines a limit stop for movement of the actuator 18 in the seat 20 and, as discussed in more detail below, cooperates with the drive means 10 .

[0051] exist Figure 4 and Figure 6 In FIG, the actuator 18 is shown in the closed position, while in Figure 5 , the actuator 18 is in the open position.

[0052] In the closed position, the plug 15 of the check valve 14 prevents gas from flowing therethrough, whereas in the open position, the plug 15 of the check valve 14 allows gas to flow through the opening 13. Gas leaving the opening 13 flows through the inlet 25 and the seat 20 to be supplied to the outlet 26.

[0053] The carbonator 1 comprises a flow restrictor 36 downstream of the outlet 26 and upstream of the discharge nozzle 7 , which flow restrictor is preferably defined by an enlargement of the passage section formed in the valve body 16 immediately downstream of the outlet 26 .

[0054] Preferably, the outlet 26 comprises an outlet conduit 37 having a first diameter and the flow restrictor 36 comprises a conduit 38 having a diameter greater than the diameter of the outlet conduit 37. The discharge nozzle 7 is fluidly connected to the outlet 26 via at least one connecting conduit 39.

[0055] In the non-limiting embodiment described and illustrated herein, the connecting conduit 39 includes an end portion coupled to the flow restrictor 36. Specifically, the end portion of the connecting conduit 39 is connected to the conduit 38 of the flow restrictor 36.

[0056] refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 The carbonating device 1 further comprises a connection device 40 configured to be coupled to a mouth 41 of a container 42 for a liquid substance, preferably a bottle.

[0057] Preferably, the connection device 40 is defined by a body 43 provided with a connection channel 44 fluidically connected to the discharge nozzle 7 and the outlet 26. Preferably, the connection device 40 comprises a first connection piece 46 configured to connect the connection pipe 39 to a first end (inlet) of the connection channel 44 formed in the body 43; and a second connection piece 47 configured to connect the second end (outlet) of the connection channel 44 to the discharge nozzle 7.

[0058] The body 43 also comprises a third connecting piece 48 comprising a cylindrical wall 49 having an internal thread for coupling to a corresponding external thread of the container 42 (bottle).

[0059] The second connection piece 47 is arranged to face the third connection piece 48. In other words, the discharge nozzle 7 is surrounded by the cylindrical wall 49 near the second connection piece 47. In this way, when the container 42 is coupled to the third connection piece 48, the discharge nozzle 7 is accommodated in the container 42 (bottle).

[0060] The first connection piece 44 is preferably configured for interference coupling or snap coupling to the connection pipe 39 , and the second connection piece 47 and the third connection piece 48 are preferably configured for threaded coupling.

[0061] The discharge nozzle 7 preferably comprises a rigid pipe provided with an outlet orifice 50 at a free end, the diameter of the outlet orifice being smaller than the diameter of the rigid pipe.

[0062] The drive device 10 is configured to control the dispensing valve 8 and comprises: a knob 28 that rotates about a rotation axis B arranged transversely to the valve axis A; and a transmission device 29 that is connected to the knob and the movable actuator and is configured to convert the rotational movement of the knob into a translational movement of the actuator in the seat.

[0063] The transmission 29 is connected to the knob 28 and the actuator 18 and is configured to convert the rotational movement of the knob 28 into a translational movement of the actuator 18 along the valve axis A in the seat 20 .

[0064] Preferably, the rotation axis B is arranged orthogonal to the valve axis A.

[0065] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the gas cylinder 6 is accommodated in the upright portion 4 , the transmission device 29 is accommodated in the head 5 , and the knob 28 defines one end of the head 5 .

[0066] The connection means 40 are located in the head 5, preferably close to the end of the head 5 where the knob 28 is located.

[0067] Preferably, the connection device 40 is located in the head 5 such that the container 42 is arranged above the base 3 .

[0068] refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 The transmission 29 includes a shaft 52 , a gear 53 fixed to the shaft 52 , a slider 55 coupled to the gear 53 , and a rod 56 connected to the slider 55 and configured to move the actuator 18 along the valve axis A.

[0069] A shaft 52 is provided with one end connected to the knob 28 and the other end fixed to the gear 53. A slider 55 slides along a linear path and has a toothed surface 58 that mates with the gear 53. Thus, the rotational motion of the gear 53 corresponds to the linear translational motion of the slider 55. Thus, the slider 55 meshing with the gear 53 converts the rotational motion into linear motion, and the slider moves from top to bottom as the gear 53 rotates.

[0070] refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 The movement of the slide 55 determines the movement of the rod 56 and, therefore, the movement of the actuator 18. Specifically, the rod 56 is hinged to the valve body 16 to determine the pressure exerted on the head 34 of the actuator 18, thereby moving the actuator 18 downward (i.e., toward the plug 15 of the check valve 14).

[0071] In other words, the lever 56 is hinged to the valve body 16 so that the head 34 of the actuator 18 subtends the arm of the lever 56 extending between the restraining point and the slide 55. Thus, the head 34 is arranged below the arm of the lever 56 extending between the restraining point and the slide 55.

[0072] In use, when the knob 28 is rotated in the activation direction (eg, clockwise in the non-limiting example shown herein), the slider 55 descends, causing the actuator 18 to move downward until opening of the check valve 14 is achieved ( Figure 4 in the configuration).

[0073] In order to achieve opening of the check valve 14 of the gas cylinder 6 , the knob 28 must be rotated by a predetermined angular stroke, which is necessary to obtain a corresponding linear stroke of the actuator 18 to determine the opening of the check valve 14 .

[0074] Keeping the knob 28 in the limit stop position maintains the check valve 14 in the open position. The length of time that the check valve 14 remains in the open position (with the knob 28 in the limit stop position) determines the carbonation level of the liquid in the container 42. However, it should be kept in mind that during the rotation of the knob 28, an increase in resistance will be felt due to the increase in pressure inside the container 42, as will be discussed in more detail below, which causes the vent valve 68 to open when the pressure in the container 42 reaches a given value.

[0075] The slide 55 is preferably provided with a spring (not visible in the drawings) configured to return the slide 55 to its starting position (the position corresponding to the closed check valve 14 ) when it is freed from the rotational action exerted by the gear 53 due to the rotation of the knob 28 .

[0076] Furthermore, there is preferably a spring 54 which rests on the valve body 16 and is configured to push the lever 56 to the starting position when it is not moved by the slide 55. The spring 54 is configured to exert an urging action on the arm of the lever 56 extending between the restraint point and the slide 55.

[0077] When the user does not apply rotation in the activation direction, the spring in the slider 55 and the spring 54 help the knob 28 to rotate in the direction opposite to the activation direction until it reaches the starting position.

[0078] Thus, when the knob 28 is released, the stem 56 no longer applies pressure to the head 34 and returns the actuator 18 to the closed position of the check valve 14 .

[0079] refer to Figure 2 As schematically shown in FIG, in order to prevent the container 42 connected to the carbonation device 1 from exploding in the event of excessive pressure increase, a safety circuit 60 is provided. The safety circuit includes a first discharge line 61 and a second discharge line 62.

[0080] The first discharge circuit 61 comprises a first discharge conduit 65 which is partially housed in the connection device 40 and is provided with an inlet (not visible) and an outlet, the inlet being arranged facing the volume of the container 42 (preferably, the inlet being arranged facing the space inside the cylindrical wall of the third connection piece 44), the outlet discharging towards a drip tray 66 housed in the base 3.

[0081] The exhaust valve 68 is positioned along the first exhaust conduit 65 and is configured to exhaust air through the exhaust outlet 69 when the pressure in the first exhaust conduit 65 upstream of the exhaust valve 68 exceeds a pressure threshold.

[0082] The pressure threshold is preferably in the range of 0.5 MPa to 0.9 MPa. The outflow of air through the exhaust outlet 69 generates an exhaust sound.

[0083] Advantageously, the exhaust valve 68 is configured to open also due to mechanical action as well as excess pressure.

[0084] refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 , the exhaust valve 68 is provided with: a plunger 67a movable due to a pressure difference; and a movable rod 67b configured to selectively move the plunger 67a independently of the pressure difference.

[0085] The vent valve 68 is arranged so that when the plug 15 is in the closed position, the end of the lever 56 opposite the end connected to the slider 55 exerts pressure on the movable lever portion 67b. In other words, mechanical opening occurs only when the carbonation operation is complete or the carbonator is deactivated (i.e., when the knob 28 is again in the initial position). Thus, when the carbonation operation is concluded, the vent valve 68 opens to return the pressure in the container 42 to zero, thereby allowing the container 42 to be safely removed. The spring 54 advantageously facilitates the opening of the vent valve 68 by exerting a pushing action on the arm of the lever 56.

[0086] refer to Figure 2 The second discharge line 62 includes a second discharge pipe 70, which is partially accommodated in the connecting device 40 and is provided with an inlet (not visible) and an outlet, the inlet being arranged to face the volume portion of the container 42 (preferably, the inlet is arranged to face the space inside the cylindrical wall of the third connecting piece 44), and the outlet discharging to a drip tray 66 accommodated in the base 3.

[0087] The safety valve 72 is positioned along the second discharge conduit 70 and is configured to open when the upstream pressure exceeds a pressure threshold (preferably in the range of 1.0 MPa to 1.2 MPa), thereby preventing the gas pressure inside the container 42 from being excessive.

[0088] Basically, the function of the safety valve 72 is to intervene when the vent valve 68 is inoperative or blocked and the air pressure inside the container 42 continues to increase dangerously.

[0089] Both the first drain line 61 and the second drain line 62 advantageously drain into a drip pan 66. In this way, in the event that there is excess water in the container 42 and the drain lines 61 and 62 receive water, the excess water is drained into the drip pan 66.

[0090] Preferably, the drip pan 66 is removable so that it can be easily emptied.

[0091] Finally, it is obvious that changes and variations may be made to the device disclosed and illustrated herein without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A carbonating device comprising: - discharge nozzle (7); - One gas cylinder (6) comprising: a chamber (12) provided with an opening (13) and configured to contain carbon dioxide in gaseous form; a check valve (14) arranged at the opening (13) of the chamber (12) and provided with a plug (15); - a distribution valve (8) configured to selectively supply the gas in the gas cylinder (6) to the discharge nozzle (7); the distribution valve (8) comprises: a valve body (16) selectively coupled to the opening (13) of the chamber (12) of the gas cylinder (6); the valve body (16) being provided with a seat (20) in fluid connection with the discharge nozzle (7) and in fluid connection with the opening (13) of the chamber (12) of the gas cylinder (6); an actuator (18) movable along a valve axis (A) in the seat (20) of the valve body (16); the actuator (18) being configured to selectively move the plug (15) of the check valve (14) of the gas cylinder (6) between a closed position in which the plug (15) blocks the flow of gas through the opening (13) and an open position in which the plug (15) allows the flow of gas through the opening (13) to supply the discharge nozzle (7); - a driving device (10) configured to control the distribution valve (8), and comprising: a knob (28) rotatable about a rotation axis (B) arranged transversely to the valve axis (A); and A transmission device (29) is connected to the knob (28) and the actuator (18), and the transmission device is configured to convert the rotational movement of the knob (28) into the translational movement of the actuator (18) in the seat (20).

2. The device according to claim 1, comprising a connecting device (40) configured to be connected to an inlet (41) of a container (42) of a liquid substance, preferably a bottle; the discharge nozzle (7) is arranged to discharge gas into the container (42) when the container (42) is connected to the connecting device (40).

3. The device according to claim 1, comprising a flow restrictor (36) arranged between the seat (20) of the distribution valve (8) and the discharge nozzle (7).

4. The device according to claim 3, wherein The flow restrictor (36) is disposed in the valve body (16).

5. The device according to claim 2, wherein The transmission device (29) includes: a shaft (52) coupled to the knob (28); a gear (53) coupled to the shaft (52); a slide (55) coupled to the gear (53); and a rod (56) connected to the slide (55) and configured to selectively move the actuator (18) along the valve axis (A).

6. The device according to claim 5, wherein The sliding member (55) slides along a linear path and has a tooth surface (58) that matches the gear (53).

7. The device according to claim 5, wherein The lever (56) is hinged to the valve body (16) to selectively apply pressure on the head (34) of the actuator (18), thereby moving the actuator (18) along the valve axis (A) to move the plug (15) from the closed position to the open position.

8. The device according to claim 7, wherein The lever (56) is hinged to the valve body (16) so that the head (34) of the actuator (18) is opposite the arm of the lever (56) extending between the restraint point and the slide (55).

9. The device according to claim 5, comprising a safety circuit (60), wherein the safety circuit is provided with at least one first discharge line (61); the first discharge line (61) comprises a first discharge conduit (65), the first discharge conduit being provided with an inlet facing the volume portion of the container (42) and being provided with an outlet and an exhaust valve (68), the exhaust valve (68) being configured to discharge air through the exhaust outlet (69) when the pressure in the first discharge conduit (65) upstream of the exhaust valve (68) exceeds a pressure threshold.

10. The device according to claim 9, wherein The exhaust valve (68) is provided with a plunger (67a) movable due to a pressure difference; a movable rod (67b) configured to selectively move the plunger (67a) independently of the pressure difference; the exhaust valve (68) is arranged so that when the plug (15) is in the closed position, the rod (56) exerts pressure on the movable rod (67b).

11. The device according to claim 10, wherein The rod (56) is provided with a first end and a second end, the first end being coupled to the slider (55), and the second end being configured to selectively exert pressure on the movable stem portion (67b) of the exhaust valve (68) to open the exhaust valve.

12. The device according to claim 9, comprising a drip pan (66); the outlet of the first discharge line (61) being arranged to discharge into the drip pan (66).

13. The device according to claim 12, comprising a base (3) in which the drip tray (66) is housed.

14. The device according to claim 1, comprising a base (3), an upright portion (4) extending from the base (3), and a head (5) extending from the upright portion (4), wherein the upright portion (4) is arranged perpendicular to the base (3); the head (5) is arranged perpendicular to the upright portion (4), and preferably, the head is arranged at the end of the upright portion (4) opposite to the base (3).

15. The device according to claim 14, wherein The gas cylinder (6) is housed in the upright portion (4); the transmission device (29) is housed in the head portion (5), and the knob (28) defines one end of the head portion (5).

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