A sparkling water making device

Abstract

This application relates to the field of sparkling water production technology, and particularly to a sparkling water production device, including a sparkling water tank, an atomizing nozzle mounted on the top of the tank, and an air inlet and a water outlet at the bottom; a cold water tank, through which water can enter the sparkling water tank via the atomizing nozzle; a carbon dioxide cylinder, through which carbon dioxide gas can enter the sparkling water tank via the air inlet; and a level switch inside the sparkling water tank, having a first level trigger point and a second level trigger point. When the water level in the sparkling water tank reaches the first level trigger point, cold water from the cold water tank is atomized by the atomizing nozzle and sprayed from the top of the sparkling water tank, achieving the first mixing. When the water level in the sparkling water tank reaches the second level trigger point, carbon dioxide gas from the carbon dioxide cylinder is injected into the water in the sparkling water tank through the air inlet, achieving the second mixing. This application can significantly improve the dissolution efficiency of carbon dioxide.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of sparkling water production technology, and in particular to a sparkling water production apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] Sparkling water, a type of drinking water product containing carbon dioxide, is widely loved by consumers for its unique taste and refreshing effervescence. Traditional methods of making sparkling water mainly employ the direct injection method, which involves injecting carbon dioxide gas directly into water under certain pressure conditions. The carbon dioxide then dissolves in the water through mechanical stirring or settling to form carbonated water.

[0003] Existing sparkling water production devices typically include components such as a gas supply system, a pressure vessel, a mixing device, and a control system. Their working principle involves injecting carbon dioxide gas into water. However, in traditional mixing methods, the dissolution efficiency of carbon dioxide is relatively low. Due to the limited gas-liquid contact time and area, it is difficult to achieve the ideal bubble concentration, resulting in low-quality sparkling water. Utility Model Content

[0004] This application aims to at least partially address one of the aforementioned technical problems in the prior art. To this end, embodiments of this application provide a sparkling water making apparatus that improves the dissolution efficiency of carbon dioxide and enhances the quality of sparkling water.

[0005] A sparkling water making device, comprising:

[0006] A sparkling water tank, wherein an atomizing nozzle is installed on the top of the sparkling water tank, and an air inlet and a water outlet are provided at the bottom of the sparkling water tank;

[0007] A cold water tank, wherein water in the cold water tank can enter the bubble water tank through the atomizing nozzle;

[0008] A carbon dioxide cylinder, wherein carbon dioxide gas in the carbon dioxide cylinder can enter the sparkling water tank through the air inlet;

[0009] The sparkling water tank is equipped with a level switch, which has a first level trigger point and a second level trigger point. The first level trigger point is lower than the second level trigger point. When the level in the sparkling water tank reaches the first level trigger point, cold water from the cold water tank is atomized by the atomizing nozzle and sprayed down from the top of the sparkling water tank, achieving a primary mixing of the water and carbon dioxide gas in the sparkling water tank. When the level in the sparkling water tank reaches the second level trigger point, carbon dioxide gas from the carbon dioxide cylinder is injected into the water in the sparkling water tank through the air inlet, achieving a secondary mixing of the water and carbon dioxide gas in the sparkling water tank.

[0010] In an optional or preferred embodiment, the bubble water tank is disposed in the cold water tank.

[0011] In an optional or preferred embodiment, the carbon dioxide cylinder is connected to the air inlet via an air inlet pipe.

[0012] In an optional or preferred embodiment, a pressure reducing valve is provided on the top of the carbon dioxide cylinder, and the inlet pipe is connected to the carbon dioxide cylinder through the pressure reducing valve.

[0013] In an optional or preferred embodiment, a direct-acting valve is installed on the air inlet pipe, and the direct-acting valve is controlled and connected to the liquid level switch.

[0014] In an optional or preferred embodiment, a water outlet pipe is installed on the water outlet.

[0015] In an optional or preferred embodiment, a solenoid valve is installed on the water outlet pipe.

[0016] In an optional or preferred embodiment, the cold water tank and the atomizing nozzle are connected by a water inlet pipe, a water pump is installed on the water inlet pipe, and the water pump is controlled and connected to the liquid level switch.

[0017] In an optional or preferred embodiment, when the liquid level in the bubble water tank reaches the first liquid level trigger point, the direct-acting valve will be opened and the water pump will be turned off; when the liquid level in the bubble water tank reaches the second liquid level trigger point, the direct-acting valve will be closed and the water pump will be turned on.

[0018] In an optional or preferred embodiment, a check valve is installed on the water inlet pipe.

[0019] Based on the above technical solution, the embodiments of this application have at least the following beneficial effects: In the first mixing process of this application, the atomized fine water droplets and carbon dioxide gas have a larger contact area, which significantly improves the gas-liquid mixing efficiency and enables carbon dioxide to dissolve quickly in water. In the second mixing process, carbon dioxide gas enters the water in the form of larger bubbles and moves upward by buoyancy. During the upward movement, it gradually dissolves in the water. This two-stage mixing scheme effectively solves the technical problem of low carbon dioxide dissolution efficiency in traditional sparkling water making devices, significantly improves the carbon dioxide dissolution efficiency, and improves the quality of sparkling water. Attached Figure Description

[0020] The present application will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments;

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0022] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features, and advantages of this application more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of this application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Many specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of this application. However, this application can be implemented in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar modifications without departing from the spirit of this application. Therefore, this application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0023] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential", etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

[0024] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this application, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0025] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise expressly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0026] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0027] It should be noted that when an element is referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or there may be an intervening element. When an element is considered to be "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intervening element. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and similar expressions used herein are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible implementation.

[0028] Sparkling water, a type of drinking water product containing carbon dioxide, is widely loved by consumers for its unique taste and refreshing effervescence. Traditional methods of making sparkling water mainly employ the direct injection method, which involves injecting carbon dioxide gas directly into water under certain pressure conditions. The carbon dioxide then dissolves in the water through mechanical stirring or settling to form carbonated water.

[0029] Existing sparkling water production devices typically include components such as a gas supply system, a pressure vessel, a mixing device, and a control system. Their working principle involves injecting carbon dioxide gas into water. However, in traditional mixing methods, the dissolution efficiency of carbon dioxide is relatively low. Due to the limited gas-liquid contact time and area, a large amount of carbon dioxide gas fails to dissolve fully and escapes from the liquid surface, resulting in material waste and difficulty in achieving the desired bubble concentration.

[0030] Reference Figure 1 This application provides a sparkling water making apparatus, including a sparkling water tank 100, a cold water tank 200, and a carbon dioxide cylinder 300.

[0031] The sparkling water tank 100, serving as the primary mixing container, is made of pressure-resistant stainless steel and possesses excellent sealing performance. An atomizing nozzle 110 is installed on the top of the sparkling water tank 100, which atomizes the water in the cold water tank 200 into fine droplets. The bottom of the sparkling water tank 100 is equipped with an air inlet and a water outlet; the air inlet allows carbon dioxide gas from the carbon dioxide cylinder 300 to enter, and the water outlet discharges the prepared sparkling water.

[0032] The cold water tank 200 stores cold water for making sparkling water. The water in the cold water tank 200 enters the sparkling water tank 100 through the atomizing nozzle 110, thus supplying water. The carbon dioxide cylinder 300 is a high-pressure steel cylinder containing high-purity, food-grade carbon dioxide gas. The carbon dioxide gas in the carbon dioxide cylinder 300 can enter the sparkling water tank 100 through the inlet, providing the necessary gas source for the production of sparkling water.

[0033] A level switch 120 is installed inside the sparkling water tank 100. The level switch 120 has a first level trigger point 121 and a second level trigger point 122. The first level trigger point 121 is lower than the second level trigger point 122. When the level in the sparkling water tank 100 reaches the first level trigger point 121, the cold water in the cold water tank 200 is atomized by the atomizing nozzle 110 and sprayed down from the top of the sparkling water tank 100, realizing the primary mixing of water and carbon dioxide gas in the sparkling water tank 100. When the level in the sparkling water tank 100 reaches the second level trigger point 122, the carbon dioxide gas in the carbon dioxide cylinder 300 is injected into the water in the sparkling water tank 100 from the air inlet, realizing the secondary mixing of water and carbon dioxide gas in the sparkling water tank 100.

[0034] The first liquid level trigger point 121 is the lowest liquid level of the liquid level switch 120, and the second liquid level trigger point 122 is the highest liquid level of the liquid level switch 120.

[0035] In some embodiments, the sparkling water tank 100 is disposed in the cold water tank 200, which can directly cool the sparkling water tank 100 to ensure that the temperature inside the sparkling water tank 100 is always kept at a low level, which is conducive to the dissolution of carbon dioxide, since carbon dioxide has a higher solubility at low temperatures.

[0036] The carbon dioxide cylinder 300 is connected to the air inlet via the air inlet pipe 400, forming a complete gas supply path. The air inlet pipe 400 is a high-pressure hose with good pressure resistance and flexibility, capable of withstanding the high pressure inside the carbon dioxide cylinder 300, while also facilitating the installation and adjustment of the equipment.

[0037] A pressure reducing valve 310 is installed on the top of the carbon dioxide cylinder 300, and the inlet pipe 400 is connected to the carbon dioxide cylinder 300 through the pressure reducing valve 310. The pressure reducing valve 310 can reduce the pressure of the high-pressure carbon dioxide gas in the cylinder to a pressure range suitable for mixing. The pressure reducing valve 310 can adjust the output pressure according to different bubble concentration requirements.

[0038] A direct-acting valve 410 is installed on the air inlet pipe 400, and the direct-acting valve 410 is controlled by the level switch 120. The direct-acting valve 410 is an electromagnetically controlled valve that can quickly open or close the gas passage according to the signal from the level switch 120. When the level switch 120 detects that the liquid level has reached the second liquid level trigger point 122, the control system sends an opening signal to the direct-acting valve 410, and the direct-acting valve 410 opens rapidly, allowing carbon dioxide gas to be injected; when the level switch 120 detects that the liquid level has reached the first liquid level trigger point 121, the direct-acting valve 410 closes rapidly, blocking the gas flow.

[0039] A water outlet pipe 130 is installed on the outlet to provide a channel for the output of sparkling water. The water outlet pipe 130 is made of food-grade material with a smooth inner wall to avoid secondary contamination of the sparkling water. A solenoid valve 131 is installed on the water outlet pipe 130 to control the output of sparkling water. The solenoid valve 131 adopts a normally closed design and remains closed when there is no control signal.

[0040] In some embodiments, the cold water tank 200 and the atomizing nozzle 110 are connected by an inlet pipe 500 to form a complete water circulation system. A water pump 510 is installed on the inlet pipe 500, and the water pump 510 is connected to a level switch 120 for automated water supply control.

[0041] The water pump 510 is a self-priming booster pump, characterized by strong self-priming capability, low noise, and high efficiency. The self-priming booster pump automatically draws water from the cold water tank 200 and pressurizes it before delivering it to the atomizing nozzle 110. When the level switch 120 detects that the liquid level has reached the first level trigger point 121, the control system starts the water pump 510, which begins to work, drawing and pressurizing the cold water from the cold water tank 200 before delivering it to the atomizing nozzle 110. When the liquid level reaches the second level trigger point 122, the water pump 510 stops working.

[0042] A check valve 520 is installed on the inlet pipe 500 to prevent backflow of water. The check valve 520 is a one-way valve that only allows water to flow from the cold water tank 200 to the atomizing nozzle 110, preventing water in the atomizing nozzle 110 from flowing back into the cold water tank 200. This design ensures the correct direction of water flow while preventing possible cross-contamination.

[0043] In some embodiments, the atomizing nozzle 110 employs ultrasonic atomization technology, which decomposes water into micron-sized fine water droplets through high-frequency vibration. The ultrasonic atomizing nozzle 110 has the advantages of good atomization effect, low energy consumption, and stable operation. When these extremely fine water droplets come into contact with carbon dioxide gas, they can form a huge gas-liquid contact area, significantly improving mixing efficiency.

[0044] The ultrasonic atomizing nozzle 110 contains a piezoelectric ceramic transducer that converts electrical energy into mechanical vibration energy. When the transducer is working, the generated high-frequency vibrations are transmitted to the water through a vibrating diaphragm, causing water molecules to detach from the liquid surface and form droplets. This atomization method does not require additional compressed air, has a simple structure, and is easy to maintain.

[0045] In some embodiments, the level switch 120 is a capacitive level switch 120, which has the characteristics of high detection accuracy, fast response speed and high reliability.

[0046] The workflow of this application is described below:

[0047] Upon initial use, the solenoid valve 131 on the outlet pipe 130 is closed. Under the action of the water pump 510, cold water in the cold water tank 200 passes through the check valve 520 and is atomized by the atomizing nozzle 110 into the sparkling water tank 100. When the liquid level in the sparkling water tank 100 reaches the second liquid level trigger point 122 of the liquid level switch 120, the direct-acting valve 410 opens and the water pump 510 closes. At this time, carbon dioxide gas from the carbon dioxide cylinder 300 passes through the pressure reducing valve 310 and is injected into the sparkling water tank 100 through the air inlet pipe 400. Then, the solenoid valve 131 on the outlet pipe 130 is opened. Due to the continuous flow of carbon dioxide gas, water in the sparkling water tank 100 will be discharged from the outlet pipe 130 under the action of air pressure. When the liquid level in the sparkling water tank 100 reaches the first liquid level trigger point 121, the solenoid valve 131 on the outlet pipe 130 is closed. 31. At this point, the sparkling water production process officially begins. The cold water in the cold water tank 200 is atomized by the atomizing nozzle 110 and sprayed down from the top of the sparkling water tank 100, achieving the first mixing of water and carbon dioxide gas in the sparkling water tank 100. As the atomized cold water and carbon dioxide gas continue to mix, the liquid level in the sparkling water tank 100 will rise. When the liquid level in the sparkling water tank 100 rises to the second liquid level trigger point 122, the direct-acting valve 410 opens and the water pump 510 closes. At this time, the carbon dioxide gas in the carbon dioxide cylinder 300 will be injected into the water in the sparkling water tank 100 from the air inlet, achieving the second mixing of water and carbon dioxide gas in the sparkling water tank 100. After the water in the sparkling water tank 100 has been mixed with carbon dioxide twice, the solenoid valve 131 on the water outlet pipe 130 is opened to discharge the produced sparkling water.

[0048] In the first mixing process of this application, the atomized fine water droplets and carbon dioxide gas have a large contact area, which significantly improves the gas-liquid mixing efficiency and allows carbon dioxide to dissolve quickly in water. In the second mixing process, carbon dioxide gas enters the water in the form of larger bubbles, moves upward by buoyancy, and gradually dissolves in the water during the ascent. This two-stage mixing scheme effectively solves the technical problem of low carbon dioxide dissolution efficiency in traditional sparkling water making devices, significantly improves the carbon dioxide dissolution efficiency, and improves the quality of sparkling water.

[0049] The embodiments of this application have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, this application is not limited to the above embodiments. Within the scope of knowledge possessed by those skilled in the art, various changes can be made without departing from the spirit of this application.

Claims

1. A sparkling water making device, characterized by, include: A sparkling water tank, wherein an atomizing nozzle is installed on the top of the sparkling water tank, and an air inlet and a water outlet are provided at the bottom of the sparkling water tank; A cold water tank, wherein water in the cold water tank can enter the bubble water tank through the atomizing nozzle; A carbon dioxide cylinder, wherein carbon dioxide gas in the carbon dioxide cylinder can enter the sparkling water tank through the air inlet; The sparkling water tank is equipped with a level switch, which has a first level trigger point and a second level trigger point. The first level trigger point is lower than the second level trigger point. When the level in the sparkling water tank reaches the first level trigger point, cold water from the cold water tank is atomized by the atomizing nozzle and sprayed down from the top of the sparkling water tank, achieving a primary mixing of the water and carbon dioxide gas in the sparkling water tank. When the level in the sparkling water tank reaches the second level trigger point, carbon dioxide gas from the carbon dioxide cylinder is injected into the water in the sparkling water tank through the air inlet, achieving a secondary mixing of the water and carbon dioxide gas in the sparkling water tank.

2. The sparkling water production apparatus according to claim 1, characterized by: The bubble water tank is located in the cold water tank.

3. The sparkling water production apparatus according to claim 1, characterized by: The carbon dioxide cylinder is connected to the air inlet via an air inlet pipe.

4. The sparkling water production apparatus according to claim 3, characterized by: A pressure reducing valve is installed on the top of the carbon dioxide cylinder, and the inlet pipe is connected to the carbon dioxide cylinder through the pressure reducing valve.

5. The sparkling water production apparatus according to claim 3, characterized by: A direct-acting valve is installed on the air inlet pipe, and the direct-acting valve is connected to the liquid level switch for control.

6. The sparkling water production apparatus according to claim 1, characterized by: A water outlet pipe is installed on the water outlet.

7. The sparkling water production apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that: A solenoid valve is installed on the water outlet pipe.

8. The sparkling water production apparatus according to claim 5, characterized by: The cold water tank and the atomizing nozzle are connected by a water inlet pipe, and a water pump is installed on the water inlet pipe. The water pump is controlled by the liquid level switch.

9. The sparkling water production apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that: When the liquid level in the bubble water tank reaches the first liquid level trigger point, the direct-acting valve will be opened and the water pump will be turned off. When the liquid level in the bubble water tank reaches the second liquid level trigger point, the direct-acting valve will be closed and the water pump will be turned on.

10. The sparkling water production apparatus according to claim 8, characterized by: A check valve is installed on the water inlet pipe.

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