Receiving device for receiving a gas cartridge for a carbonation machine; carbonation machine; method for using a carbonation machine

Description

State of the art

[0001] The present invention is based on a receiving device for receiving a gas cartridge for a carbonation machine. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a carbonation machine and a method for using a carbonation machine.

[0002] Carbonation machines designed to carbonate a liquid, such as water, are generally known, for example from EP 1 331 428 B1. Such carbonation machines are also referred to in particular as drinking water carbonators and are used, among other things, as household appliances by end consumers. In principle, the carbonation machines can be used to carbonate different liquids and prepare various beverages. For carbonation, the machines typically have a replaceable gas cartridge, in particular a CO2 cartridge, which provides the gas with which the liquid is mixed. The liquid to be carbonated is typically filled into a bottle. The bottle containing the liquid to be carbonated is then attached to the carbonation machine to carry out the carbonation.

[0003] The safe and convenient installation and attachment of the gas cartridge in the carbonation machine is an important aspect of the application. High pressure is generated during carbonation, which requires a fail-safe attachment of the gas cartridge to the carbonation machine. At the same time, the gas cartridges should be easy to replace for the user, so that an empty gas cartridge can be easily removed from the carbonation machine and replaced with a full one. Disclosure of the invention

[0004] It is an object of the present invention to provide a holding device for holding a gas cartridge for a carbonation machine, which enables a user-friendly yet secure and stable attachment of a gas cartridge to the carbonation machine, preferably allowing a high degree of flexibility for using different gas cartridges. Furthermore, it is an object to provide a corresponding carbonation machine.

[0005] This object is achieved by a mounting device according to claim 1. The mounting device according to the invention for mounting a gas cartridge on a carbonation machine has the advantage over the prior art that, with the aid of the pressure chamber, a secure and stable attachment and sealing (to the outside) for a gas cartridge on a carbonation machine can be achieved using pneumatic compensation. According to the invention, it is particularly advantageous that different gas cartridges, in particular with different heights and tolerances, can be securely attached to the carbonation machine using the mounting device and sealed to the outside during carbonation.Furthermore, with the aid of the holding device according to the invention, it is advantageously possible to securely attach and fasten gas cartridges with differently designed mouth areas and / or valves to the carbonation machine and to seal them off from the outside during carbonation. A particular advantage is that no thread is required for attaching and fastening the gas cartridge to the carbonation machine. This means that gas cartridges without a thread can be used, as can gas cartridges with a thread, although their thread advantageously does not have to be used when attaching the gas cartridge to the carbonation machine. Thus, according to the invention, it is possible to attach gas cartridges with different diameters at the mouth area or with differently designed threads (or without a thread at all) to the carbonation machine.A further advantage of the present invention is that the holding device and thus also the carbonation machine can be used particularly flexibly with different gas cartridges that have different gas cartridge heights, even if the gas cartridges have comparatively large height differences and / or manufacturing tolerances. According to the invention, the gas cartridge can be attached to the holding device in a way that reliably withstands the high pressure during carbonation. At the same time, a particularly high level of user comfort can be achieved, since the attachment of the gas cartridge to the carbonation machine and the removal of the gas cartridge from the carbonation machine can be carried out comfortably for the user, in particular without screwing the gas cartridge.Furthermore, no motorization or similar is required to fix and securely fasten the gas cartridge, which reduces the risk of errors and costs.

[0006] According to the invention, it is conceivable for the gas cartridge to be arranged vertically in the carbonation machine. In particular, a central axis of the gas cartridge is arranged perpendicular to the surface, for example, a worktop or tabletop. Alternatively, an angled arrangement of the gas cartridge (at an angle other than 90° to the surface) is also conceivable.

[0007] With the aid of the inventive receiving device for receiving a gas cartridge for a carbonation machine, the gas cartridge can be connected to the carbonation machine in a particularly reversible manner. The gas cartridge can therefore preferably be detached from the carbonation machine, for example, when the gas cartridge is empty.

[0008] The gas cartridge can be inserted and / or introduced into the carbonation machine by a user, in particular with the aid of the receiving device. According to the present invention, it is possible that when the gas cartridge is picked up or inserted, no (final) securing / fastening of the gas cartridge to the carbonation machine or to the receiving device takes place. It is therefore particularly advantageous that the gas cartridge does not have to be separately fastened by the user when picking up the gas cartridge. This means, for example, that there is no need to screw the gas cartridge into the carbonation machine when inserting the gas cartridge. The fastening and in particular the securing of the gas cartridge to the carbonation machine is preferably carried out automatically with the aid of the pressure chamber via pneumatic compensation during carbonation, which increases user comfort and facilitates operation.However, according to the invention it is also conceivable that additional fastening mechanisms or safety devices are provided for the gas cartridge.

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

[0010] According to the invention, an overpressure can be understood in particular as a pressure above ambient pressure and / or atmospheric pressure, in particular a pressure above 1 bar. According to the invention, it is possible for the overpressure generated in the pressure chamber during carbonation to be well above atmospheric pressure.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the present invention, it is conceivable that the carbonation machine for receiving the bottle, in particular the bottle filled with the liquid, has a further receiving device via which the bottle can be received on the carbonation machine and in particular securely fastened.

[0012] With the aid of the additional holding device, the bottle can be connected to the carbonation machine, particularly reversibly. The bottle can therefore preferably be detached from the carbonation machine, especially after the carbonation of the liquid in the bottle has been completed and / or is complete.

[0013] The carbonating liquid in the bottle can be, for example, water or a flavored beverage. The bottle, especially the one filled with the liquid, can have different shapes and can also be considered a cartridge or container.

[0014] The bottle is preferably made of glass. It is conceivable that the bottle is made entirely or partially of glass. Alternatively or additionally, it is conceivable that the bottle is made of plastic and / or metal.

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

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

[0017] The gas cartridge is preferably designed to withstand an internal pressure that is higher than the normal ambient pressure (approximately 1 bar).

[0018] The gas cartridge is, in particular, a cartridge filled with CO2 that provides the gas, particularly CO2, for carbonating the liquid. The gas cartridge can also be understood as a gas cylinder.

[0019] Advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention can be found in the dependent claims and the description with reference to the drawings.

[0020] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the receiving device is configured such that—during carbonation—the pressure chamber is connected to an interior of the gas cartridge such that the overpressure is generated in the pressure chamber, particularly during carbonation. It is advantageously possible for the overpressure in the pressure chamber—particularly during the carbonation of a liquid in a bottle attached to the carbonation machine—to be generated with the aid of the gas cartridge, particularly by gas passing from the gas cartridge into the pressure chamber.

[0021] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the receiving device is designed in such a way that - in particular during carbonation - with the aid of the overpressure generated in the pressure chamber: -- the sealing means is pressed onto the gas cartridge, in particular onto a mouth region of the gas cartridge, and / or -- the gas cartridge is fastened, in particular clamped, to the carbonation machine. It is particularly advantageously possible for the gas cartridge to be clamped over its entire length, in particular at the top and bottom, by the force generated by the excess pressure in the pressure chamber, and is thus advantageously and securely fastened. In particular, according to one embodiment of the present invention, it is advantageously possible for the gas cartridge, in contrast to systems known from the prior art, to be fastened in the carbonation machine not only by its thread or via the region of its thread, but rather to be clamped at its top and bottom.

[0022] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the pressure chamber is part of a gas connection through which gas can be introduced from the interior of the gas cartridge - particularly during carbonation - into a bottle, in particular one filled with a liquid. The pressure chamber is therefore preferably part of the gas connection between the gas cartridge and the bottle filled with the liquid to be carbonated. As a result, the overpressure in the pressure chamber is advantageously automatically generated when carbonation starts. If the gas cartridge is opened during carbonation, an overpressure is created in the gas connection between the gas cartridge and the bottle and thus also in the pressure chamber.This overpressure in the pressure chamber preferably causes the sealant to be pressed against the gas cartridge, preferably against the mouth area of ​​the gas cartridge, which advantageously seals the gas cartridge and the gas connection from the environment. This allows for a particularly safe, space-saving, and efficient arrangement.

[0023] According to the present invention, the receiving device comprises a pressure transmission means. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the pressure transmission means can also be understood as a pneumatic compensator. The pressure transmission means can, for example, be a plastic component. Alternatively or additionally, the pressure transmission means can also comprise other materials, such as metal.

[0024] According to the present invention, the receiving device is configured such that the pressure transmission means presses the sealing means onto the gas cartridge due to the excess pressure generated in the pressure chamber during carbonation. The pressure transmission means is particularly arranged such that it is pressed toward the gas cartridge by the excess pressure generated in the pressure chamber, thereby pressing the sealing means onto the gas cartridge. The pressure transmission means thus also allows for advantageous fastening of the gas cartridge during carbonation.

[0025] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the pressure transmission means is movable, wherein the pressure transmission means forms part of a boundary and / or wall of the pressure chamber. This makes it possible for the pressure transmission means to be pressed and / or moved towards the gas cartridge when an overpressure builds up in the pressure chamber and as a function of this overpressure. Because the pressure transmission means forms part of the boundary and / or wall of the pressure chamber, it is possible for the size of the pressure chamber to change, in particular to increase, when an overpressure builds up in the pressure chamber, since the pressure transmission means is moved by the overpressure built up in the pressure chamber. The pressure transmission means is movable, in particular within the carbonation machine, in a vertical direction, i.e. in particular parallel to the central axis of the gas cartridge.

[0026] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the sealing means is arranged partially or completely between the pressure transmission means and the gas cartridge, in particular between the pressure transmission means and a mouth region of the gas cartridge. This advantageously makes it possible for the sealing means to be pressed onto the gas cartridge by the pressure transmission means. Thus, the gas connection between the interior of the gas cartridge and the cylinder can be advantageously sealed from the outside during carbonation. This allows a high-quality seal to be achieved that can withstand even the high pressure in the gas connection during carbonation.

[0027] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the sealing means comprises a sealing ring, in particular an O-ring. A flat sealing disc with a through-opening, in particular a central or offset through-opening, can also be used as the sealing ring. Alternatively or additionally, it is conceivable for the sealing means to be formed integrally with the pressure transmission means, for example, as a sealing region of the pressure transmission means.

[0028] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the receiving device is configured such that the gas cartridge—particularly during carbonation—is clamped and / or secured in the receiving device by means of the pressure transmission means. In particular, the gas cartridge is clamped and securely fastened in the carbonation machine by means of the pressure transmission means, which is pressed toward the gas cartridge by the excess pressure in the pressure chamber.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the present invention, it is conceivable that the receiving device is configured such that the gas cartridge—particularly during carbonation—is clamped between the sealing means and / or the pressure transmission means on its upper side and a counter element, in particular a base region of the carbonation machine, on its underside. This enables advantageous clamping / clamping of the gas cartridge across its entire height.

[0030] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is conceivable that the receiving device comprises a guide element, wherein the pressure transmission means is arranged within a recess of the guide element, wherein the pressure transmission means is preferably movable within the recess of the guide element, in particular parallel to a central axis of the gas cartridge when the latter is arranged in the receiving device.

[0031] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a further sealing means is arranged between an inner wall of the guide element and the pressure transmission means. The inner wall of the guide element is, in particular, a wall forming the recess of the guide element.

[0032] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the further sealing means comprises a sealing ring. Alternatively or additionally, it is conceivable that the further sealing means is formed integrally with the pressure transmission means or the guide element, for example, as a sealing region of the pressure transmission means or the guide element.

[0033] According to the present invention, it is provided that the receiving device comprises a spring device, wherein a force can be exerted on the pressure transmission means, in particular with the aid of the spring device. When the gas cartridge is inserted into the receiving device, the gas cartridge is moved from below against the pressure transmission means and pushes the latter upwards. The upward movement of the pressure transmission means results in the spring device being compressed. The spring device is thus compressed when the gas cartridge is inserted and is thereby prestressed. As a result, a force / pressure is exerted on the pressure transmission means with the aid of the prestressed spring device even in the initial state or initial position, i.e. after the gas cartridge has been inserted into the receiving device but, for example, before carbonation is started. This forces the pressure transmission means downwards towards the gas cartridge.This makes it possible for the sealing agent, even in its initial state prior to carbonation, to be pressed onto the mouth area of ​​the gas cartridge by the pressure transmission means. However, this pressure or force caused by the spring device is preferably significantly lower than the pressure exerted by the pressure chamber during carbonation, which presses the sealing element onto the gas cartridge. It is conceivable that the spring device creates a resistance when the gas cartridge is inserted into the receiving device and is pretensioned when the gas cartridge is inserted. In particular, the spring device ensures that the pressure transmission means is guided towards the gas cartridge in the initial position, so that the gas cartridge is preferably positioned in the carbonation machine without any play.The spring mechanism makes it possible to arrange gas cartridges with different extensions along their central axis, i.e., with different heights, particularly advantageously in the carbonation machine and, in particular, to position them without any play. This allows for advantageous compatibility with different gas cartridges and, furthermore, a particularly advantageous compensation of gas cartridge tolerances.

[0034] At the same time, inserting and positioning the gas cartridge is very convenient for the user, as only a relative movement between the gas cartridge and the holding device, in particular at least partially parallel to the central axis of the gas cartridge, is necessary to insert and position the gas cartridge into the carbonation machine and, in particular, to preload the spring device. The relative movement between the gas cartridge and the holding device when inserting the gas cartridge can occur either by moving the gas cartridge into the holding device from below or by guiding the holding device onto the gas cartridge from above. It is conceivable that the gas cartridge can be inserted into the holding device with a pivoting or tilting movement.

[0035] The spring device comprises, in particular, a spring that is arranged circumferentially or partially circumferentially around the rod-shaped element. The spring is preferably arranged between the guide element and the pressure transmission means. It is particularly conceivable for the spring to be designed as a helical spring, for example as a cylindrical, conical, or barrel-shaped helical spring. When the gas cartridge is inserted into the receiving device, the gas cartridge is moved relative to the pressure transmission means, in particular in the direction of the pressure transmission means, and thus pushes the pressure transmission means, in particular in the direction of the spring. The spring is thereby compressed and pretensioned.

[0036] Another object of the present invention is a carbonation machine comprising a receiving device for receiving a gas cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a gas supply means extends into the bottle during carbonation. The gas supply means is part of the gas connection formed between the interior of the gas cartridge and the bottle (or the interior of the bottle) during carbonation, so that the gas from the gas cartridge is introduced into the bottle via the gas supply means during carbonation.

[0038] According to one embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that the carbonation machine comprises an actuating device for starting and / or carrying out a carbonation, in particular by a user.

[0039] According to one embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that the actuating device has an opening means for opening the gas cartridge.

[0040] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the sealing means comprises a through-opening for the passage of the opening means. For example, the sealing means can be designed as a sealing ring with a central through-opening or with a through-opening offset from the center.

[0041] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the opening means is transferable from a starting position to a carbonation position, wherein the opening means is arranged in the carbonation position during carbonation. In particular, the opening means is transferred from its starting position to its carbonation position by means of the actuating device to start carbonation.

[0042] According to one embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that the opening means opens a closure means of the gas cartridge in the carbonation position, in particular such that gas can escape from the interior of the gas cartridge and / or the gas connection is formed between the interior of the gas cartridge and the bottle. The closure means seals the interior of the gas cartridge in an initial state of the gas cartridge, so that gas can be retained at high pressure in the gas cartridge. To carry out carbonation, the closure means is opened with the aid of the opening means, so that gas from the gas cartridge can pass via the gas connection into the bottle filled with the liquid to be carbonated. It is particularly conceivable for the closure means to close the gas cartridge again after carbonation. The closure means comprises, in particular, a valve that can be opened with the aid of the opening means.

[0043] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the opening means comprises a rod-shaped element or is designed as a rod-shaped element. It is conceivable that the rod-shaped element is guided downwards when carbonization is started, in particular parallel to the central axis of the gas cartridge, and in doing so opens the closure means of the gas cartridge in order to carry out carbonation. It is possible that a gas channel is formed adjacent to the rod-shaped element and / or as part of the rod-shaped element, which connects the interior of the gas cartridge - during carbonation - with the pressure chamber. The gas channel can have different shapes or cross-sections. It is possible that the gas channel is formed partially or completely between the rod-shaped element and the pressure transmission means.

[0044] It is preferably possible for the gas channel to be part of the gas connection formed between the interior of the gas cartridge and the cylinder during carbonation.

[0045] According to one embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that the actuating device comprises an actuating means, in particular a lever device and / or a push button, wherein the opening means can be transferred from its starting position into the carbonation position, in particular upon actuation of the actuating means by a user. It is also possible for the actuating means to have both a lever device and a push button, wherein the push button is connected to the lever device or has mechanical contact with the lever device. It is conceivable that the lever device can thus be actuated by the user via the push button. Different designs are possible for the lever device and / or the push button.

[0046] According to one embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that a position of the opening means in its initial position is configured as a function of a height of the gas cartridge, in particular such that the opening means rests on the gas cartridge or an element connected to the gas cartridge, in particular the closure means. The opening means is arranged, in particular by its own weight and the force of gravity, such that in its initial position it rests on the gas cartridge or an element connected to the gas cartridge. Alternatively or additionally, it is conceivable that the opening means is arranged with the aid of the spring device and the pressure transmission means such that in its initial position it rests on the gas cartridge or the element connected to the gas cartridge.

[0047] According to one embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that the opening means is carried along by the force acting on the pressure transmission means with the aid of the spring device and is thus already guided in the direction of the gas cartridge in the starting position. It is particularly conceivable for the opening means to have a carrying means, wherein the pressure transmission means carries the opening means along via the carrying means, in particular by the force acting on the pressure transmission means with the aid of the spring device in the direction of the gas cartridge. It is conceivable for the carrying means to comprise a projection that partially or completely surrounds the rod-shaped element in the circumferential direction, wherein the projection can engage in the pressure transmission means such that the rod-shaped element is carried along in the direction of the gas cartridge and is already positioned close to the gas cartridge in the starting position.In particular, the guiding means restricts upward movement of the opening means in the initial position. Other configurations for the guiding means are also possible. Alternatively or additionally, it is conceivable for the pressure transmission means to have a guiding means for guiding and / or positioning the opening means in the initial position.

[0048] According to one embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that a height compensation means can be arranged between the opening means and the actuating means. With the aid of the height compensation means, it can advantageously be achieved that gas cartridges of different heights can be used in the carbonation machine, wherein the actuating means for these gas cartridges of different heights is automatically arranged in the starting position so that the opening means can be moved by the actuating means. With the aid of the height compensation means, it is thus possible for the contact point or actuation point for the user to remain the same even for different gas cartridges of different heights. Advantageously, the height compensation means is configured such that a push button and / or a lever device is triggered at the same actuation point for different gas cartridges.

[0049] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the height compensation means comprises a wedge-shaped element. It is thus particularly conceivable for a wedge-shaped element to be arranged between the opening means and the actuating means. It is preferably possible for the wedge-shaped element to be arranged between the opening means and the lever device. With the aid of the wedge-shaped element, advantageous height compensation can be achieved in the receiving device and / or actuating device for different gas cartridges (with, in particular, different heights). The carbonation machine can thus be used particularly flexibly with different gas cartridges, even if the gas cartridges have comparatively large height differences and / or manufacturing tolerances.

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

[0051] According to one embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that the opening means is connected to the wedge-shaped element, wherein the opening means, in its initial position, carries the wedge-shaped element such that an insertion depth of the wedge-shaped element between the opening means and the actuating means depends on the position of the opening means in its initial position. The position of the opening means in the initial position depends, in particular, on the height of the inserted gas cartridge. The initial position refers, in particular, to a position in which the gas cartridge has already been inserted into the receiving device, but carbonation has not yet begun.The wedge-shaped element thus makes it possible to ensure that in the starting position - even for different gas cartridge heights - a mechanical contact is formed between the opening means and the actuating means, for example the lever device, since the insertion depth of the wedge-shaped element between the opening means and the actuating means depends on the position of the opening means in the starting position. It is thus advantageously possible for the wedge-shaped element to be adjusted, in particular depending on the height or extent of the gas cartridge inserted into the carbonation machine, so that the actuating means is already arranged in the starting position in such a way that it engages immediately upon actuation by a user and, in particular, does not have to be guided by the user until a mechanical contact is formed through which the actuating means can move the opening means.This makes it possible for the actuating means for gas cartridges of different heights to be automatically arranged in the starting position so that the opening means can be moved by the actuating means. With the help of the wedge-shaped element, it can be prevented that - when using a comparatively small gas cartridge with a low height, for example - a user has to press the actuating means, such as a push button and / or a lever device, very far down before carbonation is started. The contact point or actuation point therefore remains the same for the user for different gas cartridges of different heights. For example, a push button and / or a lever device for different gas cartridges is triggered at the same actuation point.

[0052] The wedge-shaped element can thus be used to achieve height compensation for different gas cartridge heights. In particular, it is conceivable that height differences of up to 7 mm, preferably up to 15 mm, can be compensated for using the wedge-shaped element.

[0053] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the wedge-shaped element is moved between the opening means and the actuating means when the gas cartridge is inserted into the receiving device. The insertion depth of the wedge-shaped element between the opening means and the actuating means depends in particular on the height of the inserted gas cartridge.

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

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

[0056] Another object of the present invention is a method for using a carbonation machine according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein a bottle filled with a liquid is attached to the carbonation machine, wherein carbonation of the liquid is carried out by means of the carbonation machine, wherein - when carrying out the carbonation - an overpressure is generated in the pressure chamber of the receiving device, wherein by means of the overpressure generated in the pressure chamber -- a sealing agent is pressed onto the gas cartridge and / or -- the gas cartridge is attached to the carbonation machine.

[0057] According to one embodiment of the present invention, in particular of the method, it is possible for the bottle containing the carbonated liquid to be separated from the carbonation machine after the carbonation has been carried out and, in particular, to be removed from the carbonation machine.

[0058] According to one embodiment of the present invention, in particular of the method, it is possible for the gas cartridge to be arranged on the carbonation machine using the receiving device before performing the carbonation, and in particular to be positioned in the carbonation machine. It is also conceivable for the gas cartridge to be removed from the carbonation machine after performing the carbonation (or one or more further carbonation processes) and / or after the gas cartridge is empty, and to be replaced with another filled gas cartridge.

[0059] It is preferably possible for the carbonation to take place using the gas cartridge, whereby during carbonation, a gas connection is formed between the interior of the gas cartridge and the bottle containing the liquid to be carbonated. During carbonation, a gas supply means preferably protrudes into the interior of the bottle. The gas supply means is part of the gas connection that is formed during carbonation between the interior of the gas cartridge and the bottle (or the interior of the bottle). Thus, with the aid of the gas supply means, the gas from the gas cartridge is introduced into the bottle to carbonate the liquid during carbonation.

[0060] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the pressure chamber in which the overpressure is generated during carbonation is also part of the gas connection between the interior of the gas cartridge and the cylinder. The overpressure in the pressure chamber is thus automatically generated during carbonation by the overpressure in the gas cartridge, thereby achieving a particularly advantageous and automatic pneumatic compensation.

[0061] The advantages and configurations that have already been described in connection with the inventive receiving device for receiving a gas cartridge for a carbonation machine or in connection with an embodiment of the inventive receiving device can be applied to the carbonation machine according to the invention and the inventive method for using a carbonation machine. The advantages and configurations that have already been described in connection with the inventive carbonation machine or in connection with an embodiment of the inventive carbonation machine can be applied to the inventive receiving device for receiving a gas cartridge for a carbonation machine and the inventive method for using a carbonation machine.For the receiving device according to the invention for receiving a gas cartridge for a carbonation machine and the carbonation machine according to the invention, the advantages and configurations that have already been described in connection with the method according to the invention for using a carbonation machine or in connection with an embodiment of the method according to the invention for using a carbonation machine can be applied.

[0062] Further details, features, and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the drawings and the following description of preferred embodiments with reference to the drawings. The drawings merely illustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention, which do not limit the essential inventive concept. Short description of the drawings

[0063] Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a receiving device for receiving a gas cartridge according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of a carbonation machine according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 shows a schematic representation of part of a receiving device for receiving a gas cartridge according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 shows a schematic representation of part of a receiving device for receiving a gas cartridge according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 shows a schematic representation of part of a receiving device for receiving a gas cartridge according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Embodiments of the invention

[0064] In the various figures, identical parts are always provided with the same reference symbols and are therefore usually named or mentioned only once.

[0065] In Figure 1 1 shows a schematic representation of a receiving device 10 for receiving a gas cartridge 20 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The receiving device 10 is part of a carbonation machine 1 or can be connected to a carbonation machine 1. In the illustration shown, a gas cartridge 20 is received using the receiving device 10. The gas cartridge 20 is a pressure-stable cartridge, in the interior 21 of which a gas 28, in particular CO 2 , is enclosed at high pressure. The gas cartridge 20 provides the gas 28 for carbonating a liquid 4 arranged in an interior 3 of a bottle 2.

[0066] The receiving device 10 is configured such that the gas cartridge 20 can be attached to the carbonation machine 1 via the receiving device 10. The receiving device 10 has a guide element 11 with a recess 11'. A pressure transmission means 40 is arranged in the recess 11'. Both the guide element 11 and the pressure transmission means 40 can each be one-piece or multi-piece components. The receiving device 10 further comprises a spring device 67, in particular comprising a helical spring 68. The spring device 67 is arranged between the pressure transmission means 40 and a horizontal region of the guide element 11. When inserting the gas cartridge 20 into the receiving device 10, the gas cartridge 20 can be pushed by a user from below into the Figure 1shown part of the receiving device 10. Alternatively, it is possible for the receiving device 10 to be moved onto the gas cartridge 20 from above. A tilting / pivoting movement of the gas cartridge 20 is also conceivable. When the gas cartridge 20 is inserted, the gas cartridge 20 is moved relative to the pressure transmission means 40 and pushes it upwards, so that the spring device 67 is compressed and pretensioned. With the aid of the spring device 67, gas cartridges 20 of different heights can be received by the receiving device 10, and advantageous compensation for the different gas cartridge heights can take place.

[0067] Between the pressure transmission means 40 and the mouth region 20' of the gas cartridge 20 is a sealing means 31, which in the illustrated embodiment is designed as a flat sealing ring 32. The pressure transmission means 40 comprises a recess 43 arranged centrally in the pressure transmission means 40. An opening means 61, which comprises a rod-shaped element 62, extends through the recess 43 of the pressure transmission means 40. Different cross-sectional areas for the rod-shaped element 62 and the recess 43 are conceivable, for example, circular cross-sections. The opening means 61, in particular the rod-shaped element 62, can be guided through a through-opening of the sealing ring 32. When carbonization is initiated, the rod-shaped element 62 is guided downward parallel to the central axis 200 of the gas cartridge 20, thereby opening the closure means 27 of the gas cartridge 20.

[0068] In the in the Figure 1In the illustration shown, the receiving device 10 and in particular the opening means 61 are shown in a starting position. The starting position relates to a state in which the gas cartridge 20 has already been inserted into the receiving device 10, but no carbonization has yet been carried out (i.e., for example, a state before the start of carbonation). In this starting position, the opening means 61, in particular the rod-shaped element 62, is preferably already guided up to a closure means 27 of the gas cartridge 20. In particular, the position of the opening means 61 in the starting position depends on the height of the gas cartridge 20, wherein the opening means 61 is arranged, for example, such that the opening means 61 rests on the gas cartridge 20 or on the closure means 27 of the gas cartridge 20. This is achieved in the present case with the aid of the spring device 67 and the pressure transmission means 40.The opening means 61 is guided in the starting position in the direction of the gas cartridge 20 by the downward force exerted on the pressure transmission means 40 by means of the spring device 67. For this purpose, the opening means 61 has a guide means 69, for example a projection that partially or completely surrounds the rod-shaped element 62. Due to the spring device 67, the pressure transmission means 40 is already guided in the starting position in the direction of the gas cartridge 20 (i.e., in . Figure 1 downwards). In this case, it is possible that the carrying means 69 engages with the pressure transmission means 40, so that the opening means 61 is also pushed in the direction of the gas cartridge 20 and is already positioned close to the gas cartridge 20 in the starting position.

[0069] A further sealing means 50, in particular a further sealing ring 51, is arranged between an inner wall 12 of the guide element 11 and the pressure transmission means 40. The inner wall 12 of the guide element 11 is in particular a wall forming the recess 11' of the guide element 11. The further sealing means 50 is provided to seal the transition between the inner wall 12 of the guide element 11 and the pressure transmission means 40. Thus, during carbonization, the further sealing means 50 also seals the pressure chamber 30 (and thus also the gas connection 100 at this point) to the outside. Furthermore, a yet further sealing means 55, in particular in the form of a sealing ring 56, is arranged in an upper region of the guide element 11, in particular in a guide channel 57 of the guide element 11, in which the opening means 61 is partially arranged.The further sealing means 55 is arranged between the guide element 11 and the opening means 61 and thus seals the transition between the guide element 11 and the opening means 61 to the outside during carbonization. In particular, the further sealing means 55 also seals the pressure chamber 30 (and thus also the gas connection 100 at this point) to the outside during carbonization.

[0070] A gas channel 42 is formed between the rod-shaped element 62 and the sealing ring 32, as well as between the rod-shaped element 62 and the pressure transmission means 40. When the gas cartridge 20 is open, i.e., in particular during carbonation, the gas channel 42 connects the interior 21 of the gas cartridge 20 to the pressure chamber 30 of the receiving device 10. The pressure chamber 30 is formed partially or completely between the pressure transmission element 40 and the guide element 11. The gas channel 42 and the pressure chamber 30 are, in particular, part of a gas connection 100, which is formed during carbonation between the interior 21 of the gas cartridge 20 and the interior 3 of the bottle 2 and via which gas 28 passes from the interior 21 of the gas cartridge 20 into the interior 3 of the bottle 2. Gas 28 from the gas cartridge 20 can thus enter the pressure chamber 30 via the gas channel 42, whereby an overpressure can be generated in the pressure chamber 30.This overpressure in the pressure chamber 30 pushes the pressure transmission means 40 downward, i.e., toward the gas cartridge 20. As a result, the pressure transmission means 40 presses the sealing means 31, in particular the sealing ring 32, onto the mouth region 20' of the gas cartridge 20. The transitions between the gas cartridge 20, the sealing means 31, and the pressure transmission means 40 are sealed to the outside. The pressure chamber 30 thus automatically pneumatically seals the gas connection 100, in particular the gas channel 42, to the outside when the gas cartridge 20 is opened during carbonation. At the same time, the overpressure built up in the pressure chamber 30 during carbonation, which pushes the pressure transmission means 40 toward the gas cartridge 20, advantageously and securely clamps and secures the gas cartridge 20 in the carbonation machine 1.In particular, the gas cartridge 20 is clamped or clamped between the pressure transmission means 40 and / or the sealing means 31 on its upper side 22 and a counter element 25, for example, a base region 26 of the receiving device 10 or the carbonation machine 1, on its underside 23. This particularly advantageously results in both a pneumatic and automatic sealing of the gas connection 100 to the outside by the pressure chamber 30 and a secure and stable fastening of the gas cartridge 20 in the receiving device 10, particularly during carbonation. Gas cartridges 20 with different dimensions and tolerances can be particularly advantageously fastened using the receiving device 10.Furthermore, both gas cartridges 20 with a thread and gas cartridges 20 without a thread can be used, whereby the thread of a gas cartridge 20, if present, does not need to be used to attach and secure the gas cartridge 20 to the receiving device 10. Thus, according to the invention, the cumbersome screwing in of the gas cartridges 20 for attaching the gas cartridges 20 to a carbonation machine 1 can be particularly advantageously dispensed with.

[0071] The carbonation machine 1 further comprises an actuating device 60. With the aid of the actuating device 60, the opening means 61, in particular the rod-shaped element 62, can be moved downwards in order to open the closure means 27 of the gas cartridge 20 and start the carbonation process. In the illustrated embodiment, the actuating device 60 comprises a lever device 63. The lever device 63 can, for example, be actuated directly by a user or be connected to a button, in particular a push button, wherein, when the button is actuated by the user, the lever device 63 is moved by the movement of the button. The arrow marked with the reference numeral 128 indicates the gas flow 128 of the gas 28 from the gas cartridge 20 toward the bottle 2 during carbonation, i.e., when the closure means 27 is open.

[0072] In Figure 2A schematic representation of a carbonation machine 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown. A gas cartridge 2 is arranged in the carbonation machine 1, which provides a gas 28 for carbonating the liquid 4 located in the interior 3 of the bottle 2. The gas cartridge 2 is, for example, held in the cylinder by means of a receiving device 10 according to the Figure 1 shown embodiment is attached to the carbonation machine 1. The upper area of ​​the receiving device 10 is in the Figure 2not shown in detail. The bottle 2 is attached to the carbonation machine 1 by means of a further receiving device 80. Both the bottle 2 and the gas cartridge 20 are separable from the carbonation machine 1 and, in particular, removable from the carbonation machine 1. A gas supply means 81, which forms part of the gas connection 100 between the bottle 2 and the interior 21 of the gas cartridge 20 during carbonation, projects into the interior 3 of the bottle 2. The gas 28 can reach the interior of the bottle 2 via the gas supply means 81, so that the liquid 4 can be carbonated. It is conceivable that the carbonation can be started by a user actuating an actuating device 60.

[0073] In Figure 3is a schematic representation of a receiving device 10 for receiving a gas cartridge 20 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The receiving device 10 is part of a carbonation machine 1 or can be connected to a carbonation machine 1. In the illustration shown, a gas cartridge 20 is received by means of the receiving device 10. The gas cartridge 20 is a pressure-stable cartridge, in whose interior 21 a gas 28, in particular CO 2 , is enclosed at high pressure. The gas cartridge provides the gas 28 for carbonating a liquid 4 arranged in an interior 3 of a bottle 2. In the Figure 3 a height compensation means 65' for compensating different heights of gas cartridges 20 is shown, wherein the height compensation means 65' comprises a wedge-shaped element 65. The area around the pressure chamber 30 of the receiving device 10 is shown in the illustration of Figure 3not shown in full, but can be used, for example, according to the Figure 1 shown embodiment.

[0074] The wedge-shaped element 65 is arranged between the opening means 61 and the actuating means 60', in particular the lever device 63. With the aid of the wedge-shaped element 65, advantageous height compensation can be achieved in the receiving device 10 and / or actuating device for different gas cartridges 20, in particular with different heights. For this purpose, the opening means 61 is connected to a lever system 66 via a connection 66'. The lever system 66 is connected to the wedge-shaped element 65 or the wedge-shaped element 65 is formed as a component of the lever system 66. Thus, the wedge-shaped element 65 is connected to the opening means 61, in particular the rod-shaped element 62, by means of the lever system 66.

[0075] Via the lever system 66, the opening means 61 guides the wedge-shaped element 65 such that the insertion depth of the wedge-shaped element 65 (in a direction perpendicular to the central axis 200 of the gas cartridge 20) between the opening means 61 and the lever device 63 depends on the position of the opening means 61 (parallel to the central axis 200 of the gas cartridge 20) in its initial position. The lever system 66 is therefore designed such that an axial movement 302 of the opening means 61 and / or pressure transmission means 40 parallel to the central axis 200 of the gas cartridge 20 is converted into a lateral movement 301 of the wedge-shaped element 65 perpendicular to the central axis 200 of the gas cartridge 20. By means of this lateral movement 301, the insertion depth of the wedge-shaped element 65 between the opening means 61 and the lever device 63 is changed.The wedge-shaped element 65 is moved between the opening means 61 and the lever device 63 via the lever system 66, in particular when inserting the gas cartridge 20.

[0076] The wedge-shaped element 65 thus ensures that, even in the initial position of the opening means 61, a mechanical contact is formed between the opening means 61 and the lever device 63 for gas cartridges 20 with different gas cartridge heights, since the insertion depth of the wedge-shaped element 65 between the opening means 61 and the lever device 63 depends on the position of the opening means 61 in the initial position. The wedge-shaped element 65 is thus adjusted depending on the position of the opening means 61 in the initial position (with the gas cartridge 20 inserted). The pressure point or actuation point of the actuation device (for example, a push button or a lever device) is thus the same or at least very similar for the user for different gas cartridges 20 with different heights.For example, a push button or lever device 63 for different gas cartridges 20 with different heights is triggered at the same actuation point, since the wedge-shaped element 65 compensates for the height differences. With the help of the wedge-shaped element 65, a particularly advantageous height compensation for different gas cartridge heights can be achieved, which enables flexible and user-friendly use of the carbonation machine 1 with a variety of differently designed gas cartridges 20.

[0077] In Figure 4 is a schematic representation of a part of a receiving device 10 for receiving a gas cartridge 20 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The area around the pressure chamber 30 of the receiving device 10 is shown in the representation of the Figure 4 not shown in full, but can be used, for example, according to the Figure 1shown embodiment. In the Figure 4A height compensation means 65' for compensating for different heights of gas cartridges 20 is shown, wherein the height compensation means 65' is in a position that it assumes when a gas cartridge 20 with a comparatively large gas cartridge height is inserted. Due to the comparatively large height of the gas cartridge 20, the opening means 61 and the pressure transmission means 40 are positioned relatively high in their initial position, i.e., displaced relatively far upwards along their potential for axial movement 302. Via the lever system 66, the wedge-shaped element 65 is therefore guided comparatively far out of the area between the opening means 61 and the lever device 63 along its lateral movement 301, thus having only a small insertion depth between the opening means 61 and the lever device 63.However, because the opening means 61 is positioned comparatively high due to the great height of the gas cartridge 20, a mechanical contact is nevertheless formed between the opening means 61 and the lever device 63 via the wedge-shaped element 65 in the starting position shown. When the actuating device is actuated by a user, the lever device 63 does not have to be moved downwards until it reaches the opening means 61, but rather, there is a well-defined pressure point.

[0078] In Figure 5 is a schematic representation of a part of a receiving device 10 for receiving a gas cartridge 20 according to the Figure 4 shown exemplary embodiment of the present invention, wherein the height compensation means 65' is in a position which it assumes when an inserted gas cartridge 20 with a Figure 4The area around the pressure chamber 30 of the receiving device 10 is shown in the illustration of the Figure 5 not shown completely. The opening means 61 and the pressure transmission means 40 are Figure 4 lower height of the gas cartridge 20 in its initial position positioned slightly lower, i.e. along its axial movement 302 compared to the Figure 4shifted downward. Via the lever system 66, the wedge-shaped element 65 is therefore inserted deeper into the area between the opening means 61 and the lever device 63 along its lateral movement 301, thus having a greater insertion depth between the opening means 61 and the lever device 63. Because the wedge-shaped element 65 is guided in this way via the lever system 66, in the initial position, mechanical contact is also formed between the opening means 61 and the lever device 63 via the wedge-shaped element 65. The pressure point of the actuating device therefore remains the same for the user. List of reference symbols

[0079] 1 Carbonation machine 2 Bottle 3 Interior of the bottle 4 Liquid 10 Holding device 11 Guide element 11 Recess of the guide element 12 Inner wall of the guide element 20 Gas cartridge 20 Mouth area of ​​the gas cartridge 21 Interior of the gas cartridge 22 Top of the gas cartridge 23 Bottom of the gas cartridge 25 Counter element 26 Bottom area of ​​the carbonation machine 28 Gas 30 Pressure chamber 31 Sealing means 32 Sealing ring 40 Pressure transmission means 41 Limitation of the pressure chamber 41 Wall of the pressure chamber 42 Gas channel 43 Recess of the pressure transmission means 50 Further sealing means 51 Sealing ring 55 Further sealing means 56 Sealing ring 57 Guide channel 60 Actuating device 60 Actuating means 61 Opening means 62 rod-shaped element 63 lever device 65 wedge-shaped element 65 height compensation means 66 lever system 66 connection between lever system and opening means 67 spring device 68 coil spring 80 additional receiving device 81 gas supply means 100 gas connection 128 gas flowduring carbonization 200central axis of the gas cartridge 301lateral movement of the wedge-shaped element 302axial movement of the pressure transmission medium

Claims

1. Receiving device (10) for receiving a gas cartridge (20) for a carbonizing machine (1), wherein the receiving device (10) comprises a pressure chamber (30), wherein the receiving device (10) is configured such that, with the aid of an excess pressure which can be generated in the pressure chamber (30) -- a sealing means (31) can be pressed onto the gas cartridge (20) and / or -- the gas cartridge (20) can be attached to the carbonating machine (1), characterized in that -- the receiving device (10) has a pressure transmission means (40) and is configured such that the pressure transmission means (40) presses the sealing means (31) onto the gas cartridge (20) due to the excess pressure generated in the pressure chamber (30) during carbonization, -- wherein the receiving device (10) comprises a spring device (67), wherein in particular a force can be exerted on the pressure transmission means (40) by means of the spring device (67).

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

3. Receiving device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the receiving device (10) is configured such that - in particular during carbonization - ba means of the excess pressure generated in the pressure chamber (30): -- the sealing means (31) is pressed onto the gas cartridge (20), in particular onto a mouth region (20') of the gas cartridge (20), and / or -- the gas cartridge (20) is attached, in particular clamped, to the carbonizing machine (1).

4. Receiving device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pressure chamber (30) is a part of a gas connection (100) through which gas (28) from the interior (21) of the gas cartridge (20) - in particular during carbonization - can be inserted into a bottle (2) that is in particular filled with a liquid (4).

5. Receiving device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the pressure transmitting means (40) is movable, wherein the pressure transmitting means (40) forms a part of a boundary (41) and / or wall (41') of the pressure chamber (30).

6. Receiving device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sealing means (31) is partially or completely arranged between the pressure transmitting means (40) and the gas cartridge (20), in particular between the pressure transmitting means (40) and a mouth region (20') of the gas cartridge (20).

7. Receiving device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the receiving device (10) is configured such that the gas cartridge (20) - in particular during carbonization - is clamped by means of the pressure transmission means (40) and / or is fastened in the receiving device (10) and / or the receiving device (10) is configured such that the gas cartridge (20) - in particular during carbonization - is clamped between the sealing means (31) and / or the pressure transmission means (40) on its upperside (22) and between and a counter element (25), in particular a base area (26) of the carbonizing machine (1), on its underside (23).

8. Receiving device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the receiving device (10) comprises a guide element (11), wherein the pressure transmission means (40) is arranged within a recess (11') of the guide element (11), wherein the pressure transmission means (40) is preferably movable within the recess (11') of the guide element (11), in particular parallel to a central axis (200) of the gas cartridge (20) when the latter is arranged in the receiving device (10), a further sealing means (50) preferably being arranged between an inner wall (12) of the guide element (11) and the pressure transmission means (40).

9. A carbonizing machine (1) comprising a receiving device (10) for receiving a gas cartridge (20) according to one of the preceding claims.

10. Carbonizing machine (1) according to claim 9, wherein the carbonizing machine (1) comprises an actuating device (60) for starting and / or executing carbonization, in particular by a user.

11. Carbonization machine (1) according to claim 10, wherein the actuating device (60) has an opening means (61) for opening the gas cartridge (20), wherein the opening means (61) can be transferred in particular from an initial position into a carbonization position, wherein the opening means (61) is arranged in the carbonization position during carbonization.

12. Carbonizing machine (1) according to claim 11, wherein the opening means (61) in the carbonization position opens a closure means (27) of the gas cartridge (20), in particular in such a way that gas can escape from the interior (21) of the gas cartridge (20) and / or the gas connection (100) is formed between the interior (21) of the gas cartridge (20) and the bottle (2).

13. Carbonizing machine (1) according to any one of claims 11 or 12, wherein the opening means (61) comprises a rod-shaped element (62) or is formed as a rod-shaped element (62).

14. Carbonizing machine (1) according to one of claims 10 to 13, wherein the actuating device (60) comprises an actuating means (60'), in particular a lever device (63) and / or a push button, wherein the opening means (61) can be transferred from its initial position to the carbonizing position, in particular when the actuating means (60') is actuated by a user.

15. Method of using a carbonizing machine (1) according to any one of claims 9 to 14, wherein a bottle (2) filled with a liquid is attached to the carbonizing machine (1), wherein carbonization of the liquid (2) is carried out using the carbonizing machine, wherein - when carrying out the carbonization - an overpressure is generated in the pressure chamber (30) of the receiving device (10), whereby by means of the overpressure generated in the pressure chamber (30) -- a sealing means (31) is pressed onto the gas cartridge (20) and / or -- the gas cartridge (20) is attached to the carbonizing machine (10).