Receiving device for receiving a bottle on a carbonation machine; carbonation machine, and method for using a carbonation machine

Abstract

The invention relates to a receiving device (10) for receiving a bottle (2) for a carbonation machine (1), characterized in that the receiving device (10) has a fastening device (20) for fastening the bottle (2), the fastening device (20) comprising an iris device (30).

Description

State of the art

[0001] The present invention relates to a receiving device for receiving a bottle on a carbonation machine.

[0002] Such devices are commonly known as components of carbonation machines designed to carbonate liquids, such as water. These machines are also frequently referred to as sparkling water makers and are used as household appliances by consumers. In principle, carbonation machines can be used to carbonate various liquids and prepare different beverages. For carbonation, the machines typically have a replaceable CO₂ cartridge that supplies the gas with which the liquid is carbonated. The liquid to be carbonated is typically placed in a bottle. The bottle containing the liquid is then attached to the carbonation machine to carry out the carbonation process.

[0003] From EP 3 040 114 B1, a carbonation machine for home use is known, comprising a carbonation assembly for carbonating liquid in a bottle using pressurized gas from a filling container, and a prong clamp for securing the bottle to the carbonation machine. Another carbonation machine is known from US 9 810 375 B2. US 2017 / 297 758 A1 discloses a holding device for fixing a bottle while a label is being applied to it. An important aspect is that the bottle must be securely and stably attached to the machine, as increased pressure is present during carbonation. To safely withstand this pressure and prevent the bottle from unintentionally detaching from the machine, a correspondingly reliable and stable connection between the bottle and the machine must be established.At the same time, the connection must be user-friendly and easy to detach after carbonation of the liquid and preferably designed for a high number of carbonation processes over its lifetime. Disclosure of the invention

[0004] It is an object of the present invention to provide a receiving device for receiving a bottle on a carbonation machine, which enables a user-friendly and at the same time safe and stable attachment of the bottle to the carbonation machine.

[0005] This problem is solved by a carbonation machine according to the features of claim 1. The carbonation machine according to the invention, with a receiving device for holding a bottle, has the advantage over the prior art that, with the aid of the iris device, advantageous positioning of the bottle in the receiving device and securing of the bottle against slipping out of the receiving device can be achieved. The iris device serves in particular to secure the bottle to the receiving device in such a way that the bottle can no longer escape downwards from the receiving device. It is particularly conceivable that, in the installed state, the bottle is secured to the receiving device with some play by the fastening device and, in particular, with the aid of the iris device, but can no longer be removed and is secured against unintentional downward displacement from the receiving device.

[0006] Typically, the intended carbonation of the liquid in the bottle requires a secure fixation of the bottle that can withstand the high pressure occurring during carbonation without the bottle detaching from the carbonation machine. According to the invention, the iris device enables the bottle to be attached to the holding device in a way that securely withstands the high pressure during carbonation. At the same time, the holding device offers advantageous usability and a high level of user comfort, as, for example, the cumbersome manual screwing in of the bottle by a user is eliminated.

[0007] It is preferably conceivable that the receiving device is intended for holding a bottle for a carbonation machine for home use.

[0008] The bottle holder allows for a reversible connection between the bottle and the carbonation machine. This means the bottle can preferably be detached from the carbonation machine after the carbonation process is complete.

[0009] The bottle is preferably made entirely or partially of glass. Alternatively or additionally, it is conceivable that the bottle contains plastic and / or metal.

[0010] The bottle is preferably designed to withstand an internal pressure higher than the 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, and particularly preferably up to 18 bar, without bursting (at a temperature of 20°C and an external pressure of 1 bar).

[0011] The carbonation machine is preferably equipped with a replaceable gas cartridge, in particular a CO₂ cartridge, which provides the gas for carbonating the liquid. The liquid to be carbonated is preferably filled into the bottle and is particularly preferably already present in the bottle when the bottle is inserted into the holding device.

[0012] The liquid used for carbonation could be, for example, water or a flavored beverage.

[0013] Advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention can be found in the dependent claims and the description with reference to the drawings.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the iris device has an opening, in particular a central one, wherein the opening of the iris device has a variable size, in particular a variable opening diameter. The opening of the iris device is designed to receive the neck of a bottle. According to one embodiment of the invention, the iris device can thus also be understood as an iris diaphragm device. By changing the size of the opening of the iris device, the bottle can first be inserted into the opening of the iris device and then attached to the receiving device using the iris device.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the receiving device can be converted from a bottle-receiving state, which is designed to receive the bottle, to an attachment state, in which the bottle is attached to the receiving device. The receiving device is configured such that the size of the opening of the iris device decreases when the receiving device is converted from the bottle-receiving state to the attachment state. This allows for a particularly high level of user convenience, as the bottle can be automatically attached when the receiving device is converted from the bottle-receiving state to the attachment state, in particular without the need to actuate a separate mechanism or trigger (for example, a button) for this purpose.Furthermore, no motorization or similar is required for fixing and securely attaching the bottle, which reduces the likelihood of errors and costs.

[0016] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the iris device comprises an iris element, wherein the iris element is pivotable and is arranged in a radially outer position in the bottle-receiving state. When the receiving device is moved from the bottle-receiving state to the mounting state, the iris element is pivoted about a pivot axis from its radially outer position to a radially inner position, the radially inner position preferably being used to secure the bottle. The size of the opening of the iris device can thus be changed by means of the iris element. In particular, when the receiving device is moved from the bottle-receiving state to the mounting state, the opening of the iris device automatically becomes smaller due to the movement of the iris element, so that the bottle is secured to the receiving device and can no longer slip out downwards.

[0017] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the iris element has a guide, and the fastening device has an intermediate element, wherein the intermediate element has a counter-guide, in particular complementary to the guide of the iris element. The guide and counter-guide are used to move the iris element from its radially outer position to its radially inner position when the receiving device is moved from the bottle-holding state to the mounting state. Advantageously, the guide of the iris element allows the iris element to be automatically guided radially inward toward the bottle when the receiving device is moved from the bottle-holding state to the mounting state, thus securing the bottle so that it can no longer slip downwards out of the receiving device.

[0018] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the intermediate element has a further guide means, wherein the receiving device has a further counter-guide means, in particular complementary to the further guide means of the intermediate element, wherein the receiving device is arranged such that - when the receiving device is transferred from the bottle receiving state to the mounting state - the intermediate element is guided by the further guide means and the further counter-guide means in such a way that the intermediate element performs a rotational movement, in particular in a circumferential direction of the intermediate element.

[0019] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the receiving device is configured such that the iris element is guided from its radially outer position to its radially inner position by the rotational movement of the intermediate element and via the guide and counter-guide means during the transition of the receiving device from the bottle-receiving state to the mounting state. The forced guidance of the iris element during the transition of the receiving device from the bottle-receiving state to the mounting state is thus advantageously achieved by a two-part mechanism. The intermediate element is forced into a rotational movement by the tilting movement of the mounting device during the transition of the receiving device from the bottle-receiving state to the mounting state, through its further guide means, which interacts with the further counter-guide means.This rotational movement of the intermediate element moves the counter-guiding element of the intermediate element relative to the guiding element of the iris element. This movement interacts with the counter-guiding element, pivoting the iris element from its radially outer position to its radially inner position. This reduces the size of the opening of the iris device, thus achieving advantageous bottle retention.

[0020] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the iris device comprises a plurality of iris elements, each pivotable. In the bottle-receiving state, the iris elements are each arranged in a radially outer position. When transitioning the receiving device from the bottle-receiving state to the mounting state, the iris elements are pivoted about their pivot axes from their radially outer positions to radially inner positions, the radially inner positions preferably being used for securing the bottle. The iris elements are preferably guided from their radially outer positions to their radially inner positions by means of the intermediate element during the transition of the receiving device from the bottle-receiving state to the mounting state. Preferably, the pivot axes of the plurality of iris elements are arranged parallel to one another.It is particularly conceivable that the pivot axes of the iris elements are designed parallel to the central axis of the bottle both in the bottle-receiving state of the receiving device (when the bottle is already inserted into the receiving device) and in the preparation state of the receiving device. It is particularly conceivable that the pivot axes of the iris elements tilt parallel to the central axis of the bottle during the tilting movement of the bottle (during the transition of the receiving device from the bottle-receiving state to the attachment state). Preferably, the iris elements of the majority of iris elements pivot either all clockwise, i.e., in particular in a clockwise direction, or all counterclockwise, i.e., in particular in a counterclockwise direction, during their movements from their radially outer positions to their radially inner positions.

[0021] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of iris elements together form the iris device. The iris elements are arranged circumferentially such that they have a central opening. It is conceivable that the iris elements are directly adjacent to one another circumferentially or that there is a gap between adjacent iris elements circumferentially. In an embodiment of the present invention in which all adjacent iris elements are directly adjacent to one another, the opening formed by the iris elements is completely enclosed circumferentially by the iris elements. In an alternative embodiment of the present invention in which some or all iris elements have gaps to the adjacent iris elements circumferentially, the opening of the iris device is not completely enclosed circumferentially, but rather has gaps.

[0022] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of iris elements comprises five iris elements. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the plurality of iris elements comprises three, four, six, or more than six iris elements.

[0023] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, pivoting the plurality of iris elements from their radially outer positions to their radially inner positions reduces the size of the opening of the iris device. The iris elements are preferably pivotable, so that pivoting the plurality of iris elements changes the size of the opening of the iris device. In this way, the iris device is designed as an iris diaphragm. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the fastening and / or securing of the bottle to the receiving device takes place during the transition of the receiving device from the bottle-receiving state to the mounting state, i.e., in particular, only after the bottle has been received in the receiving device in the bottle-receiving state.It is preferably possible that such fastening and / or securing of the bottle is particularly advantageously achieved using the iris device. When the bottle is received by the carbonation machine in the bottle receiving state, the iris device is preferably in an open state in which the iris device has not yet secured the bottle to the receiving device. In this open state, the opening of the iris device is large enough to allow the bottle neck, preferably including any projections on the bottle neck, to be moved into the opening of the iris device.When the receiving device is transferred from the bottle receiving state to the mounting state, the size of the opening of the iris device decreases automatically, in particular through the positive guidance of the majority of iris elements by means of the intermediate element, so that the iris device is transferred into a state in which the bottle is secured in the receiving device, in particular with some play, and / or so that removal and dislodging of the bottle from the receiving device is prevented.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the bottle can be positioned on the receiving device in a non-vertical receiving position, and in the mounting state, the bottle is arranged in a preparation position, particularly a vertical one. The receiving position or orientation, particularly non-vertical or inclined, and the preparation position or orientation, particularly vertical, of the bottle refer, for example, to an orientation of the bottle's central axis relative to a surface on which the carbonation machine is mounted. Thus, in a vertical preparation position, the bottle is, for example, arranged perpendicular to a surface, and in a non-vertical receiving position, it is tilted compared to the vertical preparation position.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the bottle undergoes a tilting movement during the transition of the receiving device from the bottle receiving state to the mounting state, moving from the non-vertical receiving position to the, in particular, vertical, preparation position. Preferably, the bottle mounting device is pivoted or tilted at least partially together with the bottle during the transition from the bottle receiving state to the mounting state, such that the bottle is moved from a non-vertical receiving position to a vertical preparation position. Preferably, however, not all elements of the receiving device are tilted or moved along with the bottle. For example, it is conceivable that the additional counter-guiding element of the receiving device is not moved or tilted along with the bottle, but remains stationary in its position on the carbonation machine.This enables the intermediate element to be guided by means of the additional counter-guiding means in such a way that, during the tilting movement of the bottle, the intermediate element is forced into a rotational movement by the additional counter-guiding means and the additional guiding means, thereby changing the size of the opening of the iris device.

[0026] Alternatively, it is conceivable that the bottle, in its mounting position, is arranged in a non-vertical preparation position, such that its central axis is, for example, angled to the surface normal of a surface on which the carbonation machine is located. In this case, it is conceivable that the carbonation is carried out with the bottle in a non-vertical preparation position. Again, it is conceivable that the bottle attached to the receiving device is preferably tilted or its angle to the surface changes when being transferred from the bottle receiving position to the mounting position. This results in the bottle and the receiving device, at least partially, performing a tilting or rotational movement during the transfer from the bottle receiving position to the mounting position.

[0027] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the guide element of the iris element has a projection, pin and / or bolt, wherein the counter-guide element of the intermediate element preferably has a rail designed to guide the guide element, in particular a recess and / or depression. This allows for a particularly advantageous automatic fixation of the bottle.

[0028] Alternatively, the guide means may have a rail, in particular a recess and / or depression, wherein the counter-guide means of the intermediate element for guiding the guide means preferably has a projection, pin and / or bolt. In this case, the counter-guide means preferably has a projection, pin and / or bolt that engages in the rail of the guide means. The guide means and counter-guide means for the further iris elements of the plurality of iris elements can, for example, be designed according to the guide means and counter-guide means for guiding the iris element.

[0029] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the bottle may have a circumferential projection and / or ridge which, in the installed state, is located above the iris device, particularly above the iris elements of the iris device. This projection and / or ridge advantageously prevents the bottle from being forced downwards out of the mounting device by the pressure generated during the carbonation process. The projection and / or ridge may extend circumferentially around the entire neck of the bottle or, alternatively, only over a partial area and / or in sections, i.e., with one or more gaps. In the installed state, the iris device grips around the neck of the bottle, particularly below the projection and / or ridge.The protrusion and / or ridge of the bottle neck can thus rest on the iris device when attached. This particularly effectively prevents the bottle from slipping downwards out of the receiving device.

[0030] Additionally or alternatively, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the bottle may have a circumferential groove into which the iris device can engage. The groove of the bottle is preferably a groove that extends completely around the neck of the bottle, so that the bottle does not have to be inserted into the carbonation machine at a predetermined angle of rotation. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the groove may be arranged below the projection and / or ridge of the bottle neck, particularly preferably directly adjacent to the projection and / or ridge. Alternatively, the bottle neck may have only either such a groove or a projection and / or ridge.

[0031] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the iris element and its guide are formed in one piece. A similar arrangement is conceivable for the other iris elements of the plurality of iris elements of the iris device. The individual iris elements of the plurality of iris elements are preferably separate parts.

[0032] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the iris element is made of a plastic, and preferably the plurality of iris elements each comprise a plastic. It is therefore possible for the iris elements to be made of plastic. It is conceivable that the iris element or the plurality of iris elements may additionally or alternatively comprise other materials, for example, one or more metals.

[0033] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the further guide means of the intermediate element comprises a projection, pin, and / or bolt, wherein the further counter-guide means of the receiving device preferably has a rail, in particular a recess and / or depression, designed to guide the further guide means. The rail preferably has a curved and / or an angled section relative to a vertical direction of the carbonation machine, such that the further guide means is forced into a horizontal movement within the rail of the further counter-guide means during a vertical movement. This results in a rotational movement of the intermediate element when the receiving device is transitioned from the bottle-holding state to the mounting state, particularly during the tilting movement of the bottle.This rotational movement of the intermediate element, via the counter-guiding means and guide means, causes the iris element to be moved towards the bottle neck when the receiving device is transferred from the bottle receiving state to the mounting state.

[0034] Alternatively, it is conceivable that the further guide means of the intermediate element has a rail, in particular a recess and / or depression, wherein preferably the further counter-guide means of the receiving device has a projection, pin and / or bolt for guiding the further guide means. In this case, the further counter-guide means preferably has a projection, pin and / or bolt that engages in the rail of the further guide means.

[0035] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the intermediate element comprises a disk-shaped base body, preferably with a central opening.

[0036] According to one embodiment of the present invention, it is conceivable that the counter-guiding means of the intermediate element for guiding the plurality of iris elements are designed, in particular, as rails in the base body of the intermediate element, in which the guiding means of the plurality of iris elements are each guided. The further guiding means of the intermediate element is, in particular, a projection, pin, and / or bolt extending radially outwards from the base body of the intermediate element. During the tilting movement of the fastening device from the bottle-receiving state to the mounting state, the further guiding means, i.e., in particular the projection, pin, and / or bolt, moves in a vertical direction within the further counter-guiding means of the receiving device, which is designed as a rail.The additional counter-guiding element does not participate in the tilting movement of the bottle and fastening device, but preferably remains stationary relative to the base of the carbonation machine. Due to the geometric design of the additional counter-guiding element, the additional guide element is forced into a lateral movement (i.e., during its vertical movement within the counter-guiding element). This lateral movement of the additional guide element causes the intermediate element to rotate circumferentially. This circumferential rotation of the intermediate element also causes the counter-guiding elements of the intermediate element—i.e., the rails and / or recesses of the intermediate element—to move circumferentially, so that the counter-guiding elements of the intermediate element are moved relative to the guide elements of the iris elements.The geometric design of the counter-guiding means is such that the guiding means are guided radially by the counter-guiding means during the rotational movement of the intermediate element, resulting in a pivoting movement of the majority of the iris elements towards the bottle neck. This reduces the size of the opening of the iris device and moves the iris device into a locking position, preventing the bottle from escaping downwards from the receiving device.

[0037] The subject matter of the present invention is a carbonation machine comprising a receiving device for receiving a bottle.

[0038] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, particularly of the carbonation machine, it is conceivable that the bottle, during the transition from the bottle receiving state to the mounting state, performs a tilting movement, thereby moving the bottle from a, in particular, inclined receiving position (in the bottle receiving state) to a, in particular, vertical preparation position (in the mounting state). It is preferably possible that the bottle is secured by the fastening device during this tilting movement from its, in particular, inclined receiving position (in the bottle receiving state) to its, in particular, vertical preparation position. In the preparation position, the bottle preferably still has some play within the receiving device. However, the fastening device prevents the bottle from leaving the receiving device in the preparation position.Preferably, the transfer of the holding device from the bottle-receiving state to the attachment state is achieved by the tilting movement of the bottle. This tilting movement can be initiated, for example, by a user moving the bottle from the receiving position to the preparation position. Alternatively or additionally, it is possible for the bottle to perform the tilting movement from the receiving position to the preparation position (particularly after the bottle has been picked up in the carbonation machine using the holding device) automatically, and especially without any additional effort from the user, due to gravity.Alternatively or additionally, it is conceivable that the carbonation machine, in particular the bottle receiving device, is subjected to a spring force, wherein the spring force causes and / or assists the tilting movement of the bottle (especially after the bottle has been inserted into the carbonation machine in the bottle receiving state). According to one embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that in the bottle receiving state, particularly during the insertion or receiving of the bottle, the bottle is not yet secured to the carbonation machine or to the bottle receiving device. It is therefore particularly advantageous that the bottle does not need to be separately secured when it is received in the bottle receiving state. Thus, for example, it is unnecessary to screw the bottle into the carbonation machine.The bottle is advantageously secured / fixed only when the receiving device is moved from the bottle receiving state to the mounting state, particularly automatically, which increases user comfort and facilitates operation.

[0039] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, particularly the carbonation machine, the carbonation machine comprises a safety element, in particular a safety door and / or safety screen, wherein the safety element, when installed, can be positioned in front of the bottle such that the bottle is, in particular, fully enclosed within the carbonation machine by means of the safety element. The safety element thus protects the surroundings of the carbonation machine and, in particular, a user in the event of an accident. For example, it is conceivable that the bottle has damage that the user does not recognize or cannot recognize. In this case, the bottle could burst or shatter due to the high pressure during carbonation. However, because the safety element is positioned in front of the bottle during carbonation, it protects the surroundings and the user.The safety element can, for example, comprise safety glass and / or another material, such as metal and / or plastic, that withstands a shattering / exploding bottle or provides protection against bottle fragments. It is conceivable that the safety element is automatically positioned in front of the bottle when the receiving device is moved from the bottle-holding position to the mounting position, for example, by being slid in front of the bottle, or that a user positions the safety element in front of the bottle. Closing the safety element using an actuating element, such as a button, is also conceivable. For example, the safety element could be a sliding door that closes automatically due to the tilting motion of the bottle when the receiving device is moved from the bottle-holding position to the mounting position.

[0040] Preferably, the carbonation machine comprises an actuating element for starting carbonation by a user, which is coupled to the safety element, in particular the safety door and / or safety disc, in such a way that carbonation can only be started if the safety element is arranged in front of the bottle in such a way that the bottle is arranged within the carbonation machine by means of the safety element, in particular completely.

[0041] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, particularly the carbonation machine, the carbonation machine comprises a sealing means for sealing the bottle against the environment during carbonation, wherein the sealing means, in particular by means of pressure provided by a gas cartridge, seals the bottle against the environment during carbonation. This achieves pneumatic compensation. The gas cartridge is, in particular, the gas cartridge that provides the gas for carbonating the liquid. It is thus advantageously possible for the sealing of the bottle against the environment to be effected by actuating an actuating means to start the carbonation process, for example, by pressing a button or touchpad.The gas pressure provided by the gas cartridge (during carbonation) is therefore particularly advantageously used to seal the bottle containing the liquid to be carbonated from the outside during carbonation.

[0042] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a gas supply element projects into the bottle during installation and, in particular, during carbonation. The gas cartridge is connected to the gas supply element, so that during carbonation, the gas from the cartridge is introduced into the bottle via the gas supply element to carbonate the liquid. The gas supply element is guided, in particular, through a through-opening in the sealing element and thus projects into the bottle. The gas pressure provided by the gas cartridge (during carbonation) is preferably also used to press the sealing element against the bottle and thus seal the bottle externally during carbonation. In this way, advantageous carbonation of the liquid in the bottle can take place via the gas supply element projecting into the bottle.

[0043] According to one embodiment of the present invention, it is conceivable that the sealing element projects radially beyond the bottle neck or the bottle opening area, so that when pressed against the bottle opening area by the pressure provided by the gas cartridge, it reliably seals it to the outside. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the sealing element does not project radially beyond the bottle opening area. The sealing element preferably has a through-opening, particularly in the center, for the passage of the gas supply element, so that the gas supply element projects through the sealing element into the interior of the bottle. It is conceivable that the sealing element is at least partially elastic in order to achieve an advantageous seal when the sealing element is pressed against the bottle or the bottle opening area.In particular, an elastic or partially elastic sealing agent can be used to advantageously compensate for tolerances in the bottle, especially unevenness at the bottle neck, thus enabling a particularly effective seal. The sealing agent preferably comprises silicone. It is possible that the pressure with which the sealing agent is pressed against the bottle opening during carbonation fixes the bottle in a secure position. Specifically, it is conceivable that a protrusion and / or ridge of the bottle neck is pressed against the iris device by the pressure exerted on the bottle by the sealing agent. Thus, the bottle is clamped by the sealing agent and the iris device during carbonation.

[0044] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the carbonation machine may include a pressure chamber, the pressure chamber being located adjacent to the sealing element. The pressure chamber and the sealing element thus enable advantageous automatic sealing of the bottle from the environment. In particular, it is possible for the sealing of the bottle from the environment to occur automatically as soon as the carbonation process is started and the gas cartridge is opened. It is advantageously conceivable that the iris device secures the bottle in such a way that, despite the overpressure generated in the pressure chamber (during carbonation) and / or the pressure exerted on the bottle by the sealing element, the bottle remains securely fixed in the carbonation machine and, in particular, is not forced downwards out of the carbonation machine.

[0045] According to one embodiment of the present invention, it is conceivable that the pressure chamber, particularly during carbonation, is connected to the interior of the bottle via a gas connection, preferably such that an overpressure provided by the gas cartridge is generated in the pressure chamber during carbonation, wherein the sealing element is pressed against the bottle by the overpressure in the pressure chamber, particularly such that the bottle is sealed against the environment. The gas connection between the interior of the bottle and the pressure chamber is preferably designed as a channel, particularly as a channel formed by means of the sealing element. A gas connection between the interior of the bottle and the pressure chamber is established through the channel. If an overpressure is now generated in the bottle during carbonation by opening the gas cartridge, the gas connection creates a pressure in the cylinder.The channel also creates an overpressure in the pressure chamber. This overpressure is therefore particularly advantageously generated using the gas cartridge. This overpressure in the pressure chamber preferably causes the sealing material to be pressed downwards against the bottle, especially against the bottle's mouth area, which advantageously results in a seal between the bottle and the environment.

[0046] According to an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the carbonation machine has at least one pressure relief valve through which any overpressure existing in the bottle after carbonation can be released. The pressure relief valve is preferably switchable between a closed position, in which overpressure is maintained in the bottle, and an open position, in which overpressure in the bottle can be released via the valve. Preferably, the carbonation machine includes a control element for switching the pressure relief valve. This control element can be actuated by a user of the carbonation machine after carbonation to move the pressure relief valve to its open position and release any overpressure existing in the bottle.If the carbonation machine includes a safety element, in particular a safety door and / or safety screen, it is preferably provided that the safety element is configured to switch the pressure relief valve. Preferably, the safety element is configured such that when the safety element is opened, the pressure relief valve is moved to its open position and any overpressure existing in the bottle is released.

[0047] Another object of the present invention is a method for using a carbonization machine according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the method comprises the following steps: -- In a first step, the bottle is positioned in the bottle receiving state of the receiving device on the receiving device of the carbonation machine, wherein the bottle contains a liquid, -- in a second step, the receiving device is transferred from the bottle receiving state to the attachment state, wherein, during the transfer from the bottle receiving state to the attachment state, the bottle is attached to the receiving device using the iris device, -- in a third step, the liquid in the bottle is carbonated.

[0048] It is possible that the receiving device will return to the bottle receiving state after carbonation, so that the bottle containing the carbonated liquid can be removed.

[0049] It is preferably possible that the carbonation of the liquid in the third step is carried out using a gas cartridge which supplies a gas, in particular CO₂, for carbonating the liquid in the bottle via a gas supply device projecting into the interior of the bottle. The carbonation can be started, for example, by a user via an actuating element, particularly after the receiving device has reached the installed position and / or after the bottle has been moved into the preparation position and / or after a safety element, in particular a safety door and / or safety screen, has been closed. Suitable actuating elements for starting the carbonation include, for example, a push button, a switch, a touchpad, an acoustic signal, an electronic signal, and / or other actuating elements.Alternatively, it is conceivable that the carbonization starts automatically after the installation state has been reached and / or after a safety element, in particular a safety door and / or safety screen, has been closed.

[0050] According to one embodiment of the present invention, it is conceivable that, during the carbonation process in the third step, an overpressure is built up in the bottle using the gas cartridge to carbonate the liquid. Preferably, the overpressure built up in the bottle is transferred to the pressure chamber of the carbonation machine, in particular a pressure chamber of the receiving device, via a gas connection or channel between the interior of the bottle and the pressure chamber. Alternatively, a direct gas connection between the pressure chamber and the gas cartridge (during carbonation) would also be conceivable. The overpressure thus built up in the pressure chamber forces a sealing element arranged on the pressure chamber downwards towards the bottle.The bottle is pressed downwards by the sealing agent against the iris device in its secured position, the iris device limiting downward movement of the bottle, in particular preventing it from being forced out of the receiving device. This advantageously ensures that the bottle remains in its preparation or securing position.

[0051] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, particularly of the method, it is provided that in the second step, when transferring the receiving device from the bottle receiving state to the mounting state, an iris element of the iris device is guided by means of its guide towards a bottle neck, in particular such that the bottle is attached to the receiving device by means of the iris element. Preferably, it is possible that further iris elements of the plurality of iris elements are also guided in the second step by means of their respective guides towards a bottle neck, in particular such that the bottle is attached to the receiving device by means of the plurality of iris elements.The bottle is thus preferably attached to the receiving device in a second step by the majority of the iris elements of the iris device, in particular in such a way that the bottle can no longer be removed from the receiving device. In the attached state, the bottle can be attached to the receiving device with some play, i.e., it can be movable within the receiving device parallel to its central axis (especially upwards / downwards). In its attached or preparation position, the bottle can therefore still be movable parallel to its central axis, but the fastening device prevents the bottle from leaving the receiving device. It is conceivable that, after the user releases the bottle, it moves downwards within its play due to gravity until its movement is stopped by the fastening device, in particular by the iris device.whose iris elements are restricted. The bottle thus remains securely in the carbonation machine in its attached position. After the user releases the bottle, it is advantageously possible for the bottle to be held in a well-defined position by gravity and the fastening device. In particular, the flange of the bottle rests on the iris device, especially on the majority of the iris elements.

[0052] According to one embodiment of the present invention, it is conceivable that in the second step, the bottle performs a tilting movement from a receiving position, particularly a non-vertical one, in which the bottle was arranged in the first step, to a preparation position, particularly a vertical one. Preferably, the receiving device for holding the bottle is tilted at least partially in the second step together with the bottle, such that the bottle is transferred from the receiving position to the preparation position. It is preferably possible that the bottle is secured in the carbonation machine during this tilting movement in the second step by means of the iris device, particularly with some play. The tilting movement in the second step is caused in particular by the fact that the bottle automatically moves from the receiving position to the preparation position due to gravity.Alternatively or additionally, a user can move the bottle from the receiving position to the preparation position. Alternatively or additionally, the receiving device can be spring-loaded, in particular such that the bottle is automatically moved from the receiving position to the preparation position by means of the spring force in a second step.

[0053] According to an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, a pressure relief valve of the carbonation machine is opened in a fourth step following the third step in order to relieve any overpressure existing in the bottle. The opening of the pressure relief valve can be effected by actuating a control element or by opening a safety element, in particular a safety door and / or safety disc.

[0054] The advantages and features already described in connection with the inventive holding device for a bottle on a carbonation machine or in connection with an embodiment of the inventive holding device for a bottle on a carbonation machine can be applied to the carbonation machine according to the invention and the inventive method for using a carbonation machine.The advantages and features already described in connection with the inventive method for using a carbonation machine or in connection with an embodiment of the inventive method for using a carbonation machine can be applied to the inventive receiving device for receiving a bottle on a carbonation machine and the inventive carbonation machine.

[0055] Further details, features, and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the drawings and from 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 concept of the invention. Brief description of the drawings

[0056] Figures 1 and 2 show perspective views of a carbonization machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a carbonization machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 shows a perspective view of an iris device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 shows a perspective view of an intermediate element according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 shows a perspective view of the iris device of the Fig. 4 and the intermediate element of the Fig. 5 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 shows a perspective view of a counter-guide element according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figures 8 and 9 show views of the iris device of the Fig. 4 , of the intermediate element of the Fig. 5 and the counterpart part of the Fig. 7 According to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 10 shows a perspective sectional view through a carbonization machine according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 11 shows a top view sectional view through a carbonization machine according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 12 shows a sectional view through a carbonization machine in the area of ​​the receiving device according to one embodiment of the present invention. Embodiments of the invention

[0057] In the various figures, identical parts are always marked with the same reference symbols and are therefore usually only named or mentioned once.

[0058] In Figure 1Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a carbonation machine 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention in a bottle-receiving state. The carbonation machine 1 comprises a receiving device 10. In the bottle-receiving state of the receiving device 10, the bottle 2 can be arranged in a tilted, non-perpendicular receiving position on the carbonation machine 1. The central axis 2' of the bottle 2 is accordingly not arranged vertically, but runs obliquely. By a tilting movement 100, the bottle 2 can be moved from the receiving position into a preparation position, in particular a vertical one.

[0059] The tilting movement 100 of bottle 2 can, for example, be initiated by a user who moves bottle 2 from the receiving position to the preparation position. Alternatively or additionally, it is possible for bottle 2 to perform the tilting movement 100 from the receiving position to the preparation position automatically, and in particular without any additional effort from the user, due to gravity. Alternatively or additionally, it is conceivable that the carbonation machine 1, and in particular the receiving device 10, is subjected to a spring force, whereby the spring force causes and / or assists the tilting movement 100 of bottle 2.According to the invention, it is advantageously possible for a part of the receiving device 10 to perform the tilting movement 100 together with the bottle 2, whereby the receiving device 10 is transferred from the bottle receiving state to the mounting state of the receiving device 10, in which the bottle 2 is attached to the receiving device 10.

[0060] A gas cartridge can be inserted on the rear side 1' of the carbonation machine 1, which provides the gas for the carbonation of a liquid, in particular water, located in the bottle 2.

[0061] In Figure 2 is a perspective view of carbonization machine 1 according to the Figure 1 shown in an installed state, particularly after completion of the tilting movement 100. In this installed state, the bottle 2 is in the vertical mounting position or preparation position, so that carbonation is possible.

[0062] In Figure 3 Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a carbonation machine 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In particular, the installation state in which carbonation can be carried out is shown. The carbonation machine 1 comprises a safety element 60, in particular a safety door 61. In the installation state, the safety element 60 is arranged in front of the bottle 2 such that the bottle 2 is completely enclosed within the carbonation machine 1. The safety element 60 thus protects the user and the surroundings of the carbonation machine 1, for example, from the bottle 2 shattering. It is possible that the carbonation process can only be started when the safety element 60 is closed.

[0063] In Figure 4Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an iris device 30 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The iris device 30 is part of the receiving device 10 for a carbonation machine 1. The iris device 30 comprises a total of five iris elements 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, which together form a central circular opening 90. A bottle 2 can be positioned in the opening 90 (not shown). A guide element 41 in the form of a pin projects from the upper surface of the iris element 31. The guide element 41 automatically guides the iris element 31 radially inward toward the bottle when the receiving device 10 is moved from the bottle receiving state to the mounting state. For this purpose, the iris element 31 has a pivot pin 41' that projects downward from the iris element 31'. A pivot axis 31' of the iris element 31 runs through this pivot pin 41', about which the iris element 31 can be pivoted.This allows the iris element 31 to perform a pivoting movement, symbolized by arrow 300, from its radially outer position to its radially inner position. Fig. 4The iris device 30 is shown in a closed state, as it is in the position it assumes when attached to the receiving device 10. The iris element 31 is thus shown in its radially inner position, which it assumes when attached to secure and fasten the bottle 2 in the receiving device 10. The other iris elements 32, 33, 34, 35 are designed correspondingly to the iris element 31. In particular, all iris elements 31, 32, 33, 34, 35 of the iris device 30 are identical in construction. Thus, each of the other iris elements 32, 33, 34, 35 has a guide element 42, 43, 44, 45. The further iris elements 32, 33, 34, 35 are guided by their guide means 42, 43, 44, 45 during the transfer of the receiving device 10 from the bottle receiving state to the attachment state, so that the central opening 90 of the iris device 30 is reduced in size during the transfer of the receiving device 10 from the bottle receiving state to the attachment state.The further iris elements 32, 33, 34, 35 each include a pivot pin 42', 43', 44', 45' through which the pivot axes 32', 33', 34', 35' of the further iris elements 32, 33, 34, 35 pass. The pivot axes 31', 32', 33', 34', 35' of the plurality of iris elements 31, 32, 33, 34, 35 are arranged parallel to each other. Together, the plurality of iris elements 31, 32, 33, 34, 35 thus forms an iris device 30 in the form of an iris diaphragm, in which the size of the central opening 90 can be changed by moving the plurality of iris elements 31, 32, 33, 34, 35.

[0064] In Figure 5Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an intermediate element 70 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The intermediate element 70 has counter-guiding means 71, 72, 73, 74, 75 for guiding the guide means 41, 42, 43, 44, 45 of the plurality of iris elements 31, 32, 33, 34, 35. The counter-guiding means 71, 72, 73, 74, 75 are each designed as recesses in the form of rails in the base body 77 of the intermediate element 70. A separate rail is provided for each guide means 41, 42, 43, 44, 45 of the plurality of iris elements 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, into which one of the guide means 41, 42, 43, 44, 45 engages.The counter-guiding elements 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, designed as rails, each have a curved shape and are inclined to the radial axis 400 and to the circumferential direction of the intermediate element 70, so that the iris elements 31, 32, 33, 34, 35 are pivoted about their pivot axes 31', 32', 33', 34', 35' when the intermediate element 70 rotates. Furthermore, the intermediate element 70 has an additional guide element 76 in the form of a pin projecting radially outwards from the base body 77. This additional guide element 76 can interact with another counter-guiding element 81 of the receiving device 10. The base body 77 of the intermediate element 70 is disc-shaped and has a central opening into which the neck of a bottle 2 can be inserted.

[0065] In Figure 6 is a perspective view of the iris device 30 and the intermediate element 70 according to the embodiments of the Figures 4 and 5The iris device 30 and the intermediate element 70 are part of the fastening device 20 for securing a bottle 2 in the receiving device 10. The majority of the iris elements 31, 32, 33, 34, 35 are arranged below the intermediate element 70, and the guide means 41, 42, 43, 44, 45 engage in the counter-guide means 71, 72, 73, 74, 75.

[0066] In Figure 7Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a counter-guide element 80 of the receiving device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The counter-guide element 80 is fixedly attached to the carbonation machine 1. When the receiving device 10 is moved from the bottle receiving state to the mounting state, the counter-guide element 80 does not participate in the tilting movement 100 of the bottle 2, but remains stationary on the carbonation machine 1. The counter-guide element 80 comprises a further counter-guide element 81 designed as a rail, which is provided for guiding the further guide element 76 of the intermediate element 70, designed as a pin.The further counter-guiding means 81 is curved and / or at least partially inclined to a vertical direction and is thus designed to guide the further guiding means 76 during the tilting movement that the intermediate element 70 performs together with the bottle 2 in such a way that the intermediate element 70 is forced to a rotational movement in the circumferential direction of the intermediate element 70.

[0067] In the Figure 8 and 9 are perspective views of the iris device 30, the intermediate element 70 and the counter-guide part 80 according to the Figures 4 to 7 shown. In both Figure 8 and 9 The figure shows the installation state, particularly after completion of the tilting movement 100 of bottle 2. The iris elements 31, 32, 33, 34, 35 are thus each in their radially inner positions.

[0068] The securing of the bottle 2 according to the illustrated embodiment of the present invention is achieved in particular as follows. In the bottle receiving state, the bottle 2 is inserted into the receiving device 10 in an inclined position. During the transition of the receiving device from the bottle receiving state to the attachment state, the bottle 2 performs a tilting movement 100, whereby the bottle 2 is transferred from the inclined receiving position (in the bottle receiving state) to a preparation position, in particular a vertical one (in the attachment state). The iris device 30 and the intermediate element 70 perform this tilting movement 100 together with the bottle 2, while the counter-guide element 80 remains stationary on the carbonation machine 1.The additional guide element 76, designed as a pin, of the intermediate element 70 moves vertically within the additional counter-guide element 81 of the counter-guide part 80, designed as a rail, during the tilting movement 100 of the bottle 2 from the receiving position (in the bottle receiving state) to the preparation position (in the attachment state). Due to the geometric design of the additional counter-guide element 81, the additional guide element 76 is forced into a lateral movement. This lateral movement of the additional guide element 76 results in a circumferential rotation of the intermediate element 70. Due to the rotational movement of the intermediate element 70 in the circumferential direction, the counter-guiding means 71, 72, 73, 74, 75 of the intermediate element 70 also move in the circumferential direction, so that the counter-guiding means 71, 72, 73, 74, 75 are moved relative to the guiding means 41, 42, 43, 44, 45 of the iris elements 31, 32, 33, 34, 35.The geometric design of the counter-guiding means 71, 72, 73, 74, 75 is such that the guide means 41, 42, 43, 44, 45 are guided at least partially in a radial direction (i.e., along the radial axis 400) by the counter-guiding means 71, 72, 73, 74, 75 during the rotational movement of the intermediate element 70. This forces the iris elements 31, 32, 33, 34, 35 to pivot about their pivot axes in the direction of the bottle neck. This reduces the size of the opening 90 of the iris device 30 and moves the iris device 30 into a locking position, preventing the bottle 2 from escaping downwards from the receiving device 10.

[0069] In Figure 10Figure 1 shows a perspective sectional view through a carbonation machine 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The receiving device 10 of the carbonation machine 1 is in the installed position. A projection 6 of the bottle 2, which is fully formed at the neck of the bottle 2 and extends radially outwards from the neck, rests on the iris device 30, preventing the bottle 2 from moving downwards out of the receiving device 10. The pivot pins 41', 42', 43', 44', 45' of the iris elements 31, 32, 33, 34, 35 are arranged in corresponding recesses of a cover element 95 of the receiving device 10, allowing the iris elements 31, 32, 33, 34, 35 to pivot. The carbonation machine 1 further comprises a gas supply means 53, which projects into the bottle 2 when the bottle 2 is installed.

[0070] In Figure 11is another sectional view through the carbonization machine 1 according to the embodiment of the Fig. 10 schematically represented.

[0071] In Figure 12 is another sectional view through the carbonization machine 1 according to the embodiment of the Figures 10 and 11 schematically represented. In contrast to the Figures 10 and 11 The cutting plane runs vertically. The receiving device 10 of the carbonization machine 1 is located in the illustration of the Fig. 12In the installed state before the start of carbonation, the iris elements of the iris device 30 are each in their radially inner position. The projection 6 of the bottle 2 rests on the iris device 30, preventing the bottle 2 from slipping downwards out of the receiving device 10. The bottle 2 is secured in its vertical mounting position in the carbonation machine by a vertical clearance 101. This clearance 101 is limited, in particular, by the collar 8 of the bottle 2, which is formed below and spaced apart from the projection 6 on the bottle neck, and by the cladding element 95. The collar 8 encircles the bottle neck completely or only partially. The bottle 2 can only be inserted into the receiving device 10 to the extent that the collar 8 of the bottle 2 abuts the cladding element 95 from below.The insertion depth of the bottle into the receiving device 10 is thus limited by the cladding element 95 and the collar 8 of the bottle 2. Preferably, the bottle may also have some play along the radial axis 400 and / or not be rigidly clamped along the radial axis 400 by the iris device 30. This allows for advantageous compatibility of the receiving device 10 with bottles 2 that have different neck diameters. In the [reference to be added] Fig. 12In the depicted state, the bottle 2 has already been released by the user who inserted it into the carbonation machine 1, so that the bottle 2 has moved downwards within its clearance 101 and rests with its projection 6 on the iris device 30, which is in its mounting position. The collar 8 therefore does not touch the cladding element 95 in the depicted illustration. The distance between the collar 8 and the cladding element 95 depends in particular on the size of the clearance 101 that the bottle 2 has in its vertical mounting position when installed. In the illustrated embodiment, the projection 6 on the bottle neck has an approximately rectangular cross-section, extending outwards from the bottle neck. Other shapes and configurations, in particular other cross-sectional geometries, are also conceivable for the projection 6.Preferably, the projection 6 extends completely around the bottle neck in the circumferential direction. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the projection 6 is only partially formed, particularly with interruptions in the circumferential direction. The projection 6 and the iris device 30 secure the bottle 2 to the receiving device in such a way that the bottle 2 cannot leave the receiving device 10 when attached, thus enabling reliable carbonation. Because the iris device 30 completely surrounds the bottle neck, a particularly large contact area is formed between the projection 6 and the iris device 30, resulting in particularly advantageous mechanical stability.

[0072] The carbonation machine further comprises a sealing agent 50, which is pressed onto the mouth area of ​​the bottle 2 during carbonation to create a seal. In the Fig. 12In the state shown, the carbonization process has not yet started and the sealing agent 50 is still spaced away from the mouth area of ​​bottle 2.

[0073] For the carbonation of the liquid in bottle 2, a gas supply element 53 extends into bottle 2 from above. During carbonation, CO₂ can enter bottle 2 from a gas cartridge via the gas supply element 53. This creates an overpressure in the interior 3 of bottle 2. The interior 3 of bottle 2 is connected to a pressure chamber 51 via a gas connection 52. The gas connection 52 is guided through the sealing element 50, which is used to seal bottle 2 during carbonation. The overpressure that builds up in the interior 3 of bottle 2 during carbonation is transmitted to the pressure chamber 51 via the gas connection 52, so that an overpressure also arises in the pressure chamber 51. This overpressure in the pressure chamber 51 forces the sealing element 50 downwards onto the opening of bottle 2.The projection 6 of the bottle 2 is thereby pressed firmly onto the iris device 30, securely fixing and clamping the bottle 2. This enables a particularly advantageous automatic pneumatic seal during carbonation. The sealing material 50 is preferably flexible and / or bendable. The sealing material 50 can, for example, be made using silicone. Reference symbol list

[0074] 1 Carbonization machine 1'Rear of the carbonization machine 2Bottle 2'Bottle axis 3Bottle interior 6Protrusion 8Cuff 10Receiving device 20Fastening device 30Iris device 31Iris element 32 - 35Iris elements 31'Swivel axis 32' - 35'Swivel axes 41Guide means 42 - 45Guide means 41'Swivel pin 42' - 45'Swivel pins 50Sealing means 51Pressure chamber 52Gas connection 53Gas supply means 60Safety element 61Safety door 70Intermediate element 71Counter-guide means 72 - 75Counter-guide means 76Additional guide means 77Base body of the intermediate element 80Counter-guide part 81Additional counter-guide means 90Opening 95Covering element 100Tilt movement 101 game 300 swivel movement 400 radial axis

Claims

1. Carbonation machine (1) comprising a receiving device (10) for receiving a bottle (2), characterized in that the receiving device (10) has a fastening device (20) for fastening the bottle (2), wherein the fastening device (20) comprises an iris device (30), wherein the iris device (30) has an opening (90), wherein the opening (90) of the iris device (30) has a variable size, wherein the receiving device (10) can be transferred from a bottle receiving state, which is intended for receiving the bottle (2), to a mounting state, in which the bottle (2) is mounted on the receiving device (10), wherein the receiving device (10) is arranged such that, when the receiving device (10) is transferred from the bottle-receiving state to the attachment state, the size of the opening (90) of the iris device (30) is reduced, wherein the bottle (2) can be arranged in a non-vertical receiving position on the receiving device (10) in the bottle receiving state of the receiving device (10), wherein the bottle (2) is arranged in a preparation position in the attachment state, wherein the bottle (2) performs a tilting movement (100) from the non-vertical receiving position to the preparation position when the receiving device (10) is transferred from the bottle receiving state to the attachment state .

2. Carbonation machine (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the iris device (30) has an iris element (31), wherein the iris element (31) is pivotable, wherein the iris element (31) is arranged in a radially outer position in the bottle receiving state, wherein the iris element (31) is pivoted about a pivot axis (31') from its radially outer position into a radially inner position during the transfer of the receiving device (10) from the bottle receiving state into the attachment state, the radially inner position being preferably provided for fastening the bottle (2).

3. Carbonation machine (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the iris element (31) has a guide means (41), wherein the fastening device (20) has an intermediate element (70), wherein the intermediate element (70) has a counter-guide means (71) complementary, in particular, to the guide means (41) of the iris element (31), wherein the iris element (31) is guided by means of the guide means (41) and the counter-guide means (71) during the transfer of the receiving device (10) from the bottle-receiving state to the attachment state from its radially outer position to its radially inner position.

4. Carbonation machine (1) according to claim 3, wherein the intermediate element (70) has a further guide means (76), wherein the receiving device (10) has a further counter-guide means (81) complementary to the further guide means (76) of the intermediate element (70), wherein the receiving device (10) is arranged such that, during the transfer of the receiving device (10) from the bottle receiving state to the attachment state, the intermediate element (70) is guided by the further guiding means (76) and the further counter-guiding means (81) such that the intermediate element (70) performs a rotational movement, in particular in a circumferential direction of the intermediate element (70).

5. Carbonation machine (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the iris device (30) has a plurality of iris elements (31, 32, 33, 34, 35), wherein the iris elements (31, 32, 33, 34, 35) are each pivotable, wherein the iris elements (31, 32, 33, 34, 35) are each arranged in a radially outer position in the bottle receiving state, wherein the iris elements (31, 32, 33, 34, 35) are each pivoted about their pivot axes (31', 32', 33', 34', 35') from their radially outer positions to radially inner positions when the receiving device (10) is transferred from the bottle-receiving state to the attachment state, the radially inner positions being preferably provided for fastening the bottle (2).

6. Carbonation machine (1) according to claim 5, wherein the size of the opening (90) of the iris device (30) is reduced by the pivoting of the plurality of iris elements (31, 32, 33, 34, 35) from their radially outer positions to their radially inner positions.

7. Carbonation machine (1) according to claim 3, wherein the guide means (41) of the iris element (31) has a projection, pin and / or bolt, wherein, preferably, the counter-guide means (71) of the intermediate element (70) has a rail, in particular a recess and / or depression, arranged for guiding the guide means (41).

8. Carbonation machine (1) according to claim 4, wherein the further guide means (76) of the intermediate element (70) has a projection, pin and / or bolt, wherein the further counter-guiding means (81) of the receiving device (10) preferably has a rail, in particular a recess and / or depression, arranged for guiding the further guiding means (76).

9. Carbonation machine (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the carbonization machine (1) comprises a safety element (60), in particular a safety door (61) and / or safety pane, wherein the safety element (60) can be arranged in front of the bottle (2) in the attachment state in such a way that the bottle (2) is arranged within the carbonation machine (1) with the aid of the safety element (60), in particular completely.

10. Carbonation machine according to claim 9, characterized in that the carbonation machine (1) comprises an actuating element for starting carbonation by a user, which is coupled to the safety element (60), in particular the safety door (61) and / or safety disc, such that carbonation can only be started when the safety element (60) is arranged in front of the bottle (2) such that the bottle (2) is positioned within the carbonation machine (1) with the aid of the safety element (60), in particular completely.

11. Carbonation machine (1) according to one of claims 9 to 10, wherein the carbonation machine (1) comprises a sealing means (50) for sealing the bottle (2) from an environment during carbonation, wherein the sealing means (50), in particular by means of pressure provided by a gas cartridge, seals the bottle (2) from the environment during carbonation.

12. Carbonation machine (1) according to any of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that the carbonation machine (1) has at least one pressure relief valve through which excess pressure in the bottle (2) can be released after carbonation.

13. Carbonation machine (1) according to claim 12, characterized in that the pressure relief valve can be switched between a closed position, in which excess pressure in the bottle is maintained, and an open position, in which excess pressure in the bottle can be released via the valve, wherein the carbonation machine (1) in particular comprises a control element for switching the pressure relief valve.

14. Method for using a carbonation machine (1) according to one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the method comprises the following steps: -- in a first step, the bottle (2) is placed in the bottle receiving state of the receiving device (10) on the receiving device (10) of the carbonation machine (1), the bottle (2) containing a liquid, -- in a second step, the receiving device (10) is transferred from the bottle receiving state to the attachment state, wherein during the transfer from the bottle receiving state to the attachment state, the bottle (2) is fastened to the receiving device (10) by means of the iris device (30), -- in a third step, the liquid in the bottle (2) is carbonated.

15. Method according to claim 14, wherein in the second step, when the receiving device (10) is transferred from the bottle receiving state to the attachment state, an iris element (31) of the iris device (30) is guided by means of its guide means (41) in the direction of a bottle neck of the bottle (2), in particular in such a way that the bottle (2) is fastening to the receiving device (10) by means of the iris element (31).

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