Lid for closing a liquid container, container, system and method for injecting gas in the container

Abstract

The invention relates to a lid for closing a liquid container, a liquid container and a system comprising a device for introducing gas, in particular carbon dioxide, and a liquid container, as well as a method for introducing gas into a liquid container.The device includes a lid (90) for closing a liquid container (80), in particular a water bottle, the lid (90) comprising a gas outlet flow path (98) extending through the lid (90), a pressure relief valve (97) comprising a valve body (91), wherein the valve body (91) is movable between an open position, in which the valve body (91) releases the gas outlet flow path (98), and a closed position, in which the valve body (91) closes the gas outlet flow path (98), and an adjusting arrangement (93) comprising a retaining element (93a), wherein the retaining element (93) is designed and arranged to exert a holding force on the valve body (91), by means of which the retaining element (93a) holds the valve body (91) in the closed position.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a lid for closing a liquid container, a liquid container and a system comprising a device for introducing gas, in particular carbon dioxide, and a liquid container with a lid, as well as a method for introducing gas into such a liquid container.

[0002] It is known to use devices for introducing gas into a liquid container, designed such that the gas to be introduced, typically gaseous carbon dioxide (CO2), is introduced from above through a bottle opening into a water-filled bottle. To then introduce the gas into the water in the bottle, a gas outlet element is typically inserted through the bottle opening into the water, allowing the gas to be released into the water. However, such a method of introducing gas has several disadvantages.

[0003] One disadvantage of introducing gas into water in this way is that contaminants can enter the water via the gas outlet element. Therefore, regular cleaning of the gas outlet element is necessary, and even with regular cleaning, contamination cannot be completely ruled out. Hygiene can thus be problematic with such devices.

[0004] Another disadvantage of introducing gas into water in this way is that a portion of the gas typically escapes from the water upwards and then through the bottle opening. This can lead to a significant loss of gas, meaning the introduced gas is not used efficiently.

[0005] Several systems are also known in which gas or liquid is introduced into a bottle through the bottom of the bottle. However, each of these known systems has its disadvantages.

[0006] Different systems for carbonating a liquid are known from EP 2866593 B1 and WO 2014 / 131101 A1. For example, one system is described in which a bottle is fixed to a device using holding elements, allowing carbonated liquid to be filled into the bottle from below via a container inlet valve and liquid to flow out of the bottle via a container outlet valve. Another system is described with a pump that can introduce carbon dioxide gas from a chamber into the container via a pipe. In this system, a carbon dioxide source in the form of a solid material is provided, which can chemically react with the liquid to release carbon dioxide gas.

[0007] From WO 2020 / 097728 A1 and WO 2022 / 051839 A1, a system with a device and a bottle is known, wherein a chamber is provided in which gaseous carbon dioxide is produced from a powdered mixture of sodium bicarbonate and citric acid by means of a carbon dioxide source, which is then fed into the bottle via a line through the bottom of the bottle.

[0008] From WO 2022 / 157596 A1 it is known to first introduce gas into a transportable gas container connected to a cylinder. This allows the cylinder to be transported together with the connected gas container, and gas to be introduced from the gas container into the cylinder at any time.

[0009] A fundamental disadvantage of these systems is that the cylinder must be fixed in place during gas introduction to ensure it remains in the intended position and does not move due to the forces acting upon it. Furthermore, the known systems are generally quite complex, which increases their susceptibility to malfunctions.

[0010] WO 2020 / 243452 discloses a lid according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0011] The invention is therefore based on the objective of providing an improved solution that addresses the aforementioned problems. In particular, it is an objective of the invention to provide a solution that enables the introduction of gas into a liquid container in a simpler and more efficient manner, as well as under improved hygienic conditions.

[0012] According to a first aspect, the aforementioned problem is solved by a lid for closing a liquid container, in particular a water bottle, the lid comprising a gas outlet flow path extending through the lid, a pressure relief valve comprising a valve body, wherein the valve body is movable between an open position in which the valve body releases the gas outlet flow path and a closed position in which the valve body closes the gas outlet path, and an adjusting arrangement comprising a retaining element, wherein the retaining element is designed and arranged to exert a holding force on the valve body by means of which the retaining element holds the valve body in the closed position.

[0013] A particular advantage of such a lid is that it allows gas to be introduced into a liquid container sealed by such a lid. The introduced gas thus remains in the liquid container, and unlike typical known devices, there are no relatively large gas losses when the gas is introduced into the liquid.

[0014] A gas outlet flow path is understood to be, in particular, a flow path that passes through the lid and through which, when the pressure relief valve is open, gas from the interior of the liquid container can escape into the environment via the gas outlet flow path.

[0015] In the closed position, the valve body closes the gas outlet flow path, preventing gas from escaping. In the open position, the valve body opens the gas outlet flow path, allowing gas to escape.

[0016] It is particularly preferred that the retaining element comprises or consists of a spring, in particular a compression spring, wherein the retaining element preferably rests against the valve body.

[0017] One advantage of a spring-type retaining element is that the holding force acting on the valve body can be adjusted by compressing the spring. This allows the holding force on the valve body to be set, which in turn adjusts the specific pressure at which the valve body opens. This pressure is precisely high enough to overcome the holding force that keeps the valve body closed, thus moving the valve body into the open position.

[0018] It is particularly preferred that the adjusting arrangement comprises an adjusting element, wherein the adjusting element rests against the holding element, wherein the adjusting arrangement preferably has an adjusting wheel that is coupled to the adjusting element and is designed to adjust the adjusting element, in particular to adjust the adjusting element in a vertical direction.

[0019] Preferably, the holding force exerted by the holding element on the valve body can be adjusted by moving the adjusting element vertically, in particular by changing the compression of the holding element. The holding element is preferably arranged between the valve body and the adjusting element. Moving the adjusting element towards the valve body increases the compression of the holding element and thus the holding force acting on the valve body. Conversely, moving the adjusting element away from the valve body decreases the compression of the holding element and thus the holding force acting on the valve body.

[0020] It is particularly preferred that the adjusting element is connected to a cover housing of the lid by means of a threaded connection, in particular detachably. The cover housing preferably has an internal thread which is designed to engage with an external thread of the adjusting element and which preferably engages with an external thread of the adjusting element.

[0021] It is particularly preferred that the adjusting wheel be rotatably mounted, especially rotatably about a vertical axis. This allows the adjusting element, and thus the holding element and consequently the holding force, to be adjusted particularly advantageously by rotating the adjusting wheel. The adjusting wheel is preferably rotatably mounted on the lid housing. This allows for stepless adjustment of the amount of gas introduced into the liquid, which is particularly advantageous.

[0022] It is particularly preferred that the lid has a safety valve, which is preferably not adjustable, wherein the safety valve is designed to release a safety flow path extending through the lid when a predetermined pressure on the safety valve is exceeded.

[0023] The safety valve is preferably arranged in the safety flow path. Preferably, the safety flow path and the gas outlet flow path are spaced apart from each other.

[0024] The safety valve is preferably designed to release a gas flow along the safety valve from a predetermined pressure, which can also be referred to as the critical pressure and which is particularly higher than the specific pressure at which the pressure relief valve opens, and to keep the safety valve closed below the predetermined pressure. The predetermined pressure is preferably not adjustable.

[0025] According to a further aspect, the aforementioned problem is solved by a liquid container, in particular in the form of a water bottle, preferably for a device as described herein, the liquid container comprising a container body, a container interior for receiving liquid, in particular water, a container opening for filling liquid into the container interior and / or for pouring liquid out of the container interior, a lid for closing the container opening, wherein the lid is designed as described herein.

[0026] Preferably, a bottom part is provided which has a bottom opening for introducing gas into the interior of the container, wherein the bottom opening has a valve which is designed to allow a fluid flow, in particular a gas flow, towards the interior of the container and to block a fluid flow, in particular a liquid flow, towards the outward direction of the interior of the container, wherein the bottom part has a receiving section, wherein the receiving section is designed to receive a gas outlet element, preferably a gas outlet element of a device as described herein, in particular by means of a recess in the receiving section.

[0027] It is preferred that the liquid container be made of or comprised of plastic. Alternatively, the liquid container may also be made of or comprised of another material, such as glass or steel.

[0028] The interior of the container is located within the container body. The container body surrounds and thus defines the interior space.

[0029] The lid preferably has a thread, the thread of which is designed to connect to a thread in the container body in the area of ​​the opening of the liquid container. By means of such a threaded connection, the lid can be screwed onto and off the container body to open and close the liquid container.

[0030] The valve of the bottom section is preferably designed as a one-way valve. The valve of the bottom section is preferably designed to allow gas flow towards the interior of the container and to block gas flow out of the interior. Furthermore, the valve of the bottom section is preferably designed to block liquid flow out of the interior of the container. This ensures that gas is introduced through the bottom section into the liquid present in the container, but neither gas nor liquid escapes in the opposite direction.

[0031] The recess of the receiving section is preferably formed by the receiving section itself. The recess preferably has a diameter and a depth, wherein the diameter and the depth are dimensioned such that the gas outlet element or the part of the gas outlet element projecting upwards from the base element can be arranged in the recess.

[0032] It is particularly preferred that the bottom part has a nozzle which is arranged behind the valve of the bottom part with respect to a gas flow path, wherein the gas flow path extends through the nozzle.

[0033] Preferably, the nozzle is arranged downstream of the pressure relief valve with respect to a gas inflow direction in which a gas flow occurs along the gas flow path from a gas source to the interior of the container. The nozzle is preferably in contact with a liquid present in the liquid container.

[0034] Preferably, the nozzle has several outlet channels, particularly those extending vertically. The outlet channels are preferably arranged parallel to each other. An advantage of such a nozzle design with several, preferably four, outlet channels is that several small gas flows are generated, thereby enabling particularly efficient introduction and mixing of gas into the liquid.

[0035] It is particularly preferred that the base is detachably connected to the container body, preferably by means of a threaded connection. For this purpose, the base and the container body preferably have corresponding threads. An advantage of such a design is the improved ease of cleaning these parts, since the parts can be separated and then cleaned individually.

[0036] Preferably the container body comprises an external thread and the bottom part an internal thread, wherein the internal thread of the bottom part is designed for connection with the external thread of the container body.

[0037] It is particularly preferred that the base part is designed to be arranged on a receiving area of ​​a base element of a device as described herein.

[0038] It is particularly preferred that the lid has a pressure relief valve, in particular an adjustable one, and preferably the lid also has a safety valve, which is preferably not adjustable.

[0039] The pressure relief valve is preferably designed to release a gas flow along the pressure relief valve above a certain pressure and to keep the pressure relief valve closed below this certain pressure. This certain pressure, which can also be understood as the target opening pressure, can preferably be adjusted within a certain range so that it is possible to set the pressure at which the pressure relief valve opens and the pressure up to which it remains closed.

[0040] The safety valve is preferably designed to release a gas flow along the safety valve above a critical pressure, which is in particular higher than the specified pressure at which the pressure relief valve opens, and to keep the safety valve closed below the critical pressure. The critical pressure is preferably not adjustable.

[0041] Preferably, the pressure relief valve is coupled to an adjusting arrangement, the adjusting arrangement being preferably designed to adjust the opening pressure of the pressure relief valve. The adjusting arrangement is particularly located in the cover and / or is a component of the cover. The adjusting arrangement preferably has a rotary mechanism, the rotary mechanism being designed to adjust the adjusting arrangement by rotating it. Preferably, the adjusting arrangement includes a spring designed and arranged to exert a force on the pressure relief valve and thus hold the pressure relief valve in the closed position.

[0042] According to a further aspect, the aforementioned problem is solved by a system comprising a device and a liquid container as described here, wherein the bottom part of the liquid container can be arranged on the receiving area of ​​the bottom element of the device, preferably in such a way that the gas outlet element of the device is arranged at least sectionally within the bottom part of the liquid container, in particular within a recess of a receiving section of the bottom part.

[0043] Preferably, the liquid container is arranged on the receiving area of ​​the base element of the device. By integrating the gas outlet element into the base of the liquid container, a particularly advantageous interaction between the liquid container and the base element can be achieved, such that gas can be introduced into the liquid contained in the liquid container via a gas flow through the gas outlet element into the base of the liquid container and from there into the interior of the container.

[0044] It is particularly preferred that, when the liquid container is arranged on the receiving area of ​​the base element of the device, the receiving section of the base part is designed to receive the gas outlet element of the device, preferably with at least one seal of the gas outlet element abutting the receiving section of the base part.

[0045] By means of such at least one seal, a seal can be provided in a particularly advantageous manner, by means of which gas escape away from the gas flow path and out of the device, in particular to the environment, is avoided.

[0046] It is particularly preferred that the liquid container, when arranged on the receiving area of ​​the base element of the device, is movable in the vertical direction and preferably not lockable with the device in the vertical direction.

[0047] One advantage of this design is that the liquid container does not need to be fixed to the device during gas introduction, but only needs to be placed on the device. Due to the gas flow direction from the gas outlet element, which deviates from the vertical direction, it is possible to place the liquid container on the device and introduce the gas without locking it in place, and without the liquid container being pushed upwards by vertical forces.

[0048] The device for introducing gas, in particular gaseous carbon dioxide, into a liquid container, in particular a water bottle, preferably comprises a bottom element having a receiving area for receiving a bottom part of a liquid container, a gas outlet element having at least one gas inlet opening and at least one gas outlet opening, wherein the gas outlet element extends vertically upwards from the bottom element, and a gas flow path extending from the at least one gas inlet opening and at least partially within the gas outlet element to the at least one gas outlet opening.

[0049] Preferably, the gas outlet element has a gas deflection section, wherein the gas flow path in the area of ​​the gas deflection section has a change of direction, and wherein the gas flow path in the area of ​​the at least one gas outlet opening extends along a direction deviating from the vertical direction.

[0050] It is therefore preferably provided that, by means of a gas deflection section of the gas outlet element, the gas flow path within the gas outlet element is deflected such that the gas flow path in the region of the at least one gas outlet opening is not vertical. The gas guided through the gas outlet element thus flows out of the at least one gas outlet opening in a direction deviating from the vertical direction.

[0051] One advantage of such a device is that the gas outlet element never comes into contact with the liquid in the container, not even when gas is introduced. This effectively prevents contaminants from entering the liquid through contact between the gas outlet element and the liquid.

[0052] It is also particularly advantageous that the gas can be introduced into the container from below, as this allows for improved mixing of the gas and liquid, enabling the gas to dissolve more readily in the liquid. Another advantage of this method of introduction is that the liquid container does not need to be filled to a specific level; gas can be introduced into a container that is only half full, as the gas enters the liquid at any fill level.

[0053] A further advantage of such a device is that, due to the non-vertical gas flow exiting the gas outlet element, no purely vertical force acts on the liquid container due to the gas flow acting upon it. This is particularly the case when the gas exits the gas outlet element in a horizontal direction. As a result, a locking or securing mechanism for the liquid container on the device can be advantageously dispensed with.

[0054] The device is preferably designed to introduce gas, in particular gaseous carbon dioxide, into a liquid container.

[0055] A base element is understood to be, in particular, a component on which a liquid container, especially a water bottle, can be placed. A receiving area is understood to be, in particular, an area of ​​the base element on which a bottom part of a liquid container can be placed.

[0056] The gas outlet element preferably has at least one gas inlet opening, which may be located in a lower section of the gas outlet element. The multiple gas outlet openings of the gas outlet element preferably extend in a horizontal direction. The gas flow path preferably runs from the at least one gas inlet opening through the gas outlet element and to the at least one gas outlet opening.

[0057] The gas outlet element preferably consists of a single component. However, the gas outlet element can also comprise or consist of several components.

[0058] The gas deflection section is preferably designed to effect a change in the direction of the flow path. The gas deflection section is preferably designed such that it causes a change in the direction of the gas flow along the flow path by 90°, in particular a change in direction from the vertical direction along the longitudinal extent of the gas outlet element in a vertical direction to a horizontal direction in the region of the at least one gas outlet opening, so that gas exiting from the at least one gas outlet opening exits the gas outlet element in a horizontal direction.

[0059] It is particularly preferred that the gas flow path in the area of ​​the at least one gas outlet opening extends along a direction that deviates from the vertical direction by at least 70°, preferably by at least 80°, particularly preferably by at least 85°, especially in a horizontal direction.

[0060] Preferably, the flow path at the at least one gas outlet opening has a direction deviating from the vertical direction, in particular a horizontal direction. It is especially preferred that the outflow direction in which gas can exit from the at least one gas outlet opening is oriented substantially horizontally.

[0061] It is particularly preferred that the gas flow path in the area of ​​the gas deflection section has a change in direction of at least 70°, preferably at least 80°, particularly preferably at least 85°, and especially 90°.

[0062] The gas flow is thus preferably deflected within the gas outlet element by at least 70°, in particular by 90°.

[0063] It is particularly preferred that the gas deflection section is arranged immediately upstream of the at least one gas outlet opening with respect to the gas flow path.

[0064] The gas deflection section is preferably arranged along the gas flow path between the at least one gas inlet opening and the at least one gas outlet opening of the gas outlet element. The gas deflection section can, in particular, be formed by intersecting bores, the bores preferably having bore centerlines rotated by 90° relative to each other. In particular, one bore can be arranged vertically and at least one further bore can be arranged horizontally, with the horizontally arranged at least one further bore forming the at least one gas outlet opening.

[0065] It is particularly preferred that the at least one gas outlet opening is designed in the form of at least one gas outlet channel, wherein the gas flow path extends along the at least one gas outlet channel parallel to a central axis of the gas outlet channel, wherein preferably the central axis of the gas outlet channel is arranged parallel to the horizontal direction.

[0066] The at least one gas outlet channel is preferably designed as a bore or a section of a bore, in particular as a horizontally designed bore or a horizontally designed section of a bore.

[0067] The at least one gas outlet channel, and in particular the central axis of the at least one gas outlet channel, thus preferably extends in a horizontal direction.

[0068] It is particularly preferred that the gas outlet element has several, preferably four, gas outlet openings, wherein the several gas outlet openings are preferably arranged along an outer circumference of the gas outlet element, in particular equidistant from each other.

[0069] Preferably, four gas outlet openings are provided, wherein these four gas outlet openings are oriented rotated by 90° relative to each other, preferably all in a horizontal plane. However, two or three gas outlet openings can also be provided, wherein, in the case of two gas outlet openings, the gas outlet openings preferably point in opposite directions, and in the case of three gas outlet openings, the gas outlet openings are preferably rotated by 120° relative to each other, preferably in a horizontal plane.

[0070] It is particularly preferred that the gas outlet element comprises at least one seal, in particular two seals, preferably designed as an O-ring, which is arranged on the outer circumference, in particular in at least one groove on the outer circumference, of the gas outlet element.

[0071] It is preferred if two seals are provided. Preferably, the at least one gas outlet opening is arranged between these two seals. These two seals provide a sealing effect between the outer circumference of the gas outlet element and a component, in particular the receiving section, of the bottom part of the liquid container. This allows unwanted gas leakage to be avoided particularly advantageously, and the supplied gas can be used efficiently.

[0072] It is particularly preferred that the gas outlet element is detachably connected to the base element, in particular by means of a gas outlet element adapter connectable to the base element, preferably by means of a threaded connection.

[0073] Preferably, the gas outlet adapter is detachably connected to the base element by means of a screw connection and / or detachably connected, in particular by means of a screw connection with several screws. Preferably, the gas outlet element has a thread. The gas outlet element is preferably screwable into the gas outlet adapter.

[0074] It is particularly preferred that the gas flow path extends at least partially along the base element. Preferably, the gas flow path extends along the base element through a gas line. Preferably, the gas flow path extends at least partially through a gas line, which may extend horizontally, for example, and the gas line may be arranged on the underside of the base element.

[0075] It is particularly preferred that the device comprises: a gas source receiving element for receiving a gas source, in particular in the form of a gas cylinder, and preferably a gas source, preferably in the form of a gas cylinder, in particular in the form of a carbon dioxide cylinder, wherein the gas source is arranged within the gas source receiving element.

[0076] The gas source receiving element preferably comprises a hollow, tubular component designed to receive a gas cylinder within the gas source receiving element. The gas source preferably has a screw cap so that the gas source, particularly in the form of a gas cylinder, can be screwed onto the gas source receiving element. The gas source is preferably designed as a standard gas cartridge, particularly as a standard carbon dioxide gas cartridge.

[0077] It is particularly preferred that the device comprises: a gas flow regulating arrangement comprising a gas flow regulating rotary knob for opening a gas source, preferably in the form of a gas cylinder, in particular in the form of a carbon dioxide cylinder, wherein the gas flow regulating arrangement is adjustable between a gas flow open position and a gas flow closed position, preferably continuously.

[0078] Preferably, in the gas flow open position, a gas flow, i.e., a gas current, is released from the gas source to the gas flow path. The gas source is therefore open in the gas flow open position. The gas flow open position preferably has a gas flow open position range within which the opening of the gas source can be varied so that more or less gas escapes from the gas source. The size of the opening of the gas source can be continuously adjusted, and the gas flow, i.e., the gas current, can thus be varied. Preferably, in the gas flow closed position, a gas flow, i.e., a gas current, from the gas source to the gas flow path is not released, but blocked. The gas source is therefore closed in the gas flow closed position.

[0079] Preferably, the gas flow regulating arrangement comprises a pressure spindle for opening a gas cylinder, wherein the pressure spindle is movable in a vertical direction by means of a pressure spindle guide component coupled to a thread of the pressure spindle, wherein the pressure spindle is designed and arranged to adjust the gas flow regulating arrangement between the gas flow open position and the gas flow closed position by means of a movement in the vertical direction. The pressure spindle guide component is preferably fixed in place.

[0080] Preferably, the pressure spindle is movable in a vertical direction such that, by moving it towards an opening section of the gas source, it can exert pressure on that opening section, thus allowing gas to escape. An advantage of such a gas flow regulation arrangement is that it allows for improved force transmission to the gas source. Furthermore, this solution enables particularly ergonomic handling.

[0081] It is particularly preferred that the pressure spindle is rotatably mounted, especially about a vertical axis of rotation, preferably by means of a threaded connection with the pressure spindle guide component.

[0082] Preferably, the gas flow regulating rotary wheel is coupled with a preload element, wherein the preload element is designed and arranged to exert a restoring torque on the gas flow regulating rotary wheel.

[0083] It is preferred that the preload element comprises a spring or is designed as a spring or spring element. It is particularly preferred that the preload element is designed as a torsion spring. Preferably, the preload element is connected to the gas flow regulating rotary knob and to the pressure spindle.

[0084] A restoring torque exerted by the preload element on the gas flow control knob preferably ensures that the gas flow control knob, or the gas flow control assembly, is in the closed gas flow position when no external torque is applied to the gas flow control knob by a user. This advantageously ensures that the gas source is closed in its resting state and only opens when a user rotates the gas flow control knob. After the gas flow control knob is released, it returns to its initial position, i.e., the rest position, in which the gas source is closed.

[0085] According to a further aspect, the aforementioned problem is solved by a method for introducing gas, in particular carbon dioxide, into a liquid container, in particular a water bottle, the method comprising the following steps: providing a system as described herein, arranging a liquid container, in particular in the form of a water bottle, preferably a liquid container as described herein, on the receiving area of ​​the base element of the device, such that the gas outlet element is arranged at least partially within a base part of the liquid container, and adjusting the adjustment arrangement of the lid by turning the adjustment wheel to a position corresponding to a desired quantity of gas to be introduced into the liquid, introducing gas, in particular carbon dioxide, from a gas source along a gas flow path into the liquid container.wherein the gas flow path extends from the gas source and at least partially within the gas outlet element and to the at least one gas outlet opening.

[0086] Preferably, the gas outlet element has a gas deflection section, wherein the gas flow path in the area of ​​the gas deflection section has a change of direction, and wherein the gas flow path in the area of ​​the at least one gas outlet opening extends along a direction deviating from the vertical direction.

[0087] Preferably, the gas is guided along the gas flow path starting from the bottom element of the device within the gas outlet element in a vertical direction before the gas deflection section and in a horizontal direction after the gas deflection section.

[0088] Preferably, gas is first guided along the gas flow path from the gas source to a gas inlet opening of the gas outlet element, then guided vertically within the gas outlet element, and then deflected horizontally by means of the gas deflection section, so that the gas exits horizontally, preferably in the form of several separate partial flows, from at least one gas outlet opening. Preferably, the gas flow path then encounters the bottom section of the liquid container in a horizontal direction and is deflected vertically within the bottom section. Preferably, the gas is then guided vertically, at least section by section, through the bottom section and then enters the interior of the container vertically through a nozzle.

[0089] For the advantages, design variants and design details of the various aspects of the solutions described here and their respective possible further developments, reference is also made to the description of the corresponding features, details and advantages of the other aspects and their further developments.

[0090] Preferred embodiments are explained by way of example with reference to the accompanying figures. The drawings are not necessarily to scale. In the figures, identical or essentially functionally equivalent or similar elements are designated with the same reference numerals. They show: Fig. 1: a schematic representation of a system with a device for introducing gas into a liquid container; Fig. 2: a sectional view of a system with a device for introducing gas into a liquid container; Fig. 3: the in Fig. 2 Figure 1 shows a sectional view and the introduction of gas into the liquid container; Figure 4: a sectional view of a gas outlet element; Figure 5: a view of the bottom element from below; Figure 6: a sectional view of a bottom part of a liquid container mounted on a gas outlet element; Figure 7: a sectional view of a bottom part of a liquid container; Figure 8: a perspective view of a bottom part of a liquid container; Figure 9: a sectional view of a container body of a liquid container; Figure 10: a sectional view of a gas flow regulating arrangement; Figure 11: a diagram showing a pressure in the liquid container; Figure 12: a sectional view of a lid for closing a liquid container; Figure 13: a top view of a lid in three different settings; Figure 14: a schematic representation of a method for introducing gas into a liquid container.

[0091] Fig. 1 Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a system with a device for introducing gas into a liquid container 80. The device comprises a base element 10, which has a receiving area 11 for receiving a bottom part 88 of the liquid container 80. The base element 10 has several feet 12a, 12b for placing the device on a surface, such as a table or work surface. A gas outlet element 20 is connected to the base element 10 and extends vertically upwards from the base element 10.

[0092] The base section is also connected to a gas source receiving element 50 for receiving a gas source, in particular in the form of a carbon dioxide cylinder. A gas flow regulating arrangement 60 is arranged at the upper end of the gas source receiving element 50, which has a gas flow regulating rotary knob 60a for opening the gas source.

[0093] The liquid container 80 is shaped like a water bottle and has a base 88 and a container body 81 connected to the base 88. A container interior 82 is provided within the container body 81, in which a liquid 82a can be received. A lid 90 is screwed onto the container body 81. Fill level markings 81b are provided on the container body 81.

[0094] Fig. 2 Figure 1 shows a sectional view of a system with a device for introducing gas into a liquid container 80. In the illustration shown here, the bottom part 88 of the liquid container 80 is arranged on the receiving area 11 of the bottom element 10.

[0095] A gas flow regulating device 60 allows a pressure spindle 72 to be rotated and moved towards a gas cylinder 70 located in the gas source receiving element 50, in order to open the gas cylinder 70 and allow gas to flow out of it. The gas source receiving element 50 has a tube 51 designed to receive the gas cylinder 70. The gas cylinder 70 can be screwed to the gas source receiving element 50 by means of a threaded connection, thus creating a detachable connection. The gas cylinder can be inserted into the tube 51 from below through an opening section 52.

[0096] A line 54 runs from the gas cylinder 70 to the gas outlet element 20, by means of which gas can be guided from the gas cylinder 70 to the gas outlet element 20. The gas outlet element 20 is connected to the base element 10 by means of a gas outlet element adapter 13. The gas outlet element 20 extends vertically upwards 100 from the base element 20. When gas exits the gas outlet element 20, it flows in a horizontal direction 200, i.e., perpendicular to the vertical direction 100.

[0097] Within the base part 88 a valve 85 is arranged through which gas that has escaped from the gas outlet element 20 and flows along the gas flow path can be passed so that the gas can be introduced into the interior of the container 82.

[0098] The lid 90 is detachably connected to the container body 81 at the container opening 83. A pressure relief valve 91 is arranged inside the lid. A holding force acting on the pressure relief valve 91 can be adjusted by means of an adjusting wheel 94, thereby indirectly adjusting the pressure at which the pressure relief valve opens.

[0099] Fig. 3 shows the in Fig. 2 The sectional view shown illustrates the introduction of gas into the liquid container 80. This schematically depicts how gas can be introduced into the liquid container 80. First, by rotating the gas flow control knob 60a of the gas flow control arrangement 60, the pressure spindle 72 is moved downwards in a vertical direction, so that the pressure spindle 72 exerts pressure on the gas cylinder 70 and thereby opens the gas cylinder 70. Gas then escapes from the gas cylinder 70. The gas then flows along a gas flow path 30. Within the gas outlet element 20, the gas flow path 30 is deflected from a vertical direction to a horizontal direction. Within the bottom section 88 of the container 80, the gas then enters in several partial flows in a horizontal direction. The gas then flows further in a vertical direction through a one-way valve 85 and then into the interior of the container 82, which contains water 82a.Gas bubbles 82b are shown schematically here.

[0100] Fig. 4 Figure 1 shows a sectional view of a gas outlet element 20. The gas outlet element 20 is connected to the gas outlet element adapter 13 by means of a threaded connection 27. The gas outlet element adapter 13 is connected to the base element 10. The gas outlet element 20 has a gas inlet opening 14 through which gas can enter the gas outlet element 20. A vertical bore 21 is arranged within the gas outlet element 20, through which the gas flow path 30 extends in a vertical direction. In the upper region of the gas outlet element 20, a gas deflection section 23 is arranged, which is formed by two horizontal bores that create four gas outlet openings 22a, 22b, 22c, rotated by 90° and forming gas outlet channels 29a, 29b. The gas outlet openings 22a, 22b, 22c extend in a horizontal plane.In the area of ​​the gas outlet openings 22a, 22b, 22c, the gas flow path 30a runs horizontally, so that the gas exits the gas outlet openings 22a, 22b, 22c in a horizontal direction. The central axis 200a of the gas outlet channel 29a, 29b also extends in a horizontal direction. At the upper end 26 of the gas outlet element 20, a groove 20c is provided on the outer circumference 20a, in which a seal 24 in the form of an O-ring is arranged. Below the gas outlet openings 22a, 22b, 22c, there is also a groove 20d in which a seal 25 in the form of an O-ring is arranged.

[0101] Fig. 5 Figure 1 shows a view of the base element 10 from below. Four support feet 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d are present. The gas line 54, which runs along the underside of the base element 10, is also visible. The gas outlet element adapter 13 is detachably connected to the base element 10 by means of several screws 13a.

[0102] Fig. 6 Figure 1 shows a sectional view of a bottom section 88 of a liquid container. The bottom section 88 is arranged on a gas outlet element 20. The flow path 30, 30a, 30b, 30c extends first vertically through the gas outlet element 20 and then horizontally at the outlet of the gas outlet element 20. Subsequently, the gas flow path extends vertically, is then merged again in a horizontal direction, and then flows vertically through a one-way valve 85 and subsequently through a nozzle 86. From the nozzle 86, the gas then enters the interior 82 of the liquid container 80.

[0103] The base section 88 has a base housing 89 and a receiving section 89a, which can consist of several components. The receiving section 89a is designed such that the gas outlet element 20 can be received in the receiving section 89a, as shown in this illustration. The seal 25 ensures that no gas escapes downwards from the base section 88.

[0104] The bottom part 88 has an internal thread 87a, which is designed for connection with the external thread 81a of the container body 81. The internal thread 87a is located on a threaded component 87 of the bottom part 88. As shown here, the bottom part 88 and the container body 81 are connected to each other by means of this detachable threaded connection.

[0105] Fig. 7 Figure 1 shows a sectional view of the bottom section 88 of a liquid container. The bottom section 88 is connected to a container body 81. The receiving section 89a has openings 89c and 89d through which the gas flow path passes. The bottom opening 84 for introducing gas into the container interior 82 has a recess 84a designed to accommodate a gas outlet element.

[0106] Fig. 8 Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a bottom section 88 of a liquid container. Above the valve 85 is a nozzle 86 with four nozzle outlet openings 86a, from which partial gas streams 30d exit in a vertical direction 100.

[0107] Fig. 9 Figure 1 shows a sectional view of a container body 81 of a liquid container. The container body 81 has a container opening 83 at its upper end. An opening is also provided at the lower end of the container body to allow gas to be introduced into the container body from below.

[0108] Fig. 10 Figure 1 shows a sectional view of a gas flow regulating arrangement 60. The gas flow regulating arrangement 60 has a gas flow regulating rotary knob 60a for opening the gas source 70 in the form of a gas cylinder. The gas flow regulating arrangement 60 has a pressure spindle 72 for opening the gas cylinder. The pressure spindle 72 is movable in the vertical direction by means of a pressure spindle guide component 65, which is coupled to a thread 72a of the pressure spindle 72. The pressure spindle 72 is designed and arranged to adjust the gas flow regulating arrangement 60 between the gas flow open position and the gas flow closed position by means of a movement in the vertical direction. The pressure spindle guide component 65 is fixed. To adjust the gas flow regulating arrangement 60, the tip 72b of the pressure spindle 72 is pressed against the opening 71 of the gas cylinder 70.The gas cylinder 70 is screwed in place by means of a thread 73 and therefore does not move in a vertical direction when pressure is applied to the gas cylinder 70. Gas escaping from the gas cylinder 70 is guided through the component 83 and then via a connection point 53 into a line 53.

[0109] The gas flow regulating wheel 60a is rotatably mounted about a vertical axis of rotation by means of a ball bearing 64. The pressure spindle 72 and the gas flow regulating wheel 60a are coupled to a preload element 61 in the form of a spring element. The preload element 61 is designed and arranged to exert a restoring torque on the gas flow regulating wheel 60a.

[0110] Fig. 11 Figure 1 shows a diagram plotting pressure in a liquid container. The vertical axis, labeled "SODA LEVEL," represents the amount of carbon dioxide in water in a water bottle, while the horizontal axis plots the pressure in the water bottle. The amount of carbon dioxide in the water is represented by "light," "medium," and "strong." Conventional devices for introducing gaseous carbon dioxide into a water bottle typically only allow gas to be introduced up to a certain pressure (see Max. pressure in bottle). Therefore, achieving a relatively high amount of carbon dioxide in the water requires multiple gas introduction cycles, with the pressure being released between each cycle, as schematically illustrated in steps 401, 402, 403, 404, 405, and 406.

[0111] However, when using a device like the one described here, any quantity of carbon dioxide can be introduced into the water in a single gas introduction process (see step 300). This allows for significantly faster gas introduction into the water. Furthermore, gas loss is considerably reduced, making the gas introduction process much more efficient.

[0112] Fig. 12 Figure 1 shows a sectional view of a lid 90 for closing a liquid container. The lid 90 includes a gas outlet flow path 98 extending through the lid 90. A pressure relief valve 97 is provided, comprising a valve body 91, wherein the valve body 91 is movable between an open position, in which the valve body 91 releases the gas outlet flow path 98, and a closed position, in which the valve body 91 closes the gas outlet flow path 98. Furthermore, an adjustment arrangement 93 is provided, comprising a retaining element 93a. The retaining element 93 is designed and arranged to exert a holding force on the valve body 91. In the embodiment shown here, the retaining element 93 is designed as a helical spring. By means of the holding force, the retaining element 93a can hold the valve body 91 in the closed position.

[0113] The adjustment arrangement 93 has an adjustment element 95, wherein the adjustment element 95 rests against the holding element 93a. The adjustment arrangement 93 also has an adjustment wheel 94, which is coupled to the adjustment element 95 and is designed to adjust the adjustment element 95 in a vertical direction.

[0114] The adjusting wheel 94 is connected to the adjusting element 95 via section 94a. The adjusting element 95 has a threaded section 96. The adjusting wheel is movably connected to the lid housing 90a by means of a threaded connection via the threaded section 96. The adjusting wheel has a recess 99 by means of which the adjusting wheel 94 can be rotated by a user's finger. The lid housing 90a has a thread 90b that is connected to the container body 81.

[0115] The cover 90 also has a non-adjustable safety valve 92. The safety valve is designed to release a safety flow path 92a, extending through the cover 90, when a predetermined pressure is exceeded on the safety valve 92. The pressure at which the safety valve 92 opens the safety flow path 92a is higher than the pressure at which the pressure relief valve 97 opens the gas vent flow path 91.

[0116] Fig. 13 shows a top view of a lid 90 in three different settings.

[0117] In the illustration above, the adjusting wheel 94 is shown in a first position, in which the adjusting wheel is positioned relatively high, resulting in a relatively low holding force acting on the valve body. The pressure relief valve then opens at a relatively low pressure. This means that, in this setting, a relatively small amount of carbon dioxide is introduced into the water until the gas escapes through the pressure relief valve and the lid 90 due to the increasing pressure in the container.

[0118] In the middle illustration, the adjusting wheel 94 is shown in a second position, in which the adjusting wheel is positioned relatively centrally, resulting in a medium holding force acting on the valve body. The pressure relief valve then opens at a medium pressure. This means that, at this setting, a medium amount of carbon dioxide is introduced into the water until the gas escapes through the pressure relief valve and the lid 90 due to the increasing pressure in the container.

[0119] In the illustration below, the adjusting wheel 94 is shown in a third position, in which it is positioned relatively far down, resulting in a relatively high holding force acting on the valve body. The pressure relief valve then only opens at a relatively high pressure. This means that, in this setting, a relatively large amount of carbon dioxide is introduced into the water until the gas escapes through the pressure relief valve and the lid 90 due to the increasing pressure in the container. Therefore, by adjusting the adjusting wheel 94 in such different positions, it is possible to control the amount of gas introduced into the liquid before the pressure relief valve opens.

[0120] Fig. 14 This shows a schematic representation of a process for introducing gas into a liquid container. The process comprises the following steps:

[0121] In step 510, providing a system, preferably a system as described herein, with a device for introducing gas, in particular carbon dioxide, into a liquid container 80, in particular a water bottle, the device comprising a bottom element 10 with a receiving area 11 and a gas outlet element 20, which has at least one gas outlet opening 22a, 22b, 22c and extends upwards from the bottom element 10 in a vertical direction 100.

[0122] In step 520, a liquid container 80, in particular in the form of a water bottle, preferably a liquid container as described herein, is arranged on the receiving area 11 of the base element 10 of the device, such that the gas outlet element 20 is arranged at least sectionally within a base part 88 of the liquid container 80, and the adjustment arrangement of the lid is adjusted by turning the adjustment wheel to a position corresponding to a desired quantity of gas to be introduced into the liquid.

[0123] In step 530, gas, in particular carbon dioxide, is introduced from a gas source 70 along a gas flow path 30, 30a into the liquid container 80, wherein the gas flow path 30, 30a extends from the gas source 70 and at least sectionally within the gas outlet element 20 and to the at least one gas outlet opening 22a, 22b, 22c. The gas outlet element 20 has a gas deflection section 23, wherein the gas flow path 30, 30a has a change of direction in the region of the gas deflection section 23, and the gas flow path 30, 30a extends in the region of the at least one gas outlet opening 22a, 22b, 22c in a direction deviating from the vertical direction 100. The gas is guided along the gas flow path starting from the bottom element 10 of the device within the gas outlet element 20 in a vertical direction before the gas deflection section 23 and in a horizontal direction after the gas deflection section 23.The gas is guided along the gas flow path from the gas source to a gas inlet opening of the gas outlet element, then guided vertically within the gas outlet element, and then deflected horizontally by means of the gas deflection section, so that the gas exits horizontally, preferably in the form of several separate partial flows, from at least one gas outlet opening. Preferably, the gas flow path then encounters the bottom section of the liquid container in a horizontal direction and is deflected vertically within the bottom section. Preferably, the gas is then guided vertically, at least section by section, through the bottom section and then enters the interior of the container vertically through a nozzle. Bezugszeichenliste

[0124] 10 Base element 11 Receiving area 12a, 12b Feet 13 Gas outlet element adapter 13a Screws 14 Gas inlet opening 20 Gas outlet element 21 Bore 20a Outer circumference of the gas outlet element 20c, 20d Groove 22a, b, c Gas outlet opening 23 Gas deflection section 24, 25 Seal 26 End of the gas outlet element 29a, 29b Gas outlet channel 27 Threaded connection 30, 30a-d Gas flow path 50 Gas source receiving element 51 Tube of the gas source receiving element 52 Opening section 53 Connection point 54 Line 60 Gas flow regulation assembly 60a Gas flow regulation rotary knob 61 Preload element 64 Ball bearing 65 Pressure spindle guide component 70 Gas cylinder 71 Gas cylinder opening 72 Pressure spindle 72a Pressure spindle thread 72b Pressure spindle tip 73 Gas cylinder thread 80 Liquid container 81 Container body 81a External thread of container body 81b Level mark 82 Container interior 82a Liquid 82b Gas bubbles 83 Container opening 84 Bottom opening 84a Recess 85 Valve 86 Nozzle 86a Nozzle outlet openings87 Threaded component 87a Internal thread 88 Base part 89 Base part housing 89a Receiving section 89c Openings 89d Openings 90 Cover 90a Cover housing 90b Thread 91 Pressure relief valve 92 Safety valve 92a Safety flow path 93 Adjustment arrangement 93a Retaining element 94 Adjusting wheel 94a Section 95 Adjusting element 96 Threaded section 97 Pressure relief valve 98 Gas outlet flow path 99 Recess 100 Vertical direction 200 Horizontal direction 200a Center axis of the gas outlet channel 500 Procedure 510-530 Procedure steps

Claims

1. Lid (90) for closing a liquid container (80), in particular a water bottle, the lid (90) comprising - a gas outlet flow path (98) extending through the lid (90), - a pressure relief valve (97) comprising a valve body (91), wherein the valve body (91) is movable between an open position, in which the valve body (91) releases the gas outlet flow path (98), and a closed position, in which the valve body (91) closes the gas outlet flow path (98), - characterized by an adjustment arrangement (93) comprising a holding element (93a), wherein the holding element (93) is designed and arranged to exert a holding force on the valve body (91), by means of which the holding element (93a) holds the valve body (91) in the closed position.

2. Lid according to the preceding claim, wherein the holding element (93a) comprises or consists of a spring, in particular a compression spring, wherein the holding element (93a) preferably rests against the valve body (91).

3. Lid according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the adjustment arrangement (93) comprises an adjustment element (95), wherein the adjustment element (95) rests against the holding element (93a).

4. Lid according to the preceding claim, wherein the adjustment arrangement (93) has an adjustment wheel (94) that is coupled to the adjustment element (95) and is designed to adjust the adjustment element (95), in particular to adjust the adjustment element (95) in the vertical direction.

5. Lid according to one of the two preceding claims, wherein the adjustment element (95) is connected to a lid housing (90a) of the lid (90), in particular releasably, by means of a threaded connection.

6. Lid according to one of the two preceding claims, wherein the adjustment wheel (94) is rotatably mounted, in particular rotatable about a vertical axis.

7. Lid according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the lid (90) has a safety valve (92), which is preferably not adjustable, wherein the safety valve (92) is designed to release a safety flow path (92a) extending through the lid (90) when a predetermined pressure on the safety valve (92) is exceeded.

8. Liquid container (80), in particular in the form of a water bottle, preferably for a device for introducing gas, in particular carbon dioxide, into a liquid container (80), the liquid container (80) comprising - a container body (81), - a container interior (82) for receiving liquid, in particular water, - a container opening (83) for filling liquid into the container interior (82) and / or for pouring liquid out of the container interior (82), - a lid (90) according to one of the preceding claims for closing the container opening (83).

9. Liquid container according to the preceding claim, comprising - a bottom part (88) that has a bottom opening (84) for introducing gas into the container interior (82), wherein the bottom opening (84) has a valve (85) that is designed to allow a fluid flow, in particular a gas flow, in the direction of the container interior (82) and to block a fluid flow, in particular a liquid flow, in the direction out of the container interior (82), wherein the bottom part (88) has a receiving section (89a), wherein the receiving section (89a) is designed to receive a gas outlet element (20), preferably a gas outlet element (20) of a device for introducing gas into a liquid container, in particular by means of a recess (84a) of the receiving section (89a).

10. Liquid container according to the preceding claim, wherein the bottom part (88) has a nozzle (86) that is arranged behind the valve (85) with respect to a gas flow path (30, 30d), wherein the gas flow path (30, 30d) extends through the nozzle (86), wherein the nozzle (86) preferably has a plurality of, in particular vertically extending, outlet channels (86a), and / or wherein the bottom part (88) is releasably connected to the container body (81), preferably by means of a threaded connection, wherein preferably the container body (81) comprises an external thread (81a) and the bottom part (88) comprises an internal thread (87a), wherein the internal thread (87a) of the bottom part (88) is designed for connection to the external thread (81a) of the container body (81), and / or wherein the bottom part (88) is designed to be arranged on a receiving area (11) of a base element (10) of a device for introducing gas into a liquid container.

11. System comprising a liquid container according to one of claims 8-10 and a device for introducing gas, in particular carbon dioxide, into a liquid container (80), the device comprising - a base element (10) that has a receiving area (11) for receiving the bottom part (88) of the liquid container (80), - a gas outlet element (20) that has at least one gas inlet opening (14) and at least one gas outlet opening (22a, 22b, 22c), wherein the gas outlet element (20) extends upward from the base element (10) in the vertical direction (100), - a gas flow path (30, 30a) that extends from the at least one gas inlet opening (14) and at least in sections within the gas outlet element (20) and to the at least one gas outlet opening (22a, 22b, 22c), wherein the gas outlet element (20) has a gas deflection section (23), wherein the gas flow path (30, 30a) has a change of direction in the region of the gas deflection section (23), wherein the gas flow path (30, 30a) extends in the region of the at least one gas outlet opening (22a, 22b, 22c) along a direction deviating from the vertical direction (100).

12. System according to the preceding claim, wherein the bottom part (88) of the liquid container (80) can be arranged on the receiving area (11) of the base element (10) of the device, preferably such that the gas outlet element (20) of the device is arranged at least in sections within the bottom part (88) of the liquid container (80), in particular within a recess (84a) of a receiving section (89a) of the bottom part (88).

13. System according to one of the two preceding claims, wherein, when the liquid container (80) is arranged on the receiving area (11) of the base element (10) of the device, the receiving section (89a) of the bottom part (88) is designed to receive the gas outlet element (20) of the device, wherein preferably at least one seal (24, 25) of the gas outlet element (20) rests against the receiving section (89a) of the bottom part (88), and / or wherein the liquid container (80), when it is arranged on the receiving area (11) of the base element (10) of the device, is movable in the vertical direction (100) and is preferably not lockable with the device in the vertical direction (100).

14. System according to one of the preceding claims 11-13, wherein the gas flow path (30, 30a) extends in the region of the at least one gas outlet opening (22a, 22b, 22c) along a direction deviating from the vertical direction (100) by at least 70°, preferably by at least 80°, particularly preferably by at least 85°, in particular in the horizontal direction (200), and / or wherein the gas flow path (30, 30a) has a change of direction of at least 70°, preferably of at least 80°, particularly preferably of at least 85°, in particular of 90°, in the region of the gas deflection section (23), and / or wherein the gas deflection section (23) is arranged immediately before the at least one gas outlet opening (22a, 22b, 22c) with respect to the gas flow path (30, 30a).

15. System according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the device comprises: - a gas flow regulation arrangement (60) comprising a gas flow regulation rotary wheel (60a) for opening a gas source (70), preferably in the form of a gas cylinder, in particular in the form of a carbon dioxide cylinder, wherein the gas flow regulation arrangement (60) is adjustable, preferably steplessly, between a gas flow open position and a gas flow closed position, wherein preferably the gas flow regulation arrangement (60) has a pressure spindle (72) for opening a gas cylinder, wherein the pressure spindle (72) is movable in the vertical direction by means of a pressure spindle guide component (65) that is coupled to a thread of the pressure spindle (72), wherein the pressure spindle (72) is designed and arranged to adjust the gas flow regulation arrangement (60) between the gas flow open position and the gas flow closed position by means of a movement in the vertical direction.

16. Method (500) for introducing gas, in particular carbon dioxide, into a liquid container, in particular into a water bottle, the method comprising the following steps: - Providing (510) a system according to one of claims 11-15, - Arranging (520) the liquid container (80) on the receiving area (11) of the base element (10) of the device, such that the gas outlet element (20) is arranged at least in sections within the bottom part (88) of the liquid container (80), and adjusting the adjustment arrangement of the lid by means of rotating the adjustment wheel to a position that corresponds to a desired amount of gas to be introduced into the liquid, - Introducing (530) gas, in particular carbon dioxide, from a gas source (70) along a gas flow path (30, 30a) into the liquid container (80), wherein the gas flow path (30, 30a) extends from the gas source (70) and at least in sections within the gas outlet element (20) and to the at least one gas outlet opening (22a, 22b, 22c).

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