Carbonated water production apparatus and method for producing carbonated water using the same

Abstract

To provide a carbonated water production apparatus capable of producing carbonated water with a sufficiently high gas volume, and a method for producing carbonated water using the same. [Solution] The present invention relates to a carbonated water production apparatus 100 comprising: a sealed container 1; a carbon dioxide gas inlet means 2 for introducing carbon dioxide gas into the sealed container 1; a water inlet means 3 for introducing water into the sealed container 1; an injection unit 31 positioned inside the sealed container 1 such that the direction of water injection is upward; a carbonated water outlet means 4 for discharging carbonated water from inside the sealed container 1; an outlet pipe 41 through which carbonated water flows inside the sealed container 1; and a detection means 5 for detecting the upper and lower limits of the liquid level of carbonated water stored inside the sealed container. In a carbon dioxide atmosphere, water is injected upward by the injection unit 31, and the injection nozzle 31c of the injection unit 31 is located above the upper limit of the liquid level of the stored carbonated water.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a carbonated water production apparatus for producing carbonated water and a method for producing carbonated water using the same, and more particularly to a carbonated water production apparatus for producing carbonated water with a high gas volume and a method for producing carbonated water using the same.

Background Art

[0002] Carbonated water is used not only in so-called carbonated beverages but also in all fields. It is known that carbonated water can be produced by dissolving carbon dioxide gas in water. In order to efficiently produce such carbonated water, various carbonated water production apparatuses have been developed.

[0003] For example, there is known a carbonated water production apparatus in which carbon dioxide gas and water are introduced from above into a sealed container, and the carbon dioxide gas and water are mixed in the sealed container to produce carbonated water (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0004] Also, there is known a carbonated water production apparatus in which pressurized water is injected from a water injection nozzle provided above a carbonator tank into a carbon dioxide gas atmosphere in the carbonator tank pressurized with carbon dioxide gas to produce carbonated water, the carbonated water is stored in the lower part of the carbonator tank, and the carbonated water is discharged to the outside by the gas pressure of the carbon dioxide gas (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

[0005] Also, there is known a carbonated water generation apparatus including a pressure vessel, a cylinder disposed in the pressure vessel with its upper and lower ends open, a partition wall disposed between the circumferential side wall of the cylinder and the circumferential side wall of the pressure vessel, the lower end of which is connected to the bottom wall of the pressure vessel, both side ends of which are connected to the circumferential side wall of the pressure vessel, and the upper end of which is positioned below the upper end of the cylinder, a carbon dioxide gas discharge port and a water discharge nozzle disposed in the upper part of the pressure vessel above the cylinder, and a carbonated water discharge port disposed in the lower part of a portion in which the cylinder is not disposed in two portions partitioned by the partition wall in the space inside the pressure vessel (see, for example, Patent Document 3).

[0006] Furthermore, a carbonated water production apparatus is known that comprises at least a first water storage chamber and a second water storage chamber, the first water storage chamber having a condensing pipe, a synthesis chamber for mixing water and gas, and a carbonated water outlet, an atomizing inlet and a gas inlet above the synthesis chamber, the first water storage chamber covering the second water storage chamber, and the second water storage chamber having a drinking water inlet connected to a drinking water source and a drinking water outlet connected to the atomizing inlet of the synthesis chamber of the first water storage chamber (see, for example, Patent Document 4). [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 03-118825 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2006-35151 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2015-139745 [Patent Document 4] Registered Utility Model No. 3237539 Gazette [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0008] Incidentally, in recent years, there has been a demand for carbonated water with a high gas volume, also known as "strong carbonated water." While carbonated water production apparatuses described in Patent Documents 1 to 4 can produce carbonated water, they cannot be said to produce carbonated water with a sufficiently high gas volume.

[0009] This invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and aims to provide a carbonated water production apparatus capable of producing carbonated water with a sufficiently high gas volume, and a method for producing carbonated water using the same. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The inventors have found that the above problem can be solved by providing a spray unit that sprays water upward inside a sealed container, and by having the spray unit spray water upward in a carbon dioxide atmosphere, and have completed the present invention.

[0011] The present invention relates to a carbonated water production apparatus for producing carbonated water, comprising: a sealed container having a gas inlet, a water inlet, and a carbonated water outlet; a carbon dioxide inlet means connected to the gas inlet for introducing carbon dioxide into the sealed container; a water inlet means connected to the water inlet for introducing water into the sealed container; a spray unit attached to the water inlet inside the sealed container and positioned so that the water is sprayed upward; a carbonated water outlet means connected to the carbonated water outlet for discharging carbonated water from inside the sealed container; an outlet pipe attached to the carbonated water outlet inside the sealed container for the flow of carbonated water; and a detection means for detecting the upper and lower limits of the liquid level of the carbonated water stored inside the sealed container. The apparatus is configured such that, under a carbon dioxide atmosphere, water is sprayed upward by the spray unit, and the nozzle of the spray unit is located above the upper limit of the liquid level of the stored carbonated water.

[0012] In the carbonated water production apparatus of the present invention, it is preferable that a spray nozzle for spraying water in a particle form is attached to the spray outlet.

[0013] In the carbonated water production apparatus of the present invention, a cooling means for cooling the carbonated water stored in a sealed container is further provided, and it is preferable that the water inlet is located on the lower wall of the sealed container, or on the side wall below the lower limit of the liquid level of the stored carbonated water.

[0014] In the carbonated water production apparatus of the present invention, it is preferable that the shortest distance from the nozzle to the upper wall of the sealed container is 5.0 cm or more, and the water injection pressure from the nozzle is 0.3 to 5.0 MPa.

[0015] The present invention relates to a method for producing carbonated water using the carbonated water production apparatus described above, comprising: a first step of introducing carbon dioxide gas into a sealed container using a carbon dioxide gas inflow means to raise the internal pressure of the sealed container to 0.1 MPa or higher; a second step of introducing water into the sealed container using a water inflow means and spraying water upward from a spray unit; and a third step of discharging the stored carbonated water to the outside of the sealed container using a carbonated water outflow means. The method is started in the order of the first step, the second step, and the third step, and if the liquid level falls below the lower limit, the second step is performed until the liquid level exceeds the upper limit, and the first step is performed at any time to prevent the internal pressure from falling below the upper limit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] The carbonated water production apparatus of the present invention is equipped with at least a means for introducing carbon dioxide gas and a means for introducing water, so that carbonated water can be produced inside a sealed container. Furthermore, since it is equipped with a means for discharging carbonated water, the manufactured carbonated water can be discharged to the outside of the sealed container.

[0017] In the carbonated water production apparatus of the present invention, since the spray unit is provided inside the sealed container, when carbonated water is produced, water is sprayed upward like a fountain in an atmosphere of carbon dioxide gas. As a result, the water ejected upward with a certain force loses its momentum due to its own weight, or it collides with the upper wall, and then falls through the space or flows down along the inner wall of the side wall.

[0018] This allows the water to have as long a contact time with carbon dioxide as possible. Furthermore, by setting the minimum distance from the nozzle to the upper wall of the sealed container to 5.0 cm or more, and the water injection pressure from the nozzle to 0.3 to 5.0 MPa, the time the water remains in contact with carbon dioxide can be sufficiently extended. As a result, the carbonated water production device can produce carbonated water with a sufficiently high gas volume.

[0019] In the carbonated water production device of the present invention, since the injection port portion is located above the position of the upper limit of the liquid level of the carbonated water stored, the stored carbonated water does not inhibit the upward injection of water from the injection port portion. Also, it is possible to suppress the stored carbonated water from entering the injection portion.

[0020] In the carbonated water production device of the present invention, when an injection nozzle for injecting water in a particulate state is attached to the injection port portion, the water is injected upward in a state where the surface area of the water is increased, so it becomes easier to contact with carbon dioxide gas. As a result, in the carbonated water production device, it is possible to produce carbonated water with a higher gas volume. [[ID=X]]

[0021] [[ID=X]] [[ID=X]] In the carbonated water production device of the present invention, by further providing cooling means for cooling the carbonated water stored in the sealed container, it is possible to maintain the high gas volume of the stored carbonated water. Also, in this case, by providing the water inlet portion on the lower wall portion of the sealed container or on the side wall portion on the lower wall side of the position of the lower limit of the liquid level of the stored carbonated water, even when the water flowing in from the water inlet portion to the injection portion is not sufficiently cooled, when the water flows through the injection portion, it is possible to cool the water with the stored carbonated water. [[ID=X]]

[0022] [[ID=X]] In the method for producing carbonated water of the present invention, carbonated water can be produced by performing the steps in the order of the first step, the second step, and the third step. And after producing carbonated water, when the liquid level falls below the lower limit, by performing the second step until the liquid level exceeds the upper limit, it is possible to stably produce carbonated water with a high gas volume and continuously take out carbonated water having a certain gas volume. Also, since the first step is performed at an arbitrary timing so that the internal pressure does not fall below 0.1 MPa, the carbonated water can maintain a high gas volume.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0023] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of the carbonated water production apparatus according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating the internal structure of the sealed container 1 shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3(a)] Figure 3(a) is a perspective view showing the injection section of the carbonated water production apparatus shown in Figure 2. [Figure 3(b)] Figure 3(b) is an exploded view of the injection unit shown in Figure 3(a). [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a side view showing an example of a carbonated water dispensing means in a carbonated water production apparatus according to this embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0024] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings as necessary.

[0025] In the drawings, identical elements will be denoted by the same reference numeral, and redundant explanations will be omitted. Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, positional relationships such as up, down, left, and right shall be based on the positional relationships shown in the drawings. In addition, the dimensional ratios in the drawings are not limited to those shown.

[0026] The carbonated water production apparatus of the present invention is an apparatus for producing carbonated water. Furthermore, in the carbonated water production apparatus described above, the carbonated water only needs to contain dissolved carbon dioxide and be effervescent; whether or not the carbonated water has a taste is not particularly limited. Furthermore, in the carbonated water production apparatus described above, the gas volume of the carbonated water obtained is preferably 2 GV or more, and more preferably 5 GV or more.

[0027] First, we will describe the carbonated water production apparatus according to this actual embodiment. Figure 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of the carbonated water production apparatus according to this embodiment. Note that Figure 1 shows the cooling means 6 through the diagram. As shown in Figure 1, the carbonated water production apparatus 100 according to this embodiment includes a sealed container 1, a carbon dioxide gas inlet means 2 for introducing carbon dioxide gas into the sealed container 1, a water inlet means 3 for introducing water into the sealed container 1, a carbonated water outlet means 4 for discharging carbonated water from the sealed container 1, a detection means 5 for detecting the upper and lower limits of the liquid level of the carbonated water stored inside the sealed container 1, a cooling means 6 for cooling the carbonated water stored in the sealed container 1, and a safety valve 11 for releasing the pressure inside the sealed container 1.

[0028] The carbonated water production apparatus 100 is equipped with a carbon dioxide gas inlet means 2 and a water inlet means 3, so that carbon dioxide gas and water can be introduced into the sealed container 1. As a result, carbonated water is produced inside the sealed container 1. Furthermore, since it is equipped with a carbonated water dispensing means 4, the manufactured carbonated water can be discharged to the outside of the sealed container 1. Furthermore, since it is equipped with a cooling means 6, the sealed container 1 can be sufficiently cooled. Further details will be provided later.

[0029] In the carbonated water production apparatus 100, the internal pressure of the sealed container 1 when producing carbonated water, that is, the pressure in the space above the carbonated water (hereinafter also referred to as "internal pressure"), is preferably 0.1 MPa or higher from the viewpoint of efficiency in producing carbonated water with a high gas volume.

[0030] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating the internal structure of the sealed container 1 shown in Figure 1. Note that Figure 2 shows the view through the sealed container 1. As shown in Figure 2, the sealed container 1 is a hollow cylindrical pressure vessel capable of storing carbonated water inside. The sealed container 1 consists of a disc-shaped upper wall portion 1a and a lower wall portion 1b facing each other, and a side wall portion 1c connecting the two. The upper wall portion 1a is provided with a gas inlet portion 20, a carbonated water outlet portion 40, and a safety valve port portion 10, which connect the inside and outside of the sealed container 1, and the lower wall portion 1b is provided with a water inlet portion 30, which connects the inside and outside of the sealed container 1.

[0031] In the sealed container 1, the material of the upper wall portion 1a, the lower wall portion 1b, and the side wall portion 1c is not particularly limited as long as it has pressure resistance. For example, metal or resin can be used. Among these, stainless steel is preferable as the material for the sealed container 1 from the viewpoint of airtightness and acid resistance, or acrylic resin, polyacetal resin, or polypropylene resin is preferable from the viewpoint of acid resistance and weight reduction.

[0032] The carbon dioxide inflow means 2 is positioned outside the sealed container 1 and is a means for forcibly inflowing carbon dioxide gas into the sealed container 1. For example, a gas cylinder filled with carbon dioxide can be used. The size of the gas cylinder is not a factor. Furthermore, the carbon dioxide gas introduced into the sealed container 1 does not necessarily have to be 100% concentration; commercially available high-concentration carbon dioxide gas can be used as appropriate.

[0033] The carbon dioxide inlet means 2 is attached to the gas inlet portion 20 of the sealed container 1 via a gas pipe 22 that is attached to a carbon dioxide outlet (not shown) having a carbon dioxide shut-off valve (see Figure 1). In this case, it is preferable that the carbon dioxide inlet means 2 has a pressure reducing valve (not shown). Alternatively, a pressure reducing valve (not shown) may be attached to the gas pipe 22. This makes it easier to control the pressure inside the sealed container 1.

[0034] Inside the sealed container 1, a cylindrical outlet 21 is attached to the gas inlet 20. Therefore, the gas inlet 20 of the sealed container 1 is connected to the carbon dioxide gas inlet means 2 via a gas pipe 22 on the outside of the sealed container 1, and to the outlet 21 on the inside of the sealed container 1.

[0035] The water inflow means 3 is located outside the sealed container 1 and is a means for forcibly inflowing water into the sealed container 1. Specific examples include, for instance, water supply systems, water purifiers, and water conditioners. The water that flows into the sealed container 1 may contain ingredients such as flavorings, fruit pulp, sugar, and minerals. Furthermore, the water introduced is preferably at a temperature of 0.1 to 10°C, from the viewpoint of improving the solubility of carbon dioxide.

[0036] The water inlet means 3 is attached to the water inlet portion 30 of the sealed container 1 via a water pipe 32 attached to a water outlet (not shown) having a water shut-off valve (see Figure 1). Incidentally, if the water inflow means 3 is a water supply system, the so-called faucet corresponds to the spout. Also, if the water inflow means 3 is a water purifier, water conditioner, etc., a pump is provided to forcibly infuse water into the sealed container 1. In addition to the cooling means 6, the water inflow means 3 or the water pipe 32 may also be provided with a cooling device for cooling the water to the above temperature or for maintaining the cooled state.

[0037] Inside the sealed container 1, a spray unit 31 is attached to the water inlet 30. This spray unit 31 is a component for spraying water upwards inside the sealed container 1. In other words, the water inlet 30 of the sealed container 1 is connected to the water inlet means 3 via a water pipe 32 on the outside of the sealed container 1, and to the spray part 31 on the inside of the sealed container 1.

[0038] The injection unit 31 is designed to allow water to flow through its interior and to spray water upwards. Therefore, in the carbonated water production apparatus 100, water flows from the water inlet means 3 to the injection unit 31 under a carbon dioxide atmosphere, and water is ejected upward from the injection unit 31. At this time, the water ejected upwards gradually loses momentum due to its own weight, or it collides with the upper wall and then falls through the space or flows down along the inner wall of the side wall 1b.

[0039] Thus, in the carbon dioxide production apparatus 100, the water to be introduced is not simply allowed to fall, but is deliberately injected upwards. This makes it possible to maximize the time the water stays airborne from the moment it is injected until it hits the stored carbonated water. In other words, by spraying water upwards in a carbon dioxide atmosphere, the time during which the water is in contact with carbon dioxide can be sufficiently extended. As a result, it becomes possible to produce carbonated water with a high gas volume.

[0040] As described above, the injection unit 31 is attached to the lower wall 1b and is cylindrical in shape, extending in the vertical direction. Therefore, even if the water flowing from the water inlet 30 into the injection unit 31 is not sufficiently cooled, the water can be cooled by the stored carbonated water as it flows through the injection unit 31. The carbonated water is cooled by the cooling means 6 described later. As a result, it becomes possible to suppress temperature changes in carbonated water and maintain a high gas volume in the carbonated water.

[0041] The injection unit 31 is positioned such that the position of its upper injection nozzle 31c is above the upper limit of the liquid level of the stored carbonated water, as will be described later. This prevents the stored carbonated water from obstructing the upward spray of water from the nozzle. Furthermore, it is possible to prevent the stored carbonated water from entering the injection unit 31.

[0042] In the carbonated water production apparatus 100, the shortest distance H from the nozzle 31c to the upper wall 1a of the sealed container 1 is preferably 5.0 cm or more, and more preferably 5 to 50 m. If the shortest distance H from the nozzle 31c to the upper wall 1a of the sealed container 1 is less than 5.0 cm, a sufficient air time may not be obtained, and carbonated water with a high gas volume may not be produced, compared to when the shortest distance H is within the above range.

[0043] Furthermore, the water injection pressure from the injection unit 31 is preferably higher than the internal pressure mentioned above, and is between 0.3 and 5.0 MPa. If the water injection pressure from the injection unit 31 is less than 0.3 MPa, the water may not be injected to a sufficient height and a sufficient hang time may not be obtained, compared to when the injection pressure is within the above range. If the water injection pressure from the injection unit 31 exceeds 5.0 MPa, the upper wall 1a may wear down due to the water repeatedly colliding with it over time, compared to when the injection pressure is within the above range.

[0044] Furthermore, it is preferable that the water flow rate in the injection section 31 is 5 to 500 mL / s. If the water flow rate in the injection unit 31 is less than 5 mL / s, it has the disadvantage that it takes longer to produce carbonated water compared to when the flow rate is within the above range. If the water flow rate in the injection unit 31 exceeds 500 mL / s, the gas volume of the carbonated water obtained tends to decrease compared to when the flow rate is within the above range.

[0045] Figure 3(a) is a perspective view showing the injection section of the carbonated water production apparatus shown in Figure 2, and Figure 3(b) is an exploded view of the injection section shown in Figure 3(a). As shown in Figure 3(a), the injection unit 31 consists of a cylindrical injection body 31a, a connecting portion 31b provided at the lower end of the injection body 31a, and an injection nozzle 33 attached to the injection port portion 31c at the upper end of the injection body 31a.

[0046] In the injection unit 31, the injection body 31a is cylindrical in shape and extends in the vertical direction, and is integrated with a similarly cylindrical connecting part 31b. Furthermore, the internal space between the injection body 31a and the connecting part 31b is continuous, allowing water to flow through. Furthermore, in the injection section 31, the connecting section 31b is attached to the water inlet section 30 provided on the lower wall section 1b by screwing it in. This ensures that the airtightness of the sealed container 1 is sufficiently maintained.

[0047] As shown in Figure 3(b), the injection nozzle 33 has an injection cover 33a that is attached to seal the injection port portion 31c, and an injection spool 33b that is attached to the lower side of the injection cover 33a (towards the injection body portion 31a). The injection cover 33a is disc-shaped and has a circular through-hole N in the center. The injection cover 33a is attached to the injection port portion 31c of the injection body portion 31a.

[0048] On the other hand, the injection choke 33b is a disc shape with a thicker wall than the injection cover 33a, and has spiral grooves on its side. The injection atomizer 33b is attached to the injection body 31a by being sandwiched between a base portion (not shown) that protrudes inward from the inner wall and the injection cover 33a.

[0049] In the injection unit 31, when the water flowing through the injection body 31a reaches the injection nozzle 33b, it flows through the spiral groove of the injection nozzle 33b. The water, now in a spiral shape, is then ejected as particles from the through-hole N. In the carbonated water production apparatus 100, water is sprayed in particulate form by the injection nozzle 33, which increases the surface area of ​​the water and makes it easier for it to come into contact with carbon dioxide gas. As a result, the carbonated water production device 100 becomes capable of producing carbonated water with a higher gas volume.

[0050] Returning to Figure 1, the carbonated water dispensing means 4 is located outside the sealed container 1 and is a means for dispensing the carbonated water inside the sealed container 1 to the outside of the sealed container 1. Figure 4 is a side view showing an example of a carbonated water dispensing means in a carbonated water production apparatus according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 4, the carbonated water dispensing means 4 consists of, for example, a dispensing unit 43 supported by a support plate 44 erected on the stage unit 45. The dispensing section 43 includes a dispensing nozzle 43a for dispensing carbonated water, a stopper (not shown) provided in the carbonated water flow path, and a dispensing lever 43b for opening and closing the stopper. The dispensing section 43 (carbonated water dispensing means 4) is attached to the carbonated water outlet section 40 of the sealed container 1 via a carbonated water pipe 42 attached to the dispensing section 43 (see Figure 2).

[0051] Returning to Figure 2, inside the sealed container 1, an outlet pipe 41 is attached to the carbonated water outlet 40. This outlet pipe 41 is a component for circulating the carbonated water inside the sealed container 1. In other words, the carbonated water outlet section 40 is located outside the sealed container 1, with the dispensing section 43 (carbonated water outlet means 4) connected via the carbonated water pipe 42, and the outlet pipe section 41 is connected inside the sealed container 1.

[0052] The outlet pipe section 41 is cylindrical in shape and extends vertically, allowing carbonated water to flow through its interior. Furthermore, the lower end of the outlet pipe 41 is located below the lower limit of the liquid level of the stored carbonated water, which will be described later. Therefore, in the carbonated water production apparatus 100, since the internal pressure of the sealed container 1 is higher than atmospheric pressure, opening the stopper with the dispensing lever 43b of the dispensing section 43 allows carbonated water to flow through the outflow pipe section 41 and be dispensed from the dispensing nozzle 43a via the carbonated water pipe 42.

[0053] Detection means 5 is a means for detecting the upper and lower limits of the liquid level of the carbonated water stored inside the sealed container 1. In the carbonated water production apparatus 100, an electrode-type level switch having a pair of electrodes 51 is used as the detection means 5. This makes it possible to control the amount of carbonated water produced and stored. For example, when the carbonated water level is at the lower limit, water can be introduced from the water inflow means 3 to produce carbonated water, and when the carbonated water level is at the upper limit, the inflow of water from the water inflow means 3 can be stopped and the carbonated water can be poured out from the carbonated water outflow means 4.

[0054] Furthermore, since the liquid level of the carbonated water fluctuates between the upper and lower limits, in order to avoid being affected by fluctuations in the liquid level, the spray nozzle 31 is positioned so that its upper end is above the upper limit of the liquid level, and the outlet pipe 41 is positioned so that its lower end is below the lower limit of the liquid level, as described above.

[0055] The safety valve 11 is located outside the sealed container 1 and is directly connected to the safety valve opening 10. The safety valve 11 is a valve for releasing the pressure in the sealed container 1. In the safety valve 11, when the internal pressure of the sealed container 1 exceeds a certain value, the safety valve 11 opens, automatically releasing the carbon dioxide gas from the sealed container 1 to the outside. In other words, the safety valve 11 has the function of maintaining the internal pressure of the sealed container 1 below a certain value. This certain value can be set arbitrarily. Furthermore, the safety valve 11 can also be used when you want to fill the sealed container 1 with carbon dioxide gas before use, or when you want to release carbon dioxide gas from the sealed container 1 after use.

[0056] In the carbonated water production apparatus 100, the materials used for the injection section 31, injection lid 33a, injection spool 33b, and outlet pipe section 41 can be appropriately the same as those used for the sealed container 1 described above. These materials may be the same or different.

[0057] Returning to Figure 1, the cooling means 6 is box-shaped and capable of cooling its interior. The sealed container 1 is housed inside the cooling means 6. In the cooling means 6, a specific example of a cooling method is liquid cooling, which involves storing ice water or a cooling liquid in a box and immersing the sealed container 1 in it.

[0058] In the carbonated water production apparatus 100, the carbonated water stored in the sealed container 1 is cooled by the cooling means 6 and this state is maintained. As a result, it is possible to sufficiently maintain a high gas volume in the stored carbonated water. The temperature of the carbonated water is preferably 0.1 to 10°C, and more preferably 0.1 to 4°C. In other words, it is preferable that the cooling means 6 cools the sealed container 1 so that the temperature of the carbonated water is maintained within the above range.

[0059] The carbonated water production apparatus 100 according to this embodiment can be used, for example, in a large-scale facility installed in a factory to produce large quantities of carbonated water, or, for example, in a small-scale facility placed on a table in a restaurant to dispense the required amount of carbonated water as needed. In the latter case, carbonated water is used as a diluent for alcoholic beverage concentrates such as shochu, whiskey, liqueurs, highballs, plum wine, and fruit wine, as well as for non-alcoholic beverage concentrates such as fruit juice concentrates.

[0060] Next, a method for producing carbonated water according to this embodiment, using the carbonated water production apparatus 100 described above, will be explained. The method for producing carbonated water according to this embodiment includes: a first step of introducing carbon dioxide gas into the sealed container 1 using a carbon dioxide gas inflow means 2 to raise the internal pressure of the sealed container 1 to 0.1 MPa or higher; a second step of introducing water into the sealed container 1 using a water inflow means 3 and spraying water upward with a spray unit 31; and a third step of discharging the stored carbonated water to the outside of the sealed container 1 using a carbonated water outflow means 4. Furthermore, the manufactured carbonated water can be stored and also dispensed externally.

[0061] In the method for producing carbonated water, since the sealed container 1 is empty at the start of production, the process is started in the order of the first step and then the second step. Specifically, first, the carbon dioxide gas on / off valve of the carbon dioxide gas inlet means 2 is opened, and carbon dioxide gas is filled into the sealed container 1 until the internal pressure reaches the level described above. Then, in this state, the water inlet valve 3 is opened, and water is allowed to flow into the sealed container 1. This makes it possible to produce carbonated water with a high gas volume. Before performing the first step, a replacement step may be performed in advance by opening the carbon dioxide gas shut-off valve of the carbon dioxide gas inlet means 2 with the safety valve open, thereby replacing the inside of the sealed container 1 with carbon dioxide gas as much as possible.

[0062] In the method for producing carbonated water, after producing the carbonated water, the second and third steps are performed so that the liquid level of the carbonated water does not exceed the upper limit and does not fall below the lower limit. In other words, by opening the stopper with the dispensing lever 43b of the dispensing section 43 (carbonated water dispensing means 4), carbonated water with a constant gas volume can be continuously dispensed from the dispensing nozzle 43a. In this case, the amount of carbonated water stored inside the sealed container 1 decreases, and the internal pressure of the sealed container 1 also decreases. Furthermore, by introducing water into the sealed container 1 via the water inflow means 3, it is possible to stably produce carbonated water with a high gas volume. In this case, the amount of carbonated water stored inside the sealed container 1 increases, and the internal pressure of the sealed container 1 also rises.

[0063] In this case, the first step is performed as needed to prevent the internal pressure from falling below the above-mentioned level. That is, if the degree of decrease in the internal pressure of the sealed container 1 due to the third step is greater than the degree of increase in the internal pressure of the sealed container 1 due to the second step, and the internal pressure is likely to fall below the above-mentioned level, the carbon dioxide gas inflow means 2 will inject carbon dioxide gas into the sealed container 1. This allows the carbonated water to maintain a high gas volume. Conversely, if the internal pressure of the sealed container 1 is too high, the safety valve is opened, and the carbon dioxide gas inside the sealed container 1 is released, returning the internal pressure to the predetermined level.

[0064] In the method for producing carbonated water, as described above, since the spray nozzle sprays water upwards, the water particles can be kept in a carbon dioxide atmosphere for as long as possible. This means that although the dissolution rate of carbon dioxide in water is normally slow, retaining water in a carbon dioxide atmosphere can accelerate the dissolution of carbon dioxide into water. Incidentally, if the sprayed water particles collide with the top or side walls of a sealed container and adhere to them due to the surface tension of the water, they can remain in that state under a carbon dioxide atmosphere for as long as possible.

[0065] Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments.

[0066] In the carbonated water production apparatus 100 according to this embodiment, the sealed container 1 is hollow cylindrical, but it is not limited to this as long as it is a pressure-resistant container. Furthermore, the sealed container 1 is directly or indirectly equipped with a safety valve 11, a carbon dioxide gas inlet means 2, a water inlet means 3, a carbonated water outlet means 4, a detection means 5, and a cooling means 6. In addition to these, a pressure gauge for measuring the internal pressure of the sealed container 1 may also be provided.

[0067] In the carbonated water production apparatus 100 according to this embodiment, the sealed container 1 is formed by the integration of the upper wall portion 1a, the side wall portion 1c, and the lower wall portion 1b, but is not limited to this. For example, the upper wall portion 1a may be detachable and serve as a lid.

[0068] In the carbonated water production apparatus 100 according to this embodiment, the water pipe 32 protrudes downward from the lower surface of the lower wall portion 1b of the sealed container 1. However, for example, a groove may be provided in the lower wall portion 1b and the water pipe 32 may be embedded therein.

[0069] In the carbonated water production apparatus 100 according to this embodiment, the injection unit 31 is attached to the lower wall 1b, but it may also be provided on the side wall 1c on the side of the lower wall 1b that is below the lower limit of the liquid level of the stored carbonated water. That is, the water inlet 30 may be provided on the side wall 1c on the side of the lower wall 1b that is below the lower limit of the liquid level. In this case, the injection unit 31 will be L-shaped when viewed from the side.

[0070] In the carbonated water production apparatus 100 according to this embodiment, the injection unit 31 consists of a cylindrical injection body 31a, a connecting part 31b provided at the lower end of the injection body 31a, and an injection nozzle 33 attached to the injection port 31c at the upper end of the injection body 31a, but the configuration is not limited to this. For example, the connecting portion 31b has a screw groove on its side and is attached to the water inlet portion 30 provided on the lower wall portion 1b by screwing, but it may also be attached by press-fitting or fitting. Alternatively, it may be secured with fasteners such as bolts and screws. Furthermore, the injection nozzle 33 has an injection cover 33a and an injection spool 33b, but is not limited to this. For example, the injection nozzle may consist only of a cover having a plurality of micropores.

[0071] In the carbonated water production apparatus 100 according to this embodiment, the carbonated water dispensing means 4 consists of a dispensing section 43 supported by a support plate 44 erected on the stage section 45, but is not limited to this. For example, the carbonated water dispensing means 4 may simply be a carbonated water pipe 42 with an on / off valve at its tip.

[0072] In the carbonated water production apparatus 100 according to this embodiment, an electrode-type level switch having a pair of electrodes 51 is used as the detection means 5, but the apparatus is not limited to this. For example, various sensors such as float switches can be used.

[0073] In the carbonated water production apparatus 100 according to this embodiment, a box-shaped cooling means 6 is provided, but it is not essential. Furthermore, the cooling method is not limited to liquid cooling; convection cooling using cooling fans, thermoelectric cooling using Peltier elements, and cooling using ice can also be employed.

[0074] In the carbonated water production apparatus 100 according to this embodiment, pressure reducing valves and check valves may be attached to each pipe. [Industrial applicability]

[0075] The carbonated water production apparatus 100 of the present invention can be used as an apparatus for producing carbonated water. The method for producing carbonated water according to the present invention can be used as a method for producing carbonated water. According to the carbonated water production apparatus 100 and carbonated water production method of the present invention, it is possible to produce carbonated water with a sufficiently high gas volume. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0076] 1. Airtight container 10. Safety valve opening 100... Carbonated water maker 11. Safety valve 1a...Top wall part 1b...Lower wall part 1c...Side wall part 2. Means of carbon dioxide inflow 20...Gas inlet section 21...Air vent 22...gas pipe 3...Water inflow means 30...Water inlet section 31...Injection part 31a...Jet main body part 31b...Connection part 31c...Injection port 32...water pipe 33... Spray nozzle 33a...Injection lid 33b...Injection spool 4. Carbonated water dispensing method 40. Carbonated water outlet 41...Outlet pipe section 42. Carbonated water pipe 43...Pour part 43a... Dispensing nozzle 43b... Dispensing lever 5. Detection methods 51...electrode 6...Cooling means N... Through hole

Claims

1. A carbonated water production apparatus for producing carbonated water, A sealed container having a gas inlet, a water inlet, and a carbonated water outlet, A carbon dioxide gas inlet means connected to the gas inlet and for introducing carbon dioxide gas into the sealed container, A water inlet means connected to the water inlet and for injecting water into the sealed container, A spray unit is attached to the water inlet inside the sealed container and is positioned so that the direction of water spraying is upward, A carbonated water outlet means connected to the carbonated water outlet and for discharging carbonated water from inside the sealed container, Inside the sealed container, an outlet pipe section is attached to the carbonated water outlet and through which the carbonated water flows, A detection means for detecting the upper and lower limits of the liquid level of the carbonated water stored inside the sealed container, Equipped with, In the aforementioned carbon dioxide atmosphere, the water is sprayed upward by the injection unit. A carbonated water production apparatus in which the nozzle of the injection unit is located above the upper limit of the liquid level of the carbonated water that is stored.

2. The carbonated water production apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a spray nozzle for spraying water in particulate form is attached to the spray port.

3. The sealed container further comprises a cooling means for cooling the carbonated water stored in the sealed container, The carbonated water production apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the water inlet is provided on the lower wall of the sealed container, or on the side wall below the lower limit of the liquid level of the carbonated water stored therein.

4. The shortest distance from the nozzle to the upper wall of the sealed container is 5.0 cm or more. The carbonated water production apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the water injection pressure from the injection unit is 0.3 to 5.0 MPa.

5. A method for producing carbonated water using a carbonated water production apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The first step involves introducing carbon dioxide into the sealed container using the carbon dioxide inflow means to raise the internal pressure of the sealed container to 0.1 MPa or more. The second step involves the water inflow means introducing water into the sealed container, causing the spray unit to spray water upwards, A third step involves using the carbonated water discharging means to discharge the stored carbonated water to the outside of the sealed container, It has, The process begins in the order of the first step, the second step, and the third step, If the liquid level falls below the lower limit, the second step is performed until the liquid level exceeds the upper limit. A method for producing carbonated water, in which the first step is performed at any time so as not to fall below the aforementioned internal pressure.

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