Apparatus for dispensing a cooled carbonated beverage

The invention relates to a device for dispensing beverages, particularly to an apparatus for the fully automatic production chilled soda water in the household sector. It is also for use in offices, restaurants and everywhere suitable where soda is needed.

different Sodawassergeräte are known from the prior art. Kitchen appliances are commercialized for the household sector, where in a bottle inserted into the device Drinking water is filled, wherein this then by Use of a pressurized carbon dioxide cartridge with Carbon dioxide is added. Here the resulting beverage is with the original temperature used.

EP 0990863 discloses a device for dispensing of quiet known water, the water in a container is cached. In the container extends a Heat exchange surface, the one with the one cold side Peltier element is connected, wherein the other, warm side the Peltier element via a heat sink to the outer space in Connection is. Starting from this prior art, the invention has Object, a device of the type mentioned to improve at all times even in the home chilled So offer sodas, an offset with carbon dioxide drink to.

This object is erfinlungsgemäss for a device of the type mentioned solved with the features of claim 1 which an apparatus for dispensing beverages comprising, in particular for fully automated production of chilled soda water in The household sector, with a mixing vessel for holding water, with a pressurized, carbon dioxide donating Means, with a pressure in the mixing vessel limiting control valve, wherein at least a part of a bottom wall of the container consists of a good heat conducting material and that a thelmoelektrisches element is provided, which in his operation cooling side with said portion of the bottom wall in a thermally conductive connected is.

This unit is through its supply-content volume of 2.5 liters Water to meet the daily requirement of fresh soda a Family designed by three people. The water is at least three complete renewed day. A higher consumption but also does not matter, because the water consumed will be immediately replaced; simultaneously the carbon dioxide content is updated, so that the mixture of water and carbon dioxide is always constant remains. This fully automatic mixing process guarantees an ever constant qualities of the soda water. Of the Content of the carbonic acid cylinder is sufficient for the preparation of about 40 liters of soda. After the carbon dioxide is consumed is the empty carbon dioxide cylinder has a full trade-usual Carbon dioxide cylinders are replaced.

The adjustable heat exchanger (electronic refrigeration unit), allows you to set a constant temperature of soda water.

To achieve greater efficiency, the device is connected equipped an electronic switch, which allows the Operating times can be programmed.

Commissioning is very simple; The apparatus is set up or for example by means of four anchors at desired Place attached to the wall, on the water pipe on connected a water stop, and the wall outlet provided. Whereas any small body proportions of the device (a Prototype has a height of 450mm, width of 330mm and a depth of 350 mm), there is the possibility that everywhere accommodate.

The soda is removed by under the Soda-drain - Faucet 7 held a glass, and the button is pressed 45th

Advantageously, a rotatable horizontal shaft in the Container provided, mounted on the mixer elements.

In a preferred embodiment, is aligned with the shaft outside the container a driven shaft provided being arranged on two shafts permanent magnetic elements are to form a non-contact magnetic coupling, with the mixer elements are driven. Thus, the usually operating under a pressure of up to 2 bar ste-rising Container a few passages on the outside, a water inlet, a water outlet and gas inlet, which is also in a single or two passes can be combined. Especially can so leakage problems in driving the mixing elements be consistently avoided.

Further advantageous embodiments are in the dependent claims in.

The invention will now be exemplified with reference to the accompanying exemplary embodiments described in detail. Show it:<dl tsize="7" compact="compact"><dt>Fig. 1</dt><dd>is a schematic side view of the apparatus according to one Embodiment of the invention,</dd><dt>FIG. 2</dt><dd>a perspective view of the device according to Fig. 1 obliquely from below,</dd><dt>Fig. 3</dt><dd>is a schematic side view of the apparatus of the of FIG. 1 opposite side,</dd><dt>Fig. 4</dt><dd>a perspective view of the device according to Fig. 3 obliquely from above,</dd><dt>Fig. 5</dt><dd>is a schematic partial sectional view of the Device along the line AA of Fig. 3,</dd><dt>Fig. 6</dt><dd>is a schematic partial sectional view of the Device along the line BB of Fig. 5,</dd><dt>Fig. 7</dt><dd>is a schematic perspective view of a solenoid actuator of the device according to Fig. 1,</dd><dt>Fig. 8</dt><dd>is a schematic enlarged view of a portion of the Magnetic drive of Fig. 7,</dd><dt>Fig. 9</dt><dd>is a schematic perspective view of an apparatus according to a second embodiment of the invention as an integral part of a mobile cabinet,</dd><dt>Fig. 10</dt><dd>a schematic front view of the laterally open Apparatus of FIG. 9,</dd><dt>Fig. 11</dt><dd>is a schematic side view of the apparatus of FIG. 9, and</dd><dt>Fig. 12</dt><dd>a sectional enlarged view of the device after Fig. 4.</dd></dl>

The FIG. 1 shows the device via the water supply 1 and a water stop 9 connected to the water mains. By carbonic cylinder guide 11, in the view of the Fig. 3 can be seen, a filled cylinder carbon dioxide is introduced, and screwed into the electromagnetic valve carbonic 12th The device usually has the usual power supply (230) are connected. pressing the switch 39, the device is put into operation. The warning light 40 lights up. Since the containers for soda water-preparation 4 is empty, on the illustrated in Fig. 6 Swimmer 3 with switch for water level, which in the container 4 is provided, the electromagnetic valve 2, a water, so that present at the water connection 1 tap water over the Inlet water line 5 in the container 4 for soda water-preparation can flow. Once the desired water level is reached, the float switch 3 with switch Water level, the electromagnetic water valve off. 2

Once the electronic control unit 30, the signal "water level reaches" (In the present embodiment, approximately 2.5 liters) scored, the electric motor 18 is turned on (see FIG. 1). About the Riemenantriebsrad 21, drive belt for water mixer 23 and the pulley for water mixer 24 is the initialized magnetic mixing system, or via the Transmission belts for fan 22, the fan with Riemenantriebsrad 27 is operated. Simultaneously, the electromagnetic valve is carbonic 12 opened so that the carbon dioxide from the carbon dioxide cylinder 10, through the check valve 17 and the carbon dioxide inlet line 13 in the containers for soda water preparation can get. 4 After the pressure reached 1.8 bar is, the carbon dioxide pressure switch 14 switches the electromagnetic Carbonic valve 12 from, and interrupts the supply of carbonic acid. The check valve 17 prevents the pressure can escape.

While food by means of the magnetic-water mixer system in Form of a rotatable shaft 28 with pallets of water mixer 29 the water in the containers for soda water-preparation 4 mixed under constant whirl with the carbonic acid. Of the Container 4 has a bell shape cheese lying, that is, the water level 82 is always parallel to the axis of symmetry Bell jar. The water mixer 29 are on the shaft 28 on the axis of symmetry fixed, revolve around this axis of symmetry 20 while diving according to your level more or less in the water on. They have a hole pattern, for example, between 30 and 70 percent passage for the water provides. The water mixer 29 are rounded in the upper chime and follow the Inner wall of the container 4. It may, for example, four mixers be provided in a regular interval of 90 degrees. The Number may also be greater or smaller.

By mixing under pressure, the carbon dioxide is between the Water molecules fixed. Thereby, the pressure decreases in the container for soda Preparation 4; the carbon dioxide pressure switch 14 re-opens the electromagnetic carbon dioxide valve (12), to the preset value of 1.8 bar is reached again. This Cycle repeats itself until the pressure in a short time in the containers for soda water Preparation 4 remains constant. To get the soda, the ideal concentration of carbonic acid. The carbon dioxide content of a typical (C02) carbon dioxide cylinder 10 is enough for circa. 40 liters of soda. If the carbon dioxide cylinder 10 completely emptied, on the carbon dioxide differential pressure switch 15 the way of the control electronics 30 Gadget. Carbonic cylinder empty state display 16 lights on. To the empty carbon dioxide cylinder 10 with a full to exchange, the lid 43 in operator-direction drawn. This is a very simple procedure since the cover in the upper portion runs on two plastic rails, and in the Corners is held with four magnets. After the lid 43 was removed, the carbon dioxide cylinder 10 in a counterclockwise direction is unscrewed, and the full carbonic cylinder, in Clockwise screwed. The lid with the upper Edge on the two guide rails laid, and toward the machine pushed until it held by the four magnets again becomes. To restart the unit, is the (On / off) 40 first -Hauptschalter on (off) and then to (a) operated. Thus, the described cycle is repeated.

To cool the soda water and thus make it more palatable, the device has a cooling unit with Peltier - Heat exchange element 33. The radiator plate 31, in FIG. 12 in accordance shown in a perspective section, the via a sealing ring on the container for SodawasserVorbereitung 4 is attached, is made of aluminum, and is so designed to be a large amount of soda water is in constant contact. In particular, the radiator plate 31 from a highly thermally conductive material in the region located below the axis 20 since this is where the main part the water is. Between the radiator plate 31 and the structure frame 42 is a cold-insulating plate 32, (Styrofoam). The Peltier heat exchange element 33 is in the cold -Isölierungsplatte Embedded 32 and by means of a thermal compound stuck to the radiator plate 31st The opposite Surface on the radiator for the Peltier element 34 with thermal grease glued. The Peltier heat exchange element 33 has the Property that it, connected to direct current, between its hot and cold surface a large temperature difference gives rise up to 40 ° C. Through continuous cooling the hot surface on the radiator for the Peltier element 34 using fans with Riemenantriebsrad 27, the temperature drops the cold surface, or the temperature of the radiator plate 31, further, let the water cool. To the emergence counteract a too low temperature, is a electronic temperature switch is provided, which the Peltier element falls below a lower threshold temperature off and an upper threshold temperature is exceeded turns.

The sensor of the temperature switch is on the radiator plate 31 glued, and allows using a potentiometer (cooling zone temperature controller) 36 the temperature of the soda water between adjust 6 ° C and 16 ° C. The temperature controller - function display 37 lights up when the desired temperature is reached is. For colder seasons, or in the event that a Sodawassertemperatur is above 16 ° C preferred, it is possible the cooling unit via the Kühlaggregat- (on / off) switch 38 off. The Kühlaggregat- (a) indicator 39 goes out then.

The most important function in the preparation of soda water, and In order to achieve the best possible quality of the soda water, is the very good mixing of the carbonic acid in the water. In world-wide Compared to other Soda water preparation equipment in Budget, and with its small size, this device is the The only of its kind to achieve the ideal quality of soda water can, and moreover fully automatic.

This is reached by pallets 29 which deals with uniform certain speed (about 60 to 180 U / min, in particular rotate 120 U / min.) in the water such that it under Water comes in very strong turbulence. This moving operation is obtained by applying to the driven part, Pos.2 the magnetic drive, four pallets, in pairs opposite and rotated 90 ° to each other, moved with a pallet width, to be assembled. Pallets must with holes (minimum diameter 10 mm) are provided so that the turbulence as high as only possible. The same purpose is also served by the additional ribs 81, on the inner wall in the container for preparation of soda water- 4 are attached. Fig. Figure 6 shows six in Angle evenly spaced ribs 81, the slightly towards the axis of symmetry of the container 4 arranged are. From the illustration of FIG. 6 it may be seen that the pallets 29 with their nabenfernsten areas like combs in engage the ribs. The float 3 is here at hub height mounted so that the resulting water level 82 exactly the half tank fills. The float 3 could also be higher or deep be arranged; The advantage of this arrangement is, that always half the pallets 29 plow through the water, during the half-container space is under pressure.

For this function, the mixing is a magnetic drive for Water mixer is provided which will now be described. Of the Container for Sodawasservorbereitung in which prepared the soda is composed of the containers for soda water preparation 4 and the radiator plate 31, which by means of a gasket are waterproof attached to each other. If the radiator plate 31 covers the entire base of the container 4, the rigid shaft 20 is pushed through the center of the radiator plate 31 and waterproof screwed to the plate 31st In this axis 20 the entire magnet drive is constructed as in Fig. 7 and is illustrated eighth Outside of the water tank 4 is the Driving part (with item 1;) of the magnet drive system ball bearings for water mixer 25th In this part, the Pulley mounted for water mixer 24th Frontal in the driving part and parallel to the rotation axis 20, on a pitch circle from 40 mm to twelve magnets (in the embodiment with a Diameter of 7.6 mm and 28 mm long) installed. Here is taken into account, that in these magnets, the poles (N or S) alternately toward cooler plate 31, as in the magnetic drive scheme illustrated, show. On the drive part pos.1, rotates ball bearing fan with Riemenantriebsrad 27 with here circa 1200 U / min. Both rotational movements with an electric motor 19 via the Riemenantriebsrad 21, and in each case via the drive belt fan 22 and the drive belt for water mixer 23, driven at different speeds. In order to Disclosed is a magnetic rotor, the rotational energy magnetically or electromagnetically transmitted to the shaft 28 becomes. The magnetic field strength is dimensioned so that a is transferred for mixing optimum torque.

On the protruding into the water tank the end of the axis, the driven part (with Pos.2 designated) of the magnetic drive plugged with pallets of water mixer 29th The driven Part, item 2 is, as the driving member equipped with magnets. It determines the number and design of the patch here Magnets preferably with the magnets mentioned under item 1 agreement. The container roof near the end of the shaft 20 is preferably formed spherical, so that the axial force between the magnets of the driving part pos.1 and the magnets the driven part Pos.2 acts, at one point at the end of Axis 20 is added. This design causes the one hand, that friction is reduced to a minimum value, and on the other hand this means for the entire drive of the magnetic drive and the fan, that only one electric motor of approximately 60W is required at 230V.

The magnetic fields of the driving part and the driven item 1 Part Pos.2 close through the radiator plate 31, for example, an aluminum plate, as in the magnetic driving scheme of FIG. 8, and cause the driven part Pos.2 rotates synchronously to the drive part pos.1. In this area should the aluminum plate not be thicker than 3 mm, and the distance between the magnets should not be more than be 3.5mm. In FIG. 8, the cavity between the magnets shown, for reasons of clarity is the Plate itself is not shown.

To facilitate the operation of the apparatus and economically to make, is preferably a programmable electronic Timer 44 installed. With this switch it is possible to to program the unit so that, for example, in a Budget, at 17 o'clock, when the family members come home the device is automatically turned on, and at 23 o'clock, if the family members usually go to sleep automatically is turned off. When setting up a unit in an office on the device at 7am on when the employee go to work, and at 18 o'clock, when the employee normally go home, the device switches off. About weekends the device remains off anyway. It can be provided be that the Sodawassererzeugung with or without cooling, even in the periods of shutdown by a corresponding actuation can be enforced.

FIGS. 9 to 11 show a second device for especially Operating locations is provided, where no connection to a Water pipe is possible, or does not guarantee the water quality is. Then it is preferably provided that, as for execution described below the drinking water from a commercial water tank is obtained.

Which is in connection with Figs. 1 to 8 described device in this case a equipped with castors frame 46 appropriate. On the lower part of the frame there is a closet, in which the drinking water container 47 is.

Because of the water supply line 50, the device is on the water pump 49 connected. The Wasseransaugleitung 48 projects up to the bottom of the water tank 47 and is sent directly to the Water pump 49 connected.

If the water level 82 in the tank 4 for Sodawasservorbereitung, on the float 3 on the switch for water level the electromagnetic water valve 2 and the water pump 49, so that the required water pressure at the water connection 1 can be achieved.

Operation of this equipment is also very easy because the possibility of the device to the appropriate place to roll, and a common power supply (via the Outlet) to power. The dimensions of the device FIGS. 9 to 11 are height 1465 mm, width 600 mm and depth 600 mm and stay here in a very acceptable range. The table height is for filling a drinking vessel 83 here 850 mm.

In both versions, the device is distinguished by its very compact design, a suitable elegant design, small Dimensions and despite its complex control and functional diversity as of extremely user-friendly. The ease of use, and the particular magnetic drive and storage of bewegli Part keep wear to a very small degree, and allow the device a long life at the same time a low power consumption of approximately 60W at 230V.

Figs. 12, finally, shows a cross-sectional enlarged View of the apparatus of FIG. 4. The axis 20 is rigid and watertight connected to the radiator plate 31st For this is the Radiator plate 31 an opening 84 which closely by the axis 20 is completed. For 12, the axis element a flange-like thickening, which by the container 4 in the existing overpressure supports the sealing effect. On this rigid, non-rotating shaft 20 rotates inside of the water tank 4, the driven shaft 28 outside of the water tank, on the drive side, the drive shaft rotates 25. It is essential in the embodiment shown, ensure that the radiator plate 31 is not of a magnetizable Material, so that the magnet drive by this metallic barrier can reach through.

The container 4 includes a sample taken in the Fig. 12 from the circle Enlarge, which represents the tip 121 of the axis 20th provides an inwardly directed projection 122 in the container 4 a second peak, against the front side of the cylindrical Wall of the front shaft portion 120 of the shaft 28 is supported, whereas the rear side of the cylindrical wall of the forward shaft portion 120 of the shaft 28 opposite the Besag th Tip is positioned 121st

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

<dl tsize="4" compact="compact"><dt>1.</dt><dd>mains water supply</dd><dt>. 2</dt><dd>An electromagnetic water valve</dd><dt>. 3</dt><dd>Float with switch for water level</dd><dt>. 4</dt><dd>Container for Sodawasservorbereitung</dd><dt>. 5</dt><dd>Inlet - waterworks</dd><dt>. 6</dt><dd>Soda - Drain - water pipe</dd><dt>. 7</dt><dd>Soda - Drain - Faucet</dd><dt>8th.</dt><dd>Water - differential pressure switch for water shutoff</dd><dt>. 9</dt><dd>water stop</dd><dt>10th</dt><dd>carbon dioxide cylinder</dd><dt>11th</dt><dd>Carbon dioxide cylinder - guide</dd><dt>12th</dt><dd>Electromagnetic - carbonic valve</dd><dt>. 13</dt><dd>Carbonated - inlet line</dd><dt>14th</dt><dd>Carbonated - pressure switch</dd><dt>15th</dt><dd>Carbonated - Differential Pressure Switch</dd><dt>16th</dt><dd>Carbon dioxide cylinder - Empty status display</dd><dt>17th</dt><dd>Check valve for carbon dioxide</dd><dt>18th</dt><dd>Toroidal transformer</dd><dt>19th</dt><dd>electric motor</dd><dt>20th</dt><dd>axis</dd><dt>21st</dt><dd>Riemenantriebsrad</dd><dt>22nd</dt><dd>Transmission belts for fan</dd><dt>23rd</dt><dd>Drive belt for water mixer</dd><dt>24th</dt><dd>Pulley for water mixer</dd><dt>25th</dt><dd>A magnetic drive system for water mixer</dd><dt>26th</dt><dd>magnet</dd><dt>27th</dt><dd>Fan with Riemenantriebsrad</dd><dt>28th</dt><dd>rotatable shaft / Magnetic Water Mixer System</dd><dt>29th</dt><dd>Pallets for water mixer</dd><dt>30th</dt><dd>control electronics</dd><dt>31st</dt><dd>radiator plate</dd><dt>32nd</dt><dd>Refrigeration - Insulation </dd><dt>33rd</dt><dd>Peltier - heat exchange element</dd><dt>34th</dt><dd>Cooler for Peltier - Element</dd><dt>35th</dt><dd>seal</dd><dt>36th</dt><dd>Cooling area - thermostat</dd><dt>37th</dt><dd>Thermostat - Function display</dd><dt>38th</dt><dd>Cooling unit (on / off) - Switch</dd><dt>. 39</dt><dd>Cooling unit (a) - Display</dd><dt>40th</dt><dd>(On / off) - Main switch</dd><dt>41st</dt><dd>(A) - Display</dd><dt>42nd</dt><dd>Construction - frame</dd><dt>43rd</dt><dd>cover</dd><dt>44th</dt><dd>Electronic timer</dd><dt>45th</dt><dd>button</dd><dt>46th</dt><dd>roll frame</dd><dt>47th</dt><dd>water Cooler</dd><dt>48th</dt><dd>Wasseransaugleitung</dd><dt>49th</dt><dd>water pump</dd><dt>50th</dt><dd>Water supply line</dd><dt>81st</dt><dd>ribs</dd><dt>82nd</dt><dd>water level</dd><dt>83rd</dt><dd>drinking vessel</dd><dt>84th</dt><dd>opening</dd><dt>120th</dt><dd>front shaft section</dd><dt>121st</dt><dd>axis tip</dd><dt>122nd</dt><dd>head Start</dd></dl>