DE20215897U1 - Soda water prepared from tap water in via filter assembly and gas release unit - Google Patents

Abstract

An assembly to converts tap water to carbonated water. The assembly has a device releasing gas into the water, a device to hold the water container and a water filter. The water is introduced first via the filter and is then surrendered to the water container. The assembly further has a valve-regulated gas supply. The water filter is interchangeable. The gas supply (14) has a mechanical release (16) and locking device.

Description

Device for filtering liquid and dissolving a Gas in a liquid

The present invention relates to a device for filtering a liquid and for dissolving a gas in a liquid, in particular for producing a carbonated beverage.

Carbonated drinks are very popular as soft drinks. For consumers, the sensory perception of many well-known alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks is inseparably linked to the sparkling and refreshing taste that is created by the gas content. For example, many people find mineral water without a certain carbon dioxide content unpleasant and stale.

Although a wide variety of ready-to-use carbonated drinks are available for purchase, many people make use of the option of making such drinks at home from simple tap water. This is an advantage when price-consciousness and the avoidance of transporting heavy beverage supplies are paramount. A number of devices are known for this purpose, some of which, for example,

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known as soda makers. In addition, there is the problem with carbonated drinks that the gas usually escapes more or less quickly after the beverage container is opened for the first time. For this reason, various devices have been developed for drinks that have already been gassed, which enable the gas content to be refreshed.

Such devices for dissolving a gas in a liquid usually have a replaceable gas source in the form of a compressed gas cartridge, which can be connected in a pressure-tight manner to a container containing the liquid to be treated by means of a suitable device. In this way, gas can be transferred from the gas source into the pressure-tight liquid container, possibly manually dosed, and the liquid can be mixed with the gas. Furthermore, known devices of this type usually have a manually operated means for releasing the excess pressure in the liquid container caused by undissolved gas and/or one or more fixed pressure relief valves for limiting the excess pressure that can occur in the container.

These known devices require a whole series of actions to be carried out by the user in a set sequence in order to be used safely. For this reason, operation is prone to errors or, at best, cumbersome. In many cases, there are therefore considerable reservations about their use for safety reasons, for example in a household where children live and could use the device. These also relate to the fact that plain tap water is used to make a carbonated drink, for example, and there are often concerns about its cleanliness. It is also known that tap water can contain foreign substances absorbed by the pipes if it has been standing in the pipes for a long period of time, such as overnight.

It is an object of the invention to provide a device for dissolving a gas in a liquid which is simple, safe and flexible to handle.

This object is achieved by a device for filtering a liquid and for dissolving a gas in a liquid, in particular for producing a carbonated beverage, with a device for receiving a container for receiving the liquid, a filter device through which liquid can be introduced into the device and fed into the container, a gas source for providing a pressurized gas, a mechanical actuating device which can be brought into a first position in which a valve of the gas source is closed and into a second position in which the gas source valve is open, an inlet device connected to the gas source valve for introducing the gas into the container filled with liquid, the inlet device being spring-loaded in such a way that gas flowing out of the gas source automatically creates a pressure-tight connection between the gas source and the interior of the container and this is automatically released again after the gas source valve is closed, a mechanical locking device which holds the actuating device in its second position after actuation in such a way that the valve of the gas source remains open, an unlocking device with a pneumatically actuated piston, which is adapted to establish a connection between the interior of the container and the piston at an adjustable internal pressure of the container, so that the latter moves the actuating device into its first position and the gas source valve is closed by the action of the gas, and a venting device with a venting valve which is pre-tensioned into its closed position and is opened by a mechanical action of the actuating device when the latter is in its first position. Advantageous embodiments of the device are the subject of the associated subclaims.

According to the present invention, the device for dissolving a gas in a liquid has a device for receiving a container for receiving the liquid and a filter device, which are arranged in such a way that the liquid can first be introduced into the filter device and from there, for example via lines, can be filtered into the container. The device also comprises a gas source for providing a gas under pressure. The gas source has a valve via which the gas can be removed from the gas source. A mechanical actuating device, for example in the form of a button or lever, is used to open and close the gas source valve. This actuating device can be brought into a first position in which a valve of the gas source is closed and into a second position in which the gas source valve is open. The gas source valve is connected to an inlet device via which gas flowing out of the gas source can be introduced into the container filled with (filtered) liquid. For this purpose, the inlet device is adapted in such a way that it can create a pressure-tight connection between the gas source and the inside of the container, whereby the pressure-tight connection is created automatically by the action of the gas flowing out of the gas source. The inlet device is spring-loaded in such a way that the pressure-tight connection is automatically released again after the gas source valve is closed. The device also has a mechanical locking device which holds the actuating device in the second position after it has been actuated, so that the gas source valve initially remains open. A release device is provided to close the gas source valve again. This is connected to the container in such a way that, when the internal pressure of the container is adjustable, gas from the inside of the container enters the release device and acts on a piston provided in it to move it pneumatically. The piston in turn then brings the actuating device into its first position, so that the gas source valve is closed. Finally, a venting device is provided.

device is provided with a vent valve which is pre-tensioned in its closed position. It is only opened or kept open by a mechanical action of the actuating device when the latter is in its first position.

This design of the device means that tap water can be used to prepare drinks without any problems. Furthermore, the device is easier to use than other devices of this type and safety is increased. All that is required is to set the desired level of carbonation and then start the carbonation process using an actuating device. The process itself runs automatically without any further action being required by the user. Another advantage is that the process can run purely mechanically or pneumatically.

In a preferred embodiment, the filter device has at least one opening for the liquid inlet and at least one opening for the liquid outlet.

It is also preferred that the filter device has activated carbon as the filter material. The activated carbon can be the only filter material used or just one of several different filter materials.

In a preferred embodiment of the device, a fine-mesh fleece is arranged between the filter material and the liquid outlet of the filter device. In this way, it can be ensured that no filter material escapes from the filter device via the liquid outlet and enters the container together with the liquid. It is also preferred that a thick fleece is arranged between the filter material and the liquid inlet of the filter device, which is adapted

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is designed to absorb liquid and only release it evenly to the filter material when it is completely saturated. This fleece is modeled on the moss found in nature. It ensures even use of the filter material, high filter efficiency and a longer service life of the filter material.

It is also particularly advantageous if the filter device has a replaceable filter cartridge that contains at least the filter material and possibly other components of the filter device. In this way, the regularly required replacement of the filter material can be carried out quickly and easily.

In a further preferred embodiment, the device has a liquid tank that can be connected to the filter device. This liquid tank can advantageously have a liquid-tight closure. The liquid tank can thus be simply filled and then stored, for example in a refrigerator, until the liquid is needed. For example, it is also possible to carry the liquid tank with you together with the device after it has been filled and to use it at any time, even without access to a liquid source. It is then also advantageous if the liquid tank has an outlet valve. It is possible for this outlet valve to be opened manually. However, it is preferred that the liquid tank can be connected to the filter device, for example by putting it on, in such a way that the outlet valve is automatically opened when the connection is made by a valve opener provided on the filter device. This has the advantage that the securely closed liquid tank is only connected to the device via the valve, without there being any risk of liquid spilling. If the filter device comprises a cartridge, it is further preferred that the valve opener is arranged on the replaceable filter cartridge and can thus be replaced regularly in order to use it as

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Finally, it is also advantageous if the liquid tank has a ventilation valve that opens automatically when there is a negative pressure in the liquid tank and closes again automatically when the ambient pressure is reached in order to make it easier to empty the liquid from the liquid tank.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the introduction device comprises a movable container seal. This is arranged in a housing of the introduction device and can move towards and away from the container. The movable container seal can thus be brought into pressure-tight contact with the container in order to connect the introduction device and thus the gas source connected to it to the interior of the container in a pressure-tight manner via an opening in the container. The connection is separated again by moving the movable container seal away from the container. The movable container seal is pre-tensioned - advantageously by a spring element - into a position away from the container, so that establishing the pressure-tight connection requires a force, while the movable container seal moves away from the container independently in the unloaded state in order to separate the pressure-tight connection.

It is also preferred if the introduction device has a telescopic nozzle arranged in the housing, which can be extended into the container through the movable container seal. For this purpose, the movable container seal can have a bore. It is also preferred if the telescopic nozzle is preloaded into its retracted position by a spring. A force is then required for the telescopic nozzle to engage in the container, and the telescopic nozzle returns automatically to its extended position from the container after the force has ceased. The force required to retract the telescopic nozzle into the container can advantageously be caused by gas coming from the gas source into the

Introducing device in which a piston is provided at the upper end of the telescopic nozzle on which the gas acts. The telescopic nozzle preferably has a gas outlet opening at its lower end.

In addition, it is also preferred that the filter device is connected to the inlet device and that the inlet device comprises a housing in which the telescopic nozzle is arranged and which further has a channel through which liquid from the filter device can pass into the container. The inlet device then serves to introduce both the liquid and the gas into the container. The channel can comprise an opening in the movable container seal, whereby the channel can then be formed by part of the bore for the telescopic nozzle. It is then also particularly advantageous if a changeover valve connected to the gas source valve is arranged between the filter device and the inlet device, which is pre-tensioned - for example by a spring element - into its open position and is adapted so that it is closed by the action of the gas when gas from the gas source reaches the changeover valve. In this way, the changeover valve prevents undesired gas from the gas source from escaping through the inlet device and the connection to the filter device during operation of the device. It is preferred that the changeover valve operates pneumatically and has a movable piston on which the gas flowing into the changeover valve acts to close the valve.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the release device comprises a pre-selector valve for pre-setting the amount of gas to be introduced into the container. The pre-selector valve is designed and arranged in such a way that it blocks and releases the gas connection between the interior of the container and the pneumatically actuated piston of the release device and is pre-tensioned in its closed position. It is then

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It is advantageous if the pre-selector valve has a spring element whose tension can be changed from the outside in order to adjust the amount of gas introduced into the container. The tension of the spring element determines the pressure to be applied by the gas at which the pre-selector valve opens.

Furthermore, it is preferred if the gas content of the gas source is sufficient to supply several container fillings with gas, so that frequent replacement is avoided and the device is also well suited for travel.

It is advantageous if the device for limiting the excess pressure that can build up in the container by introducing the gas comprises a safety device. It is then further advantageous if the safety device has at least one valve that opens at a preset internal container pressure. A valve of the safety device can open at an internal container pressure that is approximately 1 bar higher than the highest pre-select level of the pre-select valve. If more than one valve is provided, a further valve of the safety device can open at an internal container pressure that is approximately 3 bar higher than the highest pre-select level of the pre-select valve.

It is also particularly advantageous if the container is a thermos container so that the desired temperature of the drinks can be maintained over a long period of time. It is particularly advantageous that the temperature of the drinks can be kept low in this way, since the solubility of gases in liquids decreases as the liquid temperature increases.

The invention is explained in more detail below using an embodiment with the aid of the drawings.

Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a device according to the invention for filtering a liquid and

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for dissolving a gas in a liquid at rest.

Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of the device of Figure 1 while a liquid is being filtered.

Figure 3 shows a schematic representation of the device of Figure 1 while gas is being dissolved in the liquid.

Figure 4 shows a schematic representation of the device from Figure 1 in the state in which the process of dissolving gas in the liquid is automatically terminated.

Figure 5 shows a schematic representation of the device from Figure 1 in the state in which the device is automatically vented.

Figure 6 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a filter cartridge.

The device 100 for filtering a liquid and for dissolving a gas in a liquid, shown in its resting state in Figure 1, comprises a holder 10 for a container 17 (not shown in this figure) for receiving the liquid. Containers 17 can be held securely in the holder 10 during operation of the device 100, wherein a mechanism can be provided which causes the container 17 to lock into place. An opening 18 is provided in the top of the holder 10, in which an up and down movable container seal 11 is arranged, the functioning of which is described further below. Between the inside of the opening 18 and the outside of the container seal 11 there is a circumferential sealing element 19. The container seal 11 has a central bore 20 running from its top to its bottom. A spring element 41, which is located on the top of the holder 10 or the bottom of a projecting upper

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edge of the container seal 11, presses the container seal 11 upwards. A disk-shaped sealing element 43 is attached to the underside of the container seal 11 for resting on the edge of an opening of a container 17 held in the holder 10.

A cylindrical housing 7 is attached to the top of the container holder 10 above the opening 18. In the housing 7 an elongated nozzle 21 is arranged, which has a bore 22 along its axis. The nozzle 21 has at its upper end a projecting edge 23 which forms a piston and whose edges are sealed against the inner wall of the housing 7 by a circumferential seal 24. In this way, the interior of the housing 7 is divided into two separate areas. A lower section of the nozzle 21 is located in the bore 20 of the container seal 11, with a certain distance between the inner walls of the bore 20 and the nozzle 21. The nozzle 7 is designed as a telescopic nozzle which can be moved downwards and upwards in order to insert the end of the nozzle 7 into and withdraw it from a container held in the holder 10. A spring element 42, which is supported on the upper side of the container seal 11 or the underside of the projecting edge 23 of the telescopic nozzle 21, presses the telescopic nozzle 21 upwards in the housing 7.

The device 100 further comprises a filter device 2. This has a liquid inlet 25 on its upper side and is connected on its lower side to a line 26 that leads to the telescopic nozzle housing 7. The filter device 2 is designed in the form of a replaceable cartridge that is held in a holder (not shown) of the device 100. A liquid tank 1 is also provided that can be closed with a lid (not shown). Liquid can be drained from the liquid tank 1 via an outlet valve 60. The liquid tank 1 can be placed on the filter device 2, with a valve on the filter device 2.

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opener 61 is provided, which opens the outlet valve 60 of the liquid tank 1 when it is placed on the filter device 2. A projecting part 62 of the liquid tank 1, which fits into a corresponding recess 63 in the top of the filter device 2, serves to align the liquid tank 1 and the filter device 2 with each other.

The filter cartridge 2 comprises a housing which has the recess 63 on its top. The opening 25 for letting in the liquid from the liquid tank 1 is located in the bottom of the recess 63. The valve opener 61 is also arranged centrally in the recess 63 and has the shape of a pin which extends upwards but does not protrude from the recess 63. Outlet openings 65 are provided on the underside of the cartridge 2 through which liquid from the cartridge 2 can pass into the line 26. A suitable filter material 67, such as activated carbon, is used to filter the liquid. A fine-mesh fleece 66 is arranged under the filter material 67 and in front of the outlet openings 65 inside the cartridge 2 and prevents filter material 67 from escaping from the filter cartridge 2. A compressed, i.e. slightly pressed, thick fleece 68 is arranged above the filter material 67, which is modeled on nature in that it holds liquid or moisture like moss and only releases the liquid to be filtered evenly over its entire surface to the filter material 67 underneath when it is completely saturated. In this way, the filter material 67 is used over its entire cross-sectional area. In addition, the fleece 68 prevents the filter material 67 from getting out of the filter cartridge 2 and into the liquid tank 1.

The device 100 further comprises a gas source 14, which is provided with a valve 3, via which the gas discharge from the gas source 14 takes place and can be regulated. The gas source 14, which can be a compressed gas cartridge, for example, is advantageously easily replaceable. To open

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An actuating lever 16 is provided for the gas source valve 3, the valve 3 being open when the lever 16 is depressed. The actuating lever 16 is pre-tensioned into its non-depressed position by a spring (not shown). The gas source valve 3 is connected to the telescopic nozzle housing 7 via a line 27, so that gas from the gas source 14 can pass through the line 27 into the area of the interior of the housing 7 located above the piston 23.

A changeover valve 4 is arranged in the line 26 between the filter device 2 and the housing 7 and can shut off the fluid connection between the filter device 2 and the telescopic nozzle housing 7. For this purpose, the changeover valve 4 comprises a cylindrical housing 36 in which a piston 37 is arranged which has an annular recess 40 in a lower region along its entire circumference. A circumferential sealing element 38a, b, c is arranged near the top of the piston 37 and on both sides of the recess 40, which seals the outside of the piston 37 around its entire circumference against the inner wall of the housing 36. The piston 37 is pressed upwards in the housing 36 by a spring element 39. In this position, the liquid line 26 is not interrupted because the piston 37 then assumes a position in which the liquid can flow through the changeover valve 4 in the space formed by the annular recess 40, the inner wall of the housing 36 and the sealing elements 38a, 38b. However, if gas flows through the gas inlet line 28 into the interior of the housing 36 when the gas source valve 3 is open, it presses the piston 37 downwards against the spring force of the spring element 39. Finally, the piston 37 reaches a position in which the sealing element 38b is located below the openings connected to the line 26. Then there is no longer any space available through which liquid can flow through the changeover valve 4 and the valve 4 is closed. If no more gas flows through the line 28 into the changeover valve 4, the piston 3 7 moves due to the spring element 3 9 back to

above that the valve 4 opens. Instead of the special changeover valve 4 described here, other suitable spring-loaded valves can also be used.

The device further comprises two safety valves 5, 6 and a vent valve 15, which are connected to the telescopic nozzle housing 7 via corresponding lines 29 and 30, respectively. Because the interior of the telescopic nozzle housing 7 is connected to the interior of the container 17 via the bore 22 of the telescopic nozzle 21 and via the space between the inner wall of the bore 20 of the container seal 11 and the outside of the telescopic nozzle 21, gas can escape from the container 17 to the outside via these valves 5, 6, 15.

The safety valves 5, 6 open automatically when a preselected internal pressure is reached and close again when the internal pressure falls below the preselected pressure. For this purpose, the safety valves 5, 6 have a cylindrical housing 31 in which a piston 32 is arranged, which is sealed against the inner wall of the housing 31 around its entire circumference by a circumferential sealing element 33. In this way, the interior of the housing 31 is divided into two gas-tight, separate areas. The piston 32 is pressed upwards by a spring element 34 in the housing 31, so that gas flowing into the interior of the housing 31 through the gas inlet line 29 cannot escape through the gas outlet 35 of the valve 5, 6. Only when the gas pressure exceeds a predetermined value is the piston 32 pressed downwards against the spring force of the spring element 34 far enough that the gas can escape via the outlet 35. If the gas pressure falls below the predetermined value, the piston 32 moves upwards again to such an extent that the gas is prevented from escaping. The valve 5 is set, for example, in such a way that it opens at an internal pressure in the container that is approximately 1 bar higher than the highest pre-select level of the pre-select valve to be described later, while the valve 6 is set, for example, in such a way that it opens at an internal pressure in the container that is approximately 1 bar higher than the highest pre-select level of the pre-select valve to be described later.

pressure which is approximately 3 bar higher than the highest pre-select level of the pre-select valve. Instead of the special safety valves 5, 6 described here, other suitable spring-loaded valves can also be used.

The vent valve 15 is always open when the gas source valve 3 is closed, and closed otherwise. For this purpose, the vent valve 15 has a cylindrical housing 44 in which a piston 45 is arranged which can be moved up and down in the housing 44 and is pressed downwards in the housing 44 by a spring element 47. The piston 45 has a diameter which is smaller than the inner diameter of the housing 44, and an annular sealing element 46 is fastened to the underside of the piston 45. The line 30 which runs from the telescopic nozzle housing 7 to the vent valve 15 leads into the housing 44 on the underside thereof, at a point which lies within the area enclosed by the annular sealing element 46. Furthermore, a rod-shaped element 48 is also attached to the underside of the piston 45, which extends from the piston 45 through the underside of the housing 44 and in the direction of the actuating lever 16 of the gas source valve 3. The rod-shaped element 48 is designed such that it is in contact with the actuating lever 16 and thus the piston 45 is pressed upwards in the housing 44 against the force of the spring element 47 when the actuating lever 16 is not in its depressed position, i.e. when the gas source valve 3 is closed. In this situation, gas which flows into the interior of the housing 44 through the gas line 30 can then pass around the piston 45 to an outlet 49. If, however, the gas source valve 3 is opened by pressing down the actuating lever 16, the rod-shaped element 48 comes out of contact with the actuating lever 16, so that the piston 45 is pressed downwards by the spring element 47 (see Figure 3). The sealing element 46 is pressed against the lower inner wall of the housing 44, so that no more gas can reach the outlet 49 and escape via the vent valve 15.

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can escape. Instead of the special vent valve 15 described here, other suitable spring-loaded valves can also be used.

The device 100 further comprises a mechanical locking device 12 which holds the actuating lever 16 in this position after it has been pressed down, so that the gas source valve remains open (see Figure 3). The locking device can, for example, comprise a spring-loaded pin 50 which engages in the actuating lever 16 when it is in the depressed position.

The device 100 is adapted to preselect the amount of gas that is to flow into the container 17 from the gas source 14 after actuation of the actuating lever 16. For this purpose, the device 100 comprises a pre-selector valve 9, which is connected to the gas line 30 in the same way as the vent valve 15. The pre-selector valve comprises a cylindrical housing 51 in which a piston 52 is arranged, which is sealed against the inner wall of the housing 51 around its entire circumference by a circumferential sealing element 53. In this way, the interior of the housing 51 is divided into two gas-tight, separate areas. The piston 52 is pressed downwards by a spring element 54 in the housing 51, so that gas that flows into the interior of the housing 51 through the gas inlet line 30 cannot reach the gas outlet line 55. Only when the gas pressure exceeds a value predetermined by the spring force of the spring element 54 is the piston 52 pushed upwards against the spring force of the spring element 54 so far that the gas can escape via the outlet line 55. If the gas pressure falls below the predetermined value, the piston 52 moves downwards again so far that the gas cannot escape. The desired gas quantity is set using a pre-selector knob 13, which can be screwed into and out of the housing 51. When the pre-selector knob 13 is screwed in, the spring element 54 is increasingly compressed,

while the spring element 54 is increasingly relieved when the pre-selector knob 13 is unscrewed. In this way, the spring force of the spring element 54 can be varied by turning the pre-selector knob 13 and thus the gas pressure can be selected at which gas can flow from the line 30 through the pre-selector valve 9 into the line 55. Instead of the special pre-selector valve 9 described here, other suitable spring-loaded valves can also be used.

The line 55 leads from the pre-select valve 9 to a release cylinder 8, which can be used to release the actuating lever 16 from the locking device 12. The release cylinder 8 comprises a cylindrical housing 56 in which a piston 57 is arranged, which is sealed around its entire circumference against the inner wall of the housing 56 by two axially spaced circumferential sealing elements 58a, 58b. In this way, the interior of the housing 56 is divided into two gas-tight, separate areas. The piston 57 is pressed downwards in the housing 56 by a spring element 59. However, if gas flows through the line 55 into the housing 56, the piston 57 is pressed upwards against the spring force of the spring element 59 to such an extent that a section 57a of the piston 57 protruding from the housing 56 touches the pin 50 of the locking device 12 and causes the release of the actuating lever 16 when the latter is held in its depressed position by the locking device 12.

Filtering a liquid

Figure 2 shows the device 100 while a liquid is being filtered. For filtering, a container 17, for example a bottle-shaped container, is pushed into the holder 10 of the device 100 until it snaps into the holder 10. Furthermore, the liquid tank 1 is removed from the filter device 2 and the lid of the tank 1 is opened. Now the liquid to be filtered is

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Liquid is poured into the tank 1 and the tank is then closed again using the lid. The tank 1 prepared in this way can be stored temporarily, for example in a refrigerator, or immediately placed on the filter device 2 to filter the liquid.

When the tank 1 is placed on the filter device 2, with the projecting section 62 of the tank 1 being inserted into the recess 63 in the top of the filter device 2, the outlet valve 60 of the tank 1 is opened by the valve opener 61 of the filter device 2. The valve opener 61 can be a protruding spike that presses a valve element of the outlet valve 60 into the interior of the tank 1 and in this way opens the outlet valve 60. Liquid can then flow through the opened outlet valve 60 from the tank 1 into the filter device 2. The flowing out liquid creates a minimal negative pressure in the tank 1, which opens a ventilation valve (not shown) provided on the tank 1, such as a rubber membrane that opens at a slight negative pressure, to the atmosphere, so that the liquid can flow out of the tank 1 without any problem. The liquid flows through the filter device 2, whereby any pollutants or suspended matter in the liquid are retained in the filter device 2, and finally reaches the liquid line 26. The filtered liquid flows through this via the changeover valve 4, which allows the liquid to pass unhindered when the gas source valve 3 is closed, into the lower part of the telescopic nozzle housing 7. From here, the liquid can finally flow through the gap formed between the outside of the telescopic nozzle 21 and the inside of the bore 20 of the container seal 11 into the container 17 inserted into the holder 10. After the tank 1 has been emptied, its ventilation valve closes again. In a typical embodiment, the filtering process takes, for example, about four minutes. In a typical embodiment, the filter cartridge is replaced after, for example, about 30 to 40 filterings or 30 to 40 litres.

tern filtered liquid.

After completion of the filtering process, the container 17 with the filtered liquid can either be removed from the device 100 in order to use the filtered liquid immediately (for example filtered water for making tea or coffee) or left in the device 100 in order to dissolve gas in the filtered liquid in a further step.

Releasing gas in the liquid

Figure 3 shows the device 100 while gas from the gas source 14 is being dissolved in the filtered liquid contained in the container 17.

The container 17 filled with the filtered liquid is held in place by the holder 10, into which the container 17 is locked. The desired amount of gas that is to flow out of the gas source and thus also the amount of gas that is to be dissolved in the liquid can now be set by turning the pre-selector knob 13. The process of dissolving gas in the liquid, such as carbonation, can then be started by pressing down the actuating lever 16. As will be described below, this process takes place automatically, with the device 100 operating pneumatically and mechanically.

By operating the operating lever 16, the vent valve 15 is closed and the gas source valve 3 is opened mechanically. In addition, the operating lever 16 is held in its depressed position by the locking device 12, so that the operating lever 16 is prevented from returning to its initial position in accordance with its spring preload, in which the gas source valve 3 is closed again. Gas then flows through the opened gas source valve 3

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from the gas source 14 into the gas lines 27 and 28.

The gas flowing from the gas source 14 into the line 28 passes through this to the changeover valve 4 and, as described above, presses the piston 37 downwards against the spring force of the spring element 39 so that the changeover valve 4 closes. In this way, the liquid path through the line 26 from the filter device 2 to the telescopic nozzle housing 7 is blocked and thus gas is prevented from escaping from the device 100 via the line 26 and the filter device 2 during the process of dissolving gas in the liquid in the container 17.

Gas flows through the line 27 into the upper part of the telescopic nozzle housing 7, which is delimited by the piston 23 and the sealing element 24. This not only results in gas flowing through the bore 22 of the telescopic nozzle 21, but also in an overpressure building up in the upper part of the housing 7 and the gas acting on the piston 23 in such a way that the telescopic nozzle 21 is displaced downwards in the telescopic nozzle housing 7 towards the container 17 and finally enters the container 17 through the container opening and immerses itself in the liquid. The strongly compressed spring element 42, which is supported on the top of the container seal 11, presses the container seal 11 against the spring force of the spring element 41 so far downwards in the direction of the container 17 that the disk-shaped sealing element 43 of the container seal 11 is pressed against the edge of the container opening and the interior of the container 17 is thus connected in a pressure-tight manner to the interior of the telescopic nozzle housing 7. The telescopic nozzle is now extended so far that its lower end is immersed in the liquid in the container 17.

The gas flowing into the container 17 through the bore 22 of the telescopic nozzle 21 creates an overpressure in the container 17 relative to the atmosphere, which determines the amount of gas that

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in the liquid, since the gas content of the liquid increases with increasing gas pressure. As already described, the desired overpressure can be set before operating the operating lever 16 using the pre-selector button 13 of the pre-selector valve 9. By turning the pre-selector button 13, the spring element 54 is compressed or relaxed. If the spring element 54 is compressed more strongly, a greater force is exerted on the piston 52 in the pre-selector valve 9, so that a higher gas pressure is required inside the container 17 in order to move the piston 52 upwards and thus allow the gas to pass through the pre-selector valve 9.

When the internal pressure of the container 17 finally reaches the preselected value determined by the preselect valve 9, gas flows through the preselect valve 9 into the line 55 and to the release cylinder 8 and presses its piston 57 upwards against the spring force of the spring element 59 so that the section 57a of the piston 57 protruding from the housing 56 touches the pin 50 of the locking device 12 and causes the actuating lever 16 to be released. The actuating lever 16 then moves into its non-depressed position due to its spring preload and in this way closes the gas source valve 3 in order to stop the flow of gas from the gas source 14. At the same time, the actuating lever 16 opens the vent valve 15 so that gas can escape from the container 17 and the rest of the device 100 via the line 30 and the excess pressure can be relieved. This situation is shown in Figure 4. If the internal pressure of the container 17 has dropped far enough, the telescopic nozzle 21 and the container seal 11 move upwards again into their respective starting positions (see Figure 5) due to the force of the spring elements 42 and 41 compressed as a result of the gas pressure. In addition, the changeover valve 4 opens due to the force of its spring element 39 compressed as a result of the gas pressure.

Now the device 100 is back in its rest state.

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and the container 17 with the gas-enriched liquid can be safely removed from the holder 10. The device can then be used again immediately.

The device 100 described is simple to operate and very safe. In order to dissolve gas in the liquid in the container 17, the desired gas content of the liquid must simply be set using the pre-selector button 13 and then the operating lever 16 must be pressed down. The device 100 then operates automatically, with the final venting process also taking place automatically, so that it is impossible for the container 17 to be removed from the holder 10 of the device 100 under pressure. Should the pre-selector valve 9 fail, the two independently operating safety valves 5, 6 ensure that the internal pressure of the container 11 is limited.

Claims (30)

1. Device ( 100 ) for filtering a liquid and for dissolving a gas in a liquid, in particular for producing a carbonated beverage, with
a device ( 10 ) for receiving a container ( 17 ) for receiving the liquid,
a filter device ( 2 ) through which liquid can be introduced into the device ( 100 ) and directed into a container ( 17 ) arranged in the container receiving device ( 10 ),
a gas source ( 14 ) for providing a gas under pressure,
a mechanical actuating device ( 16 ) which can be brought into a first position in which a valve ( 3 ) of the gas source ( 14 ) is closed and into a second position in which the gas source valve ( 3 ) is open,
an inlet device ( 7 , 11 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 , 41 , 42 , 43 ) connected to the gas source valve ( 3 ) for introducing the gas into the liquid-filled container ( 17 ), wherein the inlet device ( 7 , 11 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 , 41 , 42 , 43 ) is spring-loaded in such a way that gas flowing out of the gas source ( 14 ) automatically creates a pressure-tight connection between the gas source ( 14 ) and the interior of the container ( 17 ) and this connection is automatically released again after the gas source valve ( 3 ) is closed,
a mechanical locking device ( 12 ) which holds the actuating device ( 16 ) in its second position after actuation such that the valve ( 3 ) of the gas source ( 14 ) remains open,
an unlocking device ( 13 , 56 , 57 , 57a , 58a , 58b , 59 ) with a pneumatically actuated piston ( 57 , 57a ) which is adapted to establish a connection between the interior of the container ( 17 ) and the piston ( 57 , 57a ) when an adjustable internal container pressure is reached, so that the piston ( 57 , 57a ) moves the actuating device ( 16 ) into its first position due to the action of the gas and the gas source valve ( 3 ) is closed, and
a venting device ( 15 ) with a vent valve ( 15 ) which is biased into its closed position and is opened by a mechanical action of the actuating device ( 16 ) when the latter is in its first position. 2. Device ( 100 ) for filtering a liquid and for dissolving a gas in a liquid according to claim 1, characterized in that the filter device ( 2 ) has at least one opening ( 25 ) for the liquid inlet and at least one opening ( 65 ) for the liquid outlet. 3. Device ( 100 ) for filtering a liquid and for dissolving a gas in a liquid according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the filter device ( 2 ) has activated carbon as the filter material ( 67 ). 4. Device ( 100 ) for filtering a liquid and for dissolving a gas in a liquid according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a fine-mesh fleece ( 66 ) is arranged between the filter material ( 67 ) and the liquid outlet ( 65 ) of the filter device ( 2 ). 5. Device ( 100 ) for filtering a liquid and for dissolving a gas in a liquid according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a fleece ( 68 ) is arranged between the filter material ( 67 ) and the liquid inlet ( 25 ) of the filter device ( 2 ), which fleece is adapted to absorb liquid and to release it evenly to the filter material ( 67 ) only when it is completely saturated. 6. Device ( 100 ) for filtering a liquid and for dissolving a gas in a liquid according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the filter device ( 2 ) has a replaceable filter cartridge which contains at least the filter material ( 67 ). 7. Device ( 100 ) for filtering a liquid and for dissolving a gas in a liquid according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device ( 100 ) has a liquid tank ( 1 ) connectable to the filter device ( 2 ). 8. Device ( 100 ) for filtering a liquid and for dissolving a gas in a liquid according to claim 7, characterized in that the liquid tank ( 1 ) has a liquid-tight closure. 9. Device ( 100 ) for filtering a liquid and for dissolving a gas in a liquid according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the liquid tank ( 1 ) has an outlet valve ( 60 ). 10. Device ( 100 ) for filtering a liquid and for dissolving a gas in a liquid according to claim 9, characterized in that the outlet valve ( 60 ) is automatically opened by a valve opener ( 61 ) provided on the filter device (2) when the liquid tank ( 1 ) is connected to the filter device ( 2 ). 11. Device ( 100 ) for filtering a liquid and for dissolving a gas in a liquid according to claim 6 and claim 10, characterized in that the valve opener ( 61 ) is arranged on the replaceable filter cartridge ( 2 ). 12. Device ( 100 ) for filtering a liquid and for dissolving a gas in a liquid according to one of claims 7 to 11, characterized in that the liquid tank ( 1 ) has a ventilation valve which opens automatically when there is a negative pressure in the liquid tank ( 1 ) and closes automatically again when the ambient pressure is reached. 13. Device ( 100 ) for filtering a liquid and for dissolving a gas in a liquid according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the introduction device ( 7 , 11 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 , 41 , 42 , 43 ) has a movable container seal ( 11 ) which can be moved in a housing ( 7 ) of the introduction device ( 7 , 11 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 , 41 , 42 , 43 ) towards the container ( 17 ) into pressure-tight contact with it and away from the container ( 17 ), wherein the movable container seal ( 11 ) can be moved in a direction away from the container ( 17 ). ) remote position. 14. Device ( 100 ) for filtering a liquid and for dissolving a gas in a liquid according to claim 13, characterized in that the introduction device ( 7 , 11 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 , 41 , 42 , 43 ) has a first spring element ( 41 ) which effects the prestressing of the movable container seal ( 11 ). 15. Device for filtering a liquid and for dissolving a gas in a liquid according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that the introduction device ( 7 , 11 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 , 41 , 42 , 43 ) has a telescopic nozzle ( 21 ) arranged in the housing ( 7 ) which can be extended through the movable container seal ( 11 ) into the container ( 17 ). 16. Device ( 100 ) for filtering a liquid and for dissolving a gas in a liquid according to claim 15, characterized in that the telescopic nozzle ( 21 ) is prestressed into its retracted position by a spring ( 42 ). 17. Device ( 100 ) for filtering a liquid and for dissolving a gas in a liquid according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that the telescopic nozzle ( 21 ) has at its upper end a piston ( 23 ) which is adapted to cooperate with gas flowing out of the gas source ( 14 ) in such a way that the telescopic nozzle ( 21 ) is extended into the container ( 17 ). 18. Device ( 100 ) for filtering a liquid and for dissolving a gas in a liquid according to one of claims 15 to 17, characterized in that the movable telescopic nozzle ( 21 ) has a gas outlet opening at its lower end. 19. Device ( 100 ) for filtering a liquid and for dissolving a gas in a liquid according to one of claims 15 to 18, characterized in that the filter device ( 2 ) is connected to the introduction device ( 7 , 11 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 , 41 , 42 , 43 ) and the introduction device ( 7 , 11 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 , 41 , 42 , 43 ) comprises a housing ( 7 ) in which the telescopic nozzle ( 21 ) is arranged and which further has a channel through which liquid can pass from the filter device ( 2 ) into the container ( 17 ). 20. Device ( 100 ) for filtering a liquid and for dissolving a gas in a liquid according to one of claims 15 to 18, characterized in that a changeover valve (4) connected to the gas source valve ( 3 ) is arranged between the filter device ( 2 ) and the introduction device ( 7 , 11 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 , 41 , 42 , 43 ), which is prestressed into its open position and is adapted such that it is closed by the action of the gas when gas from the gas source ( 14 ) reaches the changeover valve ( 4 ). 21. Device ( 100 ) for filtering a liquid and for dissolving a gas in a liquid according to claim 20, characterized in that the changeover valve ( 4 ) has a spring element ( 39 ) for prestressing. 22. Device ( 100 ) for filtering a liquid and for dissolving a gas in a liquid according to claim 20 or 21, characterized in that the changeover valve ( 4 ) operates pneumatically and has a movable piston ( 37 ). 23. Device ( 100 ) for filtering a liquid and for dissolving a gas in a liquid according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the release device ( 13 , 56 , 57 , 57a , 58a , 58b , 59 ) has a pre-selector valve ( 13 ) for presetting the amount of gas to be introduced into the container ( 17 ), wherein the pre-selector valve ( 13 ) blocks and releases the gas connection between the interior of the container and the pneumatically actuable piston ( 57 , 57a ) of the release device ( 13 , 56 , 57 , 57a , 58a , 58b , 59 ) and is pre-tensioned into its closed position. 24. Device ( 100 ) for filtering a liquid and for dissolving a gas in a liquid according to claim 23, characterized in that the pre-selector valve ( 13 ) has a spring element ( 54 ) whose tension can be changed from the outside in order to adjust the amount of gas to be introduced into the container ( 17 ). 25. Device ( 100 ) for filtering a liquid and for dissolving a gas in a liquid according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the gas content of the gas source ( 14 ) is sufficient to add gas to several container fillings. 26. Device ( 100 ) for filtering a liquid and for dissolving a gas in a liquid according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device has a safety device ( 5 , 6 ) for limiting the excess pressure that can occur in the container ( 17 ). 27. Device ( 100 ) for filtering a liquid and for dissolving a gas in a liquid according to claim 26, characterized in that the safety device ( 5 , 6 ) comprises at least one valve ( 5 , 6 ) which opens at a preset internal container pressure. 28. Device ( 100 ) for filtering a liquid and for dissolving a gas in a liquid according to claim 27, characterized in that a valve ( 5 , 6 ) of the safety device ( 5 , 6 ) opens at a container internal pressure which is approximately 1 bar higher than the highest pre-select level of the pre-select valve ( 13 ). 29. Device ( 100 ) for filtering a liquid and for dissolving a gas in a liquid according to claim 28, characterized in that a further valve ( 5 , 6 ) of the safety device ( 5 , 6 ) opens at an internal container pressure which is approximately 3 bar higher than the highest pre-select level of the pre-select valve ( 13 ). 30. Device ( 100 ) for filtering a liquid and for dissolving a gas in a liquid according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device ( 100 ) comprises a thermos container ( 17 ) for reception by the container receiving device ( 10 ).