DE19742301A1 - Assembly to prepare gas-enriched especially carbonated or oxygenated water - Google Patents

Abstract

In an assembly (1) to enrich especially drinking water with a gas especially carbon dioxide or oxygen, the novelty is that: (a) the assembly (1) has a gas reservoir (2) with a feed-pipe (3) to a mixing chamber (4) into which the water is sprayed under pressure with pressurised gas; (b) the gas-enriched water is discharged through an outlet (6) which is preceded in the direction of flow by a product stabiliser (7) with an enlarged cross-section.

Description

The invention relates to a device for producing gas-enriched water, in particular for producing drinking water enriched with CO ₂ and / or O ₂ .

The vitalizing effect of carbon dioxide or oxygen Soft drinks are known. In particular, it also delights drinking water enriched with carbon dioxide or oxygen increasing popularity.

It is therefore the task of creating a device of the type mentioned at the outset with which gas-enriched water and in particular CO ₂ - and / or O ₂ -enriched drinking water, if necessary, also in smaller quantities in the household, in a company or in a catering establishment can be manufactured and provided inexpensively.

The achievement of this task consists in the Device of the type mentioned in particular in that this has at least one gas supply, from which a gas line to leads to a mixing chamber, in which mixing chamber under one Gas atmosphere water can be sprayed with overpressure, the in water collected in the mixing chamber and enriched with gas a product outlet can be seen, which a product Stabilisa Tor or similar compensator in the direction of flow  is switched, the one line section with one from the water flowed enlarged line surface.

With the device according to the invention, a sparkling soft drink can be produced inexpensively from clear drinking water. For this purpose, the device according to the invention has a gas supply, from which a gas line leads to a mixing chamber. A gas atmosphere can thus be generated in the mixing chamber, which consists, for example, of CO ₂ and / or O ₂ gas. Pure drinking water with excess pressure can be sprayed into this gas atmosphere, which mixes with the gas to form sparkling drinking water containing carbon dioxide or oxygen. The CO ₂ and / or O ₂ -containing drinking water collects in the lower area of the mixing chamber and can be removed via a product outlet if necessary. In order to prevent degassing of the enriched drinking water during the removal process, the product outlet is preceded by a product stabilizer or similar compensator in the flow direction, which has a line section with an enlarged line surface through which the enriched water flows, with preferably the same or reduced clear line cross-section.

With the help of the product stabilizer or similar compensator should premature outgassing of the pressurized gas permeated water while relaxing while exiting the mixing chamber can be avoided. Doing so looks preferred Embodiment according to the invention that the product stabili sator or the like compensator in the water pipe Intermediate between mixing chamber and outlet valve Has line segment in which an inner part is provided and that the line segment in its clear cross section as well as the preferably form-fitting inner part in its outside Extends conically in particular in the flow direction. This results in a conical shape in the flow direction widening gap, that of the clear cross section of the line  segments on the one hand and from the outside in the special shape-matched inner part is limited on the other hand. Through this continuous enlargement in the direction of flow between the line segment on the one hand and the inner part on the other hand, the gap provided is also the Water surface of the through this line section flowing and gas-enriched water in the direction of flow continuously enlarged. This configuration prevents unwanted degassing of the enriched water during the Withdrawal at the product outlet.

To the flow rate of the flowing water through a Ver Enlargement or reduction of that in the product stabilizer to be able to adjust the gap, it is advantageous if the relative position between the inner part on the one hand and the Line segment on the other hand is adjustable. You can do that Inner and / or the outer part moves axially relative to each other be arranged in bar. It is also possible that either the inside or the outer part is held stationary in the device. However, an embodiment is preferred in which the inner part held adjustable in the line segment approximately in the longitudinal direction is, the relative position of the line segment on the one hand and the inner part on the other hand preferably by means of a Adjusting screw is adjustable from the outside. In this execution the inner part can be used for cleaning and testing purposes without Remove major disassembly of the device.

In order to additionally counteract undesired degassing of the water enriched with CO ₂ and / or O ₂ , for example, it is advantageous if the cross-section-changing transitions and / or the inflow surfaces of the line segment and / or the inner part are designed to be streamlined.

In particular, drinking water enriched with oxygen  a vitalizing and health-promoting effect. It can the oxygen contained in the enriched drinking water quickly and slightly of those located in the digestive tract numerous blood vessels. To the health promoting effects of such enriched drinking water In addition to favor, it is advantageous if in the for Mixing chamber leading water inflow line at least one filter element is interposed. With the help of this filter element can undissolved solid and / or floating parts, organic Substances such as herbicides, pesticides and chlorine as well as others in Substances contained in tap water are effectively filtered out be, so that these are neither taste nor hygienic the quality of the manufactured in the device according to the invention product.

It is particularly advantageous if the filter element is preferred is designed as an activated carbon filter. By using a Such activated carbon filter can even the smallest solids and unwanted flavors filtered out of the drinking water be so that the nature and quality of the invented The device supplied water almost irrelevant is.

A particularly advantageous embodiment according to the invention provides that the filter element in a filter chamber Device is arranged and that the filter chamber has an abdec kung, which can be sealed without tools. So is the filter element in the filter chamber from direct light well protected and insulated with a cover special pressure-tight sealed. This cover can be without greater effort from the filter chamber to be solved Replace filter element if necessary.

The simple handling of the invention direction favors if the filter element by inserting in  the filter chamber and especially by sliding it onto one Connection pin is connectable.

A particularly simple embodiment according to the invention provides before that the mixing chamber possibly over the filter element is directly connected to the water supply network. It can that of the water supply network in the device according to the invention inflowing water is easily sprayed into the mixing chamber and mixed with the gas inside if the Gas atmosphere in the mixing chamber opposite the water leech pressure has lower gas pressure.

A further embodiment according to the invention provides that the water by means of the line pressure of the water supply network can be sprayed into the mixing chamber and that into the water pipe on depending on the product level in the mixing chamber controllable control valve and possibly a check valve is interposed. That in this embodiment in the Intermediate control valve stops in the water supply line automatically add another water supply when the in the mixer chamber provided gas atmosphere due to the also in it accumulated and gas-enriched water a minimal volu men has reached.

Another preferred embodiment according to the invention provides before that the device has a water supply from which the optionally the water passed through the filter element Mixing chamber can be fed by means of a pump. Such Embodiment can also be used advantageously where the Connection to the water supply network not desired or not is possible.

The water supply of the device can be replenished manually be.  

It is useful if the water supply as a water storage chamber is trained. To the easy handling of the invention To favor device, it is advantageous if the water pre Council chamber or similar water supply a funnel is assigned, which is preferably an integral part of the Device housing and in particular by means of a cover is lockable. The hopper can optionally be used a coarse filter and / or be equipped with a sieve.

For dirt deposits, if necessary, on defined floor areas accumulate and wash away settled solids through the Prevent chamber drainage of the water supply into the filter room , it is advantageous if the water storage chamber or the same water supply against the outflow direction has a conically shaped chamber bottom, at the bottom Cone tip of the chamber outlet is provided preferably taper conically towards the chamber outlet has the chamber floor.

To prevent that even when using a pump accumulating in the mixing chamber and enriched with gas Water required for the further operation of the device Completely suppresses the gas atmosphere, it is useful if the pump with at least one water level switch in control connection is established and if a first one is assigned to the mixing chamber ter water level switch the pump when a switches off the specified product level.

A preferred embodiment according to the invention provides that a second water level assigned to the water supply switch is provided, which falls below one before given the water level, the pump switches off. It is advantageous if the second water level switch at a Water level switches, which is above the chamber outlet of the Water storage chamber is provided. This second water level  switch which switches the water supply in the event of insufficient water filling acts as an opening chamber, thus ensuring that there is no air in the between the filter chamber on the one hand and the water supply on the other hand, arranged partial area of the water inflow line can penetrate and that the prevailing in the filter chamber and negative pressure generated by the pump remains.

To ensure that the water flowing in from the water supply has sufficient Pressing pressure through the filter element and in order to flow side of the filter element for this a sufficient sub To be able to apply pressure, it is advantageous if the pump between the mixing chamber and the filter element into the water inflow device is interposed.

The device according to the invention can also be used without further ado the power supply can be connected if the pump has an elec trical drive, preferably an AC drive.

To cool the product enriched with gas from the product well To be able to remove the outlet, it is advantageous if the front direction has at least one cooling unit, which preferably in the water pipe between the mixing chamber and product outlet between switched and / or assigned to the water supply. By a cooling unit arranged in the area of the water supply can also counteracted contamination of the water supply will.

The manufacturing effort is significantly simplified if the Cooling unit (s) has at least one Peltier element (on point). Additional heat exchangers can also be provided be.

A preferred embodiment according to the invention provides that at least one gas bottle is provided as the gas supply and that a reducing valve in the gas line leading to the mixing chamber  or the like pressure reducer is interposed. It can this pressure reducer for changing and adapting the saturation amount of water with gas adjustable on the low pressure side be.

Another embodiment according to the invention provides that the saturation of the water with gas by admixing unange enriched water. It looks a preferred one leadership form according to the invention that of the filter element leading to the mixing chamber in the product outlet branch line is branched. Since both of that water coming to the mixing chamber and enriched with gas as also the non-enriched water diverted via the secondary line can be removed via a common product outlet the saturation of the desired amount of water with gas by the select the appropriate mixing ratio without further ado.

Further features of the invention result from the following Description of an embodiment according to the invention in Connection with the claims and the drawing. The single ones Features can be used individually or in groups at one time be implemented according to the invention.

In the single figure, a device 1 is shown, which serves for the production of gas-enriched water, in particular for the production of carbonated or oxygenated drinking water. For this purpose, the device 1 has a gas supply 2 , from which a gas line 3 leads to a mixing chamber 4 . In this mixing chamber 4 , 5 water can be sprayed in under a gas atmosphere in such a way that it mixes with the CO ₂ or O ₂ gas of the gas atmosphere. The enriched water then collects in the lower region of the mixing chamber 4 , from where it can be removed via a product outlet 6 .

The product outlet 6 is preceded by a product stabilizer 7 or the same compensator in the flow direction, which has a line section with an enlarged line surface through which the water flows, the clear line cross-section remaining essentially the same or smaller than at least the inflow-side section of the water line. With the help of this product stabilizer 7 , premature outgassing of the pressurized, gas-permeated water can be avoided during relaxation during removal from the product outlet 6 .

The product stabilizer 7 has a line segment 8 interposed in the water line, in which an inner part 9 is provided. The line segment 8 and the inner part 9 are adapted to one another in shape, the line segment 8 expanding conically in its clear cross section and the inner part 9 in its outer circumference at least in its front region in the flow direction. The conicity of the product stabilizer 7 , which is oriented counter to the flow direction, results in a continuous enlargement of the annular gap 10 and thus a continuous enlargement of the water surface in the flow direction.

In order to be able to change the flow rate of the enriched water, the line segment 8 and the inner part 9 are adjustable relative to one another in the axial direction. Thus, the gap 10 delimited by the line segment 8 and the inner part 9 can be enlarged or reduced as required. In the device 1 presented here, the inner part 9 in the line segment 8 is held adjustable in the axial direction, the inner part being adjustable by means of an externally actuated adjusting screw. The inner part 9 can thus be easily dismantled for cleaning and testing purposes and, if necessary, removed from the device 1 from the outside. The remaining between the product stabilizer 7 and the product outlet 6 line section is kept as short as possible, so that the section located in this line and when the product outlet 6 is partially gassed water quantity is minimal.

Instead of an - as here - adjustable inner part 9 , in addition or instead, the line segment 8 can also be designed as an outer part displaceably guided in the device and, like the inner part, can itself be designed as an externally adjustable functional screw. However, the embodiment shown here is preferred, in which the line segment 9 and optionally the water lines in the device 1 are already molded into the correspondingly compact device housing.

As is clear from the figure, a water storage chamber 11 is provided in the device 1 as a water supply. The storage chamber 11 has a hopper 12 which forms an upper tight seal of the storage chamber 11 and the manual filling of the device 1 is considerably facilitated by the funnel-shaped configuration of its filling opening. The filling opening of the hopper 12 can be closed by means of a removable cover 13 , which prevents contamination of the water stored by airborne dirt particles and direct incidence of light, and reduces the risk of undesired contamination of the stored water.

Since the filling funnel 12 is sealed off from the adjacent edge of the storage chamber 11 , the excess water can only escape through the filling funnel 12 and thus be easily recognizable if the storage chamber 11 is inadvertently overfilled. After removing the cover 13 , the storage chamber 11 is easily accessible via the filling opening of the filling funnel 12 for cleaning purposes.

In order to limit dirt accumulation on defined bottom portions of the supply chamber 11 and a flushing settled solids to be prevented by the drain port of the storage chamber 11 in the downstream area of the device 1, it may be advantageous if the chamber floor of the supply chamber 11 is configured conically in particular counter to the outflow .

The filling of the device 1 is possible - as here - either in batches by hand or continuously via a connection to the water supply network. In the latter case, the supply line can be carried out via a flexible hose of any length, which allows light-protected transport of the water. This hose can either open directly into the storage chamber 11 or - bypassing the storage chamber - be connected directly to the line section leading to the mixing chamber 4 . In the latter case, it is advantageous if the hose 14 indicated in dashed lines in the figure is connected on the device side to the further line section by means of a plug connection or also with the aid of commercially available hose screw connections, and if for this purpose the preferably pluggable connection 30 between the storage chamber 11 and a subsequent filter chamber 15 is interrupted. In this case, since the storage chamber 11 is no longer filled and the water in the water inflow line of the device 1 is reduced to a minimum, this has an advantageous effect on the inlet temperature of the water and the overall hygiene in the device 1 . A manual shut-off valve and / or a check valve or two check valves in and / or against the flow direction can be integrated in the hose 14 .

It can be seen from the figure that a filter element 16 is interposed in the water inflow line leading to the mixing chamber. The filter element 16 is arranged in the filter chamber 15 of the device 1 , which can be tightly closed by means of knurled screws or the like, which can be actuated without tools.

The filter element 16 is designed as an activated carbon filter, which consists of a filter block made of the finest activated carbon dust. The filter block used here combines an exceptional filter fineness with the high adsorption effect of the activated carbon, so that dirt particles down to 0.3 µm and taste-changing suspended particles and pollutants up to 0.002 µm can be filtered out, so that the quality and quality of the water supplied is almost is irrelevant. The water pressure required for the forced flow of the filter element 16 is brought about by means of a pump 17 by negative pressure and additionally or instead by the line pressure of the water supply network.

In order to prevent solid particles caused by production in the device 1 from being washed out, the filter element 16 is rinsed before it is put into operation for the first time and, for hygienic reasons, is additionally mixed with metal ions. The filter element 16 is then easily connected by inserting it into the filter chamber 15 and in particular by sliding it onto a connecting pin which is not shown here. This connecting pin is circumferentially sealed with respect to the receiving bore in the filter element 16 , so that positive guidance of the water flowing into the mixing chamber 4 is ensured.

When the filter element 16 is started up, its venting and the venting of the filter chamber is carried out automatically by the negative pressure of the pump 17 following on the suction side, the air in the filter chamber 15 being in front of the pump in the filter chamber due to the lower frictional resistance in the filter element 16 15 water is sucked. In the case of manual batch filling, an afterflow of air from the storage chamber 11 is avoided by the negative pressure generated by the pump 17 being held against the flow direction of the water on the outlet side of the filter element 16 by a check valve. This complete ventilation of the filter chamber 15 in the area of the filter surface counteracts contamination of the filter element 16 .

As the figure shows, the chamber bottom of the filter chamber can be in Direction to the filter element to be conical to dirt to limit deposits to defined areas of the floor and Cleaning of suspended solids in the connection to prevent truncation.

The pump 17 connected upstream in the mixing chamber 4 and here arranged in the line section between the mixing chamber 4 and the filter chamber 15 has an electric pump drive. The pump 17 conveys the water from the filter chamber 15 to the mixing chamber 4 , generates the required negative pressure on the filter element 16 and sprays the water with excess pressure via a spray nozzle 18 into the mixing chamber 4 . The delivery pressure of the pump 17 is greater than the gas pressure of the gas atmosphere 5 present in the mixing chamber 4 .

The pump 17 is at least provided with a first water level switch 19 in control connection, which is associated with the mixing chamber 4 and a switch off the pump 17 when passing in front of the given product level in the mixing chamber. 4 In the device 1 shown here, a second water level switch 20 is additionally provided, which is assigned to the storage chamber 11 and is connected in series with the first water level switch 19 in the drive circuit of the pump 17 . This second water level switch 20 switches off the pump 17 falls below a predetermined minimum water level in the reservoir chamber 11 from which is above the chamber outlet of the water storage chamber is set. 11 This prevents air from entering the water inflow line and maintains the negative pressure applied to the filter element 16 .

The pump 17 is preferably attached to the cover 21 of the mixing chamber 4 in order to achieve the shortest and as straight as possible connections between the pressure side of the pump 17 and the spray nozzle 18 located in the mixing chamber 4 and to counteract an undesirable pressure drop in this line section. A mechanical and acoustic decoupling of the pump 17, on the one hand, and the device housing 18, on the other hand, can be achieved by mounting the pump on vibratable rubber tabs, rubber feet or similar molded rubber parts which are positively and / or non-positively connected to the pump 17 and / or the device housing .

If the water or line pressure in the water line is sufficiently high, the pump 17 can be dispensed with and the device 1 can be connected directly to the water line network. The gas pressure in the gas atmosphere 5 is to be regulated so that it is lower than the line pressure of the water supply network with which the water is sprayed into the mixing chamber. In this embodiment, which is not shown here, a control valve, which can be controlled as a function of the product level and is in control connection with the first water level switch 19 , and optionally a check valve can be interposed in the water inflow line leading to the mixing chamber.

The water flowing into the mixing chamber 4 via the water inflow line is sprayed into the gas atmosphere 5 via the spray nozzle 18 . The spray nozzle 18 atomizes the water in the mixing chamber 4 . The atomization of the water causes the largest possible enlargement of the water surface and thus favors good binding properties and the best possible use of the gas. The spray angle of the spray nozzle is preferably selected so that its spray mist takes advantage of the entire space available in the mixing chamber 4 .

In the mixing chamber 4 , the water sprayed in via the spray nozzle 18 is mixed with the gas under pressure in the mixing chamber 4 . While the prevailing gas pressure in the mixing chamber 4 when using a pump 17 is above the water line pressure of the water inflow line, the gas pressure should be the gas pressure in a device not shown here, which is designed without a pump 17 and is directly connected to the water line network compared to the water supply pressure of the water supply network to be lower, so that the water can be sprayed into the gas atmosphere 5 located in the mixing chamber 4 solely by means of the water supply pressure via the spray nozzle 18 .

The mixing chamber 4 is sealed by an upper mixing chamber cover 21 . The mixing chamber cover 21 is circumferentially pressure-tightly sealed against the adjacent area of the mixing chamber 4 and protects the mixing chamber 4 from direct light. The mixing chamber cover 21 is preferably mounted by means of screws or similar fasteners and can not be solved without tools or the like auxiliary means. On the mixing chamber cover 21 , in addition to the pump 17 , all other function-relevant parts, such as the spray nozzle 18 , the connecting piece of the gas line 3 , the water level switch 19 and a pressure gauge connection for a pressure gauge 22 are provided.

The manometer 22 used to display the gas pressure on the low pressure side is preferably connected so that the gas pressure prevailing in the mixing chamber is displayed. In addition or instead of this, a manometer can also be connected directly to the pressure reducer 23 provided on the gas supply 2 or to the supply line between the pressure reducer 23 and the mixing chamber 4 in order to be able to check the filling level of the gas supply 2 . By connecting a pressure gauge on the bottom, instead of the gas pressure, the equivalent water pressure in the mixing chamber 4 can also be displayed.

In order to constantly maintain a gas atmosphere 5 for atomizing the water in the mixing chamber 4 , the maximum filling level of the water accumulating in the mixing chamber 4 is adjusted with the aid of the water level switch 19 so that the spray nozzle 18 is never in the water. The water level switch 19 , which is also designed as a float switch, is arranged in the mixing chamber 4 in such a way that it has an opening effect when the maximum fill level of the water is reached and interrupts the circuit leading to the pump 17 . The switching hysteresis of the water level switch 19 should be as small as possible, so that water is sprayed into the mixing chamber 4 again immediately after removal of gas-permeated water at the product outlet 6 and the amount of water removed is replenished there.

The venting of the mixing chamber 4 required for starting up the device 1 can preferably be carried out manually. It is possible, for example, to design a screw provided for fastening the cover 21 and / or the associated device-side screw receptacle in such a way that the mixing chamber 4 can be vented by hand on this screw and without further aids. Instead, however, ventilation can also be provided elsewhere in the area of the cover 21 and, for example, be carried out via an automatic valve for constant automatic ventilation.

When the product outlet 6 is actuated, the gas-permeated water is conveyed by the gas pressure prevailing in the mixing chamber 4 and greater than atmospheric pressure. The removal of the gas-permeated water takes place at the deepest point of the mixing chamber 4 , either - as here - via an outlet opening provided in the chamber bottom of the mixing chamber 4 or via the cover 21 by means of a dip tube leading into the lower region of the mixing chamber 4 .

The volume of the mixing chamber 4 is designed to be larger in comparison to the volume of the storage chamber 11 or the filter chamber 15 , since the pressurized gas-pressurized water counteracts contamination and thus a larger amount of the water in the device 1 , in particular also in batch operation, is stored hygienically without hesitation can be.

The pump capacity or delivery rate of the device 1 is designed for the average need of a household or a catering establishment for table water and / or oxygen-enriched water. The flow rate of the filter element 16 corresponds at least to the delivery rate of the pump 17th

A gas pressure bottle with a shut-off valve is provided as the gas supply 2 , which can be accommodated outside the device 1 or preferably integrated into the device 1 . The size of this gas bottle and thus the corresponding gas supply 2 should at least be based on the average household's need for table and / or oxygen water within two to three months. As the figure shows, the pressure reducer 23 , which can preferably be assembled by hand, is provided at the outlet of the gas bottle and reduces the gas pressure inside the gas bottle as constantly as possible to the gas pressure required in the mixing chamber 4 . In order to prevent an uncontrolled pressure rise in the mixing chamber 4 in the event of a fault, a pressure relief valve with a drain, preferably integrated in the pressure reducer 23 , can be seen before. If the pressure reducer 23 is adjustable on the low pressure side, the saturation quantity of the water with gas can be changed via the set pressure. In contrast, however, a permanently set pressure reducer 23 has the advantage that inexperienced users cannot erroneously set excessive pressures on the device 1 . In the latter case, the different saturation of the water with gas can be achieved by admixing non-enriched still water.

As indicated in the figure, the device can also be equipped with an external and / or internal cooling unit if required. With the help of this cooling unit, the stationary cooling of the water stored in the mixing chamber 4 or the storage chamber 11 or additionally or instead of the continuous cooling of the water removed from the mixing chamber 4 is possible. Cooling the water can counteract contamination and increase the refreshing effect of the gas-permeated water. The cooling unit is optional and can be integrated without significant structural changes to the device 1 . It is also possible that the device 1 is already designed in the factory for the use of an internal and / or external cooling unit. In particular when using at least one Peltier element, the cooling unit works maintenance-free, without noise and without pollutants and, if necessary together with the device 1 , only has to be connected to the electrical power supply.

As the figure shows, continuous cooling can be interposed, for example, in the water line provided between the mixing chamber 4 and the product stabilizer 7 . It is possible to attach the cooling unit 24 required for continuous cooling to the device 1 without aids. The cold-side heat exchanger consists of two halves which, when joined together, result in a duct system with a defined inlet and outlet, which causes the water to flow, whereby entering water is preferably first led to the coldest point of the heat exchanger in the area of a Peltier element 25 and only then to the warmer edge areas. The cold-side heat exchanger of the cooling unit 24 serves as a cold store, the temperature of the cooler being significantly colder than that of the water to be cooled in order to promote heat transfer. The capacity of the cold-side heat exchanger is designed so that the average amount of gas-permeated water can be cooled to the desired temperature by convection within the lead time through the heat exchanger. The cold-side heat exchanger is insulated to minimize the supply of heat from the ambient air.

For stationary cooling - not shown here can be on the device side in the housing wall of one or more Chambers openings are provided, in which a cooling unit is installed in a form-fitting and / or non-positive manner, the openings if cooling is omitted by separate Parts and / or parts of the cooling unit are closed. Possible but it is also the openings on the device side that are necessary Housing wall of one or more chambers only afterwards create. A suitable one can be found on the cold side (water side) Heat exchanger be attached so that heat transfer from Water through the housing wall to the cooling unit with little stem thermal resistance occurs. The heat rope offers shear the largest possible surface and the Heat transfer from the water to the heat exchanger can preferably be without Aids are made by free convection. The heat exchanger is preferably constantly flushed with water on the water side, so that preferably by arranging the heat exchanger in the area warmer Layers of water, an automatic thermal revolution of the Water is created inside the mixing chamber. The cold side Heat exchanger is essential compared to the water to be cooled colder to promote heat transfer. He offers Cooling side towards the best possible due to a flat contact surface Heat transfer. When cooling in more than one chamber, the cold-side heat exchanger preferably formed in one piece. Should several parallel cold side heat exchangers with one operated only Peltier element or the like cooling unit be, it is advantageous if these heat exchangers form and / or non-positive with a good heat-conducting bridge are connected. When using multiple heat exchangers instead, however, a correspondingly large number of Peltier or cooling elements are used.  

Towards the warm side are the cold side heat exchanger or the Thermal bridges are insulated accordingly, the outer surfaces should be geometrically designed so that they are from the Cold side of the Peltier or similar cooling element completely be covered. The Peltier or the like cooling element itself can only be non-positive between cold and warm side heat exchanger are clamped, the to Bracing used screw connection between cold and warm side gem should be thermally separated while by additional springing a bracing and / or tilting this Cooling element can be excluded during assembly. To the To favor heat transfer is the heat-side heat exchanger much warmer than the ambient air. This warm side The heat exchanger is preferably the largest as a fin cooler possible surface with minimum volume required, alternatively, the use of a simple, plate-shaped moderate exchanger is conceivable. To get the best possible, homogeneous Heat distribution in the exchanger and the fastest possible heat to achieve discharge in the area of the cooling element is the warm-side heat exchanger in the area of the cooling element thick-walled educated. The cooling of the heat exchanger can without further use of coolants only by the Ambient air and preferably by means of free convection and Heat radiation and / or by forced convection a fan. The heat exchanger is on the warm side preferably in a poorly heat-conducting and in particular Plastic existing housing integrated so that a channel forms between the heat exchanger and the housing wall, which through a chimney effect (air inlet at the bottom, air outlet at the top) and a forced higher flow velocity of the Air has better heat transfer, especially with free convection caused by the heat exchanger to the ambient air. This effect can be integrated by rib-like, in the inside of the housing Free flow breakers are reinforced, which are turbulent Favor flow conditions. When using multiple  Peltier or cooling elements should preferably be a common one warm side heat exchanger can be used. By one Housing surrounding the heat exchanger can also be a Protect users from possible burn injuries will.

With regard to the attachment of the cooling element between the cold and warm side heat exchanger, the heat transfer, the ther mix separation, the function and design of the warm side Heat exchanger, the housing design and heat transfer stationary cooling or continuous cooling in the same Way to design.

In the figure it can be seen that the device 1 has two off valves 26 , 27 . While a first outlet valve is interposed in the water line provided between the product stabilizer 7 and the product outlet 6 , the outlet valve 27 is used to open and close a secondary line 28 which branches off from the water line leading from the filter element 16 to the mixing chamber 4 and which likewise opens into the product outlet 6 . Thus, at the product outlet 6 by actuating the outlet valve 26 carbonated or oxygen-enriched water and, in addition or instead, when the outlet valve 27 is actuated, still, filtered water can also be removed. The outlet valves 26 , 27 are designed as electrically controllable valves or preferably as manually operable valves. The outer parts of the manually operable valves are preferably geometrically and functionally integrated directly into the cover and / or housing parts of the device 1 . In order to avoid a further deflection mechanism for actuating the valves 26 , 27 , the outer pressure surfaces of the valves can already form a unit with the valve tappets. The outlet valves 26 , 27 shown here can be opened against a return spring. These valves 26 , 27 are characterized by a push-button function with a short travel range.

In order not to allow air to enter through the product outlet 6 during pump operation and the resulting negative pressure, a check valve (not shown here) is provided in the secondary line 28 . This check valve can be designed, for example, as a cone with a spring that is integrated in the valve tappet or instead can also be designed, for example, as a ball or piston. However, it is also possible to use a valve which acts depending on the pressure differences present at the check valve. The outlet valves 26 , 27 open on the outflow side into the common product outlet 6 , so that the degree of saturation of the water removed from the device 1 can be changed individually by actuating the valves 26 , 27 accordingly.

The product outlet 6 should be designed so that access for aerobic bacteria and germs is difficult. Due to the design of the valves 26 , 27 and the built-in outflow lock in the product outlet 6, an immediate interruption of the water flow is achieved when the valve buttons are released and dripping of the water at the product outlet 6 is effectively prevented. The product outlet 6 , which is cone-shaped and is an integral part of the device housing 1 and / or a cover, has an upwardly oriented vent hole to ensure a round and uniform flow of water emerging.

The device 1 is designed so that all functionally relevant parts are integrated in the device or can optionally be integrated. By using molded parts, many functions and functional units can be integrated directly into the corresponding housing parts. This makes it possible to dispense with separate additional parts such as hose lines, connections and the like, which promotes ease of servicing, counteracts wear, reduces assembly or operating errors, and reduces manufacturing costs. Apart from the filter element 16 to be replaced if necessary, the device 1 works maintenance-free. All parts in contact with the product are made of plastic, chrome or stainless steel and are food-safe and tasteless and have a low surface roughness, which further reduces the risk of contamination. The entire device including all function steep is closed by means of a loosely placed cover, the power supply of the device 1 being interrupted by means of a switch contact arranged on the cover by the cover removed from the device housing. The device 1 can thus only be put into operation when the cover is in place.

With the help of the device 1 , CO ₂ or O ₂ gas can be produced in an ecologically and economically sensible manner in the household because the costs and environmental pollution associated with the logistics and the cycle of deposit bottles are eliminated. The supply price of the table water produced in the device 1 is cheaper compared to a bottled mineral water. The water produced in device 1 and enriched with carbon dioxide or oxygen is characterized by its refreshing and health-promoting effect.

Claims (31)

1. Device ( 1 ) for producing gas-enriched water, in particular drinking water enriched with CO ₂ and / or O ₂ , with at least one gas supply ( 2 ), from which a gas line ( 3 ) leads to a mixing chamber ( 4 ), in which mixing chamber ( 4 ) water can be sprayed under excess pressure under a gas atmosphere ( 5 ), the water collected in the mixing chamber ( 4 ) and enriched with gas being able to be removed via a product outlet ( 6 ), to which a product stabilizer ( 7 ) or the like Compensator is connected upstream in the flow direction, which has a line section with an enlarged line surface through which water flows. 2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the product stabilizer ( 7 ) has a line segment ( 8 ) connected in the water line, in which an inner part ( 9 ) is provided, and that the line segment ( 8 ) in its clear cross section and the preferably shape-adapted inner part ( 9 ) in its outer circumference in particular widen conically in the flow direction. 3. Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the inner part ( 9 ) in the line segment ( 8 ) is held adjustable approximately in the longitudinal direction and that the relative position of the line segment ( 8 ) on the one hand and the inner part ( 9 ) on the other hand preferably by means of a Adjusting screw is adjustable from the outside. 4. Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the cross-section-changing transitions and / or the inflow surfaces of the line segment ( 8 ) and / or the inner part ( 9 ) are designed to be streamlined. 5. Device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that at least one filter element ( 16 ) is interposed in the water supply line leading to the mixing chamber ( 4 ). 6. Device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the filter element ( 16 ) is preferably designed as an activated carbon filter. 7. Device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the filter element ( 16 ) in a filter chamber ( 15 ) of the device ( 1 ) is arranged and that the filter chamber ( 15 ) has a cover ( 29 ) which by means fasteners that can be operated without tools can be closed tightly. 8. Device according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the filter element ( 16 ) can be connected by inserting it into the filter chamber ( 15 ) and in particular by pushing it onto a connecting pin. 9. Device according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the mixing chamber ( 4 ) is optionally connected directly to the water supply network via the filter element ( 16 ). 10. Device according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the water can be sprayed into the mixing chamber ( 4 ) by means of the line pressure of the water supply network and that in the water line a control valve which can be controlled as a function of the product level in the mixing chamber and optionally a check valve are interposed is. 11. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the device has a water supply from which the water optionally passed through the filter element ( 16 ) of the mixing chamber ( 4 ) can be supplied by means of a pump ( 17 ). 12. The device according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized characterized in that the water supply of the device is manual refillable and / or connected to the water supply network or is connectable. 13. Device according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the water supply is designed as a water storage chamber ( 11 ). 14. Device according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the water storage chamber ( 11 ) or the like water supply is assigned a filling funnel ( 12 ), which is preferably an integral part of the device housing and in particular by means of a cover ( 13 ) can be closed. 15. The device according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the water storage chamber ( 11 ) or the like water supply has a preferably conical tapering chamber bottom in the direction of the chamber outlet. 16. Device according to one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the pump (17) with at least one water level switch (19, 20) is in control connection and that a first of the mixing chamber (4) associated with the water level switch (19), the pump ( 17 ) switches off when a specified product level is exceeded. 17. The device according to one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that a second, the water supply to arranged water level switch ( 20 ) is provided which switches off the pump ( 17 ) when the water level falls below a predetermined level. 18. Device according to one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that the second water level switch ( 20 ) switches at a water level which is provided above the chamber outlet of the water storage chamber ( 11 ). 19. Device according to one of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that the pump ( 17 ) is interposed between the mixing chamber ( 4 ) and filter element ( 16 ) in the water inflow line. 20. Device according to one of claims 1 to 19, characterized in that the pump ( 17 ) has an electric drive, preferably an AC drive. 21. Device according to one of claims 1 to 20, characterized in that the pump ( 17 ) on a mixing chamber cover ( 21 ) and / or relative to the device ( 1 ) is fixed vibration-damped. 22. Device according to one of claims 1 to 21, characterized in that a check valve is interposed in the water line between the filter element ( 16 ) and the pump ( 17 ), and that the check valve is preferably integrated into the pump inlet. 23. Device according to one of claims 1 to 22, characterized in that the device ( 1 ) has at least one cooling unit ( 24 ), which is preferably interposed in the water line between the mixing chamber ( 4 ) and product outlet ( 6 ) and / or the water storage chamber ( 11 ) and / or the mixing chamber ( 4 ) is assigned. 24. Device according to one of claims 1 to 23, characterized in that the cooling unit (s) ( 24 ) has (have) at least one Peltier element ( 25 ). 25. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 24, characterized characterized in that the mixing chamber volume to the maximum required product volume is adjusted. 26. Device according to one of claims 1 to 25, characterized in that the product outlet ( 6 ) is assigned at least one preferably manually operable outlet valve ( 26 , 27 ). 27. The device according to one of claims 1 to 26, characterized in that at least one gas bottle is provided as the gas supply ( 2 ) and that a reducing valve or the like pressure reducer ( 23 ) is interposed in the gas line leading to the mixing chamber ( 4 ). 28. Device according to one of claims 1 to 27, characterized in that the pressure reducer ( 23 ) for changing and adjusting the saturation amount of water with gas is adjustable on the low pressure side. 29. Device according to one of claims 1 to 28, characterized characterized in that the saturation of the water with gas through Unriched water is added. 30. Device according to one of claims 1 to 29, characterized in that from the filter element ( 16 ) to the mixing chamber ( 4 ) leading water line in the product outlet ( 6 ) opening branch line ( 28 ) is branched. 31. The device according to one of claims 1 to 30, characterized in that a check valve and / or an outlet valve ( 27 ) is provided in the secondary line.