Drink Producing Apparatus With A Decompression Chamber Chargeable With Ambient Air, Household Refrigeration Apparatus As Well As Method For Producing A Drink

Abstract

The invention relates to a drink producing apparatus with a dispensing container, which is formed for receiving a first liquid addable to a drink by the drink producing apparatus and which is connected to a dispensing unit of the drink producing apparatus for conducting the liquid from the dispensing container to the dispensing unit, wherein a decompression chamber is formed between the dispensing container and the dispensing unit, in which the carbonized liquid can be expanded to a pressure lower compared to a pressure present before introduction into the decompression chamber, and the drink producing apparatus has an air supply unit, by which ambient air can be conveyed into the decompression chamber for generating the pressure in the decompression chamber. The invention also relates to a household refrigeration apparatus and a method.

Claims

1. A drink producing apparatus, comprising: a dispensing unit for dispensing liquid from the drink producing apparatus, a dispensing container, which is formed for receiving a first liquid addable to a drink by the drink producing apparatus, wherein the dispensing container is connected to the dispensing unit of the drink producing apparatus for conducting the liquid from the dispensing container to the dispensing unit, wherein a decompression chamber, which is formed between the die dispensing container and the dispensing unit and in which the carbonized liquid can be expanded to a pressure lower compared to a pressure before introduction into the decompression chamber, and an air supply unit, by which ambient air can be conveyed into the decompression chamber for generating the pressure in the decompression chamber.

2. The drink producing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a check valve is disposed between the air supply unit and the decompression chamber.

3. The drink producing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the air supply unit is an air pump.

4. The drink producing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the low pressure in the decompression chamber is between 2 bar and 2.5 bar.

5. The drink producing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a discharge line for discharging decompression gas from the decompression chamber is connected to the decompression chamber, and a throttle valve is disposed in the discharge line.

6. The drink producing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the dispensing unit has a dispensing opening, from which the drink can be dispensed, and the air supply unit is disposed such that air blown out by it is directed towards a jet of the liquid dispensed from the decompression chamber and the air is directly addable to the jet before the dispensing opening such that the orientation of the jet after the dispensing opening is variable by the air addition.

7. A household refrigeration apparatus with a housing, in which a receiving space for food is formed, and with a drink producing apparatus having: a dispensing unit for dispensing liquid from the drink producing apparatus, a dispensing container, which is formed for receiving a first liquid addable to a drink by the drink producing apparatus, wherein the dispensing container is connected to the dispensing unit of the drink producing apparatus for conducting the liquid from the dispensing container to the dispensing unit, wherein a decompression chamber, which is formed between the dispensing container and the dispensing unit and in which the carbonized liquid can be expanded to a pressure lower compared to a pressure present before introduction into the decompression chamber, and an air supply unit, by which ambient air can be conveyed into the decompression chamber for generating the pressure in the decompression chamber.

8. A method for producing a drink by a drink producing apparatus having the following steps of: providing a dispensing unit for dispensing liquid from the drink producing apparatus, providing a dispensing container, which is formed for receiving a first liquid addable to a drink by the drink producing apparatus, connecting the dispensing container to the dispensing unit for conducting the liquid from the dispensing container to the dispensing unit, conducting the carbonized liquid into a decompression chamber disposed between the dispensing container and the dispensing unit, expanding the carbonized liquid in the decompression chamber to a lower pressure compared to a pressure before introduction into the decompression chamber, wherein for adjusting the lower pressure in the decompression chamber, ambient air of the drink producing apparatus is conveyed into the decompression chamber by an air supply unit of the drink producing apparatus.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein a value between 2 bar and 2.5 bar is adjusted as the lower pressure.

10. The method according to claim 8, wherein the drink is dispensed from a dispensing opening of the dispensing unit and the air blown out by the air supply unit is directed towards a jet of the liquid dispensed from the dispensing container and the air is directly added to the jet before the dispensing opening such that the orientation of the jet after the dispensing opening is varied by the air addition.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] Below, embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail based on schematic drawings. There show:

[0033] FIG. 1 a perspective partial representation of an embodiment of a household refrigeration apparatus according to the invention with an embodiment of a drink producing apparatus; and

[0034] FIG. 2 a schematic representation of components of the drink producing apparatus.

PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0035] In the figures, identical or functionally identical elements are provided with the same reference characters.

[0036] In FIG. 1, a household refrigeration apparatus 1 is illustrated in certain areas in a simplified perspective representation. Here, the household refrigeration apparatus 1 is for example a combined refrigerator-freezer. The household refrigeration apparatus 1 is formed for storing and preserving food. It includes a housing 2, in which a first interior container 3 is disposed. Walls of the interior container 3 bound a first receiving space 4 for food, wherein this receiving space 4 is a refrigerating compartment.

[0037] Moreover, the household refrigeration apparatus 1 includes a further interior container 5, which bounds a second receiving space 6 with its walls, which is a freezing compartment. The two receiving spaces 4 and 6 are separated from each other. In the shown embodiment, the receiving spaces 4 and 6 are disposed one above the other in vertical direction and thus in height direction (y-direction). In the embodiment, they are preferably closable by non-shown, respectively separate doors, which are in particular pivotably fastened to the housing 2.

[0038] Moreover, the household refrigeration apparatus 1 includes a drink producing apparatus 7.

[0039] However, the drink producing apparatus 7 can also be formed as a separate independent apparatus and thus be installed independently of a household refrigeration apparatus 1 and operable independently thereof.

[0040] The drink producing apparatus 7 is disposed in a receiving area 8 of the housing 2. This receiving area 8 is separated from the receiving spaces 4 and 6. It can be provided that the receiving area 8 is bounded by walls of a separate interior container, which is also foamed in the housing 2. However, the receiving area 8 can also be formed integrated in the interior container 3 or the interior container 5.

[0041] In the embodiment, it is provided that the receiving area 8 is disposed between the receiving space 4 and the receiving space 6 in height direction.

[0042] The drink producing apparatus 7 is disposed accessible from the front side and thus from the front and the visible side. In particular, it is not closable and thus not coverable on the front side by a door.

[0043] The drink producing apparatus 7 has a housing 9.

[0044] In the embodiment, it is provided that the housing 9 and thus the entire drink producing apparatus 7 can be extracted from and again retracted into the receiving area 8 in depth direction and thus in horizontal direction corresponding to the z-direction corresponding to a drawer. In FIG. 1, the completely extracted state is shown.

[0045] Here, it is preferably provided that the horizontal displaceability is formed by a displacing device 10, which has multiple supporting positions. In the embodiment, it is provided that the displacing device 10 includes at least two, in particular four supporting positions. In the embodiment, they are formed as rails, which can also be extraction rails. In particular, here are disposed a first rail 11 in an upper left corner area, a second rail 12 in the upper right corner area, a third rail 13 in the lower right corner area and a further rail not recognizable in FIG. 1 in the lower left corner area. By this four-position support, a very secure and spread- and tilt-proof displacement, respectively, of the housing 9 is allowed.

[0046] Thus, the drink producing apparatus 7 is advantageously displaceably supported in the interior container 8. Advantageously, the displacing device 10 also has an extraction stop, by which the drink apparatus formed in particular as a drink producing apparatus 7 is secured in position in a completely extracted position shown in FIG. 1. Thus, over-extraction cannot be effected such that the drink producing apparatus 7 cannot fall out to the front and tilt downwards, respectively.

[0047] Advantageously, it is also provided that the displacing device 10 has a displacing protection, by which the drink producing apparatus 7 is disposed extraction-secured in the position completely retracted into the receiving area 8. Thereby too, undesired slipping out or protruding to the front then present is avoided. Undesired leakage or dripping of a liquid or hitting thereto is thereby prevented. This displacement protection can be a locking device. However, in addition or instead of it, a magnetic mount can also be provided.

[0048] Advantageously, an access 15 is formed at a vertical sidewall 14 of the housing 9, which is closed by a flap 16. After opening the flap 16, the interior of the housing 9 can be accessed such that the simple and unrestricted accessibility is allowed for purposes of exchange or filling. Additionally or instead of it, it can also be provided that a corresponding access is formed at an opposing further vertical sidewall 17 and/or at least one such access 15 is formed at a ceiling wall 18 of the housing 9.

[0049] Moreover, the drink producing apparatus 7 includes a recess or placing bay 19 on the front side, into which a drinking vessel can be placed, by which the drink to be produced and dispensed by the drink producing apparatus 7 can then be collected. The drink producing apparatus 7 includes a dispensing unit 20 with in particular a single outlet or a dispensing opening 21. Preferably, it can be provided that an own outlet is respectively present for discharging each liquid from a container. Moreover, it can also be provided that an additive in powder form or gel form or further liquid form can be admixed to this drink to be produced, which can be produced and thus mixed from at least two different liquids. Thereto, it can in particular be provided that a capsule receptacle 22 is formed, into which a capsule having the mentioned additive can be inserted. Upon dispensing the drink, this ingredient or additive is then removed from the capsule and added to the drink in particular after dispensing into the drinking vessel effected via the dispensing opening 21.

[0050] Moreover, it can in particular be provided that the drink producing apparatus 7 has a capsule storage 23 or a capsule stock. A capsule or multiple capsules can be stored in this capsule storage 23 such that they are always present locally at the apparatus itself. In an advantageous implementation, it can be provided that this capsule storage 23 is cooled such that the capsules located therein can also be stored correspondingly cooled.

[0051] Preferably, it is provided that the capsule storage 23 can be opened by push-push mechanics and the capsules received therein are then freely accessible for example in the form of a displaceable storage in the form of a rail and for example can then be simply removed from above.

[0052] Moreover, it can also be provided that the drink producing apparatus 7 has a cartridge for admixing carbon dioxide into the drink. Thereto, the accessibility for cartridge exchange is allowed via at least one present access 15. In an advantageous implementation, it is provided that the drink producing apparatus 7 is connected to a water connection external to household apparatus such that supply of water is for example allowed via a house water network. This has the additional advantage that a liquid to be added to the drink as water does not have to be stored in a largely dimensioned container in the drink producing apparatus 7 but that this container can then be smaller dimensioned and can be refilled depending on demand and adapted to situation. It can then also be provided that such a water supply for producing the drink is not supplied from the tank or the container provided for receiving this liquid in the drink producing apparatus 7, but additionally or instead thereof can also be passed directly from this line to the dispensing unit 20 and thus also to the dispensing opening 21.

[0053] Thereby, in particular in production of hot drinks instead of a cold drink, the required energy for heating is reduced since the initial temperature of the water is higher. If carbonization of the drink should then be desired, thus, this can be allowed via admixture of carbonized cold water, which is cooled in the drink producing apparatus 7, or via a carbonized second liquid, which is then present in the second container.

[0054] It is in particular provided that the drink producing apparatus 7 has a first container, in which a first liquid with a first freezing point, in particular water, is then provided or stored to then provide it for producing and dispensing a drink depending on demand. Moreover, the drink producing apparatus 7 includes a second container separated therefrom, which is formed for receiving a second liquid different from the first liquid, which has a freezing point different form the first liquid. In particular, the first liquid is water and the second liquid is alcohol such that the drink can also be an alcoholized drink.

[0055] In FIG. 2, the drink producing apparatus 7 is shown with partial components in a schematic representation. It includes a first dispensing container 24, which is formed for receiving a first liquid, for example water. In particular, the drink producing apparatus 7 includes at least one second dispensing container 25, which is formed for receiving a second liquid, which is also addable to the drink to be dispensed, in the embodiment. In particular, the two liquids differ with respect to their freezing point. The second liquid can for example be alcohol or an alcohol containing liquid. Therefore, the drink producing apparatus 7 is a mixed drink producing apparatus in this example. In particular, it is provided that the first liquid in the first dispensing container 24 and/or the second liquid in the second dispensing container 25 are carbonized and thus mixed with carbon dioxide. In order to avoid an undesirably bubbling or splashing dispensing of this at least one carbonized liquid at the dispensing opening 21, it is provided that a decompression chamber 26 is disposed on the line path between a dispensing container 24 and/or 25 and the dispensing opening 21. It is formed to reduce the pressure level in the carbonized liquid before the dispensing opening 21. Preferably, it is provided that an own, separate decompression chamber is associated with each dispensing container 24 and 25, in particular if both liquids in the dispensing containers 24, 25 are carbonized.

[0056] In particular, it is provided that the drink producing apparatus 7 has an air supply unit 27, which is in particular an air pump. Ambient air is sucked in and passed into the decompression chamber 26 by the air supply unit 27. Thus, the decompression chamber 26 is brought to the desired intermediate pressure level with the ambient air by this air supply unit 27, which is preferably between 2 bar and 2.5 bar. Therein, relevant degassing of the liquid is avoided in the short periods of time for decompression and for dispensing the liquid, and carbon dioxide is barely lost to the environment upon venting the decompression chamber 26 via a throttle valve 28 disposed in a discharge line 30. Thus, the remaining decompression gas can then again be discharged from the decompression chamber 26 via the throttle valve 28 in defined manner. Slow pressure decrease is effected and thereby uniform and smooth dispensing of liquid is allowed. In particular, a check valve 29 is disposed between the air supply unit 27 and the decompression chamber 26.

[0057] Thus, it is achieved that decompression of a carbonized liquid at the higher pressure level, the first liquid if it is carbonized and/or the second liquid if it is carbonized, is effected in the decompression chamber 26 filled with ambient air.

[0058] During drink dispensing various pressures exist in the decompression chamber 26. These pressures are in particular between 2 and 2.5 bar in order that the carbonized liquid gets from its dispensing container 24, 25, in which a pressure at ca. 4 bar exists, to the decompression chamber 26 in controlled manner and without too much degassing of carbon dioxide. Thereafter, the pressure is lowered to ambient pressure via the throttle valve 28 and then the carbonized liquid is dispensed. By the intermediate stage with the at least one decompression chamber 26, it is ensured that the carbonized liquid does not lose too much carbon dioxide until it reaches the receiving vessel and it is achieved that the liquid jet is smoothly and uniformly dispensed at the dispensing unit on the other hand.

[0059] In particular, it is provided that the air supply unit 27 is employed in multi-functional manner and is also formed for manipulating an orientation of a jet, which is to be dispensed from the dispensing opening 21, besides conveying ambient air into the decompression chamber 26. Thereto, it is provided that the air supply unit 27 is disposed such that air blown out by it is directed towards a jet of the first liquid and/or the second liquid emanating from the decompression chamber 26 and this blown out air is directly addable to this jet before the dispensing opening 21 such that the orientation of the jet is variable in defined manner after the dispensing opening 21 and thus upon exit from the dispensing opening 21 by this air addition. In particular, this is advantageous if a capsule not shown is present and disposed in its addition position such that upon opening the capsule a jet of the addition medium located therein leaks out and then meets with the jet from the dispensing opening 21 in defined height position. This height position is in particular above a receiving vessel, which is then located in the placing bay 19 of the drink producing apparatus 7.

LIST OF REFERENCE CHARACTERS

[0060] 1 Household refrigeration apparatus [0061] 2 housing [0062] 3 interior container [0063] 4 first receiving space [0064] 5 interior container [0065] 6 second receiving space [0066] 7 drink producing apparatus [0067] 8 receiving area [0068] 9 housing [0069] 10 displacing device [0070] 11 rail [0071] 12 rail [0072] 13 rail [0073] 14 sidewall [0074] 15 access [0075] 16 flap [0076] 17 sidewall [0077] 18 ceiling wall [0078] 19 placing bay [0079] 20 dispensing unit [0080] 21 outlet [0081] 22 capsule receptacle [0082] 23 capsule storage [0083] 24 dispensing container [0084] 25 dispensing container [0085] 26 decompression chamber [0086] 27 air supply unit [0087] 28 throttle valve [0088] 29 check valve [0089] 30 discharge line