EP1795493A1 - Drink dispensing column with a cooled liquid line - Google Patents

Abstract

A bar beer supply tap (Z) assembly receives beer delivered through a pipe (L) one section of which (22) is enclosed within a cooling jacket separated from the pipe (L) by a void with a coolant (K).

Description

The invention relates to a gas pump with a liquid line, for example. Beer line, and a coolant line having a forward and a return, wherein the liquid line has a cooling section.

From the DE 40 31 777 C2 a beverage dispenser is previously known. There, it is provided that the dispensing device has a columnar housing, which surrounds both the beverage supply lines and the coolant lines. The beverage supply lines and the coolant lines are each designed as a coil and surrounded by a heat-conductive aluminum block arranged inside the housing. The latter forms a thermally conductive bridge between the coolant pipes having a supply and a return and the beverage supply lines. The region of the beverage supply lines surrounded by the thermally conductive material forms a cooling section for the beverage supply lines.

The invention has for its object to provide a dispenser of the type in question, which is characterized by an advantageous cooling device.

This object is achieved initially and essentially in a dispenser with the features of claim 1, wherein it is made clear that the cooling section extends within a vessel through which the liquid coolant flows. According to such an embodiment, a gas pump is designed with a cooling device, by means of which cooling device, a direct heat exchange between the coolant and the cooling section of the liquid line can be reached, since the positioned within the vessel cooling section is directly enclosed by the liquid coolant. In contrast to an indirect heat exchange as, for example, by a cooling section given surrounding aluminum block, here acts the liquid coolant heat exchange favorable on the cooling section of the liquid line. It is also advantageous that the coolant surrounding the cooling section flows through the vessel, which is accompanied by an improved and, above all, faster heat removal. In this respect, a constant and constant cooling temperature or quality of the dispensing medium is given. For example, pure water or the like can serve as a liquid coolant. It is preferably provided that the coolant line is part of a necessary cooling circuit, wherein the coolant flows through the circuit by means of a pump, for example. Centrifugal pump or the like. Through the pump, a flow and a return of the liquid coolant is achieved within the circuit. As a result, the flow-through movement of the liquid coolant within the vessel is realized. In order to set the coolant to a temperature value of preferably close to 0 °, it is proposed that a section of the coolant line, for example, passes through a conventional ice water bath, wherein the section may optionally be formed as a coil, so as to form an enlarged cooling surface of the coolant line. The ice water bath can be adjusted in a known manner by means of a refrigeration system or the like to the desired temperature. While the dispenser is positioned in a conventional manner on a dispensing counter surface, the ice water bath, the feed pump and connected to the liquid line reservoir for the dispensing medium is preferably arranged below the dispensing counter surface.

The subjects of the further claims are explained below in relation to the subject matter of claim 1, but may also be significant in their independent formulation.

Thus, it proves to be advantageous that the vessel is an integral portion of the coolant line. It is preferably provided that the cross section of the vessel is dimensioned larger than the cross section of the coolant line, so that within the vessel is formed a receiving space for the cooling section of the liquid line and the coolant. Alternatively and preferred to the integral design of the vessel is provided in an expedient embodiment that the vessel is formed separately from the coolant line, wherein the vessel has both a flow-forming coolant inlet and a return-forming coolant outlet. In connection with the feed pump, according to a constant exchange of the coolant or a heat exchange within the vessel is possible. After passing through the feed pump, the coolant flows via the coolant outlet in the direction of the ice water bath or pipe coil, in order then to be able to flow into the vessel cooled again via the coolant feed. With regard to the separate positioning of the vessel, it is proposed that the vessel is placed inside the dispenser. The existing by the spatial shape of the pump anyway inner space can be used in a simple manner for receiving the vessel.

Based on the vertically positionable on the counter or the like dispenser is provided in an appropriate embodiment, that the vessel space-saving in the dispenser is vertically aligned. As streamlined, the measure proves that the coolant inlet on the upper side and the coolant outlet is formed on the underside of the vessel. The spatial shape of the vessel is such that it can be configured as a square tube having a bottom and a lid.

In the case of a dispenser-fixed dispenser, the coolant feed can be assigned to the cover facing away from the counter and the coolant outlet can be assigned to the bottom of the receptacle facing the trench.

With regard to the positioning of the square tube within the dispenser, it is preferably provided that the square tube is coaxial with the vertical dispenser axis runs. The plan view of the square tube forming the vessel can, for example, be square or rectangular in shape. Alternatively, the vessel may also have a circular cross-section, in which respect both the lid and the bottom of the vessel are adapted to the respective base contours. The fixing of the lid and the floor can, for example, by means of a cohesive (concretely: soldering or welding, for example) connection, whereby the necessary vessel sealing can be achieved. Alternatively, both the lid and the floor by means of appropriate construction elements such as. Screw or the like are each attached to the vessel, wherein by means of seals or the like, the necessary sealing of the vessel takes place.

In a space-saving embodiment, it is provided that a portion of the coolant conduit forming the coolant inlet penetrates the vessel, preferably the bottom of the vessel. Alternatively, the coolant supply can also take place via the lid or a side wall of the vessel.

The bottom penetrating portion of the coolant inlet is preferably oriented perpendicular to the transverse bottom within the vessel based on the extent of the vessel. Conveniently, the cooling section of the liquid line enters the vessel in parallel with the section of the coolant line. This means that the cooling section within the vessel runs axially parallel to the vertical longitudinal axis of the vessel or of the section of the coolant inlet. Both the liquid line and the coolant inlet enter into the vessel via corresponding openings adapted to the respective diameter of the lines. For sealing the vessel, in each case the openings may have corresponding sealing means in the form of a ring seal, which in turn respectively surround the lines. Alternatively, the seal can be made alternatively by a cohesive connection, for example. Solder.

It is further provided that the cooling section of the liquid line enters the vessel vertically, but nevertheless emerges from the vessel at right angles to the vertical axis of the vessel. For this purpose, it is provided that on the vessel a cooperating with the cooling section and fixedly arranged on the vessel mounting base is provided. At the same time this Befestigungssokkel serves as a connecting element between the liquid line and a tap, which serves for the removal of the dispensing medium and is arranged in the usual manner at the pump. The example. By means of a solder joint or the like to the metallic vessel fixedly arranged mounting base protrudes over a line section in the vessel. This line section has an inner curved flow channel, preferably having a bend angle of 90 °. The flow channel opens into a connection section oriented vertically to the vessel for connecting the mounting base to the cooling section, wherein the diameter of the connection section is adapted to the diameter of the cooling section.

To fix the tap, the mounting base has a transverse to the longitudinal axis of the vessel threaded bore. Coincident to this, the dispenser has a circularly shaped in the outline through opening, via which in known manner, the end of the tap having an external thread for screwing into the threaded bore of the mounting base can be screwed. The pipe section of the mounting base protruding into the vessel is placed so that it is indirectly adjacent to the coolant inlet, so that the coolant flows in around the line section. For this purpose, it is provided that the coolant inlet forming portion or the outlet opening of the coolant inlet is arranged above the mounting base.

As flow around favorable, the measure proves that the free end of the coolant inlet is curved and thus points to the line section. With regard to improved cooling it is provided that the vessel interior is completely filled with the coolant. As a result, the conduit portion of the mounting base and the cooling portion of the fluid conduit within the vessel are surrounded by the coolant.

In order to additionally isolate the vessel positioned centrally within the dispenser, it is proposed that the space of the pump between the outer wall of the vessel wall and the inner wall of the dispenser be filled up with local foam or the like in order to bundle the thermally conductive structure of the vessel within the dispenser.

Fig. 1

die erfindungsgemäße Zapfsäule in einem Vertikalquerschnitt;

Fig. 2

den vergrößert dargestellten Ausschnittsbereich gemäß dem Hinweis II in Fig. 1;

Fig. 3

den Schnitt gemäß der Linie III - III in Fig. 1 und

Fig. 4

den Schnitt gemäß der Linie IV - IV in Fig. 1.

The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to drawings, which is merely an embodiment here. It shows:

Fig. 1

the dispenser according to the invention in a vertical cross-section;

Fig. 2

the enlarged portion shown in accordance with the notice II in Fig. 1;

Fig. 3

the section along the line III - III in Fig. 1 and

Fig. 4

the section along the line IV - IV in Fig. 1st

First, with reference to FIG. 1, a dispenser Z in the form of a cylinder with a preferably circular cross-section is shown and described. At the gas pump Z is based on the representations horizontally projecting and arranged at a distance from the free end of the pump Z a tap 1 is fixed, which in turn surrounds a horizontal axis u.

Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverage such as beer, mineral water or the like can be removed in a conventional manner such a pump Z and the tap. In this regard, the dispenser Z is arranged all in a known manner perpendicular abragend on a dispensing counter, so that the tap 1, as can be seen, parallel to the dispensing counter surface 2 extends.

As can be seen in detail, the dispenser Z consists of a cylindrical-shaped and a circular cross-section having outer tube 3, which is preferably made of a steel, in particular stainless steel material. The advantages of stainless steel are generally known and therefore not explained here. The counter-facing free end face end of the outer tube 3 is sealed by means of a lid 4, which is adapted to the outer diameter of the tube 3. The determination of the cover 4 may, for example, via a screw connection, not shown, wherein the outer tube 3 has a correspondingly formed mounting portion. It can also be provided that the lid 4 is integrally connected to the outer tube 3.

About a surface resting on the dispensing counter surface 2 bottom plate 5, the dispenser Z is fixed on the counter by means of grub screws, not shown, or the like. The circular bottom plan having bottom plate 5 is dimensioned in diameter so that the bottom plate 5, as can be seen, in the interior 6 of the pump Z projects, the outer wall of the bottom plate 5 directly interacts with the wall of the interior 6 fit. Both the cover 4 and the bottom plate 5 surround centrally a vertical longitudinal axis x of the pump Z.

Arranged in the interior 6, the dispenser Z, extends a vessel 7, which concentrically surrounds the vertical longitudinal axis x of the dispenser Z. The spatial shape of the vessel 7 is such that it is formed as a square tube V preferably having a square outline. Alternatively, the vessel 7 may have a rectangular layout or, alternatively, a circular cross section. For fixation of the vessel 7, it is provided that this has a base 8 on the one hand and a flange 9 surrounding the bottom 8 on the other hand. The resting on the bottom plate 5 of the pump Z bottom 8 of the vessel 7 seals the vessel 7 from the bottom. For this purpose, it is provided that the bottom 8 cooperates with sealing elements, not shown, of the vessel 7. While the bottom 8 is adapted to the square outer plan view of the vessel 7, the flange 9 has a floor plan of larger dimension. Over the bottom 8, the vessel 7 projects into the flange 9. For this purpose, the flange 9 has an insertion opening 10, which in turn is adapted precisely to the outline contour of the bottom 8 and the vessel 7, wherein the flange 9 can be connected to the vessel 7 at the edge region of the insertion opening 10 cohesively.

To attach the entire column assembly to the counter surface 2, it is proposed that fixing screws not shown for this purpose can be screwed into the bottom region of the dispenser Z on the underside of the counter. For this purpose, it is provided that the bottom plate 5 of the dispenser Z has diametrically opposite inlet openings 11, which are arranged congruent to threaded holes 12 of the flange 9.

As can be seen in further detail, the pump Z has a coolant line L and a liquid line 13. The coolant line L extends over a vertical section a within the vessel 7, wherein the vertical section a forms a coolant inlet 14. Arranged parallel to this, a vertical section b of the liquid line 13 extends inside the vessel, wherein the vertical portion b functions as a cooling portion 22 of the liquid pipe 13. The coolant inlet 14 and the cooling section 22 are positioned on both sides of the vertical longitudinal axis x within the vessel 7. The coolant inlet 14 extends within the vessel 7 to below a lid 15 of the vessel 7. The lid 15 is adapted to the basic contour of the vessel 7 and sealingly positioned on the vessel, for example. By means of a material connection. The expiring below the lid 15 free end of the coolant inlet 14 is preferably formed semi-circular, so that the outlet opening is positioned above the tap axis u.

So that a continuous passage of the coolant K can be achieved within the vessel 7, it is proposed that the coolant return be made via a coolant outlet 14 ', which is flush with the bottom 8 of the vessel and terminates flush with the bottom 8 in the vessel interior with its outlet opening. Both for the coolant inlet 14 and for the coolant outlet 14 'has the bottom 8 of the vessel 7 and also the bottom plate 5 of the pump Z each have diameter-adapted passage openings 16 and 16'. The coolant inlet 14 and the coolant outlet 14 'are each sealed on the outside in the region of the passage openings 16 and 16', so that the coolant K can not escape from the vessel 7. As a coolant drive unit, for example, a conventional feed pump in the form of a centrifugal pump 17 or the like can be used. This is, as can be seen, arranged on the coolant outlet 14 'and upstream of an ice water bath 18. The example by means of a refrigeration system, not shown, adjustable to the desired cooling temperature ice water 18 surrounds each of the lines 14 and 14 ', which in turn are interconnected within the Eiswasserbades 18 via a coil 19 and thus form a total of a cooling circuit.

The arranged with a beverage storage container 20, which, like the centrifugal pump 17 and the ice water 18, below the tipping surface 2, connected fluid line 13 passes through as well as the lines 14 and 14 ', the bottom plate 5 of the pump Z and the bottom 8 of the vessel 7, wherein each of the passage opening of the bottom plate 5 and the bottom 8 is adapted to the outer diameter of the liquid line 13. Also in this area 7 sealing means, not shown, are provided for the secure sealing of the vessel. Alternatively, the seal can also be made by means of a material connection. As can be seen in particular from the illustrations of FIGS. 1 and 2, the cooling section 22 of the liquid line 13 opens into a fastening base 20 fixedly attached to the vessel 7, to which the tap 1 is connected in a screw-tight manner around the axis u in a known manner. The region of the mounting base 20 projecting into the vessel 7 functions as a line section 21 for the coolant line 13 or its cooling section 22. As can be seen in detail, the line section 21 has a curved flow channel 23 in the interior, preferably a radius of curvature of 90 ° , The aligned parallel to the vertical longitudinal axis x region of the flow channel 23 functions as a connection portion 24 for the coolant portion 22 of the liquid line 13. This connection portion 24 is formed stepwise and has an inner diameter which is adapted to the outer diameter of the cooling section 22. The free end of the cooling section 22 protruding into the connection section 24 cooperates sealingly with the connection section 24, so that a separation of the coolant K and the tap medium flowing through the liquid line 13 is ensured.

The coolant K is introduced via the coolant inlet 14 into the vessel 7 by means of the centrifugal pump 17 for complete filling of the vessel 7. The constant filling of the vessel 7 is controlled automatically via the centrifugal pump 17. On the bottom side disposed opening of the coolant outlet 14 'is the coolant K, due to the generated negative pressure of the centrifugal pump 17, again supplied to the cooling circuit, such that the coolant K flows through the centrifugal pump 17 and is forwarded by the centrifugal pump 17 in the direction of tube punch 19 or Eiswasserbad 18 to re-flow via the coolant inlet 14 into the vessel 7. As a result, a constant exchange of the coolant K within the vessel 7 is given. Since the coolant K flows within the vessel 7 in the direction y and flows in the liquid line 13 in the usual way conveyed medium in the direction z, resulting in an advantageous manner, a countercurrent principle, so that on the effluent coolant K in the direction y a more constant and effective Heat exchange is achievable. As a result of this, the dispensing medium removable via the dispensing tap 1 has an optimum and constant temperature for consumption.

The vessel feed of the coolant K is chosen so that it flows above the mounting base 20 and the line section 21 from the opening of the semi-circular-like free end of the coolant inlet 14 into the vessel 7, so that the set to the desired temperature coolant K the Line section 21 constantly flows around, which has a positive effect on the line section 21 flowing through the dispensing medium until shortly before removal via the tap 1 directly.

For thermal insulation of the vessel 7 is provided that the interior 6 of the pump Z is surrounded by a filling material such as. Ortschaum 25 or the like. As a result, a spatial separation between the cooled vessel 7 and the outer tube 3 of the pump Z is given.

All disclosed features are essential to the invention. The disclosure content of the associated / attached priority documents (copy of the prior application) is hereby also incorporated in full in the disclosure of the application also for the purpose of incorporating features of these documents in claims of the present application.

Claims (12)

Gas pump (Z) with a liquid line (13), eg. Beer line, and a forward and a return line having coolant line (L), wherein the liquid line (13) has a cooling section (22), characterized in that the cooling section (22 ) within a vessel (7) through which the liquid coolant (K) flows. Gas pump according to claim 1 or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the vessel (7) is a section of the coolant line (L). Gas pump according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the vessel (7) from the coolant line (L) is separate and has a coolant inlet (14) and a coolant outlet (14 '). Gas pump according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, characterized in that, in the case of a vertical elongate design of the vessel (7), the coolant inlet (14) is on the upper side and the coolant outlet (14 ') is on the underside of the vessel (7). Gas pump according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the vessel (7) as a, a bottom (8) and a lid (15) exhibiting square tube (V) is formed. Gas pump according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, characterized in that a coolant inlet (14) forming portion (b) of the coolant line (L) passes through the vessel (7). Gas pump according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the liquid line (13) enters the vessel (7) parallel to a vertical longitudinal axis (x) and exits at right angles to the longitudinal axis (x). Gas pump according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, characterized in that on the vessel (7) a mounting base (20) for a tap (1) is provided. Gas pump according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the mounting base (20) in the interior of the vessel (7) projecting, from the coolant (K) to flow around the line section (21). Gas pump according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the line section (21) is formed as a curvature. Gas pump according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the line section (21) opens into a connection section (24) for connecting the mounting base (22) to the cooling section (22). Gas pump according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the vessel (7) is designed for complete filling with the coolant (K).

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