EP1842828B1 - Drinks cooling and tap device - Google Patents

Abstract

The device has a tapping unit (3) attached to a beverage storage container (2) and connected with a tap by a pipeline (10). A cooling device (4) is provided for cooling of beverages in the container and/or in the pipeline. A pressure gas system for tapping of the beverages and/or for cleaning of the pipeline has an exchangeable pressure gas cartridge (7) with 10 to 30 grams of gas, where the volume of the cartridge is adapted to the volume of the container. The cooling device has a passage or a batch cooler, whose volume corresponds to 0.02-times to 0.1-times of the volume of the container. An independent claim is also included for a set comprising a beverage cooling and tapping device.

Description

The invention relates to a Getränkekühl- and -Zapfgerät according to the preamble of the claim and as from WO 2005/012157 A1 known.

For private parties or in the bar, 5-liter party kegs are often used to tap beer or other drinks either by depressurizing or by a carbonated beer tap. Partly also beverage storage containers with other capacities of about 3 liters to about 8 liters are used in the home.

From the DE 197 20 553 C2 For example, a beverage chiller and dispenser is known which is suitable for use in a 5 liter party keg. In this prior art device CO ₂ cartridges are used as a compressed gas source for tapping the beverage. These cartridges are screwed via a sleeve with a thread in a corresponding connection to the compressed gas line. This screwing is often perceived as tedious and time consuming. In addition, the pressure of the compressed gas can not be automatically adapted to the pressure and / or the temperature of the beverage. It can therefore occur over or under carbonation of the drink.

Especially when used in the private sector, the cleaning of such a device is often a problem. So it is recommended, similar to professional dispensers in pubs after each use, at least the components of the device, which come into contact with the drink, rinse. Even after a longer service life of the device without use, the device should be rinsed thoroughly before restarting. However, this is in the previously known devices, which are not as professional dispensers for flushing a drinking water line can be connected; associated with a lot of effort.

Object of the present invention is therefore to provide a beverage cooling and dispensing device of the type mentioned, which allows the delivery of fresh, well carbonated beverage from the beginning.

This object is achieved by a beverage cooling and dispensing apparatus according to claim 1.
According to the invention, the compressed gas system for dispensing the beverage and / or for cleaning at least the line at least one replaceable compressed gas cartridge with about 10 g to about 30 g of gas and the volume of the compressed gas cartridge is adapted to the volume of the beverage storage container that the content of the beverage storage container with only one pressurized gas cartridge can be discharged, and the cooling device has a continuous or batch cooler whose volume corresponds to approximately 0.02 times to approximately 0.1 times the volume of the beverage supply container. The beverage storage container may according to the invention have a volume of about 3 1 to about 15 I.

The vote of the volumes of the compressed gas cartridge and the cooling device to the volume of the beverage storage container causes the beverage can be sufficiently carbonated applied without having to replace the cartridge. In addition, only one suitable for consumption amount of the drink is cooled. This allows a very rapid cooling of the drink to a comfortable temperature for drinking, even if the beverage storage container was not cooled before use or even, for example. By sunlight, was heated. In other words, it is with the device according to the invention For the first time it is possible to tap a few glasses of the optimally tempered beverage after a very short time after the tapping.

It is particularly preferred if the volume of the passage or batch cooler arranged between the tapping unit and the tap is between about 0.1 l to about 1.0 l, preferably between about 0.2 l to about 0.5 l.

According to the invention, the compressed gas system has a pressure regulating device with at least one pressure and / or temperature sensor, wherein the pressure regulating device is designed such that the pressure of the gas can be regulated as a function of the pressure and / or the temperature of the beverage.

The compressed gas cartridge, which is preferably a 16 g cartridge, can be connected to the compressed gas system via a quick coupling device. This also allows the quick and easy replacement of a CO ₂ cartridge even while a barrel or the like is connected to the device. By means of the pressure regulating device, the pressure of the compressed gas, in particular CO ₂ , in the compressed gas system can be adapted to the beverage as a function of the parameters of temperature and / or pressure. Thus, it is possible to avoid over or under carbonation of the beverage.

According to the invention, the compressed gas system is used not only for tapping the beverage, but also for cleaning at least the line between the beverage storage container and the tap. The invention is based on the idea that the line can be blown dry after use by the compressed gas, so that remain virtually no residue in the line regardless of a previous rinsing process. At the same time, the compressed gas remains after the dry bubbles in these lines, so that the algae or germ growth significantly due to the lack of oxygen in the air is difficult. When commissioning the device according to the invention must therefore not be feared that stale remains of the previously tapped drink and / or germs and / or algae are flushed out of the device with the first tapped glasses. Thus, with the beverage cooling and dispensing apparatus according to the present invention, a fresh and hygienic beverage, properly carbonated, can be tapped from the first glass.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the quick coupling device of the compressed gas system for connecting a compressed gas cartridge, in particular a commercially available CO ₂ cartridge is formed, wherein the coupling of the compressed gas cartridge is effected by a rotational, sliding and / or pivoting movement. For this purpose, a flap-like opening for a compressed gas cartridge can be provided on one side of the device, which is displaced or pivoted by the collapse of the receptacle so that the compressed gas cartridge is coupled to the compressed gas system. Alternatively, a switch-like device may be provided, through which the compressed gas cartridge can be pivoted or moved so that it is connected to the compressed gas system.

In order to be able to tap several barrels of a beverage with the device according to the invention, the compressed gas system can be designed so that a change of the compressed gas cartridge is possible during operation. Alternatively or additionally, a pressure chamber may be provided in which the contents of several compressed gas cartridges can be filled. Furthermore, a so-called multi-docking station can also be provided, that is to say a system with connections for several compressed gas cartridges. The quick replacement of a compressed gas cartridge according to the invention is made possible by the fact that it does not have to be screwed into a corresponding coupling, but can be coupled by a sliding and / or pivoting movement.

In a further development of the concept of the invention, the temperature sensor for detecting the beverage temperature in the line and / or for detecting the outside temperature of the beverage storage container is designed and arranged. The temperature sensor may be part of a thermally controlled valve. Furthermore, the pressure sensor can be designed and arranged to detect the beverage pressure in the line and / or to detect the beverage pressure in the beverage storage container.

A very precise control of the gas pressure in the compressed gas system can be achieved if the pressure and / or temperature sensor is associated with a data processing device which regulates the pressure of the compressed gas as a function of the pressure and / or temperature data of the pressure and / or temperature sensor. It can also be provided several independent sensors for detecting the pressure and / or temperature.

In order to prevent the uncontrolled splashing out of the drink when piercing a new barrel, it is preferred if the piercing unit has a piercing sword with a self-closing non-return valve arranged in the gas and / or liquid line, which blocks a liquid flow from the beverage storage container in the unloaded state. For large barrels, which are used in pubs or the like, such check valves are known in some cases. In particular, for 5-liter party kegs, however, there are still no piercing, the self-closing by a check valve for gas and beer. It is therefore possible to store a barrel provided with such a piercing unit in the partially deflated state for a long time without gas or liquid emerging from the barrel. A 5-liter party keg does not have to be used up at once. The opening of the check valve can according to the invention via the pressure of the compressed gas system and / or via an example spring-loaded pin or the like opening mechanism take place when the tapping unit, for example, is fully coupled via an adapter cap to the system.

According to yet another embodiment of the invention, the piercing unit has an adapter for connecting a larger (further) beverage storage container and / or a further compressed gas source. So not only commercial 5-liter party barrels can be used, but also beer kegs (kegs) from 10 to 50 liters. As a result, the range of application of the beverage cooling and dispensing device according to the invention is considerably expanded. In addition or as an alternative to this, the beverage cooling and dispensing device can also be connected via the adapter to a CO ₂ bottle in order to supply compressed gas to the compressed gas system.

The invention particularly effective tempering of the beverage takes place in that the cooling device has a flow cooler, which is arranged between the tapping unit and the tap. The flow cooler can work, for example, according to the compression method and consist of a compressor (compressor), a condenser, an expansion valve and an evaporator (dry block), the beverage from the beverage storage container via a hose or the like line passes in the formed in particular as a dry block cooling block and via a hose connected to the tap or the like line exits the flow cooler again. Alternatively or additionally, the cooling can also be effected by Peltier elements and / or zeolite coolers. Consequently, the beverage storage containers do not have to be pre-cooled in a time-consuming manner, that is to say for several hours, before use, but can be put into operation almost independently of their temperature.

Alternatively or in addition to the throughflow cooler, the cooling device can also be a contact cooler for the beverage storage container and / or a Have batch cooler, which in turn is preferably arranged between the tapping unit and the tap. The contact cooling of the beverage storage container makes it possible to cool the barrel or the like itself, so that the complete supply of beverages is tempered in the barrel. A batch cooler is a cooler in which a smaller volume of beverage, usually the amount of about 1 to 2 glasses, is cooled just prior to removal from the tap. With a batch cooler can therefore be tapped faster cooled beverage than in an exclusive contact cooling the beverage storage container.

In order to enable an appealing administration of a drink, at least one cold light source can be provided on the beverage cooling and dispensing device such that the dispensing nozzle, a beverage jet issuing therefrom, a vessel for dispensing the beverage, in particular a glass, and / or a drip tray are illuminated. Such lighting may also be controlled such that the drip tray or the glass is illuminated only when the glass is positioned under the tap. In the same way, the tap can also be illuminated in such a way that, when the tap is actuated, this and / or the beverage jet are illuminated. The beverage should not come into contact with the light source in order to avoid undesired heating of the beverage. In order to enable the lighting, the preferably removable tap or the drip tray may be provided with corresponding contact points to the beverage cooling and dispensing device.

Further, the pressure gas system is preferably associated with a control device which is connected to at least one display device. For example, it is possible to represent the temperature and / or the pressure of the beverage and / or the compressed gas by numerical display or by suitable control lamps. There may also be an ad showing the User indicates the operational readiness of the device or indicates a required change of the compressed gas cartridge or a cleaning of the device.

The compressed gas system is formed according to a preferred embodiment of the invention such that the line before or during the connection of a beverage storage container at the tapping unit with compressed gas can be filled. In this so-called prepress builds up in the lines by the pressurized gas back pressure for the drink, so that the first glasses of the drink can be tapped without excessive foaming.

If the compressed gas system is designed such that at least the line and the piercing unit can be flushed with a cleaning agent and / or compressed gas, in particular an inert gas such as CO ₂ , the beverage cooling and dispensing device can be thoroughly cleaned after use and before restarting , so that no residues of drinks remain in the lines and the growth of algae or germs is difficult.

In a beverage cooling and dispensing device according to the invention, the piercing unit is securely arranged, for example, in a head or lid region of the beverage cooling and dispensing device. This can be done by a guide of the piercing and / or by fixing the piercing, as soon as the beverage reservoir is pierced. For this purpose, for example, at least the piercing of the tapping unit may be performed in its connected to the beverage storage container position by a head or lid portion of the beverage cooling and -Zapfgerätes. Furthermore, the tapping unit can be releasably locked in a head or lid region of the beverage cooling and tapping device.

According to the invention, the piercing unit is in dependence on the pressure in the compressed gas system in a head or lid area of the Beverage cooling and tap arretierbar. For this purpose, at the piercing unit and / or in a head or lid region of the beverage cooling and -Zapfgerätes an operable by the pressure in the compressed gas system blocking means, in particular a pressure cylinder unit, be provided for locking the tapping unit in the beverage cooling and -Zapfgerät.

The invention further relates to a set of a beverage cooling and -Zapfgerät and a particular designed as a cleaning drum cleaning container, which is connectable to the tapping of the beverage cooling and -Zapfgerätes. According to the invention, the cleaning vessel or the cleaning vessel has a first chamber for receiving a liquid, in particular water, and a second chamber, which is in communication with the first chamber, for receiving a cleaning agent, for example a tablet or the like, wherein the piercing unit is at least partially inserted into the second chamber is insertable. After the operation of the beverage cooling and dispensing device, the cleaning keg can be connected to flush and clean the device instead of, for example, designed as a 5-liter party keg beverage storage container.

In this case, cleaning agent from the second chamber is first passed through the system and then water or the like out of the first chamber for rinsing the system through the lines. Optionally, the lines can be finally blown dry by the compressed gas. The detergent may be provided either in a dry form as a powder or tablet and may be dissolved by the water or the like from the first chamber, or a liquid detergent may be used.

In order to facilitate the connection of the cleaning container to the drinks cooling and -Zapfgerät, the cleaning container preferably has the dimensions a 5-liter product package, especially a conventional 5-liter party keg.

The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the drawing with reference to an embodiment. All described and / or illustrated features alone or in any combination form the subject matter of the invention, regardless of their combination in the claims or their dependency.

Fig. 1

in Perspektivansicht ein erfindungsgemäßes Getränkekühl- und -zapfgerät mit einem Getränke- oder Reinigungsfass,

Fig. 2a, 2b

in Schnittansicht einen Anstechdegen und eine Anstecheinheit nach einer ersten Ausführungsform der Erfindung und

Fig. 3

in Schnittansicht eine Anstecheinheit nach einer zweiten Ausführungsform der Erfindung.

They show schematically:

Fig. 1

in perspective view of an inventive beverage cooling and -Zapfgerät with a beverage or cleaning keg,

Fig. 2a, 2b

in a sectional view of a piercing sword and a tapping unit according to a first embodiment of the invention and

Fig. 3

in sectional view a tapping unit according to a second embodiment of the invention.

This in FIG. 1 illustrated Getränkekühl- and -Zapfgerät 1 is designed for tapping a recorded in a beverage storage container 2 beverage. For this purpose, the beverage cooling and dispensing device 1 a to the example designed as a 5-liter party keg beverage storage container 2 connectable tapping unit 3, a cooling device 4 and a tap 5 on. Further, a compressed gas system is provided, which consists of a quick coupling device 6 for connecting a compressed gas cartridge 7 and a pressure control device 8, which are connected to each other and with the tapping unit 3 via compressed gas lines.

The quick coupling device 6 is designed such that a conventional screw-in pressure gas cartridge 7, for example, a 16 grams CO ₂ - cartridge, can be coupled to the compressed gas system without the compressed gas cartridge 7 must be screwed. For this purpose, the quick coupling device 6 is provided with a receptacle into which the compressed gas cartridge 7 can be pivoted. By pressing a flap element or switch 9, the compressed gas cartridge 7 is then coupled by a sliding and / or pivoting movement, that is not by the usual screwing, to the compressed gas system. In this way, a quick replacement of the compressed gas cartridge 7 is possible.

By the pressure control device 8 performs a line 10, which connects the tapping unit 3 with the tap 5. In the pressure control device 8, a pressure sensor and a temperature sensor, which are not shown in the drawing, arranged. These sensors detect the pressure and temperature of the beverage flowing through the conduit 10. The gas pressure in the compressed gas system can be regulated by the pressure regulating device 8 as a function of these two parameters. This avoids over or under carbonation of the beverage.

The cooling device 4 is designed as a flow cooler, which is associated with a coolant circuit 11, which operates according to the compression method. After the temperature control in the flow cooler, the line 10 opens into the tap. 5

As in the FIGS. 2a and 2b illustrated, the tapping unit 3 a piercing 12 and an adapter cap 13. The tapping 12 is sealingly inserted into the beverage reservoir 2 and has at the upper end of its connectable to the line 10 for the drink riser a check valve 14. Also, the connection 15 for the compressed gas is with a Check valve equipped so that when piercing the barrel neither gas nor liquid can escape from the tapping 12.

In the adapter cap 13, a spring-loaded element 16 is provided for connecting the Anstechdegens 12 to the line 10, which has a protruding pin which opens the check valve 14 when placing the adapter cap 13 on the Anstechdegen 12. In this way, a drink can pass through the riser of the tapping member 12, the adapter cap 13 and flow through the conduit 10. The opening of the check valve in the pressurized gas supply of the tapping member 12 may also be spring loaded or via the gas pressure. The adapter cap 13 is provided with a lever 17, by means of which the adapter cap 13 can be fixed to the tapping sword 12 and / or to the beverage cask 2.

Furthermore, 13 connections for an external source of compressed gas or a larger drinks keg, for example, a 50-liter keg, may be provided on the adapter cap. In order to achieve protection against damage and contamination, at least the cooling device 4 and the pressure control device 8 may be accommodated in a housing, not shown in the figures.

In FIG. 3 a second embodiment of a tapping unit 18 according to the invention is shown, which likewise has a tapping sword 12 and an adapter cap 13. Further, two valves 19 are integrated into the adapter cap 13, wherein the valve left in the figure connects a leading through the tapping 12 riser with the line 10 which passes through the radiator and to the tap 5, while by in the figure For example, CO _{2 can be introduced} from the compressed gas cartridge 7 into the beverage storage container 2.

The piercing unit 18 can be inserted into a head or lid area of the beverage cooling and tapping device, wherein the lid 20 of the tapping unit 18 in the example. Round shape of the head or lid area can insert. It is provided that the piercing unit 18 is guided in the head or lid area and in its operating position in which the tapping 12 is sufficiently inserted into the barrel or the like, for example, can be locked by a latch. To release this connection, a bracket 21 is provided on the piercing unit 18, which can be partially pulled out of the tapping unit 18 in order to release the tapping unit 18. The bracket 21 acts together with a sliding plate 22, which by a spring 23 in the in FIG. 3 shown locked position is applied.

Alternatively or additionally, a pressure-dependent locking device not shown in the figures is provided, which is formed by a pressure cylinder unit. This pressure cylinder unit is connected via corresponding lines with the compressed gas cartridge 7 in conjunction, so that a blocking piston, the tapping unit 18 is extended locking, as soon as the system is pressurized gas. This ensures that the tapping unit 18 can not be accidentally released when a filled compressed gas cartridge 7 is connected. The risk that injure in an unintentional loosening of the tapping unit 18 people through the shooting out by the pressure piercing unit 18 is thereby minimized.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

Beverage cooler and dispenser

2

Beverage storage bin / cleaning keg

3

Puncture

4

cooling device

5

tap

6

Quick coupling device

7

Compressed gas cartridge

8th

Pressure regulating device

9

Flap / switch

10

management

11 1

Coolant circuit

12

tapping plunger

13

Adapter (cap)

14

check valve

15

Pressure gas supply

16

spring-loaded element / pin

17

lever

18

Puncture

19

Valve

20

cover

21

hanger

22

plate

23

feather

Claims (20)

1. A beverage cooling and tapping device with a tapping unit (18) that can be connected to a beverage storage container with a volume of approximately 3.5 1 to approximately 11 1, particularly to a 5-liter party keg (2), and is connected to a tap (5) via a pipeline (10), with a cooling device (4) for cooling a beverage in the beverage storage container (2) and/or in the pipeline (10), and with a compressed gas system, wherein the compressed gas system features at least one exchangeable gas cartridge (7) for tapping the beverage and/or for cleaning at least the pipeline (10), characterized in that the tapping unit (18) is arranged in a top or cover region of the beverage cooling and tapping device and can be locked in a top or cover region of the beverage cooling and tapping device (1) in dependence on the pressure in the compressed gas system.
2. The beverage cooling and tapping device according to Claim 1, characterized in that the volume of the flow or batch cooler (4) arranged between the tapping unit (18) and the tap (5) lies between approximately 0.1 1 and approximately 1.0 1, preferably between approximately 0.2 1 and approximately 0.5 l.
3. The beverage cooling and tapping device according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the compressed gas system features a pressure control device (8) with at least one pressure and/or temperature sensor, wherein the pressure control device (8) is designed in such a way that the pressure of the gas can be controlled in dependence on the pressure and/or the temperature of the beverage.
4. The beverage cooling and tapping device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a rapid-action coupling (6) is provided for connecting the gas cartridge (7), wherein the coupling of the gas cartridge (7) is realized with a rotational, translational and/or pivoting motion.
5. The beverage cooling and tapping device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the temperature sensor is designed and arranged for sensing the beverage temperature in the pipeline (10) and/or the outside temperature of the beverage storage container (2).
6. The beverage cooling and tapping device according to Claim 5, characterized in that the temperature sensor forms part of a thermally controlled valve.
7. The beverage cooling and tapping device according to Claim 3, characterized in that the pressure sensor is designed and arranged for sensing the beverage pressure in the pipeline (10) and/or in the beverage storage container (2).
8. The beverage cooling and tapping device according to one of preceding Claims 3 and 5-7, characterized in that the pressure and/or temperature sensor is assigned a data processing device that controls the pressure of the compressed gas in dependence on the pressure and/or temperature data of the pressure and/or temperature sensor.
9. The beverage cooling and tapping device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tapping unit (18) features a tapping blade (12) that can be inserted into the beverage storage container (2) and in which a self-closing check valve (14) is arranged at least in the gas and/or fluid pipeline, wherein said check valve blocks a beverage from flowing out of the beverage storage container (2) in its no-load state.
10. The beverage cooling and tapping device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tapping unit (18) features an adapter (13) for connecting another beverage storage container and/or another compressed gas source.
11. The beverage cooling and tapping device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one cold light source is provided such that the tap (5), a beverage stream discharged therefrom, a container for serving a beverage and/or a drip tray can be illuminated.
12. The beverage cooling and tapping device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the compressed gas system is assigned a control device that is connected to at least one display unit.
13. The beverage cooling and tapping device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the compressed gas system is designed in such a way that the pipeline (10) can be filled with compressed gas prior to or during the connection of a beverage storage container (2) to the tapping unit (18).
14. The beverage cooling and tapping device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the compressed gas system is designed in such a way that at least the pipeline (10) and the tapping unit (18) can be flushed with a cleaning medium and/or compressed gas, particularly an inert gas.
15. The beverage cooling and tapping device according to Claim 9, characterized in that at least the tapping blade (12) of the tapping unit (18) extends through a top or cover region of the beverage cooling and tapping device (1) when the tapping unit is connected to the beverage storage container (2).
16. The beverage cooling and tapping device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tapping unit (18) can be locked in a top or cover a region of the beverage cooling and tapping device (1).
17. The beverage cooling and tapping device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the compressed gas system features at least one exchangeable gas cartridge (7) with approximately 10 g to approximately 30 g of gas for tapping the beverage and/or for cleaning at least the pipeline (10), wherein the volume of said gas cartridge is adapted to the volume of the beverage storage container (2), in that the content of the beverage storage container (2) can be discharged with only one gas cartridge (7), and in that the cooling device (4) features a flow or batch cooler, the volume of which corresponds to approximately 0.02-times to approximately 0.1-times the volume of the beverage storage container (2).
18. The beverage cooling and tapping device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a locking means that can be actuated by the pressure in the compressed gas system, particularly a pressure cylinder unit, is provided on the tapping unit (18) and/or in a top or cover region of the beverage cooling and tapping device (1) in order to lock the tapping unit (18) in the beverage cooling and tapping device (1).
19. A set consisting of a beverage cooling and tapping device according to one of the preceding claims and a cleaning container (2) that can be connected to the tapping unit (18) of the beverage cooling and tapping device (1), characterized in that the cleaning container is realized, in particular, in the form of a cleaning keg (2) and features a first chamber for accommodating a fluid and a second chamber that is connected to the first chamber and serves for accommodating a cleaning medium, particularly a tablet, wherein the tapping unit (18) can be at least partially inserted into the second chamber.
20. The set according to Claim 19, characterized in that the cleaning container (2) has the dimensions of a 5-liter product container, particularly a party keg.

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