CZ308553B6 - Draft equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

The tapping device comprises a frame defining a lower support structure and an upper structure (6.1) carrying a counter surface (4.1) with at least two sinks (2.13, 2.14, 2.15), where carriers for placing at least one large storage container (1.1) are placed in the lower support structure. , a cooling device (1.6), and optionally at least one source of propellant gas, a T-shaped tapping stand (3.1) with a tapping side (3.2) and a viewing side is located on the counter surface, the tapping side of the horizontal part T has several taps (1.8), to which the supply tubes (1.7) lead from the outlet of the cooling device (1.6), and the vertical part T surrounds these supply tubes (1.7). The visible side of the dispenser consists of a removable cover (3.6), in the lower supporting structure there is a cooling zone (1.4) with a beverage inlet connected to a large storage tank (1.1) and a beverage outlet to the cooling device (1.6) and then to the dispenser (3.1). ), the cooling zone (1.4) comprises tubes for guiding the beverage and a device (1.5) for measuring the flow of beverages and for switching the beverage paths.The tapping device has an integrated sanitation module (2.1), which comprises an inlet (2.3) for sanitary liquid separably connectable to the first sink (2.13) and connected to the inlet / outlet (2.6) for sanitary liquid to the beverage guide system (2.12). an outlet (2.6) for sanitizing liquid from the beverage line system connected to an outlet (2.5) for sanitizing liquid releasably connectable to the second sink (2.14), and further comprising a pump (2.8) with a four-way valve (2.9) for switching the flow direction of the sanitizing liquid inlets / outputs (2.6).

Description

Dispensing equipment

Field of technology

The present invention relates to a tapping device, in particular for restaurant and hospitality devices offering draft drinks.

Prior art

Tap equipment is commonly used in gastronomic, restaurant and hospitality establishments offering draft drinks. By tapping device is usually meant a device for filling beverages from large-volume storage containers into glasses or cups.

The tapping device typically includes a tapping stand (also called a faucet), connecting pipes and fittings for connecting storage vessels, refrigeration equipment, and often also includes sink (s) for rinsing the glasses, and optionally a source of propellant gas (eg compressor or gas pressure vessel). ). The propellant gas source may be part of the tapping device or may be a separate device.

The dispenser very often has a T-shape, the horizontal part T being provided with several taps, to which the tapped beverage is guided by supply tubes, and these supply tubes pass through the vertical part T to the individual taps.

Dispensing devices are known in which a large-volume storage container with a tapped beverage is directly located (eg CZ 304460 B6).

Cleaning of fittings, pipes and tubes of tapping devices that are in contact with the beverage during tapping is currently performed by means of external sanitation devices, which are connected to the supply of the tapped beverage, and perform cleaning (sanitation) under pressure and chemistry. Sanitation facilities are usually mobile and used at longer intervals (eg 2 weeks), so these services are provided by specialized services or representatives of breweries. Owners of individual tap facilities usually do not have sanitation facilities and are therefore fully dependent on providers of sanitation services.

The cleaning of the internal surfaces of the tapping devices, which are in contact with the beverage during tapping, relies only on pressure and dry cleaning. It is relatively difficult to mechanically clean, for example, taps or connection points of supply pipes and taps.

Furthermore, existing dispensing devices can contaminate the rinsing water with a tapped beverage flowing from the counter surface of the tapping device, as a slight spillage of the beverage normally occurs when tapping or handling full glasses / cups. Contamination of rinsing water further reduces hygiene and increases the risks of the presence of impurities or even microorganisms.

In taps known in the art, the tapped beverage is cooled in a refrigeration device to a predetermined temperature (e.g. beer is typically 2 to 5 ° C), which in normal operation ensures that the beverage is tapped into glasses at a suitable beverage temperature. However, during low or off-hours operation, the beverage usually remains longer outside the cooling device in the uncooled parts of the beverage line (especially in switching devices, beverage flow meters and tank stop needles), which degrades the quality of the first dispensed beverages. Spoiled uncooled beverage is also a source of further contamination of the dispensing equipment.

The aim of the present solution is to eliminate or reduce the above-mentioned problems of the prior art.

-1 CZ 308553 B6

The essence of the invention

The present invention relates to a dispensing device comprising a frame defining a lower support structure and an upper structure carrying a counter surface with at least two sinks, wherein a cooling zone is located in the lower support structure with a beverage inlet connectable to a large storage container and a beverage outlet to the cooling device and subsequently to a carrier for accommodating at least one large-volume storage container and optionally at least one source of propellant gas, and wherein a T-shaped dispenser having a tapping side and a viewing side is arranged on the counter surface, the tapping side of the horizontal part being arranged in the lower support structure. T is provided with several taps to which the supply pipes lead from the outlet of the cooling device, and the vertical part T surrounds these supply pipes, the visible side of the tapping stand being a removable cover, and the tapping device being provided with an integrated sanitation module, and the cooling zone comprising tubes for lines beverages, and devices for measuring the flow of beverages and for switching beverage routes.

The integrated sanitation module includes a sanitary liquid inlet detachably connectable to one sink, two sanitary liquid inlets / outlets to the beverage line system, a sanitizing liquid outlet from the beverage line system detachably connectable to the second sink, and a pump and four-way valve with sanitary flow direction switch fluid inlets / outlets. All inlets and outlets are preferably located on the control panel of the sanitation module from the tap side, together with a pump run switch and a cleaning fluid flow direction switch (i.e. a four-way valve controller), allowing easy ergonomic operation of the sanitation by the operator.

The sanitizing liquid may be a sanitizing solution or rinsing water, which are liquids commonly used for sanitizing and known to a person skilled in the art.

Sanitation of the tapping device using the integrated sanitation module takes place by connecting the inlet of the integrated sanitation module with a hose to the suction basket with one of the sinks filled with water or sanitation solution, the outlet of the integrated sanitation module connecting to the other of the sinks into which used water flows. sanitizing solution. The operator connects the combined inputs / outputs (according to the selected flow direction) with the outlets on the tap stand and with other corresponding parts of the tap system, further the operator connects the inputs from the large-volume storage vessels. Subsequently, the pump is switched on, driving the rinsing water or sanitizing solution located in one sink alternately in one or the other flow direction, and the used rinsing water or sanitizing solution then flows into the other sink, through the drain of which it drains into the waste.

The integration of the sanitation module into the tapping device itself allows the device to be flushed or sanitized easily, quickly, efficiently, and whenever needed. It therefore allows to keep the tapping equipment in a higher cleanliness.

The cooling zone comprises tubes for guiding the beverage located in a preferably ventilated box and uses an external cooling device as a source of cold. The cooling zone may be an actively cooled box, which may preferably be air or water, or a combined cooled box. The beverage guide tubes located in the cooled zone in particular comprise devices for measuring the flow of beverages and for switching the beverage paths (flow meters and switching areas of the beverage guide). The external cooling device can be a forced air outlet.

The conduction of the beverage between the outlet of the large-volume storage vessel and the inlet of the cooling zone is preferably provided by a so-called python, which is a bundle of tubes stored in an insulating container through which the cooling liquid actively circulates. The remaining (usually very short) sections between the outlet of the cooling zone, the cooling device and the tapping stool can be made similarly. Advantageously, the impingement needle can also be provided with active cooling.

-2GB 308553 B6

The cooling device cools the passing beverage entering through the cooling zone and exiting the dispenser. The cooling device can be, for example, a flow beverage cooler, which can, for example, have the construction described in CZ 304460 B6.

The removable cover of the tap stand allows easy (eg mechanical) cleaning of the inner surfaces of the taps and the end parts of the supply pipes at the taps, as it allows easy and direct access to the point of connection of the supply pipes to the taps. The supply pipes are preferably removably connected to the taps. The removable cover of the tap stand also allows easy visual inspection of the condition of the supply pipes and their connection to the taps, whenever needed, along the entire length of the stand.

The simple removability of the tap stand cover is that the horizontal and vertical parts of the cover are formed integrally (i.e. as a whole) and are fixed to the fixed front part of the tap stand in three points. The three-point fixation consists in a seamless screw fastening in the lower part of the vertical part of the cover formed by a mandrel and a loop for darkness. In the horizontal part, the fixation is formed by two screws from the tap side. Mounting the cover is very simple, it is done simply by putting it on the dark, folding and screwing.

The tubes for guiding the beverage from the cooling device to the dispenser can be covered by a cover visually adjoining the cover of the dispenser.

The dispensing side is the side from which the person dispensing the beverage accesses the dispensing device, i.e. it is the side on which the taps of the dispensing stand are turned. The view side is opposite to the tap side, i.e. it is the side from which the customer accesses the tap equipment or which faces the customer part (eg the part of the gastronomic facility where the customers sit).

Preferably, the frame of the tapping device has a C-shape, i.e. the lower support structure and the upper structure supporting the counter surface are connected only on one longitudinal side. This allows easier access to all equipment located on the lower supporting structure.

Preferably, the frame of the tapping device is not provided with any solid walls, so it is open. This openness of the counter, which is due to the absence of solid walls and the C-shape, further facilitates the cooling of the beverage cooling device and thus ensures its stable cooling performance, as it prevents the accumulation of heat inside the counter.

Preferably, the cooling device is provided with a tubular or grate cover. Such a cover provides mechanical protection of this device, which is particularly suitable when the counter is open.

Furthermore, the counter surface is provided with at least two sinks, preferably three sinks, with raised edges preferably being made around the sinks. This prevents contamination of the rinsing water for rinsing the glasses with a drink spilled on the counter surface, or other liquids that may get on the counter surface. The counter surface is usually also provided with a drip tray under the taps, to catch most of the spilled beverage. The sink can advantageously be cooled (a description of a suitable type of cooling can be found in CZ 304460 B6), which ensures that the glasses are cooled by rinsing with sufficiently cold water.

The counter surface is also preferably provided with a raised edge around the circumference, to prevent liquids from spilling further onto the floor and to protect the edges of the counter surface material.

The large-volume storage container may preferably be a tank or keg, the beverage may be, for example, beer or lemonade.

-3GB 308553 B6

Explanation of drawings

Giant. 1 is an overall perspective view of a tapping device according to an exemplary embodiment.

Giant. 2 is a schematic illustration of a system for maintaining a constant beer temperature in a tapping system according to an exemplary embodiment.

Giant. 3 is a schematic illustration of an integrated sanitation module. Giant. 3a shows a front view of a cooling device with a sanitation module, FIG. 3b shows a plan view, FIG. 3c shows a side view. Giant. 3d is a schematic illustration of the function of the integrated sanitation module. Giant. 3e is a schematic illustration of the function of a four-way valve in an integrated sanitation module.

Giant. 4 schematically shows the construction of a tapping stand with a removable view side. Shown is a view of the view side, from above and of the tap side, and a section through the vertical part of the tap stand.

Example of an embodiment of the invention

In the exemplary embodiment, one possible specific embodiment of the tapping device, described in particular for tapping beer, is described with the aid of the enclosed figures.

The tapping device comprises a frame defining a lower supporting structure with main steel brackets 6.2 and a protective structure 5.1. and the upper structure 6.1. A tubular cover 5.2 is also arranged on the lower supporting structure. covering the refrigeration equipment. The upper structure 6.1 carries a counter surface 4.1 with three sinks provided with raised edges. The sink 2.13 is a sink for brushes, the sink 2.14 is a sink for a hand-held glass washer, and the sink 2.15 is a cooled sink for rinsing glasses. Between the elements of the lower supporting structure there is a ventilation-cooled zone 1.4 with a beverage inlet connectable to the beer tank 1.1 and with a beverage outlet to the dispenser 3.1 via a cooling device 1.6. Furthermore, carriers for placing two beer tanks are placed between the elements of the lower supporting structure. A T-shaped tapping stand 3.1 having a tapping side and a viewing side is arranged on the counter surface 4,1, the tapping side of the horizontal part T being provided with several taps 1.8, to which the supply tubes 1.7 lead from the outlet of the cooling device 1,6, and a vertical part T surrounds these supply tubes 1.7. The visible side of the tap stand is formed by a removable cover 3.6. The tapping device is further equipped with an integrated sanitation module 2.1. The cooled zone 1.4 comprises tubes for guiding the beverage and a device 1,5 for measuring the flow of beverages and for switching the beverage paths.

The counter surface 4.1 is made of solid quartz, and is protected by stainless steel side protection strips 4.2 forming a raised edge protecting the edges of the material of the counter surface 4.1 and the surroundings of the tapping device against the flow of liquids from the counter.

The frame of the tapping device has a C-shape, i.e. the lower supporting structure and the upper structure 6,1 are connected only on one longitudinal side (in the view of Fig. 1 this connection is at the rear). This allows easier access to all equipment located on the lower supporting structure. The frame of the tapping device is not provided with any solid walls, so it is open. This openness of the counter, which is due to the absence of solid walls and the C shape, further facilitates cooling and reduces cooling costs, as it prevents the accumulation of heat inside the counter.

The cooled zone and the beverage guide system are schematically shown in Fig. 2. The cooled zone 1.4 is a ventilated box, which is cooled to 3.5 ° C in the case of beer. It comprises a tube for guiding a beverage, in particular comprising a device 1,5 for measuring the flow of beer and a device for switching the beverage paths.

-4GB 308553 B6

Guide 1.3 of the beverage between the impact needle 1.2. which is the outlet of the tank 1.1. and the entrance to the cooling zone is provided by a so-called python, which is a bundle of tubes stored in a tubular insulating casing through which the cooling liquid actively circulates. The supply pipe 1.7 for guiding the beverage through the cooled zone 1.4 and then also outside the cooled zone by the cooling device 1,6 to the taps 1.8 of the tap stand can also be secured by python, especially in sections outside the cooled zone.

The integrated sanitation module is schematically shown in Fig. 3. The module 2,1 comprises a pump 2,8, an inlet 2,3 for the sanitizing liquid releasably connectable to the sink 2,13, fitted with an inlet / outlet 2,6 for the sanitizing liquid to the system 2, 12 of the beverage line, inlet / outlet 2.6 for the sanitary liquid from the beverage line system 2.12 connected to the outlet 2.5 for the sanitary liquid separably connectable to the sink 2.14. Pump 2.8 is connected to the system to drive flushing water or sanitizing solution through this circuit through a four-way valve 2.9. which controls the flow direction in the sanitation circuit. All inputs and outputs are located on the control panel of the sanitation module 2.1 from the tap side, together with the pump operation switch 2.10 and the control 2,9,1 of the four-way valve 2.9. which allows easy ergonomic control of the sanitation by the operator.

Giant. 3d and 3e schematically show the function of the sanitation module 2,1. In the first position of the four-way valve 2.9 in Fig. 3e on the left, the hose 2,2 with the suction basket supplies the sanitary liquid from the sink 2.13 through the inlet 23. The liquid flow is controlled by the pump 2.8. The liquid further flows through the inlet / outlet 2.6 and the hose 2.11 into the beer line system 2.12 and returns through the hose 2.11 to the inlet / outlet 2.6, from which it is further led to the outlet 2.5 of the liquid and further through the hose 2.4 to the sink 2.14. In this arrangement, the sink 2.13 is a brush sink, which is used during sanitation to supply rinsing water or sanitizing solution. In this arrangement, the sink 2,14 is a sink for a hand-held glass washer, which is used during sanitation to drain the rinsing water or the sanitizing solution. The function of both sinks can of course be interchanged in other configurations.

In the second position of the four-way valve 2.9 in FIG. 3e on the right of the hose 2,2 with the suction basket, the sanitary liquid is supplied from one sink 2.13 through the inlet 2.3. The liquid further flows through the inlet / outlet 2.6 and the hose 2.11 into the beer line system 2,12, but flows through the beer line system in the opposite direction to the figure on the left. The liquid is then returned via a hose 2.11 to the inlet / outlet 2.6, from which it is further led to the outlet 2.5 of the liquid and further via a hose 2.4 to the sink 2.14.

The tapping stand 3.1 with a removable view cover 3.6 is shown in FIG. 4. The tap side 3,2 is provided with screw holes 3,4 for taps. The simple removability of the cover 3.6 of the tapping stand 3.1 consists in that the vertical and horizontal parts of the cover 3.6 are formed as one unit and are fixed at three points to the fixed tapping side 3.2 of the tapping stand 3.1. The tapping side 3,2 is reinforced by reinforcements 33. The three-point fixation consists in a seamless screw fastening in the lower part of the vertical part of the cover 3.6 to the tapping side 3,2, this fastening is formed by a mandrel 3,7 on the fixed tapping side 3,2 and a loop 3,8 for dark on the visible cover 3.6. In the horizontal part of the cover 36, the fixation is secured by two screws from the tap side. The screws pass through the holes 3,5 on the tapping side 3,2 and through the threaded pipes 3,9 on the cover 36. The fitting of the cover 36 is very simple, it takes place simply by putting it on the tm 37, folding it out and screwing it on.

Claims (11)

PATENT CLAIMS A tapping device comprising a frame defining a lower support structure and an upper structure (6.1) carrying a counter surface (4.1) with at least two sinks (2.13, 2.14, 2.15), wherein carriers for placing at least one large storage container are arranged in the lower support structure. (1.1), a cooling device (1.6), and optionally at least one source of propellant gas, and wherein a T-shaped tapping stand (3.1) having a tapping side (3.2) and a viewing side is located on the counter surface, the tapping side of the horizontal part T being provided several taps (1.8) to which the supply pipes (1.7) lead from the outlet of the cooling device (1.6), and the vertical part T surrounds these supply pipes (1.7), characterized in that the visible side of the tap stand is formed by a removable cover (3.6) that a cooling zone (1.4) is located in the lower supporting structure with the beverage inlet connectable to the large-volume storage container (1.1) and with the beverage outlet to the cooling device (1.6) and subsequently to the dispenser (3.1), The refrigerated zone (1.4) contains beverage pipes and devices (1.5) for measuring the flow of beverages and for switching beverage routes, and that the dispensing device is equipped with an integrated sanitation module (2.1) which includes an inlet (2.3) for sanitizing liquid with the first sink (2.13) and connected to the sanitary liquid inlet / outlet (2.6) to the beverage guide system (2.12), the sanitary liquid inlet / outlet (2.6) from the beverage guide system connected to the sanitary liquid outlet (2.5) releasably connectable with a second sink (2.14), and further comprises a pump (2.8) with a four-way valve (2.9) for switching the flow direction of the sanitary liquid inlets / outlets (2.6). Dispensing device according to claim 1, characterized in that the inlets and outlets (2.3, 2.5, 2.6) for the sanitary liquid are located on the control panel of the sanitation module (2.1) from the tapping side, together with the pump operation switch (2.10) and the four-way control. valve (2.9) for switching the flow direction of the sanitary liquid. Dispensing device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cooling zone (1.4) is provided with a tap with forced transfer of cooled air. Dispensing device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tapping needle (1.2) is provided with active cooling at the beverage outlet of the large-volume storage container (1.1). Dispensing device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the horizontal and vertical part of the removable cover (3.6) of the tap stand (3.1) on the view side is formed integrally and is fixed to the fixed cover on the tap side (3.2) at the bottom of the vertical part of the cover (3.6) by means of the darkness (3.7) and the loop (3.8) for the darkness, and in the horizontal part by two screws from the tap side. Dispensing device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the nozzles (1.7) for guiding the beverage from the cooling device (1.6) to the dispensing stand (3.1) are covered by a cover visually adjoining the cover (3.6) of the dispensing stand (3.1). Dispensing device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the frame of the dispensing device is C-shaped, wherein the lower support structure and the upper structure (6.1) carrying the counter surface (4.1) are connected on only one longitudinal side, and the frame of the dispensing device is open. Dispensing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that raised edges are provided around the sinks (2.13, 2.14, 2.15). Dispensing device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a sink (2.15) for rinsing the glasses, which is cooled. -6GB 308553 B6 Dispensing device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the counter surface (4.1) is provided with a raised edge around the circumference. Dispensing device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cooling device (1.6) is provided with a tubular or grate cover (5.2).