EP2933222B1 - Compensator tap - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a compensator tap for drinks, in particular beers, with a hand lever for adjusting the compensator tap from a closed position to an open position and back, an outflow spout for outflow of the beverage in the open position of the compensator tap and a flow chamber for flow of the beverage to the spout wherein the flow chamber has a portion tapering counter to the direction of flow of the beverage, wherein in the flow chamber a portion of a compensator tapering counter to the direction of flow of the beverage is provided, and wherein the compensator is connected to the lever such that the compensator is in the closed position the Kompensatorzapfhahns with sealing surfaces in contact with corresponding sealing surfaces of the flow chamber and thus closes the Kompensatorzapfhahn over a flow of the beverage. A Kompensatorzapfhahn according to the introductory part of claim 1 is known from DE 42 02 633 A1 known.

Compensator taps are known in various designs and allow a gradual pressure drop of the beverage in the tap. This is particularly desirable when tapping beer or other carbonated beverages such as soft drinks, because a sudden pressure drop from a high line pressure to the ambient pressure can cause an excessive volume flow from the discharge spout shoots, the carbon dioxide dissolved in the beverage escapes, so that The cone is a shelled drink with a lot of foam is obtained.

The compensator of a Kompensatorzapfhahns has a conical end which sits in a likewise conical portion of a flow chamber in the housing of the Kompensatorzapfhahns. In order to adjust the outflow of the drink, the compensator is regularly adjustable in the housing of the compensator tap. If the compensator with its conical end pushed further into the cone of the flow chamber, the remaining free flow area for the drink is lower and the pressure loss through the compensator higher. The pressure of the drink is thus significantly reduced after passing through the compensator and preferably only so high that the drink with the desired quality can be tapped. Since the compensator is relatively long and the corresponding pressure drop is gradually over the length of the compensator, a larger proportion of carbon dioxide remains in the expiring from the spout.

In order to increase the outflow, for example when the beverage is applied to the compensator tap at a relatively low pressure, the conical compensator may be further withdrawn from the conical portion of the flow chamber, increasing the free flow area and decreasing the pressure loss across the compensator. Nevertheless, since the pressure of the beverage applied to the compensator is lower, the pressure loss through the compensator is not too sudden and sufficient residual pressure remains to allow a sufficient volume flow of the beverage to flow out of the discharge spout.

The displacement of the compensator is accomplished via a lever provided on the compensator tap, which is provided in addition to the hand lever of the compensator tap, with which the compensator tap is moved from the closed to the open position and back. In the open position of the Kompensatorzapfhahns the drink flows out of the spout. In the closed position of the compensator tap, no beverage flows out of the spout. For this purpose, a closing piston is provided in the flow chamber, which closes in the closed position downstream of the compensator flow opening in the flow chamber.

The advantage of compensator taps is that they can be used very flexibly for different pre-pressures and for different drinks, especially for different beers. In addition, compensator taps can be used to pour high-quality drinks. These advantages are bought with the disadvantage of a need for optimization of per-unit tapped drinks.

Therefore, the object of the present invention is to design and further develop the above-mentioned Kompensatorzapfhahn described in such a way that the output can be increased without increasing the production cost or to reduce the quality with which drinks can be tapped.

This object is achieved in the Kompensatorzapfhahn according to the preamble of claim 1, characterized in that the compensator comprises at least one Kompensatorkanal for flowing through the compensator with the beverage in the direction of the tapered portion opposite annular outlet opening for the outflow of the beverage from the Kompensatorkanal.

The closing of the Kompensatorzapfhahns by the compensator in the closed position of the Kompensatorzapfhahns and the adjustment of the compensator by the hand lever for tapping the drink, eliminating the need for a closing piston. The invention has recognized that thereby the flow through the flow chamber after passing through the compensator can be improved so that sudden cross-sectional changes and / or flow deflections are largely avoided. As a result, the carbon dioxide tends to escape less and thus leads to the pin less foaming. By dispensing with a closing piston, a higher pressure can ultimately be tolerated downstream of the compensator in the direction of flow of the beverage, without resulting in excessive outgassing of carbon dioxide in the compensating tap. As a result, the beverage is at a higher pressure after passing through the compensator and can be tapped faster. The number of drinks tapped per unit time can therefore be increased.

In the present case, a tapered compensator can be understood as meaning a conical compensator or a compensator with a conical section. In other words, the compensator can form a cone and the Flow chamber form a flow channel for receiving the compensator, which is also designed as a cone. However, a corresponding tapering of the compensator or of the flow chamber can also be understood to mean that, in the mathematical sense, does not resemble any conical shape, but differs therefrom. However, this deviation is preferably not too great, since the function described above must be achieved further from the interaction of compensator and flow chamber.

Further, the hand lever to which the compensator is connected means the hand lever operated by the operator to start, stop or stop the pin. Not meant, however, is an adjusting lever, which merely serves to adjust the compensator tap. Since the compensator is connected to the hand lever, it is necessary, if necessary, no further adjusting lever more, as provided in the prior art, for example, for adjusting the compensator. The term hand lever can also include actuators that have no lever structure in the classical sense and / or not operated directly by hand. For ease of understanding, however, the term hand lever is still used because the design of the hand lever will be preferred as a hand lever in the classical sense, with the exception of specific exceptions.

In a first preferred embodiment of the Kompensatorzapfhahns the corresponding sealing surfaces of the compensator and the flow chamber are each provided in the tapered portion. In this way it is structurally particularly simple to close the flow chamber of the compensator tap and to prevent leakage of beverage from the spout, by merely adjusting the hand lever in the closed position.

The corresponding sealing surfaces of the compensator and the flow chamber may be circular or oval. However, the sealing surfaces can optionally be made simpler and more accurate if they just run are. Then several sealing surfaces are provided circumferentially for sealing the flow chamber. It can be provided in each case six to eight or even more sealing surfaces. The sealing surfaces are then easy and accurate to produce, with approximately a conical shape of the flow chamber and compensator can be maintained. However, it is also possible for a plurality of sealing surfaces to be provided on the compensator and / or on the flow chamber, which has a curvature or curvature, even if this is rather less preferred in terms of production technology. Alternatively or additionally, the sealing surfaces of the compensator and / or the flow chamber can be rolled, whereby a very high tightness of the Kompensatorzapfhahns can be ensured in the closed position. A run-on or drop of drink is thus prevented.

In the open position of the Kompensatorzapfhahns along at least a portion of the compensator, as needed along the non-tapering portion of the compensator, form a flow channel which is at least partially limited by flat surfaces of the flow chamber and / or the compensator. Surrounding the flow channel are preferably, in particular in each case, at least six, eight or more, flat surfaces provided which can merge into one another. The flat surfaces achieve a defined and even flow. For example, this may result in less foam. In order to be able to make good use of the space of the flow chamber, it is basically appropriate if the flow channel is formed circumferentially to the compensator.

So that as few impurities, bacteria and / or germs as possible can adhere to the compensator, it is preferred if the compensator carries a plastic coating. Chlorinated plastics, in particular polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), have proved to be particularly suitable in this context. Since appropriate deposits should also be avoided at the flow chamber, alternatively or additionally, the flow chamber can be internally coated with a plastic, preferably of the aforementioned type. If the Sealing surfaces of the compensator and / or the flow chamber are formed by a plastic, can also be increased by a certain elasticity of the plastic, the reliability of the seal.

The compensator can basically be made completely from a plastic. However, it is advisable if the compensator is formed, for reasons of dimensional stability, at least in its core of a metal. Aluminum is particularly preferred because the compensator assumes the temperature of the beverage very quickly and is less prone to heat the beverage when tapped. Likewise, it is preferred if the housing of the compensator tap is at least partially made of metal, in particular aluminum.

In order to adjust the flow of the beverage through the Kompensatorzapfhahn in the open position of the hand lever, an adjustable stop can be provided. With this, the opening degree of the Kompensatorzapfhahns can be varied in the open position. Preferably, the stop serves to limit the adjustment of the compensator from the closed position of the Kompensatorzapfhahns in the open position of Kompensatorzapfhahns. This leads to a constructive simplification insofar as that the compensator is adjusted anyway via the hand lever between the open position and the closed position. So it can be reduced, the number of moving parts.

It is particularly simple if the stop is formed by a screw held in a thread of the housing of the compensator tap. In this case, too, it is generally preferred if the stop serves as a stop for the compensator in the closed position of the compensator tap. A further simplification can be achieved if the screw forming the stop is screwed from the front of the Kompensatorzapfhahns into a thread in the housing of Kompensatorzapfhahns.

For reasons of hygiene, it may be desirable for the compensator tap to be completely deflated in the closed position. To achieve this, a ventilation duct may be provided for ventilating the flow chamber. Thus, it is to be prevented that a leakage of residual beverage due to a negative pressure in Kompensatorzapfhahn is prevented. In this case, the ventilation channel is provided so that in the closed position of the Kompensatorzapfhahns the compensator or a component connected to the compensator releases the ventilation duct. In the open position of the compensator tap, however, the compensator or a component connected to the compensator closes the ventilation duct.

To ensure that the ventilation duct is only opened when the further inflow of beverage is reliably stopped in the Kompensatorzapfhahn, a sealing means may be provided which cooperates with the compensator or with a component connected to the compensator so that the ventilation duct at the earliest shortly is opened in the closed position before the Kompensatorzapfahn completely closed. In principle, it is preferred if the sealant is designed as a ring seal.

In a functionally and structurally preferred Kompensatorzapfhahn the sealing means is provided in the open position of the Kompensatorzapfhahns between the stop and either the compensator or a cooperating with the stop and connected to the compensator component. In this way it can be utilized that the compensator is adjusted anyway between the open and the closed position of the Kompensatorzapfhahns. On additional moving parts or additional design effort can thus be dispensed with. To further simplify and clean the Kompensatorzapfhahns the ventilation duct can alternatively or additionally be guided by the screw forming the stop.

In order to be able to better clean the compensator tap, the flow chamber may be formed at least in two parts. Then the flow chamber can be opened by separating the corresponding parts and cleaned from the inside. If the at least two parts of the flow chamber are connected to one another via a union nut, it can additionally be prevented that a screw connection of the parts of the flow chamber is contaminated by escaping beverage residues. Corresponding threads are difficult to clean. If necessary, the compensator may be formed in two parts, such as to make the compensator in the individual parts better, even if this requires a subsequent connection of the items.

In order to improve the flow of the beverage along the compensator, in particular to stabilize, it may be expedient to form at least one compensator channel in the compensator. In this case, the compensator channel can be designed as a channel open to the flow chamber, for example in the form of a channel. However, in terms of flow technology, it will often be the case if the compensator channel runs at least partially closed in the compensator itself. If necessary, the compensator channel is then accessible only via at least one inlet opening and / or one outlet opening in the compensator, wherein the beverage flows through the at least one inlet opening into the compensator channel and / or through which at least one outlet opening flows out of the compensator channel. Independently of this, a high flow rate and a particularly uniform flow of the beverage through the compensator channel is achieved if the at least one compensator channel at least partially has an annular cross section for flowing through the beverage.

So that the beverage can penetrate quite evenly into the compensator channel, it makes sense if the compensator has several, in particular at least two, inlet openings. These inlet openings are preferably arranged to further homogenization of the flow of the beverage, in particular evenly distributed over the circumference of the compensator. In case of two inlet openings are therefore preferably provided on opposite sides of the compensator. In order to use the tapered portion of the compensator for uniform pressure reduction in the drink, it is appropriate if the at least one inlet opening at the end of the tapered portion, at the beginning of the non-tapered portion or in particular at the transition region between the tapered portion and is provided non-tapered section. The at least one outlet opening is annular. This is particularly appropriate if the compensator channel also has an annular cross-section at least partially, in particular in the region of the at least one outlet opening.

In particular, in connection with a compensator channel, the use of at least one rod element, which can form the front end of the compensator, is necessary. The rod element can be used to interact with the stop, the ventilation channel and / or the sealant. By the plant of the rod element at the stop, the opening of the Kompensatorzapfhahns limited and / or adjusted as needed. Alternatively or additionally, for example, the rod element can cooperate with a ventilation channel such that the ventilation channel is closed in the closed position of the compensator tap and opened in the open position of the compensator tap. In this case, if necessary, a sealing means, such as in the form of a ring seal may be provided which ensure the seal, for example, ensures the ventilation duct. For this purpose, the rod element can engage in the open position of the Kompensatorzapfhahns in an opening of the sealant.

To simplify the design of the compensator, the rod element can be at least partially enclosed by at least one Kompensatorkanal. For further structural simplification, it can contribute if the Rod member at least partially limited at least one Kompensatorkanal, in particular to the inside. For the sake of simplicity, the rod element can be arranged centrally and concentrically with at least one compensator channel.

If the compensator is formed in two parts, this allows a simple production of Kompensatorkanals. During production, no consideration must be given to the rod element. Rather, the rod element can be subsequently connected to the rest of the compensator. This is done very easily and reliably by screwing. Since the compensator channel preferably does not extend over the entire tapered rear portion of the compensator, it may be desirable to connect the rod member to the tapered portion of the compensator. As a result, it can also be achieved that the compensator channel extends at least substantially over the entire non-tapering section, which is not formed solely by the rod element. The Kompensatorkanal can then also be formed by a blind hole, in which subsequently the rod element is introduced.

Fig. 1

ein Ausführungsbeispiel eines Kompensatorzapfhahns in Seitenansicht,

Fig. 2

den Kompensatorzapfhahn aus Fig. 1 in Vorderansicht,

Fig. 3

den Kompensatorzapfhahn aus Fig. 1 in der geöffneten Stellung in einer Schnittansicht längs zum Kompensatorzapfhahn,

Fig. 4

ein Detail des Kompensatorzapfhahns aus Fig. 3,

Fig. 5

den Kompensatorzapfhahn aus Fig. 1 in der geschlossenen Stellung in einer Schnittansicht längs zum Kompensatorzapfhahn,

Fig. 6

ein Detail des Kompensatorzapfhahns aus Fig. 5 und

Fig. 7

ein Ausführungsbeispiel eines erfindungsgemäßen Kompensatorzapfhahns in Seitenansicht.

Fig. 8

ein drittes Ausführungsbeispiel eines erfindungsgemäßen Kompensatorzapfhahns in einer Vorderansicht,

Fig. 9

den Kompensatorzapfhahn aus Fig. 8 in einer Schnittansicht längs der Ebene IV-IV der Fig. 8,

Fig. 10

ein Detail des Kompensatorzapfhahns aus Fig. 8 in einer Schnittansicht längs der Ebene X-X der Fig. 9 und

Fig. 11

das Detail XI aus Fig. 9 des Kompensatorzapfhahns aus Fig. 8.

The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to a purely exemplary embodiments illustrative drawing. In the drawing shows

Fig. 1

an embodiment of a Kompensatorzapfhahns in side view,

Fig. 2

the compensator tap off Fig. 1 in front view,

Fig. 3

the compensator tap off Fig. 1 in the open position in a sectional view along the Kompensatorzapfhahn,

Fig. 4

a detail of the compensator tap Fig. 3 .

Fig. 5

the compensator tap off Fig. 1 in the closed position in a sectional view along the Kompensatorzapfhahn,

Fig. 6

a detail of the compensator tap Fig. 5 and

Fig. 7

An embodiment of a Kompensatorzapfhahns invention in side view.

Fig. 8

A third embodiment of a Kompensatorzapfhahns invention in a front view,

Fig. 9

the compensator tap off Fig. 8 in a sectional view taken along the plane IV-IV of Fig. 8 .

Fig. 10

a detail of the compensator tap Fig. 8 in a sectional view along the plane XX of Fig. 9 and

Fig. 11

the detail XI off Fig. 9 of the compensator tap Fig. 8 ,

In the Fig. 1 and 2 is a Kompensatorzapfhahn 1 for tapping beer or other, preferably carbonated drinks, shown in a side view. The illustrated and so far preferred Kompensatorzapfhahn 1 has at its rear end a connector 2 for connection to a not shown beverage line in the form of a threaded connection. From the beverage line, the beverage flows into a flow chamber 3 in the housing 4 of the compensator tap 1. On the upper side of the housing 4, a hand lever 5 is pivotally mounted, which can be pivoted from a rear closed position to a front open position. In the illustrated, open position of Kompensatorzapfhahns 1, the beverage flows through the flow chamber 3 and the downwardly facing and slightly forward discharge spout 6 from the Compensator tap 1 out. The housing 4 of the illustrated and so far preferred Kompensatorzapfhahns 1 is composed of two parts 7,8, which are connected by means of a union nut 9. In the housing 4, a screw 10 is screwed, via which the open position of the Kompensatorzapfhahns 1 can be adjusted.

In the Fig. 3 the Kompensatorzapfhahn 1 is shown in a longitudinal section, which among other things allows an insight into the flow chamber 3. The flow chamber 3 has adjacent to the connector 2 to the beverage line to a relatively small free cross-section. The cross section is formed in the illustrated and so far preferred Kompensatorzapfhahn 1 circular. In the flow direction, this section of the flow chamber 3 is followed by a conically widening section 11, in which a compensator 12 with a correspondingly tapering section 13 is placed. Between the conical portion 13 of the compensator 12 and the conical portion 11 of the flow chamber 3 remains in the in the Fig. 3 illustrated, open position of the compensator 12 an annular space through which the beverage can continue to flow in the direction of the outflow spout 6.

The compensator 12 is connected via an eccentric 14 with the hand lever 5, so that the compensator 12 is displaced by the pivoting of the hand lever 5 along the flow chamber 3. The eccentric 14 is rotatably held in the housing 4 of the Kompensatorzapfhahns 1 and engages with an eccentrically provided pin 15 in a corresponding receptacle in the compensator 12 a. The compensator 12 therefore moves forward when the hand lever 5 is pivoted forward. The compensator 12 is also displaced to the rear, when the hand lever 5 is pivoted to the rear, until the closed position of the Kompensatorzapfhahns 1 is reached. How far the compensator 12 can be moved forward, depends on the position of a stop 16, which is formed by one end of the screw 10, which sits in a thread 17 in the housing 4 of the Kompensatorzapfhans 1. The position of the stopper 16 can thereby be changed that the screw 10 is further screwed into the housing 4 or further rotated out of the housing 4.

In the illustrated preferred compensator tap 1, the compensator 12 is screwed with its rear end in the flow direction with a pin-shaped component 18. The pin-shaped component 18 points in the direction of the stop 16 and lies in the open position of the Kompensatorzapfhahns 1 to the stop 16, as shown in the Fig. 4 is shown. If necessary, but could also be dispensed with the pin-shaped member 18, so that the compensator 12 itself comes into contact with the stop 16.

Especially in the Fig. 4 a sealing means 19 and a ventilation channel 20 are shown. The ventilation duct 20 is guided in the illustrated and so far preferred Kompensatorzapfhahn 1 by the seated in the housing 4 screw 10, in the present case in particular approximately centrally. The pointing in the direction of the flow chamber 3 end of the screw 10 is frictionally seated in the sealing means 19, which in turn is positively received in a groove 23 in the housing 4 of the Kompensatorzapfhahns 1. Likewise, the pointing in the direction of the stop 16 end of the pin-shaped, connected to the compensator 12 member 18 frictionally seated in the screw 10 opposite end of the sealant 19. In the in the Fig. 4 shown open position of Kompensatorzapfhahns 1 can therefore neither air from the outside into the flow chamber 3 nor drink from the inside into the ventilation duct 20 penetrate, which is a bore in the present case. The sealant 19 is formed in the illustrated and so far preferred Kompensatorzapfhahn 1 as in the form of a ring seal. In principle, it may be sufficient if only the pin-shaped component 18 connected to the compensator 12 or the compensator 12 itself cooperates with the sealing means 19 for closing the ventilation channel 20. In the illustrated Kompensatorzapfhahn 1 can be avoided, however, that occur in the ventilation duct 20 unwanted impurities, such as from the interlocking threads of the stop 16 forming screw 10 and the housing 4 of the Kompensatorzapfhahns first

In the Fig. 5 the compensator tap 1 is shown in the closed position, in which the hand lever 5 is arranged in the rear position. In this closed position, the compensator 12, which tapers in the direction of the connection piece 2, bears with its peripherally provided sealing surfaces 21 against the correspondingly formed circumferential sealing surfaces 22 of the flow chamber 3. In the illustrated and so far preferred compensator tap 1, the sealing surfaces 21 of the compensator 12 as well as the sealing surfaces 22 of the flow chamber 3 are each provided in the conical portion 11,13. The sealing surfaces 21,22 of the compensator 12 and / or the flow chamber 3 may be rotationally symmetric or composed of different planar sections. By the concern of the sealing surfaces 21,22 of the compensator 12 and the flow chamber 3 of the compensator tap 1 is closed, so that no more beverage from the connector 2 in the direction of the spout 6 can flow.

The housing 4 of the Kompensatorzapfhahns 1 is formed in two parts in the illustrated and so far preferred Kompensatorzapfhahn 1, wherein the two parts are screwed 7,8 of the housing 4 by means of a union nut 9 together. If the two parts 7,8 of the housing 4 separated from each other, the flow chamber 3 is divided into two parts to clean the flow chamber 3 and remove the compensator 12 can. Since no inwardly threaded thread is provided on the connecting piece-side part 7 of the housing, such can not be contaminated by trailing drink. The thread points outwards. Inwardly, however, has the thread of the union nut 9, but which can be easily cleaned without the connection piece-side part 7 of the housing 4 also degraded, so it must be separated from the beverage line.

As in particular in the Fig. 6 dargstellt, the compensator 12 has a pin-shaped member 18 which is bolted to the rest of the compensator 12 and protrudes forward relative to the rest of the compensator. In the closed position of the Kompensatorzapfhahns 1, the pin-shaped member 18 is just pulled out of the sealing means 19, so that between the sealing means 19 and the pin-shaped member 18, a gap for the passage of air from the ventilation channel 20 remains in the flow chamber 3. This ventilation ensures the complete emptying of the flow chamber 3 in the area between the compensator 12 and the discharge spout 6. For this purpose, a very narrow gap between the pin-shaped component 18 connected to the compensator 12 and the sealing means 19 already suffices. The gap can therefore only be opened immediately before reaching the closed position of the compensator tap 1, the remaining pressure of the beverage after the compensator 12 essentially corresponds to the ambient pressure and essentially no more drink flows into the flow chamber 3. In any case, the pressure and the volume flow of the beverage are so low that the entry of beverage into the ventilation channel 20 can be avoided.

In the Fig. 7 an alternative of Kompensatorzapfhahns 1 described above is shown, in which the hand lever 5 is not mounted above, but laterally on the housing 4. Also in this case, the hand lever 5 is pivotable from a rear closed position of the compensator tap 1 'in a front open position of the compensator tap 1' and back. The function corresponds to the function of the previously described, in the Fig. 1 to 6 illustrated Kompensatorzapfhahns 1.

In the Kompensatorzapfhähnen 1,1 'the Fig. 1 to 7 the beverage flows in the open position via an annular space between the compensator 12 and the housing 4 along the compensator 12. The pressure of the beverage gradually decreases, without excessive carbon dioxide can escape from the drink and without excessive foaming. Arrived at the end of the compensator 12 or the narrow annulus, the pressure of the drink is so far reduces the carbon dioxide does not over-degrade on the way to Auslaufstülle 6 and thus leads to an undesirably strong foaming. Since after passing the compensator 12 a uniform flow channel for the beverage is provided in the flow chamber 3, which is almost free of sudden changes in cross section and sudden flow deflections, the pressure of the beverage after passing through the compensator 12 may still be relatively high, without being excessive Carbon dioxide escapes. Thus, it is possible with the Kompensatorzapfhähnen described 1,1 ', the drinks very quickly pin, because due to the higher pressure at the end of the annular gap around the compensator 12 around a high volume flow at the outlet of the outflow spout 6 can be achieved.

In the 8 to 11 an alternative Kompensatorzapfhahn 1 "is shown, but the in the Fig. 1 to 7 illustrated Kompensatorzapfhähnen 1,1 'strongly resembles. Therefore, in the Kompensatorzapfhahn 1 "same components are provided with the same reference numerals.

Also the compensator tap 1 "according to Fig. 8 is for tapping beer or other, preferably carbonated drinks, provided and has for this purpose a connection piece 2 "for connection to a not shown beverage line in the form of a threaded connection In the illustrated front position of the hand lever 5, the beverage flows out of the compensating tap 1 "through the flow chamber 3 and over the downwardly pointing and slightly forwardly directed outflow spout 6. The housing is also formed by two parts 7 ", 8", which are held together with a union nut 9. In the housing 4 "is also a screw 10 for limiting and adjusting the degree of opening in the open position of Kompensatorzapfhahns 1" screwed.

Like this in the Fig. 9 The compensator 12 "also differs from the compensator 12 of the compensating taps 1,1 '. The compensator 12" has in the rear part a corresponding one to the one in the compensator taps 1 " expanding portion 11 "of the flow chamber 3 tapered portion 13" on. Between the tapered portion 13 "of the compensator 12" and the flared portion 11 "of the flow chamber 3 remains in the illustrated open position of the Kompensatorzapfhahns 1" a circumferential gap which forms a flow channel for the beverage.

As already described above, the compensator 12 "is rotatably held in the housing 4" so that the compensator 12 "can be displaced from the closed position to the open position of the compensator tap 1" by the pivoting of the hand lever 5. How far the compensator 12 "can be moved forward, depends on the position of the stop 16, which is occupied by one end of the screw 17 received in a thread 17 in the housing 4". In this case, the screw 10 can be screwed into the housing 4 "to a different extent. The design of the screw 10, the stop 16 formed by the screw, the sealing means 19 and the ventilation channel 20 are analogous to the compensating tap 1 according to FIG Fig. 1 to 6 educated.

Also, in the compensator 12 ", the rear tapered end of the tapered portion 13" of the compensator 12 "is provided with sealing surfaces 21". These sealing surfaces 21 "are just as the corresponding sealing surfaces 22 of the conical portion of the correspondingly widening portion 11" of the flow chamber 3 is rotated, so that in the closed position of Kompensatorzapfhahns 1 "the drink can not pass the compensator 12".

As in particular in the Fig. 10 and 11 is shown, the Kompensatorzapfhahn 1 "in contrast to the Kompensatorzapfhahn 1 according to the Fig. 1 to 6 a Kompensatorkanal 26 "on, in the illustrated and so far preferred Kompensatorzapfhahn 1 "along the compensator 12" and also parallel to the longitudinal axis of the compensator 12 "runs .. To form the compensator 12" of the compensator 12 "is provided with a central bore 27". The bore 27 "is executed in the illustrated and so far preferred compensator 12" as a blind hole. At the inner end of the bore 27 ", ie at the bottom of the blind hole, a rod element 28" is screwed to the rest of the compensator 12 ", in the present case in the region of the tapered rear portion 13" of the compensator 12 " With respect to the rod element 28 "outer part of the compensator 12" remains the circumferential Kompensatorkanal 26 ", which is formed in the illustrated and so far preferred compensator 12" in the form of an annular gap with an annular cross-section. In this case, the width of the compensator channel 26 "is constant both in the circumferential direction and in the longitudinal direction of the compensator 12". In the compensator tap 1 "illustrated and so far preferred, the rod element 28" protrudes forward relative to the compensator channel 26 ", whereby the front end of the rod element 28" cooperates with the stop 16, the sealing means 19 and the ventilation channel 20, as already described for the in the Fig. 1 to 6 has been described Kompensatorzapfhahn 1 has been described. In that regard, the rod element 28 "then assumes the function of the pin-shaped component 18 of the compensator 12.

In the open position of the compensator tap 1 ", the beverage flows past the sealing surfaces 21", 22 and, in the illustrated preferred compensating tap 1 ", enters the compensator channel 26" through inlet openings 29 " the inlet openings 29 "conveniently provided in the transition region between the tapered portion 13" and the non-tapered portion 30 "of the compensator 12". In principle, however, the inlet openings 29 "could also be provided at the end of the tapering section 13" or at the beginning of the non-tapering section 30 ". on circumferentially opposite sides of the compensator 12 "are arranged. The inlet openings 29" are further formed as radial bores. At the front end of the compensator channel 26 "there is an annular outlet opening 31", the cross section of which may be widened with respect to the cross section of the compensator channel 26. If desired, the outlet opening 31 "forms a conical widening of the flow channel radially outward. This avoids a sudden and considerable cross-sectional widening of the flow channel for the drink and the optionally associated foaming on leaving the outlet opening 31. "Near the outlet opening 31", a groove 32 "is also provided, into which an eccentric connected to the hand lever 5 engages. In this way, the compensator 12 "in the housing 4" from the open position to the closed position can be moved back and forth.

Claims (15)

1. Compensator tap (1, 1', 1") for drinks, in particular for beer, having a hand lever (5) for adjusting the compensator tap (1, 1', 1") from a closed position to an open position and back, a discharge spout (6) for discharging the drink in the open position of the compensator tap (1, 1', 1") and a flow-through chamber (3) for the drink to flow through to the discharge spout (6), wherein the flow-through chamber (3) has a section tapered against the flow direction of the drink, wherein a section (13") of a compensator (12, 12") tapered against the flow direction of the drink is provided in the flow-through chamber (3), and wherein the compensator (12, 12") is connected to the hand lever (5) in such a way that in the closed position of the compensator tap (1, 1') the compensator (12, 12") with sealing surfaces (21, 21") comes into contact with corresponding sealing surfaces (22) of the flow-through chamber (3) and thereby shuts off the compensator tap (1, 1', 1") with respect to the flow-through of the drink, characterised in that the compensator (12") has at least one compensator channel (26") for the drink to flow through the compensator (12") in the direction of an annular outlet (31") opposite the tapered section (13") for the drink to flow out of the compensator channel (26").
2. Compensator tap according to Claim 1, characterised in that the corresponding sealing surfaces (21, 21", 22) of the compensator (12, 12") and of the flow-through chamber (3) are in each case provided in the tapered section, and/or in that the sealing surfaces (21, 21", 22) of the compensator (12, 12") and/or of the flow-through chamber (3) are rolled.
3. Compensator tap according to Claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the compensator (12, 12") and the flow-through chamber (3) preferably in each case have at least six flat surfaces, and in that at least in the open position of the compensator tap (1, 1', 1") a preferably circumferential flow channel is provided between the flat surfaces.
4. Compensator tap according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the compensator (12, 12") and/or the flow-through chamber (3) has a plastic coating, preferably consisting of a chlorinated plastic, in particular consisting of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), and/or in that at least a core of the compensator (12, 12") and/or at least a part of the housing (4, 4") of the compensator tap (1, 1', 1") is formed from aluminium.
5. Compensator tap according to any one of Claims 1 to 4, characterised in that an adjustable stop (16) is provided for adjusting the opening degree of the compensator tap (1, 1', 1") in the open position, preferably for limiting the adjustment travel of the compensator (12, 12") from the closed position of the compensator tap (1, 1', 1") to the open position of the compensator tap (1, 1', 1").
6. Compensator tap according to Claim 5, characterised in that the stop (16), preferably for the compensator (12, 12"), is formed by a screw (10) held in a screw winding (17) in the housing (4, 4") of the compensator tap (1, 1', 1").
7. Compensator tap according to Claim 6, characterised in that the screw (10) forming the stop (16) is screwed into the screw winding (17) from the front side of the compensator tap (1, 1', 1").
8. Compensator tap according to any one of Claims 1 to 7, characterised in that a ventilation channel (20) is provided for ventilating the flow-through chamber (3), in that in the closed position of the compensator tap (1, 1', 1") the compensator (12, 12") or a component (18, 29") connected to the compensator (12, 12") opens the ventilation channel (20), and in that in the open position of the compensator tap (1, 1', 1") the compensator (12, 12") or a component (18) connected to the compensator (12, 12") closes the ventilation channel (20).
9. Compensator tap according to Claim 8, characterised in that a sealant (19) is provided, and in that the sealant (19) interacts with the compensator (12, 12") or with a component (18) connected to the compensator (12, 12") in such a way that the ventilation channel (20) is only opened shortly before the compensator tap (1, 1', 1") is fully closed or only after the compensator tap (1, 1', 1") is fully closed.
10. Compensator tap according to Claim 8 or 9, characterised in that the ventilation channel (20) passes through the screw (10) forming the stop (16).
11. Compensator tap according to any one of Claims 1 to 10, characterised in that the flow-through chamber (3) is formed in at least two parts and, preferably, the at least two parts (7, 7", 8, 8") of the flow-through chamber (3) are connected together by means of a union nut (9).
12. Compensator tap according to any one of Claims 1 to 11, characterised in that the compensator (12") has at least one compensator channel (26") at least predominantly having an annular cross-section for the drink to flow through the compensator (12").
13. Compensator tap according to Claim 12, characterised in that the compensator (12") has at least one inlet (29"), preferably two inlets (29") on opposite sides of the compensator (12"), for the drink to flow into the compensator channel (26").
14. Compensator tap according to any one of Claims 1 to 13, in any case according to Claims 5 and 9, characterised in that the compensator (12") has a bar element (28") preferably partly enclosed by the compensator channel (26"), in particular at least partly limiting the compensator channel (26") and interacting with the stop (16), the ventilation channel (20) and/or the sealant (19).
15. Compensator tap according to Claim 14, characterised in that the bar element (28") is connected, preferably screwed, to the compensator (12"), in particular is connected, preferably screwed, to the tapered section (13") of the compensator (12").

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