EP3153459B1 - Python for the distribution of cold drinks, distribution circuit equipped with such a sleeve and distribution facility equipped with such a circuit - Google Patents

Description

Technical area

The present invention relates to the field of cold drink dispensing facilities using a pump, for example the distribution of pressurized beer, or even other cold drinks dispensed under pressure or pumped. The invention relates more particularly to the distribution circuit connecting the cooling unit of the beverage and the draw column of said beverage.

State of the art

The cold drink dispensing facilities using a pump are well known and are particularly used for drafting beers under pressure, other drinks being possible, however, including water, cider, sodas or some wine. Such facilities are particularly used by coffee makers and restaurant owners.

Such an installation traditionally comprises a cooling unit which is deported under the bar or in an additional room, at least one column for drawing at least one drink which is arranged on the bar, and a distribution circuit which is connected in upstream on the cooling group and downstream on the at least one column.

According to a first known embodiment of the distribution circuit, this comprises an insulating foam sleeve, at least one beverage dispensing pipe, the upstream end of which is connected to the cooling unit and the downstream end is connected. on the draw column, the insulating sleeve being disposed around said pipe. The distribution circuit also comprises a cold water circulation tube which is bent over itself so as to have a rising portion and a descending portion, said portions extending inside the sleeve adjacent to the minus one distribution pipe, both ends of the circulation tube being connected via a Python® line to the cooling unit. The presence of the cold water circulation tube connected in a loop on the cooling unit, next to the at least one distribution pipe, and that of the insulating sleeve around the at least one distribution pipe and the cooling pipe. loop circulation, keep the cold drink at a temperature close to zero degrees, up to the draw column. The downstream end of the distribution circuit is inserted into the column and the downstream end of the distribution pipe is connected to the tap or spout of said column. However, the size of the sleeve and the size of the bent portion of the cold water circulation tube, as well as their rigidities, do not allow said elements to be inserted in the column to the connection point of the distribution pipe on the faucet. It is therefore necessary to extract the downstream end portion of said distribution pipe out of the sleeve to connect it to the tap. This downstream end portion is therefore exposed to the ambient environment in the column, which causes the beverage to warm up just before the exit of the tap. This warming can be a few degrees, which is considerable especially for beer which should ideally be served at three degrees Celsius (3 ° C).

According to a second known embodiment, the distribution circuit comprises an insulating sleeve in which is inserted a first cold water circulation tube. A drink dispensing pipe is inserted into the first circulation tube. A specific connector is arranged at the downstream end of the first circulation tube and allows the connection of the downstream end of the distribution pipe to the valve of the column. In addition, a second cold water circulation tube is inserted into the insulating sleeve and is connected to the connector, said connector being configured to allow the flow of cold water from the second tube to the first tube. The upstream ends of the two circulation tubes and the distribution pipe are connected to the cooling unit. Cold water circulates in a loop in the second circulation tube and then in the first circulation tube, which keeps the drink cold. The connector prevents the warming of the drink before it is drawn. This design has the disadvantage of being expensive and adapted to a specific column, which prevents its use with all types of commercially available columns and those already in commerce. In addition the size of the connector is important and the specificity of the connector requires the columns to several valves or nozzles, the use of as many connectors as valves, which involves the implementation of very cumbersome installations.

It is also known the documents DE7916347U1 , FR2966576A1 , FR2969737A1 and US2194319A which discloses a sleeve having an inner chamber and an outer chamber for circulating a coolant, a hose for circulation of a drink passing directly through the inner chamber, which allows to cool or keep the drink cold. These various designs require the implementation of a seal between the inner chamber of the sleeve and the pipe, making the implementation of the installation more or less complex. In addition, such sleeves are difficult to adapt to existing installations, they are not designed to be adapted to traditional draw columns.

Summary of the invention

The present invention aims to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks. In addition, it aims to optimize the maintenance of the cold drink during its circulation in the distribution circuit.

For this purpose, the invention relates to a cooling sleeve comprising an inner sheath, an intermediate sheath, an outer sheath, assembly means configured between said sheaths to form an inner circular chamber and an outer circular chamber arranged more or less of coaxially between them. These inner, intermediate and outer sheaths are made of a waterproof material. In addition, the cooling sleeve comprises in its downstream end portion of the communication means arranged between the inner and outer chambers. Furthermore, the cooling sleeve comprises in its upstream end portion a first connecting piece configured to communicate with the inner circular chamber and a second connecting piece configured to communicate with the outer circular chamber. The upstream and downstream of the various elements constituting the sleeve are defined by the direction of flow of a beverage in a distribution pipe which is inserted into the cooling sleeve. According to this design, the first and second connecting pieces can be connected respectively to a cold water leaving circuit from a cooling unit and to a cold water return circuit to said cooling unit, preferably by means of a cooling circuit. intermediate of a Python® line, which allows the cold water leaving the cooling unit to circulate in the inner chamber which envelopes at least one distribution pipe of a beverage, and then to be transferred to the outer chamber thanks to the communication means, so as to be fed back into the cooling unit, or even the reverse according to the direction of flow of cold water in the cooling sleeve. This design makes it possible to reduce the bulk of the sleeve, which facilitates its insertion into the draw column and reduces the length of the downstream end portion of the distribution pipe exposed to the ambient environment in the column, thus reducing the warming of the beverage before it is drawn.

In a first embodiment of the cooling sleeve according to the invention, first sealed assembly means are arranged between the upstream ends of the inner, intermediate and outer sheaths. Similarly, second sealed assembly means are arranged between the downstream ends of the inner and outer sheaths only, while the intermediate sheath has a shorter length than the inner and outer sheaths, allowing the downstream end of this intermediate sheath free and clear vis-à-vis the downstream ends of the inner and outer sheaths. Thus, the inner and intermediate sheaths constitute the inner chamber, and the intermediate and outer sheaths constitute the outer chamber. In addition, the passage left between the downstream end of the intermediate sheath and the downstream ends of the inner and outer sheath, allows the inner and outer chambers to communicate with each other. Furthermore, according to this first embodiment, the first connection piece is arranged at the upstream end of the inner sheath and the second connection piece is arranged at the upstream end of the outer sheath. This type of sleeve allows in particular to constitute a first variant of main sleeve and a terminal sleeve, as will be explained in the following description.

In a second embodiment of the cooling sleeve according to the invention, first sealed assembly means are arranged between the upstream ends of the inner, intermediate and outer sheaths. Similarly, second sealed assembly means are arranged between the downstream ends of the inner, intermediate and outer sheaths. According to this embodiment, the first connection piece is arranged at the upstream end of the inner sheath and the second connection piece is arranged at the upstream end of the outer sheath. Furthermore, the communication means comprise a third connection piece arranged at the downstream end of the inner sheath, a fourth connection piece arranged at the downstream end of the outer sheath and a circulation piece connected between the third and fourth connection tips. Thus, the inner and intermediate sheaths constitute the inner chamber, and the intermediate and outer sheaths constitute the outer chamber. In addition, the circulation room connected between third and fourth end allows the internal and external chambers to communicate. This type of sleeve allows in particular to constitute a second variant of main sleeve and an intermediate sleeve, as will be explained in the following description.

In a preferred embodiment of the cooling sleeve according to the invention, it is configured so that the inner chamber provides a surface contact around the at least one distribution pipe which is inserted into said sleeve. For this purpose, according to the two aforementioned embodiments of the cooling sleeve according to the invention, or for any other variant, the inner, intermediate and outer sheaths are made of a waterproof and flexible textile material, in particular a waterproof and flexible plastic material. . When the internal and external chambers are filled with cold water circulating in them, the pressure of the water and the flexibility of the material allows the inner sheath to deform and come to marry the shape of the contour generated by the minus a distribution pipe inserted in the cooling sleeve, which makes it possible to create a surface contact between the inner sheath and the at least one distribution pipe and, thus, to optimize the maintenance of the freshness of the beverage circulating in the the at least one distribution pipe.

In a preferred embodiment, the cooling sleeve according to the invention comprises in its upstream end portion an appendage configured to laterally offset the first and second connection ends.

The invention also relates to a distribution circuit for at least one beverage comprising at least one distribution pipe of a beverage, the number of distribution pipes depending on the number of taps or nozzles present on the draw column of the one or more drinks. The distribution circuit comprises at least one cooling sleeve having one or the other of the aforementioned characteristics, according to the configuration of the installation, the at least one distribution pipe being inserted into said at least one cooling sleeve. In addition, the distribution circuit comprises at least one insulating layer enveloping said at least one cooling sleeve. This insulating layer is preferably constituted by an insulating sleeve in which is inserted said at least one cooling sleeve.

In a first embodiment of the distribution circuit according to the invention, the insulating layer consists of an insulating foam sheath. In a second realization, the insulating layer consists of a sheath containing an airgel. Such an airgel has a low heat exchange coefficient, for example of the order of 0.015 W / mK, which ensures a high insulating power and reduces the thickness of the sheath in comparison with an insulating foam sheath, promoting and inserting the dispensing circuit into the draft column to minimize the downstream end portion of the dispensing pipe exposed to the ambient environment in said draft column.

According to a first embodiment of the distribution circuit according to the invention, said circuit is designed for feeding a single-spout column. In this case, the distribution circuit comprises a single distribution pipe, a single cooling sleeve according to the first embodiment above, wherein is inserted said distribution pipe. The distribution circuit also comprises a single insulating sleeve in which is inserted said cooling sleeve. In this case, the cooling sleeve constitutes a first variant of the main sleeve.

According to a second embodiment of the distribution circuit according to the invention, said circuit is designed for feeding a column with two spouts. In this case, several configurations are possible:
Either the column is of the "circular" type, in the form of a cylinder with two valves spaced at an angle of plus or minus sixty degrees (60 °), or even another angle, in which case the distribution circuit comprises two distribution pipes, two cooling sleeves according to the first embodiment above, wherein are respectively inserted said distribution pipes, and two insulating sleeves in which are inserted respectively said cooling sleeves. In this case, these cooling sleeves also each constitute a first variant of the main sleeve.

Either the column is of type "T", with a horizontal arm T and two valves at each end of the arm, in which case the distribution circuit comprises two distribution pipes, a first cooling sleeve according to the second embodiment above, in which are inserted the upstream portions of the two distribution pipes, and two second cooling sleeves according to the first embodiment above, wherein are inserted respectively the downstream portions of the two distribution pipes. The distribution circuit also comprises three insulating sleeves in which are inserted respectively the three cooling sleeves. According to this embodiment, several variants of connection of the second two cooling sleeves with the first cooling sleeve, are possible. It is possible to envisage a parallel connection of the two second cooling sleeves on the first cooling sleeve. In this case, the first and second connecting ends of the two second cooling sleeves are respectively connected with the third and fourth connection ends of the first cooling sleeve by means of connection means, for example T-connectors. it is possible to envisage a series connection of the two second cooling sleeves on the first cooling sleeve. In this case, the first connection end of the first of the second cooling sleeves is connected with the third connection end of the first cooling sleeve by connection means, the second connection end of the first of the second cooling sleeves is connected. with the first coupling end of the second of the second cooling sleeves by means of connection means, and the second connecting end of the second of the second cooling sleeves is connected with the fourth connection end of the first cooling sleeve by means of connection. According to these embodiments, the first sleeve constitutes a second variant of the main sleeve and the second sleeves each constitute a terminal sleeve.

According to a third embodiment of the distribution circuit according to the invention, said circuit is designed for feeding a column with three beaks. In this case, several configurations are possible:
According to a first configuration, the distribution circuit comprises three distribution pipes, a first cooling sleeve according to the second embodiment above, in which are inserted the upstream portions of the three distribution pipes, and three second cooling sleeves according to the first aforementioned embodiment, in which are inserted respectively the downstream portions of the three distribution pipes. The distribution circuit also comprises four insulating sleeves in which are inserted respectively the four cooling sleeves. According to this embodiment, several variants of connection of the second cooling sleeves with the first cooling sleeve are conceivable. It is possible to envisage a parallel connection of the three second cooling sleeves on the first cooling sleeve. In this case, the first and second connecting ends of the three second cooling sleeves are respectively connected with the third and fourth connecting pieces of the first cooling sleeve by means of connection means, for example T-connectors. On the contrary, it is possible to envisage a series connection of the three second cooling sleeves on the first cooling sleeve. In this case, the first connection end of the first of the second cooling sleeves is connected with the third connection end of the first cooling sleeve by connection means, the second connection end of the first of the second cooling sleeves is connected. with the first connection end of the second of the second cooling sleeves by means of connection means, the second connecting end of the second of the second cooling sleeves is connected to the first connection end of the third of the second cooling sleeves by means of connecting means, and the second connecting end of the third of the second cooling sleeves is connected with the fourth connection end of the first cooling sleeve by means of connection means. According to these configuration variants, the first cooling sleeve constitutes a second variant of the main sleeve and the three second cooling sleeves constitute end sleeves.

According to a second configuration, the distribution circuit comprises three distribution pipes. In addition, the distribution circuit comprises a first cooling sleeve according to the second embodiment above, wherein are inserted the first distribution pipe and an upstream portion of the second and third distribution pipes. The distribution circuit comprises a second cooling sleeve according to the second embodiment above, wherein are inserted a downstream portion of the second distribution pipe and an intermediate portion of the third distribution pipe. The distribution circuit also comprises a third cooling sleeve according to the first embodiment, wherein is inserted a downstream portion of the third distribution pipe. Furthermore, the distribution circuit comprises first, second and third insulating sleeves in which are inserted respectively the first, second and third cooling sleeves. According to this embodiment, the first and second connecting pieces of the second cooling sleeve are respectively connected with the third and fourth connecting pieces of the first cooling sleeve by means of first connecting means. Similarly, the first and second connecting pieces of the third cooling sleeve are respectively connected with the third and fourth connecting pieces of the second cooling sleeve by means of second connecting means. In this case, the first cooling sleeve constitutes a second variant of the main sleeve, the second cooling sleeve constitutes an intermediate sleeve, and the third cooling sleeve constitutes a terminal sleeve.

Alternative embodiments of the distribution circuit according to the invention are also conceivable for supplying a column with more than three nozzles, on the same principles as those described for the third embodiment mentioned above, by providing a main sleeve, and intermediate sleeves and / or complementary end sleeves.

The invention also relates to a dispensing installation of at least one cold drink, which comprises a cooling unit, a distribution circuit having the aforementioned characteristics, and a column comprising at least one spout or tap. For a column with a spout, the distribution circuit is designed according to the first embodiment mentioned above. For a column with two spouts, the distribution circuit is designed according to one of the aforementioned variants of the second embodiment. For a column with three spouts, the distribution circuit is designed according to one of the aforementioned variants of the third embodiment. Other variants being conceivable for columns with more than three nozzles, adapting the distribution circuit accordingly.

Brief description of the figures

• La figure 1 illustre un circuit de distribution d'une boisson intégrant un manchon de refroidissement d'un tuyau de distribution ;
• La figure 2 est une vue en coupe de côté de la figure 1 selon le plan A-A;
• La figure 3 montre une vue agrandie de la portion d'extrémité aval du circuit de distribution illustrée en figure 2, mettant en évidence un premier mode de réalisation de la portion d'extrémité aval du manchon de refroidissement ;
• Les figures 4 et 5 montrent une section en coupe d'un circuit de distribution incorporant respectivement un tuyau de distribution et trois tuyaux de distribution ;
• La figure 6 illustre une portion d'extrémité aval d'un manchon de distribution selon un second mode de réalisation ;
• La figure 7 illustre une portion d'extrémité amont d'un manchon de distribution selon une variante ;
• Les figure 8 et 9 schématisent deux variantes de réalisation d'un circuit de distribution pour l'alimentation d'une colonne de tirage à trois becs ou robinets ;
• La figure 10 schématise une installation de distribution d'une boisson.

The features and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the following description based on figures, among which:

• The figure 1 illustrates a dispensing circuit of a beverage incorporating a cooling sleeve of a dispensing pipe;
• The figure 2 is a side sectional view of the figure 1 according to the AA plan;
• The figure 3 shows an enlarged view of the downstream end portion of the distribution circuit illustrated in FIG. figure 2 , highlighting a first embodiment of the downstream end portion of the cooling sleeve;
• The Figures 4 and 5 show a sectional section of a distribution circuit incorporating respectively a distribution pipe and three distribution pipes;
• The figure 6 illustrates a downstream end portion of a distribution sleeve according to a second embodiment;
• The figure 7 illustrates an upstream end portion of a distribution sleeve according to a variant;
• The figure 8 and 9 schematize two variants of a distribution circuit for feeding a three-spout draw column or valves;
• The figure 10 schematizes a facility for dispensing a drink.

detailed description

The following description of one embodiment will refer in particular to the distribution of the beer, the invention may however be applied to any other type of drink, for example water, sodas, cider or wines .

In the present description, the upstream and downstream of all the elements are defined by the direction of flow of beverages in the distribution circuit, from the cooling unit to the draw column.

In the rest of the description, the same references are used to define the same technical characteristics according to the various embodiments described.

On the Figures 1 to 3 , the distribution circuit 1 comprises a distribution pipe 2 whose downstream end 2a is intended to be connected directly to the spout 3 (or tap) of a draw column 4, as illustrated in FIG. figure 10 . The upstream end 2b of the distribution pipe 2 is intended to be connected directly or indirectly via a Python® line (not shown in the figures) to the cooling unit 5 illustrated in FIG. figure 10 . The distribution pipe 2 allows the circulation of the cold beer at a temperature close to zero degrees Celsius (0 ° C), from the cooling unit 5 to the draw column 4. As illustrated in FIG. Figures 1 to 3 , the distribution circuit 1 also comprises a cooling sleeve 6 disposed around the distribution pipe 2, and a sheath 7 made of an insulating foam, arranged around the cooling sleeve 6, which allow the cold beer to be maintained in the distribution pipe 2 at the temperature close to zero degrees Celsius. The cooling sleeve 6 and the insulating sleeve 7 extend over the entire length of the distribution pipe 2, as illustrated in FIG. Figures 1 and 2 . In this case, the cooling sleeve 6 constitutes a first variant of the main sleeve.

As illustrated on the figure 3 , the cooling sleeve 6 comprises a main sheath 8 whose downstream end 8a is bent so that said main sheath 8 is folded on itself and defines an inner sheath 9 and an outer sheath 10 coaxial and assembled together sealed by said downstream end 8a curved. In addition, as illustrated in figure 3 , the cooling sleeve 6 comprises an intermediate sheath 11 which extends coaxially between the inner and outer sheaths 9 and 9, so as to define an inner chamber 12 and an outer chamber 13 coaxial. The length of the intermediate sheath 11 is less than that of the inner and outer sheaths 9, which makes it possible to maintain a passage 14 between the downstream end 11a of said intermediate sheath 11 and the curved downstream end 8a of the main sheath 8 as shown in figure 3 . This passage 14 allows the inner chambers 12 and outer 13 to communicate with each other.

As illustrated in figure 7 the upstream ends 9b, 10b and 11b of the inner, outer and intermediate sheaths 9b, 11b and 11b, respectively, are sealed together, preferably by a weld 15. Two connecting ends 16, 17 are arranged in a sealed manner in the portion upstream end 6b of the cooling sleeve. The first connection piece 16 passes through the inner sheath 9 and communicates with the internal chamber 12, and the second connection piece 17 passes through the outer sheath 10 and communicates with the outer chamber 13. It is possible to envisage arrangement of an appendix 18 in the upstream end portion 6b of the cooling sleeve 6, as shown in FIGS. Figures 1 and 2 , on which are arranged sealingly the connecting ends 16 and 17 so as to offset laterally with respect to the distribution pipe 2, which facilitates the connection of the cooling sleeve 6 on the cooling unit 5. As the illustrate the figures 3 and 7 , cold water - or any other coolant - at a temperature close to zero degree Celsius, or even lower, enters the internal chamber 12 of the cooling sleeve 6 by the first connecting piece 16, then flows in the direction of the first arrow 19 until it is transferred into the outer chamber 13 through the passage 14, the cold water then circulating in the opposite direction in the direction of the second arrow 20, then is removed from the cooling sleeve 6 by the second connecting piece 17, said water being fed back into the cooling unit 5 to be cooled. This connection method mentioned above and illustrated by the arrows 19, 20 allows the implementation of a heat exchange co-current type. However, it is possible to implement a counter-current heat exchange, as illustrated by the arrows 19 ', 20', in which case the cooling liquid enters the outer chamber 13 of the cooling sleeve 6 by the second endpiece connection 17, then flows in the direction of the first arrow 19 'to be transferred into the inner chamber 12 through the passage 14, said liquid then circulating in the opposite direction in the direction of the second arrow 20', then is evacuated of the cooling sleeve 6 by the first connection piece 16.

The figure 6 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the cooling sleeve 6 according to which the inner sheath 9 and the outer sheath 10 are implemented by two separate sheaths and no longer by a main sheath 8 folded on itself, as was the case for the embodiment of the figure 3 previously described. In addition, the intermediate sheath 11 is of identical length to the inner 9 and outer 10 sheaths, the downstream ends 9a, 11a, 10a respectively of the inner sheaths 9, intermediate 11 and outer 10 are assembled together in a sealed manner, preferably by a Moreover, a third connection piece 21 is sealingly arranged on the inner sheath 9 and a fourth connection piece 22 is sealingly arranged on the outer sheath 10, in the downstream portion 6a of the cooling sleeve 6. The third connection piece 21 communicates with the internal chamber 12 and the fourth connection piece 22 communicates with the external chamber 13. A circulation piece 23, for example a pipe or any other piece providing a circuit for the liquid, connects said third and fourth connecting nozzles 21, 22, which allows cold water or coolant to be transferred from the internal chamber 12 rs the outer chamber 13, in the direction of the arrows 19, 20, or vice versa from the outer chamber 13 to the inner chamber 12, in the direction of the arrows 19 ', 20'.

Other variants of implementation of the cooling sleeve 6 could be envisaged. For example, the embodiments of the cooling sleeve could be combined. figures 3 and 6 , by providing an internal sheath 9 independent of the outer sheath 10 and an assembly by a weld 24 between the downstream ends 9a, 10a of said inner and outer sheaths 9 9, as on the figure 6 , and an intermediate sheath 11 of shorter length than the inner and outer sheaths 9 and 9 so that the downstream end 11a of the intermediate sheath is spaced from the weld 24 and makes it possible to create a passageway 14 allowing the inner and outer chambers 12 and 13 to communicate, as on the figure 3 .

The inner sheath 9, the intermediate sheath 11 and the outer sheath 10 are made of tight and flexible plastic material, or even any other waterproof and flexible textile material, which allows the cooling sleeve 6 to be easily deformable to facilitate its insertion into the draw column 4. In addition, the flexibility of the sheaths, and in particular of the inner sheath 9, allows the latter to deform radially when cold water or coolant is injected into the internal chamber 12, and and suitably marry the distribution pipe or pipes previously inserted in said cooling sleeve 6. As illustrated by the figure 4 , the three inner sheaths 9, 11 intermediate and 10 outer are concentric in the sectional sectional plane, said inner sheath 9 completely surrounding the distribution pipe 2, ensuring a surface contact on the entire contour of said distribution pipe 2. Similarly on the figure 5 , the inner sheath 9 conforming in this case the contour generated by the three distribution pipes 2, 2 ', 2 "inserted into the cooling sleeve 6, which ensures partial surface contact on each of the three distribution pipes 2, 2 ', 2 ".

The figure 8 illustrates a first embodiment of a distribution circuit 1 for a supply of a draw column 4 having three spouts 3. The distribution circuit 1 comprises three distribution pipes 2, 2 ', 2 ". distribution 2 is inserted along its length in a first cooling sleeve 6, said main sleeve 61. The second distribution pipe 2 'has its upstream portion 25 which is inserted into the main sleeve 61 and its downstream portion 25' which is inserted in a second cooling sleeve 6, said intermediate sleeve 62. The third distribution pipe 2 "has its upstream portion 26 which is inserted into the main sleeve 61, its intermediate portion 26 'which is inserted into the intermediate sleeve 62 and its downstream part 26 "which is inserted into a third sleeve 6, said end sleeve 63. The downstream ends 2a, 2'a, 2 "a of the three distribution pipes 2, 2 ', 2" are respectively connected to the three nozzles 3 in the draw column 4. The main sleeve 61 and the intermediate sleeve 62 comprise a design similar to that of the figure 6 and the end sleeve 63 includes a design similar to that of the figure 3 preferably. The first connection piece 16 and the second connection piece 17 of the main sleeve 61 are connected via a Python® line to the cooling unit 5, for example by means of a John Guest® type connector. The third connection piece 21 and the fourth connection piece 22 of the main sleeve 61 are respectively connected to the first connection piece 16 'and to the second connection piece 17' of the intermediate sleeve 62, for example by means of a type connection. John Guest®. Similarly, the third connection piece 21 'and the fourth connection piece 22' of the intermediate sleeve 62 are respectively connected to the first connection piece 16 "and to the second connection piece 17" of the end sleeve 63, for example to the John Guest® type fitting means. It is understood in this case that the intermediate sleeve 62 and the end sleeve 63 together constitute the circulation piece 23 illustrated in FIG. figure 6 for the main sleeve 61 and likewise that the end sleeve 63 constitutes only said circulation piece 23, for the intermediate sleeve 62.

A similar design could be considered figure 8 with a distribution circuit 1 allowing the supply of a draw column 4 with two spouts 3 only, in which case the distribution circuit 1 would comprise only two distribution pipes 2. The implementation would be comparable to that described for the figure 8 previously, by removing the intermediate sleeve 62 and the distribution pipe 2 'and in like manner connecting the end sleeve 63 directly to the main sleeve 61.

The figure 9 illustrates a second embodiment of a distribution circuit 1 for a supply of a draw column 4 having three spouts 3. The distribution circuit 1 comprises three distribution pipes 2, 2 ', 2 ". distribution 2, 2 ', 2 "have their upstream portions 27, 28, 29 which are inserted in a first cooling sleeve 6, said main sleeve 61, and their downstream portions 27', 28 ', 29' which are inserted respectively into three second cooling sleeves 6, said end sleeves 63a, 63b, 63c. The downstream ends 2a, 2'a, 2 "a of the three distribution pipes 2, 2 ', 2" are respectively connected to the three spouts 3 in the draw column 4. The main sleeve 61 has a design similar to that of the figure 6 and the end sleeves 63a, 63b, 63c have a design similar to that of the figure 3 preferably. The first connection piece 16 and the second connection piece 17 of the main sleeve 61 are connected via a Python® line to the cooling unit 5, for example by means of a John Guest® type connector. The end sleeves 63a, 63b, 63c may be connected in parallel to the main sleeve 61. In this case, the third connection piece 21 and the fourth connection piece 22 of the main sleeve 61 are respectively connected to each of the first connection ends. 16a, 16b, 16c and on each of the second connecting pieces 17a, 17b, 17c of the end sleeves 63a, 63b, 63c, for example by means of a John Guest® T-piece (the connections are not illustrated on the drawing). figure 9 for a better reading of this figure). On the contrary, the end sleeves 63a, 63b, 63c can be connected in series to the main sleeve 61. In this case, the first connection piece 16a of the first end sleeve 63a is connected with the third connection piece 21 of the main sleeve 61. , the second connecting end 17a of the first end sleeve 63a is connected with the first connecting end 16b of the second end sleeve 63b, the second connecting end 17b of the second end sleeve 63b is connected with the first connecting end 16c of the third end terminal 63c, and the second connecting end 17c of the third end sleeve 63c is connected with the fourth connection end 22 of the main sleeve 61 (the connections are not shown in FIG. figure 9 for a better reading of this figure). The connections are made using John Guest® connector type connection means. It is understood in these cases that the end sleeves 63a, 63b, 63c together constitute the circulation piece 23 illustrated in FIG. figure 6 , for the main sleeve 61.

A similar design to the figure 9 , with a distribution circuit 1 for feeding a draw column 4 with two spouts 3 only, in which case the distribution circuit 1 would include only two distribution pipes 2, 2 '. The realization is comparable to that described above for the figure 9 , by removing the third end sleeve 63c and the distribution pipe 2 "and connecting the second connection end 17b of the second end sleeve 63b with the fourth connection end 22 of the main sleeve 61. In another alternative supply of a pull column 4 with two spouts 3, a configuration similar to that of feeding a single-spout draw column 4 is envisaged, providing in this case two individual distribution circuits 1 such as that illustrated in FIG. Figures 1 to 3 , the two distribution circuits 1 being connected downstream respectively to the two spouts 3 in the draw column 4, and upstream to the cooling unit via a Python® line and connection type connection means John Guest®.

A similar design to the figure 9 , with a distribution circuit 1 allowing the supply of a draw column 4 with more than three nozzles 3, in which case the distribution circuit 1 comprises as many distribution pipes 2, 2 ', 2 "as of nozzles 3 The achievement is comparable to that described above for the figure 9 , by providing a main sleeve 61 in which are inserted the upstream portions 27, 28, 29 of the distribution pipes 2, 2 ', 2 "and as many end sleeves 63a, 63b, 63c as distribution pipes 2, 2', 2 ", the downstream portions 27 ', 28', 29 'of said pipes being respectively inserted into said end sleeves 63. The first 16a, 16b, 16c and second 17a, 17b, 17c connecting ends of the end sleeves 63a, 63b, 63c are also connected in series or in parallel to the third 21 and fourth 22 connecting ends of the main sleeve 61, by means of John Guest® type connection means, using the principles of series or parallel connection previously described for the figure 9 .

On the Figures 4 to 9 , the insulating sheath 7 is not shown on the distribution circuit 1, to facilitate the reading of said figures. It goes without saying that such a sleeve 7 will be implemented, or even any other embodiment of the insulating layer surrounding the cooling sleeve or sleeves 6, 61, 62, 63.

The foregoing detailed description of a particular embodiment of the invention is in no way limiting. On the contrary, it aims to remove any imprecision as to its scope. Thus, many variants may be considered in the context of the invention. In a variant, the sleeve 7 of insulating foam is replaced by a sheath 7 containing airgel which has a high insulation power, which makes it possible to reduce the thickness of said sheath 7. An additional sheath (not shown) arranged to be sealed around the outer sheath 10 could also be envisaged so as to envelop the outer chamber 13 and constitute an insulating chamber (not shown) containing airgel or even insulating foam.

The invention also relates to a plant 100, illustrated in figure 10 , comprising a cooling group 5, a distribution circuit 1 and a draw column 4. The design of the distribution circuit 1 depends on the number of spouts 3 (or taps) on the column 4, as previously presented.

Claims (12)

1. Cooling sleeve (6, 61, 62, 63) characterised in that it comprises an inner sheath, an intermediate sheath, an outer sheath, means of assembly configured between said sheaths in order to form an inner circular chamber (12) and an outer circular chamber (13), said sheaths being carried out in a sealed material, said sleeve comprising in its downstream end portion communication means (14, 21, 22, 23) arranged between said chambers, said sleeve comprising in its upstream end portion a first connecting endpiece (16) configured to communicate with the inner circular chamber and a second connecting endpiece (17) configured to communicate with the outer circular chamber.
2. Sleeve (6, 63) according to claim 1, which comprises first sealed means of assembly (15) arranged between the upstream ends (9b, 10b, 11b) of the inner, intermediate and outer sheaths and second sealed means of assembly (8a) arranged between the downstream ends (9a, 10a) of the inner and outer sheaths, said intermediate sheath having a length less than that of the inner and outer sheaths, the first connecting endpiece (16) being arranged at the upstream end of the inner sheath and the second connecting endpiece (17) being arranged at the upstream end of the outer sheath.
3. Sleeve (6, 61, 62) according to claim 1, which comprises first sealed means of assembly (15) arranged between the upstream ends (9b, 10b, 11b) of the inner, intermediate and outer sheaths and second sealed means of assembly (24) arranged between the downstream ends (9a, 10a, 11a) of the inner, intermediate and outer sheaths, with the first connecting endpiece (16) being arranged at the upstream end of the inner sheath and the second connecting endpiece (17) being arranged at the upstream end of the outer sheath, with the communication means comprising a third connecting endpiece (21) arranged at the downstream end of the inner sheath, a fourth connecting endpiece (22) arranged at the downstream end of the outer sheath and a circulation part (23) connected between said third and fourth connecting endpieces.
4. Sleeve (6, 61, 62, 63) according to one of claims 2 or 3, wherein the inner (9), intermediate (11) and outer (10) sheaths are made from a sealed and flexible textile material.
5. Sleeve (6, 61, 62, 63) according to one of claims 1 to 4, which comprises in its upstream end portion an appendage (18) configured to laterally offset the first and second connecting endpieces (16, 17).
6. Distribution circuit (1) for at least one beverage comprising at least one distribution pipe (2, 2', 2") for a beverage, at least one cooling sleeve (6, 61, 62, 63) according to one of the preceding claims into which is inserted the at least one distribution pipe, and at least one insulating layer (7) surrounding said cooling sleeve.
7. Distribution circuit (1) according to claim 6, wherein the insulating layer is comprised of a sleeve (7) made of insulating foam.
8. Distribution circuit (1) according to claim 6, wherein the insulating layer is comprised of a sleeve (7) containing an aerogel.
9. Distribution circuit (1) according to one of claims 6 to 8, for the supplying of a column (4) with a single spout (3), which comprises a single distribution pipe (2), a single cooling sleeve (6) according to claim 2 into which is inserted said distribution pipe, and a single insulating sleeve (7) into which is inserted said cooling sleeve.
10. Distribution circuit (1) according to one of claims 6 to 8, for the supplying of a column (4) with at least two spouts (3), which comprises at least two distribution pipes (2, 2', 2"), a first cooling sleeve (61) according to claim 3 into which are inserted the upstream portions (27, 28, 29) of the distribution pipes, and at least two second cooling sleeves (63a, 63b, 63c) according to claim 2 wherein are respectively inserted the downstream portions (27', 28', 29') of said at least two distribution pipes, and at least three insulating sleeves (7) into which are inserted respectively the at least three cooling sleeves, with the first and second connecting endpieces (16a, 16b, 16c, 17a, 17b, 17c) of the second cooling sleeves being connected in series or in parallel on the third and fourth connecting endpieces (21, 22) of the first cooling sleeve thanks to means of connection.
11. Distribution circuit (1) according to one of claims 6 to 8, for the supplying of a column (4) with three spouts (3), which comprises three distribution pipes (2, 2', 2"), a first cooling sleeve (61) according to claim 3 into which are inserted the first distribution pipe and an upstream portion (25, 26) of the second and third distribution pipes, a second cooling sleeve (62) according to claim 3 into which are inserted a downstream portion (25') of the second distribution pipe and an intermediate portion (26') of the third distribution pipe, a third cooling sleeve (63) according to claim 2 into which is inserted a downstream portion (26") of the third distribution pipe, and of the first, second and third insulating sleeves (7) into which are inserted respectively the first, second and third cooling sleeves, with the first and second connecting endpieces (16', 17') of the second cooling sleeve being connected respectively with the third and fourth connecting endpieces (21, 22) of the first cooling sleeve thanks to first means of connection, and the first and second connecting endpieces (16", 17") of the third cooling sleeve being connected respectively with the third and fourth connecting endpieces (21', 22') of the second cooling sleeve thanks to second means of connection.
12. Installation (100) for distributing at least one cold beverage, which comprises a cooling unit (5), a distribution circuit (1) according to one of claims 6 to 11 and a column (4) comprising at least one spout (3).

Images