WO2009121332A2

WO2009121332A2 - Device for cooling and tapping drinks contained in containers in particular in party beer cans

Info

Publication number: WO2009121332A2
Application number: PCT/DE2009/000408
Authority: WO
Inventors: Horst Neuwald
Original assignee: Atrium Enterprises Gmbh
Priority date: 2008-04-02
Filing date: 2009-03-31
Publication date: 2009-10-08
Also published as: WO2009121332A3

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for cooling and tapping drinks contained in containers in particular in party beer cans with a container housing, a puncturing device, a compressed gas device, a cooling device, and a tap device, wherein the puncturing device is in fluid connection to the tap device by means of the cooling device. The device is particularly characterised in that the container housing is designed to accommodate at least two containers (20), the puncture device has at least two puncture units (2) each for puncturing a container (20) and the at least two puncturing units (2) are connected to a common cooling device (3) and tap device (4).

Description

Apparatus for cooling and tapping drinks received in containers, in particular party beer kegs

The invention relates to a device for cooling and tapping of beverages in containers, especially party beer kegs, with a container receptacle, a piercing device, a compressed gas device, a cooling device and a dispensing device, wherein the piercing device is in fluid communication with the dispensing device via the cooling device.

Especially in the private sector, party kegs are often used to draw beer or other drinks without pressure or through a carbonic (beer) tap device. Many party kegs of this type have a volume between 5 and 6 liters.

A device with the features of the preamble of the protection claim 1 is known from EP 1 842 828 A1. Another device of this type is known from DE 197 20 553 C2. These devices have in common that they are preferably suitable for party kegs of the aforementioned order of magnitude and that compressed gas cartridges, in particular CO2 cartridges, are used as the compressed gas source for tapping the beverage. Conventional compressed gas cartridges for devices of this type are preferably designed so that it is possible to deploy the entire container contents with a single compressed gas cartridge, such cartridges have a weight of 10 to 30, preferably 16 g, CO2 gas. The beverage is released by means of the compressed gas when opening the tap, wherein it has previously passed through a cooling device, which is preferably designed as a flow cooler.

These devices, marketed primarily as beer dispensers, are becoming increasingly popular, but the disadvantage is that, as mentioned above, they are generally designed to hold 5 or 6 liter party kegs, so that it is particularly useful in the case of Use of such a device often comes at private parties that a barrel is used up quickly. This then makes it necessary to change the barrel, which is particularly in the course of a party for the private operator is not very comfortable. Of course, it is possible to remedy this drawback possible to operate several beer dispensers of the aforementioned kind simultaneously, but this is obviously associated with the corresponding effort. Alternatively, of course, professional dispensers can be used, which are suitable for receiving large-volume barrels, the handling of such large-volume barrels is much more complex, the same applies to such dispensers.

The object of the invention is therefore to further develop a generic device so that the beverage keabgabemenge can be increased with the least possible effort while maintaining the handling benefits.

This object is achieved in a device of the type described according to the invention that the container receptacle is equipped to accommodate at least two containers, the piercing device has at least two piercing units for piercing a container and the at least two piercing connected to the one common cooling device and dispensing device are.

There is thus provided a device which, while maintaining its simple structure, is designed to accommodate at least twice the volume of beverage by using a single common cooling device and thus a single dispensing tap. In this case, conventional, easily manageable containers, for example 5 or 6 liter party kegs, which are available on the market, can continue to be used. After inserting the at least two containers and the piercing of the respectively associated piercing unit, the total beverage volume of both containers is immediately available.

It is preferably provided in a conventional manner that in the respective Druckgaspatronenaufnahme interchangeable in each case a compressed gas cartridge can be used. In a particularly preferred further embodiment, it is provided that the respective piercing unit has a tubular piercing sword in which inside the free-end region a compressed gas line communicating with the associated pressurized gas cartridge receptacle is integrated. The connection or piercing of the respective container is thus particularly simple, it must only be inserted into the respective container the respective piercing. Then the gas flows directly through the piercing sword into the container. An additional connection of the compressed gas device to the container is not necessary.

Further, a holding device is provided for container receptacle, wherein each one holding device with a tapping unit forms a combined holding piercing device. The advantage of this is a compact design of the entire device.

In a further preferred embodiment, the holding piercing device is arranged on the housing of the device, in particular on the outside of the housing. This makes it possible to attach the container without removing the housing or a part of the housing to the device to remove or replace an empty container with a full.

Preferably, the holding piercing device is at least partially an integral part of the housing. This has the advantage that at least parts of the holding piercing device can be integrated into the manufacturing process of the housing and thus the production costs are reduced.

In a further preferred embodiment, the housing of the device has a curved into the housing interior region in which the holding piercing device is arranged. By such a configuration of the housing or the arrangement of the holding piercing device, the required installation space for the device is significantly reduced and is thus easier to place, for example, on the work surface of a kitchen. Particularly preferably, the first holding element is an arcuate projection on the housing of the device, which is adapted to the shape and / or the rebate depth of the container. As a result, the container can be gripped around very precisely and thus fixed relative to the housing, and secondly the first holding element can be produced together with the entire housing or at least one housing part, which in turn lowers the production costs.

In a further preferred embodiment, the second holding element is a spring-loaded, pivotable, displaceable or elastically bendable latching element. Such a configuration of the second holding element allows pivoting or deformation of the locking element against the spring force or restoring force for introducing a container. Without external force, the latching element pivots or pushes back into the starting position and thereby engages in a latching manner the fold at the top of the container, wherein the container is clamped by action of the spring-loaded second holding element between the first and second holding element.

Preferably, the first holding element forms a hinge point for inserting the container into the holding piercing device by means of a pivoting movement. This allows a particularly easy introduction of a new container in the device according to the invention.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the piercing device for penetrating the container is formed on the side wall in the vicinity of the underside of the container. As a result, the container during insertion, in particular when swung into the holding piercing device pierced simultaneously, which in turn simplifies the handling of the device.

In a further particularly preferred embodiment, the piercing sword is preferably surrounded by an elastomer. This elastomer is at the time of puncture deforms that the tapping point is sealed and the beverage contained in the container can not escape laterally past the piercing device.

A further preferred embodiment provides a removal safety device, which is designed as a function of the operating state of the device for blocking the removal of the at least one container from the holding piercing device. This ensures that a container can only be removed from the holding piercing device when the pressure in the container has been reduced. Removing the container from the holding piercing device in case of overpressure in the container would lead to a strong splashing of the beverage and thus to large impurities in the vicinity of the installation of the device.

In a further preferred embodiment, the compressed gas device is fed by at least one compressed gas cartridge, preferably by at least one 16 g compressed gas cartridge. The use of compressed gas cartridges, especially in a 16g standard size are commercially available and inexpensive, whereby the ongoing operating costs of the device are low.

Particularly preferably, at least one tapping unit with quick coupling is provided for piercing the compressed gas cartridge. As a result, the cartridge can be changed without tools in a short time without much effort.

The change of the compressed gas cartridge can also be facilitated in accordance with a further preferred embodiment in that the tapping unit is arranged in a readily accessible from the outside, independently of the rest of the housing easily openable compartment within the housing.

Particularly preferably, the cooling device of the device has at least one flow cooler. This can ensure that after a short time after switching on the device cool drink can be tapped, without the Container had to be stored cool before.

In a further preferred embodiment, the flow cooler on each of the input and output to a device for determining the beverage temperature. As a result, the temperature of the same can be measured both before the beverage enters the throughflow cooler and after it leaves the beverage, with the aim of always achieving a defined, adjustable beverage temperature, and icing of the throughflow cooler due to excessive cooling to avoid.

Advantageously, an adjustable pressure regulator and an indication of the pressure applied to the container are provided to regulate the pressure of the compressed gas device. As a result, it is possible, for example, to regulate the exit velocity and / or the foam formation on the exit of the beverage.

Furthermore, each piercing unit can be assigned means for opening and closing the connection between the tapping unit and the tapping device or the connection between the compressed gas device and compressed gas line. These means may for example be formed by valves having at least one closed position and an open position. By the position of the valves can be determined from which container the removal of the drink should take place. In particular, it is possible to remove from one of the two containers or both at the same time the drink. This also makes it possible to operate the device with only one connected container.

According to a further preferred embodiment, a cleaning container is provided which can be connected to the holding piercing device instead of the at least one container, wherein a liquid provided in the cleaning container can be dispensed, for example, by the compressed gas device. This rinsing and / or cleaning of the device with water and / or cleaning solution is possible without a connection of the device, for example, to a faucet or otherwise Purging is necessary.

Preferably, also for cleaning purposes, the dispensing device is designed to be removable. As a result, intensive cleaning, for example with the aid of a brush, is made considerably easier.

In a preferred embodiment, the cleaning container has a first connection element which is suitable for connection to the piercing unit. This connection element is in this case adapted to the piercing unit and allows a liquid-tight connection of the cleaning container to the device.

Furthermore, in a further preferred embodiment, the cleaning container has means for stationary fixation of the cleaning container in the holding piercing device, which can be brought into engagement with the first and second holding elements. These fixing means allow a firm hold of the cleaning container in the device and thereby ensure a firm connection of the connecting element of the cleaning container with the tapping unit of the device.

Particularly preferably, the cleaning container is shaped such that it can be inserted into the curved region of the housing and fills it substantially accurately. As a result of such a design, the cleaning container is optically unobtrusively integrated into the device, and the packaging size of the device can be significantly reduced on the one hand.

In a preferred embodiment, the cleaning container has a second connection element for connecting an external pressure or water supply. This second connection element makes it possible to introduce liquid and / or pressure into the cleaning container from the outside, without having to remove it from the device. This significantly simplifies the cleaning process. Furthermore, the first and / or second connection element may have a valve function for closing the cleaning container. This ensures that the cleaning container can be filled with liquid or pressurized without this / these can escape from the cleaning container.

Further advantageous embodiments of the device according to the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

Further developments, advantages and applications of the invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments and from the figures. In this case, all described and / or illustrated features alone or in any combination are fundamentally the subject of the invention, regardless of their summary in the claims or their dependency. Also, the content of the claims is made an integral part of the description. Show it:

Fig. 1 by way of example, a cooling and dispensing device according to the invention without

Container in a perspective view;

Figure 2 shows an example of a cooling and dispensing device according to the invention with container in a perspective view.

3 shows by way of example a cooling and dispensing device according to the invention with removed housing side part in a perspective illustration;

4 shows by way of example a holding piercing device in a sectional representation;

5 shows an example of a piercing unit in a sectional view;

6 shows by way of example a rear view of the holding piercing device according to FIG. 4 in a perspective view;

Fig. 7 by way of example a flow cooler in a perspective

Side view;

8 shows by way of example a cooling and dispensing device according to the invention Cleaning container in a perspective view;

9, 10 by way of example a cleaning container in different perspective

representations;

11 shows by way of example a perspective view of an arrangement of a cooling and dispensing device according to the invention with a cleaning container and connection to a water tap;

12 shows by way of example a perspective view of an arrangement of a cooling and dispensing device according to the invention with a cleaning container and connection to a pump;

13 is a perspective view of another cooling and dispensing device according to the invention without a housing;

Fig. 14, the cooling and dispensing device of FIG. 13 in a perspective view with indicated housing and

15 is a perspective view of a further tapping of the cooling and

Dispensing device in conjunction with a compressed gas cartridge receptacle.

FIGS. 1 to 12 show a cooling and dispensing device 1 in a first exemplary embodiment.

Figures 1 to 3 each show a variant of a cooling and dispensing device 1 according to the invention in each case in a perspective view. In addition, in Figure 3, the beverage cooling and dispensing device 1 is shown with removed housing side part to illustrate the internal structure of the cooling and dispensing device 1 according to the invention. The cooling and dispensing device 1 according to the invention is provided for dispensing drinks from two containers 20, wherein the containers 20 are made of a dimensionally stable material and preferably have a cylindrical basic shape. A container 20 may be formed, for example, by a party keg intended to hold at least five liters of a beverage. Particularly preferred as container 20 is a 5- Liter kierfass provided.

The cooling and dispensing device 1 has at least one container receptacle, a piercing device, a cooling device 3, a dispensing device 4 and a compressed gas device 5, wherein, for example, the piercing device is in fluid communication with the dispensing device 4 via the cooling device 3. The general functioning of the cooling and dispensing device 1 will first be described below. The abovementioned devices can hereby be accommodated at least partially in a housing 7.

The cooling and dispensing device 1 according to the invention provides a piercing unit 2 as piercing device, which is designed to penetrate a wall of a container 20. The tapping unit 2 is preferably provided for discharging the beverage from the container 20. In addition, this may be formed for supplying compressed gas into the container interior, wherein this compressed gas is provided by means of the compressed gas device 5. In this embodiment, the tapping unit 2 thus has two functions. Alternatively, the introduction of the compressed gas can be realized in the container interior via a separate, additional feed unit.

By introducing the compressed gas, an overpressure arises in the container 20, which acts on the beverage contained in the container interior, so that it is discharged via the tapping unit 2. The piercing unit 2 is connected by means of a liquid-tight connecting element, for example a hose or tube, to a throughflow cooler 10 of the cooling device 3. Within this flow cooler 10, the beverage is heated to a preset beverage temperature and fed via another liquid-tight connecting element, also for example a hose or pipe, the dispensing device 4. This dispensing device 4 preferably has a dispensing lever 4.1 and a dispensing nozzle 4.2, wherein the dispensing device 4 can be brought at least into a closed and an open position by means of the dispensing lever 4.1, wherein in the closed position the outflow of the beverage from the dispensing device 4 suppressed and in the open position, a flow of the drink is possible.

According to the idea bearing on the invention, the container receptacle is designed to accommodate at least two containers 20, the piercing device has at least two piercing units 2 for piercing a respective container 20 and the at least two piercing units 2 are connected to a common cooling device 3 and dispensing device 4.

Preferably, the piercing unit 2 is part of a combined holding piercing device 6 and the piercing device 2 is designed for the lateral piercing of the container 20, in particular a party barrel. Here, the holding piercing device 6 in addition to the tapping unit 2 essentially comprises at least one first and second holding element 6.1, 6.2, which are preferably arranged at a distance from each other.

FIG. 2 shows a side view and in FIG. 4 a side sectional view of the holding piercing device 6 according to the invention for the lateral piercing and holding of the container 20 by way of example. For the invention it is irrelevant in which device area, i. the device front or rear or the two sides of the device, the holding piercing device 6 is provided.

The first and second holding element 6.1, 6.2 have in the present embodiment, an approximately the height of the male container 20 corresponding distance to each other, with quite different arrangements of the first and second holding element 6.1, 6.2 are possible, the sufficient fixation of the container 20 in the dispensing position enable. The first and second holding element 6.1, 6.2 may for example be shaped so that they surround a container 20 at least partially and fix it stationary.

The piercing unit 2 is, for example, on an imaginary connecting line between the first and second holding element 6.1, 6.2, preferably the first holding element 6.1 arranged adjacent. In the meantime, a multiplicity of drinks has become commercially available in barrel-like or essentially cylindrical containers 20, which each have an annular circumferential fold 21 on their upper and lower end faces. In order to provide a reliable holding function by the holding piercing device 6, the first and second holding elements 6.1, 6.2, for example, formed such that they at least partially surround the arranged on the upper and lower end side of the barrel-like container 20 folds 21.

In the first embodiment, the holding piercing device 6 is integrated in a side wall of the housing 7, in an inwardly curved portion 7.1 of the housing side wall. The first holding element 6.1 is formed by a preferably arcuate projection 6.1.1 on the housing 7, wherein the shape and height of the arcuate projection 6.1.1 is adapted to the fold 21, in particular its rebate depth of the male container 20. Following the annular formation of a fold 21 of the container 20, the first holding element 6.1 is formed as the projection 6.1.1 forming ring segment and arranged in or on the housing side wall. Deviating from this, the first holding element 6.1 can also be realized as an annular segment-shaped groove formed in the side wall of the housing 7.

Opposite the first holding element 6.1, the second holding element 6.2 is arranged. This second holding element 6.2 is pivoted, bent or displaceable, for example linearly displaceable, preferably in a direction away from the first holding element 6.1 sliding or pivoting direction, whereby the distance between the first and second holding element 6.1, 6.2 changed, in particular increased ,

The second holding element 6.2 comprises a ring-segment-shaped groove 6.2.1 and a handle 6.2.2, wherein in the ring-segment-shaped groove 6.2.1 when receiving a container 20 in the holding piercing device 6 at the from the upper end of the container 20 in Direction of the second holding element 6.2 wegstehende fold 21 at least partially recorded. The handle 6.2.2 of the second support member 6.2 is based on a horizontal plane at an acute angle obliquely upwards and serves as a handle member for actuation by a user, for insertion and removal of a container 20 in the holding piercing device 6th

For introducing a container 20 in the holding piercing device 6, this container 20 is first introduced with its arranged at the bottom fold 21 in the annular segment-shaped intermediate space formed by the arcuate projection 6.1.1 and the inwardly curved portion 7.1 of the housing side wall. The container 20 is in this case held obliquely so that the longitudinal axis of the container forms an acute angle with the longitudinal axis of the beverage cooling and tapping device 1, wherein this acute angle opens in the direction of the top of the beverage cooling and tapping device 1 according to the invention.

Subsequently, the container 20 is pivoted with its arranged on the upper end face or top fold 21 in the direction of the second holding element 6.2, wherein the first holding member 6.1 acts as a hinge point for this pivotal movement. The distance between the first and second holding element 6.1, 6.2 is slightly smaller than the distance of the arranged on the top and bottom of the container 20 fold 21. To insert the container 20 in the holding piercing device 6, it is necessary that the second retaining element 6.2 is deflected upward. This can take place, on the one hand, in that the user pushes the second holding element 6.2 upwards on the handle 6.2.2 or that pressure is exerted on the container 20 in the region of the upper fold 21 on the second holding element 6.2. Due to the oblique arrangement of the handle 6.2.2, the upper fold 21 is partially against this handle 6.2.2 and slides on this inclined surface under the second holding element 6.2, which is deflected upward. If the upper fold 21 hits the annular segment-shaped groove 6.2.1 of the second holding element 6.2, the second holding element 6.2 engages with its groove 6.2.1 on the fold 21 and surrounds it at least in a form-fitting manner. By the described formation of the first and second holding element 6.1, 6.2 and the force exerted by the second holding element 6.2 vertical pressure on the top of the container 20, this is held securely in holding piercing device 6, preferably spaced from the ground. In the described embodiment of the holding piercing device 6, the container 20 is outside the housing 7, that is, at least partially visible from the outside. Advantageously, thereby the advertising printed on the container 20 is visible, ie the user sees which type of beverage is currently zapfbar. Notwithstanding the embodiment shown, the holding piercing devices 6 can be accommodated in the housing 7.

By inserting the container 20 into the holding piercing device 6 by means of the previously described pivoting movement, the container 20 is pierced simultaneously via the integrated tapping unit 2 according to the invention. For this purpose, the tapping unit 2 stands, for example, in the radial direction with respect to the curved area 7.1 of the housing 7 or at any desired angle from the same, wherein the element of the piercing unit 2 protruding outwards from the curved area 7.1 is dimensioned with respect to the longitudinal extent in such a way that the container 20 introduced into the holding piercing device 6 already comes into contact with the protruding element of the piercing unit 2 with its side wall clearly prior to the latching in the second holding element 6.2.

The outwardly projecting element of the piercing unit 2 is preferably designed to penetrate the side wall of the container 20, preferably as a piercing sword 2.1. The piercing 2.1 penetrates under the pressure applied by the user of the pivoting movement of the wall. When the second holding element 6.2 engages on the fold 21 arranged at the top of the container 20, the piercing sword 2.1 preferably penetrates so far into the interior of the container 20 that a removal of the beverage by means of the piercing unit 2 from the container 20 via the piercing sword 2.1 is possible is.

FIG. 5 shows by way of example a variant of a piercing unit 2 in a lateral one Sectional view shown. The piercing unit 2 consists essentially of a piercing sword 2.1 with a round cross-sectional area, in the Anstechdegeninnenraum a compressed gas line 2.2 is preferably performed centered. For easier penetration of the container wall, the tapping blade 2.1 is preferably obliquely and preferably sharp-edged on its free end facing the container 20, so that only a small portion of the cross-sectional area of the tapping blade 2.1 initially acts on the holding tapping device 6 when the container 20 is pivoted into the holding tapping device 6 the container wall rests and thereby piercing is much easier. Preferably, the tapping sword 2.1 can also be sharpened at its beveled free end in order to additionally reduce the pressure to be applied for the penetration of the tapping sword 2.1.

Between the inner wall of the Anstechdegens 2.1 and the outer wall of the compressed gas line 2.2 forms an annular channel through which the beverage is discharged from the container 20. At this annular channel, a preferably aligned perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the channel pipe piece connects, which is liquid-tightly connected to the annular channel. This pipe section serves as a connecting element 2.4 for liquid-tight connection of a connecting element, which feeds the beverage to the flow cooler 10 of the cooling device 3. Furthermore, a connection element 2.5 is provided, which serves as a connecting element between the compressed gas line 2.2 and the connecting pipe to the compressed gas device 5.

For sealing the piercing region, a sealing element 2.3 is provided which surrounds the tapping sword 2.1 at its outer peripheral side protruding from the arched region 7.1 of the housing 7. The sealing element 2.3 is preferably frusto-conical, with the truncated cone opening in the direction of the housing 7. After the connection of a container 20 to the tapping unit 2, the tapping sword 2.1 and the compressed gas line 2.2 project with their free ends at least partially into the interior of the container 20. A compressed gas provided by the compressed gas device 5 flows through the compressed gas line 2.2 and escapes via the opening in the container interior in the same. The resulting overpressure acts on that in the container 20 located drink and passes this over the annular channel between the inner wall of the Anstechdegens 2.1 and the outer wall of the compressed gas line 2.2 via the connection element 2.4. It is ensured by the sealing element 2.3, that even at high pressure in the container 20, the drink can not escape laterally on the piercing 2.1 past. Due to the position of the piercing element 2 in the immediate vicinity of the first holding element 6.1, the container 20 is pierced in the immediate vicinity of the bottom on its side wall, so that an almost complete emptying of the container 20 is possible.

Each piercing unit 2 is particularly preferably associated with means for opening and closing the connection between the tapping unit 2 and the tapping device 4 or the connection between the compressed gas device 5 and the compressed gas line 2.2. These means may for example be formed by valves having at least one closed position and an open position. By the position of the valves can be determined from which container 20, the removal of the drink should take place. In particular, it is possible to remove the beverage either from one of the two containers 20 or from both containers 20 at the same time, wherein preferably only one container 20 is supplied with compressed gas. This also makes it possible to operate the device 1 with only one connected container 20. Furthermore, it is possible to depressurize at least one of the compressed gas lines 2.2 in the event that only one container 20 or no container 20 are provided on the holding piercing devices 6. For this purpose, a valve 5.2 is provided, by means of which the distribution of the pressure on the respective container 20 can be controlled. The valve 5.2 is for this purpose preferably designed as a 3-way valve.

The introduced through the compressed gas line 2.2 compressed gas is provided by the compressed gas device 5. This is fed by a compressed gas cartridge 5.1, in particular a CO2 compressed gas cartridge, which can be connected by means of a tapping unit with quick coupling device in a short time to the cooling and dispensing device 1. In this case, the compressed gas cartridge 5.1 pierced by means of a rotation, pivoting or sliding movement become.

For discharging the pressure gas located in the compressed gas cartridge 5.1, preferably a 16 g compressed gas cartridge, a high-pressure line is provided, which supplies the compressed gas to a pressure control element 12. By means of this pressure control element 12, which is preferably adjustable, the pressure provided by the pressure gas cartridge 5.1 is reduced and fed via a low-pressure line to the compressed gas line 2.2. For this purpose, the low-pressure supply pipe is connected at its pressure element 12 spaced, free end to the connection element 2.5 of the tapping unit 2. For example, with a 16g pressurized gas cartridge 5.1, about 8 liters of beverage can be expelled from a container 20.

To facilitate the replacement of the compressed gas cartridge 5.1, an easily accessible, regardless of the remaining housing 7 to be opened compressed gas cartridge compartment 5.3 is provided. In the illustrated embodiment, this compressed gas cartridge compartment 5.3 is disposed at the top of the housing 7 and has a pivotable lid 5.3.1, which releases after accessing the pressure gas cartridge 5.1. The change of the compressed gas cartridge 5.1 is also facilitated by the tapping unit is pivotally mounted in the compressed gas cartridge compartment 5.3. To change the pressure gas cartridge 5.1, this can swing out of the pressure gas cartridge compartment 5.3 and is therefore easier to access from the outside. In the embodiment shown, for example, the compressed gas control element 12 is arranged at the front of the housing.

To prevent removal of the container 20 from the holding piercing device 6 depending on the operating state of the cooling and dispensing device 1, a removal safety device 9 shown in Figure 6 is provided with the second holding element 6.2 of the holding piercing device 6 in Active compound is. This removal safety device 9 is provided to block the removal of the same from the holding piercing device 6, in particular when a predetermined pressure is present in the container 20, in order to prevent the drink from splashing out uncontrollably. The removal fuse 9 is in this case preferably formed by an electrically controllable locking element, which acts on the second holding element 6.2 such that a deflection of the second holding element 6.2 upward, which is necessary for removing the container 20, is effectively prevented. Independently thereof, the removal safeguard 9 can also comprise alternative locking mechanisms provided separately from the retaining elements 6.1, 6.2.

A locking of the removal safety device 9 is particularly appropriate when in the compressed gas line 2.2 a defined Druckschwel I value is exceeded. In order to determine the pressure in the compressed gas line 2.2, a pressure sensor for determining the pressure supplied to the container 20 is provided in this or in the low pressure line extending between the pressure regulating element 12 and the compressed gas line 2.2. Depending on the value determined by the pressure sensor, the removal safety device 9 locks the second holding elements 6.2 when a defined pressure threshold value is exceeded, so that the removal of the container 20 from the holding piercing device 6 is not possible. The locking can be done for example by means of an electrically controllable solenoid, which has a locking element which engages when driving the solenoid, for example, in a recess or notch of the second retaining element 6.2 and thus effectively prevents its deflection upwards.

The cooling and dispensing device 1 furthermore has a cooling device 3 in order to provide a beverage with a defined temperature, irrespective of the temperature of the beverage in the container 20 and the ambient temperature prevailing in the installation space of the cooling and dispensing device 1.

For temperature control, the beverage is fed via the tapping unit 2 to the throughflow cooler 10 of the cooling device 3. This throughflow cooler 10 exemplified in FIG. 7 essentially consists of a beverage tube 10.1 and a cooling tube 10.2, the beverage tube 10.1 being guided at least partially inside the cooling tube 10.2. These nested tubes 10.1, 10.2 are to reduce the size of Continuous cooler 10 multiple snake-like merged. The first free end 10.1.1 of the beverage tube 10.1 is connected to the connection element 2.4 of the tapping unit 2 via a connecting tube or a connecting tube, the second end 10.1.2 of the beverage tube 10.1 is in fluid communication with the tapping device 4 via a connecting tube or a connecting tube, for example. Accordingly, the beverage passes through the beverage tube 10.1 from the first free end 10.1.1 to the second free end 10.1.2.

The cooling tube 10.2 also has first and second free ends 10.2.1, 10.2.2, and is traversed by a coolant from the first free end 10.2.1 to the second free end 10.2.2. The flow cooler 10 operates in this case according to the countercurrent principle, i. the direction of flow of the beverage through the beverage tube 10.1 is directed opposite to the flow direction of the coolant through the cooling tube 10.2. By passing through the beverage tube 10.1, the beverage is thus increasingly cooled, so that at the second free end 10.1.2 the beverage has the lowest temperature.

The cooling tube 10.2 with its coolant contained therein is part of a closed circuit, wherein the cooling device 3 operates on the principle of the compression refrigeration machine. For this purpose, a compressor 11, a condenser 19 and a pressure change element, for example a throttle, an expansion valve or a capillary tube are arranged in the closed circuit next to the cooling tube 10.2. As seen in the direction of flow of the refrigerant, the second free end of the cooling tube 10.2.2 is followed by the compressor 11, the pressure-changing element and the condenser 19, the coolant being fed back to the free end 10.2.1 of the cooling tube 10.2 after the condenser 19. By this well-known from the prior art cooling principle is achieved in conjunction with the flow cooler 10 an extremely rapid and strong cooling of the drink.

In order to be able to regulate the beverage temperature on the one hand and to prevent icing of the throughflow cooler 10 on the other hand, two temperature measuring devices are provided, the first temperature measuring device being in the region of the first free end 10.1.1 of the beverage tube 10.1 and the second temperature measuring device in the region of the second free end 10.1.2 of the beverage tube 10.1 is arranged. The measured values ascertained from the two temperature measuring devices form the basis for the regulation of the cooling device 3 with regard to the fact that the beverage is dispensed at the tapping device 4 at a desired temperature, and the cooling device 3 is switched off whenever the beverage in the Whole beverage tube 10.1, ie in particular in the vicinity of the free end 10.1.1 of the beverage tube 10.1 is cooled. In addition, by means of the two measured temperature values, the throughflow cooler 10 of the cooling device 3 is monitored with regard to the fact that the beverage does not freeze inside the beverage tube 10.1.

Furthermore, the cooling device 3 comprises a temperature controller 22, by means of which the beverage temperature emitted by the cooling and dispensing device 1 can be set. By means of this temperature controller 22, the shutdown temperatures for the cooling device 3 can be set and in a range between -5 and + 7 ° C.

The flow cooler 10 is in this case preferably dimensioned such that the volume enclosed in the interior of the beverage tube 10.1 between 0.6 l and 1 l is preferably between 0.7 l and 0.9 l. Furthermore, the cooling capacity of the flow cooler 10 is dimensioned such that per hour about 10 l of beverage from a beverage temperature of 20 ⁰ C before the flow cooler 10 to a beverage temperature of 5 - 8 ° C after the flow cooler 10 can be cooled. After start-up of the cooling and dispensing apparatus 1, the beverage of a beverage temperature of 20 ⁰ C contained in the flow-through cooler 10 may be at about a beverage temperature of from 5 - 8 ° C after about 5-8 minutes to be cooled down.. In order to minimize the thermal losses of the flow cooler 10, the same is surrounded by an insulating material, in particular a polyurethane foam.

In order to operate the cooling device 3 as energy-efficiently as possible, the condenser 19 is assigned a plurality of small-volume fans 19.1, which may be in particular PC fans. These fans 19.1 have in comparison to conventionally used fans high energy efficiency and fixed air flow also a small size, which favors a compact design of the cooling and dispensing device 1.

FIG. 8 shows an arrangement of a cooling and dispensing device 1 according to the invention and a cleaning container 13 in a perspective view. The cleaning container 13 is designed to receive a liquid, in particular a cleaning agent or water, in order to clean or rinse all the elements of the cooling and dispensing device 1 that come into contact with the beverage. The cleaning container 13 is in this case designed such that it can be connected instead of a container 20 to the holding piercing device 6 of the cooling and dispensing device 1.

In FIGS. 9 and 10, the cleaning container 13 is shown in different perspective views.

The cleaning container 13 has an approximately lenticular base surface and is shaped or dimensioned such that it can be introduced substantially accurately into the curved region 7.1 of the housing 7 of the cooling and dispensing device 1. Fixing means 15.1, 15.2 are provided for fixing the cleaning container 13 to the cooling and dispensing device 1, wherein the fixing means 15.1 is provided for engagement with the first holding elements 6.1 and the second fixing means 15.2 for engagement with the second holding element 6.2. The first fixing means 15.1 is in this case designed to engage behind the first retaining element 6.1 and has an arcuate contour adapted to the first retaining element 6.1.

The second fixing means 15.2 represents a recess on the upper side of the cleaning container 13, into which the second holding element 6.2 can be brought into engagement. The introduction of the cleaning container 13 in the holding piercing device 6 takes place here as well as the introduction of a container 20 via a pivoting movement, wherein first the first fixing means 15.1 with the first Holding element 6.1 is brought into engagement and then in a pivoting movement, the top of the cleaning container 13 is brought to the second holding element 6.2 until the second fixing means 15.2 snaps into the second holding element 6.2.

Analogously to the connection of the container 20, the cleaning container 13 is brought into liquid-tight connection with the tapping unit 2 at the same time by the described pivoting movement. Here, a first connection element 14 is provided on the cleaning container 13, in which the piercing unit 2 is at least partially insertable and thereby produces a liquid-tight connection to just this. The first connection element 14 in this case has a valve function, which prevents leakage of a liquid in the interior of the cleaning container from the first connection element 14 when the cleaning container is not introduced into the holding piercing device 6. During the at least partial penetration of the tapping unit 2 into the first connection element 14, the valve function is canceled, so that the cleaning or rinsing liquid can escape from the cleaning container 13 via the tapping unit 2.

The cleaning container 13 further has a filling opening 13.1, which can be closed in a liquid-tight manner by means of a lid or plug. Preferably, the lid is to be fastened by means of a screw connection to the filling opening 13.1. Furthermore, a handle 13.2 is provided, by means of which the cleaning container is easier to handle by the user. Furthermore, the cleaning container 13 has a second connection element 16, by means of which the cleaning container 13 can be connected to an external pressure or water supply. The second connection element 16, like the first connection element 14, has a valve function, whereby the cleaning vessel 13 can be externally filled with water or pressurized by the second connection element 16, without water or a pressure present in the cleaning vessel 13 over the second Connection element 16 can escape from inside to outside.

To the continuous fluid connection between the tapping unit 2 and the It is necessary that the liquid contained in the cleaning container 13, in particular cleaning agent and / or water, be pressed by means of a pressure through the line system and this line system is purged, which also includes the throughflow cooler 10, to purify and / or rinse , There are several ways to build this pressure. On the one hand, the pressure can be built up via the existing compressed gas device 5. In this case, pressurized gas is supplied from the compressed gas cartridge 5.1 via the compressed gas line 2.2 of the tapping unit 2 to the cleaning tank and the liquid present in the cleaning tank 13 is flushed through the line system of the cooling and tapping device 1. When the dispensing device 4 is open, in this case the entire line system located between the piercing unit 2 and the dispensing device 4, including the throughflow cooler 10, is cleaned and / or rinsed.

In each case a further possibility of the pressure build-up is shown in Figures 1 1 and 12. In FIG. 11, a hose connection with its first free end is connected to the cleaning element 13 connected to the holding and piercing device 6 on the second connection element 16, the second free end of the hose being connected to an external water supply, for example a water tap. The cleaning container 13 in this case preferably already contains the cleaning agent or a water-cleaning agent mixture, wherein upon opening of the faucet, first of all this cleaning agent or the water-cleaning agent mixture is forced through the conduit system of the beverage cooling and tapping device 1. After this has been pressed by the cooling and dispensing device 1, water continues to flow into the cleaning tank 13 and the piping system of the cooling and dispensing device 1 is flushed with just this clear tap water. Deviating from this, a cleaning tank 13 can be used without detergent only for rinsing the cooling and dispensing device 1, wherein initially this cleaning tank 13 is filled via the second connection element 16 with water from the external water supply and then due to the water pressure, the line system of the cooling and dispensing device 1 is rinsed with water.

In the event that the cooling and dispensing device 1 is operated in an environment in which can not be connected to a water supply, the pressure on the cleaning tank 13 by means of a pump 17 can take place. This pump 17 can in this case be operated both mechanically and by motor. The connection of the pump 17 also takes place via a hose on the second connection element 16. A cleaning agent located in the cleaning container 13 is pressed by the pressure built up by the pump 17 through the line system and thus first cleaned the line system. After this cleaning process, clear water can be introduced into the cleaning container 13 via the filling opening 13.1. Subsequently, the cleaning container 13 is again connected to the cooling and dispensing device 1 via the holding piercing device 6, built by the pump 17 again pressure and thereby pressed the water through the conduit system, thereby being flushed this line system. The dispensing device 4 itself can be unscrewed for cleaning purposes of the cooling and dispensing device 1 and thus also be subjected to a manual cleaning process.

FIGS. 13 and 14 show a further embodiment of a device for cooling and tapping drinks received in containers, in particular party kegs. The device 1 has a housing indicated by 7, which is dimensioned in the embodiment so that the container receptacle for receiving at least two containers 20 is suitable. These containers 20 are preferably party beer kegs with a volume of 5 or 6 liters. Of course, other comparable orders of magnitude are possible.

The device 1 furthermore has a piercing device which, in accordance with the number of containers 20 to be accommodated, has at least two piercing units 2, one piercing unit 2 being provided in each case for one container 20. A preferred embodiment of such a tapping unit 2 will be described below with reference to FIG.

The at least two piercing units 2 are connected to a common cooling device 3 connected, this cooling device 3 is preferably formed by a cooling coil and formed as a through-flow cooler 10 or alternatively as a batch cooler, as is known per se.

The cooling device 3 opens into a single dispensing device 4 with tapping lever 4.1 and nozzle 4.2.

The device 1 also has a compressed gas device 5, which preferably comprises two Druckgaspatronenaufnahmen. Each Druckgaspatronenaufnahme is connected in each case via a line to the associated piercing unit 2. In the respective Druckgaspatroneneinheit a pressure gas cartridge 5.1 is preferably interchangeable used whose size or fill weight is preferably such that with the content of a pressure gas cartridge 5.1, the entire contents of a container 20 can be discharged. Such a compressed gas cartridge 5.1 usually contains CCb gas.

After inserting the container 20 in the device 1 both piercing 2 are connected simultaneously, d. H. one tapping unit 2 is inserted into a respective container 20. Thus, the contents of both containers 20 via the cooling device 3 with the dispensing device 4 in fluid communication, i. It can be tapped on the tap 4.2, the full content of both containers 20, preferably one after the other.

A preferred embodiment of the tapping unit 2 is shown in FIG. 15. Namely, the respective tapping unit 2 preferably has a tubular tapping blade 2.1 with a beveled front tip, wherein on the inside in the tubular tapping 2.1 in the freiendseitigen area a compressed gas line 2.2 is integrated, which is connected via the associated line with the associated Druckgaspatronenaufnahme or the compressed gas cartridge 5.1 ,

Due to this configuration of the respective tapping unit 2, no separate connection is provided each Druckgaspatronenaufnahme to the respective container 20 required by piercing the tapping unit 2 to the respective container 20 is automatically created simultaneously a connection of the container 20 to the cooling device 3 and the associated Druckgaspatronenaufnahme to the container 20.

The invention has been described above with reference to exemplary embodiments, it being understood that numerous variations and changes of the subject of the application are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention. Thus, the device 1 could also be dimensioned so that it receives more than two containers 20, but is also essential in such an embodiment that then the respective piercing unit 2 to the common cooling device 3 and thus the dispensing device 4 is connected.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1 cooling and dispensing device

2 tapping unit

2.1 Piercing

2.2 compressed gas line

2.3 sealing element

2.4 Connection element

2.5 Connection element

3 cooling device

4 dispensing device

4.1 Tap lever

4.2 Tap

5 compressed gas device

5.1 compressed gas cartridge

5.2 Valve

5.3 compressed gas cartridge compartment

5.3.1 Lid

6 holding piercing device

6.1 first holding element

6.1.1 arcuate projection

6.2 second holding element

6.2.1 groove

6.2.2 Handle

7 housing

7.1 arched area

8 drip tray

8.1 Drip tray carrier

9 removal safeguard 10 continuous coolers

10.1 drink tube

10.1.1 first free end

10.1.2 second free end

10.2 Cooling tube

10.2.1 first free end

10.2.2 second free end

1 1 compressor

12 pressure control element

13 cleaning tanks

13.1 filling opening

13.2 Handling

14 first connection element

15.1, 15.2 Fixative

16 second connection element

1 7 pump

18 display

19 liquefier

19.1 fans

20 beverage containers 1 fold

22 temperature controller

Claims

claims

1. A device for cooling and tapping of in containers, especially party beer kegs, recorded drinks with a container receptacle, a piercing device, a compressed gas device, a cooling device and a dispensing device, wherein the piercing device is in fluid communication with the dispensing device via the cooling device, characterized in that the container receptacle is equipped to accommodate at least two containers (20), the piercing device has at least two piercing units (2) for piercing a respective container (20) and the at least two piercing units (2) to the one common cooling device (3) and dispensing device (4) are connected.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one Druckgaspatronenaufnahme is provided, in the interchangeable in each case a compressed gas cartridge (5.1) can be used.

3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the respective piercing unit (2) has a tubular piercing sword (2.1), in which the inside in the freiendseitigen area an associated with the associated Druckgaspatronenaufnahme compressed gas line (2.2) is integrated.

4. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the container receptacle is formed by at least two holding devices for receiving a respective container (20).

5. Apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that in each case a holding device with a tapping unit (2) forms a combined holding piercing device (6).

6. Device according to one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that the piercing unit (2) for lateral piercing of the container (20), in particular a party barrel is formed.

7. Apparatus according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the combined holding piercing device (6) has at least one first and second holding element (6.1, 6.2).

8. The device according to claim 7, characterized in that the first and second holding element (6.1, 6.2) for receiving the container (20) are arranged spaced from each other.

9. Apparatus according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that at least one of the holding elements (6.1, 6.2) at least partially surrounds the container (20).

10. Device according to one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that the tapping unit (2) between the first and second holding element (6.1, 6.2) is arranged, preferably adjacent to the first holding element (6.1).

1 1. Apparatus according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the first and second holding element (6.1, 6.2) for at least partially encompassing arranged on the top and bottom of the container (20) folds (21) is formed.

12. Device according to one of claims 5 to 11, characterized in that the device (1) has a housing (7) and the holding piercing device (6) on the housing (7), in particular on the outside of the housing (7 ) is arranged.

13. Device according to one of claims 5 to 12, characterized in that the device (1) has a housing (7) and the holding piercing device (6) is at least partially an integral part of the housing (7).

14. The apparatus of claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the housing (7) has at least one curved into the housing interior area (7.1), in which the holding piercing device (6) is formed.

15. Device according to one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that the first holding element (6.1) is a preferably arcuate projection (6.1.1) on the housing (7), which is connected to the shape and / or the rebate depth of the container (20 ) is adjusted.

16. Device according to one of claims 7 to 15, characterized in that the second holding element (6.2) is a spring-loaded, pivotable, displaceable or an elastically bendable locking element.

17. The device according to one of claims 5 to 16, characterized in that the holding piercing device (6) is formed to the ground, stationary fixing of the container (20).

18. Device according to one of claims 7 to 17, characterized in that the first holding element (6.1) forms a hinge point for insertion of the container (20) by means of a pivoting movement in the direction of the holding piercing device (6).

19. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that for piercing the side piercing unit (2) penetrates the side wall of the container (20), preferably in the vicinity of the underside of the container (20).

20. Device according to one of claims 3 to 19, characterized in that the tapping sword (2.1) for sealing the piercing portion of a sealing element (2.3) is surrounded.

21. Device according to one of claims 5 to 20, characterized in that a removal safeguard (9) is provided, which depends on the operating state of Device (1) blocks the removal of the at least one container (20) from the holding piercing device (6).

22. The apparatus according to claim 21, characterized in that the removal safeguard (20) for blocking the removal of the container (20) is formed at least when a defined Druckschwel I value.

23. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the compressed gas device (5) of at least one compressed gas cartridge (5.1), preferably of at least one 16g - Druckgaspatrone, is fed.

24. Device according to one of claims 2 to 23, characterized in that for piercing the at least one compressed gas cartridge (5.1) at least one tapping unit is provided with quick coupling, wherein the tapping unit for the simplified change of the compressed gas cartridge (5.1) is preferably arranged pivotably.

25. The apparatus according to claim 24, characterized in that the tapping unit is arranged in an externally accessible, independently of the remaining housing (7) to be opened compressed gas cartridge compartment (5.3) within the housing (7).

26. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cooling device (3) has at least one flow cooler (10).

27. The device according to claim 26, characterized in that the flow cooler (10) consists of a beverage tube (10.1) the beverage tube (10.1) surrounding the cooling tube (10.2).

28. The apparatus of claim 26 or 27, characterized in that a flow cooler (10) is provided with counterflow principle.

29. Device according to one of claims 26 to 28, characterized in that the flow cooler (10) in the region of the input and output has a measuring device for detecting the beverage temperature.

30. Device according to one of claims 26 to 29, characterized in that the flow cooler (10) has a cooling capacity of about 10 liters per hour at a beverage temperature of 20 ⁰ C before the flow cooler (10) and a beverage temperature of 5 ° C to 8 ° C after the flow cooler (10).

31. Device according to one of claims 26 to 30, characterized in that the cooling capacity of the flow cooler (10) is dimensioned such that after start-up of the device (1) and a beverage temperature of 20 ⁰ C in the flow cooler (10) after about 5 a drink temperature of 5 ° C to 8 ⁰ C at the outlet of the flow cooler (10) is present for 8 minutes.

32. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a temperature controller (22) is provided.

33. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one adjustable pressure regulating element (12) for regulating the pressure of the compressed gas device (5) and a display (18) of the pressure applied to the container is provided.

34. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that means for opening and closing the fluid connection between the tapping unit (2) and the dispensing device (4) are provided.

35. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that means (5.2) for opening and closing the connection between the compressed gas cartridge (5.1) and the compressed gas line (2.2) are provided.

36. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that below the dispensing device (4) a drip tray (8) is provided with a cup-like drip tray (8.1), which projects beyond the device (1) at least in the transverse direction and thus with device (1). is connected, that a lateral overturning thereof is avoided.

37. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the dispensing device (4) is removable for cleaning purposes.

38. Arrangement consisting of a device according to one of the preceding claims and at least one cleaning container (13), characterized in that the at least one cleaning container (13) instead of the at least one container (20) to the combined holding piercing device (6) is connectable.

39. Arrangement according to claim 37, characterized in that the cleaning container

(13) a suitable for connection with the tapping unit (2) first connection element

(14).

40. Arrangement according to claim 37 or 38, characterized in that the cleaning container (13) has means (15.1, 15.2) for stationary fixation of the cleaning container (13) in the combined holding-piercing device (6) with the first and second holding element (6.1, 6.2) can be brought into engagement.

41. Arrangement according to one of claims 37 to 39, characterized in that the cleaning container (13) is shaped such that it can be inserted into the curved region (7.1) of the housing (7) and fills it substantially accurately.

42. Arrangement according to one of claims 37 to 40, characterized in that the cleaning container (13) has a second connection element (16) for connecting an external pressure or water supply.

43. Arrangement according to claim 38 or 41, characterized in that the first and / or second connection element (14, 16) have a valve function for closing the cleaning container (13).

44. Arrangement according to one of claims 37 to 42, characterized in that in the cleaning container (13) provided liquid for flushing the device (1) by the compressed gas device (5) is ausbringbar.

45. Arrangement according to one of claims 37 to 43, characterized in that a pump (17) is provided, which is connectable by means of a hose to the second connection element (16), wherein a liquid provided in the cleaning container (13) for rinsing the device (1) can be dispensed by the pressure applied by the pump (17).

46. Arrangement according to one of claims 37 to 44, characterized in that means for connecting the second connection element (16) of the cleaning container (13) with an external water supply, in particular a faucet for rinsing the device (1) are provided.