WO2007108682A1

WO2007108682A1 - Tapping device

Info

Publication number: WO2007108682A1
Application number: PCT/NL2007/050111
Authority: WO
Inventors: Bart Jan Bax
Original assignee: Heineken Supply Chain BV
Current assignee: Heineken Supply Chain BV
Priority date: 2006-03-20
Filing date: 2007-03-19
Publication date: 2007-09-27
Anticipated expiration: 2008-09-20
Also published as: AR059989A1; EP2007670A1; RU2453494C2; NL1031411C2; EG24985A; BRPI0708945A2; ZA200808956B; MX2008012001A; CN101460391A; TW200811030A; RU2008141314A

Abstract

A tapping device (1) , provided with a compartment (2) with a tapping platform (4) thereon, wherein a tapping column (5) is detachably fixed on the tapping platform and the compartment is designed as a refrigerator, which refrigerator is provided with an opening (34) in the top side (28) through which a junction box (37) of the tapping platform is passed and wherein the tapping platform is provided above said junction box, wherein the tapping column comprises at least one passage between the junction box and a tapping (88) cock near an upper end of the tapping column, all this such that, from an inner space of the refrigerator, a tapping line can be passed through the junction box into said passage and can be functionally coupled with the tapping cock.

Description

Title: Tapping device

The invention relates to a tapping device. The invention particularly relates to a tapping device for gaseous, in particular carbonated beverage. From practice, tapping devices are known for carbonated beverage such as soft drink and in particular beer, wherein a tap is provided, fixedly arranged on a bar or similar counter. A container such as a beer container or cellar beer installation is provided at a distance from the tap and is connected therewith by a fixed beer line which can be connected with the container with the aid of a tapping head.

From EP 1 289 874, a tapping device is known which comprises a refrigerator above which a tapping platform is provided. On the tapping platform, a hollow tapping column is provided which opens, on the lower side, into the refrigerator. At the upper end of the tapping column, an operating device is provided. In the refrigerator, a keg can be placed in which a beverage such as beer or soft drink is stored. The container is, for instance, provided with a tapping rod with a valve assembly on which a pressure element is provided which can be pressed against the valve assembly with the aid of a handle tapping head or special pressure device, for opening the valve assembly. A gas supply line is connected to the handle tapping head or the pressure device for introducing pressure gas into the container. To the pressure element, a hose is connected. The hose is somewhat flexible, so that it can be passed from the refrigerator into the hollow tapping column. At the end of the pressure element remote from the hose, a valve body is provided which can cooperate with the operating device, for opening and closing the passage of the hose. This known tapping device is advantageous for, for instance, small and medium-sized dispensing points of beverages. The invention contemplates providing a tapping device which is easy to use and has a simple construction.

The invention further contemplates providing a tapping device which can be manufactured relatively inexpensively. It is a further object of the invention to provide a tapping device which can simply be moved, transported and stored.

In a first aspect of the invention, a tapping device is characterized in that a refrigerator is provided on which a tapping column is placed, which tapping column is detachably fixed on the refrigerator, which tapping column has such dimensions that it is receivable in the refrigerator. The tapping column is provided with a lower end which is receivable in an opening in a tapping platform fixed on the refrigerator. This opening then at least largely covers a passage in the top side of the refrigerator. The tapping platform is preferably at least largely manufactured by injection molding. In a second aspect of the invention, under the refrigerator, a rolling module is provided with at least two and preferably four wheels, two of which may be designed to be swiveling. Preferably, at least one of the wheels is braked or provided with braking means, so that the tapping device can be braked but can simply be moved. Above-mentioned module is preferably largely manufactured by injection molding.

In a third aspect, the refrigerator is designed as a standard refrigerator with condenser or other known cooling device. A tapping platform is provided on the top side of the refrigerator, which tapping platform is provided with a bulge on the underside extending in an inner space of the refrigerator. In or near the bulge, at least one space is provided in which a blowing fan is received for blowing air cooled in the inner space of the refrigerator into the tapping column or a sucking fan for sucking air cooled in the inner space of the refrigerator and passed through the tapping column from the tapping column. Preferably, both a blowing and a sucking ventilator are provided. The tapping column is then provided with two channels, interconnected near an upper end of the tapping column, so that air from the inner space of the refrigerator can circulate through the tapping column, along the beverage line extending through one of the channels. In a tapping device according to the invention, preferably, a disposable beverage line is provided which connects a container in the inner space with an operating device at the top of the tapping column via a pressure body. To this end, the line is preferably provided with a shutoff fixed in or to the line, such as a water bottle shutoff which can cooperate with the operating device.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment, in the container, a pressure control device is provided with which the pressure in the container is regulated automatically. Such a pressure control device offers the advantage that no external gas cylinders, pressure pumps or the like need to be provided, nor pressure control valves, other valves and the like.

During use, the keg only needs to be placed in the refrigerator, after which the beverage line is passed through the tapping column and is coupled with the operating device. Incidentally, it is of course also possible to introduce a pressure gas into the container in a known manner, from a gas cylinder or the like. In addition, instead of the shutoff, a hose cock may also be formed by the beverage line cooperating with the operating device, for squeezing the beverage line shut.

In an advantageous embodiment, in the refrigerator, a set-up position for a gas cylinder, in particular a CO2 cylinder, is provided. Thus, the advantage is achieved that the whole connection can be made inside the refrigerator, no projecting parts are obtained, the gas cylinder is well protected and, in addition, the mobility of the device is further improved.

The tapping column of a tapping device according to the invention is preferably largely built up of at least two first shell parts which are fixed against one another, thereby forming therein at least two channels next to one another and/or around one another, at least one of which opens, at the lower side, into an inlet opening for an at least partly flexible beverage line and the other into an inlet and/or outlet for cooled air or other cooling medium, while the two channels are interconnected near an upper end of the tapping column. Around the two shell parts, preferably, at least two second shell parts are provided which are interconnected. Between the first and second shell parts, preferably, a filler is provided which substantially fills the space between the first and second shell parts. Thus, on the one hand, a good insulation is provided, particularly when, for instance, use is made of insulating foam, while, on the other hand, a particularly stiff tapping column is obtained which still has a simple structure and is relatively light.

The tapping column preferably has a base which can be inserted into an opening in a tapping platform of the tapping device in a direction of insertion, while the base is provided with a profiling chosen such that retaining means can be passed through or under the tapping platform and into the base, in a direction including an angle with the direction of insertion, such that the tapping column is thereby retained in the opening. Thus, a particularly advantageous and robust retaining is obtained. The retaining means are preferably somewhat wedge-shaped, so that they can simply be pulled for obtaining an optimal retaining.

By way of explanation of the invention, embodiments thereof will be discussed in more detail with reference to the drawing, in which:

Fig. 1 shows, in disassembled condition and assembled condition, a modularly constructed tapping device according to the invention;

Fig. 2 shows, in top plan view, front view and side elevational view, a tapping device according to Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 shows, in perspective view, a top plan view and bottom view of a rolling module; Fig. 4 shows, in disassembled condition, a rolling module according to Fig. 3;

Fig. 5 shows, in partly disassembled condition, a refrigerator for a tapping device according to Figs. 1 and 2; Fig. 6 shows, in disassembled condition, a tapping platform of a tapping device according to the invention;

Fig. 7 shows, in perspective top plan view and bottom view, a tapping platform according to the invention, in assembled condition;

Fig. 8 shows, somewhat enlarged, the opening with connection for the tapping column of a tapping platform according to Figs. 6 and 7;

Fig. 9 shows, in partly disassembled condition, a tapping column according to the invention;

Fig. 10 shows, in front view, bottom view and side elevational view, a tapping column according to Fig. 9; Fig. 11 shows a container with a beverage line for use in a tapping device according to the invention, in a first embodiment; and

Fig. 12 shows a container with a beverage line for use in a tapping device according to the invention, in a second embodiment.

In this description, same or corresponding parts are designated by same or corresponding reference numerals. The exemplary embodiments shown are only shown by way of illustration and should not be taken as being limitative in any way.

In the description and drawings, embodiments are shown and described for use for carbonated beverages, in particular beer. It will be clear, however, that a same or similar tapping device may also be used for other beverages.

In Figs. 1 and 2, a modular tapping device 1 is shown, in partly disassembled condition and in assembled condition, where the main components are shown. This tapping device 1 comprises a refrigerator 2 with a rolling module 3 underneath it and a tapping platform 4 and a tapping column 5 on top of it. In the following Figures, these parts will be described in more detail.

Fig. 3 shows, in perspective view, a rolling module 3 according to the invention, in assembled condition. Fig. 4 shows a same rolling module 3 in disassembled condition. This rolling module 3 comprises a body 6, preferably manufactured by injection molding from plastic, provided with a substantially closed top surface 7 and a rib structure 8 on the underside, for high stiffness with low weight. Optionally, a stiffener 8A may be provided, for instance from metal. Two front swivel castors 9 are fixed to the underside, viewed in top plan view inside a bumper 10, while two rear wheels 11 are placed near an edge of the body 6. Near at least one of the rear wheels 11, a brake 12 is provided which may be activated by a user, for instance with the foot. As a brake 12, for instance, a brake shoe 13 is provided which can be pressed against a shaft next to the rear wheel 11 and can be moved away therefrom, with the aid of a pedal 15. A suitable design of such a brake can simply be selected by a skilled person. On the front side of the body 6, a bumper section 14 is fixed along the bumper 10, for protection of the body 6 in particular and the tapping device 1 in general. The body 6 is provided with fixing elements (not shown) and/or openings 16 through which, for instance, screws or bolts can be passed for fixing the rolling module 3 against an underside of the refrigerator 2.

The body 6 has a front elevation 17 and a rear elevation 18, on which the refrigerator 2 can be supported. As a result, between the elevations, a passage 19 is obtained under the refrigerator, so that the rolling module looks less voluminous, air can flow under the refrigerator, for instance to under a compressor and/or condenser and/or a condensate discharge of the refrigerator, and extra stiffness can be obtained.

Fig. 5 shows, in partly disassembled condition and in assembled condition, a refrigerator 2 according to the invention, comprising a compartment 20, a rear panel 21 with an air grate 22 at the top, two side panels 23 (shown in fixed condition) and a door 24 which can be connected with the compartment 20 via hinges 25, 26. The side panels 23 and/or the rear panel 22 and/or the door 24 are preferably manufactured from metal and/or plastic and provided with a thermally insulating layer, for instance foam. With the side panels 23, an insulating layer is provided between the respective side panel 23 and the respective side 27 of the compartment 20. As Fig. 5 clearly shows, fixing means D such as screws or studs or the like can be provided in or through the top side 28 and the bottom side 29 of the compartment for fixing the rolling module 3, as indicated, and/or the tapping platform 4 with tapping column 5. The door is, on the top side, near a side remote from the hinges 25, 26, provided with a pin 30 which can cooperate with a closing device 31 in the tapping platform 4, as will be explained in more detail.

As Fig. 5 shows, in the top side 28 of the compartment 20, a first opening 32 is provided which connects the inner space 33 of the compartment 20 with the environment. The purpose thereof will be returned to in more detail. The refrigerator 2 is further provided with conventional cooling means, such as compressor, condenser and lines (not shown) for cooling the inner space 33 of the refrigerator 2. Due to this modular construction of the refrigerator, the advantage is achieved that an essentially standard refrigerator can be used. The rear panel 22, the side panels 23 and the door 24 can always be adapted to the desired use, for instance by printing, stickers, (adhesive) film or the like with, for instance, branding, color combinations, logos, figures and similar distinguishing means thereon. Of course, the panels 22, 23 and/or the door 24 may also be manufactured separately, for instance in a special embodiment, while, for instance, reliefs may also be used, lighting may be included and similar special external embellishments. The panels may be fixed to the compartment 20 but may also be retained during assembly of the rolling module and the tapping platform to be discussed hereinafter. To this end, the panels 22, 23 are provided with bent edges 34.

Fig. 6 shows, in disassembled condition, a tapping platform 4 according to the invention, while Fig. 7 shows the same tapping platform 4 in assembled condition. The tapping platform 4 comprises a top platform 35 and a bottom platform 36, both preferably manufactured by injection molding, compression molding or a similar molding technique, preferably from plastic.

The tapping platform 4 further comprises a junction box 37 in which two fans 38, 39 are received, and a pipe-forming partition 40. In a bottom wall 41, the junction box comprises a bent pipe-forming part 4 which, together with the partition 40, forms a bent inlet tube 43 which opens into the inner space 33 of the refrigerator 2 on the one side (in mounted condition of the tapping device) and opens into an opening 44 in the tapping platform 4 on the other side. On a first side of the pipe-forming part, in the bottom wall 41, an opening 45 is provided for supply of air to a first fan 38, while, on the opposite side, an opening 46 is provided for discharge of air via the second fan 39. Here, the partition 40 is formed such that air from the first fan 38 can be blown into the inlet tube 43, in the direction of the opening 44 in the tapping platform 4. With the aid of the other fan 39, during use, air can be sucked from the opening 44 in the tapping platform, at least a tapping column 5 provided thereon, as will be explained in more detail. In mounted condition, the junction box 37 seals substantially airtightly against the longitudinal edge of the opening 44, at least the underside of the bottom platform.

In the top platform 36 and the bottom platform 35, a respective opening 44 is provided, which forms a fixing opening 47 with an assembled tapping platform for inserting a base 48 of the tapping column 5. Ribs 49 are provided in the fixing opening 47, which extend in the direction of insertion Z, for guiding and positioning the base 48. From the rear side of the tapping platform 4, two openings are provided into which the teeth 50 of a U-shaped retaining means 51 can be inserted. These teeth are somewhat wedge-shaped. The connecting piece 52 between the teeth is provided with a hole 53 through which a bolt or similar tensioning means can be passed, with which the teeth 50 can be forced, in particular pulled, into the openings. In the base 48 (Fig. 9), on two opposite sides, a slot 54 is provided, in each of which a tooth 50 can be received. The slots 54 are formed and placed such that, upon inserting the teeth 50 further, the base 48 is pulled more fixedly into the fixing opening 47. This results in a particularly advantageous, simple fixing of the tapping column in the tapping platform, which can be used repeatedly.

Upon placement of the tapping platform 4 on the refrigerator 2, the junction box 37 will be inserted into the opening 32, so that it is sealed and the openings 44 and 45 and the inlet tube 43 open into the inner space 33. In the top side of the top platform 36, a recess 55 is provided which is preferably watertight. In the recess 55, a drip tray 56 can be fittingly received, such that an engaging edge 57 thereof hangs over an edge 58 of the recess 55. Under the engaging edge 57, in the edge 58, a recess 59 is provided so that the drip tray 56 can simply be grasped and removed. On the top side, the drip tray 56 is provided with a supporting edge 61 on which a grate or plate 62 with openings 63 can be laid. Such a tapping platform has the advantage that the drip tray 56 can simply be taken up and emptied as a whole, so that contamination of the tapping device 1 in general and of the tapping platform 4 in particular can simply be prevented. In addition, this makes cleaning easy.

Between the top platform 36 and the bottom platform 35, at least in the tapping platform 4, on a front side, above-mentioned closing device 31 is provided. This comprises a hook 65 biased in a retaining direction L by a spring 64, which hook 65 can hook behind the pin 30 in assembled condition, for keeping the door 24 closed. A sliding element 66 is slidable in the direction L and, oppositely thereto, slidable within an edge profile 68 of the bottom platform 37. With this, the hook 65 can be moved against the direction L for opening, at least releasing the door 24. Due to this constriction, a particularly advantageous closing mechanism is obtained which can be received virtually completely in the tapping platform 4. As a result, manufacture of the refrigerator is further simplified and consequently made less expensive. More expensive assembly operations may then, for instance, be carried out at a location at a distance from the manufacture of the refrigerator. As appears from, in particular, Fig. 7, on the underside, the longitudinal edge of the tapping platform is somewhat set back on at least a part of the front side and the two longitudinal sides. Here, in the top platform, an undercut 69 is provided, such that, in assembled condition, accessories 70 can be hooked on, as schematically shown in Fig. 2. To this end, the accessory is, for instance, provided with an upstanding edge which can be inserted into the undercut. The accessory then further rests on the bottom platform and/or the top side 28 of the compartment 20. This results in a pleasant appearance, both with and without accessory, offers simple installation options and no mounting means are visible with a removed accessory. All kinds of accessories can be considered, for instance (but not limited to) a sunshade, a table or similar support surface, glass holder, a trash can, a tool rack, a cooling tray and the like.

Fig. 8 shows, somewhat enlarged, the connection of the junction box 37 to the bottom platform 35. What is clearly visible is that the inlet tube 43 opens into the fixing opening 47. In addition, a passage 71 is provided which connects the junction box 37 with the fixing opening 47, separated from the inlet tube 43.

Fig. 9 shows, in partly disassembled condition, a tapping column 5 according to the invention which is shown in Fig. 10 in different views as being assembled. The tapping column 5 comprises two first shell parts 72, 73 which are substantially mirror-symmetric along a center longitudinal plane 74, schematically shown in Fig. 10. The shell parts are interconnected with the aid of snap means 75, such as snap fingers and corresponding openings, thereby forming an inner tube 78 with two channels 76, 77. Each shell part 72, 73 comprises half of a first channel 76 and an adjacent second channel 77. These channels 76, 77 are interconnected inside the inner tube 78, near an upper first end 79. The first end 79 is formed by a ring 80 with an opening 81 which is in connection with the channels 76, 77. On the lower side, the two channels 76, 77 form connecting stubs which fit to the inlet tube 43 and the passage 71, respectively. The tapping column 5 further comprises two second shell parts 82, 83, mutually couplable with the aid of snap fingers 84 which can clamp behind an edge 85. The two second shell parts 82, 83 can surround the inner tube 78. An operatively front second shell part 82 is provided with a neck-shaped opening 86 into which, from the rear side, the ring 80 can be slid. From the front side, a screw ring 87A can be fixed in the opening 86 with the aid of a washer 87B. A tapping cock 88, for instance known from EP 1 289 874 of applicant, can be screwed into the screw ring 87, for fixation. The tapping cock can be folded out for inserting a valve 99 included in a beverage line 101, as known from EP 1 284918 and WO01/92142, which valve can be opened and closed by the tapping cock. The line operatively preferably extends up to or beyond the end of a nozzle 89 of the tapping cock 88, so that contact between the beverage and the tapping device, in particular the tapping column 5, is prevented. This minimizes the necessity of cleaning. The second second shell part 83 is, on the top rear side, provided with a connecting point 9 IA on which a shield 91, for instance a lens holder with a lens 93, can be fixed. Thereon or therein, for instance, a brand can be represented, in word and/or logo, or another (advertising) expression. Also, for instance, lighting may be included therein. The two second shell parts are, on the bottom outside, provided with ribs 92 extending in the direction of insertion Z. Clearly visible are the grooves or slots 54 in the base 48, into which the teeth 50 can be inserted after the base 48 has been inserted into the fixing opening 47. The slots preferably taper slightly in the direction of the front side 100 of the tapping column 5 and have a main direction approximately at right angles with the direction of insertion Z. The ribs 92 on the base 48 and the ribs 49 in the opening 47 preferably interfit slidingly, so that extra stability is obtained. After the first and second shell parts are fixed to each other in above-mentioned manner, preferably, the space between the inner tube 78 and the second shell parts 82, 83 is filled with foam, so that the shell parts are still better connected, an insulating sheath is obtained and, in addition, the stiffness of the tapping column is increased considerably, with a relatively low weight. Of course, other stiffening means such as ribs or the like may also be used.

Fig. 11 shows a first embodiment of a container 94, in partial cross section, for use with a tapping device according to the invention. In a top surface 95, this container has a valve 96 or other shutoff, on which a connecting element 97 is provided. This connecting element connects to a collar 98 around the valve 96. A substantially flexible hose 101 is fixed to the connecting element as a beverage line, so that, when the valve 96 with the connecting element is pushed open, beverage can flow from the inner space of the container 94 via a riser 105 and through the beverage line to the valve 99 near the opposite end of the line. During use, this valve 99 can be opened by the tapping cock 88 as indicated for letting the beverage flow out. The line 101 can be passed from the inner space 33 of the refrigerator 2 through the inlet pipe 43 into the first channel 76 and be pushed through into the tapping cock 88, for coupling with an operating mechanism in the tapping cock 88. Incidentally, the valve 99 may also be omitted if the tapping cock is designed with a mechanism to squeeze the line open and shut. In such an embodiment, first, the hose 101 is laid in the tapping cock 88 and squeezed shut and then the valve 96 is pressed open. Other means for opening and closing the passage of the tapping cock and/or beverage line 101 may also be used. With the fan 38, via the inlet pipe 43, air cooled in the inner space 33 can be forced through the first channel 76, along the beverage line 101, which air can be sucked out through the second channel 77, back into the inner space 33, with the aid of the second fan 39. This results in a continuous cooling of the beverage line, with minimal energy loss, up to the tapping cock 88. In the container 94, a pressure control unit 102 is received with which gas such as CO2 is automatically dispensed when the pressure in the container drops below a preset pressure, so that always a desired control pressure can be regulated and maintained, for instance an equilibrium pressure of CO2 in the beverage. Upon opening of the beverage line, at least the tapping cock 88, beverage will be displaced from the container, so that the pressure in the container decreases. The pressure control unit will then bring the pressure back to the desired level. Such pressure control units are known per se, for instance from EP 1064221 or US 5368207. Use thereof in a tapping device according to the invention is particularly advantageous because this makes the device considerably more mobile and easier to use.

In an alternative embodiment, in Fig. 12, a container 94 according to the invention is shown, where, in a conventional manner, gas is introduced into the container and beverage is discharged. Here, preferably, use is made of an adapter and connecting head as known from NL 1017742 or NL 1016687. With such an embodiment, preferably, a gas cylinder 104 is received in the inner space 33 of the refrigerator 2. As shown in Fig. 5, in the refrigerator 2, a platform 103 is provided on which the gas cylinder can be placed. Of course, a gas cylinder may also be used outside the refrigerator or a pump, if, for instance, air or liquid is used for displacing the beverage from the container. The means mentioned last are particularly suitable for use with a bag-in-container type of container.

With the embodiments shown of the container 94, the hose 101 with the valve 99, if present, is preferably disposable. The tapping column 5 preferably has such dimensions that it can be received in the inner space of the refrigerator 2 with transport and storage of the tapping device, which saves considerable expenses and, in addition, protects the tapping column.

The invention is not limited in any way to the embodiments as described and shown. Many variations thereof are possible within the framework of the invention set forth in the claims.

Thus, other constructions may be used for, for instance, the refrigerator, the tapping column 5 may be built up in a different manner, for instance as described in EP 1289874, and the rolling module may be omitted. The refrigerator 2 may be finished in a different manner, just like the tapping column. The first and second channel may wholly or partly surround each other, for instance be placed concentrically, or one channel may be provided with means such as partitions for obtaining circulation of the cooled air. Instead of two fans, use may also be made of only one fan. Also, other pumping or blowing means for circulating cooling medium may be used, such as pumps, blowers and the like. These and other modifications may be carried out without falling outside the framework of the invention set forth in the claims.

Claims

1. A tapping device, provided with a compartment with a tapping platform thereon, wherein a tapping column is detachably fixed on the tapping platform and the compartment is designed as a refrigerator, which refrigerator is provided with an opening in the top side through which a junction box of the tapping platform is passed and wherein the tapping platform is provided above said junction box, wherein the tapping column comprises at least one passage between the junction box and a tapping cock near an upper end of the tapping column, all this such that, from an inner space of the refrigerator, a tapping line can be passed through the junction box into said passage and can be functionally coupled with the tapping cock.

2. A tapping device according to claim 1, wherein at least one pumping or blowing means such as a fan is received in the junction box.

3. A tapping device according to claim 2, wherein at least two fans are received in the junction box, wherein one of the fans is a blowing fan and the other of the two fans is a sucking fan.

4. A tapping device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the junction box is fixed to the tapping platform, such that it, together with the tapping platform, is removable from and placeable on the refrigerator.

5. A tapping device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, in detached condition, the tapping column fits inside an inner space of the refrigerator.

6. A tapping device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the refrigerator is provided with a door with a locking element such as a pin, wherein, in the tapping platform, a closing device is provided which is biased in a closing position and in which the locking element engages for keeping the door closed, which closing device is movable from the closing position for releasing the door.

7. A tapping device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the tapping column is provided with a base which can be inserted into an opening in a tapping platform of the tapping device in a direction of insertion, wherein the base is provided with a profiling which is chosen such that retaining means can be passed through or under the tapping platform and into the base, in a direction including an angle with the direction of insertion, such that the tapping column is thereby retained in the opening.

8. A tapping device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the tapping column comprises at least two first shell parts which are fixed against one another, thereby forming therein at least two channels next to one another and/or around one another, at least one of which opens, on the lower side, into an inlet opening for an at least partly flexible beverage line and the other into an inlet and/or outlet for cooled air or other cooling medium, wherein the two channels are interconnected near an upper end of the tapping column.

9. A tapping device according to claim 8, wherein two second shell parts surround the first shell parts and the space between the first and second shell parts is at least partly and preferably substantially wholly filled with an insulating means such as foam.

10. A tapping device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a rolling module is provided under the refrigerator, for wheeling the tapping device.

11. A tapping device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, further, a container is provided with a beverage line connected thereto which can be passed through the tapping column, in which container a pressure control device is received with which, during use, a control pressure can be set and maintained in the container, in particular an equilibrium pressure of gas, more in particular CO2 in the beverage.

12. A tapping device according to any one of claims 1-11, wherein, further, a container is provided with a beverage line connected thereto which can be passed through the tapping column, in which container a pressure control device is received with which, during use, a control pressure can be set and maintained in the container, in particular an equilibrium pressure of gas, more in particular CO2 in the beverage, which pressure control device comprises a gas cylinder, in particular a CO2 cylinder or cartridge, which cylinder or cartridge together with the container, is received in the inner space of the refrigerator.

13. A method for manufacturing a tapping device, comprising the steps of: manufacturing a rolling module; manufacturing a refrigerator; manufacturing a tapping platform; - manufacturing a tapping column; after which the rolling module, refrigerator, tapping column and tapping platform are brought together, after which the tapping platform and the rolling module are connected to the refrigerator and the tapping column is stored in the refrigerator, after which the tapping device is transported to a position of use.

14. A tapping column, in particular for use in a tapping device according to any one of claims 1-12 or a method according to claim 13, which tapping column comprises at least two first shell parts which are fixed against one another, thereby forming therein at least two channels next to one another and/or around one another, at least one of which opens, on the lower side, into an inlet opening for an at least partly flexible beverage line and the other into an inlet and/or outlet for cooled air or other cooling medium, wherein the two channels are interconnected near an upper end of the tapping column.

15. A tapping column according to claim 14, wherein two second shell parts surround the first shell parts and the space between the first and second shell parts is at least partly and preferably substantially wholly filled with an insulating means such as foam. i 16. A tapping column according to claim 14 or 15, wherein, near an upper end, means are provided for fixing a tapping cock and means for fixing a shield.