Tool for expanding pipes in beverage distribution systems

Abstract

A tool for expanding pipes in beverage distribution systems, characterized in that it comprises two elongated arms (1-1') with a hand grip end (2), which are articulated to each other without crossing by means of a joint (3) and which extend into respective end sections (4) terminating in respective expanding nozzles (5), of laminar configuration in the form of a cylindrical or truncated conical sector, with a diameter corresponding to the internal diameter of the pipe or conduit to be expanded.

Description

Tool for expanding pipes in beverage distribution systems OBJECT OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a hand tool that has been specially designed to facilitate the expansion and joining of the ends of piping between coolers and supply barrels or tanks and / or beer dispensing modules (taps). TECHNICAL SECTOR The invention is therefore situated in the sector of equipment for channeling and dispensing beverages such as beer, cider, vermouth and the like. The tool is primarily intended for: • Installers of beer systems with coils. • Maintenance technicians. • Manufacturers and installers of cooling pipes. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In the practical application of the invention, the pipelines that are established between the coolers and the supply barrels or tanks and / or the beer taps, are generally formed by one or more product lines, a line for the pumping of the cooling water and a return line that houses the aforementioned pipes and sufficient space to channel the return water and allow the closed cooling circuit. When it is necessary to join or replace the return pipe, the installer encounters a difficulty: this pipe is of a larger diameter and must be placed wrapping around both supply pipes, which run inside it. This requires temporarily expanding the return pipe in order to lengthen or splice all the lines without damaging them. Existing methods are often improvised, slow, require heat, or generate permanent deformations. Another possible solution is to discard the existing line and install a new one of the full length of the installation, an operation that is more laborious and costly. EXPLANATION OF THE INVENTION The tool for expanding pipes in beverage distribution systems that is advocated fully and satisfactorily solves the problem described above, based on a simple but highly effective solution. To this end, and more specifically, the tool of the invention is made up of two manually operated arms that are articulated to each other without crossing, so that when pressed by closing the user's hand they cause the controlled separation of the opposite ends of said arms, which terminate in two expanding mouths in which each expanding mouth has a laminar structure in the form of a cylindrical sector and with different diameters, designed to form, together with the complementary expanding mouth, a complete circular sleeve. The bushing configuration can be smooth or slightly tapered, with a radius optimized for the typical diameter of standard return pipe in beer coils. At rest, the expansion valves are close together, facilitating insertion into the return pipe. By manually pressing the tool with the arms, the expanding nozzles separate radially, creating a homogeneous expansion. The resulting gap allows the installer to insert a gripping sawtooth bushing and make splices between two continuous pipes. The tool described here optimizes material consumption, both in the assembly processes of installations when standard mini-pistons are used, and when installation renovations occur where the distance between the dispatch modules is increased. According to another feature of the invention, it has been provided that at least the expanding nozzles are capable of having a non-stick or anti-friction finish that facilitates the insertion of the pipes to be treated. As for the tool's drive arms, these, as with other tools, could have an elastomer coating, as well as include ergonomic shapes to adapt to the user's hand, without affecting the essence of the invention. Also, as is conventional, the tool is likely to include a return spring to facilitate its repetitive use. From this structure, the following advantages are derived: • Speed ​​of assembly: greatly simplifies the replacement or splicing of return sections. • Damage reduction: prevents deformations and breakages caused by manual methods or heat. • Greater safety: homogeneous and controlled expansion. • Ergonomics: the mechanism multiplies the effort exerted manually by means of a first-class lever, allowing rigid pipes to be expanded with hardly any effort. • Universality and low cost: tool adaptable to the usual diameters of the brewing sector. • Improves the quality of return pipe joints. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS To complement the description that follows and to aid in a better understanding of the characteristics of the invention, according to a preferred embodiment thereof, a set of drawings is included as an integral part of said description, in which, for illustrative and non-limiting purposes, the following has been represented: Figure 1 shows a perspective detail of a nozzle or conduit used for channeling beer in keg installations for which the device of the invention is applicable. Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a tool for expanding pipes in beverage piping systems made in accordance with the object of the present invention. Figure 3 shows an exploded view of the tool of the invention. Figure 4 shows a profile view of the tool of the invention. Figure 5 shows a plan view of the tool. Figure 6 shows a perspective view of a variant embodiment of the tool. PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION In view of the figures described, it can be observed how the tool of the invention is made up of two elongated arms (1-1) in which a manual grip end (2) is defined, an articulation zone (3) in which said arms do not cross each other, extending from this point into two end sections (4) that terminate in respective expanding mouths (5), of laminar configuration in the form of a cylindrical sector. In this way, and as can be seen in the figures, when pressure is applied to the end of the manual grip (2), unlike other tools, the end sections (4) of these arms tend to separate, causing the opening and separation of the expanding mouths (5). In the chosen embodiment, the expansion nozzles (5) have two opposing zones of different diameters, joined by an intermediate step (6) in order to adapt to different diameters of the outer nozzle or tube (13) of a beverage pipeline, within which at least one beverage line (11) and one cooling water pump line (12) run parallel, the assembly being insulated by an insulating outer envelope (10), so that these inner lines are not affected or pose any obstacle when handling and expanding the outer tube (10). The expanding nozzles (5) are likely to have a non-stick or anti-friction finish. Thus, the tool will close by embracing the lines (11-12), and the expanding mouths (5) will be inserted at one end into the return water gap defined between the outer tube (13) and these lines, adapting to its inner diameter, so that when the tool is pressed, the expanding mouths (5) will separate, deforming said outer tube (13), which facilitates its coupling, for example, to a bushing (14) with a gripping sawtooth for making splices. The tool is capable of including a spring (7) located between the manual grip end (2), i.e. behind the joint (3) in order to make the tool tend at all times to the closed position of the two expanding mouths (5), in order to facilitate its repetitive use. These hand grip ends (2), as previously stated, could have an elastomer coating (8), as shown in Figure 6, and include ergonomic shapes to adapt to the user's hand, without affecting the essence of the invention. Also optionally, the tool could incorporate in correspondence with its articulation zone (3), a truncated conical appendage (9), as shown in figure 6, which allows flaring by plugging in the same internal conduits (11-12) of smaller diameter included in the bosom of the outer tube (13), in order to facilitate the maneuvers of inserting the corresponding connection pins (14-14).

Claims

1. A tool for expanding pipes in beverage distribution systems, characterized in that it comprises two elongated arms (1-1') with a defined hand grip end (2). These arms are articulated to each other without crossing by means of a joint (3) and extend into end sections (4) terminating in respective expanding nozzles (5), which have a laminar configuration in the form of a cylindrical or truncated conical sector, with a diameter corresponding to the internal diameter of the pipe or conduit to be expanded.

2. A tool for expanding pipes in beverage distribution systems, according to claim 1, characterized in that the expanding nozzles (5) have two zones of different diameters, joined by an intermediate step (6). 3.A tool for expanding pipes in beverage distribution systems, according to claim 1, characterized in that the expanding nozzles (5) have a non-stick or anti-friction finish.

4. A tool for expanding pipes in beverage distribution systems, according to claim 1, characterized in that it includes a spring (7) located between the hand grip ends (2).

5. A tool for expanding pipes in beverage distribution systems, according to claim 1, characterized in that the hand grip ends (2) include an elastomer coating (8) with an ergonomic shape to fit the user's hand.

6. A tool for expanding pipes in beverage distribution systems, according to claim 1, characterized in that it incorporates a truncated conical appendage (9) corresponding to its articulation area (3).