JP6589229B2 - Fluid storage device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a fluid storage device such as a water server that supplies fluids such as beverages such as mineral water and juice, and more particularly, to a fluid storage device that eliminates contact between a stored fluid and outside air.

  For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a water server that is a kind of liquid supply apparatus. This type of water server has a configuration in which a fluid container is arranged at the top of the server body, and the fluid in the fluid container flows down to a storage container in the server body. In the water server of Patent Document 1, the mouth of the fluid container is inserted to a level below the level of the stored fluid in the storage container, and the pressure in the fluid container that causes the fluid in the fluid container to flow down is the liquid level of the fluid in the storage container. By being equal to the atmospheric pressure acting on the surface, the fluid supply from the fluid container to the storage container is automatically stopped. And when the liquid seal is destroyed as the fluid level drops with the removal of the fluid in the storage container, air enters from the mouth of the fluid container, the pressure in the fluid container increases, and automatically The fluid in the fluid container is supplied into the storage container.

  As described above, in the water server of Patent Document 1, when fluid is used, the atmosphere is taken in from the vent and the atmosphere may enter the storage container or the fluid container, while the inside of the storage container or the fluid container is maintained in a sterile state. It is required to do. In such a water server, if it is left in use, there is a risk that bacterial growth may occur in the storage container or the fluid container.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 7-108277 JP 2011-44646 A JP 2011-102146 A

  The present invention has been made in view of the problems as described above, and eliminates contact between outside air and stored fluid, prevents propagation of various bacteria, and maintains a sanitary environment. The purpose is to provide.

In the fluid storage device according to the present invention, one or more mounting members having two or more holes communicating with the inside or the outside, or two or more mounting members having one or more holes communicating with the inside or the outside are partially or entirely. Is provided in a container member made of a flexible material, and includes a storage part that can store fluid by the container member, and the attachment member opens and closes the inflow hole by at least an inflow hole and an outflow hole, and an up and down operation. And a surrounding part that surrounds the floater .

Furthermore, the floater may be rotated around the rotation axis.

The attachment member may be provided with a pressure release valve, that is, a vent for releasing the pressure to the outside when the pressure in the container exceeds a certain pressure.

Further, with the rotation shaft of the floater and the inflow control valve and the free end, respectively, the fulcrum, the point of action may be associated to the force point.

Furthermore, the outlet holes in comparison with the inflow holes may be positioned vertically downward.

  Further, above the outflow hole, when the amount of the fluid stored in the reservoir is reduced or not expanded, the fluid is retracted, and when the fluid stored in the reservoir is expanded, It may be possible to have an overexpansion region that increases in volume as the amount increases due to expansion and absorbs the expansion.

Furthermore, the mounting member may be provided in the planar area of the container member.

Furthermore, the heat transfer body having a resin-made mounting frame member may be provided in the container member.

  According to the present invention, the storage tank for storing the fluid is a variable capacity container having a variable volume using a flexible material in which an attachment member provided with an inflow hole and an outflow hole is watertightly fixed by heat sealing. By configuring, it becomes possible to allow fluid to flow into the storage tank from the outside of the storage tank without the entry and exit of outside air, and the storage tank is a storage tank, that is, a capacity even if fluid is discharged. No external air is taken into the interior simply by changing the volume of the variable container. Therefore, while having a very simple and low-cost configuration, it is possible to prevent germs from entering the storage tank for a long time. Good hygiene can be maintained throughout.

It is the schematic diagram which showed the specific structure of the water server. It is the side view which showed the fluid container of a full water, partial use, and an empty state. (A) is the front view which showed the capacity | capacitance variable container for cold water or low temperature, (B) is a side view. (A) is the front view which showed the capacity | capacitance variable container for warm water or high temperature, (B) is a side view. It is side surface sectional drawing which showed the capacity | capacitance variable container for cold water or low temperature. (A) is the top view which showed the attachment member attached to the capacity | capacitance variable container for cold water or low temperature, (B) is front sectional drawing. It is the plane sectional view showing the capacity variable container for cold water or low temperature. (A) is the top view which showed the heat transfer body, (B) is side surface sectional drawing. (A) is the top view which showed the heat transfer body to which the attachment frame member was attached, (B) is side surface sectional drawing, (C) is front sectional drawing. (A) is the top view which showed the heat insulating body, (B) is side surface sectional drawing, (C) is a top view. (A) is front sectional drawing which showed the state before the full water of the capacity variable container for warm water or high temperature, (B) is front sectional which showed the state at the time of the full capacity capacity container for warm water or high temperature FIG. It is side surface sectional drawing which showed the capacity | capacitance variable container for warm water or high temperature. It is side surface sectional drawing which showed the modification of the valve member. (A)-(E) are the transition diagrams which showed the state which the water of the capacity | capacitance variable container for warm water or high temperature expand | swells.

  Hereinafter, a fluid storage device to which the present invention is applied will be described with reference to the drawings. Here, a fluid storage device built in the water server will be described as an example.

  As shown in FIG. 1, in the water server 1, a fluid container 20 containing water, which is a fluid, is detachably mounted on a container mounting portion 11 on the upper side of the apparatus body 10, and the fluid container is placed in the apparatus body 10. A capacity variable container 30 that is a fluid storage device that stores water supplied from 20 is accommodated.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the fluid container 20 is an exchangeable container that can be attached to and detached from the container mounting portion 11 on the upper side of the apparatus main body 10. To supply water to the variable capacity container 30. Here, the fluid container 20 is configured to be disposed vertically above the variable capacity container 30, but it does not necessarily have to be positioned vertically above. You may comprise so that a fluid can be supplied to the capacity | capacitance variable container 30 with a pressure.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the fluid container 20 is a flexible container, and is formed by blow molding or the like with a synthetic resin material such as polypropylene, polyethylene, or polyamide (nylon). Moreover, the container made into a bag using these synthetic resin sheets may be sufficient. Further, when a synthetic resin sheet is used, this sheet may be a laminated sheet of a plurality of the same or different kinds of sheets, for example, a laminated sheet of polyethylene, polypropylene, polyamide, polyethylene terephthalate, etc. can be used. . At this time, when the fluid is water, it is desirable to select a material that does not easily generate odors on the surface in contact with water.

  Moreover, the fluid container 20 has flexibility, and the volume increases / decreases depending on the volume (water volume) of the contained water. Further, the fluid container 20 is provided with a crease line 21 or the like that is folded as the amount of water to be stored decreases. The variable container 30 can be configured to flow.

  The fluid container 20 as described above does not require a vent, unlike a hard container whose volume does not vary depending on the volume of water stored, and the volume decreases as the water stored decreases. Since it does not come into contact with the outside air, propagation of germs and the like inside is prevented, and a good hygiene state can be maintained over a long period of time.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the capacity variable container 30 is stored in the apparatus main body 10 in two types of cold water or low temperature and hot water or high temperature. Water is supplied from one fluid container 20 to the variable capacity containers 30 a and 30 b for cold water or low temperature and hot water or high temperature.

  Each of the variable capacity containers 30a and 30b has flexibility like the fluid container 20, and is formed of a synthetic resin material or the like by blow molding or the like. Further, similarly to the fluid container 20, a container made using these synthetic resin sheets may be used.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 3A, 3B, 4A, and 4B, the variable capacity containers 30a and 30b have flexibility and are accommodated. The volume increases or decreases depending on the volume of water (the amount of water). Furthermore, each capacity variable container 30a, 30b is provided with a crease line 31 or the like that is folded as the amount of water to be accommodated decreases. The water can be discharged.

  As shown in FIG. 1, discharge paths 12a and 12b formed of pipes and tubes are connected to the variable capacity containers 30a and 30b. Cocks 13a and 13b for opening and closing the flow path and adjusting the flow rate are connected to the discharge paths 12a and 12b. Further, discharge ports 14a and 14b are provided on the downstream side of the cocks 13a and 13b of the discharge passages 12a and 12b. The discharge port 14a of the capacity variable container 30a for cold water or low temperature may be provided above or below the first outflow hole 43a (see FIG. 5) of the first outflow connector 43 of the mounting member 40 described later. For example, the discharge port 14b of the capacity variable container 30b for hot water or high temperature is preferably provided below a second outflow hole 64a (see FIG. 12) of a second outflow connector 64 of the mounting member 60 described later. . Here, the configuration in which the cock and the discharge port are separated into two systems on the cold side and the warm side is exemplified, but it does not necessarily have to be separated, a merging valve, a mixing valve, A water discharge switching valve or the like may be used.

  Moreover, as shown in FIG. 1, the joint part 15 is connected to each capacity | capacitance variable container 30a, 30b. Further, the joint portion 15 is also connected to the fluid container 20. That is, the fluid container 20 and the variable capacity containers 30 a and 30 b are connected via the joint portion 15. The joint portion 15 has a common path 16a connected to the fluid container 20, and branch paths 16b and 16c branched from the common path 16a. One branch path 16b is connected to a variable capacity container 30a for cold water or low temperature, and the other branch path 16c is connected to a variable capacity container 30b for hot water or high temperature. Thereby, the joint part 15 can implement | achieve simplification of piping structure. In addition, as the joint part 15, two pipes may be used, and the fluid container 20 and the hot water or high temperature capacity variable container 30b may be connected by another single pipe.

  In addition, the container mounting portion 11 to which the fluid container 20 is mounted is provided with an opening member serving as a connecting means for opening the fluid container 20, and when the fluid container 20 is mounted, the fluid container 20 is opened by the opening member. The connector 22 is opened. For example, the unsealing member has a cylindrical shape and penetrates through the connector 22 of the fluid container 20 so as to communicate with the inside and supply water to the common path 16a.

  The capacity variable containers 30a and 30b are not replenished with water from the fluid container 20, but are connected with a connecting pipe such as a hose directly connected to a water faucet so that water is always replenished from the water faucet. You may do it. Alternatively, the fluid container 20 may be configured to replenish the sucked water by connecting a pump or the like.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the cold water or low temperature capacity variable container 30a is provided with an attachment member 40 to which the branch path 16b and the discharge path 12a are connected. The mounting member 40 is made of a synthetic resin plate member, and is formed in, for example, an oval shape in plan view, as shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the attachment member 40 is welded (heat sealed) to a side surface (one main surface) of the variable capacity container 30a. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 6 (A) and 6 (B), the attachment member 40 is disposed from the outside in the opening 32 formed in the side surface portion of the capacity variable container 30a, and the side wall portion. By welding the joining margin 41 and the peripheral edge portion 32a of the opening portion 32 in a state where the joining margin 41 projecting outward on the entire circumference and the peripheral edge portion 32a of the opening portion 32 are in surface contact, It is attached to the side part of the variable capacity container 30a.

  Since the attachment member 40 is welded to a surface region such as a side surface portion of the variable capacity container 30a, the capacity variable container is more than a case where the attachment member 40 is provided in a region other than a surface region such as a joint portion between one surface of the capacity variable container 30a and the other surface. It can be easily attached to 30a. Furthermore, since the attachment member 40 is welded in a state where the joining margin 41 and the peripheral edge portion 32a of the opening 32 are in surface contact with each other, the water tightness can be surely ensured.

  The attachment member 40 is not limited to being formed in an oval shape in plan view, and may have any shape such as a rectangular shape or a circular shape.

  Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 6 (B), the attachment member 40 has a cylindrical first fluid connector 42 having a first inflow hole 42a communicating with the inside and outside of the main surface portion, and a first communicating with the inside and outside. A cylindrical first outflow connector 43 having an outflow hole 43a.

  The first fluid connector 42 protrudes from both sides of the main surface portion in the thickness direction, and one portion is disposed on the outside of the variable capacity container 30a and connected to the branch path 16b. The other part is arranged on the inner side of the variable capacity container 30a, and the water supplied from the branch passage 16b flows into the variable capacity container 30a through the first inflow hole 42a.

  The first outflow connector 43 is provided so as to protrude by a predetermined length on one side and the other side in the thickness direction of the main surface portion, and one portion is disposed on the outer side of the variable capacity container 30a and is discharged from the discharge path. 12a, the other part is disposed on the inside of the variable capacity container 30a, and water is supplied from the inside of the variable capacity container 30a to the discharge passage 12a through the first outflow hole 43a.

  Note that the mounting member 40 has, in addition to the first fluid connector 42 and the first outflow connector 43, the main surface portion of the mounting member 40 in the capacity variable container 30a toward the other in the thickness direction of the main surface portion. You may make it provide the recessed part in which the temperature detection element which detects water temperature is accommodated.

  Further, the other part of the first fluid connector 42, the other part of the first outflow connector 43, and the recess for accommodating the temperature detection element may be provided so as to protrude to the bottom of the variable capacity container 30a. You may provide so that it may protrude to an upper part and a center part.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the variable capacity container 30a is provided with a heat transfer body 44 for cooling the water in the variable capacity container 30a. As shown in FIG. 7, the heat transfer body 44 is joined via a Peltier element 17 to a ridge 18 that protrudes from the back surface 10 b of the apparatus body 10 and extends in the vertical direction. 17, the heat absorbed through the heat transfer body 44 is dissipated from the fins 19 formed on the apparatus body 10 and the back surface portion 10b of the apparatus body 10, thereby cooling the water in the variable capacity container 30a. At this time, one Peltier element 17 may be provided between the heat transfer body 44 and the apparatus main body 10, or a plurality of Peltier elements 17 may be provided in parallel or in multiple stages.

  Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the heat transfer body 44 is made of, for example, aluminum or an aluminum alloy, and has a planar portion 45 that absorbs heat and a planar portion 45. And one or more ridges 46 extending in one direction. The planar portion 45 is subjected to black alumite treatment. The black alumite treatment may be performed on a surface other than the surface on which the ridges 46 are formed, not on the surface on which the ridges 46 of the planar portion 45 are formed. Further, the ridge 46 is set to a width equal to or greater than the width of the Peltier element 17, and the Peltier element 17 is joined to the substantially central part. The heat transfer body 44 may be made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy, other metal, ceramic, glass, resin, or a composite material thereof.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 9A to 9C, the heat transfer body 44 is provided with a resin mounting frame member 47 surrounding the periphery of the heat transfer body 44. Specifically, the mounting frame member 47 includes an area other than the area where the Peltier element 17 of the one principal surface 45a on which the convex strips 46 of the planar part 45 are formed is joined by insert molding or the like, and the planar part 45. It is provided on the side wall 45c and the peripheral edge of the other main surface 45b of the planar part 45, and has a joining margin 48 projecting outward on the entire circumference of the side wall 45c of the planar part 45. Is provided. That is, in the planar portion 45, a region where the Peltier element 17 of one main surface 45 a is joined and a region other than the peripheral edge of the other main surface 45 b are exposed from the mounting frame member 47. And as shown in FIG.5 and FIG.7, area | regions other than the periphery of the other main surface 45b are provided so that the water in the capacity | capacitance variable container 30a may touch directly.

  As shown in FIG. 9B, the heat transfer body 44 has the other main surface 45b of the planar portion 45 directed toward the inside of the variable capacity container 30a, and the planar portion 45 from the outside to the variable capacity container 30a. The joint margin 48 and the opening 33 are disposed in the variable capacity container 30a through the opening 33 formed on the side surface of the joint portion 48 and the joint margin 48 and the peripheral edge portion 33a of the opening 33 are in surface contact with each other. The peripheral edge portion 33a is welded (heat sealed) to be attached to the side surface portion of the variable capacity container 30a. At this time, in the heat transfer body 44, when the variable capacity container 30a is mounted on the apparatus main body 10, the extending direction of the ridges 46 is substantially orthogonal to or substantially orthogonal to the extending direction of the ridges 18 of the apparatus body 10. It attaches to the side part of the variable capacity container 30a so that it may become parallel. Here, they are provided so as to be substantially orthogonal.

  Since the heat transfer body 44 is welded to the side surface portion of the capacity variable container 30a in a state where the joint margin 48 and the peripheral edge portion 33a of the opening 33 are in surface contact with each other, similarly to the attachment member 40, the heat transfer body 44 is attached to the capacity variable container 30a. It can be easily installed, ensuring watertightness.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the capacity variable container 30a is surrounded by a heat insulating body 49 having heat insulating properties so as to improve the cooling effect. The heat insulator 49 is formed of, for example, a foam heat insulating material obtained by foaming and curing a synthetic resin. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 10A to 10C, the heat insulator 49 includes a bottomed box-shaped storage member 50 whose top surface is opened, and a lid member that closes the opening of the storage member 50. 51. The lid member 51 is fitted into the storage member 50 by engaging an engaging portion 51a formed on one surface with the opening end. A space between the inner surface of the storage member 50 and the lid member 51 serves as a storage portion 52 in which the variable capacity container 30a is stored. The lid member 51 that closes the opening end of the storage member 50 is provided with a first fluid connector 42 and a first fluid connector 42 of the attachment member 40 at positions facing the first fluid connector 42 and the first outflow connector 43 of the attachment member 40. Insertion holes 53 and 53 through which one outflow connector 43 is inserted are formed. In addition, when the recessed part in which a temperature detection element is accommodated is formed, you may make it further form the penetration hole 53 in which a temperature detection element is penetrated. Of course, it is needless to say that the heat insulator does not necessarily need to be configured in a bottomed box shape, and may be configured so as to improve the cooling effect.

  The storage member 50 has a first groove portion 54 into which the heat transfer body 44 is fitted on the inner wall surface of one main surface that faces the heat transfer body 44 when the capacity variable container 30a is stored therein. Is formed. Further, the housing member 50 is formed with a second groove portion 55 on the outer wall surface of one main surface on which the first groove portion 54 is formed, into which the convex portion 18 of the apparatus main body 10 is fitted. The first groove portion 54 and the second groove portion 55 are formed so as to be substantially orthogonal when the protrusion 46 of the heat transfer body 44 and the protrusion 18 of the apparatus main body 10 are provided so as to be approximately orthogonal. If they are provided substantially parallel, they are formed so as to be substantially parallel. Here, it is formed so as to be substantially orthogonal. Further, the storage member 50 has a through-hole 56 in which the Peltier element 17 is accommodated at a position corresponding to the Peltier element 17 provided between the protruding line part 46 of the heat transfer body 44 and the protruding line part 18 of the apparatus body 10. Is formed. Here, the heat transfer body 44 has a configuration in which the contact side with the Peltier element 17 has a strip-shaped convex portion, but it is not necessarily a strip-shaped, and may be simply formed in a convex shape. Or it is good also as a flat surface without comprising convex shape.

  The heat insulator 49 has the first groove portion 54 fitted into the heat transfer body 44 and the second groove portion 55 is fitted with the protrusion 18 of the apparatus main body 10, so that the protrusion of the heat transfer body 44 is formed. 46 and the back surface portion 10b of the apparatus main body 10 can be prevented from interfering with each other, and the planar portion 45 of the heat transfer body 44 and the protrusion 18 of the apparatus main body 10 can be prevented from interfering with each other. The heat transfer body 44 and the apparatus main body 10 can be reliably insulated.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 7, the variable capacity container 30 a has an external portion of the back surface portion 10 b of the apparatus main body 10 in a state in which the convex strip 18 of the apparatus main body 10 is fitted in the second groove 55 of the heat insulator 49. A screw hole formed in the convex strip portion 46 of the heat transfer body 44 through the through hole 10c of the back surface portion 10b of the apparatus body 10 and the through hole 58 of the storage member 50 of the heat insulator 49 from the side. By being fastened to 59, it is attached to the inner wall surface of the back surface portion 10 b of the apparatus main body 10. At this time, the peltier element 17 is sandwiched between the ridge 46 of the heat transfer body 44 and the ridge 18 of the apparatus body 10 by the fastening force of the fastening member 57, so that the ridge 46 of the heat transfer body 44 The Peltier element 17 and the protrusion 18 of the apparatus main body 10 can be reliably brought into close contact with each other. Therefore, the capacity variable container 30a can cool the internal water more reliably and efficiently. Here, as the fastening member 57 such as a bolt, it is preferable to employ a material having low thermal conductivity, for example, made of synthetic resin.

  In the capacity variable container 30a, the ridge 46 of the heat transfer body 44 and the ridge 18 of the apparatus body 10 are joined via the Peltier element 17, so that the Peltier element 17 functions as a heat absorber. It is possible to efficiently dissipate the heat absorbed from the variable capacity container 30a via the device main body 10 functioning as a heat radiating body and the fins 19 of the apparatus main body 10. Therefore, the capacity variable container 30a can cool the internal water efficiently. Of course, the heat radiator and the fins 19 do not necessarily have to be provided in the apparatus main body 10, and it goes without saying that they may be provided separately.

  Further, in the capacity variable container 30a, both the heat transfer body 44 and the apparatus main body 10 have the protruding portions 46 and 18, and the protruding portions 46 and 18 are joined to each other via the Peltier element 17, thereby providing a spacer or the like. Without interposing, the space between the heat transfer body 44 and the apparatus main body 10 can be made sufficiently large, and heat absorption or heat dissipation can be performed efficiently. Therefore, the capacity variable container 30a can cool the internal water more efficiently.

  Furthermore, since the heat transfer body 44 and the apparatus main body 10 both have the protrusions 46 and 18 in the variable capacity container 30a, it is not necessary to interpose a spacer or the like. This eliminates the need for conductive sheets and thermally conductive grease, and can reduce the cost of these components and assembly costs, as well as prevent thermal efficiency from being reduced due to thermally conductive sheets and thermally conductive grease. .

  Furthermore, in the capacity variable container 30a, the heat transfer body 44 and the apparatus main body 10 are arranged so that the extending direction of the protruding strips 46 of the heat transfer body 44 and the extending direction of the protruding strips 18 of the apparatus main body 10 are substantially orthogonal. By arranging in such a manner, the distance between the ridges 46 of the heat transfer body 44 and the ridges 18 of the apparatus body 10 is also different from the ridges 46 of the heat transfer body 44 and the ridges 18 of the apparatus body 10. Since the area other than the crossing area where the crosses can be made sufficiently large, heat absorption or heat dissipation can be performed more efficiently than the case where they are arranged substantially in parallel. Therefore, the capacity variable container 30a can cool the internal water more efficiently.

  In the capacity variable container 30a, the attachment member 40 and the heat transfer body 44 may be provided integrally. Thereby, a welding (heat seal) location reduces and a work process can be shortened.

  The capacity variable container 30a may be provided with a cylindrical first drainage connector having a first drainage hole communicating with the inside and outside of the mounting member 40 for draining the stored water. The first drainage connector is provided with a predetermined length projecting on both sides of the main surface portion in the thickness direction, and one portion of the first drainage connector is disposed outside the capacity variable container 30a and remains. Connected to the first drainage channel for draining water, the other part is arranged on the inner side of the variable capacity container 30a, and supplies water from the variable capacity container 30a to the drainage channel via the first drainage hole. .

  In addition to providing two or more mounting members 40 and one mounting member 40 having two or more holes, the variable capacity container 30a includes two or more mounting members 40 having two or more holes. You may make it provide. That is, the capacity variable container 30a may be provided with one or more attachment members 40 having two or more holes.

  Further, the capacity variable container 30a accommodates the mounting member 40 having only the first fluid connector 42 having the inflow hole 42a, the mounting member 40 having only the first outflow connector 43 having the outflow hole 43a, and the temperature detection element. Two or more mounting members 40 having a single hole, such as a mounting member 40 having only a concave portion and a mounting member 40 having only a cylindrical first drainage connector having a first drainage hole, may be provided. good. That is, the capacity variable container 30a may be provided with two or more attachment members 40 having one or more holes.

  Moreover, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the capacity variable container 30b for hot water or high temperature is provided with an attachment member 60 to which the branch path 16c and the discharge path 12b are connected. The mounting member 60 is made of a synthetic resin plate member, and is formed in a rectangular shape in plan view, for example.

  As shown in FIG. 12, the attachment member 60 is welded (heat sealed) to the side surface (one main surface) of the variable capacity container 30b. Specifically, the mounting member 60 is disposed from the outside in the opening 61 formed in the side surface portion of the variable capacity container 30b, and has a joining margin 62 projecting outward on the entire circumference of the side wall portion. The joint margin 62 and the peripheral edge 61a of the opening 61 are welded to each other in a state where the peripheral edge 61a of the opening 61 is in surface contact with the side wall of the variable capacity container 30b.

  Since the attachment member 60 is welded to a surface region such as a side surface portion of the variable capacity container 30b, the capacity variable container is more than a case where the attachment member 60 is provided in a region other than a surface area such as a joint portion between one surface of the capacity variable container 30b and the other surface. It can be easily and securely attached to 30a. Furthermore, since the attachment member 60 is welded in a state where the joining margin 62 and the peripheral edge portion 61a of the opening 61 are in surface contact with each other, the water tightness can be reliably ensured.

  The attachment member 60 is not limited to being formed in a rectangular shape in plan view, and may have any shape such as an elliptical shape or a circular shape.

  Further, the mounting member 60 has a cylindrical second fluid connector 63 having a second inflow hole 63a communicating with the inside and outside of the main surface portion, and a cylindrical first having a second outflow hole 64a communicating with the inside and outside. And two outflow connectors 64.

  The second fluid connector 63 protrudes from both sides of the main surface portion in the thickness direction, and one portion is disposed outside the capacity variable container 30b and connected to the branch path 16c. The other portion is disposed on the inner side of the variable capacity container 30b, and the water supplied from the branch passage 16c via the second inflow hole 63a is discharged to the discharge port 65 formed in the lower portion of the peripheral wall portion of the other portion. Into the variable capacity container 30a.

  The second outflow connector 64 is provided on one end side in the width direction of the main surface portion with respect to the second fluid connector 63, and is provided vertically below the second fluid connector 63. The second outflow connector 64 is provided so as to protrude from both sides of the main surface portion in the thickness direction, and one portion is disposed on the outside of the variable capacity container 30b and connected to the discharge passage 12b. The other part is arranged on the inner side of the variable capacity container 30a and supplies water from the variable capacity container 30b to the discharge passage 12b through the second outflow hole 64a.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, a float member that regulates water flowing from the discharge port 65 of the second fluid connector 63 is provided on the other main surface of the attachment member 60 on the inner side of the variable capacity container 30b. 66 is provided. The float member 66 is formed in a long rod shape, and a fitting portion 67 formed at one end of the lower surface in the longitudinal direction is fitted into the second outflow connector 64, so that the second outflow connector 64 is formed. Is supported so as to be rotatable in the vertical direction. Further, the float member 66 is made of a material having a small specific gravity with respect to water, which is a fluid, or is formed so as to be hollow, so that the float member 66 has buoyancy in the capacity variable container 30b. Is generated and floats. Furthermore, when the water level in the capacity variable container 30b is equal to or lower than the float member 66, the float member 66 includes one end in the longitudinal direction that is pivotally supported by the second outflow connector 64, as shown in FIG. Is provided such that the other end on the opposite side is disposed at a position below the one end in the vertical direction by its own weight or the like. Further, on the upper surface of the float member 66, the discharge port 65 is opened and closed at a position corresponding to the discharge port 65 of the second fluid connector 63 when it is rotated upward in the vertical direction around the second outflow connector 64. For example, a conical valve member 68 is provided.

  Accordingly, the float member 66 is opposite to one end in the longitudinal direction where water flows into the variable capacity container 30b from the discharge port 65 of the second fluid connector 63 and is pivotally supported by the second outflow connector 64. When water accumulates in the capacity variable container 30b rather than the other end of the second end, the other end rises as the water level rises as shown in FIG. It is turned upward. Then, as the float member 66 is rotated upward according to the rise in the water level, the valve member 68 closes the discharge port 65 of the second fluid connector 63. Then, when the valve member 68 closes the discharge port 65 of the second fluid connector 63, the inflow of water in the variable capacity container 30b from the discharge port 65 of the second fluid connector 63 is stopped.

  On the other hand, in the float member 66, water is used by a user or the like, and water is supplied from the inside of the variable capacity container 30b to the discharge passage 12b via the second outflow connector 64 as shown in FIG. When the water level in the capacity variable container 30b is lowered, the second outlet connector 64 is pivoted downward in the vertical direction. Then, the valve member 68 is separated from the discharge port 65 of the second fluid connector 63, the discharge port 65 of the second fluid connector 63 is opened, and the capacity variable container is again opened from the discharge port 65 of the second fluid connector 63. The water in 30b flows in.

  That is, the valve member 68 opens and closes the discharge port 65 of the second fluid connector 63 in accordance with the floating and sinking operation of the float member 66. A rotating shaft is provided separately from the second outflow connector 64 on the one end side in the width direction of the main surface portion from the second fluid connector 63 and vertically below the second fluid connector 63. The float member 66 may be rotatably supported by fitting the fitting portion 67 of the float member 66 to the moving shaft.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, a surrounding portion 69 surrounding the float member 66 is provided on the other main surface of the attachment member 60 provided with the float member 66. The surrounding portion 69 is provided in a rectangular ring shape so that a thin plate member protruding from the float member 66 to the other side in the thickness direction of the mounting member 60 surrounds the float member 66. In addition to the float member 66, the surrounding portion 69 may protrude from the second outflow connector 64 to the other side in the thickness direction of the mounting member 60. Furthermore, a through port 69 a from which the valve member 68 protrudes is formed on the upper side of the surrounding portion 69.

  Therefore, the surrounding portion 69 can prevent the variable capacity container 30b from interfering with the float member 66 even if the user uses the water in the variable capacity container 30b and the capacity variable container 30b contracts. Furthermore, since the surrounding part 69 is provided so as to surround the float member 66, it also functions as a restricting part that restricts the rotation range of the float member 66. Further, when the capacity variable container 30b is empty or the water level is lower than the surrounding portion 69, the float member 66 is positioned below the one end due to its own weight when the water level rises. First, the other end touches water. That is, the float member 66 has a force point at the other end farthest from the one end that is the pivot, so that, for example, the other end is positioned above the one end and the force is near the one end. However, the lever ratio is large, the valve member 68 can be pushed up with higher torque, and the valve can be closed more reliably.

  In addition, the bottom surface of the surrounding portion 69 has a communication port 69b made of a hole, an opening, or a slit for guiding water from the region surrounded by the surrounding portion 69 to the outside of the region or guiding water from the outside of the region to the region. It may be formed.

  In addition, the surrounding portion 69 may be configured such that the surrounding lid member is attached to the opening integrally or detachably, and the opening is closed by the surrounding lid member. Accordingly, for example, when the water in the variable volume container 30b is used by a user or the like and the variable volume container 30b contracts, the variable volume container 30b enters the region surrounded by the surrounding portion 69 and interferes with the float member 66. Can be prevented. Furthermore, it is possible to prevent the variable capacity container 30b from closing the second outflow hole 64a of the second outflow connector 64. When the opening of the surrounding portion 69 is closed by the surrounding lid member, the bottom portion of the surrounding portion 69 is provided with a protruding amount shorter than the upper surface portion, the side surface portion, etc. instead of or together with the communication port 69b. A gap may be formed between the discharge port 65 of the second fluid connector 63 by introducing water into and out of the space formed by the surrounding portion 69 and the surrounding lid member.

  Further, the present invention is not limited to providing the float member 66 with the valve member 68 and opening and closing the discharge port 65 of the second fluid connector 63 by the valve member 68 in accordance with the floating and sinking operation of the float member 66. As shown in FIG. 13, a valve member 68 is provided on an elastic piece 68a provided in the second fluid connector 63 and energized in a direction away from the discharge port 65, and the float member 66 is moved in accordance with the float / sink operation of the float member 66. Then, the discharge port 65 of the second fluid connector 63 may be opened and closed by moving the valve member 68.

  That is, when the other end of the float member 66 is lifted and rotated upward in the vertical direction as the water level rises, the valve member 68 supported by the elastic piece 68a is moved upward to move the second fluid. The discharge port 65 of the connector 63 is closed. On the other hand, when the water level in the capacity variable container 30b is lowered and the other end is rotated downward, the float member 66 causes the valve member 68 to discharge the second fluid connector 63 by the elastic piece 68a and its own weight. The discharge port 65 of the second fluid connector 63 is opened away from the outlet 65.

  Further, below the surrounding part 69 on the other main surface of the attachment member 60, a heating part (not shown) such as a heater for heating the water in the variable capacity container 30b to a predetermined set temperature is provided. For example, the heating unit is not limited to this, but may be provided integrally with the mounting member 60 by insert molding or the like, and a recess is provided toward the other side in the thickness direction of the mounting member 60. It is also possible to store in this recess. Further, the attachment member 60 is provided with a temperature detection element for detecting the water temperature in the variable capacity container 30a. The temperature detection element is preferably provided in the vicinity of the heating unit, but is not limited thereto. Furthermore, the temperature detection element may be provided integrally with the mounting member 60 by insert molding or the like, similar to the heating unit, and a concave portion is provided toward the other side of the mounting member 60 in the thickness direction. You may make it store in.

  Moreover, as shown in FIG. 12, the capacity variable container 30b is surrounded by a heat insulator 70 having a heat insulating property for improving a heat retaining effect. The heat insulator 70 is made of, for example, a foamable heat insulating material obtained by foaming and curing a synthetic resin. Specifically, the heat insulator 70 includes a bottomed box-shaped storage member 71 whose upper surface is opened, and a lid member 72 that closes the opening of the storage member 71, and the lid member 72 is formed on one surface. The engaging portion 72a is engaged with the opening end, thereby being fitted to the storage member 71. A space between the inner surface of the storage member 71 and the lid member 72 is used as a storage portion 73 in which the variable capacity container 30b is stored. Further, on the side surface of the storage member 71, the second fluid connector 63 and the second outflow connector 64 of the attachment member 60 are disposed at positions facing the second fluid connector 63 and the second outflow connector 64 of the attachment member 60. Insertion holes 74 and 74 are formed. Of course, it is needless to say that the heat insulator does not necessarily need to be configured in a bottomed box shape, and may be configured so as to improve the heat retaining effect.

  Here, it is necessary to set the capacity of the capacity variable container 30b for warm water or high temperature in consideration of the expansion of water when heated. Therefore, the capacity variable container 30b for hot water or high temperature is configured as follows.

  The water surface in the variable capacity container 30b when the valve member 68 closes the discharge port 65 of the second fluid connector 63 above the second outflow hole 64a (second outflow connector 64) of the variable capacity container 30b. When the water inside the capacity variable container 30b is heated and expanded, the upper side becomes an overexpanded portion 75 that allows the amount of water to expand, and otherwise, a storage portion that normally stores water It has become. Specifically, the overexpanded portion 75 is configured as a deflated portion where water is not injected into the upper end portion of the variable capacity container 30b. Therefore, after the float member 66 is rotated upward and the valve member 68 closes the discharge port 65 of the second fluid connector 63, the variable capacity container 30 b is heated to a predetermined set temperature by the heating unit. And water expands according to temperature. Then, the amount of expansion of water is absorbed by proportionally expanding the overexpanded portion 75 in a deflated state above the second outflow connector 64. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the capacity variable container 30b from being damaged and leaking due to the expansion of water.

  Next, a series of operations of the cold water or low temperature capacity variable container 30a of the water server 1 will be described.

  In the water server 1, before use, the capacity variable container 30a is contracted in an empty state. Therefore, the inside of the variable capacity container 30a is in a state in which outside air is not included. Note that the gap in the variable capacity container 30 may be filled with clean gas.

  Next, when the fluid container 20 is mounted on the container mounting portion 11 on the upper side of the apparatus main body 10, the water in the fluid container 20 is supplied to the capacity variable container 30 a through the joint portion 15 until it is full. Thereby, the capacity variable container 30a is in a usable state for the user.

  Next, in the variable volume container 30a, the controller drives the Peltier element 17 to cool the water to a predetermined set temperature.

  When using cold water, the user opens the cock 13a, and the cold water in the variable capacity container 30a is discharged from the discharge port 14a of the discharge passage 12a. Then, the capacity variable container 30a is sequentially filled with water from the fluid container 20 and filled.

  Thereby, the capacity variable container 30a is always filled with water, and when the cock 13a is opened, it is possible to prevent the outside air from entering the inside through the discharge port 14a of the discharge path 12a.

  Next, a series of operations of the hot water or high temperature variable capacity container 30b of the water server 1 will be described.

  In the water server 1, before use, the capacity variable container 30b is contracted in an empty state. Therefore, the inside of the variable capacity container 30b is in a state in which outside air is not included. Note that the gap in the variable capacity container 30 may be filled with clean gas.

  Next, when the fluid container 20 is attached to the container attaching part 11 on the upper side of the apparatus main body 10, the water in the fluid container 20 is supplied to the variable capacity container 30 b via the joint part 15. Then, as the water level in the variable volume container 30b rises, the other end of the float member 66 also rotates upward due to buoyancy, and the variable volume container 30b has the valve member 68 as shown in FIG. Water is poured until the discharge port 65 of the second fluid connector 63 is closed.

  Next, in the variable capacity container 30b, the controller drives a heating unit such as a heater to heat the water to a predetermined set temperature. As shown in FIG. 14B, when the water in the variable capacity container 30b is heated to a predetermined set temperature by the heating unit, the water also expands according to the water temperature. In this example, 20 ° C. water is heated to 90 ° C. When the water expands due to heating, the increase in the volume of the water is caused by the valve member 68 closing the discharge port 65 of the second fluid connector 63, and thus the overexpanded portion 75 above the second outflow connector 64. Will escape to the part. That is, the overexpanded portion 75 expands by the amount of water expansion.

  When using hot water, as shown in FIG. 14C, when the user opens the cock 13b, the hot water of the capacity variable container 30b is discharged from the discharge port 14b of the discharge path 12b. When the hot water in the variable capacity container 30b decreases, the overexpanded portion 75 of the variable capacity container 30b contracts gradually, and the water level decreases. Accordingly, when the valve member 68 is separated from the discharge port 65 of the second fluid connector 63 and the flow path of the discharge port 65 of the second fluid connector 63 is opened, the water in the fluid container 20 becomes the second fluid. The capacity variable container 30b is replenished and poured from the discharge port 65 of the connector 63. The water in the fluid container 20 is poured again until the valve member 68 closes the discharge port 65 of the second fluid connector 63.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 14 (D), the water temperature of the variable capacity container 30b is lowered to 50 ° C., for example. For this reason, as shown to FIG.14 (E), when the water of the capacity | capacitance variable container 30b is heated to 90 degreeC with a heating part, water will also expand according to a water temperature. The increase in the volume of water escapes to the portion of the overexpanded portion 75 of the variable capacity container 30b. Thereafter, when hot water is used, the state from FIG. 14 (F) is repeated.

  As described above, the variable capacity container 30b has the overexpanded portion 75 that absorbs the expanded portion that has expanded due to the rise in water temperature, so that even if the water is heated and expanded, the variable capacity container 30b is damaged and leaks water. Can be prevented.

  Note that if the water temperature becomes too high due to a malfunction of the heating unit or the like, the capacity variable container 30b may not be able to be absorbed only by the overexpanded part 75 expanding. Therefore, the attachment member 60 may be provided with a vent pipe 76 as an emergency, as shown in FIG. The vent pipe 76 is connected to the branch paths 16b and 16c of the joint portion 15, and is provided with a safety valve 77 excellent in backflow prevention performance particularly at a low pressure. The safety valve 77 is a backflow prevention mechanism using a check valve or the like, and is configured to be able to release the pressure when an internal pressure of a predetermined value or more is generated, and is in a liquid phase state from the inside of the variable capacity container 30b to the outside. In addition, the flow of the fluid in the gas phase state is allowed, and the flow from the outside to the inside of the variable volume container 30b is blocked. In the safety valve 77, the fluid side of the safety valve 77 is communicated with the variable capacity container 30b, and the outflow side is communicated with the branch path 12c that allows water to flow into the variable capacity container 30b from the outside. The branch path 12c to which the vent pipe 76 is connected is a “cold” side to which cold water or low-temperature water is supplied from the fluid container 20, and when the safety valve 77 is opened and water vapor or the like flows in, the branch path 12c is cooled. The phase is changed to a liquid phase, and is again supplied from the branch path 12c to the variable capacity container 30b. As a result, even if the heating unit malfunctions and water in the variable capacity container 30b is overheated, the variable capacity container 30b can be prevented from being damaged by an increase in pressure.

  In the water server 1 as described above, since the replaceable fluid container 20 is mounted on the container mounting portion on the upper side of the apparatus main body 10, an empty space is created on the lower side of the apparatus main body. Thus, the overall height of the apparatus main body 10 can be reduced.

  Further, since the variable volume containers 30a and 30b are made of a flexible material, even if a fluid is discharged, only the volume of the variable volume containers 30a and 30b changes, and the inside of the variable volume containers 30a and 30b. The outside air is never taken into. Therefore, various bacteria can be prevented from breeding in the variable capacity containers 30a and 30b, and the sanitary condition can be maintained well over a long period of time.

  In addition, since the variable capacity containers 30a and 30b have the attachment members 40 and 60 welded to a surface area such as a side surface of the capacity variable containers 30a and 30b, a joint between one surface of the capacity variable container 30a and the other surface, etc. The attachment members 40 and 60 can be easily attached to the variable capacity container 30a as compared with the case where the attachment members 40 and 60 are provided outside the surface area. Furthermore, the capacity variable containers 30a and 30b are welded in a state where the attachment members 40 and 60 are in surface contact with the joining margins 41 and 62 and the peripheral portions 32a and 61a of the openings 32 and 61 of the capacity variable containers 30a and 30b. Therefore, it is possible to ensure water tightness.

  Further, in the capacity variable container 30a, the heat transfer body 44 has a mounting frame member 47 made of resin, and the joint portion 48 of the side surface portion of the mounting frame member 47 and the opening 33 formed in the side surface portion of the capacity variable container 30a. Therefore, the heat transfer body 44 can be easily attached to the capacity variable container 30a, and the water tightness can be ensured reliably.

  Further, the capacity variable container 30a is configured such that the heat insulator 49 is fitted into the first groove portion 54 and the heat transfer body 44 is fitted into the second groove portion 55, and the protruding portion 18 of the apparatus body 10 is fitted into the second groove portion 55. It is possible to prevent the protrusion 46 of the transmission body 44 from interfering with the back surface portion 10b of the apparatus main body 10, and the surface portion 45 of the heat transfer body 44 and the protrusion 18 of the apparatus main body 10 to interfere with each other. Therefore, the heat transfer body 44 and the apparatus main body 10 can be reliably insulated by the heat insulator 49.

  Further, since the variable volume container 30b is provided so that the surrounding portion 69 surrounds the float member 66, even if the water in the variable volume container 30b is used by the user or the like and the variable volume container 30b contracts, It is possible to prevent the variable container 30b from interfering with the float member 66. Furthermore, since the variable volume container 30a is provided so that the surrounding portion 69 surrounds the float member 66, it also functions as a restricting portion that restricts the rotation range of the float member 66.

  Further, when the variable capacity container 30b is empty or the water level is lower than the surrounding part 69, the variable capacity container 30b is positioned below the one end part by its own weight. When the water level rises, first the other end touches the water. That is, in the float member 66, the other end portion farthest from the one end portion which is a rotation fulcrum is a force point, and the valve member 68 which is an action point is provided in the vicinity of the one end portion which is the rotation fulcrum. Therefore, the variable capacity container 30b has a leverage ratio larger than that in the case where the other end is positioned above the one end and the power point is in the vicinity of the one end, for example, and can rotate smoothly.

  The capacity variable container 30b is at least above the second outflow hole 64a (second outflow connector 64) and in the capacity variable container 30b when the valve member 68 closes the discharge port 65 of the second fluid connector 63. Above the water surface, there is an overexpanded portion 75 that allows the amount of water to expand when the water inside the capacity variable container 30b is heated and expanded. Therefore, after the float member 66 is rotated upward and the valve member 68 closes the discharge port 65 of the second fluid connector 63, the variable volume container 30b is heated to a predetermined set temperature by the heating unit, Even if the water expands in accordance with the temperature, the expansion of the water can be absorbed by the overexpanded portion 75 in a deflated state, and the capacity expansion container 30b is damaged and leaks due to the expansion of the water. Can be prevented.

  In the water server described above, the case where water, mineral water, etc. are distributed as a fluid has been described. It may be a device that distributes fluids such as foods and drinks such as fluid dishes such as corn soup and industrial products, viscous fluids, gel-like bodies, and slurry-like bodies.

  Furthermore, the capacity variable containers 30a and 30b, which are fluid storage devices, are not limited to those used by being incorporated in the water server 1, but may be container members that are made of a flexible material and can store fluid. Any one or more attachment members having two or more holes or two or more attachment members having one or more holes may be welded (heat sealed).

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Water server, 10 apparatus main body, 10b back surface part, 10c through-hole, 11 container mounting part, 12a discharge path, 12b discharge path, 12c branch path, 13a cock, 13b cock, 14a discharge port, 14b discharge port, 15 joint part , 16a common path, 16b branch path, 16c branch path, 17 Peltier element, 18 ridge, 19 fin, 20 fluid container, 21 crease line, 22 connector, 30 capacity variable container, 30a capacity variable container, 30b capacity variable container , 31 crease line, 32 opening portion, 32a peripheral edge portion, 33 opening portion, 33a peripheral edge portion, 40 mounting member, 41 joining margin, 42 first fluid connector, 42a first inflow hole, 43 first outflow connector, 43a 1st outflow hole, 44 heat transfer body, 45 planar portion, 45a one main surface, 45b other main surface, 4 c Side wall portion, 46 convex strip portion, 47 mounting frame member, 48 joint allowance, 49 heat insulator, 50 storage member, 50a one main surface, 51 lid member, 51a engagement portion, 52 storage portion, 53 insertion hole, 54th One groove part, 55 Second groove part, 56 Through hole, 57 Fastening member, 58 Through hole, 59 Screw hole, 60 Mounting member, 60c Side wall part, 61 Opening part, 61a Peripheral part, 62 Joining allowance, 63 Second Fluid connector, 63a Second inflow hole, 64 Second outflow connector, 64a Second outflow hole, 65 Discharge port, 66 Float member, 67 Fitting portion, 68 Valve member, 68a Elastic piece, 69 Surrounding portion, 69a Through port, 69b communication port, 70 heat insulator, 71 storage member, 72 lid member, 72a engagement portion, 73 storage portion, 74 insertion hole, 75 overexpansion portion, 76 vent pipe, 77 safety valve,

Claims (8)

One or more mounting members having two or more holes communicating with the inside or the outside, or two or more mounting members having one or more holes communicating with the inside or outside are partially or entirely made of a flexible material. Provided in the container member, provided with a reservoir that can store fluid by the container member,
The mounting member is
At least inflow and outflow holes;
A floater that opens and closes the inflow hole by an up and down operation;
A fluid storage device comprising: an enclosure portion surrounding the floater.   The fluid storage device according to claim 1, wherein the floater rotates about a rotation axis.   3. The fluid storage device according to claim 1, wherein the attachment member includes a pressure release valve that releases the pressure to the outside when the pressure inside the storage unit exceeds a certain pressure. 4.   The fluid storage device according to claim 2, wherein the rotary shaft of the floater, the inflow adjusting valve that opens and closes the inflow hole, and the free end correspond to a fulcrum, an action point, and a force point, respectively.   The fluid storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the outflow hole is positioned below the inflow hole. One or more mounting members having two or more holes communicating with the inside or the outside, or two or more mounting members having one or more holes communicating with the inside or outside are partially or entirely made of a flexible material. Provided in the container member, provided with a reservoir that can store fluid by the container member,
The attachment member has at least an inflow hole and an outflow hole, and the upper portion of the outflow hole is in a contracted state when the fluid stored in the storage portion is reduced or not expanded, and the storage portion A fluid storage device characterized by having an overexpanded region that absorbs the expansion by increasing the volume of the fluid accommodated therein when the fluid expands.   The fluid storage device according to claim 1, wherein the attachment member is provided in a planar region of the container member.   The fluid storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the container member is provided with a heat transfer body having a resin mounting frame portion.

Images