JP2015093730A - Fluid storage distribution device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To eliminate contact between stored fluid and ambient air, for preventing saprophyte breeding and maintaining a sanitary environment.SOLUTION: The fluid storage distribution device comprises: a fluid container 12 for storing water; a capacity variable container 22 having a water discharge channel 23; and a joint mechanism 31 to which a first capacity variable container 12 can be attached, and supplying water in the first capacity variable container 12 to the capacity variable container 22. For example, as the first capacity variable container 12 and the capacity variable container 22, water containers having flexibility can be used. The joint mechanism 31 may have a flow-in channel 34 having length in which a flow-out side is positioned in the vicinity of a bottom part of the capacity variable container 22. In this case, a root of the discharge channel 23 is on the joint mechanism 31 side of the capacity variable container 22, so that water in the capacity variable container 22 can be circulated.

Description

  The present invention relates to a fluid storage / distribution 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 / distribution device that eliminates contact between the stored liquid and outside air.

  For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a water server that is a kind of fluid accommodation and distribution device. 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 liquid 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 liquid 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 enters the storage container or the fluid container, and the inside of the storage container or the fluid container is maintained in a sterile state. It is difficult. When left in use, bacterial growth will occur in the storage container or 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 the outside air and the stored liquid, prevents propagation of various bacteria, and maintains a sanitary environment. An object is to provide an apparatus.

  The fluid storage / distribution device according to the present invention includes a connection unit that can connect a fluid so that the fluid can flow in from the outside, a fluid that can flow in through the connection unit, and a fluid that can be received. A capacity variable container configured to variably accommodate a volume, and a discharge unit communicating with the capacity variable container and capable of discharging the fluid stored in the capacity variable container to the outside. The capacity variable container used here is configured so that the volume can be increased or decreased as the volume of the fluid received therein, for example, is configured using a flexible material, for example, The volume capable of receiving the fluid is variable.

  The connecting means can be configured to be detachably connected to a fluid container in which the fluid is contained. In this case, the connecting means is configured to allow the fluid stored in the fluid container to flow through the connecting means and flow down to the variable capacity container. The fluid container used here is configured such that, for example, the volume for accommodating the fluid is variable, and the volume can be increased or decreased as the volume of the fluid accommodated therein is increased or decreased. For example, the fluid container is configured using a flexible material, and the volume in which the fluid can be received is variable. The fluid container is provided with a connecting portion connectable with the connecting means.

  By providing temperature changing means inside or outside the variable capacity container, the temperature of the fluid accommodated in the variable capacity container can be changed by the temperature changing means. The capacity variable container or the temperature changing means may have a temperature detecting function for detecting an ambient temperature. The temperature changing means may be a heating type temperature changing means for heating the fluid contained in the capacity variable container to change the temperature to a temperature higher than normal temperature, , And can be arranged inside the variable capacity container. The temperature changing means may be an endothermic temperature changing means that absorbs the fluid contained in the capacity variable container and changes the temperature to a temperature lower than normal temperature, and the endothermic temperature changing means includes: , Can be disposed on the outside or the outer surface of the variable capacity container. The variable capacity container and / or the temperature changing means as described above may be surrounded by a heat insulating means. The said heat insulation means can be comprised with a foam material and a heat | fever reflection layer, for example.

  The fluid storage / distribution device according to the present invention may be provided with two or more variable capacity containers. In this case, for example, the capacity variable container includes a high temperature capacity variable container having the heating type temperature changing means and a low temperature type variable capacity container having the endothermic temperature changing means. I can do it. A plurality of the variable capacity containers are located on the relatively upstream side and primarily receive the fluid flowing in from the connecting means, and the primary capacity variable containers are located on the relatively downstream side, and the primary capacity It is also possible to provide a secondary capacity variable container in which the fluid delivered from the delivery means provided in the variable container is received and secondarily received. The secondary capacity variable container may be provided with the temperature changing means and / or the heat insulating means.

  The variable volume container communicates with the outside, and is provided with an inflow path for allowing the fluid from the outside to flow in. The inflow path allows the fluid to flow into the variable capacity container from the outside, In addition, a check valve for blocking the flow of the fluid from the inside of the variable capacity container to the outside may be provided. Here, the check valve preferably has a heat insulating property. The check valve as a whole is configured to have a specific gravity lower than the specific gravity of the fluid, and the check valve is closed by exerting buoyancy in the fluid accommodated in the variable capacity container. The position in the vertical direction can be floated up and down according to the remaining amount of the fluid stored in the variable capacity container. The check valve can be configured to be guided by the valve guide means while limiting the displacement of the check valve.

  The variable capacity container may be provided with a safety valve capable of releasing the fluid contained in the variable capacity container to the outside. The safety valve is configured to be able to release the pressure when an internal pressure exceeding a predetermined value is generated, and allows the fluid in a liquid phase state and / or a gas phase state to flow from the inside of the variable volume container to the outside. In addition, a backflow prevention mechanism is provided to block the flow from the outside to the inside of the variable volume container. The inflow side of the safety valve communicates with the variable capacity container, and the outflow side of the safety valve communicates with an inflow path configured to allow the fluid to flow into the variable capacity container from the outside.

  The capacity variable container may be provided with an expansion portion that allows an expansion of the fluid when the volume of the fluid accommodated therein is expanded due to a temperature change or the like. The extension part can be provided integrally with the variable capacity container.

  The check valve is disposed inside the variable capacity container, and the height position of the check valve inside the variable capacity container is set to an intermediate position of the height inside the variable capacity container. You may comprise so that the upper part can be made into an expansion part from an intermediate position. Further, the extension part may be provided in the secondary capacity variable container, and the height position of the extension part may be provided higher than the primary capacity variable container.

  Further, the variable volume container has a discharge path in which an upstream end communicates with the inside of the variable capacity container, and a downstream end communicates with the discharge means, and the upstream end includes An outlet for allowing the fluid accommodated in the variable capacity container to flow out is formed, and an arrangement height position of the outlet is set in the vicinity of a height position of the check valve. May be. Further, the arrangement height position of the outlet may be set to a position lower than the height position of the check valve. The secondary capacity variable container has a discharge path having an upstream end communicating with the inside of the secondary capacity variable container and a downstream end communicating with the discharge means. The end portion forms an outlet for allowing the fluid contained in the secondary capacity variable container to flow out to the outside, and the height position of the outlet is the height position of the primary capacity variable container. It may be set in the vicinity. Further, the arrangement height position of the outlet may be set to a position lower than the height position of the check valve. Further, the variable volume container has a discharge path in which an upstream end communicates with the inside of the variable capacity container, and a downstream end communicates with the discharge means, and the upstream end includes An outlet for discharging the fluid contained in the variable volume container to the outside is formed, and the discharge means discharges to the outside for discharging the fluid flowing down from the variable volume container to the outside. An outlet may be provided, and the height position of the discharge port may be set to be equal to or lower than the height position of the outlet.

  Furthermore, a pump is disposed in an intermediate portion between the connecting means and the variable capacity container, and the pump transfers the fluid flowing from the outside connected via the connecting means to the variable capacity container. You may do it. The capacity variable container is, for example, the primary capacity variable container.

  Furthermore, the capacity variable container has a drain path, the drain path can flow the fluid therein, one end is disposed near the inner bottom of the capacity variable container, and the other end faces the outside. It may be arranged and closed so that it can be opened.

  According to the present invention, the fluid flows into the capacity variable container having a variable volume from the outside connected via the coupling means. Even if fluid is discharged, the capacity variable container only changes the capacity of the capacity variable container, and the outside air is not taken into the capacity variable container. Therefore, it is possible to prevent germs from breeding in the variable capacity container and to maintain a good hygiene state over a long period of time.

It is an external view of a water server, (A) is a front view, (B) is a side view. It is a schematic diagram which shows the state by which water was stored by the fluid container and capacity variable container in a water server. It is a schematic diagram which shows the state by which the fluid container of the full water was connected to the capacity | capacitance variable container of the empty state. It is a schematic diagram which shows the state which used and the fluid container became empty. It is a schematic diagram which shows the example which provided the temperature change part in non-contact with the capacity | capacitance variable container. It is a schematic diagram which shows the example which provided the temperature change part which contact | connects water directly to a capacity | capacitance variable container. It is a schematic diagram which shows the example which provided the temperature change part in the outer peripheral part of a capacity | capacitance variable container. It is a schematic diagram which shows the example which has arrange | positioned the fluid container in the lower side and arrange | positioned the capacity variable container in the upper side. It is a flowchart of the controller which controls a pump. It is a figure which shows the modification of a capacity | capacitance variable container. It is a schematic diagram which shows the specific structure of a water server. (A)-(E) are the transition diagrams which show the state which the water of a secondary capacity | capacitance variable container expand | swells. (A) is a schematic diagram explaining the positional relationship between a primary capacity variable container and a secondary capacity variable container. (B) is a schematic diagram which shows the modification of the inflow port of a water discharge channel. (A)-(F) are the transition diagrams which show the state which the water of a secondary capacity | capacitance variable container expand | swells. It is a schematic diagram which shows the other specific structure of a water server. (A) is a schematic diagram which shows the motion of the non-return valve arrange | positioned in the flow path of a secondary capacity | capacitance variable container. (B) is a schematic diagram which shows the modification of the inflow port of a water discharge channel. It is a perspective view which shows the non-return valve arrange | positioned in the flow path of a secondary capacity | capacitance variable container. (A)-(F) are the transition diagrams which show the state which the water of a secondary capacity | capacitance variable container expand | swells. (A)-(F) is the sectional view shown typically showing the modification of a capacity variable container. (A) And (B) is sectional drawing shown typically which shows the modification of the capacity | capacitance variable container used for the water server shown in FIGS. 15-18.

[First embodiment]
The water server 1 to which the present invention is applied will be described below with reference to the drawings. As shown in FIG. 1, the water server 1 has a server main body 10 whose interior is vertically divided. The first compartment 11 on the upper side of the server body 10 contains a fluid container 12 containing water, which is a fluid, and the second compartment 21 on the lower side of the server body 10 contains water supplied from the fluid container 12. Is stored. The fluid container 12 and the variable capacity container 22 are detachably coupled via a joint mechanism 31 serving as a connecting means.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the fluid container 12 is a flexible container and is formed by blow molding or the like with a synthetic resin material such as polypropylene, polyethylene, polyamide (nylon), for example. Moreover, the container made into a bag using these synthetic resin sheets may be sufficient. In the case of using a synthetic resin sheet, this sheet may be a laminated sheet of a plurality of the same or different types of sheets. For example, a laminated sheet of polyethylene, polyamide resin, and polyethylene terephthalate can be used. The surface in contact with water is preferably made of polyethylene that does not easily generate odor. The fluid container 12 has a capacity of 7 to 9 liters, for example. The fluid container 12 may have a capacity of 12 liters or 20 liters. The fluid container 12 is provided with a first connecting portion 13 including a first connection port connected to the joint mechanism 31. The fluid container 12 has flexibility, and the volume increases or decreases depending on the volume (water volume) of the contained water. The fluid container 12 is provided with a crease line 14 or the like that is folded as the amount of water to be accommodated decreases. It is supposed to flow through. In addition, the fluid container 12 is configured to be able to supply water to the joint mechanism 31 until the end by being suspended or arranged in a state similar to this in the first section 11. The fluid container 12 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 capacity 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 the hygiene state can be maintained in a good state for a long time.

  Similarly to the fluid container 12, the variable capacity container 22 has flexibility and is formed of a synthetic resin material or the like by blow molding or the like. Further, the synthetic resin sheet is formed into a bag. The capacity variable container 22 has a smaller capacity than the fluid container 12, and has a capacity of 2 to 4 liters, for example. Of course, the capacity variable container 22 is not limited to this example. For example, the capacity variable container 22 may have a capacity larger than that of the fluid container 12, and may be 1 liter or less or 5 liters or more.

  The variable capacity container 22 is provided with a discharge path 23 formed of a pipe or a tube. The discharge path 23 has a discharge port 23a, and serves as a cock 24 for opening and closing the flow path and adjusting the flow rate. Connected. The discharge path 23 is provided on the fluid container 12 side of the variable capacity container 22, that is, on the upper part of the variable capacity container 22. The position of the discharge path 23 may be provided in the middle of the variable volume container 22 or the like. In addition, the variable capacity container 22 is provided with a second connecting portion 25 connected to the joint mechanism 31. The capacity variable container 22 is also flexible, and the volume is increased or decreased depending on the volume (water volume) of the stored water. The variable capacity container 22 is provided with a crease line 28 or the like that is folded as the amount of water to be accommodated decreases. It flows to 31. Further, on the opposite side of the discharge path 23 of the capacity variable container 22, that is, on the lower part (inner bottom part), a drain path 26 composed of a tube or pipe for draining the remaining water is provided. 27 a is closed by a drain cock 27.

  The capacity variable container 22 as described above does not require a vent like a hard container, the capacity decreases as the amount of water to be stored decreases, and the stored water does not come into contact with the outside air. Breeding of miscellaneous bacteria is prevented.

  The joint mechanism 31 serving as a connection means includes a first connector 32 to which the first connection part 13 including the first connection port of the fluid container 12 is connected, and a second connection part 25 including the second connection port of the capacity variable container 22; And a second connector 33 to be connected. The 1st connector 32 is connected with the 1st connection part 13 in the state in which watertightness was achieved. And the 1st connector 32 has the needle 32a by which the 1st water flow path was formed in the inside where the front-end | tip is inserted in the 1st connection part 13, for example, and the water in the fluid container 12 is made to open surface of the needle 32a Incorporate into the more connected first waterway. The configuration of the first connector 32 is well known and is not particularly limited to this example.

  The second connector 33 is also connected to the second connecting portion 25 of the variable capacity container 22 in a watertight state. The second connector 33 has an inflow passage 34 such as a straw communicating with the first water passage of the first connector 32, and supplies water of the fluid container 12 from the inflow passage 34 to the variable capacity container 22. For example, the inflow path 34 has substantially the same length as the depth of the variable capacity container 22, and supplies water of the fluid container 12 to the bottom of the variable capacity container 22 from the tip opening 34 a. In the inflow channel 34, a plurality of openings may be formed on the tip side or the middle side surface. As a result, in the capacity variable container 22, new water from the fluid container 12 is supplied toward the bottom, and the pushed-up water is discharged from the discharge path 23 on the joint mechanism 31 side. Are supposed to be replaced.

  As described above, the joint mechanism 31 connects the fluid container 12 whose volume is increased or decreased by the increase or decrease of the water to be stored and the variable capacity container 22 to form a continuous series of variable capacity containers. Therefore, when water is supplied from the fluid container 12 to the variable capacity container 22, the volume of the fluid container 12 decreases as the water decreases, and the capacity of the variable capacity container 22 increases as the water increases. Become.

  In the present invention, the inflow path 34 is not substantially the same length as the depth of the variable capacity container 22 but may be shorter than the depth of the variable capacity container 22.

  The water server 1 is in a state as shown in FIG. 3 before use. That is, before the water server 1 is used, only the empty contracted capacity variable container 22 in the second section 21 is connected to the second connector 33 of the joint mechanism 31. Accordingly, outside air is not included in the variable volume container 22. When the use of the water server 1 is started, the fluid container 12 is disposed in the first section 11, and the first connecting portion 13 of the fluid container 12 in a state of being full of water is connected to the first connector 32 of the joint mechanism 31. To do. At this time, the fluid container 12 is suspended in the first section 11 of the server body 10 or arranged in a state similar to this.

  Then, water is supplied from the full fluid container 12 to the empty variable capacity container 22 via the joint mechanism 31, the fluid container 12 is gradually contracted, and the variable capacity container 22 is fluid container until it is full. As the water is poured from 12, it gradually expands. In the process of pouring water from the fluid container 12 to the variable volume container 22, the water stored in the fluid container 12 and / or the variable volume container 22 does not come into contact with the outside air, so that it is possible to prevent the propagation of germs and the like over a long period of time. I can do it. As a result, the water server 1 becomes usable by the user.

  When drinking water, the user opens the cock 24 as shown in FIG. Then, the water in the variable capacity container 22 is poured into the cup 2 from the discharge port 23 a of the discharge path 23. When the water in the variable capacity container 22 decreases, the water in the fluid container 12 is replenished toward the bottom of the variable capacity container 22 from the tip opening 34 a of the inflow path 34 of the joint mechanism 31. The water in the capacity variable container 22 is replaced by the water in the new fluid container 12 being replenished toward the bottom, and the water in the upper part is discharged from the discharge port 23a of the discharge path 23. The capacity variable container 22 is always filled with water during use, while the fluid container 12 gradually shrinks as the water decreases and is folded along the crease line 14. The fluid container 12 is suspended from or similar to the first section 11 of the server body 10, and is gradually woven as the water decreases, so that water is jointed to the end. It can be supplied to the capacity variable container 22 through the mechanism 31. Even when the fluid container 12 is left empty, when the water is discharged from the cock 24, the capacity variable container 22 is gradually reduced and folded. As described above, in the water server 1, the fluid container 12 and the variable capacity container 22 are continuously variable in volume via the joint mechanism 31, so that water is discharged from the discharge port 23 a without taking in outside air. I can do it.

  As shown in FIG. 4, when the water in the fluid container 12 runs out, the empty fluid container 12 is removed from the first compartment 11 of the server body 10, and a new fully-filled fluid container 12 is suspended or similar. Arranged in a state. Even when the fluid container 12 is replaced, the variable capacity container 22 is substantially full of water, and even when it is reduced from full water, it is folded along the crease line 28, so that outside air enters inside. Can be prevented.

  When the water server 1 is not used for a long period of time, the drain cock 27 is opened to drain the water in the variable capacity container 22. Thereby, all the water accommodated in the variable capacity container 22 and the fluid container 12 located above the variable capacity container 22 can be drained. Then, the fluid container 12 and the variable capacity container 22 are folded along the crease lines 14 and 28 in the order of the fluid container 12 and the variable capacity container 22 to be reduced. In other words, the capacity variable container 22 is reduced and folded without the outside air entering, and the water and the outside air supplied from the newly disposed fluid container 12 are also returned when the use is resumed. Contact can be prevented. Of course, when the fluid container 12 is not used for a long period of time, the joint container 31 is plugged and sealed with the fluid container 12 removed from the joint mechanism 31 so that the capacity variable container 22 placed in the second compartment 21 is closed to the outside air. May be prevented from entering.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the water server 1 as described above has a fluid container 12 disposed in the upper first section 11 and a capacity variable container 22 disposed in the lower second section 21 so that the capacity can be varied. The discharge path 23 and the cock 24 are provided on the joint mechanism 31 side of the container 22, that is, on the upper side. That is, the cock 24 is positioned at substantially the middle of the combined height of the fluid container 12 and the variable capacity container 22. Therefore, in the water server 1, the overall height can be lowered, and the position of the cock 24 can be provided at a position where the user can easily use it. Accordingly, in the water server 1, the overall height can be lowered, and further, the height of the first section 11 of the fluid container 12 on the premise of replacement can be lowered. For example, the water server 1 can be reduced in height to such an extent that it can be placed on a table.

  Further, since the water server 1 is a variable capacity type fluid container in which the fluid container 12 and the variable capacity container 22 are flexible, the fluid container 12 becomes empty from the start of use, and a series of replacement of the fluid container 12 In the process, it is possible to prevent outside air from entering the fluid container 12 and the variable volume container 22. Therefore, in the water server 1, it is possible to prevent germs from breeding in the fluid container 12 and the variable capacity container 22.

  In the above example, the case where the fluid container 12 is detachable from the first compartment 11 and water is replenished by exchanging the fluid container 12 has been described. A connecting pipe such as a hose directly connected to the faucet may be connected so that the variable capacity container 22 is always replenished with water from the faucet.

[Second Embodiment]
FIG. 5 shows an example in which a temperature changing unit 41 that adjusts the temperature of the water stored in the variable capacity container 22 is provided. The variable capacity container 22 is provided with a concave arrangement space portion 42 in which the temperature changing portion 41 is provided via a communication portion 43 communicating with the outside. The temperature changing part 41 is a heating element such as a heater that raises the water temperature from room temperature, for example. The temperature changing part 41 is arranged in the arrangement space part 42, and a cord 41 a for performing power supply and control is provided outside from the communication part 43. Derived and connected to the controller 44. The temperature changing section 41 is preferably positioned near the center of the variable capacity container 22, but may be positioned on the bottom side in consideration of convection of heated water.

  When set to a predetermined temperature by the user, the controller 44 operates the temperature changing unit 41 to heat the water in the capacity variable container 22. The controller 44 may have a function of adjusting the water temperature of the variable capacity container 22 in several steps, in addition to turning on / off the temperature changing unit 41, and a function of continuously adjusting the water temperature. You may have.

  In this variable capacity container 22, the disposing space part 42 is provided in a concave shape, and the temperature changing part 41 is provided inside. Therefore, the water in the variable capacity container 22 is placed around the temperature changing part 41. Exist. Therefore, the temperature changing part 41 can efficiently heat the water in the capacity variable container 22. In order to accurately control the water temperature, the arrangement space portion 42 may be further provided with a temperature sensor 45 that detects the water temperature connected to the controller 44 together with the temperature changing portion 41. As the temperature sensor 45, a bimetal thermometer, a thermocouple, a polymer temperature sensor, a resistance thermometer, or the like can be used.

  Moreover, as the temperature change part 41, you may use thermal absorption elements, such as a Peltier element other than heating elements, such as a heater. By using the Peltier element, the water temperature in the variable capacity container 22 can be made lower than the normal temperature to make cold water. When the Peltier element is used, no operation sound is generated, so that the water server 1 can be designed to be quiet.

  As described above, when the variable temperature container 41 is provided in the variable capacity container 22, the variable capacity container 22 includes a heat reflecting layer using a foam material such as foamed polystyrene or an aluminum base material that can exhibit heat reflectivity. It is good to surround with the heat insulating material 40 made. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the heat of the water in the capacity variable container 22 whose temperature has been adjusted from being dissipated.

  Furthermore, although FIG. 5 demonstrated the example which provided the concave arrangement | positioning space part 42 in the capacity | capacitance variable container 22, and provided the temperature change part 41 in the arrangement | positioning space part 42, the temperature change part 41 is shown in FIG. As such, it may be provided in the variable capacity container 22. In this case, in FIG. 6, the temperature changing section 46 for underwater is provided inside the variable capacity container 22, and a cord 46 a for performing power supply and control is derived from the inside. When the cord 46a is led out from the inside of the variable capacity container 22 to the outside, for example, a watertight packing 47 is provided in a predetermined position in the variable capacity container 22 so as not to leak water. Also in such an example of FIG. 6, since the periphery of the temperature changing portion 46 is surrounded by water, the water temperature can be adjusted efficiently. The temperature changing unit 46 may be provided with a temperature sensor 48 that detects the water temperature.

  In the present invention, as shown in FIG. 7, a temperature changing portion 49 such as a heater or a Peltier element may be provided on the outer periphery of the variable capacity container 22. In this case, unlike the examples of FIGS. 5 and 6, the temperature changing portion 49 is provided on the outer peripheral portion of the capacity variable container 22, so It is possible to prevent a decrease in volume. Moreover, the electrical wiring of the temperature change part 49 can also be performed easily. The cooling method may be a compressor method.

  Furthermore, although the case where the temperature change parts 41, 46, and 49 were provided was demonstrated in FIGS. 5-7, you may make it provide two series of warm water and a series of cold water as a water server. In this case, the temperature changing portions 41, 46, and 49 may be provided in the hot water series, and a heat absorbing element such as a Peltier element may be provided in the cold water series, or nothing may be provided. Further, three or more series may be provided for each water temperature.

[Third embodiment]
In the example shown in FIGS. 1 to 7, the case where the fluid container 12 is disposed on the upper side and the variable capacity container 22 is disposed on the lower side has been described. However, in the present invention, as shown in FIG. 52 may be disposed on the lower side, and the variable capacity container 62 may be disposed on the upper side. Thereby, when exchanging the fluid container 52, it is not necessary to lift the fluid container 52, and the exchanging operation can be easily performed. Note that the configurations of the fluid container 52 and the variable capacity container 62 are the same as the configurations of the fluid container 12 and the variable capacity container 22 described above, and therefore the details are omitted.

  That is, in the water server 50 of FIG. 8, the fluid container 52 is disposed in the lower first section 51, and the variable capacity container 62 is disposed in the upper second section 61. The fluid container 52 and the variable capacity container 62 are connected via a joint mechanism 71. The joint mechanism 71 has a connection path 72 formed of a tube or a pipe that connects the fluid container 52 and the variable capacity container 62, and the upper variable capacity container from the lower fluid container 52 in the middle of the connection path 72. 62 is provided with a pump 73 for pumping water. The operation of the pump 73 is controlled by a controller 74 such as a microcomputer.

  The fluid container 52 is provided with a first connection part 53 including a first connection port provided on the upper side, and is connected to the connection path 72 a by the first connection part 53. In the fluid container 52, like the fluid container 12, a crease line 14 or the like may be provided so that the fluid container 52 is gradually woven as the water decreases. The variable capacity container 62 is provided with a second connecting portion 66 including a second connection port provided on the upper side, and is connected to the connection path 72 b by the second connecting portion 66. Similarly to the variable capacity container 22, the variable capacity container 62 may be provided with a crease line 28 or the like, and gradually woven as the water decreases. The position of the first connecting portion 53 and the position of the second connecting portion 66 are not limited to the upper side of the fluid container 52 and the variable capacity container 62. In addition, the second connecting portion 66 is provided with an inflow path 77 formed of a flow tube such as a straw communicating with the connection path 72b. The inflow passage 77 has substantially the same length as the depth of the variable capacity container 62, and supplies the water of the fluid container 52 to the bottom of the variable capacity container 62 from the tip opening 77a.

  The capacity variable container 62 is provided with a discharge path 63, and this discharge path 63 is connected to a cock 64 for opening and closing the flow path and adjusting the flow rate. Further, the cock 64 is provided with an opening / closing detection unit 65 that detects opening / closing of the cock 64, and the opening / closing detection unit 65 outputs an opening / closing signal of the cock 64 to the controller 74. When a signal indicating that the cock 64 has been opened is input from the open / close detection unit 65, the controller 74 starts the pump 73 and starts water supply from the fluid container 52 to the variable capacity container 62. When an open / close signal indicating that the cock 64 has been closed is input, the operation of the pump 73 is stopped.

  The water server 50 in FIG. 8 is in the following state before use. That is, the capacity variable container 62 is in a contracted and empty state and does not contain outside air. When the use of the water server 50 is started, the fluid container 52 in which the water is fully expanded in the lower first section 51 is connected to the connection path 72 a by the first connecting portion 53. Then, as shown in FIG. 9, in step S <b> 1, the controller 74 starts the pump 73 and pumps the water in the lower fluid container 52 to the upper capacity variable container 62. Specifically, the controller 44 detects that a detection sensor provided at a connection portion between the connection path 72a and the first connection portion 53 is connected to the first connection portion 53 when the operation signal is input by the user performing a pumping start operation. When it is detected that the connection path 72a is connected to the unit 53 and a detection signal is input, the pump 73 is started in step S1.

  In step S2, the controller 44 determines whether or not the capacity variable container 62 is full. When the controller 44 detects that the capacity variable container 62 is full, the pumping operation of the fluid container 52 of the pump 73 is stopped in step S3. Whether the capacity variable container 62 is full may be detected by a detection sensor provided in the capacity variable container 62, or how much water is supplied from the fluid container 52 to the capacity variable container 62 by the controller 44. Such a water supply amount may be managed, and the pump 73 may be stopped when the water supply amount data reaches a threshold value indicating that the capacity variable container 62 is full. As a result, the water server 50 becomes available to the user.

  When drinking water, the user opens the cock 64 to discharge water from the discharge port 63a of the discharge path 63 of the variable capacity container 62 to the cup 2. In step S4, when the open / close detection unit 65 detects that the cock 64 has been opened, the controller 44 starts the pump 73 in step S5, and pumps up the reduced water content of the variable volume container 62 from the fluid container 52 and replenishes it. . When the open / close detection unit 65 detects that the cock 64 is closed in step S6, the controller 44 stops driving the pump 73 in step S7. Thereby, the capacity variable container 62 is always filled with water, and when the cock 64 is opened, it is possible to prevent the outside air from entering the inside through the discharge port 63a of the discharge path 63.

  When the water in the fluid container 52 runs out, the empty fluid container 52 is removed from the first compartment 51, and a new full water fluid container 52 is disposed. Even when the fluid container 52 is replaced, since the pump 73 is provided between the fluid container 52 and the capacity variable container 62, it is possible to prevent outside air from entering the capacity variable container 62.

  When the water server 50 is not used for a long period of time, the drain cock 67 provided in the drain path 68 of the variable capacity container 62 is opened, and the water in the variable capacity container 62 is drained. Then, the capacity variable container 62 is folded along the crease line 28 and contracted. As a result, the capacity variable container 62 is reduced and folded without the ingress of outside air, and the water and the outside air supplied from the newly disposed fluid container 12 are also restored when the next use is resumed. Can be prevented from contacting.

  In the water server 50 as described above, a fluid container 52 that is supposed to be replaced is disposed in the lower first section 51. Therefore, when replacing the fluid container 52, the user does not have to lift the new fully-filled fluid container 52 to a position higher than, for example, a knee or waist, and can easily replace the fluid container 52.

  Further, since the water server 50 is a variable capacity type fluid container in which the fluid container 52 and the variable capacity container 62 are flexible, the outside air is in the process of reducing and contracting the water in the fluid container 52 and the variable capacity container 62. Intrusion can be prevented. Therefore, in this water server 50, it is possible to prevent germs from breeding in the fluid container 52 and the variable capacity container 62.

  Also in this water server 50, as shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, the variable temperature container 41, 46, 49 may be provided in the variable capacity container 62. Also, two hot water series and cold water series may be provided. In this case, the temperature changing portions 41, 46, and 49 may be provided in the hot water series, and a heat absorbing element such as a Peltier element may be provided in the cold water series, or nothing may be provided. Further, three or more series may be provided for each water temperature.

  In the above example, the fluid container 52 can be attached to and detached from the first compartment 51, and the case where water is replenished by replacing the fluid container 52 has been described. A connecting pipe such as a hose directly connected to the faucet may be connected so that the variable capacity container 62 is always replenished with water from the faucet.

  In the above example, the case where flexible containers are used as the fluid containers 12 and 52 and the variable capacity containers 22 and 62 has been described. However, the variable capacity container is a container as shown in FIG. There may be. That is, the capacity variable container 80 has a rigid container body 81, and a piston 82 is provided at one end. The water 85 is stored in a space 83 defined by the container body 81 and the piston 82. The lower side of the piston 82 is an atmospheric pressure cavity. The space 83 is provided with a connection pipe 84 that serves as a joint. Thereby, as for the capacity variable container 80, a piston moves up and down according to the quantity of the water to store, and a capacity | capacitance is variable. Such a variable capacity container 80 can also prevent outside air from entering the space 83 and prevent germs and the like from propagating in the internal water. A capacity variable container 80 as shown in FIG. 10 can be used for both the first capacity variable container and the second capacity variable container described above.

  Further, the positional relationship between the fluid containers 12 and 52 and the variable capacity containers 22 and 62 is not limited to the case where they are arranged in the vertical direction as described above, but may be arranged in a horizontal direction or an oblique direction.

[Fourth embodiment]
By the way, the water server to which the present invention is applied can be configured as shown in FIG. That is, in this water server 100, the primary capacity variable container 102 located on the upstream side and the secondary capacity variable container 103 located on the downstream side are connected by the delivery unit 108 and are built in the upper side of the apparatus main body 101 of the water server 100. In addition, the upstream primary volume variable container 102 is configured to be replenished with water from a detachable fluid container 104 on the lower side of the apparatus main body 101. In the present invention, the primary capacity variable container 102 is not replenished with water from the fluid container 104, but is connected with a connecting pipe such as a hose directly connected to a water faucet, so that water is always supplied from the water faucet. You may make it replenish.

  Specifically, the primary volume variable container 102 is disposed at substantially the same height or upper side as the secondary volume variable container 103, and primarily receives the water supplied from the fluid container 104. Water is supplied to the primary capacity variable container 102 from a fluid container 104 that is detachably mounted on a container mounting portion on the lower side of the apparatus main body 101. Specifically, the apparatus main body 101 is provided with a pump 106. The primary capacity variable container 102 on the upper side of the apparatus main body 101 and the lower fluid container 104 are connected by a connection path 105 serving as a connection means, and the water in the fluid container 104 is pumped into the primary capacity variable container 102 by a pump 106. For example, the pump 106 pumps water corresponding to the reduced water content of the primary capacity variable container 102 from the fluid container 104. The fluid container 104 may be a rigid container, a variable capacity container, or a BIB container.

  The connecting path 105 upstream of the pump 106 is provided with an opening member serving as a connecting means. When the fluid container 104 is mounted on the container mounting section on the lower side of the apparatus main body 101, the end of the connecting path 105 is provided. The connector of the fluid container 104 is opened by the opening member provided in the. For example, the opening member has a cylindrical shape and penetrates the connector of the fluid container 104 so as to communicate with the inside and supply water to the connection path 105.

  Here, there are two types of secondary capacity variable containers 103 for cold water or low temperature and for hot water or high temperature. In addition, the secondary capacity variable container 103 for hot water or high temperature is formed using a heat-resistant material. Water is supplied from one primary capacity variable container 102 to the secondary capacity variable containers 103a and 103b for cold water or low temperature and warm water or high temperature. Each of the secondary capacity variable containers 103a and 103b is provided with discharge passages 107a and 107b. The discharge passages 107a and 107b are connected to cocks 108a and 108b for opening and closing the flow path and adjusting the flow rate. Further, as shown in FIG. 13A, the discharge ports 110a and 110b of the discharge passages 107a and 107b are positioned at the outlet 117 located in the secondary capacity variable containers 103a and 103b on the upstream side of the discharge passages 107a and 107b. It is provided above or below. In FIG. 13A, the positions of the discharge ports 110a and 110b are shown above the position of the outlet 117. In FIG. 13B, the positions of the discharge ports 110a and 110b are shown below the position of the outlet 117.

  In addition, the secondary capacity variable container 103a for cold water or low temperature may be provided with a temperature changing portion and may be cold water, or water at normal temperature. Moreover, the secondary capacity variable container 103b for warm water or high temperature is provided with a temperature changing section 115 such as a heater to heat the water from the primary capacity variable container 102. Note that at least the hot water or the high-temperature secondary capacity variable container 103b is preferably surrounded by a heat insulating material to make it difficult to cool the hot water. Further, even in the cold water or the low-temperature secondary capacity variable container 103a, when cooling the water, it may be surrounded by a heat insulating material so that the cold water does not reach room temperature.

  The primary capacity variable container 102 and the secondary capacity variable containers 103a and 103b are connected to each other via a delivery unit 108 that delivers the secondary capacity variable containers 103a and 103b. The delivery unit 108 supplies the water in the primary capacity variable container 102 to the secondary through the inflow paths 109a and 109b configured by tubes and pipes connecting the primary capacity variable container 102 and the secondary capacity variable containers 103a and 103b. It sends out to the variable capacity containers 103a and 103b. One end of the inflow passages 109a and 109b and the primary capacity variable container 102 are connected by the first connectors 111 and 111, and the other end of the inflow paths 109a and 109b and the secondary capacity variable containers 103a and 103b are the second ones. The connectors 112 and 112 are connected. The primary capacity variable container 102 and the secondary capacity variable containers 103a and 103b may be connected using the two inflow passages 109a and 109b as described above, but one pipe is connected to the primary capacity variable container 102. May be connected, and this pipe may be branched into two, and the branched pipes may be connected to the secondary capacity variable containers 103a and 103b, respectively. Thereby, the piping structure of the delivery part 108 can be simplified.

  The water server 100 as described above has a controller 113. For example, the controller 113 detects the opening / closing of the cocks 108a, 108b by the opening / closing detection unit 114, and operates the pump 106 when a signal indicating that the cocks 108a, 108a are opened is input from the opening / closing detection unit 114.

  The water server 100 as described above is in the following state before use. In the initial state, the primary capacity variable container 102 and the secondary capacity variable containers 103a and 103b are in a contracted and empty state and do not include outside air. When the fluid container 104 is mounted on the container mounting portion on the lower side of the apparatus main body 101, the controller 113 operates the pump 106 to pump the water in the fluid container 104 into the primary capacity variable container 102, and further to the primary Water is supplied to the secondary capacity variable containers 103a and 103b through the capacity variable container 102. Then, the controller 113 stops the pump 106 when the primary capacity variable container 102 and the secondary capacity variable containers 103a and 103b are full of water. As a result, the water server 100 becomes usable by the user. In the secondary volume variable container 103b for hot water or high temperature, for example, when a temperature detection element provided in the vicinity of the heater detects that the water has been replenished and the water temperature has dropped, the controller 113 turns off the heater of the temperature changing unit 115. Drive and heat water to set temperature.

  When drinking water, the user opens the cocks 108a and 108b to discharge water into the cup 2 from the discharge ports 110a and 110b of the discharge paths 107a and 107b of the secondary capacity variable containers 103a and 103b. When the open / close detection unit 114 detects that the cocks 108a and 108b have been opened, the controller 113 starts the pump 106, and reduces the moisture content of the secondary capacity variable containers 103a and 103b and the primary capacity variable container 102 from the fluid container 104. The pump 106 is pumped up and replenished, and the pump 106 is stopped when the water is full. As a result, the secondary capacity variable containers 103a and 103b are always filled with water, and when the cocks 108a and 108b are opened, outside air can be prevented from entering the discharge ports 110a and 110b of the discharge passages 107a and 107b. I can do it.

  In the water server 100 as described above, the fluid container 104 that is assumed to be replaced is disposed below the apparatus main body 101. Therefore, when replacing the fluid container 104, the user does not need to lift the fully-filled fluid container 104 to a higher position, for example, higher than a knee or waist, and can easily replace the fluid container 104.

  By the way, when water is heated, it expands, and the higher the temperature, the higher the coefficient of expansion nonlinearly. Therefore, the volume of the secondary capacity variable container 103b for hot water or high temperature differs between when heated to the set temperature and when the water temperature just supplied is low. Therefore, in the secondary capacity variable container 103b in which hot water is produced, it is necessary to set the capacity in consideration of the expansion of water when heated.

  This will be specifically described with reference to FIGS. The secondary volume variable container 103b is initially filled with 90% of water at 20 ° C., for example (see (B)), and when heated to 90 ° C. by the temperature changer 115 that adjusts the water temperature, Expands to 100% (see (C)). Here, when warm water is used and discharged from the secondary capacity variable container 103b by the user, 20 ° C. water is poured from the primary capacity variable container 102 to the secondary capacity variable container 103b by the amount discharged. Then, although the water temperature of the secondary capacity variable container 103b falls to, for example, 50 ° C., water injection is performed at the same time as water discharge, so the water is fully filled (100%) with 50 ° C. water (see (D)). Thereafter, since the water temperature of the secondary capacity variable container 103b has dropped to 50 ° C., the temperature changing unit 115 warms the water in the secondary capacity variable container 103b to 90 ° C. As a result, the water in the secondary capacity variable container 103b in a full state is further expanded from here, and the volume of the water becomes 110% of the volume of the secondary capacity variable container 103b, for example. When the state shown in FIG. 12E occurs, the secondary capacity variable container 103b may be broken and water leakage may occur. That is, when the operation of warming the secondary capacity variable container 103b and filling the secondary capacity variable container 103b to the full temperature and heating to a predetermined temperature is repeated, the warm water is cumulatively added to the volume of the water in the secondary capacity variable container 103b. Increases, and it becomes impossible to store water at the prescribed volume of the secondary capacity variable container 103b.

  Therefore, as shown in FIG. 13A, the secondary variable capacity container 103b is provided with an expansion section 116 that allows the water to expand when the internal water is heated and expanded. Specifically, the expansion portion 116 is configured as a deflated portion where water is not injected into one end portion, for example, the upper end portion, of the secondary capacity variable container 103b. As shown in FIG. 13, the primary capacity variable container 102 and the secondary capacity variable container 103 b are disposed at substantially the same height, and the secondary capacity variable container 103 b is located at a higher position than the primary capacity variable container. 116. More specifically, the expansion part 116 is a part above the height of the upper end 110 of the primary capacity variable container 102. The expansion unit 116 is preferably provided in the secondary capacity variable container 103b for hot water, but may be provided in the secondary capacity variable container 103a for cold water or low temperature. Moreover, the expansion part 116 may be provided integrally with the secondary capacity variable containers 103a and 103b, or another member may be integrally joined with the secondary capacity variable containers 103a and 103b.

  In addition, the secondary capacity variable container 103b is provided with the root of the discharge path 107b at substantially the same height or lower side as the height of the upper end 110 of the primary capacity variable container 102. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 13A, the discharge passage 107b has an upstream end communicating with the interior of the secondary capacity variable container 103b and a downstream end communicating with the cock 108b. . The upstream end portion forms an outlet 117 for flowing out the water stored in the secondary capacity variable container 103b to the outside, and the height of the outlet 117 disposed is the height of the primary capacity variable container 102. It is set to a position lower than the height position of the upper end 110. Accordingly, the stored water can be discharged from the discharge port 110b through the discharge path 107b regardless of the amount of water in the secondary capacity variable container 103b. The same configuration may be applied to the secondary capacity variable container 103a for cold water or low temperature. In particular, when water is cooled by the cooling means, the low temperature water is distributed at the bottom of the secondary capacity variable container 103a. Accordingly, by setting the height position of the outlet 117 to a position lower than the height position of the upper end 110 of the primary capacity variable container 102 and extending it close to the bottom, cold water closer to the set temperature is discharged. I can do it.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 13B, the height position of the outlet 117 is set near the height position of the upper end 110 of the primary capacity variable container 102 or slightly below the upper end 110. Also good. In the case where the secondary capacity variable container 103b is heated by the temperature changing unit 115, the warmed warm water is distributed in the vicinity of the water surface of the secondary capacity variable container 103b. Therefore, by setting the disposition height position of the outlet 117 near the height position of the upper end 110 of the primary capacity variable container 102 or slightly below the upper end 110, hot water closer to the set temperature can be discharged. I can do it. The same configuration may be applied to the secondary capacity variable container 103a for cold water or low temperature.

  In the system of the primary capacity variable container 102 and the secondary capacity variable container 103b as described above, before use, as shown in FIG. 14A, the secondary capacity variable container 103b is contracted in an empty state. ing. Therefore, outside air is not contained in the secondary capacity variable container 103b. When the use is started, water is poured from the primary capacity variable container 102, and further, water is continuously supplied from the fluid container 104 to the primary capacity variable container 102 by the pump 106, and the full water state is maintained. Then, as shown in FIG. 14B, water is poured into the secondary capacity variable container 103b up to the height of the upper end 110 of the primary capacity variable container 102. As shown in FIG. 14C, when the water in the secondary capacity variable container 103b is heated to a predetermined temperature by the temperature changing unit 115, the water also expands in accordance with the water temperature. In this example, 20 ° C. water is heated to 90 ° C. When water expands due to heating, the increase in the volume of water escapes to the extended portion 116 of the secondary capacity variable container 103b. That is, the expansion part 116 swells by the amount of water expansion.

  When using hot water, as shown in FIG. 14D, when the user opens the cock 108, the hot water in the secondary capacity variable container 103b is discharged from the discharge passage 107b. When the hot water in the secondary capacity variable container 103b decreases, the secondary capacity variable container 103b gradually contracts, and the water in the primary capacity variable container 102 is replenished and poured into the secondary capacity variable container 103b. Further, the primary capacity variable container 102 is replenished with water from the fluid container 104 by the pump 106. Then, as shown in FIG. 14 (E), the water temperature of the secondary capacity variable container 103b is lowered to 50 ° C., for example. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 14F, when the water in the secondary capacity variable container 103b is heated to 90 ° C. in the temperature changing section 115, the water also expands in accordance with the water temperature. The increase in the volume of water escapes to the extended portion 116 of the secondary capacity variable container 103b. Thereafter, when hot water is used, the state is repeated from FIG.

  As described above, the secondary capacity variable container 103b is provided with the expansion part 116 at a position higher than the upper end 110 of the primary capacity variable container 102, and the expansion part 116 absorbs the expanded portion expanded due to the rise in water temperature. ing. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the secondary capacity variable container 103b from being damaged and leaking due to the expansion of water. The expansion part 116 may be provided in the secondary capacity variable container 103a for cold water or low temperature. Moreover, since the expansion part 116 is a part which expand | swells according to the expansion | swelling part of water, it is often in the deflated state, Therefore, it does not become bulky also in the apparatus main body 101.

[Fifth embodiment]
12 to 14, the water server 100 in which the fluid container 104 is mounted on the lower side of the apparatus main body 101 has been described. However, in the present invention, the fluid container to be replaced by the user is disposed on the upper side of the apparatus main body 102. It may be what you do. In the water server 120, a fluid container 122 corresponding to the above-described fluid container 104 is detachably mounted on a container mounting portion on the upper side of the apparatus main body 121.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 15, the fluid container 122 is an exchangeable container that can be attached to and detached from the container mounting portion on the upper side of the apparatus main body 121, and is disposed on the upper side of the capacity variable container 123 to change the capacity. Water is supplied to the container 123. Here, two types of the variable capacity container 123 for cold water or low temperature and for hot water or high temperature are arranged below the fluid container 122. Water is supplied from one fluid container 122 to the capacity variable containers 123a and 123b for cold water or low temperature and warm water or high temperature. Discharge paths 124a and 124b are provided in the variable capacity containers 123a and 123b, and the discharge paths 124a and 124b are connected to cocks 125a and 125b for opening and closing the flow paths and adjusting the flow rate. Further, as shown in FIG. 16 (A), the discharge ports 145a and 145b of the discharge passages 124a and 124b are not less than the position of the outlet 144 located in the capacity variable containers 123a and 123b on the upstream side of the discharge passages 124a and 124b. Provided below. In FIG. 16A, the positions of the discharge ports 145a and 145b are above (or higher) than the position of the outlet 144. FIG. 16B shows the positions of the discharge ports 145a and 145b below (below) the position of the outlet 144.

  Note that the variable capacity container 123a for cold water or low temperature may be provided with a temperature changing section 126 to serve as cold water or room temperature water. Further, the variable capacity container 123b for hot water or high temperature is provided with a temperature changing section 126 such as a heater to heat the water from the fluid container 122. Note that at least the hot water or the high-capacity variable capacity container 123b is preferably surrounded by a heat insulating material to make it difficult to cool the hot water. Further, even in the cold water or low temperature variable capacity container 123a, when water is cooled, it may be surrounded by a heat insulating material so that the cold water does not reach room temperature.

  The fluid container 122 and the variable capacity containers 123a and 123b are connected via a joint portion 127. The joint portion 127 includes a common path 128a connected by the first connector 129a of the fluid container 122, and branch paths 128b and 128c branched from the common path 128a. One branch path 128b is connected to the cold water side variable capacity container 123a by the second connector 129b, and the other branch path 128c is connected to the hot water side variable capacity container 123b by the second connector 129c. Thereby, the joint part 127 can implement | achieve simplification of piping structure. In addition, as the joint part 127, two pipes may be used, and the fluid container 122 and the hot water or high-temperature capacity variable container 123b may be connected by another single pipe.

  The container mounting portion to which the fluid container 122 is mounted is provided with an opening member serving as a connecting means for opening the fluid container 122. When the fluid container 122 is mounted, the opening member is used to open the fluid container 122. The first connector 129a is opened. For example, the opening member has a cylindrical shape and penetrates through the first connector 129a of the fluid container 122 so as to communicate with the inside and supply water to the common path 128a.

  The capacity variable containers 123a and 123b are not replenished with water from the fluid container 122, 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.

  The water server 120 as described above is in the following state before use. In the initial state, the capacity variable containers 123a and 123b in the apparatus main body 121 are contracted and empty, and no external air is contained therein. When the fluid container 122 is mounted on the container mounting portion on the upper side of the apparatus main body 121, the water in the fluid container 122 is supplied to the variable capacity containers 123a and 123b through the joint portion 127 until the water is full. As a result, the water server 120 becomes available to the user. In the hot water or high-temperature capacity variable container 123b, for example, when a temperature detection element provided in the vicinity of the heater detects, the controller 131 drives the heater of the temperature changing section 126 to heat the water to the set temperature.

  When drinking water, the user opens the cocks 125a and 125b to discharge water into the cup 2 from the water discharge holes of the discharge passages 124a and 124b of the variable capacity containers 123a and 123b. Then, the capacity variable containers 123a and 123b are sequentially filled with water from the fluid container 122 to be filled. Thereby, the capacity variable containers 123a and 123b are always filled with water, and when the cocks 125a and 125b are opened, it is possible to prevent the outside air from entering into the inside through the water discharge holes of the discharge passages 124a and 124b.

  In the water server 120 as described above, since the replaceable fluid container 122 is mounted on the container mounting portion on the upper side of the apparatus main body 121, an empty space is created on the lower side of the apparatus main body. Thus, the overall height of the apparatus main body 121 can be reduced.

  By the way, even in this water server 120, it is necessary to set the capacity in the capacity variable container 123b in consideration of the expansion of water when heated. Therefore, in the water server 120, the variable capacity container 123b is configured as follows.

  As shown in FIG. 16, the second connector 129c of the joint portion 129 that connects the fluid container 122 and the hot water or high temperature capacity variable container 123b is composed of a flow tube such as a straw communicating with the branch path 128c. An inflow path 132 is provided. The inflow path 132 is provided with a small diameter portion 133 on the second connector 129 c side, and a large diameter portion 134 is provided on the distal end side continuously to the small diameter portion 133. Below the boundary 132a between the small-diameter portion 133 and the large-diameter portion 134 of the variable capacity container 123b is a storage portion that normally stores water, and when the internal water is heated and expanded above the boundary portion 132a. Furthermore, the expansion portion 130 that allows the expansion of water is provided. Specifically, the expansion portion 130 is configured as a deflated portion where water is not injected into one end portion of the variable capacity container 123b, for example, the upper end portion. In the variable capacity container 123b, the root of the discharge path 124b is provided at substantially the same height as or lower than the height of the boundary portion 132a. The large-diameter portion 134 is provided with a check valve 135 that floats along the flow path and closes the end of the small-diameter portion 133 when floating to the boundary portion 132a.

  The check valve 135 is made of a material having a small specific gravity with respect to water, which is a fluid, and has a floating property. The check valve 135 generates a buoyancy in the inflow passage 132 and floats. As shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, the check valve 135 includes a valve main body 136 having an outer diameter substantially the same as the inner diameter of the large-diameter portion 134, and a closing portion 137 provided on one surface of the valve main body 136. ing. The valve main body 136 has a cylindrical shape, for example, and one or a plurality of engaging portions 138 are formed on the outer peripheral surface in a convex shape, for example. The engaging portion 138 is engaged with a valve guide portion 139 provided linearly along the longitudinal direction of the large diameter portion 134. The valve guide portion 139 of the large-diameter portion 134 is constituted by, for example, a slit along the axial direction of the inflow passage 132 penetrating in the thickness direction, and guides the vertical movement of the check valve 135 in the linear vertical direction. At the same time, the movement range is defined. Further, the valve guide portion 139 restricts displacement in a direction orthogonal to the axis of the inflow passage 132 of the check valve 135. For example, the valve guide portion 139 defines a moving range by engaging the engaging portion 138, for example, prevents the check valve 135 from being detached from the tip portion, and the closing portion 137 has a small diameter. Do not fit too much into part 133. Further, the valve guide part 139 communicates the space in the large diameter part 134 with the outer space so that the water in the variable capacity container 123b flows. The valve body 136 is provided with a communication portion 141 along the height direction. The communication portion 141 may be provided in a concave shape on the outer peripheral surface, or may be a through hole formed around the closing portion 137. The communication part 141, together with the valve guide part 139 with which the engaging part 138 is engaged, allows water from the fluid container 122 to be introduced into the variable capacity container 123b.

  The closing portion 137 provided on one surface of the valve main body 136 has a thickness that closes the end portion of the small diameter portion 133. For example, the closed portion 137 is formed to have a thickness that can be fitted to the small diameter portion 133, and the tip portion is formed in an arc shape or a sharp shape, so that the guide when the tip portion is fitted to the small diameter portion 133 is formed. It is trying to become.

  In addition, the cold water from the fluid container 122 comes to the upper side of the check valve 135 of the inflow path 132, that is, the small diameter portion 133, and the temperature changing portion is provided to the lower side of the check valve 135, that is, the large diameter portion 134. Hot water heated at 126 is stored. Therefore, the check valve 135 is formed of a material having excellent heat insulation properties such as polystyrene foam, so that the upper side and the lower side of the check valve 135 are thermally separated to enhance the heat retaining property of the variable capacity container 123b. I can do it.

  When the water level of the capacity variable container 123b is positioned below the boundary portion 132a of the inflow path 132, the check valve 135 is also positioned on the water surface and the blocking portion 137 has a small diameter. The end of the small diameter portion 133 is opened, and the inflow of water from the fluid container 122 is allowed. Therefore, water from the fluid container 122 is poured into the variable capacity container 123b from the inflow path 132. When the water level reaches the boundary portion 132a, the check valve 135 also rises in the inflow passage 132 as the water level rises, and the end portion of the small diameter portion 133 is closed by the closing portion 137. Damming. Therefore, no water is poured from the fluid container 122 into the variable capacity container 123b. When the variable capacity container 123b is heated to a predetermined temperature by the temperature changing section 126, water expands in accordance with the temperature. Then, the water expansion is absorbed by the extended portion 130 in a deflated state above the boundary portion 132a. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the capacity variable container 123b from being damaged and leaking due to the expansion of water. In addition, you may make it the expansion part 130 provide in the capacity | capacitance variable container 123a for cold water or low temperature. Moreover, since the expansion part 130 is a part which swells according to the amount of water expansion, it is often in a deflated state, and therefore does not become bulky even within the apparatus main body 101.

  The height position when the small-diameter portion 133 of the check valve 135 is closed is set to an approximately middle position of the height inside the variable capacity container 123, and the upper portion from this intermediate position is also set as the expansion portion 130. good. That is, the boundary portion 132a may be set on the lower side than the example shown in FIG.

  Further, the discharge passage 124b has a height of the check valve 135 in which the height position of the outlet 144 for allowing the water accommodated in the upstream secondary capacity variable container 123b to flow outside closes the small diameter portion 133. It is set to a position lower than the position. Accordingly, the stored water can be discharged from the discharge port 145b through the discharge path 124b regardless of the amount of water in the secondary capacity variable container 123b. The same configuration may be applied to the secondary capacity variable container 123a for cold water or low temperature. In particular, when water is cooled by the cooling means, the low temperature water is distributed at the bottom of the secondary capacity variable container 123a. Therefore, by extending the arrangement height position of the outlet 144 to the vicinity of the bottom, cold water closer to the set temperature can be discharged.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 16B, the height position of the outlet 147 is near or slightly below the height of the check valve 135 closing the small diameter portion 133. It may be used for setting. When the variable capacity container 123b is heated by the temperature changing unit 126, the warmed warm water is distributed in the vicinity of the water surface of the variable capacity container 123b. Therefore, the set height position of the outlet 147 is set near the height position of the check valve 135 that closes the small diameter portion 133 or slightly below the check valve 1350, so that the set temperature is further increased. Near hot water can be discharged. A similar configuration may be applied to the cold water or the low-temperature capacity variable container 123a.

  In the system of the fluid container 122 and the variable capacity container 123b as described above, before use, as shown in FIG. 18A, the variable capacity container 123b is contracted in an empty state. Therefore, outside air is not contained in the variable capacity container 123b. When the use is started, water is poured from the fluid container 122 to the variable capacity container 123b. As the water level in the capacity variable container 123b rises, the check valve 135 of the inflow path 132 also rises by buoyancy, and the capacity variable container 123b has a closed portion 137 of the check valve 135 as shown in FIG. Water is injected until the end portion of the small diameter portion 133 of the inflow passage 132 is closed, that is, the boundary portion 132a between the small diameter portion 133 and the large diameter portion 134. When the fluid container 122 becomes empty, the fluid container 122 is replaced with a new fully filled fluid container 122 so that the capacity variable container 123b can be replenished with water as needed. As shown in FIG. 18C, when the water in the variable capacity container 123b is heated to a predetermined temperature by the temperature changing section 126, the water also expands in accordance with the water temperature. In this example, 20 ° C. water is heated to 90 ° C. When water expands due to heating, the increase in the volume of water is due to the closed portion 137 of the check valve 135 closing the end of the small diameter portion 133, so that the expanded portion above the boundary portion 132a of the variable capacity container 123b. It will escape to the part of 130. That is, the expansion part 130 swells by the amount of water expansion.

  When using hot water, as shown in FIG. 18D, when the user opens the cock 125b, the hot water in the variable capacity container 123b is discharged from the discharge passage 124b. When the hot water in the variable capacity container 123b decreases, the variable capacity container 123b gradually contracts. When the blocking portion 137 of the check valve 135 is separated from the end portion of the small diameter portion 133 and the flow path of the small diameter portion 133 is opened, water in the fluid container 122 communicates with the valve guide portion 139 and the valve main body 136 of the large diameter portion 134. The capacity variable container 123b is replenished and injected from the portion 141. The water in the fluid container 122 is poured again until the closed portion 137 of the check valve 135 closes the end of the small diameter portion 133 of the inflow passage 132. Then, as shown in FIG. 18 (E), the water temperature of the capacity variable container 123b is lowered to 50 ° C., for example. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 18F, when the water in the capacity variable container 123b is heated to 90 ° C. by the temperature changing section 126, the water also expands in accordance with the water temperature. The increase in the volume of water escapes to the extended portion 130 of the variable capacity container 123b. Thereafter, when hot water is used, the state from FIG. 18C is repeated.

  As described above, the capacity variable container 123b is provided with the small diameter portion 133 and the large diameter portion 134 in the inflow passage 132, and the check valve 135 is provided in the large diameter portion 134. It can be absorbed by the extended portion 130 above the boundary portion 132a. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the capacity variable container 123b from being damaged and leaking due to the expansion of water. In addition, you may make it provide the expansion part 130, the inflow path 132, and the non-return valve 135 in the capacity | capacitance variable container 123a for cold water or low temperature. Moreover, since the expansion part 130 is a part which swells according to the expansion | swelling part of water, it is often in the deflated state, Therefore, it is not bulky also in the apparatus main body 121. FIG.

  By the way, if the water temperature becomes too high due to a malfunction of the temperature changing section 126 or the like, the variable capacity container 123b may not be able to absorb the expansion section 130 simply by expanding. Therefore, the variable capacity container 123b may be provided with a vent pipe 142 as an emergency, as shown in FIG. The vent pipe 142 is connected to the branch paths 128b and 128c of the joint portion 127, and a safety valve 143 having an excellent backflow prevention performance particularly at a low pressure is provided. The safety valve 143 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 123b to the outside. In addition, the flow of the fluid in a gas phase state is allowed, and the flow from the outside to the inside of the variable volume container 123b is blocked. In the safety valve 143, the inflow side of the safety valve 143 communicates with the variable capacity container 123b, and the outflow side communicates with a branch path 128c that allows water to flow into the variable capacity container 123b from the outside. The branch path 128c to which the vent pipe 142 is connected is a “cold” side to which cold water or low temperature is supplied from the fluid container 122. When the safety valve 143 is opened and water vapor or the like flows in, the branch path 128c cools the gas path. The liquid phase is changed to be supplied again from the branch path 128c to the variable capacity container 123b. As a result, even if the temperature changing unit 126 malfunctions and heats the water in the variable capacity container 123b too much, the capacity variable container 123b is cracked due to an increase in pressure and water leakage occurs. Can be prevented.

  Such a vent pipe 142 and safety valve 143 may be applied to the water server 100 shown in FIG. Further, the present invention can be applied to the water server shown in FIGS. In other words, the vent pipe 142 and the safety valve 143 are preferably used in a water server having a temperature changing unit. Moreover, even if it exists in the backflow prevention mechanism using the non-return valve 135, you may apply to the inflow paths 109a and 109b of the water server 100 shown in FIG. Furthermore, the present invention can also be applied to the inflow path 34 of the water server shown in FIGS.

  The capacity variable container used in the water server may be flexible as a whole as in the capacity variable container used in the water server described above, but it is a combination of a hard member and a flexible member. It may be configured. For example, the variable capacity container 201 shown in FIG. 19A includes a hard member 202 having an open upper surface and a flexible member 203 fixed to the open end of the upper surface of the hard member 202. A space between the inner surface and the flexible member 203 is used as a storage portion 204. Here, as the hard member 202, a synthetic resin molded article having physical strength, wood, metal, or the like is used. Further, the hard member 202 may be configured in consideration of heat insulation. As the flexible member 203, a sheet such as a polyvinyl chloride sheet or a rubber sheet, a film material, or a bellows member is used. As shown in (I) of FIG. 19A, the variable capacity container 201 is in a state where the flexible member 203 is bent so as to substantially follow the inner surface of the hard member 202 when no liquid is stored. Yes, the volume is almost zero or close to zero. In the storage unit 204, a state where approximately half of the liquid shown in (II) is poured is defined as a full water state. In the storage unit, the above-described expansion unit 205 has a margin for storing liquid from the full water state defined in (II). As shown in (III), the size of the extended portion 205 may be set so that it does not protrude from the opening end of the hard member 202 even when the liquid is thermally expanded, as shown in (IV). Alternatively, it may be set so as to protrude from the open end of the hard member 202. As shown in (III), when the extension part 205 or the hard member 202 is set so as not to protrude from the opening end, the opening end may be closed by the lid member 206. When the lid member 206 is provided, the size of the variable capacity container 201 can be determined, which facilitates installation at a predetermined position in the apparatus main body of the water server. When the lid member 206 is provided, a vent hole 207 through which gas such as air between the flexible member 203 and the lid member 206 enters and exits may be provided so that the volume of the storage unit 204 increases or decreases.

  Further, as shown in (I) of FIG. 19B, the capacity variable container 201 may be fixed around the flexible member 203 in the middle in the height direction of the hard member 201. In this case, for example, as shown in (II), when the height of the fixed end of the flexible member 203 is almost the same as that of the liquid, and the liquid is thermally expanded, As shown, the flexible member 203 protrudes above the fixed end of the flexible member 203 to form the extended portion 205. The extended portion 205 is prevented from projecting from the opening end of the hard member 202 even when it is most projected. Thereby, the lid member 206 can be disposed at the open end.

  Further, in the variable capacity container 211 shown in FIG. 19C, as shown in FIG. 19I, the hard member 212 faces downward and the flexible member 213 is fixed to the open end of the lower surface. The capacity variable container 211 is in a state where the flexible member 213 is bent so as to substantially follow the inner surface of the hard member 212 when the liquid is not stored, and the volume is 0 or substantially 0. . As for the storage part 214, the state in which about half of the liquid shown in (II) is poured is defined as a full water state, and the expansion part described above has a margin for storing liquid further from the full water state defined in (II). 215. The size of the extended portion 215 may be set so as not to protrude from the opening end of the hard member 212 even when the liquid is thermally expanded as shown in (III), or as shown in (IV). The hard member 212 may be set so as to protrude from the open end. As shown in (III), when the extension portion 215 or the hard member 212 is set so as not to protrude from the opening end, the opening end may be closed by the lid member 216. When the lid member 216 is provided, the expansion portion 215 does not protrude, and the size of the variable capacity container 211 can be determined, thereby facilitating installation at a predetermined position in the apparatus main body of the water server. In addition, when the lid member 216 is provided, the expanded portion 215 can be supported from below, and even if there is water leakage, the opening end is blocked by the lid member 216, so that the water server apparatus It is possible to prevent the leak from spreading to the main body. When the lid member 216 is provided, a vent 217 through which gas such as air between the flexible member 213 and the lid member 216 enters and exits may be provided so that the volume of the storage unit 214 is increased or decreased.

  Further, as shown in (I) of FIG. 19D, the variable capacity container 211 may fix the flexible member 213 in the middle in the height direction of the hard member 211. In this case, for example, as shown in (II), when the height of the flexible member 213 is almost the same as the fixed end of the liquid, and the liquid is fully expanded, As shown, the flexible member 213 protrudes upward from the fixed end of the flexible member 213 to form an extended portion 215. The extended portion 215 is prevented from projecting from the opening end of the hard member 212 even when it is most projected. Thereby, the lid member 216 can be disposed at the open end.

  Further, in the variable capacity container 221 shown in FIG. 19 (E), as shown in (I), the hard member 222 is turned sideways, and the periphery of the flexible member 223 is fixed to the open end of the side surface. good. When the liquid is not stored, the capacity variable container 221 is in a state where the volume is 0 or substantially 0 with the flexible member 223 bent so as to substantially follow the inner surface of the hard member 222. In the storage unit 224, a state in which approximately half of the liquid is poured as shown in (II) is defined as a state where the full water is full, and further, the allowance for storing the liquid is the expansion unit 225 described above. As shown in (III), the size of the extended portion 225 may be set so as not to protrude from the open end of the side surface of the hard member 222 even when the liquid is thermally expanded, as shown in (IV). In this way, the hard member 222 may be set so as to protrude from the open end of the side surface. As shown in (III), when the extension portion 225 or the hard member 222 is set so as not to protrude from the opening end, the opening end may be closed by the lid member 226. When the lid member 226 is provided, the size of the variable capacity container 221 can be determined, which facilitates installation at a predetermined position in the apparatus main body of the water server. Further, when the lid member 226 is provided, even if there is water leakage, the opening end is blocked by the lid member 226, so that it is possible to prevent the leak from spreading to the apparatus main body of the water server. When the lid member 226 is provided, a vent hole 227 through which a gas such as air between the flexible member 223 and the lid member 226 enters and exits may be provided so that the volume of the storage unit 224 increases or decreases.

  Further, as shown in (I) of FIG. 19F, the variable capacity container 221 may fix the flexible member 223 in the middle of the height direction of the hard member 221. In this case, for example, as shown in (II), when the height of the fixed end of the flexible member 223 is set to the liquid full state and the liquid is thermally expanded, As shown, the flexible member 223 protrudes upward from the fixed end of the flexible member 223 to form an extended portion 225. The extended portion 225 is prevented from protruding from the opening end of the hard member 222 even when it protrudes most. Thereby, the lid member 226 can be disposed at the open end.

  Further, in the water server 120 shown in FIGS. 15 to 18, a check valve 135 is disposed in the inflow path 132 extending to the hot water or high temperature variable capacity container 123 b. Another configuration of the variable capacity container 123b having the check valve 135 will be described with reference to FIG. A capacity variable container 231 shown in FIG. 20 includes a hard member 232 whose upper surface is opened, and a lid member 233 that closes the opening of the hard member 232. The lid member 233 has an engaging portion 233a formed on one surface. Is engaged with the hard end 232 by being engaged with the open end. An inflow path 132 is inserted through the lid member 233 that closes the open end of the hard member 232. In addition, a flexible member 235 is provided at the opening end of the hard member 232, and the inflow path 132 is inserted through the flexible member 235. That is, the storage portion 234 that stores the liquid is formed between the inner surface of the hard member 232 and the flexible member 235, and the inflow passage 132 provided with the check valve 135 extends in the storage portion 234. Be present.

  The capacity variable container 232 is in a state where the flexible member 235 is bent so as to substantially follow the inner surface of the hard member 232 when no liquid is stored. In the storage unit 234, for example, a state where the liquid is poured by about half or two-thirds is defined as a full water state. In the storage unit 234, the above-described expansion unit 236 has a margin capable of storing liquid from the defined full water state. Here, the size of the extended portion 236 is set so as not to protrude from the open end of the hard member 232 even when the liquid is thermally expanded, as shown in FIG. The lid member 236 may be provided with a vent 237 through which gas such as air between the flexible member 235 and the lid member 235 enters and exits so that the volume of the storage portion 234 increases or decreases. Even with such a configuration, the water server 120 can achieve the same function as the hot water or high temperature variable capacity container 123b.

  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 dispenses liquids, viscous fluids, gel-like bodies, slurry-like bodies such as foods and drinks and fluids including fluid dishes such as corn soup.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Water server, 2 cups, 10 server main body, 11 1st division, 12 Fluid container, 13 1st connection part, 14 Fold line, 21 2nd division, 22 2nd capacity variable container, 23 Discharge path, 23a Discharge port, 24 cock, 25 second connection part, 26 drain pipe, 27 drain cock, 27a discharge port, 28 crease line, 31 joint mechanism, 32 first connector, 32a needle, 33 second connector, 34 inflow path, 34a tip opening, 40 heat insulating material, 41 temperature changing part, 41a cord, 42 disposition space part, 43 communication part, 44 controller, 45 temperature sensor, 46 temperature changing part, 46a cord, 47 watertight packing, 48 temperature sensor, 49 temperature changing part, 50 water server, 51 first section, 52 fluid container, 53 first connecting part, 61 second section, 62 capacity available Variable container, 63 Discharge path, 63a Discharge port, 64 cock, 65 Open / close detection section, 66 Second connection section, 67 Drain cock, 68 Drain path, 71 Joint mechanism, 72 Connection path, 73 Pump, 74 Controller, 77 Inflow path , 77a Tip opening, 80 capacity variable container, 81 container body, 82 piston, 83 space, 84 connection pipe, 85 water, 100 water server, 101 apparatus body, 101 apparatus body, 102 primary capacity variable container, 103 (103a, 103b) Secondary capacity variable container, 104 fluid container, 105 connection path, 106 pump, 107a, 107b discharge path, 108 delivery section, 108a, 108a cock, 109a, 109b inflow path, 110 upper end, 111 first connector, 112 first Two connectors, 113 controller, 114 Closed detection part, 115 Temperature changing part, 116 Expansion part, 117 Outflow port, 120 Water server, 121 Apparatus main body, 122 Fluid container, 123 (123a, 123b) Variable capacity container, 124a, 124b Discharge path, 125a, 125b Cock, 126 Temperature changing section, 127 joint section, 128a common path, 128b, 128c branch path, 129 joint section, 129a first connector, 129b second connector, 129c second connector, 130 expansion section, 131 controller, 132 inflow path, 132a Boundary portion, 133 Small diameter portion, 134 Large diameter portion, 135 Check valve, 136 Valve body, 137 Closure portion, 137 Communication portion, 137 Closure portion, 138 Engagement portion, 139 Valve guide portion, 141 Communication portion, 142 Vent pipe 143 Safety valve 144 Outlet 145 Discharge port, 201 variable capacity container, 202 hard member, 203 flexible member, 204 storage part, 205 expansion part, 206 lid member, 211 variable capacity container, 212 hard member, 213 flexible member, 214 storage part, 215 Expansion part, 216 Lid member, 221 Variable capacity container, 222 Hard member, 223 Flexible member, 224 Storage part, 225 Expansion part, 226 Lid member, 231 Variable capacity container, 232 Hard member, 233 Lid member, 234 Storage part 235 Flexible member, 236 Expansion part

Claims (41)

A connecting means capable of connecting fluid from the outside so as to flow in;
A variable capacity container capable of flowing the fluid through the connecting means, capable of receiving the fluid that has flowed in, and having a variable volume for storing the fluid;
A discharge means that communicates with the variable volume container and is capable of discharging the fluid contained in the variable volume container to the outside;
A fluid containing and distributing device comprising:   The fluid accommodation / distribution device according to claim 1, wherein the variable volume container is configured to increase or decrease in volume as the volume of the fluid received therein increases or decreases.   The fluid storage / distribution device according to claim 1, wherein the variable capacity container is configured using a flexible material, and a volume capable of receiving the fluid therein is variable. .   The connecting means is configured to be detachably connectable to a fluid container in which the fluid is stored, and the fluid stored in the fluid container is allowed to flow through the inside of the connecting means. The fluid storage / distribution device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the fluid storage / distribution device is configured to be allowed to flow down to a variable volume container.   The fluid storage / distribution device according to claim 4, wherein the fluid container has a variable volume for storing the fluid.   6. The fluid storage / distribution device according to claim 5, wherein the fluid container is configured to be variable in volume, and configured to increase or decrease in volume as the volume of the fluid stored therein increases or decreases.   The fluid container according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the fluid container is configured using a flexible material, and a volume capable of receiving the fluid therein is variable.   The fluid container / distribution device according to any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein the fluid container has a connecting portion connectable to the connecting means.   The variable volume container has a temperature changing means inside or outside, and is configured so that the temperature of the fluid accommodated in the capacity variable container can be changed by the temperature changing means. The fluid containing and distributing device according to any one of claims 1 to 8.   The fluid accommodation / distribution device according to claim 9, wherein the variable capacity container or the temperature changing means has a temperature detection function of detecting an ambient temperature.   The said temperature changing means is a heating-type temperature changing means which heats the said fluid accommodated in the said capacity | capacitance variable container, and changes temperature from room temperature to high temperature. Fluid containing and dispensing device.   The fluid accommodation / distribution device according to claim 11, wherein the heating type temperature changing means is disposed inside the capacity variable container.   11. The endothermic temperature changing means according to claim 9, wherein the temperature changing means is an endothermic temperature changing means that absorbs heat from the fluid contained in the variable capacity container to change the temperature to a temperature lower than normal temperature. Fluid containing and dispensing device.   The fluid storage / distribution device according to claim 13, wherein the endothermic temperature changing means is disposed on the outside or the outer surface of the capacity variable container.   The fluid storage / distribution device according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the capacity variable container and / or the temperature changing means are surrounded by a heat insulating means.   The fluid storage and distribution device according to claim 15, wherein the heat insulating unit is configured using a foam material.   The fluid storage / distribution device according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the heat insulating means includes a heat reflecting layer capable of exhibiting heat reflectivity.   The fluid accommodation / distribution device according to claim 1, wherein two or more variable capacity containers are provided.   The capacity variable container is provided with two or more including a high temperature capacity variable container having the heating temperature changing means and a low temperature capacity variable container having the endothermic temperature changing means. 19. A fluid containing and dispensing device according to claim 18 characterized in that The capacity variable container is:
A primary capacity variable container that is positioned relatively upstream and that primarily receives the fluid flowing from the connecting means;
A secondary capacity variable container that is positioned relatively downstream and receives the fluid delivered from the delivery means provided in the primary capacity variable container and receives the fluid secondarily;
The fluid storage / distribution device according to claim 18 or 19, characterized by comprising:   The fluid storage / distribution device according to claim 20, wherein the secondary capacity variable container includes the temperature changing means and / or the heat insulating means. The variable volume container communicates with the outside and has an inflow path for allowing the fluid from the outside to flow in.
The inflow path has a check valve that allows the flow of the fluid from the outside into the variable volume container and blocks the flow of the fluid from the inside of the variable volume container to the outside. The fluid storage / distribution device according to any one of claims 1 to 21.   The fluid accommodation / distribution device according to claim 22, wherein the check valve has a heat insulating property. The check valve as a whole is configured to have a specific gravity lower than the specific gravity of the fluid, and the check valve can be closed by exerting buoyancy in the fluid accommodated in the capacity variable container. ,
24. The fluid storage / distribution device according to claim 22 or 23, wherein a position in a vertical direction is configured to be able to float up and down in accordance with a remaining amount of the fluid stored in the capacity variable container.   The fluid accommodation / distribution device according to any one of claims 22 to 24, wherein the check valve is configured to be guided by a valve guide unit while displacement of the check valve is limited. .   26. The fluid storage / distribution device according to claim 1, wherein the variable volume container has a safety valve capable of releasing the fluid stored in the variable volume container to the outside.   The safety valve is configured to be able to release the pressure when an internal pressure exceeding a predetermined value is generated, and allows the fluid in a liquid phase state and / or a gas phase state to flow from the inside of the variable volume container to the outside. 27. The fluid storage / distribution device according to claim 26, wherein the fluid storage / distribution device is a backflow prevention mechanism for blocking a flow from the outside to the inside of the variable volume container.   The safety valve is characterized in that the inflow side of the safety valve communicates with the variable volume container, and the outflow side communicates with an inflow path configured to allow the fluid to flow into the variable capacity container from the outside. The fluid containing and distributing device according to claim 26 or 27.   29. The variable capacity container has an expansion portion that allows an expansion of the fluid when the volume of the fluid accommodated therein is expanded due to a temperature change or the like. The fluid containing and dispensing device as described.   30. The fluid storage / distribution device according to claim 29, wherein the expansion part is provided integrally with the variable capacity container.   The check valve is disposed inside the variable capacity container, and the height position of the check valve inside the variable capacity container is set to an intermediate position of the height inside the variable capacity container. 31. The fluid storage / distribution device according to claim 22, wherein an upper portion from the intermediate position can be used as an expansion portion.   The extension part is provided in the secondary capacity variable container, and the height position of the extension part is provided higher than the primary capacity variable container. Fluid containing and dispensing device. The capacity variable container has a discharge path in which an upstream end communicates with the inside of the variable capacity container, and a downstream end communicates with the discharge means,
The upstream end constitutes an outlet for allowing the fluid contained in the variable capacity container to flow out to the outside,
The fluid accommodation / distribution device according to any one of claims 22 to 25, wherein an arrangement height position of the outlet is set in the vicinity of a height position of the check valve. The capacity variable container has a discharge path in which an upstream end communicates with the inside of the variable capacity container, and a downstream end communicates with the discharge means,
The upstream end constitutes an outlet for allowing the fluid contained in the variable capacity container to flow out to the outside,
The fluid accommodation / distribution device according to any one of claims 22 to 25, wherein an arrangement height position of the outlet is set to a position lower than a height position of the check valve. The secondary capacity variable container has a discharge path in which an upstream end communicates with the inside of the secondary capacity variable container, and a downstream end communicates with the discharge means,
The upstream end constitutes an outlet for allowing the fluid contained in the secondary capacity variable container to flow out to the outside,
The fluid storage / distribution device according to claim 20 or 21, wherein a height position of the outlet is set in the vicinity of a height position of the primary capacity variable container. The secondary capacity variable container has a discharge path in which an upstream end communicates with the inside of the secondary capacity variable container, and a downstream end communicates with the discharge means,
The upstream end constitutes an outlet for allowing the fluid contained in the secondary capacity variable container to flow out to the outside,
The fluid storage / distribution device according to claim 20 or 21, wherein a height position of the outlet is set to a position lower than a height position of the check valve. The capacity variable container has a discharge path in which an upstream end communicates with the inside of the variable capacity container, and a downstream end communicates with the discharge means,
The upstream end constitutes an outlet for allowing the fluid contained in the variable capacity container to flow out to the outside,
The discharge means has a discharge port facing the outside for discharging the fluid flowing down from the capacity variable container to the outside,
37. The fluid storage / distribution device according to claim 33, wherein a height position of the discharge port is set to be equal to or less than a height position of the outflow port. The capacity variable container has a discharge path in which an upstream end communicates with the inside of the variable capacity container, and a downstream end communicates with the discharge means,
The upstream end constitutes an outlet for allowing the fluid contained in the variable capacity container to flow out to the outside,
The discharge means has a discharge port facing the outside for discharging the fluid flowing down from the capacity variable container to the outside,
37. The fluid storage / distribution device according to claim 33, wherein a height position of the discharge port is set to be equal to or higher than a height position of the outlet.   A pump is disposed at an intermediate portion between the connecting means and the variable capacity container, and the pump transfers the fluid flowing from the outside connected through the connecting means to the variable capacity container. The fluid containing and distributing device according to any one of claims 1 to 38.   40. The fluid storage / distribution device according to claim 39, wherein the variable volume container is a primary variable volume container. The capacity variable container has a drain path,
The drain path is capable of allowing the fluid to flow inside, one end is disposed in the vicinity of the inner bottom of the variable capacity container, the other end is disposed facing the outside, and is openably closed. The fluid accommodation / distribution device according to any one of claims 1 to 40.

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