JP2017109776A - Beverage server - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a beverage server capable of suppressing invasion of microorganisms into a beverage container to be a supply source of beverage.SOLUTION: In a beverage server which introduces to a heating tank 5, beverage taken out from a discharge port 7b of a water pack 7 as an example of a beverage container 7 to be a supply source of beverage, as microorganism inhibiting means 12 suppressing or inhibiting transmission of microorganisms to a water pack 7 side from a heating tank 5 side, an opening region 11 in which a pipe conduit contacting beverage and introducing the beverage does not exist to let the beverage freely fall is provided on a path where the beverage flows from the discharge port 7b of the water pack 7 to the heating tank 5.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

  The present invention relates to a beverage server capable of dispensing a warmed beverage.

  There is known a beverage server that can heat and pour a beverage such as mineral water supplied from a beverage container by a heating means (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2006-27661 A

  In a conventional beverage server, a beverage container filled with a beverage in an aseptic or hygienic environment that complies with laws and regulations, such as a soft resin film bag or a bag-in-box type container, or a hard resin gallon Various containers such as bottles and plastic bottles may be used as a beverage supply source. Such beverage containers are assured of sanitary quality that sufficiently satisfies standards such as laws and regulations. However, in the conventional beverage server, the beverage container and the heating means are physically connected by a pipe line. The inside of the pipe line is a closed area where both ends are not opened, and there is a possibility that drinking water remains in the pipe line for a relatively long period. If the beverage remains, there is a risk that microorganisms brought from the external environment or the like will propagate in the beverage. Even if microorganisms propagate, if the beverage is heated with a heating means or sterilized with a sterilization lamp, etc., the microorganisms are sterilized and the sanitary quality of drinking water is sufficient to comply with laws and regulations. It is kept in the range to satisfy. However, with sterilization, there is a possibility that inconveniences such as adverse effects on sensory elements such as the flavor and flavor of the beverage and a deterioration of the user's impression may occur. Since a considerable amount of drinking water is stored in the beverage container, it is desirable to eliminate as much as possible the possibility of microorganisms entering the beverage container from the viewpoint of avoiding the above-mentioned disadvantages.

  Then, an object of this invention is to provide the drink server which can suppress the penetration | invasion of the microorganisms into the drink container which should become a supply source of a drink.

  The beverage server (1A; 1B; 1C; 1D; 1E; 1F; 1G; 1H; 1J; 1) according to the present invention is a discharge port (7b) of a beverage container (7; 7B) to be a beverage supply source. Heating means (5; 50; 140) for heating the beverage taken out from the microorganism, and microorganism suppression means (11; 40a) for suppressing or preventing the transmission of microorganisms from the heating means side to the beverage container side 43; 51; 60; 70; 82).

  According to the beverage server of the present invention, it is possible to suppress the invasion of microorganisms into the beverage container by suppressing or preventing the transmission of microorganisms from the heating means side to the beverage container side. Thereby, the sterility of the beverage in the beverage container can be ensured, and the possibility of various inconveniences such as a decrease in the flavor and flavor of the beverage or a deterioration of the user's impression can be reduced.

  In one embodiment of the present invention, the microorganism suppression means is disposed from the discharge port portion via an open region (11; 40a; 43; 51; 60) in which there is no conduit that contacts the beverage and guides the beverage. It is good also as what suppresses or prevents the transmission of the microorganisms from the said heating means side to the said drink container side by providing the structure which a drink flows into the said heating means. According to this form, the discharge port portion of the beverage container and the heating means are physically separated by the open area. That is, the discharge port portion of the beverage container and the heating means are not connected by a pipeline. Therefore, the transmission of microorganisms from the heating means side to the beverage container side can be prevented in the open region, thereby reliably preventing the microorganisms from entering the beverage container.

  In the above embodiment, the heating means includes a function of storing the beverage and heating the beverage, and having an openable and closable beverage outlet part (23) for taking out the warmed beverage. A temperature tank (5) may be provided, and the open area (11; 40a; 43; 60) may be provided between the discharge port of the beverage container and the heating tank. According to this embodiment, since the discharge port portion of the beverage container and the heating tank are physically separated, the transmission of microorganisms from the heating tank side to the beverage container side is prevented in the open region, thereby Invasion of microorganisms into the beverage container can be reliably suppressed.

  In said form, the heating apparatus (50) provided with the function which has the heating space (50a) through which the said drink passes, and heats the drink which passes through the said heating space as said heating means is provided. The open area (51) may be provided between the discharge port portion of the beverage container and the heating device. According to this aspect, since the discharge port portion of the beverage container and the heating device are physically separated, the transmission of microorganisms from the heating device side to the beverage container side is prevented in the open region, thereby the beverage container Invasion of microorganisms into the can be reliably suppressed.

  Said form WHEREIN: The said heating space of the said heating apparatus may be formed in the magnitude | size which does not contact the drink which passes the said heating space. According to this, since the beverage does not come into contact with the inner wall surface of the heating space of the heating device, it is possible to reduce or eliminate the possibility that the beverage will remain on the inner wall surface of the heating device and the microorganisms will propagate. Thereby, for example, it is possible to suppress or prevent microbial contamination in the beverage passing through the heating device.

  Said form WHEREIN: The direction in which the said beverage flows out from the said discharge outlet part of the said drink container is set to the perpendicular direction downward, and the said open area | region (11; 40a; 43; 51; 60) makes the said drink fall freely. It may be provided as follows. According to this embodiment, since the beverage freely falls in the open region, there is no possibility that the microorganisms will propagate at the discharge port portion and the heating means of the beverage container, and the invasion of the microorganisms into the beverage container is surely suppressed. Can do.

  In said form, you may further provide the cover means (9; 40) which covers at least one part of the said open area | region so that it may not contact with the drink which passes through the said open area | region. According to this aspect, by providing the cover means, it is possible to suppress the intrusion of dust into the open area and reduce the possibility that microorganisms will propagate in the open area.

  The said form WHEREIN: You may further provide the propagation suppression means (12) which suppresses the proliferation of the said microorganisms in the said open area | region (11; 40a; 43; 51; 60), or disinfects the said microorganisms. According to this embodiment, the possibility that microorganisms will propagate in the open region can be more reliably reduced by the action of the breeding suppression means.

  In the above-described embodiment, the heating means moves to a position where the beverage flows to receive the beverage (position shown in FIGS. 2, 4 and 5 as an example) and a position retracted from the route (as shown in FIG. For example, when the heating means is in the advanced position, the discharge port portion of the beverage container and the heating means are provided. When the open area (11; 40a) is in between and the heating means is in the retracted position, a further open area (14) following the open area should be placed with a drinking container for receiving the beverage The region (4) may be provided. According to this embodiment, the beverage from the beverage container can be guided to the heating means by advancing the heating means on the path through which the beverage flows. When the heating means is retracted from the path through which the beverage flows, the beverage from the beverage container passes through the further open area without passing through the heating means. Therefore, not only the beverage that has been heated by the heating means, but also a common beverage container is used to dispense a beverage that has not been heated while eliminating the possibility of contamination by microorganisms. It becomes possible to do. And since the path | route of the drink which does not go through a heating means contains an open area | region and the further open area | region, when extracting the beverage which is not heated, there is no possibility that microorganisms may be transmitted to a drink container. Therefore, the sterility of the beverage in the beverage container can be more reliably ensured.

  In said form, the state which the drink which flowed out from the said discharge outlet part of the said drink container flows around the said heating means (as an example, FIG. 15 (a), FIG. 16 (a)), and the said drink container A flow path switching means (61; for switching the flow path of the beverage between a state where the beverage flowing out from the discharge port is guided to the heating means (for example, FIG. 15 (b), FIG. 16 (b)). 62) may further be provided in the open area (60). According to this aspect, by changing the flow of the beverage by the flow path switching means, the dispensing of the heated beverage and the dispensing of the unheated beverage are selectively used using a common beverage container. be able to. Since it is not necessary to move the heating means, the configuration can be simplified.

  In the above embodiment, the heating means includes a function of storing the beverage and heating the beverage, and having an openable and closable beverage outlet part (23) for taking out the warmed beverage. A temperature tank (5) is provided, and the beverage container is arranged in the heating tank so that the beverage from the discharge port portion flows toward the beverage outlet portion (as an example, FIG. 13), The open area (43) may be provided between the discharge port portion of the beverage container and the heating tank. According to this aspect, the beverage container is disposed in the heating tank, and an open region between the discharge port portion and the heating tank exists in the heating tank, so that from the heating tank side to the beverage container side. The possibility that microorganisms are transmitted can be more reliably suppressed.

  In one embodiment of the present invention, the microorganism suppression means suppresses the growth of the microorganisms or passes through the growth suppression region (11; 70) having an action of sterilizing the microorganisms from the discharge port portion to the warming. It is good also as what suppresses or prevents the transmission of the microorganisms from the said heating means side to the said drink container side by providing the structure with which the said drink flows into a means. According to this form, the path | route which microorganisms can transmit between the discharge outlet part of a drink container and a heating means is interrupted | blocked substantially by a breeding suppression area | region. That is, from the viewpoint of the transmission of microorganisms, it is possible to cause a state in which the outlet of the beverage container and the heating means are not substantially connected. Therefore, the transmission of microorganisms from the heating means side to the beverage container side can be suppressed or prevented, and thereby the invasion of microorganisms into the beverage container can be reliably suppressed.

  In the above embodiment, the discharge port portion and the heating means may be connected by a pipe line (70), and the breeding suppression area may be provided in at least a part of the pipe line. According to this aspect, even if the discharge port portion of the beverage container and the heating means are physically connected by a conduit, from the viewpoint of transmission of microorganisms, the discharge port portion of the beverage container and the heating means During this period, the state is not substantially connected by the breeding suppression area. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the invasion of microorganisms into the beverage container while reliably guiding the beverage in the beverage container to the heating means by the conduit.

  In the above-described form, the inner wall surface of the pipe line is provided with an antibacterial action that suppresses the growth of the microorganisms or sterilizes the microorganisms, or is imparted with super water repellency. The breeding suppression area may be provided. If an antibacterial action is imparted, the propagation of microorganisms in the duct can be suppressed or the microorganisms can be sterilized. If super water repellency is imparted, the risk of maintaining the inner wall surface of the pipeline in a wet state with a beverage can be reduced, thereby preventing the growth of microorganisms.

  In the above embodiment, at least a part of the pipe line may be a replaceable pipe part so that the inside of the pipe part functions as the breeding suppression region. According to this aspect, by appropriately replacing the piping parts, it is possible to prevent the continuous growth of microorganisms in the pipe line, thereby restricting the growth of microorganisms in the pipe line to a certain limit.

  In one aspect of the present invention, the microorganism suppression unit includes a backflow prevention unit (72) that prevents backflow of the beverage from the warming unit side to the beverage container side at the discharge port portion of the beverage container. Thereby, it is good also as what suppresses or prevents the transmission of microorganisms from the heating means side to the beverage container side. According to this aspect, the backflow prevention unit prevents the backflow of the beverage into the beverage container, thereby preventing microorganisms from entering the beverage container.

  In one form of the present invention, the beverage server (1J) includes a heating tank (5) as the heating unit having a larger capacity than the beverage container, and an opening / closing unit (83; 121) for opening and closing the discharge port. And a control means (82) for controlling the opening / closing operation by the opening / closing means, and when the beverage container is mounted, the entire amount of the beverage in the beverage container is supplied to the heating tank. Thus, the control means may function as the microorganism suppression means by controlling the opening / closing means with the control means. According to this aspect, when the beverage container is attached, the entire amount of the beverage in the beverage container is transferred to the heating tank, and the beverage container becomes empty. Thereafter, it is not necessary to open the beverage container or the beverage container itself can be removed. Therefore, the possibility that microorganisms may enter the beverage in the beverage container can be eliminated.

  In addition, in the above description, in order to make an understanding of this invention easy, the reference sign of the accompanying drawing was attached in parenthesis, but this invention is not limited to the form of illustration by it.

The figure which shows the whole structure of the drink server which concerns on the 1st form of this invention. The figure which expands and shows the principal part of the drink server which concerns on a 1st form. The figure which expands and shows the drive mechanism part of the drink server which concerns on a 1st form. The figure which shows the state which advanced the warm water pack rather than the position of FIG. The figure which shows the state which advanced the cap of the hot water pack from the position of FIG. The figure which shows a mode that cold water is poured out. The figure which shows the first procedure in the case of pouring hot water. The figure which shows the procedure following FIG. The figure which shows the procedure following FIG. The figure which shows the procedure following FIG. The figure which shows the procedure following FIG. The figure which shows schematic structure of the drink server which concerns on a 2nd form. The figure which shows schematic structure of the drink server which concerns on a 3rd form. The figure which shows schematic structure of the drink server which concerns on a 4th form. The figure which shows schematic structure of the drink server which concerns on a 5th form. The figure which shows schematic structure of the drink server which concerns on a 6th form. The figure which shows schematic structure of the drink server which concerns on a 7th form. The figure which shows schematic structure of the drink server which concerns on an 8th form. The figure which shows schematic structure of the drink server which concerns on a 9th form. The figure which shows the schematic external appearance structure of a drink server. The figure which shows an example of the water pack storage warehouse applicable to a drink server. The figure which shows an example of the cock opening / closing mechanism applicable to a drink server. The figure which shows an example of the structure for heating the drinking water in a heating tank. The figure which shows the other example of the structure for heating drinking water. The figure which shows an example of a structure of the opening part in the entrance side of a heating tank. The figure which shows an example of a reserve pack storage. The figure which shows an example of the emergency power supply part.

(First form)
Hereinafter, a beverage server according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the present specification, the microorganism means various minute organisms that cause contamination of beverages such as eubacteria, archaea, algae, protists, fungi, slime molds, sterilization, antibacterial, etc. The term is used to include various treatments that inhibit the growth of microorganisms or kill microorganisms.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the beverage server 1 </ b> A includes a main body 2 having a frame structure, a water pack mounting portion 3 provided on the upper surface side of the main body 2, and a front side of the main body 2 (arrow F side in FIG. 1). A cup tray portion 4 provided substantially at the center, a heating tank 5 as an example of heating means disposed below the water pack mounting portion 3, and a heating tank 5 to switch between pouring of cold water or hot water And a drive mechanism 6 for driving the like. Note that the heating tank 5 can be moved in the front-rear direction of the beverage server 1A in order to switch between cold water and hot water pouring, and FIG. 1 shows a state in which the heating tank 5 is retracted for pouring cold water. ing.

  The main body 2 is formed in a vertically long and generally rectangular parallelepiped cabinet shape. Although the outer surface of the main body 2 is covered with an appropriate decorative panel, their illustration is omitted. The water pack attachment portion 3 is formed in a tray shape that receives a water pack 7 as an example of a beverage container. The water pack 7 is a disposable container made of a soft resin. For example, a film bag formed of a soft plastic film or a bag-in-box type container is used as the water pack 7. The shape of the water pack 7 can be appropriately changed, such as a rectangular parallelepiped shape, a columnar shape, and a self-standing shape having a gusset at the bottom. The beverage container may be a reusable container made of a rigid resin that can maintain a certain shape, such as a gallon bottle or a PET bottle, or may be a rigid container using metal. The water pack 7 is provided to the user of the beverage server 1A in a state in which drinking water such as mineral water as an example of a beverage is filled in the aseptic environment. On the front surface of the water pack 7, there is provided a lever open / close cock 7a for opening and closing the outlet of the drinking water. The cock 7a constitutes a part of the water pack 7 by being fixed to the bag portion of the water pack 7 so as not to be separated. The inside of the cock 7a is also assured of sterility.

  Although not shown in FIG. 1, a cooling plate for cooling the drinking water of the water pack 7 may be disposed on the bottom surface side or the side of the water pack mounting portion 3. That is, in this embodiment, “cold water” is a concept that indicates low-temperature water as compared with hot water that is heated and supplied in the heating tank 5, and is cooled to room temperature drinking water or a temperature lower than normal temperature. Including any drinking water. In the following description, when it is referred to as “cold water”, it may be either room temperature water or water cooled to a temperature lower than room temperature unless otherwise specified. Further, the water pack mounting portion 3 is provided with a tilting mechanism (not shown) that promotes the outflow of drinking water from the cock 7a by tilting the water pack 7 diagonally in the forwardly lowered state so that the cock 7a is at the bottom. May be. Furthermore, the water pack attachment part 3 may be covered with a cover for cold preservation. The cock 7a can be opened and closed by an actuator (not shown).

  The cup tray unit 4 is provided as an area where a drinking container such as a cup that receives drinking water poured out from the beverage server 1A is to be placed. The cup tray portion 4 is opened to the front side of the main body 2 and is partitioned from the inside of the main body 2 by a partition wall 4a. A circular opening 4b through which drinking water passes is provided on the upper surface side of the partition wall 4a. However, the opening 4b may be formed in a shape other than a circle. The opening 4 b is located directly below the drinking water discharge port 7 b in the cock 7 a of the water pack 7. The outflow direction of drinking water from the discharge port portion 7b is set downward in the vertical direction. That is, when the pipe is not connected to the discharge port portion 7b, the drinking water freely falls from the discharge port portion 7b. The inner diameter of the opening 4b is set sufficiently larger than the diameter of the water flow so as not to contact the water flow falling from the cock 7a. Between the cock 7a and the opening 4b, a substrate 8 is provided as a support means when the heating tank 5 and the drive mechanism 6 are attached to the main body 2.

  A protective cover 9 is provided as a cover means between the upper surface of the substrate 8 and the discharge port portion 7b of the cock 7a. As shown in FIG. 2, a through hole 9 a into which the discharge port portion 7 b of the cock 7 a is fitted is provided on the upper surface side of the protective cover 9. The discharge port portion 7b of the cock 7a somewhat enters the inside of the protective cover 9 through the through hole 9a. However, the discharge port portion 7 b of the cock 7 a is not in contact with any wall surface of the protective cover 9. On the other hand, as is apparent from FIG. 3, the substrate 8 is provided with an elongated opening 8a extending in the front-rear direction of the beverage server 1A. The heating tank 5 is attached to the drive mechanism 6 so as to protrude below the substrate 8 through the opening 8a. The heating tank 5 moves in the front-rear direction along the opening 8a. When the heating tank 5 is retracted, the opening 8a opens relatively large just below the discharge port 7b of the cock 7a. The size of the opening portion of the opening 8a at that time is set sufficiently larger than the diameter of the water flow so as not to contact the water flow falling from the cock 7a.

  As shown in FIG. 2, inside the protective cover 9, there is a conduit between the discharge port portion 7 b of the cock 7 a and the substrate 8 that contacts the drinking water from the cock 7 a and guides the drinking water. do not do. That is, the path of drinking water between the cock 7a and the substrate 8 is configured as an upper open area 11 where the drinking water is freely dropped. The protective cover 9 is provided so as to cover the upper open area 11 and has an action of suppressing entry of dust and the like into the upper open area 11. The upper open region 11 is provided over the entire range from the lower end of the discharge port portion 7 b to the substrate 8. Inside the protective cover 9, a sterilization device 12 such as an ultraviolet lamp is provided as a propagation inhibiting means for suppressing the propagation of microorganisms in the upper open region 11 or sterilizing the microorganisms. Due to the sterilizer 12, the upper open area 11 also functions as a breeding inhibition area. In addition, instead of or in addition to the installation of the sterilizer 12, an action of suppressing or sterilizing the growth of microorganisms on the inner wall surface of the protective cover 9 (hereinafter, the action may be referred to as an antibacterial action). The upper open area 11 may be made to function as a breeding inhibition area by applying a process for imparting super water repellency.

  As shown in FIG. 1, there is no pipe line between the substrate 8 and the cup tray portion 4, and a lower open area 14 is provided as a further open area for allowing the drinking water to fall freely. The lower open region 14 extends from the lower surface of the substrate 8 to the opening 4b. Therefore, in the state where the heating tank 5 is retracted (the state shown in FIGS. 1 and 3), the drinking water discharged from the cock 7a of the water pack 7 passes through the upper open area 11 and the lower open area 14 in order, and the cup tray portion. It falls freely to a cup (not shown) placed on 4. Therefore, the drinking water that causes microorganisms to propagate does not remain in the path of drinking water when cold water is poured from the cock 7a into the cup. Therefore, the sterility-guaranteed drinking water filled in the water pack 7 is poured into the cup. In addition, since microorganisms do not propagate between the cock 7a and the cup, there is no possibility that microorganisms may enter the water pack 7 in connection with the cooling water pouring.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the heating tank 5 is connected to the tank main body 20 so as to close the bottomed cylindrical container-shaped tank main body 20 having an open upper end and the upper end opening of the tank main body 20. The upper cover 21 is provided. However, the shape of the tank body 20 may be a shape other than a cylindrical shape, for example, a rectangular tube shape. The heating tank 5 can heat the drinking water stored in the tank body 20 by a heater (not shown) provided on the wall surface or the like. 2 shows a state where the warming tank 5 has moved most forward in the movable range, that is, the front of the beverage server 1A, and FIG. 3 shows that the warming tank 5 has moved to the backward end in the movable range. Indicates the state. The forward end corresponds to the position where the warming tank 5 has advanced on the drinking water path falling from the discharge port portion 7b, and the backward end is retracted from the drinking water path where the heating tank 5 falls from the discharge port portion 7b. Corresponds to position.

  The upper cover 21 is provided with an opening 21 a for taking drinking water into the tank body 20. An opening (not shown) for hot water supply for taking out hot water from the heating tank 5 is provided at the lower part of the tank body 20. At the time of pouring hot water, the heating tank 5 moves to the forward end and enters the lower open area 14. In this case, the opening 21 a is located immediately below the discharge port 7 b of the cock 7 a, and the lower opening of the tank body 20 is located directly above the opening 4 b of the cup tray 4. When the heating tank 5 moves to the forward end and the opening 21a is positioned directly below the discharge port 7b of the cock 7a, the opening of the heating tank 5 from the discharge port 7b via the upper open region 11 A drinking water path between the discharge port 7b and the heating tank 5 is configured so that the drinking water flows to 21a. The microorganism suppression means in the beverage server 1A is provided with a path having such a configuration, thereby suppressing or preventing transmission of microorganisms from the heating tank 5 side to the water pack 7 side. That is, in the beverage server 1A, the microorganism control unit is realized by configuring the route of the drinking water so that the drinking water flows from the discharge port portion 7b to the heating tank 5 via the upper open region 11. . In other words, in the beverage server 1A, the positional relationship between the discharge port portion 7b, the open region 11 and the heating tank 5 is set so that the drinking water flows from the discharge port portion 7b to the heating tank 5 via the open region 11. In addition, a microorganism suppressing means is realized by their arrangement. The heating tank 5 is further provided with a cap 22 that opens and closes the opening 21a. On the other hand, the opening of the lower part of the tank body 20 can be opened and closed by, for example, an electromagnetic opening / closing valve 23 attached to the tank body 20. The electromagnetic open / close valve 23 functions as a beverage outlet portion of the heating tank 5.

  As shown in detail in FIGS. 3 to 5, the drive mechanism 6 includes a tank drive unit 25 and a cap drive unit 26. 4 shows a state in which the heating tank 5 is advanced with respect to FIG. 3, and FIG. 5 shows a state in which the cap 22 is advanced with respect to FIG. The tank drive unit 25 is disposed between the substrate 8 and both left and right end portions of the upper cover 21, and is connected to the substrate 8 in a state in which the upper cover 21 is movable in the front-rear direction. A rack and pinion mechanism 28 that is disposed behind the cover 21 and drives the upper cover 21 in the front-rear direction, and an electric motor 29 that drives the rack and pinion mechanism 28 are provided. The rack and pinion mechanism 28 converts the rotational motion of a pinion (not shown) driven by the electric motor 29 into the linear motion of a rack 28a that meshes with the pinion. The rack 28 a extends in the front-rear direction, and the front end portion thereof is connected to the upper cover 21. Therefore, when the electric motor 29 is started, the rack 28a moves in the front-rear direction, and thereby the upper cover 21 is driven in the front-rear direction. The tank body 20 is connected to the lower surface side of the upper cover 21 and is suspended below the substrate 8 through the opening 8a. Therefore, when the upper cover 21 moves back and forth, the entire heating tank 5 including the cap 22 moves back and forth.

  The cap drive unit 26 is attached to the upper surface of the upper cover 21 and a pair of linear guide units 31 provided so as to sandwich the cap 22, and a slider supported by the linear guide units 31 so as to be movable in the front-rear direction. 32, a rack and pinion mechanism 33 that drives the slider 32 in the front-rear direction, and an electric motor 34 that drives the rack and pinion mechanism 33. The rack and pinion mechanism 33 converts the rotational motion of a pinion (not shown) driven by the electric motor 34 into the linear motion of a rack 33a that meshes with the pinion. The rack 33 a extends in the front-rear direction, and its front end is connected to the slider 32. Therefore, when the electric motor 34 is activated, the rack 33a moves in the front-rear direction, whereby the slider 32 moves in the front-rear direction with the cap 22 to open and close the opening 21a of the upper cover 21. The cap drive unit 26 is also provided with an interlocking mechanism that displaces the cap 22 upward in conjunction with the operation of retracting the cap 22 from the position where the opening 21a is closed. For example, the cam grooves formed in the left and right bases 31 a of the linear guide unit 31 and the cam followers provided on both sides of the cap 22 are fitted together, and the cam 22 is displaced upward as the cap 22 moves backward. An interlocking mechanism is configured by setting the groove profile. Since the entire cap drive unit 26 is disposed on the upper cover 21, when the upper cover 21 is driven in the front-rear direction by the tank drive unit 25, the entire cap drive unit 26 moves back and forth.

  A gap 35 is provided between the linear guide units 31 so as not to obstruct the flow of drinking water falling from the outlet 7b of the cock 7a toward the opening 21a of the upper cover 21. Yes. The size of the gap portion 35 is set to be sufficiently large so as not to come into contact with the water flow of the drinking water falling from the discharge port portion 7b. The drive mechanism 6 is not limited to the example in which the upper cover 21 and the cap 22 are moved using the rack and pinion mechanisms 28 and 33, but uses various mechanisms that generate linear motion such as a feed screw mechanism and a linear motion type air cylinder. It's okay. The operation of the upper cover 21 and the cap 22 is not limited to linear motion, and may be rotational.

  Next, with reference to FIGS. 6-11, the procedure which pours out each of cold water and warm water in the drink server 1A is demonstrated. In addition, in FIGS. 6-11, only the typical component of the drink server 1A is simplified and shown. In these drawings, it is assumed that the cooling plate 16 and the heat insulating material 17 are disposed on the lower surface side of the water pack 7, and that the water pack 7 is tilted in a forwardly lowered state so that the cock 7a is lowered.

  FIG. 6 shows a state at the time of pouring cold water. In this case, the warming tank 5 stands by at the retracted end, and the opening 21 a of the warming tank 5 is closed by the cap 22. When the cock 7a is opened in this state, cold water taken out from the discharge port portion 7b of the cock 7a is poured into the cup of the cup tray portion 4 via the upper open region 11 and the lower open region 14 in order. In this case, as already described, there is no pipe line from the discharge port portion 7b of the cock 7a to the cup of the cup tray portion 4, and the discharge port portion 7b of the cock 7a and the cup tray portion 4 are not connected. Since there is no physical connection between them, cold water in which sterility is ensured in the water pack 7 is poured out. Further, since there is no possibility that the microorganisms will propagate on the path through which the cold water flows, there is no possibility that the microorganisms will enter the water pack 7. In order to further ensure the sterility of the upper open area 11 in the protective cover 9, it is desirable to operate the sterilizer 12 during the pouring of cold water.

  On the other hand, when pouring hot water, first, the warming tank 5 moves to the forward end as shown by an arrow A in FIG. At this time, the cock 7 a is closed, and the opening 21 a of the heating tank 5 is closed with a cap 22. At this stage, an appropriate amount of drinking water is already stored in the heating tank 5, and the drinking water is heated to an appropriate temperature. Next, as shown in FIG. 8, the electromagnetic opening / closing valve 23 of the heating tank 5 is opened, and the hot water in the heating tank 5 is poured out from the hot water supply port into the cup placed on the cup tray portion 4. When the dispensing is finished, the electromagnetic on-off valve 23 is closed. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 9, the cap 22 is retracted and the opening 21a is opened. Further, as shown in FIG. 10, the cock 7 a is opened, and an appropriate amount of drinking water in the water pack 7 is supplied into the heating tank 5. Between the discharge port portion 7b of the cock 7a and the heating tank 5, there is an upper open region 11 where no pipe exists, and the discharge port portion 7b of the cock 7a and the heating tank 5 are not physically connected. Therefore, the drinking water freely falls from the discharge port portion 7b of the cock 7a to the heating tank 5. Accordingly, there is no region where water remains between the discharge port 7b of the cock 7a and the heating tank 5. Therefore, the propagation of microorganisms between the discharge port 7b of the cock 7a and the heating tank 5 is prevented, and the microorganisms are transmitted from the heating tank 5 side to the water pack 7 side so that the microorganisms enter the water pack 7. There is no fear. Therefore, sterility within the water pack 7 is ensured.

  After supplying water to the warming tank 5, the opening 21a of the warming tank 5 is closed with a cap 22 as shown in FIG. 11, and then the warming tank 5 is moved to the retracted end as shown by the arrow B in FIG. Let Even when hot water is poured out, in order to further ensure the sterility of the upper open region 11 in the protective cover 9, at least from the start of the procedure of FIG. 7 until the cap 22 is closed in FIG. Preferably operates the sterilizer 12.

  This invention is not limited to the form mentioned above, It can implement in various forms. Hereinafter, other embodiments will be sequentially described with reference to FIGS. In addition, FIGS. 12-19 shows the drink server simply like FIG. 6-11. In each figure, the same components as those in the beverage server 1A according to the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted. Hereinafter, differences will be mainly described. Moreover, in FIGS. 12-18, the mode at the time of cold-water extraction is shown by (a), the mode at the time of hot-water extraction is shown by (b), and the flow of drinking water is shown by the dashed-dotted line. These drawings also show a state where the cup CP is placed on the cup tray portion 4.

(Second form)
FIG. 12 shows a beverage server 1B according to the second embodiment. In this beverage server 1B, the protective cover 40 is attached above the opening 21a of the heating tank 5. The protective cover 40 moves back and forth integrally with the heating tank 5. The protective cover 9 of the first embodiment is provided so as to cover the upper open region 11 from the front side, whereas the protective cover 40 of FIG. 12 is a space above the slider 32 of the cap drive unit 26, for example. May be formed in a cylindrical shape (for example, a cylindrical shape or a rectangular tube shape) surrounding the entire circumference. The upper and lower ends of the protective cover 40 are opened sufficiently larger than the diameter of the water flow so as not to contact the water flow falling from the cock 7a, and the horizontal cross section of the protective cover 40 is sufficiently larger than the diameter of the water flow. It is set large. That is, even if the protective cover 40 is formed in a cylindrical shape, it does not come into contact with the water flow of drinking water and does not function as a conduit for guiding drinking water.

  According to this embodiment, the cold water is dispensed in the same manner as in the first embodiment (FIG. 12A). On the other hand, at the time of hot water pouring, the heating tank 5 moves to the forward end (FIG. 12 (b)). At this time, the internal space 40a of the protective cover 40 does not function as a pipe line that physically connects the cock 7a and the heating tank 5, and a portion of the upper open region 11 in which drinking water freely falls between them. Acts substantially as a part. Thereby, the internal space 40a also functions as an element constituting the microorganism suppression means. The protective cover 40 also functions as a cover means. The sterilizer 12 shown in FIG. 2 may be disposed inside the protective cover 40, and in that case, the internal space 40a also functions as a breeding inhibition region. The inner wall surface of the protective cover 40 may be subjected to treatment for imparting antibacterial action and super water repellency. The discharge port portion 7b of the cock 7a may be separated from the upper end of the protective cover 40, or may enter the protective cover 40 somewhat. When the discharge port portion 7 b is inserted into the protective cover 40, a slit through which the discharge port portion 7 b passes as the heating tank 5 moves back and forth may be provided at the upper end of the protective cover 40.

(Third form)
FIG. 13 shows a beverage server 1C according to the third embodiment. In this beverage server 1C, the water pack mounting part 3 is arranged inside the heating tank 5, and the tank is opened without a pipe line between the discharge port part 7b of the cock 7a and the bottom part of the heating tank 5. A region 43 is provided. Drinking water from the cock 7a falls freely to the bottom of the heating tank 5 through the in-tank open area 43. Further, the heating tank 5 can be adjusted in inclination so that the height before and after the heating tank 5 changes. At the time of pouring cold water, the inclination of the heating tank 5 is adjusted so that the rear side of the bottom of the heating tank 5 is lowered (FIG. 13A). When the cock 7a and the electromagnetic opening / closing valve 23 are opened in this state, drinking water falls from the discharge port portion 7b toward the electromagnetic opening / closing valve 23 in the open area 43 in the tank, and the drinking water further flows into the electromagnetic opening / closing valve 23 and the tank. It passes through the outer open area 44. Thereby, cold water is poured into the cup CP. On the other hand, at the time of pouring hot water, the inclination of the warming tank 5 is adjusted so that the front end side of the bottom of the warming tank 5 is lowered (FIG. 13 (b)). When the electromagnetic opening / closing valve 23 is opened in this state, the hot water accumulated in the heating tank 5 is poured into the cup CP through the tank outside open region 44. The drinking water in the water pack 7 can be supplied to the heating tank 5 by opening the cock 7a and closing the electromagnetic opening / closing valve 23. In this embodiment, the in-tank open region 43 functions as an element constituting the microorganism suppressing means. Further, when the drinking water of the water pack 7 is taken out from the cock 7a and stored in the heating tank 5, the heat in the heating tank 5 may be used to sterilize the open area 43 in the tank. In that case, the in-tank open area 43 can also function as a breeding inhibition area.

(4th form)
FIG. 14 shows a beverage server 1D according to the fourth embodiment. In this beverage server 1D, instead of the heating tank 5, a heater 50 is provided directly below the cock 7a. The heater 50 has a hollow cylindrical shape, and a heating space 50a having a circular cross section is provided at the center of the heater 50 over the entire length in the vertical direction. The heater 50 has a heating capability that heats the drinking water that generates heat by energization and passes through the heating space 50a to an appropriate temperature. In addition, the heater 50 is not restricted to the example comprised by the cylindrical shape. For example, the heater 50 may be configured in a rectangular tube shape, or may be configured such that a pair of heating units face each other across the heating space 50a.

  The heater 50 is arranged so that the heating space 50a is coaxial with the flow of drinking water falling from the discharge port 7b of the cock 7a. There is no pipe line between the discharge port 7b of the cock 7a and the heater 50, and an open area 51 in which drinking water freely falls from the discharge port 7b of the cock 7a is provided as an element constituting the microorganism suppression means. ing. That is, the cock 7a and the heating space 50a of the heater 50 are not physically connected. The inner diameter of the heating space 50a is set sufficiently larger than the diameter of the water flow so as not to contact the water flow falling from the cock 7a. The lower end of the heater 50 is adjacent to the opening 4b of the cup tray portion 4, and the drinking water that has passed through the heating space 50a falls from the opening 4b to the cup tray portion 4 and is poured into the cup CP. The heater 50 is fixed at a fixed position below the cock 7a and does not move in the front-rear direction.

  According to the form of FIG. 14, when the cold water is poured out, the energization to the heater 50 is turned off and heat generation is stopped (FIG. 14 (a)). When the cock 7a is opened in this state, drinking water freely falls from the discharge port portion 7b of the cock 7a to the cup tray portion 4 via the open area 51 and the heating space 50a of the heater 50, and cold water is supplied to the cup CP. Be poured out. In this case, the sterility of the cold water is ensured as in the above-described embodiments, and there is no possibility that the microorganisms enter the water pack 7. On the other hand, at the time of pouring hot water, energization to the heater 50 is turned on and the heater 50 generates heat (FIG. 14B). Drinking water from the outlet 7b of the cock 7a falls freely through the open area 51 and is guided to the heating space 50a of the heater 50. Due to the heat generated by the heater 50, the drinking water passing through the heating space 50a is heated, whereby hot water is poured into the cup CP. Also in this case, since the discharge port portion 7b of the cock 7a and the heater 50 are not physically connected by a pipe line, there is no possibility that microorganisms may enter the water pack 7. In the above embodiment, the heater 50 is fixed at a fixed position, but the heater 50 may be movable in the same manner as the heating tank 5. In that case, you may make the heating space 50a of the heater 50 function substantially as a pipe line. The open area 51 may be provided with the protective cover 9 and the sterilizer 12 of the first form. In that case, it is possible to make the open area 51 function as a breeding inhibition area.

(5th form)
FIG. 15 shows a beverage server 1E according to the fifth embodiment. The beverage server 1E is different from the cold water pouring position and the hot water pouring position in the cup tray section 4, and the beverage servers 1A to 1D are different in that the place where the cup CP is placed differs depending on whether cold water or hot water is poured. Is different. The heating tank 5 is provided in a state in which it cannot move in the main body 2. There is no pipe line between the outlet 7b of the cock 7a and the cup tray part 4, and the drinking water is free over the entire range between the outlet 7b and the cup tray 4 of the cock 7a. It is configured as an open area 60 that falls. This open area 60 functions as an element constituting the microorganism suppression means. Further, in the open area 60, a water distributor 61 is provided as a flow path switching means.

  The water distributor 61 has a guide member 61b that can rotate around a support shaft 61a. At the time of cold water pouring, the guide member 61b is driven so as to retract from the path of drinking water falling from the discharge port portion 7b of the cock 7a (FIG. 15 (a)). At the time of hot water pouring, the guide member 61b is driven so as to protrude directly below the discharge port portion 7b of the cock 7a (FIG. 15B). Thereby, the drinking water falling from the discharge port portion 7b of the cock 7a is guided to the opening portion 21a of the heating tank 5 while being guided by the guide member 61a. In this form, the tank drive part 25 (FIGS. 3-5) for moving the heating tank 5 which increases in weight back and forth can be omitted. The discharge port portion 7b of the cock 7a and the cup tray portion 4 are physically separated when the cold water is poured out, and the discharge port portion 7b of the cock 7a and the heating tank 5 are physically separated when the hot water is poured out. Therefore, it is possible to eliminate the possibility of microorganisms entering the water pack 7 as in the above embodiments. In addition, since the water distributor 61 is physically separated from the discharge port portion 7b of the cock 7a, even if some drinking water remains on the water distributor 61, there is no possibility that microorganisms may enter the water pack 7. . However, in order to reduce the microorganisms in the drinking water guided to the heating tank 5 to the maximum, the surface of the water distributor 61 may be given an antibacterial action or may be subjected to a process of imparting super water repellency. The open area 60 may be provided with the protective cover 9 and the sterilizer 12 of the first form. In that case, it is possible to make the open area 60 function as a breeding inhibition area.

(Sixth form)
FIG. 16 shows a beverage server 1F according to the sixth embodiment. In this beverage server 1F, in place of the water distributor 61 in the fifth embodiment, a flow path switching device 62 is provided in the open area 60 as a flow path switching means. The flow path switching device 62 deflects the water flow falling from the cock 7a toward the heating tank 5 by an air flow created by the fan 62a, for example. When the fan 62a is stopped, the drinking water falls straight from the cock 7a to the cup CP. According to this form, the flow path switching device 62 can be arranged so as not to contact the water flow of drinking water both when cold water is poured and when hot water is poured. Therefore, mixing of microorganisms into the drinking water dropped from the cock 7a can be more reliably prevented. The flow path switching device 62 is not limited to the example of changing the flow path of the water flow by the air flow. For example, if the beverage contains a component that is repelled or attracted to electromagnetic force, the flow path switching device may be configured to change the flow path by electromagnetic action. In the fifth and sixth embodiments, the flow path switching means switches the flow path by causing a physical action on the drinking water flow, but the flow path switching means is not limited to this. . For example, when the water pack 7 is a flexible container, the flow direction of the drinking water from the cock 7a can be changed by pressurizing a part of the water pack 7. Using such an action, the flow path of drinking water may be switched between cold water extraction and hot water extraction.

(7th form)
FIG. 17 shows a beverage server 1G according to the seventh embodiment. This beverage server 1G is different from the beverage servers 1A to 1F described above in that the discharge port portion 7b of the cock 7a, the cup tray portion 4 and the heating tank 5 are physically connected by a pipe 70. The heating tank 5 is disposed at a fixed position, and the place where the cup CP is placed in the cup tray portion 4 is different between when cold water is poured and when hot water is poured, as in the fifth and sixth embodiments.

  In the beverage server 1G, a switching valve 71 such as a three-way valve that switches the flow path of drinking water between cold water pouring and hot water pouring is provided in the middle of the pipe 70. The pipe 70 includes a first pipe section 70 a that connects the discharge port section 7 b of the cock 7 a and the switching valve 71, a second pipe section 70 b that extends from the switching valve 71 to the cup tray section 4, and a switching valve 71. And a third conduit portion 70c connecting the heating tank 5 to the heating tank 5. At the time of cold water pouring, the first conduit portion 70a and the second conduit portion 70b are connected by the switching valve 71, and the first conduit portion 70a and the third conduit portion 70c are blocked. At the time of hot water pouring, the first conduit portion 70a and the third conduit portion 70c are connected by the switching valve 71, and the first conduit portion 70a and the second conduit portion 70b are blocked. Each of the first to third pipe sections 70a, 70b, 70c is formed such that at least the inner wall surface has an antibacterial action. For example, the entire pipe 70 is made of a material having an antibacterial action, or the inner wall surface of the pipe 70 is covered with a coating having an antibacterial action, so that at least the inner wall face of each of the first pipe sections 70a to 70c. Can be given antibacterial action.

  According to this embodiment, since the inner wall surface of the pipe 70 has an antibacterial action, the propagation of microorganisms in the pipe 70 is suppressed or the microorganisms are sterilized. Therefore, intrusion of microorganisms from the pipe 70 to the water pack 7 can be suppressed in both cases of cold water pouring and hot water pouring. In particular, on the path of drinking water from the discharge port 7b of the cock 7a to the heating tank 5 via the first conduit 70a, the switching valve 70b and the third conduit 70c, the first conduit 70a Since the propagation of microorganisms is suppressed or sterilized in each of the third pipe sections 70c, even if drinking water remains on the path from the water pack 7 to the heating tank 5, Microbial invasion is suppressed. Therefore, the 1st pipe line part 70a and the 3rd pipe line part 70c function as a breeding suppression area | region. Further, the discharge port 7b and the heating port 5 are heated so that drinking water flows from the discharge port 7b of the water pack 7 to the heating tank 5 via the first conduit 70a, the switching valve 70b and the third conduit 70c. Microorganism deterring means is realized by configuring the path of drinking water to and from the warm tank 5. However, if the breeding inhibition region is present on any of the paths through which drinking water flows from the water pack 7 to the heating tank 5, it is possible to exert the invasion inhibiting effect of microorganisms. For example, at least a partial area of the first duct portion 70a may be provided as a breeding suppression area having an antibacterial action. Even when a breeding suppression region is provided in at least a part of the third conduit portion 70c, it is possible to suppress the propagation of microorganisms that have propagated downstream from that region to the water pack 7 side.

  In addition, the piping 70 may be provided as a disposable piping component which should be replaced | exchanged by the continuous use for a fixed period, for example. For example, within the time length assumed as a period of using up the drinking water of one water pack 7, the degree of propagation of microorganisms in the pipe 70 is within an allowable range from the viewpoint of invasion of microorganisms into the water pack 7. In some cases, the water pack 7 and the pipe 70 may be bundled and provided, and the pipe 70 may be replaced when the water pack 7 is replaced. An operation may be provided in which only a part of the pipeline section, for example, the first pipeline section 70a is provided as a replacement part from the viewpoint of suppressing or preventing the transmission of microorganisms from the heating tank 5 side to the water pack 7 side. . Of course, it is not always necessary to make the replacement time coincide with the period when the single water pack 7 is used up.

  Also, in the above, the anti-bacterial action is provided on the inner wall surface of the pipe 70 to provide a breeding inhibition region. However, there is no possibility that the drinking water remains, for example, by filling the pipe 70 with drinking water. Is maintained in a wet state for a considerable period of time, there is a risk that microorganisms will propagate, so that a breeding inhibition region may be provided by applying a process that imparts super water repellency to the inner wall surface. Alternatively, a breeding inhibition region may be generated by providing a device for heating or cooling a part of the pipe 70 in a temperature region where it is difficult for microorganisms to survive.

(8th form)
FIG. 18 shows a beverage server 1H according to the eighth embodiment. The beverage server 1H has the same basic configuration as the seventh embodiment, but a check valve 72 is provided as a backflow prevention unit between the first conduit unit 70 and the discharge port 7b of the cock 7a. It is different in point. According to this, since the check valve 72 prevents the flow from the first pipe portion 70a toward the water pack 7, the invasion of microorganisms into the water pack 7 is also prevented. That is, in the drink server 1H, the microorganisms suppression means is realized by providing the discharge port portion 7b with the check valve 72. In this case, processing such as the above-described antibacterial action or super-water-repellent treatment on the pipe 70 is not necessarily required. Moreover, it is not always necessary to set at least a part of the pipe 70 as a disposable pipe part.

(9th form)
FIG. 19 shows a beverage server 1J according to the ninth mode. This beverage server 1J is different from the above-described embodiments in that a cold water pouring water pack 7A and a hot water pouring water pack 7B are separately provided. Between the cock 7a of the water pack 7A and the cup tray part 4, it is comprised as the open area | region 80 for cold water which makes drinking water fall freely. On the other hand, the area from the outlet 7b of the cock 7a in the water pack 7B to the opening 21a of the heating tank 5 is configured as an open area 81 for warm water in which drinking water is freely dropped. The heating tank 5 is set to be larger than the capacity of the single water pack 7 (filling amount of drinking water in a full water state). When the water pack 7B is attached, the controller 82 of the beverage server 1J activates the actuator 83 that drives the cock 7a of the water pack 7B to open the cock 7a, and the total amount of drinking water in the water pack 7B. Is kept open until water is supplied to the heating tank 5. Thereby, the water pack 7B becomes empty. Thereafter, it is not necessary to open the cock 7a for the purpose of taking out the drinking water, and it is possible to remove the water pack 7B itself. Therefore, during operation of the beverage server 1J, there is no possibility that microorganisms are transmitted from the heating tank 5 side to the water pack 7B side and the microorganisms enter the water pack 7B. In this embodiment, the actuator 83 corresponds to the opening / closing means, and the controller 82 corresponds to the control means for controlling the opening / closing operation of the opening / closing means. Furthermore, the controller 82 functions as a microorganism suppression means by controlling the actuator 83 as described above in response to the mounting of the water pack 7B. When the beverage server is configured such that the user manually opens and closes the cock 7a, and the opening and closing means such as the actuator 83 that opens and closes the cock 7a is omitted, the water pack 7B is attached when the water pack 7B is mounted. The user may operate the cock 7a so that the entire amount of drinking water is transferred to the heating tank 5.

  In the first to eighth embodiments, the water pack 7 is used in combination as a beverage supply source at the time of cold water extraction and at the time of hot water extraction. For example, the heating tank 5 is moved backward in the configuration of FIG. The beverage container may be distinguished for cold water pouring and hot water pouring in each form, such as fixing to the end and disposing a water pack 7B dedicated to hot water above the end. On the other hand, the present invention is not limited to a beverage server that can selectively dispense cold water and hot water, and may be configured as a beverage server that can only dispense warmed beverages. In that case, the component for cold water extraction in each form can be omitted. In each said form, the outflow direction of the drinking water from the discharge outlet part 7b of the cock 7a is set to the downward vertical direction. However, for example, the discharge port portion 7b is opened in the horizontal direction, the internal pressure of the water pack 7 is increased, or the water pack 7 itself is pressurized so that the drinking water flows out like a parabola. It is. The beverage server of the present invention is not limited to an example targeting drinking water, and can target various beverages that can be provided in a warmed state.

  Next, beverages applicable to the beverage servers 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, 1F, 1G, 1H, and 1J (hereinafter, may be represented by reference numeral 1) of each embodiment described above. The technical matters of each part of the server will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 20 shows a schematic arrangement of various devices on the front side, right side, back side, and left side of the beverage server 1. In the upper part of the main body 2 of the beverage server 1, a water pack storage 100 for providing the water pack mounting part 3 is arranged, and on the front side of the main body 2 below that is the pouring of cold water or hot water. An operation panel 101 for instructing various operations is provided. An authentication device 102 for authenticating the user is arranged on the right side of the operation panel 101. The cup tray portion 4 is opened below the operation panel 101, and a spare pack storage 103 is disposed below the cup tray portion 4. The spare pack storage 103 is provided to store the unopened water pack 7 in the beverage server 1 as a spare pack. An emergency power supply unit 104 is provided further below the reserve pack storage 103. On the other hand, on the back side of the main body 2, a heat radiating panel 105 for releasing exhaust heat and the like accompanying cooling is provided, and a power supply taking-in part 106 is provided below the heat radiating panel 105. The power supply taking-in part 106 is for taking in the main power supply required for the drive of the drink server 1 from an external power supply (typically household power supply) via the power cable 107. FIG. The emergency power supply unit 104 is for providing an emergency power supply from the beverage server 1 to an external device. The emergency power supply can be provided by, for example, storing the electric power acquired from the power supply acquisition unit 106 in a battery built in the main body 2.

  FIG. 21 shows an example of the water pack storage 100. The water pack storage 100 includes a storage main body 110 configured as a substantially rectangular parallelepiped box-shaped container, and a lid 111 that opens and closes the storage main body 110. The inside of the water pack storage 100 corresponds to the water pack mounting part 3 in the beverage server 1. The inner surface of the storage body 110 is surrounded by a heat insulating material such as urethane foam. The lid 111 is provided so that the water pack 7 can be exchanged from the front side or the upper side of the main body 2 so as to be opened upward with the back side of the storage main body 110 as an axis. When the lid 111 is opened, the storage body 110 opens largely to the front side and the upper side. The inner surface of the lid 111 is also covered with a heat insulating material.

  Inside the storage body 110, a cooling plate 16 (see also FIGS. 6 to 11) is provided so as to be inclined downward toward the front side of the body 2. By placing the water pack 7 on the cooling plate 16, the residual water of the water pack 7 gathers on the cock 7a side, and the amount of residual water that cannot be poured out from the cock 7a can be reduced. The cooling plate 16 is cooled by appropriate cooling means. By cooling the cooling plate 16, the water pack storage 100 functions as a cold storage that cools and cools the drinking water in the water pack 7. As the cooling means, a thermoelectric element having an endothermic action such as a Peltier element may be used, or a refrigerant compressed by a compressor provided in the main body 2 may be used before the cooling plate 16 or the cooling plate 16. A cooling unit configured to expand inside and generate an endothermic effect may be used. Instead of or in addition to the cooling plate 16 on the bottom surface side, a cooling plate may be provided on the side surface or the back surface side of the storage body main body 110 and the inner surface of the lid 111. Air cooled outside the water pack storage 100 may be introduced into the water pack storage 100 to cool the water pack 7.

  Note that the position, opening direction, size, and the like of the lid 111 may be changed as appropriate according to the convenience of replacing the water pack 7. Instead of the lid 111, the water pack storage 100 may be opened by a drawer structure. The water pack storage 100 may be provided with remaining amount detecting means for detecting the remaining amount of drinking water in the water pack 7. For example, an optical sensor that is shielded by drinking water may be arranged so that the shielding is released when the remaining amount of drinking water decreases below a predetermined level. Alternatively, an arm-type or float-type sensor that outputs a signal corresponding to the level of the drinking water (the height of the liquid level) may be used as the remaining amount detecting means. The inclination of the cooling plate 16 is changed in accordance with the remaining amount detected by the remaining amount detecting means, or a display for notifying the replacement timing of the water pack 7 is performed when the remaining amount of drinking water becomes a predetermined level or less. In addition, the detection result of the remaining amount detection means can be used for appropriate control processing. The temperature control in the water pack storage 100 may be optimized with reference to the detection result of the remaining amount detection means.

  FIG. 22 shows an example of a cock opening / closing mechanism for opening and closing the cock 7a by power. The cock opening / closing mechanism 120 includes an electric motor 121 as a drive source, a driven pulley 122 provided on the outer periphery of the discharge port 7b so as to be rotatable around the discharge port 7b of the cock 7a, and an output of the electric motor 121. A belt 123 is provided between a driving pulley (not shown) fitted to the shaft and a driven pulley 122. The driven pulley 122 is provided with a fork 124 that can rotate integrally with the driven pulley 122, and the upper end of the fork 124 is engaged with the lever 7c of the cock 7a. The lever 7c can be rotated around an axis in the vertical direction of the discharge port 7b. When the driven pulley 122 is driven to rotate by the electric motor 121, the fork 124 rotates the lever 7c around the axis of the discharge port 7b, thereby opening and closing the cock 7a to pour out and pour out drinking water. The stop is switched. The cock opening / closing mechanism 120 can be applied to the beverage server 1 of each embodiment, and in particular, if the operation is controlled by the controller 82 using the electric motor 121 as the actuator 83 of the beverage server 1J according to the ninth embodiment. The total amount of drinking water in the water pack 7B can be transferred to the heating tank 5. Note that the cock opening / closing mechanism 120 is not limited to the illustrated configuration, and a fluid pressure cylinder using air pressure or oil pressure, for example, may be used as a drive source. The mechanism that converts the movement output from the drive source into the opening / closing operation of the cock may be changed as appropriate, and various mechanisms such as a gear mechanism, a cam mechanism, and a link mechanism can be used according to the movement required to open / close the cock. is there.

  FIG. 23 shows an example of a configuration for heating the drinking water inside the heating tank 5. In the example of FIG. 23, a band heater 130 is attached to the outer periphery of the tank body 20 of the heating tank 5 so as to go around the tank body 20. The band heater 130 generates heat by energizing a heating wire such as a nichrome wire disposed therein to heat the drinking water inside the tank body 20. Note that a heater may be disposed inside the tank body 20 instead of or in addition to the band heater 130. On the outlet side of the tank body 20, the electromagnetic opening / closing valve 23 shown in FIGS. 3 to 5 is provided.

  FIG. 24 shows another configuration for heating drinking water. In the example of FIG. 24, the heating means is configured as a heating unit 140 that heats the drinking water stored in the preheating tank 141 with an external heater 142. The preheating tank 141 is provided with a preheating device (not shown) such as a preheating heater for maintaining the drinking water inside at a normal temperature or a preheat temperature moderately higher than the normal temperature. At the time of pouring hot water, the beverage taken out from the preheating tank 141 is heated to the set temperature of the hot water by the heater 142 and poured out from a cock (not shown). Therefore, energy consumption at the time of non-pouring can be suppressed while providing hot water at an appropriate temperature when necessary. When the heating unit 140 of FIG. 24 is applied to the above-described embodiment, the preheating tank 141 is the heating tank 5, and the opening 141 a on the inlet side of the preheating tank 141 is the opening 21 a of the heating tank 5. What is necessary is just to arrange | position the preheating tank 141 as an equivalent.

  FIG. 25 shows an example of the configuration of the opening 21 a on the inlet side of the heating tank 5. In this example, a strainer 150 is provided inside the opening 21 a of the heating tank 5. The strainer 150 includes a ring-shaped frame portion 151 that is fitted and fixed to the opening 21 a, and a mesh portion 152 that is provided so as to expand toward the inside of the heating tank 5. The mesh portion 152 may have various shapes such as a dome shape, a hemispherical shape, a cylindrical shape, a conical shape, and a dish shape protruding toward the inside of the heating tank 5. Drinking water supplied from the water pack 7 passes through the mesh portion 152 and falls into the heating tank 5. According to this, splashing of water in the opening 21a can be prevented, and rise of steam from the heating tank 5 when the opening 21a is opened can be suppressed. In addition, the mesh part 152 may be comprised with various materials, such as a metal and resin, as long as it can provide the network structure which permeate | transmits drinking water.

  FIG. 26 shows an example of the reserve pack storage 103 (see FIG. 20). The spare pack storage 103 has a structure capable of taking in the water pack 7 by, for example, opening the door 140 disposed on the front side of the main body 2 so as to fall forward with the lower part as an axis. . A cold insulation structure similar to that of the water pack storage 100 may be provided inside the spare pack storage 103. In that case, the unopened spare water pack 7 can be stored in a properly cooled state. Note that the spare pack storage 103 is not limited to an example in which the door 160 is opened and closed with the door 160 tilted forward, but a drawer structure or other opening / closing structure may be employed.

  FIG. 27 shows an example of the emergency power supply unit 104. The emergency power supply unit 104 is provided with a seesaw type switch 170 for switching between supply and stop of the emergency power supply and a power supply terminal 171. The power supply terminal 171 is a female terminal conforming to the USB standard as an example, and is configured to be able to supply DC 5 volts, 1 ampere of power using a battery provided inside the main body 2 as a power supply. The power terminal 171 is preferably protected by a waterproof cap. Furthermore, the emergency power supply unit 104 is provided so that it is not exposed to the front surface of the main body 2 when not in use but exposed to the front side of the main body 2 only when in use by a cover or other protective means that can be opened and closed. May be.

  Although a specific example is not shown, the authentication device 102 in FIG. 20 may authenticate the user by various methods. For example, the authentication device 102 may authenticate the user using biometric information such as fingerprints, irises, voiceprints, faces, etc., and may authenticate the user by inputting a password, password, or other authentication information. Further, the authentication device 102 may read the authentication information stored in an IC card, IC chip or other storage medium, or may use a short-distance wireless communication or other communication means such as a user's mobile phone. Authentication information may be acquired from the terminal device.

  Moreover, about the temperature control regarding the cooling of the drinking water of the water pack 7 in the drink server 1, the heating tank 5, the heater 50, or the heating of the drinking water by the heating unit 140, on-off control used for temperature management, PID control, etc. Various control methods may be used.

1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, 1F, 1G, 1H, 1J, 1 Beverage server 3 Water pack mounting part 4 Cup tray part 5 Warming tank (warming means)
6 Drive mechanism 7, 7A, 7B Water pack (beverage container)
7a Water pack cock 7b Discharge port 9 Protective cover (cover means)
11 Upper open area (open area, breeding deterrent area)
12 Sterilizer (Proliferation deterrence means)
14 Lower open area (further open area)
20 Tank body 21 Upper cover 22 Cap 23 Electromagnetic on-off valve (beverage outlet)
25 Tank drive part 26 Cap drive part 40 Protective cover (cover means)
40a Internal space (open area)
43 Open area in tank (open area)
50 Heater (heating device)
50a Heating space 51 Open area 60 Open area 61 Water distributor (flow path switching means)
62 Channel switching device (channel switching means)
70 Piping (Breeding suppression area)
72 Check valve (backflow prevention part)
82 controller (control means, microorganism control means)
83 Actuator (open / close means)
100 water pack storage 120 cock opening / closing mechanism 121 electric motor (opening / closing means)
140 Heating unit (heating means)

Claims (17)

A heating means for heating the beverage taken out from the discharge port of the beverage container to be a beverage supply source;
Microorganism suppression means for suppressing or preventing the transmission of microorganisms from the heating means side to the beverage container side;
Beverage server with   The said microorganisms suppression means is equipped with the structure which the said beverage flows into the said heating means from the said discharge outlet part via the open area | region which does not exist the pipe line which contacts the said drink and guides the said drink, The said heating The beverage server according to claim 1, which suppresses or prevents the transmission of microorganisms from the means side to the beverage container side. As the heating means, there is provided a heating tank having a function of storing the beverage and heating the beverage, and having an openable and closable beverage outlet for taking out the heated beverage,
The beverage server according to claim 2, wherein the open area is provided between the discharge port portion of the beverage container and the heating tank.   As the heating means, there is provided a heating device having a heating space through which the beverage passes, and having a function of heating the beverage passing through the heating space, and the open region is a portion of the beverage container. The drink server according to claim 2 provided between a discharge mouth part and said heating device.   The beverage server according to claim 4, wherein the heating space of the heating device is formed in a size that does not contact a beverage passing through the heating space.   The direction in which the beverage flows out from the discharge port portion of the beverage container is set downward in the vertical direction, and the open region is provided so as to allow the beverage to fall freely. The beverage server described in 1.   The beverage server according to any one of claims 2 to 6, further comprising cover means for covering at least a part of the open region so as not to contact the beverage passing through the open region.   The beverage server according to any one of claims 2 to 7, further comprising: a breeding suppression unit that suppresses propagation of the microorganisms in the open area or sterilizes the microorganisms.   The heating means is provided so as to be movable between a position where the beverage advances to receive the beverage and a position retracted from the route, and the heating means is located at the advanced position. When the opening area exists between the discharge port of the beverage container and the heating means, and when the heating means is in the retracted position, there is a further opening area following the opening area. The drink server as described in any one of Claims 2-8 provided to the area | region where the drinking container which receives the said drink should be put.   In the open region, the state where the beverage that has flowed out from the discharge port portion of the beverage container flows while avoiding the heating means, and the beverage that has flowed out from the discharge port portion of the beverage container is guided to the heating means. The beverage server according to any one of claims 2 to 8, further comprising a flow path switching unit that switches the flow path of the beverage between states. As the heating means, there is provided a heating tank having a function of storing the beverage and heating the beverage, and having an openable and closable beverage outlet for taking out the heated beverage,
The beverage container is arranged in the heating tank so that the beverage from the discharge port portion flows toward the beverage outlet portion,
The beverage server according to claim 2, wherein the open area is provided between the discharge port portion of the beverage container and the heating tank.   The microorganism suppressing means includes a configuration in which the beverage flows from the discharge port portion to the heating means via a reproduction suppressing area having an action of suppressing the propagation of the microorganism or sterilizing the microorganism. The beverage server according to claim 1, wherein transmission of microorganisms from the heating means side to the beverage container side is suppressed or prevented.   The beverage server according to claim 12, wherein the discharge port portion and the heating means are connected by a pipe, and the breeding suppression area is provided in at least a part of the pipe.   The inner wall surface of the pipe line is provided with an antibacterial action that suppresses the growth of the microorganisms or sterilizes the microorganisms, or is subjected to super water repellency so that the reproduction inhibition region is provided in the pipe line. The beverage server according to claim 13 provided.   The beverage server according to claim 13 or 14, wherein at least a part of the pipe line is a replaceable pipe part so that the inside of the pipe part functions as the breeding suppression region.   The microorganism suppression unit includes a backflow prevention unit that prevents a backflow of the beverage from the heating unit side to the beverage container side at the discharge port portion of the beverage container. The beverage server according to claim 1, wherein the beverage server suppresses or prevents the transmission of microorganisms to the beverage container side. A heating tank as the heating means having a larger capacity than the beverage container;
Opening and closing means for opening and closing the discharge port portion;
Control means for controlling an opening / closing operation by the opening / closing means,
By controlling the opening / closing means with the control means so that the whole amount of the beverage in the beverage container is supplied to the heating tank when the beverage container is mounted, the control means is The beverage server according to claim 1, wherein the beverage server is made to function as a microorganism suppression unit.