JP3689311B2 - Storage tank connection structure - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a connection structure for a liquid storage tank, and more particularly to a connection structure for a liquid storage tank that connects the storage tank in a stored state in a water tank in which water is stored.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In beverage dispensers that pour beverages (liquids) such as coffee and juice, the storage tank that stores the required amount of beverage is stored inside the water tank in which the cooling water is stored, with a portion of the water immersed in the cooling water. In addition, the evaporation pipe led out from the refrigeration apparatus is arranged in a winding state surrounding the liquid storage tank. Then, the cooling water is frozen around the evaporation pipe by the cooling operation of the refrigeration apparatus, and the beverage in the liquid storage tank is indirectly cooled through the cooling water cooled by the obtained ice block. In addition, one end of a pouring pipe penetrating from the bottom to the bottom of the water tank is connected to the bottom of the liquid storage tank, and the beverage in the tank is poured out through the pouring pipe.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
Conventionally, since the dispensing pipe and the liquid storage tank were assembled to the water tank and these were attached to the dispenser body, the liquid storage tank could not be removed alone when trouble occurred or during cleaning. It was. In addition, the beverage leaks out at the connecting portion between the pouring pipe and the liquid storage tank and solidifies, which makes it unsanitary.
[0004]
OBJECT OF THE INVENTION
In view of the above-mentioned problems inherent in the conventional technology described above, the present invention has been proposed to suitably solve this problem, and has a connection structure for a liquid storage tank that can be easily detached and kept hygienic. The purpose is to provide.
[0005]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  In order to overcome the above-mentioned problems and achieve the desired object suitably, the present invention provides:
  A connection structure for connecting a liquid storage tank in which liquid is stored to a water tank in which water is stored in a storage state in which a part of the storage tank is immersed in water,
  Provided at the bottom of the aquariumThe interior is flatThe receptacle,
  A mounting opening provided at the bottom of the liquid storage tank and removably fitted into the receiving opening from above.When,
  A stepped portion that is provided around the interior of the receiving port and extends inward with substantially the same thickness as the wall of the mounting port,
  The receiving partFits on the inner circumference and receiving partInsertionA first sealing member that is positioned between the outer periphery of the mounting port portion and seals liquid-tightly;
  A second seal member that is positioned between the lower end surface of the mounting port portion that is inserted into the receiving port portion and the stepped portion and seals liquid-tightly;
  In the liquid storage tankliquidIs characterized in that it can be poured out through the attachment port and the receiving port.
[0006]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Next, the connection structure of the liquid storage tank according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings by giving a preferred embodiment. In addition, an Example demonstrates the case where a connection structure is employ | adopted as the drink dispenser which pours cold drinks, such as ice coffee and juice.
[0007]
A beverage dispenser 10 shown in FIG. 1 includes a water tank 12 having a heat insulating structure disposed inside a housing 11, and a reservoir 13 a that internally defines a required amount of beverage (liquid) inside the water tank 12. A liquid storage tank 13 to be stored is stored at a predetermined interval from the inner surface of the water tank 12. In the storage space 12 a defined by the inner surface of the water tank 12 and the outer surface of the liquid storage tank 13, tap water as cooling water (water) is passed through a pipe body or the like extending from an external water system (not shown). Supplied and stored in a substantially full state. In the storage space 12 a, an evaporation pipe 15 led out from the refrigeration apparatus 14 disposed in the housing 11 is disposed in a winding state surrounding the liquid storage tank 13, and the storage space 12 a is cooled by the cooling operation of the refrigeration apparatus 14. The cooling water stored in is frozen around the evaporator tube 15.
[0008]
A circulation pump 16 communicating with the storage space 12 a of the water tank 12 is disposed inside the housing 11, and the thickness of ice blocks that freeze on the evaporation pipe 15 by circulating the cooling water by the pump 16. The liquid storage tank 13 is cooled by the cooling water, and the beverage in the storage part 13a is indirectly cooled.
[0009]
As shown in FIG. 3, the bottom of the liquid storage tank 13 is provided with a mounting opening 17 for pouring the beverage stored in the storage 13 a to the outside. A plurality of (two in the embodiment) O-rings 18 serving as first seal members are fitted on the outer periphery of the outer ring so as to be spaced apart from each other in the height direction. In addition, one end portion of the extraction pipe 19 penetrates from the lower side to the inside of the water tank at the bottom corresponding to the mounting opening 17 in the water tank 12 and opens upward in the water tank of the extraction pipe 19. The mounting opening 17 is inserted into the receiving opening 20 so as to be detachable from above. Then, the two O-rings 18 fitted on the mounting port portion 17 are in close contact with the inner peripheral surface of the receiving port portion 20 for sealing, thereby ensuring liquid tightness between the members 17 and 20. Configured to be. In addition, a step portion 20a that extends inward with approximately the same thickness as the wall of the attachment port portion 17 is provided in the interior of the receiving portion 20, and a second seal member that is placed on the step portion 20a. The lower end surface of the attachment port portion 17 comes into contact with and seals the ring-shaped packing 21 as described above, so that more reliable liquid tightness is ensured.
[0010]
A tank fixing member 22 is disposed at the upper end of the water tank 12, and a plurality of brackets 23 disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the liquid storage tank 13 are screwed to the fixing member 22 (FIG. 4), the liquid storage tank 13 is positioned and fixed in a state in which the mounting port portion 17 is fitted into the receiving port portion 20 of the extraction pipe 19. At this time, the lower end surface of the mounting opening 17 is brought into contact with the packing 21 with a predetermined pressure, and the liquid tightness by the packing 21 is set to be reliable.
[0011]
As shown in FIG. 1, the other end of the extraction pipe 19 extends to the outside of the casing 11, and an extraction cock 24 is attached to the extended end. That is, by opening the pouring cock 24, the beverage stored in the liquid storage tank 13 is poured out from the other end of the pouring pipe 19 through the attachment port 17 and the receiving port 20. It is.
[0012]
An upper panel 25 is detachably disposed at the upper end of the casing 11, and the upper opening of the casing 11 is closed by the upper panel 25. However, an opening for allowing the supply of beverage to the tank 13 is provided at a position corresponding to the liquid storage tank 13 of the upper panel 25, and this opening is an upper part of the liquid storage tank 13. The lid is closed together with the opening 13b so as to be opened and closed (see FIG. 2). In other words, the beverage is supplied to the liquid storage tank 13 through the opened upper opening 13b with the lid 26 removed.
[0013]
Here, when the beverage is supplied to the liquid storage tank 13, since the tank 13 is deep, the beverage poured into the storage portion 13a from the upper opening 13b is stirred at the bottom, and further the beverage is poured from above. There is a risk that the supplied beverage will foam and damage the flavor. In addition, in the case of a beverage dispenser for iced coffee, hot coffee is supplied to the liquid storage tank 13, so that foamed foam is rapidly cooled during supply, and at this time, a part of the coffee component is solidified. In other words, the inner surface of the liquid storage tank 13 is stuck, causing a problem that it takes time for cleaning.
[0014]
Therefore, in the embodiment, a guide member 27 is detachably disposed in the upper part of the liquid storage tank 13 so that the beverage supplied from above by the guide member 27 flows down along the inner surface of the tank. . That is, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, the guide member 27 is hooked to the upper end portions of the pair of side plates 27 a and 27 a that are separated from each other in the radial direction of the liquid storage tank 13. 27b are bent, and the both side plates 27a, 27a hang down inside the liquid storage tank 13 by hooking the hooking portions 27b, 27b to the opening edge of the upper panel 25. Yes. A connecting plate 27c is installed between the lower ends of the side plates 27a and 27a, and a trapezoidal guide plate 27d that is inclined downward at a required angle is formed at both end edges in the short direction of the connecting plate 27c. It extends to the vicinity of the inner surface of the tank. Therefore, when the beverage is supplied, if the beverage is poured above the connecting plate 27c, the beverage is guided toward the inner surface of the tank by the guide plates 27d and 27d, and then flows smoothly through the inner surface to the bottom. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the beverage from foaming.
[0015]
The guide member 27 is configured not to obstruct the closing of the upper opening 13b of the liquid storage tank 13 by the lid body 26 in a state of being hooked on the upper panel 25. If the lid 26 is removed, the guide member 27 can be taken out from the liquid storage tank 13, and the guide member 27 can be easily washed outside.
[0016]
The liquid storage tank 13 is provided with a liquid level detection device 50 for detecting the liquid level (storage amount) of the beverage stored in the storage part 13a. That is, as shown in FIG. 4, the reference detector 28A is disposed near the bottom of the liquid storage tank 13, and the reference electrode 29A provided in the reference detector 28A is a liquid disposed at the front of the casing 11. It is electrically connected to a liquid level detection circuit 31 provided in the level display unit 30 (see FIG. 8). Further, four liquid level detectors 28B, 28C, 28D, and 28E for detecting the liquid level of the beverage stored in the reservoir 13a are high in the liquid storage tank 13 above the position where the reference detector 28A is disposed. The liquid level detection electrodes 29B, 29C, 29D, and 29E provided in all the liquid level detection bodies 28B, 28C, 28D, and 28E are arranged at predetermined intervals in the vertical direction. Is electrically connected. In the embodiment, the first liquid level detector 28B (first liquid level detection electrode 29B), the second liquid level detector 28C (second liquid level detection electrode 29C), and the third liquid are viewed from below. The level detection body 28D (third liquid level detection electrode 29D) and the fourth liquid level detection body 28E (fourth liquid level detection electrode 29E) are set. Since the basic configuration of the reference detector 28A and each of the liquid level detectors 28B, 28C, 28D, 28E is the same, the configuration of the reference detector 28A will be described, and the liquid level detectors 28B, 28C, 28D, The same reference numerals are given to the same members of 28E. Since the reference detector 28A and the liquid level detectors 28B, 28C, 28D, 28E have the same mounting structure with respect to the liquid storage tank 13, the mounting structure related to the reference detector 28A will be described, and the liquid level detectors 28B, 28C. , 28D, 28E, the same members are attached with the same reference numerals.
[0017]
As shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, the reference detector 28A is formed of a synthetic resin molded body in which a protective body 32 having a concentric and small-diameter boss 32b projecting from one side surface in the axial direction of a mounting portion 32a formed in a substantially disc shape. The reference electrode 29A (liquid level detection electrodes 29B, 29C, 29D, 29E) protrudes from the center of the boss 32b toward the outside with a predetermined length. The reference electrode 29A is bent at a substantially right angle inside the protector 32, and a lead wire 33 connected to the liquid level detection circuit 31 is connected to the end of the reference electrode 29A. That is, the connecting portion between the lead wire 33 and the reference electrode 29A is enclosed in a protective body 32 formed of synthetic resin, so that cooling water (liquid) or the like is prevented from entering the connecting portion. It has become. The bending direction of the reference electrode 29A inside the protection body 32 is set so as to coincide with the wiring direction of the lead wire 33 when the reference detection body 28A is disposed in the liquid storage tank 13. And the reference electrode 29 </ b> A are configured so that an excessive force is not applied to the connection portion. Further, as the synthetic resin constituting the protective body 32, a heat-resistant resin is preferably used, so that it can be used without any trouble in either a high-temperature beverage or a low-temperature beverage.
[0018]
Further, a heat-resistant heat-shrinkable tube 34 is commonly covered over the extended portion of the lead wire 33 in the protector 32 and a portion of the lead wire 33 having a predetermined length derived from the protector 32. The connecting portion between the protector 32 and the lead wire 33 is configured to be reinforced.
[0019]
A holder 35 is fitted on the boss 32 b of the protector 32. As shown in FIG. 7, the holder 35 includes a bottomed cylindrical main body 36 formed with a concave portion 36a that opens in one axial direction into which the boss 32b can be fitted, and a bottom portion (recess 36a in the main body portion 36). A substantially concentric boss portion 37 protruding in the axial direction is formed on the opposite side of the opening. Further, a central through hole 37a communicating with the recess 36a is formed in the bottom portion of the main body 36 and the boss portion 37, and protrudes from the boss 32b when the boss 32b of the protective body 32 is fitted into the recess 36a. The reference electrode 29A to be inserted is inserted into the center through hole 37a. The protruding dimension of the reference electrode 29A from the boss 32b is set slightly longer than the center through hole 37a, and the open end of the reference electrode 29A is configured to protrude slightly outward from the center through hole 37a. The exposed portion of the reference electrode 29 </ b> A is configured to come into contact with the beverage stored in the liquid storage tank 13.
[0020]
An inner first convex portion 36b protruding radially inward is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the concave portion 36a (the fitting surface with respect to the protector 32), and the inner peripheral surface of the central through hole 37a ( On the fitting surface with respect to the electrode, inner second convex portions 37b projecting radially inward are formed at positions spaced apart in the axial direction over the entire circumference. When the holder 35 is fitted to the protector 32, the inner first convex portion 36b is in close contact with the outer peripheral surface (fitted surface) of the boss 32b, and the inner second convex portion 37b is the reference electrode. The degree of adhesion of the holder 35 to the protective body 32 and the reference electrode 29A due to the expansion / contraction of the protective body 32 and the holder 35 due to the temperature effect of the beverage, in close contact with the outer peripheral surface (fitting surface) of 29A Is designed to prevent the decrease. The holder 35 is formed of an elastic material such as a soft synthetic resin or rubber and an insulating material.
[0021]
An attachment tool 38 is disposed at the attachment position of the reference detection body 28A in the liquid storage tank 13. As shown in FIG. 7, the attachment 38 has a bottomed cylindrical shape formed with a storage portion 39 a that opens to one axial direction (side away from the tank 13) in which the main body 36 of the holder 35 can be fitted. The cylindrical main body 39 is provided with a substantially concentric positioning protrusion 39b protruding in the axial direction at the bottom of the cylindrical main body 39 (on the side opposite to the opening of the storage portion 39a). Then, the fitting 38 is disposed in the liquid storage tank 13 by fitting the positioning protrusion 39 b into the through hole 13 c of the liquid storage tank 13. A through hole 39c communicating with the storage portion 39a is formed in the bottom portion of the cylindrical main body 39 and the positioning projection 39b. When the main body portion 36 of the holder 35 is fitted into the storage portion 39a, the main body portion A boss portion 37 protruding from 36 is fitted into the through hole 39c.
[0022]
On the outer peripheral surface of the main body portion 36 of the holder 35 (the fitting surface with respect to the fixture 38), outer first convex portions 36c projecting radially outward at positions spaced apart in the axial direction are formed over the entire circumference. In addition, an outer second convex portion 37c protruding outward in the radial direction is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the boss portion 37 (a fitting surface with respect to the fixture 38) over the entire circumference. When the holder 35 is fitted to the fixture 38, the outer first convex portion 36c comes into close contact with the inner peripheral surface (fitted surface) of the storage portion 39a, and the outer second convex portion 37c Due to the expansion and contraction of the holder 35 and the fixture 38 due to the temperature effect of the beverage, the degree of adhesion between the two 35, 38 is reduced due to tight contact with the outer peripheral surface (surface to be fitted) of the through hole 39c. Is to prevent.
[0023]
A flange 39d having the same outer diameter as the mounting portion 32a of the protective body 32 is formed on the outer peripheral portion of the cylindrical body 39 of the mounting body 38 on the opening side of the storage portion 39a. In a state where the holder 35 is fitted to the fixture 38, the reference detection body 28A is attached to the liquid storage tank 13 by elastically fitting the clip 40 to the attachment portion 32a and the flange 39d in common. It has become. The clip 40 is formed with a fitting hole 40a having a width dimension in which the attachment portion 32a and the flange 39d can be inserted, and the clip 40 can be inserted by inserting the attachment portion 32a and the flange 39d into the fitting hole 40a. On the other hand, the mounting portion 32a and the flange 39d are fixed to prevent them from coming off. Each of the inner and outer convex portions 36b, 37b, 36c, and 37c is formed in an R shape so that the protector 32 (reference detection body 28A) can be easily attached to and detached from the holder 35 and the holder 35 can be attached to and detached from the fixture 38. It is configured so that it can be performed.
[0024]
The ground electrode 41 attached to the liquid storage tank 13 is connected to the liquid level detection circuit 31 to which the reference electrode 29A and the liquid level detection electrodes 29B, 29C, 29D, 29E are connected. In the embodiment, in a state where the beverage is stored up to the position where the reference electrode 29A is disposed (a state where the reference electrode 29A is in contact with the beverage), a predetermined AC height is set between the reference electrode 29A and the ground electrode 41. The interelectrode potential (conductivity of the beverage) when the frequency voltage is applied is obtained and set as the reference potential. Then, the inter-electrode potential (conductivity of the beverage) when the same AC high frequency voltage is applied between the ground electrode 41 and each of the liquid level detection electrodes 29B, 29C, 29D, 29E is used as the liquid level detection circuit 31. The comparison / determination unit (comparison / determination means) 42 provided in the apparatus is configured to determine the presence or absence of a beverage by comparing with a reference potential. That is, for example, if the beverage is stored up to the position of the third liquid level detection electrode 29D, the interelectrode potential between the third liquid level detection electrode 29D and the ground electrode 41 is previously set with respect to the reference potential. It falls within the set setting range, and it is determined that there is a beverage. On the other hand, since no beverage is stored at the position of the fourth liquid level detection electrode 29E, the interelectrode potential between the fourth liquid level detection electrode 29E and the ground electrode 41 becomes the reference potential. On the other hand, it is away from the set range, and it is determined that there is no beverage.
[0025]
FIG. 9 illustrates an electric circuit composed of the electrodes 29A, 29B, 29C, 29D, and 29E. RA, RB, RC, RD, and RE are beverage resistances, and If the difference between RB, RC, RD, and RE is within a preset setting range, it is determined that there is a beverage. If the difference between RB, RC, RD, and RE with respect to RA is far from the set range, it is determined that there is no beverage. The
[0026]
As the AC high frequency voltage applied between the electrodes, for example, AC 4.5 V and 2 kHz are preferably used so as not to affect the electrode terminals and beverages. In addition, the impedance (resistance) of the beverage changes depending on the type of the beverage and the frequency of the applied voltage, but if it is between 1 kHz and 10 kHz, the change in impedance due to the frequency is low, so within that range appropriately The frequency can be selected.
[0027]
The liquid level detection circuit 31 is connected to display lamps 43B, 43C, 43D, 43E corresponding to the liquid level detection electrodes 29B, 29C, 29D, 29E. Then, as described above, by turning on the display lamps 43B, 43C, 43D, and 43E corresponding to the liquid level detection electrodes 29B, 29C, 29D, and 29E determined as having a beverage by comparison with the reference potential, It is configured so that the operator can be aware of the liquid level. The display lamps 43B, 43C, 43D, and 43E are arranged in the vertical direction so that the liquid level can be confirmed (visibility).
[0028]
[Effect of the embodiment]
Next, the operation of the beverage dispenser according to the above-described embodiment will be described. In the beverage dispenser 10, the refrigerant is circulated and supplied to the evaporation pipe 15 when the refrigeration apparatus 14 starts a cooling operation. When the refrigerant is circulated and supplied, the evaporation pipe 15 is gradually cooled, and a part of the cooling water stored in the storage space 12 a of the water tank 12 starts to freeze from the surface of the evaporation pipe 15. The ice growing on the surface of the evaporation tube 15 is connected to each other to form a cylindrical ice block, and the latent heat causes the cooling water stored in the water tank 12 to be cooled over time. When the circulating pump 16 is operated at a predetermined timing from the start of the operation of the refrigeration apparatus 14, the cooling water stored in the storage space 12a circulates around the ice block and is efficiently cooled.
[0029]
When the beverage is supplied to the liquid storage tank 13, the lid body 26 is removed, and the beverage is poured from the upper opening 13 b of the tank 13 onto the connecting plate 27 c of the guide member 27. Since the beverage is guided toward the inner surface of the tank by the guide plates 27d and 27d, and flows smoothly to the bottom along the inner surface, the beverage can be prevented from foaming. That is, when hot coffee is supplied to the liquid storage tank 13, the coffee foams and the flavor is impaired, or the foam is rapidly cooled, so that a part of the coffee component is solidified on the inner surface of the liquid storage tank 13. Cleaning is easy without sticking. Moreover, since the guide member 27 can also be easily taken out from the liquid storage tank 13, the guide member 27 can be easily cleaned outside and can always be kept hygienic.
[0030]
The beverage stored in the liquid storage tank 13 is also efficiently cooled by the circulation of the cooling water, and the beverage is opened to the outside from the tank 13 through the dispensing pipe 19 by opening the dispensing cock 24. Be poured out. As shown in FIG. 3, the mounting port 17 of the liquid storage tank 13 is liquid-tightly connected to the receiving port 20 of the pouring pipe 19 by an O-ring 18 and a packing 21. The beverage does not leak out during 20, and the beverage is prevented from solidifying at the connecting portion and becoming unsanitary. Further, the liquid storage tank 13 is positioned and fixed via a tank fixing member 22 disposed in the upper part of the water tank 12 with the mounting port portion 17 fitted into the receiving port portion 20 of the extraction pipe 19 from above. The storage tank 13 can be easily attached and removed (removed / attached) after the refrigeration system is completed, and it is easy to check when a problem occurs, and cleaning is also easy. obtain. In addition, since the inside of the receptacle part 20 in the extraction | pouring pipe 19 is a plane, the cleaning is easy and can be kept hygienic.
[0031]
In the beverage dispenser 10, the reference potential (conductivity of the beverage) is measured in a state where the AC high frequency voltage is applied between the reference electrode 29A and the ground electrode 41. Then, according to the liquid level of the beverage stored in the liquid storage tank 13, the inter-electrode potentials of the corresponding liquid level detection electrodes 29B, 29C, 29D, 29E and the earth electrode 41 are determined by the comparison / determination unit. Compared with the reference potential at 42, if it is within the preset setting range, it is determined that there is a beverage, and the corresponding display lamps 43B, 43C, 43D, 43E are turned on to display the liquid level. Is done. That is, since the operator can check the liquid level by turning on / off the display lamps 43B, 43C, 43D, and 43E, the current level confirmation (visibility) in the liquid storage tank 13 is improved. Moreover, since a liquid level gauge made of an elongated glass tube is not used, cleaning of the liquid storage tank 13, the dispensing pipe 19 and the like is easy, and there is no situation in which the glass tube is damaged during cleaning as in the prior art.
[0032]
In addition, since the presence or absence of the beverage is determined based on the reference potential based on the conductivity of the beverage, the type of beverage is not limited, and even if the conductivity changes due to temperature change, the reference potential is also Since it changes correspondingly, the liquid level can always be detected reliably without being affected by the beverage temperature.
[0033]
In the reference detector 28A and the liquid level detectors 28B, 28C, 28D, and 28E, the connection portions between the electrodes 29A, 29B, 29C, 29D, and 29E and the corresponding lead wires 33 are provided inside the protector 32. Since it is enclosed, even if the protection body 32 is immersed in the cooling water in the water tank 12, the cooling water does not penetrate to the connection portion, and the reliability is improved. Further, the protector 32 and the electrode and the holder 35 or the holder 35 and the fixture 38 are all fitted in a liquid tight contact with the plurality of convex portions 36b, 37b, 36c and 37c, and the temperature of the beverage The degree of adhesion does not decrease due to the expansion / contraction of each component due to the influence, and the beverage leaks from the attachment portion of the reference detection body 28A and the liquid level detection bodies 28B, 28C, 28D, 28E to the liquid storage tank 13, Alternatively, it is possible to reliably prevent the cooling water from entering the tank.
[0034]
[Example of change]
In the embodiment described above, the interelectrode potential between the reference electrode 29A and the ground electrode 41 is the reference potential. However, as schematically shown in FIG. 10, the reference electrode 29A and the liquid level detection electrodes 29B, 29C, 29D , 29E, a predetermined AC high frequency voltage is applied to the electric circuit, and the reference electrode 29A and, for example, the lowest first liquid level detection electrode 29B are in contact with the beverage The interelectrode potential at is set to be the reference potential. Then, the liquid level may be detected by comparing the interelectrode potential between the reference electrode 29A and the other liquid level detection electrodes 29C, 29D, and 29E with the reference potential by the comparison / determination unit 42. . That is, in the modified example, it is determined that the difference between RC, RD, and RE with respect to RB is within the setting range, and there is no beverage when the difference between RC, RD, and RE with respect to RB is away from the setting range. Also in this modified example, the type of beverage is not limited, and the reference potential also changes corresponding to the temperature change of the beverage. Therefore, the liquid level is always reliably detected without being affected by the beverage temperature. obtain.
[0035]
Further, with respect to the configuration of the reference detector 28A and the liquid level detectors 28B, 28C, 28D, 28E, a modified example shown in FIG. 11 can be adopted. That is, for example, one end of the reference electrode 29A (liquid level detection electrodes 29B, 29C, 29D, and 29E) is formed on the protective body 44 that is opened on one side where the mounting portion 44a and the boss 44b are formed as in the above-described embodiment. The portion is disposed so as to protrude from the boss 44b by a predetermined length. Then, in a state where the lead wire 33 is connected to the other end of the electrode 29A, the protective body 44 is filled with a heat-resistant curable resin 45 so that the connection portion between the electrode 29A and the lead wire 33 is made of resin. Enclose with 45. Also with this configuration, the cooling water does not permeate the connection portion, and the reliability can be improved. As the curable resin 45, for example, an epoxy resin is preferably used, but other resins may be used.
[0036]
A holding portion 44c capable of holding the lead wire 33 is formed at an edge portion in the arrangement direction of the lead wire 33 in the protection body 44 according to the modified example. That is, a plurality of lead wires 33 derived from the reference detection body 28A and the liquid level detection bodies 28B, 28C, 28D, 28E can be collected by the holding portions 44c of the detection bodies 28A, 28B, 28C, 28D, 28E. Wiring processing becomes easy.
[0037]
Note that the number of liquid level detection electrodes installed in the liquid storage tank is not limited to the four described above, and any number may be arranged, and the liquid level is detected finely as much as the number of installations is increased. Can be displayed. In the embodiment, the dispenser configured to cool the beverage stored in the liquid storage tank is described as an example, but the beverage is indirectly heated with hot water obtained by heating the water stored in the water tank with a heater or the like. The connection structure of the present application can also be adopted for a dispenser for heating. Furthermore, the number of O-rings (first seal members) is not limited to two, but may be one or three or more, and a configuration in which the O-ring (first seal member) is disposed on the receiving port side may be employed. Furthermore, regarding the earth electrode, the case where it is disposed in the liquid storage tank has been described in the embodiment, but the mounting location is not limited as long as it is electrically connected.
[0038]
【The invention's effect】
  As explained above, in the connection structure of the liquid storage tank according to the present invention, the liquid storage tank can be connected in a liquid-tight manner by inserting the attachment port portion from above into the receiving portion of the water tank. . Further, since the liquid storage tank can be easily removed by pulling out the attachment port portion from the receiving port portion, the work at the time of occurrence of trouble or cleaning is facilitated. Furthermore, since the connection portion between the receiving portion and the mounting opening portion is securely sealed by the first seal member and the second seal member, the liquid leaks to the connection portion and solidifies, which is unsanitary. Can prevent.Since the interior of the receiving portion 20 is a flat surface, the cleaning is easy and hygienic.Moreover, in the attached state of the liquid storage tank, the lower end surface of the attachment opening is held in a state of being pressed against the second seal member, so that a more reliable seal is achieved.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a side view of a beverage dispenser according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, partially broken away.
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a main part of a beverage dispenser according to an embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a main part showing a connection portion between a liquid storage tank and a dispensing pipe according to an embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a side view showing a liquid storage tank according to an embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a plan view showing a guide member according to the embodiment.
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a reference detector according to an embodiment.
FIG. 7 is an exploded view showing a mounting structure of the reference detector according to the embodiment with respect to the liquid storage tank.
FIG. 8 is a control block diagram of the liquid level detection device according to the embodiment.
FIG. 9 is a circuit diagram illustratively showing an electric circuit of an electrode according to an example.
FIG. 10 is a circuit diagram illustratively showing an electric circuit of an electrode according to a modified example.
FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a reference detector according to a modification.
[Explanation of symbols]
  12 water tank, 13 liquid storage tank, 17 mounting port
  18 O-ring (first seal member), 20 receiving portion, 20a stepped portion
  21 packing (second seal member), 22 tank fixing member,23 bracket

Claims (2)

A connection structure for connecting a liquid storage tank (13) in which liquid is stored to a water tank (12) in which water is stored in a storage state in which a part of the tank is immersed in water,
A receiving part (20) provided at the bottom of the water tank (12) and having an inner flat surface ;
An attachment port (17) provided at the bottom of the liquid storage tank (13), and removably inserted into the receiving port (20) from above ;
Wherein disposed around the inside of the receiving portion (20), a step portion extending inwardly in substantially the same size and thickness of the wall of the mounting opening (17) and (20a),
A first seal member (18) which is located between the inner periphery of the receiving port (20) and the outer periphery of the mounting port (17) fitted into the receiving port (20) and seals liquid-tightly; ,
It from the lower end surface and the step portion second seal member (21) for liquid-tight manner seal positioned between (20a) of said socket portion (20) to the fitting inserted mounting opening (17) ,
A structure for connecting a liquid storage tank, characterized in that the liquid in the liquid storage tank (13) can be poured out through the attachment port (17) and the receiving port (20). In a state where the upper part tank fixing member (22) is arranged in the lower end surface of the mounting opening (17) is pressed against the second sealing member (21) of the water tub (12), before Symbol liquid storage tank connection structure reservoir tank detachably mounted is claim 1, wherein the plurality of liquid storage tank via a bracket (23) (13) to the fixed member (22) which is disposed on the outer peripheral surface (13).

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