JP3970630B2

JP3970630B2 - Beverage supply equipment

Info

Publication number: JP3970630B2
Application number: JP2002035241A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 覚小林; 俊志坪内
Original assignee: Hoshizaki Electric Co Ltd
Current assignee: Hoshizaki Electric Co Ltd
Priority date: 2002-02-13
Filing date: 2002-02-13
Publication date: 2007-09-05
Anticipated expiration: 2022-02-13
Also published as: JP2003237898A

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、飲料の貯留容器から水槽内の飲料冷却管の一方の端部に飲料を供給する飲料供給管を水槽内の冷却水の一部を循環させて冷却する飲料供給装置に関し、特に、水槽よりも上側の位置に配設される冷却手段の装置本体側端縁部に、接続管を介して送出手段から送出される冷却水を案内する場合に、該接続管の冷却手段側端縁部を冷却水の水面下又は水面近傍位置に位置するように接続管支持部材を介して支持することによって、この接続管は、水槽の冷却水の水面下にほとんど沈められるため、この接続管の外周部に発生する結露水をほとんど無くすことができ、結露水による冷却水の増加等を確実に防止して、水槽外への水漏れ等に対する信頼性の向上を図ることができる飲料供給装置に関するものである。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
従来より、ビール等の飲料を冷却して供給する飲料供給装置について種々提案されている。
例えば、実開平６−７６１９４号公報に記載された炭酸飲料用瞬冷式サーバでは、冷却液を収容する冷却槽と、冷却槽内に配設され炭酸飲料を冷却するための冷却管と、炭酸飲料を貯留容器から冷却管の一方の端部に供給するための供給ホースと、冷却管の他方の端部に設けられた注出口とを有する炭酸飲料用瞬冷式サーバにおいて、冷却槽内に吸入口および吐出口を備えた冷却液循環ポンプと、供給ホースを冷却するために、供給ホースに接して配設された冷却ホースへ、吐出口から送出される冷却液の一部を分流して接続する分岐部とを有しており、冷却ホースが、分岐部に着脱可能に接続され、供給ホースの冷却管側端部から供給ホースに沿って延び、供給ホースの他方の端部から折返して冷却槽に着脱可能に接続されるように構成されている。
これにより、冷却槽内の冷却液を循環させる冷却液循環ポンプの吐出口に分岐部を設け、循環する冷却液の一部を分流して炭酸飲料供給ホースの冷却に使用した後冷却槽へ戻し、冷却液の残部を冷却槽内の循環に使用するようにしたため、冷却液の温度を常に一様の温度に保つことができると共に、供給ホース内の雑菌による汚染も防止できる。
【０００３】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
しかしながら、上述した実開平６−７６１９４号公報に記載された炭酸飲料用瞬冷式サーバにおいては、冷却ホース及び戻りホースの装置本体側端縁部は、接続部に接続されて固定されているため、炭酸飲料を貯留する貯留容器の交換時に、断熱カバーや冷却ホース等が捻られたり引っ張られた場合に、該冷却ホース等の接続部側端縁部が損傷し易く、抜けて水が漏れるおそれがあるという問題がある。
一方、この問題を解決するために、断熱部材の装置本体側端縁部を水槽よりも上側の位置に取り付けることによって、飲料供給管の回りに冷却水の一部を供給する冷却水供給管等の接続部の捻れや損傷を防止することができて、水漏れ等に対する信頼性の向上及びランニングコストの削減化を図ることが考えられる。
しかし、冷却水の一部を送出する冷却ポンプから冷却水供給管まで冷却水を案内する接続管は、中を流れる冷却水によって０℃付近まで冷却されるため、水面よりも上側に引き回される接続管の周りに結露水が発生し、接続管の空気中の長さが長い場合に、湿度の高い環境では該結露水によって冷却水が増加して水漏れ等が発生するという問題がある。
【０００４】
そこで、本発明は、上述した問題点を解決するためになされたものであり、水槽よりも上側の位置に配設される冷却手段の装置本体側端縁部に、接続管を介して送出手段から送出される冷却水を案内する場合に、該接続管の冷却手段側端縁部を冷却水の水面下又は水面近傍位置に位置するように接続管支持部材を介して支持することによって、この接続管は、水槽の冷却水の水面下にほとんど沈められるため、この接続管の外周部に発生する結露水をほとんど無くすことができ、結露水による冷却水の増加等を確実に防止して、水槽外への水漏れ等に対する信頼性の向上を図ることができる飲料供給装置を提供することを目的とする。
【０００５】
【課題を解決するための手段】
前記目的を達成するために、請求項１に係る飲料供給装置は、冷却水を収容する水槽と、前記水槽内に配設されて飲料を冷却する飲料冷却管と、飲料が貯留される貯留容器から前記飲料冷却管の一方の端部に供給するための飲料供給管と、前記水槽内の冷却水の一部を送出する送出手段と、前記送出手段によって送出される冷却水によって前記飲料供給管を冷却する冷却手段とを備えた飲料供給装置において、前記水槽の開口部に設けられると共に、前記送出手段を駆動する駆動部材が配置される駆動部支持部材と、前記送出手段から送出される冷却水を前記冷却手段に案内する接続管と、前記接続管と冷却手段とを着脱可能に接続する接続部材と、前記駆動部支持部材に設けられ、前記接続管の前記接続部材側端縁部を支持する接続管支持部材とを備え、前記冷却手段の装置本体側端縁部は、前記水槽よりも上側の位置に配設されると共に、前記接続管支持部材は、前記接続部材を介して前記接続管を冷却手段に接続した場合に、該接続管の接続部材側端縁部が冷却水の水面下又は水面近傍位置に位置するように支持することを特徴とする。
【０００６】
【０００７】
また、請求項２に係る飲料供給装置は、請求項１に記載の飲料供給装置において、前記接続管支持部材は、冷却水の水面部近傍位置に形成される貫通孔を有し、前記接続管は、前記貫通孔に挿通されると共に、該接続管の端縁部に前記接続部材が取り付けられていることを特徴とする。
【０００８】
更に、請求項３に係る飲料供給装置は、請求項２に記載の飲料供給装置において、前記貫通孔に取り付けられて前記接続管の外周面を摺動可能に保持するスリーブ部材を備えたことを特徴とする。
【０００９】
【発明の実施の形態】
以下、本発明に係る飲料供給装置について具体化した第１実施形態及び第２実施形態を図面に基づいて詳細に説明する。
先ず、第１実施形態に係る飲料供給装置の概略構成について図１乃至図３に基づいて説明する。図１は第１実施形態に係る飲料供給装置の概略構成を示す模式図である。図２は第１実施形態に係る飲料供給装置の概略側断面図である。図３は第１実施形態に係る飲料供給装置の断熱飲料ホースの水槽側端部における概略構成を示す正面断面図である。
【００１０】
図１に示すように、飲料供給装置１には、ビール等を貯留する飲料タンク２がフィッティング３及び飲料供給管４等を内蔵する略円筒状の断熱飲料ホース８を介して接続されている。また、炭酸ガスボンベ５から調圧弁６及びガスホース７を介して、フィッティング３に炭酸ガスが供給され、フィッティング３から供給された炭酸ガスに押圧された飲料タンク２内のビール等の飲料がフィッティング３を通って飲料供給管４に供給される。
【００１１】
また、図２に示すように、飲料供給装置１は装置本体１５を有しており、かかる装置本体１５には、冷却水１６を貯留する水槽１７及びコンプレッサ１８、凝縮器、冷却ファン（図示せず）等から構成される冷凍ユニットを収納する機械室１９が設けられている。水槽１７及び機械室１９の上面は、蓋部材２１を介して閉塞されており、また、水槽１７及び機械室１９の下面には、その四隅に脚部材２２（図２中には２個の脚部材２２を示す）が固設されている。飲料供給装置１は、各脚部材２２を介してテーブル等の上に載置される。
【００１２】
水槽１７の内部には、前記コンプレッサ１８等と共に冷凍サイクルの一部を構成し、螺旋状に形成された銅製の蒸発管２３が取付具２４を介して水槽１７内に取り付けられている。この蒸発管２３には下側から冷媒が循環され、冷媒が蒸発する際に冷却水との間で熱交換を行って冷却水を冷却して、該蒸発管２３の周囲に氷を形成する作用を行う。また、螺旋状に形成された蒸発管２３の内側には、同様に螺旋状に形成された飲料冷却管２６が取付具２７を介して水槽１７内に取り付けられている。この飲料冷却管２６の一端部には、飲料タンク２からビール等の飲料が圧送される飲料供給管４が接続されている（図３参照）。そして、この圧送された飲料は、飲料冷却管２６の下側から上側に送出されるとともに、注出端部２６Ａに接続されて飲料供給装置１の前面側上部（図２中、左側上部）に配設された注出コック２８を介して容器等に注出される。
【００１３】
また、支持板２５の略中央部の上面には、ＡＣ／ＤＣモータより構成される撹拌モータ３１がビス止めによって固定されている。そして、この撹拌モータ３１の回転軸３２は、飲料冷却管２６の略中心軸上に配置されると共に、水槽１７の深さの約半分の位置まで延出されている。また、この回転軸３２の先端部には、プロペラ３３が装着されて、水槽１７内の冷却水１６を下方に向けて流動させるように構成されている。また、撹拌モータ３１に対向する支持板２５の下面には、冷却水１６の一部を断熱飲料ホース８内の冷却水供給管１１（図３参照）に送出する冷却ポンプ３５が設けられている。この冷却ポンプ３５は、回転軸３２に取り付けられる不図示の羽根車が回転することによりいわゆる渦巻ポンプが構成されて、下方から冷却水を吸引し、側面部に設けられる吐出口３５Ａ（図３参照）から吸引した冷却水を吐出するものである。この吐出口３５Ａは、Ｌ形管継手より構成されて、樹脂製パイプより形成される接続管４３の一端が取り付けられている（図３参照）。
【００１４】
また、冷却ポンプ３５及びプロペラ３３と、飲料冷却管２６との間には略円筒状に巻回されるステンレス製又は硬質合成樹脂製等の網状の網部材３７が、該冷却ポンプ３５及びプロペラ３３を覆うように取り付けられている。これにより、蒸発管２３の回りに形成される氷が剥離しても、回転軸３２やプロペラ３３に当たるの防ぐことができる。
【００１５】
また、装置本体２の前面にて注出コック２８の下方には、スノコ状の支持板３９が上部に配置されたドレンパン４０が装置本体１５の前面に対して着脱可能に取り付けられている。また、水槽１７の底部には、水槽１７の底面から装置本体１５の前面に至る間を連通する排水パイプ４１が埋設されており、かかる排水パイプ４１の排水口には、排水部材４１Ａが着脱可能に嵌合されている。
【００１６】
次に、断熱飲料ホース８内の冷却水供給管１１と冷却ポンプ３５との接続、及び飲料供給管４と飲料冷却管２６との接続の構成について図３に基づいて説明する。
図３に示すように、断熱飲料ホース８の飲料供給装置１側の端縁部は、該断熱飲料ホース８の外周部に嵌挿される所定厚さ寸法の略円環状のガイド部材９を介して、装置本体１５の外装ケース２０の側面上部に取り付けられている。そして、断熱飲料ホース８の飲料供給装置１側の端縁部は、支持板２５の端縁部に開設される開口部２５Ａに対向している。また、断熱飲料ホース８の飲料供給装置１側の端縁部には、後述のように挿入部材５１が嵌入され、外周部が半径方向外側に膨出してガイド部材９の内径よりも大きい外径を有する膨出部が形成されている（図４参照）。これにより、断熱飲料ホース８は、ガイド部材９を介して軸方向及び周方向に摺動移動可能に保持されると共に、装置本体１５から抜けないように保持されている。
【００１７】
また、この開口部２５Ａの撹拌モータ３１側の前側角部の下面には、垂直断面略逆Ｌ字型の平板状で冷却水１６の水面下まで延出される接続管支持部材４２が溶接やネジ止め等によって固着されている。また、接続管支持部材４２の下方向に延出される下側約半分の部分は、斜め前方向に折り曲げられると共に、この接続管支持部材４２の下側端縁部には、接続管４３が挿入される貫通孔４２Ａが、水面部の近傍位置（水面部若しくは水面直下が望ましい。）に穿設されている。
また、支持板２５の下面に取り付けられて撹拌モータ３１の回転軸３２を覆うと共に、冷却ポンプ３５を支持する円筒部材４４が設けられている。そして、接続管４３は、該円筒部材４４の外側に沿って約一周、少し隙間を持たせて巻かれて、接続管支持部材４２に穿設される貫通孔４２Ａに下側から挿入されている。更に、この接続管４３の他端部には、略円筒状のワンタッチ継手から構成される接続部材４３Ａが取り付けられている。また、この接続部材４３Ａには、冷却水供給管１１が接続され、冷却ポンプ３５から送出される冷却水が接続管４３、接続部材４３Ａ及び冷却水供給管１１に供給される。ここで、貫通孔４３Ａは、軸断面略円形の貫通孔で、内径寸法は、接続管４３の外径寸法よりも少し大きく、且つ接続部材４３Ａの外径寸法よりも小さく形成されている。これにより、接続部材４３Ａに他端側が取り付けられる接続管４３は、この接続管支持部材４２によって水槽１７内に落下しないように支持される。
【００１８】
また、飲料冷却管２６の取付具２７の上端部には、垂直断面略くの字形の平板状の管継手保持板５５がリベットやネジ止め等によって固着されている。そして、この管継手保持板５５には、管継手５５Ａがナットによりネジ止めされ、該管継手５５Ａの一端側に飲料冷却管２６の注入側端縁部が接続されている。一方、この管継手５５Ａには、飲料供給管４が接続され、飲料タンク２内のビール等の飲料が該管継手５５Ａを介して飲料冷却管２６に圧送される。
【００１９】
次に、飲料供給管４と冷却水供給管１１の装置本体１５への接続手順について図３に基づいて説明する。尚、接続部材４３Ａ及び管継手５５Ａは、接続する接続管４３、冷却水供給管１１、及び飲料供給管４の端部を接続部材４３Ａ及び管継手５５Ａに差し込み、内部の奥の壁に当てることによって、該接続管４３、冷却水供給管１１、及び飲料供給管４の端部が拘束されて密に接続されるように構成されている。また、この接続部材４３Ａ及び管継手５５Ａの接続管４３、冷却水供給管１１、及び飲料供給管４が接続される端部に設けられる鍔部を軸方向内側に押し込むことによって、該接続管４３、冷却水供給管１１、及び飲料供給管４の端部の拘束が解放され、接続部材４３Ａ及び管継手５５Ａから抜くことができるように構成されている。
【００２０】
飲料供給管４と冷却水供給管１１の装置本体１５への接続手順は、先ず、断熱飲料ホース８の外周部に嵌挿されるガイド部材９を装置本体１５の外装ケース２０の右側面上部に形成されるＵ字形切欠部に嵌め込んで取り付ける。そして、飲料供給管４の端部を管継手５５Ａの中に差し込み、該管継手５５Ａ内の奥の壁に当てる。これにより、飲料供給管４の端部が管継手５５Ａに接続される。
続いて、接続部材４３Ａを持って、冷却水供給管１１を接続部材４３Ａの方に引き寄せる。そして、冷却水供給管１１の端部を接続部材４３Ａの中に差し込み、該接続部材４３Ａ内の奥の壁に当てる。これにより、冷却水供給管１１の端部が接続部材４３Ａに接続される。
尚、飲料供給管４と冷却水供給管１１の装置本体１５からの取り外しは、上記手順を逆に行えばよい。
【００２１】
次に、断熱飲料ホース８の概略構成について図４及び図５に基づいて説明する。図４は第１実施形態に係る飲料供給装置１の断熱飲料ホース８の概略構成を示す側断面図である。図５は第１実施形態に係る飲料供給装置１の断熱飲料ホース８の概略構成を示す横断面図である。
【００２２】
図４及び図５に示すように、断熱飲料ホース８は、所定外径寸法（第１実施形態の場合は、外径約１０ｍｍである。）の樹脂製パイプより形成される飲料供給管４と、この飲料供給管４のフィッティング３の近傍まで覆う所定内径寸法（第１実施形態の場合は、内径約１６ｍｍである。）の樹脂製パイプより形成される冷却管１０と、この冷却管１０内の飲料供給管４のほぼ全長に沿って配設される所定外径寸法（第１実施形態の場合は、外径約６ｍｍである。）の樹脂製パイプより形成される冷却水供給管１１と、冷却管１０の外側を覆う弾力性のあるゴム製の断熱材より形成される断熱カバー１２とから構成されている。
また、この冷却管１０のフィッティング３側の端縁部（図４中、右端縁部）と飲料供給管４との隙間には、閉塞部材４５が嵌入されて、この外周部を樹脂製締付ベルト４６（例えば、芝軽粗材株式会社製「コンベックス」等）等によって締め付けられて閉塞されている。これにより、冷却水供給管１１を介して冷却管１０内（矢印４７方向）に供給される冷却水が漏れないように形成され、該冷却管１０内の奥側端縁部に流出される冷却水は、冷却管１０の装置本体１５側開口部より外側方向（矢印４８方向）に放出される。一方、この冷却管１０の外側は、ほぼ全長に渡り断熱カバー１２によって覆われて、冷却管１０内の冷却水は断熱されている。また、ビール等の飲料は、飲料供給管４内を矢印４Ａ方向に圧送される。
【００２３】
また、断熱カバー１２の装置本体１５側端縁部（図４中、左端縁部）には、樹脂製のガイド部材９が外側から嵌挿されている。また、断熱カバー１２の装置本体１５側端縁部には、該断熱カバー１２の内面と冷却管１０の外周面との間に略筒状で樹脂製の挿入部材５１が、断熱カバー１２の弾性に抗して挿入されている。そして、この断熱カバー１２の装置本体１５側端縁部の外周部を樹脂製締付ベルト５２（例えば、芝軽粗材株式会社製「コンベックス」等）等によって締め付けて、挿入部材５１を固着している。これにより、断熱カバー１２の装置本体１５側端縁部が半径方向外側に膨出するため、該端縁部の最外径がガイド部材９の内径よりも大きくなり、ガイド部材９は、断熱カバー１２の装置本体１５側に抜けなくなる。これにより、断熱カバー１２の装置本体１５側の端縁部は、クランパ等によって固定されないため、飲料タンク２の交換時などに断熱飲料ホース８を上下左右方向に引っ張っても傷つきにくくなり使用可能期間を長くすることができる。また、該挿入部材５１を断熱カバー１２の装置本体１５側の端縁部に挿入して嵌め込んでも、冷却管１０や冷却水供給管１１は圧迫変形されることがないため、冷却管１０内の冷却水をスムーズに流すことができる。
【００２４】
また、断熱カバー１２のフィッティング３側端縁部（図４中、右端縁部）は、外周部を樹脂製締付ベルト５３（例えば、芝軽粗材株式会社製「コンベックス」等）等によって締め付けられて、飲料供給管４に固着され、一体化されている。また、この断熱カバー１２のフィッティング３側端縁部には、略カップ形のカバー部材５４が外側から嵌め込まれている。これにより、断熱カバー１２の端面部及び締付ベルト５３が該カバー部材５４によって覆われる。また、閉塞部材４５を飲料供給管４のフィッティング３側端縁部から矢印６５方向に挿入して、冷却管１０の端縁部にほぼ全体を押し込み、段差部６３に対向する冷却管１０の外周部を締め付けベルト４６によって締め付けることによって、冷却管１０のフィッティング３側端縁部は、閉塞されて冷却水の漏れを防止することができる。また、断熱カバー１２のフィッティング３側端縁部が覆われて、締付ベルト５３が隠されると共に、飲料タンク２の交換時などにおける断熱カバー１２の端面部の損傷を防止できる。
【００２５】
ここで、飲料供給管４と冷却水供給管１１との外側を覆う冷却管１０の装置本体１５側の端縁部は、挿入部材５１の外側端面部から所定長さ外側に突出するように形成されている。これにより、冷却管１１の装置本体１５側端縁部の開口部から水槽１７に還流される冷却水１６を、断熱カバー１２や挿入部材５１の水槽１７側端面部にほぼ触れることなく、水槽１７内に流出さすことができる。
【００２６】
以上詳細に説明した通り第１実施形態に係る飲料供給装置１は、ビール等の飲料を貯留する飲料タンク２が、フィッティング３及び飲料供給管４を介して水槽１７内の飲料冷却管２６に管継手５５Ａを介して接続されている。また、飲料供給管４の外側は、フィッティング３の近傍まで冷却管１０によって覆われている。そして、この冷却管１０のフィッティング３側の端縁部は、飲料供給管４に固着されて閉塞されており、この飲料供給管４の冷却管１０内のほぼ全長に沿って配設される冷却水供給管１１を介して供給される冷却水が漏れないように形成されている。また、この冷却管１０の外側は、ほぼ全長に渡り断熱カバー１２によって覆われて断熱されている。一方、冷却水供給管１１は、接続部材４３Ａを介して樹脂製パイプより形成される接続管４３に接続されている。この接続管４３は、一端が水槽１７内の冷却水の一部を送出する冷却ポンプ３５の吐出口３５Ａに接続され、他端は支持板２５の下面に取り付けられる略逆Ｌ字状の接続管支持部材４２の水面部近傍位置に形成される貫通孔４２Ａに下側から挿通されて接続部材４３Ａが取り付けられている。また、この接続管４７は、冷却ポンプ３５を支持板２５の下側に支持する円筒部材４４の外側に沿って約一周少し隙間を持たせて引き回されて貫通孔４２Ａに挿通されている。更に、貫通孔４２Ａの内径寸法は、接続部材４３Ａの外径寸法よりも小さく形成されている。
【００２７】
従って、冷却ポンプ３５から送出される冷却水を冷却水供給管１１に案内する接続管４３は、接続管支持部材４２によってほぼ全長に渡り冷却水１６の水面下に沈められた状態で支持されるため、この接続管４３の外周部に発生する結露水をほとんど無くすことができ、結露水による冷却水１６の増加等を確実に防止して、水槽１７外への水漏れ等に対する信頼性の向上を図ることができる。また、この接続管４３の外周面に発生する結露水を防止することができるため、結露水の付着による撹拌モータ３１等の電気部品の故障の発生を未然に防ぐことができる。更に、接続管４３の接続部材４３Ａ側端縁部は、冷却水１６の水面近傍に位置するため、該接続管４３を水槽１７の上側から接続部材４３Ａを介して冷却水供給管１１に容易に接続することができ、取付作業を迅速に行うことができる。
また、接続管支持部材４２は、撹拌モータ３１等が取り付けられる支持板２５の開口部２５Ａの周端縁部に設けられているため、この接続管４３の引き回し長さを短くすることができると共に、この支持板２５、撹拌モータ３１、円筒部材４４、冷却ポンプ３５、接続管４３、接続管支持部材４２、接続部材４３Ａ等をユニット化することができて組み立て作業の効率化を図ることができる。
更に、接続管４３の接続部材４３Ａ側端縁部を自由に動かして、該接続管４３の他端を冷却水供給管１１に取付けることができるため、飲料供給管４と冷却水供給管１１との飲料供給装置１への取り付け・取り外し作業を容易に行うことができる。また、飲料供給管４と冷却水供給管１１との突出長さにバラツキが発生しても、接続管４３を自由に動かして接続部材４３Ａを介して確実に接続することができるため、飲料供給管４及び冷却水供給管１１の組立精度を低くすることが可能となり製造コストの削減化を図ることができる。また、接続管４３は、自重などで下側に下降しても、接続部材４３Ａが貫通孔４２Ａで引っかかるため、水槽１７内に落ちるのを防止することができる。
【００２８】
次に、第２実施形態に係る飲料供給装置について図６乃至図８に基づいて説明する。尚、以下の説明において上記図１乃至図５の第１実施形態に係る飲料供給装置１の構成と同一符号は、該第１実施形態に係る飲料供給装置１等の構成と同一あるいは相当部分を示すものである。
第２実施形態に係る飲料供給装置の概略構成は、第１実施形態に係る飲料供給装置１とほぼ同じ構成である。
但し、第２実施形態に係る飲料供給装置では、後述のように接続管支持部材の貫通孔に接続管４３の外周面を摺動可能に保持する樹脂製のスリーブ部材が取り付けられている点で第１実施形態に係る飲料供給装置１と異なっている。
【００２９】
ここで、図６は第２実施形態に係る飲料供給装置の断熱飲料ホース８の水槽１７側端部における概略構成を示す正面断面図である。図７は第２実施形態に係る飲料供給装置の接続管支持部材の要部拡大側断面図である。図８は第２実施形態に係る飲料供給装置の接続管支持部材の貫通孔に取り付けられるスリーブ部材を示す図で、（Ａ）は正面図、（Ｂ）は側断面図である。
図６乃至図８に示すように、第２実施形態に係る飲料供給装置６０の支持板２５の開口部２５Ａの周端縁部下面には、接続管４３の接続部材４３Ａ側端縁部を水面部の近傍位置（水面部若しくは水面直下が望ましい。）に支持する接続管支持部材６２が溶接やネジ止め等によって固着されている。この接続管支持部材６２は、上記接続管支持部材４２とほぼ同じ形状であるが、下側端縁部には、上記貫通孔４２Ａの内径よりも大きい内径を有する断面略円形の貫通孔６２Ａが水面部の近傍位置（水面部若しくは水面直下が望ましい。）に穿設されている。また、この貫通孔６２Ａには、樹脂製のスリーブ部材６３が上側方向から嵌入され、接着や圧入などによって固着されている。
【００３０】
また、図８に示すように、このスリーブ部材６３は、略円筒形状の支持部６４と、該支持部６４の一方の軸方向外側端縁部の外周部に形成されて接続管支持部材６２に嵌入した際に上側面に当接するフランジ部６５とから構成されている。また、スリーブ部材６３の支持部６４の外径は、貫通孔６３Ａの内径にほぼ等しく形成されている。また、この支持部６４の内径は、接続管４３の外径より少し大きく、且つ接続部材４３Ａの外径よりも小さくなるように形成されている。
【００３１】
これにより、図７に示すように、接続管支持部材６２の貫通孔６２Ａ取り付けられるスリーブ部材６３に、接続管４３を下側から挿入後、該接続管４３の端部に接続部材４３Ａを取り付けることによって、接続管４３は、このスリーブ部材６３の支持部６４の内面に対して軸方向及び周方向に摺動移動可能に支持される。また、接続管４３の接続部材４３Ａ側端縁部は、スリーブ部材６３によって水槽１７内に落下しないように支持されると共に、接続管４３は接続管支持部材６２によりほぼ全長に渡って水中に支持される。
【００３２】
従って、冷却ポンプ３５から送出される冷却水を冷却水供給管１１に案内する接続管４３は、接続管支持部材６２によってほぼ全長に渡り冷却水１６の水面下に沈められた状態で支持されるため、この接続管４３の外周部に発生する結露水をほとんど無くすことができ、結露水による冷却水１６の増加等を確実に防止して、水槽１７外への水漏れ等に対する信頼性の向上を図ることができる。また、この接続管４３の外周面に発生する結露水を防止することができるため、結露水の付着による撹拌モータ３１等の電気部品の故障の発生を未然に防ぐことができる。更に、接続管４３の接続部材４３Ａ側端縁部は、冷却水１６の水面近傍に位置するため、該接続管４３を水槽１７の上側から接続部材４３Ａを介して冷却水供給管１１に容易に接続することができ、取付作業を迅速に行うことができる。
また、接続管支持部材６２は、撹拌モータ３１等が取り付けられる支持板２５の開口部２５Ａの周端縁部に設けられているため、この接続管４３の引き回し長さを短くすることができると共に、この支持板２５、撹拌モータ３１、円筒部材４４、冷却ポンプ３５、接続管４３、接続管支持部材６２、スリーブ部材６３、接続部材４３Ａ等をユニット化することができて組み立て作業の効率化を図ることができる。
また、接続管４３の接続部材４３Ａ側端縁部を自由に動かして、該接続管４３の他端を冷却水供給管１１に取付けることができるため、飲料供給管４と冷却水供給管１１との飲料供給装置６０への取り付け・取り外し作業を容易に行うことができる。また、飲料供給管４と冷却水供給管１１との突出長さにバラツキが発生しても、接続管４３を自由に動かして接続部材４３Ａを介して確実に接続することができるため、飲料供給管４及び冷却水供給管１１の組立精度を低くすることが可能となり製造コストの削減化を図ることができる。また、接続管４３は、自重などで下側に下降しても、接続部材４３Ａがスリーブ部材６３で引っかかるため、水槽１７内に落ちるのを防止することができる。
更に、接続管４３の外周面と貫通孔６２Ａとは、スリーブ部材６３を介して接触するため、接続管４３の外周面が直接金属製の貫通孔６２Ａに接触することを防止することができ、接続管４３の引き出しや差し込みの際に擦れなどによって発生する損傷や接続管４３の外周面と貫通孔６２Ａ端面部との撹拌モータ３１等の振動による摩耗を防止することができる
【００３３】
尚、本発明は前記第１実施形態及び第２実施形態に限定されることはなく、本発明の要旨を逸脱しない範囲内で種々の改良、変形が可能であることは勿論である。
例えば、第２実施形態では、スリーブ部材６３を貫通孔６２Ａに接着剤などで固着したが、スリーブ部材６３の支持部６４の外周部に雄ねじ部を形成して、接続管支持部材６２の裏側面からナットによりネジ止めする構成にしてもよい。これにより、スリーブ部材６３の交換を容易に行うことができる。
【００３４】
【発明の効果】
以上説明した通り請求項１に係る飲料供給装置では、水槽内の冷却水で冷却される飲料冷却管の一方の端部に飲料供給管を介して貯留容器から飲料が供給される。また、この飲料供給管は、冷却手段を介して水槽内の冷却水の一部を送出する送出手段によって送出される冷却水によって冷却される。また、冷却手段の装置本体側端縁部は、水槽よりも上側の位置に配設されている。そして、送出手段から送出される冷却水は、冷却手段に接続部材を介して着脱可能に接続される接続管によって案内される。また、この接続管の接続部材側端縁部は、接続管支持部材によって冷却水の水面下又は水面近傍位置に位置するように支持されている。
これにより、送出手段から送出される冷却水を冷却手段に案内する接続管は、水槽の冷却水の水面下にほとんど沈められた状態で支持されるため、この接続管の外周部に発生する結露水をほとんど無くすことができ、結露水による冷却水の増加等を確実に防止して、水槽外への水漏れ等に対する信頼性の向上を図ることができる飲料供給装置を提供することができる。また、接続管の接続部材側端縁部は、水槽の水面近傍に位置するため、該接続管を水槽の上側から冷却手段に容易に接続することができ、取付作業を迅速に行うことができる飲料供給装置を提供することができる。
【００３５】
また、請求項１に係る飲料供給装置では、前記接続管支持部材は、水槽の開口部に設けられると共に、送出手段を駆動する駆動部材が配置される駆動部支持部材に設けられているため、この接続管の引き回し長さを短くすることができると共に、駆動部支持部材、送出手段、接続管支持部材、接続管、及び接続部材等をユニット化することができて組み立て作業の効率化を図ることができる飲料供給装置を提供することができる。
【００３６】
また、請求項２に係る飲料供給装置では、請求項１に記載の飲料供給装置において、接続管は、接続管支持部材の冷却水の水面部近傍位置に形成される貫通孔挿通されると共に、該接続管の端縁部に前記接続部材が取り付けられている。
これにより、接続管の接続部材側端縁部を自由に動かして、該接続管の他端を冷却手段に取付けることができるため、飲料供給管と冷却手段との飲料供給装置への取り付け・取り外し作業を容易に行うことができる飲料供給装置を提供することができる。また、飲料供給管と冷却手段との突出長さにバラツキが発生しても、接続管を自由に動かして接続部材を介して確実に接続することができるため、飲料供給管及び冷却手段の組立精度を低くすることが可能となり製造コストの削減化を図ることができる飲料供給装置を提供することができる。また、接続管は、自重などで下側に下降しても、接続部材が貫通孔で引っかかるため、水槽内に落ちるのを防止することができる飲料供給装置を提供することができる。
【００３７】
更に、請求項３に係る飲料供給装置では、請求項２に記載の飲料供給装置において、接続管が挿通される貫通孔には、接続管の外周面を摺動可能に保持するスリーブ部材が設けられている。
これにより、接続管の外周面と貫通孔とは、スリーブ部材を介して接触するため、接続管外周面が直接貫通孔に接触することを防止することができ、接続管の引き出しや差し込みの際に擦れなどによって発生する損傷や接続管の外周面と貫通孔端面部との送出手段の駆動部の振動による摩耗を防止することができる飲料供給装置を提供することができる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】第１実施形態に係る飲料供給装置の概略構成を示す模式図である。
【図２】第１実施形態に係る飲料供給装置の概略側断面図である。
【図３】第１実施形態に係る飲料供給装置の断熱飲料ホースの水槽側端部における概略構成を示す正面断面図である。
【図４】第１実施形態に係る飲料供給装置の断熱飲料ホースの概略構成を示す側断面図である。
【図５】第１実施形態に係る飲料供給装置の断熱飲料ホースの概略構成を示す横断面図である。
【図６】第２実施形態に係る飲料供給装置の断熱飲料ホースの水槽側端部における概略構成を示す正面断面図である。
【図７】第２実施形態に係る飲料供給装置の接続管支持部材の要部拡大側断面図である。
【図８】第２実施形態に係る飲料供給装置の接続管支持部材の貫通孔に取り付けられるスリーブ部材を示す図で、（Ａ）は正面図、（Ｂ）は側断面図である。
【符号の説明】
１、６０飲料供給装置
２飲料タンク
４飲料供給管
８断熱飲料ホース
１１冷却水供給管
１６冷却水
１７水槽
２６飲料冷却管
３５冷却ポンプ
４２、６２接続管支持部材
４２Ａ、６２Ａ貫通孔
４３接続管
４３Ａ接続部材
６３スリーブ部材[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a beverage supply device for cooling a beverage supply pipe for supplying a beverage from a beverage storage container to one end of a beverage cooling pipe in a water tank by circulating a part of the cooling water in the water tank, When guiding the cooling water sent from the sending means through the connecting pipe to the edge of the cooling means disposed on the upper side of the water tank, the cooling means side edge of the connecting pipe Since the connection pipe is almost submerged under the cooling water surface of the aquarium by supporting the portion through the connection pipe support member so as to be located at a position below or near the water surface of the cooling water, The present invention relates to a beverage supply device that can substantially eliminate condensed water generated on the outer peripheral portion, reliably prevent an increase in cooling water due to condensed water, and improve reliability against water leakage to the outside of the aquarium. Is.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, various drink supply devices for cooling and supplying a beverage such as beer have been proposed.
For example, in the instantaneous cooling type server for carbonated drinks described in Japanese Utility Model Publication No. Hei 6-76194, a cooling tank for storing a cooling liquid, a cooling pipe disposed in the cooling tank for cooling the carbonated drink, In a carbonated beverage instantaneous cooling type server having a supply hose for supplying a beverage from a storage container to one end of a cooling pipe and a spout provided at the other end of the cooling pipe, In order to cool the cooling fluid circulation pump with the suction port and the discharge port and the supply hose, a part of the coolant sent from the discharge port is diverted to the cooling hose arranged in contact with the supply hose. The cooling hose is detachably connected to the branching portion, extends from the cooling tube side end of the supply hose along the supply hose, and is folded from the other end of the supply hose. Configured to be detachably connected to the cooling bath To have.
As a result, a branch is provided at the discharge port of the cooling liquid circulation pump for circulating the cooling liquid in the cooling tank, and a part of the circulating cooling liquid is diverted to be used for cooling the carbonated beverage supply hose and then returned to the cooling tank. Since the remainder of the cooling liquid is used for circulation in the cooling tank, the temperature of the cooling liquid can always be kept at a uniform temperature, and contamination by germs in the supply hose can be prevented.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the instant cooling server for carbonated drinks described in Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open No. 6-76194, the device main body side edge portions of the cooling hose and the return hose are connected and fixed to the connection portion. When replacing a storage container for storing carbonated beverages, if the heat insulation cover, cooling hose, etc. are twisted or pulled, the connection side edge of the cooling hose, etc. is likely to be damaged, and the water may leak through There is a problem that there is.
On the other hand, in order to solve this problem, a cooling water supply pipe or the like for supplying a part of the cooling water around the beverage supply pipe by attaching the device body side edge of the heat insulating member to a position above the water tank It is conceivable to prevent twisting and damage of the connecting portion, to improve reliability against water leakage and to reduce running costs.
However, the connecting pipe that guides the cooling water from the cooling pump that sends out a part of the cooling water to the cooling water supply pipe is cooled to near 0 ° C. by the cooling water flowing through it, and is therefore routed above the water surface. When condensation water is generated around the connecting pipe and the length of the connecting pipe in the air is long, there is a problem that in a high humidity environment, the condensed water increases cooling water and causes water leakage. .
[0004]
Therefore, the present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and the delivery means is connected to the apparatus main body side edge of the cooling means disposed at a position above the water tank via a connecting pipe. When guiding the cooling water sent out from the cooling pipe, the edge of the cooling pipe side of the connecting pipe is supported via the connecting pipe support member so as to be located below or near the water surface of the cooling water. Since the connecting pipe is almost submerged under the surface of the cooling water in the aquarium, it is possible to eliminate almost all the condensed water generated on the outer periphery of the connecting pipe, and to reliably prevent an increase in the cooling water due to the condensed water, It aims at providing the drink supply apparatus which can aim at the improvement of the reliability with respect to the water leak etc. outside a water tank.
[0005]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the object, a beverage supply device according to claim 1 includes a water tank that stores cooling water, a beverage cooling pipe that is disposed in the water tank and cools the beverage, and a storage container in which the beverage is stored. A beverage supply pipe for supplying the beverage cooling pipe to one end of the beverage cooling pipe, a delivery means for delivering a part of the cooling water in the water tank, and the beverage supply pipe by the cooling water delivered by the delivery means In a beverage supply device comprising a cooling means for cooling A drive unit support member provided at the opening of the water tank and disposed with a drive member for driving the delivery means; A connection pipe that guides the cooling water delivered from the delivery means to the cooling means, and a connection member that removably connects the connection pipe and the cooling means; Provided in the drive unit support member; A connection pipe support member that supports the connection member side edge of the connection pipe, and the apparatus main body side edge of the cooling means is disposed at a position above the water tank, and the connection The pipe support member supports the connection member side edge of the connection pipe so that the connection pipe side edge is located below or near the water surface when the connection pipe is connected to the cooling means via the connection member. It is characterized by that.
[0006]
[0007]
Also, Claim 2 The beverage supply apparatus according to Claim 1 The beverage supply device according to claim 1, wherein the connection pipe support member has a through hole formed in a position near the water surface portion of the cooling water, and the connection pipe is inserted into the through hole, and the connection pipe has a through hole. The connection member is attached to an end edge portion.
[0008]
In addition, Claim 3 The beverage supply apparatus according to Claim 2 The beverage supply apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a sleeve member that is attached to the through-hole and that slidably holds an outer peripheral surface of the connection pipe.
[0009]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, a first embodiment and a second embodiment embodied about a beverage supply device according to the present invention will be described in detail based on the drawings.
First, a schematic configuration of the beverage supply device according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3. Drawing 1 is a mimetic diagram showing a schematic structure of a beverage supply device concerning a 1st embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic sectional side view of the beverage supply device according to the first embodiment. Drawing 3 is a front sectional view showing the schematic structure in the water tank side end part of the heat insulation beverage hose of the beverage supply device concerning a 1st embodiment.
[0010]
As shown in FIG. 1, a beverage tank 2 for storing beer or the like is connected to the beverage supply device 1 via a substantially cylindrical heat-insulating beverage hose 8 containing a fitting 3, a beverage supply pipe 4, and the like. Also, carbon dioxide gas is supplied to the fitting 3 from the carbon dioxide gas cylinder 5 via the pressure regulating valve 6 and the gas hose 7, and a beverage such as beer in the beverage tank 2 pressed by the carbon dioxide gas supplied from the fitting 3 passes through the fitting 3. It is supplied to the beverage supply pipe 4 through.
[0011]
As shown in FIG. 2, the beverage supply apparatus 1 has an apparatus main body 15, and the apparatus main body 15 includes a water tank 17 and a compressor 18 that store cooling water 16, a condenser, and a cooling fan (not shown). A machine room 19 is provided for storing a refrigeration unit composed of, for example. The upper surfaces of the water tank 17 and the machine room 19 are closed with a lid member 21, and leg members 22 (two legs in FIG. 2) are provided at the four corners of the lower surface of the water tank 17 and the machine room 19. (Showing member 22) is fixed. The beverage supply device 1 is placed on a table or the like via each leg member 22.
[0012]
Inside the water tank 17, a part of the refrigeration cycle is formed together with the compressor 18 and the like, and a copper evaporation pipe 23 formed in a spiral shape is provided in the water tank 17 via a fixture 24. In It is attached. A refrigerant is circulated from the lower side to the evaporation pipe 23, and when the refrigerant evaporates, heat is exchanged with the cooling water to cool the cooling water, thereby forming ice around the evaporation pipe 23. I do. In addition, a beverage cooling pipe 26 similarly formed in a spiral shape is attached to the inside of the water tank 17 via a fitting 27 inside the evaporation pipe 23 formed in a spiral shape. A beverage supply pipe 4 through which a beverage such as beer is pumped from the beverage tank 2 is connected to one end of the beverage cooling pipe 26 (see FIG. 3). Then, the pumped beverage is sent from the lower side of the beverage cooling pipe 26 to the upper side, and is connected to the dispensing end portion 26A to the upper part on the front side of the beverage supply device 1 (upper left side in FIG. 2). It is poured out into a container or the like through the arranged pouring cock 28.
[0013]
A stirring motor 31 composed of an AC / DC motor is fixed to the upper surface of the substantially central portion of the support plate 25 with screws. The rotating shaft 32 of the stirring motor 31 is disposed on the substantially central axis of the beverage cooling pipe 26 and extends to a position about half the depth of the water tank 17. A propeller 33 is attached to the tip of the rotary shaft 32 so that the cooling water 16 in the water tank 17 flows downward. A cooling pump 35 is provided on the lower surface of the support plate 25 facing the stirring motor 31 to send a part of the cooling water 16 to the cooling water supply pipe 11 (see FIG. 3) in the heat insulating beverage hose 8. . The cooling pump 35 is configured as a so-called spiral pump by rotating an impeller (not shown) attached to the rotary shaft 32, and sucks the cooling water from below, and discharge ports 35A provided on the side surface (see FIG. 3). The cooling water sucked from is discharged. 35 A of this discharge port is comprised from the L-shaped pipe joint, and the end of the connection pipe 43 formed from a resin pipe is attached (refer FIG. 3).
[0014]
A net-like net member 37 made of stainless steel or hard synthetic resin, which is wound in a substantially cylindrical shape, is provided between the cooling pump 35 and the propeller 33 and the beverage cooling pipe 26. It is attached to cover. Thereby, even if the ice formed around the evaporation pipe 23 peels off, it can be prevented from hitting the rotating shaft 32 or the propeller 33.
[0015]
In addition, a drain pan 40 having a slat-like support plate 39 disposed at the upper portion is detachably attached to the front surface of the apparatus main body 15 below the pouring cock 28 on the front surface of the apparatus main body 2. Further, a drain pipe 41 is embedded in the bottom of the water tank 17 so as to communicate between the bottom surface of the water tank 17 and the front surface of the apparatus body 15, and a drain member 41 A can be attached to and detached from the drain port of the drain pipe 41. Is fitted.
[0016]
Next, the connection between the cooling water supply pipe 11 and the cooling pump 35 in the heat insulating beverage hose 8 and the connection between the beverage supply pipe 4 and the beverage cooling pipe 26 will be described with reference to FIG.
As shown in FIG. 3, the end edge of the heat-insulating beverage hose 8 on the side of the beverage supply device 1 is interposed through a substantially annular guide member 9 having a predetermined thickness that is inserted into the outer peripheral portion of the heat-insulating beverage hose 8. The main body 15 is attached to the upper part of the side surface of the outer case 20. And the edge part by the side of the drink supply apparatus 1 of the heat insulation drink hose 8 has opposed the opening part 25A opened in the edge part of the support plate 25. FIG. Moreover, the insertion member 51 is inserted in the edge part by the side of the drink supply apparatus 1 of the heat insulation drink hose 8 so that it may mention later, and an outer peripheral part bulges to an outer side in radial direction, and an outer diameter larger than the internal diameter of the guide member 9 The bulging part which has is formed (refer FIG. 4). Thereby, the heat-insulating beverage hose 8 is held so as to be slidable in the axial direction and the circumferential direction via the guide member 9, and is held so as not to come off from the apparatus main body 15.
[0017]
Further, on the lower surface of the front corner of the opening 25A on the stirring motor 31 side, a connecting pipe support member 42 that extends substantially below the surface of the cooling water 16 in the shape of a plate having a substantially inverted L-shaped vertical section is welded or screwed. It is fixed by a stopper or the like. The lower half of the connecting pipe support member 42 extending downward is bent obliquely forward, and the connecting pipe 43 is inserted into the lower edge of the connecting pipe support member 42. The through-hole 42A is formed in the vicinity of the water surface portion (preferably the water surface portion or directly below the water surface).
A cylindrical member 44 that is attached to the lower surface of the support plate 25 and covers the rotating shaft 32 of the stirring motor 31 and supports the cooling pump 35 is provided. The connection pipe 43 is wound around the outer circumference of the cylindrical member 44 with a slight gap and inserted from below into a through-hole 42A formed in the connection pipe support member 42. . Further, a connecting member 43 A composed of a substantially cylindrical one-touch joint is attached to the other end of the connecting pipe 43. The cooling water supply pipe 11 is connected to the connection member 43A, and the cooling water sent from the cooling pump 35 is supplied to the connection pipe 43, the connection member 43A, and the cooling water supply pipe 11. Here, the through-hole 43A is a through-hole having a substantially circular axial cross section, and the inner diameter dimension is slightly larger than the outer diameter dimension of the connection pipe 43 and smaller than the outer diameter dimension of the connection member 43A. Thereby, the connection pipe 43 to which the other end is attached to the connection member 43 A is supported by the connection pipe support member 42 so as not to fall into the water tank 17.
[0018]
Further, a flat-plate-shaped pipe joint holding plate 55 having a substantially U-shaped vertical cross section is fixed to the upper end portion of the fixture 27 of the beverage cooling pipe 26 by rivets, screws or the like. A pipe joint 55A is screwed to the pipe joint holding plate 55 with a nut, and an injection side edge of the beverage cooling pipe 26 is connected to one end side of the pipe joint 55A. On the other hand, the beverage supply pipe 4 is connected to the pipe joint 55A, and a beverage such as beer in the beverage tank 2 is pumped to the beverage cooling pipe 26 via the pipe joint 55A.
[0019]
Next, a procedure for connecting the beverage supply pipe 4 and the cooling water supply pipe 11 to the apparatus main body 15 will be described with reference to FIG. In addition, the connecting member 43A and the pipe joint 55A are inserted into the connecting member 43A and the pipe joint 55A at the ends of the connecting pipe 43, the cooling water supply pipe 11, and the beverage supply pipe 4 to be connected, and hit the inner wall. Thus, the connection pipe 43, the cooling water supply pipe 11, and the ends of the beverage supply pipe 4 are constrained and connected closely. Further, the connecting pipe 43A and the connecting pipe 43 of the pipe joint 55A, the cooling water supply pipe 11, and the flange provided at the end to which the beverage supply pipe 4 is connected are pushed inward in the axial direction, thereby connecting the connecting pipe 43. The restriction of the cooling water supply pipe 11 and the end of the beverage supply pipe 4 is released, and the cooling water supply pipe 11 and the pipe joint 55A can be pulled out.
[0020]
In order to connect the beverage supply pipe 4 and the cooling water supply pipe 11 to the apparatus main body 15, first, a guide member 9 to be inserted into the outer peripheral portion of the heat insulating beverage hose 8 is formed on the upper right side of the outer case 20 of the apparatus main body 15. Fit into the U-shaped cutout. And the edge part of the drink supply pipe | tube 4 is inserted in 55 A of pipe joints, and it hits the inner wall in this pipe joint 55A. Thereby, the edge part of the drink supply pipe 4 is connected to the pipe joint 55A.
Subsequently, holding the connection member 43A, the cooling water supply pipe 11 is drawn toward the connection member 43A. And the edge part of the cooling water supply pipe | tube 11 is inserted in 43 A of connection members, and it hits the inner wall in this connection member 43A. Thereby, the edge part of the cooling water supply pipe 11 is connected to the connection member 43A.
In addition, the removal of the drink supply pipe 4 and the cooling water supply pipe 11 from the apparatus main body 15 may be performed in the reverse order.
[0021]
Next, the schematic structure of the heat insulation drink hose 8 is demonstrated based on FIG.4 and FIG.5. FIG. 4 is a side sectional view showing a schematic configuration of the heat-insulating beverage hose 8 of the beverage supply device 1 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of the heat-insulating beverage hose 8 of the beverage supply device 1 according to the first embodiment.
[0022]
As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the heat-insulating beverage hose 8 includes a beverage supply pipe 4 formed from a resin pipe having a predetermined outer diameter (in the case of the first embodiment, the outer diameter is about 10 mm). A cooling pipe 10 formed of a resin pipe having a predetermined inner diameter dimension (in the case of the first embodiment, the inner diameter is about 16 mm) covering the vicinity of the fitting 3 of the beverage supply pipe 4, and the inside of the cooling pipe 10 A cooling water supply pipe 11 formed from a resin pipe having a predetermined outer diameter dimension (in the case of the first embodiment, the outer diameter is about 6 mm) disposed along substantially the entire length of the beverage supply pipe 4 of The heat insulating cover 12 is formed of an elastic rubber heat insulating material that covers the outside of the cooling pipe 10.
In addition, a closing member 45 is fitted into the gap between the end edge of the cooling pipe 10 on the fitting 3 side (right end edge in FIG. 4) and the beverage supply pipe 4, and this outer peripheral part is clamped with resin. The belt 46 is tightened and closed by a belt 46 (for example, “Convex” manufactured by Shiba Light Coarse Co., Ltd.). Thereby, the cooling water supplied into the cooling pipe 10 (in the direction of the arrow 47) via the cooling water supply pipe 11 is formed so as not to leak, and the cooling water that flows out to the inner edge of the cooling pipe 10 is discharged. Water is discharged outward (in the direction of arrow 48) from the opening on the apparatus main body 15 side of the cooling pipe 10. On the other hand, the outside of the cooling pipe 10 is covered with a heat insulating cover 12 over almost the entire length, and the cooling water in the cooling pipe 10 is insulated. Also, a beverage such as beer is pumped in the direction of the arrow 4 A through the beverage supply pipe 4.
[0023]
In addition, a resin guide member 9 is inserted from the outside into an edge of the heat insulating cover 12 on the apparatus main body 15 side (left edge in FIG. 4). Further, at the edge of the heat insulating cover 12 on the apparatus main body 15 side, a substantially cylindrical resin insertion member 51 is provided between the inner surface of the heat insulating cover 12 and the outer peripheral surface of the cooling pipe 10. Is inserted against. Then, the outer peripheral part of the edge of the heat insulating cover 12 on the apparatus main body 15 side is fastened by a resin fastening belt 52 (for example, “Convex” manufactured by Shiba Light Coarse Co., Ltd.) or the like, and the insertion member 51 is fixed. ing. As a result, the edge of the heat insulating cover 12 on the apparatus main body 15 side bulges outward in the radial direction, so that the outermost diameter of the edge becomes larger than the inner diameter of the guide member 9. 12 cannot be pulled out to the apparatus main body 15 side. As a result, the end edge of the heat insulating cover 12 on the apparatus main body 15 side is not fixed by a clamper or the like, so that it becomes difficult to be damaged even if the heat insulating beverage hose 8 is pulled in the vertical and horizontal directions when the beverage tank 2 is replaced. Can be lengthened. Further, even if the insertion member 51 is inserted and fitted into the edge of the heat insulating cover 12 on the apparatus main body 15 side, the cooling pipe 10 and the cooling water supply pipe 11 are not compressed and deformed. The cooling water can flow smoothly.
[0024]
Further, the outer edge of the fitting 3 side edge (in FIG. 4, right edge) of the heat insulating cover 12 is tightened by a resin fastening belt 53 (for example, “Convex” manufactured by Shiba Light Co., Ltd.) or the like. And fixed to and integrated with the beverage supply pipe 4. Further, a substantially cup-shaped cover member 54 is fitted from the outside to the end edge of the heat insulating cover 12 on the fitting 3 side. Thereby, the end surface portion of the heat insulating cover 12 and the fastening belt 53 are covered by the cover member 54. Further, the closing member 45 is inserted from the edge of the fitting 3 side of the beverage supply pipe 4 in the direction of the arrow 65, almost entirely pushed into the edge of the cooling pipe 10, and the outer periphery of the cooling pipe 10 facing the stepped portion 63. By tightening the portion with the tightening belt 46, the end edge portion on the fitting 3 side of the cooling pipe 10 can be blocked to prevent leakage of cooling water. Moreover, the fitting 3 side edge part of the heat insulation cover 12 is covered, the fastening belt 53 is concealed, and damage to the end surface part of the heat insulation cover 12 when the beverage tank 2 is replaced can be prevented.
[0025]
Here, the edge of the cooling pipe 10 that covers the outside of the beverage supply pipe 4 and the cooling water supply pipe 11 on the side of the apparatus main body 15 is formed so as to protrude outward from the outer end face of the insertion member 51 by a predetermined length. Has been. Thereby, the cooling water 16 recirculated to the water tank 17 from the opening at the edge of the apparatus main body 15 side of the cooling pipe 11 does not substantially touch the water tank 17 side end surface part of the heat insulating cover 12 or the insertion member 51. Can be drained into.
[0026]
As described above in detail, in the beverage supply device 1 according to the first embodiment, the beverage tank 2 for storing beverages such as beer is connected to the beverage cooling pipe 26 in the water tank 17 via the fitting 3 and the beverage supply pipe 4. It is connected via a joint 55A. Further, the outside of the beverage supply pipe 4 is covered with the cooling pipe 10 up to the vicinity of the fitting 3. And the edge part by the side of the fitting 3 of this cooling pipe 10 is adhering to the drink supply pipe 4, and is obstruct | occluded, The cooling arrange | positioned along the substantially whole length in the cooling pipe 10 of this drink supply pipe 4 The cooling water supplied through the water supply pipe 11 is formed so as not to leak. Further, the outside of the cooling pipe 10 is insulated by being covered with a heat insulating cover 12 over almost the entire length. On the other hand, the cooling water supply pipe 11 is connected to a connection pipe 43 formed of a resin pipe via a connection member 43A. One end of the connection pipe 43 is connected to the discharge port 35A of the cooling pump 35 that sends out part of the cooling water in the water tank 17, and the other end is attached to the lower surface of the support plate 25. A connecting member 43A is attached through a through hole 42A formed in the vicinity of the water surface portion of the support member 42 from below. Further, the connecting pipe 47 is routed around the outer side of the cylindrical member 44 that supports the cooling pump 35 below the support plate 25 with a slight gap around the circumference and is inserted into the through hole 42A. Further, the inner diameter of the through hole 42A is smaller than the outer diameter of the connection member 43A.
[0027]
Accordingly, the connection pipe 43 that guides the cooling water delivered from the cooling pump 35 to the cooling water supply pipe 11 is supported by the connection pipe support member 42 in a state where it is submerged under the surface of the cooling water 16 over almost the entire length. Therefore, almost no dew condensation water generated on the outer periphery of the connection pipe 43 can be eliminated, and an increase in the cooling water 16 due to the dew condensation water is surely prevented, thereby improving reliability against water leakage to the outside of the water tank 17. Can be achieved. Moreover, since the dew condensation water which generate | occur | produces on the outer peripheral surface of this connection pipe 43 can be prevented, generation | occurrence | production of failure of electrical components, such as the stirring motor 31 by adhesion of dew condensation water, can be prevented beforehand. Furthermore, since the edge of the connection pipe 43 on the side of the connection member 43A is located in the vicinity of the water surface of the cooling water 16, the connection pipe 43 is easily connected to the cooling water supply pipe 11 from the upper side of the water tank 17 via the connection member 43A. It can be connected, and the installation work can be performed quickly.
Further, since the connection pipe support member 42 is provided at the peripheral edge of the opening 25A of the support plate 25 to which the stirring motor 31 and the like are attached, the length of the connection pipe 43 can be shortened. The support plate 25, the agitation motor 31, the cylindrical member 44, the cooling pump 35, the connection pipe 43, the connection pipe support member 42, the connection member 43A, and the like can be unitized to improve the efficiency of assembly work. .
Furthermore, since the connection pipe 43 side end edge of the connection pipe 43 can be moved freely and the other end of the connection pipe 43 can be attached to the cooling water supply pipe 11, the beverage supply pipe 4 and the cooling water supply pipe 11 The attachment / detachment work to / from the beverage supply device 1 can be easily performed. In addition, even if the protruding lengths of the beverage supply pipe 4 and the cooling water supply pipe 11 vary, the connection pipe 43 can be freely moved and reliably connected via the connection member 43A. The assembly accuracy of the pipe 4 and the cooling water supply pipe 11 can be lowered, and the manufacturing cost can be reduced. Further, even if the connection pipe 43 descends due to its own weight or the like, the connection member 43A is caught by the through hole 42A, so that it can be prevented from falling into the water tank 17.
[0028]
Next, a beverage supply device according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. In the following description, the same reference numerals as those of the beverage supply device 1 according to the first embodiment in FIGS. 1 to 5 are the same as or equivalent to those of the beverage supply device 1 according to the first embodiment. It is shown.
The schematic configuration of the beverage supply device according to the second embodiment is substantially the same as that of the beverage supply device 1 according to the first embodiment.
However, in the beverage supply device according to the second embodiment, a resin sleeve member that slidably holds the outer peripheral surface of the connection tube 43 is attached to the through hole of the connection tube support member as described later. It is different from the beverage supply device 1 according to the first embodiment.
[0029]
Here, FIG. 6 is a front cross-sectional view illustrating a schematic configuration of the end portion of the heat insulating beverage hose 8 of the beverage supply device according to the second embodiment on the water tank 17 side. FIG. 7 is an enlarged side cross-sectional view of the main part of the connecting pipe support member of the beverage supply device according to the second embodiment. FIG. 8 is a view showing a sleeve member attached to the through hole of the connecting pipe support member of the beverage supply device according to the second embodiment, wherein (A) is a front view and (B) is a side sectional view.
As shown in FIG. 6 to FIG. 8, the connection member 43 A side edge of the connection pipe 43 is placed on the water surface on the lower surface of the peripheral edge of the opening 25 A of the support plate 25 of the beverage supply device 60 according to the second embodiment. A connecting pipe support member 62 that is supported in the vicinity of the portion (preferably the water surface portion or directly below the water surface) is fixed by welding, screwing, or the like. The connection pipe support member 62 has substantially the same shape as the connection pipe support member 42, but a through hole 62A having a substantially circular cross section having an inner diameter larger than the inner diameter of the through hole 42A is formed at the lower end edge portion. It is drilled at a position near the water surface (preferably the water surface or directly below the water surface). In addition, a resin sleeve member 63 is fitted into the through-hole 62A from the upper side, and is fixed by adhesion or press-fitting.
[0030]
Further, as shown in FIG. 8, the sleeve member 63 is formed on a substantially cylindrical support portion 64 and an outer peripheral portion of one axial outer edge of the support portion 64, and is connected to the connection pipe support member 62. It is comprised from the flange part 65 which contact | abuts to an upper surface when it inserts. Further, the outer diameter of the support portion 64 of the sleeve member 63 is formed substantially equal to the inner diameter of the through hole 63A. Further, the inner diameter of the support portion 64 is formed to be slightly larger than the outer diameter of the connection pipe 43 and smaller than the outer diameter of the connection member 43A.
[0031]
Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 7, the connection member 43 A is attached to the end of the connection pipe 43 after the connection pipe 43 is inserted into the sleeve member 63 attached to the through-hole 62 A of the connection pipe support member 62. Thus, the connection pipe 43 is supported so as to be slidable in the axial direction and the circumferential direction with respect to the inner surface of the support portion 64 of the sleeve member 63. Further, the edge of the connection pipe 43 on the side of the connection member 43A is supported by the sleeve member 63 so as not to fall into the water tank 17, and the connection pipe 43 is supported by the connection pipe support member 62 in water for almost the entire length. Is done.
[0032]
Therefore, the connection pipe 43 that guides the cooling water delivered from the cooling pump 35 to the cooling water supply pipe 11 is supported by the connection pipe support member 62 in a state where it is submerged under the surface of the cooling water 16 over almost the entire length. Therefore, almost no dew condensation water generated on the outer periphery of the connection pipe 43 can be eliminated, and an increase in the cooling water 16 due to the dew condensation water is surely prevented, thereby improving reliability against water leakage to the outside of the water tank 17. Can be achieved. Moreover, since the dew condensation water which generate | occur | produces on the outer peripheral surface of this connection pipe 43 can be prevented, generation | occurrence | production of failure of electrical components, such as the stirring motor 31 by adhesion of dew condensation water, can be prevented beforehand. Furthermore, since the edge of the connection pipe 43 on the side of the connection member 43A is located in the vicinity of the water surface of the cooling water 16, the connection pipe 43 is easily connected to the cooling water supply pipe 11 from the upper side of the water tank 17 via the connection member 43A. It can be connected, and the installation work can be performed quickly.
Further, since the connection pipe support member 62 is provided at the peripheral edge of the opening 25A of the support plate 25 to which the stirring motor 31 and the like are attached, the length of the connection pipe 43 can be shortened. The support plate 25, the agitation motor 31, the cylindrical member 44, the cooling pump 35, the connection pipe 43, the connection pipe support member 62, the sleeve member 63, the connection member 43A, etc. can be unitized to improve the efficiency of the assembly work. Can be planned.
Moreover, since the connection member 43A side edge part of the connection pipe 43 can be moved freely and the other end of this connection pipe 43 can be attached to the cooling water supply pipe 11, the drink supply pipe 4, the cooling water supply pipe 11, The attachment / detachment work to / from the beverage supply device 60 can be easily performed. Further, even if the protruding lengths of the beverage supply pipe 4 and the cooling water supply pipe 11 are varied, the connection pipe 43 can be freely moved and reliably connected via the connection member 43A. The assembly accuracy of the pipe 4 and the cooling water supply pipe 11 can be lowered, and the manufacturing cost can be reduced. Even if the connection pipe 43 is lowered by its own weight or the like, the connection member 43 A is caught by the sleeve member 63, so that the connection pipe 43 can be prevented from falling into the water tank 17.
Furthermore, since the outer peripheral surface of the connection pipe 43 and the through hole 62A are in contact with each other via the sleeve member 63, it is possible to prevent the outer peripheral surface of the connection pipe 43 from directly contacting the metal through hole 62A. It is possible to prevent damage caused by rubbing or the like when the connecting pipe 43 is pulled out or inserted, or wear due to vibration of the stirring motor 31 between the outer peripheral surface of the connecting pipe 43 and the end face of the through hole 62A.
[0033]
The present invention is not limited to the first and second embodiments, and various improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.
For example, in the second embodiment, the sleeve member 63 is fixed to the through-hole 62 A with an adhesive or the like, but a male screw portion is formed on the outer peripheral portion of the support portion 64 of the sleeve member 63, and the back side surface of the connection pipe support member 62. Alternatively, it may be configured to be screwed with a nut. Thereby, the sleeve member 63 can be easily replaced.
[0034]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, in the beverage supply apparatus according to the first aspect, the beverage is supplied from the storage container to the one end of the beverage cooling pipe cooled by the cooling water in the water tank via the beverage supply pipe. Further, the beverage supply pipe is cooled by the cooling water sent by the sending means for sending a part of the cooling water in the water tank through the cooling means. Moreover, the apparatus main body side edge part of a cooling means is arrange | positioned in the position above a water tank. The cooling water delivered from the delivery means is guided by a connection pipe that is detachably connected to the cooling means via a connection member. Moreover, the connection member side edge part of this connection pipe is supported by the connection pipe support member so as to be positioned below or near the water surface of the cooling water.
As a result, the connection pipe that guides the cooling water sent out from the sending means to the cooling means is supported in a state where it is almost submerged under the surface of the cooling water in the water tank. It is possible to provide a beverage supply device that can substantially eliminate water, reliably prevent an increase in cooling water due to condensed water, and improve the reliability against water leakage to the outside of the aquarium. Moreover, since the connection member side edge part of a connection pipe is located in the water surface vicinity of a water tank, this connection pipe can be easily connected to a cooling means from the upper side of a water tank, and attachment work can be performed rapidly. A beverage supply device can be provided.
[0035]
Also, In the beverage supply device according to claim 1, Since the connecting pipe support member is provided at the opening of the water tank and at the driving part supporting member in which the driving member for driving the delivery means is disposed, the length of the connecting pipe can be reduced. In addition, it is possible to provide a beverage supply device that can unitize the drive unit support member, the delivery means, the connection pipe support member, the connection pipe, the connection member, and the like, and can improve the efficiency of the assembly work. .
[0036]
Also, Claim 2 In the beverage supply apparatus according to Claim 1 In the beverage supply device according to the above, the connection pipe is inserted through a through hole formed in the vicinity of the water surface portion of the cooling water of the connection pipe support member, and the connection member is attached to an end edge of the connection pipe. Yes.
Thereby, since the connection member side edge part of a connection pipe can be moved freely and the other end of this connection pipe can be attached to a cooling means, attachment and detachment to a drink supply device of a drink supply pipe and a cooling means The drink supply apparatus which can perform an operation | work easily can be provided. In addition, even if the protruding lengths of the beverage supply pipe and the cooling means vary, the connection pipe can be moved freely and can be securely connected via the connection member. It is possible to provide a beverage supply device that can reduce the accuracy and can reduce the manufacturing cost. In addition, even if the connecting pipe descends due to its own weight or the like, the connecting member is caught by the through hole, so that it is possible to provide a beverage supply device that can prevent the connecting pipe from falling into the water tank.
[0037]
In addition, Claim 3 In the beverage supply apparatus according to Claim 2 In the beverage supply device described in 1), a sleeve member that slidably holds the outer peripheral surface of the connection pipe is provided in the through hole through which the connection pipe is inserted.
As a result, since the outer peripheral surface of the connection pipe and the through hole are in contact with each other via the sleeve member, it is possible to prevent the outer peripheral surface of the connection pipe from coming into direct contact with the through hole. It is possible to provide a beverage supply device that can prevent damage caused by rubbing or the like, and wear due to vibration of the drive portion of the delivery means between the outer peripheral surface of the connecting tube and the end surface of the through hole.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of a beverage supply device according to a first embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a schematic sectional side view of the beverage supply device according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a front cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration at an aquarium side end portion of a heat-insulating beverage hose of the beverage supply device according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a side sectional view showing a schematic configuration of a heat-insulating beverage hose of the beverage supply device according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of a heat-insulating beverage hose of the beverage supply device according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 6 is a front cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of a water tank side end portion of a heat-insulated beverage hose of a beverage supply device according to a second embodiment.
FIG. 7 is an enlarged sectional side view of a main part of a connecting pipe support member of a beverage supply device according to a second embodiment.
FIGS. 8A and 8B are views showing a sleeve member attached to a through hole of a connection pipe support member of a beverage supply device according to a second embodiment, where FIG. 8A is a front view and FIG. 8B is a side sectional view.
[Explanation of symbols]
1, 60 Beverage supply device
2 Beverage tank
4 Beverage supply pipe
8 Insulated beverage hose
11 Cooling water supply pipe
16 Cooling water
17 Aquarium
26 Beverage cooling pipe
35 Cooling pump
42, 62 Connecting pipe support member
42A, 62A Through hole
43 Connection pipe
43A Connection member
63 Sleeve member

Claims

A water tank that contains cooling water, a beverage cooling pipe that is disposed in the water tank and cools the beverage, and a beverage supply pipe for supplying a beverage from a storage container to one end of the beverage cooling pipe And a beverage supply device comprising: a delivery means for delivering a part of the cooling water in the water tank; and a cooling means for cooling the beverage supply pipe with the coolant delivered by the delivery means.
A drive unit support member provided at the opening of the water tank and disposed with a drive member for driving the delivery means;
A connecting pipe for guiding cooling water delivered from the delivery means to the cooling means;
A connecting member for detachably connecting the connecting pipe and the cooling means;
A connection pipe support member that is provided on the drive part support member and supports the connection member side edge of the connection pipe;
The apparatus main body side edge of the cooling means is disposed at a position above the water tank, and the connection pipe support member connects the connection pipe to the cooling means via the connection member. The beverage supply device is characterized in that the connection pipe side edge of the connection pipe is supported so as to be located below or near the water surface of the cooling water.

The connection pipe support member has a through hole formed at a position near the water surface portion of the cooling water,
2. The beverage supply device according to claim 1 , wherein the connection pipe is inserted into the through hole, and the connection member is attached to an end edge portion of the connection pipe.

The beverage supply device according to claim 2 , further comprising a sleeve member attached to the through hole and slidably holding an outer peripheral surface of the connection pipe.