JP7386017B2 - dispenser - Google Patents

Description

This invention relates to a dispenser equipped with an ice maker.

Conventionally, dispensers equipped with an ice maker and capable of selectively extracting ice, ice and water, or water have been equipped with a dispenser that has a downward opening at the front of the main body to discharge ice or water, as disclosed in Patent Document 1. A placing section for placing a container such as a cup is provided below the dispensing section. When the container is placed on the placing section and the extraction button is pressed, the ice or water released from the dispensing section is received in the container.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2005-195308

In the dispenser, since the container is placed on the placing part, the area between the placing part and the discharge part is open to the front. For this reason, when discharging ice or water, the ice or water that was not received in the container scatters to the outside, resulting in the inconvenience of wetting the area around the dispenser. Furthermore, since the area is always open, there is a risk that the user's hands and fingers may come into contact with the ice or water being released, which is not sanitary. In addition, dust and the like that entered the area from the outside adhered to the discharge section and the placement section, making them easily dirty.

In other words, the present invention has been proposed in order to suitably solve the problems inherent in the prior art described above. The purpose is to provide a dispenser that can.

This application includes the following technical ideas.
a front panel provided at the upper front surface of the main body and protruding forward; an ice discharge part provided within the front panel for discharging ice downward; and a water discharge part discharging water downward; and a lower front surface of the main body. In a dispenser equipped with an ice maker, the dispenser is provided with a container mounting part which is provided in the ice discharge part and projects forward, and which receives the ice and water discharged from the ice discharge part and the water discharge part,
A cover that covers at least the front side of a container placement area defined between the front panel and the placement section is disposed on the main body so as to be openable and closable, and the cover is detachable from the main body. configured to obtain
a detection means for detecting opening/closing of the cover is disposed at a location different from the contact surfaces that come into contact with each other when the cover is closed with respect to the main body;
If the detection means detects opening of the cover, the discharge of ice and water is prohibited, and
The gist of the present invention is to include a notification device that notifies the prohibition of releasing ice and water when the detection device detects that the cover is opened.
In this configuration , a cover is provided that covers at least the front side of the container placement area defined between the discharge section and the placement section, so that ice and water discharged from the discharge section are prevented from scattering to the outside. This can prevent the area around the dispenser from getting wet. Further, since the cover can prevent dust and the like from entering the container placement area from the outside, it is possible to prevent the container placement area from becoming dirty. Furthermore, since the cover can be attached to and removed from the main body, by removing the cover, cleaning and maintenance of the area and the cover can be easily performed, and the device can be used hygienically.
Further, it is possible to reduce the influence of shocks and vibrations generated when the opening/closing body is closed on the detection means, and it is possible to suppress the occurrence of false detections and failures. In addition, since the structure is configured to prohibit the release of ice and water when the cover is opened, ice and water will not be released when the cover is open, and ice and water will scatter outside the container and get the surrounding area wet. You can avoid inconvenience. Furthermore, the notification means allows the user to easily understand that the release of ice and water is prohibited, and also prevents the user from mistakenly determining that the release is no longer possible due to a malfunction. can.

This application includes the following technical ideas.
The gist is that the detection means is disposed closer to the opening/closing fulcrum side than the midpoint between the opening/closing fulcrum and the contact surface of the cover.
With this configuration , even if the opening/closing body is distorted or deformed, or even if the opening/closing body is tilted as a whole due to wear of the opening/closing fulcrum part due to long-term use, the effect on detection by the detection means is small, suppressing false detection. be able to.

This application includes the following technical ideas.
The gist is that the detection means can detect opening and closing of the cover in a non-contact manner.
With this configuration , the detecting means does not come into contact with each other when the opening/closing body is opened and closed, so that the service life of the detecting means can be extended.

This application includes the following technical ideas.
The cover includes a support part attached to the main body by a detachable fixing means, and is rotatably supported by the support part and has two positions: a closed position for covering the front side of the container placement area, and an open position for opening the cover. an opening and closing body that opens and closes between the opening and closing body, and a biasing means that biases the opening and closing body in a closing direction toward a closed position with respect to the support part,
The gist is that mounting portions for the biasing means are provided at a plurality of locations on the cover.
In this configuration , a plurality of attachment parts for the biasing means are provided, and the biasing means can be detachably attached to each attachment part, so that the opening/closing body can be closed by simply increasing or decreasing the number of biasing means attached. It is possible to adjust the intensity when forming.

In order to overcome the above problems and achieve the intended purpose, the dispenser according to the invention of claim 1 has the following features:
a front panel provided at the upper front surface of the main body and protruding forward; a discharge section provided within the front panel for discharging at least ice downward; and a discharge section provided at the lower front surface of the main body protruding forward and discharging the ice. In a dispenser equipped with an ice maker, the dispenser is equipped with a container placement part for receiving ice discharged from the ice maker,
A cover that covers at least the front side of a container placement area defined between the front panel and the placement section is disposed on the main body so as to be openable and closable, and the cover is detachable from the main body. configured to obtain
The placing part is provided with an engaging part, and the auxiliary table on which the container can be placed is provided with an engaged part that can be engaged with and detached from the engaging part,
By engaging the engaged part with the engaging part and placing the container on the auxiliary stand mounted on the placing part, the distance from the container to the discharge part can be changed. The gist is:
In the invention of claim 1 , since the cover is provided to cover at least the front side of the container placement area defined between the discharge section and the placement section, it is possible to prevent the ice discharged from the discharge section from scattering to the outside. This can be prevented by a cover, and the area around the dispenser can be prevented from getting wet. Further, since the cover can prevent dust and the like from entering the container placement area from the outside, it is possible to prevent the container placement area from becoming dirty. Furthermore, since the cover can be attached to and removed from the main body, by removing the cover, cleaning and maintenance of the area and the cover can be easily performed, and the device can be used hygienically.
Further, by attaching an auxiliary stand to the placing section, even when ice is received in a container having a short height dimension, it is possible to suppress the ice from jumping and scattering outside the container.

The invention according to claim 2 is:
The engaged portion is provided with a locking pawl that locks on the engaging portion, and is configured to be elastically deformable in a direction of engagement and disengagement of the locking pawl with respect to the engaging portion,
The gist is that the auxiliary stand can be removed from the placement part by elastically deforming the engaged part to release the locking of the locking pawl from the engaging part.
According to the second aspect of the present invention, the locking claw provided on the auxiliary stand is configured to be locked to the engaging part of the placing part, so that the auxiliary stand can be more stably mounted on the placing part.

The invention according to claim 3 is:
The auxiliary base is provided with an engaging portion that can be engaged with and detached from the engaged portion of another auxiliary base,
The gist is that a plurality of auxiliary stands can be mounted in multiple stages on the mounting section.
In the invention of claim 3 , since the auxiliary stand is configured so that it can be mounted in multiple stages, the distance between the container and the discharge part can be set appropriately according to the height dimension of the container, and the ice does not splash out of the container. It is possible to suppress the scattering.

According to the dispenser according to the present invention, it is possible to prevent the ice discharged from the discharge section from scattering outside and getting the surrounding area wet. Further, the cover can prevent dust and the like from entering the container mounting area from the outside, thereby preventing it from getting dirty. Furthermore, since the cover can be attached to and removed from the main body, cleaning and maintenance of the area and the cover can be easily performed, and the device can be used hygienically.

1 is a schematic perspective view showing a dispenser according to Example 1. FIG. FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing the dispenser according to Example 1, with the front panel removed. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an ice maker included in the dispenser according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of the main parts of the dispenser according to Example 1, showing a state in which the main body and the cover are separated. FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of the main parts of the dispenser according to Example 1, showing the attachment structure with the main body and cover separated. FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of main parts showing a cover according to Example 1. FIG. FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of a main part of the dispenser according to the first embodiment, showing an attachment structure in which the main body and the cover are separated. FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of main parts showing a state in which a cover is attached to the main body of the dispenser according to the first embodiment. 1 is a front view of main parts of a dispenser according to Example 1. FIG. FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of a main part of the dispenser according to the first embodiment, showing a longitudinal section of a portion where a detection means is provided. FIG. 3 is a control block diagram of the dispenser according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view showing the cup stand as viewed diagonally from above. FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view showing the cup stand shown in FIG. 12 as viewed diagonally from below. FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view showing the cup stand and drainboard shown in FIG. 12 in a separated state. FIG. 13 is a side view of a main part of the dispenser in a state where the cup stand shown in FIG. 12 is attached to a drainboard; FIG. FIG. 13 is a longitudinally sectional front view showing the cup stand shown in FIG. 12 attached to a drainboard. FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view of a main part of a dispenser according to a second embodiment with a cover open. FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view showing a cover according to Example 2. FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view of the main parts of the dispenser according to the third embodiment, with the cover removed from the main body. FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view of a main part of a dispenser according to a fourth embodiment with a cover removed. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing an attachment structure between a main body and a cover according to a fourth embodiment. FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view showing main parts of a cover according to Example 4 from the back side. FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view showing main parts of a cover according to Example 4 from the front side. FIG. 12 is a schematic perspective view of main parts showing a state in which the support part of the cover according to Example 4 is attached to the main body. FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view of the main parts of a dispenser according to Example 5 with the cover removed. FIG. 7 is a schematic side view showing main parts of a cover according to Example 5. It is a schematic perspective view which shows another Example of a cup stand. It is a schematic front view which shows another Example of a cup stand. It is a front view showing the cup stand of another example in a longitudinal section in a state where it is attached to a drainboard. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a control panel of a dispenser that can be switched to manual mode. FIG. 3 is a control circuit diagram of a dispenser that can be switched to manual mode.

Next, a preferred embodiment of the dispenser according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

As shown in FIG. 1, the dispenser 10 of the first embodiment has a front panel 12 that protrudes forward and is detachably attached to the upper front surface of a rectangular box-shaped main body 11, and a cup or the like is attached to the lower front surface of the main body 11. A placing portion 14 on which the container 13 is placed is provided so as to protrude forward. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, inside the main body 11, an ice maker 15, a stocker 16 for storing ice produced by the ice maker 15, and a refrigeration device 17 for cooling the ice maker 15 are disposed. Ru. Furthermore, on the front side of the stocker 16, there is an ice discharge part (discharge part) 18 that can discharge ice from the stocker 16 downward, and a water discharge part (discharge part) 19 that can discharge water (drinking water) downward. The front panel 12 is arranged so as to cover the ice discharge section 18 and the water discharge section 19 from the front side, and the ice discharge section 18 and the water discharge section 19 are located within the front panel 12. ing. The front panel 12 opens downward (see FIG. 15), and the outlets of the ice discharge section 18 and the water discharge section 19 face above the mounting section 14, and the ice discharge section 18 and the water discharge section 19 Ice and water released from the container 13 are received in a container 13 placed on a placing part 14.

As shown in FIG. 1, the front panel 12 is provided with a control panel 20 having various buttons that can be operated by the user. The control panel 20 includes an ice selection button 21 for selecting extraction of ice only, an ice water selection button 22 for selecting extraction of both ice and water, a water selection button 23 for selecting extraction of water only, and a selection button. An extraction button 24 for extracting (releasing) the type of extract selected in 21, 22, and 23 is provided. As shown in FIG. 11, the control panel 20 is connected to a control means 25 for controlling the dispenser 10, and by operating the extraction button 24, the control means 25 operates extraction mechanisms 34 and 37, which will be described later. It is configured to control the extract selected by the selection buttons 21, 22, 23 to be discharged from the discharge portions 18, 19. Note that the control panel 20 is provided with a switch corresponding to each of the selection buttons 21, 22, 23 and the extraction button 24, and the operation of the buttons 21, 22, 23, 24 is detected by the switch. . Further, the control panel 20 is provided with lamps 21a, 22a, 23a, 24a such as LEDs corresponding to the selection buttons 21, 22, 23 and the extraction button 24, respectively. The type of extract selected is notified by lighting the selection lamps 21a, 22a, and 23a. Further, an extraction lamp 24a serving as a notification means corresponding to the extraction button 24 is configured to notify that extraction is possible by lighting it up.

As the ice maker 15 disposed inside the main body 11, an auger ice maker 15 is used in the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, the auger ice making machine 15 includes an ice making section 28 equipped with a freezing casing 27 around which a cooler 26 is wound, a condenser that forms a refrigeration cycle together with the cooler 26 of this ice making section 28; The refrigeration system 17 is provided with a compressor, an expansion valve (none of which are shown), etc., which are sequentially connected through refrigerant piping. Ice-making water is supplied to the frozen casing 27 from the ice-making water tank 29 at a predetermined level, and as the frozen casing 27 is forcibly cooled by the freezing device 17, the ice-making water gradually begins to freeze from the inner wall surface of the casing, forming a layer of thin ice. is starting to form. Furthermore, an auger 31 is rotatably supported inside the refrigeration casing 27 via a mechanical seal 30, and by rotationally driving the auger 31 by an auger motor (not shown), the auger 31 removes thin ice that has frozen on the inner wall surface of the casing. It is configured to be transported upward while being scraped off.

The flaky ice that is scraped off and transferred upward by the auger 31 is compressed in the process of passing through the pressing head 32 and water is removed to produce compressed ice, and this obtained ice is The ice is released and stored in the stocker 16 disposed above the freezing casing 27. An agitator 33 as a stirring means connected to the auger 31 is rotatably disposed inside the stocker 16, and the agitator 33 rotates together with the auger 31 to stir the ice stored in the stocker 16. Configured to stir. Further, a shutter device 34 as an ice extracting mechanism is disposed on the ice guiding path between the stocker 16 and the ice discharge section 18, and when either the ice selection button 21 or the ice water selection button 22 is selected. When the extraction button 24 is operated, the shutter device 34 is operated to open the ice guideway, and the ice stored in the stocker 16 is guided to the ice discharge section 18 via the ice guideway. , is discharged from the ice discharge section 18 to the outside. Note that the auger 31 and the agitator 33 are configured to rotate when the extraction button 24 is operated to discharge ice.

Here, a float switch is disposed inside the ice-making water tank 29, and a water supply valve is inserted in a water supply pipe connected to an external water source that supplies water (ice-making water) to the ice-making water tank 29. , a float switch and a water supply valve are connected to the control means 25. The control means 25 opens the water supply valve to supply water to the ice-making water tank 29 when the float switch detects the lower limit water level, and closes the water supply valve to supply water to the ice-making water tank 29 when the float switch detects the upper limit water level. is configured to control the amount of water in the ice making water tank by stopping the water supply to the ice making water tank. Further, a drain pipe for discharging ice-making water stored in a water circuit consisting of the casing 27, an ice-making water tank 29, etc. to the outside of the machine is connected to the freezing casing 27, and a drain valve is connected to the drain pipe. is inserted, and the drain valve is connected to the control means 25. The control means 25 is configured to open the drain valve and drain the ice-making water stored in the water circuit every time the drain time set in the drain timer elapses in order to maintain the quality of the ice-making water. .

As shown in FIG. 2, a drinking pipe 36 connected to a water tank or an external water source is provided inside the main body 11, and the water discharge portion is located downstream of a water supply valve 37 provided in the drinking pipe 36. 19 are connected. When either the ice water selection button 22 or the water selection button 23 is selected, by opening the water supply valve 37 by operating the extraction button 24, the water from the water tank or external water source is drained. It is emitted from the emitting section 19 to the outside. In the first embodiment, the drinking pipe 36 and the water supply valve 37 constitute a water extraction mechanism. The water supply valve 37 of the water extraction mechanism and the shutter device 34 as the ice extraction mechanism are connected to the control means 25. Then, the control means 25 extracts only ice, ice and water, or only water by controlling the operation of the shutter device 34 and the water supply valve 37 according to the selection state of the selection buttons 21, 22, and 23. configured to (emit).

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the mounting portion 14 is removably attached to a drain pan 38 that projects forward from the main body 11 and is formed with a recess 38a that opens upward. The container 13 is placed on the upper surface of the drainboard 39. In the drainboard 39, a plurality of through holes 39a penetrating in the vertical direction are formed by a plurality of crosspiece members 39b, and the crosspiece members 39b can freely engage and detach an engaged portion 62 provided on a cup stand 60, which will be described later. It functions as an engaging part (see Fig. 16). Here, the space between the front panel 12 and the placement part 14 (slat 39) becomes a container placement area S when ice and water from the discharge parts 18 and 19 are received in the container 13. Further, in the first embodiment, the front part of the main body 11 facing between the front panel 12 and the mounting part 14 includes a front wall part 44 extending in the left-right direction, and a front part at the left and right ends of the front wall part 44. It is formed in a shape that is recessed toward the rear side from the left side wall part 49 and the right side wall part 50 that extend to the left side wall part 49 and the right side wall part 50, respectively.

A cover 40 capable of covering at least the front side of the container placement area S defined between the front panel 12 and the placement section 14 is provided on the main body 11 so as to be openable and closable. In the first embodiment, the main body 11 and the cover 40 are configured to be able to surround substantially the entire container placement area S. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, this cover 40 includes a support portion 41 attached to the main body 11, and an opening/closing body 43 rotatably supported with respect to the support portion 41 via a hinge portion 42. . The support portion 41 is formed with a plurality of (two in the first embodiment) through holes 41a that penetrate in the thickness direction and are spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction. Screw holes 44a are formed in the front wall portion 44 at positions corresponding to the respective through holes 41a. Then, with the rear surface of the support part 41 in contact with the front surface of the front wall part 44, the threaded part 45a of the knob bolt 45 is inserted into each through hole 41a from the front side, and the threaded part 45a is inserted into the corresponding threaded hole 44a. The support portion 41 is fixed to the main body 11 by screwing into the support portion 41 . The bolt 45 with a knob is a fixing means in which a knob 45b that can be operated by hand is provided at one end of a threaded portion 45a, and can be inserted into the screw hole 44a by grasping and rotating the knob 45b with your fingers without using any tools. Can be screwed in or removed. That is, the cover 40 is attached to the main body 11 by bolts 45 with knobs, which are fixing means that can be attached to and detached from the main body 11 without using tools. configured to obtain. Note that the number of components (through hole 41a, screw hole 44a, bolt with knob 45) for attaching the support part 41 to the main body 11 may be one or more, but if there are many, it will take time to attach or remove. 1 to 4 is appropriate.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 7, on one side of the support part 41, there is an insert that protrudes toward the left side wall part 49 with the rear surface of the support part 41 facing the front wall part 44 of the main body 11. A plurality of pieces 46 (two pieces in the first embodiment) are provided spaced apart in the vertical direction, and protrude toward the left side wall 49 above the upper insertion piece 46 and below the lower insertion piece 46. Each of the latching pieces 47 is provided with a latching portion 47a projecting laterally at the end thereof. Further, a sheet metal member 48 having insertion holes 48a and 48b through which the insertion piece 46 and the latching piece 47 of the support part 41 can be inserted is provided inside the left side wall part 49 of the main body 11. Openings 49a and 49b are formed in the wall portion 49, respectively, to correspond to the insertion holes 48a and 48b of the sheet metal member 48 (see FIG. 4). Then, the support part 41 inserts the insertion piece 46 and the latch piece 47 into the insertion holes 48a, 48b of the sheet metal member 48 through the openings 49a, 49b of the left side wall part 49, and the latch part of the latch piece 47. By locking 47a to the sheet metal member 48, the support portion 41 is positioned with respect to the main body 11 (see FIG. 8). Then, after positioning the support portion 41 with respect to the main body 11 using the insertion piece 46 and the latching piece 47, the support portion 41 is fixed to the main body 11 by a bolt with a knob 45.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, on one side of the support portion 41 where the insertion piece 46 and the locking piece 47 are provided, a pair of support pieces 51, 51 are provided spaced apart in the vertical direction, and Each support piece portion 51 is formed with a support hole passing through it vertically. Further, the opening/closing body 43 of the cover 40 is provided with a cylindrical part 52 on one side in which a shaft hole penetrating in the vertical direction is formed, and the cylindrical part 52 is connected to the supporting pieces 51, 51. By inserting the support shaft 53 into the support hole and the shaft hole, the opening/closing body 43 supports the support shaft 53 so as to be rotatable in the front and rear directions as an opening/closing fulcrum with respect to the support part 41. be done. The opening/closing body 43 has a closed position that covers the front and left and right sides of the container placement area S (a position that surrounds the container placement area S together with the main body 11), and an open position that opens the front of the container placement area S. It is configured to be able to be opened and closed between the two positions. Note that the support shaft 53 is prevented from falling out from the support hole and the shaft hole by a falling-off preventing member such as an E-ring. In the first embodiment, the hinge part 42 that supports the opening and closing body 43 in a freely openable and closable manner with respect to the support part 41 is formed from the support piece part 51 of the support part 41, the cylindrical part 52 of the opening and closing body 43, and the support shaft 53. configured.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the cylindrical portion 52 is provided with attachment portions 52a at multiple locations (four locations in the first embodiment) spaced apart in the vertical direction, to which torsion coil springs 54 as biasing means can be attached and detached. It is being The torsion coil spring 54 includes a cylindrical coil portion 54a and locking portions 54b, 54b protruding from both ends of the coil portion 54a, and the coil portion 54a is wound around a support shaft 53 located at each attachment portion 52a. In this state, one locking portion 54b is locked to the cylindrical portion 52, and the other locking portion 54b is locked to the support portion 41. The opening/closing body 43 is urged by the torsion coil spring 54 with respect to the support portion 41 in the closing direction toward the closed position. The mounting portion 52a is a portion provided with an opening that allows both locking portions 54b, 54b of the torsion coil spring 54, in which the coil portion 54a is wound around the support shaft 53, to extend outside the cylindrical portion. . In the first embodiment, by changing the number of torsion coil springs 54 attached to the cylindrical portion 52, the biasing force of the opening/closing body 43 toward the support portion 41 in the closing direction can be varied.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the opening/closing body 43 covers substantially the entire container placement area S defined in front of the front wall portion 44 between the front panel 12 and the placement portion 14. It is a member whose shape and dimensions allow it to be covered. The opening/closing body 43 of Embodiment 1 has a front plate 43a extending in the left-right direction of the container placement area S in the closed position relative to the main body 11, and a front plate 43a extending from the upper and lower edges of the front plate 43a toward the front wall portion 44. The upper plate 43b and the lower plate 43c extend from the left and right ends of the front plate 43a, and the left side plate 43d and the right side plate 43e extend from the left and right ends of the front plate 43a toward the front wall. It is shaped like a box. The cylindrical portion 52 is provided at the extending end of the left side plate 43d. Further, on the right side plate 43e opposite to the opening/closing fulcrum (support shaft 53) of the opening/closing body 43, a cushion rubber 55 as a cushioning material is provided at the extending end. It is configured to abut against the front surface of the right side wall portion 50. Further, the opening/closing body 43 is provided with a handle 56 at the right end for convenience when the operator opens and closes the opening/closing body 43.

As shown in FIG. 1, the front plate 43a of the opening/closing body 43 is formed in a shape that matches the front shape of the front panel 12 in the closed position, and protrudes substantially continuously from the front panel 12 in the closed position. It is said to have a good-looking shape. In addition, transparent or smoked semi-transparent synthetic resin is used as the material of the opening/closing body 43, so that ice and water can be released into the container 13 placed on the drainboard 39 in the container placement area S. , can be visually recognized from the outside of the opening/closing body 43. Note that the opening/closing body 43 does not need to be transparent or translucent as a whole, but only a part of the area where the state in which ice or water is released into the container 13 can be visually confirmed from the outside is transparent or translucent. It's okay.

As shown in FIG. 9, the length of the opening/closing body 43 in the vertical direction is set to be shorter than the vertical dimension of the container placement area S, so that the lower end of the opening/closing body 43 and the mounting portion 14 (slat 39 A gap N is formed between the top surface of This gap N allows air to flow between the inside and outside of the container placement area S surrounded by the cover 40 and the main body 11 when the opening/closing body 43 is in the closed position, and the temperature in the container placement area S is maintained. It functions to suppress the rise in humidity and humidity. Note that the height of the gap N is set to such an extent that ice does not fly out.

As shown in FIG. 10, the front panel 12 and the cover 40 are provided with a detection means 57 for detecting whether the cover 40 is opened or closed. The detection means 57 includes a reed switch 58 as a detection section provided on the front panel 12 and a magnet 59 as a detected section provided on the opening/closing body 43. It is configured to detect that the cover 40 (opening/closing body 43) is in a closed state (closed position) by detecting the magnet 59 in a non-contact manner. The reed switch 58 is connected to the control means 25, and the control means 25 determines that the cover 40 is in the closed state (closed position) when the reed switch 58 detects the magnet 59. When the reed switch 58 does not detect the magnet 59, it is determined that the cover 40 is in the open state. Further, the detection means 57 is located at a position biased toward the opening/closing fulcrum side from the contact surface where the right side plate 43e (cushion rubber 55) of the opening/closing body 43 and the right side wall portion 50 of the main body 11 come into contact when the opening/closing body 43 is in the closed position. (In the first embodiment, it is arranged at a position that is biased toward the opening/closing fulcrum side from the midpoint between the opening/closing fulcrum and the contact surface (midpoint in the left-right direction of the opening/closing body 43). That is, the detection means 57 is disposed at a location different from the abutment surface that contacts the main body 11 and directly receives shocks and vibrations when the opening/closing body 43 of the cover 40 is closed. Specifically, a magnet 59 is disposed on the upper plate 43b of the opening/closing body 43, and a reed switch 58 is disposed at the lower end of the inside of the front panel 12. The lower surface of the front panel 12 and the upper surface of the upper plate 43b are configured so as not to contact each other in the closed position, and the reed switch 58 is configured to be able to detect the magnet 59 without contact.

Here, when the detection means 57 detects that the cover 40 (opening/closing body 43) is in the closed state, the control means 25 enables the operation of the extraction button 24, and selects the selection button 21, While controlling the operation of the shutter device 34 and the water supply valve 37 to release the type of extract selected in 22 and 23, the detection means 57 detects that the cover 40 (opening/closing body 43) is in the closed state. If it is not detected, that is, if the cover 40 (opening/closing body 43) is in an open state, the operation of the extraction button 24 is disabled and discharge of the extract is prohibited. Specifically, when the cover 40 (opening/closing body 43) is in the open state, the extract is not released even if the extraction button 24 is operated, and the extraction button 24 is not released when the detection means 57 detects the closed state. If the detection means 57 no longer detects the closed state during the discharge of the extract started by the operation, the discharge of the extract is stopped. Further, when the detection means 57 detects the closed state of the cover 40 (opening/closing body 43), the control means 25 lights up the extraction lamp 24a corresponding to the extraction button 24 so that the extract can be released. However, if the detection means 57 does not detect the closed state of the cover 40 (opening/closing body 43), the extraction lamp 24a is switched to blink to prevent the release of the extract. It is configured to notify that it is prohibited. Note that the state in which the extraction lamp 24a notifies that release of the extract is prohibited is not limited to blinking, but may also be a state in which the light is turned off or the lighting color is changed (for example, switching from green to red). can. In the first embodiment, the state in which the detection means 57 does not detect the closed state is the same as the state in which the detection means 57 detects the opening of the cover 40.

A cup stand 60 serving as an auxiliary stand capable of adjusting the height from the discharge parts 18, 19 to the container 13 is detachably attached to the drainboard 39. As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the cup stand 60 includes a cylindrical main body 61 and a plurality of engaged parts 62 protruding downward from the inner peripheral surface of the main body 61. The cup stand 60 is attached to the drainboard 39 by inserting the joint portion 62 into the corresponding through hole 39a of the drainboard 39 until the lower surface (installation surface) 61a of the main body portion 61 comes into contact with the upper surface of the drainboard 39. . The plurality of engaged parts 62 are provided spaced apart in the circumferential direction, and the main body part 61 corresponding to the adjacent engaged parts 62 is provided with a notch extending upward by a predetermined length from the installation surface 61a. A portion 61b is formed so that each engaged portion 62 can be elastically deformed in the radial direction with respect to the main body portion 61. When the plurality of engaged parts 62 are inserted into the corresponding through holes 39a of the drainboard 39 from above, they are elastically deformed and elastically come into contact with the side surface of the crosspiece member 39b defining the through hole 39a of the drainboard 39. It is configured so that it can be stably attached to the drainboard 39 in contact with the drainboard 39. Note that the elastic force with which the engaged portion 62 abuts against the crosspiece member 39b when the cup stand 60 is attached to the drainboard 39 is such that if there is some contact when placing or removing the container 13 on the cup stand 60, the cup stand 60 is set to a value that does not allow the cup stand 60 to be removed from the drainboard 39, but allows the cup stand 60 to be removed from the drainboard 39 by applying a stronger force.

The cup stand 60 is provided with three engaged parts 62, and by inserting the three engaged parts 62 into the corresponding through holes 39a of the drainboard 39, the front and rear and left and right sides of the cup stand 60 are defined. configured to be As shown in FIGS. 12 and 15, a guide portion 61c that protrudes upward within a predetermined range is provided on the rear wall of the main body 61 of the cup stand 60 attached to the drainboard 39, and when placed on the cup stand 60, The guide portion 61c prevents the container 13 from being placed on the back side where ice and water discharged from the ice discharge portion 18 and the water discharge portion 19 cannot be received. Further, the main body 61 of the cup stand 60 is provided with a rib 61d extending rearward on the rear side when attached to the drainboard 39, so that the rib 61d comes into contact with the front surface of the front wall 44. configured.

As shown in FIGS. 12, 14, and 16, the upper part of the main body of the cup stand 60 has the same form as the plurality of through holes 39a through which the engaged parts 62 of the drainboard 39 are inserted by a plurality of crosspiece members 63. A through hole 64 is formed, and the cup stand 60 having the same shape can be attached to the upper side of the cup stand 60 by the engaged portion 62. That is, the configuration is such that a plurality of cup stands 60 can be stacked and mounted in multiple stages on the drainboard 39 depending on the height dimension of the container 13. In addition, in the cup stand 60, the engaged portion 62 of the cup stand 60 mounted on the upper side elastically abuts and engages the inner circumferential surface of the main body portion 61 that forms the through hole 64 with the crosspiece member 63. The main body portion 61 functions as an engaging portion.

[Effect of Example 1]
Next, the operation of the dispenser according to the first embodiment will be explained.

In the dispenser 10 of Embodiment 1, the cover 40 that surrounds the container placement area S together with the main body 11 is provided, so if the cover 40 is closed, the container placement area S can be placed from outside. It is possible to prevent people from coming into contact with the part 14 and the discharge parts 18 and 19, and to suppress the intrusion of dust and the like from the outside into the container placement area S, thereby keeping the container placement area S sanitary. can be used to extract ice or water. In addition, it is possible to prevent ice and water from scattering and avoid the inconvenience of the user's clothes and surroundings getting wet. Further, since the opening/closing body 43 of the cover 40 is automatically closed by the biasing force of the torsion coil spring 54, the opening/closing body 43 does not remain open, and the container placement area S can be kept sanitary. Further, since the opening/closing body 43 automatically closes, the user does not have to close the container 13 while holding it, and spilling of ice, water, etc. contained in the container 13 can be reduced. Furthermore, even when the cover 40 is closed, a gap N is formed between the opening/closing body 3 and the placing part 14, as shown in FIG. Since the configuration allows for this, it is possible to prevent the inside of the container placement area S from remaining wet or damp due to scattered ice or water without being received by the container 13, and also to prevent the container placement area S from remaining wet or damp. It is possible to prevent warm air generated from the auger motor or the like from entering the container placement area S through the gap in the main body 11 from being trapped in the container placement area S.

As shown in FIG. 1, the front surface shape of the opening/closing body 43 of the cover 40 is matched to the front surface shape of the front panel 12, so there is no protrusion, and the upper surface of the cover 40 is hard to collect dust, so it is hard to get dirty and can be kept sanitary. be able to. Furthermore, since the cushion rubber 55 is provided at the part of the opening/closing body 43 that comes into contact with the main body 11, the sound when the opening/closing body 43 is closed can be reduced, and the impact applied to the opening/closing body 43 can also be reduced. Durability can be improved.

In the dispenser 10 of the first embodiment, by removing the cover 40 from the main body 11, the entire container placement area S can be opened. 18, 19 and the main body 11 (front wall 44, left and right side walls 49, 50) can be easily cleaned. Moreover, since the removed cover 40 can also be washed outside, it can be kept clean and sanitary. Furthermore, since the cover 40 is attached to the main body 11 with knob bolts 45 that do not require tools, the cover 40 can be easily removed and attached. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the operator from feeling troublesome about removing the cover 40 and from increasing the interval between cleaning operations, and to maintain the sanitary condition of the dispenser 10.

In the dispenser 10 of the first embodiment, the detection means 57 for detecting the opening/closing of the cover 40 is arranged biased towards the opening/closing fulcrum from the middle between the contact surface of the opening/closing body 43 and the main body 11 and the opening/closing fulcrum. Even if the body 43 is distorted or deformed, or the hinge part 42 is worn out due to long-term use and the opening/closing body 43 is tilted as a whole, the effect on the detection by the detection means 57 is small, and false detection can be suppressed. can. Furthermore, since the detection means 57 is located away from the contact surface between the main body 11 and the opening/closing body 43, the impact and vibrations generated when the opening/closing body 43 is closed have little effect on the detection means 57. It is possible to suppress the occurrence of false detections and failures. Moreover, since the detection means 57 is configured to detect the opening and closing of the cover 40 without contact, the service life can be extended. Further, a reed switch 58 of the detection means 57 is provided inside the front panel 12, and a magnet 59 detected by the reed switch 58 is provided at a position hidden below the front panel 12 when the opening/closing body 43 is in the closed position. Therefore, when the opening/closing body 43 is in the closed position, the detection means 57 is not visible from the outside, and the appearance is not impaired. Furthermore, since the magnet 59, which is not an electrical component, is provided on the cover 40 which can be removed from the main body 11, the entire cover 40 can be cleaned with the magnet 59 attached.

In the dispenser 10 of the first embodiment, when the detection means 57 no longer detects the closed state of the cover 40 (when the detection means 57 detects that the cover 40 is opened), the release of the extract is prohibited. With this structure, ice and water are not released when the cover 40 is open, and it is possible to avoid the inconvenience of the ice and water scattering outside the container and getting the user's clothes and surroundings wet. Further, since ice and water are not released when the cover 40 is open, it is possible to prevent the user's fingers from touching the ice and water being released, which is sanitary. Furthermore, even when ice or water is being discharged, when the detection means 57 detects that the cover 40 is opened, the discharge of ice or water is stopped, so that the placement position of the container 13 relative to the aforementioned placing section 14 or the cup stand 60 can be changed. If the ice or water does not enter the container 13 due to the slippage, the cover 40 is immediately opened to stop discharging the ice or water, thereby preventing the ice or water from being wasted. Further, in the dispenser 10 of the first embodiment, the release of ice and water is controlled by opening and closing the cover 40, and a structure is adopted in which the cover 40 is not forcibly opened using a locking mechanism using a solenoid or the like. Therefore, it is possible to suppress an increase in costs and also to suppress the occurrence of failures.

Further, when the detection means 57 detects the opening of the cover 40 and the release of ice or water is prohibited, the state of the extraction lamp 24a is changed from lighting to flashing, so the state of the extraction lamp 24a is changed. This change allows the user to easily understand that the release of ice or water is prohibited, and also prevents the user from erroneously determining that release is no longer possible due to a malfunction. Furthermore, since the existing extraction lamp 24a is used as the notification means to notify that the release of ice or water is prohibited, it is possible to suppress the increase in cost due to the addition of a separate dedicated lamp, etc. .

In the dispenser 10 of the first embodiment, the cup stand 60 is configured to be detachably attached to the placing part 14, so that when the container 13 is placed directly on the placing part 14, the container 13 and the dispenser are separated. When using a container 13 with a height dimension that is large enough to cause ice or water to splash and scatter outside the container, a cup stand 60 is attached to the placing section 14 to hold the cup. By placing the container 13 on the stand 60, the distance between the discharge parts 18, 19 and the container 13 can be reduced to prevent ice and water from splashing. In addition, since the cup stand 60 is designed so that the same shape can be mounted in multiple stages, the number of cup stands 60 is such that the distance between the container 13 and the discharge parts 18 and 19 is appropriate according to the height dimension of the container 13. This can be done by attaching the stand 60, and there is no need to prepare cup stands 60 with different height dimensions. In addition, a guide portion 61c is provided on the rear wall of the cup stand 60 to prevent the container 13 from being placed on the back side where it cannot receive ice or water discharged from the discharge portions 18 and 19. This prevents ice and water from scattering outside the container. Further, as shown in FIG. 15, the cup stand 60 is provided with a rib 61d that comes into contact with the front surface of the front wall 44 when mounted on the placing section 14 or another cup stand 60, so that the cup stand 60 can be pushed. It is possible to prevent the cup stand 60 from tilting and separating from the mounting portion 14 or another cup stand 60 when the cup stand 60 contacts the cup stand 60 or the cup stand 60 .

The cup stand 60 has a simple structure in which the engaged part 62 is inserted into the through hole 39a of the drainboard 39 in the placing part 14 or the through hole 64 of another cup stand 60 and maintained in the attached state by elasticity. Therefore, it is easy to attach and detach the cup stand 60, and it is hygienic because only the cup stand 60 can be removed and washed separately. Furthermore, the notch portion 61b is formed in the main body portion 61 of the cup stand 60 to make it easier to elastically deform the engaged portion 62, so that the engaged portion 62 can be easily deformed within the range where the engaged portion 62 is not plastically deformed. It can be brought into contact with a strong force against the drainboard 39 or the engaging part (the crosspiece member 39b or the main body part 61) of another cup stand 60, and the mounted state of the cup stand 60 can be maintained.

In the dispenser 10 of the first embodiment, a plurality of attachment parts 52a of the torsion coil springs 54 that bias the opening/closing body 43 in the closing direction with respect to the support part 41 are provided, and the torsion coil springs 54 are freely attachable and detachable to each attachment part 52a. Since the structure is configured such that the torsion coil springs 54 can be attached to each other, the strength when the opening/closing body 43 is closed can be adjusted by increasing or decreasing the number of torsion coil springs 54 attached. That is, even if a design change such as a change in the weight or shape of the cover 40 occurs, it can be handled by changing the number of torsion coil springs 54 installed, so there is no need to change the torsion coil spring 54 or the mounting structure of the torsion coil spring 54. Design changes can be easily accommodated. Furthermore, when changing the strength for closing the opening/closing body 43, there is no need to change the strength of the torsion coil spring 54 or change the design of the cover 40, and the strength of the torsion coil spring 54 can be confirmed and changed by making a prototype. It is possible to omit the design period such as Further, the strength when the opening/closing body 43 is closed can be adjusted by changing only the number of the same torsion coil springs 54 installed, so there is no need to prepare torsion coil springs with different strengths, and costs can be reduced. I can do it. Note that if the torsion coil springs of other products are designed to be usable, costs can be further reduced by making parts common.

17 to 26 show other embodiments of the dispenser (embodiments 2 to 5) in which the structure for attaching the cover to the main body 11 is different. Different constituent parts will be explained, and the same or similar parts will be given the same reference numerals and detailed explanation will be omitted. In addition, other examples (Example 2 to Example 5) have the same effects as Example 1, but the description thereof will be omitted, and other examples (Example 2 to Example 5) Only the effects specific to this will be described.

In the dispenser 65 of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 17, the support portion 66 that rotatably supports the opening/closing body 43 in the cover 40 is attached to the main body 11 by a plurality of (four in the second embodiment) bolts 45 with knobs. It is fixed to the front wall part 44. As shown in FIG. 18, the support portion 66 of the second embodiment includes a rectangular back plate 66a, an upper plate 66b, a lower plate 66c, a left side plate 66d, and a right side plate 66e extending forward from the periphery of the back plate 66a. The threaded portion 45a of the bolt 45 with a knob inserted through the through hole 66f formed in the back plate 66a is inserted into the screw hole 44a of the front wall portion 44. The support portion 66 is fixed to the front wall portion 44 by screwing. The support portion 66 of the second embodiment is set smaller than the front wall portion 44, and when the opening/closing body 43 is closed, the upper plate 43b, the lower plate 43c, the left side plate 43d, and the right side plate of the opening/closing body 43 are set to be smaller than the front wall portion 44. The extending ends at 43e abut on the corresponding extending ends of the upper plate 66b, lower plate 66c, left side plate 66d, and right side plate 66e of the support part 66, and the support part 66 and the opening/closing body 43 form a container placement area. It is configured to surround S. Further, the upper plate 66b and lower plate 66c of the support portion 66 are formed with recessed portions that do not come into contact with the corresponding upper plate 43b and lower plate 43c when the opening/closing body 43 is closed. Alternatively, it is configured to allow ice and water discharged from the discharge parts 18 and 19 to enter the container 13 without the support part 66 coming into contact with the container 13 placed on the cup stand 60. The cover 40 of the second embodiment has a structure for positioning the support part 66 on the support part 66 and the main body 11 (insertion piece 46, latching piece 47, insertion holes 48a, 48b of the sheet metal member 48, left side wall part). 49 openings 49a, 49b) are not provided, and the support portion 66 is positioned and fixed to the main body 11 only by the plurality of bolts 45 with knobs.

In the dispenser 65 of the second embodiment, the supporting part 66 of the cover 40 is positioned and fixed to the main body 11 only by the plurality of bolts 45 with knobs. The piece 46, the latching piece 47, the insertion holes 48a, 48b of the sheet metal member 48, and the openings 49a, 49b of the left side wall 49 can be omitted, and the configuration can be simplified.

In the dispenser 67 of the third embodiment shown in FIG. 19, the support portion 68 that rotatably supports the opening/closing body 43 in the cover 40 is attached to the main body 11 by a plurality of (two in the third embodiment) bolts 45 with knobs. It is positioned and fixed inside the left side wall 49 (the side facing the right side wall 50). That is, by screwing the threaded portion 45a of the knob bolt 45 inserted from the inside into the through hole 68a formed in the support portion 68 into the screw hole 69 formed in the left side wall portion 49, the support portion 68 is inserted into the left side wall portion. It is positioned and fixed at 49. Similar to the dispenser 65 of the second embodiment, the dispenser 67 of the third embodiment has the support portion 68 of the cover 40 positioned and fixed relative to the main body 11 only by the plurality of bolts 45 with knobs. The structure for positioning the main body 11 on the main body 11 (insertion piece 46, latching piece 47, insertion holes 48a, 48b of sheet metal member 48, openings 49a, 49b of left side wall 49) can be omitted, simplifying the structure. can be converted into

20 to 24 show a dispenser 70 and a cover 40 according to a fourth embodiment. As shown in FIGS. 22 and 23, the support portion 71 in the cover 40 of the fourth embodiment is formed in a flat plate shape with a pair of support pieces 51, 51 spaced apart in the vertical direction, and has an elastic member at its upper end. A deformable lock claw 72 is provided, and a plurality of (two in the fourth embodiment) hook pieces 73 are provided spaced apart in the vertical direction. The hook piece 73 has a base 73a extending toward the left wall 49 of the main body 11, and a base 73a extending rightward from the extending end of the base 73a, with the support 71 facing the left wall 49 of the main body 11. The hook portion 73b is formed into a hook shape in plan view. Further, hook holes 74 corresponding to the respective hook pieces 73 of the support portion 71 are provided in the left side wall portion 49 of the dispenser 70 and spaced apart in the vertical direction. The width of the hook hole 74 is set to a size that allows the portion of the hook piece 73 where the hook portion 73b is formed to be inserted therethrough. Further, a regulating portion 74a that protrudes upward and to the right is provided at the lower left corner of the hook hole 74, and the distance between the regulating portion 74a and the wall defining the right side of the hook hole 74 is the same as that of the hook piece 73. The width dimension of the base portion 73a is set to be substantially the same as that of the base portion 73a. Further, the distance between the regulating portion 74 a and the wall defining the upper side of the hooking hole 74 is set to be larger than the height of the hooking piece 73 . That is, after the support part 71 inserts the hook piece 73 from the front side into the hook hole 74 above the restriction part 74a, the support part 71 is moved to the right side and lowered, and the base part 73a of the hook piece 73 is inserted into the restriction part 74a. By facing between the wall defining the right side of the hooking hole 74 and the left-right movement of the hooking piece 73 being restricted, the hooking portion 73b faces the wall defining the right side of the hooking hole 74. By engaging with the back side, the support portion 71 is positioned with respect to the main body 11 (left side wall portion 49).

A lock hole 75 is formed above the upper hook hole 74 in the left side wall portion 49, and the lock hole 75 can be engaged with the lock claw 72 of the support portion 71. In the fitted state, the lock pawl 72 engages with the lock hole 75 to restrict upward movement of the support portion 71 (see FIG. 24). That is, the cover 40 of the fourth embodiment is positioned and fixed to the main body 11 only by the engagement of the lock claw 72 and the hook piece 73 with the main body 11, without using any fixing means such as bolts with knobs. Then, by elastically deforming the lock pawl 72 and releasing the engagement with the lock hole 75, the upward movement of the support portion 71 is allowed, and the hook piece 73 can be removed from the hook hole 74. In the dispenser 70 of the fourth embodiment, a sheet metal member provided inside the left side wall portion 49 is provided with insertion holes corresponding to the hook hole 74 and the lock hole 75, and a lock claw 72 and a hook piece 73 are provided in the sheet metal member. They may be configured to engage.

In the dispenser 70 of the fourth embodiment, the cover 40 can be attached to and detached from the main body 11 without using a tool, without using a fixing means such as a bolt with a knob, so that the number of parts for fixing can be reduced. . In addition, since a bolt with a knob is not used as a separate part, there is no possibility that the bolt with a knob may be lost and cannot be fixed.

25 and 26 show a dispenser 76 and a cover 40 according to the fifth embodiment. The support part 77 in the cover 40 of the fifth embodiment is formed in a flat plate shape with a pair of support pieces 51, 51 spaced apart in the vertical direction, as in the fourth embodiment, and the upper end thereof has an upper part. A fixing piece 78 is provided that extends to. This fixing piece 78 is formed with a through hole 78a that penetrates in the thickness direction (left and right direction). The support portion 77 has a plurality of insert pieces 46 spaced apart in the vertical direction that project toward the left side wall portion 49 of the main body 11 when the support portion 77 is directed toward the left side wall portion 49 of the main body 11. In addition, a latching portion 79a is provided above the upper insertion piece 46 and below the lower insertion piece 46 and protrudes downward at the end that projects toward the left side wall portion 49. A latching piece 79 is provided respectively. Furthermore, openings 49a and 49b are formed in the left side wall 49 of the main body 11 through which the insertion piece 46 and the latching piece 79 of the support part 77 can be inserted, and a through hole 80 is formed in the left side of the front panel 12. It is provided. A sheet metal member constituting the main body 11 is disposed inside the left side portion of the front panel 12, and a screw hole (none of which is shown) is formed in the sheet metal member. The support part 77 is configured such that the insertion piece 46 and the latch piece 79 are inserted into the openings 49a, 49b of the left side wall part 49 and then lowered, so that the latch part 79a of the latch piece 79 is attached to the back surface of the left side wall part 49. When engaged, the support portion 77 is positioned relative to the main body 11 . After positioning the support portion 77 with respect to the main body 11 using the insertion piece 46 and the latching piece 79, the screw portion 45a of the bolt 45 with a knob inserted from the side into the through hole 78a of the fixing piece 78 is inserted into the front The support portion 77 is positioned and fixed to the main body 11 by being inserted into the through hole 80 of the panel 12 and screwed into the screw hole of the sheet metal member. In the dispenser 76 of the fifth embodiment, insertion holes corresponding to the openings 49a and 49b are provided in a sheet metal member provided inside the left side wall portion 49, and the insertion piece 46 and the latching piece 79 are engaged with the sheet metal member. It may be configured to match.

The dispenser 76 of the fifth embodiment is configured so that the support portion 77 of the cover 40 is fixed to the main body 11 using only one bolt 45 with a knob, so that the number of parts can be reduced and the configuration can be further simplified. be able to.

FIGS. 27 to 29 show another embodiment of the cup stand (auxiliary stand) 60, and explanations will be given of the constituent parts that are different from the cup stand 60 of the first embodiment, and the same parts are given the same reference numerals. Therefore, detailed explanation will be omitted.

As shown in FIGS. 27 and 29, a cup stand 81 according to another embodiment is provided with a slightly larger cylindrical outer cylindrical portion 82 on the outside of the main body 61, and extends downward from the lower end of the outer cylindrical portion 82. At the lower ends of the plurality of extending outer engaged parts (engaged parts) 83, locking claws 83a that protrude outward in the radial direction are provided. Further, a locking hole 82 a penetrating in the radial direction is formed in the outer cylinder portion 82 at an upper position corresponding to each outer engaged portion 83 . Then, the cup stand 81 inserts each engaged portion 62 of the main body portion 61 into the corresponding through hole 39a of the drainboard 39, and inserts the outer engaged portion 83 of the outer cylinder portion 82 through the corresponding hole 39a of the drainboard 39. It is attached by inserting it into the hole 39a. Further, when the outer engaged portion 83 is inserted into the through hole 39a, the locking claw 83a is locked to the lower surface of the corresponding crosspiece member 39b and is prevented from coming off. The outer engaged portion 83 is configured to be elastically deformable in the direction of engagement and disengagement of the locking pawl 83a with respect to the crosspiece member (engaging portion) 39b, and by elastically deforming the outer engaged portion 83, the crosspiece The locking claw 83a can be released from the member 39b.

The cup stand 81 of another embodiment elastically deforms the outer engaged portion 83 in the direction of releasing the lock between the locking pawl 83a and the crosspiece member 39b, thereby releasing the locking of the locking pawl 83a from the crosspiece member 39b. Once released, each engaged portion 62, 83 can be removed from the drainboard 39 by pulling it out from the corresponding through hole 39a, 39a. Furthermore, when a cup stand 81 having the same structure is mounted on a cup stand 81 of another embodiment, as shown in FIG. The outer engaged part 83 is inserted into the through hole 64, and the locking claw 83a of the outer engaged part 83 is inserted into the locking hole 82a formed in the outer cylinder part 82 of the lower cup stand 81. It is locked. That is, in the cup stand 81 of another example, the outer cylinder part 82 defining the locking hole 82a functions as an engaging part to which the locking claw 83a can be engaged and detached. , can be mounted on the drainboard 39 in multiple stages. In addition, in the cup stand 81 of another embodiment, a guide portion 82b extending upward within a predetermined range is provided on the rear wall of the outer cylinder portion 82 of the cup stand 81 attached to the drainboard 39, and the guide portion 82b extends upward in a predetermined range. No guide portion is provided on the rear wall. That is, the cup stand 81 of the other embodiment is suitable for placing a larger container 13, and the mouth of the large container 13 placed on the cup stand 81 is not discharged from the discharge portions 18, 19. The guide portion 82b prevents ice and water from being placed on the back side where they cannot be received.

In the cup stand 81 of another embodiment, in addition to the engagement between the engaged portion 62 provided on the main body portion 61 and the engaging portions 39b and 82 of the drainboard 39 and the lower cup stand 81, the outer cylindrical portion 82 Since the locking claws 83a of the provided outer engaged portion 83 are configured to lock onto the engaging portions 39b and 82 of the drainboard 39 and the lower cup stand 81, the cup stand can be attached to the drainboard 39 more stably. 81 can be installed. Furthermore, the locking claw 83a can be disengaged from the corresponding engaging portions 39b and 82 by elastically deforming the outer engaged portion 83, so that the cup stand 81 can be easily removed from the drainboard 39. .

In the dispensers 10, 65, 67, 70, and 76 of Examples 1 to 5, the configuration described below can be adopted.

In the ice making machine 15 provided in the dispenser 10, 65, 67, 70, 76, the water supply valve and the drain valve are automatically controlled to open and close by the control means 25, but the water supply valve and the drain valve are automatically controlled to open and close by the control means 25. It is configured so that it can be switched to manual mode, which controls the opening and closing of valves and drain valves. For example, as shown in FIG. 30, the control panel 20 is provided with a switching lock button 84, a metering button 85, and a drain button 86, and by operating these buttons 84, 85, and 86, the water supply valve and drain valve are manually opened and closed. Be in control.

The control means 25 switches from the normal mode to the manual mode when the switching lock button 84 is operated. In this manual mode, when the metering button 85 is held down for a predetermined number of seconds (for example, 5 seconds), the water supply valve is opened, and when the metering button 85 is pressed again, the water supply valve is closed. Further, when the drain button 86 is held down for a predetermined number of seconds (for example, 5 seconds), the drain valve is opened, and when the drain button 86 is pressed again, the drain valve is closed. Further, after a long press of the metering button 85 or the drain button 86, if a certain period of time (for example, 5 minutes) has passed without the metering button 85 or the drain button 86 being pressed again, the control means 25 controls the corresponding water supply valve. and drain valves to prevent forgetting to close them. Note that in the manual mode, the water supply valve and the drain valve can be opened simultaneously. Further, the control means 25 is configured to automatically switch to the normal mode when a certain period of time has elapsed after switching from the normal mode to the manual mode.

By providing a manual mode in which the water supply valve and the drain valve can be manually controlled to open and close, the following effects are achieved.
1. Since the water supply valve and drain valve can be opened manually, malfunctions of the water supply valve and drain valve can be immediately confirmed during service or maintenance.
2. Even slight blockages in the water circuit that cannot be confirmed by the amount of water supply and drainage in normal mode can be detected because water can be drained while supplying water.
3. By opening the water supply valve and closing the drain valve, you can check for overflow and flow water into the downstream water circuit, which cannot be done in normal mode.
4. Since there is no need to wait for the timing of water supply and drainage control in normal mode, service and maintenance work can be done quickly, reducing the amount of time required for maintenance at the customer's site.
5. After cleaning the water circuit with a chemical solution, rinsing can be performed up to an overflow position higher than the upper limit water level of the ice-making water tank 29, and rinsing can be performed without leaving any parts to which chemicals are attached.

When the manual mode is provided, a water supply switch 87 and a drain switch 88 are added to form a control circuit shown in FIGS. 31(a) and 31(b), and the water supply switch 87 and drain switch 88 are closed. During this period, the water supply valve or drain valve may be opened.

In the dispensers 10, 65, 67, 70, and 76 of Examples 1 to 5, the configuration described below can be adopted.

In the ice making machine 15 provided with the dispenser 10, 65, 67, 70, 76, the water supply and drainage control executed by the control means 25 in order to suppress scale adhesion to the frozen casing 27 and deterioration of the sanitary condition of the ice making water will be described below. Do like this.
In order to prevent scale adhesion and deterioration of the sanitary conditions of the ice-making water, the drain valve is opened to drain the ice-making water from the water circuit, and after the normal drainage time (60 seconds) has elapsed and drainage is complete, the water supply is The valve is opened to start supplying water to the ice-making water tank 29, and water is supplied for a shorter time (for example, 3 seconds) than the time it takes for the float switch to detect the upper limit water level.
When ice making starts after a short time (3 seconds) of water supply, the ice making water that has deteriorated in sanitary conditions is drained in a shorter time (10 seconds) than the normal drain time (60 seconds), and then the float switch returns to the upper limit water level. Supply water until it is detected.
When the ice making water is stored in the ice making water tank 29 up to the upper limit water level, the ice making water is immediately drained for the normal draining time (60 seconds).
After draining for the normal draining time (60 seconds), water is supplied until the float switch detects the upper limit water level, and ice making is started.

Further, when the ice maker 15 is turned on after being turned off, water is drained for the normal water drain time (60 seconds).
When ice making starts, water is supplied until the float switch detects the upper limit water level, and ice making starts.
If ice making is not started, water is supplied for a short period of time (3 seconds).

By performing water supply and drainage control to suppress scale adhesion to the freezing casing 27 and deterioration of the sanitary conditions of the ice-making water, the following effects are achieved.
1. Since water is supplied immediately after drainage, even if the auger 31 (agitator 33) rotates, there is ice-making water in the mechanical seal 30, so durability does not deteriorate.
2. Since the amount of water supplied after drainage is small, the amount of water that has deteriorated in sanitary conditions is small, and it is hygienic because it is also drained.
3. It is sanitary because water that has deteriorated in sanitary conditions is drained and fresh water is supplied before ice making begins.
4. Since the amount of water supplied after draining is small, the time required for draining water before starting ice making can be shortened, and ice making can be started quickly.
5. Since the amount of water supplied after drainage is small, the amount of drainage is small and the amount of water consumed is low.

[Example of change]
The present application is not limited to the configurations of the embodiments described above, and other configurations can be adopted as appropriate.
(1) As the detection means, various means such as a microswitch, a photoelectric sensor, a proximity sensor, etc. can be employed as long as the detection means can detect the opening and closing of the cover without contact.
(2) As long as the detection means is placed at a position away from the contact surface between the main body and the cover (opening/closing body), a configuration in which it is placed on the lower plate of the opening/closing body and the placing part can be adopted. .
(3) In each of the examples, the extraction lamp corresponding to the extraction button was blinked as a notification means to notify that release of the extract was prohibited. By adding another lamp and lighting or blinking, a configuration can be adopted that notifies the prohibition of release of the extract. Further, the notification means is not limited to one that provides notification using light, but may also use a device that provides notification using a buzzer or the like, or may provide notification using both light and sound.
(4) In each embodiment, a dispenser configured to be able to extract ice and water has been described, but a chilled beverage dispenser capable of extracting ice and a beverage such as juice or cola may also be used. Further, as long as it is equipped with an ice maker, it may be a dedicated machine that extracts only ice.
(5) In each of the embodiments, the mounting portion is configured with the drain pan and the drainboard separately, but the drain pan and the drainboard may be configured integrally.
(6) Although a bolt with a knob has been mentioned as a fixing means that can be attached and detached without using tools, various other known means can be employed.

11 Main body, 12 Front panel, 13 Container, 14 Placement part 18 Ice discharge part (discharge part), 19 Water discharge part (discharge part), 24a Extraction lamp (notification means)
39b crosspiece member (engaging part), 40 cover, 41 support part, 43 opening/closing body 45 bolt with knob (fixing means), 52a mounting part 54 torsion coil spring (biasing means), 57 detection means, 60 cup stand (auxiliary stand) )
61 main body part (engaging part), 62 engaged part, 66 supporting part, 68 supporting part, 77 supporting part 81 cup stand (auxiliary stand), 82 outer cylinder part (engaging part)
83 Outer engaged part (engaged part), 83a Locking claw, S Container placement area

Claims (3)

A front panel (12) provided at the upper front surface of the main body (11) and protruding forward; a discharge section (18) provided within the front panel (12) for ejecting at least ice downward; 11) A dispenser equipped with an ice maker, which is provided with a placing part (14) for a container (13) that is provided at the lower front of the ice maker and protrudes forward, and that receives the ice released from the discharge part (18).
A cover (40) that covers at least the front side of the container placement area (S) defined between the front panel (12) and the placement section (14) is disposed on the main body (11) so as to be openable and closable. and the cover (40) is configured to be removable from the main body (11),
The mounting portion (14) is provided with an engaging portion (39b), and the auxiliary stand (60, 81) on which the container (13) can be placed is provided with an engaging portion (39b) that is removable from the engaging portion (39b). Engaged parts (62, 83) are provided,
The container (13) is placed on the auxiliary stand (60, 81) mounted on the placing part (14) by engaging the engaged part (62, 83) with the engaging part (39b). A dispenser characterized in that by doing so, the distance from the container (13) to the discharge part (18) can be changed. The engaged portion (83) is provided with a locking pawl (83a) that locks onto the engaging portion (39b), and is provided with a locking pawl (83a) that engages with and disengages from the engaging portion (39b). Constructed to be elastically deformable,
By elastically deforming the engaged portion (83) and releasing the locking of the locking claw (83a) from the engaging portion (39b), the auxiliary stand (81) is removed from the mounting portion (14). 2. The dispenser of claim 1 , which is removable. The auxiliary stand (60, 81) is provided with an engaging part (61, 82) to which the engaged part (62, 83) of another auxiliary stand (60, 81) can be engaged and detached,
The dispenser according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a plurality of auxiliary stands (60, 81) can be mounted in multiple stages on the placing part (14).

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