Insulated water tank and beverage dispenser with it

Abstract

The present invention provides an insulated water tank and beverage dispenser that can fully utilize the heat-insulating effect of the cover and suppress the occurrence of mold and corrosion as much as possible even during long-term use. [Solution] An insulated water tank 10 for maintaining water temperature comprises a housing portion 1 for storing water and a cover portion 2 that covers at least the outside perimeter of the housing portion 1, wherein the housing portion 1 is made of synthetic resin and the cover portion 2 is made of foamed resin, and the density of the foamed resin is 0.01 to 1 g / cm³. 3 Preferably, the synthetic resin is at least one thermoplastic resin selected from the group consisting of polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, polystyrene, polyvinyl acetate, ABS resin, AS resin, polymethyl methacrylate, and polyvinyl chloride, and the foamed resin is a flexible polyurethane foam, a rigid polyurethane foam, or a polystyrene foam, insulated water tank 10 and a beverage server containing it.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a heat-insulated water tank and a beverage server, and more particularly to a heat-insulated water tank capable of maintaining the temperature of stored water as much as possible and a beverage server incorporating the same.

Background Art

[0002] A heat-insulated water tank is a water tank capable of maintaining the temperature of stored water as much as possible. The heat-insulated water tank is incorporated in, for example, a beverage server. In a beverage server, a circulation pipe is immersed in the cooling water stored in the heat-insulated water tank, and the beverage is cooled as it circulates through the circulation pipe. Here, generally, a metal water tank is conventionally used for the heat-insulated water tank from the viewpoint of cooling efficiency, and in some cases, the water tank is surrounded by a heat insulating material.

[0003] As a specific example, in a water tank (heat-insulated water tank) for storing cooling water, there are provided a beverage pipe through which a beverage passes, an evaporation pipe through which a refrigerant from a refrigeration device including a compressor passes and which is arranged adjacent to the beverage pipe, and an ice detection sensor arranged between the beverage pipe and the evaporation pipe for detecting the presence or absence of ice at the same position (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Also, in a water tank (heat-insulated water tank) for storing cooling water, there are provided a beverage pipe through which a beverage supplied from the outside of the water tank passes and which exchanges heat with the cooling water to cool the beverage and then discharges it to the outside, an evaporation pipe through which a refrigerant from a refrigeration device passes to freeze a part of the cooling water to hold ice, and a cooling water stirring blade for stirring the cooling water as the rotation shaft rotates (see, for example, Patent Document 2). In these beverage cooling and dispensing devices, the side wall and the bottom wall of the water tank are surrounded by a heat insulating material (foamed styrene).

[0004] Furthermore, a beverage server is known that comprises a cooling liquid tank (insulated water tank) that contains a cooling liquid for cooling beverages and has side and bottom portions, a beverage pipe that is immersed in the cooling liquid and through which the beverage passes, a hole formed in the bottom portion, and a vacuum insulating material provided at least on the side portions, the outer portion of the vacuum insulating material on the side portions, and a foamed insulating material provided on the bottom portion (see, for example, Patent Document 3). In this beverage dispenser, the cooling liquid tank comprises, from the inside out, a water tank, a vacuum insulation layer, a foamed insulation material, and a soft bag, with foamed urethane being used as the foamed insulation material. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2000-74539 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2000-88425 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2017-154790 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] However, in conventional insulated water tanks, including those described in Patent Documents 1 to 3 above, when the water tank is made of metal, the adhesion between the water tank and the insulating material tends to be insufficient. For this reason, it cannot be said that the insulating effect of the insulating material is fully realized in conventional insulated water tanks. Furthermore, conventional insulated water tanks have the problem that, with long-term use, moisture gradually penetrates the insulation material, leading to mold and corrosion. Furthermore, if gaps develop between the aquarium and the insulation material due to prolonged use, not only will the insulation effect become insufficient, but condensation may also occur in the aquarium at these gaps. Note that condensation can cause electrical leakage.

[0007] This invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and aims to provide an insulated water tank and beverage dispenser that can fully utilize the heat insulation effect of the cover and suppress the occurrence of mold and corrosion as much as possible even during long-term use. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The inventors have found that the above problems can be solved by making both the housing and cover parts from resin, and by setting the density of the foamed resin in the cover part within a predetermined range, and have completed the present invention.

[0009] The present invention relates to an insulated water tank for maintaining the temperature of water, comprising a housing portion for storing water and a cover portion that covers at least the outside of the housing portion, wherein the housing portion is made of synthetic resin and the cover portion is made of foamed resin, and the density of the foamed resin is 0.01 to 1 g / cm³. 3 It is an insulated water tank.

[0010] In the insulated water tank of the present invention, the synthetic resin is preferably at least one thermoplastic resin selected from the group consisting of polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, polystyrene, polyvinyl acetate, ABS resin, AS resin, polymethyl methacrylate, and polyvinyl chloride, and the foamed resin is preferably a flexible polyurethane foam, a rigid polyurethane foam, or a polystyrene foam.

[0011] In the insulated water tank of the present invention, it is preferable that the housing portion and the cover portion are fused together at the contact portion. In this case, it is more preferable that the foamed resin is polystyrene foam formed by the bead method, and that the softening temperature of the synthetic resin is below the foaming temperature in the bead method. Furthermore, it is even more preferable that the temperature difference between the foaming temperature and the softening temperature of the synthetic resin be 50°C or less. Furthermore, it is even more preferable that the foaming ratio of the polystyrene foam is 10 to 100 times.

[0012] The present invention relates to a beverage server for pouring out drinking water from a pouring part, which incorporates the heat-insulating water tank described above. The heat-insulating water tank has a drainage part that protrudes outward from the housing part through a drainage port provided in the housing part, and the outer edge of the drainage part on the drainage port side is covered by a cover part.

[0013] Preferably, in the beverage server of the present invention, the heat-insulating water tank has a connection part that protrudes outward from the housing part through a housing connection port provided in the housing part, and the outside of the connection part is covered by a cover part.

[0014] Preferably, in the beverage server of the present invention, cooling water is stored in the heat-insulating water tank, a pouring part is attached to the connection part, and the housing connection port is immersed in the cooling water.

Effects of the Invention

[0015] By making the housing part of the heat-insulating water tank of the present invention made of synthetic resin and the cover part made of foamed resin, both the housing part and the cover part are made of resin. Therefore, compared with the case of using a conventional metal water tank, the adhesion between the housing part and the cover part can be made excellent.

[0016] Also, in the heat-insulating water tank of the present invention, by setting the density of the foamed resin within the above range, the intrusion of moisture into the cover part can be suppressed. As a result, the generation of mold on the cover part and the corrosion of the cover part during long-term use can be suppressed as much as possible.

[0017] From these facts, the heat-insulating water tank of the present invention has excellent adhesion between the housing part and the cover part, and can sufficiently exhibit the heat-insulating effect by the cover part. Also, in the heat-insulating water tank of the present invention, deformation of the cover part due to the intrusion of moisture can also be suppressed. Therefore, even during long-term use, a gap is unlikely to occur between the housing part and the cover part. As a result, condensation is unlikely to occur, and the occurrence of electric leakage due to this can also be prevented. Also, since both the housing part and the cover part are made of resin, the entire heat-insulating water tank can be lightened.

[0018] In the heat-insulating water tank of the present invention, when the synthetic resin is the above-described compound, the housing portion can be made lightweight and inexpensive. In particular, when it is built in a beverage server and used, it becomes easier to carry the beverage server itself, and maintenance such as replacement and cleaning of the heat-insulating water tank also becomes easier. Also, when the foamed resin is the above-described compound, the cover portion can sufficiently exhibit the heat-insulating effect.

[0019] In the heat-insulating water tank of the present invention, when the synthetic resin and the foamed resin are fused, the housing portion and the cover portion are integrated, so that the adhesion is extremely excellent. In this case, even in long-term use, the heat-insulating effect by the cover portion is maintained. Also, even in long-term use, it is extremely difficult for a gap to occur between the housing portion and the cover portion.

[0020] In the heat-insulating water tank of the present invention, when polystyrene foam is employed as the foamed resin, polystyrene foam has an advantage that it is easier to control the density compared with polyurethane foam etc., so that it is easy to manufacture a heat-insulating water tank having a density within the above range. Also, polystyrene foam has an advantage that even if moisture enters, it is easy to escape. Here, when the polystyrene foam is formed by the bead method (solid-phase foam molding method), the cover portion heats the polystyrene beads to the foaming temperature and molds them. Therefore, if the softening temperature of the synthetic resin is below the foaming temperature in the bead method, simultaneously with the formation of the cover portion, the outer surface of the housing portion can be softened and the housing portion and the cover portion can be fused.

[0021] In this case, by setting the temperature difference between the foaming temperature and the softening temperature of the synthetic resin within the above range, the above-described fusion becomes denser, so that the adhesion between the housing portion and the cover portion becomes stronger. Furthermore, by keeping the foaming ratio of the polystyrene foam within the above range, the penetration of moisture into the cover can be further suppressed. The reason why the penetration of moisture is further suppressed is not entirely clear, but it is thought that this is due to the fact that the size of the air bubbles in the cover in this case is relatively small and almost uniform.

[0022] In the beverage server of the present invention, the cooling water can be kept cold because it incorporates the above-mentioned insulated water tank. Furthermore, since it has a drainage section, the cooling water inside the housing can be drained. In this case, by covering the outer edge of the drain outlet side of the drain section with the cover section, heat intrusion from the drain section can be suppressed as much as possible. As a result, the insulation effect can be maintained even when a drain section is present.

[0023] In the beverage server of the present invention, if a connecting part is present, the intrusion of heat from the connecting part can be suppressed as much as possible by covering the outside of the connecting part with a cover part. As a result, the heat insulation effect can be maintained even when a connecting part is present. In this case, by attaching a dispensing section to the connecting section and immersing the housing's connecting port in cooling water, drinking water can be dispensed from the dispensing section while maintaining its cooled state. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0024] [Figure 1] Figure 1(a) is a perspective view showing an insulated water tank according to this embodiment, and Figure 1(b) is a cross-sectional view of the insulated water tank shown in Figure 1(a) cut along a vertical plane including line AA. [Figure 2] Figure 2(a) is a perspective view showing only the housing portion of the insulated water tank according to this embodiment, and Figure 2(b) is a top view of the housing portion shown in Figure 2(a). [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing only the cover portion of the insulated water tank according to this embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a partially transparent side view showing a beverage server according to this embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0025] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below, with reference to the drawings as necessary. In the drawings, the same elements will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations will be omitted. Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, positional relationships such as up, down, left, and right will be based on the positional relationships shown in the drawings. Moreover, the dimensional ratios in the drawings are not limited to those shown.

[0026] (Insulated water tank) First, the insulated water tank according to the present invention will be described. Figure 1(a) is a perspective view showing an insulated water tank according to this embodiment, and Figure 1(b) is a cross-sectional view of the insulated water tank shown in Figure 1(a) cut along a vertical plane including line AA. As shown in Figures 1(a) and 1(b), the insulated water tank 10 according to this embodiment is a box-shaped container capable of storing liquids such as water inside.

[0027] The insulated water tank 10 has a rectangular bottom wall portion 10a when viewed from above (see Figure 1(b)) and side wall portions 10b erected on all four sides of the bottom wall portion 10a, with an open top. Furthermore, a drainage section 12 is provided in the bottom wall section 10a, and a connecting section 13 is provided in one of the four side wall sections 10b. Details of these will be described later.

[0028] As shown in Figure 1(b), the insulated water tank 10 comprises a housing portion 1 for storing water and a cover portion 2 that covers at least the outer perimeter and bottom surface of the housing portion 1. Therefore, both the bottom wall portion 10a and the side wall portion 10b have a double structure in which the housing portion 1 is located on the inside and the cover portion 2 is located on the outside. Thus, since the insulated water tank 10 has a cover portion 2 on the outside of the housing portion 1, it has an insulating effect due to the cover portion 2. In other words, the insulated water tank 10 is able to maintain the temperature of the water stored in the housing portion 1 as much as possible.

[0029] Here, the stored water may be hot water or cold water. In other words, the insulated water tank 10 can maintain the temperature of the hot water if it is hot water, and can maintain the temperature of the cold water if it is cold water. Furthermore, the water may contain additives such as corrosion inhibitors, scale inhibitors, slime control agents, preservatives, and metal salts.

[0030] In the insulated water tank 10, the housing portion 1 is made of synthetic resin, and the cover portion 2 is made of foamed resin. Further details will be described later. In the insulated water tank 10, since both the housing 1 and the cover 2 are made of resin, the adhesion between the housing 1 and the cover 2 is superior compared to conventional water tanks using metal and insulating materials. As a result, in the insulated water tank 10, the insulating effect of the cover 2 can be fully exerted on the water stored in the housing 1.

[0031] Furthermore, metal water tanks have the disadvantage of being prone to bending during sheet metal fabrication and prolonged use, making it difficult to achieve a well-proportioned box shape. However, since the cover part 2 is made of foamed resin, it is less prone to bending and can be easily made into a well-proportioned box shape. As a result, it is possible to prevent water from entering due to deformation of the housing part 1 and the cover part 2. Furthermore, since both the housing 1 and the cover 2 of the insulated water tank 10 are made of resin, it can be manufactured easily and at low cost, and the overall weight of the insulated water tank 10 can be reduced. As a result, for example, when used built into a beverage server, the beverage server itself becomes easier to transport, and maintenance such as replacing and cleaning the insulated water tank also becomes easier.

[0032] Figure 2(a) is a perspective view showing only the housing portion of the insulated water tank according to this embodiment, and Figure 2(b) is a top view of the housing portion shown in Figure 2(a). As shown in Figures 2(a) and 2(b), the housing 1 is a box-shaped container with an open top, and as described above, it is capable of storing water. The housing portion 1 has a rectangular housing bottom wall portion 11a when viewed from above, housing side wall portions 11b erected on all four sides of the housing bottom wall portion 11a, and opening edge portions 11c that are continuous with the upper ends of the four housing side wall portions 11b.

[0033] In the housing portion 1, the housing bottom wall portion 11a is provided with a housing drain port 12a that penetrates the housing bottom wall portion 11a (see Figure 2(b)). Furthermore, a drainage portion 12 is provided on the periphery of the housing drainage port 12a on the outside of the housing bottom wall portion 11a, protruding downward from the housing drainage port 12a to the housing portion 1.

[0034] The drain section 12 is substantially cylindrical and is provided so as to be continuous with the outer periphery of the housing drain port 12a. A drain pipe or the like can be attached to the drain section 12. This makes it possible to allow water to flow into the interior of the housing section 1 from the housing drain port 12a, or to allow water from inside the housing section 1 to flow out through the housing drain port 12a via the drain section 12, in the insulated water tank 10.

[0035] On the bottom wall portion 11a of the housing, a plate-shaped gripping rib portion 14 protruding upward is provided on the inside, so as to form a cross shape when viewed from above (see Figure 2(b)). The gripping rib portion 14 is for gripping and fixing the refrigerant pipe 31, the flow pipe 32, etc., when the insulated water tank 10 is used as a beverage server (see Figure 4). Details of the beverage server will be described later.

[0036] In the housing section 1, one of the four housing side walls 11b is provided with a housing communication opening 13a that penetrates the housing side wall 11b. Furthermore, a connecting portion 13 is provided on the periphery of the housing connecting opening 13a on the outside of the housing side wall portion 11b, protruding outward from the housing connecting opening 13a to the housing portion 1 (see Figure 2(a)). The connecting portion 13 is substantially cylindrical and is provided so as to be continuous with the outer periphery of the housing connecting opening 13a. The connecting section 13 is for attaching the dispensing section 35 when the insulated water tank 10 is used as a beverage server (see Figure 4). In this case, by attaching the dispensing section 35 and sealing the housing connecting port 13a, the housing connecting port 13a can be immersed in the cooling water stored in the insulated water tank 10.

[0037] In the housing portion 1, a plate-shaped connecting rib portion 15 is provided on the outside of the housing side wall portion 11b, protruding outward from the housing side wall portion 11b and extending vertically along the housing side wall portion 11b. Four connecting ribs 15 are provided for each housing side wall 11b, and these connecting ribs 15 are parallel to each other. Furthermore, all of these connecting rib portions 15 are covered by the cover portion 2 (see Figure 1(a)).

[0038] In the housing portion 1, the housing portion 1 has a connecting rib portion 15 on the outside of the housing side wall portion 11b, so the housing portion 1 has superior strength of the housing side wall portion 11b. Furthermore, the housing portion 1 has connecting rib portions 15, which increases the contact area with the cover portion 2, resulting in a stronger integration with the cover portion 2, as will be described later.

[0039] In the housing portion 1, the opening edge portion 11c is annular in top view and is provided so as to be continuous with the upper ends of the four housing side walls 11b. Specifically, the opening edge 11c consists of an annular flat plate portion 11c1 extending horizontally outward from the upper ends of the four housing side walls 11b, and an annular upright portion 11c2 extending upward from the outer end of the annular flat plate portion 11c1 (see Figure 1(b)). In other words, the opening edge 11c has an L-shape in cross-section.

[0040] The insulated water tank 10 has an annular upright portion 11c2, making it easier to grip. Furthermore, in the insulated water tank 10, the outer surface of the annular upright portion 11c2 and the outer surface of the cover portion 2 are flush. This allows for smooth and compact storage, for example, when incorporating it into a beverage server, without it getting caught on other parts. Furthermore, the lower surface of the annular plate portion 11c1 is in contact with the upper end of the cover portion 2. This has the advantage that moisture is less likely to enter between the housing portion 1 and the cover portion 2.

[0041] Here, the housing part 1 is made of synthetic resin. Therefore, the housing portion 1 can be molded simultaneously with the housing bottom wall portion 11a, the housing side wall portion 11b, and the opening edge portion 11c. Furthermore, the drainage section 12 and gripping rib section 14 can be molded simultaneously on the bottom wall section 11a of the housing, and the connecting section 13 and connecting rib section 15 can be molded simultaneously on the side wall section 11b of the housing.

[0042] Examples of such synthetic resins include thermosetting resins such as phenolic resin (PF), melamine resin (MF), urea resin (UF), alkyd resin, epoxy resin (EP), unsaturated polyester resin (UP), thermosetting polyurethane, polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), polyvinyl acetate (PVAc), polyurethane (PUR), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polylactic acid, ABS resin, AS resin, polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyamide (PA), polyacetal (POM), polycarbonate (PC), modified polyphenylene ether, polyester (PEs), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polysulfone (PSF), polyethersulfone (PES), amorphous polyarylate (PAR), polyetheretherketone (PEEK), thermoplastic polyimide (PI), and polyamideimide (PAI). Among these, the housing portion 1 is preferably made of thermoplastic resin from the viewpoint of moldability.

[0043] Furthermore, among these thermoplastic resins, the housing portion 1 is preferably made of at least one thermoplastic resin selected from the group consisting of polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, polystyrene, polyvinyl acetate, ABS resin, AS resin, polymethyl methacrylate, and polyvinyl chloride, more preferably at least one thermoplastic resin selected from the group consisting of polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, polystyrene, and ABS resin, and is particularly preferably made of ABS resin if the cover portion 2, which will be described later, is made of polystyrene foam manufactured by the bead method. In this case, the housing 1 can be lightweight and inexpensive.

[0044] The housing portion 1 is preferably made of a thermoplastic resin with a softening temperature of 110°C or lower. If the cover portion 2, described later, is made of polystyrene foam formed by the bead method, it is more preferable that the housing portion 1 is made of a thermoplastic resin with a softening temperature of 50 to 110°C from the viewpoint of heat resistance. In this case, the housing part 1 and the cover part 2 can be easily fused together. In this specification, the softening temperature refers to the Vicat softening temperature measured in accordance with JIS-K7206 (2016).

[0045] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing only the cover portion of the insulated water tank according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 3, the cover portion 2 is a box-shaped container with an open top, and is capable of housing the aforementioned housing portion 1. The cover portion 2 has a rectangular cover bottom wall portion 21a when viewed from above, and cover side wall portions 21b erected on all four sides of the cover bottom wall portion 21a.

[0046] In the cover portion 2, the cover bottom wall portion 21a is provided with a cover drain port (not shown) that penetrates the cover bottom wall portion 21a. The cover drain port is positioned to match the housing drain port 12a. Then, the drain section 12 is inserted into the cover drain port.

[0047] In the cover portion 2, one of the four cover side wall portions 21b is provided with a cover communication opening 23a that penetrates the cover side wall portion 21b. The cover connection port 23a is provided in a position that matches the housing connection port 13a. The connecting part 13 is then inserted into the cover connecting opening 23a.

[0048] In the insulated water tank 10, the drain section 12 is inserted into the cover drain port and the connecting section 13 is inserted into the cover connecting port 23a, so that the ends of the drain section 12 and the connecting section 13 on the housing side wall 11b are both covered by the cover section 2. Therefore, in the insulated water tank 10, heat escape from the drainage section 12 and the connecting section 13 is suppressed as much as possible, and the insulating effect of the cover section 2 is maintained as much as possible.

[0049] In the cover portion 2, a groove 25 is provided on the inside of the cover side wall portion 21b, extending vertically along the cover side wall portion 21b. Four grooves 25 are provided for each cover side wall portion 21b, and these grooves 25 are parallel to each other. Then, connecting rib portions 15 are inserted into these groove portions 25. In the insulated water tank 10, as described above, the contact area between the housing 1 and the cover 2 is increased by the connecting rib portion 15 and the groove portion 25.

[0050] Here, the cover portion 2 is made of foamed resin. Therefore, unlike metal, the cover portion 2 allows for the simultaneous molding of the cover bottom wall portion 21a and the cover side wall portion 21b. Furthermore, a cover drain port can be molded simultaneously in the cover bottom wall portion 21a, and a cover connecting port 23a and a groove portion 25 can be molded simultaneously in the cover side wall portion 21b.

[0051] Examples of such foamed resins include flexible polyurethane foam, rigid polyurethane foam, polystyrene foam, polyethylene foam, polypropylene foam, EVA crosslinked foam, PET resin foam, phenolic foam, silicone foam, polyvinyl chloride foam, urea foam, acrylic foam, polyimide foam, and EPDM foam. Among these, the cover portion 2 is preferably made of flexible polyurethane foam, rigid polyurethane foam, or polystyrene foam from the viewpoint of heat insulation effect. Furthermore, the cover portion 2 is more preferably made of polystyrene foam. Polystyrene foam has the advantage of being easier to control in terms of density compared to polyurethane foam and other materials. Furthermore, polystyrene foam has the advantage of preventing moisture from entering, and even if moisture does enter, it can easily escape.

[0052] In cover section 2, the density of the foamed resin is 0.01 to 1 g / cm³. 3 That is the case. By keeping the density of the foamed resin within the above range, the intrusion of moisture from the cover portion 2 can be sufficiently suppressed. This makes it possible to minimize the occurrence of mold on the cover portion and corrosion of the cover portion during long-term use.

[0053] In cover section 2, the moisture permeability coefficient of the foamed resin is 30-200 ng / m³. 2 It is preferable that the pressure be s·Pa, and the humidity is 40-70 ng / m³. 2 It is more preferable that it be s·Pa. The moisture permeability coefficient is 30 ng / m 2 If the moisture permeability coefficient is less than 200 ng / m², moisture penetration is less likely compared to when the moisture permeability coefficient is within the above range, but it has the disadvantage of being heavier and more expensive. 2 When the moisture permeability coefficient exceeds s·Pa, moisture penetrates more easily compared to when it is within the above range, which has the disadvantage of making it more susceptible to deterioration from long-term use.

[0054] The insulated water tank 10 is manufactured by integrating the housing portion 1 and the cover portion 2. Examples of manufacturing methods include: manufacturing the housing part 1 and the cover part 2 separately and integrating them with double-sided tape or adhesive; manufacturing the housing part 1 and the cover part 2 separately, heating the housing part 1 inside the cover part 2 to fuse them together; and manufacturing the housing part 1 and directly forming the cover part 2 around the housing part 1. Among these methods, it is preferable to manufacture the housing portion 1 and then directly form the cover portion 2 around the housing portion 1. In this case, there is the advantage that the number of steps can be reduced and the cover portion 2 can be easily formed.

[0055] Specifically, if the foamed resin is polystyrene foam, it is preferable that the polystyrene foam is formed by the bead method (solid-phase foam molding method). In this context, the bead method is a method of forming polystyrene foam by pre-foaming raw material beads, which consist of polystyrene and a foaming agent, then filling them into a mold and heating them to a foaming temperature, thereby expanding the raw material beads to several tens of times their original volume. In this case, since the foaming temperature of polystyrene (approximately 100°C) is relatively low, it becomes possible to manufacture the insulated water tank 10 in an energy-efficient and easy manner.

[0056] When forming the cover portion 2 by the bead method, as described above, it is preferable that the softening temperature of the synthetic resin is lower than the foaming temperature in the bead method. In this case, since the cover portion 2 is formed by heating polystyrene beads to their foaming temperature, if the softening point of the synthetic resin is below the foaming temperature of polystyrene in the bead method, the outer surface of the housing portion 1 softens simultaneously with the formation of the cover portion 2, making it possible to fuse the housing portion 1 and the cover portion 2.

[0057] In this case, in the insulated water tank 10, the housing portion 1 and the cover portion 2 fuse together at their contact points. That is, at the contact points, the housing portion 1 and the cover portion 2 melt and mix together, and solidify in that state to become a single unit. Furthermore, as described above, the housing portion 1 has connecting rib portion 15, which increases the contact area between the housing portion 1 and the cover portion 2, resulting in a more robust integration. Therefore, in this case, the insulated water tank 10 has extremely good adhesion between the housing part 1 and the cover part 2.

[0058] As a result, the insulating effect of the cover portion 2 is maintained in the insulated water tank 10 even during long-term use. Furthermore, because the housing 1 is resistant to deformation, it is possible to prevent gaps from forming between the housing 1 and the cover 2 even during long-term use. Furthermore, since the lower surface of the annular plate portion 11c1 and the upper end of the cover portion 2 are also fused together, moisture is less likely to penetrate.

[0059] Furthermore, when the housing portion 1 and the cover portion 2 are fused together at their contact points, it is more preferable that the softening temperature of the synthetic resin is below the foaming temperature in the bead method, and that the temperature difference between the foaming temperature and the softening temperature of the synthetic resin is 50°C or less. In this case, the aforementioned fusion becomes denser, resulting in a stronger bond between the housing and the cover. Furthermore, it can prevent the synthetic resin from becoming too soft and deforming.

[0060] Furthermore, when forming the cover portion 2 by the bead method, the foaming ratio of the polystyrene foam is preferably 10 to 100 times, and more preferably 20 to 50 times. In this case, the size of the air bubbles can be made sufficiently small and relatively uniform, so that the intrusion of moisture into the cover portion 2 can be further suppressed.

[0061] Next, the beverage server according to the present invention will be described. Figure 4 is a partially transparent side view showing a beverage server according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 4, the beverage server 100 is a device for dispensing an appropriate amount of drinking water from the dispensing section 35 (shank). Such drinking water is not particularly limited, but examples include carbonated beverages such as beer, soft drinks, and water.

[0062] The beverage dispenser 100 has a built-in insulated water tank 10 in which cooling water is stored. As described above, the insulated water tank 10 can fully exhibit its insulating effect. In other words, it can maintain the cooling water temperature so that it does not drop. Furthermore, it can minimize the occurrence of mold and corrosion even with long-term use.

[0063] In the beverage server 100, the insulated water tank 10 is provided with a drainage section 12, allowing the cooling water stored in the insulated water tank 10 to flow in or out through the drainage section 12 via a tube or the like (not shown). This makes maintenance easier. Furthermore, since the outer edge of the drain outlet side of the drain section 12 is covered by the cover section 2, heat intrusion from the drain section 12 can be suppressed as much as possible. As a result, the heat insulation effect can be maintained even when the drain section 12 is present.

[0064] The refrigerant pipes 31 and flow pipes 32 are immersed in the cooling water stored in the insulated water tank 10. At this time, both the refrigerant pipe 31 and the flow pipe 32 are temporarily fixed by being attached to the gripping rib portion 14 provided on the housing portion 1. The refrigerant pipe 31 is coiled, allowing a cooling medium to flow through its interior. In the beverage server 100, the compressor 33 cools the cooling water by circulating the cooling medium through the refrigerant pipe 31.

[0065] The circulating pipe 32 has a smaller diameter when viewed from above than the refrigerant pipe 31, is coiled and positioned inside the refrigerant pipe 31, and allows drinking water to circulate through its interior. Drinking water stored in a beverage tank or the like (not shown) is cooled by cooling water as it flows through the distribution pipe 32, and after flowing through the distribution pipe 32, it is dispensed from the dispensing section 35.

[0066] In the beverage server 100, the insulated water tank 10 is provided with a connecting section 13, so that the inside and outside of the insulated water tank 10 can be communicated using the connecting section 13. Furthermore, since the outside of the connecting portion 13 is covered by the cover portion 2, the intrusion of heat from the connecting portion 13 can be suppressed as much as possible. As a result, the heat insulation effect can be maintained even when the connecting portion 13 is present.

[0067] In the beverage server 100, the dispensing section 35 is attached to the connecting section 13 either directly or indirectly via a bracket or the like. That is, by attaching the dispensing section 35 to the connecting section 13, the housing connecting port 13a of the housing section 1 is sealed. Therefore, in the beverage server 100, by immersing the housing connection port 13a in cooling water and connecting the flow pipe 32 from the housing connection port 13a to the dispensing section 35 via the connection part 13, it becomes possible to connect the flow pipe to the dispensing section 35 without it being exposed to the outside while remaining immersed in cooling water. As a result, it becomes possible to dispense drinking water from the dispensing section 35 while maintaining a cooled state.

[0068] Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments.

[0069] The insulated water tank 10 according to this embodiment is a hollow rectangular prism shape having a rectangular bottom wall portion 10a in top view and side wall portions 10b erected on all four sides of the bottom wall portion 10a, but is not limited to this, and may be a hollow cylindrical shape. The same applies to the housing portion 1 and the cover portion 2.

[0070] In the insulated water tank 10 according to this embodiment, a drainage section 12 is provided in the bottom wall section 10a, and a connecting section 13 is provided in one of the four side wall sections 10b, however, the drainage section 12 and the connecting section 13 are not essential.

[0071] In the insulated water tank according to this embodiment, the cover portion 2 covers the outer perimeter and bottom surface of the housing portion 1, but it may also cover only the outer perimeter of the housing portion 1.

[0072] In the insulated water tank 10 according to this embodiment, a plate-shaped gripping rib portion 14 that protrudes upward is provided on the inside of the bottom wall portion 11a of the housing, but this is not essential. Furthermore, if the housing portion 1 has a gripping rib portion 14, its shape is not limited to a cross shape when viewed from above.

[0073] In the insulated water tank 10 according to this embodiment, a plate-shaped connecting rib portion 15 is provided on the outside of the housing side wall portion 11b, protruding outward from the housing side wall portion 11b and extending vertically along the housing side wall portion 11b, but this is not essential. Furthermore, if the housing portion 1 has connecting rib portions 15, their shape is not limited to a plate shape, nor is the number of ribs limited to four. Similarly, the cover portion 2 has a groove portion 25 corresponding to the connecting rib portion 15, but if the housing portion 1 does not have a connecting rib portion 15, it does not need to have a groove portion 25. Furthermore, if the shape of the connecting rib portion 15 is different from that of a plate, the groove portion 25 will take on a shape corresponding to that shape.

[0074] In the insulated water tank 10 according to this embodiment, the housing portion 1 has an opening edge portion 11c, but this is not essential. Furthermore, if an opening edge portion 11c is present, its shape is not limited to consisting of an annular flat plate portion 11c1 extending horizontally outward from the upper end of the four side walls 11b of the housing, and an annular upright portion 11c2 extending upward from the outer end of the annular flat plate portion 11c1.

[0075] Although a beverage server 100 is described as an example of use for the insulated water tank 10 according to this embodiment, its use is not limited to this, and it can be used as a substitute for known insulated water tanks as appropriate.

[0076] In the beverage server 100 according to this embodiment, both the refrigerant pipe 31 and the flow pipe 32 are coiled, but the invention is not limited to this.

[0077] In the beverage server 100 according to this embodiment, the housing connection port 13a is immersed in cooling water, but this is not essential. [Industrial applicability]

[0078] The insulated water tank of the present invention is used as a water tank for maintaining the temperature of stored water (cooling water) in applications such as beverage dispensers. The beverage dispenser of the present invention is used as a device for dispensing an appropriate amount of drinking water while it is cooled. According to the insulated water tank and beverage server of the present invention, the insulating effect of the cover can be fully utilized, and the occurrence of mold and corrosion can be suppressed as much as possible even during long-term use. [Explanation of symbols]

[0079] 1. Enclosure 10. Insulated water tank 10a...Bottom wall part 10b...Side wall part 11a...Bottom wall of the enclosure 11b... Side wall of the enclosure 11c...Opening edge 11c1···Annular plate section 11c2···Annular erection section 12...Drainage section 12a... Drain outlet for enclosure 13. Liaison Department 13a... Enclosure access port 14. Gripping rib section 15...Connecting rib section 2. Cover section 21a... Cover bottom wall 21b...Cover side wall 23a... Cover contact port 25... Groove 31... Refrigerant pipes 32...Flow pipe 33. Compressor 35...Pour part

Claims

1. In an insulated water tank for maintaining water temperature, The aforementioned housing section for storing water, A cover portion that covers at least the outer periphery of the housing portion, Equipped with, The housing portion is made of synthetic resin, The aforementioned cover portion is made of foamed resin, The density of the foamed resin is 0.01 to 1 g / cm³. ３ An insulated water tank.

2. The synthetic resin is at least one thermoplastic resin selected from the group consisting of polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, polystyrene, polyvinyl acetate, ABS resin, AS resin, polymethyl methacrylate, and polyvinyl chloride. The insulated water tank according to claim 1, wherein the foamed resin is a flexible polyurethane foam, a rigid polyurethane foam, or a polystyrene foam.

3. The insulated water tank according to claim 1, wherein the housing portion and the cover portion are fused together at the contact portion.

4. The foamed resin is a polystyrene foam formed by the bead method. The insulated water tank according to claim 3, wherein the softening temperature of the synthetic resin is less than or equal to the foaming temperature in the bead method.

5. The insulated water tank according to claim 4, wherein the temperature difference between the foaming temperature and the softening temperature of the synthetic resin is 50°C or less.

6. The insulated water tank according to claim 4, wherein the expansion ratio of the polystyrene foam is 10 to 100 times.

7. A beverage dispenser for dispensing drinking water from a dispensing section, The insulated water tank described in claim 1 is incorporated, The insulated water tank has a drainage portion that protrudes outward from the housing portion from a drainage port provided in the housing portion, A beverage server in which the outer edge of the drainage section on the drain outlet side is covered by the cover.

8. The insulated water tank has a connecting portion that protrudes outward from the housing portion through a housing connecting port provided in the housing portion, The beverage server according to claim 7, wherein the outside of the contact portion is covered by the cover portion.

9. Cooling water is stored in the aforementioned insulated water tank. The dispensing section is attached to the aforementioned connecting section. The beverage server according to claim 8, wherein the housing connection port is immersed in the cooling water.

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