Container connection module

Abstract

To provide a container connection module, etc. capable of smoothly supplying water from a container while preventing detachment of a check valve when using the container as a water supply device.SOLUTION: A container connection module 30 mainly comprises a container connection section 33, an outlet 34, an air introduction section 334, a check valve 36, and a cover section 37. The container connection section 33 is a component connected to a drinking spout 321. The outlet 34 is a component through which liquid 31 is discharged outside. The air introduction section 334 is a component through which air is introduced into a beverage container 32 in conjunction with the discharge of the liquid 31. The check valve 36 is a component attached to an end of the air introduction section 334 on a side of the beverage container 32. The cover section 37 is a component that covers the check valve 36. The connecting section 371 is a portion that connects the inside and outside of the cover section 37.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a container connection module.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a refrigerator equipped with a water supply mechanism as described in Patent Document 1 has been known. In this refrigerator, first, a water supply tank for storing drinking water is disposed inside a heat-insulating door that closes a refrigerating chamber formed in the upper stage of a heat-insulating box body. Further, a water supply chamber that is a cavity is formed on the outer surface of the heat-insulating door, and a water injection lever is disposed inside the water supply chamber. In addition, a water injection portion communicating with the water supply tank is disposed at the upper back side of the water supply chamber. In the water supply chamber of the refrigerator having such a configuration, when the user presses a cup against the water injection lever, cooled drinking water is supplied from the water supply tank via the water injection portion to the cup.

[0003] Patent Document 2 describes a container connection module or the like that can use a container stored in a refrigerator as a water supply device. Such a container connection module includes a container connection portion connected to a drinking mouth portion of the container and an outflow adjustment portion. The outflow adjustment portion allows the beverage to flow out of the container while the user is operating, while preventing the outflow of the beverage from the container. Further, the container connection portion has a shape in which the outer diameter becomes thinner toward the side of the container. Therefore, the outer surface of the container connection portion contacts the inner wall of the drinking mouth portion of the container, thereby sealing the gap between the container connection portion and the drinking mouth portion.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, in the water supply mechanism, connection module, etc. described above, there was room for improvement from the viewpoints of ease of water supply and connection to the container.

[0006] Specifically, in the invention described in Patent Document 1, since it was necessary to supply water to a water supply tank fixed inside the refrigerator compartment, there was a problem that the water supply operation was complicated. Further, in the invention described in Patent Document 2, although the check valve was disposed inside the container, there was a possibility that the check valve would come off from the container connection module and remain inside the container.

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a container connection module that can smoothly supply water from a container while preventing the check valve from coming off when using a beverage container as a water supply device.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] The present invention is a container connection module attached to a drinking mouth portion of a beverage container in which a liquid is stored, and includes a container connection portion connected to the drinking mouth portion, a discharge port through which the liquid is discharged to the outside, an air introduction portion through which air introduced into the beverage container flows as the liquid is discharged, a check valve attached to an end portion of the air introduction portion on the beverage container side, and a cover portion that covers the check valve. A communication portion that communicates the inside and the outside of the cover portion is formed in the cover portion, the communication portion is a slit extending along the axial direction of the cover portion having a substantially cylindrical shape, and an end portion of the slit on the discharge port side is formed on the discharge port side rather than an attachment portion to which the check valve is attached to the air introduction portion. The attachment part is a part where the first flange part of the air introduction part and the second flange part of the check valve are in contact with each other, and the end part of the slit on the discharge port side is formed on the side of the discharge port rather than the first flange part. It is characterized by that.

Effects of the Invention

[0009] According to the container connection module according to an embodiment of the present invention, when using a beverage container as a water supply device, it is possible to smoothly supply water from the container while preventing the check valve from coming off.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10A

Figure 10B

Figure 11A

Figure 11B

Figure 12

Figure 13A

Figure 13B

Figure 14A

Figure 14B

Figure 15

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] Hereinafter, a container connection module 30, a dispenser unit 61, and a refrigerator 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same members are basically denoted by the same reference numerals, and repeated descriptions are omitted. Also, the directions of up, down, front, rear, left, and right are used as appropriate, where left and right indicate the left and right when the refrigerator 10 is viewed from the front. Further, the directions of up, down, front, rear, left, and right are the directions when each door such as the first heat insulating door 14 is in the closed state. In this embodiment, the refrigerator 10 having a refrigerating chamber 12 and a freezing chamber 13 is exemplified, but the refrigerator 10 may have only a refrigerating chamber. In the following description, an example of the first cylindrical member described in the claims is the container connection portion 33. Also, an example of the second cylindrical member is the body member 43.

[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the refrigerator 10.

[0013] The refrigerator 10 includes a heat-insulating box body 11 as the main body, and forms a storage chamber inside the heat-insulating box body 11 for storing food and the like. As this storage chamber, the upper part is the refrigerating chamber 12, and the lower part is the freezing chamber 13.

[0014] The front surface of the heat-insulating box body 11 is open, and first to third heat-insulating doors 14 to 16 are provided to be openable and closable at the openings corresponding to the respective storage chambers. The first heat-insulating door 14 closes the left part of the refrigerating chamber 12, and the left side end is rotatably connected to the heat-insulating box body 11. The second heat-insulating door 15 closes the right part of the refrigerating chamber 12, and the right side end is rotatably connected to the heat-insulating box body 11. The third heat-insulating door 16 closes the left part of the freezing chamber 13, and the left side end is rotatably connected to the heat-insulating box body 11. The fourth heat-insulating door 17 closes the right part of the freezing chamber 13, and the right side end is rotatably connected to the heat-insulating box body 11. Here, only the first heat-insulating door 14 is in the open state, and a beverage container 32 and a dispenser unit 61 are disposed inside the first heat-insulating door 14. The configuration and the like of the dispenser unit 61 will be described later with reference to the figures after FIG. 3.

[0015] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the heat-insulating doors of the refrigerator 10.

[0016] On the inner surface of the first heat-insulating door 14, a first pocket portion 181, a second pocket portion 182, and a third pocket portion 183 are attached from above. The first pocket portion 181, the second pocket portion 182, and the third pocket portion 183 are engaged with the inner surface of the first heat-insulating door 14 by an engagement structure not shown here. The first pocket portion 181 and the second pocket portion 182 are used, for example, for storing seasonings, eggs, and the like. The dispenser unit 61 and the beverage container 32 are attached to the third pocket portion 183. In addition, a lever 38 is installed on the dispenser unit 61.

[0017] By installing the dispenser unit 61 and the beverage container 32 in the third pocket portion 183, as will be described later, the beverage container 32 can be used as a water dispenser. Therefore, the user can easily obtain a beverage. Specifically, the user can open the first heat insulation door 14 and press a container such as a cup (not shown) against the lever 38 of the dispenser unit 61 to transfer the beverage inside the beverage container 32 cooled by the refrigerator compartment 12 to the container. Details of the dispenser unit 61 and the like will be described later with reference to the figures after FIG. 3.

[0018] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the connection configuration of the container connection module 30.

[0019] The dispenser unit 61 has a dispenser main body portion 62 and a container connection module 30. The dispenser unit 61 is a device for installing the beverage container 32 in the above-described third pocket portion 183 in a state where the liquid 31 can be supplied.

[0020] The beverage container 32 is, for example, a plastic bottle in which the liquid 31 is stored. Here, a plastic bottle having a capacity of 2 liters is illustrated as the beverage container 32. The beverage container 32 is installed in the dispenser unit 61 with the drinking mouth portion 321 facing downward. As the liquid 31 stored in the beverage container 32, water, tea, soft drink water, etc. can be adopted.

[0021] The container connection module 30 is a device that is attached to the drinking mouth portion 321 of the beverage container 32 in which the liquid 31 is stored and connects the beverage container 32 and the dispenser unit 61. The configuration of the container connection module 30 will be described later with reference to the figures after FIG. 4.

[0022] The dispenser main body 62 is a device installed in the third pocket part 183 for supporting the beverage container 32. The dispenser main body 62 has, from the upper side, a container installation part 63 and a supply area 65. The container installation part 63 is the part where the beverage container 32 is installed. The supply area 65 has a lever 38 disposed therein and is the area where the liquid 31 is supplied from the lower end of the container connection module 30 to the container. The dispenser main body 62 is made of, for example, an injection-molded plate-shaped synthetic resin.

[0023] The method of installing and using the beverage container 32 in the dispenser unit 61 is as follows. First, the user connects the container connection module 30 to the drinking mouth part 321 of the beverage container 32. Next, with the container connection module 30 facing downward, the user installs the beverage container 32 in the container installation part 63 of the dispenser main body 62. By doing so, while the user presses the container forward against the lever 38, the liquid 31 is supplied to the container via the beverage container 32 and the container connection module 30. The specific configuration of the dispenser unit 61 will be described later with reference to FIG. 9 and the like.

[0024] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the container connection module 30, showing a perspective view on the left side and an exploded perspective view on the right side. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the container connection module 30 and the container connection part 33, showing a cutaway perspective view on the left side and an exploded cutaway perspective view on the right side.

[0025] 4 and 5, the container connection module 30 mainly includes a container connection portion 33, a discharge port 34, an air introduction portion 334, a check valve 36, and a cover portion 37. Furthermore, the container connection module 30 includes, from the upper side, a first O-ring 39, a second O-ring 40, a valve member 41, a valve body 42, a body member 43, a spring 44, and a discharge port forming portion 45. Each part constituting the container connection module 30 is made of injection-molded synthetic resin, except for the spring 44 made of steel. In addition, each member constituting the container connection module 30 is connected by a screw structure or an engagement structure, so that each member can be easily separated from each other. Therefore, each member constituting the container connection module 30 can be easily washed after disassembly, and can easily maintain cleanliness.

[0026] As described above, the container connection module 30 is a device that is attached to the drinking spout 321 of the beverage container 32, and works in conjunction with the lever 38 described above to cause the liquid 31 to flow out of the beverage container 32. Furthermore, the container connection module 30 introduces air into the beverage container 32 as the liquid 31 flows out.

[0027] Each member constituting the container connection module 30 will be described below, starting from the member arranged at the top.

[0028] The cover part 37 is a generally cylindrical member that covers the check valve 36. The cover part 37 is a generally cylindrical member whose lower surface is open. The lower end of the cover part 37 is attached to the through hole 339 of the container connection part 33 shown in FIG. 5 by an engagement structure. The cover part 37 prevents the check valve 36 from coming off the air introduction part 334.

[0029] The communication portion 371 is a portion that communicates between the inside and outside of the cover portion 37. In other words, the communication portion 371 is a portion that penetrates a thick portion of the cover portion 37. The communication portion 371 is, for example, a slender slit 372 that extends along the up-down direction that is the axial direction of the cover portion 37. The slit 372 extends continuously from the upper end of the cover portion 37 to the middle portion of the cover portion 37 in the up-down direction. The communication portion 371 is also formed in the center of the upper surface of the slit 372.

[0030] The check valve 36 is a member attached to the end of the air introduction part 334 on the beverage container 32 side, that is, the upper end, which will be described later. As the check valve 36, for example, a duckbill valve can be adopted. The duckbill valve is made of a material with excellent flexibility such as silicone resin, and a slit is formed at its upper end. With such a configuration, the check valve 36 blocks the flow of the liquid 31 from above to below while allowing the flow of air from below to above. By protruding the lower end of the check valve 36 radially outward, the second flange portion 361 is formed. As will be described later, the second flange portion 361 is used for positioning the check valve 36 inside the cover portion 37.

[0031] The first O-ring 39 is a substantially ring-shaped member made of rubber, synthetic resin, or the like. The first O-ring 39 is installed on the upper surface of the intermediate wall portion 3310 of the container connection portion 33, which will be described later. The first O-ring 39 seals the space between the lower end of the drinking mouth portion 321 of the beverage container 32 described above and the container connection portion 33. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the liquid 31 from flowing out from the connection portion between the beverage container 32 and the container connection module 30.

[0032] The container connection portion 33 is a member connected to the drinking mouth portion 321 of the beverage container 32 described above. As a whole, the container connection portion 33 is a member having a substantially cylindrical shape.

[0033] The container connection portion 33 has a first cylindrical portion 333 and a second cylindrical portion 3311. The first cylindrical portion 333 is a substantially cylindrical part constituting the upper part of the container connection portion 33. The second cylindrical portion 3311 is a substantially cylindrical part having a smaller diameter than the first cylindrical portion 333 and constituting the lower part of the container connection portion 33. At the upper end of the first cylindrical portion 333, a first opening portion 331, which is an upward-facing opening, is formed. At the lower end of the second cylindrical portion 3311, a second opening portion 332, which is a downward-facing opening, is formed. A helical thread groove is formed on the inner surface of the first opening portion 331. Also, a helical thread is formed on the outer surface of the second cylindrical portion 3311.

[0034] An intermediate wall portion 3310 is formed between the lower end of the first cylindrical portion 333 and the upper end of the second cylindrical portion 3311. The intermediate wall portion 3310 is a plate-like portion having a substantially ring shape. The above-described first O-ring 39 is placed on the upper surface of the intermediate wall portion 3310.

[0035] A substantially circular through-hole 339 is formed inside the intermediate wall portion 3310. The through-hole 339 is an opening that communicates the first opening 331 and the second opening 332.

[0036] The air introduction portion 334 is a substantially tubular portion that extends upward from the upper end portion of the second cylindrical portion 3311 and passes through the inside of the container connection portion 33. The air introduction portion 334 is a portion through which air introduced into the beverage container 32 flows as the liquid 31 is discharged. A first flange portion 337 is formed near the upper end of the air introduction portion 334. The configuration of the air introduction portion 334 will be described later with reference to FIG. 6.

[0037] The peripheral edge portion 338 is a portion that projects the upper end portion of the first cylindrical portion 333 outward in the radial direction in a flange shape. The peripheral edge portion 338 is a member for fixing the container connection module 30 to the above-described container installation portion 63. Such a fixing structure will be described later with reference to FIG. 12.

[0038] The second O-ring 40 is a substantially ring-shaped member made of rubber, synthetic resin, or the like. The second O-ring 40 is installed on the upper surface of the intermediate wall portion 433 of the body member 43 described later. The second O-ring 40 seals between the lower end of the above-described container connection portion 33 and the body member 43. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the liquid 31 from flowing out from between the container connection portion 33 and the body member 43.

[0039] As shown in the assembled drawing of Fig. 5, the valve member 41 is a member that is arranged inside the body member 43, which will be described later, and controls the outflow of the liquid 31 to the outside. The valve member 41 has a tip portion 411, a valve body 412, and a rectifying portion 413. The tip portion 411 is the lower end portion of the valve body 412 and has a thread formed thereon. The tip portion 411 is screwed into the valve member connection portion 451 of the discharge port forming portion 45, which will be described later. The valve body 412 is the main body portion of the valve member 41 and is a substantially rod-shaped member extending along the vertical direction. By protruding the middle portion of the valve body 42 radially outward, a third flange portion 414 is formed. The third flange portion 414 is a portion that regulates the position of the valve body 42 in the vertical direction, which will be described later. The rectifying portion 413 is a member having a substantially blade shape attached to the upper end portion of the valve body 412. A plurality of rectifying portions 413 are arranged around the valve body 412 at predetermined angular intervals. The rectifying portion 413 has a function of rectifying the flow of the liquid 31 inside the container connection module 30.

[0040] The valve body 42 is made of a material with excellent flexibility such as rubber or synthetic resin and is a member having a substantially cylindrical shape. The valve body 412 of the valve member 41 is inserted into the valve body 42. By the upper end of the valve body 42 abutting against the third flange portion 414, the position of the valve body 42 with respect to the valve member 41 is fixed. As will be described later, when the valve body 42 abuts against the valve seat 434 of the discharge port forming portion 45, the liquid 31 does not flow out to the outside. On the other hand, when the valve body 42 separates from the valve seat 434 of the discharge port forming portion 45, the liquid 31 flows out to the outside.

[0041] The body member 43 is a substantially cylindrical member connected to the lower end of the aforementioned container connection portion 33. The body member 43 mainly includes an outer peripheral wall 431, an inner wall 432, and a valve seat 434. The outer peripheral wall 431 is disposed at the outermost peripheral portion of the body member 43 and is a portion presenting a substantially cylindrical shape. A screw groove is formed spirally at the upper end portion of the inner surface of the outer peripheral wall 431. By screwing the thread formed on the outer peripheral portion of the second cylindrical portion 3311 of the aforementioned container connection portion 33 into the screw groove formed in the inner peripheral portion of the outer peripheral wall 431 of the body member 43, the container connection portion 33 and the body member 43 are integrated. The inner wall 432 is disposed separately inside the outer peripheral wall 431 and is a portion presenting a substantially cylindrical shape. The upper end portion of the inner wall 432 and the intermediate portion of the outer peripheral wall 431 are continuous with each other through an intermediate wall portion 433. The intermediate wall portion 433 is a portion presenting a substantially ring shape. The aforementioned second O-ring 40 is disposed on the upper surface of the intermediate wall portion 433. The valve seat 434 is an inclined surface that is continuous with the lower end of the inner wall 432 and inclines radially inward downward. The aforementioned valve body 42 abuts on the upper surface of the valve seat 434. A lower end opening 435 is formed by opening the center of the valve seat 434.

[0042] Referring to the cutaway perspective view of FIG. 5, the upper surface of the valve seat 434 of the body member 43 can also be a substantially flat surface extending along the horizontal direction. By doing so, the lower surface of the valve body 42 can stably abut on the upper surface of the valve seat 434 which is a substantially flat surface, the upper surface of the valve seat 434 and the lower surface of the valve body 42 are in good contact with each other, and the outflow of the liquid 31 from between the two can be suppressed.

[0043] The spring 44 is a coil spring having a winding axis along the vertical direction. The spring 44 is housed between the outer peripheral wall 431 and the inner wall 432 of the body member 43. The upper end of the spring 44 abuts on the lower surface of the intermediate wall portion 433 of the aforementioned body member 43. The lower end of the spring 44 abuts on the upper surface of the intermediate wall portion 452 of a discharge port forming portion 45 described later.

[0044] The discharge port forming portion 45 is a substantially cylindrical member built into the aforementioned outer peripheral wall 431. The diameter of the discharge port forming portion 45 gradually decreases from the upper part to the lower part. An intermediate wall portion 452 and a step portion 453 are formed in the intermediate portion of the discharge port forming portion 45. The intermediate wall portion 452 and the step portion 453 are portions having a ring-shaped surface when viewed from above. The lower end of the spring 44 abuts on the upper surface of the intermediate wall portion 452. The step portion 453 is pushed up by a lever 38 described later.

[0045] The opening at the lower end of the discharge port forming portion 45 is the discharge port 34. The discharge port 34 is the part where the liquid 31 is discharged to the outside.

[0046] A valve member connection portion 451 is disposed at the central portion of the lower end of the discharge port forming portion 45. A screw hole is formed inside the valve member connection portion 451, and it is a portion continuous with the inner wall of the discharge port forming portion 45. The tip portion 411 of the aforementioned valve member 41 is screwed into the screw hole of the valve member connection portion 451. By doing so, the discharge port forming portion 45 and the valve member 41 are mechanically connected so that they operate in conjunction with each other.

[0047] Referring to the assembly drawing shown in the upper left part of FIG. 5, in the container connection module 30, the position of the check valve 36 in the vertical direction is set to a position where air can be effectively introduced into the beverage container 32. Specifically, the length L20 from the upper surface of the valve seat 434 of the body member 43 to the upper end of the check valve 36 is preferably in the range of 60 mm or more and 100 mm or less, more preferably in the range of 70 mm or more and 90 mm or less, and is about 80 mm as an example. Here, the upper surface of the valve seat 434 is the lowermost part of the region where the water pressure of the liquid 31 stored in the beverage container 32 acts, as shown in FIG. 13B. By setting L20 to 60 mm or more, the water pressure acting on the check valve 36 can be set to a certain level or less, and air can be effectively introduced into the beverage container 32 via the check valve 36. As a result, the internal pressure of the beverage container 32 is set to a certain level or more, and the liquid 31 in the beverage container 32 can be discharged well via the container connection module 30. Also, by setting L20 to 100 mm or less, the cover portion 37 can be set short, and the container connection module 30 can be made compact.

[0048] Referring to the exploded view of FIG. 5, the container connection module 30 includes a container connection portion 33 that is a first cylindrical member and a body member 43 that is a second cylindrical member. The air introduction portion 334 described above is formed in the container connection portion 33 that is the first cylindrical member. The upper end portion of the body member 43 is screwed onto the lower end portion of the container connection portion 33 from the outside. The opening of the outer end portion of the air introduction portion 334 is disposed in a portion that is near the region where the first cylindrical member and the second cylindrical member are screwed together and is not covered by the second cylindrical member. By doing so, it is possible to prevent the opening of the air introduction portion 334 from being covered by the body member 43.

[0049] FIG. 6 shows a cutaway perspective view of the cover portion 37, the check valve 36, and the container connection portion 33. In FIG. 6, the cover portion 37, the check valve 36, and the container connection portion 33 are shown disassembled in the vertical direction.

[0050] The air introduction portion 334 described above is integrally formed in the container connection portion 33. The air introduction portion 334 includes a first air introduction portion 335 and a second air introduction portion 336. The first air introduction portion 335 and the second air introduction portion 336 constitute a continuous conduit.

[0051] One end of the first air introduction portion 335 opens to the outer surface of the second cylindrical portion 3311 that is external. Further, the other end of the first air introduction portion 335 communicates with the lower end portion of the second air introduction portion 336 described later. Also, the first air introduction portion 335 extends along a horizontal direction that is substantially perpendicular to the axial direction of the cover portion 37. The outer end portion of the first air introduction portion 335 is disposed near the upper end of the second cylindrical portion 3311. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 4, even when the container connection portion 33 and the body member 43 are connected to each other, the end portion of the first air introduction portion 335 faces the outside between the lower end of the first cylindrical portion 333 of the container connection portion 33 and the upper end of the body member 43. Therefore, the first air introduction portion 335 is not covered and blocked by the body member 43. The matter of air being introduced into the beverage container 32 described above via the air introduction portion 334 will be described later with reference to FIG. 14B.

[0052] The lower end, which is one end of the second air introduction part 336, communicates with the aforementioned first air introduction part 335. Also, the upper end, which is the other end of the second air introduction part 336, is disposed inside the cover part 37. Further, the second air introduction part 336 extends substantially parallel to the axial direction of the cover part 37. The second air introduction part 336 is disposed substantially at the center of the container connection part 33 when viewed from above. Also, a gap is formed between the inner end part of the intermediate wall part 3310 and the second air introduction part 336. The liquid 31 flows downward through the gap.

[0053] As described above, a slit 372 is formed in the cover part 37. Here, the width L10 of the slit 372 is set shorter than the width L11 of the check valve 36. Also, the width L10 of the slit 372 is set shorter than the height L12 of the check valve 36. By doing so, it is possible to prevent the check valve 36 from moving outside the cover part 37 through the slit 372. Therefore, the check valve 36 does not move outside the cover part 37, that is, to the beverage container 32 shown in FIG. 2, and it is possible to prevent the check valve 36 from being accidentally ingested. Further, a bottom part is formed at the upper end of the cover part 37, and a part of the communication part 371 is formed at substantially the center of the bottom part.

[0054] FIG. 7 is a cutaway perspective view showing the structure in which the check valve 36 is fixed inside the cover part 37. In FIG. 7, an exploded perspective view is shown on the right side, and an assembled view is shown on the left side. Also, important parts are surrounded by a dotted line and enlarged for display.

[0055] The protruding part 373 is a part that protrudes the inner wall of the cover part 37 radially inward. Specifically, the protruding part 373 is a wall-like part that continuously extends in a wall shape from the upper end of the cover part 37 to the intermediate part of the cover part 37 in the vertical direction. A plurality of protruding parts 373 are formed along the circumferential direction inside the cover part 37.

[0056] The protrusion 373 having such a configuration has a function of fixing the check valve 36 inside the cover portion 37. Specifically, the check valve 36 is connected to the upper end of the second air introduction portion 336, and the cover portion 37 is incorporated into the container connection portion 33. Therefore, the lower surface of the second flange portion 361 of the check valve 36 abuts on the upper surface of the first flange portion 337. Further, the upper surface of the second flange portion 361 of the check valve 36 is pressed from above by the protrusion 373. In other words, the second flange portion 361 is clamped in the vertical direction by the first flange portion 337 and the protrusion 373. With such a configuration, the check valve 36 is fixed to the upper end of the second air introduction portion 336 and is prevented from coming off. Further, it is possible to prevent the liquid 31 from entering the inside of the second air introduction portion 336 from between the second flange portion 361 and the first flange portion 337. Further, as described above, since a plurality of protrusions 373 are formed along the circumferential direction of the cover portion 37, the second flange portion 361 can be fixed from above by the plurality of protrusions 373.

[0057] FIG. 8 is a cutaway perspective view showing the cover portion 37 and the container connection portion 33. In FIG. 8, the vicinity of the lower end of the slit 372 is surrounded by a dotted line and shown enlarged.

[0058] As described above, the check valve 36 is inserted into the upper end of the second air introduction portion 336. And the lower surface of the second flange portion 361 of the check valve 36 abuts on the upper surface of the first flange portion 337 of the second air introduction portion 336. Also, the peripheral edges of the second flange portion 361 and the first flange portion 337 are in contact with or close to the inner wall of the cover portion 37. Therefore, it cannot be expected that a large amount of the liquid 31 flows through the gap between the peripheral edge of the second flange portion 361 and the inner wall of the cover portion 37.

[0059] Referring to the enlarged view surrounded by the dotted line, the lower end, which is a part of the slit 372, is formed on the lower side, which is the side of the aforementioned discharge port 34, rather than the attachment portion where the check valve 36 is attached to the air introduction portion 334. Specifically, the lower end of the slit 372 is disposed below the lower surface of the first flange portion 337. With such a configuration, a gap 50 is formed between the lower end of the slit 372 and the first flange portion 337. Therefore, under the usage conditions of the container connection module 30, the liquid 31 stored inside the aforementioned beverage container 32 flows into the inside of the cover portion 37 through the gap 50. Here, the flow of the liquid 31 is indicated by the dashed-dotted line. Thereafter, the liquid 31 introduced into the inside of the cover portion 37 is discharged to the outside via the container connection portion 33, the body member 43, the discharge port forming portion 45, and the discharge port 34 shown in FIG. 5 in this order, and is supplied to a container such as a cup (not shown).

[0060] FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the dispenser unit 61 and the third pocket portion 183. In FIG. 9, the dispenser unit 61 is shown above, separated from the third pocket portion 183.

[0061] As described above, the third pocket portion 183 is a container attached to the inner surface portion of the first heat insulating door 14 shown in FIG. 2. The third pocket portion 183 has a container storage portion 64 and a unit installation portion 74.

[0062] The container storage portion 64 is a portion surrounded by the front side surface portion, the rear side surface portion, the left side surface portion, and the right side surface portion. The container storage portion 64 is sized to be able to store, for example, a 2-liter PET bottle.

[0063] The unit installation portion 74 is a portion having a front side surface portion, a left side surface portion, and a right side surface portion, and is a region that opens rearward and upward. Slide groove portions 66 are formed on the right side surface and the left side surface of the unit installation portion 74. The slide groove portions 66 are groove-shaped portions that continuously extend along the vertical direction. When viewed from above, the size of the inner edge portion of the unit installation portion 74 is made to be approximately the same as the size of the outer edge portion of the dispenser unit 61.

[0064] The dispenser unit 61 has a dispenser main body part 62 which is the lower side part and a container installation part 63 which is the upper side part. The dispenser unit 61 is a device having a substantially quadrangular prism shape as a whole. The dispenser unit 61 is a device that supports the beverage container 32 and the container connection module 30 described above.

[0065] The dispenser main body part 62 is housed in the unit installation part 74 of the third pocket part 183. A supply area 65 that opens forward is formed at the lower part of the dispenser main body part 62. A lever 38 is disposed on the back side of the supply area 65. Slide wall parts 46 are formed on the right outer surface and the left outer surface of the dispenser main body part 62. The slide wall part 46 is a wall-like part that extends linearly continuously along the vertical direction. When the dispenser unit 61 is incorporated into the unit installation part 74, the slide wall part 46 of the dispenser unit 61 is inserted into the slide groove part 66 of the unit installation part 74. By doing so, the dispenser unit 61 can be positioned inside the unit installation part 74.

[0066] The container installation part 63 is the upper part of the dispenser main body part 62. In the container installation part 63, the beverage container 32 which is open upward and to which the container connection module 30 described above is attached is incorporated with the container connection module 30 facing downward.

[0067] FIG. 10A is a perspective view showing the container installation part 63 of the dispenser unit 61. FIG. 10B is an exploded perspective view showing the container installation part 63 of the dispenser unit 61.

[0068] The container installation part 63 is a part surrounded by wall-like parts formed in the front, rear, left, and right directions. When viewed from above, the shape and size of the container installation part 63 are set to be such that, for example, a 2-liter plastic bottle can be accommodated.

[0069] An intermediate wall portion 69 is formed inside the container installation portion 63. The intermediate wall portion 69 is disposed in the middle portion of the container installation portion 63 in the vertical direction and is a portion having the maximum surface facing the vertical direction.

[0070] The module installation portion 68 is a portion where the central portion of the intermediate wall portion 69 protrudes downward in a substantially cylindrical shape. The container connection module 30 described above is inserted into the container installation portion 63.

[0071] The side opening 72 is a portion where the rear side wall of the container installation portion 63 is opened in a substantially rectangular shape.

[0072] A fixing member 67 is installed in the container installation portion 63 so as to be slidable along the front-rear direction. The fixing member 67 is a portion for fixing the peripheral edge portion 338 of the container connection module 30 shown in FIG. 5 to the dispenser unit 61. Such a fixing structure will be described later with reference to FIG. 12.

[0073] Referring to FIG. 10B, the front side of the fixing member 67 is a curved side conforming to the shape of the drinking opening portion 321 of the beverage container 32 shown in FIG. 3.

[0074] The slide region 70 is a region into which the fixing member 67 is inserted. The slide region 70 is a region where the intermediate wall portion 69 is recessed downward from the rear end portion of the module installation portion 68 to the rear end of the dispenser unit 61. The depth of the slide region 70 is made approximately the same as the thickness of the fixing member 67. At the left end portion and the right end portion of the slide region 70, eaves portions 73 are formed. The eaves portions 73 are portions where the intermediate wall portion 69 protrudes in an eaves shape inward in the left-right direction at both the left and right end portions of the slide region 70.

[0075] The locking portion 71 is a portion that bulges upward from the bottom surface of the sliding region 70. The locking portion 71 is separated from other portions by slits in the front, left, and right directions. Therefore, the locking portion 71 is made elastically deformable by being connected to the container installation portion 63 only at its rear portion. As a result, the locking portion 71 elastically deforms downward, and the fixing member 67 can be inserted into the sliding region 70. Further, as shown in FIG. 10A, by arranging the locking portion 71 on the rear side of the rear end of the fixing member 67, it is possible to prevent the fixing member 67 from detaching from the sliding region 70.

[0076] FIG. 11A is a perspective view showing the container installation portion 63 of the dispenser unit 61 from below. FIG. 11B is an exploded perspective view showing the container installation portion 63 of the dispenser unit 61. Each part constituting the dispenser unit 61 is made of a synthetic resin formed by injection molding or the like.

[0077] Referring to FIG. 11B, the module installation portion 68 is a portion that extends in a substantially cylindrical shape downward from the center of the intermediate wall portion 69.

[0078] The rotation shaft portion 47 is disposed inside the dispenser unit 61 and is a portion to which the lever 38 is rotatably connected. Specifically, the rotation shaft portion 47 extends inward in the width direction from the inner surfaces of the left and right wall portions of the dispenser unit 61. The rotation shaft portion 47 has a substantially cylindrical shape having a central axis extending along the width direction.

[0079] The lever 38 is a member that is rotatably connected to the rotation shaft portion 47 of the container installation portion 63.

[0080] The contact portion 381 is a substantially plate-shaped portion formed at the lower end of the lever 38. When viewed from below, the contact portion 381 has a curved shape in which its central portion curves forward. Due to such a shape, a container such as a cup can be stably pressed against the contact portion 381.

[0081] The rotation holes 382 are holes formed from the left and right sides at the rear upper end of the lever 38. The rotation shafts 47 of the container installation part 63 are inserted into the respective rotation holes 382.

[0082] The opening 383 is an opening at the upper part of the lever 38. When viewed from the front, the shape and size of the opening 383 are slightly larger than the module installation part 68. In this way, the module installation part 68 is stored in the opening 383, and the module installation part 68 does not obstruct the rotational movement of the lever 38.

[0083] The contact portions 384 are wall-like portions formed at the lower right and left ends of the opening 383. When viewed from behind, the left contact portion 384 has a laterally inverted L-shape, and the right contact portion 384 has an L-shape. As described below, as the lever 38 rotates, the contact portions 384 press upward against the discharge port forming portion 45 shown in FIG.

[0084] FIG. 12 is a cutaway perspective view showing the dispenser unit 61. As shown in FIG.

[0085] The beverage container 32 is installed in the container installation section 63 with the container connection module 30 attached. The container connection module 30 is inserted into the module installation section 68 of the container installation section 63. Here, the peripheral portion 338 of the container connection module 30 abuts against the upper surface of the middle wall portion 69 around the module installation section 68. With this configuration, the positional relationship between the beverage container 32 and the container connection module 30 and the container installation section 63 in the vertical direction is defined.

[0086] The fixing member 67 is in a state of being pushed into the slide area 70 up to the front end. A locking portion 71 is in contact with the rear end of the fixing member 67. Thereby, the position of the fixing member 67 in the front-rear direction is fixed. In such a state, the front end portion of the fixing member 67 is disposed above the peripheral edge portion 338 of the container connection module 30. With such a configuration, the position of the container connection module 30 in the vertical direction is fixed. Therefore, when the lever 38 pushes the discharge port forming portion 45 upward under the usage conditions, it is possible to prevent the container connection module 30 and the beverage container 32 from being lifted upward as a whole.

[0087] Next, in the container connection module 30 and the like having the above-described configuration, the operation of discharging the liquid 31, which is a beverage, from the beverage container 32 to the outside and the operation of introducing air into the beverage container 32 will be described.

[0088] FIG. 13A is a perspective view showing the container connection module 30 and the lever 38 in a state where the liquid 31 is being discharged. FIG. 13B is a cross-sectional view showing the container connection module 30 and the lever 38 in a state where the liquid 31 is being discharged. In FIG. 13B, the liquid discharge path 49 of the liquid 31 inside the beverage container 32 and the container connection module 30 is indicated by a dashed-dotted line.

[0089] First, referring to FIG. 1, when obtaining a beverage such as mineral water, the user prepares a container such as a cup and opens the first heat insulation door 14. Next, referring to FIG. 13A, the user presses the container against the contact portion 381 forward. Thereby, the lever 38 rotates counterclockwise as viewed from the left around the rotation hole portion 382 as the rotation center. Then, the contact portion 384 of the lever 38 pushes upward a member (the stepped portion 453 of the discharge port forming portion 45 shown in FIG. 13B) located at the lower end portion of the container connection module 30.

[0090] Referring to FIG. 13B, the contact portion 384 of the lever 38 applies an upward pressing force to the stepped portion 453 of the discharge port forming portion 45 of the container connection module 30. Then, the discharge port forming portion 45 rises while resisting the biasing force of the spring 44. Along with this, the valve member 41 connected to the discharge port forming portion 45 also rises together with the valve body 42. Then, the lower end of the valve body 42 separates from the upper surface of the valve seat 434, and a gap is formed between the two.

[0091] As a result, a liquid discharge path 49, which is a path for the liquid 31 inside the beverage container 32 to be led to the outside, is formed inside the container connection module 30. Specifically, the liquid discharge path 49 is a path through which the liquid 31 flows through the beverage container 32, the slit 372, the cover portion 37, the body member 43, the discharge port forming portion 45, and the discharge port 34. Also, the liquid discharge path 49 also passes through the gap 50 shown in FIG. 8.

[0092] When the liquid 31 is sufficiently supplied to a container (not shown here) via the liquid discharge path 49, the user separates the container from the lever 38. In this way, the contact portion 381 no longer presses the stepped portion 453 of the discharge port forming portion 45 upward, and the discharge port forming portion 45 descends. At the same time, the valve member 41 and the valve body 42 also descend, and the lower end of the valve body 42 abuts against the upper surface of the valve seat 434. Thereby, the space between the valve seat 434 and the valve body 42 is sealed, and the liquid discharge path 49 is blocked. That is, the internal state of the container connection module 30 becomes the state shown in FIG. 14B.

[0093] FIG. 14A is a perspective view showing the container connection module 30 and the lever 38 in a state where air is introduced. FIG. 14B is a cross-sectional view showing the container connection module 30 and the lever 38 in a state where air is introduced. Also, FIGS. 14A and 14 are also diagrams showing a state where the liquid 31 is not supplied because the lever 38 is not operated.

[0094] As described above, when the liquid 31 in the beverage container 32 is supplied to the outside via the container connection module 30, the internal pressure of the beverage container 32 decreases according to the amount of the supplied liquid 31. If no countermeasure is taken against such a pressure drop, the internal pressure of the beverage container 32 becomes much smaller than the atmospheric pressure, and even if the lever 38 is operated, the liquid 31 cannot be smoothly discharged from the discharge port 34.

[0095] Therefore, in the present embodiment, in order to suppress the excessive decrease in the internal pressure of the beverage container 32, an air introduction part 334 is provided. The operation of the air introduction part 334 will be described below.

[0096] Referring to FIG. 14B, when the pressure difference between the internal pressure of the beverage container 32 and the atmospheric pressure becomes equal to or greater than a certain value, the pressure acts on the inside of the check valve 36, and the check valve 36 becomes an open state. When the check valve 36 is in the open state, air from the outside is supplied to the beverage container 32 via the air introduction path 48. Specifically, the air from the outside is introduced into the beverage container 32 via the communication part 371 of the first air introduction part 335, the second air introduction part 336, the check valve 36, and the cover part 37. That is, the air introduced into the inside of the cover part 37 is introduced into the beverage container 32 via the communication part 371 formed substantially at the center of the upper end surface of the cover part 37. Here, such a path is indicated by a dashed line as the air introduction path 48. Also, even in the state where the liquid 31 shown in FIG. 13B is being discharged, air can be introduced into the beverage container 32 via the air introduction path 48 to make the internal pressure of the beverage container 32 substantially constant.

[0097] With such air introduction, the pressure of the beverage container 32 increases. When the pressure difference between the internal pressure of the beverage container 32 and the atmospheric pressure becomes equal to or less than a predetermined value, the check valve 36 becomes a closed state. When the check valve 36 is in the closed state, the introduction of air via the air introduction path 48 is stopped.

[0098] In this way, by introducing air into the beverage container 32 via the air introduction part 334 according to the internal pressure of the beverage container 32, the internal pressure of the beverage container 32 can be maintained at a certain level or higher. Therefore, when the user operates the lever 38 again, the liquid 31 can be smoothly supplied from the discharge port 34.

[0099] Referring to FIG. 15, the configuration of the cover part 37 according to another embodiment will be described. Here, a communication hole 374 as a communication part 371 is formed by partially opening the side surface of the cover part 37 having a substantially cylindrical shape. When the cover part 37 is viewed from the side, the communication hole 374 is a through hole having a substantially circular shape. A plurality of communication holes 374 are arranged in a row along the axial direction of the cover part 37. A plurality of row-shaped communication holes 374 are arranged at substantially equal intervals along the circumferential direction of the cover part 37. The lower end of the lowermost communication hole 374 is arranged below the lower surface of the first flange part 337 shown in FIG. 8. By doing so, a gap 50 is formed between the lowermost communication hole 374 and the first flange part 337 shown in FIG. 8. Therefore, in the usage situation, the liquid 31 enters the inside of the cover part 37 via the gap 50.

[0100] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention. In addition, the above-described embodiments can be combined with each other.

[0101] The invention understood from the above-described embodiments will be described below together with its effects.

[0102] The container connection module according to the first aspect of the present invention is attached to the drinking mouth portion of a beverage container in which a liquid is stored, and includes a container connection portion connected to the drinking mouth portion, a discharge port through which the liquid is discharged to the outside, an air introduction portion through which air introduced into the beverage container flows as the liquid is discharged, a check valve attached to an end portion of the air introduction portion on the beverage container side, and a cover portion covering the check valve. A communication portion that communicates the inside and the outside of the cover portion is formed in the cover portion. According to the container connection module according to the first aspect of the present invention, when the container is used as a water supply device, water can be smoothly supplied from the container while preventing the check valve from detaching. Further, since the communication portion is formed in the cover portion covering the check valve, the air introduced through the air introduction portion and the check valve can smoothly proceed into the container through the communication portion.

[0103] Also, in the container connection module according to the second aspect of the present invention, the communication portion is a slit extending along the axial direction of the cover portion having a substantially cylindrical shape, and a part of the slit is formed on the discharge port side rather than the attachment portion where the check valve is attached to the air introduction portion. According to the container connection module according to the second aspect of the present invention, since a part of the slit, which is the communication portion, is formed on the discharge port side rather than the attachment portion, a part of the slit can be used as a path through which the liquid is led out. Therefore, the liquid can be satisfactorily discharged to the outside through the path.

[0104] Also, in the container connection module according to the third aspect of the present invention, the cover portion has a protruding portion protruding inward, the air introduction portion has a first flange portion protruding outward in a flange shape, the check valve has a second flange portion protruding outward in a flange shape, and the second flange portion of the check valve is sandwiched between the first flange portion of the air introduction portion and the protruding portion of the cover portion. According to the container connection module according to the third aspect of the present invention, the second flange portion of the check valve is sandwiched between the first flange portion of the air introduction portion and the protruding portion of the cover portion, so that the check valve can be prevented from detaching from the air introduction portion.

[0105] Further, in the container connection module according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, a plurality of the protrusions are formed along the circumferential direction inside the cover portion. According to the container connection module according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the second flange portion of the check valve can be stably held by the plurality of protrusions.

[0106] Further, in the container connection module according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the air introduction portion has a first air introduction portion and a second air introduction portion. One end of the first air introduction portion opens to the outside, the other end communicates with the second air introduction portion, and the first air introduction portion extends substantially perpendicular to the axial direction of the cover portion. One end of the second air introduction portion communicates with the first air introduction portion, the other end is disposed inside the cover portion, and the second air introduction portion extends substantially parallel to the axial direction of the cover portion. According to the container connection module according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the external opening of the air introduction portion is disposed on the side surface of the container connection module, and air can be favorably taken in from the air introduction portion.

[0107] Further, the container connection module according to the sixth aspect of the present invention further includes a first cylindrical member and a second cylindrical member. The air introduction portion is formed in the first cylindrical member, and an outer end portion of the air introduction portion is disposed in the vicinity of a region where the first cylindrical member and the second cylindrical member are screwed together and in a portion not covered by the second cylindrical member. According to the container connection module according to the sixth aspect of the present invention, interference of the outer end portion of the air introduction portion with the screwed portion can be suppressed.

[0108] Further, in the container connection module according to the seventh aspect of the present invention, a part of the communication portion is formed at the bottom of the cover portion on the side away from the discharge port. According to the container connection module according to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the air introduced into the beverage container can be favorably moved from the cover portion to the side of the beverage container.

[0109] In addition, in the container connection module according to the eighth aspect of the present invention, the width of the communication portion is shorter than the width of the check valve. According to the connection module according to the eighth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to prevent the check valve from inadvertently moving from the cover portion to the beverage container side.

[0110] In addition, in the container connection module according to the ninth aspect of the present invention, the communication portion is a communication hole that partially opens the side surface of the cover portion having a substantially cylindrical shape. According to the container connection module according to the ninth aspect of the present invention, liquid can flow from the beverage container side into the inside of the cover portion through the communication hole.

[0111] In addition, the dispenser unit according to the tenth aspect of the present invention includes the container connection module and a dispenser main body portion in which the container connection module connected to the beverage container is installed with the discharge port facing downward. According to the dispenser unit according to the tenth aspect of the present invention, the container connection module can supply liquid to a container such as a cup well.

[0112] In addition, the refrigerator according to the eleventh aspect of the present invention includes a dispenser unit and a pocket portion in which the dispenser unit is installed. According to the refrigerator according to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, the liquid inside the container cooled in the refrigerating chamber can be effectively supplied to the user.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0113] 10 Refrigerator 11 Heat-insulating box body 12 Refrigerating chamber 13 Freezing chamber 14 First heat-insulating door 15 Second heat-insulating door 16 Third heat-insulating door 17 Fourth heat-insulating door 181 First pocket portion 182 Second pocket portion 183 Third pocket portion 30 Container connection module 31 Liquid 32 Beverage container 321 Drinking opening 33 Container connection part 331 First opening 332 Second opening 333 First cylindrical part 334 Air introduction part 335 First air introduction part 336 Second air introduction part 337 First flange part 338 Peripheral edge part 339 Through hole 3310 Intermediate wall part 3311 Second cylindrical part 34 Spout 36 Check valve 361 Second flange part 37 Cover part 371 Communication part 372 Slit 373 Protrusion part 38 Lever 381 Contact part 382 Rotation hole part 383 Opening 384 Contact part 39 First O-ring 40 Second O-ring 41 Valve member 411 Tip part 412 Valve body 413 Rectifying part 414 Third flange part 42 Valve body 43 Body member 431 Outer peripheral wall 432 Inner side wall 433 Intermediate wall part 434 Valve seat 435 Lower end opening 44 Spring 45 Spout forming part 451 Valve member connection part 452 Intermediate wall part 453 Step part 46 Slide wall part 47 Rotation shaft part 48 Air introduction path 49 Liquid discharge path 50 Gap 61 Dispenser unit 62 Dispenser main body part 63 Container installation part 64 Container storage part 65 Supply area 66 Slide groove part 67 Fixing member 68 Module installation part 69 Intermediate wall part 70 Slide area 71 Locking part 72 Side opening 73 Eaves part 74 Unit installation part

Claims

1. A container connection module that is attached to a drinking spout of a beverage container in which liquid is stored, A container connection portion connected to the drinking spout portion; a discharge port through which the liquid is discharged to the outside; an air introduction section through which air introduced into the beverage container flows as the liquid is discharged; A check valve attached to an end of the air introduction portion on the beverage container side; A cover portion for covering the check valve, A communication portion is formed in the cover portion to communicate between the inside and the outside of the cover portion, The communication portion is a slit extending along an axial direction of the cover portion having a substantially cylindrical shape, an end portion of the slit on the discharge port side is formed on a side of the discharge port relative to an attachment portion at which the check valve is attached to the air introduction portion, the attachment portion is a portion where a first flange portion of the air introduction portion and a second flange portion of the check valve come into contact with each other, A container connection module, characterized in that an end of the slit on the discharge port side is formed closer to the discharge port than the first flange portion.

2. 2. The container connection module according to claim 1, wherein a gap is formed between the end of the slit on the discharge port side and the attachment portion.

Images