U.S. patent application number 09/773651 was filed with the patent office on 2001-08-02 for beverage dispenser.
This patent application is currently assigned to HOSHIZAKI DENKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA. Invention is credited to Amano, Naomoto, Itou, Sukehide, Kobayashi, Satoru, Kondou, Shigekazu, Maruyama, Fumio, Ogawa, Akira, Sutou, Kouji, Takeuchi, Satoshi, Tamaki, Shigeaki.
Application Number | 20010010317 09/773651 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 27480989 |
Filed Date | 2001-08-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010010317 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Maruyama, Fumio ; et
al. |
August 2, 2001 |
Beverage dispenser
Abstract
A drive apparatus is easily detachable from an operating lever,
and the manual and automatic operation of the lever can be easily
changed. A beer pourin 14 provided in front of the server main body
12 extends from the faucet main body 18 and includes the operating
lever 20 which functiones to change pouring of beer or the head by
tilting the lever back and forth. The drive apparatus 26 capable of
automatic operation of the operating lever 20 comprises a housing
32 provided movably vertically with respect to the server main body
12, a horizontally movable slider 34 in forward and backward
directions housed in the housing 32 and a drive mechanism 36 which
moves the slider 34 forward and backward. The drive apparatus 26 is
positioned at an operating position where the operating lever 20 is
inserted into the engagement hole 61 of the slider 34 or at a
non-operating position where the operating lever 20 is separated
from the engagement hole 61 by moving the housing vertically.
Inventors: |
Maruyama, Fumio; (Nagoya,
JP) ; Takeuchi, Satoshi; (Tokai, JP) ; Sutou,
Kouji; (Oobu, JP) ; Ogawa, Akira; (Toyoake,
JP) ; Itou, Sukehide; (Toyoake, JP) ; Amano,
Naomoto; (Okazaki, JP) ; Kondou, Shigekazu;
(Toyoake, JP) ; Kobayashi, Satoru; (Chita-gun,
JP) ; Tamaki, Shigeaki; (Ichinomiya, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Koda & Androlia
Suite 3850
2029 Century Park East
Los Angeles
CA
90067-3024
US
|
Assignee: |
HOSHIZAKI DENKI KABUSHIKI
KAISHA
|
Family ID: |
27480989 |
Appl. No.: |
09/773651 |
Filed: |
January 31, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
222/52 ;
222/400.7 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B67D 1/1234 20130101;
B67D 1/14 20130101; B67D 2001/1483 20130101; B67D 1/1279
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
222/52 ;
222/400.7 |
International
Class: |
B65D 083/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Feb 1, 2000 |
JP |
2000-24475 |
Mar 6, 2000 |
JP |
2000-61134 |
Jul 19, 2000 |
JP |
2000-219735 |
Jan 19, 2001 |
JP |
2001-12274 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A beverage dispenser capable of pouring beverages into a vessel
by operating an operating lever of a pouring faucet provided in the
main body of the beverage dispenser by means of a drive apparatus,
wherein said drive apparatus includes drive means that moves an
engagement portion, which is detachably engageable with said
operating lever, in the operational direction of the lever, and
said drive apparatus is positioned at an operating position for
said main body where said engagement portion engages with said
operating lever, and said drive apparatus is moved so as to
estrange said engagement portion from the operating lever so that
manual operation of the lever is permitted.
2. The beverage dispenser according to claim 1, wherein said drive
apparatus is movably provided above said pouring faucet in the
vertical direction with respect to the main body and said drive
apparatus is selectively positioned at said operating position and
at a non-operating position where said engagement portion is
upwardly estranged from said operating lever to permit manual
operation of the lever.
3. The beverage dispenser according to claim 1, wherein said drive
apparatus is pivotably provided above said pouring faucet with
respect to the main body and said drive apparatus is selectively
positioned at said operating position and at a non-operating
position where said engagement portion is upwardly estranged from
said operating lever to permit manual operation of the lever.
4. The beverage dispenser according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
wherein first positioning means is formed on said main body, and
said drive apparatus is positioned at the operating position by
engaging first being positioned means provided on said drive
apparatus with said first positioning means.
5. The beverage dispenser according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
wherein said drive apparatus is detachable from said main body.
6. The beverage dispenser according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
wherein said drive apparatus includes a slider which is moved
forward and backward in the operational direction of the operating
lever by said drive means, said slider comprising a drive slider
portion movably linked back and forth to said drive means, a driven
slider portion on which said engagement portion is formed and
buffer means which connects both slider portions integrally movable
and permits approaching and estranging movement of the driven
slider portion against the drive slider portion.
7. The beverage dispenser according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
wherein said drive apparatus includes detecting means which detects
whether said drive apparatus is positioned at the operating
position.
8. The beverage dispenser according to claims 7, wherein said drive
apparatus includes an operating portion which actuates said drive
means, and is set such that the operation of the operating portion
is deactivated in a non-detecting mode of said detecting means.
9. The beverage dispenser according to claims 7 or 8, wherein said
drive means is actuated to return said engagement portion to the
initial state when said detecting means is changed from the
detecting mode to the non-detecting mode during the operation of
the drive means.
10. The beverage dispenser according to any one of claims 7 to 9,
wherein a display portion is provided in said drive apparatus to
display said detecting means being in the non-detecting mode.
11. The beverage dispenser according to any one of claims 2 to 9,
wherein a through hole permitting engagement of said engagement
portion with the operating lever is formed on the bottom plate of a
housing for the drive apparatus housing said drive means, and the
outer periphery of the through hole is provided with a cover which
has a length that does not make contact with the operating lever
under the condition where said drive apparatus being positioned at
the non-operating position.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a beverage dispenser, and
more specifically, relates to a beverage dispenser capable of
pouring out beverages by manually or automatically operating a
lever of a pouring faucet provided in the main body of the
dispenser.
DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART
[0002] An apparatus for pouring a sparkling beverage by lever
operation; for example, a beer server has an operating lever on a
beer pouring faucet provided in the main body and some of the beer
server has a function, after tilting the lever manually in a
predetermined direction to pour a desired amount of beer into a
jug, to post-pour frothy beer onto the head of beer in the jug by
tilting the lever in the opposite direction. However, when beer and
the head are poured out by manual lever operation, there are
disadvantages that irregularity of the poured amount due to a
difference of operator's skill will occur. Thus, an automatic
pouring apparatus disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent
Publication No. Hei 9-132296 is proposed to automatically operate
the operating lever by a drive mechanism. This apparatus is
designed such that a drive mechanism provided in the main body and
an operating lever on the pouring faucet are linked by a linking
mechanism and beer and the head are poured out by moving the
operating lever back and forth by operating the drive
mechanism.
[0003] In the above-mentioned automatic pouring apparatus, since
the drive mechanism and the operating lever are linked by the
linking mechanism, these components are not easily detachable from
each other. Thus, provided that the drive mechanism is locked
during beer pouring, it becomes impossible to return the operating
lever to the initial position, whereby excess beer or the head is
possibly poured out in vain. Further, at the time of breakdown of
the drive mechanism, it is difficult to manipulate the operating
lever so that a problem is pointed out where the beer server cannot
be used until repair is finished. And furthermore, since the drive
apparatus is fixedly provided in the main body, a repairman has to
repair the drive apparatus under the fixed condition on the main
body, which leads to a complicated and troublesome operation.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] The present invention is proposed to preferably solve the
problems inherent in beverage dispensers according to conventional
techniques. It is, therefore, to provide a beverage dispenser being
easily detachable from the operating lever of the drive apparatus,
capable of easily changing the manual and automatic operations of
the lever, and capable of easily removing the drive apparatus from
the main body to carry out maintenance outside.
[0005] To solve the above-mentioned problems and attain the
required objects, a beverage dispenser according to the present
invention, which is capable of pouring beverages into a vessel by
operating an operating lever of a pouring faucet provided in the
main body of the beverage dispenser by means of a drive apparatus,
is characterized in that:
[0006] the drive apparatus includes drive means that moves an
engagement portion, which is detachably engageable with the
operating lever, in the operational direction of the lever, and
[0007] the drive apparatus is positioned at an operating position
for the main body where the engagement portion engages with the
operating lever, and the drive apparatus is moved so as to estrange
the engagement portion from the operating lever so that manual
operation of the lever is permitted.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] FIG. 1 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing a
drive apparatus provided in a beer server according to a preferable
example of the present invention in a state where an operating
lever can be automatically operated;
[0009] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional plan view of the drive apparatus
according to the example;
[0010] FIGS. 3(a) and 3(b) are operation explanatory views showing
the states of tilting operations of the operating lever in the
forward and backward directions by moving a slider of the drive
apparatus according to the example in the forward and backward
directions;
[0011] FIG. 4 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the
drive apparatus according to the example in a manually operational
state by separating it from the operating lever;
[0012] FIGS. 5(a) to 5(c) are explanatory views showing a
positioning position with respect to a server main body of the
drive apparatus according to the example and the state of removal
of the drive apparatus;
[0013] FIGS. 6(a) and 6(b) are explanatory views showing the main
portion of a beer server according to another first example;
[0014] FIG. 7 is an explanatory view showing the main portion of a
beer server according to another second example;
[0015] FIGS. 8(a) and 8(b) are operation explanatory views showing
the states of tilting an operating lever in the forward and
backward directions by moving a slider of the drive apparatus
according to the another second example in the forward and backward
directions;
[0016] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional plan view of the partly cut-away
main portion of a drive apparatus according to another third
example;
[0017] FIG. 10 is a schematic side view of the drive apparatus
according to the another third example;
[0018] FIG. 11 is a front view showing a control panel of the drive
apparatus according to the another third example;
[0019] FIG. 12 is a longitudinal side view of a drive apparatus
according to another fourth example;
[0020] FIG. 13 is a plan view showing a relationship between a hole
element and a magnet of the drive apparatus according to the
another fourth example;
[0021] FIG. 14 is a side view showing a state of a drive apparatus
according to another fifth example, which is pivoting from the
operating position to the non-operating position;
[0022] FIGS. 15(a) to 15(c) are explanatory views showing the pivot
state of the drive apparatus according to the another fifth
example, pivoting about the server main body;
[0023] FIG. 16 is a side view showing a drive apparatus of another
sixth example in a state positioned at the operating position;
[0024] FIG. 17 is a side view showing the drive apparatus of the
another sixth example in a state positioned at the non-operating
position; and
[0025] FIG. 18 is a schematic side view showing a drive apparatus
according to another seventh example.
MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0026] Next, a beverage dispenser according to the present
invention will be described below using preferable examples thereof
with reference to attached drawings. In these examples, beer
servers are explained as examples of beverage dispensers. However,
they are not limited thereto, and other dispensers that pour other
beverages such as juice may be of course used.
[0027] FIG. 1 shows the main portion of a beer server according to
a preferable example of the present invention. A beer pouring
faucet (referred to as only pouring faucet) 14 is provided in front
of the main body 12 of the server 10. To the faucet 14 is connected
a beer supply pipe 16 extending in parallel from the main body 12
of the server 10. The beer pouring faucet 14 principally comprises
a faucet main body 18 with various integrated types of valve
mechanisms (not shown) that opens and closes the path of beer and
the head, and an operating lever 20 that is extended upward from
the faucet main body 18 and functiones to change pouring of the
beer or the head by tilting the operating lever back and forth.
Further, the faucet main body 18 includes a beer pouring spout 22
and a head pouring spout 24 which diagonally extend downward in
parallel, and in FIG. 1, the right spout that diagonally extends
downward is the beer pouring spout 22 and the left spout is the
head pouring spout 24.
[0028] In this example, the above-mentioned operating lever 20 is
set such that beer is poured out of the beer pouring spout 22 by
actuating (opening) the valve mechanism by tilting the lever
forward, and the head is poured out of the head pouring spout 24 by
actuating (opening) the valve mechanism by tilting the lever
backward. In addition, the operating lever 20 is set such that it
is always positioned in the neutral position (a fixed position with
a substantially vertical posture) between the beer pouring position
and the head pouring position at the non-operating time with a
spring of the valve mechanism contained in the faucet main body 18
whereby the valve mechanism can be held in an its closed state.
Thus, the operating lever 20 is constructed so that it may be
automatically operated by a drive apparatus 26 provided on the
front surface of the server main body 12.
[0029] In front of the server main body 12, as shown in FIGS. 5(a)
and 5(b), a vessel receiving device 30 on which a jug (vessel) 28
is positioned is provided under the beer pouring faucet 14, and
beer and the head are poured into the jug 28 positioned on the
vessel receiving device 30. The vessel receiving device 30 is
constructed such that it includes a mounting member 31 pivoted in a
tiltable manner on the front side of a cover body 29 provided on
the server main body 12 and the mounting member 31 is tilted to a
required inclination angle of the lower end of the member 31 by a
tilting mechanism (not shown) contained in the cover body 29 while
the beer and the head are poured. It should be noted that the
mounting member 31 is provided with an upper stand 31a and a lower
stand 31b vertically spaced away from each other, and selected jugs
of different sizes can be placed on the stands 31a and 31b.
(Drive Apparatus)
[0030] The drive apparatus 26 that automatically operates the
operating lever 20 principally comprises a housing 32 provided
movably in the upward and downward directions with respect to the
server main body 12, a slider 34 contained in the housing 32 and
movable forward and backward horizontally, and a drive mechanism
(drive means) 36 which allows the slider 34 to move forward and
backward in the operating direction of the operating lever 20. The
drive apparatus 26 is constructed such that it can be handled in
the unit of housing.
(Housing)
[0031] Inside the housing 32 are oppositely provided a pair of
internal plates 38, 38 each having a C-shaped cross-section, which
are spaced away from each other in the width direction of the
housing 32, as shown in FIG. 2. On folded portions 38a of the
respective internal plates 38 facing the front surface of the
server main body 12 is provided a slider 40 having a required
length vertically, respectively. Further, on the front surface of
the server main body 12 are provided a pair of guide portions 42,
42 extending vertically, which are spaced away from each other in
the width direction of the housing 32. The corresponding slider 40
is provided on each guide portion 42 such that it is slidable
vertically. Each guide portion 42 is formed such that it is opened
upward and the upward withdrawal and downward insertion of the
slider 40 are permitted (see FIG. 5(c)). It is preferable that the
vertical movement of the drive apparatus 26 with respect to the
server main body 12 is smoothly carried out by applying coating of,
for example, fluorocarbon resin to the sliding portions of the
slider 40 and the guide portion 42, or by making both members of a
material having smooth properties such as polyethylene or the
like.
[0032] On the rear area of the housing 32 is provided a holder 44
between a pair of sliders 40, 40, and on the holder 44 is provided
a ratch 46 which is used as the first and second being positioned
means such that the ratch 46 is movable forward and backward
horizontally. The ratch 46 is designed such that the tip end of the
ratch 46 is always extended to the back side of the housing 32 with
a compression spring 48 contained in the holder 44. Further, on the
ratch 46 is provided a knob control 46a extending downward from the
holder 44, which permits a manual operation by the use of fingers
of an operator, and the ratch 46 can be moved against the elastic
force of the compression spring 48 to a position where the tip end
of the ratch 46 is displaced on the front side from the rear end of
the housing, through the knob control 46a.
[0033] Between the pair of guide portions 42 and 42 in the front
portion of the server main body 12 are formed a first hole 50 as
the first positioning means and a second hole 52 as the second
positioning means, spaced vertically from each other, which permit
the tip end of the ratch 46 to be inserted and engage therewith, as
shown in FIG. 1. Then, by the insertion and engagement of the tip
end of the ratch 46 to and with the lower first hole 50 the drive
apparatus 26 (housing 32) is positioned at an operating position
(see FIG. 1), and by the insertion and engegement of the tip end of
the ratch 46 to and with the upper second hole 52 the drive
apparatus 26 (housing 32) is positioned at a non-operating position
(see FIG. 4). Further, on the bottom plate 54 of the housing 32 is
formed a through hole 54a having a size which permits the insertion
(engagement of the slider 34, which will be described later, with
the operating lever 20) and tilting of the operating lever 20,
which is located at the neutral position. In this case, as shown in
FIG. 4, a cylindrical cover 55, whose material is rubber or soft
synthetic resin or the like, hanging with length which is not in
contact with the operating lever 20, is provided around the outer
periphery of the through hole 54a with the drive apparatus 26
positioned at the non-operating position. This cover 55 is designed
such that the diameter of the cover is gradually reduced on the
lower side. Thus, the cover 55 functions so as to prevent finger(s)
from entering into the through hole 54a easily when the drive
apparatus 26 is shifted between the operating position and the
non-operating position, or under conditions where the drive
apparatus 26 is positioned at the non-operating position. Further,
the cover 55 is set to have the necessary minimum size, and is
constructed not so as not to lose a good appearance and functions
of the drive apparatus 26.
[0034] In front of the housing 32 is provided a control panel 56 as
an operating portion comprising a pouring button and a pouring
amount setting switch and the like, and the control panel 56 is
connected to a control substrate 58 provided within the housing 32.
By this control substrate 58, the operations of the drive apparatus
26 and the vessel receiving device 30 are controlled.
(Slider)
[0035] As shown in FIG. 2, on the upper surface of the bottom plate
54 of the housing 32 are oppositely provided a pair of guide rails
60, 60, spaced away from each other in the width direction of the
housing between the pair of internal plates 38, 38. The guide rails
60, 60 extend in the forward and backward directions in a required
length. On both guide rails 60, 60, is movably provided a flat
plate-shaped slider 34 in the forward and backward directions
horizontally. In this slider 34 is formed an engagement hole 61
used as an engagement portion which permits the insertion of the
operating lever thereinto. When the drive apparatus 26 is
positioned at the operating position, the operating lever 20 is
inserted into the engagement hole 61 as shown in FIG. 1, so that
the engagement hole 61 engages with the operating lever 20 by the
forward or backward movement of the slider 34, and the lever 20 can
be tilted in the forward or backward direction. In contrast, when
the drive apparatus 26 is positioned at the non-operating position,
the engagement hole 61 is shifted upward from the operating lever
20 as shown in FIG. 4, so that the operating lever 20 can be tilted
manually in the forward and backward directions.
[0036] The internal diameter of the engagement hole 61 is set at a
larger size than that of the outer diameter of the operating lever
20, which is a through passing portion of the lever with respect to
the engagement hole 61, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. In the
conditions where the drive apparatus 26 is positioned at an
accurate operating position with respect to the operating lever 20
which is accurately positioned at the neutral position, a desired
gap is formed between the outer circumferential surface of the
operating lever 20 and the engagement hole 61 in at least the
tilting direction of the operating lever 20 (forward or backward
direction) as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. That is, even if the
positions of the beer pouring faucet 14 and the drive apparatus 26
with respect to the server main body 12 have a certain error, the
beer server 12 is constructed such that the engagement hole 61 of
the slider 34 may be fitted to or released from the operating lever
20.
(Drive Apparatus)
[0037] The drive apparatus 36 principally comprises a motor, gear
trains, and a rack & pinion. A rotating shaft 62 is rotatably
supported on the left internal plate 38, and a pinion 64 provided
on one end of the rotating shaft 62, which is directed to the right
internal plate 38 engages with a rack 66 provided on the upper
surface of the slider 34 and extending in the forward and backward
directions in a predetermined length. A gear box 68 is provided
outside the left internal plate 38, and a driven gear 70 is
provided on the other end of the rotating shaft 62 within the gear
box 68. Further, a motor 71 is provided on the left internal plate
38, and a drive gear 72 is provided on an output shaft 71a of the
motor 71 within the gear box 68, so that the drive gear 72 engages
with the driven gear 70 through a plurality of intermediate gears
73. Thus, by rotating the pinion 64 in the normal and reverse
directions through the motor 71 and the gear trains 72, 73, 73, and
70, the slider 34 provided with the rack 66 engaging with the
pinion 64 is horizontally moved in the forward and backward
directions along the pair of guide rails 60, 60, so as to be
positioned at the forward movement position (see FIG. 3(a)) where
the operating lever 20 is tilted forward from the neutral position,
and at the backward position (see FIG. 3(b)) where the operating
lever 20 is tilted backward from the neutral position.
[0038] It is noted that the slider 34 is designed such that in
conditions before the operation of the drive mechanism 36, the
slider 34 is positioned at a standby position (the initial state
before the operation) where the operating lever 20 at the neutral
position can be inserted into the engagement hole 61. Further, the
forward movement position and the backward movement position of the
slider 34 are set such that the efficient pouring of beer and the
head can be executed with the valve mechanism in full open
conditions, taking the gap formed between the operating lever 20
and the engagement hole 61 into consideration.
[0039] A front detecting switch 74 and a rear detecting switch 76
are provided at the positions above the slider 34 spaced away from
each other in the forward and backward directions, in the left
internal plate 38. The beer server is set such that the operation
control of the motor 71 is executed by actuating the respective
switches 74 and 76 by an actuating member 77 provided on the slider
34. That is, the beer server is controlled such that when the
actuating member 77 turns the front detecting switch 74 on by
movement of the slider 34 from the standby position to the forward
movement position, the motor 71 is stopped and after the passage of
a predetermined pouring time, the motor 77 is rotated in a reverse
direction. In contrast, the beer server is controlled such that
when the actuating member 77 turns the rear detecting switch 76 on
by movement of the slider 34 from the forward movement position to
the backward movement position, the motor 71 is stopped and after
the passage of a predetermined pouring time, the motor 77 is
rotated in a reverse direction. The stop time of the motor 71 after
the slider 34 reached the forward movement position and the
backward movement position, is set in accordance with the pouring
amounts of beer and the head, which is previously set by the
control panel 56. In the case of the beer server 10 of this
example, one cycle is defined by a motion that the slider 34 is
first moved from the standby position to the forward movement
position, it is then moved to the backward movement position and
finally it is returned to the original standby position, and the
beer server is designed such that beer and the head are poured into
the jug 28 during this one cycle.
(Modes or Actions of Example)
[0040] Next, the modes or actions of the beer server according to
this example will be described below. FIGS. 1 and 5(a) show the
operating lever 20 of the beer pouring faucet 14 in a state where
an automatic operation is controllable by the drive apparatus 26.
At this time, the operating lever 20 is at the intermediate
position before operation and in a state where the lever 20 is
inserted into the engagement hole 61 of the slider 34 positioned at
the standby position. Both front and rear detecting switches 74 and
76 are not turned on since they are spaced away from the actuating
member 77.
[0041] After a jug 28 of the corresponding size is placed on any
one of the upper and lower stands 31a and 31b of the receiving
member 31, when the pouring button on the control panel 56 provided
in front of the housing 32 is pushed, the tilting mechanism of the
vessel receiving device 30 controlled by the control substrate 58
is actuated so that the mounting member 31 is tilted. Thus, the jug
28 placed on the mounting member 31 is in a tilting mode. Then, the
motor 71 is rotated in a predetermined direction by the control of
the control substrate, and the slider 34 is moved forward along the
guide rails 60, 60, through the gear trains 72, 73, 73 and 70, the
pinion 64 and the rack 66. The inner circumferential surface of the
engagement hole 61 engages with the operating lever 20 with the
forward movement of the slider 34, so that the lever 20 is tilted
forward, as shown in FIG. 3(a). When the slider 34 reaches the
forward movement position where the operating lever 20 is tilted to
the beer pouring position, the front detecting switch 74 is turned
on by the actuating member 77 so that the motor 71 is stop
controlled and the slider 34 is positioned at the forward movement
position. As a result, the beer supplied from the beer supply pipe
16 is poured into the jug 28 from the beer pouring spout 22. At
this time, since the jug 28 is in a tilting mode, the beer does not
collide against the inside surface of the jug 28 strongly and
generation of excess head is prevented.
[0042] When a predetermined beer pouring time has passed, the motor
71 is rotated in the reverse direction, so that the slider 34 is
returned back from the forward movement position to the backward
movement position. The inner circumferential surface of the
engagement hole 61 engages with the operating lever 20 with the
backward movement of the slider 34, so that the lever 20 is tilted
backward, as shown in FIG. 3(b). When the slider 34 reaches the
backward movement position where the operating lever 20 is tilted
to the head pouring position, the rear detecting switch 76 is
turned on by the actuating member 77 so that the motor 71 is
stop-controlled and the slider 34 is positioned at the backward
movement position. As a result, the beer supplied from the beer
supply pipe 16 is changed to fine head by the valve mechanism and
is added to the beer stored in the jug 28 from the head pouring
spout 24.
[0043] Then, when a predetermined head pouring time has passed, the
motor 71 is rotated again in the reverse direction, so that the
slider 34 is moved forward from the backward movement position to
the standby position, whereby the operating lever 20 is returned
back to the neutral position and at the same time the slider 34 is
stop-positioned at the standby position. In this case, even if the
relative positions between the operating lever 20 and the drive
apparatus 26 are shifted from the normal position, the inner
diameter of the engagement hole 61 is set in a size larger than the
outer diameter of the operating lever 20, as explained above.
Accordingly, a phenomenon of no return of the operating lever 20 to
the neutral position due to abutment of the lever 20 on the inner
circumferential surface of the engagement hole 61 is prevented.
Therefore, the valve mechanism is prevented from keeping the valve
mechanism opened and beer and the head do not leak from the
respective spouts 22 and 24. Since the cover 55 provided around the
outer periphery of through hole 54a in the housing 32 is formed
such that the diameter of the cover is gradually reduced in its
lower portion, the entrance of the beer and head splashes splashed
back from the jug 28 into the inside of the housing can be
prevented, which permits the prevention of occurrence of an
operation failure. When a desired amount of beer and the head is
poured into the jug 28, the tilting mechanism is rotated in the
reverse direction, so that the mounting member 31 is returned back
to the original mode and thus, one cycle pouring operation is
completed.
[0044] Here, when the drive mechanism 36 is locked by some reasons
during pouring the beer or the head, the knob control 46a of the
ratch 46 is operated to move the ratch 46 backward so as to be
separated from the first hole 50, and at the same time the entire
drive apparatus 26 is moved upward along the pair of guide portions
42, 42. The drive apparatus 26 is moved to a position where the tip
end of the ratch 46 corresponds to the second hole 52, the ratch 46
is extended by the elastic force of the compression spring 48 from
the rear end of the housing to engage with the second hole 52. As a
result, the drive apparatus 26 is positioned at a non-operating
position, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5(b). That is, since the
operating lever 20 is separated from the engagement hole 61 of the
slider 34, so that the engagement between both members 61 and 20 is
released, the operating lever 20 is returned back to the neutral
position by the valve mechanism and excess pouring of the beer and
head can be prevented. It is noted that since the cover 55 is
provided on the outer periphery of the through hole 54a in the
housing 32, inattentive entrance of a finger from the through hole
54a into the inside thereof can be prevented when the drive
apparatus 26 is moved from the operating position to the
non-operating position.
[0045] Further, since the entire operating lever 20 is fully
separated from the housing 32 with the drive apparatus 26
positioned at the non-operating position, it is possible to pour
the beer and the head by manual tilting operation of the lever 20
by an operator. Further, it is possible to fully remove the drive
apparatus 26 from the server main body 12 as shown in FIG. 5(c), by
moving the entire drive apparatus 26 further upward with the ratch
46 separated from the second hole 52. As a result, maintenance such
as repair, check and the like can be easily performed at different
places from the server main body 12. In a structure in which the
drive apparatus 26 can be easily separated from the operating lever
20 of the beer pouring faucet 14 as in the present example, an
operation for removing the beer pouring faucet 14 from the server
main body 12 becomes easy for cleaning the faucet 11, and there is
a merit that the beer server can be always kept clean.
[0046] The beer server 10 that automatically pours beer and the
head by the use of the drive apparatus 26 is designed such that the
pouring amounts (pouring period of time) of the beer and the head
are previously set as described above, so that they are poured into
the jug 28 by the set amounts. Thus, in a structure of a
conventional beer server in which the drive apparatus is not easily
separated from the operating lever, even if a different amount of
beer or the head is poured only one time, an operation to change
the preset pouring amount is required. However, in the beer server
10 of the present example, when a different amount of beer or the
head is poured only one time, the drive apparatus 26 is moved to
the non-operating position, so that the operating lever 20 may be
in a mode where a manual operation is permitted. As a result, the
beer server 10 of the present example can be easily adapted without
executing complicated operations such as a change in the preset
pouring amount and the like.
(Other Examples)
[0047] FIG. 6 shows the main portion of a beer server according to
another first example. On an upper portion of the rear side of the
housing 32 are formed an upper limiting portion 78 and a lower
limiting portion 79, spaced away from each other vertically.
Further, on the upper portion of the server main body 12 is
detachably provided a stopper 80 which is able to engage with both
limiting portions 78 and 79 through a screw 81. The upper limiting
portion 78 functions to limit that the drive apparatus 26 is
lowered from a position where the ratch 46 is inserted into and
engages with the first hole 50, by engagement with the stopper 80
from above, as shown in FIG. 6(a). In contrast, the lower limiting
portion 79 functions to prevent the drive apparatus 26 from being
disconnected from the server main body 12 carelessly, by engagement
with the stopper 80 from under, as shown in FIG. 6(b). Therefore,
when the drive apparatus 26 is disconnected from the server main
body 12, the stopper 80 is removed from the beer server main body
12 and then the drive apparatus 26 is moved upward. It is noted
that in a state where the lower limiting portion 79 is in
engagement with the stopper 80, a position of the ratch 46 is set
such that the ratch 46 is able to insert into and engage with the
second hole 52.
[0048] FIGS. 7 and 8 show the main portion of a beer server
according to another second example. Since the essential
constitution of the beer server is substantially the same as in the
above-mentioned examples, only different components of the server
will be described. The same reference numerals are denoted to the
same members described above.
[0049] A slider 34 horizontally movably provided on the pair of
guide rails 60, 60 comprises a drive slider portion 82 provided
with the rack 66 in mesh with the pinion 64 of the drive mechanism
36, a driven slider portion 83 in which the engagement hole 61 into
which the operating lever 20 is inserted is formed, and a
compression spring 84 used as a buffer means that connects both
slider portions 82 and 83 integrally and movably. The beer server
of this example is constructed such that the drive slider portion
82 is moved horizontally along the guide rails 60, 60 by the drive
mechanism 36, so that the driven slider portion 83 connected to the
slider portion 82 through the compression spring 84 is also moved
integrally horizontally, whereby the operating lever 20 is tilted
in the forward and backward directions.
[0050] When an excess force is not applied to the driven slider
portion 83, the compression spring 84 integrally moves the driven
slider portion 83 in the state where the relative position of the
slider portion 83 with respective to the drive slider portion 82 is
not changed. In contrast, when an excess force is applied, the
approach and separation of the driven slider 83 from the slider
portion 82 is permitted, so that the excess force is not applied to
the operating lever 20, the drive mechanism 36 and the like.
[0051] In the above-mentioned another second example, when the
driven slider portion 83 causes the operating lever 20 to tilt over
the limit of the tilting angle, an excess force is applied to the
driven slider portion 83 by variations of the working degree of the
drive mechanism 36 and the accuracy of assembling other various
members, the approach and separation of the driven slider 83 from
the slider portion 82 is permitted (see FIGS. 8(a) and 8(b)) by the
expansion and contraction of the compression spring 84. That is,
the drive mechanism 36 is prevented from being locked and it can be
avoided to apply an excess force to the operating lever 20 or the
drive mechanism 36. In addition, by presetting the working degree
of the drive mechanism 36 so that the slider 34 is moved slightly
further to a position where the beer pouring spout 22 and the head
pouring spout 24 can be fully opened, than by a distance which
permits tilting of the operating lever 20 forward and backward, it
is possible to prevent a phenomenon that the respective spouts 22
and 24 are not fully opened by variations of accuracy of assembling
them. Then, to apply an excess force or load onto the operating
lever 20 and the drive mechanism 36 is avoided.
[0052] Since excess forces are not applied to the operating lever
20, the drive mechanism 36 and the like, the durabilities of
various portions are enhanced. In addition, the friction at the
mating portion between the pinion 64 and the rack 66 based on the
instant force at the time of actuation of the drive mechanism 36 or
at the engagement portion between the engagement hole 61 and the
operating lever 20 or the like is a care matter. However, the
instant force is uniformed by the elastic force of the compression
spring 84 and reduction of the friction can be expected.
[0053] FIGS. 9 to 11 show another third example. The essential
constitution of this example is substantially the same as in the
examples described above, and only different components will be
described. In this case, the same components as those described
above are indicated with the same reference numerals as described
above.
[0054] On the front surface of the metallic server main body 12 are
provided a pair of resin guide portions 42, 42 extending
vertically, spaced away from each other in the width direction. A
resin slider 40 provided on the corresponding internal plate 38 of
the housing 32 is slidably vertically provided on each guide
portion 42. The housing 32 is movably constructed with respect to
the server main body 12 through the guide portion 42 and the slider
40 with electrical isolation. A metallic positioning member 85 used
as a first means to be positioned substantially horizontally
extending backward by a predetermined length from a surface of the
server main body 12 side, is provided between the sliders 40 and
40. In this another third example, the positioning member 85 is
abutted to the top end (first positioning means) 12a of the server
main body 12, so that the drive apparatus 26 is constructed so as
to be positioned at an operating position. The positioning of the
drive apparatus 26 at the non-operating position is carried out by
engaging the same ratch 46 as in the above-mentioned example (which
functions as the second means to be positioned) with the second
hole (second positioning means) 52. In this case, the ratch 46 is
made of resin, and the contact portion between the ratch 46 and the
server main body 12 is electrically isolated. Further, in the case
of another third example, the first hole 50 is not formed to be
used as the first positioning means in the above-mentioned
examples, and the tip end of the ratch 46 is abutted on the front
surface of the server main body 12 at the operating portion of the
drive apparatus 26.
[0055] The server main body 12 and the positioning member 85 are
constructed such that a slight amount of electric current which has
no influence on the human body is passed through them. Thus, the
beer server 10 is constructed such that a fact that the drive
apparatus has been positioned at an operating position can be
detected by the contact between both components 12 and 85, which
leads to a case of current carrying. That is, the server main body
12 and the positioning member 85 are used as electrodes and both
components 12 and 85 constitute detecting means 86. As explained
above, the detecting means 86 is used as an electrode system, and
space savings and cost reduction can be further realized compared
with a case where additional sensor, switch or the like is
provided, and the constitution of the beer server becomes simple.
The detecting means 48 is connected to the control substrate
58.
[0056] A display lamp 87 which functions as a display portion
connected to the control substrate 58 is provided on the control
panel 56. This display lamp 87 is set such that it is turned on
when the detecting means is in a detecting mode, and it flashes
when the detecting means 86 is in a non-detecting mode, and the
operator can confirm that the drive apparatus 26 is positioned on
the operating position or non-operating position, by the modes of
the display lamp 87. Alternatively, when the detecting means 86 is
in a non-detecting mode, the display lamp may be turned off.
[0057] The control substrate 58 is set such that it deactivates the
operations of various buttons and switches on the control panel 56
when the detecting means 86 is in a non-detecting mode.
Accordingly, it is possible to prevent an unnecessary operation of
the drive apparatus 26 positioned at a non-operating position. In
addition, in the non-operating mode, even in a case where a finger
possibly enters the through hole 54a of the housing 32 even if the
cover 55 is provided, the safety in such case is ensured. It is
noted that when the drive apparatus 26 is spaced away from the
operating position, an operator confirms the case by flashing of
the display lamp 87 as described above. Thus, even if the operation
of the control panel 56 is deactivated, the operator does not
carelessly confirm the case to be a failure of the apparatus
26.
[0058] During operation of the drive mechanism 36 in the control
substrate 58, that is, while the operating lever 20 is tilting by
forward and backward movements of the slider 34, when the drive
apparatus 26 is moved from the operating position to the
non-operating position, it is operation-controlled for the drive
mechanism 36 to cause the slider 34 to return to the standby
position (initial state before the operation), provided that the
detecting means 86 was changed from a detecting mode to a
non-detecting mode. That is, as described above, when the operating
lever 20 itself is released from the engagement hole 61 of the
slider 34, it is returned back to the neutral position
automatically by the valve mechanism. However, when the slider 34
is stopped while it is tilting the operating lever 20 (forward
position and backward position), the operating lever 20 does not
smoothly insert into the engagement hole 61 of the slider 34 and a
load is possibly applied to the slider 34, on then moving the drive
apparatus 26 from the non-operating position to the operating
position. However, if the slider 34 is always returned back to the
standby position as described above, the insertion of the operating
lever 20 into the engagement hole 61 can be smoothly carried out,
so that the application of the load to the slider 34 can be
prevented.
[0059] When the detecting means 86 is changed from the detecting
mode to the non-detecting mode during operation of the drive
mechanism 36, the beer server is designed such that the tilting
mechanism is operation-controlled to return the vessel receiving
device 30 to the initial state before the operation in the control
substrate 58, that is, a state where a surface facing the cover
body 29 of the mounting member 31 becomes substantially
vertical.
[0060] FIGS. 12 and 13 show another fourth example. The essential
constitution of the example is the same as in the examples
described above. Thus, only different components will be described.
It should be noted that the same components described in the above
examples are indicated with the same reference numerals.
[0061] In the another fourth example, the motor 71 constituting the
drive mechanism 36 includes a position detector (not shown) such as
a pulse generator. A pulse from the detector is output to the
control substrate 58, and the control substrate 58 is constructed
such that the number of revolution and a direction of rotation of
the motor 71 are monitored. By rotation-controlling the motor 71 by
the number of pulse preset forward and backward with reference to
the standby position of the slider 34, the beer server is set such
that the slider 34 is moved to the forward movement position and
the backward movement position. That is, when the number of pulses
of the motor 71, which moves the slider 34 from the standby
position to the forward movement position reaches a forward set
value with reference to the standby position, the motor 71 is
stopped and is rotated in the reverse direction after the passage
of a predetermined pouring time, and then the slider 34 is again
returned back to the standby position once from the forward
movement position. After that, when the number of pulses of the
motor 71, which moves the slider 34 to the backward movement
position reaches a backward set value with reference to the standby
position, the motor 71 is stopped and is rotated in the reverse
direction after the passage of a predetermined pouring time.
[0062] On the operating lever 20 of the beer pouring faucet 14 is
provided an interlocking member 88 that is moved forward and
backward integrally with the lever 20 such that the member 88 is
positioned under the slider 34. On the interlocking member 88 is
vertically provided a holder 90 which is inserted upward into an
elongated hole 89 extending in the forward and backward directions,
opened in the slider 34. The holder 90 is constructed such that it
can be moved relatively in the forward and backward directions with
respect to the elongated hole 89. Further, a magnet 91 is provided
on an area in the holder 90 above the slider 34. Further, on a
mounting plate 92 provided vertically on the top surface of the
slider 34 are provided a pair of hole elements 93, 93 which is
capable of detecting the magnet 91, spaced away from each other
along the direction of movement of the slider 34. Further, when the
operating lever 20 is in the neutral position mode, the magnet 91
is set such that it is in the intermediate position between both
the hole elements 93 and 93 of the slider 34, which is in the
standby position. It is noted that the hole elements 93 and 93
detect distance by magnetic force, and the current position of the
magnet 91 is detected by the magnitude of magnetic force detected
by the forward and backward hole elements 93 and 93.
[0063] In the control substrate 58, the position of slider 34, when
the magnet 91 is placed at the intermediate position between the
pair of hole elements 93 and 93, is set to be a standby position,
and the motor 71 is set such that it is pulse-controlled with
reference to the standby position as described above.
[0064] That is, in the another fourth example, since the slider 34
is moved to the forward movement position and the backward movement
position by pulse-controlling the motor 71, it is possible to omit
the forward and backward detecting switches 74 and 76, which
actually detect the slider 34 used in the above-mentioned examples.
As a result, space savings can be realized. Also, since the another
fourth example employs the various constitutions and controls in
the another third example, the similar effects such as the
capability of recognition of the current conditions of the drive
apparatus 26 (operating position and non-operating position) can be
obtained.
[0065] FIGS. 14 and 15 show another fifth example. Since the
essential construction is substantially the same as in the examples
mentioned above, only different components will be described. It
should be noted that the same components described in the above
examples are indicated with the same reference numerals.
[0066] In the another fifth example, above the pouring faucet 14
the drive apparatus 26 is pivotably provided on the server main
body 12. This example is constructed such that the engagement hole
61 of the slider 34 engages with or is released from the operating
lever 20 by pivoting the drive apparatus 26. A pair of pivotal
support portions 94, 94 (only one shown) extending to the rear side
are formed on the upper portion of the housing in the width
direction, spaced away from each other, and a supporting shaft 95
pivotably inserted into both the pivotal support portions 94, 94 is
insertion-supported on the supporting portion 12b provided on the
server main body 12. By pivoting the drive apparatus 26 about the
supporting shaft 95 counterclockwise as shown in FIG. 14 to allow
the rear surface of the housing 32 to engage with the front surface
of the server main body 12, the drive apparatus 26 is positioned at
the operating position (see FIG. 15(a)). In contrast, by pivoting
the drive apparatus 26 about the supporting shaft 95 clockwise as
shown in FIG. 14 to allow the top surface of the housing 32 to
engage with the top surface of the server main body 12, the drive
apparatus 26 is positioned at the non-operating position (see FIG.
15(c)). As explained above, in the another fifth example, the front
surface of the server main body 12 functions as the first
positioning means and the top surface of the server main body 12
functions as the second positioning means. In contrast, the rear
surface of the housing 32 in the drive apparatus 26 functions as
the first means to be positioned and the top surface thereof
functions as the second means to be positioned.
[0067] The through hole 54a formed on the bottom plate 54 of the
housing 32 is set to such a size that the bottom plate 54 is not
brought into contact with the operating lever 20 positioned at the
neutral position during the pivot of the drive apparatus 26.
Alternatively, although not shown, the cover 55 may be provided
around the outer periphery of the through hole 54a. Additionally,
the supporting shaft 95 is constructed detachably with respect to
the pivotal support portions 94, 94 and the supporting portion 12b,
and this example is constructed such that the drive apparatus 26
can be removed from the server main body 12 by removing the
supporting shaft 95 from both members 94 and 12b.
[0068] On a rear area of the bottom portion of the housing 32 is
movably vertically provided a hook 96 the tip end of which is
extending in the backward direction of the housing 32, and the hook
96 is always urged downward by an elastic member (not shown). When
the drive apparatus 26 is positioned at the operating position,
this hook 96 functions to allow the drive apparatus 26 to hold at
the operating position by engaging the front end of the hook 96
with the inner periphery of the supporting hole 12c formed at the
corresponding position of the front surface of the server body.
Further, a pressing piece 96a extending downward from the housing
32, which can be operated by fingers of the operator is attached to
the hook 96. The pivot of the drive apparatus 26 is permitted by
moving the tip end of the hook 96 from the edge portion of the
holding hole 12c to a position where the tip end is released
through the pressing piece 96 while resisting the elastic force of
the elastic member. Various interconnections from the server main
body 12 to the control panel 58 and the like provided inside the
housing 32, are provided through the pivotal support portion
between the drive apparatus 26 and the server main body 12, so that
the interconnections do not interfere with the pivot of the drive
apparatus 26.
[0069] In the another fifth example described above, when the drive
mechanism 36 is locked by any reason during pouring beer and the
head, or when the operating lever 20 is manually operated, the
drive apparatus 26 is pivoted clockwise about the supporting shaft
95 with the hook 96 released from the holding hole 12c and is
positioned at a non-operating position where the top surface of the
housing 32 is abutted on the top surface of the server main body 12
to engage therewith. Then, after the release of the lock or the
manual operation of the operating lever 20 has been carried out,
the drive apparatus 26 is pivoted counterclockwise about the
supporting shaft 95, and is positioned at an operating position
where the rear surface of the housing 32 is abutted with the front
surface of the server main body 12 to engage therewith. As a
result, the operating lever 20 is inserted into the engagement hole
61 of the slider 34, thereby enabling an automatic operation of the
lever 20. When the drive apparatus 26 is pivoted to the operating
position, the drive apparatus 26 is held at the operating position
by the engagement of the hook 96 with the inside edge of the
holding hole 12c.
[0070] In the another fifth example constructed described above, in
the manual operation of the operating lever 20, as shown in FIG.
5(c), the drive apparatus 26 is pivoted to the non-operating
position where the top surface of the housing 32 is abutted on the
top surface of the server main body 12, and consequently, there is
no members which interfere with the manual operation of the lever
20 above the operating lever 20, thereby facilitating the manual
operation of the lever 20. Further, the various interconnections
between the server main body 12 and the drive apparatus 26 can be
united easily by forming the pivotal support portions of both
members 12 and 26.
[0071] In a construction in which the drive apparatus 26 is slid
vertically with respect to the server main body 12 as in the
above-mentioned example, it is necessary to provide a desired
clearance in the sliding portion. Thus, a slight rattle can occur
between the drive apparatus 26 and the server main body 12. In this
connection, when the drive apparatus 26 is pivoted with respect to
the server main body 12 as in the another fifth example, it is not
necessary to provide the clearance, and the drive apparatus 26 is
positioned at the operating position with intimate contact with the
server main body 12, enabling reduction in rattles.
[0072] FIGS. 16 and 17 show another sixth example. Since the
essential construction is substantially the same as in the examples
mentioned above, only different components will be described. It
should be noted that the same components described in the above
examples are indicated with the same reference numerals.
[0073] In the another sixth example, above the pouring faucet 14
the drive apparatus 26 is vertically movably provided on the server
main body 12 through a parallel link mechanism 97. This example is
constructed such that the engagement hole 61 of the slider 34
engages with or is released from the operating lever 20 by moving
the drive apparatus 26 vertically. The respective ends of a pair of
upper and lower link rods 97a, 97a (only one side shown) are
pivotably supported between both width directional sides on the
rear sides of the housing 32 and the corresponding positions of the
server main body 12, respectively. Thus, this example is
constructed such that the drive apparatus 26 is moved vertically in
parallel with respect to the server 12 by the parallel link
mechanism 97 comprising these four link rods 97a, 97a, 97a and 97a.
By moving the drive apparatus 26 in parallel counterclockwise in
FIG. 16 by the parallel link mechanism 97 to allow the rear surface
of the housing 32 to abut on the front surface of the server main
body 12 so as to engage therewith, the drive apparatus 26 is
positioned at the operating position. In contrast, by moving the
drive apparatus 26 in parallel clockwise in FIG. 16 by the parallel
link mechanism 97 to allow the rear surface of the housing 32 to
abut on the top front surface of the server main body 12 so as to
engage therewith, the drive apparatus 26 is positioned at the
non-operating position (position shown by the solid line in FIG.
17).
[0074] On a rear area of the bottom portion of the housing 32 is
provided the same hook 96 (first and second means to be positioned)
as in the another fifth example mentioned above, and also on the
front portion of the server main body 12 are formed a lower holding
hole 98, with which the tip portion of the hook 96 is capable of
engaging in the inside edge portion of the hole, and which
functions as a first positioning means, and an upper holding hole
(not shown), which functions as a second positioning means spaced
vertically from each other. Thus, by engaging the tip portion of
the hook 96 with the inside edge portion of the lower holding hole
98, the drive apparatus 26 is set such that it is positioned and
held at the operating position (see FIG. 16). Also, by engaging the
tip portion of the hook 96 with the inside edge portion of the
upper holding hole, the drive apparatus 26 is set such that it is
positioned and held at the non-operating position (see FIG. 17). It
should be noted that, also in the another sixth example, the
through hole 54a formed in the bottom plate 54 of the housing 32 is
set to such a size that the bottom plate 54 is not brought into
contact with the operating lever 20 which is at the neutral
position during vertical parallel movement of the drive apparatus
26. Further, the cover 55 may be provided around the periphery of
the through hole 54a.
[0075] In the above described another sixth example, in the case
where the drive mechanism 36 is locked by any reason during pouring
beer and the head, or in the case where the operating lever 20 is
manually operated, when the drive apparatus 26 is moved upward by
the parallel link mechanism 97 with the hook 96 spaced from the
lower holding hole 98, the housing 32 of the drive apparatus is
once estranged (or spaced) from the front surface the server main
body 12 while keeping the horizontal posture, and then it is
brought near to the front surface of the server main body 12 again.
After that, by the abutment and engagement of the rear surface of
the housing 32 with the top front surface of the server main body
12, the drive apparatus 26 is positioned at the non-operating
position. At this time, the hook 96 engages with the inside edge
portion of the upper holding hole and the drive apparatus 26 is
held at the non-operating position.
[0076] After having executed the release of the lock or manual
operation of the operating lever 20, the drive apparatus 26 is
moved downward by the parallel link mechanism 97 with the hook 96
spaced from the upper holding hole. Then, the housing 32 of the
drive apparatus is once estranged (or spaced) from the front
surface the server main body 12 while keeping the horizontal
posture, and then it is brought near to the front surface of the
server main body 12 again. After that, by the abutment and
engagement of the rear surface of the housing 32 with the front
surface of the server main body 12, the drive apparatus 26 is
positioned at the operating position. Thus, the operating lever 20
is inserted into the engagement hole 61 of the slider 34, so that
an automatic operation of the lever 20 becomes possible.
Furthermore, when the drive apparatus 26 is pivoted to the
operating position, the hook 96 engages with the inside edge
portion of the lower holding hole 98 and the drive apparatus 26 is
held at the operating position.
[0077] The above-mentioned other fifth and sixth examples can
employ various components and controls in the other second and
fourth examples. Further, when the drive apparatus 26 is positioned
at the operating position, electrode portions provided at suitable
positions of the housing and the server main body 12 are brought
into contact with each other so that current is passed
therethrough. As a result, the same construction as in the another
third example that recognizes the current position (the operating
position and the non-operating position) of the drive apparatus 26
may also be employed in the other fifth and sixth examples.
[0078] FIG. 18 shows another seventh example. Since the essential
construction is substantially the same as in the examples mentioned
above, only different components will be described. It should be
noted that the same components described in the above examples are
indicated with the same reference numerals.
[0079] In the another seventh example, a first hole 50 that
functions as the first positioning means is formed in the beer
server main body 12. By inserting and engaging the tip end of the
ratch 46, which functions as the first means to be positioned in
the drive apparatus 26, with the first hole 50, the drive apparatus
26 is positioned at the operating position (position shown by the
solid line). When the drive apparatus 26 is moved to the
non-operating position (shown by the two-dotted chain line) with
the tip of the ratch 46 spaced from the first hole 50, the tip of
the ratch 46 is pressed with the front surface of the server main
body 12 by the elastic force of the compression spring 48, so that
the drive apparatus 26 is held at the non-operating position. The
another seventh example may employ various constructions and
controls in the other second and fourth examples mentioned
above.
Modification Examples
[0080] Although a case of the combined mechanism of the motor, the
gear trains and the rack & pinion has been described as the
drive means that moves a slider forward and backward horizontally
in the above examples, the drive means is not limited to it and
various mechanisms may be adopted. For example, the drive means may
be one that moves a slider forward and backward by connecting the
slider to the motor by a link mechanism or that directly moves a
slider forward and backward by the use of an air cylinder, a
hydraulic cylinder or the like. In addition, as the engagement
portion formed in the slider, not only the hole but also a groove,
a recessed portion or the like may be used as long as it has a
shape that detachably engage with the operating lever. Further, the
means that defines the forward movement position and the backward
movement position of the slider may be not only means using the
detecting switch as in the examples, but also means that set the
rotational time of the motor by a timer. Furthermore, the buffer
means that connects the drive slider portion and the driven slider
portion is not limited to the compression spring disclosed in the
another second example, and it may be a rubber member or other
elastic member if it is able to move integrally both slider
portions and it permits the approach of both slider portions and
the separation thereof from each other when an excess force is
applied thereto.
[0081] As the detecting means which detects that the drive
apparatus has been away from the operating position, various
sensors such as a proximity sensor, a photoelectric sensor and the
like can be used in place of the detecting means which detect by
the current carrying state between the server body and the
positioning piece in the another third example. Alternatively, as
the display portion, not only the lamp but also LED, liquid crystal
or the like may be used. It is noted that various constructions and
controls of the other third and fourth examples are appropriately
used in the other first and second examples. Further, the
above-mentioned respective examples have been explained in a type
for a pouring faucet in which the operating lever for a pouring
faucet is extended upward from the faucet body. However, in a type
in which the operating lever is extended forward or sideward from
the faucet body and is tilted vertically or laterally, the
operating apparatuses according to various examples mentioned above
can be used for the operating lever by providing the apparatus at a
suitable position.
Effects of the Invention
[0082] As described above, according to the beverage dispenser
according to the present invention, the drive apparatus that
operates the operating lever can be switched into a mode in which
an operation of the operating lever is possible and a mode in which
a manual operation is possible. That is, when the drive means and
the like are locked by any reason during pouring operation, the
drive apparatus can be separated from the operating lever only by
moving the operating position. Accordingly, it is possible to
prevent beverages from being poured excessively by keeping the
lever in a pouring mode. In addition, if the drive apparatus is
moved from the operating position so that the engagement portion
may be estranged from the operating lever, a manual operation of
the operating lever becomes possible. Thus, even while executing
maintenance of the drive apparatus such as repair and the like, the
pouring of beverages can be carried out manually. Further, only by
moving the drive apparatus vertically with respect to the beer
server body or pivoting it, the drive apparatus can be easily
positioned to an operating position where the operation of the
operating lever is enabled, and a non-operating position where the
manual operation is enabled. Further, when the beer server is
constructed such that the drive apparatus is pivoted about the
server body, the interconnections which connect the server body to
the drive apparatus can be easily united and it is possible to
prevent occurrence of rattle between both members. Furthermore,
since the drive apparatus is fully removed from the server body, it
becomes possible to execute its maintenance easily at places
separated from the server body.
[0083] According to a construction of the beer server constructed
by the drive slider portion and the driven slider portion connected
to each other with a buffer means, it is possible to avoid the
application of an excess force to the drive means and the operating
lever due to variations of the movement of the slider by the drive
means and of accuracies of assembling various members, enabling the
long service life of the parts. Therefore, since high assembling
accuracy is not required for various members, the assembling
operation becomes easy.
[0084] By providing the detecting means which detects positioning
of the drive apparatus at the operating position, operation of the
operating portion that actuates the drive means is deactivated in a
non-detecting mode of the detecting means and it is possible to
prevent useless operation of the drive apparatus in the
non-operating position. In addition, by displaying the
non-detecting mode of the detecting means in a display portion, the
state can be reliably recognized by the operator. Further, when the
detecting means has been changed from the detecting mode to the
non-detecting mode during operation of the drive means, a movement
of the drive apparatus from the non-detecting position to the
detecting position in a state where the engagement portion is kept
being stopped, is not carried out by returning the engagement
portion to the initial state before operation. That is, while the
operating lever is constructed such that it is always returned back
to a fixed position during the non-operation, the engagement
portion is also always returned back to an engageable fixed
position. As a result, an engagement of the engagement portion with
the operating lever is smoothly carried out.
[0085] Additionally, by providing a cover around the outer
periphery of the through hole in the housing of the drive
apparatus, it is possible to prevent a finger from entering the
through hole carelessly during the movement of the drive apparatus
between the operating position and the non-operating position.
Further, in pouring beer and the head into a vessel, the splashes
of the beer and head splashed from the vessel can be prevented from
entering the inside of the housing and therefore, the occurrence of
operation failure of the drive means can be prevented.
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