JP2009046150A - Drinking water supplying system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a drinking water supplying system configured so that temperature suitable to clean drinking water is maintained, if the temperature does not reach the suitable level, a user is alerted to the abnormal state of a cleaning process, the cleaning process is suitably performed without stopping a users' request for water supply and users' convenience is taken into consideration. <P>SOLUTION: Time information is received from a time measuring means (first timer 83). When a predetermined timing of cleaning arrives, circulation is enabled between a warm water tank (40) and a cold water tank (10) through a bypass pipe (60). Using drinking water (4) in the warm water tank, the temperature of drinking water (4) in the cold tank water is increased. By controlling so that the temperature of drinking water in the cold water tank is maintained at a predetermined level, cleaning is performed. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

The present invention relates to a drinking water supply apparatus that cools or heats drinking water provided in bottle units and provides cooled drinking water and heated drinking water in a single device.

  A drinking water supply device (water dispenser) that cools or heats drinking water such as mineral water supplied in a bottle and provides it as drinking water has become widespread. This drinking water supply apparatus is used not only for drinking water supply in offices, but also in general households.

With respect to such a drinking water supply device, Patent Document 1 discloses that when drinking water is cooled and heated, a freezing point or a boiling point is found and temperature control is performed in the vicinity thereof. Patent Document 2 discloses that the cooling tank is cleaned with heated drinking water.
JP 2000-227975 A (summary, FIG. 1 etc.) Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2005-249266 (summary, FIG. 4 etc.)

  By the way, it is advantageous to use the high-temperature water on the hot water tank side for the cleaning process on the cold water tank side (Patent Document 2), because it is possible to perform an advanced cleaning process, but the circulation path from the hot water tank side to the cold water tank If it is complicated, natural convection circulation will be hindered, and if the circulation time becomes long, it will take time for cleaning. As a matter of course, since the supply of cold water and hot water is stopped during the cleaning process, if the cleaning time becomes long, the user may neglect the cleaning process.

  When cleaning is performed by circulating hot water, if the temperature of the hot water is monitored and the circulation time is not monitored, the target cleaning may be insufficient, and abnormalities may occur during cleaning. Also need to be monitored.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to maintain that drinking water is at a temperature suitable for cleaning, and when the required temperature is not reached even after a predetermined time has passed, it is notified that there is an abnormality in the cleaning process. The purpose is to optimize the cleaning process.

  Another object of the present invention relates to a cleaning process for a drinking water supply device that cools and heats drinking water. By using the heated drinking water on the hot water side, the drinking water is purified with a simple configuration. The purpose is to do.

Another object of the present invention relates to the purification of drinking water, and aims to perform the cleaning without disturbing the supply of drinking water to the user.

  In order to achieve the above object, the drinking water supply apparatus of the present invention makes it possible to circulate between a hot water tank and a cold water tank every predetermined time, and raises the temperature of the drinking water in the cold water tank using the drinking water in the hot water tank. In this configuration, the temperature of the drinking water in the cold water tank is maintained at a predetermined temperature for cleaning. With such a configuration, the above object is achieved.

  Therefore, in order to achieve the above object, the drinking water supply device of the present invention is provided with a drinking water container, which cools drinking water supplied from the drinking water container and heats the drinking water. A drinking water supply device for providing hot water, the first tank for storing the drinking water supplied from the drinking water container, the cooling means for cooling the drinking water in the first tank, and the first A separation plate that is installed in one tank and separates the drinking water in the first tank into an upper layer portion and a lower layer portion; and disposed below the first tank, from the container for drinking water A second tank for storing the drinking water to be supplied; heating means for heating the drinking water in the second tank; and an opening in the upper surface of the separation plate and insertion into the second tank. The drinking water falling on the separation plate from the water receiving port A water supply pipe for supplying water to the tank, first temperature detecting means for detecting the temperature of the drinking water in the first tank, and second temperature for detecting the temperature of the drinking water in the second tank. A temperature detection means, a bypass pipe provided between the first tank and the second tank and provided with an on-off valve; and the cooling means is stopped during the cleaning operation; and the heating means The open / close valve is opened, and the temperature of the hot water circulating through the bypass pipe and the water supply pipe to the first and second tanks is controlled to be equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature. And a control means for circulating from the tank to the first tank side. With such a configuration, the above object can be achieved.

  In order to achieve the above object, in the drinking water supply apparatus, preferably, the control means is set to a starting temperature of a value necessary for starting the cleaning, and the detected temperature of the second temperature detecting means is When the start temperature has been reached, the on-off valve may be controlled to open. Such a configuration also achieves the above object.

  In order to achieve the above object, in the drinking water supply apparatus, preferably, the control means opens and closes a time during which the drinking water in the first tank circulates while maintaining a state of a predetermined temperature or higher. The time from opening to closing of the valve is provided, and time measuring means for measuring this time is provided. When the on-off valve is opened, the time measuring means starts time measurement, and the temperature detected by the first temperature detecting means is predetermined. When the value reaches the value, the time keeping of the time measuring means is maintained, and when the detected temperature falls below a predetermined value, the time keeping of the time measuring means is reset and time keeping is restarted. When the temperature detected by the temperature detecting means is lower than a predetermined value, the heating means is operated, and the on-off valve may be closed when the time measuring means measures a predetermined time. Such a configuration also achieves the above object.

  In order to achieve the above object, in the drinking water supply apparatus, preferably, the control means monitors the start time of the cleaning operation and monitors the elapse of a predetermined time from the end time of the cleaning operation. Then, after a predetermined time has elapsed from the end of the cleaning operation, the cleaning operation may be started upon arrival of the start time. Such a configuration also achieves the above object.

  In order to achieve the above object, in the drinking water supply apparatus, preferably, the control means monitors the supply frequency of the drinking water in the first tank, and purifies in accordance with the supply frequency. The predetermined time from the end of the operation to the next cleaning operation may be increased or decreased. Such a configuration also achieves the above object.

  In order to achieve the above object, in the drinking water supply apparatus, preferably, the control means controls the drinking water at a predetermined temperature, the first operation mode, and the drinking water from the predetermined temperature. Alternatively, a second operation mode that is managed at a temperature close to normal temperature may be set, and the cleaning operation may be executed in accordance with the transition timing to the second mode. Such a configuration also achieves the above object.

In order to achieve the above object, in the drinking water supply apparatus, preferably, the control means is provided with a time measuring means for measuring the execution time of the cleaning operation, and is limited to the execution time measured by the time measuring means. It is good also as a structure which outputs abnormality notification, when time is set and the temperature detected by the said 2nd temperature detection means does not reach the said start temperature within the time limit. Such a configuration also achieves the above object.

  (1) During the cleaning process, the temperature of the water in the first tank in which the cold water is stored is monitored and maintained at a temperature necessary for cleaning, so that appropriate cleaning can be performed.

  (2) Supplying drinking water to the user is not hindered by performing a cleaning process in accordance with a time zone in which the drinking water supply device is used less frequently.

  (3) The first tank that stores cold water and the second tank that stores hot water are connected by a bypass pipe equipped with an on-off valve, and drinking water is circulated by thermal convection, so there is no need for a circulation pump, Further, since the heating means for heating the drinking water, the temperature detection means installed in the first tank and the temperature detection means installed in the second tank are used to maintain the cleaning temperature, the cleaning process is performed. It is possible to perform the cleaning without particularly providing the structure, and to save the cost.

  (4) Since the cleaning process uses circulation by heat convection, there is no drive noise or vibration generated by the circulation pump, and no noise countermeasures are required when cleaning is performed at night.

(5) When the necessary cleaning conditions are not met within the specified time, the notification means will notify the cleaning abnormality, preventing the supply of drinking water with poor cleaning quality. It is possible to improve the safety of the user.

  1 and FIG. 2 are referred about embodiment of the drinking water supply apparatus of this invention. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an outline of a drinking water supply device according to an embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of an external configuration of the drinking water supply device.

  For example, a gallon bottle 6 is installed in the upper part of the casing 3 of the drinking water supply device 2 as a bottle containing drinking water 4. The drinking water 4 in the gallon bottle 6 is first received from the water receiving port 8. Is supplied to a cold water tank 10, which is a tank of The drinking water 4 in the cold water tank 10 is filled up to the water level in contact with the opening 12 of the gallon bottle 6. When this water level falls below the opening 12, air enters the gallon bottle 6 from the opening 12 through the cold water tank 10 through the air intake 14. With the intrusion of air, the drinking water 4 is supplied from the gallon bottle 6 to the cold water tank 10, and when the water level rises and the opening 12 is blocked, the inflow of the drinking water 4 from the gallon bottle 6 is stopped. For this reason, the drinking water 4 is supplied to the cold water tank 10 from the gallon bottle 6 according to consumption of the drinking water 4.

  A separation plate 16 is installed in the cold water tank 10, and the drinking water 4 in the cold water tank 10 is divided into an upper layer portion and a lower layer portion by the separation plate 16. For example, an evaporator 18 is installed in the cold water tank 10 as a cooling means, and the evaporator 18 is installed on the lower layer side partitioned by the separation plate 16, so that the drinking water 4 on the lower layer side is cooled. The The cold water tank 10 is provided with a cold water sensor 20 as a first temperature detecting means, and the temperature of the drinking water 4 in the cold water tank 10 is detected by the cold water sensor 20. A cooling device 22 installed at the bottom of the housing 3 is connected to the evaporator 18, and a compressor 24, a dryer 26, and a condenser 28 are connected to the cooling device 22 by a refrigerant pipe 30. A capillary tube 32 is installed in the middle.

  A cold water supply pipe 34 is connected to the bottom of the cold water tank 10, and a cold water electromagnetic valve 36 is installed in the cold water supply pipe 34. When the cold water electromagnetic valve 36 is opened, drinking water cooled from the cold water tank 10 is provided. 4 is supplied from the cold water supply port 38.

  A hot water tank 40 as a second tank is installed in the lower part of the cold water tank 10. The warm water tank 40 is provided with a warm water heater 42 as a heating means, and the warm water heater 42 heats the drinking water 4 in the warm water tank 40.

  In the hot water tank 40, a water supply pipe 46 having an opening 44 on the center upper surface of the separation plate 16 is installed through the cold water tank 10. That is, the water supply pipe 46 extends from the central upper surface of the separation plate 16 to the bottom side of the hot water tank 40. A hot water supply pipe 48 is connected to the upper part of the hot water tank 40, and a hot water electromagnetic valve 50 is installed in the hot water supply pipe 48. When the hot water electromagnetic valve 50 is opened, drinking water in the hot water tank 40 is provided. 4 is taken out from the hot water supply port 52. The amount of drinking water 4 that is extracted from the hot water supply port 52 is supplied from the cold water tank 10 to the hot water tank 40 through the water supply pipe 46. The drinking water 4 corresponding to the water level drop in the cold water tank 10 is supplied from the gallon bottle 6 as described above.

  The hot water tank 40 is provided with a hot water sensor 54 as second temperature detecting means, and the temperature of the drinking water 4 is detected by the hot water sensor 54. A drain pipe 56 is connected to the bottom of the hot water tank 40, and the drain pipe 56 is opened and closed by a drain plug 58.

  The cold water sensor 20 and the hot water sensor 54 may have any configuration as long as they can detect a set temperature to be described later. For example, a configuration using a thermistor thermometer or the like may be used.

  Further, a bypass pipe 60 is connected in parallel with the water supply pipe 46 between the bottom of the cold water tank 10 and the upper part of the hot water tank 40, and the bypass pipe 60 is opened and closed by a bypass valve 62. The bypass pipe 60 is a circulation passage through which the heated drinking water 4 in the hot water tank 40 is circulated to the cold water tank 10 when the bypass valve 62 is opened, in order to prevent a short cycle with the circulation passage. In addition, the opening 44 of the water supply pipe 46 is opened above the separation plate 16, and the bypass pipe 60 is opened at the bottom of the cold water tank 10.

  In this drinking water supply device 2, a control device 64 is installed as a control means, and a display / operation unit and a control unit are installed in the control device 64, and detection information of the cold water sensor 20, the hot water sensor 54, etc. is taken in, Various controls such as cooling control, heating control, and energy saving control are performed.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the drinking water supply device 2 has a placement portion 66 for the gallon bottle 6 formed on the upper portion of the housing 3, and a display / operation portion 68 installed below the placement portion 66. A water supply window 70 is opened, and a cold water supply port 38 and a hot water supply port 52 are installed therein. On the lower side of the cold water supply port 38 and the hot water supply port 52, a mounting portion 72 for placing a cup is formed.

  Next, the control device 64 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the control device. In FIG. 3, the same parts as those in FIG.

  A power source 74 is connected to the control device 64 to supply power, and a display / operation unit 68 is installed together with a control unit 76 formed of a microcomputer or the like. The control unit 76 includes a processor 78, an I / O unit 80, a storage unit 82, a first timer 83, a second timer 84, a third timer 85, and the like, which are connected via a bus 86. ing. The display / operation unit 68 receives an operation input by a key switch or the like, displays a control output of the control device 64, and performs notification by a sound such as a buzzer.

  The processor 78 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processor Unit), and executes an OS (Operating System) and an operation program stored in the storage unit 82. The I / O unit 80 is an input / output interface of the control unit 76, and a display / operation unit 68 is connected to obtain a display output, and an input signal is taken in. The cold water sensor 20, Detection signals are taken from the hot water sensor 54, and control signals for the compressor 24, the cold water electromagnetic valve 36, the hot water heater 42, the hot water electromagnetic valve 50, and the bypass valve 62 are obtained.

  The storage unit 82 includes a program storage unit, a RAM (Random-Access Memory), and the like. The storage unit 82 stores an OS and operation programs to be executed by the processor 78, setting values, various data, and the like, and performs arithmetic processing by the operation programs developed in the RAM. And control processing is executed. The first timer 83, the second timer 84, and the third timer 85 are time measuring means and clock means, for example, in a cleaning process to be described later, a cleaning interval timer, an abnormality determination timer, a cleaning time measurement. Time measurement required for control is performed, such as being used as a means for acquiring a timer or time information.

  Next, the display / operation unit will be described with reference to FIG. 4A is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a panel unit that is an example of a display / operation unit, and FIG. 4B is a diagram illustrating an example of a display unit. 4, the same parts as those in FIGS. 2 and 3 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

  As shown in FIG. 4A, the display / operation unit 68 includes a display unit 88 for displaying time, an addition switch (SW) 90 for adding values, and a subtraction switch (SW) for subtracting values. ) 92, a setting switch (SW) 94 for switching to or canceling the setting mode, an energy saving switch (SW) 96 for switching to or canceling the energy saving mode, timers 83, 84, 85 and time Timer / clock switch (SW) 98 for adjustment, start / stop switch (SW) 100 for starting or stopping, automatic high-temperature water circulation mode for notifying the user that the cleaning process is being performed by high-temperature water circulation, which will be described later As an example of the display unit 102 and the forced temperature change switch, a high temperature setting switch (S 104) As an example of a forced temperature change switch, a cold water setting command (SW) 106 for performing or canceling a cold water setting different from the normal operation, a hot water supply switch (SW) 108 for instructing hot water supply, hot water supply or water supply A lock release switch (SW) 110 for instructing the unlocking of the water and a water supply switch (SW) 112 for instructing the water supply are provided. Further, in the vicinity of the high temperature setting switch 104, for example, a normal temperature display unit 114 that displays a set temperature during normal operation as a first operation mode, for example, 85 [° C.] is displayed by lighting, and a high temperature displayed by lighting during forced high temperature A display unit 116 is installed, and these are configured by lamps such as LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes). In the vicinity of the chilled water setting switch 106, a temperature display unit 118 that displays that the first chilled water set temperature, for example, 8 [° C.] is turned on, and the second chilled water set temperature, for example, 12 [° C.]. A temperature display unit 120 for displaying by lighting is installed, and these are also constituted by lamps such as LEDs.

  As shown in FIG. 4B, a clock / timer time display unit 882, a timer display unit 884, stage display units 886 and 888, a start display unit 890, and an end display unit 892 are set in the display unit 88. In such a clock / timer time display section 882, in addition to a normal clock display, setting contents such as a cleaning process, which will be described later, and a start time of an energy saving mode as the second operation mode are displayed.

  Next, the control contents of the control device 64 will be described.

  A Initial state

  When the power is turned on, the cooling device 22 that cools the drinking water 4 is in the ON state (set temperature: 8 [° C.]), and the power supply control (for example, ON / OFF control) to the warm water heater 42 that warms the drinking water 4 is turned off. Put it in a state. In this case, in order to give priority to hot water supply, operations of the unlock SW 110 and the hot water SW 108 are accepted. This is the case of using the initial air vent. However, the above description when the power supply control for the hot water heater 42 is in the OFF state is a case where the temperature detected by the hot water sensor 54, that is, the hot water temperature is, for example, 40 [° C.] or less.

  In the clock display of the display unit 88, the hour and the minute are displayed by blinking “-:-”, and the time is determined by pressing the addition SW 90, the subtraction SW 92, and the setting SW 94.

  The power supply control of the hot water heater 42 is executed by, for example, long pressing of the start / stop SW 100, and for example, 2 seconds as the long pressing time in the OFF state of the power supply control, for example, as the set temperature of the ON operation, for example, 85 [° C.] is set, and when the long press time is pressed, for example, 2 [seconds] in the ON state, the OFF state is set. However, the hot water sensor 54 using the thermistor can also use the self-heating characteristic to determine the presence or absence of water and operate the power supply control of the hot water heater 42 to be turned ON / OFF.

  When the power supply control of the hot water heater 42 is shifted from the OFF state to the ON state, the energy saving mode is turned OFF. The same control is performed when returning from the power failure state to the power supply state. However, when the time of the energy saving mode has been set, the time is stored in the storage unit 82.

  The time setting method is executed in the clock display mode, and the time setting method in the energy saving mode is executed in the energy saving time setting mode.

  B Water supply operation

  When the water supply SW 112 is continuously pressed in a press-permitted state (unlocked), the cold water solenoid valve 36 is controlled to be opened and water is supplied. The cold water solenoid valve 36 is controlled to be open only while the water supply SW 112 is being pressed, and does not accept the operation of the hot water SW 108 while the water supply SW 112 is being pressed. Since water supply and hot water supply are not performed simultaneously, safety is ensured.

  C Cold water switching operation

  When the cold water setting SW 106 is continuously pressed, the setting of the cold water temperature is changed. For example, if pressing is continued, the set temperature is changed as follows: 8 [° C.] → 12 [° C.] → 8 [° C.] →.

  D Unlock operation

  When the unlock SW 110 is pressed, the hot water supply SW 108 and the water supply SW 112 are unlocked, and the pressing is permitted. At this time, the unlock display portion 122 set on the unlock SW 110 is lit in red, for example, indicating that the lock is released. This unlocked state is limited, and for example, when there is no operation of hot water supply SW 108 for 10 seconds, the unlocking is invalidated, the unlocking display unit 122 is turned off, and the locked state is displayed.

  If the unlock SW 110 is pressed again during unlocking, the unlocking becomes invalid, and the unlocking display unit 122 is turned off from red to turn into the locked state.

  When the hot water supply SW 108 or the water supply SW 112 is pressed during unlocking, the lock release function becomes invalid 10 seconds after the hot water supply SW 108 or the water supply SW 112 is turned off, and the lock release display unit 122 is turned off.

  E Hot water supply operation

  When hot water supply SW 108 is continuously pressed in the press permission state (unlocked), hot water solenoid valve 50 is controlled to open and hot water is supplied. The hot water solenoid valve 50 is in an open state while the hot water supply SW 108 is continuously pressed. While the hot water supply SW 108 is being pressed, pressing of the water supply SW 112 is not accepted. That is, the hot water supply SW 108 and the water supply SW 112 perform the pre-press priority process.

  F High temperature setting operation

  The high temperature setting SW 104 is heated up to a predetermined high temperature, for example, 93 [° C.], when pressed when the power supply control for the hot water heater 42 is ON and is operated only once. After the boiling, the hot water temperature is set to an appropriate temperature range set to a high temperature until a predetermined temperature, for example, 90 [° C.]. Then, for example, the temperature is set to 85 [° C.] as the predetermined temperature. During the heating, the high temperature display unit 116 is lit in orange, and the heating completion temperature reaches, for example, 93 [° C.], and the buzzer 87 serving as a notification unit at the time of the arrival reaches a predetermined time, for example, 10 seconds. The high temperature display unit 116 is lit in green and the power supply to the hot water heater 42 is shifted to the OFF state. When the temperature is in the high temperature range (˜90 [° C.]), the high temperature display unit 116 is lit.

  If the high temperature setting SW 104 is pressed during high temperature boiling, the high temperature boiling operation is stopped. In addition, after boiling, the power supply to the hot water heater 42 is turned off, and when the high temperature setting SW 104 is pressed again, the water is heated up to 93 [° C.] which is the above-described high temperature. In this case, even when the temperature of the hot water is less than 93 [° C.] or more than 90 [° C.], the high temperature display unit 116 is lit in orange. If the temperature is less than the appropriate temperature range (90 [° C.]) and 85 [° C.] after boiling, the normal temperature display 114 is lit in green to indicate that the temperature is within the appropriate temperature range of 85 [° C.].

  G Energy saving operation

  When the power supply control for the hot water heater 42 is in the OFF state, the pressing of the energy saving SW 96 is not accepted. When the energy saving SW 96 is pressed while the power supply to the hot water heater 42 is ON, the energy saving mode is entered, and the energy saving display unit 124 is lit in orange, indicating that the energy saving mode is being executed. When the energy saving SW 96 is pressed in the energy saving mode, the energy saving mode is canceled and the energy saving display unit 124 is turned off.

  When the energy saving mode is being executed and the time is in the energy saving time zone, energy saving is performed, and the energy saving display unit 124 is lit in green.

  H Timer / clock operation

  When the timer / clock SW 98 is pressed in the clock display state, the display becomes the timer display, and the mode shifts to the timer mode. When the timer / clock SW 98 is pressed in the timer mode, the display becomes a clock display. However, when the timer 83, 84 or 85 is counting down, the countdown is continued.

  I Addition operation, subtraction operation, start / stop operation, setting operation

  When the addition SW 90 and the subtraction SW 92 are continuously pressed during the time change mode and when the timer display is switched, the time and the timer time are changed.

  When the start / stop SW 100 is pressed during the timer display (standby), the timer 83, 84 or 85 is started. When the start / stop SW 100 is pressed during the countdown of the timer 83, 84 or 85, the countdown is stopped, and the countdown is restarted by pressing again.

  When the setting SW 94 is pressed, the confirmation at the time setting and the start of the energy saving mode and the pressing after the start are ended, and switching according to the pressing is performed.

  J Clock display

  The clock display is generated by the ON state of the power source 74, and the time setting mode is set by continuously pressing the timer / clock SW98. The clock display is blinking, and in this state, the display is changed by the addition SW 90 or the subtraction SW 92, and the setting is confirmed by pressing the setting SW 94 or by continuing the no operation state for 10 seconds, for example. When the addition SW 90 is pressed during the time setting mode, 12: 01 → 12: 02 → 12: 03... And 12: 10 → 12: 20 → 12: 30... 13: 00 → 13: 30 → 14: 00 ・ ・ ・ 15: 00 → 16: 00 When the subtraction SW 92 is pressed in the time setting mode, 11: 59 → 11: 58 → 11: 57... 11: 50 → 11: 40 → 11: 30... 11: 00 → 10: 30 → 10:00 ... 9: 00 → 8: 00.

  K timer function

  When the timer / clock SW 98 is pressed, the display unit 88 becomes a timer display. The clock display shows hours and minutes, but the timer display shows minutes and seconds. In this case, the initial setting is 3.00 as described above. The maximum timer time is, for example, 60 [minutes], and the minute display is changed by pressing the addition SW 90 and the subtraction SW 92 during the timer display (standby). When the addition SW 90 is pressed, 3 → 3.30 → 4 → 4.30 → 5 →... 10 → 11, and thereafter, continuously changes up to 60 minutes and is the same as the clock. When the subtraction SW 92 is pressed, 3 → 2.30 → 2 → 1.30 → 1 → 0.30 → 00. When the start / stop SW 100 is pressed, the timer 83, 84 or 85 counts down. Even during the countdown, the minute display can be changed by pressing the addition SW 90 and the subtraction SW 92. When the timer 83, 84 or 85 shifts to 0:00, the buzzer 87 sounds for a predetermined time, for example, 10 seconds.

  L Energy saving time setting

  For example, the energy saving time can be set up to two stages. The time setting method is the same as the time setting. If the first stage or the second stage is set, the energy saving mode is set.

  (1) When the energy saving SW 96 is pressed while the clock display state and the power supply control for the hot water heater 42 are ON, “stage 1” and “start” representing the first stage are displayed on the display unit 88. For example, the time display may be “-:-” for the first time, and the current setting time may be used for the second and subsequent times.

  When the setting SW 94 is pressed in this state, “Stage 2” and “Start”, “Stage 2” and “Stage 2” representing the second stage are displayed on the display unit 88 from “Stage 1” and “End”. Move to “Finish”.

  (2) The time can be set by pressing the addition SW 90 or the subtraction SW 92, and the operation is the same as the time setting.

  (3) The setting contents are confirmed by pressing the setting SW 94. The state returns to the clock display 10 seconds after the operation is completed or no operation is performed during each operation. If the setting is to be canceled (cleared), the setting SW 94 is used to match the stage to be canceled (either start or end), and the addition SW 90 and subtraction SW 92 are simultaneously pressed. At this time, the display becomes “-:-”, and the content can be confirmed by pressing the setting SW 94.

  Next, FIG.5 and FIG.6 is referred about the circulation of the drinking water 4 at the time of purification. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a flow state of the drinking water 4 during the cleaning process, and FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a configuration in the cold water tank 10 as viewed from above. 5 and 6, the same parts as those in FIGS. 1 and 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

  The drinking water 4 in the cold water tank 10 is cleaned using the hot drinking water 4 in the hot water tank 40. That is, the beverage in the cold water tank 10 is utilized between the cold water tank 10 and the hot water tank 40 by utilizing thermal convection caused by the temperature difference between the drinking water 4 in the cold water tank 10 and the drinking water 4 in the hot water tank 40. The temperature of water 4 is raised to the temperature required for cleaning.

  When the bypass valve 62 provided in the bypass pipe 60 is opened and a circulation circuit is formed among the hot water tank 40, the bypass pipe 60, the cold water tank 10, and the water supply pipe 46, the high-temperature drinking water 4 passes through the bypass pipe 60. The cold drinking water 4 in the cold water tank 10 flows into the hot water tank 40 through the water supply pipe 46 (solid arrow A in FIG. 5).

  The cold water sensor 20 for detecting the water temperature in the cold water tank 10 is installed at a position away from the bypass pipe 60 (FIG. 6). Thereby, for example, when a short cycle occurs in which hot water circulates only in a part of the cold water tank 10 and a layer of hot water and cold water is formed in the cold water tank 10, from the measurement time and the detected temperature change, An abnormal circulation of high-temperature water described later can be detected.

  The circulation direction of the hot water by the heat convection is not limited to the direction of the solid line arrow A in FIG. 5, and the hot drinking water 4 passes through the water supply pipe 46 to the cold water tank 10 as shown by the broken line arrow B in FIG. The cold drinking water 4 in the cold water tank 10 may flow into the hot water tank 40 through the bypass pipe 60. Even in such a case, the drinking water 4 in the cold water tank 10 can be cleaned.

  Next, the control operation of the drinking water supply device 2 will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8 are flowcharts showing the processing procedure of the control operation. 7 and 8, A and B are connectors between the flowcharts.

  This processing procedure is a control procedure for purifying the drinking water 4 in the cold water tank 10 according to a predetermined time condition after the initial setting process after turning on the power. It is executed repeatedly while entering.

  For example, the first timer 83 is set to 72 hours as an initial value, for example, as an interval timer for turning on the power of the drinking water supply device 2 and counting the initial setting of each part, etc. Set (step S1) and start the countdown (step S2).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the user or the like has set the time in the energy saving mode (step S3). That is, it is a configuration that is performed when the energy saving mode is executed as the execution timing of the high-temperature water circulation treatment. This energy saving mode is a process for saving energy by changing the temperature setting temperature of cold water and hot water in a time zone when the user does not use the drinking water supply device 2 or the amount of use is small, such as at midnight. As described above, since the drinking water supply device 2 cannot be used during the high-temperature water circulation process, if the high-temperature water circulation process is performed in a time zone where the user usage is small, such as the set time of the energy saving mode, the beverage to the user The supply of water 4 is not hindered and convenience is good.

  When the time of energy saving mode is set (YES in step S3), the current time information is, for example, a built-in clock function connected to the first timer 83 or the timer / clock SW 98 described above or an external clock It is acquired from a clock function or the like, and it is determined whether or not the current time is the time zone of the energy saving mode (step S4). When the current time is the time zone of the energy saving mode (YES in step S4), the process proceeds to determination of whether or not it is the start time of the energy saving mode (step S5). That is, the cleaning by high-temperature water circulation is performed at the timing when the normal mode is switched to the energy saving mode.

  As described above, the high-temperature water circulation process is performed at the timing of switching to the energy-saving mode because the temperature difference between the set temperature in the normal mode and the set temperature in the high-temperature water circulation process is greater than the set temperature in the energy-saving mode and the set temperature in the high-temperature water mode. This is because it is less than the temperature difference. That is, as described above, for the convenience of the user, the drinking water supply device 2 is cleaned during the energy saving mode when the usage amount of the drinking water supply device 2 is small. Since the temperature of the drinking water 4 in the tank 40 is lower than that in the normal mode, the extra heating must be performed accordingly. Therefore, the cleaning process is executed in accordance with the timing of shifting to the energy saving mode. In addition, since a certain time is required for the cleaning process by the high-temperature water circulation, the set time for the energy-saving mode is prevented from ending during the high-temperature water circulation process.

  If it is the start time of the energy saving mode (YES in step S5), it is determined whether or not the interval timer is up (step S6). As described above, with reference to the first timer 83, it is determined whether or not the initial value set in step S1 has elapsed. If the interval timer is up (YES in step S6), high-temperature water circulation processing is performed (step S7), and the process returns to step S3 again.

  If the energy saving time has not been set (NO in step S3), it is determined whether or not the interval timer has expired (step S8). If the time has expired (YES in step S8). ), It is determined whether or not the current time is, for example, 2:00 am as the preset predetermined time P (step S9). That is, the high-temperature water circulation processing when the time setting in the energy saving mode is not performed is configured to be performed at a predetermined time P after the elapse of 3 days (72 hours) set as an initial value. When the current time is the predetermined time P (2 am) (YES in step S9), a high-temperature water circulation process is performed (step S10).

  When the hot water circulation process is completed, as a normal mode, the drinking water 4 in the hot water tank 40 is maintained at the set temperature (step S11), and the drinking water 4 in the cold water tank 10 is maintained at the set temperature ( Step S12).

  If the interval timer is not up (NO in step S8), or if the time is up but the predetermined time P is not reached (NO in step S9), the process proceeds to step S11 as the normal mode.

  In addition, when the energy saving mode is set (YES in step S3) and not in the energy saving mode time zone (NO in step S4) or not in the energy saving mode (NO in step S13), The process proceeds to step S11.

  Further, even in the energy saving time zone (YES in step S4), when high-temperature water circulation is not performed (NO in step S5 or NO in step S6), the energy saving SW 96 is pressed, and the energy saving execution input is input. If it is determined (YES in step S13), the mode is shifted to the energy saving mode, the drinking water 4 in the hot water tank 40 is managed at the set temperature of the energy saving mode (step S14), and the drinking water 4 in the cold water tank 10 is also managed. Is controlled to the set temperature of the energy saving mode (step S15).

  In the temperature management in the normal mode, the hot water tank 40 measures the water temperature with the hot water sensor 54 and operates the hot water heater 42 as necessary so that the temperature set by the display / operation unit 68 is maintained. 10, the water temperature is measured by the cold water sensor 20 to control the operation of the compressor 24.

  In the energy saving mode, the temperature of the drinking water 4 in the hot water tank 40 is managed at a predetermined temperature lower than that in the normal mode, and the temperature of the drinking water 4 in the cold water tank 10 is managed at a predetermined temperature higher than that in the normal mode. . Thereby, in the temperature management of the drinking water 4, the operation time of the hot water heater 42 and the compressor 24 is shortened to save energy, and the low temperature and high temperature drinking water 4 can be supplied even in the energy saving mode. is there.

  Next, the control shifts to control related to a request for water supply or hot water supply (FIG. 8).

  It is determined whether or not a water supply input has been made in both the normal mode and the energy saving mode (step S16). The determination of the water supply input is made based on, for example, detection of whether or not the water supply SW 112 is pressed. If the water supply input has been made (YES in step S16), the process proceeds to the determination of whether or not the temperature is a water supply possible temperature (step S17). The water supply possible temperature is a temperature preset in the drinking water supply device 2. For example, when a water supply request is made immediately after the high-temperature water circulation operation, there is a possibility that high-temperature drinking water 4 unexpected by the user may come out of the cold water supply port 38. When the cold water sensor 20 detects that there is, water supply is disabled.

  When the drinking water 4 in the cold water tank 10 is at a temperature that allows water supply (YES in step S17), the cold water electromagnetic valve 36 is opened to supply water (step S18), and the count time of the interval timer is set to a predetermined time. Increase Tx (step S19). For example, the predetermined time Tx may be increased according to the number of water supply requests, the amount of drinking water 4 supplied, and the like. That is, the cleaning of the drinking water 4 in the cold water tank 10 is performed in order to prevent the water quality from changing because the low temperature drinking water 4 is not used for a long period of time and stays in the cold water tank 10. As the predetermined time, for example, the cleaning process is performed every 72 hours by high-temperature water circulation. However, if water supply is performed, the drinking water 4 does not stagnate in the cold water tank 10. Therefore, for example, the interval time of the cleaning process may be increased according to the number of water supply requests, the supply amount of the drinking water 4, and the like.

  Moreover, although it is not water supply possible temperature (NO of step S17), for example, when lock release SW110 is pushed down by a user's operation (YES of step S20), you may enable water supply.

  If no water supply input has been made (NO in step S16), or if the temperature is not water supply possible (NO in step S17) and the lock has not been released (NO in step S20), whether or not a hot water supply input has been made (Step S21). In this determination, for example, it is determined by detecting whether or not the hot water supply SW 108 is pressed by the user.

  In the hot water supply process, it is determined whether or not the lock is released (step S22), hot water is supplied (step S23), and the process returns to step S3 again. Moreover, also when the hot water supply input is not made (NO in step S21) or when the lock is not released (NO in step S22), the process returns to step S3.

  The initial value of the interval timer, the energy saving start time, and the hot water circulation treatment start time other than the energy saving time are examples that are set in advance in the drinking water supply device 2 and are arbitrarily set by the user, Or it can be changed.

  Next, FIG. 9 is referred about the cleaning process of the drinking water 4 using a high temperature water circulation. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a cleaning processing procedure by high-temperature water circulation, which is a subroutine.

  When the cleaning process by the high-temperature water circulation of this drinking water supply device will be described generally, the temperature of the drinking water 4 in the cold water tank 10 is set as the cleaning temperature Tw, for example, at a temperature of 85 ° C. or more, as the cleaning time X, For example, it is maintained for 30 minutes (step S113 to step S114). In order to maintain the drinking water 4 in the cold water tank 10 at the above temperature, the temperature of the drinking water 4 in the hot water tank 40 on the heating side is maintained at, for example, 93 ° C. or more as the predetermined temperature Th (step S109 to step S110). ).

  In addition, as an abnormality determination of the cleaning process, when the temperature of the drinking water 4 in the cold water tank 10 does not reach the cleaning temperature Tw even after the predetermined time Xe has passed, a notification of an abnormality in the high-temperature water circulation is performed (step) S101 to step S102, step S112, step S115 to step S116).

  Therefore, the hot water circulation operation will be described in the order of each step.

  When the operation of circulating hot water starts, for example, the second timer 84 is reset as an abnormality determination timer (step S101) and started (step S102).

  Next, in order to raise the temperature of the drinking water 4 in the cold water tank 10, the compressor 24 which is a cooling means of the drinking water 4 is stopped (step S103), and power supply control to the hot water heater 42 is turned on (step S103). S104), the drinking water 4 in the hot water tank 40 is heated. Then, by detecting the temperature of the hot water sensor 54, it is determined whether or not the temperature of the drinking water 4 in the hot water tank 40 is, for example, 90 ° C. or more as the predetermined temperature Tb (step S105). This determination of 90 ° C. is the high temperature side preparation temperature for generating thermal convection, and it can also be confirmed whether or not the hot water heater 42 functions as a heating means for the high temperature water circulation process.

  As a result of the determination, when the temperature of the drinking water 4 in the hot water tank 40 is equal to or higher than the predetermined temperature Tb (YES in Step S105), the bypass valve 62 provided in the bypass pipe 60 is opened (Step S106), A circulation circuit is formed. Then, as a circulation timer for measuring the cleaning time X, for example, the third timer 85 is reset (step S107) and started (step S108).

  Next, it is determined by detection by the hot water sensor 54 whether or not the drinking water 4 in the hot water tank 40 is equal to or higher than the predetermined temperature Th (step S109), and when the predetermined temperature Th is 93 ° C. or higher, for example (step S109). In step S110, the hot water heater 42 is stopped (step S110). When the predetermined temperature Th is not reached (NO in step S109), the hot water heater 42 is operated (step S111).

  Further, the second timer 84, which is an abnormality determination timer, determines whether, for example, two hours have elapsed as the predetermined time Xe from the start of the high-temperature water circulation operation (step S102) (step S112). If the predetermined time Xe has not elapsed (NO in step S112), the cold water sensor 20 determines whether the temperature of the drinking water 4 in the cold water tank 10 is equal to or higher than the cleaning temperature Tw (step). S113). If the temperature is not equal to or higher than the cleaning temperature Tw (NO in step S113), the process returns to step S107. If the temperature is equal to or higher than the cleaning temperature Tw (YES in step S113), the cleaning starts from the measurement start of the circulation timer (step S108). The process proceeds to determination of whether or not the time X has elapsed (step S114). Then, steps S109 to S114 are repeated until the drinking water 4 in the cold water tank 10 is equal to or higher than the cleaning temperature Tw and the cleaning time X has elapsed (NO in step S114).

  By the way, when the temperature of the drinking water 4 in the hot water tank 40 is lower than the predetermined temperature Tb in step S105 (NO in step S105), it is determined whether or not the predetermined time Xe has elapsed by the abnormality determination timer. (Step S115) If the Xe time has not elapsed (NO in Step S115), the process returns to Step S105. If the Xe time has already elapsed (YES in Step S115), the hot water heater 42 is abnormal. It is determined that there is a hot water circulation abnormality notification process (step S116).

  Further, in step S112, when the predetermined time Xe has elapsed by the abnormality determination timer (YES in step S112), that is, even if the Xe time has elapsed since the transition to the high-temperature water circulation operation, the drinking water 4 in the cold water tank 10 is used. On the other hand, even when the condition of the cleaning time X cannot be satisfied at the cleaning temperature Tw, for example, in addition to the abnormality of the bypass pipe 60 and the bypass valve 62, the hot water is in a short cycle state in the cold water tank 10. For example, the abnormality notification in step S116 is performed on the assumption that the high-temperature water circulation is abnormal.

  When it is determined by the circulation timer that the predetermined time X has elapsed for high-temperature water circulation (YES in step S114), or when abnormality notification processing (step S116) is performed, the bypass provided in the bypass pipe 60 The valve 62 is closed (step S117). Then, an initial value is set in the interval timer (step S118), countdown is started (step S119), and the hot water circulation operation is terminated.

  With such a configuration, the drinking water 4 in the cold water tank 10 can be maintained at a temperature suitable for cleaning with a simple configuration, and if it does not reach the required temperature even after a predetermined time has passed, it is cleaned. Since it is notified that there is an abnormality in the purification process, a sufficient cleaning process can be performed.

[Other Embodiments]

  (1) In the above embodiment, the cleaning start condition is determined based on whether or not the energy saving mode is set and the time measured by the interval timer. For example, when the energy saving mode is set, The number of executions of the energy saving mode may be counted, and after a predetermined number of times of energy saving, cleaning may be performed in accordance with the transition to the next energy saving mode.

  (2) Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the execution interval of the cleaning process is timed by the 1st timer 83 which is an interval timer, for example, when the drinking water supply apparatus 2 stops by a power failure etc., a power failure Time information measured up to the time point may be stored, and when power feeding is started, the remaining time may be counted down from the stored time information.

As described above, the most preferable embodiment and the like of the present invention have been described. However, the present invention is not limited to the above description, and is described in the claims or disclosed in the specification. It goes without saying that various modifications and changes can be made by those skilled in the art based on the above gist, and such modifications and changes are included in the scope of the present invention.

The present invention relates to a cleaning process of a drinking water supply apparatus that cools and heats drinking water, can be cleaned with a simpler configuration, and can be cleaned at a timing that does not hinder the use of the user, In addition to improving user convenience, cost savings can be achieved. Furthermore, by maintaining the water in the drinking water supply device at a predetermined cleaning temperature, and if the predetermined cleaning conditions are not satisfied even after a predetermined time has passed, by notifying the cleaning abnormality, User safety can be ensured and useful.

It is a figure which shows the outline of the drinking water supply apparatus which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the external appearance structure of a drinking water supply apparatus. It is a figure which shows the structural example of a control apparatus. It is a figure which shows an example of the display and operation part of a drinking water supply apparatus. It is a figure which shows an example of the flow of the drinking water at the time of a cleaning process. It is a figure which shows the structure in a cold water tank. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence in control operation. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence in control operation. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of the cleaning by the hot water circulation which is a subroutine.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 2 Drinking water supply apparatus 3 Case 4 Drinking water 6 Gallon bottle 8 Water receiving port 10 Cold water tank 20 Cold water sensor 22 Cooling device 40 Hot water tank 42 Hot water heater 46 Water supply pipe 54 Hot water sensor 64 Control apparatus 83 1st timer 84 2nd timer Timer 85 Third timer 104 High temperature setting switch

Claims (7)

A drinking water supply device that provides a hot water by cooling the drinking water supplied from the drinking water container by installing a drinking water container and heating the drinking water,
A first tank for storing the drinking water supplied from the drinking water container;
Cooling means for cooling the drinking water in the first tank;
A separation plate installed in the first tank and separating the drinking water in the first tank into an upper layer portion and a lower layer portion;
A second tank disposed under the first tank and storing the drinking water supplied from the drinking water container;
Heating means for heating the drinking water in the second tank;
A water supply pipe that is opened on the upper surface of the separation plate and is inserted into the second tank, and supplies the drinking water that falls to the separation plate from a water receiving port to the second tank;
First temperature detecting means for detecting the temperature of the drinking water in the first tank;
Second temperature detecting means for detecting the temperature of the drinking water in the second tank;
A bypass pipe installed between the first tank and the second tank and provided with an on-off valve;
During the cleaning operation, the cooling means is stopped, the heating means is operated, the on-off valve is opened, and the first and second tanks are circulated through the bypass pipe and the water supply pipe. Control means for circulating the hot water from the second tank to the first tank side by controlling the temperature of the hot water above a predetermined temperature;
A drinking water supply device comprising: The drinking water supply apparatus according to claim 1,
The control means controls to open the on-off valve when a start temperature of a value necessary for starting the cleaning is set and the detected temperature of the second temperature detecting means has reached the start temperature. A drinking water supply device. The drinking water supply apparatus according to claim 1,
The control means includes time measuring means for measuring a time from opening to closing of the on-off valve as a time during which the drinking water in the first tank circulates while maintaining a state of a predetermined temperature or more. When the on-off valve is opened, the time measuring means starts measuring time, and when the detected temperature of the first temperature detecting means reaches a predetermined value, the time measuring means keeps measuring the time, When the temperature falls below a predetermined value, the timekeeping means resets the timekeeping and restarts the timekeeping, and when the temperature detected by the second temperature detecting means falls below the predetermined value, The drinking water supply apparatus, wherein the heating means is operated and the on-off valve is closed when the timing means measures a predetermined time. The drinking water supply apparatus according to claim 1,
The control means monitors the start time of the cleaning operation, monitors the passage of a predetermined time from the end of the cleaning operation, and after the predetermined time has elapsed from the end of the cleaning operation, The drinking water supply device is characterized in that the cleaning operation is started upon arrival. The drinking water supply apparatus according to claim 4,
The control means monitors the supply frequency of the drinking water in the first tank, and increases or decreases the predetermined time from the end of the cleaning operation to the next cleaning operation according to the supply frequency. A drinking water supply device characterized by the above. In the drinking water supply device according to claim 1, 4 or 5,
The control means sets a first operation mode for managing the drinking water at a predetermined temperature, and a second operation mode for managing the drinking water at a temperature closer to room temperature than the predetermined temperature, The drinking water supply apparatus, wherein the cleaning operation is executed in accordance with the timing of transition to the second mode. The drinking water supply apparatus according to claim 2,
The control means includes a time measuring means for measuring the execution time of the cleaning operation, sets a time limit for the execution time timed by the time measuring means, and detects the second temperature detection means within the time limit. An abnormality notification is output when the temperature does not reach the start temperature.

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