JP2010052745A - Water server - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a water server extending the life of an ultraviolet lamp while a necessary and sufficient sterilization is collaterally ensured by turning on the ultraviolet lamp in relation to a water obtaining operation. <P>SOLUTION: When a water intake switch is turned on, a water intake time value is measured by a water intake timer. When the water intake time value is a set water intake time value or more, the ultraviolet lamp is turned on for a time t3, and when the water intake time value is less than the set water intake time value, lighting a light is prohibited. Even when lighting the light is prohibited, the water intake time value within the prohibited period is successively integrated, and when the integrated water intake time value is the set integrated water intake time value or more, the ultraviolet lamp is turned on for the time t3. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a water server that can supply water filled in a container such as a water bottle to a tank and supply it as drinking water, and more particularly, to a technology related to a lighting control of an ultraviolet lamp for sterilizing water in the tank. .

  Conventionally, a water server is also referred to as a “dispenser”, and water is supplied to a built-in tank from a water bottle that is replaceably mounted, and this is cooled and maintained in a cold water state by a user lever operation or cock operation. Some supply cold water for drinking.

  Patent Document 1 describes that, in a desktop chiller, a sterilizing lamp is provided in a water supply channel in a water storage tank, and water is sterilized by irradiating ultraviolet rays with the sterilizing lamp. In this device, the sterilization lamp is turned on for a predetermined time at each predetermined timing when the chiller is turned on, when water is supplied from the water supply port, and immediately after the water supply is stopped. It is disclosed that the light is repeatedly turned on for a predetermined time by the output from the circuit, and in addition, the repeated light-up timer is reset every time the water supply switch is opened and closed.

  Further, in Patent Document 2, in an ultraviolet sterilization apparatus for sterilizing water in a sterilization tank by irradiating with ultraviolet rays from an ultraviolet lamp, the temperature of water irradiated with ultraviolet rays is detected by a temperature sensor, and depending on whether the detected temperature is high or low. It is described that it is determined whether or not the water is in a water-passing state and the ultraviolet lamp is turned off when it is determined that the water is not passing through (for example, Patent Document 2).

Japanese Utility Model Publication No.59-143288 Japanese Patent Application No. 10-211488

  By the way, an ultraviolet lamp is installed in the tank for storing water for sterilization, and the ultraviolet lamp is turned on every time the water in the tank is taken by the user, that is, in conjunction with the water intake operation such as opening the intake valve. When water intake interlocking lighting is performed to turn on the ultraviolet lamp, there may be a problem that the material of the light receiving portion is deteriorated due to the ultraviolet irradiation more than necessary and the life of the ultraviolet lamp is shortened. In other words, when the intake-linked lighting is executed uniformly, for example, when a short-time intake in which a very small amount of intake operation (the intake valve is opened for a very short time) is repeated, or when the intake operation (intake valve is turned off) When the intake water is used frequently such that the opening and closing operation is repeated many times within a short period of time, the number of times the UV lamp is turned on or the cumulative lighting time increases, resulting in an early life. become. Here, since the life of the ultraviolet lamp is considerably shorter than the equipment life of the water server, there is a demand for the development of a measure capable of extending the life of the ultraviolet lamp while ensuring necessary and sufficient sterilization.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, the purpose of which is to ensure the necessary and sufficient sterilization by lighting the ultraviolet lamp in connection with the water intake operation, The object is to provide a water server capable of extending the life of the ultraviolet lamp.

  In order to achieve the above object, according to the first aspect of the present invention, a storage tank that is constituted by a sealed container and receives and stores water from a higher level by a water head difference, and can be switched between open and closed so that the storage is performed. An open / close switching valve that takes water from the tank and supplies it to the outside, one or a plurality of ultraviolet lamps that are lit to sterilize the water in the storage tank by irradiating with ultraviolet rays, The following specific items are provided for a water server provided with a control means for controlling turning off. That is, as the control means, at least one ultraviolet lamp is turned on according to the amount of replacement water that is newly supplied into the storage tank by water intake based on the open conversion of the open / close switching valve and is replaced with the previous stored water. A water intake linkage control unit is provided. Then, as the water intake linkage control unit, the ultraviolet light is turned on if the replacement water amount grasped for each water intake is equal to or greater than the set replacement water amount, and the ultraviolet light is prohibited from being turned on if the replacement water amount is less than the set replacement water amount. (Claim 1). Here, the above-mentioned “water” includes not only fresh water represented by mineral water, but also drinking water such as tea and juice.

  In the case of the first aspect of the invention, since the lighting is prohibited if the replacement water amount is less than the set replacement water amount, the water intake interlocking lighting in which the on / off switching valve is lit uniformly at every opening conversion in conjunction with the opening conversion. Compared with the case of performing, it is possible to significantly reduce the number of times of ultraviolet irradiation (lighting number) by the ultraviolet lamp. For this reason, by reducing the number of times the UV lamp is lit and the corresponding reduction in the lighting time, even if the water server usage period is the same, the cumulative number of times the UV lamp is lit and the cumulative lighting time within that period can be reduced. It becomes possible to make it less, and it becomes possible to extend the lifetime of an ultraviolet lamp significantly. In addition, it is possible to surely sterilize germs that may be mixed due to the user's water intake operation by the water intake linkage control that turns on when the amount of replacement water by one water intake exceeds the set replacement water amount. It is possible to maintain a longer lifetime of the ultraviolet lamp for lighting in conjunction with water intake while ensuring necessary and sufficient sterilization of the stored water in the storage tank.

  As the water intake linkage control unit in the present invention, a configuration is further provided in which the replacement water amount grasped during the period during which the lighting is prohibited is integrated, and the ultraviolet lamp is lit for a certain period of time when the integrated total replacement water amount is equal to or greater than a set integrated replacement water amount. You may make it add (Claim 2). By doing in this way, even if the amount of replacement water in each water intake is less than the set replacement water amount and the lighting of the ultraviolet lamp is prohibited, the integrated replacement water amount obtained by integrating the replacement water amount is the set integrated replacement water amount. If it becomes above, an ultraviolet lamp will be turned on and sterilization will be performed. Thereby, the necessity and sufficient sterilization with respect to the stored water in a storage tank can be ensured still more reliably reflecting the diversity of a user's water intake operation | movement.

  The second invention or the third invention embodies the first invention described above. That is, in the second aspect of the invention, the storage tank is configured by a sealed container and receives and stores water supplied from the upper position by the water head difference, and can be switched between open and closed so that water is taken from the storage tank. An open / close switching valve for supplying the outside, one or a plurality of ultraviolet lamps that are lit to sterilize the water in the storage tank by irradiating with ultraviolet rays, and control means for controlling lighting / extinguishing of the ultraviolet lamps The following specific items are provided for water servers equipped with: That is, it is assumed that the control means includes a water intake linkage control unit that turns on at least one ultraviolet lamp according to the water intake time during which water intake is performed by opening conversion of the open / close switching valve. And, as the water intake linkage control unit, a water intake timer for measuring the water intake time value generated for each water intake is provided, and if the water intake time value measured by the water intake timer is equal to or greater than the set water intake time value, the ultraviolet light is turned on for a certain period of time. On the other hand, if the water intake time value is less than the set water intake time value, the ultraviolet lamp is turned off (Claim 3).

  In the case of the second aspect of the invention, the amount of water taken in by the open conversion of the on / off switching valve, that is, the replacement water amount in the storage tank replaced by this water intake, is the time value that water intake from the on / off switching valve is continued, that is, the water intake There is a correspondence relationship with the time value, and it is possible to grasp the amount of replacement water by grasping this water intake time value. Then, if the water intake time value corresponding to the replacement water amount is less than the set water intake time value, lighting is prohibited. Accordingly, the light is uniformly turned on every open conversion in conjunction with the open conversion of the open / close switching valve. Compared with the case where the water intake interlocking lighting is performed, it is possible to significantly reduce the number of times of ultraviolet irradiation (lighting number) by the ultraviolet lamp. For this reason, as in the first aspect of the invention, the number of times the ultraviolet lamp is turned on and the accompanying lighting time are reduced, so that even if the elapsed time period of use of the water server is the same, It is possible to reduce the cumulative number of times of lighting and the cumulative lighting time, thereby significantly extending the life of the ultraviolet lamp. In addition, it is possible to reliably sterilize miscellaneous germs that may be mixed due to the user's water intake operation by the water intake linkage control that turns on when the water intake time value of one water intake operation exceeds the set water intake time value. It becomes possible, and it becomes possible to keep the lifetime of the ultraviolet lamp for lighting in conjunction with water intake longer while ensuring necessary and sufficient sterilization of the stored water in the storage tank.

  Further, the water intake linkage control unit according to the second aspect of the invention further includes an integration counter that integrates the water intake time value when the water intake time value measured by the water intake timer is less than the set water intake time value. If the integrated water intake time value integrated by the integrated counter becomes equal to or greater than the set integrated water intake time value during the period in which lighting is prohibited after the lamp is turned on, a configuration can be added in which the ultraviolet lamp is lit for a certain period of time. . By doing in this way, even if the water intake time value in each water intake is less than the set water intake time value and the lighting of the ultraviolet lamp is prohibited, the integrated water intake time value obtained by integrating the water intake time value is When the set cumulative water intake time is exceeded, the ultraviolet lamp is turned on and sterilization is performed. As a result, as in the case of claim 2, the necessary and sufficient sterilization of the stored water in the storage tank can be ensured more reliably, reflecting the diversity of water intake operations of the user.

  In the third aspect of the present invention, the storage tank is constituted by a sealed container and receives and stores water from the upper side by a water head difference. An open / close switching valve for supplying to the tank, one or a plurality of ultraviolet lamps that are sterilized by irradiating the water in the storage tank with ultraviolet rays, and control means for controlling the lighting / extinction of the ultraviolet lamps. The following specific items were provided for the water server provided. That is, the control means includes a water intake linkage control unit that turns on at least one ultraviolet lamp according to the amount of water flow when water intake is performed by opening conversion of the opening / closing switching valve. The water intake linkage control unit includes a water flow measurement processing unit that measures a water flow generated for each water intake, and the ultraviolet light is turned on if the water flow measured by the water flow measurement processing unit is greater than or equal to a set water flow. While turning on for a certain period of time, if the water flow rate is less than the set water flow rate, the ultraviolet lamp is turned off (Claim 5).

  In the case of the third aspect of the invention, the amount of water intake based on the open conversion of the on / off switching valve, that is, the amount of replacement water in the storage tank replaced by this water intake has a corresponding relationship with the amount of water flowed when taking water from the on / off switching valve. By grasping this amount of water flow, it becomes possible to grasp the amount of replacement water. Then, if the water flow rate corresponding to the replacement water flow is less than the set water flow, lighting is prohibited, and accordingly, water intake is performed in a uniform manner at each open conversion in conjunction with the open conversion of the open / close switching valve. Compared with the case where interlocked lighting is performed, the number of times of ultraviolet irradiation (lighting number) by the ultraviolet lamp can be greatly reduced. For this reason, as in the first aspect of the invention, the number of times the ultraviolet lamp is turned on and the accompanying lighting time are reduced, so that even if the elapsed time period of use of the water server is the same, It is possible to reduce the cumulative number of times of lighting and the cumulative lighting time, thereby significantly extending the life of the ultraviolet lamp. In addition, it is possible to reliably sterilize germs that may be mixed due to the user's water intake operation by the water intake linkage control that turns on when the water flow rate by one water intake operation exceeds the set water flow rate. Thus, it is possible to maintain a longer lifetime of the ultraviolet lamp for lighting in conjunction with water intake while ensuring necessary and sufficient sterilization of the stored water in the storage tank.

  Further, in the third aspect of the present invention, as the water intake linkage control unit, a water flow rate integration process for integrating the water flow rate when the water flow rate measured by the water flow rate measurement processing unit is less than a set water flow rate. A configuration is added to turn on the UV lamp for a certain period of time if the accumulated water flow accumulated by the water flow accumulation processing unit exceeds the set accumulated water flow during the period when lighting was prohibited after the previous UV light was turned on. (Claim 6). By doing in this way, even if the amount of water flow in each water intake is less than the set water flow rate and the lighting of the ultraviolet light is prohibited, the integrated water flow rate obtained by integrating the water flow rate is the set integrated water flow rate. If it becomes above, an ultraviolet lamp will be turned on and sterilization will be performed. As a result, as in the case of claim 2, the necessary and sufficient sterilization of the stored water in the storage tank can be ensured more reliably, reflecting the diversity of water intake operations of the user.

  Furthermore, in each of the above-described inventions, the intake tank is provided with a water intake path that opens into the storage tank and the upstream end opens, and the open / close switching valve is provided at the downstream end of the water intake path. By the lighting, it is possible to arrange such that ultraviolet light is irradiated to both the internal space of the storage tank and the internal space up to the downstream end of the water intake path (Claim 7). By doing so, in addition to the sterilization of water in the storage tank in addition to the sterilization of the water in the storage tank by turning on the ultraviolet light, it is possible to surely sterilize the water in the water intake route, further ensuring the necessary and sufficient sterilization. It becomes possible to make it.

  As described above, according to the water server of any one of claims 1, 2, and 7, the ultraviolet lamp is turned on according to the amount of replacement water in the storage tank that is generated based on water intake by open conversion of the on-off switching valve. If the amount of replacement water by one water intake is less than the set replacement water amount, it is prohibited to turn on the UV lamp. Compared to the case where the water intake is linked to the uniform lighting, the number of times of ultraviolet irradiation by the ultraviolet lamp can be greatly reduced. For this reason, by reducing the number of times the UV lamp is lit and the corresponding reduction in the lighting time, even if the water server usage period is the same, the cumulative number of times the UV lamp is lit and the cumulative lighting time within that period can be reduced. The life of the UV lamp can be greatly extended. Moreover, since the ultraviolet light is turned on when the amount of replacement water after one water intake exceeds the set amount of replacement water, it is possible to reliably sterilize germs that may be mixed due to the user's water intake operation. The life of the ultraviolet lamp for lighting in conjunction with water intake can be kept longer while ensuring the necessary and sufficient sterilization of the stored water in the storage tank.

  In particular, according to claim 2, even if the replacement water amount in each intake is less than the set replacement water amount, and even if the lighting of the ultraviolet lamp is prohibited, the integrated replacement water amount obtained by integrating the replacement water amount is the set integrated replacement amount. If the amount of water exceeds the level, the UV lamp can be turned on to perform sterilization. This ensures the necessary and sufficient sterilization of the stored water in the storage tank, reflecting the diversity of user water intake operations. Can be secured.

  According to any one of the third, fourth, and seventh water servers, the amount of water taken in by the open conversion of the on / off switching valve, that is, the amount of water in the storage tank replaced by this water intake is calculated as the water intake time value. Thus, it is possible to easily perform water intake linkage control according to the amount of the replacement water by grasping the water intake time value. If the water intake time value corresponding to the replacement water amount is less than the set water intake time value, the ultraviolet lamp is prohibited from being turned on. Compared to the case of water-incorporated lighting that is lit at a time, the number of times of UV irradiation with UV lamps can be greatly reduced. For this reason, the number of times that UV lamps are lit and the associated lighting time are reduced. Even if the water server usage period is the same, the cumulative number of UV lamps and the cumulative lighting time within that period can be reduced, thereby significantly extending the life of the UV lamp. It becomes like this. In addition, since the lighting is performed when the water intake time value of one water intake operation is equal to or greater than the set water intake time value, it is possible to reliably sterilize germs that may be mixed due to the user's water intake operation. This makes it possible to maintain a longer life of the ultraviolet lamp for lighting in conjunction with water intake while ensuring necessary and sufficient sterilization of the stored water in the storage tank.

  In particular, according to claim 4, even if the water intake time value in each water intake is less than the set water intake time value and the lighting of the ultraviolet lamp is prohibited, the integrated water intake time value obtained by integrating the water intake time value Can be sterilized by turning on the ultraviolet lamp, and thus, in the same manner as in claim 2, reflecting the diversity of the user's water intake operation, Necessary and sufficient sterilization of the stored water can be ensured more reliably.

  Further, according to any one of the fifth, sixth, and seventh water servers, the intake water amount based on the open conversion of the open / close switching valve, that is, the replacement water amount in the storage tank replaced by the intake water is drawn from the open / close switching valve. It is possible to ascertain the amount of water that is passed through, and it is possible to easily perform water intake linkage control according to the amount of the substituted water by grasping the amount of such water. Since the lighting is prohibited if the water flow amount corresponding to the replacement water amount is less than the set water flow amount, the water intake that lights uniformly at every open conversion in conjunction with the open conversion of the open / close switching valve. Compared to linked lighting, the number of times of UV irradiation with UV lamps can be greatly reduced. For this reason, the use of water servers is reduced by reducing the number of times UV lamps are lit and the corresponding lighting time. Even if the elapsed period is the same, the cumulative number of times of lighting and the cumulative lighting time of the ultraviolet lamp within the period can be further reduced, and thereby the life of the ultraviolet lamp can be greatly extended. In addition, since it is turned on when the water flow rate by one water intake operation exceeds the set water flow rate, it is possible to reliably sterilize germs that may be mixed due to the user's water intake operation, The lifetime of the ultraviolet lamp for lighting in conjunction with water intake can be kept longer while ensuring necessary and sufficient sterilization of the stored water in the storage tank.

  In particular, according to the sixth aspect, even if the water flow rate for each water intake is less than the set water flow rate and the lighting of the ultraviolet lamp is prohibited, the integrated water flow rate obtained by integrating the water flow rate is the set integrated flow rate. If the amount of water exceeds the level, the UV lamp can be turned on to perform sterilization. As in the case of claim 2, the need for the stored water in the storage tank reflects the diversity of the user's water intake operation. -Sufficient sterilization can be secured even more reliably.

  Furthermore, according to the seventh aspect, by turning on the ultraviolet lamp, it becomes possible to irradiate both the internal space of the storage tank and the internal space up to the downstream end of the water intake passage with ultraviolet rays. Thereby, in addition to the sterilization of the water in the storage tank, the sterilization of the water in the water intake path can be performed reliably, and the necessary and sufficient sterilization can be further ensured.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 shows an apparatus configuration of a water server according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, reference numeral 1 denotes a housing as an exterior, 2 denotes a cold water tank as a storage tank, 3 denotes a water bottle that is detachably mounted on the upper side of the cold water tank 2 and serves as a water supply source to the cold water tank 2, 4 is a refrigeration circuit for cooling the water in the cold water tank 2, 5 is a hot water tank that receives the supply of water through the cold water tank 2, 6 is a heater that heats the water in the hot water tank 5, and 7 is an ultraviolet lamp described later. It is a controller as a control means for controlling the operation of the water server including control of turning on and off of 28 and 29. Here, the “water” that is supplied to and stored in this water server and is made into cold water or hot water and used for the water intake operation by the user is not limited to mineral water, but is generally used for beverages such as tea. It is a general term.

  A connecting recess 11 for attaching the water bottle 3 is formed in the central portion of the upper surface of the housing 1. This connection recessed part 11 is provided with the communicating cylinder part 12 which protrudes upwards along the central axis while it has the inner surface shape which can be fitted in the state which reversed the neck part 31 of the water bottle 3 upside down. By inserting the neck portion 31 from the top to the bottom with the water bottle 3 upside down with respect to the connecting recess 11, the communicating tube portion 12 is inserted upward into the neck portion 31 of the water bottle 3, so that the water The water bottle 3 and the cold water tank 2 are connected to each other with the bottle 3 and the cold water tank 2 being in communication with each other. Further, a cup storage (not shown) for receiving two kinds of cold water and hot water is formed in the middle position on the front surface of the housing 1, and the cold water and hot water intakes 271 and 521 are provided above the cup storage. Is arranged. In addition, a cold water intake switch 14 for taking out cold water and a hot water intake switch 15 for taking out hot water are disposed in front of the upper position of the cup storage.

  The cold water tank 2 is a container opened upward, and a lid 21 that also serves as a light shielding plate is fitted into the upper end opening of the container via a packing or the like and sealed. A substantially central portion of the lid 21 is a recess 22 that can be fitted to the connection recess 11 from below, and a through-hole through which the communication tube portion 12 is inserted is formed at the center of the recess 22. . Further, a baffle plate 23 extending in the horizontal direction is disposed at a predetermined level position in the cold water tank 2, and a connecting pipe 24 is connected so that the upstream end is open to the center position of the baffle plate 23. The downstream end of the connection pipe 24 communicates with the bottom of the hot water tank 5. And the cold water intake pipe 26 is extended from the pool part 25 formed concavely with respect to the bottom part of the cold water tank 2 to the upper position of the cup storage place of the housing 1, and the opening / closing installed in the downstream end side of the cold water intake pipe 26 When the cold water intake valve 27 as a switching valve is opened, the cold water in the cold water tank 2 is discharged from the intake port 271. The cold water intake valve 27 is constituted by an electromagnetic open / close control valve, and is normally maintained in a closed state. When the user performs an ON operation (for example, a pressing operation) on the intake switch 14, the controller receives an output of the operation signal. When the water intake switch 14 is turned off (for example, a pressure releasing operation), the original closed state is switched. Further, a plurality of ultraviolet lamps 28 and 29 are installed in the cold water tank 2 for sterilization, and the water stored therein is sterilized by the irradiation of ultraviolet rays by turning on the ultraviolet lamps 28 and 29. . The lower end of one of the ultraviolet lamps 28 extends into the pool 25 so that it can illuminate the inside of the cold water intake pipe 26.

  More specifically, one ultraviolet lamp 28 is used for water intake linkage, and the other ultraviolet lamp 29 is used for regular lighting (use setting), and both ultraviolet lamps 28 and 29 are in accordance with each other's role. The lighting is controlled by the controller 7 as will be described later. Here, as shown in FIG. 2, the cold water intake pipe 26 serving as a water intake path is extended in a straight line from the reservoir 25 to the cold water intake valve 27. The upstream end 261 of the cold water intake pipe 26 opens and communicates with the reservoir 25 from the side, and the downstream end 262 constitutes a valve seat on which the valve body 272 is seated opposite to the valve body 272 of the cold water intake valve 27. is doing. Then, the lower end portion of the ultraviolet lamp 28 is inserted into the reservoir 25 from the top to the bottom, and the ultraviolet rays irradiated from the ultraviolet lamp 28 extend in a straight line through the internal space of the cold water intake pipe 26 and the valve body of the cold water intake valve 27. The positional relationship between the ultraviolet lamp 28, the cold water intake pipe 26, and the cold water intake valve 27 is set so as to hit the 272. That is, when a part of the ultraviolet lamp 28 is opposed to the valve body 272 via the internal space of the cold water intake pipe 26 and the ultraviolet lamp 28 is turned on, the ultraviolet light from the ultraviolet lamp 28 enters the internal space of the cold water tank 2. Irradiates not only the stored cold water but also the entire internal space from the upstream end 261 in the cold water intake pipe 26 to the downstream end 262 (position near the cold water intake 271) of the valve body 272 position of the cold water intake valve 27. Thus, the cold water existing in the internal space of the cold water intake pipe 26 is also sterilized.

  The water bottle 3 is also referred to as a “gallon bottle” and is provided in a state in which drinking water is filled and contained therein. And this water bottle 3 is mounted | worn with respect to a water server as mentioned above, and whenever the drinking water in the mounted water bottle 3 is consumed and it becomes empty, it is exchanged for the new water bottle 3. .

  The refrigeration circuit 4 includes a cooling pipe 42 constituting an evaporator on a circulation path 41 in which a refrigerant is sealed. The cooling pipe 42 is wound around the cold water tank 2, and the refrigerant compressed by the compressor 43 is radiated by the radiator 44 to be liquefied. It takes heat from the water and cools it. The refrigeration circuit 4 is operated by cooling operation control by the controller 7. This cooling operation control is started when the power is turned on and the water server is used, and the refrigeration circuit 4 is operated to operate the chilled water. After the water in the tank 2 is cooled to a predetermined temperature, a cold insulation operation is performed so as to maintain a certain cold water temperature range.

  The hot water tank 5 is a hermetic container disposed below the cold water tank 2, and therefore below the water bottle 3, and has a heater 6 disposed therein. Water is poured into the hot water tank 5 from the inside of the cold water tank 2 (or the water bottle 3) through the connecting pipe 24 based on the water head difference, and the hot water tank 5 is replenished by the amount reduced by the water intake. Accordingly, when viewed from the hot water tank 5, not only the water bottle 3 but also the cold water tank 2 constitutes a water source container. A hot water intake pipe 51 extends from the top of the hot water tank 5 to a position above the cup storage place of the housing 1, extends to the hot water intake 521 on the front surface thereof, and is provided at the downstream end side of the hot water intake pipe 51. When the warm water intake valve 52 is opened, the warm water in the warm water tank 5 is discharged from the warm water intake port 521. The hot water intake valve 52 is also constituted by an electromagnetic open / close control valve, similar to the cold water intake valve 27, and is normally maintained in a closed state. When the user turns on the intake switch 15, the operation signal is output. Then, the controller 7 is controlled to open and switch to discharge hot water from the water inlet 521. When the water intake switch 15 is turned off, the controller 7 switches to the original closed state. Reference numeral 241 in FIG. 1 is a drain pipe, which drains from the connection pipe 24 and extends to the housing 1, and is connected to the inside of the cold water tank 2 from the downstream connection port. The cold water and the hot water in the hot water tank 5 can be discharged to drain water from the water server. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 53 is an overheat prevention device, 54 is a temperature sensor, and the overheat prevention device 53 uses a bimetal to cut off the power supply to the heater 6 by detecting the temperature immediately before boiling (for example, 95 ° C.). It is like that.

  The heater 6 is activated by the heating operation control by the controller 7, and this heating operation control is started when the power is turned on and the water server is used. After the water is heated to a predetermined temperature (for example, 90 ° C.), the heat retaining operation is performed so as to maintain a constant warm water temperature (for example, 80 ° C. to 90 ° C.). Therefore, the hot water in the hot water tank 5 is subjected to heat sterilization.

  The controller 7 supplies power to electrically driven elements such as the heater 6, controls related to the cooling operation by the refrigeration circuit 4 and the heating operation by the heater 6, and cold water or hot water based on the output from the cold water switch 14 or the hot water switch 15. In addition to the execution of the control related to the supply operation, the lighting control including the next periodic lighting control and water intake linkage control is executed. That is, as shown in FIG. 3, the controller 7 periodically illuminates the periodic lighting control unit 71 for periodically illuminating the ultraviolet light 29 for illuminating, and the cold water intake valve 27 for the ultraviolet light 28 for water intake linkage. Incorporation control unit 72 (first embodiment) or 73 (second embodiment) that lights up in conjunction with cold water intake by means of these, lighting control comprising periodic lighting control and water intake linkage control is executed It has come to be.

  The principle of water intake linkage control by the water intake linkage control unit 72 or 73 is as follows. That is, when the chilled water intake valve 27 is turned on (opened), the chilled water in the chilled water tank 2 is discharged from the chilled water intake valve 27 based on the water head difference on the chilled water tank 2 side. Water is supplied from the water bottle 3 to the cold water tank 2, and the cold water previously stored in the cold water tank 2 is replaced with the water in the water bottle 3. The intake linkage control according to the present invention focuses on such a replacement water amount that has a corresponding relationship with the intake water amount, that is, if the one-time ON operation of the cold water intake valve 27 is long, the replacement water amount (intake amount) also corresponds to it. If the ON operation is short, the amount of water to be replaced becomes small, and the UV lamp 28 is prohibited from turning on until either the amount of water to be replaced or the integrated amount thereof reaches a predetermined amount. The ultraviolet lamp 28 is turned on when it reaches. In short, sterilization (ultraviolet irradiation) is performed in conjunction with the amount of replacement water that is newly supplied to the cold water tank 2 and causes contamination by the water intake operation. The life of the ultraviolet lamp 28 is further extended while ensuring.

<First Embodiment>
In the first embodiment, the detection of the water replacement amount (water intake amount) in the cold water tank 2 is detected as a time value (water intake time value) when the cold water intake valve 27 is open. That is, the amount of water withdrawn when the cold water intake valve 27 is in an open state has a corresponding relationship with the time value (intake time value) that is maintained in the open state. It is intended to perform intake linkage control. Hereinafter, the water intake linkage control according to the first embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4.

  The regular lighting control unit 71 repeats the regular lighting control in which the ultraviolet lamp 29 is lit for a set lighting time (10 minutes) every time a set light extinction maintaining time (for example, 120 minutes) elapses. That is, in the above example, the control of turning on the ultraviolet lamp 29 for 10 minutes after maintaining the ultraviolet lamp 29 in the off state for 120 minutes is repeated.

  The water intake linkage control unit 72 includes a water intake timer 721, an integration counter 722, and a lighting timer 723. When a water intake operation exceeding the set water intake time value t1 occurs, the ultraviolet lamp 28 is turned on, while there is a water intake operation. If the water intake time value is less than the set water intake time value t1, the lighting is prohibited. Further, lighting control is performed so that the light is turned on when the water intake time value that has been prohibited from lighting reaches the set integrated water intake time value t2. It has become.

  The intake timer 721 starts when an ON operation signal is output based on an ON operation of the intake switch 14 (opening of the cold water intake valve 27), and an OFF operation signal (cold water) based on an OFF operation (that is, release of the ON operation). When the intake valve 27 closing operation signal) is output, it is reset, and the set intake water time value t1 starts before the output of the ON operation signal and the OFF operation signal is output. If time is up, a time-up signal is output. In response to the output of the time-up signal, the water intake linkage control unit 72 lights the ultraviolet lamp 28 for a set lighting time value t3 counted by the lighting timer 723.

  On the other hand, when the OFF operation signal is output before reaching the set water intake time value t1 (water intake time value <t1), the time-up signal is not output and therefore the light is not turned on, that is, the lighting is prohibited, and the water intake timer 721 is reset and waits for the output of the next ON operation signal. If the time-up signal is not output in this way, the time value of the water intake from the output of the ON operation signal to the output of the OFF operation signal is the time value when the water intake is performed without lighting (lighting (Prohibited water intake time value) is sent to the integrated counter 722, and the integrated counter 722 integrates the lighting prohibited water intake time value. The integration counter 722 is reset when the above-described ultraviolet lamp 28 is turned on and starts to integrate the lighting prohibited water intake time value from the beginning (zero), and counts when the integrated value reaches the set integrated water intake time value t2. An up signal is output. In response to the output of the count-up signal, the water intake linkage control unit 72 turns on the ultraviolet lamp 28 for the set lighting time value t3 counted by the lighting timer 723.

  In summary, the water intake linkage control unit 72 receives the output of the time-up signal from the water intake timer 721 or the output of the count-up signal from the integration counter 722, and turns on the ultraviolet lamp 28, otherwise Even when there is a water intake operation, the ultraviolet lamp 28 is kept in the extinguished state (the state where lighting is prohibited).

  The water intake linkage control will be specifically described based on the example of FIG. 4. When the water intake switch 14 for cold water is turned ON and water intake is started, the water intake timer 721 starts, and this ON operation exceeds the set water intake time value t1. If the operation is continued, a time-up signal is output from the water intake timer 721, and the ultraviolet lamp 28 is lit for the set lighting time value t3 counted by the lighting timer 723. The intake timer 721 is reset by outputting a time-up signal. Then, as the set lighting time value t3 expires, the ultraviolet lamp 28 is turned off, and both the lighting timer 723 and the integration counter 722 are reset.

  In the case of the next ON operation of the water intake switch 14, the operation is turned OFF before the set water intake time value t <b> 1 elapses, and therefore the water intake time value counted by the water intake timer 721 is sent to the integration counter 722. On the other hand, the water intake timer 721 is reset by sending out the water intake time value. The next ON operation of the water intake switch 14 is also turned OFF before the set water intake time value t1 has elapsed, and the water intake time value is integrated by the integration counter 722. Further, the ON operation of the next intake switch 14 is also turned OFF before the set intake time value t1 elapses, and the intake time value is integrated by the integration counter 722, but the integrated value is set to the set integrated intake time. Since the value t2 is reached, a count-up signal is output simultaneously with the arrival, and the ultraviolet lamp 28 is lit for the set lighting time value t3 counted by the lighting timer 723. Then, as the set lighting time value t3 expires, the ultraviolet lamp 28 is turned off, and both the lighting timer 723 and the integration counter 722 are reset. Thereafter, these are repeated.

  In the case of the water intake linkage control by the water intake linkage control unit 72 as described above, the ultraviolet light 28 is compared with the case where the water intake linked lighting is performed every time the cold water intake valve 27 is opened in conjunction with the ON operation of the water intake switch 14. It is possible to greatly reduce the number of times of UV irradiation (the number of times of lighting). The life of the ultraviolet lamp 28 can be greatly extended by reducing the number of times of lighting and the accompanying reduction in lighting time. For this reason, even if the usage elapsed period of the water server is the same, it is possible to further reduce the cumulative number of lighting times and the cumulative lighting time of the ultraviolet lamp 28 within that period. In addition, the lighting control based on the amount of replacement water ascertained based on the water intake time can surely sterilize germs that may be mixed due to the user's water intake operation. The life of the UV lamp 28 for taking water can be kept longer while ensuring the necessary and sufficient sterilization for cold water.

<Second Embodiment>
In the second embodiment, the replacement water amount (water intake amount) in the cold water tank 2 is grasped by detecting the water flow amount when the cold water intake valve 27 is opened. That is, the amount of water withdrawn when the cold water intake valve 27 is in the open state has a correspondence relationship that the amount of water passing through the cold water intake valve 27 (cold water intake pipe 26) maintained in the open state is substantially the same. The above-described replacement water amount is grasped by the water flow amount, and the water intake linkage control is executed. In the second embodiment, the flow rate sensor 81 is interposed in the cold water intake pipe 26 in order to obtain the water flow rate. Hereinafter, intake linkage control according to the second embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6.

  The water intake linkage control unit 73 of the second embodiment includes a water flow measurement processing unit 731, a water flow integration processing unit 732, and a lighting timer 733 having the same configuration as the lighting timer 723 of the first embodiment. While the water intake operation (within a single water intake time) generates a water flow that exceeds the set flow rate, the UV lamp 28 is turned on. On the other hand, even if there is a water intake operation, lighting is prohibited if the flow rate is less than the set flow rate. Further, the lighting control is performed such that the amount of water flowed during the time when the lighting prohibition is continued (within the lighting prohibition time) is integrated and the light is turned on when the amount reaches the set integrated water passage amount. Here, the water flow rate is obtained by integrating the detected flow rate value output from the flow rate sensor 81 with the water intake time in the water flow rate measurement processing unit 731. Therefore, the water flow amount measurement processing unit 731 including the flow sensor 81 and measuring the water flow amount is configured.

  In the water flow measurement processing unit 731, when an ON operation signal is output based on the ON operation of the water intake switch 14 (opening of the cold water intake valve 27), the process is started and the detected flow rate value output from the flow sensor 81 is set to the time. Integrate over time. Then, if the integrated water flow rate is equal to or greater than the set water flow amount before the OFF operation signal (the cold water intake valve 27 operation signal) is output based on the OFF operation of the water intake switch 14, a lighting command signal is output. Even if the OFF operation signal is output, if the integration result is less than the set water flow rate, the lighting command signal is not output and the current integration result is sent to the water flow integration processing unit 732. Yes. When the lighting command signal is output, the water intake linkage control unit 73 turns on the ultraviolet lamp 28 for the set lighting time value t3 counted by the lighting timer 733, and the water flow amount integration processing unit 732 turns the water flow measurement processing unit. The amount of water flow that is the integration result sent out from 731 is integrated.

  Here, if the OFF operation signal is output before reaching the set water flow rate (water flow rate <set water flow rate), the lighting command signal is not output and therefore the light is not turned on. The integration in the water amount measurement processing unit 731 is reset and waits for the output of the next ON operation signal. Then, in the water flow amount integration processing unit 732, if the integrated amount of the water flow amount during the lighting prohibition period sent from the water flow amount measurement processing unit 731 reaches the set integrated water flow amount, a lighting command signal is output. In response to the output, the water intake linkage control unit 73 turns on the ultraviolet lamp 28 for the set lighting time value t3 counted by the lighting timer 733. By the output of this lighting command signal, the integration in the water flow amount integration processing unit 732 is reset.

  In short, the water intake linkage control unit 73 receives the output of the lighting command signal from the water flow amount measurement processing unit 731 or the output of the lighting command signal from the water flow amount integration processing unit 732 in response to the ultraviolet lamp 28. In other cases, the ultraviolet lamp 28 is maintained in the extinguished state (the state in which lighting is prohibited) even if there is a water intake operation.

  The water intake linkage control will be specifically described based on the example of FIG. 6. When the water intake switch 14 for cold water is turned on to start water intake, the water flow amount measurement processing unit 731 starts integration of the detected flow rate value. When the water flow amount as a result reaches the set water flow amount, a lighting command signal is output from the water flow amount measurement processing unit 731 and the ultraviolet lamp 28 is turned on for the set lighting time value t3 counted by the lighting timer 733. Become. The water flow measurement processing unit 731 is reset by the output of the lighting command signal. Then, as the set lighting time value t3 expires, the ultraviolet lamp 28 is turned off, and both the lighting timer 733 and the previous integration in the water flow amount integration processing unit 732 are reset.

  In the case of the next ON operation of the water intake switch 14, since the OFF operation is performed with a water flow rate less than the set water flow rate, the water flow rate is sent to the water flow rate integration processing unit 732 and integrated, while the water intake amount is The water flow measurement processing unit 731 is reset by sending the time value. Since the next ON operation of the water intake switch 14 is also turned OFF with a water flow less than the set water flow, the water flow is integrated by the water flow integration processing unit 732. Further, the subsequent ON operation of the water intake switch 14 is also turned OFF with a water flow rate less than the set water flow rate, and the water flow rate is similarly integrated, but the integrated amount reaches the set integrated water flow rate. For this reason, a lighting command signal is output simultaneously with the arrival, whereby the ultraviolet lamp 28 is lit for the set lighting time value t3. Then, as the set lighting time value t3 expires, the ultraviolet lamp 28 is turned off, and both the lighting timer 733 and the water flow amount integration processing unit 732 are reset. Thereafter, these are repeated.

  Even in the case of the water intake linkage control by the water intake linkage control unit 73 described above, the ultraviolet light is compared with the case where the water intake linked lighting is turned on every time the cold water intake valve 27 is opened in conjunction with the ON operation of the water intake switch 14. The number of times of UV irradiation by the lamp 28 (the number of times of lighting) can be greatly reduced, and the number of the UV lamps 28 can be reduced by reducing the number of times of lighting and the accompanying lighting time. For this reason, even if the usage elapsed period of the water server is the same, the cumulative lighting time of the ultraviolet lamp 28 within that period can be further shortened. And by lighting control based on the amount of replacement water grasped | ascertained by such a water flow amount, like 1st Embodiment, the germs which may be mixed due to a user's water intake operation | movement are reliably sterilized, and the cold water tank 2 The life of the UV lamp 28 for taking water can be kept longer while ensuring the necessary and sufficient sterilization of the cold water inside.

<Other embodiments>
In addition, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment, Various other embodiments are included. That is, in the said embodiment, although the example provided also with the hot water tank 5 other than the cold water tank 2 was shown, this invention is not limited to this, If it is a water server comprised including the cold water tank 2 at least, Can be applied. Therefore, a water server that does not include the hot water tank 5 may be used. Further, when the hot water tank 5 is also provided, the connection state of the connection pipe 24 may be changed to an arrangement state in which the connection pipe 24 is connected to the hot water tank 5 through the outside of the cold water tank 2 in addition to the above embodiment. Good.

  In the said embodiment, although the example arrange | positioned so that a lower end part was extended to the accumulation part 25 and an ultraviolet-ray could be irradiated to the downstream end of the cold water intake pipe 26 was shown as the ultraviolet lamp 28 for water intake cooperation, it is not restricted to this. The reservoir 25 may be omitted. In this case, if the cold water intake pipe is opened at a side position near the lower end of the ultraviolet lamp for water intake linkage, the ultraviolet light from the ultraviolet lamp extends in a straight line into the cold water intake pipe and is irradiated. Good. In addition, the roles of multiple UV lamps that are set for use in water intake and for regular lighting can be reversed by the passage of a predetermined period, or the above-mentioned role setting can be converted alternately every passage of a predetermined period. You may make it do.

  In the above embodiment and FIG. 1, one example of the UV lamp 28 for water intake linkage and one of the UV lamps 29 for regular lighting are illustrated, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the UV lamp for water intake linkage is illustrated. A plurality may be provided as a regular lighting UV lamp. Further, the ultraviolet lamp 29 for regular lighting may be omitted, and the ultraviolet lamp 28 may have both roles of regular lighting and water intake linkage. That is, the control target of the periodic lighting control unit 71 and the water intake linkage control unit 72 or 73 is the ultraviolet lamp 28.

  In the above embodiment, in addition to the water intake linkage control unit 72 or 73, the regular lighting control unit 71 and the ultraviolet lamp 29 for regular lighting are provided. May be.

  In the above embodiment, as the lighting time based on the intake linkage control of the ultraviolet lamp 28, the intake linkage control unit 72 sets the same set lighting time t3 for the time-up signal output and the count-up signal output, and the same. In addition, the intake control unit 73 also has the same set lighting time t3 in the case of the output of the lighting command signal from the water flow measurement processing unit 731 and the case of the output of the lighting command signal from the water flow integration processing unit 732. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and different time values may be set.

  In the above embodiment, an electromagnetic opening / closing control valve is used as the intake valve 27, and the opening is converted by turning on the intake switch 14. However, the present invention is not limited to this. A water intake valve may be employed. In this case, an operation detection switch that outputs an electric signal based on the operation to the controller 7 by operating a manual operation means such as a lever means or a push button means for opening operation is provided. It is only necessary to perform water intake linkage control based on the operation signal from.

  In the above-described embodiment, the replacement water amount is grasped based on the water intake time and the water flow amount. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the replacement water amount may be grasped based on other parameters. For example, the approximate amount of replacement water may be estimated and grasped based on the temperature change of water at a predetermined level in the cold water tank 2, and the ultraviolet lamp 28 may be turned on based on this grasp. In this case, for example, a temperature sensor 82 is installed at the middle level position of the cold water tank 2 as means for grasping the amount of replacement water, and the detected temperature from the temperature sensor 82 is within a normal cold water temperature range (for example, 5 ° C. to 10 ° C.). If the water temperature changes to room temperature (for example, around 20 ° C.), it is estimated that the amount of water corresponding to the capacity of the cold water tank 2 up to the middle level position has been replaced, and the amount of replacement water estimated and grasped by this amount is replaced. It is possible to perform water intake linkage control such that the ultraviolet lamp 28 is prohibited from being turned on until it reaches, and the ultraviolet lamp 28 is turned on when the amount of replacement water is reached.

  Alternatively, as another example of grasping the replacement water amount by another means, the replacement water amount may be grasped based on the operation timing of the refrigeration circuit 4 for cooling the water in the cold water tank 2. For example, at the operation timing of the compressor 43 for the cold operation, the temperature of the cold water in the cold water tank 2 that has been maintained in the constant cold temperature range is increased by a certain amount of room temperature water from the water bottle 3, and the temperature is increased. Therefore, it is interpreted that the compressor 43 has started to operate for cooling, and it is understood that the corresponding amount of replacement water has been generated. In this case as well, the compressor 43 may be used as a means for grasping the amount of replacement water, and the ultraviolet lamp 28 may be turned on in conjunction with the operation of the compressor 43 as described above.

  Furthermore, in the said embodiment, although the water intake linkage control based on ON operation of the water intake switch 14 was demonstrated, in the water server of this embodiment, from the hot water tank 5 by the open conversion of the hot water intake valve 52 (ON operation of the water intake switch 15). Water is taken in, and accordingly, the water that has been taken in is newly supplied from the water bottle 3 into the cold water tank 2 and replaced with the water in the cold water tank 2, so that the water intake linkage control is performed. The water intake linkage control by the unit may be executed not only based on the ON operation of the water intake switch 15 but also the water intake switch 14.

It is a schematic diagram which shows embodiment of this invention. It is the elements on larger scale of FIG. It is a block diagram concerning lighting control in a 1st embodiment. It is an example of a time chart at the time of performing water intake linkage control in 1st Embodiment. It is a block diagram which concerns on the lighting control in 2nd Embodiment. It is an example of a time chart at the time of performing water intake linkage control in 2nd Embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

2 Cold water tank (storage tank)
7 Controller (control means)
26 Cold water intake pipe (intake route)
27 Chilled water intake valve (open / close switching valve)
28 Ultraviolet lamps 72 and 73 that are turned on by water intake linkage control Water intake linkage control unit 261 The upstream end of the cold water intake pipe (the upstream end of the water intake path)
262 Downstream end of cold water intake pipe (downstream end of intake path)
721 Water intake timer 722 Integration counter 731 Water flow measurement processing unit 732 Water flow integration processing unit

Claims (7)

A storage tank that is constituted by a sealed container and receives and stores water supplied from the upper level by a head difference, and an open / close switching valve that can be opened and closed and is converted to open and takes water from the storage tank and supplies it to the outside. And a water server comprising one or a plurality of ultraviolet lamps that are lit to sterilize the water in the storage tank by irradiating with ultraviolet rays, and control means for controlling the on / off of the ultraviolet lamps. And
The control means is configured to take in water that turns on at least one ultraviolet lamp according to the amount of replacement water that is newly supplied into the storage tank by water intake based on open conversion of the open / close switching valve and is replaced with the water stored up to that time. With a linkage controller,
The water intake linkage control unit is configured to turn on the ultraviolet lamp if the replacement water amount grasped for each water intake is equal to or larger than the set replacement water amount, and prohibits the ultraviolet light from being turned on if the replacement water amount is less than the set replacement water amount. Water server characterized by being. The water server according to claim 1,
The water intake linkage control unit is further configured to integrate the replacement water amount grasped during the period during which the lighting is prohibited, and to turn on the ultraviolet lamp for a certain period of time if the integrated total replacement water amount is equal to or greater than a set integrated replacement water amount. A water server. A storage tank that is constituted by a sealed container and receives and stores water supplied from the top by a head difference, and an open / close switching valve that can be opened and closed and is converted to open and takes water from the storage tank and supplies it to the outside. And a water server comprising one or a plurality of ultraviolet lamps that are lit to sterilize the water in the storage tank by irradiating with ultraviolet rays, and control means for controlling the turning on / off of the ultraviolet lamps. And
The control means includes a water intake linkage control unit that turns on at least one ultraviolet lamp depending on the water intake time during which water intake is performed by opening conversion of the open / close switching valve,
The water intake linkage control unit includes a water intake timer for measuring a water intake time value generated for each water intake. If the water intake time value measured by the water intake timer is equal to or greater than a set water intake time value, the ultraviolet light is turned on for a certain period of time. The water server is configured to prohibit the lighting of the ultraviolet lamp if the water intake time value is less than the set water intake time value. The water server according to claim 3,
The water intake linking control unit further includes an integration counter that integrates the water intake time value when the water intake time value measured by the water intake timer is less than the set water intake time value, and is turned on after the previous UV lamp is lit. A water server configured to turn on the ultraviolet lamp for a certain period of time when an integrated water intake time value integrated by the integrated counter becomes equal to or greater than a set integrated water intake time value during a prohibited period. A storage tank that is constituted by a sealed container and receives and stores water supplied from the upper level by a head difference, and an open / close switching valve that can be opened and closed and is converted to open and takes water from the storage tank and supplies it to the outside. And a water server comprising one or a plurality of ultraviolet lamps that are lit to sterilize the water in the storage tank by irradiating with ultraviolet rays, and control means for controlling the on / off of the ultraviolet lamps. And
The control means includes a water intake linkage control unit that turns on at least one ultraviolet lamp according to the amount of water flow when water intake is performed by opening conversion of the open / close switching valve,
The water intake linkage control unit includes a water flow measurement processing unit that measures a water flow generated for each water intake, and the ultraviolet light is turned on for a certain period of time if the water flow measured by the water flow measurement processing unit is equal to or greater than a set water flow. On the other hand, the water server is configured to prohibit lighting of the ultraviolet lamp if the water flow amount is less than the set water flow amount. The water server according to claim 5,
The water intake linkage control unit further includes a water flow amount integration processing unit that integrates the water flow rate when the water flow rate measured by the water flow rate measurement processing unit is less than the set water flow rate, and the previous ultraviolet light is turned on. A water server configured to illuminate the ultraviolet lamp for a certain period of time when the accumulated water flow accumulated by the water flow amount accumulation processing unit becomes equal to or greater than a set accumulated water flow during a period in which lighting is prohibited later. The water server according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
A water intake path that opens into the storage tank and opens at the upstream end is provided, and the open / close switching valve is provided at the downstream end of the water intake path,
The water intake linking ultraviolet lamp is arranged so that, when it is turned on, both the internal space of the storage tank and the internal space up to the downstream end of the water intake path are irradiated with ultraviolet light. server.

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