JP2010143600A - Water supplying machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a water supplying machine capable of surely sterilizing air taken in a reservoir tank while the convenience of a user that water in the reservoir tank can be used up to the last is secured, and supplying a safe and hygienic water. <P>SOLUTION: This water supplying machine 1 includes: a water container 2 for storing water; a sucking means 3 for sucking the water from the water container 2; a cold water tank 4 for having a cooling means 5 for cooling water sucked by the sucking means 3 and storing temporarily obtained cold water; a warm water tank 6 having a heating means 7 for heating water sucked by the sucking means 3 and storing temporarily obtained warm water; and an air pipe 8 for feeding air for pushing out at least one of the cold water and the warm water to at least one of the cold water tank 4 and the warm water tank 6. The air pipe 8 is brought into thermal contact with the heating means 7. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention is a water supply device that provides cold water or hot water to be drunk in a general home or office, and reliably sterilizes germs that may be mixed into the cold water or hot water from the air, and is safe and hygienic. It is related with the water supply machine which can provide a user with drinking water.

  In recent years, in general homes and offices, a water container filled with mineral water is attached to a water supply machine to supply water, and a user uses cold water or hot water for drinking. This is because with the growing health consciousness, it has come to be preferred to drink mineral water instead of tap water.

  A water container attached to a conventional water supply device is formed as a rigid container having a predetermined shape, and this water container is disposed at the top of the water supply device, so that the water contained therein is naturally flowed into the water supply system. It was supposed to be led. A water feeder that supplies water from such a hard container by natural flow requires pressurization for allowing water to flow naturally into the hard container. For this reason, at the time of water supply, air enters the inside of the hard container, and the hard container causes the water to naturally flow down by the pressure of the air that has entered.

  Since the air that enters the hard container is outside air around the water feeder, various germs enter the hard container as air is mixed. Furthermore, since the air that has entered the hard container stays as it is until the water container is empty, the germs further propagate and further contaminate the air that is consumed. Even if you drink mineral water using a water dispenser based on the health-consciousness of the corner, it is meaningless if the mineral water itself is contaminated with germs.

For this reason, the technique (for example, refer patent document 1) which sterilizes the piping system etc. which are actually supplied from a water container with warm water is proposed. Moreover, the technique which heat-sterilizes the air itself introduce | transduced in a water container or a storage tank is also proposed (for example, refer patent document 2).
JP-A-6-48488 JP 11-314699 A

  However, since the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1 can only sterilize the region corresponding to the circulation path of the hot water, there is a problem that it is difficult to sterilize the portion that comes into contact with the outside air.

  In particular, in the water supply machine disclosed in Patent Document 1, since it is necessary to take in and pressurize outside air to introduce water from the water container to the water supply system, the water supply apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1 has been incorporated. It is difficult to sufficiently sterilize various germs mixed with outside air.

  Temporarily, in order to eliminate the intake of outside air, in the storage tank (to generate cold water and hot water, it is necessary to temporarily store the water from the water container in the storage tank and to cool or heat) It is necessary to suck up water from the water container with the pump and to move the water from the storage tank to the water supply unit with the pump pressure. In this way, when the water is moved from the water container to the water supply unit at the pump pressure, after the water container is emptied, water can be supplied from the water supply unit even if water remains in the storage tank. (Since the water container is empty, the pump pressure will not be transferred to the storage tank). If water remains in the storage tank but water is not supplied, the user feels inconvenient and inconvenient. In order for the water remaining in the storage tank to be supplied to the end, it is necessary to take in air for pressurization into the storage tank. There is. Of course, if the water container is a hard container, it is necessary to take in the air while taking in water from the water container, so that it is difficult to prevent contamination by germs.

  In the first place, the technique of Patent Document 1 is intended to sterilize water after mixing germs, not treating germs mixed with air or treating the contamination route of germs. Since the water path in the water feeder is complex and wide, the hot water path for sterilization is also complicated and wide, and the water feeder of Patent Document 1 has a problem of high cost. Of course, the process after mixing also has a problem that the certainty thereof is lower than the process at the time of mixing.

  The water supply machine disclosed in Patent Document 2 thermally sterilizes air taken into a water container or a storage tank. However, since the water container is located at the upper part of the storage tank, when the water container is replaced, the inside of the storage tank eventually comes into contact with the outside air. In this case, even if the air taken into the storage tank is sterilized, air containing various germs is taken into the storage tank every time the water container is replaced, and there is a problem that sterilization becomes insufficient. Since the water supply device of Patent Document 2 supplies water by natural flow, it is necessary to take in air necessary for natural flow into a water container or a storage tank. If the sterilization of these air is insufficient, eventually, You will end up drinking water that has been contaminated with bacteria.

  Thus, in the water supply machine which obtains water from a water container by natural flow, it is necessary to mix air into a water container, and there exists a problem which water contacts with various germs. Moreover, in the water supply machine with which a storage tank is exposed to external air, there exists a problem which water contacts with various germs.

  Further, in a water supply machine that obtains water from a water container with a pump pressure, it is necessary to take air into a storage tank, and mixing of sterilization by this air becomes a problem. If air is not taken into the storage tank in order to prevent this, water remains in the storage tank, resulting in inconvenience for the user.

Considering the above, in order to prevent contamination of the water supplied from the water supply machine,
(1) Do not allow outside air to enter the water container. (2) Do not touch the outside of the storage tank when replacing the water container. (3) Necessary to use up all the water in the storage tank. (4) It is necessary to eliminate the need for extra equipment and costs.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention ensures the convenience to the user that the water in the storage tank is used up to the end, and securely sterilizes the air taken into the storage tank, thereby ensuring safety and hygiene. It aims at providing the water supply machine which can supply typical water.

  In view of the above problems, the water supply apparatus of the present invention is obtained by including a water container for containing water, a suction means for sucking water from the water container, and a cooling means for cooling water sucked by the suction means. At least one of a cold water tank that temporarily stores cold water, a heating means that heats the water sucked by the suction means, and temporarily stores the obtained hot water, and a cold water tank and a hot water tank An air pipe for supplying air for extruding at least one of cold water and hot water, and the air pipe is in thermal contact with the heating means.

  In the water supply apparatus of the present invention, in the process of finally supplying water from the water container, the air that touches the water is only the air supplied to the cold water tank or the hot water tank, and this air is thermally sterilized. For this reason, there is almost no possibility of various bacteria coming into contact with water. Furthermore, the sterilization is more efficient than the sterilization of water after contact with various germs, and there is almost no possibility that the inside of the cold water tank or the hot water tank comes into contact with the outside air even when the water container is replaced.

  As a result, safe and sanitary water is supplied.

  Moreover, since the heating means for supplying hot water is diverted for air sterilization, it is possible to prevent an increase in the size and cost of the entire water supply device, and a water supply device that is convenient for the user can be realized.

  A water supply apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention includes a water container that stores water, a suction unit that sucks water from the water container, and a cooling unit that cools water sucked by the suction unit. A cold water tank that temporarily stores the cold water to be obtained, a heating means that heats the water sucked by the suction means, and a hot water tank that temporarily stores the obtained hot water, and at least one of the cold water tank and the hot water tank And an air pipe for supplying air for extruding at least one of cold water and hot water, and the air pipe is in thermal contact with the heating means.

  With this configuration, air passing through the air pipe is sterilized, and the sanitary and safety aspects of cold water and hot water supplied from the water container through the cold water tank or from the water container through the hot water tank are maintained.

  In the water supply apparatus according to the second aspect of the present invention, in addition to the first aspect, each of the cold water tank and the hot water tank is sealed from the outside air except for the internal passage of the air pipe.

  With this configuration, the water stored in the cold water tank and the hot water tank is not in contact with air other than the air supplied from the air pipe, and the air supplied from the air pipe is sterilized. The stored water is kept hygienic.

  In the water supply apparatus according to the third invention of the present invention, in addition to any of the first to second inventions, the water container has a deformable flexibility and is sealed from the outside air. Is sucked only by the suction pressure from the suction means.

  In the water feeder according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the suction means has a conduit through which water from the water container passes in each of the path from the water container to the cold water tank and the path from the water container to the hot water tank. The water from the water container to the cold water tank and the hot water tank through the pipe does not come into contact with air other than the air supplied from the front pipe air pipe.

  With these configurations, the water container does not take in air from the outside as water is pushed out, and the water contained in the water container does not come into contact with the outside air. For this reason, the water supplied from the water container to the cold water tank or from the water container to the hot water tank does not contact outside air other than the air from the air pipe. Further, since the air from the air pipe is sterilized, the water is hardly affected by various germs contained in the outside air from the water container to the water supply.

  In addition to 4th invention, the water supply machine which concerns on 5th invention of this invention has a valve in the connection part of a water container and a pipe line.

  With this configuration, water does not flow backward from the pipe line to the water container, and the suction load of the suction means is reduced.

  In the water feeder according to the sixth aspect of the present invention, in addition to any of the first to fifth aspects, the heating means sterilizes the air passing through the air pipe.

  With this configuration, the air passing through the air pipe is thermally sterilized. As a result, since the air from the air pipe that is in contact with the outside air is sterilized in the water movement path in the water supply machine, the sanitation and safety of the water supplied by the water supply machine can be maintained.

  In the water supply machine according to the seventh aspect of the present invention, in addition to any of the first to sixth aspects, the heating means is a heating band provided around the hot water tank, and the air pipe is heated Meander inside the band.

  With this configuration, the contact area between the air tube and the heating unit increases, and the heating unit can sterilize the air passing through the air tube more reliably.

  In the water supply apparatus according to the eighth aspect of the present invention, in addition to any of the first to seventh aspects, the air pipe further includes a sterilization filter in the middle of the path.

  This configuration further increases the efficiency of sterilization.

  In the water supply apparatus according to the ninth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the eighth aspect, the sterilization filter is provided in the air tube at the front stage of the heating means with reference to the cold water tank and the hot water tank.

  With this configuration, germs in the air passing through the air pipe are first reduced by the sterilization filter, and then the reduced germs are thermally sterilized by the heating means, so that the air supplied to the cold water tank or hot water tank through the air pipe Is reliably sterilized.

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

(Embodiment)
First, the general outline of the water supply machine will be described.

(Overview)
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a water supply apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  The water feeder 1 has a water container 2 for containing water, a suction means 3 for sucking water from the water container 2, and a cooling means 5 for cooling water sucked by the suction means 3. At least one of a hot water tank 6, a cold water tank 4, and a hot water tank 6 that temporarily stores the obtained hot water. In addition, an air pipe 8 for supplying air for extruding at least one of cold water and hot water is provided, and the air pipe 8 is in thermal contact with the heating means 7.

  The water container 2 is formed of resin, vinyl, metal, or the like, can store water, and can be connected to one end of the conduit 12. When the water container 2 is connected to one end of the pipe 12, the suction means 3 sucks the water contained in the water container 2 into the cold water tank 4 via the pipe 12. Since the cold water tank 4 is directly connected to the pipe line 12 and water from the cold water tank 4 is supplied to the hot water tank 6, the suction means 3 supplies the water in the water container 2 to the cold water tank 4. Suction. If the pipe line 12 is connected to the hot water tank 6, the suction means 3 sucks the water in the water container 2 into the hot water tank 6.

  The cold water tank 4 has a cooling means 5 for cooling the stored water. The cooling means 5 has an evaporation pipe and a compressor, for example, and cools the water stored in the cold water tank 4. The cold water tank 4 and the hot water tank 6 are connected by a connection pipe 13, and the connection pipe 13 has an opening 14 at a predetermined height in the cold water tank 4. If the water stored in the cold water tank 4 is equal to or higher than the predetermined height, the water enters the connecting pipe 13 from the opening 14 and moves to the hot water tank 6.

  The warm water tank 6 heats the water supplied from the cold water tank 4 by the heating means 7 to make warm water. The hot water tank 6 stores hot water. The heating means 7 is a heating band wound around the hot water tank 6, for example. The heating band heats the hot water tank 6 and turns the water stored inside into hot water.

  The cold water tank 4 includes cold water supply means 9 for supplying cold water to the user. The cold water supply means 9 is, for example, a faucet or a cock, and the user obtains cold water by opening and closing them. At this time, in order for the water stored in the cold water tank 4 to be supplied from the cold water supply means 9, a pressure for pushing out the stored cold water is required. For example, if the suction means 3 starts suction when the cold water supply means 9 is opened, the cold water supply means 9 can supply cold water when water remains in the water container 2. However, in this case, it is necessary to match the operations of the cold water supply means 9 and the suction means 3 and that water remains in the water container 2, so that it is not easy to use.

  Therefore, one end of the air pipe 8 is connected to the cold water tank 4. The air pipe 8 takes in air from the outside and sends the air into the cold water tank 4. The cold water stored in the cold water tank 4 is pushed out by the pressure of the supplied air, and the cold water is supplied from the cold water supply means 9. Further, the water at the height of the opening 14 or more in the cold water tank 4 is supplied to the hot water tank 6 due to the height difference from the hot water tank 6. Since the air pressure supplied to the cold water tank 4 is indirectly applied to the hot water tank 6, the hot water supply means 10 supplies the hot water in the hot water tank 6 by this air pressure.

  Thus, the water sucked from the water container 2 is stored as cold water and hot water in the cold water tank 4 and the hot water tank 6, respectively, and the cold water supply means 9 and the hot water supply means 10 are respectively supplied by the air pressure supplied by the air pipe 8. And cold water and hot water are supplied.

  Here, the water container 2 is sealed with respect to the outside air, and each of the pipe line 12, the cold water tank 4, and the hot water tank 6 connected to the water container 2 is except for a portion in contact with the internal passage of the air pipe 8. , Sealed against the outside air. For this reason, the water supplied from the cold water supply means 9 and the hot water supply means 10 through the cold water tank 4 and the hot water tank 6 from the water container 2 does not contact air other than the air supplied from the air pipe 8. Note that “not touching” is not a strict level, but a level at which there is almost no influence in drinking water.

  Since the air pipe 8 supplies the air from the outside to the cold water tank 4, the water supplied by the water feeder 1 contacts only the air from the air pipe 8. Since the air pipe 8 takes in outside air and supplies it to the cold water tank 4, the water is in a situation where the water only touches the outside air inside the water feeder 1. Here, the air pipe 8 is in thermal contact with the heating means 7 for heating the water in the hot water tank 6 before connecting one end thereof to the hot water tank 4. If the heating means 7 is a heating band, the air pipe 8 passes through the inside of the heating band.

  The heating means 7 heats the hot water tank 6 so that the hot water supplied by the hot water tank 6 becomes around 90 ° C. For this reason, the heating means 7 has a temperature of about 120 ° C to 130 ° C. The air pipe 8 receives heat at such a temperature from the heating means 7. Alternatively, even when the heating means 7 is not operating, since the hot water tank 6 is around 90 ° C., the air pipe 8 receives the heat from the hot water tank 6. As a result, heat having a considerable temperature is given to the air passing through the air pipe 8, and germs contained in the air are sterilized. Furthermore, a sterilization filter 11 is provided in the middle of the air pipe 8, and the air in the air pipe 8 can be further sterilized.

  Thus, the water supplied by the water feeder 1 does not touch outside air other than the air supplied from the air pipe 8 until it is supplied from the cold water supply means 9 and the hot water supply means 10. The air passing through the air pipe 8 is sterilized by the heating means 7, so that the water that is in contact between the water container 2 and the cold water supply means 9 (and the hot water supply means 10) is not contaminated by various bacteria. . The heating means 7 is a member that was originally required for the water feeder 1 to supply hot water, and does not need to be newly provided for sterilizing the air in the air pipe 8. That is, the water feeder 1 does not require an extra cost.

  As described above, the water supplied from the water supply device 1 does not come into contact with outside air containing germs in the water supply device 1, and the water supply device 1 provides safe and sanitary cold water and hot water to the user. it can.

(About water supply and details of each part)
Next, details of the water feeder and each part will be described.

  FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a water feeder according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. FIG. 2 shows a water supply apparatus that can be installed in a home or office with the necessary elements of the water supply apparatus 1 described with reference to FIG.

  The water feeder 20 accommodates a water container 22 in a housing case 21 provided at the bottom of the water feeder 20. The water container 22 is connected to the pipe line 32 at the connection site 38, and the pump 23 sucks water from the water container 22 through the pipe line 32. The sucked water is stored in the cold water tank 24. The cold water tank 24 cools the stored water by the evaporation pipe 25, the compressor 34 and the condenser 33 connected thereto. As a result, the cold water tank 24 stores cold water obtained by cooling.

  Further, a connecting pipe 40 is provided between the cold water tank 24 and the hot water tank 26. If the water level of the cold water inside the cold water tank 24 is higher than the height of the connecting pipe 40, the connecting pipe 40 is connected to the hot water tank 24 from the cold water tank 24. Water is introduced into the hot water tank 26. In addition, a water supply cock 29 is connected to the cold water tank 24, and cold water is supplied by opening and closing the water supply cock 29.

  The hot water tank 26 has a heating band 27 around it, and warms the water stored by the heat from the heating band 27. The hot water tank 26 stores hot water obtained by heating. A hot water supply cock 30 is connected to the hot water tank 26, and hot water is supplied from the hot water tank 26 by opening and closing the hot water supply cock 30.

  One end of an air pipe 28 is inserted into the cold water tank 24, and air is supplied to the cold water tank 24 from the outside via the air pipe 28. Due to the pressure of the air, water is supplied from the cold water tank 24 to the hot water tank 26 via the connection pipe 40, and cold water is supplied from the cold water tank 24 to the user via the water supply cock 29. That is, if there is no air pressure from the air pipe 28 and only the function of the pump 23, it is impossible to supply water from the cold water tank 24 after the water in the water container 22 is exhausted. For this reason, it is necessary for the air pipe 28 to supply the cold water tank 24 with air that pressurizes the cold water stored in the cold water tank 24.

  The air pipe 24 takes in air from the outside and passes through the sterilization filter 36 on the way to the cold water tank 24, and then passes through the heating band 27 after the sterilization filter 36. The heating band 27 generates heat of about 100 ° C. to 130 ° C. in order to make the water stored in the hot water tank 26 warm. In addition to the heating band 27, the air pipe 28 can be in thermal contact with the hot water tank 26. The hot water tank 26 also has a heat of about 90 ° C. by the hot water inside, and the air pipe 28 receives this heat. These heats sterilize the air passing through the inside of the air pipe 28.

  Furthermore, since air is taken into the air pipe 28 from the outside via the sterilization filter 36 before the air pipe 28 contacts the heating band 27, various germs entering the air pipe 28 are reduced. When the air tube 28 contacts the heating band 27, germs are reduced, so that sterilization is performed efficiently and reliably.

  Here, the water container 22 is sealed, and if the pipe 32 is inserted into the water container 22 after disinfecting the tip of the connection part 38 at the connection part 38, there is a fear that various germs may be mixed into the water of the water container 22. Few. The pipe line 32 is connected to the cold water tank 24 via the pump 23, and the outer periphery of the cold water tank 24 is sealed. Only the internal passage of the air pipe 28 is in contact with the outside of the cold water tank 24. The cold water tank 24 and the hot water tank 26 are only connected by a connecting pipe 40. The outer periphery of the hot water tank 26 is sealed in the same manner as the cold water tank 24, and the hot water tank 26 does not contact the outside air. Thus, the water circulating through the water feeder 20 can not come into contact with air other than the air fed from the air pipe 28. The air from the air tube 28 that can be contacted only is sterilized by the heating band 27 (sanitized by the sterilization filter 36 if necessary), so the cold water and hot water supplied by the water feeder 20 are always sanitary and safe. To be kept.

(Water container)
Details of the water container 22 will be described.

  The water container 22 is made of a material such as resin, vinyl, or metal, and has a predetermined shape and a predetermined capacity. The capacity may be determined as appropriate, but for use or delivery at home or office, a size of about 10 to 50 liters is appropriate for ease of collection. The predetermined shape may be determined as appropriate, but a rectangular shape, a cylindrical shape, or the like is appropriate from the viewpoint of ease of use and storage.

  Moreover, as FIG. 3 shows, the water container 20 may have the softness | flexibility which can deform | transform. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a modification of the water container in the embodiment of the present invention. Since the water container 20 has a deformable flexibility, the water container 20 can contract as the water contained in the water container 20 is sucked and reduced. Since the water container 20 can be contracted in accordance with the reduction of the water to be stored, air does not enter the water container 20 in accordance with the suction from the pump 23, and the water in the water container 20 does not have to come into contact with the outside air. As a result, the water in the water container 20 is sucked up only by the suction pressure of the pump 23.

  When the water container 20 has such flexibility, a flexible film (polypropylene film, polyethylene laminate film, etc.) is used as the material of the water container 20, and it causes harm to the human body (for example, Materials that do not cause elution of environmental hormones are used.

  In addition, the water container 20 may be delivered to a home or office in a state where water is accommodated, and may be collected when the water runs out. Thus, the user can maintain the hygiene and safety of the water supplied by the water supply device 20 by not filling the water container with tap water or natural water by himself.

  Further, when the water container 20 is connected to the pipe line 32, an antibacterial band is attached to the tip of the pipe line 32, and when the tip of the pipe line 32 is inserted into the mouth of the water container 20, this antibacterial band is attached. Moving. By having such a structure, when the pipe line 32 and the water container 22 are connected, the possibility that various germs are mixed into the water contained in the water container 22 is reduced.

(Pipe)
The water container 22 is connected to a pipe line 32, and the water container 22 supplies water to the cold water tank 24 via the pipe line 32.

  The pipe line 32 may be formed of metal, resin, vinyl, or the like, but metal is suitable from the viewpoint of strength and durability. One end of the pipe line 32 is inserted into the water container 22, and the other end is inserted into the cold water tank 24. Further, the pump 23 is connected in the middle of the pipe line 32, and the water in the water container 22 is sucked into the cold water tank 24 by the suction of the pump 23.

  Further, a valve 50 for preventing the backflow of water from the pipe line 32 to the water container 22 may be provided at the connection portion 38 between the pipe line 32 and the water container 22. The valve 50 has a structure that opens from the water container 22 toward the pipe line 32 and closes in the reverse direction, and the valve 50 can prevent the water in the pipe line 32 from flowing back into the water container 22. . Since the backflow can be prevented, the burden on the pump 23 is reduced, and the cost and noise of the water feeder 20 can be reduced. The valve 50 is provided at the connection site 38 as shown in FIG. The valve 50 prevents backflow as shown in the enlarged portion of FIG. For this reason, the valve 50 is formed upward as viewed from the water container 22. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a connection state between the water container and the pipe line in the embodiment of the present invention.

  Since one end of the pipe line 32 is inserted into the water container 22 and the other end is inserted into the cold water tank 24, if the water container 22 and the cold water tank 24 are sealed against the outside air, the pipe line 32 is also outside air. Will be sealed against. For this reason, the water which passes along the pipe line 32 from the water container 22 does not contact external air.

  Thus, the pipe line 32 supplies the water in the water container 22 to the cold water tank 24 without being brought into contact with outside air.

(pump)
Next, the pump 23 will be described.

  The pump 23 is an example of the suction unit 3. The pump 23 may be a compression pump or a rotary pump. In any case, it is sufficient that the water from the water container 22 can be sucked by the suction pressure.

  The pump 23 may be activated or stopped according to the displacement of the water level of the cold water tank 24. For example, a water level detector 35 is provided inside the cold water tank 24, and a detection signal from the water level detector 35 is output to the pump 23. When the water level detector 35 is below the predetermined level, the pump 23 is activated to suck water from the water container 22. By operating the pump 23, water is supplied from the water container 22 to the cold water tank 24, and the water level of the cold water tank 24 rises.

  In the water level detector 35 (for example, a float), the pump 23 stops sucking when the water level in the cold water tank 24 exceeds a predetermined level. This is because cold water overflows from the cold water tank 24 unless the pump 23 stops the suction. The water level detector 35 is electrically connected to the pump 23 to notify information about the water level as an electric signal. Of course, the water level detector 35 and the pump 23 may exchange electrical signals wirelessly.

(Cold water tank)
Next, the cold water tank 24 will be described.

  The cold water tank 24 temporarily stores the water from the water container 22 sucked by the pump 23. The cold water tank 24 has a cooling means for cooling the stored water, and cools the stored water.

  The cooling means includes an evaporation pipe 25, a condenser 33 connected to the evaporation pipe 25, and a compressor 34. The cooling air heat-exchanged by the compressor 34 and the condenser 33 is supplied to the evaporation pipe 25, and the cold water tank 24 is cooled by the latent heat when the cooling air evaporates. By cooling the cold water tank 24, the water stored inside is cooled and cold water is obtained. For this reason, the cold water tank 24 is preferably made of metal from the viewpoint of good thermal conductivity. In addition, other than metal, resin, vinyl, ceramics, etc. may be used.

  A sterilizing ultraviolet lamp 37 may be provided inside the cold water tank 24. The sterilizing ultraviolet lamp 37 may be constantly lit or may be lit only for a predetermined period. Moreover, you may provide the water level detector 35 used as the reference | standard of the action | operation and stop of the pump 23 as above-mentioned.

  A pair of magnets 31 are attached to the outer periphery of the cold water tank 24 in an opposing state, and the magnets 31 activate water molecules (clusters) by passing a magnetic field through the water to prevent water corrosion. It is also possible to suppress the propagation of germs.

  The cold water tank 24 is also provided with a connecting pipe 40 for supplying cold water to the hot water tank 26, which is formed from the bottom surface of the cold water tank 24 to the upper surface of the hot water tank 26. The cold water stored in the cold water tank 24 moves from the opening of the connection pipe 40 to a hot water tank 26 provided under the cold water tank 24 by pressure generated from a water level difference.

  Here, the evaporation pipe 25 is provided below the cold water tank 24. By being provided at the lower part, the temperature of the water stored in the cold water tank 24 is lower as it is closer to the bottom surface, and the temperature is higher as it is closer to the upper part (near the opening of the connecting pipe 40). In addition, the water supply cock 29 extends from the bottom surface of the cold water tank 24.

  By having such a configuration, cooler water is supplied from the water supply cock 29 in the cold water tank 24, and relatively warm water moves from the cold water tank 24 to the hot water tank 26. Since the water to be painted moves to the hot water tank 26, the burden of heating in the hot water tank 26 is reduced.

  In addition to the outer periphery and bottom surface, the top surface of the cold water tank 24 is also sealed, and the inside of the cold water tank 24 is not exposed to outside air except for the internal passage of the air pipe 28. That is, the water stored in the cold water tank 24 does not come into contact with outside air other than the air supplied from the air pipe 28. Since the water passing from the water container 22 via the pipe line 32 is sucked only by the pressure from the pump 23, it does not touch the outside air. In addition, water does not touch outside air other than the air supplied from the air pipe 28 even inside the cold water tank 24. The cold water supplied from the cold water tank 24 is sanitary and safe.

  A water supply path connected to a water supply cock 29 is connected to the cold water tank 24. The water supply path is preferably connected to the bottom surface of the cold water tank 24, but may be connected to the side surface close to the bottom surface instead of the bottom surface. Cold water is sent out from the water supply channel to the water supply cock 29. When the water supply cock is opened, cold water is supplied by the pressure from the cold water tank 24. The water supply cock 29 may be a type that opens and closes by twisting like a faucet, or a type that opens and closes by moving the lid up and down.

(Hot water tank)
Next, the hot water tank will be described.

  The hot water tank 26 is provided below the cold water tank 24, and water is supplied from the cold water tank 24 via the connection pipe 40. Similarly to the cold water tank 24, the hot water tank 26 is sealed to the outside, and the hot water inside does not contact the outside air.

  A heating band 27 as an example of heating means is provided on the outer periphery of the hot water tank 26. The heating band 27 includes a heating wire that converts electricity into heat and generates heat to heat the hot water tank 26. For this reason, it is preferable that the heating band 27 is attached to the outer periphery of the hot water tank 26. Further, it is preferable that the heating band 27 is attached at a lower portion near the bottom surface of the hot water tank 26. This is because water having a high temperature rises, and by attaching the heating band 27 to the lower part, it is possible to heat water that has not yet been heated sufficiently, and the efficiency is high. In addition, it is because the convection inside the hot water tank 26 can be promoted and the hot water can be efficiently obtained because the heating band 27 is located at the lower part. The hot water tank 26 may be formed of various materials such as resin, vinyl, earthenware, and metal, but for efficient heating by the heating band 27, the hot water tank 26 is formed of a metal having high thermal conductivity. preferable.

  In addition, a hot water supply cock 30 is connected to the hot water tank 26 through a water supply channel. Here, the water supply path is preferably connected to the upper surface (or the side surface close to the upper surface) of the hot water tank 26 so that hot water having a higher temperature is supplied from the hot water supply cock 30 inside the hot water tank 26. .

  It is also preferable that a temperature sensor is provided in at least one of the hot water tank 26 and the heating band 27, and the operation and stop of the heating band 27 are controlled upon receiving a notification from the temperature sensor. For example, when the hot water tank 26 is at the first temperature (for example, 90 ° C.), the heating band 27 stops operating upon receiving a notification from the temperature sensor. This is because the temperature is sufficient. On the contrary, when the hot water tank 26 is at the second temperature (for example, 80 ° C.), the heating band 27 is activated upon receiving a notification from the temperature sensor. This is because the temperature of the hot water inside the hot water tank 26 is insufficient, and it is necessary to heat it.

  The heating band 27 that heats the hot water tank 26 has a temperature higher than that of the hot water tank 26. For example, when the hot water tank 26 is about 90 ° C., the heating band 27 can be about 130 ° C. That is, the region surrounded by the hot water tank 26 and the heating band 27 has a temperature of about 80 ° C. to 130 ° C. (Of course, this changes depending on the temperature control setting of the heating band 27). The water feeder 20 in the embodiment uses this high temperature to sterilize the air supplied from the air pipe 28.

  In FIG. 2, the hot water tank 26 is connected below the cold water tank 24, but the hot water tank 26 and the cold water tank 24 may be installed in parallel.

(Air pipe)
Next, sterilization of air passing through the air pipe 28 and the air pipe 28 will be described.

  The air tube 28 is in thermal contact with the heating band 27. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the air pipe 28 passes through the inside of the heating band 27. The heating band 27 is filled with a material considered to have a bactericidal effect while maintaining the temperature of stainless steel wire, stone, copper wire, silver wire or the like. By passing the air pipe 28 through the inside of the heating band 27 filled, a considerable temperature is applied to the air pipe 28 and the air passing through the air pipe 28 is sterilized. In addition, these materials including stone are excellent in heat retention, and reduce the amount of electric power required for heating by the heating band 27. Of course, the amount of heat applied to the air pipe 28 in thermal contact with the heating band 27 tends to increase due to the filling of these materials. That is, in addition to power consumption reduction, the sterilization ability can be improved.

  FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a heating band through which an air pipe passes in the embodiment of the present invention. As is clear from FIG. 5, the air tube 28 enters one end of the heating band 27 and then jumps out to the outside. In the entire air pipe 28, a portion passing through the inside of the heating band 27 receives heat from the heating band 27, so that the inside becomes a considerably high temperature. It is considered that general bacteria start to die at about 80 ° C. or more, and therefore most of the bacteria that exist in the outside air and are concerned about the influence on drinking water are considered to be killed by heating from the heating band 27. .

  Even when the heating band 27 stops operating, the heat from the hot water tank 26 is conducted to the air pipe 28, so that the air inside the air pipe 28 is sterilized by the heat from the hot water tank 26. Is done. For this reason, the air pipe 28 is always exposed to heat from the hot water tank 26 or the heating band 27, and the air passing through the air pipe 28 is sterilized by this heat.

  FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the hot water tank and the air pipe in the embodiment of the present invention. As apparent from FIG. 6, the heating band 27 is attached to the outer periphery of the hot water tank 26. Since the air pipe 28 passes through the heating band 27, it receives heat from the hot water tank 26.

  In this way, heat from the heating band 27 and the hot water tank 26 is applied to the air pipe 28, and the air passing through the inside is sterilized.

  Further, the air pipe 28 may meander in the heating band 27 as shown in FIG. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the air tube passing through the heating band in the embodiment of the present invention.

  Since the air pipe 28 meanders in the heating band 27, there is an advantage that the contact area between the air pipe 28 and the heating band 27 is increased and the sterilization efficiency is improved. Of course, it contributes also to the miniaturization of the whole water feeder 20. The shape of the meander may be various other than that shown in FIG.

  In this way, the air pipe 28 receives heat by passing through the inside of the heating band 27 or in thermal contact with the outside, and the air passing through the air pipe 28 is sterilized by the received heat.

  When the air pipe 28 feeds air into the cold water tank 24, pressure is applied to the cold water tank 24, and when the water supply cock 29 is opened, cold water stored in the cold water tank 24 is supplied. Furthermore, when the air pipe 28 sends air into the cold water tank, pressure is applied to the cold water tank 24, and cold water is supplied from the cold water tank 24 to the hot water tank 26.

  The heating band 27 for sterilizing the air passing through the air pipe 28 is for heating water stored in the hot water tank 26 in the first place, and is not an element newly provided for sterilization. For this reason, the water feeder 20 in the embodiment can suppress an increase in size while minimizing an extra cost and a manufacturing process.

(Disinfection filter)
It is also preferable that the air tube 28 includes a sterilization filter 36.

  The sterilization filter 36 is formed by polymerizing a nonwoven fabric or a fine cloth, or is formed by a metal plate having pores. In particular, it is also suitable that antibacterial agents and bactericides are applied and chemicals in the air are sterilized chemically.

  It is preferable that the sterilizing filter 36 is in front of the heating band 27 with respect to the cold water tank 24 and the hot water tank 26 in the air pipe 28. The heating band 27 sterilizes various germs in the air passing through the air pipe 28 by heat. At this time, if the sterilization filter 36 is provided in the front stage of the heating band 27, the amount of germs in the air entering the air tube 28 is first reduced by the sterilization filter 36, and the reduced germs are heated by the heat band 27. Sterilized by. In the heating band 27, it is only necessary to heat sterilize the germs that have been reduced by the sterilization filter 36, so that the amount of germs to be heat sterilized is smaller than when there is no sterilization filter 36. For this reason, the burden of heat sterilization in the heating band 27 is reduced, and the heating band 27 can be sterilized reliably. In particular, the presence of the sterilization filter 36 in the front stage of the heating band 27 sterilizes the air passing through the air pipe 28 in the order of reduction of various germs and thermal sterilization of the reduced germs. improves.

  Of course, a structure in which the sterilization filter 36 is provided downstream of the heating band 27 may be employed. In this case, the heating band 27 sterilizes almost all the germs, and the germs that have escaped the heat sterilization are sterilized by the sterilization filter 36.

  In any case, the sterilization filter 36 is combined with the heating band 27 so that the sterilization of the air passing through the air pipe 28 becomes more reliable.

  It is also preferable that the sterilization filter 36 can be replaced by a user.

(Other forms)
The water container 22 may contain water containing hot spring components such as radon components, other than mineral water and natural water. In this case, hot spring water is supplied from the water supply cock 29 and the hot water supply cock 30.

  Further, if a mineral agent that elutes a mineral component is introduced into the cold water tank 24, mineralized cold water or hot water is supplied. Further, the water supply device 20 may be installed around a kitchen sink and used as drinking water, or may be used for washing food and dishes.

  The water supply machine 20 may be installed in a commercial facility such as a department store or a general shopping center in addition to a home or an office.

  The water container 22 filled with natural water or mineral water and the water feeder 20 may be supplied separately. For example, the water supply machine 20 is rented to a home or office, and the provider sells a water container 22 filled with natural water or mineral water. The user of the water feeder 20 purchases the water container 22 and installs it in the water feeder 20 to obtain water from the water feeder 20. When the water container 22 is emptied, the provider collects the emptied water container 22 and provides a new water container 22 filled with natural water or mineral water.

  As described above, by renting the water supply device 20 and selling the water container 22 filled with water, the labor of the user can be reduced while reducing the cost of the user. In addition, by collecting the water container 22 after use and providing a new water container 22, it is possible to avoid unsanitary effects on the water due to the deterioration of the water container 22. In particular, the water feeder 20 in the embodiment maintains the hygiene and safety of the water supplied by thermally sterilizing the air passing through the air pipe 28, and the water container 22 is a recovery method. Hygiene and safety can be improved.

  Moreover, the water supply machine 20 may be provided in a state of an assembly kit in which necessary elements are separated, or may be provided only in a part other than a state in which all the elements are provided. Moreover, although it has demonstrated with the name of a water supply machine, the equipment which supplies cold water and warm water for drinking and washing, such as a water server and water supply equipment, is included widely.

  In addition, the water supply apparatus demonstrated by embodiment is an example explaining the meaning of this invention, and includes the deformation | transformation and remodeling in the range which does not deviate from the meaning of this invention.

It is a block diagram of the water feeder in embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic diagram of the water supply machine in Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the deformation | transformation of the water container in embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the connection state of the water container and pipe line in embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view of the heating band through which the air pipe in an embodiment of the invention passes. It is explanatory drawing which shows the relationship between the hot water tank and air pipe in embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view of the air pipe which passes along the heating band in the embodiment of the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Water supply machine 2 Water container 3 Suction means 4 Cold water tank 5 Cooling means 6 Hot water tank 7 Heating means 8 Air pipe 9 Cold water supply means 10 Hot water supply means 11 Disinfection filter 12 Pipe line 13 Connection pipe 20 Water supply machine 22 Water container 23 Pump 24 Cold water tank 26 Hot water tank 27 Heating band 28 Air pipe 29 Water supply cock 30 Hot water supply cock

Claims (11)

A water container for containing water;
Suction means for sucking water from the water container;
A cooling means for cooling the water sucked by the suction means, and a cold water tank for temporarily storing the obtained cold water;
A hot water tank for temporarily storing the obtained hot water, comprising a heating means for heating the water sucked by the suction means;
An air pipe for supplying air that pushes out at least one of the cold water and the hot water to at least one of the cold water tank and the hot water tank;
The air pipe is a water feeder that is in thermal contact with the heating means.   The water feeder according to claim 1, wherein each of the cold water tank and the hot water tank is sealed from outside air except for an internal passage of the air pipe.   3. The water container according to claim 1, wherein the water container is deformable and is sealed from outside air, and water in the water container is sucked only by suction pressure from the suction means. Watering machine.   The suction means includes a pipe through which water from the water container passes in each of a path from the water container to the cold water tank and a path from the water container to the hot water tank. The water supply device according to claim 3, wherein water from the water container to the cold water tank and the hot water tank does not contact air other than air supplied from the air duct.   The water feeder according to claim 4, further comprising a valve at a connection portion between the water container and the pipe line.   The water heater according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the heating means sterilizes air passing through the air pipe.   The water heater according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the heating means is a heating band provided around the hot water tank, and the air pipe meanders inside the heating band.   The water pipe according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the air pipe further includes a sterilization filter in the middle of the path.   9. The water feeder according to claim 8, wherein the sterilizing filter is provided in a stage preceding the heating unit in the air pipe with reference to the cold water tank and the hot water tank.   The water feeder according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising cold water supply means for supplying cold water from the cold water tank, and hot water supply means for supplying hot water from the hot water tank.   The cold water tank and the hot water tank are connected by a connecting pipe, the cold water tank supplies water stored in the hot water tank via the connecting pipe, and the air pipe is connected to the cold water tank. The water supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the water supply device is connected only to the water supply.

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