JP2012083019A - Water supply machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a temperature control device which efficiently reduces temperature by a Peltier element, and which has a thermal counterflow prevention function thereby maintaining the reduced temperature for a long period of time.SOLUTION: The temperature control device has the thermal counterflow prevention function which includes: one of an object to be cooled and an object to be heated; the Peltier element 4 which is thermally brought into contact with the object on a heat receiving surface 41 and moves the heat of the object to a heat radiating surface 42; a heat discharge member 6 which can be thermally brought into contact with the heat radiating surface 42 of the Peltier element 4 and discharges the heat moved from the object to the outside; and an isolation control unit 7 for reducing the thermal contact areas of the Peltier element 4 with the heat radiating surface 42 and the heat discharge member 6 on the basis of the prescribed condition.

Description

  The present invention relates to a temperature control device used for equipment that requires heat exchange, such as a refrigerator and a water supply device, and relates to a temperature control device and a water supply device that have a heat backflow prevention function.

  There are many devices that need to lower or raise the internal temperature, such as a heat storage, a refrigerator, and a water supply. Such equipment includes a heat exchanger that exchanges heat with the outside air in order to decrease or increase the temperature. A compressor is generally used as such a heat exchanger.

  The compressor uses a chemical medium such as chlorofluorocarbon to reduce or increase the temperature of a predetermined internal space by exchanging heat between the outside air and the inside. For example, in the case of a water supply machine, the water supply machine has a function of supplying cold water and hot water, but a cold water tank that generates cold water often includes a compressor. With this compressor, the cold water tank cools the water stored therein to generate cold water.

  With the recent health boom and quality deterioration of tap water, water supply machines, water purifiers or water servers that obtain hot or cold water from water containers containing mineral water or natural water are used in homes and offices. It has a cold water tank using such a compressor and a hot water tank that obtains hot water by heating means. For example, a water feeder including such a cold water tank and a hot water tank has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  On the other hand, the compressor needs to use chlorofluorocarbon gas or alternative chlorofluorocarbon gas. These chemical gases have concerns that cause environmental problems such as ozone depletion and increased carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. For this reason, in the realization of the heat exchange function, a technology other than an element that is likely to cause environmental destruction such as a compressor has been required.

  In addition, the compressor has insufficient power consumption and noise. Refrigerators and water dispensers are installed in residences and offices, and therefore require low power consumption and noise.

  In such a situation, a technique for obtaining cold water by cooling a cold water tank using a Peltier element has also been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

JP-A-6-48488 JP 2008-025913 A

  However, since the water supply machine disclosed in Patent Document 1 uses a compressor to obtain cold water, it is as described above that it is not possible to cope with environmental problems.

  Moreover, the water feeder disclosed by patent document 2 discloses the technique which cools the water of a cold water tank using a Peltier device. The Peltier element has a function of moving the heat of an object in contact with one surface to the other surface by electrical processing. The Peltier element is a plate-like member, and has a function of moving the heat of an object that contacts one surface to the other surface to reduce the temperature of the object. The Peltier element has a direction of heat transfer, and the direction of heat transfer can be changed depending on the direction of the electrodes.

  The Peltier element has an advantage that no chemical substance such as chlorofluorocarbon gas is used and no noise is generated.

  FIG. 8 is a side view of a cold water tank with a Peltier element attached thereto in the prior art. As an example of a device that needs to lower the internal temperature, a specification mode of a Peltier element in the prior art will be described using a cold water tank provided in a water supply machine as an example.

  The cold water tank 800 stores water 801 therein, and a Peltier element 802 is used to lower the temperature of the water 801. The Peltier element 802 includes a heat sink 803 that contacts the water 801 on one surface. The heat sink 803 contacts the water 801 with a wide contact area and receives heat from the water 801. Since an electric signal is supplied to the Peltier element 802 from the control unit 805 through the signal line 806, the Peltier element 802 moves the heat received by the heat sink 803 to the other surface. That is, the heat inside the cold water tank 800 is moved to the outside of the cold water tank 800. The transferred heat is discharged to the outside through the heat sink 804. By this discharge, the heat inside the cold water tank 800 is discharged to the outside, the inside of the cold water tank 800 is cooled, and the water 801 becomes cold water.

  However, in the cold water tank using the Peltier element shown in the prior art, when the water 801 inside the cold water tank 800 falls below a certain temperature, the power supply to the Peltier element 802 is stopped to save power. On the other hand, since the heat sink 804 has a large surface area and volume, the heat sink 804 has become a kind of heat source. When the power supply to the Peltier element 802 is stopped, the heat transfer function by the Peltier element 802 is stopped, so that the heat accumulated in the heat sink 804 flows back into the cold water tank 800 through the Peltier element 802. If heat from the heat sink 804 (mainly, a member existing outside the cold water tank 800 to be cooled) flows back into the cold water tank 800, there is a problem that cold water generated inside the cold water tank 800 becomes wet again. It is necessary to supply power to the Peltier element 802 in accordance with the rise in the temperature of the water 801. As a result, power consumption increases.

  If power is permanently supplied to the Peltier element 802, the Peltier element 802 operates permanently, so that the heat from the heat sink 804 is not reversed, but there is a problem that the power consumption increases. In order to prevent the reverse flow of heat, it may be possible to eliminate a heat exhausting member such as the heat sink 804. However, if this is done, the ability to exhaust the heat inside the cold water tank 800 by the Peltier element 802 is reduced, and eventually the Peltier element 802 This increases the required power consumption.

  As described above, in the temperature control using the Peltier element in the prior art, the heat discharged by the Peltier element flows backward, which causes problems such as an increase in temperature and an increase in power consumption.

  If the temperature inside the cold water tank 800 is lowered, it is preferable from the viewpoint of power consumption efficiency to prevent a temperature rise caused by factors other than a natural temperature rise thereafter. That is, (1) reducing the temperature inside the cold water tank 800 as efficiently and as fast as possible, and (2) maintaining the reduced temperature state for a long time after the decrease is achieved. Temperature control is suitable for reducing power consumption and protecting the environment.

  In order to solve the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a temperature control device having a thermal backflow prevention function that makes it possible to efficiently reduce the temperature due to a Peltier element and maintain the lowered temperature for a long period of time. And

  In view of the above problems, the temperature control device of the present invention is a Peltier element that is in thermal contact with an object to be cooled or heated, and the object in thermal contact with the heat receiving surface, and moves the heat of the object to the heat radiating surface. And a heat exhausting member that can be in thermal contact with the heat dissipation surface of the Peltier element and exhausts heat transferred from the object to the outside, and based on a predetermined condition, the heat dissipation surface and the heat exhaustion member of the Peltier element And a separation control unit that reduces the thermal contact area of the thermal backflow prevention function.

  The temperature control device of the present invention can prevent the backflow of heat through the Peltier element even after the object to be cooled is cooled by the Peltier element and the operation of the Peltier element is stopped. As a result, the temperature of the cooled object to be cooled can be maintained for a long time, and the power consumption supplied to the Peltier element can be reduced.

  Further, since a heat exhausting member such as a heat sink can be provided outside the Peltier element, the cooling capacity of the Peltier element is increased. As a result, power consumption and time required for lowering the cooling target to a predetermined temperature are reduced. Furthermore, the lowered temperature can be maintained for a long time without requiring energy such as electric power.

  Combined with these effects, the temperature control device of the present invention can reduce power consumption.

It is a schematic diagram of the temperature control apparatus in Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is an operation | movement graph of the control part in Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a side view which shows an example of the separation control part in Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the operation | movement by the separation control part in Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the operation | movement by the separation control part in Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a side view of the temperature control apparatus in Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a schematic diagram of the water supply machine in Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a side view of the cold water tank which attached the Peltier device in a prior art.

  A temperature control device according to a first aspect of the present invention is a Peltier that is in thermal contact with an object to be cooled or heated, and the object in thermal contact with the heat receiving surface, and moves the heat of the object to the heat radiating surface. A heat-dissipating member that can be in thermal contact with the heat-dissipating surface of the element and the Peltier element, and that discharges the heat transferred from the object to the outside; And a separation control unit that reduces a thermal contact area with the thermal backflow prevention function.

  With this configuration, the temperature control device can prevent the backflow of heat from the exhaust heat member even during the period in which the supply of power to the Peltier element is stopped for power saving.

  In addition to the first invention, the temperature control apparatus according to the second invention of the present invention further includes a control unit that supplies electric power to the Peltier element.

  With this configuration, the Peltier element receives control of power supply and power stop.

  In the temperature control device according to the third aspect of the present invention, in addition to the second aspect, the control unit stops the power supply to the Peltier element when the object falls below a predetermined temperature.

  With this configuration, power consumption required for the Peltier element can be reduced.

  In the temperature control device according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, in addition to any of the first to third aspects of the invention, the separation controller includes an extrusion member that widens the space between the heat dissipation surface of the Peltier element and the exhaust heat member. Prepare.

  With this configuration, the temperature control device separates the distance between the Peltier element and the exhaust heat member under a predetermined condition.

  In the temperature control device according to the fifth invention of the present invention, in addition to the fourth invention, the separation control unit includes an electromagnet as a starting force for pushing out the pushing member, and when power is supplied to the electromagnet, the pushing member Protrudes, and the space between the heat dissipation surface of the Peltier element and the exhaust heat member spreads.

  With this configuration, the push-out member can separate the distance between the Peltier element and the exhaust heat member with a simple configuration.

  In the temperature control device according to the sixth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the fourth or fifth aspect, the push-out member separates the heat dissipation surface of the Peltier element and the heat exhaust member, or the Peltier element and the heat exhaust member The contact area between the heat dissipation surface of the Peltier element and the heat exhaust member is reduced by inclining the mutual angle with respect to the position where the two are connected.

  With this configuration, the pushing member can easily separate the Peltier element from the heat exhausting member.

  In the temperature control device according to the seventh aspect of the present invention, in addition to any of the first to sixth aspects, the predetermined condition is a first temperature determined when the object is cooled or a second temperature determined when the object is heated. The separation control unit reduces the contact area between the Peltier element and the exhaust heat member when the object is at or below the first temperature or the object is at or above the second temperature.

  With this configuration, the temperature control device can prevent the backflow of heat through the Peltier element in accordance with the temperature condition of the object to be cooled or heated.

  In the temperature control device according to the eighth aspect of the present invention, in addition to any one of the first to sixth aspects, the separation control unit and the Peltier element are connected to the drain when the supply of power to the Peltier element is stopped. The contact area with the thermal member is reduced.

  With this configuration, the operation control and the separation control of the Peltier element can be linked.

  In the temperature control device according to the ninth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the eighth aspect, when the power supply to the Peltier element is stopped, the separation control unit supplies power to the electromagnet and protrudes the pushing member. Let

  With this configuration, the extrusion member can be easily controlled. In addition, the control of the Peltier element and the control of the pushing member can be linked.

  In the temperature control device according to the tenth aspect of the present invention, in addition to any one of the first to ninth aspects, the heat receiving surface of the Peltier element further includes a heat absorbing member that is in thermal contact with the object.

  With this configuration, the Peltier element takes heat from the object more efficiently.

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

  (Embodiment 1)

  First, an overall outline of the temperature control apparatus according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The temperature control device 1 has a function of preventing a backflow of heat taken away from an object to be cooled.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a temperature control device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

  The temperature control device 1 controls the temperature of an object to be controlled. Controlling the temperature means cooling or heating the object. However, in general, cooling is often performed. In FIG. 1, the cold water tank 2 used for a water feeder or a water purifier is shown as an object. The cold water tank 2 stores cold water 3 therein. The cold water tank 2 can supply the cold water 3 to be stored.

  The temperature control device 1 includes a Peltier element 4, an exhaust heat member 6 that exhausts heat moved by the Peltier element 4 to the outside, and a separation control unit 7. The temperature control device 1 is attached to the cold water tank 2, and the temperature control device 1 cools the cold water 3 stored in the cold water tank 2.

  The Peltier element 4 includes a heat receiving surface 41 that is in thermal contact with an object and receives heat, and a heat radiating surface 42 to which the heat received by the heat receiving surface 41 is moved. The Peltier element 4 is in thermal contact with the cold water tank 2 at the heat receiving surface 41. Due to this thermal contact, the Peltier element 4 moves the heat from the cold water tank 2 from the heat receiving surface 41 to the heat radiating surface 42. The Peltier element 4 can be in thermal contact with the heat exhausting member 6 at the heat radiating surface 42. Due to this thermal contact, the heat of the cold water tank 2 moved by the Peltier element 4 is produced to the outside. As a result, the temperature control device 1 can cool the cold water tank 2 (that is, the stored cold water 3).

  Further, the temperature control device 1 includes a separation control unit 7. The separation control unit 7 reduces the thermal contact area between the heat dissipation surface 42 of the Peltier element 4 and the exhaust heat member 6. The reduction of the thermal contact area is, for example, separating the heat radiation surface 42 of the Peltier element 4 and the exhaust heat member 6 or inserting a heat insulating member. The reduction of the contact area by the separation control unit 7 prevents heat from the exhaust heat member 6 from flowing back to the cold water tank 2 through the non-operating Peltier element 4.

  A control unit 9 that supplies power to the Peltier element 4 and a signal line 8 that transmits an electric signal from the control unit 9 are connected to the temperature control device 1.

  In the prior art, the Peltier element 4 is attached to the cold water tank 2 that is an object of temperature control, and the heat sucked up by the Peltier element 4 is discharged through the heat exhausting member 6. At this time, if the temperature of the cold water tank 2 becomes a predetermined value or less, the power supply to the Peltier element 4 is stopped to save power. When power supply to the Peltier element 4 is stopped, the Peltier element 4 cannot perform heat transfer from the heat receiving surface 41 toward the heat radiating surface 42. In this situation, the temperature of the exhaust heat member 6 is higher than the temperature of the cold water tank 2, and the exhaust heat member 6 has become a kind of heat source.

  Generally, in order to efficiently transfer heat from the Peltier element 4 to the exhaust heat member 6 (the heat transfer is efficient, the heat of the cold water tank 2 sucked up by the Peltier element 4 is exhausted. This is because the heat is effectively produced outside through the heat member 6), and a thermal bonding material such as grease is applied between the heat radiation surface 42 of the Peltier element 4 and the exhaust heat member 6. With this thermal bonding material, heat easily moves from the exhaust heat member 6 to the Peltier element 4, and while the operation of the Peltier element 4 is stopped, the heat of the exhaust heat member 6 easily enters the Peltier element 4, It will flow backward into the cold water tank 2.

  For this reason, the temperature control apparatus in the prior art has no choice but to stop power supply to the Peltier element or to accept the backflow of heat, and is in a state where power consumption is wasted.

  The separation control unit 7 reduces the thermal contact area between the heat radiation 42 and the exhaust heat member 6, so even after the power supply to the Peltier element 4 is stopped (even when the operation of the Peltier element 4 is stopped). Heat of 6 does not flow backward. For this reason, the temperature of the cold water tank 2 cooled by the Peltier element 4 is maintained for a long time, and the electric power required for the Peltier element 4 can also be reduced.

  The temperature control apparatus 1 in Embodiment 1 can reduce power consumption as described above. In FIG. 1, although the cold water tank 2 with which a water supply machine and a water purifier are equipped was demonstrated as an example, it is the same also when applied to a refrigerator or a heat retention box.

  Next, the detail of each part is demonstrated.

(Cold water tank)
The temperature control device 1 cools or heats an object to be temperature controlled. The temperature control device 1 includes the Peltier element 4 to control the temperature of the object. In FIG. 1, the cold water tank 2 contained in a water feeder or a water purifier is shown as an example of a target object.

  The cold water tank 2 is included in a water supply machine or the like, temporarily stores mineral water or natural water supplied from a water container, and cools the stored water to obtain cold water 3. The cold water tank 2 temporarily stores the obtained cold water 3. The cold water 3 includes all the cooled water and water that can be cooled, and even if the water is not actually in a cold state, the water stored in the cold water tank 2 is referred to as the cold water 3. Define.

  The cold water tank 2 further includes cold water supply means for supplying the stored cold water 3. For example, an opening cock such as water supply or an opening nozzle is provided, and by these opening mechanisms, the cold water supply means can supply stored cold water to the outside. For example, the user obtains cold water by opening the opening mechanism.

  The cold water tank 2 is controlled by the temperature control device 1 in terms of the temperature of the cold water tank 2 itself and the inside thereof. At this time, since the purpose of the cold water tank 2 is to reduce the temperature of the cold water 3 stored therein, the temperature control device 1 cools the cold water tank 2. For this reason, the heat receiving surface 41 of the Peltier element 4 is in thermal contact with the cold water tank 2. The thermal contact means that, for example, the heat receiving surface 41 of the Peltier element 4 is in contact with the surface of the cold water tank 2 (may be in direct contact, or in contact through a thermal bonding material such as grease. Is also good). Alternatively, the heat receiving surface 41 of the Peltier element 4 may be in contact with the cold water 3.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the Peltier element 4 is also preferably provided with a heat sink 5 in order to efficiently follow heat from the cold water tank 2 and the cold water 3. A heat sink 5 is connected to the heat receiving surface 41 of the Peltier element 4, and the heat sink 5 is connected to the heat receiving surface 41 and contacts the cold water 3 over a wide area. By this contact, the heat sink 5 sucks heat from the cold water 3 and conducts it to the Peltier element 4. The Peltier element 4 moves the conducted heat from the heat receiving surface 41 to the heat radiating surface 42. Since the moved heat is discharged to the outside through the heat exhausting member 6, as a result, the heat of the cold water 3 is discharged to the outside.

  Since the heat sink 5 is not an essential member, the heat sink 5 may not be provided, but the cooling effect is enhanced by providing the heat sink 5. If the moving direction of heat is reversed, the heat sink 5 enhances the heating effect.

  In addition to cold water tanks, equipment and devices whose temperature needs to be controlled by heat exchange with the outside, such as hot water tanks, refrigerators, and heat insulation units included in water feeders and water purifiers, are selected as objects. .

(Peltier element)
The Peltier element 4 moves heat from the heat receiving surface 41 toward the heat radiating surface 42. In FIG. 1, since the object is the cold water tank 2, the Peltier element 4 brings the heat receiving surface 41 into thermal contact with the cold water tank 2 and moves the heat taken from the cold water tank 2 to the heat radiating surface 42.

  The Peltier element 4 is a plate-like member having a flat plate shape and has a pair of opposed surfaces. Of the pair of surfaces, one surface is the heat receiving surface 41 and the surface facing the heat receiving surface 41 is the heat radiating surface 42. The heat receiving surface 41 is in thermal contact with the object, and the heat radiating surface 42 is in thermal contact with the exhaust heat member 6. The Peltier element 4 moves heat from the heat receiving surface 41 toward the heat radiating surface 42 in a state where electric power is supplied. This movement is one-way.

  Since the heat radiating surface 42 is in thermal contact with the heat exhausting member 6, the heat transferred to the heat radiating surface 42 is conducted to the heat exhausting member 6 and discharged to the outside. By exhausting heat to the outside, the heat taken by the heat receiving surface 41 from the cold water tank 2 (cold water 3) is discharged, and the object is cooled.

  Of course, if the heat transfer direction of the Peltier element 4 is reversed (by switching the electric signal applied to the Peltier element 4, the heat transfer direction of the Peltier element 4 is reversed), external heat is transferred to the object through the Peltier element 4. Can be given to. That is, the object can be heated. For example, when the object is not a cold water tank 2 but a hot water tank, the Peltier element 4 gives heat to the hot water tank, and as a result, the hot water tank is heated.

  As described above, the Peltier element 4 realizes heat transfer in a predetermined direction by receiving an electric signal and electric power.

  Further, the control unit 9 supplies power (electric signal) to the Peltier element 4. The Peltier element 4 operates by the supplied electric power. On the other hand, when the temperature of the object is controlled to a desired temperature, heat transfer and exhaust heat by the Peltier element 4 become unnecessary, and thus power supply to the Peltier element 4 is stopped from the viewpoint of power consumption reduction. It is preferable. For this reason, the control part 9 stops the electric power supply to the Peltier element 4 when a target object (FIG. 1 cold water tank 2) becomes below predetermined temperature. Further, when the object reaches a certain temperature or higher, the power supply to the Peltier element 4 is resumed. When the object is a cooling target, the control unit 9 supplies and resumes power based on the first temperature and the second temperature.

  FIG. 2 is an operation graph of the control unit according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 2 shows the stop and restart of the electric power given to the Peltier element 4 by the control unit 9. In the graph, the vertical axis indicates the power value, and the horizontal axis indicates time.

  When the cold water tank 2 reaches the first temperature T1 (the control unit 9 includes a temperature sensor and can measure the temperature), the control unit 9 supplies power to the Peltier element 4. The first temperature T1 is a predetermined temperature and is a temperature at which the cooling of the cold water tank 2 is insufficient. For this reason, when the temperature is equal to or higher than the first temperature T1, it is necessary to operate the Peltier element 4 to cool the cold water tank 2. For this reason, the control part 9 supplies electric power to the Peltier element 4 when it becomes 1st temperature T1 or more. In the graph, the power increases at the first temperature T1.

  On the other hand, when the cold water tank 2 is at the second temperature T2, the control unit 9 stops power supply to the Peltier element 4. The second temperature T2 is a temperature lower than the first temperature T1, and is a sufficient temperature as the cooling state of the cold water tank 2. In this state, it is useless in terms of power consumption that the Peltier element 4 further cools the cold water tank 2. For this reason, it is preferable to stop the power supply to the Peltier element 4 in order to reduce power consumption. When the temperature reaches the second temperature T2, the control unit 9 reduces (stops) the power supplied as shown in the graph and stops the operation of the Peltier element 4. As a result, power consumption can be reduced.

  In FIG. 2, it has been described that the operation is started at the first temperature T1 and the operation is stopped at the second temperature T2 based on the case where the object is a cooling object. However, the object is a heating object. In this case, the operation start and stop are reversed.

  Moreover, the control part 9 may control not only the supply and stop of electric power based on the temperature of the object, but also the supply and stop of electric power based on time.

(Separation control unit)
The Peltier element 4 is in thermal contact with the exhaust heat member 6 at the heat radiation surface 42. The heat moved by the Peltier element 4 by this thermal contact is released to the outside through the exhaust heat member 6. While power is supplied to the Peltier element 4, the Peltier element 4 moves heat from the heat receiving surface 41 toward the heat radiating surface 42. For this reason, the heat taken away from the object is continuously discharged to the outside through the heat exhausting member 6.

  However, as described above, the Peltier element 4 stops its operation when a predetermined condition is met. In a state where the operation is stopped, the Peltier element 4 is only a plate member. Since the heat exhausting member 6 is a heat sink as shown in FIG. 1, the heat to be exhausted is accumulated. While the Peltier element 4 is stopped, the temperature of the exhaust heat member 6 is much higher than the temperature of the cold water tank 2, and heat flows backward from the exhaust heat member 6 through the Peltier element 4 to the cold water tank 2. If it flows backward, the temperature of the cold water tank 2 that is cooled at an angle will rise.

  The separation control unit 7 reduces the thermal contact area between the heat dissipation surface 42 of the Peltier element 4 and the exhaust heat member 6.

  The separation control unit 7 uses various members to reduce the thermal contact area between the heat radiation surface 42 of the Peltier element 4 and the exhaust heat member 6. As an example of a member provided in the separation control unit 7, an extrusion member that widens the space between the heat radiation surface 42 and the exhaust heat member 6 may be used.

  FIG. 3 is a side view showing an example of the separation control unit according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 3 shows an extruding member 71 as an example of the separation control unit 7. The pushing member 71 widens the distance between the heat radiation surface 42 and the exhaust heat member 6. In FIG. 3, one side of the Peltier element 4 and a part of the heat exhaust member 6 are connected, and the extruding member 71 pushes out the heat exhaust member 6, so that the connected heat dissipation surface 42 serves as a fulcrum. The distance with the heat exhausting member 6 increases. As a result, in the region other than the connected one side, there is almost no thermal contact between the heat radiation surface 42 and the exhaust heat member 6.

  Thus, the separation control unit 7 reduces the thermal contact area between the heat radiation surface 42 of the Peltier element 4 and the heat exhausting member 6 by the pushing member 71.

  It is also preferable that the separation control unit 7 includes an electromagnet as an activation force for pushing out the pushing member 71 and pushes out the pushing member 71 by the action of the electromagnet. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an operation performed by the separation control unit according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

  An electromagnet 72 is connected to the pushing member 71. The electromagnet 72 generates a magnetic force or releases the magnetic force by receiving power supply. For example, when the electromagnet 72 has a magnetic force, the push-out member 71 is housed inside the electromagnet 72 (or inside the Peltier element 4), and when the electromagnet 72 has no magnetic force, the push-out member 71 protrudes from the inside of the electromagnet 72 and pushes out the exhaust heat member 6. That is, the space between the heat radiating surface 42 of the Peltier element 4 and the exhaust heat member 6 is widened by the extrusion of the extrusion member 71. When the electromagnet 72 and the pushing member 71 have such a structure, when electric power is supplied to the electromagnet 72, the thermal contact area between the heat radiation surface 42 and the exhaust heat member 6 is reduced. .

  Further, the supply and release of power to the electromagnet 72 may be performed by the control unit 9 that controls the supply and release of power to the Peltier element 4. This is because the separation between the Peltier element 4 and the exhaust heat member 6 by the pushing member 71 is required by switching between supply and release of power to the Peltier element 4.

  In FIG. 4, the control unit 9 supplies power to the Peltier element 4. Similarly, the control unit 9 supplies power to the electromagnet 72. Since the electromagnet 72 has a magnetic force during the period when the electric power is supplied from the control unit 9, the pushing member 71 can be kept.

  On the other hand, when the temperature of the object is equal to or lower than a predetermined value (or higher than a predetermined value when the object is a heating target), the control unit 9 stops power supply to the Peltier element 4. This is for power saving. As a result, the control unit 9 also stops supplying power to the electromagnet 72. When the supply of electric power to the electromagnet 72 is stopped, the magnetic force is lost, and the pushing member 71 cannot be held and pushed out. The separation control unit 7 can reduce the thermal contact area between the Peltier element 4 and the exhaust heat member 6 by pushing out the pushing member 71. The reduction of the contact area is as shown in FIG.

  That is, the separation control unit 7 reduces the thermal contact area between the Peltier element 4 and the heat exhausting member 6 when a predetermined condition is satisfied. This predetermined condition is determined by a predetermined temperature and a temperature determined when the object is cooled. It is at least one of a predetermined temperature determined when the object is heated. That is, when the object is cooled, the power supplied to the Peltier element 4 and the electromagnet 72 by the control unit 9 is stopped when the temperature falls below a predetermined temperature. The operation of the Peltier element 4 is stopped in accordance with the stop of the power supply, and the electromagnet 72 loses the magnetic force.

  When the electromagnet 72 loses the magnetic force, the pushing member 71 protrudes from the electromagnet 72 and pushes out the exhaust heat member 6. By this extrusion, the Peltier element 4 and the exhaust heat member 6 are separated from each other. When the Peltier element 4 is in a non-operating state, there is a possibility of reverse flow of heat from the exhaust heat member 6. However, at the same time when the Peltier element 4 is brought into a non-operating state, the pushing member 71 reduces the thermal contact area between the Peltier element 4 and the heat exhausting member 6, thereby preventing the backflow of heat.

  When the temperature returns to the predetermined temperature or higher, the control unit 9 resumes supplying power to the Peltier element 4 and the electromagnet 72. By restarting the supply of electric power, the magnetic force of the electromagnet is restored and the pushing member 71 is accommodated in the electromagnet 72. As a result, the Peltier element 4 and the exhaust heat member 6 come into thermal contact again. Since the operation of the Peltier element 4 is also resumed, the Peltier element 4 can discharge the heat taken from the object.

  When the object is a heating object, the control unit 9 stops supplying power to the Peltier element 4 and the electromagnet 72 when the temperature is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature. This stop prevents the backflow of heat through the Peltier element 4.

  As described above, the supply of electric power to the Peltier element 4 and the supply of electric power to the electromagnet correspond to each other so that the Peltier element 4 and the exhaust heat member 6 are in thermal contact with each other during the operation stop time of the Peltier element 4. The area is reduced. This prevents backflow of heat. In other words, the predetermined condition for the operation of the separation control unit 7 is a predetermined condition for determining power supply to the Peltier element 4 and stopping.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 4, even if the Peltier element 4 and the heat exhausting member 6 are inclined with respect to each other with respect to the connecting position, the mutual thermal contact area can be reduced. Good. Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the extruding member 71 may completely extrude the exhaust heat member 6 from the heat radiating surface 42 of the Peltier element 4 so that they are completely separated from each other. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an operation performed by the separation control unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  In FIG. 5, the separation control unit 7 includes two pushing members 71 and two electromagnets 72 combined with them. Power is supplied to and stopped from the control unit 9 for each of the two electromagnets 72. The control unit 9 supplies power to the Peltier element 4 and the two electromagnets 72. While the electric power is supplied, the electromagnet 72 has a magnetic force, so that each of the two electromagnets 72 accommodates the pushing member 71. On the other hand, when the Peltier element 4 satisfies a predetermined condition (when the temperature is equal to or higher than a predetermined value or lower than the predetermined value), the control unit 9 stops supplying power. Each of the two electromagnets 72 can no longer be supplied with power and loses magnetic force. As a result, each of the two push-out members 71 protrudes, and the exhaust heat member 6 is separated from the Peltier element 4 as shown in FIG.

  As a result of this separation, the Peltier element 4 and the exhaust heat member 6 are not in thermal contact, and the backflow of heat is prevented.

  The electromagnet 72 may be supplied with power opposite to that of the Peltier element 4.

  For example, no electric power is supplied to the electromagnet 72 during a period in which electric power is supplied to the Peltier element 4, and electric power is supplied to the electromagnet 72 in a period during which no electric power is supplied to the Peltier element 4. The electromagnet 72 causes the pushing member 71 to protrude by magnetic force. The protruding pushing member 71 reduces the contact area between the Peltier element 4 and the heat exhausting member 6.

  As described above, the separation control unit 7 includes the push-out member 71, the electromagnet 72, and the like, so that the thermal contact between the Peltier element 4 and the heat exhausting member 6 during the period when the operation of the Peltier element 4 is stopped. Reduce the area.

  Moreover, it is also preferable that the heat receiving surface 41 of the Peltier element 4 further includes a heat absorbing member so as to be in thermal contact with the object. For example, a plate-like member having a high thermal conductivity is sandwiched between the heat receiving surface 41 and the object. The plate-like member conducts heat taken from the target member to the heat receiving surface 41 after contacting the target object on a wide surface. With such a heat absorbing member, the heat receiving surface 41 can efficiently suck up heat from the object.

(Exhaust heat member)
The heat exhausting member 6 exhausts heat conducted from the Peltier element 4 to the outside.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 and the like, it is also preferable that the heat exhausting member 6 has a heat sink structure. This is because by having the heat sink structure, the heat conducted from the Peltier element 4 can be discharged to the outside using a large surface area. In addition, as shown in FIG. 6, a cooling fan may be provided at the end of the heat sink structure, and the exhaust heat efficiency may be further increased by the cooling fan.

  FIG. 6 is a side view of the temperature control device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The heat exhaust member 6 includes a cooling fan 61 that sends air to the tip thereof. The cooling fan 61 urges exhaust heat by the exhaust heat member 6 by applying wind to the exhaust heat member 6 of the heat sink structure. As a result, the exhaust heat member 6 can efficiently exhaust heat to the outside.

  Of course, it is also preferable that the exhaust heat member 6 includes a liquid cooling jacket and other members in addition to the cooling fan.

  As described above, the temperature control device 1 according to the first embodiment cools or heats an object using the heat transfer effect of the Peltier element 4 and supplies power to the Peltier element 4 for power saving. It is possible to prevent the backflow of heat during the stopped period. As a result, the temperature of the cooled or heated target portion can be maintained for a long time. In addition, unnecessary power supply to the Peltier element 4 can be reduced, and power consumption can be reduced. Since power consumption can be reduced, power consumption of equipment such as a water supply device, a water purifier, a refrigerator, and a heat storage provided with the temperature control device 1 can also be reduced, and environmental load can be reduced.

  (Embodiment 2)

  Next, a second embodiment will be described.

  In the second embodiment, a water feeder using the temperature control device described in the first embodiment will be described.

  The temperature control device 1 described in the first embodiment uses the Peltier element 4 to cool or heat the object and control the temperature of the object. Furthermore, the backflow of heat through the Peltier element 4 can be prevented even during the period when power supply to the Peltier element 4 is stopped for power saving.

  As described above, the temperature control device 1 described in the first embodiment can cool or heat an object, and can reduce environmental load and noise by using the Peltier element 4. Furthermore, since the backflow of heat during the power stop period can be prevented, power consumption can be recommended.

  From the above, the temperature control device 1 described in the first embodiment can be applied to various devices. In particular, it is suitably used for a water supply machine that is required to be a device with low environmental load while reducing power consumption and noise.

  FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a water feeder according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. FIG. 7 shows a water feeder 100 that includes the cold water tank 2 and the hot water tank 10 inside the housing 103.

  The water feeder 100 includes a casing 103 that forms an outer shape, and various elements are included in the casing 103. The water feeder 100 includes a water container 101 for storing water, a suction means 102 for sucking water stored in the water container 101, a hot water tank 10 for temporarily storing hot water obtained by heating the sucked water, A cold water tank 2 for temporarily storing cold water obtained by cooling the sucked water, a hot water supply means 11 capable of supplying hot water from the hot water tank 10, and a cold water supply means 21 capable of supplying cold water from the cold water tank 2. .

  A temperature controller 1 is attached to the cold water tank 2 in order to cool the cold water tank 2 and the internal cold water.

(Water container)
The water container 101 stores mineral water or natural water.

  The water container 101 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.

  Further, the water container 101 may have a deformable flexibility. Since the water container 101 has a deformable flexibility, the water container 101 can contract as the water contained in the water container 101 is sucked and reduced. Since the water container 101 can contract in accordance with a decrease in the amount of water to be stored, air does not enter the water container 101 from the outside, and the water stored in the water container 101 does not need to come into contact with germs in the air. As a result, water is kept hygienic.

  Since the water container 101 has such flexibility, a flexible film (polypropylene film, polyethylene laminate film, etc.) is used as the material of the water container 101, and it also has a harmful effect on the human body (for example, elution of environmental hormones). Etc.) A material that does not exist is used.

  The water container 101 may be delivered to a home or office in a state where water is stored, and may be collected when the water runs out. In this way, the user can maintain the sanitation and safety of the water supplied by the water feeder 1 by not filling the water container with tap water or natural water.

    (Suction means)

  The suction means 102 sucks the water in the water container 101 and transports it to the hot water tank 10 and the cold water tank 2. For example, a suction pump is used.

  Here, the suction pump may be activated or stopped by the displacement of the water level of the hot water tank 10 or the cold water tank 2. For example, a water level detector is provided inside the hot water tank 10 and the cold water tank 2, and a detection signal from the water level detector is output to the suction pump. When the water level becomes lower than the predetermined level, the suction pump operates to suck water from the water container 101.

  In FIG. 7, the water from the water container 101 is supplied to each of the cold water tank 2 and the hot water tank 10, but the water from the water container 101 is once supplied to the cold water tank 2, and the cold water tank A configuration may be adopted in which water is supplied from 2 to the hot water tank 10.

    (Cold water tank)

  The cold water tank 2 cools the water supplied from the water container 101 by a cooling means.

  Here, the cooling means is the temperature control device 1 described in the first embodiment. The temperature control device 1 takes heat from the cold water tank 2 by the Peltier element 4 including the heat receiving surface 41 that is in thermal contact with the cold water tank 2. The Peltier element 4 moves the heat received by the heat receiving surface to the heat radiating surface on the opposite side during a period in which power is supplied. The heat dissipating surface is in thermal contact with the heat exhausting member 6, and heat is conducted from the heat dissipating surface to the heat exhausting member 6 by this thermal contact and is discharged to the outside.

  This flow cools the cold water tank 2 and the cold water stored therein. Further, the temperature control device 1 includes a separation control unit 7 that reduces the thermal contact area between the heat dissipation surface of the Peltier element 4 and the exhaust heat member 6 under a predetermined condition. As described in the first embodiment, for example, when the temperature of the cold water tank 2 becomes a predetermined value or less, the power supply to the Peltier element 4 is stopped to save power. As the electric power is stopped, the separation control unit 7 operates to separate the Peltier element 4 and the exhaust heat member 6 from each other. As a result, the heat from the exhaust heat member 6 does not flow back to the cold water tank 2. For this reason, the cooling efficiency of the cold water tank 2 is not lowered, and the power consumption can be reduced.

  In addition, since the cold water tank 2 is cooled by the temperature control device 1 using the Peltier element 4, the environmental load is lower and the noise can be reduced than when a compressor or the like is used.

  The cold water supply means 21 may supply cold water by a pipe extending from the upper part of the cold water tank 2 and a faucet or cock connected thereto, or cold water by a pipe extending from the bottom of the cold water tank 2 and a faucet or cock connected thereto. May be supplied.

  In the cold water tank 2, the water in the region closer to the bottom surface is colder cold water. Therefore, the cold water supply means 21 preferably supplies the cold water from a location near the bottom surface of the cold water tank 2.

  Since the cold water tank 2 is cooled, it is preferable that the cold water tank 2 is made of metal because of its good thermal conductivity. In addition, other than metal, resin, vinyl, ceramics, etc. may be used.

  An ultraviolet lamp for sterilization may be provided inside the cold water tank 2. The sterilizing ultraviolet lamp may be lit constantly or only for a predetermined period. Moreover, you may provide the water level detector used as the reference | standard of the action | operation and stop of a suction pump as mentioned above.

  A pair of magnets are attached to the outer periphery of the cold water tank 2 in an opposing state, and these magnets activate water molecules (clusters) by passing a magnetic field through the water to prevent corrosion of the water. You can also suppress the breeding.

    (Hot water tank)

  The hot water tank 10 includes heating means 12 and temporarily stores hot water obtained by heating the internal water by the heating means 12. The obtained hot water is supplied by the hot water supply means 11. Since high temperature water tends to accumulate in the upper part of the hot water tank 10, the hot water supply means 11 is preferably connected to the upper part of the hot water tank 10. The hot water supply means 11 has the same configuration as the cold water supply means 21.

  The heating means 12 includes various means such as a heater band. The inside is heated by these means. Moreover, the hot water tank 10 may be heated using the heat discharged from the heat exhausting member 6 provided in the temperature control device 1.

  Like the cold water tank 2, the hot water tank 10 is preferably made of metal from the viewpoint of good thermal conductivity. In addition, other than metal, resin, vinyl, ceramics, etc. may be used. Further, an ultraviolet lamp for sterilization may be provided inside the hot water tank 10. The sterilizing ultraviolet lamp may be lit constantly or only for a predetermined period.

  In FIG. 7, the hot water tank 10 is installed in parallel with the cold water tank 2, but the hot water tank 10 may be installed below the cold water tank 2.

  By using the Peltier element 4, the water feeder 100 according to the second embodiment is an environment-friendly device with low noise. In addition, since heat can be prevented from flowing backward while the Peltier element 4 is stopped, power consumption can be reduced. As a result, the water feeder 100 with low power consumption and low environmental load can be realized. Such a water feeder 100 is widely used in homes, offices, and the like.

    (Experimental result)

  The inventor conducted a comparative experiment between a cold water tank of a water supply provided with the temperature control device 1 described in the first and second embodiments and a cold water tank to which a conventional Peltier element is fixed.

    (Comparative example)

  A comparative example is a cold water tank to which a Peltier element is attached as shown in FIG. Power is supplied to the Peltier element for a predetermined time, and the cold water tank is cooled by the operation of the Peltier element. Thereafter, when the power supply to the Peltier device was stopped, the time until the power supply to the Peltier device was required (that is, the time until the temperature rose and the Peltier device was restarted) was measured.

    (Example)

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 7, the working example is a cold water tank equipped with the temperature control device described in the first and second embodiments. At the same time as the comparative example, when power is supplied to the Peltier element and then the power supply to the Peltier element is stopped, the time until the power supply to the Peltier element is required (that is, the temperature is Time until the Peltier element was restarted after rising) was measured.

    (Experimental result)

  In either case, the Peltier element is operated until the water temperature reaches 5 ° C. When the temperature reaches 5 ° C., the operation of the Peltier device automatically stops. Further, when the water temperature reaches 17 ° C., the operation of the Peltier element restarts. The time from the stop to the restart of the operation of the Peltier element was measured in each of the comparative example and the example.

  In the comparative example, the time from the stop of the operation of the Peltier element to the restart thereof was 67 minutes. On the other hand, in the example, it is 93 minutes, and in the example, the time for which the operation of the Peltier element needs to be restarted, that is, the time for the temperature to rise to a predetermined value, is about 40% longer than the comparative example. I understand. That is, the time until the temperature rises after the chilled water tank once cooled is left is 40% longer than the comparative example (prior art). This indicates that heat backflow is prevented. In other words, the comparative example shows that the temperature of the cooled chilled water tank rises to a predetermined value or more in a short time due to the reverse flow of heat.

  As described above, it can be seen from the experimental results that the temperature control device of the present invention can prevent the backflow of heat and reduce power consumption while performing cooling and heating with high efficiency.

  In addition, the temperature control apparatus and water supply apparatus which were demonstrated in Embodiment 1-2 are examples which demonstrate the meaning of this invention, and are a deformation | transformation in the range which does not deviate from the meaning of this invention with future technical progress. And including modifications.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Temperature control apparatus 2 Cold water tank 3 Cold water 4 Peltier element 41 Heat receiving surface 42 Heat radiation surface 5 Heat sink 6 Heat exhaust member 61 Cooling fan 7 Separation control part 71 Pushing member 72 Electromagnet 8 Signal line 9 Control part 10 Hot water tank 11 Hot water supply means 12 Heating means 21 Cold water supply means 100 Water feeder 101 Water container 102 Suction means 103 Case 800 Cold water tank 801 Water 802 Peltier element 803, 804 Heat sink 805 Control unit 806 Signal line

Claims (12)

An object to be cooled and heated, and
A Peltier element that is in thermal contact with the object at the heat receiving surface and moves the heat of the object to a heat radiating surface;
An exhaust heat member that is in thermal contact with the heat radiating surface of the Peltier element and discharges heat transferred from the object;
A temperature control device having a thermal backflow prevention function, comprising: a separation control unit that reduces a thermal contact area between the heat radiation surface of the Peltier element and the exhaust heat member based on a predetermined condition.   The temperature control apparatus of Claim 1 further provided with the control part which supplies electric power to the said Peltier device.   The temperature control device according to claim 2, wherein the control unit stops power supply to the Peltier element when the object becomes a predetermined temperature or less.   4. The temperature control device according to claim 1, wherein the separation control unit includes an extrusion member that expands a space between the heat dissipation surface of the Peltier element and the exhaust heat member. 5.   The separation control unit includes an electromagnet as a starting force for pushing out the pushing member. When power is supplied to the electromagnet, the pushing member protrudes between the heat dissipation surface of the Peltier element and the heat exhausting member. The temperature control device according to claim 4, wherein:   The extruding member separates the heat radiating surface of the Peltier element and the heat exhaust member, or inclines the mutual angle with respect to the position where the Peltier element and the heat exhaust member are connected, The temperature control apparatus of Claim 4 or 5 which reduces the contact area of the thermal radiation surface of a Peltier device and the said exhaust heat member.   The predetermined condition is a first temperature that is determined when the object is cooled or a second temperature that is determined when the object is heated, and the separation control unit is configured such that the object is not more than the first temperature or the object is the first temperature. The temperature control device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein a contact area between the Peltier element and the exhaust heat member is reduced when the temperature is two or more.   The temperature control device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the separation control unit reduces a contact area between the Peltier element and the heat exhaust member when supply of electric power to the Peltier element is stopped.   The temperature control device according to claim 8, wherein when the supply of power to the Peltier element is stopped, the separation control unit supplies power to the electromagnet and causes the push-out member to protrude.   The temperature control device according to claim 1, wherein the heat receiving surface of the Peltier element further includes a heat absorbing member that is in thermal contact with the object.   The temperature control device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the object is at least one of a cold water tank provided in a water supply machine and cold water stored in the cold water tank. The temperature control device according to any one of claims 1 to 10,
A cold water tank comprising the temperature control device and capable of storing cold water;
A hot water tank separate from the cold water tank and capable of storing hot water;
Cold water supply means capable of supplying cold water from the cold water tank;
And a hot water supply means capable of supplying hot water from the hot water tank.