JP2012188141A - Remaining water amount managing system for water server - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a technique which enables a water server remaining water amount management to be properly performed without making a water-tank exchanging counter perform a wrong counting even when there has been the resetting or the collision of the water tank.SOLUTION: The remaining water amount managing system 10 for water server includes a remaining water amount managing device 20 that manages the using situation of a water server 14, and a call center 80 that performs the delivery management of the water tank 12, and is connected by a communication network 90. The water server 14 is mounted on the remaining water amount managing device 20. The remaining water amount managing device 20 grasps the using situation such as the remaining amount of the water tank 12 on the basis of to the load, and reports the necessity of the delivery to the call center 80 when another delivery of a water tank 12 becomes necessary. When a sensor compensation mode is on, a control section 22 performs a compensation corresponding to the variation of output characteristics when the water tank is to be exchanged, and measures the load of the water tank 12 when the occurrence of a deviation within a specified value or lower to the initial output characteristics has been determined due to the age deterioration in the output characteristics of a load sensor 30.

Description

  The present invention relates to a water server remaining amount management system, for example, a water server remaining amount management system that manages a remaining amount of water in a water tank provided in a water server.

  In recent years, water servers have become widespread and have been introduced not only in the workplaces of companies and the like as in the past, but also in ordinary homes (consumer homes). With the widespread use, various types of water servers have been introduced to improve user convenience. Various technologies have also been introduced from the viewpoint of efficient delivery and replacement of replacement water tanks.

  For example, there is a technique having a function of counting the number of days of use of the water tank or detecting the removal of the water tank (see Patent Document 1). In this technique, it is possible to accurately grasp the replacement time of the water tank and to effectively perform sterilization treatment by ultraviolet irradiation at the time of replacement.

JP 2010-76814 A

  By the way, conventionally, when a user installs a water tank in the water server, and then notices that the installation state is inappropriate, for example, when the water tank is remounted, the value of the water tank exchange counter becomes one. In some cases, the count is reduced, resulting in erroneous counting (incorrect display). Even if a user or his / her family accidentally collides with a water server or water tank, one or more water tank replacement counters may be decreased due to vibration or shock, resulting in erroneous counting (incorrect display). ). In addition, there is a method of providing a UP / DOWN switch on the counter so that when the user notices an incorrect count, it can be corrected by pressing the UP / DOWN switch, but the operation is troublesome for the user. Parts cost will increase. In addition, there is a problem that a small child mischievously pushes the switch. In the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, these problems are not taken into consideration, and a technique for solving these problems has been demanded. In particular, these problems have become apparent as water servers have become popular in homes, and there has been a need for techniques to solve them.

  The present invention has been made in view of such a situation, and even when a water tank is reloaded or collided, the water tank replacement counter is not erroneously counted, and the water server water remaining amount can be managed appropriately. The purpose is to provide the technology.

One embodiment of the present invention relates to a remaining water amount management system for a water server. The water remaining amount management system of the water server includes a weight measuring unit that measures a weight of the water server in which a water tank is set, and the water server that is set based on the measurement value of the weight measuring unit. Estimating that the water tank has been replaced based on the fluctuation state of the measurement value of the remaining water capacity calculating means for calculating the internal capacity of the water tank and the weight measuring means, Among them, a tank remaining quantity specifying means for calculating the quantity of the unused water tank, and a judging means for determining that it is necessary to arrange delivery of the new water tank based on the calculation of the tank remaining quantity specifying means The remaining water capacity calculating means compares the measured value measured when the water tank is replaced with a full tank load value preset as a full tank load value after replacement. , In the case of deviations within a predetermined value, the contents of the water tank that is set in the water dispenser to reflect the deviation calculated.
Further, the determination means calculates a short-term fluctuation of the measurement value of the weight measurement means, and when the short-term fluctuation is smaller than a predetermined value, the remaining water capacity calculation means uses the water tank. You may update the reference value at the time of determining presence or absence to the measured value after a fluctuation | variation.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, even when a water tank is reloaded or it collides, the technique which enables water server water residual amount management appropriately can be provided, without miscounting a water tank exchange counter.

It is a figure which shows the structure of the water server water residual amount management system based on embodiment of invention. It is a functional block diagram which shows the structure of the residual water amount management apparatus based on embodiment of invention. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement outline | summary of the water residual amount management apparatus based on embodiment of invention. It is a flowchart which shows the process of the water residual amount notification function based on embodiment of invention. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of the front panel part based on embodiment of invention. It is a table which shows the example of a display of the front panel in the process of the water remaining amount notification function in case the delivery number of water tanks is 3 based on embodiment of invention.

  Hereinafter, modes for carrying out the invention (hereinafter referred to as “embodiments”) will be described with reference to the drawings. The outline of the present embodiment is as follows. The weight of the water server and the water tank is converted into an electric signal of a load sensor (strain gauge), and the remaining amount of the water tank is managed by calculating with the MPU. The remaining amount of water tank in the water server is constantly monitored, and when the remaining amount of water tank in the consumer's home is below the preset value, the water tank is low in the call center in conjunction with the NCU (Network Control Unit). Information about what happened is reported. By reporting the information to the call center before the remaining amount of water tank is completely exhausted, it becomes possible to make a water tank delivery plan at an early point in time, thereby improving the delivery efficiency. This will be specifically described below.

  FIG. 1 shows a configuration of a water server remaining water amount management system 10 according to the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, the water server water remaining amount management system 10 includes a water remaining amount management device 20 that manages the usage status of the water server 14 and a call center 80 that manages delivery of the replacement water tank 12. Are connected by a communication network 90. A water server 14 is placed on the remaining water amount management device 20 and its weight is measured. Then, the water remaining amount management device 20 grasps the usage status such as the remaining amount of the water tank 12 attached to the water server 14 based on the weight, and if it is necessary to deliver a new water tank 12, it communicates that fact. The call center 80 is notified through the network 90. The call center 80 arranges delivery to the notified consumer's house, and notifies the delivery person's mobile phone 95 by e-mail or the like as necessary.

  FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the remaining water amount management device 20. The water remaining amount management device 20 includes a control unit 22, a power supply unit 24, an NCU unit 26, a load sensor 30, a front panel unit 40, and a rear panel unit 60.

  The control unit 22 includes input / output means such as an MPU, ADC, and DCC, a drive driver for components to be connected, and the like, and comprehensively controls each component of the water server water remaining amount management system 10. The remaining water amount management function is executed based on the detection result of the load sensor 30. Here, the water remaining amount management function refers to management including both the remaining amount management of the water tank 12 attached to the water server 14 and the management of the number of unused water tanks 12. When the control unit 22 determines that the delivery of a new water tank 12 is necessary due to the management process, the control unit 22 transmits a delivery request signal to the call center 80 via the NCU unit 26. Judgment criteria and the like will be described later.

  In addition, when the control unit 22 determines that the output characteristic of the load sensor 30 has changed with time and a deviation within a predetermined range (for example, within ± 20%) has occurred with respect to the initial output characteristic, the sensor 22 As a correction mode, the output value can be corrected. A specific correction procedure will be described later. Whether or not to execute the sensor correction mode is set by an administrator or the like. For example, it may be always on, or the person in charge of delivery of the water tank 12 may turn on when the water tank 12 is replaced. When the person in charge of delivery determines that the output characteristic of the load sensor 30 has changed based on the remaining amount of water at the time of replacement or a report from the user, the sensor correction mode is turned on. For example, a dedicated button may be provided to turn on the sensor correction mode, or may be associated with a specific operation on a button of another function, a code input, or the like. If the deviation exceeds a predetermined value, it is assumed that the load sensor 30 is broken or replaced with a water tank 12 that is not full. Settings are made. At the time of setting the water amount adjustment, a delivery person or the like operates a predetermined adjustment button (not shown) provided on the rear panel unit 60 while confirming a water tank water amount level gauge 43 described later. The amount of the water tank 12 is set.

  Moreover, the control part 22 can adjust the judgment reference value in the monitoring function mentioned later as a countermeasure to the change (drift) of the output characteristic accompanying the time-dependent change of the load sensor 30. Detailed processing will be described later.

  The power supply unit 24 is connected to a commercial AC power supply (for example, AC 100V), and converts and supplies DC power that can be used by each component of the remaining water amount management device 20. The NCU unit 26 is a device for communicating with the call center 80 via a communication network 90 that is a telephone line, and includes a modem and a terminal adapter.

  The load sensor 30 is, for example, a strain gauge type sensor, and detects the weight of the water server 14 placed on the remaining water amount management device 20. By detecting the weight of the water server 14, it is possible to detect the amount of remaining water (usage status) of the water tank 12 attached to the water server 14.

  The front panel unit 40 is provided with various indicator lamps that indicate the operating state of the water remaining amount management device 20 and the remaining amount of the water tank 12. Specifically, a power LED 41, a water exchange notification LED 42, a water tank water level gauge 43, a container exchange counter 44, a watch warning LED 45, and an unused days counter 46 are provided. The power LED 41 is lit in a predetermined color (for example, red) when the water remaining amount management device 20 is in an operating state.

  The water exchange notification LED 42 is displayed in red, for example, when one unused water tank 12 is left and the remaining amount of water in the water tank 12 currently attached to the water server 14 is 30% or less. In other words, the user can grasp that the new delivery signal for the water tank 12 has been transmitted to the call center 80 by confirming the lighting state of the water exchange notification LED 42. As a display mode, the control unit 22 may blink the display if it is in a transmitted state, and may display it constantly lit when a confirmation response signal is acquired from the call center 80 via the NCU unit 26.

  The water tank water amount level gauge 43 displays the amount of water (remaining amount) in the water tank 12 with 10 segments of LEDs. Here, 10 LEDs are turned on when the tank is full, and all LEDs are turned off when it is empty.

  The container exchange counter 44 digitally displays the quantity of the remaining water tank 12, that is, the quantity of the unused water tank 12. A method for determining the quantity will be described later.

  The watch warning LED 45 is lit when the water in the water tank 12 is not consumed for a certain period. At the time of this lighting, the control unit 22 notifies the call center 80 to that effect as a water unused warning. Upon receiving the notification, the call center 80 determines that there is a possibility that some kind of unexpected situation has occurred in the resident of the consumer's house, and makes a phone call to the consumer's house or arranges for a delivery person to visit. . That is, the remaining water amount management apparatus 20 can be used for security services.

  The unused days counter 46 displays the number of unused days. The display here starts from “0” and increments the number every day, and displays up to “9”.

  Next, the rear panel unit 60 will be described. The rear panel unit 60 includes various switches as means for operation setting and initialization of the remaining water amount management device 20. Specifically, a water tank replacement setting knob 61, a water unused days setting knob 62, a test switch 63, a no water setting switch 64, a full setting switch 65, and a reset switch 66 are provided.

  The water tank exchange setting knob 61 is a code switch used when setting the number of exchanges of the water tank 12. The user adjusts the water tank replacement setting knob 61 to set, for example, a range of 1 to 10.

  The water unused days setting knob 62 is a code switch used when setting the number of days of water unused warning. The user adjusts the water unused days setting knob 62 to set, for example, a range of 1 to 5 days.

  The test switch 63 is a push switch used when starting the test mode. For example, when the user turns on the power while pressing the test switch 63, the test mode is activated. It can also be used to check various setting values, and when the test switch 63 is being pressed, the setting values of the container replacement counter 44 and the unused days counter 46 are displayed.

  The no-water setting switch 64 is a push switch, and is used for storing an empty state (weight) of the water tank 12 as an initial setting. The full water setting switch 65 is also a push switch, and is used when the water tank 12 records a full state (weight) as an initial setting.

  When the sensor correction mode is off, when the water tank 12 is depressed for a predetermined time, for example, 2 seconds or more, the control unit 22 calculates the weight of the empty state based on the detection result of the load sensor 30. Remember. Similarly, when the water tank 12 is fully filled (unused) and pressed for a predetermined time, for example, 2 seconds or more, the control unit 22 determines the full tank weight based on the detection result of the load sensor 30. Remember. That is, as the weight of the water tank 12 in the empty state or the weight in the full state, the value once set and stored initially is continuously used as it is, and no correction is made.

When the sensor correction mode is on, the control unit 22 corrects the detection value of the load sensor 30.
Specifically, when the water tank 12 is replaced, if the output value (load value) of the load sensor 30 is within ± 20% of the “initially set full water value”, the control unit 22 sets “initial setting”. The difference Δ from the “full water value” is stored, and the load value is corrected by reflecting the difference Δ in the determination until the water tank 12 is replaced thereafter.

When the sensor correction mode is on, the correction is performed every time the water tank 12 is replaced. The empty position of the water tank 12 is automatically corrected so that a value obtained by subtracting the initially set weight (weight when full) minus weight when there is no water is empty. As described above, when the sensor correction mode is turned on, even if the output characteristic of the load sensor 30 changes due to a change over time, the display of the water tank water level gauge 43 displays the actual remaining water level value. It is possible to avoid a situation where the display is shifted. For example, it is possible to avoid such a problem that a part of the water tank 12 is not lit even when the water tank 12 is replaced and the water tank water level gauge 43 is fully lit. The corrected load value is used when calculating the display number of the water tank water level gauge 43, during communication output by the NCU unit 26, and when determining whether there is no water.

  The reset switch 66 is a push switch that is used when initializing setting values for the number of replacements and the number of unused days. When pressed for a predetermined time or more, the set values for the number of replacements and the number of unused days are initialized.

  The operation of the remaining water amount management apparatus 20 having the above configuration will be described. First, an outline of the operation of the remaining water amount management apparatus 20 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  When the power of the remaining water amount management device 20 is turned on, hardware initialization is performed (S1). Subsequently, each process of setting from the flash memory and restoring the management data is performed (S2). Initial data is used at the time of initial startup, and setting processing is performed by reading setting data and management data stored in the flash memory for the second time and thereafter. When the setting process in step S2 is completed, a substantial operation is started (S3).

  When the operation starts, the setting can be changed by a user operation (S4). Here, the contents that can be set are (1) setting of the capacity of the water tank 12, (2) setting of the number of tank replacements and water unused warning days, and (3) basic values of the full water condition and no water condition for adjustment. The specific contents are as follows.

(1) Setting the capacity of the water tank 12:
The capacity of the water tank 12 is set, for example, by switching a predetermined dip switch (not shown).
(2) Setting of tank replacement number and water non-use warning days:
As described above, the number of tank replacements and the number of days when water is not used are set by adjusting the water tank replacement setting knob 61 and the water unused days setting knob 62 and then pressing the reset switch 66 for a predetermined time. Is registered, and at the same time, the operation of the remaining water amount reporting function and the monitoring function is restarted.
(3) Setting of basic values for full water condition and no water condition for adjustment:
As described above, the reference level for the full water state is registered when the full water setting switch 65 is pressed for a predetermined time in the full water state. Similarly, the setting of the reference value for the no water state is registered when the no water setting switch 64 is pressed for a predetermined time in the no water state. When the registration process is completed, for example, the power LED 41 blinks in green for a certain time.

  Subsequently, the current weight is measured (S5). Here, the control unit 22 captures 100 samples of the detection result of the load sensor 30 every 0.01 second by 10-bit A / D conversion and takes 80 samples values excluding upper and lower 10 samples as input values (A / D value) is recorded in a predetermined recording area. And the control part 22 calculates a moving average from the input value (A / D value) for the past 10 times, and makes the value a weight value.

  Next, a remaining water amount notification function is executed (S6). Here, the control unit 22 monitors the weight value calculated from the detection result of the load sensor 30, and performs level gauge display, count display, and lamp display corresponding to the state. Detailed processing will be described later with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 4, but the outline is as follows.

  The control unit 22 sequentially takes in the weight value, and sets the weight value that does not change significantly for a certain time (for example, 3 seconds) as the stable weight value. A large fluctuation means a state in which a fluctuation in weight occurs, for example, 3% or more. And the control part 22 performs a state determination process, when the stable weight value and the last stable weight value are compared and there exists a big fluctuation | variation. When the weight value fluctuates, the control unit 22 causes the lower right dot of the container exchange counter 44 to be lit on, and when stable, controls the dot to be turned off.

  The criterion for judging that the water has run out is that the weight of the water tank 12 is not more than 2/11 of the full weight. At this time, all the water tank water level gauges 43 are turned off or one gauge is turned on. When the sensor correction mode is on, the weight of the water tank 12 is obtained by performing the above correction on the output value of the load sensor 30.

  When the control unit 22 determines from the detection result of the load sensor 30 that the weight change has occurred from a state where there is no water to a state where the water level is 50% or more when the water is full, it recognizes that the water tank 12 has been replaced and sets the container replacement counter 44 Subtract one to display.

  When the display of the container exchange counter 44 indicating the number of remaining tanks is “1” and the weight of the water tank 12 is 30% or less of the full level, the control unit 22 uses the water exchange notification LED 42 as a water exchange warning. Is turned on and a water exchange warning command is output to the NCU unit 26 only once for 3 seconds. When the NCU unit 26 receives a command from the control unit 22, the NCU unit 26 outputs a signal indicating that delivery is required to the call center 80.

  When the water tank 12 is replaced when the display of the container replacement counter 44 is “0”, the control unit 22 cancels the water replacement warning, turns off the water replacement notification LED 42, and sets the container replacement counter 44. The value is reset to the value obtained by subtracting 1 from the current number. That is, if the number of newly delivered water tanks 12 is “3”, “2” is displayed on the container exchange counter 44. The current weight is displayed on the water tank water level gauge 43 in real time. Specifically, display is performed at a level based on the current stable weight, with a value of 1/11 of “reference value in full state−reference value in the absence of water” as a scale value.

  Next, the watching function (S7) will be described. This function performs the processing described in the explanation of the watch warning LED 45 described above. In the flowchart, it is described after the processing of the water remaining amount reporting function described above, but is executed in parallel with the processing of the water remaining amount reporting function. The controller 22 refers to a date / time timer (not shown) and measures the date / time. Then, in the processing of the remaining water amount notification function, the control unit 22 clears the date / time timer when the weight changes, and continues the timer counting if there is no change. Here, the control unit 22 compares the previous load value with the current load value every second, and determines that a change in weight due to the use of water has occurred when a fluctuation of a predetermined value or more has occurred. To do. When the set number of water unused warning days and the timer count are the same, the control unit 22 turns on the watch warning LED 45 as an unused warning and also notifies the NCU unit 26 of the unused warning only once for 3 seconds. Outputs a command. When the NCU unit 26 receives a command from the control unit 22, the NCU unit 26 outputs a signal indicating that an unused warning is given to the call center 80. When detecting the change in the weight of the water tank 12, the control unit 22 cancels the unused warning, turns off the watch warning LED 45, and resets the timer count. The call center 80 may be notified that the unused warning has been canceled. In addition, when the set water use warning days is “0”, the operation is not performed assuming that the function is not used.

  Here, a method for dealing with a case where the output characteristics of the load sensor 30 change due to a change with time or the like will be described. For example, it is assumed that the output value is likely to drift due to a change with time of the load sensor 30. This drift may change over a long period of time, and may drift more than the change when water is used, or may drift up and down without being constant. In that case, there is a possibility that it is determined that water has been used even though water is originally unused and a warning function should be issued with a watch function.

  Therefore, the control unit 22 compares the load value at the time of stabilization with the current load value every minute instead of the above-mentioned comparison / judgment every second, and if the difference is a small change of a predetermined value or less. The current load value is updated as a stable load. Here, the small change equal to or less than the predetermined value is a minimum amount used at one time in the water server 14, and is a change in the load value corresponding to, for example, about 20 ml. This value may be changeable. And this process is repeatedly performed, and the control part 22 judges whether the load fluctuation accompanying water use generate | occur | produced on the basis of this stable load. Note that the count of the timer continues without being cleared at the time of updating the stable load value. As described above, by monitoring the fluctuation of the load value within a short interval, it is possible to avoid malfunction in drift. Here, the short interval is assumed to be a short period such as several tens of seconds to several minutes, and the period (for example, the above-mentioned 1 minute) can be set by the administrator.

The process of writing and saving data in the flash memory (S8) is a process performed in parallel with the remaining water amount reporting function (S6) and the watching function (S7). Specifically, the control unit 22 writes various data in a predetermined storage area (flash memory) (not shown) every predetermined time (for example, every 30 minutes). However, in the following conditions (1) to (6), the control unit 22 records immediate data.
(1) When the reset switch 66 is pressed and registration processing is performed.
(2) When the full water setting switch 65 is pressed and a reference process for setting a reference value for full water is performed.
(3) When the no-water setting switch 64 is pressed and a reference value setting process for no water is performed.
(4) When a water exchange warning is generated or released.
(5) When an unused warning occurs or is canceled.
(6) When the display of the container exchange counter 44 is changed due to the exchange of the water tank 12.
When the storage capacity of the flash memory is exhausted, for example, the control unit 22 performs all erasure processing and starts data writing processing again.

  In the output-related process (S9), the power LED 41 is lit red in a normal operating state, and is lit green for a predetermined time when various registration processes are performed. Further, the control unit 22 outputs the current weight value from a D / A output port (not shown), for example, with 8 bits. By connecting a predetermined device to the D / A output port, the remaining water amount management device 20 can be monitored.

  Next, a specific operation of the water remaining amount notification function will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 4, the display example of the front panel unit 40 of FIG. 5, and the table (background diagram) of FIG. 6. Here, the description will be made assuming that three water tanks 12 are delivered.

  First, in a state where the water tank 12 is not attached from the water server 14, as shown in (1) of FIG. 6, the water exchange notification LED 42 is turned off, the container exchange counter 44 is “2”, and the water tank water level gauge 43 Is turned off. When one of the three newly delivered water tanks 12 is set (S10), the control unit 22 sets the water tank quantity to the delivery quantity (S12). When set, as shown in FIGS. 5A and 6B, all water tank water level gauges 43 are lit, and the container exchange counter 44 is displayed as “2”.

  And the control part 22 grasps | ascertains the remaining capacity of the water tank 12 by monitoring the load sensor 30 one by one, and updates the display of the water tank water quantity level gauge 43 until the water tank 12 is replaced | exchanged (N of S16). (S14).

  When the water tank 12 is used up, as shown in FIG. 6 (3), the display of the water tank water level gauge 43 is either all off or one is lit.

  When the water tank 12 is removed for replacement (Y in S16), as shown in FIGS. 5B and 6D, the water tank water level gauge 43 is turned off. Subsequently, when the water tank 12 is set, the control unit 22 updates the remaining quantity of the water tank 12 and displays it on the container exchange counter 44 (S18). Under this condition, as shown in FIGS. 5C and 6 (5), the container replacement counter 44 is displayed as “1”, and all the water tank water level gauges 43 are lit.

  Subsequently, when the remaining capacity of the water tank 12 is not “1” (N in S20), the control unit 22 returns the process to step S14. Under this condition, since the remaining capacity of the water tank 12 is “1” (Y in S20), the process proceeds to step S22, the load sensor 30 is monitored, and the display of the water tank water level gauge 43 is updated (S22). ). This process is continued until the remaining capacity of the water tank 12 is less than 30% (N in S24).

  When the remaining capacity of the water tank 12 becomes less than 30% (Y in S24), the control unit 22 turns on the water exchange notification LED 42 in red as shown in FIGS. 5 (d) and 6 (6) (S26). ). Three water tank water level gauges 43 are lit. At the same time, the control unit 22 controls the NCU unit 26 to notify the call center 80 that a new delivery is required (S28).

  Thereafter, the control unit 22 continues monitoring of the load sensor 30, updates the display of the water tank water level gauge 43 (S30), and continues until the water tank 12 is replaced (N in S32). When the second water tank 12 is used up, as shown in (7) of FIG. 6, the water tank water level gauge 43 is turned off or turned on.

  When the water tank 12 is removed from the water server 14 for replacement of the water tank 12 (N in S32), the water tank water level gauge 43 is turned off as shown in (8) of FIG. When the last water tank 12 is set in the water server 14, the control unit 22 updates the remaining quantity of the water tank 12 to “0” (S34). At this time, as shown in (9) of FIG. 6, the water exchange notification LED 42 is lit red, the container exchange counter 44 is “0”, and the water tank water level gauge 43 is all lit. Furthermore, the control part 22 continues monitoring of the load sensor 30, and updates the display of the water tank water level gauge 43 (S36). This continues until the water tank 12 is removed (N in S38). When the water tank 12 is used up, as shown in (10) of FIG. 6, the display of the water tank water level gauge 43 is turned off or one is lit.

  When the last water tank 12 is removed (Y of S38), as shown in (11) of FIG. 6, the display on the front panel 40 is updated, the water exchange notification LED 42 is lit red, and the container exchange counter 44 is set to “ 0 ”, the water tank water level gauge 43 is completely turned off (S40).

  When the first water tank 12 of the newly delivered water tank 12 is set in the water server 14, as shown in (12) of FIG. Is "44", and the water tank water level gauge 43 is all lit, that is, the display state of (2) in FIG. Thereafter, the control unit 22 continues the processes after S10 described above.

  As described above, according to the water remaining amount notification function realized by the present embodiment, the remaining amount of the water tank 12 of the water server 14 is constantly monitored. Then, when the remaining amount of the water tank 12 at the consumer's home becomes equal to or less than the predetermined value, the call center 80 is notified of the fact that the remaining amount of the water tank has decreased in conjunction with the NCU unit 26. As a result, by reporting information to the call center 80 in advance that the remaining amount of the water tank 12 is low, it becomes possible to make a delivery plan for the water tank 12 at an early stage, thereby improving the delivery efficiency. Can do. Further, in the watching function (water unused warning function), when there is no consumption of water for a certain period, a water unused warning is reported to the call center 80. As a result, when a resident in the consumer's house has some trouble, it is possible to prevent an unexpected situation by making a telephone contact or a visit to the consumer's house.

  The present invention has been described based on the embodiments. This embodiment is an exemplification, and it is understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications can be made to each of those components and combinations thereof, and such modifications are also within the scope of the present invention. For example, when there are a plurality of types of water tanks 12 that can be set in the water server 14, these types may be determined at the time of setting using the full water setting switch 65, or a dedicated switch may be provided. It may be provided. Further, in that case, the reference may be changed when arranging the delivery according to the capacity of the water tank 12. For example, when the water tank 12 having a small capacity is set, it is highly possible that the time until the water tank 12 becomes empty is high, so only the remaining number of water tanks 12 are monitored and The remaining capacity may not be determined.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Water server water remaining amount management system 12 Water tank 14 Water server 20 Water remaining amount management apparatus 22 Control part 24 Power supply part 26 NCU part 30 Load sensor 40 Front panel part 41 Power supply LED
42 Water exchange notification LED
43 Water tank water level gauge 44 Container exchange counter 45 Watch warning LED
46 Unused Days Counter 60 Rear Panel 61 Water Tank Replacement Setting Knob 62 Water Unused Days Setting Knob 63 Test Switch 64 No Water Setting Switch 65 Full Setting Switch 66 Reset Switch

Claims (2)

A weight measuring means for measuring the weight of the water server in which the water tank is set;
Based on the measurement value of the weight measuring means, remaining water capacity calculating means for calculating the internal capacity of the water tank set in the water server,
Based on the fluctuation state of the measurement value of the weight measuring means, it is estimated that the water tank has been replaced, and among the delivered water tanks, a tank for calculating the number of unused water tanks A remaining quantity identification means;
Based on the calculation of the remaining tank quantity specifying means, and determining means for determining that it is necessary to arrange delivery of a new water tank,
The residual water capacity calculating means compares the measured value measured when the water tank is replaced with a full tank load value preset as a full tank load value after replacement with a deviation within a predetermined value. In some cases, the water volume management system for the water server is configured to calculate the internal volume of the water tank set in the water server by reflecting the deviation.   The determination means calculates a short-term fluctuation of the measurement value of the weight measurement means, and when the short-term fluctuation is smaller than a predetermined value, the remaining water capacity calculation means determines whether or not the water tank is used. The water remaining amount management system for a water server according to claim 1, wherein a reference value for determination is updated to a measured value after fluctuation.

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