JP2013230826A - Water dispenser - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a water dispenser which includes microbicidal function in a cold water container and has a simple structure.SOLUTION: A water dispenser includes a water supply port for supplying water into a device, a first container 53 to which water is supplied from the water supply port, a second container 43 which has a heating means 42, a tube 19 which links the first container and the second container, and a first discharge path which discharges water to the outside of the device from the first container. The pressure in the second container is increased by actuating the heating means of the second container. Water or vapor in the second container is moved into the first container through the tube.

Description

  The present invention relates to a water dispenser capable of sterilizing the inside of a storage container for storing water.

  A conventional water dispenser temporarily stores water supplied from the outside in a cold water container having a cooling means and a hot water container having a heating means, respectively, and a hot water supply tap provided on the front panel of the water dispenser, Warm water and cold water can be discharged from a cold water supply tap into a cup or the like.

  Such a water dispenser is often used for a long period of time once installed. If used for a long time, the inside of the cold water container may become unsanitary over time. That is, the inside of the hot water container in a high temperature state is kept relatively clean by its sterilizing action. On the other hand, in the cold water container or the piping route, germs may propagate and become unsanitary. Thus, recent water dispensers have been proposed that include devices for sterilizing cold water containers, hot water containers, piping paths, and the like by heat (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2).

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 06-48488 JP-A-11-190577

  In the water dispenser described in Patent Document 1 ("drinking water dispenser"), a heat sterilizer is formed by attaching a heater to a plurality of locations of the cold water container and the hot water container or a part of the piping path. The structure is complicated and the power consumption when operating the heat sterilizer is large. In addition, the heater attached to the piping path or the like needs to be covered with a heat insulating material or the like for ensuring safety during heat generation, and it is also necessary to provide a so-called airing prevention means. For this reason, a space for covering the heat insulating material and a space for installing airing prevention means are required, and the entire apparatus becomes large and complicated.

  The water dispenser described in Patent Document 2 (“drinking water dispenser”) is a system in which the hot water stored in the hot water container is circulated in the pipe route to sterilize the pipe route. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide a heater dedicated to sterilization in the piping path, but it is necessary to provide a hot water circulation pump, a hot water circulation path switching electromagnetic valve, and the like. For this reason, in addition to complication and enlargement of the apparatus, noise is generated from the pump for circulating hot water during the sterilization operation.

  The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a water dispenser having a sterilizing function in a cold water container and having a simple structure.

  The water dispenser of the first invention of the present application can be attached with raw water means, has a water supply port for supplying water into the apparatus, a first container to which water is supplied from the water supply port, and a second having heating means. , A tube connecting the first container and the second container, and a first discharge path for discharging water from the first container to the outside of the apparatus, and operating the heating means As a result, the pressure in the second container is increased, and the water or water vapor in the second container is moved into the first container through the pipe.

  The water dispenser of the second invention of the present application can be attached with raw water means, a water supply port for supplying water into the apparatus, a first container supplied with water from the water supply port, and a second unit having heating means. , A tube connecting the first container and the second container, and a first discharge path for discharging water from the first container to the outside of the apparatus, and operating the heating means By this, it is further provided with the control means which raises the pressure in the said 2nd container and moves the water or water vapor | steam in the said 2nd container in the said 1st container via the said pipe | tube.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a water dispenser capable of sterilizing the inside of the first container with a simple configuration and in a short time.

It is a front view which shows the water dispenser which is the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is the schematic which shows the structure of the water dispenser shown in FIG. It is the flowchart which showed the process of sterilization. It is the schematic which shows the state of the water dispenser at the time of the completion of the sterilization preparation process shown in FIG. It is the schematic which shows the state of the water dispenser in a certain stage of the in-container sterilization process shown in FIG. It is the schematic which shows the state of the water dispenser in the other certain stage of a sterilization process in a container. It is the schematic of the water dispenser concerning 2nd Embodiment. It is the schematic which shows the state of the water dispenser in the other certain stage of the in-container sterilization process shown in FIG. It is the schematic of the water dispenser concerning 3rd Embodiment. It is a modification of the water dispenser concerning other embodiments.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a front view showing a water dispenser according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic view showing the configuration of the water dispenser shown in FIG. In the following description, “up and down” refers to the direction of gravity in the installed state of the water dispenser.

  As shown in FIG. 1, in the water dispenser 1 of the present embodiment, a water supply container 3 containing drinking water is inverted on an upper surface portion of a substantially rectangular parallelepiped main body portion 2 placed on a predetermined installation surface. It is attached so that it can be attached and detached in a posture. The inverted posture in the present embodiment refers to a posture in which the opening of the water supply container 3 faces downward in the gravitational direction. A concave space 6 is provided in the front portion of the main body 2 in a shape recessed in the rear direction. A hot water supply port 4 and a cold water supply port 5 are arranged in the concave space 6. The hot water supply port 4 is connected to a hot water valve 40 described later. The cold water supply port 5 is connected to a cold water valve 50 described later. The hot water valve 40 and the cold water valve 50 are electromagnetic valves, and are opened by pressing the hot water button 41 and the cold water button 51, respectively. In the present embodiment, the hot water valve 40 and the cold water valve 50 may not be electromagnetic valves, and may be manually opened and closed, for example. Moreover, in this embodiment, although the water supply container 3 is a gallon bottle, it is not restricted to this. It may be directly or indirectly connected to water supply or the like, and may be provided with other raw water means.

  When nothing is touching the hot water button 41 and the cold water button 51, the hot water supply port 4 and the cold water supply port 5 are kept closed. When the hot water button 41 or the cold water button 51 is pressed, the hot water valve 41 or the cold water valve 51 is opened through the control circuit C. As a result, hot water and cold water are discharged from the hot water supply port 4 and the cold water supply port 5, respectively.

  The front cover 7 provided above the concave space of the main body 2 has pilot lamps 8 and 9 for displaying the operating state of the water dispenser 1, a switch 10 for performing a sterilization operation to be described later, and during the sterilization operation. A pilot lamp 11 that is lit is provided. Below the concave space 6, a tray 12 for receiving and collecting water drops falling from the hot water supply port 4 and the cold water supply port 5 after hot water supply and water supply, hot water spilling from a cup, and the like is covered. A tray cover 12a is provided. When both pilot lamps 8 and 9 are lit, it indicates that both cold water and hot water can be discharged. When only one of the pilot lamps 8 and 9 is lit, either cold water or hot water is used. Only that discharge is possible.

  The front cover 7 is provided with a child lock switch 13. By pressing the child lock switch 13, the hot water valve 41 and the switch 10 for performing the sterilization operation described later can be prevented from being operated.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the water dispenser 1 includes a cold water container (first container) 53 having a cooling means 52 and a hot water container (second container) 43 having a heating means 42. In the water dispenser 1, a water supply container 3 for supplying drinking water into the cold water container 53 is detachably mounted above the cold water container 53. The water supply container 3 supplies water to the cold water container 53 through the water supply port 31. By selecting and operating either the cold water button 51 or the hot water button 41 in the concave space 6 in front of the water dispenser 1 to open or close the cold water valve 50 or the hot water valve 40, the cold water CW in the cold water container 53 is supplied to the cold water supply port. The hot water HW in the hot water container 43 can be discharged from the hot water supply port 4. In this case, the cold water CW in the cold water container 53 is discharged from the cold water supply port 5 by the water pressure in the cold water container 53. The hot water HW in the hot water container 43 is discharged from the hot water supply port 4 by the water pressure applied by the cold water CW in the cold water container 53 to the hot water HW in the hot water container 43 via the water supply path 17. Therefore, a discharge pump or the like is not necessary.

  Instead of the cold water valve 41 and the hot water valve 51, a cold water pump or a hot water pump may be provided.

  Moreover, as the cooling means 52, a vapor compression heat pump, a Beltier element, etc. are mentioned. If it is desired to simplify the structure of the water dispenser 1, the cooling means 52 may not be provided in the cold water container 53.

  In the water dispenser 1 according to the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the water supply container 3, the cold water container 53, and the hot water container 43 are arranged in series in this order from the vertical upper side to the vertical lower side. . For this reason, the cold water CW in the cold water container 53 is automatically supplied from the discharge port of the water supply container 3 mounted in an inverted state above the cold water container 53 via the water supply port 31, and the hot water HW in the hot water container 43 is supplied. Is automatically supplied from the cold water container 53 via the water supply path 17. In FIG. 2, the cold water supply port 5 is drawn higher than the hot water supply port 4, but in the actual water dispenser 1, as shown in FIG. 1, the cold water supply port 5 and the hot water supply port 4. Are arranged at the same height.

  The cold water container 53 and the hot water container 43 are connected by a water supply path 17. The water supply path 17 is composed of a funnel-shaped water guide member 18 and a cylindrical water guide pipe (tube) 19 connected to the lower side of the water guide member 18.

  The water guide member 18 includes a cylindrical cylindrical portion 181 and a substantially disc-shaped flange portion 182 that extends in a planar direction from the upper side of the cylindrical portion. The water guide member 18 is made of resin. The water guide member 18 is located in the cold water container 53. The flange portion 182 of the water guide member 53 is provided with a through hole 183 penetrating in the vertical direction. In the present embodiment, two through holes 183 are provided. The water in the cold water container 53 can move between the upper side and the lower side of the flange portion 182 through the through hole 183.

  Above the water guide member 18 of the water supply path 17, a water supply port 31 is piped so as to be positioned substantially coaxially with the water guide member 18 and the water guide pipe 19. A plurality of holes are opened on the side surface near the upper end of the water supply port 31 at intervals in the vertical direction. The lower end opening 311 of the water supply port 31 is disposed with a gap of about 2 mm to 5 mm between the upper end of the water conduit 19 (substantially the same position as the upper surface of the flange portion 182). In addition, this clearance gap is not limited to 2 mm-5 mm, It can set arbitrarily according to use conditions.

  The lower part of the water conduit 19 protrudes into the hot water container 43. The length of the water conduit 19 projecting into the hot water container 43 is located above the intermediate position in the vertical direction of the hot water container 43. More preferably, the length of the water guide pipe 19 protruding into the hot water container 43 is a length exposed from the water surface when the water in the hot water container 43 is reduced by 100 ml to 200 ml from the time of full water. In the present embodiment, the heating means 42 is provided outside the hot water container 43. Therefore, the length of the water conduit 19 is desirably a length that is 20 mm or more above the upper surface of the heating means 42. As the heating means 42, a sheathed heater can be provided in the hot water container 43. In this case, the length of the water conduit 19 is desirably a length that is 20 mm or more above the top surface of the sheathed heater. Hereinafter, a volume obtained by subtracting the amount of water present in the hot water container 43 when the water guide pipe 19 is exposed from the water surface after the water in the hot water container 43 is full is defined as a volume a. Moreover, let the volume in the water conduit 19 be the volume b.

  The cold water supply path (first discharge path) 54 is provided on the lower side in the vertical direction of the cold water container 53. The cold water supply path 54 is a path through which cold water passes when cold water is discharged. The cold water supply path 54 includes a cold water valve 50 and a cold water supply port 5. The cold water valve 50 is connected to the cold water container 53. Further, the opening and closing of the cold water valve 50 is controlled by the control circuit C. The control circuit C opens the cold water valve 50 when the cold water button 51 is pressed and at one stage when sterilization is performed.

  In the following, the volume of water that the cold water supply path 54 is immersed in the water surface when the cold water valve 50 is closed when water is stored from the bottom of the cold water container 53 is defined as a volume c. Here, the relationship of volume a> volume c is desirable. Further, it is preferable that the relationship of volume a> volume b + volume c is satisfied. The reason will be described later.

  A drain pipe 24 is connected to the bottom surface 431 of the hot water container 43, and a drain supply port 25 for opening and closing the drain pipe 24 is provided on the downstream side thereof.

  During normal times, the water surface CWS of the cold water CW in the cold water container 53 is at the same level as the discharge port 3 a of the water supply container 3. When cold water CW in the cold water container 53 decreases due to the cold water discharge from the cold water supply port 5 and the water surface CWS falls below the discharge port 3a, air flows into the water supply container 3 from the discharge port 3a. As a result, the drinking water in the water supply container 3 is automatically supplied into the cold water container 53 through the water supply port 31. Thereafter, drinking water is automatically supplied from the water supply container 3 into the cold water container 53. Thus, when the water surface CWS rises and reaches the discharge port 3a, the supply of potable water from the water supply container 3 is stopped.

  On the other hand, the inside of the hot water container 43 communicating with the cold water container 53 by the water supply path 17 is filled with the hot water HW. When the hot water HW in the hot water container 43 decreases due to the hot water discharge from the hot water supply port 4, the cold water CW in the cold water container 53 automatically flows into the hot water container 43 via the water supply path 17. For this reason, in the normal time, the hot water container 43 is always filled with the hot water HW.

  Since the upper surface of the cold water container 53 is open to the atmosphere, when the upper surface of the hot water container 43 is open to the air, the cold water CW in the upper cold water container 53 passes through the water supply path 17. The hot water container 43 flows into the hot water container 43 and overflows. And the water supply port 31 is open | released in air | atmosphere by the water level in the cold water container 53 falling. Thereby, water flows into the cold water container 53 from the water supply container 3, and the water level in the cold water container 53 rises until the water supply port 31 is submerged again. The water supply port 31 is disposed in the vicinity of the water supply path 17. Therefore, when the hot water HW in the hot water container 43 is continuously reduced by discharging the hot water from the hot water supply port 4, the water from the water supply container 3 flows into the hot water container 43 without being cooled in the cold water container 53. Therefore, it is more efficient than the case where the water supply port 31 is not disposed close to the water supply path 17.

  Further, since the water guide member 18 is provided in the cold water container 53, it is difficult for the water from the water supply container 3 to flow directly into the cold water supply path 54. In other words, the water from the water supply container 3 is inhibited from flowing directly into the cold water supply path 54 by the flange portion 182 of the water guide member 18. Therefore, even if the cold water CW in the cold water container 53 is continuously reduced by the cold water extraction from the cold water supply port 5, the temperature of the cold water supplied from the cold water supply port 5 is suppressed from rising immediately.

  A thermistor (hereinafter referred to as a cold water thermistor 55) for measuring the temperature of the cold water container 53 is disposed in the cold water container 53. The cold water thermistor 55 is disposed outside the cold water container 53 and below the cold water container 53. More preferably, the cold water thermistor 55 is disposed in the vicinity of the cold water supply path 54. The cold water thermistor 53 periodically detects the water temperature and transmits it to the control circuit C. The water temperature of the cold water container 53 is controlled by the control circuit C so as to be, for example, between 5 degrees Celsius and 10 degrees Celsius (cold water temperature maintenance control). That is, when the cold water thermistor 55 detects that the water temperature exceeds 10 degrees Celsius, the cooling means 52 is operated by the control circuit C. When the cold water thermistor 55 detects that the water temperature has fallen below 5 degrees Celsius, the cooling circuit 52 is stopped by the control circuit C.

  In the hot water container 43, a thermistor (hereinafter referred to as a hot water thermistor 45) for measuring the temperature of the hot water container 43 is disposed. The hot water thermistor 45 is disposed outside the hot water container 43 and above the hot water container 43. More preferably, the hot water thermistor 45 is disposed in the vicinity of the hot water supply path 44. The hot water thermistor 45 periodically detects the water temperature and transmits it to the control circuit C. The water temperature of the water in the hot water container 43 is controlled by the control circuit C so as to be between 80 degrees Celsius and 90 degrees Celsius (warm water temperature maintenance control). That is, when the hot water thermistor 45 detects that the water temperature has fallen below 80 degrees Celsius, the heating means 42 is operated by the control circuit C. When the hot water thermistor 45 detects that the water temperature has exceeded 90 degrees Celsius, the heating means 42 is stopped by the control circuit C.

  Note that it is possible to arbitrarily set at which water temperature the cooling means 52 and the heating means 42 are activated and stopped. For example, in the normal mode, the heating means 42 is controlled so that the water temperature is between 80 degrees and 90 degrees Celsius, and in the power saving mode, the heating means 42 is controlled so that the water temperature is between 70 degrees Celsius and 80 degrees Celsius. May be.

  In addition to the hot water thermistor 45, a bimetal thermostat that stops the heating means 42 when the water temperature exceeds a threshold value may be provided.

  Next, sterilization in the cold water container 53 built in the water dispenser 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a sterilization process. FIG. 4 is a schematic view showing a state of the water dispenser when the sterilization preparation process is completed. FIG. 5 is a schematic view showing a state of the water dispenser at a certain stage of the in-container sterilization process. FIG. 6 is a schematic view showing a state of the water dispenser at another stage of the in-container sterilization process.

When sterilization in the cold water container 53 becomes necessary due to long-term use, when the switch 10 provided on the front cover 7 is pressed, the control circuit C is activated (S11).
First, the control circuit C stops the cooling means 52 of the cold water container 53 (S12).
Next, the control circuit C checks whether there is any raw water means such as the water supply container 3 above the water supply port 31 (S13). As a result of confirmation, when there is raw water means, the process does not proceed to the in-container sterilization step described later (F). Alternatively, a notification means such as a buzzer or a lamp notifies that sterilization cannot be performed.
Next, the control circuit C opens the cold water valve 50 and reduces the water in the cold water container 53 from the cold water supply path 54 (S14). Here, the cold water supply path 54 is a water reducing means. More preferably, it is desirable to reduce the water in the cold water container 53 to a state where it cannot be discharged by the water reducing means. As a result, the amount of water in the water dispenser 1 decreases to the water level shown in FIG.
Next, the control circuit C confirms whether the cold water supply port 5 is covered with a protective member (S15). As a result of the confirmation, when it is not covered with the protective member, the process does not proceed to the cold water supply path sterilization step described later (F). Alternatively, a notification means such as a buzzer or a lamp notifies that sterilization cannot be performed.
Next, the control circuit C confirms whether the upper side of the water supply port 31 is covered with a protective member (S16). As a result of the confirmation, when it is not covered with the protective member, the process does not proceed to the cold water supply path sterilization step described later (F). Alternatively, a notification means such as a buzzer or a lamp notifies that sterilization cannot be performed.
Next, the control circuit C uses the water level means to confirm whether the water level in the hot water container 42 is above the end of the water conduit 19 (S17). In the present embodiment, the water level means is that the warm water side end of the water conduit 19 is below the height of the warm water supply path 44.
Next, the control circuit C stops the hot water temperature maintenance control of the hot water container 42 (S18).

  The above is the sterilization preparation process (S1). The case where the water level in the hot water container 42 is not above the end of the water conduit 19 in the above step will be described later.

Next, the control circuit C activates the heating means (S21).
The mechanism of sterilization will be described in detail. The control circuit C operates the heating means 42 for a certain time. During this time, in the hot water container 43, water reaches the boiling point and evaporation begins. That is, the water in the hot water container 43 is boiled by the heating means 42. A part of the steam generated by boiling moves through the water conduit 19 into the cold water container 53. Most of the water vapor accumulates in the upper part of the hot water container 43.

  When the heating means 42 is further operated, the generated water vapor accumulates in the upper part of the hot water container 43 and the internal pressure increases. That is, the air pressure on the hot water container 43 side is increased by the operation of the heating means 42. The hot water in the hot water container 43 is pushed up into the water conduit 19 by the increased pressure. The pushed-up hot water moves into the cold water container 53 through the water conduit 19 and accumulates at the bottom of the cold water container 53 (see FIG. 5). That is, the water level on the cold water container 53 side is increased by the operation of the heating means 42.

  When the heating means 42 is further operated, the water in the hot water container 43 is reduced by evaporation due to boiling and the movement of the hot water into the cold water container 53. That is, the water level on the hot water container 43 side is reduced by the operation of the heating means 42. As a result, the water conduit 19 is exposed from the hot water surface. Then, the water vapor filled in the upper part of the hot water container 43 moves into the cold water container 53 (see FIG. 6). The temperature in the cold water container 53 is increased by the steam that has moved into the cold water container 53. The inside of the cold water container 53 is sterilized by the function of the water vapor. At this time, it is desirable that the temperature in the cold water container 53 is 55 degrees or more. The higher the temperature in the cold water container 53, the shorter the sterilization time. Therefore, it is desirable that the temperature in the cold water container 53 is higher, for example, 70 degrees or more. Preferably, the temperature difference between the temperature in the cold water container 53 and the temperature in the hot water container 43 is within 30 degrees.

In addition, although warm water was boiled in the above, it does not necessarily restrict to this.
The above is the in-container sterilization step (S2).

  Thereafter, the control circuit C stops the heating means 42 in either of the following two cases.

  First, the control circuit C stops the heating means 42 when the hot water thermistor 45 detects 100 degrees Celsius or more (for example, 105 degrees Celsius) (S31). Thereby, it is possible to prevent the hot water in the hot water container 43 from evaporating and becoming a so-called empty state. In addition, the warm water HW in the warm water container 43 in this embodiment is discharged from the warm water supply port 4 by the water pressure that the cold water CW in the cold water container 53 adds to the warm water HW in the warm water container 43 through the water supply path 17. . Therefore, in the state where the water in the cold water container 53 is discharged, the hot water container 43 is filled with water, and there is a low possibility of being in an empty state.

  Secondly, the control circuit C stops the heating means 42 after a certain period of time has elapsed since it was operated (S32). The fixed time is a time required until the inside of the cold water container 53 is filled with water vapor and the temperature in the cold water container 53 becomes a temperature at which the temperature can be sterilized (for example, 70 degrees Celsius or more). Further, even if the fixed time is a time during which the inside of the cold water container 53 is filled with water vapor and the temperature in the cold water container 53 can be sterilized (for example, 70 degrees Celsius or higher) for a predetermined time and the bacteria are killed. Good. Note that the predetermined time is appropriately set in consideration of the volume of the cold water container 53 and the hot water container 43, the temperature of the hot water temperature maintenance control, and the like.

  When the heating means 42 is stopped after a certain period of time, the sterilization in the cold water container 53 is completed. Thereafter, the control circuit C opens the cold water valve 50 (S33). Then, the hot water pushed up into the cold water container 53 is discharged from the cold water supply port 5 through the cold water supply path 54.

  Here, volume a> volume c, more preferably volume a> volume b + volume c. Therefore, when the in-container sterilization process is completed, the cold water supply path 54 is in a state immersed in warm water (see FIG. 6). Therefore, at the time of discharge, the cold water supply path 54 is filled with hot water. Therefore, at the time of discharge, the cold water supply path 54 is sterilized by the heat of hot water.

Since a protective member is disposed at the cold water supply port 5, hot water is safely discharged onto the tray or the protective member. Examples of the protective member include a bottle-like member attached to the cold water supply port, a plate-like member covering the concave space 6, and the like.
The control circuit C opens the cold water valve 50 for a predetermined time, and then closes the cold water valve 50 (S34).
The above is the cooling supply path sterilization step.

Even when the water level in the hot water container 43 is not above the end of the water conduit 19 in the sterilization preparation step, the cold water container 53 can be sterilized if there is a certain amount of water in the hot water container 43. . In that case, it is the water vapor generated above the water surface that moves into the cold water container 53. The generated water vapor moves into the cold water container 53 through the water conduit 19 due to the pressure increase in the hot water container. Thereby, the temperature in the cold water container 53 can be raised. If the temperature in the cold water container 53 reaches a temperature at which it can be sterilized, it can be sterilized.
However, in this case, it is difficult to perform the cold water supply path sterilization process. Therefore, if the cold water supply path 54 is sterilized, it is desirable that the water level in the hot water container 43 is above the end of the water conduit 19.

<Embodiment 2> A horizontal hole in a water conduit A second embodiment will be described. Here, only differences from the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 7 is a schematic view of a water dispenser according to the second embodiment. FIG. 8 is a schematic view showing a state of the water dispenser at another stage of the in-container sterilization process.

  With reference to FIG. 7, in this embodiment, the upper surface of the bottom surface 531 of the cold water container 53 has a mortar shape that is recessed toward the center. Further, a communication hole 191 is formed in the water conduit 19. The communication hole 191 is located near the bottom of the mortar shape on the bottom surface of the cold water container 53.

  Here, in the cold water container 53, when water is cooled by the cold water means 52, there is a possibility that a dissolved material such as silicon dissolved in the water is deposited. When the dissolved substance is deposited, the deposited substance is precipitated at the center of the cold water container 53. As in the present embodiment, by forming the bottom surface 531 of the cold water container 53 into a mortar shape, precipitates can be collected at the center. In the present embodiment, the cold water supply path 54 is located outside the center of the bottom surface 531 of the cold water container 53 and on the upper side in the vertical direction. With the above configuration, even if a dissolved matter is deposited, the deposited matter is not discharged from the cold water supply path 54. Therefore, the quality of the water discharged from the cold water supply port 5 does not deteriorate.

  In the in-container sterilization step, the water in the hot water container 43 moves into the cold water container 53 through the water conduit 19. At this time, the communication pipe 19 is provided with a communication hole 191, and the water moved into the cold water container 53 flows out from the communication hole 191. At this time, the water flowing out from the communication hole 191 is warm water, and a part of the deposited dissolved matter is dissolved in the warm water.

  Furthermore, in the in-container sterilization step, the atmospheric pressure in the hot water container 43 increases, and the hot water in the hot water container 43 is pushed up into the water conduit 19. The hot water pushed up moves through the water conduit 19 into the cold water container 53. At this time, the water that has moved into the cold water container 53 flows out from the communication hole 191, and is connected to the water on the hot water container 43 side below the cold water container 53, creating a water surface in the cold water container 53 (see FIG. 8). . Thereby, when the water in the hot water container 43 is heated, steam is generated from the water surface in the cold water container 53. Thereby, the temperature in the cold water container 53 can be raised more effectively.

  In addition, in the in-vessel sterilization step, the precipitate that has not been dissolved is stirred by the warm water flowing out from the communication hole 191. Thereby, the deposit which did not melt | dissolve in a cold water supply path | route sterilization process is discharged | emitted from the cold water supply path 54 with warm water.

<Third Embodiment> A cold water container and a hot water container are arranged in parallel. A third embodiment will be described. Here, only differences from the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 9 is a schematic view of a water dispenser according to the third embodiment.

  Referring to FIG. 9, in the water dispenser in the third embodiment, a cold water container 53 and a hot water container 43 are connected in parallel from a supply port.

  The cold water container 53 and the hot water container 43 are connected through the water conduit 19. An electromagnetic valve 21 is provided at the trifurcated portion 20 that connects the water supply port 31 to the cold water container 53 and the hot water container 43. The electromagnetic valve 21 is a four-way valve or a five-way valve. The electromagnetic valve 21 switches the flow path such as connecting the water supply port 31 and the cold water container 53, connecting the water supply port 31 and the hot water container 43, or connecting the cold water container 53 and the hot water container 43. Is possible. The opening and closing of the electromagnetic valve 21 is controlled by the control circuit C.

  In the present embodiment, the water guide member 18 is not provided in the cold water container 53. In the present embodiment, a hot water supply path 44 is provided below the hot water container 43.

  In this embodiment, when the hot water button 41 is pressed, the control circuit C opens the hot water valve 40 and the flow path between the water supply port 31 of the electromagnetic valve 21 and the hot water container 43 is opened. When the cold water button 51 is pressed, the control circuit C opens the cold water valve 50 and opens the flow path between the water supply port 31 of the electromagnetic valve and the cold water container 53. In this way, water supply into the hot water container 43 and the cold water container 53 is performed by interlocking the electromagnetic valve 21 with the hot water valve 40 and the cold water valve 50.

Sterilization will be described. When sterilization in the cold water container 53 becomes necessary due to long-term use, when the switch 10 provided on the front cover 7 is pressed, the control circuit C is activated.
First, the control circuit C stops the cooling means 52 of the cold water container 53.
Next, the control circuit C checks whether there is any raw water means such as the water supply container 3 above the water supply port 31. As a result of the confirmation, if there is raw water means, the process does not proceed to the in-container sterilization step described later. Alternatively, a notification means such as a buzzer or a lamp notifies that sterilization cannot be performed.
Next, the control circuit C opens the cold water valve 50 and reduces the water in the cold water container 53. Preferably, it is desirable to reduce the water in the cold water container 53 to a state where it cannot be discharged by the water reducing means.
Next, the control circuit C confirms whether the cold water supply port 5 is covered with a protective member. As a result of the confirmation, if it is not covered with the protective member, the process does not proceed to the in-container sterilization step described later. Alternatively, a notification means such as a buzzer or a lamp notifies that sterilization cannot be performed.
Next, the control circuit C confirms whether the upper side of the water supply port 31 is covered with a protective member. As a result of the confirmation, if it is not covered with the protective member, the process does not proceed to the in-container sterilization step described later. Alternatively, a notification means such as a buzzer or a lamp notifies that sterilization cannot be performed.
Next, the control circuit C uses the water level means to check whether the water level in the hot water container 43 is above the lower part of the water conduit 19.
Next, the control circuit C stops the hot water temperature maintenance control of the hot water container 43.
The above is the sterilization preparation process.

Next, the control circuit C operates the heating means 42.
The mechanism of sterilization will be described in detail. The control circuit C operates the heating means 42 for a certain time. During this time, in the hot water container 43, water reaches the boiling point and evaporation begins. That is, the water in the hot water container 43 is boiled by the heating means 42. A part of the steam generated by boiling moves through the water conduit 19 into the cold water container 53. Most of the water vapor accumulates in the upper part of the hot water container 43.

  When the heating means 42 is further operated, the generated water vapor accumulates in the upper part of the hot water container 43 and the internal pressure increases. The hot water in the hot water container 43 is pushed up into the water conduit 19 by the increased pressure. At this time, the control circuit C connects the cold water container 53 and the hot water container 43 by the electromagnetic valve 21. Then, the pushed-up hot water moves into the cold water container 53 through the water conduit 19 and accumulates at the bottom of the cold water container 53.

  When the heating means 42 is further operated, the evaporation in the boiling and the hot water move into the cold water container, thereby reducing the water in the hot water container 43 and exposing the water conduit 19 from the surface of the hot water. Then, the water vapor filled in the upper part of the hot water container 43 moves into the cold water container 53. The temperature in the cold water container 53 is increased by the steam that has moved into the cold water container 53. The inside of the cold water container 53 is sterilized by the function of the water vapor.

  Thereafter, the control circuit C operates the electromagnetic valve 21 so that the hot water container 43 and the water supply port 31 are connected. Thereby, the temperature of the water supply port 31 is increased by the function of water vapor, and sterilized. The timing for operating the electromagnetic valve 21 can be set as appropriate. For example, when the heating time of the heating means 42 exceeds a predetermined time, or when the temperature of the cold water thermistor 55 exceeds a threshold value.

In the present embodiment, the hot water valve 40 may be opened until the hot water is pushed up into the water conduit 19. Thereby, it is prevented that movement of water or water vapor from the hot water container 43 side to the cold water container 53 side is prevented by increasing the internal pressure in the cold water container 53.
The above is the in-container sterilization process.

  Then, the above-mentioned cooling supply path sterilization process is performed, and sterilization is completed.

  In the present embodiment, the hot water or steam is transferred from the hot water container 43 to the cold water container 53 through the water conduit 19, but the present invention is not limited to this. A pipe other than the water guide pipe 19 may be provided. Then, hot water or steam may be transferred from the hot water container 43 to the cold water container 53 through a pipe other than the water guide pipe 19.

  As mentioned above, although embodiment in this invention has been described, various changes are possible in the range which does not impair the meaning of invention.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 10, the lower end of the water conduit 19 may be positioned below the center of the hot water container 43. By comprising in this way, water can be boiled in a short time and the sterilization in the cold water container 53 can be performed more rapidly.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Water dispenser 2 Main body part 3 Water supply container 4 Hot water supply port 5 Cold water supply port 6 Recessed space 7 Front cover 8, 9, 11 Pilot lamp 10 Switch 12 Tray 17 Water supply path 19 Control circuit 40 Hot water valve 41 Hot water button 42 Heating means 43 Hot water container 44 Hot water supply path 45 Hot water thermistor 50 Cold water valve 51 Cold water button 52 Cooling means 53 Cold water container 54 Cold water supply path 55 Cold water thermistor CW Cold water HW Hot water CWS Water surface

Claims (20)

A raw water means can be attached, and a water supply port for supplying water into the apparatus,
A first container to which water is supplied from the water supply port;
A second container having heating means;
A tube connecting the first container and the second container;
A first discharge path for discharging water from the first container to the outside of the device;
With
The water dispenser which raises the pressure in the second container by operating the heating means and moves water or water vapor in the second container into the first container through the pipe.   The water dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the water level on the second container side is reduced by the operation of the heating means.   The water dispenser according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the water level on the first container side is increased by the operation of the heating means.   The water dispenser according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the pressure on the first container side is increased by the operation of the heating means.   The water dispenser according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the temperature difference between the first container and the second container is within 30 degrees by the operation of the heating means. The heating means includes a first heating means and a second heating means,
The water dispenser according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the temperature of the second container can be higher in the second heating means than in the first heating means.   The water dispenser according to claim 6, wherein the first heating means and the second heating means are the same heating means.   The water dispenser according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising water reducing means for reducing water in the first container.   The water dispenser according to claim 8, wherein the water reducing means is the first discharge path.   The water dispenser according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein after the water is reduced by the water reducing means, the pressure in the second container is increased to move water or water vapor in the second container to the first container. .   The water dispenser according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the heating means boils water in the second container.   The water dispenser according to any one of claims 1 to 11, further comprising a thermistor for measuring the temperature of the second container.   The water dispenser according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the second container is disposed below the first container. A second discharge path for discharging water from the second container to the outside of the apparatus;
The water dispenser according to claim 13, wherein an end of the tube on the second container side is below the height of the second discharge path. The volume obtained by subtracting the amount of water present in the second container when the pipe is exposed from the water surface from when the water in the second container is full is defined as a volume a.
When water is stored from the bottom of the first container, the volume of water that the first discharge path is immersed in the water surface is defined as volume c.
The water dispenser according to claim 14, wherein a relation of volume a> volume c is satisfied. When the volume in the tube is defined as volume b,
The water dispenser according to claim 15, wherein a relation of volume a> volume b + volume c is satisfied. A raw water means can be attached, and a water supply port for supplying water into the apparatus,
A first container to which water is supplied from the water supply port;
A second container having heating means;
A tube connecting the first container and the second container;
A first discharge path for discharging water from the first container to the outside of the device;
With
Control means for increasing the pressure in the second container by operating the heating means and moving water or water vapor in the second container into the first container via the pipe A water dispenser is provided.   18. The water dispenser according to claim 17, wherein the control means drains and reduces the water in the first container before operating the heating means.   19. The water dispenser according to claim 17, wherein the control unit operates the heating unit to boil water in the second container and then stops the heating unit.   20. The water dispenser according to claim 19, wherein the control means discharges water from the first discharge path while the heating means is operating or immediately after the heating means is stopped.

Images