JP4233576B2 - Water heater - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a cold / hot water machine provided with a cold water / hot water storage container provided for drinking and capable of selectively supplying cold water or hot water.

  In offices, employee cafeterias or general restaurants, cold and hot water machines are often installed so that employees and visitors can freely drink cold or hot water according to their preferences. Conventional cold water heaters temporarily store 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 hot water supply provided on a front panel of the cold water heater Hot water and cold water can be poured from a stopper and cold water supply tap into a cup.

  Such a cold / hot water machine is often used for a long period of time once installed, but the inside of the cold water container may become unsanitary over time. That is, while the hot water container in a high temperature state is kept relatively clean due to its sterilization action, various germs may propagate in the cold water container and the piping path and become unsanitary. In view of this, recent cold / hot water machines have been proposed that include devices for sterilizing cold water containers, hot water containers, piping paths, and the like with heat (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2).

JP-A-6-48488 JP-A-11-190577

  In the cold / hot water machine ("dispensing water dispenser") described in Patent Document 1, a heat sterilizer is formed by attaching heaters to a plurality of locations of the cold water tank and the hot water tank and 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 cold / hot water machine ("dispensing water dispenser") described in Patent Document 2 is a system in which hot water stored in a hot water tank 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, it is difficult to avoid complication and enlargement of the apparatus.

  The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a cold / hot water machine having a function of purifying water supplied from the outside and a sterilization function in a cold water container, and having a simple structure.

  When a cold / hot water machine that has the function of storing water supplied from the outside and selectively supplying cold water or hot water is used for a long period of time, the bacteria that invaded with the water supplied from the outside are the most. Those skilled in the art have experienced that it is difficult for breeders to breed in cold water containers, where it is difficult for bacteria to propagate in piping paths through which cold water and hot water flow frequently, and in hot water tanks where hot water is constantly stored. I know. The cold / hot water machine of this invention is made | formed based on such an empirical rule.

  The cold / hot water machine of the present invention includes a cold water container having a cooling means, a water supply path for supplying water from the outside into the cold water container, a hot water container having a heating means and disposed below the cold water container, and the cold water container A water supply path for supplying cold water in the hot water container, and in a cold water heater for supplying cold water in the cold water container or hot water in the hot water container by a certain selection operation, water purification means in the water supply path And a warm water backflow means for allowing warm water in the hot water container to flow into the cold water container via at least part of the water supply path.

  With such a configuration, since water supplied from the outside can be purified by the water purification means provided in the water supply path, it can be easily used in places where there is water supply equipment such as waterworks facilities. Invasion of various bacteria can also be suppressed. In addition, if the hot water backflow means is operated and the hot water in the hot water container is allowed to flow into the cold water container, the cold water in the cold water container can be warmed, whereby the inside of the cold water container can be sterilized. Moreover, since the path | route which flows in the warm water in a warm water container into a cold water container uses a water supply path | route, it is not necessary to provide a new piping or a water supply pump, and can simplify a structure. It is desirable to provide an automatic control mechanism that automatically stops the cooling means of the cold water container when the hot water backflow means is operated. Moreover, if the water purification means provided in the water supply path is detachable, maintenance or replacement of the water purification means becomes easy.

  Here, as the water purification means, a first filter that removes solid matter in water, a second filter that removes chlorine in water, a third filter that removes microorganisms in water, and a fourth filter that lowers the oxidation potential of water. It is desirable to provide a filter. With such a configuration, water supplied from the outside passes through the first filter to the fourth filter, so that foreign substances and chlorine components in the water are removed and weakened to alkalinity. Water that is also useful for promotion can be obtained.

  Here, as the hot water backflow means, an air supply device is provided for generating bubbles that are discharged into the hot water in the hot water container and pass through the water supply path and move into the cold water in the cold water container. it can. With such a configuration, when the bubbles discharged into the hot water in the hot water container pass through the water supply path and move to the cold water in the cold water container, the hot water in the hot water container is accompanied. The movement of hot water from the hot water container to the cold water container is promoted, the water temperature in the cold water container can be raised in a short time, and the sterilization operation time can be shortened.

  In addition, it is desirable that a water guide path that communicates the cold water in the cold water container and the hot water in the hot water container is provided in the water supply path so as to be partitioned from the water supply path. With such a configuration, along with the movement of the hot water from the hot water container to the cold water container, the cold water moves from the cold water container to the hot water container through the water guide path, and rises in the water supply path. Mixing of hot water and cold water descending in the water conveyance path does not occur. Thereby, since convection between the cold water container and the hot water container is promoted, the water temperature in the cold water container rises in a shorter time, and the sterilization operation time can be shortened.

  In this case, it is desirable to provide a water guide pipe in which the lower end opening is located in the warm water in the hot water container and the upper end opening is located in the cold water in the cold water container as the water guide path. With such a configuration, the movement of cold water from the cold water container to the hot water container is further promoted, and this also promotes the movement of hot water from the hot water container to the cold water container. Shortening can be achieved.

  Furthermore, it is desirable to provide a flange having a shape extending in a substantially horizontal direction at a portion facing the water supply path of the water conduit located in the cold water container. With this configuration, the hot water flowing into the cold water container through the water supply path is diffused over a wide range along the flange, so that the temperature of the cold water in the cold water container is increased and the sterilization is performed. The operation time can be further shortened.

  On the other hand, it is also possible to provide an opening / closing mechanism that opens the water supply path by the buoyancy of the bubbles discharged into the hot water in the hot water container and has risen in the water supply path, and closes the water supply path when the buoyancy of the bubbles disappears. . If such an open / close mechanism is provided, when air bubbles are discharged into the hot water in the hot water container, the water supply path is opened by the buoyancy of the air bubbles, and hot water can flow into the cold water container along with the air bubbles through the water supply path Then, the sterilization in the cold water container is performed, and when the discharge of bubbles is stopped, the buoyancy disappears, the water supply path is closed, and the inflow of hot water into the cold water container becomes impossible. Accordingly, since the inflow of hot water from the hot water container to the cold water container when the sterilization operation by discharging bubbles is not performed can be eliminated, the energy efficiency of the cold / hot water machine during normal operation can be improved.

  In this case, as the opening / closing mechanism, the flange rises due to the buoyancy of the bubbles discharged into the warm water in the hot water container and rising in the water supply path, and the flange descends when the buoyancy of the bubbles disappears An elevating type opening / closing mechanism can also be provided. With such a configuration, the flange located at the portion facing the water supply path rises due to the buoyancy of the bubbles rising in the water supply path, and the bubbles move into the cold water in the cold water container and the buoyancy disappears. Then, since it descends, the water supply path that communicates the inside of the cold water container and the inside of the hot water container can be opened and closed by raising and lowering the flange. Therefore, it is possible to eliminate the flow of hot water from the hot water container to the cold water container when the sterilization operation by bubble discharge is not performed without providing an on-off valve, etc., and the energy efficiency of the cold / hot water machine during normal operation Can be improved.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a cold / hot water machine having a function of purifying water supplied from the outside and a sterilization function in a cold water container and having a simple structure.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. 1 is a front view showing a chiller / heater according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a partially cutaway rear view of the chiller / heater shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 is a partially cutout of the chiller / heater shown in FIG. 4 is a side view, and FIG. 4 is a view showing a filter attaching / detaching mechanism in the cold / hot water machine shown in FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the chiller / heater shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 6 is a partially omitted sectional view in the axial direction of the water conduit constituting the chiller / heater shown in FIG. 5, and FIG. FIG. 8 is a partially enlarged view of FIG. 7, and FIG. 9 is a partially enlarged view of FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 1, in the chiller / heater 1 of the present embodiment, a recessed space 6 having a shape recessed in the rear direction is formed in the front portion of the substantially rectangular parallelepiped body portion 2 placed on a predetermined installation surface. The hot water cock 4 and the cold water cock 5 are disposed in the concave space 6, and operating levers 4 a and 5 a for opening and closing the hot water cock 4 and the cold water cock 5 are provided in a suspended state on the respective back sides. ing.

  When nothing is touching the operation levers 4a and 5a, the hot water cock 4 and the cold water cock 5 are kept closed, but a cup or the like is pressed against the operation levers 4a and 5a toward the back of the main body 2. When pressed, the hot water cock 4 and the cold water cock 5 are opened, and hot water and cold water are discharged from the hot water cock 4 and the cold water cock 5.

  A front cover 7 provided above the concave space 6 of the main body 2 has pilot lamps 8 and 9 for displaying the operating state of the chiller / heater 1, a switch 10 for performing a sterilization operation described later, and a sterilization operation. And a pilot lamp 11 which is lit inside. Below the concave space 6, a tray 12 for receiving and collecting water drops falling from the hot water cock 4 and the cold water cock 5 after hot water supply and water supply, hot water spilling from a cup and the like, and a tray cover covering the surface thereof 12a. When both pilot lamps 8 and 9 are lit, it indicates that both cold water and hot water can be dispensed. When only one of the pilot lamps 8 and 9 is lit, cold water or hot water is used. Only one of them can be dispensed.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, a rear cover 30 that can be opened and closed around a horizontal support shaft 29 disposed below is provided on the back surface of the main body 2, and the filter covered with the rear cover 30. In the chamber 40, cylindrical first to fourth filters 41, 42, 43, and 44 are arranged in an upright state. The first filter 41 is a segment filter having a function of removing solids (such as coarse dust and suspended solids) in water supplied from the water supply facility, and the second filter 42 is a pre-filter having a function of removing chlorine in the water. The third filter 43 is an ultrafine filter having a function of removing microorganisms (such as bacteria) in water, and the fourth filter 44 is a reduction filter having a function of lowering the oxidation potential of water. The water supplied from the water supply facility is purified by passing through the first to fourth filters 41, 42, 43, and 44 in this order via the water supply path 35 and then via the water supply path 36. Then, it is fed into a cold water container 14 to be described later.

  As shown in FIGS. 2, 3, and 4, the upper end portions of the first to fourth filters 41, 42, 43, 44 are rotatable about a horizontal support shaft 45 disposed in the upper portion of the filter chamber 40. Removably connected to the connecting pipes 46a, 47a, 48a, 49a of the attached upper locking members 46, 47, 48, 49, respectively. The lower ends of the first to fourth filters 41, 42, 43, 44 are provided on the upper surfaces of the lower locking members 51, 52, 53, 54 disposed in the lower part of the filter chamber 40, respectively. The lift connection pipes 51a, 52a, 53a, 54a are detachably connected. A toggle mechanism 55 is provided between the lower end connecting portions 51b, 52b, 53b, 54b of the elevating connection pipes 51a to 54a and the connecting member 30a integrated with the rear cover 30 that can be opened and closed around the horizontal support shaft 29. It has been.

  As shown in FIG. 4, when the rear cover 30 is tilted to the rear of the main body 2, the lifting mechanism pipes 51 a to 54 a are immersed in the lower locking members 51 to 54 by the toggle mechanism 55, and the first to fourth filters 41. The engagement between the lower end portions of -44 and the lift connection pipes 51a-54a is released. After that, if the first to fourth filters 41 to 44 are tilted about the horizontal support shaft 45 to be detached from the lower locking members 51 to 54 and then pulled downward, the upper ends of the first to fourth filters 41 to 44 are removed. The part can be detached from the connecting pipes 46 a to 49 a of the upper locking members 46 to 49 and taken out from the filter chamber 40. In addition, the first to fourth filters 41 to 44 can be attached to predetermined positions in the filter chamber 40 by performing the operation opposite to that described above.

  Thus, since the water supplied from the outside can be purified by the first to fourth filters 41 to 44 which are water purifying means provided in the water supply paths 35 and 36, it is easy if it is a place where there is a water supply facility. It can also be used to prevent invasion of various bacteria. Moreover, since all of the first to fourth filters 41 to 44 provided in the water supply paths 35 and 36 are detachable, maintenance and filter replacement are easy. Furthermore, since water supplied from outside passes through the first filter to the fourth filter 41 to 44, foreign substances and chlorine components in the water are removed and weakened to alkalinity, so it is suitable for drinking and also for health promotion. Beneficial potable water can be fed into the cold water container 14 described below.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the cold / hot water machine 1 includes a cold water container 14 having a cooling means 13 and a hot water container 16 having a heating means 15, and a water supply path for supplying drinking water into the cold water container 14. The downstream side of 36 is disposed in the cold water container 14. An open / close valve 37 that opens and closes by raising and lowering the float F floating on the water surface CWS of the cold water CW in the cold water container 14 is provided in the middle of the water supply path 36 located in the cold water container 14. When the water surface CWS of the cold water CW in the cold water container 14 is lowered, the float F is also lowered, the on-off valve 37 is opened, and water is supplied into the cold water container 14 from the water supply path 36. When the water surface CWS of the cold water CW in the cold water container 14 rises, the float F also rises, the on-off valve 37 is closed, and water supply from the water supply path 36 into the cold water container 14 is stopped. In this way, a certain amount of cold water CW is always stored in the cold water container 14 by the on-off valve 37 that operates by raising and lowering the float F.

  Therefore, if one of the operation levers 4a and 5a in the concave space 6 in front of the cold / hot water machine 1 is selected and operated, the cold water CW in the cold water container 14 is poured out from the cold water cock 5 or the hot water in the hot water container 16 is heated. HW can be poured out from the hot water cock 4. In this case, the cold water CW in the cold water container 14 is discharged from the cold water cock 5 by the water pressure in the cold water container 14, and the hot water HW in the hot water container 16 is the hot water container in the cold water container 14 via the water supply path 17. 16 is discharged from the hot water cock 4 by the water pressure applied to the hot water HW in the discharge water 16, so that a discharge pump or the like is unnecessary.

  In the cold / hot water machine 1, as shown in FIG. 5, the cold water container 14 and the hot water container 16 are arranged in series in this order from the vertical upper part to the vertical lower part. Therefore, the cold water CW in the cold water container 14 is automatically supplied via the water supply path 36 by the open / close valve 37 with the float F arranged in the water supply path 36, and the hot water HW in the hot water container 16 is It is automatically supplied from the container 14 via the water supply path 17. In FIG. 5, the chilled water cock 5 is drawn higher than the hot water cock 4 for convenience of drawing, but in the actual chilled water heater 1, as shown in FIG. The hot water cock 4 is arrange | positioned at the same height.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the upper end opening 17 a of the water supply path 17 is located in the cold water container 14, and a funnel-shaped water guide member 20 is connected to the upper end opening 17 a, and the water supply path from above the water guide member 20. A cylindrical water conduit 21 is inserted substantially coaxially toward the inside 17. As shown in FIG. 6, the water guide pipe 21 is provided with a disk-like flange 22 on the outer periphery of the upper end opening 21a, and an axial slit 21c is provided near the lower end opening 21b. A plurality of protrusions 22 a are formed on the lower surface of the flange 22, and these protrusions 22 a abut on the upper surface of the funnel-shaped water guide member 20, thereby forming a gap S between the flange 22 and the water guide member 20. .

  As shown in FIG. 5, a drain pipe 24 is connected to the bottom portion 16 b of the hot water container 16, and a drain cock 25 for opening and closing the drain pipe 24 is provided on the downstream side thereof. Further, an air supply air supply pipe 26 extending from the air supply apparatus AP is connected to the middle of the drain pipe 24. By operating the air supply apparatus AP during the sterilization operation described later, The air inside can be sent into the hot water HW in the hot water container 16.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the air supply pipe 26 is once piped upward from the air supply device AP, and U-turned at a position higher than the water surface CWS of the cold water CW in the cold water container 14 and piped downward. The drain pipe 24 is connected. Therefore, the hot water HW in the hot water container 16 does not accidentally flow into the air supply device AP. Further, by providing a check valve 27 in the middle of the air supply pipe 26, it is possible to thoroughly prevent hot water from flowing into the air supply device AP, and to remove dust and the like in the air in the suction path 28 of the air supply device AP. An air filter AF is provided.

  In normal times, the surface CWS of the cold water CW in the cold water container 14 is kept almost constant by the open / close valve 37 with the float F, but the cold water CW in the cold water container 14 is reduced by the cold water pouring from the cold water cock 5. Then, when the water surface CWS is lowered, the float F is lowered and the on-off valve 37 is opened and automatically supplied into the cold water container 14 from the water supply path 36. When the water surface CWS rises to a predetermined position, the float F rises and the on-off valve 37 is opened. Is closed, and water supply from the water supply path 36 is automatically stopped.

  On the other hand, the inside of the hot water container 16 communicating with the cold water container 14 by the water supply path 17 is filled with the hot water HW, but when the hot water HW in the hot water container 16 decreases due to the hot water pouring from the hot water cock 4, the cold water container 14 The chilled water CW automatically flows into the hot water container 16 via the water supply path 17. For this reason, the hot water container 16 is always filled with the hot water HW without a gap.

  Since the upper surface of the cold water container 14 communicates with the atmosphere, if the upper surface of the hot water container 16 is open to the atmosphere, the cold water CW in the upper cold water container 14 passes through the water supply path 17 to The hot water container 16 overflows into the container 16. However, in the cold / hot water machine 1 of this embodiment, since the inside of the hot water container 16 is closed in an airtight manner and is always filled with the hot water HW, unless the hot water HW in the hot water container 16 decreases, the cold water container The cold water CW in 14 does not flow into the hot water container 16 without permission.

  Next, sterilization in the cold water container 14 built in the cold / hot water machine 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1, 5, and 7 to 9. When sterilization in the cold water container 14 becomes necessary due to long-term use, when the switch 10 provided on the front cover 7 is turned on, the control circuit 19 is activated and the cooling means 13 of the cold water container 14 is automatically stopped. Thereafter, the air supply device AP is activated to supply air in the atmosphere into the hot water HW in the hot water container 16 via the air supply pipe 26 and the drain pipe 24. The air sent from the bottom 16 b of the hot water container 16 into the hot water HW becomes a large number of bubbles B, rises in the hot water HW, and enters the water supply path 17.

  The bubble B that has entered the water supply path 17 rises through the gap between the inner peripheral surface of the water supply path 17 and the water guide pipe 21, enters the cylindrical part 20 b of the water guide member 20 from the upper end opening 17 a, and further rises. Then, after exiting from the upper end opening 20a of the cylindrical portion 20b, it diffuses along the gap S between the water guide member 20 and the flange 22, rises away from the outer periphery of the flange 22, and finally, Bounce off the water surface CWS of the cold water CW and disappear. In this way, the bubbles B rise from the hot water container 16 via the water supply path 17 and flow into the cold water container 14, so that the hot water HW in the hot water container 16 also moves in the water supply path 17 along with the bubbles B. It flows backward and flows into the cold water CW in the cold water container 14. Therefore, the water temperature of the cold water CW in the cold water container 14 rises with the passage of time, and eventually becomes equal to the temperature of the hot water HW in the hot water container 16, whereby the cold water container 14 can be sterilized.

  In this way, the cold water CW in the cold water container 14 can be warmed by operating the air supply device AP, which is a hot water backflow means, and causing the warm water HW in the hot water container 16 to flow back into the cold water container 14. Thus, the inside of the cold water container 14 can be sterilized. Since the route through which the hot water HW in the hot water vessel 16 flows into the cold water vessel 14 uses the water supply route 17, it is not necessary to provide a new pipe or a water supply pump, and the structure is simple. Further, when the air supply device AP is operated, the cooling means 13 of the cold water container 14 is automatically stopped by the action of the control circuit 19, so that the cooling means 13 is not overloaded.

  Further, an air supply device AP is provided as a hot water backflow means for generating bubbles B that are discharged into the hot water HW in the hot water container 16 and pass through the water supply path 17 and move into the cold water CW in the cold water container 14. ing. For this reason, when the bubble B discharged into the hot water HW in the hot water container 16 passes through the water supply path 17 and moves into the cold water CW in the cold water container 14, the hot water HW in the hot water container 16 is accompanied. Therefore, the movement of the hot water HW from the hot water container 16 to the cold water container 14 is promoted, the water temperature in the cold water container 14 can be raised in a short time, and the sterilization operation time can be shortened. .

  Further, since the water guide pipe 21 is provided in the water supply path 17 so as to be separated from the water supply path 17 as a water guide path that communicates the inside of the cold water container 14 and the hot water container 16, As the hot water HW moves backward, the cold water CW moves from the cold water container 14 into the hot water container 16 through the water conduit 21. For this reason, the hot water HW that rises in the water supply path 17 and the cold water CW that descends in the water conduit 21 are not mixed, thereby promoting convection between the cold water container 14 and the hot water container 16. Therefore, the water temperature in the cold water container 14 rises in a shorter time, which is effective for shortening the sterilization operation time.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the lower end opening 21b of the water conduit 21 is located in the hot water HW in the hot water container 16, but the slit 21c cut upward from the lower end opening 21b is formed as shown in FIG. It has been established. Further, as shown in FIG. 9, the upper end opening 21 a of the water conduit 21 is located in the cold water CW in the cold water container 14. Accordingly, the cold water CW in the cold water container 14 flows into the water conduit 21 from the upper end opening 21 a of the water conduit 21. Thereby, in the cold water container 14, since the flow of the cold water CW which moves the upper surface of the flange 22 toward the upper end opening 21a is generated, the movement of the cold water CW from the cold water container 14 into the hot water container 16 is prevented. Promoted. Accordingly, the movement of the hot water HW from the hot water container 16 into the cold water container 14 is also promoted, so that convection occurs between the cold water CW in the cold water container 14 and the hot water HW in the hot water container 16. This is effective for further shortening the sterilization operation time.

  In addition, in the water conduit 21 located in the cold water container 14, a disk-shaped flange 22 extending in a substantially horizontal direction is provided at a portion facing the upper end opening 17 a of the water supply path 17. Therefore, when the hot water HW that rises between the inner periphery of the water supply path 17 and the outer periphery of the water conduit 21 and flows into the cold water container 14 passes through the gap S between the flange 22 and the water conduit member 20, the flange 22. It moves along the lower surface and is diffused in a wide range toward the outer peripheral direction of the flange 22. As a result, the temperature rise of the cold water CW in the cold water container 14 is further promoted, and the sterilization operation time can be further shortened.

  Next, another embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 10 is a schematic view showing a chiller / heater according to another embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 11 is a partially omitted sectional view in the axial direction of a water conduit constituting the chiller / heater shown in FIG. 10, and FIG. 10 is a partially enlarged view of FIG. 10, FIG. 13 is a partially enlarged view of FIG. 12, FIG. 14 is a schematic view showing a state where the flange is raised in the chiller / heater shown in FIG. 10, and FIG. . 10-15, the part which attaches | subjects the code | symbol same as the code | symbol shown in FIGS. 1-9 is a part which has the same structure and function as the component of the cold / hot water machine 1, and abbreviate | omits description.

  As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, in the chiller / heater of this embodiment, a disc having no protrusion 22 a instead of the flange 22 with the protrusion 22 a (see FIG. 6) constituting the chiller / heater 1 described above. A flange 32 is provided on the outer periphery of the upper end opening 21 a of the water guide pipe 21, and the water guide pipe 21 is disposed in the cylindrical portion 20 b of the water guide member 20 and the water supply path 17 so as to be able to move up and down together with the flange 32 in the axial direction. In normal operation, as shown in FIG. 12, since the bubbles are not discharged into the hot water container 16, the flange 32 sinks under its own weight, and the bottom surface thereof is in contact with the top surface of the water guide member 20. It is stationary. For this reason, the upper end opening 20 a of the cylindrical portion 20 b of the water guide member 20 communicating with the water supply path 17 is closed by the flange 32. Therefore, during normal operation (when sterilization operation by bubble discharge is not performed), the hot water HW in the hot water container 16 passes through the gap between the inner peripheral surface of the water supply path 17 and the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 20b and the water conduit 21. It does not flow into the cold water container 14.

  On the other hand, as described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 5, when the switch 10 provided on the front cover 7 is turned on to perform the sterilization operation, the control circuit 19 is activated and the cooling means 13 of the cold water container 14 is automatically stopped. After that, the air supply device AP is activated, and air in the atmosphere is supplied into the hot water HW in the hot water container 16 via the air supply pipe 26 and the drain pipe 24. Accordingly, as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the air fed into the warm water HW from the bottom 16 b of the warm water container 16 becomes a large number of bubbles B, rises in the warm water HW, and enters the water supply path 17.

  The bubbles B that have entered the water supply path 17 rise through the gap between the inner peripheral surface of the water supply path 17 and the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 20 b and the water conduit 21. However, at this time, as shown in FIG. 13, since the upper end opening 20a of the cylindrical portion 20b is closed by the flange 32, the rising bubble B gradually accumulates in the vicinity of the upper end opening 20a. 32 is given buoyancy. And when the buoyancy of the bubble B collected near the upper end opening 20a exceeds the weight of the flange 32 and the water conduit 21 in the water, the flange 32 rises together with the water conduit 21, and therefore, as shown in FIGS. As described above, a gap S is generated between the upper surface of the water guide member 20 and the lower surface of the flange 32. Therefore, after the bubbles B accumulated near the upper end opening 20a diffuse along the gap S, the bubbles B rise from the outer periphery of the flange 32, and eventually bounce off the water surface CWS of the cold water CW and disappear. .

  As described above, the bubbles B rise from the hot water container 16 via the water supply path 17, pass through the gap S generated by the rise of the flange 32, and flow into the cold water container 14. The hot water HW also flows back in the water supply path 17 along with the bubbles B and flows into the cold water CW in the cold water container 14. Therefore, the temperature of the cold water CW in the cold water container 14 rises with time, and eventually becomes equal to the temperature of the hot water HW in the hot water container 16, so that the cold water container 14 can be sterilized.

  During the sterilization operation, air is continuously sent from the bottom 16b of the hot water container 16 into the hot water HW, and the gap S is maintained as long as the bubbles B continue to exist in the gap S between the upper surface of the water guide member 20 and the lower surface of the flange 32. The hot water HW in the hot water container 16 flows back into the cold water container 14 and the inside of the cold water container 14 can be sterilized. When the operation of the air supply device AP (see FIG. 5) is stopped after the sterilization operation is finished, the air supply from the bottom 16b of the hot water container 16 into the hot water HW is stopped, the buoyancy due to the bubbles B disappears, and the flange Since 32 is lowered, the upper end opening 20a of the cylindrical portion 20b is closed, and the normal operation state is restored.

  As described above, in the chiller / heater of the present embodiment, the flange 32 is lifted by the buoyancy exerted on the flange 32 by the bubbles B discharged into the hot water HW in the hot water container 16 and rising in the water supply path 17. A flange lifting type opening / closing mechanism is provided in which the flange 32 descends when the bubbles B in the gap S disappear and the buoyancy is lost. For this reason, the water supply path 17 which connects the inside of the cold water container 14 and the inside of the hot water container 16 can be opened and closed by raising and lowering the flange 32 without providing an opening / closing valve. That is, when the bubbles B are discharged into the hot water HW in the hot water container 16, the flange 32 rises due to the buoyancy of the bubbles B, the water supply path 17 is opened, and the buoyancy disappears when the discharge of the bubbles B is stopped. Thus, the flange 32 is lowered and the water supply path 17 is closed. Accordingly, it is possible to eliminate the inflow of the hot water HW from the hot water container 16 to the cold water container 14 when the sterilization operation by the bubble discharge is not performed, and it is possible to improve the energy efficiency of the cold / hot water machine during the normal operation. The structure and function of other parts are the same as those of the above-described cold / hot water machine 1.

  In the cold / hot water machine of the present embodiment, the water supply path 17 is opened by the buoyancy of the bubbles B discharged into the hot water HW in the hot water container 16 and rising in the water supply path 17, and when the buoyancy of the bubbles B disappears, the water supply path 17 As the opening / closing mechanism that closes the flange 32, the opening / closing mechanism in which the flange 32 and the water guide pipe 21 are moved up and down depending on the presence or absence of the buoyancy of the bubbles B is employed. However, the present invention is not limited to this. A mechanism for opening and closing the upper end opening 20a of the water guide member 20 by moving only the flange 32 up and down depending on the presence or absence of the buoyancy of the bubble B can also be adopted.

  The cold / hot water machine of the present invention can be widely used in offices, employee cafeterias, general restaurants, and the like as hot water supply devices that can selectively supply cold water or hot water suitable for drinking.

It is a front view which shows the cold / hot water machine which is embodiment of this invention. It is a partially cutaway rear view of the cold / hot water machine shown in FIG. It is a partially cutaway side view of the cold / hot water machine shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the filter attachment / detachment mechanism in the cold / hot water machine shown in FIG. It is the schematic which shows the structure of the cold / hot water machine shown in FIG. FIG. 6 is a partially omitted cross-sectional view in the axial direction of a water conduit constituting the cold / hot water machine shown in FIG. It is a partial enlarged view of the cold / hot water machine shown in FIG. FIG. 8 is a partially enlarged view of FIG. 7. FIG. 9 is a partially enlarged view of FIG. 8. It is the schematic which shows the cold / hot water machine which is other embodiment of this invention. FIG. 11 is a partially omitted cross-sectional view in the axial direction of a water conduit constituting the cold / hot water machine shown in FIG. FIG. 11 is a partially enlarged view of FIG. 10. FIG. 13 is a partially enlarged view of FIG. 12. It is the schematic which shows a flange raise state in the hot / cold water machine shown in FIG. FIG. 15 is a partially enlarged view of FIG. 14.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Cold / hot water machine 2 Main body part 4 Hot water cock 5 Cold water cock 4a, 5a Operation lever 6 Recessed space 7 Front cover 8, 9, 11 Pilot lamp 10 Switch 12 Tray 12a Tray cover 13 Cooling means 14 Cold water container 15 Heating means 16 Hot water container 16b bottom part 17 water supply path 17a, 21a upper end opening part 19 control circuit 20 water guide member 20a upper end opening part 20b cylindrical part 21 water guide pipe 21b lower end opening part 21c slit 22, 32 flange 22a protrusion 24 drain pipe 25 drain cock 26 air supply pipe 27 reverse Stop valve 28 Suction path 29, 45 Horizontal support shaft 30 Rear cover 30a Connecting member 35, 36 Water supply path 37 On-off valve 40 Filter chamber 41 First filter 42 Second filter 43 Third filter 44 Fourth filter 46-49 Upper locking member 6a~49a connecting pipe 51 to 54 lower engaging member 51a~54a lifting connecting pipe 51b~54b lower coupling portion 55 toggle mechanism AF air filter AP air supply device B cell CW cold HW hot CWS water surface F Float S clearance

Claims (8)

  A cold water container having a cooling means, a water supply path for supplying water into the cold water container from the outside, a hot water container having heating means arranged below the cold water container, and the cold water in the cold water container in the hot water container A cooling water supply device that supplies cold water in the cold water container or hot water in the hot water container by a certain selection operation, and provides water purification means in the water supply route, and in the water supply route A hot and cold water machine provided with hot water backflow means for allowing hot water in the hot water container to flow into the cold water container via at least a part of the hot water container.   As the water purification means, a first filter that removes solids in water, a second filter that removes chlorine in water, a third filter that removes microorganisms in water, a fourth filter that lowers the oxidation potential of water, The cold / hot water machine of Claim 1 which provided.   The air supply device for generating air bubbles that are discharged into the hot water in the hot water container and pass through the water supply path and move into the cold water in the cold water container as the hot water backflow means. 2. The hot and cold water machine according to 2.   The hot and cold water machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a water guide path that communicates the cold water in the cold water container and the hot water in the hot water container is provided in the water supply path so as to be partitioned from the water supply path.   The hot and cold water machine according to claim 4, wherein a water guide pipe having a lower end opening located in the hot water in the hot water container and an upper end opening located in the cold water in the cold water container is provided as the water guide path.   The cold / hot water machine of Claim 5 which provided the flange of the shape extended in the substantially horizontal direction in the part which faces the said water supply path | route of the said water conduit located in the said cold water container. The discharged into hot water in the hot water container to open the water supply passage by the buoyancy of the bubbles that have risen to the water supply path, according to claim 3 Symbol provided with a closing mechanism for closing the water supply path and the buoyancy of the bubbles disappear The listed hot and cold water machine. A portion of the water conduit located in the cold water container facing the water supply path is provided with a flange having a shape extending in a substantially horizontal direction,
As the opening / closing mechanism, a flange lifting type in which the flange rises due to the buoyancy of the bubbles discharged into the warm water in the hot water container and rises in the water supply path, and the flange descends when the buoyancy of the bubbles disappears. The cold / hot water machine of Claim 7 which provided the opening-and-closing mechanism.

Images