JP5466035B2 - Water cooler - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention supplies the water taken from outside to a desired temperature for use in confectionery, bread kneading powder, water for cooling or washing food, drinking water in restaurants, etc. It relates to a water cooler.

  Conventionally, water continuously supplied from the outside such as tap water is cooled by a refrigeration circuit including a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve and an evaporator, and the cooled water is continuously supplied to the outside. The water coolers that are designed to do this are well known. And in this kind of cold water machine, as shown, for example in the following patent document 1, in order to keep the temperature of the cold water supplied to the outside at a desired set temperature, the temperature of the cold water supplied to the outside ( Chilled water temperature) or the temperature of feed water supplied from the outside (feed water temperature), and the amount of cold water supplied to the outside is controlled according to the detected chilled water temperature or the difference between the feed water temperature and the set temperature. Alternatively, by controlling the output of the compressor, the temperature of the cold water supplied to the outside is set to the set temperature.

JP 2001-324255 A

  In this chiller, the amount of chilled water supplied to the outside is controlled by using the chilled water flow rate control means, or the output of the compressor is controlled by using the feed water temperature control means. The temperature of the cold water is set to the set temperature. For this reason, the above-described conventional chilled water machine requires a complicated control device, and is not suitable for the case of using a small chilled water machine having a small processing capacity and an inexpensive price.

  The present invention has been made to cope with the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a chiller equipped with a simple control device, small in size, small in processing capacity, and inexpensive. Note that, in the configuration of the present invention described below, the reference numerals corresponding to the embodiments are exemplarily shown in parentheses, but this does not limit the configuration of the present invention.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention is characterized by a pipe (11) connected to a water channel (40) to which water is continuously supplied, a compressor (21) for compressing and liquefying a refrigerant, and liquefaction. In a chiller having a refrigeration circuit (20) including an evaporator (24) for evaporating the cooled refrigerant and cooling water flowing in the pipe, water supplied from the water channel is provided upstream of the pipe. A pressure reducing valve (12) for reducing the pressure to stabilize the pressure of the water on the output side to a predetermined pressure, and a flow rate of water flowing in the pipe by changing the opening degree provided downstream of the pressure reducing valve in the pipe A motor-operated valve (13) that adjusts the opening of the motor-operated valve, and an opening degree setting switch (34a, 34b) and the opening of the motor-operated valve corresponding to the opening of the plurality of stages, respectively. Opening control data storage means (32b, 32e) storing a plurality of opening control data for setting the opening of each stage, and opening control corresponding to the opening set by operating the opening setting switch Opening setting control means for reading data from the opening control data storage means and setting the opening of the motor-operated valve to the opening set by operating the opening setting switch using the read opening control data ( S36, S114).

  In the present invention configured as described above, the operator operates the opening setting switch to set the opening of the motor-operated valve to any one of a plurality of predetermined discontinuous opening degrees. Set to one opening. Then, the opening setting control means sets and controls the opening of the motor-operated valve to the set opening using the opening control data corresponding to the set opening. Thereby, the operator can make the opening degree of a motor operated valve large or small. Moreover, the stepwise setting of the opening degree performed using the opening degree setting switch means that the flow rate of the water passing through the motor-operated valve, that is, the pipe is changed stepwise. Therefore, when the chilled water temperature is increased, the opening degree of the motor-operated valve is increased, and when the chilled water temperature is decreased, the opening degree of the motor-operated valve is decreased. For this reason, for example, the opening degree of the motor-operated valve is divided into 10 stages corresponding to the flow rate of water, each stage is indicated by a numerical value of 1 to 10, and the opening degree is indicated by each stage using an opening degree setting switch. When set to a numerical value, the flow rate of water passing through the pipe is approximately the amount corresponding to the opening indicated by the numerical value.

  According to the chiller according to the present invention that operates in this manner, chilled water having a suitable temperature can be taken out with a simple operation. Further, a pressure reducing valve is provided on the upstream side of the motor-operated valve in the pipe, and the pressure of water supplied from the water channel by the pressure reducing valve is stabilized at a predetermined low pressure in the pipe. For this reason, the motor-operated valve can adjust the flow rate of water sent at a stable pressure accurately and stepwise, and the water temperature can be adjusted easily and accurately. Further, since the opening setting control means adjusts the opening degree of the motorized valve step by step using the opening control data, the opening setting control means can be easily configured, and the chiller is inexpensive. .

  Another feature of the present invention is that the temperature of the water cooled by the evaporator and taken out of the pipe after being cooled by the evaporator is detected as the cold water temperature. A chilled water temperature sensor (15), and an opening degree changing means (S70,) for setting and controlling the opening degree of the motor-operated valve by one step when the chilled water temperature detected by the chilled water temperature sensor falls below a predetermined low first temperature. S82). In this case, the predetermined low first temperature is a low temperature of about 5 ° C., for example.

  In the present invention, the operator normally sets the opening of the motor-operated valve by operating the opening setting switch. However, even if the chilled water temperature of the chilled water flowing through the pipe falls below a predetermined low first temperature, the opening degree setting switch may not be operated without the operator noticing. In such a case, according to another feature of the present invention, the opening degree change control means increases the opening degree of the motorized valve by one step, thereby increasing the flow rate of water and raising the cold water temperature. Thereby, it can prevent automatically that a cold water temperature becomes low too much and a trouble arises in a cold water machine.

  Another feature of the present invention is that the chilled water temperature detected by the chilled water temperature sensor is predetermined even after a predetermined time has elapsed after the opening of the motor-operated valve is controlled to be increased by one step by the opening changing means. The first stop means (S86, S88, S92, S100) for stopping the operation of the water chiller when it is not detected that the temperature has risen from the low first temperature is provided. If the cold water temperature does not rise from the first low temperature as described above, the motorized valve may fail or water may be cut off, making it impossible to supply water according to the set opening of the motorized valve. This occurs when In such a case, since the operation of the chilled water machine is stopped by the first stop means, it is possible to prevent the chilled water machine from continuing to operate while abnormality occurs in the chilled water machine.

  Another feature of the present invention is that the indicator (37), the water temperature display control means (S68) for continuously displaying the temperature of the water detected by the cold water temperature sensor on the indicator, and the opening setting switch. When the opening degree of the motor-operated valve is set by operation, the display device is provided with opening degree display control means (S202) for displaying the opening degree of the motor-operated valve instead of the temperature of water. According to this other feature of the present invention, the operator can check the cold water temperature of the cold water machine by looking at the indicator during operation of the cold water machine. Moreover, when the opening degree is set with the opening degree setting switch, the opening degree of the motor-operated valve can also be confirmed by looking at the display. Therefore, after confirming the cold water temperature, the opening setting switch can be operated while looking at the opening of the motor-operated valve, and the opening setting can be easily performed.

  Another feature of the present invention is that the water supply temperature sensor is installed in the pipe at a position upstream of the position where the water is cooled by the evaporator and detects the temperature of the water before being cooled by the evaporator as the water supply temperature. (14) and the second stop means (S50, S62) for stopping the operation of the water chiller when the feed water temperature detected by the feed water temperature sensor is lower than a predetermined second low temperature. In this case, the predetermined low second temperature is a low temperature of about 8 ° C., for example. According to the other feature of the present invention, when the temperature of the water supplied from the water channel does not need to be cooled sufficiently, the operation of the chiller is stopped by the second stop means. Thereby, the operator can take in water directly from the water channel and use it without unnecessarily operating the chilled water machine.

  Another feature of the present invention is that the flow rate sensor (16) that detects the flow rate of water flowing in the pipe and the operation of the chiller when the flow rate of water detected by the flow rate sensor is less than a predetermined small flow rate. The third stop means (S46, S62, S72, S92, S100) for stopping is provided. This predetermined small flow rate is a small flow rate of about 0.7 liters per minute, for example. In this way, if the flow rate of water flowing in the pipe is less than a predetermined small flow rate, the motorized valve may fail or the water channel may be shut off, making it impossible to supply water according to the set opening. This happens when Therefore, when such an abnormality occurs in the chiller, according to another feature of the present invention, the operation of the chiller is stopped by the third stopping means, so that the abnormality remains in the chiller. It is possible to prevent the water cooler from continuing to operate.

  Another feature of the present invention is that the set opening degree storage means (32e, S130) stores the opening degree set by operating the opening degree setting switch and stores it as the previous opening degree even after the operation of the chiller is stopped. ) And the previous opening stored in the set opening storage means at the start of a new operation of the chilled water machine so that it can be used as the set opening of the motorized valve after the new operation of the chiller is started. The degree reading means (S12) is provided. According to another feature of the present invention, each time the chiller is newly operated, the opening is not last set by operating the opening setting switch to change the opening of the motorized valve from the initial value. It becomes easy to operate the chiller again easily under the conditions or conditions close to the previously operated conditions, and the setting operation of the opening degree of the motor-operated valve is simplified.

  Another feature of the present invention is that a timer switch (35) for setting the operation time of the chiller is measured, and the lapse of the operation time set by the timer switch from the start of the operation of the chiller is measured. The fourth stop means (S56, S78, S118, S128) for stopping the operation of the water and the set time for storing the operation time set by the operation of the timer switch and storing it as the previous time after the operation of the chiller is stopped The storage unit (32e, S130) and the previous time stored in the set time storage unit at the start of a new operation of the chiller, and used as the operation time of the chiller after the start of a new operation The reading means (S12) is provided. According to the other feature of the present invention, the operation of the chilled water machine can be automatically stopped by operating the chilled water machine for an arbitrary time set by the action of the timer switch and the fourth stop means. In addition, due to the action of the set time storage means and the previous time reading means, every time the chiller is activated, it is possible to operate the timer switch to change the chiller operation time from the initial value without setting the previous time. It becomes easy to operate the water chiller easily again under the condition that is operated or close to the condition that was operated last time, and the setting operation of the operation time of the water chiller is simplified.

It is an external appearance perspective view of the cold water machine concerning one embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows roughly the whole structure of the cold water machine shown in FIG. It is a front view of the operation panel of the cold water machine shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the head part of the main program performed by the control circuit (CPU) of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the intermediate part of the said main program. It is a flowchart which shows the tail part of the said main program. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of the opening degree setting routine of FIG. 4A and 4C. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of the time setting routine of FIG. 4A. It is a table | surface for demonstrating the relationship between the setting opening degree of a motor operated valve, and the flow volume which flows through a water channel. It is the graph which showed the time change of the pressure of the tap water supplied from the outside. It is the table | surface which showed the relationship between the setting opening degree for every season, and cold water temperature.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of a chiller according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically showing the overall configuration of the chiller. This chiller includes a water circuit 10, a refrigeration circuit 20, and an electric control device 30 inside a chiller body A having a sink S. The water circuit 10 has a pipe 11 connected to a water pipe 40 as a water channel according to the present invention. The water pipe 40 has a portion embedded in the ground (not shown) and a portion exposed to the ground, and continuously supplies clean water to the chiller in the direction of arrow a in FIG. It has become.

  The pipe 11 is disposed so as to pass the cooled cold water to the outside of the water circuit 10 through a heat exchanger 50 (described later in detail) that cools the clean water led into the pipe 11. In the pipe 11, a pressure reducing valve 12 is interposed at an upstream position of the heat exchanger 50, and an electric valve 13 is interposed at a downstream position of the heat exchanger 50. The pressure reducing valve 12 reduces the water supplied through the water pipe 40 to a predetermined pressure. In other words, the pressure reducing valve 12 reduces the pressure of the water supplied via the water pipe 40 and stabilizes the pressure of the water on the output side at a predetermined pressure. The electric valve 13 incorporates an electric motor for controlling the valve opening, and the flow rate of cold water flowing through the pipe 11 and taken out from the water circuit 10 by the control of the valve opening (the amount of water per unit time). To control. The pipe 11 is also provided with temperature sensors 14 and 15 and a flow sensor 16.

  The temperature sensor 14 corresponds to a feed water temperature sensor of the present invention, and is assembled to the pipe 11 at a position between the heat exchanger 50 and the pressure reducing valve 12 (that is, an upstream position of the heat exchanger 50). The temperature of clean water before flowing through the inside and being cooled by the heat exchanger 50 is detected as a feed water temperature T1. The temperature sensor 15 corresponds to the cold water temperature sensor of the present invention, and is assembled to the pipe 11 at a position between the heat exchanger 50 and the outlet 11a of the pipe 11 (that is, a downstream position of the heat exchanger 50). The temperature of the chilled water flowing through the pipe 11 after being cooled by the heat exchanger 50 and taken out to the outside is detected as the chilled water temperature T2. The flow rate sensor 16 is interposed in the pipe 11 at a position between the heat exchanger 50 and the pressure reducing valve 12 and detects the flow rate F of water flowing in the pipe 11. Since the flow rate of the water flowing in the pipe 11 is the same in any part of the pipe 11, the flow sensor 16 is not limited to the above position, and may be interposed in any position in the pipe 11.

  The refrigeration circuit 20 includes a compressor 21, a condenser 22, a capillary 23, and an evaporator 24 connected in this order by a pipe 25, and circulates a refrigerant in the direction of an arrow b shown in the figure. The compressor 21 incorporates an electric motor and is driven and controlled by the electric control device 30 to discharge a high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant gas. The condenser 22 converts the high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant gas discharged from the compressor 21 into a heat radiation liquid and supplies it to the capillary 23. The capillary 23 is composed of a capillary tube, and reduces the pressure of the refrigerant to maintain a predetermined low pressure.

  The evaporator 24 is disposed in the heat exchanger 50, evaporates the supplied refrigerant, and cools a part of the pipe 11 disposed in the heat exchanger 50. In this case, the heat exchanger 50 is configured such that the contact area of the evaporator 24 with the tube 11 is as large as possible. For example, the portion 11b of the tube 11 disposed in the heat exchanger 50 is relatively long. In addition, the pipe of the evaporator 24 is wound around the outer periphery of the portion 11b of the pipe 11 in multiple layers. Thereby, the water flowing through the pipe 11 is cooled by the evaporator 24 in the heat exchanger 50.

  The electric control device 30 includes an operation panel 31, a control circuit 32, and a drive circuit 33. As shown in FIG. 3, the operation panel 31 includes a water stop switch 34, an up switch 34a, a down switch 34b, a timer switch 35, a cancel switch 36, a display 37, a cooling lamp 38a and a timer lamp 38b. ing.

  The water discharge / stop switch 34 is for opening and closing the motor-operated valve 13, and when pressed, the motor-operated valve 13 opens and closes to change the state of water discharge to the downstream side and the state of water stop. Further, the operation of the compressor 21 is stopped by pressing the water discharge stop switch 34 during the operation of the compressor 21. The up switch 34a and the down switch 34b constitute an opening setting switch according to the present invention. The up switch 34a is for increasing the opening of the motor-operated valve 13, and the down switch 34a is used for the motor-operated valve 13. This is to reduce the opening. On the surface of the up switch 34a, a letter “UP” and a triangle are shown, and on the surface of the down switch 34a, a letter “DOWN” and an inverted triangle are shown. By the operation of the up switch 34a and the down switch 34b, the set opening degree of the motor-operated valve 13 shown in FIG. 7 to be described later is changed in the range of “1” to “10”.

  The timer switch 35 sequentially selects one of several preset times by being pressed. In this case, for example, 5 minutes, 10 minutes, 20 minutes,..., 60 minutes, etc. Select and set the time. Then, after the selected time reaches the longest time, the time is again returned to 5 minutes. The cancel switch 36 is a switch for canceling the operation for the set time set by operating the timer switch 35.

  The indicator 37 is for displaying the cold water temperature T2 detected by the temperature sensor 15, but when the up switch 34a and the down switch 34b are operated, a value corresponding to the opening degree of the motor-operated valve 13 (FIG. 7 is flashed and when the timer switch 35 is operated, the numerical value of the set time is flashed. Further, when prompting the operator to operate the up switch 34a, the down switch 34b, and the timer switch 35, a standby image ("---") in which a plurality of horizontal lines are intermittently arranged in the horizontal direction is displayed. When the flow rate of the water flowing through the pipe 11 does not become the amount corresponding to the set opening degree, or when the water temperature is out of the preset range, an error display or the like is displayed. The cooling lamp 38a is composed of LEDs, and lights up when the compressor 21 is operating to indicate that the cooling operation is in progress. The timer lamp 38b is also composed of an LED, and lights up when the chiller is set in the operating state according to the set time set by the timer switch 35 to indicate that the set time has elapsed.

  The control circuit 32 is configured by a computer device including a CPU 32a, ROM 32b, RAM 32c, a clock circuit 32d, a writable nonvolatile memory 32e, and the like. The control circuit 32 has a water discharge stop switch 34, an up switch 34a, a down switch 34b of the operation panel 31. The timer switch 35, the cancel switch 36, the display 37, the cooling lamp 38a and the timer lamp 38b are connected to the motor operated valve 13, the temperature sensors 14, 15, the flow sensor 16 and the drive circuit 33.

  The CPU 32a executes the main program shown in FIGS. 4A to 4C and the subroutine program shown in FIGS. The ROM 32b or the nonvolatile memory 32e stores the program. Further, an opening degree control data table is prepared in the ROM 32b or the nonvolatile memory 32e. The opening degree control table includes opening degree control data for setting and controlling the opening degree of the motor-operated valve 13, and a plurality of opening degree control data respectively corresponding to the discontinuous stages of the motor-operated valve 13. It is remembered. The opening degree of the motor-operated valve 13 is switched by the operator's operation of the up switch 34a and the down switch 34b. For example, as shown in FIG. FIG. 7 illustrates the flow rates flowing through the motor-operated valve 13 in correspondence with the plurality of stages of opening degrees including “0” of the motor-operated valve 13. The RAM 32c temporarily stores variables during execution of the program. The clock circuit 32d measures time.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the chilled water machine main body A provided with each of the above-described devices is configured by a rectangular box-shaped body having four legs 17, and a sink S formed of a recess is formed on the upper surface. Has been. And the upper wall part 18 extended upwards is formed in the upper surface rear part of the chiller main body A, and the operation panel 31 is installed in the front right side of this upper wall part 18 with the surface facing frontward. Further, the downstream side portion of the pipe 11 extends upward from the left corner of the upper rear portion of the chiller body A and then curves and extends downward. The water outlet 11 a faces the sink S. . A discharge port 19 for discharging the overflowed cold water to the outside is formed in the upper rear wall of the sink S.

  Next, the operation of the chiller configured as described above will be described. In this chiller, when a power switch (not shown) is turned on, the CPU 32a starts executing the main program of FIGS. 4A to 4C. The execution of the main program is started in step S10 in FIG. 4A, and the CPU 32a executes an initial setting process in step S12. In this initial setting process, data values stored in the non-volatile memory 32e and representing the previous opening of the motor operated valve 13 and the previous operating time of the chiller are set as the set opening SL and the setting time ST. . The set opening SL and the set time ST are variables stored in the RAM 32c and used by executing the program. In addition, when data values representing the previous opening degree of the motor operated valve 13 and the previous operation time of the chiller are not stored in the nonvolatile memory 32e, predetermined initial values are set as the opening degree SL and the setting value. Set as time ST. Next, the CPU 32a displays a standby image “---” composed of a plurality of horizontal lines on the display 37, thereby causing the operator to operate a set opening corresponding to the opening of the motor-operated valve 13 or a chiller. Prompt to enter the set time.

  After the process of step S14, the CPU 32a executes a circulation process including steps S16 to S22. In step S16, it is determined whether or not the up switch 34a or the down switch 34b has been pressed. In step S18, it is determined whether or not the timer switch 35 has been pressed. In step S20, it is determined whether or not the cancel switch 36 has been pressed. In step S22, it is determined whether or not the water discharge stop switch 34 has been pressed. In this initial stage, the motor-operated valve 13 is in a fully closed state, and no clean water flows in the pipe 11. If none of the up switch 34a, the down switch 34b, the timer switch 35, the cancel switch 36, and the water discharge stop switch 34 is pressed, the CPU 32a determines “No” in S16 to S22, and the step The cyclic process consisting of S16 to S22 is repeatedly executed.

  When the operator presses the up switch 34a or the down switch 34b, the CPU 32a determines “Yes” in step S16, and executes an opening setting routine in step S24. The opening degree setting routine is shown in detail in FIG. 5, and its execution is started in step S200. After starting this execution, the CPU 32a causes the display 37 to blink the current set opening degree SL in step S202. In the initial stage, the value blinking on the display 37 is the value initially set in step S12. It should be noted that the value blinked in step S202 is the same value whether the up switch 34a is pressed or the down switch 34a is pressed during the determination in step S16.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 7, the value blinking on the indicator 37 is a value indicating one of 10 levels “1” to “10” corresponding to the flow rate of water passing through the pipe 11. And Here, the set opening degree corresponding to the case where the motor-operated valve 13 is fully closed and the flow rate is 0 L / min is “0”. Note that “L” described above and below is liters. The set opening corresponding to the case where the motor-operated valve 13 is opened by the minimum opening and the flow rate is 0.9 L / min is set to “1”, and the motor-operated valve 13 is fully opened and the flow rate is 8.0 L / min. The set opening corresponding to the case is “10”, and the actual opening of the motor-operated valve 13 gradually increases as the set opening increases between “1” and “10”, and the flow rate of water increases accordingly. It is trying to become. During the operation of the chiller, the opening degree of the motor-operated valve 13 is set in the range of “1” to “10”, and any value in this range is used as the initial value.

  After the process of step S202, the CPU 32a resets the first timer, that is, sets the first timer value TM1 to “0” in step S204. The first timer value TM1 is counted up every predetermined short time by a timer program (not shown) that is executed every time the clock circuit 32d measures a predetermined short time, and represents the elapsed time from the reset. Further, the second to eighth timer values TM2 to TM8, which will be described later, function in the same manner as the first timer value TM1 although detailed description is omitted.

  After the process of step S204, the CPU 32a executes a circulation process including steps S206 to S210. In step S206, it is determined whether or not the up switch 34a has been pressed. In step S208, it is determined whether or not the down switch 34a has been pressed. In step S210, whether or not the first timer value TM1 is greater than or equal to a predetermined short time TM10 (for example, 3 seconds), that is, the first timer value TM1 is reset (that is, the above-described up switch 34a or down). It is determined whether or not a predetermined short time TM10 has elapsed since the pressing operation of the switch 34b. The predetermined short time TM10 is a time for confirming whether or not the operator intends to continuously operate the up switch 34a or the down switch 34b. If neither the up switch 34a nor the down switch 34b is pressed, and the first timer value TM1 is less than the predetermined short time TM10, the CPU 32a determines “No” in steps S206 to S210, respectively, and step S206. The cyclic processing consisting of S210 is repeatedly executed. During this time, the display 37 continues to blink the set opening SL that was blinked in step S202.

  If the up switch 34a is pressed during the circulation process including the steps S206 to S210, the CPU 32a determines “Yes” in step S206 and proceeds to step S212. In step S212, it is determined whether or not the set opening SL has reached “10” which is the maximum set opening. If the set opening degree SL has reached “10”, the CPU 32a determines “Yes” in step S212, and again executes the circulation process including steps S206 to S210. On the other hand, if the set opening degree SL has not reached “10”, the CPU 32a determines “No” in step S212, and adds “1” to the set opening degree SL in step S214. Thereby, the set opening degree SL of the motor operated valve 13 is raised by one step. Thereafter, the CPU 32a returns to step S202, and controls the set opening degree SL to blink on the display unit 37 as described above. Accordingly, the set opening degree SL that has been raised by one stage starts to blink on the display 37. After the process of step S202, the first timer value TM1 is reset again to “0” by the process of step S204 described above. As a result, the first timer value TM1 starts counting up again as time elapses from “0”.

  When the down switch 34b is pressed during the circulation process including the steps S206 to S210, the CPU 32a determines “Yes” in step S208, and proceeds to step S216. In step S216, it is determined whether or not the set opening SL has reached “1” which is the minimum set opening. If the set opening degree SL has reached “1”, the CPU 32a determines “Yes” in step S216, and executes the circulation process consisting of steps S206 to S210 again. On the other hand, if the set opening SL has not reached “1”, the CPU 32a determines “No” in step S216, and subtracts “1” from the set opening SL in step S218. Thereby, the set opening degree SL of the electric valve 13 is lowered by one step. Also in this case, thereafter, the CPU 32a returns to step S202, and controls the set opening degree SL to blink on the display 37 as described above. Therefore, the display 37 starts to blink the set opening SL that has been lowered by one step. After the process of step S202, the first timer value TM1 is reset again to “0” by the process of step S204 described above. As a result, the first timer value TM1 starts counting up again as time elapses from “0”.

  As described above, the set opening degree SL is changed when the operator presses the up switch 34a and the down switch 34b during the circulation process including steps S206 to S210. When a predetermined short time TM10 (for example, 3 seconds) elapses from the pressing operation of the up switch 34a or the down switch 34b during the circulation process including steps S206 to S210, the CPU 32a determines “Yes” in step S210, that is, It is determined that one timer value TM1 is equal to or greater than a predetermined short time TM10, and the execution of the opening setting routine is terminated in step S220.

  After completion of the opening degree setting routine, the CPU 32a returns to the execution of the main program of FIG. 4A, and displays a standby image “---” on the display 37 in step S26.

  Further, when the operator presses the timer switch 35 during the circulation process of steps S16 to S22, the CPU 32a determines “Yes” in step S18, and sets the time setting flag in step S28. This time setting flag indicates that the operator has selected a mode for automatically stopping the operation of the chiller after the set time ST has elapsed. And when this time setting flag is not set (namely, it is reset), the driving | running operation | movement of a chiller continues until the water stop switch 34 is operated.

  After the process of step S28, the CPU 32a executes a time setting routine in step S30. This time setting routine is shown in detail in FIG. 6, and its execution is started in step S300. After starting this execution, the CPU 32a causes the display 37 to blink and display the current set time ST in step S302. In the initial stage, the value blinking on the display 37 is the value initially set in step S12. After the process of step S302, the CPU 32a resets the second timer in step S304, that is, sets the second timer value TM2 to “0”. As described above, the second timer value TM2 also starts counting up from “0” and represents the elapsed time from the reset.

  After the process of step S304, the CPU 32a executes a circulation process including steps S306 and S308. In step S306, it is determined whether or not the timer switch 35 has been pressed. In step S308, whether or not the second timer value TM2 is equal to or greater than a predetermined short time TM20 (for example, 3 seconds), that is, the second timer value TM2 is reset (that is, the timer switch 35 is pressed). It is determined whether a predetermined short time TM20 has elapsed since the operation. The predetermined short time TM20 is a time for confirming whether or not the operator is willing to operate the timer switch 35 continuously. If the timer switch 35 is not pressed and the second timer value TM2 is less than the predetermined short time TM20, the CPU 32a determines “No” in steps S306 and S308, and includes steps S306 and S308. Continue to execute cyclic processing repeatedly. During this time, the set time ST flashed and displayed in step S302 is continuously flashed and displayed on the display 37.

  If the timer switch 35 is pressed during the circulation process including the steps S306 and S308, the CPU 32a determines “Yes” in step S306, and proceeds to step S310. In step S310, the CPU 32a changes the set time ST. In the change of the set time ST, for example, time values of 5 minutes, 10 minutes, 20 minutes,..., 60 minutes are repeatedly selected in the above order for each pressing operation of the timer switch 35 and sequentially set as the set time ST. Go. Specifically, if the previous set time ST is 5 minutes, the set time ST is switched to 10 minutes when the timer switch 35 is pressed. If the previous set time ST is 10 minutes, the set time ST is switched to 20 minutes when the timer switch 35 is pressed. If the previous set time ST is 60 minutes, the set time ST is switched to 5 minutes when the timer switch 35 is pressed. Thereafter, the CPU 32a returns to step S302, and controls the set time ST to blink on the display 37 as described above. Accordingly, the switched setting time ST starts blinking on the display 37. After the process of step S302, the second timer value TM2 is reset again to “0” by the process of step S304 described above. As a result, the second timer value TM2 starts to be counted up again as time elapses from “0”. In this way, the set time ST is changed by the operator pressing the timer 35 during the circulation process including steps S306 and S308.

  Further, during a cyclic process consisting of steps S306 and S308, if a predetermined short time TM20 (for example, 3 seconds) elapses from the pressing operation of the timer switch 35, the CPU 32a determines “Yes”, that is, the second timer value in step S308. It is determined that TM2 is equal to or greater than the predetermined short time TM20, and the execution of this time setting routine is terminated in step S312.

  After the execution of this time setting routine, the CPU 32a returns to the execution of the main program in FIG. 4A, and displays the standby image “---” on the display 37 in step S32.

  When the operator presses the cancel switch 36 during the circulation process of steps S16 to S22, the CPU 32a determines “Yes” in step S20, and resets the time setting flag in step S34. Thereby, even if the time setting flag is set in step S28, the time setting flag is reset again by the pressing operation of the cancel switch 36.

  When the operator presses the water stop switch 34 during the circulation process of steps S16 to S22, the CPU 32a determines “Yes” in step S22, and sets and opens the motor operated valve 13 in step S36. Open until SL. In this case, the CPU 32a reads the opening control data corresponding to the set opening SL from the opening control data table in the ROM 32b or the nonvolatile memory 32e, and opens the motor operated valve 13 according to the read opening control data. Control the degree setting. When the opening degree of the motor-operated valve 13 is set to the set opening degree SL, clean water through the water pipe 40 starts to flow into the pipe 11. In this case, the flow rate of the water flowing through the pipe 11 depends on the set opening degree SL. That is, if the set opening degree SL is large, the flow rate of water that flows through the pipe 11 and is taken out through the water outlet 11a is large (see FIG. 7). On the other hand, if the set opening degree SL is small, the flow rate of water flowing through the pipe 11 and taken out to the outside through the water outlet 11a is small.

  Further, the water flowing from the water pipe 40 into the pipe 11 is decompressed by the pressure reducing valve 12 in the upstream portion of the pipe 11, so that the flow rate is stabilized. In other words, the pressure of the water flowing through the water pipe 40 is 200 to 300 kPa at the lowest pressure at the part away from the pipe 11, but may be 100 kPa or less at the end (near the pipe 11). For this reason, in the upstream part in the pipe 11, for example, as shown in FIG. 8, the water pressure fluctuates with time. In this embodiment, the minimum pressure required to ensure the maximum flow rate in the usage range of the chiller is set to 50 kPa, and the water pressure immediately after the pressure reducing valve 12 is stabilized by the pressure reducing valve 12 to 50 kPa.

  After the process of step S36, the CPU 32a resets the third timer in step S38, that is, sets the third timer value TM3 to “0”. As described above, the third timer value TM3 also starts counting up from “0” and represents the elapsed time since the reset. Next, in step S40, the CPU 32a refers to the time setting flag and determines whether the time is set. If the time setting flag is set by the process of step S28 and the time setting is present, the CPU 32a determines "Yes" in step S40, turns on the timer lamp 38b in step S42, Proceed to S44. Further, if the time setting flag is reset in the initial state or the processing of step S34 and the time setting is not present, the CPU 32a determines “No” in step S40, and sets the timer lamp 38b in step S44. Turn off the light.

  After the processes in steps S42 and S44, the CPU 32a inputs the flow rate F detected by the flow sensor 16 in step S46, and checks whether the input flow rate F is equal to or greater than a predetermined small flow rate F0. judge. The flow rate F0 is smaller than the flow rate of 0.9 L / min when the set opening degree shown in FIG. 7 is “1”, for example, 0.7 L / min. Therefore, if the detected flow rate F is less than the flow rate F0, water supply from the water pipe 40 is interrupted due to water cut or the like, or the electric valve 13 is abnormal, and water supply according to the set opening degree SL is performed. Judge that it is not. In this case, if the flow rate of the water supply is normal and the flow rate F is greater than or equal to the flow rate F0 (0.7 L / min), the CPU 32a determines “Yes” in step S46, and the temperature sensor in step S48. The chilled water temperature T2 is input from 15 and the input chilled water temperature T2 is displayed on the display 37.

  After the process of step S48, the CPU 32a inputs the feed water temperature T1 detected by the temperature sensor 14 in step S50, and determines whether the input feed water temperature T1 is equal to or higher than a predetermined low temperature T10. To do. This predetermined low temperature T10 is a temperature at which it is determined whether or not the supplied clean water needs to be cooled. For example, when the temperature is lower than that, the predetermined low temperature T10 is set to 8 ° C., which does not need to cool clean water. .

  In FIG. 9, the set opening degree with respect to the cold water temperature in the water supply temperature for every season is shown as an operation example of the cold water machine. According to FIG. 9, the water supply temperature is about 26 ° C. in summer, 18 ° C. in spring / autumn, and about 10 ° C. in winter. In summer, when the set opening is set to “1”, the chilled water temperature is lowered to 6.3 ° C., but when the set opening is set to “10”, the chilled water temperature is lowered only to 23.3 ° C. In winter, if the set opening is set to “8”, the chilled water temperature is lowered to 4.7 ° C., and even if the set opening is set to “10”, the chilled water temperature is lowered to 7.1 ° C. In the spring and autumn seasons, when the set opening is set to “4”, the chilled water temperature is lowered to 5.2 ° C., and when the set opening is set to “10”, the chilled water temperature is lowered to 15.1 ° C. In such a state, for example, in winter, when the feed water temperature is less than 8 ° C. and it is not necessary to cool the feed water, or immediately after the start of the operation of the chiller, the water temperature becomes less than 8 ° C. In such a case, the water from the water supply may be directly used without operating the chilled water machine or stopping the operation.

  If supply water temperature T1 is more than predetermined low temperature T10 (for example, 8 degreeC), CPU32a will determine with "Yes" in step S50, and will perform the process of step S52-S56. In step S <b> 52, the CPU 32 a starts the operation of the compressor 21 through the drive circuit 33. Thereby, the electric motor of the compressor 21 is driven at a constant speed, and the water supply in the pipe 11 is cooled while passing through the heat exchanger 50. In step S54, the CPU 32a turns on the cooling lamp 38a. This indicates that the chiller is in cooling operation. In step S56, the CPU 32a resets the fourth timer, that is, sets the fourth timer value TM4 to “0”. Accordingly, the fourth timer value TM4 also starts counting up from “0” and represents the elapsed time from the reset, that is, the time from the start of the cooling operation of the chiller.

  On the other hand, if the flow rate F detected by the flow rate sensor 16 is less than the flow rate F0 (0.7 L / min), the CPU 32a determines “No” in step S46, and in step S58, determines the third timer value. It is determined whether TM3 is equal to or longer than a predetermined small time TM30 (for example, 5 seconds), that is, whether the predetermined small time TM30 has elapsed since the motor-operated valve 13 is opened to the set opening degree SL. . In this case, if the third timer value TM3 is less than the predetermined small time TM30, the CPU 32a makes a “No” determination at step S58 to repeatedly execute the circulation process including steps S46 and S58. Even during the circulation process, once the flow rate F detected by the flow rate sensor 16 becomes equal to or higher than the flow rate F0, the CPU 32a determines “Yes” in step S46 and proceeds to step S48 and subsequent steps. On the other hand, when the state where the flow rate F detected by the flow rate sensor 16 is less than the flow rate F0 continues for the predetermined short time TM30 or more, the CPU 32a determines “Yes” in step S58, and steps S60 and S62. Then, the main program is terminated in step S102 of FIG. 4B.

  In step S60, the CPU 32a displays “E1” on the display 37 as an error display. This “E1” indicates a state in which water supply from the water pipe 40 is interrupted due to water interruption or the like, or the motor-operated valve 13 is abnormal. Thereby, the operator can recognize the abnormality of the chiller. In step S62, the CPU 32a controls the motor operated valve 13 to be fully closed. Thereby, the operation of the chiller is stopped.

  In addition, when the water supply temperature T1 detected by the temperature sensor 14 is lower than the predetermined low temperature T10 (8 ° C.) in the determination process of step S50, the CPU 32a determines “No” in step S50, and the step Whether or not the third timer value TM3 is equal to or longer than a predetermined time TM31 (for example, 60 seconds) in S64, that is, whether or not the predetermined time TM31 has elapsed since the motor-operated valve 13 was opened to the set opening degree SL. Determine whether. The predetermined time TM31 is set to a time during which the temperature of the external water supply is detected sufficiently stably. If the third timer value TM3 is less than the predetermined time TM31, the CPU 32a determines “No” in step S64, and repeatedly executes the circulation process including steps S50 and S64. Even during this circulation process, once the temperature T1 detected by the temperature sensor 14 becomes equal to or higher than the predetermined low temperature T10, the CPU 32a determines “Yes” in step S50 and proceeds to step S52 and subsequent steps. On the other hand, if the state where the temperature T1 detected by the temperature sensor 14 is lower than the predetermined low temperature T10 continues for the predetermined time TM31 or longer, the CPU 32a determines “Yes” in step S64, and steps S66, The process of S62 is executed, and the execution of this main program is terminated in step S102 of FIG. 4B.

  In step S <b> 66, the CPU 32 a causes the display 37 to display “No cooling is required”. This is to inform the operator that the temperature of the clean water supplied from the water pipe 40 is sufficiently low. In other words, it is for recommending that the worker directly use the water supplied from the water pipe 40 without using a chiller. In step S62, as described above, the CPU 32a controls the motor operated valve 13 to the fully closed state to stop the operation of the water chiller.

  After the process of step S56, the CPU 32a repeatedly executes a circulation process including steps S68 to S72 of FIG. 4B and steps S74 to S80 of FIG. 4C. In step S <b> 68, the CPU 32 a inputs the cold water temperature T <b> 2 detected by the temperature sensor 15 and displays it on the display 37. In step S70, the CPU 32a inputs the chilled water temperature T2 detected by the temperature sensor 15, and determines whether the input chilled water temperature T2 is less than a predetermined low temperature T20. The predetermined low temperature T20 is a temperature at which no further cooling is required and at the same time, if the cooling is continued further, an abnormality may occur in the chiller, for example, 5 ° C. In step S72, the CPU 32a inputs the flow rate F detected by the flow rate sensor 16, and determines whether the input flow rate F is less than the predetermined small flow rate F0 (0.7 L / min) described above.

  In step S74, the CPU 32a determines whether or not the up switch 34a or the down switch 34b has been pressed. In step S76, it is determined whether or not there is a time setting, that is, whether or not the time setting flag is set or reset. If the time setting flag is set by the process of step S28 described above, the CPU 32a determines “Yes” in step S76, and proceeds to step S78. In step S78, it is determined whether or not the fourth timer value TM4 is equal to or longer than the set time ST, that is, whether or not the set time ST has elapsed since the start of the cooling operation. If the set time ST has not elapsed since the start of the cooling operation, the CPU 32a determines “No” in step S78, and proceeds to step S80. If the time setting flag is not set, the CPU 32a determines “No” in step S76, and proceeds to step S80. In step S80, the CPU 32a determines whether or not the water discharge stop switch 34 has been pressed.

  Currently, the chilled water temperature T2 is not lower than the predetermined low temperature T20 (5 ° C.), the flow rate F is not lower than the predetermined small flow rate F0 (0.7 L / min), and the up switch 34a or the down switch 34b is pressed. If the fourth timer value TM4 does not reach the set time ST even if there is no time setting or there is a time setting, and the water stop switch 34 is not pressed, “No” in steps S70 to S80, respectively. The CPU 32a continues to execute the circulation process of steps S68 to S80. In this state, the operation of the compressor 21 is started by the process of step S52 in a state where the opening degree of the motor-operated valve 13 is set to the set opening degree SL by the processes of steps S24 and S36. The fresh water supplied through 40 is cooled and supplied to the sink S from the outlet 11 a of the pipe 11. In this case, the chilled water temperature T2 detected by the temperature sensor 15 as time elapses continues to be displayed on the display 37 by the process of step S68.

  If the chilled water temperature T2 becomes lower than the predetermined low temperature T20 (5 ° C.) during the circulation process in steps S68 to S80, the CPU 32a determines “Yes” in step S70 and proceeds to step S82. In step S82, the CPU 32a adds “1” to the set opening degree SL to increase the set opening degree SL by one step, and performs setting control to the set opening degree ST in which the opening degree of the motor-operated valve 13 is increased by one step. To do. Also in this case, the CPU 32a reads the opening control data corresponding to the set opening SL from the opening control data table in the ROM 32b or the nonvolatile memory 32e, and opens the motor operated valve 13 according to the read opening control data. Control the degree. Next, in step S84, the CPU 32a resets the fifth timer, that is, sets the fifth timer value TM5 to “0”, and executes the cyclic processing consisting of steps S86 and S88.

  In step S86, the CPU 32a inputs the cold water temperature T2 detected by the temperature sensor 15, and determines whether or not the input cold water temperature T2 is equal to or higher than the predetermined low temperature T20 (5 ° C.). In step S88, the CPU 32a determines whether or not the fifth timer value TM is equal to or longer than a predetermined time T50 (for example, 10 seconds), that is, after the setting control of the opening degree of the electric valve 13 in step S82. It is determined whether or not elapses. If the chilled water temperature T2 becomes equal to or higher than the predetermined low temperature T20 (5 ° C.) during the circulation process including the steps S86 and S88, the CPU 32a determines “Yes” in the step S86, and the steps S68 to S80. Return to the circulation process. This is because the set opening SL of the motor-operated valve 13 is automatically increased when the cold water temperature T2 becomes too low. It means that the chilled water temperature T2 is slightly increased due to an increase in the amount of water supply. As a result, it is automatically prevented that the cold water temperature T2 becomes too low and troubles the cold water machine.

  On the other hand, if the chilled water temperature T2 does not become equal to or higher than the predetermined low temperature T20 even after a predetermined time T10 (10 seconds) has elapsed since the set opening degree SL of the motor operated valve 13 is increased by one step, the steps S86 and S88 are performed. The CPU 32a determines “Yes” in step S88 and proceeds to step S90 and subsequent steps. In step S90, the CPU 32a causes the display 37 to display “E2” as an error display. This “E2” indicates a state in which the feed water temperature T2 has not increased due to an abnormality such as an abnormality occurring in the motor-operated valve 13 and the opening degree not being switched. Thereby, the operator can recognize the abnormality of the chiller.

  After the process of step S90, the CPU 32a stops the operation of the compressor 21 via the drive circuit 33 in step S92, and turns off the cooling lamp 38a in step S94. Next, in step S96, the CPU 32a resets the sixth timer, that is, sets the sixth timer value TM6 to “0”. In step S98, the CPU 32a determines “No” until the sixth timer value TM6 becomes equal to or longer than a predetermined time TM60 (for example, 3 seconds), and the sixth timer value TM6 is determined to be a predetermined value. Wait until time TM60 is reached. When the sixth timer value TM6 reaches a predetermined time TM60 or more, the CPU 32a determines “Yes” in step S98, sets the motor-operated valve 13 in a fully closed state in step S100, and performs step In S102, the execution of the main program is terminated.

  When the flow rate flowing through the pipe 11 decreases during the circulation process of steps S68 to S80 and the flow rate F detected by the flow rate sensor 16 becomes less than a predetermined small flow rate F0 (0.7 L / min), the CPU 32a In step S72, it determines with "Yes" and progresses to step S104. In step S104, the CPU 32a resets the seventh timer, that is, sets the seventh timer value TM7 to “0”. Then, the CPU 32a executes a circulation process including steps S106 and S108.

  In step S106, the CPU 32a inputs the flow rate F detected by the flow rate sensor 16, and determines whether or not the input flow rate F is less than a predetermined small flow rate F0 (0.7 L / min). In step S108, the CPU 32a determines whether or not the seventh timer value TM is equal to or greater than a predetermined short time T70 (for example, 2 seconds), that is, the predetermined short time T70 has elapsed from the reset of the seventh timer in step S104. Determine whether or not. If the flow rate F detected by the flow rate sensor 16 exceeds the predetermined small flow rate F0 (0.7 L / min) during the circulation process including the steps S106 and S108, the CPU 32a determines “No” in step S106. Thus, the process returns to the circulation process consisting of steps S68 to S80. This means that the flow rate F has become less than F0 for some reason, but then the flow rate F of the chiller automatically returns to normal. Therefore, in this case, the chiller continues to continue the cooling operation described above.

  On the other hand, if the state in which the flow rate F detected by the flow rate sensor 16 is less than the predetermined small flow rate F0 (0.7 L / min) continues for a predetermined short time T70 (2 seconds), the circulation consisting of steps S106 and S108. During the process, the CPU 32a determines “Yes” in step S108, that is, the seventh timer value TM7 is equal to or greater than the predetermined short time T70, and proceeds to step S110. In step S110, the CPU 32a displays the error E1 on the display device 37 as in step S60 described above. After the processing of step S110, the CPU 32a executes the processing of steps S92 to S100 described above, stops the operation of the compressor 21, turns off the cooling lamp 38a, and fully closes the opening of the motor operated valve 13. In step S102, the execution of the main program is terminated.

  When the up switch 34a or the down switch 34b is pressed during the circulation process in steps S68 to S80, the CPU 32a determines “Yes” in step S74, and the opening degree of FIG. 5 described above in step S112. Run the setup routine. By executing the opening setting routine, the set opening SL of the motor-operated valve 13 is changed by the pressing operation of the up switch 34a or the down switch 34b by the operator. After execution of the opening degree setting routine in step S112, the CPU 32a sets and controls the opening degree of the motor-operated valve 13 to the set opening degree SL in step S114. Also in this case, the opening degree control data corresponding to the set opening degree SL is read from the opening degree control data table in the ROM 32b or the nonvolatile memory 32e, and the opening degree of the motor operated valve 13 is determined using the read opening degree control data. Control is made to a set opening degree SL according to the opening degree control data. After the process of step S114, the CPU 32a returns to the circulation process of steps S68 to S80 and continues to execute this circulation process.

  During the cyclic processing of steps S68 to S80, there is a time setting (that is, the time setting flag is set) and the fourth timer value TM4 reaches the setting time ST (that is, the setting time from the start of operation of the chiller) When ST has elapsed), the control circuit 78 determines “Yes” in steps S76 and S78, turns off the timer lamp 38b in step S116, and proceeds to step S118. If the water stop / stop switch 34 is pressed during the circulation process of steps S68 to S80, the CPU 32a determines “Yes” in step S80 and proceeds to step S118. In step S <b> 118, the CPU 32 a stops the operation of the compressor 21 via the drive circuit 33. Then, the CPU 32a turns off the cooling lamp 38a in step S120, and displays the standby image “---” on the display 37 in step S122.

  Next, in step S124, the CPU 32a resets the eighth timer, that is, sets the eighth timer value TM8 to “0”. In step S126, the CPU 32a determines “No” until the eighth timer value TM8 becomes equal to or longer than a predetermined time TM80 (for example, 3 seconds), and the eighth timer value TM8 is set to a predetermined value. Wait until time TM80 is reached. When the eighth timer value TM8 reaches a predetermined time TM80 or more, the CPU 32a determines “Yes” in step S126, and sets the motor-operated valve 13 in a fully closed state in step S128. Thereafter, in step S130, the CPU 32a stores the current set opening degree SL and the setting time ST stored in the RAM 32c as the previous opening degree and the previous time in the nonvolatile memory 32e. By storing in the nonvolatile memory 32e, the set opening degree SL and the set time ST at the end of the previous operation of the water cooler can be used when the operation of the next water cooler starts.

  After the process of step S130, the CPU 32a returns to step 16 of FIG. 4A, and the circulation process including steps S16 to S22 described above is executed again. Thereby, although the water discharge operation of the chiller is temporarily stopped, the set opening degree SL, the set time ST, and the time setting flag are changed by the circulation process including steps S16 to S22, and the water discharge operation of the chiller is also restarted. The In addition, if the power switch which is not shown in figure is turned off during the circulation process which consists of these steps S16-S22, the action | operation of a chiller will be stopped completely. Further, when setting the opening degree of the motor-operated valve 13, the operator sets the opening degree corresponding to the cold water temperature T2 according to the season by setting the setting time SL with reference to the table shown in FIG. can do. And by the process mentioned above, the cold water cooled moderately accumulates in the sink S of a cold water machine, and the overflowing cold water is discharged | emitted from the discharge port 19 outside. For this reason, the worker can cool or wash various foods using the cold water in the sink S.

  As described above, in the chiller according to the above-described embodiment, the water supply temperature T1 detected by the temperature sensor 14 is the predetermined value while the motor operated valve 13 is opened to the set opening SL by operating the water stop switch 34. The cooling operation is performed by operating the compressor 21 on condition that the temperature is lower than the low temperature T1 (8 ° C.) and the detected flow rate F detected by the flow sensor 16 is equal to or higher than a predetermined small flow rate (0.7 L / min). The water passing through the pipe 11 is cooled. Then, the cooling of the water is stopped after the set time ST elapses when the discharge water stop switch 34 is operated again or when the time is set by the timer switch 35.

  In the chilled water machine according to the above-described embodiment, the opening degree of the motor-operated valve 13 is determined in advance by executing the opening degree setting routines in steps S24 and S112 according to the operation of the up switch 34a or the down switch 34b by the operator. The opening degree SL is set to any one of the plurality of discontinuous opening degrees. And the opening degree of the motor-operated valve 13 is set and controlled to the set opening degree SL by using the opening degree control data corresponding to the set opening degree SL by the opening degree setting control process in steps S36 and S114. Thereby, the operator can make the opening degree of the motor operated valve 13 larger or smaller. Further, the stepwise setting of the opening degree performed using the up switch 34a or the down switch 34b means that the flow rate of the water passing through the motor operated valve 13, that is, the pipe 11, is changed stepwise. Therefore, when the chilled water temperature is increased, the opening degree of the motor-operated valve 13 is increased, and when the chilled water temperature is decreased, the opening degree of the motor-operated valve 13 is decreased. For this reason, for example, the opening degree of the motor-operated valve 13 is divided into 10 stages corresponding to the flow rate of water, each stage is indicated by a numerical value of 1 to 10, and the opening degree is set using the up switch 34a or the down switch 34b. When the numerical value indicating each stage is set, the flow rate of water passing through the pipe 11 is approximately the amount corresponding to the opening indicated by the numerical value.

  According to the chilled water machine according to the above-described embodiment that operates in this manner, chilled water having a suitable temperature can be taken out with a simple operation. In addition, a pressure reducing valve 12 is provided on the upstream side of the electric valve 13 in the pipe 11, and the pressure of water supplied from the water channel 40 by the pressure reducing valve 12 is stabilized at a predetermined low pressure on the downstream side of the pressure reducing valve 12. To do. For this reason, the motor-operated valve 13 can adjust the flow rate of water sent at a stable pressure accurately and stepwise, and the water temperature can be easily and accurately adjusted. Moreover, since the adjustment of the opening degree of the motor-operated valve 13 is performed step by step using the opening degree control data, the opening degree setting control of the motor-operated valve 13 is simplified, and the chiller is inexpensive.

  Further, according to the chilled water machine according to the embodiment, when the chilled water temperature T2 detected by the temperature sensor 15 becomes lower than the predetermined low temperature T20 (5 ° C.), the processing of the motor operated valve 13 is performed by the processing of steps S70 and S82. The opening degree is changed to one step larger side. Even if the chilled water temperature T2 of the chilled water flowing through the pipe 11 decreases and becomes lower than the predetermined low temperature T20, the operator may not notice the up switch 32a in some cases. In such a case, since the opening degree of the motor-operated valve 13 is changed to one side larger, the flow rate of water increases and the cold water temperature T2 rises. As a result, it is possible to automatically prevent the cold water temperature T2 from becoming too low and causing trouble in the cold water machine.

  Further, according to the chiller according to the above-described embodiment, even if a predetermined time (10 seconds) elapses after the opening degree of the motor-operated valve 13 is set to one level larger by the processing of the steps S70 and S82. When the chilled water temperature T2 detected by the temperature sensor 15 does not rise from the predetermined low temperature T20, the operation of the chilled water machine is stopped by the processes of steps SS86, S88, S92, and S100. Thus, the fact that the cold water temperature T2 does not rise from the predetermined low temperature T20 means that the motor-operated valve 13 fails or the water channel 40 is shut off, and the water supply according to the set opening degree of the motor-operated valve 13 occurs. This happens when you can't. In such a case, since the operation of the chilled water machine is stopped, it is possible to prevent the chilled water machine from continuing to operate while abnormality occurs in the chilled water machine.

  Further, according to the chiller according to the above embodiment, during the normal cooling operation of the chiller, the chilled water temperature T2 detected by the temperature sensor 15 is continuously displayed on the display 37 by the process of step S68. On the other hand, when the opening degree setting routine of steps S24 and S112 in which the opening degree of the motor-operated valve 13 is set by the operation of the up switch 34a or the down switch 34b is executed, the chilled water temperature T2 is displayed on the display 37 by the process of step S202. Instead, the opening degree of the motor-operated valve 13 is displayed. Therefore, the operator can check the chilled water temperature T2 of the chilled water machine by looking at the indicator 37 during the operation of the chilled water machine. When the opening degree of the motor-operated valve 13 is set by operating the up switch 34a or the down switch 34b, the opening degree of the motor-operated valve 13 can also be confirmed by looking at the display 37. Thereby, after confirming the cold water temperature T2, the up switch 34a or the down switch 34b can be operated while observing the opening degree of the electric valve 13, and the setting operation of the opening degree of the electric valve 13 is facilitated.

  Further, according to the chiller according to the above embodiment, when the feed water temperature T1 detected by the temperature sensor 14 is lower than the predetermined low temperature T10 (8 ° C.), the operation of the chiller is performed by the processing of steps S50 and S62. Stopped. Accordingly, when it is not necessary to cool the water supplied from the water channel 40 at a sufficiently low temperature, the operation of the water chiller is stopped. Thereby, the operator can take in water directly from the water channel and use it without unnecessarily operating the chilled water machine.

  Further, according to the chiller according to the above embodiment, when the flow rate F of the water detected by the flow rate sensor 16 is less than the predetermined small flow rate F0 (0.7 L / min), steps S46, S62, S72, S92. , S100 stops the operation of the chiller. If the flow rate F of the water flowing through the pipe 11 is less than a predetermined small flow rate F0, a failure occurs in the motor-operated valve 13 or a water breakage occurs in the water channel 40, and water supply according to the set opening degree is caused. Occurs when unable to do so. Accordingly, even when such an abnormality occurs in the chilled water machine, the operation of the chilled water machine is stopped, so that it is possible to prevent the chilled water machine from continuing to operate while the abnormality occurs in the chilled water machine.

  Further, according to the water chiller according to the above embodiment, the set opening degree SL set by operating the up switch 34a or the down switch 34b is stored in the nonvolatile memory 32e even after the operation of the water chiller is stopped by the process of step S130. It is stored as the previous opening, and is read out and used by the process of step S12 when a new operation of the chiller starts. Therefore, every time when the chiller is newly operated, it is not necessary to operate the up switch 34a or the down switch 34b to change the opening degree of the motor-operated valve 13 from the initial value to set the condition or the previous operation. Under the conditions close to the above conditions, the water chiller can be easily operated again, and the setting operation of the opening degree of the motor-operated valve 13 is simplified.

  Further, according to the chiller according to the above embodiment, the operation time of the chiller is set as the set time ST according to the operation of the timer switch 35 by executing the time setting routine in step S30. When the set time ST has elapsed from the start of the operation of the chiller, the chiller is automatically stopped by the processes of steps S78, S118, and S128. Further, the set opening degree SL is stored as the previous time in the nonvolatile memory 32e even after the operation of the chiller is stopped by the process of step S130, and is read by the process of step S12 when a new operation of the chiller is started. Used. Therefore, every time when the water chiller is newly operated, the timer switch 35 is operated and the operation time of the chiller is not changed and set from the initial value. Under certain conditions, the water chiller can be easily operated again, and the setting operation of the operation time of the water chiller is simplified.

  The implementation of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the object of the present invention.

  In the above embodiment, the predetermined values T10, T20, F0 that are compared with the feed water temperature T1, the cold water temperature T2, and the flow rate F, and the predetermined values TM10 to TM80, TM31 that are compared with the first to eighth timer values TM1 to TM8. The specific value of was illustrated. However, these specific values are merely exemplary values, and are slightly changed depending on the configuration of the chiller, the environment around the chiller, the use of the chiller, and the like. In particular, the predetermined value T20 that is compared with the chilled water temperature T2 in step S86 detects that the chilled water temperature T2 has risen after the opening degree of the motor-operated valve 13 is increased, and is the value 5 exemplified in the above embodiment. It is fully conceivable that it is slightly higher than ° C.

  In the above-described embodiment, when the set opening degree SL and the set time ST are displayed on the display unit 37, the display is blinked by the processes of steps S202 and S302. However, this changes the display mode with the chilled water temperature T2 on the display 37, and instead of the blinking display, the display color of the set opening SL and the set time ST is different from the display color of the chilled water temperature T2. You may make it let. Further, the brightness, size, shape, and the like in the display of the set opening SL and the set time ST may be different from the brightness, size, shape, etc. in the display of the cold water temperature T2.

  In the above embodiment, the set opening degree SL of the motor-operated valve 13 can be changed during the circulation process consisting of steps S68 to S80, that is, during the cooling operation of the chiller, but the operation mode according to the set time ST and It is not possible to change the operation mode of the chiller and change the set time ST between the operation modes that are not followed. However, instead of this, even during the cooling operation of the chiller, it is possible to change the operation mode of the chiller and change the set time ST. In this case, the processes in steps S18, S20, and S28 to S34 in FIG. 4A may be added to the circulation process in steps S68 to S80.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 ... Tube, 12 ... Pressure reducing valve, 13 ... Motor operated valve, 14, 15 ... Temperature sensor, 16 ... Flow rate sensor, 20 ... Refrigerating circuit, 21 ... Compressor, 24 ... Evaporator, 30 ... Electric control device, 32 ... Control Circuit, 34. Water discharge stop switch, 34a ... Up switch, 34b ... Down switch, 35 ... Timer switch, 37 ... Indicator, 40 ... Water pipe.

Claims (8)

A pipe connected to a water channel to which water is continuously supplied, a compressor for compressing and liquefying the refrigerant, and a refrigeration circuit including an evaporator for cooling the water flowing through the pipe by evaporating the liquefied refrigerant. In the equipped water cooler,
A pressure reducing valve interposed in the upstream side of the pipe to reduce the pressure of water supplied from the water channel and stabilize the pressure of water on the output side at a predetermined pressure;
A motor-operated valve that adjusts the flow rate of water flowing through the pipe by changing the degree of opening of the pipe that is interposed downstream of the pressure reducing valve;
An opening degree setting switch for setting the opening degree of the motor-operated valve to any one opening degree of a plurality of predetermined discontinuous opening degrees;
Opening control data storage means for storing a plurality of opening control data for respectively setting the opening of the motorized valve to the opening of the plurality of stages, corresponding to the opening of the plurality of stages,
Opening degree control data corresponding to the opening degree set by operating the opening degree setting switch is read from the opening degree control data storage means, and the opening degree of the electric valve is determined using the read opening degree control data. A chiller having an opening setting control means for setting an opening set by operating an opening setting switch. The chiller according to claim 1, further comprising:
A cold water temperature sensor that is assembled to the pipe at a position downstream of a position where water is cooled by the evaporator, and detects a temperature of water cooled by the evaporator and taken out from the pipe as a cold water temperature;
Open water changing means for setting and controlling the opening degree of the motor-operated valve by one step when the cold water temperature detected by the cold water temperature sensor becomes lower than a predetermined low first temperature. Machine. The cold water machine according to claim 2, further comprising:
Even after a predetermined time has elapsed after the opening degree of the motor-operated valve is set and controlled by one step larger by the opening degree changing means, the chilled water temperature detected by the chilled water temperature sensor rises from the predetermined lower first temperature. A chilled water machine comprising a first stopping means for stopping the operation of the chilled water machine when it has not been detected. The chiller according to claim 2 or 3, further comprising:
An indicator,
Water temperature display control means for continuously displaying the temperature of water detected by the cold water temperature sensor on the indicator;
When the opening degree of the motor-operated valve is set by operating the opening degree setting switch, the display device is provided with an opening degree display control means for displaying the opening degree of the motor-operated valve instead of the temperature of water. A cold water machine characterized by that. The chiller according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising:
A feed water temperature sensor that is assembled to the pipe at a position upstream of a position where water is cooled by the evaporator, and detects a temperature of water before being cooled by the evaporator as a feed water temperature;
A cold water machine comprising a second stop means for stopping the operation of the cold water machine when the feed water temperature detected by the feed water temperature sensor is lower than a predetermined low second temperature. The chiller according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising:
A flow rate sensor for detecting a flow rate of water flowing in the pipe;
A chilled water machine comprising a third stop means for stopping the operation of the chilled water machine when the flow rate of water detected by the flow rate sensor is less than a predetermined small flow rate. The cold water machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising:
A set opening degree storage means for storing the opening degree set by operating the opening degree setting switch and storing it as the previous opening degree even after the operation of the chiller is stopped;
Reads the previous opening stored in the set opening storage means at the start of a new operation of the chilled water machine, and makes it available as the set opening of the motorized valve after starting the new operation of the chilled water machine And a water cooler characterized by comprising means. The chiller according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising:
A timer switch to set the operating time of the water cooler,
A fourth stop means for measuring an elapsed time set by the timer switch from the start of operation of the chilled water machine and stopping the operation of the chilled water machine;
A set time storage means for storing the operation time set by the operation of the timer switch and storing it as the previous time after the operation of the chiller is stopped;
A previous time reading means for reading the previous time stored in the set time storage means at the start of a new operation of the chiller and making it available as the operation time of the chiller after the start of a new operation; A featured water cooler.

Images