JP6827367B2 - Water server - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a high-temperature water circulation technique for flowing high-temperature water inside a water server that supplies hot or cold water.

The water server supplies hot or cold water by chilling the water supplied from the water supply bottle in the cold water tank and hot water in the hot water tank. In the water server, it is necessary to replace the water supply bottle according to the frequency of water supply or hot water supply. Since a water bottle full of water is heavy, the replacement work is a heavy labor for a water server of the type in which the water bottle is installed above.
In consideration of such replacement work of the water supply bottle, the type of water server in which the water supply bottle is installed on the lower side of the device is increasing. In this way, the water server needs to have the same hot water supply function as before even if the arrangement position of the water supply bottle is changed, and also has a function of maintaining the cleanliness of the inside of the tank or the like.

As such a water server, in addition to supplying water to the cold water tank from a bottle installed below the cold water tank or the hot water tank, the hot water in the hot water tank is circulated in the cold water tank through a pipeline equipped with a pump. There is (for example, Patent Document 1).

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2016-199300

By the way, in a water server having a water supply bottle above the device as in the past, it was possible to supply water from the water supply bottle to a cold water tank or a hot water tank using gravity, but a water server with a water supply bottle placed on the lower side. Then, a long pipeline for flowing water from the water bottle to the tank and a pump for pumping water into this pipeline are required. In such a water supply pipe, water near room temperature that is not heated or cooled flows, and water does not always flow due to the frequency of use of the water server, and the water near room temperature stays for a certain period of time or due to gravity. Water may run out in some of the pipelines. Therefore, in the water server, it is necessary to perform high temperature water circulation treatment of the water supply pipe in order to maintain the cleanliness of the part through which water passes, but since the water supply pipe is long and the internal piping is complicated, it is subject to cleaning. It takes time to distribute high-temperature water at a predetermined temperature in all the pipelines. If the pump is continuously operated until such high-temperature water is distributed, the energy consumption is large and the financial burden on the user may be large. In addition, when high-temperature water circulation processing is performed when the user's usage frequency is low, such as at night, the continuous driving noise and vibration of the pump at a timing not intended by the user may cause discomfort to the user. There is a problem.

Cited Document 1 does not disclose or suggest such a problem, and the problem of the present application cannot be solved.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to improve the cleanliness inside the water server, save energy, and reduce the influence on the user in view of the above problems.

In order to achieve the above object, one aspect of the water server of the present invention is a water server that provides hot or cold water, which is arranged at a position higher than the water supply tank and the water supply tank, and is supplied with water from the water supply tank. A first tank, a second tank arranged below the first tank, and water supplied from the first tank through a water passage pipe, and a reservoir in the first tank or the second tank. The first tank and the first tank are provided with a heating means for heating the water, a water supply pipe for flowing water from the water supply tank to the first tank, and a water supply pipe installed in parallel with the water passage pipe. A bypass pipe for passing water between the second tanks, a return passage for forming a circulation passage including the water supply pipe, and the bypass pipe opened by starting the high temperature water circulation treatment to open the first tank and the second tank. A first circulation path is formed with the tank, and high-temperature water heated to a predetermined temperature by the heating means is circulated between the first tank and the second tank through the bypass pipe, and the high- temperature water circulation treatment is performed. water temperature of the first tank or the second tank hot water flows at runtime a hot water inflow to the water supply pipe from the reflux passage by driving said pump in response to having reached a predetermined temperature A control unit for circulating high-temperature water in a second circulation path including the return path, the water supply pipe, the first tank, and the second tank is provided.
In order to achieve the above object, one aspect of the water server of the present invention is a water server that provides hot or cold water, which is arranged at a position higher than the water supply tank and the water supply tank, and is supplied with water from the water supply tank. A first tank, a second tank arranged below the first tank, and water supplied from the first tank through a water pipe, and a reservoir in the first tank or the second tank. A water supply pipe provided with a heating means for heating the water and a pump for flowing water from the water supply tank to the first tank, and a water pipe installed in parallel with the water pipe, the first tank and the first tank by opening and closing a valve. A bypass pipe for passing water between the second tanks, a water supply pipe for flowing hot or cold water stored in the first tank to the outside, one end connected to the water supply pipe, and the other end for a three-way valve. The first is a recirculation path which is connected to the water supply pipe via the water pipe and forms a circulation path including the water supply pipe, and high temperature water heated to a predetermined temperature by the heating means at the start of the high temperature water circulation treatment or through the bypass pipe. After circulating by heat convection between the tank and the second tank, the three-way valve is switched to connect the water supply pipe and the recirculation path, and the pump is driven to drive the pump from the recirculation path. It is equipped with a control unit that allows hot water to flow through the water supply pipe.

In the water server, the return path has one end connected to the second tank, the other end is connected to the water supply pipe via a three-way valve, wherein, at the start of the hot water circulation process or After circulating high-temperature water by heat convection between the first tank and the second tank, the three-way valve may be switched to connect the water supply pipe and the reflux path .
In the above SL water server, comprising: a temperature detecting means for detecting the temperature of the first tank or the second tank hot water flows during the execution of the hot water circulation process, the control unit of the temperature detecting means When the detection temperature reaches a predetermined temperature, the pump may be driven to allow high-temperature water to flow into the water supply pipe from the recirculation path.

The water server may further include a timer for measuring the elapsed time, and the control unit may turn on / off the drive of the pump at predetermined time intervals.
In the water server, the control unit may allow high-temperature water having a predetermined temperature or higher to flow into the circulation path for a predetermined time or longer after the start of driving the pump.

According to the present invention, any of the following effects can be obtained.

(1) By filling the first tank, the second tank and some pipes with high temperature water by natural circulation by heat convection, the driving time of the pump in the high temperature water circulation process can be shortened, which saves energy and generates noise and vibration. It is possible to reduce the time.
(2) The first tank and the second tank are filled with high-temperature water, and the high-temperature water in the tanks is used to flow high-temperature water into the water supply pipeline. It can be reduced, and the drive load of the pump can be reduced and the drive time can be shortened.
(3) By arranging the water supply tank below the water server, the workload of replacement can be reduced.

And other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be further clarified by reference to the accompanying drawings and each embodiment.

It is a figure which shows the configuration example of the high temperature water circulation operation of the water server which concerns on one Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a high temperature water circulation operation. It is a figure which shows the configuration example of the water server which concerns on Example 1. FIG. It is a figure which shows the configuration example of the control part of a water server. It is a figure which shows the state example of the high temperature water circulation operation 1. It is a figure which shows the state example of the high temperature water circulation operation 2. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the processing procedure of a high temperature water circulation operation. It is a figure which shows the configuration example of the water server which concerns on Example 2. FIG. It is a figure which shows the state example of the 2nd stage of a high temperature water circulation operation. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the high temperature water circulation operation which concerns on Example 3. FIG.

[One Embodiment]
FIG. 1 shows a configuration example of a high temperature water circulation treatment of a water server according to an embodiment. The configuration shown in FIG. 1 is an example, and the present invention is not limited to such a configuration.
The water server 2 is an example of a device that supplies hot water or cold water by heating or cooling the water W supplied from the water supply tank 4. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the first tank 6 and the first tank 6 The tank 8 of 2, the water supply pipe 10 connected to the water supply tank 4, the reflux pipe 12 joining the water supply pipe 10 from the tank side, and the water flow pipe 14 connected between the first tank 6 and the second tank 8. A bypass pipe 16 is provided. In addition to the pump 18, the water supply pipe 10 is provided with a three-way valve 20 for switching the connection with the return pipe 12. In addition, the water server 2 includes a control unit 22 that controls the drive of the pump 18 and controls heating means and cooling devices (not shown).

The water server 2 circulates high-temperature water in the tank for a water supply function of supplying normal hot water or cold water, and also allows high-temperature water to flow from the tank side to the water supply pipe 10 and the reflux pipe 12 to create an inside. It has a high temperature water circulation function to purify. In the water server 2, in the high temperature water circulation process, a first circulation path for circulating high temperature water is formed between the first tank 6 and the second tank 8, and the water supply pipe 10 side and the return pipe 12 are connected from the tank. A second circulation path is formed in which the hot water is allowed to flow and the hot water is returned to the tank side again.

The water supply tank 4 is an example of a water supply means that stores water W at or near room temperature and supplies water W consumed by water supply or hot water supply of the water server 2 to the first tank 6 side. The water supply tank 4 is, for example, a container made of a plastic, vinyl, or resin material, and the portion from which the water W is taken out may be provided with an attachment (not shown) that blocks contact with germs, air, or the like from the outside.
The first tank 6 and the second tank 8 are examples of means for storing water W inside and supplying hot or cold water in response to a water supply request, and include, for example, either a cooling device or a heater (not shown). ing. The first tank 6 is arranged at a position higher than, for example, the water supply tank 4, and the water W in the water supply tank 4 flows in through the water supply pipe 10 connected to the upper side of the tank. The second tank 8 is arranged at a position lower than that of the first tank 6, and water W flows in through the first tank 6. In the water server 2, the first tank 6 and the second tank 8 are processed into cold water or hot water having a predetermined temperature by heat treatment or cooling treatment, respectively, and water is supplied to the outside.
The water supply pipe 10 is a pipe for flowing water W in the water supply tank 4, one end of which is connected to the water supply tank 4 and the other end of which is connected to the first tank 6. The length of the water supply pipe 10 is determined by, for example, the arranged height from the water supply tank 4 to the first tank 6.
The reflux pipe 12 is an example of a pipe for flowing high temperature water on the tank side to the water supply pipe 10 side in the high temperature water circulation operation, and constitutes a second circulation pipe. One end of the reflux pipe 12 is connected to the tank side, and the other end side is connected to a part of the water supply pipe 10 via the three-way valve 20, and the three-way valve 20 connects the flow path to the water supply pipe 10. Connection and disconnection are switched.

The water pipe 14 is an example of a pipe for flowing water W from the first tank 6 to the second tank 8. The bypass pipe 16 is an example of a pipe line that forms a circulation path between the first tank 6 and the second tank 8 together with the water passage pipe 14 during the high temperature water circulation operation, and is an example of a pipe line during the high temperature water circulation operation by a valve (not shown). Only open.

The control unit 22 executes the operation control function of the heater and the cooling device of the water server 2, and also states the formation process of the first circulation path and the second circulation path, the pump operation control, and the high temperature water circulation process in the high temperature water circulation operation. Execute monitoring processing, etc.

<High temperature water circulation operation control>
FIG. 2 shows an example of the control process of the high temperature water circulation operation. The processing content and processing procedure shown in FIG. 2 are examples, and the present invention is not limited thereto. This high-temperature water circulation operation control process is executed by the computer mounted on the water server 2.
The control unit 22 executes the water supply function stop process (S1), and prohibits the supply of cold water or hot water, which is a normal operation. This water supply function stop process is started based on a time set as a start timing of the high temperature water circulation operation of the water server 2 or a condition such as a usage state of the water server 2. That is, the control unit 22 has, for example, an elapsed period condition of whether or not a certain period of week or month has elapsed, an execution start condition such as a time such as a midnight or daytime working hour when the user does not use water supply, and the like. The start timing of the high temperature water circulation operation may be monitored based on the above.
When the stop treatment of the water supply function is completed, the high temperature water circulation treatment between the tanks by heat convection is executed (S2). This process is the first stage process of high temperature water circulation, in which the bypass pipe 16 is opened, a first circulation path is formed between the first tank 6 and the second tank 8, and a heater is provided. Set to the high temperature water circulation operation mode and heat the water in the tank to the predetermined temperature required for the cleaning process. The high-temperature water hHW heated to a predetermined temperature naturally circulates between the first tank 6 and the second tank 8 through the water pipe 14 and the bypass pipe 16 due to the temperature difference of the internal water. In FIG. 1, high temperature water hHW flows from the first tank 6 to the second tank 8 through the water pipe 14, and high temperature water hHW flows from the second tank 8 to the first tank 6 through the bypass pipe 16. However, it is not limited to this, and the direction of circulation may be reversed. In addition, the case where circulation occurs inside each of the water pipe 14 and the bypass pipe 16 is also included.

After the high temperature water circulation between the tanks by heat convection, the high temperature water circulation treatment is performed between the tank and the water supply pipe 10 (S3). This treatment is a second stage treatment of the high temperature water circulation, in which either or both of the first tank 6 and the second tank 8 are used as the supply source of the high temperature water hHW, and the inside of the water supply pipe 10 is passed through the reflux pipe 12. Fill with hot water hHW. At this time, the three-way valve 20 is switched from the water supply tank 4 side to the reflux pipe 12 side, the water supply pipe 10 and the reflux pipe 12 are in a water flow state, and the inflow of high temperature water hHW to the water supply tank 4 side is blocked. As the high-temperature water circulation operation, by operating the pump 18 at a predetermined rotation speed, the high-temperature water hHW flows into the water supply pipe 10 side from the tank side, and the water W staying in the water supply pipe 10 flows to the tank side.
When the predetermined time required for the cleaning process elapses, the control unit 22 switches from the high temperature water circulation mode to the water supply mode (S4), and ends the high temperature water circulation process.

<Effect of one embodiment>
According to one embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
(1) The inside of tanks and pipelines that come into contact with cold water or normal temperature water W can be cleaned with hot water.
(2) By using heat convection circulation for high-temperature water circulation treatment between tanks with a large volume, the driving time of the pump can be reduced and energy can be saved.
(3) By reducing the driving time of the pump, the noise and vibration generation time during the high temperature water circulation operation can be reduced, and the influence on the surrounding environment can be reduced when the high temperature water circulation operation is performed at midnight.
(4) In addition, the operating life of the pump can be extended by reducing the operating time of the pump in the high-temperature water circulation operation.

<Water server 30>
FIG. 3 shows a configuration example of the water server 30 according to the first embodiment. In FIG. 3, the same reference numerals are given to the common parts with those in FIG.
The water server 30 is provided with a water supply tank 32, for example, on the bottom layer side of the apparatus. In the water supply tank 32, a shrinkable plastic water supply container 36 is housed inside an outer case 34 made of, for example, paper, plastic, or other metal. The water W is filled in the water supply container 36 by removing air, and becomes a negative pressure according to the water supply to the water server 30, and the water supply container 36 contracts. A water supply port 38 is partially formed in the water supply container 36, for example.
The water supply portion of the water server 30 includes, for example, a pipeline 42 that is a part of a water supply pipe and is connected to the water supply container 36 side. The pipeline 42 is made of, for example, resin or the like and is movable. The pipeline 42 is provided with, for example, an attachment on one end side, which is joined to the water supply port 38 of the water supply container 36, and on the water supply container 36 side, which includes a check valve 40 for blocking the inflow of air or water from the outside. The other end side of the pipeline 42 is connected to the three-way valve 20. The water W taken in from the water supply tank 32 through the pipeline 42 is flowed to the cold water tank 50 through the water supply pipe 44.
In the water supply pipe 44, for example, a pump 18 is installed near the three-way valve 20 to apply a negative pressure to the water supply tank 32 to take out the water W and pump the water W into the water supply pipe 44.

<Cold water tank 50>
In the water server 30, for example, a cold water tank 50 is arranged on the upper side of the main body, and a hot water tank 52 is installed on the lower stage. The cold water tank 50 is an example of the first tank of the present invention, and the hot water tank 52 is an example of the second tank of the present invention. The cold water tank 50 and the hot water tank 52 are temperature-controlled to set temperatures, respectively, and store cold water CW or hot water HW.
The cold water tank 50 is provided with, for example, a partition plate 54 having a diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the tank inside. The partition plate 54 is arranged at a height in the middle of the cold water tank 50, and separates the water staying on the bottom side of the tank from the water on the upper side of the tank. Further, the partition plate 54 is formed with an opening 56 having a predetermined diameter on the center side, and a water pipe 58 connected to the hot water tank 52 is connected through the opening 56. The water pipe 58 is a pipe for flowing the water in the cold water tank 50 to the hot water tank 52 side, and passes through the bottom of the cold water tank 50 to flow the water W or the cold water CW to the lower layer side of the hot water tank 52.
Further, the cold water tank 50 includes a bypass pipe 60 connected to the hot water tank 52. The bypass pipe 60 is installed in parallel with the water pipe 58, and includes a bypass valve 62 for passing water during the high temperature water circulation operation. That is, the bypass valve 62 is maintained in a closed state during normal water supply operation, and the passage of hot water HW and cold water CW bypass pipe 60 between the cold water tank 50 and the hot water tank 52 is blocked.
An evaporator 64 of the cooling device 66 is provided on the outer wall portion of the chilled water tank 50, and the water W supplied to the chilled water tank 50 is cooled and cooled into the chilled water CW. The cooling device 66 includes a cooling cycle including a cooler and the like. Further, the cold water tank 50 is provided with a temperature sensor 68 as a temperature control means for the cold water CW to be stored. The temperature sensor 68 may use, for example, a thermistor thermometer, and the detected temperature functions as a control device. The control board 100 is notified.
In addition, the cold water tank 50 is provided with a water level sensor 70 for monitoring the amount of water supplied. As the water level sensor 70, for example, a common electrode arranged at a predetermined height from the ceiling side and a single number or a plurality of water level electrodes having different arrangement heights may be used. The energized state of the water level electrode may be taken into the control board 100, and the pump 18 may be operated until the water level reaches a predetermined level.

<Hot water tank 52>
A heater 72 is wound around the outside of the hot water tank 52, and the water inside is heated to, for example, 85 to 90 [° C.] as a set temperature. As the heater 72, for example, an electric heater or the like is used.
Further, the hot water tank 52 is provided with a reflux pipe 98 for passing hot water in the hot water tank 52, for example, on the bottom side. The reflux pipe 98 is connected to the three-way valve 20. The recirculation pipe 98 is cut off from the pipe line 42 and the water supply pipe 44 in the water supply treatment, and the recirculation pipe 98 is connected to the water supply pipe 44 by switching the three-way valve 20 in the high temperature water circulation operation. That is, the reflux pipe 98 functions as a part of the circulation path formed between the tank side and the water supply pipe 44 in the high temperature water circulation operation.
In addition, the hot water tank 52 is provided with a temperature sensor 74 for monitoring the temperature inside the tank, an empty safety device, and the like. The temperature information detected by the temperature sensor 74 is notified to the control board 100 and used for hot water temperature control and the like. Further, the empty safety device is a means for detecting whether or not there is water in the hot water tank 52, and may include, for example, a water level sensor or a water pressure sensor. The empty safety device may have a function of notifying the detected information to the control board 100 and forcibly turning off the heater 72 according to the control instruction from the control board 100 or independently of the control board 100. Good.

<Composition of water supply>
A chilled water pipe 80 is connected to the bottom side of the chilled water tank 50, and the chilled water CW in the chilled water tank 50 flows to the water supply port 82 side. A chilled water solenoid valve 84 is installed in the chilled water pipe 80 in the middle of the pipe line to switch ON / OFF and flow rate of water supply from the chilled water tank 50.
A hot water pipe 90 is connected to the hot water tank 52, for example, on the upper side, and the hot water HW in the hot water tank 52 flows to the water supply port 92 side in response to a request for water supply. A hot water solenoid valve 94 is installed in the hot water pipe 90 in the middle of the pipe line to switch ON / OFF and flow rate of water supply from the hot water tank 52.

<Structure of control unit>
The water server 30 is provided with a control board 100 as a control device for controlling water supply control and high temperature water circulation operation. The control board 100 is an example of a control unit of the present invention, and includes functional units such as a pump 18 and a three-way valve 20 of a water server 30, a cooling device 66 and a heater 72, temperature sensors 68 and 74, and a water level sensor 70. It is electrically connected to the monitoring function unit. The control board 100 outputs an operation operation instruction to each functional unit and collects state information from each functional unit. Further, the control board 100 is connected to an operation panel 102 provided with operating means such as water supply and hot water supply operations, temperature display, temperature setting, and status display means. The operation panel 102 includes at least a cold water switch 104, a hot water switch 106, and an unlock switch 108.
In addition, the control board 100 may take in the detection signal of the water flow sensor 110 installed in the water supply pipe 44 and use it for monitoring the water supply state or the high temperature water circulation state.

FIG. 4 shows a configuration example of the control unit of the water server.
The control board 100 is composed of, for example, a microcomputer or the like, and includes a processor 112, a memory unit 114, a multi-timer 116, an I / O (Input / Output) 118, and the like.
The processor 112 is composed of, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and controls an OS (Operating System) stored in a memory unit 114, water cooling control, heating control, water supply control, and operation modes such as high temperature water circulation. Performs arithmetic processing such as programs. Further, the processor 112 executes a state monitoring process for monitoring the state information of each functional unit such as the heater 72 and the valve of the water server 30. The memory unit 114 is a work that performs operations of a program storage unit that is a storage area for a program composed of, for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory), a data storage unit that stores collected data, a control program, and an information processing program. It is equipped with a RAM (Random Access Memory) that functions as an area.

The multi-timer 116 is an example of a timekeeping means. For example, in addition to recording / displaying time information of an operating state, a function of measuring a set time interval, an operation input, a switching of an operating state, and the like are elapsed between events. It has a function to time and record time. In the high-temperature water circulation operation, the multi-timer 116 functions as, for example, a piping timer that measures the driving time of the pump 18, and also functions as a high-temperature maintenance timer that measures the time for retaining the high-temperature water hHW as a cleaning process.

The I / O 118 is an example of an interface between each functional unit of the water server 30 and the control board 100. The control board 100 is connected to the cold water solenoid valve 84, the hot water solenoid valve 94, the bypass valve 62, the temperature sensors 68, 74, the cooling device 66, the heater 72, the pump 18, the three-way valve 20, etc. via the I / O 118. .. Further, the control board 100 is connected to, for example, the operation panel 102, receives operation inputs to the energy saving switch 120, the cold water switch 104, the hot water switch 106, and the unlock switch 108 to execute each process, and repeats the setting lamp 121. The energy-saving medium lamp 122, the hot water lamp 123, the high temperature lamp 124, the unlock lamp 125, the cold water lamp 126, the weak cold lamp 127, and the high temperature circulation lamp 128 are displayed.

<High temperature water circulation operation 1>
FIG. 5 shows an example of the state of the high temperature water circulation operation 1.
As described above, the high-temperature water circulation operation 1 is an example of a circulation operation due to heat convection between tanks. When the mode shifts from the water supply operation mode to the high temperature water circulation operation mode, the cooling device 66 is turned off, the cold water solenoid valve 84 and the hot water solenoid valve 94 are locked, and the bypass valve 62 is opened according to the instruction from the control board 100. .. As a result, the cold water tank 50 and the hot water tank 52 are brought into a water flow state by the water flow pipe 58 and the bypass pipe 60. Further, the control board 100 operates the heater 72 as a high-temperature water circulation operation to heat the water or hot water in the tank to generate high-temperature water hHW having a predetermined temperature. The temperature of this high-temperature water hHW is set so that the inside of the cold water tank 50, the water pipe 58, the reflux pipe 98, and the water supply pipe 44, which are the targets of cleaning, has a cleaning temperature T of, for example, 85 [° C.] or higher. .. The high temperature water hHW may be controlled to the same temperature as the hot water HW in the hot water tank 52 in the water supply treatment, for example, as long as the condition of the cleaning temperature T is satisfied.
When the bypass valve 62 is switched to the open state, convection due to heat transfer occurs through the water pipe 58 and the bypass pipe 60 due to the temperature difference between the cold water CW in the cold water tank 50 and the hot water hHW or hot water HW in the hot water tank 52. The cold water CW of the cold water tank 50 flows into the hot water tank 52 and is heated. During the execution of the high temperature water circulation operation 1, the control board 100 monitors the detected temperatures of the temperature sensors 68 and 74, and controls the heating of the heater 72 according to the temperature.
When the detected temperature in the cold water tank 50 reaches, for example, the cleaning temperature T, the high temperature water circulation operation 1 shifts to the high temperature water circulation operation 2.

<High temperature water circulation operation 2>
FIG. 6 shows a state example of the high temperature water circulation operation 2.
As described above, the high temperature water circulation operation 2 is an example of the high temperature water circulation operation between the tank and the water supply pipe 44.
When the process shifts to the high temperature water circulation operation 2, a second circulation path is formed between the return pipe 98 and the water supply pipe 44 in a connected state, and the operation of the pump 18 is started. At this time, the bypass valve 62 may be maintained in the open state or may be closed.
When the pump 18 is operated, the water W in the water supply pipe 44 flows into the cold water tank 50, and the high temperature water hHW in the hot water tank 52 flows into the water supply pipe 44 through the reflux pipe 98. For example, the control board 100 monitors the detected temperatures of the temperature sensors 68 and 74 and controls the rotation of the pump 18, and performs the high-temperature water circulation operation 2 until 30 [minutes] or more elapses as a predetermined cleaning time t.

<High temperature water circulation operation>
FIG. 7 shows an example of the processing procedure of the high temperature water circulation operation. The processing content and processing procedure shown in FIG. 7 are examples, and the present invention is not limited thereto.
When the control board 100 shifts to the high temperature water circulation operation mode, the cooling function on the cold water tank 50 side is stopped (S11), and the hot water management function on the hot water tank 52 side is continued (S12). In the transition to the high temperature water circulation operation mode, for example, as the time information preset in the water server 30, a set time such as a midnight zone, an elapsed time from the start of use, and the like are used. Further, the control board 100 may automatically learn, for example, the usage frequency and usage time zone for each user, and set the time when the user's usage frequency is low as the high temperature water circulation execution time.
The control board 100 switches the three-way valve 20 to the reflux pipe 98 side (S13), opens the bypass valve 62, and starts the circulation operation between the cold water tank 50 and the hot water tank 52 (S14). That is, the temperature of the cold water tank 50, which is the high temperature water circulation operation 1, is raised. At this time, by keeping the pump 18 in the stopped state, the hot water hHW may flow to the cold water tank 50, the bypass pipe 60, the water pipe 58, or to the reflux pipe 98 side.

As a condition monitoring of the high temperature water circulation operation 1, the cold water tank 50 waits until the temperature in the cold water tank 50 reaches 85 [° C.] or higher, which is the cleaning temperature T (NO in S15). When the detection temperature reaches 85 [° C.] (YES in S15), the process shifts to the high temperature water circulation operation 2 for the pipe to be heated. That is, the control board 100 starts driving the pump 18 (S16), operates the multi-timer 116, and starts the piping timer and the high temperature maintenance timer (S17).
The control board 100 waits until the piping timer is timed up by the time of the multi-timer 116 (NO in S18), and when the time is up (YES in S18), the drive of the pump 18 is stopped (S19). The piping timer may set the time-up time according to, for example, the volume of the return pipe 98 and the water supply pipe 44, the circulation amount by the pump 18, and the like. That is, when the volume of the water supply pipe 44 or the water supply pipe 98 is small, or when the circulation amount of the pump 18 is large, the time until the high temperature water hHW is filled in the water supply pipe 98 or the water supply pipe 44 is reduced. The driving time of the pump 18 can be reduced.
Further, the control board 100 waits until the high temperature maintenance timer time-ups due to the timing of the multi-timer 116 (NO in S20), and when the time is up (YES in S20), the bypass valve 62 is closed (S21).
Then, as the termination process of the high temperature water circulation operation, the three-way valve 20 is switched to the water supply side (S22), and the normal state of the water supply operation is entered (S23).

<Effect of Example 1>
According to such a configuration, the following effects can be obtained.
(1) The inside of tanks and pipelines that come into contact with cold water or normal temperature water W can be cleaned with hot water.
(2) By using heat convection circulation for high-temperature water circulation treatment between tanks with a large volume, the driving time of the pump can be reduced and energy can be saved.
(3) By reducing the driving time of the pump, the noise and vibration generation time during the high temperature water circulation operation can be reduced, and the influence on the surrounding environment can be reduced when the high temperature water circulation operation is performed at midnight.
(4) In addition, the operating life of the pump can be extended by reducing the operating time of the pump in the high-temperature water circulation operation.
(5) By calculating the inflow amount to the water supply pipe and the return pipe side, which are the targets of high-temperature water circulation, and controlling the operation of the pump by time management, it is not necessary to equip the water supply pipe side with a temperature sensor, and the number of parts Reduction and monitoring processing can be reduced.
(6) By using a water pipe or bypass pipe with a small pipeline and performing the high-temperature water circulation operation 1 by heat convection first, the temperature change of the hot water in the hot water tank is suppressed, and the heater is made to perform a rapid heating operation. It is possible to reduce the consumption of the device.

<Water server 30>
FIG. 8 shows a configuration example of the water server 30 according to the second embodiment. In FIG. 8, the same reference numerals are given to the common parts with those in FIG.
The water server 30 of the first embodiment shows a configuration in which a reflux pipe for flowing high temperature water to the water supply pipe 44 side is connected to the hot water tank 52, but such a reflux pipe takes in high temperature water hHW from another pipeline. May be flushed to the water supply pipe 44 side.
In the water server 30 of the second embodiment, for example, as shown in FIG. 8, one end of the reflux pipe 130 is connected to a part of the chilled water pipe 80, and the other end side is connected to the three-way valve 20.
In the water server 30, as described above, water W is supplied to the cold water tank 50 side through the water supply pipe 44, cold water CW is generated in the cold water tank 50, and hot water HW is generated in the hot water tank 52. .. When a water supply request is made, the chilled water solenoid valve 84 is opened, and the chilled water CW is discharged from the water supply port 82 through the chilled water pipe 80. At this time, the reflux pipe 130 is filled with, for example, water W or cold water CW flowing in from the cold water tank 50. Since the three-way valve 20 is closed on the other end side of the return pipe 130, water does not flow in or out between the pipe line 42 or the water supply pipe 44 side and the return pipe 130.

<High temperature water circulation operation 2>
FIG. 9 shows a state example of the high temperature water circulation operation 2 according to the second embodiment.
When the high temperature water circulation operation 1 is completed between the cold water tank 50 and the hot water tank 52, the pump 18 is operated to shift to the high temperature water circulation operation 2.
In the second embodiment, the cold water pipe 80, the reflux pipe 130, and the water supply pipe 44 are included as the second circulation path for circulating the high temperature water hHW. The cold water pipe 80 is always in a water flow state with respect to the cold water tank 50 and the reflux pipe 130. Therefore, in the high-temperature water circulation operation 1, the inside of the cold water tank 50 is filled with the high-temperature water hHW, so that the high-temperature water circulation operation 2 also raises the temperature of the water in the cold water pipe 80 and the reflux pipe 130.

In such a configuration, the control board 100 may perform the same control as the processing procedure of the high temperature water circulation operation of the first embodiment. That is, when the control board 100 shifts to the high temperature water circulation operation mode, the cooling function on the cold water tank 50 side is stopped and the hot water management function on the hot water tank 52 side is continued. The control board 100 switches the three-way valve 20 to the return pipe 130 side, opens the bypass valve 62, and starts the circulation operation between the cold water tank 50 and the hot water tank 52.
By the high temperature water circulation operation 1, the temperature in the cold water tank 50 waits until it reaches 85 [° C.] or higher, which is the cleaning temperature T, and when the detection temperature reaches 85 [° C.], the temperature of the pipe, which is the high temperature water circulation operation 2, is raised. Move to processing. The control board 100 may perform the time of the pipe timer as the pipe temperature raising process and the time of the high temperature maintenance timer as the high temperature maintenance of the cold water tank 50.
Then, when the high temperature maintenance timer expires, the control board 100 closes the bypass valve 62 and switches the three-way valve 20 to the water supply side to shift to the normal state.

<Effect of Example 2>
According to the second embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
(1) The same effect as that of Example 1 can be exhibited.
(2) Further, by including the cold water pipe 80 through which the cold water CW flows in the circulation path of the high temperature water circulation treatment, the cleaning function of the water server can be improved.
(3) It is not necessary to separately provide a sterilizing means for the cold water pipe 80, and the number of parts can be reduced.

<High temperature water circulation operation 2>
FIG. 10 shows an example of the processing procedure of the high temperature water circulation operation 2 according to the third embodiment.
In the high-temperature water circulation operation 2 of the first and second embodiments, the time counting process of the piping timer using the multi-timer 116 is performed as the operation control of the pump 18, and the pump 18 is stopped by the time-up of the piping timer. On the other hand, in the third embodiment, the case where only the time-up of the high temperature maintenance timer is measured by using the multi-timer 116 is shown.
In this processing procedure, as shown in FIG. 10, when the control board 100 shifts to the high temperature water circulation operation mode, the cooling function on the cold water tank 50 side is stopped (S31), and the hot water management function on the hot water tank 52 side is continued. (S32). The control board 100 switches the three-way valve 20 to the return pipes 98 and 130 (S33), opens the bypass valve 62, and starts the circulation operation between the cold water tank 50 and the hot water tank 52 (S34).

As a condition monitoring of the high temperature circulation operation 1, wait until the temperature in the cold water tank 50 reaches 85 [° C.] or higher, which is the cleaning temperature T (NO in S35). When the detection temperature reaches 85 [° C.] (YES in S35), the process shifts to the high temperature water circulation operation 2 for the pipe to be heated. That is, the control board 100 starts driving the pump 18 (S36), operates the multi-timer 116, and starts the high temperature maintenance timer (S37).
The control board 100 waits until the high temperature maintenance timer is timed up by the time of the multi-timer 116 (NO in S38), and when the time is up (YES in S38), the drive of the pump 18 is stopped and the bypass valve 62 is closed. (S39). Then, as the termination process of the high temperature water circulation operation, the three-way valve 20 is switched to the water supply side (S40), and the normal state of the water supply operation is entered (S41).

<Effect of Example 3>
According to such a configuration, the following effects can be obtained.
(1) The same effect as that of Examples 1 and 2 can be exhibited.
(2) Since the circulation of high-temperature water is maintained in the high-temperature water circulation treatment, it is possible to prevent the temperature in the water supply pipe 44 and the return pipes 98 and 130, which are the targets of cleaning, from dropping.
(3) By monitoring the temperature of the high-temperature water in the cold water tank 50 without providing a temperature sensor in the pipeline to be cleaned, it is possible to monitor whether or not the water is filled with the high-temperature water hHW having a cleaning temperature T. It is possible to improve the reliability of the cleaning process.

[Other Embodiments]
The features and modification examples of the embodiments described above are listed below.
(1) As a control process for the high temperature water circulation operation, a temperature sensor may be installed on the water supply pipe 44 side to control the temperature. In this temperature control, for example, in order to maintain the predetermined time t at the cleaning temperature T which is the setting condition for cleaning, a multi-step threshold value is set, and pump control and heater control are performed according to the threshold value. You may.
(2) Timekeeping of the high temperature maintenance timer Although the pump operation starts, the timekeeping may be started when the temperature of the water supply pipe 44 reaches a predetermined temperature t. Further, when the temperature inside the water supply pipe 44 becomes lower than the cleaning temperature T, the timing may be interrupted and restarted when the cleaning temperature T is reached. Furthermore, when the temperature drops to a temperature that does not reach the condition of the cleaning temperature T, it is equipped with a process of resetting the timing and restarting the cleaning process, and a recording process and a notification function indicating that the cleaning was not performed properly. May be good.
(3) The water server 30 may be provided with a drainage pipe on the bottom side of the hot water tank 52, for example. This drainage pipe is an example of a means for draining drainage during maintenance or unnecessary water during normal operation, and is provided with a drain valve on the pipe. This drain valve is, for example, electrically connected to the control board 100, and may be operated by an opening / closing instruction from the control board 100 when the high temperature water circulation operation is completed.

(4) In Examples 1, 2 and 3, the case where the first tank of the water server is a cold water tank 50 and the second tank is a hot water tank 52 is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this. A hot water tank 52 may be arranged as a first tank on the upper side, and a cold water tank 50 may be provided as a second tank on the lower side.
(5) In the high-temperature water circulation operation, the case where the heater 72 and the pump 18 are continuously operated is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this. The control board 100 uses the heater 72, the pump 18, or both for a predetermined time when the temperature of the hot water hHW reaches a predetermined cleaning temperature T, for example, based on the detected temperatures of the temperature sensors 68 and 74. It may be operated intermittently every time. Then, even if the control board 100 is controlled to operate either or both of the heater 72 and the pump 18 for a predetermined time or until the high temperature water hHW reaches a predetermined temperature when the temperature of the high temperature water hHW drops. Good.
(6) In the above embodiments and examples, the case where the three-way valve 20 is used as a means for shutting off or switching between the reflux pipes 12 and 98 and the water supply pipes 10 and 44 is not limited to this. As such switching and shutoff means, a plurality of two-way valves, on-off valves, solenoid valves and the like may be used.

As described above, the most preferable embodiment of the present invention has been described. The present invention is not limited to the above description. Various modifications and modifications can be made by those skilled in the art based on the gist of the invention described in the claims or disclosed in the form for carrying out the invention. Needless to say, such modifications and modifications are included in the scope of the present invention.

The water server of the present invention circulates high-temperature water by heat convection between the first tank and the second tank, and then circulates high-temperature water by a pump to the circulation path on the water supply pipeline side to save energy in the high-temperature water circulation operation. It is useful because it can suppress noise and vibration.

2, 30 Water server 4, 32 Water supply tank 6 First tank 8 Second tank 10, 44 Water supply pipe 12, 98, 130 Recirculation pipe 14, 58 Water pipe 16, 60 Bypass pipe 18 Pump 20 Three-way valve 22 Control Part 34 Exterior case 36 Water supply container 38 Water supply port 40 Check valve 42 Pipe line 50 Cold water tank 52 Hot water tank 54 Partition plate 56 Opening 62 Bypass valve 64 Evaporator 66 Cooling device 68, 74 Temperature sensor 70 Water level sensor 72 Heater 80 Cold water Pipe 82 Water supply port 84 Cold water electromagnetic valve 90 Hot water pipe 92 Water supply port 94 Hot water electromagnetic valve 100 Control board 102 Operation panel 104 Cold water switch 106 Hot water switch 108 Unlock switch 110 Flowing water sensor 112 Processor 114 Memory section 116 Multi-timer 118 I / O
120 Energy saving switch 121 Repeat setting lamp 122 Energy saving Medium lamp 123 Hot water lamp 124 High temperature lamp 125 Unlock lamp 126 Cold water lamp 127 Weak cold lamp 128 High temperature circulation lamp

Claims (6)

A water server that provides hot or cold water
Water tank and
A first tank that is located higher than the water supply tank and is supplied with water from the water supply tank,
A second tank, which is arranged below the first tank and is supplied with water from the first tank through a water pipe,
A heating means for heating the water stored in the first tank or the second tank, and
A water supply pipe provided with a pump to flow water from the water supply tank to the first tank,
A bypass pipe installed in parallel with the water pipe and allowing water to pass between the first tank and the second tank by opening and closing a valve.
A reflux path forming a circulation path including the water supply pipe and
When the high temperature water circulation treatment is started, the bypass pipe is opened to form a first circulation path between the first tank and the second tank, and the high temperature water heated to a predetermined temperature by the heating means through the bypass pipe. Was circulated between the first tank and the second tank, and the water temperature of the first tank or the second tank into which the hot water flows during the execution of the high temperature water circulation treatment has reached a predetermined temperature. the by the pump is driven in response, the flow Toe entering the hot water in the water supply pipe from the return channel, the return channel, the water supply pipe, the first tank and the second consisting of the second tank A control unit that circulates high-temperature water in the circulation path ,
A water server characterized by being equipped with. One end of the reflux path is connected to the second tank, and the other end is connected to the water supply pipe via a three-way valve.
Wherein, after circulating the hot water by the heat convection between the beginning or the first tank and the second tank of the hot water circulation process, by switching the 3-way valve, and the water supply pipe The water server according to claim 1, wherein the return path is connected. A water server that provides hot or cold water
Water tank and
A first tank that is located higher than the water supply tank and is supplied with water from the water supply tank,
A second tank, which is arranged below the first tank and is supplied with water from the first tank through a water pipe,
A heating means for heating the water stored in the first tank or the second tank, and
A water supply pipe provided with a pump to flow water from the water supply tank to the first tank,
A bypass pipe installed in parallel with the water pipe and allowing water to pass between the first tank and the second tank by opening and closing a valve.
A water supply line for flowing hot or cold water stored in the first tank to the outside ,
One end connected to the water supply pipe, the other end is connected to the water supply pipe via a three-way valve, a return path for forming a circulation path including the water supply pipe,
After allowed to Ri循ring by the heat convection between the hot water heated to a predetermined temperature by the heating means through the beginning or the bypass tube hot water circulation process of the first tank and the second tank, the 3-way valve and to the return path to the previous SL water supply pipe to the connection state is switched, and a control unit for the drives the pump flow hot water to the water supply pipe from the return path,
Features and to roux Otasaba further comprising a. A temperature detecting means for detecting the water temperature of the first tank or the second tank into which the hot water flows during the execution of the high temperature water circulation treatment is provided.
The control unit is characterized in that, when the detection temperature of the temperature detecting means reaches a predetermined temperature, the pump is driven to allow high-temperature water to flow into the water supply pipe from the recirculation path. The water server according to any one of claims 1 to 3. In addition, it has a timer to measure the elapsed time.
The water server according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the control unit turns on / off the drive of the pump at predetermined time intervals. The control unit according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein high-temperature water having a temperature equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature flows into the circulation path for a predetermined time or longer after the start of driving the pump. Water server.

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