JP7011538B2 - Water server - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a technique for installing a raw water container on a water server or replacing the raw water container.

The water server is equipped with a tank for storing cold or hot water, from which cold or hot water is provided.
A water server is known in which a raw water container is provided at the bottom of the server housing and the raw water is replenished to the tank by a replenishment pump. In this water server, the water outlet of the raw water container is connected to the joint portion by moving the raw water container with respect to the joint portion fixed in the housing (for example, Patent Document 1).

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2014-169090

By the way, the water server heats or cools the water stored in the tank having a certain capacity and supplies it, and replenishes the tank from the raw water container according to the supply of hot water or cold water. Therefore, when a certain amount of hot or cold water is supplied, there is a shortage of water to be replenished, and it is necessary to replace the raw water container. In the conventional water server, for example, a structure in which a raw water container is installed on the upper side of the main body of the device is adopted, and water is replenished from the raw water container to the tank by using gravity. However, if the raw water container is enlarged and the capacity of water is increased for the purpose of reducing the frequency of replacement of the raw water container, it becomes difficult to carry out the replacement work by lifting the raw water container to a high position. Therefore, there is a device in which a raw water container is placed on the lower side of the device. In such a water server, for example, a structure is adopted in which the raw water container is placed directly or on a dedicated tray from the front surface or the side surface side of the device housing toward the inside of the housing, and the raw water container is inserted in the horizontal direction. ing.
In the process of installing a raw water container that slides the tray, for example, the weight of the raw water container may cause the tray to come into contact with the floor or wall surface on which the water server is installed, damaging the floor surface or wall surface. be. In addition, if the tray is pulled out with excessive force even when the tray is not loaded with a large load when the raw water container is replaced, the water server is started to be used, or the raw water container is not attached, the floor surface There is a risk of damaging such things. That is, due to the increase in the capacity of the raw water container, the load difference of the tray before and after the replacement of the raw water container becomes large, and there is a possibility that the operator may mistakenly recognize the force required for the pull-out operation of the tray.

In addition, in the water server in which the raw water container is installed on the lower side, water is taken out from the raw water container by a pump, so that it is necessary to connect the pipeline connected to the pump to the raw water container. The shape and weight of the raw water container change depending on the remaining amount of raw water inside. If the connection between the water supply part of the raw water container and the water intake part of the device is incomplete during the replacement work of the raw water container, the connection between the raw water container and the device may be disconnected due to the progress of water supply and the change in the outer shape of the container. There is. If the connection between the raw water container and the device is disconnected, for example, air may be caught in the pump or air may enter the raw water container, and the cleanliness of the tank or piping may be deteriorated.

There is no disclosure or suggestion in Patent Document 1 regarding such a problem, and the configuration disclosed in Patent Document 1 cannot solve such a problem.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to improve the safety of the tray withdrawal operation during the installation / replacement work of the raw water container.
Another object of the present invention is to improve the connectivity between the raw water container and the water intake means of the water server.

In order to achieve the above object, one aspect of the water server of the present invention is a water server that supplies water from a raw water container, and a housing having at least a storage portion for storing the raw water container on the lower side and the housing. An opening in which the raw water container can be taken in and out from the peripheral surface side of the storage portion and a water supply hole are inserted into the water supply portion of the raw water container stored in the storage portion with the water supply hole facing upward to allow the raw water to be discharged. A tray having a water intake means for taking out, a tray having one or a plurality of supporting means for placing the raw water container on the back surface and preventing deformation due to the load of the raw water container on the back surface, and the tray being taken in and out of the storage portion through the opening. At least when the raw water container is not placed on the tray, when the raw water container is empty or the amount of raw water is less than a predetermined amount, the raw water container is orthogonal to or close to the opening surface of the opening. The tray is projected, and the tray and the supporting means are transported away from the floor surface, and the tray is bent when the raw water container in which the amount of raw water exceeds a predetermined amount is placed when the tray is projected. This includes a sliding means for bringing the support means into contact with the floor surface, and the length from the back surface of the tray to the tip of the support means is shorter than the length from the back surface of the tray to the floor surface .

In the water server, the hook portion engaged with a part or all of the water supply portion of the raw water container arranged in the storage portion and the water intake means are displaced in the vertical direction to obtain the water intake means and the water supply. The hook portion is provided with a displacement mechanism portion for attaching and detaching the portion, and the hook portion is arranged on the transport path of the raw water container transported by the slide means, and by engaging with the water supply portion, the water supply portion is provided. The opening of the water intake means may be guided to the insertion position of the water intake means.
The water server may further include a shielding member that is arranged between the opening and the water intake means and that covers at least the insertion portion of the water intake means with respect to the water supply portion and hides it from the opening.
In the water server, the shielding member is installed in the displacement mechanism portion, is displaced in the vertical direction together with the water intake means, and when the insertion of the water intake means into the water supply portion is released, the water supply portion opens the opening portion. It may be exposed from.
In the water server, the tray may be provided with a guide wall for restricting the placement state of the raw water container on the mounting surface on which the raw water container is placed and the peripheral portion thereof.
In the water server, a sensor for detecting that the tray or the raw water container is arranged at a predetermined position in the storage portion and a water supply means for taking in water from the raw water container in response to a detection signal of the sensor are further operated. It may be provided with a control unit that enables it.

According to the present invention, any of the following effects can be obtained.
(1) By maintaining the sliding means at an angle orthogonal to or close to the opening surface of the storage unit and transporting the tray, the water server can be transported without damaging the floor surface on which the tray or water server is installed or its surroundings. Improves safety and reliability.
(2) Since the contact between the sliding means and the floor surface can be prevented when the tray is transported, the workability of replacing the raw water container is improved.
(3) By engaging the hook portion with the water supply portion of the raw water container, the connectivity between the raw water container and the water intake means can be maintained, and the reliability of the water server can be improved. In addition, the number of places where the operator comes into contact with the inside of the storage part can be minimized, and the cleanliness inside the storage part can be maintained.

It is a figure which shows the configuration example of the water server which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the appearance configuration example of the water server which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the state example in which the raw water container is arranged in the storage part. It is a figure which shows the state example of pulling out a raw water container from a storage part. It is a top view which shows the structural example of a tray and a slide means. It is a figure which shows the configuration example of the bottom side of a tray and a slide means. It is a figure which shows an example of the slide means in a storage part. It is a figure which shows the structural example of a raw water container. It is a figure which showed the water intake part and the hook part from the opening side of a housing. It is a figure which shows the state example in which the water supply part of a raw water container is engaged with a hook part. It is a figure which shows the example of the insertion operation of the intake part with respect to the water supply part. It is sectional drawing which shows an example of the internal structure of a water supply part and an intake part. It is a figure which shows the example of the state inside the raw water container when the water supply has progressed. It is a figure which shows the configuration example of the water server which concerns on other embodiment.

[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 shows a configuration example of a water server according to the first 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 replenishes the raw water W from the raw water container 8 installed in the storage portion 6 of the housing 4, and supplies the cold water CW generated by cooling the raw water W or the hot water HW generated by heating. This is an example of a water supply device. The housing 4 is made of a material such as metal or plastic, and a space for accommodating a single or a plurality of tanks and pipelines, a device such as a cooling means and a heater, and a control device is formed therein. .. On the bottom side of the housing 4, at least a raw water container 8 and a storage unit 6 for storing a water intake means for taking out raw water W from the raw water container 8 are provided. Inside the housing 4, for example, the storage portion 6 and other space portions may be physically separated by a structure such as a partition member, a pillar portion forming the housing 4, or the housing 4 may be physically separated. It may be distinguished by the height and position from the bottom, and other components to be stored.

The raw water container 8 is a means for supplying the stored raw water W into the tank of the water server 2, and includes, for example, a water supply unit 10 for discharging the raw water W from the inside of the container. The raw water container 8 is provided with a container made of vinyl or other resin material for storing raw water W, and may be provided with an exterior member made of a material such as paper or plastic around the container.
The raw water container 8 is placed on the tray 12. The tray 12 is an example of means for regulating the arrangement position and arrangement direction of the raw water container 8 in the storage unit 6. The tray 12 is made of, for example, a resin material, and includes a mounting surface on which the raw water container 8 is placed, a guide portion erected along a part or all of the peripheral surface of the raw water container 8, and the like. Further, the tray 12 is connected to a slide means 14 for transferring the raw water container 8 to the outside of the storage unit 6 while the raw water container 8 is placed on the tray 12.
The slide means 14 is an example of means for moving the raw water container 8 placed on the tray 12 into and out of the storage portion 6 through the opening 16 of the housing 4. The arrangement position of the raw water container 8 placed on the tray 12 is changed by the sliding means 14. The arrangement position of the tray 12 and the raw water container 8 is set, for example, one end side is outside the storage portion 6 and the front side side of the opening 16 is set, and the other end side is inside the storage portion 6 and the water intake means 18 is arranged. It is set directly under or around. The sliding means 14 slides the raw water container 8 and the tray 12 between both ends of the arrangement position. The slide means 14 may be formed on the inner wall or bottom plate of the housing 4, for example, or is installed in the storage portion 6 as a device integrated with the tray 12.
The slide means 14 is not loaded with a large load, for example, when the raw water container 8 is not placed on the tray 12, the raw water container 8 is empty, or the raw water W is a predetermined amount or less. Occasionally, the predetermined angle θ slides at or near 90 [°] with respect to the opening surface of the opening 16. The slide means 14 has a rigidity that does not deform with a load of a predetermined range or less. At this time, the sliding means 14 or the tray 12 slides at a predetermined height h with respect to the ground without the part of the bottom side of the tray 12 or the raw water container 8 coming into contact with the ground or the bottom side of the housing 4. .. That is, in the slide means 14, the tray 12 is installed on one end side fixed in the storage portion 6 (not shown), and the other end side protruding from the opening 16 is in a so-called cantilever state.
The capacity of the raw water container 8 in which the tray 12 and the slide means 14 form a space between the tray 12 and the slide means 14 is determined by, for example, the constituent materials of the slide means 14 and the amount of protrusion from the opening 16. Further, the slide means 14 may have rigidity such that the slide means 14 or the tray 12 can maintain a position at a predetermined height h with respect to the ground even when the raw water container 8 in a full state is placed, for example. Needless to say.

The opening 16 is, for example, one side of the housing 4, and is formed in such a size that the tray 12 and the raw water container 8 moved by the sliding means 14 can be taken in and out of the storage portion 6. The housing 4 may be provided with a door that allows a part or all of the exterior member to be opened and closed, for example, in order to expose or conceal the opening 16 to the outside. As a result, the water server 2 only needs to open the opening 16 only when the raw water container 8 is installed or replaced, and can prevent germs from being mixed inside.

In addition, the storage unit 6 includes a water intake means 18 for taking in raw water W from the raw water container 8, a hook portion 20 for engaging the raw water container 8, a displacement mechanism unit 22 for displace the water intake means 18 in the vertical direction, and a displacement mechanism. A lever 24 for operating the unit 22, a water supply pipe 26, a water supply pump 28, and the like are provided.
The water intake means 18 is an example of a means for taking in the raw water W by connecting to the water supply unit 10 of the raw water container 8. It has a check valve structure that prevents water and air from flowing in. The water intake means 18 is configured to be inserted into the raw water container 8 in close contact with the inner wall of the water supply portion 10 of the raw water container 8, for example, to prevent air and foreign matter from entering from the connection portion with the raw water container 8. There is. The end of the water intake means 18 that is not connected to the raw water container 8 is connected to the water supply pipe 26 that is connected to the cold water tank 30.
The hook portion 20 is an example of a guide means that holds the raw water container 8 arranged at the water supply position and guides the arrangement position of the raw water container 8 at the time of replacement work. The hook portion 20 is arranged on the transport path of the raw water container 8 by, for example, the slide means 14, and is a part of the water supply portion 10 of the raw water container 8 that has reached the water supply position automatically by transport or manually by the operator. Engage in. The hook portion 20 is installed in a housing 4 or other non-moving configuration so as not to be displaced in the storage portion 6 in order to represent a predetermined water supply position in the storage portion 6.

The displacement mechanism unit 22 is connected to the water intake means 18, for example, in the exchange process of the raw water container 8, the water intake means 18 is moved up and down so as to be inserted into the water supply unit 10 of the raw water container 8 or escaped from the water supply unit 10. This is an example of a means for displacing in a direction or in other directions.
The lever 24 is, for example, an example of an operating means of the displacement mechanism unit 22, and for example, the water intake means 18 is displaced via the displacement mechanism unit 22 in response to an operation in the vertical direction. By operating the lever 24, it is possible to switch between a state in which water can be supplied from the raw water container 8 through the water intake means 18 and a state in which the raw water container 8 can be replaced.

<Configuration example of water supply / hot water supply function>
The water server 2 is provided with a water supply / hot water supply function unit that adjusts the raw water W to a predetermined temperature and supplies it, for example, on the upper side of the housing 4 or at least above the raw water container 8. In the water supply / hot water supply function unit, for example, a cold water tank 30 is arranged on the upper side, and a hot water tank 32 is installed on the lower stage. The cold water tank 30 stores cold water CW whose temperature is controlled to a set temperature. Further, the hot water tank 32 stores hot water HW whose temperature is controlled to a set temperature.

For example, the raw water W taken from the raw water container 8 is flowed into the cold water tank 30 through the water supply pipe 26, and flows into the cold water tank 30 from the water supply port 34 of the water supply pipe 26. The cold water tank 30 is provided with, for example, a partition plate 36 having a diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the tank inside. The partition plate 36 is arranged at a height in the middle of the cold water tank 30, 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 36 is formed with an opening 38 having a predetermined diameter on the center side, and a water pipe 40 connected to the hot water tank 32 is connected through the opening 38. The water pipe 40 is a pipe for flowing the water in the cold water tank 30 to the hot water tank 32 side.
An evaporator 42 of the cooling device 44 is provided on the outer wall portion of the cold water tank 30, and the raw water W supplied to the cold water tank 30 is cooled and cooled into cold water CW. The cooling device 44 includes a cooling cycle including a cooler and the like. Further, the cold water tank 30 is provided with a temperature sensor 46 as a temperature control means for the cold water CW to be stored. The temperature sensor 46 may use, for example, a thermistor thermometer, and the detected temperature is notified to the control device 70 functioning as a device for controlling the temperature of the hot water or cold water to be supplied.
In addition, the cold water tank 30 is provided with a water level sensor 48 for monitoring the amount of water supplied. The water level sensor 48 may use, for example, a common electrode arranged at a predetermined height from the ceiling side of the tank, and a plurality of water level electrodes arranged at different heights. The control device 70 may monitor a signal indicating the energization state of the captured water level electrode and operate the water supply pump 28, which is an example of the water supply means, until the water level reaches a predetermined level.
A cold water pipe 50 is connected to the bottom side of the cold water tank 30, and the cold water CW in the cold water tank 30 flows to the water supply port 52 side. A chilled water solenoid valve 54 is installed in the chilled water pipe 50 in the middle of the pipe line, and the water supply from the chilled water tank 30 is switched on / off and the flow rate is switched by the opening / closing operation of the chilled water solenoid valve 54.

A heater 56 is wound around the outside of the hot water tank 32 to heat the water inside to, for example, 85 to 90 [° C.] as a set temperature. As the heater 56, for example, an electric heater or the like is used.
In addition, the hot water tank 32 may be provided with a temperature sensor 58 for monitoring the temperature inside the tank, an empty heating safety device, and the like. The temperature information detected by the temperature sensor 58 is notified to the control device 70 and used for hot water temperature control and the like. Further, the empty heating safety device is a means for detecting whether or not there is water in the hot water tank 32, and may be provided with, for example, a water level sensor or a water pressure sensor.
A hot water pipe 60 is connected to the hot water tank 32, for example, on the upper side, and the hot water HW in the hot water tank 32 is flowed to the water supply port 62 side in response to a request for water supply. A hot water solenoid valve 64 is installed in the hot water pipe 60 in the middle of the pipe line, and the water supply from the hot water tank 32 can be turned ON / OFF and the flow rate can be switched by opening and closing the hot water solenoid valve 64.

A bypass pipe 66 is provided between the cold water tank 30 and the hot water tank 32. The bypass pipe 66 is installed in parallel with the water pipe 40, and is provided with a bypass valve 68 for passing water during the high temperature water circulation operation. The bypass valve 68 is maintained in a closed state during normal water supply operation, and the flow of hot water HW or cold water CW bypass pipe 66 between the cold water tank 30 and the hot water tank 32 is blocked.

The water server 2 includes a control device 70 that controls water supply control and other functions. The control device 70 is, for example, a microcomputer, and is composed of a processor, a memory, or the like (not shown). The control device 70 is connected to, for example, a water supply pump 28, a functional unit such as a cooling device 44 or a heater 56, and a monitoring function unit that monitors the operating states of the temperature sensors 46 and 58, the water level sensor 48, and the lever 24. The control device 70 outputs an operation operation instruction to each function unit and collects state information from each monitoring function unit. Further, the control device 70 is connected to an operation panel 72 provided with operating means such as water supply and hot water supply operations, temperature display, temperature setting, and status display means. The operation panel 72 may be provided with at least a cold water switch, a hot water switch, an unlock switch, and the like.

In addition, a sensor 74 for detecting the installed state of the raw water container 8 may be provided in the storage portion 6 of the water server 2. The sensor 74 detects, for example, a contact or proximity state with the raw water container 8, and transmits the detection result to the control device 70. The control device 70 may determine whether or not the raw water container 8 is being replaced based on the detection result of the sensor 74, and may display the display of whether or not the replacement work is in progress on the operation panel 72. Further, the control device 70 may be controlled so that, for example, water supply, hot water supply operation, pump 28 operation, etc. are not performed during the replacement work of the raw water container 8.

<Water supply treatment>
Next, the water supply treatment of the water server will be described. The contents and procedure of this water supply treatment are examples.
In this water supply treatment, for example, the following treatment is performed.
(A) The tray 12 is pulled out from the opening 16 of the housing 4 when the raw water container 8 is newly installed or when it is time to replace the raw water container 8. At this time, the tray 12 and the sliding means 14 are pulled out in a state where a space is formed between the tray 12 and the sliding means 14 and the floor surface on which the water server 2 is placed.
(B) The used raw water container 8 is taken out from the drawn tray 12. Then, the new raw water container 8 is placed on the tray 12.
(C) The tray 12 on which the raw water container 8 is placed is stored in the storage unit 6 through the opening 16 by the slide means 14. At this time, if a part of the tray 12 or the sliding means 14 is in contact with or is likely to come into contact with the floor surface or the like, the tray 12 or the sliding means 14 may be lifted and slid into the storage portion 6. Alternatively, friction reducing means (not shown) may be installed on the bottom of the tray 12 or the sliding means 14.
(D) The tray 12 is conveyed into the storage portion 6 through the slide means 14, and the raw water container 8 is arranged at a position connectable to the water intake means 18 protruding during the water supply process.
(E) The water supply portion 10 of the raw water container 8 is engaged with the hook portion 20. The lever 24 is pulled down to insert the water intake means 18 into the water supply unit 10 of the raw water container 8.

<Effect of the first embodiment>
According to the configuration of this embodiment, the following effects can be expected.
(1) At least when no load is applied to the tray 12, or when the raw water container 8 is lightweight, the slide means 14 is maintained at an angle orthogonal to or close to the opening surface of the storage portion 6 to be taken in and out. This prevents a part of the tray 12 and the sliding means 14 from coming into contact with the floor surface and the like, and does not damage the floor surface on which the water server is installed and its surroundings. Further, the tray 12 and the slide means 14 do not cause friction with the floor surface and the like by the slide operation, the tray 12 and the slide means 14 can be prevented from being damaged, and the safety and reliability of the water server are improved.
(2) The slide means 14 has a rigidity capable of holding the tray 12 and the raw water container 8, so that the occurrence of bending during the transportation of the tray 12 is suppressed and the replacement workability of the raw water container 8 is improved.
(3) By engaging the hook portion 20 with the water supply portion 10 of the raw water container 8 arranged upward and maintaining the hook portion 20 at a predetermined arrangement position, the connectivity between the raw water container 8 and the water intake means 18 can be maintained. The reliability of the device can be improved.

(4) By fixing and maintaining the water supply portion 10 of the raw water container 8 at a predetermined position by the hook portion 20, the connection operation with the water intake means 18 can be facilitated, and the place where the operator contacts the inside of the storage portion 6 can be facilitated. It can be minimized and the cleanliness inside the storage unit 6 can be maintained.
(5) By arranging the water supply unit 10 of the raw water container 8 at the set position by the tray 12 and the slide means 14, it is possible to prevent an excessive tensile load or the like from being generated in the connection with the water intake means 18.

[Second Embodiment]
FIG. 2 shows an example of the appearance configuration of the water server according to the second embodiment. The configuration shown in FIG. 2 is an example, and the present invention is not limited to such a configuration. Further, in FIG. 2, the same parts as those in FIG. 1 are designated by the same reference numerals.
As shown in FIG. 2, for example, the water server 2 is formed on the upper side of the entire device, and has a first exterior housing portion 80 having a water supply function, a hot water supply function, a control function section, and the like, and a lower side of the entire device. It is formed in the above, and is composed of a second exterior housing portion 82 including a raw water container 8 and a water intake means 18. The first exterior housing portion 80 is provided with an operation panel 72 for performing water supply / hot water supply operations, temperature setting operations, etc. on the upper side, and is recessed in a predetermined range of the first exterior housing portion 80. A water supply / hot water supply section 84 in which water supply ports 52 and 62 are arranged is formed on the ceiling side of the recessed portion. Further, on the bottom side of the water supply / hot water supply unit 84, a mounting unit 86 on which a container or the like for receiving water supply or hot water supply is placed is provided. The mounting portion 86 may be provided with a drainage function for draining cold water CW or hot water HW that has not been received by a container or the like.
Further, on the front side of the second exterior housing portion 82, a lid portion 88 for opening and closing the opening of the storage portion 6 in which the raw water container 8 or the like is stored is provided.

FIG. 3 shows an example of the configuration inside the storage unit.
In the storage section 6 formed in the second exterior housing section 82, a raw water container 90, a water intake section 110, a water supply pump 28 (not shown), a water supply pipe 26, and the like are stored. The storage portion 6 may be communicated with, for example, the side of the first exterior housing portion 80 in which the cold water tank 30 or the hot water tank 32 is installed, or may be edge-cut by a partition plate (not shown).
The raw water container 90 includes, for example, a raw water case 92 which is an exterior member, and an internal container 94 whose surroundings are covered with the raw water case 92 and in which the raw water W is sealed. The inner container 94 is provided with, for example, a water supply unit 96 for discharging the raw water W toward the upper side.
Further, in the storage unit 6, a water supply cover member 98 is arranged with respect to the arrangement position of the water supply unit 96 of the raw water container 90. The water supply cover member 98 is formed at a position and size that covers a part or all of the periphery of the water supply portion 96 of the raw water container 90 arranged at the water supply position, for example. The water supply cover member 98 is fixedly installed inside the housing, for example, and is used to specify the storage position of the raw water container 90. Further, the water supply cover member 98 is configured so that, for example, a part or all of the surface facing the water supply unit 96 is brought into contact with the water supply unit 96. As a result, the arrangement and positioning of the raw water container 90 is performed when the raw water container 90 is replaced.

The raw water container 90 is placed on the tray 100. The tray 100 is arranged, for example, on the bottom plate portion 102 of the second exterior housing portion 82 via the guide rail 104. The bottom plate portion 102 and the guide rail 104 are examples of the sliding means of the present disclosure. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the guide rail 104 and the tray 100 are slid horizontally with respect to the bottom plate portion 102 or in a state close to the bottom plate portion 102. Let me. As a result, the tray 100 can be taken in and out from the opening when the lid 88 is opened, for example. At this time, the tray 100 and the placed raw water container 90 slide at an angle orthogonal to or close to the opening surface of the opening 130 of the storage portion 6.
Then, the water server 2 pulls out the tray 100 from the storage unit 6 via the guide rail 104, so that a new raw water container 90 is installed in the tray 100, or the raw water container 90 at the replacement timing is replaced, and the tray 100 is replaced. And the guide rail 104 can be transported to a predetermined position inside the storage unit 6. The predetermined position for arranging the raw water container 90 is a position where the water supply unit 96 of the raw water container 90 can engage with the water intake unit 110 of the water server 2.

The water intake unit 110 is connected to a displacement mechanism unit 112 that brings the water intake unit 110 closer to or further from the placed raw water container 90, for example. The displacement mechanism unit 112 includes, for example, a handle 114 that controls the arrangement height of the water intake unit 110 in response to an operation in the vertical direction. In the water intake unit 110, for example, a portion having a certain length from the tip side is inserted into the water supply unit 96 to take in the raw water W. The water intake portion 110 has a hollow cylindrical shape, and the tip portion thereof is arranged in the raw water container 90. With such a configuration, the inside of the water intake unit 110 becomes a negative pressure due to the operation of the water supply pump 28, so that the stored raw water W is taken in and flowed to the water supply pipe 26 side. With such water intake, the inner container 94 of the raw water container 90 contracts and the volume decreases.
The displacement mechanism portion 112 includes, for example, an arm 116 arranged so as to sandwich a central portion in the long side direction of the handle 114, and a guide portion 118 arranged substantially parallel to the arm 116.
The arm 116 communicates with the water intake portion 110, and when the tip end side of the handle 114 is pushed down, a lever (lever) with the tip portion as a power point and a support portion 120 that fixedly supports the guide portion 118 and the handle 114 as a fulcrum. It becomes. Then, the support portion 122 fixing the handle 114 and the arm 116 serves as an action point, and the water intake portion 110 is pushed down via the arm 116.

In addition, the storage unit 6 is provided with an exposed cover 124. The exposed cover 124 is arranged between, for example, the intake portion 110 and the opening 130, and is an example of a shielding member that shields the intake portion 110 from being exposed to the outside from the opening 130. The exposed cover 124 is fixedly installed on the displacement mechanism portion 112, and is displaced together with the water intake portion 110 by operating the handle 114 in the vertical direction. The exposed cover 124 is formed to have a wider width than, for example, the intake portion 110, and is formed to have a vertical width covering a part or all of the intake portion 110 protruding downward. The vertical width of the exposed cover 124 is set so as to cover at least the insertion portion of the intake portion 110 with respect to the water supply portion 96 of the raw water container 90.

Further, for example, one or a plurality of casters 132 are provided on the bottom surface side of the tray 100, that is, on the back surface side with respect to the mounting surface of the raw water container 90. The caster 132 is an example of a support means for suppressing the tray 100 from being deformed toward the floor surface side with respect to the load of the raw water container 90. For example, when the load acting on the tray 100 or the guide rail 104 is small, the caster 132 is separated from the floor surface by a predetermined height h, and when the load is large, the caster 132 comes into contact with the floor surface due to the bending of the guide rail 104. It becomes a state. When the tray 100 is taken in and out of the storage unit 6 by exchanging the raw water container 90, for example, when the caster 132 comes into contact with the floor surface due to a large load, for example, the tray 100 is lifted up to a predetermined height and taken in and out. Just do it.

<About the configuration of the tray 100 and the guide rail 104>
FIG. 5 shows a configuration example of the tray and the sliding means. Further, FIG. 6 shows an example of the configuration of the tray and the slide means on the bottom surface side.
As shown in FIG. 5, for example, the tray 100 includes a mounting surface portion 140 on which the raw water container 90 is mounted. The mounting surface portion 140 is set to an area at least equal to or larger than the bottom area of the raw water case 92 of the raw water container 90, and at least a part or all of the mounting surface is the shape of the bottom portion of the raw water case 92. It is a shape that can store. Further, in the tray 100, a guide wall 142 is erected on a part or all of the peripheral edge of the mounting surface portion 140. By contacting the guide wall 142 with, for example, the peripheral edge of the raw water case 92 of the raw water container 90, the placement position and orientation of the raw water container 90 with respect to the tray 100 are restricted, and vibration during loading / unloading operation with respect to the storage portion 6 is performed. It prevents the raw water container 90 from coming off the tray 100 due to the impact.

Inside the storage portion 6, two guide rails 104 are laid on the bottom plate portion 102 from the opening 130 side toward the inside of the storage portion 6. The guide rail 104 includes, for example, a first rail member 104a fixedly installed on the bottom surface side of the tray 100, a third rail member 104c fixedly installed in the storage portion 6, and the first rail member 104a. It is composed of a second rail member 104b that is engaged with the third rail member 104c. As a result, the second rail member 104b functions as a means for connecting the first rail member 104a and the third rail member 104c and as a means for adjusting the drawer length of the tray 100 with respect to the storage portion 6.

Further, the storage portion 6 is provided with, for example, a support tool 144 for fixing the third rail member 104c on the bottom plate portion 102. The support 144 is fixedly supported by a fixed surface portion that is in contact with, for example, on the bottom plate portion 102 and is fixed via a fixing member such as a bolt (not shown), and a third rail member 104c, and is perpendicular to or perpendicular to the fixed surface portion. It is composed of support surface parts that are erected at an angle close to that.

Further, on the bottom surface portion of the tray 100, for example, as shown in FIG. 6, a caster 132 is installed at the tip portion of the tray 100 which is the most distant from the storage portion 6 at the time of protrusion, or at a position close to the tip portion. In this embodiment, the case where the caster 132 of 1 is installed in the center of the tip side of the tray 100 is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this. A plurality of casters 132 may be installed on the bottom surface of the tray 100 at predetermined intervals. The length from the bottom surface of the tray 100 to the tip end portion of the caster 132 is set shorter than the length from the bottom surface of the tray 100 to the floor surface on which the water server 2 is installed. That is, as described above, the diameter of the caster 132 is such that it does not come into contact with the floor surface at least when a load of a predetermined range or more is not applied to the tray 100.
The tray 100 is provided with a support 146 for fixing the first rail member 104a to the bottom plate surface. The support 146 is fixedly supported by a fixed surface portion that comes into contact with the bottom surface of the tray 100 and is fixed via a fixing member such as a bolt (not shown) and the first rail member 104a, and is perpendicular to or perpendicular to the fixed surface portion. It is composed of a support surface that is erected at an angle close to that.

Further, for example, the first rail member 104a and the third rail member 104c are engaged with different surfaces of the second rail member 104b. The engagement position of the second rail member 104b with one rail member does not affect the engagement position with the other rail member. In the installation or replacement process of the raw water container 90, for example, by pulling out the tray 100 from the storage unit 6 and pushing the protruding tray 100 into the storage unit 6, the first rail member 104a and the third rail member are performed. The sliding motion of the second rail member 104b with respect to 104c may be different. That is, a sliding motion may first occur between the first rail member 104a and the second rail member 104b, and then a sliding motion of the second rail member 104b and the third rail member 104c may occur. The order other than, or these may occur at the same time.

Further, the guide rail 104 limits the amount of protrusion of the tray, for example, in order to maintain the tray 100 at an angle orthogonal to or close to the opening surface of the opening 130. That is, the guide rail 104 may be restricted so that the second rail member 104b does not slide to the tip end side of the third rail member 104c, for example, as shown in FIG. By increasing the number of overlapping portions of the second rail member 104b and the third rail member 104c in this way, the rigidity of the guide rail 104, which is in a so-called cantilever state due to the protrusion of the tray 100, is increased, and the rigidity of the guide rail 104 is increased on the tray 100. The bearing capacity of the acting load can be maintained.

In addition, the third rail member 104c is provided with a contact member that regulates the protrusion amount of the tray 100 and vibrates according to the slide operation for each predetermined amount, so that the operator recognizes the slide position and the slide amount. It may be provided with a structure for making it.

<About raw water container 90>
The internal container 94 of the raw water container 90 is, for example, filled with raw water W, and its volume changes according to the amount of storage. As shown in FIG. 8, for example, the water supply portion 96 of the inner container 94 includes a convex portion 150 formed to have a large diameter and a concave portion 152 adjacent to the convex portion 150. The convex portion 150 and the concave portion 152 are examples of means for engaging with a predetermined position in the storage portion 6. At least one set of the convex portion 150 and the concave portion 152 may be formed with respect to the water supply portion 96, or a plurality of sets may be formed so that the installation height of the raw water container 90 can be varied.
In addition, the raw water case 92 includes, for example, a plurality of locking pieces 154 along the edge of the opening that projects the water supply portion 96. The locking pieces 154 may be formed, for example, all having the same size and the same shape, may be different from each other, or the facing surfaces may have the same size and shape. The locking piece 154 is an example of a means for preventing the inner container 94 from coming into contact with the inner container 94 on the opening side. The locking piece 154 is formed to a size that cannot be detached when, for example, there is at least a predetermined amount of raw water in the inner container 94.

<Installation status of raw water container 90>
FIG. 9 shows the water intake portion and the hook portion from the opening side of the housing.
As shown in FIG. 9, for example, the water supply cover member 98 is formed with a support convex portion 160 projecting in a direction of narrowing the opening shape at a tip portion arranged downward. The support convex portion 160 is an example of the hook portion of the present invention, and is an example of a means for holding the water supply portion 96 of the raw water container 90 in a predetermined position. In the raw water container 90 conveyed into the storage portion 6, for example, as shown in FIG. 10, the concave portion 152 of the water supply portion 96 is arranged in the opening portion formed by the support convex portion 160. As a result, the water supply unit 96 is fixedly arranged at a set position in the storage unit 6 against deformation of the internal container 94 made of a flexible resin material, for example.
Then, in the installation process of the raw water container 90, for example, as shown in FIG. 11A, the concave portion 152 of the water supply portion 96 is arranged so as to be aligned with the position of the support convex portion 160. Then, the water supply portion 96 is locked to the support convex portion 160, and as shown in FIG. 11B, the handle 114 is pushed downward to displace the water intake portion 110 downward via the arm 116 or the like. As a result, the tip portion of the water intake unit 110 is inserted into the water supply unit 96 of the raw water container 90.
As shown in FIG. 12, for example, a portion having a certain length from the tip end side of the water intake portion 110 is inserted into the opening 119 of the water supply portion 96. The water supply section 96 of the raw water container 90 before the start of use is provided with, for example, a sealing means for an opening (not shown), and the tip portion of the water intake section 110 presses the sealing means to open the water supply section 96. As described above, in the insertion process of the water intake portion 110, the raw water container 90 is pressed downward, but the tip portion of the support convex portion 160 comes into contact with the peripheral surface of the convex portion 150 of the water supply portion 96, so that the raw water container 90 is pressed. It prevents it from shifting downward.
In addition, the water intake unit 110 is provided with a water supply hole 170 for taking in the raw water W at the tip portion inserted into the raw water container 90, and a communication flow path 172 for passing the raw water W taken in from the water supply hole 170 into the inside. A check valve 174 that communicates with the flow path 172 and prevents the raw water W from flowing back to the raw water container 90 side is formed. Then, the raw water W that has passed through the non-return path 174 flows to the connection portion 176 side to which the water supply pipe 26 is connected.

As the water supply progresses, the raw water W in the raw water container 90 decreases, and when the remaining amount reaches a predetermined level, the process shifts to the replacement process of the raw water container 90.
As shown in FIG. 13, for example, the raw water container 90 shrinks when the internal raw water W decreases. That is, since the inside of the internal container 94 is maintained in a closed state and the raw water W is supplied by the negative pressure of the water supply pump 28, the internal container 94 is in a contracted state according to the amount of residual water. At this time, since the water supply portion 96 of the contracted internal container 94 is locked by the support convex portion 160 of the water supply cover member 98, the connection with the water intake portion 110 can be maintained.

<Effect of the second embodiment>
According to the configuration of this embodiment, the following effects can be expected.
(1) By making the tray 100 and the guide rail 104 displaceable in a state orthogonal to or close to the opening surface of the opening 130, it is possible to prevent damage to the floor surface and its surroundings when the tray 100 is pulled out.
(2) The load load placed on the tray 100 by setting the installation direction of the rail members 104a, 104b, 104c to the floor surface at a right angle or an angle close to the right angle and engaging the guide rail with the vertical surface. In contrast to the above, it is possible to prevent the rail members from being separated from each other and to increase the rigidity against a load.
(3) By adjusting the protrusion amount of the rail members 104a, 104b, 104c with respect to the load load placed on the tray 100 and increasing the overlapping portion, the rigidity against the load load can be increased, and the tray 100 can be placed on the floor surface. It is possible to prevent contact with such things, or to increase the load that can be placed.
(4) Since the contact between the guide rail 104 and the floor surface can be prevented during the transportation of the tray 100, the replacement workability of the raw water container 90 is improved.

(5) By engaging the support convex portion 160 with the water supply portion 96 of the raw water container 90, the connectivity between the raw water container 90 and the water intake portion 110 can be maintained, and the reliability of the water server can be improved.
(6) By performing the installation operation of the raw water container 90 with reference to the support convex portion 160 and the concave portion 152 of the water supply portion 96 located away from the water intake unit 110, it is possible to prevent the operator from accidentally touching the water intake unit 110. It is possible to maintain the cleanliness of the supplied hot water HW, cold water CW, and the storage unit 6.
To.
(7) By engaging the support convex portion 160 with the water supply portion 96 of the raw water container 90, even if the residual water in the inner container 94 decreases and contracts, the connection with the intake portion 110 is forced by gravity or the like. It can be prevented from being released.

[Other embodiments]
Modifications of the embodiments described above are listed below.

(1) FIG. 14 shows a configuration example of a water server according to another embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 14, for example, the water server 2 may have a magnet 190 installed on a guide wall 142 on the back side of the tray 100. Further, the exterior housing portion 82 forming the storage portion 6 or a part of the inner wall surface thereof may be formed of a magnetic material such as metal. As a result, when the tray 100 is arranged in the storage portion 6, the magnet 190 is attracted to or maintained in contact with the inner wall surface of the outer housing portion 82 by a magnetic force, and the water supply portion 96 of the raw water container 90 is maintained. Can be maintained at a predetermined water supply position.
Further, for example, a magnetic sensor may be provided on the inner wall surface of the exterior housing portion 82, and the detection result may be notified to the control device 70. As a result, the control device 70 can detect, for example, the presence or absence of the tray 100 in the storage unit 6, and can grasp whether or not the raw water container 90 is being replaced. Based on this detection result, the control device 70 may control, for example, when the raw water container is being replaced, the operation of water supply or hot water supply instruction to the operation panel 72 may be invalidated, or the operation of the water supply pump 28 may be prohibited.

(2) The water server 2 may monitor the replacement state of the raw water container 90 by, for example, a sensor installed in the storage unit 6. This sensor monitors, for example, whether or not the raw water container 90 is present in the storage unit 6, and also monitors whether or not the raw water container 90 is placed at a predetermined installation position and whether or not the raw water container 90 is oriented in a set direction. do it. Then, the detection signal by the sensor may be notified to the control device 70 side at any time or at a predetermined timing. Further, the control device 70 may display an alarm on the operation panel 72 based on the detection result, for example.

(3) In the above embodiment, the case where the exposed cover 124 is formed so as to cover the joint portion between the raw water container 90 and the intake portion 110 is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this. The exposed cover 124 may cover, for example, the water intake portion 110 before lowering the handle 114 so as not to expose the water intake portion 110 from the opening 130. At this time, the exposure cover 124 may be installed so as to be independent of the vertical displacement operation by, for example, the displacement mechanism unit 112. With this configuration, even if the opening 130 is opened due to the replacement process of the raw water container 90 or the like, it is possible to prevent the water intake portion 110 from being directly exposed to the outside of the opening 130, and the direct contact with the outside air can be prevented. In addition to reducing the possibility of foreign matter such as dust and dirt adhering to the water intake unit 110, it is possible to prevent the operator from touching the water intake unit 110 during the replacement work of the raw water container 90.

(4) The water server 2 is provided with a load sensor on a water supply cover member 98 (hook portion) that locks the water supply portion 96 of the raw water container 90, and monitors the amount of residual water by the weight of the raw water W in the raw water container 90, for example. Then, the replacement time may be monitored.
(5) Further, the water server 2 has a weight at which the guide rail 104 can maintain the cantilever state when the tray 100 is pulled out, for example, based on the detection result of the weight of the raw water container 90 as the replacement time of the raw water container 10. You may take this as an opportunity. Then, the display unit of the operation panel 72 may be notified of the arrival or approach of the replacement time.

(6) In the above embodiment, the water server 2 shows that the raw water W supplied from the raw water container 8 flows to the cold water tank 30 through the water supply pipe 26, but the present invention is not limited to this. The raw water W may be configured to flow from the raw water container 8 to the cold water tank 30 side via the hot water tank 32.

As described above, the most preferable embodiment of the present invention has been described. The present invention is not limited to the above description, and 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. Is. Needless to say, such modifications and modifications are included in the scope of the present invention.

The water server of the present invention pulls out the tray and the sliding means horizontally when pulling out the raw water container to be replaced, so that the tray and the sliding means do not come into contact with the floor surface on which the water server is installed and the peripheral portion thereof, and the floor. It is useful because it can avoid damage to the surface.

2 Water server 4 Housing 6 Storage section 8, 90 Raw water container 10, 96 Water supply section 12, 100 Tray 14 Sliding means 16 Opening 18 Water intake means 20 Hook section 22 Displacement mechanism section 24 Lever 26 Water supply pipe 28 Water supply pump 30 Cold water tank 32 Hot water tank 34 Water supply port 36 Partition plate 38 Opening 40 Water flow pipe 42 Evaporator 44 Cooling device 46, 58 Temperature sensor 48 Water level sensor 50 Cold water pipe 52, 62 Water supply port 54 Cold water electromagnetic valve 56 Heater 60 Hot water pipe 64 Hot water electromagnetic valve 66 Bypass pipe 68 Bypass valve 70 Control device 72 Operation panel 74 Sensor 80 First exterior housing part 82 Second exterior housing part 84 Water supply / hot water supply part 86 Mounting part 88 Lid part 92 Raw water case 94 Internal container 98 Water supply Cover member 102 Bottom plate 104 Guide rail 104a, 104b, 104c Rail member 110 Water intake 112 Displacement mechanism 114 Handle 116 Arm 118 Guide 120, 122 Support 124 Exposed cover 130 Opening 132 Caster 140 Mounting surface 142 Guide wall 144 146 Support 150 Convex 152 Concave 154 Locking piece 160 Support convex 170 Water supply hole 172 Passage 174 Non-stop path 176 Connection 190 Magnet

Claims (6)

It is a water server that supplies water from a raw water container.
A housing having at least a storage unit for storing the raw water container on the lower side,
An opening through which the raw water container can be taken in and out from the peripheral surface side of the housing to the storage portion,
A water intake means for taking out raw water by inserting the raw water container into the water supply portion of the raw water container stored in the storage portion with the water supply hole directed upward.
A tray on which the raw water container is placed and which has one or more supporting means on the back surface to prevent deformation due to the load of the raw water container .
The tray is taken in and out of the storage portion through the opening, and at least when the raw water container is not placed on the tray, the raw water container is empty, or the amount of raw water is a predetermined amount or less, the opening is opened. The tray is projected so as to be orthogonal to or close to the opening surface, and the tray and the supporting means are transported away from the floor surface, so that the amount of raw water exceeds a predetermined amount when the tray is projected. When the raw water container is placed, the sliding means that brings the supporting means into contact with the floor surface by bending, and the sliding means.
Equipped with
A water server characterized in that the length from the back surface of the tray to the tip of the support means is shorter than the length from the back surface of the tray to the floor surface . Further, a hook portion that engages with a part or all of the water supply portion of the raw water container arranged in the storage portion, and a hook portion.
A displacement mechanism unit that displaces the water intake means in the vertical direction to attach and detach the water intake means and the water supply unit.
The hook portion is arranged on the transport path of the raw water container transported by the slide means, and by engaging with the water supply portion, the opening of the water supply portion is inserted into the water intake means. The water server according to claim 1, wherein the water server is guided to a position. Further, a shielding member arranged between the opening and the water intake means, which covers at least the insertion portion of the water intake means with respect to the water supply portion and hides from the opening.
The water server according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the water server is provided. The shielding member is installed in the displacement mechanism portion, is displaced in the vertical direction together with the water intake means, and when the insertion of the water intake means into the water supply portion is released, the water supply portion is exposed from the opening. The water server according to claim 3, wherein the water server is characterized by the above. The water according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the tray is provided with a guide wall for restricting the placement state of the raw water container on a mounting surface on which the raw water container is placed and a peripheral portion thereof. server. Further, a sensor for detecting that the tray or the raw water container is arranged at a predetermined position in the storage portion, and a sensor.
A control unit that enables the water supply means to take in water from the raw water container in response to the detection signal of the sensor, and a control unit.
The water server according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the water server is provided.

Images