JP7403871B2 - Water supply equipment, water supply methods, and water supply programs - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a water server that supplies hot water or cold water, and relates to a technology for adjusting the temperature of the water supply.

There is a water server that stores mineral water at a predetermined temperature and supplies water according to a user's request. Water servers that dispense cold or hot water are becoming popular not only in offices and stores, but also in ordinary households.

Regarding such a water server, the water server is equipped with a hot water tank for heating drinking water and a cold water tank for cooling drinking water, and is capable of supplying hot water and cold water, and the hot water tank and cold water tank are connected by a pipe. However, some systems sterilize a cold water tank by filling the cold water tank with hot water from the hot water tank. (For example, Patent Document 1).

JP2014-201322A

By the way, in the water server, the set temperature is set to, for example, 80 to 89 [°C] on the hot water side and 6 to 12 [°C] on the cold water side. In this way, the water server can respond to a wide range of required temperatures by supplying high-temperature hot water and low-temperature water. Furthermore, some water servers are capable of adjusting the temperature by several degrees Celsius on each of the high temperature side and the low temperature side.

However, as the range of users expands, the uses of water servers are also expanding, with water servers now being used in general households. If hot water or cold water is supplied, it can be used depending on the purpose, but for example, when making tea, taking medicine, or making milk for infants, the hot water temperature must be high. Too much. For such uses, a temperature comparable to so-called lukewarm water is required. Similarly, on the cold water side, it may be difficult to use water that is too low.

When a user supplies hot water and cold water to a container such as a cup and mixes them in order to obtain hot water or water at a desired temperature, it is difficult to adjust the water supply flow rate to achieve the desired temperature. . Furthermore, if tap water or the like is mixed with hot water supplied from a water server, there is a problem that the value of clean mineral water will be lost.

Patent Document 1 does not disclose or suggest such a problem, and the disclosed configuration cannot solve such a problem.

Therefore, in view of such problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a water supply device that can supply hot water or water at a desired temperature.

In order to achieve the above object, according to one aspect of the water supply device of the present invention, when water is supplied, the set temperature of the supplied water is instructed to a higher temperature side by an operation input, and cold water and hot water are mixed at a higher set temperature than before the operation. a first temperature switch that selects hot water or the hot water; and a second temperature switch that instructs the set temperature to a lower temperature side by operation input and selects the mixed hot water or the cold water that has a lower set temperature than before the operation. , an operation panel including an outlet temperature display section indicating the outlet temperature of the mixed hot water; and the cold water, the hot water, or the mixed hot water is selected depending on the position of the valve body; or a mixing valve that outputs either the mixed hot water or the mixed hot water; and a mixing valve that receives the operation input from the operation panel and controls the valve body of the mixing valve to output either cold water, hot water, or the set temperature of the mixed hot water. and a control section for controlling the position.

This water supply device may further include an electromagnetic valve that is controlled to be open by the control unit during water supply to supply either the cold water, the hot water, or the mixed hot water from the water supply port.

In this water supply device, the mixing valve further includes a cold water pipe for receiving the cold water, a hot water pipe for receiving the hot water, and one of the cold water, the hot water, or the mixed hot water in a valve housing. and a discharge pipe for discharging water, and the valve body may include the valve element whose position is changed to select the set temperature of the cold water, the hot water, or the mixed hot water.

This water supply device may further include a single water supply unit that outputs either the cold water, the hot water, or the mixed hot water selected during water supply.

In order to achieve the above object, according to one aspect of the water supply method of the present invention, the operation panel receives the operation input of the first temperature switch and instructs the set temperature of the supply water to a high temperature side, and a step of selecting the mixed hot water of cold water and hot water having a higher set temperature or the hot water; a step of selecting the mixed hot water or the cold water having a lower set temperature ; a step of displaying the outlet temperature of the mixed hot water on an outlet temperature display section of the operation panel; The method includes the step of controlling the position of a valve body of a mixing valve and supplying either the cold water, the hot water, or the mixed hot water depending on the position of the valve body.

This water supply method may further include the step of controlling the solenoid valve to an open state during water supply , and supplying either the cold water, the hot water, or the mixed hot water from the water supply port.

In order to achieve the above object, one aspect of the water supply program of the present invention is a water supply program executed by a computer, which receives an operation input from a first temperature switch of an operation panel and adjusts the set temperature of the water supply. A function of instructing the high temperature side to select a mixed hot water of cold water and hot water having a set temperature higher than that before the operation, or the hot water, and receiving an operation input from the second temperature switch of the operation panel to set the set temperature. a function of instructing the low temperature side to select the mixed hot water or the cold water with a set temperature lower than that before operation; a function of displaying the outlet temperature of the mixed hot water on the outlet temperature display section of the operation panel; a function of selecting either the cold water, the hot water, or the mixed hot water according to the position of the valve body; and a function of receiving the operation input and controlling the position of the valve body of the mixing valve. executed by the computer.

In this water supply program, the computer may further perform a function of controlling a solenoid valve to an open state during water supply, and supplying either the cold water, the hot water, or the mixed hot water from the water supply port. .

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

(1) It is possible to control the temperature of mixed water by controlling the water supply temperature by the control unit that receives heating instructions and temperature reduction instructions for the requested water supply temperature.

(2) Water can be discharged at the set temperature based on heating instructions and cooling instructions.

(3) Temperature adjustment processing for the set temperature of mixed water can be accelerated by operating the heating switch or temperature reducing switch.

(4) By controlling the opening ratio of the mixing means by operating the heating switch and the temperature reducing switch, it is possible to discharge mixed water at a desired set temperature.

Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become clearer by referring to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

It is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a water server according to the first embodiment. It is a figure showing the example of composition of the water server concerning a 2nd embodiment. It is a figure showing an example of an operation panel. It is a figure showing an example of external appearance composition of a water server. It is a figure showing an example of a control device. It is a flow chart which shows an example of water supply processing. It is a figure showing the example of composition of the water server concerning a 3rd embodiment. It is a figure showing an example of composition of a mixing valve. It is a figure showing an example of an operation panel.

[First embodiment]

FIG. 1 shows a configuration example of a water server according to a first embodiment. The configuration shown in FIG. 1 is an example, and the present invention is not limited to such a configuration.

This water server 2 is an example of the water supply device of the present invention, and stores clean water such as mineral water or purified water at least at low and high temperatures, and supplies hot or cold water according to the user's request. It is a supply device. The water server 2 also has a function of mixing temperature-controlled cold water and hot water at predetermined ratios and supplying water at the temperature requested by the user.

The water server 2 that realizes such functions includes, for example, a cold water tank 4 that stores cold water CW, a hot water tank 6 that stores hot water HW, a cooling means 8 that cools the cold water tank 4, a heating means 10 that heats the hot water tank, and a cold water CW. The apparatus includes a mixing means 12 that mixes and hot water HW at a predetermined ratio, and a control device 20 that controls the mixing ratio of the mixing means 12. The water server 2 also includes a water supply pipe 14 for flowing cold water CW from the cold water tank 4 to the mixing means 12, a water supply pipe 16 for flowing hot water HW from the hot water tank 6 to the mixing means 12, and a water supply port 18 for supplying water to the outside. Be prepared.

The cold water tank 4 is an example of a means for storing cold water CW generated by the cooling means 8 from the water inside. The cooling means 8 maintains the temperature of the cold water CW in the cold water tank 4 based on the set temperature on the low temperature side. The hot water tank 6 is an example of a means for storing hot water HW generated by the heating means 10 from the water inside. The heating means 10 maintains the temperature of the hot water HW in the hot water tank 6 based on the set temperature on the high temperature side. The cold water tank 4 and the hot water tank 6 are each connected to a water supply means (not shown), and are supplied with the amount of water consumed in response to a water supply request.

The mixing means 12 is an example of means for taking in the cold water CW in the cold water tank 4 and the hot water HW in the hot water tank 6 at a predetermined ratio and mixing them to generate mixed water MW at a requested temperature. The mixing means 12 includes, for example, a flow rate adjusting means for adjusting the ratio of the flow rate of cold water CW taken in from the cold water tank 4 and the flow rate of hot water HW taken in from the hot water tank 6, and a mixing section for mixing the taken cold water CW and hot water HW. Be prepared. Further, the mixing means 12 may mix cold water CW and hot water HW to generate mixed water MW, for example, or may take in and flow only cold water CW or hot water HW.

The water supply port 18 is connected to the mixing means 12, and is an example of means for supplying mixed water MW supplied through the mixing means 12, unmixed cold water CW, and hot water HW to the outside. For example, this water supply port 18 may be configured singly, or may be configured independently for hot water HW, cold water CW, and mixed water MW.

The control device 20 is an example of a control function that controls the operation of the water server 2, and has a function of adjusting the mixing ratio of the mixing means 12, for example, with respect to the required temperature set by the user. Further, the control device 20 may be connected to the cooling means 8 and the heating means 10, for example, and may perform temperature management processing within the cold water tank 4 and the hot water tank 6 in addition to performing cooling processing and heating processing of water.

<Effects of the first embodiment>

According to such a configuration, the following effects can be obtained.

(1) The water supply temperature set by the user is mixed by controlling the amount of water supplied from the cold water tank 4 side and the water supply amount from the hot water tank 6 side to the mixing means 12 according to instructions from the control device 20. It becomes possible to control the temperature of hot water.

(2) By mixing hot water with a large temperature difference, the flow rate of hot water or cold water can be reduced in temperature control of the mixed water, so waste of cold water CW or hot water HW can be reduced.

(3) Since the temperature difference between the hot water and water to be mixed is large and the temperature change due to mixing is large, the temperature adjustment process for the set temperature can be speeded up.

(4) Since the water supply temperature is adjusted using mineral water in the water server, the cleanliness of the supplied water is maintained.

[Second embodiment]

FIG. 2 shows an example of the configuration of a water server according to the second embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 2, for example, this water server 30 has a water supply tank 32 for storing room-temperature water W on the upper side of the main body. Further, inside the main body, for example, a cold water tank 34 is installed in the upper stage, and a hot water tank 36 is installed in the lower stage. Cold water CW is stored in the cold water tank 34. The hot water tank 36 stores hot water HW.

The water supply tank 32 is an example of a water supply means for the water server 30, and stores water W at room temperature. The water supply tank 32 is a so-called gallon bottle type container made of resin or glass and filled with water W, for example. The water supply tank 32 is placed on the ceiling side of the main body of the water server 30 with the water supply port 38 facing downward, so that the water supply port 38 is connected to a water receiving member 40 installed on the upper side of the cold water tank 34. . As a result, the water W in the water supply tank 32 flows out into the cold water tank 34, and water is supplied.

The water supply tank 32 is not limited to the gallon bottle type, but may be of the so-called back-in-box type, which includes an outer case made of cardboard or the like and a water container made of resin or the like that stores water W inside the outer case. may be adopted.

The cold water tank 34 includes a valve mechanism 42 as a means for controlling the inflow of water W through the water receiving member 40. By opening and closing the valve mechanism 42, the flow of water W into and out of the cold water tank 34 is switched. The valve mechanism 42 includes a valve body 44 that switches between inflow and cutoff of water W by contacting or separating from the opening of the water receiving member 40, and a cold water tank on which the valve body 44 is placed and one end thereof. 34 and a part of the casing includes a support part 46 rotatably supported. As a result, the valve body 44 comes into contact with or separates from the opening portion of the water receiving member 40 in accordance with the rotation of the support portion 46 . The support portion 46 also includes a float 48 at one end that is not supported pivotally. This float 48 floats on the surface of the cold water CW in the cold water tank 34.

In this valve mechanism 42, a valve body 44 opens and closes an opening of the water receiving member 40 in accordance with the floating of the float 48. That is, in the valve mechanism 42, the float 48 rises as the water level in the cold water tank 34 increases, and this rise causes the support portion 46 to rotate around the support shaft, thereby displacing the valve body 44 upward. When the cold water CW in the cold water tank 34 reaches a predetermined water level, the valve body 44 reaches and contacts the opening of the water receiving member 40 to close this opening and prevent water W from flowing in from the water supply tank 32. Cut off. Further, when the water level in the cold water tank 34 decreases due to a demand for water supply, the float 48 descends accordingly. Then, as the float 48 descends, the support portion 46 rotates in the opposite direction to the movement of the float 48 when it rises, thereby displacing the valve body 44 and separating it from the opening of the water receiving member 40. As a result, the opening becomes open, and water W in the water supply tank 32 flows into the cold water tank 34 through the water receiving member 40.

This cold water tank 34 has an air layer between the water surface of the cold water CW and the opening of the water receiving member 40 when the water supply from the water supply port 38 is cut off, for example, due to at least the thickness of the float 48 and the valve body 44. Can be done. The float 48 and the valve mechanism 42 prevent the cold water CW in the cold water tank 34 and the water W in the water supply tank 32 from coming into physical and thermal contact.

The cold water tank 34 is equipped with a partition plate 50 having a diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the cold water tank 34, for example. The partition plate 50 is disposed, for example, at a mid-height of the cold water tank 34, and partitions the water staying at the bottom of the tank from the water at the top of the tank. In other words, the partition plate 50 suppresses the amount of contact between the cold water CW cooled to the set temperature that stays at the bottom of the tank and the cold water CW that is below the set temperature and the supplied water W that stays at the top of the tank. , the temperature change of the stored cold water CW is reduced. Further, the partition plate 50 has an opening 52 of a predetermined diameter formed, for example, on the center side, and is connected to a water supply pipe 54 leading to the hot water tank 36 through this opening 52. The water supply pipe 54 is an example of a pipe through which water in the cold water tank 34 flows to the hot water tank 36 side, and passes through the bottom of the cold water tank 34 from the opening 52 of the partition plate 50, and opens on the lower side of the hot water tank 36. are doing.

In this water server 30, replenishment of water to the hot water tank 36 and replenishment of water to the cold water tank 34 occur in a series of steps. The hot water tank 36 takes in the water in the cold water tank 34 and supplies it with water. That is, when hot water HW is supplied to the hot water tank 36, the water level in the hot water tank 36 decreases in accordance with the amount of hot water HW. When the water level in the hot water tank 36 decreases, water in the cold water tank 34 flows into the hot water tank 36 through the water supply pipe 54. When the water level in the cold water tank 34 changes due to the water supply to the hot water tank 36, the valve mechanism 42 opens as described above, and the water W in the water supply tank 32 is supplied to the cold water tank 34. Thereby, as long as there is water W in the water supply tank 32, the hot water tank 36 and the cold water tank 34 can be maintained in a full state.

The cold water tank 34 is equipped with an evaporator 56 that cools the water to a set temperature of, for example, 6 to 12 degrees Celsius, and a cold water sensor 58 that monitors the temperature of the cold water CW. The evaporator 56 is constituted by, for example, a pipe line wound around the cold water tank 34, and cools the cold water tank 34 with the refrigerant flowing therein. The cold water sensor 58 is composed of, for example, a thermistor thermometer, and the detected data is taken into the control device 90. Based on an instruction from the control device 90, the cold water tank 34 limits the supply of cold water if the temperature of the cold water CW is not lower than the set temperature.

A heater 60 is wrapped around the outside of the hot water tank 36 to heat the water inside. As this heater 60, for example, an electric heater is used. The hot water tank 36 is also equipped with a hot water sensor 62 that monitors the temperature inside the tank. This detected temperature is used for hot water temperature management, hot water supply restrictions, etc.

<Configuration of water supply side>

A cold water pipe 64 is installed on the bottom side of the cold water tank 34, and the cold water CW in the cold water tank 34 is flowed to the water supply port 66 side. This cold water pipe 64 is an example of the first water supply pipe of the present disclosure, and a cold water electromagnetic valve 68 for controlling the supply of cold water is installed in the middle of the pipe, and the flow rate flowing into the cold water pipe 64 is switched.

A hot water pipe 70 is connected, for example, to the upper side of the hot water tank 36, and hot water HW in the hot water tank 36 is flowed toward the water supply port 72 in response to a request for water supply. This hot water pipe 70 is an example of the second water supply pipe of the present disclosure, and a hot water solenoid valve 74 for controlling the supply of hot water is installed in the middle of the pipe.

The cold water pipe 64 includes, for example, a cold water branch pipe 76 that branches between the cold water tank 34 and the cold water solenoid valve 68. This cold water branch pipe 76 is formed, for example, toward the hot water pipe 70 side. The hot water pipe 70 also includes a hot water branch pipe 78 that branches between the hot water tank 36 and the hot water solenoid valve 74, for example. This hot water branch pipe 78 is formed, for example, toward the cold water pipe 64 side. The cold water branch pipe 76 and the hot water branch pipe 78 are connected to a mixing valve 80.

The mixing valve 80 is an example of a mixing means that mixes the cold water CW taken in from the cold water branch pipe 76 and the hot water HW taken in from the hot water branch pipe 78, and by mixing the cold water CW and hot water HW, it adjusts the set temperature. It has a function of generating and supplying mixed water MW. The mixed water MW generated by the mixing valve 80 is passed through the water supply pipe 81 to the water supply port 82 side. The mixing valve 80 is formed of a proportional valve whose opening degree for each opening can be controlled by electromagnetic control, for example. The mixing valve 80 can change its opening degree to, for example, the cold water branch pipe 76 and the hot water branch pipe 78, and is open to the water supply port 82 side. The water supply pipe 81 is an example of the third water supply pipe of the present disclosure, and allows the mixed water MW mixed by the mixing valve 80 to flow toward the water supply port 82 side.

Further, the water supply pipe 81 is provided with a water outlet solenoid valve 84 for controlling the supply of the mixed water MW between the mixing valve 80 and the water supply port 82, and a water outlet temperature sensor 86 for detecting the water supply temperature of the mixed water MW. The mixing valve 80, the water outlet solenoid valve 84, and the water outlet temperature sensor 86 are connected to a control device 90.

Note that the mixing valve 80 is not limited to the use of an electromagnetically controlled proportional valve, and may also be a mechanical on-off valve that mechanically determines the opening state of the valve based on the amount of operation of a control lever, for example. .

The water server 30 includes a control device 90 that controls the opening and closing of valves and controls the temperatures inside the cold water tank 34 and the hot water tank 36. The control device 90 includes an operation panel 92 that includes operation means and status display means for operating water supply and hot water supply, temperature display, temperature setting, and the like. The operation panel 92 includes, for example, temperature setting means 93 for the mixed water MW, and the opening degree of the mixing valve 80 is determined based on this set temperature. In addition, a cooling device 94 that flows a refrigerant between the water server 30 and the evaporator 56 is arranged on the bottom side of the main body. This cooling device 94 includes, for example, a compressor 96, a dryer 98, a condenser 100, and a capillary tube 102 connected by a refrigerant pipe.

FIG. 3 shows an example of an operation panel.

For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the operation panel 92 includes a cold water switch 112 that issues a cold water supply instruction, a hot water switch 114 that issues a hot water supply instruction, and an unlock switch 110 that unlocks the mix switch 116. The operation panel 92 also includes a mix switch 116 that generates and supplies mixed water MW through the mixing valve 80, a temperature "+" switch 118 that sets the water supply temperature of the mixed water MW to the high temperature side, and a temperature "+" switch 118 that sets the water supply temperature of the mixed water MW to the low temperature side. It is equipped with a "-" switch 120 and an outlet water temperature display 122 indicating the set temperature of the mixed water MW.

The temperature "+" switch 118 and the temperature "-" switch 120 are examples of means for setting the feed water temperature of the mixed water MW, and the opening degree of the mixing valve 80 is set by setting the feed water temperature. That is, by pressing the temperature "+" switch 118, the set water supply temperature increases. In response to this setting, the control device 90 widens the opening degree of the mixing valve 80 toward the hot water branch pipe 78 side, and narrows it toward the cold water branch pipe 76 side. As a result, the mixing valve 80 allows more hot water HW to flow in than before the water outlet temperature setting, and at the same time reduces the inflow amount of cold water CW. Then, due to the mixing of a large amount of hot water HW, the temperature of the water flowing out becomes high. In addition, in order to lower the outlet temperature of the mixed water MW, by pressing the temperature "-" switch 120, the inflow amount of the hot water HW is reduced and the inflow amount of the cold water CW side is increased, so that the low temperature mixed water MW comes out. can.

The water outlet temperature display 122 can display, for example, a plurality of lamps in a row, and the lamps light up between a high temperature "+" and a low temperature "-" to indicate the level of the set temperature. Then, by operating the temperature "+" switch 118 or the temperature "-" switch 120, the lamp that lights up changes, thereby notifying the set temperature. The display of the water output temperature display 122 may be set for each temperature, which is obtained by dividing the temperature between a predetermined temperature T1 set for the hot water side and a predetermined temperature T2 set for the cold water side, for example, by the number of display lamps. In addition to the set temperature, the water output temperature display 122 shows information on the proportion of water taken into the mixing valve 80. In other words, if the output water temperature display 122 is displayed on the "+" side, the proportion of hot water HW taken into the mixing valve 80 will increase, and if it is displayed on the "-" side, the proportion of cold water CW taken into the mixing valve 80 will increase. This indicates that the proportion of

<External configuration of water server>

FIG. 4 shows an example of the external configuration of the water server.

As shown in FIG. 4, for example, the water server 30 includes a mounting section 132 on which the water supply tank 32 is mounted on the upper part of the main body section 130. When replacing the water tank 32, the main body part 130 can be separated by lifting the water tank 32 upward from the mounting part 132, for example when water has stopped flowing from the water supply ports 66, 72, and 82. .

On the front side of the main body part 130, for example, an operation panel 92 is arranged on the inclined surface of the casing to display the temperature, perform water supply/hot water supply operations, and the like. The inclined surface of the casing is set at an angle that makes it easy for the user to visually recognize and operate the displayed content, based on, for example, the height of the main body. A water supply section is formed below the operation panel 92, and a water supply port 66 for flowing cold water CW, a water supply port 72 for flowing hot water HW, and a water supply port 82 for flowing mixed water MW are arranged.

<Example of configuration of control device>

FIG. 5 shows an example of the configuration of a water server control device. The configuration shown in FIG. 5 is an example, and the configuration is not limited thereto.

The control device 90 is composed of, for example, a microcomputer, and includes a processor 140, a memory 142, an I/O (Input/Output) 144, and the like.

The processor 140 is composed of, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and performs arithmetic processing on the OS (Operating System) stored in the memory 142, control programs related to water cooling control, heating control, valve opening/closing control, and the like. The memory 142 includes, for example, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 146 that functions as a work area in which control program calculations are performed, a data storage section 148 that is a storage area such as a ROM (Read Only Memory), and a program storage section 150.

The data storage unit 148 stores, for example, a valve opening degree database 152 of the mixing valve 80, and may also store water outlet temperature information of the mixed water MW detected by the outlet water temperature sensor 86. In addition to the OS and the water supply control program, the program storage unit 150 stores, for example, a valve opening adjustment program 154 for adjusting the opening of the mixing valve 80 so that the detected water output temperature matches the water output setting temperature. ing.

I/O 144 is an example of an interface between each functional unit of water server 30 and control device 90. The control device 90 receives detected temperature information from the cold water sensor 58, the hot water sensor 62, and the water outlet temperature sensor 86 via the I/O 144, and also receives the detected temperature information from the cold water solenoid valve 68, the hot water solenoid valve 74, the water outlet solenoid valve 84, and the compressor. 96, the heater 60, the mixing valve 80, and the like. The control device 90 is also connected to an operation panel 92 via an I/O 144, for example, and includes a lock release switch 110, a cold water switch 112, a hot water switch 114, a mix switch 116, a temperature "+" switch 118, and a temperature "-" switch. In response to an operation input to the switch 120, each process is executed, and operation instructions for the unlock indicator lamp 156, the hot water indicator lamp 157, the cold water indicator lamp 158, the water outlet temperature indicator 122, etc. are output.

In this manner, temperature control of the cold water tank 34 and hot water tank 36, opening degree control of the mixing valve 80, and water output temperature control are executed according to operation instructions from the control device 90.

<Water supply treatment>

FIG. 6 shows an example of water supply processing of the water server. The processing content and processing procedure shown in FIG. 6 are merely examples, and the present invention is not limited to such a configuration.

The process shown in FIG. 6 is an example of the water supply method and water supply control program for the water server of the present disclosure. This processing includes temperature management processing for the cold water tank 34 and hot water tank 36, processing for setting the opening degree of the mixing valve 80 with respect to the water supply setting temperature of the mixed water MW, and the like.

As temperature control processing for each tank, the water in the hot water tank 36 is kept at a predetermined temperature T1 (step S1), and the water in the cold water tank 34 is kept at a predetermined temperature T2 (step S2). This predetermined temperature T1 is set to, for example, 80 to 90 [°C] or 90 to 93 [°C] as a hot water setting temperature. Further, the predetermined temperature T2 is set to, for example, 6 to 12 [°C] or 12 to 16 [°C] as a cold water setting temperature. The predetermined temperatures T1 and T2 may be determined, for example, by a user's setting operation, or the set temperatures may be changed depending on the season or month.

It is determined whether the mixing temperature setting of the mixed water MW has been changed (step S3). In this determination process, for example, it may be determined whether the temperature "+" switch 118 or the temperature "-" switch 120 has been operated. If the setting of the mixing temperature is changed (YES in step S3), if the mixed water MW is being supplied (YES in S4), the water supply continues as is, and if the mixed water MW is not being supplied (NO in step S4). ), the opening degree of the mixing valve 80 is controlled according to the temperature set for the temperature setting means 93 (step S5). The opening degree of the mixing valve 80 may be controlled using, for example, the valve opening database 152 in which the valve opening degree is set for a set temperature. By adjusting the valve opening degree, the flow rates of hot water HW at a predetermined temperature T1 supplied from the hot water tank 36 and cold water CW at a predetermined temperature T2 supplied from the cold water tank 34 are determined.

As water supply processing, it is monitored whether the request is for hot water use (step S6) or cold water use (step S7). The hot water or cold water use request may be monitored by determining, for example, whether the cold water switch 112 or the hot water switch 114 on the operation panel 92 has been pressed.

In the case of a request to use hot water (YES in step S6), it is determined whether the temperature of the hot water in the hot water tank 36 is at a predetermined temperature, that is, the predetermined temperature T1 (step S8). In the case of the predetermined temperature T1 (YES in step S8), the hot water solenoid valve 74 is opened (step S9), and water is supplied from the water supply port 72.

If the temperature in the hot water tank 36 is not the predetermined temperature T1 in response to the hot water usage request (NO in step S8), it is determined that preparation for hot water supply is not completed, and the hot water solenoid valve 74 is closed and water is not supplied (step S10). ).

Further, in the case of a cold water usage request (YES in step S7), it is determined whether or not the inside of the cold water tank 34 is at a predetermined cold water temperature T2 (step S11). In the case of the predetermined temperature T2 (YES in step S11), the cold water solenoid valve 68 is opened (step S12), and water is supplied from the water supply port 66. In addition, if the temperature inside the cold water tank 34 is not the predetermined temperature T2 in response to the cold water usage request (NO in step S11), it is assumed that the preparation for water supply is not completed, and the cold water solenoid valve 68 is closed and water is not supplied (step S11). S10).

Note that the water server 30 may supply water in response to a request for hot water supply or water supply even if, for example, the temperature in the hot water tank 36 or the cold water tank 34 has not reached the predetermined temperature T1 or T2. In this case, for example, the operation panel 92 may display that the set temperature has not been reached.

It is determined whether or not there is a water supply request for mixed water MW (S13). When the mix switch 116 is pressed and there is a request to supply the mixed water MW (YES in S13), the water output solenoid valve 84 is opened (step S14) and water is supplied from the water supply port 82. At this time, the control device 90 monitors the temperature detected by the water outlet temperature sensor 86, and adjusts the opening degree of the mixing valve 80 so that the mixed water temperature reaches the set temperature (S15).

For controlling the mixing valve 80, so-called feedforward (FF) control is employed, in which the valve opening degree database 152 or the like is used to set the valve opening degree with respect to a temperature set before water supply. Then, when water supply is started, so-called feedback (FB) control is adopted in which the set temperature and the detected water supply temperature are compared and the valve opening degree is adjusted based on the temperature difference obtained by this comparison. In adjusting the valve opening degree, for example, by executing the valve opening degree adjustment program 154, the value of the temperature difference between the supply water temperature and the set temperature is calculated, and it is determined whether the temperature difference is positive or negative. Then, if the water supply temperature is higher than the set temperature, that is, if the temperature difference is positive, the valve opening degree is adjusted so as to reduce the amount of water supplied from the hot water tank 36. If the temperature difference is negative, the valve opening degree may be adjusted to increase the amount of water supplied from the hot water tank 36. The amount of change in the valve opening degree may be determined using, for example, the valve opening database 152 that stores the amount of movement of the valve body of the mixing valve 80 and the amount of change in flow rate. By adjusting the valve opening degree, the ratio of taking in cold water CW and hot water HW is controlled.

If it is not a water supply request for mixed water MW (NO in S13), all electromagnetic valves may be closed to be in a standby state for a water supply request (Step S16).

<Effects of the second embodiment>

According to such a configuration, the following effects can be obtained.

(1) It becomes possible to supply hot water at the water supply temperature set by the user.

(2) By mixing hot water with a large temperature difference, the temperature of the mixed water can be set over a wide range when controlling the temperature of the mixed water.

(3) Since the temperature difference between the hot water and water to be mixed is large and the temperature change due to mixing is large, the temperature adjustment process for the set temperature can be speeded up.

(4) Since the water supply temperature is adjusted using mineral water in the water server, the cleanliness of the supplied water is maintained.

(5) By mixing the hot water HW and the cold water CW in the pipe of the water server 30 and supplying the water to the outside, splashing does not occur during mixing, and safety is improved.

(6) By monitoring the temperature of mixed water MW when water is supplied and adjusting the valve opening degree relative to the set temperature, water can be supplied at the temperature requested by the user, increasing convenience.

(7) By not changing the mixing temperature during water supply, the water supply temperature will not change unintentionally by the users receiving water supply, increasing safety.

[Third embodiment]

FIG. 7 shows an example of the configuration of a water server according to the third embodiment. The configuration shown in FIG. 7 is an example, and the present invention is not limited to such a configuration.

This embodiment is a configuration example in which a single water supply port is provided. In this water server 160, for example, as shown in FIG. 7, a cold water pipe 64 installed in a cold water tank 34 and a hot water pipe 70 installed in a hot water tank 36 are connected to a mixing valve 80. The mixing valve 80 is supplied with cold water CW, hot water HW, or both at a flow rate of a predetermined ratio from the cold water pipe 64 and the hot water pipe 70. Further, the water supply process is executed by opening and closing the water outlet solenoid valve 84. That is, the mixing valve 80 and the water output solenoid valve 84 function as a cold water solenoid valve 68 and a hot water solenoid valve 74 that control the water supply to the cold water tank 34 and the hot water tank 36 according to the set opening degree, and also control the flow rate from each tank. Functions as a control means.

The water server 160 supplies water from the common water supply port 82 in response to a water supply instruction for hot water HW, cold water CW, or mixed water MW.

<Configuration of mixing valve 80>

In the mixing valve 80, for example, as shown in FIG. 8, a mixing pipe 164 through which hot water and cold water flow is formed inside a valve housing 162. For example, a cold water pipe 64 is connected to the side surface of one end of the mixing pipe line 164, and a hot water pipe 70 is connected to the side surface in the middle of the pipe line. That is, the cold water pipe 64 and the hot water pipe 70 are connected in parallel with each other at a predetermined distance L1 with respect to the pipe direction of the mixing pipe 164. Further, the flow path end side of the mixing pipe line 164 is opened, and a discharge pipe 166 through which mixed water MW flows is connected to the water supply port 82 side.

Further, the mixing pipe 164 includes an operating pipe 168 having an outer diameter equivalent to the inner diameter of the pipe and having a hollow interior. This actuating pipe 168 is an example of a valve body, and is installed so as to be displaceable in the direction of the flow path within the mixing pipe line 164. Further, the operating pipe 168 is formed so that its length L2 is longer than the installation distance L1 between the cold water pipe 64 and the hot water pipe 70, and shorter than the length L3 of the mixing pipe 164.

The mixing valve 80 includes an actuator 170 that displaces the actuating pipe 168 within the mixing pipe line 164 and a motor 172 that is a driving means for the actuator 170. Actuator 170 is installed inside valve housing 162 and has an end connected to an end of actuation tube 168 . The actuator 170 has, for example, a tip 174 that contacts the actuating tube 168 formed in the shape of one or more shafts through which water can pass. Since this tip portion 174 is disposed, for example, on the flow path between the mixing pipe line 164 and the actuation pipe 168, it may be formed in a shape and shaft diameter that does not inhibit the inflow of cold water CW into the actuation pipe 168 by the actuator 170. . The amount of protrusion of the actuator 170 is set by driving the motor 172. Depending on the amount of protrusion of actuator 170, the variable position of actuating pipe 168 within mixing pipe line 164 is determined. The motor 172 operates according to control instructions from the control device 90. The control device 90 may, for example, proportionally control the operating amount and operating direction of the motor 172 with respect to the varying position of the operating tube 168.

As a result, the actuating pipe 168 moves within the mixing pipe 164, and depending on its position, the mixing pipe 164 can be closed to either the cold water pipe 64 or the hot water pipe 70. , opens the mixing line 164 to both lines. That is, the actuating pipe 168 functions as a valve body that determines the inflow amount of cold water CW and hot water HW depending on its moving position.

With such a configuration, when the operating pipe 168 is placed in the middle of the mixing pipe 164, as shown in FIG. The opening area V2 for the hot water pipe 70 is determined, and cold water CW and hot water HW flow into the mixing pipe 164 at flow rates corresponding to their respective areas. In the water supply process, the cold water CW passes through the inside of the working pipe 168, mixes with the hot water HW when it comes out of the working pipe 168, and flows toward the discharge pipe 166.

The valve opening degree database 152 contains, for example, the temperature of the mixed water MW for the position of the actuating pipe 168 based on the predetermined temperature T1 of hot water, the predetermined temperature T2 of cold water, and the opening areas V1 and V2 depending on the position of the actuating pipe 168. Stored. Thereby, in the process of setting and adjusting the opening degree of the mixing valve 80, the arrangement position of the actuating pipe 168 only needs to be adjusted.

When supplying hot water HW, the mixing valve 80 sets the actuator 170 in the most contracted state and blocks the cold water CW from the cold water pipe 64 with the actuating pipe 168, as shown in FIG. The hot water pipe 70 may be fully opened. Thereby, the hot water HW flowing in from the hot water pipe 70 flows to the water supply port 82 side.

In addition, when supplying cold water CW, the mixing valve 80 sets the actuator 170 in the most extended state and blocks the hot water pipe 70 with the actuating pipe 168, as shown in FIG. 64 should be in an open state. As a result, the cold water CW flowing from the cold water pipe 64 passes through the operating pipe 168 and flows to the water supply port 82 side.

<Configuration of operation panel 92>

FIG. 9 shows an example of the configuration of the operation panel.

For example, as shown in FIG. 9, the operation panel 92 includes a lock release switch 110, a water output switch 190, a temperature "+" switch 118 as a temperature setting means 93, a temperature "-" switch 120 for setting to a low temperature side, and a mixed water MW. What is necessary is to include an outlet water temperature display 122 indicating the set temperature. To supply cold water CW, operate the temperature "-" switch 120, and to supply hot water HW, operate the temperature "+" switch 118.

<Effects of the third embodiment>

According to such a configuration, the following effects can be obtained.

(1) Hot water HW and cold water CW can be mixed, the temperature range in which water can be supplied by the water server is expanded, and convenience is improved.

(2) The configuration of the operation panel can be simplified, and it is possible to avoid unintentional water supply due to pressing the wrong water supply or hot water supply switch.

(3) The number of water inlets and solenoid valves installed can be reduced, and the number of display sections on the operation panel can be reduced, resulting in lower costs and energy savings.

(4) By narrowing the water supply route to the mixing valve side, the number of pipes inside the device body can be reduced, so the device can be made more compact.

(5) By narrowing the water supply route to the mixing valve side, the number of pipes inside the device body can be reduced, which improves maintenance such as parts replacement.

(6) By mixing hot water HW or cold water CW and water W in the water server, the time the user is exposed to the outside air before obtaining the desired temperature of water or hot water can be reduced, and the hot water or water can be purified. You can maintain your sexuality.

(7) Since the temperature can be adjusted by mixing the mineral water in the water server without introducing tap water or the like from the outside, the cleanliness of the mixed water supplied can be maintained.

Characteristics and modifications of the embodiment described above are listed below.

(1) In the above embodiment, the water server 30 uses the cold water tank 34 and the hot water tank 36 as the two tanks that generate the mixed water MW, but the present invention is not limited to this. The water server may include, for example, a plurality of tanks in which water stored therein has different set temperatures. That is, the water server may be provided with a tank having a different predetermined temperature T3 instead of either the cold water tank or the hot water tank, or in addition to these tanks. The water server further includes another hot water tank in which medium-hot water MHW at a predetermined temperature T3 lower than the predetermined temperature T1 is stored, for example, and the hot water HW of the hot water tank 36 and the other hot water tank are provided with respect to the mixing valve 80. The water may be supplied by mixing it with medium-temperature water MHW.

(2) In the above embodiment, the water server includes two tanks, the cold water tank 34 and the hot water tank 36, and the two types of water, cold water CW and hot water HW in these tanks, are mixed and supplied. It is not limited to this. The water server may include three or more tanks having different set temperatures, and may supply mixed water MW obtained by mixing the water in these tanks to the set temperature.

(3) In the above embodiment, the temperature detected by the water outlet temperature sensor 86 that detects the supply water temperature of the mixed water MW is monitored, and the temperature is controlled to be the set temperature of the mixed water. A configuration may be adopted in which the sensor 86 is not provided and the opening degree of the valve is simply set in accordance with the set temperature of the mixed water.

As explained above, the most preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described, but the present invention is not limited to the above description, and the present invention is not limited to the invention described in the claims or disclosed in the specification. It goes without saying that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and changes based on the gist, and it goes without saying that such modifications and changes are included within the scope of the present invention.

The present invention makes it possible to supply mixed water at a temperature desired by the user by mixing temperature-controlled hot water HW and cold water CW, thereby increasing the convenience of water servers and improving safety in mixing hot water and cold water. This is beneficial because it can help ensure the cleanliness of the water supply and maintain the cleanliness of the water supply.

2, 30, 160 Water server 4, 34 Cold water tank 6, 36 Hot water tank 8 Cooling means 10 Heating means 12 Mixing means 14, 16 Water supply pipe 18, 38, 66, 72, 82 Water supply port 20 Control device 32 Water supply tank 40 Water receiving member 42 Valve mechanism 44 Valve body 46 Support part 48 Float 56 Evaporator 58 Cold water sensor 60 Heater 62 Hot water sensor 64 Cold water pipe 68 Cold water solenoid valve 70 Hot water pipe 74 Hot water solenoid valve 76 Cold water branch pipe 78 Hot water branch pipe 80 Mixing valve 84 Outlet solenoid valve 86 Outlet temperature sensor 90 Control device 92 Operation panel 93 Temperature setting means 110 Lock release switch 112 Cold water switch 114 Hot water switch 116 Mix switch 118 Temperature "+" switch 120 Temperature "-" switch 122 Outlet temperature display 148 Data storage Section 150 Program storage section 152 Valve opening degree database 154 Valve opening degree adjustment program 162 Valve housing 164 Mixing pipe line 166 Discharge pipe 168 Operating pipe 170 Actuator 172 Motor 174 Tip part 190 Water output switch

Claims (8)

At the time of water supply, a first temperature switch instructs the set temperature of the supplied water to a high temperature side by an operation input and selects a mixed hot water of cold water and hot water with a higher set temperature than before the operation or the hot water, an operation panel that includes a second temperature switch that instructs the temperature to a low temperature side and selects the mixed hot water or the cold water having a set temperature lower than that before the operation; and an outlet temperature display section that indicates the outlet temperature of the mixed hot water; ,
A mixing valve that selects the cold water, the hot water, or the mixed hot water depending on the position of the valve body, and outputs either the cold water, the hot water, or the mixed hot water;
a control unit that receives the operation input from the operation panel and controls the valve body of the mixing valve to a position of cold water, hot water, or a set temperature of the mixed hot water;
water supply equipment, including; The water supply device according to claim 1, further comprising an electromagnetic valve that is controlled to be open by the control unit to supply either the cold water, the hot water, or the mixed hot water from the water supply port when water is supplied. . Furthermore, the mixing valve has a valve housing provided with a cold water pipe for receiving the cold water, a hot water pipe for receiving the hot water, and a discharge pipe for discharging either the cold water, the hot water, or the mixed hot water. and the valve body includes the valve body whose position is changed to select the set temperature of the cold water, the hot water, or the mixed hot water.
The water supply device according to claim 1 or claim 2 . The water supply system according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , further comprising a single water supply unit that outputs either the cold water, the hot water, or the mixed hot water selected during water supply. Water supply device. The operation panel receives the operation input of the first temperature switch, instructs the set temperature of the supplied water to a high temperature side, and selects the mixed warm water of cold water and hot water or the hot water having a set temperature higher than that before the operation. ,
the operation panel receiving the operation input of the second temperature switch, instructing the set temperature to a lower temperature side, and selecting the mixed hot water or the cold water having a lower set temperature than before the operation ;
displaying the outlet temperature of the mixed hot water on an outlet temperature display section of the operation panel;
A control unit controls the position of a valve body of a mixing valve according to the operation input of the operation panel, and supplies either the cold water, the hot water, or the mixed hot water according to the position of the valve body. The process of
water supply methods, including The water supply according to claim 5 , further comprising the step of controlling the solenoid valve to an open state when water is supplied , and supplying either the cold water, the hot water, or the mixed hot water from the water supply port. Method. A water supply program executed by a computer,
A function for receiving an operation input from a first temperature switch on the operation panel, instructing the set temperature of the supply water to a higher temperature side, and selecting a mixed warm water of cold water and hot water or the above-mentioned hot water having a set temperature higher than that before the operation. ,
A function of receiving an operation input from a second temperature switch of the operation panel, instructing the set temperature to a lower temperature side, and selecting the mixed hot water or the cold water having a lower set temperature than before the operation ;
a function of displaying the outlet temperature of the mixed hot water on an outlet temperature display section of the operation panel;
A function of selecting either the cold water, the hot water, or the mixed hot water depending on the position of the valve body of the mixing valve;
a function of receiving the operation input and controlling the position of the valve body of the mixing valve;
A water supply program for causing the computer to execute. 8. The computer according to claim 7 , further comprising: controlling a solenoid valve to an open state during water supply, and causing the computer to execute a function of supplying either the cold water, the hot water, or the mixed hot water from the water supply port. Water supply program.

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