JP7597375B2 - Water server, water supply method, program, recording medium and control device - Google Patents

Description

The present disclosure relates to control of a water server that can dispense water using a power supply other than AC power, such as battery power, during a power outage of AC power supply.

Water servers produce hot and cold water from the water supply; hot water is stored in a hot water tank, and cold water is stored in a cold water tank. Hot water is produced by heating the hot water heater, and cold water is produced by cooling the cooling device. These are powered by AC power.

Regarding this type of water server, a disaster response type water server is known in which, in the event of a power outage, the operation of the cooling device is stopped and the electric pump can be driven by a battery (for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2020-138764 A

When batteries are used to power a water server, it is necessary to constantly manage the battery charge in preparation for disasters. Even if the cooling device is stopped from operating in a disaster, using a battery to power an electric pump poses the problem of battery depletion. If the battery runs out, it becomes difficult to recharge it, and it is also necessary to consider the possibility of a situation in which the water server cannot be used.

During a power outage, hot and cold water is produced in the water server using AC power before the power outage, and the hot water is stored in the hot water tank, while the cold water is stored in the cold water tank. This means that hot and cold water can be used at the appropriate temperature immediately after the power outage. For example, during a power outage in winter, hot water in the hot water tank is a valuable resource, and during a power outage in summer, cold water in the cold water tank is also a valuable resource.

In response to these issues, the inventors of the present disclosure have discovered that if they can power the water server using readily available batteries, enable water to be poured from within the server, and reduce battery consumption, they can realize a convenient water server that can also be used in times of disaster.

Therefore, in consideration of the above problems and findings, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a water server that improves water injection performance when powered by AC or battery, while suppressing battery consumption.

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, according to one aspect of the water server disclosed herein, the water server is equipped with a start-up switch, a power supply unit which, when powered by AC, produces a DC output from the AC power supply, and in the event of a power outage, maintains battery power in response to operation of the start-up switch and produces a battery output from the battery power supply, and when powered by the battery, releases the battery power in response to a battery power supply release signal, a water injection operation unit which performs a water injection operation in response to operation of a cold water switch or a hot water switch, and a control unit which monitors the water injection operation from the start-up switch being activated, and if there is no water injection operation for a continuous certain period of time, outputs the battery power supply release signal at least after the certain period of time has elapsed, and if the water injection operation occurs before the certain period of time has elapsed, outputs the battery power supply release signal after the water injection operation is completed.

In this water server, the power supply unit may include a battery power supply holding unit that holds the battery power supply in response to the operation of the start switch, and a battery power supply release unit that releases the battery power supply in response to the battery power supply release signal.

In this water server, the control unit measures the elapsed time from the start of the startup, and a threshold value representing the certain time is set for this elapsed time. If the water pouring operation is not performed within the threshold value, the control unit outputs the battery power supply release signal after the elapsed time reaches the threshold value. If the water pouring operation is in progress when the elapsed time reaches the threshold value, the control unit may output the battery power supply release signal after the water pouring operation is completed.

In this water server, the control unit measures the time that has elapsed since the end of the water pouring operation, sets a threshold value representing the certain time for this elapsed time, and if the water pouring operation does not occur within the threshold value, outputs the power supply release signal after the elapsed time reaches the threshold value, and if the water pouring operation is in progress when the elapsed time reaches the threshold value, the control unit may output the power supply release signal after the water pouring operation ends.

In this water server, the control unit may cancel the threshold value when the water pouring operation is completed, and set a new threshold value at the time of cancellation without operating the start switch.

This water server may further include a temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the stored water in the cold water tank, and an information display unit that displays at least a cold water display or a water pouring possible display, and the control unit may display a cold water display on the information display unit and permit pouring of water if the detected temperature of the stored water is equal to or lower than a predetermined temperature, and cancel the cold water display and prohibit pouring of water if the stored water exceeds the predetermined temperature.

In this water server, the control unit may stop the supply of power to the hot water heater when the battery is supplying power, and cause the information display unit to display a water pouring availability display instead of a hot water display.

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, according to one aspect of the water supply method for a water server disclosed herein, the method includes a step of: a power supply unit, when supplied with AC power, receiving the AC power and generating a DC output, and in the event of a power outage, maintaining battery power in response to operation of a start switch and generating a battery output through the battery power; a control unit, monitoring the water pouring operation from the start of activation of the start switch, and if there is no water pouring operation for a continuous certain period of time , outputting a battery power supply release signal at least after the certain period of time has elapsed, and if the water pouring operation occurs before the certain period of time has elapsed, outputting the battery power supply release signal after the water pouring operation has ended; and a step of the power supply unit receiving the battery power supply release signal from the control unit and releasing the battery power.

This water supply method for a water server may include the steps of: supplying power from a battery; a battery power holding unit holding the battery power in response to operation of the start switch; a battery power release unit releasing the battery power in response to the battery power release signal; a water injection operation unit performing a water injection operation in response to operation of the cold water switch or the hot water switch; and the control unit monitoring the water injection operation from the start of activation of the start switch, and if there is no water injection operation for a continuous certain period of time, outputting the battery power release signal at least after the certain period of time has elapsed, and if the water injection operation occurs before the certain period of time has elapsed, outputting the battery power release signal after the water injection operation is completed.

In this water supply method for a water server, the control unit may measure the time that has elapsed since the start of the startup or the end of the water pouring operation, set a threshold value representing the certain time for the elapsed time, and if there is no water pouring operation, output the power supply release signal after the elapsed time reaches the threshold value, and if a water pouring operation is in progress when the elapsed time reaches the threshold value, output the power supply release signal after the water pouring operation ends.

This water supply method for a water server may include a step in which the control unit cancels the threshold value at the end of the water pouring operation, and sets a new threshold value at the time of cancellation without operating the start switch.

This water supply method for a water server may further include a step in which a temperature sensor detects the temperature of the stored water in the cold water tank, a step in which an information display unit displays at least a cold water display or a water pouring possible display, and a step in which the control unit displays a cold water display on the information display unit and permits pouring of water if the detected temperature of the stored water is equal to or lower than a predetermined temperature, and cancels the cold water display and prohibits pouring of water if the stored water exceeds the predetermined temperature.

This water supply method for a water server may further include a step in which the control unit stops supplying power to the hot water heater when powered by the battery, and causes the information display unit to display a water pouring indication instead of a hot water indication.

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, according to one aspect of the program of the present disclosure, there is provided a program to be executed by a computer, which causes the computer to execute the following functions: when powered by AC, generates a DC output in response to the AC power supply, and when a power outage occurs, maintains battery power in response to operation of a start switch and generates a battery output through the battery power supply; causes a water injection operation unit to perform a water injection operation in response to operation of a cold water switch or a hot water switch; monitors the water injection operation from the start of activation of the start switch, and if there is no water injection operation for a certain continuous period of time, outputs a battery power supply release signal at least after the certain period of time has elapsed, and if the water injection operation occurs before the certain period of time has elapsed, outputs the battery power supply release signal after the water injection operation is completed; and releases the battery power in response to the battery power supply release signal.

The program may further cause the computer to execute a function of measuring the time elapsed from the start of the startup or from the end of the water injection operation, setting a threshold representing the certain time for the elapsed time, outputting the battery power supply release signal after the elapsed time reaches the threshold if the water injection operation is not occurring, and outputting the battery power supply release signal after the water injection operation is completed if the water injection operation is in progress when the elapsed time reaches the threshold.

In this program, the computer may be caused to execute a function of releasing the threshold value at the end of the water injection operation, and setting a new threshold value at the time of release without operating the start switch.

The program may further cause the computer to execute a function to acquire temperature information from a temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the stored water in the cold water tank, a function to cause the information display unit to display at least a cold water display or a water pouring possible display, and a function to display a cold water display on the information display unit and permit water pouring if the detected temperature of the stored water is equal to or lower than a predetermined temperature, and to cancel the cold water display and prohibit water pouring if the stored water exceeds the predetermined temperature.

The program may further cause the computer to execute a function to stop power supply to the hot water heater when powered by the battery and to cause the information display unit to display a water pouring availability display instead of the hot water display.

To achieve the above object, one aspect of the recording medium disclosed herein is a recording medium that stores either the control information for the water server or the program.

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, according to one aspect of the control device for a water server disclosed herein, the device comprises a start-up switch, a power supply unit which, when supplied with AC power, produces a DC output from the AC power supply, and in the event of a power outage, maintains battery power in response to operation of the start-up switch and produces a battery output from the battery power supply, and, when supplied with battery power, releases the battery power in response to a battery power supply release signal, a water injection operation unit which performs a water injection operation in response to operation of the cold water switch or hot water switch, and a control unit which monitors the water injection operation from the start of activation of the start-up switch, and if there is no water injection operation for a continuous certain period of time, outputs the battery power supply release signal at least after the certain period of time has elapsed, and if the water injection operation occurs before the certain period of time has elapsed, outputs the battery power supply release signal after the water injection operation is completed.

In this water server control device, the power supply unit may include a battery power supply holding unit that holds the battery power supply in response to operation of the start switch, and a battery power supply release unit that releases the battery power supply in response to the battery power supply release signal.

In this water server control device, the control unit measures the time elapsed from the start of the startup or from the end of the water pouring operation, sets a threshold value representing the certain time for the elapsed time, and if there is no water pouring operation, outputs the battery power supply release signal after the elapsed time reaches the threshold value, and if the water pouring operation is in progress when the elapsed time reaches the threshold value, outputs the battery power supply release signal after the water pouring operation ends.

In this water server control device, the control unit may cancel the threshold value at the end of the water pouring operation, and set a new threshold value at the time of cancellation without operating the start switch.

According to the present disclosure, any of the following effects can be obtained.
(1) During a power outage when the AC power supply is interrupted, the water server can be operated using battery power and water can be filled from the hot water tank or cold water tank, improving the convenience of the water server and increasing the flexibility of water filling.

(2) The water server can be powered by batteries not only during power outages caused by bad weather, but also during power outages caused by power system maintenance, or when the water server is moved to a location without an electrical outlet.

(3) When powered by batteries, if there is no water filling operation for a certain continuous period of time, the battery power supply is canceled. This shortens the power supply time while prioritizing the water filling operation function of the water server, suppresses battery consumption, and extends battery life.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a water server according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2A is a diagram showing the control function of the control unit, and FIG. 2B is a diagram showing mode switching. 4 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of power supply control according to the first embodiment. 10 is a flowchart showing another processing procedure of power supply control according to the first embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the relationship between elapsed time, a threshold value, and a water injection operation. FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a water server according to a second embodiment as viewed from the front. FIG. 2 is an oblique view of the water server as seen from the rear. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a control system of a water server. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the functional parts of the water server. FIG. 10A is a diagram showing a mechanism for supplying raw water, and FIG. 10B is a diagram showing a mechanism for supplying raw water to a hot water tank. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an operation panel unit. 10 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of power supply control according to a second embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing button operations and operation patterns. 13 is a flowchart showing switching of the cold water temperature. 13 is a flowchart showing a pouring process. 11A and 11B are diagrams showing display patterns in a normal mode and a power outage mode. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of an AC detection unit according to the first embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a power supply unit according to a second embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a power supply unit and an electromagnetic valve driving unit according to a third embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a power supply unit according to a fourth embodiment.

First Embodiment
Fig. 1 shows a water server 2 according to a first embodiment. The configuration shown in Fig. 1 is an example, and the present disclosure is not limited to such a configuration.

This water server 2 is equipped with a power supply unit 4, and is capable of normal operation when supplied with AC power (hereinafter referred to as "normal mode"), when the AC power supply is interrupted (hereinafter simply referred to as "power outage"), and operation when supplied with power from a battery 6 (hereinafter referred to as "power outage mode"). This power supply unit 4 is an example of a power supply device disclosed in the present disclosure. The normal mode includes all operations based on AC power supply, including hot water generation and pouring it, and cold water generation and pouring it. In contrast, the power outage mode includes operations based on battery power supply that can at least pour cold water, etc., while minimizing consumption of the battery 6.

The power supply unit 4 can be powered from both a battery 6 and an AC source 8. For example, the battery 6 can be a series circuit of eight AA batteries, which can provide an output voltage of 12 V. The AC source 8 can be, for example, a commercial AC power source of 100 V.

The start button 10 is an example of a start switch for starting the device through battery power supply during a power outage. The power supply unit 4 includes a DC stabilization unit 12, an AC detection unit 14, a battery power supply holding unit 16, and a battery power supply release unit 18.

When AC power is being fed, the DC stabilization unit 12 operates with AC power being fed and generates a DC stabilized output. This DC stabilization unit 12 is equipped with a full-wave rectification circuit, a smoothing circuit, a stabilization circuit, etc., and generates a DC stabilized output by full-wave rectification of the AC and smoothing and stabilization of the rectification. Therefore, when AC power is being fed, the power supply unit 4 forms a DC stabilized power supply using the DC stabilization unit 12, and this DC stabilized output is supplied to the control unit 20. At this time, the normal mode is entered.

The AC detection unit 14 detects whether or not power is being supplied from the AC source 8, and this detection output is sent to the control unit 20. This AC detection output is used for controlling the power supply switching from the sleep state to the normal mode, disabling the start button 10 when AC power is being supplied, and other controls.

After a power outage of the AC source 8, the battery power holding unit 16 starts up from a paused state with the start button 10 and holds the battery power. When this battery power is held, the power outage mode is entered. In response to this, the battery power release unit 18 releases the battery power upon receiving a battery power release signal Soff from the control unit 20. During a power outage, the power supply unit 4 and control unit 20 are in a paused state before start-up is started with the start button 10 and after battery power is released.

The control unit 20 includes the power supply unit 4 and is an example of a control device of the present disclosure. The control unit 20 is, for example, configured by a computer. During AC power supply, the control unit 20 receives DC output from the DC stabilization unit 12 and executes the normal mode. During a power outage of the AC source 8, the control unit 20 receives DC output from the power supply unit 4 by battery power supply from the start of activation of the start button 10 and executes the power outage mode.
In this power failure mode, the control unit 20 monitors the elapsed time Mt from the start of activation of the activation button 10, and outputs a battery power supply release signal Soff when the elapsed time Mt reaches a threshold value Mth, for example, 60 seconds. In this case, if the water supply operation is in progress when the elapsed time Mt reaches the threshold value Mth, the water supply function of the water server 2 is given priority, so that measurement of the elapsed time Mt is stopped or the elapsed time Mt is reset, and after the water supply operation is completed, the battery power supply release signal Soff is output to release the battery power supply.

After the power outage mode is released, if the battery 6 has the power supply capacity, the power outage mode can be repeatedly executed by operating the start button 10 again.

In this way, the water server 2 has a power outage pause unit 21 that pauses some of its operations. This power outage pause unit 21 is a means for reducing the load on the battery power supply in power outage mode. This power outage pause unit 21 includes the DC stabilization unit 12, the AC detection unit 14, and a large current load 22 such as a cooling device or hot water heater. Therefore, in power outage mode, water pouring and information presentation are made possible with the minimum necessary load, including water pouring and information presentation, together with the control unit 20 excluding the power outage pause unit 21, and consumption of the battery 6 is suppressed.

In this water server 2, the solenoid valve unit 24, information presentation unit 25 and operation unit 26 receive DC stabilized output or battery power output from the power supply unit 4, operate under the control of the control unit 20, and are capable of operation corresponding to normal mode or power outage mode. The solenoid valve unit 24 is an example of a water injection operation unit. Under the control of the control unit 20, the solenoid valve unit 24 can open to inject hot or cold water in normal mode, and open to inject water in power outage mode. The information presentation unit 25 can present information corresponding to normal mode or power outage mode. The operation unit 26 can be operated corresponding to normal mode or power outage mode.

<Control Function of Control Unit 20>
2A shows an example of the control function of the control unit 20. The control of the control unit 20 includes normal mode control 20-1, power outage determination 20-2, power outage mode start control 20-3, setting a threshold Mth for the elapsed time Mt 20-4, monitoring the elapsed time Mt 20-5, monitoring the water injection operation 20-6, power outage mode release control 20-7, and information presentation control 20-8.

Normal mode control 20-1: When power is being supplied from the AC source 8, the control unit 20 executes power supply control to supply power to all systems of the water server 2. The control unit 20 acquires the AC detection output of the AC detection unit 14 and recognizes the power supply state from the AC source 8. When power is being supplied from the AC source 8, power is supplied to the DC stabilization unit 12, the control unit 20, and the large current load 22. At this time, the start button 10 and the battery power supply holding unit 16 are disabled, so the battery power supply release unit 18 maintains the battery power supply release state.

Power outage determination 20-2: The control unit 20 acquires detection output information from the AC detection unit 14 and determines a power outage of the AC source 8. When a power outage occurs, power supply to the control unit 20 is cut off, and the start button 10 and battery power supply holding unit 16 are also released from being disabled.

Power outage mode start control 20-3: When the AC source 8 is powered out, the battery power holding unit 16 holds the battery power from the moment the start button 10 is operated, and the power outage mode is entered. As a result, the control unit 20 enters the power outage mode when the start button 10 is operated. In other words, based on the operation of the start button 10, the power supply unit 4 generates battery output through battery power supply, and the control unit 20 operates on battery power supply. At this time, the power outage pause unit 21 enters a pause state, and unlike normal mode, consumption of the battery 6 is suppressed in power outage mode.

Setting 20-4 of threshold Mth for elapsed time Mt: The control unit 20 measures the elapsed time Mt from the start of activation of the activation button 10. For this elapsed time Mt, a threshold Mth is set that corresponds to a certain period of time during which no water injection operation is performed. Setting this threshold Mth includes setting the threshold Mth from the start of activation and setting the threshold Mth from the end of the water injection operation.

Monitoring 20-5 of elapsed time Mt: The control unit 20 monitors the elapsed time Mt and monitors whether this elapsed time Mt reaches the threshold value Mth.

Monitoring water injection operation 20-6: The control unit 20 acquires operation information of the solenoid valve unit 24 and monitors the water injection operation.

Power outage mode release control 20-7: If the AC source 8 is restored during the power outage mode, the control unit 20 executes power outage mode release control.

Information presentation control 20-8: In normal mode or power outage mode, the control unit 20 presents information regarding the water injection operation to the information presentation unit 25.

<Mode switching>
FIG. 2B shows an example of mode switching of the water server 2.
When the AC source 8 is supplying power and the AC detection unit 14 detects AC, the control unit 20 gives priority to the normal mode, and start-up by the start button 10 does not occur.

When the AC source 8 is powered out, the control unit 20 allows the transition from normal mode to power outage mode and accepts startup operation using the start button 10. When the start button 10 is operated, the power supply unit 4 and control unit 20 transition from a hibernation state to power outage mode. This power outage mode is the operating mode after startup and before the output of the battery power supply release signal Soff, and is the battery power supply mode.

After the battery power supply is released by the battery power supply release signal Soff, the power supply unit 4 and the control unit 20 transition to the power outage mode release state before the start button 10 is operated.

When the AC source 8 is supplying power or when the power is restored from a power outage, the control unit 20 maintains the battery power supply in a disconnected state using the battery power supply disconnection function of the battery power supply disconnection unit 18 based on the AC detection by the AC detection unit 14.

The control unit 20 monitors the water injection operation, and after the water injection operation is completed, outputs the battery power supply release signal Soff even if the elapsed time Mt is within the threshold value Mth, and transitions to a power outage mode release state.

The power supply control can execute processes such as process procedure 1-1 (Figure 3) and process procedure 1-2 (Figure 4) to realize the above control functions.

<Power supply control processing procedure 1-1>
3 shows an example of a power supply control process procedure 1-1. This power supply control is an example of a water supply method or a program thereof according to the present disclosure. S indicates a process, and the numbers attached to S indicate an example of the order of the processes, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

This power supply control includes processes such as an AC detection process (S101), an AC power supply control process (S102), a normal mode control process (S103), a power outage mode release process (S104), a startup process (S105), a power outage mode control process (S106), an elapsed time monitoring process (S107), and a water injection operation monitoring process (S108).

The AC detection unit 14 detects whether AC power is being supplied (S101), and when AC power is being supplied (YES in S101), power supply control of the water server 2 using AC power supply is executed (S102), and control in normal mode is performed (S103).

When the AC source 8 is powered out (NO in S101), if the start button 10 is operated (YES in S105), this operation triggers battery power supply. If the start button 10 is not operated (NO in S105), the process returns to S101. In this case, the power outage mode release state is maintained.

When the start button 10 is pressed to start the device, the device goes into power outage mode (S106). The elapsed time Mt of battery power supply is monitored (S107), and the water injection operation is monitored (S108). If the elapsed time Mt is within the threshold value Mth (YES in S107), the power outage mode (battery power supply) is maintained (S106).

Even if the elapsed time Mt exceeds the threshold value Mth (NO in S107), if there is a water injection operation (NO in S108), the power outage mode (battery power supply) is maintained until the water injection operation is completed (S106). Then, after the water injection operation is completed (YES in S108), the control unit 20 outputs a battery power supply release signal Soff, and the battery power supply is released.

<Power supply control processing procedure 1-2>
4 shows an example of a power supply control process procedure 1-2. This power supply control is an example of a water supply method or a program thereof of the present disclosure. S indicates a process, and the numbers attached to S indicate an example of the order of the processes, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

This power supply control includes processes such as an AC detection process (S111), an AC power supply control process (S112), a normal mode control process (S113), a power outage mode release process (S114), a startup process (S115), a power outage mode control process (S116), a water injection operation monitoring process (S117), a measurement process of the elapsed time Mt (S118), a monitoring process of the elapsed time Mt (S119), an initialization process of the elapsed time Mt (S120), and a monitoring process for the end of the water injection operation (S121).

The AC detection unit 14 detects whether AC power is being supplied (S111), and when AC power is being supplied (YES in S111), power supply control of the water server 2 using AC power supply is executed (S112), and control in normal mode is performed (S113).

When the AC power source 8 is out (NO in S111), if the start button 10 is operated (YES in S115), this operation triggers battery power supply. If the start button 10 is not operated (NO in S115), the process returns to S111.

When the start button 10 is operated to start the device (YES in S115), the device goes into power outage mode (S116), and the device monitors the water injection operation to determine whether or not there is a water injection operation (S117). If there is no water injection operation (YES in S117), the device measures the elapsed time Mt of battery power supply (S118). The device monitors the elapsed time Mt to determine whether the elapsed time Mt is within a threshold value Mth (S119). If the elapsed time Mt is within the threshold value Mth (YES in S119), the power outage mode (battery power supply) is maintained (S116).

If a water injection operation is being performed (NO in S117), the measurement of the elapsed time Mt is stopped, and the measured elapsed time Mt is cleared (Mt = 0) (S120). To monitor the end of the water injection operation, it is determined whether the water injection operation has been completed (S121). If the water injection operation has been completed (YES in S121), the power outage mode (battery power supply) is maintained (S116). If the water injection operation is continuing (NO in S121), monitoring of whether the water injection operation has been completed continues.

When the elapsed time Mt of battery power supply exceeds the threshold value Mth (NO in S119), battery power supply (power outage mode) is released (S114) and the process returns to S111. In other words, the battery power supply release signal Soff is output and battery power supply is released.

<Relationship between elapsed time Mt, threshold value Mth, and water injection operation>
FIG. 5 shows the relationship between the elapsed time Mt, the threshold value Mth, and the water injection operation.
As shown in A of FIG. 5, time t0 is, for example, the start time. The time from time t0 to time t2 is the threshold value Mth. As shown in B of FIG. 5, if water injection is started at time t1 before the elapsed time Mt of battery power supply reaches the threshold value Mth, the water injection operation is continued even if the elapsed time Mt reaches the threshold value Mth, as long as the water injection operation is not stopped. In this example, the water injection operation continues until time t3 when the threshold value Mth is exceeded. In other words, if water injection occurs before the elapsed time Mt reaches the threshold value Mth, the battery power supply release signal Soff is not output as long as this water injection continues. In this case, the threshold value Mth is substantially extended by the water injection operation, as shown by the dashed line.

As shown in FIG. 5C, time t10 is the start-up time. The time from time t10 to time t12 is the threshold value Mth. As shown in FIG. 5D, water injection begins at time t11, before the elapsed time Mt of battery power supply reaches the threshold value Mth, and the water injection operation continues until time t13.

In this case, the elapsed time Mt is cleared (Mt = 0) at the start time t11 of the water injection operation, and the threshold Mth is also released at this start time t11. In other words, the previous threshold Mth should continue until time t12, but as a result of being released at time t11, the time of the threshold Mth becomes shorter.

When the water injection operation ends at time t13, this time t13 becomes the time when measurement of the new elapsed time Mt is restarted. At this time t13, the threshold value Mth from time t13 to time t14 is set as the new threshold value Mth. In other words, even if the previous threshold value Mth is released at time t11, a new threshold value Mth is set in preparation for the next water injection operation.

In this way, the threshold value Mth is updated after the previous threshold value Mth is released, so the waiting period for refilling water after filling water can be set automatically, and the need to operate the start button 10 again can be eliminated.

<Advantages of the First Embodiment>
According to the first embodiment, any one of the following effects can be obtained.
(1) In the event of a power outage, battery power supply can be started by operating the start button 10, thereby starting up the water server 2.

(2) During a power outage, the power outage pause unit 21 pauses, reducing consumption of the battery 6.

(3) The solenoid valve unit 24 can be operated in battery power mode, and water can be poured by operating the solenoid valve unit 24 through battery power.

(4) The water server 2 can be used with battery power not only during power outages due to bad weather, but also during power outages due to power system maintenance, or when the water server 2 is moved to a location without an electrical outlet.

(5) When powered by battery, the elapsed time Mt from the start of startup is monitored, and battery power is maintained for a certain period of time, thereby suppressing consumption of the battery 6 and extending the battery life.

(6) When powered by a battery, if water injection is in progress when the elapsed time Mt from the start of startup exceeds the threshold value Mth, the power outage mode is maintained, and the water injection operation can be continued until the water injection is completed.

(7) When powered by the battery, the control unit 20 monitors the elapsed time Mt during which no water injection operation is performed (no operation state), and if no water injection operation is performed for a threshold value Mth (a certain continuous period of time) set for this elapsed time Mt, the battery power supply is canceled, thereby suppressing consumption of the battery 6 and extending the battery life (the usage time of the battery 6).

Second Embodiment
Fig. 6 shows a front part of a water server 2 according to a second embodiment. The configuration shown in Fig. 6 is an example, and the present disclosure is not limited to such a configuration.

This water server 2 has, for example, a rectangular parallelepiped server housing 28, which is provided with a water container mounting section 29, an operation panel section 30, a hot water/cold water pouring cover section 32, and a water pouring receiver section 34.

The hot/cold water pouring cover section 32 is provided with a water pouring port 36 used for pouring cold water or pouring water, and a hot water pouring port 38 used for pouring hot water or pouring water. The water pouring receiver section 34 is provided with a drainage section 40.

<Rear side of Water Server 2>
Fig. 7 shows the rear side of the water server 2. The configuration shown in Fig. 7 is an example, and the present disclosure is not limited to such a configuration.
Battery boxes 44-1, 44-2 are mounted on an upper panel 42 on the rear of the server housing 28, a heat dissipation cover 46 is mounted below the upper panel 42, and a cooling device cover 48 is mounted below that. Each of the battery boxes 44-1, 44-2 accommodates four dry batteries.

<Water Server 2 Control System>
Fig. 8 shows an example of a control system for the water server 2. The configuration shown in Fig. 8 is an example, and the present disclosure is not limited to such a configuration. In Fig. 8, the same parts as those in Fig. 1 are given the same reference numerals.

In this system, when power is being supplied from the AC source 8, the DC stabilized output of the DC stabilizer 12 is supplied to the control unit 20 via the insulating diode 50-1. In power outage mode, the output of the battery power supply holding unit 16 is supplied to the control unit 20 via the insulating diode 50-2. Each insulating diode 50-1, 50-2 electrically isolates each output, preventing interference between the outputs.

The control unit 20 is configured by a computer and includes a processor 52. This processor 52 executes the OS (Operating System), power supply control program, function control program of the water server 2, etc., stored in the memory unit 54.

The storage unit 54 is an example of a recording medium of the present disclosure, and includes storage elements such as a ROM (Read-Only Memory) and a RAM (Random-Access Memory). The ROM stores the OS, control programs, control information for the water server 2, and the like. The RAM constitutes a work area for information processing.

The input/output unit (I/O) 56 is used for control output and information input under the control of the processor 52. The timer 58 measures the elapsed time Mt from when the start button 10 is pressed under the control of the processor 52, and this measurement information is taken from the I/O 56 to the processor 52.

The large current load 22 included in the power outage pause unit 21 includes a cooling device 60, a hot water heater 62, a thermal valve (not shown), etc. The cooling device 60 has a drive unit 61, is driven by AC power supply, and is controlled by the control unit 20. The hot water heater 62 has a switch unit 63 for switching the current supply, generates heat by AC power supply, and the switch unit 63 is controlled by the control unit 20.

The solenoid valve section 24 includes, as an example, a cold water solenoid valve 64 and a hot water solenoid valve 65. Each solenoid valve 64, 65 is driven by a solenoid valve drive section 66, which is provided with a drive output from the I/O 56.

The information presentation unit 25 includes, by way of example, a cold water lamp 68, a weak cool lamp 70, a hot water lamp 72, a high temperature lamp 74, an energy saving lamp 75, and a lock lamp 76. Each of the lamps 68, 70, 72, 74, 75, and 76 is driven by a lamp drive unit 78, which receives a drive output from the I/O 56.

The operation unit 26 includes a cold water button 79, a hot water button 80, an energy saving button 82, a lock/unlock button 84, etc. Each of the buttons 79, 80, 82, and 84 is an example of a switch that is opened or closed by operation. The switch input from each of the buttons 79, 80, 82, and 84 is taken into the I/O 56 under the control of the processor 52.

The sensor section 86 includes a cold water temperature sensor 87, a hot water temperature sensor 88, etc. The cold water temperature sensor 87 detects the temperature of cold water under the control of the processor 52, and the hot water temperature sensor 88 detects the temperature of hot water under the control of the processor 52. Each piece of detected information is input to the I/O 56 under the control of the processor 52.

<Functional parts of Water Server 2>
Fig. 9 shows the functional parts of the water server 2. The configuration shown in Fig. 9 is an example, and the present disclosure is not limited to such a configuration. In Fig. 9, the same parts as those in Figs. 6, 7, and 8 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

This water server 2 is equipped with a server housing 28, on which a replaceable water container 100 is installed, raw water W is supplied from the water container 100, cold water CW is generated in the cold water tank 102, and hot water HW is generated in the hot water tank 104.

The cold water tank 102 is installed in the middle of the server housing 28, the hot water tank 104 is installed below the cold water tank 102, and the cooling device 60 is installed below the hot water tank 104. The cooling device 60 cools the cold water tank 102 and produces cold water CW from the raw water W.

The water supply nozzle portion 106 of the water container 100 is positioned above the cold water tank 102 through the top opening 108 of the server housing 28.

The cold water tank 102 is equipped with a valve mechanism 110 that regulates the supply of raw water W from the water container 100. This valve mechanism 110 is equipped with an opening/closing valve 112 that opens and closes the water supply nozzle portion 106, and this opening/closing valve 112 is attached to the middle of an opening/closing arm portion 114, and a float portion 116 that receives buoyancy from the cold water CW in the cold water tank 102 is attached to the tip of this opening/closing arm portion 114.

The evaporator 118 of the cooling device 60 is installed in the cold water tank 102. This evaporator 118 circulates the refrigerant cooled by the cooling device 60, and cools the raw water W by heat exchange between the refrigerant and the raw water W, generating cold water CW in the cold water tank 102. A cold water temperature sensor 87 is installed in this cold water tank 102, and the detection output of the cold water temperature sensor 87 is provided to the control unit 20, which acquires temperature information of the cold water CW.

The cold water tank 102 is provided with a separation plate 120 that separates the raw water W from the cold water CW. This separation plate 120 has a recess 122 that receives the raw water W, and also has a water supply pipe 124 that extends from the central opening of this recess 122 into the hot water tank 104. The raw water W is guided to the hot water tank 104 through the recess 122 of the separation plate 120 and the water supply pipe 124.

The hot water tank 104 is provided with a hot water heater 62 as a heating device. This hot water heater 62 generates heat under the control of the control unit 20. The raw water W is heated by the heat generated by the hot water heater 62, and hot water HW is generated from the raw water W.

A hot water temperature sensor 88 is installed in this hot water tank 104. The detection output of the hot water temperature sensor 88 is provided to the control unit 20, which acquires temperature information of the hot water HW.

A bypass pipe 126 is connected between the top of the hot water tank 104 and the bottom of the cold water tank 102, and during cleaning, hot water HW from the hot water tank 104 can be circulated to the cold water tank 102 through this bypass pipe 126. A bypass valve 128 controlled by the control unit 20 is installed in this bypass pipe 126.

A water inlet pipe 130 is connected to the bottom of the cold water tank 102, and a hot water inlet pipe 132 is connected to the top of the hot water tank 104. A cold water solenoid valve 64 is installed on the water inlet pipe 130, and a hot water solenoid valve 65 is installed on the hot water inlet pipe 132. The cold water solenoid valve 64 can be opened by the cold water button 79, and the hot water solenoid valve 65 can be opened by the hot water button 80.

<Supply mechanism for raw water W from water container 100>
10A shows a supply state of raw water W. When the water container 100 is installed, the raw water W in the water container 100 flows into the cold water tank 102 under the force of gravity.

As shown in A of FIG. 10, this raw water W pushes down the on-off valve 112 of the valve mechanism 110. The raw water W that passes through the on-off valve 112 falls into the recess 122 of the separation plate 120 and flows into the cold water tank 102 from a plurality of water passage holes 136 opened around the water supply hole 134 of the water supply pipe 124, and some of the raw water W flows from the water supply hole 134 through the water supply pipe 124 into the hot water tank 104.

B in FIG. 10 shows the mechanism for supplying raw water W to the hot water tank 104. When the water level in the cold water tank 102 reaches the separation plate 120 as shown in B in FIG. 10, the water passage hole 136 is blocked by raw water W. As a result, the raw water W is led to the hot water tank 104 at once through the water supply pipe 124 of the separation plate 120.

When the hot water tank 104 is full, the water supply from the cold water tank 102 becomes dominant, and the water level in the cold water tank 102 rises. This rise in the water level causes the float portion 116 to receive buoyancy, causing the opening and closing valve 112 of the valve mechanism 110 to rise, which then closes the water supply nozzle portion 106, stopping the supply of raw water W.

The water level of the cold water tank 102 is maintained at the upper limit level by receiving raw water W as long as raw water W is supplied from the water container 100.

<Operation Panel Unit 30>
Fig. 11 shows the front panel surface of the operation panel unit 30. In Fig. 11, the same parts as in Fig. 8 are given the same reference numerals.

The cold water lamp 68, weak cold lamp 70, hot water lamp 72, high temperature lamp 74, energy saving lamp 75 and lock lamp 76 are examples of the information presentation unit 25. The cold water lamp 68 lights up when cold water can be poured. The weak cold lamp 70 lights up when weak cold water can be poured. The hot water lamp 72 lights up when hot water can be poured. The high temperature lamp 74 lights up when hot water can be poured. The energy saving lamp 75 lights up in energy saving mode and goes out when the mode is released. The lock lamp 76 lights up when locked and goes out when the mode is released.

The cold water button 79, hot water button 80, energy saving button 82, and lock/unlock button 84 are examples of the operation unit 26. The cold water button 79 can be pressed for a short time or for a long time, and is used to pour cold water in normal mode and pour water in power outage mode. The hot water button 80 can be pressed for a short time or for a long time, and is used to pour hot water in normal mode and pour water in power outage mode.

The energy saving button 82 is operated in normal mode to start the energy saving mode. The lock/unlock button 84 can be pressed briefly or for a long time, and is used to lock or unlock in normal mode. A long press of the energy saving button 82 is not accepted in power outage mode.

<Power supply control processing procedure>
12 shows a processing procedure for power supply control. This power supply control includes an AC detection step (S201), a power supply unit 4 control step (S202), a normal mode control step (S203), a battery power supply release signal Soff output step (S204), a battery power supply release step (S205), a start-up step (S206), a power outage mode control step (S207), a hot water button 80 press step (S208), a cold water button 79 press step (S209), and a measurement step of an elapsed time Mt (S210). These processes include a process of monitoring the elapsed time Mt (S210), a process of monitoring the elapsed time Mt (S211), a process of initializing the elapsed time Mt (S212, S216), a process of opening the hot water solenoid valve 65 (S213), a process of releasing the hot water button 80 (S214), a process of closing the hot water solenoid valve 65 (S215), a process of opening the cold water solenoid valve 64 (S217), a process of releasing the cold water button 79 (S218), and a process of closing the cold water solenoid valve 64 (S219).

The AC detection unit 14 detects whether AC power is being supplied (S201), and when AC power is being supplied (YES in S201), the power supply unit 4 executes power supply control to the DC stabilization unit 12, the control unit 20, the cooling device 60, the hot water heater 62, and other large current loads 22 (FIG. 1) (S202). In this power supply control, control is performed in normal mode (S203).

In this normal mode, the control unit 20 outputs a battery power supply release signal Soff (S204), and the battery power supply is controlled to be in a released state (S205). At this time, temperature control of the cold water temperature and the hot water temperature is performed, and the cold water and hot water temperatures are optimized.

In this normal mode, when the cold water button 79 is pressed, the cold water solenoid valve 64 is operated to the open state, and cold water is poured from the water inlet 36. In the power outage mode, when the cold water button 79 is pressed, the cold water solenoid valve 64 is similarly operated to the open state, and water is poured from the water inlet 36. Also, when the hot water button 80 is pressed, the hot water solenoid valve 65 is operated to the open state, and hot water is poured from the hot water inlet 38. In the power outage mode, when the hot water button 80 is pressed, the hot water solenoid valve 65 is similarly operated to the open state, and water is poured from the hot water inlet 38.

When the AC power source 8 is out (NO in S201), if the start button 10 is operated (YES in S206), this operation triggers battery power supply. If the start button 10 is not operated (NO in S206), the process returns to S201.

When the start button 10 is pressed (YES in S206), power outage mode control is entered (S207), and the hot water button 80 and cold water button 79 are monitored for depression (S208, S209). If the hot water button 80 or cold water button 79 is not pressed (NO in S208, NO in S209), the elapsed time Mt is measured (S210). If the elapsed time Mt is within the threshold value Mth (YES in S211), power outage mode control is maintained (S207). If the elapsed time Mt exceeds the threshold value Mth (NO in S211), the process proceeds to S204.

If the hot water button 80 is operated and turned ON while measuring the elapsed time Mt (YES in S208), measurement of the elapsed time Mt is stopped, the elapsed time Mt is cleared (Mt = 0) (S212), and the hot water solenoid valve 65 is opened under the control of the control unit 20 (S213). This open state is maintained as long as the hot water button 80 is pressed, and in power outage mode, water stored in the hot water tank 104 is poured from the inlet 38. Then, if the hot water button 80 is turned OFF (YES in S214), the hot water solenoid valve 65 is closed under the control of the control unit 20 (S215). At this time, the pouring of hot water from the inlet 38 is stopped.

If the cold water button 79 is operated and turned ON while measuring the elapsed time Mt (YES in S209), measurement of the elapsed time Mt is stopped, the elapsed time Mt is cleared (Mt = 0) (S216), and the cold water solenoid valve 64 is opened under the control of the control unit 20 (S217). This open state is maintained as long as the cold water button 79 is pressed, and in power outage mode, water stored in the cold water tank 102 is poured through the water inlet 36. Then, if the cold water button 79 is turned OFF (YES in S218), the cold water solenoid valve 64 is closed under the control of the control unit 20 (S219). At this time, the pouring of water through the water inlet 36 is stopped.

The control unit 20 therefore measures the elapsed time Mt from the start of startup, sets a threshold value Mth representing a continuous fixed time for this elapsed time Mt, and if there is no water injection operation within this threshold value Mth, outputs a battery power supply release signal Soff after the elapsed time Mt reaches the threshold value Mth, and if a water injection operation is in progress when the elapsed time Mt reaches the threshold value Mth, outputs a battery power supply release signal Soff to the power supply unit 4 after the water injection operation ends.

The control unit 20 also measures the elapsed time Mt from the end of the water injection operation, and sets a threshold value Mth representing a continuous certain time for this elapsed time Mt. If there is no water injection operation within this threshold value Mth, it outputs a battery power supply release signal Soff after the elapsed time Mt reaches the threshold value Mth, and if a water injection operation is in progress when the elapsed time Mt reaches the threshold value Mth, it outputs a battery power supply release signal Soff to the power supply unit 4 after the water injection operation ends.

<Button operations and operation patterns>
Fig. 13 shows a list of button operations and operation patterns. The button operations include the lock/unlock button 84, the cold water button 79, the hot water button 80, the energy saving button 82, as well as single operations such as plugging in a power source, and combination operations. The operation patterns include pouring cold water, switching the cold water temperature, pouring hot water, switching the hot water temperature, unlocking/locking, draining, etc., any of which can be selected.

Operation A is a sequence of a short press of the lock/release button 84 and a continuous press of the cold water button 79. A "short press" refers to a short press, while a "continuous press" refers to a continuous press, and this press time can be any time required to fill the desired amount of water. After releasing the lock by a short press of the lock/release button 84, the cold water button 79 is pressed continuously for any amount of time. In this operation A, cold water can be poured in normal mode. In power outage mode, water can be poured, but it is not possible to pour water if the cold water temperature is above a threshold temperature, for example 40°C.

Operation B is an operation for switching the cold water temperature by pressing and holding the cold water button 79. A "long press" refers to the amount of time the button is pressed to switch. The cold water temperature is switched between cold water temperature and weak cold water temperature.

In this operation B, as shown in FIG. 14, it is determined whether the power outage mode is active (S301), and if so (YES in S301), this process is terminated and the cold water temperature change is not accepted. If the normal mode is active (NO in S301), it is determined whether the cold water button 79 has been pressed and held down (S302). If the cold water button 79 has been pressed and held down (YES in S302), the cold water temperature can be changed (S303). If the button has not been pressed and held down (NO in S302), the cold water temperature change is not accepted.

Operation C is a sequence of a short press of the lock/unlock button 84 and a continuous press of the hot water button 80. After releasing the lock by a short press of the lock/unlock button 84, the hot water button 80 is continuously pressed for any desired length of time. With this operation C, hot water can be poured in normal mode, and cold water can be poured in power outage mode.

In this operation C, as shown in FIG. 15, in power outage mode, it is determined whether the lock/release button 84 has been pressed briefly (S401), and if it has (YES in S401), it is determined whether the hot water button 80 is ON (S402). If the hot water button 80 is ON (YES in S402), the hot water solenoid valve 65 is opened under the control of the control unit 20 (S403). This allows water to be poured from the hot water tank 104. This open state is monitored by the control unit 20, and it is determined whether the hot water button 80 is OFF (S404). If the hot water button 80 is OFF (NO in S402), the hot water solenoid valve 65 is closed and water pouring is stopped.

Operation D is an operation for switching the hot water temperature by pressing and holding the hot water button 80. This operation is performed in normal mode and is not accepted in power outage mode.

Operation E is an operation for switching the hot water heater 62 ON by pressing and holding the hot water button 80. This operation is performed in normal mode and is not accepted in power outage mode.

Operations F and G involve switching between unlocking and locking by briefly pressing the lock/unlock button 84. This operation is possible in both normal mode and power outage mode.

Operations H and I are used to switch between child lock and child lock release by pressing and holding the lock/unlock button 84. This operation is possible in both normal mode and power outage mode.

Operations J and K are performed by briefly pressing the energy saving button 82 to switch between energy saving operation and deactivating energy saving operation. This operation is possible in normal mode, but is not accepted in power outage mode.

Operations L and M are performed by pressing and holding the energy saving button 82 to switch between the energy saving repeat setting and the energy saving setting cancellation. This operation is possible in normal mode, but is not accepted in power outage mode.

Operation N is an operation to start high temperature circulation by simultaneously pressing and holding the cold water button 79 and the hot water button 80. This operation is possible in normal mode, but is not accepted in power outage mode.

Operations O and P are to switch between automatic child lock and automatic child lock release by simultaneously pressing and holding the lock/unlock button 84 and the cold water button 79. This operation is possible in both normal mode and power outage mode.

Operation Q is an operation to change the unlock mode by plugging in the power while pressing the lock/unlock button 84. The unlock mode changes from a short press to a long press. This operation is possible in normal mode, but is not accepted in power outage mode.

Operation R is an operation for draining water by simultaneously pressing and holding the lock/unlock button 84 and the energy saving button 82. This operation is possible in normal mode, but is not accepted in power outage mode.

<Display patterns in normal mode and power outage mode>
16A shows the display patterns for the normal mode and the power failure mode. The cold water lamp 68, the weak cold lamp 70, the hot water lamp 72, the high temperature lamp 74, the energy saving lamp 75, the lock lamp 76, etc. are used to display information about the normal mode or the power failure mode.

In normal mode, the cold water lamp 68 lights up to indicate cold water, the weak cold lamp 70 lights up to indicate weak cold, the hot water lamp 72 lights up to indicate hot water, the high temperature lamp 74 lights up to indicate high temperature, and the energy saving lamp 75 lights up to indicate energy saving. Also, the lock lamp 76 lights up to indicate unlocked or locked.

In power outage mode, the cold water lamp 68, hot water lamp 72, and lock lamp 76 are used. The cold water lamp 68 and hot water lamp 72 are controlled by the control unit 20 to select the lighting mode, and when water can be poured, a water pouring possible indication is displayed.

In power outage mode, the cold water lamp 68 indicates that water can be poured by turning on the green light when the water is at the appropriate temperature for cold water, as shown in FIG. 16B, and turning on the orange light when the water is not at the appropriate temperature. The hot water lamp 72 indicates that water can be poured by flashing green, as shown in FIG. 16C, unlike the initial state. The lock lamp 76 is also used in power outage mode, and under the control of the control unit 20, it presents a locked or unlocked indication by, for example, turning off when locked, flashing green when unlocked, and turning on green when child locked, as shown in FIG. 16D.

<Water injection control and water injection display control in power outage mode>
The water injection control and the water injection display control include a temperature detection step, an information presentation step, a water injection control step, etc. These functions are executed via information processing by the control unit 20.

In the temperature detection process, the control unit 20 acquires temperature information from the cold water temperature sensor 87, which detects the temperature of the water stored in the cold water tank 102.

In the information presentation process, the information presentation unit 25 presents at least a cold water display or a water pouring available display under the control of the control unit 20.

In the water injection control process, if the detected temperature of the stored water is equal to or lower than a predetermined temperature, the information presentation unit 25 displays a cold water display and the control unit 20 permits water injection, and if the stored water exceeds the predetermined temperature, the cold water display is cancelled and water injection is prohibited.

Furthermore, in power outage mode, the control unit 20 may control the supply of power to the hot water heater 62 to stop, and the information presentation unit 25 may present a water pouring availability display instead of the hot water display.

<Advantages of the Second Embodiment>
According to the second embodiment, any one of the following effects can be obtained.
(1) During a power outage, water stored in the cold water tank 102 can be poured in by repeatedly pressing the cold water button 79, and water stored in the hot water tank 104 can be poured in by repeatedly pressing the hot water button 80. If there is residual water immediately after the power outage, cold water or hot water can be poured in.

(2) As time passes since the power outage, the temperature of the water stored in the cold water tank 102 will become equal to the raw water temperature in the water container 100 according to demand, and the temperature of the water stored in the hot water tank 104 will also become equal. However, by prohibiting water from being poured from the hot water tank 104, it is possible to prevent mixing of room temperature water and hot water.

(3) In power outage mode, the display during water pouring is different from that in normal mode, and information showing the water pouring status during a power outage is displayed, thereby improving the convenience of the water server 2.

(4) Since water can be dispensed using battery output and corresponding information can be displayed, the water server 2 can be used as a highly convenient water server not only in emergency situations such as disasters but also in everyday life.

Figure 17 shows an example of an AC detection unit 14 according to the first embodiment. In Figure 17, the same parts as those in Figures 1 and 8 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

The AC detection unit 14 detects whether power is being supplied or there is a power outage from the periodic voltage change of the AC voltage of the AC source 8. The full-wave rectification unit 138 provided in the AC detection unit 14 outputs a full-wave rectified voltage by full-wave rectifying the AC from the AC source 8. The voltage level of this full-wave rectified voltage changes every half cycle.

This full-wave rectified voltage is adjusted by resistors 140 and 142, and the current flows through light-emitting element 146, causing it to emit light. This light emission changes depending on the voltage level of the full-wave rectified voltage. In other words, the light is emitted periodically.

The light receiving element 148 of the photocoupler 144 receives the intermittent light from the light emitting element 146 and repeatedly turns on and off. Since the applied voltage from the signal power supply 150 is applied to the collector of the light receiving element 148 via resistor 152, a pulse signal with the applied voltage of the signal power supply 150 as its peak is obtained. This pulse signal is the AC detection signal, and is applied to the control unit 20 via resistor 154. In other words, when this AC detection signal is released, it indicates a power outage of the AC source 8.

Effects of Example 1
According to the first embodiment, any one of the following effects can be obtained.
(1) With such an AC detection unit 14, it is possible to instantly detect whether the AC source 8 is supplying power or whether a power failure has occurred.

(2) By using this AC detection signal, when the power supply is restored after a power outage, the control unit 20 generates a battery power supply release signal Soff to release the battery power supply and control the power supply unit 4 to the normal mode.

Figure 18 shows an example of a power supply unit 4 according to the second embodiment. In Figure 18, the same parts as those in Figures 1 and 8 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

The power supply unit 4 includes a battery power supply holding unit 16 and a battery power supply release unit 18. The battery power supply holding unit 16 holds the battery power supply by the start button 10, and the battery power supply release unit 18 releases the battery power supply by a battery power supply release signal Soff from the control unit 20.

<Maintaining battery power>
The battery power supply holding unit 16 is equipped with a switch circuit consisting of a self-holding relay 156 and transistors 158 and 160. A diode 165 is an example of a counter electromotive force absorbing element. When the start button 10 is pressed and closed during a power outage of the AC source 8, the battery voltage from the battery 6 is applied to the relay coil 162 of the relay 156, and the contact 164 of the relay 156 is closed, so that the transistors 158 and 160 are turned on. In other words, the power outage mode is started.

When transistors 158 and 160 are in the ON state, relay coil 162 is magnetized. Even if contact 164 is closed and start button 10 transitions to the OFF state, battery voltage is applied from battery 6 to relay coil 162 through closed contact 164, and relay coil 162 remains magnetized. Therefore, battery power is maintained, and battery voltage, which replaces the DC stabilization voltage, is applied to control unit 20 through insulating diode 50-2.

<Battery power release>
The battery power supply release unit 18 includes a switch circuit made up of a transistor 166. The transistor 166 is maintained in the OFF state before the battery power supply release signal Soff is output from the control unit 20. In other words, when the battery power supply release signal Soff is output, the transistor 166 is turned ON, and the conduction current of the transistor 166 flows through the resistor 168. As a result, the base of the transistor 158 goes to a low potential, and both the transistors 158 and 160 are turned OFF, so that the battery power supply hold of the battery power supply holding unit 16 is released.

Effects of Example 2
According to the second embodiment, any one of the following effects can be obtained.
(1) Battery power can be maintained and released with low power consumption.

(2) The battery power supply release unit 18 includes a transistor 166 and can utilize the transistors 158 and 160 of the battery power supply hold unit 16, so that the circuit configuration can be simplified.

Figure 19 shows an example of a power supply unit 4 and a solenoid valve driving unit 66 according to the third embodiment. In Figure 19, the same parts as those in Figures 1 and 8 are given the same reference numerals.

In power failure mode, the battery output based on the battery power supply holding unit 16's battery power supply holding state is applied from the power supply unit 4 to the solenoid valve drive unit 66. The solenoid valve drive unit 66 is provided with a transistor solenoid valve drive circuit 170 for driving the cold water solenoid valve 64, and a transistor solenoid valve drive circuit 172 for driving the hot water solenoid valve 65.

The transistor solenoid valve drive circuits 170, 172, like the control unit 20, can be driven by battery output from the power supply unit 4, and similarly, the cold water solenoid valve 64 and the hot water solenoid valve 65 can also be driven by the same battery output.

<Effects of Example 3>
According to the third embodiment, any one of the following effects can be obtained.
(1) In power failure mode, the transistor solenoid valve drive circuits 170, 172, the cold water solenoid valve 64, and the hot water solenoid valve 65 can be driven by battery output.

(2) Since it can be driven by battery 6, power consumption in power outage mode can be reduced.

Figure 20 shows the power supply unit 4 according to Example 4. In the above-described embodiment and example, the battery power supply is released by the battery power supply release signal Soff from the control unit 20 by the battery power supply release unit 18, but in addition, a battery power supply release unit 174 for manually releasing the battery power supply may be provided.

This battery power supply release unit 174 has a normally closed contact 176, which is installed in series with the contact 164. In power outage mode, when the contact 164 is closed, that is, when the battery power supply is maintained, the normally closed contact 176 can be manually turned OFF to similarly release the battery power supply.

<Effects of Example 4>
According to the fourth embodiment, any one of the following effects can be obtained.
(1) The battery power supply can be released manually at any time.

(2) It is possible to configure a highly convenient water server 2 that can release the battery power supply in an emergency, etc.

<Other embodiments>
(1) In the above embodiment, the operation patterns are shown in A to D of Fig. 5, but the present disclosure is not limited to these operation patterns. For example, the measurement of the elapsed time Mt may be terminated at the end of the water injection operation, the threshold value Mth may be released at that time, and a new threshold value Mth may be set at this time, and the measurement of the elapsed time Mt without the water injection operation may be started. With such a configuration, it is possible to avoid the consumption of the battery 6 due to the continuation of the elapsed time Mt without the water injection operation, and also to avoid the hassle of repeatedly operating the start button 10.

(2) In the above embodiment, the battery 6 is a series circuit of eight AA batteries that achieves 12 V, but 12 V may be achieved by a series-parallel circuit of more than eight batteries. Also, the battery voltage is not limited to 12 V.

(3) The battery 6 may be a rechargeable storage battery, and the power supply unit 4 may be provided with a charging circuit that charges the storage battery when AC power is supplied.

As described above, the most preferred embodiment of the present disclosure has been described. The present disclosure is not limited to the above description. Various modifications and changes are possible for those skilled in the art based on the gist of the invention described in the claims or disclosed in the description for carrying out the invention. It goes without saying that such modifications and changes are included in the scope of the present disclosure.

The present disclosure makes it possible to provide a highly convenient water server that can dispense cold or hot water in normal mode when powered by AC, as well as during a power outage or in power outage mode when powered by a battery, making it possible to effectively utilize the server in times of disasters.

2 Water server 4 Power supply unit 6 Battery 8 AC source 10 Start button 12 DC stabilization unit 14 AC detection unit 16 Battery power supply holding unit 18 Battery power supply release unit 20 Control unit 21 Power outage pause unit 22 Large current load 24 Solenoid valve unit 25 Information presentation unit 26 Operation unit 28 Server housing 29 Water container mounting unit 30 Operation panel unit 32 Hot water/cold water filling cover unit 34 Water filling receiver unit 36 Water filling port 38 Hot water filling port 40 Drain unit 42 Upper panel 44-1, 44-2 Battery box 46 Heat dissipation cover 48 Cooling device cover 50-1, 50-2 Insulating diode 52 Processor 54 Memory unit 56 I/O
58 Timer 60 Cooling device 61 Drive unit 62 Hot water heater 63 Switch unit 64 Cold water solenoid valve 65 Hot water solenoid valve 66 Solenoid valve drive unit 68 Cold water lamp 70 Weak cold lamp 72 Hot water lamp 74 High temperature lamp 75 Energy saving lamp 76 Lock lamp 78 Lamp drive unit 79 Cold water button 80 Hot water button 82 Energy saving button 84 Lock/release button 86 Sensor unit 87 Cold water temperature sensor 88 Hot water temperature sensor 90 Power supply control unit 92 Power outage mode control unit 94 Cold water control unit 96 Hot water control unit 98 Information presentation control unit 100 Water container 102 Cold water tank 104 Hot water tank 106 Water supply nozzle unit 108 Top opening 110 Valve mechanism 112 Opening/closing valve 114 Opening/closing arm unit 116 float portion 118 evaporator 120 separation plate 122 recess portion 124 water supply pipe 126 bypass pipe 128 bypass valve 130 water supply pipe 132 molten metal supply pipe 134 water supply hole 136 water passage hole 138 full wave rectifier portion 140, 142 resistor 144 photocoupler 146 light emitting element 148 light receiving element 150 signal power supply 152, 154 resistor 156 relay 158, 160 transistor 162 relay coil 164 contact 165 diode 166 transistor 168 resistor 170, 172 transistor solenoid valve drive circuit 174 battery power supply release portion 176 normally closed contact

Claims (23)

The start switch and
a power supply unit which, during AC power supply, generates a DC output by the AC power supply, and during a power failure, maintains battery power supply in response to operation of the start switch, generates a battery output by the battery power supply, and, during battery power supply, releases the battery power supply in response to a battery power supply release signal;
A water injection unit that performs a water injection operation by operating a cold water switch or a hot water switch;
a control unit that monitors a water injection operation from the start of activation of the start switch, and when there is no water injection operation for a continuous certain period of time , outputs the battery power supply release signal at least after the certain period of time has elapsed, and when there is a water injection operation before the certain period of time has elapsed, outputs the battery power supply release signal after the water injection operation has ended;
A water server equipped with The power supply unit includes:
a battery power supply holding unit that holds the battery power supply in response to an operation of the start switch;
a battery power supply release unit that releases the battery power supply in response to the battery power supply release signal;
The water server according to claim 1 . The water server according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the control unit measures the elapsed time from the start of the startup, sets a threshold representing the certain time for this elapsed time, and if the water pouring operation is not performed within the threshold, outputs the battery power supply release signal after the elapsed time reaches the threshold, and if the water pouring operation is in progress when the elapsed time reaches the threshold, outputs the battery power supply release signal after the water pouring operation ends. The water server according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the control unit measures the time elapsed since the end of the water pouring operation, sets a threshold value representing the certain time for this elapsed time, and if the water pouring operation does not occur within the threshold value, outputs the power supply release signal after the elapsed time reaches the threshold value, and if the water pouring operation is in progress when the elapsed time reaches the threshold value, outputs the power supply release signal after the water supply operation ends. The water server according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the control unit cancels the threshold value at the end of the water pouring operation, and sets a new threshold value at the time of cancellation without operating the start switch. In addition, a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the water stored in the cold water tank;
an information display unit that displays at least a cold water display or a water pouring available display;
The water server according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising: a control unit that, if the detected temperature of the stored water is equal to or lower than a predetermined temperature, displays a cold water indication on the information display unit and permits pouring of water; and, if the temperature of the stored water exceeds the predetermined temperature, cancels the cold water indication and prohibits pouring of water. The water server according to claim 6, further comprising: the control unit, when powered by the battery, stops power supply to the hot water heater and causes the information display unit to display a water pouring availability display instead of a hot water display. a step in which the power supply unit receives the AC power supply and generates a DC output when AC power is supplied, and when a power failure occurs, the power supply unit holds the battery power supply in response to an operation of a start switch and generates a battery output by the battery power supply;
a control unit monitoring the water injection operation from the start of activation of the start switch, and if there is no water injection operation for a continuous certain period of time , outputting a battery power supply release signal at least after the certain period of time has elapsed, and if there is the water injection operation before the certain period of time has elapsed, outputting the battery power supply release signal after the water injection operation has ended;
a step of the power supply unit receiving the battery power supply release signal from the control unit and releasing the battery power supply;
A method for supplying water to a water server, including: Powering the device by a battery;
a step of a battery power supply holding unit holding the battery power supply in response to an operation of the start switch;
a battery power supply release unit receiving the battery power supply release signal and releasing the battery power supply;
A step in which the water injection unit performs a water injection operation by operating a cold water switch or a hot water switch;
the control unit monitors the water injection operation from the start of activation of the start switch, and when there is no water injection operation for a continuous certain period of time, outputs the battery power supply release signal at least after the certain period of time has elapsed, and when there is a water injection operation before the certain period of time has elapsed, outputs the battery power supply release signal after the water injection operation is completed;
The water supply method for a water server according to claim 8, comprising: The water supply method for a water server according to claim 8 or claim 9, comprising a step in which the control unit measures the time elapsed from the start of the startup or the time elapsed from the end of the water pouring operation, sets a threshold value representing the certain time for the elapsed time, and if there is no water pouring operation, outputs the power supply release signal after the elapsed time reaches the threshold value, and if a water pouring operation is in progress at the time when the elapsed time reaches the threshold value, outputs the power supply release signal after the water pouring operation ends. The water supply method for a water server according to any one of claims 8 to 10, further comprising a step in which the control unit cancels the threshold value at the end of the water pouring operation and sets a new threshold value at the time of cancellation without operating the start switch. Further, a temperature sensor detects the temperature of the water stored in the cold water tank;
a step of displaying at least a cold water display or a water pouring available display by an information display unit;
When the detected temperature of the stored water is equal to or lower than a predetermined temperature, the control unit displays a cold water display on the information display unit and permits pouring of water, and when the stored water exceeds the predetermined temperature, the control unit cancels the cold water display and prohibits pouring of water;
A water supply method for a water server according to any one of claims 8 to 11, comprising: The water supply method for a water server according to any one of claims 8 to 12, further comprising a step in which the control unit stops the supply of power to the hot water heater when the hot water heater is powered by the battery, and causes the information display unit to display a water pouring indication instead of a hot water indication. A program for causing a computer to execute the program,
A function of generating a DC output by receiving the AC power during AC power supply, and maintaining the battery power supply in response to the operation of a start switch during a power outage, and generating a battery output by the battery power supply;
A function of causing the water injection unit to perform a water injection operation by operating the cold water switch or the hot water switch;
a function of monitoring the water injection operation from the start of activation of the start switch, and if there is no water injection operation for a continuous certain period of time , outputting a battery power supply release signal at least after the certain period of time has elapsed, and if there is a water injection operation before the certain period of time has elapsed, outputting the battery power supply release signal after the water injection operation has ended;
a function of receiving the battery power supply release signal and releasing the battery power supply;
A program for causing the computer to execute the above. The program according to claim 14 further causes the computer to execute a function of measuring the time elapsed from the start of the startup or the time elapsed from the end of the water injection operation, setting a threshold value representing the certain time for the elapsed time, outputting the battery power supply release signal after the elapsed time reaches the threshold value if the water injection operation is not occurring, and outputting the battery power supply release signal after the water injection operation is completed if the water injection operation is in progress when the elapsed time reaches the threshold value. The program according to claim 14 or 15, which causes the computer to execute a function of canceling the threshold value at the end of the water injection operation and setting a new threshold value at the time of cancellation without operating the start switch. In addition, there is a function to obtain temperature information from a temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the water stored in the cold water tank,
A function of causing an information display unit to display at least a cold water display or a water pouring available display;
a function of displaying a cold water display on the information display unit and permitting pouring of water when the detected temperature of the stored water is equal to or lower than a predetermined temperature, and canceling the cold water display and prohibiting pouring of water when the stored water exceeds the predetermined temperature;
17. The program according to claim 14, for causing the computer to execute the above steps. The program according to any one of claims 14 to 17 further causes the computer to execute a function of stopping the supply of power to the hot water heater when the battery is being used, and displaying a water pouring availability display on the information display unit instead of the hot water display. A recording medium storing the control information for a water server according to any one of claims 1 to 7, or the program according to any one of claims 14 to 18. The start switch and
a power supply unit which, during AC power supply, generates a DC output by the AC power supply, and during a power failure, maintains battery power supply in response to operation of the start switch, generates a battery output by the battery power supply, and, during battery power supply, releases the battery power supply in response to a battery power supply release signal;
A water injection unit that performs a water injection operation by operating a cold water switch or a hot water switch;
a control unit that monitors a water injection operation from the start of activation of the start switch, and when there is no water injection operation for a continuous certain period of time , outputs the battery power supply release signal at least after the certain period of time has elapsed, and when there is a water injection operation before the certain period of time has elapsed, outputs the battery power supply release signal after the water injection operation has ended;
A water server control device comprising: Furthermore, the power supply unit
a battery power supply holding unit that holds the battery power supply in response to an operation of the start switch;
a battery power supply release unit that releases the battery power supply in response to the battery power supply release signal;
The control device for a water server according to claim 20, comprising: The control device for a water server according to claim 20 or 21, wherein the control unit measures the time elapsed from the start of the startup or the time elapsed from the end of the water pouring operation, sets a threshold value representing the certain time for the elapsed time, and if there is no water pouring operation, outputs the battery power supply release signal after the elapsed time reaches the threshold value, and if a water pouring operation is in progress at the time the elapsed time reaches the threshold value, outputs the battery power supply release signal after the water pouring operation ends. The control device for the water server according to any one of claims 20 to 22, wherein the control unit cancels the threshold value at the end of the water pouring operation, and sets a new threshold value at the time of cancellation without operating the start switch.

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