CN111683894A - Water dispenser and water supply method to water dispenser - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides a water dispenser (10), comprising: a cold water tank (11) for storing cold water; a water supply container (14) connected to the cold water tank (11) and encapsulated with a water supply that should be supplied to the cold water tank (11). water; and a water tank capacity detection mechanism (15) for detecting whether the space capacity formed in the cold water tank (11) is larger or smaller than the content of the water supply container (14), and the capacity of the cold water tank (11) is greater than the content of the water supply container (14) When the water tank capacity detection mechanism (15) detects that the volume of the space formed in the cold water water tank (11) is greater than the inner capacity of the water supply container (14), all the water supply container (14) connected to the cold water water tank (11) Water is supplied to the cold water tank (11).

Description

Water dispenser and water supply method to water dispenser

technical field

The present invention relates to a water dispenser which can make cold water or warm water flow out according to the user's request.

Background technique

There is known a water dispenser in which cold water or warm water is prepared from water filled in a container such as a water supply tank instead of tap water and supplied to the user. An example of such a water dispenser is Patent Document 1. Water dispenser as recorded. The water dispenser of Patent Document 1 includes a cold water tank, a warm water tank, and a replaceable water supply tank for supplying water to the cold water tank. Since the water supply bucket is not cooled, the water in it is at room temperature. In addition, the water in the water supply tank gradually decreases as it flows out of the water dispenser for drinking. In addition, the water supply bucket is usually transported to the place where the water dispenser is installed and replaced by a specialized worker. When replacing, usually also clean the joint part of the cold water tank connected to the water supply tank.

In such water dispensers, it is necessary to periodically sterilize the cold water path including the cold water tank. This is because, for example, if the cleaning of the joint between the water supply tank and the cold water tank is not sufficient, the microorganisms adhering to this intrude into the water supply tank and proliferate in the normal temperature water supply tank. As a result, the water containing microorganisms may also escape from the water supply tank. Supply to cold water tank. In this way, also in order to sterilize the microorganisms which flowed into the cold water tank from the normal temperature water supply tank, it is necessary to carry out the sterilization of the cold water tank etc. reliably at the set frequency. In addition, including the case of Patent Document 1, the sterilization is often performed by high-temperature water sterilization by sending high-temperature water obtained from a high-temperature water tank to a cold water tank.

prior art literature

Patent Literature

Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-210467

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Invention to solve problem

On the other hand, since the operation of the water dispenser is limited during the high-temperature water sterilization and several hours after it is implemented, and the implementation of the high-temperature water sterilization and subsequent recooling of the cold water tank consumes a lot of power, Therefore, it is also desired to reduce the frequency of performing high-temperature water sterilization.

solution to the problem

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and the technical problem to be solved is to provide a water dispenser that maintains a good sanitary state for a longer period of time, and a water supply method to the water dispenser.

In order to achieve the above object, according to the present invention, a water dispenser is provided, comprising: a cold water tank for storing cold water; a water supply container connected to the cold water tank and encapsulating the water to be supplied to the cold water tank; and a water tank capacity detection mechanism, which Detect whether the volume of space formed in the cold water tank is larger or smaller than the content of the water supply container, and the capacity of the cold water tank is greater than the content of the water supply container. At this time, all the water in the water supply container connected to the cold water tank is supplied to the cold water tank.

Furthermore, in order to achieve the above object, according to the present invention, there is provided a water supply method to a water dispenser, comprising: a stage of preparing a water supply container in which water to be supplied to a cold water tank provided in the water dispenser is packaged; A stage in which the space capacity is larger than the amount of water in the water supply container; and a stage in which all the water in the water supply container is supplied to the cold water tank through the inflow port by connecting the water supply container to the inflow port of the cold water tank.

effect of invention

According to this, since all the water in the bucket is supplied to the cold water tank when the water supply container is replaced, the possibility that water containing microorganisms proliferating at normal temperature is supplied to the cold water tank from the water supply container is completely eliminated. As a result, the favorable hygienic state of the cold water tank can be maintained for a long period of time, and the frequency of sterilization of high-temperature water in the cold water tank can be reduced.

Description of drawings

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a water dispenser according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed ways

Hereinafter, the water dispenser 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 1 .

The water dispenser 10 according to the first embodiment is configured to flow cold water and warm water for drinking from a water tank located inside according to a user's request. Therefore, the water dispenser 10 includes: a cold water tank 11; a warm water tank 12 communicated with the cold water tank 11; The water tank capacity detection mechanism 15 whose space capacity is larger or smaller than the inner capacity of the water supply tub 14 ; a plurality of solenoid valves 16 to 19 ; the control part 20 ; The control unit 20 is electrically connected to the plurality of solenoid valves 16 to 19 and the tank capacity detection mechanism 15 by electric wires not shown. In addition, although not shown, the water dispenser 10 further includes a cooling device for cooling the cold water tank 11 , and a heating device for heating the warm water tank 12 .

The vertical arrangement of the water supply tank 14 , the cold water tank 11 , and the warm water tank 12 is as shown in FIG. 1 , and the supply of the water formed in the water dispenser 10 is realized by the difference in water level. In addition, in the water dispenser 10 of the present embodiment, the entire amount of the water in the water supply tank 14 is supplied to the cold water tank 11 when the water supply tank 14 is connected to the cold water tank 11, so that the cold water tank 11 is connected to an empty water tank. Water supply bucket 14.

The water dispenser 10 is provided with a cold water outlet 21 and a warm water outlet 22, which are outlets for cold water and warm water, and a tray (not shown) for placing water glasses and the like is provided below these outlets. In addition, a cold water button (not shown) and a warm water button (not shown) are arranged on the outer surface of the casing near the cold water outlet 21 and the warm water outlet 22 . The cold water injection solenoid valve 16 and the warm water injection solenoid valve 17 are arranged on the upstream sides of the cold water outlet 21 and the warm water outlet 22, respectively. When the user presses the cold water button, the cold water injection solenoid valve 16 opens and cold water flows out from the cold water outlet 21 . Similarly, when the user presses the warm water button, the warm water injection solenoid valve 17 is opened and the warm water flows out from the warm water outlet 22 .

The water supply tank 14 in the present embodiment is made of synthetic resin, and contains therein water in a good hygienic state sealed in a factory of a beverage manufacturing company. When the water supply tub 14 is connected to the cold water tank 11 , all the water contained therein is supplied to the cold water tank 11 . One member 13a of the joint 13 is fixed to the top end of the neck of the water supply tub 14, and the water injection port at the top end of the neck is sealed by the one member 13a.

The water supply tub 14 contains a smaller amount of water than the capacity of the cold water tank 11 . In other words, the cold water tank 11 has a capacity that can accommodate a larger amount of water than the amount of water filled in the water supply tub 14 .

The cold water tank 11 has an inlet pipe 11 a extending upward so as to be connectable to the water supply tub 14 . Another member 13b of the joint 13 is fixed to the tip of the inlet line 11a. Since the joint 13 is a well-known type of joint, it is not described in detail, but the joint 13 is constituted so that the other member 13b has a mechanical connection while the one member 13a and the other member 13b of the joint 13 are screwed to each other and mechanically connected. The sharp tip end of the tubular piercing member (not shown) pierces the easily broken part (not shown) of one member 13a provided in the water supply tub 14, and also realizes the fluid connection.

The inlet line 11a of the cold water tank 11 is also provided with a water supply solenoid valve 18 that opens and closes the inlet line 11a. The water supply solenoid valve 18 is electrically connected to the control unit 20 , and its operation is controlled by the control unit 20 .

The cold water tank 11 is provided with the outflow port 11b in the bottom, and the cold water outflow line 23 is connected to the outflow port 11b. A cold water outflow port 21 is provided at the tip of the cold water outflow pipe 23 , and a cold water injection solenoid valve 16 for opening and closing the pipe is arranged in the cold water outflow pipe 23 upstream of the cold water outflow port 21 . The cold water injection solenoid valve 16 is electrically connected to the control unit 20 , and its operation is restricted according to the amount of water stored in the cold water tank 11 . That is, when the amount of water stored in the cold water tank 11 is small, even if the cold water button is pressed, the control unit 20 will not allow the cold water injection solenoid valve 16 to open, so the cold water injection solenoid valve 16 continues to remain closed, and cold water will not flow out. .

In order to facilitate the inflow of water from the water supply tub 14, the cold water tank 11 is provided with a vent 24 that opens the inside of the cold water tank 11 to the atmosphere. A filter unit 25 for preventing dust and microorganisms from entering the cold water tank 11 is attached to the air vent 24 . The filter element of the filter unit 25 uses a HEPA filter.

The tank capacity detection mechanism 15 includes a first water level sensor 15 a attached to the cold water tank 11 . The first water level sensor 15a is arranged to detect whether the water level of the water stored in the cold water tank 11 is higher than or lower than a preset first water level. Therefore, the 1st water level sensor 15a is electrically connected to the control part 20 and the water level indicator lamp (not shown) provided in the front surface of the housing|casing of the water dispenser 10. 1 shows a state in which the water level of the cold water tank 11 is lower than the first water level.

The first water level is set so that, when the water level of the water stored in the cold water tank 11 is lower than the first water level, the volume of the space formed in the cold water tank 11 is equal to or greater than the amount of water enclosed in the water supply tub 14 . Therefore, when the first water level sensor 15a detects that the water level of the cold water tank 11 is lower than the first water level, all the water enclosed in the water supply tub 14 can be supplied to the cold water tank 11, and the control unit 20 opens the water supply solenoid valve 18.

On the other hand, when it is detected that the water level of the cold water tank 11 is above the first water level, the volume of the space formed in the cold water tank 11 is smaller than the internal volume of the water supply tank 14, and the control unit 20 closes the water supply solenoid valve 18 so as not to The cold water tank 11 is supplied with water from the water supply tank 14 . If the water level of the cold water tank 11 is above the first water level, if water is supplied from the water supply tank 14 to the cold water tank 11, the water will overflow from the vent 24 of the cold water tank 11. If not, the inside of the water supply tank 14 will be mixed with water. In the past, water at room temperature remains in the same manner, and the possibility of microbial proliferation cannot be excluded. In the present embodiment, in order to prevent such a situation from occurring, the first water level sensor 15a detects the volume of the space formed in the cold water tank 11, and the control unit 20 is turned on only when the cold water tank 11 can receive all the water in the water supply tank 14. Water supply solenoid valve 18.

The tank capacity detection mechanism 15 of the present embodiment further includes a second water level sensor 15b. The second water level sensor 15b is configured to detect whether the water level of the water stored in the cold water tank 11 is higher than or lower than a preset second water level lower than the first water level. The second water level is set to detect the water shortage state of the cold water tank 11 . When the second water level sensor 15b detects that the water level of the water stored in the cold water tank 11 is lower than the second water level, the control unit 20 causes the water shortage lamp (not shown) provided on the front of the housing to indicate the water shortage state. light up. In addition, even if the cold water button is pressed at this time, the control unit 20 does not allow the cold water injection solenoid valve 16 to open. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, when a predetermined time has elapsed from the lighting of the water shortage lamp, the control unit 20 sounds an alarm sound for notifying the water shortage state.

Although not shown, around the outside of the cold water tank 11, a cooling pipe to which a cooling device is attached is wound. The cooling device is a known type that utilizes compression and expansion of a cooling medium, and a cooling pipe wound around the cold water tank 11 functions as an evaporator.

The cold water tank 11 communicates with the warm water tank 12 arranged below it through a first connecting line 26 having a flange-shaped portion provided at an upper end portion thereof. Water is supplied from the cold water tank 11 to the warm water tank 12 through the first connection line 26 . Furthermore, the cold water tank 11 and the warm water tank 12 are also communicated by the second connecting line 27 . However, the second connecting line 27 is provided with a thermal valve 19 that opens and closes the line, and the second connecting line 27 is normally closed by the thermal valve 19 . When the thermal valve 19 is opened, the first connecting line 26 and the second connecting line 27 form a circulation path between the cold water tank 11 and the warm water tank 12 . In the present embodiment, a descending water flow flows through the first connecting pipe 26 , and an ascending water flow flows through the second connecting pipe 27 .

The outflow port 12b is provided in the upper part of the warm water tank 12, and the warm water outflow line 28 is connected to the outflow port 12b. A warm water outflow port 22 is provided at the tip of the warm water outflow line 28 . The warm water injection solenoid valve 17 is disposed in the warm water outflow conduit 28 on the upstream side of the warm water outflow port 22 to open and close the conduit.

An electric heater (not shown) is attached to the outer surface of the bottom surface of the warm water tank 12 . The electric heater is intermittently operated by the control unit 20 so that the temperature of the warm water supplied to the drinker becomes a desired temperature. In addition, in this embodiment, although the high temperature water sterilization on the cold water tank 11 side is performed using the high temperature water of the warm water tank 12, the electric heater operates even at this time.

The high temperature water sterilization on the cold water tank 11 side is performed by replacing the cold water in the cold water tank 11 with high temperature water. Therefore, when the thermal valve 19 is opened by the command from the control unit 20 , the second connection line 27 is opened, and the electric heater is continuously operated to continuously heat the warm water in the warm water tank 12 . In this way, the warm water in the warm water tank 12 circulates between the warm water tank 11 and the cold water tank 11 by natural convection through the second connection line 27 and the first connection line 26 . The temperature of the water in the cold water tank 11 can be raised to, for example, 90° C. or higher, which is suitable for sterilization, by continuously operating the electric heater for a certain period of time or more. By sterilizing the high-temperature water in the cold water tank 11, it goes without saying that the water in the cold water tank 11 is sterilized, and the inner surface of the cold water tank 11 that contacts the high-temperature water and the inner surface of the pipeline extending from the cold water tank 11 are also sterilized, and the high temperature The portion of the cold water tank 11 and its surrounding portion, which are heated by conduction of the heat of the water, are also sterilized.

According to the water dispenser 10 according to the first embodiment, when the water supply tub 14 is replaced, all the water in the tub is supplied to the cold water tank 11 . Therefore, the possibility that the water containing the microorganisms which proliferate in the normal temperature environment is supplied from the water supply tub 14 to the cold water tank 11 is completely excluded. As a result, the favorable hygienic state of the cold water tank 11 can be maintained for a long period of time, and the frequency of sterilizing the high-temperature water of the cold water tank 11 can be reduced. Conventionally, the frequency of performing high-temperature water cleaning is often set once a day, but according to the water dispenser 10 of the present embodiment, even if the frequency of performing high-temperature water sterilization is once a week, the hygienic state of the outflowing cold water is confirmed. Well maintained.

Next, the water supply method to the water dispenser 10 which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention is demonstrated. Here, the use of the water dispenser 10 according to the first embodiment will be described as an example.

First, the water supply tank 14 filled with the water to be supplied to the cold water tank 11 is prepared.

Next, it is confirmed that the volume of the space formed in the cold water tank 11 is larger than the amount of water in the water supply tub 14 . In this embodiment, this is performed by the control part 20 based on the signal from the 1st water level sensor 15a of the water tank capacity confirmation means of the water dispenser 10. After that, the control unit 20 opens the water supply solenoid valve 18 provided in the inlet line 11 a extending from the cold water tank 11 .

Next, the empty water supply tub 14 connected to the cold water tank 11 is removed from the inflow port portion at the tip of the inlet pipe 11a of the cold water tank 11 . At this time, it is preferable to clean the joint 13 of the inflow port.

Next, the prepared new water supply tub 14 is turned upside down, and the top end of the neck of the water supply tub 14 is connected to the inflow port at the top end of the inlet pipe 11 a of the cold water tank 11 . The connection is made by screwing one member 13a of the joint 13 fixed to the neck tip of the water supply tub 14 into the other member 13b of the joint 13 fixed to the inflow port of the cold water tank 11 . In addition, in the present embodiment, the water supply tub 14 is opened by connection using the structure of the aforementioned joint 13 . When opened, the water in the water supply tub 14 is supplied to the cold water tank 11 . In addition, since it was confirmed that the volume of the space formed in the cold water tank 11 is larger than the content of the water supply tank 14, all the water in the water supply tank 14 is supplied to the cold water tank 11 within about 60 minutes in this embodiment. In the above, the water supply to the cold water tank 11 is completed.

It should be understood that the time required to supply all the water of the water supply tub 14 to the cold water tank 11 varies depending on the capacity of the water supply tub 14, the diameter of the tubular piercing member of the joint 13, and the like. For example, it is also possible to shorten the time required for water supply to within a few minutes by increasing the diameter of the piercing member of the joint 13 or providing an air hole in the joint 13 .

As in the case of the first embodiment, it should be understood that the water supply method to the water dispenser according to the second embodiment can maintain a good hygienic state of the cold water tank 11 for a long period of time, and can reduce the implementation of sterilization of high-temperature water in the cold water tank 11 . frequency.

other implementations

The water dispenser 10 according to the first embodiment is configured such that the control unit 20 controls the opening and closing of the water supply solenoid valve 18 based on a signal from the first water level sensor 15a of the tank capacity confirmation mechanism, but may not include water supply. The solenoid valve 18 is an embodiment in which only the signal from the first water level sensor 15a is displayed on the water level indicator. At this time, a person who replaces the water supply bucket 14 can judge whether or not to replace the water supply bucket 14 based on the information of the water level indicator light.

Furthermore, instead of the first water level sensor 15a, the cold water tank 11 may be provided with a simple visual type water level gauge.

In the water supply method to the water dispenser according to the second embodiment, the water dispenser 10 including the control unit 20 and the water supply solenoid valve 18 is used, but the water dispenser 10 not including the control unit 20 and the water supply solenoid valve 18 may be used. Embodiment of the water supply method to the water dispenser. At this time, the confirmation of the volume of the space formed in the cold water tank 11 is carried out by the water supply tank replacement person confirming the display of the water level indicator and the like. As a result of the confirmation, when it is determined that the water supply tank can be replaced, the changer will supply the water supply tank. The bucket can be connected to the cold water tank.

In the water dispenser 10 according to the first embodiment, the empty water supply tank 14 continues to be connected to the cold water tank 11 , but it may be an embodiment including a cover that closes the inflow port of the cold water tank 11 . , so as to isolate the water supply tub 14 which becomes empty at the stage of the end of the water supply from the cold water tank 11 .

Similarly, the water supply method to the water dispenser according to the second embodiment may be an embodiment in which the following is added: when the supply of all water is completed, the water supply tank 14 is isolated from the cold water tank 11, and the cold water tank 11 is connected to the cold water tank 11 by a cover or the like. The inflow port is closed.

In the second embodiment, the water supply tub 14 is opened while it is upside down and connected to the inflow port of the inlet pipe 11a of the cold water tank 11, but an embodiment in which the water supply tub 14 is opened in an upright state is also possible. At this time, a joint with a flexible hose connecting the outflow port of the water supply tank 14 and the inflow port of the cold water tank 11 is prepared, and the water supply tank 14 opened in the upright state and the flow of the cold water tank 11 are connected through the joint. After the inlet, the water supply bucket 14 can be lifted to the top of the cold water tank 11 to be poured.

The drinking mechanism of the first embodiment selectively discharges cold water and warm water as required, but may be an embodiment of a water dispenser that discharges only cold water. At this time, the water dispenser does not have a warm water tank and related pipelines and solenoid valves. In addition, an electric heater for high-temperature water sterilization is also installed on the cold water tank in addition to the cooling pipeline.

Description of reference numerals

10, water dispenser; 11, cold water tank; 12, warm water tank; 13, joint; 14, water supply bucket; 15, capacity detection mechanism; 16, cold water injection solenoid valve; 17, warm water injection solenoid valve; 18, water supply solenoid valve; 20. Control Department.

Claims (10)

1. A water dispenser is provided with:

a cold water tank for storing cold water;

a water supply container connected to the cold water tank and enclosing water to be supplied to the cold water tank;

and a tank capacity detection means for detecting whether a capacity of a space formed in the cold water tank is larger or smaller than an inner capacity of the water supply container,

the capacity of the cold water tank is greater than the inner capacity of the water supply container,

when the tank capacity detection means detects that the capacity of the space formed in the cold water tank is greater than the internal capacity of the water supply container, all water in the water supply container connected to the cold water tank is supplied to the cold water tank.

2. The water dispenser of claim 1 wherein,

further provided with: a control unit;

and a water supply solenoid valve disposed at an inlet of the cold water tank into which water from the water supply container flows,

when the volume of the space formed in the cold water tank detected by the tank volume detection means is greater than the internal volume of the water supply container, the control unit opens the water supply solenoid valve, and closes the water supply solenoid valve when the internal volume is small.

3. The water dispenser of claim 1 or 2, characterized in that,

the tank capacity detection means includes a 1 st water level sensor for detecting whether the water level of the water stored in the cold water tank is equal to or higher than a preset 1 st water level or lower than the preset 1 st water level,

the 1 st water level is set such that a volume of a space formed in the cold water tank becomes equal to or greater than an inner volume of the water supply container when a water level of water stored in the cold water tank is lower than the 1 st water level.

4. The water dispenser of claim 3 wherein,

also comprises a cold water outflow electromagnetic valve arranged at the cold water outflow port of the water dispenser,

the tank capacity detection means further comprises a 2 nd water level sensor for detecting whether the water level of the cold water tank is higher than or lower than a preset 2 nd water level lower than the 1 st water level,

the controller allows the cold water outflow solenoid valve to be opened when the level of the water stored in the cold water tank detected by the 2 nd water level sensor is equal to or higher than the 2 nd water level, and does not allow the cold water outflow solenoid valve to be opened when the level of the water is lower than the 2 nd water level.

5. The water dispenser as claimed in claim 4, wherein the control part gives an alarm when a predetermined time elapses from the detection of the level of the water stored in the cold water tank by the 2 nd level sensor to be lower than the 2 nd level.

6. The water dispenser as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the state in which the water supply container is connected to the cold water tank is continuously maintained even after the water supply from the water supply container to the cold water tank is finished.

7. The water dispenser according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that,

further comprises a cover for closing the inlet of the cold water tank,

after the water supply from the water supply container to the cold water tank is finished, the water supply container is isolated from the cold water tank, and the inflow portion is closed with the cover.

8. The water dispenser according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that,

in order to selectively make the warm water flow out based on the cold water, the utility model is also provided with a warm water tank communicated with the cold water tank,

the hot water tank is configured to supply hot water from the hot water tank to sterilize the cold water tank.

9. A water supply method for a water dispenser, which is characterized in that,

the method comprises the following steps: preparing a water supply container for sealing water to be supplied to a cold water tank of the water dispenser;

confirming that the space capacity formed in the cold water tank is larger than the water quantity in the water supply container;

and a step of connecting the water supply container to an inlet of the cold water tank and supplying all water in the water supply container to the cold water tank through the inlet.

10. The method of supplying water to a water dispenser according to claim 9,

after the stage of said supply, the feed is carried out,

further provided with: a stage of isolating the water supply container from the inflow portion of the cold water tank;

and a stage of closing the inlet portion of the cold water tank.

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