Water server, control method and program thereof

Abstract

To enable periodically executing high temperature water circulation processing without impairing convenience by causing a water server to automatically learn a non-use time zone thereof and to set an automatic clean time.SOLUTION: In a water server according to the present invention, a control part (28) is configured to: monitor a use condition or non-use condition of the water server by using information acquired from a detection unit (a cold water switch 92 and a warm water switch 94) and a time measurement unit (a multi-timer 84); accumulate at least non-use information for a fixed time period by referring to time measurement information; extract a non-use time zone which is a time zone equal to or more than a continuous predetermined time and accounts for a predetermined number of days or more at a same timing in the fixed time period; set an automatic cleaning time in the non-use time zone; and perform, during the automatic cleaning time, stopping of cooling operation of cooling means (an evaporator 26), raising of temperature of warm water by heating means (a warm water heater 34), and opening of a solenoid valve (a bypass valve 52) to circulate high-temperature warm water between a warm water tank (10) and a cold water tank (8).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The technology disclosed herein relates to operational control of a water server that heats and cools water and supplies it. [Background technology]

[0002] A water server can, for example, pump raw water from an installed water container, guide it to a hot water tank or cold water tank in the server, heat or cool it to a set temperature, and supply hot or cold water in response to a user's request. Some water servers can determine when hot or cold water is not being supplied, and some have a function to circulate high-temperature water while hot or cold water is not being supplied.

[0003] Regarding such water servers, there are those that determine the time when cold or hot water is not being supplied as non-use time and set the hot water circulation time to this non-use time, or convert use or non-use into a numerical value and use this numerical value to calculate the logical sum of multiple successive unit times, and set the unit time with the smallest value from each value obtained by this logical sum as the non-use time (for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6609177 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Incidentally, water servers are equipped with a function to circulate high-temperature water once a week to purify the inside of the tank and the pipes leading to the tank in order to prevent the growth of bacteria. Since the water server needs to stop the water supply function to circulate the high-temperature water inside, it needs to be done during non-use hours when there is no supply of hot or cold water. These non-use hours vary depending on the user's lifestyle and the purpose and installation environment of the water server, so non-use hours need to be set for each user. The non-use time periods may be accurately determined by, for example, collecting data over a long period of time by monitoring time information and the user's use of hot and cold water. For example, a clock function that keeps standard time is effective for such monitoring, but many devices do not have a clock function in order to reduce costs, size, and space. In other words, the user cannot freely set the non-use time periods to the date and time of their choice by using standard time kept by the clock function, and set it as the time to run the high-temperature water circulation process.

[0006] A water server may, for example, prioritize internal cleanliness and set a uniform time for circulating high-temperature water. However, if the server circulates high-temperature water without regard for how the user is using the server, there is a risk that convenience will be reduced, such as the server not being able to respond to water supply requests. In addition, in monitoring the state of water servers when they are not in use, it is possible to use, for example, light sensors, motion sensors, or illuminance sensors. However, even if the sensitivity is unnecessarily high, such as by simply detecting the movement of people approaching the water server, there is a possibility that there will be a discrepancy between the user's usage status and the determined period of non-use, and this may result in something that goes against the goals of reducing the cost and space required for water servers.

[0007] Regarding such issues, the inventors of the technology disclosed herein have discovered that by monitoring whether each user is using the water server or not, and using the monitoring results to learn times of non-use, and by setting the auto-clean (AC) time, which is the timing for executing high-temperature water circulation based on specified conditions, it is possible to achieve both the convenience of the water server and power saving. Patent Document 1 does not disclose or suggest any solution to such a problem, and the configuration disclosed in Patent Document 1 cannot solve such a problem.

[0008] Therefore, based on such issues and knowledge, the technology disclosed herein aims to realize a water server that can perform high-temperature water circulation processing periodically without compromising the convenience of the water server by automatically learning the non-use time periods for each user from the usage status of the water server and setting the auto-clean time during this non-use time period.

[0009] Patent Document 1 does not disclose or suggest any solution to such a problem, and the configuration disclosed in Patent Document 1 cannot solve such a problem. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] In order to achieve the above object, one aspect of the water server of the present disclosure is a water server that supplies hot water and cold water, and includes a detection unit that detects whether the water server is in use or not, or both, a timing unit that measures elapsed time, a solenoid valve that opens and closes a bypass path connecting a hot water tank and a cold water tank, a cooling means that cools the water in the cold water tank, a heating means that heats the hot water in the hot water tank, and a control unit that receives the detection output of the detection unit to monitor the use or non-use state of the water server, refers to the timing information from the timing unit to accumulate at least non-use information for a certain period of time, uses the non-use information to extract a non-use period that is a continuous period of time or more and that occupies a predetermined number of days or more in the same timing during the certain period, sets an auto-clean time for the non-use period, stops the cooling operation of the cooling means during the auto-clean time, heats the hot water to a high temperature by the heating means, opens the solenoid valve, and circulates the high-temperature hot water between the hot water tank and the cold water tank.

[0011] In the water server described above, the control unit may at least start the operation of the cooling means and cause the heating means to stop increasing the temperature of the hot water a predetermined time before the end of the auto-clean time. In the water server, the control unit may select the longest continuous time period from the non-use time period and set this time period as the auto-clean time. In the water server, the control unit may select, from the non-use time periods, a time period that occupies the greatest number of days in the fixed period, and set this time period as the auto-clean time. In the water server, the control unit may select the non-use time period with the earliest start timing from among the non-use time periods, and set this as the auto-clean time.

[0012] In order to achieve the above object, one aspect of the method for controlling a water server disclosed herein is a method for controlling a water server that supplies hot water and cold water, comprising the steps of: detecting using a detection unit whether the water server is in use or not in use, or both; measuring elapsed time using a timing unit; a control unit receiving detection output from the detection unit and monitoring the use state or non-use state of the water server; the control unit accumulating at least non-use information for a certain period of time by referring to the timing information acquired from the timing unit; the control unit using the non-use information to extract a non-use time period that is a continuous time period of a certain period of time or more and that occupies a predetermined number of days or more in the certain period at the same timing; and the control unit setting an auto-clean time for the non-use time period, stopping the cooling operation of a cooling means of a cold water tank during the auto-clean time, raising the temperature of the hot water in the hot water tank by a heating means of the hot water tank, and opening an electromagnetic valve of a bypass path connecting the hot water tank and the cold water tank, thereby circulating the high-temperature hot water between the hot water tank and the cold water tank.

[0013] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, one aspect of the program of the present disclosure is a computer program that causes a computer to execute the following functions: a detection unit to detect either or both of the use and non-use of the water server; a timing unit to measure elapsed time; a function to receive the detection output of the detection unit and monitor the use or non-use state of the water server; a function to accumulate at least non-use information for a certain period of time by referring to the timing information obtained by the timing unit; a function to use the non-use information to extract a non-use period that is a continuous time period of a certain period of time or more and that occupies a predetermined number of days or more in the certain period at the same timing; and a function to set an auto-clean time for the non-use period, stop the cooling operation of the cooling means of the cold water tank during the auto-clean time, heat the hot water in the hot water tank by the heating means of the hot water tank, open an electromagnetic valve of a bypass path connecting the hot water tank and the cold water tank, and circulate the high-temperature hot water between the hot water tank and the cold water tank. Effect of the Invention

[0014] According to the present disclosure, any of the following effects can be obtained.

[0015] (1) The system automatically learns the times when the water server is not being used by the user and can automatically set the auto-clean time according to predetermined conditions during these times of non-use, thereby improving the convenience of the water server. (2) The system automatically learns to set times when the user is not using the water and the auto-clean time, so it can circulate high-temperature water according to the user's lifestyle pattern, maintaining the cleanliness of the water server. (3) By eliminating the need for users or operators to input settings, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the high-temperature water circulation process is not being performed due to forgetting to set the auto-clean time or not setting it intentionally. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a water server according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of a control unit that realizes an auto-cleaning function of the water server. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a hardware configuration of a control unit. [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart showing a process example of high-temperature water circulation control. [Diagram 5] 13 is a flowchart showing an example of an automatic learning process for non-use time periods. [Figure 6] 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a calculation process for a non-use time period. [Figure 7] 13A to 13C are diagrams showing examples of the process of setting non-use time periods and auto-cleaning times, the control state of the heating means and cooling means, and the transition of the temperature of the water in the tank. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of an extraction state of a non-use time period of a water server according to an embodiment. [Figure 9]FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a process for extracting unused time in the same time period. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a process of extracting non-use time based on the number of days. [Figure 11] 13 is a flowchart of a learning process. [Figure 12] 13 is a flowchart of a learning process. [Figure 13] 13 is a flowchart of a learning process. [Figure 14] FIG. 11 illustrates an example of a process for setting an AC time. [Figure 15] 13 is a flowchart showing a process for setting an AC time. [Figure 16] 13 is a flowchart showing a process for setting an AC time. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0017] [One embodiment] <Water Server 2 Configuration Example> Fig. 1 shows an example of the configuration of a water server according to an embodiment. The configuration shown in Fig. 1 is just an example, and the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to such a configuration. The water server 2 is a device with a function to heat raw water W to supply hot water HW, and to supply cold water CW obtained by cooling the raw water W, and has a function to store hot water HW and cold water CW at a set temperature inside, and a function to learn non-use time periods by monitoring the use and non-use state of the water server 2 by the user. Furthermore, the water server 2 has a function to use the learned non-use time periods to purify high-temperature water OHW by flowing it into tanks and other piping that store hot water HW and cold water CW during a time period when the user is not using the water server or hot water supply and sufficient processing time can be secured. Here, the non-use state of the water server 2 is determined by monitoring, for example, when the user does not operate the supply of hot water HW or cold water CW, or when there are no operations other than the supply of hot water HW or cold water CW.

[0018] The water server 2, as shown in FIG. 1, for example, has a server housing 4, on which a replaceable water container 6 is placed, and raw water W is supplied from the water container 6 to generate cold water CW in a cold water tank 8 and hot water HW in a hot water tank 10. Inside the water server 2, for example, a cold water tank 8 is installed in the middle of the server housing 4, and a hot water tank 10 is installed below this cold water tank 8. In addition, a cooling device 12 is stored below the hot water tank 10 on the bottom side of the water server 2. The cooling device 12 is an example of a device that cools the raw water W stored inside the cold water tank 8 to generate cold water CW, and works together with the cold water tank 8 to form a cold water generating section.

[0019] The water container 6 is disposed, for example, from a top opening 16 of the server housing 4 to the upper part of the cold water tank 8, and a water supply nozzle portion 14 is disposed facing vertically downward so as to face the opening 16. The cold water tank 8 is equipped with a valve mechanism 18 that regulates the supply of raw water W from the water container 6. This valve mechanism 18 is equipped with an opening / closing valve 20 that opens and closes the water supply nozzle portion 14 depending on the water level in the cold water tank 8. This opening / closing valve 20 is attached to the middle of an opening / closing arm portion 22, and a float portion 24 that receives buoyancy from the cold water CW in the cold water tank 8 is attached to the tip of the opening / closing arm portion 22.

[0020] An evaporator 26, which is part of the cooling device 12, is installed in the cold water tank 8. This evaporator 26 circulates the refrigerant cooled by the cooling device 12 and cools the raw water W by heat exchange between the refrigerant and the raw water W in the cold water tank 8 to generate cold water CW. The cooling device 12 is controlled to be on / off and to manage the temperature, etc., according to control instructions from a control unit 28 that executes operational control of the water server 2. This control unit is composed of a computer equipped with communication and control functions. The cold water tank 8 is provided inside with a separation plate 30 that separates, for example, raw water W and cold water CW, and the separation plate 30 receives the raw water W flowing in from the water container 6 through the valve mechanism 18. The separation plate 30 also has an opening formed in the center, and is provided with a water supply pipe 32 that extends from this opening into the hot water tank 10. The raw water W is guided from the separation plate 30 through the water supply pipe 32 to the hot water tank 10.

[0021] A hot water heater 34 is installed in the hot water tank 10 as a heating device. This hot water heater 34 generates heat under the control of the control unit 28. Hot water HW is stored in the hot water tank 10 by the raw water W being heated by the heat generated by the hot water heater 34. The hot water tank 10 and the hot water heater 34 constitute a hot water generating unit.

[0022] Temperature sensors 36-1, 36-2 are installed inside the cold water tank 8 and the hot water tank 10, and the detected temperatures of the cold water CW and hot water HW inside are notified to the control unit 28 from the temperature sensors 36-1, 36-2. The control unit 28 stores the detected temperature information in a memory unit, for example, and monitors whether the cold water CW and hot water HW are at their respective set temperatures. If the detected temperature information is not within a predetermined range for the set temperature, it outputs an operation instruction to the cooling device 12 and the hot water heater 34.

[0023] <Water Server 2 cold water CW or hot water HW supply structure> For example, a cold water supply pipe 38 is connected to the bottom of the cold water tank 8, and a hot water supply pipe 40 is connected to the top of the hot water tank 10. A cold water solenoid valve 42 is installed midway through the cold water supply pipe 38, and a hot water solenoid valve 46 is installed midway through the hot water supply pipe 40. The cold water solenoid valve 42 and the hot water solenoid valve 46 are examples of a water supply unit, and supply water by opening in response to pressing a cold water button or hot water button (not shown). When the cold water solenoid valve 42 is opened, cold water CW flows from the cold water tank 8 to the cold water supply pipe 38 and is supplied from the cold water supply port 44. When the hot water solenoid valve 46 is opened, hot water HW flows from the hot water tank 10 to the hot water supply pipe 40 and is supplied from the hot water supply port 48. When the cold water solenoid valve 42 is open, cold water CW is supplied to the cold water supply pipe 38 by the head pressure of the raw water W stored in the water container 6 and the cold water CW in the cold water tank 8 acting on the installation position of the cold water supply pipe 38. In addition, when the hot water solenoid valve 46 is opened, the hot water supply pipe 40 is supplied with hot water from the hot water tank 10 by the head pressure of the raw water W from the water container 6, which is located higher than the installation position of the hot water supply pipe 40.

[0024] The top of the hot water tank 10 and the bottom of the cold water tank 8 are connected by a bypass pipe 50. This bypass pipe 50 is equipped with a bypass valve 52 that opens and closes according to an instruction from the control unit 28, and blocks the hot water tank 10 from the cold water tank 8. This bypass pipe 50 and bypass valve 52 are closed during normal operation of the water server 2 to prevent the inflow of hot water HW and cold water CW between the cold water tank 8 and the hot water tank 10, thereby preventing heat transfer. Furthermore, inside the water server 2, when the bypass valve 52 is opened due to the arrival of the auto-clean time, a circulation flow path is formed between the cold water tank 8 and the hot water tank 10 by the bypass pipe 50 and the water supply pipe 32. Then, when the water server 2 switches the hot water heater 34 to a high temperature mode as an auto-clean process and high-temperature water OHW that is higher in temperature than during normal operation is generated in the hot water tank 10, at least heat convection circulation occurs between the hot water tank 10 and the cold water tank 8 through the water supply pipe 32 and the bypass pipe 50.

[0025] In addition, water server 2 is equipped with a panel unit 60. This panel unit 60 is connected to control unit 28 by wire or wirelessly, and includes various operation buttons for inputting operations to control unit 28, as well as a display unit and notification function for notifying the operating status of water server 2 and the like in response to instructions from control unit 28.

[0026] <Functional parts of the control unit 28> FIG. 2 shows an example of the functional configuration of the control unit that realizes the auto-clean function. Control unit 28 has a function of monitoring whether water server 2 is used or not used by the user, learning non-use time periods based on the monitoring results, and setting an auto-cleaning time that satisfies predetermined conditions from among these non-use time periods. In control unit 28, as shown in Fig. 2, for example, a hot water / cold water supply control unit 62, an auto-cleaning operation control unit 64, and an auto-cleaning time setting unit 66 are formed by the calculation processing of a program that controls the operation of the water server of the present disclosure.

[0027] The hot / cold water supply control unit 62 is a functional unit that controls the generation process of hot water HW and cold water CW, for example, and generates control instructions for the cooling device 12 and hot water heater 34 based on the detected temperatures and set temperatures of the temperature sensors 36-1, 36-2. The auto-cleaning operation control unit 64 is an example of a functional unit that, for example, manages whether a set auto-cleaning time has been reached and controls the transition from auto-cleaning to normal operation. The auto-cleaning operation control unit 64 performs timing processing using a timer, for example, and outputs to the hot water / cold water supply control unit 62 control instructions for stopping the cold water generation process and generating high-temperature water OHW, and instructions for transitioning to normal operation. Auto-clean time setting unit 66 is an example of a functional unit that executes a process of monitoring the non-use time of water server 2 and an automatic learning function that extracts energy saving control time from the non-use time. Auto-clean time setting unit 66 generates non-use information 72 and non-use time zone information 74 by, for example, executing a monitoring process. This non-use information 72 and non-use time zone information 74 may be stored in, for example, a database in memory 82 (FIG. 3) or the like.

[0028] The water server 2 outputs control information and control instructions generated by the hot water / cold water supply control unit 62, the auto-clean operation control unit 64, and the auto-clean time setting unit 66 to a display unit 68 formed on the panel unit 60, and to a hot water / cold water supply function unit 70 including the cooling device 12, the hot water heater 34, etc.

[0029] FIG. 3 shows an example of the hardware configuration of the control unit. The control unit 28 is configured, for example, by a computer equipped with a communication function, and includes a processor 80, a memory 82, a multi-timer 84, an input / output unit (Input / Output: I / O) 88, and the like. The processor 80 is an example of a calculation processing unit composed of, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and executes an OS (Operating System) for controlling the computer of the water server 2 stored in the memory 82, a hot water / cold water supply control program, and a learning program including a monitoring process for non-use states and generation of auto-clean time.

[0030] The memory 82 is an example of a recording medium in which the program of the present disclosure is stored, and is composed of a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random-Access Memory), etc. In addition to the OS, the cold water / hot water supply control program, and the program for learning the auto-clean time, the memory 82 stores non-use time period information 74 generated in the learning process, cold and hot water usage history data 820, and a weekly total memory 824. The memory 82 includes, for example, a program storage area, a data storage area for storing data, and an operation area as a work area used for the operation of the control program and the information processing program. The multi-timer 84 is an example of a timing unit, and is used to measure, for example, the open time of the cold water solenoid valve 42 and the hot water solenoid valve 46, the elapsed time after cooling of the cold water CW in the cold water tank 8, the number of water supplies, the number of replacements of the water container 6, and the like, as a collection process of information on whether the water server 2 is in use or not, and has a function of recording the acquired timing information. The multi-timer 84 is also a functional unit that, for example, times the execution time of the high-temperature water circulation process, monitors the arrival of a set time before the auto-clean time expires, and notifies the auto-clean operation control unit 64. By timing the multi-timer 84, the water server 2 can immediately supply hot water HW or cold water CW at the set temperature when the auto-clean time expires, by stopping the hot water heater 34 or switching the set temperature and starting the operation of the cooling device 12 before the auto-clean time expires.

[0031] The I / O 88 is an example of an interface that connects the control unit 28 with the panel unit 60 and various functional units of the water server 2. This I / O 88 receives, for example, detection signals from temperature sensors 36-1, 36-2, and is also connected to the cooling device 12, hot water heater 34, cold water solenoid valve 42, hot water solenoid valve 46, and bypass valve 52 that transmit operation instructions from the control unit 28. In addition, the control unit 28 is connected to an unlock switch 90, a cold water switch 92, a hot water switch 94, an unlock indicator lamp 96, a hot water indicator lamp 98, a high temperature indicator lamp 100, a cold water indicator lamp 102, a weak cool indicator lamp 104, and an auto clean in progress indicator lamp 106, which are provided on the panel unit 60, for example, via an I / O 88. The cold water switch 92 and the hot water switch 94 detect the use of the water server 2 by, for example, being pressed, and may be used as the detection unit of the present disclosure.

[0032] The control unit 28 receives information such as detected temperature information from the temperature sensors 36-1 and 36-2, and operation input information from the cold water switch 92 and hot water switch 94. The temperature information obtained from the temperature sensor 36-1 is used for cooling control of the cold water tank 8. The temperature information obtained from the temperature sensor 36-2 is used for heating control of the hot water tank 10. Control unit 28 monitors whether water server 2 is being used or not by combining, for example, timing information from multi-timer 84 with input operation information from cold water switch 92, hot water switch 94, etc. Furthermore, when the set auto-clean time arrives or before that, control unit 28 outputs an execution instruction to at least the display functions and operation functions installed in cooling device 12 and panel unit 60 to stop some or all of the functions or change the set temperature, and to set the set temperature of hot water heater 34 to high temperature mode.

[0033] <High-temperature water circulation control> Fig. 4 shows a processing example of high-temperature water circulation control. The processing contents and processing procedures shown in Fig. 4 are examples, and the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to such configuration. The high-temperature water circulation control shown in Fig. 4 is an example of a control method and program for a water server of the present disclosure. This high-temperature water circulation control includes a learning process in which the control unit 28 extracts non-use time periods for each user, and sets an auto-clean time during which high-temperature water OHW is circulated through tanks and piping inside the water server 2 from within those non-use time periods, or purifies the high-temperature water OHW by heat transfer from the high-temperature water OHW to the cold water CW side, and then executes the learning process.

[0034] The control unit 28 executes an automatic learning process of the non-use time period of the water server 2 (S101) and sets the auto-clean time (S102). The automatic learning process of the non-use time period may be executed, for example, at the time of initial setting of the water server 2 or when power supply from an external power source starts, or may be executed manually by a user or an installer, or at a set timing. The energy saving control time may be set by selecting a timing that meets a predetermined setting condition from the non-use time period generated by the automatic learning. The setting condition of the auto-clean time may be, for example, when there is a non-use time period of a predetermined time or more on all days during a certain period set as the learning process, when there is a non-use time period on many days at the same timing during the certain period, when there is a time period with a long continuous non-use time, or a combination of two or more of the above.

[0035] The control unit 28 continues normal water supply processing until the auto-clean time arrives (NO in S104), for example, based on the timing of the multi-timer 84 (S103), and when the auto-clean time arrives (YES in S104), it outputs a cooling stop instruction to the cooling device 12 based on the set conditions (S105), and sets the set temperature of the hot water heater 34 to a high temperature to heat the hot water HW in the hot water tank 10 (S106).Then, the control unit 28 opens the bypass valve 52, thereby communicating the cold water tank 8 and the hot water tank 10 with the bypass pipe 50, and convectively circulates the high-temperature water OHW (S107).

[0036] The control unit 28 continues the high-temperature water circulation process using the timekeeping information of the multi-timer 84 until a predetermined timing before the end of the auto-clean time (NO in S108), and when the predetermined timing is reached (YES in S108), closes the bypass valve 52 to end the high-temperature water circulation (S109) and executes preparations for returning to normal operation (S110). This predetermined timing is set, for example, to 30 minutes as the time required to cool the high-temperature water OHW in the cooling tank 8 to a set temperature and make it possible to supply cold water CW. That is, this timing is set based on, for example, the cooling capacity of the cooling device 12, the volume of the cold water tank 8, the set temperature of the high-temperature water OHW, etc., so that the time required to return to normal operation before the end of the auto-clean time is set.

[0037] Then, the control unit 28 continues preparations for returning to normal operation until the auto-cleaning time ends, and when the auto-cleaning time ends, transitions to normal operation (S111).

[0038] <Automatic learning process for non-use time periods> Fig. 5 shows an example of the automatic learning process. The process contents and procedure shown in Fig. 5 are one example. This automatic learning process of non-use time periods is one example of the control method and program for the water server of the present disclosure. Control unit 28 executes a program to cause auto-clean time setting unit 66 to function and start automatic learning. When control unit 28 starts normal operation capable of supplying hot water HW and cold water CW, control unit 28 detects whether the water server 2 is in use or not and monitors the use or non-use state (S202) while acquiring timekeeping information from multi-timer 84 at the start of use of water server 2 or at other set timings (S201). This use or non-use may be monitored by monitoring, for example, either or both of the supply of hot water HW and the supply of cold water CW, or input operations to switches mounted on water server 2, or all of them.

[0039] Control unit 28 acquires use / non-use information when a set period has elapsed based on the timing information, and uses this information to calculate the user's non-use time period (S203). The non-use time period is a time period during which water server 2 was not used within a set period, for example, one week (7 days), from the start of use. The non-use time period is, for example, use / non-use for every hour of a predetermined period. Then, the control unit 28 calculates the auto-clean time based on the non-use information within the set period, on the basis of a predetermined extraction condition (S204).

[0040] <Calculation of non-use time slots> Fig. 6 shows an example of calculation processing for non-use time periods. The processing contents and processing procedures shown in Fig. 6 are merely an example, and the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to such a configuration. This calculation process for non-use time periods is an example of the control method and program for the water server disclosed herein. When the control unit 28 reads out the non-use information acquired by the monitoring process, the control unit 28 performs a process of converting the non-use information obtained by the monitoring process into a numerical value of use or non-use for the same time period in a certain period (S301), and extracts non-use time periods that do not continue for less than a predetermined number of times (S302). In the calculation process of the non-use time periods, for example, the non-use information obtained by the monitoring process may be expanded in the weekly total memory 824. The process of converting the non-use information into a numerical value of use or non-use is an example of a process of distinguishing whether the water server 2 has been used for each hour within a 24-hour period of seven days, for example, when the water server 2 starts to be used or at a predetermined timing, and applies a numerical value set in advance to the use state and the non-use state. Then, the control unit 28 sets a numerical value representing use or non-use for all time periods, and then extracts time periods where the non-use time period does not continue for example every hour. In such a short non-use time period, the circulation process of high-temperature water cannot be performed, or even if the high-temperature water is circulated, the process immediately shifts to the return process, and therefore sufficient purification process cannot be performed.

[0041] The control unit 28 determines a non-use time period, for example, a continuous non-use time period of 4 hours or more as a predetermined time period (S303), and sets the time period as a candidate for the auto-clean time period. The control unit 28 calculates the number of unused time periods that occur in the same time period on different days (S304), and extracts the same time period that occurs in less than n days, for example, 5 days, over a certain period of time, and excludes this time period from the candidates for unused time periods (S305). The control unit 28 extracts a time period of, for example, less than 4 hours as a certain time from the non-use time period candidates for a certain period, and excludes this time period from the non-use time period candidates (S306). Then, the control unit 28 determines a non-use time period that indicates non-use at the same timing during the certain period (S307).

[0042] FIG. 7 shows the extraction of the auto-clean time from the non-use time period, and an example of the operating state of the heating element and the cooling device 12 in high-temperature water circulation control. When the control unit 28 sets a non-use time period tx based on the monitoring result of the user's use / non-use state at a predetermined timing, as shown in FIG. 7A, for example, the control unit 28 extracts an auto-clean time ty that meets the set conditions from the non-use time period tx, as shown in FIG. 7B. The control unit 28 turns off the power supply to the cooling device 12, as shown in FIG. 7C, and sets the hot water heater 34 to a high temperature setting temperature H that is higher than the setting temperature L during normal operation, as shown in FIG. 7D. The control unit 28 performs circulation processing of the high-temperature water OHW for the cooling device 12 and the hot water heater 34, for example, for an operation time tz that is less than the auto-clean time ty by a predetermined time ti. The operation time tz is a control time for raising the temperature of the hot water HW in the hot water tank 10 by the hot water heater 34, and is also a control time for opening the bypass valve 52 to form a bypass pipe 50 between the cold water tank 8 and the hot water tank 10. As a result, the temperature of the hot water HW in the hot water tank 10 rises from the start of high-temperature water circulation control, is maintained at the high-temperature set temperature OH, and then transitions to recovery preparation a predetermined time ti before the expiration of the auto-clean time ty, as shown in Fig. 7E, for example. The temperature of the cold water CW in the cold water tank 8 rises from the start of high-temperature water circulation control relative to the set temperature C during normal operation, is maintained at the high-temperature set temperature OH, and then transitions to recovery preparation of the cooling device 12 a predetermined time ti before the expiration of the auto-clean time ty, as shown in Fig. 7F, for example.

[0043] <Effects of one embodiment> According to this configuration, any one of the following effects can be expected. (1) The auto-clean time for purification can be set automatically, eliminating the need to perform high-temperature water circulation processing or to set the timing of such processing, thereby improving convenience. (2) By eliminating the need for complicated setting operations, it is possible to prevent situations where the high-temperature water circulation control is not set or where the setting is forgotten, thereby helping to maintain the cleanliness of the water server 2. (3) The system automatically learns when the user is using or not using the Water Server 2, and can set the auto-clean time to the optimal timing and length that will provide the best purification effect. (4) Since no sensors are used to learn when the water server 2 is not in use, and the process of circulating high-temperature water can be performed, space can be saved and an increase in parts costs can be prevented. [Example]

[0044] 8 to 10 show an example of an extraction state of a non-use time period of a water server according to an embodiment. The process contents, process steps, and display states shown in Fig. 8 to 10 are only examples. The control unit 28 creates a use / non-use table in which time information is divided into hourly segments horizontally and date information is divided into daily segments from the installation date of the water server 2 to the seventh day vertically, as shown in FIG. 8A for example. The control unit 28 then applies the monitoring results of the user's operations on the water server 2 as the process of extracting non-use time periods. The use / non-use table may use, for example, the weekly total memory 824, and each of a plurality of areas divided into hours, etc., is formed of a 1-bit area. In the process of extracting non-use time periods, since there are two types of information to be distinguished, use and non-use, the time segments used by the user may be distinguished by "1" and the time segments not used may be distinguished by "0" for each area of ​​the use / non-use table. In other words, the use / non-use table is set with a total of 168 segments, which is 24 hours per day for seven days, and information of "1" or "0" is set, resulting in 168 bits of information. It should be noted that the use / non-use table is not limited to recording the use or non-use state by binary numbers such as "1" or "0."

[0045] The control unit 28 extracts a non-use time period that is not continuous and is, for example, less than four hours, and determines the time period as a use time period. In the high-temperature water circulation process, the cooling device 12 is stopped, the hot water tank 10 is maintained at a set temperature that is filled with high-temperature water OHW, and normal operation is not resumed in a short time, so that the cold water tank 8, the hot water tank 10, the water supply pipe 32, and the bypass pipe 50 can be sufficiently cleaned by high-temperature sterilization, sterilization, etc. Therefore, in order to prevent the extraction of a time period in which the non-use time period is not continuous from the monitoring result, the control unit 28 performs a process of switching a time period in which the use state and the non-use state are switched in a short time to a use state. That is, the control unit 28 extracts a time period that is not in a non-use state for four consecutive hours as a threshold value, as shown in FIG. 8B, and rewrites the extracted time period into information indicating a "use state".

[0046] For example, when control unit 28 rewrites the use / non-use table to only time periods where non-use occurs for a predetermined consecutive time, it calculates the number of non-use time periods in the same time period for the date information in the vertical direction, and calculates the total number for each hour. This makes it possible to extract lifestyle pattern information in which the user does not use water server 2 during specific times of the day. In the use / non-use table, for example, as shown in Fig. 9A, the total number of non-use time periods [A] is calculated for each hour in the vertical direction, and stored in the input field for each hour.

[0047] The control unit 28 selects, from the extracted non-use time periods for each hour, time periods that occur at the same timing within a seven-day period and that are less than five days long as a predetermined number of days, for example as shown in FIG. 9B, and rewrites these time periods as "usage status." As a result, the water server 2 selects non-use time periods by excluding time periods that are not consecutive in a single day and have few days of non-use within a seven-day period. Here, for example as shown in FIG. 10A, time periods that are not in use for five days or more and are less than four consecutive hours long are extracted, and the extracted time periods are rewritten as information indicating "usage status."

[0048] Furthermore, in the case where there are multiple time periods of non-use per day, as shown in Fig. 10B, the control unit 28 records the leading time "hs" in the table to indicate which non-use state occurs earlier. Also, the control unit 28 obtains information on the number of stages (SC), which is the length of consecutive non-use periods, as a result of the process of extracting non-use time periods.

[0049] <About the learning process for non-use time> 11 to 13 show an example of a learning process for extracting a non-use time period. "2-1" and "2-2" in Fig. 11 to Fig. 13 are connectors indicating successive processes. The process contents and procedures shown in Fig. 11 to Fig. 13 are examples. When the water server 2 is powered on (S401), the control unit 28 executes process L1 for monitoring and recording the time periods when the water server 2 is in use or not in use. In process L1, the control unit 28 waits for one hour to elapse after the power is turned on (NO in S402), and when one hour has elapsed (YES in S402), the control unit 28 determines whether the water server 2 is in use or not in use by determining whether hot water HW or cold water CW has been supplied (S403), and if it has been supplied, the control unit 28 stores "1" indicating the usage status in the use / non-use table (S404), and if it has not been supplied, the control unit 28 stores "0" (S405). The control unit 28 repeats process L1 for recording the time periods when the water server 2 is in use or not in use until, for example, 168 hours, which is a predetermined number of days, that is, one week (7 days), has elapsed (S406).

[0050] When 168 hours have passed since the start of the process L1 (YES in S406), the control unit 28 refers to the usage status in the used / unused table and proceeds to extraction process L2 for a time period in which the unused state does not continue for 4 hours or more. For example, the control unit 28 outputs a designation instruction for "h=1" indicating the first hour in the table and "d=1" indicating the first day as a specification of the extraction start position in the used / unused table (S407), and acquires data "B(h, d)" recorded in the area of ​​"h=1, d=1" in the used / unused table (S408). This "h" is a time counter, and "d" is an example of a day counter. If the acquired data "B(h, d)" is "0" indicating unused (YES in S409), the control unit 28 counts the number of unused stages (S410). Here, "stage" indicates an area divided into one hour in the used / unused table. The control unit 28 increments (+1) the time counter "h" in order to read out the data recorded in the next stage of the used / unused table (S411).

[0051] Furthermore, if the data "B(h, d)" recorded in the used / unused table is not "0" indicating an unused state (NO in S409), i.e., if "1" indicating a used state is recorded, the control unit 28 proceeds to a process L2-1 for determining the continuity of the unused state. In this process L2-1, it is determined whether the number of unused stages up to now is less than 4 (S412). If the number of unused stages determined most recently is less than 4 (YES in S412), i.e., the unused state does not reach 4 consecutive hours, the control unit 28 rewrites the corresponding part of the used / unused table from "0" to "1" as information indicating a "used state" (S413), for example, and clears the counter for the number of unused stages (S414). Furthermore, if the most recently determined number of unused stages is 4 or more (NO in S412), that is, the unused state has continued for 4 hours or more, the control unit 28 maintains the information indicating the unused state of the determined stages (S415) and clears the counter for the number of unused stages (S414).

[0052] The control unit 28 repeats S408 to S411 and S412 to S415 until the time counter "h" reaches "24" indicating that information for one day (24 hours) has been processed (NO in S416), and when information processing for one day is completed (YES in S416), the control unit 28 proceeds to a process L2-2 for determining the continuity of the non-use state. This process L2-2 is a process for determining whether the non-use state has continued for four consecutive hours or more up to the 24th hour (S417) in order to count the continuity of non-use for each day, for example. In other words, even if the non-use state continues across days, it is not determined as continuity. Therefore, in the process L2-2, if the non-use state up to the 24th hour is less than four hours (YES in S417), the non-use stage determined most recently is rewritten to information indicating a "use state" (S418). Process steps S417 to S420 included in process L2-2 are similar to process steps S412 to S415 of the process L2-1 already described.

[0053] Next, the control unit 28 increments (+1) the day counter "d" to refer to the use / non-use table for the second day of the learning process (S421), and repeats process L2 until the day counter "d" reaches seven days, which is the learning period (NO in S422).

[0054] When the control unit completes process L2 (YES in S422), the control unit proceeds to process L3, which counts the number of times the device was unused at the same timing, that is, for each time period. As shown in FIG. 9A, this process counts whether the device was unused during the learning period for each time period and calculates the total number of times. Specifically, the control unit 28 designates the area of ​​"h=1, d=1" in the used / unused table as the starting position (S423), and judges whether the data "B(h, d)" recorded in that area is "0" indicating unused (S424). If the data "B(h, d)" is "0" (YES in S424), the control unit 28 increments (A(h)+1) the counter "A(h)" that counts the number of times of unused in the same stage (time period) (S425), increments (d+1) the number of days counter (d) (S426), and reads out the data (B(h, d)) of the same time period on the next day until the number of days reaches 7 days of the learning period, and returns to the judgment of unused or not (S424) (NO in S427). If the number of days exceeds "7" (YES in S427), the control unit 28 increments the time counter "h" by "h+1" (S428) to move on to judging the data recorded in the next time period in the used / unused table. Furthermore, the process L3 for counting the number of times of unused states is repeated until the process for 24 hours representing one day is performed (NO in S429).

[0055] When the process L3 is completed (YES in S429), the control unit 28 proceeds to a judgment process L4 to determine whether the number of times of non-use in the same time period (timing) is equal to or greater than a predetermined number. In this judgment process L4, as shown in FIG. 9B described above, if the number of times of non-use for each time period is not equal to the predetermined number, the stage of that time period is rewritten to information representing a "use state". The control unit 28 sets the time counter "h" to "1" as the initial position of the judgment process L4 (S430), and if the number of times counter "A(h)" of the non-use in that time period is less than 5 times (YES in S431), the control unit 28 rewrites the number of times counter "A(h)" to "0" (S432), and if the number of times counter "A(h)" is 5 times or more (NO in S431), the control unit 28 maintains the state. The control unit 28 increments the time counter "h" (h+1) to count the number of days (number of times) of non-use in all time periods (h) (S433). Furthermore, the process L4 for determining whether this non-use state has occurred a predetermined number of times or more is repeated until the process for 24 hours, which is more than one day, is completed (NO in S434).

[0056] When the control unit 28 finishes process L4 (YES in S434), it proceeds to process L5 to determine whether the unused time period is 5 days or more and is less than 4 consecutive hours. In this process L5, as shown in FIG. 10A, even if the unused time period is 5 days or more, if the unused time period does not last 4 consecutive hours or more, the stage of the time period is rewritten to information indicating "used state." The control unit 28 sets the time counter "h" to "1" as the initial position of the judgment process L5 (S435), and if the counter "A(h)" for the number of times of non-use in that time period is 5 or more (YES in S436), the control unit 28 increments the non-use counter (+1) (S437) and moves to the next time period, by incrementing the time counter "h" (S438). If the counter "A(h)" for the number of times of non-use in that stage (time period) is not 5 or more (NO in S436), the control unit 28 judges whether the most recent non-use period was less than 4 consecutive hours (S440). If the unused state continues for less than four hours (YES in S440), the control unit 28 sets the unused state count counter "A(h)" for the most recently determined stage (time period) to "0" (S441) to exclude it from the candidates for the unused time period, or if the unused state continues for four hours or more (NO in S440), the control unit 28 maintains the unused counter.Then, the control unit 28 clears and resets the unused counter (S442). These determination processes are repeated until 24 hours' worth of processing has been performed, which indicates that one day's worth of processing has been completed (NO in S439).

[0057] Furthermore, after determining one day's worth of information (YES in S439), if the continuing non-use counter is less than 4 (YES in S443), the control unit 28 sets the non-use count counter "A(h)" for the most recently determined stage (time period) to "0" (S444) so ​​as not to determine the continuity of the non-use state across days, as described above, and excludes it from the candidates for the non-use time period.

[0058] By completing process L5, the control unit 28 proceeds to process L6 in which, for example, as shown in FIG. 10B, the control unit 28 stores in memory 82 the start time (hs) of consecutive unused time periods and the number of stages (SC), which is the length of the consecutive unused time periods, as unused time period information 74 from among the unused time periods remaining in the used / unused table (S455, S456).

[0059] <About auto clean time> Fig. 14 shows an example of the auto clean time setting. The contents of the use / non-use table shown in Fig. 14 are non-use time periods set to explain the auto clean time setting conditions and processing order, and show cases different from the use / non-use tables shown in Figs. 8 to 10. The control unit 28 extracts a time period that satisfies a predetermined setting condition from the non-use time period acquired by the automatic learning process, and selects the auto-clean time period. The setting condition is, for example, as follows. (1) Priority will be given to periods of non-use over the same seven-day period that last for four hours or more. (2) If the condition in (1) above is not met, the time period with the largest average number of days of non-use (BLKav) in a seven-day period for the same stage (time period) is selected from the learned non-use time periods (BLK). (3) If the average values ​​of (2) are the same, select the time period with the longest stage count (SC), which is the length of consecutive periods of non-use. (4) If the conditions in (3) are the same, select a non-use time period that occurs earlier in the day.

[0060] The control unit 28 performs an analysis process of non-use time periods on the use / non-use table generated by automatic learning, for example as shown in Fig. 14, and selects time periods that satisfy the set conditions. In this analysis process, for example, the control unit 28 compares information on the same stage (time period), i.e., the same time information (h) from the start of learning, but different days (bands), and references the total non-use time (A) over the seven days that are the learning period. As a result, the control unit 28 sets the time period that satisfies the selection conditions in the user's usage state of the water server 2 as the auto clean time.

[0061] <Auto clean time setting process> Figures 15 and 16 show an example of the process of determining the auto-clean time. "3-1" in Figures 15 and 16 is a connector indicating successive processes. The process contents and procedures shown in Figures 15 and 16 are only examples. The control unit 28, for example, reads the memory 82 and checks whether a use / non-use table or the like has been generated as non-use information by automatic learning (S501), and if such information has not been generated (NO in S501), ends the auto-clean time setting process. If the learning process has been performed (YES in S501), the control unit 28 transitions to an analysis process for selecting a time period that meets the setting conditions for the auto-clean time from the use / non-use table that is the result of the learning.

[0062] The control unit 28 proceeds to process J1, which analyzes whether the time period is a non-use time period for all 7 days and the non-use time period continues for 4 hours or more, among the setting conditions of the auto-clean time. In this process J1, for example, a designation instruction of "h=1" indicating the 1st hour in the use / non-use table is output (S502), and the number of times counter A(h) of the non-use state of the same stage (time period) at "h=1" is analyzed. If this number counter is "A(h)=7" (YES in S503), the control unit 28 counts "+1" to a "7-day non-use counter" (not shown) formed in the memory 82 (S504). In this process, it is determined whether the time period of the "1st hour" is a non-use time period for all 7 days. If the counter for the number of times of non-use in the same stage (time period) is not "A(h)=7" (NO in S503), the control unit 28 reads the "7-day non-use counter" and judges whether the value is 4 or more (S505). Here, it is judged that the time period of "all non-use time for 7 days" has been continuous for 4 hours or more until just before. If the value of the "7-day non-use counter" is 4 or more (YES in S505), the control unit 28 sets the time information (h) of the start timing of the non-use time period to "ACs tentative n" which is a candidate for the auto-clean start time (ACs) as the non-use time period that satisfies the setting condition, stores the value of the "7-day non-use counter" (S507), and resets the value of the "7-day non-use counter" to "0" (S508). In "ACs tentative n" which indicates the candidate for the auto-clean start time, "n" is identification information such as a number that is assigned when multiple candidates are selected. Furthermore, if the value of the "7-day non-use counter" is not 4 or more (NO in S505), the control unit 28 resets the value of the "7-day non-use counter" to "0" (S508) since it is not a candidate for the auto-clean start time (ACs).

[0063] The control unit 28 increments (+1) the time counter "h" (S509) to move to the next stage (time period) of the analysis of the non-use time, and repeats S503 to S509 until the time counter (h) reaches "24" indicating that 24 hours of information has been processed (NO in S510). When the information processing for 24 hours is completed (YES in S510), the control unit 28 judges whether the auto-clean time candidate "ACs tentative" is stored (S511). If "ACs tentative" is stored (YES in S511), the control unit 28 moves to the AC setting process, and if "ACs tentative" is not stored (NO in S511), that is, since there is no time period in which the time period of "non-use time for all 7 days" continues for 4 hours or more, the control unit 28 moves to the selection process (process J2) of the auto-clean time based on other setting conditions.

[0064] In the AC setting process, if multiple "ACs provisional" are set (YES in S512), the number of stages (number of hours) stored in the "7-day non-use counter" is compared to determine whether there is a long or short one (S513). If there is a difference in the number of stages (SC) (YES in S513), the "ACs provisional" information with the larger number of stages (SC) is selected as the auto-clean time (ACs) (S514). Also, if there is a single piece of "ACs provisional" information (NO in S512), the control unit 28 selects that information as the auto-clean time (ACs) (S515). Furthermore, if the number of stages (SC) of multiple pieces of "ACs provisional" information stored in the "7-day non-use counter" are the same (NO in S513), the control unit 28 selects the "ACs provisional" information that arrives earlier, that is, the information that is registered in the "ACs provisional" first in the analysis process, as the auto-clean time (ACs) (S516).

[0065] In process J2, the control unit 28 specifies the start time (hs) of each unused time period stored in the use / unuse table generated by automatic learning, and information of "d=1" representing the first day (S517). The start time (hs) represents the start time of each of a plurality of unused time periods (hs1:1, hs2:7, hs3:14), for example, as shown in FIG. 14. The control unit 28 judges whether the data B(h, d) recorded in the use / unuse table included in the unused time period in which the start time hs1 is "1" is "0" representing unused (S518). If it is "0" (YES in S518), the control unit 28 stores "+1" in the "unused counter in unused time period (BLK)" (S519), and if it is not "0" (NO in S518), the "unused counter in BLK" is maintained, and then the time counter "h" is incremented (+1) (S520).

[0066] The control unit 28 repeats S518 to S520 until the time counter "h" reaches the stage number (SC) from the start time (hs) of the non-use time period (NO in S521), and when the information processing of the non-use time period is completed (YES in S521), the control unit 28 proceeds to S522. The control unit 28 increments (d+1) the day counter (d) (S522), and repeats the selection process based on the arbitrarily set time condition or day condition until the learning period of seven days is reached (NO in S523).

[0067] The control unit 28 calculates the average number of unused days for the same stage (time period) by dividing the number of unused hours that meets the arbitrary condition registered in the "non-use counter in BLK" by the number of stages (SCn) of the non-use time period (S524), and then, if there are multiple average values ​​(YES in S525), compares them to determine whether there is a difference in magnitude (S526). If there is a difference in magnitude between the average values ​​(YES in S526), ​​the control unit 28 selects the non-use time period with the larger average value as the auto-clean start time (ACs) (S527). If the average values ​​are the same (NO in S526), ​​the control unit 28 compares the number of stages (SCn) between the non-use time periods, and if there is a difference in magnitude between the number of stages (YES in S528), selects the start time (hsn) of the non-use time period with the longest number of stages (SCn max) as the auto-clean start time (ACs) (S529). Furthermore, if the average value is a single number (NO in S525) or if the number of stages (SCn) of the non-use time periods is the same (NO in S528), the start time (hs1) of the non-use time period that arrives earliest is selected as the auto-clean start time (ACs) (S530).

[0068] <Effects of the embodiment> According to this configuration, the same effects as those of the above-described embodiment can be obtained.

[0069] [Modifications] The characteristics and modifications of the above-described embodiment or example will be listed below.

[0070] (1) In the above embodiment or example, in the monitoring process for the use / non-use state of the water server 2, the use of the water server 2 is detected by detecting the pressing of the cold water switch 92 or hot water switch 94 installed on the panel unit 60 of the water server 2, but this is not limited to the above. The water server 2 may be provided with a water supply cock or faucet (not shown) near the cold water supply port 44 or hot water supply port 48 as a means for supplying hot water HW or cold water CW, and the cold water solenoid valve 42 or hot water solenoid valve 46 may be opened by pulling up the water supply cock or turning the faucet to supply hot water HW or cold water CW. In this case, in the process of monitoring whether the water server 2 is in use or not, a switch (not shown) may be provided as a means for monitoring the operation of the water supply cock or faucet.

[0071] (2) In the above embodiment and examples, it has been described that the auto-cleaning in progress indicator lamp 106 on the panel unit 60 is turned on to notify the user that the water server 2 is circulating high-temperature water. In addition, the control unit 28 of the water server 2 may perform control to disable input operations to the cold water switch 92 and the hot water switch 94 so as to stop the supply of hot water HW and cold water CW, for example, when the auto-cleaning time has elapsed. Furthermore, the control unit 28 may count the number of input operations by the user and the type of switch operated within the auto-cleaning time, and store them in the memory 82.

[0072] (3) In the above embodiment and example, the automatic learning process of the user's use / non-use for a certain period of seven days is performed when the power is turned on, but this is not limited to the above. The automatic learning process may be performed, for example, when a predetermined time, number of days, month, or number of times of use since the start of use of the water server 2 exceeds a threshold, or a re-learning process may be performed when this threshold is reached. Furthermore, control unit 28 may execute the learning process again when a predetermined condition is met. The predetermined condition may include, for example, the user performing an input operation on cold water switch 92 or hot water switch 94 more than a threshold value during the set auto-clean time, a predetermined period of time having passed since the previous automatic learning, re-turning of the power, etc. By executing the automatic learning process again in this manner, it is possible to respond to cases where there is a change in the current timing of use of water server 2 compared to the user's usage tendency extracted by the initial automatic learning, changes in seasons or temperature of the living environment, changes in the user's lifestyle pattern, an increase or decrease in the number of people using water server 2, etc.

[0073] (4) In the above embodiment, the circulation process of the high-temperature water OHW is ended at a predetermined timing before the end of the auto-clean time, and the cooling device 12 is started to cool the high-temperature water OHW in the cold water tank 8 to the set temperature of the cold water CW by the end of the auto-clean time, but this is not limited to the above. For example, when the circulation process is ended, the water server 2 may drain at least the high-temperature water OHW stored in the cold water tank 8 to an external drainage means or a drainage tank (not shown) formed in the water server 2. Then, the cold water tank 8 may be supplied with new raw water W, for example, from the water container 6, to generate cold water CW at the set temperature by the end of the auto-clean time. In this way, the high-temperature water OHW, which has a high set temperature, is not cooled to a low temperature, so that the cooling time can be shortened, energy can be saved, and the load on the cooling device 12 can be reduced.

[0074] As described above, the most preferred embodiment and examples of the technology of the present disclosure have been described. The technology of 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 form for carrying out the invention. It goes without saying that such modifications and changes are included in the technical scope of the present disclosure. [Industrial Applicability]

[0075] The technology disclosed herein is useful in that it automatically monitors whether the water server is in use by the user, extracts periods of non-use, sets an auto-clean time during those periods of non-use, and circulates high-temperature water OHW inside the tank, thereby keeping the inside of the water server clean without interfering with user use. [Explanation of symbols]

[0076] 2. Water Server 4 Server Chassis 6 water container 8. Cold Water Tank 10 Hot Water Tank 12 Cooling device 14 Water supply nozzle part 16 Aperture 18 Valve mechanism 20. Opening and closing valve 22 Opening and closing arm section 24 Float section 26 Evaporator 28 Control Unit 30 Separation Plate 32 Water supply pipe 34 Hot water heater 36-1, 36-2 Temperature sensor 38 Cold water supply pipe 40 Hot water supply pipe 42 Cold water solenoid valve 44 Cold water supply port 46 Hot water solenoid valve 48 Hot water supply port 50 Bypass pipe 52 Bypass valve 60 Panel section 62 Hot water supply / cold water supply control section 64 Auto clean operation control unit 66 Auto clean time setting section 68 Display section 70 Hot water supply / cold water supply function section 72 Non-use information 74 Information on non-use time periods 80 processors 82 Memory 84 Multi Timer 88 Input / output section 90 Unlock switch 92 Cold water switch 94 Hot water switch 96 Unlock indicator light 98 Hot water indicator lamp 100 High temperature indicator lamp 102 Cold water indicator lamp 104 Weak cooling indicator lamp 106 Auto clean in progress indicator lamp 820 Hot and cold water usage history data 824 weekly memory

Claims

1. A water server that supplies hot and cold water, A detection unit that detects either or both of the use and non-use of the water server; A timing unit that measures an elapsed time; a solenoid valve for opening and closing a bypass passage connecting the hot water tank and the cold water tank; A cooling means for cooling the water in the cold water tank; A heating means for heating the hot water in the hot water tank; a control unit which receives detection output from the detection unit and monitors the use or non-use state of the water server, references timing information from the timing unit to accumulate at least non-use information for a certain period of time, uses the non-use information to extract non-use time periods which are continuous time periods of a certain period of time or more and which occur at the same timing for a certain number of days or more in the certain period, sets an auto-clean time for the non-use time period, stops the cooling operation of the cooling means during the auto-clean time, raises the temperature of the hot water by the heating means, opens the solenoid valve, and circulates the high-temperature hot water between the hot water tank and the cold water tank; Including water servers.

2. The water server according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit at least starts operation of the cooling means and stops increasing the temperature of the hot water to a predetermined time before the end of the auto-clean time.

3. The water server according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit selects the longest continuous time period from the non-use time period and sets it as the auto-clean time period.

4. The water server according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit selects a time period that occupies the greatest number of days in the fixed period from among the non-use time periods, and sets the time period as the auto-clean time.

5. The water server according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit selects the non-use time period with the earliest start timing from among the non-use time periods, and sets the selected non-use time period as the auto-clean time.

6. A method for controlling a water server that supplies hot and cold water, comprising: A step of detecting either or both of the use and non-use of the water server by a detection unit; a step of timing an elapsed time by a timing unit; A step in which a control unit receives a detection output from the detection unit and monitors a use state or non-use state of the water server; a step of accumulating at least non-use information for a certain period of time by the control unit with reference to the timekeeping information acquired from the timekeeping unit; extracting non-use time periods that are continuous time periods of a certain duration or more and that occur at the same timing for a certain number of days or more in a certain period of time by the control unit using the non-use information; a step in which the control unit sets an auto-clean time during the non-use time period, stops the cooling operation of the cooling means of the cold water tank during the auto-clean time, heats the hot water in the hot water tank by the heating means of the hot water tank, and opens an electromagnetic valve of a bypass path connecting the hot water tank and the cold water tank to circulate the hot water at a high temperature between the hot water tank and the cold water tank; A method for controlling a water server, comprising:

7. A computer program comprising: A function to detect whether or not the water server is in use or both using a detection unit; A function to measure elapsed time with the timing section, A function of receiving the detection output of the detection unit and monitoring the use or non-use state of the water server; a function of accumulating at least non-use information for a certain period of time by referring to the timekeeping information obtained by the timekeeping unit; A function of extracting non-use time periods that are continuous for a certain period of time or more and occur at the same timing for a certain number of days or more in a certain period of time using the non-use information; a function of setting an auto-clean time during the non-use time period, stopping the cooling operation of the cooling means of the cold water tank during the auto-clean time, raising the temperature of the hot water in the hot water tank by the heating means of the hot water tank, and opening an electromagnetic valve of a bypass line connecting the hot water tank and the cold water tank to circulate the hot water at a high temperature between the hot water tank and the cold water tank; A program for causing the computer to execute the above.

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