Liquid supply device and control method for liquid supply device

Abstract

To provide a liquid supply device that prevents discomfort caused by ozone odor.SOLUTION: A liquid supply device 10 comprises: a liquid storage tank 21 that stores a liquid; a negative ion generator 40 that generates negative ions; a liquid supply passage 49 that supplies the liquid from the liquid storage tank 21 to the negative ion generator 40; and a negative ion supply passage that supplies the negative ions generated in the negative ion generator 40. A cover 35 is provided for covering the outside of the liquid storage tank 21. The negative ion supply passage includes a first supply passage 471 that supplies the negative ions generated in the negative ion generator 40 to a water supply port portion, and a second supply passage 472 that supplies the negative ions to the inside of the cover 35.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a liquid supply device and a method for controlling a liquid supply device. [Background technology]

[0002] A beverage dispenser has been proposed that introduces ozone into a space covered by a lid covering a water supply port every time the lid is opened or closed (Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2018-135110 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The beverage dispenser of Patent Document 1 can prevent the growth of mold and bacteria around the water supply port by the action of ozone, thereby enabling the hygienic dispensing of beverages and other liquids.

[0005] However, ozone is a gas with a pungent odor. Ozone exerts its disinfecting effect at concentrations of about 0.05 ppm (parts per million) or more, while humans can detect the odor of ozone at concentrations of about 0.01 ppm. Therefore, the beverage dispenser of Patent Document 1 may cause users to feel uncomfortable due to the ozone odor.

[0006] In one aspect, an object of the present invention is to provide a liquid supplying device that has a sterilization function that can prevent the growth of mold and bacteria, and that does not make the user feel uncomfortable due to the smell of ozone. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The liquid supply device includes a liquid storage tank for storing liquid, a negative ion generator for generating negative ions, a liquid supply path for supplying liquid from the liquid storage tank to the negative ion generator, and a negative ion supply path for supplying the negative ions generated by the negative ion generator. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] In one aspect, it is possible to provide a liquid supplying device that has a sterilization function that can prevent the growth of mold, germs, and the like, while not making the user feel uncomfortable due to the smell of ozone. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the liquid supply device with the water supply port cover open. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a view taken along the arrow III in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a view taken along the arrow IV in FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the internal structure of the liquid supply device with the liquid storage tank and cover attached. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the configuration of a liquid supply device. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the flow of negative ions. [Figure 8] FIG. 4 is a state transition diagram illustrating the operation of the liquid supply device. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the internal structure of a liquid supply device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the configuration of a liquid supply device according to a third embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a state transition diagram illustrating the operation of the liquid supply device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration diagram of an information processing device according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 13]10 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of processing of a program according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 14] 13 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of processing of a program according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 15] 13 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of processing of a program according to the fifth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] [Embodiment 1] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a liquid supply device 10. In this embodiment, a so-called water dispenser type liquid supply device 10 that supplies cold or hot water to a cup held by a user will be described as an example. Note that Fig. 1 illustrates liquid supply device 10 in a state where liquid storage tank 21 (see Fig. 5) in which liquid is stored is not attached. A cover 35 that covers the outside of liquid storage tank 21 is indicated by a two-dot chain line.

[0011] The liquid supply device 10 is enclosed in a housing 31 having a substantially rectangular prism shape. In the following description, the directions of front, rear, left, right, top, and bottom, as indicated by arrows in the figures, are used. The liquid supply device 10 is normally placed with its rear side facing a wall. A discharge port 33 (see FIG. 7) is provided on the rear surface of the housing 31. A user stands in front of the liquid supply device 10 with a cup in hand to receive a supply of liquid.

[0012] A tank mounting part 34 for mounting liquid storage tank 21 is disposed on the top surface of liquid supply device 10. Liquid storage tank 21 is mounted on tank mounting part 34 with the water outlet facing downwards. The structure for mounting liquid storage tank 21 to liquid supply device 10 is conventional, and therefore a detailed description will be omitted.

[0013] Figure 2 is a perspective view of liquid supply device 10 with water inlet cover 32 open. Water inlet cover 32 comprises a generally U-shaped trough-shaped front plate 322 arranged with its axis oriented vertically, and a bottom plate 321 that covers the lower end of front plate 322. The left end of front plate 322 is attached to housing 31 via a hinge structure (not shown). As shown in Figure 2, water inlet cover 32 can rotate around the hinge structure.

[0014] A cold water inlet 241 and a hot water inlet 242 are arranged inside the water inlet cover 32. The cold water inlet 241 and the hot water inlet 242 each have a lever that can be pushed backward. The cold water inlet 241 and the hot water inlet 242 are examples of the water inlet 24.

[0015] An overview of how to use liquid supply device 10 will now be given. Liquid supply device 10 is normally installed with water inlet cover 32 closed, as shown in Figure 1. A user stands in front of liquid supply device 10 and opens water inlet cover 32, as shown in Figure 2. The user uses a cup or the like to push in the lever on water inlet 24.

[0016] When the user presses the lever on the cold water supply port 241 side, cold water is supplied to the cup. Similarly, when the user presses the lever on the hot water supply port 242 side, hot water is supplied to the cup. When the user stops pressing the lever, the lever automatically returns to its original position and the supply of liquid stops. In this way, the user can put the required amount of liquid into the cup. The structure for supplying liquid in conjunction with the user's operation of the lever is well known, so detailed explanation will be omitted.

[0017] The user then closes water inlet cover 32 and leaves. Water inlet cover 32 forms a space that covers water inlet 24. Note that the space that covers water inlet 24 is not a completely airtight closed space, but preferably has a gap large enough to allow the air that was originally present inside to be naturally pushed out when air containing negative ions is ejected into the interior of water inlet cover 32 from first ion ejection hole 51 (see FIG. 3), as will be described later.

[0018] Liquid supply device 10 may have a button for instructing liquid supply instead of a lever on water supply port 24. For example, a user can place a cup under water supply port 24 and then press the button to instruct liquid supply. Liquid supply device 10 may also have a mechanism for automatically removing a cup and holding or placing it under water supply port 24.

[0019] Fig. 3 is a view seen from the arrow III in Fig. 2. A first ion nozzle 51 is disposed between the cold water inlet 241 and the hot water inlet 242. When the water inlet cover 32 is closed, the first ion nozzle 51 as well as the cold water inlet 241 and the hot water inlet 242 are covered by the water inlet cover 32.

[0020] In the following description, the areas around cold water inlet 241 and hot water inlet 242, i.e., the areas covered by inlet cover 32, may be referred to as the inlet portion. In this embodiment, the inlet portion is located on one side of liquid supply device 10, i.e., the front side.

[0021] Fig. 4 is a view taken along the arrow IV in Fig. 1. A second ion ejection hole 52 is disposed on the front left side of the upper surface of the liquid supply device 10, and an excess ion ejection hole 53 is disposed on the rear right side. When the cover 35 shown by the two-dot chain line in Fig. 1 is attached, the second ion ejection hole 52 and the excess ion ejection hole 53 are covered by the cover 35.

[0022] 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the internal structure of liquid supply device 10 with liquid storage tank 21 and cover 35 attached. As described above, liquid storage tank 21 is attached with the water outlet facing downward. Cold water tank 22 is disposed directly below liquid storage tank 21. A cooler (not shown) is disposed around cold water tank 22.

[0023] The hot water tank 23 is disposed below the cold water tank 22. A heater (not shown) is disposed on the outer periphery or inside the hot water tank 23. The cold water tank 22 and the hot water tank 23 are connected by a pipe-like liquid supply passage 49. By the action of the cooler and the heater, the liquid in the cold water tank 22 is maintained at a cold temperature, and the liquid in the hot water tank 23 is maintained at a hot temperature.

[0024] A negative ion generator 40 is housed below the hot water tank 23. The negative ion generator 40 includes a liquid tank 41, a generation unit 42, and a fan 48. The liquid tank 41 and the cold water tank 22 are connected by a pipe-shaped liquid supply path 49. A pump 43 is disposed midway along the liquid supply path 49. The liquid tank 41 stores liquid supplied from the liquid storage tank 21 via the cold water tank 22, the liquid supply path 49, and the pump 43. The configuration of the negative ion generator 40 will be described later.

[0025] A distributor 46 is disposed behind the first ion orifice 51. The distributor 46 has one inlet and two outlets, and distributes the gas that enters through the inlet to the two outlets at a predetermined ratio. Details of the internal structure of the distributor 46 will not be shown or described here.

[0026] The inlet of the distributor 46 and the negative ion generator 40 are connected by a pipe-shaped third supply path 473. One output port of the distributor 46 and the first ion nozzle 51 are connected by a pipe-shaped first supply path 471. The other output port of the distributor 46 and the second ion nozzle 52 are connected by a pipe-shaped second supply path 472. In the following description, the first supply path 471, the second supply path 472, and the third supply path 473 may be collectively referred to as the negative ion supply path 47 (see FIG. 7 ).

[0027] 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the configuration of liquid supply device 10. Liquid supply device 10 includes control unit 61. Negative ion generator 40 includes liquid level sensor 44 in addition to the aforementioned liquid tank 41, generation unit 42, and fan 48. Generation unit 42, liquid level sensor 44, and pump 43 are connected to control unit 61.

[0028] The control unit 61 is a feedback control circuit such as a proportional-integral-differential (PID) control circuit. The control unit 61 may be a logic circuit device such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPCA), or a complex programmable logic device (CPLD). The control unit 61 may be an analog control circuit configured with a relay or the like.

[0029] Liquid level sensor 44 is an example of a sensor that detects the amount of liquid stored in liquid tank 41. When the liquid level in liquid tank 41 falls below a predetermined first water level, control unit 61 operates pump 43 to replenish liquid from liquid storage tank 21 to liquid tank 41 via cold water tank 22. When the liquid level in liquid tank 41 rises above a predetermined second water level, control unit 61 stops pump 43 to stop the replenishment of liquid to liquid tank 41. Therefore, the amount of liquid in liquid tank 41 is maintained within a predetermined range.

[0030] The first water level is an example of a threshold value at which the supply of liquid to the liquid tank 41 starts. The second water level is an example of a threshold value at which the supply of liquid to the liquid tank 41 stops.

[0031] The liquid level sensor 44 may detect the amount of liquid in the liquid tank 41 based on the weight of the liquid tank 41 instead of the water level. The amount of liquid in the liquid tank 41 may be automatically maintained at a predetermined amount by a mechanical configuration such as a siphon mechanism.

[0032] The pump 43 may be disposed between the hot water tank 23 and the negative ion generator 40. A liquid supply device 10 can be provided that supplies hot water in the hot water tank 23 to the liquid tank 41. The pump 43 may include a temperature adjustment mechanism that mixes cold water supplied from the cold water tank 22 and hot water supplied from the hot water tank 23 to adjust the temperature to an appropriate level and then supplies the mixed water to the liquid tank 41.

[0033] Liquid supply device 10 may include a liquid supply path 49 that supplies liquid directly from liquid storage tank 21 to liquid tank 41 without passing through either cold water tank 22 or hot water tank 23.

[0034] The generator 42 is an electrode for corona discharge. The generator 42 has a positive electrode and a negative electrode. Corona discharge between the electrodes constituting the generator 42 breaks the liquid in the liquid tank 41 into fine particles that are dispersed into the air and become negatively charged. The size of the fine particles is preferably 5 to 100 nanometers in diameter. It is even more preferable that the size of the fine particles be approximately 50 nanometers in diameter. In the following explanation, negatively charged fine particles will be referred to as negative ions. Negative ions are known to have a sterilizing function that prevents the growth of mold, germs, and the like.

[0035] Fan 48 blows air near the liquid surface in liquid tank 41. Negative ions are blown away along with the air and sent to third supply path 473 described with reference to FIG. 5. That is, negative ion generator 40 uses the liquid supplied from liquid storage tank 21 as a raw material to generate negative ions, which are sent to third supply path 473.

[0036] It should be noted that liquid supply device 10 does not need to include fan 48. Negative ions generated by negative ion generator 40 naturally flow toward areas with lower concentrations, reaching the inside of water supply inlet cover 32 and cover 35. This makes it possible to provide liquid supply device 10 that does not produce noise or consume energy due to fan 48.

[0037] FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the flow of negative ions. The thick lines schematically show the flow of negative ions. Some of the negative ions generated by negative ion generator 40 and blown into third supply path 473 are ejected into the interior of water inlet cover 32 via distributor 46, first supply path 471, and first ion ejection hole 51. As a result, the interior of water inlet cover 32 is filled with negative ions, preventing the growth of mold, bacteria, and the like near water inlet 24.

[0038] The remaining negative ions are ejected into the inside of the cover 35 via the distributor 46, the second supply path 472, and the second ion ejection holes 52. This prevents the growth of mold, bacteria, and the like inside the cover 35, including the vicinity of the tank mounting portion 34 where the liquid storage tank 21 is attached.

[0039] After diffusing into the interior of the cover 35, the negative ions exit the housing 31 through the excess ion discharge holes 53 and the discharge port 33. Note that a flow path such as a pipe does not need to be provided in the discharge path between the excess ion discharge holes 53 and the discharge port 33. The negative ions that enter the interior of the housing 31 through the excess ion discharge holes 53 fill the interior of the housing 31 and are naturally released from the discharge port 33. Therefore, the interior of the housing 31 is filled with negative ions, preventing the growth of mold, bacteria, and the like.

[0040] The negative ions emitted from outlet 33 diffuse around the location where liquid supply device 10 is installed and eventually react with something and disappear. Until they disappear, the negative ions also prevent the growth of mold, bacteria, and the like in the location where liquid supply device 10 is installed.

[0041] Liquid dispenser 10 may include negative ion supply path 47 that sprays negative ions around fan 48. This prevents the growth of mold and bacteria around fan 48, thereby providing liquid dispenser 10 that dispenses a more hygienic beverage.

[0042] 8 is a state transition diagram illustrating the operation of liquid supplying device 10. The following explanation will explain the transitions between four states: standby state, negative ion generating state, water supply state, and water supply + negative ion generating state.

[0043] The liquid supply device 10 is normally in a standby state, in which the temperatures of the liquids in the cold water tank 22 and the hot water tank 23 are maintained within a predetermined range.

[0044] After a predetermined waiting time has elapsed, liquid supply device 10 transitions to a negative ion generating state. In the negative ion generating state, generator 42 operates to generate negative ions. The generated negative ions are ejected from first ion ejection orifice 51 and second ion ejection orifice 52, respectively.

[0045] If a predetermined generation time has elapsed while remaining in the negative ion generation state, liquid supply device 10 transitions to a standby state. The standby time and generation time are set appropriately based on the capacity of generation unit 42, etc. For example, the standby time is one hour and the generation time is five minutes. By setting the generation time to a short time and the standby time to a long time within a range that effectively prevents the growth of mold and bacteria, it is possible to conserve water and electricity consumed by generation unit 42.

[0046] The standby time and generation time may be set so as to generate a larger amount of negative ions than can effectively prevent the growth of mold and germs inside water inlet cover 32 and cover 35. By releasing excess negative ions from outlet 33, the growth of mold and germs on the surface of and around liquid supply device 10 can be prevented.

[0047] In the negative ion generating state, as described above, the liquid in liquid tank 41 is used as the raw material for negative ions. If the liquid level in liquid tank 41 falls below a predetermined first level during the negative ion generating state, liquid supply device 10 transitions to the water supply + negative ion generating state.

[0048] In the water supply + negative ion generation state, water is supplied from liquid storage tank 21 to liquid tank 41 while negative ions continue to be generated. When the liquid level in liquid tank 41 reaches or exceeds the second water level, liquid supply device 10 transitions to the negative ion generation state. The second water level is a state in which the amount of liquid in liquid tank 41 is greater than the first water level. Both the first water level and the second water level are water levels at which generation unit 42 can normally generate negative ions.

[0049] If the generation time has elapsed during the water supply + negative ion generation state, liquid supply device 10 transitions to the water supply state. In the water supply state, operation of generation unit 42 stops, and only water is supplied to liquid tank 41. If the liquid level in liquid tank 41 reaches or exceeds the second level during the water supply state, liquid supply device 10 transitions to the standby state.

[0050] In either state, when the user opens the water inlet cover 32 and presses the lever, water is dispensed from the water inlet 24. For example, when the user opens the water inlet cover 32 in the negative ion generation state or the water dispense + negative ion generation state, it is desirable that the negative ion generator 40 immediately stop generating negative ions. By stopping the negative ion generator 40, it is possible to prevent the user from feeling uncomfortable due to the negative ions being emitted from the first ion nozzle hole 51.

[0051] Furthermore, since negative ions do not have any adverse effects on the human body, the negative ion generator 40 may continue to operate even if the user opens the water inlet cover 32.

[0052] According to this embodiment, it is possible to provide a liquid supplying device 10 that does not cause an unpleasant ozone smell. The effect of negative ions can prevent the growth of mold, bacteria, and the like, and therefore it is possible to provide a liquid supplying device 10 that can supply a hygienic liquid. In other words, liquid supplying device 10 of this embodiment can contribute to achieving Goal 6 of the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals), which is "Ensure that everyone has access to safe water at an affordable price," which is "a goal that must be achieved by 2030 in order for humanity to continue living on this planet."

[0053] Similarly, the negative ion effect can prevent the growth of mold and bacteria, so liquid supply device 10 can be provided without problems even if maintenance such as cleaning is performed less frequently. This reduces maintenance costs, further contributing to the achievement of Goal 6 of the SDGs mentioned above.

[0054] According to this embodiment, the liquid supplied from the liquid storage tank 21 is used as a raw material for the negative ions, so there is no need to separately replenish the raw material for the negative ions. Therefore, it is possible to provide a liquid supply device 10 that requires a small number of supplies and is easy to maintain.

[0055] It should be noted that the liquid supply device 10 is not limited to a water server. For example, the liquid supply device 10 may be a so-called drink server that contains tea leaves, coffee beans, or concentrated soft drinks, etc., and provides tea, coffee, soft drinks, etc. at an appropriate temperature to the user.

[0056] The liquid supply device 10 may be a vending machine that supplies liquid when payment is made in cash, electronic money, or the like.

[0057] The liquid supply device 10 may have one or more than two water inlets 24. For example, the liquid supply device 10 may be provided to supply room temperature water in addition to cold and hot water.

[0058] The liquid storage tank 21 is an example of a liquid supply source that supplies liquid to the liquid supply device 10. The liquid supply device 10 may receive a supply of liquid directly from an external water source such as a water pipe, instead of from the liquid storage tank 21. A liquid supply device 10 can be provided that does not require replacement of the liquid storage tank 21.

[0059] It is desirable that the negative ion generator 40 has a tilt switch that stops operation when it detects tilt. For example, if the liquid supply device 10 falls over due to an earthquake or the like, it is possible to provide a liquid supply device 10 that prevents accidents such as fire and electric shock caused by corona discharge in the generation unit 42.

[0060] It is desirable that the negative ion generator 40 has a function of stopping operation when a temperature rise is detected, thereby providing a liquid supply device 10 that prevents fires caused by overheating of the generation unit 42.

[0061] The outlet 33 may be arranged on any surface different from the surface on which the water supply port portion is arranged, such as a side surface of the liquid supply device 10. The outlet 33 may be arranged on both the side surface and the back surface of the liquid supply device 10. The outlet 33 may be arranged on the same surface as the water supply port portion. If arranged on the same surface, the outlet 33 is desirably arranged below the water supply port portion.

[0062] [Embodiment 2] This embodiment relates to a liquid supply device 10 in which a negative ion generator 40 is disposed near a water supply port cover 32. Explanation of parts common to the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0063] 9 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the internal structure of liquid supply device 10 of embodiment 2. Negative ion generator 40 is disposed above water inlet cover 32. Distributor 46 is disposed above negative ion generator 40 and in front of cold water tank 22. Pump 43 is disposed above hot water tank 23.

[0064] Liquid supply path 49 connected to the underside of cold water tank 22 has a branching portion 491 that branches directly below cold water tank 22 into a path for supplying liquid to generation portion 42 and a path for supplying liquid to hot water tank 23. Liquid supply path 49 from branching portion 491 toward hot water tank 23 has the same configuration as in embodiment 1 described using Figure 5, and therefore will not be described here. Liquid supply path 49 from branching portion 491 toward negative ion generator 40 will be described later.

[0065] 9 shows the cold water tank 22 with a portion of the lower left corner cut away for the convenience of illustrating the liquid supply path 49 and distributor 46 extending from the branching portion 491 to the negative ion generator 40. In other words, FIG. 9 does not faithfully depict the shape of the cold water tank 22. The cold water tank 22 may have any shape configured so as not to interfere with the piping of the liquid supply path 49 and other components connected to the negative ion generator 40 and the distributor 46.

[0066] Pump 43 is disposed in liquid supply path 49 between branch portion 491 and generator 42, immediately downstream of branch portion 491. Pump 43 is located below negative ion generator 40. Downstream of pump 43, liquid supply path 49 is bent approximately 90 degrees and connected to liquid tank 41. That is, cold water tank 22 and liquid tank 41 are connected via liquid supply path 49, branch portion 491, and pump 43.

[0067] The negative ion generator 40 and the inlet of the distributor 46 are connected by a third supply path 473. One output port of the distributor 46 and the first ion nozzle 51 are connected by a first supply path 471. The other output port of the distributor 46 and the second ion nozzle 52 are connected by a second supply path 472. Therefore, negative ions flowing from the negative ion generator 40 toward the first ion nozzle 51 flow downward, and negative ions flowing from the negative ion generator 40 toward the second ion nozzle 52 flow upward.

[0068] The combined path length of the third supply path 473, distributor 46, and first supply path 471, which is the path from the negative ion generator 40 to the first ion nozzle 51 arranged in the water inlet cover 32, is shorter than the combined path length of the third supply path 473, distributor 46, and first supply path 471 in embodiment 1 described using Figure 5.

[0069] Similarly, the combined path length of the third supply path 473, distributor 46, and second supply path 472, which is the path from the negative ion generator 40 to the second ion nozzle 52 arranged in the cover 35, is shorter than the combined path length of the third supply path 473, distributor 46, and second supply path 472 in embodiment 1 described using Figure 5.

[0070] According to this embodiment, it is possible to provide a liquid supplying device 10 that prevents the negative ion generator 40 from getting wet due to, for example, condensation on the surface of the hot water tank 23. Since it is possible to prevent damage to the negative ion generator 40 due to being covered in water, it is possible to provide a liquid supplying device 10 with low maintenance costs.

[0071] According to this embodiment, since the path lengths from the negative ion generator 40 to the first ion nozzle 51 and from the negative ion generator 40 to the second ion nozzle 52 are short, a liquid supply device 10 can be provided that can quickly spray negative ions generated by the negative ion generator 40 to a predetermined location.

[0072] The pump 43 may be disposed between the hot water tank 23 and the negative ion generator 40. The pump 43 may include a temperature adjustment mechanism that mixes cold water supplied from the cold water tank 22 with hot water supplied from the hot water tank 23 to adjust the temperature to an appropriate level and then supplies the mixed water to the liquid tank 41.

[0073] Liquid supply device 10 may include a liquid supply path 49 that supplies liquid directly from liquid storage tank 21 to liquid tank 41 without passing through either cold water tank 22 or hot water tank 23.

[0074] [Embodiment 3] This embodiment relates to a liquid supplying device 10 equipped with a cover sensor 36 that detects the opening and closing of a cover 35. Explanation of parts common to the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0075] 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the configuration of liquid supply apparatus 10 according to embodiment 3. Liquid supply apparatus 10 includes cover sensor 36 that detects whether cover 35 is open or closed. Cover sensor 36 is connected to control unit 61. Control unit 61 acquires information relating to the open or closed state of cover 35 from cover sensor 36.

[0076] FIG. 11 is a state transition diagram illustrating the operation of liquid supply device 10 of embodiment 3. The following explanation will focus on the transition between the tank replacement standby state and the use state enclosed by the dashed line. The use state includes four states: a standby state, a negative ion generation state, a water supply state, and a water supply + negative ion generation state. The transitions between these four states are the same as those in embodiment 1 described using FIG. 8, and therefore will not be described here.

[0077] In any state included in the use state, when cover sensor 36 detects that cover 35 has changed from a closed state to an open state, liquid supply device 10 transitions to a tank replacement standby state. In the tank replacement standby state, the operations of generation unit 42, pump 43, and fan 48 are stopped.

[0078] In the tank replacement standby state, the user can safely perform the work of replacing liquid storage tank 21. After completing the work of replacing liquid storage tank 21, the user closes cover 35. When cover sensor 36 detects that cover 35 has changed from an open state to a closed state, liquid supply device 10 transitions to a negative ion generation state.

[0079] According to this embodiment, a liquid supply device 10 can be provided that quickly increases the negative ion concentration inside the cover 35 after the liquid storage tank 21 is replaced, thereby preventing the growth of mold, bacteria, and the like inside the cover 35.

[0080] Liquid supply device 10 may also transition to the negative ion generating state after water supply port cover 32 is opened or closed.

[0081] [Embodiment 4] This embodiment relates to an embodiment in which liquid supplying apparatus 10 is controlled using control unit 61 that operates based on program 97. Explanation of parts common to embodiment 1 will be omitted.

[0082] 12 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration diagram of an information processing device 60 according to embodiment 4. The information processing device 60 includes a main storage device 62, an auxiliary storage device 63, a communication unit 64, and a reading unit 69 in addition to the control unit 61 described using FIGS.

[0083] The control unit 61 in this embodiment may be, for example, one or more central processing units (CPUs), graphics processing units (GPUs), multi-core CPUs, etc. The control unit 61 is connected to each hardware unit constituting the information processing device 60 via a bus.

[0084] The main memory device 62 is a storage device such as an SRAM (Static Random Access Memory), a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory), a flash memory, etc. The main memory device 62 temporarily stores information required during processing performed by the control unit 61 and programs currently being executed by the control unit 61.

[0085] The auxiliary storage device 63 is a storage device such as an SRAM, a flash memory, a hard disk, or a magnetic tape. The auxiliary storage device 63 stores a program 97 to be executed by the control unit 61 and various data required for executing the program 97. The communication unit 64 is an interface that performs communication between the information processing device 60 and a network.

[0086] The reading unit 69 is an interface to which a portable recording medium 96 (described later) can be connected, such as a USB connector, a CD-ROM drive, or an SD memory reader.

[0087] Information processing device 60 is, for example, a one-board microcomputer or a one-chip microcomputer built into liquid supply device 10. Information processing device 60 may also be a general-purpose information device such as a general-purpose personal computer, tablet, or smartphone arranged inside liquid supply device 10 or in the vicinity of liquid supply device 10.

[0088] The program 97 is recorded on a portable recording medium 96. The portable recording medium 96 is, for example, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory, a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory), a magneto-optical disk medium, or an SD memory card. The portable recording medium 96 stores the program 97 to be executed by the control unit 61. The semiconductor memory 98 stores the program 97 and is a memory that can be attached inside the information processing device 60.

[0089] The control unit 61 reads the program 97 via the reading unit 69 and stores it in the auxiliary storage device 63. The control unit 61 may also read out the program 97 stored in the semiconductor memory 98. Furthermore, the control unit 61 may download the program 97 from another server computer (not shown) connected via the communication unit 64 and a network (not shown) and store it in the auxiliary storage device 63.

[0090] The program 97 is installed as a control program for the information processing device 60, and is executed by being loaded into the main storage device 62. The program 97 of this embodiment is an example of a program product.

[0091] 13 is a flowchart illustrating the processing flow of the program 97 according to the fourth embodiment. The program 97 according to the fourth embodiment causes the control unit 61 to realize the operation of the state transition diagram according to the first embodiment described with reference to FIG.

[0092] Control unit 61 sets liquid supply device 10 to a standby state (step S501). As described above, in the standby state, the temperatures of the liquids in cold water tank 22 and hot water tank 23 are maintained within a predetermined range. The temperatures may be maintained by control unit 61, or may be maintained automatically by a combination of a temperature detection device such as a bimetal or a thermistor and a temperature adjustment device such as a heater or a cooler.

[0093] The control unit 61 determines whether to end the process (step S502). For example, if the user instructs the end of the operation or the transition to the maintenance mode, the control unit 61 determines to end the process. If it is determined to end the process (YES in step S502), the control unit 61 ends the process.

[0094] If it is determined not to end the process (NO in step S502), the control unit 61 determines whether a predetermined waiting time has elapsed (step S503). If it is determined that the waiting time has not elapsed (NO in step S503), the control unit 61 returns to step S501.

[0095] If it is determined that the waiting time has elapsed (YES in step S503), control unit 61 transitions liquid supply device 10 to a negative ion generating state (step S504). Specifically, control unit 61 operates generation unit 42 to generate negative ions.

[0096] The control unit 61 determines whether a predetermined generation time has elapsed (step S505). If it is determined that the generation time has elapsed (YES in step S505), the control unit 61 returns to step S501. If it is determined that the generation time has not elapsed (NO in step S505), the control unit 61 determines whether the liquid level in the liquid tank 41 is equal to or lower than a predetermined first level (step S506). If it is determined that the liquid level is not equal to or lower than the first level (NO in step S506), the control unit 61 returns to step S504.

[0097] If it is determined that the water level is equal to or lower than the first water level (YES in step S506), control unit 61 transitions liquid supply device 10 to a water supply and negative ion generation state (step S507). Specifically, control unit 61 operates pump 43 to supply water from liquid storage tank 21 to liquid tank 41 while continuing the operation of generation unit 42.

[0098] Control unit 61 determines whether the liquid level in liquid tank 41 is equal to or higher than a predetermined second level (step S508). If it is determined that the liquid level is equal to or higher than the second level (YES in step S508), control unit 61 returns to step S504 and transitions liquid supply device 10 to the negative ion generation state. Specifically, control unit 61 stops pump 43 to stop the supply of water to liquid tank 41.

[0099] If it is determined that the water level is not equal to or higher than the second water level (NO in step S508), the control unit 61 executes step S504 to start generating negative ions, and then determines whether or not a predetermined generation time has elapsed (step S509).If it is determined that the generation time has not elapsed (NO in step S509), the control unit 61 returns to step S507.

[0100] If it is determined that the generation time has elapsed (YES in step S509), control unit 61 transitions liquid supply device 10 to a water supply state (step S510). Specifically, control unit 61 stops generation unit 42 while continuing to supply water to liquid tank 41.

[0101] The control unit 61 determines whether the liquid level in the liquid tank 41 is equal to or higher than the second level (step S511). If it is determined that the liquid level is not equal to or higher than the second level (NO in step S511), the control unit 61 returns to step S510. If it is determined that the liquid level is equal to or higher than the second level (YES in step S511), the control unit 61 returns to step S501.

[0102] According to this embodiment, liquid supplying device 10 is controlled by program 97 executed by control unit 61, so it is possible to provide liquid supplying device 10 in which parameters such as production time and standby time can be easily changed.

[0103] [Embodiment 5] This embodiment relates to a liquid supplying apparatus 10 that uses a program 97 to cause a control unit 61 to realize the operation of the state transition diagram of the third embodiment described with reference to Fig. 11. Explanation of parts common to the fourth embodiment will be omitted.

[0104] 14 and 15 are flowcharts illustrating the processing flow of program 97 according to the fifth embodiment. Control unit 61 sets liquid supply apparatus 10 to a standby state (step S501). Control unit 61 determines whether or not to end the processing (step S502). If it is determined that the processing should be ended (YES in step S502), control unit 61 ends the processing.

[0105] If it is determined not to end the process (NO in step S502), the control unit 61 determines whether the cover 35 has changed from a closed state to an open state (step S551). If it is determined that the cover 35 has not changed to an open state (NO in step S551), the control unit 61 determines whether a predetermined waiting time has elapsed (step S503). If it is determined that the waiting time has not elapsed (NO in step S503), the control unit 61 returns to step S501.

[0106] If it is determined that the standby time has elapsed (YES in step S503), control unit 61 transitions liquid supply device 10 to a negative ion generation state (step S504). Control unit 61 determines whether cover 35 has changed from a closed state to an open state (step S552). If it is determined that cover 35 has not changed to an open state (NO in step S552), control unit 61 determines whether a predetermined generation time has elapsed (step S505).

[0107] If it is determined that the generation time has elapsed (YES in step S505), the control unit 61 returns to step S501. If it is determined that the generation time has not elapsed (NO in step S505), the control unit 61 determines whether the liquid level in the liquid tank 41 is equal to or lower than a predetermined first level (step S506). If it is determined that the liquid level is not equal to or lower than the first level (NO in step S506), the control unit 61 returns to step S504.

[0108] If it is determined that the liquid level is below the first level (YES in step S506), control unit 61 transitions liquid supply device 10 to a water supply+negative ion generation state (step S507). Control unit 61 determines whether cover 35 has changed from a closed state to an open state (step S553). If it is determined that cover 35 has not changed to an open state (NO in step S553), control unit 61 determines whether the liquid level in liquid tank 41 is above a predetermined second level (step S508).

[0109] If it is determined that the water level is equal to or higher than the second level (YES in step S508), the control unit 61 returns to step S504. If it is determined that the water level is not equal to or higher than the second level (NO in step S508), the control unit 61 executes step S504 to start generating negative ions, and then determines whether a predetermined generation time has elapsed (step S509).

[0110] If it is determined that the generation time has not elapsed (NO in step S509), control unit 61 returns to step S507. If it is determined that the generation time has elapsed (YES in step S509), control unit 61 transitions liquid supply apparatus 10 to the water supplying state (step S510).

[0111] The control unit 61 determines whether the cover 35 has changed from a closed state to an open state (step S554). If it is determined that the cover 35 has not changed to an open state (NO in step S554), the control unit 61 determines whether the liquid level in the liquid tank 41 is equal to or higher than the second liquid level (step S511). If it is determined that the liquid level is not equal to or higher than the second liquid level (NO in step S511), the control unit 61 returns to step S510. If it is determined that the liquid level is equal to or higher than the second liquid level (YES in step S511), the control unit 61 returns to step S501.

[0112] If it is determined that cover 35 has changed to the open state (YES in step S551, step S552, step S553 or step S554), control unit 61 transitions liquid supply device 10 to a tank replacement standby state (step S521). Specifically, if generation unit 42, pump 43 or fan 48 are operating, control unit 61 stops the operation of these components. If generation unit 42, pump 43 and fan 48 have already stopped, control unit 61 does not operate these components until the tank replacement standby state ends.

[0113] The control unit 61 determines whether the cover 35 has changed from an open state to a closed state (step S522). If it is determined that the cover 35 has not changed to a closed state (NO in step S522), the control unit 61 returns to step S521. If it is determined that the cover 35 has changed to a closed state (YES in step S522), the control unit 61 returns to step S501.

[0114] According to this embodiment, liquid supplying device 10 is controlled by program 97 executed by control unit 61, so it is possible to provide liquid supplying device 10 in which parameters such as production time and standby time can be easily changed.

[0115] A computer program can be deployed to be executed on a single computer or on multiple computers that are located at one site or distributed across multiple sites and interconnected by a communication network.

[0116] The technical features (constituent elements) described in each embodiment can be combined with each other, and by combining them, new technical features can be formed. The embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative in all respects and should not be considered as limiting. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, not by the above meaning, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims.

[0117] Independent and dependent claims may be combined with each other in any combination, regardless of the reference format. Furthermore, while the claims may be written in a format in which a claim references two or more other claims (multiple claim format), this is not a limitation. Multiple claims that reference at least one other claim (multiple multiple claim format) may also be written. [Explanation of symbols]

[0118] 10 Liquid supply device 21 Liquid storage tank 22 Cold water tank 23 Hot water tank 24 Water inlet 241 Cold water inlet 242 Hot water inlet 31 Case 32 Water inlet cover 321 Bottom plate 322 Front plate 33 Outlet 34 Tank mounting part 35 Cover 36 Cover Sensor 40 Negative Ion Generator 41 Liquid Tank 42 Generation part 43 Pump 44 Fluid level sensor 46 Distributor 47 Negative ion supply channel 471 1st supply route 472 2nd supply route 473 Third supply route 48 fans 49 Liquid supply path 491 Branch 51 First Ion Vortex 52 Second Ion Vortex 53 Excess ion discharge hole 61 Control Unit 62 Main storage 63 Auxiliary storage device 64 Communications Department 69 Reading unit 96 Portable recording media 97 Programs 98 Semiconductor Memory

Claims

1. a liquid storage tank for storing a liquid; a negative ion generator that generates negative ions; a liquid supply path for supplying liquid from the liquid storage tank to the negative ion generator; a negative ion supply path for supplying the negative ions generated by the negative ion generator; A liquid supply device comprising:

2. a cover that covers the outside of the liquid storage tank; The negative ion supply path is a first supply path for supplying the negative ions generated by the negative ion generator to a water supply port; a second supply path for supplying the negative ions to the inside of the cover; The liquid supply device according to claim 1 .

3. a housing that houses the negative ion generator and has the water supply port portion disposed on one side; a release path that releases the negative ions to the outside of the housing from a surface different from the surface on which the water supply port is disposed. The liquid supply device according to claim 2 .

4. The negative ion generator is a liquid tank that stores the liquid supplied from the liquid storage tank; a sensor that detects the amount of the liquid stored in the liquid tank. The liquid supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. a control unit connected to the sensor, The control unit replenishes water from the liquid storage tank to the liquid tank when the amount of the liquid detected by the sensor becomes equal to or less than a predetermined threshold. The liquid supply device according to claim 4 .

6. acquiring a state of a cover from a sensor that detects an open / close state of a cover provided on a housing of the liquid supply device to which a liquid storage tank that stores liquid is attached; When the cover changes from an open state to a closed state, a negative ion generator that is housed in the housing and receives a supply of water from the liquid storage tank is activated. A method for controlling a liquid supply device.

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