Permeate water supply system and carbonated water production apparatus

Abstract

A technology is provided for grasping the internal state of a device and the communication state between devices when communication is performed between multiple devices. [Solution] The carbonated water production device of the present invention comprises a water storage tank for storing water supplied from an external device, carbonated water production means for producing carbonated water using the water stored in the water storage tank, communication means for transmitting and receiving information to and from the external device, and display means for displaying the information transmitted and received by the communication means. In addition to the information, the display means preferably also displays information relating to the status of the device itself.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a carbonated water production apparatus, a permeate generation apparatus, and a permeate supply system. [Background technology]

[0002] Due to its refreshing effects and health-conscious nature, there is a growing demand for sugar-free carbonated water (hereinafter referred to as "carbonated water"). Carbonated water is used in a wide range of applications, including as a beverage, for washing your face, and when bathing. In response to this trend, not only commercial carbonated water makers but also those for home use are now available. For example, commercial carbonated water makers are installed in large grocery stores such as supermarkets so that the carbonated water produced by the carbonated water makers can be purchased along with groceries.

[0003] In recent years, an increasing number of large grocery stores have installed purified water supply systems (permeate generating systems) that sell purified water (permeate) filtered within the system. These purified water supply systems filter tap water using a filtration means, such as a reverse osmosis membrane, to generate purified water, and then dispense a predetermined amount of purified water into a dedicated container for distribution (see Patent Document 1). Therefore, when the above-mentioned carbonated water production system is installed in a large grocery store, it is considered to install a carbonated water production system next to the purified water supply system so that both purified water and carbonated water can be sold. In addition, it is also considered to supply purified water generated in the purified water supply system to the carbonated water production system to generate carbonated water. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-49030 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] When purified water produced in a purified water supply device is supplied to a carbonated water maker to produce carbonated water within the carbonated water maker, a system for communication between the devices must be established in addition to a supply line for supplying purified water between the purified water supply device and the carbonated water maker. However, many of these systems only notify the outside world of errors that occur within the device or in communication between devices, but do not notify the internal status of the device or the communication status between devices when the device is operating normally and no errors have occurred. This leaves employees of large grocery stores and other establishments with no way to grasp the status of each device.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of such problems, and its purpose is to provide a technology for understanding the internal state of a device and the communication state between devices when communication is performed between multiple devices. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above problem, the carbonated water manufacturing apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention is characterized by having a water storage tank for storing water supplied from an external device, a carbonated water generating means for generating carbonated water using the water stored in the water storage tank, a communication means capable of sending and receiving information between the external device, and a display means for displaying the information sent and received by the communication means.

[0008] In addition, the permeate generation device according to the second aspect is characterized by having a reverse osmosis membrane that allows raw water to pass through to generate permeate, a water injection means that injects the generated permeate, a supply means that supplies the generated permeate to an external device, a communication means that sends and receives signals between the carbonated water production device, a control means that causes the supply means to start supplying the permeate to the carbonated water production device when the communication means sends a water delivery signal to the carbonated water production device to start supplying the permeate at a predetermined timing after receiving a supply signal from the carbonated water production device requesting the supply of the permeate, and a display means that can display information sent and received between the carbonated water production device or information in the device itself.

[0009] A permeate supply system according to a third aspect includes a permeate production device that generates permeate by causing raw water to pass through a reverse osmosis membrane, and a carbonated water production device that generates carbonated water by dissolving carbon dioxide gas in the permeate produced by the permeate production device, wherein the carbonated water production device includes a water storage tank that stores the permeate supplied from the permeate production device, carbonated water production means that generates carbonated water using the permeate stored in the water storage tank, first communication means that, when the amount of water stored in the water storage tank becomes equal to or less than a predetermined amount, transmits a supply signal to the permeate production device requesting the supply of the permeate to the water storage tank, and, when the first communication means receives a water supply signal from the permeate production device to start the supply of the permeate at a predetermined timing after the first communication means transmits the supply signal, the first communication means starts storing the permeate supplied from the permeate production device in the water storage tank. and a first control means for controlling the supply of permeated water to the carbonated water production device, and a first display means capable of displaying information transmitted and received between the carbonated water production device and the permeated water production device or information in the carbonated water production device.The permeated water production device comprises a reverse osmosis membrane that allows raw water to pass through to produce permeated water, a water injection means for injecting the generated permeated water, a supply means for supplying the generated permeated water to the carbonated water production device, a second communication means for transmitting and receiving signals between the first communication means, a second control means that causes the supply means to start supplying the permeated water to the carbonated water production device when the second communication means sends a water supply signal to the carbonated water production device to start supplying the permeated water at a predetermined timing after the second communication means receives a supply signal from the carbonated water production device requesting the supply of the permeated water, and a second display means capable of displaying information transmitted and received between the carbonated water production device and the permeated water production device or information in the permeated water production device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing an example of an RO water production apparatus and a carbonated water production apparatus that constitute a permeate supply system in an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2]FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a circuit configuration of a carbonated water production device. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the electrical configuration of a carbonated water production device. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a circuit configuration of an RO water generating apparatus. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the electrical configuration of an RO water generating apparatus. [Figure 6] 1 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing when RO water is supplied from an RO water production apparatus to a carbonated water production apparatus. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen displayed on an operation panel of the carbonated water production device. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen displayed on an operation panel of the permeate generating device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, a permeate supply system according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0012] As shown in Fig. 1, the permeate supply system 10 shown in the embodiment includes a carbonated water production device 15 and an RO (Reverse Osmosis) water production device 16. A storage box 17 is disposed to the side of the carbonated water production device 15 (on the right side in Fig. 1). The storage box 17 stores a gas cylinder 51 (see Fig. 2) that supplies carbon dioxide gas to the carbonated water production device 15 and other items.

[0013] The permeate supply system 10 is a system that provides users with carbonated water produced in a carbonated water production device 15 and RO water produced in an RO water production device 16. In the permeate supply system 10, the carbonated water production device 15 receives the RO water produced in the RO water production device 16 and carbon dioxide gas from a gas cylinder 51 stored in a storage box 17, and produces carbonated water.

[0014] Carbonated water production device 15 has device main body 21 and front door 22. Device main body 21 houses various units, piping, etc. required for producing carbonated water. The configuration of the various units housed in device main body 21 will be described later. Front door 22 rotates around one end side in the width direction of device main body 21 (the right side in Figure 1) between a closed position that shields the inside of device main body 21 and an open position that exposes the inside of device main body 21.

[0015] The front door 22 has an operation panel 23, a QR (Quick Response) code reader 24, an IC (Integrated Circuit) card reader 25, and a water filling box 26.

[0016] Operation panel 23 displays information based on the operating status of carbonated water production device 15 and information read by QR code reader 24 or IC card reader 25. Operation panel 23 also displays selection buttons (not shown) for selecting the gas strength (GV) and amount of carbonated water available for purchase.

[0017] The QR code reader 24 reads a QR code (registered trademark) displayed on a portable terminal device owned by a purchaser or a QR code printed on a receipt, etc. The QR code indicates, for example, information about the carbon dioxide gas purchased by the purchaser (such as the amount of water and gas strength of carbonated water).

[0018] The IC card reader 25 reads information stored in an IC chip embedded in an IC card. Instead of the IC card reader 25, a magnetic card reader that reads a magnetic card may be used.

[0019] In this embodiment, the carbonated water production device 15 having the QR code reader 24 and the IC card reader 25 is described as an example, but the carbonated water production device may have at least one of the QR code reader 24 or the IC card reader 25.

[0020] Pressure-resistant bottle 300 (see FIG. 2) for injecting carbonated water is placed inside water filling box 26. Water filling box 26 has water filling door 27. Water filling door 27 is opened and closed when pressure-resistant bottle 300 is placed or removed. Pressure-resistant bottle 300 is a dedicated bottle purchased by the user for receiving a supply of carbonated water.

[0021] The RO water generation device 16 has an apparatus main body 30 and a front door 31. The apparatus main body 30 houses various units and pipes required for generating RO water. The configuration of the various units housed in the apparatus main body 30 will be described later. The front door 31 can rotate around one end side in the width direction of the apparatus main body 30 (the left side in Figure 1) between an open position that exposes the inside of the apparatus main body 30 and a closed position that shields the inside of the apparatus main body 30. The front door 31 has a card reader 32, an operation panel 33, and a water filling box 34.

[0022] The card reader 32 accepts input of information from, for example, an IC card. The operation panel 33 displays the operating status of the RO water production device 16 and prompts for operation. At the same time, the operation panel 33 accepts operations by the user.

[0023] Bottle 310 (see FIG. 4) for injecting RO water is installed inside water injection box 34. Water injection box 34 has water injection door 35. Water injection door 35 is opened and closed when installing bottle 310 or removing bottle 310. Bottle 310 is a dedicated bottle purchased by the user to receive a supply of RO water.

[0024] Next, the configuration of the carbonated water producing device 15 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. In Fig. 2, the flow of signals is indicated by dotted lines.

[0025] The carbonated water production device 15 includes a pressure reducing valve unit 41, an air supply / exhaust unit 42, a water supply unit 43, a cooling unit 44, a sterilizing filter 45, a pressurized tank unit 46, a control unit 47, and the like.

[0026] The pressure reducing valve unit 41 vaporizes liquefied carbon dioxide gas stored in a gas cylinder 51 housed inside the storage box 17 and supplies the gas toward the supply and exhaust unit 42. The gas cylinder 51 stores liquefied carbon dioxide gas therein. The gas cylinder 51 has a cylinder valve 52 and is connected to the pressure reducing valve unit 41 via the cylinder valve 52.

[0027] The pressure reducing valve unit 41 sends carbon dioxide gas sent from the gas cylinder 51 to the supply and exhaust unit 42. The pressure reducing valve unit 41 has pressure gauges 55 and 56, a pressure reducing valve 57, and a manual valve 58 on the gas path 54. When the gas cylinder 51 side of the pressure reducing valve unit 41 is considered to be the upstream side, the pressure gauge 55, pressure reducing valve 57, pressure gauge 56, and manual valve 58 are arranged in this order from the upstream side. The pressure gauge 55 measures the pressure of the carbon dioxide gas sent to the pressure reducing valve 57. The pressure gauge 56 measures the pressure of the carbon dioxide gas sent from the pressure reducing valve 57.

[0028] The pressure reducing valve 57 adjusts the pressure of the carbon dioxide gas to be supplied to the air supply / exhaust unit 42 so that the pressure of the carbon dioxide gas is, for example, 1 MPa. The pressure reduction adjustment of the carbon dioxide gas is performed, for example, by an operator visually checking the measurement value of the pressure gauge 56. Furthermore, the manual valve 58 is connected to a gas path 60 that is arranged between the pressure reducing valve unit 41 and the air supply / exhaust unit 42. Furthermore, the manual valve 58 is normally kept in an open state.

[0029] The air supply and exhaust unit 42 supplies carbon dioxide gas supplied from the pressure reducing valve unit 41 to the pressurized tank unit 46 when producing or pouring carbonated water. The air supply and exhaust unit 42 also supplies carbon dioxide gas discharged from the pressurized tank unit 46 to the cooling unit 44 when producing carbonated water. The air supply and exhaust unit 42 also discharges carbon dioxide gas discharged from the pressurized tank unit 46 when the pressure in the pressurized tank unit 46 is reduced or when the water is fully discharged. The term "full discharge" refers to the discharge of all of the RO water stored in the water storage tank 88, which will be described later.

[0030] The supply and exhaust unit 42 is disposed between the pressure reducing valve unit 41 and the pressurized tank unit 46. The supply and exhaust unit 42 has gas paths 61, 62, and 63 and exhaust paths 64 and 65.

[0031] When the pressure reducing valve unit 41 side is considered to be upstream, the gas path 61 is connected at its upstream end to the gas path 60, and at its downstream end to the one-way valve 104 of the pressurized tank unit 46. The gas path 61 is arranged, from the upstream side, with a manual valve 67, a gas filter 68, a pressure switch (PS) 69, and a control valve 70 in this order.

[0032] The manual valve 67 is disposed at the upstream end of the gas passage 61. The manual valve 67 is connected to the pressure reducing valve unit 41 via the gas passage 60. The manual valve 67 is normally held in an open state. The gas filter 68 removes impurities contained in the carbon dioxide gas flowing through the gas passage 61. The pressure switch 69 turns on when the pressure in the gas passage 61 reaches or exceeds a certain pressure (e.g., 0.8 MPa), and outputs an on signal to the control unit 47. The control valve 70 is open, for example, when producing carbonated water.

[0033] The gas line 62 has an upstream end connected to the gas line 61 and a downstream end connected to the one-way valve 106 of the pressurized tank unit 46. The gas line 62 is connected to the gas line 61 between the pressure switch 69 and the control valve 70, for example.

[0034] The gas passage 62 is arranged with, from the upstream side, a control valve 71 and a pressure reducing valve 72. The control valve 71 is opened when, for example, carbonated water is poured. The pressure reducing valve 72 reduces the pressure of the carbon dioxide gas supplied toward the pressurized tank unit 46.

[0035] The upstream end of the gas line 63 is connected to the gas line 61. The downstream end of the gas line 63 is inserted into the water tank of the cooler of the cooling unit 44. Like the gas line 62, the gas line 63 is connected to the gas line 61, for example, between the pressure switch 69 and the control valve 70.

[0036] In the gas passage 63, a control valve 73 and an orifice valve 74 are arranged from the upstream side. The control valve 73 opens, for example, when the cooling water stored in the cooling tank of the cooler 91 becomes supercooled. The orifice valve 74 adjusts the flow rate of carbon dioxide gas supplied to the cooler 91.

[0037] When the pressure tank unit 46 side is defined as the upstream side of the exhaust path 64, the water separator 75, the control valve 76, and the silencer 77 are arranged in this order from the upstream side.

[0038] The water separator 75 is connected to the pressurized tank unit 46 via an exhaust path 111. The water separator 75 separates the liquid contained in the carbon dioxide gas discharged from the pressurized tank 99. The separated liquid is drained via a drain path 78 connected to the water separator 75. The drain path 78 is connected on the downstream side to an overflow drain path 95 connected to the cooler 91. Therefore, the liquid drained from the water separator 75 flows into the overflow drain path 95 and then is drained to the outside.

[0039] The control valve 76 is opened, for example, when the pressure in the pressurized tank 99 is reduced. The silencer 77 silences noise that is generated when carbon dioxide gas is discharged from the pressurized tank 99.

[0040] The exhaust passage 65 has an upstream end connected to the exhaust passage 64 between the water separator 75 and the control valve 76. The exhaust passage 65 has a downstream end connected to the gas passage 63 downstream of the orifice valve 74.

[0041] A relief valve 79 is disposed in the exhaust path 65. The relief valve 79 opens when the pressure in the exhaust path 65 reaches, for example, 0.5 MPa during the production of carbonated water. By opening the relief valve 79, the internal pressure of the pressurized tank 99 is maintained at a constant pressure.

[0042] The water supply unit 43 receives RO water to be supplied to the carbonated water production device 15 and supplies the received water to the pressurized tank unit 46 as needed. The received RO water is supplied downstream, for example, when producing carbonated water, when rinsing, or when draining all the water. Rinsing refers to, for example, using RO water stored in a water storage tank to wash the inside of the pressurized tank 99.

[0043] The water supply unit 43 has a water passage 80 connected to the RO water production device 16. When the RO water production device 16 side is considered to be upstream, the water passage 80 has a control valve 81, a one-way valve 82, a flow meter 83, a pressure switch (PS) 84, and a control valve 85 arranged in this order from the upstream side.

[0044] Control valve 81 is open when RO water is supplied from RO water generation device 16. One-way valve 82 prevents RO water from flowing back into RO water generation device 16. Flow meter 83 measures the flow rate of RO water flowing through water passage 80 and outputs a measurement signal to control unit 47. Pressure switch 84 is turned on when the pressure value of RO water flowing through water passage 80 is equal to or lower than a preset pressure value (e.g., 0.2 MPa), and outputs an ON signal to control unit 47. Note that the preset pressure value is the pressure value of RO water when the RO water is supplied at a rate sufficient to be directed toward pressurized tank 99. Control valve 85 is open, for example, when producing carbonated water, rinsing, and draining all water.

[0045] Water passage 80 connects water passages 86 and 87 between one-way valve 82 and flow meter 83. Water passage 86 is connected to a water storage tank 88. Water passage 86 has a manual valve 89. Manual valve 89 is normally open and is closed when, for example, water storage tank 88 is replaced.

[0046] Although not shown, the water storage tank 88 has a balloon inside that functions as a diaphragm. The water storage tank 88 functions as a carbonated water generating means as recited in the claims. The water storage tank 88 stores RO water by contracting the balloon under the pressure of water sent into the water storage tank 88. The water storage tank 88 also discharges the stored RO water at a predetermined timing by expanding the deflated balloon. The predetermined timing is, for example, when carbonated water is produced, when rinsing, and when the water is completely drained. The flow rate of the RO water when it is discharged from the water storage tank 88 is, for example, 1 to 2 L / min.

[0047] The water passage 87 is a drainage passage for draining, for example, the RO water in the water passage 80 or the RO water stored in the water storage tank 88. The water passage 87 has a manual valve 90. The manual valve 90 is normally kept in a closed state.

[0048] The cooling unit 44 is disposed between the water supply unit 43 and the pressurized tank unit 46. The cooling unit 44 has a cooler 91. The cooler 91 cools the cooling water stored in a water tank using a compressor 91a (see FIG. 3) and performs heat exchange with the RO water flowing inside a water passage 92 inserted inside the cooler 91 to cool the RO water. The RO water is cooled by the cooler 91 from 25°C to 4°C, for example. The cooler 91 has a water thermometer 91b. The water thermometer 91b outputs a temperature signal indicating the temperature of the stored cooling water to the control unit 47. The water passage 92 is connected to the control valve 85 of the water supply unit 43 on the upstream side and to the sterilizing filter 45 on the downstream side.

[0049] The cooler 91 is connected to a drainage channel 93. The drainage channel 93 has a manual valve 94. The manual valve 94 is normally kept in a closed state, and is switched to an open state, for example, when the cooling water stored in the water tank of the cooler 91 is to be discharged.

[0050] The cooler 91 is connected to an overflow drain channel 95. The overflow drain channel 95 drains the cooling water stored in the water tank of the cooler 91 when the amount of cooling water stored in the water tank of the cooler 91 reaches a predetermined amount or more. The overflow drain channel 95 has a drain trap 96. The drain trap 96 blocks unpleasant odors from the downstream side of the drain path. The drain trap 96 may also be configured to prevent gas from leaking from inside the drain channel 95. The drain channel 95 is connected to an air vent channel 97 upstream of the drain trap 96. The air vent channel 97 smooths the flow of wastewater in the drain channel 95 and protects the water seal of the drain trap 96. The air vent channel 97 may be provided to allow fresh air to circulate through the drain channel 95 and ventilate the drain channel 95. Moreover, the overflow drainage channel 95 connects to the drainage channel 78 connected to the water separator 75 on the upstream side of the position where the air passage 97 is connected.

[0051] The upstream end of the sterilization filter 45 is connected to the water channel 92, and the downstream end is connected to the water channel 98. The sterilization filter 45 filters the RO water cooled by the cooler 91 to remove bacteria and the like contained in the RO water. The sterilization filter 45 is a filter having a hollow fiber membrane bundle formed by bundling hollow fiber membranes having a plurality of openings, each with a diameter of, for example, 0.2 μm, into a cylindrical shape. The size of the openings provided in the hollow fiber membranes does not need to be limited to 0.2 μm, and may be, for example, 0.45 μm or less, which is generally considered to have a sterilization effect.

[0052] The pressurized tank unit 46 produces carbonated water from RO water and carbon dioxide gas supplied to the pressurized tank 99. The pressurized tank unit 46 has air supply passages 100 and 101, a water supply passage 102, and an exhaust passage 103.

[0053] The air supply path 100 is connected to a one-way valve 104 on the upstream side and to an ejection nozzle 105 installed inside the pressurized tank 99 on the downstream side. The one-way valve 104 is connected to the gas path 61 of the air supply / exhaust unit 42 and prevents the carbon dioxide gas flowing through the air supply path 100 from flowing back.

[0054] The air supply path 101 is connected to a one-way valve 106 on its upstream side and to a pressurized tank 99 on its downstream side. The one-way valve 106 is connected to the gas path 62 of the air supply / exhaust unit 42 and prevents backflow of carbon dioxide gas flowing through the air supply path 101. An orifice valve 107 is disposed in the air supply path 101. The orifice valve 107 adjusts the flow rate of carbon dioxide gas flowing through the air supply path 101.

[0055] The water supply line 102 is connected to a one-way valve 108 on the upstream side and to a jet nozzle 109 installed at the bottom of the pressure tank 99 on the downstream side. The one-way valve 108 is connected to the water line 98 and prevents the RO water from flowing back from the pressure tank 99.

[0056] When the pressurized tank 99 side is considered to be the upstream side, the exhaust path 103 connects the upper part of the pressurized tank 99 to the upstream side and connects a one-way valve 110 to the downstream side. The one-way valve 110 prevents backflow of carbon dioxide gas toward the air supply / exhaust unit 42. The one-way valve 110 is connected to the water separator 75 of the air supply / exhaust unit 42 via an exhaust path 111.

[0057] The pressurized tank 99 has ejection nozzles 105, 109 therein. The ejection nozzle 105 is disposed on top of the pressurized tank 99. The ejection nozzle 105 may be disposed, for example, at a position where the ejection outlet of the ejection nozzle 105 is submerged in the RO water stored inside the pressurized tank 99. The ejection nozzle 105 ejects carbon dioxide gas supplied from the pressure reducing valve unit 41 into the RO water stored inside the pressurized tank 99.

[0058] The ejection nozzle 109 is disposed at the bottom of the pressurized tank 99. The ejection nozzle 109 ejects the RO water supplied from the water supply unit 43 from inside the pressurized tank 99 toward the top of the pressurized tank 99. Here, the flow rate of the RO water fed into the pressurized tank 99 is, for example, 1 to 2 L / min.

[0059] The pressurized tank 99 has a pressure switch (PS) 112 in addition to the ejection nozzles 105 and 109. The pressure switch 112 turns on when the pressure in the pressurized tank 99 reaches a certain value or more, and outputs an ON signal to the control unit 47.

[0060] A water injection pipe 113 is connected to the bottom of the pressurized tank 99. The water injection pipe 113 discharges the RO water or carbonated water stored in the pressurized tank 99. The water injection pipe 113 has a control valve 114. The control valve 114 is open, for example, during rinsing, when draining all the water, or when carbonated water is being injected. When the control valve 114 is open, the RO water or carbonated water stored in the pressurized tank 99 flows out from the water injection pipe 113. Here, when carbonated water is being injected, if a pressure-resistant bottle 300 is set in the water injection door 27 of the water injection box 26, the carbonated water is injected into the pressure-resistant bottle 300 via the water injection pipe 113. When the control valve 114 is open during rinsing or draining all the water, the RO water flowing out from the water injection pipe 113 is received in a drainage tray 115 arranged at the bottom of the water injection box 26 and is then drained to the outside.

[0061] As shown in Figure 3, the carbonated water production device 15 has an operation panel 23, a QR code reader 24, an IC card reader 25, an air supply / exhaust unit 42, a water supply unit 43, a cooling unit 44, a pressurized tank unit 46, and a control unit 47 electrically connected to these.

[0062] The control unit 47 executes a control program not shown in the figure to perform the functions of a main control unit 121, a time control unit 122, a water supply control unit 123, an air supply / exhaust control unit 124, a cooling control unit 125, a water injection control unit 126, a display control unit 127, and a communication control unit 128.

[0063] The main control unit 121 comprehensively controls the water supply control unit 123, the supply / exhaust control unit 124, the cooling control unit 125, the water injection control unit 126, the display control unit 127, and the communication control unit 128 based on information from the QR code read by the QR code reader 24, information recorded on the IC card read by the IC card reader 25, and information controlled by the time control unit 122. The main control unit 121 also transmits and receives signals to and from the RO water production device 16.

[0064] The time control unit 122 manages the current date and time. When a preset time arrives, the time control unit 122 outputs a signal indicating that the preset time has been reached to the main control unit 121. In response to this, the main control unit 121 controls each part of the control unit 47 to execute the entire drainage process. The preset time is set to a time outside the business hours of the store, such as a supermarket, where the carbonated water production device 15 is installed.

[0065] Furthermore, time control unit 122 measures the elapsed time from when a sales command is output to each unit in carbonated water production device 15. Then, when a certain time (e.g., 30 minutes) has elapsed, time control unit 122 outputs a signal indicating that the certain time has elapsed to main control unit 121. In response to this, main control unit 121 controls each unit of control unit 47 to start the rinsing process.

[0066] The water supply control unit 123 receives instructions from the main control unit 121 to start and stop receiving RO water, and controls the opening and closing of the control valve 81. The instruction to start receiving RO water is output from the main control unit 121 to the water supply control unit 123, for example, when the main control unit 121 receives a water supply signal from the RO water production device 16. The instruction to stop receiving RO water is output from the main control unit 121 to the water supply control unit 123, for example, when the main control unit 121 receives a water supply stop signal from the RO water production device 16.

[0067] Furthermore, the water supply control unit 123 controls the opening and closing of the control valve 85 in response to instructions from the main control unit 121 to start and stop rinsing, to start and stop water supply, or to start and stop total drainage. At this time, the water supply control unit 123 calculates the supply amount of RO water supplied to the pressurized tank 99 based on the measurement signal from the flow meter 83, and switches the control valve 85 to a closed state when the calculated supply amount of RO water reaches a predetermined supply amount.

[0068] The air intake and exhaust control unit 124 receives instructions from the main control unit 121 to start and stop air supply, and controls the opening and closing of the control valve 70. The air intake and exhaust control unit 124 also receives instructions from the main control unit 121 to start and stop water supply, and controls the opening and closing of the control valve 71. The air intake and exhaust control unit 124 also controls the opening and closing of the control valve 73 based on a measurement signal from the water temperature gauge 91b of the cooler 91. The air intake and exhaust control unit 124 also notifies the main control unit 121 that an error has occurred when the on signal from the pressure switch 69 has stopped. At this time, the main control unit 121 instructs each unit to stop selling carbonated water.

[0069] The cooling control unit 125 constantly drives the compressor 91a. Based on a measurement signal from a water thermometer 91b disposed in the cooler 91, the cooling control unit 125 determines whether the temperature of the cooling water stored in the water tank of the cooler 91 is suitable for cooling the RO water to be supplied to the pressurized tank. If the temperature of the cooling water stored in the water tank of the cooler 91 is not suitable for cooling the RO water to be supplied to the pressurized tank 28 (i.e., if the temperature of the cooling water stored in the water tank is high), the cooling control unit 125 outputs an error signal to the main control unit 121. In response to this, the main control unit 121 outputs a sales stop command to each unit.

[0070] The water injection control unit 126 controls the opening and closing of the control valve 114 upon receiving instructions from the main control unit 121 to start and stop rinsing, to start and stop water injection, or to start and stop all drainage.

[0071] The display control unit 127 controls the display based on the operation of the operation panel 23, the display based on reading by the QR code reader 24 or the IC card reader 25, and also controls the display for various operations in the carbonated water production device 15.

[0072] The communication control unit 128 is connected to the RO water production device 16 and an information management terminal 140 such as a server, for example, via the communication unit 129. The communication control unit 128 transmits, for example, via the communication unit 129, to the RO water production device 16 a supply signal requesting the supply of RO water to the water storage tank 88, and receives a water supply signal to start the supply of RO water from the RO water production device 16 and a water supply stop signal to stop the supply of RO water. The communication control unit 128 also transmits information related to the operation of the carbonated water production device 15, such as the production history of carbonated water in the carbonated water production device 15 and the history of errors that have occurred, to the information management terminal 130.

[0073] Next, the RO water generation apparatus 16 will be described with reference to Figure 4. The RO water generation apparatus 16 has a water receiving unit 141, a pretreatment unit 142, a pump unit 143, an RO unit 144, a water injection unit 145, and a circulation / drainage unit 146. Of these units, the water receiving unit 141, the pump unit 143, the water injection unit 145, and the circulation / drainage unit 146 are controlled by a control unit 225 (see Figure 5), which will be described later.

[0074] RO water production device 16 has a water supply channel 151 connected to a water pipe 148. In the following description, the end connected to water pipe 148 is referred to as the upstream side. In water supply channel 151, from the upstream side, a water receiving unit 141, a flow meter 152, a temperature sensor 153, a TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) sensor 154, a pretreatment unit 142, a pump unit 143, and an RO unit 144 are arranged. Note that a downstream end of a recycle path 193 is connected to water supply channel 151 between pretreatment unit 142 and pump unit 143.

[0075] The water receiving unit 141 has, from the upstream side, a manual valve 156 , a one-way valve 157 , a pressure gauge 158 , a pressure reducing valve 159 , a control valve 160 , and a one-way valve 161 .

[0076] The manual valve 156 is a valve that can be manually switched between an open state, in which raw water is supplied from the water pipe 148, and a closed state, in which the supply of raw water is stopped. The one-way valve 157 prevents backflow of the supplied raw water. The pressure gauge 158 measures and displays the pressure (water pressure) of the supplied raw water. The pressure reducing valve 159 reduces the water pressure of the supplied raw water to maintain a constant supply amount of raw water. The control valve 160 is a valve that can be switched between an open state, in which raw water is supplied, and a closed state, in which the supply of raw water is stopped. The control unit 225 switches the control valve 160 between the open state and the closed state. The one-way valve 161 prevents backflow of raw water flowing toward the flow meter 152.

[0077] The flow meter 152 measures the flow rate of raw water flowing from the water receiving unit 141. The temperature sensor 153 measures the temperature of the raw water flowing through the water supply passage 151. The TDS sensor 154 measures the quality of the raw water, i.e., the total concentration of electrolytes (impurities) dissolved in the raw water, i.e., the total dissolved solids concentration. These measured values ​​are output to the control unit 225.

[0078] The pretreatment unit 142 has, from the upstream side, a sediment filter 165, a carbon filter 166, and a one-way valve 167. The sediment filter 165 is a filter that removes large impurities from the raw water. The carbon filter is a filter that removes small impurities from the raw water. The one-way valve 167 prevents backflow of the raw water sent out from the carbon filter.

[0079] The pump unit 143 supplies the raw water from which impurities have been removed under pressure to the RO unit 144, and includes a pressure pump 168, for example.

[0080] The RO unit 144 includes a reverse osmosis membrane filter 171 and a one-way valve 172. The reverse osmosis membrane filter 171, for example, has a reverse osmosis membrane housed inside a main body having a water intake 171a, a permeate outlet 171b, and a concentrate outlet 171c. The reverse osmosis membrane is made of a known material, and a membrane with a pore size of approximately 1 to 10 nm is used to prevent the passage of ions and salts. Therefore, a portion of the raw water fed through the water intake 171a passes through the reverse osmosis membrane and flows as permeate (RO water) into the water injection channel 175 or the external supply channel 176, while the remainder does not pass through the reverse osmosis membrane and flows as concentrate, for example, through the concentrate circulation path 192. The one-way valve 172 prevents backflow of the RO water fed from the permeate outlet 171b of the reverse osmosis membrane filter 171.

[0081] Water supply line 151 branches downstream into water injection line 175 and external supply line 176. Water injection line 175 has, from upstream, a TDS sensor 178, a flow meter 179, water injection unit 145, and a one-way valve 180. TDS sensor 178 measures the water quality (total dissolved solids concentration) of the RO water supplied to water injection line 175. Flow meter 179 measures the flow rate of the RO water flowing through water injection line 175.

[0082] The water injection unit 145 has a control valve 181 and a manual valve 182. The control valve 181 is a valve that switches between an open state, in which RO water is injected, and a closed state, in which the supply of RO water is stopped. The control valve 181 is switched between the open state and the closed state by a control unit 225, which will be described later. The one-way valve 180 prevents backflow of the permeated water sent out from the water injection unit 145.

[0083] The external supply path 176 is connected to the carbonated water production device 15 and supplies the RO water produced by the RO unit 144 to the carbonated water production device 15. The external supply path 176 has, from the upstream side, a manual valve 184 and a one-way valve 185. The manual valve 184 is kept open while the RO water production device 16 and the carbonated water production device 15 are connected. The manual valve 184 is switched to a closed state, for example, when the RO water production device 16 is installed or when the installed RO water production device 16 is removed. The one-way valve 185 prevents backflow of the RO water supplied to the carbonated water production device 15.

[0084] The circulation / drainage unit 146 has an RO water circulation path 191 , a concentrated water circulation path 192 , a recycle path 193 , and drainage paths 194 and 195 .

[0085] The upstream end of RO water circulation path 191 is connected to water injection path 175 at a position between flow meter 179 and water injection unit 145. The downstream end of RO water circulation path 191 is connected to recycle path 193 at a position between one-way valve 207 and pressure switch 208. RO water circulation path 191 has, from the upstream side, control valve 197 and one-way valve 198. Control valve 197 is a valve that switches between an open state, in which the generated RO water is returned to water supply path 151, and a closed state, in which the return of RO water to water supply path 151 is stopped. The control valve 197 is switched between the open state and the closed state by control unit 225, which will be described later. The one-way valve 198 prevents backflow of RO water flowing toward water supply path 151.

[0086] The concentrated water circulation path 192 has an upstream end connected to the concentrated water outlet 171c of the reverse osmosis membrane filter 171. The concentrated water circulation path 192 has a downstream end connected to a recycle path 193 at a position between the one-way valve and the pressure switch. The concentrated water circulation path 192 has a TDS sensor 201, a pressure switch 202, a control valve 203, an orifice valve 204, and a one-way valve 205.

[0087] The TDS sensor 201 measures the total concentration of electrolytes (impurities) dissolved in the concentrated water flowing through the concentrated water circulation path 192, i.e., the total dissolved substance concentration. The pressure switch 202 turns on when the pressure of the concentrated water flowing through the concentrated water circulation path 192 reaches or exceeds a certain value, and outputs the on signal to the control unit 225.

[0088] The control valve 203 is a valve that switches between an open state in which the concentrated water is supplied to the recycle path 193 and a closed state in which the supply of the concentrated water to the recycle path 193 is stopped. The control valve 203 is switched between the open state and the closed state by a control unit 225, which will be described later. The orifice valve 204 adjusts the flow rate of the concentrated water flowing through the concentrated water circulation path 192. The one-way valve 205 prevents the concentrated water from flowing back.

[0089] The recycle path 193 has an upstream end connected to the concentrated water circulation path 192 at a position between the pressure switch 202 and the control valve 203. The recycle path 193 has a downstream end connected to the water supply path 151 at a position between the pretreatment unit 142 and the pump unit 143.

[0090] The recycle path 193 has a needle valve 206, a one-way valve 207, and a pressure switch 208. The needle valve 206 adjusts the flow rate of the concentrated water flowing through the recycle path 193. The one-way valve 207 prevents backflow of the concentrated water flowing through the recycle path 193. The pressure switch 208 turns on when the pressure of the water flowing through the recycle path 193 reaches or exceeds a certain value, and outputs an on signal to a control unit 225, which will be described later.

[0091] The drainage channel 194 has an upstream end connected to the concentrated water circulation channel 192 at a position between the pressure switch 202 and the control valve 203 and upstream of the recycle channel 193. The drainage channel 194 has a downstream end connected to a drainage tray 210 of the water injection box 34. The drainage channel 194 has, from upstream to downstream, a control valve 211, an orifice valve 212, a one-way valve 213, and a manual valve 214. The control valve 211 is a valve that switches between an open state in which concentrated water is drained to the drainage tray 210 and a closed state in which drainage of concentrated water to the drainage tray 210 is stopped. The control valve 211 is switched between the open state and the closed state by a control unit 225, which will be described later. The orifice valve 212 adjusts the flow rate of concentrated water flowing through the drainage channel 194. The one-way valve 213 prevents backflow of concentrated water flowing through the drainage channel 194. The manual valve 214 manually opens and closes the drainage channel 194.

[0092] The drainage channel 195 has an upstream end connected to the concentrated water circulation path 192 at a position between the pressure switch 202 and the control valve 203, downstream from the position where the drainage channel 194 is connected. The drainage channel 195 also has a downstream end connected to the drainage channel 194 at a position between the one-way valve 213 and the manual valve 214.

[0093] The drainage channel 195 has, from the upstream side, a control valve 217, an orifice valve 218, and a one-way valve 219. The control valve 217 is a valve that switches between an open state in which concentrated water is drained into the drainage tray 210 and a closed state in which drainage of concentrated water into the drainage tray 210 is stopped. The control valve 217 is switched between the open state and the closed state by a control unit 225, which will be described later. The orifice valve 218 adjusts the flow rate of concentrated water flowing through the drainage channel 195. The one-way valve 219 prevents the concentrated water flowing through the drainage channel 195 from flowing back.

[0094] As shown in Figure 4, in RO water production apparatus 16, impurities are removed from raw water supplied from water pipe 148 in pretreatment unit 142 as it flows through water supply channel 151. The raw water from which the impurities have been removed is then separated into RO water and concentrated water in RO unit 144. The produced RO water is injected into bottles 310 installed inside water injection box 34 via water injection unit 145, or is supplied to carbonated water production apparatus 15, which is an external device. Meanwhile, the concentrated water separated in RO unit 144 flows through concentrated water circulation channel 192 and recycle channel 193 and is returned to water supply channel 151, and the remainder is drained into drain tray 210 via drain channel 195.

[0095] Here, a cleaning path 221 is connected to the water injection path 175 between the control valve 181 and the manual valve 182. Although details are omitted, the cleaning path 221 is branched, and one path 221a of the branched paths is connected to the water supply path 151 between the TDS sensor 154 and the pre-treatment unit 142, and the other path 221b is connected to the water supply path 151 between the pre-treatment unit 142 and the pump unit 143.

[0096] Furthermore, a cleaning path 222 is connected to the drainage path 195 described above between the one-way valve 219 and the manual valve 214. Although details are omitted, the cleaning path 222 is branched, and one path 222a of the branched paths is connected to the water supply path 151 between the TDS sensor 154 and the pre-treatment unit 142 and between the pre-treatment unit 142 and the pump unit 143, and the other path 222b is connected to the water supply path 151 between the pre-treatment unit 142 and the pump unit 143.

[0097] Next, the electrical configuration of the RO water production apparatus 16 will be described with reference to Fig. 5. The RO water production apparatus 16 has a control unit 225 in addition to the water receiving unit 141, pump unit 143, water injection unit 145, and circulation / drainage unit 146 described above.

[0098] The control unit 225 executes a control program (not shown) to perform the functions of a main control unit 227, a water receiving control unit 228, a pump control unit 229, a water injection control unit 230, a circulation / drainage control unit 231, a display control unit 232, and a communication control unit 233.

[0099] The main control unit 227 controls the water receiving control unit 228, the pump control unit 229, the water injection control unit 230 and the circulation / drainage control unit 231 based on information recorded on the IC card read by the card reader 32 and information based on the operation of the operation panel 33.

[0100] Based on information on the raw water temperature measured by the temperature sensor 153 and information on the water quality measured by the TDS sensors 154, 178, and 201, the main control unit 227 instructs the display control unit 232 to display this information on the operation panel 33.

[0101] Furthermore, the main control unit 227 controls each unit of the device based on the information output by each sensor, and performs error processing based on the signals obtained from the sensors.

[0102] Furthermore, the main control unit 227 issues instructions to circulate RO water, clean the water inlet, clean the membrane of the RO unit 144, and perform other cleaning operations within the device itself at regular intervals.

[0103] The water receiving control unit 228 switches the control valve 160 from a closed state to an open state upon receiving an instruction from the main control unit 227 to start pouring water or to start supplying water to the outside. Furthermore, the water receiving control unit 228 switches the control valve 160 from an open state to a closed state upon receiving an instruction from the main control unit 227 to stop pouring water or to stop supplying water to the outside.

[0104] The pump control unit 229 drives the pressure pump 168 upon receiving an instruction from the main control unit 227 to start pouring water or to start supplying water to the outside. The pump control unit 229 also stops driving the pressure pump 168 upon receiving an instruction from the main control unit 227 to end pouring water or to end supplying water to the outside.

[0105] The pump control unit 229 receives an instruction from the main control unit 227 to start circulating RO water, and drives the pressurizing pump 168. When it receives an instruction from the main control unit 227 to stop circulating RO water, it stops driving the pressurizing pump 168. Furthermore, the pump control unit 229 receives an instruction from the main control unit 227 to start cleaning, and drives the pressurizing pump 168 when it receives an instruction from the main control unit 227 to stop cleaning, and stops driving the pressurizing pump 168.

[0106] The water injection control unit 230 switches the control valve 181 from the closed state to the open state upon receiving an instruction to start water injection from the main control unit 227. Furthermore, the water injection control unit 230 switches the control valve 181 from the open state to the closed state upon receiving an instruction to end water injection from the main control unit 227.

[0107] Furthermore, the water injection control unit 230 switches the control valve 181 from the closed state to the open state upon receiving an instruction to start cleaning from the main control unit 227. Furthermore, the water injection control unit 230 switches the control valve 181 from the open state to the closed state upon receiving an instruction to end cleaning from the main control unit 227.

[0108] The circulation / drainage control unit 231 switches the control valve 217 from a closed state to an open state upon receiving an instruction to start water injection from the main control unit 227. The circulation / drainage control unit 231 switches the control valve 217 from a closed state to an open state upon receiving an instruction to stop water injection from the main control unit 227.

[0109] Furthermore, the circulation / drainage control unit 231 switches the control valves 203, 217 from a closed state to an open state upon receiving an instruction from the main control unit 227 to start supplying to the outside. The circulation / drainage control unit 231 switches the control valves 203, 217 from an open state to a closed state upon receiving an instruction from the main control unit 227 to stop supplying to the outside.

[0110] Furthermore, the circulation / drainage control unit 231 switches the control valves 197, 203 from a closed state to an open state upon receiving an instruction to start circulating the RO water from the main control unit 227. The circulation / drainage control unit 231 switches the control valves 197, 203 from an open state to a closed state upon receiving an instruction to stop circulating the RO water from the main control unit 227.

[0111] The circulation / drainage control unit 231 receives an instruction from the main control unit 227 to start cleaning the water inlet and switches the control valves 181, 217 from a closed state to an open state. The circulation / drainage control unit 231 receives an instruction from the main control unit 227 to stop cleaning the water inlet and switches the control valves 181, 217 from an open state to a closed state.

[0112] The circulation / drainage control unit 231 receives an instruction from the main control unit 227 to start cleaning the reverse osmosis membrane filter 171, and switches the control valves 211, 217 from a closed state to an open state. The circulation / drainage control unit 231 receives an instruction from the main control unit 227 to stop cleaning, and switches the control valves 211, 217 from an open state to a closed state.

[0113] The display control unit 232 controls the display of various images displayed on the operation panel 33, for example, when RO water is supplied (purchased). Furthermore, when RO water is poured into the bottle 310, the display control unit 232 controls the display on the operation panel 33 of information obtained in the production of RO water, such as the temperature of the raw water measured by the temperature sensor 153, the water quality values ​​obtained by the TDS sensors 154, 178, and 201, and the impurity removal rate.

[0114] The communication control unit 233 is connected to the carbonated water production device 15 and an information management terminal 235 such as a server via, for example, the communication unit 234. The communication control unit 233 receives supply signals from the carbonated water production device 15 via the communication unit 234, and also transmits water supply signals and water supply stop signals to the carbonated water production device 15. The communication control unit 233 also transmits to the information management terminal 130 information such as the RO water production history in the RO water production device 16 and history information on errors that have occurred, as well as information such as the temperature of the raw water, the water quality values ​​of the raw water, RO water, and concentrated water, and the impurity removal rate.

[0115] Finally, the process flow when RO water is supplied from the RO water production device 16 to the carbonated water production device 15 will be explained using Figure 6. Hereinafter, the process in the carbonated water production device 15 will be indicated as "Step S1**", and the process in the RO water production device 16 will be indicated as "Step S2**".

[0116] In step S101, control unit 47 of carbonated water production device 15 waits until the amount of RO water stored in water storage tank 88 decreases, the pressure of the RO water drops below a predetermined value, and pressure switch 84 turns on. Then, upon detecting that pressure switch 84 has turned on, in step S102, control unit 47 of carbonated water production device 15 sends a supply signal to RO water production device 16. Then, in step S103, control unit 47 of carbonated water production device 15 causes operation panel 23 to display that a supply signal is being sent.

[0117] 7(a) shows an example of a display screen of operation panel 23 of carbonated water production device 15. As shown in FIG. 7(a), operation panel 23 of carbonated water production device 15, in a standby state, displays a comment such as "Please touch the screen" to prompt the user to perform an operation to start dispensing carbonated water. At the same time, operation panel 23 of carbonated water production device 15 displays selection buttons that allow the purchaser to select a carbonated water dispensing operation, such as selection button B1 for receiving a supply of carbonated water by purchasing carbonated water through electronic payment using a portable communication terminal (not shown), or selection button B2 for receiving a supply of carbonated water by purchasing carbonated water through a POS terminal (not shown).

[0118] For example, when the control unit 47 of the carbonated water maker 15 sends a supply signal to the RO water production device 16, the control unit 47 of the carbonated water maker 15 displays a comment C1, such as "Sending supply signal," at the top of the display screen P1 of the operation panel 23 of the carbonated water maker 15. At this time, the operation panel 23 of the carbonated water maker 15 may display a display D2 indicating the amount of carbonated water that can be produced (or the amount of RO water stored in the water storage tank 88) in addition to a display D1 indicating the remaining amount of carbon dioxide gas in the gas cylinder 51. Here, the remaining amount of carbon dioxide gas can be calculated, for example, by subtracting the volume of carbon dioxide gas used to produce carbonated water from the volume of carbon dioxide gas stored in the unused gas cylinder 51. The amount of carbonated water that can be produced can also be calculated by subtracting the volume of RO water used to produce carbonated water from the volume of RO water stored in the water storage tank 88 when the pressure switch 84 is turned off. In addition, since the carbonated water production device 15 allows multiple amounts of carbonated water to be selected for supply, it is preferable that the display D2 showing the amount of carbonated water that can be produced (or the amount of RO water stored in the water storage tank 88) be displayed for each amount of carbonated water.

[0119] In this way, by displaying the remaining amount of carbon dioxide gas in gas cylinder 51 and the amount of carbonated water that can be produced on operation panel 23 of carbonated water maker 15, purchasers and store clerks can be made aware of how much carbonated water can be supplied before carbonated water supply begins in carbonated water maker 15. In addition, in the case of the remaining amount of carbon dioxide gas, store clerks can check the remaining amount of carbon dioxide gas, so that they can be aware in advance of when it is time to replace the gas cylinder. Note that information such as the remaining amount of carbon dioxide gas and the amount of carbonated water that can be produced can be displayed as a level or percentage, as long as it can be recognized by a person looking at the operation panel.

[0120] In step S201, the control unit 225 of the RO water production device 16 determines whether or not a supply signal has been received from the carbonated water production device 15. If the control unit 225 of the RO water production device 16 determines that a supply signal has been received, the process proceeds to step S202, where it displays on the operation panel 33 of the RO water production device 16 that a supply signal is being received.

[0121] 8(a) shows an example of the display screen P2 of the operation panel 33 of the RO water production device 16 when a supply signal is received. As shown in FIG. 8(a), when the RO water production device 16 is in a standby state, the operation panel 33 of the RO water production device 16 displays a message prompting an operation, such as "Please touch the screen." In this state, when a supply signal is received from, for example, the carbonated water production device 15, the control unit 225 of the RO water production device 16 causes the operation panel 33 of the RO water production device 16 to display a message C2, such as "Supply signal being received."

[0122] In step S203, the control unit 225 of the RO water production device 16 determines whether RO water is being poured in. If it is determined that RO water is being poured in, the control unit 225 of the RO water production device 16 determines in step S204 whether the RO water pouring process has ended.

[0123] If it is determined in step S203 that RO water is not being injected, the control unit 225 of the RO water production device 16 determines whether error processing is being executed in step S205. If it is determined that error processing is being executed, the control unit 225 of the RO water production device 16 determines in step S206 whether error processing has ended.

[0124] When it is determined in step S203 that RO water is not being injected, when it is determined in step S205 that error processing is not being executed, when it is determined in step S204 that the RO water injection process has ended, or when it is determined in step S206 that the error processing has ended, the control unit 225 of the RO water generator 16 transmits a water supply signal to the carbonated water manufacturing apparatus 15 in step S207.

[0125] The control unit 47 of the carbonated water manufacturing apparatus 15 determines in step S104 whether a water supply signal has been received. When the control unit 47 of the carbonated water manufacturing apparatus 15 receives a water supply signal from the RO water generator 16, it proceeds to step S105. In step S105, the control unit 47 of the carbonated water manufacturing apparatus 15 causes the comment C3 of "Receiving water supply signal" to be displayed on the operation panel 23 of the carbonated water manufacturing apparatus 15 (see Fig. 7(b)).

[0126] The control unit 47 of the carbonated water manufacturing apparatus 15 switches the control valve 81 from the closed state to the open state in step S106. In step S107, the control unit 47 of the carbonated water manufacturing apparatus 15 causes the comment C5 of "Storing RO water" to be displayed on the operation panel 23 of the carbonated water manufacturing apparatus 15 (see Fig. 7(c)). During the process of storing RO water in the water storage tank 88, since a water supply signal is continuously transmitted from the RO water generator 16 to the carbonated water manufacturing apparatus 15, the comment of "Storing RO water" may be continuously displayed during the process of storing RO water in the water storage tank 88.

[0127] On the other hand, the control unit 225 of the RO water generator 16 transmits a water supply signal to the carbonated water manufacturing apparatus 15 in step S207. Then, in step S2, the control unit 225 of the RO water generator 16 causes a comment C4 such as "Transmitting water supply signal" to be displayed on the operation panel 33 of the RO water generator 16 (see Fig. 8(b)). Then, in step S209, the control unit 225 of the RO water generator 16 executes a RO water supply process.

[0128] <RO water supply process> The control unit 225 of the RO water generator 16 switches the control valve 160 of the water receiving unit 141 and the control valves 203 and 217 of the circulation / drainage unit 146 from a closed state to an open state. As a result, raw water is supplied to the water supply passage 151. The flow rate of the supplied raw water is measured by a flow meter 152. The water temperature is also measured by a temperature sensor 153. Furthermore, the water quality is measured by a TDS sensor 154. Then, impurities are removed from the raw water supplied to the water supply passage 151 in the pretreatment unit 142.

[0129] When the RO water supply process is performed, the control unit 225 of the RO water production apparatus 16 drives the pressure pump 168 of the pump unit 143. Therefore, the raw water sent out from the pretreatment unit 142 is supplied to the RO unit 144 under pressure.

[0130] Raw water supplied under pressure to the RO unit 144 enters the reverse osmosis membrane filter 171 from the water intake 171a and is discharged as RO water from the permeate outlet 171b. At this time, the control valve 181 of the water injection unit 145 and the control valve 197 of the RO water circulation path 191 are both closed. Meanwhile, the control unit 47 of the carbonated water production apparatus 15 switches the control valve 81 to an open state (processing of step S105). Therefore, the RO water discharged from the RO unit 144 is discharged to the water path 80 of the carbonated water production apparatus 15 via the external supply path 176.

[0131] Meanwhile, a portion of the raw water sent to the RO unit 144 is sent from a concentrated water outlet 171c to a concentrated water circulation path 192 without passing through the reverse osmosis membrane filter 171. The quality of the concentrated water sent to the concentrated water circulation path 192 is measured by a TDS sensor 201. At this time, the needle valve 206 is open, and the control valve 203 of the concentrated water circulation path 192 and the control valve 217 of the drainage path 195 are also open. Therefore, as the concentrated water flows through the concentrated water circulation path 192, a portion of it flows through the recycle path 193 and then merges with the recycle path 193 and flows into the water supply path 151.

[0132] At this time, the needle valve 206 maintains a constant opening, and the flow rate of concentrated water flowing through the recycle path 193 is constant. When RO water is supplied from the RO water production device 16 to the carbonated water production device 15, if the control valves are controlled to open and close in the same way as when RO water is injected into the RO water production device 16, the pressure inside the piping in the RO water production device 16 increases. On the other hand, in the carbonated water production device 15, an event such as denting of the water storage tank 88 of the carbonated water production device 15 occurs. Therefore, the control unit 225 of the RO water production device 16 switches the control valve 203 of the concentrated water circulation path 192 from a closed state to an open state, and by flowing concentrated water through the concentrated water circulation path 192, the amount of concentrated water circulated is increased, and the increase in pressure inside the piping of the RO water production device 16 is suppressed.

[0133] In this supply process, a portion of the concentrated water flowing through the concentrated water circulation path 192 flows through the drainage channels 195 and 194 and is then drained via the drainage tray 210.

[0134] As described above, control valve 81 of water supply unit 43 of carbonated water production apparatus 15 has switched from a closed state to an open state. Therefore, RO water supplied from RO water production apparatus 16 flows into water channel 80 via control valve 81. At this time, control valve 85 and manual valve 90 are in a closed state. The RO water flowing into water channel 80 via control valve 81 flows into water storage tank 88 from water channel 86. The RO water that has flowed into water storage tank 88 pushes in the balloon inside the tank and is stored inside the water storage tank.

[0135] When the above-described RO water supply process is started, the process proceeds to step S210, where the control unit 225 of the RO water production apparatus 16 displays on the operation panel 33 that RO water is being supplied. As shown in Figure 7(c), the control unit 225 of the RO water production apparatus 16 displays a comment C6 such as "RO water being supplied" on the operation panel 33 of the RO water production apparatus 16.

[0136] In step S211, the control unit 225 of the RO water generation device 16 determines whether it has received an instruction to inject RO water. For example, even during the process of supplying RO water to the carbonated water manufacturing device 15, the RO water generation device 16 enables the supply of RO water. When the information of the IC card is received by the card reader 32, the control unit 225 of the RO water generation device 16 determines that it has received an instruction to inject RO water. Therefore, when it is determined in step S211 that an instruction to inject RO water has been received, the control unit 225 of the RO water generation device 16 stops transmitting the water supply signal to the control unit 47 of the carbonated water manufacturing device 15 in step S212. On the other hand, the control unit 47 of the carbonated water manufacturing device 15 continues to transmit a water supply signal to the RO water generation device 16. Therefore, the control unit 225 of the RO water generation device 16 causes the control unit 225 of the RO water generation device 16 to display the comment C2 of "During supply signal reception" shown in Fig. 8(a).

[0137] When the control unit 47 of the carbonated water manufacturing device 15 determines in step S108 that the reception of the water supply signal has stopped, in step S109, it switches the control valve 81 from the open state to the closed state. As a result, the supply of RO water from the RO water generation device 16, that is, the water storage in the water storage tank 88, stops. In step S110, the control unit 47 of the carbonated water manufacturing device 15 causes the comment of "During supply signal transmission" shown in Fig. 7(a) to be displayed on the operation panel 23 of the carbonated water manufacturing device 15.

[0138] On the other hand, after stopping the transmission of the water supply signal, the control unit 225 of the RO water generation device 16 proceeds to step S213 and executes the RO water injection process.

[0139] <RO water injection process> When the RO water injection process is executed, the control unit 225 of the RO water generation device 16 switches the control valve 217 of the circulation / drain unit 146 from the open state to the closed state, and at the same time, switches the control valve 181 of the injection unit 145 from the closed state to the open state.

[0140] As a result, the RO water produced in the RO unit 144 is supplied to the water injection channel 175 and injected into the bottles 310 installed in the water injection box 34. During the process of the RO water being injected into the bottles 310 installed in the water injection box 34 via the water injection channel 175, the TDS sensor 178 measures the water quality of the RO water, and the flow meter 179 measures the flow rate of the RO water. The measurement value by the flow meter 179 is input to the control unit 225 of the RO water production device 16.

[0141] When the above-described RO water injection process is started, the process proceeds to step S214. In step S214, the control unit 225 of the RO water production device 16 causes the operation panel 33 of the RO water production device 16 to display that RO water is being injected. Figure 8(d) shows an example of a display screen P3 displayed on the operation panel 33 of the RO water production device 16 while RO water is being supplied. As shown in Figure 8(d), the operation panel 33 of the RO water production device 16 displays a visual indication that RO water is being injected, as well as a comment C7 that reads "Supply signal being received."

[0142] In step S215, the control unit 225 of the RO water production device 16 determines whether the RO water injection process has been completed. This determination is made by calculating the amount of injected water from the measurement value of the flow meter 179 described above and determining whether the amount of injected water is the amount of injected water specified at the start of water injection. For example, if the calculated amount of injected water is the specified amount of injected water, the control unit 225 of the RO water production device 16 determines that the RO water injection process has been completed and ends the RO water injection process.

[0143] When the RO water injection process is completed, in step S216, the control unit 225 of the RO water production device 16 sends a water supply signal to the carbonated water production device 15. Then, in step S217, the control unit 225 of the RO water production device 16 displays a comment C4 saying "Water supply signal being sent" on the operation panel 33 of the RO water production device 16 (see FIG. 8(b)).

[0144] In step S111, the control unit 47 of the carbonated water production device 15 determines whether or not a water supply signal has been received. When the control unit 47 of the carbonated water production device 15 receives the water supply signal, in step S112, the control unit 47 of the carbonated water production device 15 displays a comment C3 indicating that a water supply signal is being received on the operation panel 23 of the carbonated water production device 15 (see FIG. 7(b)). In step S113, the control unit 47 of the carbonated water production device 15 switches the control valve 81 from a closed state to an open state. In step S114, the control unit 47 of the carbonated water production device 15 displays the comment C5 "RO water is being stored" on the operation panel 23 of the carbonated water production device 15 (see FIG. 7(c)).

[0145] In step S218, the control unit 225 of the RO water production apparatus 16 performs an RO water supply process. This restarts the supply of RO water to the RO carbonated water production apparatus 15. At this time, in step S219, the control unit 225 of the RO water production apparatus 16 also displays the comment "RO water being supplied" on the operation panel 33 of the RO water production apparatus 16 (see FIG. 8c).

[0146] When RO water is supplied from the RO water production device 16 to the carbonated water production device 15, the amount of RO water stored in the water storage tank 88 increases. At this time, as the amount of RO water stored inside the water storage tank 88 increases, the pressure (water pressure) in the water passage 80 rises. When the water pressure in the water passage 80 exceeds a predetermined value, the pressure switch 84 turns off. That is, the input of the ON signal from the pressure switch 84 to the control unit 47 of the carbonated water production device 15 is stopped. When the input of the ON signal from the pressure switch 84 is stopped, the control unit 47 of the carbonated water production device 15 determines in step S115 that the pressure switch 84 is off. When the control unit 47 of the carbonated water production device 15 determines that the pressure switch 84 is off, in step S116, the control unit 47 of the carbonated water production device 15 stops sending a supply signal to the RO water production device 16 and switches the control valve 81 from an open state to a closed state in step S117. Then, the control unit 47 of the carbonated water production device 15 stops displaying the comment "RO water in storage" on the operation panel 23 of the carbonated water production device 15.

[0147] As described above, the RO water production device 16 receives a supply signal when supplying RO water. Therefore, the RO water production device 16 continues to supply RO water as long as the supply signal is received, except while RO water is being poured into the bottle 310 or while error processing is being executed. If the control unit 225 of the RO water production device 16 determines in step S221 that the reception of the supply signal has stopped, the control unit 225 of the RO water production device 16 proceeds to step S222 and stops the supply of RO water to the carbonated water production device 15. Specifically, the control unit 225 of the RO water production device 16 switches the control valve 160 of the water receiving unit 141 from an open state to a closed state, and simultaneously switches the control valves 203 and 217 of the circulation / drainage unit 146 from an open state to a closed state. Furthermore, the control unit 225 of the RO water production device 16 stops driving the pressure pump 168 of the pump unit 143. This stops the production of RO water in the RO water production device 16. Then, the control unit 225 of the RO water production apparatus 16 stops displaying the comment "RO water being supplied" on the operation panel 33 of the RO water production apparatus 16.

[0148] In this way, when the RO water production device 16 is not filling the bottles 310 installed in the water filling box 26 or performing error processing in the RO water production device 16, and a supply signal is sent from the carbonated water production device 15 to the RO water production device 16, RO water is supplied from the RO water production device 16 to the carbonated water production device 15. If the RO water production device 16 performs a water filling process while supplying RO water to the carbonated water production device 15 from the RO water production device 16, the supply of RO water from the RO water production device 16 to the carbonated water production device 15 is temporarily stopped, and the water filling process in the RO water production device 16 is performed with priority. Then, when the water filling process in the RO water production device 16 is completed, the supply of RO water to the carbonated water production device 15 is resumed.

[0149] In the embodiment described above, the case is described in which the control unit 47 of the carbonated water production apparatus 15 sends a supply signal to the control unit 225 of the RO water production apparatus 16 while the control unit 225 of the RO water production apparatus 16 is performing an RO water injection process or error processing. However, the control unit 225 of the RO water production apparatus 16 also performs processes to circulate RO water at regular intervals and to clean the water supply path 151, the water injection path 175, the circulation paths 191, 192, and the drainage paths 194, 195 of the RO water production apparatus 16. Therefore, even if the control unit 225 of the RO water production apparatus 16 receives a supply signal from the control unit 47 of the carbonated water production apparatus 15 while performing these processes, it can prioritize the processes to circulate RO water at regular intervals and the processes to clean the pipelines of the RO water production apparatus 16, just as when the control unit 225 of the RO water production apparatus 16 is performing an RO water injection process or error processing. After these processes are performed, the control unit 225 of the RO water production apparatus 16 can supply RO water to the carbonated water production apparatus 15.

[0150] In the embodiment described above, when the amount of RO water stored in the water storage tank 88 falls below a predetermined value and the pressure switch 84 is turned on, the control unit 47 of the carbonated water maker 15 sends a supply signal to the RO water production device 16 instructing the supply of RO water. When the amount of RO water stored in the water storage tank 88 exceeds the predetermined value and the pressure switch 84 is turned off, the control unit 47 stops sending the supply signal to the RO water production device 16. Here, the pressure switch 84 is turned on and off depending on whether the amount of RO water stored in the water storage tank 88 is equal to or greater than the predetermined value, but does not detect whether the water storage tank 88 is full. Therefore, a sensor may be provided to detect when the amount of RO water stored in the water storage tank 88 is full, and when the detection sensor detects that the amount of RO water stored in the water storage tank is full, the control unit 47 of the carbonated water maker 15 may stop sending the supply signal to the RO water production device 16.

[0151] Furthermore, when the pressure switch 84 is on, the water storage tank 88 is not empty and a certain amount of RO water is stored. Therefore, even when the pressure switch 84 is on, it is possible to produce carbonated water. However, since it is possible that the amount of RO water required to produce carbonated water cannot be supplied from the water storage tank 88 to the pressurized tank, it is also possible to stop the production of carbonated water when the pressure switch 84 is on. In this case, it is possible to display on the operation panel 23 of the carbonated water production device 15 that carbonated water cannot be provided, or to transmit a message to a POS terminal (not shown) connected to the carbonated water production device 15 that carbonated water cannot be provided, thereby notifying the POS terminal that carbonated water cannot be provided.

[0152] In the embodiment described above, information regarding the transmission and reception of signals between the carbonated water production device 15 and the RO water generation device 16, and information such as the supply of RO water, is displayed on an operation panel provided on each device, but it may also be displayed on an operation panel provided on either the carbonated water production device 15 or the RO water generation device 16.

[0153] In addition, information related to communication and information about the supply of RO water are displayed as comments on the operation panel 23 of the carbonated water production device 15 and the operation panel 33 of the RO water generation device 16, but it is also possible to display marks such as ``○'' and ``△'', or to switch the colors assigned to these marks depending on the status.

[0154] <Summary of the embodiment> Due to its refreshing effects and health-conscious nature, there is a growing demand for sugar-free carbonated water (hereinafter referred to as "carbonated water"). Carbonated water is used in a wide range of applications, including as a beverage, for washing your face, and when bathing. In response to this trend, not only commercial carbonated water makers but also those for home use are now available. For example, commercial carbonated water makers are installed in large grocery stores such as supermarkets so that the carbonated water produced by the carbonated water makers can be purchased along with groceries.

[0155] In recent years, an increasing number of large grocery stores have installed purified water supply systems (permeate generating systems) that sell purified water (permeate) filtered within the system. These purified water supply systems filter tap water using a filtration means, such as a reverse osmosis membrane, to generate purified water, and then dispense a predetermined amount of purified water into a dedicated container for distribution (see Patent Document 1). Therefore, when the above-mentioned carbonated water production system is installed in a large grocery store, it is considered to install a carbonated water production system next to the purified water supply system so that both purified water and carbonated water can be sold. In addition, it is also considered to supply purified water generated in the purified water supply system to the carbonated water production system to generate carbonated water.

[0156] When purified water produced in a purified water supply device is supplied to a carbonated water maker to produce carbonated water within the carbonated water maker, a system for communication between the devices must be established in addition to a supply line for supplying purified water between the purified water supply device and the carbonated water maker. However, many of these systems only notify the outside world of errors that occur within the device or in communication between devices, but do not notify the internal status of the device or the communication status between devices when the device is operating normally and no errors have occurred. This leaves employees of large grocery stores and other establishments with no way to grasp the status of each device.

[0157] The present invention has been made in consideration of such problems, and its purpose is to provide a technology for understanding the internal state of a device and the communication state between devices when communication is performed between multiple devices.

[0158] The carbonated water production device 15 of this embodiment has a water storage tank 88 that stores water supplied from an external device, an RO water production device 16, a pressurized tank 99 that produces carbonated water using the water stored in the water storage tank 88, a communication unit 129 that can send and receive information with the RO water production device 16, and an operation panel 23 that displays the information sent and received by the communication unit 129.

[0159] This allows, for example, information sent and received between the carbonated water production device 15 and the RO water generation device 16 to be displayed on the operation panel 23 of the carbonated water production device 15, making it possible to check the operating status of the carbonated water production device 15 and the RO water generation device 16.

[0160] In addition to the above information, the operation panel 23 also displays information relating to the status of the device itself.

[0161] According to this, the operation panel 23 of the carbonated water production device 15 displays information about the device itself as well as information sent and received between the device and the RO water production device 16. This allows the user to check not only the sending and receiving of information to and from the RO water production device 16 on the operation panel 23, but also the status of the device itself.

[0162] The operation panel 23 also displays information on the amount of water stored in the water storage tank 88 or information on the amount of carbon dioxide remaining in the gas cylinder 51 connected to the device itself.

[0163] According to this, by displaying information on the amount of water stored in the water storage tank 88 or information on the remaining amount of carbon dioxide gas in the gas cylinder 51 containing the carbon dioxide gas used to produce carbonated water, a purchaser of carbonated water can simply check the display on the operation panel 23 to see how much carbonated water they have left to purchase, and can decide for themselves when to serve the carbonated water. Also, by displaying information on the remaining amount of carbon dioxide gas, workers at large grocery stores and the like can know in advance when it is time to replace the gas cylinder 51.

[0164] The device also has a control unit 47 that controls the device itself based on the transmission and reception of information in the communication unit 129. When the amount of water stored in the water storage tank 88 falls below a predetermined amount, the communication unit 129 transmits a supply signal to the RO water generation device 16 requesting the supply of water to the water storage tank 88. When the communication unit 129 receives a water supply signal from the RO water generation device 16 to start the supply of water at a predetermined timing after the transmission of the supply signal by the communication unit 129, the control unit 47 begins storing water in the water storage tank 88.

[0165] According to this, when the amount of RO water stored in the water storage tank 88 falls below a predetermined amount, the carbonated water production device 15 sends a supply signal to the RO water production device 16 requesting the supply of RO water, and the RO water production device 16 supplies the RO water to the carbonated water production device 15 at a predetermined timing. Therefore, the carbonated water production device 15 can constantly store the RO water that is the source of carbonated water in the water storage tank 88, and there is no disruption to the production of carbonated water.

[0166] In addition, the RO water generation device 16 connected to the carbonated water production device 15 has a reverse osmosis membrane filter 171 that passes raw water through to generate RO water, a water injection unit 145 that injects RO water within the device, an external supply path 176 that supplies the generated RO water to the outside, and a control unit 225 that switches between injecting RO water by the water injection unit 145 and supplying RO water by the external supply path 176.

[0167] This allows the RO water production device 16 to switch between injecting RO water into itself and supplying RO water to the carbonated water production device 15 as needed.

[0168] The RO water production device 16 also has a reverse osmosis membrane filter 171 that generates RO water by passing raw water through it, a water injection unit 145 that injects the generated RO water, an external supply path 176 that supplies the generated RO water to the carbonated water production device 15, a communication unit 234 that sends and receives signals to the carbonated water production device 15, a control unit 225 that starts the supply of RO water to the carbonated water production device 15 via the external supply path 176 when the communication unit 234 sends a water supply signal to the carbonated water production device 15 to start the supply of RO water at a predetermined timing after the communication unit 234 receives a supply signal from the carbonated water production device 15 requesting the supply of RO water, and an operation panel 33 that can display information sent and received between the carbonated water production device 15 and the carbonated water production device itself, or information on the device itself.

[0169] According to this, even if a supply signal is received from carbonated water production device 15 while RO water is being poured in RO water production device 16, the pouring of RO water into bottle 310 is not interrupted and the pouring of RO water continues. Meanwhile, in the carbonated water production device, the amount of RO water stored in water storage tank 88 is small and carbonated water cannot be produced, but when RO water is supplied to water storage tank 88 and a certain amount of RO water is stored in water storage tank 88, carbonated water can be produced. Therefore, carbonated water production device 15 can produce carbonated water with a specified gas strength using a specified amount of RO water.

[0170] In addition, when the RO water generation device 16 transmits or receives information to or from the carbonated water production device 15, the information is displayed on the operation panel 33, so that a purchaser or a grocery store employee can check the status of the carbonated water production device 15 or the status of the RO water generation device 16 simply by checking the operation panel 33 of the RO water generation device 16.

[0171] The permeated water supply system 10 includes an RO water production device 16 that produces RO water by passing raw water through a reverse osmosis membrane filter 171, and a carbonated water production device 15 that produces carbonated water by dissolving carbon dioxide gas in the RO water produced by the RO water production device 16. The carbonated water production device 15 includes a water storage tank 88 that stores the RO water supplied from the RO water production device 16, a pressurized tank 99 that produces carbonated water using the RO water stored in the water storage tank 88, a communication unit 129 that transmits a supply signal to the RO water production device 16 requesting the supply of RO water to the water storage tank 88 when the amount of water stored in the water storage tank 88 falls below a predetermined amount, and a control unit 4 that starts storing the RO water supplied from the RO water production device 16 in the water storage tank 88 when the communication unit 129 receives a water supply signal from the RO water production device 16 to start the supply of RO water at a predetermined timing after the communication unit 129 transmits the supply signal. 7, and an operation panel 23 capable of displaying information transmitted and received between the RO water production device 16 or information in the carbonated water production device 15. The RO water production device 16 has a reverse osmosis membrane filter 171 that generates RO water by passing raw water through it, a water injection unit 145 that injects the generated RO water, an external supply path 176 that supplies the generated RO water to the carbonated water production device 15, a communication unit 234 that transmits and receives signals with the communication unit 129, a control unit 225 that starts the supply of RO water to the carbonated water production device 15 via the external supply path 176 when the communication unit 234 transmits a water supply signal to the carbonated water production device 15 to start the supply of RO water at a predetermined timing after receiving a supply signal from the carbonated water production device 15 requesting the supply of RO water, and an operation panel 33 capable of displaying information transmitted and received between the carbonated water production device 15 or information in the RO water production device 16.

[0172] According to this, when a supply signal requesting the supply of RO water is received from carbonated water production device 15, RO water production device 16 can supply the produced RO water to carbonated water production device 15 when RO water is not being poured into bottle 310. Therefore, in carbonated water production device 15, RO water, which is the source of carbonated water, can be stored in water storage tank 88 at all times, and there is no disruption to the production of carbonated water. On the other hand, RO water production device 16 can supply RO water unless it receives a supply signal. Furthermore, by providing a display means for each of the carbonated water production device 15 and the RO water production device 16, the user can check the status of either device. This allows the user to use these devices at their own convenience, such as by changing the timing of using each device. [Explanation of symbols]

[0173] 10...Permeate supply system 15... Carbonated water maker 16…RO water generator 41...Reducing valve unit 42...Air intake and exhaust unit 88...Water tank 99...Pressurized tank 129…Communications Department 141...Water receiving unit 145...Water injection unit 171...Reverse osmosis membrane filter 176...External supply path 225...Control unit

Claims

1. A permeate water supply system that generates carbonated water by dissolving carbon dioxide in permeate water supplied from a permeate water generation means that filters raw water to generate permeate water, A storage tank for storing the permeate supplied from the permeate generating means, A carbonated water generating means that generates carbonated water using the permeate stored in the water storage tank, A water dispensing unit for pouring the carbonated water into a predetermined container, When the amount of water stored in the water storage tank falls below a predetermined amount, the water supply control unit receives the supply of permeate from the permeate generation means, A display means for displaying information regarding the storage or supply of the permeate water, Equipped with, The aforementioned display means is The system starts displaying the information when the amount of water stored in the water storage tank falls below a predetermined amount, and continues displaying the information until the supply of the permeate water is completed. A permeate water supply system characterized by the following features.

2. The permeate generated by the permeate generating means can be poured into the water, The water supply control unit, If the amount of water stored in the storage tank falls below a predetermined amount while the permeate water is being injected, the supply of permeate water will be accepted after the injection of the permeate water is completed. The aforementioned display means is The display of the information begins when the amount of water stored in the storage tank falls below a predetermined amount, and the display of the information continues even during periods when the supply of permeate water is not being received. The permeate water supply system according to claim 1, characterized by the features described above.

3. The water supply control unit is If the supply of permeate water is being directed to the storage tank and the injection of permeate water is received, the supply is stopped. The aforementioned display means is The information will be displayed even during the period when the supply of the permeate water is stopped. The permeate water supply system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it is the same as described in claim 1 or 2.

4. The permeate water generating means cleans the water injection channel for injecting the permeate water at a predetermined timing, The water supply control unit, When the amount of water stored in the water storage tank falls below a predetermined amount while the permeate water generating means is cleaning the water injection channel, the supply of permeate water is accepted after the cleaning of the water injection channel is completed. The aforementioned display means is The display of the information begins when the amount of water stored in the storage tank falls below a predetermined amount, and the display of the information continues even during periods when the supply of permeate water is not being received. The permeate water supply system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it is the same as described in claim 1 or 2.

5. A carbonated water production apparatus that produces carbonated water by dissolving carbon dioxide gas in permeate water supplied from a permeate water production means that filters raw water to produce permeate water, A storage tank for storing the permeate supplied from the permeate generating means, A carbonated water generating means that generates carbonated water using the permeate stored in the water storage tank, A water dispensing unit for pouring the carbonated water into a predetermined container, When the amount of water stored in the water storage tank falls below a predetermined amount, the water supply control unit receives the supply of permeate from the permeate generation means, A display means for displaying information regarding the storage or supply of the permeate water, Equipped with, The aforementioned display means is The system starts displaying the information when the amount of water stored in the water storage tank falls below a predetermined amount, and continues displaying the information until the supply of the permeate water is completed. A carbonated water production apparatus characterized by the following features.

Images