Water server, method, system, program and recording medium for managing raw water

Abstract

To achieve a water server which is not necessary to pay attention to level transition of raw water in a water container and facilitates raw water management.SOLUTION: A water server comprises a cold water tank (8) which cools raw water to generate cold water, a warm water tank (10) which heats raw water to generate warm water, an opening and closing valve (20) which opens a valve during water supply of cold water or warm water, water supply buttons (cold water button 50-1, warm water button 52-2) which provide instructions of water supply of cold water or warm water, a water supply amount determination unit (160) which determines whether a water supply amount calculated by an opening valve time and a flow rate is equal to or higher than a threshold value, a warm water determination unit (162) which determines to exchange a water container based on whether or not warm water is supplied after the water supply amount reaches the threshold value, a cold water determination unit (164) which determines to exchange the water container when the water supply amount of cold water is equal to or higher than a predetermined amount after the water supply amount reaches the threshold value, an exchange information generation unit which generates exchange information on the water container upon receiving a determination result of the warm water determination unit or the cold water determination unit, and an information presentation unit (information inputting and presenting unit 54) which presents the exchange information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 20

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a raw water management technique for a water server that receives raw water from a water container and produces hot water and cold water. [Background technology]

[0002] A water server that produces hot and cold water from raw water in a water container is equipped with a cold water tank and a hot water tank within the server, and directs raw water to the cold water tank to produce cold water, and directs raw water to the hot water tank to produce hot water. In such a water server, the water container needs to be replaced at appropriate times to ensure a stable supply of cold or hot water, and it is necessary to monitor the remaining water level in the water container.

[0003] Regarding such water servers, there is known a remaining water amount management system that grasps the water usage status based on the weight of the remaining water amount and delivers a water tank (for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2012-188141 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Incidentally, in a water server that utilizes the pressure (head pressure) due to the water level in a cold water tank to supply cold water and hot water, this head pressure is applied to the water supply ports of the cold water tank and the hot water tank. When the water server is first used, the cold water tank and hot water tank are empty. When a water container is placed on the server casing in this state, raw water from the water container is supplied to the cold water tank and hot water tank, filling them both up.

[0006] A cold water tank has a cold water supply pipe attached to its bottom, and head pressure from the cold water acts on this cold water supply pipe. In contrast, a hot water tank has a hot water supply pipe attached to its top. Therefore, even if the hot water tank is filled with hot water, it does not receive head pressure from the hot water. In other words, since head pressure from the water level in the cold water tank acts on the hot water supply pipe, when the water level drops and the head pressure becomes zero, the hot water supply is stopped.

[0007] Even if the hot water supply is stopped in this way, there is a period during which cold water can be supplied if there is cold water in the cold water tank. This state may cause users who are unfamiliar with water servers to mistakenly believe that there is a malfunction. If the water container is replaced with a new one when the hot water supply is stopped, this situation can be solved, but there is still some uncertainty about replacing the water container when cold water supply is possible. However, to avoid the hot water supply being stopped, care must be taken to replace the water container before the hot water supply is stopped. Furthermore, if the water container is replaced before the hot water limit is reached, the remaining water in the water container will be discarded and wasted. The fact that the period of cold water supply is longer than the hot water limit does not pose much of a problem in the summer when demand for cold water is high, but in the winter when demand for hot water is high, the period of hot water supply is shorter than the cold water supply, which reduces the convenience of the water server.

[0008] Even if the difference in the supply period between hot and cold water is not a malfunction, it can confuse the user as to when to replace the water container. Regarding this issue, the inventor has found that the convenience of the water server can be further improved by determining the remaining water volume from the supply volume of cold and hot water and issuing an alert without using sensors such as a water level sensor or weight sensor to measure the remaining water volume and the water supply volume.

[0009] Therefore, based on such problems and knowledge, the object of the present invention is to realize a water server that does not require attention to changes in the raw water level in the water container and simplifies raw water management. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] In order to achieve the above object, according to one aspect of the water server of the present invention, there is provided a water server that receives raw water from a replaceable water container and generates cold water or hot water, the water server including: a cold water tank that receives raw water from the water container and cools the raw water to generate cold water; a hot water tank that receives raw water from the water container and heats the raw water to generate hot water; an on-off valve that opens when the cold water or the hot water is supplied; a water supply button that instructs the supply of the cold water or the hot water; a water supply amount determination unit that calculates the amount of water supply based on the opening time of the on-off valve and the passing flow rate and determines whether this water supply amount is equal to or greater than a threshold; a hot water determination unit that determines whether the water container should be replaced based on whether the hot water has been supplied after the amount of water supply has reached equal to or greater than the threshold; a cold water determination unit that determines whether the water container should be replaced when the amount of cold water supply has reached a predetermined amount or greater after the amount of water supply has reached equal to or greater than the threshold; an exchange information generation unit that receives the determination result of the hot water determination unit or the determination result of the cold water determination unit and generates exchange information for the water container; and an information presentation unit that presents the exchange information.

[0011] In order to achieve the above object, according to one aspect of the raw water management method for a water server of the present invention, there is provided a raw water management method for a water server that receives raw water from a replaceable water container and produces cold water or hot water, the method including a step of a cold water tank receiving raw water from the water container and cooling the raw water to produce cold water, a step of a hot water tank receiving raw water from the water container and heating the raw water to produce hot water, a step of an on-off valve opening when the cold water or the hot water is supplied, a step of a water supply button instructing the supply of the cold water or the hot water, and a water supply amount determination unit determining an opening time of the on-off valve and The system includes a step of calculating the amount of water supply based on the passing flow rate and determining whether this amount of water supply is equal to or greater than a threshold value; a step of a hot water determination unit determining to replace the water container based on whether hot water has been supplied after the amount of water supply has reached or exceeded the threshold value; a step of a cold water determination unit determining to replace the water container when the amount of cold water supply reaches a predetermined amount or greater after the amount of water supply has reached or exceeded the threshold value; a step of a replacement information generation unit receiving the judgment result of the hot water judgment unit or the cold water judgment unit and generating replacement information for the water container; and a step of an information presentation unit presenting the replacement information.

[0012] In order to achieve the above object, according to one aspect of the raw water management system for a water server of the present invention, there is provided a raw water management system for a water server that receives raw water from a replaceable water container and generates cold water or hot water, the raw water management system comprising: a cold water tank that receives raw water from the water container and cools the raw water to generate cold water; a hot water tank that receives raw water from the water container and heats the raw water to generate hot water; an on-off valve that opens when the cold water or the hot water is supplied; a water supply button that instructs the supply of the cold water or the hot water; and a communication time and a control unit that controls the on-off valve. The system includes a water supply amount determination unit that calculates the water supply amount based on the excess flow rate and determines whether this water supply amount is equal to or greater than a threshold value; a hot water determination unit that determines whether to replace the water container based on whether hot water has been supplied after the water supply amount reaches or exceeds the threshold value; a cold water determination unit that determines whether to replace the water container when the cold water supply amount reaches or exceeds a predetermined amount after the water supply amount reaches or exceeds the threshold value; a replacement information generation unit that receives the determination result of the hot water determination unit or the cold water determination unit and generates replacement information for the water container; and an information presentation unit that presents the replacement information.

[0013] In order to achieve the above object, according to one aspect of the program of the present invention, there is provided a program to be executed by a computer, the program including a function of receiving raw water from a water container, and cooling the raw water in a cold water tank to generate cold water, a function of receiving raw water from the water container, and heating the raw water in a hot water tank to generate hot water, a function of opening an on-off valve when the cold water or the hot water is supplied, a function of receiving an instruction to supply the cold water or the hot water from a water supply button, and a function of a water supply amount determination unit calculating a water supply amount based on an opening time of the on-off valve and a passing flow rate, and determining whether this water supply amount is within a certain range. The computer is caused to execute a function of determining whether the amount of water supplied is above a threshold value, a function of a hot water determination unit determining to replace the water container based on whether hot water has been supplied after the amount of water supplied reaches above the threshold value, a function of a cold water determination unit determining to replace the water container when the amount of cold water supplied reaches a predetermined amount or more after the amount of water supplied reaches above the threshold, a function of a replacement information generation unit receiving the judgment result of the hot water judgment unit or the judgment result of the cold water judgment unit and generating replacement information for the water container, and a function of having an information presentation unit present the replacement information.

[0014] In order to achieve the above object, one aspect of a recording medium of the present invention is a recording medium storing the above program. Effect of the Invention

[0015] According to the present invention, any one of the following effects can be obtained. (1) The user can be notified that the remaining water level or the water supply level has reached the hot water limit with a first alert, and that the cold water limit has been reached with a second alert.

[0016] (2) The user only needs to replace the water container between the first and second alerts, and there is no need to pay attention to when to replace the water container, such as by visually checking the raw water level in the water container, thereby increasing the convenience of the water server.

[0017] (3) It is beneficial because the user can be made aware of the period from the first alert to the second alert and can use the cold water in the cold water tank.

[0018] (4) If the first alert is set as the time to replace the water container, the raw water from the water container will not cause fluctuations in the cold water temperature in the cold water tank, and the cold water temperature can be stabilized.

[0019] (5) Since the amount of hot or cold water supplied or the remaining water volume can be calculated based on the amount of water passing through the existing solenoid valve and the opening time of the valve, there is no need to pay attention to the changes in the remaining water volume, thereby increasing the convenience of the water server. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a water server according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the hardware of a water server. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing reference information used for raw water management. [Figure 4] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a raw water management database. [Diagram 5] 1 is a diagram showing a raw water management system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 1A is a diagram showing the cold water tank and the hot water tank in an empty state, FIG. 1B is a diagram showing the hot water limit state, and FIG. 1C is a diagram showing the cold water limit state. [Figure 7] FIG. 1A is a diagram showing the cold water tank and hot water tank in a full-water state from an empty state, FIG. 1B is a diagram showing the full-water state from the hot water limit, and FIG. 1C is a diagram showing the full-water state from the cold water limit. [Figure 8] FIG. 1A is a diagram showing the supply of raw water from the water container to the cold water tank, and FIG. 1B is a diagram showing the supply of raw water from the water container to the hot water tank. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the transition of residual water content over time. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing another change in residual water content over time. [Figure 11] 13A and 13B are diagrams illustrating the operation of determining the remaining water level and generating an alert when a water container is newly installed. [Figure 12]13A and 13B are diagrams illustrating the operation of determining the remaining water level and generating an alert when the water container is replaced and installed. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an initial setting screen and generation of alert information. [Figure 14] 4 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure for raw water management according to the first embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a raw water management system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 16] 13A and 13B are diagrams illustrating the operation of determining the amount of water to be supplied and the generation of an alert when a water container is newly installed. [Figure 17] 13A and 13B are diagrams illustrating the operation of determining the amount of water supply and the generation of an alert when the water container is replaced and installed. [Figure 18] 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure for raw water management according to a second embodiment. [Figure 19] 10 is a flowchart showing a procedure for a water container replacement determination process. [Figure 20] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a raw water management system according to a third embodiment. [Figure 21] 10 is a flowchart showing a procedure for a water container replacement determination process. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0021] First Embodiment Fig. 1 shows the functional parts of a water server 2 according to a first embodiment. The configuration shown in Fig. 1 is an example, and the present invention is not limited to such a configuration.

[0022] This water server 2 is equipped with a server housing 4, on which a replaceable water container 6 is installed, raw water W is supplied from the water container 6 to generate cold water CW in a cold water tank 8, and hot water HW in a hot water tank 10.

[0023] The cold water tank 8 is installed in the middle of the server housing 4, the hot water tank 10 is installed below the cold water tank 8, and the cooling device 12 is installed below the hot water tank 10. The cooling device 12 cools the cold water tank 8 and causes the cold water tank 8 to generate cold water CW. The cold water tank 8 and the cooling device 12 constitute a cold water generation unit.

[0024] The water supply nozzle portion 14 of the water container 6 is disposed above the cold water tank 8 from the top opening 16 of the server housing 4 .

[0025] The cold water tank 8 is equipped with a valve mechanism 18 that regulates the supply of raw water W from the water container 6. This valve mechanism 18 is equipped with an on-off valve 20 that opens and closes the water supply nozzle portion 14, and this on-off valve 20 is attached midway through an on-off arm portion 22, and a float portion 24 that receives buoyancy from the cold water CW in the cold water tank 8 is attached to the tip of this on-off arm portion 22.

[0026] An evaporator 26 of the cooling device 12 is installed in the cold water tank 8. This evaporator 26 circulates the refrigerant cooled by the cooling device 12 and cools the raw water W by heat exchange between the refrigerant and the raw water W, thereby generating cold water CW in the cold water tank 8. This cold water tank 8 is equipped with a temperature sensor 28-1, and the detection output of the temperature sensor 28-1 is provided to a water supply control unit 30, which acquires temperature information indicating the cold water temperature. This water supply control unit 30 is equipped with a computer equipped with communication and control functions.

[0027] A separation plate 32 that separates raw water W and cold water CW is installed in the cold water tank 8. This separation plate 32 has a recessed portion 33 that receives the raw water W, and also has a water supply pipe 34 that extends from a central opening of this recessed portion 33 into the hot water tank 10. The raw water W is introduced into the hot water tank 10 through the recessed portion 33 of the separation plate 32 and the water supply pipe 34.

[0028] A heater 36 is installed in the hot water tank 10 as a heating device. This heater 36 generates heat under the control of the water supply control unit 30. The raw water W is heated by the heat generated by the heater 36, causing the hot water tank 10 to generate hot water HW. Therefore, the hot water tank 10 and the heater 36 constitute a hot water generating unit.

[0029] A temperature sensor 28-2 is installed in this hot water tank 10. The detection output of the temperature sensor 28-2 is provided to a water supply control unit 30, which obtains temperature information indicating the hot water temperature.

[0030] A bypass pipe 38 is connected between the top of the hot water tank 10 and the bottom of the cold water tank 8, and hot water HW in the cold water tank 8 and the hot water tank 10 can be circulated through this bypass pipe 38. A bypass valve 40 controlled by the water supply control unit 30 is installed in this bypass pipe 38.

[0031] A cold water supply pipe 42 is connected to the bottom of the cold water tank 8, and a hot water supply pipe 44 is connected to the top of the hot water tank 10. A cold water solenoid valve 46-1 is installed midway through the cold water supply pipe 42, and a hot water solenoid valve 46-2 is installed midway through the hot water supply pipe 44. The cold water solenoid valve 46-1 and the hot water solenoid valve 46-2 are examples of on-off valves or water supply solenoid valves that are opened when water is supplied.

[0032] In response to a water supply operation, the cold water solenoid valve 46-1 or the hot water solenoid valve 46-2 is controlled to an open state by the water supply control unit 30. When the cold water solenoid valve 46-1 is opened, cold water CW flows from the cold water tank 8 to the cold water supply pipe 42 and is supplied from the cold water supply port 48-1. When the hot water solenoid valve 46-2 is opened, hot water HW flows from the hot water tank 10 to the hot water supply pipe 44 and is supplied from the hot water supply port 48-2.

[0033] When the cold water solenoid valve 46-1 is open, cold water CW is supplied by the action of the head pressure of the cold water CW in the cold water tank 8. When the hot water solenoid valve 46-2 is open, hot water HW is supplied by the action of the head pressure of the cold water CW in the cold water tank 8.

[0034] The operation panel unit 50 is used for water supply operations, alert presentation, etc. The operation panel unit 50 includes a cold water button 52-1, a hot water button 52-2, an information input / presentation unit 54, an alert presentation unit 56, and a sound emission unit 58. The cold water button 52-1 is an example of a water supply button operated when supplying cold water CW, and cold water supply continues when the cold water button 52-1 is pressed. The hot water button 52-2 is an example of a water supply button operated when supplying hot water HW, and hot water supply continues when the hot water button 52-2 is pressed.

[0035] The information input / presentation unit 54 is an example of an information input means and an information presentation means, and is used to input information such as selecting the capacity of the water container 6, and to present information such as symbols and figures indicating a remaining water alert, a replacement alert, or a hot water stoppage. The alert presentation unit 56 includes a first alert lamp 56-1, a second alert lamp 56-2, etc. The first alert lamp 56-1 presents a hot water limit under the control of the water supply control unit 30. The hot water limit indicates that the supply of hot water HW has been stopped. The second alert lamp 56-2 presents a cold water limit under the control of the water supply control unit 30. The cold water limit indicates that the supply of cold water CW and hot water HW has been stopped. The sound emitting unit 58 is formed, for example, from a speaker 60. This sound emitting unit 58 presents the first alert and the second alert by emitting a pseudo voice or a signal sound.

[0036] <Water Server 2 Hardware> FIG. 2 shows an example of the hardware of the water server 2. The water supply control unit 30 is configured, for example, by a computer equipped with a communication function. The water supply control unit 30 includes a processor 62, a storage unit 64, a timer 66, an input / output unit (Input / Output: I / O) 68, and the like. The processor 62 is composed of, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and executes an OS (Operating System) stored in the memory unit 64, as well as control programs relating to water supply control, raw water management, residual water management, and the like.

[0037] The storage unit 64 is an example of a recording medium in which the program of the present disclosure is stored, and is composed of a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random-Access Memory), etc. In addition to the OS and water supply management program, the storage unit 64 also stores a raw water management database (DB) 86 (FIG. 4). The storage unit 64 includes a program storage area, a data storage area for saving collected data, etc., and a calculation area as a work area used for calculations of the control program and the information processing program. RAM is used for the calculation area. The timer 66 is an example of a timing means and is used to measure the open time of the cold water solenoid valve 46-1 and the hot water solenoid valve 46-2, the number of water supplies, the number of times the water container 6 is replaced, etc., and has a function of recording the acquired timing information.

[0038] The I / O 68 is an example of an interface that connects the water supply control unit 30 with the information input / presentation unit 54 and various functional units. The cooling device 12, a sensor circuit 70-1 that receives a detection signal from the temperature sensor 28-1, a sensor circuit 70-2 that receives a detection signal from the temperature sensor 28-2, a valve drive unit 72-1 for the cold water solenoid valve 46-1, a valve drive unit 72-2 for the hot water solenoid valve 46-2, and a valve drive unit 72-3 for the bypass valve 40 are connected to this I / O 68. In addition, connected to the I / O 68 are a cold water switch 74-1 corresponding to the cold water button 52-1, a hot water switch 74-2 corresponding to the hot water button 52-2, a heater driving unit 76 that drives the heater 36, a touch panel 78 and an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) display 80 of the information input / presentation unit 54, a lamp driving unit 82-1 corresponding to the first alert lamp 56-1, a lamp driving unit 82-2 corresponding to the second alert lamp 56-2, and a speaker driving unit 84 that drives the speaker 60.

[0039] Operation input information including information detected by the temperature sensors 28-1, 28-2, operation input information from the cold water button 52-1 or hot water button 52-2, and volume information of the water container 6 from the information input / presentation unit 54 is taken into the processor 62 via the I / O 68. The temperature information obtained from the temperature sensor 28-1 is used for cooling control of the cold water tank 8. The temperature information obtained from the temperature sensor 28-2 is used for heating control of the hot water tank 10. Operation information for detecting temperature information and valve open time is input to the processor 62. Then, under control of calculations and the like by the processor 62, the water supply control unit 30 generates a cooling drive signal for the cooling device 12, a valve open drive signal for the cold water solenoid valve 46-1 and the hot water solenoid valve 46-2, a heater drive signal for the heater 36, an information presentation signal for the information input / presentation unit 54, an alert lighting signal for the first alert lamp 56-1 and the second alert lamp 56-2, and an alert presentation signal for outputting an alert by the speaker 60, and outputs these from the I / O 68 to predetermined functional units.

[0040] The cooling device 12 receives the cooling drive signal and cools the cold water tank 8 to a constant cooling temperature. When the valve drive unit 72-1 or the valve drive unit 72-2 receives a valve opening control signal, the cold water solenoid valve 46-1 opens for an opening time corresponding to the time the cold water button 52-1 is pressed, and similarly, the hot water solenoid valve 46-2 opens for an opening time corresponding to the time the hot water button 52-2 is pressed. The heater driving unit 76 receives the heater control signal and causes the heater 36 to generate heat, thereby heating the hot water tank 10 to a constant temperature.

[0041] The touch panel 78 and the LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) display 80 are an example of the information input / presentation unit 54. The touch panel 78 is an example of an information input means, and is used for inputting information such as selecting the capacity of the water container 6. Instead of the touch panel 78, the cold water switch 74-1 and the hot water switch 74-2 may be configured as the information input means by assigning an information input function to turning on the cold water switch 74-1 and the hot water switch 74-2 simultaneously or to the number of times they are operated. The LCD display 80 is an example of an information display means, and upon receiving an information display signal, displays the first alert, the second alert, and other status information and determination result information using its information display function. The lamp driving units 82-1, 82-2 receive the alert indication signal and turn on the first alert lamp 56-1 or the second alert lamp 56-2. The speaker driver 84 receives the alert audio signal and causes the speaker 60 to output a pseudo voice or a signal sound representing the first alert or the second alert.

[0042] <Standard information set for the water server 2 and the water container 6> FIG. 3 shows the reference information set in the water server 2 and the water container 6. Qx: the amount of raw water loaded in the water container 6, and the amount of raw water received by the water server 2 from the water container 6. Qcw: The volume of the cold water tank 8 that generates and stores the cold water CW, and represents the amount of cold water. This amount of cold water Qcw is, for example, 2 liters. Qhw: This is the volume of the hot water tank 10 that generates and stores the hot water HW, and indicates the amount of hot water. The amount of hot water Qhw is, for example, 1.5 liters. This amount of hot water Qhw is generated in the hot water tank 10 when the water container 6 is newly installed, and is not supplied as hot water HW.

[0043] Qb: A cold water amount that represents the hot water limit. This cold water amount Qb is the remaining water in the cold water tank 8, so that cold water CW can be supplied after the hot water limit is reached. This cold water amount Qb is, for example, 1.5 liters. Qd: A cold water amount that represents the cold water limit, and this cold water amount Qd can be supplied as cold water CW. This cold water amount Qd is, for example, 0.2 liters. L0 represents the water level at which the head pressure on the hot water supply pipe 44 becomes zero.

[0044] The following information is used for this raw water management: Qn: The upper limit water supply amount (or the upper limit water supply amount information) calculated when a new water container 6 (raw water W is unused and full) is installed (new installation) in the water server 2, and indicates the amount of water that can be supplied. Therefore, Qhw and Qd that do not contribute or are not allowed to contribute to the supply of cold water CW or hot water HW are excluded. Qm: This is the upper limit water supply amount (or the upper limit water supply amount information) calculated when replacing a used water container 6 on the water server 2 with a new water container 6 (full of unused raw water W) (replacement installation), and indicates the amount of water that can be supplied. In this case, the amount (Qhw+Qd) filled in the new installation is not subtracted, so it is (Qhw+Qd) more than the upper limit water supply amount Qn.

[0045] Zn: The upper limit remaining water volume (or the upper limit remaining water volume information) calculated when a new water container 6 (raw water W is unused and full) is installed in the water server 2 (new installation), and indicates the amount of water that can be supplied. In other words, Zn = Qn. Zm: The upper limit remaining water volume (or the upper limit remaining water volume information) calculated when replacing the used water container 6 on the water server 2 with a new water container 6 (full of unused raw water W) (replacement installation), and represents the amount of water that can be supplied. In other words, Zm = Qm.

[0046] Q1(t), Q2(t), Qt: Q1(t) is the water supply amount (or water supply amount information) in the case of the upper limit water supply amount Qn, and represents the amount of water supply supplied as cold water CW when the cold water solenoid valve 46-1 is opened, or as hot water HW when the hot water solenoid valve 46-2 is opened, and increases in proportion to the opening time ti. Q2(t) is the water supply amount (or water supply amount information) in the case of the upper limit water supply amount Qm, and represents the amount of water supply supplied as cold water CW by opening the cold water solenoid valve 46-1, or as hot water HW by opening the hot water solenoid valve 46-2, and increases in proportion to the opening time ti. Because head pressure is used for water supply, when Qm>Qn, Q1(t)≠Q2(t), but Q1(t)≒Q2(t) is regarded as the water supply volume (or water supply volume information) Qt.

[0047] Z1(t), Z2(t), Zt: Z1(t) is the remaining water volume (or remaining water volume information) when the upper limit water supply volume Qn (=Zn) is reached, and is the volume of water obtained by subtracting the water supply volume Qt supplied as cold water CW when the cold water solenoid valve 46-1 is opened, or as hot water HW when the hot water solenoid valve 46-2 is opened, and decreases in proportion to the opening time ti. Z2(t) is the remaining water volume (or remaining water volume information) when the upper limit water supply volume Qm is reached, and represents the volume of water minus the water supply volume Qt supplied as cold water CW when the cold water solenoid valve 46-1 is opened, or as hot water HW when the hot water solenoid valve 46-2 is opened, and decreases in proportion to the opening time ti. Because head pressure is used for water supply, when Qm>Qn, Z1(t)≠Z2(t), but Z1(t)≒Z2(t) is considered to be the remaining water volume (or remaining water volume information) Zt.

[0048] qn, qm, q: qn is the passing flow rate (or passing flow rate information) of cold water CW flowing through the cold water solenoid valve 46-1 when the valve is opened, or the passing flow rate (or passing flow rate information) of hot water HW flowing through the hot water solenoid valve 46-2 when the valve is opened when the upper limit water supply rate Qn is reached. qm is the passing flow rate (or passing flow rate information) of cold water CW flowing through cold water solenoid valve 46-1 when the valve is opened, or the passing flow rate (or passing flow rate information) of hot water HW flowing through hot water solenoid valve 46-2 when the valve is opened when the upper limit water supply rate Qm is reached. Because head pressure is used for water supply, if Qm>Qn, then qn≠qm; however, Q1(t)≒Q2(t) is considered to be qn≒qm, and this is taken to be the through flow rate (or through flow rate information) q.

[0049] ti: the time required for water supply, for example, by opening the cold water solenoid valve 46-1 or the hot water solenoid valve 46-2 for one water supply. to: Represents the open valve time (or open valve time information) which is the accumulated time ti of each open valve of the cold water solenoid valve 46-1 or the hot water solenoid valve 46-2. If water is supplied N times during the time ti (i=1 to N) required for water supply, then to=t1+t2+···+tN.

[0050] <Calculation of the flow rate q when the cold water solenoid valve 46-1 and the hot water solenoid valve 46-2 are open> The flow rate q of the cold water CW or hot water HW passing through the cold water solenoid valve 46-1 or the hot water solenoid valve 46-2 depends on the head pressure. In other words, the flow rate q is proportional to the raw water amount Qx, and if the water level of the raw water amount Qx drops, the flow rate q will decrease even if the opening degree of the cold water solenoid valve 46-1 or the hot water solenoid valve 46-2 when opened is the same. Therefore, the through flow rate qn can be calculated from the upper limit water supply rate Qn and the valve opening time to using equation (1). qn=Qn / to (1) In addition, the passing flow rate qm can be calculated from equation (2) using the upper limit water supply rate Qm and the valve opening time to. qm = Qm / to (2)

[0051] <Calculation of water supply volume Qt and remaining water volume Zt> The amount of water supply Qt can be calculated from the passing flow rate q and the open time ti of the cold water solenoid valve 46-1 or the hot water solenoid valve 46-2 using the formula (3). Qt = q × ti (3) When the water container 6 is newly installed, the residual water volume Z1(t) can be calculated from the upper limit water supply volume Qn and the water supply volume Qt using the formula (4). Z1(t) = Qn - Qt (4) Furthermore, in the case of replacing the water container 6, the residual water amount Z2(t) can be calculated from the upper limit water supply amount Qm and the water supply amount Qt using the formula (5). Z2(t) = Qm - Qt (5)

[0052] <Raw water management DB86> 4 shows an example of a raw water management DB 86 used for raw water management. The raw water management DB 86 has a raw water management file 88. The raw water management file 88 contains a water container capacity information section 90, an installation / replacement information section 92, an upper limit water supply amount information section 94, a cold water tank capacity information section 96, a hot water tank capacity information section 98, a cold water tank residual amount setting information section 100, a solenoid valve passing flow rate information section 102, a valve opening time information section 104, a water supply amount information section 106, a residual water amount information section 108, a residual water amount correction information section 110, a first alert threshold information section 112, a second alert threshold information section 114, a water container replacement information section 115, and a history information section 116.

[0053] The water container capacity information section 90 stores capacity information of the water container 6 used in the water server 2. Water containers 6 with a selectable capacity, such as 8 liters, 10 liters, 12 liters, etc., can be used, so the water container capacity information section 90 stores capacity information of the selectable or selected water container 6. The installation / replacement information section 92 stores, for example, timing information indicating the new installation or replacement installation of the water container 6.

[0054] The upper limit water supply quantity information section 94 stores upper limit water supply quantity information that indicates the upper limit water supply quantity by a newly installed water container 6 or a replacement installed water container 6. This upper limit water supply quantity information section 94 has a new installation upper limit water supply quantity information section 94-1 and a replacement installation upper limit water supply quantity information section 94-2 set therein. The new installation upper limit water supply quantity information section 94-1 stores water quantity information that indicates the upper limit water supply quantity Qn when the water container 6 is newly installed. The replacement installation upper limit water supply quantity information section 94-2 stores water quantity information that indicates the upper limit water supply quantity Qm when the water container 6 is replaced.

[0055] The cold water tank capacity information section 96 stores capacity information that indicates the capacity of the cold water CW contained in the cold water tank 8. The hot water tank capacity information section 98 stores capacity information that indicates the capacity of the hot water HW contained in the hot water tank 10. The cold water tank residual amount setting information section 100 stores residual water setting information indicating the residual amount of cold water CW set in the cold water tank 8. The solenoid valve passing flow rate information section 102 stores flow rate information that indicates the passing flow rate q of the cold water CW or hot water HW that passes through the cold water solenoid valve 46-1 or the hot water solenoid valve 46-2 when the valve is open.

[0056] The valve open time information section 104 stores valve open time information that indicates the open time of the cold water solenoid valve 46-1 or the hot water solenoid valve 46-2 corresponding to the press time of the cold water button 52-1 or the hot water button 52-2. The water supply amount information section 106 stores water supply amount information indicating the amount of water supply by opening the cold water solenoid valve 46-1 or the hot water solenoid valve 46-2. The water supply amount information section 106 has a cold water amount information section 106-1 and a hot water amount information section 106-2. The cold water amount information section 106-1 stores water supply amount information indicating the amount of cold water CW supplied by opening the cold water solenoid valve 46-1. The hot water amount information section 106-2 stores water supply amount information indicating the amount of hot water HW supplied by opening the hot water solenoid valve 46-2.

[0057] The remaining water amount information section 108 stores remaining water amount information that indicates the remaining water amount obtained by subtracting the water supply amount information from the upper limit water supply amount information. The remaining water amount correction information section 110 stores correction information used to increase the accuracy of generating the first alert information and the second alert information, that is, correction information for the water supply amount information and the remaining water amount information. The first alert threshold information section 112 stores threshold information that indicates a first alert threshold used to determine the hot water limit. The second alert threshold information section 114 stores threshold information that indicates a second alert threshold used to determine the cold water limit. The water container replacement information section 115 stores information on the determination made after the first alert is generated, such as when replacement of the water container 6 is determined based on the supply of hot water HW or the supply of cold water CW that is equal to or greater than a certain amount. The history information section 116 stores various types of history information, such as the history of new installation or replacement of the water container 6, the calculation history of the amount of water supply and the amount of remaining water, the alert history, and the alert cancellation history.

[0058] <Raw Water Management System 118> 5 shows an example of a raw water management system 118 mounted on the water supply control unit 30. This raw water management system 118 includes a cold / hot water control / water supply control unit 120, an upper limit water supply amount information acquisition unit 122, a water supply amount calculation unit 124, a remaining water amount calculation unit 126, a remaining water amount determination unit 128, an alert information generation unit 130, a water container replacement determination unit 132, an upper limit water supply amount information switching unit 134, an information presentation control unit 135, an information recording control unit 136, and the like.

[0059] The cold / hot water control / water supply control unit 120 performs cooling control, heating control, and cold water or hot water supply control. In cooling control, it receives temperature information detected by the temperature sensor 28-1, controls the cooling device 12, and controls the cooling of the cold water tank 8. In heating control, it receives temperature information detected by the temperature sensor 28-2, controls the heat generation temperature of the heater 36 via the heater drive unit 76, and controls the heating temperature of the hot water tank 10. In water supply control of cold water CW, it closes the cold water switch 74-1 according to the operation (e.g., pressing) time of the cold water button 52-1, and controls the opening time of the cold water solenoid valve 46-1. In addition, in water supply control of hot water HW, it closes the hot water switch 74-2 according to the operation (e.g., pressing) time of the hot water button 52-2, and controls the opening time of the hot water solenoid valve 46-2.

[0060] The upper limit water supply amount information acquisition unit 122 acquires upper limit water supply amount information representing the upper limit water supply amount Qn at the time of new installation and the upper limit water supply amount Qm at the time of replacement installation, using the capacity information of the water container 6 input from the information input / presentation unit 54.

[0061] The water supply amount calculation unit 124 calculates the water supply amount Qt using the valve opening time of the cold water solenoid valve 46-1 or the hot water solenoid valve 46-2 and the passing flow rate q. Therefore, this water supply amount calculation unit 124 includes a valve opening time information acquisition unit 137, a passing flow rate information acquisition unit 138, and a water supply amount calculation unit 139. The valve opening time information acquisition unit 137 acquires the opening time information of the cold water solenoid valve 46-1 or the hot water solenoid valve 46-2 from the cold / hot water control / water supply control unit 120. The passing flow rate information acquisition unit 138 acquires the passing flow rate information representing the passing flow rate q per unit time of the cold water solenoid valve 46-1 or the hot water solenoid valve 46-2 stored in the raw water management DB 86. The water supply amount calculation unit 139 calculates the water supply amount Qt of the cold water CW or the hot water HW using the valve opening time to and the passing flow rate q described above. Therefore, the water supply amount calculation unit 124 acquires the water supply amount information which is the calculation result.

[0062] The remaining water volume calculation unit 126 calculates the remaining water volume using the upper limit water supply volume information acquired by the upper limit water supply volume information acquisition unit 122 and the water supply volume information calculated by the water supply volume calculation unit 124, and acquires remaining water volume information representing this remaining water volume. The remaining water amount determining unit 128 acquires first alert threshold information and second alert threshold information from the raw water management DB 86, determines whether the remaining water amount has reached the first alert threshold or the second alert threshold, and acquires information on the determination result. The alert information generating unit 130 generates the first alert information or the second alert information based on the determination result of the remaining water level determining unit 128.

[0063] The water container replacement determination unit 132 monitors the amount of hot water HW supplied and the amount of cold water CW supplied after the first alert information is generated and before the second alert information is generated, determines whether the water container 6 has been replaced, and outputs the determination information. The upper limit water supply amount information switching unit 134 receives replacement determination information for the water container 6 from the water container replacement determination unit 132, and changes the upper limit water supply amount information Qn acquired by the upper limit water supply amount information acquisition unit 122 to the upper limit water supply amount information Qm. If the upper limit water supply amount information Qm is released due to maintenance of the water server 2, for example, the upper limit water supply amount information Qn is set. The information presentation control unit 135 acquires the upper limit water supply amount information and the alert information representing the first alert or second alert created by the alert information generation unit 130 from the upper limit water supply amount information acquisition unit 122, and provides them to the information input / presentation unit 54. Then, the information recording control unit 136 receives the upper limit water supply amount information, the remaining water amount information, the alert information, and the like, and stores them in the raw water management DB 86 .

[0064] <Cold water tank 8 and hot water tank 10 empty state, hot water limit and cold water limit> In FIG. 6, A indicates the cold water tank 8 and the hot water tank 10 in an empty state, B indicates the hot water limit state, and C indicates the cold water limit state. Before the water container 6 is newly installed, the cold water tank 8 and the hot water tank 10 are empty, as shown in FIG. 6A. When the raw water W in the water container 6 runs out, as shown in B of Fig. 6, the state becomes the hot water limit state, and the supply of hot water HW is stopped. In other words, the water level of the cold water CW drops below the bottom surface of the separation plate 32. In this case, the supply of the cold water CW is possible. When the amount of chilled water decreases to Qd (FIG. 3), as shown in FIG. 6C, the chilled water limit state is reached and the supply of chilled water CW is stopped.

[0065] <Condition when water container 6 is newly installed or replaced> FIG. 7A shows the transition of the cold water tank 8 and the hot water tank 10 from an empty state to a full state. When the water container 6 is newly installed, the cold water tank 8 and the hot water tank 10 are empty, so that the cold water tank 8 and the hot water tank 10 are filled with water by the introduction of raw water W from the water container 6. At this time, the water level of the raw water W in the water container 6 drops from the raw water level Lw, which is the water level when the tank is full, by the amount of raw water W that has flowed into the cold water tank 8 and the hot water tank 10. From the raw water volume Qx, the hot water volume Qhw that fills the hot water tank 10 flows into the hot water tank 10, and the cold water volume Qcw that fills the cold water tank 8 flows into the cold water tank 8, so the raw water level Lw shown by the dashed line in the water container 6 drops by (Qhw+Qcw). If the volume of the cold water tank 8 is 2 liters, the volume of the hot water tank 10 is 1.5 liters, and the raw water volume in the water container 6 is 12 liters, the water level drops by only 3.5 liters, and the remaining water volume is 8.5 liters.

[0066] FIG. 7B shows the full water state from the hot water limit. When the water container 6 is replaced at the hot water limit, the amount of hot water Qhw remains in the hot water tank 10, and the amount of cold water Qb remains in the cold water tank 8. Since the amount of cold water (Qcw-Qb) flows from the water container 6 to the cold water tank 8, the original water level Lw shown by the dashed line in the water container 6 drops by the amount of cold water (Qcw-Qb). If Qb is 1.5 liters, the water level drops by only 0.5 liters, and the remaining water amount in the water container 6 becomes 11.5 liters.

[0067] Figure 7C shows the full water condition from the cold water limit. When the water container 6 is replaced at the cold water limit, the amount of hot water Qhw remains in the hot water tank 10, and the amount of cold water Qd remains in the cold water tank 8. Since the amount of cold water (Qcw-Qd) flows from the water container 6 to the cold water tank 8, the original water level Lw shown by the dashed line in the water container 6 drops by the amount of cold water (Qcw-Qd). If Qd is 0.2 liters, the water level drops by only 1.8 liters, and the remaining water amount in the water container 6 becomes 10.2 liters.

[0068] <Restrictions on raw water supply> 8A shows a supply state of raw water W. When the water container 6 is installed, the raw water W in the water container 6 flows into the cold water tank 8 due to gravity. 8A, this raw water W pushes down the on-off valve 20 of the valve mechanism 18. The raw water W that passes through the on-off valve 20 drops into the recessed portion 33 of the separation plate 32 and flows into the cold water tank 8 from a plurality of water passage holes 37 opened around the water supply hole 35 of the water supply pipe 34, and a part of the raw water W flows from the water supply hole 35 through the water supply pipe 34 into the hot water tank 10.

[0069] 8B, when the water level in the cold water tank 8 reaches the separation plate 32, the water passage hole 37 is blocked by the raw water W. As a result, the raw water W is led to the hot water tank 10 through the water supply pipe 34 of the separation plate 32 at once. When the hot water tank 10 is full, the water supply from the cold water tank 8 becomes predominant, and the water level in the cold water tank 8 rises. This rise in the water level causes the float portion 24 to receive buoyancy, causing the on-off valve 20 of the valve mechanism 18 to rise, and the on-off valve 20 closes the water supply nozzle portion 14, stopping the supply of the raw water W. The water level of the cold water tank 8 is maintained at this upper limit water level as long as raw water W is supplied from the water container 6.

[0070] <New installation and replacement of water container 6 and changes in water supply volume Qt> 9 and 10, the horizontal axis represents time t and the vertical axis represents the residual water amount Zt, and show the reduction in the residual water amount Zt due to the supply of cold water CW or hot water HW.

[0071] <Water Container 6 Replacement Installation Pattern 1 (When the Water Container 6 is Replaced at Time t2)> In FIG. 9, a period T1 from time t0 to time t2 shows the transition of the residual water amount Zt when the water container 6 is newly installed. Time point t0 is the time point when water is supplied from the full water state shown in A of Fig. 7. If the upper limit water supply amount is Qn, the upper limit water supply amount Qn can be expressed by equation (6). Qn = Qx - (Qhw + Qd) (6) The upper limit water supply amount Qn includes the water supply amount (Qb-Qd) from time t1 representing the hot water limit to time t2 representing the cold water limit. Therefore, if the water container 6 is not replaced during the period from time t1 of the hot water limit to time t2 of the cold water limit, cold water CW can be supplied from the amount of cold water (Qb-Qd) remaining in the cold water tank 8.

[0072] If the water container 6 is replaced at time t2, the remaining water amount Zt after the replacement of the water container 6 during the period T2 from time t2 to time t4 will change as follows. Time point t2 is the time point when water is supplied from the full water state shown in B of Fig. 7. At this time, the upper limit water supply amount Qm can be expressed by equation (7). Qm = Qn + (Qhw + Qd) = Qx (7) In other words, at the time t2 when the water container 6 is replaced, the hot water tank 10 is already maintained in a full state with hot water HW, and the cold water tank 8 is maintained at a cold water volume Qd. As a result, the upper limit water supply volume Qm is the upper limit water supply volume Qn plus the hot water volume Qhw and cold water volume Qd. Therefore, the upper limit water supply volume Qm is equal to the raw water volume Qx.

[0073] <Water Container 6 Replacement Installation Pattern 2 (When the Water Container 6 is Replaced at Time t1)> As shown in FIG. 10, when the water container 6 is replaced at time t1, the period T1 is shortened by the time between time t1 and time t2, and the period T2 is extended by that amount. At this time, the upper limit water supply amount Qm increases by the amount of cold water (Qb-Qd) compared to when the water container 6 is replaced at time t2, and the upper limit water supply amount Qm in this case can be expressed by equation (8). Qm = Qn + (Qhw + Qd) + (Qb - Qd) = Qx + (Qb - Qd) (8) In other words, the residual water amount Zt increases compared to when the water container 6 is replaced at time t1.

[0074] <Water container 6 replacement installation pattern 3 (when the water container 6 is replaced after time t1 and before time t2)> The upper limit water supply amount Qm is the sum of the remaining water amount according to the time between time t1 and time t2. Also, since more cold water CW remains in the cold water tank 8 than the cold water amount Qd, the time required to recover to the cold water amount Qb at which the hot water limit started is faster than when the water container 6 is replaced at time t2, and the supply of hot water HW is started more quickly.

[0075] <Trends in remaining water volume Z1(t), judgment, and generation of alert information> FIG. 11 shows the transition of the water supply amount Q1(t) and the remaining water amount Z1(t), the judgment, and the generation of alert information. The remaining water volume Z1(t) decreases as the water supply volume Q1(t) increases, as shown in A of Fig. 11. t1 represents the time point when the first alert information Ar1x is generated, and t2 represents the time point when the second alert information Ar2x is generated. For this remaining water amount Z1(t), a first alert threshold Zth1 is set as the first remaining water amount threshold or remaining water amount threshold information, and a second alert threshold Zth2 is set as the second remaining water amount threshold or remaining water amount threshold information. The first alert threshold Zth1 corresponds to the cold water amount Qb, and the second alert threshold Zth2 corresponds to the cold water amount Qd.

[0076] When the residual water volume Z1(t) falls below the first alert threshold Zth1, first alert information Ar1x is generated as shown in Fig. 11B. This first alert information Ar1x causes first alert information Ar1y to be output, including the lighting of the first alert lamp 56-1, a pseudo sound, an alert display, and the like, as shown in Fig. 11C. When the residual water volume Z1(t) falls below the second alert threshold Zth2, second alert information Ar2x is generated as shown in D of Fig. 11. This second alert information Ar2x causes second alert information Ar2y to be output, including the lighting of the second alert lamp 56-2, a pseudo sound, an alert display, and the like, as shown in E of Fig. 11. Then, if the water container 6 is replaced after the first alert information Ar1x is generated but before the second alert information Ar2x is generated, a display is output indicating that the second alert information Ar2x has been generated and the presentation of the second alert information Ar2y has been canceled.

[0077] <Trends in remaining water volume Z2(t), judgment, and generation of alert information> FIG. 12 shows the transition of the water supply amount Q2(t) and the remaining water amount Z2(t), the judgment, and the generation of alert information. The remaining water volume Z2(t) decreases as the water supply volume Q2(t) increases, as shown in A of Fig. 12. t3 represents the time point when the first alert information Ar1x is generated, and t4 represents the time point when the second alert information Ar2x is generated. A first alert threshold Zth1 and a second alert threshold Zth2 are set for this remaining water volume Z2(t). The first alert threshold Zth1 corresponds to the cold water volume Qb, and the second alert threshold Zth2 corresponds to the cold water volume Qd.

[0078] When the residual water volume Z2(t) falls below the first alert threshold Zth1, first alert information Ar1x is generated as shown in Fig. 12B. This first alert information Ar1x causes first alert information Ar1y to be output, including the lighting of the first alert lamp 56-1, a pseudo sound, an alert display, and the like, as shown in Fig. 12C. When the residual water volume Z2(t) falls below the second alert threshold Zth2, second alert information Ar2x is generated as shown in D of Fig. 12. This second alert information Ar2x causes second alert information Ar2y, including the lighting of the second alert lamp 56-2, a pseudo sound, an alert display, and the like, to be output as shown in E of Fig. 12. Then, if the water container 6 is replaced after the first alert information Ar1x is generated but before the second alert information Ar2x is generated, a display is similarly output to indicate that the second alert information Ar2x has been generated and the presentation of the second alert information Ar2y has been canceled.

[0079] <Presentation of alert information, etc.> FIG. 13 shows the initial setup screen and the presentation of alert information. When installing a new water container 6 or replacing it, an initial setting screen 140 is presented on the information input / presentation unit 54, as shown in A of Fig. 13. This initial setting screen 140 displays a capacity selection section 142 indicating the water container capacity, a decision button section 144, and a cancel button section 146. The user selects the appropriate water container capacity and touches the decision button section 144. If there is an input error or the setting needs to be reset, the user can touch the cancel button section 146.

[0080] When the first alert information Ar1x is generated, the first alert lamp 56-1 of the information input / presentation unit 54 is turned on as shown in B of Fig. 13. This lighting state may be continuous lighting, intermittent lighting, colored lighting, or a combination of two or more of these. When the second alert information Ar2x is generated, the second alert lamp 56-2 is turned on as shown in C of Fig. 13. This lighting state may be continuous lighting, intermittent lighting, or colored lighting, or may be a combination of two or more of these.

[0081] When the first alert information Ar1x is generated, a first alert presentation screen 148 is presented on the information input / presentation unit 54, as shown in D of Fig. 13. This first alert presentation screen 148 may present a message indicating the hot water limit, such as "Hot water cannot be used, but cold water can be used. If you replace the water container with a new one, hot water can be used." When the second alert information Ar2x is generated, a second alert presentation screen 150 is presented on the information input / presentation unit 54, as shown in E of Fig. 13. This second alert presentation screen 150 may present, for example, a message indicating the cold water limit, such as "Cold water and hot water cannot be used. Please replace the water container with a new one."

[0082] Then, after the water container 6 is replaced, a replacement information presentation screen 152 is presented on the information input / presentation unit 54, as shown in F of Fig. 13. Since it is not necessary to generate second alert information Ar2x after the water container 6 is replaced, it is sufficient to present a message such as "The water container has been replaced with a new one. It is operating normally" as an indication that the generation of the second alert information Ar2x has been cancelled.

[0083] <Raw water management treatment process> 14 shows the process steps of raw water management according to the first embodiment. The process steps show the raw water management method of the present disclosure, the initial program settings, and the presentation of alert information. This process includes determining whether the water container 6 should be newly installed or replaced (S101), obtaining upper limit water supply amount information Qn, Qm (S102), obtaining a first alert threshold Zth1 and a second alert threshold Zth2 (S103), obtaining valve open time information (S104), obtaining passing flow rate information q (S105), calculating water supply amount information Q1(t), Q2(t) (S106), calculating remaining water amount information Z1(t), Z2(t) (S107), and calculating the remaining water amount information Z1(t), Z2(t) (S108). These include determining the quantity information Z1(t), Z2(t) (S108), comparing the remaining water volume information Z1(t) or Z2(t) with a first alert threshold Zth1 (S109), generating first alert information Ar1x (S110), comparing the remaining water volume information Z1(t) or the remaining water volume information Z2(t) with an alert threshold Zth2 (S111), generating second alert information Ar2x (S112), presenting the information (S113), and recording the information (S114).

[0084] Determining whether the water container 6 is newly installed or replaced (S101): The water supply control unit 30 receives a new installation or replacement installation of the water container 6 through a user operation and determines whether the water container 6 is newly installed or replaced. Acquisition of upper limit water supply amount information Qn, Qm (S 102 ): The upper limit water supply amount information acquisition unit 122 acquires the upper limit water supply amount information Qn, Qm from information input from the information input / presentation unit 54 or the raw water management DB 86 . Obtaining the first alert threshold Zth1 and the second alert threshold Zth2 (S103): The remaining water amount determination unit 128 obtains the first alert threshold Zth1 and the second alert threshold Zth2 from the raw water management DB 86.

[0085] Acquisition of valve opening time information (S104): The valve opening time information acquisition unit 137 acquires the valve opening time information of the cold water solenoid valve 46-1 or the hot water solenoid valve 46-2 from the cold / hot water control / supply water control unit 120. Acquisition of passing flow rate information q (S105): The passing flow rate information acquisition unit 138 acquires, from the raw water management DB 86, information on the passing flow rate of the cold water solenoid valve 46-1 or the hot water solenoid valve 46-2.

[0086] Calculation of water supply amount information Q1(t), Q2(t) (S106): The water supply amount calculation unit 139 calculates the water supply amounts Q1(t) and Q2(t) using the valve opening time information and the passing flow rate information according to the above-mentioned formula (3). Calculation of remaining water volume information Zt (S107): The remaining water volume calculation unit 126 calculates remaining water volume information Z1(t) or remaining water volume information Z2(t) using the upper limit water supply volume information Qn, Qm and the water supply volume Qt. Determination of remaining water volume information Z1(t), Z2(t) (S108): The remaining water volume determination unit 128 determines the remaining water volume information Z1(t) or Z2(t) using either the first alert threshold Zth1 or the second alert threshold Zth2.

[0087] Comparing the remaining water level information Z1(t) or the remaining water level information Z2(t) with the first alert threshold Zth1 (S109): If the water container 6 is newly installed, the remaining water level determination unit 128 compares the remaining water level information Z1(t) with the first alert threshold Zth1, and if the water container 6 is a replacement installation, it compares the remaining water level information Z2(t) with the first alert threshold Zth1. Generation of first alert information Ar1x (S110): If Z1(t)≦Zth1 or Z2(t)≦Zth1 (YES in S109), the alert information generator 130 generates first alert information Ar1x.

[0088] Comparing remaining water level information Z1(t) or remaining water level information Z2(t) with second alert threshold Zth2 (S111): If the water container 6 is newly installed, the remaining water level determination unit 128 compares the remaining water level information Z1(t) with the second alert threshold Zth2, and if the water container 6 is a replacement installation, it compares the remaining water level information Z2(t) with the second alert threshold Zth2. Generation of second alert information Ar2x (S112): If Z1(t)≦Zth2 or Z2(t)≦Zth2 (YES in S111), the alert information generator 130 generates second alert information Ar2x.

[0089] Presentation of information (S113): The information presentation control unit 135 acquires the first alert information Ar1x or the second alert information Ar2x, and presents the first alert information Ar1y or the second alert information Ar2y on the information input / presentation unit . Recording information (S114): The information recording control unit 136 receives acquired information and calculated information from the upper limit water supply volume information acquisition unit 122, the water supply volume calculation unit 139, the remaining water volume calculation unit 126, the remaining water volume determination unit 128, the alert information generation unit 130, and the information presentation control unit 135, and stores and records the information in the raw water management DB 86.

[0090] <Advantages of the First Embodiment> According to the first embodiment, any one of the following effects can be obtained. (1) A first alert is issued to notify the user when the amount of water supplied has reached the hot water limit, and a second alert is issued to notify the user when the amount of water supplied has reached the cold water limit, allowing the user to easily know the operating status of the water server 2 and reducing the burden of replacing and managing the water container 6. (2) The user only needs to replace the water container 6 between the first alert and the second alert, and does not need to pay attention to when to replace the water container 6, such as by visually checking the raw water level in the water container 6, thereby increasing the convenience of the water server 2. (3) It is beneficial to let the user know that cold water CW is available for supply during the period between the first alert and the second alert, and to allow the user to use cold water CW. (4) The first alert can prompt the user to replace the water container 6. If the user replaces the water container 6 at that time, the cold water temperature in the cold water tank 8 will not fluctuate and the cold water temperature can be stabilized. (5) The amount of water supplied Qt by cold water CW or hot water HW and the amount of remaining water Zt can be calculated automatically, eliminating the need for users to pay attention to trends in the amount of remaining water, thereby increasing the convenience of the water server.

[0091] Second Embodiment In the first embodiment, the remaining water volume Zt is calculated using the upper limit water supply volumes Qn, Qm and the water supply volume Qt, and raw water management is performed using this remaining water volume Zt, whereas in the second embodiment, raw water management is performed using the water supply volume Qt. FIG. 15 shows an example of a raw water management system 118 according to the second embodiment. Similar to the first embodiment, the raw water management system 118 of this second embodiment is equipped with a cold / hot water control / water supply control unit 120, an upper limit water supply amount information acquisition unit 122, a water supply amount calculation unit 124, an alert information generation unit 130, a water container replacement determination unit 132, an upper limit water supply amount information switching unit 134, an information presentation control unit 135, and an information recording control unit 136, and is also equipped with a water supply amount determination unit 154 instead of the remaining water amount calculation unit 126 and the remaining water amount determination unit 128. The water supply amount determining unit 154 obtains water supply amount information from the water supply amount calculating unit 124, and determines the water supply amount by comparing it with threshold information. The other functional units are the same as those in the first embodiment, so the description thereof will be omitted.

[0092] <Trends in water supply volume Q1(t), judgment, and generation of alert information> FIG. 16 shows the transition of the water supply amount Qt when a water container 6 is newly installed, the judgment, and the generation of alert information. The amount of water supplied Q1(t) increases as water is supplied, as shown in A of Fig. 16. t1 represents the time point when the first alert information Ar1x is generated, and t2 represents the time point when the second alert information Ar2x is generated. For this water supply amount Q1(t), a first alert threshold Qth1 is set as a first water supply amount threshold or water supply threshold information, and a second alert threshold Qth2 is set as a second water supply amount threshold or water supply threshold information. The first alert threshold Qth1 corresponds to the water supply amount until the remaining water amount in the cold water tank 8 becomes cold water amount Qb, and the second alert threshold Qth2 corresponds to the water supply amount until the remaining water amount in the cold water tank 8 becomes cold water amount Qd.

[0093] When the water supply amount Q1(t) reaches or exceeds the first alert threshold Qth1, first alert information Ar1x is generated as shown in Fig. 16B. This first alert information Ar1x causes first alert information Ar1y, including the lighting of the first alert lamp 56-1, a pseudo sound, an alert display, and the like, to be output as shown in Fig. 16C. When the water supply amount Q1(t) reaches or exceeds the second alert threshold Qth2, second alert information Ar2x is generated as shown in D of Fig. 16. This second alert information Ar2x causes second alert information Ar2y, including the lighting of the second alert lamp 56-2, a pseudo sound, an alert display, and the like, to be output as shown in E of Fig. 16. Then, if the water container 6 is replaced after the first alert information Ar1x is generated but before the second alert information Ar2x is generated, a display may be output to indicate that the second alert information Ar2x has been generated and the presentation of the second alert information Ar2y has been canceled.

[0094] <Trends in water supply volume Q2(t), judgment, and generation of alert information> FIG. 17 shows the transition of the amount of water supply Q2(t) when the water container 6 is replaced and installed, the judgment, and the generation of alert information. The amount of water supplied Q2(t) increases as water is supplied, as shown in A of Fig. 17. t3 represents the time point when the first alert information Ar1x is generated, and t4 represents the time point when the second alert information Ar2x is generated. A first alert threshold Qth1 and a second alert threshold Qth2 are set for this water supply amount Q2(t). The first alert threshold Qth1 corresponds to the water supply amount until the amount of water remaining in the cold water tank 8 becomes the cold water amount Qb, and the second alert threshold Qth2 corresponds to the water supply amount until the amount of water remaining in the cold water tank 8 becomes the cold water amount Qd.

[0095] When the water supply amount Q2(t) increases to or above the second alert threshold Qth2, first alert information Ar1x is generated as shown in B of Fig. 17. This first alert information Ar1x causes first alert information Ar1y, including the lighting of the first alert lamp 56-1, a pseudo sound, an alert display, and the like, to be output as shown in C of Fig. 17. When the water supply amount Q2(t) reaches or exceeds the second alert threshold Qth2, second alert information Ar2x is generated as shown in D of Fig. 17. This second alert information Ar2x causes second alert information Ar2y, including the lighting of the second alert lamp 56-2, a pseudo sound, an alert display, and the like, to be output as shown in E of Fig. 17. Then, if the water container 6 is replaced after the first alert information Ar1x is generated but before the second alert information Ar2x is generated, a message may be displayed indicating that the second alert information Ar2x has been generated and the presentation of the second alert information Ar2y has been canceled.

[0096] <Raw water management treatment process> 18 shows the process steps of raw water management according to the second embodiment. The process steps show the raw water management method of the present disclosure, the initial program settings, and the presentation of alert information. This processing step includes determining whether to install a new water container 6 or replace it (S201), obtaining a first alert threshold Qth1 and a second alert threshold Qth2 (S202), obtaining valve opening time information (S203), obtaining passing flow rate information q (S204), calculating water supply volume information Q1(t) and Q2(t) (S205), determining the water supply volume information Q1(t) and Q2(t) (S206), comparing the water supply volume information Q1(t) or the water supply volume information Q2(t) with the first alert threshold Qth1 (S207), generating first alert information Ar1x (S208), comparing the water supply volume information Q1(t) or the water supply volume information Q2(t) with the second alert threshold Qth2 (S209), generating second alert information Ar2x (S210), presenting the information (S211), and recording the information (S212).

[0097] Determining whether the water container 6 is newly installed or replaced (S201): The water supply control unit 30 receives a new installation or replacement installation of the water container 6 through a user operation and determines whether the water container 6 is newly installed or replaced. Acquisition of first alert threshold Qth1 and second alert threshold Qth2 (S202): The water supply amount determining unit 154 acquires the first alert threshold Qth1 and the second alert threshold Qth2 from the raw water management DB 86.

[0098] Acquisition of valve opening time information (S203): The valve opening time information acquisition unit 137 acquires the valve opening time information of the cold water solenoid valve 46-1 or the hot water solenoid valve 46-2 from the cold / hot water control / supply water control unit 120. Acquisition of passing flow rate information q (S204): The passing flow rate information acquisition unit 138 acquires, from the raw water management DB 86, information on the passing flow rate of the cold water solenoid valve 46-1 or the hot water solenoid valve 46-2.

[0099] Calculation of water supply amount information Q1(t), Q2(t) (S205): The water supply amount calculation unit 139 calculates the water supply amounts Q1(t) and Q2(t) using the valve opening time information and the passing flow rate information according to the above-mentioned formula (3). Determination of water supply amount information Q1(t), Q2(t) (S206): The water supply amount determination unit 154 performs a determination of the water supply amount information Q1(t) or Q2(t) using the first alert threshold Qth1 and the second alert threshold Qth2.

[0100] Comparing the water supply volume information Q1(t) or the water supply volume information Q2(t) with the first alert threshold Qth1 (S207): If the water container 6 is newly installed, the water supply volume determination unit 154 compares the water supply volume information Q1(t) with the first alert threshold Qth1, and if the water container 6 is a replacement installation, it compares the water supply volume information Q2(t) with the first alert threshold Qth1. Generation of first alert information Ar1x (S208): If Q1(t)≧Qth1 or Q2(t)≧Qth1 (YES in S207), the alert information generator 130 generates first alert information Ar1x.

[0101] Comparing water supply volume information Q1(t) with the second alert threshold Qth2 or comparing water supply volume information Q2(t) with the second alert threshold Qth2 (S209): If the water container 6 is newly installed, the remaining water volume determination unit 128 compares the water supply volume information Q1(t) with the second alert threshold Qth2, and if the water container 6 is a replacement installation, it compares the water supply volume information Q2(t) with the second alert threshold Qth2. Generation of second alert information Ar2x (S210): If Q1(t)≧Qth2 or Q2(t)≧Qth2 (YES in S209), the alert information generator 130 generates second alert information Ar2x.

[0102] Presentation of information (S211): The information presentation control unit 135 acquires the first alert information Ar1x or the second alert information Ar2x, and presents it on the information input / presentation unit . Recording information (S212): The information recording control unit 136 receives acquired information and calculated information from the upper limit water supply volume information acquisition unit 122, the water supply volume calculation unit 139, the water supply volume calculation unit 124, the water supply volume determination unit 154, the alert information generation unit 130, and the information presentation control unit 135, and stores the information in the raw water management DB 86.

[0103] <Water Container 6 Replacement Judgment> 19 shows the process of determining whether to replace the water container 6. This process shows the method of raw water management of the present disclosure, the initial program setting, and the presentation of alert information. This processing step includes triggering the water container 6 replacement determination mode (S301), the water container 6 replacement determination mode (S302), determining whether to continue the water container 6 replacement determination mode (S303), determining whether to supply hot water HW (S304), creating water container 6 replacement information (S305), determining the amount of cold water CW supplied (S306), presenting the information (S307), and recording the information (S308).

[0104] Trigger for the determination mode of replacing the water container 6 (S301): The water container replacement determination unit 132 determines whether the first alert information Ar1x is generated as a trigger for the determination time (S301). Water Container 6 Replacement Determination Mode (S302): If first alert information Ar1x is generated (YES in S301), the process proceeds to a water container 6 replacement determination mode (S302). Determination of continuation of judgment mode for replacing water container 6 (S303): It is determined whether second alert information Ar2x has not yet been generated (S303). If second alert information Ar2x has been generated, an alert is issued to instruct replacement of the water container 6, and therefore this judgment mode is released.

[0105] Determination of hot water HW supply (S304): After the first alert information Ar1x is generated but before the second alert information Ar2x is generated, the water container replacement determination unit 132 receives calculation output information from the water supply amount calculation unit 139 and determines whether or not hot water HW is being supplied. Note that, for example, even if the water supply amount exceeds the upper limit water supply amount Qn or the upper limit water supply amount Qm, this water supply determination may determine that water is being supplied by detecting ON information of the hot water button 52-2 or open information or open time information of the hot water solenoid valve 46-2. Generating replacement information for water container 6 (S305): If there is a supply of hot water HW (YES in S304), this supply is hot water HW after the hot water limit (YES in S304), so the water container replacement determination unit 132 determines that the water container 6 has been replaced, and generates replacement information such as the determination result (S305).

[0106] Determining the amount of cold water CW supplied (S306): If there is no supply of hot water HW (NO in S304), the water container replacement determination unit 132 receives calculation output information from the water supply amount calculation unit 139 and determines whether the amount of cold water CW supplied is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount. Although it is possible to supply cold water CW after the hot water limit, if, for example, the amount of cold water CW supplied exceeds Qb-Qd (YES in S306), the water container replacement determination unit 132 determines that the water container 6 has been replaced, and generates information on the determination result (S305). Presentation of information (S307): The water container replacement determination unit 132 provides replacement information of the water container 6 to the information input / presentation unit 54, and presents the replacement information presentation screen 152 (F in FIG. 13) on the information input / presentation unit 54. Recording of information (S308): The water container replacement determination unit 132 stores and records information such as the replacement information of the water container 6 in the raw water management DB 86.

[0107] <Advantages of the Second Embodiment> According to the second embodiment, any one of the following effects can be obtained. (1) Raw water management is possible by managing only the water supply volume Qt, so calculation of the remaining water volume Zt can be avoided. (2) The water server 2 can automatically determine when to replace the water container 6 and change the upper limit water supply amount information from Qn to Qm, so that the water supply amount and remaining water amount can be calculated with high accuracy. (3) In addition, with regard to raw water management, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained.

[0108] Third embodiment 20 shows an example of a water container replacement determination unit 132 of a raw water management system 118 according to a third embodiment. In this third embodiment, the same parts as those in the first or second embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals. The water container replacement determination unit 132 includes a water supply amount information acquisition unit 156, a threshold information acquisition unit 158, a water supply amount determination unit 160, a hot water determination unit 162, a cold water determination unit 164, a replacement information generation unit 166, and the like. The water supply amount information acquisition unit 156 acquires water supply amount information from the water supply amount calculation unit 139 (FIG. 5 or FIG. 15). The threshold information acquisition unit 158 ​​acquires first and second water supply threshold information from the raw water management DB 86. The water supply amount determination unit 160 uses the water supply amount information and the first and second water supply threshold information to determine whether the water supply amount is equal to or greater than the first water supply threshold, and whether it is less than the second water supply threshold. The water supply amount determination unit 154 described above may be used for this water supply amount determination unit 160.

[0109] The hot water determination unit 162 receives the determination result of the water supply amount determination unit 160, and determines whether the water container 6 needs to be replaced depending on whether hot water HW has been supplied after the water supply amount has reached or exceeded the first water supply threshold. The cold water determination unit 164 receives the determination result of the water supply amount determination unit 160, and after the water supply amount reaches or exceeds the first water supply threshold, determines whether the water container 6 needs to be replaced depending on whether the water supply amount of the cold water CW is equal to or greater than a predetermined water supply amount. The replacement information generating unit 166 receives the determination result of the hot water determining unit 162 or the cold water determining unit 164, and when the water container 6 has been replaced, generates and outputs replacement information indicating that the water container 6 has been replaced. Other than that, the configuration of the raw water management system 118 is the same as or common to the first embodiment (FIG. 5) or the second embodiment (FIG. 15), so a description thereof will be omitted.

[0110] <Water Container 6 Replacement Judgment> 21 shows the process of determining whether to replace the water container 6 according to the third embodiment. This process shows the raw water management method of the present disclosure, the initial program setting, and the presentation of alert information. This processing step includes a mode for determining whether to replace the water container 6 (S401), obtaining water supply volume information (S402), obtaining threshold information (S403), determining the water supply volume (S404, S405), determining the supply of hot water HW (S406), determining the supply volume of cold water CW (S407), determining whether the water container 6 has been replaced (S408), and generating replacement information (S409).

[0111] Water container 6 replacement determination mode (S401): A water container replacement determination mode is set as one mode of raw water control in the water supply control unit 30. This determination mode is executed by the water container replacement determination unit 132. Acquisition of water supply amount information (S402): When entering this water container replacement determination mode, the water supply amount information acquisition unit 156 acquires water supply amount information from the water supply amount calculation unit 124 (FIG. 5 or FIG. 15). Acquisition of threshold information (S403): The water supply amount information acquisition unit 156 acquires the first and second water supply threshold information from the raw water management DB 86.

[0112] Water supply amount determination (S404, S405): The water supply amount determination unit 160 determines the water supply amount using the water supply amount information and the first and second water supply threshold information. The water supply amount determination unit 160 determines whether the water supply amount is equal to or greater than the first water supply threshold (S404), and if the water supply amount is equal to or greater than the first water supply threshold (YES in S404), it confirms the determination mode for replacing the water container 6 and determines whether the water supply amount is equal to or greater than the second water supply threshold (S405). If the water supply amount is less than the first water supply threshold (NO in S404) or equal to or greater than the second water supply threshold (NO in S405), it cancels the determination mode for replacing the water container 6. Determination of supply of hot water HW (S406): If the water supply amount ≧ the first water supply threshold (YES in S404) and the water supply amount < the second water supply threshold (YES in S405), the hot water determination unit 162 determines to supply hot water HW. Determination of the amount of cold water CW supplied (S407): If there is no supply of hot water HW (NO in S406), the cold water determination unit 164 determines whether the amount of cold water CW supplied is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount. Determining whether the water container 6 has been replaced (S408): If there is hot water HW supply (YES in S406), the hot water determination unit 162 determines whether the water container 6 has been replaced (S408), and if the amount of cold water CW supply is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount (YES in S407), the cold water determination unit 164 determines whether the water container 6 has been replaced (S408). Generation of replacement information (S409): The replacement information generation unit 166 receives replacement determination information for the water container 6 from the hot water determination unit 162 or receives replacement determination information for the water container 6 from the cold water determination unit 164, and generates replacement information indicating that the water container 6 has been replaced. Other Processing: After the generation of the replacement information for the water container 6, the processing such as presentation of the information (S307: FIG. 19) and recording of the information (S308: FIG. 19) is performed as described above.

[0113] <Advantages of the Third Embodiment> According to the third embodiment, any one of the following effects can be obtained. (1) The water server 2 can automatically determine when the water container 6 needs to be replaced. (2) In addition, with regard to raw water management, the same effects as those of the first and second embodiments can be obtained by utilizing existing facilities without the need for additional sensors.

[0114] Other Embodiments Regarding the embodiment described above, characteristics and modifications thereof will be listed below. (1) In the first embodiment, the water supply volume Q(t) and the remaining water volume Z(t) are expressed as functions of time, and linear approximations are used using Figures 9 to 12. However, this is described in order to facilitate the explanation of raw water management, and the present invention is not limited to such notations. (2) The information input / presentation unit 54 may be provided with a reset button, so that when a new water container 6 is installed or replaced, the reset button can be pressed to reset past information such as the existing upper limit water supply volume information and threshold values, thereby improving the accuracy of raw water management. (3) The flow rate q of the supply water passing through the cold water solenoid valve 46-1 and the hot water solenoid valve 46-2 may be reduced in stages based on the head pressure that decreases according to the amount of remaining water. (4) After generating the first alert information, the supply water volume Qt and the remaining water volume Zt may be calculated using the cold water volume Qb in the cold water tank 8 and the flow rate q of the supply water passing through the cold water solenoid valve 46-1. (5) In the above embodiment, a water server 2 that uses a replaceable water container 6 is described as an example, but the present invention may also be used for water supply management of a water server 2 that uses tap water and does not use a water container 6.

[0115] As described above, the most preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described. The present invention is not limited to the above description. Various modifications and changes are possible for those skilled in the art based on the gist of the invention described in the claims or disclosed in the description for carrying out the invention. It goes without saying that such modifications and changes are included in the scope of the present invention. [Industrial Applicability]

[0116] According to the present invention, it is possible to realize a highly convenient water server and its raw water management system that does not require attention to changes in the raw water level in the water container and simplifies raw water management. [Explanation of symbols]

[0117] 2. Water Server 4 Server Chassis 6 water container 8. Cold Water Tank 10 Hot Water Tank 12 Cooling device 14 Water supply nozzle part 16 Top opening 18 Valve mechanism 20. Opening and closing valve 22 Opening and closing arm section 24 Float section 26 Evaporator 28-1, 28-2 Temperature sensor 30 Water supply control section 32 Separation plate 33 Recess 34 Water supply pipe 35 Water supply hole 36 Heater 37 Water Vent 38 Bypass pipe 40 Bypass valve 42 Cold water supply pipe 44 Hot water supply pipe 46-1 Cold water solenoid valve 46-2 Hot water solenoid valve 48-1 Cold water supply port 48-2 Hot water supply port 50 Operation panel section 52-1 Cold water button 52-2 Hot water button 54 Information input and display section 56 Alert display section 56-1 First alert lamp 56-2 Second alert lamp 58 Sound emitting part 60 Speaker 62 processors 64 Memory section 66 Timer 68 Input / output section 70-1, 70-2 Sensor circuit 72-1, 72-2, 72-3 Valve drive section 74-1 Cold water switch 74-2 Hot water switch 76 Heater drive unit 78 Touch Panel 80 LCD display 82-1, 82-2 Lamp driver 84 Speaker driver 86 Raw water management DB 88 Raw Water Management File 90 Water container capacity information section 92 Installation / Replacement Information Department 94 Upper Limit Water Supply Information Section 94-1 New installation upper limit water supply information section 94-2 Upper limit water supply information section when replacing 96 Cold Water Tank Capacity Information Section 98 Hot water tank capacity information section 100 Cold water tank residual amount setting information section 102 Solenoid valve passing flow rate information section 104 Opening Time Information Section 106 Water Supply Information Department 106-1 Cold water quantity information department 106-2 Hot water quantity information department 108 Residual Water Information Department 110 Residual water amount correction information section 112 First Alert Threshold Information Unit 115 Water Container Exchange Information Department 114 Second Alert Threshold Information Unit 116 History Information Department 118 Raw Water Management System 120 Hot and cold water control / water supply control unit 122 Upper limit water supply information acquisition unit 124 Water Supply Calculation Department 126 Residual Water Calculation Section 128 Residual water amount determination section 130 Alert information generation unit 132 Water container replacement judgment section 134 Upper limit water supply information switching unit 135 Information presentation control unit 136 Information recording control section 137 Valve opening time information acquisition unit 138 Passing flow rate information acquisition unit 139 Water supply amount calculation section 140 Initial Settings Screen 142 Capacity selection section 144 Decision button section 146 Cancel button section 148 First alert display screen 150 Second alert display screen 152 Exchange information presentation screen 154, 160 Water supply amount determination section 156 Water supply information acquisition unit 158 Threshold information acquisition unit 162 Warm water determination unit 164 Cold water determination unit 166 Exchange information generation unit

Claims

1. A water server that receives raw water from a replaceable water container and generates cold water or hot water, a cold water tank for receiving raw water from the water container and cooling the raw water to generate cold water; a hot water tank that receives raw water from the water container and heats the raw water to generate hot water; an on-off valve that opens when the cold water or the hot water is supplied; a water supply button for instructing the supply of the cold water or the hot water; a water supply amount determination unit that calculates a water supply amount based on an open time of the on-off valve and a passing flow rate, and determines whether the water supply amount is equal to or greater than a threshold value; a hot water determination unit that determines whether the hot water has been supplied after the amount of supplied water reaches or exceeds the threshold value and determines whether the water container has been replaced; a cold water determination unit that determines whether to replace the water container when the amount of cold water supplied reaches a predetermined amount or more after the amount of water supplied reaches the threshold value or more; a replacement information generating unit that receives a determination result of the hot water determining unit or the cold water determining unit and generates replacement information for the water container; an information presenting unit that presents the exchange information; Including water dispensers.

2. A raw water management method for a water server that receives raw water from a replaceable water container and generates cold water or hot water, comprising: a cold water tank receiving raw water from the water container and cooling the raw water to produce cold water; a hot water tank receiving raw water from the water container and heating the raw water to generate hot water; a step of opening an on-off valve when supplying the cold water or the hot water; a step of instructing the supply of cold water or hot water by a water supply button; A step of a water supply amount determination unit calculating a water supply amount based on an open time of the on-off valve and a passing flow rate, and determining whether or not the water supply amount is equal to or greater than a threshold value; a hot water determination unit determining whether the hot water is supplied after the amount of supplied water reaches or exceeds the threshold value, and determining whether the water container needs to be replaced based on whether the hot water is supplied; a step of a cold water determination unit determining whether to replace the water container when the amount of cold water supplied reaches a predetermined amount or more after the amount of water supplied reaches the threshold value or more; A replacement information generating unit receives a judgment result of the hot water judgment unit or a judgment result of the cold water judgment unit and generates replacement information of the water container; an information presenting unit presenting the exchange information; A method for managing raw water for a water server, including:

3. A raw water management system for a water server that receives raw water from a replaceable water container and generates cold water or hot water, a cold water tank for receiving raw water from the water container and cooling the raw water to generate cold water; a hot water tank that receives raw water from the water container and heats the raw water to generate hot water; an on-off valve that opens when the cold water or the hot water is supplied; a water supply button for instructing the supply of the cold water or the hot water; a water supply amount determination unit that calculates a water supply amount based on an open time of the on-off valve and a passing flow rate, and determines whether the water supply amount is equal to or greater than a threshold value; a hot water determination unit that determines whether the hot water has been supplied after the amount of supplied water reaches or exceeds the threshold value and determines whether the water container has been replaced; a cold water determination unit that determines whether to replace the water container when the amount of cold water supplied reaches a predetermined amount or more after the amount of water supplied reaches the threshold value or more; a replacement information generating unit that receives a determination result of the hot water determining unit or the cold water determining unit and generates replacement information for the water container; an information presenting unit that presents the exchange information; A raw water management system for a water server, including:

4. A program for causing a computer to execute the program, A function of receiving raw water from a water container and cooling the raw water in a cold water tank to generate cold water; A function of receiving raw water from the water container and heating the raw water in a hot water tank to generate hot water; A function of opening an on-off valve when the cold water or the hot water is supplied; A function of receiving an instruction to supply the cold water or the hot water from a water supply button; A function of a water supply amount determination unit calculating a water supply amount based on an opening time of the on-off valve and a passing flow rate, and determining whether or not this water supply amount is equal to or greater than a threshold value; a hot water determination unit for determining whether the hot water is supplied after the amount of supplied water reaches or exceeds the threshold value and thereby determining whether the water container needs to be replaced; a cold water determination unit that determines whether the water container needs to be replaced when the amount of cold water supplied reaches a predetermined amount or more after the amount of water supplied reaches the threshold value or more; A replacement information generating unit receives a judgment result of the hot water judging unit or a judgment result of the cold water judging unit and generates replacement information of the water container; A function of causing an information presentation unit to present the exchange information; A program for causing the computer to execute the above.

5. A recording medium storing the program according to claim 4.

Images