Water server, operation processing method, and operation processing system

Abstract

To provide a water server with facilitated operation processing, without having to monitor replacement and installation of a water container.SOLUTION: The water server for making hot water (HW) or cold water (CW) comprises: a cold water tank (8); a separation plate (32) that separates supplied raw water from the cold water; a valve mechanism (18) that closes a valve at or above a reference water level to stop supplying the raw water, and opens the valve below the reference water level to supply the raw water; a hot water tank (10); a water supply part (76) that supplies the cold water from the cold water tank when a cold water button is pressed, and supplies the hot water from the hot water tank when the hot water button is pressed; a bypass pipe (38) including a bypass valve (40) that is closed when circulating high-temperature water; and a control section (30) that sets a high-temperature water circulation time by obtaining, from water supply information, a time zone when a water supply request is not generated, and circulates the high-temperature water by heating the hot water in the hot water tank and opening the bypass valve when the hot water tank is full and the cold water tank has a water level higher than the separation plate.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an operation processing technology of a water server that generates hot water or cold water using water supplied from a water container.

Background Art

[0002] In a water server that generates hot water or cold water from raw water in a water container, for example, water is led into a cold water tank and a hot water tank provided in the server to be cooled or heated. In the water server, when the water in the installed water container is consumed, by replacing it with a new water container, it becomes possible to supply cold water or hot water. In such a water server, as management of the water supply capacity of the water container, it is necessary to grasp that the water container has been replaced.

[0003] Regarding such a water server, there is one that measures the load of the water server and uses the change state of this load information to grasp the remaining amount of water in the water container and that the water container has been replaced (for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] By the way, in a water server that uses a water head pressure for supplying cold water or hot water, the water head pressure is applied from the water container on the server housing to the cold water tank and the hot water tank. At the start of use of the water server, the cold water tank and the hot water tank are empty. When a water container is installed on the server housing in this state, the raw water from the water container is supplied to the cold water tank and the hot water tank, and each becomes full.

[0006] A cold water supply pipe is attached to the bottom of the cold water tank, and a water head pressure corresponding to the water level in the cold water tank acts on the side of this cold water supply pipe. On the other hand, a hot water supply pipe is attached to the upper part of the hot water tank. Therefore, even if the hot water tank is filled with hot water, it does not receive the water head pressure from this hot water. The raw water is continuously supplied from the water container at the upper part to the hot water supply pipe, and thus a water head pressure for hot water supply acts. That is, when the raw water in the water container runs out, the hot water supply stops. Therefore, in the water server, it is important to grasp whether the raw water can be supplied from the water container in order to manage the amount of raw water, and also to grasp whether a new water container has been replaced.

[0007] In the management of the amount of raw water, for example, if a predetermined operation such as pressing an operation button is required for an operator such as a user at the time of replacing the water container, not only does it impose a working load, but there is also a risk that the replacement cannot be grasped due to an incorrect operation or an oversight in operation and the state will continue. Also, if a sensor is provided to monitor the attachment / detachment state of the water container and the change in the water level in the tank due to the replenishment of raw water by replacing the water container, there are problems such as the need to secure installation space, an increase in the number of parts, and an increase in cost. Furthermore, in the water server, for example, when the water container becomes empty, the hot water supply becomes impossible, so there are cases where the operation of the heating means is restricted, such as setting an energy-saving mode to prevent repeated heat treatment. If the water container cannot be replaced, there is a problem that it becomes difficult to grasp the timing of switching to normal operation. Regarding such problems, the inventor of the present disclosure has obtained the knowledge that by grasping the replacement of the water container from the water supply amounts of cold water and hot water and the tendency of temperature change in the cold tank without using sensors such as a water level sensor and a weight sensor, the facilitation and cost reduction of raw water management can be achieved.

[0008] There is no disclosure or suggestion in Patent Document 1 regarding such problems, and the configuration disclosed in Patent Document 1 cannot solve such problems.

[0009] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to realize a water server with simplified operation processing without monitoring the replacement and installation of a water container based on such problems and findings.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0010] To achieve the above object, according to one aspect of the water server of the present disclosure, there is provided a water server that generates warm water or cold water from raw water, comprising: a cold water tank that cools the raw water to generate and store the cold water; a separation plate installed in the cold water tank to separate the supplied raw water from the cold water; a valve mechanism that closes the valve when the water level exceeding the separation plate is equal to or higher than a reference water level to stop the supply of the raw water, and opens the valve when the water level is lower than the reference water level to supply the raw water; a hot water tank that heats the raw water to generate and store the warm water; a water supply unit that supplies the cold water from the cold water tank when a cold water button installed on an operation panel unit is pressed, and supplies the warm water from the hot water tank when a warm water button is pressed; a bypass valve that is opened during high-temperature water circulation, and a bypass pipe that circulates the warm water heated in the hot water tank to the cold water tank; receiving water supply information indicating the supply of the cold water and / or the warm water from the water supply unit, and when no water supply request occurs from this water supply information When the high-temperature water circulation is executed and when the hot water tank is full and the cold water tank is at a water level higher than the separation plate, heating the warm water in the hot water tank and opening the bypass valve to circulate the high-temperature water from the hot water tank to the cold water tank through the bypass pipe , if an alert indicating that the warm water limit at which the supply of raw water stops based on the water supply information is reached is generated, stop the high-temperature water circulation including the heating of the warm water in the warm water tank and the opening of the bypass valve including a control unit.

[0011] To achieve the above object, according to one aspect of the operation processing method of the water server of the present disclosure, there is provided an operation processing method of a water server that generates hot water or cold water from raw water, the method including: a step of cooling the raw water in a cold water tank to generate and store the cold water; a step of installing a separation plate in the cold water tank to separate the supplied raw water from the cold water; a step of closing a valve mechanism when the water level exceeding the separation plate is equal to or higher than a reference water level to stop the supply of the raw water, and opening the valve mechanism when the water level is lower than the reference water level to supply the raw water; a step of heating the raw water in a hot water tank to generate and store the hot water; a step of a water supply unit supplying the cold water from the cold water tank when a cold water button installed on an operation panel unit is pressed, and supplying the hot water from the hot water tank when a hot water button is pressed; a step of including a bypass valve that is opened during high-temperature water circulation in a bypass pipe, and circulating the hot water heated in the hot water tank to the cold water tank; a step in which a control unit receives water supply information indicating the supply of the cold water and / or the hot water from the water supply unit, and no water supply request occurs from this water supply information When the high-temperature water circulation is executed and, when the hot water tank is full and the cold water tank is at a water level higher than the separation plate, heating the hot water in the hot water tank and opening the bypass valve to circulate high-temperature water from the hot water tank to the cold water tank through the bypass pipe , if an alert indicating that the warm water limit at which the supply of raw water stops based on the water supply information is reached is generated, stop the high-temperature water circulation including the heating of the warm water in the warm water tank and the opening of the bypass valve including the steps of.

[0012] To achieve the above object, according to one aspect of the operation processing system of the water server of the present disclosure, there is provided an operation processing system of a water server that generates hot water or cold water from raw water, the system including: a cold water tank that cools the raw water to generate and store the cold water; a separation plate installed in the cold water tank to separate the supplied raw water and the cold water; a valve mechanism that closes the valve when the water level above the separation plate reaches or exceeds a reference water level to stop the supply of the raw water, and opens the valve when the water level is below the reference water level to supply the raw water; a hot water tank that heats the raw water to generate and store the hot water; a water supply unit installed in an operation panel unit that supplies the cold water from the cold water tank when a cold water button is pressed, and supplies the hot water from the hot water tank when a hot water button is pressed; a bypass pipe that includes a bypass valve opened during high-temperature water circulation and circulates the hot water heated in the hot water tank to the cold water tank; and a control unit that receives water supply information representing the supply of the cold water and / or the hot water from the water supply unit, and when no water supply request occurs from this water supply information When the high-temperature water circulation is executed and when the hot water tank is full and the cold water tank is at a water level higher than the separation plate, heats the hot water in the hot water tank and opens the bypass valve to circulate high-temperature water from the hot water tank to the cold water tank through the bypass pipe , if an alert indicating that the warm water limit at which the supply of raw water stops based on the water supply information is reached is generated, stop the high-temperature water circulation including the heating of the warm water in the warm water tank and the opening of the bypass valve including.

Advantages of the Invention

[0013] According to the present disclosure, any of the following re effects can be obtained.

[0014] (1) The high-temperature water circulation process can be executed, for example, during late-night hours or a time period when no water supply request occurs according to the user's lifestyle.

[0015] (2) When the cold water or raw water in the cold water tank is at a water level higher than the separation plate, high-temperature water circulation can be performed to achieve a sterilization process.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0016]

Figure 1

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Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0017] [First Embodiment] [Configuration Example of Water Server 2] FIG. 1 shows a configuration example of a water server according to the first embodiment. The configuration shown in FIG. 1 is an example, and the present disclosure is not limited to such a configuration. This water server 2 includes a server housing 4, on which a replaceable water container 6 is installed. Raw water W is supplied from this water container 6 to generate cold water CW in a cold water tank 8 and hot water HW in a hot water tank 10.

[0018] The cold water tank 8 is installed in the middle part of the server housing 4, the hot water tank 10 is installed below the cold water tank 8, and a cooling device 12 is installed below the hot water tank 10. The cooling device 12 cools the cold water tank 8 and generates cold water CW in the cold water tank 8. The cold water tank 8 and the cooling device 12 constitute a cold water generation unit.

[0019] The water supply nozzle portion 14 of the water container 6 is arranged above the cold water tank 8 from the top opening 16 of the server housing 4.

[0020] The cold water tank 8 is provided with a valve mechanism 18 for regulating the supply of raw water W from the water container 6. This valve mechanism 18 includes an on-off valve 20 for opening and closing the water supply nozzle portion 14. This on-off valve 20 is attached midway on an opening and closing arm portion 22, and a float portion 24 that receives buoyancy from the cold water CW in the cold water tank 8 is attached to the tip of this opening and closing arm portion 22.

[0021] 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, cools the raw water W by heat exchange between this refrigerant and the raw water W, and generates cold water CW in the cold water tank 8. A temperature sensor 28-1 is installed in this cold water tank 8, and the detection output of the temperature sensor 28-1 is provided to a water supply control unit 30, and the water supply control unit 30 acquires temperature information representing the cold water temperature. A computer having a communication function and a control function is installed in this water supply control unit 30.

[0022] In the cold water tank 8, a separation plate 32 for separating raw water W and cold water CW is installed. This separation plate 32 has a recessed portion 33 for receiving the raw water W and a water supply pipe 34 extending into the hot water tank 10 from the central opening of the recessed portion 33. The raw water W is led into the hot water tank 10 through the recessed portion 33 of the separation plate 32 and the water supply pipe 34.

[0023] In the hot water tank 10, a heater 36 is installed as a heating device. This heater 36 is controlled by the water supply control unit 30 to generate heat. When the raw water W is heated by the heat generation of the heater 36, hot water HW is generated in the hot water tank 10. Therefore, the hot water tank 10 and the heater 36 constitute a hot water generation unit.

[0024] 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 the water supply control unit 30, and the water supply control unit 30 acquires temperature information representing the hot water temperature.

[0025] 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 circulation of the cold water tank 8 and the hot water HW in the hot water tank 10 is possible through this bypass pipe 38. A bypass valve 40 controlled by the water supply control unit 30 is installed in this bypass pipe 38.

[0026] 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 in the middle of the cold water supply pipe 42, and a hot water solenoid valve 46-2 is installed in the middle of the hot water supply pipe 44. The cold water solenoid valve 46-1 and the hot water solenoid valve 46-2 are an example of the water supply unit of the present disclosure and are opened during water supply.

[0027] The cold water solenoid valve 46-1 or the hot water solenoid valve 46-2 receives a water supply operation and is controlled to an open state by the water supply control unit 30. When the cold water solenoid valve 46-1 is in the open state, cold water CW flows from the cold water tank 8 into the cold water supply pipe 42 and is supplied from the cold water supply port 48-1. Also, when the hot water solenoid valve 46-2 is in the open state, hot water HW flows from the hot water tank 10 into the hot water supply pipe 44 and is supplied from the hot water supply port 48-2.

[0028] In the cold water supply pipe 42, when the cold water solenoid valve 46-1 is open, due to the water head pressure of the raw water W stored in the water container 6 and the cold water CW in the cold water tank 8 acting on the installation position of the cold water supply pipe 42, the cold water CW is supplied.

[0029] Also, in the hot water supply pipe 44, when the hot water solenoid valve 46-2 is open, the hot water in the hot water tank 10 is supplied due to the water head pressure of the raw water W from the water container 6 at a position higher than the installation position of the hot water supply pipe 44 acting.

[0030] The operation panel unit 50 is used for water supply operations, alert presentations, etc. This 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 pressing the cold water button 52-1 continues the cold water supply. The hot water button 52-2 is an example of a water supply button operated when supplying hot water HW, and pressing the hot water button 52-2 continues the hot water supply.

[0031] The information input / presentation unit 54 is an example of information input means and information presentation means, and is used for information input such as selecting the capacity of the water container 6, and information presentation such as remaining water alerts, replacement alerts, or hot water stop using symbols, graphics, etc.

[0032] 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 the stop of the supply of hot water HW. 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 the stop of the supply of cold water CW and hot water HW. The sound output unit 58 is composed of, for example, a speaker 59. This sound output unit 58 presents the first alert and the second alert by outputting pseudo voice or signal sound.

[0033] <Regarding the operation processing system 60> Figure 2 shows a configuration example of the operation processing system. This operation processing system 60 is an example of a function configured in the water supply control unit 30 of the water server 2. It controls the generation process and supply process of cold water CW and hot water HW, and has a function for the replacement determination process of the water container. The operation processing system 60 includes, for example, a water supply amount calculation unit 62, a water supply amount comparison unit 64, an alert processing unit 66, a water container replacement determination unit 68, etc.

[0034] The water supply amount calculation unit 62 is a functional unit that performs a calculation process of the water supply amount Qt using the valve opening time and the passing flow rate q of the cold water solenoid valve 46-1 or the hot water solenoid valve 46-2. The water supply amount calculation unit 62 includes, for example, a valve opening time information acquisition unit 70, a passing flow rate information acquisition unit 72, and a water supply amount calculation unit 74. The valve opening time information acquisition unit 70 acquires, as the valve opening time information of the cold water solenoid valve 46-1 or the hot water solenoid valve 46-2, information such as the operation time and the number of operations of the cold water button 52-1 or the hot water button 52-2 that represents the valve opening time from the water supply unit 76. This water supply unit 76 is an example of a functional unit that outputs an opening instruction to the cold water solenoid valve 46-1 or the hot water solenoid valve 46-2 in response to a water supply request for cold water CW or hot water HW. The passing flow rate information acquisition unit 72 acquires 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 exchange management DB 78. The water supply amount calculation unit 74 calculates the water supply amount Qt of the cold water CW or hot water HW using the valve open time t and the passing flow rate q.

[0035] The water supply amount comparison unit 64 compares the water supply amount Qt calculated by the water supply amount calculation unit 74 with the water supply threshold value acquired from the threshold value DB 80, and judges whether the water supply amount Qt exceeds the water supply threshold value. This water supply threshold value is a value associated with the volume of raw water W stored in the water container 6, and is set to a supply amount equal to or greater than the amount at which the water container 6 becomes empty due to the supply of raw water W to the cold water tank 8 and the hot water tank 10. The alert processing unit 66 generates alert information based on the result of comparing the water supply amount Qt with the water supply threshold. This alert information includes, for example, information indicating that there is no remaining water in the water container 6, information indicating that hot water HW cannot be supplied because of the absence of remaining water, and information indicating that there is no remaining water in the cold water tank 8 and that cold water CW cannot be supplied. In other words, the content of the alert information is determined according to the water supply threshold used for the comparison.

[0036] The water container replacement determination unit 68 is an example of a functional unit that, in response to the generation of alert information, determines whether a new water container 6 has been replaced and installed by a user or another worker, and the raw water W has been replenished. The water container replacement determination unit 68 determines whether the water container 6 has been replaced or installed, for example, by using the water supply amount Qt calculated by the water supply amount calculation unit 62 and the change tendency of the water temperature in the cold water tank 8.

[0037] <Consumption of raw water W and state inside cold water tank 8> Figure 3 shows an example of the presence or absence of raw water in the water container and the water level in the cold water tank. 3A, when raw water W remains in the water container 6, the raw water W flows out of the water container 6 in conjunction with the supply of water from the cold water tank 8 and the hot water tank 10. Therefore, the cold water tank 8 at this time is filled with raw water W and cold water CW, and the water level is maintained at a position higher than the recessed portion 33 of the separation plate 32. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 3B for example, when the raw water W in the water container 6 is consumed, the supply of the raw water W to the cold water tank 8 and the hot water tank 10 stops. At this time, the water server 2 cannot supply the hot water HW from the hot water tank 10, but can supply the cold water CW from the cold water tank 8. Therefore, in the cold water tank 8, the cold water CW is consumed according to the water supply amount after the remaining water in the water container 6 is exhausted, for example, so that the water level is lower than the position of the separation plate 32. Above the water surface in the cold water tank 8 is an air layer.

[0038] <Temperature change tendency according to the water level in the cold water tank 8> FIG. 4 shows an example of the temperature change tendency of the cold water CW in the cold water tank. The water supply control unit 30 performs a cooling process so that the cold water CW is within a predetermined temperature range regardless of the water level state in the cold water tank 8, that is, whether or not the raw water W can be supplied from the water container 6. This cooling process is performed by comparing the detected temperature of the temperature sensor 28-1 in the cold water tank 8 with the set temperature. That is, the water supply control unit 30 operates the cooling device 12 until the set temperature becomes equal to or lower than a temperature Tc1 (for example, 6.5 [°C]), and stops the cooling device 12 when the temperature reaches Tc1. The water supply control unit 30 monitors the detected temperature of the temperature sensor 28-1, for example, constantly or at regular intervals, and operates the cooling device 12 when the monitored temperature rises to a temperature Tc2 (for example, 7.0 [°C]). The water supply control unit 30 uses the temperature change trend of the cold water CW stored in the cold water tank 8 for the replacement determination of the water container. That is, in the cold water tank 8 that is maintained at a predetermined water level by supplying raw water W after the water container 6 is replaced and installed, for example, as shown in FIG. 4A, the temperature rise trend after the cooling process is gentle, and the standby time ta elapses from when the cooling device 12 is turned off until it operates again. On the other hand, when the raw water W in the water container 6 is consumed, the temperature of the cold water CW tends to rise easily due to the air layer at room temperature or near room temperature stored inside the tank. Therefore, in the cold water tank 8 where no new raw water W is being supplied, for example, as shown in FIG. 4B, after cooling to the temperature Tc1, the internal temperature rises, and the standby times tb1, tb2,... elapse, causing the cooling device 12 to operate again. These standby times tb1, tb2... are shorter than the standby time ta when the tank is full. That is, when no raw water W is supplied, the cold water CW in the cold water tank 8 repeats cooling and temperature rise in a shorter cycle than when the cold water tank 8 is full. For example, when the water supply control unit 30 determines that the standby time is short compared to the threshold time tx, it may determine that the water container 6 has not been replaced and installed. If the standby time is the same length as ta or longer than the threshold time tx, it may be determined that the water container 6 has been replaced and installed. Note that the threshold time tx may be set according to, for example, the water supply threshold used for generating and determining alert information. The threshold time tx is comparison information for determining the replacement of the water container 6 based on the difference in the temperature change trend due to the amount of cold water CW in the cold water tank 8. Therefore, in the case of the water supply threshold at which alert information is generated when the water level of the cold water CW in the cold water tank 8 is high, a long time may be set for the threshold time tx. Also, in the case of the water supply threshold at which alert information is generated when the water level of the cold water CW in the cold water tank 8 is low, a short time may be set for the threshold time tx.

[0039] <Regarding the operation process> FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation process of the water server. The processing content and processing procedure shown in FIG. 5 are examples, and the present disclosure is not limited to such a configuration. The operation processing shown in FIG. 5 is an example of an operation processing method or program disclosed herein, and includes, for example, a water supply amount information calculation process (S101), a water supply amount comparison process (S102), an alert information generation process (S103), a temperature information acquisition process in the cold water tank (S104), a cold water solenoid valve state determination process (S105), a temperature information acquisition process (S106), a determination process based on the water supply amount (S107), a determination process based on the water temperature change state in the cold water tank (S108), a water container replacement determination process (S109), a water supply amount information reset process (S110), and an alert cancellation process (S111).

[0040] Water supply amount information calculation process (S101): The water supply control unit 30 calculates the water supply amount Qt using information on the opening times of the cold water solenoid valve 46-1 and the hot water solenoid valve 46-2 and information on the passing flow rates of the cold water CW and hot water HW flowing through these solenoid valves. Water supply amount comparison process (S102): The water supply control unit 30 compares the calculated water supply amount Qt with a threshold value. This threshold value is a value that triggers a transition to a process for determining the amount of water that can be supplied by the water server 2, the amount of water remaining in the water container 6, or whether the water container 6 has been replaced or installed. Alert information generating step (S103): When the water supply control unit 30 determines that the water supply amount Qt exceeds the threshold value (YES in S102), it generates alert information. The alert information is, for example, an example of instruction information for transitioning to a water container replacement judgment and operation control information for each functional unit. The alert information may also include, for example, operation instructions from the water supply control unit 30 of the water server 2 to each functional unit, as well as display or audio notification information for the user. The operation control information included in the alert information may be, for example, an instruction to stop the heater 36 or transition to a power saving mode depending on the threshold value for the water supply amount Qt. In addition, the alert information may be, for example, information such as a screen or audio including information to be displayed on the alert presentation unit 56 in the operation panel unit 50.

[0041] Temperature information acquisition step in the cold water tank (S104): When the water supply amount Qt exceeds the threshold value, the water container replacement determination unit 68 acquires the temperature information of the cold water CW in the cold water tank 8. This temperature information is used as a reference temperature for determining whether to replace the water container. State determination step of the cold water solenoid valve (S105): After the water container replacement determination unit 68 acquires the temperature information in the cold water tank 8, in order to confirm the supply of the cold water CW, it determines whether the cold water solenoid valve 46-1 is in the open state. Temperature information acquisition step (S106): When the cold water CW is supplied (YES in S105), the water container replacement determination unit 68 acquires the temperature information in the cold water tank 8. Determination step based on the water supply amount (S107): As one of the determinations for judging that a new water container 6 has been installed, the water container replacement determination unit 68 determines whether the water supply amount Qt exceeds the upper limit value in the previous cold water CW supply process (S105). This upper limit value is a value that can be calculated based on, for example, the capacities in the water container 6 and the cold water tank 8, and is the value of the water supply amount that can be supplied by the water container 6. If the calculated water supply amount Qt exceeds the upper limit value, it is determined that a new water container 6 has been replaced and installed. Determination step based on the temperature change state in the cold water tank (S108): As another determination process, the water container replacement determination unit 68 monitors the temperature change state in the cold water tank. In this monitoring process, for example, the temperature change in the cold water tank 8 acquired before and after the cold water CW supply process (S105), or the temperature change trend of the cold water CW in the cold water tank 8 based on the comparison between the standby times ta and tb (Figure 4) of the cooling device 12 and the threshold time tx (Figure 4) is used to determine whether to replace the water container.

[0042] Determination step for having water container replacement (S109): Based on the determination result of whether the raw water W is being supplied by the new water container 6 according to the determination of the water supply amount (S107) or the determination based on the temperature change state (S108), the water container replacement determination unit 68 generates a determination result for having water container replacement. Water supply amount information reset step (S110): The water supply control unit 30 resets the water supply amount information upon receiving the result of the determination of the water container replacement. Then, the water supply control unit 30 starts calculating the water supply amount Qt anew in the water supply amount calculation unit 62 upon the reset. Alert cancellation step (S111): The water supply control unit 30 cancels the alert. The water server 2, for example, transitions the heater 36 to a normal operation mode by canceling the alert.

[0043] <Advantages of the First Embodiment> According to this configuration, the following effects can be obtained. (1) The control unit of the water server can be made aware that the water container has been replaced by using the amount of hot and cold water supplied and the amount and trend of temperature change in the cold water tank. It can then automatically reset the amount of water supplied and perform operations to supply hot water hardware, thereby improving convenience. (2) Since the replacement of the water container 6 can be detected without using sensors for monitoring the replacement of the water container 6, space can be saved and an increase in parts costs can be prevented. (3) The workload on the user, such as input operations and setting processes when performing and completing the water container replacement work, can be reduced. (4) It is possible to prevent the inability to resume hot water supply or other processes that utilize heating devices due to forgetting to complete the replacement of the water container or an erroneous operation. (5) By performing processes such as determining the upper limit of the water supply volume and the temperature change state in the cold water tank when the calculated water supply volume reaches a predetermined threshold, the frequency of replacement determination processes can be reduced, thereby reducing the load on operational processing. (6) By switching the operation mode of the heating means based on the result of the water container replacement determination, it is possible to contribute to power saving.

[0044] Second Embodiment Fig. 6 shows an example of the configuration of a water server according to the second embodiment. The configuration shown in Fig. 6 is an example, and the present disclosure is not limited to such a configuration. In Fig. 6, the same parts as those in Fig. 1 are given the same reference numerals.

[0045] <Reference information set for the water server 2 and the water container 6> FIG. 6 shows the reference information set for the water server 2 and the water container 6. Qx: The amount of raw water loaded in the water container 6, which is 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 cold water CW, representing the amount of cold water. This amount of cold water Qcw is, for example, 2 liters. Qhw: The volume of the hot water tank 10 that generates and stores hot water HW, representing the amount of hot water. The amount of hot water Qhw is, for example, 1.5 liters. This amount of hot water Qhw is the hot water HW generated in the hot water tank 10 when the water container 6 is newly installed, and the state of always keeping the hot water tank 10 full is maintained.

[0046] Qb: The amount of cold water representing the hot water limit. Since this amount of cold water Qb is the remaining water in the cold water tank 8, water supply of cold water CW is possible after the hot water limit. This amount of cold water Qb is, for example, 1.5 liters. Qd: The amount of cold water representing the cold water limit, and water supply is possible with this amount of cold water as cold water CW. This amount of cold water 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.

[0047] And the following information is used for this management process. Qn: The upper limit water supply amount calculated when a new (raw water W is unused and full) water container 6 is installed on the water server 2 (new installation), representing the water supply possible amount. Therefore, Qhw and Qd that do not contribute or are not allowed to contribute to the water supply of cold water CW or hot water HW are excluded. Qm: The upper limit water supply amount calculated when the used water container 6 on the water server 2 is replaced with a new (raw water W is unused and full) water container 6 (replacement installation), representing the water supply possible amount. In this case, since the amount of (Qhw + Qd) loaded in the new installation is not reduced, it is (Qhw + Qd) more than the upper limit water supply amount Qn.

[0048] Zn: The upper limit remaining water volume calculated when a new (the raw water W is unused and in a full water state) water container 6 is installed in the water server 2 (new installation), representing the water supplyable amount. That is, Zn = Qn. Zm: The upper limit remaining water volume calculated when replacing a used water container 6 on the water server 2 with a new (the raw water W is unused and in a full water state) water container 6 (replacement installation), representing the water supplyable amount. That is, Zm = Qm.

[0049] Q1(t), Q2(t), Qt: Q1(t) is the water supply amount in the case of the upper limit water supply amount Qn. It represents the water supply amount 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 of the valve. Q2(t) is the water supply amount in the case of the upper limit water supply amount Qm. It represents the water supply amount 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 of the valve. Since the water head pressure is used for water supply, when Qm > Qn, Q1(t) ≠ Q2(t), but Q1(t) is regarded as approximately equal to Q2(t), and they are taken as the water supply amount Qt.

[0050] Z1(t), Z2(t), Zt: Z1(t) is the remaining water volume obtained by subtracting the water supply amount Qt 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 from the upper limit water supply amount Qn (= Zn), and decreases in proportion to the opening time ti of the valve. Z2(t) represents the remaining water volume obtained by subtracting the water supply amount Qt 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 from the upper limit water supply amount Qm (= Zm), and decreases in proportion to the opening time ti of the valve. Since the water head pressure is used for water supply, when Qm > Qn, Z1(t) ≠ Z2(t), but Z1(t) is regarded as approximately equal to Z2(t), and they are taken as the remaining water volume Zt.

[0051] qn, qm, q: When qn is the case of the upper limit water supply amount Qn, it is the passing flow rate at which the cold water CW flows through the cold water solenoid valve 46-1 by opening the valve, or when the hot water HW flows through the hot water solenoid valve 46-2 by opening the valve. qm is the passing flow rate at which the cold water CW flows through the cold water solenoid valve 46-1 by opening the valve, or when the hot water HW flows through the hot water solenoid valve 46-2 by opening the valve, in the case of the upper limit water supply amount Qm. Since the water head pressure is used for water supply, when Qm > Qn, qn ≠ qm, but it is regarded that Q1(t) ≒ Q2(t), and qn ≒ qm, and these are taken as the passing flow rate q.

[0052] ti: When supplying water, it is the unit time required for supplying the necessary water by opening the cold water solenoid valve 46-1 or the hot water solenoid valve 46-2. to represents the opening time obtained by integrating the opening time ti of the cold water solenoid valve 46-1 or the hot water solenoid valve 46-2. If there are N water supplies in the unit time ti (i = 1~N) of water supply, then to = t1 + t2 + ··· + tN.

[0053] <Calculation of the passing flow rate q when the cold water solenoid valve 46-1 and the hot water solenoid valve 46-2 are opened> The passing flow rate q of the cold water CW or the hot water HW due to the opening of the cold water solenoid valve 46-1 or the hot water solenoid valve 46-2 depends on the water head pressure. That is, it is proportional to the original water volume Qx. If the water level of the original water volume Qx drops, even if the opening degree when the cold water solenoid valve 46-1 or the hot water solenoid valve 46-2 is opened is the same, the passing flow rate q will decrease. Therefore, the passing flow rate qn can be calculated from Equation (1) using the upper limit water supply amount Qn and the opening time to. qn = Qn / to ···(1) Also, the passing flow rate qm can be calculated from Equation (2) using the upper limit water supply amount Qm and the opening time to. qm = Qm / to ···(2)

[0054] <Calculation of the water supply amount Qt and the remaining water amount Zt> The water supply amount Qt can be obtained from Equation (3) based on the passing flow rate q and the opening time ti of the cold water solenoid valve 46-1 or the hot water solenoid valve 46-2. Qt = q × ti ···(3) In the case of newly installing the water container 6, the remaining water volume Z1(t) can be obtained from Equation (4) based on the upper limit water supply volume Qn and the water supply volume Qt. Z1(t) = Qn - Qt ···(4)

[0055] Also, in the case of replacing and installing the water container 6, the remaining water volume Z2(t) can be obtained from Equation (5) based on the upper limit water supply volume Qm and the water supply volume Qt. Z2(t) = Qm - Qt ···(5)

[0056] Figure 7 shows an example of the hardware of the water server 2. The water supply control unit 30 is composed of, for example, a computer having a communication function, and includes a processor 90, a storage unit 92, a timer 94, an input / output (I / O) unit 96, and the like. The processor 90 is composed of, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and executes an OS (Operating System) stored in the storage unit 92, as well as control programs related to water supply control, raw water management, remaining water management, and operation processing for grasping the replacement and installation of the water container 6, etc.

[0057] The storage unit 92 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 this storage unit 92, in addition to the OS and the water supply management program, an operation processing database (DB) 120 (Figure 8) is stored. This storage unit 92 includes a program storage area, a data storage area for storing collected data, etc., and an operation area as a work area used for the calculation of control programs and information processing programs. A RAM is used for the operation area. The timer 94 is an example of a time measuring means, and is used for measuring the valve opening time of the cold water solenoid valve 46-1 and the hot water solenoid valve 46-2, the elapsed time after cooling the cold water CW in the cold water tank 8, as well as the number of water supply times, the number of replacement times of the water container 6, etc., and has a recording function for the obtained time measurement information.

[0058] I / O 96 is an example of an interface that connects the water supply control unit 30, the information input / presentation unit 54, and various functional units. Connected to this I / O 96 are a cooling device 12, a sensor circuit 98-1 that captures the detection signal of the temperature sensor 28-1, a sensor circuit 98-2 that captures the detection signal of the temperature sensor 28-2, a valve drive unit 100-1 for the cold water solenoid valve 46-1, a valve drive unit 100-2 for the hot water solenoid valve 46-2, and a valve drive unit 100-3 for the bypass valve 40. Also connected to the I / O 96 are a cold water switch 102-1 corresponding to the cold water button 52-1, a hot water switch 102-2 corresponding to the hot water button 52-2, a heater drive unit 104 that drives the heater 36, a touch panel 106 and an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) monitor 108 of the information input / presentation unit 54, a lamp drive unit 110-1 corresponding to the first alert lamp 56-1, a lamp drive unit 110-2 corresponding to the second alert lamp 56-2, and a speaker drive unit 112 that drives the speaker 59.

[0059] Operation input information including the detection information of each of the temperature sensors 28-1 and 28-2, the operation input information of the cold water button 52-1 and the hot water button 52-2, and the capacity information of the water container 6 from the information input / presentation unit 54 is taken into the processor 90 through the I / O 96. The temperature information acquired from the temperature sensor 28-1 is used for the cooling control of the cold water tank 8. The temperature information acquired from the temperature sensor 28-2 is used for the heating control of the hot water tank 10. Operation information for detecting temperature information and valve opening time is taken into the processor 90. Then, based on the control such as the calculation of the processor 90, the water supply control unit 30 generates a cooling drive signal for the cooling device 12, an opening 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 to 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 alert output by the speaker 59, and outputs them to the predetermined functional units from the I / O 96.

[0060] The cooling device 12 receives the cooling drive signal and cools the cold water tank 8 to a certain cooling temperature. The valve drive unit 100-1 or the valve drive unit 100-2 receives an open-valve control signal, and the cold water solenoid valve 46-1 opens with an open-valve time corresponding to the pressing time of the cold water button 52-1. Similarly, the hot water solenoid valve 46-2 opens with an open-valve time corresponding to the pressing time of the hot water button 52-2. The heater drive unit 104 receives a heater control signal and causes the heater 36 to generate heat, heating the hot water tank 10 to a constant temperature.

[0061] The touch panel 106 and the LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) 108 are an example of the information input / presentation unit 54. The touch panel 106 is an example of the information input means and is used for information input such as selecting the capacity of the water container 6. Instead of the touch panel 106, the cold water switch 102-1 and the hot water switch 102-2 may be configured as the information input means by assigning the information input function to the simultaneous ON or number of operations of the cold water switch 102-1 and the hot water switch 102-2. The LCD 108 is an example of the information presentation means, receives an information presentation signal, and presents the first alert, the second alert, and other status information and determination result information with the information presentation function. The lamp drive units 110-1 and 110-2 receive an alert display signal and turn on the first alert lamp 56-1 or the second alert lamp 56-2. The speaker drive unit 112 receives an alert voice signal and outputs a pseudo voice or a signal sound representing the first alert or the second alert from the speaker 59.

[0062] <Operation Processing DB 120> FIG. 8 shows an example of the operation processing DB. This operation processing DB120 has an operation processing file 122. This operation processing file 122 includes a water container capacity information section 124, an installation / replacement information section 125, a maximum water supply amount information section 126, a cold water tank capacity information section 128, a hot water tank capacity information section 130, a cold water tank remaining amount setting information section 132, an electromagnetic valve passing flow rate information section 134, an open valve time information section 136, a water supply amount information section 138, a remaining water amount information section 140, a remaining water amount correction information section 142, a first alert threshold value information section 144, a second alert threshold value information section 146, a water container replacement information section 148, and a history information section 150.

[0063] The water container capacity information section 124 stores the capacity information of the water container 6 used in the water server 2. Since the water container 6 can be selected and used with capacities such as 8 liters, 10 liters, 12 liters, etc., the capacity information of the selectable or selected water container 6 is stored in the water container capacity information section 124. The installation / replacement information section 125 stores, for example, time information indicating the new installation or replacement installation of the water container 6. The maximum water supply amount information section 126 stores the maximum water supply amount information representing the maximum water supply amount by the newly installed water container 6 or the replaced water container 6. In this maximum water supply amount information section 126, a newly installed maximum water supply amount information section 126-1 and a replaced maximum water supply amount information section 126-2 are set. The newly installed maximum water supply amount information section 126-1 stores the water amount information representing the maximum water supply amount Qn at the time of new installation of the water container 6. The replaced maximum water supply amount information section 126-2 stores the water amount information representing the maximum water supply amount Qm at the time of replacement installation of the water container 6.

[0064] The cold water tank capacity information section 128 stores the capacity information representing the storage capacity of the cold water CW stored in the cold water tank 8. The hot water tank capacity information section 130 stores the capacity information representing the storage capacity of the hot water HW stored in the hot water tank 10. The cold water tank remaining amount setting information section 132 stores the remaining water setting information representing the remaining amount of the cold water CW set in the cold water tank 8. In the electromagnetic valve passing flow rate information unit 134, flow rate information representing the passing flow rate q of the cold water CW or the hot water HW passing through when the cold water electromagnetic valve 46-1 or the hot water electromagnetic valve 46-2 is opened is stored. This electromagnetic valve passing flow rate information unit 134 is an example of the above-described replacement management DB78. In the valve opening time information unit 136, valve opening time information representing the valve opening time of the cold water electromagnetic valve 46-1 or the hot water electromagnetic valve 46-2 corresponding to the pressing time of the cold water button 52-1 or the hot water button 52-2 is stored. In the water supply amount information unit 138, water supply amount information representing the water supply amount due to the opening of the cold water electromagnetic valve 46-1 or the hot water electromagnetic valve 46-2 is stored. In this water supply amount information unit 138, a cold water amount information unit 138-1 and a hot water amount information unit 138-2 are set. In the cold water amount information unit 138-1, water supply amount information representing the water supply amount of the cold water CW due to the opening of the cold water electromagnetic valve 46-1 is stored. In the hot water amount information unit 138-2, water supply amount information representing the water supply amount of the hot water HW due to the opening of the hot water electromagnetic valve 46-2 is stored.

[0065] In the remaining water amount information unit 140, remaining water amount information representing the remaining water amount obtained by subtracting the water supply amount information from the upper limit water supply amount information is stored. In the remaining water amount correction information unit 142, correction information for the water supply amount information and the remaining water amount information, which is correction information used to improve the generation accuracy of the first alert information and the second alert information, is stored. In the first alert threshold information unit 144, threshold information representing the first alert threshold used for the determination of the hot water limit is stored. In the second alert threshold information unit 146, threshold information representing the second alert threshold used for the determination of the cold water limit is stored. This first alert threshold information unit 144 and the second alert threshold information unit 146 are an example of the above-described threshold DB80. In the water container replacement information unit 148, when it is determined to replace the water container 6 based on the supply of the hot water HW or the water supply amount of the cold water CW of a certain amount or more after the generation of the first alert, the determination information and the like are stored. In the history information unit 150, various history information such as the new installation or replacement installation history of the water container 6, the calculation history of the water supply amount and the remaining water amount, the alert history, and the alert cancellation history are stored.

[0066] <Operation processing system 60> FIG. 9 shows an example of the operation processing system 60 mounted on the water supply control unit 30. In FIG. 9, the same parts as those in FIG. 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals. This operation processing system 60 includes, for example, in addition to the aforementioned water supply amount calculation unit 62 and water container replacement determination unit 68, a cold and hot water control / water supply control unit 160, an upper limit water supply amount information acquisition unit 162, a remaining water amount calculation unit 164, a remaining water amount determination unit 166, an alert information generation unit 168, an upper limit water supply amount information switching unit 170, an information presentation control unit 172, an information recording control unit 174, and the like.

[0067] The cold and hot water control / water supply control unit 160 performs cooling control, heating control, water supply control of cold water or hot water, and the like. In the cooling control, receiving the detected temperature information of the temperature sensor 28-1, it controls the cooling device 12 and controls the cooling temperature of the cold water tank 8. In the heating control, receiving the detected temperature information of the temperature sensor 28-2, it controls the heat generation temperature of the heater 36 through the heater drive unit 104 and controls the heating temperature of the hot water tank 10. In the water supply control of cold water CW, according to the operation (for example, pressing) time of the cold water button 52-1, it closes the cold water switch 102-1 and controls the valve opening time of the cold water solenoid valve 46-1. Also, in the water supply control of hot water HW, according to the operation (for example, pressing) time of the hot water button 52-2, it closes the hot water switch 102-2 and controls the valve opening time of the hot water solenoid valve 46-2.

[0068] The upper limit water supply amount information acquisition unit 162 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. The remaining water amount calculation unit 164 calculates the remaining water amount using the upper limit water supply amount information acquired by the upper limit water supply amount information acquisition unit 162 and the water supply amount information calculated by the water supply amount calculation unit 62, and acquires remaining water amount information representing this remaining water amount. The remaining water amount determination unit 166 acquires the first alert threshold value information and the second alert threshold value information from the operation processing DB 120, determines whether the remaining water amount has reached the first alert threshold value or the second alert threshold value, and acquires the determination result information. Based on the determination result of the remaining water amount determination unit 166, the alert information generation unit 168 generates first alert information or second alert information. Note that the first alert information and the second alert information are not limited to being determined based on the calculated remaining water amount, and as shown in the first embodiment, determination processing may be performed based on the water supply amount.

[0069] After generating the first alert information and before generating the second alert information, the water container replacement determination unit 68 monitors the water supply amount of the hot water HW and the water supply amount of the cold water CW, determines whether the water container 6 has been replaced and installed, and outputs the determination information. The upper limit water supply amount information switching unit 170 receives the replacement determination information of the water container 6 from the water container replacement determination unit 68, and changes the upper limit water supply amount information Qn acquired by the upper limit water supply amount information acquisition unit 162 to the upper limit water supply amount information Qm. When the upper limit water supply amount information Qm is released due to maintenance of the water server 2 or the like, the upper limit water supply amount information Qn is set. The information presentation control unit 172 acquires the upper limit water supply amount information from the upper limit water supply amount information acquisition unit 162 and the alert information representing the first alert information or the second alert information generated by the alert information generation unit 168, and provides it to the information input / presentation unit 54. Then, the information recording control unit 174 receives the upper limit water supply amount information, the remaining water amount information, the alert information, etc., and stores them in the operation processing DB 120.

[0070] <Empty states of the cold water tank 8 and the hot water tank 10, hot water limit, and cold water limit> A in FIG. 10 shows the empty states of the cold water tank 8 and the hot water tank 10, B shows the state of the hot water limit, and C shows the state of the cold water limit. Before the new installation of the water container 6, as shown in A of FIG. 10, the cold water tank 8 and the hot water tank 10 are in an empty state. When the raw water W in the water container 6 runs out, as shown in B of FIG. 10, it becomes the state of the hot water limit, and the water supply of the hot water HW is stopped. That is, it is a state where the water level of the cold water CW has dropped below the bottom surface of the separation plate 32. In this case, the water supply of the cold water CW is possible. When the cold water quantity Qd decreases, as shown at C in Fig. 10, it reaches the cold water limit state and the supply of the cold water CW stops.

[0071] <Regulation of the supply of raw water W> A in Fig. 11 shows the supply state of the 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 side under the influence of gravity. As shown in A of Fig. 11, this raw water W presses down the on-off valve 20 of the valve mechanism 18. The raw water W that has passed through the on-off valve 20 falls into the recessed portion 33 of the separation plate 32 and flows into the cold water tank 8 from a plurality of water passing holes 37 opened around the water supply hole 35 of the water supply pipe 34, and a part of the raw water W flows into the hot water tank 10 through the water supply hole 35 and the water supply pipe 34.

[0072] When the water level of the cold water tank 8 reaches the separation plate 32 as shown in B of Fig. 11, the water passing holes 37 are blocked by the raw water W. As a result, the raw water W is directly guided to the hot water tank 10 through the water supply pipe 34 of the separation plate 32. When the hot water tank 10 is full, the supply of water to the cold water tank 8 becomes dominant and the water level of the cold water tank 8 rises. Due to this rise in water level, the float portion 24 receives buoyancy and the on-off valve 20 of the valve mechanism 18 rises, the water supply nozzle portion 14 is closed by the on-off valve 20, and the supply of the raw water W stops. Then, as long as there is supply of the raw water W from the water container 6, the water level of the cold water tank 8 is maintained at the upper limit water level.

[0073] <New installation and replacement installation of the water container 6 and the transition of the water supply quantity Qt> Fig. 12 takes time t on the horizontal axis and the remaining water quantity Zt on the vertical axis, and shows the decrease in the remaining water quantity Zt due to the supply of the cold water CW or the hot water HW.

[0074] <Replacement installation pattern 1 of the water container 6 (when the water container 6 is replaced and installed at time t2)> In Fig. 12, the period T1 from time t0 to t2 shows the transition of the remaining water quantity Z1(t) when the water container 6 is newly installed. Time point t0 is the water supply time point when the hot water tank 10 shown in Fig. 10 is filled with water. 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 the time point t1 representing the hot water limit to the time point t2 representing the cold water limit. Therefore, during the time from the time point t1 of the hot water limit to the time point t2 of the cold water limit, if the water container 6 is not replaced, water supply of cold water CW can be performed from the cold water amount (Qb - Qd) remaining in the cold water tank 8.

[0075] If the water container 6 is replaced at time point t2, the transition of the remaining water amount Zt after the replacement of the water container 6 during the period T2 from time point t2 to time point t4 is as follows. Time point t2 is the water supply time point when the water container 6 is replaced from the cold water limit shown in Fig. 10 and the cold water tank 8 and the hot water tank 10 are filled with water. At this time, the upper limit water supply amount Qm can be expressed by Equation (7). Qm = Qn + (Qhw + Qd) = Qx ···(7) That is, at the water container 6 replacement time point t2, the hot water tank 10 has already been maintained in a full water state with hot water HW, and the cold water amount Qd is maintained in the cold water tank 8. As a result, the warm water amount Qhw and the cold water amount Qd are added to the upper limit water supply amount Qn for the upper limit water supply amount Qm. Therefore, the upper limit water supply amount Qm is equal to the original water amount Qx.

[0076] <Replacement installation pattern 2 of water container 6 (when the water container 6 is replaced and installed at time point t1)> When the water container 6 is replaced and installed at time point t1, the period T1 is shortened by the time from time point t1 to t2, and the period T2 is extended by that amount. At this time, the upper limit water supply amount Qm increases by the cold water amount (Qb - Qd) compared to the case where the water container 6 is replaced and installed at time point 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) That is, when the replacement time of the water container 6 is later than time t1, the remaining water volume Zt increases.

[0077] <Replacement installation pattern 3 of the water container 6 (when the water container 6 is replaced and installed after time t1 and before time t2)> It becomes the upper limit water supply amount Qm to which the remaining water volume corresponding to the time between time t1 and t2 is added. Also, since more cold water CW remains in the cold water tank 8 than the cold water amount Qd, the time to recover to the cold water amount Qb at which the hot water limit starts is earlier than when the water container 6 is replaced at time t2, and the start of supply of hot water HW is accelerated.

[0078] <Transition, determination, and generation of alert information of the water supply amount Q1(t)> FIG. 13 shows the transition, determination, and generation of alert information of the water supply amount Q1(t). As shown in FIG. 13A, the water supply amount Q1(t) increases according to the water supply. t1 represents the time point of generation of the first alert information, and t2 represents the time point of generation of the second alert information. For this water supply amount Q1(t), a first alert threshold Qth1 and a second alert threshold Qth2 are set. The first alert threshold Qth1 corresponds to the water supply amount until the remaining water volume in the cold water tank 8 reaches the cold water amount Qb, and the second alert threshold Qth2 corresponds to the water supply amount until the remaining water volume in the cold water tank 8 reaches the cold water amount Qd.

[0079] When the water supply amount Q1(t) reaches the first alert threshold Qth1 or more, as shown in FIG. 13B, the first alert information Ar1x is generated. Due to this first alert information Ar1x, as shown in FIG. 13C, the first alert information Ar1y including the lighting of the first alert lamp 56-1, its pseudo voice, alert display, etc. is output. When the water supply amount Q1(t) reaches the second alert threshold Qth2 or more, as shown in FIG. 13D, the second alert information Ar2x is generated. Due to this second alert information Ar2x, as shown in FIG. 13E, the second alert information Ar2y including the lighting of the second alert lamp 56-2, its pseudo voice, alert display, etc. is output. After the generation of the first alert information Ar1x and before the generation of the second alert information Ar2x, if the water container 6 is replaced and installed, a display indicating that the generation of the second alert information Ar2x and the cancellation of the presentation of the second alert information Ar2y have been performed may be output.

[0080] <Transition, determination, and generation of water supply amount Q2(t), alert information> FIG. 14 shows the transition, determination, and generation of the water supply amount Q2(t) and alert information. As shown in FIG. 14A, the water supply amount Q2(t) increases according to the water supply. t3 represents the time point of generation of the first alert information Ar1x, and t4 represents the time point of generation of the second alert information Ar2x. For this water supply amount Q2(t), a first alert threshold Qth1 and a second alert threshold Qth2 are set. The first alert threshold Qth1 corresponds to the water supply amount until the remaining water amount in the cold water tank 8 reaches the 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 reaches the cold water amount Qd.

[0081] When the water supply amount Q2(t) increases to be equal to or higher than the first alert threshold Qth1, as shown in FIG. 14B, the first alert information Ar1x is generated. Due to this first alert information Ar1x, as shown in FIG. 14C, the first alert information Ar1y including the lighting of the first alert lamp 56-1, its pseudo voice, alert display, etc. is output. When the water supply amount Q2(t) reaches equal to or higher than the second alert threshold Qth2, as shown in FIG. 14D, the second alert information Ar2x is generated. Due to this second alert information Ar2x, as shown in FIG. 14E, the second alert information Ar2y including the lighting of the second alert lamp 56-2, its pseudo voice, alert display, etc. is output. And after the generation of the first alert information Ar1x and before the generation of the second alert information Ar2x, if the water container 6 is replaced and installed, similarly, a display indicating that the generation of the second alert information Ar2x and the cancellation of the presentation of the second alert information Ar2y have been performed may be shown.

[0082] <Regarding high-temperature water circulation> FIG. 15 shows an example of operation processing using a heater. The configuration shown in FIG. 15 is an example only. The water server 2 performs, as functional processing using, for example, the heater 36, in addition to the functional processing of heating or keeping warm the raw water W or the hot water HW in the hot water tank 10 to a set temperature, a high-temperature water circulation functional processing of filling the inside of the cold water tank 8 and the water supply pipe 34 with high-temperature hot water. This high-temperature water circulation functional processing is, for example, an example of a purification process for the inside of the cold water tank 8 where the cold water CW stays without being used for a long time, or for the middle-temperature part inside the cold water tank 8 which is a part of the water supply pipe 34 and between the cold water tank 8 and the hot water tank 10. The high-temperature water circulation functional processing is executed, for example, at a time when there is no water supply request according to, for example, late at night or the user's lifestyle, and at predetermined intervals of days. The high-temperature water circulation functional processing operates the heater 36 so that the temperature in the hot water tank 10 becomes equal to or higher than the water supply temperature of the hot water HW, and opens the bypass valve 40 installed in the bypass pipe 38. As a result, inside the water server 2, heat convection occurs among the cold water tank 8, the water supply pipe 34, the hot water tank 10, and the bypass pipe 38, and it is filled with high-temperature hot water HW. At this time, if the cold water CW or the raw water W in the cold water tank 8 is not at a level higher than the separation plate 32, it becomes a so-called short cycle state where heat convection occurs only in the bypass pipe 38 and in the vicinity of the connection part with the bypass pipe 38, and it becomes difficult to sufficiently purify the inside of the cold water tank 8 and the inside of the water supply pipe 34. Therefore, the water server 2 may stop the high-temperature water circulation functional processing, for example, when a first alert that becomes a hot water limit is generated.

[0083] <Regarding the operation processing including the replacement determination of the water container 6> FIG. 16 shows an example of operation processing. This operation processing step is an example of the operation processing method and program of the present disclosure. In this operation process, it is determined whether the replacement and installation of the water container 6 have been performed based on the calculated water supply amount Qt. The processing steps include, for example, the generation determination of the first alert information (S201), the execution of the determination mode for the replacement of the water container 6 (S202), the generation determination of the second alert information (S203), the water supply determination of the hot water HW (S204), the generation of the determination result information indicating the replacement of the water container 6 (S205), the water supply amount determination of the cold water CW (S206), the presentation of information (S207), the recording of information (S208), and the like.

[0084] Generation determination of the first alert information (S201): As one of the specific processes at the determination time, the water container replacement determination unit 68 determines whether the first alert information is generated. If the first alert information is not generated (NO in S201), the normal operation state is maintained. Determination mode for the replacement of the water container 6 (S202): Triggered by the generation of the first alert information, the water container replacement determination unit 68 shifts to the determination mode for the replacement of the water container 6. Generation determination of the second alert information (S203): If the water container replacement determination unit 68 has shifted to the determination mode for the replacement of the water container 6 as one of the specific processes at the determination time, the water container replacement determination unit 68 determines whether the second alert information has been generated before (S203). If the second alert information has been generated (NO in S203), this determination mode is canceled. If the second alert information has not been generated yet (YES in S203), the process proceeds to S204.

[0085] Water supply determination of the hot water HW (S204): After the generation of the first alert information and before the generation of the second alert information, the water container replacement determination unit 68 receives the calculation output information from the water supply amount calculation unit 74 and determines whether the hot water HW is supplied. For example, even if the water supply amount exceeds the upper limit water supply amount Qn or the upper limit water supply amount Qm, it may be determined that the water is supplied by detecting the ON information of the hot water button 52-2 or the valve opening information of the hot water solenoid valve 46-2. Generation of the determination result information indicating the replacement of the water container 6 (S205): If the hot water HW is supplied (YES in S204), since this water supply is the water supply of the hot water HW after the hot water limit, the water container replacement determination unit 68 determines that the water container 6 has been replaced and generates the determination result information.

[0086] Determination of the supply amount of cold water CW (S206): If there is no supply of hot water HW (NO in S204), the water container replacement determination unit 68 receives the calculation output information from the supply amount calculation unit 74 and determines whether the supply amount of cold water CW is equal to or greater than a predetermined supply amount. Supply of cold water CW after the hot water limit is possible. For example, if it is confirmed that the supply amount of cold water CW exceeds Qb - Qd (YES in S206), the water container replacement determination unit 68 determines that the water container 6 has been replaced and installed (S205) and generates the determination result information. Presentation of information (S207): The water container replacement determination unit 68 provides the replacement information of the water container 6 to the information input / presentation unit 54, and the information input / presentation unit 54 presents a replacement information presentation screen. Recording of information (S208): The water container replacement determination unit 68 stores and records information such as the determination information of the water container 6 in the operation processing DB120.

[0087] <Operation processing including determination of replacement of water container 6> FIG. 17 shows an example of operation processing. This processing step is an example of the operation processing method and program of the present disclosure. In this operation processing, the replacement determination of the water container 6 is performed based on the temperature change in the cold water tank 8. The operation processing shown in FIGS. 16 and 17 may be executed independently in the water supply control unit 30, for example, or these operation processes may be performed in a predetermined order.

[0088] This processing step may include, for example, obtaining threshold information Qth1 and Qth2 (S301), calculating water supply volume information Q1(t) and Q2(t) (S302), comparing the water supply volume information Q1(t) with the threshold information Qth1 or comparing the water supply volume information Q2(t) with the threshold information Qth1 (S303), generating first alert information Ar1x (S304), comparing the water supply volume information Q1(t) with the threshold information Qth2 or comparing the water supply volume information Q2(t) with the threshold information Qth1 (S305), t) with threshold information Qth2 (S305), generating second alert information Ar2x (S306), obtaining temperature information in the cold water tank 8 (S307), making a judgment based on the amount of temperature change in the cold water tank 8 (S308), determining whether the water container has been replaced (S309), resetting water supply amount information (S310), canceling the alert (S311), performing cooling processing (S312), and determining the OFF time of the cooling device (S313).

[0089] Obtaining threshold information Qth1, Qth2 (S301): The water container exchange determination unit 68 obtains the threshold information Qth1, Qth2 from the operation processing DB 120. Calculation of water supply amount information Q1(t), Q2(t) (S302): The water supply amount calculation unit 74 calculates the water supply amounts Q1(t), Q2(t) by using the valve opening time information and the passing flow rate information according to the above formula (3). The opening time information and the passing flow rate information of the cold water solenoid valve 46-1 or the hot water solenoid valve 46-2 are obtained from the operation processing DB 120. Comparing water supply volume information Q1(t) with threshold information Qth1 or comparing water supply volume information Q2(t) with threshold information Qth1 (S303): As a process for determining the water supply volume information, the water container replacement determination unit 68 compares the water supply volume information Q1(t) with threshold information Qth1 if the water container 6 is newly installed, and compares the water supply volume information Q2(t) with threshold information Qth1 if the water container 6 has been replaced.

[0090] Generation of first alert information Ar1x (S304): If Q1(t)≧Qth1 or Q2(t)≧Qth1 (YES in S303), the alert information generator 168 generates first alert information Ar1x. Upon generation of the first alert information Ar1x, which is, for example, a hot water limit, the water supply control unit 30 may output an instruction to the heater 36 to operate in a power saving mode, and may also stop the high-temperature water circulation function processing. Comparison of water supply amount information Q1(t) and threshold value information Qth2 or comparison of water supply amount information Q2(t) and threshold value information Qth2 (S305): When determining the water supply amount information, if the water container 6 is newly installed, the water container replacement determination unit 68 compares the water supply amount information Q1(t) with the threshold value information Qth2. If the water container 6 is installed after replacement, the water container replacement determination unit 68 compares the water supply amount information Q2(t) with the threshold value information Qth2. Generation of second alert information Ar2x (S306): If Q1(t) ≥ Qth2 or Q2(t) ≥ Qth2 (YES in S305), the alert information generation unit 168 generates the second alert information Ar2x.

[0091] Obtaining temperature information in the cold water tank 8 (S307): The water container replacement determination unit 68 obtains the temperature information in the cold water tank 8 detected by the temperature sensor 28-1. Determination based on the temperature change amount in the cold water tank 8 (S308): The water container replacement determination unit 68 compares, for example, the obtained temperature information with the previously obtained and stored temperature information. It is determined whether the compared temperature change amount is equal to or greater than the threshold temperature P1 (for example, ±2 [°C]). The comparison between this temperature change amount and the threshold temperature P1 is an example of the first water container replacement determination using temperature information. Determination of water container replacement (S309): When the temperature change amount is equal to or greater than the threshold temperature P1 (YES in S308), the water container replacement determination unit 68 determines that the water container 6 has been replaced because raw water W at a temperature higher than the cold water CW is supplied into the cold water tank 8. Reset of water supply amount information (S310): When receiving the determination of water container 6 replacement, the water supply control unit 30 resets the water supply amount information and causes the water supply amount calculation unit 62 to newly execute the water supply amount calculation process.

[0092] Alert cancellation (S311): The water supply control unit 30 cancels the second alert information Ar2y upon receiving the water container replacement determination result. This alert cancellation process includes, for example, changing the alert screen or audio notification displayed on the information input / presentation unit 54. Furthermore, the water supply control unit 30 switches the power saving mode of the heater 36, which was set when the first alert, which is the hot water limit, was generated, to the normal operation mode. This makes it possible to supply hot water HW at the set temperature and execute high-temperature water circulation function processing.

[0093] Cooling process (S312): If the amount of temperature change is less than the threshold temperature P1 (NO in S308), the water supply control unit 30 operates the cooling device 12 or waits until the next cooling process timing to cool the cold water CW in the cold water tank 8 to the set temperature. Determining OFF time of cooling device (S313): When cooling device 12 stops, water container replacement determination unit 68 starts timing using timer 94 and acquires OFF time information until the next operation of cooling device 12. Then, if the OFF time is equal to or longer than threshold time tx (YES in S313), water container replacement determination unit 68 determines that a water container 6 capable of supplying raw water W has been replaced since there is a predetermined amount or more of cold water CW in cold water tank 8. Then, water container replacement determination unit 68 proceeds to S309 and outputs a determination that the water container has been replaced. Furthermore, if the OFF time is less than the time tx (NO in S313), the water container replacement determination unit 68 determines that the cold water CW is low in the cold water tank 8 and that the water container 6 has not been replaced. Based on this determination result, the water container replacement determination unit 68 then transitions to S307 and performs a replacement determination for the water container 6 again based on the temperature change in the cold water tank 8 while maintaining the second alert information.

[0094] <Effects of the second embodiment> Such a configuration provides the following advantages. (1) The same effects as in the first embodiment can be obtained. (2) Since replacement is determined based on data such as the amount of water supplied and the temperature change state inside the cold water tank, it is possible to prevent the need for replacement from going unnoticed due to forgetting to complete the replacement or operating it erroneously. (3) Generate alert information according to the calculated water supply amount, and by using this alert information as an opportunity, the frequency of replacement determination processing can be suppressed, and the load of operation processing can be reduced. (4) When the heater 36 is restricted to a power-saving mode or the like on the occasion of the hot water limit, by automatically determining the replacement of the water container, it is possible to prevent the operation in the power-saving mode from continuing after the water container 6 is replaced and installed. (5) By switching the operation mode of the heating means based on the replacement determination result of the water container, it is possible to contribute to power saving.

[0095] Regarding the embodiments described above, modification examples are listed below.

[0096] (1) In the above embodiment, the opening degrees of the cold water solenoid valve 46-1 and the hot water solenoid valve 46-2 are the preset opening degrees, and the case where the flow rates of the cold water CW and the hot water HW due to the pressing of the cold water button 52-1 and the hot water button 52-2 are constant is shown, but it is not limited to this. The cold water solenoid valve 46-1 and the hot water solenoid valve 46-2 may have, for example, their opening degrees set in multiple stages, and the flow rates q of the cold water CW and the hot water HW may be made different according to these opening degrees. The operation panel unit 50 may be provided with, for example, an opening degree setting button for changing the water supply amount. Then, in the water supply control unit 30, while outputting an opening degree control instruction for the cold water solenoid valve 46-1 and the hot water solenoid valve 46-2 according to the setting of the opening degree setting button, in the water supply amount calculation unit 62, the set opening degree information is made to be grasped. Thereby, in the calculation process of the water supply amount, for example, the water supply amount may be calculated from the valve opening time information of the cold water solenoid valve 46-1 and the hot water solenoid valve 46-2, the opening degree information, and the passing flow rate information at each opening degree. The opening degree setting of the cold water solenoid valve 46-1 and the hot water solenoid valve 46-2 may utilize, for example, the pressing strength against the cold water button 52-1 and the hot water button 52-2, or the number of pressing times in a short period of time.

[0097] As described above, the most preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been described. The present disclosure is not limited to the above description. Based on the gist of the disclosure described in the claims or disclosed in the form for carrying out the invention, various modifications and changes are possible for those skilled in the art. Needless to say, such modifications and changes are included in the scope of the present disclosure.

Industrial Applicability

[0098] According to the present disclosure, regarding the replacement and installation of the water container, it is not necessary to install new sensors or perform setting operations during the replacement work, and a highly convenient water server and its operation processing system can be realized.

Explanation of Signs

[0099] 2 Water server 4 Server housing 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 On-off valve 22 On-off arm part 24 Float part 26 Evaporator 28-1, 28-2 Temperature sensor 30 Water supply control part 32 Separation plate 33 Depression part 34 Water supply pipe 35 Water supply hole 36 Heater 37 Water passage hole 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 / display section 56 Alert display section 56-1 First alert lamp 56-2 Second alert lamp 58 Sound output section 59 Speaker 60 Operation processing system 62 Water supply amount calculation section 64 Water supply amount comparison section 66 Alert processing section 68 Water container replacement determination section 70 Valve opening time information acquisition section 72 Passing flow rate information acquisition section 74 Water supply amount calculation unit 76 Water supply section 78 Replacement management DB 80 Threshold value DB 90 Processor 92 Memory section 94 Timer 96 Input / output section 98-1, 98-2 Sensor circuit 100-1, 100-2, 100-3 Valve drive section 102-1 Cold water switch 102-2 Hot water switch 104 Heater drive section 106 Touch panel 108 LCD display 110-1, 110-2 Lamp drive section 112 Speaker drive section 120 Operation processing DB 122 Operation processing file 124 Water container capacity information section 125 Installation / replacement information section 126 Upper limit water supply amount information section 126-1 Upper limit water supply amount information section at the time of new installation 126-2 Upper limit water supply amount information section at the time of replacement installation 128 Cold water tank capacity information section 130 Warm Water Tank Capacity Information Section 132 Cold Water Tank Remaining Quantity Setting Information Section 134 Electromagnetic Valve Passing Flow Information Section 136 Valve Opening Time Information Section 138 Water Supply Quantity Information Section 138-1 Cold Water Quantity Information Section 138-2 Warm Water Quantity Information Section 140 Remaining Water Quantity Information Section 142 Remaining Water Quantity Correction Information Section 144 First Alert Threshold Information Section 146 Second Alert Threshold Information Section 148 Water Container Replacement Information Section 150 History Information Section 160 Cold and Warm Water Control / Water Supply Control Section 162 Upper Limit Water Supply Quantity Information Acquisition Section 164 Remaining Water Quantity Calculation Section 166 Remaining Water Quantity Judgment Section 168 Alert Information Generation Section 170 Upper Limit Water Supply Quantity Information Switching Section 172 Information Presentation Control Section 174 Information Recording Control Section

Claims

1. A water server that generates hot water or cold water from raw water, A cold water tank that cools the raw water to generate and store the cold water; A separation plate that is installed in the cold water tank and separates the raw water and the cold water supplied thereto; a valve mechanism that closes when the water level exceeding the separation plate is equal to or higher than a reference water level to stop the supply of the raw water and opens when the water level is lower than the reference water level to supply the raw water; A hot water tank that heats the raw water to generate and store the hot water; a water supply unit that supplies the cold water from the cold water tank when a cold water button installed on an operation panel is pressed, and supplies the hot water from the hot water tank when a hot water button is pressed; A bypass pipe including a bypass valve that is opened during high-temperature water circulation, and circulating hot water heated in the hot water tank to the cold water tank; a control unit that receives water supply information representing the supply of the cold water and / or hot water from the water supply unit, and executes the high-temperature water circulation when no water supply request occurs from the water supply information, and when the hot water tank is full and the cold water tank is at a water level higher than the separation plate, heats up the hot water in the hot water tank and opens the bypass valve, circulating high-temperature water from the hot water tank to the cold water tank through the bypass pipe, and when an alert is generated based on the water supply information indicating that a hot water limit has been reached at which the supply of raw water is exhausted, stops the high-temperature water circulation including raising the temperature of the hot water in the hot water tank and opening the bypass valve; Including water dispensers.

2. An operation processing method for a water server that generates hot water or cold water from raw water, comprising: a cold water tank cooling the raw water to generate and store the cold water; a separation plate is installed in the cold water tank to separate the raw water and the cold water supplied thereto; a valve mechanism that closes the valve when the water level exceeding the separation plate is equal to or higher than a reference water level to stop the supply of the raw water, and opens the valve when the water level is lower than the reference water level to supply the raw water; A hot water tank heats the raw water to generate and store the hot water; a step of a water supply unit supplying the cold water from the cold water tank by pressing a cold water button provided on an operation panel unit, and supplying the hot water from the hot water tank by pressing a hot water button; A bypass pipe includes a bypass valve that is opened during high-temperature water circulation, and the hot water heated in the hot water tank is circulated to the cold water tank. a control unit receiving water supply information representing the supply of the cold water and / or hot water from the water supply unit, executing the high-temperature water circulation when no water supply request is generated from the water supply information, increasing the temperature of the hot water in the hot water tank and opening the bypass valve when the hot water tank is full and the cold water tank is at a water level higher than the separation plate, and circulating high-temperature water from the hot water tank to the cold water tank through the bypass pipe, and stopping the high-temperature water circulation including increasing the temperature of the hot water in the hot water tank and opening the bypass valve when an alert is generated based on the water supply information indicating that a hot water limit has been reached at which the supply of the raw water is exhausted; The present invention relates to a water dispenser operation processing method.

3. An operation processing system for a water server that generates hot water or cold water from raw water, A cold water tank that cools the raw water to generate and store the cold water; A separation plate that is installed in the cold water tank and separates the raw water and the cold water supplied thereto; a valve mechanism that closes when the water level exceeding the separation plate is equal to or higher than a reference water level to stop the supply of the raw water and opens when the water level is lower than the reference water level to supply the raw water; A hot water tank that heats the raw water to generate and store the hot water; a water supply unit that supplies the cold water from the cold water tank when a cold water button installed on an operation panel is pressed, and supplies the hot water from the hot water tank when a hot water button is pressed; A bypass pipe including a bypass valve that is opened during high-temperature water circulation, and circulating hot water heated in the hot water tank to the cold water tank; a control unit that receives water supply information representing the supply of the cold water and / or hot water from the water supply unit, and executes the high-temperature water circulation when no water supply request occurs from the water supply information, and when the hot water tank is full and the cold water tank is at a water level higher than the separation plate, heats up the hot water in the hot water tank and opens the bypass valve, circulating high-temperature water from the hot water tank to the cold water tank through the bypass pipe, and when an alert is generated based on the water supply information indicating that a hot water limit has been reached at which the supply of raw water is exhausted, stops the high-temperature water circulation including raising the temperature of the hot water in the hot water tank and opening the bypass valve; The water dispenser operation processing system includes:

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