water supply system

Abstract

The present invention provides a water supply system that can properly clean the inside of the water tank and maintain the water in the tank in a condition where bacteria are less likely to grow (water temperature below 10°C). [Solution] A vehicle water supply system 1 for supplying water used in cooking equipment, comprising a storage tank 10 and a water supply pipe 2a for supplying water from the storage tank 10 to the outside, wherein the storage tank 10 comprises a storage space 11, a cooler, a water supply means 12 and a drainage means 16, wherein the storage space 11 of the storage tank 10 has an inner wall 11a and a bottom wall 11b that are smooth surfaces without irregularities, and the cross-section of the storage space 11 is similar in shape to the cross-section of the upper opening 11h formed by the upper edge 11h of the inner wall 11a and does not have a cross-section wider than the cross-section of the upper opening 11h, and the storage tank 10 has a lid 15 that closes the upper opening 11h from above.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a water supply system. More specifically, it relates to a water supply system used for supplying water in facilities where places where water is used, such as food trucks and food stalls, can be freely moved.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, the business of providing food and drink by food trucks has been booming. A food truck is equipped with cooking facilities inside an automobile, and can provide food and drink cooked using the cooking facilities inside the vehicle. Such a food truck has the advantage that the capital investment can be reduced compared to a store that provides normal food and drink. In addition, since the place where food and drink are provided can be moved, there is also the advantage that food and drink can be provided at a place and time that meets the needs of customers.

[0003] Food trucks are equipped with a water supply tank for storing water, and by supplying water from this water supply tank, it is possible to wash utensils, cooking utensils, etc. used for cooking and providing food ingredients and food and drink (see Patent Documents 1, 2, etc.).

[0004] However, the water supply tanks installed in food trucks are mostly installed above or below the floor of the vehicle body, near the ceiling part, and moreover, they are often fixed to the vehicle body. Therefore, it is difficult to clean the inside of the water supply tank and maintain it in a clean state. Moreover, usually, a plastic tank is used as the water supply tank, and in summer, etc., as the temperature inside the vehicle rises, the water in the water supply tank also rises to a temperature equivalent to or higher than the outside air temperature. Due to the above circumstances, the inside of the water supply tank of a food truck is in an environment where various bacteria are likely to breed. Therefore, it is necessary to maintain the water in the water supply tank in a situation where the inside of the water supply tank can be appropriately cleaned and various bacteria are unlikely to breed (10°C or lower in the waterworks guidelines).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2014-19282 [Patent Document 2] Patent No. 5408828 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2017-018896 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] Patent Document 3 discloses a water storage tank for a hydrogen water server that has an upper opening that allows the entire inner wall to be visually inspected, so that the degree of dirt on the inner wall can be visually checked by opening the lid of the water storage tank, and cleaning can be easily performed (see paragraph 0010 of Patent Document 3). Furthermore, by making the lid diameter larger than 10 cm, it is possible to directly put a hand into the water storage tank and clean it, so that the inner wall of the water storage tank can be cleaned more thoroughly (see paragraph 0012 of Patent Document 3). In addition, Patent Document 3 discloses that the entire inner wall can be visually inspected when the lid is opened, and that the inner wall can be cleaned with a soft, clean cloth or a soft brush (see paragraph 0012 of Patent Document 3). However, the technology described in Patent Document 1 is a technology for a water storage tank for a hydrogen water server installed indoors, and the environment in which it is used is significantly different from that of a water tank for a food truck. In addition, the amount of water that can be stored inside is also significantly different (food trucks are specified to have capacities of 40L, 80L, or 120L or more), making it difficult to solve the above-mentioned problems of water tanks for food trucks. Similar to food trucks, food stalls also have mobile cooking facilities, but they face similar problems with their water supply systems, including water storage tanks.

[0007] In view of the above circumstances, the present invention aims to provide a water supply system that can properly clean the inside of the water supply tank and maintain the water inside the water supply tank in a condition where bacteria are less likely to grow (water temperature of 10°C or below). [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The water supply system of the first invention is a vehicle water supply system for supplying water used in cooking equipment, comprising a storage tank for storing water and a water supply pipe for supplying the water in the storage tank to the outside, wherein the storage tank comprises a storage space for storing water, a cooler for cooling the water in the storage space, a water supply means for pressurizing and supplying the water in the storage space to the water supply pipe, and a drainage means for discharging the water in the storage space from the bottom of the storage space, wherein the storage space of the storage tank has an inner wall and a bottom wall that are smooth surfaces without irregularities, the cross-section of the storage space is similar in shape to the cross-section of the upper opening formed by the upper edge of the inner wall and does not have a cross-section wider than the cross-section of the upper opening, and the storage tank has a lid that closes the upper opening from above. The water supply system of the second invention is characterized in that, in the first invention, the storage tank is positioned on the floor of the space where the cooking equipment is installed such that the height of the upper opening when the lid is opened is 0.8 to 1.2 m. The water supply system of the third invention is characterized in that, in the first invention, it includes a control unit that controls the water supply by the water supply means, and the control unit controls the operation of the water supply means based on a signal from a faucet provided in the water supply piping, which detects an object using a sensor and switches between a water supply state and a stopped state. The water supply system of the fourth invention is characterized in that, in the third invention, it is equipped with a water supply means for supplying water to the storage space of the storage tank, the water supply means is connected to a water supply pipe that supplies water from the outside and has a water supply unit having a control valve that controls the blocking of communication between the water supply pipe and the storage space, and a water level sensor that detects the water level in the storage space of the storage tank, and the control unit controls the operation of the control valve based on the water level detected by the water level sensor to adjust the amount of water in the storage space of the storage tank. The water supply system of the fifth invention is characterized in that, in the third invention, it has a temperature sensor for detecting the water temperature in the storage space of the storage tank, and the control unit controls the operation of the cooler based on the water temperature detected by the temperature sensor. The water supply system of the sixth invention is characterized in that, in the first invention, it is installed in cooking equipment in a food truck or stall. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the first invention, the water in the storage space of the storage tank can be cooled, so the water in the storage space can be maintained in a state where bacteria are less likely to grow. Also, by removing the lid, a person can easily reach inside and clean it. Moreover, the storage space of the storage tank is formed in a shape that is similar in cross-section to the upper opening formed by the upper edge of the inner wall and does not have a wider cross-section than the upper opening. Furthermore, since the inner wall and bottom wall are smooth surfaces without irregularities, the inner wall and bottom wall are easy to clean and cleaning problems can be prevented. According to the second invention, the storage space inside the storage tank can be easily cleaned simply by removing the lid. According to the third invention, water can be used in a clean manner. According to the fourth invention, the amount of water in the storage space of the storage tank can be appropriately maintained. According to the fifth invention, the state of the water in the storage space of the storage tank can be properly maintained. According to the sixth invention, safe water can be supplied to food trucks and stalls. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram of a vehicle M equipped with the water supply system 1 of this embodiment, where (A) is a side view and (B) is a top view. [Figure 2] This is a schematic diagram of the storage tank 10 of the water supply system 1 of this embodiment, where (A) is a side cross-sectional view and (B) is a plan view with the lid 15 removed. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] The water supply system of this embodiment is a water supply system used in cooking equipment that can properly clean the inside of the water supply tank and maintain the water in the water supply tank in a condition where bacteria are less likely to grow (water temperature of 10°C or below). The facilities in which the cooking equipment employing the water supply system of this embodiment is installed are not particularly limited. For example, food trucks and food stalls are examples, but the system is not limited to these. The water supply system of this embodiment can be used as a water supply system in cooking equipment where it is necessary to use water for cooking and to maintain the hygiene of that water. In the following explanation, we will use the case where the water supply system of this embodiment is adopted in a food truck as a representative example.

[0012] <Water supply system 1 of this embodiment> In Figure 1, the symbol M indicates a vehicle in which the water supply system 1 of this embodiment (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as "water supply system 1") is installed. A sink S, which is cooking equipment, is provided in a space within the vehicle M, such as the cargo compartment, and the water supply system 1 is installed in this space. Note that, in order to simplify the structure, equipment and furnishings within the space of the vehicle M have been omitted in Figure 1.

[0013] As shown in Figure 1, the water supply system 1 includes a storage tank 10 having a storage space 11 (see Figure 2) for storing water, a water supply pipe 2aa for supplying water from the storage space 11 of the storage tank 10 to the outside, and a control unit 20 (see Figure 2) for controlling the storage tank 10.

[0014] The water supply pipe 2a is installed in the space inside the vehicle M, and its proximal end is communicated with the storage space 11 via the water supply means 12 of the storage tank 10 (see FIG. 2). Further, the distal end of the water supply pipe 2a is arranged at the sink S, and a faucet 2f is provided at this distal end. And the water supply means 12 (see FIG. 2) has a function of pressurizing and supplying the water in the storage space 11 into the water supply pipe 2a. Therefore, when the faucet 2f is opened, the water in the storage space 11 of the storage tank 10 can be used at the sink S through the water supply pipe 2a.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 2, the storage tank 10 has a main body portion 10s that houses various devices and the like. This main body portion 10s has a first accommodation chamber 10a in which the tank body 11s is accommodated, and a second accommodation chamber 10b that is separated from the first accommodation chamber 10a and in which the cold air generating device 13a of the cooler, the water supply means 12, and the control unit 20 are accommodated.

[0016] The tank body 11s is installed in the first accommodation chamber 10a of the main body portion 10s. This tank body 11s is formed with a storage space 11 for storing water inside. The first accommodation chamber 10a and the tank body 11s have a structure that can cool the water stored in the tank body 11s, that is, in the storage space 11 of the tank body 11s, by the refrigerant generated by the cold air generating device 13a of the cooler described later. Note that the mechanism and method by which the cooler cools the water in the storage space 11 by the refrigerant are not particularly limited, and a structure equivalent to that of a refrigerating chamber of a general refrigerator or the like can be adopted.

[0017] The storage space 11 of this tank body 11s is a bottomed cylindrical space with an open upper portion having an inner side wall 11a and a bottom wall 11b. The inner side wall 11a and the bottom wall 11b of this storage space 11 are formed as smooth surfaces. That is, the entire inner surface of the storage space 11 is a smooth surface without irregularities. The material forming this tank body 11s is not particularly limited as long as it is difficult to form scratches when washed and is easy to maintain a smooth surface. For example, it is desirable to form the tank body 11s with a metal plate such as stainless steel. In addition, the inner wall 11a and the bottom wall 11b of the storage space 11 are provided with openings that communicate with a water supply means 12 and a drainage means 16 as described later. In this specification, the statement that "the inner wall 11a and the bottom wall 11b of the storage space 11 are smooth surfaces without irregularities" means that the region excluding the irregularities necessary for providing the openings that communicate with the water supply means 12 and the drainage means 16 described above and the irregularities that inevitably occur for providing the openings is a smooth surface without irregularities.

[0018] Also, the storage space 11 is formed such that it has substantially the same cross-sectional shape from the upper end edge to the lower end (i.e., the bottom wall 11b) with respect to the upper opening of the storage space 11, that is, the opening formed by the upper end edge of the inner wall 11a of the storage space 11 (hereinafter referred to as the "upper end opening 11h"). That is, the storage space 11 is formed such that each cross-section orthogonal to the vertical direction is similar to the cross-section of the upper end opening 11h and has the same size as the cross-section of the upper end opening 11h or a smaller cross-section than the cross-section of the upper end opening 11h. In other words, the storage space 11 is formed in a shape that does not have a cross-section wider than the cross-section of the upper end opening 11h.

[0019] The storage tank 10 is provided with a lid 15 that closes the upper end opening 11h of the storage space 11. This lid 15 is connected to the main body portion 10s such that the other end edge (the left end edge in FIG. 2) can swing with one end edge (the right end edge in FIG. 2) as a fulcrum. That is, the lid 15 can swing the other end edge up and down. When one end edge approaches the main body portion 10s (i.e., when the lid 15 is closed), the upper end opening 11h of the storage space 11 can be hermetically and liquid-tightly closed from the outside by the lower surface 15b of the lid 15. Conversely, when one end edge is separated from the main body portion 10s (i.e., when the lid 15 is opened), the upper end opening 11h of the storage space 11 can be completely opened.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 2, in the second accommodation chamber 10b, a cold air generation device 13a of a cooler is provided. This cold air generation device 13a is used to generate a refrigerant that lowers a refrigerant or the like to a predetermined temperature and cools the water stored in the storage space 11 of the tank body 11s.

[0021] As shown in Figure 2, a water supply means 12 is provided in the second storage chamber 10b. This water supply means 12 has the function of supplying water from the storage space 11 to the water supply pipe 2a. For example, a general-purpose pump can be used as the water supply means 12.

[0022] As shown in Figure 2, the second storage chamber 10b is equipped with a control unit 20 that controls the operation of the cooler's cold air generator 13a and the water supply means 12. For example, the control unit 20 has the function of controlling the operation of the cooler's cold air generator 13a based on the water temperature detected by a temperature sensor 21 that detects the water temperature in the storage space 11 of the storage tank 10, thereby maintaining the water temperature in the storage space 11 at a constant temperature (for example, around 4 to 10°C).

[0023] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2, a drainage means 16 is provided below the storage space 11 in the main body 11s. This drainage means 16 includes a drain valve 16a provided in the bottom wall 11b of the storage space 11 to block communication between the inside and outside of the storage space 11, and a drain pipe 16b connected to the drain valve 16a. The drainage means 16 can drain water from the storage space 11 to the outside through the drain pipe 16b by opening the drain valve 16a, and can seal the inside of the storage space 11 from the outside in an airtight and liquidtight manner by closing the drain valve 16a. Since the valve 16a of the drainage means 16 is provided in the bottom wall 11b of the storage space 11, water from the storage space 11 can be reliably drained.

[0024] Because of the structure described above, when the lid 15 is closed with water stored in the storage space 11, the storage space 11 can be kept airtight and liquid-tight from the outside. Then, when the water in the storage space 11 is cooled by the cooling means 12, the water in the storage space 11 can be cooled to a predetermined temperature (for example, 10°C) and maintained at that temperature. As a result, even if the space inside the vehicle M in which the water supply system 1 is installed becomes hot, the water in the storage space 11 can be kept in a condition where bacteria are less likely to grow.

[0025] Furthermore, when the lid 15 is opened, the upper end opening 11h of the storage space 11 is opened, allowing a person to easily reach into the storage space 11 and clean the inner wall 11a and bottom wall 11b of the storage space 11. Moreover, the storage space 11 of the storage tank 10 is formed in a shape that does not have a cross-section wider than the cross-section of the upper end opening 11h, and the inner wall 11a and bottom wall 11b are smooth surfaces without irregularities, making it easy to clean the inner wall 11a and bottom wall 11b and preventing cleaning failures.

[0026] In particular, if the storage tank 10 is positioned on the floor of the vehicle M where the cooking equipment is installed, with the lid 15 open, the height H (see Figure 1(A)) of the upper opening 11h of the storage space 11 of the storage tank 10 is 0.8 to 1.2 m, then a worker can easily reach the bottom wall 11b by putting their hand into the storage space 11 of the storage tank 10. This makes cleaning the storage space 11 of the storage tank 10 easier and prevents cleaning failures.

[0027] <Regarding Lid 15> In the example described above, the case in which the lid 15 swings open and closed was explained, but the structure in which the lid 15 seals the upper opening 11h of the storage space 11 airtight and liquid-tight from the outside is not particularly limited. For example, the entire lid 15 may be designed to be completely removable from the main body 10s of the storage tank 10, or it may be a sliding lid. Furthermore, the mechanism for sealing the upper opening 11h of the storage space 11 airtight and liquid-tight from the outside when the lid 15 is closed is not particularly limited. For example, a packing or the like can be provided on the lower surface 15b of the lid 15 or the upper edge of the tank body 11s. Furthermore, if a fixing member is provided to secure the lid 15 by pressing it against the upper opening 11h of the storage space 11 when the lid 15 is closed, it is possible to reliably maintain a state in which the upper opening 11h of the storage space 11 is sealed airtight and liquid-tight from the outside when the lid 15 is closed. For example, this state can be achieved by connecting the lid 15 and the tank body 11s with a so-called snap lock.

[0028] <Regarding the water supply method> In the water supply system 1, when the amount of water in the storage space 11 of the storage tank 10 decreases, the lid 15 may be removed, or a water inlet may be provided on the lid 15, etc., and water may be poured into the storage space 11 from this inlet, so that a predetermined amount of water is maintained in the storage space 11.

[0029] On the other hand, if water is used continuously, water may be automatically injected into the storage space 11 of the storage tank 10 so that a predetermined amount or more of water is maintained in the storage space 11. For example, as shown in Figure 2, the main body 10s is provided with a water injection unit 31 connected to a water injection pipe (for example, a hose connected to a water tap) that supplies water from the outside. This water injection unit 31 is equipped with a control valve 32, such as a solenoid valve, that connects or disconnects the water injection pipe sp to the storage space 11 of the storage tank 10. In addition, a water level sensor 33 is provided in the storage space 11 of the storage tank 10 to detect the water level in the storage space 11. The signal from the water level sensor 33, that is, the signal regarding the water level in the storage space 11 of the storage tank 10, is supplied to the control unit 20. If a solenoid valve is provided as the control valve 32, the control unit 20 is provided with a function to control the opening and closing of the control valve 32 based on the signal from the water level sensor 33. When the water level detected by the water level sensor 33 falls below a certain level, the control unit 20 instructs the control valve 32 to open, allowing water supplied from the water injection pipe sp to be supplied to the storage space 11 through the control valve 32. On the other hand, when the water level detected by the water level sensor 33 falls below a certain level, the control unit 20 instructs the control valve 32 to close, stopping the supply of water from the water injection pipe sp. This allows the amount of water in the storage space 11 of the storage tank 10 to be maintained above a certain level, ensuring stable water use.

[0030] In the above example, a solenoid valve was used as the control valve 32, and the control valve 32 was automatically opened and closed by a signal from the control unit 20. However, the control valve 32 may also be operated manually. In this case, the control unit 20 is provided with a function to inform a person of the water level based on a signal from the water level sensor 33. For example, if the control unit 20 is provided with a function to emit an alarm sound such as a buzzer when the water level falls below or rises above a certain level, a person who hears the alarm can operate the control valve 32 to start and stop the water flow.

[0031] <Regarding the water supply means 12 and faucet 2f> The water supply means 12 only needs to have the function of pressurizing and supplying water from the storage space 11 to the water supply pipe 2a, and for example, an electric pump can be used. Furthermore, the faucet 2f can be a general lever-type faucet operated by a person to open and close, or a faucet equipped with a motion sensor. In particular, it is desirable to have a faucet that is operated by a sensor, such as a motion sensor, to open and close. For example, a faucet can be used that uses a sensor to detect whether or not an object is present in a predetermined location or space, and discharges water while the object is present in the predetermined location or space, or for a certain period of time after the object is detected, and stops discharging water when the sensor no longer detects an object or when a predetermined period of time has elapsed. If such a faucet is used, the signal from the faucet sensor is supplied to the control unit 20, and the control unit 20 controls the operation of the water supply means 12 based on the sensor signal, allowing for efficient and clean water use.

[0032] <Regarding the suction / discharge valve 17> If the pressure inside the storage space 11 of the storage tank 10 becomes too high or too low, the water supply may not be efficient. Therefore, it is desirable to maintain a constant pressure inside the storage space 11 of the storage tank 10. For example, a suction / discharge valve 17 that connects and disconnects the storage space 11 of the storage tank 10 to the outside may be provided on the lid 15 or the like. However, if the amount of water supplied increases and the amount of water decreases, the pressure inside the storage space 11 will decrease because it is sealed airtight and liquid-tight, which may increase the resistance of the water supply means 12 and cause water supply problems. Also, if the amount of water increases due to water injection, the pressure inside the storage space 11 will increase, which may reduce the airtightness of the storage space 11. Therefore, if the storage space 11 is to be kept airtight and liquid-tight from the outside and sealed, it is desirable to provide a suction / discharge valve 17 on the lid 15 or the like to maintain a constant pressure inside the storage space 11 of the storage tank 10. The suction / discharge valve 17 is not particularly limited as long as it can maintain a constant pressure in the storage space 11 of the storage tank 10. For example, a general relief valve or check valve can be used as the suction / discharge valve 17. [Industrial applicability]

[0033] The water supply system of the present invention is a system for supplying cooking water, drinking water, and washing water for washing dishes, etc., used in food trucks, stalls, etc., and is suitable as a water supply facility that can ensure compliance with the regulations under the Food Sanitation Act. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0034] 1. Water supply system 2a Water supply piping 2f faucet 10 Storage tanks 10s Main Unit 11s tank body 11 Storage space 11a Inside wall 11b Bottom wall 11h Top opening 12 Water supply means 13 Cooler 13a Cold air generator 15 Lid 16 Drainage means 20 Control Unit 21 Temperature sensor 31 Water Inlet 32 Control valve 33 Water level sensor M Vehicle S Sink

Claims

1. A water supply system that supplies water for use in cooking equipment, A storage tank for storing water, It is equipped with a water supply pipe for supplying water from the storage tank to the outside, The aforementioned storage tank is A storage space for storing water, A cooler for cooling the water in the storage space, A water supply means for pressurizing and supplying the water in the storage space to the water supply pipe, The storage space is equipped with a drainage means for discharging water from the bottom of the storage space, The storage space of the aforementioned storage tank is The inner wall and bottom wall are smooth surfaces without irregularities. The cross-section of the storage space is formed to be similar in shape to the cross-section of the upper opening formed by the upper edge of the inner wall, and not wider than the cross-section of the upper opening. The aforementioned storage tank is It has a cover that closes the upper end opening from above. A water supply system characterized by the following features.

2. The aforementioned storage tank, The lid is positioned on the floor of the space where the cooking equipment is installed such that the height of the upper opening when the upper opening is opened by the lid is 0.8 to 1.2 m. The water supply system according to claim 1, characterized in that it is as described above.

3. It includes a control unit that controls the water supply by the water supply means. The control unit is The operation of the water supply means is controlled based on a signal from a faucet, which is provided in the water supply piping and detects an object using a sensor, and switches between a water supply state and a stopped state. The water supply system according to claim 1, characterized in that it is as described above.

4. The storage tank is equipped with a water injection means for pouring water into the storage space of the storage tank. The water injection means is A water injection unit is connected to a water injection pipe that supplies water from the outside, and has a control valve that controls the blocking of communication between the water injection pipe and the storage space, The storage tank has a water level sensor that detects the water level in the storage space of the storage tank, The control unit, The operation of the control valve is controlled based on the water level detected by the water level sensor to adjust the amount of water in the storage space of the storage tank. The water supply system according to claim 3, characterized in that it is as described above.

5. The storage tank has a temperature sensor that detects the water temperature in the storage space, The control unit, The operation of the cooler is controlled based on the water temperature detected by the temperature sensor. The water supply system according to claim 3, characterized in that it is as described above.

6. It is installed in the cooking equipment of food trucks and stalls. The water supply system according to claim 1, characterized in that it is as described above.

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