U.S. patent application number 10/576344 was filed with the patent office on 2007-06-07 for apparatus for supplying mineral water.
This patent application is currently assigned to SANDEN CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Miwako Ito, Kazushige Watanabe.
Application Number | 20070129265 10/576344 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34463322 |
Filed Date | 2007-06-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070129265 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ito; Miwako ; et
al. |
June 7, 2007 |
Apparatus for supplying mineral water
Abstract
By supplying DC to electrodes (142a and 142b), chlorine-ion
containing water is electrolyzed and acid water and alkali water
are generated. Mineral eluted substances (141) react with the acid
water to elute mineral components. Moreover, by electrolyzing the
chlorine-ion containing water, the hypochlorous concentration of
the chlorine-ion containing water increases. Mineral water is led
into a cold water storage tank (4). Thereby, mineral water is
supplied from the cold water storage tank (4) and moreover,
breeding of bacteria is restrained in the cold water storage tank
(4).
Inventors: |
Ito; Miwako; (Saitama,
JP) ; Watanabe; Kazushige; (Gunma, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BANNER & WITCOFF, LTD.
1100 13th STREET, N.W.
SUITE 1200
WASHINGTON
DC
20005-4051
US
|
Assignee: |
SANDEN CORPORATION
20, Kotobuki-cho Isesaki-shi
Gunma
JP
372-8502
|
Family ID: |
34463322 |
Appl. No.: |
10/576344 |
Filed: |
June 18, 2004 |
PCT Filed: |
June 18, 2004 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/JP04/08597 |
371 Date: |
April 18, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
508/313 |
Current CPC
Class: |
C02F 1/28 20130101; C02F
1/44 20130101; C02F 2201/4617 20130101; C02F 1/76 20130101; C02F
1/68 20130101; C02F 2101/12 20130101; C02F 2303/04 20130101; C02F
1/4618 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
508/313 |
International
Class: |
C10M 135/04 20060101
C10M135/04 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Oct 20, 2003 |
JP |
2003-358977 |
Claims
1. An apparatus for supplying mineral water comprising: a mineral
water generation means having an electrolytic bath in which
chlorine-ion containing water is stored, a mineral eluting
electrode for applying a DC voltage to chlorine-ion containing
water to electrolyze the chlorine-ion containing water, and a
mineral eluted substance containing a mineral component that is
eluted by electrolytic water of chlorine-on containing water; a
mineral water leading means for leading the mineral water generated
by the mineral water generation means; a cold water storage tank in
which the mineral water led through the mineral water leading means
is stored and cooled; and a cold water supply means for supplying
the mineral water in the cold water storage tank.
2. An apparatus for supplying mineral water comprising: A mineral
water generation means having an electrolytic bath in which
chlorine-ion containing water is stored, a mineral eluting
electrode for applying a DC voltage to the chlorine-ion containing
water to electrolyze the chlorine-ion containing water, and a
mineral eluted substance containing a mineral component that is
eluted by electrolytic water of chlorine-on containing water; a
mineral water leading means for leading the mineral water generated
by the mineral water generation means; a cold water storage tank in
which the mineral water led through the mineral water leading means
is stored and cooled; a cold water supply means for supplying the
mineral water in the cold water storage tank; a hot water storage
tank in which the mineral water lead through the mineral water
leading means is stored and heated; and a hot water supply means
for supplying the mineral water in the hot water storage tank.
3. The apparatus for supplying mineral water according to claim 2,
wherein the mineral water leading means has a pump for forcibly
supplying the mineral water generated by the mineral water
generation means to the cold water storage tank and the hot water
storage tank.
4. The apparatus for supplying mineral water according to claim 3,
wherein the mineral water leading means has a purifying bath for
purifying mineral water.
5. The apparatus for supplying mineral water according to claim 4,
wherein at least one purifying bath is included and a purifying
member constituted by active carbon or a purifying member
constituted by both the active carbon and a hollow-yarn film is
packed into the purifying bath.
6. The apparatus for supplying mineral water according to claim 4,
wherein a mineral-water generation and purifying portion having the
mineral water generation means, the purifying bath, and the pump
and a cold-and-hot water generation portion having the cold water
storage tank, the hot water storage tank, the cold water supply
means and the hot water supply means is included, the cold-and-hot
water generation portion has a mineral water storage tank for
supplying mineral water to the cold water storage tank and the hot
water storage tank, and the mineral water leading means connects
the mineral water generation and purifying portion and the
cold-and-hot water generation portion so that they can be
separated.
7. The apparatus for supplying mineral water according to claim 4,
wherein a water supply pipe for supplying the chlorine-ion
containing water to the electrolytic bath is included, and a
pre-active carbon filter system for purifying chlorine-ion
containing water is set to the water supply pipe.
8. The apparatus for supplying mineral water according to claim 4,
wherein a return pipe for leading the mineral water in the cold
water storage tank to the electrolytic bath is included, and an
opening/closing valve for controlling circulation of mineral water
is set to the return pipe.
9. The apparatus for supplying mineral water according to claim 8,
wherein a bypass pipe is included which leads the mineral water
generated by the mineral water generation means to the cold water
storage tank and the hot water storage tank by bypassing the
purifying bath.
10. The apparatus for supplying mineral water according to claim 8,
wherein the cold water supply means has a cold water supply valve
for controlling supply of mineral water and the hot water supply
means has a hot water supply valve for controlling supply of
mineral water.
11. The apparatus for supplying mineral water according to claim 9,
wherein the cold water supply means has a cold water supply valve
for controlling supply of mineral water and the hot water supply
means has a hot water supply valve for controlling supply of
mineral water.
12. The apparatus for supplying mineral water according to claim
10, wherein when the cold water supply valve and the hot water
supply valve are closed for a predetermined time, the mineral water
in the electrolytic bath is supplied through the mineral water
leading means to the cold water storage tank, and the mineral water
in the cold water storage tank is returned through the return pipe
to the electrolytic bath.
13. The apparatus for supplying mineral water according to claim
11, wherein when the cold water supply valve and the hot water
supply valve are closed for a predetermined time, the mineral water
in the electrolytic bath is supplied through the bypass pipe to the
cold water storage tank, and the mineral water in the cold water
storage tank is returned through the return pipe to the
electrolytic bath.
14. The apparatus for supplying mineral water according to claim
12, wherein when the cold water supply valve and the hot water
supply valve are closed for the predetermined time, the DC voltage
is applied to the chlorine-ion containing water through the mineral
eluting electrode.
15. The apparatus for supplying mineral water according to claim
13, wherein when the cold water supply valve and the hot water
supply valve are closed for the predetermined time, the DC voltage
is applied to the chlorine-ion containing water through the mineral
eluting electrode.
16. The apparatus for supplying mineral water according to claim
14, wherein when the cold water supply valve and the hot water
supply valve are closed for the predetermined time, and the DC
voltage is applied to the chlorine ion-containing water through the
mineral eluting electrode, a polarity is changed.
17. The apparatus for supplying mineral water according to claim
15, wherein when the cold water supply valve and the hot water
supply valve are closed for the predetermined time, and the DC
voltage is applied to the chlorine-ion containing water through the
mineral eluting electrode, a polarity is changed.
18. An apparatus for supplying mineral water comprising: a mineral
water generation means having an electrolytic bath in which
chlorine-ion containing water is stored, a mineral eluting
electrode for applying a DC voltage to the chlorine-ion containing
water to electrolyze the chlorine-ion containing water, and a
mineral eluted substance containing a mineral component that is
eluted by electrolytic water of chlorine-on containing water; a
mineral water leading means for leading the mineral water generated
by the mineral water generation means; a cold water storage tank in
which the mineral water led through the mineral water leading means
is stored and cooled; a cold water supply means for supplying the
mineral water in the cold water storage tank; a hot water storage
tank in which the mineral water led through the mineral water
leading means is stored and heated; a hot water supply means for
supplying the mineral water in the hot water storage tank; a carbon
dioxide gas cylinder in which carbon dioxide gas is stored; and a
carbon dioxide gas supply means for leading the carbon dioxide gas
in the carbon dioxide gas cylinder to the cold water supply
means.
19. An apparatus for supplying mineral water comprising: a mineral
water generation means having an electrolytic bath in which
chlorine-ion containing water is stored, a mineral eluting
electrode for electrolyzing the chlorine-ion containing water, and
a mineral eluted substance containing a mineral component that is
eluted by electrolytic water of chlorine-on containing water; a
mineral water leading means for leading the mineral water generated
by the mineral water generation means; a hot water storage tank in
which the mineral water led through the mineral water leading means
is stored and heated; a hot water supply means for supplying the
mineral water in the hot water storage tank; a cold water storage
tank in which the mineral water led through the mineral water
leading means is stored and cooled; a cold water supply means for
supplying the mineral water in the cold water storage tank; a
carbon dioxide gas cylinder in which carbon dioxide gas is stored;
and a carbon dioxide gas supply means for leading the carbon
dioxide gas in the carbon dioxide gas cylinder to the cold water
storage tank.
20. An apparatus for supplying mineral water comprising: a mineral
water generation means having a mineral eluting electrode for
applying a DC voltage to chlorine-ion containing water to
electrolyze chlorine-ion containing water and mineral eluted
substances from which mineral components are eluted; a cold water
storage tank in which the mineral water led through the mineral
water leading means is stored and cooled; a cold water supply means
for supplying the mineral water in the cold water storage tank; a
hot water storage tank in which the mineral water led through the
mineral water leading means is stored and heated; a hot water
supply means for supplying the mineral water in the hot water
storage tank; a carbonator tank in which the mineral water led by
the mineral water leading means is stored; a carbon dioxide gas
cylinder for leading the carbon dioxide gas in the carbon dioxide
gas cylinder to the carbonator tank; and a carbon dioxide gas
supply means for leading the carbon dioxide gas in the carbon
dioxide gas cylinder to the carbonator tank.
21. The apparatus for supplying mineral water according to claim
19, wherein an another carbon dioxide gas supply means is included
which leads the carbon dioxide gas in the carbon dioxide gas
cylinder to the hot water storage tank.
22. The apparatus for supplying mineral water according to claim
21, wherein a drain means is set to the hot water supply means.
23. The apparatus for supplying mineral water according to claim
19, wherein a carbonated water supply pipe for leading the
carbonated water generated by the cold water storage tank to the
hot water storage tank and a valve mechanism for alternately
controlling the flow of the carbonated water led to the hot water
storage tank through the carbonated water supply pipe and the flow
of the mineral water led to the hot water storage tank through the
mineral water leading means are included.
24. The apparatus for supplying mineral water according to claim
19, wherein the following are included: a carbonated water supply
pipe for leading the carbonated water generated by the carbonator
tank and a valve mechanism for alternately controlling the flow of
the carbonated water led to the hot water storage tank through the
carbonated water supply pipe and the flow of the mineral water led
to the hot water storage tank through the mineral water leading
means.
25. The apparatus for supplying mineral water according to claim
19, wherein a gas circulation pipe is included which leads the
carbonated water stored in the carbon dioxide gas cylinder to the
mineral water leading means.
26. The apparatus for supplying mineral water according to claim
19, wherein a carbonated water supply pipe is included which leads
the carbonated water in the cold water storage tank to the mineral
water leading means.
27. The apparatus for supplying mineral water according to claim
20, wherein a carbonated water supply pipe is included which leads
the carbonated water in the cold water storage tank to the mineral
water leading means.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus for supplying
mineral water for cooling or heating and supplying drinking water
such as natural water.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] The apparatus for supplying mineral water disclosed in
Japanese Patent Publication No. 2000-335691 has been known so far
as this type of apparatus for supplying mineral water.
[0003] This apparatus for supplying mineral water has a mineral
water storage tank in which mineral water is stored, a cold water
storage tank in which mineral water led out of the mineral water
storage tank is stored and cooled, and a hot water storage tank in
which mineral water led out of a mineral water vessel is stored and
heated. When a user wants cold water, the mineral water in the cold
water storage tank is supplied or when the user wants hot water,
the mineral water in the hot water storage tank is supplied.
[0004] In the case of this apparatus for supplying mineral water,
because the temperature of the hot water in the hot water storage
tank is kept at 80 to 90.degree. C., preventive measures for
breeding of bacteria in the hot water storage tank are not greatly
necessary. However, when cold water is stored in the cold water
storage tank for a long time, bacteria may breed in the cold water
storage tank. Therefore, it is indispensable to clean the cold
water tank or purify the mineral water in the cold water storage
tank.
[0005] Therefore, in this apparatus for supplying mineral water, an
ultraviolet sterilizer is set in the cold water storage tank to
prevent bacteria from breeding by applying ultraviolet radiation
into the cold water storage tank from the ultraviolet lamp of the
ultraviolet sterilizer to prevent bacteria from breeding.
[0006] [Patent Document 1]: Japanese Patent Publication No.
2000-335691
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
Problems to be Solved by the Invention
[0007] However, in the case of a conventional apparatus for
supplying mineral water, because an ultraviolet lamp is a
consumable having a short service life, ultraviolet lamps must be
frequently replaced and the running cost may increase.
[0008] Moreover, a cleaning method different from that of the
apparatus for supplying mineral water is proposed. The cleaning
method is a method for regularly administering a medicine to a cold
water storage tank to restrain breeding of bacteria in the cold
water storage tank or kill the bacteria.
[0009] However, when using the cleaning method, a medicine must be
regularly administered without fail and therefore, this is
troublesome.
[0010] The present invention is made to solve the above problems
and its object is to provide an apparatus for supplying mineral
water capable of generating mineral water by a mineral water
generation unit and at the same time, increasing the concentration
of hypochlorous acid and efficiently sterilizing a cold water
storage tank.
MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEMS
[0011] An apparatus for supplying mineral water of the present
invention includes a mineral water generation means having an
electrolytic bath in which chlorine-ion containing water is stored,
a mineral eluting electrode for applying a DC voltage to the
chlorine-ion containing water to electrolyze the chlorine-ion
containing water, and a mineral eluted substance, a mineral water
leading means for leading the mineral water generated by the
mineral water generation means, a cold water storage tank in which
the mineral water led through the mineral water leading means is
stored and cooled, and cold water supply means for supplying the
mineral water in the cold water storage tank.
[0012] According to the present invention, by supplying a DC to a
mineral water eluting electrode, chlorine-ion containing water is
electrolyzed and acid water and alkali water are generated. The
mineral eluted substance reacts with acid water to elute a mineral
component. Moreover, by electrolyzing the chlorine-ion containing
water, the concentration of hypochlorous acid of chlorine-ion
containing water increases. As a result, mineral water having an
increased hypochlorous concentration is generated. This mineral
water is led to a cold water storage tank through the mineral water
leading means.
[0013] Moreover, it is also allowed to set a return pipe for
returning the cold water in the cold water storage tank to the
mineral water generation means and circulating mineral water
between the cold water storage tank and the mineral water
generation unit. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the
hypochlorous concentration in the cold water storage tank from
decreasing.
[0014] Furthermore, it is allowed to supply carbon dioxide gas from
a carbon dioxide cylinder into the cold water storage tank. As a
result, because carbonated water is generated in the cold water
storage tank, breeding of bacteria is restrained by the
bactericidal function of the carbonated water.
ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION
[0015] According to the present invention, mineral water is
supplied from a cold water storage tank and moreover, mineral water
having an increased hypochlorous concentration is stored in the
cold water storage tank. Therefore, breeding of bacteria is
restrained in the cold water storage tank and thereby, an
ultraviolet sterilizer for sterilizing the mineral water is
unnecessary.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] FIG. 1 is a water circuit diagram of an apparatus for
supplying mineral water of first embodiment;
[0017] FIG. 2 is a front sectional view of a mineral water
generation unit of the first embodiment;
[0018] FIG. 3 is a side sectional view of the mineral water
generation unit of the first embodiment;
[0019] FIG. 4 is a water circuit diagram of an apparatus for
supplying mineral water of second embodiment;
[0020] FIG. 5 is a water circuit diagram of an apparatus for
supplying mineral water of third embodiment;
[0021] FIG. 6 is a water circuit diagram of an apparatus for
supplying mineral water of fourth embodiment;
[0022] FIG. 7 is a water circuit diagram of an apparatus for
supplying mineral water of fifth embodiment;
[0023] FIG. 8 is a water circuit diagram of an apparatus for
supplying mineral water of sixth embodiment;
[0024] FIG. 9 is a water circuit diagram of an apparatus for
supplying mineral water of seventh embodiment;
[0025] FIG. 10 is a water circuit diagram of an apparatus for
supplying mineral water of eighth embodiment;
[0026] FIG. 11 is a water circuit diagram of an apparatus for
supplying mineral water of ninth embodiment;
[0027] FIG. 12 is a water circuit diagram of an apparatus for
supplying mineral water of tenth embodiment;
[0028] FIG. 13 is a water circuit diagram of an apparatus for
supplying mineral water of eleventh embodiment;
[0029] FIG. 14 is a water circuit diagram of an apparatus for
supplying mineral water of twelfth embodiment; and
[0030] FIG. 15 is a water circuit diagram of an apparatus for
supplying mineral water of thirteenth embodiment.
DESCRIPTION SYMBOLS
[0031] 1 mineral water generation means [0032] 2 and 2a purifying
bath [0033] 3 pump [0034] 4 cold water storage tank [0035] 4a
carbonator tank [0036] 5 hot water storage tank [0037] 11 carbon
dioxide cylinder [0038] 140 electrolytic bath [0039] 142a and 142b
electrodes [0040] A mineral-water generation and purifying portion
[0041] B cold-and-hot generation portion
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0042] FIGS. 1 to 3 show first embodiment of an apparatus for
supplying mineral water of the present invention. First, a
schematic configuration of the apparatus for supplying mineral
water is described by referring to FIG. 1.
[0043] The apparatus for supplying mineral water has a mineral
water generation unit 1 for generating mineral water, purifying
bath 2, pump 3, cold water storage tank 4, hot water storage tank
5, cold water supply valve 6a, hot water supply valve 6b, and water
supply valve 6c.
[0044] The water supply valve 6c is set to a water supply pipe 7a
for supplying tap water (chlorine-ion containing water) to the
water generation unit 1. The mineral water discharged from the
mineral water generation unit 1 is supplied to the purifying bath 2
through a first leading pipe 8a. The pump 3 is set to a second
leading pipe 8b. The front end of the second leading pipe 8b is
branched into two pipes. The front end of one branch pipe 8b1 is
connected to the cold water storage tank 4 and the front end of the
other branch pipe 8b2 is connected to the hot water storage tank 5.
Cold water supplied from the cold water storage tank 4 is supplied
to a pumper through a cold water supply pipe 8c. The cold water
supply valve 6a for controlling circulation of cold water is set to
the cold water supply pipe 8c. Hot water supplied from the hot
water storage tank 5 is supplied to the user through a hot water
supply pipe 8d. The hot water supply valve 6b for controlling
circulation of hot water is set to the hot water supply pipe
8d.
[0045] In this case, the first leading pipe 8a, second leading pipe
8b, branch pipes 8b1 and 8b2, purifying bath 2, and pump 3
constitute mineral water leading means for leading the mineral
water discharged from the mineral water generation unit 1 to the
cold water storage tank 4 and hot water storage tank 5.
[0046] In the case of these pipes of water units, the mineral water
generation unit 1 is constituted as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. The
mineral water generation unit 1 has a flat boxy bath body 110. The
inside of the bath body 110 is partitioned into an upper portion
and a lower portion through a partition plate 120. A storage bath
130 to which tap water are supplied is formed above the partition
plate 120. An electrolytic bath 140 for electrolyzing chlorine-ion
containing water is formed under the partition plate 120.
[0047] A water leading tube 131 to which the front end of the water
supply pipe 7a is connected is set to the upper plate of the
storage bath 130. Thereby, tap water is led into the storage bath
130 through the water leading tube 131. Moreover, a water level
detector 132 is set to the storage bath 130. The water level
detector 132 is constituted by a float 132a and microswitch 132b.
The float 132a vertically moves by following the water level of the
storage bath 130. The microswitch 132b detects upper and lower
positions of the float 132a. The water supply valve 6c is
controlled so as to be opened or closed in accordance with a
detection signal of the microswitch 132b and the water level of the
storage bath 130 is maintained at a predetermined level.
Furthermore, a guide plate 133 is set in the storage bath 130. The
guide plate 133 guides the tap water incoming from the water
leading tube 131 to a position close to the center of the storage
bath 130 so that the tap water circulates around the whole of the
storage bath 130. When water of allowable quantity or more enters
the storage bath 130, water is discharged to the outside of the
storage bath 130 through an overflow pipe 134.
[0048] The electrolytic bath 140 includes a plurality of mineral
eluted substances 141 packed into a flat case and a plurality of
electrodes 142a and 142b. The mineral eluted substances 141 and the
electrodes 142a and 142b are alternately set. The mineral eluted
substances 141 use granulated or powdered coral sand, granite
porphyry, or mineral stone. Moreover, the electrodes 142a and 142b
are connected to an external DC power source. When supplying DC to
the electrodes 142a and 142b at the both sides of the mineral
eluted substances 141, mineral components are eluted from the
mineral eluted substances 141.
[0049] A step of eluting the mineral components is described below
in detail. When supplying DC to the electrodes 142a and 142b, a DC
voltage is applied to chlorine-ion containing water. By applying
the DC voltage, a reaction of
4H.sub.2O.fwdarw.4H.sup.++2O.sub.2+4e.sup.- occurs at the positive
electrode 142a side, the hydrogen ion concentration increases, and
acid water is generated. At the negative electrode 142b side, a
reaction of 4H.sub.2O+4e.sup.-.fwdarw.2H.sub.2+4OH.sup.- occurs and
alkali water is generated. Then, the mineral eluted substance 141
(such as calcium carbonate; CaCO.sub.3) reacts with acid water to
become CaCO.sub.3+2H.sup.+.fwdarw.Ca.sup.2++H.sub.2O+CO.sub.2 and
mineral ions (Ca.sup.2+) are eluted.
[0050] The terminal 142c of the electrodes 142a and 142b penetrates
the partition plate 120, protrudes from the upper plate of the
storage bath 130, and connects with a power source.
[0051] A confluent chamber 150 for making the mineral water
generated in the electrolytic bath 140 interflow under the
electrolytic bath 140. The mineral water in the confluent chamber
150 is led out to the first leading pipe 8a through the leading
tube 151.
[0052] By constituting the mineral water generation unit 1 as
described above, water flows as shown by arrows in FIGS. 1 and 2.
That is, tap water flows from the water supply pipe 7a to the water
leading tube 131, partition plate 120, electrolytic bath 140,
confluent chamber 150, and leading tube 151 and mineral water is
led out to the first leading pipe 8a.
[0053] A filter of active carbon or the like is packed into the
purifying bath 2. When mineral water passes through the filter,
lime smell, mold smell, trihalomethane, and organic substance are
adsorbed and removed.
[0054] A cooling coil 41 is wound around the cooling water storage
tank 4. The refrigerant of a not-illustrated refrigerator
circulates in the cooling coil 41. Thereby, the mineral water in
the cooling water storage tank 4 is cooled.
[0055] The hot water storage tank 5 includes a heater 51. The
mineral water in the hot water storage tank 5 is heated by the
heater 51.
[0056] According to this embodiment, the mineral water generated by
the mineral water generation unit 1 flows from the mineral water
generation unit 1 to the first leading pipe 8a, purifying bath 2,
second leading pipe 8b, cooling water storage tank 4, and hot water
storage tank 5 in order by driving of the pump 3. Thereby, the
mineral water can be supplied from the cold water storage tank 4
and heated mineral water can be supplied from the hot water storage
tank 5.
[0057] Moreover, because a DC voltage is applied to chlorine-ion
containing water through the electrodes 142a and 142b, the
hypochlorous concentration of mineral water increases. Therefore,
it is possible to efficiently restrain breeding of bacteria in the
cold water storage tank 4 without separately using a medicine.
[0058] FIG. 4 shows second embodiment of an apparatus for supplying
mineral water of the present invention. A component same as that of
the first embodiment is described by using the same symbol. In the
case of this embodiment, another purifying bath 2a separately from
the purifying bath 2a is set to the second leading pipe 8b. The
purifying bath 2a is packed with a hollow-yarn film module so as to
seize protozoa and various fungi.
[0059] According to this embodiment, one purifying bath 2 removes
lime smell, mold smell, trihalomethane, and organic substance and
the other purifying bath 2a seizes protozoa and various fungi.
Therefore, the purifying capacity of mineral water is further
improved. It is also allowed to use the filter member of the other
purifying bath 2a, into which active carbon and a hollow-yarn film
module are packed. Description of other configurations and
functions is omitted because the configurations and functions are
the same as those of the first embodiment.
[0060] FIG. 5 shows third embodiment of an apparatus for supplying
mineral water of the present invention. A component same as that of
the second embodiment is described by using the same symbol. This
embodiment has a return pipe 8e for returning the mineral water in
the cold water storage tank 4 to the mineral water generation unit
1. An end of the return pipe 8e is connected between the cold water
storage tank 4 and the cold water supply valve 6a in the cold water
supply pipe 8c. The other end of the return pipe 8e is connected to
the mineral water generation unit 1. Moreover, a return valve 6d
for controlling circulation of mineral water in the return pipe 8e
is set to the return pipe 8e.
[0061] According to this embodiment, when opening the return valve
6d and driving the pump 3, mineral water circulates as shown by the
continuous line arrow in FIG. 5. That is, the mineral water in the
cold water storage tank 4 flows from the cold water supply pipe 8d
to return pipe 8e, return valve 6d, and mineral water generation
unit 1 in order. Moreover, the mineral water in the mineral water
generation unit 1 flows into the cold water storage tank 4
similarly to the case of the second embodiment.
[0062] Thus, it is possible to replace the mineral water in the
cold water storage tank 4 with the mineral water newly generated by
the mineral water generation unit 1. As a result, it is possible to
keep the hypochlorous concentration at a predetermined value.
Moreover, it is possible to sterilize a mineral-water supply pipe
system.
[0063] Furthermore, when applying a DC current to the electrodes
142a and 142b at the same time as circulation of the above mineral
water, the sterilizing effect of the mineral-water supply pipe
system is further improved.
[0064] Furthermore, when the cold water supply valve 6a and hot
water supply valve 6b are closed, power is supplied to the
electrodes 142a and 142b.
[0065] Furthermore, when changing polarities of DC and supplying
power to the electrodes 142a and 142b, it is possible to remove
scales attached to the electrodes 142a and 142b. Description of
other configurations and functions is omitted because the
configurations and functions are the same as those of the case of
the second embodiment.
[0066] FIG. 6 shows fourth embodiment of an apparatus for supplying
mineral water of the present invention. A component same as that of
the second embodiment is described by using the same symbol. In the
case of this embodiment, a mineral water tank 9 can be connected to
the second leading pipe 8b. The mineral water tank 9 stores mineral
water. The mineral water tank 9 is connected to the second leading
pipe 8b through a mineral water leading pipe 8f. Moreover, a water
stop valve 6e is set to the mineral water leading pipe 8f and
another water stop valve 6f is set to the downstream side of the
pump 3 in the second leading pipe 8b. The water stop valves 6e and
6f can separate the mineral water supply pipe 8f from the second
leading pipe 8b.
[0067] According to this embodiment, when separating a mineral
water generating and purifying portion A having the mineral water
generation unit 1, purifying baths 2 and 2a, and pump 3 from a cold
water generation portion B having the hot water storage tank, cold
water storage tank 4, hot water supply pipe 8d, and cold water
supply pipe 8c, the mineral water in the mineral water tank 9 is
supplied to the cold water storage tank 4 and hot water storage
tank 5. When removing the mineral water tank 9 from the water stop
valve 6e, the mineral water in the mineral water generation unit 1
is supplied similarly to the case of the second embodiment. Thus,
it is possible to selectively use the mineral water in the mineral
water generation unit 1 or the mineral water in the mineral water
tank 9. Description of other configurations and functions is
omitted because the configurations and functions are the same as
the case of the second embodiment.
[0068] FIG. 7 shows fifth embodiment of an apparatus for supplying
mineral water of the present invention. A component same as that of
the third embodiment is described by using the same symbol. In the
case of this embodiment, a pre-active-carbon filter system 10 is
set to the upstream side of the water supply pipe 7a. The
pre-active-carbon filter system 10 is packed with active carbon.
Thereby, because dust or the like floating on tap water can be
previously removed, it is possible to prevent the mineral water
generation unit 1 from being contaminated. Description of other
configurations and functions is omitted because the configurations
and functions are the same as those of the third embodiment.
[0069] FIG. 8 shows sixth embodiment of an apparatus for supplying
mineral water of the present invention. A component same as that of
the third embodiment is described by using the same symbol. In the
case of this embodiment, a leading valve 6g for controlling
circulation of mineral water is set to the first leading pipe 8a.
Moreover, the first leading pipe 8a and second leading pipe 8b are
connected by a bypass pipe 8g. One end of the bypass pipe 8g is
connected between the leading tube 151 and the leading valve 6g.
The other end of the bypass pipe 8g is connected between the pump 3
and the purifying bath 2a. Thereby, the bypass pipe 8g bypasses the
purifying baths 2 and 2a. The bypass pipe 8g includes a bypass
valve 6h for controlling running water.
[0070] According to this embodiment, the bypass valve 6h is opened
and the water leading valve 6g is closed to drive the pump 3.
Thereby, as shown by continuous line arrows in FIG. 8, the mineral
water in the cold water storage tank 4 circulates. That is, the
mineral water in the cold water storage tank 4 flows from the cold
water supply pipe 8c to the return pipe 8e, return valve 6d, and
mineral water generation unit 1 in order. Moreover, the mineral
water in the mineral water generation unit 1 flows from the first
leading pipe 8a to the bypass pipe 8g, the second leading pipe 8b,
and cold water storage tank 4 in order. Thereby, it is possible to
sterilize a piping system excluding the purifying baths 2 and 2a.
Moreover, it is possible to set the hypochlorous concentration of
the mineral water in the cold water storage tank 4 to a desired
value. Description of other configurations and functions is omitted
because the configurations and functions are the same as those of
the fifth embodiment.
[0071] FIG. 9 shows seventh embodiment of an apparatus for
supplying mineral water of the present invention. A component same
as that of the first embodiment is described by using the same
symbol. In the case of this embodiment, a carbon dioxide gas
cylinder 11 is set. Moreover, the carbon-dioxide-gas supply pipe 8h
of the carbon dioxide gas cylinder 11 is connected to the cold
water supply pipe 8c at the downstream side of the cold water
supply valve 6a. A gas valve 6i is set to the carbon dioxide gas
supply pipe 8h. A check valve 6j for preventing circulation of gas
into the cold water storage tank 4 is set to the upstream side of
the cold water supply pipe 8c.
[0072] According to this embodiment, it is possible to add carbon
dioxide gas to cooled mineral water and supply carbonated water.
Moreover, the carbonated water has a function for removing scales
in a pipe and makes it possible to prevent the cold water supply
pipe 8c from clogging. Description of other configurations and
functions is omitted because the configurations and functions are
the same as those of the first embodiment.
[0073] FIG. 10 shows eighth embodiment of an apparatus for
supplying mineral water of the present invention. A component same
as that of the first embodiment is described by using the same
symbol. In the case of this embodiment, the carbon dioxide cylinder
11 is set. Moreover, the carbon-dioxide-gas supply pipe 8i of the
carbon dioxide gas cylinder 11 is connected to the cold water
storage tank 4. A gas valve 6k is set to the carbon-dioxide-gas
supply pipe 8i.
[0074] According to this embodiment, it is possible to add carbon
dioxide gas to the mineral water in the cold water storage tank 4.
The cold water storage tank 4 functions as a carbonator tank.
Thereby, it is possible to generate carbonated water in the cold
water storage tank 4 and moreover, the sterilizing effect of the
cold water storage tank 4 is further improved by the sterilizing
effect of the carbonated water. Moreover, carbon dioxide gas also
shows a function for preventing scales in the cold water storage
tank 4. Furthermore, carbon dioxide gas does not greatly influences
the gustatory sense of mineral water like a conventional medicine.
Description of other configurations and functions is omitted
because the configurations and functions are the same as those of
the first embodiment.
[0075] FIG. 11 shows ninth embodiment of an apparatus for supplying
mineral water of the present invention. A component same as that of
the eighth embodiment is described by using the same symbol. In the
case of this embodiment, a carbonator tank 4a for generating
carbonated water is set and a third branch pipe 8b3 of the second
leading pipe 8b is connected to the carbonator tank 4a. Moreover, a
check valve 6m for preventing the back flow of carbon dioxide gas
is set to the third branch pipe 8b3. A cooling coil 41a is wound
around the carbonator tank 4a similarly to the case of the cold
water storage tank 4. Furthermore, the refrigerant of a
not-illustrated refrigerator circulates through the cooling coil
41a and the mineral water in the carbonator tank 4a is cooled.
[0076] According to this embodiment, it is possible to separately
generate cold water not containing carbonic acid and carbonated
water. Therefore, it is possible to increase the variation of cold
water to be provided for a user. Description of other
configurations and functions is omitted because the configurations
and functions are the same as those of the eighth embodiment.
[0077] FIG. 12 shows tenth embodiment of an apparatus for supplying
mineral water of the present invention. A component same as that of
the eighth embodiment is described by using the same symbol. In the
case of this embodiment, another carbon-dioxide-gas supply pipe 8j
branched from the carbon dioxide gas supply pipe 8i is set. The
front end of the carbon-dioxide-gas supply pipe 8j is connected to
the hot water storage tank 5. Moreover, a drain pipe 8k is
connected to the hot water supply pipe 8d. A drain valve 6p for
controlling drain is set to the drain pipe 8k.
[0078] According to this embodiment, because carbon dioxide gas can
be supplied not only to the cold water storage tank 4 but also to
the hot water storage tank 5, it is possible to generate heated
carbonated water. Moreover, it is possible to remove scales in the
hot water storage tank 5. When removing scales in the hot water
storage tank 5, the drain valve 6p is opened. Thereby, the hot
water in the hot water storage tank 5 is discharged through the
drain pipe 8k. Description of other configurations and functions is
omitted because the configurations and functions are the same as
those of the eighth embodiment.
[0079] FIG. 13 shows eleventh embodiment of an apparatus for
supplying mineral water of the present invention. A component same
as that of the eighth embodiment is described by using the same
symbol. This embodiment has a carbonated water supply pipe 8m for
supplying the carbonated water in the cold water storage tank 4 to
the hot water storage tank 5. A carbonated water supply valve 6q is
set to the carbonated water supply pipe 8m. Moreover a carbonated
water supply valve 6g is set to a carbonated supply pipe 8m,
Furthermore the drain pipe 8k and the drain valve 6r are provided
as in the case with the tenth embodiment.
[0080] According to this embodiment, the gas valve 6k is opened to
supply carbon dioxide gas to the cold water storage tank 4 while
the carbonated water supply valve 6q and drain valve 6p are opened
and other valves 6a and 6b are closed to drive the pump 3. Thereby,
carbonated water is generated in the cold water storage tank 4.
Moreover, the carbonated water in the cold water storage tank 4
flows to the hot water storage tank 5 through the carbonated water
supply pipe 8m and discharged from the drain pipe 8k. Thereby, the
carbonated water incoming into the hot water storage tank 5 removes
scales in the hot water storage tank 5. The scales removed from the
hot water storage tank 5 are discharged to the outside through the
drain pipe 8k.
[0081] Moreover, though not illustrated, it is allowed to apply the
carbonated water supply pipe 8m, carbonated water supply valve 6q
drain pipe 8k, and drain valve 6p to the ninth embodiment shown in
FIG. 11. When using this configuration, the scales in the hot water
storage tank 5 are removed by the carbonated water in the
carbonator tank 4a. Description of other configurations and
functions is omitted because the configurations and functions are
the same as those of the eighth embodiment.
[0082] FIG. 14 shows twelfth embodiment of an apparatus for
supplying mineral water of the present invention. A component same
as that of the eighth embodiment is described by using the same
symbol. In the case of this embodiment, another carbon-dioxide-gas
supply pipe 8n branched from the carbon dioxide gas supply pipe 8i
and having a gas valve 6s is set and the front end of the
carbon-dioxide-gas supply pipe 8n is connected to the first leading
pipe 8a. Moreover, a check valve 6t is set to the mineral water
generation unit 1 side in the first leading pipe 8a so that carbon
dioxide gas does not enter the mineral water generation unit 1.
[0083] According to this embodiment, it is possible to mix carbon
dioxide gas with mineral water by opening the gas valve 6s when
supplying the mineral water in the mineral water generation unit 1
to the tanks 4 and 5. Therefore, it is possible to generate mineral
water having a high carbonic-acid concentration in the tanks 4 and
5. Description of other configurations and functions is omitted
because the configurations and functions are the same as those of
the eighth embodiment.
[0084] FIG. 15 shows thirteenth embodiment of an apparatus for
supplying mineral water of the present invention. A component same
as that of the ninth embodiment is described by using the same
symbol. This embodiment has a carbonated water supply pip 8p for
supplying the carbonated water generated by the carbonator tank 4a
to the first leading pipe 8a. Moreover, a branch valve 6v is set to
the third branch pipe 8b3.
[0085] According to this embodiment, the gas valve 6k is opened to
supply carbon dioxide gas to the carbonator tank 4a. Thereby,
carbonated water is generated in the carbonator tank 4a. Moreover,
a carbonated water supply valve 6u is opened and other valves 6a,
6b, and 6v are closed to drive the pump 3. Thereby, as shown by the
continuous line in FIG. 15, the carbonated water in the carbonator
tank 4a flows from the carbonated water supply pipe 8p to the first
leading pipe 8a, purifying bath 2, second leading pipe 8b, first
and second branch pipes 8b1 and 8b2, cold water storage tank 4, and
hot water storage tank 5 in order. Therefore, the sterilizing
function and removal function of piping systems extending from the
first leading pipe 8a to the tanks 4 and 5 are exhibited. Moreover,
because mineral carbonated water is generated by the cold water
storage tank 4 and hot water storage tank 5, the sterilizing effect
in each tank 4 is improved.
[0086] Furthermore, though carbonated water in the carbonator tank
4a is supplied to the first leading pipe 8a in the case of this
embodiment, the embodiment can be also applied to the type having
the cold water storage tank 4 but not having the carbonator tank
4a. Though not illustrated, when using a configuration of supplying
the carbonated water generated in the cold water storage tank 4 of
the eighth embodiment to the first leading pipe through the
carbonated water supply pipe, the same function can be exhibited.
Description of other configurations and functions is omitted
because the configurations and functions are the same as those of
the ninth embodiment.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY OF THE INVENTION
[0087] An apparatus for supplying mineral water of the present
invention is useful not only for a business-use beverage dispenser
for selling beverage but also for a drinking water feeder for
improving the water quality of household drinking water.
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