CN110613345A

CN110613345A - Water dispenser and control method thereof

Info

Publication number: CN110613345A
Application number: CN201810636324.2A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 洪峰; 周梦德; 童明锋
Original assignee: AO Smith China Water Heater Co Ltd; AO Smith China Environmental Products Co Ltd
Current assignee: AO Smith China Water Heater Co Ltd; AO Smith China Environmental Products Co Ltd
Priority date: 2018-06-20
Filing date: 2018-06-20
Publication date: 2019-12-27
Anticipated expiration: 2038-06-20

Abstract

The invention discloses a water dispenser and a control method thereof, wherein the water dispenser comprises: the water storage tank is provided with a heating element, the water storage tank is provided with a top end and a bottom end which are opposite, the top end of the water storage tank is provided with an air inlet, the water storage tank is provided with a water outlet, and a water outlet is arranged at the position close to the bottom end; the first one-way valve is arranged at the water outlet; the water pump and the electromagnetic valve are arranged between the downstream of the first one-way valve and the water outlet; one end of the water outlet pipeline is communicated with the first one-way valve, and the other end of the water outlet pipeline is provided with a water outlet valve; the water inlet valve is used for controlling the on-off of the water supply end and the water storage tank; the controller at least stores a hot water emptying disinfection mode, and can enable hot water in the water storage tank to flow through the electromagnetic valve and the water pump from the water outlet and be discharged by the water outlet pipeline. The invention can sterilize the water outlet pipeline by using the water to be discharged, saves energy, protects environment, and simultaneously can prevent users from drinking water polluted by bacteria, thereby greatly improving the use experience of the users.

Description

Water dispenser and control method thereof

Technical Field

The invention relates to the technical field of drinking equipment, in particular to a water dispenser and a control method thereof.

Background

The water dispenser is an appliance capable of meeting daily drinking requirements of people, and can provide warm water or a combination of the warm water, hot water, cold water and the like for a user. Compared with the traditional water boiler, the water dispenser has the following advantages: firstly, energy is saved, and as the water dispenser adopts a heat exchange technology, compared with the traditional water boiler, the water dispenser can save more than 80% of electric energy; secondly, direct drinking can ensure that the user can directly drink warm boiled water with the temperature of 30 to 45 ℃ (the warm boiled water is cooled down after heat exchange between high-temperature sterilized water and inlet water). Because the water dispenser has the advantages, the water dispenser is widely applied to various occasions and comprises the following components: schools, hospitals, supermarkets, etc.

In general, a water dispenser may include: a water storage tank, a heat exchanger, a water inlet pipeline, a water outlet pipeline and the like. The applicant found that: for a water dispenser, bacteria are easy to breed in a water outlet pipeline for providing warm water in the using process. The main reason why bacteria are easy to breed in the water outlet pipeline is that warm water with the temperature of 30 to 45 ℃ flows through the water outlet pipeline, and the temperature is very suitable for breeding the bacteria. Particularly, when the user does not use the water for a period of time, the water standing in the water outlet pipeline provides a temperature and humidity environment suitable for the propagation of bacteria, so that the bacteria are propagated in large quantities.

For example, in a specific scenario, for a water dispenser used in a campus, a student generally takes water from the water dispenser very rarely after studying, especially in a sleeping time period, and a large amount of bacteria are easily bred in a water outlet pipeline of the water dispenser for discharging warm water. When students directly take direct drinking water in the morning, the students can easily drink water polluted by bacteria, so that the students are not beneficial to the body health of users. In order to prevent students from drinking water polluted by bacteria, one mode adopted in the prior art is to directly empty the overnight water in the water storage tank from the sewage outlet. If the outlet line is subsequently sterilized, it may be flushed with water in the water storage tank heated to a set temperature (which is lower than the boiling temperature, typically 94 to 95 ℃). However, the above evacuation and sterilization methods need to be improved in terms of energy saving, environmental protection and sterilization reliability.

That is, at present, there is a need for further improvement of a water dispenser, which can prevent users from drinking water polluted by bacteria while achieving energy saving and environmental protection, and improve the user experience.

Disclosure of Invention

The invention aims to provide a water dispenser and a control method thereof, which can sterilize a water outlet pipeline by using water to be discharged, save energy and protect environment, and simultaneously can prevent a user from drinking water polluted by bacteria, thereby greatly improving the use experience of the user.

The above object of the present invention can be achieved by the following technical solutions:

a water dispenser, comprising:

the water storage tank is provided with a heating element and is provided with a top end and a bottom end which are opposite, the top end is provided with an air inlet, the water storage tank is provided with a water outlet for discharging water, and a water outlet is arranged at a position close to the bottom end;

the first one-way valve is arranged at the water outlet;

the water pump and the electromagnetic valve are arranged between the downstream of the first one-way valve and the water outlet;

one end of the water outlet pipeline is communicated with the first one-way valve, and the other end of the water outlet pipeline is provided with a water outlet valve;

the water inlet valve is used for controlling the on-off of the water supply end and the water storage tank;

the controller at least stores a hot water emptying and disinfecting mode, when the hot water emptying and disinfecting mode is started, the water inlet valve is in a closed state, the electromagnetic valve is opened, the water pump is started, and hot water in the water storage tank flows through the electromagnetic valve and the water pump from the water outlet and is discharged from the water outlet pipeline.

Furthermore, a steam disinfection mode is stored in the controller, when the steam disinfection mode is started, the heating element is started to heat the water in the water storage tank to boiling, steam with preset duration is generated, and the steam is discharged from the water outlet of the water storage tank through the water outlet pipeline.

Furthermore, a water inlet pipeline capable of exchanging heat with at least part of the water outlet pipeline in a heat exchange mode is arranged, one end of the water inlet pipeline is connected with the water outlet, and the other end of the water inlet pipeline is provided with the water inlet valve.

Furthermore, an exhaust valve is arranged at the air inlet.

Furthermore, the position that is close to in the outlet conduit outlet valve is provided with the venturi structure, the venturi structure has the necking down section, be provided with the opening on the necking down section.

Further, the predetermined period of time is at least 1 minute.

Further, the water outlet valve is provided with an outlet, the height of the opening is not lower than the height of the outlet,

the opening or the outlet serves as a terminal outlet when a hot water evacuation sterilization mode or a steam sterilization mode is activated.

Further, a human body signal identification module connected with the controller is also arranged,

when the water dispenser is in a hot water emptying disinfection mode or a steam disinfection mode, the controller controls the water outlet valve to be closed after receiving the human body signal detected by the human body signal identification module, and steam or hot water generated in the water storage tank is discharged through the opening of the venturi structure.

Further, the human body signal identification module comprises any one or a combination of the following components:

an infrared detection module; a key module; a voice receiving module; and a WIFI module.

Furthermore, a temperature sensor electrically connected with the controller is arranged in the water outlet pipeline and close to the water outlet valve,

when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor is lower than the preset temperature, the controller controls the water inlet valve to be opened, and the water in the water outlet pipeline is discharged from the opening of the venturi, or the controller controls the water inlet valve and the water outlet valve to be opened, and the water in the water outlet pipeline is discharged from the outlet of the water outlet valve.

Furthermore, the water-saving device also comprises a heat exchanger, wherein the heat exchanger comprises an inner pipe and an outer pipe which are sleeved with each other, the inner pipe is arranged in the water outlet pipeline, and the outer pipe is arranged in the water inlet pipeline.

Further, the method also comprises the following steps: the water inlet pipeline comprises a first branch and a second branch, wherein the first branch and the second branch are communicated with the proportional valve respectively, and the outer pipe is arranged in the first branch.

Furthermore, a sterilization mechanism is arranged in a water outlet pipeline between the heat exchanger and the water outlet valve.

Furthermore, a bypass branch communicated with the water storage tank and the water outlet pipeline is arranged between the downstream of the first one-way valve and the water outlet, the water pump and the electromagnetic valve are arranged in the bypass branch, and a second one-way valve is arranged at the downstream of the electromagnetic valve.

A control method based on the water dispenser comprises the following steps:

receiving a starting signal for starting a disinfection mode;

after the starting signal is received, the water inlet valve is closed, the water outlet valve is opened, the heating element is started, the water in the water storage tank is heated to be boiled, and steam generated after the water in the water storage tank is boiled is discharged from the outlet of the water outlet valve in the water outlet pipeline or the opening of the Venturi structure through the water outlet of the water storage tank;

after the water in the water storage tank boils for a preset time, the electromagnetic valve is opened, the water pump is started, and the hot water in the water storage tank flows through the electromagnetic valve and the water pump through the water outlet and is discharged through the outlet of the water outlet valve in the water outlet pipeline or the opening of the venturi structure.

Further, when the water dispenser is in a state of discharging steam or hot water, the method further comprises:

when a human body signal acquired by the human body signal identification module is received, the water outlet valve is closed, and steam or hot water generated in the water storage tank is discharged through the opening of the venturi structure.

Further, the heating element is in a power adjustable form, and the controller controls the heating element to start to operate at the maximum power after receiving the starting signal.

According to the technical scheme provided by the embodiment of the application, the water pump and the electromagnetic valve are arranged between the first one-way valve at the water outlet and the water inlet, so that the traditional emptying path is changed, and the emptying path and the disinfection path are skillfully combined. Particularly, the overnight water to be emptied in the water storage tank is heated to boiling, and the water is drained and sterilized by the first disinfection passage formed by communicating the water storage tank, the water pump and the water outlet pipeline, so that the water polluted by bacteria can be prevented from being drunk by a user in an energy-saving and environment-friendly manner, and the use experience of the user is greatly improved.

In addition, can also have the steam disinfection mode in the controller, start before the hot water evacuation disinfection mode carries out the water washing at night, can with treat that exhaust water at night heats to the boiling in the water storage tank, the steam that produces during the boiling passes through the delivery port flows through can follow the outlet valve and discharge behind the outlet pipe way to the steam sterilization to the outlet pipe way has been realized. After steam disinfection and boiling water evacuation disinfection in the outlet pipe way, the colony number can be reduced to 0, can avoid the user to drink the water that is polluted by the bacterium better, guarantees that user's is healthy and improves user's use and experiences.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a normal use state of a water dispenser provided by an embodiment of the application;

fig. 2 is a schematic structural diagram of a water dispenser provided by an embodiment of the present application in a sterilization state;

fig. 3 is a flowchart illustrating steps of a method for controlling a water dispenser according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Description of reference numerals:

1-a water storage tank; 11-a water outlet; 12-a water outlet; 2-an exhaust valve; 3-a first one-way valve; 4-a bypass branch; 41-a water pump; 42-a solenoid valve; 43-a second one-way valve; 5-water outlet pipeline; 50-a water outlet valve; 51-venturi structure; 52-temperature sensor; 53-a sterilization mechanism; 6-a water inlet pipeline; 60-a water inlet valve; 61-a proportional valve; 62-a first branch; 63-a second branch; 7-heat exchanger.

Detailed Description

The technical solutions of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments, it should be understood that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention, and various equivalent modifications of the present invention by those skilled in the art after reading the present invention fall within the scope of the appended claims.

It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being "disposed on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or intervening elements may also be present. When an element is referred to as being "connected" to another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or intervening elements may also be present. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and the like as used herein are for illustrative purposes only and do not denote a unique embodiment.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application belongs. The terminology used herein in the description of the present application is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the application. As used herein, the term "and/or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

The invention provides a water dispenser and a control method thereof, which can sterilize a water outlet pipeline by using water to be discharged, save energy and protect environment, and can prevent a user from drinking water polluted by bacteria, thereby greatly improving the use experience of the user.

Referring to fig. 1 to fig. 2, a water dispenser provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure may include: the water storage tank 1 is provided with a heating element, the water storage tank 1 is provided with a top end and a bottom end which are opposite, the top end is provided with an air inlet, the water storage tank 1 is provided with a water outlet 12 for water outlet, and a water outlet 11 is arranged at a position close to the bottom end; the first one-way valve 3 is arranged at the water outlet 12; a water pump 41 and an electromagnetic valve 42 provided between the downstream of the first check valve 3 and the drain port 11; one end of the water outlet pipeline 5 is communicated with the first one-way valve 3, and the other end of the water outlet pipeline is provided with a water outlet valve 50; a water inlet valve 60 for controlling the connection and disconnection of the water supply end and the water storage tank 1; and the controller at least stores a hot water emptying disinfection mode, when the hot water emptying disinfection mode is started, the water inlet valve 60 is in a closed state, the electromagnetic valve 42 is opened, the water pump 41 is started, and hot water in the water storage tank 1 flows through the electromagnetic valve 42 and the water pump 41 from the water outlet 11 and is discharged from the water outlet pipeline 5.

Generally, a water dispenser has a water purification system (not shown), and water supplied from a tap water end can be purified by the water purification system to efficiently filter tap water and remove harmful substances, thereby obtaining purified normal temperature water. The water purification system is in communication with the water inlet valve 60 so that purified water at normal temperature can be introduced into the water inlet line 6.

In this embodiment, the water storage tank 1 may be used for storing water, and a heating element may be provided in the water storage tank 1 to heat the stored water. Specifically, the water storage tank 1 may be in the shape of a cylindrical tube. When the water storage tank 1 is cylindrical, the water storage tank has better pressure bearing capacity. For example, when a large pressure is generated in the water storage tank 1 due to heating and the pressure is not discharged in time, the pressure applied to the water storage tank 1 in all directions is relatively uniform, and the pressure resistance and the deformation resistance are relatively good as a whole. Of course, the shape of the water storage tank 1 can be adjusted adaptively according to actual needs, and the application is not limited in this respect. In addition, the volume of the water storage tank 1 can be adaptively designed according to different user requirements, and the application is not particularly limited.

The heating element may in particular be in the form of an electrical heating, for example a heating rod arranged inside the water storage tank 1. The number of the heating rods may be one or more, and the present application is not limited specifically herein. When the number of the heating rods is multiple, one or all of the heating rods can be started according to the requirements of actual heating power and the like. Furthermore, it is also possible for the individual heating rods to be of a heating power-adjustable type. For example, when it is desired to rapidly heat the water in the water storage tank 1, the power of the heating rod may be adjusted to the maximum. When the water demand is large, the power of the heating rod can be properly adjusted, or when the temperature of the installation environment of the water dispenser is low, the power of the heating rod can be properly adjusted. Of course, the specific form of the heating element is not limited to the form of electric heating and the specific form of the heating rod, and it may also be in the form of refrigerant heat exchange, for example, a refrigerant coil may be disposed on the tank body of the water storage tank 1, and the application is not limited in this respect.

In this embodiment, the water storage tank 1 has opposite top and bottom ends, and a side wall between the top and bottom ends. Wherein, the water storage tank 1 is provided with a water outlet 11 at a position close to the bottom end. The drain 11 may be used as an outlet when draining, and may be used as an inlet for supplying water to the water storage tank 1. In general, the water outlet 11 may be disposed at the bottom end of the water storage tank 1 in order to ensure that the water in the water storage tank 1 can be completely discharged when emptying, and it is certainly not excluded that the water outlet 11 is disposed at a side wall near the bottom end. The water outlet 12 is used for discharging water in the water storage tank 1 to the water outlet pipeline 5 and finally supplying the water to a user. The water outlet 12 may be disposed on a side wall of the water storage tank 1 or on a top end of the water storage tank 1.

In the present embodiment, an air inlet is provided at the top end of the water storage tank 1 for discharging air in the water storage tank 1. Furthermore, an exhaust valve 2 is arranged at the air inlet, and the exhaust valve 2 can ensure that the water storage tank 1 can be always in a full tank state. When the water storage tank 1 is filled with water, water enters the water storage tank 1 through the water outlet 11 at the lower part, and air in the water storage tank 1 can be discharged from the exhaust valve 2 at the top end. In addition, in a scene of first water injection into the water storage tank 1, since no water is accumulated in the water outlet pipe 5, the air in the water storage tank 1 can also flow through the water outlet pipe 5 through the water outlet 12 at the upper part and then be discharged.

Specifically, the exhaust valve 2 may be a mechanical exhaust valve 2. The exhaust valve 2 is communicated with the water storage tank 1 and can be provided with a suspension ball and a matching hole matched with the suspension ball. The suspension ball is suspended on the liquid level of the water storage tank 1, and the matching hole is communicated with the external atmosphere. When the water storage tank 1 is not full, a certain gap is formed between the suspension ball and the matching hole, and air in the water storage tank 1 can be discharged from the matching hole through the gap; when the water storage tank 1 is full, the suspension ball plugs the matching hole. On the whole, the water dispenser provided by the application can keep the water storage tank 1 full, the water flow power in the water dispenser comes from the water pressure of the water inlet end, an additional water pump does not need to be added as a power source, and the water dispenser is energy-saving and environment-friendly; and the water quantity flowing out from the water outlet valve 50 is always equal to the water quantity flowing in from the water inlet valve 60, and the water outlet flow is large and stable.

Specifically, it is to be noted that: in the hot water emptying and disinfecting mode, the exhaust valve 2 is used as an air inlet, so that the boiling water in the water storage tank 1 can be smoothly discharged from the water outlet 11. Specifically, when in the hot water evacuation disinfection mode, because outlet pipe 5 is used for the drainage, delivery port 12 and outside air do not communicate, through setting up discharge valve 2 this moment for 1 top of water storage tank is linked together with the air, thereby guarantees that the water in the water storage tank 1 can flow out from outlet 11 smoothly, and flow to outlet pipe 5.

In the present embodiment, a first check valve 3 is provided downstream of the water outlet 12. The first one-way valve 3 is used for ensuring that water flowing out of the water outlet 12 is communicated with the water outlet pipeline 5 in a one-way mode, and preventing water pumped by the water pump 41 from the bottom of the water storage tank 1 from flowing back to the water storage tank 1 through the water outlet 12 when a hot water emptying disinfection mode is started.

In the present embodiment, a water pump 41 and an electromagnetic valve 42 are provided between the downstream of the first check valve 3 and the drain port 11. The water pump 41 and the electromagnetic valve 42 may be electrically connected to the controller, and may be turned on or off after receiving a control signal from the controller. The electromagnetic valve 42 may be located upstream of the water pump 41 or downstream of the water pump 41, and the application is not limited thereto. Generally, the electromagnetic valve 42 may be located upstream of the water pump 41 for controlling the communication between the water outlet 11 and the water pump 41 or the outlet pipe 5. When the hot water emptying disinfection mode is started, the water inlet valve 60 is in a closed state, the electromagnetic valve 42 is opened, the water pump 41 is started, and the boiled water in the water storage tank 1 which is full flows through the electromagnetic valve 42 and the water pump 41 from the water outlet 11 under the driving force of the water pump 41 and is discharged outwards through the water outlet pipeline 5.

Specifically, a bypass branch 4 communicated with the water storage tank 1 and the water outlet pipeline 5 is arranged between the downstream of the first one-way valve 3 and the water outlet 11, and the water pump 41 and the electromagnetic valve 42 are arranged in the bypass branch 4. Specifically, the bypass branch 4 has two opposite ends, namely an upstream end and a downstream end. Wherein the downstream end can be communicated with the water outlet pipeline 5 in the form of a three-way joint or a three-way pipe. Furthermore, said upstream end may be in communication with the water inlet line 6 in the form of a tee or tee pipe.

Further, a second check valve 43 is disposed downstream of the electromagnetic valve 42, and the second check valve 43 is configured to ensure that water in the bypass branch 4 is conducted in one direction from the upstream end to the downstream end. Generally, the solenoid valve 42 has opposite water inlet and water outlet, and when the solenoid valve 42 is closed, it can be ensured that water does not enter from the water inlet, but cannot prevent water from entering from the water outlet. When the second check valve 43 is provided, it can be ensured that the water in the bypass branch 4 can not flow backwards under some special conditions, such as water pressure fluctuation, thereby improving the reliability of the whole pipeline.

In this embodiment, one end of the water outlet pipe 5 is connected to the first check valve 3, and the other end is provided with a water outlet valve 50. The outlet valve 50 may be in the form of an electromagnetic outlet valve, which may be electrically connected to the controller and may be opened or closed when receiving a control signal from the controller. In addition, the outlet valve 50 may be further provided with a sensor to open the outlet when a human body signal of a user is recognized, or a manual switch may be further provided on the outlet valve 50, and when the manual switch is opened by the user, the outlet valve 50 opens the outlet. One or more outlet valves 50 may be provided as required, for example, 3 or 4 outlet valves may be provided, and the application is not limited in this respect.

In this embodiment, one end of the water inlet pipeline 6 is connected to the water outlet 11, and the other end is provided with a water inlet valve 60. Wherein, the end of the water inlet pipeline 6 connected with the water outlet 11 is an upstream end, and the end of the water inlet pipeline 6 provided with the water inlet valve 60 is an opposite downstream end, which is connected with the water purification system. Specifically, the water inlet valve 60 may be an electromagnetic water inlet valve, which may be electrically connected to the controller and may be opened or closed when receiving a control signal from the controller. Generally, the water inlet valve 60 may be in a normally open state, and when the hot water emptying sterilization mode needs to be activated, the water inlet valve 60 is in a closed state.

In one embodiment, the water inlet line 6 is capable of exchanging heat with at least a portion of the water outlet line 5 by heat exchange. Specifically, a heat exchanger 7 may be disposed between the water inlet pipeline 6 and the water outlet pipeline 5. The heat exchanger 7 may include: an inner pipe and an outer pipe are sleeved inside and outside. Wherein, the inner tube sets up in the outlet pipe way 5 for go out the higher hot water of temperature, the outer tube sets up in the inlet pipe way 6, be used for right hot water cools off, and the water after being preheated by hot water in the outer tube simultaneously supplies water storage tank 1 in, can reach energy-conserving effect. Specifically, in order to ensure the heat exchange effect, the heat exchanger 7 may be a spiral type. In addition, the form of the heat exchanger 7 may also be other forms that can realize heat exchange between high-temperature outlet water and low-temperature inlet water, and the application is not limited specifically herein.

In a specific embodiment, the water dispenser may further include: the water inlet pipeline 6 comprises a first branch 62 and a second branch 63, wherein the first branch 62 and the second branch 63 are respectively communicated with the proportional valve 61, and the outer pipe is arranged in the first branch 62.

In this embodiment, the proportional valve 61 has at least two inlets for communicating with the first branch 62 and the second branch 63, respectively. The first branch 62 is a branch provided with an outer pipe, and the normal temperature water flowing from the water inlet valve 60 can exchange heat with the high temperature water in the inner pipe when flowing through the outer pipe of the first branch 62, so as to cool the high temperature water in the inner pipe. The second branch 63 directly transmits the normal temperature water supplied by the water inlet valve 60 to the water storage tank 1. The proportional valve 61 is used to regulate the flow into the first branch 62 and the second branch 63. For example, when the external environment temperature is high and the outlet temperature needs to be properly adjusted low, the flow rate of water entering the first branch 62 can be increased by adjusting the proportional valve 61, so that the high-temperature water flowing out of the water storage tank 1 can be cooled to a predetermined lower temperature. Similarly, when the external environment temperature is low and the outlet temperature needs to be properly increased, the flow rate of water entering the first branch line 62 can be reduced by adjusting the proportional valve 61, so that the high-temperature water flowing out of the water storage tank 1 can not be cooled to a low temperature.

In the present embodiment, the outlet of the proportional valve 61 is communicated with the water outlet 11 of the water storage tank 1, that is, the proportional valve 61 provided in the present application is disposed at the upstream of the water storage tank 1, and compared with the case that the proportional valve 61 is disposed at the downstream of the water storage tank 1, the proportional valve 61 is prevented from directly contacting with the high-temperature water flowing out of the water storage tank 1, and the proportional valve 61 can be prevented from being out of order due to being in a high-temperature environment for a long time.

The applicant found that: particularly, the water outlet pipeline 5 used for the warm water outlet section is easy to breed bacteria after water does not flow out for a period of time due to the existence of the temperature and humidity environment suitable for bacteria breeding. In order to reduce the bacteria in the outlet pipe 5 as much as possible, a sterilizing device 53 is also provided in the outlet pipe 5 between the heat exchanger 7 and the outlet valve 50.

The sterilizing mechanism 53 is used for periodically sterilizing the water in the water outlet pipeline 5 at the downstream of the heat exchanger 7. In particular, the germicidal mechanism 53 may be in the form of a UV germicidal lamp. The UV germicidal lamp is a lamp tube manufactured by using the ultraviolet germicidal principle, and can better kill various bacteria in water. The specific form of the sterilization means 53 is not limited to the above examples, and other modifications are possible by those skilled in the art based on the technical spirit of the present application, and the scope of the present application is intended to be covered as long as the functions and effects achieved by the sterilization means are the same as or similar to those of the present application.

The controller (not shown) stores therein at least a hot water emptying sterilization mode. The controller can be electrically connected with the electromagnetic valve 42, the water pump 41, the water outlet valve 50 and the like. When the hot water emptying disinfection mode is started, the water inlet valve 60 is in a closed state, the electromagnetic valve 42 is opened, the water pump 41 is started, and hot water in the water storage tank 1 flows through the electromagnetic valve 42 and the water pump 41 from the water outlet 11 and is discharged from the water outlet pipeline 5. That is, when the hot water emptying disinfection mode is started, the water storage tank 1, the water pump 41 and the water outlet pipeline 5 in the water dispenser are communicated to form an emptying disinfection passage. The circulating hot water in the evacuation disinfection circuit may be boiling water in the water storage tank 1 heated by the heating element, and the boiling water is overnight water that needs to be drained.

Generally, in order to prevent the user from being supplied with the overnight water, the overnight water in the water storage tank 1 is drained through the drain outlet before the user is supplied with the water, and then the water is filled into the water storage tank 1 and the filled water is heated to a predetermined temperature (the set temperature is lower than the boiling temperature, generally 94 to 95 ℃). The outlet line 5 can subsequently be flushed with hot water of this predetermined temperature. However, at least the emptying and disinfection processes are relatively independent processes, which not only has low efficiency, but also wastes more water resources, and most importantly, the final sterilization effect cannot be guaranteed well. If the amount of hot water used for washing is large, more water is wasted, and if the amount of hot water used for washing is small, the ideal sterilization effect may not be achieved.

In the application, the water pump 41 and the electromagnetic valve 42 are arranged between the first one-way valve 3 at the downstream of the water outlet 12 of the water storage tank 1 and the water outlet 11, so that the traditional emptying path is changed, and the emptying path and the disinfection path are skillfully combined. Particularly, the overnight water to be emptied in the water storage tank 1 is heated to boiling, and the first disinfection passage formed by communicating the water storage tank 1, the water pump 41 and the water outlet pipeline 5 is utilized for draining and sterilizing, so that the water polluted by bacteria can be prevented from being drunk by a user in an energy-saving and environment-friendly manner, and the use experience of the user is greatly improved.

In addition, the controller can also store a steam sterilization mode. When the steam disinfection mode is started, the heating element is started to heat the water filled in the water storage tank 1 to boiling, and then steam with a preset time length is generated, and the steam is discharged from the water outlet 12 of the water storage tank 1 through the water outlet pipeline 5.

In this embodiment, before starting the hot water emptying and disinfecting mode for flushing overnight, steam sterilization can be performed on the water outlet pipeline 5. Specifically, the overnight water to be discharged from the water storage tank 1 can be heated to boiling, and the steam generated during boiling can be discharged from the water outlet valve 50 after flowing through the water outlet pipe 5 through the water outlet 12, so that the steam sterilization of the water outlet pipe 5 is realized. The path through which the steam flows is a water outlet path when the water dispenser normally works, and when water is discharged normally, the water flows out of the water outlet 12 of the water storage tank 1, enters the water outlet pipeline 5 and is supplied to a user through the water outlet valve 50. The predetermined time period of the steam sterilization is at least 1 minute. When the steam sterilization mode is finished, the hot water evacuation sterilization mode may be started. When the water outlet pipeline 5 is sterilized by steam and boiled water, the colony count can be reduced to 0.

In one embodiment, a venturi structure 51 is disposed in the outlet conduit 5 near the outlet valve 50, and the venturi structure 51 has a necked-down section with an opening disposed thereon.

In the present embodiment, a venturi structure 51 is further disposed in the water outlet pipeline 5, and the venturi structure 51 has a neck portion, and an opening communicating with the outside is disposed on the neck portion. When fluid is communicated in the water outlet pipeline 5, the neck section forms negative pressure at the opening position, and the fluid in the water outlet pipeline 5 cannot flow out from the opening position.

Further, to ensure that no water escapes from the venturi opening when the outlet valve 50 is open, the height of the venturi opening is not less than the height of the outlet valve 50. The opening or the outlet serves as a terminal outlet when a hot water evacuation sterilization mode or a steam sterilization mode is activated. When the hot water evacuation mode or the steam sterilization mode is activated, the outlet valve 50 is normally in an open state, and the outlet line 5 is in fluid communication, so that fluid can be discharged through the outlet of the outlet valve 50 without escaping from the venturi opening.

In one case, in order to prevent the boiling water or steam flowing out of the water outlet valve 50 from accidentally injuring the user in the hot water emptying sterilization mode or the steam sterilization mode, a human body signal recognition module connected with the controller may be further provided at the water dispenser. When the water dispenser is in a hot water emptying disinfection mode or a steam disinfection mode, after the controller receives a human body signal detected by the human body signal identification module, the water outlet valve 50 is controlled to be closed, and steam or boiling water generated in the water storage tank 1 is discharged through the opening of the venturi structure 51.

Specifically, the human body signal identification module includes any one or a combination of the following: an infrared detection module; a key module; a voice receiving module; and a WIFI module. Taking an infrared detection module as an example, the infrared detection module can detect a human body signal within a predetermined range (e.g. 3 meters to 5 meters), and when the user approaches, the outlet valve 50 is closed. At this time, the steam or boiling water generated in the water storage tank 1 is discharged through the opening of the venturi structure 51.

In one embodiment, to ensure that water within a predetermined temperature range (e.g., 30 to 45 degrees Celsius) is always provided to the user, a temperature sensor 52 is disposed in the outlet conduit 5 proximate to the outlet valve 50 and electrically connected to the controller. When the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 52 is lower than a preset temperature, the controller controls the water inlet valve 60 to open, and the water in the water outlet pipeline 5 is discharged from the opening of the venturi, or the controller controls the water inlet valve 60 and the water outlet valve 50 to open, and the water in the water outlet pipeline 5 is discharged from the outlet of the water outlet valve 50.

In this embodiment, the temperature of the water supplied to the user in the outlet pipe 5 is detected in real time by providing a temperature sensor 52 in the outlet pipe 5 near the outlet valve 50. When the water temperature is lower than the preset temperature, the cold water in the water outlet pipeline 5 can be replaced, so that the drinking water with the temperature within the preset range is provided for the user, and the use feeling of the user is improved.

Referring to fig. 3, based on the water dispenser provided in the above embodiment of the present application, the present application further provides a corresponding control method, which may include the following steps.

Step S10: receiving a starting signal for starting a disinfection mode;

step S12: after the starting signal is received, the water inlet valve is closed, the water outlet valve is opened, the heating element is started, the water in the water storage tank is heated to be boiled, and steam generated after the water in the water storage tank is boiled is discharged from the outlet of the water outlet valve in the water outlet pipeline or the opening of the Venturi structure through the water outlet of the water storage tank;

step S14: after the water in the water storage tank boils for a preset time, the electromagnetic valve is opened, the water pump is started, and the hot water in the water storage tank flows through the electromagnetic valve and the water pump through the water outlet and is discharged through the outlet of the water outlet valve in the water outlet pipeline or the opening of the venturi structure.

The heating element may be in a form of adjustable power, and in particular, please refer to the detailed description of the above embodiment of the water dispenser, which is not described herein again. The controller controls the heating element to start operation at its maximum power after receiving the start signal, thereby ensuring that water in the water storage tank 1 boils quickly.

In addition, when the water dispenser is in a state of discharging steam or boiling water, the method may further include: when a human body signal acquired by the human body signal identification module is received, the water outlet valve 50 is closed, and steam or boiling water generated in the water storage tank 1 is discharged through the opening of the venturi structure 51.

The following description is given by way of example with reference to an actual application scenario (for example, a scenario in which the water dispenser provided by the present application is applied to a school).

For a water dispenser for schools (hereinafter referred to as campus machines for short), a starting signal for starting the disinfection mode can be started by setting a timer for timing, and certainly, the starting signal can also be started manually by setting a button. When the timer is started, the starting time can be set according to the requirement, for example, 6 o' clock in the morning. For this on-time, it may be set to start the sterilization mode (including the hot water evacuation sterilization mode and the steam sterilization mode). For example, the steam sterilization mode may correspond to a period of 15 minutes, and the hot water evacuation sterilization mode may correspond to a period of 30 minutes. The steam sterilization mode is first initiated by a timer signaling at 5:15 minutes.

When the steam sterilization mode is activated, the inlet valve 60 is closed, the outlet valve 50 is opened, and the heating element is activated. The heating power of the heating element is adjusted to be maximum so as to rapidly heat the water in the water storage tank 1 to boiling; the outlet line 5 is then sterilised for one minute by means of steam generated by boiling water. Wherein, the steam generated after the water in the water storage tank 1 is boiled is discharged from the outlet of the water outlet valve 50 in the water outlet pipeline 5 or the opening of the venturi structure 51 through the water outlet 12 of the water storage tank 1. Normally, when the outlet valve 50 is opened, steam is discharged from the outlet of the outlet valve 50. When a user approaches the campus machine, in order to avoid the user from being scalded by the high temperature steam, the water outlet valve 50 is closed and the steam is discharged through the opening of the venturi structure 51.

When the water in the water storage tank 1 is boiled for a predetermined time, namely after the steam circulates for one minute, the steam sterilization mode is ended, and the hot water emptying sterilization mode is started. At this time, the electromagnetic valve 42 at the downstream of the water outlet 11 is opened, the water pump 41 is started, the boiling water filled in the water storage tank 1 flows through the electromagnetic valve 42 and the water pump 41 from the water outlet 11 and is discharged from the water outlet pipeline 5, and the water storage tank 1 is emptied while the disinfection and sterilization of the water outlet pipeline 5 are realized. Likewise, the terminal outlet for boiling water may be the outlet of the outlet valve 50 or the opening of the venturi structure 51, and normally boiling water is discharged from the outlet of the outlet valve 50 when the outlet valve 50 is open. To avoid boiling water from scalding the user when the user is approaching the campus machine, the outlet valve 50 is closed and the boiling water is discharged through the opening of the venturi structure 51.

In addition, in a special case, when the campus machine is in a state of discharging steam or boiling water (i.e. in a steam sterilization mode or a hot water emptying sterilization mode), the method may further include: when a human body signal acquired by the human body signal identification module is received, the water outlet valve 50 is closed, and steam or boiling water generated in the water storage tank 1 is discharged through the opening of the venturi structure 51, so that the user is prevented from being accidentally injured by the high-temperature steam or water.

In the present application, the controller may be implemented in any suitable manner. Specifically, for example, the Controller may take the form of, for example, a microprocessor or processor and a computer-readable medium storing computer-readable program code (e.g., software or firmware) executable by the microprocessor or processor, Logic gates, switches, an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC), and an embedded micro-Controller Unit (MCU), examples of which include, but are not limited to, the following: ARC 625D, Atmel AT91SAM, Microchip PIC18F26K20, and Silicone LabsC8051F 320. It will also be clear to a person skilled in the art that instead of implementing the functionality of the controller 7 in the form of pure computer readable program code, it is entirely possible to logically program the method steps such that the control unit implements the same functionality in the form of logic gates, switches, application specific integrated circuits, programmable logic controllers, embedded micro control units, etc.

Any numerical value recited herein includes all values from the lower value to the upper value that are incremented by one unit, provided that there is a separation of at least two units between any lower value and any higher value. For example, if it is stated that the number of a component or a value of a process variable (e.g., temperature, pressure, time, etc.) is from 1 to 90, preferably from 20 to 80, and more preferably from 30 to 70, it is intended that equivalents such as 15 to 85, 22 to 68, 43 to 51, 30 to 32 are also expressly enumerated in this specification. For values less than 1, one unit is suitably considered to be 0.0001, 0.001, 0.01, 0.1. These are only examples of what is intended to be explicitly recited, and all possible combinations of numerical values between the lowest value and the highest value that are explicitly recited in the specification in a similar manner are to be considered.

Unless otherwise indicated, all ranges include the endpoints and all numbers between the endpoints. The use of "about" or "approximately" with a range applies to both endpoints of the range. Thus, "about 20 to about 30" is intended to cover "about 20 to about 30", including at least the endpoints specified.

All articles and references disclosed, including patent applications and publications, are hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes. The term "consisting essentially of …" describing a combination shall include the identified element, ingredient, component or step as well as other elements, ingredients, components or steps that do not materially affect the basic novel characteristics of the combination. The use of the terms "comprising" or "including" to describe combinations of elements, components, or steps herein also contemplates embodiments that consist essentially of such elements, components, or steps. By using the term "may" herein, it is intended to indicate that any of the described attributes that "may" include are optional.

A plurality of elements, components, parts or steps can be provided by a single integrated element, component, part or step. Alternatively, a single integrated element, component, part or step may be divided into separate plural elements, components, parts or steps. The disclosure of "a" or "an" to describe an element, ingredient, component or step is not intended to foreclose other elements, ingredients, components or steps.

The above embodiments in the present specification are all described in a progressive manner, and the same and similar parts among the embodiments may be referred to each other, and each embodiment is described with emphasis on being different from other embodiments.

The above description is only a few embodiments of the present invention, and although the embodiments of the present invention are described above, the above description is only for the convenience of understanding the present invention, and is not intended to limit the present invention. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A water dispenser, characterized in that it comprises:

the first one-way valve is arranged at the water outlet;

2. The water dispenser of claim 1 wherein the controller further stores a steam sterilization mode, and when the steam sterilization mode is activated, the heating element is activated to heat the water in the water storage tank to boiling to generate steam for a predetermined period of time, and the steam is discharged from the water outlet of the water storage tank through the water outlet pipeline.

3. The water dispenser as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that a water inlet pipeline is arranged for exchanging heat with at least part of the water outlet pipeline in a heat exchange manner, one end of the water inlet pipeline is connected with the water outlet, and the other end of the water inlet pipeline is provided with the water inlet valve.

4. The water dispenser of claim 1 wherein an air vent valve is provided at the air inlet.

5. The water dispenser of claim 3 wherein a venturi structure is disposed in the outlet conduit adjacent to the outlet valve, the venturi structure having a necked-down section with an opening disposed therein.

6. The water dispenser of claim 2 wherein the predetermined period of time is at least 1 minute.

7. The water dispenser of claim 5 wherein the outlet valve has an outlet, the height of the opening is no less than the height of the outlet,

8. The water dispenser of claim 7, further comprising a human body signal recognition module connected with the controller,

9. The water dispenser of claim 8, wherein the human body signal identification module comprises any one or a combination of the following:

10. The water dispenser of claim 5, wherein a temperature sensor electrically connected with the controller is arranged in the water outlet pipeline at a position close to the water outlet valve,

11. The water dispenser of claim 3 further comprising a heat exchanger, the heat exchanger comprising an inner tube and an outer tube nested inside and outside, wherein the inner tube is disposed in the water outlet line and the outer tube is disposed in the water inlet line.

12. The water dispenser of claim 11, further comprising: the water inlet pipeline comprises a first branch and a second branch, wherein the first branch and the second branch are communicated with the proportional valve respectively, and the outer pipe is arranged in the first branch.

13. The water dispenser of claim 11 wherein a sterilizing mechanism is further disposed in the outlet conduit between the heat exchanger and the outlet valve.

14. The water dispenser of claim 1, wherein a bypass branch is arranged between the downstream of the first one-way valve and the water outlet and is respectively communicated with the water storage tank and the water outlet pipeline, the water pump and the electromagnetic valve are arranged in the bypass branch, and a second one-way valve is arranged at the downstream of the electromagnetic valve.

15. The control method of the water dispenser based on the claim 5 is characterized by comprising the following steps:

receiving a starting signal for starting a disinfection mode;

16. The control method of claim 15, wherein when the water dispenser is in a state of discharging steam or hot water, the method further comprises:

17. A control method as claimed in claim 15 wherein the heating element is power adjustable and the controller controls the heating element to start operation at its maximum power after receiving the start signal.