CN209808023U

CN209808023U - Drinking machine

Info

Publication number: CN209808023U
Application number: CN201920043625.4U
Authority: CN
Inventors: 史宏亮; 孙亚梅
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2019-01-10
Filing date: 2019-01-10
Publication date: 2019-12-20
Anticipated expiration: 2029-01-10

Abstract

A water dispenser is provided. The water dispenser comprises: a heating device for heating water; a refrigeration device in fluid communication with the heating device for reducing the temperature of the water heated by the heating device; and a controller in signal communication with both the heating device and the cooling device, wherein the cooling device comprises: a water conduit means in fluid communication with the heating means for receiving water heated by the heating means, the water conduit means comprising a flat water conduit; a heat conducting device connected to the water pipe device; and a heat dissipation device for performing air cooling heat dissipation on the water pipe device and the heat conduction device.

Description

Drinking machine

Technical Field

The disclosure relates to the technical field of household appliances, in particular to a water dispenser.

Background

The existing water dispenser generally has the functions of boiled water and warm water, wherein the boiled water directly heats water in a water barrel into boiled water, and the warm water directly leads the water in the water barrel out. Therefore, the existing water dispenser cannot provide drinking water at any temperature. More seriously, because the water in the bucket may contain a large amount of bacteria, the raw water with a large amount of bacteria can cause diseases of intestinal tracts and urinary systems after being drunk by people, thereby causing serious damage to human health.

At present, a water dispenser capable of providing warm water at various temperatures gradually appears, but the water dispensers in the market at present directly heat raw water to the temperature required by users, and do not cool down after being boiled, so that bacteria in the raw water are not killed, but propagate in large quantities at a proper temperature, and the warm water provided by the water dispenser also brings health risks.

SUMMERY OF THE UTILITY MODEL

In order to solve at least one aspect of the above problems, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a water dispenser.

In one aspect, there is provided a water dispenser comprising:

a heating device for heating water;

a refrigeration device in fluid communication with the heating device for reducing the temperature of the water heated by the heating device; and

a controller in signal communication with both the heating device and the cooling device,

wherein the refrigeration device comprises:

a water conduit means in fluid communication with the heating means for receiving water heated by the heating means, the water conduit means comprising a flat water conduit;

a heat conducting device connected to the water pipe device; and

and the heat dissipation device is used for carrying out air cooling heat dissipation on the water pipe device and the heat conduction device.

Optionally, the refrigeration device further comprises:

the water pipe device and the heat conduction device are both arranged on the refrigerating device main body part;

the end covers are arranged on two sides of the main body part of the refrigerating device;

the rubber pad is arranged between the end cover and the main body part of the refrigerating device; and

a water inlet and a water outlet arranged on the end cover,

the end cover and the rubber pad are detachably mounted on the main body part of the refrigerating device.

Optionally, the water pipe device comprises a first water pipe device, the first water pipe device comprises a first water pipe, a second water pipe and a third water pipe which are arranged in sequence from upstream to downstream along the water flow direction, each of the first water pipe, the second water pipe and the third water pipe is a flat water pipe,

the end caps include a first end cap and a second end cap positioned on opposite sides of the refrigeration unit body portion,

the rubber mat comprises a first rubber mat arranged between the first end cover and the main body part of the refrigerating device and a second rubber mat arranged between the second end cover and the main body part of the refrigerating device,

forming a first chamber between the first rubber mat and the first end cap, a second chamber between the second rubber mat and the second end cap,

the first water tube is in fluid communication with the second water tube through the second chamber, and the second water tube is in fluid communication with the third water tube through the first chamber, such that water flows through the first water tube, the second chamber, the second water tube, the first chamber, and the third water tube in sequence.

Optionally, the water pipe device comprises a first water pipe device, the first water pipe device comprises a first group of water pipes, a second group of water pipes and a third group of water pipes which are sequentially arranged from upstream to downstream along the water flow direction, each group of water pipes in the first group of water pipes, the second group of water pipes and the third group of water pipes comprises more than 2 flat water pipes,

the first set of water tubes is in fluid communication with the second set of water tubes through the second chamber and the second set of water tubes is in fluid communication with the third set of water tubes through the first chamber such that water flows through the first set of water tubes, the second chamber, the second set of water tubes, the first chamber and the third set of water tubes in sequence.

Optionally, the water pipe device further comprises a second water pipe device, the second water pipe device is arranged side by side with the first water pipe device in the direction perpendicular to the water flow direction,

wherein the second water pipe device comprises a fourth water pipe, a fifth water pipe and a sixth water pipe which are sequentially arranged from upstream to downstream along the water flow direction, each of the fourth water pipe, the fifth water pipe and the sixth water pipe is a flat water pipe,

forming a third chamber between the first rubber mat and the first end cap, forming a fourth chamber between the second rubber mat and the second end cap,

the fourth water tube is in fluid communication with the fifth water tube through the third chamber, and the fifth water tube is in fluid communication with the sixth water tube through the fourth chamber, such that water flows through the fourth water tube, the third chamber, the fifth water tube, the fourth chamber, and the sixth water tube in sequence.

Optionally, the water dispenser further comprises a warm water outlet temperature sensor, the warm water outlet temperature sensor is arranged on the downstream side of the refrigerating device along the water flow direction and used for sensing the temperature of water flowing out of the refrigerating device, and the warm water outlet temperature sensor is in signal communication with the controller.

Optionally, the water dispenser further comprises:

a water storage means for storing water;

a water supply pump fluidly connected between the water storage device and the heating device for pumping water in the water storage device into the heating device; and

an ambient water temperature sensor for sensing a temperature of water stored in the water storage device.

Optionally, the water dispenser further comprises a water inlet pump, a water outlet portion, a first three-way valve and a second three-way valve, the first three-way valve comprises a first water inlet, a first water outlet and a second water outlet, the second three-way valve comprises a second water inlet, a third water inlet and a third water outlet,

the first water inlet of the first three-way valve is communicated with the water outlet of the refrigerating device in a fluid mode, the first water outlet of the first three-way valve is communicated with the water outlet portion of the water dispenser in a fluid mode, the second water outlet of the first three-way valve is communicated with the third water inlet of the second three-way valve in a fluid mode, the second water inlet of the second three-way valve is communicated with the water inlet pump of the water dispenser in a fluid mode, and the third water outlet of the second three-way valve is communicated with the water inlet of the water storage device in a fluid mode.

Optionally, the water dispenser further comprises a pressurizing nozzle, and the pressurizing nozzle is arranged at the water inlet of the water storage device and is in fluid communication with a third water outlet of the second three-way valve.

Optionally, the water dispenser further comprises:

the water receiving tray is arranged right below the water outlet part of the water dispenser and is used for collecting water overflowing from the water outlet part of the water dispenser;

a wastewater collection device; and

and the check valve is arranged between the water receiving tray and the wastewater collecting device.

Optionally, the water dispenser further comprises:

the low water level sensor is arranged on the side wall of the water storage device close to the bottom of the water storage device; and/or

The high water level sensor is arranged on the side wall of the water storage device close to the top of the water storage device; and/or

And the middle water level sensor is arranged on the side wall of the water storage device and is positioned between the low water level sensor and the high water level sensor.

Optionally, the water dispenser further includes a boiled water outlet temperature sensor disposed at a downstream side of the heating device along a water flow direction, for sensing a temperature of water flowing out of the heating device.

According to the water dispenser disclosed by the embodiment of the disclosure, any water temperature between normal-temperature water and boiled water can be realized, the water dispenser is not limited to a plurality of fixed water temperature grades, in addition, the warm water of the water dispenser disclosed by the embodiment of the disclosure is obtained by cooling the boiled water, bacteria in the water are killed by the high temperature of the boiled water, and the water dispenser can be used for drinking safely.

Drawings

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of the invention, which is made with reference to the accompanying drawings, and can help to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention.

Fig. 1 is a schematic structural view of a water dispenser according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a control system for a water dispenser according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a schematic structural view of a refrigeration unit of a water dispenser according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of a refrigeration unit of a water dispenser according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is an assembled view of the refrigeration unit shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a cut-away perspective view of the water tube assembly of the refrigeration unit shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional plan view of a first water line set of the refrigeration unit shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional plan view of a second water tube arrangement of the refrigeration unit shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 9 is a cut-away plan view of a first water tube arrangement of a refrigeration unit according to another embodiment of the present disclosure; and

fig. 10 is a flowchart of a control method of a water dispenser according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

It is noted that in the accompanying drawings used to describe embodiments of the invention, the dimensions of layers, structures or regions may be exaggerated or reduced for clarity, i.e., the drawings are not drawn to scale.

Detailed Description

The technical solution of the present invention is further specifically described below by way of examples and with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the specification, the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar components. The following description of the embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings is intended to explain the general inventive concept and should not be construed as limiting the invention.

Furthermore, in the following detailed description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments of the disclosure. It may be evident, however, that one or more embodiments may be practiced without these specific details.

It should be noted that the expression "in fluid communication" herein means that a fluid, such as water, can flow from the first component to the second component or from the second component to the first component, and it may include direct connection of the first component to the second component, for example, direct connection of the water outlet of the first component to the water inlet of the second component, and indirect connection of the first component to the second component through an intermediate component, such as a pipe.

The expression "signal communication" or "signal connection" in this context means that a signal, such as a current, a voltage, etc., may be transmitted from a first component to a second component or from a second component to a first component, which may include a wired connection, such as a direct electrical connection, of a first component to a second component or an indirect connection, such as a cable, of a first component to a second component, and a wireless connection, such as bluetooth, wifi, etc., of a first component to a second component.

It will be further understood that, although the terms "first," "second," etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, elements, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, elements, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. Rather, these terms are used to distinguish one element, component, element, region, layer or section from another. Thus, for example, a first component, a first member, a first element, a first region, a first layer, and/or a first portion discussed below could be termed a second component, a second member, a second element, a second region, a second layer, and/or a second portion without departing from the teachings of the present disclosure.

Herein, for convenience of description, X, Y, Z directions are used to describe positional relationships between respective components, and the X, Y, and Z directions also correspond to the first, second, and third directions, respectively, but those skilled in the art should understand that they are only for convenience of description and should not be construed as limitations on the embodiments of the present disclosure.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a water dispenser, which may include: a heating device for heating drinking water; a refrigeration device in fluid communication with the heating device for reducing the temperature of the potable water heated by the heating device; and a controller in signal communication with both the heating device and the cooling device, wherein the cooling device comprises: a water conduit means in fluid communication with the heating means for receiving potable water from the heating means, the water conduit means comprising a flat water conduit; a heat conducting device connected to the water pipe device; and a heat dissipation device for performing air cooling heat dissipation on the water pipe device and the heat conduction device. According to the water dispenser disclosed by the embodiment of the disclosure, any water temperature between normal-temperature water and boiled water can be realized, the water dispenser is not limited to a plurality of fixed water temperature grades, in addition, the warm water of the water dispenser disclosed by the embodiment of the disclosure is obtained by cooling the boiled water, bacteria in the water are killed by the high temperature of the boiled water, and the water dispenser can be used for drinking safely.

Fig. 1 is a schematic structural view of a water dispenser according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to fig. 1, a water dispenser according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a heating device 2, a cooling device 4, and a controller 6. The heating device 2 is used for heating water, for example, the heating device 2 may heat drinking water to about 100 ℃, i.e. to boiling water or boiling water. The cooling device 4 is in fluid communication with the heating device 2 for reducing the temperature of the drinking water heated by the heating device 2. The controller 6 is in signal communication with both the heating device 2 and the cooling device 4 to control the operation of the heating device 2 and the cooling device 4.

For example, the water dispenser may further include a water storage device 13 and a water supply pump 20. The water storage device 13 is used for storing drinking water, for example, the water storage device 13 may be a water storage tank. The water supply pump 20 is fluidly connected between the water storage means 13 and the heating means 2 for pumping the drinking water in the water storage means 13 into the heating means 2. As shown in fig. 1, the water outlet of the water storage device 13 is connected to the water supply pump 20 through a pipe, and the water supply pump 20 is connected to the water inlet of the heating device 2 through a pipe. The heating device 2 may be a line type, i.e., a heating tube. The water outlet of the heating device 2 is connected to the water inlet of the refrigerating device 4 by a pipe, so that the boiled water heated by the heating device 2 can flow into the refrigerating device 4. Thus, the raw water at normal temperature can flow into the heating device 2 from the water storage device 13 at a predetermined flow rate by the water supply pump 20. Then, the normal temperature raw water flows in from the water inlet of the heating device 2 at a predetermined flow rate, and the boiled water instantly and synchronously flows out from the water outlet of the heating device 2 by the heating action of the heating device 2, so that the boiled water flows into the refrigerating device 4. The boiled water flows in from the water inlet of the refrigerating device 4, and the warm water with proper temperature instantly and synchronously flows out from the water outlet of the refrigerating device 4 under the cooling effect of the refrigerating device 4.

For example, the water dispenser may further include a boiled water outlet temperature sensor 3, the boiled water outlet temperature sensor 3 being disposed on a downstream side of the heating device 2 in the water flow direction for sensing the temperature of the water flowing out from the heating device 2. As shown in fig. 1, the boiled water outlet temperature sensor 3 is disposed at the water outlet of the heating device 2, and is used for monitoring whether the temperature of the boiled water flowing out of the heating device 2 reaches the standard. Meanwhile, the boiled water outlet temperature sensor 3 is in signal connection with the controller 6, and the boiled water outlet temperature sensor 3 feeds back the sensed signal to the controller 6.

Referring to fig. 1, the water dispenser may further include a water inlet pump 11, a water outlet portion 9, a first three-way valve 8, and a second three-way valve 22. The first three-way valve 8 includes a first water inlet, a first water outlet and a second water outlet, and the second three-way valve 22 includes a second water inlet, a third water inlet and a third water outlet. A first water inlet of the first three-way valve 8 is in fluid communication with a water outlet of the refrigerating device 4, a first water outlet of the first three-way valve 8 is in fluid communication with a water outlet portion 9 of the water dispenser, a second water outlet of the first three-way valve 8 is in fluid communication with a third water inlet of the second three-way valve 22, a second water inlet of the second three-way valve 22 is in fluid communication with the water inlet pump 11, and a third water outlet of the second three-way valve 22 is in fluid communication with a water inlet of the water storage device 13.

For example, the inlet port of the inlet pump 11 may be connected to the external water reservoir 25 through a pipe, and the outlet port of the inlet pump 11 may be connected to the second inlet port of the second three-way valve 22 through a pipe. The external reservoir 25 may be a commercially available bottled water or other type of water storage device, and the embodiment of the present disclosure is not limited in any way to the external reservoir 25 in terms of structure or form.

For example, the water dispenser may further include a pressurizing nozzle 21, and the pressurizing nozzle 21 is disposed at the water inlet of the water storage device 13 and is in fluid communication with the third water outlet of the second three-way valve 22.

The water dispenser may further include: the water receiving tray 16 is arranged right below the water outlet part 9 of the water dispenser and is used for collecting water overflowing from the water outlet part 9 of the water dispenser; a waste water collecting device 24; and a check valve 17 disposed between the drip tray 16 and the waste water collecting device 24. For example, the check valve 17 may be a one-way valve, with the inlet of the check valve 17 in fluid communication with the drip tray 16 and the outlet of the check valve 17 in fluid communication with the waste water collection device 24. In this way, water overflowing from the water outlet part 9 can be collected by the water receiving tray 16, and waste water in the water receiving tray 16 can flow down to the waste water collecting device 24 under the guidance of the check valve 17 without overflowing to the table top; at the same time, the check valve 17 prevents the waste water and waste gas in the waste water collecting device 24 from flowing back into the drip tray 16. The waste water collecting device 24 may be a waste water collecting bucket for collecting waste water from the water pan 16, as shown in fig. 1, the waste water collecting bucket 24 is placed under the water dispenser, and waste water in the water pan 16 automatically flows into the waste water collecting bucket 24 by gravity effect.

For example, the water dispenser may further include a waste water level sensor 23 disposed in the waste water collection tub 24 for monitoring whether the waste water collection tub 24 is full of waste water.

As shown in fig. 1, the water dispenser may further include a warm water outlet temperature sensor 7, the warm water outlet temperature sensor 7 is disposed on a downstream side of the refrigeration device 4 along a water flow direction, for example, on a pipe between a water outlet of the refrigeration device 4 and a first water inlet of the first three-way valve 8, and is used for sensing a temperature of water flowing out of the refrigeration device 4, and the warm water outlet temperature sensor 7 is in signal communication with the controller 6.

As shown in fig. 1, the water dispenser may further include an ambient water temperature sensor 15, a low water level sensor 14, a mid water level sensor 12, and a high water level sensor 10 disposed in the water storage device 13. The ambient water temperature sensor 15 is used to sense the temperature of the drinking water stored in the water storage device 13, the low water level sensor 14 is used to sense whether the water level in the water storage device 13 is in a low water level state, the middle water level sensor 12 is used to sense whether the water level in the water storage device 13 is in a middle water level state, and the high water level sensor 10 is used to sense whether the water level in the water storage device 13 is in a high water level state. For example, the low water level sensor 14 may be disposed on a side wall of the water storage device 13 near the bottom thereof, the high water level sensor 10 may be disposed on a side wall of the water storage device 13 near the top thereof, the middle water level sensor 12 may be disposed on a side wall of the water storage device 13 and between the low water level sensor 14 and the high water level sensor 10, and the ambient water temperature sensor 15 may be disposed on a side wall of the water storage device 13 and between the low water level sensor 14 and the bottom of the water storage device 13, that is, the ambient water temperature sensor 15, the low water level sensor 14, the middle water level sensor 12, and the high water level sensor 10 are sequentially disposed on a side wall of the water storage device 13 from bottom to top.

For example, the water dispenser may further include a switching power supply 19 for controlling the power supply to the water dispenser.

Referring to fig. 1, the water dispenser may include a housing 1, and the inside of the housing 1 is divided into 3 chambers, which are a high pressure chamber, a control chamber, and a waterway chamber. For example, the switching power supply 19 and power supply lines may be placed in a high voltage chamber, and the devices placed in the high voltage chamber are energized to avoid their mixing with the rest of the water circuit, low voltage or low current parts. The controller 6 and the operation panel 18 can be arranged in the control cavity to prevent the weak current control part from being influenced by the wet air in the water path, for example, the operation panel 18 can be arranged at the top of the water dispenser and faces a user, so that the user can conveniently input manual demand instructions. The operation panel 18 may be provided with operation buttons such as a temperature display button, a temperature setting button, a water making start button, a cleaning inner chamber button, a main switch button, and the like. All water-related components, such as the heating device 2, the cooling device 4, the pump 11, the pump 20, the valves 8, 18, etc., may be placed in the waterway cavity to avoid any possible electric shock associated with water spills.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a control system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to fig. 2, the controller 6 is in signal connection with each sensor and receives signals fed back by each sensor, and specifically, the controller 6 is in signal connection with a boiled water outlet temperature sensor 3, a warm water outlet temperature sensor 7, a high water level sensor 10, a medium water level sensor 12, a low water level sensor 14, an ambient water temperature sensor 15, and a wastewater level sensor 23, respectively; the controller 6 is also in signal connection with the water inlet pump 11, the water supply pump 20, the heating device 2, the refrigerating device 4, the first three-way valve 8, the second three-way valve 22 and the check valve 17, respectively, and sends control signals to them. In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the controller 6 is a CPU of the water dispenser, and receives signals from the sensors, and sends control commands to the execution terminals (including the heating device, the cooling device, the pump, the valve, and the like) through calculation.

For example, the boiled water outlet temperature sensor 3 is used to sense the temperature of water flowing out of the heating device 2, and feeds back the sensed temperature to the controller 6. The controller 6 compares the temperature fed back by the boiled water outlet temperature sensor 3 with a prescribed boiled water temperature (e.g. about 100 c) and if the temperature of the water flowing out of the heating means 2 is below the prescribed boiled water temperature, the controller 6 may issue a control signal, e.g. to increase the heating means 2 or to adjust (e.g. decrease) the water flow rate. By such feedback control, it is possible to ensure that the temperature of the water flowing out of the heating device 2 reaches a prescribed boiling water temperature, that is, to ensure that the water flowing out of the heating device 2 is boiled water, thereby preventing the user from drinking raw water.

For example, the warm water outlet temperature sensor 7 is used to sense the temperature of water flowing out of the refrigerator 4, and feeds back the sensed temperature to the controller 6. The controller 6 compares the temperature fed back by the warm water outlet temperature sensor 7 with the outlet water temperature set by the user. If the temperature of the water flowing out of the cooling device 4 is lower than said outlet water temperature, the controller 6 may issue a control signal, e.g. to reduce the cooling power of the cooling device 4 or to adjust (e.g. increase) the water flow rate. If the temperature of the water flowing out of the cold producing device 4 is higher than said leaving water temperature, the controller 6 may issue a control signal, e.g. increasing the cooling power of the cold producing device 4 or adjusting (e.g. decreasing) the water flow rate. Through such feedback control, can guarantee that the temperature of the water that flows out from refrigerating plant 4 equals the leaving water temperature that the user set for just to better satisfy user's water demand, provide better user experience.

For example, the ambient water temperature sensor 15 is used to sense the water temperature of water stored in the water storage device 13, and feed back the sensed water temperature to the controller 6. For example, the temperature of the water in the water storage device 13 may vary depending on the change in the air temperature or the change in the season. Since the water in the water storage device 13 has different water temperatures, the heating power required to heat the water into boiled water should be different, that is, the heating device 2 should provide different heating powers corresponding to different water temperatures. As an example, two thresholds may be set, for example, a first threshold of 10 ℃ and a second threshold of 20 ℃. If the temperature of the water sensed by the ambient water temperature sensor 15 is below 10 deg.C (e.g. in winter), the controller 6 may issue a control signal to increase the heating power of the heating device 2. If the temperature of the water sensed by the ambient water temperature sensor 15 is above 20 deg.C (e.g. in summer), the controller 6 may issue a control signal to reduce the heating power of the heating means 2. Through the arrangement, the configuration of heating power and refrigerating power can be changed according to the change of the environment, so that the accurate outlet water temperature is realized. For another example, an extreme threshold may also be set, for example, an extreme threshold of about 0 ℃. If the temperature of the water sensed by the ambient water temperature sensor 15 is equal to about 0 ℃, i.e., the water in the water storage device 13 may have frozen, the controller 6 may send a control signal to stop the operation of the heating device, the refrigerating device, the pump and the three-way valve of the water dispenser, thereby avoiding the occurrence of a burn-out accident.

For example, the high level sensor 10, the middle level sensor 12, and the low level sensor 14 may sense the water level in the water storage device 13, respectively, and feed back the sensed water level signals to the controller 6. If the controller 6 receives a feedback signal of the high water level sensor 10, a prompt can be sent to indicate that the water level in the water storage device reaches the upper limit of the water adding amount, so that the condition that water overflows out of the water dispenser due to the fact that the water in the water storage device is overfilled can be avoided. If the controller 6 receives a feedback signal from the mid-water level sensor 12, the water inlet pump 11 can be controlled to start to operate to fill the water storage device 13. If the controller 6 receives the feedback signal of the low water level sensor 14, which indicates that the water storage device 13 is in a water shortage state, the controller 6 can send a control signal to interrupt the heating process, so as to avoid the accident of overhigh temperature caused by water shortage of the heating device 2.

For example, the wastewater level sensor 23 is used to monitor whether the wastewater in the wastewater collection tank 24 is full, and to feed back a signal to the controller 6. If the wastewater in the wastewater collection tub 24 is full, the wastewater level sensor 23 may feed back a signal to the controller 6, and the controller 6 may send a control signal to stop discharging wastewater and send an alarm signal to prompt a user to pour out the wastewater in the wastewater collection tub 24.

Hereinafter, the structure of the refrigerating apparatus will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Fig. 3 is a schematic structural diagram of a refrigeration device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to fig. 3, the cooling device 4 may include a heat dissipating pipe 31, a heat dissipating fin 32, and a fan 33, wherein the heat dissipating pipe 31 has a serpentine bent pipe structure.

However, the inventor researches and discovers that the serpentine elbow is a long closed space, the existing materials with good economical efficiency and heat dissipation performance are only copper pipes and aluminum pipes, and if the two materials are directly exposed in drinking water, a large amount of copper polymers and aluminum ions can enter the water under the high-temperature state and further permeate into human bodies to cause damage to the human bodies. Furthermore, the current general process cannot carry out deep coating treatment on the slender pipe. In addition, the joint of the serpentine elbow needs a welding process, and most of the welding flux and soldering flux components in the market at present contain components toxic to human bodies. And the snakelike return bend is after the welding, can't carry out the safe processing of food to the pad of inner wall. Thus, the serpentine bend + fin combination shown in fig. 3 presents a health risk when used in a water dispenser.

In view of this, the inventors have conducted extensive studies and experiments to provide a novel refrigeration apparatus.

Fig. 4 illustrates an exploded view of a refrigeration device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, fig. 5 illustrates an assembled view of the refrigeration device shown in fig. 4, and fig. 6 is a cut-away perspective view of a water tube device of the refrigeration device shown in fig. 4. With reference to fig. 4, 5 and 6, the refrigerating apparatus 4 may include: the refrigerator comprises a refrigerator main body part 41, an end cover 42, a rubber pad 43, a heat dissipation device 44, a water pipe device 45, a heat conduction device 46, a water inlet 47 and a water outlet 48.

Specifically, the water inlet 47 is connected to the water outlet of the heating device 2 through a pipe to receive the boiled water heated by the heating device 2. The water pipe means 45 is in fluid communication with the water inlet 47 for receiving the boiled water heated by the heating means 2. As shown in fig. 4 and 6, the water pipe means 45 may include a plurality of flat water pipes. Through providing the flat water pipe, can adopt current surface treatment technology to realize carrying out the food ization with the internal surface of flat water pipe and handle, inside the liquid that the food ization was handled can enter into the flat water pipe, liquid can be with the inside all internal surface cover of flat water pipe in the processing procedure, the liquid of remaining that has handled moreover can clear away totally, guarantees not have any residue in flat water pipe inside to can realize that drinking water safety is careless to pass through. For example, the flat water pipe can be an aluminum pipe, and after surface treatment, an aluminum oxide coating can be formed on all inner surfaces of the aluminum pipe, so that a large amount of aluminum ions can be prevented from entering water at a high temperature to cause damage to people.

For example, the cross section of the flat water tube in the YZ plane shown in fig. 4 or 6 (i.e., the cross section of the flat water tube perpendicular to the water flow direction) is a rectangle, and the long side of the rectangle is much larger than the short side thereof, for example, the ratio of the long side to the short side is 10: 1, the dimension of the short side may be less than or equal to 1.5mm, and may even be less than or equal to 1 mm. The inventors have repeatedly studied and experimented that the improvement of the size of the flat water pipe is particularly advantageous for food-processing the inner surface of the flat water pipe and ensures that the entire inner surface of the flat water pipe is covered with a safety plating such as an alumina plating.

The heat transfer means 46 may be a heat transfer fin, and the heat transfer means 46 is connected to the water pipe means 45 for guiding heat of the boiling water in the water pipe means 45 to the outside. For example, the heat conductive fins may be densely packed aluminum or copper sheets.

The heat sink 44 may include a fan, and the heat sink 44 provides an air flow transverse to the direction of the water flow in the water pipe device 45, which guides the heat of the boiling water in the water pipe device 45 to the outside.

By arranging the flat water pipe, the heat conduction fins and the fan heat dissipation device, large-area heat dissipation can be realized, and higher refrigeration efficiency is provided. The boiled water heated by the heating device 2 can be instantly and synchronously refrigerated after flowing through the refrigerating device, so that a user can instantly drink warm water with a set temperature without waiting.

As shown in fig. 4 and 6, the water pipe device 45 may include a plurality of flat water pipes arranged in parallel, and a heat conducting fin 46 is disposed between each two adjacent flat water pipes. The plurality of flat water tubes 45 and the plurality of heat transfer fins 46 are connected to the refrigeration device main body portion 41.

As shown in fig. 4, end caps 42 are provided on both sides of the refrigeration device main body portion 41, and for convenience of description, the end cap 42 on the left side in fig. 4 is referred to as a first end cap, and the end cap 42 on the right side in fig. 4 is referred to as a second end cap. Both sides of the refrigeration device main body portion 41 are provided with rubber mats 43, specifically, the rubber mat 43 between the first end cover 42 and the refrigeration device main body portion 41 is a first rubber mat, and the rubber mat 43 between the second end cover 42 and the refrigeration device main body portion 41 is a second rubber mat. The first rubber mat, the second rubber mat, the first end cover and the second end cover are detachably connected to the refrigerating device main body portion 41. The heat sink 44 is also detachably attached to the refrigeration unit main body portion 41. The "detachable manner" herein may include a fastening manner, a screw connection manner, a crimping connection manner, a rivet connection manner, and the like, and the embodiment of the present disclosure is not particularly limited thereto as long as the detachable connection between the rubber mat, the end cover, and the refrigeration device main body portion is achieved. Through such detachable connection, a user can disassemble the refrigeration device, thoroughly clean the refrigeration device, and after a certain component is damaged, the component can be replaced without scrapping the whole refrigeration device.

For example, the first end cover and the second end cover can be made of transparent materials, so that a user can observe whether water residue exists in the refrigerating device through naked eyes, and the operation of the water dispenser by the user is facilitated.

Referring to fig. 4 and 6, the water pipe device 45 includes a first water pipe device 45A and a second water pipe device 45B, and the first water pipe device 45A and the second water pipe device 45B are arranged side by side in a second direction (Y direction in the drawing). Fig. 7 is a sectional plan view of a first water pipe device of a refrigeration apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and fig. 8 is a sectional plan view of a second water pipe device of the refrigeration apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

As shown in fig. 7, the first water pipe device 45A includes n flat water pipes, n being a natural number equal to or greater than 3, the n flat water pipes being arranged in parallel in the third direction (Z direction in the drawing), the n flat water pipes being sequentially fluidly connected so that water can flow in the first direction (X direction in the drawing) among the n flat water pipes. For example, the first direction, the second direction, and the third direction are perpendicular to each other. Illustratively, the uppermost 3 flat water tubes among the n flat water tubes included in the first water tube device 45A are referred to as a first water tube 451, a second water tube 452, and a third water tube 453, respectively. The first water pipe 451 is in direct fluid communication with the water inlet 47, and the first water pipe 451, the second water pipe 452, and the third water pipe 453 are sequentially disposed from upstream to downstream in the water flow direction. A first chamber 431 is formed between the first rubber mat and the first end cap and a second chamber 432 is formed between the second rubber mat and the second end cap. The first water tube 451 is in fluid communication with the second water tube 452 through the second chamber 432, and the second water tube 452 is in fluid communication with the third water tube 453 through the first chamber 431. That is, after entering from the water inlet 47, the water flows through the first water pipe 451, the second chamber 432, the second water pipe 452, the first chamber 431, and the third water pipe 453 in this order. It will be appreciated that with this arrangement, water entering from the water inlet 47 can flow to the most downstream one of the water tubes of the first water tube arrangement 45A, for example the n-th water tube in the lowermost position in fig. 6.

Similarly, as shown in fig. 8, the second water pipe device 45B may include n flat water pipes, n being a natural number equal to or greater than 3, the n flat water pipes being arranged in parallel in the third direction (Z direction in the drawing), the n flat water pipes being sequentially fluidly connected such that water may flow in the first direction (X direction in the drawing) among the n flat water pipes. Illustratively, the uppermost 3 flat water tubes among the n flat water tubes included in the second water tube device 45B are referred to as a sixth water tube 456, a fifth water tube 455, and a fourth water tube 454, respectively. The sixth water tube 456 is in direct fluid communication with the water outlet 48, and the fourth water tube 454, the fifth water tube 455, and the sixth water tube 456 are arranged in order from upstream to downstream in the direction of water flow. A third chamber 433 is formed between the first rubber pad and the first end cap and a fourth chamber 434 is formed between the second rubber pad and the second end cap. The fourth water tube 454 is in fluid communication with the fifth water tube 455 through the third chamber 433, and the fifth water tube 455 is in fluid communication with the sixth water tube 456 through the fourth chamber 434. That is, after the water flows in from the nth water pipe of the first water pipe device 45A, the water flows through the fourth water pipe 454, the third chamber 433, the fifth water pipe 455, the fourth chamber 434, and the sixth water pipe 456 in this order. It will be appreciated that with this arrangement, water can flow through the n water tubes of the second water tube arrangement 45B in sequence and out the outlet 48.

As shown in fig. 4 and 6, a heat conducting fin 46 is disposed between any two adjacent flat water tubes arranged in parallel in the Z direction, and is used for conducting away heat of boiled water flowing through the flat water tubes. The heat sink 44, such as a fan, generates a Y-direction airflow that contacts all of the flat water tubes and the heat-conducting fins over a large area to maximize the heat removal from the boiling water flowing through the flat water tubes. Moreover, in the embodiment of the disclosure, the refrigeration device has a compact structure, and the volume of the refrigeration device is reduced, and meanwhile, the long path through which water flows in the water pipe device is ensured, so that the heat dissipation effect can be further improved. By means of the refrigerating device, high-efficiency refrigeration can be realized, and therefore a user can drink warm water at any set temperature without waiting.

Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional plan view of a first water pipe apparatus according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in fig. 9, the first water pipe device 45A includes n groups of flat water pipes, n being a natural number equal to or greater than 2, the n groups of flat water pipes being arranged in parallel in the third direction (Z direction in the drawing), and the n groups of flat water pipes being sequentially fluidly connected so that water can flow in the first direction (X direction in the drawing) among the n groups of flat water pipes. In the n groups of flat water pipes, each group of flat water pipes comprises more than 2 flat water pipes which are arranged in parallel along a third direction (Z direction in the figure). In the illustrated embodiment, each set of flat water tubes includes 2 flat water tubes. Illustratively, the uppermost 3 groups of flat water tubes among the n groups of flat water tubes included in the first water tube arrangement 45A are referred to as a first group of water tubes 451 ', a second group of water tubes 452 ', and a third group of water tubes 453 ', respectively. The first set of water tubes 451 'is in direct fluid communication with the water inlet 47, and the first, second, and third sets of water tubes 451', 452 ', 453' are arranged in the water flow direction from upstream to downstream. A first chamber 431 'is formed between the first rubber mat and the first end cap and a second chamber 432' is formed between the second rubber mat and the second end cap. The first set of water tubes 451 'are in fluid communication with the second set of water tubes 452' through the second chamber 432 ', and the second set of water tubes 452' are in fluid communication with the third set of water tubes 453 'through the first chamber 431'. That is, after entering from the water inlet 47, the water flows through the first group of water pipes 451 ', the second chamber 432 ', the second group of water pipes 452 ', the first chamber 431 ', and the third group of water pipes 453 ' in sequence. It will be appreciated that with this arrangement, water entering from the water inlet 47 can flow to the most downstream set of water tubes of the first water tube arrangement 45A, for example the n-th set of water tubes in the lowermost position of fig. 9. That is, in the present embodiment, one chamber may correspond to 2 flat water tubes, thereby adjusting the flow rate of water flowing through the refrigerating apparatus. Moreover, such adjustment can be achieved by replacing the rubber mat, in particular, the location of the holes in the rubber mat, without the need to redesign and machine the end caps and water tubes.

It is understood that the second water pipe device 45B may have a structure similar to that of the first water pipe device 45A shown in fig. 9, and thus, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

On the basis of the above description of the structure of the water dispenser, the following description further details the control method of the water dispenser according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, as shown in fig. 10.

For example, the control method of the water dispenser according to the embodiment of the present disclosure may include a water storage device filling process. Specifically, the water filling process of the water storage device may include the following steps:

the middle water level sensor 12 in the water storage device 13 detects whether the water level in the water storage device 13 is lower than the middle water level, when the middle water level sensor 12 sends a feedback signal, the water level in the water storage device 13 is lower than the middle water level, namely the water storage device 13 is in a water shortage state, and the middle water level sensor 12 feeds back a signal to the controller 6;

the controller 6 sends a command to the intake pump 11, and the intake pump 11 starts to operate to continuously pump water from the external water reservoir 25, such as a purified water storage tank, into the water storage device 13;

if the water level in the water storage device 13 reaches the high water level, indicating that the water storage device is filled with water, namely the water storage device 13 is in a full water state, the high water level sensor 10 feeds back a signal to the controller 6;

the controller 6 sends an instruction to the water inlet pump 11, and the water inlet pump 11 stops working;

if the water level in the water storage means 13 has not reached the high water level within the prescribed time, the water supply to the heating means 2 is stopped and an alarm is given to the user to indicate that the external water reservoir 25 is in a water shortage state and needs to be replaced or filled with water.

For example, the control method of the water dispenser according to the embodiment of the present disclosure may include a warm water making process. Specifically, the warm water making process may include the following steps:

when a user needs to make water, the user sets the required water outlet temperature on the operation panel 18 and then clicks a button for starting water making;

the low water level sensor 14 of the water storage device 13 detects whether the water level in the water storage device 13 is lower than the low water level, that is, whether the water storage device 13 is in a water shortage state;

when the water storage device 13 is not in a water shortage state, the low water level sensor 14 feeds back a signal to the controller 6;

the controller 6 sends instructions to the water supply pump 20, the heating device 2 and the refrigerating device 4;

the water supply pump 20 starts pumping water to supply water to the heating device 2;

the heating device 2 starts to heat, raw water is instantly heated into boiled water and is discharged to the refrigerating device 4, in the heating process, a boiled water outlet temperature sensor 3 feeds back a signal to the controller 6, the controller 6 judges whether the temperature of the boiled water flowing out of the heating device 2 reaches the standard, if not, an instruction is sent to the heating device 2, and the heating power is adjusted to enable the temperature of the boiled water to reach the standard;

starting the refrigerating device 4, instantly cooling the boiled water entering the refrigerating device 4 to the temperature set by the user, and discharging the boiled water to the water outlet part 9 of the water dispenser for the user to use; in the refrigeration process, the warm water outlet temperature sensor 7 feeds back a signal to the controller 6, the controller 6 judges whether the warm water temperature reaches the standard, if the temperature is higher, an instruction is sent to the refrigeration device 4 to increase the refrigeration power, so that the temperature of the warm water is continuously reduced to the outlet water temperature; if the temperature is lower, an instruction is sent to the refrigerating device 4, the refrigerating power is reduced, and the temperature of the warm water is increased to the outlet water temperature.

That is, the control method according to the embodiment of the present disclosure may include the steps of:

setting the outlet water temperature of the drinking water flowing out of the water dispenser;

detecting whether a water storage device of the water dispenser is in a water shortage state;

when the water storage device is detected not to be in a water shortage state, controlling water to flow from the water storage device to a heating device of the water dispenser;

starting the heating device to heat the water into boiled water;

controlling the boiled water to flow from the heating device to a refrigerating device of the water dispenser;

starting a refrigerating device to cool boiled water flowing into the refrigerating device, so that the temperature of water flowing out of the refrigerating device reaches the outlet water temperature; and

controlling water to flow from the refrigeration device to a water outlet portion of the water dispenser.

For example, a control method of a water dispenser according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a stagnant water recovery process within a refrigeration device. In particular, the retention water recovery process within the refrigeration device may comprise the steps of:

when a new round of water production starts, the controller 6 controls the first three-way valve 8 to be electrified so as to lead the first water inlet of the first three-way valve to be communicated with the second water outlet;

the heating device 2, the refrigerating device 4 and the water supply pump 20 start to work, and water is pumped from the water storage device 13 to produce water;

the newly prepared water with the specified temperature pushes the retained water in the previous refrigerating device 4 into the water storage device 13 along the pipeline;

the controller 6 sets a specified power-on time for the first three-way valve 8, and after the stagnant water in the refrigerating device 4 is discharged into the water storage device 13, the first three-way valve 8 is controlled to be powered off, so that the water inlet of the first three-way valve 8 is communicated with the first water outlet, and the newly prepared water is discharged to the water outlet part 9 of the water dispenser.

For example, a control method of a water dispenser according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include an automatic washing process. Specifically, the automatic cleaning process may include the steps of:

the user can set parameters such as a cleaning period (i.e., how often to clean) and cleaning time (how often to clean at several points each time) on the operation panel 18 according to the needs and preferences of the user;

after the controller 6 obtains the cleaning parameters input by the operation panel 18, sending an instruction to the water inlet pump 20 according to the cleaning parameters, and commanding the water inlet pump 20 to start working;

the water inlet pump 20 pumps water in the water storage device 13 and discharges the water to the water receiving tray 16, so that the water flows into the wastewater collecting device 24 along the same direction;

when the water level in the water storage device 13 is reduced to the position of the low water level sensor 14, controlling the heating device 2 to start working and controlling the first three-way valve 8 to be electrified so that the water inlet of the first three-way valve 8 is communicated with the second water outlet;

a small amount of water in the water storage device 13 is heated by the heating device 2 and then sprayed into the water storage device 13 from the pressurizing nozzle 21 at the top of the water storage device 13 along a pipeline, and all impurities on the inner wall of the water storage device 13 can be flushed into the bottom of the water storage device 13 by hot water and collected to the water outlet of the water storage device 13;

after the inner wall of the water storage device 13 is repeatedly flushed for a period of time, controlling the first three-way valve 8 to be powered off, so that the water inlet of the first three-way valve 8 is communicated with the first water outlet;

all water and impurities in the water storage device 13 are discharged into the water receiving tray 16 and then flow into the wastewater collection device 24 along the same direction.

Therefore, when the internal pipeline of the water dispenser is cleaned, external water is not discharged, water is heated and then is cleaned in an internal circulation mode, the top of the water storage device is provided with the pressurizing spray head, water flow in the pipe is pressurized and then is sprayed around the inner wall of the water storage device, no dead angle cleaning is achieved until internal impurities are cleaned, and therefore automatic and thorough cleaning without dead angles in the water dispenser is achieved.

For example, the control method of the water dispenser according to the embodiment of the present disclosure may include an ambient water temperature adjustment process. Specifically, the ambient water temperature adjustment process may include the steps of:

before water production begins, the ambient water temperature sensor 15 feeds back a signal to the controller 6, and the controller 6 judges whether the water temperature is too high, too low or frozen;

if the water temperature is too low, the controller 6 sends an instruction to the heating device 2, and the heating device 2 increases the heating power;

if the water temperature is too high, the controller 6 sends an instruction to the heating device 2, and the heating device 2 reduces the heating power;

if the signal fed back by the ambient water temperature sensor 15 shows that the water in the water storage device is frozen, the controller 6 controls the pump, the valve, the heating device and the refrigerating device of the water dispenser to stop working so as to prevent the machine from being burnt.

For example, a control method of a water dispenser according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a waste water collecting process. Specifically, the wastewater collection process may include the steps of:

the waste water from the water outlet part 9 of the water dispenser is collected in the groove of the water receiving tray 16;

the wastewater enters a wastewater collection device 24 after passing through a normally open check valve 17;

the wastewater collection device 24 continuously collects wastewater until the wastewater level reaches the height of the wastewater level sensor 23 therein;

the wastewater level sensor 23 feeds back a signal to the controller 6, and the controller 6 sends an instruction to the check valve 17 to control the check valve to close and stop the drainage work;

after the user takes the waste water in the waste water collecting device 24, the waste water level sensor 23 feeds back a signal to the controller 6, and the controller 6 gives an instruction to the check valve 17 to open to continue discharging the waste water.

Although a few embodiments of the present general inventive concept have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes may be made in these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the general inventive concept, the scope of which is defined in the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

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

a heating device for heating water;

wherein the refrigeration device comprises:

a heat conducting device connected to the water pipe device; and

2. The water dispenser of claim 1, wherein the refrigeration device further comprises:

a water inlet and a water outlet arranged on the end cover,

3. The water dispenser of claim 2 wherein the water conduit means comprises a first water conduit means comprising a first water conduit, a second water conduit and a third water conduit arranged in sequence from upstream to downstream along the direction of water flow, each of the first water conduit, the second water conduit and the third water conduit being a flat water conduit,

4. The water dispenser of claim 2 wherein the water tube means comprises a first water tube means comprising a first group of water tubes, a second group of water tubes and a third group of water tubes arranged in sequence from upstream to downstream along the water flow direction, each of the first group of water tubes, the second group of water tubes and the third group of water tubes comprises more than 2 flat water tubes,

5. The water dispenser of claim 3 wherein the water tube means further comprises a second water tube means disposed alongside the first water tube means in a direction perpendicular to the direction of water flow,

6. The water dispenser as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a warm water outlet temperature sensor disposed at a downstream side of the refrigerating device in a water flow direction for sensing a temperature of water flowing out of the refrigerating device, the warm water outlet temperature sensor being in signal communication with the controller.

7. The water dispenser as claimed in claim 1, wherein the water dispenser further comprises:

a water storage means for storing water;

8. The water dispenser of claim 7, further comprising a water inlet pump, a water outlet portion, a first three-way valve and a second three-way valve, the first three-way valve comprising a first water inlet, a first water outlet and a second water outlet, the second three-way valve comprising a second water inlet, a third water inlet and a third water outlet,

9. The water dispenser of claim 8 further comprising a pressurized spray head disposed at the water inlet of the water storage device and in fluid communication with the third water outlet of the second three-way valve.

10. The water dispenser of claim 8, further comprising:

a wastewater collection device; and

11. The water dispenser as claimed in claim 7, further comprising:

12. The water dispenser as claimed in any one of claims 1-11, further comprising a boiled water leaving temperature sensor disposed on a downstream side of the heating means in a water flow direction for sensing a temperature of water flowing out of the heating means.