WO2016026327A1

WO2016026327A1 - Drinking water apparatus and quantitative water supply device therefor

Info

Publication number: WO2016026327A1
Application number: PCT/CN2015/078093
Authority: WO
Inventors: 邹晓波; 邓冰峰
Original assignee: 佛山市顺德区美的饮水机制造有限公司; 美的集团股份有限公司
Priority date: 2014-08-20
Filing date: 2015-04-30
Publication date: 2016-02-25

Abstract

Disclosed are a drinking water apparatus and a quantitative water supply device (100) therefor. The quantitative water supply device (100) comprises: a cold water tank (1), a hot water tank (2), a quantitative tank (3), a water inlet control device (4), at least one water level detection device (5) and a controller (6), wherein the cold water tank (1) is connected to a water source; the hot water tank (2) is lower than the cold water tank (1) and is connected to the cold water tank (1); the quantitative tank (3) is lower than the cold water tank (1) and is connected to the hot water tank (2); the water inlet control device (4) is connected between the quantitative tank (3) and the hot water tank (2); the water level detection device (5) is arranged on the quantitative tank (3) and detects the water level in the quantitative tank (3); and the controller (6) is connected to a water inlet valve (41), an air exhaust valve (42) and the water level detection device (5), respectively.

Description

Drinking water equipment and its quantitative water supply device

Technical field

The present invention relates to a metered water supply device for a drinking water device and a water drinking device having the same.

Background technique

The drinking water equipment is now a commonly used household drinking water equipment, and the user can conveniently discharge cold, hot and warm water from the machine. However, the current situation is that the user needs to manually control the amount of water when taking water. When the water is almost full of the cup or the water reaches the amount needed, the water switch is turned off. This type of operation causes inconvenience to the user, and is prone to burns when the hot water is released, and the safety is poor.

Summary of the invention

The present invention aims to solve at least one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. To this end, an object of the present invention is to provide a metered water supply device for drinking water equipment with an accurate water discharge amount.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a drinking water apparatus having the quantitative water supply device.

A quantitative water supply device for a drinking water apparatus according to an embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention, comprising: a cold water tank connected to a water source; a hot water tank, the hot water tank being disposed below the cold water tank and The cold water tank is connected; the quantitative tank is disposed below the cold water tank and connected to the hot water tank; the water inlet control device is connected to the quantitative tank and the heat Between the water tanks; at least one water level detecting device, the at least one water level detecting device is disposed on the quantitative tank and detecting the water level in the metering tank; the controller, the controller and the inlet valve, respectively An exhaust valve is coupled to the water level detecting device.

According to the quantitative water supply device of the embodiment of the present invention, by providing a quantitative tank with a plurality of quantitative water levels, the user can select the required amount of hot water, thereby realizing quantitative control of the hot water, and the structure is simple and convenient to use.

According to an example of the present invention, the water inlet control device includes: an inlet valve and an exhaust valve.

According to an example of the invention, the inlet valve and the exhaust valve are both solenoid valves. Therefore, when it is required to inject water from the hot water tank into the dosing tank, the controller simultaneously opens the inlet valve and the exhaust valve, and after the exhaust valve discharges the gas in the dosing tank, the inlet valve allows the hot water tank The hot water flows into the dosing tank.

According to an example of the invention, the metered water supply device further includes an air pump connected to the metering tank to inject gas into the metering tank, the air pump being coupled to the controller. Thereby, gas is injected into the dosing tank by the air pump to eject the water in the dosing tank from the faucet of the dosing tank.

According to an example of the present invention, the quantitative water supply device further includes a water pump connected to the cold water tank and controlled to open and close by the controller.

According to an example of the invention, the water level detecting device is a probe, and a probe of the probe extends into the dosing tank.

According to an example of the present invention, a plurality of the probes are evenly distributed in the up and down direction.

According to an example of the present invention, the water level detecting device is an infrared water level detecting element, an ultrasonic water level detecting element, a proximity switch, or a float water level detecting device.

According to an example of the invention, the top surface of the hot water tank is at a lower level than the bottom surface of the cold water tank.

According to an example of the invention, the top surface of the metering tank is at a level lower than the level of the bottom surface of the cold water tank.

According to the quantitative water supply device of the embodiment of the present invention, quantitative control of a plurality of water discharge amounts can be realized, and the control is accurate and reliable.

A drinking water apparatus according to an embodiment of the second aspect of the present invention includes: a housing defining an accommodation space therein, the housing having a display panel, the display panel having a plurality of water amount keys; A quantitative water supply device for a drinking water device according to a first aspect of the invention, the quantitative water supply device being disposed in the accommodation space.

The additional aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows.

DRAWINGS

The above and/or additional aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent and readily understood from

1 is a schematic diagram of a metered water supply device for a water drinking device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Reference mark:

Quantitative water supply device 100; cold water tank 1; tank lid 11; tank body 12; cold water faucet 10;

Hot water tank 2; quantitative tank 3; quantitative faucet 30

Inlet water control device 4; inlet valve 41; exhaust valve 42;

Water level detecting device 5; controller 6; air pump 7; water pump 8

detailed description

The embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below, and the examples of the embodiments are illustrated in the drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals are used to refer to the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are intended to be illustrative of the invention and are not to be construed as limiting.

In the description of the present invention, it is to be understood that the orientations or positions of the terms "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outside", etc. are understood. The relationship is based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings, and is merely for the convenience of the description of the invention and the simplification of the description, and does not indicate or imply that the device or component referred to has a specific orientation, is constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and thus It is not to be understood as limiting the invention. Moreover, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and are not to be construed as indicating or implying a relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of technical features indicated. Thus, features defining "first" and "second" may include one or more of the features either explicitly or implicitly. In the description of the present invention, "a plurality" means two or more unless otherwise stated.

In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that the terms "installation", "connected", and "connected" are to be understood broadly, and may be fixed or detachable, for example, unless otherwise explicitly defined and defined. Connected, or integrally connected; can be mechanical or electrical; can be directly connected, or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, can be the internal communication of the two components. The specific meaning of the above terms in the present invention can be understood in a specific case by those skilled in the art.

A metered water supply device for a drinking water apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIG. In the following description, the quantitative water supply device is used as an example in a water dispenser, wherein the water dispenser has a display panel (not shown) having a plurality of water amount keys thereon.

The quantitative water supply device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a cold water tank 1, a hot water tank 2, a dosing tank 3, a water inlet control device 4, at least one water level detecting device 5, and a controller 6.

As shown in Fig. 1, the cold water tank 1 is adapted to be connected to a water source, for example, the water source may be a water bucket or other external water source, or the user may manually pour water. Alternatively, the cold water tank 1 includes a tank lid 11 and a tank body 12, and the cold water faucet 10 is connected to the tank body 12 to flow the cold water in the cold water tank 1 through the cold water faucet 10. The hot water tank is disposed below the cold water tank 1 and is connected to the cold water tank 1, whereby water can flow from the cold water tank 1 to the hot water tank 2 due to gravity when discharging water. The dosing tank 3 is disposed below the cold water tank 1 and is connected to the hot water tank 2, and the water inlet control device 4 is connected between the dosing tank 3 and the hot water tank 2 to control the flow of water in the hot water tank 2 into the dosing tank 3.

At least one water level detecting device 5 is provided on the dosing tank 3 in order to detect the water level in the dosing tank 3. The controller 6 is connected to the water inlet valve 41, the exhaust valve 42, the water level detecting device 5, and the display panel, respectively.

Thereby, when the quantitative water supply device 100 is in operation, the water source injects water into the cold water tank 1, due to gravity, The water in the cold water tank 1 will flow into the hot water tank 2. After the hot water tank 2 and the respective circulation lines are filled, the water level in the cold water tank 1 reaches the highest water level in the cold water tank 1, and the water supply is stopped. The water in the cold water tank 1 can be cooled, and the water in the hot water tank 2 can be heated. The heating or cooling work in the cold water tank 1 and the hot water tank 2 is well known to those skilled in the art, and is not here. More details will be described.

When the water temperature in the hot water tank 2 reaches the specified temperature, the controller 6 prompts the user to take hot water, and the user selects the required amount of hot water among the plurality of water amount keys on the display panel. After receiving the feedback, the controller 6 controls the water inlet control device 4 to be turned on, and the hot water flows from the hot water tank 2 into the quantitative tank 3. When the water level in the quantitative tank reaches the required amount of hot water, the controller 6 receives the After the signal fed back by the water level detecting device 5 at the water level, the water inlet control device 4 is controlled to be closed. Then, the controller 6 controls the water in the dosing tank 3 to be discharged outward into the user's water container such as a cup.

As shown in Fig. 1, according to some embodiments of the present invention, the metering tank 3 is a sealed tank, and the water inlet control device 4 includes an exhaust valve 42 and an inlet valve for discharging the gas in the metering tank 3. 41. Optionally, the inlet valve 41 and the exhaust valve 42 are both solenoid valves. Thus, when it is necessary to inject water from the hot water tank 2 into the dosing tank 3, the controller 6 simultaneously opens the inlet valve 41 and the exhaust valve 42, and after the exhaust valve 42 discharges the gas in the dosing tank 3, The water valve 41 allows hot water in the hot water tank 2 to flow into the dosing tank 3.

In some embodiments, the metered water supply device 100 may further include an air pump 7 connected to the metering tank 3 to inject gas into the metering tank 3, and the air pump 7 is connected to the controller 6. Thereby, the gas is injected into the dosing tank 3 by the air pump 7 to eject the water in the dosing tank 3 from the faucet 30 of the dosing tank 3.

As shown in FIG. 1, in a further embodiment, the metered water supply device 100 may further include a water pump 8 connected to the cold water tank 1 and an external water source and controlled by the controller 6 to open and close. It can be understood that after the cold water tank 1 stops the water injection into the hot water tank 2, the controller 6 can timely control the water pump 8 to open the pumping water to replenish the cold water in the cold water tank 1. In another alternative example, after the quantitative water withdrawal is completed, the controller 6 controls the water pump 8 to turn on the pumping water to replenish the cold water in the cold water tank 1. Of course, in still another example, during the water injection of the cold water tank 1 into the hot water tank 2, the controller 6 controls the water pump 8 to replenish water into the cold water tank 1 in time. That is to say, the cold water tank 1 can be controlled to replenish water at any time according to a specific design.

In some embodiments, the water level detecting device 5 is a probe into which the probe of the probe extends. In order to detect a plurality of water levels, the probes of the plurality of probes are arranged in the up-and-down direction within the dosing tank 3. For example, in the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the probe comprises five, designated 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, respectively, wherein the probe 51 extends into the upper end of the dosing tank 3 to detect the highest water level, while the probe 55 is located at the lower end of the dosing tank 3 to detect the lowest water level. Correspondingly, on the display panel of the water dispenser, there are also five water volume keys, and five water volume keys respectively correspond to five probes one by one, for example When the water amount key representing the highest water level is pressed, the controller 6 will control to stop the water from the hot water tank 2 to the dosing tank 3 after receiving the feedback from the probe 51. In an alternative example, multiple probes are evenly distributed in the up and down direction. Of course, multiple probes can also be arranged with specific designs.

Of course, the invention is not limited thereto. In other embodiments, the water level detecting device 5 may also be an infrared water level detecting element, an ultrasonic water level detecting element, a proximity switch, or a float water level detecting device, etc., and is not specifically limited herein.

The difference in height between the hot water tank 2 and the cold water tank 1 can be determined by the actual installation position. Similarly, the height difference between the quantitative tank 3 and the cold water tank 1 can also be determined by the actual installation position. According to some embodiments of the present invention, the top surface of the hot water tank 2 is located at a lower level than the bottom surface of the cold water tank 1, that is, the highest water level of the hot water tank 2 is lower than the lowest water level of the cold water tank 1, thereby It is ensured that the water in the cold water tank 1 can all flow into the hot water tank 2 when necessary. Alternatively, the level of the top surface of the quench tank 3 is lower than the level of the bottom surface of the cold water tank 1. That is to say, the highest water level of the dosing tank 3 is lower than the lowest water level of the cold water tank 1, whereby the water level difference ensures that the highest water level in the dosing tank 3 can be achieved.

The operation of the quantitative water supply device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to Fig. 1, and the description will be made by taking the quantitative water supply device 100 for use in a water dispenser as an example.

As shown in FIG. 1, when the quantitative water supply device 100 is operated, the water dispenser is first energized, and the controller 6 controls the water pump 8 to start pumping water, so that the water source injects water into the cold water tank 1, and the water in the cold water tank 1 is due to gravity. The hot water tank 2 will flow in. After the hot water tank 2 and the respective circulation lines are filled, after the water level in the cold water tank 1 reaches the highest water level in the cold water tank 1, the controller 6 controls the water pump 8 to stop pumping. The highest water level in the cold water tank 1 can be detected by a cold water tank probe (not shown), or the cold water tank 1 can be filled with the highest water level. The water in the cold water tank 1 can be cooled, and the water in the hot water tank 2 can be heated. The heating or cooling work in the cold water tank 1 and the hot water tank 2 is well known to those skilled in the art, and is not here. More details will be described.

When the water temperature in the hot water tank 2 reaches the specified temperature, the controller 6 prompts the user to take hot water, and the user selects the required amount of hot water in the plurality of water amount keys on the display panel (for example, the highest corresponding to the probe 51) Water volume). After receiving the feedback, the controller 6 controls the exhaust valve 42 and the inlet valve 41 to open, and after the exhaust valve 42 discharges the gas in the dosing tank 3, the inlet valve 41 allows the hot water in the hot water tank 2 to flow into the quantitative Inside the tank 3. After the water level in the dosing tank reaches the required amount of hot water, the controller 6 receives the signal fed back from the water level detecting device 5 at the water level, and controls the exhaust valve 42 and the water inlet valve 41 to close.

Then, the controller 6 controls the air pump 7 to be turned on, and the air pump 7 injects gas into the dosing tank 3 to eject the water in the dosing tank 3 from the faucet 30 of the dosing tank 3 to the user's water container such as a cup at a relatively high pressure. . When the water level in the dosing tank 3 is reduced to the minimum water amount (for example, the amount of water corresponding to the probe 55), the air pump continues to operate for a corresponding time, and all the water in the dosing tank 3 is ejected, at which time the controller 6 controls the air pump 7 to stop working.

In any of the above processes, the cold water tank 1 can be controlled to replenish water at any time according to a specific design, for example, after the cold water tank 1 stops water injection into the hot water tank 2, or after the quantitative water withdrawal is completed, or in the water tank 1 Fill the hot water tank 2 with water.

According to the quantitative water supply device 100 of the embodiment of the present invention, quantitative control of a plurality of water discharge amounts can be realized, and the control is accurate and reliable.

A drinking water apparatus according to an embodiment of the second aspect of the present invention comprises: a casing (not shown) and a metered water supply device 100 for a drinking water apparatus according to the above embodiment of the present invention. The housing defines an accommodation space, and the housing has a display panel having a plurality of water amount keys, and the quantitative water supply device 100 is disposed in the accommodation space.

According to the drinking water apparatus of the present invention, the amount of water can be accurately controlled, and it can be applied to the production of beverages such as coffee and tea. Further, the water drinking device according to the present invention may be various devices requiring a liquid flow rate control such as a water dispenser, a beverage machine, or a coffee machine.

In the description of the present specification, the description with reference to the terms "one embodiment", "some embodiments", "illustrative embodiment", "example", "specific example", or "some examples", etc. Particular features, structures, materials or features described in the examples or examples are included in at least one embodiment or example of the invention. In the present specification, the schematic representation of the above terms does not necessarily mean the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in a suitable manner in any one or more embodiments or examples.

While the embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, the embodiments of the invention may The scope of the invention is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

A quantitative water supply device for a drinking water device, comprising:

a cold water tank connected to a water source;

a hot water tank disposed below the cold water tank and connected to the cold water tank;

a dosing tank disposed below the cold water tank and connected to the hot water tank;

a water inlet control device, the water inlet control device being connected between the quantitative tank and the hot water tank;

At least one water level detecting device, the at least one water level detecting device is disposed on the quantification tank and detecting a water level in the quantification tank;

a controller that is coupled to the inlet valve, the exhaust valve, and the water level detecting device, respectively.
A metered water supply apparatus for a drinking water apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said water inlet control means comprises: an inlet valve and an exhaust valve.
A metered water supply apparatus for a drinking water apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said inlet valve and said exhaust valve are both solenoid valves.
A metered water supply apparatus for a drinking water apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising an air pump connected to the metering tank to inject a gas into the metering tank, The air pump is coupled to the controller.
A dosing water supply device for a drinking water apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a water pump connected to the cold water tank and controlled to open and close by the controller.
A dosing water supply device for a drinking water device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the water level detecting device is a probe, and a probe of the probe extends into the dosing tank Inside.
A dosing water supply device for a drinking water apparatus according to claim 6, wherein a plurality of said probes are evenly distributed in the up and down direction.
The quantitative water supply device for a drinking water device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the water level detecting device is an infrared water level detecting element, an ultrasonic water level detecting element, a proximity switch, or a float water level. Detection device.
A metered water supply apparatus for a drinking water apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein a top surface of the hot water tank is located at a lower level than a bottom surface of the cold water tank.
A metered water supply device for a drinking water apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the top surface of the metering tank is at a level lower than a level of the bottom surface of the cold water tank.
A drinking water device, comprising:

a housing defining a receiving space therein, the housing having a display panel thereon, the display panel having a plurality of water amount keys thereon;

A dosing water supply device for a drinking water device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the dosing water supply device is provided in the accommodation space.