WO2022148481A1 - 独立式冰块或饮料分配电器 - Google Patents

独立式冰块或饮料分配电器 Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2022148481A1
WO2022148481A1 PCT/CN2022/071384 CN2022071384W WO2022148481A1 WO 2022148481 A1 WO2022148481 A1 WO 2022148481A1 CN 2022071384 W CN2022071384 W CN 2022071384W WO 2022148481 A1 WO2022148481 A1 WO 2022148481A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
ice
tank
bin
water outlet
electrical appliance
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/CN2022/071384
Other languages
English (en)
French (fr)
Inventor
斯科特 卡尔格雷戈里
阿贝干纳瓦登那丹尼斯特
加里 福斯特罗纳德
安德鲁 韦梅尔乔丹
雷 杰克逊蒂莫西
C. 麦卡宾大卫
阿尔登 荣格布伦特
德沃斯理查德
C. 渡边迈克尔
李建武
丹尼尔 雅各比特伦特
哈尼保罗
谢尔盖维奇 切尔诺夫格雷戈里
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Qingdao Haier Refrigerator Co Ltd
Haier Smart Home Co Ltd
Haier US Appliance Solutions Inc
Original Assignee
Qingdao Haier Refrigerator Co Ltd
Haier Smart Home Co Ltd
Haier US Appliance Solutions Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Qingdao Haier Refrigerator Co Ltd, Haier Smart Home Co Ltd, Haier US Appliance Solutions Inc filed Critical Qingdao Haier Refrigerator Co Ltd
Publication of WO2022148481A1 publication Critical patent/WO2022148481A1/zh
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25C—PRODUCING, WORKING OR HANDLING ICE
    • F25C5/00—Working or handling ice
    • F25C5/20—Distributing ice
    • F25C5/24—Distributing ice for storing bins
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25C—PRODUCING, WORKING OR HANDLING ICE
    • F25C5/00—Working or handling ice
    • F25C5/20—Distributing ice
    • F25C5/22—Distributing ice particularly adapted for household refrigerators
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47J—KITCHEN EQUIPMENT; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; APPARATUS FOR MAKING BEVERAGES
    • A47J31/00—Apparatus for making beverages
    • A47J31/44—Parts or details or accessories of beverage-making apparatus
    • A47J31/46—Dispensing spouts, pumps, drain valves or like liquid transporting devices
    • A47J31/462—Dispensing spouts, pumps, drain valves or like liquid transporting devices with an intermediate liquid storage tank
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B67D1/00—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught
    • B67D1/0003—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught the beverage being a single liquid
    • B67D1/0014—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught the beverage being a single liquid the beverage being supplied from water mains
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B67D1/00—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught
    • B67D1/0015—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught the beverage being prepared by mixing at least two liquid components
    • B67D1/004—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught the beverage being prepared by mixing at least two liquid components the diluent being supplied from water mains
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B67D1/00—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught
    • B67D1/08—Details
    • B67D1/0857—Cooling arrangements
    • B67D1/0858—Cooling arrangements using compression systems
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B67D1/00—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught
    • B67D1/08—Details
    • B67D1/0888—Means comprising electronic circuitry (e.g. control panels, switching or controlling means)
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B67D1/00—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught
    • B67D1/08—Details
    • B67D1/12—Flow or pressure control devices or systems, e.g. valves, gas pressure control, level control in storage containers
    • B67D1/1202—Flow control, e.g. for controlling total amount or mixture ratio of liquids to be dispensed
    • B67D1/1234—Flow control, e.g. for controlling total amount or mixture ratio of liquids to be dispensed to determine the total amount
    • B67D1/1238—Flow control, e.g. for controlling total amount or mixture ratio of liquids to be dispensed to determine the total amount comprising means for detecting the liquid level in vessels to be filled, e.g. using ultrasonic waves, optical reflexion, probes
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B67D1/00—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught
    • B67D1/0042—Details of specific parts of the dispensers
    • B67D1/0057—Carbonators
    • B67D1/0058—In-line carbonators
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B67D1/00—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught
    • B67D1/08—Details
    • B67D1/0895—Heating arrangements
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25C—PRODUCING, WORKING OR HANDLING ICE
    • F25C2400/00—Auxiliary features or devices for producing, working or handling ice
    • F25C2400/14—Water supply

Definitions

  • the present invention relates generally to self-contained ice cube or beverage dispensing appliances, and more particularly to non-tubing dispensing assemblies.
  • beverages may be hot or cold, still or carbonated, flavored or unflavored, etc., such as coffee, tea, soft drinks, vitamin/electrolyte beverages, cold or hot water, and the like.
  • Existing appliances allow at most one or two similar beverages (eg, coffee and tea) to be produced on the same machine. If the beverage temperature is desired to be icy, a completely separate appliance (eg, a dedicated ice maker or refrigerator) is often required.
  • typical existing appliances must be connected by hard pipes so that water is supplied from a connected water source, such as a municipal water system or a well.
  • an appliance having features for addressing one or more of the above-mentioned problems.
  • a self-contained electrical appliance may include a cabinet, water source, ice maker, ice storage bin, cold water piping, hot water piping, and carbonated water piping.
  • the ice maker may be positioned downstream of the water source and mounted within the tank to receive water from the water source.
  • An ice storage bin may be disposed downstream of the ice maker and mounted within the bin to receive ice from the ice maker.
  • a cold water conduit may be mounted to the tank and define a cold water outlet that is fluidly isolated from the ice maker downstream of the water source.
  • a hot water pipe may be mounted to the tank and define a hot water outlet fluidly isolated from the cold water pipe downstream of the water source.
  • a carbonated water line is installed to the tank downstream of the water source in fluid isolation from the hot water line.
  • a freestanding appliance may include a cabinet, water tank, ice maker, ice storage bin, cold water piping, and cooling jackets.
  • the water tank may be arranged inside the tank.
  • the ice maker may be disposed downstream of the water tank and mounted within the tank to receive water from the water tank.
  • An ice storage bin may be disposed downstream of the ice maker and mounted within the bin to receive ice from the ice maker.
  • a cold water conduit may be mounted to the tank and define a cold water outlet fluidly isolated from the ice maker downstream of the tank.
  • the cooling jacket may be installed along the ice storage box and in thermal communication with the ice storage box.
  • a cooling jacket may be upstream of the cold water outlet to cool water to the cold water outlet.
  • FIG. 1 provides a front perspective view of a freestanding appliance according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 2 provides a side perspective view of the exemplary freestanding appliance of FIG. 1 .
  • FIG. 3 provides a side perspective view of an upper portion of the exemplary freestanding appliance of FIG. 1 .
  • FIG. 4 provides a top plan view of the exemplary freestanding appliance of FIG. 1 .
  • FIG. 5 provides an elevation view of the exemplary freestanding appliance of FIG. 1 with a removable brewing module, additional tray, and roller set illustrated for clarity.
  • FIG. 6 provides a side perspective view of the exemplary freestanding appliance of FIG. 5 with multiple doors open for clarity.
  • FIG. 7 provides a side perspective view of the top of the exemplary freestanding appliance of FIG. 6 with the top panel removed for clarity.
  • FIG. 8 provides a schematic diagram of the exemplary freestanding appliance of FIG. 1, illustrating the flow paths of fluids within the freestanding appliance.
  • FIG. 9 provides a schematic diagram of the exemplary freestanding appliance of FIG. 1, illustrating various connections within the freestanding appliance.
  • the freestanding appliance 100 includes a box or housing 120 that extends between a top 102 and a bottom 104 in a vertical direction V; a first side 106 and a second side 108 in a lateral direction L and extends along the transverse direction T between the front portion 110 and the rear portion 112.
  • a box or housing 120 that extends between a top 102 and a bottom 104 in a vertical direction V; a first side 106 and a second side 108 in a lateral direction L and extends along the transverse direction T between the front portion 110 and the rear portion 112.
  • Each of vertical V, lateral L, and lateral T are perpendicular to each other, thereby forming a system of orthogonal directions.
  • the case 120 supports or houses various components of the freestanding appliance 100 for fabrication using a water source, such as a refillable internal water tank 122 (eg, removably retained within the case 120 ) Ice or dispense one or more liquids (eg, beverages).
  • a water source such as a refillable internal water tank 122 (eg, removably retained within the case 120 ) Ice or dispense one or more liquids (eg, beverages).
  • a ice maker 124 may be installed within the tank 120 downstream of the water tank 122 to receive water from the tank and form ice that may be supplied to a downstream ice storage bin 126 disposed within the tank 120 .
  • one or more water conduits may be mounted to tank 120 (eg, within the tank) downstream of water tank 122 to provide Liquid is selectively dispensed from one or more corresponding outlets.
  • the self-contained appliance 100 includes a delivery assembly 142 for delivering or dispensing one or more liquids (eg, from the cold water outlet 136 , the hot water outlet 138 , or the carbonated water outlet 140 ).
  • the distributor recess 144 is defined below one or more of the outlets 136 , 138 , 140 .
  • an actuation mechanism 146 shown as a paddle, may be mounted below the outlets 136 , 138 , 140 (eg, within the dispenser recess 144 ) for operating the delivery assembly 142 .
  • any suitable actuation mechanism 146 may be used to operate the delivery assembly 142 .
  • the delivery assembly 142 may include sensors (such as ultrasonic sensors) or buttons instead of paddles.
  • a control panel 148 eg, mounted to the top panel 150 of the enclosure 120 ) is provided for controlling operating modes.
  • the control panel 148 may include a number of user inputs (not labeled), such as one or more buttons, knobs, or a graphical user interface (eg, presented on a touch screen display) for selecting a desired operating mode or beverage to be dispensed .
  • controller 152 Operation of the freestanding appliance 100 may be regulated by a controller 152 operably coupled to a control panel 148 or various other components, as will be described below.
  • controller 152 may operate various components of stand-alone appliance 100 in response to user manipulation of control panel 148 or one or more sensor signals.
  • the controller 152 may include memory and one or more microprocessors, CPUs, etc., such as a general-purpose or special-purpose microprocessor, operable to execute programmed instructions or microcontroller code associated with the operation of the self-contained appliance 100 .
  • the memory may represent random access memory such as DRAM or read only memory such as ROM or FLASH.
  • the processor executes programming instructions stored in the memory.
  • the memory may be a separate component from the processor, or may be contained on a board within the processor.
  • the controller 152 may be implemented without the use of a microprocessor (eg, using a combination of discrete analog or digital logic circuits; such as switches, amplifiers, integrators, comparators, flip-flops, AND gates, etc.) To perform control functions instead of relying on software.
  • Controller 152 may be positioned in various locations throughout freestanding appliance 100 .
  • the controller 152 is located within the top panel 150 .
  • the controller 152 may be disposed at any suitable location within the enclosure 120 .
  • Input/output ("I/O") signals may be routed between the controller 152 and various operational components of the stand-alone appliance 100 .
  • control panel 148 and transport assembly 142 may communicate with controller 152 via one or more signal lines or a shared communication bus.
  • the controller 152 may communicate with various other components of the freestanding appliance 100 .
  • various valves, switches, light sources, etc. may be actuated based on commands from the controller 152 .
  • the control panel 148 may additionally communicate with the controller 152 .
  • various operations may occur automatically based on user input or via controller 152 instructions.
  • an electrical outlet 154 having one or more electrical outlet plugs may be mounted to the enclosure 120 (eg, at the top panel 150). Electrical devices such as coffee grinders or cell phone chargers with mating inlet plugs can be selectively connected and disconnected from the electrical outlet 154 .
  • the freestanding appliance 100 is not limited to any particular shape or size, the freestanding appliance 100 may generally be sized to fit within a relatively small room (such as an office lounge, commercial kitchen), or to replace a so-called water cooler.
  • one or more casters or rollers 156 may be mounted to the cabinet 120 (eg, at the bottom 104 ) to support the freestanding appliance 100 while allowing movement of the freestanding appliance.
  • an ice maker 124 is disposed downstream of the water tank 122 to receive water from the water tank for ice making operations.
  • the ice maker 124 may be configured as any suitable ice making assembly (eg, for forming ice cubes, cubes, shaved ice, etc.).
  • the ice maker 124 includes or is configured as a cube ice maker, and is particularly an auger-type ice maker 124 .
  • other suitable types of ice making machines are also within the scope of the present invention.
  • the ice maker 124 may include a housing 160 into which water from the water tank 122 flows (eg, directly from the water tank 122 through one or more conduits, or indirectly from the water tank 122, such as through one or more intermediate storages) volume).
  • the water may be propelled by an inline pump 162 in fluid communication with the water tank 122 .
  • main conduit 164 from water tank 122 feeds downstream ice assembly conduit 166 (eg, as directed by one or more valves 158, 212 or pump 162).
  • the auger may be disposed at least partially within the housing 160 .
  • the screw feeder can be rotated. Water within shell 160 may at least partially freeze due to heat exchange, such as with refrigeration system 172 as described herein.
  • the at least partially frozen water may be lifted from the housing 160 by an auger.
  • the at least partially frozen water may be directed to and through the extruder 168 by a screw feeder.
  • the extruder 168 may extrude the at least partially frozen water to form ice, such as ice cubes, as will be appreciated.
  • the formed ice may be provided by ice maker 124 to ice bin 126 and may be received in a bin volume defined by ice bin 126 .
  • ice formed by the auger or extruder 168 may be provided to the ice bank 126 .
  • a chute 170 may be included for directing ice produced by the ice maker 124 to a bin volume defined by the ice storage bin 126 .
  • the chute 170 is generally disposed along the vertical direction V above the ice storage bin 126 .
  • ice can slide off the chute 170 and into the ice storage bin 126 .
  • the chute 170 may extend between the ice maker 124 and the ice storage bin 126 and may define a passage therethrough.
  • Ice may be directed to the ice storage bin 126 from the ice maker 124 (such as from the auger or extruder 168 ) through the passage of the chute 170 .
  • a sweeper which may eg be connected to and rotate with the auger, may contact the ice emerging from the auger through the extruder 168 and direct the ice to the ice storage through the channels of the chute 170 Box 126.
  • the water within shell 160 may at least partially freeze due to, for example, heat exchange with refrigeration system 172 .
  • ice maker 124 may include sealing system 80 .
  • a sealed refrigeration system 172 may be in thermal communication with the shell 160 to remove heat from the shell 160 and its interior volume, thereby facilitating freezing of water therein to form ice.
  • Hermetic refrigeration system 172 may include, for example, compressor 174 , condenser 176 , expansion device 178 , and evaporator 180 .
  • Evaporator 180 may, for example, be in thermal communication with shell 160 to remove heat from shell 160 and the water therein during operation of refrigeration system 172 .
  • the evaporator 180 may at least partially surround the shell 160 .
  • the evaporator 180 may be a conduit coiled around and in contact with the shell 160, such as its sidewalls.
  • the refrigerant exits the evaporator 180 as a fluid in the form of superheated vapor or a vapor mixture.
  • the refrigerant Upon leaving the evaporator 180, the refrigerant enters the compressor 174, where the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant increase, causing the refrigerant to become a superheated vapor.
  • Superheated vapor from compressor 174 enters condenser 176 where energy is transferred therefrom and condensed into a saturated liquid or liquid vapor mixture.
  • the fluid exits condenser 176 and travels through expansion device 178, which is configured to regulate the flow rate of refrigerant therethrough.
  • expansion device 178 Upon exiting expansion device 178, the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant drop, at which point the refrigerant enters evaporator 180 and the cycle repeats itself.
  • expansion device 178 may be a capillary tube or an electronic expansion valve.
  • refrigeration system 172 may additionally include fans (not shown) for facilitating heat transfer to/from condenser 176 and evaporator 180 .
  • ice may be received within the downstream ice bank 126 .
  • the ice bin 126 may define a bin opening 182 (eg, at the top end of the ice bin 126) to allow ice to pass therethrough.
  • a drain aperture 184 is defined at the bottom end of the ice bank 126 .
  • the drain orifice 184 may be defined through the base wall of the ice bank 126 above the separate meltwater storage volume 186 .
  • the ice held in the ice bank 126 may gradually melt. Drain orifice 184 may advantageously drain meltwater from ice storage bin 126 .
  • one or more conduits may extend from the meltwater storage volume 186 to the ice maker 124 or the water tank 122 .
  • melt water can be reused by the freestanding appliance 100 to form ice.
  • one or more sterilizers 188 eg, ultraviolet (UV) light assemblies or fluid filter assemblies
  • UV light assemblies or fluid filter assemblies may be placed along the flow path from the meltwater storage volume 186 for use in making ice or directed to the meltwater.
  • the meltwater is sterilized before another pipe within the appliance 100.
  • the ice storage bin 126 is mounted (eg, removably or fixedly) to the bin 120 below the top panel 150 .
  • a bin door 190 may be movably (eg, rotatably or slidably) mounted on the bin body 120 to selectively allow access to the bin volume of the ice storage bin 126 .
  • the bin door 190 is rotatably mounted to the bin 120 above the ice storage bin 126 .
  • the bin door 190 is disposed over the bin opening 182 such that a user can selectively open the bin door 190 and reach down to access ice within the ice storage bin 126 through the bin opening 182 .
  • At least one wall (eg, front side wall 192 ) of ice bank 126 may be visible from the exterior of bin 120 .
  • the front side wall 192 may fit within a corresponding opening in the outer panel of the case 120 .
  • the front sidewall 192 may be formed from a transparent, see-through (ie, transparent or translucent) material, such as clear glass or plastic, such that a user can see into the storage volume 126 of the ice storage bin 126, and is Observe the ice in it.
  • One or more inner side walls 194 may extend from the front side wall 192 and be spaced from the inner surface of the case 120 .
  • the light source 196 is mounted within the enclosure 120 .
  • the light source 196 may selectively emit or direct light into the ice storage bin 126, thereby illuminating any ice therein.
  • Light source 196 may comprise suitable light emitting elements, such as one or more fluorescent bulbs or light emitting diodes (LEDs).
  • the light source 196 is disposed above the box opening 182 .
  • the light source 196 may be mounted to the bottom surface of the top panel 150 above the box door 190 .
  • the light source 196 may provide illumination for the user when the bin door 190 is open so that the user can see the contents of the ice storage bin 126 .
  • one or more cold water pipes 130 are arranged in the tank body 120 .
  • the cold water conduit 130 may extend from the main conduit 164 (eg, along one or more parallel or connected branches) to one or more cold water outlets 136 disposed at the distributor.
  • the untreated branch 210 of the cold water conduit 130 may extend from the multi-way valve 212 to the outlet 214 that defines the cold water outlet 136 above the distributor recess 144 . Water flowing from the tank 122 to the cold water conduit 130 may be directed by one or more of the valves 158 , 212 or the pump 162 .
  • the water treatment assembly 216 is positioned along the cold water conduit 130 .
  • the water treatment assembly 216 may provide one or more units for filtering or incorporating one or more elements in the water passing through the cold water conduit 130 . These units may be staged along the treated branch 218 of the cold water conduit 130 upstream of the outlet 214 defining the cold water outlet 136 (eg, downstream of the multi-way valve 212).
  • the water treatment assembly 216 may include one or more filter stages 220 containing filter media (eg, paper filter cartridges, activated carbon, mixed bed media of mixed anionic and cationic resins, etc.).
  • one or more additive stages 222 may be provided that contain water additives (eg, electrolyte solutes or mixtures, flavored syrups, pH adjusters or alkaline additives, etc.).
  • the additive core 224 that retains the water additive may be selectively disposed on or contained at the additive stage 22 .
  • water additives eg, electrolyte solutes or mixtures, flavored syrups, pH adjusters or alkaline additives, etc.
  • the additive core 224 that retains the water additive may be selectively disposed on or contained at the additive stage 22 .
  • water additives eg, electrolyte solutes or mixtures, flavored syrups, pH adjusters or alkaline additives, etc.
  • the additive core 224 that retains the water additive may be selectively disposed on or contained at the additive stage 22 .
  • water additives eg, electrolyte solutes or mixtures, flavored syrups, pH adjusters or alkaline additives, etc.
  • At least a portion of the cold water conduit 130 may be cooled (eg, to extract heat from or otherwise cool the water within the portion of the cold water conduit 130).
  • the cooling branches 226 of the cold water conduits 130 may be positioned upstream of the corresponding cold water outlets 136 (eg, downstream of the multi-way valve 212).
  • cooling jacket 230 is configured as a passive cooler to cool the water within the cooling branch 226 .
  • the cooling jacket 230 may define at least a portion of the cooling branch 226 .
  • the cooling jacket 230 may extend along at least a portion of the ice bank 126 .
  • cooling jacket 230 is disposed between one or more inner sidewalls 194 of ice bank 126 and the inner surface of bin 120 .
  • the cooling jacket 230 may be in thermally conductive communication with the ice bank 126 .
  • heat from the cooling jacket 230 may be gradually conducted to the ice bin 126 so that the ice within the ice bin 126 can cool the water within the cooling jacket 230 .
  • one or more valves eg, multi-way valve 212
  • a predetermined volume of water may be generally maintained within cooling jacket 230 to ensure a stable supply of cold water (eg, at the cold water outlet 136).
  • carbonated water conduit 134 is provided downstream of tank 122 . Specifically, carbonated water conduit 134 may be provided fluidly isolated from hot water conduit 132 . In some embodiments, carbonated water conduit 134 is downstream of cold water conduit 130 (eg, at cooling branch 226). Optionally, carbonated water conduit 134 terminates at outlet 214 defining cold or carbonated water outlet 140 . In certain embodiments, the carbonated water outlet 140 is fluidly isolated from the at least one cold water outlet 136 (eg, even though the cold water outlet may optionally be used as a separate cold water outlet 136). For example, cooling branch 226 and carbonated water conduit 134 may terminate at a common outlet 214 that defines or is upstream of cold water outlet 136 and carbonated water outlet 140 .
  • carbon dioxide tank 232 (eg, mounted within tank 120 ) is arranged in selective communication with carbonated water conduit 134 to carbonate at least a portion of the water therein.
  • the CO 2 mixer 244 downstream of the carbon dioxide tank 232 may be selectively activated to carbonate the water prior to dispensing.
  • an in-line carbonation assembly is exemplified, it is noted that a batch carbonation assembly may be provided, as will be understood.
  • one or more hot water pipes 132 may be provided in the tank 120 .
  • the hot water conduit 132 may extend from the main conduit 164 to one or more hot water outlets 138 disposed at the delivery assembly 142 .
  • the hot water outlet 138 may be fluidly isolated from each cold water outlet 136 .
  • the flow of water from tank 122 to hot water line 132 may be directed by one or more valves 158 , 212 or pump 162 .
  • a heating element or heater 234 is positioned along the hot water conduit 132 to selectively heat the water upstream of the hot water outlet 138 .
  • heater tank 236 is disposed within tank 120 upstream of hot water outlet 138 (eg, along hot water conduit 132 ).
  • the heater tank 236 may generally define an enlarged volume that is smaller than the volume of the water tank 122 . As such, an appropriate volume of hot water may be maintained or maintained within heater tank 236 .
  • heater 234 is provided as or includes an electric heater element 238 (eg, a resistive heating wire, a resistor such as CALROD) mounted within heater box 236 (eg, to selectively heat water therein). heating elements, induction heating elements, etc.).
  • the electric heater element 238 may thus be selectively activated (eg, by the controller 152 ) during use to generate or maintain a volume of water, such as between 160°F and 210°F.
  • the brewing module 240 is provided to assist in producing or dispensing one or more hot beverages.
  • the brewing module 240 can define a brewing chamber 242 in which a brewing container (eg, a sealed disposable cup or reusable mesh cup) can be housed downstream of the hot water outlet 138 .
  • the brewing module 240 may be mounted within the dispenser recess 144 such that the brewing module 240 may be in fluid communication with the hot water outlet 138 when mounted within the dispenser recess 144 .
  • the inlet of the brew module 240 may receive a water delivery tube to receive heated water therethrough.
  • heated water from heater tank 236 may thereby flow into brew chamber 242 .
  • heated water may mix with, dissolve, or extract portions of particulate material (eg, held in a brew container) to form a liquid beverage (eg, a liquid coffee or tea solution) that is The liquid beverage may then exit the brewing module 240 through an outlet defined through the brewing module 240 .
  • the free-standing appliance 100 may also include a liquid level sensor 250 to detect the liquid level in the cup or container below the cold water outlet 136 , the hot water outlet 138 or the carbonated water outlet 140 .
  • a liquid level sensor 250 is mounted above the dispenser recess 144 to detect the level of liquid dispensed from the cold water outlet 136 to the container.
  • the liquid level sensor 250 may be in communication with the controller 152 and may be operable to measure the height of the liquid within the corresponding container.
  • the liquid level sensor 250 may be any suitable device for detecting or measuring a distance to an object.
  • the liquid level sensor 250 may be an ultrasonic sensor, an infrared sensor, or a laser ranging sensor.
  • the controller 152 may receive a signal, such as a voltage or current, from the liquid level sensor 250 that corresponds to the detected presence or distance to the liquid in the corresponding container. Based on the received signal, the controller 152 may initiate or direct an autofill sequence. In particular, the controller 152 may determine the height of the dispensed liquid within the corresponding container to ensure that a predetermined level or volume of dispensing is provided to the corresponding container.
  • the level sensor 250 may work in conjunction with one or more other sensors to control an automatic fill sequence.
  • a movable container tray 252 is provided to support the containers below the transport assembly 142 (two trays 252 are shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 for illustrative purposes).
  • the removable container tray 252 can be selectively mounted to the case 120 at a plurality of predetermined independent heights along the vertical direction V. As shown in FIG. For example, each individual height may provide or define individual receiving marks (eg, posts, recesses, clips, etc.) on which the removable container tray 252 may be mounted.
  • separate fixed tray sensors 254 may be provided to detect the presence of the movable container tray 252.
  • the controller 152 may be configured to receive a signal from a fixed tray sensor 254 on which the movable container tray 252 is mounted, and further direct the automatic filling sequence based on the signal. For example, the controller 152 may use the tray sensor signal to detect the distance between the movable container tray 252 and the liquid level sensor 250, thereby estimating the base height of the container to be filled.
  • the door sensor 256 is mounted to the case 120 in a manner that selectively engages the door.
  • the door sensor 256 can typically detect when the cassette door 190 is moved from the closed position and send/stop a signal to the controller 152 in response thereto.
  • the door sensor 256 may include any suitable physical detection sensor (eg, a reed switch, Hall effect sensor, pressure sensor, etc.) to selectively engage the compartment door 190 in the closed position.
  • the door sensor 256 may thereby send a door ajar signal to the controller 152 in response to placing the cassette door 190 away from the closed position.
  • the controller 152 may stop or prevent the auto-fill sequence.
  • the self-contained appliance 100 serves and dispenses multiple types of beverages within a small or unplugged assembly. Additionally or alternatively, one or more beverages may be efficiently produced or served in close proximity to the produced ice (eg, without the need for a full refrigeration appliance).

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Abstract

一种独立式冰块或饮料分配电器（100），包括箱体（120）、水源、制冰机（124）、储冰盒（126）、冷水管道（130）。制冰机（124）可在水源下游安装在箱体（120）内以从水源接收水。储冰盒（126）可在制冰机（124）下游布置在箱体（120）内以从制冰机（124）接收冰。冷水管道（130）可以安装到箱体（120），并在水源下游限定与制冰机（124）流体隔离的冷水出口（136）。

Description

独立式冰块或饮料分配电器 技术领域
本发明总体涉及独立式冰块或饮料分配电器，更具体地涉及非管接分配组件。
背景技术
在家庭、餐厅和办公室环境中，常见多个用户分别享用各种不同饮料。这些饮料可以是热的或冷的、无气的或碳酸的、有味道的或无味的等，比如，咖啡、茶、软饮料、维生素/电解质饮料、冷水或热水等。目前，各种类型的饮料必须从不同的机器获得。现有的电器至多允许在同一机器上产生一种或两种类似的饮料(例如，咖啡和茶)。如果期望饮料温度是冰的，则通常需要完全独立的电器(例如，专用制冰机或冰箱)。而且，典型的现有电器必须通过硬管连接，使得水从连接的水源(诸如市政水系统或井)供应。
当前此种电器存在许多缺点。例如，制备一种或两种以上饮料所需的机器的数量通常是非常高的，更不用说冰了。较小的办公室或厨房无法简单地将空间专用于制作单一饮料的目的。另外，对于各种类型的饮料具有单独的分配机可能需要用户在不同电器之间移动，以便分配不同类型的饮料或冰。这浪费了时间和精力，不方便。单独的电器还会导致其他问题，比如：更多的服务呼叫、更多的预防性维护和校准以及存储更多可能的额外备用件等。此外，现有的电器通常需要大量的能量和组装件，即使是对于相对“基本”的功能(如制作冷水)，通过硬管接的电器进一步限制了它们的可用性或安装位置。
因此，提供一种具有用于解决一个或多个上述问题的特征的电器将是有用的。特别地，提供一种用于分配多种类型饮料(例如，带有冰)的改进电器可以是有利的。另外或可选地，提供一种不需要直接管接到单独水源的高效独立式电器可以是有利的。
发明内容
本发明的各个方面以及优点将会在下文的描述中进行阐述，或者是通过描述可以显而易见的，或者是可以通过实施本发明而学到。
在本发明的一个示例性方面，提供了一种独立式电器。独立式电器可以包括箱体、水源、制冰机、储冰盒、冷水管道、热水管道和碳酸水管道。制冰机可布置在 水源下游，并安装在箱体内以从水源接收水。储冰盒可布置在制冰机下游，并安装在箱体内以从制冰机接收冰。冷水管道可以安装到箱体，并在水源下游限定与制冰机流体隔离的冷水出口。热水管道可以安装到箱体，并在水源下游限定与冷水管道流体隔离的热水出口。碳酸水管道在水源下游与热水管道流体隔离地安装到箱体。
在本发明的另一个示例性方面，提供了一种独立式电器。独立式电器可以包括箱体、水箱、制冰机、储冰盒、冷水管道和冷却套管。水箱可以布置在箱体内。制冰机可布置在水箱下游，并安装在箱体内以从水箱接收水。储冰盒可布置在制冰机下游，并安装在箱体内以从制冰机接收冰。冷水管道可以安装到箱体，并在水箱下游限定与制冰机流体隔离的冷水出口。冷却套管可以沿着储冰盒安装，与储冰盒导热连通。冷却套管可以在冷水出口的上游以冷却到冷水出口的水。
参照下文的描述以及所附权利要求，本发明的这些和其它的特征、方面以及优点将变得更容易理解。结合在本说明书中并且构成本说明书一部分的附图显示了本发明的实施方式并且与描述一起用于对本发明的原理进行解释。
附图说明
参照附图，说明书中阐述了面向本领域普通技术人员的本发明的完整公开，这种公开使得本领域普通技术人员能够实现本发明，包括本发明的最佳实施例。
图1提供了根据本发明的示例性实施方式的独立式电器的前侧立体图。
图2提供了图1的示例性独立式电器的侧面立体图。
图3提供了图1的示例性独立式电器的上部的侧面立体图。
图4提供了图1的示例性独立式电器的顶部平面图。
图5提供了图1的示例性独立式电器的立面图，其中，为了清楚起见，示例了可去除的冲泡模块、额外托盘和滚轮组。
图6提供了图5的示例性独立式电器的侧面立体图，其中，为了清楚起见，打开多个门。
图7提供了图6的示例性独立式电器的顶部的侧面立体图，其中，为了清楚起见，去除了顶面板。
图8提供了图1的示例性独立式电器的示意图，示例了独立式电器内的流体的流路。
图9提供了图1的示例性独立式电器的示意图，示例了独立式电器内的各种连接。
具体实施方式
现在将详细地参照本发明的实施方式，其中的一个或多个示例示于附图中。每个示例都以对发明进行解释的方式给出，并不对本发明构成限制。实际上，对于本领域技术人员而言显而易见的是，能够在不偏离本发明的范围的前提下对本发明进行多种改型和变型。例如，作为一个实施方式的一部分示出或者进行描述的特征能够用于另一个实施方式，从而产生又一个实施方式。因此，期望的是，本发明覆盖落入所附权利要求及其等同形式的范围内的这些改型以及变型。
如本文所用的，术语“或”通常旨在是包括的(即，“A或B”旨在意指“A或B或两者”)。术语“第一”、“第二”和“第三”可以互换使用以将一个部件与另一个部件区分开，并且这些术语并不旨在表示各个部件的位置或重要性。术语“上游”和“下游”是指相对于流体通路中的流体流动的相对方向。例如，“上游”是指流体流动的来向，而“下游”是指流体流动的去向。
图1至图9提供了独立式电器100的各种视图，包括其某些部分。通常，独立式电器100包括箱体或壳体120，该箱体或壳体沿着竖向V在顶部102与底部104之间延伸；沿着侧向L在第一侧106与第二侧108之间延伸；并且沿着横向T在前部110与后部112之间延伸。竖向V、侧向L以及横向T中的每一个互相垂直，由此形成正交方向系统。
如下面将更详细描述的，箱体120支撑或容纳独立式电器100的各种部件，以使用水源(诸如可再填充的内部水箱122(例如可去除地保持在箱体120内))来制冰或分配一种或多种液体(例如饮料)。比如，制冰机124可以在水箱122的下游安装在箱体120内，以从水箱接收水并形成冰，该冰可以供应到布置在箱体120内的下游储冰盒126。另外或可选地，一个或多个水管道(例如，冷水管道130、热水管道132或碳酸水管道134)可以在水箱122的下游安装到箱体120(例如，安装在箱体内)，以选择性地从一个或多个对应的出口分配液体。
独立式电器100包括用于(例如，从冷水出口136、热水出口138或碳酸水出口140)输送或分配一种或多种液体的输送组件142。在一些实施方式中，分配器凹部144限定在出口136、138、140中的一个或多个的下方。另外或可选地，示出为拨片的致动机构146可以安装在出口136、138、140下方(例如，在分配器凹部144内)，以用于运行输送组件142。在可选示例性实施方式中，可以使用任意合适的致动机构146来运行输送组件142。例如，输送组件142可以包括传感器(诸如超声传感器) 或按钮，而不是拨片。在某些实施方式中，提供控制面板148(例如，将控制面板安装到箱体120的顶面板150)，用于控制运行模式。例如，控制面板148可以包括多个用户输入(未标记)，诸如一个或多个按钮、旋钮或图形用户界面(例如，呈现在触摸屏显示器上)，用于选择期望的运行模式或待分配的饮料。
独立式电器100的运行可以由控制器152来调节，该控制器可操作地联接到控制面板148或各种其他部件，如下面将描述的。通常，响应于用户对控制面板148的操纵或一个或多个传感器信号，控制器152可以运行独立式电器100的各种部件。控制器152可以包括存储器和一个或多个微处理器、CPU等，诸如通用或专用微处理器，该微处理器可操作为执行与独立式电器100的运行关联的编程指令或微控制代码。存储器可以表示诸如DRAM的随机存取存储器或诸如ROM或FLASH的只读存储器。在一个实施方式中，处理器执行存储在存储器中的编程指令。存储器可以是与处理器分开的部件，或者可以包含在处理器内的板上。可选地，控制器152可以在不使用微处理器的情况下(例如，使用离散的模拟或数字逻辑电路的组合；诸如开关、放大器、积分器、比较器、触发器、与门等)构建为执行控制功能，而不是依靠软件。
控制器152可以设置在贯穿独立式电器100中的各种位置。在所示例的实施方式中，控制器152位于顶面板150内。在其它实施方式中，控制器152可以设置在箱体120内内的任何合适的位置处。输入/输出(“I/O”)信号可以在控制器152与独立式电器100的各种运行部件之间路由。例如，控制面板148和输送组件142可以经由一条或多条信号线或共享的通信总线与控制器152通信。另外或可选地，控制器152可以与独立式电器100的各种其他部件通信。例如，可以基于来自控制器152的命令来致动各种阀、开关、光源等。如所述，控制面板148可以另外与控制器152通信。由此，各种运行可以基于用户输入或借助控制器152指令自动发生。
在可选实施方式中，具有一个或多个电插口(outlet plug)(例如，标准3插脚插口)的电源插座154可以安装到箱体120(例如，在顶面板150处)。具有配套的插头(inlet plug)的诸如咖啡研磨机或手机充电器的电气装置可以选择性地与电源插座154连接和断开。
尽管独立式电器100不限于任何特定的形状或尺寸，但是独立式电器100的尺寸通常可以构造为装配在相当小的房间(诸如办公室休息室、商业厨房)内，或者代替所谓的水冷却器。可选地，一个或多个脚轮或滚轮156可以安装到箱体120(例如，在底部104处)，以支撑独立式电器100，同时允许独立式电器的移动。
如图1和图7至图9，制冰机124设置在水箱122的下游，以从水箱接收水用于制冰操作。制冰机124可设置为任何合适的制冰组件(例如，用于形成圆块冰、方块冰、刨冰等)。在某些实施方式中，制冰机124包括或设置为圆块冰制冰机，并且特别地为螺旋送料器式制冰机124。然而，其它合适类型的制冰机也在本发明的范围内。
如图所示，制冰机124可包括壳160，来自水箱122的水流入壳中(例如，直接从水箱122通过一个或多个管道，或间接从水箱122，诸如通过一个或多个中间储存容积)。比如，水可以由与水箱122流体连通的直列泵162推动。在所示例的实施方式中，来自水箱122的主管道164供给到下游冰组件管道166(例如，如由一个或多个阀158、212或泵162引导的)。
如将理解的，螺旋送料器可至少部分地布置在壳160内。在运行期间，螺旋送料器可旋转。壳160内的水可能由于诸如与如本文所述的制冷系统172的热交换而至少部分地冻结。该至少部分冻结的水可由螺旋送料器从壳160提升。进一步地，在示例性实施方式中，至少部分冻结的水可由螺旋送料器引导到并通过挤出机168。挤出机168可挤出至少部分冻结的水，以形成冰，诸如圆冰块，如将理解的。
形成的冰可由制冰机124提供至储冰盒126，并且可被接收在由储冰盒126限定的盒容积中。例如，由螺旋送料器或挤出机168形成的冰可提供给储冰盒126。在示例性实施方式中，可包括斜槽170，用于将制冰机124产生的冰引向由储冰盒126限定的盒容积。例如，如图所示，斜槽170通常沿着竖向V设置在储冰盒126上方。由此，冰可从斜槽170滑落并落入储冰盒126中。如图所示，斜槽170可在制冰机124与储冰盒126之间延伸，并且可限定穿过其中的通道。冰可从制冰机124(诸如从螺旋送料器或挤出机168)通过斜槽170的通道引导到储冰盒126。在一些实施方式中，例如，可例如连接到螺旋送料器并与其一起旋转的清扫器可接触从螺旋送料器通过挤出机168出现的冰，并通过斜槽170的通道将冰引导到储冰盒126。
如所述，壳160内的水可能由于诸如与制冷系统172的热交换而至少部分地冻结。在示例性实施方式中，制冰机124可包括密封系统80。密封制冷系统172可与壳160热连通，以从壳160及其内部容积中去除热量，由此便于其中的水冻结以形成冰。密封制冷系统172可以例如包括压缩机174、冷凝器176、膨胀装置178和蒸发器180。蒸发器180可以例如与壳160热连通，以便在制冷系统172的运行期间从壳160和其中的水去除热量。例如，蒸发器180可以至少部分地围绕壳160。特别地，蒸发器180可以是盘绕并接触壳160(诸如其侧壁)的管道。
在制冷系统172的运行期间，制冷剂作为过热蒸汽或蒸汽混合物形式的流体离开蒸发器180。在离开蒸发器180时，制冷剂进入压缩机174，其中，制冷剂的压力和温度增加，使得制冷剂变成过热蒸汽。来自压缩机174的过热蒸汽进入冷凝器176，其中，能量从其传递并冷凝成饱和液体或液体蒸汽混合物。该流体离开冷凝器176并行进通过膨胀装置178，该节流装置被构造成调节通过其中的制冷剂的流速。在离开膨胀装置178时，制冷剂的压力和温度下降，此时，制冷剂进入蒸发器180并且循环自身重复。在某些示例性实施方式中，膨胀装置178可以是毛细管或电子膨胀阀。值得注意的是，在一些实施方式中，制冷系统172可另外包括风扇(未示出)，这些风扇用于便于热量传递至冷凝器176和蒸发器180/从其传递。
如上所述，冰可以接收在下游储冰盒126内。比如，储冰盒126可限定盒开口182(例如，在储冰盒126的顶端处)，以允许冰通过。在一些实施方式中，在储冰盒126的底端限定排水孔口184。比如，排水孔口184可以被限定为穿过储冰盒126的基壁，位于独立的融水储存容积186上方。保持在储冰盒126内的冰可能逐渐融化。排水孔口184可有利地将融水从储冰盒126中排出。在一些实施方式中，一个或多个管道可从融水储存容积186延伸至制冰机124或水箱122。由此，融水可以由独立式电器100重新使用以形成冰。可选地，一个或多个消毒器188(例如，紫外(UV)光组件或流体过滤组件)可以从融水储存容积186沿着流路放置，以在融水用于制冰或被引导到电器100内的另一管道之前对融水进行消毒。
在一些实施方式中，储冰盒126在顶面板150下方安装(例如，可去除地或固定地)至箱体120。盒门190可以可移动地(例如，可旋转地或可滑动地)安装在箱体120上，以选择性地允许进入储冰盒126的盒容积。在所示例的实施方式中，盒门190可旋转地在储冰盒126上方安装到箱体120。具体地，盒门190布置在盒开口182上方，使得用户可以选择性地打开盒门190并且向下伸手，以通过盒开口182接近储冰盒126内的冰。
储冰盒126的至少一个壁(例如，前侧壁192)可以从箱体120的外部可见。比如，前侧壁192可以装配在箱体120的外面板中的对应开口内。另外或可选地，前侧壁192可由透明的、透视的(即透明或半透明的)材料形成，诸如透明玻璃或塑料，使得用户可看到储冰盒126的储存容积126内，并由此观察其中的冰。一个或多个内侧壁194可从前侧壁192延伸并与箱体120的内表面隔开。
在可选实施方式中，光源196安装在箱体120内。通常，在运行期间，光源196可以选择性地将光发射或引导到储冰盒126中，从而照亮其中的任何冰。光源196 可以包括合适的发光元件，诸如一个或多个荧光灯泡或发光二极管(LED)。在示例性实施方式中，光源196设置在盒开口182上方。比如，光源196可以安装到盒门190上方的顶面板150的底表面。除了在盒门190关闭时照亮储冰盒126之外，光源196可以在盒门190打开时为用户提供照明，使得用户可以看到储冰盒126的内容物。
如图1、图6和图8，在箱体120内设置一个或多个冷水管道130。比如，冷水管道130可从主管道164延伸(例如，沿着一个或多个并行或连接的支路)到布置在分配器处的一个或多个冷水出口136。如图所示，冷水管道130的未处理的支路210可从多路阀212延伸到出口214，该出口在分配器凹部144上方限定冷水出口136。从水箱122流到冷水管道130的水可由一个或多个阀158、212或泵162引导。
在某些实施方式中，沿着冷水管道130设置水处理组件216。通常，水处理组件216可提供一个或多个单元，用于滤除通过冷水管道130的水中的一种或多种元素或将一种或多种元素并入到通过冷水管道130的水中。这些单元可以在限定冷水出口136的出口214的上游沿着冷水管道130的经处理支路218(例如，在多路阀212的下游)分级设置。比如，水处理组件216可包括一个或多个含有过滤介质(例如，纸滤芯、活性炭、混合的阴离子和阳离子树脂的混合床介质等)的过滤级220。另外或可选地，可设置含有水添加剂(例如，电解质溶质或混合物、调味糖浆、pH调节剂或碱性添加剂等)的一个或多个添加剂级222。特别地，保持水添加剂的添加剂芯224可以选择性地布置在添加剂级22上或容纳在添加剂级22处。由此，当水流过冷水管道130的至少一部分(例如，经处理支路218)时，这种水可在被分配之前(例如，从冷水出口136)被过滤或与水添加剂混合。可选地，在分配之前，经处理的水可以进一步与未处理的水混合。比如，未处理支路210和经处理支路218可终止于冷水出口136上游的公共出口214处。
在另外的或可选的实施方式中，冷水管道130的至少一部分可被冷却(例如，以从冷水管道130的该部分内的水中吸取热量或以其它方式冷却该部分内的水)。比如，冷水管道130的冷却支路226可设置在对应的冷水出口136的上游(例如，在多路阀212的下游)。
通常，沿着冷却支路226设置被动或主动冷却器。在一些实施方式中，冷却套管230设置为被动冷却器以对冷却支路226内的水进行冷却。具体地，冷却套管230可以限定冷却支路226的至少一部分。而且，冷却套管230可沿着储冰盒126的至少一部分延伸。在一些这样的实施方式中，冷却套管230布置在储冰盒126的一个或多个内侧壁194与箱体120的内表面之间。具体地，冷却套管230可与储冰盒126 导热连通。由此，来自冷却套管230(例如，其中的水)的热量可逐渐地传导至储冰盒126，使得储冰盒126内的冰能够对冷却套管230内的水进行冷却。可选地，一个或多个阀(例如，多路阀212)布置在冷却套管230的上游，使得预定体积的水可大体保持在冷却套管230内，以确保稳定地供应冷水(例如，在冷水出口136处)。
在进一步另外的或可选的实施方式中，碳酸水管道134设置在水箱122的下游。具体地，碳酸水管道134可以设置成与热水管道132流体隔离。在一些实施方式中，碳酸水管道134在冷水管道130的下游(例如，在冷却支路226处)。可选地，碳酸水管道134终止于限定冷水或碳酸水出口140的出口214处。在某些实施方式中，碳酸水出口140与至少一个冷水出口136流体隔离(例如，即使该冷水出口可以可选地用作单独的冷水出口136)。比如，冷却支路226和碳酸水管道134可以终止于公共出口214，该公共出口限定冷水出口136和碳酸水出口140或者在该冷水出口和碳酸水出口的上游。
通常，二氧化碳罐232(例如，安装在箱体120内)布置成与碳酸水管道134选择性连通，以使其中的至少一部分水碳酸化。比如，如将理解的，可在分配之前选择性地启动在二氧化碳罐232下游的CO 2混合器244，以使水碳酸化。尽管示例为直列碳酸化组件，但是注意，可以设置批量碳酸化组件，如将理解的。
如图1和图5至图9，除了冷水管道130之外，一个或多个热水管道132可设置在箱体120内。比如，热水管道132可从主管道164延伸到布置在输送组件142处的一个或多个热水出口138。如图所示，尽管热水管道132和冷水管道130都可以位于水箱122的下游，但是热水出口138可以与各个冷水出口136流体隔离。从水箱122到热水管道132的水流可由一个或多个阀158、212或泵162引导。
通常，沿着热水管道132设置加热元件或加热器234，以选择性地加热热水出口138上游的水。在一些实施方式中，加热器箱236在热水出口138的上游(例如，沿着热水管道132)布置在箱体120内。加热器箱236通常可以限定比水箱122的容积小的扩大容积。由此，可在加热器箱236内保持或维持适当体积的热水。在一些实施方式中，加热器234被设置为或包括安装在加热器箱236内(例如，以选择性地加热其中的水)的电加热器元件238(例如，电阻加热丝、诸如CALROD的电阻热元件、感应加热元件等)。由此在使用期间可以选择性地启动(例如，通过控制器152)电加热器元件238，以产生或保持在比如160°华氏温度与210°华氏温度之间的一定体积的水。
在一些实施方式中，设置冲泡模块240以帮助产生或分配一种或多种热饮料。 比如，冲泡模块240可限定冲泡室242，其中，可在热水出口138的下游容纳冲泡容器(例如，密封的一次性杯或可重复使用的网孔杯)。在一些实施方式中，冲泡模块240可安装在分配器凹部144内，使得冲泡模块240在安装在分配器凹部144内时可以与热水出口138流体连通。例如，当冲泡模块240安装在输送组件142上时，冲泡模块240的入口可接收水输送管以接收通过其的加热水。在使用期间，来自加热器箱236的加热水可由此流入冲泡室242。在冲泡模块240内，加热的水可与颗粒材料(例如，保持在冲泡容器中的)的部分混合、溶解或提取这些部分，以形成液体饮料(例如，液体咖啡或茶溶液)，该液体饮料然后可通过限定成穿过冲泡模块240的出口离开冲泡模块240。
如图1、图3、图5和图6，独立式电器100还可以包括液位传感器250，以检测冷水出口136、热水出口138或碳酸水出口140下方的杯或容器内的液位。在一些实施方式中，液位传感器250安装在分配器凹部144上方，以检测从冷水出口136分配到容器的液体的高度。比如，液位传感器250可与控制器152通信，并且可操作为测量对应容器内的液体的高度。在示例性实施方式中，液位传感器250可以是用于检测或测量到对象的距离的任何合适的装置。例如，液位传感器250可以是超声传感器、红外传感器或激光测距传感器。控制器152可以从液位传感器250接收诸如电压或电流的信号，该信号对应于检测到的对应容器内的液体的存在或到该液体的距离。基于接收到的信号，控制器152可以启动或引导自动填充序列。具体地，控制器152可以确定对应容器内的分配液体的高度，以确保向对应容器提供预定水平或分配体积。
在可选实施方式中，液位传感器250可以与一个或多个其它传感器协力工作，以控制自动填充序列。作为示例，在某些实施方式中，设置可移动容器托盘252，以在输送组件142下方支撑容器(为了说明的目的，在图5和图6中示出了两个托盘252)。可移动容器托盘252可以沿着竖向V在多个预定的独立高度处选择性地安装到箱体120。比如，各个独立高度可以提供或限定其上可以安装可移动容器托盘252的单独的接收标志(例如，柱、凹部、夹子等)。在各个独立高度处，可以设置单独的固定托盘传感器254(例如，簧片开关、霍尔效应传感器、压力传感器等)，以检测可移动容器托盘252的存在。在一些这样的实施方式中，控制器152可以被配置成从可移动容器托盘252安装在的固定托盘传感器254接收信号，并且基于该信号进一步引导自动填充序列。比如，控制器152可以使用托盘传感器信号来检测可移动容器托盘252与液位传感器250之间的距离，由此估计待填充的容器的基础高度。
作为另外或可选示例，可以设置一个或多个传感器来选择性地停止或阻止自动填充序列继续。在一些这样的实施方式中，门传感器256以选择性地与门接合的方式安装到箱体120。比如，门传感器256通常可检测盒门190何时从关闭位置移开，并响应于此而向控制器152发送/停止信号。为此，门传感器256可以包括任何合适的物理检测传感器(例如，簧片开关、霍尔效应传感器、压力传感器等)，以选择性地与处于关闭位置的盒门190接合。响应于将盒门190放置成远离关闭位置，门传感器256由此可以将门半开信号发送至控制器152。响应于接收到门半开信号，控制器152可以停止或阻止自动填充序列。
有利地，独立式电器100在较小或未管接的组件内供应和分配多种类型的饮料。另外或可选地，一种或多种饮料可以在很靠近所产生的冰的范围内有效地产生或供应(例如，不需要完整的制冷电器)。
本书面描述使用示例对本发明进行了公开(其中包括最佳实施例)，并且还使本领域技术人员能够实施本发明(其中包括制造和使用任意装置或系统并且执行所包含的任意方法)。本发明的可专利范围通过权利要求进行限定，并且可以包括本领域技术人员能够想到的其它的示例。如果这种其它的示例包括与权利要求的字面语言没有区别的结构元件，或者如果这种其它的示例包括与权利要求的字面语言没有实质区别的等同结构元件，则期望这种其它的示例落入权利要求的范围中。

Claims (20)

  1. 一种独立式电器，其特征在于，该独立式电器包括：
    箱体，所述箱体限定相互正交的竖向、侧向和横向；
    水源，所述水源附接到所述箱体；
    制冰机，所述制冰机安装在所述箱体内，布置于所述水源下游，以从所述水源接收水；
    储冰盒，所述储冰盒安装在所述箱体内，布置于所述制冰机下游，以从所述制冰机接收冰；
    冷水管道，所述冷水管道安装到所述箱体，并在所述水源下游限定与所述制冰机流体隔离的冷水出口；
    热水管道，所述热水管道安装到所述箱体，并在所述水源下游限定与所述冷水管道流体隔离的热水出口；以及
    碳酸水管道，所述碳酸水管道布置在所述水源下游，并与所述热水管道流体隔离地安装到所述箱体。
  2. 根据权利要求1所述的独立式电器，其特征在于，还包括：
    加热器箱，所述加热器箱沿着所述热水管道布置在所述箱体内；以及
    电加热器元件，所述电加热器元件安装在所述加热器箱内。
  3. 根据权利要求1所述的独立式电器，其特征在于，还包括：
    二氧化碳罐，所述二氧化碳罐布置在所述箱体内，与所述碳酸水管道选择性连通。
  4. 根据权利要求1所述的独立式电器，其特征在于，所述碳酸水管道限定与所述冷水出口流体隔离的碳酸水出口。
  5. 根据权利要求1所述的独立式电器，其特征在于，还包括：
    冷却套管，所述冷却套管沿着所述储冰盒安装，与所述储冰盒导热连通，所述冷却套管布置在所述冷水出口的上游，以冷却流至所述冷水出口的水。
  6. 根据权利要求1所述的独立式电器，其特征在于，还包括：
    添加剂芯，所述添加剂芯中存储有水添加剂，所述添加剂芯与所述冷水出口选择性地上游流体连通。
  7. 根据权利要求1所述的独立式电器，其特征在于，所述箱体限定在所述冷水出口和所述热水出口下方的分配器凹部，并且其中，所述独立式电器还包括液位传 感器，所述液位传感器安装在所述分配器凹部上方，以检测从所述冷水出口和所述热水出口分配到容器的水的高度。
  8. 根据权利要求7所述的独立式电器，其特征在于，还包括：
    可移动容器托盘，所述可移动容器托盘选择性地容纳在所述分配器凹部内，其中，多个固定托盘传感器各自沿着所述分配器凹部安装在独立高度处，以检测所述可移动容器托盘与所述液位传感器之间的距离。
  9. 根据权利要求7所述的独立式电器，其特征在于，还包括：
    控制器，所述控制器与所述液位传感器可操作地通信，所述控制器被配置成基于从所述液位传感器接收的一个或多个信号来启动自动填充序列；
    盒门，所述盒门在所述储冰盒的前面可移动地安装至所述箱体，以选择性地允许进入所述储冰盒；以及
    门传感器，所述门传感器安装在所述箱体上，与所述盒门选择性接合，以检测所述盒门远离关闭位置的情况，所述门传感器与所述控制器可操作地通信，以响应于所述盒门远离所述关闭位置的情况而将门半开信号发送至所述控制器，其中，所述控制器被配置成响应于接收所述门半开信号而阻止所述自动填充序列。
  10. 根据权利要求1所述的独立式电器，其特征在于，还包括：
    盒门，所述盒门在所述储冰盒的前面可移动地安装至所述箱体，以选择性地允许进入所述储冰盒。
  11. 根据权利要求7所述的独立式电器，其特征在于，还包括：
    冲泡模块，所述冲泡模块限定冲泡室，并且选择性地布置在所述热水出口下游，且容纳在所述分配器凹部内。
  12. 一种独立式电器，其特征在于，所述独立式电器包括：
    箱体，所述箱体限定相互正交的竖向、侧向和横向；
    水箱，所述水箱布置在所述箱体内；
    制冰机，所述制冰机安装在所述箱体内，布置于所述水箱下游，以从所述水箱接收水；
    储冰盒，所述储冰盒安装在所述箱体内，布置于所述制冰机下游，以从所述制冰机接收冰；
    冷水管道，所述冷水管道安装到所述箱体，并在所述水箱下游限定与所述制冰机流体隔离的冷水出口；以及
    冷却套管，所述冷却套管沿着所述储冰盒安装，与所述储冰盒导热连通，所述 冷却套管在所述冷水出口的上游，以冷却流至所述冷水出口的水。
  13. 根据权利要求12所述的独立式电器，其特征在于，还包括：
    热水管道，所述热水管道安装到所述箱体，并在所述水箱下游限定与所述冷水管道流体隔离的热水出口；
    加热器箱，所述加热器箱沿着所述热水管道布置在所述箱体内；以及
    电加热器元件，所述电加热器元件安装在所述加热器箱内。
  14. 根据权利要求13所述的独立式电器，其特征在于，还包括：
    碳酸水管道，所述碳酸水管道在所述水箱下游与所述热水管道流体隔离地安装到所述箱体；以及
    二氧化碳罐，所述二氧化碳罐布置在所述箱体内，与所述碳酸水管道选择性连通。
  15. 根据权利要求12所述的独立式电器，其特征在于，还包括：
    添加剂芯，所述添加剂芯中存储有水添加剂，所述添加剂芯与所述冷水出口选择性地上游流体连通。
  16. 根据权利要求12所述的独立式电器，其特征在于，所述箱体限定在所述冷水出口下方的分配器凹部，并且其中，所述独立式电器还包括液位传感器，该液位传感器安装在所述分配器凹部上方，以检测从所述冷水出口分配到容器的水的高度。
  17. 根据权利要求16所述的独立式电器，其特征在于，还包括：
    可移动容器托盘，所述可移动容器托盘选择性地容纳在所述分配器凹部内，其中，多个固定托盘传感器各自沿着所述分配器凹部安装在独立高度处，以检测所述可移动容器托盘与所述液位传感器之间的距离。
  18. 根据权利要求16所述的独立式电器，其特征在于，还包括：
    控制器，该控制器与所述液位传感器可操作地通信，所述控制器被配置成基于从所述液位传感器接收的一个或多个信号来启动自动填充序列；
    盒门，该盒门在所述储冰盒的前面可移动地安装至所述箱体，以选择性地允许进入所述储冰盒；以及
    门传感器，该门传感器安装在所述箱体上，与所述盒门选择性接合，以检测所述盒门远离关闭位置的情况，所述门传感器与所述控制器可操作地通信，以响应于所述盒门远离所述关闭位置的情况而将门半开信号发送至所述控制器，其中，所述控制器被配置成响应于接收所述门半开信号而阻止所述自动填充序列。
  19. 根据权利要求12所述的独立式电器，其特征在于，还包括：
    盒门，所述盒门在所述储冰盒的前面可移动地安装至所述箱体，以选择性地允许进入所述储冰盒。
  20. 根据权利要求13所述的独立式电器，其特征在于，还包括：
    冲泡模块，所述冲泡模块限定冲泡室，并且选择性地布置在所述热水出口下游。
PCT/CN2022/071384 2021-01-11 2022-01-11 独立式冰块或饮料分配电器 Ceased WO2022148481A1 (zh)

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