A multifunctional water dispenser refrigeration system

Abstract

This invention discloses a multifunctional water dispenser refrigeration system, belonging to the field of water dispensers. The invention includes an ice-making module and an ice-making and refrigeration module. The ice-making and refrigeration module has a refrigerant inlet pipe connected to the ice-making module for supplying refrigerant to the ice-making module to achieve ice making. It also includes a storage refrigeration module, with a refrigerant branch pipe connected in parallel to the refrigerant inlet pipe of the ice-making and refrigeration module, which is connected to the inlet of the storage refrigeration module to circulate refrigerant to the storage refrigeration module. A storage module is also included, containing a heat exchange component connected to the storage refrigeration module to transfer the cooling capacity within the storage refrigeration module to the storage module. This invention achieves an integrated design that realizes both ice making and low-temperature storage functions in water dispensers, improving user convenience.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of water dispenser technology, and more specifically, to a multifunctional water dispenser refrigeration system. Background Technology

[0002] With the evolution of modern lifestyles, people have placed higher demands on the quality and functional zoning of their home and commercial spaces. Especially against the backdrop of a fast-paced life, various leisure and dining scenarios are becoming increasingly popular, such as family tea bars, office tea rooms, and small commercial tea shops. Users not only want to quickly obtain hot and cold water and ice, but also expect convenient access to food ingredients that need to be refrigerated or frozen, such as fruits, vegetables, beverages, desserts, dairy products, and tea and coffee ingredients, in the same area, so as to achieve an integrated beverage preparation and leisure experience.

[0003] Currently, some multi-functional water dispensers on the market offer cooling and ice-making capabilities, providing basic drinking water and ice. However, these devices generally lack integrated refrigeration and even freezing functions, failing to meet users' actual needs for partitioned food storage and low-temperature preservation. In practice, users often still rely on traditional refrigerators for refrigeration, leading to fragmented functional areas. For example, a refrigerator might be shared between the tea area and the kitchen or dining area, disrupting the overall spatial design and the independence of different zones. This can also cause problems such as mixed storage of different types of food, cross-contamination of odors, and inconvenience in accessing items. Adding a separate refrigerator would result in redundant equipment configuration, occupying limited space, increasing purchase and maintenance costs, and raising energy consumption, which is inconsistent with the current trend of intensive, integrated, and energy-efficient product development. This is especially true for small commercial establishments such as tea shops and cafes, where frequent access to and storage of ingredients places high demands on hygiene, efficiency, and space utilization, making the limitations of existing single-function water dispensers even more apparent.

[0004] Therefore, how to further integrate a safe, efficient, and energy-saving low-temperature storage system on top of drinking water and ice-making functions to achieve "drinking water..." Ice making The integration of multiple functions such as "low-temperature storage" has become an important direction for enhancing the competitiveness and user experience of this type of product. Summary of the Invention

[0005] 1. The technical problem that the invention aims to solve

[0006] In response to the growing demand from users for integrated ice-making and low-temperature storage functions in water dispensers, this invention aims to provide a multifunctional water dispenser refrigeration system that integrates ice-making and low-temperature storage functions, thereby improving user convenience.

[0007] 2. Technical Solution To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution provided by this invention is as follows: The present invention provides a multifunctional water dispenser refrigeration system, comprising an ice-making module and an ice-making and refrigeration module. The ice-making and refrigeration module is provided with a refrigerant inlet pipe connected to the ice-making module for supplying refrigerant to the ice-making module to achieve ice making; it also includes: The storage refrigeration module and the ice-making refrigeration module have a refrigerant branch pipe connected in parallel to the refrigerant inlet pipe. The refrigerant branch pipe is connected to the inlet of the storage refrigeration module to deliver the refrigerant to the storage refrigeration module. The storage module contains a heat exchange component that is connected to the storage cooling module to transfer the cooling capacity from the storage cooling module to the storage module.

[0008] This invention includes a storage and cooling module connected in parallel with the ice-making module, and the storage module and the storage and cooling module are connected for heat exchange. The cooling capacity of the storage and cooling module is used to supply cooling to the storage module, thereby further expanding the function of the cooling system on the basis of the original ice-making function of the water dispenser, realizing the integrated design with the low-temperature storage function, and effectively improving the user's convenience and application experience.

[0009] Furthermore, the storage refrigeration module includes a refrigerated storage refrigeration module and / or a frozen storage refrigeration module, both of which are connected to a refrigerant branch pipe; the storage module includes a corresponding refrigerated compartment and / or a frozen compartment; wherein the refrigerated compartment is connected to and exchanges heat with the refrigerated storage refrigeration module, and the frozen compartment is connected to and exchanges heat with the frozen storage refrigeration module.

[0010] In practice, depending on user needs and machine characteristics, the water dispenser can be equipped with either a refrigeration function, a freezing function, or both. When only a refrigeration compartment is provided, a refrigeration storage and cooling module is installed in parallel with the ice-making module. This module connects to and exchanges heat with the refrigeration compartment, supplying cooling capacity. Similarly, if only a freezer compartment is provided, a freezer storage and cooling module is installed in parallel with the ice-making module, connecting to and exchanging heat with the freezer compartment. When both a refrigeration and freezer compartment are present, separate refrigeration and freezing storage and cooling modules are installed. These modules can be connected in series and run in parallel with the ice-making module. The refrigeration and freezing storage modules connect to and exchange heat with the refrigeration compartment, supplying cooling capacity, while the freezer storage and cooling modules connect to and exchange heat with the freezer compartment, supplying cooling capacity. The flexibility and convenience of use are further enhanced. Since it is set in parallel with the ice-making module, it does not affect the original ice-making module of the water dispenser. The user can choose whether to add a low-temperature storage function according to actual needs.

[0011] Furthermore, the storage refrigeration module employs at least one set of coaxial heat exchangers. Refrigerant is supplied via branch pipes connected to the coaxial heat exchangers, and the coaxial heat exchangers are also connected to heat exchange components within the storage module for heat exchange. Coaxial heat exchangers are used to achieve heat exchange and cooling capacity transfer to the storage space. Depending on the requirements, either the refrigerated storage refrigeration module or the frozen storage refrigeration module can use coaxial heat exchangers, or both can use coaxial heat exchangers.

[0012] Furthermore, the storage module includes a cold storage compartment, which is equipped with a cold storage heat exchanger; The storage refrigeration module includes a heat exchange box A, which is used to hold coolant with a freezing point of zero degrees and above. The heat exchange box A is equipped with an evaporator A and a refrigerant branch pipe connected to it. The evaporator A is used to refrigerate the heat exchange box A. The refrigeration heat exchanger is connected to the coolant in the heat exchange box A and exchanges heat with it, transferring the cold energy in the heat exchange box A to the refrigeration compartment.

[0013] Specifically, water can be placed in heat exchange box A as a cooling medium. Heat exchange box A is equipped with an evaporator A connected to a refrigerant branch pipe, so that the water in heat exchange box A is low temperature water, which is connected to the cold storage compartment for heat exchange and cold energy transfer.

[0014] Furthermore, the storage module includes a freezer compartment, which is equipped with a refrigeration heat exchanger; The storage refrigeration module includes a heat exchange box B, which is used to hold coolant with a freezing point below zero degrees Celsius. The heat exchange box B is equipped with an evaporator B that is connected to the refrigerant via a branch pipe. The evaporator B is used to refrigerate the heat exchange box B. The refrigeration heat exchanger is connected to the coolant in the heat exchange box B and exchanges heat with it, transferring the cold energy in the heat exchange box B to the freezer compartment.

[0015] Specifically, the heat exchange box B can contain ethylene glycol solution as a cooling medium. The heat exchange box B is equipped with an evaporator B that is connected to the refrigerant via a branch pipe, so that the heat exchange box B contains a low-temperature medium, which is connected to the freezer compartment for heat exchange and cold energy transfer.

[0016] Furthermore, the storage module includes a refrigerator compartment and a freezer compartment; the refrigerator compartment is equipped with a refrigerator heat exchanger, and the freezer compartment is equipped with a freezer heat exchanger. The storage refrigeration module includes evaporators B and A, which are connected in series along the refrigerant flow direction. Evaporator B is located in heat exchange box B, and evaporator A is located in heat exchange box A. Heat exchange boxes B and A are used to hold coolants with different freezing points. The refrigeration heat exchanger is connected to and exchanges heat with the coolant in heat exchange box A, and the freezing heat exchanger is connected to and exchanges heat with the coolant in heat exchange box B. This design, based on the ice-making module, combines refrigeration and freezing storage functions, making its application more convenient and flexible.

[0017] Furthermore, it also includes a cold water tank. The cold water tank supplies water to the ice-making module through an ice-making inlet pipe and collects residual ice water from the ice-making module through an ice-making return pipe. Working in conjunction with the ice-making module, the cold water tank provides ample water for ice making and can receive residual ice water produced after ice making, recovering residual cold energy to facilitate cooling within the tank. It also provides chilled water; the cold water tank can store purified water and can directly discharge chilled water for drinking.

[0018] Furthermore, the storage refrigeration module includes at least a refrigerated storage refrigeration module, and the storage module includes at least a refrigerated compartment. The refrigerated compartment contains a refrigerated heat exchanger that is connected to and exchanges heat with the refrigerated storage refrigeration module. The cold water tank also contains heat exchanger A, which is connected in parallel with the refrigerated heat exchanger and is also connected to and exchanges heat with the refrigerated storage refrigeration module. The refrigerated storage refrigeration module supplies cooling capacity to both the refrigerated compartment and the cold water tank. In addition to the refrigerated compartment for low-temperature storage, heat exchanger A is installed in the cold water tank and connected to the refrigerated storage refrigeration module, utilizing the cooling capacity of the refrigerated storage refrigeration module to simultaneously supply cooling capacity to the cold water tank.

[0019] Furthermore, it also includes a soda water tank, which is connected to a cold water tank to receive cold water. The soda water tank is installed in the storage and cooling module. This design allows the water dispenser to also have a soda water preparation function.

[0020] Furthermore, it also includes ice boxes, which are connected to the ice-making module to store ice cubes; the ice boxes are placed in the freezer compartment. By storing the ice boxes in the freezer compartment and utilizing the storage cooling module to transfer cold energy to the freezer compartment, the freezing effect of the ice cubes is ensured, preventing the ice cubes from melting.

[0021] Furthermore, the ice-making module includes an ice-making evaporator, and the ice-making refrigeration module includes a compressor. The compressor outlet is connected to the ice-making evaporator inlet via a refrigerant inlet pipe, and a condenser and a throttling device A are sequentially installed on the refrigerant inlet pipe. The outlet of the ice-making evaporator is connected to the compressor inlet via a refrigerant outlet pipe. The refrigerant circulation refrigeration is achieved by using the series connection of the compressor, condenser, throttling device A, and ice-making evaporator. This is an independent refrigeration system for the ice-making function within the water dispenser, which can be isolated from the refrigeration and freezing functions.

[0022] Furthermore, the refrigerant branch pipe is connected in parallel upstream of the throttling element A on the refrigerant inlet pipe, and a throttling element B is also provided on the refrigerant branch pipe upstream of the storage refrigeration module. Even further, a control valve is provided at the parallel connection point of the refrigerant branch pipe and the refrigerant inlet pipe, and the control valve controls the selective on / off state of either the refrigerant branch pipe or the refrigerant inlet pipe. Specifically, a two-position three-way valve can be used as the control valve. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the cooling system of the water dispenser of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the cooling system for the water dispenser of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the cooling system for the water dispenser of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the cooling system for the water dispenser of the present invention.

[0024] Explanation of the labels in the diagram: 10. Ice-making refrigeration module; 20. Storage refrigeration module; 21. Refrigerated storage refrigeration module; 22. Frozen storage refrigeration module; 23. Shell-and-tube heat exchanger; 30. Storage module; 40. Heat exchange components; 11. De-icing solenoid valve; 12. Power pump A; 13. Power pump B; 14. Power pump C; 15. Power pump D; 16. Power pump E; 17. Fan A; 18. Fan B; 19. Fan C; 100. Ice-making module; 101. Ice-making evaporator; 102. Compressor; 103. Condenser; 104. Dryer filter; 105. Control valve; 106. Throttling device A; 107. Refrigerant inlet pipe; 108. Refrigerant outlet pipe; 109. De-icing pipe; 120. Refrigerant branch pipe; 121. Throttling device B; 200. Cold water tank; 201. Ice-making return pipe; 202. Ice-making inlet pipe; 203. Water supply pipe; 204. Water outlet pipe; 205. Heat exchanger A; 300. Refrigeration compartment; 301. Refrigeration heat exchanger; 302. Heat exchange box A; 303. Evaporator A; 304. Soda water tank; 320. Shell-and-tube heat exchanger A; 400. Freezer compartment; 401. Ice box; 402. Refrigeration heat exchanger; 403. Heat exchange box B; 404. Evaporator B; 420. Shell-and-tube heat exchanger B. Detailed Implementation

[0025] To further understand the content of this invention, a detailed description of the invention will be provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0026] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing the invention and for simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the invention. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0027] The present invention will be further described below with reference to embodiments.

[0028] Example Combination Figures 1-4 As shown, a multifunctional water dispenser refrigeration system of this embodiment includes an ice-making module 100 and an ice-making and refrigeration module 10. The ice-making and refrigeration module 10 is provided with a refrigerant inlet pipe 107 connected to the ice-making module 100, for supplying refrigerant to the ice-making module 100 to realize ice making; it also includes: The storage refrigeration module 20 and the ice-making refrigeration module 10 have a refrigerant branch pipe 120 connected in parallel on the refrigerant inlet pipe 107. The refrigerant branch pipe 120 is connected to the inlet of the storage refrigeration module 20 to deliver refrigerant to the storage refrigeration module 20. The storage module 30 has a heat exchange component 40 that is connected to the storage cooling module 20 to transfer the cooling capacity in the storage cooling module 20 to the storage module 30.

[0029] In this embodiment, based on the ice-making module 100 of the water dispenser, a storage and cooling module 20 and a storage module 30 are connected in parallel. They can share some of the functions of the ice-making system and integrate the low-temperature storage function, making it more convenient for users to use according to their needs.

[0030] Specifically, in combination Figure 1 As shown, the ice-making function of the water dispenser will be described first. In practice, the ice-making module 100 includes an ice-making evaporator 101. The ice-making and refrigeration module 10 includes a compressor 102, a condenser 103, a dryer filter 104, and a throttling device A106. The outlet of the compressor 102 is connected to the inlet of the ice-making evaporator 101 through a refrigerant inlet pipe 107. The condenser 103 and the throttling device A106 are sequentially installed on the refrigerant inlet pipe 107. A dryer filter 104 and a control valve 105 can also be sequentially installed between the condenser 103 and the throttling device A106. The control valve 105 controls the opening and closing of the refrigerant inlet pipe 107. A fan C19 is installed on the side of the condenser 103. The outlet of the ice-making evaporator 101 is connected to the inlet of the compressor 102 through a refrigerant outlet pipe 108 to realize the circulation of refrigerant. The throttling device A106 can be a capillary tube or other structures. The refrigerant inlet pipe 107 and refrigerant outlet pipe 108 form the first loop of the refrigerant system, which is used by the ice-making module 100 to realize the ice-making function. After power-on, when the control valve 105 controls the opening of this loop, the fan C19 on the condenser 103 side starts first, followed by the compressor 102. The high-temperature and high-pressure gaseous refrigerant discharged by the compressor 102 is cooled by the condenser 103 to form a medium-temperature and high-pressure liquid. After being throttled by the throttling device A106, it becomes a low-temperature and low-pressure liquid 2 and enters the ice-making evaporator 101. The surface temperature of the ice-making evaporator 101 is reduced by evaporation heat absorption, and the vapor after heat absorption is drawn back into the compressor 102 for circulation.

[0031] In practice, the preferred water dispenser also includes a cold water tank 200. The cold water tank 200 supplies water to the ice-making module 100 through an ice-making inlet pipe 202 and collects residual ice water in the ice-making module 100 through an ice-making return pipe 201. A power pump B13 is installed on the ice-making inlet pipe 202. The ice-making module 100 specifically includes an ice-making box, and an ice-making evaporator 101 is installed inside the ice-making box. Before ice making begins, the ice-making module 100 draws water from the cold water tank 200 into the ice-making box through the power pump B13, immersing the ice-making end of the ice-making evaporator 101 in the water. As the surface temperature of the ice-making evaporator 101 decreases, the water freezes into ice at the ice-making end. In practice, the exhaust end of the compressor 102 also has a de-icing pipe 109 connected to the inlet of the ice-making evaporator 101, and a de-icing solenoid valve 11 is installed on the de-icing pipe 109. After each round of ice making, the residual ice water in the ice-making box is returned to the cold water tank 200. Subsequently, the de-icing solenoid valve 11 is activated, which bypasses the hot gas at the exhaust end of the compressor 102 to the ice evaporator 101, causing the surface temperature of the ice evaporator 101 to rise, so that the ice blocks and the interface between the ice blocks and the ice evaporator 101 melt appropriately and fall off naturally, thus achieving de-icing.

[0032] In this embodiment, the ice-making circuit supplying cooling to the ice-making module 100 is considered as the ice-making refrigeration module 10. Additionally, a storage refrigeration module 20 is connected in parallel on the pipeline between the refrigerant inlet pipe 107 and the refrigerant outlet pipe 108, allowing them to share a single compressor 102 system for cooling. Furthermore, a refrigerant branch pipe 120 is connected in parallel upstream of the throttling element A106 on the refrigerant inlet pipe 107, and a throttling element B121 is located upstream of the storage refrigeration module 20 on the refrigerant branch pipe 120. The throttling element B121 can also be a capillary tube structure. A control valve 105 is located at the parallel connection point of the refrigerant branch pipe 120 and the refrigerant inlet pipe 107, controlling the selective opening and closing of either the refrigerant branch pipe 120 or the refrigerant inlet pipe 107. Specifically, the control valve 105 can be a two-position three-way valve, controlling the selective conduction of either the refrigerant inlet pipe 107 or the refrigerant branch pipe 120.

[0033] Furthermore, the storage refrigeration module 20 includes a refrigerated storage refrigeration module 21 and / or a frozen storage refrigeration module 22, both of which are connected to the refrigerant branch pipe 120; the storage module 30 includes a corresponding refrigerated compartment 300 and / or a frozen compartment 400; wherein the refrigerated compartment 300 is connected to and exchanges heat with the refrigerated storage refrigeration module 21, and the frozen compartment 400 is connected to and exchanges heat with the frozen storage refrigeration module 22. The refrigerated compartment 300 and the frozen compartment 400 can be configured as one or both, depending on requirements.

[0034] Combination Figure 1As shown, taking a combination of a refrigerator compartment 300 and a freezer compartment 400 as an example, the storage module 30 includes a refrigerator compartment 300 and a freezer compartment 400; a refrigerator heat exchanger 301 is provided in the refrigerator compartment 300, and a freezer heat exchanger 402 is provided in the freezer compartment 400; the storage refrigeration module 20 includes an evaporator B404 and an evaporator A303 arranged in series along the refrigerant flow direction. The evaporator B404 is distributed in the heat exchange box B403, and the evaporator A303 is distributed in the heat exchange box A302. The heat exchange boxes B403 and A302 are used to hold coolants with different freezing point temperatures; the refrigerator heat exchanger 301 is connected to and exchanges heat with the coolant in the heat exchange box A302, and the freezer heat exchanger 402 is connected to and exchanges heat with the coolant in the heat exchange box B403.

[0035] In a preferred embodiment, heat exchanger B403 is an ethylene glycol solution tank, and heat exchanger A302 is a water tank. Evaporators B404 and A303 are connected in series and placed in the ethylene glycol solution tank and water tank respectively. Evaporator B404 can lower the ethylene glycol solution to sub-zero temperatures without reaching its freezing point; the ethylene glycol solution remains liquid and has refrigeration capacity. Evaporator A303 can lower the water to above-zero temperatures without reaching its freezing point; the water also remains liquid and has refrigeration capacity. After power-on, when control valve 105 opens refrigerant branch pipe 120, fan C19 on the condenser 103 side starts first, followed by compressor 102. The high-temperature and high-pressure gaseous refrigerant discharged by compressor 102 is cooled by condenser 103 to form medium-temperature and high-pressure liquid. After being throttled by throttling device B121, it becomes low-temperature and low-pressure liquid and enters evaporator B404 and evaporator A303 in sequence. The surface temperature of the evaporator is reduced by evaporation heat absorption. The steam after heat absorption is drawn back into the compressor 102 for circulation.

[0036] The evaporator B404 operates at sub-zero temperatures and is placed in the heat exchange box B403, which is the ethylene glycol solution tank. This allows the ethylene glycol solution to be cooled to approximately -10°C without freezing. The sub-zero ethylene glycol solution is circulated into the refrigeration heat exchanger 402 via a power pump E16. Coolant circulates between the refrigeration heat exchanger 402 and the heat exchange box B403. A fan B18 is also located on the side of the refrigeration heat exchanger 402, which, in conjunction with the refrigeration heat exchanger 402, provides sub-zero cold air to the freezing chamber 400, thereby achieving the freezing effect. Further preferably, an ice box 401 for storing ice is placed in the freezing chamber 400. The ice box 401 is connected to the ice-making module 100 to store ice. The ice box 401, located in the freezing chamber 400, is also at sub-zero temperatures, allowing it to store ice without melting it. The freezing function can be controlled by starting and stopping the power pump E16 and the fan B18.

[0037] Specifically, the evaporator A303 is located in the low-temperature range above zero. When placed in the heat exchange box A302 (i.e., the water tank), the water temperature can be lowered to about 5°C. The low-temperature water is then pumped into the refrigeration heat exchanger 301 in the refrigeration compartment 300 via the power pump D15. The coolant in the refrigeration heat exchanger 301 and the heat exchange box A302 circulate back and forth. A fan A17 is installed on the side of the refrigeration heat exchanger 301 to achieve the refrigeration effect.

[0038] More preferably, when the water dispenser is equipped with a cold water tank 200, a heat exchanger A205 can also be installed inside the cold water tank 200. The heat exchanger A205 is connected in parallel with the refrigeration heat exchanger 301 and is connected to and exchanges heat with the refrigeration storage and cooling module 21; that is, the heat exchanger A205 is also circulated and exchanges heat with the heat exchange box A302. The refrigeration storage and cooling module 21 supplies cooling to the refrigeration compartment 300 and the cold water tank 200 respectively. Similarly, low-temperature water can be introduced into the heat exchanger A205 through the power pump D15 to directly cool the water in the cold water tank 200 to achieve cooling. In addition, combined with the above-mentioned ice-making module 100 design, the residual ice water produced by the ice-making module 100 in each round of ice making will also flow back to the cold water tank 200 to cool the water in the tank.

[0039] In this embodiment, the cold water tank 200 is used to store purified drinking water. A water supply pipe 203 can be installed on the cold water tank 200 to receive purified water, and a water outlet pipe 204 is provided to discharge cold drinking water. A power pump A12 is installed on the water outlet pipe 204. The water dispenser may integrate a filtration and purification module, which replenishes the purified water into the cold water tank 200 via the water supply pipe 203. Alternatively, if the water dispenser does not integrate a purification module, it can be connected to an external purification device via the water supply pipe 203 to receive purified water.

[0040] In practice, it is advisable to further arrange a soda water tank 304 inside the heat exchanger A302. The soda water tank 304 is connected to the cold water tank 200, and cold water from the cold water tank 200 is supplied to the soda water tank 304 via a power pump C14. The soda water tank 304 is also connected to an external gas supply device to jointly produce soda water. Since the heat exchanger A302 is filled with low-temperature water, the soda water tank 304 is at a lower temperature, which is more conducive to the dissolution of gas into the water, resulting in more bubbles in the produced soda water.

[0041] In practice, the storage cooling module 20 can also employ other cooling methods, such as... Figure 2As shown, at least one set of shell-and-tube heat exchangers 23 can be used. The refrigerant branch pipe 120 is connected to the shell-and-tube heat exchanger 23 and delivers refrigerant for cooling. The shell-and-tube heat exchanger 23 is also connected to the heat exchange component 40 in the storage module 30 for heat exchange. When it has both refrigeration and freezing functions, two sets of shell-and-tube heat exchangers 23 can be selected, namely, shell-and-tube heat exchanger B420 and shell-and-tube heat exchanger A320 connected in series on the refrigerant branch pipe 120. The shell-and-tube heat exchanger 23 has inner and outer double-layer shells, forming two independent refrigeration channels, which deliver different refrigerants respectively. One refrigeration channel is connected to the refrigerant branch pipe 120, and the other refrigeration channel is connected to the heat exchange component 40 in the storage module 30. Taking the shell-and-tube heat exchanger B420 as an example, one refrigeration channel of the shell-and-tube heat exchanger B420 connects to the refrigerant branch pipe 120 and the shell-and-tube heat exchanger A320, while the other refrigeration channel forms a circulation channel with the refrigeration heat exchanger 402, and can still use ethylene glycol solution as the refrigerant medium. Similarly, the circulation channel between the shell-and-tube heat exchanger A320 and the refrigeration heat exchanger 301 can still use water as the refrigerant medium. The piping connection between the shell-and-tube heat exchanger 23 and the refrigeration compartment 300 or the freezer compartment 400 is basically the same as the above refrigeration method, and will not be described again. This design replaces the large-volume heat exchange box and its internal evaporator with a shell-and-tube heat exchanger, ensuring heat exchange efficiency while reducing system volume for applications with limited space.

[0042] In practice, depending on application requirements, the coaxial heat exchanger 23 and the heat exchange box can be used together. Different cooling capacity delivery methods are employed for the refrigerator compartment 300 and the freezer compartment 400. For example, the coaxial heat exchanger B420 can still be used to connect with the freezer compartment 400 for heat exchange, delivering cooling capacity to the freezer compartment 400, while the heat exchange box A302 and the evaporator A303 work together to deliver cooling capacity to the refrigerator compartment 300. In this case, the coaxial heat exchanger B420 and the evaporator A303 are connected in series on the refrigerant branch pipe 120. Alternatively, the heat exchange box B403 and the evaporator B404 can still be used to provide cooling capacity to the freezer compartment 400, while the coaxial heat exchanger A320 can connect with the refrigerator compartment 300 for heat exchange, delivering cooling capacity to the refrigerator compartment 300. In this case, the evaporator B404 and the coaxial heat exchanger A320 are connected in series on the refrigerant branch pipe 120.

[0043] Based on the above solutions, it is clear that in practice, either the refrigerator compartment 300 or the freezer compartment 400 can be selected. Taking a refrigerator compartment 300 as an example... Figure 3As shown, the storage module 30 includes a cold storage compartment 300, which contains a cold storage heat exchanger 301. The storage refrigeration module 20 includes a heat exchange box A302, which holds coolant with a freezing point of 0 degrees Celsius or higher. The heat exchange box A302 also contains an evaporator A303 connected to a refrigerant branch pipe 120. The evaporator A303 cools the heat exchange box A302. The cold storage heat exchanger 301 is connected to the coolant in the heat exchange box A302 and exchanges heat, supplying cooling capacity to the cold storage compartment 300. Further details are omitted.

[0044] Furthermore, when only the freezer compartment 400 is provided, the storage module 30 includes the freezer compartment 400, and a refrigeration heat exchanger 402 is provided inside the freezer compartment 400; for example Figure 4 As shown, the storage refrigeration module 20 includes a heat exchange box B403, which is used to hold coolant with a freezing point below zero degrees Celsius. An evaporator B404 is provided inside the heat exchange box B403 and is connected to the refrigerant branch pipe 120. The evaporator B404 cools the heat exchange box B403. The refrigeration heat exchanger 402 is connected to the coolant in the heat exchange box B403 and exchanges heat to deliver cold energy to the freezer compartment 400.

[0045] The refrigeration system of this water dispenser embodiment is developed based on the multi-functional water dispensers on the market. It fully utilizes the temperature characteristics of different evaporation stages of the refrigerant system, employing a single compressor 102 combined with three evaporators and independent coolant circulation to achieve all refrigeration functions. The refrigerant system is divided into two loops: the first loop enables ice making, and the second loop divides the evaporator into sub-zero and upper-zero low-temperature zones, each equipped with independent ethylene glycol solution and water circulation to cool the freezing and refrigeration compartments respectively. Based on the temperature characteristics of different functional areas of the system, it can also be used to provide chilled water, make soda water, and store ice, offering users a more comprehensive functional experience.

[0046] Furthermore, the refrigerant system in this embodiment can be used for standardized production. Its supporting functional modules, such as the freezing and refrigeration zones, can be customized according to the needs of the manufacturer or user without altering the refrigerant system. Only the system layout of the coolant circulation needs to be changed based on the actual application scenario. In practice, the refrigeration compartment 300 and the freezing compartment 400 can also be installed inside or outside the water dispenser. As for the cold water tank 200, the heat exchanger A205 inside does not use refrigerant as the heat exchange medium, but rather uses the above-zero temperature water from the low-temperature water tank. The heat exchanger A205, filled with low-temperature water, and the residual water from ice making can both cool the drinking water in the cold water tank 200, avoiding dependence on a single cooling method and preventing the problem of excessively low temperatures and freezing that can easily occur with refrigerant heat exchangers. The water and ethylene glycol solution used as coolant are in a completely closed system. The water required to produce drinking water and ice is provided by the cold water tank 200, which does not affect the edibility of the drinking water and ice.

[0047] The present invention and its embodiments have been described above illustratively. This description is not restrictive and is merely one embodiment of the present invention, and is not actually limited thereto. Therefore, if those skilled in the art are inspired by this description and design similar structures and embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present invention, such designs should fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A multifunctional water dispenser refrigeration system, comprising an ice-making module (100) and an ice-making and refrigeration module (10), wherein the ice-making and refrigeration module (10) is provided with a refrigerant inlet pipe (107) connected to the ice-making module (100), for supplying refrigerant to the ice-making module (100) to achieve ice making; characterized in that, Also includes: The storage refrigeration module (20) and the ice-making refrigeration module (10) have a refrigerant branch pipe (120) connected in parallel on the refrigerant inlet pipe (107). The refrigerant branch pipe (120) is connected to the inlet of the storage refrigeration module (20) to deliver the refrigerant to the storage refrigeration module (20). The storage module (30) is equipped with a heat exchange component (40) that is connected to the storage cooling module (20) to transfer the cooling capacity in the storage cooling module (20) to the storage module (30).

2. The multifunctional water dispenser refrigeration system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The storage refrigeration module (20) includes a refrigerated storage refrigeration module (21) and / or a frozen storage refrigeration module (22), both of which are connected to the refrigerant branch pipe (120); the storage module (30) includes a corresponding refrigerated compartment (300) and / or a frozen compartment (400); wherein the refrigerated compartment (300) is connected to the refrigerated storage refrigeration module (21) for heat exchange, and the frozen compartment (400) is connected to the frozen storage refrigeration module (22) for heat exchange.

3. The multifunctional water dispenser refrigeration system according to claim 2, characterized in that: The storage refrigeration module (20) employs at least one set of shell-and-tube heat exchangers (23). The refrigerant branch pipe (120) is connected to the shell-and-tube heat exchanger (23) and transports the refrigerant. The shell-and-tube heat exchanger (23) is also connected to the heat exchange component (40) in the storage module (30) and performs heat exchange.

4. The multifunctional water dispenser refrigeration system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The storage module (30) includes a cold storage compartment (300) and a cold storage heat exchanger (301) is provided in the cold storage compartment (300). The storage refrigeration module (20) includes a heat exchange box A (302), which is used to hold coolant with a freezing point of zero degrees and above. The heat exchange box A (302) is equipped with an evaporator A (303) connected to the refrigerant branch pipe (120). The evaporator A (303) is used to refrigerate the heat exchange box A (302). The refrigeration heat exchanger (301) is connected to the coolant in the heat exchange box A (302) and performs heat exchange, delivering the cold energy in the heat exchange box A (302) to the refrigeration chamber (300).

5. A multifunctional water dispenser refrigeration system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The storage module (30) includes a freezer compartment (400) and a refrigeration heat exchanger (402) is provided inside the freezer compartment (400). The storage refrigeration module (20) includes a heat exchange box B (403), which is used to hold coolant with a freezing point below zero degrees. An evaporator B (404) is provided in the heat exchange box B (403) and connected to the refrigerant branch pipe (120). The evaporator B (404) is used to refrigerate the heat exchange box B (403). The refrigeration heat exchanger (402) is connected to the coolant in the heat exchange box B (403) and performs heat exchange, and delivers the cold energy in the heat exchange box B (403) to the freezer compartment (400).

6. The multifunctional water dispenser refrigeration system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The storage module (30) includes a refrigerator compartment (300) and a freezer compartment (400); the refrigerator compartment (300) is equipped with a refrigerator heat exchanger (301), and the freezer compartment (400) is equipped with a freezer heat exchanger (402). The storage refrigeration module (20) includes an evaporator B (404) and an evaporator A (303) arranged in series along the refrigerant flow direction. The evaporator B (404) is located in the heat exchange box B (403), and the evaporator A (303) is located in the heat exchange box A (302). The heat exchange boxes B (403) and A (302) are used to hold coolants with different freezing point temperatures. The refrigeration heat exchanger (301) is connected to and exchanges heat with the coolant in the heat exchange box A (302), and the freezing heat exchanger (402) is connected to and exchanges heat with the coolant in the heat exchange box B (403).

7. A multifunctional water dispenser refrigeration system according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that: It also includes a cold water tank (200), which supplies water to the ice-making module (100) through the ice-making inlet pipe (202) and receives residual ice water in the ice-making module (100) through the ice-making return pipe (201).

8. A multifunctional water dispenser refrigeration system according to claim 7, characterized in that: The storage refrigeration module (20) includes at least a refrigerated storage refrigeration module (21), and the storage module (30) includes at least a refrigeration chamber (300). The refrigeration chamber (300) is equipped with a refrigeration heat exchanger (301) that is connected to and exchanges heat with the refrigerated storage refrigeration module (21). The cold water tank (200) is also equipped with a heat exchanger A (205), which is connected in parallel with the refrigeration heat exchanger (301) and is connected to the refrigeration storage refrigeration module (21) for heat exchange; the refrigeration storage refrigeration module (21) delivers cooling capacity to the refrigeration chamber (300) and the cold water tank (200) respectively.

9. A multifunctional water dispenser refrigeration system according to claim 7, characterized in that: It also includes a soda tank (304), which is connected to a cold water tank (200) to receive cold water. The soda tank (304) is installed in the storage cooling module (20).

10. A multifunctional water dispenser refrigeration system according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that: It also includes an ice box (401), which is connected to the ice-making module (100) to store ice; the ice box (401) is placed in the freezer compartment (400).

11. A multifunctional water dispenser refrigeration system according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that: The ice-making module (100) is equipped with an ice-making evaporator (101), and the ice-making and refrigeration module (10) includes a compressor (102). The outlet of the compressor (102) is connected to the inlet of the ice-making evaporator (101) through a refrigerant inlet pipe (107), and a condenser (103) and a throttling device A (106) are sequentially provided on the refrigerant inlet pipe (107). The outlet of the ice-making evaporator (101) is connected to the inlet of the compressor (102) through a refrigerant outlet pipe (108).

12. A multifunctional water dispenser refrigeration system according to claim 11, characterized in that: The refrigerant branch pipe (120) is connected in parallel upstream of the throttling device A (106) on the refrigerant inlet pipe (107), and the refrigerant branch pipe (120) is provided with a throttling device B (121) upstream of the storage refrigeration module (20).

13. A multifunctional water dispenser refrigeration system according to claim 12, characterized in that: A control valve (105) is provided at the parallel position of the refrigerant branch pipe (120) and the refrigerant inlet pipe (107). The control valve (105) controls the selective opening and closing of the refrigerant branch pipe (120) and the refrigerant inlet pipe (107).

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