Water dispenser

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a water dispenser comprising a dual-tube assembly, a first tank, a second tank, and a third tank. The dual-tube assembly consists of an inner tube and an outer tube forming independent flow channels to optimize water flow and heat exchange. The first tank is equipped with a heating unit, delivering hot water through the inner and outer tubes while minimizing heat loss. The second tank serves as the primary water storage unit, preventing hot water backflow to maintain cooling stability. The third tank includes a cooling unit, receiving warm water via an inlet pipe to enhance cooling efficiency, reduce frequent compressor activation, and extend the lifespan of the apparatus. Through the aforementioned structure, the present disclosure improves thermal energy utilization, reduces unnecessary energy consumption, and enhances heating and cooling stability, rendering the water dispenser more energy-efficient and durable.

Description

Drinking water device The present disclosure relates to a drinking water device, and more particularly to a drinking water device that provides cold water, warm water, and hot water. Traditional water dispensers have three buckets: a mother-child bucket, a hot water bucket, and a cold water bucket. The water flow path of a traditional water dispenser starts from the water inlet pipe and enters the mother and child barrels for water temperature regulation and water storage to ensure stable water supply. The water then flows into the hot water tank, which heats and stores the high-temperature water. Because it needs to supply large quantities of hot water, the hot water tank is typically the largest water storage tank in the system. When users draw hot water, it comes directly from the hot water tank, ensuring a stable supply. However, because the water maintains a high temperature for extended periods, the system needs to periodically reheat the water even when no water is being drawn, resulting in high energy consumption. The warm water supply is cooled by hot water flowing into the mother and child tanks, but the continuous return of hot water will increase the temperature of the mother and child tanks, affecting the system's regulation ability, causing the warm water to overheat and even affecting the stability of ice water preparation. Chilled water is prepared by the cold water tank. When warm water enters the cold water tank, the compressor cools it down and stores the cold water. However, due to the limited cooling efficiency of the mother and child tanks, the water entering the cold water tank is too hot, affecting cooling efficiency and causing the compressor to activate frequently, increasing power consumption and compressor wear, shortening equipment life. Therefore, although traditional water dispensers can meet daily needs, they have high energy consumption and low heat exchange efficiency, and there is still room for improvement. The main purpose of this disclosure is to solve the problems of high energy consumption and low heat exchange efficiency of traditional water dispensers. To achieve the above-mentioned objectives, one embodiment of the present disclosure provides a drinking water device, comprising a mother-and-child pipe, a first barrel, a second barrel, and a third barrel, wherein the second barrel has a larger diameter than the first or third barrels. The mother-and-child pipe comprises an outer tube and an inner tube, one end of the inner tube being a water inlet end, a first flow channel formed within the inner tube, the outer tube enclosing the inner tube, and a second flow channel formed between the inner wall of the outer tube and the outer wall of the inner tube. A heating unit is disposed within the first barrel, which is connected to the inner barrel. The first barrel comprises a first water outlet pipe and a first transfer pipe, one end of the first water outlet pipe being provided with a first water outlet switch, and the first transfer pipe being connected to the outer barrel. The second barrel comprises a second water outlet pipe and a second transfer pipe, one end of the second water outlet pipe being provided with a second water outlet switch, and the second transfer pipe being connected to the outer barrel. The third barrel comprises a cooling unit, the third barrel comprises a third water outlet pipe and a water inlet pipe, one end of the third water outlet pipe being provided with a third water outlet switch, and one end of the water inlet pipe being connected to the second barrel. Through the above, the effect of the present disclosure is to improve the structure of the drinking water device through the mother-and-child pipe design, optimized barrel diameter configuration and independent heat exchange flow channel, thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency of the water dispenser, reducing unnecessary energy consumption, and improving the stability of cooling and heating, making the drinking water device more energy-saving and durable. To more clearly illustrate the core concepts discussed above, specific examples are provided below. Please note that the proportions of the components in these examples are for illustrative purposes only and are not drawn to scale. Furthermore, to improve readability, some illustrations omit parts or use imaginary lines to depict them. 1 to 3 , a drinking water device 100 with improved structure is disclosed, including a mother-and-child pipe 40 , a first barrel 10 , a second barrel 20 , and a third barrel 30 . The diameter of the second barrel 20 is larger than that of the first barrel 10 or the third barrel 30 . The mother-and-child pipe 40 includes an outer pipe 42 and an inner pipe 41. One end of the inner pipe 41 is the water inlet end. A first flow channel 411 is formed inside the inner pipe 41. The outer pipe 42 covers the inner pipe 41, and a second flow channel 421 is formed between the inner wall surface of the outer pipe 42 and the outer wall surface of the inner pipe 41. A heating unit 13 is disposed within the first tub 10. The heating unit 13 can be an electric heating element for rapidly increasing the water temperature. The first tub 10 is connected to the inner tube 41 to receive water from the first flow channel 411. The first tub 10 also includes a first water outlet pipe 11 and a first transfer pipe 12. A first water outlet switch 111 is disposed at one end of the first water outlet pipe 11. The first transfer pipe 12 is connected to the outer tube 42 to direct the heated water into the second flow channel 421. The second tub 20 includes a second water outlet pipe 21 and a second transfer pipe 22 . A second water outlet switch 211 is provided at one end of the second water outlet pipe 21 . The second transfer pipe 22 is connected to the outer pipe 42 to receive water from the second flow channel 421 . The third barrel 30 is provided with a refrigeration unit 33 , and the third barrel 30 includes a third water outlet pipe 31 and a water inlet pipe 32 . A third water outlet switch 311 is provided at one end of the third water outlet pipe 31 , and one end of the water inlet pipe 32 is connected to the second barrel 20 to receive water flow from the second barrel 20 . The refrigeration unit 33 contacts the water in the third barrel 30 or exchanges heat energy indirectly, such as a shell-and-tube or plate-type heat exchanger, so that the water temperature is gradually reduced. Referring to FIG. 1 , the length of the inner tube 41 is greater than the length of the outer tube 42 . Please continue to refer to Figure 2 in conjunction with Figures 1 and 3 to see the direction of water flow as follows: 1. Water inlet stage: Water enters from the water inlet end of the inner tube 41 and flows inside the first flow channel 411 . 2. Heating stage: Water flows from the first flow channel 411 into the first barrel 10. The first barrel 10 is provided with a heating unit 13. The heating unit 13 heats the water. The heated water is then introduced into the outer tube 42 through the first transfer tube 12 and into the second flow channel 421. The user can then use the first water outlet switch 111 to take out the heated water. 3. Diversion and Storage Phase: The second transfer tube 22 of the second tub 20 connects to the outer tube 42, receiving heated water from the second flow channel 421. As the heated water in the second flow channel 421 flows through the mother-and-child pipe 40, a temperature difference is created with the incoming water in the first flow channel 411. This results in heat exchange between the two water flows through convection, gradually increasing the temperature of the unheated water and cooling the heated water. The user can then access warm water by operating the second water outlet valve 211. 4. Cooling Phase: Water from the second tub 20 flows through the water inlet pipe 32 into the third tub 30. A refrigeration unit 33 is located within the third tub 30 to lower the water temperature, creating a low-temperature water flow. Finally, the cooled water flows through the third outlet pipe 31 and is controlled by the third outlet switch 311 to produce cold water. Continuing with Figure 1 , in one embodiment, a mother-and-child tube 40 is disposed around the exterior of the second tub 20. This wraparound design of the mother-and-child tube 40 reduces the need for additional piping, making the mother-and-child tube 40 more compact and less bulky, making it suitable for a variety of space-constrained applications. Furthermore, the wraparound design of the mother-and-child tube 40 provides additional support and stability, enhancing the structural strength of the second tub 20 and reducing deformation or damage caused by external forces. Continuing with Figure 2 in conjunction with Figure 1 , in one embodiment, the male and female tubes 40 are in contact with the outer wall of the second tub 20. Therefore, as the heated water flows toward the second tub 20, it comes into contact with the outer wall of the second tub 20. This allows the heated water to evenly transfer heat to the second tub 20, improving the overall insulation of the second tub 20 and reducing heat loss, thereby increasing the efficiency of heated water use and reducing energy consumption. 1 and 2 , a filter unit 50 is provided at the free end of the inner tube 41 . The filter unit 50 is used to filter impurities in the water, reduce pollutants and improve water quality, ensuring that the water entering the first flow channel 411 is clean and meets drinking standards. Referring to Figure 4 , the drinking water device 100 further includes a temperature control module 60 , electrically connected to the heating unit 13 . This module precisely controls the heating temperature of the heating unit 13 , ensuring a stable water temperature and preventing overheating or unnecessary high-energy heating. Through the temperature control module 60 , the drinking water device 100 can adjust the heating intensity based on actual needs, reducing energy waste and extending the service life of the heating unit 13 . 5 , the drinking water device 100 further includes an automatic control module 61 and a plurality of detection units 62 . The automatic control module 61 is electrically connected to the heating unit 13 and the refrigeration unit 33 . The detection units 62 are respectively disposed in the first barrel 10 , the second barrel 20 , and the third barrel 30 . Each detection unit 62 includes a temperature sensor to detect the water temperature in the first barrel 10 , the second barrel 20 , and the third barrel 30 , and transmits the corresponding sensed water temperature data to the automatic control module 61 . The automatic control module 61 dynamically adjusts the operating status of the heating unit 13 and the refrigeration unit 33 based on the received water temperature data to ensure that the water temperature is maintained within an optimal range, thereby improving the operating efficiency of the system, avoiding increased energy consumption caused by excessive heating or cooling, and ensuring stable drinking water quality, making the drinking water device 100 more intelligent, energy-saving, and efficient. In one embodiment, the walls of the first or third tub 10 , 30 , feature a double-layer vacuum structure to enhance heat or cold retention. Alternatively, a heat-insulating structure (not shown) may be provided on the exterior of the first tub 10 , while a cold-insulating structure (not shown) may be provided on the exterior of the third tub 30 . These heat-insulating and cold-insulating structures may be constructed of styrofoam, silicone, or other insulating materials. The heat-insulating structure reduces heat loss from the first tub 10 and maintains a stable hot water temperature, while the cold-insulating structure reduces heat absorption from the third tub 30 , maintaining the cooling effect of the low-temperature water and enhancing the overall temperature stability of the drinking water device 100 . With the above structure, the advantages of the present disclosure are as follows: 1. Improve heat exchange efficiency and reduce energy consumption: The design of the mother-and-child pipe 40 enables the inner pipe 41 and the outer pipe 42 to form independent flow channels, and exchanges heat through thermal convection, so that the unheated water gradually heats up, while the heated water gradually cools down, reducing heat energy loss and improving heat energy utilization efficiency. 2. Optimize Heating and Storage, Stabilize Water Temperature: The first tank 10 houses a heating unit 13, which connects to the outer tube 42 via a first transfer tube 12, efficiently transferring heated water to the second tank 20. Second tank 20 serves as the primary warm water storage and conditioning unit. Its larger diameter reduces the impact of hot water backflow, ensuring a stable supply and improving heated water utilization efficiency. 3. Improve cooling efficiency and reduce the burden on the compressor: The third barrel 30 is equipped with a refrigeration unit 33 and receives cooled water from the second barrel 20 through the water inlet pipe 32, ensuring that the water temperature entering the cooling system is low, improving cooling efficiency, reducing frequent startup of the compressor, reducing energy consumption and extending the service life of the compressor and the entire equipment. 4. The wraparound design of the mother-and-child tube 40 saves space and enhances structural strength: The mother-and-child tube 40 wraps around the exterior of the second barrel 20, making the overall device more compact and suitable for space-constrained applications. Furthermore, this wraparound design provides additional support and fixation, enhancing the structural strength of the second barrel 20 and reducing deformation or damage caused by external forces. 5. Improve the overall thermal insulation effect and reduce energy waste: In another embodiment, the mother-and-child pipe 40 is attached to the outer wall of the second barrel 20, so that the heated water flow contacts the wall of the second barrel 20 during the transmission process, evenly transferring heat. This not only improves the thermal insulation capacity of the second barrel 20 and reduces heat loss, but also ensures a stable supply of warm water and reduces energy consumption. Finally, it should be understood that the embodiments described herein are intended merely to illustrate the principles of the present disclosure. Other variations are also possible within the scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, by way of example and not limitation, alternative configurations of the present disclosure embodiments may be considered consistent with the teachings of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the embodiments explicitly described and illustrated in the present disclosure. 100: Drinking water device 10: First bucket 11: First water outlet pipe 111: First water outlet switch 12: First transfer pipe 13: Heating unit 20: Second bucket 21: Second water outlet pipe 211: Second water outlet switch 22: Second transfer pipe 30: Third bucket 31: Third water outlet pipe 311: Third water outlet switch 32: Water inlet pipe 33: Refrigeration unit 40: Mother-child pipe 41: Inner pipe 411: First flow channel 42: Outer pipe 421: Second flow channel 50: Filter unit 60: Temperature control module 61: Automatic control module 62: Detection unit Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the first, second, and third barrels of the drinking water device disclosed herein, along with the combined tube body. Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the water flow direction of the drinking water device disclosed herein. Figure 3 is a partially cutaway perspective diagram of the combined tube body being nested within the second barrel. Figure 4 is a block diagram of the temperature control module combined with the heating unit of the drinking water device disclosed herein. Figure 5 is a block diagram of the automatic control module of the drinking water device disclosed herein, combined with the detection unit, heating unit, and cooling unit. 100: Drinking water device 10: The first bucket 11: First water outlet pipe 111: First water outlet switch 12: First transfer 20: Second Bucket 21: Second water outlet pipe 211: Second water outlet switch 22: Second transfer pipe 30: The third bucket 31: The third water outlet pipe 311: The third water outlet switch 32: Water inlet pipe 40: Mother-child tube 41: Inner tube 50: Filter unit

Claims

1. A drinking water device, comprising: A mother-and-child pipe, comprising an outer pipe and an inner pipe, one end of the inner pipe being a water inlet end, a first flow channel formed inside the inner pipe, the outer pipe covering the inner pipe, and a second flow channel formed between the inner wall surface of the outer pipe and the outer wall surface of the inner pipe; a first barrel, comprising a heating unit inside, the first barrel being connected to the inner pipe, and comprising a first water outlet pipe and a first transfer pipe, a first water outlet switch being provided at one end of the first water outlet pipe, the first transfer pipe being connected to the outer pipe; a second barrel, comprising a second water outlet pipe and a second transfer pipe, a second water outlet switch being provided at one end of the second water outlet pipe, the second transfer pipe being connected to the outer pipe; and a third barrel, comprising a refrigeration unit, the third barrel comprising a third water outlet pipe and a water inlet pipe, a third water outlet switch being provided at one end of the third water outlet pipe, and one end of the water inlet pipe being connected to the second barrel; and a barrel diameter of the second barrel is larger than the barrel diameter of the first barrel or the third barrel.

2. The drinking water device as described in claim 1, wherein: The mother-and-child pipe is arranged around the outside of the second barrel.

3. The drinking water device as described in claim 2, wherein: The mother-and-child tube is attached to the outer wall of the second barrel.

4. The drinking water device as described in claim 1, wherein: The length of the inner tube is greater than the length of the outer tube.

5. The drinking water device as described in claim 1, wherein: The wall surface of the first barrel or the third barrel is a double-layer vacuum structure.

6. The drinking water device as described in claim 1, wherein: A heat-insulating structure is arranged outside the first barrel.

7. The drinking water device as described in claim 1, wherein: A cold-keeping structure is arranged on the outside of the third barrel.

8. The drinking water device as described in claim 1, wherein: A filter unit is provided at the free end of the inner tube.

9. The drinking water device as described in claim 1, wherein: The drinking water device further includes a temperature control module, which is electrically connected to the heating unit and is used to control the heating temperature of the heating unit.

10. The drinking water device as described in claim 1, wherein: The drinking water device further includes an automatic control module and multiple detection units. The automatic control module is electrically connected to the heating unit and the refrigeration unit. Each detection unit is respectively arranged in the first barrel, the second barrel and the third barrel, and each detection unit includes a temperature sensor to detect the water temperature in the barrel and transmit the corresponding sensed water temperature data to the automatic control module. The automatic control module adjusts the operating status of the heating unit and the refrigeration unit according to the received water temperature data.

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