Ready-to-drink systems and water dispensers

Abstract

The present invention discloses a ready-to-drink system and a water dispenser. The ready-to-drink system includes a water inlet, a first heating zone for heating water to a first temperature, a first water inlet heat exchange zone, a boiling point heating zone for heating water to a boiling point, a boiling water zone, a first water outlet heat exchange zone, and a water outlet, all interconnected. Convection heat transfer occurs between the first water inlet heat exchange zone and the first water outlet heat exchange zone via a partition. By implementing the present invention, the outlet water can be immediately heated to the appropriate temperature without requiring prolonged waiting. Furthermore, due to the use of internal heat exchange, the heat energy released by the cooling water is converted and used to heat unsterilized water, allowing for energy reuse and significantly reducing energy consumption. Furthermore, the boiling water zone can also be used for brewing tea and coffee.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of drinking water heating, and in particular to an instant drinking system and a water dispenser. Background Art

[0002] The current common practice for heating drinking water is for a water dispenser to heat the water to 100°C and then allow the water to reach a temperature suitable for human drinking by natural cooling. However, there are problems such as high energy consumption for heating water, long waiting time for boiled water, and single function of the water dispenser. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an instant drinking system and a water dispenser in view of at least one defect in the prior art.

[0004] The technical solution adopted by the present invention to solve the technical problem is: constructing a ready-to-drink system, including a water inlet, a first heating zone for heating water to a first temperature value, a first water inlet heat exchange zone, a boiling point heating zone for heating water to a boiling point, a boiling water zone, a first water outlet heat exchange zone, and a water outlet, which are connected in sequence;

[0005] Heat is transferred between the first water inlet heat exchange zone and the first water outlet heat exchange zone through convection through a partition wall.

[0006] Preferably, in the instant drinking system of the present invention, the instant drinking system further comprises at least one set of a second heating zone and a second water inlet heat exchange zone sequentially connected between the first water inlet heat exchange zone and the boiling point heating zone along the water inlet direction, and at least one second water outlet heat exchange zone connected between the boiling water zone and the first water outlet heat exchange zone;

[0007] The second heating zone is used to heat water to a second temperature value, which is greater than the first temperature value;

[0008] Convection heat is transferred between the second water inlet heat exchange zone and the second water outlet heat exchange zone through a partition wall.

[0009] Preferably, in the instant drinking system of the present invention, the first heating zone, the second heating zone and the boiling point heating zone respectively include a drinking water pipe and a heating element provided on the drinking water pipe.

[0010] Preferably, in the instant drinking system of the present invention, the drinking water pipe is a heat conducting pipe, and the heating element is a heating wire; the heating wire is wound around the outer surface of the heat conducting pipe.

[0011] Preferably, in the instant drinking system of the present invention, the first water inlet heat exchange zone and the second water inlet heat exchange zone are water inlet heat exchange pipes respectively;

[0012] The first outlet water heat exchange zone and the second outlet water heat exchange zone are outlet water heat exchange pipes respectively;

[0013] The water inlet heat exchange pipe and the water outlet heat exchange pipe are intertwined to transfer heat through convection of the partition wall.

[0014] Preferably, in the instant drinking system of the present invention, the drinking water pipe and the water inlet heat exchange pipe, and the water outlet heat exchange pipe are connected via connecting pipes.

[0015] Preferably, in the instant drinking system of the present invention, the connecting pipe is U-shaped.

[0016] Preferably, in the ready-to-drink system described in the present invention, the ready-to-drink system also includes an insulation layer for wrapping the heat-generating parts of the first heating zone, the second heating zone and the boiling point heating zone, the heat exchange parts of the first water inlet heat exchange zone and the first water outlet heat exchange zone, and the heat exchange parts of the second water inlet heat exchange zone and the second water outlet heat exchange zone.

[0017] Preferably, in the instant drinking system of the present invention, the instant drinking system further comprises a bracket;

[0018] The first heating zone, the first water inlet heat exchange zone, the second heating zone, the second water inlet heat exchange zone, the boiling point heating zone, the second water outlet heat exchange zone and the first water outlet heat exchange zone are arranged on the bracket.

[0019] Preferably, in the instant drinking system of the present invention, the instant drinking system further comprises a main controller for controlling the heating of the first heating zone, the second heating zone and the boiling point heating zone.

[0020] Preferably, in the instant drinking system of the present invention, the instant drinking system further comprises temperature sensors respectively provided at the water outlet ends of the first heating zone, the second heating zone and the boiling point heating zone and electrically connected to the main controller.

[0021] Preferably, in the instant drinking system of the present invention, the instant drinking system further comprises a transmission device provided between the water inlet and the first heating zone and electrically connected to the main controller.

[0022] Preferably, in the instant drinking system of the present invention, the instant drinking system further comprises a switch device provided between the water outlet and the first water outlet heat exchange area and electrically connected to the main controller.

[0023] Preferably, in the instant drinking system of the present invention, the boiling water zone comprises a container with an opening at one end and a cover plate for sealing the opening.

[0024] Preferably, in the instant drinking system of the present invention, the boiling water zone further comprises a filter provided in the container.

[0025] The present invention also constructs a water dispenser, comprising a water storage tank and any of the above-mentioned instant drinking systems;

[0026] The water storage tank is communicated with the water inlet.

[0027] By implementing the present invention, the following beneficial effects are achieved:

[0028] The present invention designs a ready-to-drink system comprising a water inlet, a first heating zone for heating water to a first temperature, a first water inlet heat exchange zone, a boiling point heating zone for heating water to a boiling point, a boiling water zone, a first water outlet heat exchange zone, and a water outlet, all interconnected. Convection heat transfer between the first water inlet heat exchange zone and the first water outlet heat exchange zone occurs via a partition, ensuring that the outlet water immediately reaches the desired temperature without requiring prolonged waiting. Furthermore, due to the use of internal heat exchange, the heat energy released by the cooling water is converted and used to heat unsterilized water, enabling energy reuse and significantly reducing energy consumption. Furthermore, the boiling water zone can also be used for brewing tea and coffee. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments, in which:

[0030] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the water dispenser of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 2 is Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the overall structure of the water dispenser with the front cover opened;

[0032] Figure 3 is Figure 1 Exploded view of the water dispenser on the foundation;

[0033] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 Explosion diagram of the ready-to-drink system shown Figure 1 ;

[0034] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 Explosion diagram of the ready-to-drink system shown Figure 2 ;

[0035] Figure 6 The principle of the ready-to-drink system Figure 1 ;

[0036] Figure 7 The principle of the ready-to-drink system Figure 2 . DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] In order to have a clearer understanding of the technical features, purposes and effects of the present invention, specific embodiments of the present invention are now described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0038] It should be noted that, in the absence of conflict, the embodiments of the present invention and the features therein may be combined with each other.

[0039] In the description of the invention, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside" and the like indicate orientations or positional relationships based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as limiting the invention. In addition, the terms "first", "second", etc. are only used for descriptive purposes and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of the indicated technical features. Therefore, features defined as "first", "second", etc. may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the features. In the description of the present invention, unless otherwise specified, "multiple" means two or more.

[0040] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, the terms "mounted," "connected," and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, they may refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections; mechanical connections or chemical connections; direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium; and internal communication between two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention based on specific circumstances.

[0041] The first embodiment, as Figure 4-6 As shown, this embodiment discloses a ready-to-drink system 1, comprising a water inlet 10, a first heating zone 11 for heating water to a first temperature, a first water inlet heat exchange zone 12, a boiling point heating zone 15 for heating water to a boiling point, a boiling water zone 16, a first water outlet heat exchange zone 18, and a water outlet 19, which are sequentially connected. Convection heat transfer occurs between the first water inlet heat exchange zone 12 and the first water outlet heat exchange zone 18 via a partition wall. The boiling water zone 16 can be used for brewing.

[0042] With the instant drinking water system 1 of this embodiment, water reaches the desired temperature immediately, eliminating the need for prolonged waiting. Furthermore, thanks to the internal heat exchange method, the heat released by the cooling water is converted and used to heat unsterilized water, allowing for energy reuse and significantly reducing energy consumption. Furthermore, the boiling water zone 16 can also be used for brewing tea and coffee.

[0043] In some embodiments, the instant drinking system 1 further includes at least one set of second heating zones 13 and second inlet heat exchange zones 14 sequentially connected along the water inlet direction between the first inlet heat exchange zone 12 and the boiling point heating zone 15, and at least one second outlet heat exchange zone 17 connected between the boiling water zone 16 and the first outlet heat exchange zone 18. The second heating zones 13 are used to heat water to a second temperature value, which is greater than the first temperature value. Heat is transferred between the second inlet heat exchange zone 14 and the second outlet heat exchange zone 17 via convection through a partition wall. The second heating zones 13 and second inlet heat exchange zones 14 and the second outlet heat exchange zone 17 are arranged in a corresponding manner. When two or more sets are included, the temperature before heating to the boiling point can be divided into multiple stages, such as 50°C, 60°C, 70°C, 80°C, and 90°C.

[0044] Preferably, the instant drinking system 1 also includes a group of second heating zones 13 and second water inlet heat exchange zones 14 connected in sequence between the first water inlet heat exchange zone 12 and the boiling point heating zone 15 along the water inlet direction, and a second water outlet heat exchange zone 17 connected between the boiling water zone 16 and the first water outlet heat exchange zone 18; the second heating zone 13 is used to heat water to a second temperature value, which is greater than the first temperature value; heat is transferred between the second water inlet heat exchange zone 14 and the second water outlet heat exchange zone 17 through convection through the partition wall.

[0045] Specifically, if Figure 6 As shown, cold water (for example, 25°C) enters the first heating zone 11 through the water inlet 10 and is heated to a first temperature value (for example, 40°C), then enters the second heating zone 13 through the first water inlet heat exchange zone 12 and is heated to a second temperature value (for example, 70°C), then enters the boiling point heating zone 15 through the second water inlet heat exchange zone 14 and is heated to 100°C, and boiling water enters the boiling water zone 16 for making tea or coffee, and the brewed liquid enters the second water outlet heat exchange zone 17, and heat is transferred through the partition wall between the second water outlet heat exchange zone 17 and the second water inlet heat exchange zone 14, so that the liquid at 100°C is cooled to a third temperature value (for example, 70°C), and then the liquid at the third temperature value enters the first water outlet heat exchange zone 18, and heat is transferred through the partition wall between the first water outlet heat exchange zone 18 and the first water inlet heat exchange zone 12, so that the liquid at the third temperature value is cooled to a fourth temperature value (for example, 40°C), and flows out from the water outlet 19, so that the outlet water can immediately reach a suitable temperature. Simultaneously, the second outlet heat exchange zone 17 transfers energy to the second inlet heat exchange zone 14 to heat the water, while the first outlet heat exchange zone 18 transfers energy to the first inlet heat exchange zone 12 to heat the water. It should be noted that 25°C, 40°C, and 70°C are examples only and are not limiting; other temperatures are possible. Furthermore, the boiling water zone 16 can be used for brewing tea or coffee, or it can be used directly to hold boiling water.

[0046] The instant drinking system 1 is described as follows: When water circulates, the first heating zone 11 is primarily active, while the second heating zone 13 and the boiling-point heating zone 15 only operate as auxiliary heating (primarily compensating for heat loss to the outside). The temperature rise from 40°C to 100°C is primarily achieved through internal heat exchange. Theoretically, only energy from 25°C to 40°C (a 15°C temperature rise) is needed to achieve heating to 100°C and disinfection. Conventional methods, however, require a 75°C temperature rise to achieve high-temperature disinfection, and cannot immediately achieve the appropriate drinking temperature.

[0047] In some embodiments, the first heating zone 11, the second heating zone 13, and the boiling point heating zone 15 each include a water pipe and a heating element disposed on the water pipe. For example, the water pipe is a heat conducting pipe, and the heating element is a heating wire wound around the outer surface of the heat conducting pipe. Taking the first heating zone 11 as an example, 111 is the water pipe, and 112 is the heating element.

[0048] In some embodiments, the first water inlet heat exchange zone 12 and the second water inlet heat exchange zone 14 are respectively water inlet heat exchange pipes; the first water outlet heat exchange zone 18 and the second water outlet heat exchange zone 17 are respectively water outlet heat exchange pipes; the water inlet heat exchange pipe and the water outlet heat exchange pipe are intertwined to transfer heat through the partition wall.

[0049] In some embodiments, the drinking water pipe is connected to the water inlet heat exchange pipe and the water outlet heat exchange pipe by a connecting pipe 20. Preferably, the connecting pipe 20 is U-shaped so that the drinking water pipe, the water inlet heat exchange pipe and the water outlet heat exchange pipe are centrally arranged in one place to save space.

[0050] In some embodiments, to prevent energy loss, the instant drinking system 1 further includes a thermal insulation layer 21 for enclosing the heat-generating portions of the first heating zone 11, the second heating zone 13, and the boiling-point heating zone 15, the heat-exchanging portions between the first water inlet heat exchange zone 12 and the first water outlet heat exchange zone 18, and the heat-exchanging portions between the second water inlet heat exchange zone 14 and the second water outlet heat exchange zone 17. Specifically, an insulating tube surrounds the outer surface of the drinking water pipe, as well as the outer surface of the wound water inlet and outlet heat exchange pipes.

[0051] In some embodiments, the instant drinking system 1 further includes a bracket 26. The first heating zone 11, the first water inlet heat exchange zone 12, the second heating zone 13, the second water inlet heat exchange zone 14, the boiling point heating zone 15, the second water outlet heat exchange zone 17, and the first water outlet heat exchange zone 18 are disposed on the bracket 26. Specifically, the drinking water pipe, the water inlet heat exchange pipe, and the water outlet heat exchange pipe are all inserted at both ends of the bracket 26.

[0052] In this embodiment, if Figure 7As shown, the instant drinking system 1 further comprises a main controller 22 for controlling the heating of the first heating area 11, the second heating area 13 and the boiling point heating area 15. Specifically, the main controller 22 controls the heating wire to generate heat.

[0053] In this embodiment, the instant drinking system 1 also includes a temperature sensor 23 which is respectively arranged at the water outlet of the first heating zone 11, the second heating zone 13 and the boiling point heating zone 15 and is electrically connected to the main controller 22, and is used to control the heating to stop when the preset temperature value is reached.

[0054] In this embodiment, the instant drinking system 1 further includes a transmission device 24 , such as a water pump, which is disposed between the water inlet 10 and the first heating zone 11 and is electrically connected to the main controller 22 .

[0055] In this embodiment, the instant drinking system 1 further includes a switch device 25 , such as a solenoid valve, which is provided between the water outlet 19 and the first water outlet heat exchange area 18 and is electrically connected to the main controller 22 .

[0056] In some embodiments, the boiling water zone 16 includes a container 161 with an open end and a cover 162 for sealing the opening. Preferably, since it can be used for making tea or coffee, the boiling water zone 16 also includes a filter provided in the container 161 to prevent impurities from clogging the pipe.

[0057] The second embodiment, as Figure 1-3 As shown, this embodiment discloses a water dispenser, comprising a water tank 2 and the instant drinking system 1 described in any one of the first embodiments, and the water tank 2 is connected to the water inlet 10.

[0058] In its entirety, the water dispenser further comprises a seat-type housing 3 , comprising a front housing 32 , a rear housing 33 and a front cover 31 that can be flipped open on the front housing 32 ; the boiling water zone 16 is arranged on the front housing 32 , and the water storage tank 2 is arranged on the rear housing 33 .

[0059] By implementing the present invention, the following beneficial effects are achieved:

[0060] The present invention provides a ready-to-drink system 1, comprising a water inlet 10, a first heating zone 11 for heating water to a first temperature, a first water inlet heat exchange zone 12, a boiling point heating zone 15 for heating water to a boiling point, a boiling water zone 16, a first water outlet heat exchange zone 18, and a water outlet 19, all interconnected. Convection heat transfer occurs between the first water inlet heat exchange zone 12 and the first water outlet heat exchange zone 18 via a partition, ensuring that the outlet water immediately reaches the desired temperature without requiring a long wait. Furthermore, due to the use of internal heat exchange, the heat energy released by the cooling water is converted and used to heat unsterilized water, allowing for energy reuse and significantly reducing energy consumption. Furthermore, the boiling water zone 16 can also be used for brewing tea and coffee.

[0061] It is understandable that the above embodiments only express the preferred implementation modes of the present invention, and the description thereof is relatively specific and detailed, but it cannot be understood as limiting the patent scope of the present invention. It should be pointed out that for ordinary technicians in this field, without departing from the concept of the present invention, the above technical features can be freely combined, and several deformations and improvements can be made, all of which fall within the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, all equivalent changes and modifications made to the scope of the claims of the present invention should fall within the scope of coverage of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A ready-to-drink system, characterized in that: It comprises a water inlet (10), a first heating zone (11) for heating water to a first temperature value, a first water inlet heat exchange zone (12), a boiling point heating zone (15) for heating water to a boiling point, a boiling water zone (16), a first water outlet heat exchange zone (18), and a water outlet (19) which are connected in sequence; Convection heat transfer occurs between the first water inlet heat exchange zone (12) and the first water outlet heat exchange zone (18) via a partition wall; The instant drinking system further comprises at least one set of a second heating zone (13) and a second water inlet heat exchange zone (14) sequentially connected along the water inlet direction between the first water inlet heat exchange zone (12) and the boiling point heating zone (15), and at least one second water outlet heat exchange zone (17) connected between the boiling water zone (16) and the first water outlet heat exchange zone (18); The second heating zone (13) is used to heat water to a second temperature value, which is greater than the first temperature value; Heat is transferred between the second water inlet heat exchange zone (14) and the second water outlet heat exchange zone (17) by convection through the partition wall.

2. The instant drinking system according to claim 1, characterized in that The first heating zone (11), the second heating zone (13) and the boiling point heating zone (15) respectively comprise a drinking water pipe and a heating element arranged on the drinking water pipe.

3. The instant drinking system according to claim 2, characterized in that The drinking water pipe is a heat conduction pipe, and the heating element is a heating wire; the heating wire is wound around the outer surface of the heat conduction pipe.

4. The instant drinking system according to claim 2, characterized in that The first water inlet heat exchange zone (12) and the second water inlet heat exchange zone (14) are respectively water inlet heat exchange pipes; The first outlet water heat exchange zone (18) and the second outlet water heat exchange zone (17) are outlet water heat exchange pipes respectively; The water inlet heat exchange pipe and the water outlet heat exchange pipe are intertwined to transfer heat through convection of the partition wall.

5. The instant drinking system according to claim 4, characterized in that: The drinking water pipe and the water inlet heat exchange pipe, and the water outlet heat exchange pipe are connected via a connecting pipe (20).

6. The instant drinking system according to claim 5, characterized in that: The connecting pipe (20) is U-shaped.

7. The instant drinking system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The instant drinking system further comprises a heat insulating layer (21) for wrapping the heat-generating parts of the first heating zone (11), the second heating zone (13) and the boiling point heating zone (15), the heat-exchanging parts of the first water inlet heat exchange zone (12) and the first water outlet heat exchange zone (18), and the heat-exchanging parts of the second water inlet heat exchange zone (14) and the second water outlet heat exchange zone (17).

8. The instant drinking system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The ready-to-drink system further includes a bracket (26); The first heating zone (11), the first water inlet heat exchange zone (12), the second heating zone (13), the second water inlet heat exchange zone (14), the boiling point heating zone (15), the second water outlet heat exchange zone (17) and the first water outlet heat exchange zone (18) are arranged on the bracket (26).

9. The instant drinking system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The instant drinking system further comprises a main controller (22) for controlling the heating of the first heating zone (11), the second heating zone (13) and the boiling point heating zone (15).

10. The instant drinking system according to claim 9, characterized in that: The instant drinking system further comprises temperature sensors (23) respectively arranged at the water outlet ends of the first heating zone (11), the second heating zone (13) and the boiling point heating zone (15) and electrically connected to the main controller (22).

11. The instant drinking system according to claim 9, characterized in that: The instant drinking system further comprises a transmission device (24) disposed between the water inlet (10) and the first heating zone (11) and electrically connected to the main controller (22).

12. The instant drinking system according to claim 9, characterized in that The instant drinking system further comprises a switch device (25) disposed between the water outlet (19) and the first water outlet heat exchange area (18) and electrically connected to the main controller (22).

13. The instant drinking system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The boiling water zone (16) comprises a container (161) with an opening at one end and a cover plate (162) for sealing the opening.

14. The instant drinking system according to claim 13, characterized in that: The boiling water zone (16) further comprises a filter arranged in the container (161).

15. A water dispenser, characterized in that: It comprises a water storage tank (2) and the instant drinking system according to any one of claims 1 to 14; The water storage tank (2) is connected to the water inlet (10).

Images