A water dispenser

Abstract

The present application relates to the technical field of water dispenser, and particularly relates to a water dispenser, which comprises a water tank, a float structure, a heating water outlet module and a machine body, the float structure is installed on the machine body and located at the bottom of the water tank, the float structure is communicated with the water tank through a first water outlet, a second water outlet is arranged in the lower area of the float structure, the float structure is used for detecting whether there is water in the water tank, and the float structure is also used for detecting whether water flows into the heating water outlet module; the heating water outlet module is installed in the interior of the machine body, and the heating water outlet module is used for pumping the water in the water tank to a water receiving port, when the water dispenser is switched from a boiling water output state to a water output stopping state, the heating water outlet module is also used for preventing the generated water vapor from being sprayed out through the water receiving port of the water dispenser, and the problems of inconvenient cleaning of the water tank, inaccurate water level detection caused by float jamming and scalding of users by the overheated water vapor when the users receive water are solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of water dispenser technology, and in particular to a water dispenser. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, water dispensers are widely used in households. A typical household water dispenser consists of a water tank and a body with an internal heating element. The water tank contains a float, and the external body has a non-linear Hall effect switch or reed switch. The non-linear Hall effect switch or reed switch detects whether the float is up to determine if there is a water shortage and reminds the user to add water. In actual use, the following two phenomena may occur:

[0003] (1) However, the float being placed inside the water tank will make it inconvenient to clean the water tank, or the float may get stuck and cause the float to detect the water level inaccurately. For example, when the water tank outlet is blocked, there will be water in the water tank but the heater inside the machine will burn dry.

[0004] (2) If existing water dispenser users select 100-degree boiling water, when the boiling water stops flowing, water vapor will spray out from the water outlet of the water dispenser, which may cause users to be scalded by the overheated water vapor. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the aforementioned shortcomings, the present invention aims to provide a water dispenser that solves the problems of inconvenient water tank cleaning, inaccurate water level detection due to float jamming, and potential scalding from overheated steam when users fill the dispenser.

[0006] To achieve this objective, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0007] This invention provides a water dispenser, including a water tank, a float structure, a heating and dispensing module, and a body; the water tank is detachably installed on the body, and a first water outlet is provided at the bottom of the water tank; the float structure is installed on the body and located at the bottom of the water tank, the float structure is connected to the water tank through the first water outlet, and a second water outlet is provided in the lower area of ​​the float structure; the float structure is used to detect whether there is water in the water tank, and the float structure is also used to detect whether water flows into the heating and dispensing module;

[0008] The heating water dispensing module is installed inside the machine body. The input end of the heating water dispensing module is connected to the float structure through the second water outlet. The heating water dispensing module is used to pump water from the water tank to the water inlet to heat the flowing water. When the water dispenser switches from the boiling water output state to the stop water dispensing state, the heating water dispensing module is also used to prevent the generated water vapor from being sprayed out through the water inlet of the water dispenser.

[0009] In the water dispenser provided in the embodiments of the present invention, the float structure includes a body, a float, a float position sensor, and a guide column;

[0010] The main body is provided with a float cavity and a water tank inlet. The float cavity is a chamber formed by the internal structure of the main body. The water tank inlet is located at the top of the float cavity. The water tank inlet and the second water outlet are respectively connected to the float cavity.

[0011] The guide post is vertically installed inside the float cavity. The guide post has a hollow structure and is used to install the float position sensor.

[0012] The float is movable up and down within the float cavity by means of the guide post.

[0013] In the water dispenser provided in this embodiment of the invention, the float structure further includes a guide plate, which is installed above the guide column, and the float is located below the guide plate. A water flow gap is left between the outer edge of the guide plate and the inner wall of the float cavity.

[0014] In the water dispenser provided in the embodiments of the present invention, the lower surface of the guide plate is provided with a plurality of protrusions or the upper surface of the float is provided with a plurality of protrusions.

[0015] In the water dispenser provided in the embodiments of the present invention, a filter element is provided at the second water outlet.

[0016] In the water dispenser provided in the embodiments of the present invention, the heating water dispensing module includes a water tank outlet pipe, a ceramic heater, an outlet pipe, a water vapor recovery pipe, a reversing valve, a pumping device, and a controller, wherein the reversing valve and the pumping device are electrically connected to the controller respectively;

[0017] The input end of the water tank outlet pipe is connected to the second outlet, and the water tank outlet pipe is connected to the input end of the ceramic heater through the pumping device;

[0018] The input end of the reversing valve is connected to the output end of the ceramic heater, the first output end of the reversing valve is connected to the water outlet pipe, the water outlet pipe is connected to the water inlet of the water dispenser, the second output end of the reversing valve is connected to the water vapor recovery pipe, and the water vapor recovery pipe is connected to the water tank outlet pipe.

[0019] When the water dispenser switches from outputting boiling water to stopping water output, the input terminal of the reversing valve switches from being connected to the first output terminal to being connected to the second output terminal.

[0020] In the water dispenser provided in the embodiments of the present invention, the ceramic heater includes a shell, a ceramic heating tube, and a metal support component;

[0021] The housing is provided with a water passage chamber, and the ceramic heating tube is located in the water passage chamber. The ceramic heating tube is used to heat the water entering the water passage chamber.

[0022] The metal support is disposed in the water passage chamber, with one side of the metal support fitting against the inner wall surface of the water passage chamber and the other side facing the ceramic heating tube.

[0023] In the water dispenser provided in the embodiments of the present invention, the ceramic heater further includes a temperature fuse; the ceramic heating tube is provided with a flow cavity, a water inlet and a water outlet, the flow cavity is connected to the water passage chamber through the water inlet and the water outlet, and the flow cavity is provided with an installation cavity;

[0024] The temperature fuse is installed inside the mounting cavity, and the probe of the temperature fuse is positioned away from the water inlet of the ceramic heating tube.

[0025] In the water dispenser provided in the embodiments of the present invention, the housing further includes a water outlet and a flow guide wall. The water outlet is connected to the water passage chamber through the flow guide wall, and the water outlet is located at the top of the water passage chamber.

[0026] In the water dispenser provided in the embodiments of the present invention, the first water outlet is located at the center of the water tank, and the inner bottom surface of the water tank is provided with a recessed sedimentation tank, which is arranged around the edge of the inner bottom surface.

[0027] The technical solution provided by this invention may include the following beneficial effects:

[0028] 1. By designing a float structure independent of the water tank, the inconvenience of cleaning the water tank and the potential damage to the float during cleaning are avoided. The float structure is located below the water tank, and water from the tank enters the float structure through the first outlet. A second outlet is located in the lower area of ​​the float structure, which is connected to the heating water outlet module. This allows the float structure to accurately detect whether the water tank is low on water. Furthermore, if the first outlet of the water tank is blocked, no water will enter the float structure, thus also detecting a water shortage in the heating water outlet module. The heating water outlet module is equipped with a ceramic heater, which prevents the ceramic heater from burning dry.

[0029] 2. The heating water module can deliver water heated by the ceramic heater to the water inlet of the water dispenser. When the ceramic heater heats the water to boiling point and the water dispenser stops dispensing water, the steam generated by the boiling water flows to the input end of the heating water module, preventing it from spraying out of the water inlet and scalding the user. Moreover, the overheated steam flows back to the input end of the heating water module, which can sterilize and disinfect the pipeline in the input end area of ​​the heating water module.

[0030] 3. The ceramic heater has metal supports on the inner wall of the shell. On the one hand, it can protect the shell and prevent the shell from deforming due to excessive temperature when the ceramic heater is dry-burning. On the other hand, the inner wall is replaced with metal supports, specifically food-grade metal materials, which can reduce the odor produced when the heated water comes into contact with the plastic shell, and solve the problem of potential health hazards when drinking water and plastic come into contact at high temperatures. Attached Figure Description

[0031] Figure 1 This is a structural schematic diagram of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the valve body according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 An enlarged view of A in the image.

[0034] Figure 4 This is an exploded view of a float structure according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the float structure body and guide column according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the guide plate of a float structure according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 7 This is a structural schematic diagram of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 8 This is a front view of a heated water outlet module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a ceramic heater according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view of a ceramic heater according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] The components include: water tank 1, first outlet 11, sedimentation tank 111, annular column 12, sealing ring 6, valve core assembly 5, valve body 51, mounting groove 511, annular mounting plate 512, vertical channel 513, elastic element 52, annular sealing ring 53, float structure 2, second outlet 21, body 22, float cavity 221, water tank inlet 222, water pipe connector 223, mounting part 224, float 23, float position sensor 24, guide column 25, annular boss 251, guide plate 26, positioning sleeve 261, rectangular opening 2611, slot 2612, horizontal plate 262, protrusion 01, filter element 27, heating water outlet module 3, water tank outlet pipe 31, input connector pipe section 331, and output soft... Pipe section 332, ceramic heater 32, housing 321, water passage chamber 3211, slot 3212, water outlet 3213, flow wall 3214, annular snap groove 3215, positioning platform 3216, water inlet 3217, ceramic heating tube 322, flow chamber 3221, water inlet 3222, water outlet 3223, mounting cavity 3224, internal extension component 320, extension section 3201, metal support 323, temperature sensor 324, temperature fuse 325, water outlet pipe 33, water vapor recovery pipe 34, water vapor recovery pipe 341, reversing valve 35, first output end 351, second output end 352, pumping device 36, conductive seal 37, machine body 4. Detailed Implementation

[0042] The technical solution of the present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0043] Please see Figure 1 A water dispenser includes a water tank 1, a float structure 2, a heating and dispensing module 3, and a body 4. The water tank 1 is detachably installed on the body 4, and a first water outlet 11 is provided at the bottom of the water tank 1. The float structure 2 is installed on the body 4 and located at the bottom of the water tank 1. The float structure 2 is connected to the water tank 1 through the first water outlet 11. A second water outlet 21 is provided in the lower area of ​​the float structure 2. The float structure 2 is used to detect whether there is water in the water tank 1 and also to detect whether water flows into the heating and dispensing module 3.

[0044] The heating water outlet module 3 is installed inside the body 4. The input end of the heating water outlet module 3 is connected to the float structure 2 through the second water outlet 21. The heating water outlet module 3 is used to pump water from the water tank 1 to the water inlet to heat the flowing water. When the water dispenser switches from the boiling water output state to the stop water output state, the heating water outlet module 3 is also used to prevent the generated water vapor from being sprayed out through the water inlet of the water dispenser.

[0045] Specifically, the water dispenser proposed in this invention, through the design of a float structure 2 independent of the water tank 1, avoids the inconvenience of cleaning the water tank and the easy damage to the float inside the water tank during cleaning. The float structure 2 is located below the water tank 1. Water in the water tank 1 enters the float structure 2 through the first water outlet 11. The lower area of ​​the float structure 2 is provided with a second water outlet 21. The first water outlet is connected to the heating water dispensing module 3, so that the float structure 2 can accurately detect whether there is a lack of water in the water tank. At the same time, if the first water outlet 11 of the water tank 1 is blocked, no water will enter the float structure 2, so it will also detect the lack of water in the heating water dispensing module 3, thus preventing the heating water dispensing module 3 from dry burning. In addition, the heating water dispensing module 3 is used to pump water from the water tank to the water inlet to heat the flowing water. When the water dispenser switches from the boiling water output state to the stop water dispensing state, the heating water dispensing module 3 is also used to prevent the generated water vapor from being sprayed out through the water inlet of the water dispenser, so as to avoid water vapor spraying out and scalding the user.

[0046] Understandably, the water dispenser determines whether there is water in the water tank 1 and whether water flows into the heating water outlet module 3 by the height position of the float in the float structure 2.

[0047] Please see Figures 3 to 5 In an optional embodiment, the float structure 2 includes a body 22, a float 23, a float position sensor 24, and a guide post 25;

[0048] The main body 22 is provided with a float cavity 221 and a water tank inlet 222. The float cavity 221 is a chamber formed by the internal structure of the main body. The water tank inlet 222 is located at the top of the float cavity 221. The water tank inlet 222 and the second water outlet 21 are respectively connected to the float cavity 221.

[0049] The guide post 25 is vertically installed inside the float cavity 221. The guide post 25 is a hollow structure, and the hollow structure is used to install the float position sensor 24.

[0050] The float 23 is movable up and down within the float cavity 221 by means of the guide post 25.

[0051] It is worth noting that the float structure 2, independent of the water tank 1, has a water tank inlet 222 at the top of its body 22 and a second outlet 21 in the lower area. The float 23 and the float position sensor 24 are placed inside the float cavity 221 of the body 22, and the float position sensor 24 is installed inside the guide post 25. The float 23 moves up and down in the float cavity 221 by being limited and guided by the guide post 25. The float cavity 221 is set independently to prevent the float 23 from getting stuck. When the water level in the float cavity 221 changes, the float 23 moves with the water level. The float position sensor 24 can accurately detect the water level by the position of the float 23 in the float cavity 221.

[0052] Preferably, the float 23 is a magnetic float, and the float position sensor 24 is a Hall sensor.

[0053] Please see Figures 3 to 4 In an optional embodiment, the float structure 2 further includes a guide plate 26, which is installed above the guide post 25, and the float 23 is located below the guide plate 26. A water flow gap is left between the outer edge of the guide plate 26 and the inner wall of the float cavity 221.

[0054] To further explain, a guide plate 26 is installed above the guide post 25, and the float 23 is located below the guide plate 26. When water enters from the water tank inlet 222, it will first impact the top of the guide plate 26, and then enter the float cavity 221 along the water flow gap between the guide plate 26 and the inner wall of the float cavity 221. This prevents the water from exerting a downward impact force on the float 23 when it enters the float cavity 221, thus solving the problem of the float 23 fluctuating due to water entering the float cavity 221 and avoiding the instability of the sensing signal when the float position sensor 24 detects the float 23.

[0055] Please see Figure 3 In an optional embodiment, the guide post 25 is located at the center of the float cavity 221, the float 23 is sleeved on the outside of the guide post 25, and the guide plate 26 is detachably sleeved on the top of the guide post 25.

[0056] It is worth noting that by directly mounting the float 23 onto the guide post 25, the float position sensor 24 located inside the guide post 25 can more accurately sense the position of the float 23, while also preventing the float 23 from being jammed by gaps in other positions. Preferably, the float 23 is detachably mounted on the outside of the guide post 25. This detachable design allows the float cavity 221 and the float 23 to be separated for easy cleaning. Furthermore, the guide plate 26 is detachably mounted on the top of the guide post 25, which also allows the guide plate 26 and the float 23 within the float structure 2 to be independently detached for easy cleaning and to reduce bacterial growth.

[0057] Please see Figures 5 to 6 In an optional embodiment, an annular boss 251 is provided in the upper region of the guide post 25. The annular boss 251 is integrally formed on the outer periphery of the guide post 25. The guide plate 26 includes a positioning sleeve 261 and a horizontal plate 262. The positioning sleeve 261 is sleeved on the top of the guide post 25. A plurality of rectangular openings 2611 are equally spaced on the outer periphery of the positioning sleeve 261. The inner wall of the positioning sleeve 261 is provided with a groove 2612 that matches the annular boss 251. The bottom end face of the positioning sleeve 261 extends horizontally outward to form a horizontal plate 262. A water flow gap is left between the outer side of the horizontal plate 262 and the inner wall of the float cavity 221. The guide post 25 and the guide plate 26 are installed and positioned by the annular boss 251 and the slot 2612. The guide plate 26 is installed on the top of the guide post 25, and the positioning sleeve 261 has several rectangular openings 2611, which makes the installation and disassembly of the guide plate 26 convenient, saving time and effort.

[0058] Preferably, the guide post 25 is integrally formed on the body 22, and the cavity formed by the hollow structure of the guide post 25 passes through the bottom of the body 22 to form an opening, so that the float position sensor 24 can be installed conveniently.

[0059] Please see Figure 3 and Figure 6 In an optional embodiment, the lower surface of the guide plate 26 is provided with a plurality of protrusions 01 or the upper surface of the float is provided with a plurality of protrusions 01.

[0060] Understandably, the lower surface of the guide plate 26 is provided with several protrusions 01 or the upper surface of the float is provided with several protrusions 01, which can prevent the float 23 from being in contact with and sticking together with the lower surface of the guide plate 26 for a long time, and avoid inaccurate detection by the float position sensor 24.

[0061] In one optional embodiment, the lower surface of the float 23 is provided with a plurality of protrusions 01, which can prevent the float 23 from sinking to the bottom of the float cavity 221 when there is no water in the float cavity 221. The bottom of the float 23 may stick to the bottom surface of the body 22. When water re-enters the float cavity 221, the float 23 will have difficulty floating. Adding protrusions 01 can prevent the float 23 from not being able to float.

[0062] Please see Figures 4 to 5 In an optional embodiment, the body 22 further includes a water pipe connector 223, which is integrally formed on the outside of the body 22. The second water outlet 21 is connected to the water pipe connector 223, making it convenient to connect the float structure to the water outlet pipe of the water dispenser. The connection through the water pipe connector 223 makes the water pipe connection more stable.

[0063] Please see Figures 4 to 5 In an optional embodiment, the body 22 further includes a plurality of mounting portions 224, which are equally spaced on the outer periphery of the body 22.

[0064] Understandably, providing several mounting portions 224 on the outer periphery of the main body 22 enables better fixation and positioning of the float structure when installed inside the water dispenser. Specifically, the mounting portion 224 is provided with through holes. When the float structure 2 is installed in the body 4, the float structure 2 is fixed to the body 4 by fasteners passing through the through holes.

[0065] Preferably, there are three mounting parts 224, and the three mounting parts 224 are integrally formed on the outer side of the body 22.

[0066] Please see Figures 3 to 4 In an optional embodiment, a filter element 27 is provided at the second outlet 21.

[0067] It is worth noting that the filter element 27 is provided, which can enhance the water filtration function of the float structure 2, filter the drinking water in the float cavity 221, and ensure that the water coming out of the second outlet 21 of the float structure 2 is healthier.

[0068] Preferably, the filter element 27 is an annular filter element installed in the float cavity 221. The float 23, the float position sensor 24, and the guide post 25 are all located inside the annulus of the filter element 27, and the second outlet 21 is located outside the annulus of the filter element 27. There is no need to increase the height of the float structure 2, nor is there a need to design a limiting installation structure for the filter element. The structure is simple and easy to assemble.

[0069] Please see Figures 7 to 8 (in Figure 7(To more clearly demonstrate the structure of the heating water outlet module 3, the outer casing is omitted.) In an optional embodiment, the heating water outlet module 3 includes a water tank outlet pipe 31, a ceramic heater 32, an outlet pipe 33, a water vapor recovery pipe 34, a reversing valve 35, a pumping device 36, and a controller. The reversing valve 35 and the pumping device 36 are electrically connected to the controller, respectively.

[0070] The input end of the water tank outlet pipe 31 is connected to the second outlet 21, and the water tank outlet pipe 31 is connected to the ceramic heater 32 through the pumping device 36.

[0071] The input end of the reversing valve 35 is connected to the ceramic heater 32, the first output end 351 of the reversing valve 35 is connected to the water outlet pipe 33, the water outlet pipe 33 is connected to the water inlet of the water dispenser, the second output end 352 of the reversing valve 35 is connected to the water vapor recovery pipe 34, and the water vapor recovery pipe 34 is connected to the water tank outlet pipe 31.

[0072] When the water dispenser switches from outputting boiling water to stopping water output, the input terminal of the reversing valve 35 switches from being connected to the first output terminal 351 to being connected to the second output terminal 352.

[0073] Specifically, in the heating water module 3, a reversing valve 35 is added between the ceramic heater 32 and the water outlet pipe 33. The first output end 351 of the reversing valve 35 is connected to the water outlet pipe 33, and the second output end 352 of the reversing valve 35 is connected to the water vapor recovery pipe 34. When the water dispenser switches from the boiling water output state to the stop water output state, the reversing valve 35 connects the output end of the ceramic heater 32 to one end of the water vapor recovery pipe 34. The water vapor in the ceramic heater 32 enters the water vapor recovery pipe 34, which can prevent water vapor from spraying out of the water outlet of the water dispenser connected to the water outlet pipe 33 and scalding the user. In addition, the other end of the water vapor recovery pipe 34 is connected to the water tank outlet pipe 31. The water vapor entering the water vapor recovery pipe 34 can sterilize and disinfect the area of ​​the water tank outlet pipe 31.

[0074] Please see Figure 8 In an optional embodiment, the water vapor recovery pipeline 34 is formed by a vertically arranged water vapor recovery pipe 341, thereby allowing water vapor to enter the water tank outlet pipeline 31 through the shortest path.

[0075] Please see Figure 8In an optional embodiment, the water outlet pipe 33 is divided into an input connector pipe section 331 and an output hose section 332 that are interconnected. The first output end 351 of the reversing valve 35 is connected to the input connector pipe section 331. The output end of the input connector pipe section 331 is connected to one end of the output hose section 332. The other end of the output hose section 332 is connected to the water inlet of the water dispenser.

[0076] Specifically, the water outlet pipe 33 is divided into two parts: an input connector pipe section 331 and an output hose section 332. The input connector pipe section 331 achieves a stable connection with the first output end 351 of the reversing valve 35, and the output hose section 332 connects to the water outlet of the water dispenser. The hose design enables flexibility in the installation of the internal structure of the water dispenser.

[0077] Please see Figure 8 In an optional embodiment, the input connector section 331 is integrally formed at the top end of the steam recovery pipe 341, reducing the number of parts and improving production efficiency.

[0078] Please see Figure 8 In an optional embodiment, the input connector pipe section 331 is an L-shaped pipe structure. The input end of the L-shaped pipe structure is connected to the first output end 351 of the reversing valve 35, and the output end of the L-shaped pipe structure is connected to one end of the output hose section 332. The corner area of ​​the L-shaped pipe structure is connected to the top end of the water vapor recovery pipe 341, which makes the installation convenient, the structure simple, and the installation stability high.

[0079] Please see Figure 8 In an optional embodiment, the heated water outlet module 3 further includes a conductive seal 37, wherein the corner area of ​​the L-shaped pipe structure is connected to the top end of the water vapor recovery pipe 341;

[0080] The conductive seal 37 is detachably installed inside the L-shaped tube structure, and the conductive seal 37 extends to the corner area of ​​the L-shaped tube structure; the conductive seal is used to seal and block the communication between the corner area of ​​the L-shaped tube structure and the water vapor recovery pipe 341, and the conductive seal 37 is used to connect the first output end 351 of the reversing valve 35 and the output hose section 332.

[0081] It is worth noting that by setting the conductive seal 37, the flow cavity of the input connector pipe section 331 is connected to the flow cavity of the water vapor recovery pipe 341. When the input connector pipe section 331 and the water vapor recovery pipe 341 are integrally formed, the internal structure is simple, the molding difficulty is reduced, and materials are saved.

[0082] For example, the structure of the conductive seal 37 can be a long cylindrical structure with an internal flow channel. The inlet of the flow channel is located on the curved surface of the long cylindrical structure and is connected to the first output end of the reversing valve 35. The outlet of the flow channel is located at the top of the cylindrical structure and is connected to the output hose section 332. The bottom of the long cylindrical structure extends to the water vapor recovery pipeline 34. A sealing ring is provided on the outer periphery of the bottom of the long cylindrical structure. The sealing ring is used to seal and block the water vapor recovery pipeline 34 and the water outlet pipeline 33.

[0083] Please see Figures 7 to 8 In an optional embodiment, the reversing valve 35 is a three-way solenoid valve, with the first output terminal 351 and the second output terminal 352 of the reversing valve 35 located on the same side, and the input terminal of the reversing valve 35 being disposed opposite to the first output terminal 351 and the second output terminal 352; the input terminal of the L-shaped pipe structure is located on the same side as the input terminal of the water vapor recovery pipe.

[0084] To further explain, the reversing valve 35 is a three-way solenoid valve with its input and output ends facing each other. The input end of the L-shaped pipe structure is located on the same side as the input end of the water vapor recovery pipe, achieving a reasonable layout of the internal space of the water dispenser. Specifically, the reversing valve 35 is located in the upper area between the ceramic heater 32 and the water vapor recovery pipe 34, which saves pipe connection materials and reduces the space occupied by the ceramic heater 32, the reversing valve 35, and the water vapor recovery pipe 34 in the water dispenser.

[0085] Please see Figures 9 to 10 In an optional embodiment, the ceramic heater 32 includes a housing 321, a ceramic heating tube 322, and a metal support 323;

[0086] The housing 321 is provided with a water passage chamber 3211, and the ceramic heating tube 322 is located in the water passage chamber 3211. The ceramic heating tube 322 is used to heat the water entering the water passage chamber 3211.

[0087] The metal support 323 is disposed in the water passage chamber 3211. One side of the metal support 323 is in contact with the inner wall surface of the water passage chamber 3211, and the other side faces the ceramic heating tube 322.

[0088] To further explain, the shell 321 of a ceramic heater 32 is typically made of food-grade plastic. Since plastic itself deforms at high temperatures, a metal support 323 is added to the inner wall of the shell 321 to provide support and prevent deformation even under high temperatures. The ceramic heater 32 proposed in this invention features a metal support 323 on the inner wall of the shell 321. This serves two purposes: firstly, it protects the shell 321 from deformation due to excessively high temperatures when the ceramic heater is dry-burning; secondly, replacing the inner wall with a metal support 323, specifically made of food-grade metal, reduces the odor produced when hot water comes into contact with the plastic shell, thus addressing the potential health risks associated with drinking water and plastic contact at high temperatures.

[0089] Preferably, the metal support 323 is made of stainless steel. The stainless steel plate is placed in the water chamber 3211 to separate the heated water from the shell 321, so that no heavy metals will be released. It is safe, reliable, hygienic and environmentally friendly. At the same time, the good thermal conductivity of the metal support 323 itself can be used to improve the heating efficiency of the ceramic heating tube.

[0090] Please see Figure 10 In an optional embodiment, the inner wall of the water passage chamber 3211 is provided with at least two snap-fit ​​portions. The upper and lower edges of the metal support 323 are snapped into the snap-fit ​​portions respectively. The snap-fit ​​portions limit and snap the metal support 323 into the inner wall of the water passage chamber 3211, so that the metal support 323 is installed firmly in the water passage chamber 3211. At the same time, the snap-fit ​​portions can improve the assembly efficiency of production.

[0091] Please see Figure 10 In an optional embodiment, the inner wall of the water passage chamber 3211 is provided with two locking parts. One locking part is an annular locking groove 3215, which is located near the top of the water passage chamber 3211. The other locking part is a positioning platform 3216, which is located near the bottom of the water passage chamber 3211. The platform surface of the positioning platform 3216 is opposite to the bottom of the annular locking groove 3215. The metal support 323 is locked between the annular locking groove 3215 and the positioning platform 3216.

[0092] To further explain, by setting an annular snap-fit ​​groove 3215 and a positioning platform 3216 on the inner wall of the water passage chamber 3211, the metal support 323 is first limited and fixed by the annular snap-fit ​​groove 3215, and then restricted by the positioning platform 3216 at the bottom, so that the metal support 323 is installed on the inner wall of the water passage chamber 3211. The snap-fit ​​structure is simple, easy to install, and does not require other parts.

[0093] Preferably, the annular snap-fit ​​groove 3215 and the positioning platform 3216 are integrally formed on the inner side of the housing 321.

[0094] In one optional embodiment, the metal support 323 is a hollow tubular structure, the outer wall of the hollow tubular structure is fitted with the inner wall of the water passage chamber 3211, and the ceramic heating tube 322 is hollowly inserted inside the hollow tubular structure;

[0095] Alternatively, the metal support 323 may be a plate structure, with one plate surface fitting against the inner wall of the water-passing chamber 3211 and the other plate surface facing the ceramic heating tube 322.

[0096] For example, if the water passage chamber 3211 is cylindrical, the metal support 323 can be a circular tube structure or an arc plate structure, the curvature of which matches the curvature of the inner wall of the water passage chamber 3211.

[0097] Please see Figure 9 In an optional embodiment, the ceramic heater 32 further includes a temperature sensor 324, and a slot 3212 is provided on the outer side of the housing 321. The slot 3212 is integrally formed on the housing 321 and is used to install the temperature sensor 324.

[0098] The metal support 323 is a plate structure, with one plate surface facing the slot 3212 and fitting against the inner wall of the water passage chamber 3211, and the other plate surface facing the ceramic heating tube 322.

[0099] Understandably, a slot 3212 is provided on one side of the housing 321 to make the temperature sensor 324 easy and quick to install. At the same time, the temperature sensor 324 monitors the surface temperature of the housing 321 to prevent the ceramic heater 32 from being damaged by excessive temperature.

[0100] To further explain, when the ceramic heater 32 is dry-burned or the temperature is too high, the slot 3212, which is integrally formed with the housing 321, is also made of plastic. It will also deform due to the high temperature, causing the temperature sensor 324 to detect inaccurately or malfunction. Therefore, installing a metal support 323 on the inner wall of the water passage chamber 3211 at the position where the temperature sensor 324 is installed can prevent the slot 3212 from deforming.

[0101] The slot 3212 is provided with two or more slots, which can be used to install two or more temperature sensors 324. When one temperature sensor 324 fails, there are still temperature sensors 324 that can work normally, which improves the safety of the ceramic heater 32.

[0102] Please see Figure 10 In an optional embodiment, the ceramic heater 32 further includes a thermal fuse 325;

[0103] The ceramic heating tube 322 is provided with a flow chamber 3221, a water inlet 3222 and a water outlet 3223. The flow chamber 3221 is connected to the water passage chamber 3211 through the water inlet 3222 and the water outlet 3223. An installation cavity 3224 is provided inside the flow chamber 3221.

[0104] The temperature fuse 325 is inserted into the mounting cavity 3224, and the probe of the temperature fuse 325 is positioned away from the water inlet 3222 of the ceramic heating tube 322.

[0105] Specifically, an installation cavity 3224 is provided inside the flow cavity 3221 of the ceramic heating tube 322. The temperature fuse 325 is installed in the installation cavity 3224, and the probe of the temperature fuse 325 is located in the upper region of the installation cavity 3224. This allows the temperature fuse 325 to be located in the upper region inside the ceramic heating tube 322, away from the water inlet 3123. This enables more accurate detection of the internal temperature of the ceramic heating tube 322, preventing abnormal heating of the ceramic heating tube 322 and providing timely response. When the ceramic heater 32 overheats, the power supply can be cut off in time to prevent abnormal high temperature, burns, or fires. Compared with the temperature sensor 324 installed in the slot 3212 on the outside of the housing 321, this provides further protection for the ceramic heater 32.

[0106] Please see Figure 10 In an optional embodiment, the mounting cavity 3224 is formed in the flow cavity 3221 by a tubular structure independent of the ceramic heating tube 322. One end of the tubular structure is a closed end and the other end is an open end. The closed end passes through the bottom of the ceramic heating tube 322 into the cavity of the flow cavity 3221, and the open end is located outside the ceramic heating tube 322. The outer periphery of the tubular structure is sealed to the bottom of the ceramic heating tube by a sealing element to prevent water in the flow cavity 3221 from flowing out through the penetration area.

[0107] Please see Figure 10 In an optional embodiment, the mounting cavity 3224 is formed by an internal extension member 320 of the ceramic heating tube 322 blocking the flow cavity 3221, and the internal extension member 320 is integrally formed with the ceramic heating tube 322.

[0108] Understandably, the ceramic heating tube 322 can be integrally formed with the flow cavity 3221 and the mounting cavity 3224 during processing, reducing the number of parts and improving the overall sealing performance. For example, the internal extension member is a tube structure with one end closed.

[0109] Please see Figure 10 In an optional embodiment, the ceramic heating tube 322 is a vertically elongated tube structure with a bottom. An internal extension member 320 extends upward from the inner wall of the bottom of the ceramic heating tube 322. The extension height of the internal extension member 320 is at least half the height of the ceramic heating tube 322. The outer wall of the internal extension member 320 and the inner wall of the ceramic heating tube 322 form the flow cavity 3221. The probe of the temperature fuse 325 is located at the extension end region of the internal extension member 320, simplifying the structural design and facilitating installation during application. By positioning the probe of the temperature fuse 325 at the extension end region of the internal extension member 320, the temperature fuse 325 is positioned away from the water inlet 3222.

[0110] Please see Figures 9 to 10 In an optional embodiment, the internal extension member 320 passes through the bottom of the ceramic heating tube 322 to form an opening, and extends downward to form an extension section 3201.

[0111] To further explain, the internal extension member 320 extends to the bottom of the ceramic heating tube 322 to form an extension section 3201. The bottom of the extension section 3201 has an opening to facilitate the installation of the temperature fuse 325. The lead wire of the temperature fuse 325 is led out from the bottom opening of the extension section 3201 to facilitate connection with the power supply equipment. If the temperature fuse 325 fails, it is also convenient to repair or replace it.

[0112] Please see Figures 9 to 10 In an optional embodiment, the housing 321 further includes a water outlet 3213 and a drainage wall 3214. The water outlet 3213 is connected to the water passage chamber 3211 through the drainage wall 3214, and the water outlet 3213 is located at the top of the water passage chamber 3211.

[0113] Understandably, the water outlet 3213 of the housing 321 is connected to the water outlet 3213 through the drainage wall 3214. When the ceramic heater 32 is dry-burning, the condensate at the water outlet 3213 will flow through the drainage wall 3214 to the inner wall of the water passage chamber 3211, which can prevent the condensate from dripping onto the ceramic heating tube 32 at the water outlet 3213 and avoid the ceramic heating tube 32 from cracking. The drainage wall 3214 is inclined. Preferably, the drainage wall 3214 can be integrally formed into the housing 321 as a truncated cone structure.

[0114] Please see Figure 10In an optional embodiment, the housing 321 and the ceramic heating tube 322 are respectively vertically arranged. The housing 321 is also provided with a water inlet 3217. The water inlet 3217 and the water outlet 3213 are respectively connected to the water passage chamber 3211. The water outlet 3213 is above the water passage chamber 3211, and the water inlet 3217 is in the lower region of the water passage chamber 3211. The water outlet 3213 is arranged vertically upward along the water passage chamber 3211, and the water inlet 3217 is arranged perpendicularly and horizontally to the water passage chamber 3211. The ceramic heating tube 322 passes through the water passage chamber 3211. The water outlet 3223 of the ceramic heating tube 322 is directly opposite to the input end of the water outlet 3213, and the water inlet 3222 is directly opposite to the output end of the water inlet 3217.

[0115] Water enters the water chamber 3211 through the inlet 3217, then enters the ceramic heating tube 322 through the inlet 3222. After heating, the water flows out through the outlet 3223 and the outlet 3213. The probe of the temperature fuse 325 is located near the outlet 3223 and the outlet 3213. Therefore, the ceramic heating tube 322 can achieve heating both internally and externally, improving heating efficiency and reducing heat loss. Furthermore, in the event of abnormal heating in the ceramic heating tube 322, the temperature fuse 325 can promptly and accurately detect overheating and cut off the power supply to protect the ceramic heater 32.

[0116] Please see Figure 1 In an optional embodiment, the first outlet 11 is located at the center of the water tank 1, and the inner bottom surface of the water tank 1 is provided with a recessed sedimentation tank 111, which is arranged around the edge of the inner bottom surface.

[0117] It is worth noting that the sedimentation tank 111 is provided so that the sediment in the water in the water tank 1 can be stored in the sedimentation tank 111, thus preventing the sediment from clogging the first outlet 11 of the water tank 1.

[0118] Please see Figure 3 In an optional embodiment, the bottom of the water tank extends downward to form an annular column 12, which surrounds the first water outlet 11 and extends into the float cavity 221. The outer ring wall of the annular column 12 and the inner wall of the float cavity 221 form a sealing installation area, which is used to install a sealing structure.

[0119] Specifically, an annular column 12 is provided at the bottom of the water tank 1. The end face of the annular column 12 passes through the body 4 and is located inside the float cavity 221. The annular column 12 surrounds the first water outlet 11, which can guide the water flowing out of the first water outlet 11. At the same time, the annular column 12 passing through the body 4 can make the water tank more stable when installed on the body 4. In addition, the outer ring wall of the annular column 12 and the inner wall of the float cavity 221 form a sealed installation area, which can install a sealing structure on the top of the body 22.

[0120] Please see Figure 3 In a specific embodiment, the sealing structure can be a sealing ring 6, which is fitted onto the top of the body 22, with its inner surface conforming to the outer ring wall of the annular column 12. This improves the sealing effect of water entering the float chamber 221 from the water tank 1, preventing water leakage and contamination. The top end face of the sealing ring 6 conforms to the inner wall of the body 4, making the body 22 more stable within the body 4.

[0121] Preferably, the sealing ring 6 is made of food-grade silicone. The sealing ring 6 is fitted on the top of the body 22, which is equivalent to sealing the bottom of the float cavity 221 and directly contacting the water in the float cavity 221. The use of food-grade silicone to make the sealing ring 6 makes the drinking water healthier and safer.

[0122] Please see Figures 2 to 3 In an optional embodiment, the water dispenser further includes a valve core assembly 5, which is installed in the first outlet 11 of the water tank 1. The valve core assembly 5 includes a valve body 51, an elastic element 52, and an annular sealing ring 53.

[0123] The valve body 51 is cylindrical and has an installation groove 511, an annular mounting platform 512, and several vertical channels 513. The installation groove 511 is located in the upper region of the valve body 51 and is circumferentially arranged around the valve body 51. The annular mounting platform 512 is located in the lower region of the valve body 51 and has a diameter larger than that of the first outlet 11. Several vertical channels 513 are located below the installation groove 511 and are arranged circumferentially around the valve body 51. The top of the valve body 51 passes through the first outlet 11, and the annular installation groove is located above the first outlet 11. When the water tank 1 is placed on the body 4 of the machine body 4, the bottom of the valve body 51 contacts the top of the guide plate 34.

[0124] The annular sealing ring 53 is installed in the mounting groove 511. The inner side of the annular sealing ring 53 is in close contact with the bottom of the mounting groove 511. The maximum diameter of the annular sealing ring 53 is greater than the diameter of the first water outlet 11 and smaller than the inner diameter of the annular column 12.

[0125] The elastic element 52 is sleeved on the outside of the vertical channel 513, and the elastic element 52 is located between the bottom of the water tank 1 and the annular mounting plate 512.

[0126] To further explain, a valve body 51 is installed at the first outlet 11 of the water tank 1, and an annular sealing ring 53 is installed in the mounting groove 511 of the valve body 51. The annular sealing ring 53 is located above the first outlet 11, and an annular retaining plate 512 is set below it. The elastic element 52 is fixed between the bottom of the water tank and the annular retaining plate 512. The elastic force of the elastic element 52 causes the annular sealing ring 53 to seal the first outlet 11, so that the water tank 1 can be easily taken out to directly fill with water without leakage and is also easy to clean. After the water tank 1 filled with water is placed on the machine body 4, the bottom of the valve body 51 contacts the guide plate 26 in the float chamber 221. The guide plate 26 applies upward pressure to the valve body 51, which compresses the elastic element 52. The valve body 51 and the annular sealing ring 53 move upward, so that the water in the water tank 1 enters the float chamber 221 through several vertical channels 513.

[0127] Preferably, the elastic element 52 is a spring.

[0128] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "upper," "lower," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "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, features defined with "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of these features, used to distinguish and describe features, without any order or emphasis.

[0129] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0130] The technical principles of the present invention have been described above with reference to specific embodiments. These descriptions are merely for explaining the principles of the invention and should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of the invention in any way. Based on this explanation, those skilled in the art can readily conceive of other specific embodiments of the invention without inventive effort, and these embodiments will all fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A water dispenser, characterized in that: Includes water tank, float structure, heating water outlet module and body; The water tank is detachably installed on the machine body, and the bottom of the water tank is provided with a first water outlet; The float structure is installed on the body and located at the bottom of the water tank. The float structure is connected to the water tank through the first water outlet. A second water outlet is provided in the lower area of ​​the float structure. The float structure is used to detect whether there is water in the water tank and also to detect whether water flows into the heating water outlet module. The heating water dispensing module is installed inside the machine body. The input end of the heating water dispensing module is connected to the float structure through the second water outlet. The heating water dispensing module is used to pump water from the water tank to the water inlet to heat the flowing water. When the water dispenser switches from the boiling water output state to the stop water dispensing state, the heating water dispensing module is also used to prevent the generated water vapor from being sprayed out through the water inlet of the water dispenser. The float structure includes a body, a float, a float position sensor, and a guide post; The main body is provided with a float cavity and a water tank inlet. The float cavity is a chamber formed by the internal structure of the main body. The water tank inlet is located at the top of the float cavity. The water tank inlet and the second water outlet are respectively connected to the float cavity. The guide post is vertically installed inside the float cavity. The guide post has a hollow structure and is used to install the float position sensor. The float is movable up and down within the float cavity by means of the guide post.

2. A water dispenser according to claim 1, characterized in that: The float structure also includes a guide plate, which is installed above the guide post and the float is located below the guide plate. A water flow gap is left between the outer edge of the guide plate and the inner wall of the float cavity.

3. A water dispenser according to claim 2, characterized in that: The lower surface of the guide plate is provided with several protrusions, or the upper surface of the float is provided with several protrusions.

4. A water dispenser according to claim 1, characterized in that: A filter element is installed at the second water outlet.

5. A water dispenser according to claim 1, characterized in that: The heated water outlet module includes a water tank outlet pipe, a ceramic heater, an outlet pipe, a steam recovery pipe, a reversing valve, a pumping device, and a controller. The reversing valve and the pumping device are electrically connected to the controller. The input end of the water tank outlet pipe is connected to the second outlet, and the water tank outlet pipe is connected to the input end of the ceramic heater through the pumping device; The input end of the reversing valve is connected to the output end of the ceramic heater, the first output end of the reversing valve is connected to the water outlet pipe, the water outlet pipe is connected to the water inlet of the water dispenser, the second output end of the reversing valve is connected to the water vapor recovery pipe, and the water vapor recovery pipe is connected to the water tank outlet pipe. When the water dispenser switches from outputting boiling water to stopping water output, the input terminal of the reversing valve switches from being connected to the first output terminal to being connected to the second output terminal.

6. A water dispenser according to claim 5, characterized in that: The ceramic heater includes a shell, a ceramic heating tube, and a metal support component; The housing is provided with a water passage chamber, and the ceramic heating tube is located in the water passage chamber. The ceramic heating tube is used to heat the water entering the water passage chamber. The metal support is disposed in the water passage chamber, with one side of the metal support fitting against the inner wall surface of the water passage chamber and the other side facing the ceramic heating tube.

7. A water dispenser according to claim 6, characterized in that: The ceramic heater also includes a temperature fuse; The ceramic heating tube is provided with a flow chamber, an inlet and an outlet. The flow chamber is connected to the water passage chamber through the inlet and the outlet. An installation cavity is provided inside the flow chamber. The temperature fuse is installed inside the mounting cavity, and the probe of the temperature fuse is positioned away from the water inlet of the ceramic heating tube.

8. A water dispenser according to claim 6, characterized in that: The housing also includes a water outlet and a drainage wall. The water outlet is connected to the water passage chamber through the drainage wall, and the water outlet is located at the top of the water passage chamber.

9. The water dispenser according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first water outlet is located at the center of the water tank, and the inner bottom surface of the water tank is provided with a recessed sedimentation tank, which is arranged around the edge of the inner bottom surface.

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