Warm water system and drinking water device

Abstract

This invention belongs to the technical field of drinking water equipment, specifically providing a warm water system and a drinking water device. The warm water system includes a water pump, a heat exchanger, a heating element, valve assemblies, connecting pipes, and a water outlet. The heat exchanger includes a first flow channel, a second flow channel, and a third flow channel. The water pump, the first flow channel, and the heating element are sequentially connected. The connecting pipes include a first hot water pipe, a second hot water pipe, a warm water pipe, a water outlet pipe, and a return pipe. The two ends of the return pipe are connected to the inlet and outlet of the third flow channel, respectively. The outlet of the third flow channel is connected to either the water pump or the inlet of the first flow channel. When the system enters high-temperature disinfection mode, the boiling water in the heating element flows sequentially through the first hot water pipe, the water outlet pipe, and the return pipe into the third flow channel for heat exchange to compensate for the heat loss of the boiling water. This ensures that the boiling water is maintained within an effective sterilization temperature range for effective high-temperature disinfection of the connecting pipes, improving the user experience.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of drinking water equipment technology, specifically providing a warm water system and a drinking water device. Background Technology

[0002] As the types and functions of water dispensers continue to increase, water dispensers typically heat water to boiling and then cool it down through a heat exchanger before dispensing warm drinking water.

[0003] Existing heat exchangers have long, narrow internal heat exchange channels that are difficult to clean. When the water purifier is idle for extended periods or not in use, bacteria can easily grow in the heat exchanger channels and connecting pipes, thus reducing the quality of the water dispenser. Water dispensers typically use heated water to circulate internally to disinfect the connecting pipes and heat exchanger. However, the disinfection process requires heat, meaning the water temperature cannot be maintained within the range necessary to disinfect bacteria. This results in incomplete high-temperature disinfection, leading to unsatisfactory disinfection of the water dispenser's pipes and a poor user experience.

[0004] Accordingly, there is a need in this field for a new warm water system to solve the above problems. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present invention aims to solve the above-mentioned technical problems, namely, to solve the problem of poor pipeline disinfection effect in existing water dispensers under high-temperature disinfection mode.

[0006] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a warm water system, comprising a water pump, a heat exchanger, a heating element, a valve assembly, connecting pipes, and a water outlet. The heat exchanger includes a first flow channel and a second flow channel. The water pump, the first flow channel, and the heating element are sequentially connected. The connecting pipes include a first hot water pipe and a second hot water pipe connected to the outlet end of the heating element, a warm water pipe connected to the outlet end of the second flow channel, and an outlet pipe connected to the water outlet. Both the first hot water pipe and the warm water pipe are connected to the outlet pipe via the valve assembly. The system is connected to the second hot water pipe, which is connected to the inlet of the second flow channel. The connecting pipe also includes a return pipe. The heat exchanger has a third flow channel, with both ends of the return pipe connected to the inlet of the third flow channel and the outlet pipe, respectively. The outlet of the third flow channel is connected to the water pump or the inlet of the first flow channel. When the warm water system enters the high-temperature disinfection mode, the boiling water in the heating element flows sequentially through the first hot water pipe, the outlet pipe, and the return pipe into the third flow channel for heat exchange to compensate for the heat loss of the boiling water.

[0007] In the preferred embodiment of the above-mentioned warm water system, the valve assembly includes a regulating valve, which includes a first interface connected to the first hot water pipeline, a second interface connected to the warm water pipeline, and a third interface connected to the outlet water pipeline.

[0008] In the preferred embodiment of the above-mentioned warm water system, the valve assembly further includes a reversing valve disposed on the outlet pipe, one end of the reversing valve being connected to the interface, and the other end of the reversing valve being selectively connected to the outlet or one end of the return pipe.

[0009] In the preferred embodiment of the above-mentioned warm water system, the reversing valve is positioned near the water outlet.

[0010] In the preferred embodiment of the above-mentioned warm water system, the valve assembly further includes a one-way check valve disposed at the water inlet end of the heating element.

[0011] In the preferred embodiment of the above-mentioned warm water system, a first temperature detector and a second temperature detector are respectively provided in the water inlet and water outlet of the heating element. The first temperature detector and the second temperature detector are used to detect the water temperature at the water inlet and water outlet of the heating element, respectively.

[0012] In the preferred embodiment of the above-mentioned warm water system, a third temperature detector is provided on the water outlet pipe, which is used to detect the water temperature at the outlet.

[0013] In the preferred embodiment of the above-mentioned warm water system, the warm water system further includes a water tank, which is connected to the inlet of the water pump.

[0014] In the preferred embodiment of the above-mentioned warm water system, a flow meter is provided between the water tank and the water pump, and the flow meter is used to record the water inlet volume of the water pump.

[0015] In a second aspect, the present invention provides a drinking water device comprising the aforementioned warm water system.

[0016] Those skilled in the art will understand that the warm water system of the present invention includes a water pump, a heat exchanger, a heating element, a valve assembly, connecting pipes, and a water outlet. The heat exchanger includes a first flow channel and a second flow channel. The water pump, the first flow channel, and the heating element are connected in sequence. The connecting pipes include a first hot water pipe and a second hot water pipe connected to the outlet end of the heating element, a warm water pipe connected to the outlet end of the second flow channel, and an outlet pipe connected to the water outlet. The first hot water pipe and the warm water pipe are both connected to the outlet pipe through the valve assembly, and the second hot water pipe is connected to the inlet end of the second flow channel. The connecting pipes also include a return pipe. The heat exchanger is provided with a third flow channel. The two ends of the return pipe are respectively connected to the inlet end of the third flow channel and the outlet pipe. The outlet end of the third flow channel is connected to the water pump or the inlet end of the first flow channel. With this setup, when the warm water system enters the high-temperature disinfection mode, the boiling water in the heating element flows sequentially through the first hot water pipe, the outlet pipe, and the return pipe before flowing into the third flow channel for heat exchange to compensate for the heat loss of the boiling water. That is, after the high-temperature boiling water disinfects the connecting pipes at high temperature, there is a certain heat loss, causing the boiling water temperature to drop. The cooled boiling water is then returned to the third flow channel in the heat exchanger through the return pipe to compensate for the heat loss of the boiling water. This ensures that the boiling water flowing out of the third flow channel can continue to maintain within the effective sterilization temperature range, thereby effectively disinfecting the connecting pipes far from the heating element at high temperature. This ensures the overall disinfection effect of the warm water system and improves the user experience.

[0017] Furthermore, the reversing valve is positioned near the outlet. This design allows for thorough disinfection of the outlet pipes by boiling water when the system enters high-temperature disinfection mode.

[0018] Furthermore, the drinking device provided by the present invention, based on the above technical solution, possesses the technical effects of the above-mentioned warm water system due to the adoption of the warm water system. Compared with existing drinking devices, the drinking device of the present invention has a better high-temperature disinfection effect, thus improving the user experience. Attached Figure Description

[0019] The preferred embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the warm water system of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the water flow direction under the normal water production mode of the warm water system of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the water flow direction under the high-temperature disinfection mode of the warm water system of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 4This is a schematic diagram of the heat exchanger of the present invention.

[0024] List of reference numerals in the attached diagram:

[0025] 1. Heat exchanger; 11. First flow channel; 111. Cold water inlet; 112. Cold water outlet; 12. Second flow channel; 121. Hot water inlet; 122. Warm water outlet; 13. Third flow channel; 131. Return inlet; 132. Return outlet; 2. Regulating valve; 21. First interface; 22. Second interface; 23. Third interface; 3. Water pump; 31. Flow meter; 4. Heating element; 5. Faucet; 6. One-way check valve; 7. Reversing valve; 81. First temperature detector; 82. Second temperature detector; 83. Third temperature detector; 9. Water tank; 101. First hot water pipe; 102. Second hot water pipe; 103. Return pipe; 104. Outlet pipe. Detailed Implementation

[0026] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art should understand that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the technical principles of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0027] It should be noted that in the description of this invention, terms such as "upper," "lower," "inner," and "outer" that indicate direction or positional relationship are based on the direction or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. This is only for the convenience of description and does not indicate or imply that the device or element must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, it should not be construed as a limitation of this invention.

[0028] Furthermore, it should be noted that in the description of this invention, 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, a direct connection, or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; or they can refer to the internal communication between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances. In addition, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0029] Based on the background art's description of the problem of poor pipeline disinfection effect in existing water dispensers under high-temperature disinfection mode, this invention provides a warm water system that recirculates the boiled water used for high-temperature disinfection back into the heat exchanger for heat replenishment. This maintains the high-temperature boiled water within the disinfection temperature range, ensuring the overall disinfection effect of the water dispenser's pipeline and improving the user experience. The warm water system of this invention will be described in detail below with reference to a water dispenser.

[0030] Specifically, see Figures 1 to 4 The warm water system of the present invention includes a water tank 9, a water pump 3, a heat exchanger 1, a heating element 4, a valve assembly, connecting pipes, and a water outlet formed on a faucet 5.

[0031] Among them, see Figure 4 The heat exchanger 1 has a disc-shaped structure and includes a hot water pipe, a cold water pipe, and a direct current pipe. The hot water pipe exchanges heat with the cold water pipe, and the direct current pipe radially passes through the center of the disc to exchange heat with both the hot water pipe and the cold water pipe. A first flow channel 11 is formed inside the cold water pipe, a second flow channel 12 is formed inside the hot water pipe, and a third flow channel 13 is formed inside the direct current pipe. The heat exchanger 1 includes a cold water inlet 111, a cold water outlet 112, a hot water inlet 121, a warm water outlet 122, a return inlet 131, and a return outlet 132. The cold water inlet 111 and cold water outlet 112 are located at opposite ends of the first flow channel 11, the hot water inlet 121 and warm water outlet 122 are located at opposite ends of the second flow channel 12, and the return inlet 131 and return outlet 132 are located at opposite ends of the third flow channel 13. The valve assembly includes a regulating valve 2, which includes a first interface 21, a second interface 22, and a third interface 23.

[0032] Continue reading Figure 1 Along the water inlet direction, the outlet of water tank 9 is connected to the inlet of water pump 3, the outlet of water pump 3 is connected to the cold water inlet 111 of heat exchanger 1, and the cold water outlet 112 of heat exchanger 1 is connected to the inlet of heating element 4.

[0033] Continue reading Figure 1 The connecting pipelines include a first hot water pipeline 101 and a second hot water pipeline 102 connected to the outlet of the heating element 4, a warm water pipeline connected to the outlet of the second flow channel 12, an outlet pipeline 104 connected to the outlet, and a return pipeline 103. Specifically, the two ends of the first hot water pipeline 101 are connected to the outlet of the heating element 4 and the first interface 21 of the regulating valve 2, respectively; the two ends of the second hot water pipeline 102 are connected to the outlet of the heating element 4 and the hot water inlet 121 of the heat exchanger 1, respectively; and the two ends of the warm water pipeline are connected to the second interface 22 of the regulating valve 2 and the warm water outlet 122 of the heat exchanger 1, respectively.

[0034] Continue reading Figure 1 The valve assembly also includes a reversing valve 7. One end of the reversing valve 7 is connected to one end of the outlet pipe 104, and the other end of the outlet pipe 104 is connected to the third interface 23 of the regulating valve 2. The B end outlet of the reversing valve 7 is connected to the faucet 5, and the A end outlet of the reversing valve 7 is connected to one end of the return pipe 103. The other end of the return pipe 103 is connected to the return inlet 131 of the heat exchanger 1, and the return outlet 132 of the heat exchanger 1 is connected to the inlet of the water pump 3.

[0035] It should be noted that this invention does not impose any restrictions on the specific structure of the heat exchanger 1, as long as the heat exchanger 1 can achieve heat exchange of water flowing through the third flow channel 13. Those skilled in the art can design the internal heat exchange structure of the heat exchanger 1 according to actual needs. For example, the heat exchanger 1 can be set as a tubular structure, or it can be set as a plate structure, etc. Such adjustments and changes to the specific heat exchange structure of the heat exchanger 1 do not deviate from the basic principles and scope of this invention, and should all be limited to the protection scope of this invention.

[0036] Furthermore, it should be noted that the return outlet 132 of the heat exchanger 1 can also be connected to the water tank 9, or the return outlet 132 can also be directly returned to the cold water inlet 111, as long as a circulation pump is provided in the pipeline. Such flexible adjustment and change of the connection pipeline of the return outlet 132 does not deviate from the basic principles and scope of the present invention, and should be limited to the protection scope of the present invention.

[0037] Preferably, see below. Figure 1 The reversing valve 7 is located near the outlet.

[0038] For example, see [link to relevant documentation] Figure 1 The outlet of the reversing valve 7 is positioned close to the faucet 5 to shorten the water outlet pipe 104 between the reversing valve 7 and the faucet 5, thereby effectively disinfecting the water outlet pipe 104.

[0039] Preferably, see below. Figure 1 The valve assembly also includes a one-way check valve 6 located at the water inlet end of the heating element 4. With this configuration, the one-way check valve 6 can prevent the heated hot water in the heating element 4 from flowing back out from the water inlet end of the heating element 4.

[0040] Preferably, see below. Figure 1 The heating element 4 is equipped with a first temperature detector 81 and a second temperature detector 82 at its inlet and outlet ends, respectively. The first temperature detector 81 and the second temperature detector 82 are used to detect the water temperature at the inlet and outlet ends of the heating element 4, respectively. With this configuration, the heating element 4 can control its heating power or heating time according to the water temperature at the inlet and outlet ends, thereby saving the power consumption of the heating element 4.

[0041] Preferably, see below. Figure 1 A third temperature detector 83 is installed on the water outlet pipe 104. The third temperature detector 83 is used to detect the water temperature at the outlet.

[0042] For example, see [link to relevant documentation] Figure 1The third temperature detector 83 is installed on the pipeline between the B-end outlet of the reversing valve 7 and the faucet 5. When water is drawn from the faucet 5, the third temperature detector 83 can provide feedback on the current water temperature, allowing the user to adjust the flow of the intelligent regulating valve 2 to achieve a suitable water temperature.

[0043] Preferably, a flow meter 31 is provided between the water tank 9 and the water pump 3, and the flow meter 31 is used to record the amount of water entering the water pump 3.

[0044] For example, see [link to relevant documentation] Figure 1 The flow meter 31 is positioned near the inlet of the water pump 3. The user's water intake can be determined based on the flow rate entering the flow meter 31.

[0045] It should be noted that water tank 9 can also be directly connected to a water purification device, and the purified water filtered by the water purification device can be stored in water tank 9.

[0046] When the water dispenser enters normal water supply mode, refer to... Figure 2 Close the A-end outlet of the reversing valve 7 and open the B-end outlet of the reversing valve 7. The water pump 3 draws cold water from the water tank 9 and delivers the cold water to the cold water inlet 111 of the heat exchanger 1. The cold water flows through the first flow channel 11 and then flows out from the cold water outlet 112 and enters the heating element 4. The heating element 4 heats the incoming cold water to boiling water.

[0047] A portion of the heated boiling water is sent through the second hot water pipe 102 and the hot water inlet 121 into the second flow channel 12 of the heat exchanger 1 to exchange heat with the first flow channel 11 and cool down to form warm water. The warm water flows through the warm water outlet 122 and the warm water pipe to the second inlet of the regulating valve 2. The other portion of the heated boiling water flows through the first hot water pipe 101 to the first interface 21 of the regulating valve 2.

[0048] When the first port 21, the second port 22, and the third port 23 of the regulating valve 2 are opened simultaneously, the hot water in the first port 21 and the warm water in the second port 22 mix and flow together. After the hot water and warm water flow together, the water at a suitable temperature flows from the third port 23 through the water outlet pipe 104 to the outlet of the faucet 5.

[0049] When the first port 21 of the regulating valve 2 is closed and the second port 22 and the third port 23 are opened, the warm water after heat exchange in the heat exchanger 1 flows from the warm water pipe, the second port 22 and the third port 23 through the outlet pipe 104 to the outlet of the faucet 5.

[0050] When the second port 22 of the regulating valve 2 is closed and the first port 21 and the third port 23 are opened, the hot water heated by the heating element 4 flows through the first hot water pipe 101, through the first port 21 and the third port 23, and then through the outlet pipe 104 to the outlet of the faucet 5.

[0051] When the water dispenser enters the high-temperature sterilization mode, please refer to... Figure 3 Open the A-end outlet of the reversing valve 7 and close the B-end outlet, then start the water pump 3 and the heating element 4. The water pump 3 drives the water in the pipeline to circulate so that the boiling water heated by the heating element 4 passes through the first hot water pipeline 101, the return pipeline 103, the third flow channel 13 in the heat exchanger 1, and the first flow channel 11 in sequence for high-temperature disinfection. When the cold water in the pipeline is heated to boiling water, the boiling water flows through the first hot water pipeline 101, the outlet pipeline 104, and the return pipeline 103. Due to heat loss, the disinfection temperature of the boiling water drops. The boiling water is then introduced into the third flow channel 13 inside the heat exchanger 1 through the return pipeline 103. At this time, the boiling water in the second hot water pipeline 102 continuously flows into the second flow channel 12 inside the heat exchanger 1 for heat exchange, thereby making the heat exchanger 1 have a high heat exchange temperature. The boiling water in the return pipeline 103 is replenished by heat exchange through the third flow channel 13, so that the boiling water flowing out of the third flow channel 13 can effectively disinfect the downstream pipeline at high temperature. That is, it disinfects the pipeline far away from the heating element 4 and the first flow channel 11 of the heat exchanger 1. This cycle is repeated for 1 to 10 minutes to ensure the disinfection effect of the water dispenser.

[0052] It should be noted that, since boiling water enters the third flow channel 13 of the heat exchanger 1 to supplement heat, the utilization efficiency of the heat exchanger 1 is improved, and the energy consumption of the heating element during heating can also be reduced.

[0053] It should be noted that the present invention does not impose any restrictions on the specific structure of the heating element 4, as long as the heating element 4 can heat and boil the water flowing through it. Those skilled in the art can set the structure of the heating element 4 according to actual needs. For example, the heating element 4 can be set as a tube with an electric heating wire, or it can be set as an electromagnetic heating device, etc. Such flexible adjustments and changes do not deviate from the basic principles and scope of the present invention, and should all be limited to the protection scope of the present invention.

[0054] The technical solution of the present invention has been described above with reference to the preferred embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. However, it will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that the scope of protection of the present invention is obviously not limited to these specific embodiments. Without departing from the principles of the present invention, those skilled in the art can make equivalent changes or substitutions to the relevant technical features, and the technical solutions after such changes or substitutions will all fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A warm water system, comprising a water pump, a heat exchanger, a heating element, a valve assembly, connecting pipes, and a water outlet, characterized in that, The heat exchanger includes a first flow channel and a second flow channel; the water pump, the first flow channel, and the heating element are connected in sequence; the connecting pipeline includes a first hot water pipeline and a second hot water pipeline connected to the outlet end of the heating element, a warm water pipeline connected to the outlet end of the second flow channel, and an outlet pipeline connected to the outlet; the first hot water pipeline and the warm water pipeline are both connected to the outlet pipeline through the valve assembly, and the second hot water pipeline is connected to the inlet end of the second flow channel; The connecting pipeline also includes a return pipeline. The heat exchanger is provided with a third flow channel. The two ends of the return pipeline are respectively connected to the inlet end of the third flow channel and the outlet pipeline. The outlet end of the third flow channel is connected to the water pump or the inlet end of the first flow channel. When the warm water system enters the high-temperature disinfection mode, the boiling water in the heating body flows into the third flow channel after passing through the first hot water pipe, the outlet pipe and the return pipe in sequence to exchange heat and make up for the heat loss of the boiling water.

2. The warm water system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The valve assembly includes a regulating valve, which has a first interface connected to the first hot water pipe, a second interface connected to the warm water pipe, and a third interface connected to the outlet water pipe.

3. The warm water system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The valve assembly also includes a reversing valve disposed on the outlet pipe, one end of the reversing valve being connected to the third interface, and the other end of the reversing valve being selectively connected to the outlet or one end of the return pipe.

4. The warm water system according to claim 3, characterized in that, The reversing valve is positioned near the water outlet.

5. The warm water system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The valve assembly also includes a one-way check valve disposed at the water inlet end of the heating element.

6. The warm water system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The heating element is equipped with a first temperature detector and a second temperature detector at its inlet and outlet ends, respectively. The first temperature detector and the second temperature detector are used to detect the water temperature at the inlet and outlet ends of the heating element, respectively.

7. The warm water system according to claim 1, characterized in that, A third temperature detector is installed on the water outlet pipe, which is used to detect the water temperature at the outlet.

8. The warm water system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The warm water system also includes a water tank, the outlet of which is connected to the inlet of the water pump.

9. The warm water system according to claim 8, characterized in that, A flow meter is installed between the water tank and the water pump, and the flow meter is used to record the water intake of the water pump.

10. A drinking water device, characterized in that, Includes the warm water system as described in any one of claims 1 to 9.

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