Ice bladder water channel structure and control method thereof

Abstract

The present invention discloses an ice liner water path structure, comprising: a water supply device, the water supply device is provided with a pure water outlet; a water pump, the water pump includes a water inlet and a water outlet, the water inlet is connected to the pure water outlet; an ice liner, the ice liner is provided with a water inlet, a water outlet and an air outlet, the water inlet is connected to the water outlet, and the air outlet is connected to the air inlet; an exhaust valve, the exhaust valve includes an exhaust body and an exhaust float, an exhaust cavity is provided in the exhaust body, an air inlet and an exhaust port connected to the exhaust cavity are provided on the side wall of the exhaust body, the air inlet and the exhaust port are connected, and the exhaust float includes an exhaust state and a closed state; a water outlet nozzle, the water outlet nozzle includes a water outlet inlet and a water outlet, the water outlet is connected to the water outlet inlet; a check valve, the check valve is arranged between the water outlet and the water outlet inlet. The exhaust valve can not only play the role of exhausting, but also can cooperate with the check valve to achieve water discharge when cold water needs to be discharged, and can also play the role of discharging expanded water.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the technical field of ice bladder water channels, and in particular relates to an ice bladder water channel structure and a control method thereof. Background Art

[0002] Currently, water dispensers on the market are usually equipped with a refrigeration liner to prepare cold water through the refrigeration liner and supply the prepared cold water to users through a water outlet.

[0003] Patent publication number CN114158939A discloses a water dispenser and its control method. When the dispenser is operating in refill mode, the on-off valve is opened, driving water from the water supply source to be replenished into the refrigeration tank through the water inlet of the refrigeration tank. The newly added water gradually fills the refrigeration tank, increasing the amount of water stored in the refrigeration tank and raising the liquid level inside the refrigeration tank, thereby displacing the air in the refrigeration tank upward. The air displaced to the top of the refrigeration tank is discharged from the exhaust hole into the exhaust pipe, and then passes through the rear water outlet section of the water outlet pipe, the on-off valve, and the water outlet hole at the water outlet end to be discharged outward. The on-off valve is a solenoid valve and is connected to the controller of the water dispenser.

[0004] Exhaust and drainage are performed by controlling the solenoid valve, which is a high-cost method and difficult to control. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of the present invention is to provide an ice bladder water channel structure and a control method thereof, wherein the exhaust valve can realize exhaust and expansion water discharge, has a simple structure and low cost.

[0006] To achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the present invention provides the following technical solution: an ice bladder water channel structure, comprising:

[0007] A water supply device, wherein the water supply device is provided with a pure water outlet;

[0008] A water push pump, comprising a water push inlet and a water push outlet, wherein the water push inlet is connected to the pure water outlet;

[0009] An ice bladder, wherein the ice bladder is provided with a water inlet, a water outlet and an air outlet, the water inlet is connected to the water outlet, and the air outlet is connected to the air inlet;

[0010] An exhaust valve comprising an exhaust body and an exhaust float, wherein an exhaust cavity is provided within the exhaust body, an air inlet and an exhaust port communicating with the exhaust cavity are provided on a side wall of the exhaust body, the air inlet and the air outlet are connected, the exhaust float is mounted within the exhaust cavity, an exhaust passage is formed between the exhaust float and the exhaust cavity, and the exhaust float includes an exhaust state and a closed state;

[0011] A water outlet nozzle, the water outlet nozzle comprising a water outlet inlet and a water outlet, the water outlet being connected to the water outlet inlet;

[0012] a check valve, the check valve being arranged between the water outlet and the water inlet;

[0013] When the ice bladder is under pressure from the water pump, the exhaust float is in a closed state, and the exhaust port is blocked by the exhaust float;

[0014] When there is no pressure in the ice bladder given by the water push pump, the exhaust float is in an exhaust state and the exhaust port is not blocked by the exhaust float;

[0015] When the pressure in the ice chamber opens the check valve, the exhaust float is already in a closed state.

[0016] Furthermore, the buoyancy of the exhaust float is equal to the gravity of the exhaust float.

[0017] Furthermore, a cross-section of the air inlet is smaller than an end surface of the exhaust float facing the air inlet.

[0018] Furthermore, a first high water level sensor is provided at the upper end of the ice bladder.

[0019] Furthermore, a second high water level sensor is provided on the exhaust valve.

[0020] Furthermore, the exhaust float includes a first end and a second end, a sealing member is fixed to the inner wall of the exhaust cavity, the sealing member is arranged near the exhaust port, the sealing member includes a connecting portion and a sealing portion, the connecting portion is fixed in the exhaust cavity, a connecting hole is provided on the connecting portion, the sealing portion is arranged on the side of the connecting portion facing the exhaust float, a sealing ring groove is provided on the sealing portion, and an arc-shaped outer wall adapted to the shape of the sealing ring groove is provided on the first end. When the exhaust float is in a closed state, the arc-shaped outer wall fits the sealing ring groove, and the exhaust float blocks the connecting hole.

[0021] Furthermore, a first connecting inner wall is formed at the connection between the exhaust cavity and the air inlet, and a fixed protrusion is fixed on the first connecting inner wall. When the second end of the exhaust float abuts against the fixed protrusion, a first channel is formed between the first connecting inner wall and the second end, and a second channel is formed between the outer wall of the exhaust float and the inner wall of the exhaust cavity. The exhaust channel consists of the first channel and the second channel.

[0022] Furthermore, a guide rod is fixed on the exhaust float, the guide rod is plugged into the exhaust port, and a gap is formed between the outer wall of the guide rod and the inner wall of the exhaust port.

[0023] Furthermore, it also includes an external water level sensor, which includes a water level inlet and a water level air inlet. The water level inlet is connected to the pure water outlet, and the exhaust port is connected to the air inlet of the external water level sensor.

[0024] Also disclosed is a control method based on the above ice bladder water channel structure, comprising the following steps:

[0025] When the water pump receives the cold water discharge signal, it pumps the water in the water supply device into the ice bladder until the ice bladder is full. At this time, the first high water level sensor sends a high level signal.

[0026] The water pump continues to pump the water in the water supply device into the ice bladder. At this time, the water is pressed into the exhaust chamber, and the exhaust float floats up to block the exhaust port. The check valve is not opened at this time.

[0027] After the exhaust float rises to block the exhaust port, the water pump continues to pump water from the water supply device into the ice chamber. The water pressure in the ice chamber opens the check valve and water flows out from the water outlet.

[0028] The water pump receives the signal to stop discharging cold water, and stops working. The water pump does not provide water pressure to the exhaust float. At this time, the exhaust float does not block the exhaust port, and the water in the ice bladder expands and is discharged through the exhaust port.

[0029] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0030] (1) The exhaust valve can not only exhaust the air, but also cooperate with the check valve to discharge water when cold water is needed. It can also discharge the expansion water when the ice bladder produces expansion water;

[0031] (2) The check valve can also balance the water level. Adding a check valve ensures that there is always water on the ice bladder exhaust device. The water level of the exhaust valve is higher than the outlet nozzle. If there is no check valve, this water will flow out from the outlet nozzle. The check valve can achieve water level balance on both sides.

[0032] (3) The arc-shaped outer wall fits the sealing ring groove, increasing the contact area between the exhaust float and the seal, thereby improving the sealing effect. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] Figure 1 This is a schematic structural diagram of the ice bladder cold water delivery structure of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the exhaust valve structure;

[0035] Figure 3 for Figure 2 Top view of

[0036] Figure 4 for Figure 3Cross-sectional view at AA in the middle (in exhaust state);

[0037] Figure 5 for Figure 3 Cross-sectional view at AA in the middle (closed state);

[0038] Figure 6 for Figure 2 Exploded diagram;

[0039] Figure 7 It is another structure of the exhaust valve.

[0040] Figure: 1, exhaust body; 2, exhaust cavity; 3, air inlet; 4, exhaust port; 5, exhaust float; 6, exhaust channel; 7, first end; 8, second end; 9, sealing member; 10, connecting portion; 11, sealing portion; 12, connecting hole; 13, sealing ring groove; 14, arc-shaped outer wall; 15, upper cover; 16, lower seat; 17, mounting ring groove; 18, first connecting inner wall; 19, fixing protrusion; 20, first channel; 2 1. Second channel; 22. Guide rod; 23. Water supply device; 24. Pure water outlet; 25. Water push pump; 26. Water push inlet; 27. Water push outlet; 28. Ice bladder; 29. ​​Water inlet; 30. Water outlet; 31. Air outlet; 32. Water outlet nozzle; 33. Water outlet inlet; 34. Water outlet; 35. External water level sensor; 36. Water level inlet; 37. Water level air inlet; 38. Check valve; 39. Second sensor. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] The following will clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative efforts are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0042] See also Figure 1-Figure 7 The present invention provides a technical solution for an ice bladder water channel structure and a control method thereof.

[0043] An ice bladder water channel structure, characterized by comprising:

[0044] A water supply device 23, wherein a pure water outlet 24 is provided on the water supply device 23;

[0045] The water pump 25 includes a water inlet 26 and a water outlet 27. The water inlet 26 is connected to the pure water outlet 24. The water pump 25 is a pump with a check valve. Water can only enter from the water inlet 26 but cannot exit.

[0046] The ice bladder 28 is provided with a water inlet 29, a water outlet 30 and an air outlet 31. The water inlet 29 is connected to the water outlet 27, and the air outlet 31 is connected to the air inlet 3;

[0047] The exhaust valve includes an exhaust body 1 and an exhaust float 5. An exhaust cavity 2 is provided in the exhaust body 1. An air inlet 3 and an exhaust port 4 communicating with the exhaust cavity 2 are provided on the side wall of the exhaust body 1. The air inlet 3 is connected to the air outlet 31. The exhaust float 5 is installed in the exhaust cavity 2. An exhaust channel 6 is formed between the exhaust float 5 and the exhaust cavity 2. The exhaust float 5 includes an exhaust state and a closed state.

[0048] The water outlet 32 ​​includes a water inlet 33 and a water outlet 34 , and the water outlet 30 is connected to the water inlet 33 ;

[0049] The check valve 38 is provided between the water outlet 30 and the water inlet 33;

[0050] When the water pump 25 provides pressure to the ice bladder 28, the exhaust float 5 is in a closed state, and the exhaust float 5 blocks the exhaust port 4;

[0051] When there is no pressure applied to the ice bladder 28 by the water pump 25, the exhaust float 5 is in the exhaust state and the exhaust port 4 is not blocked by the exhaust float 5.

[0052] When the pressure in the ice chamber 28 opens the check valve 38, the exhaust float 5 is already in a closed state.

[0053] When the ice bladder 28 is not full of water, the water pump 25 pushes the water from the water supply device 23 into the ice bladder 28. The exhaust float 5 is in the exhaust state, and the exhaust valve can function to exhaust air. When the ice bladder 28 is full of water, the water pump 25 continues to push the water from the water supply device 23 into the ice bladder 28. The water entering the exhaust cavity 2 pushes the exhaust float 5 until it blocks the exhaust port 4. At this time, the check valve 38 is not opened. The water pump 25 then continues to push the water from the water supply device 23 into the ice bladder 28. When the water pressure reaches a certain level, the check valve 38 opens, completing the water discharge.

[0054] The exhaust valve not only exhausts air, but also cooperates with the check valve 38 to discharge water when cold water needs to be discharged. It also discharges expanded water when water expands in the ice bladder 28. When expanded water is generated in the ice bladder 28, since the water pump 25 is not pushing water into the ice bladder 28 at this time, the exhaust float 5 is not subjected to the water pressure pushed by the water pump 25, and the exhaust float 5 does not block the exhaust port 4. As a result, the expanded water will enter the exhaust cavity 2 of the exhaust valve, and then be output from the exhaust port 4 to the external water level sensor 35. The expanded water will not drip out of the water outlet 32. The above structure does not require the use of other electrical components for control, has a simple structure, low cost, and is more convenient to control.

[0055] The check valve 38 can also balance the water level. The check valve 38 ensures that there is always water on the exhaust device of the ice bladder 28. The water level of the exhaust device is higher than the water outlet 32. If there is no check valve 38, this water will flow out from the water outlet 32. The check valve 38 achieves water level balance on both sides.

[0056] The buoyancy of the exhaust float 5 is equal to the weight of the exhaust float 5. When the exhaust float 5 is placed in the water, it sinks slightly. In this way, when the exhaust float 5 is not subjected to the pressure in the ice bladder 28 and the exhaust port 4 is not blocked by the exhaust float 5, the expanded water will enter the exhaust chamber 2 of the exhaust valve and then be discharged from the exhaust port 4.

[0057] The cross section of the air inlet 3 is smaller than the end surface of the exhaust float 5 facing the air inlet 3 , so that the instantaneous pressure applied to the ice bladder 28 by the water pump 25 can better lift the exhaust float 5 .

[0058] A first high water level sensor is provided at the upper end of the ice chamber 28. When the ice chamber 28 is full of water, the first high water level sensor can send a high water level signal.

[0059] like Figure 7 As shown, a second high water level sensor can also be installed on the exhaust valve to detect whether there is water in the exhaust valve. One detection method is shown below. The second high water level sensor includes a second sensor 39 and a second magnet. The second magnet is fixed to the exhaust float 5, and the second sensor 39 is fixed to the outer wall of the exhaust valve. When the exhaust float 5 rises, the second sensor 39 senses it, thus detecting that the ice bladder 28 is full of water and issuing a high water level signal. Of course, photoelectric, capacitive, and other methods can also be used to detect the presence of water.

[0060] The exhaust float 5 includes a first end 7 and a second end 8. A seal 9 is fixed to the inner wall of the exhaust chamber 2 and positioned near the exhaust port 4. The seal 9 includes a connecting portion 10 and a sealing portion 11. The connecting portion 10 is fixed within the exhaust chamber 2 and is provided with a connecting hole 12. The sealing portion 11 is positioned on the side of the connecting portion 10 facing the exhaust float 5 and is provided with a sealing ring groove 13. The first end 7 is provided with an arcuate outer wall 14 that matches the shape of the sealing ring groove 13. When the exhaust float 5 is in the closed state, the arcuate outer wall 14 mates with the sealing ring groove 13, and the exhaust float 5 blocks the connecting hole 12. The arcuate outer wall 14 mates with the sealing ring groove 13, increasing the contact area between the exhaust float 5 and the seal 9, thereby enhancing the sealing effect.

[0061] Furthermore, the sealing portion 11 is made of elastic material, so that after the exhaust float 5 floats up, it squeezes the sealing ring groove 13, causing the sealing ring groove 13 to deform, and the arc-shaped outer wall 14 is more closely attached to the sealing ring groove 13, resulting in a better sealing effect.

[0062] Furthermore, the connecting portion 10 and the sealing portion 11 are integrally formed, and both the connecting portion 10 and the sealing portion 11 are made of elastic materials, preferably rubber, to facilitate installation of the sealing member 9 .

[0063] The exhaust body 1 includes an upper cover 15 and a lower seat 16 . The exhaust cavity 2 is disposed in the lower seat 16 . The exhaust cavity 2 opens one side of the lower seat 16 . The upper cover 15 is fixed at the opening of the exhaust cavity 2 .

[0064] The upper cover 15 is provided with a mounting groove 17 , and the connecting portion 10 is mounted in the mounting groove. The connecting portion 10 abuts against the end surface of the opening of the exhaust cavity 2 .

[0065] A first connecting inner wall 18 is formed at the connection between the exhaust cavity 2 and the air inlet 3, and a fixing protrusion 19 is fixed on the first connecting inner wall 18. When the second end 8 of the exhaust float 5 abuts against the fixing protrusion 19, a first channel 20 is formed between the first connecting inner wall 18 and the second end 8, and a second channel 21 is formed between the outer wall of the exhaust float 5 and the inner wall of the exhaust cavity 2. The exhaust channel 6 consists of the first channel 20 and the second channel 21.

[0066] By adopting the above-mentioned method, when there is no water in the exhaust cavity 2 , the exhaust float 5 will not block the air inlet 3 and will not affect the normal exhaust of the ice bladder 28 .

[0067] A guide rod 22 is fixed to the exhaust float 5 and is plugged into the exhaust port 4. A gap is formed between the outer wall of the guide rod 22 and the inner wall of the exhaust port 4. The guide rod 22 serves to guide the exhaust float 5 and prevent it from shifting during the ascent, but it does not block the exhaust port 4.

[0068] The water channel structure of the ice bladder 28 also includes an external water level sensor 35, which includes a water level inlet 36 and a water level air inlet 37. The water level inlet 36 is connected to the pure water outlet 24, and the exhaust port 4 is connected to the air inlet 3 of the external water level sensor 35.

[0069] Also disclosed is a control method based on the above ice bladder water channel structure, comprising the following steps:

[0070] When the water pump 25 receives the cold water discharge signal, it pumps the water in the water supply device 23 to the ice bladder 28 until the ice bladder 28 is full. At this time, the first high water level sensor sends a high water level signal.

[0071] The water pump 25 continues to pump the water in the water supply device 23 to the ice bladder 28. At this time, the water is pressed into the exhaust chamber 2. The exhaust float 5 floats up to block the exhaust port 4. The check valve 38 is not opened at this time.

[0072] After the exhaust float 5 rises to block the exhaust port 4, the water pump 25 continues to pump the water in the water supply device 23 into the ice chamber 28. The water pressure in the ice chamber 28 opens the check valve 38, and the water flows out from the water outlet 32.

[0073] The water pump 25 receives the signal to stop discharging cold water and stops working. The water pump 25 does not provide water pressure to the exhaust float 5. At this time, the exhaust float 5 does not block the exhaust port 4, and the water in the ice bladder 28 expands and is discharged through the exhaust port 4.

[0074] While embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions, and variations may be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, and that the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An ice bladder water channel structure, characterized in that: include: A water supply device, wherein the water supply device is provided with a pure water outlet; A water push pump, comprising a water push inlet and a water push outlet, wherein the water push inlet is connected to the pure water outlet; An ice bladder, wherein the ice bladder is provided with a water inlet, a water outlet and an air outlet, the water inlet is connected to the water outlet, and the air outlet is connected to the air inlet; An exhaust valve comprising an exhaust body and an exhaust float, wherein an exhaust cavity is provided within the exhaust body, an air inlet and an exhaust port communicating with the exhaust cavity are provided on a side wall of the exhaust body, the air inlet and the air outlet are connected, the exhaust float is mounted within the exhaust cavity, an exhaust passage is formed between the exhaust float and the exhaust cavity, and the exhaust float includes an exhaust state and a closed state; A water outlet nozzle, the water outlet nozzle comprising a water outlet inlet and a water outlet, the water outlet being connected to the water outlet inlet; a check valve, the check valve being arranged between the water outlet and the water inlet; When the ice bladder is under pressure from the water pump, the exhaust float is in a closed state, and the exhaust port is blocked by the exhaust float; When there is no pressure in the ice bladder given by the water push pump, the exhaust float is in an exhaust state and the exhaust port is not blocked by the exhaust float; When the pressure in the ice chamber opens the check valve, the exhaust float is already in a closed state.

2. The ice bladder water channel structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The buoyancy of the exhaust float is equal to the weight of the exhaust float.

3. The ice bladder water channel structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cross-section of the air inlet is smaller than the end surface of the exhaust float facing the air inlet.

4. The ice bladder water channel structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: A first high water level sensor is provided at the upper end of the ice bladder.

5. The ice bladder water channel structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: A second high water level sensor is provided on the exhaust valve.

6. The ice bladder water channel structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The exhaust float includes a first end and a second end, and a sealing member is fixed to the inner wall of the exhaust cavity, and the sealing member is arranged near the exhaust port. The sealing member includes a connecting portion and a sealing portion, and the connecting portion is fixed in the exhaust cavity. A connecting hole is provided on the connecting portion, and the sealing portion is arranged on the side of the connecting portion facing the exhaust float. A sealing ring groove is provided on the sealing portion, and an arc-shaped outer wall adapted to the shape of the sealing ring groove is provided on the first end. When the exhaust float is in a closed state, the arc-shaped outer wall fits the sealing ring groove, and the exhaust float blocks the connecting hole.

7. The ice bladder water channel structure according to claim 6, characterized in that: A first connecting inner wall is formed at the connection between the exhaust cavity and the air inlet, and a fixing protrusion is fixed on the first connecting inner wall. When the second end of the exhaust float abuts against the fixing protrusion, a first channel is formed between the first connecting inner wall and the second end, and a second channel is formed between the outer wall of the exhaust float and the inner wall of the exhaust cavity. The exhaust channel consists of the first channel and the second channel.

8. The ice bladder water channel structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: A guide rod is fixed on the exhaust float, the guide rod is plugged into the exhaust port, and a gap is provided between the outer wall of the guide rod and the inner wall of the exhaust port.

9. The ice bladder water channel structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes an external water level sensor, which includes a water level inlet and a water level air inlet. The water level inlet is connected to the pure water outlet, and the air outlet is connected to the air inlet of the external water level sensor.

10. A control method for the ice bladder water channel structure according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that: The following steps are included: When the water pump receives the cold water discharge signal, it pumps the water in the water supply device into the ice bladder until the ice bladder is full. At this time, the first high water level sensor sends a high level signal. The water pump continues to pump the water in the water supply device into the ice bladder. At this time, the water is pressed into the exhaust chamber, and the exhaust float floats up to block the exhaust port. The check valve is not opened at this time. After the exhaust float rises to block the exhaust port, the water pump continues to pump water from the water supply device into the ice chamber. The water pressure in the ice chamber opens the check valve and water flows out from the water outlet. The water pump receives the signal to stop discharging cold water, and stops working. The water pump does not provide water pressure to the exhaust float. At this time, the exhaust float does not block the exhaust port, and the water in the ice bladder expands and is discharged through the exhaust port.

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