Water dispenser and control method thereof

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of water dispensers, particularly provides a water dispenser and a control method thereof, and aims to solve the problem of waste of a large amount of water resources in a method for sterilizing by filling a cold container and a gas mixing container in the cold container with hot water. In order to achieve the purpose, the water dispenser comprises a cold container and a gas mixing container which is arranged in the cold container and made of heat conduction materials, a cold water cavity is formed between the cold container and the gas mixing container, and a gas mixing cavity used for preparing bubble water is formed in the gas mixing container. The water dispenser further comprises a hot water supply system used for providing hot water for sterilization for the cold water cavity, a first drainage system used for discharging water in the cold water cavity and a second drainage system used for discharging water in the gas mixing cavity, and the control method comprises the steps that when the water dispenser enters the sterilization mode, water in the cold water cavity and water in the gas mixing cavity are discharged; hot water is injected into the cold water cavity; and hot water in the cold water cavity is discharged. Therefore, sterilization of the cold container and the gas mixing container can be achieved only by injecting hot water into the cold water cavity, and waste of water resources is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of water dispenser technology, specifically providing a water dispenser and its control method. Background Technology

[0002] Water dispensers have become common household appliances. In recent years, with sparkling water gaining popularity among young people, water dispensers with sparkling water production functions have appeared on the market. These dispensers are equipped with a mixing tank and a carbon dioxide supply component (such as a carbon dioxide storage tank). The air inlet and water inlet of the mixing tank are connected to the carbon dioxide supply component and a water source (such as a water tank) via pipes. Water and nitrogen dioxide mix inside the mixing tank to form sparkling water. Typically, these dispensers also include a cooling tank for producing low-temperature water. To improve the solubility of carbon dioxide in water, the mixing tank is located inside the cooling tank. The low temperature environment within the cooling tank helps maintain a low temperature within the mixing tank, thereby increasing the solubility of carbon dioxide in water. Furthermore, the low-temperature sparkling water has a better taste.

[0003] During daily use, bacteria easily grow on the inner walls of the cold water tank and the outer and inner walls of the aerated water tank, thus affecting drinking water health. In related fields, sterilization methods involve filling the container to be sterilized with hot water and letting it stand for a period of time to kill bacteria on the inner walls, after which the hot water is drained. However, when using hot water to sterilize the cold water tank and the aerated water tank, it is necessary to fill them with hot water to sterilize the inner walls of both the cold and aerated water tanks, and then drain the hot water from both. While this method effectively sterilizes the inner walls of the cold and aerated water tanks, it requires a large amount of hot water, wasting significant water resources.

[0004] Therefore, a new technical solution is needed in this field to solve the above problems. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present invention aims to solve the above-mentioned technical problem, namely, the method of sterilization by filling the cold tank and the mixed air tank inside with hot water wastes a large amount of water resources.

[0006] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a control method for a water dispenser, the water dispenser comprising a cold tank and a mixing tank disposed within the cold tank, the mixing tank being made of a thermally conductive material, a cold water chamber for preparing cold water being formed between the cold tank and the mixing tank, and a mixing chamber for preparing sparkling water being formed within the mixing tank, the water dispenser further comprising a hot water supply system for providing hot water for sterilization to the cold water chamber, a first drainage system for draining water from the cold water chamber, and a second drainage system for draining water from the mixing chamber, the control method comprising: when entering a sterilization mode, draining water from the cold water chamber and water from the mixing chamber; injecting hot water into the cold water chamber; and draining the hot water from the cold water chamber.

[0007] In the preferred embodiment of the above control method, the step of "injecting hot water into the cold water chamber" specifically includes: filling the cold water chamber with hot water and letting it stand for a set time.

[0008] In the preferred embodiment of the above control method, the step of "filling the cold water chamber with hot water and letting it stand for a set time" specifically includes: filling the cold water chamber with hot water at 60°C to 70°C and letting it stand for 30 minutes to 60 minutes.

[0009] In the preferred embodiment of the above control method, the step of "filling the cold water chamber with hot water and letting it stand for a set time" specifically includes: filling the cold water chamber with hot water at 95°C to 100°C and letting it stand for 5 to 15 minutes.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment of the above control method, the hot water supply system includes a hot water inlet pipe and a first nozzle connected to the outlet end of the hot water inlet pipe. The first nozzle is disposed in the cold water chamber and is used to spray hot water onto the inner wall of the cold tank so that the hot water sprayed by the first nozzle can flow through the entire inner wall of the cold tank. The step of "injecting hot water into the cold water chamber" includes: injecting hot water into the cold water chamber to a set liquid level and letting it stand for a set time. The set liquid level is higher than the highest point of the outer wall of the mixing tank and the distance between the set liquid level and the highest point of the outer wall of the mixing tank is not greater than 10 mm.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment of the above control method, the top inner wall of the cold tank gradually extends downward from the center to the surrounding area, and the first nozzle is used to spray hot water toward the center of the top inner wall of the cold tank so that the hot water can flow through the entire inner wall of the cold tank.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment of the above control method, the hot water supply system further includes a second nozzle connected to the outlet end of the hot water inlet pipe. The second nozzle is disposed inside the cold water chamber and is used to spray hot water onto the outer wall of the mixing tank.

[0013] In the preferred embodiment of the above control method, the distance between the highest point of the outer wall of the mixing chamber and the bottom inner wall of the cold chamber is no greater than one-third of the height dimension of the cold water chamber.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment of the above control method, the control method further includes: acquiring historical water usage information; determining whether the current time has reached the sterilization timing, and if so, entering the sterilization mode.

[0015] When adopting the above technical solution, the water dispenser includes a cold tank and a mixing tank disposed within the cold tank. The mixing tank is made of a heat-conducting material. A cold water chamber for preparing cold water is formed between the cold tank and the mixing tank. A mixing chamber for preparing sparkling water is formed within the mixing tank. The water dispenser also includes a hot water supply system for providing hot water for sterilization to the cold water chamber, a first drainage system for draining water from the cold water chamber, and a second drainage system for draining water from the mixing chamber. The control method includes: when entering the sterilization mode, draining water from the cold water chamber and water from the mixing chamber; injecting hot water into the cold water chamber; and draining the hot water from the cold water chamber.

[0016] It should be noted that the hot water in this application is water with a temperature of 60℃ or higher, and the thermally conductive material is a material with a thermal conductivity greater than or equal to 15W / (m·K). In the above control method, the step of "draining the hot water in the cold water chamber" can be performed after the step of "injecting hot water into the cold water chamber". For example, after injecting a set amount of hot water into the cold water chamber, the hot water in the cold water chamber is then drained. Alternatively, it can be performed simultaneously with the step of "injecting hot water into the cold water chamber". For example, the hot water supply system supplies hot water into the cold water chamber, while the first drainage system discharges the hot water in the cold water chamber to the outside. That is, the sterilization of the inner wall of the cold tank and the outer and inner walls of the mixed air tank is achieved by the hot water continuously passing through the cold water chamber.

[0017] With this setup, when sterilization is needed on the inner walls of the cold water tank and the outer and inner walls of the mixing tank, the water dispenser enters sterilization mode. First, the water in the cold water chamber is drained through the first drainage system, and then the water in the mixing tank is drained through the second drainage system. Afterwards, hot water is injected into the cold water chamber through the hot water supply system. This hot water comes into contact with the inner walls of the cold water tank and the outer walls of the mixing tank, killing bacteria on both surfaces. Since the mixing tank is made of heat-conducting material, the hot water in contact with its outer wall transfers heat to the mixing tank, raising its temperature and killing bacteria on its inner wall. This control method achieves sterilization of the inner walls of the cold water tank and the outer and inner walls of the mixing tank by injecting only hot water into the cold water chamber, reducing hot water consumption and water waste.

[0018] Preferably, the step of "injecting hot water into the cold water chamber" specifically includes: filling the cold water chamber with hot water and letting it stand for a set time.

[0019] This design allows hot water entering the cold water chamber to fully contact the inner wall of the cold tank and the outer and inner walls of the air-cushioned tank, thereby improving the sterilization effect. When the volume of the cold water chamber is small, this method further reduces hot water consumption compared to the method of "sterilizing the inner wall of the cold tank and the outer and inner walls of the air-cushioned tank by continuously passing through the cold water chamber."

[0020] Preferably, the step of "filling the cold water chamber with hot water and letting it stand for a set time" specifically includes: filling the cold water chamber with hot water at 60°C to 70°C and letting it stand for 30 minutes to 60 minutes.

[0021] With this setup, the energy required to prepare hot water is less than that required for sterilization, making it more energy-efficient.

[0022] Preferably, the step of “filling the cold water chamber with hot water and letting it stand for a set time” specifically includes: filling the cold water chamber with hot water at 95°C to 100°C and letting it stand for 5 to 15 minutes.

[0023] This setting can shorten the sterilization time, reduce the impact of sterilization on water dispensing, and optimize the user experience.

[0024] Preferably, the hot water supply system includes a hot water inlet pipe and a first nozzle connected to the outlet end of the hot water inlet pipe. The first nozzle is disposed in the cold water chamber and is used to spray hot water onto the inner wall of the cold tank so that the hot water sprayed by the first nozzle can flow through the entire inner wall of the cold tank. The step of "injecting hot water into the cold water chamber" includes: injecting hot water into the cold water chamber to a set liquid level and letting it stand for a set time. The set liquid level is higher than the highest point of the outer wall of the mixing tank and the distance between the set liquid level and the highest point of the outer wall of the mixing tank is not greater than 10 mm.

[0025] With this setup, hot water is sprayed through the first nozzle onto the inner wall of the cold tank, allowing the hot water to flow over the entire inner wall of the cold tank. This hot water effectively sterilizes the inner wall of the cold tank. The cold water chamber does not need to be filled with water; the water level of the injected hot water only needs to be higher than the highest point of the outer wall of the mixing tank but not more than 10mm. The hot water in the cold water chamber comes into contact with the entire outer wall of the mixing tank, and the heat of the hot water is transferred to the mixing tank, raising its temperature. This achieves sterilization of both the outer and inner walls of the mixing tank. Compared to filling the cold water chamber with hot water, this setup further reduces hot water consumption and saves water resources.

[0026] Preferably, the top inner wall of the cold tank gradually extends downward from the center outwards, and the first nozzle is used to spray hot water toward the center of the top inner wall of the cold tank so that the hot water can flow through the entire inner wall of the cold tank.

[0027] This design allows the hot water to flow through the entire inner wall of the cold tank, and reduces the number of first nozzles, thus lowering the manufacturing cost of the water dispenser.

[0028] Preferably, the hot water supply system further includes a second nozzle connected to the outlet end of the hot water inlet pipe. The second nozzle is disposed in the cold water chamber and is used to spray hot water onto the outer wall of the mixing tank.

[0029] This setup allows the temperature at different locations within the mixing chamber to quickly reach the required sterilization temperature, further shortening the sterilization time.

[0030] Preferably, the distance between the highest point of the outer wall of the mixing chamber and the bottom inner wall of the cold chamber is no more than one-third of the height dimension of the cold water cavity.

[0031] With this design, only a smaller amount of hot water needs to be injected into the cold water chamber to sterilize the inner wall of the cold tank and the outer and inner walls of the air-mixing tank, thus saving water resources.

[0032] Preferably, the control method further includes: acquiring historical water usage information; determining the sterilization timing based on the historical water usage information; determining whether the sterilization timing has been reached at the current moment, and if so, entering the sterilization mode.

[0033] This setting allows for more timely sterilization, optimizing the user experience.

[0034] In a second aspect, the present invention provides a water dispenser, the water dispenser comprising: a memory; a processor; and a computer program, the computer program being stored in the memory and configured to be executed by the processor to implement the control method of the water dispenser described in any of the above technical solutions.

[0035] It should be noted that this water dispenser has all the technical effects of the control method of the water dispenser described in any of the above technical solutions, and will not be repeated here. Attached Figure Description

[0036] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0037] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the cold tank and air mixing tank of the water dispenser according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the main steps of the control method for the water dispenser of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the cold tank and the air mixing tank of the water dispenser according to the second embodiment of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the cold tank and air mixing tank of the water dispenser according to the third embodiment of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the cold tank and the air mixing tank of the water dispenser according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] List of reference numerals in the attached diagram:

[0043] 1. Cold tank; 11. Cold water chamber; 2. Mixing tank; 21. Mixing chamber; 31. Evaporator coil; 32. First nozzle; 41. First ambient temperature water inlet pipe; 42. Hot water inlet pipe; 43. Cold water outlet pipe; 44. First drain pipe; 45. Second ambient temperature water inlet pipe; 46. Air inlet pipe; 47. Aerated water outlet pipe; 48. Second drain pipe; 51. First solenoid valve; 52. Second solenoid valve; 53. Third solenoid valve; 54. Fourth solenoid valve; 55. Fifth solenoid valve; 56. Sixth solenoid valve; 57. Seventh solenoid valve; 58. Eighth solenoid valve. Detailed Implementation

[0044] First, those skilled in the art should understand that the embodiments described below are merely for explaining the technical principles of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0045] It should be noted that in the description of the invention, the terms "first", "second", "third", "fourth", "fifth", "sixth", "seventh" and "eighth" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0046] Furthermore, it should be noted that, in the description of this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the term "connection" should be interpreted broadly. For example, it can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0047] Given that the method of sterilization by filling the cold tank and its internal air-mixing tank with hot water, as mentioned in the background art, wastes a lot of water resources, the present invention provides a water dispenser and its control method.

[0048] like Figure 1As shown, in the first embodiment of the present invention, the water dispenser includes a cold tank 1, a mixing tank 2, an instant heater (not shown in the figure), and a carbon dioxide storage tank (not shown in the figure) as a carbon dioxide supply component. The mixing tank 2 is disposed inside the cold tank 1 and is made of a heat-conducting material, such as stainless steel, aluminum, or copper. A cold water chamber 11 for preparing cold water is formed between the cold tank 1 and the mixing tank 2. An evaporator coil 31 is disposed inside the cold water chamber 11 and surrounds the mixing tank 2. The evaporator coil 31 is connected to a compressor (not shown in the figure), a condenser (not shown in the figure), and a throttle valve (not shown in the figure) outside the cold tank 1 through refrigerant pipelines to form a heat pump system, so as to reduce the temperature of the water in the cold water chamber 11 by means of the evaporator coil 31 of the heat pump system. The top of the cold water tank 1 is connected to a water storage tank (not shown in the figure) serving as a water source via a first ambient temperature water inlet pipe 41. The top of the cold water tank 1 is connected to an instant heater via a hot water inlet pipe 42. The bottom of the cold water tank 1 is connected to a cold water outlet pipe 43 and a first drain pipe 44. A first solenoid valve 51 is installed on the first ambient temperature water inlet pipe 41, a second solenoid valve 52 is installed on the hot water inlet pipe 42, a third solenoid valve 53 is installed on the cold water outlet pipe 43, and a fourth solenoid valve 54 is installed on the first drain pipe 44. The instant heater, the hot water inlet pipe 42, and the second solenoid valve 52 on the hot water inlet pipe 42 form a hot water supply system for providing sterilization hot water to the cold water chamber 11. The first drain pipe 44 and the fourth solenoid valve 54 on the first drain pipe 44 form a first drainage system for draining water from the cold water chamber 11. A mixing chamber 21 for preparing sparkling water is formed inside the mixing tank 2. The top of the mixing tank 2 is connected to the outlet tank via a second room temperature water inlet pipe 45, and the top of the mixing tank 2 is connected to the carbon dioxide storage tank via an air inlet pipe 46. The bottom of the mixing tank 2 is connected to a sparkling water outlet pipe 47 and a second drain pipe 48. A fifth solenoid valve 55 is installed on the second room temperature water inlet pipe 45, a sixth solenoid valve 56 is installed on the air inlet pipe 46, a seventh solenoid valve 57 is installed on the sparkling water outlet pipe 47, and an eighth solenoid valve 58 is installed on the second drain pipe 48. The second drain pipe 48 and the eighth solenoid valve 58 on the second drain pipe 48 form a second drainage system for draining water from the mixing chamber 21. The water dispenser also includes a controller, which contains a memory and a processor. The memory stores a computer program and is configured to be executed by the processor to perform the control method of the water dispenser.

[0049] like Figure 2 As shown, the control method of the water dispenser mainly includes the following steps:

[0050] Step S100: When entering the sterilization mode, drain the water in the cold water chamber and the water in the air mixing chamber.

[0051] Step S200: Inject hot water into the cold water chamber;

[0052] Step S300: Drain the hot water from the cold water chamber.

[0053] For example, when entering sterilization mode, the controller opens the fourth solenoid valve 54 and the eighth solenoid valve 58, allowing water in the cold water chamber 11 to drain through the first drain pipe 44, and water in the mixing chamber 21 to drain through the second drain pipe 48. Then, the controller closes the fourth and eighth solenoid valves 54 and opens the second solenoid valve 52, and activates the instant heater. Water heated to 95°C to 100°C by the instant heater flows into the cold water chamber 11 through the hot water inlet pipe 42. Once the cold water chamber 11 is full of hot water, the second solenoid valve 52 is closed, and the instant heater stops working. After the hot water (above 95°C) has been left to stand in the cold water chamber 11 for 5 to 15 minutes, the controller opens the fourth solenoid valve 54, allowing the hot water in the cold water chamber 11 to drain through the first drain pipe 44. During this standing period, the hot water in the cold water chamber 11 comes into contact with the inner wall of the cold tank 1 and the outer wall of the mixing tank 2, thus achieving sterilization of the inner wall of the cold tank 1 and the outer wall of the mixing tank 2. The hot water in the cold water chamber 11 comes into contact with the outer wall of the mixing tank 2. The heat of the hot water is transferred to the mixing tank 2, causing the temperature of the mixing tank 2 to rise. The increased temperature of the mixing tank 2 achieves sterilization of the inner wall of the mixing tank 2.

[0054] By using this control method, hot water can be injected into the cold water chamber 11 to sterilize the inner wall of the cold tank 1 and the outer and inner walls of the mixed air tank 2, reducing the hot water consumption for sterilization and reducing the waste of water resources.

[0055] Fill the cold water chamber 11 with hot water at 95°C to 100°C and let it stand for 5 to 15 minutes. This allows the hot water to fully contact the inner wall of the cold tank 1 and the outer and inner walls of the mixing tank 2, thereby improving the sterilization effect. It also avoids excessive sterilization time, reduces the impact of sterilization operation on water dispensing operation, and optimizes the user experience. It should be noted that this is only a preferred control method, and it can be adjusted in practical applications. For example, in another preferred control method, "filling the cold water chamber 11 with hot water at 95°C to 100°C and letting it stand for 5 to 15 minutes" can be replaced with "filling the cold water chamber 11 with hot water at 60°C to 70°C and letting it stand for 30 to 60 minutes". Although this makes the entire sterilization process take longer, since the temperature of the hot water is 60°C to 70°C, the electric energy consumed by the heater to heat the room temperature water into hot water is less, thus reducing energy consumption and making it more energy-efficient. In another feasible control method, "filling the cold water chamber 11 with hot water at 95°C to 100°C and letting it stand for 5 to 15 minutes" can be replaced with "filling the cold water chamber 11 with hot water at 75°C to 89°C and letting it stand for 25 to 30 minutes".

[0056] In another feasible control method, when entering the sterilization mode, the controller controls the fourth solenoid valve 54 and the eighth solenoid valve 58 to open. The water in the cold water chamber 11 is discharged through the first drain pipe 44, and the water in the mixing chamber 21 is discharged through the second drain pipe 48. Then, the controller controls the eighth solenoid valve 58 to close and controls the second solenoid valve 52 to open, controlling the instant heater to work. The water is heated by the instant heater to become hot water at 95°C to 100°C and then flows into the cold water chamber 11 through the hot water inlet pipe 42. The hot water in the cold water chamber 11 is discharged through the first drain pipe 44. After a certain period of time (e.g., 20 minutes), the controller controls the instant heater to stop working and controls the second solenoid valve 52 and the fourth solenoid valve 54 to close. Hot water flows through the cold water chamber 11 and comes into contact with the inner wall of the cold tank 1 and the outer wall of the air mixing tank 2, thereby achieving sterilization of the inner wall of the cold tank 1 and the outer wall of the air mixing tank 2. The hot water flowing through the cold water chamber 11 comes into contact with the outer wall of the air mixing tank 2, and the heat of the hot water is transferred to the air mixing tank 2, causing the temperature of the air mixing tank 2 to rise. The temperature rise of the air mixing tank 2 achieves sterilization of the inner wall of the air mixing tank 2.

[0057] like Figure 3 As shown, in the second embodiment of the present invention, unlike the water dispenser in the first embodiment, the outlet end of the hot water inlet pipe 42 is connected to a plurality of first nozzles 32. These first nozzles 32 are disposed within the cold water chamber 11 and are used to spray water onto the top inner wall of the cold tank 1 and the portion of the side inner wall of the cold tank 1 that is higher than the top of the mixing tank 2. Step S200 specifically includes: injecting hot water into the cold water chamber 11 to a set liquid level and allowing it to stand for a set time. The set liquid level is higher than the highest point of the outer wall of the mixing tank 2, and the distance between the set liquid level and the highest point of the outer wall of the mixing tank 2 is no greater than 10 mm. For example, the control method of the water dispenser includes: when entering the sterilization mode, the controller controls the fourth solenoid valve 54 and the eighth solenoid valve 58 to open, the water in the cold water chamber 11 is discharged through the first drain pipe 44, and the water in the mixing chamber 21 is discharged through the second drain pipe 48. Then, the controller controls the fourth solenoid valve 54 and the eighth solenoid valve 58 to close, controls the second solenoid valve 52 to open, and controls the instant heater to work. The water is heated by the instant heater to become hot water at 95°C to 100°C and then sprayed from the first nozzle 32 onto the inner wall of the cold tank 1 through the hot water inlet pipe 42. The hot water sprayed onto the inner wall of the cold tank 1 flows down along the inner wall of the cold tank 1 and drips directly without separation. When the water level of the hot water in the cold water chamber 11 reaches the set liquid level (for example, the set liquid level is located 5mm above the highest point of the outer wall of the top of the mixing tank 2), the second solenoid valve 52 is closed and the instant heater is controlled to stop working. After hot water at a temperature above 95°C has been left to stand in the cold water chamber 11 for 5 to 15 minutes, the fourth solenoid valve 54 is opened, and the hot water in the cold water chamber 11 is discharged through the first drain pipe 44.

[0058] With this configuration, hot water is sprayed through the first nozzle 32 onto the inner wall of the cold tank 1, allowing the hot water to contact the entire inner wall of the cold tank 1. The hot water in contact with the entire inner wall of the cold tank 1 can sterilize the inner wall of the cold tank 1. The hot water in the cold water chamber 11 contacts the entire outer wall of the air mixing tank 2, and the heat of the hot water is transferred to the air mixing tank 2, raising the temperature of the air mixing tank 2, thereby sterilizing the outer and inner walls of the air mixing tank 2. Compared with filling the cold water chamber 11 with hot water, this configuration further reduces the consumption of hot water and saves water resources.

[0059] Preferably, more first nozzles 32 can be provided so that the first nozzles 32 can spray hot water to all the inner wall positions of the cold tank 1, so as to sterilize the inner wall of the cold tank 1 and wash away bacteria and other impurities adhering to the inner wall of the cold tank 1 by using the impact force of water.

[0060] Preferably, the outlet end of the hot water inlet pipe 42 is also connected to a plurality of second nozzles (not shown in the figure), which are arranged in the cold water chamber 11 and are used to spray hot water onto the outer wall of the mixing tank 2.

[0061] With this setup, different parts of the outer wall of the mixing tank 2 can come into contact with hot water simultaneously, allowing the temperature at different locations in the mixing tank 2 to quickly reach the temperature required for sterilization, further shortening the sterilization time.

[0062] like Figure 4 As shown, in the third embodiment of the present invention, unlike the water dispenser in the second embodiment, the top inner wall of the cold water tank 1 gradually extends downward from the center to the surrounding area (for example, the top inner wall of the cold water tank 1 is a conical surface). The outlet end of the hot water inlet pipe 42 is connected to a first nozzle 32. The first nozzle 32 is disposed in the cold water chamber 11. The first nozzle 32 is used to spray hot water toward the center of the top inner wall of the cold water tank 1 so that the hot water can flow through the entire inner wall of the cold water tank 1.

[0063] With this configuration, when hot water is sprayed from the first nozzle 32 into the middle of the top inner wall of the cold tank 1, the hot water can flow downward along the inner wall of the cold tank 1 more effectively. This allows the sprayed hot water to flow through the entire inner wall of the cold tank 1, and reduces the number of first nozzles 32, thereby lowering the manufacturing cost of the water dispenser.

[0064] like Figure 5 As shown, in the fourth embodiment of the present invention, unlike the third embodiment, the distance between the highest point of the outer wall of the air mixing tank 2 and the bottom inner wall of the cold tank 1 is no greater than one-third of the height dimension of the cold water cavity 11. For example, the distance between the highest point of the outer wall of the air mixing tank 2 and the bottom inner wall of the cold tank 1 is one-quarter of the height dimension of the cold water cavity 11.

[0065] Since step S200 in the control method includes "injecting hot water into the cold water chamber 11 to a set liquid level and letting it stand for a set time", the set liquid level is higher than the highest point of the outer wall of the mixing tank 2 and the distance between the set liquid level and the highest point of the outer wall of the mixing tank 2 is no more than 10mm. With this setting, only a smaller amount of hot water needs to be injected into the cold water chamber 11 to achieve sterilization of the inner wall of the cold tank 1 and the outer and inner walls of the mixing tank 2, thereby saving more water resources.

[0066] Based on the above embodiments, preferably, the control method of the water dispenser of the present invention further includes: acquiring historical water usage information; determining the sterilization timing based on the historical water usage information; determining whether the sterilization timing has been reached at the current moment, and if so, entering the sterilization mode.

[0067] For example, after the water dispenser is put into use, the user's water-filling times are recorded. After a period of time (such as two weeks), the recorded water-filling times are analyzed to determine the user's non-water-filling periods, and the sterilization timing is determined based on these non-water-filling periods. For instance, if the user frequently fills their water between 8:00 and 9:00, 11:00 and 12:00, 14:00 and 15:00 and 17:00 and 18:00, the user's non-water-filling periods can be determined as 18:00 to 8:00 the next day, 9:00 to 11:00, 12:00 to 14:00, and 15:00 to 17:00. The time period from 7:00 to 8:00 each day can be determined as the sterilization period. If the current time is 7:00, the water dispenser is controlled to enter sterilization mode. In this way, based on the user's usage habits, sterilization mode can be activated after a relatively long period of no water consumption to sterilize the inner wall of the cold tank 1 and the outer and inner walls of the air-mixing tank 2.

[0068] It should be noted that the water dispenser's controller can also activate the sterilization mode based on the user's sterilization commands. For example, users can input sterilization commands through the water dispenser's control panel or through a smart device (such as a smartphone, tablet, or smartwatch) connected to the water dispenser's controller.

[0069] It should also be noted that the heat pump system in the above embodiments may not be used. Instead, a semiconductor cooling chip may be installed on the outer wall of the cold tank 1 to reduce the water temperature in the cold water chamber 11, thereby producing cold water. Additionally, the water dispensers in the above embodiments may also include a water purification system to provide filtered water to the storage tank.

[0070] 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 control method for a water dispenser, characterized in that, The water dispenser includes a cold tank and a mixing tank disposed within the cold tank. The mixing tank is made of a thermally conductive material. A cold water chamber for preparing cold water is formed between the cold tank and the mixing tank. A mixing chamber for preparing sparkling water is formed within the mixing tank. The water dispenser also includes a hot water supply system for providing hot water for sterilization to the cold water chamber, a first drainage system for draining water from the cold water chamber, and a second drainage system for draining water from the mixing chamber. The control method includes: When the sterilization mode is entered, the water in the cold water chamber and the water in the air mixing chamber are drained. Inject hot water into the cold water chamber; The hot water in the cold water chamber is drained.

2. The control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The specific steps of "injecting hot water into the cold water chamber" include: Fill the cold water chamber with hot water and let it stand for a set time.

3. The control method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The specific steps of "filling the cold water chamber with hot water and letting it stand for a set time" include: Fill the cold water chamber with hot water at 60°C to 70°C and let it stand for 30 to 60 minutes.

4. The control method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The specific steps of "filling the cold water chamber with hot water and letting it stand for a set time" include: Fill the cold water chamber with hot water at 95°C to 100°C and let it stand for 5 to 15 minutes.

5. The control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The hot water supply system includes a hot water inlet pipe and a first nozzle connected to the outlet end of the hot water inlet pipe. The first nozzle is disposed in the cold water chamber and is used to spray hot water onto the inner wall of the cold tank so that the hot water sprayed by the first nozzle can flow through the entire inner wall of the cold tank. The step of "injecting hot water into the cold water chamber" includes: Inject hot water into the cold water chamber to a set liquid level and let it stand for a set time; Wherein, the set liquid level height is higher than the highest point of the outer wall of the mixing tank, and the distance between the set liquid level height and the highest point of the outer wall of the mixing tank is not greater than 10mm.

6. The control method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The top inner wall of the cold tank gradually extends downward from the center outwards, and the first nozzle is used to spray hot water toward the center of the top inner wall of the cold tank so that the hot water can flow through the entire inner wall of the cold tank.

7. The control method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The hot water supply system also includes a second nozzle connected to the outlet end of the hot water inlet pipe. The second nozzle is disposed inside the cold water chamber and is used to spray hot water onto the outer wall of the mixing tank.

8. The control method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The distance between the highest point of the outer wall of the mixing chamber and the bottom inner wall of the cold chamber is no greater than one-third of the height dimension of the cold water cavity.

9. The control method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The control method further includes: Obtain historical water usage information; The timing of sterilization is determined based on the historical water usage information. Determine whether the sterilization time has been reached at the current moment; if so, enter the sterilization mode.

10. A water dispenser, characterized in that, The water dispenser includes: Memory; Processor; and A computer program, stored in the memory and configured to be executed by the processor to implement the control method for the water dispenser according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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