A multifunctional pipeline machine and kitchen appliance

Abstract

The application provides a multifunctional pipeline machine and kitchen appliance, and relates to the technical field of household appliances, which comprises a whole machine host, a main control module, a water inlet branch and a heat storage branch are arranged in the whole machine host, the water inlet branch and the heat storage branch are connected in parallel and are connected to the front end of a temperature regulating water outlet branch after being converged, the heat storage branch is also connected to the front end of a steam generation branch, the temperature regulating water outlet branch and the steam generation branch are respectively connected to two input channels of a multi-way switch valve, and the output end of the multi-way switch valve is respectively connected to a drinking water output port and a steam output port; the main control module is used for controlling the on-off of each branch and driving the multi-way switch valve to selectively conduct the drinking water output port and the steam output port. The beneficial effect is that a single whole machine host can output multi-gear drinking water and deliver high-temperature steam, and the steam can respectively complete oil stain cleaning and tableware disinfection, thereby effectively reducing the purchase cost of users.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of household appliances, in particular to a multifunctional water dispenser and a kitchen electric appliance. Background Art

[0002] As a terminal water-outlet household appliance supporting a water purification system, the water dispenser is widely arranged in households and office spaces. The existing conventional water dispenser is only provided with a single fluid water path, which can only realize multi-gear temperature-adjusted water outlet. The equipment has a single function, is not equipped with a supporting steam output pipeline structure, and cannot output high-temperature steam to complete cleaning operations for kitchen oil stains and tableware surfaces.

[0003] At present, the temperature-adjustable water dispenser and the steam cleaning equipment on the market are two completely separate types of products, each of which is independently provided with a water inlet pipeline, a heat storage pipeline and an electric control assembly. If users have the needs of both temperature-adjusted drinking water and steam cleaning, they need to purchase two independent devices. The separate placement of multiple devices will occupy a large amount of kitchen countertop space, and the two sets of devices are repeatedly configured with hardware structures related to water inlet, heat storage and control, resulting in low component reuse rate and poor overall equipment integration. If the drinking water path and the steam path are simply spliced and combined without partitioning and distributing the water inlet and heat storage water paths, and no special multi-channel fluid switching structure is provided, hardware-level defects such as water source supply conflict between the two water paths and cross-flow of pipeline media are prone to occur, which further causes safety problems such as dry burning and abnormal pipeline pressure, and the operation stability of the equipment water path structure is poor. The prior art lacks a hardware structure of a water dispenser that realizes both temperature-adjusted drinking water output and high-temperature steam output through an integrated water path structure matched with a switching valve body.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a multifunctional water dispenser with a composite water path distribution structure that can take into account both drinking water and steam output. Contents of the Invention

[0005] Aiming at the problems existing in the prior art, the present invention provides a multifunctional water dispenser, which includes a complete machine main body. A main control module, a water inlet branch and a heat storage branch are arranged inside the complete machine main body. The water inlet branch and the heat storage branch are arranged in parallel and connected to the front end of the temperature-adjusted water outlet branch after converging. The heat storage branch is also communicated with the front end of the steam generation branch. The temperature-adjusted water outlet branch and the steam generation branch are respectively butted with two input channels of a multi-way switching valve, and the output ends of the multi-way switching valve are respectively connected with a drinking water outlet and a steam outlet; The main control module is used for controlling the on-off of the water inlet branch, the heat storage branch, the temperature-adjusted water outlet branch and the steam generation branch, and driving the multi-way switching valve to selectively conduct one of the drinking water outlet and the steam outlet; The steam outlet is connected to the steam operation assembly through a pipeline.

[0006] Preferably, the water inlet branch is connected to the main water inlet and is equipped with a water inlet valve, which is connected to the front end of the temperature-controlled water outlet branch and electrically connected to the main control module.

[0007] Preferably, the heat storage branch includes a heat tank, the water inlet of the heat tank is connected to the main water inlet through a water replenishment valve, the water outlet of the heat tank is connected in sequence to an outlet valve and a first one-way valve, the first one-way valve is connected to the front end of the temperature-regulating water outlet branch, and the main control module is electrically connected to the water replenishment valve, the outlet valve and the first one-way valve respectively.

[0008] Preferably, the top of the hot tank is provided with an exhaust port, the inside of the hot tank is provided with a first temperature sensor and a water level sensor, and the bottom of the hot tank is provided with a hot tank heating element and a hot tank anti-dry burning protector. The main control module is electrically connected to the first temperature sensor, the water level sensor, the hot tank heating element, and the hot tank anti-dry burning protector, respectively.

[0009] Preferably, the temperature-regulating water outlet branch and the steam generation branch share the same instant heating element; The temperature-controlled water outlet branch is equipped with a flow regulating pump, which is used to transport the water after the water inlet branch and / or the heat storage branch converge to the instant heating element, and then output multi-temperature drinking water. The steam generation branch is equipped with a peristaltic pump, which is used to deliver the output from the heat storage branch to the instant heating element and vaporize it to form the steam; The main control module is electrically connected to the flow regulating pump, the instant heating element, and the peristaltic pump, respectively.

[0010] Preferably, a second check valve electrically connected to the main control module is provided on the temperature-controlled water outlet branch, and / or a third check valve electrically connected to the main control module is provided on the steam generation branch.

[0011] Preferably, the instant heating element is equipped with a dry-burning protection device, which is electrically connected to the main control module; The steam generating branch is also provided with a steam pressure relief port, and a steam safety pressure relief valve is installed at the steam pressure relief port.

[0012] Preferably, a second temperature sensor is also provided on the steam generating branch, which is electrically connected to the main control module.

[0013] Preferably, the steam operation component includes a steam cleaning handle, which is equipped with a steam nozzle and a manual steam switch, the manual steam switch being electrically connected to the main control module.

[0014] The present invention also provides a kitchen appliance, including the above-mentioned multi-functional water dispenser, wherein the steam output port of the multi-functional water dispenser is detachably connected to the steam operation component and the tableware disinfection and drying component through a pipeline, so as to output steam to the steam operation component and the tableware disinfection and drying component; The tableware disinfection and drying component is a sealed cavity, which is equipped with a steam inlet, a hollow tableware rack, a detachable condensate drip tray located below the hollow tableware rack, a PTC heating element, and a circulating fan. The steam inlet port is detachably connected to the steam outlet port; The main control module is electrically connected to the PTC heating element and the circulating fan, respectively.

[0015] The above technical solution has the following advantages or beneficial effects: 1) By setting up a parallel connection between the inlet branch and the heat storage branch, a dedicated outlet branch for temperature regulation is provided. The heat storage branch has a separate pipeline to supply water to the steam generation branch. The water sources of the two functional water circuits are independent of each other. With the help of a multi-way switching valve, the drinking water output channel and the steam output channel are isolated. The two fluid paths of drinking water output and steam output do not interfere with each other. From the hardware water circuit construction level, the problem of water flow and steam crossflow is eliminated, and the water output and steam output conditions are stable. 2) The whole machine relies on a unified water inlet branch, heat storage branch, main control module and multi-way switching valve to realize multi-temperature drinking water and high-temperature steam output. The steam output port can be connected to the steam operation component and the tableware sterilization and drying component respectively, and simultaneously realize four functions: multi-temperature drinking water, steam cleaning of kitchen oil stains, sealed steam sterilization of tableware and hot air drying of tableware. There is no need to purchase multiple independent appliances such as pipeline machine, steam cleaner and sterilization cabinet, which significantly reduces the equipment procurement cost. The equipment is integrated into one unit, eliminating the need for repeated deployment of water inlet, heat storage and electrical control components of multiple equipment. The whole machine has a compact structure and significantly reduces the space occupied on the kitchen countertop. 3) The main control module centrally manages the on / off of the water inlet branch, heat storage branch, temperature-controlled water outlet branch, and steam generation branch. The drinking water output or steam output can be switched by simply driving the multi-way switching valve. The operation of switching between drinking water and steam modes is simple. The steam output port adopts a detachable pipeline structure, which can quickly disassemble and replace the steam operation component and the tableware disinfection and drying component. The oil stain cleaning and tableware disinfection scenarios can be switched as needed, and the operation process is simple. 4) The tableware sterilization and drying component adopts a closed cavity structure, with an internal hollow tableware rack and a detachable condensate drip tray, and is equipped with an independent PTC heating element and a circulating fan; the main control module is electrically connected to the PTC heating element and the circulating fan. After steam sterilization is completed, it can drive the fan and heating element to work synchronously, quickly removing moisture from the surface of the tableware. The condensate is collected in the drip tray, preventing the tableware from being in a humid environment for a long time and breeding microorganisms. Sterilization and drying are integrated, making the tableware more hygienic to use; 5) The steam output port can be detachably connected to different functional components through the pipeline. It can be connected to external steam operation components to clean heavily oiled areas such as stoves and range hoods, or connected to sealed tableware sterilization and drying components to achieve high-temperature steam sterilization of tableware. One steam output structure is suitable for two core scenarios: kitchen cleaning and tableware sterilization, making the equipment more widely applicable. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the internal piping structure of a multi-functional pipeline machine is shown in a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 An electrical schematic diagram of a multi-functional pipeline machine is provided in a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the structure of a kitchen appliance is shown in a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the structure of the tableware disinfection and drying assembly is shown in a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the hollow tableware rack and the condensate drip tray in a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0017] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. The present invention is not limited to this embodiment; other embodiments that conform to the spirit of the present invention may also fall within the scope of the present invention.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, based on the above-mentioned problems existing in the prior art, a multi-functional pipeline machine is provided, such as... Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the system includes a main unit 100, which contains a main control module 1, a water inlet branch 2, and a heat storage branch 3. The water inlet branch 2 and the heat storage branch 3 are connected in parallel and merged to the front end of the temperature-regulating water outlet branch 4. The heat storage branch 3 is also connected to the front end of the steam generation branch 5. The temperature-regulating water outlet branch 4 and the steam generation branch 5 are respectively connected to the two input channels of the multi-way switching valve 6. The output end of the multi-way switching valve 6 is respectively connected to the drinking water outlet 7 and the steam outlet 8. The main control module 1 is used to control the on / off of the water inlet branch 2, the heat storage branch 3, the temperature-regulating water outlet branch 4, and the steam generation branch 5, and to drive the multi-way switching valve 6 to select one to conduct the drinking water outlet 7 and the steam outlet 8. Steam outlet 8 is connected to steam operation assembly 200 via pipeline.

[0019] Specifically, in this embodiment, the main unit 100 integrates a main control module 1, a water inlet branch 2, and a heat storage branch 3. The water inlet branch 2 and the heat storage branch 3 are arranged in parallel pipelines. After the two pipelines converge at their ends, they are connected to the front end of the temperature-regulating water outlet branch 4. At the same time, the heat storage branch 3 has a separate pipeline connected to the front end of the steam generation branch 5. The temperature-regulating water outlet branch 4 and the steam generation branch 5 are respectively connected to the two input channels of the multi-way switching valve 6. The multi-way switching valve 6 is equipped with two independent output terminals. One terminal is connected to the drinking water outlet 7 for outputting multi-temperature purified water that can be directly drunk, and the other terminal is connected to the steam outlet 8 for outputting high-temperature steam. The entire unit relies on the main control module 1 to uniformly manage the on / off status of all fluid branches. The main control module 1 is electrically connected to the water inlet branch 2, the heat storage branch 3, the temperature-regulating water outlet branch 4, and the steam generation branch 5, respectively. It can synchronously drive the multi-way switching valve 6 to complete the flow reversal. At any given time, only one of the drinking water outlet 7 and the steam outlet 8 is allowed to conduct the output medium, avoiding cross-flow interference between the water and steam media. The steam outlet 8 achieves rapid docking with the steam operation component 200 through a high-temperature resistant flexible pipeline, and simultaneously realizes multi-temperature drinking water supply and high-temperature steam output through a single water circuit architecture.

[0020] Compared to traditional water dispensers that only have a single drinking function, this solution integrates drinking water and steam output by using a unified parallel water circuit with a shared valve body and shared heating hardware. It eliminates the need to arrange separate water inlet, heat storage, and switching hardware for the two functions, reducing the repetitive assembly of pipes, valve bodies, and heating elements. The internal components of the whole machine are arranged more compactly, which can reduce the overall space occupied by the main unit.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the water inlet branch 2 is connected to the main water inlet 10 and the water inlet branch 2 is provided with a water inlet valve 21. The water inlet valve 21 is connected to the front end of the temperature-controlled water outlet branch 4 and electrically connected to the main control module 1.

[0022] Specifically, in this embodiment, the main water inlet 10 serves as the only external water input terminal of the whole machine, directly connected to the water inlet branch 2. The water inlet branch 2 is equipped with a controlled opening and closing water inlet valve 21. The water outlet pipe of the water inlet valve 21 is connected to the front end of the temperature-controlled water outlet branch 4 and the electrical control pin of the water inlet valve 21 is directly connected to the main control module 1.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the heat storage branch 3 includes a heat tank 31. The water inlet of the heat tank 31 is connected to the main water inlet 10 through a water supply valve 32. The water outlet of the heat tank 31 is connected in sequence to a water outlet valve 33 and a first one-way valve 34. The first one-way valve 34 is connected to the front end of the temperature-regulating water outlet branch 4. The main control module 1 is electrically connected to the water supply valve 32, the water outlet valve 33 and the first one-way valve 34 respectively.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the top of the hot tank 31 is provided with an exhaust port 311, the interior of the hot tank 31 is provided with a first temperature sensor 312 and a water level sensor 313, and the bottom of the hot tank 31 is provided with a hot tank heating element 314 and a hot tank anti-dry burning protector 315. The main control module 1 is electrically connected to the first temperature sensor 312, the water level sensor 313, the hot tank heating element 314, and the hot tank anti-dry burning protector 315.

[0025] Specifically, in this embodiment, the water inlet of the hot water tank 31 is connected to the main water inlet 10 via an independent water supply valve 32, thereby achieving an independent water supply process. The water outlet pipeline of the hot water tank 31 is connected in series with the water outlet valve 33 and the first one-way valve 34. The water supply valve 32, the water outlet valve 33, and the first one-way valve 34 are all electrically connected to the main control module 1. The main control module 1 can independently control the opening and closing of the three valves. The first one-way valve 34 can prevent the water in the temperature-controlled water outlet branch 4 from flowing back into the hot water tank 31, avoiding disorderly mixing of hot and cold water that affects the accuracy of the outlet water temperature.

[0026] Furthermore, the heating tank 31 is a sealed water storage tank structure, with a heating tank vent 311 at the top to expel air generated during heating and prevent pressure buildup inside the tank. A first temperature sensor 312 and a water level sensor 313 are vertically arranged inside the heating tank 31. The first temperature sensor 312 collects real-time water temperature data, and the water level sensor 313 continuously monitors the real-time water level inside the tank. A heating element 314 is installed at the bottom of the heating tank 31 to provide a basic heat source for heat storage, and a heating tank anti-dry-burning protector 315 is provided as the first line of defense against water shortage and overheating. After the device powers on and completes its self-test, the main control module 1 continuously reads water level and temperature monitoring data. When the water level sensor 313 detects that the water level in the tank is lower than the preset lower threshold L1, the main control module 1 automatically opens the water supply valve 32 to supply water to the hot tank 31. Once the water level reaches the upper threshold H1, the water supply valve 32 is immediately closed to complete the water supply. When the first temperature sensor 312 detects that the water temperature is lower than the preset heat storage temperature Tt_set, the main control module 1 starts the heating element 314 of the hot tank to raise the temperature. After the water temperature rises back to the hysteresis range of Tt_set±3℃, the heating stops and the temperature is kept constant throughout the process. Once the hot tank anti-dry burning protector 315 detects the risk of dry burning during the heating process, it will immediately send a power-off signal to the main control module. The main control module 1 directly cuts off the power supply to the heating element 314 of the hot tank and simultaneously triggers the whole machine fault alarm. Relying on multi-layer monitoring and protection, the hidden danger of dry burning damage to the heat storage tank is eliminated.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the temperature-controlled water outlet branch 4 and the steam generation branch 5 share the same instant heating element 9; Among them, the temperature-controlled water outlet branch 4 is equipped with a flow regulating pump 41, which is used to transport the water after the water inlet branch 2 and / or the heat storage branch 3 converge to the instant heating element 9, and then output multi-temperature drinking water. The steam generation branch 5 is equipped with a peristaltic pump 51, which is used to transport the hot water output from the heat storage branch 3 to the instant heating element 9 and vaporize it to form steam. The main control module 1 is electrically connected to the flow regulating pump 41, the instant heating element 9, and the peristaltic pump 51, respectively.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a second check valve 42 electrically connected to the main control module 1 is provided on the temperature-controlled water outlet branch 4, and / or a third check valve 52 electrically connected to the main control module 1 is provided on the steam generation branch 5.

[0029] Specifically, in this embodiment, the temperature-regulating water outlet branch 4 and the steam generation branch 5 adopt an integrated design with a shared heat source. The media at the end of the two branches converge to the same instant heating element 9. Relying on a single set of heating components, the two heating needs of drinking water temperature regulation and high-temperature steam vaporization are completed simultaneously, greatly simplifying the number of pipelines and heating components in the whole machine.

[0030] The flow regulating pump 41 installed on the temperature-controlled water outlet branch 4 receives the speed regulation signal from the main control module 1 and can deliver the ambient temperature water from the inlet branch 2 or the preheated water output from the heat storage branch 3, either individually or in combination, to the instant heating element 9 for heating. The peristaltic pump 51, independently configured in the steam generation branch 5, is controlled by the main control module 1 to output low-flow hot water, specifically drawing 85°C preheated water from the heat tank 31 and delivering it to the instant heating element 9. After entering the instant heating element 9, the high-temperature preheated water quickly vaporizes to form saturated high-temperature steam at 105-115°C. The stable working pressure of the steam is maintained in the range of 0.1MPa to 0.15MPa, effectively reducing the amount of liquid water droplets entrained during steam output and solving the defects of insufficient dryness and poor cleaning and disinfection effects of traditional steam equipment.

[0031] A second check valve 42 is added to the temperature-controlled water outlet branch 4, and a third check valve 52 is added to the steam generation branch 5. The second check valve 42 and the third check valve 52 are also controlled by the main control module, which respectively block the reverse flow of the medium in the two branches, further eliminating the problem of crosstalk between the water circuit and the steam circuit.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the heating element 9 is provided with a heating element anti-dry-burning protector 91, which is electrically connected to the main control module 1; The steam generation branch 5 is also equipped with a steam pressure relief port, and a steam safety pressure relief valve 53 is installed at the steam pressure relief port.

[0033] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a second temperature sensor 54 is further provided on the evaporation branch 5, which is electrically connected to the main control module 1.

[0034] Specifically, in this embodiment, the instant heating element 9 is equipped with an independent anti-dry-burning protector 91 and connected to the main control module 1 as the second layer of anti-dry-burning safety protection for the whole machine. Regardless of whether it is the drinking water mode or the steam mode, if the instant heating element 9 continues to burn dry after the pipeline is short of water, the anti-dry-burning protector 91 will immediately send a signal to the main control module 1, and the whole machine will directly cut off the power supply of the instant heating element 9 and lock all heating functions, and simultaneously pop up a fault code to prompt the user to repair.

[0035] A steam pressure relief port is opened in the pipe section between the multi-way switching valve 6 and the instant heating element 9 in the steam generation branch 5. A steam safety pressure relief valve 53 is installed at the pressure relief port. After the steam mode is stopped, the thermal inertia in the pipeline will cause the steam pressure to rise briefly. When the pipeline pressure exceeds the safety threshold, the steam safety pressure relief valve 53 will automatically open to relieve pressure, discharge the excess steam from the pipeline, and protect the entire sealed pipeline from high pressure damage.

[0036] The steam generation branch 5 is also equipped with a second temperature sensor 54 and electrically connected to the main control module 1. The second temperature sensor 54 collects the real-time temperature of the vaporized steam. The whole machine is preset with a standard steam temperature of 110℃ and allows a temperature hysteresis range of ±5℃. During operation, the main control module 1 continuously reads the temperature measurement data of the second temperature sensor 54. When the steam temperature is too low, the output power of the instant heating element 9 is increased and the water supply flow of the peristaltic pump 51 is reduced. When the steam temperature is too high, the heating power is reduced and the water supply flow is slightly increased. By relying on the linkage regulation of flow and power, the steam dryness and output temperature are stabilized to ensure the stable effect of oil stain removal and tableware disinfection.

[0037] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the steam operation assembly 200 includes a steam cleaning handle 201, which is provided with a steam nozzle and a manual steam switch 202, which is electrically connected to the main control module 1.

[0038] Specifically, in this embodiment, the steam operation component 200 of the device is a steam cleaning handle 201 adapted for local home cleaning. The front end of the handle body is provided with a steam nozzle with a wide-angle atomizing structure. The handle grip area is equipped with a manual steam switch 202. The manual steam switch 202 is a mechanical press-triggered hardware and is connected to the main control module 1 through a signal line.

[0039] After connecting the two ends of the steam hose to the steam output port 8 and the steam cleaning handle 201 respectively, the user selects the steam cleaning mode on the touch panel of the machine. The main control module 1 drives the multi-way switching valve 6 to switch to the steam output path. At this time, pressing the manual steam switch 202 on the handle will cause the main control module to simultaneously open the hot tank water outlet valve 33, start the peristaltic pump 51 and the instant heating element 9 to output high-temperature steam. Releasing the manual steam switch 202 will stop all three functions simultaneously, preventing the continuous accumulation of high-pressure steam in the pipeline. The high-temperature resistant and scalding-proof flexible steam hose is preferably paired with a heat-insulating protective sleeve on the outer layer of the handle. Users can hold the hose to perform targeted high-temperature softening and peeling cleaning of the inner cavity of the kitchen range hood, the gaps in the stove, and heavily oiled areas on the countertop. The steam output can be paused by releasing the switch during use, making the operation flexible and safe.

[0040] Furthermore, the front of the device is equipped with a visual display panel and touch operation buttons, supporting one-click function switching. It also features dual child locks and a fault code display module, providing intuitive prompts for faults such as water shortage, overheating, overpressure, and improperly assembled parts. In addition, the main control module has a built-in handle not retracted locking logic. When the steam cleaning handle 201 is not retracted, the entire machine locks the high-temperature steam and hot water output functions to prevent accidental burns.

[0041] The present invention also provides a kitchen appliance, such as Figures 3 to 5 As shown, the multi-functional pipeline machine mentioned above has its steam output port 8 detachably connected to the steam operation component 200 and the tableware disinfection and drying component 300 via pipelines, so as to output steam to the steam operation component 200 and the tableware disinfection and drying component 300. The tableware disinfection and drying component 300 is a sealed cavity, which is equipped with a steam inlet 301, a hollow tableware rack 302, a detachable condensate drip tray 303 located below the hollow tableware rack 302, a PTC heating element 304, and a circulating fan 305. The steam inlet port 301 is detachably connected to the steam outlet port 8; The main control module 1 is electrically connected to the PTC heating element 304 and the circulating fan 305 respectively.

[0042] Specifically, in this embodiment, the tableware sterilization and drying component 300 is an independent, detachable, food-grade, high-temperature resistant, sealed cavity. A steam inlet 301 is provided on the side wall of the cavity. The steam inlet 301 can be quickly connected to the steam output port 8 of the entire machine via a high-temperature resistant hose. A multi-layered perforated tableware rack 302 is arranged in the middle layer inside the cavity, which can simultaneously hold various tableware such as bowls, chopsticks, baby food utensils, knives, and small cutting boards. The perforated structure ensures that the high-temperature steam completely surrounds the tableware for thorough sterilization. Below the perforated tableware rack 302 is a pull-out, detachable condensate drip tray 303. All condensate and drained water generated during steam sterilization are collected in the drip tray, which the user can periodically remove and clean to prevent long-term water accumulation inside the cavity, which can lead to mold and odor growth. The cavity sidewall has a built-in PTC heating element 304 and a small, silent circulating fan 305. The PTC heating element 304 and the circulating fan 305 are all electrically connected to the main control module. After the user places the tableware on the shelf 302 and closes the cavity door, they select the disinfection and drying mode on the touch panel. The main control module 1 controls the multi-way switching valve 6 to switch to the steam passage and automatically starts the constant temperature steam disinfection process. High-temperature steam continuously enters the sealed cavity to complete the antibacterial disinfection of the tableware. After the disinfection timer ends, the main control module automatically shuts off the hot tank outlet valve 33, the peristaltic pump 51, and the instant heating element 9, and then starts the PTC heating element 304 and the circulating fan 305 to run the hot air drying program. The hot air circulates in the sealed cavity and quickly dries the residual moisture on the surface of the tableware. After the drying process is completed, the circulating fan 305 continues to run unloaded to cool the cavity. The entire disinfection and drying process is fully automatic and closed-loop, requiring no manual operation during the process.

[0043] Furthermore, the machine also supports the independent activation of the drying mode, which directly starts the PTC heating element 304 and the circulating fan 305 to complete the drying of tableware. At the same time, the main control module is equipped with a safety interlock for closing the chamber door. The machine cannot start the steam sterilization program when the tableware sterilization and drying component 300 cavity is not fully closed, thus eliminating the risk of high-temperature steam leakage and burns.

[0044] In addition, the internal power supply circuit of the whole machine is preferably designed with a hardware circuit interlock structure. The heating element 314 of the hot tank and the instant heating element 9 belong to two mutually exclusive power supply circuits. The power supply circuits of the two heating elements are mutually exclusive through the internal circuit board of the main control module, and the two cannot be powered at the same time. The PTC heating element 304 of the tableware sterilization and drying component 300 is equipped with an independent power supply circuit. This power supply circuit does not participate in the above interlock structure and can be synchronously connected with any one of the power supply circuits of the heating element 314 of the hot tank and the instant heating element 9.

[0045] The main unit 100 has an embedded touch display panel on its outer wall. The panel's wiring terminals are fixedly connected to the main control module 1 via ribbon cables. The panel serves only as a hardware carrier for human-machine interaction. The core innovation of this solution lies in the structural improvements of all sensors, pumps, valves, heating elements, and switching valves. Relying on the above-mentioned parallel water circuit layout, shared heating chamber, multi-channel mutually exclusive switching valves, detachable dual-function external steam components, and sealed sterilization and drying chamber with matching hot air hardware, a single unit can integrate multiple functions such as multi-temperature drinking water, high-temperature steam cleaning, sealed tableware steam sterilization, and hot air drying. This eliminates the need for multiple independent appliances with repetitive water inlet, heat storage, heating, and switching hardware. The entire unit has a compact structure, with partitioned and isolated pipelines, one-way valves to prevent backflow, mechanical pressure relief hardware, and multiple mechanical anti-dry-burning protectors combined with electrical interlocking circuits. The hardware structure works together to ensure stable operation of the equipment. The external components at the steam output end can be quickly replaced to adapt to two different steam usage conditions: kitchen oil cleaning and tableware sterilization.

[0046] Based on the above-mentioned hardware assembly, piping connections, and electrical connection structure, once the entire machine is powered on, it can complete the entire operating process by relying on the hardware linkage between the various components, as detailed below: When the device is powered on, the main control module 1 completes a hardware self-test through fixed lines connected to various sensors, valves, pumps, and heating components. It simultaneously reads the water level and temperature signals inside the heat tank 31 collected by the water level sensor 313 and the first temperature sensor 312. Once the water level inside the heat tank 31 falls below the preset lower limit, the main control module 1 activates the power supply circuit corresponding to the water supply valve 32. The water source introduced by the main inlet 10 flows continuously into the heat tank 31 through the water supply valve 32 until the water level reaches the upper limit. The power supply to the water supply valve 32 is automatically cut off. When the water temperature inside the hot tank 31 is lower than the preset insulation temperature, the main control module 1 conducts the circuit of the hot tank heating element 314 to preheat the water in the tank. After the water temperature reaches the set hysteresis temperature, the power supply is cut off. When the equipment is in standby mode, it will continuously rely on the hardware signal fed back by the sensing element to perform water supply and insulation actions in a loop. The power interlock circuit board set inside the whole machine will always limit the hot tank heating element 314 and the instant heating element 9 to only one circuit to conduct, so as to avoid the problem of instantaneous power overload of the whole machine.

[0047] After the user selects the function mode via the embedded touch display panel on the outside of the main unit, the main control module 1 switches the internal fluid passage based on the electromagnetic drive valve core mechanical structure of the multi-way switching valve 6, thereby adapting to the water delivery requirements of different functional conditions: When the drinking water mode is selected, the main control module 1 activates the power supply circuits of the inlet valve 21 and the flow regulating pump 41. The valve core inside the multi-way switching valve 6 synchronously switches to the channel connected to the drinking water output port 7. The room temperature water delivered by the inlet branch 2 and the preheated water output by the heat storage branch 3 converge and are then quantitatively delivered to the common instant heating element 9 via the flow regulating pump 41. The flow regulating pump 41 adjusts the water flow rate to work with the instant heating element 9 to raise the water temperature, thus outputting drinking water at multiple levels: room temperature, 45℃, 55℃, 85℃, and 95℃. The real-time water temperature is collected by the second temperature sensor 54 and transmitted to the main control module 1 to match the hardware output power. The second one-way valve 42 installed in the pipeline uses its own check valve structure to prevent backflow of fluid. After the user completes the water dispensing operation, the main control module 1 cuts off the power supply lines to the inlet valve 21, the flow regulating pump 41, and the instant heating element 9, and the valve core inside the multi-way switching valve 6 synchronously resets to its initial state.

[0048] If steam cleaning is required, the steam cleaning component 200 must be assembled to the steam output port 8 via a quick-connect pipe in advance. After assembly, the main control module 1 releases the steam output safety lock and drives the multi-way switching valve 6 to switch to the connecting channel of the steam output port 8. The operator presses the mechanical manual steam switch 202 on the steam cleaning handle 201. The switch transmits a hardware conduction signal to the main control module 1 through the built-in wire. The main control module 1 simultaneously connects the power supply circuits corresponding to the water outlet valve 33, peristaltic pump 51, and instant heating element 9. The preheated water stored in the heat storage branch 3 is delivered to the instant heating element 9 at a low flow rate via the peristaltic pump 51. It is heated and vaporized to form high-temperature steam of 105℃~115℃. The steam is delivered to the steam nozzle along the steam pipeline and sprayed outward to complete the oil cleaning. After the operator releases the manual steam switch 202, the main control module 1 immediately cuts off the power supply to the peristaltic pump 51 and the instant heating element 9, and the steam output stops synchronously. The steam safety relief valve 53 installed inside the steam generation branch 5 is a purely mechanical structure. When the internal pressure of the pipeline exceeds the threshold of 0.15MPa, it automatically releases pressure by relying on the internal spring force. The third one-way valve 52 continuously prevents the backflow of steam and hot water. Throughout the operation, the second temperature sensor 54 collects the steam temperature in real time and adjusts the water flow of the pump to stabilize the steam state.

[0049] When tableware needs to be disinfected and dried, the tableware disinfection and drying component 300 is plugged into the steam output port 8. The tableware to be treated is placed on the hollow tableware rack 302 inside the cavity, and the cavity is closed. After the cavity is closed, the main control module 1 releases the steam output safety lock, and the multi-way switching valve 6 switches to the steam output path. High-temperature steam is introduced into the sealed cavity using a water circuit hardware structure that is completely consistent with the steam cleaning mode, and the tableware is disinfected in all directions using high-temperature steam. After the preset disinfection time is completed, the main control module 1 cuts off all power supply lines of the steam generation branch 5, and simultaneously connects the independent power supply circuits of the PTC heating element 304 and the circulating fan 305. After they work, circulating hot air is formed inside the sealed cavity, which quickly dries the condensate on the surface of the tableware. The condensate generated during the disinfection process is collected in the removable condensate drip tray 303 below for easy removal and cleaning later. The equipment also supports starting the drying mode independently, relying solely on the hardware cooperation of the PTC heating element 304 and the circulating fan 305 to complete the tableware drying operation.

[0050] The machine incorporates multiple hardware safety interlocks. If the cavity of the tableware sterilization and drying component 300 is not fully closed or the steam operation component 200 is not properly retracted, the internal hardware circuit of the main control module 1 will directly lock the steam output channel of the multi-way switching valve 6, preventing the equipment from outputting steam. The hot tank anti-dry-burning protector 315 and the heating element anti-dry-burning protector 91 are connected in series in the power supply circuit of their respective heating elements. When the equipment experiences a water shortage and dry-burning condition, it will directly cut off the heating power supply, forming multiple hardware safety protections in conjunction with the steam safety pressure relief valve 53. During operation under various conditions, all sensing elements continuously collect temperature, water level, and pressure-related hardware signals and transmit them to the main control module 1. The entire machine relies on the coordinated operation of fixedly assembled pipes, valves, pumps, heating elements, electrical wiring, and other hardware to achieve stable operation under all conditions.

[0051] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and does not limit the implementation and protection scope of the present invention. Those skilled in the art should realize that any equivalent substitutions and obvious changes made using the content of this specification and illustrations should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A multi-functional pipeline machine, characterized in that, The system includes a main unit, which contains a main control module, a water inlet branch, and a heat storage branch. The water inlet branch and the heat storage branch are connected in parallel and merged to the front end of the temperature-controlled water outlet branch. The heat storage branch is also connected to the front end of the steam generation branch. The temperature-controlled water outlet branch and the steam generation branch are respectively connected to the two input channels of a multi-way switching valve. The output end of the multi-way switching valve is respectively connected to the drinking water outlet and the steam outlet. The main control module is used to control the on / off state of the water inlet branch, the heat storage branch, the temperature-regulating water outlet branch, and the steam generation branch, and to drive the multi-way switching valve to selectively connect the drinking water outlet and the steam outlet. The steam outlet is connected to the steam operation assembly via a pipeline.

2. The multi-functional pipeline machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The water inlet branch is connected to the main water inlet and is equipped with an inlet valve. The inlet valve is connected to the front end of the temperature-controlled water outlet branch and electrically connected to the main control module.

3. The multi-functional pipeline machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The heat storage branch includes a heat tank. The water inlet of the heat tank is connected to the main water inlet through a water supply valve. The water outlet of the heat tank is connected in sequence to an outlet valve and a first one-way valve. The first one-way valve is connected to the front end of the temperature-controlled water outlet branch. The main control module is electrically connected to the water supply valve, the outlet valve and the first one-way valve respectively.

4. The multi-functional pipeline machine according to claim 3, characterized in that, The top of the hot tank is provided with an exhaust port, the inside of the hot tank is provided with a first temperature sensor and a water level sensor, and the bottom of the hot tank is provided with a hot tank heating element and a hot tank anti-dry burning protector. The main control module is electrically connected to the first temperature sensor, the water level sensor, the hot tank heating element, and the hot tank anti-dry burning protector, respectively.

5. The multi-functional pipeline machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The temperature-controlled water outlet branch and the steam generation branch share the same instant heating element; The temperature-controlled water outlet branch is equipped with a flow regulating pump, which is used to transport the water after the water inlet branch and / or the heat storage branch converge to the instant heating element, and then output multi-temperature drinking water. The steam generation branch is equipped with a peristaltic pump, which is used to deliver the output from the heat storage branch to the instant heating element and vaporize it to form the steam; The main control module is electrically connected to the flow regulating pump, the instant heating element, and the peristaltic pump, respectively.

6. The multi-functional pipeline machine according to claim 5, characterized in that, The temperature-regulating water outlet branch is equipped with a second check valve electrically connected to the main control module, and / or the steam generation branch is equipped with a third check valve electrically connected to the main control module.

7. The multi-functional pipeline machine according to claim 5, characterized in that, The instant heating element is equipped with a dry-burning protection device, which is electrically connected to the main control module. The steam generating branch is also provided with a steam pressure relief port, and a steam safety pressure relief valve is installed at the steam pressure relief port.

8. The multi-functional pipeline machine according to claim 5, characterized in that, A second temperature sensor is also provided on the steam generation branch, which is electrically connected to the main control module.

9. The multi-functional pipeline machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The steam operation component includes a steam cleaning handle, which is equipped with a steam nozzle and a manual steam switch, and the manual steam switch is electrically connected to the main control module.

10. A kitchen appliance, characterized in that, Includes the multi-functional pipeline machine as described in any one of claims 1-9, wherein the steam output port of the multi-functional pipeline machine is detachably connected to the steam operation component and the tableware disinfection and drying component via a pipeline, so as to output steam to the steam operation component and the tableware disinfection and drying component; The tableware disinfection and drying component is a sealed cavity, which is equipped with a steam inlet, a hollow tableware rack, a detachable condensate drip tray located below the hollow tableware rack, a PTC heating element, and a circulating fan. The steam inlet port is detachably connected to the steam outlet port; The main control module is electrically connected to the PTC heating element and the circulating fan, respectively.

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