Waterway structure for refluxing residual water by utilizing gravity

Abstract

The utility model discloses a waterway structure capable of refluxing residual water by utilizing gravity, which is suitable for a water dispenser with a drinking water heating function, and a water outlet pipeline is sequentially communicated with a water cavity, a water outlet pump and a faucet; the ventilation backflow pipeline is provided with a first pipe opening and a second pipe opening, the water outlet pipeline between the water cavity and the water outlet pump is communicated with the first pipe opening, and the second pipe opening is communicated with the water outlet pipeline between the water outlet pump and the faucet or a water receiving container. The electric control valve is communicated with the ventilation backflow pipeline; at least the water outlet pump and the faucet are higher than the highest liquid level of the water cavity. When water is taken, the electric control valve is closed, the water outlet pump is started to pump water in the water cavity, and the water in the water cavity is conveyed to the faucet through the water outlet pipeline; when water taking is stopped, the water outlet pump is closed, residual water appears in the water outlet pipeline, the electric control valve is opened to be communicated with the external atmospheric pressure, and most residual water in the pipeline flows downwards to the water cavity or the water receiving container due to gravity, so that the residual water amount in the pipeline is reduced, and the temperature accuracy when a user takes hot water or warm water next time is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model belongs to the technical field of water dispensers, and particularly relates to a water channel structure that utilizes gravity to reflux residual water. Background Art

[0002] Currently, water dispensers on the market close the valve immediately after the user draws water, resulting in a section of residual water in the water outlet pipe. The next time the user draws water, the water dispenser will first discharge this section of residual water. For water dispensers with a long water channel structure, if the user draws hot water or warm water of a specified temperature, the discharge of this section of residual water will cause the outlet water temperature to be slightly lower than the user's target temperature.

[0003] Patent document with application number CN202020125515.5 discloses an air-inlet and liquid-outlet container. The container has a liquid storage chamber inside, and a liquid outlet communicating with the liquid storage chamber is provided at the lower end of the container. An air inlet valve is provided on the container, and a liquid collection container is placed below the liquid outlet. When the air inlet valve is closed, the air in the container is not connected to the outside air, and the pressure inside the container is equal to the atmospheric pressure, so the liquid cannot flow out from the liquid outlet. When the user presses the air inlet valve, the air inside the container is connected to the outside air, and the air pressure is the same, so the liquid in the container flows out from the liquid outlet into the liquid collection container by pressing the air inlet valve.

[0004] The above-mentioned existing technology designs an air valve that can selectively communicate with the outside world or not, and then uses gravity to stop or discharge the liquid, so as to accurately control the amount of liquid taken and avoid problems such as waste of resources or poor efficiency. However, this structure is not developed for the water channel structure of the water dispenser, nor is it intended to solve the problem of residual water in the water outlet pipe of the water dispenser, and is not highly compatible with the water dispenser.

[0005] In summary, the present invention aims to provide a water circuit structure for water dispensers that utilizes gravity to treat residual water, so as to minimize the amount of residual water in the outlet pipe. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In response to the problems in the related art, the present invention proposes a water channel structure that utilizes gravity to return residual water, so as to overcome the above-mentioned technical problems existing in the existing related art.

[0007] The technical solution of the present utility model is achieved as follows:

[0008] A water circuit structure that utilizes gravity to return residual water is suitable for water dispensers with drinking water heating function, including a water chamber, a water outlet pipe, a water outlet pump, a faucet, a venting return pipe, and an electrically controlled valve;

[0009] The water outlet pipe is connected in sequence to the water chamber, the water pump, and the faucet;

[0010] The ventilation return pipe has a first port and a second port. The water outlet pipe between the water chamber and the water pump is connected to the first port, and the second port is connected to the water outlet pipe or water receiving container between the water pump and the faucet.

[0011] The electrically controlled valve has two interconnected interfaces for water flow, and the electrically controlled valve is connected to the air return pipe;

[0012] At least the water pump and faucet are positioned above the highest liquid level in the water chamber.

[0013] When a user takes water, the electrically controlled valve closes, the water pump starts to draw water from the water chamber, and the water from the water chamber is transported to the faucet through the water outlet pipe;

[0014] When the user stops taking water, the water pump shuts off, and residual water appears in the water outlet pipe. The electrically controlled valve opens to connect with the external atmospheric pressure, and most of the residual water in the pipe flows down to the water chamber or water receiving container due to gravity, thereby reducing the amount of residual water in the pipe and improving the temperature accuracy when the user takes hot or warm water next time.

[0015] As can be seen from the above, this utility model discloses two types of water channels, and the differences and advantages of the two types of water channels are as follows:

[0016] 1. The second port of the ventilation return pipe is connected to the water outlet pipe between the water pump and the faucet. This solution can centrally place the relevant water circuit components above the water cavity, which is convenient for the overall layout design of the water dispenser. Moreover, the amount of residual water is less than that of the second type of water circuit described below.

[0017] Second, the second port of the ventilation return pipe is connected to the water receiving container. This solution can be easily integrated into the water dispenser product designed by the applicant with a wastewater tank. At the same time, the residual water will not flow back into the water cavity, avoiding frequent triggering of the water dispenser's temperature control and heating module.

[0018] Preferably, when the second pipe opening is connected to the outlet pipe between the water pump and the faucet, the second pipe opening is lower than the outlet of the outlet pipe. In actual product design, the tail section of the outlet pipe often requires an inverted U-shaped bend to connect to the faucet. This design helps guide more residual water in the tail section of the outlet pipe downward, further reducing the amount of residual water in the pipe, and is consistent with the design concept of the present invention.

[0019] Preferably, when the second pipe opening is connected to the water outlet pipe between the water outlet pump and the faucet, the second pipe opening is connected to the water outlet pipe at a position close to the water outlet pump. After the water outlet pump is turned off, the water outlet pump basically acts as a stop valve in the water path, that is, two sections of static residual water are basically formed at both ends of the water outlet pump. The residual water between the water outlet pump and the first pipe opening will flow downward due to gravity, while the residual water in the water outlet pipe between the second pipe opening and the water outlet pump basically cannot flow downward. Therefore, the shorter the length of this water path, that is, the closer the second pipe opening is to the water outlet pump, the less residual water in the pipe.

[0020] Preferably, when the second pipe opening is connected to the water receiving container, a one-way valve is provided in the water outlet pipe between the water cavity and the first pipe opening to avoid backflow while avoiding affecting the residual water in the water outlet pipe from flowing to the water receiving container, which is in line with the pursuit of the present invention to reduce the amount of residual water in the pipe as much as possible.

[0021] Preferably, when the second pipe opening is connected to the water receiving container, the water outlet pipe between the water cavity and the first pipe opening is higher than the ventilation return pipe, which is conducive to the residual water in this section of the pipe flowing to the water receiving container (such as the waste water bucket of a water dispenser, etc.).

[0022] Preferably, the axes of the water outlet pipe and the ventilation return pipe are not parallel to the horizontal plane, that is, the pipes are in an inclined state, which is conducive to the downward flow of residual water and allows the residual water that can flow downward in the pipe to flow out as much as possible.

[0023] Preferably, the structure of the electric-controlled valve communicating with the external atmospheric pressure is arranged horizontally, and the interfaces at both ends of the electric-controlled valve communicating with each other are arranged vertically distributed up and down, so that the residual water can flow smoothly through the electric-controlled valve.

[0024] Preferably, the faucet includes a housing and a pipe fitting mounted within the housing. The rigid pipe fitting facilitates docking with the flexible outlet pipe, and as long as the pipe fitting's installation position and orientation are determined, a clear water outlet angle is achieved. The housing can conceal the docking position of the pipe fitting and the outlet pipe, facilitating docking and installation of the faucet with the water dispenser housing.

[0025] The outer shell has an open structure for the water outlet pipe to enter, the connecting piece has a hollow pipe structure that runs through itself, the upper part of the connecting piece is connected to the water outlet of the water outlet pipe, and the bottom of the outer shell is provided with a through hole for the connecting piece to pass through, and at least the water outlet of the connecting piece is exposed to the outside to discharge water outward.

[0026] Preferably, the outer side wall of the connecting pipe protrudes outward to form a limiting portion, and the limiting portion is clamped above the through hole;

[0027] The connecting piece below the stopper is a lower tube portion, which is exposed below the through hole. Because the user's palm is relatively close to the lower tube portion when drawing water, a heat-insulating ring is screwed onto the outer portion of the lower tube portion to prevent burns. The lower tube opening of the connecting piece is also magnified to facilitate alignment for water collection.

[0028] The heat insulation ring and the limiting part clamp the two sides of the through hole, thereby installing and fixing the connecting pipe, making assembly quick and convenient.

[0029] More preferably, the outer casing includes a cylindrical member and a decorative cover, wherein the front and back of the cylindrical member are open structures.

[0030] The back of the cylinder is connected to and communicates with the casing of the water dispenser, allowing the water outlet pipe to enter the interior of the shell; the through hole is arranged close to the front of the cylinder, which is convenient for fingers or mechanical equipment to reach in to rotate and assemble the connecting pipe and the insulation ring; the decorative cover is detachably mounted on the cylinder and completely covers the open structure on the front of the cylinder.

[0031] More preferably, the outer wall of the heat insulation ring is provided with several anti-slip protrusions to facilitate gripping and screwing assembly.

[0032] Preferably, the inner sidewall of the connecting pipe is provided with a plurality of guide ridges, extending along the axial direction. The guide ridges gradually increase in size along the water outlet direction of the connecting pipe, and the narrow ends of the guide ridges smoothly transition into the inner sidewall of the connecting pipe. The guide ridges guide the water flow and reduce the noise caused by the water impacting the inner sidewall and flowing.

[0033] The beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: compared with the prior art, the present invention specifically designs the water channel structure, making it suitable for a water dispenser with a heating function. When taking water, the electric control valve is closed, the water outlet pump is started, and the water in the water chamber is transported to the faucet through the water outlet pipe;

[0034] When water extraction stops, the water outlet pump is turned off, residual water appears in the water outlet pipe, the electrically controlled valve is opened to communicate with the external atmospheric pressure, and most of the residual water in the pipe flows downward to the water cavity or water receiving container due to gravity, thereby reducing the amount of residual water in the pipe as much as possible and improving the temperature accuracy when the user extracts hot or warm water next time. Attached Figure Description

[0035] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the water flow direction in Embodiment 1 of this utility model;

[0036] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the residual water flow direction in Embodiment 1 of this utility model;

[0037] Figure 3 This is one of the structural diagrams of the faucet of the present utility model;

[0038] Figure 4 This is the second structural diagram of the faucet of the utility model;

[0039] Figure 5 This is an exploded view of the faucet of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 6 This is a vertical sectional view of the faucet of this utility model;

[0041] Figure 7 This is a top view of the connecting pipe of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 8 It is a vertical cross-sectional view of the connecting pipe of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the water flow direction of Example 2 of the present utility model;

[0044] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the residual water flow direction of Example 2 of the present utility model.

[0045] Marking Description:

[0046] 1. Water cavity;

[0047] 2. Electronically controlled valve;

[0048] 3. Water outlet pump;

[0049] L, faucet;

[0050] 4. Decorative cover;

[0051] 5. Cylinder; 501. Through hole;

[0052] 6. Thermal insulation ring;

[0053] 7. Connecting piece; 701. Positioning part; 702. Lower pipe part; 703. Flow guide rib;

[0054] 8. Check valve;

[0055] 9. Water receiving container;

[0056] T, water outlet pipe;

[0057] 10. First pipe opening;

[0058] 11. Second pipe opening. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0059] The following will be combined with the drawings in the embodiments of the present invention to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the embodiments described are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative efforts are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0060] In the description of the present invention, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", "clockwise", "counterclockwise" and the like to indicate orientations or positional relationships based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be understood as a limitation on the present invention.

[0061] Example 1

[0062] like Figures 1 to 8 As shown, a water channel structure that uses gravity to return residual water is suitable for a water dispenser with heating and temperature control functions, including a water chamber 1, a water outlet pipe, a water outlet pump 3, a faucet L, a ventilation return pipe and an electric control valve 2.

[0063] The water outlet pipe is connected in sequence to the water chamber 1, the water pump 3 and the faucet L, and the water inlet of the outlet pipe is located below the liquid level in the water chamber.

[0064] The ventilation return pipe has a first pipe opening 10 and a second pipe opening 11. The outlet pipe between the water cavity 1 and the water outlet pump 3 is connected to the first pipe opening 10, and the second pipe opening 11 is connected to the outlet pipe between the water outlet pump 3 and the faucet L.

[0065] The electrically controlled valve 2 has two communicating interfaces at both ends, and the electrically controlled valve 2 is connected to the ventilation return pipe.

[0066] At least the positions of the water pump 3 and the faucet L are higher than the highest liquid level of the water chamber 1.

[0067] When a user draws water, the electrically controlled valve 2 closes, the water pump 3 starts, and the water in the water chamber 1 is transported to the faucet L through the water outlet pipe;

[0068] When the user stops taking water, the water outlet pump 3 is turned off, the electric control valve 2 is opened to communicate with the external atmospheric pressure, and some residual water in the pipeline flows downward to the water cavity 1 or the water receiving container 9 due to gravity.

[0069] In this embodiment, when the second pipe port 11 is connected to the water outlet pipe between the water pump 3 and the faucet L, the second pipe port 11 is lower than the water outlet of the water outlet pipe, and the second pipe port 11 is connected to the water outlet pipe at a position close to the water pump 3.

[0070] In this embodiment, the axes of the water outlet pipe and the air return pipe are not parallel to the horizontal plane.

[0071] In this embodiment, the structure of the electrically controlled valve 2 communicating with the external atmospheric pressure is arranged horizontally, and the interfaces at both ends of the electrically controlled valve 2 communicating with each other are arranged vertically and distributed up and down.

[0072] In this embodiment, the faucet L includes a shell and a pipe member 7 installed inside the shell.

[0073] The outer shell has an open structure for the water outlet pipe to enter, the connecting member 7 has a hollow pipe structure that extends through itself, the upper part of the connecting member 7 is connected to the water outlet T of the water outlet pipe, the bottom of the outer shell has a through hole 501 for the connecting member 7 to pass through, and at least the water outlet of the connecting member 7 is exposed.

[0074] In this embodiment, the outer wall of the connecting pipe 7 protrudes outward to form a limiting portion 701, and the limiting portion 701 is stuck above the through hole 501;

[0075] The connecting pipe 7 below the limiting part 701 is designated as the lower pipe part 702. The lower pipe part 702 is exposed below the through hole 501. A heat insulation ring 6 is screwed onto the lower pipe part 702. The heat insulation ring 6 and the limiting part 701 together clamp the two sides of the through hole 501, thereby installing and fixing the connecting pipe 7.

[0076] The outer casing includes a cylindrical component 5 and a decorative cover 4. The front and back of the cylindrical component 5 are open structures. The back of the cylindrical component 5 is connected to and communicates with the housing of the water dispenser. The through hole 501 is located near the front of the cylindrical component 5. The decorative cover 4 is detachably installed on the cylindrical component 5 and completely covers the open structure of the front of the cylindrical component 5.

[0077] The outer wall of the heat insulation ring 6 is provided with multiple anti-slip protrusions.

[0078] In this embodiment, the inner wall of the connector 7 is provided with a plurality of (four) flow guiding protrusions 703. The flow guiding protrusions 703 extend along the axial direction and the size of the flow guiding protrusions 703 gradually increases along the water outlet direction of the connector 7. The narrow end of the flow guiding protrusions 703 smoothly transitions with the inner wall of the connector 7.

[0079] Example 2

[0080] like Figures 3 to 10 As shown, a water circuit structure that utilizes gravity to return residual water is suitable for water dispensers with heating and temperature control functions, including a water chamber 1, a water outlet pipe 3, a water pump 3, a faucet L, a venting return pipe and an electrically controlled valve 2;

[0081] The water outlet pipe is connected in sequence to the water chamber 1, the water pump 3 and the faucet L, and the water inlet of the outlet pipe is located below the liquid level in the water chamber.

[0082] The ventilation return pipe has a first pipe opening 10 and a second pipe opening 11 . The water outlet pipe between the water cavity 1 and the water outlet pump 3 is connected to the first pipe opening 10 , and the second pipe opening 11 is connected to the water receiving container 9 .

[0083] The electrically controlled valve 2 has two communicating interfaces at both ends, and the electrically controlled valve 2 is connected to the ventilation return pipe.

[0084] At least the positions of the water pump 3 and the faucet L are higher than the highest liquid level of the water chamber 1.

[0085] When a user draws water, the electrically controlled valve 2 closes, the water pump 3 starts, and the water in the water chamber 1 is transported to the faucet L through the water outlet pipe;

[0086] When the user stops taking water, the water outlet pump 3 is turned off, the electric control valve 2 is opened to communicate with the external atmospheric pressure, and some residual water in the pipeline flows downward to the water cavity 1 or the water receiving container 9 due to gravity.

[0087] In this embodiment, when the second port 11 is connected to the water receiving container 9, the water outlet pipe between the water chamber 1 and the first port 10 is equipped with a one-way valve 8, and the water outlet pipe between the water chamber 1 and the first port 10 is higher than the venting return pipe.

[0088] In this embodiment, the axes of the water outlet pipe and the ventilation return pipe are not parallel to the horizontal plane.

[0089] In this embodiment, the structure of the electrically controlled valve 2 communicating with the external atmospheric pressure is arranged horizontally, and the interfaces at both ends of the electrically controlled valve 2 communicating with each other are arranged vertically and distributed up and down.

[0090] In this embodiment, the faucet L includes a housing and a pipe member 7 installed inside the housing;

[0091] The outer shell has an open structure for the water outlet pipe to enter, the connecting member 7 has a hollow pipe structure that extends through itself, the upper part of the connecting member 7 is connected to the water outlet T of the water outlet pipe, the bottom of the outer shell has a through hole 501 for the connecting member 7 to pass through, and at least the water outlet of the connecting member 7 is exposed.

[0092] In this embodiment, the outer wall of the connecting pipe 7 protrudes outward to form a limiting portion 701, and the limiting portion 701 is stuck above the through hole 501;

[0093] The connecting pipe 7 below the limiting portion 701 is configured as a lower tube portion 702, and the lower tube portion 702 is exposed below the through hole 501. An insulating ring 6 is screwed onto the outside of the lower tube portion 702, and the insulating ring 6 and the limiting portion 701 together clamp the two sides of the through hole 501, thereby installing and fixing the connecting pipe 7.

[0094] The outer casing includes a cylindrical component 5 and a decorative cover 4. The front and back of the cylindrical component 5 are open structures. The back of the cylindrical component 5 is connected to and communicates with the housing of the water dispenser. The through hole 501 is located near the front of the cylindrical component 5. The decorative cover 4 is detachably installed on the cylindrical component 5 and completely covers the open structure of the front of the cylindrical component 5.

[0095] The outer wall of the heat insulation ring 6 is provided with multiple anti-slip protrusions.

[0096] In this embodiment, the inner wall of the connector 7 is provided with a plurality of (four) flow guiding protrusions 703. The flow guiding protrusions 703 extend along the axial direction and the size of the flow guiding protrusions 703 gradually increases along the water outlet direction of the connector 7. The narrow end of the flow guiding protrusions 703 smoothly transitions with the inner wall of the connector 7.

[0097] Based on the disclosure and teachings of the above specification, those skilled in the art may also make changes and modifications to the above embodiments. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and described above, and some modifications and changes to the present invention should also fall within the scope of protection of the claims of the present invention. In addition, although some specific terms are used in this specification, these terms are only for convenience of description and do not constitute any limitation to the present invention.

Claims

1. A waterway structure that uses gravity to return residual water, suitable for a water dispenser with a function of heating drinking water, characterized in that: It includes a water chamber, a water outlet pipe, a water outlet pump, a faucet, a ventilation return pipe and an electric control valve; The water outlet pipe is connected to the water cavity, the water outlet pump and the faucet in sequence; The ventilation return pipe has a first pipe opening and a second pipe opening, the water outlet pipe between the water cavity and the water outlet pump is connected to the first pipe opening, and the second pipe opening is connected to the water outlet pipe between the water outlet pump and the faucet or the water receiving container; The electric control valve has two communicating interfaces at both ends, and the electric control valve is connected to the ventilation return pipe; At least the water outlet pump and the faucet are located higher than the highest liquid level of the water chamber; When taking water, the electric control valve is closed, the water outlet pump is started, and the water in the water chamber is transported to the faucet through the water outlet pipe; When water extraction stops, the water outlet pump is closed, the electric control valve is opened to communicate with the external atmospheric pressure, and part of the residual water in the pipeline flows downward to the water cavity or the water receiving container due to gravity.

2. The waterway structure for returning residual water by gravity according to claim 1 is characterized in that: When the second pipe opening is connected to the water outlet pipe between the water outlet pump and the faucet, the second pipe opening is lower than the water outlet of the water outlet pipe.

3. The waterway structure for returning residual water by gravity according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: When the second pipe opening is connected to the water outlet pipe between the water outlet pump and the faucet, the second pipe opening is connected to the water outlet pipe at a position close to the water outlet pump.

4. The waterway structure for returning residual water by gravity according to claim 1, characterized in that: When the second pipe opening is connected to the water receiving container, a one-way valve is provided in the water outlet pipe between the water cavity and the first pipe opening.

5. The waterway structure for returning residual water by gravity according to claim 1 or 4, characterized in that: When the second pipe opening is connected to the water receiving container, the water outlet pipe between the water cavity and the first pipe opening is higher than the ventilation return pipe.

6. The waterway structure for returning residual water by gravity according to claim 1, 2 or 4, characterized in that: The axes of the water outlet pipe and the ventilation return pipe are not parallel to the horizontal plane.

7. The waterway structure for returning residual water by gravity according to claim 1, 2 or 4, characterized in that: The structure of the electric control valve communicating with the external atmospheric pressure is arranged horizontally, and the interfaces at both ends of the electric control valve communicating with each other are arranged vertically and distributed up and down.

8. The waterway structure for returning residual water by gravity according to claim 1, 2 or 4, characterized in that: The faucet comprises a shell and a pipe fitting installed inside the shell; The shell has an open structure for the water outlet pipe to enter, the connecting piece has a hollow pipe structure that runs through itself, the upper part of the connecting piece is connected to the water outlet of the water outlet pipe, and the bottom of the shell is provided with a through hole for the connecting piece to pass through, and at least the water outlet of the connecting piece is exposed to the outside.

9. The waterway structure for returning residual water by gravity according to claim 8, characterized in that: The outer wall of the connecting pipe protrudes outward to form a limiting portion, and the limiting portion is clamped above the through hole; The connecting pipe below the limiting part is set as a lower pipe part, the lower pipe part is exposed below the through hole, a heat insulation ring is screwed on the outside of the lower pipe part, the heat insulation ring and the limiting part clamp the two sides of the through hole together, and then install and fix the connecting pipe; The housing includes a cylinder and a decorative cover, the front and back of the cylinder are open structures, the back of the cylinder is connected to and communicates with the housing of the water dispenser, the through hole is arranged near the front of the cylinder, and the decorative cover is detachably mounted on the cylinder and completely covers the front open structure of the cylinder; The outer side wall of the heat-insulating ring is provided with a plurality of anti-slip convex strips.

10. The waterway structure for returning residual water by gravity according to claim 8, characterized in that: The inner wall of the connecting piece is provided with a plurality of guide ridges, which are extended along the axial direction, and the size of the guide ridges gradually increases along the water outlet direction of the connecting piece, and the narrow end of the guide ridges smoothly transitions with the inner wall of the connecting piece.

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