Water dispenser

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of water dispensers, in particular to a water dispenser which comprises a temperature sensor, a controller, a three-way valve and a water return pipe. The temperature sensor is arranged on a water outlet pipe for connecting the water outlet nozzle and the three-way valve; the controller is connected with the temperature sensor and the three-way valve; a water inlet of the three-way valve is connected with the water outlet pipe, a first water outlet of the three-way valve is connected with the water outlet nozzle, and a second water outlet of the three-way valve is connected with the water return pipe; and the water return pipe is used for recovering water with substandard temperature in the water outlet pipe. The water dispenser solves the problem that in the prior art, a certain distance exists between the heating device and the water outlet of a water dispenser, so that the water outlet temperature cannot reach the set temperature, and the use experience is poor.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of water dispenser control technology, and in particular to a water dispenser. Background Technology

[0002] In related technologies, there is a distance between the heating device and the water outlet of the water dispenser. This results in the water initially received during each use being residual water in the pipe between the heating device and the water outlet. Not only does the temperature not reach the set temperature, but the water quality is also poor, leading to a poor drinking experience for the user. Utility Model Content

[0003] Therefore, the technical problem to be solved by this utility model is to overcome the problem in the related art that there is a certain distance between the heating device and the water outlet in the water dispenser, which causes the water temperature to not reach the set temperature, resulting in a poor user experience, and to provide a water dispenser.

[0004] In a first aspect, this utility model provides a water dispenser, comprising: a temperature sensor 1, a controller 2, a three-way valve 3, and a return water pipe 4; the temperature sensor 1 is disposed on the outlet pipe 5 for connecting the water outlet 6 and the three-way valve 3; the controller 2 is connected to the temperature sensor 1 and the three-way valve 3; the three-way valve 3 is disposed at one end of the outlet pipe 5 connected to the water outlet 6, the inlet of the three-way valve 3 is connected to the outlet pipe 5, the first outlet of the three-way valve 3 is connected to the water outlet 6, and the second outlet of the three-way valve 3 is connected to the return water pipe 4; the return water pipe 4 is used to recycle water in the outlet pipe 5 that does not meet the required temperature.

[0005] In one embodiment of this utility model, the three-way valve 3 and the water outlet 6 are integrated, and an installation structure 15 is provided at the connection between the three-way valve 3 and the water outlet 6; the installation structure 15 is used to install the water outlet 6 on the housing 16 and expose the water outlet 6 outside the housing 16, and to install the integrated three-way valve 3 on the housing 16 and hide the three-way valve 3 inside the housing 16.

[0006] In one embodiment of the present invention, the mounting structure 15 is a mounting groove 15-1, and the outer shell 16 includes a first mounting part 16-1 and a second mounting part 16-2 that are separate and cooperate with each other. The first mounting part 16-1 and the second mounting part 16-2 cooperate with the mounting groove 15-1 to install the integrated three-way valve 3 and the water outlet 6 on the outer shell 16.

[0007] In one embodiment of this utility model, a heating device 7 or a cooling device is provided on the water outlet pipe 5; the heating device 7 or the cooling device is located on the water channel before the temperature sensor 1; the other end of the return water pipe 4 away from the three-way valve 3 is connected to the water channel before the heating device 7 or the cooling device.

[0008] In one embodiment of this utility model, the temperature sensor 1 is disposed on the outlet of the heating device 7 or the cooling device, and the controller 2 is used to control the inlet of the three-way valve 3 to connect with the return pipe when the water temperature collected by the temperature sensor 1 reaches the preset temperature; wherein, the preset temperature is higher or lower than the target temperature that the water at the outlet 6 needs to reach.

[0009] In one embodiment of this utility model, a total dissolved solids (TDS) sensor 8 is further provided on the pipeline between the water outlet 6 and the heating device 7 or the cooling device; the TDS sensor 8 is connected to the controller 2, and the controller 2 is also used to control the inlet of the three-way valve 3 to connect with the return water pipe 4 when the TDS value of the purified water detected by the TDS sensor 8 is lower than the preset TDS value; the return water pipe 4 is connected to the water pipeline before the filter 14.

[0010] In one embodiment of this utility model, a return pipe 9 is also included. One end of the return pipe 9 is connected to an outlet of a return three-way valve 17 disposed between the TDS sensor 8 and the heating device 7 or the cooling device. The other end of the return pipe 9 is also connected to the inlet of the filter 14. The TDS sensor 8 is disposed between the water tank 11 and the heating device 7.

[0011] In one embodiment of this utility model, the concentrated water produced by the filter 14 is connected to the raw water tank 13 through the concentrated water pipe 10; the raw water tank 13 includes a wastewater tank with a constant water volume, and the return water pipe 4 and the concentrated water pipe 10 are both connected to the wastewater tank; a booster pump is also provided on the return water pipe 4.

[0012] In one embodiment of this utility model, the return water pipe 4 is connected to the concentrate pipe 10, and the concentrate pipe 10 is connected to the wastewater tank.

[0013] In one embodiment of this utility model, an ultraviolet disinfection device 12 is also provided on the water outlet pipe 5; the ultraviolet disinfection device 12 is disposed between the three-way valve 3 and the water outlet 6.

[0014] In one embodiment of this utility model, it further includes: a display panel; the display panel is connected to the controller 2 and is used to display the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 1.

[0015] This water dispenser, when the temperature sensor detects that the water temperature in the outlet pipe does not reach the preset threshold, recycles the water by installing a three-way valve on the outlet pipe. This valve connects to the wastewater tank in the raw water tank before the heating device via a return pipe. This not only avoids damage to the raw water tank and filter element but also allows the recycled water to be reused. Furthermore, the three-way valve is positioned directly at the outlet, ensuring that all residual water in the outlet pipe is recycled and heated, preventing water waste and guaranteeing that the water flowing from the outlet reaches the desired temperature. This solves the problem in related technologies where a distance exists between the heating device and the outlet, resulting in water temperatures falling below the set temperature and leading to a poor user experience. Attached Figure Description

[0016] To make the content of this utility model easier to understand, the present utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments and accompanying drawings.

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a water dispenser according to an embodiment of the present utility model.

[0018] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the water circuit structure of the water dispenser in an embodiment of this utility model.

[0019] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the integrated three-way valve and water outlet in an embodiment of this utility model.

[0020] Explanation of reference numerals in the instruction manual:

[0021] 1. Temperature sensor; 2. Controller; 3. Three-way valve; 4. Return water pipe; 5. Outlet water pipe; 6. Outlet nozzle; 7. Heating device; 8. TDS sensor; 9. Return pipe; 10. Concentrate pipe; 11. Clean water tank; 12. Ultraviolet disinfection device; 13. Raw water tank; 14. Filter; 15. Mounting structure; 15-1. Mounting groove; 16. Housing; 16-1. First mounting part; 16-2. Second mounting part; 17. Return three-way valve. Detailed Implementation

[0022] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in this application can be combined with each other. This application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0023] It should be noted that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments according to this application. As used herein, the singular form is intended to include the plural form as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, it should be understood that when the terms "comprising" and / or "including" are used in this specification, they indicate the presence of features, steps, operations, devices, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0024] Unless otherwise specifically stated, the relative arrangement, numerical expressions, and values ​​of the components and steps described in these embodiments do not limit the scope of this application. It should also be understood that, for ease of description, the dimensions of the various parts shown in the accompanying drawings are not drawn to actual scale. Techniques, methods, and apparatus known to those skilled in the art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, such techniques, methods, and apparatus should be considered part of the specification.

[0025] In all examples shown and discussed herein, any specific values ​​should be interpreted as merely exemplary and not as limitations. Therefore, other examples of exemplary embodiments may have different values. It should be noted that similar reference numerals and letters in the following figures denote similar items; therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it need not be further discussed in subsequent figures.

[0026] The water dispenser may include a raw water tank 13, a filter 14, a purified water tank 11, and a water outlet 6. The raw water tank 13 can be directly connected to the water supply line. The raw water tank 13 is connected to the filter 14, providing a water source for the filter 14. The filter 14 is generally equipped with a water pump, which is used to pressurize and transfer unfiltered water to the filter 14 for filtration.

[0027] Filter 14 filters to produce purified water and residual concentrated water. The purified water is then transferred to water tank 11 for storage. Water tank 11 is also connected to water outlet 6, from which water flows to the user.

[0028] However, there is often a section of water pipe before the spout 6. After the previous water filling, water remains in the pipe, causing the first flow of water upon opening the spout to be residual water from the pipe. This results in the water not reaching the required temperature, leading to a poor user experience.

[0029] Therefore, this embodiment provides a water dispenser, such as... Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the water dispenser in this embodiment includes: a temperature sensor 1, a controller 2, a three-way valve 3, and a return water pipe 4.

[0030] Temperature sensor 1 is installed on the outlet pipe 5, which connects the water outlet 6 and the three-way valve 3; controller 2 is connected to temperature sensor 1 and three-way valve 3. Temperature sensor 1 can detect the temperature of the water in outlet pipe 5. If the temperature does not reach the desired target temperature, the controller can control three-way valve 3 to connect outlet pipe 5 and return pipe 4, transferring the residual water in outlet pipe 5 into return pipe 4 for secondary heating.

[0031] The three-way valve 3 is located at one end of the outlet pipe 5 where it connects to the outlet nozzle 6. The inlet of the three-way valve 3 is connected to the heating device 7 through the outlet pipe 5. The first outlet of the three-way valve 3 is connected to the outlet nozzle 6, and the second outlet of the three-way valve 3 is connected to the return pipe 4. The return pipe 4 is used to recover water from the outlet pipe 5 that does not meet the required temperature.

[0032] The inlet of the three-way valve 3 is connected to the outlet pipe 5 to receive the clean water transmitted from the outlet pipe 5, or the residual water left in the outlet pipe 5 after the last use. The first outlet of the three-way valve 3 is directly connected to the outlet nozzle 6, that is, the installation position of the three-way valve 3 is at the end of the outlet pipe 5 closest to the outlet nozzle 6.

[0033] This is because the water in outlet pipe 5 flows in one direction only, from the water tank to the outlet 6. The three-way valve 3 and return pipe 4 can only recover water from the water pipe before the installation location; water between the three-way valve 3 and the outlet 6 cannot be recovered.

[0034] To ensure the outlet water temperature and improve the user experience, the first outlet of the three-way valve 3 is directly connected to the water outlet 6. This allows all residual water in the outlet pipe 5 to be recycled and heated, avoiding water waste and ensuring that the water flowing from the water outlet 6 reaches the required temperature.

[0035] Meanwhile, to effectively recover residual water, the second outlet of the three-way valve 3 is connected to the return water pipe 4. The three-way valve 3 can be an electromagnetic three-way valve, which can receive control from the controller 2. When the water temperature detected by the temperature sensor 1 does not reach the target temperature, the controller controls the inlet of the three-way valve 3 to connect with the second outlet, so as to recover the water that is not hot enough.

[0036] It should be noted that controller 2 is connected to temperature sensor 1. Controller 2 can compare the target water temperature selected by the user with the water temperature detected by temperature sensor 1. It can also use a preset water temperature as the target water temperature, or the water temperature currently displayed on the panel as the target water temperature. This allows for precise control of the water dispenser's output water temperature in different scenarios and to meet various needs.

[0037] There are many ways to recycle water. It can be directly recycled to the raw water tank 13, or to the purified water tank 11, or to any water pipe before the heating device 7. This is because the water flow direction in the water dispenser's water circuit is fixed. As long as the purified water that is not hot enough is recycled to the pipe before the heating device 7, the purpose of reheating can be achieved.

[0038] In this embodiment, it is preferable to recycle the water into the original water tank 13 or the purified water tank 11. This is because there is often enough water in the water pipes of the water dispenser. Directly connecting the return pipe 4 to the original pipe will affect the original water transmission efficiency, as well as the water transmission speed and return efficiency of the return pipe.

[0039] The raw water tank 13 and the purified water tank 11 have sufficient space inside, so the water can be directly recycled into the raw water tank 13 or the purified water tank 11, which can ensure the water flow speed and return efficiency of the return water pipe 4.

[0040] Furthermore, the raw water tank 13 stores unfiltered raw water, while the purified water tank 11 stores filtered purified water. Directly recycling the raw water to the raw water tank 13 can improve the water quality in the raw water tank 13, thereby facilitating subsequent filtration by the filter 14, indirectly improving the filtration efficiency of the filter 14, and increasing the filter's service life.

[0041] The water can be directly recycled into the water tank 11 for secondary heating, which facilitates rapid water output, increases water output and efficiency, and avoids secondary filtration, thus avoiding excessive use of filtration resources.

[0042] In this embodiment, the water dispenser is not a direct-connected water dispenser, meaning that the raw water in the raw water tank 13 needs to be supplied by a water storage mechanism, such as a water bucket or water tank. To save water, the concentrated water produced by the filter 14 is returned to the raw water tank 13 for reuse, greatly improving water utilization.

[0043] Therefore, the return water pipe 4 needs to be connected to the raw water tank 13 to prevent the raw water from deteriorating continuously, which would put a greater filtration burden on the filter element of the filter 14 and thus reduce the filter life.

[0044] In this embodiment, when the water temperature in the outlet pipe is detected by the temperature sensor as not reaching the preset threshold, the water dispenser reheats the water by installing a three-way valve on the outlet pipe and connecting the return pipe to the water path before the heating device, so as to ensure that the temperature of the outlet water always meets the usage requirements.

[0045] In this embodiment, the water inlet of the heating device can also be equipped with a water inlet temperature sensor, which can detect the water inlet temperature of the heating device 7, and then adjust the heating power of the heating device 7 according to the water inlet temperature and the target temperature.

[0046] A water pump can also be connected to the water outlet pipe to increase the water pressure of the water outlet 6, ensuring the water flow rate and initial return efficiency, and further improving the user experience.

[0047] By positioning the three-way valve directly connected to the water outlet, all residual water in the outlet pipe can be recycled and heated, preventing water waste and ensuring that the water flowing from the outlet reaches the desired temperature. This solves the problem in related technologies where there is a distance between the heating element and the water outlet, resulting in the water temperature not reaching the set temperature and thus a poor user experience.

[0048] As an optional embodiment, the three-way valve 3 and the water outlet 6 are integrated, and an installation structure 15 is provided at the connection between the three-way valve 3 and the water outlet 6. The installation structure 15 is used to install the water outlet 6 on the housing 16 and expose the water outlet 6 outside the housing 16, and to install the integrated three-way valve 3 on the housing 16 and hide the three-way valve 3 inside the housing 16.

[0049] like Figure 3 As shown, in this embodiment, the three-way valve 3 and the water outlet 6 are integrated. Their main material is a high-temperature resistant material, such as stainless steel, copper alloy, high-temperature plastic, ceramic, nickel-based alloy, and titanium alloy. This integrated molding further reduces the amount of residual water between them and facilitates installation and maintenance.

[0050] An installation structure 15 is provided at the connection between the three-way valve 3 and the water outlet 6. The installation structure 15 can be used with the water dispenser housing 16 to install the water outlet 6, exposing the water outlet 6 outside the housing 16 and concealing the three-way valve 3 inside the housing 16. This meets the different installation requirements of the water dispenser for the integrated three-way valve 3 and the water outlet 6.

[0051] The above installation structure can be determined based on appearance and installation requirements. If all parts except the faucet cannot be displayed, adhesive bonding, snap-fit, or threaded connection methods need to be considered. Such an installation structure can only be used with the three-way valve (part 3) and fixed to the inner surface of the container.

[0052] If a portion of the installation structure can be displayed, it can be fixed using snap-fit, riveting, or screws. This exposes a part of the installation structure, which can then be aesthetically treated to create a unified appearance with the water outlet 6.

[0053] Alternatively, a fixing method that fully exposes the mounting structure can be used, such as riveting or screw fixing. If necessary, separate aesthetic devices may be required to conceal the mounting structure.

[0054] As an optional embodiment, the mounting structure 15 is a mounting groove 15-1, and the housing 16 includes a first mounting part 16-1 and a second mounting part 16-2 that are separate and cooperate with each other. The first mounting part 16-1 and the second mounting part 16-2 cooperate with the mounting groove 15-1 to install the integrated three-way valve 3 and the water outlet 6 on the housing 16.

[0055] like Figure 3 As shown, the installation structure in this embodiment can be snap-fit ​​and can be appropriately exposed. That is, the side of the mounting groove 15-1 near the water outlet 6 can be aesthetically treated, such as by polishing or electroplating. This can improve the stability of the water outlet 6, facilitate disassembly and assembly, and make future maintenance easier.

[0056] At this time, the outer casing 16 includes a first mounting part 16-1 and a second mounting part 16-2 that are separate and cooperate with each other. That is, the outer casing 16 has a hole with a matching groove. This hole cannot be installed by means of a nostril. The outer casing can be separated according to its own design needs, and half holes are opened in different parts to cooperate with the groove, thereby realizing the installation of the integrated three-way valve 3 and the water outlet 6.

[0057] As an optional embodiment, a heating device 7 or a cooling device is provided on the outlet pipe 5; the heating device 7 or the cooling device is located in the water passage before the temperature sensor 1; the other end of the return pipe 4 away from the three-way valve 3 is connected to the water passage before the heating device 7 or the cooling device.

[0058] The water dispenser described above can also adjust the water temperature using a water temperature regulating device. For example, a heating device 7 or a cooling device. The heating device 7 can heat the water in real time. The cooling device can cool the water in real time, meeting the user's needs for hot and cold water at different temperatures.

[0059] The heating device 7 and the cooling device can coexist. In this case, the water outlet pipe 5 needs to be split into two parallel lines, connecting the heating device 7 and the cooling device respectively, to meet the user's needs for both hot and cold water from the same water dispenser. Otherwise, if the heating device 7 and the cooling device are installed on the same water outlet pipe, the water in the outlet pipe will be heated and cooled simultaneously, negating the purpose of water temperature adjustment.

[0060] The heating device 7 and the cooling device can also exist independently, that is, the heating device 7 or the cooling device can be installed separately on the water outlet pipe 5 to achieve heating or cooling of the water outlet.

[0061] As an optional embodiment, the temperature sensor 1 is installed at the outlet of the heating device 7 or the cooling device, and the controller 2 is used to control the inlet of the three-way valve 3 to connect with the return pipe when the water temperature collected by the temperature sensor 1 reaches the preset temperature; wherein, the preset temperature is higher or lower than the target temperature that the water at the outlet 6 needs to reach.

[0062] As the water heated by the heating device 7 and cooled by the cooling device flows in the water pipe, it will gradually cool down. In order to more accurately collect the outlet water temperature of the heating device 7 or the cooling device, the temperature sensor 1 is set on the outlet of the heating device 7 or the cooling device.

[0063] In this case, it is necessary to adjust the target temperature in controller 2 according to the water flow rate and temperature decay. That is, in actual implementation, controller 2 can increase the target temperature and compare it with the temperature data collected by temperature sensor 1 so that the water temperature of the outlet 6 corresponds to the actual required water temperature, avoiding the water temperature decay causing the detection temperature to pass, but the water temperature flowing out of the outlet 6 decays to below the target water temperature.

[0064] As an optional embodiment, a total dissolved solids (TDS) sensor 8 is also installed on the pipeline between the water outlet 6 and the heating device 7 or cooling device; the TDS sensor 8 is connected to the controller 2, and the controller 2 is also used to control the inlet of the three-way valve 3 to connect with the return water pipe 4 when the TDS value of the purified water detected by the TDS sensor 8 is lower than the preset TDS value, and the return water pipe 4 is connected to the water pipeline before the filter 14.

[0065] A TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) sensor 8 is installed between the water tank 11 and the water outlet 6 of the water dispenser to reflect the water quality. The controller 2 is also connected to the TDS sensor 8. When the TDS value of the purified water detected by the TDS sensor 8 is lower than the preset TDS value, the controller controls the inlet of the three-way valve 3 to connect to the return pipe 4.

[0066] Thus, water recycling can be achieved through the return water pipe 4 even if the water quality does not meet the standards. However, it should be noted that when the TDS sensor 8 controls the three-way valve 3 to connect with the return water pipe 4, it is necessary to ensure that the return water pipe 4 is connected to the water pipe before the filter 14; otherwise, the return water will run dry, and the TDS function will not meet the requirements.

[0067] As an optional embodiment, it also includes a return pipe 9, one end of which is connected to an outlet of a return three-way valve 17 disposed between the TDS sensor 8 and the heating device 7 or the cooling device, and the other end of which is connected to the inlet of the filter 14, wherein the TDS sensor 8 is disposed between the water tank 11 and the heating device 7 or the cooling device.

[0068] To avoid interference caused by TDS sensor 8 and temperature sensor 1 simultaneously controlling three-way valve 3, a separate return pipe 9 can be provided for TDS sensor 8. The pipe containing TDS sensor 8 can be connected to the water pipe before filter 14 via another return three-way valve 17. For example, the inlet of the filter.

[0069] It should be noted that the TDS sensor needs to be installed on the water pipe after the filter 14. This is because the filter 14 will reduce the TDS value in the water. Only by installing the TDS sensor after the filter can the TDS value of the water coming out of the spout 6 be accurately detected.

[0070] Since the heating device can also optimize the TDS value to a certain extent, preferably in this embodiment, the TDS sensor can be placed between the water tank 11 and the heating device 7 or the cooling device. If the TDS value is detected to be below the preset requirement, the backflow can be controlled and the filtration can be repeated.

[0071] If the requirements are met, the heating device can be used for optimization to ensure that the TDS value of the water from the spout 6 meets the requirements.

[0072] As an optional embodiment, the concentrated water produced by the filter 14 is connected to the raw water tank through the concentrated water pipe 10; the raw water tank 13 includes a wastewater tank with a constant water volume, and both the return water pipe 4 and the concentrated water pipe 10 are connected to the wastewater tank; a booster pump is also installed on the return water pipe 4.

[0073] When the return water pipe 4 is connected to the raw water tank 13, there are two situations: one is that the return water pipe 4 is directly connected to the raw water tank 13, and the other is that the return water pipe 4 is connected to the concentrate pipe. The concentrate pipe here is the water pipe that connects the concentrate outlet of the filter 14 to the raw water tank 13.

[0074] The raw water in the raw water tank 13 can be connected to the inlet of the filter 14 through the raw water pipe. Another TDS sensor can be installed on the raw water pipe to detect the TDS value of the raw water, and then the power of the filter 14 can be controlled by the controller to effectively filter the raw water.

[0075] A one-way valve can also be installed on the aforementioned return water pipe 4 to prevent concentrated water backflow from contaminating the outlet and return water pipes.

[0076] The raw water tank 13 may include a wastewater tank with a constant water volume. In most cases, the wastewater tank contains a certain volume of water, meaning the water volume in the wastewater tank remains constant within a certain range. The return water from the return water pipe 4 is also heated, but not to the target temperature. This higher return water temperature from the return water pipe 4 may cause the raw water temperature in the raw water tank to rise, thereby damaging the filter element.

[0077] In addition, the raw water in the raw water tank 13 is at room temperature or low temperature, and generally will not reach the temperature output by the heating device 7 or the cooling device. Therefore, the material of the raw water tank 13 is also a non-high temperature material. The return water temperature of the return water pipe 4 is relatively high, which may also damage the raw water tank.

[0078] Connect the return water pipe 4 to the wastewater tank of the raw water tank 13. This will isolate the water from the raw water and prevent the raw water tank 13, which is made of non-high-temperature material, from getting scalded. It will also prevent the high-temperature return water from flowing directly into the filter element and damaging it.

[0079] If the pressure in the return water pipe 4 is insufficient, a water pump can be added to the return water pipe 4 to increase the water pressure in both the return water pipe 4 and the concentrate pipe. Theoretically, a water pump can also be added to the concentrate pipe, but since the concentrate pipe is an existing pipeline and the return water pipe 4 is a new addition, the water pump is installed on the return water pipe 4 for ease of installation and setup.

[0080] Based on this, the controller 2 may also include a clock module and an initialization module.

[0081] The initialization module initiates filter flushing when the user installs the raw water tank, discharging room-temperature water into the wastewater tank. This is because, in extreme cases, if the user doesn't fill the wastewater tank before filling, the return water from pipe 4 will immediately flow out hot water, scalding the raw water tank. The initialization module automatically cleans the filter once during water filling and drains water into the wastewater tank, thus preventing damage to the raw water tank from the return water.

[0082] The clock module can provide a time limit for the three-way valve 3 to connect to the return water pipe 4. If the temperature sensor fails, there may be a continuous backflow, which will prevent water from flowing from the outlet 6. To address this issue, a backflow time limit can be set through the clock module of the controller 2, such as 5 seconds or several seconds. After the backflow time limit is reached, the water temperature will be at the standard level, and water can flow directly from the outlet 6.

[0083] As an optional embodiment, the return water pipe 4 is connected to the concentrate pipe 10, and the concentrate pipe 10 is connected to the wastewater tank.

[0084] In this embodiment, the return water pipe 4 is preferably connected to the concentrate pipe. As mentioned above, connecting the return water pipe 4 to the water pipeline increases the pressure of the original pipeline, which allows the concentrate to be recovered more quickly, avoiding accumulation that could put pressure on the filter element and thus benefiting the operation of the filter element.

[0085] On the other hand, the return water pipe 4 is connected to the concentrate pipe, which can also effectively mix with the concentrate in the concentrate pipe, avoiding the return water and concentrate flowing into the raw water tank 13 separately and failing to effectively mix, thus failing to achieve the effect of effectively reducing the pressure of the filter 14.

[0086] As an optional embodiment, an ultraviolet disinfection device 12 is also provided on the water outlet pipe 5; the ultraviolet disinfection device 12 is located between the three-way valve 3 and the water outlet 6.

[0087] Filter 14 generally only has a filtration function, which means that the entire water dispenser only has heating and sterilization functions and filtration functions. The heating and sterilization is set in the raw water tank, and bacteria may also grow in the water circuit during use, leading to the final water contamination. To avoid this situation, this embodiment is equipped with an ultraviolet disinfection device 12 on the water outlet pipe 5.

[0088] The ultraviolet disinfection device 12 is preferably installed between the three-way valve 3 and the water outlet 6. Even if the three-way valve 3 and the water outlet 6 are integrated, the ultraviolet disinfection device 12 is preferably integrated between the integrated three-way valve 3 and the water outlet 6. This is to disinfect the entire water circuit as much as possible and avoid contamination of the effluent by any unsterilized water circuits.

[0089] Of course, the actual physical size of the ultraviolet disinfection device 12 should also be considered when setting it up. If the size is too large to be installed between the integrated three-way valve 3 and the water outlet 6, it can also be installed before the integrated three-way valve 3, at the position directly connected to the water inlet of the three-way valve 3.

[0090] As an optional embodiment, the water dispenser further includes: a display panel; the display panel is connected to the controller 2 and is used to display the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 1.

[0091] The water dispenser's casing can also be equipped with a display panel, which can show the real-time temperature monitored by temperature sensor 1, or the purified water temperature from the water tank. It can also display multiple target temperatures for the user to select, or multiple different target temperature levels for the user to adjust.

[0092] The temperature detected by temperature sensor 1 is actually the displayed outlet water temperature. After a target temperature is selected, the actual outlet water temperature can also be displayed as a percentage of the target temperature to show the difference between the current outlet water temperature and the target temperature. As the return water is repeatedly heated, the temperature rise progress is updated in real time to alert the user and avoid user anxiety about the unknown heating time.

[0093] For ease of description, spatial relative terms such as "above," "on top of," "on the upper surface of," "above," etc., may be used here to describe the spatial positional relationship of a device or feature to other devices or features as shown in the figure. It should be understood that spatial relative terms are intended to include different orientations in use or operation in addition to the orientation of the device as described in the figure.

[0094] For example, if a device in the accompanying drawings is inverted, a device described as "above" or "on top of" other devices or structures will subsequently be positioned as "below" or "under" other devices or structures. Thus, the exemplary term "above" can include both "above" and "below". The device may also be positioned in other different ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatial relative descriptions used herein will be interpreted accordingly.

[0095] Furthermore, it should be noted that the use of terms such as "first" and "second" to define components is merely for the purpose of distinguishing the corresponding components. Unless otherwise stated, the above terms have no special meaning and therefore cannot be construed as limiting the scope of protection of this application.

[0096] The above are merely preferred embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit this application. Various modifications and variations can be made to this application by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A water dispenser, characterized in that, Also includes: Temperature sensor (1), controller (2), three-way valve (3), return water pipe (4); The temperature sensor (1) is installed on the outlet pipe (5) used to connect the outlet nozzle (6) and the three-way valve (3); The controller (2) is connected to the temperature sensor (1) and the three-way valve (3); The three-way valve (3) is located at one end of the outlet pipe (5) connected to the outlet nozzle (6). The inlet of the three-way valve (3) is connected to the outlet pipe (5), the first outlet of the three-way valve (3) is connected to the outlet nozzle (6), and the second outlet of the three-way valve (3) is connected to the return pipe (4). The return water pipe (4) is used to recycle water that does not meet the temperature standard in the outlet water pipe (5).

2. The water dispenser according to claim 1, characterized in that, The three-way valve (3) and the water outlet (6) are integrated together, and an installation structure (15) is provided at the connection between the three-way valve (3) and the water outlet (6). The mounting structure (15) is used to mount the water outlet (6) on the housing (16) and expose the water outlet (6) outside the housing (16), and to mount the integrated three-way valve (3) on the housing (16) and hide the three-way valve (3) inside the housing (16).

3. The water dispenser according to claim 2, characterized in that, The mounting structure (15) is a mounting groove (15-1), and the outer shell (16) includes a first mounting part (16-1) and a second mounting part (16-2) that are separate and cooperate with each other. The first mounting part (16-1) and the second mounting part (16-2) cooperate with the mounting groove (15-1) to install the integrated three-way valve (3) and the water outlet (6) on the outer shell (16).

4. The water dispenser according to claim 1, characterized in that, The water outlet pipe (5) is equipped with a heating device (7) and / or a cooling device; The heating device (7) or cooling device is installed in the water channel before the temperature sensor (1); The other end of the return water pipe (4) away from the three-way valve (3) is connected to the water pipe before the heating device (7) or cooling device.

5. The water dispenser according to claim 4, characterized in that, The temperature sensor (1) is installed on the outlet of the heating device (7) or the cooling device. The controller (2) is used to control the inlet of the three-way valve (3) to connect with the return pipe when the water temperature collected by the temperature sensor (1) reaches the preset temperature. The preset temperature is higher or lower than the target temperature that the water from the water outlet (6) needs to reach.

6. The water dispenser according to claim 1, characterized in that, A total dissolved solids (TDS) sensor (8) is also installed on the pipeline between the water outlet (6) and the heating device (7) or cooling device. The TDS sensor (8) is connected to the controller (2). The controller (2) is also used to control the inlet of the three-way valve (3) to connect with the return pipe (4) when the TDS value of the purified water detected by the TDS sensor (8) is lower than the preset TDS value. The return water pipe (4) is connected to the water pipe before the filter (14).

7. The water dispenser according to claim 6, characterized in that, It also includes a return pipe (9), one end of which is connected to an outlet of a return three-way valve (17) provided between the TDS sensor (8) and the heating device (7) or the cooling device, and the other end of which is connected to the inlet of the filter (14). The TDS sensor (8) is provided between the water tank (11) and the heating device (7) or the cooling device.

8. The water dispenser according to claim 1, characterized in that, The concentrated water produced by the filter (14) is connected to the raw water tank (13) through the concentrated water pipe (10); The raw water tank (13) includes a wastewater tank with a constant water volume, and the return water pipe (4) and the concentrated water pipe (10) are both connected to the wastewater tank; A booster pump is also installed on the return water pipe (4).

9. The water dispenser according to claim 8, characterized in that, The return water pipe (4) is connected to the concentrate pipe (10), and the concentrate pipe (10) is connected to the wastewater tank.

10. The water dispenser according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The water outlet pipe (5) is also equipped with an ultraviolet disinfection device (12). The ultraviolet disinfection device (12) is located between the three-way valve (3) and the water outlet (6).

11. The water dispenser according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that, Also includes: Display panel; The display panel is connected to the controller (2) and is used to display the temperature detected by the temperature sensor (1).

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