Water dispenser capable of emptying residual water

Abstract

The utility model relates to a water dispenser capable of emptying residual water, which comprises a water heating device, a first water pump, a water pipeline, a water outlet nozzle, a first electromagnetic valve and a control circuit, the water pipeline comprises a water inlet pipeline, a water outlet pipeline and a first return pipeline, and a first port of the water inlet pipeline is a water inlet and outlet port used for being connected with a water source; an inlet of the first water pump is communicated with a second port of the water inlet pipeline, an outlet of the first water pump is communicated with an inlet of the water heating device, an outlet of the water heating device is communicated with a first port of the water drainage pipeline, and a second port of the water drainage pipeline is communicated with the water outlet nozzle; when a user ends the water taking action, the control circuit board automatically sends out an emptying instruction, the control circuit board opens the first electromagnetic valve and the second electromagnetic valve, as the overall height of the water pipeline is higher than the water inlet and outlet port, enough negative pressure difference is formed in the pipeline, and water in the water pipeline flows to the water inlet pipeline through the first backflow pipeline and is finally discharged from the water inlet and outlet port; and the siphon emptying process is completed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to a water dispenser that can drain residual water. Background Technology

[0002] With the widespread use of household water dispensers in daily life, existing technologies have the following shortcomings:

[0003] After each user takes water, a certain amount of residual water remains inside the water heating device and its associated water pipes. Because this residual water is not promptly removed, and some of it remains in the drain pipe outside the water heating device, it is never heated. When the user uses the water dispenser again, the first water drawn often contains this unheated residual cold water, causing the water temperature to fall short of the preset temperature and negatively impacting the user experience.

[0004] Residual water that remains inside the water pipes and heating elements for extended periods, without sufficient heating and disinfection, can easily become a breeding ground for bacteria. This not only reduces the safety and hygiene of the drinking water but also poses a potential health risk to users.

[0005] In traditional designs, the failure of the overall water pipes and drainage system to effectively drain residual water makes it difficult to balance the cleanliness of the water system with heating efficiency, thus hindering further improvements in energy saving, efficiency, and hygiene of water dispenser products. Utility Model Content

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to provide a water dispenser that can effectively drain residual water by using the siphon effect.

[0007] The purpose of this utility model is achieved as follows:

[0008] A water dispenser capable of draining residual water includes a water heating device, a first water pump, a water pipe, a water outlet, a first solenoid valve, and a control circuit. The water pipe includes an inlet pipe, a drain pipe, and a first return pipe. The first port of the inlet pipe is an inlet / outlet port for connecting to a water source.

[0009] The inlet of the first water pump is connected to the second port of the inlet pipe, the outlet of the first water pump is connected to the inlet of the water heating device, the outlet of the water heating device is connected to the first port of the drain pipe, and the second port of the drain pipe is connected to the water outlet.

[0010] The first port of the first return pipe is connected to the third port of the water inlet pipe, and the second port of the first return pipe is connected to the inlet of the water heating device.

[0011] The height of the water pipe is higher than the height of the inlet and outlet ports;

[0012] The first solenoid valve is installed on the first return line, and the first solenoid valve controls the opening or closing of the first return line;

[0013] The first solenoid valve, the first water pump, and the water heating device are electrically connected to the control circuit board respectively;

[0014] A second solenoid valve is installed between the second port of the water inlet pipe and the water inlet / drainage port of the water inlet pipe.

[0015] When the user finishes taking water, the control circuit board automatically issues a drain command, opening the first and second solenoid valves. Since the overall height of the water pipe is higher than the inlet and outlet ports, a sufficient negative pressure difference is formed in the pipe. The water in the pipe flows through the first return pipe to the inlet pipe and is finally discharged from the inlet and outlet ports, completing the siphon drain process.

[0016] Using the siphon principle, the residual water outside the heating device outlet can be automatically drawn out by the height difference of the pipeline and the coordinated control of two solenoid valves, ensuring that there is no cold water remaining in the system before each water intake.

[0017] After the cold water is drained, the water that the user draws for the first time is heated by the heating device, and there will be no unheated residual cold water mixed in, thus achieving accurate and stable output water temperature and significantly improving the user's drinking water experience.

[0018] Water pipes no longer hold water for extended periods, reducing the risk of bacterial growth and scale buildup, preventing secondary contamination, and ensuring hygienic and reliable water output.

[0019] The objective of this utility model can also be achieved by the following technical measures:

[0020] Furthermore, a water vapor separation box is installed on the drain pipe between the water heating device and the water outlet, and a first filtration and disinfection module is installed on the drain pipe between the water heating device and the water vapor separation box.

[0021] A water vapor separator box is added between the water heating device and the water outlet to fully separate the steam and superheated water generated by heating, ensuring that only pure water flows out of the water outlet and avoiding the risk of splashing or scalding caused by steam entrainment.

[0022] A first filtration and disinfection module is installed between the water heating device and the water vapor separation box to ensure that the water quality is clear and hygienic.

[0023] Furthermore, it also includes a cold water tank for storing cold water and a second water pump. The fourth port of the inlet pipe is connected to the inlet of the cold water tank, the outlet of the cold water tank is connected to the inlet of the second water pump, the outlet of the second water pump is connected to the third port of the drain pipe, and the second water pump is electrically connected to the control circuit board.

[0024] By introducing a cold water tank and a second water pump, cold, hot, and warm water can be produced in the same equipment, enhancing the product's versatility.

[0025] Furthermore, it also includes a third solenoid valve, and the water pipeline also includes a second return pipeline. The first port of the second return pipeline is connected to the outlet of the cold water tank, and the second port of the second return pipeline is connected to the fourth port of the drain pipeline. The third solenoid valve is installed on the second return pipeline, and the third solenoid valve controls the opening or closing of the second return pipeline.

[0026] By installing a second return pipeline and a third solenoid valve, an independent siphon or return channel can be formed between the cold water tank and the drainage pipeline, enabling automatic drainage of residual water in the cold water circuit and avoiding the risk of secondary pollution caused by long-term water storage in the cold water tank.

[0027] The three-valve coordinated control (second solenoid valve, third solenoid valve, and first solenoid valve) makes the hot and cold water system dredging scheme more flexible. It can drain the hot water system separately or perform special cleaning of the cold water circuit when needed.

[0028] Furthermore, a first water level detection module with a water shortage detection function is provided near the water inlet and outlet ports of the water inlet pipe. The first water level detection module is electrically connected to the control circuit board. A second water level detection module with a water shortage detection function is provided at the outlet of the cold water tank. The second water level detection module is electrically connected to the control circuit board.

[0029] Water level detection modules with water shortage detection function are added to the water inlet section and the cold water tank outlet, respectively. These modules can monitor the fresh water source and the water volume in the cold water tank in real time, prevent dry burning or idling, and improve the safety and stability of system operation.

[0030] Water level information can be fed back to the control circuit to achieve intelligent early warning and shutdown protection, reduce the risk of damage to electric pumps and heating devices, and extend equipment life.

[0031] Furthermore, a check valve is installed at the third port of the drainage pipe.

[0032] The check valve prevents residual hot water from flowing back into the second water pump, thus avoiding damage to the seals and motor components of the cold water pump caused by high-temperature water and improving the safety of equipment operation.

[0033] Furthermore, a fourth solenoid valve is provided between the inlet and outlet ports of the water inlet pipe and the fourth port of the water inlet pipe.

[0034] By combining the second and fourth solenoid valves, users can select hot water (only the second solenoid valve is open), cold water (only the fourth solenoid valve is open), or warm water (both the second and fourth solenoid valves are open) with a single button, greatly improving the flexibility and user experience of the water dispenser.

[0035] The second and fourth solenoid valves control the water inlet pipes in sections, ensuring that different water lines do not interfere with each other, eliminating cross-flow between hot and cold water in the pipes, and guaranteeing that the temperature of the water output is pure and the water quality is more stable each time.

[0036] When draining residual water, only the second and first solenoid valves can be opened to drain the hot water circuit; alternatively, the third and fourth solenoid valves can be opened simultaneously to drain the residual water in the cold water circuit independently. This design allows the residual water in the hot and cold water circuits to be removed separately, avoiding cross-contamination that may occur with traditional mixed draining.

[0037] By combining the aforementioned siphon effect, negative pressure can be automatically generated for venting. The venting process is rapid and thorough, saving both time and energy consumption.

[0038] Furthermore, it also includes a second filtration and disinfection module, the inlet of which is an external water source inlet, and the outlet of which is connected to the inlet and outlet ports.

[0039] With the addition of a second filtration and disinfection module, all external water entering the system undergoes pre-filtration and disinfection, which removes sediment, suspended solids, and most microorganisms, improving the overall water quality of the water dispenser.

[0040] Pre-filtration reduces the burden on pipelines and downstream modules, lowers the risk of scaling, and provides a cleaner water source for subsequent heating, filtration, separation, and evacuation functions.

[0041] Furthermore, it also includes a water volume regulating device, which includes a pressure limiting valve and a stepper motor. The inlet of the pressure limiting valve is an external water source inlet, and the outlet of the pressure limiting valve is connected to the inlet of the first filtration and disinfection module. The stepper motor is connected to the pressure limiting valve and electrically connected to the control circuit board. The control circuit board controls the valve opening degree of the pressure limiting valve through the stepper motor.

[0042] A water flow regulating device consisting of a pressure relief valve and a stepper motor is introduced. The control circuit can accurately adjust the inlet pressure and flow rate according to the usage scenario and water output requirements, so as to achieve intelligent output of different water flow levels.

[0043] Precise valve opening control not only meets personalized water usage needs, but also avoids noise and pipeline impact caused by water pressure fluctuations, improving user experience and system stability.

[0044] Furthermore, it also includes a tee pipe and a water dispenser, wherein the first port of the tee pipe is connected to the inlet of the pressure relief valve, the second port of the tee pipe is connected to the water dispenser, and the third port of the tee pipe is a faucet interface for connecting a faucet.

[0045] By setting up a three-way pipe structure, the water dispenser can be connected to a pipeline machine for centralized water supply, or it can be directly connected to a tap to use tap water, meeting the user's needs in different scenarios, such as homes, offices, or temporary installations in areas without pipelines.

[0046] Water dispensers that are compatible with multiple water supply modes are more attractive to the market, making it easier for manufacturers to design, produce, sell, and maintain them in a unified manner, thereby reducing overall costs and enhancing product competitiveness.

[0047] The beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows:

[0048] In this invention, when the user finishes taking water, the control circuit board automatically issues a drain command, opening the first and second solenoid valves. Since the overall height of the water pipe is higher than the inlet and outlet ports, a sufficient negative pressure difference is formed in the pipe. The water in the water pipe flows through the first return pipe to the inlet pipe and is finally discharged from the inlet and outlet ports, completing the siphon drain process.

[0049] This invention utilizes the siphon principle, relying solely on the height difference of the pipeline and the coordinated control of two solenoid valves, to automatically draw out residual water outside the outlet of the heating device. This ensures that no cold water remains in the system before each water draw. After draining the cold water, the water taken by the user for the first time is heated by the heating device and will not be mixed with unheated residual cold water. This achieves accurate and stable output water temperature and significantly improves the user's drinking water experience.

[0050] This invention, by introducing a cold water tank and a second water pump, can realize cold, hot, and warm water in the same equipment, thus enhancing the product's versatility.

[0051] This utility model is equipped with a second return pipeline and a third solenoid valve, which can form an independent siphon or return channel between the cold water tank and the drainage pipeline, realize the automatic drainage of residual water in the cold water circuit, and avoid the risk of secondary pollution caused by long-term water storage in the cold water tank.

[0052] This invention features a three-valve coordinated control system (second solenoid valve, third solenoid valve, and first solenoid valve), which makes the draining scheme of the hot and cold water system more flexible. It can drain the hot water system separately or perform special cleaning of the cold water circuit when needed.

[0053] This invention provides a check valve to prevent residual hot water from flowing back into the second water pump, thus avoiding damage to the seals and motor components of the cold water pump caused by high-temperature water and improving the safety of equipment operation. Attached Figure Description

[0054] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a water dispenser that can drain residual water (only hot water can be consumed) as described in Example 1.

[0055] Figure 2This is a schematic diagram of a water dispenser that can drain residual water (capable of dispensing hot, warm, and cold water) as described in Example 2.

[0056] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a water dispenser that can drain residual water (capable of providing hot, warm, and cold water, and equipped with external water source treatment) as described in Example 3. Detailed Implementation

[0057] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments:

[0058] Combination Figure 1 As shown in Embodiment 1, a water dispenser capable of draining residual water includes a water heating device 1, a first water pump 2, a water pipe, a water outlet 400, a first solenoid valve 3, and a control circuit. The water pipe includes an inlet pipe 11, a drain pipe 12, and a first return pipe 13. The first port of the inlet pipe 11 is an inlet / outlet port 100 for connecting to a water source.

[0059] The inlet of the first water pump 2 is connected to the second port of the water inlet pipe 11, the outlet of the first water pump 2 is connected to the inlet of the water heating device 1, the outlet of the water heating device 1 is connected to the first port of the drain pipe 12, and the second port of the drain pipe 12 is connected to the water outlet 400.

[0060] The first port of the first return pipe 13 is connected to the third port of the water inlet pipe 11, and the second port of the first return pipe 13 is connected to the inlet of the water heating device 1.

[0061] The height of the water pipe is higher than the height of the inlet and outlet ports by 100.

[0062] The first solenoid valve 3 is installed on the first return pipe 13, and the first solenoid valve 3 controls the opening or closing of the first return pipe 13;

[0063] The first solenoid valve 3, the first water pump 2, and the water heating device 1 are electrically connected to the control circuit board respectively;

[0064] A second solenoid valve 9 is provided between the second port of the water inlet pipe 11 and the water inlet / outlet port 100 of the water inlet pipe 11.

[0065] Furthermore, a water vapor separation box 200 is provided on the drainage pipe 12 between the water heating device 1 and the water outlet 400, and a first filtration and disinfection module 300 is provided on the drainage pipe 12 between the water heating device 1 and the water vapor separation box 200.

[0066] User's process of drinking hot water:

[0067] When a user drinks hot water, external water enters the water dispenser through the inlet and outlet ports 100. After being controlled by the second solenoid valve 9, the water is pressurized by the first water pump 2 and heated by the water heating device 1. Then, it is filtered by the water vapor separator 200 and the first filter and disinfection module 300, and finally flows to the water outlet 400 through the drain pipe 12 for the user to drink.

[0068] The process of the water dispenser discharging residual water:

[0069] After water intake is stopped, the control circuit board commands the first solenoid valve 3 and the second solenoid valve 9 to open. Using the siphon effect, the residual water in the water pipe is drawn back to the inlet pipe 11 through the first return pipe 13 and finally discharged through the inlet and outlet ports 100, ensuring that there is no residual water in the system and effectively improving water quality and hygiene safety.

[0070] Combination Figure 2 As shown, the difference between Example 2 and Example 1 is that Example 2 also includes the following:

[0071] Furthermore, it also includes a cold water tank 4 for storing cold water and a second water pump 5. The fourth port of the inlet pipe 11 is connected to the inlet of the cold water tank 4, the outlet of the cold water tank 4 is connected to the inlet of the second water pump 5, the outlet of the second water pump 5 is connected to the third port of the drain pipe 12, and the second water pump 5 is electrically connected to the control circuit board.

[0072] Furthermore, it also includes a third solenoid valve 6, and the water pipeline also includes a second return pipeline 14. The first port of the second return pipeline 14 is connected to the outlet of the cold water tank 4, and the second port of the second return pipeline 14 is connected to the fourth port of the drain pipeline 12. The third solenoid valve 6 is installed on the second return pipeline 14, and the third solenoid valve 6 controls the second return pipeline 14 to open or close.

[0073] Furthermore, a first water level detection module 500 with a water shortage detection function is provided near the water inlet / outlet port 100 in the water inlet pipe 11. The first water level detection module 500 is electrically connected to the control circuit board. A second water level detection module 600 with a water shortage detection function is provided at the outlet of the cold water tank 4. The second water level detection module 600 is electrically connected to the control circuit board.

[0074] Furthermore, a check valve 7 is provided at the third port of the drainage pipe 12.

[0075] Furthermore, a fourth solenoid valve 8 is provided between the inlet / outlet port 100 and the fourth port of the inlet pipe 11.

[0076] User's process of drinking hot water:

[0077] When a user selects hot water, the water inlet pipe 11 controls the water flow into the water dispenser via the second solenoid valve 9. The water is pressurized by the first water pump 2 and then enters the water heating device 1 for heating. The heated water passes through the steam separator 200 to remove steam and then passes through the first filtration and disinfection module 300 for filtration and disinfection to ensure water quality. Finally, the hot water flows through the drain pipe 12 to the water outlet 400 for the user to drink.

[0078] User's process of drinking warm water:

[0079] When drinking warm water, the fourth solenoid valve 8 and the second solenoid valve 9 open simultaneously, allowing cold water to flow from the cold water tank 4 into the drain pipe 12 and mix with the hot water. The mixed warm water then flows through the water vapor separator 200 and the first filter disinfection module 300, ensuring the cleanliness and safety of the water. After treatment, the warm water flows through the drain pipe 12 to the water outlet 400 for the user to drink.

[0080] User's process of drinking cold water:

[0081] When a user selects to drink cold water, the control system closes the second solenoid valve 9 and opens the fourth solenoid valve 8. Cold water flows from the cold water tank 4 into the drain pipe 12 through the second water pump 5. After being treated by the first filtration and disinfection module 300 to ensure water quality, the water finally flows through the drain pipe 12 to the water outlet 400 for the user to drink.

[0082] The process of draining residual water after the water supply stops:

[0083] When the user stops drawing water, the control circuit board opens the first solenoid valve 3, the second solenoid valve 9, and the third solenoid valve 6, initiating the evacuation procedure. The residual water in the hot water section flows back to the inlet pipe 11 through the first return pipe 13, and is then discharged through the inlet and outlet ports 100, while the residual water in the cold water section flows back to the cold water tank 4 through the second return pipe 14.

[0084] If water needs to be drained from cold water tank 4, the control circuit board controls the fourth solenoid valve 8 to open, and the residual water and water from cold water tank 4 are discharged through the inlet and outlet ports 100 to ensure that there is no residual water in the pipeline.

[0085] Check valve 7 protection process:

[0086] During the venting process, the check valve 7 is installed at a critical position in the drain pipe 12 to prevent hot water from flowing back to the second water pump 5 and avoid potential damage to the equipment. This design improves the safety and stability of the system and ensures that residual water in the cold and hot water sections is discharged correctly.

[0087] Combination Figure 3 As shown, the difference between Example 3 and Example 2 is that Example 3 also includes the following:

[0088] Furthermore, it also includes a second filtration and disinfection module 700, the inlet of which is an external water source inlet, and the outlet of which is connected to the inlet and outlet port 100.

[0089] Furthermore, it also includes a water volume regulating device, which includes a pressure limiting valve 800 and a stepper motor 900. The inlet of the pressure limiting valve 800 is an external water source inlet 10, and the outlet of the pressure limiting valve 800 is connected to the inlet of the first filtration and disinfection module 300. The stepper motor 900 is connected to the pressure limiting valve 800 and is electrically connected to a control circuit board. The control circuit board controls the valve opening degree of the pressure limiting valve 800 through the stepper motor 900.

[0090] Furthermore, it also includes a three-way pipe 20 and a water dispenser 30. The first port of the three-way pipe 20 is connected to the inlet of the pressure relief valve 800, the second port of the three-way pipe 20 is connected to the water dispenser 30, and the third port of the three-way pipe 20 is a faucet interface 201 for connecting a faucet.

[0091] External water source treatment methods:

[0092] In Example 3, external water enters the water dispenser through the inlet / outlet port 100 and is first treated by the second filtration and disinfection module 700. The second filtration and disinfection module 700 is responsible for filtering impurities and bacteria from the external water source, ensuring initial purification of the water quality. Afterward, the water flows through the pressure limiting valve 800, which is controlled by a stepper motor 900. By controlling the opening degree of the valve, the water volume and pressure are adjusted to ensure that the water flow entering the water dispenser meets the set requirements.

[0093] The outlet of the pressure relief valve 800 is connected to the first filtration and disinfection module 300 for further disinfection of the water, ensuring the hygiene of the water source. After two filtrations and disinfections, the water flows into the inlet pipe 11 and then into the water heating device 1 or the cold water tank 4 for further treatment, ultimately providing users with safe and clean drinking water.

[0094] In addition, there are two options for water supply: tap water can be directly supplied by connecting to the water dispenser 30 via the T-connector 20, or tap water can be connected to the water dispenser via the faucet interface 201. The design of the T-connector 20 allows users to choose the water source according to their actual needs, providing flexibility.

[0095] Through this multi-stage filtration, disinfection, and water volume regulation design, the quality of external water sources is strictly guaranteed, ensuring that the water provided by the water dispenser is hygienic, safe, and supplied to users under appropriate water volume and pressure conditions.

Claims

1. A water dispenser capable of draining residual water, comprising a water heating device, a first water pump, a water pipe, a water outlet, a first solenoid valve, and a control circuit, characterized in that: The water pipeline includes an inlet pipeline, an outlet pipeline, and a first return pipeline. The first port of the inlet pipeline is an inlet / outlet port for connecting to a water source. The inlet of the first water pump is connected to the second port of the inlet pipe, the outlet of the first water pump is connected to the inlet of the water heating device, the outlet of the water heating device is connected to the first port of the drain pipe, and the second port of the drain pipe is connected to the water outlet. The first port of the first return pipe is connected to the third port of the water inlet pipe, and the second port of the first return pipe is connected to the inlet of the water heating device. The height of the water pipe is higher than the height of the inlet and outlet ports; The first solenoid valve is installed on the first return line, and the first solenoid valve controls the opening or closing of the first return line; The first solenoid valve, the first water pump, and the water heating device are electrically connected to the control circuit board respectively; A second solenoid valve is installed between the second port of the water inlet pipe and the water inlet / drainage port of the water inlet pipe.

2. The water dispenser capable of draining residual water according to claim 1, characterized in that: A water vapor separator is installed on the drain pipe between the water heating device and the water outlet, and a first filtration and disinfection module is installed on the drain pipe between the water heating device and the water vapor separator.

3. The water dispenser capable of draining residual water according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: It also includes a cold water tank for storing cold water and a second water pump. The fourth port of the inlet pipe is connected to the inlet of the cold water tank, the outlet of the cold water tank is connected to the inlet of the second water pump, the outlet of the second water pump is connected to the third port of the drain pipe, and the second water pump is electrically connected to the control circuit board.

4. The water dispenser capable of draining residual water according to claim 3, characterized in that: It also includes a third solenoid valve, and the water pipeline also includes a second return pipeline. The first port of the second return pipeline is connected to the outlet of the cold water tank, and the second port of the second return pipeline is connected to the fourth port of the drain pipeline. The third solenoid valve is installed on the second return pipeline and controls the second return pipeline to open or close.

5. The water dispenser capable of draining residual water according to claim 3, characterized in that: The water inlet pipe is equipped with a first water level detection module with water shortage detection function near the water inlet and outlet ports. The first water level detection module is electrically connected to the control circuit board. The outlet of the cold water tank is equipped with a second water level detection module with water shortage detection function. The second water level detection module is electrically connected to the control circuit board.

6. The water dispenser capable of draining residual water according to claim 3, characterized in that: A check valve is installed at the third port of the drainage pipe.

7. The water dispenser capable of draining residual water according to claim 3, characterized in that: A fourth solenoid valve is installed between the inlet and outlet ports of the water inlet pipe and the fourth port of the water inlet pipe.

8. The water dispenser capable of draining residual water according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a second filtration and disinfection module, the inlet of which is an external water source inlet, and the outlet of which is connected to the inlet and outlet ports.

9. The water dispenser capable of draining residual water according to claim 2, characterized in that: It also includes a water volume regulating device, which includes a pressure limiting valve and a stepper motor. The inlet of the pressure limiting valve is an external water source inlet, and the outlet of the pressure limiting valve is connected to the inlet of the first filtration and disinfection module. The stepper motor is connected to the pressure limiting valve and electrically connected to the control circuit board. The control circuit board controls the valve opening degree of the pressure limiting valve through the stepper motor.

10. The water dispenser capable of draining residual water according to claim 9, characterized in that: It also includes a T-connector and a water dispenser. The first port of the T-connector is connected to the inlet of the pressure relief valve, the second port of the T-connector is connected to the water dispenser, and the third port of the T-connector is a faucet interface for connecting a faucet.

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