A water dispenser

Abstract

This utility model discloses a water dispenser, belonging to the field of household appliance technology. The water dispenser includes a water storage tank, a water supply component, and a water return component. The water storage tank has an inlet, an outlet, and a return outlet. The water supply component includes a suction pipe, an outlet pipe, and a water pump. The suction pipe connects the inlet and the water tank, the outlet pipe connects the outlet and the user end, and the water pump is located on the outlet pipe. The water return component includes a return pipe and a return pump. One end of the return pipe is connected to the outlet pipe, and the other end is connected to the inlet of the return pump. The outlet of the return pump is connected to the return outlet. By activating the return pump, residual water in the outlet pipe flows back to the water storage tank through the return pipe, preventing the water in the outlet pipe from affecting the temperature of the next use and preventing the water in the outlet pipe from deteriorating, thus not affecting the user experience. The structure is simple and occupies a small volume.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Water dispensers are common household or office appliances, primarily used to heat or cool drinking water, providing convenient access to hot or cold water. In existing water dispensers, when a user takes water, the water pump turns on, delivering water from the cold or hot tank through the outlet pipe to the user. After the user finishes taking water, the pump turns off, leaving some cold or hot water in the outlet pipe. Over time, this water cools to room temperature. When the user takes cold or hot water again, this water will flow out first, affecting the water temperature. Furthermore, when not used for extended periods, the water in the outlet pipe can easily deteriorate, leading to a poor user experience. Utility Model Content

[0003] This utility model provides a water dispenser to solve the technical problem in the prior art where the water remaining in the outlet pipe after the water dispensing ends affects the water temperature for the next use and is prone to spoilage.

[0004] Based on the above concept, the technical solution adopted by this utility model is as follows:

[0005] A water dispenser, comprising:

[0006] The water storage tank has an inlet, an outlet, and a return outlet;

[0007] A water supply assembly includes a suction pipe, an outlet pipe, and an outlet pump. The suction pipe connects the inlet to the water tank, the outlet pipe connects the outlet to the water outlet, and the outlet pump is located on the outlet pipe.

[0008] The water return assembly includes a water return pipe and a water return pump. One end of the water return pipe is connected to the water outlet pipe, and the other end of the water return pipe is connected to the water inlet of the water return pump. The water outlet of the water return pump is connected to the water return port.

[0009] Preferably, the inlet and outlet are both located at the top of the water storage tank, the return outlet is located on the side of the water storage tank, and the return pump is located on the same side of the water storage tank as the return outlet.

[0010] Preferably, the water tank has a water guide pipe inside, one end of which is connected to the water outlet, and the other end of which extends to the bottom of the water tank.

[0011] Preferably, the water storage tank is a cold tank, and the cold tank is equipped with a refrigeration component, which is used to cool the water inside the water storage tank.

[0012] Preferably, the cooling component includes a thermoelectric cooler, a first heat sink, and a second heat sink. The first heat sink is connected to the cold end of the thermoelectric cooler, and the second heat sink is connected to the hot end of the thermoelectric cooler. At least a portion of the first heat sink is located inside the water storage tank, and the second heat sink is located outside the water storage tank.

[0013] Preferably, there are two water storage tanks, and two sets of water supply components and two sets of water return components are provided, with both water suction pipes connected to the water tank.

[0014] Preferably, a first one-way valve is provided at the water outlet, one end of the water outlet pipe is connected to the first one-way valve, the first one-way valve allows water in the water storage tank to flow to the water-using end, and the connection position between the return water pipe and the water outlet pipe is downstream of the first one-way valve.

[0015] Preferably, a second check valve is provided on the return water pipe, which allows water in the outlet water pipe to flow into the return water pipe. The return water pump is located downstream of the second check valve, and the opening pressure of the second check valve is less than the opening pressure of the first check valve.

[0016] Preferably, the device also includes a housing, the interior of which forms a receiving cavity, a partition is provided inside the receiving cavity, the water storage tank is placed on the partition, and the water bucket is located below the partition.

[0017] Preferably, a sliding plate is provided at the bottom of the accommodating cavity inside the housing. The sliding plate is slidably connected to the housing to extend outside the housing or retract inside the housing, and the water bucket is placed on the sliding plate.

[0018] The beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0019] The water dispenser proposed in this utility model features a water pump that, when water is being used at the user end, delivers water from the storage tank to the user end, while simultaneously drawing water from the water tank into the storage tank using the suction force of the water pump. When the user ends the water usage, a return pump that activates returns any remaining water in the outlet pipe to the storage tank through the return pipe. This prevents the water in the outlet pipe from affecting the temperature of the next water usage and also prevents the water in the outlet pipe from deteriorating, ensuring that the user experience is not affected. The dispenser has a simple structure and occupies a small volume. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a first schematic diagram of the water dispenser provided in this embodiment of the utility model;

[0021] Figure 2 This is a first schematic diagram of a portion of the structure of the water dispenser provided in this embodiment of the utility model;

[0022] Figure 3 This is a second schematic diagram of a portion of the structure of the water dispenser provided in this embodiment of the utility model;

[0023] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the water storage tank and refrigeration component provided in an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0024] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the water storage tank and refrigeration assembly provided in this embodiment of the utility model.

[0025] In the picture:

[0026] 10. Water storage tank; 11. Water inlet; 12. Water outlet; 13. Water return outlet; 14. Water drain outlet;

[0027] 20. Water supply components; 21. Suction pipe; 22. Discharge pipe; 23. Discharge pump;

[0028] 30. Water bucket;

[0029] 40. Return water assembly; 41. Return water pipe; 42. Return water pump;

[0030] 50. Use water pipes;

[0031] 60. Casing; 61. Control panel; 62. Top plate; 63. Bottom plate; 64. Side plate; 65. Support plate;

[0032] 70. Partition;

[0033] 80. Cooling component; 81. Semiconductor cooling chip; 82. First heat sink; 83. Second heat sink;

[0034] 90. Connecting pipe. Detailed Implementation

[0035] The embodiments of this utility model are described in detail below. Examples of the embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to explain this utility model, and should not be construed as limiting this utility model.

[0036] In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected," "linked," and "fixed" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0037] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0038] The technical solution of this utility model will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0039] See Figures 1 to 5 This embodiment provides a water dispenser, including a water tank 10, a water supply assembly 20, and a water return assembly 40. The water tank 10 has an inlet 11, an outlet 12, and a return outlet 13. The water supply assembly 20 includes a suction pipe 21, an outlet pipe 22, and a water pump 23. The suction pipe 21 is used to connect the inlet 11 and the water tank 30, the outlet pipe 22 is used to connect the outlet 12 and the water outlet, and the water pump 23 is disposed on the outlet pipe 22. The water return assembly 40 includes a return pipe 41 and a return pump 42. One end of the return pipe 41 is connected to the outlet pipe 22, the other end of the return pipe 41 is connected to the inlet of the return pump 42, and the outlet of the return pump 42 is connected to the return outlet 13.

[0040] When water is used at the water outlet, the water pump 23 is turned on to deliver water from the water storage tank 10 to the water outlet. At the same time, the suction force of the water pump 23 draws water from the water tank 30 into the water storage tank 10. When the water usage ends, the return water pump 42 is turned on to return the water remaining in the water outlet pipe 22 to the water storage tank 10 through the return water pipe 41. This prevents the water in the water outlet pipe 22 from affecting the temperature of the next water use and also prevents the water in the water outlet pipe 22 from deteriorating. This ensures that the next water use experience is not affected. The structure is simple and occupies a small volume.

[0041] In this embodiment, the water tank 30 is located below the water storage tank 10, and the suction pipe 21 extends from bottom to top. The water outlet is located above the water storage tank 10, and the water outlet pipe 22 bends upward and extends upward. One end of the water outlet pipe 22 is connected to the water outlet 12. Since the water pump 23 is located on the water outlet pipe 22, the water pump 23 divides the water outlet pipe 22 into two water outlet pipes 22. Upstream of the water pump 23, the water outlet pipe 22 connects the water outlet 12 and the water pump 23. Downstream of the water pump 23, the water outlet pipe 22 connects the water pump 23 and the water outlet.

[0042] In conventional water dispensers, a faucet is usually installed at the water-using end, making the structure complex. In this embodiment, the water outlet pipe 22 is connected to the outside, i.e., connected to the outside atmosphere, resulting in a simple structure. Alternatively, the port of the water outlet pipe 22 can serve as the water-using end, or a water pipe 50 can be installed at the port of the water outlet pipe 22 as the water-using end. The water pipe 50 is inclined downwards relative to the port of the water outlet pipe 22, so that all the water in the water pipe 50 can flow out, while the water in the water outlet pipe 22 can be drawn back by the return water pump 42, ensuring that no water remains inside either the water outlet pipe 22 or the water pipe 50.

[0043] For example, when a user needs water, they can operate the water dispensing button, such as by pressing or touching it. The water dispensing button is connected to the controller, and when the controller receives a water dispensing signal, it controls the water pump 23 to turn on. When the user finishes dispensing water, they can press or touch the water dispensing button again, and when the controller receives a stop water dispensing signal, it controls the water pump 23 to turn off. The water dispensing button can be located on the control panel of the water dispenser.

[0044] In some embodiments, the user needs to operate the return water button on the control panel to turn on the return water pump 42. The return water pump 42 will automatically turn off after a first set time. In some embodiments, the return water pump 42 will automatically turn on based on the status of the outlet water pump 23. For example, it can turn on after the outlet water pump 23 has been turned off for a second set time. For instance, the controller starts timing after the outlet water pump 23 has been turned off, and the return water pump 42 turns on when the accumulated time reaches 30 seconds. The return water pump 42 will automatically turn off after the first set time. If, after the outlet water pump 23 has been turned off, the accumulated time has not yet reached the second set time, and the outlet water pump 23 receives a start command, the timer is reset to zero, the outlet water pump 23 turns on, and the timer restarts after the outlet water pump 23 turns off. If, after the return water pump 42 has been turned on, the operating time has not yet reached the first set time, and the outlet water pump 23 receives a start command, the return water pump 42 turns off, the outlet water pump 23 turns on, and the timer restarts after the outlet water pump 23 turns off.

[0045] The water dispenser also includes a housing 60, the interior of which forms a receiving cavity. A partition 70 is installed inside the receiving cavity, on which a water storage tank 10 is placed, and below which a water bucket 30 is located. The partition 70 provides support for the water storage tank 10, facilitating its installation.

[0046] The housing 60 includes a top plate 62, a bottom plate 63, and a side plate 64, which together form a receiving cavity. One or two doors may be provided at the front opening of the housing 60 to facilitate opening the receiving cavity.

[0047] The top of the housing 60 forms an operating table 61, with the water outlet located above it. The operating table 61 facilitates the placement of containers such as cups for drawing water from the water outlet. The housing 60 also includes a support plate 65 located at the rear end of the top, which supports components such as the water outlet pipe 22, the water pipe 50, and the operating panel. Specifically, the support plate 65 is connected to the top plate 62, and the front side of the support plate 65 serves as the operating table 61.

[0048] A heating base can be installed on the control panel 61 to heat components such as cups and kettles placed on the control panel 61, enabling functions such as brewing.

[0049] In this embodiment, both the inlet 11 and the outlet 12 are located at the top of the water storage tank 10, and the return outlet 13 is located on the side of the water storage tank 10. The return pump 42 and the return outlet 13 are located on the same side of the water storage tank 10. The inlet 11 is located at the top of the water storage tank 10, allowing water to enter from the top and flow into the tank 10 by gravity. The inlet 11 and outlet 12 are located on the same side of the water storage tank 10 for ease of processing and production. The return outlet 13 is located on the side of the water storage tank 10 to prevent pipe interference, and the return pump 42 is also located on the side of the tank 10 for easy installation and maintenance. A drain outlet 14 is provided at the bottom of the water storage tank 10, and a drain plug or drain valve is provided at the drain outlet 14 to facilitate drainage during cleaning of the water storage tank 10.

[0050] In some embodiments, a water guide pipe is provided inside the water storage tank 10. One end of the water guide pipe is connected to the water outlet 12, and the other end of the water guide pipe extends to the bottom of the water storage tank 10, which makes it easier to draw water from inside the water storage tank 10.

[0051] In some embodiments, the water storage tank 10 is a cold tank, and a refrigeration component 80 is provided on the cold tank for cooling the water inside the water storage tank 10. In some embodiments, the water storage tank 10 is a hot tank, and a heating component is provided inside the hot tank for heating the water inside the water storage tank 10.

[0052] For example, the cooling assembly 80 includes a thermoelectric cooler 81 and a heat sink, the heat sink being connected to the hot end of the thermoelectric cooler 81, and the cold end of the thermoelectric cooler 81 being attached to the outer wall of the water tank 10 to cool the water inside the water tank 10.

[0053] Exemplarily, the cooling assembly 80 includes a thermoelectric cooler 81, a first heat sink 82, and a second heat sink 83. The first heat sink 82 is connected to the cold end of the thermoelectric cooler 81, and the second heat sink 83 is connected to the hot end of the thermoelectric cooler 81. At least a portion of the first heat sink 82 is located inside the water storage tank 10, and the second heat sink 83 is located outside the water storage tank 10. By providing the first heat sink 82, it is in direct contact with water, and the contact area with water is increased, facilitating rapid heat exchange with the water in the water storage tank 10. The second heat sink 83 is used to dissipate heat from the hot end, and can be selected from heat dissipation fins and / or a fan.

[0054] Specifically, the water storage tank 10 is provided with an installation port, and the first heat sink 82 is inserted into the installation port. A sealing ring can be provided between the first heat sink 82 and the installation port. The first heat sink 82 can be a finned structure to increase the contact area with water.

[0055] For example, the heating assembly includes a heating wire disposed inside the water storage tank 10 for heating the water inside the water storage tank 10. The heating wire can be bent and extended to increase the contact area with the water and improve heat exchange efficiency.

[0056] In some embodiments, two water storage tanks 10 are provided, such as one cold tank and one hot tank, allowing both cold and hot water to be drawn from the water outlet. Correspondingly, two sets of water supply components 20 and return components 40 are provided, with two suction pipes 21 connected to a water tank 30, allowing the two water storage tanks 10 to share water from a single water tank 30. Water from both outlet pipes 22 can flow back through the corresponding return components 40 to prevent affecting the water temperature. A T-joint can be provided between the two suction pipes 21 and the water tank 30, with both suction pipes 21 connected to the T-joint, and the water tank 30 connected to the T-joint via a connecting pipe 90. The connecting pipe 90 is detachable, which facilitates the replacement of the water bucket 30. For example, when installing the water bucket 30, the connecting pipe 90 is inserted into the water bucket 30 and then the water bucket 30 is pushed under the tee connector to connect the connecting pipe 90 to the tee connector; when removing the water bucket 30, the connecting pipe 90 is removed from the tee connector, the water bucket 30 is pulled out, and then the connecting pipe 90 is removed from the water bucket 30.

[0057] In this embodiment, a first check valve is provided at the outlet 12. One end of the outlet pipe 22 is connected to the first check valve, which allows water in the storage tank 10 to flow towards the water-using end. The return pipe 41 is located downstream of the outlet pipe 22. When the outlet pump 23 is turned on, the suction of the outlet pump 23 causes the first check valve to open, making the outlet pipe 22 connected to the storage tank 10, facilitating the outlet pump 23 to draw water out. When the outlet pump 23 is turned off, the first check valve automatically closes. When the return pump 42 is turned on, the return pump 42 applies suction to the water in the outlet pipe 22. Since the water in the outlet pipe 22 is relatively small and flows from top to bottom, the return pump 42 only needs to provide a small suction to achieve backflow, avoiding the opening of the first check valve and thus preventing water in the storage tank 10 from being drawn out by the return pump 42.

[0058] In other embodiments, a solenoid valve is provided at the outlet 12, and the outlet pipe 22 is connected to the solenoid valve. When the outlet pump 23 is turned on, the solenoid valve opens, making the outlet pipe 22 connected to the water storage tank 10, facilitating the outlet pump 23 to draw water out. When the outlet pump 23 is turned off, the solenoid valve closes. When the return pump 42 is turned on, the return pump 42 applies suction to the water in the outlet pipe 22. Since the solenoid valve is closed, water in the water storage tank 10 is prevented from being drawn out by the return pump 42.

[0059] For example, the solenoid valve is a three-way valve. When the outlet pump 23 is turned on, the first passage of the solenoid valve is open, connecting the outlet pipe 22 to the water storage tank 10. The second passage of the solenoid valve is closed, isolating the return pipe 41 from the outlet pipe 22. When the outlet pump 23 draws water outward, the suction force will not reach the return pipe 41. When the outlet pump 23 is turned off, the first passage of the solenoid valve is closed. When the return pump 42 is turned on, the second passage of the solenoid valve is open, and the return pump 42 applies suction force to the water in the outlet pipe 22. Because the first passage is closed, water in the water storage tank 10 is prevented from being drawn out by the return pump 42.

[0060] In this embodiment, pipe joints can be installed at the locations where connectivity is required. The outlet of the return water pump 42 is connected to the return water port 13, either directly via a pipe joint or through a pipeline. The suction pipe 21 is connected to the inlet 11 via a pipe joint. The outlet pipe 22 is connected to the first one-way valve via a pipe joint.

[0061] In some embodiments, a second check valve is provided on the return water pipe 41. The second check valve allows water in the outlet water pipe 22 to flow to the return water port 13. The return water pump 42 is located downstream of the second check valve, and the opening pressure of the second check valve is less than the opening pressure of the first check valve. When the outlet water pump 23 is turned on, the suction of the outlet water pump 23 causes the first check valve to open, and the second check valve is closed. The outlet water pipe 22 is connected to the water storage tank 10, facilitating the outlet water pump 23 to draw water out. When the outlet water pump 23 is turned off, the first check valve automatically closes. When the return water pump 42 is turned on, the suction of the return water pump 42 causes the second check valve to open, and the return water pump 42 applies suction to the water in the outlet water pipe 22. Since the opening pressure of the second check valve is less than the opening pressure of the first check valve, the first check valve remains closed to prevent water in the water storage tank 10 from being drawn out by the return water pump 42.

[0062] In some embodiments, a sliding plate is provided at the bottom of the receiving cavity within the housing 60. The sliding plate is slidably connected to the housing 60 to extend outside the housing 60 or retract inside the housing 60, and the water bucket 30 is placed on the sliding plate. The sliding plate facilitates the replacement of the water bucket 30. When the water bucket 30 needs to be replaced, the sliding plate is pulled out, bringing the water bucket 30 out of the receiving cavity. The replacement water bucket 30 is then placed on the sliding plate, and the sliding plate is pushed back into the receiving cavity, making the replacement of the water bucket 30 quick and easy.

[0063] For example, the bottom of the skateboard is provided with a pulley, and the housing 60 is provided with a guide rail. The pulley and the guide rail are slidably connected to reduce friction and facilitate pushing and pulling the skateboard.

[0064] The above embodiments merely illustrate the basic principles and characteristics of this utility model. This utility model is not limited to the above embodiments. Various changes and modifications can be made to this utility model without departing from its spirit and scope, and all such changes and modifications fall within the scope of the claimed utility model. The scope of protection of this utility model is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A water dispenser, characterized in that, include: The water storage tank (10) has an inlet (11), an outlet (12) and a return outlet (13); The water supply assembly (20) includes a suction pipe (21), an outlet pipe (22), and an outlet pump (23). The suction pipe (21) is used to connect the inlet (11) and the water tank (30). The outlet pipe (22) is used to connect the outlet (12) and the water-using end. The outlet pump (23) is installed on the outlet pipe (22). The return water assembly (40) includes a return water pipe (41) and a return water pump (42). One end of the return water pipe (41) is connected to the outlet pipe (22), and the other end of the return water pipe (41) is connected to the inlet end of the return water pump (42). The outlet end of the return water pump (42) is connected to the return water port (13).

2. The water dispenser of claim 1, wherein, The inlet (11) and outlet (12) are both located at the top of the water storage tank (10), the return outlet (13) is located on the side of the water storage tank (10), and the return pump (42) and the return outlet (13) are located on the same side of the water storage tank (10).

3. The water dispenser of claim 2, wherein, The water tank (10) is provided with a water guide pipe inside. One end of the water guide pipe is connected to the water outlet (12), and the other end of the water guide pipe extends to the bottom of the water tank (10).

4. The water dispenser of claim 1, wherein, The water storage tank (10) is a cold tank, and a refrigeration component (80) is provided on the cold tank. The refrigeration component (80) is used to cool the water inside the water storage tank (10).

5. The water dispenser of claim 4, wherein, The cooling assembly (80) includes a semiconductor cooling chip (81), a first heat sink (82) and a second heat sink (83). The first heat sink (82) is connected to the cold end of the semiconductor cooling chip (81), and the second heat sink (83) is connected to the hot end of the semiconductor cooling chip (81). At least part of the first heat sink (82) is located inside the water tank (10), and the second heat sink (83) is located outside the water tank (10).

6. The water dispenser according to claim 1, characterized in that, Two water storage tanks (10) are provided, and two sets of corresponding water supply components (20) and water return components (40) are provided. Both water suction pipes (21) are connected to the water bucket (30).

7. The water dispenser of claim 1, wherein, A first one-way valve is provided at the outlet (12). One end of the outlet pipe (22) is connected to the first one-way valve. The first one-way valve allows water in the water storage tank (10) to flow to the water-using end. The connection between the return pipe (41) and the outlet pipe (22) is located downstream of the first one-way valve.

8. The water dispenser of claim 7, wherein, A second check valve is provided on the return water pipe (41). The second check valve allows water in the outlet water pipe (22) to flow into the return water pipe (41). The return water pump (42) is located downstream of the second check valve. The opening pressure of the second check valve is less than the opening pressure of the first check valve.

9. The water cooler according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that It also includes a housing (60), the interior of which forms a receiving cavity, and a partition (70) is provided inside the receiving cavity. The water tank (10) is placed on the partition (70), and the water bucket (30) is located below the partition (70).

10. The water dispenser of claim 9, wherein, A sliding plate is provided at the bottom of the accommodating cavity inside the housing (60). The sliding plate is slidably connected to the housing (60) to extend outside the housing (60) or retract inside the housing (60). The water bucket (30) is placed on the sliding plate.

Images