Ice drinker and water system thereof

Abstract

The utility model provides a kind of ice drinker and its water system, the water system of ice drinker includes: raw water tank, booster pump, RO membrane filter component, waste water valve, pure water tank, water pump, ice tank, backwater pump, flushing pump and water outlet component;Raw water tank has backwater port and raw water outlet, RO membrane filter component has membrane front section and membrane rear section, pure water tank has pure water import and pure water outlet, ice tank has circulation import, circulation outlet, flushing outlet and ice water outlet.Relative to prior art, the water system of the utility model's ice drinker can transport the water in pure water tank and ice tank to the membrane front section of RO membrane filter component, thereby flushing the membrane front section of RO membrane filter component, effectively improve the service life of RO membrane filter component, reduce drinking water cost;Water in ice tank can also be self-circulated using backwater pump, so that the water temperature in ice tank is uniform, avoid ice water when flushing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of drinking water technology, specifically to an iced beverage machine and its water circuit system. Background Technology

[0002] Ice drink makers, as an economical household appliance, are widely popular. Ice makers, also economical appliances capable of producing ice water and ice cubes, have gradually moved from being primarily found in hotels, restaurants, entertainment venues, and canteens to being common in homes. In recent years, driven by the need to save consumers money, facilitate daily use and maintenance, and compete in the market, household appliance manufacturers have launched ice drink makers—combining the functions of an ice drink maker and an ice maker—to provide users with ice water and other drinking water.

[0003] Most beverage coolers on the market are equipped with RO membrane reverse osmosis filtration systems. These systems filter water from the raw water tank or tap water, producing pure water and discharging concentrated water. However, over time, impurities accumulate in front of the RO membrane, affecting its filtration efficiency and requiring replacement. Frequent replacements are costly and cumbersome. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this utility model is to overcome the shortcomings and deficiencies in the existing technology and provide an ice drink machine and its water circuit system.

[0005] One embodiment of this utility model provides a water circuit system for an iced beverage machine, comprising:

[0006] Raw water tank, booster pump, RO membrane filter assembly, wastewater valve, pure water tank, water pump, ice tank, return water pump, flushing pump, and outlet assembly;

[0007] The raw water tank has a return water inlet and a raw water outlet; the RO membrane filter assembly has a pre-membrane section and a post-membrane section; the pure water tank has a pure water inlet and a pure water outlet; and the ice tank has a circulation inlet, a circulation outlet, a flushing outlet, and an ice water outlet.

[0008] The raw water outlet of the raw water tank, the booster pump, and the front section of the RO membrane filter assembly are connected in sequence. The front section of the RO membrane filter assembly is connected to the return water outlet of the raw water tank through the wastewater valve. The rear section of the RO membrane filter assembly is connected to the pure water inlet of the pure water tank. The pure water outlet of the pure water tank is connected to the ice tank through the water pump. The return water pump is connected to the circulation inlet and the circulation outlet respectively. The flushing outlet is connected to the front section of the membrane through the flushing pump. The ice water outlet and the pure water outlet are both connected to the water outlet assembly.

[0009] In some alternative embodiments, a check valve is provided between the flushing pump and the flushing outlet or between the flushing pump and the membrane front section.

[0010] In some alternative implementations, the water system of the iced beverage machine further includes a heating module, and the pure water outlet is connected to the water outlet assembly through the heating module.

[0011] In some alternative implementations, the chilled water outlet is connected to the water outlet assembly via a chilled water pump.

[0012] In some alternative implementations, the circulation inlet is located at the top of the ice chamber, and the circulation outlet is located at the bottom of the ice chamber.

[0013] In some optional embodiments, the water outlet assembly includes a water vapor separation assembly, and both the ice water outlet and the pure water outlet are connected to the water vapor separation assembly.

[0014] In some alternative implementations, the delivery water pressure of the flushing pump is lower than the operating water pressure of the RO membrane filtration assembly.

[0015] In some optional embodiments, water level detectors are installed in the raw water tank, the pure water tank, and the ice tank, and the water level detectors are signal-connected to the flushing pump.

[0016] In some alternative implementations, the water system of the iced beverage machine also includes two TDS water quality detectors, which are respectively connected to the pre-membrane section and the post-membrane section.

[0017] Compared to existing technologies, the water system of this invention's ice drink machine can transport water from the pure water tank and the ice tank to the front section of the RO membrane filter assembly, thereby rinsing the front section of the RO membrane filter assembly, effectively improving the service life of the RO membrane filter assembly and reducing drinking water costs; the water in the ice tank can also be self-circulated using a return water pump, thus ensuring a uniform water temperature in the ice tank and preventing ice water from being generated during rinsing.

[0018] To provide a clearer understanding of this invention, the specific embodiments of this invention will be described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the water circuit system of an ice drink machine according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of an ice bladder according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0022] 10. Raw water tank; 20. RO membrane filter assembly; 30. Pure water tank; 40. Ice tank; 41. Circulation inlet; 42. Circulation outlet; 43. Refrigeration assembly; 50. Booster pump; 51. Wastewater valve; 52. Return water pump; 53. Flushing pump; 54. Water pump; 55. Check valve; 56. Ice water pump; 60. Water outlet assembly; 70. Instantaneous heat pump; 71. Instantaneous heating module; 80. TDS water quality detector. Detailed Implementation

[0023] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present utility model. In the description of the present utility model, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more, and "a number" means one or more. In addition, unless otherwise stated, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features.

[0024] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", and "outer" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.

[0025] In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing" 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.

[0026] In the description of this utility model, references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some alternative implementations," or "some optional embodiments," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of this utility model. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0027] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 2 This invention provides a water system for an iced beverage machine, comprising:

[0028] Raw water tank 10, booster pump 50, RO membrane filter assembly 20, wastewater valve 51, pure water tank 30, water pump 54, ice tank 40, return water pump 52, flushing pump 53 and water outlet assembly 60;

[0029] The raw water tank 10 has a return water inlet and a raw water outlet; the RO membrane filter assembly 20 has a pre-membrane section and a post-membrane section; the pure water tank 30 has a pure water inlet and a pure water outlet; and the ice tank 40 has a circulation inlet 41, a circulation outlet 42, a flushing outlet, and an ice water outlet.

[0030] The raw water outlet of the raw water tank 10, the booster pump 50, and the front section of the RO membrane filter assembly 20 are connected in sequence. The front section of the RO membrane filter assembly 20 is connected to the return water outlet of the raw water tank 10 through the wastewater valve 51. The rear section of the RO membrane filter assembly 20 is connected to the pure water inlet of the pure water tank 30. The pure water outlet of the pure water tank 30 is connected to the ice tank 40 through the water pump 54. The return water pump 52 is connected to the circulation inlet 41 and the circulation outlet 42 respectively. The flushing outlet is connected to the front section of the membrane through the flushing pump 53. The ice water outlet and the pure water outlet are both connected to the water outlet assembly 60.

[0031] The working principle of the water system of an ice drink machine according to an embodiment of this utility model is explained below:

[0032] During normal use, the raw water from the raw water tank 10 enters the RO membrane filter assembly 20, which produces pure water and concentrated water. The wastewater valve 51 is open, and the concentrated water returns to the raw water tank 10 through the wastewater valve 51, while the pure water enters the pure water tank 30. The pure water in the pure water tank 30 can enter the ice tank 40 and the water outlet assembly 60 from the pure water outlet, so that the water outlet assembly 60 can output room temperature water. The pure water entering the ice tank 40 can be cooled by the refrigeration assembly 43 set in the ice tank 40 to form ice water. The ice water can flow from the ice water outlet to the water outlet assembly 60, thereby realizing the output of ice water.

[0033] When the RO membrane of the RO membrane filter assembly 20 needs to be rinsed, the water in the ice tank 40 is driven by the rinsing pump 53 to flow to the front section of the RO membrane filter assembly 20, then passes through the wastewater valve 51 and reaches the raw water tank 10. The water in the pure water tank 30 can replenish the water in the ice tank 40, so that the water in both the ice tank 40 and the pure water tank 30 can rinse the front section of the RO membrane filter assembly 20. The rinsed water reaches the raw water tank 10, and the water in the raw water tank 10 can be replaced before the next rinse. Alternatively, the water in the raw water tank 10 can be flowed back to the RO membrane filter assembly 20 without replacing it, so that pure water is filtered out again. The pure water reaches the pure water tank 30, then reaches the ice tank 40, and then it can be rinsed again, thus realizing the reciprocating rinsing.

[0034] Water within the ice tank 40 sequentially passes through the circulation inlet 41, the return pump 52, and the circulation outlet 42 before returning to the ice tank 40. This circulation improves the temperature uniformity of the water within the ice tank 40, preventing blockage of the pipe connecting the flushing pump 53 and the ice tank 40 due to localized freezing during rinsing, thus ensuring effective rinsing. Furthermore, improved temperature uniformity within the ice tank 40 also helps stabilize the temperature of the chilled water output from the outlet assembly 60, enhancing the user experience.

[0035] The structure of the refrigeration component 43 is well known to those skilled in the art. It typically includes a heat exchange tube installed inside the ice chamber 40 and a compressor connected to the heat exchange tube. Its refrigeration principle will not be described in detail here.

[0036] In some alternative embodiments, a one-way valve 55 is provided between the flushing pump 53 and the flushing outlet or between the flushing pump 53 and the membrane inlet. The one-way valve 55 prevents the water inlet of the RO membrane filter assembly 20 from flowing back into the ice tank 40, thereby preventing contamination of the ice tank 40.

[0037] In some optional embodiments, the water system of the iced beverage machine also includes a heating module, with the pure water outlet connected to the water outlet assembly 60 via the heating module. The heating module heats the water from the pure water outlet to the water outlet assembly 60, thereby outputting hot water. The heating module is optional; when not activated, the water outlet assembly 60 outputs room temperature water. The specific structure of the heating module can be designed according to actual needs. For example, the heating module includes an instant heat pump 70 and an instant heating module 71. The pure water outlet, instant heat pump 70, instant heating module 71, and water outlet assembly 60 are connected sequentially. The instant heat pump 70 drives pure water through the pure water outlet and the instant heating module 71, which can selectively heat the pure water. Hot water or room temperature water will then be output after passing through the water outlet assembly 60. The structure and principle of the instant heating module 71 are well-known to those skilled in the art and will not be described in detail here.

[0038] In some alternative implementations, the ice water outlet is connected to the water outlet assembly 60 via an ice water pump 56, which can actively drive the water in the ice tank 40 to flow out and then output it from the water outlet assembly 60.

[0039] Of course, in other embodiments, the heat pump 70 and the chilled water pump 56 may not be provided. The water outlet assembly 60 may be arranged at a position lower than the pure water tank 30 and the ice tank 40, and water pressure may be used to deliver water to the water outlet assembly 60.

[0040] In some alternative embodiments, the circulation inlet 41 is located at the top of the ice chamber 40, and the circulation outlet 42 is located at the bottom of the ice chamber 40. Water at the bottom of the ice chamber 40 exits from the circulation inlet 41 and then returns to the ice chamber 40 from the circulation outlet 42 at the top of the ice chamber 40. This allows water at different locations in the ice chamber 40 to mix, which helps to make the water temperature more uniform and makes the water circulation in the ice chamber 40 smoother.

[0041] In some optional embodiments, the water outlet assembly 60 includes a water vapor separation assembly, with both the ice water outlet and the pure water outlet connected to the water vapor separation assembly. The water vapor separation assembly is used to prevent high-temperature water vapor from spraying out when hot water is dispensed; its structure and principle are well known to those skilled in the art and will not be described in detail here.

[0042] In some alternative embodiments, the delivery water pressure of the flushing pump 53 is lower than the working water pressure of the RO membrane filter assembly 20, so that the flushing water from the ice tank 40 can pass smoothly through the front section of the RO membrane filter assembly 20, reducing or preventing the flushing water from entering the back section of the RO membrane through the RO membrane of the RO membrane filter assembly 20, thereby effectively improving the flushing effect.

[0043] In some optional embodiments, water level detectors are installed in the raw water tank 10, the pure water tank 30, and the ice tank 40. The water level detectors are connected to the flushing pump 53. During flushing, the flushing pump 53 stops running after the water in the ice tank 40 and the pure water tank 30 drops to a first specific height, or after the water in the raw water tank 10 rises to a second specific height. This avoids the flushing pump 53 running dry due to insufficient water in the ice tank 40 and the pure water tank 30, and also avoids excessive water in the raw water tank 10.

[0044] In some alternative implementations, the water system of the iced beverage machine also includes two TDS water quality detectors 80, which are connected to the pre-membrane section and the post-membrane section respectively. The TDS water quality detectors 80 are used to detect the water quality before and after filtration, thereby facilitating the determination of whether the filtration function of the RO membrane filtration assembly 20 is normal.

[0045] Both the wastewater valve 51 and the check valve 55 can be solenoid valves for easy control. The drinking water purification system typically also includes a control module, which is connected to the booster pump 50, wastewater valve 51, water pump 54, return water pump 52, flushing pump 53, heating module, check valve 55, and TDS water quality detector 80, respectively, thus facilitating the control of each component. The signal connection can be wired or wireless.

[0046] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A water system for an iced beverage machine, characterized in that, include: Raw water tank, booster pump, RO membrane filter assembly, wastewater valve, pure water tank, water pump, ice tank, return water pump, flushing pump, and outlet assembly; The raw water tank has a return water inlet and a raw water outlet; the RO membrane filter assembly has a pre-membrane section and a post-membrane section; the pure water tank has a pure water inlet and a pure water outlet; and the ice tank has a circulation inlet, a circulation outlet, a flushing outlet, and an ice water outlet. The raw water outlet of the raw water tank, the booster pump, and the front section of the RO membrane filter assembly are connected in sequence. The front section of the RO membrane filter assembly is connected to the return water outlet of the raw water tank through the wastewater valve. The rear section of the RO membrane filter assembly is connected to the pure water inlet of the pure water tank. The pure water outlet of the pure water tank is connected to the ice tank through the water pump. The return water pump is connected to the circulation inlet and the circulation outlet respectively. The flushing outlet is connected to the front section of the membrane through the flushing pump. The ice water outlet and the pure water outlet are both connected to the water outlet assembly.

2. The water system of an iced beverage machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: A one-way valve is provided between the flushing pump and the flushing outlet, or between the flushing pump and the membrane front section.

3. The water system of an iced beverage machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a heating module, and the pure water outlet is connected to the water outlet assembly through the heating module.

4. The water system of an iced beverage machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The chilled water outlet is connected to the water outlet assembly via a chilled water pump.

5. The water system of an iced beverage machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The circulation inlet is located at the top of the ice chamber, and the circulation outlet is located at the bottom of the ice chamber.

6. The water system of an iced beverage machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The water outlet assembly includes a water vapor separation assembly, and both the ice water outlet and the pure water outlet are connected to the water vapor separation assembly.

7. The water system of an iced beverage machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The flushing pump delivers water pressure lower than the operating water pressure of the RO membrane filter assembly.

8. The water system of an iced beverage machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The raw water tank, the pure water tank, and the ice tank are all equipped with water level detectors, and the water level detectors are connected to the flushing pump via signal connection.

9. The water system of an iced beverage machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, It also includes two TDS water quality detectors, which are respectively connected to the front section of the membrane and the back section of the membrane.

10. An iced beverage machine, characterized in that, include: A water system for an iced beverage machine as described in any one of claims 1 to 9.

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