Water dispenser

Abstract

The utility model relates to a water dispenser, and particularly provides a water dispenser, which aims to solve the problem that the existing water dispenser is limited in water supply mode and cannot simultaneously consider the flexibility of automatic water replenishment and manual water replenishment of the water supply component. To this end, the water dispenser of the utility model comprises a water storage component, a water supply assembly, a water outlet assembly and a control valve group, the water storage component, the water supply assembly and the water outlet assembly are connected to the control valve group, the control valve group can connect the water outlet assembly with one of the water storage component and the water supply assembly, and can also connect the water supply assembly and the water storage component. The water dispenser of the utility model can realize three working modes: first, manually adding water to the water storage component, second, supplying water to the water storage component through the water supply assembly by an external water source, and third, directly supplying water to the downstream pipeline by the external water source. The design not only solves the limitation of the existing water dispenser in water supply mode, but also considers the flexibility of automatic water replenishment and manual water replenishment of the water supply component, thereby improving the applicability and use convenience of the water dispenser.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to water dispensers, and specifically provides a water dispenser. Background Technology

[0002] Existing water dispensers typically employ two water supply schemes: one is a water supply scheme with a water tank, where the water dispenser has an internal water storage tank that supplies drinking water to the water dispensing components; the other is a water supply scheme without a water tank, where the water dispenser is directly connected to the water source and supplies water directly to the water dispensing components through the water supply components.

[0003] However, existing water dispensers have certain limitations: water dispensers with water tanks require manual refilling periodically, which is inconvenient and not suitable for direct connection to pure water equipment such as water supply devices; water dispensers without water tanks can be directly connected to water supply devices, but cannot guarantee continuous water supply when there is a water shortage or the water supply device is interrupted.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need in this field for a water dispenser to solve the above problems. Utility Model Content

[0005] The present invention aims to solve the above-mentioned technical problems, namely, to solve the problem that existing water dispensers are limited in water supply methods and cannot simultaneously take into account the flexibility of automatic and manual water replenishment.

[0006] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a water dispenser, which includes: a water storage component, a water supply component, a water outlet component, and a control valve assembly. The water storage component, the water supply component, and the water outlet component are all connected to the control valve assembly. The control valve assembly enables one of the water storage component and the water supply component to be connected to the water outlet component, and also enables the water supply component to be connected to the water storage component.

[0007] In the specific implementation of the water dispenser described above, the control valve group includes a first control valve and a second control valve that are connected to each other; Both the water storage component and the water supply component are connected to the first control valve. The first control valve enables the water supply component to be connected to one of the water storage component and the second control valve, disconnected from the other, or to shut down the water supply component. Both the water storage component and the water outlet component are connected to the second control valve. The second control valve enables the water outlet component and the water storage component to be connected to one of the first control valves and disconnected from the other.

[0008] In the specific embodiment of the water dispenser described above, the control valve group includes a third control valve, which is a three-way valve. The water storage component, the water supply component, and the water outlet component are connected to the third control valve. The third control valve enables one of the water storage component and the water supply component to be connected to the water outlet component, and the other to be disconnected from the water outlet component.

[0009] In the specific implementation of the water dispenser described above, the water supply component includes a water supply element, the inlet of which is connected to an external water source and the outlet of which is connected to the control valve group. The water supply element can drive the water from the external water source to flow to the control valve group.

[0010] In the specific implementation of the water dispenser described above, the water supply component further includes a water distribution valve. The inlet of the water distribution valve is connected to the water supply component, the first outlet of the water distribution valve is connected to the control valve group, and the second outlet is connected to the water supply component. The water distribution valve enables a portion of the water from the water supply component to flow to the control valve group and another portion to flow to the water supply component, thereby controlling the water flow rate to the control valve group.

[0011] In the specific implementation of the water dispenser described above, the water storage component further includes a water level detection component, which is capable of detecting the water level in the water storage component.

[0012] In the specific implementation of the above-mentioned water dispenser, the water outlet component includes a self-priming pump, the inlet of which is connected to the control valve group, and the self-priming pump is capable of drawing water from either the water storage component or the water supply component.

[0013] In the specific embodiment of the water dispenser described above, the water outlet component further includes a heating element, which is located downstream of the self-priming pump and is capable of heating the water discharged by the self-priming pump.

[0014] In the specific embodiment of the water dispenser described above, the water outlet component further includes a flow detection element, which is connected to the outlet of the self-priming pump and is used to detect the water flow rate downstream of the self-priming pump.

[0015] In the specific implementation of the water dispenser described above, the water dispenser further includes a control module, which is electrically connected to the control valve group and is capable of controlling the state of the control valve group.

[0016] By adopting the above technical solution, the water dispenser of this utility model, through the setting of a water storage component, a water supply component, a water outlet component, and a control valve assembly, allows the water storage component and the water supply component to flexibly switch to connect with the water outlet component or be connected to each other, thereby realizing three working modes: first, manually adding water to the water storage component; second, external water supply to the water storage component through the water supply component; and third, external water supply directly to the downstream pipeline. This design not only solves the limitations of existing water dispensers in terms of water supply methods, but also takes into account the flexibility of automatic water replenishment and manual water addition, improving the applicability and ease of use of the water dispenser.

[0017] Furthermore, this invention provides two different control valve assembly schemes, enabling flexible switching between the water storage component, water supply component, and water outlet component. Scheme 1 uses a combination of a first and second control valve to selectively connect the water supply component to either the water storage component or the water outlet component, meeting multi-mode water supply needs. Scheme 2 uses a separate third control valve, allowing either the water storage component or the water supply component to be connected to the water outlet component while simultaneously disconnecting from the other, thereby simplifying the system structure and reducing manufacturing costs. By providing two optional control valve assemblies, this invention not only enhances the water supply flexibility of the water dispenser but also addresses the different requirements for system complexity and cost in various usage scenarios.

[0018] Furthermore, this invention achieves filtration and flow control of external water sources by incorporating a water supply assembly, including a water supply component and a water distribution valve, within the water dispenser. The water supply component filters the water from the external source and delivers it to the control valve assembly, improving the safety of the drinking water quality. When the water supply assembly is directly connected to the water outlet assembly, the water distribution valve can adjust the flow rate to the control valve assembly, enabling flexible control of the water flow and thus meeting the water supply needs of different operating modes, enhancing the system's applicability and ease of use. Attached Figure Description

[0019] The preferred embodiments of this utility model are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 This is a structural schematic diagram of the water dispenser in Embodiment 1 of this utility model; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the water dispenser in Embodiment 2 of this utility model; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the water dispenser in its first working state provided by this utility model; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the water dispenser in its second working state provided by this utility model; Figure 5 This is a structural schematic diagram of the water dispenser in the third working state provided by this utility model.

[0020] List of reference numerals in the attached diagram: 1. Water storage component; 2. Water supply component; 21. Water supply component; 22. Water distribution valve; 3. Water outlet component; 31. Self-priming pump; 32. Flow detection component; 33. Heating component; 4. Control valve group; 41. First control valve; 42. Second control valve; 43. Third control valve. Detailed Implementation

[0021] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art should understand that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the technical principles of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0022] It should be noted that in the description of this utility model, the terms "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "inner," and "outer," which indicate directional or positional relationships, are based on the directional or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. These are merely for ease of description and do not indicate or imply that the device or element 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. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0023] Furthermore, it should be noted that, in the description of this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "setting," and "connection" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a direct connection, an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, or a connection within two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.

[0024] To address the limitation of water dispensers in terms of water supply methods, which prevent them from simultaneously offering the flexibility of automatic and manual water replenishment, this embodiment discloses a water dispenser. (Refer to...) Figure 1 The water dispenser includes a water storage component 1, a water supply component 2, a water outlet component 3, a control valve group 4, and a control module (not shown in the figure).

[0025] Water storage unit 1 is used to store water, and the operator can manually add water to it. The structure of water storage unit 1 is the same as that of water tanks in the prior art, and its specific structure will not be described in detail here. Water storage unit 1 includes a water level detection device, which is used to detect the water level inside the water storage unit 1. The structure of the water level detection device is the same as that of water level detection devices in the prior art, and its specific structure will not be described in detail here.

[0026] The water supply assembly 2 includes a water supply component 21 and a diverter valve 22. The inlet of the water supply component 21 is connected to an external water source. The water supply component 21 filters the water flowing in from the external source and drives the water downstream. Specifically, the water supply component 21 is an RO (Reverse Osmosis) machine. The RO machine includes a reverse osmosis filter and a water pump. The reverse osmosis filter filters the incoming water from the external source, and the water pump drives the incoming water through the reverse osmosis filter and into the downstream pipeline. The structure of the water supply component 21 is the same as that of existing RO machines, and its specific structure will not be described in detail here. The inlet of the diverter valve 22 is connected to the outlet of the water supply component 21. The first outlet of the diverter valve 22 is connected to the downstream pipeline, and the second outlet is connected to the water supply component 21. The diverter valve 22 allows a portion of the water from the water supply component 21 to flow into the downstream pipeline, while the other portion flows back into the water supply component 21. Furthermore, the water distribution valve 22 can control the ratio of the water flow rate to the first outlet and the water flow rate to the second outlet; in other words, the water distribution valve 22 can control the water flow rate from the first outlet. The structure of the water distribution valve 22 is the same as that of the water distribution valve 22 in the prior art, and its specific structure will not be described in detail here.

[0027] The water outlet assembly 3 includes a self-priming pump 31, a flow detection element 32, and a heating element 33 connected in sequence. The self-priming pump 31 draws water from the water storage unit 1 or the water supply assembly 2 and drives the water to flow downstream. The structure of the self-priming pump 31 is the same as that of the self-priming pump 31 in the prior art, and its specific structure will not be described further here. The flow detection element 32 is connected to the outlet of the self-priming pump 31 and is used to detect the flow rate of the water discharged by the self-priming pump 31. The structure of the flow detection element 32 is the same as that of the flow detection element 32 in the prior art, and its specific structure will not be described further here. The heating element is located downstream of the self-priming pump 31 and is used to heat the water. The structure of the heating element is the same as that of the heating element in the prior art, and its specific structure will not be described further here.

[0028] The control valve assembly 4 is used to control the connection relationship between the water storage component 1, the water supply component 2, and the water outlet component 3. Two embodiments of the control valve assembly 4 are described below.

[0029] Example 1 The control valve assembly 4 in this embodiment includes a first control valve 41 and a second control valve 42 that are interconnected. The first outlet of the water distribution valve 22 and the water storage unit 1 are both connected to the first control valve 41. The first control valve 41 allows the first outlet of the water distribution valve 22 to be connected to either the water storage unit 1 or the second solenoid valve, and disconnected from the other. The water storage unit 1 and the inlet of the self-priming pump 31 are both connected to the second control valve 42. The second control valve 42 allows the self-priming pump 31 to be connected to either the water storage unit 1 or the first solenoid valve, and disconnected from the other.

[0030] Example 2 Reference Figure 2In this embodiment, the control valve assembly 4 includes a third control valve 43. The first outlet of the water distribution valve 22, the water storage component 1, and the inlet of the self-priming pump 31 are all connected to the third control valve 43. The third control valve 43 enables the inlet of the self-priming pump 31 to be connected to one of the water distribution valve 22 and the water storage component 1, and disconnected from the other.

[0031] Furthermore, the first control valve 41, the second control valve 42, and the third control valve 43 are all three-way valves. Each three-way valve has three connection ports, and can connect two of the connection ports while disconnecting the third. The structure of the three-way valve is the same as that of existing three-way valves, and its specific structure will not be described in detail here.

[0032] Furthermore, the first control valve 41, the second control valve 42, and the third control valve 43 are all solenoid valves. The control module is electrically connected to the solenoid valves in the control valve group 4 so that the control module can control the connection state of the solenoid valves.

[0033] Furthermore, both the water level detection device and the water supply device 21 are electrically connected to the control module. The control module can control the state of the water supply device 21 based on the water level detected by the water level detection device in the water storage device 1. When the water level in the water storage device 1 is lower than the preset water level, the water supply device 21 can be activated to supply water to the water storage device 1 to replenish the water in the water storage device 1.

[0034] Furthermore, both the control valve assembly 4 and the water distribution valve 22 are electrically connected to the control module. The control module can control the state of the water distribution valve 22 according to the connection status of the control valve assembly 4. When the control valve assembly 4 connects the water supply component 2 to the water storage component 1, the water flow rate at the first outlet of the water distribution valve 22 is set to the first flow rate to ensure that the water storage component 1 is replenished with water at a suitable flow rate, preventing water level fluctuations or overflow caused by excessively rapid water filling. When the control valve assembly 4 connects the water supply component 2 to the water outlet component 3, the water flow rate at the first outlet of the water distribution valve 22 is set to the second flow rate to meet the user's needs for immediate water intake or continuous water supply. Through this control method, the flow rate can be automatically adjusted according to different water supply modes, realizing intelligent and precise control of the water supply process, ensuring the safe and reliable operation of the system, and improving the ease of use and adaptability of the water dispenser.

[0035] This water dispenser has three operating states. The following describes the three operating states of the water dispenser in detail with reference to Embodiment 1 of the control valve group 4.

[0036] Reference Figure 3In the first operating state: the control valve group 4 connects the water storage unit 1 to the water outlet assembly 3, while the water supply assembly 2 is disconnected from both the water storage unit 1 and the water outlet assembly 3. Specifically, the first control valve 41 connects the water distribution valve 22 to the water storage unit 1, or the first control valve 41 is closed; the second control valve 42 connects the water storage unit 1 to the self-priming pump 31, and the second control valve 42 is disconnected from the first control valve 41. In this operating state, the operator can manually add water to the water storage unit 1. The self-priming pump 31 can draw water from the water storage unit 1, direct it to the heating element 33, heat it, and then discharge it.

[0037] Reference Figure 4 In the second operating state: the control valve group 4 connects the water supply component 2 to the water storage component 1, and the water storage component 1 is connected to the water outlet component 3. Specifically, the first control valve 41 connects the water distribution valve 22 to the water storage component 1, and the second control valve 42 connects the water storage component 1 to the self-priming pump 31. The first control valve 41 and the second control valve 42 are disconnected. In this operating state, the water supply component 2 can replenish water to the water storage component 1. Specifically, when the water level in the water storage component 1 is lower than the preset water level, the water supply component 21 can supply water to the water storage component 1. The water storage tank can supply water to the water outlet component 3. Specifically, when the water level in the water storage component 1 is higher than the preset water level, the self-priming pump 31 can draw water from the water storage component 1, causing it to flow to the heating element 33, where it is heated and then discharged.

[0038] Reference Figure 5 The third operating state: The control component connects the water supply component 2 to the water outlet component 3, and disconnects the water storage component 1 from both the water supply component 2 and the water outlet component 3. Specifically, the water distribution valve 22, the first control valve 41, the second control valve 42, and the self-priming pump 31 are connected in sequence, and the water storage component 1 is disconnected from the first control valve 41 and the second control valve 42. In this operating state, the water supply component 2 can supply water to the water outlet component 3. Specifically, when the water supply component 21 and the self-priming pump 31 are started simultaneously, water from an external water source flows sequentially through the water supply component 21, the water distribution valve 22, the first control valve 41, the second control valve 42, the self-priming pump 31, the flow meter, and the heating element 33. Both the water supply component 21 and the self-priming pump 31 can provide power to the water. The water supply component 21 can filter impurities in the water, and the heating element can heat the water.

[0039] The control module is configured to execute the aforementioned control method of the water dispenser. The control module can be configured to execute only the control method and not execute other operation controls of the water dispenser, which can be provided by other control modules; or it can be configured to execute other operation controls of the water dispenser in addition to executing the control method. That is, the control module is a comprehensive execution module that executes various programs in the operation of the water dispenser.

[0040] The technical solution of this utility model has been described in conjunction with the preferred embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. However, it will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that the protection scope of this utility model is obviously not limited to these specific embodiments. Without departing from the principle of this utility model, those skilled in the art can make equivalent changes or substitutions to the relevant technical features, and the technical solutions after these changes or substitutions will all fall within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A water dispenser, characterized in that, include: The water storage component (1), water supply component (2), water outlet component (3) and control valve group (4) are provided. The water storage component (1), water supply component (2) and water outlet component (3) are all connected to the control valve group (4). The control valve group (4) enables one of the water storage component (1) and the water supply component (2) to be connected to the water outlet component (3), and also enables the water supply component (2) and the water storage component (1) to be connected.

2. The water dispenser according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control valve assembly (4) includes a first control valve (41) and a second control valve (42) connected to each other. The water storage component (1) and the water supply component (2) are both connected to the first control valve (41). The first control valve (41) can connect the water supply component (2) to one of the water storage component (1) and the second control valve (42), disconnect it from the other, or shut down the water supply component (2). Both the water storage component (1) and the water outlet component (3) are connected to the second control valve (42). The second control valve (42) enables the water outlet component (3) to be connected to one of the water storage component (1) and the first control valve (41), and disconnected from the other.

3. The water dispenser according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control valve assembly (4) includes a third control valve (43), which is a three-way valve. The water storage component (1), the water supply component (2), and the water outlet component (3) are connected to the third control valve (43). The third control valve (43) enables one of the water storage component (1) and the water supply component (2) to be connected to the water outlet component (3), and disconnects the other from the water outlet component (3).

4. The water dispenser according to claim 1, characterized in that, The water supply component (2) includes a water supply element (21), the inlet of which is connected to an external water source and the outlet of which is connected to the control valve group (4). The water supply element (21) can drive the water from the external water source to flow to the control valve group (4).

5. The water dispenser according to claim 4, characterized in that, The water supply assembly (2) also includes a water distribution valve (22). The inlet of the water distribution valve (22) is connected to the water supply component (21). The first outlet of the water distribution valve (22) is connected to the control valve group (4), and the second outlet is connected to the water supply component (21). The water distribution valve (22) enables a portion of the water flowing from the water supply component (21) to the control valve group (4), and another portion to the water supply component (21), so as to control the water flow rate to the control valve group (4).

6. The water dispenser according to claim 1, characterized in that, The water storage device (1) also includes a water level detection device, which is capable of detecting the water level inside the water storage device (1).

7. The water dispenser according to claim 1, characterized in that, The water outlet assembly (3) includes a self-priming pump (31), the inlet of which is connected to the control valve assembly (4), and the self-priming pump (31) is capable of drawing water from one of the water storage unit (1) and the water supply assembly (2).

8. The water dispenser according to claim 7, characterized in that, The water outlet assembly (3) also includes a heating element (33), which is located downstream of the self-priming pump (31) and is capable of heating the water discharged by the self-priming pump (31).

9. The water dispenser according to claim 7, characterized in that, The water outlet assembly (3) also includes a flow detection element (32), which is connected to the outlet of the self-priming pump (31) and is used to detect the water flow rate downstream of the self-priming pump (31).

10. The water dispenser according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, The water dispenser also includes a control module, which is electrically connected to the control valve group (4) and can control the state of the control valve group (4).

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