Cooling container, water supply system for beverage dispensers and beverage dispensers

Abstract

Cooling vessel comprising: a cooling vessel body (100) designed for the production and storage of drinking water, wherein the cooling vessel body (100) is provided with a refill opening (112); an anti-icing structure (200) wherein it is at least partially arranged in the cooling vessel body (100) and connected to the refill opening (112); wherein the anti-icing structure (200) is configured such that the drinking water exiting the refill opening (112) is set at an angle to the liquid surface of the cooling vessel body (100) and injected into the cooling vessel body (100) so that the drinking water flows along the inner wall of the cooling vessel body (100).

Description

Refrigeration tank, beverage machine water system and beverage machine

[0001] This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application filed with the China Patent Office on May 18, 2023, with application number 202310565167.1, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference into this application. Technical Field

[0002] The present application relates to the field of electrical technology, for example, to a refrigeration tank, a beverage machine water system, and a beverage machine. Background Art

[0003] Usually, a refrigeration structure is set in the middle of the refrigeration tank. During the refrigeration process of the refrigeration tank, the water temperature in the middle of the refrigeration tank is lower than the water temperature at the top and bottom. The temperature difference of the water in the refrigeration tank is large, which causes the water temperature in the refrigeration tank to be stratified. Even in the later stage of the refrigeration process, the middle of the refrigeration tank has begun to freeze, but the water temperature at the top and bottom of the refrigeration tank has not reached the target temperature, making the water outlet temperature of the beverage machine unstable, affecting the user experience.

[0004] Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present application provides a refrigeration tank, a beverage machine, and a beverage machine water system, which prevent water temperature stratification and improve the stability of the water outlet temperature.

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present application, a refrigeration tank is provided, comprising:

[0007] A refrigeration tank body is configured to produce and contain drinking water, and the refrigeration tank body is provided with a water filling port;

[0008] an anti-icing structure, at least partially disposed within the refrigeration tank body and communicating with the water supply port;

[0009] The anti-icing structure is configured to arrange the drinking water flowing out of the water supply port at an angle to the liquid surface of the refrigeration tank body and spray it into the refrigeration tank body, so that the drinking water flows along the inner wall of the refrigeration tank body.

[0010] According to a second aspect of the present application, a beverage machine water system provided in an embodiment of the present application includes: the above-mentioned refrigeration tank;

[0011] a drinking water channel assembly, connected to the refrigeration tank and configured to transport drinking water;

[0012] a soda water channel assembly, connected to the refrigeration tank and configured to transport soda water;

[0013] A faucet water outlet, wherein a first end of the faucet water outlet is connected to the drinking water channel assembly and the soda water channel assembly, and a water outlet is provided at a second end of the faucet water outlet.

[0014] According to a third aspect of the present application, the beverage machine provided in an embodiment of the present application includes the above-mentioned beverage machine water system. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] FIG1 shows a top view of a refrigeration tank according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0016] FIG2 shows a cross-sectional view taken along line AA of FIG1 ;

[0017] FIG3 shows a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in FIG1 ;

[0018] FIG4 is a schematic diagram showing the distribution of multiple temperature sensors in a refrigeration tank according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0019] FIG5 is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between temperature and time in a refrigeration tank in an embodiment of the present application and related art;

[0020] FIG6 shows a partial enlarged view of point C in FIG2 ;

[0021] FIG7 is a schematic structural diagram of a flow guide member in a refrigeration tank according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0022] FIG8 shows an exploded schematic diagram of a guide member, a clamping ring, and a fixing member in a refrigeration tank according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0023] FIG9 shows a second exploded schematic diagram of a flow guide, a clamping ring, and a fixing member in a refrigeration tank according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0024] FIG10 is a schematic structural diagram of a portion of an anti-icing structure in a refrigeration tank according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0025] FIG11 shows a first structural diagram of a water system of a beverage machine according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0026] FIG12 shows a second structural diagram of the water system of a beverage machine according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0027] FIG13 is a schematic structural diagram of an integrated waterway plate of a waterway system of a beverage machine according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0028] 1. Drinking water tank; 2. Soda water tank; 3. Liquid outlet; 4. Air supply connector; 5. Liquid inlet; 6. Water inlet; 7. Water inlet; 8. Water inlet; 9. Water outlet; 10. Water tank; 11. Drinking water tank; 12. Water outlet; 13. Liquid outlet; 14. Air supply connector; 15. Liquid inlet; 16. Water tank; 17. Water tank; 18. Water tank; 19. Water tank; 20. Water tank; 21. Water tank; 22. Water tank; 23. Water tank; 24. Water tank; 25. Water tank; 26. Water tank; 27. Water tank; 28. Water tank; 10. Drinking water tank; 11. Drinking water tank; 12. Soda water tank; 12. Liquid outlet; 12. Air supply connector; 12. Liquid inlet; 13. Upper cover; 14. Evaporating coil; 15. Temperature sensor; 200. Anti-icing structure; 210. Flow guide; 211. First flow channel; 212. Second flow channel; 220. Snap ring; 230. Fixing member; 240. Sealing ring; 250. Water pumping line; 260. Circulating water line; 270. Booster pump; 280. Circulating water valve; 1. Drinking water line assembly; 2. Soda water line assembly; 3. Faucet outlet; 5. Waterway plate; 6. Air supply line; 7. Air supply check valve; 11. Water supply line; 12. Drinking water valve; 13. Circulation pump; 14. Water supply line; 15. Water supply check valve; 16. Circulation check valve; 22. Soda water supply line; 23. Soda valve; 24. Gas cylinder; 25. Gas supply line; 26. Pressure switch; 27. Gas pressure limiting valve; 28. Gas supply check valve. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] In the description of this application, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and are not to be understood as indicating or implying relative importance; the term "plurality" refers to two or more; and the term "at least one" includes any and all combinations of at least one of the associated listed items. In particular, reference to "the" or "an" object is also intended to refer to one of a possible plurality of such objects.

[0030] Unless otherwise specified or explained, the terms "connect," "fixed," etc. should be understood broadly. For example, "connected" can mean a fixed connection, a detachable connection, an integral connection, an electrical connection, or a signal connection; "connected" can mean a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediary. Those skilled in the art will understand the meaning of the above terms in this application based on the circumstances.

[0031] For example, in the description of the present application, it should be understood that the directional words such as "upper", "lower", "inner", and "outer" described in the exemplary embodiments of the present application are described from the perspectives shown in the accompanying drawings and should not be understood as limiting the exemplary embodiments of the present application. It should also be understood that, in the context, when it is mentioned that an element or feature is connected to another element (at least one) "upper", "lower", or "inner" or "outer", it can not only be directly connected to the "upper", "lower", or "inner" or "outer" of the other (at least one) element, but can also be indirectly connected to the "upper", "lower", or "inner" or "outer" of the other (at least one) element through an intermediate element.

[0032] When the temperature difference of the water in the refrigeration tank in the related art is large, the water temperature in the refrigeration tank will be stratified, and even local freezing will occur, affecting the normal use of the refrigeration tank.

[0033] This embodiment provides a refrigeration tank, as shown in Figures 1-3. The refrigeration tank includes a refrigeration tank body 100 and an anti-icing structure 200. The refrigeration tank body 100 is configured to produce and store drinking water, and the refrigeration tank body 100 is provided with a water supply port 112. The anti-icing structure 200 is at least partially disposed within the refrigeration tank body 100 and is connected to the water supply port 112. The anti-icing structure 200 is configured to arrange the drinking water flowing into the refrigeration tank body from the water supply port 112 at an angle to the liquid level of the refrigeration tank body and spray it into the refrigeration tank body 100, causing the drinking water to flow along the inner wall of the refrigeration tank body 100.

[0034] In the refrigeration tank provided in this embodiment, the refrigeration tank body 100 is provided with a water supply port 112, which is configured to supply drinking water to the refrigeration tank body 100. The anti-icing structure 200 can spray the drinking water flowing in from the water supply port 112 into the refrigeration tank body 100. The anti-icing structure 200 serves to connect the water supply port 112 and the refrigeration tank body 100. The drinking water is arranged at an angle to the liquid level of the refrigeration tank body 100. That is, under the oblique effect of the anti-icing structure 200, the drinking water can hit the inner wall of the refrigeration tank body 100 and flow along the inner wall of the refrigeration tank body 100. The inner wall of the refrigeration tank body 100 plays a guiding role for the drinking water, achieving agitation and mixing of the drinking water in the refrigeration tank body 100, forming a vortex, reducing the temperature difference range of the drinking water in the refrigeration tank body 100, and solving the problems of water temperature stratification and local freezing in the refrigeration tank body 100, thereby improving the uniformity, consistency and stability of the water temperature in the refrigeration tank body 100.

[0035] In addition, compared with the related art in which the water tank uses intermittent refrigeration and upper and lower circulating water channels to solve the temperature difference, this embodiment uses circulating water replenishment. After 18 seconds, the temperature difference of all temperature points in the refrigeration tank body 100 is less than 0.5°C, and the response speed is fast.

[0036] For example, as shown in Figure 4, three temperature sensors 150 are evenly arranged at the bottom end of the refrigeration tank body 100 along the circumference of the refrigeration tank body 100, three temperature sensors 150 are evenly arranged at the middle part of the refrigeration tank body 100 along the circumference of the refrigeration tank body 100, and three temperature sensors 150 are evenly arranged at the top end of the refrigeration tank body 100 along the circumference of the refrigeration tank body 100. Therefore, a total of nine temperature sensors 150 are arranged in the refrigeration tank body 100.

[0037] As shown in Figure 5, the vertical axis represents temperature, and the horizontal axis represents time. The solid line corresponds to the corresponding relationship between temperature and time detected by nine temperature sensors 150 using the circulating water replenishment method in this embodiment, and the dotted line corresponds to the corresponding relationship between temperature and time detected by nine temperature sensors in the related art that does not use the circulating water replenishment method. By comparing the solid line, it can be seen that after 18 seconds, the temperature difference at all temperature points in the refrigeration tank body 100 is less than 0.5°C. By comparing the dotted line, it can be seen that after 67 seconds, the temperature difference at all temperature points in the refrigeration tank body 100 is less than 0.5°C.

[0038] Therefore, the use of circulating water replenishment can quickly solve the problem of temperature stratification in the refrigeration tank body 100, has a fast response speed, and has a significant effect in preventing freezing.

[0039] In one embodiment, as shown in Figures 1-3, a refrigeration tank body 100 includes a soda water tank 120, a drinking water tank 110, and a top cover 130. The shapes of the soda water tank 120 and the drinking water tank 110 include, but are not limited to, cylindrical or rectangular parallelepiped structures, and can be adjusted according to actual production needs. For example, the soda water tank 120 is disposed within the drinking water tank 110, and the top cover 130 is disposed over the open ends of the soda water tank 120 and the drinking water tank 110. The soda water tank 120 and the drinking water tank 110 are nested and coaxially arranged. The drinking water tank 110 is configured to prepare and hold drinking water, and the soda water tank 120 is immersed in the drinking water tank 110. The carbon dioxide gas in the soda water dissolves in water and needs to be cooled. The lower the liquid temperature, the more easily the carbon dioxide gas dissolves in water, the higher the concentration of the soda water, and the better the taste. Therefore, placing the soda water tank 120 within the drinking water tank 110 serves to cool the soda water to a certain extent, thereby meeting the cooling needs of the soda water. It is understandable that the soda water that users drink is usually ice soda water.

[0040] In one embodiment, the refrigeration tank body 100 also includes an evaporation coil 140 (as shown in Figure 11) arranged in the drinking water tank 110. The evaporation coil 140 is arranged between the drinking water tank 110 and the soda water tank 120 and is arranged around the drinking water tank 110. The evaporation coil 140 simultaneously cools the drinking water in the drinking water tank 110 and the soda water in the soda water tank 120 to meet the user's needs for drinking drinking water and soda water.

[0041] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4 to FIG. 7 , the anti-icing structure 200 includes a flow guide 210 . The flow guide 210 is disposed in the refrigeration tank body 100 and communicates with the water supply port 112 .

[0042] Among them, the shape of the guide member 210 is similar to an inverted T-shaped structure. The guide member 210 is arranged on the upper cover 130 of the refrigeration tank body 100. The guide member 210 realizes the intermediate connection between the water replenishment port 112 and the drinking water tank 110 of the refrigeration tank body 100.

[0043] If the guide member 210 sprays drinking water into the drinking water tank 110 along the radial direction of the refrigeration tank body 100, the drinking water will only accumulate on the surface of the drinking water tank 110. If the guide member 210 sprays drinking water into the drinking water tank 110 along the axial direction of the refrigeration tank body 100, the drinking water may enter the interior of the drinking water under a larger spraying pressure, but the stirring function cannot be achieved.

[0044] To this end, the guide member 210 provided in this embodiment is configured to obliquely inject drinking water into the refrigeration tank body 100 .

[0045] Under the guiding action of the flow guide 210, drinking water can be directed obliquely into the refrigeration tank body 100. The flow guide 210 exerts an oblique force on the drinking water, causing the drinking water flowing out of the flow guide 210 to obliquely hit the inner wall of the drinking water tank 110. After that, the drinking water flows along the inner wall of the drinking water tank 110 in a spiral or vortex trajectory, thereby stirring the drinking water in the drinking water tank 110. At the same time, there is no need to provide a stirring impeller or a driving structure for driving the stirring impeller in the drinking water tank 110, saving production costs.

[0046] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG6 to FIG9 , a guide channel is provided in the guide member 210 , a first end of the guide channel is connected to the water replenishment port 112 , and a spray port is provided at a second end of the guide channel.

[0047] Exemplarily, the flow guide channel includes a first flow channel 211 and a second flow channel 212. The first end of the first flow channel 211 is connected to the water supply port 112, and the second end of the first flow channel 211 is connected to the second flow channel 212. The injection port is provided at one end of the second flow channel 212 away from the first flow channel 211. The first flow channel 211 is provided along the axial direction of the refrigeration tank body 100, and the second flow channel 212 is provided at an angle relative to the axial direction of the refrigeration tank body 100.

[0048] Exemplarily, the first flow channel 211 is directly connected to the water replenishing port 112 and is arranged along the axial direction of the refrigeration tank body 100 to transport the drinking water flowing in from the water replenishing port 112 toward the drinking water tank 110 of the refrigeration tank body 100 . The first end of the second flow channel 212 is connected to the first flow channel 211, and the second end of the second flow channel 212 is provided with a jet port. The second flow channel 212 is tilted relative to the axial direction of the refrigeration tank body 100, and the jet force of the jet port on the drinking water is also tilted relative to the axial direction of the refrigeration tank body 100. The jet force can be decomposed into a first force along the axial direction of the refrigeration tank body 100 and a second force along the radial direction of the refrigeration tank body 100. The first force causes the drinking water to be injected into the interior of the drinking water tank 110 along the axial direction of the refrigeration tank body 100, and the second force causes the drinking water to be injected into the inner wall of the drinking water tank 110 along the radial direction of the refrigeration tank body 100. Under the joint action of the first force and the second force, the drinking water ejected from the jet port can realize the stirring of the drinking water in the drinking water tank 110 in these two directions.

[0049] In one embodiment, as shown in Figures 6-9 , the anti-icing structure 200 further includes a snap ring 220 and a fixing member 230. The snap ring 220 is sleeved on the outside of the flow guide 210. The fixing member 230 is disposed within the refrigeration tank body 100. A buckle 2301 is provided on one side of the snap ring 220 and the fixing member 230, and a slot 2201 is provided on the other side. The buckle 2301 is engaged with the slot 2201.

[0050] Illustratively, the inner wall of the snap ring 220 and the flow guide 210 have an interference fit, the outer wall of the snap ring 220 is provided with a slot 2201, and the fixing member 230 is an annular structure. The fixing member 230 is fixed within the upper cover 130 of the refrigeration tank body 100. The inner wall of the fixing member 230 is provided with a buckle 2301 corresponding to the slot 2201. The buckle 2301 is engaged with the slot 2201. The interaction between the snap ring 220 and the fixing member 230 achieves the fixation of the flow guide 210 relative to the upper cover 130.

[0051] It is understandable that in some other embodiments, the guide member 210 can also be fixed in the refrigeration tank body 100 by other means such as bolts. As long as the implementation method of fixing the guide member 210 and the refrigeration tank body 100 can be achieved, it is within the protection scope of this embodiment.

[0052] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2 , the anti-icing structure 200 further includes a sealing ring 240 . The sealing ring 240 is sleeved on the outside of the flow guide 210 and disposed between the flow guide 210 and the refrigeration tank body 100 .

[0053] Since a guide channel is provided in the guide member 210, the guide channel is connected to the water supply port 112, and the guide channel is a water flow channel, the sealing ring 240 is sleeved on the outside of the guide member 210 and is provided between the guide member 210 and the refrigeration tank body 100. The sealing ring 240 plays a role in sealing between the guide member 210 and the upper cover 130 of the refrigeration tank body 100, avoiding leakage and improving the sealing effect.

[0054] It is understandable that the number of the sealing ring 240 can be at least one, and multiple sealing rings 240 can be parallel to each other and sleeved on the outside of the guide member 210 to improve the sealing effect between the guide member 210 and the refrigeration tank body 100.

[0055] It should be noted that the anti-icing structure 200 also includes an adjustment member, such as an optional spring, which is mounted on the outside of the flow guide 210 and respectively abuts against the retaining ring 220 and the upper cover 130 of the refrigeration tank body 100. By adjusting the compression state of the adjustment member, the preload force of the adjustment member is adjusted, thereby achieving the function of adjusting the position of the flow guide 210 relative to the refrigeration tank body 100. After adjusting the compression state of the adjustment member, the retaining ring 220 and the fixing member 230 are used to lock and fix it.

[0056] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 10 , the refrigeration tank body 100 is provided with a drain port 111 , which is communicated with the water supply port 112 . The drain port 111 is used for discharging water from the refrigeration tank body 100 .

[0057] In other words, the drinking water entering the water filling port 112 comes from the drain port 111 of the refrigeration tank body 100. That is, the drinking water in the refrigeration tank body 100 is discharged through the drain port 111 and flows back into the refrigeration tank body 100 from the water filling port 112. While achieving self-circulation of the drinking water in the refrigeration tank body 100, it also increases the activity of the drinking water in the refrigeration tank body 100, making the drinking water not static but in a flowing state, thereby solving the problem of water temperature stratification or local freezing of the drinking water in the refrigeration tank body 100. At the same time, the drinking water in the water filling port 112 can be replenished without the need for an external water source, saving production costs.

[0058] In one embodiment, the anti-icing structure 200 also includes a water pumping pipe 250, which is arranged in the refrigeration tank body 100. The first end of the water pumping pipe 250 is connected to the drain outlet 111, and the second end is provided with a water inlet. The water inlet is arranged at the bottom of the refrigeration tank body 100 and is connected to the drinking water in the refrigeration tank body 100.

[0059] Because the water pumping line 250 is directly inserted into the interior of the refrigeration tank body 100, the drinking water obtained by the water outlet 111 does not come from the surface of the refrigeration tank body 100, but from the bottom of the refrigeration tank body 100. As the drinking water at the bottom of the refrigeration tank body 100 enters the water pumping line 250 through the water inlet and is discharged from the water outlet 111, the drinking water in the middle of the refrigeration tank body 100 will move downward under the action of its own gravity. Even if this part of the drinking water is partially frozen, the downward movement of the drinking water will break up the frozen layer, thus achieving a certain degree of ice-breaking effect.

[0060] In one embodiment, the drain port 111 and the water supply port 112 are both disposed on the top of the refrigeration tank body 100 .

[0061] For example, the drain port 111 and the water replenishing port 112 are both provided on the upper cover 130, so that the water outlet position and the water replenishing position of the refrigeration tank body 100 are relatively close, so that the drain port 111 and the water replenishing port 112 are connected to each other, and the drinking water in the refrigeration tank body 100 can be pumped out from the bottom and then pass through the drain port 111 and the water replenishing port 112, and the drinking water is obliquely shot back to the top of the refrigeration tank body 100 through the guide member 210, so that the drinking water circulates along the inner wall of the refrigeration tank body 100. As the drinking water located on the upper part of the refrigeration tank body 100 moves downward under the action of its own gravity, it will destroy the ice layer that has already frozen in the middle, and play an ice-breaking role. At the same time, it also enables the drinking water in the refrigeration tank body 100 to move from top to bottom, thereby reducing the temperature difference of the drinking water in the refrigeration tank body 100.

[0062] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10 , the anti-icing structure 200 further includes a circulating water circuit 260 . A first end of the circulating water circuit 260 is in communication with the drain port 111 , and a second end of the circulating water circuit 260 is in communication with the water supply port 112 .

[0063] Among them, the circulating water path 260 serves as a connection between the drain outlet 111 and the water supply port 112, so that the drinking water flowing out of the drain outlet 111 flows back to the water supply port 112 through the circulating water path 260. While realizing the self-circulation function of the refrigeration tank body 100, it can also reduce the problem of water temperature stratification or local freezing of the refrigeration tank body 100.

[0064] In one embodiment, the anti-icing structure 200 further includes a booster pump 270 , which is in communication with the circulating water circuit 260 , so that the drinking water flowing out of the drain port 111 is transported to the water supply port 112 through the circulating water circuit 260 .

[0065] A booster pump 270 is installed in the delivery waterway 11. It pumps water from the drinking water tank 110 through the drinking water valve 12 and the delivery waterway 11 to the faucet outlet 3. The booster pump 270 also pumps drinking water from the drinking water tank 110 through the circulating waterway 260, circulating water valve 280, and one-way valve to the drinking water tank 110, achieving water circulation and ensuring uniform temperature of the drinking water in the drinking water tank 110. The booster pump 270 has multiple functions, ensuring smooth delivery of drinking water from the delivery waterway 11 to the water replenishment line 14, the circulating waterway 260, and the faucet outlet 3, thus improving the smooth delivery of drinking water through the delivery waterway 11.

[0066] It should be noted that the booster pump 270 can also pump the drinking water in the drinking water tank 110 into the soda water tank 120. Since the air pressure in the soda water tank 120 is high and the air pressure in the water supply path 14 is low, the booster pump 270 has the function of increasing the air pressure in the delivery water path 11.

[0067] In one embodiment, the anti-icing structure 200 further includes a circulating water valve 280 . The circulating water valve 280 is disposed in the circulating water circuit 260 . The circulating water valve 280 is configured to control the opening and closing of the circulating water circuit 260 .

[0068] A circulating water valve 280 is provided in the circulating water circuit 260 and is configured to control the opening and closing of the circulating water circuit 260. For example, when the refrigeration tank body 100 is not cooling or in the initial cooling stage, the temperature difference of the drinking water is small, and the circulating water valve 280 is closed, without starting the self-circulation of the refrigeration tank body 100. When the refrigeration tank body 100 is in the continuous cooling stage, the temperature difference of the drinking water is large, and the circulating water valve 280 is opened, so that the drinking water flowing out of the drain port 111 is transported to the water supply port 112 through the circulating water circuit 260 and the circulating water valve 280, realizing the drinking water reflux process, thereby solving the problem of water temperature stratification or local freezing in the refrigeration tank body 100.

[0069] As shown in Figure 11, this embodiment also provides a beverage machine water system, including the above-mentioned refrigeration tank, drinking water path assembly 1, soda water path assembly 2 and faucet water outlet 3, the drinking water path assembly 1 is connected to the refrigeration tank, and the drinking water path assembly 1 is configured to transport drinking water; the soda water path assembly 2 is connected to the refrigeration tank, and the soda water path assembly 2 is configured to transport soda water; the first end of the faucet water outlet 3 is connected to the drinking water path assembly 1 and the soda water path assembly 2, and the second end is provided with a water outlet.

[0070] In this embodiment, the beverage dispenser water system has a faucet outlet 3 connected to a drinking water assembly 1 at one end and a water outlet at the other end. Drinking water assembly 1 provides drinking water and delivers it to faucet outlet 3, allowing users to access drinking water at the outlet. Soda water assembly 2 provides soda water and delivers it to faucet outlet 3, allowing users to access soda water at the outlet. The drinking water assembly 1 and soda water assembly 2 are independent of each other, meeting diverse user needs.

[0071] After the soda water channel assembly 2 delivers soda water to the faucet water outlet 3, some soda water will remain in the soda water channel assembly 2 and the faucet water outlet 3, resulting in water dripping from the water outlet of the faucet water outlet 3 even after the soda water channel assembly 2 is closed, affecting the user's experience.

[0072] To solve this problem, the soda water passage assembly 2 provided in this embodiment is configured to selectively communicate with the faucet water outlet 3 and the drinking water passage assembly 1 to switch between a soda water output mode and a soda water reflux mode.

[0073] The beverage machine water path system provided in this embodiment is such that if the user needs to drink soda water, the soda water path component 2 is connected to the faucet water outlet 3, and the soda water output mode is started. The water outlet of the faucet water outlet 3 can normally output soda water for the user to drink soda water; if the user does not need to drink soda water, the soda water path component 2 is closed, and the soda water reflux mode is started, so that at least one of the soda water path component 2 and the faucet water outlet 3 is connected to the drinking water path component 1, then the soda water remaining in at least one of the soda water path component 2 and the faucet water outlet 3 will flow back into the drinking water path component 1, thereby completely solving the problem of water dripping from the water outlet of the faucet water outlet 3.

[0074] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG11 , the drinking water channel assembly 1 includes a delivery water channel 11 , a first end of the delivery water channel 11 being connected to a drinking water tank 110 , and a second end of the delivery water channel 11 being connected to a soda water channel assembly 2 and a faucet water outlet 3 .

[0075] The drinking water tank 110 is connected to the delivery water path 11 through the drain outlet 111. The delivery water path 11 serves as a connection between the drinking water tank 110 and the faucet water outlet 3, so as to deliver the drinking water in the drinking water tank 110 to the faucet water outlet 3 through the delivery water path 11, thereby meeting the user's need for drinking drinking water.

[0076] After the drinking water path assembly 1 delivers drinking water to the faucet water outlet 3, some drinking water will remain in the drinking water path assembly 1 and the faucet water outlet 3, resulting in water dripping from the water outlet of the faucet water outlet 3 even after the drinking water path assembly 1 is closed, affecting the user's experience.

[0077] To solve this problem, the drinking water path assembly 1 also includes a circulating water path 260 , the first end of which is connected to the delivery water path 11 , and the second end of which is connected to the drinking water tank 110 , for returning drinking water and soda water to the drinking water tank 110 .

[0078] If the user needs to drink drinking water, the drinking water circuit assembly 1 is connected to the faucet water outlet 3 to start the drinking water output mode. At this time, the water outlet of the faucet water outlet 3 can output drinking water normally for the user to drink; if the user does not need to drink drinking water, since the two ends of the circulating water circuit 260 are respectively connected to the delivery water circuit 11 and the water replenishment port 112 of the drinking water tank 110, the drinking water remaining in the drinking water circuit assembly 1 and the drinking water and soda water remaining in the faucet water outlet 3 will flow back to the drinking water tank 110 through the circulating water circuit 260, which can reduce the risk of dripping from the water outlet of the faucet water outlet 3.

[0079] It is understandable that if the user turns off the soda water path assembly 2, since the soda water path assembly 2 and the drinking water path assembly 1 are connected, the soda water remaining in the soda water path assembly 2 and the faucet water outlet 3 will enter the circulating water path 260 through the drinking water path assembly 1, and eventually flow back into the drinking water tank 110. While avoiding the risk of dripping from the water outlet of the faucet water outlet 3 after the soda water is turned off, the residual soda water can also be recovered and reused, reducing the risk of waste.

[0080] It should be noted that the circulating water circuit 260 can be connected to a water source, so that the outside world can replenish a large amount of water for the drinking water tank 110 through the circulating water circuit 260. The water source can be clean water from municipal water treated by a purification structure, or it can be pure water, etc.

[0081] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11 , the drinking water path assembly 1 further includes a drinking water valve 12 , which is disposed in the water delivery path 11 .

[0082] In the soda water output mode, both the drinking water valve 12 and the circulating water valve 280 are closed; in the soda water return mode, at least the circulating water valve 280 is opened.

[0083] In the soda water output mode, the soda water path assembly 2 is in the open state, and the drinking water valve 12 and the circulating water valve 280 are both in the closed state, to prevent soda water and drinking water from flowing out of the faucet outlet 3 at the same time and affecting the concentration of the soda water, so as to ensure the purity of the soda water consumed by the user.

[0084] In the soda water reflux mode, the drinking water valve 12 and the circulating water valve 280 are both in the open state, so that the soda water path assembly 2 and the faucet water outlet 3 are connected to the drinking water path assembly 1, so that the soda water remaining in the soda water path assembly 2 and the faucet water outlet 3 flows into the drinking water tank 110 through the delivery water path 11, the drinking water valve 12, and the circulating water valve 280, realizing the process of residual soda water reflux, so as to solve the problem of residual soda water dripping.

[0085] If the air pressure in the circulating water circuit 260 is relatively high, it is difficult to ensure smooth flow of the soda water or drinking water back to the drinking water tank 110. To solve this problem, as shown in the figure, the drinking water circuit provided in this embodiment further includes a circulating pump 13, which is disposed in the circulating water circuit 260 and is used to return the drinking water or soda water to the drinking water tank 110.

[0086] By installing a circulation pump 13 on the circulating water circuit 260, the circulation pump 13 drives the drinking water or soda water in the circulating water circuit 260 to provide a driving force for flow, thereby accelerating the return speed of the drinking water or soda water to ensure that the drinking water or soda water returns to the drinking water tank 110 thoroughly.

[0087] In one embodiment, as shown in Figure 11, the drinking water path assembly 1 also includes a circulation one-way valve 16, which is arranged in parallel with the circulation pump 13 and then connected in series to the circulation water path 260, so that drinking water or soda water can flow back to the drinking water tank 110 in one direction through the circulation water path 260.

[0088] If circulation pump 13 is directly connected in series with circulating waterway 260, drinking water in delivery waterway 11 will have difficulty passing through circulation pump 13 and into drinking water tank 110 when circulation pump 13 is turned off. Therefore, a circulation check valve 16 is installed in parallel with circulation pump 13 and then connected in series with circulation waterway 260. This allows drinking water in delivery waterway 11 to pass through circulation check valve 16 and into drinking water tank 110 even when circulation pump 13 is turned off. Furthermore, without circulation check valve 16 connected in parallel with circulation pump 13, the downward absorption of residual water will cause an internal loop, making it difficult for residual water to flow back into drinking water tank 110. Installing circulation check valve 16 in parallel with circulation pump 13 allows for downward absorption of residual water during the dripping process.

[0089] In one embodiment, as shown in Figure 11, the drinking water path assembly 1 also includes a water replenishment path 14, the first end of the water replenishment path 14 is connected to the delivery water path 11, and the second end of the water replenishment path 14 is connected to the soda water path assembly 2, which is configured to provide drinking water for the soda water path.

[0090] With this arrangement, the water replenishment path 14 serves to connect the delivery water path 11 and the soda water path, so that the delivery water path 11 provides drinking water to the soda water path through the water replenishment path 14, thereby replenishing the soda water path with drinking water.

[0091] It's important to note that the delivery waterway 11 includes an inlet section and a delivery section. These sections, along with the water supply line 14 and the circulating waterway 260, are interconnected via adapters or four-way or multi-way valves. The drinking water valve 12 is located in the inlet section. Closing the drinking water valve 12 only shuts off the inlet section, not the delivery section. In this case, the water supply line 14 and the circulating waterway 260 remain functional.

[0092] Since soda water is similar to carbonated beverages and contains a certain amount of carbon dioxide gas, the pressure in the soda water path is relatively high. The air pressure in the water replenishment path 14 may be less than or approximately equal to that in the soda water path, resulting in the drinking water in the water replenishment path 14 not being able to be replenished to the soda water path assembly 2 in time and flowing back into the delivery water path 11.

[0093] The drinking water channel assembly 1 further includes a water supply one-way valve 15 , which is disposed in the water supply channel 14 to allow the drinking water in the water supply channel 14 to flow in one direction to the soda water channel assembly 2 .

[0094] A water replenishment one-way valve 15 is provided in the water replenishment path 14. The water replenishment one-way valve 15 serves to limit the one-way flow direction of drinking water, so that the drinking water flowing out of the delivery water path 11 flows in a single direction into the soda water path assembly 2 after passing through the water replenishment path 14, so as to ensure the reliability of replenishing drinking water for the soda water path assembly 2.

[0095] In one embodiment, as shown in Figures 11-13, the soda water channel assembly 2 further includes a soda delivery water channel 22 and a soda valve 23. One end of the soda delivery water channel 22 is connected to the soda water tank 120, and the other end of the soda delivery water channel 22 is connected to the faucet outlet channel 3. The soda valve 23 is provided in the soda delivery water channel 22 and is configured to control the opening and closing of the soda delivery water channel 22.

[0096] The soda water tank 120 is provided with a liquid outlet connector 121 and a liquid inlet connector 123. The water supply line 14 is connected to the liquid inlet connector 123 of the soda water tank 120 to replenish the soda water tank 120. The soda water tank 120 is connected to the soda water supply line 22 via the liquid outlet connector 121. The soda water supply line 22 serves as a connection between the soda water tank 120 and the faucet outlet line 3. The soda water in the soda water tank 120 is delivered to the faucet outlet line 3 through the soda water supply line 22, thereby meeting the user's drinking needs for soda water. A soda valve 23 is installed in the soda water supply line 22, which is configured to control the opening and closing of the soda water supply line 22.

[0097] In the soda water output mode, the soda valve 23 is open. At this time, the drinking water valve 12 and the circulating water valve 280 are both closed, preventing the outlet of the faucet water outlet 3 from simultaneously flowing out soda water and drinking water, thereby affecting the concentration of the soda water and ensuring the purity of the soda water consumed by the user.

[0098] In the soda water reflux mode, the soda valve 23 is closed to stop the soda delivery water path 22 from outputting soda water, and the drinking water valve 12 and the circulating water valve 280 are both in the open state, so that the soda water path assembly 2 and the faucet water outlet path 3 are connected to the drinking water path assembly 1, then the soda water remaining in the soda delivery water path 22 and the faucet water outlet path 3 flows into the drinking water tank 110 after passing through the delivery water path 11, the drinking water valve 12, and the circulating water valve 280, realizing the process of residual soda water reflux, so as to solve the problem of residual soda water dripping.

[0099] It should be noted that, in the soda water reflux mode, this embodiment does not impose any restrictions on the opening and closing of the drinking water valve 12, and can be adjusted based on the actual location of the drinking water valve 12. If the remaining soda water needs to pass through the drinking water valve 12 during reflux before entering the drinking water tank 110, then the circulating water valve 280, the circulating pump 13, and the drinking water valve 12 need to be opened simultaneously to allow the remaining soda water to flow into the drinking water tank 110 through the delivery waterway 11, the drinking water valve 12, and the circulating water valve 280. If the remaining soda water does not need to pass through the drinking water valve 12 during reflux to enter the drinking water tank 110, then only the circulating water valve 280 and the circulating pump 13 need to be opened simultaneously. This embodiment does not impose any restrictions on the opening and closing of the drinking water valve 12 during reflux, and can be adjusted based on actual production conditions.

[0100] In one embodiment, the soda water circuit assembly 2 also includes a gas cylinder 24, an air supply pipeline 25 and a pressure switch 26. The first end of the air supply pipeline 25 is connected to the gas cylinder 24, and the second end is connected to the soda water tank 120. The air supply pipeline 25 is configured to transport carbon dioxide gas to the soda water tank 120. The pressure switch 26 is arranged on the air supply pipeline 25 and is configured to control the opening and closing of the air supply pipeline 25.

[0101] Gas cylinder 24 is configured to contain carbon dioxide gas. A gas supply line 25 is connected to gas cylinder 24 and soda water tank 120 at both ends, serving as an intermediate connection. The gas supply line 25 delivers the carbon dioxide in gas cylinder 24 to gas supply connector 122 of soda water tank 120 via gas supply line 25, thereby enhancing the taste of the soda water. A pressure switch 26 is installed on gas supply line 25 to detect the pressure of carbon dioxide gas flowing from gas cylinder 24. When the pressure detected by pressure switch 26 is very low, indicating that gas cylinder 24 is free of or nearly free of carbon dioxide gas, pressure switch 26 transmits this signal to the controller, which then issues a signal to indicate that gas cylinder 24 needs to be replaced.

[0102] In one embodiment, the soda water line assembly 2 further includes a gas pressure limiting valve 27 and a gas supply check valve 28. The gas pressure limiting valve 27 is disposed on the gas supply line 25 and is configured to limit the pressure within the gas supply line 25 to prevent the dangerous situation caused by excessive pressure within the gas supply line 25. The gas supply check valve 28 is disposed on the gas supply line 25 and is configured to limit the flow direction of carbon dioxide within the gas supply line 25, so that the carbon dioxide output from the gas cylinder 24 is transported to the soda water tank 120 in a single direction through the gas supply line 25.

[0103] In one embodiment, the beverage machine water system also includes a controller, which is electrically connected to the drinking water valve 12, the circulating water valve 280, the circulating pump 13, the soda valve 23 and the pressure switch 26. The controller can receive the opening and closing signals of these valves and control the movement of these valves and the opening and closing of other components according to these opening and closing signals to ensure the reliability of switching between the two modes.

[0104] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13 , the beverage machine water channel system further includes a water channel plate 5 , and the drinking water channel assembly 1 , the soda water channel assembly 2 and the faucet water outlet 3 are integrated on the water channel plate 5 .

[0105] By integrating the water channels and valve structures in multiple water channel components on the water channel plate 5, an overall structure is formed, which occupies a small space and is easy to move as a whole. It also reduces the need for connecting pipes between multiple pipelines, resulting in more risk points. While saving production costs, it improves the sealing effect of the beverage machine water channel system.

[0106] This embodiment also provides a beverage machine, which includes the above-mentioned beverage machine water system.

[0107] In this embodiment of the beverage dispenser, one end of the faucet outlet 3 is connected to the drinking water channel assembly 1, and the other end is provided with a water outlet. The drinking water channel assembly 1 provides drinking water and can transport the drinking water to the faucet outlet 3, allowing the user to obtain drinking water at the outlet. The soda water channel assembly 2 provides soda water and can transport the soda water to the faucet outlet 3, allowing the user to obtain soda water at the outlet. The drinking water channel assembly 1 and the soda water channel assembly 2 are independent of each other, meeting the diverse needs of users.

[0108] It should be noted that the refrigeration tank shown in the drawings and described in this specification is only an example of the principles of the present application. It should be clearly understood by those skilled in the art that the principles of the present application are not limited to any details or any components of the devices shown in the drawings or described in the specification.

Claims

1. A refrigeration tank, comprising: A refrigeration tank body (100) is configured to produce and contain drinking water, and the refrigeration tank body (100) is provided with a water replenishment port (112); An anti-icing structure (200) is at least partially disposed in the refrigeration tank body (100) and is connected to the water replenishment port (112); The anti-icing structure (200) is configured to arrange the drinking water flowing in from the water replenishment port (112) at an angle with the liquid surface of the refrigeration tank body (100) and spray it into the refrigeration tank body (100), so that the drinking water flows along the inner wall of the refrigeration tank body (100).

2. The refrigeration tank according to claim 1, wherein: The anti-icing structure (200) comprises: A flow guide (210) is disposed in the refrigeration tank body (100) and is connected to the water replenishment port (112); the flow guide (210) is configured to obliquely inject the drinking water into the refrigeration tank body (100).

3. The refrigeration tank according to claim 2, wherein: The flow guide (210) is provided with a first flow channel (211) and a second flow channel (212); a first end of the first flow channel (211) is connected to the water replenishment port (112); a second end of the first flow channel (211) is connected to the second flow channel (212); and an injection port is provided at one end of the second flow channel (212) away from the first flow channel (211); The first flow channel (211) is arranged along the axial direction of the refrigeration tank body (100), and the second flow channel (212) is arranged obliquely relative to the axial direction of the refrigeration tank body (100).

4. The refrigeration tank according to claim 2, wherein: The anti-icing structure (200) further comprises: A clamping ring (220) sleeved on the outside of the flow guide (210); The fixing member (230) is arranged in the refrigeration tank body (100), and one of the sides where the clamping ring (220) and the fixing member (230) are close to each other is provided with a buckle (2301), and the other is provided with a slot (2201), and the buckle (2301) is engaged with the slot (2201).

5. The refrigeration tank according to claim 2, wherein: The anti-icing structure (200) further comprises: A sealing ring (240) is sleeved on the outside of the flow guide (210) and is arranged between the flow guide (210) and the refrigeration tank body (100).

6. The refrigeration tank according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The refrigeration tank body (100) is provided with a drain port (111), the drain port (111) is communicated with the water replenishment port (112), and the drain port (111) is used for discharging water from the refrigeration tank body (100).

7. The refrigeration tank according to claim 6, wherein: The anti-icing structure (200) further comprises: A water pumping pipeline (250) is arranged in the refrigeration tank body (100), wherein a first end of the water pumping pipeline (250) is connected to the drain port (111), and a second end is provided with a water inlet, wherein the water inlet is arranged at the bottom of the refrigeration tank body (100) and is connected to the drinking water in the refrigeration tank body (100).

8. The refrigeration tank according to claim 7, wherein: The water drain port (111) and the water replenishment port (112) are both arranged at the top of the refrigeration tank body (100).

9. The refrigeration tank according to claim 6, wherein: The anti-icing structure (200) further comprises a circulating water circuit (260), wherein a first end of the circulating water circuit (260) is in communication with the drain port (111), and a second end of the circulating water circuit (260) is in communication with the water replenishment port (112).

10. The refrigeration tank according to claim 9, wherein: The anti-icing structure (200) further comprises a booster pump (270), wherein the booster pump (270) is in communication with the circulating water circuit (260) so that the drinking water flowing out of the drain port (111) is transported to the water replenishment port (112) through the circulating water circuit (260).

11. The refrigeration tank according to claim 9, wherein: The anti-icing structure (200) further comprises: The circulating water valve (280) is arranged in the circulating water circuit (260) and is arranged to control the opening and closing of the circulating water circuit (260).

12. A beverage machine water system, comprising: The refrigeration tank according to any one of claims 1 to 11; A drinking water channel assembly (1), connected to the refrigeration tank and configured to transport drinking water; A soda water channel assembly (2), connected to the refrigeration tank and configured to convey soda water; A tap water outlet (3), wherein a first end of the tap water outlet (3) is connected to the drinking water channel assembly (1) and the soda water channel assembly (2), and a second end of the tap water outlet (3) is provided with a water outlet.

13. The beverage machine water channel system according to claim 12, wherein: The soda water path assembly (2) is configured to selectively communicate with the faucet water outlet (3) and the drinking water path assembly (1) to switch between a soda water output mode and a soda water return mode.

14. A beverage machine, comprising the beverage machine water system according to any one of claims 12-13.

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