Smart hub for water dispenser

Abstract

The present invention relates to a smart hub (20) for a water dispenser (10), comprising a housing (22) and a receiving portion (23) for receiving a filter (90) intended for filtering water from a water mains. The housing (20) comprises: a first inlet port (40a) in fluid communication with the receiving portion (23) for the inflow of unfiltered water from the mains; a first outlet port (40b) in fluid communication with the receiving portion (23) and arranged to be connected to a cooling unit (100); a second inlet port (42a) arranged to be connected to the cooling unit (100) in order to receive refrigerated still water; a first flow sensor (60a) in fluid communication with the second inlet port (42a) in order to measure a volume of chilled still water; a second outlet port (42b) for dispensing the volume of chilled still water; a third inlet port (44a) arranged to be connected to the cooling unit (100) in order to receive chilled carbonated water; a second flow sensor (60b) in fluid communication with the third inlet port (44a) in order to measure a volume of chilled carbonated water; and a third outlet port (44b) for dispensing the volume of chilled carbonated water. The smart hub (20) further comprises an electronic circuit (70) including a microcontroller (72) and an antenna (74) for computing and transmitting data relating to the operation of the water dispenser (10) to a computer terminal (300). The invention also relates to a water dispenser (10) comprising the smart hub (20) and a cooling unit (100).

Description

Connected station for water dispenser Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to a connected station for a water dispenser, as well as to a water dispenser comprising the connected station comprising a filter and connected to a cooling unit. The connected station is intended to transmit data, relating to the operation of the water dispenser, to a computer terminal via a cloud service in particular to manage after-sales service. State of the art

[0002] There are different types of water dispensers, each with one or more filters and a cooling unit. One type of water dispenser is a water fountain, which is found in businesses and homes. Water fountains are designed either to use water bottles, which generally have a capacity of around 20 liters and are reusable, or to be connected to a water distribution network. Another type of water dispenser is those found in restaurants and bars. In this case, the filter and cooling unit are usually placed under a counter, which has electronic or mechanical taps connected to the cooling unit through openings made through the counter.

[0003] In recent years, reusable plastic bottles have been shown to pose water quality problems due to bacterial growth and chemical contamination of the water by plastic. In many countries where water quality is acceptable, the dominant configuration of water dispensers includes a connection to a water distribution network, a filter typically including i activated carbon, a cooling unit containing a cooler and possibly a carbonator as well as a mechanical or electronic valve. Such a configuration is shown schematically in Figure 1.

[0004] In most electronic tap water dispensers, the valves are located in the cooling unit. The electronic tap sends an electronic command to the cooling unit to open and close the valves. In this configuration, carbon dioxide may remain in the pipe connecting the cooling unit after the tap is closed and will therefore degas, causing dripping when the tap is closed. To solve this problem, still water is automatically injected into the pipe at the end of each sparkling water pour. This solution prevents dripping, which compromises the performance and ergonomics of electronic taps without integrated valves, which are inferior to mechanical or electronic taps with integrated valves when it comes to dispensing sparkling water. Brief summary of the invention

[0005] An aim of the present invention is therefore to propose a water dispenser, in particular equipped with an electronic tap, which addresses the aforementioned drawbacks.

[0006] More particularly, an object of the present invention is to provide a water dispenser capable of dispensing a quantity of water without dripping with both still water and sparkling water.

[0007] Another object of the present invention is to provide a connected station for a water dispenser and intended to be connected to a unit cooling in order to collect data to monitor the operation of the water dispenser.

[0008] According to the invention, these aims are achieved in particular by means of a connected station, for a water dispenser, comprising a housing and a receiving part for receiving a filter intended to filter water coming from a water distribution network. The housing of the connected station comprises: a first inlet port in fluid communication with the receiving part for the arrival of unfiltered water coming from the distribution network; a first outlet port in fluid communication with the receiving part and arranged to be connected to a cooling unit; a second inlet port arranged to be connected to the cooling unit to receive chilled still water; a first flow sensor in fluid communication with the second inlet port to measure a volume of chilled still water; a second outlet port for dispensing the volume of chilled still water;a third inlet port arranged to be connected to the cooling unit to receive chilled sparkling water; a second flow sensor in fluid communication with the third inlet port to measure a volume of chilled sparkling water, and a third outlet port to dispense the volume of chilled sparkling water. The connected station further comprises an electronic circuit comprising a microcontroller and an antenna for calculating and transmitting data, relating to the operation of the water dispenser, to a computer terminal.;

[0009] According to one embodiment, the receiving part comprises a threaded portion for receiving by screwing one end of a filter.

[0010] According to one embodiment, the connected station further comprises a filter detector comprising a control member and a switch connected to the electronic circuit. The control member is arranged in part in the receiving part to be moved by the end of the filter in order to operate the switch, which is connected to the electronic circuit.

[0011] According to one embodiment, the first and second flow sensors each comprise a float provided with a magnet. A detector is arranged against a wall of each flow sensor to detect the position of the respective floats.

[0012] According to one embodiment, a solenoid valve is arranged between the first inlet port and the receiving portion of the filter.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the housing comprises an upper face, and a lower face opposite the upper face. The upper face comprises the first inlet and outlet ports for the inlet of unfiltered water and for the outlet of filtered water as well as the second and third outlet ports for the outlet respectively of a volume of chilled still water and a volume of chilled sparkling water.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the lower face comprises the second and third input ports which are arranged coaxially with the second and third output ports.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the connected station further comprises a leak detector connected to the box and arranged on the ground near the station.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the housing further comprises a connector for a conduit connected to a gas cylinder. The connector is connected to a flexible conduit disposed inside the housing. A distal end of the flexible conduit is arranged against a pressure sensor of the electronic circuit in order to determine the gas level in the cylinder.

[0017] Another aspect of the invention relates to a water dispenser comprising the connected station according to any of the above embodiments and a cooling unit. The cooling unit comprises a water circuit comprising a cooler and a carbonator downstream of the cooler. The cooling unit further comprises an inlet port connected to the first outlet port of the connected station, a first outlet port connected to the second inlet port of the connected station and a second outlet port connected to the third inlet port of the connected station.

[0018] Another aspect of the invention relates to a method for measuring parameters, in particular water consumption, of the water dispenser. The method comprises the following steps: i) measuring the consumption of chilled still water and chilled sparkling water in a predetermined interval as a function, on the one hand, of a flow rate value estimated with a flow sensor solenoid valve, arranged between the first inlet port and the receiving part of the connected station and, on the other hand, as a function of the position of a first and a second float respectively in the first and second flow sensors measured by a detector, then ii) transmitting said consumption with an identifier of the connected station to a computer terminal.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the method further comprises i) measuring a gas pressure by a pressure sensor of the electronic circuit of the connected station in order to determine the gas level in a gas cylinder, then ii) transmitting this data with the identifier of the connected station to the computer terminal.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the method further comprises i) an evaluation of the state of the filter by the electronic circuit as a function of the total volume of water measured by the solenoid valve and the intrinsic characteristics of the filter, then ii) transmission of the filter status with the identifier of the station connected to the computer terminal. Brief description of the figures

[0021] Examples of implementation of the invention are indicated in the description illustrated by the appended figures in which: - Figure 1 illustrates a schematic view of a conventional water dispenser; - figure 2 illustrates a schematic view of a connected water dispenser, according to the invention; - Figure 3 illustrates a schematic view of the dispenser of Figure 2 in communication with a computer terminal via a cloud platform, - figure 4 illustrates a perspective view of the connected station into which a filter is screwed; - Figure 5a illustrates a top view of Figure 4; - figure 5b illustrates a bottom view of figure 4; - Figure 6 illustrates a perspective view of the connected station housing with the components inside the housing; - Figure 7 illustrates a sectional view of the filter receiving part and a filter detector; - Figure 8 illustrates a sectional view of Figure 6 at the first input and output ports with a partial view of the filter screwed into the receiving part of the connected station, - Figure 9 illustrates a sectional view of Figure 6 at the level of the flow sensors, and - Figure 10 illustrates the location of the electronic circuit in the case. Examples of embodiments of the invention

[0022] Referring to Figure 2, the water dispenser 10 comprises a connected station 20 connected to a cooling unit 100 comprising a cooler 102 and a carbonator 104 connected to a gas bottle 110. The connected station 20 comprises a filter 90 for filtering water from a distribution network as well as a first and a second flow sensor 60a, 60b for measuring a volume of still or sparkling water from the cooling unit 100.

[0023] The filtered water is directed into the cooling unit 100 through an inlet port 106 to be cooled by the chiller 102 and, optionally, carbonated by the carbonator 104. The cooling unit 100 has first and second outlet ports 108a, 108b to redirect the chilled and carbonated water into the connected station 20 as described below. The chilled water and the carbonated water are then directed to one or two faucets 120 which may be electronic or mechanical.

[0024] Referring to Figure 3, the connected station 20 is configured to transmit an identifier with data relating to the operation of the water dispenser 10 to a computer terminal 300 via a Cloud platform 200, for example Amazon Web Service (AWS). The computer terminal 300 can run software for customer relationship management in order to improve after-sales service in particular based on the data received. The computer terminal 300 can, for example, be a computer, a digital tablet or a smartphone.

[0025] With reference to figures 4 to 10, the connected station 20 comprises a housing 22, and a receiving part 23 secured to the housing and comprising a threaded portion 24 into which a threaded portion 92 of a filter 90 is screwed. According to figures 6, 8 and 9, the housing comprises in particular a filter detector 30, the first and second flow sensors 60a, 60b, an electronic circuit 70 as well as a power supply module 80.

[0026] The housing 22 comprises an upper face 22a and a lower face 22a. According to FIG. 5a, the upper face 22a comprises a first inlet port 40a for the inlet of unfiltered water from the water distribution network, and a first outlet port 40b for the outlet of filtered water. As illustrated in FIG. 8, a solenoid valve 56, of the NC type and incorporating a flow sensor, is arranged between the first inlet port 40a and an inlet port 94a of the filter 90. A conduit 58 extends from an outlet port 94a of the filter 90 to the first outlet port 40b of the connected station.

[0027] According to Figure 5b, the lower face 22b of the housing 20 comprises a second inlet port 42a arranged to be connected to the cooling unit 100 to receive chilled still water as well as a third inlet port 44a to be connected to the cooling unit 100 to receive chilled sparkling water. The lower face 22b of the housing further comprises a socket 48 for powering the connected station 20, a connector 46 for connection to a gas bottle 110, a connector 54 for a power cable 55 intended to supplying electricity to the cooling unit 100 and a connector 50 for a leak detector 52 intended to rest on the ground in order to detect a possible water leak at the connected station.

[0028] The upper face 22a of the housing 20 comprises a second and a third outlet port 42b, 44b for the outlet of a volume of chilled still water and chilled sparkling water respectively. These outlet ports are intended to be connected to two separate taps or to a common tap for the distribution of chilled still and sparkling water. The upper face also comprises an indicator light 82 intended to indicate to the user various information on the operation and for the maintenance of the water dispenser according to a color code. For example, the indicator light can change to a first color when the connected station is in standby, to a second color when the connected station is in operation, to a third color to signal to the user that it is necessary to change the filter, and to a fourth color when it is necessary to change the gas bottle.

[0029] With reference to Figures 6 and 7, the connected station 20 further comprises a filter detector 30 comprising a control member 32 and a switch 36 connected to the electronic circuit 70. The control member 32 is for example in the form of a rod mounted in a cylindrical opening of the receiving part 23 of the filter. The rod 23 is constrained by an elastic member in a first axial position when no filter is screwed into the connected station. The elastic member is preferably in the form of a compression spring 24 arranged around the rod 23 and resting on a bearing surface.

[0030] When a filter 90 is screwed into the receiving part 23 of the station 20, the rod 23 moves into a second axial position and switches the switch 23 in order to indicate to the connected station the presence of a filter. The filter detector 30 allows in particular the connected station 20 to transmit to the user, via a display, a series of instructions for cleaning the station using a chlorine cartridge depending on the state of the filter detector 30. Once the filter is disconnected from the station 20, the latter instructs the user to connect the chlorine cartridge, then once the cartridge is detected, the station controls the solenoid valve 56 in order to flow a predetermined volume of water into the cartridge. Once the cleaning operation is carried out, the user replaces the chlorine cartridge with the filter.

[0031] Referring to Figure 9, the first and second flow sensors 60a, 60b comprise a first and second conduit 61a, 61b connecting the second and third inlet ports 42a, 44a to the second and third inlet ports 42b, 44b of the connected station 20. Each conduit comprises at a central portion a float 62a, 62b comprising a magnet 64a, 64b. A detector 66, preferably a Hall effect sensor, is mounted against each conduit 61a, 61b at the central portion in order to measure a variation in magnetic field generated by the axial displacement of the floats 62a, 62b within the central portion of the respective conduits.

[0032] Referring to Figure 10, the electronic circuit 70 comprises in particular a microcontroller 72, an antenna 74 for transmitting data to the computer terminal 300 and a pressure sensor 76. The connector 46 (Figure 5b) of the conduit of the gas cylinder 110 is connected to a conduit, preferably a flexible tube 47, arranged inside the housing 22. The flexible tube 47 has one end arranged against the pressure sensor 76 of the electronic circuit 70 in order to measure the pressure in the gas cylinder.

[0033] The microcontroller 72 of the electronic circuit 70 is intended to process various data measured by the various sensors described previously, in particular data relating to the flow rate of water flowing through the solenoid valve 56, to the variations in the magnetic field at the central part of the first and second flow rate sensors 60a, 60b, to the pressure inside the gas cylinder or even to the state of the filter detector 30 and the leak detector 52.

[0034] The microcontroller 72 can thus calculate different data from a water dispenser 10 comprising the connected station 20 and the cooling unit 100 in order to monitor the operation of the dispenser 10, the state of the filter 90, the gas level in the gas bottle 110 as well as any malfunctions, for example a water or gas leak.

[0035] The microcontroller can, for example, calculate the volume of chilled still and sparkling water consumed in a predetermined interval. The volume can in fact be calculated by the microcontroller 72 as a function of the flow rate of water passing through the solenoid valve 56 and the position of the floats 62a, 62b of the first and second flow sensors 60a, 60b determined by the Hall effect sensors 66. The data provided by the flow sensors at the solenoid valve 56 also makes it possible to calculate the state of the filter as a function of the intrinsic characteristics of the filter. The level of the remaining gas can also be calculated as a function of the data from the pressure sensor 76 transmitted to the microcontroller.

[0036] This data is then transmitted to the computer terminal 300, for example several times a day, with an identifier specific to the connected station in order to enable optimal after-sales service. It is in fact possible to determine in particular the frequency of changing the filter 90 and the gas bottle 110 according to the consumption habits of still water and sparkling water, particularly among individuals, and according to the filter change date, the filter expiration date and / or the filter capacity.

[0037] The user's consumption habits can also be transmitted, via the cloud platform 200, to the computer terminal 300 in order to establish a history of the consumption of still water and sparkling water and to program the switching on of the connected station on the basis of this history. List of references Water dispenser 10 Connected station 20 Box 22 First and second sides 22a, 22b Filter receiving part 23 Threaded portion 24 Filter Detector 30 Control unit 32 Elastic member 34 (eg compression spring) Switch 36 First inlet port 40a (unfiltered water) First outlet port 40b (filtered water) Second inlet port 42a (cold water) Second outlet port 42b (metered cold water) Third inlet port 44a (carbonated water) Third outlet port 44b (metered carbon water) Connector 46 (for gas) Flexible conduit 47 Take 48 Connector 50 (leak detector) Leak Detector 52 Power connector 54 55 power cable 56 Flow Sensor Solenoid Valve Conduit 58 First and second flow sensor 60a, 60b Float 62a, 62b Magnet 64a, 64b Detector 66 Hall effect sensor Electronic circuit 70 Microcontroller 72 Antenna 74 Pressure sensor 76 Power module 80 Seer 82 Filter 90 Threaded part 92 Port of Entry 94a Output port 94b Cooling unit 100 Cooler 102 Carbonator104 Port of Entry 106 First and second output ports 108a, 108b 110 gas bottle Tap 120 Cloud Platform 200 Computer terminal 300

Claims

Claims 1. Connected station (20) for a water dispenser (10), comprising a housing (22) and a receiving part (23) for receiving a filter (90) intended to filter water coming from a water distribution network, the receiving part (23) being integral with the housing (22), the housing comprising: a first inlet port (40a) in fluid communication with the receiving part (23) for the arrival of unfiltered water coming from the distribution network, a first outlet port (40b) in fluid communication with the receiving part (23) and arranged to be connected to a cooling unit (100), a second inlet port (42a) arranged to be connected to the cooling unit (100) to receive chilled still water, a first flow sensor (60a) in fluid communication with the second inlet port (42a) for measuring a volume of chilled still water, a second outlet port (42b) for dispensing the volume of chilled still water,a third inlet port (44a) arranged to be connected to the cooling unit (100) to receive chilled sparkling water, a second flow sensor (60b) in fluid communication with the third inlet port (44a) to measure a volume of chilled sparkling water, a third outlet port (44b) to dispense the volume of chilled sparkling water, the connected station (20) further comprising an electronic circuit (70) comprising a microcontroller (72) and an antenna (74) for calculating and transmitting data, relating to the operation of the water dispenser (10), to a computer terminal., 2. Connected station (20) according to claim 1, wherein said receiving part (23) comprises a threaded portion (24) for receiving by screwing one end of a filter (90).

3. Connected station (20) according to claim 2, further comprising a filter detector (30) comprising a control member (32) and a switch (36) connected to the electronic circuit (70), the control member (32) being arranged partly in the receiving part (23) to be moved by said end of the filter (90) in order to actuate the switch (36), which is connected to the electronic circuit (70).

4. Connected station (20) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the first and second flow sensors (60a, 60b) each comprise a float (62a, 62b) provided with a magnet (64a, 64b), a detector (66) being arranged against a wall of each flow sensor (60a, 60b) to detect the position of the respective floats.

5. Connected station (20) according to one of the preceding claims, in which a solenoid valve (56) is arranged between the first inlet port (40a) and the receiving part (23) of the filter.

6. Connected station (10) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the housing (22) comprises a first face (22a), called the upper face, and a second face (22b), opposite the first face (22a), called the lower face, the upper face (22a) comprising said first inlet and outlet ports (40a, 40b) for the inlet of unfiltered water and for the outlet of filtered water as well as said second and third outlet ports (42b, 44b) for the outlet respectively of a volume of chilled still water and a volume of chilled sparkling water.

7. Connected station (10) according to claim 6, wherein the lower face (22b) comprises said second and third input ports (42a, 44a) which are arranged coaxially with said second and third output ports (42b, 44b).

8. Connected station (10) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a leak detector (52) connected to the housing (22) and intended to be placed on the ground near the station.

9. Connected station (20) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the housing (22) further comprises a connector (46) for a conduit connected to a gas cylinder (110), the connector (46) being connected to a flexible conduit (47) arranged inside the housing (22), a distal end of the flexible conduit (47) being arranged against a pressure sensor (76) of the electronic circuit (70) in order to determine the gas level in the cylinder (110).

10. A water dispenser (10) comprising the connected station (20) according to one of the preceding claims and a cooling unit (100) comprising a water circuit comprising a cooler (102) and a carbonator (104) downstream of the cooler (102), the cooling unit (100) further comprising an inlet port (106) connected to the first outlet port (40b) of the connected station (20), a first outlet port (108a) connected to the second inlet port (42a) of the connected station (20) and a second outlet port (108b) connected to the third inlet port (44a) of the connected station.

11. Method for measuring parameters, in particular water consumption, of the water dispenser (10) according to the preceding claim, comprising the following steps: - measure the consumption of chilled still water and sparkling water refrigerated within a predetermined interval as a function, on the one hand, of a flow rate value measured with a flow sensor solenoid valve (56), arranged between the first inlet port (40a) and the receiving part (23) of the connected station (20) and, on the other hand, as a function of the position of a first and a second float (62a, 62b) respectively in the first and second flow sensors (60a, 60b) measured by a detector (66), - transmitting said consumption with an identifier of the connected station (20) to a computer terminal (300).

12. Measuring method according to the preceding claim, further comprising the measurement of a gas pressure by a pressure sensor (76) of the electronic circuit (70) of the connected station (70) in order to determine the gas level in a gas bottle (110) then the transmission of this data with the identifier of the connected station to the computer terminal (300).

13. Measuring method according to claim 11 or 12, further comprising an evaluation of the state of the filter (90) by the electronic circuit (70) as a function of the total volume of water measured by the solenoid valve (56) and the intrinsic characteristics of the filter, then the transmission of the state of the filter with the identifier of the station connected to the computer terminal (300).

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