Control method and control apparatus for sparkling water apparatus, and refrigerator

Abstract

The present application relates to the technical field of refrigerators. Provided are a control method and control apparatus for a sparkling water apparatus, and a refrigerator. The sparkling water apparatus in the present application comprises a water supply module, a gas supply module and a premixing module, wherein the premixing module comprises a premixing tank. The control method for a sparkling water apparatus may comprise: detecting, in real time, liquid level information of sparkling water in a premixing tank; when the liquid level of a liquid in the premixing tank is below a preset range, controlling a gas supply module and a water supply module to start, so as to supply a carbon dioxide gas and water to the premixing tank to produce sparkling water, until the liquid level of the sparkling water in the premixing tank is above the preset range; and in response to an operation instruction, extracting the sparkling water from the premixing tank for use. In the control method for a sparkling water apparatus in the present application, when a user takes sparkling water for use, mixed sparkling water can be directly taken from a premixing tank in real time, without the need for the user to wait, thereby improving the usage experience of the user.

Description

A control method, control device, and refrigerator for a sparkling water device. Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of refrigerator technology, and in particular to a control method, control device, and refrigerator for a bubble water device. Background Technology

[0002] A sparkling water device is a machine that can convert ordinary drinking water into sparkling water rich in bubbles. It typically consists of an air pump, an air cylinder, a pressure regulator, a water container, and related connecting parts. Its working principle is to use the air pump to inject high-pressure gas (usually carbon dioxide) into the water in the water container through the pressure regulator. The gas dissolves in the water under pressure, thus forming sparkling water with abundant bubbles. Some sparkling water devices also feature adjustable pressure, allowing users to adjust the amount of bubbles to their liking to meet different taste preferences. Currently, the inclusion of sparkling water functionality in refrigerators offers users a completely new experience.

[0003] Currently, in refrigerators equipped with sparkling water devices, when a user needs to dispense sparkling water, the gas in the device mixes with water to form sparkling water before dispensing the water. This process takes a certain amount of time, requiring the user to wait, which results in a poor user experience. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this application is to provide a control method for a sparkling water device, which solves the technical problem in the prior art that sparkling water devices cannot provide real-time sparkling water, resulting in a poor user experience.

[0005] According to the first aspect of this application, this application provides a control method for a sparkling water device, the sparkling water device comprising a gas supply module, a water supply module, and a premixing module, wherein the gas supply module provides carbon dioxide gas to the sparkling water, the water supply module provides water to the sparkling water, the premixing module premixes the carbon dioxide gas from the gas supply module and the water from the water supply module to form sparkling water, and stores the sparkling water; the premixing module includes a premixing tank, and the control method includes:

[0006] Real-time monitoring of the water level in the premixed tank;

[0007] When the liquid level in the premix tank is lower than a preset range, the gas supply module and the water supply module are activated to supply carbon dioxide gas and water to the premix tank to form bubble water until the bubble water level in the premix tank is higher than the preset range.

[0008] In response to an operating command, the sparkling water is drawn from the premixed tank for use.

[0009] Optionally, the step of controlling the activation of the gas supply module and the water supply module to provide the premixing tank with the carbon dioxide gas and water to form the bubble water includes:

[0010] The premix tank is vented;

[0011] After the exhaust continues for a first preset time, the water supply module provides water to the premix tank;

[0012] When the liquid level in the premix tank is higher than the preset range, the water supply module stops supplying water to the premix tank.

[0013] After the water supply module stops supplying water to the premix tank for a second preset time, the vent valve is closed.

[0014] Optionally, after the step of closing the vent valve following the second preset time after the water supply module stops supplying water to the premixing tank, the method further includes:

[0015] The gas supply module is activated to replenish the premix tank with carbon dioxide gas, so that the gas in the premix tank forms the bubble water;

[0016] The process of adding carbon dioxide gas to the premix tank and venting the premix tank is repeated until the gas content in the sparkling water in the premix tank reaches a preset level.

[0017] Optionally, the step of alternately controlling the gas supply device to fill the premixed tank and controlling the exhaust valve to exhaust the premixed tank includes:

[0018] The gas supply device is activated to fill the premix tank with gas for a third preset time, and then shut off.

[0019] The premix tank will be shut off after a fourth preset time of venting.

[0020] Repeat the above steps until the number of times the preset level is matched is reached, then stop.

[0021] Optionally, in response to an operating command, the step of drawing the sparkling water from the premixed tank for use includes:

[0022] In response to the operation command, the premix tank is vented for a fifth preset time;

[0023] Control the discharge of the sparkling water from the premix tank until the operation command disappears;

[0024] Control the premix tank to stop discharging the sparkling water.

[0025] Optionally, in response to an operating command, the step of controlling the extraction of the sparkling water from the premixed tank for use includes:

[0026] In response to the operation command, the premix tank is controlled to continue venting for a fifth preset time;

[0027] Control the discharge of the bubble water from the premix tank until the liquid level in the premix tank is lower than the preset range;

[0028] Control the premix tank to stop the output of the bubble water.

[0029] Optionally, after the operation command disappears, if the liquid level in the premix tank is detected to be lower than the preset range, the gas supply module and the water supply module are activated to supply carbon dioxide gas and water to the premix tank to form the bubble water, until the liquid level of the bubble water in the premix tank is higher than the preset range.

[0030] Optionally, it also includes:

[0031] After the operation command disappears, if the operation command is received again within a sixth preset time period, the sparkling water can be directly taken from the premix tank.

[0032] Optionally, it also includes:

[0033] After the operation command disappears, and after a sixth preset time has elapsed, the liquid level information of the bubble water in the premix tank is detected.

[0034] When the level of the bubble water is lower than the preset range, the gas supply module and the water supply module are controlled again to supply carbon dioxide gas and water to the premix tank to form the bubble water until the level of the bubble water is higher than the preset range.

[0035] Optionally, before the step of controlling the activation of the gas supply module and the water supply module to provide carbon dioxide gas and water to the premixing tank to form the bubble water when the liquid level in the premixing tank is lower than a preset range, the method further includes:

[0036] Detect the ambient temperature of the premix tank;

[0037] Determine whether the ambient temperature is lower than the preset temperature;

[0038] When the ambient temperature is lower than the preset temperature, the gas supply module and water supply module are activated to provide carbon dioxide gas and water to the premix tank to form the bubble water.

[0039] In particular, this application also provides a control device, which includes a memory and a processor. The memory stores a calculation program, which, when executed by the processor, is used to implement the control method of the bubble water device according to the above description.

[0040] In particular, this application also provides a refrigerator, including a bubble water device and the control device described above.

[0041] The control method of this sparkling water device can maintain the level of sparkling water in the premixing tank within a preset range and store it according to the detected level of sparkling water in the premixing tank. This allows users to directly take the premixed sparkling water from the premixing tank in real time when they want to use sparkling water, without having to wait, thus improving the user experience.

[0042] The above and other objects, advantages and features of this application will become more apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of specific embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0043] The following sections will describe some specific embodiments of this application in detail by way of example and not limitation, with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals in the drawings denote the same or similar parts or components. Those skilled in the art should understand that these drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. In the drawings:

[0044] Figure 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a sparkling water device according to a specific embodiment of this application;

[0045] Figure 2 is a schematic flowchart of a control method for a sparkling water device according to a specific embodiment of this application;

[0046] Figure 3 is a schematic flowchart of the steps of controlling the start-up of the gas supply module and water supply module to provide carbon dioxide gas and water to the premix tank to form bubble water according to a specific embodiment of the present application;

[0047] Figure 4 is a schematic flowchart of the steps following the step of closing the vent valve after the water supply module stops supplying water to the premixing tank for a second preset time, according to a specific embodiment of this application.

[0048] Figure 5 is a schematic flowchart illustrating the steps of alternating between controlling the gas supply device to fill the premix tank and controlling the exhaust valve to exhaust the premix tank according to a specific embodiment of this application.

[0049] Figure 6 is a schematic flowchart of the steps of extracting sparkling water from a premix tank for use in response to an operation command, according to a specific embodiment of the present application.

[0050] Figure 7 is a schematic flowchart of the steps of extracting sparkling water from a premix tank for use in response to an operation command, according to another specific embodiment of this application.

[0051] Figure 8 is a schematic flowchart of the steps prior to the step of controlling the start of the gas supply module and water supply module to provide carbon dioxide gas and water to the premix tank to form bubble water, according to a specific embodiment of this application.

[0052] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0053] Aerated water device-100; Aerated water supply module-110; Water supply module-120; Premixing module-130; Premixing tank-131. Detailed Implementation

[0054] In the description of this embodiment, it should be understood that the terms "upper", "lower", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "front", "rear", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application.

[0055] As a specific embodiment of this application, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, this embodiment provides a control method for a sparkling water device. The sparkling water device 100 may include a gas supply module 110, a water supply module 120, and a premixing module 130. The gas supply module 110 provides carbon dioxide gas to the sparkling water, the water supply module 120 provides water to the sparkling water, and the premixing module 130 premixes the carbon dioxide gas from the gas supply module 110 and the water from the water supply module 120 to form sparkling water and stores the sparkling water. The premixing module 130 includes a premixing tank 131.

[0056] Specifically, as shown in Figure 2, the control method of the sparkling water device 100 in this embodiment may include:

[0057] Step S100: Real-time detection of the liquid level information of the bubble water in the premix tank 131;

[0058] In step S200, when the liquid level in the premix tank 131 is lower than the preset range, the gas supply module 110 and the water supply module 120 are activated to supply carbon dioxide gas and water to the premix tank 131 to form bubble water until the liquid level of the bubble water in the premix tank 131 is higher than the preset range.

[0059] In step S300, in response to the operation command, sparkling water is drawn from the premix tank 131 for use.

[0060] Specifically, the control method of the sparkling water device 100 in this embodiment can maintain the level of sparkling water in the premixing tank 131 within a preset range and store it according to the detected level of sparkling water in the premixing tank 131. This allows the user to directly take the premixed sparkling water from the premixing tank 131 in real time when taking sparkling water, without having to wait, thus improving the user experience.

[0061] As a specific embodiment of this application, as shown in FIG3, step S200 in this embodiment, the step of controlling the start of the gas supply module 110 and the water supply module 120 to provide carbon dioxide gas and water to the premix tank 131 to form bubble water includes:

[0062] Step S210: Vent the premix tank 131;

[0063] In step S220, after the exhaust continues for a first preset time, the water supply module 120 supplies water to the premix tank 131;

[0064] Step S230: When the liquid level in the premix tank 131 is higher than the preset range, the water supply module 120 stops supplying water to the premix tank 131.

[0065] Step S240: After the water supply module 120 stops supplying water to the premixing tank 131 for a second preset time, the exhaust valve is closed.

[0066] Specifically, since the premix tank 131 stores sparkling water, the air pressure inside is relatively high. Before filling the premix tank 131 with water, it is necessary to purge the air to allow water from the water supply module 120 to flow smoothly into the premix tank 131. Furthermore, after the liquid level in the premix tank 131 reaches the target level, the vent valve must be closed only after a second preset time to allow the air pressure inside the premix tank 131 to stabilize, which facilitates subsequent steps.

[0067] As a specific embodiment of this application, as shown in FIG4, step S240 of this embodiment may further include the following after the step of closing the exhaust valve after the water supply module 120 stops supplying water to the premixing tank 131 for a second preset time:

[0068] Step S250: Start the gas supply module 110 to replenish carbon dioxide gas to the premix tank 131 so that the gas in the premix tank 131 forms bubble water.

[0069] Step S260 involves alternately replenishing carbon dioxide gas to the premix tank 131 and venting the premix tank 131 until the gas content in the sparkling water in the premix tank 131 reaches the preset level.

[0070] Specifically, after the water in the premix tank 131 is replenished, carbon dioxide gas needs to be added to the premix tank 131 through the gas supply module 110, thereby mixing the carbon dioxide with the water to form sparkling water. Furthermore, since users have different requirements for the taste of sparkling water, the carbon dioxide content in the sparkling water can be adjusted as needed to meet the needs of different users. This embodiment regulates the gas content in the sparkling water within the premix tank 131 by filling and venting the premix tank 131, ensuring safety while improving the user experience.

[0071] Specifically, the grade of sparkling water can be classified according to the situation. For example, in the sparkling water device 100 of this embodiment, the sparkling water is divided into three grades. When the user selects the first grade, the alternation of inflation and deflation needs to be repeated n1 times. When the user selects the second grade, the alternation of inflation and deflation needs to be repeated n2 times. When the user selects the third grade, the alternation of inflation and deflation needs to be repeated n3 times. When the level of sparkling water in the premix tank 131 is low, when replenishing water to form sparkling water, the sparkling water grade can preferably be the first, second, or third grade. The grade of sparkling water is adjusted for the user's consumption when the user has a preference for a specific grade.

[0072] As a specific embodiment of this application, as shown in FIG5, the step S260 of alternating between controlling the gas supply device to fill the premix tank 131 with gas and controlling the exhaust valve to exhaust the premix tank 131 includes:

[0073] Step S261: Start the gas supply device to fill the premix tank 131 with gas for a third preset time, and then shut it off;

[0074] Step S262: The premix tank 131 is shut down after the fourth preset time of exhaust.

[0075] Step S263: Repeat the above steps until the number of times the preset level is matched is reached, then end.

[0076] Specifically, in this embodiment, the alternating inflation and deflation processes need to be sustained for a certain period of time to ensure effective inflation and deflation. Furthermore, the inflation and deflation times, as well as the number of inflations and deflations, determine the carbon dioxide content in the sparkling water, which in turn determines its taste. This can be designed according to specific circumstances.

[0077] As a specific embodiment of this application, as shown in FIG6, step S300 of this embodiment, which responds to an operation command by drawing sparkling water from the premix tank 131 for use, includes:

[0078] Step S310: In response to the operation command, the premix tank 131 is vented for a fifth preset time.

[0079] Step S320: Control the discharge of aerated water from the premix tank 131 until the operation command disappears;

[0080] Step S330: Control the premix tank 131 to stop discharging bubble water.

[0081] Specifically, in this embodiment, when a command to take sparkling water is received, since the premix tank 131 contains sparkling water and has a relatively high internal pressure, the gas in the premix tank 131 needs to be discharged first before the sparkling water can be taken out. This is to avoid the sparkling water being dispensed too quickly due to excessive gas pressure in the premix tank 131, which would affect the user's experience.

[0082] The fifth preset time in this embodiment can be designed according to actual conditions. Generally, the fifth preset time is relatively short to avoid the problem of poor user experience caused by excessively long waiting time.

[0083] Specifically, after the user's operation command disappears, when the liquid level in the premix tank 131 is detected to be lower than the preset range, the gas supply module 110 and the water supply module 120 are activated to provide carbon dioxide gas and water to the premix tank 131 to form bubble water until the liquid level of the bubble water in the premix tank 131 is higher than the preset range.

[0084] Specifically, this process is designed to ensure that the next user can access sparkling water promptly, thereby enhancing the user experience.

[0085] As another specific embodiment of this application, as shown in FIG7, step S300 of this embodiment, which responds to an operation command and controls the extraction of sparkling water from the premix tank 131 for use, includes:

[0086] In step S340, in response to the operation command, the premix tank 131 is controlled to continue venting for a fifth preset time;

[0087] Step S350: Control the discharge of aerated water from the premix tank 131 until the liquid level in the premix tank 131 is lower than the preset range;

[0088] Step S360: Control the premix tank 131 to stop the output of bubble water.

[0089] Specifically, in this embodiment, before taking sparkling water, since there is a lot of other gas in the premix tank 131, it is necessary to first purge the gas in the premix tank 131 to avoid the problem of sparkling water being dispensed too quickly. In addition, during the process of taking sparkling water into the premix tank 131, the level of sparkling water will continuously decrease. When the user takes out sparkling water at a low level, the premix tank 131 stops dispensing sparkling water. At this time, the user's operation interface will flash to prompt the user that the level of sparkling water is too low and to wait a while.

[0090] Specifically, when the premixing tank 131 stops discharging water, the gas supply module 110 and the water supply module 120 are activated to supply water and gas to the premixing tank 131 according to the above water and gas supply steps, thus forming sparkling water. After the sparkling water is produced, water can continue to be dispensed if the user's operation command is still active; otherwise, water will not be dispensed.

[0091] As a specific embodiment of this application, the control method of the sparkling water device 100 in this embodiment may further include:

[0092] After the operation command disappears, when the operation command is received again within the sixth preset time, the sparkling water is directly taken from the premix tank 131.

[0093] Specifically, when the user's operation command disappears, if the next user's water-taking operation command is detected within a certain period of time, sparkling water can be taken directly from the premix tank 131 without detection or waiting.

[0094] Of course, if the water level is too low or there is no water during this process, the bubble water in the premix tank 131 cannot be taken out, and the above process will be repeated.

[0095] As another specific embodiment of this application, the control method of the sparkling water device 100 in this embodiment may further include:

[0096] After the operation command disappears, and after the sixth preset time has elapsed, the liquid level information of the bubble water in the premix tank 131 is detected.

[0097] When the level of the bubble water is lower than the preset range, the gas supply module 110 and the water supply module 120 are re-controlled to supply carbon dioxide gas and water to the premix tank 131 to form bubble water until the level of the bubble water is higher than the preset range.

[0098] Specifically, if the user's operation command disappears for a certain period of time without the next user operation, the water level of the liquid needs to be detected. When the water level is lower than the minimum value of the preset range, water and carbon dioxide need to be provided to the premix tank 131 in a timely manner to form bubble water, which is convenient for subsequent users.

[0099] As a specific embodiment of this application, as shown in FIG8, step S200 of this embodiment further includes the following steps before the step of controlling the start of the gas supply module 110 and the water supply module 120 to provide carbon dioxide gas and water to the premixing tank 131 to form bubble water when the liquid level in the premixing tank 131 is lower than the preset range:

[0100] Step S400: Detect the ambient temperature of the premix tank 131;

[0101] Step S500: Determine whether the ambient temperature is lower than the preset temperature; if yes, proceed to step S600; otherwise, proceed to step S700.

[0102] In step S600, the gas supply module 110 and the water supply module 120 are activated to provide carbon dioxide gas and water to the premix tank 131 to form bubble water.

[0103] In step S700, the environment around the premix tank 131 is cooled down until the ambient temperature is lower than the preset temperature. Then, the gas supply module 110 and the water supply module 120 are started to provide carbon dioxide and water to the premix tank 131 to form bubble water.

[0104] Specifically, since sparkling water is quite sensitive to temperature, when the temperature is too high, a large amount of gas will escape from the water, affecting both the taste and the safety of the premix tank 131 due to excessively high pressure. Therefore, in this embodiment, before making sparkling water, the ambient temperature of the premix tank 131 needs to be lowered below a preset temperature to ensure both the taste of the sparkling water and the safety of the premix tank 131.

[0105] Furthermore, the premixing tank 131 in this embodiment can be a plastic tank or a metal tank, and an insulation layer can be provided on the outside of the plastic tank or metal tank, or the plastic tank or metal tank can be placed in a low-temperature environment. Optionally, the premixing tank 131 in this embodiment is a double-layered metal vacuum tank, which ensures the strength of the premixing tank 131 and can also insulate the premixing tank 131.

[0106] As a specific embodiment of this application, this embodiment also provides a control device, which includes a memory and a processor. The memory stores a calculation program, and when the calculation program is executed by the processor, it is used to implement the control method of the above-mentioned sparkling water device 100.

[0107] As a specific embodiment of this application, this embodiment also provides a refrigerator, which may include a bubble water device 100 and a control device.

[0108] Specifically, the privately owned sparkling water device 100 can be installed inside the refrigerator or at the refrigerator door, and the water outlet can be located at the refrigerator door or freezer door, so that users can access sparkling water at any time and improve the user experience.

[0109] Therefore, those skilled in the art should recognize that although many exemplary embodiments of this application have been shown and described in detail herein, many other variations or modifications conforming to the principles of this application can be directly determined or derived from the disclosure of this application without departing from the spirit and scope of this application. Thus, the scope of this application should be understood and construed as covering all such other variations or modifications.

Claims

1. A control method for a bubble water device, characterized in that, The sparkling water device includes a gas supply module, a water supply module, and a premixing module. The gas supply module provides carbon dioxide gas to the sparkling water, the water supply module provides water to the sparkling water, and the premixing module premixes the carbon dioxide gas from the gas supply module and the water from the water supply module to form sparkling water and stores the sparkling water. The premixing module includes a premixing tank, and the control method includes: Real-time monitoring of the water level in the premixed tank; When the liquid level in the premix tank is lower than a preset range, the gas supply module and the water supply module are activated to supply carbon dioxide gas and water to the premix tank to form bubble water until the bubble water level in the premix tank is higher than the preset range. In response to an operating command, the sparkling water is drawn from the premixed tank for use; The step of controlling the activation of the gas supply module and the water supply module to provide the premixing tank with carbon dioxide gas and water to form the bubble water includes: The premix tank is vented; After the exhaust continues for a first preset time, the water supply module provides water to the premix tank; When the liquid level in the premix tank is higher than the preset range, the water supply module stops supplying water to the premix tank. After the water supply module stops supplying water to the premix tank for a second preset time, the vent valve is closed. The gas supply module replenishes the premixed tank with carbon dioxide gas; the replenishment of carbon dioxide gas to the premixed tank and the venting of the premixed tank are performed alternately until the gas content in the sparkling water in the premixed tank reaches a preset level.

2. The control method for the bubble water device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The steps of alternately controlling the gas supply module to fill the premixed tank and controlling the exhaust valve to exhaust the premixed tank include: The gas supply module is activated to fill the premix tank with gas for a third preset time, and then shut down. The premix tank will be shut off after a fourth preset time of venting. Repeat the above steps until the number of times the preset level is matched is reached, then stop.

3. The control method for the bubble water device according to claim 1, characterized in that, In response to an operating command, the step of drawing the sparkling water from the premixed tank for use includes: In response to the operation command, the premix tank is vented for a fifth preset time; Control the discharge of the sparkling water from the premix tank until the operation command disappears; Control the premix tank to stop discharging the sparkling water.

4. The control method for the bubble water device according to claim 1, characterized in that, In response to an operating command, the step of controlling the extraction of the sparkling water from the premixed tank for use includes: In response to the operation command, the premix tank is controlled to continue venting for a fifth preset time; Control the discharge of the bubble water from the premix tank until the liquid level in the premix tank is lower than the preset range; Control the premix tank to stop the output of the bubble water.

5. The control method for the bubble water device according to claim 1 or 4, characterized in that, After the operation command disappears, if the liquid level in the premix tank is detected to be lower than the preset range, the gas supply module and the water supply module are activated to supply carbon dioxide gas and water to the premix tank to form bubble water until the liquid level of bubble water in the premix tank is higher than the preset range.

6. The control method for the bubble water device according to claim 1 or 4, characterized in that, Also includes: After the operation command disappears, if the operation command is received again within a sixth preset time period, the sparkling water can be directly taken from the premix tank.

7. The control method for the bubble water device according to claim 1 or 4, characterized in that, Also includes: After the operation command disappears, and after a sixth preset time has elapsed, the liquid level information of the bubble water in the premix tank is detected. When the level of the bubble water is lower than the preset range, the gas supply module and the water supply module are controlled again to supply carbon dioxide gas and water to the premix tank to form the bubble water until the level of the bubble water is higher than the preset range.

8. The control method for the bubble water device according to claim 1 or 4, characterized in that, Before the step of controlling the activation of the gas supply module and the water supply module to provide carbon dioxide gas and water to the premixing tank to form the bubble water when the liquid level in the premixing tank is lower than the preset range, the method further includes: Detect the ambient temperature of the premix tank; Determine whether the ambient temperature is lower than the preset temperature; When the ambient temperature is lower than the preset temperature, the gas supply module and water supply module are activated to provide carbon dioxide gas and water to the premix tank to form the bubble water.

9. A control device, characterized in that, The control device includes a memory and a processor. The memory stores a calculation program, which, when executed by the processor, is used to implement the control method of the sparkling water device according to any one of claims 1-8.

10. A refrigerator, characterized in that, It includes a bubble water device and the control device as described in claim 9.

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