Sparkling water apparatus and refrigerator

Abstract

A sparkling water apparatus and a refrigerator. The sparkling water apparatus comprises a gas supply module (200), a water supply module (300), a premixing module (400) and a control apparatus, wherein the gas supply module (200) is used for providing a carbon dioxide gas; the water supply module (300) is used for providing a water source; the premixing module (400) is used for premixing the carbon dioxide gas from the gas supply module (200) with water from the water supply module (300) so as to produce sparkling water, and storing the sparkling water; and the control apparatus is used for controlling, on the basis of instructions, the gas supply module (200) to supply the gas to the premixing module (400), controlling the water supply module (300) to supply water to the premixing module (400), and controlling the premixing module (400) to produce sparkling water and discharge the water in real time. The refrigerator comprises a sparkling water apparatus.

Description

A bubble water device and a refrigerator Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of refrigerator technology, and in particular to a bubble water device and a refrigerator. 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, when a refrigerator is equipped with a sparkling water module, after pressing the water dispensing button, carbon dioxide gas needs to be drawn from the gas cylinder, mixed with water to form sparkling water, and then the sparkling water is taken out. This process is cumbersome and takes a certain amount of time, affecting the user experience. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this application is to provide a sparkling water device that solves the technical problem in the prior art where sparkling water devices produce sparkling water on-site during water dispensing, resulting in a poor user experience.

[0005] A further object of this application is to provide a refrigerator that includes the above-mentioned bubble water device.

[0006] In accordance with the first aspect of this application, this application provides a sparkling water device, comprising:

[0007] Gas supply module, used to supply carbon dioxide gas;

[0008] Water supply module, used to provide water source;

[0009] A premixing module is used to premix carbon dioxide gas from the gas supply module and water from the water supply module to form sparkling water, and to store the sparkling water; and

[0010] A control device is configured to, according to instructions, control the gas supply module to supply gas to the premix module, the water supply module to supply water to the premix module, and control the premix module to form the bubble water and discharge it in real time.

[0011] Optionally, the premixed module includes:

[0012] Premix tank; and

[0013] A water level detector is located inside the premixing tank; the water level detector is used to detect the liquid level information of the bubble water in the premixing tank and transmit the liquid level information to the control device.

[0014] Optionally, the premix tank includes a tank body and an insulation component disposed outside the tank body, the insulation component insulating the tank body to ensure that the bubble water inside the tank is maintained within a preset temperature range. Optionally, the tank body is a plastic tank or a metal tank.

[0015] Optionally, the premixing tank is a double-walled metal vacuum tank.

[0016] Optionally, the water supply module includes:

[0017] A water pipe, one end of which is connected to an external water source or a water storage tank, and the other end of which is connected to the premixing tank; and

[0018] A water pump is installed at the water pipe; the water pump is electrically connected to the control device, which controls the water pump to turn on when the water level detector detects that the liquid level of the bubble water is lower than a preset range, and controls the water pump to turn off when the water level detector detects that the liquid level of the bubble water is higher than the preset range, so as to maintain the liquid level in the premix tank within the preset range.

[0019] Optionally, the gas supply module includes:

[0020] Gas cylinder, used to store carbon dioxide gas;

[0021] A gas tube connects the gas tank and the premixing tank;

[0022] An air pump is installed at the air tank or the air pipe and is electrically connected to the control device. After the water supply module supplies water to the premix tank, the control device controls the air pump to start and inflate the premix tank to form the bubble water.

[0023] Optionally, the premix module further includes an exhaust valve, which is electrically connected to the control device. The control device controls the exhaust valve to be opened for a first preset time before the water pump supplies water to the premix tank, and controls the exhaust valve to be closed after the water pump has finished supplying water to the premix tank and after a second preset time.

[0024] Optionally, the sparkling water includes different bubble levels, and the control device controls the air pump and the exhaust valve to aerate and exhaust the premix tank according to the bubble level; wherein, the number of aeration and exhaust cycles varies for different levels.

[0025] Optionally, each inflation and deflation cycle includes controlling the air pump to open and then closing it after a third preset time, and controlling the deflation valve to open and then closing it after a fourth preset time.

[0026] Optionally, it also includes a water outlet module, which includes a water outlet pipe connected to the premix tank, a drive device, and a water outlet valve located at the water outlet pipe;

[0027] When the control device receives the water outlet button command, it controls the air vent valve to open for a fifth preset time and then close it, controls the water outlet valve and the drive device to open, and starts to dispense the bubble water. When the water outlet button command disappears, it controls the water outlet valve and the drive device to close.

[0028] Optionally, the control device is further configured to receive the water level information from the water level detector in real time during the process of the bubble water being dispensed, and when the water level information shows that the water level of the bubble water is lower than the preset range, control the closing of the outlet valve and the drive device, and control the exhaust valve, the air pump and the water pump, so that a predetermined level of bubble water is formed in the premix tank until the liquid level of the bubble water is higher than the preset range.

[0029] Optionally, the driving device includes an air pump connected to the premixed tank via a pipe, which is activated to inflate the premixed tank when it is necessary to take the sparkling water from the premixed tank, thereby forcing the sparkling water from the premixed tank out through the outlet pipe.

[0030] Optionally, the driving device includes a water pump located at the outlet pipe, which is activated when it is necessary to extract the sparkling water from the premix tank.

[0031] Optionally, the premix module further includes at least one pressure relief valve, which is used to open when the pressure in the premix tank is greater than a preset pressure.

[0032] Optionally, it also includes a bracket for mounting and supporting the premix module and the gas supply module.

[0033] In particular, this application also provides a refrigerator that includes the sparkling water device described above.

[0034] The sparkling water device in this solution uses a premixing module to mix carbon dioxide gas from the gas supply module with water from the water supply module to form sparkling water, which is then stored. When users need sparkling water, they can directly take it from the premixing module, eliminating the need for on-site preparation, saving users' waiting time and improving their user experience.

[0035] 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

[0036] 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:

[0037] Figure 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a sparkling water device according to a specific embodiment of this application;

[0038] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a sparkling water device according to a specific embodiment of this application;

[0039] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a sparkling water device according to another specific embodiment of this application.

[0040] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0041] Sparkling water device-100;

[0042] Air supply module - 200; Air tank - 210; Air hose - 220; Air pump - 230;

[0043] Water supply module-300; water pipe-310; water pump-320; water storage tank-330;

[0044] Premix module-400; Premix tank-410; Water level detector-420; High water level probe-421; Low water level probe-422; Exhaust valve-430; Pressure relief valve-440;

[0045] Water outlet module - 500; Water outlet pipe - 510; Water outlet valve - 520; Air pump - 530; Water pump - 540;

[0046] Bracket-600. Detailed Implementation

[0047] 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.

[0048] As a specific embodiment of this application, as shown in Figures 1-3, this embodiment provides a sparkling water device 100. The sparkling water device 100 may include a gas supply module 200, a water supply module 300, a premixing module 400, and a control device (not shown in the figures). The gas supply module 200 provides carbon dioxide gas. The water supply module 300 provides a water source. The premixing module 400 premixes the carbon dioxide gas from the gas supply module 200 and the water from the water supply module 300 to form sparkling water and stores the sparkling water. The control device, according to instructions, controls the gas supply module 200 to supply gas to the premixing module 400, the water supply module 300 to supply water to the premixing module 400, and controls the premixing module 400 to form sparkling water and dispense water in real time.

[0049] Specifically, in this embodiment, the sparkling water device 100 can use a premixing module 400 to mix carbon dioxide gas from the gas supply module 200 with water from the water supply module 300 to form sparkling water, which is then stored. When a user needs sparkling water, they can directly take it from the premixing module 400 without needing to prepare it on-site, saving the user's waiting time and improving the user experience.

[0050] Specifically, the control device in this embodiment can control the operation of all internal electric components, such as solenoid valves, water pumps, and air pumps. The control steps and timing can be implemented by writing the control logic into the device as needed.

[0051] As a specific embodiment of this application, the premixing module 400 may include a premixing tank 410 and a water level detector 420, wherein the water level detector 420 is located inside the premixing tank 410. The water level detector 420 is used to detect the liquid level information of the aerated water in the premixing tank 410 and transmit the liquid level information to the control device.

[0052] Specifically, the water level detector 420 in this embodiment may include a high water level probe 421 and a low water level probe 422. The high water level probe 421 is used to detect the highest water level in the premixing tank 410, and the low water level probe 422 is used to detect the lowest water level in the premixing tank 410.

[0053] As a specific embodiment of this application, the premixed tank 410 includes a tank body and an insulation component, which ensures that the bubble water inside the metal tank is maintained within a preset temperature range. The tank body can be a metal tank or a plastic tank.

[0054] Specifically, since the gas inside the sparkling water is prone to overflow when it is in a high-temperature environment, the premixing tank 410 in this embodiment is equipped with a heat-insulating component to keep the tank body warm, thereby maintaining the temperature inside the premixing tank 410 within a low-temperature range and preventing a large amount of gas from overflowing from the premixing tank 410. Specifically, the heat-insulating component in this embodiment can be an insulation layer provided inside and outside the tank body, or the tank body can be placed in an environment with a constant temperature.

[0055] As another specific embodiment of this application, the premixing tank 410 in this embodiment is a double-walled metal vacuum tank. This double-walled metal vacuum tank can ensure the strength of the tank body on the one hand, and insulate the inside of the tank body on the other hand, ensuring that the internal temperature of the tank body is kept at a relatively constant temperature.

[0056] As a specific embodiment of this application, the water supply module 300 may include a water pipe 310 and a water pump 320. One end of the water pipe 310 is connected to an external water source (not shown in the figure) or a water storage tank 330, and the other end is connected to a premixing tank 410. The water pump 320 is located at the water pipe 310. The water pump 320 is electrically connected to a control device. The control device controls the water pump 320 to turn on when the water level detector 420 detects that the level of the bubble water is below a preset range, and controls the water pump 320 to turn off when the water level detector 420 detects that the level of the bubble water is above the preset range, so as to maintain the liquid level in the premixing tank 410 within the preset range.

[0057] Specifically, the water supply module 300 can generally use a water storage tank 330 to store purified water, or it can be directly connected to tap water. Of course, if it is directly connected to tap water, a purifier will be installed to ensure that the water source is drinkable.

[0058] The water pump 320 in the water supply module 300 can draw water from the storage tank 330 or an external water source into the premixing tank 410. Since the liquid in the premixing tank 410 cannot be infinitely large or infinitely small, the control device, in conjunction with the water level detector 420, controls the start and stop of the water pump 320 to ensure that the water level in the premixing tank 410 is maintained within a preset range. Specifically, when the low water level probe 422 detects that the liquid level in the premixing tank 410 is lower than the minimum value of the preset range, the control device controls the water pump 320 to add water to the premixing tank 410, causing the water level in the premixing tank 410 to gradually rise. When the water level in the premixing pipe gradually rises to the maximum value of the preset range detected by the high water level probe 421, the control device controls the water pump 320 to stop adding water to the premixing tank 410.

[0059] As a specific embodiment of this application, the gas supply module 200 may include a gas tank 210, a gas pipe 220, and a gas pump 230. The gas tank 210 is used to store carbon dioxide gas. The gas pipe 220 connects the gas tank 210 and the premixing tank 410. The gas pump 230 is located at either the gas tank 210 or the gas pipe 220 and is electrically connected to a control device. After the water supply module 300 supplies water to the premixing tank 410, the control device controls the gas pump 230 to start aerating the premixing tank 410 to form sparkling water.

[0060] Specifically, in this embodiment, after the gas supply module 200 inputs additional water into the premix tank 410, the air pump 230 starts to input the gas in the gas tank 210 into the premix tank 410, where it mixes with the water in the premix tank 410 to form sparkling water.

[0061] As a specific embodiment of this application, the premixing module 400 of this embodiment may further include an exhaust valve 430. The exhaust valve 430 is electrically connected to a control device. The control device controls the exhaust valve 430 to be opened for a first preset time before the water pump 320 supplies water to the premixing tank 410. After the water pump 320 has finished supplying water to the premixing tank 410, the control device controls the exhaust valve 430 to be closed after a second preset time.

[0062] Specifically, since the premixing tank 410 is a closed tank, and the internal pressure is relatively high due to the stored aerated water, water cannot be delivered into the tank without venting. Therefore, in this embodiment, the vent valve 430 is opened for a first preset time before water is delivered into the premixing tank 410. After the internal gas is released, water is added to the premixing tank 410. Since the water continuously consumes the internal volume of the premixing tank 410, the vent valve 430 is closed after the water is added.

[0063] As a specific embodiment of this application, the sparkling water in this embodiment may include different bubble levels. The control device controls the air pump 230 and the exhaust valve 430 to charge and exhaust the premix tank 410 according to the bubble level. The number of times the charging and exhaust are repeated is different for different levels.

[0064] Specifically, since users have different taste preferences for sparkling water, the sparkling water device 100 in this embodiment offers multiple grades of sparkling water for users to choose from. The carbon dioxide content varies among different grades of sparkling water. The gas content in the sparkling water is obtained by continuously aerating and degassing the premixing tank 410. In this embodiment, the sparkling water grades are divided into three levels: the first level is aerated and degassed n1 times, the second level is aerated and degassed n2 times, and the third level is aerated and degassed n3 times. Generally, when no user selects a sparkling water grade, the second level is used by default. The sparkling water stored in the premixing tank 410 is also aerated, degassed, and stored according to the gas content of the second level.

[0065] As a specific embodiment of this application, each inflation and deflation cycle of this embodiment may include controlling the air pump 230 to be turned on and then turned off after a third preset time, and controlling the exhaust valve 430 to be turned on and then turned off after a fourth preset time.

[0066] Specifically, the inflation and deflation times in this embodiment can be set according to actual conditions. These times, together with the number of times inflation and deflation are repeated, determine the gas content in the bubble water.

[0067] As a specific embodiment of this application, the sparkling water device 100 of this embodiment may further include a water outlet module 500. The water outlet module 500 may include a water outlet pipe 510 connected to the premix tank 410, a drive device, and a water outlet valve 520 located at the water outlet pipe 510. When the control device receives a water outlet button command, it controls the vent valve 430 to open for a fifth preset time and then close it, controls the water outlet valve 520 and the drive device to open, and starts to dispense sparkling water. When the water outlet button command disappears, it controls the water outlet valve 520 and the drive device to close.

[0068] Specifically, the water outlet module 500 uses a drive device to discharge the aerated water in the premix tank 410 through the water outlet pipe 510 for customer use. Before discharging the water, the exhaust valve 430 is opened to release the air, so as to avoid the problem of excessive water flow caused by excessive air pressure in the premix tank 410, which would result in a poor user experience.

[0069] As a specific embodiment of this application, the control device of this embodiment is further configured to receive water level information from the water level detector 420 in real time during the process of bubble water output, and control the closing of the water outlet valve 520 and the drive device when the water level information shows that the water level of the bubble water is lower than the preset range, and control the exhaust valve 430, the air pump 230 and the water pump 320 so that a predetermined level of bubble water is formed in the premix tank 410 until the liquid level of the bubble water is higher than the preset range.

[0070] Specifically, in this embodiment, upon receiving a water intake command, if the water level continuously decreases during the water intake process and falls below the minimum value of the preset range, it indicates that the water level is already too low to obtain sparkling water. In this case, the water outlet valve 520 and the drive device will be directly shut off. Then, by controlling the exhaust valve 430, air pump 230, and water pump 320, water and carbon dioxide gas are further mixed in the premixing tank 410 to form sparkling water until the liquid level exceeds the maximum value of the preset range. If the water intake command still exists at this time, the water outlet valve 520 and the drive device will continue to be opened to dispense sparkling water; if the water intake command is invalid, no sparkling water will be dispensed.

[0071] As one embodiment, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the driving device of this embodiment may include an air pump 530. The air pump 530 is connected to the premix tank 410 through a pipe so that when it is necessary to take out sparkling water from the premix tank 410, the air pump 530 is turned on to inflate the premix tank 410 with air so as to push the sparkling water in the premix tank 410 out from the outlet pipe 510.

[0072] When the driving device is an air pump 530, the air pump 530 is connected to the premix tank 410 through the air pipe 220 to inflate the premix tank 410 and expel the bubble water in the premix tank 410.

[0073] As another embodiment, as shown in FIG2, the driving device of this embodiment is a water pump 540. The water pump 540 is installed at the water outlet pipe 510 so as to turn on the water pump 540 when it is necessary to take out sparkling water from the premix tank 410, and then draw out sparkling water from the premix tank 410.

[0074] As a specific embodiment of this application, the premix module 400 of this embodiment may further include at least one pressure relief valve 440, which is used to open when the pressure in the premix tank 410 is greater than a preset pressure.

[0075] Specifically, the pressure relief valve 440 in this embodiment includes one or more pressure relief valves. The main function of the pressure relief valve 440 is to automatically release pressure when the gas pressure inside the premixing tank 410 exceeds a preset pressure value, thereby preventing excessive pressure inside the premixing tank 410, improving the lifespan of the premixing tank 410, and enhancing its safety performance. Preferably, this embodiment includes two pressure relief valves 440, one being a 6 kg pressure relief valve and the other an 8 kg pressure relief valve.

[0076] As a specific embodiment of this application, the sparkling water device 100 of this embodiment may further include a bracket 600, which is used to install and support the premix module 400 and the air supply module 200.

[0077] Specifically, the bracket 600 may include two mounting positions for mounting the premixing module 400 and the gas supply module 200, respectively. The two mounting positions are close to each other, and the bracket 600 is also equipped with support structures and avoidance structures for pipes, valves, etc., which can be freely designed according to the actual structure and location.

[0078] As a specific embodiment of this application, this embodiment also provides a refrigerator, which includes the bubble water device 100 on it.

[0079] A refrigerator equipped with a sparkling water device 100 allows users to access sparkling water at any time, improving the user experience.

[0080] 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 bubble water device, characterized in that, include: Gas supply module, used to supply carbon dioxide gas; Water supply module, used to provide water source; A premixing module is used to premix carbon dioxide gas from the gas supply module and water from the water supply module to form sparkling water, and to store the sparkling water. and A control device is configured to, according to instructions, control the gas supply module to supply gas to the premix module, the water supply module to supply water to the premix module, and control the premix module to form the bubble water and discharge water in real time. The premix module also includes an exhaust valve, which is electrically connected to the control device. The control device controls the exhaust valve to be opened for a first preset time before the water pump supplies water to the premix tank, and controls the exhaust valve to be closed after the water pump has finished supplying water to the premix tank and after a second preset time. The sparkling water includes different bubble levels, and the control device controls the air pump and the exhaust valve to charge and exhaust the premix tank according to the bubble level; wherein, the number of charge and exhaust cycles is different for different levels. Each inflation and deflation cycle includes: controlling the air pump to open and then closing it after a third preset time; controlling the air valve to open and then closing it after a fourth preset time.

2. The bubble water device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The premixed module includes: Premix tank; and A water level detector is located inside the premixing tank; the water level detector is used to detect the liquid level information of the bubble water in the premixing tank and transmit the liquid level information to the control device.

3. The bubble water device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The premix tank includes a tank body and an insulation component disposed outside the tank body. The insulation component insulates the tank body to ensure that the bubble water inside the tank body is maintained within a preset temperature range.

4. The bubble water device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The premixing tank is a double-walled metal vacuum tank.

5. The bubble water device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The water supply module includes: A water pipe, one end of which is connected to an external water source or a water storage tank, and the other end of which is connected to the premixing tank; and A water pump is installed at the water pipe; the water pump is electrically connected to the control device, which controls the water pump to turn on when the water level detector detects that the liquid level of the bubble water is lower than a preset range, and controls the water pump to turn off when the water level detector detects that the liquid level of the bubble water is higher than the preset range, so as to maintain the liquid level in the premix tank within the preset range.

6. The bubble water device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The gas supply module includes: Gas cylinder, used to store carbon dioxide gas; A gas tube connects the gas tank and the premixing tank; An air pump is installed at the air tank or the air pipe and is electrically connected to the control device. After the water supply module supplies water to the premix tank, the control device controls the air pump to start and inflate the premix tank to form the bubble water.

7. The bubble water device according to claim 6, characterized in that, It also includes a water outlet module, which includes a water outlet pipe connected to the premix tank, a drive device, and a water outlet valve located at the water outlet pipe; When the control device receives the water outlet button command, it controls the air vent valve to open for a fifth preset time and then close it, controls the water outlet valve and the drive device to open, and starts to dispense the bubble water. When the water outlet button command disappears, it controls the water outlet valve and the drive device to close.

8. The bubble water device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The control device is also configured to receive water level information from the water level detector in real time during the process of the bubble water being dispensed, and to control the closure of the outlet valve and the drive device when the water level information indicates that the water level of the bubble water is lower than the preset range, and to control the exhaust valve, the air pump and the water pump so that a predetermined level of bubble water is formed in the premix tank until the liquid level of the bubble water is higher than the preset range.

9. The bubble water device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The driving device includes an air pump connected to the premixed tank via a pipe, which is activated to inflate the premixed tank when the sparkling water needs to be taken from the premixed tank, thereby forcing the sparkling water from the premixed tank out through the outlet pipe.

10. The bubble water device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The driving device includes a water pump located at the outlet pipe, which is activated when it is necessary to extract the sparkling water from the premix tank.

11. The bubble water device according to any one of claims 1-10, characterized in that, The premix module also includes at least one pressure relief valve, which is used to open when the pressure in the premix tank is greater than a preset pressure.

12. The sparkling water device according to any one of claims 1-10, characterized in that, It also includes a bracket for mounting and supporting the premix module and the gas supply module.

13. A refrigerator, characterized in that, The device includes any one of claims 1-12.

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