Multifunctional air water cooling and heating water dispenser

Abstract

The application provides a multifunctional air water-cooled hot and cold water dispenser, and relates to the technical field of liquid recycling. The cabinet is internally provided with a first shell and a second shell. The first shell and the second shell are in communication with each other and both contain condensed water. The top of the first shell is in communication with an air inlet assembly. The top of the second shell is provided with an evaporator and is in communication with an air outlet assembly. Air enters the first shell and extrudes the condensed water in the first shell into the second shell until the air enters the condensed water. During this period, the air pressure increases, which leads to an increase in the temperature of the air. The air absorbs the cold energy of the condensed water, which leads to a decrease in the temperature of the air. When the air is discharged from the condensed water, the pressure decreases, which leads to a continuous decrease in the temperature of the air and the temperature of the air being lower than the initial temperature. The moisture in the air is condensed by the evaporator and is mixed with the condensed water in the second shell to be collected. Thus, the air is pre-cooled before being blown to the evaporator. Meanwhile, the air carries the cold energy of the condensed water, which realizes the recycling of the cold energy of the condensed water and improves the energy utilization efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of liquid recycling technology, and in particular to a multifunctional air-to-water hot and cold water dispenser. Background Technology

[0002] With increasingly scarce freshwater resources and rapid population growth, drinking water safety has become a prominent issue. Air-to-water technology, as an innovative solution, is gaining attention. It can directly extract water vapor from the air, condense and purify it to produce safe drinking water, achieving the recycling of moisture in the air. In existing technologies, air-to-water generators are mainly based on the principle of cooling and dehumidification. A refrigeration system lowers the air temperature below the dew point, causing water vapor to condense into liquid water on the evaporator surface. After purification and disinfection, qualified drinking water is obtained. Its structure mainly includes core components such as a compressor, condenser, evaporator, expansion valve, fan, and filter. The fan drives airflow, the filter removes impurities, and the refrigeration cycle ensures efficient condensation. To further improve energy efficiency and adaptability, researchers have explored integrating renewable energy sources, such as solar photovoltaic panels or semiconductor refrigeration systems, using solar energy to drive the refrigeration process and pre-cooling the air through a regenerator to optimize heat exchange. Simultaneously, combining hot and cold output modules enables room temperature or heated drinking water functions to meet diverse needs.

[0003] In existing air-to-water generators, if the water droplets condensing on the evaporator surface are not removed in time, they will continue to cool due to continuous contact with the low-temperature surface, forming supercooled water droplets. These stagnant water droplets continuously absorb the cooling capacity of the evaporator, resulting in the ineffective consumption of some cooling capacity and reducing the system's energy utilization efficiency.

[0004] The information disclosed in the background section of this invention is intended only to enhance the understanding of the general background of this invention, and should not be construed as an admission or in any way implying that such information constitutes prior art known to those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a multifunctional air-to-water hot and cold water dispenser to address the problems existing in current air-to-water generators.

[0006] The above objectives are achieved through the following technical solutions: A multifunctional air-to-water hot and cold water dispenser includes a cabinet with an air intake component and an exhaust component. The cabinet contains a first shell and a second shell. The bottom of the first shell and the bottom of the second shell are interconnected and both contain condensate. The top of the first shell is connected to the air intake component, and the top of the second shell is equipped with an evaporator and connected to the exhaust component. The air intake component is used to supply air into the first shell. The air can force the condensate in the first shell into the second shell. After the air passes through the condensate, the water in it is condensed by the evaporator and mixed with the condensate in the second shell.

[0007] Furthermore, a filter element is provided at the top of the first housing, which is used to filter impurities in the air.

[0008] Furthermore, the bottom of the second housing is provided with an adjustment section, which has a closed state and an open state. When it is in the closed state, the amount of condensate in the first and second housings is constant. When it is in the open state, the amount of condensate in the first and second housings decreases. There is a pressure difference between the air before and after passing through the filter. When the pressure difference is less than or equal to a first preset value, the adjustment section is in the closed state. When the pressure difference is greater than the first preset value, the adjustment section first switches to the open state to make the pressure difference less than or equal to the first preset value, and then the adjustment section returns to the first state.

[0009] Furthermore, the regulating unit includes a first water outlet pipe, the upper end of which is located inside the second housing and the lower end of which is located outside the second housing. When the regulating unit is in the closed state, the upper end of the first water outlet pipe is higher than the condensate liquid level, so as to keep the amount of condensate in the first housing and the second housing constant. When the regulating unit is in the open state, the upper end of the first water outlet pipe is lower than the condensate liquid level, so as to reduce the amount of condensate in the first housing and the second housing.

[0010] Furthermore, the filter element can slide within the first housing, and the sliding direction is parallel to the airflow direction; an elastic element is provided within the first housing, which is used to make the filter element tend to move against the airflow direction, and a connecting element is provided between the filter element and the first water outlet pipe; when air passes through the filter element, the air applies a first force to the filter element; when the air pressure difference is less than or equal to a first preset value, the first force is less than or equal to the elastic force of the elastic element, the filter element remains stationary, and the upper end of the first water outlet pipe is kept above the condensate liquid level through the connecting element; when the air pressure difference is greater than the first preset value, the first force is greater than the elastic force of the elastic element, the filter element moves along the airflow direction, and the upper end of the first water outlet pipe is lower than the condensate liquid level through the connecting element.

[0011] Furthermore, the first water outlet pipe is a corrugated pipe and has an internal intermediate rod. The upper end of the intermediate rod is connected to the upper end of the first water outlet pipe, and the lower end of the intermediate rod is connected to one end of the connector. The other end of the connector is connected to the filter element. When the filter element slides in the first housing, it drives the upper end of the first water outlet pipe to move through the connector and the intermediate rod.

[0012] Furthermore, a collection box is provided inside the cabinet, and a conduit is provided between the filter and the collection box to connect the two internally; when the first force is zero, the condensate in the second shell flows back into the first shell.

[0013] Furthermore, a locking element is provided within the first housing, which has a locked state and an unlocked state. When in the locked state, the locking element allows the conduit to move along the airflow direction with the filter element, while restricting the conduit from moving against the airflow direction with the filter element. When in the unlocked state, the locking element allows the conduit to move along the airflow direction and against the airflow direction with the filter element. There is a liquid level difference between the condensate in the first housing and the condensate in the second housing. When the liquid level difference is greater than or equal to a second preset value, the locking element is in the locked state. When the liquid level difference decreases to less than the second preset value, the locking element is in the unlocked state, and the elastic element causes the filter element to move against the airflow direction.

[0014] Furthermore, a floating component is provided inside the first housing. When the floating component comes into contact with condensate, it is subjected to buoyancy. When the buoyancy of the floating component is less than a third preset value, the locking component is in a locked state. When the buoyancy of the floating component is greater than or equal to the third preset value, the locking component switches from the locked state to the unlocked state.

[0015] Furthermore, the duct has a telescopic structure, and the telescopic direction is parallel to the airflow direction.

[0016] The present invention has at least the following beneficial effects: Air is introduced into the first housing through the air intake assembly, and the condensate in the first housing is squeezed into the second housing until the air enters the condensate. During this process, the air pressure increases, causing its temperature to rise. The air absorbs the cooling energy of the condensate, causing its temperature to drop. When the air is discharged from the condensate, the pressure decreases, causing its temperature to continue to drop below the initial temperature. The moisture in the air is condensed by the evaporator and mixed with the condensate in the second housing, thus being collected. This pre-cools the air before it is blown onto the evaporator. At the same time, since the air carries the cooling energy of the condensate, the cooling energy of the condensate is recovered, improving energy utilization efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a multifunctional air-to-water generator for hot and cold water according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 for Figure 1 Side view; Figure 3 for Figure 2 Sectional view along axis AA; Figure 4 for Figure 3 A magnified view of a section at point B in the middle; Figure 5 for Figure 3 A magnified view of a section at point C; Figure 6 for Figure 1 A structural diagram showing the concealed cabinet. Figure 7 for Figure 6 The front view; Figure 8 for Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the rear structure.

[0018] in: 100. Cabinet; 101. Air intake assembly; 102. Exhaust assembly; 103. Evaporator; 104. Filter assembly; 105. Cold water tank; 106. Hot water tank; 107. Second pump body; 108. Third pump body; 109. Water outlet; 110. Control panel; 111. Level gauge; 112. Compressor; 201. First housing; 202. Second housing; 203. Filter element; 204. First outlet pipe; 205. Second outlet pipe; 206. Solenoid valve; 207. Elastic element; 208. Connector; 209. Limiting ring; 210. Intermediate rod; 211. Collection box; 212. Conduit; 213. Locking element; 214. Gear; 215. Float element. Detailed Implementation

[0019] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the invention will be further described in detail below through embodiments and in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the invention and are not intended to limit the invention.

[0020] The component designations used in this document, such as "first" and "second," are merely for distinguishing the described objects and do not have any sequential or technical meaning. The terms "connection" and "linkage" used in this invention, unless otherwise specified, include both direct and indirect connections (linkages). It should be understood that the terms "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," and "counterclockwise," indicating orientations or positional relationships, are based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings and are used only for the convenience of describing the invention and simplifying the description. They 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, and therefore should not be construed as limiting the invention.

[0021] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0022] like Figures 1 to 8 As shown, this embodiment of the invention provides a multifunctional air-to-water hot and cold water dispenser (hereinafter referred to as the water dispenser), including a cabinet 100 with an air intake component 101 and an exhaust component 102. The cabinet 100 is provided with a first shell 201 and a second shell 202. The bottom of the first shell 201 and the bottom of the second shell 202 are interconnected and both contain condensate. The top of the first shell 201 is connected to the air intake component 101, and the top of the second shell 202 is provided with an evaporator 103 and connected to the exhaust component 102. The air intake component 101 is used to supply air into the first shell 201. The air can press the condensate in the first shell 201 into the second shell 202. After the air passes through the condensate, the water in it is condensed by the evaporator 103 and mixed with the condensate in the second shell 202.

[0023] Air is introduced into the first housing 201 through the air intake assembly 101, and the condensate in the first housing 201 is squeezed into the second housing 202 until the air enters the condensate. During this process, the air pressure increases, causing its temperature to rise. The air absorbs the cooling energy of the condensate, causing its temperature to drop. When the air is discharged from the condensate, the pressure decreases, causing its temperature to continue to drop and fall below the initial temperature. The moisture in the air is condensed by the evaporator 103 and then mixed with the condensate in the second housing 202 and collected. This pre-cools the air before it is blown onto the evaporator 103. At the same time, since the air carries the cooling energy of the condensate, the cooling energy of the condensate is recovered, improving energy utilization efficiency.

[0024] In addition, impurities in the air will be adsorbed by the condensate, which to some extent prevents impurities from adhering to the evaporator 103 and ensures its thermal conductivity.

[0025] Understandably, in existing technologies, if air is blown directly onto the evaporator 103, the resulting condensate droplets tend to adhere to the surface of the evaporator 103 and are difficult to remove, resulting in the ineffective consumption of some cooling capacity. In this invention, air is introduced into the first housing 201, forcing the condensate in the first housing 201 into the second housing 202 until the air enters the condensate and becomes bubbles. During this process, the bubble pressure increases, causing its temperature to rise. It then exchanges heat with the condensate, causing the bubble temperature to decrease and the condensate temperature to rise. Subsequently, the bubbles rise from the water and their pressure decreases, causing their temperature to continue to decrease below the initial temperature, thereby achieving pre-cooling of the air and recovering the cooling capacity of the condensate, thus improving energy utilization efficiency.

[0026] Among them, see Figures 1 to 3 ,as well as Figures 6 to 8The air intake assembly 101 may include a fan, a dust grille, and a filter element 203. The fan draws in ambient air, the dust grille provides initial dust protection, and the filter element 203 filters out particulate matter such as dust and pollen from the air. A compressor 112 is installed inside the cabinet 100. The compressor 112 compresses the gaseous refrigerant to a high-temperature, high-pressure state. After being liquefied by the condenser, it passes through a throttling device to become a low-temperature, low-pressure liquid-gas mixture, which enters the evaporator 103. The refrigerant absorbs heat from the air flowing over the surface of the evaporator 103 and rapidly evaporates, lowering the surface temperature of the evaporator 103. Moisture in the air condenses on the surface of the evaporator 103 and falls into the second housing 202, thus achieving the recovery and reuse of moisture in the air. The exhaust assembly 102 may include an exhaust pipe. The air, after moisture removal, is discharged from the exhaust pipe by the fan. The cabinet 100 houses a filter assembly 104, a cold water tank 105, and a hot water tank 106. The filter assembly 104 has a first pump body, which draws condensate from the second housing 202 into the filter assembly 104 for filtration. The filtered water then enters the cold water tank 105. A second pump body 107 is located between the cold water tank 105 and the hot water tank 106, drawing cold water from the cold water tank 105 to the hot water tank 106. The hot water tank 106 contains a heating element to heat the cold water inside. Both the cold water tank 105 and the hot water tank 106 have a third pump body 108 and a water outlet 109, used to discharge cold water and hot water respectively. Additionally, the cold water tank 105 has a level gauge 111 to display the water level. The cabinet 100 also has a control panel 110 for controlling the water dispenser's operation. The above structure and working principle of the water dispenser are existing technology and will not be elaborated upon here.

[0027] In one embodiment, a filter element 203 is provided on the top of the first housing 201. The filter element 203 is used to filter impurities in the air, reduce impurities entering the condensate, and further prevent impurities from adhering to the evaporator 103, thus ensuring its thermal conductivity.

[0028] In one embodiment, see [link to relevant documentation] Figure 3 The bottom of the second housing 202 is provided with an adjustment part, which has a closed state and an open state. When it is in the closed state, the amount of condensate in the first housing 201 and the second housing 202 is constant. When it is in the open state, the amount of condensate in the first housing 201 and the second housing 202 is reduced. There is a pressure difference between the air before and after the filter element 203. When the pressure difference is less than or equal to a first preset value, the adjustment part is in the closed state. When the pressure difference is greater than the first preset value, the adjustment part first switches to the open state to make the pressure difference less than or equal to the first preset value, and then the adjustment part returns to the first state.

[0029] As the water dispenser operates for a long time, the filter element 203 gradually becomes clogged with impurities. The air pressure after passing through the filter element 203 decreases, making it difficult for condensate to enter, resulting in a reduction in the actual air intake of the water dispenser. Since the evaporator 103 operates stably at a preset power, some cooling capacity is wasted, reducing the energy efficiency of the water dispenser. This invention addresses this by using an adjustment unit to reduce the amount of condensate in the second housing 202 when the air pressure difference is large. This allows the depressurized air to enter the condensate and participate in the subsequent condensation process, maintaining a stable actual air intake to some extent. This ensures that the actual air intake always matches the preset power of the evaporator 103, further improving the energy efficiency of the water dispenser.

[0030] Optionally, pressure sensors can be installed inside and outside the filter element 203 to obtain the pressure difference value. The specific setting method and working principle are existing technologies and will not be described in detail here.

[0031] In one embodiment, see [link to relevant documentation] Figure 3 The regulating part includes a first water outlet pipe 204. The upper end of the first water outlet pipe 204 is located inside the second housing 202, and the lower end is located outside the second housing 202. When the regulating part is in the closed state, the upper end of the first water outlet pipe 204 is higher than the condensate liquid level, so as to keep the amount of condensate in the first housing 201 and the second housing 202 constant. When the regulating part is in the open state, the upper end of the first water outlet pipe 204 is lower than the condensate liquid level, so as to reduce the amount of condensate in the first housing 201 and the second housing 202.

[0032] The first outlet pipe 204 has openings at both its upper and lower ends. When the upper end of the first outlet pipe 204 is higher than the condensate level, condensate cannot flow into the first outlet pipe 204. When the upper end of the first outlet pipe 204 is lower than the condensate level, condensate flows into the first outlet pipe 204 and is discharged. Optionally, a driving component can be provided. The driving component moves the upper end of the first outlet pipe 204 up and down according to the air pressure value, so that the upper end of the first outlet pipe 204 is higher or lower than the condensate level. The specific structure of the driving component is prior art and will not be described in detail here.

[0033] Preferably, the bottom of the second housing 202 is also provided with a second water outlet pipe 205. The upper end of the second water outlet pipe 205 extends into the second housing 202 and the lower end extends out of the second housing 202. The second water outlet pipe 205 is equipped with a solenoid valve 206, which can control the amount of condensate in the first housing 201 and the second housing 202 according to the air pressure difference or actively control it.

[0034] In one embodiment, see [link to relevant documentation] Figure 3The filter element 203 can slide within the first housing 201, and the sliding direction is parallel to the airflow direction. An elastic element 207 is provided inside the first housing 201, which is used to make the filter element 203 tend to move against the airflow direction. A connector 208 is provided between the filter element 203 and the first water outlet pipe 204. When air passes through the filter element 203, the air applies a first force to the filter element 203. When the air pressure difference is less than or equal to a first preset value, the first force is less than or equal to the elastic force of the elastic element 207, and the filter element 203 remains stationary. The connector 208 maintains the upper end of the first water outlet pipe 204 above the condensate liquid level. When the air pressure difference is greater than the first preset value, the first force is greater than the elastic force of the elastic element 207, and the filter element 203 moves along the airflow direction. The connector 208 causes the upper end of the first water outlet pipe 204 to be lower than the condensate liquid level.

[0035] When the filter element 203 is blocked by impurities and the air pressure difference is greater than the first preset value, the first force is greater than the elastic force of the elastic element 207, causing the filter element 203 to move along the airflow direction. Through the connector 208, the upper end of the first water outlet pipe 204 is lower than the condensate liquid level. Thus, by utilizing the degree of blockage of the filter element 203, the regulating part is switched between the closed and open states, thereby adjusting the amount of condensate in the first housing 201 and the second housing 202.

[0036] Among them, see Figure 4 The first housing 201 has a limiting ring 209 at its top. The limiting ring 209 is used to keep the elastic element 207 in a compressed state, so that the elastic element 207 always applies an upward elastic force to the filter element 203. The filter element 203 is a vertically arranged cylindrical shape with an opening at its upper end that communicates with the air intake assembly 101. Multiple mesh holes are provided on its side wall and are spaced apart from the inner wall of the first housing 201. When air passes through the filter element 203 from the inside to the outside, impurities are left inside the filter element 203 or its mesh holes, while air enters the first housing 201.

[0037] In one embodiment, see [link to relevant documentation] Figure 3 The first water outlet pipe 204 is a corrugated pipe and has an internal intermediate rod 210. The upper end of the intermediate rod 210 is connected to the upper end of the first water outlet pipe 204, and the lower end of the intermediate rod 210 is connected to one end of the connector 208. The other end of the connector 208 is connected to the filter element 203. When the filter element 203 slides in the first housing 201, it drives the upper end of the first water outlet pipe 204 to move through the connector 208 and the intermediate rod 210.

[0038] In this embodiment, the first water outlet pipe 204 includes a first section, a second section, a third section, and a fourth section arranged sequentially from top to bottom. The first section is non-extendable and has an opening at its upper end. The second, third, and fourth sections are all corrugated pipe structures. The lower end of the first section is fixed to the upper end of the second section. The bottom of the second housing 202 has a through hole. The lower end of the second section is fixed to the bottom of the second housing 202 and communicates with the through hole. The upper end of the third section is fixed to the bottom of the second housing 202 and communicates with the through hole. One end of the connector 208 is fixed between the lower end of the third section and the upper end of the fourth section. The lower end of the fourth section communicates with the filter assembly 104. The lower end of the intermediate rod 210 is fixed to one end of the connector 208, and the upper end of the intermediate rod 210 is fixed to the upper end of the first section. When the filter element 203 slides up and down inside the first housing 201, it drives the first section to move up and down through the connector 208 and the intermediate rod 210, so that the second, third and fourth sections extend and retract accordingly, ensuring the connection between the second housing 202 and the filter assembly 104.

[0039] In other embodiments not shown, the intermediate rod 210 may be omitted. The first outlet pipe 204 has a telescopic section and a fixed section, and one end of the connector 208 is directly fixed to the telescopic section. When the filter element 203 slides up and down within the first housing 201, the connector 208 drives the telescopic section to slide up and down relative to the second housing 202. At the same time, the telescopic section extends and retracts relative to the fixed section. The lower end of the fixed section is connected to the filter assembly 104. However, at this time, it is necessary to ensure the seal between the telescopic section and the second housing 202, as well as the seal between the telescopic section and the fixed section.

[0040] In one embodiment, see [link to relevant documentation] Figure 3 The cabinet 100 is equipped with a collection box 211, and a conduit 212 is provided between the filter element 203 and the collection box 211 to connect the two internally; when the first force is zero, the condensate in the second shell 202 flows back into the first shell 201.

[0041] When the water dispenser stops producing water, the first force is zero. Under pressure, the condensate in the second housing 202 flows back into the first housing 201. The flowing condensate causes the air in the first housing 201 to flow, which blows the impurities attached to the mesh of the filter element 203 back into the filter element 203 and discharges them into the collection box 211 through the conduit 212 for collection. This automatically cleans the filter element 203, extends its service life, and reduces the cost of use.

[0042] The cabinet 100 has an inspection door on its side wall, through which the collection box 211 can be disassembled and assembled.

[0043] In one embodiment, see [link to relevant documentation] Figure 3 and Figure 5The first housing 201 is provided with a locking member 213, which has a locked state and an unlocked state. When locked, the locking member 213 allows the conduit 212 to move along the airflow direction with the filter 203, while restricting the conduit 212 from moving against the airflow direction with the filter 203. When unlocked, the locking member 213 allows the conduit 212 to move along the airflow direction and against the airflow direction with the filter 203. There is a liquid level difference between the condensate in the first housing 201 and the condensate in the second housing 202. When the liquid level difference is greater than or equal to a second preset value, the locking member 213 is in the locked state. When the liquid level difference decreases to less than the second preset value, the locking member 213 is in the unlocked state. The elastic member 207 causes the filter 203 to move against the airflow direction.

[0044] When the water dispenser produces water, air forces the condensate in the first housing 201 into the second housing 202. The liquid level difference is greater than or equal to a second preset value. During this process, the air exerts a first force on the filter element 203, causing the conduit 212 and the filter element 203 to move along the airflow direction. The locking member 213 keeps the conduit 212 and the filter element 203 in the position after moving along the airflow direction. When the water dispenser stops producing water, the condensate in the second housing 202 flows back into the first housing 201 under pressure. The liquid level difference gradually decreases, and when it is less than the second preset value, the locking member 213 is unlocked. The elastic member 207 causes the filter element 203 to move rapidly against the airflow direction. The filter element 203 collides with the first housing 201, causing vibration to dislodge impurities attached to the filter element 203, improving the cleaning effect of the filter element 203, further extending its service life, and reducing operating costs.

[0045] The filter element 203 has a funnel-shaped structure at its lower end, wider at the top and narrower at the bottom. When the filter element 203 collides with the first housing 201, impurities attached to the filter element 203 will enter the conduit 212 along the funnel structure and eventually enter the collection box 211. The locking element 213 is rod-shaped, with its middle part hinged to the first housing 201. The outer surface of the conduit 212 has multiple toothed grooves 214 evenly distributed along the airflow direction. When the locking element 213 is in the locked state, one end of it can be inserted into the toothed grooves 214, and the other end is in contact with the inner wall of the first housing 201. At this time, the conduit 212 can move downward along the airflow direction, but cannot move upward against the airflow direction.

[0046] In one embodiment, see [link to relevant documentation] Figure 3 and Figure 5 The first housing 201 is also provided with a float 215. When the float 215 comes into contact with condensate, it is subjected to buoyancy. When the buoyancy of the float 215 is less than a third preset value, the locking member 213 is in a locked state. When the buoyancy of the float 215 is greater than or equal to the third preset value, the locking member 213 switches from the locked state to the unlocked state.

[0047] As the liquid level difference gradually decreases, the buoyancy of the float 215 gradually increases until it causes the locking element 213 to switch from the locked state to the unlocked state, thereby realizing the automatic control of the locking element 213.

[0048] The float 215 is located at the other end of the locking member 213. Under the influence of the gravity of the other end of the locking member 213 and the float 215, when the liquid level difference is greater than or equal to a second preset value, one end of the locking member 213 tends to engage with the toothed groove 214, and the other end of the locking member 213 contacts the inner wall of the first housing 201. As the liquid level difference gradually decreases, the buoyancy of the float 215 gradually increases until the locking member 213 rotates, one end of which disengages from the toothed groove 214, and the other end disengages from the inner wall of the first housing 201, at which point the locking member 213 switches to the unlocked state.

[0049] In one embodiment, the duct 212 has a telescopic structure, and the telescopic direction is parallel to the airflow direction.

[0050] When the elastic element 207 causes the filter element 203 to move against the airflow direction, the conduit 212 is stretched, which increases the internal volume of the conduit 212. This generates a suction force on the filter element 203 towards the conduit 212, making it easier for impurities in the mesh of the filter element 203 to fall into the filter element 203, thereby assisting in collection.

[0051] The conduit 212 has a top section and a bottom section that can be relatively sealed and expanded. The top section is fixedly connected to the lower end of the filter element 203, and the bottom section is fixedly connected to the collection box 211.

[0052] The working principle of this invention is as follows: When the water dispenser produces water, a fan introduces ambient air. The filter element 203 filters out particulate impurities such as dust and pollen, reducing the amount of impurities entering the condensate. The filtered impurities are collected in the collection box 211 along the conduit 212. The filtered air enters the first housing 201, forcing the condensate in the first housing 201 into the second housing 202. During this process, the air pressure increases, causing its temperature to rise. The air absorbs the cooling energy of the condensate, causing its temperature to drop. As the air exits the condensate, the pressure decreases, causing its temperature to continue to drop below the initial temperature. The moisture in the air is condensed by the evaporator 103 and mixed with the condensate in the second housing 202, thus achieving the recovery and reuse of moisture from the air. The air, now free of moisture, is discharged from the exhaust pipe by the fan. This pre-cools the air before it reaches the evaporator 103, and because the air carries the cooling energy of the condensate, it achieves the recovery of the condensate's cooling energy, improving the system's energy utilization efficiency. In addition, impurities in the air will be adsorbed by the condensate, which to some extent prevents impurities from adhering to the evaporator 103 and ensures its thermal conductivity.

[0053] Under the action of the first pump, the condensate produced in the second housing 202 can be discharged from the first outlet pipe 204 or the second outlet pipe 205 to the filter assembly 104 for filtration. The filtered water enters the cold water tank 105, and the cold water in the cold water tank 105 is pumped to the hot water tank 106 by the second pump 107. The heating element in the hot water tank 106 heats the cold water inside. Cold water can be discharged through the third pump 108 and the outlet 109 on the cold water tank 105, or hot water can be discharged through the third pump 108 and the outlet 109 on the hot water tank 106.

[0054] As the water dispenser operates for a long time, the filter element 203 gradually becomes clogged with impurities. The air pressure after passing through the filter element 203 decreases, making it difficult for the condensate to enter, resulting in a reduction in the actual air intake of the water dispenser. Since the evaporator 103 operates stably at a preset power, some cooling capacity is wasted, reducing the energy efficiency of the water dispenser. This invention addresses this by applying a first force greater than the elastic force of the elastic element 207 when the air pressure difference exceeds a first preset value. This causes the filter element 203 to move along the airflow direction and, through the connector 208 and the intermediate rod 210, moves the upper end of the first water outlet pipe 204 below the condensate level. This reduces the amount of condensate in the second housing 202, allowing the reduced-pressure air to enter the condensate and participate in the subsequent condensation process. This, to a certain extent, maintains a stable actual air intake for the water dispenser, ensuring that the actual air intake always matches the preset power of the evaporator 103, further improving the energy efficiency of the water dispenser.

[0055] When the water dispenser is making water, the air forces the condensate in the first housing 201 into the second housing 202. The liquid level difference is greater than or equal to a second preset value. During this process, the air applies a first force to the filter element 203, which enables the conduit 212 and the filter element 203 to move along the airflow direction. One end of the locking member 213 is engaged in the tooth groove 214, and the other end contacts the inner wall of the first housing 201, so that the conduit 212 and the filter element 203 are kept in the position after moving along the airflow direction. When the water dispenser stops producing water, the first force is zero. Under pressure, the condensate in the second housing 202 flows back into the first housing 201, and the liquid level difference gradually decreases. The flowing condensate causes air to circulate in the first housing 201, which blows impurities attached to the mesh of the filter element 203 back into the filter element 203 and discharges them into the collection box 211 through the conduit 212 for collection. When the liquid level difference decreases to less than the second preset value, the buoyancy of the float 215 causes the locking element 213 to rotate. One end of the locking element 213 disengages from the toothed groove 214, and the other end remains attached to the inner wall of the first housing 201. When the filter element 203 is released from the airflow, the elastic element 207 causes the filter element 203 to move rapidly against the airflow direction. The filter element 203 collides with the first housing 201, which vibrates the impurities attached to the filter element 203 and causes the impurities to fall off. When the elastic element 207 causes the filter element 203 to move against the airflow direction, the conduit 212 is stretched, which increases the internal volume of the conduit 212. This creates a suction force on the filter element 203 towards the conduit 212, making it easier for impurities in the mesh of the filter element 203 to fall into the filter element 203, improving the cleaning effect of the filter element 203, further extending its service life and reducing the cost of use.

[0056] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0057] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementations of the present invention, and while the descriptions are specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of the present invention, and these modifications and improvements all fall within the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A multifunctional air-to-water hot and cold water dispenser, characterized in that, The enclosure includes an air intake assembly and an air exhaust assembly. Inside the enclosure are a first housing and a second housing. The bottoms of the first and second housings are interconnected and both contain condensate. The top of the first housing is connected to the air intake assembly, and the top of the second housing has an evaporator connected to the air exhaust assembly. The air intake assembly supplies air to the first housing, which forces the condensate in the first housing into the second housing. After passing through the condensate, the moisture in the air is condensed by the evaporator and mixes with the condensate in the second housing. The top of the first housing has a filter element for filtering impurities from the air. The bottom of the second housing is provided with an adjustment part, which has a closed state and an open state. When it is in the closed state, the amount of condensate in the first housing and the second housing is constant. When it is in the open state, the amount of condensate in the first housing and the second housing is reduced. There is a pressure difference between the air before and after passing through the filter. When the pressure difference is less than or equal to the first preset value, the regulating part is in the closed state. When the pressure difference is greater than the first preset value, the regulating unit first switches to the open state, so that the pressure difference is less than or equal to the first preset value, and then the regulating unit returns to the first state.

2. The multifunctional air-to-water hot and cold water dispenser according to claim 1, characterized in that, The regulating unit includes a first water outlet pipe, the upper end of which is located inside the second housing and the lower end of which is located outside the second housing. When the regulating unit is in the closed state, the upper end of the first water outlet pipe is higher than the condensate liquid level, so as to keep the amount of condensate in the first housing and the second housing constant. When the regulating unit is in the open state, the upper end of the first water outlet pipe is lower than the condensate liquid level, so as to reduce the amount of condensate in the first housing and the second housing.

3. The multifunctional air-to-water hot and cold water dispenser according to claim 2, characterized in that, The filter element can slide within the first housing, and the sliding direction is parallel to the airflow direction; an elastic element is provided within the first housing, which is used to make the filter element tend to move against the airflow direction; a connecting element is provided between the filter element and the first water outlet pipe; when air passes through the filter element, the air applies a first force to the filter element. When the air pressure difference is less than or equal to the first preset value, the first force is less than or equal to the elastic force of the elastic element, the filter element remains stationary and the upper end of the first water outlet pipe is kept higher than the condensate liquid level through the connector; when the air pressure difference is greater than the first preset value, the first force is greater than the elastic force of the elastic element, the filter element moves along the air flow direction and the upper end of the first water outlet pipe is lower than the condensate liquid level through the connector.

4. The multifunctional air-to-water hot and cold water dispenser according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first water outlet pipe is a corrugated pipe with an internal intermediate rod. The upper end of the intermediate rod is connected to the upper end of the first water outlet pipe, and the lower end of the intermediate rod is connected to one end of the connector. The other end of the connector is connected to the filter element. When the filter element slides inside the first housing, it drives the upper end of the first water outlet pipe to move through the connector and the intermediate rod.

5. The multifunctional air-to-water hot and cold water dispenser according to claim 3, characterized in that, The cabinet is equipped with a collection box, and a conduit is provided between the filter and the collection box to connect the two internally; when the first force is zero, the condensate in the second shell flows back into the first shell.

6. The multifunctional air-to-water hot and cold water dispenser according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first housing is provided with a locking element, which has a locked state and an unlocked state. When it is locked, the locking element allows the duct to move with the filter element along the airflow direction, while restricting the duct from moving with the filter element against the airflow direction. When it is unlocked, the locking element allows the duct to move with the filter element along the airflow direction and against the airflow direction. There is a liquid level difference between the condensate in the first housing and the condensate in the second housing. When the liquid level difference is greater than or equal to a second preset value, the locking element is in a locked state. When the liquid level difference decreases to less than the second preset value, the locking element is in an unlocked state, and the elastic element causes the filter element to move against the airflow direction.

7. The multifunctional air-to-water hot and cold water dispenser according to claim 6, characterized in that, The first housing is also equipped with a floater, which is buoyed when it comes into contact with condensate. When the buoyancy of the floater is less than a third preset value, the locking member is in a locked state. When the buoyancy of the floater is greater than or equal to the third preset value, the locking member switches from the locked state to the unlocked state.

8. The multifunctional air-to-water hot and cold water dispenser according to claim 6, characterized in that, The duct has a telescopic structure, and the telescopic direction is parallel to the airflow direction.

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