Water tank assembly and water purifier

Abstract

This utility model provides a water tank assembly and a water purifier. The water tank assembly includes: a tank body with a water inlet connected to an external water source; and a flow-stirring device installed inside the tank body at a position corresponding to the water inlet, so that water flowing in from the water inlet passes through the flow-stirring device before entering the tank body. The flow-stirring device is used to create a vortex by agitating the water entering the tank. Since the flow-stirring device is located inside the tank body at a position corresponding to the water inlet, theoretically all water flowing into the tank body must first pass through the flow-stirring device. The flow-stirring device can agitate the water, creating a vortex, which can reduce the purification area, inhibit sediment adhesion, and correspondingly, through dynamic water flow, utilize fluid mechanics to reduce local ion concentration and slow down the nucleation rate, thereby helping to prevent scale formation. Compared with existing technologies, the method of preventing scale formation in this solution is lower in cost, less likely to affect water quality safety, and has a better effect on preventing scale formation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of water purifiers, and in particular to a water tank assembly and a water purifier. Background Technology

[0002] Scale tends to build up in the hot water tank of a water purifier after prolonged use, mainly because calcium and magnesium ions in the water easily form calcium carbonate and precipitate when heated. The hot water tank consists of a tank body with an inlet and a drain. The inlet connects to an external water source, through which water flows into the tank. Depending on the actual needs, the water can be tap water or pre-filtered water.

[0003] In existing technologies, scale prevention or removal is typically achieved through the following methods:

[0004] First, chemical scale inhibitors are used. This method is mainly used in some non-drinking water. If used in drinking water, it may affect water quality safety.

[0005] Secondly, ion exchange resin is used, which softens water through ion exchange, but it requires frequent salt addition and regular resin replacement, which makes the cost very high.

[0006] Third, static anti-scaling coatings are used, but these coatings are prone to failure under long-term high temperatures, and scale will still form, resulting in poor descaling effect.

[0007] Therefore, in the existing technology, the methods for preventing or removing scale in the hot water tank of a water purifier have drawbacks such as high cost, easy impact on water quality safety, and poor descaling effect. Utility Model Content

[0008] The technical problem to be solved by this utility model is to overcome the defects of existing water purifiers' hot water tank anti-scaling or descaling methods, which are characterized by high cost, easy impact on water quality safety, and poor descaling effect, and to provide a water tank component and a water purifier.

[0009] The present invention solves the above-mentioned technical problems through the following technical solution:

[0010] A water tank assembly for a water purifier, the water tank assembly including a tank body, the tank body having a water inlet for connecting to an external water source, the water tank assembly further including:

[0011] A flow-dispersing device is installed inside the tank at a position corresponding to the water inlet, so that the water flowing in from the water inlet passes through the flow-dispersing device before entering the tank.

[0012] The turbulence device is used to create a vortex by agitating the water entering the turbulence device.

[0013] In this design, the flow-dispersing device is positioned inside the tank corresponding to the water inlet, essentially at the point where water must pass through to enter the tank. Theoretically, all water flowing into the tank must first pass through the flow-dispersing device. This device agitates the water, creating eddies, which reduces the clean water zone and inhibits sediment buildup. Correspondingly, through dynamic water flow, fluid mechanics is used to reduce local ion concentration and slow down the nucleation rate, thus helping to prevent scale formation. Compared to existing technologies, this method of preventing scale formation is lower in cost, less likely to affect water quality safety, and more effective at preventing scale formation.

[0014] Preferably, the turbulence device includes an impeller and a turbulence shield, the impeller is installed inside the turbulence shield, one end of the turbulence shield is installed on the inner wall of the housing, and the other end is an open structure;

[0015] The impeller is electrically driven.

[0016] In this design, the turbulence-inducing device has a simple structure, which helps reduce overall costs. Water flows into the turbulence-inducing shroud from the inlet, and the rotation of the impeller agitates the water, creating vortices. By setting up the turbulence-inducing shroud, on the one hand, it protects the impeller, ensuring the reliable operation of the turbulence-inducing device; on the other hand, it collects the water, resulting in better water agitation within a limited space, which is more conducive to generating vortices.

[0017] Preferably, the tank body is further provided with a circulation inlet, and the water tank assembly further includes a circulation pump, which is located outside the tank body;

[0018] The circulation inlet, the circulation pump, and the water inlet are connected by pipes to form a circulation loop.

[0019] In this solution, by setting up a circulation loop, the water is kept in a dynamic flow process regardless of whether water is supplied to the tank from an external water source, which helps to further suppress sedimentation and adhesion.

[0020] Preferably, the water tank assembly further includes a heating device for heating the water inside the tank.

[0021] In this solution, by setting up a heating device, on the one hand, the heating device can heat the water in the tank, which is beneficial to meeting the user's needs; on the other hand, the heating device also helps to further agitate the water, thereby further inhibiting the formation of scale.

[0022] Preferably, a first water level probe is also provided inside the box, and the first water level corresponding to the first water level probe is the lowest water level when the heating device is in working state;

[0023] Alternatively, the tank may also be equipped with a first water level probe and a second water level probe, wherein the first water level corresponding to the first water level probe is lower than the second water level corresponding to the second water level probe, and the heating device is used to operate when both the first water level probe and the second water level probe detect water level.

[0024] In this scheme, for the scheme where the first water level is the lowest water level when the heating device is in working condition, the heating device does not work when the water level is below the first water level, and only starts when the water level reaches the first water level to prevent dry burning; for the scheme where the heating device is in working condition when both the first water level probe and the second water level probe detect the water level, the heating device only starts when both the first water level probe and the second water level probe detect the water level, to prevent false detection due to a faulty water level probe, which helps to ensure the reliability of the heating device's start-up and avoids false heating.

[0025] Preferably, the heating device is located above the turbulence-disrupting device.

[0026] In this solution, the above-mentioned structural arrangement places the heating device above the turbulence device, so that the water is fully agitated before being heated, which helps to improve the uniformity of heating and thus helps to ensure the heating effect.

[0027] Preferably, a third water level probe is also provided inside the tank, and the third water level corresponding to the third water level probe is the highest water level inside the tank;

[0028] The water inlet is configured to disconnect from the external water source when the water level inside the tank reaches the highest water level.

[0029] In this solution, the above-mentioned structure is used to stop the water supply from the external water source when the water level inside the tank reaches the maximum level, preventing water overflow, avoiding waste of water resources, and also helping to ensure the safe use of the water purifier.

[0030] Preferably, the heating device is used to heat the water in the tank at a first power when the temperature is not greater than a critical temperature, and to heat the water in the tank at a second power when the temperature is greater than the critical temperature, wherein the first power is greater than the second power.

[0031] The critical temperature is the temperature at which calcium and magnesium ions precipitate from the water inside the tank.

[0032] In this scheme, when the water temperature does not reach the critical temperature, the heating device heats with a larger power, and when it is above the critical temperature, the heating device heats with a smaller power. This gradient heating method can reduce the precipitation rate and avoid severe scaling caused by instantaneous high temperature.

[0033] Preferably, the water tank assembly further includes an ultrasonic generator, which is installed outside the tank body and is used to perform pulse cleaning on the tank body when in the start-up state;

[0034] And / or, the inner wall of the enclosure has an anti-scaling coating.

[0035] In this design, the heating device is also operational when the ultrasonic generator is started. This configuration reduces noise and prevents the situation where the ultrasonic transmitter alone generates excessive noise. The anti-scaling coating further inhibits deposit adhesion, thus promoting scale prevention.

[0036] This utility model also provides a water purifier, which includes the above-mentioned water tank assembly.

[0037] The positive and progressive effects of this utility model are as follows:

[0038] In this application, the flow-dispersing device is positioned inside the tank corresponding to the water inlet, essentially at the point where water must pass through to enter the tank. Theoretically, all water flowing into the tank must first pass through the flow-dispersing device. This device agitates the water, creating eddies, which reduces the clean water zone and inhibits sediment buildup. Correspondingly, through dynamic water flow, fluid mechanics is used to reduce local ion concentration and slow down the nucleation rate, thus helping to prevent scale formation. Compared to existing technologies, this method of preventing scale formation is lower in cost, less likely to affect water quality safety, and more effective at preventing scale formation. Attached Figure Description

[0039] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a water tank assembly according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 2 This is another structural schematic diagram of a water tank assembly according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] Figure 3 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of a water tank assembly according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0043] 10 enclosures

[0044] 101 Inlet

[0045] 102 Drainage Outlet

[0046] 103 exhaust port

[0047] 104 Loop Entry

[0048] 20 spoilers

[0049] 201 impeller

[0050] 202 spoiler

[0051] 30 heating devices

[0052] 40 temperature probe holes

[0053] 50 First water level probe

[0054] 60 Second water level probe

[0055] 70 Third water level probe

[0056] 80 Ultrasonic Generator Detailed Implementation

[0057] The present invention will be described more clearly and completely below with reference to the accompanying drawings, using a preferred embodiment.

[0058] like Figures 1-3 As shown, this embodiment provides a water tank assembly for use in a water purifier. Correspondingly, this embodiment also provides a water purifier including this water tank assembly. Specifically, the water tank assembly includes a tank body 10, on which a water inlet 101 is provided, connecting to an external water source. The water tank assembly also includes a flow-stirring device 20, installed inside the tank body 10 at a position corresponding to the water inlet 101, so that water flowing from the water inlet 101 passes through the flow-stirring device 20 before entering the tank body 10. The flow-stirring device 20 is used to create a vortex by agitating the water entering the flow-stirring device 20.

[0059] In this embodiment, the flow-dispersing device 20 is positioned inside the tank 10 corresponding to the water inlet 101. This means it is placed at the point where water inevitably enters the tank 10. Theoretically, all water flowing into the tank 10 must first pass through the flow-dispersing device 20. The device 20 agitates the water, creating eddies, which reduces the clean water area and inhibits sediment buildup. Correspondingly, through dynamic water flow, fluid mechanics is used to reduce local ion concentration and slow down the nucleation rate, thus helping to prevent scale formation. Compared to existing technologies, this method of preventing scale formation is lower in cost, less likely to affect water quality safety, and more effective at preventing scale formation.

[0060] like Figures 1-3 As shown, the turbulence device 20 includes an impeller 201 and a shroud 202. The impeller 201 is installed inside the shroud 202. One end of the shroud 202 is installed on the inner wall of the housing 10, and the other end is an open structure. The impeller 201 is electrically driven.

[0061] The turbulence-disrupting device 20 has a simple structure, which helps reduce overall costs. Water flows into the turbulence-disrupting shroud 202 from the inlet 101. The rotation of the impeller 201 agitates the water, creating vortices. By setting up the turbulence-disrupting shroud 202, on the one hand, it protects the impeller 201, ensuring the reliable operation of the turbulence-disrupting device 20; on the other hand, it collects the water, resulting in better water agitation within a limited space, which is more conducive to generating vortices.

[0062] It should be noted that the impeller 201 is driven by electricity, as is well known to those skilled in the art, and will not be described in detail here.

[0063] Furthermore, the tank body 10 is also provided with a circulation inlet 104, and the water tank assembly also includes a circulation pump (not shown in the figure), which is located outside the tank body 10. The circulation inlet 104, the circulation pump, and the water inlet 101 are connected by pipes to form a circulation loop.

[0064] Here, by setting up a circulation loop, the water is kept in a dynamic flow process regardless of whether water is supplied to the tank 10 from an external water source, which helps to further suppress sediment adhesion.

[0065] As a preferred configuration, the water tank assembly also includes a heating device 30 for heating the water inside the tank body 10.

[0066] Here, by setting up a heating device 30, on the one hand, the heating device 30 can heat the water in the tank 10, which is beneficial to meeting the user's needs; on the other hand, under the action of the heating device 30, it is also beneficial to further agitate the water, thereby further inhibiting the formation of scale.

[0067] The specific structure of the heating device 30 is not limited, and it can adopt the structural settings of existing water purifiers or water dispensers, which will not be described in detail here.

[0068] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, as a preferred configuration, the heating device 30 is located above the turbulence device 20.

[0069] By adopting the above-mentioned structural configuration, the heating device 30 is placed above the turbulence device 20, so that the water is fully agitated before being heated, which helps to improve the uniformity of heating and thus helps to ensure the heating effect.

[0070] It should be noted that the specific positional relationship between the heating device 30 and the turbulence-disrupting device 20, as well as the distance between them in the height direction of the water purifier, are not specifically limited here and can be set according to actual design requirements.

[0071] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the housing 10 is also equipped with a first water level probe 50 and a second water level probe 60. The first water level corresponding to the first water level probe 50 is lower than the second water level corresponding to the second water level probe 60. The heating device 30 is activated only when both the first water level probe 50 and the second water level probe 60 detect water levels. This prevents false detections due to a malfunction of one of the water level probes, ensuring the reliability of the heating device 30's activation and avoiding accidental heating.

[0072] In other alternative embodiments, for the first water level probe 50 and the second water level probe 60, the housing 10 may only have the first water level probe 50, and the first water level corresponding to the first water level probe 50 is the lowest water level when the heating device 30 is in working state. Specifically, when the water level is below the first water level, the heating device 30 does not work; when the water level reaches the first water level, the heating device 30 is activated to prevent dry burning.

[0073] Furthermore, a third water level probe 70 is also installed inside the tank 10, and the third water level corresponding to the third water level probe 70 is the highest water level inside the tank 10. The water inlet 101 is configured to disconnect from the external water source when the water level inside the tank 10 reaches the highest water level.

[0074] Here, when the water level inside the tank 10 reaches the maximum water level, the water supply from the external water source is stopped to prevent water overflow, avoid waste of water resources, and also help ensure the safe use of the water purifier.

[0075] Furthermore, the heating device 30 is used to heat the water in the tank 10 at a first power when the temperature is not higher than the critical temperature, and to heat the water in the tank 10 at a second power when the temperature is higher than the critical temperature, wherein the first power is greater than the second power. The critical temperature is the temperature at which calcium and magnesium ions precipitate from the water in the tank 10.

[0076] With this setting, when the water temperature does not reach the critical temperature, the heating device 30 heats with a larger power, and when it is above the critical temperature, the heating device 30 heats with a smaller power. This gradient heating method can reduce the precipitation rate and avoid severe scaling caused by instantaneous high temperature.

[0077] As an example, the critical temperature in this embodiment is 75°C. Using 75°C as a node, the heating power below 75°C is greater than the heating power above 75°C. Of course, below 75°C, a gradient heating method can also be used, such as setting 50°C as another node. Correspondingly, a gradient heating method can also be used above 75°C, such as setting 95°C as another node.

[0078] The figure schematically shows a temperature sensing port 40, through which the temperature of the water in the tank 10 is detected. Preferably, the temperature sensing port 40 is positioned above the heating device 30.

[0079] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the water tank assembly also includes an ultrasonic generator 80, which is installed on the outside of the tank body 10. The ultrasonic generator 80 is used to perform pulse cleaning on the tank body 10 when it is in the start-up state. In this embodiment, the ultrasonic generator 80 is a high-frequency ultrasonic generator with a frequency range of 20-40kHz. The ultrasonic generator 80 can vibrate and remove dirt, and the wastewater after cleaning can be discharged through the drain port 102 on the tank body 10.

[0080] In this embodiment, when the ultrasonic generator 80 is started, the heating device 30 is also in operation. This setting can reduce noise and prevent the situation where the ultrasonic transmitter alone is noisy.

[0081] In other alternative embodiments, the ultrasonic generator 80 can be activated when the heating device 30 is not in operation, i.e., in cleaning mode, the heating device 30 can be set to not operate.

[0082] It should be noted that the water used for cleaning the tank 10 can flow in from the water inlet 101, or other inlets can be provided, and no specific restrictions are made here.

[0083] Of course, the tank 10 is also equipped with a water outlet (not shown in the figure) for user use.

[0084] Furthermore, the housing 10 is also provided with an exhaust port 103 for venting. The exhaust port 103 can keep the pressure of the housing 10 within a safe range, which helps to ensure the safe use of the water purifier, including the water tank assembly.

[0085] Further or alternatively, the inner wall of the housing 10 and / or the wall of the heating tube of the heating device 30 in this embodiment are provided with an anti-scaling coating. The anti-scaling coating further inhibits sediment adhesion, thus facilitating further scale prevention. The anti-scaling coating can be applied by spraying, and the bottom layer of the anti-scaling coating can be a fluoropolymer (such as PTFE) to provide a hydrophobic substrate. The surface layer of the anti-scaling coating is composed of nano-silica-doped graphene, which repels Ca²⁺ through negative charge. For the surface layer of the anti-scaling coating, the nano-silica content is 5-8 wt%, and the graphene sheet thickness is ≤3 nm. With this configuration, the coating lifespan can be extended to 5 years. Experiments show that after 200 heating cycles, the amount of scale adhering to the coating surface can be reduced by 82%, demonstrating excellent scale prevention or removal effects. It should be noted that the above-described anti-scaling coating is only an example; in other alternative embodiments, the anti-scaling coating can be made of any other material suitable for water purifiers using existing technology.

[0086] For this water purifier, after the user turns on the hot water mode, the heating device 30 can gradually heat the water to the set temperature. Simultaneously, the water supply speed drives a vortex at a flow rate of 0.5L / min. After the machine stops, the ultrasonic generator 80 automatically runs for 5 minutes to remove residual scale. Specifically, the water pressure of the water flowing into the inlet 101 drives the turbulence device 20 at the corresponding position of the inlet 101 to generate a vortex, forming a dynamic water flow. This disturbs the hot water in the tank 10, preventing it from settling and inhibiting scale formation. The optimal flow rate for this dynamic water flow is 0.3-1.5L / min, which can effectively reduce the scale deposition rate by more than 90%.

[0087] In this application, the flow-dispersing device 20 is positioned inside the tank 10 corresponding to the water inlet 101. This means it is placed at the necessary point through which water enters the tank 10. Theoretically, all water flowing into the tank 10 must first pass through the flow-dispersing device 20. The device 20 agitates the water, creating eddies, which reduces the clean water area and inhibits sediment buildup. Correspondingly, through dynamic water flow, fluid mechanics is used to reduce local ion concentration and slow down the nucleation rate, thus helping to prevent scale formation. Compared to existing technologies, the method for preventing scale formation in this application is lower in cost, less likely to affect water quality safety, and more effective at preventing scale formation.

[0088] While specific embodiments of this utility model have been described above, those skilled in the art should understand that these are merely illustrative examples, and the scope of protection of this utility model is defined by the appended claims. Those skilled in the art can make various changes or modifications to these embodiments without departing from the principles and essence of this utility model, but all such changes and modifications fall within the scope of protection of this utility model.

Claims

1. A water tank assembly for a water purifier, the water tank assembly comprising a tank body, the tank body having a water inlet for connecting to an external water source, characterized in that, The water tank assembly also includes: A flow-dispersing device is installed inside the tank at a position corresponding to the water inlet, so that the water flowing in from the water inlet passes through the flow-dispersing device before entering the tank. The turbulence device is used to create a vortex by agitating the water entering the turbulence device.

2. The water tank assembly as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The turbulence device includes an impeller and a turbulence shroud. The impeller is installed inside the turbulence shroud. One end of the turbulence shroud is installed on the inner wall of the housing, and the other end is an open structure. The impeller is electrically driven.

3. The water tank assembly as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The tank body is also provided with a circulation inlet, and the water tank assembly also includes a circulation pump, which is located outside the tank body; The circulation inlet, the circulation pump, and the water inlet are connected by pipes to form a circulation loop.

4. The water tank assembly as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The water tank assembly also includes a heating device for heating the water inside the tank.

5. The water tank assembly as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The box is also equipped with a first water level probe, and the first water level corresponding to the first water level probe is the lowest water level when the heating device is in working condition. Alternatively, the tank may also be equipped with a first water level probe and a second water level probe, wherein the first water level corresponding to the first water level probe is lower than the second water level corresponding to the second water level probe, and the heating device is used to operate when both the first water level probe and the second water level probe detect water level.

6. The water tank assembly as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The heating device is located above the turbulence device.

7. The water tank assembly as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The tank is also equipped with a third water level probe, and the third water level corresponding to the third water level probe is the highest water level in the tank. The water inlet is configured to disconnect from the external water source when the water level inside the tank reaches the highest water level.

8. The water tank assembly as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The heating device is used to heat the water in the tank at a first power when the temperature is not greater than the critical temperature, and to heat the water in the tank at a second power when the temperature is greater than the critical temperature, wherein the first power is greater than the second power. The critical temperature is the temperature at which calcium and magnesium ions precipitate from the water inside the tank.

9. The water tank assembly as described in any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, The water tank assembly also includes an ultrasonic generator, which is installed outside the tank and is used to perform pulse cleaning on the tank when it is in the start-up state. And / or, the inner wall of the enclosure has an anti-scaling coating.

10. A water purifier, characterized in that, It includes the water tank assembly as described in any one of claims 1-9.

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