Drinking water device
By introducing storage and heat dissipation water circuits into the water supply equipment, and using an auxiliary pump module to pump water for heat exchange, the problem of heat accumulation in the cooler is solved, achieving more efficient heat dissipation and cooling effects, and ensuring timely supply of cold water.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- GUANGDONG LIZI TECH CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-06-19
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-26
AI Technical Summary
When users need to continuously dispense a large amount of cold water, the heat accumulation in the chiller of the existing water supply equipment leads to poor heat dissipation efficiency, affecting the cooling effect and making it impossible to provide the expected amount of cold water in time.
The system employs a combination design of a cooling module, a storage water circuit, a heat dissipation water circuit, and an auxiliary pump module. The water in the storage water circuit absorbs heat from the cooling module and is pumped to the heat-generating part for heat dissipation. The water in the heat dissipation water circuit absorbs heat from the heat-generating part, thereby improving heat dissipation efficiency.
It effectively reduces the temperature of the heating element, improves the cooling efficiency of the cooling module, ensures that users can obtain the required amount of cold water in a timely manner, and enhances the user experience.
Smart Images
Figure CN224403419U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of water treatment technology, and in particular to a drinking water device. Background Technology
[0002] Water dispensers are a type of household appliance that is increasingly favored by individuals and families. They can preheat or cool water in the device according to the user's water usage requirements and maintain it at a set temperature, greatly facilitating drinking water needs in many scenarios.
[0003] The cooling components of water dispensers generate heat during the cooling process, and the accumulation of this heat can affect the cooling effect. Currently, some water dispensers, when users need to continuously dispense a large amount of cold water, fail to dissipate the heat generated by the cooling unit effectively. This results in users not being able to dispense the expected amount of cold water, or the water dispensing speed being very slow, leading to long waiting times and negatively impacting the user experience. Utility Model Content
[0004] This application provides a drinking water device aimed at solving the technical problem of poor heat dissipation efficiency in existing drinking water devices.
[0005] One embodiment of this application provides a drinking water device, including:
[0006] A refrigeration module, comprising a refrigeration section and a heating section;
[0007] A water storage channel is thermally connected to the refrigeration unit so that the refrigeration unit absorbs heat from the water in the water storage channel to produce cold water;
[0008] A heat dissipation water channel is thermally connected to the heat-generating part so that the water in the heat dissipation water channel absorbs the heat generated by the heat-generating part.
[0009] An auxiliary pump module is provided, through which the storage water circuit contacts the heating element and / or connects to the heat dissipation water circuit, so as to pump the water in the storage water circuit to the heating element and / or the heat dissipation water circuit.
[0010] In one embodiment, the cooling module includes a semiconductor cooling chip, which includes a cooling section and a heating section.
[0011] In one embodiment, the drinking water device further includes a water storage tank; the water storage path flows through the water storage tank, and the cooling unit is thermally connected to the water storage tank.
[0012] In one embodiment, the cooling unit is thermally connected to the storage tank by at least partially contacting the water in the storage tank, so that the cooling unit directly absorbs the heat from the water in the storage tank.
[0013] In one embodiment, the cooling module further includes a heat exchange component that is thermally connected to the heat-generating part to help dissipate heat; the heat exchange component has a heat dissipation channel through which the cooling water also flows.
[0014] In one embodiment, the storage water path is connected to the front end of the heat dissipation channel via the auxiliary pump module.
[0015] In one embodiment, the drinking water device further includes an auxiliary water tank; the cooling water path flows through the auxiliary water tank.
[0016] In one embodiment, the storage water path is connected to the auxiliary water tank via the auxiliary pump module.
[0017] In one embodiment, the drinking water device further includes a control module; before the auxiliary pump module pumps water into the cooling water path, the control module controls the auxiliary water tank to discharge at least a portion of the water located in the auxiliary water tank from the cooling water path.
[0018] In one embodiment, the heating element has a hollow through hole, and the water in the water storage channel is pumped by the auxiliary pump module to flow through the through hole and then discharged.
[0019] According to the drinking water device of the above embodiment, the water in the storage water path can directly dissipate heat to the heat dissipation unit or dissipate heat to the heat dissipation unit through the heat dissipation water path. Since the water temperature in the storage water path is low, after this low-temperature water is pumped to the heat dissipation unit and / or the heat dissipation water path by the auxiliary pump module, the water temperature in the heat dissipation water path used to dissipate heat to the heat-generating unit is thus reduced, thereby dissipating heat to the heat-generating unit more effectively. In this way, the cooling module with more effective heat dissipation can also perform cooling better, thereby improving the cooling efficiency. Attached Figure Description
[0020] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without creative effort.
[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the drinking water equipment provided in Embodiment 1 of this utility model.
[0022] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the drinking water equipment provided in Embodiment 2 of this utility model.
[0023] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the drinking water equipment provided in Embodiment 3 of this utility model.
[0024] Explanation of icon numbers:
[0025] 100 / 100b / 100c, Drinking water equipment; 101, Cold water outlet; 102, Hot water outlet; 103, Wastewater outlet; 104, Water inlet; 10, Refrigeration module; 12, Semiconductor refrigeration chip; 12a, Refrigeration section; 12b, Heating section; 14, Heat exchange component; 14a, Heat dissipation channel; 30, Water storage circuit; 32, Water storage tank; 50, Heat dissipation circuit; 52, Auxiliary water tank; 70, Auxiliary pump module; 90, Control module.
[0026] The realization of the purpose, functional features and advantages of this utility model will be further explained in conjunction with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation
[0027] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.
[0028] It should be noted that all directional indicators (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.) in this utility model embodiment are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of each component in a certain specific posture. If the specific posture changes, the directional indicator will also change accordingly.
[0029] It should also be noted that when a component is described as "fixed to" or "set on" another component, it can be directly on the other component or there may be an intervening component present. When a component is described as "connected to" another component, it can be directly connected to the other component or there may be an intervening component present.
[0030] Furthermore, the use of terms such as "first" and "second" in this utility model is for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. Additionally, the technical solutions of the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but only on the basis of being achievable by those skilled in the art. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or impossible to implement, such a combination of technical solutions should be considered non-existent and not within the scope of protection claimed by this utility model.
[0031] In this invention, even if the specification does not mention a control component for responding to user operations or controlling the device of this invention based on a set program, those skilled in the art should understand that the device of this invention includes the aforementioned control component. This control component can be a control circuit built around a chip with control functions, such as a microcontroller / microprocessor / central processing unit, and peripheral functional modules such as those for sensing user operations / external environment, equipped with necessary storage modules for storing control instructions, and can run based on languages such as C / C++ / JAVA.
[0032] Currently, some water dispensers suffer from low cooling efficiency when users need to continuously dispense a large amount of cold water. The heat generated during operation is not effectively dissipated, resulting in users not being able to dispense the intended amount of cold water, or experiencing slow dispensing speeds and long waiting times. Therefore, this invention provides a water dispenser with higher cooling efficiency.
[0033] Example 1:
[0034] Please combine Figure 1 This utility model provides a drinking water device 100, including a cooling module 10, a water storage channel 30, a heat dissipation channel 50, and an auxiliary pump module 70. The cooling module 10 lowers the water temperature in the water storage channel 30 to meet the consumer's need for cold drinking water. The cooling module 10 includes a cooling section 12a and a heating section 12b. During operation, the cooling module 10 absorbs heat through the cooling section 12a to produce a cooling effect; the heat generated during the cooling process is dissipated through the heating section 12b, enabling the cooling module 10 to continuously perform cooling operations. The water storage channel 30 is thermally connected to the cooling section 12a so that the cooling section 12a absorbs heat from the water in the water storage channel 30 to produce cold water. The heat dissipation channel 50 is thermally connected to the heating section 12b so that the water in the heat dissipation channel 50 absorbs heat generated by the heating section 12b. The water in both the water storage channel 30 and the heat dissipation channel 50 can originate from the water inlet 104.
[0035] Thus, the water in the storage water channel 30 is processed into cold water by the cooling unit 12a. When the user needs to drink, the water can be discharged through the cold water outlet 101 to obtain cold water. The heat generated by the cooling module 10 during its cooling operation is carried away by the water in the heat dissipation water channel 50, which is thermally connected to the heating unit 12b. The water carrying away this heat dissipates heat during its circulation, thereby cooling the heating unit 12b. Since the water in the heat dissipation water channel 50 has absorbed heat, when the user needs to drink or use hot water, it can be discharged through the hot water outlet 102 to obtain hot water. Of course, in another embodiment, this hot or cold water can also be discharged through the wastewater outlet (not shown). For example, if the hot or cold water has been stored for too long, it can be discharged through the wastewater outlet to be reprocessed.
[0036] The water storage channel 30 contacts the heating element 12b via the auxiliary pump module 70, pumping the water from the storage channel 30 to the heating element 12b. Since the water in the storage channel 30 is prepared cold water, after being pumped by the auxiliary pump module 70, it exchanges heat with the heating element 12b, absorbing the heat emitted by the heating element 12b, thereby further reducing the temperature of the heating element 12b. This allows for more effective heat dissipation from the heating element 12b. Consequently, the cooling module 10, with its more efficient heat dissipation, can perform cooling better, thus improving cooling efficiency. The water that has absorbed the heat emitted by the heating element 12b can be directly discharged from the drinking water device 100 through the wastewater outlet 103; in other embodiments, it can also be discharged through the hot water outlet 102 (not shown) for user drinking or use.
[0037] There are several ways in which the water in the water storage channel 30 can come into contact with the heating element 12b. For example, the heating element 12b may have hollow through holes (the number of holes is not limited, but at least one). The water in the water storage channel 30 is directly pumped into these through holes by the auxiliary pump module 70 and then discharged through the wastewater outlet 103. Alternatively, the drinking water device 100 may have a pipe connected to the wastewater outlet 103, and part of the heating element 12b may be housed within this pipe. The water in the water storage channel 30 may be pumped by the auxiliary pump module 70 into this pipe to come into contact with the portion of the heating element 12b, and then discharged into the wastewater outlet 103. Of course, there are other implementation methods, which will not be elaborated on here.
[0038] The storage water path 30 or the heat dissipation water path 50 is defined by physical components such as boxes and / or pipes installed within the drinking water equipment 100. Specifically, cavities are formed within the boxes, and channels are formed within the pipes. Through combinations between internal spaces of the boxes, between boxes, between boxes and pipes, and between pipes, flow paths are formed within cavities, between cavities, between cavities and channels, and between channels. These flow paths constitute the storage water path 30 or the heat dissipation water path 50. In actual implementations, the physical components such as boxes and / or pipes constituting the storage water path 30 or the heat dissipation water path 50 can have different combinations, and the specific physical components can also have different structural designs. However, for the purposes of this invention, the specific structural design and / or combination schemes of these physical components are not the focus of this invention. It should also be understood that, under the inventive concept of this utility model, regardless of the specific structural design and / or combination scheme of these physical components such as boxes and / or pipes, the storage water channel 30 or heat dissipation water channel 50 formed therefrom are all within the inventive concept of this utility model.
[0039] The drinking water device 100 may further include a water storage tank 32 through which the water storage path 30 flows. Thus, the prepared cold water can be at least partially stored in the water storage tank 32. Since the water storage tank 32 can store a relatively large amount of cold water, a large quantity of cold water can be discharged at once through the cold water outlet 101 when needed. It should be noted that in other embodiments, the water storage path 30 may consist solely of a pipe, in which case the pipe discharges cold water through the cold water outlet 101.
[0040] The cooling unit 12a is thermally connected to the storage tank 32 by at least partially contacting the water in the storage tank 32, so that the cooling unit 12a directly absorbs the heat from the water in the storage tank. For example, the cooling unit 12a extends at least partially into the storage tank 32 and is in contact with the water stored therein. However, it should be understood that the cooling unit 12a can also be in close contact with the storage tank 32 to achieve cooling of the water therein. The aforementioned close contact can mean that the cooling unit 12a is in direct contact with the storage tank 32, or it can mean that a thermally conductive material, such as thermally conductive silicone, is applied between the cooling unit 12a and the storage tank 32 to facilitate contact between the two.
[0041] The cooling module 10 may include a thermoelectric cooler 12, which includes a cooling section 12a and a heating section 12b. The thermoelectric cooler can rapidly respond to changes in current, achieving rapid cooling. Furthermore, the thermoelectric cooler has a compact structure, small size, and light weight, making it a preferred material for cooling components. Of course, in other embodiments, the cooling module 10 may also achieve cooling in other ways, such as through methods known in the field of refrigeration, such as using a compressor.
[0042] The drinking water device 100 may also include an auxiliary water tank 52 through which the heat dissipation water path 50 flows. This allows for a larger volume of water to be stored in the auxiliary water tank 52, which in turn facilitates the dissipation of heat generated by the heating element 12b, thereby improving the heat dissipation effect. The thermal connection between the heating element 12b and the auxiliary water tank 52 can be the same as the thermal connection between the cooling element 12a and the storage water tank 32.
[0043] Example 2:
[0044] Please combine Figure 2 This utility model provides a drinking water device 100b, including a cooling module 10, a water storage channel 30, a heat dissipation channel 50, and an auxiliary pump module 70. The cooling module 10 includes a cooling section 12a and a heating section 12b. The cooling module 10 may also include a thermoelectric cooler 12, which has the cooling section 12a and the heating section 12b disposed thereon. The water storage channel 30 is thermally connected to the cooling section 12a, so that the cooling section 12a absorbs heat from the water in the water storage channel 30 to produce cold water. The heat dissipation channel 50 is thermally connected to the heating section 12b, so that the water in the heat dissipation channel 50 absorbs heat generated by the heating section 12b. The water in both the water storage channel 30 and the heat dissipation channel 50 can originate from the water inlet 104. When a user needs to drink, cold water can be obtained by discharging through the cold water outlet 101, and hot water can be obtained by discharging through the hot water outlet 102.
[0045] The drinking water device 100 may further include a water storage tank 32 through which the water storage path 30 flows. The drinking water device 100 may also include an auxiliary water tank 52 through which the heat dissipation path 50 flows. The thermal connection method between the heating element 12b and the auxiliary water tank 52, and the thermal connection method between the cooling element 12a and the water storage tank 32, can be the same as described in Embodiment 1, and will not be repeated here.
[0046] The storage water channel 30 is connected to the auxiliary water tank 52 via the auxiliary pump module 70, allowing water from the storage water channel 30 to be pumped to the auxiliary water tank 52. Thus, after the water in the storage water channel 30 is pumped to the auxiliary water tank 52 via the auxiliary pump module 70, the prepared cold water in the storage water channel 30 mixes with the water in the auxiliary water tank 52, lowering the water temperature in the auxiliary water tank 52. The cooled water then exchanges heat with the heating element 12b, absorbing the heat emitted by the heating element 12b, thereby further reducing the temperature of the heating element 12b. Therefore, heat dissipation from the heating element 12b is more effective. Consequently, the cooling module 10, with its more efficient heat dissipation, can perform cooling better, thereby improving cooling efficiency.
[0047] The drinking water device 100 may also include a control module 90. Before the auxiliary pump module 70 pumps water into the auxiliary water tank 52, the control module 90 controls the auxiliary water tank 52 to discharge at least a portion of the water in the auxiliary water tank 52 into the cooling water path, for example, through the wastewater outlet 103. Thus, because at least a portion of the relatively warm water in the cooling water path 50 is discharged in advance, the temperature of the water in the cooling water path 50 can be further reduced after the cold water in the storage water path 30 enters the cooling water path 50, thereby further improving the heat dissipation effect.
[0048] Example 3:
[0049] Please combine Figure 3 This utility model provides a drinking water device 100c, including a refrigeration module 10, a water storage circuit 30, a heat dissipation circuit 50, and an auxiliary pump module 70. The water storage circuit 30 is thermally connected to the refrigeration unit 12a, allowing the refrigeration unit 12a to absorb heat from the water in the water storage circuit 30 to produce cold water. The heat dissipation circuit 50 is thermally connected to the heating unit 12b, allowing the water in the heat dissipation circuit 50 to absorb heat generated by the heating unit 12b. The water in both the water storage circuit 30 and the heat dissipation circuit 50 can originate from the water inlet 104. When a user needs to drink, cold water can be obtained by discharging through the cold water outlet 101, and hot water can be obtained by discharging through the hot water outlet 102. The water storage circuit 30 is thermally connected to the refrigeration unit 12a, allowing the refrigeration unit 12a to absorb heat from the water in the water storage circuit 30 to produce cold water.
[0050] The cooling module 10 includes a thermoelectric cooler 12 and a heat exchange assembly 14. The thermoelectric cooler 12 is provided with a cooling section 12a and a heating section 12b. During operation, the cooling module 10 absorbs heat through the cooling section 12, thereby generating a cooling effect; the heat generated during the cooling process is dissipated through the heating section 12b, enabling the cooling module 10 to continuously perform cooling operations. The heat exchange assembly 14 is thermally connected to the heating section 12b to aid in heat dissipation. The heat exchange assembly 14 may be in close contact with at least a portion of the heating section 12b, and the heat exchange assembly 14 has a larger heat dissipation area or better heat dissipation efficiency than the heating section 12b it is attached to. Therefore, the heat exchange assembly 14 improves the heat dissipation efficiency of the heating section 12b and enhances the cooling capacity of the cooling module 10. The aforementioned close contact can mean that the cooling section 12a directly contacts the water storage tank 32, or that a thermally conductive material, such as thermally conductive silicone, is applied between the cooling section 12a and the water storage tank 32 to facilitate contact between the two. In this embodiment, the heat exchange component 14 has a heat dissipation channel 14a. The heat dissipation channel 14a extends inside the heat exchange component 14, for example, by extending in a Z-shape multiple times inside the heat exchange component 14, thereby giving the heat exchange component 14 a larger thermal contact area.
[0051] Since the cooling water path 50 is connected to the front end of the cooling channel 14a via the auxiliary pump module 70, and the aforementioned front end is the upstream position in the water flow direction within the cooling channel 14a, such as the upstream position a, the cold water in the storage water path 30 can fully absorb the heat conducted from the heat exchange component 14 to the heat-generating part 12b during the process of entering the cooling channel 14a and flowing out of the heat exchange component 14, thereby further reducing the temperature of the heat-generating part 12b. Therefore, it can dissipate heat from the heat-generating part 12b more effectively. In this way, the cooling module 10, which has more effective heat dissipation, can also perform cooling better, thereby improving the cooling efficiency. Compared with the second embodiment, the cold water in the storage water path 30 is not mixed with the water in the cooling water path 50, but the cold water directly dissipates heat from the heat-generating part 12b, which can achieve the effect of cooling the heat-generating part 12b more quickly.
[0052] As can be seen from Embodiments 2 and 3, whether the storage water path 30 is connected to the auxiliary water tank 52 via the auxiliary pump module 70 or to the heat dissipation channel 14a of the heat exchange component 14, its essence is to connect to the heat dissipation water path 50, so as to pump the water in the storage water path 30 to the heat dissipation water path 50, thereby improving the heat dissipation efficiency. It should be noted that, in addition to being pumped separately to the heat dissipation water path 50, the water in the storage water path 30 can also be pumped simultaneously to the heat-generating part 12b, that is, to simultaneously perform Embodiment 1.
[0053] The drinking water device 100 may also include a control module 90. Before the auxiliary pump module 70 pumps water into the auxiliary water tank 52, the control module 90 controls the auxiliary water tank 52 to discharge at least part of the water in the auxiliary water tank 52 out of the cooling water path, for example, through the wastewater outlet 103.
[0054] According to the drinking water device of the above embodiment, the water in the storage water path can directly dissipate heat to the heat dissipation unit or dissipate heat to the heat dissipation unit through the heat dissipation water path. Since the water temperature in the storage water path is low, after this low-temperature water is pumped to the heat dissipation unit and / or the heat dissipation water path by the auxiliary pump module, the water temperature in the heat dissipation water path used to dissipate heat to the heat-generating unit is thus reduced, thereby dissipating heat to the heat-generating unit more effectively. In this way, the cooling module with more effective heat dissipation can also perform cooling better, thereby improving the cooling efficiency.
[0055] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and does not limit the patent scope of the present utility model. All equivalent structural transformations made under the inventive concept of the present utility model using the contents of the present utility model specification and drawings, or direct / indirect applications in other related technical fields, are included within the patent protection scope of the present utility model.
Claims
1. A drinking water device, characterized in that, include: A refrigeration module, comprising a refrigeration section and a heating section; A water storage channel is thermally connected to the refrigeration unit so that the refrigeration unit absorbs heat from the water in the water storage channel to produce cold water; A heat dissipation water channel is thermally connected to the heat-generating part so that the water in the heat dissipation water channel absorbs the heat generated by the heat-generating part. An auxiliary pump module is provided, through which the storage water circuit contacts the heating element and / or connects to the heat dissipation water circuit, so as to pump the water in the storage water circuit to the heating element and / or the heat dissipation water circuit.
2. The drinking water equipment as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The cooling module includes a semiconductor cooling chip, which includes a cooling section and a heating section.
3. The drinking water equipment as described in claim 2, characterized in that, It also includes a water storage tank; the water storage path flows through the water storage tank, and the refrigeration unit is thermally connected to the water storage tank.
4. The drinking water equipment as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The refrigeration unit is thermally connected to the storage tank by at least partial contact with the water in the storage tank, so that the refrigeration unit directly absorbs the heat from the water in the storage tank.
5. The drinking water equipment as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The refrigeration module also includes a heat exchange component that is thermally connected to the heat-generating part to help dissipate heat; the heat exchange component has a heat dissipation channel through which the heat dissipation water also flows.
6. The drinking water equipment as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The storage water circuit is connected to the front end of the heat dissipation channel via the auxiliary pump module.
7. The drinking water equipment as described in claim 2 or 5, characterized in that, It also includes an auxiliary water tank; the cooling water flow passes through this auxiliary water tank.
8. The drinking water equipment as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The storage water circuit is connected to the auxiliary water tank via the auxiliary pump module.
9. The drinking water equipment as described in claim 8, characterized in that, It also includes a control module; before the auxiliary pump module pumps water into the cooling water path, the control module controls the auxiliary water tank to discharge at least part of the water located in the auxiliary water tank from the cooling water path.
10. The drinking water equipment as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The heating element has a hollow through-hole, and the water in the storage water channel is pumped by the auxiliary pump module to flow through the through-hole and then discharged.