Drinking water device

Abstract

The utility model is suitable for water treatment device technical field discloses a kind of drinking water equipment, including storage waterway, the refrigeration assembly with refrigeration part and heating part, circulating waterway and auxiliary waterway.The storage waterway is connected to the refrigeration part to make the refrigeration part absorb the heat of water in the storage waterway.The auxiliary waterway is independent with the storage waterway and is connected to the refrigeration part to make the refrigeration part absorb the heat of water in the auxiliary waterway.The circulating waterway is connected to the heating part to make the water in the circulating waterway absorb the heat generated by the heating part to prepare hot water.Compared with prior art, two waterways for cooling refrigeration part are set, i.e.storage waterway and auxiliary waterway, so that the refrigeration assembly can continuously or even increase power to cool, thereby emitting more heat, improving heating capacity.

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] Water dispensers generate heat during the cooling process, which can then be used to heat the water. Thus, in addition to providing cold water, the dispensers can also provide hot water. Currently, some water dispensers, when users need a continuous supply of a large amount of hot water, cannot sustain the cooling capacity of their chillers to generate enough heat for heating, resulting in users not receiving the desired amount of hot water 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 heating capacity of existing drinking water devices.

[0005] One embodiment of this application provides a drinking water device, including a water storage channel, a refrigeration assembly having a cooling element and a heating element, a circulating water channel, and an auxiliary water channel. The water storage channel is thermally connected to the cooling element so that the cooling element absorbs heat from the water located in the water storage channel. The auxiliary water channel is independent of the water storage channel and thermally connected to the cooling element so that the cooling element absorbs heat from the water located in the auxiliary water channel. The circulating water channel is thermally connected to the heating element so that the water in the circulating water channel absorbs heat generated by the heating element to prepare hot water.

[0006] In one embodiment, the cooling component includes a semiconductor heat exchanger, which includes the cooling component and the heating component.

[0007] 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 element is thermally connected to the water storage tank.

[0008] In one embodiment, the drinking water device further includes an auxiliary water tank; the auxiliary water path flows through the auxiliary water tank, and the cooling element is thermally connected to the auxiliary water tank.

[0009] In one embodiment, the cooling element is thermally connected to the auxiliary water tank in at least partial contact with the water in the auxiliary water tank, so that the cooling element directly absorbs the heat from the water in the auxiliary water tank.

[0010] In one embodiment, the water in the auxiliary water path comes from the circulating water path.

[0011] In one embodiment, the water in the auxiliary water path comes from an external water source at room temperature.

[0012] In one embodiment, the cooling element is thermally connected to the storage tank in at least partial contact with the water in the storage tank, so that the cooling element directly absorbs the heat from the water in the storage tank.

[0013] In one embodiment, the drinking water device further includes a circulating water tank; the circulating water path flows through the circulating water tank.

[0014] In one embodiment, the cooling assembly further includes a heat exchanger that is thermally connected to the heating element; the heat exchanger has a heat dissipation channel through which the circulating water also flows.

[0015] The drinking water device according to the above embodiment, compared with the existing technical solution, is provided with two water paths for cooling the refrigeration components, namely the storage water path and the auxiliary water path, so that the refrigeration components can continuously or even increase their power to cool, thereby generating more heat and improving the heating capacity. Attached Figure Description

[0016] 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.

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a drinking water device provided in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a drinking water device provided in another embodiment of this utility model.

[0019] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a drinking water device provided in another embodiment of this utility model.

[0020] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a drinking water device provided in another embodiment of this utility model.

[0021] Explanation of icon numbers:

[0022] 100 / 100b, Drinking water equipment; 101, Cold water outlet; 102, Hot water outlet; 103, Wastewater outlet; 104, Water inlet; 10, Refrigeration component; 12, Semiconductor refrigeration chip; 12a, Refrigeration element; 12b, Heating element; 14, Heat exchanger; 14a, Heat dissipation channel; 30, Water storage circuit; 32, Water storage tank; 50, Circulating water circuit; 52, Circulating water tank; 60, Auxiliary water circuit; 62, Auxiliary water tank; 70, Auxiliary pump module.

[0023] 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

[0024] 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.

[0025] 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.

[0026] 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.

[0027] 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 those features. 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. If 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.

[0028] 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.

[0029] Currently, some water dispensers, when users need to continuously dispense a large amount of hot water, cannot continuously cool the water due to the limited capacity of the chiller, thus failing to generate enough heat to heat the water. This results in users not receiving the expected amount of hot water, affecting the user experience.

[0030] Example 1:

[0031] Please combine Figure 1 This utility model provides a drinking water device 100, including a cooling component 10, a water storage path 30, a circulating water path 50, and an auxiliary water path 60. The cooling component 10 lowers the water temperature in the water storage path 30 to meet the consumer's need for cold water. Specifically, the cooling component 10 includes a cooling element 12a and a heating element 12b. During operation, the cooling component 10 absorbs heat through the cooling element 12a, generating a cooling effect; the heat generated during cooling is dissipated through the heating element 12b, enabling the cooling component 10 to continuously perform cooling operations. The water storage path 30 is thermally connected to the cooling element 12a, allowing the cooling element 12a to absorb heat from the water in the water storage path 30. The water in the water storage path 30 can originate from the inlet 104. When a user needs to drink, cold water can be obtained by discharging it through the cold water outlet 101. Alternatively, in another embodiment, this cold water can also be discharged through a wastewater outlet (not shown), for example, if the cold water has been stored for too long, it can be discharged through the wastewater outlet for reprocessing. The cooling component 12a can be connected to the storage water channel 30 via a storage water tank 32.

[0032] Specifically, the drinking water device 100 may further include a water storage tank 32 through which the water storage path 30 flows. The cooling element 12a is thermally connected to the water storage tank 32 by at least partially contacting the water therein, so that the cooling element 12a absorbs heat from the water in the water storage tank 32. For example, the cooling element 12a may extend at least partially into the water storage tank 32 and contact the water stored therein. However, it should be understood that the cooling element 12a may also be in close contact with the water storage tank 32 to dissipate heat from the water passing through it. The portion of the water storage tank 32 in contact with the cooling element 12a is made of a material with high thermal conductivity, such as aluminum alloy or stainless steel, to ensure that the heat from the water inside the circulating water tank 52 can be quickly transferred to the cooling element 12a. The aforementioned close contact can be either direct contact between the cooling component 12a and the storage water tank 32, or a thermally conductive material, such as thermally conductive silicone, can be applied between the cooling component 12a and the storage water tank 32 to facilitate contact between them. It should also be noted that, besides the storage water tank 32, the cooling component 12a can be thermally connected to the storage water channel 30 in other ways, such as through a pipe (not shown). The method of thermally connecting the pipe to the cooling component 12a can be the same as the aforementioned method.

[0033] The circulating water path 50 is thermally connected to the heating element 12b, allowing the water in the circulating water path 50 to absorb the heat generated by the heating element 12b. The heat generated by the cooling component 10 during its cooling operation is carried away by the water in the circulating water path 50, which is thermally connected to the heating element 12b, thus dissipating heat from the heating element 12b. The way the heating element 12b is thermally connected to the circulating water path 50 can be the same as the way the cooling component 12a is thermally connected to the storage water path 30, for example, through a circulating water tank 52; the specific method will not be elaborated further. In this way, more water can be stored in the circulating water tank 52, and more water is more conducive to absorbing the heat generated by the heating element 12b, thereby producing more hot water. The water in the circulating water path 50 can originate from the inlet 104. After the water enters the circulating water path 50, its circulation can be driven by a pump (not shown). Since the water in the circulating water path 50 has absorbed heat, when the user needs hot water for drinking or use, it can be discharged through the hot water outlet 102 to obtain hot water. Of course, in another implementation, this hot water can also be discharged through a wastewater outlet (not shown in the figure), for example, if the hot water has been stored for too long, it can be discharged through the wastewater outlet to be re-prepared.

[0034] The auxiliary water path 60 is independent of the storage water path 30 and is thermally connected to the cooling element 12a so that the cooling element 12a absorbs the heat from the water in the auxiliary water path 60. Thus, in addition to absorbing the heat from the water in the storage water path 30, the cooling element 12a also needs to absorb the heat from the water in the auxiliary water path 60, increasing its cooling demand. This, in turn, leads to an increase in the heat dissipated by the heating element 12b, thereby improving the heating capacity of the drinking water device 100.

[0035] The water in the auxiliary water path 60 can originate from the inlet 104. The auxiliary pump module 70 pumps the water to the cooling element 12a, where it is thermally connected, allowing the heat from the water to be absorbed by the heating element 12b. The water that has absorbed heat from the heating element 12b can be discharged from the auxiliary water path 60 through the wastewater outlet 103. Alternatively, in another embodiment, the water in the auxiliary water path 60 that has absorbed heat from the heating element 12b can also be discharged through the cold water outlet 101 (not shown) for drinking or other use; or, like the circulating water path 50, the water that has absorbed heat from the heating element 12b can be circulated instead of being directly discharged.

[0036] The storage water path 30, the circulation water path 50, and the auxiliary water path 60 are 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 spaces within the boxes, between boxes, between boxes and pipes, and between pipes, flow paths are formed within the cavities, between cavities, between cavities and channels, and between channels. These flow paths constitute the storage water path 30, the circulation water path 50, and the auxiliary water path 60. In actual implementations, the physical components such as boxes and / or pipes constituting the storage water path 30, the circulation water path 50, and the auxiliary water path 60 can have different combinations and 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 path 30, circulation water path 50 and auxiliary water path 60 formed therefrom are all within the inventive concept of this utility model.

[0037] It should be noted that, in another embodiment, the water in the auxiliary water path 60 may also originate from the circulating water path 50, such as... Figure 2As shown. In this embodiment, since the water in the circulating water path 50 is at a higher temperature than the water at the inlet 104, the thermally conductive contact with the cooling element 12a will cause the cooling element 12a to continue cooling, or even increase its power, thereby causing the heating element 12b to dissipate more heat, thus improving the heating capacity. At the same time, since some of the water in the circulating water path 50 is pumped to the auxiliary water path 60, the water volume in the circulating water path 50 decreases, while the absorbed heat increases, causing the temperature of the water still in the circulating water path 50 to rise faster.

[0038] The cooling assembly 10 may include a thermoelectric cooler 12, which includes a cooling element 12a and a heating element 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 assembly 10 may also achieve cooling in other ways, such as through methods known in the field of refrigeration, such as using a compressor.

[0039] Example 2:

[0040] Please combine Figure 3 This utility model provides a drinking water device 100b, including a cooling component 10, a water storage path 30, a circulating water path 50, and an auxiliary water path 60. The cooling component 10 is used to lower the water temperature in the water storage path 30, thereby meeting the consumer's need for cold water. The water storage path 30 is thermally connected to the cooling component 12a so that the cooling component 12a absorbs heat from the water in the water storage path 30 to prepare cold water. The drinking water device 100 may also include a water storage tank 32 through which the water storage path 30 flows. The water in the water storage path 30 may originate from the water inlet 104. When the user needs to drink, cold water can be obtained by discharging through the cold water outlet 101.

[0041] The drinking water device 100 may further include an auxiliary water tank 62, through which the auxiliary water path 60 flows, and the cooling element 12a is thermally connected to the auxiliary water tank 62. The specific manner in which the auxiliary water path 60 is thermally connected to the cooling element 12a, and the specific manner in which the storage water path 30 is thermally connected to the cooling element 12a, can be the same as in Embodiment 1, where the storage water path 30 is thermally connected to the cooling element 12a. For example, the cooling element 12a may at least partially contact the water in the auxiliary water tank 62 and be thermally connected to the auxiliary water tank 62, so that the cooling element directly absorbs the heat from the water in the auxiliary water tank 62. Specific details are not elaborated here. The water in the auxiliary water path 60 may originate from the inlet 104 and be pumped through the auxiliary pump module 70 to thermally connect with the cooling element 12a, thereby allowing the heat from the water to be absorbed by the heating element 12b.

[0042] The cooling assembly 10 includes a thermoelectric cooler 12 and a heat exchanger 14. The thermoelectric cooler 12 is provided with a cooling element 12a and a heating element 12b. During operation, the cooling assembly 10 absorbs heat through the cooling element 12, thereby generating a cooling effect; the heat generated during the cooling process is dissipated through the heating element 12b, enabling the cooling assembly 10 to continuously perform cooling operations. The heat exchanger 14 is thermally connected to the heating element 12b to aid in heat dissipation. The heat exchanger 14 may be at least a portion closely attached to the heating element 12b, and the heat exchanger 14 has a larger heat dissipation area or better heat dissipation efficiency than the heating element 12b it is attached to. Therefore, the heat exchanger 14 improves the heat dissipation efficiency of the heating element 12b and enhances the cooling capacity of the cooling assembly 10. The aforementioned close attachment can mean that the heating element 12b directly contacts the circulating water tank 52, or that a thermally conductive material, such as thermally conductive silicone, is applied between the heating element 12b and the circulating water tank 52 to further facilitate contact between them. In this embodiment, the heat exchanger 14 has a heat dissipation channel 14a. The heat dissipation channel 14a extends inside the heat exchanger 14, for example, by extending in a Z-shape multiple times inside the heat exchanger 14, thereby giving the heat exchanger 14 a larger thermal contact area. The circulating water path 50 is connected to the front end of the heat dissipation channel 14a through the auxiliary pump module 70.

[0043] It should be noted that, in another embodiment, the water in the auxiliary water path 60 may also originate from the circulating water path 50, such as... Figure 4 As shown. In this embodiment, since the water in the circulating water path 50 is at a higher temperature than the water at the inlet 104, the thermally conductive contact with the cooling element 12a will cause the cooling element 12a to continue cooling, or even increase its power, thereby causing the heating element 12b to dissipate more heat, thus improving the heating capacity. At the same time, since some of the water in the circulating water path 50 is pumped to the auxiliary water path 60, the water volume in the circulating water path 50 decreases, while the absorbed heat increases, causing the temperature of the water still in the circulating water path 50 to rise faster.

[0044] 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 water dispensing apparatus comprising a water storage path and a refrigeration assembly having a refrigeration element and a heating element, characterized in that, It also includes circulating water systems and auxiliary water systems: The storage water passage is thermally connected to the cooling element so that the cooling element absorbs heat from the water located in the storage water passage; The auxiliary water passage is independent of the storage water passage and is thermally connected to the refrigeration unit so that the refrigeration unit absorbs heat from the water in the auxiliary water passage; The circulating water path is thermally connected to the heating element so that the water in the circulating water path absorbs the heat generated by the heating element to prepare hot water.

2. The drinking water apparatus of claim 1, wherein The cooling component includes a semiconductor heat exchanger, which includes the cooling component and the heating component.

3. The drinking water apparatus of claim 2, wherein, It also includes a water storage tank; the water storage path flows through the water storage tank, and the refrigeration component is thermally connected to the water storage tank.

4. The drinking water equipment as described in claim 3, characterized in that, It also includes an auxiliary water tank; the auxiliary water path flows through the auxiliary water tank, and the refrigeration component is thermally connected to the auxiliary water tank.

5. The drinking water apparatus of claim 4, wherein, The cooling element is thermally connected to the auxiliary water tank by at least partial contact with the water in the auxiliary water tank, so that the cooling element directly absorbs the heat from the water in the auxiliary water tank.

6. The drinking water equipment as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The water in this auxiliary water circuit comes from the circulating water circuit.

7. The drinking water equipment as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The water in this auxiliary water circuit comes from an external water source at room temperature.

8. The drinking water equipment as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The cooling element is thermally connected to the storage tank by at least partial contact with the water in the storage tank, so that the cooling element directly absorbs the heat from the water in the storage tank.

9. The drinking water equipment as described in claim 2, characterized in that, It also includes a circulating water tank; the circulating water flows through the circulating water tank.

10. The drinking water equipment as described in claim 9, characterized in that, The cooling assembly also includes a heat exchanger that is thermally connected to the heating element; the heat exchanger has a heat dissipation channel through which the circulating water also flows.

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