Water treatment apparatus

Abstract

The application relates to the technical field of water treatment equipment, and relates to a water treatment equipment which comprises a water storage device and a temperature adjusting device; the water storage device comprises a water storage tank and a temperature adjusting tank, and the temperature adjusting tank is thermally coupled to the water storage tank; the temperature adjusting device is at least thermally coupled to the temperature adjusting tank, and the temperature adjusting device is used for preparing a cold body in the temperature adjusting tank, wherein the cold body comprises cold water and / or ice. The water treatment equipment of the embodiment continuously prepares the cold body in the temperature adjusting tank through the temperature adjusting device, stores a large amount of cold energy by using the latent heat of phase change of the cold body, and realizes efficient refrigeration of water bodies in the water storage tank.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of water treatment equipment technology, and in particular to a water treatment device. Background Technology

[0002] Existing water purification equipment generally uses air cooling, employing fans and heat sinks to cool or refrigerate the water tank. Air cooling systems rely on air convection to remove heat, and while their structure is relatively simple and low-cost, their cooling effect is significantly affected by ambient temperature. Especially in high-temperature environments, air cooling efficiency drops markedly, leading to unstable water temperature regulation and poor cooling performance. Utility Model Content

[0003] In view of this, this application provides a water treatment device to solve the problem of poor cooling effect in existing water purification equipment.

[0004] The first aspect of this application provides a water treatment device, comprising:

[0005] A water storage device includes a water tank and a temperature control box, wherein the temperature control box is thermally coupled to the water tank; and

[0006] A temperature control device, at least thermally coupled to the temperature control chamber, and the temperature control device is used to prepare a cold body within the temperature control chamber, the cold body comprising cold water and / or ice.

[0007] In one possible implementation, the temperature control device includes a refrigeration component connected to the temperature control chamber, and the refrigeration component is used to prepare the cold body.

[0008] In one possible implementation, the refrigeration component is at least partially located on top of the temperature control chamber, and the cold air output by the refrigeration component can be delivered into the temperature control chamber.

[0009] In one possible implementation, the temperature control device is used to prepare the cold body into the temperature control chamber, the cold body being used to contact the water in the temperature control chamber;

[0010] And / or, the temperature control device is used to deliver the cold body toward the water tank, and the cold body is used to thermally couple with the water in the water tank;

[0011] And / or, the temperature control device is used to prepare a first cold body in the temperature control chamber, the first cold body being thermally coupled to the water in the temperature control chamber, and the temperature control device is used to prepare a second cold body in the temperature control chamber, the second cold body being thermally coupled to the water in the water storage tank.

[0012] In one possible implementation, the temperature control device includes a cooling element, the working end of which is thermally coupled to the water in the temperature control chamber, and the cooling element generates the cold body.

[0013] In one possible implementation, the temperature control device further includes an anti-icing component for converting the cold body into a water body.

[0014] In one possible implementation, the anti-icing component is located at the outlet of the water tank.

[0015] In one possible implementation, the anti-icing component includes a heating element thermally coupled to the outlet of the water tank.

[0016] In one possible implementation, the anti-icing component includes a circulation pump connected to the water tank and used to drive the water in the water tank to circulate.

[0017] In one possible implementation, a conveying assembly is provided between the water storage tank and the temperature control box, and the conveying assembly is used to convey the cold body into the water storage tank.

[0018] Implementing the embodiments of this application has the following beneficial effects:

[0019] The water treatment equipment in this embodiment continuously generates cold energy in the temperature control chamber through a temperature control device, and uses the latent heat of phase change of the cold energy to store a large amount of cold energy, thereby achieving efficient cooling of the water in the water tank.

[0020] Compared to traditional air-cooled systems, the cooling method implemented here does not rely on ambient air convection, thus the cooling effect is not significantly affected by ambient temperature, ensuring the stability and reliability of water temperature regulation. Simultaneously, the use of cold-body phase change storage technology improves cooling efficiency and reduces the energy consumption of the temperature control device. Structurally, the temperature control chamber and water storage tank are thermally coupled, resulting in a compact overall design that facilitates miniaturization of water treatment equipment and improves space utilization. Attached Figure Description

[0021] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application 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 some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0022] Figure 1 A perspective view of the water treatment equipment in an embodiment of this utility model is shown;

[0023] Figure 2A water circuit diagram of the water treatment equipment in an embodiment of this utility model is shown;

[0024] Figure 3 A water circuit diagram of a water treatment device according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0025] Figure label:

[0026] 10. Water treatment equipment;

[0027] 100. Water storage device; 110. Water storage tank; 111. Water outlet; 120. Temperature control box;

[0028] 200. Temperature control device; 210. Cooling component; 211. Cooling element; 221. Heating component; 230. Cooling fins;

[0029] 300. Filter element assembly;

[0030] 400. Shell structure. Detailed Implementation

[0031] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0032] Existing water treatment equipment generally uses air cooling to cool or refrigerate the water tank through fans and heat sinks. Air cooling systems rely on air convection to remove heat, and their structure is relatively simple and low-cost. However, their cooling effect is significantly affected by the ambient temperature. Especially in high-temperature environments, the air cooling efficiency drops significantly, leading to unstable water temperature regulation and poor cooling effect.

[0033] Based on this, see Figures 1 to 3 As shown, this utility model embodiment provides a water treatment device 10, which includes a water storage device 100 and a temperature control device 200; the water storage device 100 includes a water storage tank 110 and a temperature control box 120, the temperature control box 120 being thermally coupled to the water storage tank 110; the temperature control device 200 is at least thermally coupled to the temperature control box 120, and the temperature control device 200 is used to prepare a cold body 211 in the temperature control box 120, the cold body 211 including cold water and / or ice.

[0034] The water treatment equipment 10 of this embodiment continuously generates a cold body 211 in the temperature control box 120 through the temperature control device 200, and uses the latent heat of phase change of the cold body 211 to store a large amount of cold energy, thereby achieving efficient cooling of the water in the water storage tank 110.

[0035] Compared to traditional air-cooled systems, the cooling method implemented in this embodiment does not rely on ambient air convection, thus the cooling effect is not significantly affected by ambient temperature, ensuring the stability and reliability of water temperature regulation. Simultaneously, the use of phase-change cold storage technology in the cold element 211 improves cooling efficiency and reduces the energy consumption of the temperature control device 200. Structurally, the temperature control box 120 and the water storage tank 110 are thermally coupled, resulting in a compact overall design that facilitates miniaturization of the water treatment equipment 10 and improves space utilization.

[0036] Specifically, the water treatment equipment 10 also includes a filter element assembly 300, which is connected to the water storage device 100 and is used to deliver filtered water to the water storage device 100, ensuring that the water entering the water storage tank 110 meets the purification requirements, thereby ensuring the safety and stability of subsequent cooling and water quality use. The filter element assembly 300 not only achieves the water purification function but also promotes the improvement of the overall performance of the equipment.

[0037] Specifically, the filter cartridge assembly 300 can accommodate various types of filter cartridges to adapt to different water qualities and purification needs. These filter cartridges include, but are not limited to, reverse osmosis (RO) membrane cartridges, activated carbon cartridges, ceramic cartridges, and ultrafiltration membrane cartridges. RO membrane cartridges effectively remove dissolved solids, heavy metal ions, bacteria, and viruses from water, ensuring high water purity. Activated carbon cartridges primarily remove residual chlorine, organic matter, and odors, improving the taste and smell of the water. Ceramic cartridges achieve mechanical filtration through their microporous structure, trapping suspended particles and some microorganisms. Ultrafiltration membrane cartridges combine the characteristics of microfiltration and nanofiltration, effectively filtering out larger molecular impurities and some bacteria.

[0038] The filter element assembly 300 can be a single-stage filter element or a multi-stage filter element combination. Specifically, the number of filter elements can be one, two, or more. Multiple filter elements can be used in series or parallel to form a composite filtration system, thereby improving the filtration effect and the applicability of the equipment. When using a multi-stage filter element combination, the pre-stage filter element can be set as a granular filter element or an activated carbon filter element for pretreatment, extending the service life of subsequent stages such as RO membrane filter elements, and ensuring overall filtration efficiency and stability.

[0039] The filter element assembly 300 can be connected using threaded, snap-fit, or quick-connect methods, depending on the ease of maintenance and sealing requirements of the equipment. Threaded connections are simple in structure and offer good sealing performance, making them suitable for long-term use; snap-fit ​​and quick-connect connections facilitate rapid replacement and maintenance of the filter element.

[0040] In one embodiment, the water treatment device 10 further includes a housing structure 400 for serving as a mounting carrier for the water storage device 100 and the temperature control device 200.

[0041] Specifically, the shell structure 400 is used to fix and protect the water storage device 100 and the temperature control device 200, ensuring a stable connection and reasonable spatial layout between the components, which is beneficial to the compactness of the overall equipment structure and the improvement of mechanical strength. The shell structure 400 can be made of corrosion-resistant and temperature-deformation-resistant materials, such as ABS plastic, stainless steel, aluminum alloy, or composite materials, depending on the application environment and cost requirements. In high-humidity or highly corrosive environments, using stainless steel or special composite materials as the material for the shell structure 400 can effectively extend the service life of the equipment and ensure structural safety.

[0042] By setting the shell structure 400 as the installation carrier, not only is the structural stability and durability of the water treatment equipment 10 improved, but also the rational integration of various functional modules is realized, promoting the miniaturization and aesthetics of the whole machine, and meeting the comprehensive needs of modern water treatment equipment for high efficiency, reliability and portability.

[0043] In one embodiment, the temperature control device 200 includes a refrigeration component connected to the temperature control chamber 120, and this refrigeration component is used to prepare a cold body 211. Specifically, the refrigeration component includes a vertically placed ice tray, a water spray nozzle, and a refrigeration compressor. The main function of the refrigeration compressor is to cool the ice tray to cause water to condense rapidly on the surface of the ice tray, forming an ice-like cold body 211. The water spray nozzle is used to evenly spray water onto the surface of the ice tray, ensuring that the water is sufficiently cooled and forms ice upon contact with the ice tray, thereby improving the preparation efficiency of the cold body 211.

[0044] The design of this refrigeration component helps optimize the preparation process of the cold body 211. Specifically, the vertical ice tray structure effectively utilizes gravity, allowing the formed ice blocks to fall smoothly after preparation. The efficient cooling capacity of the refrigeration compressor ensures rapid cooling of the ice tray, thereby shortening the ice-making time and improving overall refrigeration efficiency. Simultaneously, the design of the water spray nozzle allows for flexible adjustment of water flow and spray angle to adapt to different ice-making needs, further enhancing the flexibility and efficiency of ice-making.

[0045] In one embodiment, the refrigeration assembly further includes a heating element that is thermally coupled to the ice tray. Once the ice is prepared, the heating element causes the ice to fall from the ice tray, thus achieving rapid ice removal. The heating element not only improves the efficiency of ice removal but also avoids difficulties in ice-making operations caused by ice sticking to the ice tray. This design significantly enhances the ease of use of the equipment and helps improve the practicality and efficiency of the water treatment equipment 10 in real-world applications.

[0046] The integrated design of the refrigeration components makes the temperature control unit 200 excellent in terms of space utilization and structural compactness. By combining refrigeration and heating functions into the same system, not only is ice-making efficiency improved, but energy consumption during operation is also reduced. Furthermore, the maintenance and operation of the refrigeration components are relatively simple; users can adjust the water flow and cooling intensity according to actual needs, flexibly responding to water temperature regulation requirements under different environmental conditions.

[0047] Furthermore, the refrigeration component is at least partially located at the top of the temperature control chamber 120, allowing the cold body 211 prepared by the refrigeration component to enter the temperature control chamber 120. Specifically, by being positioned at the top of the temperature control chamber 120, the refrigeration component utilizes gravity to allow the formed cold body 211 to fall smoothly from the ice tray into the temperature control chamber 120.

[0048] This design fully utilizes the natural force of gravity, simplifying the conveying structure of the cold body 211 and eliminating the need for additional mechanical conveying devices. This reduces equipment complexity and energy consumption, while improving system stability and reliability. After the cold body 211 is prepared on the ice tray, due to the vertical ice tray design and the coordination of the heating element (as mentioned above, the heating element is thermally coupled with the ice tray), the ice blocks can easily detach from the ice tray and fall freely into the temperature control chamber 120, ensuring that the cold body 211 can continuously and effectively store cold energy.

[0049] By arranging the refrigeration components on top of the temperature control chamber 120, space can be saved, promoting a more compact and miniaturized design for the entire water treatment equipment 10. Furthermore, the top-mounted refrigeration components facilitate the even spraying of water from the water supply nozzles onto the ice tray, ensuring uniform water film distribution and further improving ice-making efficiency and cold-body quality.

[0050] Specifically, after the cold element 211 falls into the temperature control chamber 120, it thermally couples with the water in the chamber, achieving efficient cooling of the water in the storage tank 110 through the latent heat of phase change of the cold element. The natural accumulation and melting process of the cold element creates a stable low-temperature environment, ensuring the stability and reliable regulation of the water temperature in the storage tank 110.

[0051] Furthermore, the refrigeration components are located on top of the temperature control chamber 120, which facilitates equipment maintenance and cleaning. Maintenance personnel can easily inspect, replace, or clean the refrigeration components, reducing maintenance difficulty and improving the ease of use and durability of the equipment.

[0052] In one embodiment, the temperature control device 200 is used to deliver a cold body 211 into the temperature control box 120, and the cold body 211 is used to directly contact the water in the temperature control box 120.

[0053] By directly contacting the cold element 211 with the water in the temperature control chamber 120, efficient heat transfer can be achieved. The cold element 211 absorbs heat from the water and melts, thus directly cooling the water in the temperature control chamber 120. Since the melting of ice absorbs a large amount of latent heat, this cooling method has higher energy utilization efficiency and better temperature control compared to ordinary cooling methods. Specifically, the latent heat of phase change absorbed by the cold element 211 during melting far exceeds the sensible heat required to simply lower the water temperature, thus achieving a longer and more stable cooling effect.

[0054] Furthermore, the temperature control device 200 continuously produces cold medium 211, constantly replenishing the amount of cold medium 211 in the temperature control chamber 120, thereby maintaining the cold storage capacity of the cold medium 211 and ensuring that the water temperature is maintained within a predetermined range. Continuous ice making not only allows the water treatment equipment 10 to maintain good refrigeration performance under load changes, but also enables precise regulation of the water temperature. Utilizing the latent heat of phase change of the cold medium 211 to store cold energy can effectively balance fluctuations in the refrigeration load, reduce the start-up and shutdown frequency of the refrigeration system, extend the service life of the equipment, and reduce energy consumption.

[0055] Specifically, the volume and surface area of ​​the cold element 211 should be designed to be compatible with the size of the temperature control chamber 120 and the water volume to ensure sufficient contact area and heat exchange efficiency. The cold element 211 can be designed as multiple small cold elements distributed within the temperature control chamber 120, or it can be prepared as a single, larger ice block, depending on the actual refrigeration requirements and equipment structure. A multi-cold-element design helps increase the contact area between the water and the cold element, thereby improving the heat exchange rate.

[0056] In another embodiment, the temperature control device 200 is used to prepare a cold body 211 into the water tank 110, and the cold body 211 is used to thermally couple with the water in the water tank 110, that is, the cold body 211 directly contacts the water in the water tank 110 or achieves heat transfer through a good thermally conductive medium.

[0057] By extending the cooling element 211 into the water tank 110, the cooling element 211 can directly contact the water in the water tank 110, thereby achieving efficient cooling of the water in the water tank 110. During the melting process, the cooling element 211 absorbs heat from the water in the water tank 110, utilizing the latent heat of phase change of ice to significantly improve cooling efficiency. Compared to traditional methods that rely solely on refrigerant or cooling pipes for indirect cooling, the direct thermal coupling of the cooling element 211 can reduce the water temperature more quickly and uniformly, significantly improving the cooling performance and energy efficiency ratio of the equipment.

[0058] Furthermore, because the temperature control device 200 continuously produces cold energy 211, it can continuously replenish the amount of cold energy 211 in the water storage tank 110, thereby maintaining a stable cold storage capacity and ensuring that the water temperature in the water storage tank 110 is maintained within a predetermined low-temperature range. Continuous ice making not only achieves dynamic storage of cold energy, but also effectively balances the heat load fluctuations of the water body through the efficient utilization of latent heat of phase change, reducing the number of system start-ups and shutdowns, improving the stability and lifespan of the equipment, and reducing energy consumption.

[0059] Specifically, the distribution of the cold elements 211 within the water tank 110 can be optimized based on the volume of the water tank 110 and the water flow characteristics. The cold elements 211 can be multiple small, dispersed cold blocks, a single, larger ice block, or arranged in a multi-layered structure. The design of multiple small cold blocks increases the contact area between the cold elements and the water, improving heat exchange efficiency and preventing localized overcooling or ice blockage; larger ice blocks facilitate the formation and maintenance of the cold elements. The size, shape, and position of the cold elements 211 should match the structure of the water tank 110 to ensure smooth water circulation and uniform cooling.

[0060] Meanwhile, the material and inner wall design of the water tank 110 also have a significant impact on heat transfer efficiency. The water tank 110 can be made of materials with good thermal conductivity, such as copper, aluminum alloy, or plastic materials with thermally conductive coatings, to enhance the thermal coupling effect between the cold body 211 and the water. The inner wall can be designed to be corrugated or have microstructures to increase the contact area between the water and the cold body and improve the heat transfer rate.

[0061] In another embodiment, the temperature control device 200 prepares a first cold body and a second cold body in the temperature control chamber 120 and the water storage tank 110, respectively. The first cold body is thermally coupled to the water in the temperature control chamber 120, and the second cold body is thermally coupled to the water in the water storage tank 110. With this design, the temperature control device 200 can simultaneously cool the water in two different containers, allowing each to perform a cooling function, thereby achieving more flexible and efficient temperature control.

[0062] The first cooling element is in direct contact with the water in the temperature control chamber 120. It absorbs heat through the latent heat of the ice's phase change, rapidly lowering the water temperature and improving the cooling efficiency. The second cooling element is in direct contact with the water in the storage tank 110, either directly or through a good thermal coupling medium, employing the same cooling principle to effectively reduce the water temperature in the storage tank 110. This dual-cooling-element method not only expands the cooling range but also allows for differentiated control of water temperature requirements at different locations within the system, meeting more complex water treatment conditions.

[0063] The temperature control device 200 continuously produces cold medium 211, ensuring sufficient quantities of both the first and second cold mediums, and guaranteeing a stable supply of cooling to the water in both tanks. The latent heat of phase change of cold medium 211 makes cooling storage more efficient, far exceeding the sensible heat required to simply lower the water temperature, significantly improving the overall cooling effect of the water treatment equipment 10. The continuous ice-making process can also dynamically adjust the production rate of cold medium 211 based on water temperature feedback and load changes, achieving intelligent temperature management.

[0064] In practice, the number and volume of the first and second cold elements can be flexibly set according to the volume of the temperature control box 120 and the water storage tank 110, as well as the cooling requirements. The first and second cold elements can be distributed as multiple small ice blocks, or as a single larger ice block, or a zoned ice-making structure can be adopted to increase the contact area between the water and the cold elements and enhance heat exchange efficiency. A reasonable distribution of the cold elements helps avoid localized overcooling, ensures uniform water temperature, and improves overall cooling stability.

[0065] In some embodiments, the technical solutions of the above three embodiments can be combined, and the temperature control device 200 can flexibly choose to prepare the cold body in the temperature control box 120, the cold body in the water storage tank 110, or different cold bodies in both simultaneously, to achieve multi-point cooling and multi-zone temperature control. Through the integrated design of multi-cold body and multi-location cooling, the overall cooling capacity and temperature regulation accuracy of the water treatment equipment 10 are significantly improved, meeting the high-efficiency and energy-saving requirements under different usage environments and operating conditions, while extending the service life of the equipment and reducing operating costs.

[0066] It should be noted that in the above embodiments, the cold element 211 is an ice block prepared from water by the temperature control device 200, or it can be a low-temperature element with a built-in water flow channel, such as an ice plate. These design forms provide flexibility and adaptability for the use of the cold element 211. Specifically, the shape and function of the cold element 211 can be selected according to actual needs to achieve the best cooling effect.

[0067] The ice-shaped cold body 211, continuously generated by the temperature control device 200, can provide a large amount of cooling capacity in a short time. Its latent heat of phase change effectively absorbs heat from the water during the melting process, resulting in a significant reduction in the water temperature in the water storage device 100. The advantages of this design are its simplicity, ease of implementation, and high cooling efficiency, making it suitable for large-scale water cooling applications.

[0068] On the other hand, the ice plate-type cooler 211 with built-in water flow channels uses a temperature control device 200 to cool the water flowing inside the cooler 211. This design not only improves cooling efficiency but also allows for precise control of the cooler 211's cooling capacity by adjusting the water flow rate and speed. This flexible adjustment mechanism makes the water treatment process more efficient, enabling dynamic adjustments based on different heat loads and temperature requirements to ensure the water temperature remains within the ideal range.

[0069] The design of the cold element 211 in direct contact with the water in the water storage device 100 ensures good heat conduction. Specifically, the optimized design of the surface area of ​​the cold element 211 in contact with the water significantly improves heat exchange efficiency and promotes rapid transfer of cooling capacity. By rationally designing the shape and structure of the cold element 211 (e.g., using a polyhedral or corrugated shape), the contact area with the water can be further increased, effectively preventing localized excessively high or low temperatures and ensuring the uniformity of water temperature.

[0070] In summary, the flexible design of the cooling element 211 and its excellent thermal coupling with the water provide the water treatment equipment 10 with efficient and stable cooling performance. This innovative temperature control solution not only improves the performance of the water treatment equipment 10 but also provides users with a more reliable temperature management solution, adapting to the needs of different operating conditions.

[0071] In one embodiment, the temperature control device 200 includes a cooling conductor 210, the working end of which is thermally coupled to the water in the temperature control chamber 120, and the cooling conductor 210 forms a cold body 211. By conducting heat between the cooling conductor 210 and the water in the temperature control chamber 120, the water can be formed into a cold body 211, so as to utilize the latent heat of phase change to store more cooling capacity, thereby improving the overall cooling effect of the water treatment equipment 10.

[0072] Specifically, the cooling component 210 can be a solid structure with good thermal conductivity, such as a metal cooling plate, cooling pipe, or cooling rod, with its working end directly or indirectly in contact with the water in the temperature control chamber 120. The temperature control device 200 cools the cooling component 210, causing it to absorb heat and lower the local temperature of the water it is thermally coupled with to below the freezing point, thus promoting ice formation and the formation of a cold body 211. The formation of the cold body 211 not only rapidly lowers the water temperature but also utilizes the latent heat of phase change of ice to continuously absorb heat during the melting process, achieving efficient storage and release of cold energy.

[0073] The working end of the cooling conductor 210 can be designed as a flat plate, multi-groove, or surface with microstructures to increase the contact area with the water and improve heat exchange efficiency. The number of cooling conductors 210 can be one, two, or more, flexibly arranged according to cooling requirements and the size of the temperature control chamber 120. Multiple cooling conductors can create a uniform cold source distribution, preventing localized overcooling or uneven freezing of the water, thus improving overall cooling uniformity and stability.

[0074] The cold body 211 prepared by the cooling conductor 210 can be a thin layer of ice formed along the surface of the cooling conductor, or a thicker block of ice covering the cooling conductor. The shape and size of the cold body 211 also affect the cooling effect and ease of maintenance. A thin layer of ice has a fast cooling response, but a limited cold storage capacity; a thicker block of ice has a large cold storage capacity, but a longer melting and refreezing cycle.

[0075] By using the thermal coupling between the cooling conductor 210 and the water in the temperature control chamber 120 for ice making, energy efficiency in the refrigeration process can be achieved, reducing energy consumption fluctuations in the refrigeration system. Simultaneously, the latent heat of phase change of the cooling element 211 enables dynamic storage and release of cooling capacity, ensuring stable operation of the equipment even under varying loads. This solution fully leverages the role of the cooling conductor as a heat exchange medium, improving the refrigeration efficiency and temperature control accuracy of the water treatment equipment 10, and meeting the stringent requirements of the water treatment equipment 10 for water temperature stability.

[0076] Furthermore, the cooling conductor 210 can be installed using various methods such as embedded fixing, clamping, or bolt fastening, ensuring close contact with the water inside the temperature control tank 120 and facilitating disassembly and maintenance. The surface of the cooling conductor 210 can be coated with an anti-corrosion coating or made of corrosion-resistant materials, improving the equipment's service life and stability. A well-designed cooling conductor not only enhances the cooling effect but also effectively reduces equipment noise and vibration, improving the user experience.

[0077] Specifically, the cooling component 210 includes a semiconductor cooling chip and / or a compressor, which can be used alone or in combination to achieve efficient preparation of the cold body 211 and cooling of water.

[0078] A thermoelectric cooling element, typically a thermoelectric cooling device, cools the cold junction through the Peltier effect of electric current. The thermoelectric cooling element directly contacts the water in the temperature control chamber 120 and / or the water storage device 100, absorbing heat from the water and thus lowering its temperature, causing it to freeze and form a cold body 211. This solution is simple in structure and has a fast response, making it suitable for applications requiring high temperature control accuracy and with small to medium cooling loads. Specifically, the size and number of thermoelectric cooling elements can be flexibly configured according to the volume of the temperature control chamber 120 or the water storage device 100, for example, using a single element, multiple elements in parallel, or a series combination to meet different cooling needs. Using multiple thermoelectric cooling elements can achieve a larger cooling area and a more uniform temperature distribution, while also improving system redundancy and stability.

[0079] Compression refrigeration units achieve significant cooling capacity through compression refrigeration cycles (such as vapor compression refrigeration cycles), transforming water into a cold medium. A compression refrigeration unit typically includes a compressor, condenser, throttling device, and evaporator, providing a continuous and stable low-temperature cold source. This solution is suitable for applications with high cooling demand and significant system load fluctuations, offering high energy efficiency and strong continuous cooling capability. The specifications and power of the compression refrigeration unit can be selected based on actual cooling capacity requirements, such as small household compressors, medium-sized commercial units, or large industrial refrigeration units, meeting the design requirements of water treatment equipment of different scales.

[0080] In some embodiments, a thermoelectric cooler and a compressor cooler can be used in combination. Such combinations include, but are not limited to: the thermoelectric cooler acting as an auxiliary cooling unit for rapid response and precise temperature regulation, ensuring meticulous control of the water temperature; and the compressor cooler acting as the main cooling unit, providing continuous and high-capacity cooling support. Through their collaborative operation, both rapid start-up and flexible adjustment are achieved, while ensuring the overall system's efficient and stable operation, thus improving the cooling performance and energy efficiency ratio of the water treatment equipment 10.

[0081] In addition, when used in combination, control strategies can be designed according to actual needs, such as dynamically switching or adjusting the working status of the semiconductor refrigeration chip and the compressor refrigeration unit according to changes in water temperature and load, thereby optimizing energy consumption distribution and cooling efficiency.

[0082] It should be noted that when using thermoelectric coolers, their cooling capacity and heat dissipation requirements should be considered. They are typically equipped with heat sinks and fans to ensure stable operation and extend their lifespan. Compressor-type refrigeration units, on the other hand, require appropriate condensation systems, lubrication, and protection devices to ensure system safety and reliability.

[0083] In summary, by employing a semiconductor cooling chip and / or a compressor, the cooling component 210 not only achieves efficient cooling of the water in the temperature control box 120 and the water storage device 100, but also flexibly adapts to different cooling needs and operating conditions, further improving the preparation efficiency of the cooling component 211 and the overall performance of the water treatment equipment 10.

[0084] Furthermore, the temperature control device 200 also includes cooling fins 230, which are disposed within the water storage device 100 and thermally coupled to both the cooling body 211 and the water. As a heat conduction enhancement structure, the cooling fins 230 increase the contact area between the cooling body 211 and the water in the water storage device 100, effectively improving the heat exchange efficiency between them. This accelerates the cooling rate of the water and the melting process of the cooling body, achieving a more efficient cooling effect.

[0085] Specifically, the cooling fins 230 can be made of metal materials with excellent thermal conductivity, such as aluminum alloys, copper, and stainless steel. These materials not only have good thermal conductivity but also good mechanical strength and corrosion resistance, making them suitable for long-term use in aquatic environments. The cooling fins 230 can be in the shape of a sheet, corrugated, fin-like, or multi-wing structure to maximize the contact area with the water while reducing fluid resistance and ensuring good flow and circulation of water within the water storage device 100.

[0086] The number of cooling fins 230 can be flexibly set according to the volume of the water storage device 100 and the distribution of the cooling elements 211. Specifically, the number can be one, two, or more. When multiple cooling fins 230 are installed, they can be rationally arranged to achieve a uniform distribution of water temperature, avoiding localized overcooling or hot spots. The synergistic effect of multiple fins can also enhance the overall system's heat exchange capacity, shorten the cooling response time, and improve the system's energy efficiency ratio.

[0087] The cooling fins 230, through thermal coupling with the cooling element 211, can more quickly transfer the cooling capacity of the cooling element to the water, promoting the full release of the latent heat of phase change of the cooling element 211 and improving the cooling storage efficiency. At the same time, the fin structure helps prevent the formation of a thermal resistance layer (such as bubbles or dirt accumulation) on the surface of the cooling element 211, ensuring unobstructed heat conduction paths and maintaining long-term stable cooling performance.

[0088] In addition, the surface of the cooling fins 230 can be specially treated, such as anodizing, spraying a thermally conductive coating or an anti-corrosion coating, which not only improves the durability of the material, but also reduces scale adhesion, reduces the frequency of maintenance, and extends the service life of the equipment.

[0089] Specifically, when the cold body 211 is ice formed from water by the temperature control device 200, the cooling fins 230 can be disposed at the interface between the cold body 211 and the water to enhance the heat transfer efficiency between the two. Specifically, the cooling fins 230 act as a heat transfer bridge, directly placed on the surface of the ice block in contact with the water. By increasing the contact area, they accelerate the transfer of heat from the water to the ice block, and the process of the ice block releasing cold energy into the water. This arrangement of the cooling fins 230 effectively shortens the response time of water temperature drop, improves the uniformity of cold energy release when the ice block melts, and avoids a decrease in refrigeration efficiency due to localized thermal resistance on the ice block surface.

[0090] Furthermore, the cooling fins 230, located at the interface between the cooling body 211 and the water, can prevent the accumulation of thermal resistance caused by poor water flow or local stagnation, promote water circulation, and ensure the overall cooling effect and temperature uniformity of the system. The material and shape design of the cooling fins 230 should take into account both freeze-thaw cycle resistance and thermal conductivity efficiency, ensuring good structural stability and heat transfer performance during repeated ice formation and melting.

[0091] When the cooling element 211 is a low-temperature element with a built-in water flow channel, formed by cooling the internal water flow through the temperature control device 200, the cooling fins 230 can be connected to the surface of the low-temperature element. In this case, the cooling fins 230 not only increase the overall heat conduction area of ​​the low-temperature element surface but also enhance the heat exchange efficiency between the low-temperature element and the water in the water storage device 100. By transferring the cooling energy of the low-temperature element to the surrounding water more quickly through the cooling fins 230, more uniform and efficient cooling can be achieved, avoiding localized temperature gradients caused by uneven temperature distribution on the surface of the low-temperature element.

[0092] Specifically, the connection between the cooling fins 230 and the cryogenic components can be achieved through various methods such as welding, mechanical clamping, bonding, or embedded installation, allowing for flexible selection based on the application environment and maintenance requirements. A well-designed connection method not only ensures tight thermal coupling and reduces thermal resistance but also facilitates the disassembly and maintenance of the cryogenic components and cooling fins. Furthermore, the cooling fins 230 can be shaped with multi-wing fins, corrugated structures, or honeycomb structures to maximize the heat exchange area while controlling water flow resistance, thereby improving the overall system efficiency.

[0093] In summary, the cooling fins 230 can significantly improve the thermal coupling efficiency between the cooling body 211 and the water body, enhance the heat conduction effect, promote the uniform and rapid cooling of the water body in the water storage device 100, improve the cooling performance of the temperature control device 200 and the overall energy efficiency of the water treatment equipment 10, and meet the actual needs for efficient and stable cooling.

[0094] Furthermore, the temperature control device 200 also includes an anti-icing component, which converts the cold element 211 into water to prevent freezing of the water storage device 100 when discharging water, thereby ensuring the normal drainage function of the water treatment equipment 10. Due to its low-temperature characteristics, the cold element 211 is prone to ice blockage in the water flow path or outlet of the water storage device 100, affecting the smooth flow of water and the stable operation of the equipment. By using the anti-icing component in conjunction with the water storage device 100, this problem can be effectively prevented, improving the reliability and service life of the equipment.

[0095] In a preferred embodiment, an anti-icing component is disposed at the outlet 111 of the water tank 110. The water tank 110 outputs cold water through the outlet 111, which is a crucial channel for water to flow out of the water tank and is highly susceptible to icing and blockage due to excessively low temperatures. By placing the anti-icing component at the outlet 111, the temperature in that area can be locally controlled, preventing icing and ensuring smooth water discharge.

[0096] In one embodiment, the anti-icing component includes a heating element 221, which is thermally coupled to the outlet 111 of the water tank 110. The heating element 221 can be an electric heating wire, an electric heating film, a PTC heater, or other controllable heating device. It converts electrical energy into heat energy to locally heat the cold water output from the water tank 110, keeping the temperature of the outlet 111 above the freezing point, thereby preventing icing.

[0097] In another embodiment, the anti-icing component includes a circulation pump connected to the water tank 110 and used to drive the water within the tank 110 to flow. By driving the water to flow continuously within the tank 110 through the circulation pump, especially maintaining a high flow velocity at the outlet 111, it can effectively prevent localized water stagnation and excessively low temperatures from causing freezing. The water flow carries away localized heat, evenly distributing the temperature and reducing the likelihood of ice crystal formation.

[0098] Furthermore, the heating element 221 and the circulation pump of the anti-icing assembly can be used independently or in combination. When used in combination, the heating element 221 provides direct heat input to ensure minimum temperature control, while the circulation pump ensures water flow; their synergistic effect significantly improves anti-icing performance. Through this dual protection, the system can adapt to more complex operating conditions and lower ambient temperatures, ensuring stable operation of the water treatment equipment 10 in frigid environments.

[0099] The installation methods for anti-icing components can be varied. For example, the heating element 221 can be clamped, bonded, or embedded to ensure tight contact with the outlet 111, improving heating efficiency and facilitating maintenance and replacement. The circulating pump can be arranged internally or externally, depending on the available space and ease of maintenance. A reasonable structural design and layout not only ensures the anti-icing function but also minimizes the impact on water flow resistance and the overall structure of the equipment.

[0100] In one embodiment, a conveying assembly is provided between the water storage tank 110 and the temperature control box 120. The conveying assembly is used to transport the cold body 211 prepared in the temperature control box 120 to the water storage tank 110. This technical solution achieves the physical transfer of the cold body 211 by effectively connecting the temperature control box 120 and the water storage tank 110, allowing the cold body 211 to directly enter the water storage tank 110 and be immersed in the water inside the water storage tank 110. This fully utilizes the latent heat of phase change of the cold body 211 for cold storage and improves the cooling effect of the water in the water storage tank 110.

[0101] By setting up a conveying assembly to transport the cold element 211 from the temperature control box 120 to the water storage tank 110, the cold element and water can be effectively combined. This fully utilizes the latent heat of phase change of the cold element, significantly improving the cooling and cold storage capacity of the water in the water storage tank 110. At the same time, the melting process of the cold element 211 in the water storage tank 110 can continuously release cold energy, maintain the low temperature of the water, extend the cooling time of the equipment, and improve the overall performance and energy efficiency of the water treatment equipment 10.

[0102] Specifically, the water storage tank 110 and the temperature control box 120 are connected by a sealed pipeline, forming a closed and low-temperature stable transport channel. This ensures that the cold element 211 does not melt prematurely or freeze and become blocked due to fluctuations in the external ambient temperature during transport. This sealed connection not only avoids disorderly heat loss but also reduces the impact of water vapor condensation on the inside of the transport pipeline, ensuring the overall energy efficiency and stability of the system, and meeting the high requirements of water purifiers for hygiene, safety, and stable operation.

[0103] In one embodiment, the conveying assembly includes helical blades and a drive motor disposed within the pipe. The diameter, pitch, and blade thickness of the helical blades are rationally designed according to the size and shape of the cold body 211 to achieve stable conveying of the cold body 211. Specifically, the diameter of the helical blades can be selected as 70%, 80%, or 90% of the pipe's inner diameter; the pitch can be set to 0.5, 1, or 1.5 times the diameter according to conveying requirements; and the blade thickness can be various specifications such as 2mm, 3mm, and 5mm. This rational helical blade structure design not only effectively propels the cold body 211 along the pipe direction, preventing ice block jamming, but also avoids damage to the cold body during conveying, ensuring that the cold body enters the water tank 110 intact.

[0104] The materials used for pipes and spiral blades should be selected for their excellent low-temperature resistance and corrosion resistance, such as stainless steel, aluminum alloy, or engineering plastics (e.g., PTFE, polyethylene). This ensures that the conveying components can withstand repeated freeze-thaw cycles of chilled water and ice during long-term operation of the water purifier, preventing material brittleness or corrosion and extending the equipment's service life. The inner surface of the pipes can be smoothed or coated with a low-friction coating to reduce cold water conveying resistance, decrease mechanical energy consumption and ice breakage, and improve conveying efficiency and stability.

[0105] In the description of the embodiments of this application, it should be noted that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing the embodiments of this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the embodiments of this application. In addition, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0106] In the description of the embodiments of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected" and "linked" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in the embodiments of this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0107] In the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise expressly 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," "on top of," and "over" 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.

[0108] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., refer to specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment or example, which are included in at least one embodiment or example of the embodiments of this application. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0109] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and are not intended to limit them. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application.

Claims

1. A water treatment apparatus, characterized by, include: A water storage device includes a water storage tank and a temperature control box, wherein the temperature control box is thermally coupled to the water storage tank; as well as A temperature control device, at least thermally coupled to the temperature control chamber, and the temperature control device is used to prepare a cold body within the temperature control chamber, the cold body comprising cold water and / or ice.

2. The water treatment equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The temperature control device includes a refrigeration component connected to the temperature control chamber, and the refrigeration component is used to prepare the cold body.

3. The water treatment equipment according to claim 2, characterized in that, The refrigeration component is located at least partially on top of the temperature control chamber, and the cold body output by the refrigeration component can be delivered into the temperature control chamber.

4. The water treatment equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The temperature control device is used to prepare the cold body into the temperature control chamber, and the cold body is used to contact the water in the temperature control chamber; And / or, the temperature control device is used to deliver the cold body toward the water tank, and the cold body is used to thermally couple with the water in the water tank; And / or, the temperature control device is used to prepare a first cold body in the temperature control chamber, the first cold body being thermally coupled to the water in the temperature control chamber, and the temperature control device is used to prepare a second cold body in the temperature control chamber, the second cold body being thermally coupled to the water in the water storage tank.

5. The water treatment equipment according to claim 4, characterized in that, The temperature control device includes a cooling conductor, the working end of which is thermally coupled to the water in the temperature control chamber, and the cooling conductor generates the cold body.

6. The water treatment equipment according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The temperature control device also includes an anti-icing component, which is used to convert the cold body into water.

7. The water treatment equipment according to claim 6, characterized in that, The anti-icing component is located at the outlet end of the water tank.

8. The water treatment equipment according to claim 6, characterized in that, The anti-icing component includes a heating element, which is thermally coupled to the outlet end of the water tank.

9. The water treatment equipment according to claim 6, characterized in that, The anti-icing component includes a circulation pump connected to the water tank and used to drive the water in the water tank to flow.

10. The water treatment equipment according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, A conveying assembly is also provided between the water storage tank and the temperature control box, and the conveying assembly is used to convey the cold body into the water storage tank.

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