Water treatment apparatus

Abstract

The application relates to the technical field of water purification equipment, and relates to a water treatment equipment which comprises a water channel structure, a filter core assembly, a temperature adjusting device, a heat exchange water channel and a liquid channel control device; the temperature adjusting piece comprises multiple heat exchange channels; the liquid channel control device is used for controlling the heat exchange water in the temperature adjusting piece to be filtered and then output for use after entering the filter core assembly. The water treatment equipment of the embodiment can realize the circulating filtration and output of the heat exchange water through the cooperation of the temperature adjusting piece comprising multiple heat exchange channels and the liquid channel control device, and the heat exchange efficiency of the temperature adjusting device and the water source utilization rate are effectively improved.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Most existing water purification equipment uses air cooling for water temperature regulation, primarily employing fans and heat sinks to cool or refrigerate the water tank. However, air cooling is easily affected by ambient temperature, especially in high-temperature environments where its efficiency decreases, leading to unstable cooling performance. Furthermore, air-cooled structures are typically bulky, and their heat dissipation relies on airflow, limiting the design flexibility and overall performance improvement of the water purification equipment. Utility Model Content

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

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

[0005] The water system is equipped with wastewater outlets, hot water outlets, and a cold end water system;

[0006] The filter element assembly has a water inlet, a clean water outlet, and a wastewater outlet, wherein the wastewater outlet is connected to the wastewater port.

[0007] A temperature control device includes a temperature control element and a temperature control assembly. The cold end and hot end of the temperature control element are thermally coupled to the cold end water circuit and the temperature control assembly, respectively. The temperature control element and the temperature control assembly are connected to form a circulation loop.

[0008] The temperature regulating component includes multiple heat exchange channels, and the temperature regulating component is connected to the water inlet, the wastewater outlet, and the wastewater inlet respectively through the multiple heat exchange channels; and

[0009] A liquid circuit control device is used to control the hot water in the temperature regulating element to enter the filter element assembly for filtration and then output for use.

[0010] In one possible implementation, the water circuit structure is further provided with a water inlet; the liquid circuit control device is used to control the on / off state of the plurality of heat exchange channels; the plurality of heat exchange channels include at least one of a first heat exchange channel, a second heat exchange channel, and a third heat exchange channel;

[0011] The first heat exchange channel is connected to the wastewater end and the wastewater outlet respectively; the input end of the second heat exchange channel is connected to the clean water end;

[0012] The output end of the second heat exchange channel is connected to the cold end water circuit, the wastewater outlet, and the hot water outlet, respectively.

[0013] The input end of the third heat exchange channel is connected to the water inlet, and the output end of the third heat exchange channel is connected to the water inlet and the wastewater outlet, respectively.

[0014] In one possible implementation, the temperature regulating element includes at least two heat exchange tubes, and a plurality of heat exchange channels are respectively disposed in the heat exchange tubes and correspond one-to-one.

[0015] In one possible implementation, the temperature control element comprises multiple layers of heat exchange sleeves, with at least two of the heat exchange sleeves sleeved together and forming the heat exchange channel between them.

[0016] In one possible implementation, the temperature control assembly includes a circulation pump connected to the temperature control element to form a loop.

[0017] In one possible implementation, the temperature control assembly further includes a hot water storage tank connected to the circulation pump and the temperature control element to form a loop.

[0018] In one possible implementation, the filter element assembly includes a filter element mounting base connected to the water circuit structure, and the water inlet, the purified water end, and the wastewater end are disposed on the filter element mounting base, which is used to mount an external water purification filter element.

[0019] In one possible implementation, the filter assembly further includes a filter booster pump located upstream of the water inlet along the pipeline.

[0020] In one possible implementation, the water treatment device further includes a water storage tank, which includes a refrigeration unit and a cold storage unit, the refrigeration unit being connected to the cold storage unit and thermally coupled to the cold end of the temperature control element.

[0021] In one possible implementation, the water tank further includes a first cold water pump, which is connected to both the refrigeration unit and the cold storage unit, and the refrigeration unit is connected to the cold storage unit.

[0022] And / or the water tank may further include a second cold water pump, which is connected to the cold storage section and is used to pump cold water outward.

[0023] Implementing the embodiments of this application has the following beneficial effects:

[0024] The water treatment equipment implemented here, through the combination of a temperature-regulating component with multiple heat exchange channels and a liquid circuit control device, can achieve the circulation, filtration, and output of hot water, effectively improving the heat exchange efficiency of the temperature-regulating device and the water utilization rate. By utilizing the heat exchange between wastewater and tap water, the water temperature in the storage tank can be reduced more quickly and stably, significantly improving the problem of unstable cooling effect of traditional air-cooled methods in high-temperature environments.

[0025] Furthermore, this implementation utilizes a liquid circuit control device to precisely control the on / off state of each heat exchange channel, thereby improving water flow and heat exchange efficiency, promoting rapid response in the heating and cooling processes, shortening the water temperature adjustment time in the storage tank, and achieving rapid cooling. Wastewater, after being filtered through the filter element during the heat exchange process, further enters the storage tank or is output as hot water, improving water quality safety and achieving effective sterilization of the water system.

[0026] In summary, the water treatment equipment implemented in this paper has a compact structure, high heat exchange efficiency, stable and rapid cooling effect, and optimizes water flow and water treatment process, effectively solving the technical problems of air cooling being greatly affected by the environment, low cooling efficiency, and large structural volume. Attached Figure Description

[0027] 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.

[0028] Figure 1 A perspective view of the water treatment equipment in an embodiment of this utility model is shown;

[0029] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the water circuit of the water treatment equipment in an embodiment of this utility model is shown;

[0030] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the temperature regulating element in an embodiment of this utility model is shown.

[0031] Figure label:

[0032] 10. Water treatment equipment;

[0033] 100. Water system structure; 110. Water inlet; 120. Wastewater outlet; 130. Clean water outlet; 140. Cold water outlet; 150. Hot water outlet;

[0034] 200. Filter element assembly; 210. Filter element mounting base; 211. Water inlet; 212. Wastewater inlet; 213. Clean water inlet; 220. Filter element booster pump;

[0035] 300. Water tank; 310. Refrigeration unit; 320. Cold storage unit; 330. First cold water pump; 340. Second cold water pump;

[0036] 400. Temperature control device; 410. Temperature control component; 401. First heat exchange channel; 402. Second heat exchange channel; 403. Third heat exchange channel; 404. Fourth heat exchange channel; 411. Heat exchange tube; 412. Heat exchange sleeve; 420. Temperature control assembly; 421. Circulation pump; 422. Hot water storage tank; 511. Inlet valve; 512. Wastewater valve; 513. Clean water valve; 514. Cold water valve; 515. Hot water valve; 521. Circulation valve; 522. Refrigeration valve; 523. Disinfection valve; 524. Filter valve; 525. Heat exchange valve; 526. Clean water input valve; 531. First water circuit valve; 532. Second water circuit valve; 533. Third water circuit valve; 541. First filter valve; 542. Second filter valve;

[0037] 600. Shell structure;

[0038] 20. Water purifier filter cartridge. Detailed Implementation

[0039] 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.

[0040] Existing water treatment equipment mostly uses air cooling for water temperature regulation, primarily employing fans and heat sinks to cool or refrigerate the water tank. However, air cooling is easily affected by ambient temperature, especially in high-temperature environments where its efficiency decreases, leading to unstable cooling performance. Furthermore, air-cooled structures are typically bulky, and their heat dissipation relies heavily on airflow, limiting the design flexibility and overall performance improvement of water treatment equipment.

[0041] To address the aforementioned issues, some existing water treatment equipment incorporates water circuit heat exchange designs. However, these often employ a single heat exchange path, lacking the flexibility to switch between different heat exchange requirements. This results in limited heat exchange efficiency and an inability to simultaneously optimize rapid cooling and heating effects. Furthermore, the single heat exchange structure has shortcomings in flow control, affecting the water flow rate and heat exchange efficiency, thus failing to achieve efficient water temperature regulation and effective water circuit sterilization.

[0042] Furthermore, the existing heat exchange devices have complex connection methods and insufficient precision in liquid circuit control, making it difficult to achieve efficient switching of the heat exchange circuit and limiting the overall performance improvement of the temperature control device. Insufficient optimization of flow rate and heat exchange results in both cooling and heating effects failing to reach ideal levels, affecting the ice-making speed and sterilization effect of water treatment equipment. There is an urgent need for a new water circuit structure and liquid circuit control technology that can flexibly adjust the heat exchange path and improve heat exchange efficiency.

[0043] Based on this, see Figures 1 to 3 As shown, this utility model embodiment provides a water treatment device 10, which includes a water circuit structure 100, a filter element assembly 200, a temperature control device 400, a hot water exchange circuit, and a liquid circuit control device; the water circuit structure 100 is provided with a wastewater outlet 120 and a hot water outlet 150, as well as a cold end water circuit for outputting cold water; the filter element assembly 200 is provided with an inlet end 211, a purified water end 213, and a wastewater end 212, with the wastewater end 212 connected to the wastewater outlet 120; the temperature control device 400 includes a temperature control element 410 and Temperature regulating component 420, temperature regulating element 410, and temperature regulating component 420 are thermally coupled to the cold end water circuit and temperature regulating component 420 respectively. Temperature regulating element 410 and temperature regulating component 420 are connected to form a circulation loop. Temperature regulating element 410 includes multiple heat exchange channels and is connected to water inlet 211, wastewater end 212 and wastewater outlet 120 through multiple heat exchange channels. Liquid circuit control device is used to control the hot water in temperature regulating element 410 to enter filter element assembly 200 for filtration and output for use.

[0044] The water treatment equipment 10 of this embodiment, by setting up a temperature regulating element 410 including multiple heat exchange channels in conjunction with a liquid circuit control device, can realize the circulation and output of hot water from the filter box, effectively improving the heat exchange efficiency of the temperature regulating device 400. By utilizing the heat exchange between wastewater and tap water, the water temperature in the cold end water circuit can be reduced more quickly and stably, significantly improving the problem of unstable cooling effect of traditional air-cooled methods in high-temperature environments.

[0045] Furthermore, this implementation utilizes a liquid circuit control device to precisely control the on / off state of each heat exchange channel, thereby improving water flow and heat exchange efficiency, promoting rapid response in the heating and cooling processes, shortening the temperature adjustment time in the cold-end water circuit, and achieving rapid cooling. Wastewater, after being filtered by the filter element during the heat exchange process, further enters the cold-end water circuit or is output as hot water at the 150°C outlet, improving water quality safety and achieving effective sterilization of the water circuit.

[0046] In summary, the water treatment equipment 10 implemented in this way has a compact structure, high heat exchange efficiency, stable and rapid cooling effect, and optimizes water flow and water quality treatment process, effectively solving the technical problems of air cooling being greatly affected by the environment, low cooling efficiency, and large structural volume.

[0047] In the water treatment device 10 of this embodiment, the liquid circuit control device achieves intelligent switching of multiple water flow paths by precisely regulating the on / off state of each heat exchange channel, thereby enhancing the flexibility and functionality of the system.

[0048] Specifically, the liquid path control device can control the flow of tap water or wastewater through the heat exchange channel before it re-enters the filter element assembly 200 for secondary filtration. This design allows the system to utilize the residual heat in the wastewater for preheating or heat recovery while ensuring water quality safety and preventing secondary pollution. By introducing the heat-exchanged water into the filter element assembly 200, the system can achieve multi-stage purification under different operating conditions, improving water quality safety.

[0049] Furthermore, the filtered water can be input into the hot water circuit of the second heat exchange channel 402 for further heat regulation or cooling, depending on the control strategy. This multi-path flow ensures flexible water flow allocation and optimized heat exchange efficiency when cooling or heating demands change. For example, during rapid cooling, the system can directly introduce the filtered water into the second heat exchange channel to quickly lower the water temperature; when hot water is needed, the filtered water can be directed to the hot water outlet 150 for use as drinking water.

[0050] Meanwhile, when the system detects that the water temperature in the cold end water circuit has reached the preset target value, the liquid circuit control device can switch paths, allowing the filtered water to be directly output from the second heat exchange channel and enter the hot water outlet 150 as potable hot water supply. This process not only ensures the real-time supply of hot water, but also achieves rapid water temperature adjustment through multi-path switching.

[0051] Under certain operating conditions, to ensure water source safety and sterilization effectiveness, the liquid path control device can also directly introduce filtered water into the cold end water path for disinfection and sterilization. By controlling the opening and closing status of the heat exchange channel, the system can select the optimal path for water treatment or heat energy utilization according to actual needs, thereby improving overall energy efficiency and water quality safety.

[0052] It should be noted that valves in hydraulic control devices can be implemented in various ways, including solenoid valves, mechanical valves, or intelligent control valves. The specific choice should be optimized based on the system's response speed, control accuracy, and reliability. Solenoid valves have the advantages of fast response and high control accuracy, but are more expensive; mechanical valves have a simple structure and lower cost, but have a slower response speed; intelligent control valves, combined with sensor data, can achieve more intelligent path switching and adapt to changing operating conditions.

[0053] Through this multi-path, controllable water flow regulation method, the system can not only achieve rapid response to cold and hot water, but also maximize energy efficiency and reduce energy waste while ensuring water quality safety. At the same time, this design facilitates subsequent maintenance and system upgrades, providing users with a safer, more stable, and energy-efficient water purification solution.

[0054] In one embodiment, the water circuit structure 100 further includes an inlet 110 for inputting tap water; the temperature regulating element 410 is connected to the temperature regulating component 420 to form a circulation loop; the plurality of heat exchange channels include at least one of a first heat exchange channel 401, a second heat exchange channel 402 and a third heat exchange channel 403.

[0055] The system includes multiple heat exchange channels, including a first heat exchange channel 401, a second heat exchange channel 402, and a third heat exchange channel 403. The first heat exchange channel 401 is connected to the wastewater end 212 and the wastewater outlet 120. The input end of the second heat exchange channel 402 is connected to the clean water end 213, and the output end of the second heat exchange channel 402 is connected to the cold end water circuit, the wastewater outlet 120, and the hot water outlet 150. The input end of the third heat exchange channel 403 is connected to the water inlet 110, and the output end of the third heat exchange channel 403 is connected to the water inlet 211 and the wastewater outlet 120. A liquid circuit control device is used to control the on / off state of the water source in the circulation loop, the first heat exchange channel 401, the second heat exchange channel 402, and the third heat exchange channel 403.

[0056] Specifically, the water outlet includes a clean water outlet 130 and a cold water outlet 140. The clean water outlet 130 is connected to the filter element assembly 200 and is used to output filtered water. The cold water outlet 140 is connected to the cold end water circuit and is used to output cold water. In this embodiment, the hot water outlet 150 can be used to output potable hot water.

[0057] Furthermore, to achieve better heat exchange performance, the temperature regulating element 410 can be made of a high thermal conductivity material, such as copper or aluminum alloy. Copper is preferred because of its excellent thermal conductivity, which can accelerate heat transfer and thus improve the response speed of water temperature regulation. When the cold end of the temperature regulating element 410 is thermally coupled to the cold end water circuit, clamping, welding, or placing the cold end of the temperature regulating element 410 in the cold end water circuit can be used to ensure good thermal contact, reduce thermal resistance, and improve heat exchange efficiency. Simultaneously, the structure of the temperature regulating element 410 can be designed as a multi-channel flow structure. Specifically, the inlet 110 and outlet 120 in the water circuit structure 100 are connected to the temperature regulating element 410 through multiple branches, thereby forming multiple parallel heat exchange channels. This multi-channel design increases the contact area between the water and the temperature regulating element 410, improves the heat exchange rate, and the uniform flow distribution helps reduce local overheating or overcooling.

[0058] Specifically, the temperature control element 410 and the temperature control assembly 420 can be connected by quick connectors or modular connection structures, which facilitates disassembly and maintenance, and improves the maintainability and service life of the equipment.

[0059] The number of inlet 110 and wastewater outlet 120 in the water circuit structure 100 can be adjusted according to the design requirements of the water treatment equipment 10. Specifically, the number of inlet 110 and wastewater outlet 120 can be one, two, or more, and there is no unique limitation. Setting multiple inlet 110 or wastewater outlet 120 can realize segmented heat exchange or multi-path parallel heat exchange, further improving the flexibility of water flow regulation and heat exchange efficiency, and meeting the diverse needs of different operating environments.

[0060] It should be noted that the water flow rate has a significant impact on heat exchange efficiency. When adjusting the water flow rate using the liquid circuit control device, the flow rate can be set to multiple levels, the specific level to be determined based on actual design requirements. When the flow rate is too low, heat exchange is insufficient, leading to reduced cooling or heating efficiency; while when the flow rate is too high, although the heat exchange speed increases, it may increase system energy consumption and pump load, reducing the overall energy efficiency ratio. Therefore, reasonable control of the flow rate is crucial for achieving efficient and energy-saving water temperature regulation.

[0061] In some embodiments, the water treatment equipment 10 further includes a housing structure 600, which serves as an installation carrier for mounting the water circuit structure 100, filter element assembly 200, cold end water circuit, and temperature control device 400. The housing structure 600 not only provides robust mechanical support for each functional component but also forms the overall external frame of the equipment, ensuring a reasonable layout and secure fixation of each component.

[0062] The shell structure 600 can internally house a middle frame and a cover plate. The middle frame serves as the internal skeleton, supporting and securing the various functional modules. The middle frame is typically made of metal or high-strength engineering plastics to ensure structural rigidity and durability. The middle frame has pre-drilled mounting holes and slots to facilitate precise positioning and secure installation of components such as the water circuit structure 100, filter element assembly 200, cold-end water circuit, and temperature control device 400. By rationally designing the middle frame structure, space wastage between components can be effectively reduced, achieving a compact internal structure and improving overall space utilization.

[0063] The cover and middle frame are detachably connected, facilitating routine maintenance and component replacement. This connection can be achieved using screws, snap-fit ​​connections, or magnetic attachment, depending on the specific usage environment and maintenance needs. Screw-fixed connections offer a stable structure suitable for applications requiring frequent disassembly and reassembly; snap-fit ​​connections are simple and quick, ideal for user-managed maintenance; and magnetic attachments enhance both ease of installation and removal and overall aesthetics. The detachable cover design allows users or maintenance personnel to easily open the equipment for filter replacement, internal cleaning, or troubleshooting, significantly improving the usability and maintenance efficiency of the water treatment equipment 10.

[0064] In addition, the shell structure 600 can also be equipped with a heat insulation layer or sealing strip to enhance the thermal insulation performance and waterproof and dustproof capabilities of the equipment, further improving the stability and service life of the water treatment equipment 10. The material selection for the shell can also vary depending on the application environment, such as using environmentally friendly and durable materials like ABS plastic and polycarbonate, which have good corrosion resistance and mechanical strength, while also meeting the aesthetic requirements of the appearance design.

[0065] It should be noted that the size and shape of the housing structure 600 can be optimized based on the volume and layout of the internal components. The size can be compact, medium, or large, and can be customized according to the installation environment and user needs. In the compact design, the housing reduces volume through modular integration, facilitating installation on desktops or kitchen countertops; the medium design balances performance and space, suitable for home and office environments; and the large design is suitable for applications with high requirements for cooling capacity and water treatment capabilities.

[0066] Specifically, the temperature control component 410 includes, but is not limited to, a combination of a semiconductor cooling chip, a compressor, and a heat-conducting element. This combination is designed to optimize the cooling efficiency and heat exchange performance of the water treatment equipment 10, thereby meeting the water temperature regulation needs of different users.

[0067] In one embodiment, a thermoelectric cooler, as a highly efficient cooling element, has advantages such as small size, light weight, and no moving parts. Its working principle is based on the Peltier effect, where the flow of current generates a temperature difference within the semiconductor material, thereby achieving heat transfer. In this embodiment, the cold end of the thermoelectric cooler can directly contact the cold end water path, thus quickly and effectively reducing the temperature of the water in the tank. It should be noted that the number of thermoelectric coolers can be one or more, and the specific configuration can be adjusted according to the required cooling capacity and space constraints. Parallel configuration of multiple thermoelectric coolers can improve the cooling rate and further enhance heat exchange efficiency. The hot end of the thermoelectric cooler achieves heat conduction through thermal coupling with the temperature control component 420, and dissipates heat through the temperature control component 420.

[0068] In another embodiment, the compressor, as the core component of a traditional refrigeration system, transfers heat by compressing the refrigerant. Its working principle involves compressing low-pressure gas into high-pressure gas, and removing or absorbing heat through condensation and evaporation processes, thereby achieving more flexible power regulation and higher energy efficiency.

[0069] In some embodiments, a thermoelectric cooler and a compressor cooling scheme can be combined. By combining these two cooling schemes, the temperature control unit 410 can flexibly switch between cooling and heating to meet diverse user needs for water temperature. For example, when rapid cooling is required, the system can prioritize the use of the thermoelectric cooler for initial cooling, and then further reduce the water temperature by combining it with the operation of the compressor; when heating is required, the system can utilize the heat from the compressor by changing the flow direction of the refrigerant. This flexible temperature regulation mechanism significantly enhances the functionality of the water treatment equipment 10.

[0070] The liquid circuit control device also includes a control module, which is connected to each valve body via communication lines and is responsible for real-time control and management of the valve body's opening and closing status. The control module not only enables automatic valve switching but also dynamically adjusts the valve body status based on sensor feedback (such as flow sensors, pressure sensors, and water quality sensors), optimizing the operating efficiency and safety of the water circuit system. For example, when filter blockage or abnormal wastewater discharge is detected, the control module can automatically close the inlet valve 511 or wastewater valve 512 and issue an alarm to ensure safe system operation.

[0071] The specific implementation methods of the control module are diverse, covering various industrial and embedded control units, such as programmable logic controllers (PLCs), STM32 microcontrollers based on the ARM Cortex-M core, general-purpose microcontrollers, and field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs). The selection of different controllers can be rationally configured according to the complexity of the water treatment equipment 10, the response speed requirements, and the cost budget. PLCs have powerful industrial control capabilities and stability, making them suitable for large or complex systems; STM32 and microcontrollers are suitable for small-size, low-power embedded applications; FPGAs provide highly flexible parallel processing capabilities, making them suitable for occasions with special customized requirements for control logic.

[0072] The control module is typically installed inside the equipment and can collect equipment operation data in real time, execute preset programs, and achieve precise control and status monitoring of the liquid circuit valves. This module can also connect to external smart terminals or cloud platforms via a communication interface, supporting remote management, fault diagnosis, and maintenance, thereby improving the intelligence level and user experience of the water treatment equipment 10.

[0073] Through the above structural design, the liquid circuit control device not only achieves precise regulation of the influent, wastewater, purified water, and cold water flow paths, but also enhances the system's flexibility and safety by incorporating automated control technology. This design effectively avoids human error, shortens response time, and improves the overall stability and reliability of the water treatment equipment.

[0074] In one embodiment, the liquid circuit control device further includes a temperature sensor, which monitors the temperature signal in the hot water exchange circuit in real time and feeds back the collected temperature data to the control module. The control module intelligently regulates the water source output by the temperature regulating element 410 according to a preset temperature threshold, thereby realizing automatic switching of the water flow path.

[0075] Specifically, when the temperature sensor detects that the water temperature in the hot water exchange circuit exceeds the set threshold, the control module will instruct the liquid circuit control device to guide the hot water exchange to the wastewater outlet 120 for waste discharge treatment, so as to avoid the high temperature water circulating in the system, prevent the equipment from overheating or the water quality from deteriorating, and ensure the safe and stable operation of the system and the hygiene of the water quality.

[0076] Conversely, when the water temperature does not exceed the preset threshold, the control module controls the hot water to flow along the circulation path inside the water treatment equipment 10, achieving efficient heat exchange and recycling of the water source between the cold end water circuit, the temperature regulating element 410, and the temperature regulating component 420. At this time, the water temperature in the water circuit remains within a reasonable range, continuously providing a stable water temperature regulation effect, while improving energy efficiency and saving energy consumption through circulating heat exchange.

[0077] This temperature sensing and intelligent control mechanism ensures that the temperature of the hot water exchange circuit remains within a controllable range, preventing equipment damage and water quality safety hazards caused by excessive temperature, while also achieving efficient and energy-saving water temperature regulation, thus improving the performance stability and operational safety of the water treatment equipment 10. Furthermore, the control module can combine data from other sensors (such as flow sensors and water quality sensors) for comprehensive judgment, further optimizing the water circuit control strategy to meet the precise water temperature management needs under different operating conditions. The placement of the temperature sensors can be flexibly set; they can be used to detect the temperature of the hot water source in the temperature regulating component 410 or to monitor the temperature signal of the temperature regulating assembly 420. The specific design can be adjusted according to actual needs and system structure, without a single limitation. Multi-point temperature acquisition provides more comprehensive temperature data support for the liquid circuit control device, further optimizing the liquid circuit switching strategy and improving heat exchange efficiency and equipment response speed.

[0078] See Figure 3 As shown in (a), in one embodiment, the temperature regulating element 410 includes at least two heat exchange tubes 411, and multiple heat exchange channels are respectively disposed in the heat exchange tubes 411 and correspond one to one.

[0079] In this embodiment, a design scheme employing multiple heat exchange tubes 411 connected in parallel in sequence significantly improves the overall heat exchange capacity of the temperature regulating element 410. Each heat exchange tube 411 contains multiple heat exchange channels (such as a first heat exchange channel 401, a second heat exchange channel 402, a third heat exchange channel 403, and a fourth heat exchange channel 404), with each channel arranged sequentially within a different heat exchange tube. This multi-channel layout enhances the heat exchange area and expands the contact area between the water and the heat exchange tube wall, thereby improving heat transfer efficiency.

[0080] Specifically, the parallel arrangement of multiple heat exchange tubes 411 reduces pressure loss of the fluid during the heat exchange process, which is beneficial for maintaining a high flow rate while ensuring rapid heat transfer. This design also has good modularity, facilitating manufacturing and maintenance. By providing at least one heat exchange channel in each heat exchange tube, multiple heat exchanges can be carried out simultaneously, avoiding the problem of reduced heat exchange efficiency caused by excessively low flow rates when a single channel is operating.

[0081] In terms of structural layout, multiple heat exchange tubes 411 are connected sequentially to form a compact overall structure, which helps save space and meets the compact design requirements of the overall water treatment equipment. This layout also facilitates the rational arrangement between the cold-end water circuit and the temperature control component 420, achieving efficient connection of the circulation loop, reducing pipe length and connection points, and lowering the risk of system leakage and thermal resistance. The fourth heat exchange channel 404 is connected to the temperature control component 420 to form a circulation loop, mainly used for quickly discharging waste heat or introducing cold water, improving heat exchange efficiency. This structural design facilitates concentrating the heat exchange process in a specific channel, making it easier to control and adjust, and improving the system's response speed.

[0082] Specifically, multiple heat exchange tubes 411 can be combined and fixed in various ways, such as snap-fitting, welding, and bonding. Snap-fitting offers advantages such as simple structure and convenient assembly / disassembly, making it suitable for applications requiring frequent maintenance or replacement. Welding ensures a strong bond between heat exchange tubes, guaranteeing good mechanical strength and stable thermal contact, making it suitable for applications with high requirements for heat exchange efficiency and long-term reliability. Bonding utilizes thermally conductive adhesives, which not only simplify the process but also effectively fill tiny gaps between tubes, reducing thermal resistance and improving heat transfer efficiency.

[0083] When multiple heat exchange tubes 411 are in close contact with each other, in addition to heat exchange through the water flow within each tube, heat can also be directly conducted through the tube walls, forming additional heat transfer paths. This heat conduction function brought about by the contact between the heat exchange tubes effectively enhances the heat exchange capacity of the overall temperature control unit 410, realizes the synergistic utilization of heat energy between multiple channels, and improves the heat exchange rate and energy efficiency ratio. At the same time, the closely arranged heat exchange tube structure helps to reduce the size of the equipment, making the overall water treatment equipment more compact and meeting the strict space requirements of modern household and commercial water purification equipment.

[0084] In addition, to ensure good thermal contact between heat exchange tubes, high thermal conductivity thermal paste or thermal pads can be applied to the contact surfaces of the tube walls to further reduce thermal resistance. By rationally selecting the combination method and supplementing it with thermally conductive materials, the overall thermal conductivity of the heat exchange tube assembly can be maximized, improving the thermal efficiency of the temperature control element 410 and ensuring the stable and efficient operation of the temperature control device 400 and the entire water treatment equipment 10.

[0085] See Figure 3 As shown in (b), in another embodiment, the temperature regulating element 410 adopts a structure design with multiple heat exchange sleeves 412, and the heat exchange channel is formed between two adjacent heat exchange sleeves 412. This design utilizes the gap between the sleeves as a water flow channel, and through the tight fit of the multiple sleeves, it realizes the function of multi-channel heat exchange, thereby improving heat exchange efficiency and saving space.

[0086] Specifically, the innermost heat exchange sleeve 412 has a fourth heat exchange channel 404 inside, and a third heat exchange channel 403, a second heat exchange channel 402, and a first heat exchange channel 401 are formed between the outer heat exchange sleeves 412 in sequence. This multi-channel structure with layers not only ensures that the heat exchange channels do not interfere with each other, but also makes full use of the volume of the temperature regulating element 410, thereby increasing the heat exchange area and heat exchange rate.

[0087] To ensure the overall structural strength and stability of the temperature regulating component 410, multiple heat exchange tubes 412 can be fixed by connecting structures such as ribs to prevent displacement or deformation of the tubes due to fluid pressure or temperature changes during long-term operation, thus ensuring the sealing and stability of the heat exchange channel. The rib structure can be made of metal sheets, reinforcing ribs, or welded ribs, or it can be designed as a spaced support frame. Depending on the manufacturing process and material selection, it can effectively improve the mechanical strength and durability of the temperature regulating component.

[0088] It is worth noting that the sequence of multiple heat exchange channels is not limited to the structure described above. In practical applications, the channel sequence can be flexibly adjusted according to specific heat exchange requirements and water circuit layout. For example, the first heat exchange channel 401 can be located at the innermost or outermost layer, and the second heat exchange channel 402 and the third heat exchange channel 403 can also be swapped accordingly to adapt to different fluid flow directions and heat exchange strategies, thereby achieving optimal heat exchange performance. This flexible arrangement design enhances the applicability and customization capabilities of the temperature control element 410, meeting the diverse needs of different water treatment equipment designs.

[0089] In addition, the temperature control component 410 is equipped with end caps, each with multiple spaced openings corresponding to different heat exchange channels. Each opening communicates with the interior of its corresponding heat exchange channel and also connects to an external water system, ensuring the independence and airtightness of the water flow in each heat exchange channel. This rationally spaced opening design prevents the mixing and cross-contamination of water flows from different channels, ensuring efficient and safe operation of the multi-channel heat exchange. The end caps are typically made of corrosion-resistant, high-mechanical-strength engineering plastics or metals to ensure sealing performance and durability, while also facilitating quick connection and disassembly for maintenance with the external water system.

[0090] This end cap structure not only seals the heat exchange sleeve but also facilitates the interface connection between the temperature regulating component 410 and the internal water circuit structure 100 and temperature regulating assembly 420 of the water treatment equipment 10. The position and size of the openings on the end cap can be optimized according to the overall layout of the equipment to achieve a reasonable distribution and flow balance of the heat exchange circuit, thereby improving the overall energy efficiency and hydrodynamic performance of the equipment.

[0091] In summary, the structure employing multiple heat exchange tubes 412 sequentially nested, combined with rib connections and end cap openings, not only ensures the mechanical strength and sealing performance of the temperature control element 410, but also achieves efficient, independent flow, and flexible arrangement of multi-channel heat exchange, significantly improving the performance and reliability of the heat exchange device 400 in the water treatment equipment 10. This structure also possesses good modularity and ease of maintenance, making it suitable for the needs of modern high-efficiency water purification equipment.

[0092] In some embodiments, the heat exchange tubes 412 can also be arranged in pairs, with each pair of heat exchange tubes 412 closely fitted together, forming a heat exchange channel through the space between them. This design not only enables multi-channel heat exchange but also effectively improves the structural compactness and heat exchange efficiency of the temperature control element 410.

[0093] Specifically, two heat exchange tubes 412 are fixed together or side by side, using the annular or radial gap between them as a heat exchange channel in which water flows to achieve heat transfer and exchange. By reasonably controlling the size and shape of the channel between the two heat exchange tubes 412, the flow rate of water and the heat exchange area can be optimized, thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency.

[0094] The use of a 412 heat exchanger jacket structure with two units in each pair offers several key advantages:

[0095] On the one hand, by reducing the gaps between the heat exchange tubes 412 and optimizing the channel shape, the contact area between the heat exchange medium and the heat exchange tube wall can be increased, the heat transfer rate can be improved, and thus the overall heat exchange performance can be enhanced. Compared with the heat exchange channel formed by a single heat exchange tube 412, the design of two heat exchange tubes 412 combined in pairs helps to achieve a more uniform distribution of heat flow, avoid local overheating or overcooling, and improve the stability and reliability of the system.

[0096] On the other hand, the two-to-one heat exchange tube structure 412 facilitates modular manufacturing and maintenance, simplifies the assembly process of the temperature control component 410, and reduces manufacturing costs. Simultaneously, this structural form helps reduce the size of the equipment, meeting the compact design requirements of modern water treatment equipment and improving the space utilization rate of the equipment.

[0097] In addition, by setting auxiliary heat conduction structures such as ribs, thermal pads or thermal adhesives between the two heat exchange tubes 412, the thermal resistance in the heat exchange channel can be further reduced, the heat exchange efficiency can be improved, and the mechanical strength and stability of the heat exchange tubes 412 can be guaranteed, thus extending the service life of the equipment.

[0098] It should be noted that the number of heat exchanger tubes 412 arranged in pairs can be one, two, or more, depending on the design requirements and heat exchange load of the water treatment equipment 10. In the design, by adjusting parameters such as the diameter, wall thickness, and spacing of the heat exchanger tubes 412, different heat exchange requirements and water flow velocities can be accommodated to achieve the best heat exchange effect.

[0099] In summary, the design of the heat exchange sleeves 412 in pairs, combined with reasonable gaps and auxiliary heat conduction methods, can significantly improve the overall heat exchange efficiency and structural compactness of the temperature control element 410, and enhance the performance and user experience of the temperature control device 400 and the water treatment equipment 10.

[0100] Specifically, the temperature control component 420 includes a heat exchange pipeline, with its two ends connected to the input and output ends of the temperature control element 410, respectively, thus forming a closed loop. This design allows the heat exchange medium in the temperature control device 400 to circulate between the temperature control element 410 and the heat exchange pipeline, achieving efficient heat transfer and dissipation.

[0101] In this circulation loop, the heat exchange medium absorbs or releases heat when passing through the temperature control element 410, and then flows through the heat exchange pipeline. The large surface area of ​​the heat exchange pipeline effectively dissipates the heat to the external environment or other heat dissipation devices, completing the heat exchange process. The heat exchange pipeline can be designed with a serpentine, coiled, or multi-channel structure to increase the contact area with air or the cooling medium and improve heat dissipation efficiency.

[0102] Through this circulation loop configuration, the temperature control device 400 can continuously and stably maintain the temperature of the heat exchange medium within the ideal range, preventing performance degradation due to heat accumulation and ensuring the cooling effect and speed of the water treatment equipment 10. Furthermore, the closed structure of the circulation loop also helps reduce the risk of heat exchange medium leakage, improving the safety and reliability of the system.

[0103] To prevent wastewater backflow and contamination of the water purification filter element 200, installing a one-way valve in the liquid circuit control device is an effective technical measure. The input end of the one-way valve is connected to the filter element 200, and the output end is connected to the wastewater outlet 120 and the temperature control element 410, respectively. This one-way valve ensures that wastewater can only be discharged in one direction, preventing wastewater output from the temperature control element 410 from flowing back into the filter element 200. This avoids impurities or bacteria carried in the wastewater from re-entering the filter element, ensuring the service life of the filter element 200 and the safe and stable quality of the purified water.

[0104] Check valves can generally take various forms, such as spring-loaded check valves, ball-type check valves, or diaphragm-type check valves. The specific choice can be flexibly determined based on the system's water pressure, flow rate, and installation space. Spring-loaded check valves are highly responsive, compact, and simple in structure, making them suitable for water treatment equipment with limited installation space. Ball-type check valves offer excellent sealing performance and strong corrosion resistance, making them suitable for long-term operating environments. Diaphragm-type check valves effectively reduce flow resistance and improve water flow efficiency. Specifically, check valves can be made of food-grade plastic, stainless steel, or copper alloy to balance durability and safety.

[0105] In another embodiment, to further optimize the wastewater discharge path and prevent backflow contamination, the wastewater outlet 120 is designed to include a first wastewater outlet and a second wastewater outlet. The filter element assembly 200 is connected to the first wastewater outlet, and the temperature control element 410 is connected to the second wastewater outlet, forming two independent wastewater paths. This design allows the wastewater from the filter element assembly 200 and the wastewater from the temperature control element 410 to be discharged through different paths, avoiding cross-flow of the two wastewater paths and thus more effectively preventing wastewater from flowing back into the filter element assembly 200.

[0106] By setting up separate first and second wastewater inlets, the risk of cross-contamination in the water system can be reduced. Simultaneously, it facilitates independent adjustment and control of the flow and pressure of the two wastewater lines, improving the overall stability and safety of the system. Specifically, there can be one first and one second wastewater inlet, or two or more can be set according to the design requirements of the water treatment equipment 10, enabling segmented discharge or parallel discharge of multiple wastewater lines, further improving wastewater discharge efficiency and the flexibility of water system management.

[0107] Furthermore, the pipe connections and sealing structures at the first and second wastewater inlets can utilize quick-connect fittings or snap-fit ​​connections for easy disassembly and maintenance, ensuring reliable sealing and preventing wastewater leakage. This design not only improves the ease of equipment maintenance but also enhances the overall system's safety performance.

[0108] In summary, whether it is by setting a one-way valve to achieve unidirectional wastewater flow or by setting multiple wastewater outlets to achieve independent wastewater discharge, both methods effectively avoid wastewater backflow from contaminating the filter element assembly 200, ensuring the water quality safety of the water treatment equipment 10 and the long-term stable use of the filter element, thereby improving the reliability of the equipment and the user experience.

[0109] Furthermore, the temperature control assembly 420 includes a circulation pump 421, which is connected to the temperature control element 410 via a pipe to form a loop.

[0110] By combining the circulating pump 421 with the temperature control component 410, the transport efficiency of the heat exchange medium within the temperature control device 400 can be significantly improved, thereby enhancing the overall heat exchange effect and the system's response speed.

[0111] In this embodiment, the two ends of the temperature regulating element 410 can be connected to the circulating pump 421 to form a complete circulation loop, or the circulating pump 421 can be located in the heat exchange pipeline to drive the heat exchange medium to be transported in the circulation loop. Specifically, when the circulating pump 421 is directly connected to the temperature regulating element 410, the flow rate and flow rate of the heat exchange medium can be effectively controlled to ensure rapid heat transfer and dissipation during the heat exchange process. Under this configuration, the liquid circuit control device can intelligently adjust the pump's operating status according to the real-time temperature signal to achieve dynamic control.

[0112] In summary, by introducing the circulating pump 421, the temperature control component 420 not only improves the transport efficiency of the heat exchange medium, but also enhances the flexibility and adaptability of the system, ensuring that the water treatment equipment 10 can maintain efficient water temperature regulation performance under various operating conditions.

[0113] In one embodiment, the temperature control assembly 420 further includes a hot water storage tank 422, which is connected to the circulating pump 421 and the temperature control component 410 to form a complete hot water exchange circuit. The main purpose of setting up the hot water storage tank 422 is to increase the storage capacity of the heat exchange medium, thereby improving the heat exchange capacity and stability of the system.

[0114] Specifically, the hot water storage tank 422, acting as a buffer and storage unit for the heat exchange medium, effectively alleviates the problem of uneven flow of the heat exchange medium within the system. When the temperature control device 400 is operating, the hot water storage tank 422 can store a certain amount of heat exchange medium, ensuring that the system can still provide a stable heat exchange effect even when the heat exchange load is large or there are instantaneous changes in demand. In this way, the system's heat exchange efficiency is significantly improved, and the cooling speed becomes faster and more stable.

[0115] Furthermore, the hot water storage tank 422 enables the recirculation of the heat exchange medium. When the heat exchange medium is not circulating in the hot water circuit, it can be temporarily stored in the hot water storage tank 422, preventing heat loss or accumulation in a certain part of the system. This design not only helps maintain stable water temperature but also reduces the frequency of heat exchange medium replenishment and discharge, improving the system's operating efficiency and economy.

[0116] In summary, the addition of the hot water storage tank 422 not only enhances the storage and recirculation capacity of the heat exchange medium, but also improves the heat exchange efficiency of the temperature control device 400 and the overall stability of the system, effectively meeting the thermal management needs of the water treatment equipment 10 under high load and variable operating conditions.

[0117] In this embodiment, the filter element assembly 200 is provided with a water inlet end 211, a wastewater end 212 and a clean water end 213. The water inlet end 211 is used to introduce water source, and the water source is filtered by the filter element assembly 200. The filter element assembly 200 outputs the treated clean water from the clean water end 213, and the wastewater is discharged from the wastewater end 212.

[0118] Specifically, the wastewater end 212 is connected to the temperature control element 410, and is used to exchange heat using the wastewater discharged from the filter element assembly 200 as a heat exchange medium. By introducing wastewater into the temperature control element 410, the waste heat or cold energy of the wastewater can be effectively recovered and utilized, thereby improving the overall energy efficiency and heat exchange efficiency of the temperature control device 400. This design not only makes full use of the residual heat energy of the wastewater and reduces energy waste, but also reduces the operating cost of the system, which is of positive significance for energy conservation and environmental protection.

[0119] The purified water end 213 is connected to the cold water circuit and is used to deliver filtered purified water to the cold water circuit, allowing the filtered water to enter the temperature control device 400 for cooling. This structure ensures that the water entering the cold water circuit is safe and meets drinking standards, while also achieving effective control of the water temperature in the cold water circuit, thus improving the user's drinking experience.

[0120] It should be noted that the specific type of filter element installed in the filter element assembly 200 can be selected according to actual application requirements. In this embodiment, the filter element assembly 200 preferably installs a reverse osmosis (RO) filter element. RO filter elements can effectively remove dissolved solids, harmful substances, and microorganisms from water, ensuring high purity and safety of the purified water. Furthermore, in other embodiments, the filter element assembly 200 can also install other types of filter elements, such as activated carbon filter elements, ultrafiltration membrane filter elements, nanofiltration membrane filter elements, or composite filter elements. The selection of different filter elements can be adjusted according to water quality conditions, filtration requirements, and cost budgets to meet the diverse needs of different users.

[0121] Specifically, the filter element assembly 200 can contain one, two, or more filter elements. Multiple filter elements can be connected in series or parallel to achieve more efficient filtration or extend their lifespan. Using multiple filter elements not only improves purification efficiency but also allows for tiered filtration of different pollutants, ensuring the stability and reliability of the filtered water quality. Furthermore, the connection between the wastewater end 212 and the temperature control element 410 can be achieved through various methods such as pipe sealing, quick-connect fittings, or threaded connections, ensuring the airtightness and safety of wastewater flow to the temperature control element 410 and preventing leakage and contamination.

[0122] In one embodiment, the filter element assembly 200 includes a filter element mounting base 210, which is connected to the water passage structure 100 and is used to mount an external water purification filter element 20.

[0123] This design allows the water filter cartridge 20 to be easily positioned and disassembled, greatly improving the efficiency of filter cartridge replacement and reducing the operational complexity for users during maintenance.

[0124] The structural design of the filter element mounting base 210 should take into account the fixing and sealing performance of the filter element. Specifically, the filter element mounting base 210 can adopt a snap-on, threaded, or quick-connect connection method to ensure the stability and safety of the filter element during use. Among them, the snap-on design facilitates quick installation and removal, while the threaded connection provides better sealing, which is especially important in high water pressure environments. The quick-connect connection provides a more convenient operating experience for users who need to frequently replace filter elements.

[0125] Specifically, the inlet end 211, wastewater end 212, and purified water end 213 are located on the filter element mounting base 210, ensuring efficient filtration within the filter element assembly 200. The wastewater end 212 discharges the wastewater treated by the filter element, while the purified water end 213 delivers the filtered purified water to the cold end water circuit. This structural design effectively reduces the length of pipelines and connection points, lowers the potential risk of leakage in the system, and improves overall safety and reliability.

[0126] In practical applications, the filter cartridge assembly 200 is designed to flexibly adapt to different types of filter cartridges to meet diverse water treatment needs. For example, the filter cartridge mounting base 210 is compatible with various filter cartridge types such as reverse osmosis (RO) filter cartridges, activated carbon filter cartridges, and ultrafiltration membrane filter cartridges, allowing users to freely choose the appropriate filter cartridge type based on specific water source conditions and purification requirements.

[0127] Furthermore, the filter element assembly 200 also includes a filter element booster pump 220, which is connected in the water pipe between the water circuit structure 100 and the filter element mounting base 210.

[0128] By setting up the filter booster pump 220, the water delivery efficiency and purification effect can be significantly improved, especially when the water purification filter 20 uses a reverse osmosis (RO) filter.

[0129] The filter booster pump 220 works by increasing the flow pressure of the water source, ensuring that the water can pass through the water filter cartridge 20 at a higher flow rate, thereby improving the filtration effect. RO filter cartridges have high requirements for inlet water pressure, and the filter booster pump 220 can increase the pressure of the water source to this range, ensuring that the RO filter cartridge can effectively remove dissolved solids and harmful substances from the water, improving the safety and purity of the purified water.

[0130] The inclusion of the filter booster pump 220 not only improves water delivery efficiency but also extends the filter's lifespan to some extent. By maintaining a suitable filtration pressure, the working environment of the water filter 20 becomes more stable, reducing damage caused by pressure fluctuations. Furthermore, the filter booster pump 220 effectively reduces water retention time during delivery, lowering the risk of bacterial growth and ensuring the safety and hygiene of the purified water.

[0131] Furthermore, the water treatment equipment 10 also includes a water storage tank 300, which includes a refrigeration unit 310 and a cold storage unit 320. The refrigeration unit 310 is connected to the cold storage unit 320, and the refrigeration unit 310 is thermally coupled to the cold end of the temperature regulating component 410.

[0132] In this embodiment, the cooling unit 310 is used to realize the cooling function of water. It can absorb heat from the water through the cooling cycle device, thereby reducing the water temperature. The cold storage unit 320 is used to store the cold water after being cooled by the cooling unit 310, and plays the role of cold water buffer and reserve, so that the cold end water circuit can continuously and stably provide cold water to the user.

[0133] Specifically, the cold-end thermal coupling between the refrigeration unit 310 and the temperature regulating element 410 means that the two maintain close thermal conduction contact during heat exchange, allowing the cooling energy brought by the heat exchange medium in the temperature regulating element 410 to be quickly transferred to the water source in the refrigeration unit 310. Through this thermal coupling design, the refrigeration unit 310 can efficiently absorb the low-temperature energy brought by the temperature regulating element 410, improve the overall cooling efficiency, and shorten the response time for water temperature reduction.

[0134] The cold storage section 320, as a cold water storage container, directly affects the cold water storage capacity of the cold end water circuit through its capacity and structural design. The cold storage section 320 can be insulated with heat-insulating materials to reduce cold loss and ensure that the cold water remains at a low temperature for a certain period. Specifically, the capacity of the cold storage section 320 can be set according to the usage requirements of the water treatment equipment 10, and selected based on the actual usage environment and user needs to meet different cold water supply requirements. Insufficient capacity will lead to unstable cold water supply, frequent refrigeration starts, increased energy consumption, and equipment wear; excessive capacity will increase equipment size and cost, and may also cause cold water to remain for too long, affecting water freshness.

[0135] A partition or heat-conducting structure can be installed between the cold storage section 320 and the refrigeration section 310 to allow for necessary heat exchange while effectively separating the two sections. This prevents the cold water from being directly disturbed by the refrigeration cycle of the refrigeration section 310, ensuring uniform and stable temperature of the cold water in the cold end water circuit. Furthermore, the design of the cold storage section 320 should also consider ease of cleaning and maintenance to ensure the safety and hygiene of the cold water quality.

[0136] In one embodiment, the cold end water circuit further includes a first cold water pump 330, which is connected to both the refrigeration section 310 and the cold storage section 320, with the refrigeration section 310 and the cold storage section 320 connected together. By providing the first cold water pump 330, the efficiency of cold water delivery can be significantly improved, ensuring smoother and more stable circulation of cold water between the refrigeration section 310 and the cold storage section 320.

[0137] Specifically, the first chilled water pump 330 overcomes the problem of insufficient water flow velocity caused by factors such as resistance, water pressure difference, and pipe length in the pipeline, enabling chilled water to be quickly delivered from the refrigeration unit 310 to the cold storage unit 320, or from the cold storage unit 320 to the user's water supply port. This not only ensures the full utilization of the low-temperature water resources in the cold end water circuit, but also effectively avoids the phenomena of chilled water stagnation and temperature rise, improving the response speed of chilled water supply and user experience.

[0138] Furthermore, the first chilled water pump 330 can operate continuously or be designed for intermittent operation, achieving intelligent control in conjunction with temperature and flow sensors. Through intelligent control, the chilled water pump can automatically adjust its start-up and shutdown based on changes in water temperature within the cold end water circuit and user water demand, further improving the system's energy efficiency and ease of use.

[0139] By installing the first chilled water pump 330, the water circulation efficiency between the refrigeration unit 310 and the cold storage unit 320 is improved, the temperature distribution of chilled water in the cold end water circuit is more uniform, and energy waste caused by temperature differences is reduced, thereby improving the overall energy efficiency and stability of the refrigeration system. At the same time, the rapidly circulating chilled water can better meet the user's needs for chilled water volume and temperature, improving the operating effect and reliability of the water treatment equipment 10.

[0140] Furthermore, the cold-end water circuit also includes a second cold water pump 340, which is connected to the cold storage section 320 and used to pump cold water outwards. By setting up the second cold water pump 340, the output efficiency of cold water can be significantly improved, ensuring that the user end can quickly and stably obtain the required temperature and flow rate of cold water.

[0141] Specifically, the second cold water pump 340 solves the problems of insufficient flow and unstable pressure that may occur when relying solely on gravity or simple pipeline pressure for water supply. Especially in cases of high water consumption or long pipelines with significant pressure loss, it effectively ensures the continuity and sufficiency of cold water supply. The second cold water pump 340 increases the delivery pressure and flow rate of cold water from the cold storage unit 320 to the user, reducing the risk of supply delays and water temperature rise, thus improving the user's drinking water experience.

[0142] Furthermore, the second cold water pump 340 can also be designed for intelligent control. By incorporating flow sensors, pressure sensors, and temperature sensors, it can automatically start and stop based on the user's actual water demand, effectively reducing energy consumption and extending the pump's lifespan. Intelligent control also avoids prolonged idling or frequent starts, reducing mechanical wear and failure rates.

[0143] The selection of materials for the second cold water pump 340 is equally important. The pump body and internal fluid contact components should preferably be made of corrosion-resistant materials that meet drinking water hygiene standards, such as food-grade stainless steel and food-grade engineering plastics, to ensure water quality safety and equipment durability. The sealing structure should employ a reliable mechanical or magnetic seal design to prevent leakage and contamination, ensuring the safe and stable operation of the system.

[0144] By installing a second chilled water pump 340, the cold-end water circuit can more effectively deliver chilled water to the user end, not only improving the output efficiency of chilled water but also optimizing the water supply performance and user experience of the entire water treatment equipment 10. This design ensures sufficient chilled water supply pressure and stable output water, while reducing the phenomenon of chilled water stagnation in the refrigeration section 310 and the cold storage section 320 due to insufficient water pressure, further improving the system's cooling efficiency and energy-saving effect.

[0145] For details, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 2 In the illustrated embodiment, the liquid circuit control device is equipped with multiple valves, including an inlet valve 511, a wastewater valve 512, a purified water valve 513, a cold water valve 514, and a hot water valve 515. These valves are arranged on corresponding water pipes, corresponding to the inlet pipe of inlet 110, the wastewater pipe of wastewater outlet 120, the purified water pipe of purified water end 213 of filter element assembly 200, the cold water pipe of cold water outlet 140, and the potable hot water output pipe of hot water outlet 150. The valve arrangement enables the opening and closing control of different water flows in the water circuit system, ensuring that the fluid path of the system can be effectively managed and meeting the water demand of the water treatment equipment 10 at different operating stages.

[0146] Specifically, the inlet valve 511 controls the entry of external water. When the water treatment equipment 10 is started, the control module can open the inlet valve 511 to allow water to enter the filter element assembly 200 for purification. The wastewater valve 512 controls the discharge of wastewater. In conjunction with the filtration process of the water purification filter element 20, it effectively removes the wastewater generated by the filter element, preventing backflow or leakage. The purified water valve 513 is located on the purified water outlet 130 pipe and controls the output of purified water from the filter element assembly 200 to the user end, ensuring the stability and accuracy of the purified water flow. The cold water valve 514 is located on the cold water outlet 140 pipe and controls the flow of cold water output from the cold end water circuit to the user end, meeting the user's immediate need for cold water. The hot water valve 515 is located on the hot water outlet 150 pipe and controls the output of potable hot water.

[0147] The valve body is preferably made of solenoid valve because of its fast response speed, precise control, and ease of integration into automation systems. Solenoid valves achieve rapid opening and closing of the valve through the switching of an electromagnetic coil, possessing good sealing performance and a long service life, making them suitable for precise water flow control in water treatment equipment 10. The structure of solenoid valves can include both direct-acting and pilot-operated types; the specific selection can be flexibly determined based on system pressure, flow requirements, and cost considerations to meet control requirements under different operating conditions.

[0148] In the water treatment equipment 10 of this embodiment, the on / off control of multiple heat exchange channels of the temperature regulating element 410 is realized through a liquid circuit control device, which can flexibly switch water circuits according to different needs to achieve efficient heat conversion and reasonable distribution of pipelines. Specifically, the temperature regulating element 410 is controlled by switching valves to connect or disconnect any of the water circuits of the wastewater end 212, the clean water end 213, or the water inlet 110, and at the same time, the output water circuit is switched to connect with the wastewater outlet 120, the temperature regulating component 420, or the cold end water circuit, while ensuring the independence of each heat exchange channel.

[0149] Furthermore, the liquid circuit control device also includes a circulation valve 521, a cooling valve 522, a disinfection valve 523, a filter valve 524, a heat exchange valve 525, and a purified water input valve 526, as well as a first water circuit valve 531, a second water circuit valve 532, and a third water circuit valve 533, a first filter valve 541, and a second filter valve 542. In this embodiment, the water circuits of the water treatment equipment 10 are configured as follows:

[0150] The fourth heat exchange channel 404, the circulating pump 421 and the hot water storage tank 422 are connected in sequence to form a circulation loop, and the circulation valve 521 is installed on the circulation loop;

[0151] The clean water end 213 is connected to the input end of the cold water circuit to form a cold water input circuit; the refrigeration valve 522 is located on the cold water input circuit;

[0152] The second heat exchange channel 402 is connected to the input end of the cold end water circuit to form a disinfection water circuit; the disinfection valve 523 is located on the disinfection water circuit;

[0153] The second heat exchange channel 402 is connected to the inlet 211 to form a filter element return water path; the filter element valve 524 and the filter element booster pump 220 are located on the filter element return water path.

[0154] Wastewater end 212 is connected to the first heat exchange channel 401 to form a wastewater heat exchange circuit; heat exchange valve 525 is located on the wastewater heat exchange circuit.

[0155] The purified water end 213 is connected to the second heat exchange channel 402 to form a purified water heat exchange circuit; the purified water inlet valve 526 is located on the purified water heat exchange circuit.

[0156] The first heat exchange channel 401, the second heat exchange channel 402, and the third heat exchange channel 403 are respectively connected to the wastewater outlet 120 to form the first wastewater outlet channel, the second wastewater outlet channel, and the third wastewater outlet channel; the first water channel valve 531, the second water channel valve 532, and the third water channel valve 533 are respectively provided on the first wastewater outlet channel, the second wastewater outlet channel, and the third wastewater outlet channel;

[0157] The water purification end 213 is connected to the first heat exchange channel 401 to form a first filtration channel, and the first filter valve 541 is provided on the first filtration channel.

[0158] The water purification end 213 is connected to the third heat exchange channel 403 to form a second filtration channel, and the second filtration valve 542 is located on the second filtration channel.

[0159] The operating principle of water treatment equipment 10 is as follows:

[0160] When the heat exchanger is driven to exchange heat through the temperature control component 410, the cooling valve 522 is closed first to prevent the heat exchanger from entering the cold end water circuit, thereby preventing the low temperature water in the cold end water circuit from being affected by unnecessary heat, and maintaining the stability of the water temperature and the quality of the cold water in the cold end water circuit.

[0161] When the first water source (which can be wastewater) output from the wastewater end 212 needs to be driven to enter the temperature control element 410 for heat exchange;

[0162] Close: Wastewater valve 512;

[0163] Open: Heat exchange valve 525;

[0164] The first water source can enter the temperature regulating component 410 for heat exchange through the first input water channel.

[0165] At this time, the liquid circuit control device can switch the output water circuit to circulation mode:

[0166] Open: Circulation valve 521;

[0167] This allows the hot water source to circulate within the temperature control device 400 to achieve the heat exchange function.

[0168] At this time, the liquid circuit control device can switch the output water circuit to waste discharge mode:

[0169] Close: First filter valve 541;

[0170] Open: Wastewater valve 512, First water circuit valve 531;

[0171] This allows the heat exchanger to discharge wastewater through the wastewater end 212.

[0172] At this time, the liquid path control device can switch the output water path to heavy filtration mode:

[0173] Close: Water purification valve 513, water purification inlet valve 526, third water circuit valve 533, second filter valve 542;

[0174] Open: Filter valve 524, refrigeration valve 522, first filter valve 541;

[0175] This allows the hot water source to be driven to the filter element 200 for filtration, and the filtered hot water to be delivered to the cold end water circuit.

[0176] When it is necessary to drive the second water source (which can be purified water) output from the purified water end 213 to enter the temperature control element 410 for heat exchange;

[0177] Close: Refrigeration valve 522;

[0178] Open: Clean water inlet valve 526;

[0179] The second water source can enter the temperature control unit 410 for heat exchange through the second water input channel.

[0180] At this time, the liquid circuit control device can switch the output water circuit to circulation mode:

[0181] Open: Circulation valve 521;

[0182] This allows the hot water source to circulate within the temperature control device 400 to achieve the heat exchange function.

[0183] At this time, the liquid circuit control device can switch the output water circuit to waste discharge mode:

[0184] Open: Wastewater valve 512, Second water circuit valve 532;

[0185] This allows the heat exchanger to discharge wastewater through the wastewater end 212.

[0186] At this time, the liquid circuit control device can switch the output water circuit to disinfection mode:

[0187] Close: Second water circuit valve 532;

[0188] Open: Sterilization valve 523;

[0189] This allows the hot water source to be delivered to the cold end water circuit for high-temperature disinfection.

[0190] When a third water source (which can be tap water) needs to be input into the inlet 110 for heat exchange in the temperature control element 410;

[0191] Open: Inlet valve 511;

[0192] The third water source can enter the temperature control unit 410 for heat exchange through the third input water channel.

[0193] At this time, the liquid circuit control device can switch the output water circuit to circulation mode:

[0194] Open: Circulation valve 521;

[0195] This allows the hot water source to circulate within the temperature control device 400 to achieve the heat exchange function.

[0196] At this time, the liquid circuit control device can switch the output water circuit to waste discharge mode:

[0197] Close: Second filter valve 542;

[0198] Open: Wastewater valve 512, Third water circuit valve 533;

[0199] This allows the heat exchanger to discharge wastewater through the wastewater end 212.

[0200] At this time, the liquid path control device can switch the output water path to heavy filtration mode:

[0201] Close: Water purification valve 513, water purification inlet valve 526, third water circuit valve 533, first filter valve 541;

[0202] Open: Filter valve 524, refrigeration valve 522, second filter valve 542;

[0203] This allows the hot water source to be driven to the filter element 200 for filtration, and the filtered hot water to be delivered to the cold end water circuit.

[0204] In addition, after tap water or wastewater is filtered through the filter element 200, the liquid path control device can switch the output water path to drinking hot water mode:

[0205] Close: Water purification valve 513, Water purification inlet valve 526;

[0206] Open: Hot water valve 515;

[0207] This allows the filtered hot water source to be output through the hot water outlet 150 for drinking.

[0208] Specifically, for example, when the temperature of the heat exchange source exceeds a preset threshold, the liquid circuit control device switches to waste discharge mode. Water flows through the temperature regulating element 410 and is discharged from the wastewater outlet 120, forming a unidirectional flow heat exchange path. This unidirectional transport mode helps to quickly remove excessive heat from the heat exchange source. By utilizing the lower temperature and larger flow rate of the external water source, the temperature of the heat exchange source is rapidly reduced, preventing the overall system temperature from becoming too high and improving equipment safety and stability. This mode improves heat exchange efficiency and the heat exchange effect of the temperature regulating element 410, ensuring continuous supply of the heat exchange source and timely discharge of wastewater, avoiding water stagnation and reduced heat exchange efficiency.

[0209] When the temperature of the heat exchange source does not exceed the threshold, a circulation mode can be adopted. This allows the heat exchange source to form a closed-loop circulation between the temperature regulating element 410 and the hot water storage tank 422. In this mode, the heat exchange source flows continuously through the heat exchange loop, effectively maintaining a uniform and stable temperature, reducing the impact of temperature fluctuations on the system, and improving overall heat exchange efficiency and energy saving.

[0210] Disinfection mode can also be used when the temperature of the hot water source does not exceed the threshold. This allows the purified water to be delivered to the cold end water circuit after heat exchange, and the cold end water circuit is disinfected by high temperature, making full use of heat energy.

[0211] When the temperature of the hot water source does not exceed the threshold, a re-filtration mode can also be used. This allows the purified water to be delivered to the filter element assembly 200 after heat exchange, and the filter element assembly 200 is rinsed at high temperature, improving the rinsing effect. The advantage of this rinsing process is that it uses the water source output from the temperature regulating element 410 as the rinsing medium. The water temperature, after heat exchange regulation, is usually within a suitable temperature range, which helps to improve the rinsing effect, promotes the removal of deposits and impurities inside the filter element, and extends the service life of the filter element. Simultaneously, the rinsing process uses a liquid circuit control device to precisely control the water flow path and flow rate, achieving efficient and uniform rinsing, avoiding localized scale buildup and clogging, and ensuring the filtration performance of the filter element and water quality safety. The technical solution of using warm or hot water to rinse the filter element assembly 200 can significantly improve the cleaning effect and service life of the filter element. Specifically, compared to room temperature water, warm or hot water has a stronger dissolving capacity and higher heat transfer efficiency, making it easier to dissolve and remove organic pollutants, oils, and some microorganisms on the filter element, thus achieving a more thorough rinsing effect.

[0212] In practical applications, the temperature of the warm water can be set within a general warm water range, such as 30℃, 40℃, 50℃, or even higher at 60℃. The specific temperature is determined based on the heat resistance of the filter material and the design requirements of the water purification system. If the temperature is too low, the rinsing effect will be limited, making it difficult to effectively remove attached dirt; if the temperature is too high, it may damage or prematurely age some filter materials. Therefore, it is necessary to reasonably control the temperature range to balance the rinsing effect and the durability of the filter.

[0213] In addition, rinsing with hot water can also have a certain bactericidal and disinfecting effect. When the water temperature reaches a certain threshold (e.g., 55℃ to 70℃), it can effectively inhibit and kill bacteria and microorganisms on the surface of the filter element, reducing the risk of secondary pollution and thus ensuring the hygiene and safety of the water purification system and the stability of water quality. This disinfection function is especially suitable for occasions with high requirements for water quality hygiene, such as household drinking water, medical or food processing water, etc.

[0214] It should be noted that the number of valves, including circulation valve 521, refrigeration valve 522, disinfection valve 523, filter valve 524, heat exchange valve 525, and purified water inlet valve 526, can be set to one, two, or more according to specific system design requirements. The specific number and arrangement can be flexibly adjusted according to the structure of the temperature control component 410, the complexity of the piping, and the flow requirements to achieve more precise flow path switching and more efficient heat exchange. Electromagnetic valves with fast response and good sealing performance are preferred, and they are used in conjunction with the control module to achieve automated control, further improving the system's intelligence level and operating efficiency.

[0215] In summary, through the rational combination and linkage control of the above-mentioned circulation valve 521, cooling valve 522, disinfection valve 523, filter valve 524, heat exchange valve 525, purified water input valve 526, and inlet valve 511, wastewater valve 512, purified water valve 513, cold water valve 514, and hot water valve 515, the flexible switching between unidirectional flow cooling and closed-loop circulation transport modes of the heat exchange source in the temperature regulating component 410 is realized. The replenishment of wastewater and tap water ensures the stability of the circulating water source volume and temperature, effectively improving heat exchange efficiency, system energy saving and operational safety, and significantly enhancing the overall performance of the water treatment equipment and user experience.

[0216] Of course, during wastewater discharge, to avoid mutual interference between multiple heat exchange channels, the water valves of other heat exchange channels can be closed during individual wastewater discharge. For example, when the first heat exchange channel 401 discharges wastewater, the second water valve 532 and the third water valve 533 can be closed; the control methods for other heat exchange channels are the same as above and will not be elaborated here. In addition, since the multiple heat exchange channels of the temperature regulating component 410 are independently set, the water treatment equipment 10 can also drive each heat exchange channel to transport water independently as needed during operation, without affecting each other.

[0217] Of course, in some embodiments, in order to ensure that the air or gas generated in the cold storage section 320 and the hot water storage tank 422 due to water consumption, temperature changes or gas accumulation can be effectively discharged, the water treatment equipment 10 may also be equipped with an exhaust device.

[0218] The exhaust pipe can be connected to the exhaust port of the cold storage unit 320 and the hot water storage tank 422, and the gas can be discharged into the external environment through the set exhaust valve or automatic exhaust device to ensure that the gas in the water does not accumulate and avoid affecting the normal operation of the system.

[0219] Specifically, this can be achieved by installing vent pipes in the cold storage section 320 and the hot water storage tank 422. These vent pipes are equipped with vent valves or vent holes along their length. The valves can be electrically, pneumatically, or manually controlled automatic vent valves to automatically open and release air based on gas accumulation. The vent pipes can be strategically arranged to ensure that the vents are far from heat sources and areas susceptible to contamination, preventing gas backflow or the introduction of contaminants. With continuous water use and temperature changes, air or dissolved gases will gradually accumulate in the cold storage section 320 and the hot water storage tank 422, affecting the stability of the water flow and heat transfer efficiency. By installing vent pipes to expel these gases from the system, the concentration of gases in the water can be effectively reduced, bubble formation can be minimized, water flow blockage and noise can be avoided, and the system's operational stability and heat exchange efficiency can be improved.

[0220] 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.

[0221] 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.

[0222] 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.

[0223] 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.

[0224] 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: The water system is equipped with wastewater outlets, hot water outlets, and a cold end water system; The filter element assembly has a water inlet, a clean water outlet, and a wastewater outlet, wherein the wastewater outlet is connected to the wastewater port. A temperature control device includes a temperature control element and a temperature control assembly. The cold end and hot end of the temperature control element are thermally coupled to the cold end water circuit and the temperature control assembly, respectively. The temperature control element and the temperature control assembly are connected to form a circulation loop. The temperature regulating component includes multiple heat exchange channels, and the temperature regulating component is connected to the water inlet, the wastewater inlet and the wastewater outlet through the multiple heat exchange channels respectively. as well as A liquid circuit control device is used to control the hot water in the temperature regulating element to enter the filter element assembly for filtration and then output for use.

2. The water treatment apparatus of claim 1, wherein The water circuit structure is also provided with a water inlet; the liquid circuit control device is used to control the opening and closing of the plurality of heat exchange channels; the plurality of heat exchange channels include at least one of a first heat exchange channel, a second heat exchange channel and a third heat exchange channel; The first heat exchange channel is connected to the wastewater end and the wastewater outlet respectively; the input end of the second heat exchange channel is connected to the clean water end; The output end of the second heat exchange channel is connected to the cold end water circuit, the wastewater outlet, and the hot water outlet, respectively. The input end of the third heat exchange channel is connected to the water inlet, and the output end of the third heat exchange channel is connected to the water inlet and the wastewater outlet, respectively.

3. The water treatment equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The temperature regulating component includes at least two heat exchange tubes, and multiple heat exchange channels are respectively disposed in the heat exchange tubes and correspond one to one.

4. The water treatment equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The temperature regulating component includes multiple layers of heat exchange sleeves, with at least two heat exchange sleeves sleeved together to form the heat exchange channel between them.

5. The water treatment equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The temperature control component includes a circulation pump, which is connected to the temperature control element to form a loop.

6. The water treatment equipment according to claim 5, characterized in that, The temperature control assembly also includes a hot water storage tank, which is connected to the circulating pump and the temperature control component to form a loop.

7. The water treatment equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The filter element assembly includes a filter element mounting base, which is connected to the water circuit structure. The water inlet, the purified water end, and the wastewater end are located on the filter element mounting base, which is used to install an external water purification filter element.

8. The water treatment equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The filter assembly also includes a filter booster pump, which is located upstream of the water inlet along the pipeline.

9. The water treatment equipment according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, The water treatment equipment also includes a water storage tank, which includes a refrigeration unit and a cold storage unit. The refrigeration unit is connected to the cold storage unit and is thermally coupled to the cold end of the temperature control element.

10. The water treatment equipment according to claim 9, characterized in that, The water storage tank also includes a first cold water pump, which is connected to the refrigeration unit and the cold storage unit respectively, and the refrigeration unit and the cold storage unit are connected in communication. And / or the water tank may further include a second cold water pump, which is connected to the cold storage section and is used to pump cold water outward.

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