Water treatment apparatus

By introducing a heat exchange circuit and water cooling into the water purification equipment, combined with liquid circuit control and semiconductor refrigeration chips or compressors, the problem of unstable cooling under air cooling is solved, achieving efficient and flexible water temperature regulation and improved equipment performance.

CN224411443UActive Publication Date: 2026-06-26GUANGDONG LIZI TECH CO LTD

Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
GUANGDONG LIZI TECH CO LTD
Filing Date
2025-06-19
Publication Date
2026-06-26

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing water purification equipment uses air cooling for water temperature regulation, resulting in unstable cooling effect, which is greatly affected by ambient temperature. In addition, the equipment is large in size, which limits design flexibility and overall performance improvement.

Method used

The heat exchanger is thermally coupled with the heat exchange components to form a heat exchange circuit and a heat exchange water circuit. The water source flow is flexibly switched through the liquid circuit control device, the water circuit structure and heat exchange circuit design are optimized, and the rapid cooling and heating functions are achieved by combining semiconductor cooling chips or compressors. The heat exchange efficiency is improved by using water cooling.

Benefits of technology

It achieves efficient and stable water temperature regulation, significantly improves cooling effect, reduces equipment size, increases design flexibility and space utilization, and meets diverse temperature control needs.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Patent Text Reader

Abstract

The application relates to the technical field of water treatment equipment, and relates to a water treatment equipment. The water treatment equipment comprises a water path structure, a water storage tank, a temperature adjusting device and a liquid path control device; the water path structure is provided with a water inlet and a water outlet; the temperature adjusting device comprises a heat exchange piece and a heat exchange assembly, and the heat dissipation ends of the heat exchange piece are respectively coupled with the water storage tank and the heat exchange assembly; wherein the heat exchange piece is connected to the water inlet and the water outlet to form a heat exchange water path, and the heat exchange piece is connected to the heat exchange assembly to form a heat exchange loop; the liquid path control device is connected to the heat exchange water path and the heat exchange loop, and the liquid path control device is used for controlling the water source output by the heat exchange piece to be conveyed along the heat exchange water path or the heat exchange loop. The water treatment equipment of the embodiment adopts the heat exchange piece and the heat exchange assembly to be coupled to form the heat exchange loop and the heat exchange water path, the liquid path control device is used for flexibly switching the flow of the water source in the heat exchange water path and the heat exchange loop, and efficient regulation of the water temperature of the water tank is realized.
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Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] 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 an inlet and an outlet.

[0006] A temperature control device includes a heat exchanger and a heat exchange assembly, wherein the heat dissipation end of the heat exchanger is thermally coupled to the heat exchange assembly;

[0007] The heat exchanger is connected to the inlet and the wastewater outlet to form a heat exchange circuit, and the heat exchanger is connected to the heat exchange assembly to form a heat exchange loop; and

[0008] A liquid circuit control device is connected to the heat exchange water circuit and the heat exchange loop respectively, and the liquid circuit control device is used to control the water source output by the heat exchange element to be transported along the heat exchange water circuit or the heat exchange loop.

[0009] In one possible implementation, the liquid circuit control device includes a temperature sensor and a liquid circuit control component. The temperature sensor is used to acquire the temperature signal of the hot water exchange circuit and / or the heat exchange loop, and the temperature sensor is communicatively connected to the liquid circuit control component. The liquid circuit control component is connected to the hot water exchange circuit and the heat exchange loop respectively, and is used to control the water source to flow to the hot water exchange circuit or the heat exchange loop.

[0010] In one possible implementation, the liquid circuit control component includes a switching valve, the switching valve including a plurality of switching channels, wherein two of the switching channels are respectively connected to the heat exchange circuit and the heat exchange loop, and the switching valve is used to switch the on / off state of at least one of the switching channels;

[0011] And / or, the liquid circuit control assembly includes a plurality of solenoid valves, wherein two of the solenoid valves are respectively located on the circulating water circuit and the heat exchange circuit.

[0012] In one possible implementation, the heat exchange assembly includes a circulation pump connected to the heat exchanger via a pipe and used to drive the water source to be transported in the heat exchange loop.

[0013] In one possible implementation, the heat exchange assembly further includes a hot water tank, which is connected to the circulating pump and the heat exchange element to form the hot water circuit.

[0014] In one possible implementation, the heat exchanger is connected to the hot water tank and the inlet to form a water supply path, which is used to replenish the hot water tank with hot water.

[0015] In one possible implementation, the water treatment device further includes a water storage tank, with the cold end of the heat exchanger thermally coupled to the water storage tank.

[0016] In one possible implementation, the water tank includes a refrigeration section and a cold storage section, the refrigeration section being connected to the cold storage section and thermally coupled to the cold end of the heat exchanger.

[0017] 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.

[0018] In one possible implementation, the water tank further includes a second cold water pump, which is connected to the cold storage section and used to pump cold water outward.

[0019] Implementing the embodiments of this application has the following beneficial effects:

[0020] The water treatment equipment implemented here uses heat exchanger elements and heat exchange components to form a heat exchange circuit and a heat exchange water circuit through thermal coupling. The flow of water source in the heat exchange water circuit and the heat exchange circuit can be flexibly switched through the liquid circuit control device to achieve efficient regulation of the water temperature in the water tank.

[0021] This implementation improves the heat exchange efficiency between water and heat exchange components by optimizing the water circuit structure and heat exchange loop design, significantly enhancing the cooling effect and solving the problems of traditional air-cooled refrigeration being greatly affected by ambient temperature and having a slow cooling speed. Furthermore, the liquid circuit control device in this implementation can adjust the water flow path according to actual heat exchange needs, achieving rapid cooling and efficient sterilization functions, meeting the diverse temperature control requirements of water treatment equipment. Because the heat exchange loop uses water cooling, the cooling efficiency is stable, and the compact structure reduces the equipment size, improving the overall design flexibility and space utilization of the water treatment equipment, while also reducing dependence on air circulation. Attached Figure Description

[0022] 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.

[0023] Figure 1 A perspective view of the water treatment equipment in an embodiment of this utility model is shown;

[0024] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the water circuit of the water treatment device in an embodiment of this utility model is shown.

[0025] Figure label:

[0026] 10. Water treatment equipment;

[0027] 100. Waterway structure; 110. Inlet; 120. Wastewater outlet; 130. Clean water outlet; 140. Cold water outlet;

[0028] 200. Filter element assembly; 210. Filter element mounting base; 211. Wastewater end; 212. Clean water end; 220. Filter element booster pump;

[0029] 300. Water tank; 310. Refrigeration unit; 320. Cold storage unit; 330. First cold water pump; 340. Second cold water pump;

[0030] 400. Temperature control device; 410. Heat exchanger; 420. Heat exchange assembly; 421. Circulating pump; 422. Hot water tank; 511. Inlet valve; 512. Wastewater valve; 513. Clean water valve; 514. Cold water valve; 521. Heat exchange valve; 522. Refrigeration valve; 523. Circulating valve;

[0031] 600. Shell structure;

[0032] 20. Water purifier filter cartridge. Detailed Implementation

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] To address the aforementioned issues, some existing water purification devices incorporate 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 limits heat exchange efficiency and fails to optimize both 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 hindering efficient water temperature regulation and effective water circuit sterilization.

[0036] Furthermore, existing heat exchange devices have complex connection methods and insufficient precision in liquid circuit control, making it difficult to achieve efficient switching between hot water exchange circuits and heat exchange loops, thus limiting the overall performance improvement of temperature control devices. Insufficient optimization of flow rate and heat exchange results in both cooling and heating effects failing to reach ideal levels, impacting the ice-making speed and sterilization effect of water purification equipment. Therefore, 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.

[0037] Based on this, see Figures 1 to 2 As shown, this utility model embodiment provides a water treatment device 10, which includes a water circuit structure 100, a temperature control device 400, and a liquid circuit control device. The water circuit structure 100 is provided with an inlet 110 and an outlet. The temperature control device 400 includes a heat exchanger 410 and a heat exchange assembly 420. The heat dissipation end of the heat exchanger 410 is thermally coupled to the water storage tank 300 and the heat exchange assembly 420, respectively. The heat exchanger 410 is connected to the inlet 110 and the outlet to form a heat exchange circuit, and the heat exchanger 410 and the heat exchange assembly 420 are connected to form a heat exchange loop. The liquid circuit control device is connected to the heat exchange circuit and the heat exchange loop, and the liquid circuit control device is used to control the water source output by the heat exchanger 410 to be transported along the heat exchange circuit or the heat exchange loop.

[0038] The water treatment equipment 10 of this embodiment uses heat exchanger 410 and heat exchange component 420 thermally coupled to form heat exchange circuit and heat exchange water circuit. The flow of water source in heat exchange water circuit and heat exchange circuit is flexibly switched by liquid circuit control device to achieve efficient regulation of water temperature in water tank.

[0039] This implementation improves the heat exchange efficiency between water and heat exchanger 410 by optimizing the water circuit structure 100 and the heat exchange loop design, significantly enhancing the cooling effect and solving the problems of traditional air-cooled refrigeration being greatly affected by ambient temperature and having a slow cooling speed. Furthermore, the liquid circuit control device in this implementation can adjust the water flow path according to actual heat exchange needs, achieving rapid cooling and efficient sterilization functions, meeting the diverse temperature control requirements of the water treatment equipment 10. Because the heat exchange loop uses water cooling, the cooling efficiency is stable, and the compact structure reduces the equipment size, improving the overall design flexibility and space utilization of the water treatment equipment 10, while reducing dependence on air circulation. Specifically, the outlets include, but are not limited to, wastewater outlet 120, clean water outlet 130, and cold water outlet 140. Wastewater outlet 120 is used to discharge wastewater, clean water outlet 130 is used to output filtered water, and cold water outlet 140 is used to output cold water.

[0040] Specifically, the water treatment equipment 10 also includes a water storage tank 300, and the cold end of the heat exchanger 410 is thermally coupled to the water storage tank 300 for cooling the water storage tank 300.

[0041] In the water treatment equipment 10, the water storage tank 300 is used to store the water to be treated, and effective temperature control is a crucial factor in ensuring the overall performance of the equipment. The cold end of the heat exchanger 410 is thermally coupled to the water storage tank 300, meaning that the cold end can directly or efficiently transfer cooling energy to the water in the water storage tank 300 through a heat transfer medium, thus cooling the water storage tank 300. This design fully utilizes the cooling capacity of the heat exchanger 410, removing heat from the water storage tank 300 through the cold end, thereby lowering the temperature of the water inside the water storage tank 300.

[0042] The specific implementation of thermal coupling can take various forms. For example, the cold end can be connected to the outer or inner wall of the water tank 300 through a tightly fitting metal contact surface, using a thermally conductive metal material (such as copper or aluminum alloy) as the heat transfer medium; or heat exchange pipes can be installed inside or outside the water tank 300, allowing the cold end to exchange heat with the water in the tank through the pipe wall, further improving heat exchange efficiency. In practice, the contact area between the cold end and the water tank 300, the thermal conductivity of the materials, and the tightness of the contact all directly affect the cooling effect.

[0043] By thermally coupling the cold end with the water tank 300, efficient and stable water temperature regulation can be achieved, avoiding the drawbacks of traditional air-cooling methods that are greatly affected by ambient temperature fluctuations. Especially in high-temperature environments, this water-cooled heat exchange structure can still maintain good cooling efficiency, ensuring that the water temperature in the water tank 300 drops rapidly, thereby improving the overall cooling performance and operational stability of the water treatment equipment 10.

[0044] Furthermore, to achieve better heat exchange performance, the heat exchanger 410 can be made of a high thermal conductivity material, such as copper or aluminum alloy. Copper is preferred due to its excellent thermal conductivity, which accelerates heat transfer and improves the response speed of water temperature regulation. When the cold end of the heat exchanger 410 is thermally coupled to the water tank 300, clamping, welding, or placing the cold end of the heat exchanger 410 within the water tank 300 can be used to ensure good thermal contact, reduce thermal resistance, and improve heat exchange efficiency. Simultaneously, the structure of the heat exchanger 410 can be designed as a multi-channel flow structure. Specifically, the inlet 110 and outlet of the water circuit structure 100 are connected to the heat exchanger 410 through multiple branches, forming multiple parallel heat exchange channels. This multi-channel design increases the contact area between the water and the heat exchanger 410, improves the heat exchange rate, and the uniform flow distribution helps reduce local overheating or undercooling.

[0045] The liquid circuit control device can employ solenoid valve assemblies or proportional valves to flexibly control the water flow direction and flow rate according to actual needs. The switching between the hot water exchange circuit and the heat exchange loop not only enables rapid response between cooling and heating but also adjusts the flow rate based on different water temperatures, optimizing heat exchange efficiency. For example, the liquid circuit control device can prioritize guiding water to the hot water exchange circuit for rapid cooling; when it is necessary to raise the water temperature or maintain a constant temperature, it switches to the heat exchange loop to maintain temperature stability. Simultaneously, the precise control of the liquid circuit control device can also achieve water circuit circulation flushing, which helps inhibit bacterial growth, improves the sterilization effect of the water circuit, and ensures the safety and hygiene of drinking water.

[0046] In one embodiment, the liquid circuit control device may include a switching valve having multiple switching channels, at least two of which are respectively connected to a hot water exchange circuit and a heat exchange loop. By controlling the on / off state of each switching channel within the switching valve, flexible switching of the water source between the hot water exchange circuit and the heat exchange loop can be achieved. Specifically, the switching valve can switch the opening and closing of one or more channels, thereby controlling the water flow path and meeting the needs for cooling, heating, or constant temperature under different operating conditions. This design simplifies the liquid circuit structure, improves the switching response speed, reduces system energy consumption, and enhances the ease of operation and safety of the equipment.

[0047] On the other hand, the liquid circuit control device can also employ a combination of multiple solenoid valves, with at least two solenoid valves respectively located in the circulating water circuit and the heat exchange circuit. By controlling the opening or closing of these two solenoid valves, precise distribution and flow direction control of the water flow can be achieved. Using solenoid valves allows for more precise flow regulation and rapid response, facilitating complex water circuit control strategies such as staged circulation, flow rate regulation, and water circuit flushing. This configuration enhances the flexibility and reliability of water flow control, effectively preventing water flow short-circuiting or flow turbulence, and ensuring the heat exchange efficiency between the heat exchange components and the water tank.

[0048] Combining the two liquid circuit control schemes mentioned above, the switching valve structure is suitable for rapid switching between the hot water circuit and the heat exchange loop, and it is simple in structure and easy to maintain; while the configuration of multiple solenoid valves is suitable for fine-tuning of the water circuit and multi-mode operation requirements. In specific implementation, a suitable liquid circuit control scheme can be selected according to the equipment size, control accuracy, and cost requirements, or the two can be combined to achieve more efficient and stable water temperature regulation and water circuit sterilization functions.

[0049] It should be noted that the number of switching channels of the switching valve can be two, three, or more. The specific number of channels can be determined based on the complexity of the water circuit structure and flow requirements, and there is no single limitation here. The number of solenoid valves can also be two, three, or more. The specific number and arrangement are determined based on the actual heat exchange circuit design and control strategy. Setting up multiple switching channels or multiple solenoid valves is beneficial for realizing multi-path parallel or series connection, improving heat exchange efficiency and system redundancy, and enhancing system stability and maintenance convenience.

[0050] In summary, through the liquid circuit control design of switching valves or multiple solenoid valves, the water treatment equipment 10 can achieve efficient switching and flow control between the hot water exchange circuit and the heat exchange loop, meeting diverse needs such as rapid cooling, constant temperature control and water circuit sterilization, and significantly improving heat exchange efficiency and overall equipment performance.

[0051] Specifically, the connection between the heat exchanger 410 and the heat exchange assembly 420 can be achieved by using quick couplings or modular connection structures, which facilitates disassembly and maintenance, and improves the maintainability and service life of the equipment.

[0052] The number of inlets 110 and outlets in the water circuit structure 100 can be adjusted according to the design requirements of the water treatment equipment 10. Specifically, the number of inlets 110 and outlets can be one, two, or more, and there is no single limitation. Setting multiple inlets 110 or outlets 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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, water storage tank 300, and temperature control device 400. The housing structure 600 not only provides robust mechanical support for each functional component but also forms the overall framework of the equipment, ensuring a reasonable layout and secure fixation of each component.

[0055] 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, water tank 300, 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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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.

[0059] Specifically, the heat exchanger 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 different water temperature regulation needs of various users.

[0060] 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 water tank 300, thereby 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 heat dissipation end of the thermoelectric cooler achieves heat conduction through thermal coupling with the heat exchange component 420, and heat dissipation is achieved through the heat exchange component 420.

[0061] In some embodiments, the thermoelectric cooler switches between cooling and heating functions by changing the direction of the current, thus meeting the water temperature regulation needs under different seasons or environmental conditions. For example, in summer or high-temperature environments, the thermoelectric cooler operates in one current direction to quickly cool the water in the water tank 300, lowering the water temperature; while in winter or low-temperature environments, by reversing the current direction, the cold and heat dissipation ends of the thermoelectric cooler switch functions, allowing it to perform a heating function, thereby raising the water temperature and ensuring that users obtain a suitable drinking water temperature.

[0062] This method is based on the Peltier effect of a semiconductor cooling chip. Switching the direction of the current reverses the direction of heat transfer, thus achieving heat transfer. Specifically, the switching of the current direction can be controlled by an electronic switch, an H-bridge circuit, or a related drive module in an external circuit, ensuring a fast and stable switching process. By precisely controlling the magnitude and direction of the current, fine-tuning of the water temperature can also be achieved to meet different temperature requirements.

[0063] The advantages of this current direction switching technology are that it eliminates the need for an additional independent heating element, saving internal space and cost in water treatment equipment, resulting in a more compact structure. Simultaneously, the semiconductor cooling chip has no moving parts, producing extremely low noise during switching, making the system operate more quietly. Furthermore, the rapid switching between cooling and heating enhances the applicability and user comfort of the water treatment equipment, strengthening its market competitiveness.

[0064] Specifically, the number of thermoelectric coolers can be one, two, or more connected in parallel, and each cooler can independently control the current direction, enabling more flexible and zoned temperature regulation. If multiple thermoelectric coolers are used, when switching the current direction, some coolers can be selected to heat and others to cool, according to actual needs, to meet more complex water temperature control strategies.

[0065] It should be noted that the frequency and timing of current direction switching can be intelligently adjusted based on feedback from the water temperature sensor and user settings to avoid frequent switching that could reduce system efficiency or shorten component lifespan. Furthermore, to ensure stability and safety during the switching process, the system can be designed with soft-start and reverse connection protection circuits to prevent damage to the thermoelectric cooler or other electronic components from the instantaneous surges generated during current conversion.

[0066] In summary, by switching the current direction of the semiconductor cooling chip to achieve the conversion between cooling and heating functions, the water temperature adjustment modes of the water treatment equipment 10 are enriched, the system's multifunctionality and adaptability are improved, and the structural design and operating efficiency of the equipment are effectively optimized, meeting the drinking water temperature needs of users in different seasons throughout the year.

[0067] 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.

[0068] In some embodiments, a thermoelectric cooler and a compressor cooling scheme can be combined. By combining these two cooling schemes, the heat exchanger 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.

[0069] In one embodiment, the liquid circuit control device includes a temperature sensor and a liquid circuit control component. The temperature sensor is used to acquire the temperature signal of the heat exchange circuit and / or the heat exchange loop, and the temperature sensor is communicatively connected to the liquid circuit control component. The liquid circuit control component is connected to the heat exchange circuit and the heat exchange loop respectively, and is used to control the water source output by the heat exchanger 410 to flow to the heat exchange circuit or the heat exchange loop.

[0070] Specifically, by setting a temperature sensor to collect the temperature of the water source used as the heat exchange medium in real time, the liquid circuit control component can determine the current heat exchange demand based on a preset temperature threshold. When the temperature of the heat exchange medium exceeds the threshold, the liquid circuit control component controls the heat exchange medium to flow along the heat exchange water circuit, allowing it to release heat through the heat exchange element 410 and be discharged from the outlet, avoiding abnormal equipment or drinking water temperature caused by excessively high temperatures. When the temperature does not exceed the threshold, the liquid circuit control component controls the heat exchange medium to circulate in the heat exchange loop, achieving a continuous and efficient heat exchange process, ensuring stable water temperature regulation and energy-saving effects. It should be noted that the heat exchange medium can be the water source inside the water treatment equipment 10. This water source not only transports and serves as drinking water within the water treatment equipment but also performs heat exchange functions, enabling intelligent control and optimization of water temperature. In addition, in some embodiments, to further improve heat exchange efficiency and meet more stringent temperature control requirements, the heat exchange medium can also be an externally introduced coolant or heat exchange liquid, such as cooling water or antifreeze, which assists in heat exchange through an external circulation system, thereby improving the overall heat exchange effect and the stability of equipment operation.

[0071] The placement of the temperature sensor can be flexibly set. It can be used to detect the temperature of the water source in the heat exchanger 410, or to monitor the temperature signal of the heat exchange component 420. The specific design can be adjusted according to actual needs and system structure, and there is no single limitation. Multi-point temperature acquisition can provide more comprehensive temperature data support for the liquid circuit control component, further optimize the liquid circuit switching strategy, and improve heat exchange efficiency and equipment response speed.

[0072] In summary, through the synergistic effect of the temperature sensor and the liquid circuit control components, the liquid circuit control device achieves automatic adjustment and efficient management of the heat exchange medium flow direction. This not only improves the heat exchange performance and water temperature regulation accuracy of the water treatment equipment 10, but also enhances the system's intelligence and energy efficiency, meeting diverse usage needs.

[0073] Specifically, the heat exchange assembly 420 includes heat exchange pipes, with both ends of the heat exchange pipes connected to the input and output ends of the heat exchange 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 heat exchange element 410 and the heat exchange pipes, achieving efficient heat transfer and dissipation.

[0074] In this circulation loop, the heat exchange medium absorbs or releases heat when passing through the heat exchanger 410, and then flows through the heat exchange pipes. The large surface area of ​​the heat exchange pipes effectively dissipates the heat to the external environment or other heat dissipation devices, completing the heat exchange process. The heat exchange pipes 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.

[0075] 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.

[0076] Furthermore, the heat exchange assembly 420 includes a circulation pump 421, which is connected to the heat exchange element 410 via a pipeline and is used to drive the water source to be transported in the heat exchange loop. By setting the circulation pump 421 and the heat exchange element 410 in cooperation, the transport efficiency of the heat exchange medium in the temperature control device 400 can be significantly improved, thereby improving the overall heat exchange effect and the system response speed.

[0077] In this embodiment, both ends of the heat exchanger 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 aforementioned 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 heat exchanger 410, it can effectively control the flow rate and flow of the heat exchange medium, ensuring rapid heat transfer and dissipation during the heat exchange process. Under this configuration, the liquid circuit control component can intelligently adjust the pump's operating status based on the real-time temperature signal to achieve dynamic control.

[0078] In summary, by introducing the circulating pump 421, the heat exchange assembly 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.

[0079] In one embodiment, the heat exchange assembly 420 further includes a hot water tank 422, which is connected to the circulating pump 421 and the heat exchange element 410 to form a complete hot water exchange circuit. The main purpose of setting up the hot water tank 422 is to increase the storage capacity of the heat exchange medium, thereby improving the heat exchange capacity and stability of the system.

[0080] Specifically, the heat exchange 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 heat exchange 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.

[0081] Furthermore, the heat exchange tank 422 enables the recirculation of the heat exchange medium. When the heat exchange medium is not circulating in the heat exchange circuit, it can be temporarily stored in the heat exchange 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.

[0082] In summary, the addition of the heat exchange 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.

[0083] Furthermore, the water treatment equipment 10 also includes a filter element assembly 200, which is connected to the water storage tank 300 and used to deliver filtered water to the water storage tank 300. In this embodiment, the filter element assembly 200 is provided with a wastewater end 211 and a clean water end 212. The incoming water source is filtered by the filter element assembly 200, and the filter element assembly 200 outputs the treated clean water from the clean water end 212, while the wastewater is discharged from the wastewater end 211.

[0084] Specifically, the wastewater end 211 is connected to the heat exchanger 410, used to exchange heat using the wastewater discharged from the filter element assembly 200 as the heat exchange medium. By introducing wastewater into the heat exchanger 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.

[0085] The purified water end 212 is connected to the water storage tank 300 and is used to supply filtered purified water to the water storage tank 300, so that the filtered water can enter the temperature control device 400 for cooling. This structure ensures that the water entering the water storage tank 300 is safe and meets drinking standards, while also achieving effective control of the water temperature in the water storage tank, thus improving the user's drinking experience.

[0086] 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.

[0087] 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 211 and the heat exchanger 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 heat exchanger 410 and preventing leakage and contamination.

[0088] 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.

[0089] 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.

[0090] 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.

[0091] Specifically, wastewater end 211 and purified water end 212 are located on the filter element mounting base 210, ensuring efficient filtration within the filter element assembly 200. Wastewater end 211 discharges wastewater treated by the filter element, while purified water end 212 delivers filtered purified water to the storage tank 300. This structural design effectively reduces pipeline length and connection points, lowers potential leakage risks in the system, and improves overall safety and reliability.

[0092] 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.

[0093] 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.

[0094] 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.

[0095] The working principle of the filter booster pump 220 is to increase the flow pressure of the water source, ensuring that the water source can pass through the water purification filter 20 at a higher flow rate, thereby improving the filtration effect. RO filter elements have high requirements for inlet water pressure, and the booster pump 220 can increase the pressure of the water source to this range, ensuring that the RO filter element can effectively remove dissolved solids and harmful substances from the water, improving the safety and purity of the purified water.

[0096] 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 water filter 20 operates in a more stable environment, reducing damage caused by pressure fluctuations. Furthermore, the 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.

[0097] Furthermore, the water tank 300 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 heat exchanger 410.

[0098] 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 water storage tank 300 can continuously and stably provide cold water to the user.

[0099] Specifically, the cold-end thermal coupling between the refrigeration unit 310 and the heat exchanger 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 heat exchanger 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 heat exchanger 410, improve the overall cooling efficiency, and shorten the response time for water temperature reduction.

[0100] The cold storage section 320, as a cold water storage container, directly affects the cold storage capacity of the water tank 300 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.

[0101] 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 a uniform and stable temperature of the cold water in the storage tank. 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.

[0102] In one embodiment, the water tank 300 further includes a first cold water pump 330, which is connected to both the refrigeration unit 310 and the cold storage unit 320, with the refrigeration unit 310 and the cold storage unit 320 connected to each other. 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 unit 310 and the cold storage unit 320.

[0103] 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 storage tank 300, but also effectively avoids the phenomena of chilled water stagnation and temperature rise, improving the response speed of chilled water supply and user experience.

[0104] 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 and stop times based on changes in water temperature in the storage tank and user water demand, further improving the system's energy efficiency and ease of use.

[0105] 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, and the temperature distribution of the chilled water in the storage tank 300 is more uniform, reducing energy waste caused by temperature differences and thus 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.

[0106] Furthermore, the water tank 300 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 can quickly and stably obtain the required temperature and flow rate of cold water.

[0107] 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.

[0108] 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.

[0109] 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.

[0110] By incorporating a second chilled water pump 340, the water storage tank 300 can more effectively deliver chilled water to the user end, not only improving the chilled water output efficiency but also optimizing the overall water supply performance and user experience of the water treatment equipment 10. This design ensures sufficient chilled water supply pressure and stable water output, while reducing 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.

[0111] For details, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 2 In the illustrated embodiment, the liquid circuit control component includes multiple valves, namely an inlet valve 511, a wastewater valve 512, a purified water valve 513, and a cold water valve 514. These valves are arranged on corresponding water pipes, corresponding to the inlet pipe of the inlet 110, the wastewater pipe of the outlet, the purified water pipe of the purified water end 212 of the filter element assembly 200, and the cold water pipe of the cold water outlet 140, respectively. 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.

[0112] 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 from the water storage tank 300 to the user end, meeting the user's immediate need for cold water.

[0113] 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.

[0114] The liquid circuit control assembly 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.

[0115] 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.

[0116] 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.

[0117] Through the above structural design, the liquid circuit control component 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, meeting the demands of modern intelligent water treatment equipment for efficient, convenient, and intelligent control.

[0118] Furthermore, the liquid circuit control assembly also includes a heat exchange valve 521, a cooling valve 522, and a circulation valve 523. In this embodiment, the various water circuits of the water treatment device 10 are configured as follows:

[0119] The water purification end 212 is connected to the water purification outlet 130 to form a water purification circuit; the water purification valve 513 is located on the water purification circuit;

[0120] The purified water circuit is connected to the input end of the water storage tank 300 to form a cold water input circuit; the cooling valve 522 is located on the cold water input circuit;

[0121] The cold water outlet 140 is connected to the output end of the water storage tank 300 to form a cold water output path; the cold water valve 514 is located on the cold water output path, and the first cold water pump 330 is located on the cold water output path and between the cold water valve 514 and the water storage tank 300.

[0122] The input end of the heat exchange component 420 is connected to the water inlet 110 to form a water inlet path; the water inlet valve 511 is located on the water inlet path;

[0123] Wastewater end 211 is connected to the outlet to form a wastewater path; wastewater valve 512 is installed on the wastewater path; the wastewater path and the inlet path are connected through a first pipe, and heat exchange valve 521 is installed on the first pipe;

[0124] The inlet water path is connected to the heat exchange wastewater path to form the aforementioned heat exchange water path;

[0125] The output end of the heat exchanger 410 is connected to the water outlet (which can be connected to the same water outlet as the clean water end 212, or it can be another water outlet) to form a heat exchange wastewater path. The input end of the heat exchange tank 422 is connected to the heat exchange wastewater path through a pipe to form a first circulating water path. The output end of the heat exchange tank 422 is then connected to the heat exchanger 410 through a circulating pump 421 to form a second circulating water path. The first circulating water path and the second circulating water path are connected to form the above-mentioned heat exchange circuit.

[0126] The operating principle of water treatment equipment 10 is as follows:

[0127] When the hot water source is driven to exchange heat through the heat exchanger 410, the cooling valve 522 is closed first to prevent the hot water source from entering the water storage tank 300, thereby preventing the low-temperature water in the water storage tank 300 from being affected by unnecessary heat, and maintaining the stability of the water temperature and the quality of the cold water in the water storage tank 300.

[0128] When the heat exchanger in heat exchanger 410 needs to be driven to transport the heat exchanger along the heat exchanger path, for example, when the heat exchanger temperature exceeds a preset threshold, the liquid circuit control component controls the purifying water valve 513, circulation valve 523, and heat exchange valve 521 to close, while simultaneously opening the inlet valve 511 and wastewater valve 512, allowing external water (such as tap water) to enter the heat exchanger 410 from the inlet 110. After passing through the heat exchanger 410, the water flows out from the outlet, forming a unidirectional flow heat exchanger path. This unidirectional transport mode helps to quickly remove excessive heat from the heat exchanger, rapidly reducing the heat exchanger temperature by utilizing the lower temperature and larger flow rate of the external water source, preventing the overall system temperature from becoming too high, and improving equipment safety and stability.

[0129] In this mode, the water purification valve 513, circulation valve 523, and heat exchange valve 521 are closed to prevent interference from purified water and circulating water on the heat exchange circuit, ensuring that the water flow in the heat exchange circuit is unidirectional and sufficient, thereby improving heat exchange efficiency and the heat exchange effect of the heat exchange component 410. Opening the inlet valve 511 and wastewater valve 512 ensures a continuous supply of external cold water and timely discharge of wastewater, preventing water stagnation and reduced heat exchange efficiency.

[0130] When the temperature of the heat exchange source does not exceed the threshold, another operating mode is adopted. The liquid circuit control component closes the inlet valve 511, wastewater valve 512, and clean water valve 513, and opens the circulation valve 523. At the same time, the circulation pump 421 is started, so that the heat exchange source forms a closed-loop circulation between the heat exchanger 410 and the heat exchange tank 422. At this time, the heat exchange source flows continuously through the heat exchange loop, effectively maintaining a uniform and stable temperature of the heat exchange source, reducing the impact of temperature fluctuations on the system, and improving the overall heat exchange efficiency and energy saving effect.

[0131] In the circulating transport mode, the circulating pump 421 provides the necessary power to overcome pipeline resistance, ensure smooth flow of circulating water, and prevent dead zones and localized temperature increases. Closing the inlet valve 511 and wastewater valve 512 reduces the consumption of external water sources, lowers system water consumption, and improves environmental friendliness and economy. At this time, closing the purified water valve 513 prevents purified water from flowing into the circulating water path, avoids cross-contamination of water quality, and ensures the purity of the circulating water source and the stability of the system.

[0132] In addition, to replenish the hot water source in the hot water tank 422, wastewater output from the filter assembly 200 can be introduced into the heat exchanger 410 by opening the heat exchange valve 521, serving as supplementary water for the circulating water source. This not only effectively utilizes wastewater resources and reduces water waste, but also maintains a stable water level in the hot water tank 422, preventing the circulating pump from running dry or the system from malfunctioning due to insufficient water. Simultaneously, the wastewater temperature is generally lower than the hot water source temperature, which can provide some auxiliary cooling to the heat exchanger 410, improving the water replenishment efficiency.

[0133] Alternatively, tap water can be introduced as a supplementary water source by opening the inlet valve 511. This not only replenishes the water volume in the hot water tank 422 but also further reduces the temperature of the hot water source, achieving an auxiliary cooling effect. This supplementation method can be flexibly switched according to the actual needs of the system, meeting the water volume and temperature adjustment requirements under different operating conditions and ensuring long-term stable operation of the system.

[0134] It should be noted that the number of heat exchange valve 521, refrigeration valve 522, and circulation valve 523 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 heat exchange component 410, pipeline complexity, and 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.

[0135] In summary, through the reasonable combination and linkage control of the heat exchange valve 521, cooling valve 522, circulation valve 523, and inlet valve 511, wastewater valve 512, and purified water valve 513 in the above-mentioned liquid circuit control components, the heat exchange water source in the heat exchange component 410 can be flexibly switched between unidirectional flow cooling and closed-loop circulation transportation modes. 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.

[0136] 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 exchange 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.

[0137] The exhaust pipe can be connected to the exhaust port of the cold storage unit 320 and the hot water exchange 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.

[0138] Specific implementation methods may include installing exhaust pipes in the cold storage section 320 and the hot water exchange tank 422. The exhaust pipes are equipped with exhaust valves or vents along their route. The valves can be electrically, pneumatically, or manually controlled automatic exhaust valves to automatically open and release air based on gas accumulation. Through proper layout, the exhaust pipes can ensure that the exhaust outlets are far from heat sources and areas susceptible to contamination, preventing gas backflow or the introduction of contaminants.

[0139] The technical principle is that, with continuous use of the water source and changes in temperature, air or dissolved gases gradually accumulate in the cold storage section 320 and the hot water exchange tank 422, affecting the stability of the water flow and the heat transfer efficiency. By setting up exhaust pipes to vent these gases to the outside of the system, the concentration of gases in the water can be effectively reduced, bubble formation can be decreased, water flow blockage and noise can be avoided, and the system's operational stability and heat exchange efficiency can be improved.

[0140] 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.

[0141] 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.

[0142] 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.

[0143] 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.

[0144] 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 waterway structure is equipped with an inlet and an outlet. A temperature control device includes a heat exchanger and a heat exchange assembly, wherein the heat dissipation end of the heat exchanger is thermally coupled to the heat exchange assembly; The heat exchanger is connected to the water inlet and the wastewater outlet to form a heat exchange circuit, and the heat exchanger is connected to the heat exchange assembly to form a heat exchange loop. as well as A liquid circuit control device is connected to the heat exchange water circuit and the heat exchange loop respectively, and the liquid circuit control device is used to control the water source output by the heat exchange element to be transported along the heat exchange water circuit or the heat exchange loop.

2. The water treatment apparatus of claim 1, wherein The liquid circuit control device includes a temperature sensor and a liquid circuit control component. The temperature sensor is used to acquire the temperature signal of the hot water exchange circuit and / or the heat exchange loop, and the temperature sensor is communicatively connected to the liquid circuit control component. The liquid circuit control component is connected to the hot water exchange circuit and the heat exchange loop respectively, and is used to control the water source to flow to the hot water exchange circuit or the heat exchange loop.

3. The water treatment equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The liquid circuit control component includes a switching valve, which includes multiple switching channels, wherein two of the switching channels are respectively connected to the hot water circuit and the heat exchange loop, and the switching valve is used to switch the on / off state of at least one of the switching channels. And / or, the liquid circuit control assembly includes a plurality of solenoid valves, wherein two of the solenoid valves are respectively located on the circulating water circuit and the heat exchange circuit.

4. The water treatment device of claim 1, wherein, The heat exchange assembly includes a circulation pump, which is connected to the heat exchanger via a pipe and is used to drive the water source to be transported in the heat exchange loop.

5. The water treatment apparatus of claim 4, wherein The heat exchange assembly also includes a hot water tank, which is connected to the circulating pump and the heat exchanger to form the hot water circuit.

6. The water treatment apparatus of claim 5, wherein, The heat exchanger is connected to the hot water tank and the water inlet to form a water supply path, which is used to replenish the hot water tank with hot water.

7. The water treatment apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by The water treatment equipment also includes a water storage tank, and the cold end of the heat exchanger is thermally coupled to the water storage tank.

8. The water treatment apparatus of claim 7, wherein, The water tank includes a refrigeration section and a cold storage section. The refrigeration section is connected to the cold storage section, and the refrigeration section is thermally coupled to the cold end of the heat exchanger.

9. The water treatment device of claim 8, wherein, The water tank also 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.

10. The water treatment device of claim 8, wherein, The water tank also includes a second cold water pump, which is connected to the cold storage section and is used to pump cold water outward.