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 temperature adjusting device; the temperature adjusting device comprises a heat exchange element and a cold conduction pipeline, the cold conduction pipeline is thermally coupled to a cold end of the heat exchange element, and the cold conduction pipeline is used for conveying refrigeration medium. The water treatment equipment of the embodiment effectively solves the problem that the refrigeration effect of the air cooling system in the prior art is unstable due to the influence of the ambient temperature by adopting the heat exchange element and the cold conduction pipeline in the temperature adjusting device. Specifically, the design of the cold conduction pipeline enables the refrigeration medium to efficiently transfer cold energy, and ensures that the water temperature in the water treatment equipment can be rapidly and stably reduced.

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] Existing water purification equipment generally uses air cooling, employing fans and heat sinks to cool or refrigerate the water tank. This air-cooling system removes heat through air convection, and its structure is relatively simple and its manufacturing cost is low. However, the cooling effect of air cooling is easily affected by ambient temperature, especially in high-temperature environments where air cooling efficiency decreases, leading to unstable water tank temperature regulation and difficulty in maintaining a constant outlet water temperature. Furthermore, the fans and heat sinks of the air-cooling system occupy a large volume, limiting the compactness and design flexibility of the overall water purification equipment, and hindering the miniaturization design requirements. 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] A temperature control device, comprising a heat exchanger and a cooling conduit, wherein the cooling conduit is thermally coupled to the cold end of the heat exchanger and is used to transport a refrigerant.

[0006] In one possible implementation, the water treatment equipment further includes a water storage device, to which the cooling conduit and / or the heat exchanger are thermally coupled.

[0007] In one possible implementation, the heat exchanger is spaced apart from or connected to the water storage device.

[0008] In one possible implementation, the water storage device is used to deliver drinking water, and the cooling conduit is connected to the water storage device; or the cooling conduit is connected to non-drinking water.

[0009] In one possible implementation, the cooling conduit is at least partially housed within the water storage device.

[0010] In one possible implementation, the cooling conduit is at least partially bent, and the bent structure is thermally coupled to the water storage device.

[0011] In one possible implementation, the cooling conduit is further provided with heat exchange fins, which are at least partially located within the water storage device.

[0012] In one possible implementation, the water storage device includes a cold water tank, and the cooling conduit is thermally coupled to the cold water tank.

[0013] In one possible implementation, the cold 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 conduction pipeline.

[0014] In one possible implementation, the water storage device further includes a hot water tank, with the cold water tank spaced apart from the hot water tank.

[0015] Implementing the embodiments of this application has the following beneficial effects:

[0016] The water treatment equipment implemented in this invention effectively solves the problem of unstable cooling performance caused by ambient temperature in existing air-cooled systems by employing heat exchange components and cold-conducting pipelines in the temperature control device. Specifically, the design of the cold-conducting pipelines allows the refrigerant to efficiently transfer cooling capacity, ensuring that the water temperature in the water treatment equipment can be reduced rapidly and stably.

[0017] The water treatment equipment implemented in this embodiment features a compact design. Because the heat exchanger of the temperature control device is spaced apart from the water storage device and thermally connected via cooling pipes, it significantly reduces the space required compared to traditional air-cooled systems. This structural optimization makes the water treatment equipment superior in terms of miniaturization, meeting the needs of modern households for equipment size and operational flexibility.

[0018] Furthermore, the temperature control device of the water treatment equipment in this embodiment is easy to disassemble and assemble. Due to the separate design of the heat exchanger and the water storage device, users can quickly and easily perform maintenance or replacement, reducing maintenance costs and time. Attached Figure Description

[0019] 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.

[0020] Figure 1 A perspective view of the water treatment equipment in an embodiment of this utility model is shown;

[0021] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the water circuit structure of the water treatment equipment in an embodiment of this utility model is shown;

[0022] Figure 3 A cross-sectional schematic diagram of a portion of the water treatment equipment structure in an embodiment of this utility model is shown.

[0023] Figure label:

[0024] 10. Water treatment equipment;

[0025] 100. Host structure;

[0026] 200. Water storage device; 210. Cold water tank; 211. Refrigeration unit; 212. Cold storage unit; 220. Hot water tank; 230. First water pump; 240. Second water pump;

[0027] 300. Temperature control device; 310. Heat exchanger; 320. Cooling piping;

[0028] 400. Filter element assembly; 410. Filter element mounting base; 420. Filter element booster pump. Detailed Implementation

[0029] 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.

[0030] Existing water treatment equipment generally uses air cooling, employing fans and heat sinks to cool or refrigerate the water tank. This air-cooling system removes heat through air convection, and its structure is relatively simple and its manufacturing cost is low. However, the cooling effect of air cooling is easily affected by ambient temperature, especially in high-temperature environments where air cooling efficiency decreases, leading to unstable water tank temperature regulation and difficulty in maintaining a constant outlet water temperature. Furthermore, the fans and heat sinks of the air-cooling system occupy a large volume, limiting the compactness and design flexibility of the overall water treatment equipment and hindering the miniaturization requirements of the design.

[0031] Based on this, see Figures 1 to 3 As shown, this utility model embodiment provides a water treatment device 10, which includes a temperature control device 300; the temperature control device 300 includes a heat exchange element 310 and a cold conduction pipe 320, the cold conduction pipe 320 is thermally coupled to the cold end of the heat exchange element 310, and the cold conduction pipe 320 is used to transport a refrigerant.

[0032] The water treatment equipment 10 of this embodiment effectively solves the problem of unstable cooling effect caused by the influence of ambient temperature in the air-cooled system in the prior art by adopting the heat exchanger 310 and the cooling pipe 320 in the temperature control device 300. Specifically, the design of the cooling pipe 320 enables the refrigerant to efficiently transfer cold energy, ensuring that the water temperature in the water treatment equipment 10 can be reduced rapidly and stably.

[0033] In one embodiment, the water treatment device 10 further includes a water storage device 200, a cooling conduit 320 and / or a heat exchanger 310 thermally coupled to the water storage device 200.

[0034] In this embodiment, when the cooling pipe 320 is thermally coupled to the water storage device 200, it can cool the water source in the water storage device 200; when the heat exchanger 310 is thermally coupled to the water storage device 200, the heat exchanger 310 can be used to cool or heat the water source in the water storage device 200.

[0035] The water treatment equipment 10 of this embodiment features a compact design. Because the heat exchanger 310 of the temperature control device 300 is thermally connected to the water storage device 200 via a cooling pipe 320, it significantly reduces the space required compared to traditional air-cooled systems. This structural optimization makes the water treatment equipment 10 superior in terms of miniaturization, meeting the needs of modern households for equipment size and operational flexibility.

[0036] Furthermore, the temperature control device 300 of the water treatment equipment 10 in this embodiment is easy to install and disassemble. Because the heat exchanger 310 and the water storage device 200 are separated, users can quickly and easily perform maintenance or replacement, reducing maintenance costs and time.

[0037] In one embodiment, the heat exchanger 310 and the water storage device 200 can be arranged in two different ways: spaced apart or connected.

[0038] When the heat exchanger 310 and the water storage device 200 are spaced apart, they are thermally coupled through a cooling pipe 320. The refrigerant flowing within the cooling pipe 320 transfers cooling energy from the heat exchanger 310 to the water storage device 200. The advantage of this design is its flexible structure; the cooling pipe 320 can be rationally arranged according to the internal space of the equipment, facilitating compact design and modular assembly / disassembly. By optimizing the pipe diameter, material, and routing of the cooling pipe 320, thermal resistance can be effectively reduced, heat exchange efficiency improved, and the rapid decrease and constant temperature of the water in the water storage device 200 ensured. Furthermore, the spaced arrangement reduces the transmission of mechanical vibration caused by direct contact between the heat exchanger 310 and the water storage device 200, reducing noise and improving the overall quietness of the unit.

[0039] When the heat exchanger 310 is directly connected to the water storage device 200, a more direct heat transfer method can be achieved between them. In this case, the cold end of the heat exchanger 310 is in close contact with the hot end of the water storage device 200, or they are connected using a thermally conductive interface material, allowing the cooling energy to be quickly transferred to the water storage device 200 through a solid heat transfer path. The advantages of this design are a shorter heat transfer path, lower thermal resistance, and higher heat exchange efficiency, enabling faster water temperature regulation response, making it particularly suitable for scenarios with high temperature control requirements. Furthermore, the direct connection method has a simple structure, is relatively easy to manufacture, and in some cases can reduce the use of the cooling pipe 320, thereby further reducing the size of the equipment.

[0040] It should be noted that the choice between a spaced or connected configuration should be based on a comprehensive consideration of the actual water treatment equipment's structural design, space constraints, cooling requirements, and ease of maintenance. For example, in situations with ample space and easy maintenance and disassembly, a spaced configuration is preferred; while in applications with limited volume and high cooling efficiency requirements, a direct connection is preferred.

[0041] Specifically, the water treatment device 10 also includes a filter cartridge assembly 400 for installing an external water purification filter cartridge. The purified water end of the filter cartridge assembly 400 is connected to the water storage device 200, preferably to the cooling unit 211. This design aims to further enhance the water treatment capacity and user experience of the water treatment device 10 through a highly efficient filter cartridge system.

[0042] The filter cartridge assembly 400 includes a filter cartridge mounting base 410 and a filter cartridge booster pump 420. The filter cartridge mounting base 410 is used to securely mount various types of water purification filter cartridges, ensuring the filter cartridges remain stable during operation and can withstand water flow pressure. Simultaneously, the design of the filter cartridge mounting base 410 should facilitate user replacement of filter cartridges, reducing maintenance difficulty. Specifically, the filter cartridge mounting base 410 can be designed with a snap-on or screw-on fixing mechanism, allowing for quick disassembly and replacement by the user, and effectively preventing leakage.

[0043] The filter cartridge booster pump 420 is connected before the inlet end of the filter cartridge mounting base 410 to increase the inlet water pressure, especially when used with reverse osmosis (RO) membrane filter cartridges. RO membrane filter cartridges have high requirements for inlet water pressure; therefore, the booster pump can effectively increase the water pressure entering the filter cartridge, ensuring the working efficiency and water purification capacity of the RO membrane filter cartridge.

[0044] In practical applications, the design of the filter element assembly 400 can also consider setting multiple filter elements to achieve more comprehensive water treatment. In the above technical solution, the water treatment equipment 10 is also equipped with a filter element assembly 400 for installing external water purification filter elements, and the purified water end (i.e., output end) of the filter element assembly 400 is connected to the water storage device 200. This design fully considers the efficient use of filter elements and the optimization of the overall system performance, aiming to improve the water purification effect and the adaptability of the system.

[0045] Specifically, the filter cartridge assembly 400 includes a filter cartridge mounting base 410 and a filter cartridge booster pump 420. The filter cartridge mounting base 410 provides a stable and sealed mounting platform for installing different types of water purification filter cartridges, especially suitable for high-efficiency filtration elements such as reverse osmosis (RO) membrane filter cartridges. The filter cartridge booster pump 420 is connected before the inlet end of the filter cartridge mounting base 410. Its purpose is to increase the water pressure entering the filter cartridge by utilizing the pressure boosting effect of the booster pump, thereby ensuring that the filtration effect meets the expected water quality standards.

[0046] This booster pump is particularly suitable for use in RO membrane filter cartridges. RO membrane filter cartridges typically require high inlet water pressure to achieve effective filtration performance. By installing a booster pump before the filter cartridge, insufficient water pressure caused by pipeline resistance and pressure loss in the system can be effectively overcome, ensuring that the RO membrane filter cartridge operates within its optimal pressure range. This improves filtration efficiency, extends the filter cartridge's lifespan, and enhances the quality of the effluent.

[0047] In practical implementation, the filter element booster pump 420 can be of various types, such as a miniature centrifugal pump, a diaphragm pump, or a gear pump. The advantages of using a diaphragm pump are its compact structure, low noise, good corrosion resistance, and suitability for continuous operation environments.

[0048] Furthermore, the filter cartridge holder 410 should be designed with versatility in mind, supporting different types and sizes of filter cartridges to facilitate user selection and replacement according to actual needs. Filter cartridge holders are typically made of corrosion-resistant, hygienic materials, such as food-grade plastics or stainless steel, to ensure safety and durability during long-term use.

[0049] Specifically, the main unit structure 100 serves as the mounting carrier for installing the water storage device 200, the temperature control device 300, and the filter element assembly 400. The main unit structure 100 not only provides robust mechanical support for each functional component but also forms the overall external frame of the equipment, ensuring the rational layout and secure fixation of each part.

[0050] The main unit structure 100 can internally include 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 structure 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 storage device 200, temperature control device 300, and filter element assembly 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] In addition, the main structure 100 can also be equipped with a heat insulation layer or sealing strip to enhance the equipment's heat preservation performance and waterproof and dustproof capabilities, 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.

[0053] It should be noted that the size and shape of the main unit structure 100 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 shell is reduced in size through modular integration, making it easy to install on a desktop or kitchen countertop; the medium design balances performance and space, making it suitable for home and office environments; and the large design is suitable for occasions with high requirements for cooling capacity and water treatment capabilities.

[0054] In this embodiment, the heat exchanger 310 can be a semiconductor refrigeration chip. This design fully utilizes the thermoelectric effect of semiconductor materials, possessing high energy conversion efficiency and good cooling performance. Specifically, the cold end of the semiconductor refrigeration chip is thermally coupled to the water storage device 200 through the cooling pipe 320, which can efficiently transfer cold energy to the water storage device 200, thereby effectively reducing the water temperature.

[0055] The advantage of using a thermoelectric cooler as the heat exchanger 310 is its relatively small size, providing powerful cooling capacity without increasing the overall system size. This compact design meets the modern home's demand for miniaturized water treatment equipment, making it particularly suitable for space-constrained living environments. Simultaneously, the thermoelectric cooler operates with low noise, enhancing the user experience. The design of the cooling conduit 320 enables efficient flow of the refrigerant, ensuring rapid transfer of cooling capacity. In practice, the cooling conduit 320 can be made of copper or aluminum tubing with high thermal conductivity to meet different cooling requirements.

[0056] Furthermore, the precise thermal coupling between the cold end of the thermoelectric cooler and the water storage device 200 helps to achieve more stable temperature control. By optimizing the spacing between the heat exchanger 310 and the water storage device 200, the heat exchange efficiency can be further improved, ensuring that the water temperature in the water storage device 200 decreases rapidly and uniformly.

[0057] In one embodiment, the water storage device 200 is used to transport drinking water. A cooling conduit 320 is connected to the water storage device 200, and water can be directly transported through the cooling conduit 320, using water as a cooling medium. Specifically, after the heat exchanger 310 cools the water in the cooling conduit 320, the cooled water is transported to the water storage device 200 through the cooling conduit 320, effectively reducing the water temperature within the water storage device 200. The advantage of this design is that it utilizes the water source itself as the cooling medium, simplifying the system structure, avoiding the need for additional cooling medium storage and circulation devices, while improving heat exchange efficiency and ensuring rapid response and stability of water temperature regulation.

[0058] Furthermore, the connection between the cooling conduit 320 and the water storage device 200 must be sealed and leak-proof to prevent water leakage from affecting equipment safety and user operation. The conduit material should preferably be corrosion-resistant and have good mechanical strength, such as food-grade silicone tubing, stainless steel tubing, or high-density polyethylene tubing, to meet hygiene standards and long-term reliability requirements.

[0059] In other embodiments, the cooling conduit 320 can be designed as a closed piping system for transporting a dedicated refrigerant, such as Freon, environmentally friendly refrigerant, or an aqueous solution of ethylene glycol. In this case, the cooling conduit 320 is completely isolated from the water source of the water treatment equipment 10, and the refrigerant circulates in the closed pipe, avoiding direct contact and contamination risks between the refrigerant and drinking water.

[0060] Furthermore, the refrigerant in the closed-loop system is typically used in conjunction with the thermoelectric cooler of the heat exchanger 310 or other refrigeration units to achieve efficient heat exchange through the cooling conduit 320. The cold end of the heat exchanger 310 transfers the absorbed cold energy to the refrigerant, which is then transported through pipes to the heat exchange components around the water storage device 200, carrying away the heat from the water storage device 200 and achieving a cooling effect.

[0061] The advantages of using a closed-loop refrigerant circulation system include high cooling efficiency, good system stability, and the ability to prevent water from directly participating in the cooling cycle, reducing the risk of water pollution and improving the safety and reliability of the equipment. This design is suitable for applications with high water quality requirements or complex environmental conditions. Specifically, the cooling pipe 320 is connected to non-potable water (e.g., tap water), the refrigerant can be tap water, and it can be discharged directly after heat exchange.

[0062] See Figure 3 As shown, in one embodiment, the cooling conduit 320 is at least partially housed within the water storage device 200. Specifically, the cooling conduit 320 is arranged in such a way that it is fully exposed to the water source environment in the water storage device 200, thereby achieving efficient heat exchange.

[0063] By directly contacting the water source in the water storage device 200 through the cooling pipe 320, the cold fluid in the cooling pipe 320 (such as water cooled by the heat exchanger 310 or a refrigerant) can effectively transfer cooling capacity to the water source in the water storage device 200, achieving the function of cooling and temperature reduction. This design makes full use of the direct thermal coupling between the cooling pipe 320 and the water in the water storage device 200, which helps to quickly reduce the temperature of the water in the water storage device 200 and improve cooling efficiency.

[0064] The layout of the cooling conduit 320 within the water storage device 200 can be designed as a coil, spiral, or multi-layer arrangement to increase the contact area between the cooling conduit and the water source, further improving heat exchange efficiency. Increasing the contact area and optimizing the conduit layout helps achieve uniform cooling, avoiding localized cold spots or excessive temperature gradients, thereby improving the uniform cooling effect of the water.

[0065] In addition, the cooling pipeline 320 is housed within the water storage device 200, and the corrosion resistance and hygiene safety of the pipeline material must also be considered. Commonly used materials include food-grade stainless steel, food-grade high-density polyethylene, or high-temperature resistant silicone, which not only ensures the durability of the system but also meets drinking water safety standards.

[0066] Through the above scheme, the direct heat exchange between the cooling pipe 320 and the water source of the water storage device 200 achieves efficient cooling and temperature reduction. The structure is compact and easy to maintain, meeting the technical requirements of water treatment equipment for stable and rapid cooling.

[0067] In one embodiment, the cooling conduit 320 is at least partially bent, and the bent structure is thermally coupled to the water storage device 200.

[0068] Specifically, the cooling conduit 320 employs at least a partially bent structure, which effectively increases its contact area with the water storage device 200, thereby enhancing heat conduction and heat exchange. The bent structure design not only increases the length of the conduit within a limited space but also creates more contact surface through multiple bends, increasing the overall heat exchange area.

[0069] In terms of implementation, the number of bends can be multiple, and the specific number can be adjusted according to actual design requirements. For example, it can be designed with two, three, five, or more bends, each of which can be implemented with different angles and bending radii, thereby optimizing the spatial layout of the pipeline and heat exchange efficiency. Increasing the number of bends helps to maximize the heat exchange area between the cooling pipeline and the water storage device 200 within a limited space, improving the stability and efficiency of the cooling effect.

[0070] In practical implementation, bending structures can take various forms, such as spiral, U-shaped, folded, or multi-layered bending structures. Each structural form has different advantages. For example, spiral bends can provide a larger area and are easier to manufacture, U-shaped bends facilitate multiple bends within a limited space, and folded structures can achieve a higher heat exchange area in a smaller space. The specific bending structure should be selected based on the material of the cooling pipes, manufacturing process, and spatial layout requirements, through optimized design.

[0071] Furthermore, to ensure good thermal coupling between the bent portion of the cooling conduit 320 and the water storage device 200, a material with high thermal conductivity should be used in the bending area, or special treatment should be applied to the bending point, such as coating the bending area with a thermally conductive coating or installing a thermally conductive pad at the bending point, to further improve heat transfer efficiency. The cooling conduit 320 can be made of copper, stainless steel, or high thermal conductivity aluminum. The advantage of these materials is that they have good thermal conductivity and corrosion resistance, ensuring long-term stable heat exchange performance.

[0072] Furthermore, the cooling conduit 320 is also equipped with heat exchange fins, which are at least partially located within the water storage device 200. By installing heat exchange fins on the cooling conduit 320, the heat exchange area between the cooling conduit 320 and the water storage device 200 can be significantly increased, thereby further improving the cooling effect.

[0073] Specifically, the arrangement of heat exchange fins can effectively improve heat exchange efficiency. Because the surface area of ​​heat exchange fins is larger than that of ordinary pipes, they can provide more heat exchange interfaces between the cooling pipe 320 and the water storage device 200. Heat exchange fins can be made of different materials, such as aluminum or copper, which have excellent thermal conductivity and can transfer large amounts of heat in a short time.

[0074] The number of heat exchange fins can be multiple, and the specific number can be adjusted according to actual design requirements, such as setting two, four, or more heat exchange fins. There is no single limitation; by setting multiple heat exchange fins, the heat exchange area can be further increased, improving the overall cooling efficiency. For example, increasing the number of heat exchange fins not only increases the heat exchange rate but also achieves higher cooling capacity within the same space, meeting the different water temperature regulation needs of various users.

[0075] Furthermore, the shape and layout of the heat exchange fins can be optimized. Specifically, the heat exchange fins can be designed in planar, corrugated, or other structures to adapt to different fluid dynamic characteristics. This versatility ensures that water flows smoothly across the surface of the heat exchange fins, thereby improving heat exchange efficiency.

[0076] In one embodiment, the water storage device 200 includes a cold water tank 210, and a cooling pipe 320 is thermally coupled to the cold water tank 210. By setting up this thermal coupling structure between the cooling pipe 320 and the cold water tank 210, the cooling energy generated by the heat exchanger 310 can be efficiently transferred directly to the water source in the cold water tank 210, achieving rapid cooling of the water in the cold water tank 210. This design effectively improves cooling efficiency, ensuring that the water temperature in the cold water tank 210 can reach the expected low temperature in a short time, meeting the user's need for stable control of the outlet water temperature.

[0077] Specifically, the thermal coupling between the cooling pipe 320 and the cold water tank 210 can be achieved in various ways. For example, the wall of the cooling pipe 320 can be in close contact with the inner wall of the cold water tank 210, or the cooling pipe can be at least partially contained within the water inside the cold water tank 210 to enhance heat transfer efficiency. The cooling pipe 320 is preferably made of copper, stainless steel, or aluminum, which have high thermal conductivity. Combined with a suitable structural design, this maximizes the cooling effect while ensuring the system's corrosion resistance and long-term stability.

[0078] Furthermore, the heat exchanger 310 is thermally coupled to the cold water tank 210 via the cooling pipe 320, enabling a separate arrangement between the cold water tank 210 and the heat exchanger 310. This separate arrangement offers the technical advantage of effectively avoiding thermal interference between the refrigeration unit and the heat exchanger 310. For example, when both refrigeration and heating functions exist within the water treatment equipment 10, the separate arrangement of the heat exchanger 310 and the cold water tank 210 allows for the transfer of cooling energy through the cooling pipe 320, rather than placing the heat exchanger 310 directly inside the cold water tank or directly contacting the heating components. This reduces the mutual influence between refrigeration and heating, improving the overall temperature control accuracy and stability of the equipment.

[0079] This design also brings flexibility in structural layout. Since the heat exchanger 310 is separate from the cold water tank 210, the position and spacing of the heat exchanger 310 and the cold water tank 210 can be flexibly adjusted according to the actual needs of the internal space layout of the water treatment equipment 10, facilitating the miniaturization and modular design of the equipment. This modular design also facilitates maintenance and replacement; users or maintenance personnel can maintain the heat exchanger 310 and the cold water tank 210 separately, improving maintenance convenience.

[0080] In one embodiment, the cold water tank 210 includes a refrigeration section 211 and a cold storage section 212, and the refrigeration section 211 and the cold storage section 212 are connected. The refrigeration section 211 is thermally coupled to the cold conduction pipe 320 to form an overall temperature regulation structure.

[0081] Specifically, the refrigeration unit 211 primarily functions to cool the water source. Through thermal coupling with the cooling pipe 320, the refrigeration unit 211 effectively directs the cooling energy transferred by the heat exchange structure into the water within the water storage device 200, achieving a rapid decrease in water temperature. During the cooling process, the water source experiences a temperature reduction as it passes through the refrigeration unit 211, forming chilled water.

[0082] The chilled water then flows or is transferred to a cold storage section 212, which is connected to the refrigeration section 211, for preservation and storage. The cold storage section 212, as a storage area for chilled water, effectively maintains a stable water temperature, preventing rapid increases in temperature due to fluctuations in the ambient temperature, thereby ensuring that the water temperature at the outlet of the water treatment equipment 10 remains within the required constant low-temperature range. The capacity and shape of the cold storage section 212 can be designed according to actual needs to achieve long-term chilled water preservation without significantly increasing the equipment volume.

[0083] The interconnected design of the refrigeration unit 211 and the cold storage unit 212 allows the cold water generated by the refrigeration unit 211 to flow smoothly into the cold storage unit 212. At the same time, the cold water in the cold storage unit 212 can also be returned or transported to the outlet of the water treatment equipment 10 by flow when needed, thereby ensuring that the temperature of the water source taken by the user is constant and comfortable.

[0084] Through the partitioned design of the refrigeration unit 211 and the cold storage unit 212, the water treatment equipment 10 can achieve the dual functions of "instant cooling" and "cold water storage and insulation." This satisfies users' needs for rapid cooling while ensuring a continuous supply of chilled water through the cold storage unit 212, thus improving the equipment's ease of use and energy efficiency. Furthermore, the refrigeration unit 211 focuses on the cooling process, while the cold storage unit 212 focuses on chilled water storage; this clear division of labor facilitates optimized system thermal management and control strategies.

[0085] Furthermore, the water storage device 200 also includes a first water storage pump 230, which is connected to both the refrigeration unit 211 and the cold storage unit 212, and the refrigeration unit 211 and the cold storage unit 212 are interconnected. By providing the first water storage pump 230, the water source inside the water storage device 200 can be actively driven to circulate between the refrigeration unit 211 and the cold storage unit 212. This circulation mechanism promotes the uniform distribution and transfer of water temperature, effectively avoiding uneven temperature or localized overcooling or overheating within the refrigeration unit 211 and the cold storage unit 212, thereby improving the overall temperature control efficiency and system stability.

[0086] Specifically, the driving action of the first water pump 230 enables the water source cooled by the refrigeration unit 211 to be quickly transported to the cold storage unit 212 for cold water storage. At the same time, the cold water in the cold storage unit 212 can also flow back to the refrigeration unit 211 for recooling, forming a closed loop. This design not only accelerates the rate of water temperature drop but also improves refrigeration efficiency.

[0087] The type of the first water storage pump 230 can also be varied, such as using a centrifugal pump, diaphragm pump, or gear pump. The specific selection can be optimized based on the pump's reliability, energy consumption level, and ease of maintenance. Using a high-efficiency and energy-saving pump not only reduces operating costs but also ensures the long-term stable operation of the system.

[0088] In addition, in one embodiment, the water storage device 200 further includes a second water storage pump 240, which is connected to the cold storage section 212 and used to pump out cold water. The second water storage pump 240 allows the cold water in the cold storage section 212 to be effectively extracted and transported to the outlet of the water treatment equipment 10 or other locations requiring low-temperature water, thus realizing the output and utilization of cold water. The second water storage pump 240 can intelligently adjust the flow rate according to the user's water demand, ensuring the stability of the water supply and the constancy of the water temperature. Through the coordinated operation of the first water storage pump 230 and the second water storage pump 240, the cooling water circulation and cold water output within the water storage device 200 are efficiently coordinated, ensuring both the dynamic balance of heat transfer and cold water storage between the cooling section 211 and the cold storage section 212, and achieving a stable output of cold water.

[0089] In one embodiment, the water storage device 200 further includes a hot water tank 220, and a gap is provided between the hot water tank 220 and the cold water tank 210. The main purpose of this layout design is to achieve separate storage of hot and cold water, thereby meeting the needs of different usage scenarios for hot and cold water. By reasonably setting the spatial distance between the cold water tank 210 and the hot water tank 220, the mutual influence of heat between the two can be effectively avoided, ensuring the temperature stability of cold and hot water, and improving the temperature regulation accuracy and response speed of the system.

[0090] In this embodiment, the heat exchanger 310 can be connected to the hot water tank 220 via thermal coupling. Specifically, the hot end of the heat exchanger 310 is designed to be in close contact with the outer wall or internal heat exchange surface of the hot water tank 220, or a thermally conductive material or pad is placed between the heat exchanger 310 and the hot water tank 220 to enhance heat transfer efficiency. This thermal coupling method effectively transfers the heat generated by the heat exchanger 310 during the heating process to the water source in the hot water tank 220, thereby achieving rapid heating of the hot water.

[0091] In some specific embodiments, the heat exchanger 310 can not only be connected to the hot end of the hot water tank 220, but also transport heated water to the hot water tank 220 for temporary storage. The advantage of this design is that, at different stages of system operation, the heated water can be stored in the hot water tank 220 according to the actual water demand, ensuring the continuity and stability of hot water supply.

[0092] To achieve an efficient connection between the heat exchanger 310 and the hot water tank 220, various connection methods can be used, such as threaded connections, snap-fit ​​fixings, or welding. The specific method should ensure sealing and durability to prevent heat loss and leakage. Furthermore, to improve heat transfer efficiency, a thermally conductive coating or embedded thermally conductive pads can be applied to the contact surface between the heat exchanger 310 and the hot water tank 220. These measures help reduce thermal resistance and ensure rapid and uniform heating.

[0093] In the system design, temperature control measures between the heat exchanger 310 and the hot water tank 220 should also be considered. A temperature sensor can be installed to monitor the water temperature in the hot water tank 220 in real time, and the electronic control unit can be used to adjust the operating status of the heat exchanger 310 to ensure that the output hot water temperature remains stable within the set range. For example, when the water temperature reaches the preset value, the heat exchanger can automatically shut down or reduce its power to avoid overheating or energy waste.

[0094] In one embodiment, the cooling conduit 320 is at least partially thermally coupled to the hot water tank 220. Through heat conduction between the cooling conduit 320 and the hot water tank 220, the cooling and regulation function of the water in the hot water tank 220 can be achieved. Specifically, the cooling conduit 320, as a medium for transferring cold energy, can transfer cold energy from the heat exchanger 310 or other refrigeration units in the system to the hot water tank 220, reducing the temperature of the water in the hot water tank 220, thereby achieving temperature regulation of the hot water tank 220 and ensuring that the water temperature in the hot water tank 220 does not exceed the set safety or operating range.

[0095] Thermal coupling between the cooling conduit 320 and the hot water tank 220 can be achieved in various ways, such as by directly embedding the cooling conduit into the inner or outer wall of the hot water tank 220, or by using highly thermally conductive materials such as thermally conductive pads or adhesives to promote heat transfer between the two. The cooling conduit 320 is preferably made of highly thermally conductive materials such as copper, stainless steel, or aluminum to ensure efficient cold transfer and improve cooling performance. The thermal coupling area of ​​the cooling conduit 320 can be designed as a straight section, a bent structure, or a structure with heat exchange fins to further increase the heat exchange area and cold transfer efficiency.

[0096] Specifically, the number of thermal coupling areas between the cooling pipe 320 and the hot water tank 220 can be one, two, or more, depending on the size of the hot water tank 220 and the required cooling capacity. Setting up multiple thermal coupling areas can effectively expand the heat exchange area, improve the cooling speed and uniformity, avoid local overheating in the hot water tank, and improve the stability and reliability of overall temperature control.

[0097] Cooling the hot water tank 220 via the cooling pipe 320 effectively prevents problems such as water quality changes, microbial growth, or heat waste caused by excessively high water temperature. Furthermore, this technology is also applicable to independent temperature control of hot and cold water tanks in multi-functional water treatment equipment. By providing cooling capacity regulation to the hot water tank 220 through the cooling pipe 320, precise temperature control of the hot water tank 220 can be achieved, meeting users' needs for different hot and cold water temperatures.

[0098] It is worth mentioning that this cooling function complements the heating function of the heat exchanger 310 for the hot water tank 220, enabling dynamic adjustment of the water temperature within the tank 220. It can both heat and cool, improving the temperature control flexibility and user comfort of the water treatment system. Through a well-designed control strategy, the system can automatically switch between the cooling state of the cooling pipe 320 and the heating state of the heat exchanger 310 based on ambient temperature and user needs, achieving energy-efficient and high-performance temperature management.

[0099] 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.

[0100] 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.

[0101] 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.

[0102] 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.

[0103] 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, The temperature adjusting device comprises a heat exchange element and a cold conducting pipeline, the cold conducting pipeline is thermally coupled to a cold end of the heat exchange element, and the cold conducting pipeline is used for conveying refrigerant. The water treatment device further comprises a water storage device, and the cold conducting pipeline and / or the heat exchange element is thermally coupled to the water storage device.

2. The water treatment apparatus of claim 1, wherein The heat exchange element is arranged in a spaced or connected manner with the water storage device.

3. The water treatment apparatus of claim 2, wherein, The water storage device is used for conveying drinking water, and the cold conducting pipeline is communicated with the water storage device; or the cold conducting pipeline is connected to non-drinking water.

4. The water treatment device of claim 2, wherein, The cold conducting pipeline is at least partially accommodated in the water storage device.

5. The water treatment apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that, The cold conducting pipeline is at least partially in a bent structure, and the bent structure is thermally coupled to the water storage device.

6. The water treatment apparatus of claim 5, wherein, The cold conducting pipeline is further provided with a heat exchange fin, and the heat exchange fin is at least partially located in the water storage device.

7. The water treatment device of claim 5, wherein, The water storage device comprises a cold water tank, and the cold conducting pipeline is thermally coupled to the cold water tank.

8. The water treatment device of claim 2, wherein, The cold water tank comprises a refrigeration part and a cold storage part, the refrigeration part is communicated with the cold storage part, and the refrigeration part is thermally coupled to the cold conducting pipeline.

9. The water treatment device of claim 8, wherein, The water storage device further comprises a hot water tank, and the cold water tank is arranged in a spaced manner with the hot water tank.

10. The water treatment device of claim 8, wherein, ​

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