Water treatment apparatus

Abstract

The application relates to the technical field of water treatment equipment, and relates to a water treatment equipment which comprises an ice making device and a water channel structure; the ice making device comprises an ice making mold, a spraying assembly and a refrigerating piece; the refrigerating piece is provided with a refrigerating surface which is at least partially attached to the ice making mold and is thermally coupled to the ice making mold, and the refrigerating piece is used for refrigerating the ice making mold; and the spraying assembly is used for spraying water towards the ice making mold; the water channel structure is connected to the spraying assembly and is used for conveying a water source. In the water treatment equipment, the refrigerating surface of the refrigerating piece is at least partially attached to the outer surface of the ice making mold and is thermally coupled to the ice making mold, so that the refrigerating piece can efficiently transfer cold energy to the ice making mold, the uniformity and stability of the temperature in the ice making process are ensured, the ice making efficiency is improved, and the quality of the ice blocks is guaranteed.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Existing ice machines primarily use the structure of refrigerators or freezers to produce ice. These devices typically include a refrigeration system that uses a compressor to circulate refrigerant to lower the temperature, thereby forming ice cubes within the ice-making chamber.

[0003] However, this type of equipment has several significant technical problems. First, its ice-making efficiency is relatively low because the ice cubes are formed slowly in a relatively large ice-making chamber, resulting in a long production time. Second, the quality of the ice may be inconsistent, limited by the performance of the refrigeration system and the accuracy of temperature control in the ice-making chamber. Furthermore, existing ice-making machines often have difficulties in demolding the ice cubes after they are made, which may cause the ice cubes to break or stick to the mold. Utility Model Content

[0004] In view of this, this application provides a water treatment device to solve the problem that traditional ice machines use compression to make ice, resulting in complex structures and poor ice demolding effect.

[0005] The first aspect of this application provides a water treatment device, comprising: An ice-making device includes an ice mold, a spray assembly, and a cooling component. The cooling component has a cooling surface, which is partially attached to and thermally coupled to the ice mold. The cooling component is used to cool the ice mold. The spray assembly is used to spray water toward the ice mold. A water channel structure is connected to the spray assembly and used to transport water.

[0006] In one possible implementation, the refrigeration element has a cold end and a hot end, the cold end being at least partially attached to the outer surface of the ice-making mold; the water circuit structure includes a hot water circuit and an output water circuit, the hot water circuit being thermally coupled to the hot end, and the hot water circuit being connected to the output water circuit for outputting hot water.

[0007] In one possible implementation, the cooling element includes a semiconductor refrigeration chip that is at least partially attached to the outer surface of the ice-making mold.

[0008] In one possible implementation, the water treatment equipment further includes a filtration device comprising a filter element and a flushing water path connected to the filter element and a hot water path connected to the flushing water path.

[0009] In one possible implementation, the water treatment device further includes a heater thermally coupled to the hot water circuit and used to heat the hot water circuit.

[0010] In one possible implementation, the ice-making device further includes an isolator connected to the refrigeration unit, and the isolator at least partially covers the outside of the cold end.

[0011] In one possible implementation, the number of cooling components is multiple, and the multiple cooling components are evenly distributed on the outer surface of the ice-making mold.

[0012] In one possible implementation, a plurality of the cooling elements are disposed on at least one outer surface of the ice-making mold.

[0013] In one possible implementation, the ice-making device further includes a heat sink thermally coupled to the hot end of the cooling element and used for heat dissipation; the heat sink includes at least one of a cooling fan, a semiconductor cooling chip, and heat dissipation fins.

[0014] In one possible implementation, the spray assembly includes a spray element and an ice storage tank, the spray element being connected to the water channel structure, and the ice storage tank being connected to the ice-making mold and used to collect ice blocks; the spray element is provided with multiple nozzles.

[0015] Implementing the embodiments of this application has the following beneficial effects: The water treatment equipment in this embodiment effectively improves ice-making efficiency and quality by combining a spray assembly and a cooling component. In this embodiment, the cooling surface of the cooling component is at least partially attached to and thermally coupled to the ice-making mold. This allows the cooling component to efficiently transfer cold energy to the ice-making mold, ensuring temperature uniformity and stability during the ice-making process, thereby improving ice-making efficiency and guaranteeing the quality of the ice.

[0016] Furthermore, in the water treatment equipment of this embodiment, the design of the spray assembly for spraying water towards the ice-making mold not only simplifies the water supply method but also ensures that the surface of the ice-making mold is evenly covered with water, further enhancing the ice-making effect. This design avoids the problem of unstable ice quality caused by uneven temperature inside the ice-making chamber, which exists in traditional technologies.

[0017] Meanwhile, the refrigeration component in the water treatment equipment of this embodiment can also heat the ice mold after ice making is completed, so that the ice blocks can be easily demolded from the ice mold. This effectively solves the problems of difficult demolding, easy breakage or sticking of ice blocks in traditional equipment, and improves the smoothness and reliability of the entire ice making process. Attached Figure Description

[0018] 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.

[0019] Figure 1 A perspective view of the water treatment equipment in an embodiment of this utility model is shown; Figure 2 A partial structural schematic diagram of the water treatment equipment in an embodiment of this utility model is shown; Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the spray assembly in an embodiment of this utility model is shown; Figure 4 A partial structural schematic diagram of the ice-making device in an embodiment of this utility model is shown.

[0020] Figure label: 10. Water treatment equipment; 100. Ice-making device; 110. Ice mold; 111. Ice tank; 120. Refrigeration component; 121. Hot end; 122. Cold end; 130. Spray assembly; 131. Spray component; 1311. Nozzle; 132. Ice storage bin; 133. Shovel plate; 134. Guide wheel; 135. Movable frame; 140. Isolation component; 150. Cold water tank; 151. Box body; 1511. Ice outlet; 152. Ice outlet cover plate; 153. Ice outlet motor; 160. Conveying assembly; 161. Conveying bin; 162. Conveying frame; 200. Filter device; 210. Filter element; 220. Filter element holder; 300. Heater. Detailed Implementation

[0021] 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.

[0022] Existing ice machines primarily use the structure of refrigerators or freezers to produce ice. These devices typically include a refrigeration system that uses a compressor to circulate refrigerant to lower the temperature, thereby forming ice cubes within the ice-making chamber.

[0023] However, this type of equipment has several significant technical problems. First, its ice-making efficiency is relatively low because the ice cubes are formed slowly in a relatively large ice-making chamber, resulting in a long production time. Second, the quality of the ice may be inconsistent, limited by the performance of the refrigeration system and the accuracy of temperature control in the ice-making chamber. Furthermore, existing ice-making machines often have difficulties in demolding the ice cubes after they are made, which may cause the ice cubes to break or stick to the mold.

[0024] Based on this, see Figures 1 to 4 As shown, this utility model embodiment provides a water treatment device 10, which includes an ice-making device 100 and a water circuit structure. The ice-making device 100 includes an ice-making mold 110, a spray assembly 130, and a cooling component 120. The cooling component 120 has a cooling surface, and the cooling surface is at least partially attached to and thermally coupled to the ice-making mold 110. The cooling component 120 is used to cool the ice-making mold 110. The spray assembly 130 is used to spray water toward the ice-making mold 110. The water circuit structure is connected to the spray assembly 130 and is used to transport water.

[0025] Specifically, the water system structure can be a water circuit board with multiple water channels inside. The water channels can be designed in parallel or series. Parallel connection ensures consistent water pressure at each spray point, guaranteeing uniform spraying, while series connection facilitates pre-cooling or preheating of the water flow. Using a water circuit board design integrates complex piping into a single plate structure, making the entire water treatment equipment 10 more compact, reducing the number of external pipe connections, thus lowering the potential risk of leakage, and facilitating installation and maintenance. The water circuit board can be made of corrosion-resistant and thermally conductive materials, such as stainless steel or aluminum alloy. These materials not only withstand the impact and corrosion of water flow but also help control water temperature. In other embodiments, the water system structure can also be a combination of multiple pipelines. This combination structure provides greater flexibility in water system layout, allowing for customized design based on internal space constraints and functional requirements. For example, it allows for easy connection of external filters or water pumps, while still achieving stable water delivery. The pipeline material can be plastic, rubber, or metal, among others. Plastic pipelines are lightweight and low-cost, rubber pipelines have good flexibility, and metal pipelines have high pressure resistance. The specific type of water system structure used can be determined based on actual design requirements and cost considerations, and no single limitation is made here.

[0026] The water treatment device 10 of this embodiment effectively improves ice-making efficiency and quality by using a spray assembly 130 and a cooling component 120 in combination. The water flow generated by the spray assembly 130 and the low-temperature environment generated by the cooling component 120 combine to form a microenvironment for rapid ice making. This localized ice-making method has higher heat exchange efficiency compared to traditional large-space ice making. In the water treatment device 10 of this embodiment, the cooling surface of the cooling component 120 is at least partially attached to and thermally coupled to the ice-making mold 110. This allows the cooling component 120 to efficiently transfer cold energy to the ice-making mold 110, ensuring temperature uniformity and stability during the ice-making process, thereby improving ice-making efficiency and ensuring the quality of the ice. The thermal coupling between the cooling component 120 and the ice-making mold 110 can be achieved through thermally conductive adhesive, thermally conductive pads, or direct contact. These connection methods can minimize thermal resistance and ensure efficient heat transfer. When the refrigeration component 120 is working, the cold energy it generates can be quickly transferred to the surface of the ice-making mold 110, causing the surface temperature of the mold to drop rapidly, thus providing the necessary temperature conditions for the rapid freezing of water.

[0027] Furthermore, in the water treatment device 10 of this embodiment, the spray assembly 130 is designed to spray water toward the ice mold 110, which not only simplifies the water supply method but also ensures that the surface of the ice mold 110 is evenly covered with water, further enhancing the ice-making effect. This design avoids the problem of unstable ice quality caused by uneven temperature in the ice-making chamber in traditional technologies.

[0028] Meanwhile, the refrigeration component 120 in the water treatment device 10 of this embodiment can also heat the ice mold 110 after ice making, so that the ice cubes can be easily demolded from the ice mold 110. This dual function of refrigeration and heating gives the refrigeration component 120 higher practical value, not only completing the ice making process, but also solving the demolding problem. After ice making is completed, by changing the working mode of the refrigeration component 120 from the refrigeration state to the heating state, the surface temperature of the ice mold 110 will rise moderately, and the bonding force between the ice cubes and the mold will be significantly weakened, thereby achieving easy demolding. This effectively solves the problems of difficult demolding, easy breakage or sticking of ice cubes in traditional equipment, and improves the smoothness and reliability of the entire ice making process. This rapid switching heating method can also prevent the ice cubes from melting excessively during the demolding process, maintaining the integrity and quality of the ice cubes.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment, the cooling element 120 includes a thermoelectric cooler that is at least partially attached to the outer surface of the ice-making mold 110. The thermoelectric cooler can be mounted using surface mounting or recessed mounting. Surface mounting facilitates maintenance and replacement, while recessed mounting provides better heat conduction. To ensure good thermal contact between the thermoelectric cooler and the ice-making mold 110, thermal grease or thermal pads can be applied between the contact surfaces. These materials can fill small gaps and reduce contact thermal resistance. The thermoelectric cooler is a solid-state cooling device that operates using the Peltier effect. When direct current passes through a thermocouple composed of two different semiconductor materials, heat is absorbed from one end to the other, forming a cold end 122 and a hot end 121. The physical principle of this thermoelectric effect is based on the energy level difference of charge carriers in different materials. When current passes through the junction of P-type and N-type semiconductors, charge carriers undergo energy level transitions, accompanied by the absorption or release of heat.

[0030] The cold end 122 of the thermoelectric cooler is tightly bonded to the outer surface of the ice-making mold 110. When a forward current is applied, the cold end 122 continuously absorbs heat from the ice-making mold 110, causing its temperature to drop rapidly and thus achieving the ice-making function. During the cooling process, the temperature of the cold end 122 can reach tens of degrees below the ambient temperature. This low-temperature environment allows water sprayed onto the surface of the ice-making mold 110 to freeze quickly. The heat absorbed by the cold end 122 is transferred to the hot end 121, therefore, effective heat dissipation is required for the hot end 121. Typically, a heat sink or fan can be installed to accelerate heat dissipation. When demolding is required, simply change the current direction, and the original cold end 122 becomes the hot end 121, releasing heat to the ice-making mold 110, achieving rapid demolding. This change in current direction can be achieved through a simple circuit switch, with a response time typically within seconds, enabling rapid transition from cooling to heating modes. Semiconductor cooling chips offer advantages such as small size, vibration-free operation, noiseless operation, and rapid and precise switching between cooling and heating, making them ideal for miniaturized or household water treatment devices where space and quiet operation are critical. Compared to traditional compressor refrigeration systems, semiconductor cooling chips have no moving parts, thus eliminating mechanical noise and vibration, which is significant for devices requiring quiet operation. Furthermore, the power of semiconductor cooling chips can be precisely controlled by adjusting the current, enabling more accurate temperature control.

[0031] Specifically, the ice-making mold 110 has ice-making grooves 111, which provide a forming space for forming ice blocks. The spray assembly 130 is used to spray water into the ice-making grooves 111. Under the cooling effect of the cooling unit 120, the water sprayed into the ice-making grooves 111 will freeze quickly, thereby forming the required ice blocks in the ice-making grooves 111.

[0032] The cooling element 120 is at least partially attached to and thermally coupled to the outer surface of the ice-making mold 110. This tight thermal coupling ensures that the cooling element 120 can efficiently transfer cold energy to the ice-making mold 110, causing the temperature inside the ice-making tank 111 to drop rapidly to the freezing temperature. The cooling element 120 can use a thermoelectric cooler as the cooling component. When a forward current is applied, one end of the thermoelectric cooler rapidly cools down and absorbs heat, while the other end releases heat. By keeping the cooled end in close contact with the ice-making mold 110, the ice-making tank 111 can be cooled quickly, promoting the freezing process of water.

[0033] When demolding is required, simply changing the direction of the operating current of the thermoelectric cooler immediately transforms the cooling end into a heating end, releasing heat to the ice mold 110. This rapid cooling-heating conversion allows the ice to quickly detach from the ice mold 111, greatly improving demolding efficiency and reliability.

[0034] Specifically, the cooling component 120 has a cold end 122 and a hot end 121, with the cold end 122 at least partially attached to the outer surface of the ice-making mold 110. The water-cooling component 120 employs a semiconductor cooling chip structure, utilizing the Peltier effect to switch between cooling and heating functions. When a positive direct current is applied, charge carriers inside the semiconductor cooling chip undergo directional movement between the P-type and N-type semiconductor materials, resulting in an endothermic effect at the cold end 122 and an exothermic effect at the hot end 121. The cold end 122 can be attached to the outer surface of the ice-making mold 110 through direct contact or via a thermally conductive medium. The thermally conductive medium can be materials such as thermal grease, thermal adhesive, or thermal pads, which can fill the microscopic unevenness between the contact surfaces, reduce thermal resistance, and improve heat transfer efficiency.

[0035] The water circuit structure includes a hot water circuit and an output water circuit. The hot water circuit is thermally coupled to the hot end 121 and connected to the output water circuit for discharging hot water. The hot water circuit can be designed with a tubular or channel-like structure. The tubular structure facilitates layout and installation, while the channel-like structure provides a larger heat exchange area. The thermal coupling method between the hot water circuit and the hot end 121 can be direct contact or indirect contact. Direct contact involves directly attaching the hot water circuit to the surface of the hot end 121, while indirect contact uses intermediate heat transfer elements such as heat-conducting plates or blocks to achieve heat transfer. The materials for the hot water circuit can be metals with good thermal conductivity, such as copper, aluminum, or stainless steel. These materials not only have excellent thermal conductivity but also good corrosion resistance and mechanical strength.

[0036] During refrigeration, the cold end 122 faces the ice-making mold 110, and the hot end 121 faces away from the ice-making mold 110. This directional arrangement ensures that the cold end 122 can efficiently absorb heat from the ice-making mold 110, causing the ice-making tank 111 inside the ice-making mold 110 to cool rapidly below the freezing temperature. Simultaneously, the heat generated by the hot end 121 is guided away from the ice-making mold 110, preventing heat from interfering with the ice-making process. As the temperature of the cold end 122 decreases, the temperature of the ice-making mold 110 also decreases accordingly through heat conduction, providing the necessary temperature conditions for rapid freezing of the water sprayed into the ice-making tank 111 by the spray assembly 130.

[0037] The heat emitted by the hot end 121 can be conducted to the hot water circuit to heat the water flow there, and then hot water is output through the outlet circuit. The hot end 121 continuously generates heat during cooling operation; if this heat is not utilized, it will waste energy. By thermally coupling the hot end 121 to the hot water circuit, this waste heat can be effectively recovered and utilized. When water flows through the hot water circuit, it absorbs the heat transferred from the hot end 121 and its temperature rises. The degree of temperature increase depends on the water flow velocity, the heat exchange area of ​​the hot water circuit, and the heating power of the hot end 121. The water flow velocity in the hot water circuit can be controlled by adjusting the water pump or valves; a slower flow velocity is beneficial for obtaining a higher outlet water temperature, while a faster flow velocity is beneficial for obtaining a larger hot water flow rate.

[0038] The output water circuit is connected to the hot water circuit, used to deliver heated hot water to other functional modules of the water treatment equipment 10 or directly output it for user use. The output water circuit can be equipped with a temperature sensor and a flow control device. The temperature sensor monitors the hot water temperature to ensure that the output hot water temperature meets usage requirements, while the flow control device adjusts the output flow rate to meet different usage needs. Through this heat recovery and utilization design, the water treatment equipment 10 can provide hot water while making ice, achieving comprehensive energy utilization and improving the overall energy efficiency ratio of the equipment.

[0039] In one embodiment, the water treatment device 10 further includes a filtration device 200, which includes a filter element 210 and a flushing water path. The flushing water path is connected to the filter element 210, and the hot water path is connected to the flushing water path.

[0040] Filter cartridge 210 is used to filter and purify water, removing impurities, particulate matter, organic matter, and microorganisms. Filter cartridge 210 can be of various types, including PP cotton filter cartridges, activated carbon filter cartridges, ultrafiltration membrane filter cartridges, or reverse osmosis membrane filter cartridges. Different types of filter cartridge 210 have different filtration precision and performance. The flushing water circuit can be directly connected to the filter cartridge 210 or connected via a valve-controlled switchable connection. A direct connection allows for a continuous supply of water to the filter cartridge 210, while a valve-controlled switchable connection allows for selective activation or deactivation of the flushing function as needed. The connection between the hot water circuit and the flushing water circuit provides hot water to the flushing circuit, ensuring a suitable water source for flushing the filter cartridge 210.

[0041] By configuring a flushing water path in conjunction with the filter element 210, water with a certain amount of heat can be delivered to the filter element 210 to flush its interior. During long-term use, contaminants gradually accumulate on the surface and inside the filter element 210. These contaminants can clog the filtration channels, reduce filtration efficiency, and even cause the filter element 210 to fail. Regularly flushing the filter element 210 can effectively remove some of the accumulated contaminants, restore its filtration performance, and extend its service life. Using water with a certain amount of heat for flushing has a better cleaning effect than using room temperature water. Hot water can soften and dissolve some organic contaminants, reducing the adhesion between contaminants and the filter element surface, making it easier for contaminants to be flushed away by the water flow. Hot water also has a certain bactericidal and disinfecting effect, which can inhibit or kill microorganisms attached to the surface of the filter element 210, preventing microorganisms from growing and multiplying inside the filter element 210 and avoiding secondary pollution. By supplying hot water to the flushing water circuit through the hot water circuit, the heat generated by the hot end 121 of the cooling component 120 is fully utilized, realizing the recycling of energy, avoiding the energy consumption required for additional heating of the flushing water, and improving the overall energy utilization efficiency of the water treatment equipment 10.

[0042] When filter cartridge 210 includes an RO membrane filter cartridge, the hot water temperature can be 50℃, 51℃, 52℃, 53℃, 54℃, or 55℃, depending on the actual design requirements; no single limitation is made here. The RO membrane filter cartridge uses a reverse osmosis membrane as the filtration medium. Reverse osmosis membranes have extremely high removal rates for dissolved solids, heavy metal ions, bacteria, and viruses in water, producing high-quality purified water. Reverse osmosis membrane materials are sensitive to temperature; excessively high water temperatures will accelerate the aging of the reverse osmosis membrane and may even cause irreversible damage to the membrane material. Controlling the hot water temperature within the range of 50℃ to 55℃ allows for the effective cleaning and sterilization of hot water while avoiding thermal damage to the RO membrane filter cartridge. Within this temperature range, hot water can effectively soften and remove organic pollutants and biofilm adhering to the surface of the reverse osmosis membrane, improving rinsing efficiency. At the same time, this temperature has minimal impact on the reverse osmosis membrane material and will not significantly reduce its service life. It should be noted that when the hot water temperature is below 50℃, the cleaning and sterilization effects of the hot water will be weakened, and the time required to rinse the filter element 210 may need to be extended, resulting in a corresponding decrease in rinsing effectiveness. When the hot water temperature is above 55℃, although the cleaning and sterilization effects will be further enhanced, the risk of thermal damage to the RO membrane filter element will increase, potentially leading to a decrease in the desalination rate or water production of the reverse osmosis membrane, thus affecting the overall performance of the filter element 210. The rinsing water path can be equipped with a temperature sensor and a temperature control device. The temperature sensor is used to monitor the hot water temperature in real time, and the temperature control device can be a mixing valve or an electronic thermostatic valve. By adjusting the mixing ratio of hot water and room temperature water, the temperature of the rinsing water can be precisely controlled within the set range, ensuring the rinsing effect while protecting the filter element 210 from thermal damage.

[0043] Specifically, the filtration device 200 also includes a filter element holder 220. The filter element holder 220 is used to support and fix the filter element 210, providing a stable mounting base for the filter element 210. The structure of the filter element holder 220 can be a frame structure or a shell structure. The frame structure makes it easier to observe the condition of the filter element 210 and facilitates maintenance and replacement, while the shell structure provides better protection for the filter element 210, preventing damage to the filter element 210 from external debris or impacts.

[0044] The filter element 210 is detachably connected to the filter element holder 220 for quick installation and removal. The detachable connection between the filter element 210 and the filter element holder 220 allows users or maintenance personnel to easily and quickly replace the filter element 210. This detachable connection means users can replace the filter element 210 themselves without specialized tools, reducing maintenance costs and difficulty, and improving the usability of the water treatment equipment 10. The detachable connection also facilitates cleaning and inspection of the filter element 210. When the filter element 210 requires deep cleaning or performance testing, it can be quickly removed from the filter element holder 220 for individual processing.

[0045] The number of filter cartridges 210 can be one, two, three, four, or more, depending on the actual design requirements. There is no single limitation here. Different types of filter cartridges can be installed. The filter cartridge holder 220 can have multiple mounting positions for connecting to the filter cartridges 210. Setting multiple filter cartridges 210 enables multi-stage filtration. Different levels of filter cartridges 210 remove pollutants of different types or particle sizes, progressively improving water purification efficiency. For example, the first-stage filter cartridge 210 can be a PP cotton filter to remove larger particulate impurities and suspended solids in the water; the second-stage filter cartridge 210 can be an activated carbon filter to adsorb residual chlorine, odors, and some organic matter in the water; and the third-stage filter cartridge 210 can be an ultrafiltration membrane or RO membrane to remove microorganisms, viruses, heavy metal ions, and dissolved solids in the water. By rationally configuring different types of filter cartridges 210, the water treatment equipment 10 can adapt to different water quality conditions and purification needs, improving the targeting and effectiveness of water purification.

[0046] The filter cartridge holder 220 has multiple mounting positions corresponding to multiple filter cartridges 210. Each mounting position is used to install one filter cartridge 210. The mounting positions are connected by water pipes, allowing water to flow through each stage of the filter cartridges 210 for filtration. The number of mounting positions on the filter cartridge holder 220 can be designed according to the number of filter cartridges 210. When there are two filter cartridges 210, the filter cartridge holder 220 has two mounting positions; when there are three filter cartridges 210, the filter cartridge holder 220 has three mounting positions, and so on. The design of multiple mounting positions also allows for flexible adjustment of the configuration of the filter cartridges 210 according to actual needs. Users can choose to install different numbers and types of filter cartridges 210 based on local water quality conditions or personal needs, improving the applicability and scalability of the water treatment equipment 10.

[0047] Furthermore, the water treatment equipment 10 also includes a heater 300, which is thermally coupled to the hot water circuit and used to heat the hot water circuit.

[0048] The heater 300 provides an additional heat source for the hot water circuit, further increasing the temperature of the water flow and meeting the demand for higher-temperature hot water. The heater 300 can be thermally coupled to the hot water circuit through either direct or indirect contact. Direct contact thermal coupling involves installing the heater 300 directly on the pipe wall or embedding it within the hot water circuit, allowing the heat generated by the heater 300 to be directly transferred to the water flow. This method offers advantages such as high heat transfer efficiency and fast response. Indirect contact thermal coupling uses intermediate heat transfer elements such as heat-conducting plates, heat-conducting blocks, or heat exchangers to transfer the heat from the heater 300 to the hot water circuit. This method avoids direct contact between the heater 300 and the water flow, improving the safety and reliability of the heater 300, and facilitating maintenance and replacement.

[0049] The heater 300 complements the heat recovery function of the hot end 121 of the cooling element 120. When the cooling element 120 is in cooling mode, the heat generated by the hot end 121 is recovered and utilized through the hot water circuit. At this time, the heater 300 can be in standby mode or low-power operation to save energy. When the cooling element 120 stops working or the heat generated by the hot end 121 is insufficient to meet the hot water temperature requirements, the heater 300 can start or increase its power to supplement heating, ensuring that the hot water circuit can continuously and stably provide hot water that meets the temperature requirements. This dual heat source configuration improves the reliability and stability of the hot water supply, avoiding the problems of insufficient heating or temperature fluctuations that may occur with a single heat source.

[0050] Heater 300 can be a thick-film heater to achieve a compact structure. Thick-film heaters are manufactured using thick-film technology, where resistance heating material is screen-printed onto a ceramic or metal substrate to form a heating film layer. Thick-film heaters are characterized by their thinness, small size, and light weight, effectively reducing the space occupied by heater 300 in the water treatment equipment 10 and achieving a compact overall design. Thick-film heaters offer good heating uniformity, achieving uniform temperature distribution on the heating surface, avoiding localized overheating, and improving heating efficiency and service life. Thick-film heaters have a fast thermal response speed, reaching the set temperature in a short time to meet rapid heating requirements. Thick-film heaters have high power density, providing greater heating power within the same installation space, making them suitable for applications with strict space requirements.

[0051] In one embodiment, the ice-making device 100 further includes an isolator 140, which is connected to the cooling element 120 and at least partially covers the outside of the cold end 122. By cooperating with the cooling element 120, the isolator 140 can shield the cold end 122 of the cooling element 120 to prevent ice formation on the cold end 122. During operation, the cold end 122 generates a low-temperature surface. When water vapor in the environment comes into contact with the low-temperature surface of the cold end 122, it will sublimate and freeze. The ice layer will affect the cooling efficiency of the cold end 122 and reduce the cooling performance of the cooling element 120. The isolator 140 forms an isolation layer between the cold end 122 and the external environment, blocking direct contact between water vapor in the environment and the cold end 122, thereby preventing icing. The isolator 140 can also regulate the temperature gradient around the cold end 122, making temperature changes more gradual, reducing thermal stress caused by sudden temperature changes, and improving the working stability and service life of the cooling element 120. The surface of the separator 140 can be treated to prevent condensation, such as by coating a hydrophobic coating or setting a micro-textured structure, to further reduce the possibility of water vapor condensing on the surface of the separator 140 and enhance the anti-icing effect.

[0052] Specifically, the isolator 140 can completely enclose the cold end 122 to avoid excessive contact area between the cold end 122 and the external environment. Complete enclosure means that the isolator 140 covers all exposed surfaces of the cold end 122, forming a relatively enclosed space to minimize the heat exchange area between the cold end 122 and the external environment. This design effectively controls the cooling rate and direction of the cold end 122, ensuring that the cold energy is primarily transferred to the ice-making area, thus improving ice-making efficiency. Complete enclosure also prevents external impurities, dust, or contaminants from contacting the cold end 122, keeping its surface clean and preventing surface contamination from affecting heat transfer. When completely enclosing the cold end 122, the isolator 140 needs to reserve appropriate heat conduction channels to ensure that the cold energy generated by the cold end 122 can be effectively transferred to other components of the ice-making device 100. These heat conduction channels can be achieved by providing heat-conducting fins, heat-conducting pillars, or heat-conducting pipes on the inner surface of the isolator 140.

[0053] In one embodiment, the separator 140 can also absorb condensate generated at the cold end 122 and prevent the cold end 122 from freezing. The inner surface of the separator 140 can be provided with absorbent material or a porous structure. When water vapor in the environment surrounding the cold end 122 condenses into water droplets due to temperature reduction, this condensate is absorbed and stored by the absorbent structure of the separator 140, preventing direct contact between the condensate and the surface of the cold end 122. The absorbent material can be a sponge, non-woven fabric, silica gel, or molecular sieve, etc., which have good water absorption properties. These materials can quickly absorb condensate and store it in their internal pores. A porous structure can be achieved by providing micropores, grooves, or a honeycomb structure on the inner surface of the separator 140. These structures increase the contact area between the separator 140 and the condensate, improving the condensate collection efficiency. The separator 140 can also be provided with a drainage channel to guide the absorbed condensate to a designated location for discharge, preventing condensate accumulation inside the separator 140 and affecting its absorbency. By adsorbing condensate, the separator 140 can keep the environment around the cold end 122 relatively dry, reducing the driving force for water vapor to diffuse to the surface of the cold end 122, and fundamentally reducing the possibility of ice formation on the cold end 122. The water absorption capacity of the separator 140 can be designed according to the working environment and working time of the ice-making device 100 to ensure that the generated condensate can be effectively adsorbed throughout the entire working cycle.

[0054] In one embodiment, the ice-making device 100 further includes a housing, which covers the outside of the isolator 140. The housing provides external protection for the isolator 140 and the cooling component 120, preventing external impacts, vibrations, or other mechanical damage from affecting the internal components of the ice-making device 100. A certain gap can be provided between the housing and the isolator 140 to form an air layer or fill with heat-insulating material, further improving the overall heat insulation performance and reducing the impact of external temperature changes on the operational stability of the ice-making device 100. The housing can be designed as a detachable structure, connected to other components by means of screws, clips, or quick connectors, facilitating maintenance, inspection, or replacement of internal components. The outer surface of the housing can be provided with structures such as heat dissipation fins, heat dissipation holes, or ventilation slots to promote the dissipation of heat inside the housing and prevent heat accumulation from affecting the working performance of the ice-making device 100.

[0055] Furthermore, there are multiple refrigeration components 120, which are evenly distributed on the outer surface of the ice-making mold 110.

[0056] Specifically, the number of cooling components 120 can be one, two, or more, and there is no single limitation. In practical applications, the number and distribution density of cooling components 120 can be reasonably set according to factors such as the size and shape of the ice-making mold 110 and the required ice-making efficiency. For example, when the ice-making mold 110 is a cuboid structure, one or more cooling components 120 can be set on its four sides; when the ice-making mold 110 is a cylindrical structure, multiple cooling components 120 can be arranged at equal intervals along its circumference to achieve uniform circumferential cooling.

[0057] Setting up multiple cooling components 120 effectively increases the heat exchange area between the cooling components 120 and the ice-making mold 110, thereby accelerating the rate of heat transfer from the inside of the ice-making mold 110 to the outside and improving overall cooling efficiency. Simultaneously, because the multiple cooling components 120 are evenly distributed on the outer surface of the ice-making mold 110, the cooling amount received by each area of ​​the ice-making mold 110 tends to be uniform, avoiding localized overcooling or insufficient cooling, thus improving the uniformity and integrity of ice formation during the ice-making process. By rationally configuring multiple cooling components 120 and evenly arranging them on the outer surface of the ice-making mold 110, the uniformity of ice making can be significantly improved while ensuring cooling efficiency.

[0058] In one embodiment, a plurality of cooling elements 120 are provided on at least one outer surface of the ice-making mold 110.

[0059] By providing multiple cooling elements 120 on at least one outer surface, these elements can be spaced apart or connected to each other, thereby further improving the cooling effect of the ice-making mold 110 on that side. Specifically, the number of cooling elements 120 can be one, two, or more, without limitation. Providing multiple cooling elements 120 increases the heat exchange area with the outer surface of the ice-making mold 110, allowing for more uniform and rapid transfer of cooling energy into the interior of the ice-making mold 110, thus shortening the ice-making cycle and improving the uniformity of ice formation. Furthermore, each cooling element 120 can be individually temperature-controlled; that is, each cooling element 120 can be connected to an independent temperature control unit to perform differentiated cooling adjustments based on the heat load differences in different areas of the ice-making mold 110, avoiding localized overcooling or insufficient cooling, and further optimizing overall ice-making efficiency and ice quality.

[0060] It should be noted that the arrangement of multiple cooling components 120 on the outer surface of the ice-making mold 110 can be optimized according to the shape of the mold and the heat conduction path, such as in a matrix, ring or linear distribution along the mold contour, to ensure that the cold distribution matches the geometric characteristics of the water cavity inside the mold, thereby improving the heat conduction efficiency.

[0061] Furthermore, the ice-making device 100 also includes a heat sink, which is thermally coupled to the hot end 121 of the cooling element 120 and used for heat dissipation; the heat sink includes at least one of a cooling fan, a semiconductor cooling chip, and heat dissipation fins.

[0062] Specifically, a cooling fan can be attached to the hot end 121 of the cooling component 120 and dissipates heat from the hot end 121 by driving airflow. In practical applications, the cooling fan can be an axial fan or a centrifugal fan, and its airflow and speed can be matched according to the heat generated by the cooling component 120 to ensure that the temperature of the hot end 121 is maintained within a reasonable range, avoiding a decrease in cooling efficiency or even damage to the device due to overheating.

[0063] When a thermoelectric cooler is used as a heat sink, its cooling end can be attached to the hot end 121 of the cooler 120. Through its own thermoelectric effect, it transfers heat from the hot end 121 to its own hot end, and then dissipates the heat through other heat dissipation structures (such as heat sink fins, a fan, or heat exchange with external air). This method achieves active cooling of the hot end 121 of the cooler 120. Compared to natural heat dissipation or simple air cooling, it can more effectively reduce the temperature of the hot end 121, thereby improving the cooling capacity of the cold end of the cooler 120 and enhancing the overall ice-making efficiency. It should be noted that the thermoelectric cooler and the cooler 120 used here can be the same type or different specifications of thermoelectric modules. They are structurally independent but functionally form a multi-stage heat dissipation relationship.

[0064] The heat sink fins can directly contact the hot end 121 of the cooling component 120, and conduct heat from the hot end 121 to the fin surface through the fin structure made of a high thermal conductivity material (such as aluminum or copper), and then dissipate the heat to the surrounding environment through natural convection or forced convection. The surface area, thickness, spacing and other parameters of the heat sink fins can be optimized according to the actual heat dissipation requirements. For example, if the fin spacing is too small, it may increase airflow resistance and affect heat dissipation efficiency, while if the spacing is too large, it may reduce the heat dissipation area per unit volume.

[0065] In some embodiments, the cooling fan, the thermoelectric cooler, and the heat sink fins can be used in combination of at least two. For example, the heat sink fins can be combined with the cooling fan to form an air-cooled heat dissipation structure, where the fan forces airflow across the surface of the heat sink fins, significantly improving convective heat transfer efficiency. Alternatively, the thermoelectric cooler can be combined with the heat sink fins, connecting the hot end of the thermoelectric cooler to the heat sink fins, expanding the heat dissipation area using the fins, and further enhancing the heat dissipation effect with the help of a fan. Furthermore, all three components can be integrated simultaneously to form a composite heat dissipation system to meet the heat dissipation requirements of high power or compact spaces. Through the above combinations, the heat dissipation capacity can be flexibly configured according to the actual operating conditions of the ice-making device 100, ensuring the stable operation of the cooling component 120 while improving the overall energy efficiency ratio and reliability of the device.

[0066] Specifically, the spray assembly 130 includes a spray element 131 and an ice storage chamber 132. The spray element 131 is connected to the water channel structure, and the ice storage chamber 132 is connected to the ice-making mold 110 and is used to collect ice blocks. The spray element 131 is provided with multiple nozzles 1311.

[0067] The spray unit 131 establishes fluid communication with the water system structure through connectors such as water pipes, hoses, or pipe fittings. The water system structure provides the spray unit 131 with the water source required for ice making. The bottom of the ice storage bin 132 may be provided with an inclined surface or guide groove, which facilitates the automatic sliding of ice blocks into the ice storage bin 132 under the action of gravity, preventing ice blocks from accumulating or getting stuck in the transition area between the ice making mold 110 and the ice storage bin 132. The inner wall of the ice storage bin 132 may be treated with a smooth surface to reduce the frictional resistance between the ice blocks and the inner wall, and improve the smoothness of ice block collection.

[0068] The spray unit 131 is equipped with multiple nozzles 1311. The nozzles 1311 can be of different forms, such as straight hole type, conical hole type, or swirl type. Straight hole type nozzles 1311 have the advantages of simple structure and low manufacturing cost, and can produce a concentrated water jet, which is suitable for fixed-point water spraying applications. Conical hole type nozzles 1311 can form a fan-shaped water jet with moderate atomization degree through the gradual aperture design, with a large water spray coverage area and relatively uniform water flow distribution. Swirl type nozzles 1311 cause the water jet to rotate through the internal spiral flow channel, forming a conical atomized water jet, which has good atomization effect and a large spray range.

[0069] The ice storage chamber 132 is used to collect ice blocks output from the ice-making mold 110. The volume of the ice storage chamber 132 can be designed according to the ice-making capacity of the ice-making device 100 and usage requirements. When the ice-making capacity of the ice-making device 100 is large, the ice storage chamber 132 needs to have a corresponding storage volume to prevent ice blocks from overflowing. When the usage requirement is to continuously supply ice for a long time, the ice storage chamber 132 needs to have sufficient storage space to reduce the frequency of ice retrieval. The interior of the ice storage chamber 132 can be equipped with partitions or a layered structure to divide the storage space into multiple areas. Different areas can store different batches or different sizes of ice blocks, facilitating the classification and management of ice blocks and their on-demand retrieval. The bottom of the ice storage chamber 132 can be equipped with drainage holes and drainage pipes. When the ice blocks melt, the melted water can be drained from the ice storage chamber 132 in a timely manner, preventing the accumulation of melted water inside the ice storage chamber 132 and affecting the storage quality of the ice blocks.

[0070] By using multiple nozzles 1311, the uniformity of water spraying can be improved, thereby enhancing ice-making quality. A single nozzle 1311 has limitations in its spray range and intensity. When the ice mold 110 has a large area or the number of ice-making tanks 111 is large, a single nozzle 1311 may struggle to achieve uniform coverage of the entire ice-making area, easily leading to differences in water volume across different areas of the ice mold 110, resulting in inconsistent ice-making speeds and varying ice quality. The distributed arrangement of multiple nozzles 1311 disperses the water spraying task across multiple locations, with each nozzle 1311 responsible for covering a specific area of ​​the ice mold 110. Through reasonable spacing and angle adjustment, comprehensive and uniform water spraying coverage of the ice mold 110 surface can be achieved. Multiple nozzles 1311 also reduce the workload of a single nozzle 1311. Under the same total water spraying conditions, multiple nozzles 1311 can achieve the same spraying effect with lower operating pressure, reducing nozzle wear and water flow turbulence caused by excessive operating pressure. Uniform water spray distribution ensures that the amount of water in each ice-making tank 111 of the ice-making mold 110 is basically the same, avoiding inconsistent ice block size and molding time due to differences in water volume, and improving the appearance quality and performance of the ice blocks.

[0071] Setting multiple nozzles 1311 corresponding to multiple ice-making tanks 111 can improve ice-making efficiency. Specifically, the number of nozzles 1311 can be one, two, three, four, or more; there is no single limitation. This one-to-one correspondence enables precise directional water spraying, with each nozzle 1311 specifically providing water to its corresponding ice-making tank 111, avoiding water waste and cross-interference during the spraying process. This correspondence ensures a stable and sufficient water supply to each ice-making tank 111, guaranteeing the synchronicity and consistency of the ice-making process. The correspondence between multiple nozzles 1311 and multiple ice-making tanks 111 also facilitates modular design and maintenance management of the system. When a nozzle 1311 malfunctions, only the corresponding nozzle 1311 needs to be repaired or replaced, without affecting the normal operation of the entire ice-making system.

[0072] The nozzle 1311 and the ice-making tank 111 can be arranged in different ways, such as vertical alignment, inclined alignment, or lateral alignment. Vertical alignment places the nozzle 1311 directly above the ice-making tank 111, with water spraying vertically downwards into the tank. This arrangement has the advantages of the shortest water path and the greatest water impact force, making it suitable for ice-making applications requiring rapid water filling. Inclined alignment sets the nozzle 1311 at a certain angle relative to the ice-making tank 111, allowing water to enter the tank at an angle. This reduces direct impact on the bottom of the tank, minimizing splashing and air bubbles, resulting in more transparent and denser ice. Lateral alignment places the nozzle 1311 to the side of the ice-making tank 111, with water entering from the side. This arrangement avoids the nozzle 1311 occupying space above the tank, facilitating a compact design of the ice-making device 100.

[0073] In one embodiment, the spray component 131 is movably connected to the ice-making mold 110, and the spray assembly 130 further includes a shovel 133 connected to the spray component 131 and used to push out ice blocks from the ice storage chamber 132.

[0074] In this embodiment, the movable connection between the spray component 131 and the ice-making mold 110 can be in the form of a rotating shaft connection, a slide rail connection, or a swing arm connection; the movable frame 135 provides a stable support platform for the spray component 131, and the movement of the movable frame 135 drives the spray component 131 to switch between different positions, so as to realize the dual service function of the spray component 131 for the ice-making mold 110 and the ice storage chamber 132.

[0075] The shovel plate 133 is also connected to the movable frame 135. The connection between the shovel plate 133 and the movable frame 135 can be either fixed or adjustable. A fixed connection securely fixes the shovel plate 133 to the movable frame 135 using bolts, welding, or integrated molding, providing high connection strength and structural stability, but it does not allow for adjustment of the shovel plate 133's position and angle according to actual needs. An adjustable connection uses hinges, sliding grooves, or adjusting screws to adjust the position and angle of the shovel plate 133 relative to the movable frame 135, adapting to different sizes of ice storage bins 132 and different types of ice block pushing requirements. The installation position of the shovel plate 133 on the movable frame 135 needs to comprehensively consider factors such as the spray range of the spray unit 131, the distribution of the ice-making tank 111, and the opening position of the ice storage bin 132, ensuring that the shovel plate 133 can effectively cover the outlet area of ​​the ice storage bin 132 without affecting the normal operation of the spray unit 131.

[0076] During ice making, the movable frame 135 rotates to align the spray nozzle 131 with the ice-making tank 111, while the shovel 133 scoops out ice from the ice storage bin 132. The rotation angle and speed of the movable frame 135 need to be precisely controlled according to the position distribution of the ice-making tank 111 and the ice-making process requirements. When the spray nozzle 131 rotates to the position corresponding to the ice-making tank 111, the nozzle 1311 of the spray nozzle 131 should be accurately aligned with the opening of the ice-making tank 111 to ensure that the sprayed water can completely enter the interior of the ice-making tank 111 without splashing or deflection. The movable frame 135 needs to maintain a stable movement during rotation to avoid water flow disturbance and reduced spray accuracy caused by excessively fast or uneven rotation. The shovel 133's function at this stage is to push out the existing ice from the ice storage bin 132 to make room for newly made ice. The pushing action of the shovel 133 can be performed synchronously with the rotation of the movable frame 135, or it can be performed independently after the movable frame 135 has rotated to its position. The force applied by the shovel 133 to push the ice block needs to be moderate, ensuring effective movement while avoiding damage or splashing due to excessive force. The pushing speed should be slow and steady, allowing sufficient time for the ice block to slide smoothly out of the ice storage compartment 132 without blockage or accumulation.

[0077] After ice making is complete, the movable frame 135 can move the spray component 131 away from the ice-making tank 111, allowing the ice blocks to fall from the ice-making tank 111 into the ice storage chamber 132. The shovel plate 133 avoids the opening of the ice-making tank 111. When the water in the ice-making tank 111 is completely frozen and reaches the preset ice block thickness, the ice-making process is complete, and the ice blocks need to be removed from the ice-making tank 111. The action of the movable frame 135 moving the spray component 131 away from the ice-making tank 111 creates space for the ice-making mold 110 to be demolded, avoiding physical interference from the spray component 131 during the demolding process. After the spray component 131 leaves, the ice-making mold 110 can separate the ice blocks from the ice-making tank 111 by heating, vibration, or mechanical pushing. Under the action of gravity, the ice blocks fall from the opening of the ice-making tank 111 into the ice storage chamber 132 below. During this stage, the shovel plate 133 needs to avoid the opening of the ice-making tank 111 to ensure an unobstructed path for the ice blocks, preventing them from colliding with the shovel plate 133 during their fall and altering their trajectory or causing damage. The shovel plate 133's avoidance action can be achieved through the overall rotation of the movable frame 135, or through the independent movement of the shovel plate 133 relative to the movable frame 135. The avoidance angle should be large enough to ensure that even when the ice-making tank 111 is tilted during demolding, the ice blocks can fall smoothly without contacting the shovel plate 133. After the ice blocks have fallen, the movable frame 135 can rotate back to its working position to prepare for the next ice-making cycle, and the shovel plate 133 can be repositioned to the outlet of the ice storage chamber 132 to prepare for pushing newly collected ice blocks.

[0078] Furthermore, the spray assembly 130 also includes a guide wheel 134, which is rotatably connected to the shovel plate 133 and makes rolling contact with the inner wall of the ice storage bin 132.

[0079] Specifically, the rotational connection between the guide wheel 134 and the shovel plate 133 can be in the form of bearing connection, bushing connection, or integrated rotating shaft connection, etc., and is not limited to one form. The number of guide wheels 134 can be one, two, three, or more, depending on the length of the shovel plate 133 and the load distribution, and is not limited to one form. Setting multiple guide wheels 134 can distribute the weight of the shovel plate 133 and the pushing load to multiple support points, reducing the load intensity of a single guide wheel 134 and improving the overall load-bearing stability. The distributed arrangement of multiple guide wheels 134 can also adapt to the shape changes of the inner wall of the ice storage bin 132. When the inner wall of the ice storage bin 132 is curved or tilted, multiple guide wheels 134 can maintain contact with the inner wall at different positions, ensuring the smooth movement of the shovel plate 133 during the pushing process. The installation position of the guide wheel 134 on the shovel plate 133 needs to take into account factors such as load distribution, movement trajectory and spatial layout. Usually, the guide wheel 134 is installed on the bottom edge or both sides of the shovel plate 133 so that the guide wheel 134 can bear the weight of the shovel plate 133 and guide the shovel plate 133 to slide along the inner wall of the ice storage bin 132.

[0080] By configuring the guide wheel 134 to cooperate with the ice storage compartment 132, frictional wear between the shovel 133 and the ice storage compartment 132 can be reduced or avoided. Without the guide wheel 134, the shovel 133 needs to directly slide against the inner wall of the ice storage compartment 132 when pushing ice blocks. The resistance generated by sliding friction not only increases the driving force required for the shovel 133 to push the ice blocks, but also causes wear and heat generation at the friction interface. Long-term sliding friction will cause the pushing surface of the shovel 133 and the inner wall surface of the ice storage compartment 132 to gradually wear down, forming scratches and unevenness, further increasing frictional resistance and affecting the pushing effect of the shovel 133. The heat generated by friction may also cause local temperature rise, which will have an adverse effect on the storage quality of the ice blocks.

[0081] Rolling contact also avoids direct wear at the friction interface. During the rolling process, the guide wheel 134 makes point or line contact with the inner wall of the ice storage chamber 132. The contact area is small and the contact pressure is evenly distributed, preventing scratches or wear on the contact surface. The rotation of the guide wheel 134 converts the frictional energy during the pushing process into rotational kinetic energy, reducing energy loss and heat generation at the friction interface. This design allows the shovel plate 133 to effectively push ice blocks with a smaller pushing force, while maintaining the long-term performance of the shovel plate 133 and the ice storage chamber 132, reducing maintenance frequency and replacement costs.

[0082] Specifically, the ice-making device 100 also includes a cold water tank 150 and a conveying assembly 160. The ice storage compartment 132 is at least partially housed in the cold water tank 150. The cold water tank 150 is connected to the water circuit structure and has an ice outlet 1511. The conveying assembly 160 is connected to the cold water tank 150 and is used to convey ice blocks to the ice outlet 1511.

[0083] In this embodiment, the cold water tank 150 is used to store ice water. During use, the cold water in the cold water tank 150 can be sprayed onto the ice-making mold 110 via the spray nozzle 131. Excess ice water can fall back into the cold water tank 150 for recycling. This recycling of cold water improves water resource utilization efficiency and reduces water consumption during the ice-making process. The cold water sprayed by the spray nozzle 131 forms a water film on the surface of the ice-making mold 110. Under the action of the refrigeration system, the water film gradually freezes to form an ice layer. Excess ice water that has not frozen flows back into the cold water tank 150 under gravity, thus achieving the recycling of cold water. After the ice-making mold 110 has finished making ice, the ice blocks can fall into the ice storage chamber 132 via the self-made ice tray 111 for output.

[0084] In one embodiment, the cold water tank 150 in the housing 151 includes the housing 151, the ice outlet cover 152 and the ice outlet motor 153, and the ice outlet cover 152 is connected to the ice outlet motor 153. The ice outlet motor 153 is used to drive the ice outlet cover 152 to close or open the ice outlet 1511.

[0085] The ice outlet cover 152 can open and close in various ways, including rotating, sliding, or flipping. Rotating opening and closing refers to the ice outlet cover 152 rotating around a fixed axis to achieve the opening and closing action; this method is simple in structure and provides good sealing. Sliding opening and closing refers to the ice outlet cover 152 sliding along a straight track to achieve the opening and closing action; this method is smooth and does not require additional rotation space. Flipping opening and closing refers to the ice outlet cover 152 flipping around a hinge axis to achieve the opening and closing action; this method has a large opening angle and facilitates smooth ice output. When closed, the ice outlet cover 152 needs to form a good seal with the ice outlet 1511 to prevent cold water leakage from the cold water tank 150 and the entry of external air. The sealing structure can adopt forms such as planar seals, annular seals, or labyrinth seals. Planar seals achieve sealing through the planar contact between the ice outlet cover 152 and the edge of the ice outlet 1511. Annular seals achieve sealing through the use of a rubber sealing ring. Labyrinth seals achieve sealing through a complex sealing path.

[0086] Ice blocks are conveyed to the ice outlet 1511 via the conveying assembly 160 for output. The operation of the conveying assembly 160 needs to be coordinated with the opening and closing action of the ice outlet cover 152. When the ice outlet cover 152 opens the ice outlet 1511, the conveying assembly 160 starts working to convey ice blocks to the ice outlet 1511. After the ice blocks have been conveyed, the ice outlet cover 152 closes the ice outlet 1511 and stops the output of ice blocks. This coordination enables the quantitative output and on-demand supply of ice blocks, avoiding continuous output and waste. The conveying speed of the conveying assembly 160 needs to be matched with the opening and closing speed of the ice outlet cover 152 to ensure that the ice blocks can be completely output during the opening of the ice outlet cover 152 without blockage or overflow.

[0087] Specifically, the conveying assembly 160 includes a conveying chamber 161 and a conveying frame 162. The conveying chamber 161 is used to receive ice blocks output from the ice storage chamber 132, and the conveying frame 162 is used to drive the ice blocks to be conveyed along the conveying chamber 161 until they are output from the ice outlet 1511.

[0088] The conveyor frame 162 can be constructed using various methods, including screw conveying, belt conveying, chain conveying, or vibratory conveying. Screw conveying uses rotating helical blades to move ice blocks along the conveyor bin 161, offering stable delivery and good sealing. Belt conveying uses the movement of a conveyor belt to move ice blocks, providing smooth transport with low noise. Chain conveying uses the movement of chains and scrapers to move ice blocks, offering high load-bearing capacity and suitability for heavy-duty transport. Vibratory conveying uses vibration to move ice blocks in a jumping motion along the conveyor bin 161, offering a simple structure and easy maintenance. The drive unit for the conveyor frame 162 can be a motor, pneumatic device, or hydraulic device, the selection of which depends on the conveying load, conveying speed, and control requirements. The conveying speed of the conveyor frame 162 can be adjusted according to the ice block output demand. Excessive conveying speed may cause collisions and breakage of ice blocks during transport, while insufficient conveying speed may affect ice block output efficiency and user experience.

[0089] Specifically, the conveying chamber 161 is located below the ice storage chamber 132, and ice blocks are driven into the conveying chamber 161 by a shovel plate 133. The relative position of the conveying chamber 161 and the ice storage chamber 132 needs to ensure that ice blocks can be smoothly transferred from the ice storage chamber 132 to the conveying chamber 161. The outlet of the ice storage chamber 132 should be aligned with the inlet of the conveying chamber 161 to avoid the ice blocks being missed or shifted during the transfer process. A guide structure can be provided between the ice storage chamber 132 and the conveying chamber 161. The guide structure can be in the form of a guide trough, a guide plate, or a guide pipe. The guide trough guides the ice blocks to flow to the conveying chamber 161 by setting a trough-shaped structure at the bottom of the ice storage chamber 132. The guide plate changes the direction of movement of the ice blocks by setting an inclined plate surface. The guide pipe realizes the directional conveying of ice blocks through a pipe structure. When pushing ice blocks, the shovel 133 needs to control the pushing force and speed to avoid the ice blocks breaking or splashing due to excessive force. The pushing process should be smooth and continuous to ensure that the ice blocks can enter the conveying chamber 161 in an orderly manner without accumulating or blocking.

[0090] In one embodiment, the conveyor frame 162 can be a drive screw frame, driven to rotate by a drive motor to carry ice blocks out along the conveyor chamber 161. The screw blades of the drive screw frame can be in the form of continuous screws or intermittent screws. Continuous screw blades can provide continuous driving force, with stable conveying volume and high conveying efficiency, but the manufacturing cost is relatively high. Intermittent screw blades have a simple structure and low manufacturing cost, but intermittent driving force fluctuations may occur during the conveying process. The pitch of the screw blades can be designed according to the size of the ice blocks and the conveying requirements. Screw blades with larger pitches can push more ice blocks at a time, with high conveying efficiency, but require higher driving torque. Screw blades with smaller pitches have a uniform driving force and less impact on the ice blocks, but the conveying efficiency is relatively low.

[0091] 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.

[0092] 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.

[0093] 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.

[0094] 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.

[0095] 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 device, characterized in that, include: An ice-making device includes an ice-making mold, a spray assembly, and a cooling component. The cooling component has a cooling surface, and the cooling surface is partially attached to and thermally coupled to the ice-making mold. The cooling component is used to cool the ice-making mold, and the spray assembly is used to spray water toward the ice-making mold. as well as A water channel structure is connected to the spray assembly and used to transport water.

2. The water treatment equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The refrigeration component has a cold end and a hot end, the cold end being at least partially attached to the outer surface of the ice-making mold; the water circuit structure includes a hot water circuit and an output water circuit, the hot water circuit being thermally coupled to the hot end, and the hot water circuit being connected to the output water circuit and used to output hot water.

3. The water treatment equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cooling component includes a semiconductor cooling chip, which is at least partially attached to the outer surface of the ice-making mold.

4. The water treatment equipment according to claim 2, characterized in that, The water treatment equipment also includes a filtration device, which includes a filter element and a flushing water path. The flushing water path is connected to the filter element, and the hot water path is connected to the flushing water path.

5. The water treatment equipment according to claim 2, characterized in that, The water treatment equipment also includes a heater, which is thermally coupled to the hot water circuit and used to heat the hot water circuit.

6. The water treatment equipment according to claim 2, characterized in that, The ice-making device further includes an isolation element connected to the refrigeration element, and the isolation element at least partially covers the outside of the cold end.

7. The water treatment equipment according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The number of cooling components is multiple, and the multiple cooling components are evenly distributed on the outer surface of the ice-making mold.

8. The water treatment equipment according to claim 7, characterized in that, At least one outer surface of the ice-making mold is provided with a plurality of the cooling components.

9. The water treatment equipment according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The ice-making device further includes a heat dissipation component, which is thermally coupled to the hot end of the cooling component and used for heat dissipation; the heat dissipation component includes at least one of a cooling fan, a semiconductor cooling chip, and heat dissipation fins.

10. The water treatment equipment according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The spray assembly includes a spray element and an ice storage chamber. The spray element is connected to the water channel structure, and the ice storage chamber is connected to the ice-making mold and used to collect ice blocks. The spray element is provided with multiple nozzles.

Images