A cold and hot water combined supply system based on compressor refrigeration and a physiotherapy device

Abstract

The application relates to a cold and hot water combined supply system based on compressor refrigeration and a physiotherapy device, wherein the cold and hot water combined supply system comprises a compressor, a condensing side heat exchanger, an evaporating side heat exchanger, a throttling device, a cold water circulating loop and a hot water circulating loop; the cold water circulating loop comprises a first water pump, a first control valve and connecting pipelines; the hot water circulating loop comprises a second water pump, a second control valve and connecting pipelines; by arranging two independent water circulating paths of the condensing side and the evaporating side in the same refrigeration cycle, high-temperature condensing heat and low-temperature evaporating heat generated in the working process of the compressor are utilized to synchronously realize the preparation of hot water and cold water, the energy utilization rate is effectively improved, and the waste of cold or heat in the traditional system is avoided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of hot and cold water supply system technology, specifically to a hot and cold water combined supply system based on compressor refrigeration and a physiotherapy device. Background Technology

[0002] In physiotherapy applications, such as massage bathtubs, temperature-controlled therapy beds, and hot / cold compress therapy devices, it is often necessary to provide hot and cold water alternately or simultaneously to meet the needs of different treatment modes. Current solutions typically employ two independent cooling and heating systems, for example, using electric or gas water heaters to produce hot water and chillers to produce cold water. This not only increases equipment cost and size but also leads to complex control, difficult maintenance, and low overall efficiency due to the ineffective synergistic use of energy.

[0003] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a compact, energy-efficient, and stable combined hot and cold water system that can simultaneously produce both hot and cold water within the same equipment, in order to meet the needs of various physiotherapy equipment scenarios and users' actual demand for intelligent and multifunctional health products. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application proposes a combined hot and cold water supply system and physiotherapy device based on compressor refrigeration. By making full use of the bidirectional heat energy in the compressor refrigeration / heating process, it simultaneously generates and supplies hot and cold water, avoiding energy waste, and is applicable to various physiotherapy equipment scenarios.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present application adopts the following technical solution: In the first aspect, this application proposes a combined chilled and hot water supply system based on compressor refrigeration, including a compressor, a condenser-side heat exchanger, an evaporator-side heat exchanger, a throttling device, a chilled water circulation loop, and a hot water circulation loop; The compressor, condenser-side heat exchanger, throttling device, and evaporator-side heat exchanger are connected in sequence through refrigerant pipelines to form a closed refrigerant circulation loop. The cold water circulation loop includes a first water pump, a first control valve and connecting pipelines, used to transport the water to be cooled to the evaporator-side heat exchanger for heat exchange and then enter the cold water storage unit, and can form a circulation flow between the evaporator-side heat exchanger and the cold water storage unit. The hot water circulation loop includes a second water pump, a second control valve, and connecting pipes, which are used to transport the water to be heated to the condenser heat exchanger for heat exchange and then enter the hot water storage unit, and can form a circulation flow between the condenser heat exchanger and the hot water storage unit. Both the condenser-side heat exchanger and the evaporator-side heat exchanger are plate heat exchangers.

[0006] Thus, by setting up two independent water circulation paths—one on the condensing side and one on the evaporating side—within the same refrigeration cycle, and utilizing the high-temperature condensation heat and low-temperature evaporation heat absorbed during compressor operation, hot and cold water can be prepared simultaneously, effectively improving energy utilization and avoiding the waste of cooling or heating capacity in traditional systems. This system has a compact structure, requiring no additional independent refrigeration and heating equipment, reducing overall size and energy consumption, and is suitable for physiotherapy devices with high space and energy efficiency requirements.

[0007] In some possible implementations, the cold water circulation loop and the hot water circulation loop share the same water source, which is connected to the cold water circulation loop and the hot water circulation loop respectively through a branch pipe that splits into two, forming an independent water supply path.

[0008] In some possible implementations, the first control valve is located on the cold water branch of the branch pipeline, near the water source, and is used to control the start and stop of the cold water circulation loop. The second control valve is located on the hot water branch of the branch pipeline, near the water source, and is used to control the start and stop of water replenishment in the hot water circulation loop.

[0009] In some possible implementations, the first water pump is located downstream of the first control valve and on the pipe section between the evaporator-side heat exchanger and the cold water storage unit. The second water pump is located downstream of the second control valve and on the pipe section between the condenser heat exchanger and the hot water storage unit.

[0010] In some possible implementations, the first and second water pumps are diaphragm pumps.

[0011] In some possible implementations, the first control valve in the cold water circulation loop and the second control valve in the hot water circulation loop are opened and closed based on feedback from level sensors installed in the cold water storage unit and the hot water storage unit, respectively.

[0012] Secondly, this application also proposes a physiotherapy device that uses the above-mentioned compressor-based combined hot and cold water supply system, wherein the physiotherapy device is an output terminal connected to the cold water storage unit and the hot water storage unit.

[0013] In some possible implementations, the output terminal is equipped with a mixing valve for mixing water flows from the cold water storage unit and the hot water storage unit in a proportional manner to output blended water at a set temperature.

[0014] In some possible implementations, a control module is also included, which is electrically connected to the compressor, water pumps, control valves, and level sensors. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the combined hot and cold water supply system based on compressor refrigeration and the applicable physiotherapy device described in this application. Detailed Implementation

[0016] The following examples further illustrate the features of this application and other related features in detail, to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art: It should be noted that the terms “front,” “back,” “left,” “right,” “up,” and “down” used in the following description refer to the directions in the attached diagrams, while the terms “bottom surface,” “top surface,” “inner,” and “outer” refer to the directions toward or away from the geometric center of a specific component, respectively.

[0017] Furthermore, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" 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 direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this case based on the specific circumstances.

[0018] Please refer to Figure 1 As shown in the figure, the combined chilled and hot water supply system described in this embodiment includes a compressor 1, a condenser-side heat exchanger 2, an evaporator-side heat exchanger 3, a throttling device 4, a chilled water circulation loop, and a hot water circulation loop. The compressor 1, condenser-side heat exchanger 2, throttling device 4, and evaporator-side heat exchanger 3 are sequentially connected via refrigerant piping, forming a closed refrigerant circulation loop. The refrigerant flows sequentially within the system: after being pressurized by the compressor 1, it enters the condenser-side heat exchanger 2 for condensation and heat release; then, it passes through the throttling device 4 to reduce its pressure and temperature, before entering the evaporator-side heat exchanger 3 for evaporation and heat absorption; finally, it returns to the compressor 1 to complete the cycle. The throttling device 4 can be a commonly used structure such as an expansion valve or a capillary tube.

[0019] Both the condenser-side heat exchanger 2 and the evaporator-side heat exchanger 3 are plate heat exchangers. A plate heat exchanger is a high-efficiency heat exchange device composed of multiple stacked metal heat transfer plates. Fluid channels are formed between adjacent plates, and two media (such as refrigerant and water) flow in opposite directions within their respective channels, exchanging heat through the plates. This structure has the advantages of high heat exchange efficiency, compact size, and easy maintenance, making it suitable for integrated applications in space-constrained physiotherapy equipment.

[0020] The cold water circulation loop is used to prepare cold water. The path is as follows: water drawn from water source 5 by the first water pump 8 flows through a branch pipe via the first control valve 6 and is then transported to the evaporator-side heat exchanger 3. Here, it exchanges heat with the low-temperature refrigerant to achieve cooling. The cooled water then flows into the cold water storage unit 9 for storage through the first return water pipe 91. In a preferred embodiment, the cold water circulation loop and the hot water circulation loop share the same water source 5, which enters the cold water circulation loop and the hot water circulation loop respectively through a branch pipe that splits into two.

[0021] Once the water level reaches the set value, the first control valve 6 shuts off the water supply from the water source 5. The water in the cold water storage unit 9 can then be pumped back to the evaporator-side heat exchanger 3 via the first pipeline 7 by the first water pump 8, forming a closed-loop circulation to maintain a stable cold water temperature. The first water pump 8 is a diaphragm pump. In some embodiments, a check valve can be added to this circulation path to prevent backflow, and a filter device can be installed on the first pipeline 7 to remove impurities from the water, ensuring heat exchange efficiency and equipment lifespan. Of course, during the water supply phase from the water source 5, the first pipeline 7 also circulates water.

[0022] The hot water circulation loop is used to prepare hot water. The path is as follows: water drawn from water source 5 is pumped by the second water pump 12, flows through the branch pipeline via the second control valve 10, and is then transported to the condenser heat exchanger 2. Here, it exchanges heat with the high-temperature refrigerant to achieve heating. The heated water flows into the hot water storage unit 13 through the second return water pipeline 131 for storage.

[0023] Once the water level reaches the set value, the second control valve 10 shuts off the water supply from the water source 5. Water in the hot water storage unit 13 can also be pumped back to the condenser-side heat exchanger 2 via the second pipeline 11 by the second water pump 12, forming a closed-loop circulation to continuously maintain the hot water temperature. The second water pump 12 is a diaphragm pump. In some embodiments, this loop is also equipped with a check valve to prevent reverse flow, and a filter is installed on the second pipeline 11 to ensure water quality. Furthermore, to ensure safe system operation, a safety pressure relief valve is installed on the high-pressure side of the hot water circulation loop. This valve automatically opens when the system pressure exceeds a set threshold to release excess pressure and prevent equipment damage. Of course, during the water supply phase from the water source 5, water circulates simultaneously in the second pipeline 11.

[0024] As described above, in the preferred embodiment, water source 5 serves as the system's common inlet, connected to both the cold water circulation loop and the hot water circulation loop via a two-branch structure, forming independent but shared water supply paths. Of course, depending on the usage scenario, this solution can also be implemented if there is sufficient space to provide multiple water sources 5 for separate water supply. The first control valve 6 and the second control valve 10 are both located on the side of their respective branches closest to water source 5, used to control the start and stop of water supply to the cold or hot water system. The first water pump 8 and the second water pump 12 are located downstream of their respective control valves, i.e., on pipe sections close to the evaporator-side heat exchanger 3 or the condenser-side heat exchanger 2, facilitating stable water supply and efficient circulation. Water source 5 can be a water storage box for easy water replenishment or other water storage units that can be connected to tap water.

[0025] Furthermore, both the cold water storage unit 9 and the hot water storage unit 13 are equipped with level sensors (not shown in the figure) to monitor the water level in their respective units. When the water level falls below a preset lower limit, the corresponding first control valve 6 or second control valve 10 automatically opens, initiating the water replenishment process. Once the water level returns to the normal range, the control valve closes, stopping the water replenishment. This design achieves intelligent water replenishment management, avoiding water waste and the risk of dry burning.

[0026] In terms of the control system, this embodiment also includes a control module (not shown in the figure), which is electrically connected to the compressor 1, the first water pump 8, the second water pump 12, the first control valve 6, the second control valve 10, and the liquid level sensor. Users can set the operating mode via the control panel, such as controlling the cooling temperature, heating temperature, or simultaneous cooling and heating temperature control. The control module coordinates the actions of each component according to the set instructions: starting the compressor 1, adjusting the water pump speed, controlling the opening and closing of valves, and responding to changes in liquid level in real time, thereby achieving precise control of the hot and cold water preparation process.

[0027] The aforementioned hot and cold water combined supply system can be widely used in various physiotherapy devices. For example, in a massage bathtub, by switching water flows of different temperatures, alternating hot and cold stimulation can be achieved to promote blood circulation and relieve muscle tension; in a shower head, users can adjust the water temperature according to their personal preferences to enjoy a personalized bathing experience; in a temperature-controlled mattress, the built-in water pipe network is connected to the cold water storage unit 9 or the hot water storage unit 13, using cold or hot water circulation to regulate the surface temperature of the mattress and improve sleep quality; in a hot and cold compress therapy device, the system can output precisely temperature-controlled water for local cold or hot compresses to assist in physical therapy; in sports rehabilitation training centers, adjustable temperature swimming pools or spa facilities can be provided to help athletes recover faster; in pet care products, such as a constant temperature water heater for pet bathing, it can ensure that pets are bathed at a suitable temperature, improving comfort and safety.

[0028] In some embodiments, all output terminals can be connected to the cold water storage unit 9 and the hot water storage unit 13 via the mixing valve 14. The mixing valve 14 can mix cold and hot water according to a preset ratio and output blended water at a set temperature to meet the temperature requirements of different application scenarios. The entire system has a compact structure and does not require additional independent cooling and heating equipment, significantly improving energy utilization and reducing energy consumption and space occupation. It is particularly suitable for modern physiotherapy equipment with high requirements for energy efficiency and integration.

[0029] As stated above, this case protects a combined hot and cold water supply system and physiotherapy device based on compressor refrigeration. All technical solutions that are the same as or similar to this case should be considered to fall within the scope of protection of this case.

Claims

1. A combined chilled and hot water supply system based on compressor refrigeration, characterized in that, Includes a compressor (1), a condenser heat exchanger (2), an evaporator heat exchanger (3), a throttling device (4), a cold water circulation loop, and a hot water circulation loop; The compressor (1), condenser heat exchanger (2), throttling device (4), and evaporator heat exchanger (3) are connected in sequence through refrigerant pipelines to form a closed refrigerant circulation loop. The cold water circulation loop includes a first water pump (8), a first control valve (6) and connecting pipes, which are used to transport the water to be cooled to the evaporator heat exchanger (3) for heat exchange and then enter the cold water storage unit (9), and can form a circulation flow between the evaporator heat exchanger (3) and the cold water storage unit (9); The hot water circulation loop includes a second water pump (12), a second control valve (10) and connecting pipes, which are used to transport the water to be heated to the condenser heat exchanger (2) for heat exchange and then enter the hot water storage unit (13), and can form a circulation flow between the condenser heat exchanger (2) and the hot water storage unit (13); The condenser-side heat exchanger (2) and the evaporator-side heat exchanger (3) are both plate heat exchangers.

2. A combined chilled and hot water supply system based on compressor refrigeration as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The cold water circulation loop and the hot water circulation loop share the same water source (5). The water source (5) is connected to the cold water circulation loop and the hot water circulation loop respectively through a branch pipe that splits into two, forming an independent water replenishment path.

3. A combined chilled and hot water supply system based on compressor refrigeration as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The first control valve (6) is located on the cold water branch of the branch pipeline, near the water source (5), and is used to control the start and stop of the cold water circulation loop. The second control valve (10) is located on the hot water branch of the branch pipeline, near the water source (5), and is used to control the start and stop of water replenishment in the hot water circulation loop.

4. A combined chilled and hot water supply system based on compressor refrigeration as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The first water pump (8) is located downstream of the first control valve (6) and on the pipe section between the evaporator heat exchanger (3) and the cold water storage unit (9); The second water pump (12) is located downstream of the second control valve (10) and on the pipe section between the condenser heat exchanger (2) and the hot water storage unit (13).

5. A combined chilled and hot water supply system based on compressor refrigeration as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first water pump (8) and the second water pump (12) are diaphragm pumps.

6. A combined chilled and hot water supply system based on compressor refrigeration as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first control valve (6) in the cold water circulation loop and the second control valve (10) in the hot water circulation loop are opened and closed according to the feedback control of the liquid level sensors installed in the cold water storage unit (9) and the hot water storage unit (13), respectively.

7. A physiotherapy device, characterized in that, The application of a compressor-based hot and cold water combined supply system as described in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the physiotherapy device is an output terminal connected to the cold water storage unit (9) and the hot water storage unit (13).

8. A physiotherapy device as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The output terminal is equipped with a mixing valve (14) for mixing water from the cold water storage unit (9) and the hot water storage unit (13) in proportion and outputting blended water at a set temperature.

9. A physiotherapy device as described in claim 7, characterized in that, It also includes a control module, which is electrically connected to the compressor (1), the first water pump (8), the second water pump (12), the first control valve (6), the second control valve (10), and the liquid level sensor.

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