US20230175735A1

US20230175735A1 - Water heater system and control method therefor

Info

Publication number: US20230175735A1
Application number: US16/326,656
Authority: US
Inventors: Huaxin Wan; Hua Wang; Tao Du; Zhenhu YAO; Mingming CHEN
Original assignee: AO Smith Corp
Current assignee: AO Smith Corp
Priority date: 2016-08-19
Filing date: 2017-08-18
Publication date: 2023-06-08
Also published as: CN207438878U; CN107763842B; CN207716645U; CN107763842A; WO2018033144A1

Abstract

A water heater comprising: an inner container (2) capable of storing fluid; a mixture device used for gas-liquid mixing of a gas and a liquid, the mixture device being provided with a mixing space (1) used for gas-liquid mixture, the mixing space (1) being arranged within the inner container (2); and a driver device (3) capable of being in communication with the inner container (2) and the mixture device, the driver device (3) being capable of guiding the fluid in the inner container (2) into the mixing space (1) for gas-liquid mixture and returning same into the inner container (2). Also provided is a control method for the water heater. This allows the implementation of gas-liquid mixture so as to produce micro-bubbled water available to a user, is not only energy-saving, water-saving, and environmentally friendly, provides water supply with strong cleaning performance, but also prepares in advance, before being used by the user, the micro-bubbled water in the inner container, thus better satisfying use demands of the user.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to China patent applications No. 201710057532.2 filed on Jan. 26, 2017 under a title of “Water Heater System and Control Method Thereof”, No. 201720098748.9 filed on Jan. 26, 2017 under a title of “Water Heater System”, No. 201610700474.6 filed on Aug. 19, 2016 under a title of “Water Heater System”, No. 201620908467.0 filed on Aug. 19, 2016 under a title of “Water Heater System”, No. 201710112334.1 filed on Feb. 28, 2017 under a title of “Water Heater System and Control Method Thereof”, No. 201720184943.3 filed on Feb. 28, 2017 under a title of “Water Heater System”, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to the field of water heaters, in particular to a water heater system and a control method thereof.

BACKGROUND

At present, water heater products in our country mainly include electric water heaters, gas water heaters, solar water heaters and air energy water heaters. Among them, the field of water heater is mainly dominated by conventional electric water heaters and gas water heaters.
Further, the electric water heater is divided into water storage type, instant heating type and rapid heating type according to heating power. Among them, the water storage type water heater and the instant heating type water heater are widely used. The water storage type electric water heater is usually provided with an inner container for storing water, which has advantages of low power, cleanliness, safety and reliability, but the use of hot water requires a certain preheating time, so it is suitable for families with a small population.
With the improvement of people's living standard, people's demand for water heater is higher and higher. In addition to that basic requirement of safety and reliability, the user also put forward further requirements such as compact design, water-saving, environmental protection, comfort and health, etc.
Therefore, it is necessary to improve the current water heater to better meet the user's use requirements and improve the user's use experience.

SUMMARY

The object of the present invention is to provide a water heater and a control method thereof, which can realize gas-liquid mixing to generate micro-bubbled water for use by users, not only saving water and environmental protection, but also having strong cleaning performance of water supply, and greatly improving the user's use experience.
The above object of the present invention can be achieved by adopting the following technical solutions:
A water heater, comprising:
inner container, capable of storing fluid;
a mixture device for gas-liquid mixing of a gas and a liquid, the mixture device being provided with a mixing space for performing the gas-liquid mixing, the mixing space being located in the inner container;
a driver device capable of communicating with the inner container and the mixture device, the driver device being capable of importing fluid in the inner container into the mixing space for gas-liquid mixing and returning to the inner container.
A water heater, comprising:
an inner container capable of storing fluid at a predetermined pressure;
a mixture device capable of communicating with the inner container; the mixture device is capable of inputting the fluid in the inner container into the mixture device for gas-liquid mixing to form a gas-liquid mixture and return to the inner container.
A water heater, comprising:
an inner container capable of storing fluid at a predetermined pressure;
a mixture device for gas-liquid mixing of a gas and a liquid, the mixture device being provided with a mixing space for performing gas-liquid mixing, the mixing space being located in the inner container or being capable of communicating with the inner container;
a driver device capable of communicating with the inner container and the mixture device, the driver device being capable of importing the fluid in the inner container into the mixing space for gas-liquid mixing and returning to the inner container.
A method for controlling a water heater, comprising:
connecting a gas intake path and a liquid discharge path, inputting gas from the gas intake path into the inner container, and discharging the liquid in the inner container through the liquid discharge path to water discharge-gas replenish of the inner container;
when a liquid level of the inner container drops to a predetermined liquid level, the gas intake path and the liquid discharge path are closed, a circulation passage is connected, and a driver device is activated to drive the fluid in the inner container into the mixing space for gas-liquid mixing, and then return to the inner container.
A water heater, comprising:
an inner container capable of containing water and gas, in which gas-liquid mixing can be performed;
a heating member for heating water in the inner container;
a pressurizing source capable of providing a predetermined pressure for gas-liquid mixing of gas and water in the inner container.
A method of controlling a water heater, comprising:
communicating a gas intake path and a liquid discharge path, inputting gas from the gas intake path into the inner container, and discharging water in the inner container through the liquid discharge path to perform water discharge-gas replenish of the inner container;
when a liquid level of the inner container drops to a predetermined liquid level, closing the gas intake path and the liquid discharge path, connecting the first tube, the pressurizing source and the water supply pipe, and importing water from the first tube to a region where the gas is stored in the inner container, and performing gas-liquid mixing with the gas in the inner container while the pressurizing source applies a predetermined pressure to the gas-liquid mixing of the gas and water in the inner container.
It can be seen from the technical scheme provided by the above embodiment of the application that the water heater described in the embodiment of the application utilizes the characteristics of the inner container heating and pressure bearing on the basis of the existing inner container and the heating part, gas-liquid mixing in the inner container can be achieved by importing pressurized water into the region where the gas is stored in the upper portion of the inner container. That is, the present application skillfully utilizes the existing inner container structure to realize the gas-liquid mixing in a pressure-bearing inner container to prepare the micro-bubbled water to be supplied to the user. Since the water supplied to the user is mixed with air at the same flow rate, the amount of water used can be effectively saved; In addition, the micro-bubbled water has better cleaning performance and physical sterilization function compared with ordinary water, and therefore, the use experience of the user is greatly improved.
The water heater according to the present application forms a fluid circulation passage by providing a driver device in the water heater and using the driver device to form an inner container and a mixture device in communication therewith. When the driver device is activated, it can import the fluid in the inner container in communication with its input end, and export the fluid from its output end to the mixture device, perform gas-liquid mixing, form a gas-liquid mixture, and return to the inner container. The fluid flows out from the inner container as a whole, enters the input end of the driver device, flows out from the output end thereof, flows through the mixture device to form a gas-liquid mixture, and is stored in the inner container, thereby forming the fluid circulation passage. The fluid in the inner container can be circulated infinitely, so that water and gas in the inner container can be sufficiently premixed, thereby ensuring that high-concentration bubbled water can be obtained by directly opening the water consumption terminal when the user needs water, thereby improving the use experience of the user.
In addition, the water heater provided in the present application can form a circulation passage for gas-liquid mixing, and can also reduce the head requirement for the driver device.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a water heater provided in an embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 2 is a schematic structural diagram of another water heater provided in an embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 3 is a schematic structural diagram of still another water heater provided in an embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 4A is a structural schematic diagram of a pressure regulation device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 4B is a structural schematic diagram of a pressure regulation device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 5A is a schematic cross-sectional view of a variable cross-sectional area portion of a first tube provided in an embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view of a variable cross-sectional area portion of another first tube provided in an embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 5C is a schematic structural diagram of a cross-sectional area varying portion of still another first tube provided in an embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 5D is a schematic structural diagram of a cross-sectional area varying portion of still another first tube provided in an embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 6 is a schematic structural diagram of a water heater provided in an embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 7 is a schematic structural diagram of still another water heater provided in an embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 8 is a schematic structural diagram of a water heater provided in an embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 9 is a schematic structural diagram of still another water heater provided in an embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 10A is a state diagram of a water heater provided in an embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 10B is a state schematic diagram of a water heater provided in an embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 10C is a state schematic diagram of a water heater provided in an embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 10D is a state schematic diagram of a water heater provided in an embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 10E is a state diagram of a water heater provided in an embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 11 is a schematic structural diagram of a water heater provided in an embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 12 is a step flow chart of a method for controlling a water heater provided in an embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 13 is a step flow chart of a method for controlling a water heater provided in an embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 14 is a schematic structural diagram of a water heater provided in an embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 15 is a schematic structural diagram of a water heater provided in an embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 16 is a schematic structural diagram of a water heater provided in an embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 17 is a schematic structural diagram of a water heater provided in an embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 18 is a schematic structural diagram of a water heater provided in an embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 19 is a schematic structural view of a water heater with dual inner containers provided in an embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 20 is a schematic structural diagram of a water heater provided in an embodiment of the present applicaton.

FIG. 21 is a schematic structural diagram of a water heater provided in an embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 22 is a schematic structural diagram of a water heater provided in an embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 23 is a schematic structural diagram of a water heater provided in an embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 24 is a schematic structural diagram of a water heater provided in an embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 25 is a step flow chart of a method for controlling a water heater provided in an embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 26 is a flowchart of steps of a method for controlling a water heater provided in an embodiment of the present application.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The technical scheme of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific examples, which are understood to be used only to illustrate the present invention and not to limit the scope of the present invention. Modifications of various equivalent forms to the invention by those skilled in the art after reading the present invention fall within the scope defined by the appended claims.
It should be noted that when the element is referred to as being “disposed” to another element, it may be directly on the other element or there may be a centered element. When an element is considered to be “connected” to another element, it may be directly connected to the other element or a central element may be present at the same time. The terms “vertical,” “horizontal,” “up,” down, “left,” right,” and the like are used herein for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to represent the only embodiment.
Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art belonging to the present application. The terms used herein in the specification of the present application are for the purpose of describing specific embodiments only and are not intended to limit the present application. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more related listed items.
Referring to FIGS. 1 to 2 , a water heater provided in an embodiment of the present application may include an inner container 2 capable of storing fluid at a predetermined pressure; a mixture device for gas-liquid mixing of a gas and a liquid, the mixture device being provided with a mixing space 1 for performing gas-liquid mixing, the mixing space 1 being located in the inner container 2; a driver device 3 capable of communicating with the inner container 2 and the mixture device, wherein the driver device 3 is capable of importing the fluid in the inner container 2 into the mixing space 1 for gas-liquid mixing and returning to the inner container 2.
In the embodiment, the inner container 2 is a pressure-receiving inner container capable of withstanding a predetermined pressure, and the inside thereof can be used for storing fluid under pressure. The predetermined pressure may be 0.1 MPa or more. The pressurized fluid may comprise one of gas, liquid, and a mixture of gas and liquid. Specifically, the inner container 2 may be used to contain water, or gas, or a mixture of water and gas, or the like. The inner container 2 may be a hollow cylindrical shell as a whole. Of course, the inner container 2 may have other shapes, and the present application is not particularly limited herein. In addition, according to the installation mode of the inner container 2, the inner container 2 may be a horizontal inner container or a vertical inner container, etc., and the application is not particularly limited herein.
Furthermore, the water heater may further comprise a heating element 20 capable of heating the fluid stored in the inner container 2. When the heating element 20 heats the fluid in the inner container 2, the fluid in the inner container 2 can be heated and expanded, so that the pressure in the inner container 2 can be increased, and when gas-liquid mixing is performed in the inner container 2, it is advantageous to reduce the pressure increase requirement required by the outside, and in particular, the lift requirement of the driver device 3 can be reduced.
Specifically, a form of the heating element 20 may be different according to the actual use scenario, and is not particularly limited in this application. For example, when the water heater is a water storage type electric water heater, the heating element 20 may be an electric heating rod. One end of the electric heating rod can be fixed to the inner container 2, and the other end extends into the inner container 2. The electric heating rod is in contact with the water or the gas-liquid mixture in the inner container 2, and the heat energy generated by its electric heating is transferred to the water or the gas-liquid mixture in the inner container 2, thereby heating the water or the gas-liquid mixture in the inner container 2.
In the embodiment, the mixture device is used for gas-liquid mixing. The mixture device is provided with a mixing space 1 for gas-liquid mixing, which may be located in the inner container 2. Specifically, the mixture device may be formed by at least a portion of the space of the inner container 2, or may be formed by at least a portion of the space of the inner container 2 in cooperation with other mechanisms; alternatively, the mixture device may be formed by a separate mechanism located in the inner container 2; alternatively, the mixture device may be in other forms, and in particular, the present application is not particularly limited herein.
When the mixture device is formed by at least part of the space of the inner container 2, that is, the mixing space 1 is located in the inner container 2, the inner container 2 has a storage function and a gas-liquid mixing function, thereby maximizing utilization to the space of the inner container 2. Relatively, a separate container for that mixing space can be omitted, which not only reduces cost but also reduces an overall volume of the water heater.
In addition, the mixing space 1 may also be located outside the inner container 2 and communicate with the inner container 2. As shown in FIG. 3 , the mixing space 1 may be formed by a tank 10 located outside the inner container 2.
In the embodiment, the driver device 3 can communicate with the inner container 2 and the mixing space 1 for providing a driving force for the fluid flowing therethrough, thereby establishing fluid circulation passage between the driver device 3, the inner container 2 and the mixing space 1. Specifically, the driver device 3 may be in the form of a water pump, and of course, the driver device 3 may be another device capable of providing power, and the present application is not particularly limited herein.
In particular, the driver device 3 may comprise opposite input and output ends. When the driver device 3 is activated, it can import the fluid in the inner container 2 in communication with its input end and export the fluid from its output end to the mixing space for gas-liquid mixing. After the gas-liquid mixture is formed, it is returned to the inner container 2. The fluid as a whole flows out from the inner container 2, enters the input end of the driver device 3, flows out from the output end thereof, flows into the mixing space to form a gas-liquid mixture, and is stored in the inner container 2, thereby forming a circulation passage for the fluid. The fluid in the inner container 2 can be circulated for a plurality of times, so that the water and the gas in the inner container 2 are sufficiently premixed, thereby ensuring that high concentration micro-bubbled water can be obtained by directly opening the water consumption terminal when the user needs water, thereby improving the use experience of the user. The water heater provided in the present application can form a circulation passage for gas-liquid mixing, and can also reduce the head demand of the driver device.
Further, when the pressure of the water supplied into the inner container 2 from the water supply end is insufficient, the driver device 3 may pressurize it.
The gas-liquid mixture in the embodiment is a micro-bubble, wherein the micro-bubble refers to a bubble having a size of several or several tens of micrometers. The surface of the micro-bubbles has a weak negative charge in the water, which can adsorb substances such as fat and protein, so as to carry them away from the skin, hair and so on. When using micro-bubbled water with micro-bubbles for bathing, a large number of micro-bubbles can penetrate into the root of hair and other parts of the hair that are difficult to clean, thus thoroughly remove the accumulated dirt such as sebum and grease.
In addition, micro-bubbled water also has a unique bactericidal effect. In particular, the sterilization process of micro-bubbled water includes two processes of attracting and killing, and the micro-bubble carries static electricity, which can adsorb bacteria and viruses in the water body; then, as the bubble bursts, a large amount of free radicals are excited around the bubble and the super high temperature and pressure generated by the burst kill the adsorbed bacterial virus. The above-mentioned killing process is completely a physical killing process, which is substantially different from the conventional sterilization method, so that it is more environment-friendly and healthy than the conventional chemical sterilization method.
The water heater provided by the present application can generate micro-bubbles with a diameter size of less than 50 microns. The concentration of micro-bubbles can generally be as high as 80,000 per cubic centimeter. In the process of generating micro-bubbles in the water heater, the color of the fluid in the inner container 2 is first gradually turned white from the original transparent. Subsequently, with the continuous use of the user, the concentration of micro-bubbles decreases, and the extension of the fluid in the inner container 2 gradually returns to transparency.
In the water heater of the present application, by providing the driver device 3 in the water heater and forming fluid circulation passage for the inner container 2 and the mixing space 1 in communication therewith by the driver device 3, when the driver device 3 is activated, It can import the fluid in the inner container 2 in communication with its input end, and export the fluid from its output end to the mixing space 1, perform gas-liquid mixing, form a gas-liquid mixture, and return to the inner container 2. The fluid flows out from the inner container 2 as a whole, enters the input end of the driver device 3, flows out from the output end thereof, flows through the mixing space 1 to form a gas-liquid mixture, and is stored in the inner container 2, thereby forming the fluid circulation passage. The fluid in the inner container 2 can be circulated infinitely, so that the water and gas in the inner container 2 can be sufficiently premixed, and high-concentration bubbled water can be obtained by directly opening the water consumption terminal when the user needs water, thereby improving the usage experience of the user.
The water heater may further comprise a pressure regulation device 4 arranged downstream of the water heater.
The pressure regulation device 4 for maintaining the pressure between the inner container 2 and itself within a predetermined range may be provided at a position downstream of the entire water heater. Specifically, the pressure regulation device 4 may be in the form of any one of a gas release valve, a pressure relief valve, and a switching valve having a predetermined pressure. For example, the pressure regulation device 4 may be a self-operated pressure regulating valve such as a gas releasing device or the like; it may also be a hydraulic pressure control valve, such as a fluid relief valve, or an electronic expansion valve, a thermal expansion valve, etc., which may be controlled in pressure, or may be of other forms. In particular, the control principle of the pressure regulation device 4 may vary depending on the specific structure of the pressure regulation device 4, and the present application is not particularly limited herein.
The pressure regulation device 4 has opposite inlet and outlet ends, and is internally provided with a pressure regulating mechanism for causing a pressure at the water inlet end drops to a predetermined pressure be output from the outlet end.
Specifically, the pressure regulation device 4 is formed with at least a throttle mechanism whose flow cross-sectional area is stepwise or abruptly changed in the direction of fluid flow, that is, the pressure regulating mechanism may be a throttle structure. By using the throttle mechanism, the pressure can be rapidly reduced and the gas can be released.
Referring to FIG. 4A, for example, in the direction of fluid flow, at least one variable aperture structure is provided, and the pressure regulation device 4 comprises a hollow tubular body in which at least one throttle member is disposed. The throttle member may be a structure having an aperture smaller than the inner diameter of the tube. In addition, that flow hole may be sequentially opened in order along the fluid flow direction in the throttle plate, so that the flow cross-sectional area is gradually increased along the fluid flow direction as a whole. When fluid flows through the throttle mechanism, since the flow cross-sectional area suddenly decreases, the pressure of fluid increases accordingly, so that the function of maintaining the pressure can be realized.
Referring to FIG. 4B, the pressure regulation device 4 may be further provided with a back pressure spring or other throttle mechanism with varying flow cross-sectional area, and the application is not particularly limited herein. Those skilled in the art may make other modifications under the technical essence of this application, but as long as the functions and effects thereof are the same as or similar to the application, the modifications shall be included in the scope of protection of the application.
In one embodiment, when the mixing space 1 is located in the inner container 2, the mixing space 1 comprises a region where gas is stored in the upper portion of the inner container 2. The driver device 3 has opposite output and input ends, and the output end of the driver device 3 is connected to a first tube 21, the first tube 21 is capable of importing fluid into a region where gas is stored in the inner container 2 to perform gas-liquid mixing under the driving of the driver device 3.
In the embodiment, the upper predetermined space of the inner container 2 store gas for gas-liquid mixing. The mixing space 1 may be located in the inner container 2. In particular, the mixing space 1 may comprise a region in which gas is stored in the upper part of the inner container 2. The size of the predetermined space may be adaptively adjusted according to the volume of the inner container 2 or the like, and in particular, the present application is not particularly limited herein. Generally, in the inner container 2, there is an interface 7 between gas and liquid. When fluid is imported into the space where the gas is stored through the driver device 3, fluid disturbs the gas in the upper portion of the inner container 2. When the disturbed air enters the liquid below the interface 7 with the imported fluid, it is possible to further perform gas-liquid mixing with the liquid in the vicinity of the interface 7. Thus, the mixing space 1 may also comprise a space in which the liquid is located partially close to the interface 7.
In the embodiment, the first tube 21 is connected to the output end of the driver device 3. Specifically, the first tube 21 may be a hollow tubular structure having opposite ends, one end of which may be connected to an output end of the driver device 3, and the other end may be located in the inner container 2. The number of the first tubes 21 may be one or a plurality, and the present application is not particularly limited herein. In addition, the first tube 21 may be used as an water inflow tube or a water outflow tube of the water heater.
It should be noted here that the first tube 21 exemplified in the embodiment is mainly directed to a scenario provided at the bottom of the inner container 2; for other scenarios, such as an embodiment in which the first tube 21 is disposed at the top or side wall of the inner container 2, a person skilled in the art can adapt to the scenario in which the present application is disposed at the bottom of the inner container 2, and the present application will not be described in detail herein, but as long as the functions and effects thereof are the same as or similar to the present application, they should be included in the scope of protection.
Further, referring to FIG. 6 , the first tube 21 has a first port 210 remote from the driver device 3, the first port 210 being located at or near a region where gas is stored in the inner container 2.
Specifically, the inner container 2 may be provided with an opening for setting the first tube 21. The first port 210 of the first tube 21 can pass through the opening and extend into the inner container 2. The height of the first port 210 may be slightly higher than or flush with the interface 7. When the driver device 3 drives the fluid into the first tube 21, the fluid can directly flow out of the first port 210 and gas-liquid mixing with the gas in the mixing space 1 is performed. Further, the height of the first port 210 may be slightly lower than the interface 7, for example, when the driving force provided by the driver device 3 to the fluid is sufficient. Under the driving of the driver device 3, the pressurized fluid can be ejected from the first port 210 into the mixing space 1 for gas-liquid mixing.
As shown in FIG. 1 , in one embodiment, the driver device 3 may be located outside the inner container 2, the first tube 21 is disposed on the inner container 2, and second tube 22 is connected to an input end of the driver device 3. The inner container 2, the second tube 22, the driver device 3, and the first tube 21 can communicate with each other to form a circulation passage.
In the embodiment, the water heater is provided with a second tube 22 for establishing a communication relation between the inner container 2 and the input end of the driver device 3. Specifically, the second tube 22 may have a hollow tubular structure as a whole, and has opposite ends, and one end thereof can communicate with the inner container 2 so as to export fluid in the inner container 2. The other end may be connected to the input of the drive 3.
When the driver device 3 is located outside the inner container 2, after the driver device 3 is activated, fluid in the inner container 2 can flow through the second tube 22 through the driver device 3, entering the mixing space 1 in which the gas is stored in the inner container 2 through the first tube 21 to perform gas-liquid mixing, and the subsequent gas-liquid mixture drops back into the inner container 2 under the action of gravity, thereby forming a circulation passage for the gas-liquid mixture.
As shown in FIG. 2 , in another embodiment, the driver device 3 may be located inside the inner container 2, and correspondingly, the first tube 21 is disposed inside the inner container 2, and the input end of the driver device 3 is connected with a second tube 22. The inner container 2, the second tube 22, the driver device 3, and the first tube 21 can communicate with each other to form a circulation passage.
That is, when the driver device 3 is located inside the inner container 2, the first tube 21 is correspondingly located inside the inner container 2, one end of which is connected to the output end of the driver device 3, for that driver device 3 to import fluid into the first tube 21; the other end can extend into the region of the inner container 2 where the gas is stored, so that the water injected into the inner container 2 from the first tube 21 can be directly mixed with the gas in the inner container 2 without pressure loss.
When the driver device 3 is activated, fluid in the inner container 2 can flow through the driver device 3 through the second tube 22, and then flow into the gas-storing region of the inner container 2 through the first tube 21 for gas-liquid mixing, and the subsequent gas-liquid mixture drops back into the inner container 2 under the action of gravity.
Further, in order to improve the effect of gas-liquid mixing, a jet structure is provided at the first port 210 where the first tube 21 communicates with the inner container 2. The jet structure can pressurize the fluid imported into the first tube 21, thereby achieving a better gas mixing effect when the gas and the fluid in the inner container 2 are mixed with each other.
Referring to FIGS. 5A to 5D, specifically, the jet structure may be a variable cross-sectional area portion 211 formed at the first port 210 of the first tube 21. The cross-sectional area of the cross-sectional area changing portion 211 as a whole is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the tube body of the first tube 21.
As shown in FIG. 5A, the cross-sectional area changing portion 211 may be an elliptical opening formed at the first port 210 of the first tube 21.
Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 5C, the cross-sectional area changing portion 211 may be a circular opening formed at the first port 210 of the first tube 21 having an aperture smaller than that of the tube body of the first tube 21.
Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 5B, the cross-sectional area changing portion 211 may be a cross-shaped opening formed at the first port 210 of the first tube 21.
Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 5D, the first port 210 is a closed end, and the cross-sectional area changing portion 211 may be a plurality of openings formed in a tube wall of the first tube 21 near the first port 210.
In addition, the cross-sectional area changing section 211 can be other forms, the application is not particularly limit here, and the skilled person in the art may make other modifications under the technical essence of the application. However, as long as the functions and effects thereof are the same as or similar to those of the present application, the modifications shall be covered by the scope of protection of the present application.
In one embodiment, the water heater may further include a water supply path capable of communicating with the inner container 2, and a first switch device capable of controlling the opening and closing of the water supply path. In addition, the water heater may further include a gas intake path and a liquid discharge path capable of communicating with the inner container 2, and a second switch device capable of controlling the opening and closing of the gas intake path and the liquid discharge path.
In the embodiment, the water heater may further include a gas intake path and a liquid discharge path connected to the inner container 2, wherein the gas intake path is provided with a gas intake port 11, and the liquid discharge path is provided with a liquid discharge port 13, The water heater further comprises a second switch device capable of controlling the opening and closing of the gas intake port 11 and the liquid discharge port 13; the second switch device opens the gas intake port 11 and the liquid discharge port 13 when in the water discharge-gas replenish state; When in the gas-liquid mixing state, the switch device controls the gas intake port 11 to close and the liquid discharge port 13 to close.
In the embodiment, the water heater may further include a gas intake path for supplying gas to the inner container 2 and a liquid discharge path for discharging excess water in the inner container 2 when gas is supplied. One end of the gas intake path may be connected to the inner container 2, and the other end of the gas intake path may be a gas intake port 11, through which outside gas may enter the gas intake path, and finally be filled into the inner container 2. One end of the liquid discharge path is also connected to the inner container 2, and the other end of the liquid discharge path may be provided with a liquid discharge port 13 through which the water discharged by the gas in the inner container 2 can flow through the liquid discharge path to the outside.
Further, the gas intake port 11 and the liquid discharge port 13 may be provided with second switch device for controlling the opening and closing of the gas intake port 11 and the liquid discharge port 13. The form of the second switch device may be in the form of a solenoid valve. Of course, the form of the second switch device is not limited to the above example. The second switch device may be electrically connected to the controller, and when the controller sends a switching signal to the second switch device according to a predetermined control signal, the second switch device may switch the on-off state accordingly.
Specifically, when water discharge-gas replenish is performed to the inner container 2, that is, supplied with gas required for gas-liquid mixing and excess liquid in the inner container 2 is discharged, the second switch device can control the gas intake port 11 to open, the liquid discharge port 13 to open, and at this time, the gas enters through the gas intake port 11 and enters the inner container 2 through the gas intake path. Excess water in the inner container 2 is discharged outward from the liquid discharge port 13 through the liquid discharge path, thereby completing water discharge-gas replenish. When the water heater needs to enter the gas-liquid mixing state, that is, when the inner container 2, the driver device 3, and the mixing space 1 form a circulation passage, the second switch device controls the gas intake port 11 to close and the liquid discharge port 13 to close.
In addition, the number of the gas intake port 11 and the liquid discharge port 13 may be one or a plurality, and the present application is not particularly limited herein. The number of the second switch devices may be one or a plurality. For example, when the number of the gas intake port 11 and the liquid discharge port 13 is one, the number of the second switch device may be two, one of which is disposed at the gas intake port 11 and the other may be disposed at the position of the liquid discharge port 13. In addition, the number of the second switch devices may be one, in which case, the gas intake port 11 and the liquid discharge port 13 may share the second switch device.
Further, since the opening and closing states of the gas intake port 11 and the liquid discharge port 13 are substantially synchronized, the second switch devices provided in the gas intake port 11 and the liquid discharge port 13 can be synchronously associated, facilitating simplified control.
The water heater may further include a water supply path. The water supply path may be provided with a water supply port 12. The water heater further comprises a first switch device capable of controlling the opening and closing of the water supply port 12; the first switch device controls the water supply port 12 to close when in the water discharge-gas replenish state and the gas-liquid mixing state; the first switch device opens the water supply port 12 when in water consumption state or when it is necessary to fill the inner container 2.
In the embodiment, the water heater may further include a water supply path for supplying water to the inner container 2. One end of the water supply path may be connected to the inner container 2, and the other end may be a water supply port 12, and an external water source may enter the water supply path through the water supply port 12 to enter the inner container 2.
Wherein, the water supply path and the gas intake path may be at least partially shared, and the water outflow path may be at least partially shared with the liquid discharge path to simplify the pipe, thereby optimizing the overall structure of the water heater.
Further, the water supply port 12 may be provided with a first switch device for controlling the opening and closing of the water supply port 12. Wherein the form of the first switch device may be in the form of a solenoid valve, and of course, the form of the first switch device is not limited to the above example. The first switch device may be electrically connected to the controller, and when the controller sends a switching signal to the first switch device according to a predetermined control signal, the first switch device may switch the on-off state accordingly.
Specifically, when in the water discharge-gas replenish state, the first switch device controls the water supply port 12 to close; at this time, it can be ensured that no external water enters the inner container to interfere with the above-mentioned water discharge-gas replenish state. When in the gas-liquid mixing state, the second switch device controls the liquid discharge port 13 to close to ensure the pressure of the water heater is maintained within a predetermined pressure range when gas-liquid mixing as a whole. In addition, in the gas-liquid mixing state, the water supply port 12 and the gas intake port 11 may be in an open or closed state, and the present application is not particularly limited herein. When in the open state, pressurized gas or water can be replenished. When the water heater needs to enter the water supply state, the first switch device opens the water supply port 12, and the second switch device can close the gas intake port 11 and the liquid discharge port 13, and the water supply path communicates with the inner container 2. External water can be supplied into the inner container 2, and accordingly, the gas-liquid mixture in the inner container 2 can be supplied to the water consumption terminal.
In addition, the number of the water supply ports 12 may be one or a plurality, and the present application is not particularly limited. The number of the first switch devices may be one or a plurality. In addition, the first switch device may be integrated with the second switch device or the like, and in particular, the present application is not particularly limited herein.
Referring to FIG. 6 or 7 , in one embodiment, the water heater may further include an upstream pipe 14 capable of communicating with a water supply end; and a downstream pipe 15 capable of communicating with a water consumption terminal; and a first switching valve 5 being capable of switching communication relation with the first tube 21, the second tube 22, the upstream pipe 14 and the downstream pipe 15.
In the embodiment, the upstream pipe 14 and the first switching valve 5 and the first tube 21 or the second tube 22 may constitute a gas intake path or a water supply path to the inner container 2. The first tube 21 or the second tube 22 may be combined with the downstream pipe 15 through the first switching tube to form a liquid discharge path or a water outflow path.
Wherein, the first tube 21 has a first port 210 extending into the inner container 2. The second tube 22 has a second port 220 extending into the inner container 2. The first tube 21 and the second tube 22 are respectively communicated with the inner container 2, one of which can be used for water inflow, and the other can be used for water outflow. The height of the first port 210 and that of the second port 220 may be different, for example, the height of the first port 210 corresponding to the first tube 21 may be higher than the height of the second port 220.
The upstream pipe 14 is located integrally upstream of the water heater and is provided with a water supply port 12. In addition, the upstream pipe 14 may be provided with a gas intake port 11.
The downstream pipe 15 is located integrally downstream of the water heater and is provided with a water outflow port. Further, the downstream pipe 15 may be provided with a liquid discharge port 13.
In one embodiment, the first switching valve 2 comprises a first position, a second position and a third position, wherein the first position of the first switching valve 2 is capable of communicating the upstream pipe 14 and the first tube 21 to form the gas intake path, communicating the downstream pipe 15 with the second tube 22 to form the liquid discharge path; The second position of the first switching valve 5 can communicate the second tube 22, the driver device 3, the first tube 21 and the inner container 2 to form a circulation passage. The third position of the first switching valve 5 is capable of communicate the first tube 21 to with the upstream pipe 14 to form the water supply path, and is capable of communicate the second tube 22 with the downstream pipe 15 to form a water outflow path.
Further, the first tube 21 has a first port 210 extending into the inner container, the second tube 22 has a second port 220 extending into the inner container, the first port 210 having a height higher than the second port 220. The first switching valve 5 further comprises a fourth position, the fourth position of the first switching valve 5 being capable of communicating the second tube 22 with the upstream pipe 14 to form the water supply path, and communicating the first tube 21 with the downstream pipe 15 to form a water outflow path.
In the embodiment, the first switching valve 5 may comprise a first port in communication with the upstream pipe 14 of the water heat, a second port in communication with the second tube 22, a third port in communication with the downstream pipe 15, and a fourth port communicating with the first tube 21. Specifically, the first switching valve 5 may be a four-way valve capable of two-two combined communication between four ports. Of course, the first switching valve 5 may also be in the form of other valves, and the present application is not particularly limited herein.
The water heater comprises a water discharge-gas replenish state, a gas-liquid mixing state and a water consumption state. By switching the position of the first switching valve 5, the connection relation with each pipe can be changed. When changing the position of the first switching valve 5 and controlling the ON/OFF of the gas intake port 11, the liquid discharge port 13 and the water supply port 12, switching between the different states of the water heater can be realized.
Specifically, when in the water discharge-gas replenish state, the first switching valve 5 communicates the upstream pipe 14 with the first tube 21 to form the gas intake path, and communicates the downstream pipe 15 with the second tube 22 to form the liquid discharge path. When the liquid level in the inner container 2 reaches the predetermined liquid level, the water discharge-gas replenish state is switched to the gas-liquid mixing state.
The condition for switching between the water discharge-gas replenish state and the gas-liquid mixing state is the liquid level height in the inner container 2. After the liquid level in the inner container 2 drops to the predetermined liquid level, it indicates that the preset gas amount has been filled at this time. The preset gas quantity can ensure the user's normal micro-bubbled water demand Specifically, for a currently column of inner container of 80 liter, 60 liter, 50 liter, etc., the predetermined amount of gas may range from 3 to 4 liters. When the amount of gas replenished is 3 to 4 liters, generally, the user can be supplied with micro-bubbled water for 20 to 30 minutes. Of course, the preset gas amount is not limited to the above example, and may be adjusted according to different application scenarios, and the application is not particularly limited herein. The predetermined liquid level may be the interface 7 of gas and liquid in the inner container 2. Specifically, the predetermined liquid level may be determined according to different conditions such as the volume, the configuration, and the user's requirements of the inner container 2, and the present application is not particularly limited herein. When the predetermined liquid level is in the gas-liquid mixing state, the first switching valve 5 communicates the second tube 22 with the driver device 3, the first tube 21, and the inner container 2 to form a circulation passage, and the driver device 3 is activated to drive the fluid in the inner container 2 through the second tube 22, the driver device 3, the first tube 21 and to gas-liquid mix with the gas in the upper part of the inner container 2 to form a gas-liquid mixture and return to the inner container 2.
Wherein, a bypass pipe may be provided between the upstream pipe 14 and the second tube 22, and the bypass pipe may be provided with a switch valve 30 for controlling the opening and closing thereof. Accordingly, when the circulation passage is established, the switch valve 30 on the passage is opened, and the circulation passage includes the second tube 22 communicating with the inner container 2, the bypass pipe, the driver device 3, the first switching valve 5, the first tube 21, and the inner container 2.
In a water consumption state, when the water temperature in the inner container 2 is higher than the user-set temperature, the first switching valve 5 communicates the first tube 21 with the upstream pipe 14 to form the water supply path, and communicates the second tube 22 with the downstream pipe 15 to form the water outflow path. When the water temperature in the inner container 2 decreases to a predetermined temperature, the first switching valve 5 communicates the second tube 22 with the upstream pipe 14 to form the water supply path, and communicates the first tube 21 with the downstream pipe 15 to form the water outflow path.
It should be noted here that the first switching valve 5 is not limited to a structure including four switching positions, and may also be integrated with the bypass pipe and its switch valve 30. As a whole, the structure and form of the first switching valve 5 is not limited to the above description, and it is possible for a person skilled in the art to make other modifications under the technical essence of the present application. However, as long as the functions and effects thereof are the same as or similar to those of the present application, the modifications shall be covered by the scope of protection of the present application.
In one embodiment, the water heater may further include a detection member for controlling an amount of water discharge-gas replenish of the inner container 2, a controller electrically connected to the detection member; when the detection member detects that the amount of water discharge-gas replenish from the inner container 2 reaches a predetermined requirement, the controller changes the on-off state of the first switch device, the second switch device, and the communication state of the switching valve.
Specifically, the detecting member may be any one of the following or a combination thereof: a time measuring member, a flow detecting member, and a liquid level detecting member.
Wherein, when the detecting member is a flow detecting member, specifically, the flow detecting member may be a flow sensor capable of acquiring flow information in the pipe. The flow sensor may be arranged on a water supply pipe upstream of the inner container 2. When the controller acquires a flow signal of the flow sensor, the flow rate of the fluid can be determined in combination with the time signal, and then it is determined whether the predetermined liquid level required to be reached in the inner container 2. If so, a corresponding control signal is sent to the switch device to change the opening and closing state of the switch device.
When the detecting member is a liquid level detecting member, specifically the liquid detecting member may be a liquid level meter capable of acquiring a liquid level signal in the inner container 2. The level meter is arranged in the inner container 2, and can be used for acquiring the liquid level signal in the inner container 2 and providing the liquid level signal to the controller. The controller may determine the liquid level in the inner container 2 according to the liquid level signal, and determine whether the liquid level has reached the desired predetermined liquid level, and if so, a corresponding control signal is sent to the switch device and the switching valve, to change the opening and closing state of the switch device and the communication state of the switching valve.
In addition, when the injected gas flow rate is a known flow rate value, the detection member may also be a time measuring member, such as a timer, capable of counting the time of the gas input into the gas storage mechanism. Of course, the specific form of the detection element is not limited to the above example, and the person skilled in the art may make other modifications under the inspiration of the technical essence of the application, but as long as the functions and effects achieved are the same as or similar to the present application, the modifications shall be covered by the scope of this application.
When the detection member acquires a signal indicating the liquid level in the inner container 2, it transmits the signal to the controller, and the controller acquires the liquid level information indicated by the signal. When the liquid level information indicated by the signal is that the inner container 2 reaches a predetermined liquid level, corresponding switching control signals can be sent to the first switch device, the second switch device and the first switching valve 5 to switch the opening/closing of each opening and switching the connection between the pipes.
Referring to FIG. 8 or 9 , in one embodiment, the water heater may further include a third tube 23 communicating with the inner container 2; the third tube 23 has a third port 230 extending into the inner container 2, and the height of the third port 230 is located at a predetermined level of the inner container 2.
In the embodiment, the first tube 21 includes a first port 210 communicating with the inner container 2, and the second tube 22 includes a second port 220 communicating with the inner container 2; the third tube 23 has a third port 230 extending into the inner container 2. Wherein, a height of the third port 230 may be located at a predetermined liquid level of the inner container 2. The predetermined liquid level specifically refers to a preset gas-liquid interface 7. Further, the third port 230 of the third tube 23 may be an intermediate-height port, which may be lower than the first port 210 and higher than the second port 220.
In the embodiment, the gas replenish amount and the water discharge amount in the inner container 2 may be defined by the third tube 23 provided with the third port 230 extending into the inner container 2. Specifically, the height of the third port 230 is located at a predetermined level of the inner container 2. That is, in the water discharge-gas replenish state, the third tube 23 can be used as the water outflow tube to limit the amount of the water discharge-gas replenish. Further, the water heater further comprises an upstream pipe 14 capable of communicating with a water supply end and a downstream pipe 15 capable of communicating with a water consumption terminal, and a second switching valve 6 capable of switching communication with the first tube 21, the second tube 22, the third tube 23, the upstream pipe 14 and the downstream pipe 15.
In the embodiment, the upstream pipe 14 and the downstream pipe 15 may be specifically described with reference to the above embodiments, and the functions and structures thereof may be similar, and the application will not be repeated here.
The second switching valve 6 is used to switch the communication relation of the first tube 21, the second tube 22, and the third tube 23 with the upstream pipe 14 and the downstream pipe 15, thereby changing the operation state of the water heater. A specific form of the second switching valve 6 may refer to a specific form of the first switching valve 5; for example, it may be a four-way valve structure capable of two-by-two combined communication between four valve ports, and the four valve ports includes a first valve port, a second valve port, a third valve port and a fourth valve port.
In the embodiment provided with the third tube 23, the operation state of the water heater is the same as in the above-described embodiment, and specifically, may include a water discharge-gas replenish state, a gas-liquid mixing state, and the like.
In one embodiment, the first tube 21 can constitute at least a portion of the gas intake path. The third tube 23 can constitute at least a part of the liquid discharge path. The liquid discharge path comprises a liquid discharge port, and the form of the third tube 23 constituting at least part of the liquid discharge path comprises at least one or a combination thereof: the third tube 23 is provided with the liquid discharge port 13; The third tube 23 communicates with the liquid discharge port 13 through a pipe; alternatively, the third tube 23 communicates with the liquid discharge port 13 through a pipe provided with the driver device 3.
Specifically, water may be pumped and drained by the driver device 3, or may be drained by the gravity of the water itself, or may be pumped by other means, and the present application is not particularly limited herein.
As shown in FIG. 8 , in one specific embodiment, when pumping and draining is performed by the driver device 3, specifically, when in the water discharge-gas replenish state, the first tube 21 constitutes a gas intake path and the second switching valve 6 communicates the third tube 23 with the driver device 3 to form a water discharge path. activating the driver device 3 to discharge water in the inner container 2 from the liquid discharge port 13; when the liquid in the inner container 2 drops to a predetermined level, the water discharge-gas replenish state is switched to the gas-liquid mixing state. In the gas-liquid mixing state, the second switching valve 6 communicates the first tube 21, the second tube 22, and the driver device 3 with the inner container 2 to form a circulation passage. The driver device 3 drives the fluid in the inner container 2 to flow out through the second tube 22, enter the inner container 2 through the first tube 21, perform gas-liquid mixing with the gas in the inner container 2 to form a gas-liquid mixture, and return to the inner container 2.
Wherein, the gas intake port 11 may be disposed on the first tube 21 or may be another position in communication therewith, and in particular, the present application is not particularly limited herein. When the gas intake port 11 is provided in the first tube 21 or a corresponding position communicating therewith, the first tube 21 is used to constitute a gas intake path so as to import external gas into the inner container 2.
The liquid discharge port 13 may be provided at a position downstream of the water discharge path. Specifically, the water discharge path formed by the third tube 23 through the second switching valve 6 and by the driver device 3 may be that flowing from the third port 230 extending from the third tube 23 into the inner container 2 through the third tube 23 and then to the second switching valve 6, the driver device 3 and finally reaching the liquid discharge port 13. By the driver device 3, the flow of the water can be accelerated, and water in the inner container 2 can be quickly and reliably discharged.
As shown in FIG. 9 , in another specific embodiment, when draining is performed by the gravity of the water itself, specifically, the first tube 21 constitutes a gas intake path and the third tube 23 constitutes a water discharge path in the water discharge-gas replenish state; When the liquid in the inner container 2 drops to a predetermined level, the water discharge-gas replenish state is switched to the gas-liquid mixing state. In the gas-liquid mixing state, the second switching valve 6 communicates the first tube 21, the second tube 22, and the driver device 3 with the inner container 2 to form a circulation passage. The driver device 3 drives the fluid in the inner container 2 to flow out through the second tube 22, enter the inner container 2 through the first tube 21, perform gas-liquid mixing with the gas in the inner container 2 to form a gas-liquid mixture, and return to the inner container 2.
Wherein, the gas intake port 11 may be disposed on the first tube 21 or may be another position in communication therewith, and in particular, the present application is not particularly limited herein. When the gas intake port 11 is provided in the first tube 21 or a corresponding position communicating therewith, the first tube 21 is used to constitute a gas intake path so as to import external gas into the inner container 2.
The liquid discharge port 13 may be provided at a position downstream of the water discharge path. Specifically, it may be provided on the third tube 23 or the downstream pipe 15 communicating with the third tube 23, and the specific application is not particularly limited herein. When the liquid discharge port 13 is provided at the above-mentioned position, the third tube 23 is used to constitute a liquid discharge path. When gas is supplied to the discharge, the gas can enter from the first tube 21, and accordingly, excess water in the inner container 2 enters the third tube 23, and flows down to the liquid discharge port 13 to be discharged by gravity.
The water heater may further include a water consumption state, and the inner container 2 may be provided with a temperature detecting member, which may be electrically connected to the controller, The controller may control the second switching valve 6 to perform a corresponding switching operation according to the information indicating the water temperature in the inner container 2 detected by the temperature detecting member.
Specifically, when the water temperature in the inner container 2 is greater than the user's set temperature, the second switching valve 6 communicates the first tube 21 with the upstream pipe 14 to form a water supply path, communicates the second tube 22 and the third tube 23 with the downstream pipe 15 to form a water outflow path. When the water temperature in the inner container 2 is lower than a predetermined temperature, the second switching valve 6 communicates the second tube 22 with the upstream pipe 14 to form a water supply path, and the third tube 23 communicates with the downstream pipe 15 to form a water outflow path.
wherein, when the water temperature in the inner container 2 is greater than the user-set temperature, the first tube 21 may be communicated with the upstream pipe 14, and cold water in the upstream pipe 14 may be input into the first tube 21 to cool the mixed water.
When the water temperature in the inner container 2 drops to a predetermined temperature, water can be fed through the second tube 22, and the third tube 23 can perform water outflow by utilizing the water temperature distribution of the inner container 2, so as to supply that relatively high temperature water of the upper part of the inner container 2 to the user through the water outflow path, thereby realizing the efficient utilization of the hot water in the inner container 2.
In one embodiment, the second switching valve 6 may include a first position and a second position, wherein the first position of the second switching valve 6 can communicate the third tube 23, the driver device 3 and the liquid discharge port 13 to form a discharge path; the second position of the second switching valve 6 can communicate the second tube 22, the driver device 3, and the first tube 21 with the inner container 2 to form a circulation passage.
Further, the second switching valve 6 may further include a third position and a fourth position, wherein the third position of the second switching valve 6 communicates the first tube 21 with the upstream pipe 14 to form a water supply path, communicates the second tube 22 and the third tube 23 with the downstream pipe 15 to form a water outflow path. The fourth position of the second switching valve 6 allows the second tube 22 to communicate with the upstream pipe 14 to form a water supply path, and allows the third tube 23 to communicate with the downstream pipe 15 to form the water outflow path.
Referring to FIGS. 10A to 10E, specifically, the water heater may include a driver device 3, an inner container 2, a first tube 21, a second tube 22, a third tube 23, a second switching valve 6, and an upstream pipe 14 disposed in the inner container 2, a downstream pipe 15, a pressure regulation device 4, a gas intake port 11, a water supply port 12 and a liquid discharge port 13, and a switch device for controlling opening and closing of the gas intake port 11, the water supply port 12 and the liquid discharge port 13. The first tube 21 may constitute a water supply path with the upstream pipe 14 through the driver device 3.
As shown in FIG. 10A, the inner container 2 is filled with water before it is initially used. At this time, the water supply port 12, the upstream pipe 14, the driver device 3, and the first tube 21 constitute a water supply path. At this time, water enters from the water supply port 12, flows through the upstream pipe 14, enters the driver device 3, and then enters the inner container 2 through the first tube 21. Here, the third tube 23 may be used to control the water level of the water injection. The third tube 23 may communicate with the downstream pipe 15 through the second switching valve 6 to constitute a water outflow path. When the water in the inner container 2 reaches the height where the third port 230 of the third tube 23 is located, the water filling may be stopped. The pressurizing device in the water supply path may be in a power-on state or may be in a power-off state. Further, when the water pressure supplied from the water supply port 12 is too low, pressurized water injection can be performed by activating the driver device 3.
When the water heater enters a normal use state, the gas in the inner container 2 will be continuously consumed along with the mixing of the gas and the liquid. At this time, water discharge-gas replenish needs to be performed to the inner container 2.
As shown in FIG. 10B, when the inner container 2 is supplied with water, the gas intake port 11 may be provided on the first tube 21, which may constitute a gas intake path. At this time, the gas enters through the gas intake port 11, flows through the first tube 21, and then enters the inner container 2.
The second switching valve 6 may be in a first position, and may communicate the third tube 23 and the driver device 3 with the liquid discharge port 13 to form a liquid discharge path. The water in the inner container 2 flows into the third tube 23, flows through the second switching valve 6 and the driver device 3, and is discharged from the liquid discharge port 13. At this time, the driver device 3 is in the ON state, and it is possible to accelerate the discharge of excess water from the inner container 2. Wherein a liquid discharge port 13 may be provided downstream of the drive 3.
The third tube 23 may be used to control the amount of water discharged, that is, when the water level in the inner container 2 is discharged to the third port 230 of the third tube 23, the water can no longer be discharged outward, and the controller controls to stop the discharge replenishment.
The water heater can enter the gas-liquid mixing state after the completion of the water discharge-gas replenish. As shown in FIG. 10C, the second switching valve 6 may be in a second position capable of communicating the second tube 22, the driver device 3, and the first tube 21 with the inner container 2 to form a circulation passage.
In use, under the driving action of the driver device 3, the fluid in the inner container 2 passes through the second tube 22, passes through the driver device 3, and the first tube 21, enters the space where the gas is stored in the inner container 2, is gas-liquid mixed with the gas in the inner container 2 to form a gas-liquid mixture, and then returned to the inner container 2.
When the gas-liquid mixing is finished and the water-using state is entered, in one case, the water temperature in the inner container 2 is high and higher than the user-set temperature, and in this case, as shown in FIG. 10D, the second switching valve 6 may be in the third position, and it may communicate both the second tube 22 and the third tube 23 with the downstream pipe 15.
Specifically, the upstream pipe 14 provided with the water supply port 12, the driver device 3, and the first tube 21 constitute a water supply path. When the water pressure flowing into the water supply port 12 is low, the driver device 3 may be in an ON state to pressurize the water flowing therethrough, and when the water pressure in the water supply port 12 is high, the driver device 3 may be in an OFF state, which corresponds to a part of the pipe. The third tube 23 is connected in parallel with the second tube 22 and communicates with the downstream pipe 15 to form a water outflow path. When the temperature of the water in the inner container 2 is higher than the temperature set by the user, if cold water is simply mixed into the water outflow path, the concentration of the gas will be inevitably reduced, thereby reducing the effect of gas-liquid mixing.
In the embodiment, the upstream pipe 14 of the water supply port 12, the driver device 3, and the first tube 21 constitute a water supply path, and when water is supplied to the inner container 2, the cold water imported into the inner container 2 from the first tube 21 can be gas-liquid mixed with the gas in the inner container 2 to form a gas-liquid mixture. When the gas-liquid mixture is returned to the inner container 2, it can first be collected by a third tube 23 having a port located at the interface 7. The relatively low-temperature gas-liquid mixture flowing into the third tube 23 is mixed with the relatively high-temperature gas-liquid mixture in the second tube 22 to obtain a gas-liquid mixture having an appropriate temperature and an undiluted concentration.
Further, the second switching valve 6 can adjust the opening degree of the communication between the third tube 23 and the second tube 22 with the downstream pipe 15 to adjust the temperature of the gas-liquid mixture output from the second tube 22 and the third tube 23. Specifically, in adjustment, the water temperature corresponding to the port position of the third tube 23 and the second tube 22 in the inner container 2 can be obtained according to the temperature detection member, and the sectional area ratio of the third tube 23 and the second tube 22 is determined according to the water temperature and the user set temperature of the inner container 2. Thereby obtaining micro-bubbled water close to or equal to the temperature set by the user for use by the user.
As shown in FIG. 10E, when the water temperature in the inner container 2 drops to a certain temperature in the water consumption state, the second switching valve 6 can be used to change the communication relation of the pipes in order to fully utilize the remaining heat in the inner container 2. In this case, the second switching valve 6 may be located in a fourth position, and the second switching valve 6 can communicate the second tube 22 with the upstream pipe 14 to form a water supply path, and communicate the third tube 23 with the downstream pipe 15 to form the water outflow path.
Wherein, a bypass pipe may be provided between one end of the driver device 3 and the second tube 22, and the bypass pipe may be provided with a switch valve 30 for controlling the opening and closing thereof. When the water temperature in the inner container 2 decreases to a certain temperature, the switch valve 30 on the bypass pipe is opened, and the bypass pipe is in an open state.
The upstream pipe 14 provided with the water supply port 12 is sequentially communicated with the driver device 3, the bypass pipe, and the second tube 22 to constitute a water supply path; the third tube 23 communicates with the downstream pipe 15 to form a water outflow path.
The cold water flowing in from the water supply path formed by the second tube 22 is replenished into the inner container 2, and water having a relatively high temperature in the upper portion of the inner container 2 is discharged from the water outflow path formed by the third tube 23, thereby utilizing the upper warm water in the inner container 2.
It should be noted here that the second switching valve 6 is not limited to a structure including four switching positions, which may also be integrated with the bypass pipe and its switch valve 30. Of course, and the structure and form of the second switching valve 6 are not limited to the above description, and those skilled in the art may make other modifications under the technical spirit of the application. But as long as the functions and effects thereof are the same as or similar to the present application, the modifications shall be covered by the scope of this application.
Referring to FIG. 1 to FIG. 3 and FIG. 11 , the embodiment of the present application also provides a water heater, which may include an inner container 2 capable of storing fluid of a predetermined pressure; a mixture device capable of communicating with the inner container 2; the mixture device is capable of feeding the fluid in the inner container 2 into the mixture device for gas-liquid mixing to form a gas-liquid mixture and return to the inner container 2.
Wherein, the specific description of the inner container 2 may refer to the description in the above embodiments, and the present application is not repeated here.
The mixture device is used for feeding the fluid in the inner container 2 into the inner container 2 for gas-liquid mixing to form a gas-liquid mixture, and then returning to the inner container 2. Specifically, the mixture device is provided with a mixing space 1 for performing gas-liquid mixing. The mixing space 1 may be located inside the inner container 2 or may be located outside the inner container 2. When the mixing space 1 is located inside the inner container 2, the mixture device may be formed by a partial space of the inner container 2, or may be formed by a partial space of the inner container 2 in cooperation with other mechanisms; alternatively, the mixture device may be formed by a separate mechanism located in the inner container 2; alternatively, the mixture device may be in other forms, and in particular, may be described in detail with reference to the above embodiments, and the present application is not particularly limited herein.
In addition, the mixing space 1 may also be located outside the inner container 2 and communicate with the inner container 2.
As shown in FIG. 3 , the mixing space 1 may be formed by a tank 10 located outside the inner container 2. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 11 , the mixing space 1 is located in the gas-liquid mixing pump 8.
Of course, for the case where the mixing space 1 is located outside the inner container 2, the mixing space 1 of the mixture device is not limited to the above description, and it is possible for a person skilled in the art to make other modifications under the technical essence of the present application. However, as long as the functions and effects thereof are the same as or similar to those of the present application, the modifications shall be covered by the scope of protection of the present application.
In the embodiment, the mixture device may include a driver device 3 capable of importing fluid into the mixing space 1 for gas-liquid mixing. Specifically, the driver device 3 can communicate with the inner container 2 and the mixing space 1 for providing a driving force for the fluid flowing therethrough, thereby establishing fluid circulation passage between the driver device 3, the inner container 2 and the mixing space 1. Specifically, the driver device 3 may be in the form of a water pump, and of course, the driver device 3 may be another device capable of providing power, and the present application is not particularly limited herein.
In particular, the driver device 3 may comprise opposite input and output ends. When the driver device 3 is activated, it can import the fluid in the inner container 2 in communication with its input end and export the fluid from its output end to the mixing space 1 for gas-liquid mixing. After the gas-liquid mixture is formed, it is returned to the inner container 2. The fluid flows out from the inner container 2 as a whole, enters the input end of the driver device 3, flows out from the output end thereof, flows into the mixing space 1 to form a gas-liquid mixture, and finally inputs the formed gas-liquid mixture into the inner container 2. Thereby forming a circulation passage for the fluid. The fluid in the inner container 2 can be circulated for a plurality of times, so that the water and the gas in the inner container 2 are sufficiently premixed, thereby ensuring that high concentration micro-bubbled water can be obtained by directly opening the water consumption terminal when the user needs water, thereby improving the use experience of the user. Further, when the pressure of the water supplied into the inner container 2 from the water supply end is insufficient, the driver device 3 may pressurize it.
In one embodiment, that mix space 1 is located inside the inner container 2, the mixture device further comprises an importing mechanism connected to the output end of the driver device 3 and the inner container 2. The importing mechanism can import the fluid in the inner container 2 into the mixing space 1 to perform gas-liquid mixing to form a gas-liquid mixture.
In the embodiment, the scene where the mixing space 1 is located inside the inner container 2 can be referred to the detailed description in the above embodiment, and the present application is not repeated here.
Wherein, the importing mechanism is connected to the output end of the driver device 3 and the inner container 2, respectively, and is used for importing the fluid in the inner container 2 into the mixing space 1 for gas-liquid mixing. Specifically, the importing mechanism may be the first tube 21 in the above embodiment. Of course, the form of the importing mechanism is not limited to the above description, and the person skilled in the art may make other modifications under the technical essence of the application. However, as long as the functions and effects thereof are the same as or similar to those of the present application, the modifications shall be covered by the scope of protection of the present application.
In another embodiment, said mixing space 1 is located outside said inner container 2, said mixing means comprising a tank 10 connected to said driver device 3, with said mixing space 1 being located inside said tank 10. Said driver device 3, the inner container 10 and the inner container 2 can be connected in series to form a circulation passage.
In the embodiment, when the mixing space 1 is located outside the inner container 2, specifically, the mixing space 1 may be formed of a separate pressure-bearing container. As shown in FIG. 3 , the mixing space 1 may be formed by a tank 10 located outside the inner container 2. The mixture device comprises a driver device 3 and a tank 10 connected to the driver device 3. When specifically connected, the driver device 3, the tank 10 and the inner container 2 can form a circulation passage in series in sequence. In circulation, the driver device 3 imports the fluid in the inner container 2 into the inner container 10 for gas-liquid mixing, and then drives the gas-liquid mixture into the inner container 2 for many cycles, until a gas-liquid mixture is stored in the inner container 2 to meet the need for use.
In another embodiment, that mix space 1 is located outside the inner container 2, the driver device 3 is a gas-liquid mixing pump, the mixing space 1 is locate inside the gas-liquid mixing pump 8. An input end and an output end of the gas-liquid mixing pump 8 are respectively connected to the inner container 2 to form a circulation passage.
In the embodiment, the mixing space 1 is also located outside the inner container 2. As shown in FIG. 11 , it is different from the above-described embodiment in that the function of the driver device 3 is realized by the gas-liquid mixing pump 8, and the mixing space 1 is formed inside the gas-liquid mixing pump 8. Further, the function of the mixture device is also realized by the gas-liquid mixing pump 8. When specifically connected, the gas-liquid mixing pump 8 and the inner container 2 can form a circulation passage. During the circulation, the gas-liquid mixing pump 8 imports the fluid in the inner container 2 into the inner container 2 for gas-liquid mixing, and then drives the gas-liquid mixture into the inner container 2, so that the gas-liquid mixture is stored in the inner container 2.
Referring to FIG. 12 , an embodiment of the present application also provides a method for controlling a water heater, wherein the method may include the steps of:
Step S10, a gas intake path and a liquid discharge path are communicated, gas is input into the inner container from the gas intake path, and the liquid in the inner container is discharged through the liquid discharge path to perform water discharge-gas replenish of the inner container; Step S12, when a liquid level of the inner container drops to a predetermined liquid level, the gas intake path and the liquid discharge path are closed, the circulation passage is communicated, and the driver device is activated to drive the fluid in the inner container to gas-liquid mix and then return to the inner container.
In the embodiment, the gas intake path and the liquid discharge path can be communicated by opening the intake port and the discharge port; gas is input from a gas intake port into the inner container through a gas intake path, and the liquid in the inner container is discharged through a liquid discharge path to a liquid discharge port; Performing water discharge-gas replenish on the inner container.
When the liquid in the inner container drops to a predetermined liquid level, or when other signals indicate that the liquid in the inner container drops to a predetermined liquid level, the gas intake path and the liquid discharge path can be closed by closing the gas intake port and the liquid discharge port. The liquid in the inner container is driven by the driver device to input into the mixture device and imported into the inner container to perform gas-liquid mixing with the gas in the inner container, and the gas-liquid mixture formed by the gas-liquid mixing is returned to the inner container.
The predetermined liquid level is a preset liquid level, and above the predetermined liquid level is a region where gas is stored, and may indicate the amount of gas to be replenished. The signal indicating that the liquid in the inner container drops to a predetermined liquid level may be a liquid level signal directly detected by a liquid level meter disposed in the inner container. In addition, where that fluid flow rate is known, the amount of liquid discharge in the inner container may also be determined in conjunction with the time used for water discharge-gas replenish for the inner container. Then combined with the specific structure of the inner container, the change of the fluid level of the inner container can be determined. That is, when the flow rate is known, the liquid level in the inner container can also be determined by obtaining the time used for water discharge-gas replenish of the inner container. Of course, the determination of the liquid level in the inner container may also be determined by other means, and in particular, the present application is not particularly limited herein.
The device part constituting the circulation passage can be specifically referred to the embodiment of the above device part, and the present application is not repeated here. For example, for embodiments where gas-liquid mixing is performed in the inner container, the circulation passage may include a driver device, a first tube, a mixing space, and an inner container. Specifically, the mixing space is located in the inner container, and the mixing space includes a region where gas is stored in an upper portion of the inner container; The water heater comprises a first tube connected to an end of the inner container located at or near a region where gas is stored in the inner container; correspondingly, activating the driver device to drive the fluid in the inner container into the mixing space for gas-liquid mixing comprises activating the driver device to drive the fluid in the inner container into the region where the gas is stored in the inner container through the first tube for gas-liquid mixing.
The method of inputting the gas into the inner container from the gas intake path and discharging the liquid in the inner container through the liquid discharge path includes any one of: extracting the liquid in the inner container through the driver device and discharging from the liquid discharge path, and gas automatically entering the inner container from the gas intake path; or, drawing gas into the inner container from the gas intake path through the driver device, and automatically discharging liquid in the inner container from the liquid discharge path; Or, utilizing the gravity of the liquid in the inner container to automatically discharge the liquid from the liquid discharge path, and gas automatically entering the inner container through the gas intake path.
Of course, the method of inputting the gas from the intake port to the inner container through the gas intake path and discharging the liquid in the inner container through the liquid discharge path to the liquid discharge port is not limited to the above example, and the application is not particularly limited herein.
In one embodiment, before that gas is input into the inner container from the gas intake path and the liquid discharge path communicate with each other, and the liquid in the inner container is discharged through the liquid discharge path, the method may further include: when the gas-liquid mixture in the inner container meets predetermined requirements, controlling the first switching valve to switch to the first position to perform water discharge-gas replenish of the inner container.
In the embodiment, for the embodiment in which the gas is stored in advance in the inner container, the gas in the inner container is continuously consumed as the mixing of the gas and the liquid proceeds. The volume of the consumed gas may be filled with the subsequently supplied water, and the concentration of the gas in the gas-liquid mixture in the inner container gradually decreases when the concentration of the gas in the gas-liquid mixture decreases to a predetermined value, and a sufficient concentration of micro-bubbled water cannot be output to the user. This indicates that the water discharge-gas replenish is to be performed. At this time, the first switching valve may be switched to the first position to communicate the gas intake path with the liquid discharge path to discharge the inner container. Specifically, the predetermined required evaluation index may be a predetermined time period since the user starts to use water, for example, after 20 minutes to 30 minutes. On the premise that the volume of the inner container is known, it is also possible to determine whether the gas-liquid mixture in the inner container meets predetermined requirements in combination with the user's water consumption time and the flow rate of the fluid in the water heater. Further, the predetermined required evaluation index may be the concentration of the gas in the gas-liquid mixture directly. For example, the gas concentration in the gas-liquid mixture may be detected using a detection member. Wherein the specific form of the detecting member may be an electrode made based on the principle that the gas concentration is different and the gas-liquid mixture concentration is different. Of course, the form of the detecting member is not limited to the above example And, the predetermined required evaluation index may also be in other forms for determining the gas content of the gas-liquid mixture in the inner container, and the present application is not particularly limited herein.
Further, when the liquid level of the inner container drops to a predetermined liquid level, closing the gas intake path and the liquid discharge path, and communicating the circulation passage may include: controlling the first switching valve to switch to the second position, and communicating the circulation passage for gas-liquid mixing. That is, the gas-liquid mixing can be realized by switching the position of the first switching valve so as to communicate with the circulation passage. The specific structure of the first switching valve can be referred to the specific description of the embodiment of the water heater, and specifically the application does not repeat the description here.
In another embodiment, before communicating gas intake path and the liquid discharge path, inputting gas into the inner container from the gas intake path, and discharging the liquid in the inner container through the liquid discharge path, the method may include: when the gas-liquid mixture in the inner container meets a predetermined requirement, the second switching valve is switched to the first position to perform water discharge-gas replenish of the inner container.
Further, when the liquid level of the inner container drops to a predetermined liquid level or the time for water discharge-gas replenish the inner container reaches a predetermined time, closing the gas intake path and the liquid discharge path, and communicating the circulation passage may include: switching the second switching valve to the second position to communicate the circulation passage for gas-liquid mixing.
In the embodiment, the control principle of the second switching valve is similar to the control principle of the first switching valve, and the control principle of the first switching valve can be referred to. The difference lies in the difference in the specific communication position caused by the difference between the specific pipe structure arrangements. For example, for the embodiment described above, a first tube and a second tube is included, and for this embodiment a third tube is also included. The specific connection relation can be referred to the specific description of the embodiment of the water heater, and the application does not repeat the description here.
Referring to FIG. 13 , further, the control method of the water heater may further include the following steps:
Step S131, when the water consumption signal is received, the temperature signal of the fluid in the inner container is acquired, and the temperature distribution of the fluid in the inner container is determined according to the temperature signal.
Step S132, a water outflow path is connected according to the temperature distribution of the fluid in the inner container, and the fluid at different liquid levels in the inner container is controlled to flow out through the water outflow path.
In the embodiment, the temperature distribution of the fluid in the inner container can be determined by acquiring the temperature signal of the fluid in the inner container, so that the water outflow temperature is within a reasonable range by adjusting the connection of the switching valve and different pipes. Furthermore, the effect of maximum utilization of constant temperature water and inner container hot water can be realized.
Specifically, communicating the water outflow path and controlling the fluid at different liquid levels in the inner container to flow out through the water outflow path according to the temperature distribution of the fluid in the inner container when the water consumption signal is received may include: when the temperature of the fluid in the inner container is higher than the first predetermined temperature, controlling the first switching valve to switch to the third position to communicate the water outflow path to export the fluid in the lower part of the inner container; when the temperature of the fluid in the inner container drops below the second predetermined temperature, switching the first switching valve to the fourth position to communicate the water outflow path to export the fluid in the upper part of the inner container.
In general, as described in the embodiment of the water heat described above, the distribution of the water temperature in the inner container is that the temperature gradually reduces from top to bottom. When the average temperature of the fluid in the inner container is high, for example, higher than the first predetermined temperature, the first switching valve can be switched to the third position to communicate the water outflow path, and low-level water outflow is used to discharge the fluid in the lower part of the inner container. At this time, since the temperature of the lower portion of the inner container is relatively low and is closest to the set temperature of the user, the amount of cold water input can be reduced as much as possible, thereby ensuring the concentration of micro-bubbles supplied to the user from the water consumption terminal. Wherein the first predetermined temperature may be substantially higher than a user set temperature. Specifically, the first predetermined temperature can be adjusted according to the actual application scenario, and the application is not particularly limited herein. For example, the first predetermined temperature may be greater than the user set temperature by more than 20 degrees Celsius.
When the average temperature of the fluid in the inner container is low, such as below the second predetermined temperature, high-level water outflow may be used in order to enable efficient utilization of the hot water in the inner container. Specifically, the first switching valve can be switched to the fourth position to communicate the water outflow path of the high-level water outflow to export the fluid in the upper part of the inner container. Wherein the second predetermined temperature may be close to the user set temperature, and may be slightly higher or lower than the user's set temperature. Specifically, the second predetermined temperature can also be adjusted according to the actual application scenario, and the application is not particularly limited herein. For example, the second reservation may be between 45 degrees Celsius and 50 degrees Celsius.
In the embodiment, the low-level water outflow or the high-level water outflow of the inner container may be realized by alternately communicating the first tube and the second tube having different port heights provided in the inner container. Specifically, the positional relation and the specific communication relation of the first tube and the second tube in the inner container can be referred to the detailed description of the embodiment of the water heater, and the application does not repeat the description here.
In another embodiment, communicating the water outflow path and controlling the fluid at different liquid levels in the inner container to flow out through the water outflow path according to the temperature distribution of the fluid in the inner container when the water consumption signal is received comprises: when the temperature of the fluid in the inner container is higher than the third predetermined temperature, switching the second switching valve to the third position to communicate the water outflow path to supply water to the water consumption terminal; when the temperature of the fluid in the inner container drops below the fourth predetermined temperature, switching the second switching valve to the fourth position to communicate the water outflow path to supply water to the water consumption terminal.
In the embodiment, when the average temperature of the fluid in the inner container is high, for example, higher than the third predetermine temperature, the second switching valve can be switched to the third position to communicate the water outflow path, and outflow ports of different heights are utilized to perform mixed water outflow. Thus, the cold water filled in the upper part of the inner container and the gas-liquid mixture containing part of the cold are mixed with the high-temperature fluid in the inner container and then discharged. The exported fluid can be closest to the set temperature of the user, and the input of cold water can be minimized, even avoided, thereby ensuring the concentration of micro-bubbles provided to the user from the water consumption terminal. Wherein the third predetermined temperature may be much higher than a user set temperature. Specifically, the third predetermined temperature may be adjusted according to the actual application scenario, and the present application is not particularly limited herein. For example, the third predetermined temperature may be greater than the user set temperature by more than 20 degrees Celsius.
When the average temperature of the fluid in the inner container is low, for example, below the fourth predetermined temperature, high-level water outflow may be used in order to enable efficient utilization of the hot water in the inner container. Specifically, the second switching valve can be switched to the fourth position to communicate the water outflow path of the high-level water outfow to export the fluid in the upper part of the inner container. Wherein the fourth predetermined temperature may be close to the user set temperature, for example, may be slightly higher or closer to the user's set temperature. Specifically, the fourth predetermined temperature may be adjusted according to the actual application scenario, and the present application is not particularly limited herein. For example, the fourth predetermined temperature may be 45 degrees Celsius to 50 degrees Celsius.
In the embodiment, the inner container mixed water outflow or the high-level water outflow may be realized by alternately communicating the second tube and the third tube having different port heights provided in the inner container. Specifically, the positional relation and the specific communication relation of the second tube and the third tube in the inner container can be referred to the detailed description of the embodiment of the water heater, and the application does not repeat the description here.
In one embodiment, communicating the water outflow path further comprises communicating water supply path at the same time, and the control method may further comprise: detecting a water pressure in the water supply path; if it is detected that that water pressure in the water supply path is lower than a predetermined pressure, the driver device is activated to pressurize the pressure. That is, when it is detected that the water pressure in the water supply path is insufficient, pressurization can be performed by activating the driver device to ensure the effect of gas-liquid mixing. Wherein, the driver device may be a driver device for providing a circulating driving force in the water heater, and may also be a water pump or the like separately provided in the water supply path, and in particular, the present application is not particularly limited herein.
The control method of the water heater can achieve the technical effect of the embodiment of the water heater, in particular, in combination with the detailed description in the embodiment of the water heater, and the application does not repeat the description here.
Referring to FIG. 14 , a water heater provided in an embodiment of the present application may include an inner container 2 capable of containing water and gas, and gas-liquid mixing can be performed in the inner container 2; a heating member 1 for heating water in the inner container 2; a pressurizing source capable of providing a predetermined pressure for gas-liquid mixing of the gas and water in the inner container 2.
In the embodiment, the heating member 1 can be used to heat the water in the inner container 2, and of course, when a mixture of gas and liquid is formed in the inner container 2, it can also heat the gas-liquid mixture. The form of the heating element 1 may be different according to the actual use scenario, and is not particularly limited in this application. For example, when the water heater is a water storage type electric water heater, the heating element 1 may be an electric heating rod. One end of the electric heating rod can be fixed to the inner container 2, and the other end extends into the water of the inner container 2. The electric heating rod contacts the water in the inner container 2, and the heat energy generated by the electric heating is transferred to the water in the inner container 2, thereby heating the water in the inner container 2.
In the embodiment, the inner container 2 may be used to contain water, gas, a mixture of water and gas, and the like. Specifically, the form of the inner container 2 may be a horizontal inner container or a vertical inner container, and the present application is not particularly limited herein. The inner container 2 may be a hollow cylindrical shell as a whole. Of course, the inner container 2 may have other shapes, and the present application is not particularly limited herein.
In the embodiment, the pressurizing source may provide a predetermined pressure for gas-liquid mixing of the water imported into the inner container 2 and the gas in the inner container 2. Specifically, the pressurizing source may include at least one of: a pressurizing device 3 connected to the inner container 2 and capable of providing a predetermined pressure to water flowing into the inner container 2, water having a predetermined pressure, or the like. When the pressurizing source is the pressurizing device 3, the pressurizing device 3 communicates with the inner container 2, and the pressurizing device 3 applies a predetermined pressure to at least one of water and gas injected into the inner container 2. Wherein, the water of the predetermined pressure may be water having a pressure of 0.1 MPa or more.
In one embodiment, the inner container 2 is a pressure-bearing inner container, and the container pressure of the inner container 2 ranges from 0.1 MPa to 3.0 MPa.
In the embodiment, at least one of the water or gas injected into the inner container 2 may be supplied with a predetermined pressure by the pressurizing device 3 to achieve gas-liquid mix to achieve the preparation of micro-bubbled water, and therefore, The inner container 2 needs to be subjected to a certain pressure. In addition, due to the change of the water temperature in the inner container 2, the inner container 2 is required to have a certain pressure-bearing capacity due to the influence of thermal expansion and cold contraction. In summary, the inner container 2 connected to the pressurizing device 3 needs to be subjected to a predetermined pressure in use. Specifically, the pressure may range from 0.1 mega Pascal to 3.0 mega Pascal. Wherein the upper limit value 3.0 mega Pascal of the pressure is the pressure limit that the inner container 2 can withstand. Of course, depending on the material, shape, structure, etc. of the inner container 2, the limit pressure that the inner container 2 can withstand is not limited to 3.0 MPa, and the present application is not particularly limited herein.
In the embodiment, when the water in the inner container 2 is heated by the heating member 1, the pressure in the inner container 2 also increases as the temperature increases based on the principle of thermal expansion and contraction. For example, when the pressurizing device 3 is a water pump, the inner container 2 is in a state of preparing micro-bubbled water, except that a water inflow tube communicating with the water pump provides pressurized water into the inner container 2, other openings of the inner container 2 that can communicate with the outside are in a closed state. In this way, the inner container 2 is under a predetermined pressure, and the pressurized water enters the inner container 2, and can be mixed with the gas in the inner container 2 to prepare micro-bubbled water.
In one embodiment, the water in the inner container 2 may be heated prior to gas-liquid mixing. When the water in the inner container 2 is heated, the pressure in the inner container 2 may be increased, which is equivalent to the pre-pressure that is formed in the inner container 2 before the pressurizing device 3 is opened. Since this pre-compression is able to provide the required pressure for the mixing of the gas and water in the inner container 2, the pressure required to be provided by the pressurizing device 3 can be reduced.
In one embodiment, the upper portion of the inner container 2 store a predetermined volume of gas, the inner container 2 is provide with a first tube 21 capable of communicating with the pressurizing source. The water pressurized by the pressurizing source can be imported into the region where the gas is stored in the inner container 2 through the first tube 21, and mixed with the gas.
In the embodiment, the upper predetermined space of the inner container 2 store a predetermined volume of gas for gas-liquid mixing. The size of the predetermined volume may be adaptively adjusted according to the volume of the inner container 2 or the like, and in particular, the present application is not particularly limited herein. For example, the predetermined volume may be 3 to 4 liters.
Generally, in the inner container 2, there is an interface 201 between the gas and the liquid. When the pressurized water is imported into the space where the gas is stored in the inner container 2 through the first tube 21, the water is disturbed with air in the upper portion of the inner container 2, and the water and air are mixed with each other. When the disturbed air enters the liquid below the interface 201 with the imported water, it is possible to further perform gas-liquid mixing with the water in the vicinity of the interface 201.
Specifically, the first tube 21 may be a hollow tubular structure having opposite ends, one end of which may be connected to an output end of the pressurizing device 3, and the other end may be located in the inner container 2. Further, the first tube 21 has a first port 210 extending into the inner container 2, and the first port 210 of the first tube 21 is located at or near a region where gas is stored in the inner container 2. That is, the height of the first port 210 may be slightly higher than or flush with the interface 201. When the pressurizing device 3 drives the fluid into the first tube 21, the fluid can directly flow out of the first port 210, and gas-liquid mixing with the gas in the upper part of the inner container 2 is performed. In addition, when the pressurizing source provides sufficient driving force for the water, that height of the first port 210 may be slightly low than the interface 201, the pressurized fluid can be eject from the first port 210, and into the mixing space 1 for gas-liquid mixing.
The number of the first tubes 21 may be one or a plurality, and the present application is not particularly limited herein. In addition, the first tube 21 may be used as a water inflow tube or a water outflow tube of the water heater.
It is to be noted here that the first tube 21 exemplified in the embodiment is mainly directed to a scenario of being threaded at the bottom of the inner container 2, and other scenarios, for example, an embodiment in which the first tube 21 is threaded at the top or side wall of the inner container 2, a person skilled in the art can adjust adaptively when the application is worn on the bottom of the inner container 2, and the application will not be repeated here, but as long as the functions and effects thereof are the same as or similar to the application, they should be covered within the protection scope of the application.
In the embodiment, the inner container 2 may be provided with a first tube 21 and a second tube 22. The second tube 22 has a second port 220 extending into the inner container 2. The height of the first port 210 and the second port 220 may be the same or different. The first tube 21 and the second tube 22 are respectively communicated with the inner container 2, one of which can be used for water inflow, and the other of which can be used for water outflow.
In addition, the number of the second tubes 22 may be one or a plurality, and the present application is not particularly limited, wherein the position of the second tubes 22 on the inner container 2 may be through the bottom of the second tube 22. It may also be provided at other locations, and the present application is not particularly limited herein.
Typically, the water temperature in the inner container 2 is distributed in layers from high to low along the direction of gravity without external disturbances. In order to ensure that the hot water in the inner container 2 can be fully utilized, especially when the overall water temperature in the inner container 2 is low, in order to ensure that the hot water with a relatively high position can be utilized, The height of the first tube 21 extending into the first port 210 of the inner container 2 is different from the height of the second tube 22 extending into the second port 220 of the inner container 2. Specifically, the port position where the water inflow tube that can be used for inflowing water communicates with the inner container 2 is lower, and the port position where the water outflow tube that is used for water outflow communicates with the inner container 2 is higher, so that, when the cold water enters from the water inflow tube, the upper hot water can be discharged from the water outflow tube to maximize the use of the heat in the inner container 2.
Referring to FIG. 14 , further, in order to improve the effect of gas-liquid mixing, the first port 210 where the first tube 21 communicates with the inner container 2 is provided with a jet structure. The jet structure can pressurize the fluid imported into the first tube 21, thereby achieving a better gas mixing effect when the gas and the fluid in the inner container 2 are mixed with each other.
Referring to FIGS. 5A to 5D, specifically, the jet structure may be a variable cross-sectional area portion 211 formed at the first port 210 of the first tube 21. The cross-sectional area of the cross-sectional area changing portion 211 is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the tube body of the first tube 21 as a whole.
As shown in FIG. 5A, the cross-sectional area changing portion 211 may be an elliptical opening formed at the first port 210 of the first tube 21.
Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 5C, the cross-sectional area changing portion 211 may be a circular opening formed at the first port 210 of the first tube 21 having an aperture smaller than that of the tube body of the first tube 21.
Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 5B, the cross-sectional area changing portion 211 may be a cross-shaped opening formed at the first port 210 of the first tube 21.
Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 5D, the first port 210 is a closed end, and the cross-sectional area changing portion 211 may be a plurality of openings formed in a tube wall of the first tube 21 near the first port 210.
In addition, the cross-sectional area changing section 211 can be other forms, the application is not particularly limit here, and the skilled person in the art may make other modifications under the technical essence of the application. However, as long as the functions and effects thereof are the same as or similar to those of the present application, the modifications shall be covered by the scope of protection of the present application.
In the embodiment, the pressurizing device 3 may communicate with the inner container 2, and the communication may be a communication achieved by directly connecting the pressurizing device 3 and the inner container 2, or may be a communication between the two through an intermediate communication pipe. The pressurizing device 3 may apply a predetermined pressure to at least one of water and gas injected into the inner container 2. Specifically, the pressurizing device 3 may be in the form of a water pump or a gas pump, and may of course be another device capable of realizing a pressurizing function, and the present application is not particularly limited herein.
When it is necessary to perform gas-liquid mixing in the inner container 2 to prepare micro-bubbled water, the pressurizing device 3 can provide a pressure required for gas and water mixing when the inner container 2 prepares micro-bubbled water. The water heater of the present application applies a predetermined pressure to at least one of water and gas injected into the inner container 2 through the pressurizing device 3 communicating with the inner container 2, thereby achieving gas-liquid mixing in the inner container 2 to prepare micro-bubbled water supply to a user.
The micro-bubbles refer to bubbles that are several or several tens of microns in size. The surface of the micro-bubbles has a weak negative charge in the water, which can adsorb substances such as fat and protein, so as to carry them away from the skin, hair and so on. When using micro-bubbled water with micro-bubbles for bathing, a large number of micro-bubbles can penetrate into the root of hair and other parts of the hair that are difficult to clean, thus thoroughly remove the accumulated dirt such as sebum and grease.
In addition, micro-bubbled water also has a unique sterilization effect. In particular, the sterilization process of micro-bubbled water includes two processes of attracting and killing, and the micro-bubble carrying static electricity, which can adsorb bacteria and viruses in the water body; then, as the bubble bursts, a large amount of free radicals are excited around the bubble and the super high temperature and pressure generated by the burst kill the adsorbed bacterial virus. The above-mentioned killing process is completely a physical killing process, which is substantially different from the conventional sterilization method, so that it is more environment-friendly and healthy than the conventional chemical sterilization method.
In summary, that water heater described in the embodiment of the present application applies a predetermined pressure to at least one of water and gas injected into the inner container 2 through a pressurizing source communicate with the inner container 2 without adding a new structure. By reasonably controlling the sequence of the water discharge-gas replenish and the inlet pressure water in the inner container 2, the gas-liquid mixing can be realized in the pressurized inner container 2 to prepare micro-bubbled water to be supplied to the user. Since the water supplied to the user is mixed with air at the same flow rate, the amount of water used can be effectively saved; in addition, the micro-bubbled water has better cleaning performance and physical sterilization function compared with ordinary water, and therefore, the use experience of the user is greatly improved.
In one embodiment, the water heater further comprises a pressure regulation device 4 arranged downstream of the inner container 2.
In the embodiment, the pressure regulation device 4 is used to maintain the pressure between the inner container 2 and the pressure regulation device 4 within a predetermined range. The predetermined pressure is a pressure required for gas-liquid mixing in the inner container 2, and is favorable for generation and maintenance of micro-bubbles. Specifically, the pressure regulation device 4 may be in the form of one of pressure regulating valves, such as a self-operated pressure regulating valve; it can also be a hydraulic pressure control valve, such as a relief valve; It can also be an electronic expansion valve, a thermal expansion valve, etc., whose pressure can be controlled; or can be other forms, and the present application is not particularly limited herein.
In one particular embodiment, the pressure regulation device 4 has opposite inlet and outlet ends, inside of which is provided with a pressure regulating mechanism such that the pressure at the water inlet end is greater than the pressure at the outlet end.
When the relatively high-pressure gas-liquid mixture flows through the pressure regulation device 4, the pressure of the gas-liquid mixture is rapidly reduced under the regulation of the pressure regulation device 4, so that the gas volume in the gas-liquid mixture becomes large, The micro-bubbles formed are mixed in the water, that is, micro-bubble water.
Specifically, the pressure regulation device 4 is formed with at least a throttle mechanism whose flow cross-sectional area is stepwise or abruptly changed in the direction of fluid flow, that is, the pressure regulating mechanism may be a throttle structure. By using the throttle mechanism, the pressure can be rapidly reduced and the gas can be released.
Referring to FIG. 4A, for example, in the direction of fluid flow, at least one variable aperture structure is provided, and the pressure regulation device 4 comprises a hollow tubular body in which at least one throttle member is disposed. The throttle member may be a structure having an aperture smaller than the inner diameter of the tube. In addition, that flow hole may be sequentially opened in order along the fluid flow direction in the throttle plate, so that the flow cross-sectional area is gradually increased along the fluid flow direction as a whole. When fluid flows through the throttle mechanism, since the flow cross-sectional area suddenly decreases, the pressure of fluid increases accordingly, so that the function of maintaining the pressure can be realized.
Referring to FIG. 4B, the pressure regulation device 4 may be further provided with a back pressure spring or other throttle mechanism with varying flow cross-sectional area, and the application is not particularly limited herein. Those skilled in the art may make other modifications under the technical essence of this application, but as long as the functions and effects thereof are the same as or similar to the application, the modifications shall be included in the scope of protection of the application.
In a specific embodiment, the pressurizing device 3 is a water pump, the water pump being arranged upstream of the inner container 2. When the water pump is in operation, The pressure regulation device 4 is capable of maintaining the pressure between the water pump and the pressure regulation device 4 at 0.1 MPa or more.
In the embodiment, the water pump may be disposed upstream of the inner container 2, and when the pressurizing device 3 is in operation, a pressure regulation device 4 provided downstream of the inner container 2 is capable of controlling the pressure between the water pump to the pressure regulation device 4 within a predetermined pressure range. Specifically, the control principle of the pressure regulation device 4 may be different depending on the specific structure of the pressure regulation device 4, and the present application is not particularly limited herein.
Wherein the predetermined pressure range may be 0.1 MPa or more. When the pressure between the water pump and the pressure regulation device 4 is controlled by the pressure regulation device 4 to be 0.1 MPa or more, the predetermined pressure is a pressure required for gas-liquid mixing in the inner container 2 to facilitate generation and maintenance of micro-bubbles. Specifically, on the one hand, when the pressure is 0.1 MPa or more, it facilitates more air to be dissolved in water to form micro-bubbled water having a higher solubility; on the other hand, when the micro-bubbled water flows in the pipe, the state of the micro-bubbled water is maintained, and the bubble in the water is prevented from gradually becoming large.
Of course, the range of the predetermined pressure is not limited to the above list, and the person skilled in the art may make other modifications under the inspiration of the technical essence of the application. But as long as the functions and effects achieved are the same as or similar to the present application, the modifications shall be covered by the scope of this application.
In one embodiment, the water heater further comprises a water supply path capable of communicating with the pressurizing source; a gas supply unit capable of communicating with the inner container 2, the gas supply unit being capable of communicating with the inner container 2 to constitute a gas intake path; a liquid discharge path capable of communicating with the inner container 2.
Specifically, the water heater may be provided with a water supply pipe capable of communicating with a water supply end, the water supply pipe communicating with the first tube 21 or the second tube 22 to form the water supply path. The water heater may further be provided with a water outflow pipe capable of communicating with a water consumption terminal, the water outflow pipe communicating with the first tube 21 or the second tube 22 can form a water outflow path.
The inner container 2 is provided with a water supply pipe and a gas supply unit communicating therewith, and the first tube 21 or the second tube 22 can communicate with the water supply pipe and/or the gas supply unit, The pressurizing device 3 communicates with the water supply pipe and/or the gas supply unit.
In the embodiment, the inner container 2 may be provided with a water supply pipe and a gas supply unit that can communicate therewith. Water may flow through the water supply pipe. Specifically, the water supply pipe may be a pipe communicating with a tap water inlet end. A gas may flow through the gas supply unit. Generally, the gas may be air, although the gas is not limited to air, and the present application is not particularly limited herein. The gas supply unit may communicate with the inner container 2 through an independent pipe, or may be disposed on the water supply pipe or the pressurizing device 3. For example, the gas supply unit may be a gas intake structure, such as a venturi structure, provided on the water supply pipe or on the pressurizing device 3, so that unnecessary openings in the inner container 2 can be reduced, and reliability in sealing of the inner container 2 can be improved.
When the gas supply pipe communicates with the inner container 2 through at least one of the first tube 21 and the second tube 22, the gas supply pipe can fill gas into the inner container 2 through at least one of the first tube 21 and the second tube 22. The gas charged as described above can be used as gas required for the preparation of micro-bubbled water by gas-liquid mixing.
When the water supply pipe communicates with the inner container 2 through at least one of the first tube 21 and the second tube 22, the water supply pipe can inject water into the inner container 2 through at least one of the first tube 21 and the second tube 22. In the embodiment, the pressurizing device 3 is in communication with at least one of the water supply pipe and the gas supply unit to apply a predetermined pressure to at least one of water and gas injected into the inner container 2 to achieve gas-liquid mixing in the inner container 2, In order to prepare micro-bubbled water.
In one specific embodiment, the pressurizing device 3 is in communication with the gas supply pipe, and the pressurizing device 3 is a gas pump.
In the embodiment, when the pressurizing device 3 is in communication with the gas supply pipe, the gas injected into the inner container 2 can be pressurized so as to provide a pressure required for mixing the gas and water in the inner container 2. Specifically, the pressurizing device 3 may be a gas pump. When the gas pump states to operate, the gas pump may pressurize the gas flowing therethrough, i.e., the gas pump can provide a pressure required for mixing gas and water when the inner container 2 prepares micro-bubbled water.
In one specific embodiment, the pressurizing device 3 is in communication with the water supply pipe, and the pressurizing device 3 is a water pump.
In the embodiment, when the pressurizing device 3 is connected to the water supply pipe, the water injected into the inner container 2 can be pressurized so as to provide the pressure required for mixing the gas and the water in the inner container. Specifically, the pressurizing device 3 may be a water pump. When the water pump starts to operate, the water pump may pressurize the water flowing therethrough, i.e., the water pump can provide the pressure required for gas and water mixing when the inner container 2 is producing micro-bubbled water. In addition, the water pump may also serve as a power device for water circulation of the water heater.
When the pressure increasing device 3 is a water pump and the water supply pipe can communicate with the gas supply unit, the pressure increasing device 3 can communicate with either the water supply pipe or can communicate with the gas supply unit. When the pressurizing device 3 is in communication with the gas supply unit, it can be used to accelerate the flow rate of the fluid in the pipe. When the pressurizing means 3 is in communication with the water supply pipe, it can provide the pressure required for the mixing of gas and water.
In one embodiment, the pressurizing device 3 may be a water pump comprising a first water pump and a second water pump, the second water pump and the first water pump being connected in series or in parallel.
In the embodiment, a specific form of the pressurizing device 3 may be a water pump. Specifically, the number of the water pumps may be 2 or more, and the present application is not particularly limited herein. For example, the water pump may include a first water pump and a second water pump, and the first water pump and the second water pump may be connected in parallel or in series.
Wherein, when the required pressure of the water heater is large, the first water pump and the second water pump may be selectively connected in series. The pressure which can be provided when the first water pump and the second water pump are connected in series is greatly increased with respect to the pressure which can be provided by a single water pump, so that the pressure demand of the water heater can be met.
Wherein, the first water pump and the second water pump may be selectively connected in parallel when the required flow rate of the water heater is large. When the first water pump and the second water pump are connected in parallel, a large amount of flow can be provided relative to that of a single water pump, so that the flow demand of the water heater can be met.
In addition, generally, the water heater needs to be arranged in a shell, and when the shell space is fixed, the two small water pumps can flexibly utilize the scattered space in the shell, and also can reduce the overall occupied space of the water heater to a certain extent.
In one embodiment, the inner container 2 is provided with a water supply pipe and a gas supply unit communicating therewith, and the pressurizing device 3 can communicate with the water supply pipe; the water heater has at least a first state in which water is supplied to the inner container 2 and a second state in which gas and liquid are mixed in the inner container 2; In the first state, the gas supply unit communicates with the inner container 2 to discharge a predetermined amount of water in the inner container 2; in the second state, the inner container 2 communicates with the water supply pipe, and the pressurizing device 3 pressurizes the water injected into the inner container 2 through the water supply pipe and the gas injected in the first state, whereby the injected water is sufficiently mixed with the gas injected in the first state.
In the embodiment, the inner container 2 may be provided with a water supply pipe and a gas supply unit that can communicate therewith. Water may flow through the water supply pipe. Specifically, the water supply pipe may be a pipe communicating with a tap water inlet end. A gas may flow through the gas supply unit. Generally, the gas may be air, although the gas is not limited to air, and the present application is not particularly limited herein. The gas supply unit may communicate with the inner container 2 through an independent pipe, or may be disposed on the water supply pipe or the pressurizing device 3. For example, the gas supply unit may be a gas intake structure, such as a venturi structure, provided on the water supply pipe or on the pressurizing device 3, so that unnecessary openings in the inner container 2 can be reduced, and reliability when the inner container 2 is sealed can be improved. The pressurizing device 3 may communicate with the water supply pipe to apply a predetermined pressure to the water injected into the inner container 2.
In the first state, the gas supply unit communicates with the inner container 2 to discharge a predetermined amount of water in the inner container 2. Generally, water is stored below the reserved space in the inner container 2 except that the space required for the volume change of the water in the inner container 2 due to the expansion and contraction of heat is left at the top of the inner container 2. When the gas supply unit is in communication with the inner container 2, as the gas supply unit continuously supplies the gas required for preparing micro-bubbled water into the inner container 2, the water in the inner container 2 can be discharged through an opening communicating with a water discharge pipe. The predetermined water amount may be different according to the actual size of the inner container 2, the required amount and concentration of the micro-bubbled water, etc., and the present application is not particularly limited herein.
The control of the amount of water actually discharged may be controlled according to the water level signal or the real-time flow statistics. For example, a water level sensor member may be provided in the inner container 2, and when the water in the inner container 2 reaches a predetermined water level, the inner container 2 may be disconnected from the discharge pipe, and the gas supply unit may be stopped. Specifically, the water temperature sensor member may be a water temperature test probe independently disposed in the inner container 2, or an electronic anode provided in the inner container 2 may be used, and of course, other forms may be used, and the present application is not particularly limited herein.
In the second state, the inner container 2 may communicate with the water supply pipe, and the pressurizing device 3 pressurizes the water injected into the inner container 2 through the water supply pipe to mix the injected water with the gas injected in the first state. In one case, when the user does not open the water consumption terminal for water use, the inner container 2 communicates only with the water supply pipe, that is, other openings communicating with the inner container 2 are in a closed state. Since the inner container 2 is only communicated with the water supply pipe communicating with the pressurizing device 3, under the pressurizing action of the pressurizing device 3, it needs to be subjected to a certain pressure. This pressure ensures that the pressurized water and gas are able to achieve gas-liquid mixing in the pressurized inner container 2. Specifically, when gas-liquid mixing is performed in the pressurized inner container 2, the pressurizing device 3 pressurizes the water injected into the inner container 2 by the water supply pipe, and water with a predetermined pressure is injected into the pressurized inner container 2 through the water supply pipe, and a sufficient mixing with the gas is achieved to produce micro-bubbled water. Wherein the pressure of the water at the predetermined pressure may be 0.1 MPa or more. When the user opens the water consumption terminal, the inner container 2 can communicate with the water consumption terminal. At this time, the pressurized water injected into the inner container 2 may be further mixed with the gas injected in the first state under the pressure maintenance of the pressure regulation device 4 to prepare micro-bubbled water.
In one embodiment, the water heater may be provided with a gas intake structure provided on the water pump or on a water supply pipe upstream of the water pump. In the embodiment, the pressurizing device may be a water pump capable of communicating with the water supply pipe and the gas supply unit. In the embodiment, the gas intake structure may be provided on the water pump or on a water supply pipe upstream of the water pump. In the first state of water discharge-gas replenishing the inner container 2, the gas intake structure communicates with the outside on the one hand, and can communicate with the water pump and the water supply pipe on the other hand, air can be rapidly imported into the inner container 2 through the gas supply unit.
Specifically, the gas intake structure may be a venturi structure so that when a water pump as the pressurizing device 3 communicates with the gas intake structure, a negative pressure can be formed at the gas intake structure to rapidly suck air. Of course, the gas intake structure is not limited to the above examples, and the present application is not particularly limited herein.
In one embodiment, the gas supply unit or the water supply pipe is at least partially shared. The gas intake structure is provided with a first switch unit 91 for controlling air flow, and the water supply pipe on upstream of the gas intake structure is provided with a second switch unit 92 for controlling water flow.
In the embodiment, the gas intake structure may be provided upstream of the water pump, and the gas intake structure may be provided with a first switch unit 91 capable of controlling gas on/off. The water supply pipe upstream of the first switch unit 91 may further be provided with a second switch unit 92 capable of controlling water on/off. Specifically, the first switch unit 91 or the second switch unit 92 may be a structure of a control valve. Specifically, the specific form of the control valve is not particularly limited herein.
The first switch unit 91 is in an open state and the second switch unit 92 is in a closed state when in a first state of water discharge-gas replenish of the inner container 2, and gas can quickly flow through the gas supply unit, the water supply pipe, and enter the inner container 2 under the action of the water pump to efficiently implement water discharge-gas replenish.
In a second state in which gas and liquid are mix in that inner container 2, the first switch unit 91 is in a closed state, the second switch unit 92 is in an open state, and pressurized water can flow through the water supply pipe, and enter the inner container 2 and mix well with the gas in the inner container 2 under the pressurization of the water pump to form micro-bubbled water.
In one embodiment, the inner container 2 is provided with a water supply pipe and a gas supply unit communicating therewith, and the pressurizing device 3 can communicate with the water supply pipe; The water heater has at least a first state in which water is supplied to the inner container 2 and a second state in which gas and liquid are mixed in the inner container 2. In the first state, the first tube 21 communicates with the gas supply unit, and the second tube 22 communicates with a water discharge pipe. In the second state, the first tube 21 or the second tube 22 communicates with the water supply pipe, and the pressurizing device pressurizes the water injected into the inner container 2 through the water supply pipe and the gas injected in the first state.
The first tube 21 communicates with the gas supply unit and the second tube 22 communicates with a water discharge pipe when the inner container 2 is in a first state of water discharge-gas replenish of the inner container 2. Since the water temperature distribution in the inner container 2 is layered from high to low along the direction of gravity, when the first tube 21 having the first port at the higher position is in communication with the gas supply unit, The gas injected by the first tube 21 can be avoided from disturbing the water in the inner container 2, and the hot water can be exhausted as much as possible, resulting in a waste of heat. When the second tube 22 having the second port at the lower position communicates with the water discharge pipe, it preferentially discharges the cold water located at the bottom of the inner container 2, thereby minimizing the hot water being discharged, resulting in a waste of heat. When in the second state in which the gas-liquid mixture in the inner container 2 is mixed, the first tube 21 or the second tube 22 communicates with the water supply pipe, the pressurizing means pressurizes the water injected into the inner container 2 through the water supply pipe and the gas injected in the first state. After the first state of water discharge-gas replenish of the inner container 2 is completed, a predetermined amount of gas required for gas-liquid mixing has been stored in the upper portion of the inner container 2. After the first tube 21 or the second tube 22 is connected to the water supply pipe and the water supply pipe is communicated with the pressurizing device 3, the pressurized water is injected into the inner container 2 through the pressurizing device 3. The injected pressurized water is mixed with the predetermined amount of gas to prepare micro-bubbled water.
Further, the water heater further comprises a control device, and a first control unit electrically connected to the control device. When the control device receives the first predetermined signal, it switches the water heater from the first state to the second state or from the second state to the first state by controlling the first control unit.
In the embodiment, the water heater may include a control device and a first control unit electrically connected to the control device. In particular, the control unit may be in the form of an integrated control valve capable of controlling the switching of fluid in the pipe, or in the form of a cooperation of a plurality of control valves, or in the form of a cooperation of the control valve with the switch unit. Of course, the form of the control unit may also be other forms, and the present application is not particularly limited herein. The control device may control the communication relation between the first control unit and the different pipes according to the received first predetermined signal, thereby realizing the transition of the water heater from the first state to the second state or from the second state to the first state. In the embodiment, the first control unit may include a first switch unit 91 provided on the gas supply unit, a second switch unit 92 provided on the water supply pipe, and a third switch unit 93 provided on the water discharge pipe, and a first control valve 5. When in the first state, the first switch unit 91 on the gas supply unit is in the open state, the second switch unit 92 on the water supply pipe is in the closed state, and the third switch unit 93 on the water discharge pipe is in the open state. When in the second state, the second switch unit 92 on the water supply pipe is in the open state, the first switch unit 91 on the gas supply unit is in the off state, and the third switch unit 93 on the water discharge pipe is in the off state.
Specifically, the first predetermined signal may include at least one of: a time signal, a flow rate signal obtained by a detection unit, a water level signal, a concentration signal of micro-bubbled water, a pressure signal, and a temperature signal. Of course, the first predetermined signal may be in other forms, and the present application is not particularly limited herein.
For example, when the first predetermined signal is a time signal, the time required to discharge a predetermined amount of water in the first state may be set in advance, and then the time may be started from the gas supply unit supplying the gas required for gas-liquid mixing into the inner container 2. When the preset time is reached, the first control unit can change the on-off relation between the pipes to change the water heater from the first state to the second state.
For example, when the first predetermined signal is the flow rate signal detected by the flow rate detection unit, the amount of water required to be discharged in the first state may be counted in advance, and then the gas required for gas-liquid mixing is supplied from the gas supply unit into the inner container 2. After a predetermined amount of water is reached, the first control unit can change the on-off relation between the pipes to change the water heater from the first state to the second state.
For example, when the first predetermined signal is a water level signal, it may be preset to count the water level to be reached in the first state. Comparing the water level signal indicating the height of the remaining water in the inner container 2 with the preset water level, and when the height of the remaining water drops to the preset height, the first control unit can change the on-off relation between the pipes, so as to switch that water heat from a first state to a second state.
For example, when the first predetermined signal is a concentration signal of micro-bubbled water detected by the micro-bubbled water concentration detection unit, a standard micro-bubble concentration may be set in advance. The water heater may be switched from the second state to the first state when the micro-bubbled water concentration indicated by the signal of the moisture retention micro-bubble concentration is lower than the predetermined concentration.
For example, when the first predetermined signal is a pressure signal, the water pressure at a specified position may be predetermined when the water in the inner container 2 drops to a predetermined height. A pressure detection unit may then be provided at the designated position, and when the pressure detected by the pressure detection unit drops to a preset water pressure, the on-off relation among the pipes may be changed by the first control unit, so as to switch that water heat from a first state to a second state.
For example, when the first predetermined signal is a temperature signal, a preset temperature may be correspondingly set according to the user's needs. When the temperature in the inner container 2 drops to the preset temperature, the on-off relation between the pipes can be changed by the first control unit to switch the water heater from the second state to the first state.
Of course, the specific forms of the detection unit and the first predetermined signal are not limited to the above examples, and those skilled in the art may make other changes under the teachings of the technical essence of the present application. However, as long as the functions and effects achieved are the same as or similar to those of this application, they should be covered by the scope of protection of this application.
Referring to FIG. 15 , in a specific embodiment, the height of the first port 210 is higher than the height of the second port 220. In the second state, the first tube 21 communicates with the water supply pipe, and the second tube 22 can communicate with a water consumption terminal.
In the embodiment, the height of the first port 210 of the first tube 21 may be higher than the height of the second port 220 of the second tube 22. Specifically, the first port 210 of the first tube 21 may be close to the top of the inner container 2. In particular, the first port 210 of the first tube 21 may be located above the interface 201 of the inner container 2 after the inner container 2 is water discharge-gas replenished. The second port 220 of the second tube 22 may be located below the interface 201 of the inner container 2, and near the bottom of the inner container 2. After the inner container 2 is water discharge-gas replenished, the first port 210 is located above the interface 201. The pressurized water entering the inner container 2 from the first tube 21 may be directly ejected from the first port 210 of the first tube 21 to mix with the gas in the upper portion of the inner container 2 without having to come into contact with the water in the inner container 2. Thus, not only can the pressure water injected from the first tube 21 be sufficiently mixed with the gas in the inner container 2, but also the resistance of the flow of the pressure water can be reduced. In the embodiment, the second tube 22 can communicate with the water consumption terminal so as to supply micro-bubbled water to the water consumption terminal. Specifically, the second tube 22 may be communicated with the water consumption terminal in the second state of gas-liquid mixing, or may be communicated with the water consumption terminal after the second state of gas-liquid mixing is completed.
In one embodiment, when the water temperature in the inner container 2 is lower than or equal to a predetermined temperature, the control device controls the first control unit to communicate the second tube 22 with the water supply pipe, and the first tube 21 to communicates with the water consumption terminal.
In the embodiment, the inner container 2 may be provided with a temperature detection unit. When it is detected by the temperature detection unit that the water temperature in the inner container 2 is lower than or equal to a predetermined temperature, the first control unit can be used to switch communication relation among the pipes, thereby maximizing the remaining heat in the inner container 2. Wherein the predetermined temperature may be a set temperature close to the temperature set by the user, and may be, for example, between 45 degrees Celsius and 50 degrees Celsius.
Generally, when the water temperature in the inner container 2 is sufficiently high, water outflow is performed through the first tube 21 having the upper port and water is discharged through the second tube 22 having the lower port. The control device may control the first control unit to switch to the second tube 22 having the lower port for water inflow according to the received temperature signal when the temperature in the inner container 2 drops to the user's usage demand, and a first tube 21 having a higher port is used for water outflow, so as to supply water having a higher temperature in the upper part of the inner container 2 to the user terminal through the first tube 21. The first control unit may specifically refer to a first control valve 5 for connecting the first tube 21, the second tube 22, the water outflow tube, and the water supply pipe or the gas supply unit, respectively. The first control valve 5 may be in the form of a four-way valve. Of course, it may be other forms, and the present application is not particularly limited herein.
In the embodiment, the second tube 22 having the second port 220 at a lower position may serve as a water inflow tube, and the first tube 21 having the first port 210 at a higher position may serve as a water outflow tube. When the second tube 22 as a water inflow tube communicates with the water supply pipe, cold water is imported into the bottom of the inner container 2, and the first tube 21 as a water outflow tube communicates with a water consumption terminal so as to supply micro-bubbled water to a user. The way in which the cold water is lowered into the hot water is higher facilitates the maximum utilization of the heat in the inner container 2.
In one embodiment, the switching of the state of the water heater can be effected by a position switching of the first control unit. Specifically, the first control unit is a control unit capable of switching a communication relation with the gas supply unit, the water supply pipe, the inner container provided with the first tube 21 and the second tube 22, the water outflow pipe, and the liquid discharge path. The first control unit may change the communication relation between the pipes, and may also control the opening and closing of a single pipe. For example, the first control unit may control on/off of the gas supply unit, the water supply pipe, and the liquid discharge path to cooperate to realize each operation state of the water heater.
The first control unit has a first position and a second position, wherein the first position of the first control unit can communicate the gas supply unit with the inner container 2 to form the gas intake path; and communicating the liquid discharge path with the inner container 2 to perform water discharge-gas replenish of the inner container 2. When the first control unit is in the first position, the gas supply unit is opened to communicate with the inner container 2 to form a gas intake path. At the same time, the liquid discharge path is opened to communicate with the inner container 2. Specifically, the liquid discharge path may be formed by the second tube 22 or the second tube 22 in cooperation with the water outflow pipe. The second tube 22 or the water outflow tube may be provided with a liquid discharge port, and when water discharge is required, the liquid discharge port is opened to communicate with the liquid discharge path to discharge water.
The second position of the first control unit is capable of communicating the water supply pipe, the pressurizing source and the first tube 21 in the inner container 2 for gas-liquid mixing and forming the water supply path; The water outflow tube is communicated with the second tube 22 to form a water outflow path. When the first control unit is in the second position, the water supply pipe is opened, which communicates with the first tube 21 through the pressurizing source to form a pressurized water supply path. When the pressurized water is imported into the inner container 2 through the first tube 21, and the pressurized water can be mixed with the gas in the upper portion of the inner container 2. The water outflow tube communicates with the second tube 22 to form a water outflow path for supplying water to the user terminal.
Further, the height of the first port 210 is higher than the second port 220, the first control unit further includes a third position, the third position of the first control unit being capable of communicating the water supply pipe with the second tube 22 to form a water supply path, and the water outflow pipe is communicated with the first tube 21 to form a water outflow path.
When the first control unit is in the third position, the water supply pipe is still in an open state, which communicates with the second tube 22 having a lower port to form a water supply path, At the same time, the first tube 21 with a higher port communicates with the water outflow pipe to form a water outflow path, thereby supplying relatively high temperature water at the top of the inner container 2 to the user, so that the hot water in the inner container 2 is fully utilized. Referring to FIG. 16 , in one embodiment, the inner container 2 is provided with a water supply pipe and a gas supply unit communicating therewith, and the pressurizing device 3 can communicate with the water supply pipe. The inner container 2 is provided with a third tube 23, and the third tube 23 has a third port 230 extending into the inner container 2. A height of the third port 230 is lower than the first port 210 and the second port 220; the water heater has at least a first state in which water is supplied to the inner container 2 and a second state in which gas and liquid are mixed in the inner container 2; in the first state, the first tube 21 communicates with the gas supply unit, and the second tube 22 and/or the third tube 23 communicate with a gas discharge pipe. In the second state, the first tube 21 and/or the second tube 22 communicate with the water supply pipe, and the pressurizing device 3 pressurizes the water injected into the inner container 2 through the water supply pipe and the gas injected in the first state.
In the embodiment, the inner container 2 may further be provided with a third tube 23, and the third tube 23 has a third port 230 extending into the inner container 2. The height of the third port 230 is lower than the first port 210 and the second port 220. The third tube 23 may be used as a water inflow tube to communicate with the water supply pipe when the water temperature in the inner container 2 is equal to or lower than a predetermined temperature. Wherein the predetermined temperature may be a set temperature close to the temperature set by the user, for example, between 45 degrees Celsius and 50 degrees Celsius.
The first tube 21 communicates with the gas supply unit when in a first state where the inner container 2 is water discharged-gas replenished. Since the water temperature distribution in the inner container 2 is layered from high to low along the direction of gravity, when the first tube 21 of the first port 210 having the higher position is in communication with the gas supply unit, the gas injected by the first tube 21 can be avoided from disturbing the water in the inner container 2, and the hot water can be exhausted as much as possible, resulting in a waste of heat.
At least one of the first tube 21 and the second tube 22 having a higher port position communicates with the water supply pipe when in a second state in which gas and liquid are mixed in the inner container 2. Since the positions of the first port 210 and the second port 220 are relatively high, the first port 210 and the second port 220 are located above or at least flush with the interface 201, the pressurized water entering the inner container 2 from at least one of the first tube 21 and the second tube 22 may be directly sprayed from at least one of the first port 210 and the second port 220 to be mixed with the gas in the upper portion of the inner container 2, and it is not necessary to come into contact with the water in the inner container 2, and therefore, it is possible to facilitate better gas-liquid mixing of the pressurized water with the gas, and to reduce resistance to the flow of the pressurized water.
The first tube 21 communicates with the gas supply unit, and at least one of the second tube 22 and the third tube 23 communicates with a water discharge pipe to form a liquid discharge path. Since the water temperature distribution in the inner container 2 is layered from high to low along the direction of gravity, when the first tube 21 of the first port 210 having the higher position is in communication with the gas supply unit, gas injected by the first tube 21 can be avoided from disturbing the water in the inner container 2, and the hot water can be exhausted as much as possible, resulting in a waste of heat. When the third tube 23 having the third port 230 at the lowest position communicates with the water discharge pipe, it preferentially discharges the cold water located at the bottom of the inner container 2, thereby minimizing the hot water being discharged, resulting in a waste of heat.
Further, in one embodiment, the water heater further comprises a control device, and a second control unit electrically connected to the control device; when the control device receives the second predetermined signal, switching the water heater from the first state to the second state or from the second state to the first state by controlling the second control unit.
In the embodiment, the water heater may include a control device and a second control unit electrically connected to the control device, wherein the control device receives the second predetermined signal, the on-off relation between the second control unit and the different pipes may be controlled to effect a transition of the water heater from a first state to a second state or from a second state to a first state. A specific form of the second control unit may be one or more control valves capable of performing fluid switching in the pipe. Of course, it may be other forms, and the present application is not particularly limited herein.
Specifically, the second predetermined signal may include at least one of a time signal, a flow rate signal obtained by a detection unit, a water level signal, a concentration signal of micro-bubbled water, a pressure signal, and a temperature signal. Of course, the second predetermined signal may be in other forms, and the present application is not particularly limited herein.
In the embodiment, when the second predetermined signal is a signal of a different form, the principle that the control device controls the on-off relation between the second control unit and the pipe may refer to the detailed description of the first predetermined signal. The present application will not be repeated the description here.
Of course, the specific forms of the detection unit and the second predetermined signal are not limited to the above examples, and those skilled in the art may make other changes under the teaching of the technical essence of the present application. However, as long as the functions and effects achieved are the same as or similar to those of this application, they should be covered by the scope of protection of this application.
Referring to FIG. 17 , in one embodiment, in the second state, the first tube 21 communicates with the water supply pipe, and the second tube 22 communicates with the water consumption terminal.
In the embodiment, when the water heater is in the second state, the first tube 21 having the first port 210 at a higher position may communicate with the water supply pipe as a water inflow tube. The second tube 22 may be connected to the water consumption terminal as a water outflow tube. Wherein the position of the first port 210 of the first tube 21 may be higher than the position of the second port 220 of the second tube 22. Specifically, the first port 210 of the first tube 21 may be close to the top of the inner container 2. When the water heater is in the second state, after the first tube 21 having the higher port is communicated with the water supply pipe, the pressurized water may be directly injected into the gas in the inner container 2 through the first tube 21 for gas-liquid mixing, It is not necessary to come into contact with the water in the inner container 2. The manner in which the pressurized water is directly mixed with the gas can facilitate better gas-liquid mixing of the pressurized water with the gas, and the resistance to the flow of the pressurized water can be reduced.
In one embodiment, when the water temperature in the inner container 2 is lower than or equal to a predetermined temperature, the control device controls the second control unit to communicate the third tube 23 with the water supply pipe, and the second tube 22 to communicates with the water consumption terminal.
In the embodiment, the inner container 2 may be provided with a temperature detection unit. When it is detected by the temperature detection unit that the water temperature in the inner container 2 is lower than or equal to a predetermined temperature, the second control unit can be used to switch the communication relation among the pipes, thereby maximizing the remaining heat in the inner container 2.
Generally, when the water temperature in the inner container 2 is sufficiently high, water outflow is performed through the first tube 21 having a higher port, and water is discharged through the second tube 22 and/or the third tube 23. When the temperature in the inner container 2 drops to a predetermined temperature, for example, 45 degrees Celsius to 50 degrees Celsius, the user's hot water demand may not be satisfied, and he control device may control the second control unit to switch to the third tube 23 having the lowest port for water inflow and the second tube 22 with a higher port for water outflow according to the received temperature signal, so as to supply water with a high temperature in that middle and upper part of the inner container 2 to the user terminal. The second control unit may specifically refer to a second control valve 6 for connecting the third tube 23, the second tube 22 and the water supply pipe or the gas supply unit, respectively. The second control valve 6 may be specifically in the form of a three-way valve, and of course, it may be in other forms, and the present application is not particularly limited herein.
In the embodiment, the second tube 22 having the second port 220 at a lower position may serve as a water inflow tube, and the first tube 21 having the first port 210 at a higher position may serve as a water outflow tube. When the second tube 22 as a water inflow tube communicates with the water supply pipe, cold water is imported into the bottom of the inner container 2, and the first tube 21 as a water outflow tube communicates with a water consumption terminal so as to supply micro-bubbled water to a user. The way in which the cold water enters at a low level and the hot water exits at a high level facilitates the maximum utilization of the heat in the inner container 2.
In one embodiment, the switching of the state of the water heater can be effected by a position switching of the second control unit. Specifically, the second control unit is a control unit capable of switching a communication relation with the gas supply unit, the water supply pipe, the inner container 2 provided with the first tube 21, the second tube 22, and the third tube 23, the water outflow pipe, and the liquid discharge path. The second control unit may change the communication relation between the pipes, and may also control the opening and closing of the individual pipes. For example, the second control unit may control on/off of the gas supply unit, the water supply pipe, and the liquid discharge path to cooperate to realize each operation state of the water heater.
The second control unit has a first position and a second position. Wherein the first position of the second control unit can communicate the gas supply unit with the inner container 2 to form the gas intake path; and communicate the liquid discharge path with the inner container 2 to perform water discharge-gas replenish of the inner container 2.
When the second control unit is in the first position, the gas supply unit is opened to communicate with the inner container 2 to form a gas intake path. At the same time, the liquid discharge path is opened to communicate with the inner container 2. Specifically, the discharge path may be formed by the second tube 22 or the second tube 22 in cooperation with the water outflow pipe. The second tube 22 or the water outflow tube may be provided with a liquid discharge port, and when water discharge is required, the liquid discharge port is opened to communicate with the liquid discharge path to discharge water.
The second position of the second control unit is capable of communicating the water supply pipe, the pressurizing source and the first tube 21 in the inner container 2 for gas-liquid mixing and forming the water supply path, and communicating the water outflow pipe with the second tube 22 to form a water outflow path.
When the second control unit is in the second position, the water supply pipe is opened, which communicates with the first tube 21 through the pressurizing source to form a pressurized water supply path. When the pressurized water is imported into the inner container 2 through the first tube 21, the pressurized water can be mixed with the gas in the upper portion of the inner container 2. Besides, the water outflow tube communicates with the second tube 22 to form a water outflow path for supplying water to the user terminal.
Further, the height of the third port 230 is lower than the first port 210 and the second port 220, and the second control unit further includes a third position. The third position of the second control unit is capable of communicating the water supply pipe with the third tube 23 to form a water supply path, and communicating the water outflow pipe with the second tube 22 and/or the third tube 23 to form a water outflow path.
When the second control unit is in the third position, the water supply pipe is still in an open state, and communicates with the third tube 23 having the lowest port to form a water supply path; at the same time, the first tube 21 and/or the second tube 22 with the higher port communicates with the water outflow pipe to form a water outflow path, thereby supplying relatively high temperature water at the top of the inner container 2 to the user, so that the hot water in the inner container 2 is fully utilized.
Referring to FIG. 18 , in one embodiment, the water heater further includes a fourth tube 24 capable of communicating with the inner container 2, wherein the water heater has at least a first state in which water is supplied to the inner container 2 and a second state in which gas and liquid are mixed in the inner container 2. In the first state, the fourth tube 24 can communicate with the inner container 2.
In the embodiment, the inner container 2 may be provided with a fourth tube 24 communicating therewith. The fourth tube 24 may serve as a water discharge tube, and may communicate with the inner container 2 to discharge water from the inner container 2 when in the first state of water discharge-gas replenish of the inner container 2.
Specifically, the fourth tube 24 has a fourth port 240 extending into the inner container 2, and the position of the fourth port 240 may be the lowest liquid level position in the inner container 2 that needs to be reached in the first state of the discharge gas supply. That is, when a predetermined volume of gas is stored in the upper portion of the inner container 2, the inner container 2 has a predetermined level, i.e., the level at which the interface 201 is located, and the fourth port 240 is located at the predetermined level. The fourth tube 24 is used to form a liquid discharge path.
For example, the fourth tube 24 is located at the lowest position except for the third tube 23. When in the first state of water discharge-gas replenish of the inner container 2, the gas entering through the first tube 21 discharges the water in the inner container 2 from the fourth tube 24, and when the liquid level is flush with the fourth port 240 of the fourth tube 24, the gas injection may be stopped while the fourth tube 24 may be in a closed state.
Referring to FIG. 19 , in one embodiment, the inner container 2 includes a first inner container 2A and a second inner container 2B connected in parallel, and the water heater further includes a control device and a third control unit 7 electrically connected to the control device. The control device can control the communication state of the third control unit 7 according to the third predetermined signal so that at least one of the first inner container 2A and the second inner container 2B can provide micro-bubbled water to the water consumption terminal.
In the embodiment, the number of the inner containers 2 may be a plurality. For example, it may include two containers, i.e., a first inner container 2A and a second inner container 2B.
The first inner container 2A and the second inner container 2B may be connected in parallel.
In the embodiment, by changing the communication state of the third control unit 7 according to the third predetermined signal, the control device can enable at least one of the first inner container 2A and the second inner container 2B to supply micro-bubbled water to the water consumption terminal.
When one of the inner containers of the water heater is used for preparing micro-bubbled water, the other inner container may be used for supplying micro-bubbled water. Specifically, the third control unit 7 may have a first position and a second position, wherein the first position of the third control unit 7 being capable of communicating the first inner container 2A with a gas intake path and a liquid discharge path, and communicating the second inner container 2B with a water supply path; the second position of the third control unit 7 being capable of communicating the second inner container 2B with a gas intake path and a liquid discharge path, and communicating the first inner container 2A with a water supply path. The form of the third control unit 7 may be a combination of two four-way valves. Of course, the form of the third control unit 7 is not limited to the above examples, and the present application is not particularly limited herein.
In the embodiment, for a single inner container, the preparation of micro-bubbled water and the supply of micro-bubbled water correspond to the first state and the switching of the second state of the inner container 2 can be referred to the description in the above embodiment, and the application does not repeat the description here. When the first inner container 2A and the second inner container 2B communicate to supply the micro-bubbled water by the third control unit 7, the control device may specifically control the third control unit 7 to perform corresponding switching according to a received third predetermined signal.
Specifically, the third predetermined signal may be at least one of a time signal, a flow rate signal obtained by a detection unit, a water level signal of micro-bubbled water, a concentration signal of micro-bubbled water, a pressure signal, and a temperature signal. Of course, the third predetermined signal may be in other forms, and the present application is not particularly limited herein.
For example, when the third predetermined signal is a time signal, it is possible to calculate the volume of the remaining micro-bubbled water in the inner container being used by counting the time since when the user starts water consumption. When the micro-bubbled water in the current inner container is nearly used up, the third control unit 7 switches to use another inner container. Wherein when one inner container is supplying micro-bubbled water, the other inner container may be in the preparation of micro-bubbled water so that the micro-bubbled water can be continuously supplied to the user by switching between the two inner containers.
For example, when the third predetermined signal is a flow rate signal obtained by the detection unit, the principle of its control is similar to that of time counting. A flow rate detection unit for detecting a flow rate signal may be provided on the main path through which the water flow flows. The time is counted since when the user starts to use water, and the volume of remaining micro-bubbled water in the inner container is determined according to the relation between time and flow rate. When the micro-bubbled water in one inner container is nearly used up, the third control unit 7 switches to use the other inner container. Wherein, when one inner container is supplying micro-bubbled water, the other inner container may be preparing micro-bubbled water so that the micro-bubbled water can be continuously supplied to the user by switching between the two inner containers.
Of course, the specific form of the third predetermined signal is not limited to the above example, and the person skilled in the art may make other changes under the teaching of the technical essence of the present application. However, as long as the functions and effects achieved are the same as or similar to those of this application, they should be covered by the scope of protection of this application.
Referring to FIGS. 20 to 22 , in one embodiment, the first tube 21 is a water inflow tube, the second tube 22 is a water outflow tube. On the water outflow tube or an extension pipe thereof, or, on the water inflow tube or its extension pipe, a venturi structure 20 is provided.
In the embodiment, the first tube 21 may serve as a water inflow tube and the second tube 22 may serve as a water outflow tube. A height of a first port of the first tube 21 extending into the inner container 2 may be lower than that of a second port of the second tube 22 extending into the inner container 2. Of course, the height of the first port may also be flush with that of the second port.
As shown in FIG. 20 , in a specific embodiment, a venturi structure 20 for mixing gas and liquid in the inner container 2 is provided on the water outflow tube. When gas is injected into the inner container 2 through the first tube 21 in the first state in which the inner container 2 is supplied with water, the water in the inner container 2 can be discharged from the second tube 22. When the user opens the water consumption terminal, the injected gas can be mixed with water in the second tube 22 through the venturi structure 20 to form micro-bubbled water.
In the embodiment, the venturi structure 20 may be disposed on a portion of the water outflow tube located in the inner container 2 or a portion located outside the inner container 2, and the present application is not particularly limited herein. Specifically, the venturi structure 20 may be integrally formed with the water outflow tube or may be connected to the water outflow tube by a sealed connection, and the present application is not particularly limited herein.
As shown in FIG. 21 , in one particular embodiment, the venturi structure 20 may be disposed on an extension pipe of the water outflow tube located outside the inner container 2. The extension pipe of the water outflow tube may specifically refer to a pipe with one end connected to the water outflow tube and the other end connected to a water consumption terminal.
In the embodiment, the function of the venturi structure 20 is the same as that of the embodiment provided on the water outflow tube.
As shown in FIG. 22 , in another specific embodiment, the venturi structure 20 may be disposed on an extension pipe of the water inflow tube or the water inflow tube. The extension pipe of the water inflow tube may be connected to the water inflow tube at one end, and connected to the water supply pipe at the other end, or directly be a water supply pipe.
In the embodiment, when the venturi structure 20 is disposed on the water inflow tube or the extension pipe thereof, gas may be injected into the inner container 2 through the first tube 21 in a first state of water discharge-gas replenish of the inner container 2, and water in the inner container 2 may be discharged from the second tube 22. In the second state where gas-liquid mixing is performed in the inner container 2, pressurized water may be injected into the inner container 2 through the first tube 21, and during injection of the pressurized water, gas injected in the first state is mixed into the pressurized water by the venturi structure 20, and gas-liquid mixing is performed to form micro-bubbled water.
Further, the venturi structure 20 comprises a first port and a second port opposite to each other, and a constriction section is provided between the first port and the second port, the constriction section being provided with a gas intake tube 25 for intake gas. One end of the gas intake tube 25 communicates with the neck section, and the other end is close to the top of the inner container 2 and higher than a height of a port of the water outflow tube extending into the inner container 2.
In the embodiment, the venturi structure 20 disposed on the second tube 22 may include a first port and a second port connected to the second tube 22. Specifically, in the intermediate tube section between the first port and the second port, a constriction section having a gradually decreasing cross-sectional area may be provided along the flow direction of the water flow. A gas intake tube 25 may be provided on a side wall communicating with the neck section. One end of the gas intake tube 25 is close to the top of the inner container 2 and higher than a height of a port of the water outflow tube extending into the inner container 2 to ensure that one end of the gas intake tube 25 can protrude from the liquid level of the inner container 2. When one end of the gas intake tube 25 protrudes from the liquid surface, the function of importing the gas above the liquid surface can be ensured.
In the embodiment, the inner diameter of the gas intake tube 25 is in a predetermined ratio to the inner diameter of the water outflow tube, and generally, the inner diameter of the gas intake tube 25 is smaller than the inner diameter of the water outflow tube. At the time of gas-liquid mixing, the gas intake tube 25 having a predetermined inner diameter ratio and the water outflow tube can ensure sufficient mixing of gas and water at the ratio, thereby obtaining a desired concentration of micro-bubbled water. In the embodiment, the number of the gas intake tubes 25 may be one or a plurality. When the number of the gas intake tubes 25 is plural, it may be distributed along the circumferential direction of the water outflow tube. Preferably, the number of the gas intake tube 25 may be a plurality, uniformly distributed along the circumferential direction of the water outflow tube. At the time of gas-liquid mixing, the gas flowing in the plurality of gas intake tubes 25 can be more efficiently mixed with the water in water outflow tube.
When the user needs to use, the water consumption terminal is opened to communicate with the water outflow tube, the water in the inner container 2 flows downward from the second port, and a negative pressure can be formed when flowing through the constriction section, Thus, the air in the upper part of the inner container 2 is imported into the water outflow tube through the gas intake tube 25 to be mixed with the water to prepare micro-bubbled water.
Referring to FIG. 23 , in one embodiment, the inner container 2 is provided with an water inflow tube 21 for water inflow and a water outflow tube 22 for water outflow; the water heater may further comprise a temperature regulating device 8 arranged between the water outflow tube 22 and the pressure regulation device 4 or on the water outflow tube 22.
In the embodiment, the inner container 2 is provided with an water inflow tube 21 for water inflow and a water outflow tube 22 for water outflow. The normal-temperature water supplied from the water supply pipe may enter the inner container 2 through the water inflow tube 21 to be heated, and then the heated water flows out of the water outflow tube 22 to be supplied to the water consumption terminal.
In the embodiment, the water heater may further comprise a temperature regulating device 8, which may be used to regulate the water temperature flowing out of the inner container 2.
Specifically, the temperature regulation device 8 may be a mechanical temperature regulation device, which can adjust the temperature manually; alternatively, it may be an electronic temperature regulation device, which may automatically adjust the temperature according to a control program of the control device. The temperature setting range of the temperature regulation device 8 may be fixed or adjustable. Specifically, when the temperature setting range of the temperature regulation device 8 is fixed, the water outflow temperature thereof is fixed within the setting range. When the temperature setting range of the temperature regulation device 8 is adjustable, the water outflow temperature can be adjusted as needed. For example, the temperature regulation device 8 may be in the form of a water mixing valve, a thermostatic valve, or the like, or may be a thermostatic water outlet structure provided on the water outflow tube 22 of the inner container 2. Of course, the form of the temperature regulating device 8 is not limited to the above list, and the person skilled in the art may make other modifications under the spirit of the present application. But as long as the functions and effects achieved are the same as or similar to the present application, the modifications shall be covered by the scope of this application.
In the embodiment, the temperature regulating device 8 may be disposed between the water outflow tube 22 and the pressure regulation device 4 or on the water outflow tube 22 for regulating the water temperature flowing out of the inner container 2 to the water consumption terminal, causing the water temperature of the water supply terminal close to the water outflow temperature set by the user. When the micro-bubbled water flowing out of the water temperature supplied to the water consumption terminal of the inner container 2 approaches the user's set temperature, it is not necessary to mix cold water into the micro-bubbled water or only necessary to mix a small amount of cold water into the micro-bubbled water to reach the water temperature set by the user. When no or a small amount of cold water is added to the micro-bubbled water, the content of the micro-bubble in the micro-bubbled water can be better ensured, and the user can obtain the micro-bubbled water with a higher concentration.
In a particular embodiment, the water heater may further comprise a cold water tube 81 in communication with the water inflow tube 21, The temperature regulating device 8 includes a first opening communicating with the water outflow tube 22, a second opening communicating with the cold water tube 81, and a third opening communicating with the pressure regulation device 4.
In the embodiment, the water heater may further include a cold water tube 81 communicating with the water inflow tube 21. When the pressurizing device is activated, the cold water tube 81 communicating with the water inflow tube 21 circulates the cold water flowing in from the water inlet end. The temperature regulating device 8 may include a first opening communicating with the water outflow tube 22, a second opening communicating with the cold water tube 81, and a third opening communicating with the pressure regulation device 4. The water outflow tube 21 may import the gas-liquid mixture heated by the heating unit 1 into the temperature regulating device 8 through the first opening. The cold water tube 81 may supply the cold water flowing in from the water inlet to the temperature regulating device 8 through the second opening. When the temperature of the hot water flowing out of the water outflow tube 21 is too high, the cold water can be mixed into the hot gas-liquid mixture to obtain micro-bubbled water close to the water outflow temperature set by the user after mixing. The third opening is a water outflow port for flowing the micro-bubbled water mixed by the temperature regulation device 8 close to the temperature set by the user into the pressure regulation device 4 side to supply the water consumption terminal.
Specifically, at least one of the first opening and the second opening may be an opening whose opening degree can be adjusted. The temperature regulation device 8 may be provided with a temperature sensing unit, and when the temperature of the water sensed by the temperature sensing unit exceeds the set water outflow temperature of the user, the second opening may be opened. The second opening is adjusted or the opening degrees of the first opening and the second opening are simultaneously adjusted so that the temperature of the water flowing from the third opening of the temperature regulation device 8 into the pressure regulation device 4 side approaches the set water outflow temperature of the user.
Referring to FIG. 24 , in one embodiment, the water heater may further include a first pipe for water inflow and a second pipe for water outflow, at least a portion of the first pipe being capable of exchanging heat with at least a portion of the second pipe; Wherein the first pipe includes a water inflow tube 21 provided on the inner container 2 and/or an extension tube section communicating with the water inflow tube 21; the second pipe includes a water outflow tube 22 provided on the inner container 2 and/or an extension tube section communicating with the water outflow tube 22.
In the embodiment, the inner container 2 is provided with a water inflow tube 21 for water inflow and a water outflow tube 22 for water outflow. The normal-temperature water supplied from the water supply pipe may enter the inner container 2 through the water inflow tube 21 to be heated, and then the heated water flows out of the water outflow tube 22 to be supplied to the water consumption terminal.
Wherein, the first pipe may be a pipe communicating with the water inflow tube 21, or may be the water inflow tube 21 itself, or may be a combination of the water inflow tube 21 and an extension tube section thereof.
The second pipe may be a pipe communicating with the water outflow tube 22, or may be the water outflow tube 22 itself, or may be a combination of the water outflow tube and an extension tube section thereof, and in particular, the present application is not particularly limited herein.
Generally, as the first pipe for inflowing water, it enters the cold water at room temperature provided at the water supply end, and the temperature is relatively low. As a second pipe for discharging water, the water temperature therein is relatively high under the action of the heating element 2 in the inner container 2, so that when the at least part of the first pipe exchanges heat with the at least part of the second pipe, Heat can be transfer to the first pipe through the second pipe, on the one hand, the water enter the inner container 2 in the first pipe can be preheated, and on the other hand, the gas-liquid mixture flowing out of the inner container 2 in the second pipe can be appropriately depressurized, To prevent the temperature from being too high, it is subsequently necessary to add more cold water to dilute the micro-bubbles.
In particular, the implementation of heat exchange between at least a portion of the first pipe and at least a portion of the second pipe may include at least a portion of the second pipe threaded outside the first pipe, or, at least a portion of the second pipe can be in contact with the first pipe. However, the method of heat exchange between at least part of the second pipe and at least part of the first pipe is not limited to the above example. However, as long as the functions and effects thereof are the same as or similar to those of the present application, the modifications shall be covered by the scope of protection of the present application.
Referring to FIG. 14 , a water heater provided in an embodiment of the present application may include an inner container 2 capable of storing fluid at a predetermined pressure; a heating member 1 for heating the water in the inner container; an importing mechanism capable of communicating with the inner container 2, for importing the fluid flowing in the inner container 2 into a region where the gas is stored in the inner container 2, and mixing the imported fluid with the gas in the inner container 2; a pressurizing source capable of communicating with the inner container 2 and the importing mechanism to provide a predetermined pressure for gas-liquid mixing of the imported fluid with the gas in the inner container 2.
In the embodiment, the inner container 2 and the heating element 1 are the same as those in the above embodiments, and the present application is not repeated here. Wherein a first tube 21 and a second tube 22 are disposed on the inner container 2, the first tube 21 having a first port 210 extending into the inner container 2, and the second tube 22 having a second port 220 extending into the inner container 2, wherein, the height of the first port 210 is higher than the second port 220, and the first tube 21 forms the importing mechanism. That is, the importing mechanism may be a first tube 21, which may be used as a water inflow tube, and the first port 210 extending into the inner container 2 is high enough to extend into a region of the inner container 2 where gas is stored above a predetermined liquid, Thus, the fluid flowing into the first tube 21 is imported into the region where the gas is stored in the inner container 2, and the imported fluid is mixed with the gas in the inner container 2. The fluid flowing into the first tube 21 may be water or a gas-liquid mixture.
In the same way, the inner container 2 is provided with a water supply pipe and a gas supply unit in communication therewith; the water heater has at least a first state in which water is supplied to the inner container 2 and a second state in which gas and liquid are mixed in the inner container 2; in the first state, the gas supply unit communicates with the inner container 2 to discharge a predetermined amount of water in the inner container 2; in the second state, the inner container 2 communicates with the water supply pipe, and the gas and the water entering the inner container 2 are mixed with each other under the pressurization of the pressurizing source.
In the embodiment, the pressurizing source may provide a predetermined pressure for gas-liquid mixing of the imported fluid with the gas in the inner container 2. Specifically, the pressurizing source may include at least one of a pressurizing device connected to the inner container 2 and capable of providing a predetermined pressure to water flowing into the inner container 2, water having a predetermined pressure, or the like. Wherein the water of the predetermined pressure may be water having a pressure of 0.1 MPa or more.
In addition, the operation state of the water heater can be referred to the above embodiment, and the application does not repeat the description. The difference is that when the pressurizing source is pressurized water, when the inner container 2 is in the first state of water discharge-gas replenish, the water discharge-gas replenish is performed under the action of gravity. Specifically, the excess water in the inner container 2 is discharged from the water outlet under the gravity of the water, while the upper portion of the inner container 2 is filled with the gas entering from the gas intake port. The gas intake port may be located on the inner container 2, or on a pipe communicating with the inner container 2, etc., it is only necessary to ensure that the gas intake port is in communication with the inner container 2 and can supply air into the inner container 2. In the second state of gas-liquid mixing in the inner container 2, when the pressurizing source is pressurized water and the pressurized water is injected into the pressurized inner container 2 with a predetermined pressure, the pressurized water can be mixed with the gas in the upper part of the inner container 2.
In that water heater described in the embodiment of the application, on the basis of the existing inner container 2 and the heating element 1, utilizing the inner container 2 being heat and pressurized and the water inflow tube, such as the first tube 21, being used as an importing mechanism without adding a new structure, by reasonably controlling the sequence of water supply and pressure water in the inner container 2, the gas-liquid mixing in the pressurized inner container 2 is realized to prepare micro-bubbled water to be supplied to the user. Since the water supplied to the user is mixed with air at the same flow rate, the amount of water used can be effectively saved; in addition, the micro-bubbled water has better cleaning performance and physical sterilization function compared with ordinary water, and therefore, the use experience of the user is greatly improved.
Referring to FIG. 25 , in the embodiment of the present application, based on the water heater, a method for controlling the water heater is provided, and the method may include the following steps:
Step S10, the gas supply unit is controlled to communicate with the inner container, the gas is input into the inner container from the gas supply unit, and the water in the inner container is discharged at the same time;
Step S12, when the discharged water or the supplied gas reaches a predetermined amount, the importing mechanism is controlled to communicate with the water supply pipe, and the importing mechanism imports the fluid flowing therein into the region in which the gas is stored in the inner container to perform gas-liquid mixing with the gas in the inner container. At the same time the pressurizing source applies a predetermined pressure to the gas and water in the inner container for gas-liquid mixing.
Wherein applying a predetermined pressure to gas-liquid mixing of gas and water in the inner container by the pressurizing source comprises applying a predetermined pressure to gas-liquid mixing of gas and water in the inner container with a pressure of water of a predetermined pressure; alternatively, the pressurization device may be activated to apply a predetermined pressure to the water entering the inner container while applying the predetermined pressure to the gas and water mixing in the inner container.
In the embodiment, the functions and the like of the respective structures described in the control method of the water heater can be referred to the specific description of the embodiment of the water heater, and the application does not repeat the description here. In addition, the control method of the water heater can achieve the same technical effect as that of the water heater, in particular, refer to the detailed description of the embodiment of the water heater, and the application does not repeat the description here.
Referring to FIG. 26 , in the embodiment of the present application, based on the water heater, a method for controlling the water heater is provided, and the method may include the following steps:
Step S11, a gas intake path and a liquid discharge path are communicated, gas is input into the inner container from the gas intake path, and water in the inner container is discharged through the liquid discharge path to perform water discharge-gas replenish of the inner container;
In step S13, when the liquid level of the inner container drops to a predetermined liquid level, the gas intake path and the liquid discharge path are closed to communicate with the first tube, the pressurizing source and the water supply pipe, and water is imported from the first tube to a region where gas is stored in the inner container, to perform gas-liquid mixing with the gas in the inner container while the pressurizing source applies a predetermined pressure to the gas-liquid mixing of the gas and water in the inner container.
In the embodiment, by opening the gas supply unit on the gas intake path and the discharge port on the liquid discharge path to communicate the gas intake path and the liquid discharge path, a passage for water discharge-gas replenish can be formed, whereby gas is input into the inner container from the gas intake path, the liquid in the inner container is discharged through the liquid discharge path, and the inner container is water discharge-gas replenished.
When the liquid level of the inner container drops to the predetermined liquid level, or other signals indicate that the liquid level of the inner container is to the predetermined liquid level, the gas intake path and the liquid discharge path can be cut off, the first tube is connected to the pressurizing source and the water supply pipe, water is imported from the first tube into a region of the inner container where the gas is stored, and the water is mixed with the gas in the inner container.
Wherein the predetermined liquid level is located at an interface between gas and water in the inner container. The signal indicating that the water in the inner container drops to a predetermined liquid level may be a liquid level signal directly detected by a liquid level meter disposed in the inner container. In addition, where that water flow rate is known, the amount of water discharge in the inner container may also be determined in conjunction with the time to discharge the inner container. Then combined with the specific structure of the inner container, the change of the fluid level of the inner container can be determined. That is, when the flow rate is known, the liquid level in the inner container can also be determined by obtaining the time to discharge the inner container. Of course, the determination of the liquid level in the inner container may also be determined by other means, and in particular, the present application is not particularly limited herein.
In one embodiment, applying a predetermined pressure to the gas and water mixing in the inner container by the pressurizing source comprises applying a predetermined pressure to the gas and water mixing in the inner container with a pressure of water of a predetermined pressure; alternatively, the pressurization device may be activated to apply a predetermined pressure to the water entering the inner container while applying the predetermined pressure to the gas and water mixing in the inner container.
In the embodiment, the specific form of the pressurizing source can be referred to the specific description of the above embodiment, and in particular, the application does not repeat the description here. When the water pressure supplied to the water heater is sufficient, gas-liquid mixing can be performed using the pressure of the water itself. When the water pressure is insufficient, pressurization can be performed using a pressurizing device.
In one embodiment, that method further comprise obtaining a predetermined signal and controlling the first control unit to switch to the first position according to the predetermined signal, before communicating the gas intake path and the liquid discharge path, inputting gas into the inner container from the gas intake path, and discharging the liquid in the inner container through the liquid discharge path.
In the embodiment, a predetermined amount of gas stored in advance in the inner container is continuously consumed as the gas-liquid mixture proceeds. The volume of consumed gas will be filled with the water supplied later, the liquid in the inner container will rise upward from the original predetermined liquid level, and the concentration of the gas-liquid mixture in the inner container will drop continuously. At this time, it indicates that the inner container needs to be water discharge-gas replenished, and accordingly, the first control unit can be switched to the first position to communicate the gas intake path and the liquid discharge path to water discharge-gas replenish the inner container.
Specifically, the predetermined signal may include one or a combination of water consumption for a predetermined period of time and reducing the concentration of gas in the gas-liquid mixture to a predetermined concentration.
In the embodiment, it may be determined according to the concentration of the gas in the gas-liquid mixture whether the inner container needs to be water discharge-gas replenished. In addition, on the premise that the volume of the inner container is known, the water consumption time of the user and the flow rate of the fluid in the water heater can be combined to determine whether the inner container needs to be water discharge-gas replenished. Alternatively, the predetermined signal may be other signals capable of determining the water discharge-gas replenish to the inner container, and the specific application is not particularly limited herein.
Further, when the liquid level of the inner container drops to a predetermined liquid level, closing the gas intake path and the liquid discharge path, communicating the first tube with the water supply pipe, including controlling the first control unit to switch to the second position, and communicating the water supply pipe, a pressurizing source and a first tube for gas-liquid mixing in the inner container.
That is, gas-liquid mixing in the inner container can be achieved by switching the position of the first control unit. The specific structure of the first control unit may refer to the specific description of the embodiment of the water heater, and specifically the application does not repeat the description here.
In another embodiment, obtain a predetermined signal, and switching the second control unit to the first position according to the predetermined signal, before communicating gas intake path and the liquid discharge path, inputting gas from the gas intake path into the inner container, and discharging the liquid in the inner container through the liquid discharge path. When the water discharge-gas replenish is completed and the liquid level of the inner container drops to a predetermined liquid level, closing the gas intake path and the liquid discharge path to connect the first tube and the water supply pipe, including controlling the second control unit to switch to the second position to communicate the water supply pipe, a pressurizing source and a first tube for gas-liquid mixing in the inner container.
In the embodiment, the specific meaning of the predetermined signal can be referred to the specific description of the above embodiment, and specifically the application does not repeat the description here. The specific structure and composition of the second control unit, and the communication relation between the pipes in the water heater after the second control unit is switched to the first position may also refer to the detailed description of the embodiment including the second control unit. The present application will not repeat the description here.
In one embodiment, the method further comprises, upon receiving a water consumption signal, acquiring a temperature signal of the fluid in the inner container, determining a temperature distribution of the fluid in the inner container based on the temperature signal; communicating a water outflow path and controlling the fluid at different liquid levels in the inner container to flow out through the water outflow path according to the temperature distribution of the fluid in the inner container.
In the embodiment, the temperature distribution of the fluid in the inner container can be determined by acquire the temperature signal of the fluid in the inner container, so that the water outflow temperature is within a reasonable range by adjusting the connection of the control unit with different pipe. Furthermore, the effect of maximum utilization of constant temperature water and inner container hot water can be realized.
In a specific embodiment, please refer to the embodiment provided with the first control unit, wherein when the water consumption signal is received, the water outflow path is communicated, and controlling fluid at different liquid levels in the inner container to flow out through the water outflow path according to the temperature distribution of the fluid in the inner container comprises controlling the first control unit to be in a second position to communicate the water outflow path when the temperature of the fluid in the inner container is higher than a first predetermined temperature, exporting fluid from a lower portion of the inner container; when the temperature of the fluid in the inner container drops below the second predetermined temperature, switching the first control unit to the third position to communicate the water outflow path to export the fluid in the upper part of the inner container.
In general, as described in the embodiment of the water heat described above, the distribution of the water temperature in the inner container is gradually reduced from top to bottom. When the average temperature of the fluid in the inner container is high, for example, higher than the first predetermined temperature, the first control unit may be placed in a second position to communicate the water outflow path, and low-level water outflow is used to discharge the fluid in the lower part of the inner container. At this time, since the temperature of the lower portion of the inner container is relatively low and is closest to the set temperature of the user, the amount of cold water input can be reduced as much as possible, thereby ensuring the concentration of micro-bubbles supplied to the user from the water consumption terminal. Wherein the first predetermined temperature may be substantially higher than a user set temperature, specifically, the first predetermined temperature can be adjusted according to the actual application scenario, and the application is not particularly limited herein. For example, the first predetermined temperature may be greater than the user set temperature by more than 20 degrees Celsius.
When the average temperature of the fluid in the inner container is low, such as below the second predetermined temperature, high-level water outflow may be used in order to enable efficient utilization of the hot water in the inner container. Specifically, the first control unit can be switched to the third position to communicate the water outflow path of the high-level water outflow to export the fluid in the upper part of the inner container. Wherein the second predetermined temperature may be close to the user set temperature, and may be slightly higher or lower than the user's set temperature. Specifically, the second predetermined temperature can also be adjusted according to the actual application scenario, and the application is not particularly limited herein. For example, the second predetermined temperature may be between 45 degrees Celsius and 50 degrees Celsius.
In the embodiment, the low-level water outflow or the high-level water outflow of the inner container may be realized by alternately communicating the first tube and the second tube having different port heights provided in the inner container. Specifically, the positional relation and the specific communication relation of the first tube and the second tube in the inner container can be referred to the detailed description of the embodiment of the water heater, and the application does not repeat the description here.
In a specific embodiment, please refer to the embodiment provided with the second control unit, wherein communicating the water outflow path controlling fluid at different liquid levels in the inner container to flow out through the water outflow path is according to the temperature distribution of the fluid in the inner container when the water consumption signal is received comprises: when the temperature of the fluid in the inner container is higher than a third predetermined temperature, placing the second control unit in a second position to communicate the water outflow path to supply water to the water consumption terminal; when the temperature of the fluid in the inner container drops below the fourth predetermined temperature, switching the second control unit to the third position to communicate the water outflow path to supply water to the water consumption terminal.
In the embodiment, when the average temperature of the fluid in the inner container is high, for example, higher than the third predetermined temperature, the second control unit may be located at the second position to communicate the water outflow path, and low-level water outflow is used to discharge the fluid in the lower part of the inner container. At this time, since the temperature of the lower portion of the inner container is relatively low and is closest to the set temperature of the user, the amount of cold water input can be reduced as much as possible, thereby ensuring the concentration of micro-bubbles supplied to the user from the water consumption terminal. Specifically, the third predetermined temperature may be adjusted according to the actual application scenario, and the present application is not particularly limited herein. For example, the third predetermined temperature may be greater than the user set temperature by more than 20 degrees Celsius.
When the average temperature of the fluid in the inner container is low, for example, below the fourth predetermined temperature, high-level water outflow may be used in order to enable efficient utilization of the hot water in the inner container. Specifically, the second control unit can be switched to the third position to communicate the water outflow path of the high-level water outflow to export the fluid in the upper part of the inner container. Wherein the fourth predetermined temperature may be close to the user set temperature, for example, may be slightly higher or closer to the user's set temperature. Specifically, the fourth predetermined temperature may be adjusted according to the actual application scenario, and the present application is not particularly limited herein. For example, the fourth predetermined temperature may be 45 degrees Celsius to 50 degrees Celsius.
In the embodiment, mixed water outflow or the high-level water outflow of the inner container may be realized by alternately communicating the second tube and the third tube having different port heights provided in the inner container. Specifically, the positional relation and the specific communication relation of the second tube and the third tube in the inner container can be referred to the detailed description of the embodiment of the water heater, and the application does not repeat the description here.

Claims

1. A water heater comprising:

an inner container capable of storing fluid;

a mixture device for gas-liquid mixing of a gas and a liquid, the mixture device being provided with a mixing space for gas-liquid mixing, the mixing space being located in the inner container; and

a driver device capable of communicating with the inner container and the mixture device, the driver device being capable of importing the fluid in the inner container into the mixing space for gas-liquid mixing and returning to the inner container.

2. The water heater according to claim 1, characterized in that the mixing space comprises a region in which gas is stored in an upper portion of the inner container, the driver device having opposite output and input ends, the output end of the driver device being connected with a first tube, the first tube being capable of importing the fluid into the region of the inner container where the gas is stored under the drive of the driver device for gas-liquid mixing.

3. The water heater according to claim 2, characterized in that the first tube has a first port remote from the driver device, the first port being located at or near the region where gas is stored in the inner container.

4. The water heater according to claim 2, characterized in that the driver device is located outside the inner container, and the first tube is disposed on the inner container, the input end of the driver device is connected with a second tube capable of communicating the driver device and the inner container, and the inner container, the second tube, the driver device, and the first tube can communicate to form a circulation passage.

5. (canceled)

6. The water heater according to claim 2, characterized in that the first tube comprises a first port communicating with the inner container, wherein the first port is provided with a jet structure.

7. The water heater according to claim 6, characterized in that the jet structure is a variable cross-sectional area portion formed near the first port of the first tube.

8. The water heater according to claim 2, characterized in that the water heater further comprises a water supply path capable of communicating with the inner container, and a first switch device capable of controlling the opening and closing of the water supply path.

9. The water heater according to claim 8, characterized in that the water heater further comprises a gas intake path and a liquid discharge path capable of communicating with the inner container, and a second switch device capable of controlling the opening and closing of the gas intake path and the liquid discharge path.

10-20. (canceled)

21. The water heater according to claim 1, characterized in that the water heater further comprises a pressure regulation device arranged downstream of the water heater near the water consumption terminal.

22-23. (canceled)

24. A water heater comprising:

an inner container capable of storing fluid at a predetermined pressure; and

a mixture device capable of communicating with the inner container; the mixture device is capable of inputting the fluid in the inner container into the mixture device for gas-liquid mixing to form a gas-liquid mixture and to return to the inner container.

25. The water heater according to claim 24, characterized in that the mixture device is provided with a mixing space; and the mixture device comprises a driver device capable of importing the fluid into the mixing space for gas-liquid mixing.

26. The water heater according to claim 25, characterized in that the mixing space is located inside the inner container, the mixture device further comprising an importing mechanism connected to an output end of the driver device and the inner container, the importing mechanism is capable of importing the fluid in the inner container into the mixing space to perform gas-liquid mixing to form a gas-liquid mixture.

27. The water heater according to claim 25, characterized in that the mixing space is located outside the inner container, the mixture device comprises a tank connected to the driver device, the mixing space being located in the tank, and the driver device, the tank and the inner container can be connected in series to form a circulation passage.

28. The water heater according to claim 25, characterized in that the mixing space is located outside the inner container, the driver device is a gas-liquid mixing pump, and the mixing space is located in the gas-liquid mixing pump, an input end and an output end of the gas-liquid mixing pump are respectively connected to the inner container to form a circulation passage.

29-40. (canceled)

41. A water heater comprising:

an inner container capable of containing water and gas, in which gas-liquid mixing can be performed;

a heating member for heating water in the inner container; and

a pressurizing source capable of providing a predetermined pressure for gas-liquid mixing of gas and water in the inner container.

42. The water heater according to claim 41, characterized in that the pressurizing source comprises at least one of: a pressurizing device connected to the inner container and capable of providing a predetermined pressure to water flowing into the inner container, water having the predetermined pressure,

when the pressurizing source is the pressurizing device, the pressurizing device is in communication with the inner container, and the pressurizing device applies the predetermined pressure to at least one of water and gas injected into the inner container.

43. The water heater according to claim 41, wherein the upper portion of the inner container stores a predetermined volume of gas, and the inner container is provided with a first tube capable of communicating with the pressurizing source, water pressurized by the pressurizing source can be imported into the region where the gas is stored in the inner container through the first tube, and mixed with the gas.

44. The water heater according to claim 43, characterized in that the first tube has a first port extending into the inner container, the first port of the first tube being located at or near a region where gas is stored in the inner container.

45-60. (canceled)

61. The water heater according to claim 42, characterized in that the pressurizing device is a water pump, the water pump comprising a first water pump and a second water pump, the first water pump and the second water pump being connected in series or in parallel.

62. The water heater of claim 42, characterized in that the water heater further comprises a pressure regulation device disposed downstream of the inner container.

63-78. (canceled)