Gas-liquid separator, water heater

Abstract

The present application discloses a gas-liquid separator and a water heater. The gas-liquid separator includes: the gas-liquid separator has an input port, a first output port, a second output port, and a separation structure; the input port is used to input a first gas-liquid mixture into the separation structure; the separation structure is used to separate at least part of the gas in the first gas-liquid mixture; the first output port is used to output at least part of the gas separated by the separation structure; the second output port is used to output the remaining part of the first gas-liquid mixture; the gas-liquid separator is also provided with a gas guide device connected to the first output port, and the gas guide device is used to guide out the part of the gas. The gas-liquid separator and water heater provided by the present application can effectively reduce the noise when releasing gas to form microbubble water, and improve the user's water experience.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of hot water equipment, and in particular to a gas-liquid separator and a water heater. Background Art

[0002] Microbubble water (sometimes also called ultra-micron bubble water, etc.) is composed of water and air, and the size of the bubbles inside is at the micron level. Microbubble water is filled with a large number of tiny bubbles, which makes it appear milky white. Microbubble water has a strong detergency. When it comes into contact with dirt, the dirt will be attracted by the bubbles. In addition, the pressure when the bubbles burst and the natural buoyancy of the air in the water can successfully carry away the dirt.

[0003] Because the bubbles are very small, they can penetrate into the tiny places for deep cleaning, such as pores. The size of pores is generally about 20 to 50 microns, and the size of pores that can be seen by the naked eye is between 100 and 200 microns. The size of pores that are clogged with dirt and grease can reach 400 microns. Therefore, microbubbles can easily enter them and use their super decontamination ability to remove dirt, achieving a deep cleaning effect.

[0004] Based on the above characteristics, the application of microbubble technology in shower has great prospects. However, the existing shower heads and other water-using equipment emit a lot of noise when discharging microbubble water, which affects the user experience. Summary of the invention

[0005] The generation of microbubble water depends on first mixing air and water under a certain pressure to form a gas-liquid mixture, and maintaining the pressure to prevent the air from escaping. Then, after pressure regulation, the air in the gas-liquid mixture is released into the water to form microbubble water, which is then discharged at the water outlet such as a shower head.

[0006] Since increasing the concentration of microbubbles in microbubble water can improve the user's water experience, it is generally believed that the higher the gas concentration in the generated gas-liquid mixture, the higher the concentration of microbubbles will be. Therefore, the current research direction still prioritizes ensuring the gas concentration in the generated gas-liquid mixture.

[0007] However, after research, researchers found that the existing air dissolution process is formed by spraying water into pressurized air through a jet structure, but the high-speed water formed by the jet enters the air and collides with the air. In this process, the air will not only dissolve in the water, but also be brought into the gas-liquid mixture in the form of bubbles with larger diameters. This results in larger diameters of bubbles in the gas-liquid mixture, so that a large number of bubbles burst and form noise during the showerhead air release process.

[0008] In addition, a large amount of gas in the gas area is discharged from the inner tank in the form of bubbles, causing the gas in the gas area to be consumed too quickly, resulting in problems such as too fast gas replenishment frequency and low gas utilization, which reduces the user experience.

[0009] In view of the above-mentioned deficiencies in the prior art, the purpose of the present application is to provide a gas-liquid separator and a water heater to solve at least one of the above problems.

[0010] A gas-liquid separator, comprising: the gas-liquid separator has an input port, a first output port, a second output port, and a separation structure;

[0011] The input port is used to input the first gas-liquid mixture into the separation structure;

[0012] The separation structure is used to separate at least part of the gas in the first gas-liquid mixture;

[0013] The first output port is used to output at least part of the gas separated by the separation structure;

[0014] The second output port is used to output the remaining part of the first gas-liquid mixture;

[0015] Wherein, the gas-liquid separator is further provided with a gas guide device connected to the first output port, and the gas guide device is used to guide out the part of the gas.

[0016] As a preferred implementation, the air guiding device comprises a pump connected to the first output port.

[0017] As a preferred embodiment, the gas guiding device can spray fluid outward to form a negative pressure area, the first output port is connected to the negative pressure area, and the negative pressure area can guide the gas out of the first output port.

[0018] As a preferred embodiment, the gas guiding device can also spray liquid into the gas area to form the first gas-liquid mixture, and the negative pressure area is connected to the gas area, and the gas guiding device can guide the gas output from the first output port to the gas area.

[0019] As a preferred embodiment, the input port is configured to be able to input at least a portion of the first gas-liquid mixture formed by the gas guide device.

[0020] As a preferred embodiment, the gas-liquid separator further has a gas region with a pressure higher than atmospheric pressure, and the gas guide device leads into the gas region.

[0021] As a preferred embodiment, the gas guide device includes a first pipe for spraying fluid into the gas area, the spraying portion of the first pipe forms a negative pressure area when spraying the fluid, and the first output port is connected to the negative pressure area.

[0022] A gas-liquid separator, comprising:

[0023] a gas-liquid mixing section for forming a first gas-liquid mixture;

[0024] A gas-liquid separation part comprising an input port, a first output port, and a second output port, wherein the gas-liquid separation part is provided with a separation structure between the input port and the first and second output ports; the input port is communicated with the gas-liquid mixing part to input a first gas-liquid mixture formed by the gas-liquid mixing part; the separation structure is used to separate at least part of the gas in the first gas-liquid mixture; and the second output port is used to output the remaining part of the first gas-liquid mixture;

[0025] A gas guide device communicated with the first output port, the gas guide device is used to guide out at least part of the gas separated by the separation structure.

[0026] As a preferred implementation, the air guiding device comprises a pump connected to the first output port.

[0027] As a preferred embodiment, the gas-liquid mixing part includes a first pipe that can spray fluid into the gas area to form the first gas-liquid mixture; when the first pipe sprays fluid, a negative pressure zone is generated to form the gas guide device, and the first output port is connected to the negative pressure zone, and the negative pressure generated by the negative pressure zone can guide the gas out of the first output port.

[0028] As a preferred embodiment, the first pipe is provided with an injection portion formed by a reduced diameter; fluid is ejected from the injection portion to form the negative pressure zone.

[0029] As a preferred implementation, the negative pressure area is connected to the gas area, and the first pipeline can guide the gas output from the first output port to the gas area.

[0030] As a preferred embodiment, the gas-liquid mixing portion includes a gas region with a pressure higher than atmospheric pressure.

[0031] As a preferred embodiment, the gas-liquid separator includes a second pipeline, the input port is arranged at one end of the second pipeline, and the second output port is arranged at the other end of the second pipeline; the separation structure is located inside the second pipeline.

[0032] As a preferred embodiment, the gas-liquid separator includes a second pipeline, the first output port is located at one end of the second pipeline, and the other end of the second pipeline is connected to the separation structure.

[0033] As a preferred embodiment, the second pipe is sleeved outside the first pipe; the first pipe and the second pipe are sleeved to form a gap channel; the input port is located at one end of the gap channel, the output port is located at the other end of the gap channel, and the separation structure is located inside the gap channel.

[0034] As a preferred embodiment, the second pipe is at least partially sleeved outside the first pipe, the second pipe and the first pipe are sleeved to form a gap channel, the first output port is located at one end of the gap channel, and the other end of the gap channel is connected to the separation structure.

[0035] As a preferred embodiment, a portion of the gap channel surrounding the injection portion forms the negative pressure zone.

[0036] As a preferred implementation, the first pipeline and the second pipeline are coaxially arranged.

[0037] As a preferred embodiment, the input port, the first output port, and the injection portion are located on the same side relative to the second output port, and the input port can collect the first gas-liquid mixture formed by the fluid injected by the injection portion.

[0038] As a preferred embodiment, the separation structure includes a degassing section and a gas-liquid separation zone located downstream of the degassing section, and the first gas-liquid mixture passes through the degassing section to form a gas zone and a liquid zone in the gas-liquid separation zone; the second output port is connected to the liquid zone, and the first output port is connected to the gas area.

[0039] As a preferred embodiment, the degassing section includes at least one of the following structures: a spirally extended swirl structure, a damping interlayer structure.

[0040] As a preferred embodiment, the second pipeline is further provided with a mixing portion located between the separation structure and the second output port; the mixing portion is used for mixing gas and liquid to form a gas-liquid mixture.

[0041] As a preferred embodiment, the mixing section includes a plurality of stirring blades arranged along the circumferential direction.

[0042] As a preferred embodiment, the separation structure comprises a spirally extending swirl structure; the rotation direction of the stirring blade is opposite to that of the swirl structure.

[0043] As a preferred embodiment, part of the gas separated by the separation structure is bubbles larger than a predetermined size.

[0044] As a preferred embodiment, it is also provided in a container storing a gas-liquid mixture; the input port is communicated with the container.

[0045] A gas-liquid separator, comprising: the gas-liquid separator has an input port, a first output port, a second output port, and a separation structure;

[0046] The input port is used to input the gas-liquid mixture into the separation structure; the separation structure is used to separate the gas from the gas-liquid mixture; the first output port is used to output the gas; and the second output port is used to output the remaining part of the gas-liquid mixture;

[0047] Wherein, the gas-liquid separator is further provided with a pressure regulating part connected to the first output port; the pressure regulating part can change the pressure of the area connected to the first output port so that the first output port outputs at least part of the gas separated by the separation structure.

[0048] A water heater, comprising:

[0049] An inner liner with a predetermined pressure, the inner liner comprising a gas region and a liquid region;

[0050] A gas-liquid separator as described in any of the above embodiments; the gas-liquid separator is arranged in the inner tank and passes into the interior of the inner tank; the gas-liquid separator can spray liquid into the gas area to form the gas-liquid mixture.

[0051] As a preferred implementation, the first pipe of the gas-liquid separator is a water inlet pipe of the water heater, and the second pipe of the gas-liquid separator is a water outlet pipe of the water heater.

[0052] As a preferred embodiment, the liquid region has a second gas-liquid mixture; the first gas-liquid mixture is a low-temperature gas-liquid mixture below a first predetermined temperature, and the second gas-liquid mixture is a high-temperature gas-liquid mixture above a second predetermined temperature.

[0053] As a preferred implementation, the water heater is an electric water heater.

[0054] Beneficial effects:

[0055] The water heater provided in the embodiment of the present application is provided with the gas-liquid separator, and utilizes the gas-conducting device of the gas-liquid separator to reduce the gas amount of the internal fluid (mainly the first gas-liquid mixture), thereby reducing the amount of bubbles in the fluid output by the gas-liquid separator. In this way, the bubble content in the fluid reaching the water-using end is reduced, thereby effectively reducing the noise when releasing gas to form micro-bubble water, thereby improving the user's water use experience.

[0056] At the same time, the gas-liquid separator structure reduces the amount of bubbles in the fluid in the second pipe and has little effect on the dissolved gas in the first gas-liquid mixture, thereby not reducing the concentration of microbubbles in the microbubble water generated by releasing gas at the water-using end, thereby ensuring the user's microbubble water usage experience.

[0057] In addition, the gas-liquid separator can reduce the gas consumption in the gas area by reducing the amount of gas in the fluid in the second pipeline, thereby improving the gas utilization rate of the gas area, while reducing the frequency of gas replenishment and improving the user experience.

[0058] With reference to the following description and accompanying drawings, specific embodiments of the present invention are disclosed in detail, indicating the manner in which the principles of the present invention can be adopted. It should be understood that the embodiments of the present invention are not limited in scope. Within the spirit and scope of the appended claims, the embodiments of the present invention include many changes, modifications and equivalents.

[0059] Features described and / or illustrated with respect to one embodiment may be used in the same or similar manner in one or more other embodiments, combined with features in other embodiments, or substituted for features in other embodiments.

[0060] It should be emphasized that the term “include / comprises” when used herein refers to the presence of features, integers, steps or components, but does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps or components. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0061] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings in the following description are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying creative labor.

[0062] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a water heater provided in one embodiment of the present application;

[0063] Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram of the structure of a water heater provided in another embodiment of the present application;

[0064] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A partial enlarged view of

[0065] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a first pipeline and a second pipeline provided in one embodiment of the present application;

[0066] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a first pipeline and a second pipeline provided in another embodiment of the present application;

[0067] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a first pipeline and a second pipeline provided in another embodiment of the present application;

[0068] Figure 7It is a schematic diagram of the structure of a water heater provided in another embodiment of the present application;

[0069] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 A second pipeline main view;

[0070] Fig. 9 yes Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of

[0071] Fig.10 yes Fig. 9 A magnified view of part I;

[0072] Fig.11 yes Fig. 9 A magnified view of part II;

[0073] Fig.12 It is a schematic diagram of the structure of a water heater provided in another embodiment of the present application;

[0074] Fig.13 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a gas-liquid separator provided in one embodiment of the present application;

[0075] Fig.14 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a gas-liquid separator provided in another embodiment of the present application;

[0076] Fig.15 It is a schematic diagram of the working of the degassing section;

[0077] Fig.16 This is another schematic diagram of the working of the degassing section;

[0078] Fig.17 It is a schematic diagram of the working process of a gas-liquid separator or a water heater provided by the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0079] In order to enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solutions in the present invention, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without creative work should fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0080] It should be noted that when an element is referred to as being "disposed on" another element, it may be directly on the other element or there may be another element centered thereon. When an element is considered to be "connected to" another element, it may be directly connected to the other element or there may be another element centered thereon at the same time. The terms "vertical", "horizontal", "left", "right" and similar expressions used herein are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only implementation method.

[0081] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as those commonly understood by those skilled in the art of the present invention. The terms used herein in the specification of the present invention are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention. The term "and / or" used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more related listed items.

[0082] See also Figures 1 to 17 In the embodiment of the present application, a water heater is provided, and the water heater is preferably an electric water heater. Of course, the present application does not exclude the case where the water heater is other types of water heaters, for example, the water heater can also be a gas water heater, a small kitchen water heater (a small electric water heater), etc.

[0083] Specifically, the water heater includes: an inner tank 100, a first pipe 200 communicating with the inner tank 100, and a second pipe 300 communicating with the inner tank 100. The inner tank 100 has a gas region 102 and a liquid region 101. The first pipe 200 can input liquid into the gas region 102 to form a first gas-liquid mixture. The second pipe 300 is configured to collect at least part of the first gas-liquid mixture.

[0084] The water heater further comprises a gas-liquid ratio regulating structure disposed on the second pipe 300. The fluid in the second pipe 300 is regulated by the gas-liquid ratio regulating structure before being output; the gas-liquid ratio regulating structure can reduce the gas volume of the fluid in the second pipe 300.

[0085] In the embodiment of the present application, the inner liner 100 has a gas region 102 and a liquid region 101. Among them, in order to have better gas-liquid mixing conditions, the inner liner 1002 is a pressure container that can withstand a predetermined pressure. The gas region 102 is located above the liquid region 101. The gas region 102 has a gas for gas-liquid mixing, and accordingly, the gas can specifically be air (that is, the composition is the same as that of air and can be provided by the atmosphere). Of course, when forming a gas-liquid mixture of other required components (ultimately forming microbubble water at the water end), the gas region 102 can also have a predetermined gas, such as oxygen, hydrogen, etc. Of course, considering the better use effect and the convenience of acquisition, the gas region 102 is preferably provided with air.

[0086] like Figure 1 As shown. The liquid area 101 has liquid, wherein the liquid can be water (such as cold water, warm water), or microbubble water (gas-liquid mixture is liquid) that has been mixed with gas and liquid. For example: under the initial installation conditions, a predetermined amount of cold water is first input into the inner tank 100, and at this time, the liquid area 101 is filled with cold water. Of course, the liquid area 101 in the inner tank 100 can be a second gas-liquid mixture that has been mixed with gas and liquid and heated (heating or heating is completed).

[0087] In the inner pot 100, the gas area 102 is a reserved area to form a gas-liquid mixture (including the first gas-liquid mixture and the second gas-liquid mixture described later) with the liquid. The gas area 102 and the liquid area 101 may have a fixed volume ratio, and the water volume of the liquid area 101 is preferably 3 to 4 liters to ensure sufficient hot water.

[0088] Of course, the volume ratio of the gas region 102 and the liquid region 101 may also be not fixed, as long as there is a gas region 102 in the inner liner 100. Considering that the air in the gas region 102 in the inner liner 100 will be gradually consumed during the process of preparing microbubble water, the volumes of the corresponding gas region 102 and the liquid region 101 will change accordingly, so the volume ratio of the gas region 102 to the liquid region 101 is not limited in this embodiment.

[0089] In the embodiment of the present application, the gas-liquid ratio adjustment structure can reduce the gas content of the fluid in the second pipe 300. Considering that the components in the first gas-liquid mixture are mainly liquid (dissolved gas water) and bubbles, the gas-liquid ratio adjustment structure can reduce the amount of bubbles in the fluid in the second pipe 300.

[0090] The water heater provided in the embodiment of the present application is provided with a gas-liquid ratio adjustment structure on the second pipe 300. The gas-liquid ratio adjustment structure is used to reduce the gas amount of the fluid (mainly the first gas-liquid mixture) in the second pipe 300, thereby reducing the amount of bubbles in the second pipe 300. In this way, the bubble content in the fluid reaching the water use end is reduced, thereby effectively reducing the noise when releasing gas to form micro-bubble water, thereby improving the user's water use experience.

[0091] At the same time, the gas-liquid ratio adjustment structure reduces the amount of bubbles in the fluid in the second pipe 300 and has little effect on the dissolved gas in the first gas-liquid mixture, thereby not reducing the concentration of microbubbles in the microbubble water generated by releasing gas at the water-using end, thereby ensuring the user's microbubble water usage experience.

[0092] In addition, the gas-liquid ratio adjustment structure can reduce the gas consumption of the gas area 102 by reducing the gas amount in the fluid in the second pipeline 300, thereby improving the gas utilization rate of the gas area 102, while reducing the frequency of gas replenishment and improving the user experience.

[0093] Since the flow rate of the gas-liquid mixture collected in the second pipe 300 is relatively fast, and at the same time, the flow channel diameter of the second pipe 300 for the collected gas-liquid mixture to flow is relatively small, the excess large bubbles of the fluid in the second pipe 300 cannot float up by their own buoyancy, so the added gas-liquid ratio adjustment structure assists degassing. Among them, the diameter of the second pipe 300 is within 70mm. The flow rate of the fluid in the second pipe 300 is within 20L / min, and preferably, the flow rate of the fluid in the second pipe 300 is within 15L / min (including 15L / min).

[0094] like Figures 1 to 6 In the embodiment shown. The second pipe 300 is provided with a connecting portion 10 connected to the inner liner 100. The first gas-liquid mixture flowing into the second pipe 300 is output after a part of the gas is separated through the connecting portion 10. Specifically, the second pipe 300 outputs the remaining fluid after a part of the gas is removed through the connecting portion 10 to the outside of the inner liner 100. The connecting portion 10 can be used for the above-mentioned gas-liquid ratio adjustment structure.

[0095] The fluid in the second pipe 300 has a high pressure and a fast flow rate, and the liquid region 101 is in a relatively static state (usually the flow rate of the liquid region 101 is zero, but may not be zero when mixed with water). The connecting portion 10 connects the second pipe 300 and the interior of the liner 100 (the liquid region 101), and the external pressure of the connecting portion 10 is lower than the internal pressure thereof, so that part of the fluid in the second pipe 300 (the first gas-liquid mixture) is output to the liquid region 101 through the connecting portion 10, and the pressure at the position of the connecting portion 10 is balanced.

[0096] In addition, by providing the connecting portion 10 , the flow area at the location of the connecting portion 10 for the fluid in the second pipeline 300 suddenly increases, which also causes part of the first gas-liquid mixture in the second pipeline 300 to flow out from the connecting portion 10 .

[0097] Since the density of the gas is less than that of the liquid, the liquid area 101 is in a relatively static or stable state, and the bubbles in the part of the first gas-liquid mixture that enters the liquid area 101 will float up until they enter the gas above, replenishing the amount of gas in the gas area 102, thereby not only reducing the amount of bubbles in the fluid in the second pipe 300, but also effectively reducing the noise when releasing gas to form microbubble water, thereby improving the user's water experience.

[0098] Furthermore, part of the gas discharged from the fluid in the second pipe 300 by the connecting portion 10 can be reused, thereby improving the gas utilization rate of the gas area 102 and reducing the frequency of gas replenishment, thereby improving the user experience.

[0099] Moreover, the connecting portion 10 only needs to connect the interior of the second pipe 300 and the interior of the inner tank 100, and has a simple structure, low manufacturing cost, outstanding effect in solving the problem, and very high application value.

[0100] In addition, by providing the connecting portion 10 , part of the first gas-liquid mixture collected by the second pipe 300 can enter the liquid area 101 of the inner tank 100 to replenish the gas content of the liquid area 101 , thereby facilitating the generation of a high-temperature gas-liquid mixture in the inner tank 100 .

[0101] In the embodiment of the present application, the water heater is provided with a connecting portion 10, and the second pipe 300 and the first pipe 200 cooperate to form the water inlet pipe of the water heater. In the normal water inlet state, the first pipe 200 can spray liquid to the gas area 102 to form a first gas-liquid mixture, at least part of the first gas-liquid mixture is collected by the second pipe 300 (the solution that part of the first gas-liquid mixture directly enters the liquid area 101 is not excluded), and part of the first gas-liquid mixture in the second pipe 300 can enter the inner tank 100 through the connecting portion 10, forming water inlet to the inner tank 100, forming the water inlet pipe of the water heater.

[0102] When the output end of the second pipe 300 is closed and does not need to be output outside the inner tank 100, all the first gas-liquid mixture in the second pipe 300 can enter the inner tank 100 through the connecting portion 10 to replenish water for the water heater, forming a water inlet pipe for the water heater.

[0103] To achieve a better degassing effect. The connecting portion 10 connects the interior of the second pipe 300 and the liquid area 101 near the bottom and / or middle of the inner tank 100. Since the temperature of the liquid area 101 in the inner tank 100 increases with the height, the water temperature near the bottom and / or middle is lower. When the connecting portion 10 connects the second pipe 300 and the liquid area 101, in order to avoid affecting the water temperature of the upper part of the liquid area 101.

[0104] Since the pressure of the inner liner 100 needs to be balanced, at least part of the first gas-liquid mixture that flows into the inner liner 100 through the connecting portion 10 and escapes large bubbles will return to the second pipe 300 through the connecting portion 10 and then be output. Correspondingly, part of the first gas-liquid mixture collected by the second pipe 300 is output to the outside of the second pipe 300 through the connecting portion 10, and at least part of it is returned to the second pipe 300 through the connecting portion 10 under the pressure balance inside the inner liner 100. In this way, the output amount of the second pipe 300 can be guaranteed, and the user's water use experience can be guaranteed.

[0105] By arranging the connecting portion 10 close to the bottom and / or the middle of the inner liner 100, part of the fluid in the liquid area 101 (such as the first gas-liquid mixture flowing out of the connecting portion 10) will flow back into the second pipe 300, and the connecting portion 10 close to the bottom and / or the middle of the inner liner 100 does not affect the temperature of the fluid in the second pipe 300 or has a small effect, thereby ensuring the user's water experience. As a preferred solution, the connecting portion 10 on the second pipe 300 is arranged close to the bottom of the inner liner 100. Specifically, at least part of the connecting portion 10 is located below the middle part of the inner liner 100.

[0106] Of course, the present application does not exclude the solution that part of the connecting portion 10 is located at the upper part of the second pipe 300. Figure 4 In the illustrated embodiment, the connecting portion 10 includes a first connecting hole 10a disposed near the bottom of the inner container 100, a second connecting hole 10b located in the middle of the second pipe 300 or corresponding to the middle of the inner container 100 or corresponding to the middle of the liquid region 101, and a third connecting hole 10c located in the upper portion of the second pipe 300. The third connecting hole 10c is closer to the gas region 102 than the first connecting hole 10a and the second connecting hole 10b.

[0107] In this embodiment, the connecting portion 10 connects the interior of the second pipe 300 and the interior of the liner 100. The connecting portion 10 is provided on the side wall of the second pipe 300. The connecting portion 10 may be a connecting hole structure. Specifically, the connecting portion 10 includes at least one connecting hole provided on the second pipe 300. The connecting hole may be a long hole or a plurality of holes (there is no limitation on the shape of the hole) arranged along the length direction of the second pipe 300.

[0108] like Figure 1 To facilitate the flow of part of the first gas-liquid mixture out of the second pipe 300 and back into the second pipe 300 through the connecting portion 10, the connecting portion 10 includes a plurality of connecting holes arranged along the length direction of the second pipe 300. Of course, it is not excluded that a plurality of connecting holes are also arranged along the circumferential direction.

[0109] To prevent excessive outflow of the first gas-liquid mixture in the second pipe 300, the area of ​​the connecting portion 10 is less than 10 square millimeters. This can ensure the concentration of microbubbles in the user's water while reducing noise during use, thereby improving the user's water experience.

[0110] In addition, in order to discharge bubbles in the fluid in the second pipe 300 uniformly, the connecting portion 10 may also extend along the circumferential direction of the second pipe 300. For example, the connecting portion 10 is a plurality of connecting holes, and the plurality of connecting holes are evenly distributed along the circumferential direction of the second pipe 300. Alternatively, the connecting portion 10 includes a long hole extending in the circumferential direction at a central angle exceeding 180 degrees, and the like.

[0111] like Figure 5 , Figure 6 In the embodiment shown, a degassing structure may be further provided in the second pipe 300 to better separate the bubbles in the fluid in the second pipe 300. The degassing structure is located upstream of the connecting portion 10. When the second pipe 300 is a vertical pipe, the degassing structure is located above the connecting portion 10. The degassing structure can separate the first gas-liquid mixture passing through into a gas portion and a liquid portion. Part of the gas separated by the degassing structure is a bubble larger than a predetermined size. The predetermined size may be above 0.5 mm. Specifically, as Figure 5 The degassing structure shown may include a spirally extending cyclone structure 30 (refer to the separation structure 30 described below). Figure 6 The degassing structure shown may be applied to the damping spacer structure 20 .

[0112] like Figures 1 to 14 In the embodiment shown. The first pipe 200 includes a water inlet 201 and an outlet 202. The water inlet 201 can input water from outside the inner liner 100. The outlet 202 can spray liquid to the gas area 102 to form a gas-liquid mixture. Accordingly, the outlet 202 can also be called a jet port 202. The outlet 202 sprays fluid to form a negative pressure area, and the negative pressure area is used to attract the gas in the gas area to collide and mix with the high-speed dispersed fluid to form a first gas-liquid mixture.

[0113] The second pipe 300 has an input port 301 and a first output port 302. The first input port 301 (same as the input port 301 described below) is used to collect the first gas-liquid mixture formed by the first pipe 200. The first output port 302 is used to output the fluid inside to the outside of the inner container 100.

[0114] In this embodiment, if Fig.10 , Fig.13 As shown. A reduced diameter portion 203 may be provided on the first pipe 200. The cross-sectional area of ​​the reduced diameter portion 203 gradually decreases upward in the vertical direction, thereby accelerating the output fluid to form a jet. The partial gap channel 303 surrounding the jet portion forms the negative pressure zone 103. The output port 202 may be located at the upper end of the reduced diameter portion 203 to eject the fluid. The cross-section of the reduced diameter portion 203 may be circular. Of course, the reduced diameter portion 203 may be a flat structure, and the output port 202 may be a long flat structure. Accordingly, the main part of the first pipe 200 is a circular tube structure, and its cross-sectional area is larger than the area of ​​the output port 202. This application does not make a unique limitation on the specific shape of the reduced diameter portion 203.

[0115] like Figure 1 As shown. In this embodiment, the water heater may further include a third pipe 400 connected to the liquid region 101. The third pipe 400 has a second output port 402 for outputting the first gas-liquid mixture in the inner tank 100 to the outside of the inner tank 100. When the third pipe 400 outputs the first gas-liquid mixture to the outside of the inner tank 100, the first gas-liquid mixture collected by the second pipe 300 enters the inner tank 100 through the connecting portion 10. The upper end port 401 of the third pipe 400 inputs the liquid in the liquid region, and outputs it to the outside of the inner tank 100 through the second output port 402.

[0116] In order to provide a better water use experience, the water heater may further include a temperature regulating device connected to the first output port 302 and the second output port 402. The temperature regulating device can distribute the amount of the first gas-liquid mixture collected by the second pipe 300 flowing into the inner tank 100 through the connecting portion 10 and the amount output through the first output port 302. The temperature regulating device may be a thermostatic device, which is provided with a thermosensitive element (such as a thermosensitive spring) inside.

[0117] Specifically, the temperature regulating device has a water mixing function, and it can be a thermostatic water mixing valve. The temperature regulating device can adjust the mixing ratio of the first gas-liquid mixture and the second gas-liquid mixture in the liquid area 101. The temperature regulating device controls the amount of fluid output from the second pipe 300 to the outside of the inner tank 100. Since the amount of the first gas-liquid mixture collected by the second pipe 300 is certain, the amount of fluid output from the second pipe 300 to the outside of the inner tank 100 is inversely proportional to the amount output to the inside of the inner tank 100 (liquid area 101) through the connecting portion 10. In this way, the temperature regulating device distributes the amount of the first gas-liquid mixture collected by the second pipe 300 flowing into the inner tank 100 through the connecting portion 10 and the amount output through the first output port.

[0118] like Figures 7 to 14 As shown. In a specific embodiment of the present application. The gas-liquid ratio adjustment structure includes a suction part connected to the inside of the first pipe 200. The suction structure can suck out part of the gas in the first gas-liquid mixture. In this embodiment, the suction part sucks out part of the gas in the first gas-liquid mixture collected by the second pipe 300, thereby reducing the content of bubbles output by the second pipe 300.

[0119] In this embodiment, the suction part can reduce the pressure in the area. Specifically, the suction part can be a negative pressure device, and the negative pressure device can form a negative pressure area 103. The negative pressure device can form the negative pressure area 103 inside or outside. Accordingly, the negative pressure area 103 can be the internal space of the negative pressure device or the external space of the negative pressure device.

[0120] like Fig.17 As shown, the negative pressure device can use negative pressure to suck out part of the gas after gas-liquid separation to form a gas-liquid mixture of appropriate proportions. The gas sucked out by the negative pressure device can also be mixed with liquid to form a gas-liquid mixture, ensuring the gas concentration and gas utilization rate of the gas-liquid mixture.

[0121] Specifically, in the inner liner 100, the negative pressure zone 103 is a part of the space located in the gas area 102. The negative pressure zone 103 is connected to the interior of the second pipe 300 and is connected to the gas area 102. The negative pressure zone 103 simultaneously transports the sucked gas to the gas area 102 to replenish the gas. The pressure of the negative pressure zone 103 can be lower than the surrounding pressure. Among them, the negative pressure zone 103 can be lower than the pressure of the gas area 102. There is a certain pressure in the inner liner 100, and the suction force provided by the negative pressure zone 103 formed by the suction part is used to suck out part of the gas in the first gas-liquid mixture.

[0122] In this embodiment, the suction part can be connected to the outside of the inner liner 100 to output the gas extracted from the fluid in the second pipe 300 to the outside of the inner liner 100. Preferably, the suction part is connected to the gas area 102. The suction part outputs part of the sucked gas to the gas area 102, so that it can be reused, thereby improving the gas utilization rate of the gas area 102.

[0123] In this embodiment, the suction part can be a Venturi structure or a pump 104a, 104b body structure. When the suction part is a pump 104a, 104b, the suction part is located inside the pump 104a, 104b. The pump 104a, 104b can be located in the inner liner 100 or outside the inner liner 100.

[0124] The outlet 202 of the first pipe 200 can spray fluid toward the gas region 102 to form a negative pressure region 103 to form the suction portion. The fluid sprayed from the negative pressure region 103 can also mix with the gas to form a (first) gas-liquid mixture.

[0125] In order to make full use of the negative pressure area 103 and simplify the equipment structure, the gas-liquid ratio adjustment structure also has a gas delivery channel 601 that leads into the second pipe 300. The gas delivery channel 601 is connected to the negative pressure area 103 to transfer part of the gas in the fluid in the second pipe 300 to the negative pressure area 103 through the gas delivery channel 601. Figures 7 to 11 , Fig.13 The embodiment shown or Fig.14 In the embodiment represented by the solid line in FIG. 6 , the gas delivery channel 601 may be located in the second pipeline 300. Fig.12 The embodiment shown or Fig.14 In the embodiment represented by the dotted line, part of it is located inside the second pipe 300, and part of it is located outside the second pipe 300.

[0126] In the embodiment of the present application, the water heater is provided with a suction part. The amount of extracted gas can be controlled by controlling the size of the suction force formed by the suction part (for example, controlling the size of the pressure in the negative pressure zone 103). This allows control of the gas amount of the fluid output from the second pipeline 300, thereby obtaining a first gas-liquid mixture with a suitable gas content, thereby meeting the user's water demand and improving the user's experience.

[0127] In order to better separate the bubbles in the fluid in the second pipe 300, it is convenient to adjust the amount of gas in the fluid in the second pipe 300. The gas-liquid ratio adjustment structure also includes a separation structure 30 disposed in the second pipe 300. Specifically, the separation structure 30 includes a degassing portion 31 and a gas-liquid separation zone 32 located downstream of the degassing portion 31.

[0128] The first gas-liquid mixture passes through the degassing section 31 to form a gas zone 33 and a liquid zone 34 in the gas-liquid separation zone 32. The gas delivery channel 601 connects the gas zone 33 and the negative pressure zone 103 to output at least part of the gas in the gas zone 33. The negative pressure zone 103 is located in the inner liner 100 and is connected to the gas area 102, so that the negative pressure zone 103 can re-input part of the gas in the gas zone into the gas area 102 to replenish the gas, thereby avoiding excessive consumption of gas in the gas area 102.

[0129] In this embodiment, the degassing unit 31 utilizes the fast flow rate of the fluid entering the second pipe 300 to separate the liquid from the gas during the movement of the fluid, and gathers the bubbles dispersed in the liquid to form a larger bubble (gas zone), thereby facilitating the suction of the suction unit. The size of the larger bubble is greater than 0.5 mm. The suction unit is connected to the gas zone through the gas delivery channel 601. The suction unit uses the suction force formed by the negative pressure zone 103 to extract at least part of the gas in the gas zone.

[0130] The separation structure 30 is located in the second pipe 300, and the present application does not limit this. To achieve a better bubble separation effect, the separation structure 30 can be arranged near the bottom of the inner container 100. Alternatively, the separation structure 30 is arranged near the output end of the separation structure 30. Fig. 9 In the illustrated embodiment, the separation structure 30 is disposed below the middle portion of the second pipe 300 .

[0131] In this embodiment, the gas-liquid separation zone 32 is a space between the degassing section 31 and the mixing section 40. After the first gas-liquid mixture passes through the degassing section 31, a gas zone and a liquid zone are formed in the gas-liquid separation zone 32. The gas zone contains gas formed by the bubbles separated from the first gas-liquid mixture (the whole can be regarded as a large bubble), and the liquid zone contains the remaining part of the first gas-liquid mixture (the existence of some bubbles is not excluded). The gas zone is far away from the pipe wall of the second pipe 300 relative to the liquid zone, and a conical interface is formed between the two.

[0132] The second pipe 300 is further provided with a mixing section 40 downstream of the separation structure 30. Figures 7 to 11 In the illustrated embodiment, the mixing section 40 is located below the separation structure 30. The mixing section 40 is located between the gas-liquid separation zone 32 and the output end of the second pipeline 300. The mixing section 40 mixes part of the gas in the gas zone with the liquid in the liquid portion. The mixing section 40 can disperse the gas (bubbles) in the liquid to reduce the size of the bubbles. At the same time, the mixing section 40 can be used to redisperse the remaining gas in the gas zone in the liquid to avoid the presence of large bubbles in the fluid output by the second pipeline 300, while ensuring the gas concentration in the output second gas-liquid mixture.

[0133] The degassing section 31 can separate gas and liquid (specifically, separate bubbles and liquid) through cyclone flow, or can separate gas from fluid through a damping baffle. The degassing section 31 can be a cyclone structure or a damping barrier structure 20.

[0134] like Figures 7 to 11 In the illustrated embodiment, the degassing section 31 includes a spiral separation channel disposed in the second pipe 300. The spiral separation channel spirally extends along the extension direction of the second pipe 300. The fluid in the second pipe 300 is separated when flowing through the spiral separation channel to form the gas zone and the liquid zone in the gas-liquid separation zone 32.

[0135] In the embodiment of the present application, the air intake direction of the first gas-liquid mixture is not limited. The degassing section 31 can guide the first gas-liquid mixture to form a cyclone. Under the action of centrifugal force, the bubbles and liquid in the first gas-liquid mixture converge inward to gradually form a larger bubble, and then form a gas zone 33 and a liquid zone 34 in the gas-liquid separation zone 32. At least part of the gas in the gas zone 33 is extracted from the gas zone by the negative pressure zone 103 through the gas transmission channel 601 and enters the gas region 102.

[0136] like Fig.11 As shown. In order to have a better gas-liquid separation effect, the spiral separation channel spirally extends more than 360 degrees. The mixing section 40 includes a plurality of stirring blades arranged along the circumferential direction. The rotation direction of the stirring blade is opposite to the rotation direction of the spiral separation channel. The stirring blade is fixed in the second pipe 300, and the stirring blade can be fixedly installed on the outer wall of the first pipe 200, or can be installed on the inner wall of the second pipe 300. When the liquid in the liquid zone and the remaining gas in the gas zone pass through the stirring blade, they are stirred and mixed by the stirring blade, so that the remaining gas in the gas zone is broken up and mixed in the liquid, thereby avoiding the probability of large bubbles appearing in the output fluid. The mixing section 40 is arranged close to the bottom of the inner tank 100.

[0137] In such Fig.15 In the embodiment shown, a damping barrier structure is provided in the second pipe 300. The damping barrier structure includes baffles 50 stacked and arranged along the length direction of the second pipe 300. The water holes on each baffle 50 are staggered along the length direction of the second pipe 300. The flow direction of the fluid in the second pipe 300 is continuously changed when passing through the baffle, so that the bubbles in the fluid are released during the damping process of the fluid and separated from the liquid by rising with a lower density.

[0138] For example Fig.16In the embodiment shown, the damping barrier structure in the second pipe 300 includes a trumpet tube 60 located above and a baffle 61 located below the trumpet tube 60. The baffle 61 is provided with a central through hole, and the baffle 61 and the peripheral side of the trumpet tube 60 form a water inlet ring. The baffle 61 protrudes upward from the outer edge to the center. The straight pipe portion of the trumpet tube 60 forms a gas transmission channel 601.

[0139] like Figures 1 to 11 In the embodiment shown, at least part of the second pipe 300 is sleeved outside the first pipe 200. The first pipe 200 and the second pipe 300 are coaxially arranged. In this way, it is possible to avoid opening too many mounting holes on the wall of the inner liner 100, saving manufacturing process.

[0140] In this embodiment, a delivery channel 303 for collecting and delivering the first gas-liquid mixture is provided between the second pipeline 300 and the first pipeline 200. The second pipeline 300 and the first pipeline 200 are sleeved to form a gap channel 303. The gap channel 303 constitutes the delivery channel 303 of the first gas-liquid mixture. The input port 301 of the first gas-liquid mixture is located at one end ( Figures 1 to 11 , Fig.12 , Fig.13 The lower end of the second pipe 300 is the output port 202 (it should be noted that in some embodiments, it is called an output port).

[0141] The gas-liquid ratio adjustment structure further includes a channel tube 600 fixedly sleeved between the second pipeline 300 and the first pipeline 200. The channel tube 600 is arranged between the first pipeline 200 and the second pipeline 300, which is not only convenient for installation, but also has a good separation effect on part of the gas in the gas zone.

[0142] The gas delivery channel 601 is formed between the channel tube 600 and the first pipeline 200. A portion of the delivery channel 303 is formed between the second pipeline 300 and the channel tube 600. The cross-sectional area of ​​the gas delivery channel 601 is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the delivery channel 303.

[0143] like Fig.10 , Fig.11 As shown, the gap channel 303 formed between the channel tube 600 and the first pipeline 200 is a narrow slit structure, and a part of the delivery channel 303 is formed between the second pipeline 300 and the channel tube 600. Specifically, the upper section of the delivery channel 303 is formed between the second pipeline 300 and the channel tube 600. The lower end of the channel tube 600 is located between the first pipeline 200 and the second pipeline 300. The lower end of the channel tube 600 is located above the gas-liquid separation area 32. The annular opening between the lower end of the channel tube 600 and the first pipeline 200 forms the gas inlet of the gas delivery channel 601.

[0144] It should be noted that the first pipe 200, the second pipe 300, and the channel pipe 600 are not limited to the sleeve relationship in the present application. Fig.12 In the illustrated embodiment, the first pipeline 200 and the second pipeline 300 are two independent pipelines, and the first pipeline 200 and the channel pipe 600 are arranged outside the second pipeline 300. One end of the channel pipe 600 is connected to the second pipeline 300 and is partially sleeved outside the first pipeline 200.

[0145] A spiral plate for forming the spiral separation channel is fixedly provided between the channel tube 600 and the second pipeline 300. The spiral plate is installed near the lower end of the channel tube 600. The spiral plate spirally extends multiple circles (for example, the spiral extends more than 720 degrees) around the outer wall of the channel tube 600 to form a spiral separation channel. The lower end (end) of the spiral plate can be flush with the lower end of the channel tube 600.

[0146] Of course, in Figure 2 In the illustrated embodiment, at least part of the second pipe 300 shares a portion of the pipe wall with the first pipe 200. The connecting portion 10 is disposed on the second pipe 300 that shares a portion of the pipe wall with the first pipe 200. In this embodiment, the second pipe 300 and the first pipe 200 may be non-coaxially disposed.

[0147] In an embodiment of the present application, the first gas-liquid mixture may be a low-temperature gas-liquid mixture lower than a first predetermined temperature. The second pipeline 300 is configured to collect the low-temperature gas-liquid mixture. The liquid region 101 has a second gas-liquid mixture. The second gas-liquid mixture is a high-temperature gas-liquid mixture higher than a second predetermined temperature. The temperature of the second gas-liquid mixture is higher than the temperature of the first gas-liquid mixture.

[0148] Please continue reading Figures 1 to 17 . A gas-liquid ratio regulator 500 is also provided in an embodiment of the present application, which is used to be installed on a water heater having an inner tank 100. The inner tank 100 has a gas area 102 and a liquid area 101. The gas-liquid mixture generating device includes: a first pipe 200 for communicating with the interior of the inner tank 100; the first pipe 200 can input liquid into the gas area 102 to form a first gas-liquid mixture; a second pipe 300 for communicating with the interior of the inner tank 100; the second pipe 300 is configured to collect at least part of the first gas-liquid mixture; a gas-liquid ratio regulating structure is arranged on the second pipe 300; the fluid in the second pipe 300 is output to the outside of the inner tank 100 after passing through the gas-liquid ratio regulating structure; the gas-liquid ratio regulating structure can reduce the gas amount of the fluid in the second pipe 300.

[0149] The gas-liquid ratio regulator 500 in this embodiment can refer to the description of the above-mentioned gas-liquid ratio regulating structure, which will not be repeated here.

[0150] Please continue reading Figures 1 to 17 . A gas-liquid separator 500 is also provided in an embodiment of the present application, comprising: the gas-liquid separator 500 has an input port 301, a first output port 602, a second output port 302, and a separation structure 30. The input port 301 is used to input a first gas-liquid mixture into the separation structure 30. The separation structure 30 is used to separate at least part of the gas in the first gas-liquid mixture. The first output port 602 is used to output at least part of the gas separated by the separation structure 30. The second output port 302 is used to output the remaining part of the first gas-liquid mixture. Among them, the gas-liquid separator 500 is also provided with a gas guide device connected to the first output port 602, and the gas guide device is used to guide out the part of the gas.

[0151] A gas-liquid separator is also provided in an embodiment of the present application, comprising: a gas-liquid mixing portion for forming a first gas-liquid mixture; a gas-liquid separation portion including an input port 301, a first output port 602, a second output port 302, and a gas guide device connected to the first output port.

[0152] The gas-liquid separation part is provided with a separation structure 30 between the input port 301 and the first and second output ports 602, 302. The input port 301 is connected to the gas-liquid mixing part to input the first gas-liquid mixture formed by the gas-liquid mixing part; the separation structure is used to separate at least part of the gas in the first gas-liquid mixture. The second output port 602 is used to output the remaining part of the first gas-liquid mixture. The gas guide device is used to guide out at least part of the gas separated by the separation structure.

[0153] In the embodiment of the present application, the gas guide device can guide at least a part of the gas separated by the separation structure 30. The guiding function of the gas guide device can facilitate the miniaturization design of the gas-liquid separator 500 and improve the flexibility of installation. At the same time, the gas-liquid separator 500 can be installed in the water heater to reduce the amount of bubbles in the output gas-liquid mixture, reduce the noise formed at the water end, and improve the user experience.

[0154] The gas-liquid separator 500 may also be provided with a gas region 102. The pressure of the gas region 102 may be greater than the atmospheric pressure. Specifically, the gas region 102 may refer to the gas region 102 described in the above embodiment, and will not be described in detail here. The gas guide device of the gas-liquid separator 500 is connected to the gas region 102.

[0155] The gas-liquid mixing part includes a first pipe 200 capable of spraying fluid toward the gas region 102 to form the first gas-liquid mixture. When the first pipe 200 sprays fluid, a negative pressure area 103 is generated to form the gas guide device. The first output port 602 is connected to the negative pressure area 103. The negative pressure generated by the negative pressure area 103 can guide the gas from the first output port 602. The first output port 602 can serve as an air inlet of the negative pressure area 103.

[0156] The first pipe 200 is provided with a reduced diameter injection portion (the reduced diameter portion) 203. Fluid is ejected from the injection portion 603 to form the negative pressure area 103. The first pipe 200 can guide the gas output from the first output port 602 to the gas area 102.

[0157] The gas guide device includes a pump 104a, 104b, or a venturi structure connected to the first output port 602. In the embodiment of the present application, the gas-liquid separator 500 can also refer to the description of the gas-liquid ratio adjustment structure, which will not be repeated here. The gas guide device can also refer to the description of the first pipeline 200, which will not be repeated here.

[0158] like Figures 1 to 14 In the illustrated embodiment, the gas-liquid separator 500 includes a first pipeline 200 and a second pipeline 300. The first pipeline 200 and the second pipeline 300 are both straight pipe structures. The first pipeline 200 is sleeved on the second pipeline 300. The input port 301 is provided at one end of the second pipeline 300, and the second output port 302 is provided at the other end of the second pipeline 300; the separation structure 30 is located inside the second pipeline 300.

[0159] In this embodiment, the second pipe 300 is sleeved outside the first pipe 200; the first pipe 200 and the second pipe 300 are sleeved to form a gap channel 303; the input port 301 is located at one end of the gap channel 303, the output port 202 is located at the other end of the gap channel 303, and the separation structure 30 is located in the gap channel 303.

[0160] The gas-liquid separator 500 may also include a container storing a gas-liquid mixture. The input port 301 is in communication with the container. The container may be an inner tank 100 of a water heater. The first pipe 200 and the second pipe 300 of the gas-liquid separator 500 may be installed on the inner tank 100. Of course, the first pipe 200 and the second pipe 300 may also be arranged outside the container and communicate with the inside of the container. The container may be a gas dissolving tank or a gas mixing device. The gas-liquid mixture in the container is adjusted to a suitable ratio for output through the main body of the gas-liquid separator 500 (separation structure 30 and gas guide device).

[0161] It should be noted that, in one embodiment, the separation structure 30 may also be arranged outside the inner tank 100 of the water heater. The air guide device includes a first pipe 200. The gas-liquid separator 500 also includes a second pipe 200. The first output port is located at one end of the second pipe 200, and the other end of the second pipe 200 is connected to the separation structure 30. The first pipe 200 and the second pipe 300 are installed on the inner tank 100, and the other end of the second pipe is an output port, which is connected to the separation structure 30 located outside the inner tank 100.

[0162] In this embodiment, the second pipe 300 is at least partially sleeved outside the first pipe 200 , the second pipe and the first pipe 200 are sleeved to form a gap channel 303 , the first output port 602 is located at one end of the gap channel 303 , and the other end of the gap channel 303 is connected to the separation structure 30 .

[0163] Please continue reading Figures 1 to 17 The embodiment of the present application also provides a gas-liquid separator 500, which has an input port 301, a first output port 602, a second output port 303, and a separation structure 30. The input port 301 is used to input a gas-liquid mixture into the separation structure 30; the separation structure 30 is used to separate gas from the gas-liquid mixture; the first output port 602 is used to output the gas; and the second output port 302 is used to output the remaining part of the gas-liquid mixture.

[0164] Wherein, the gas-liquid separator is further provided with a pressure regulating part connected to the first output port; the pressure regulating part can change the pressure of the area connected to the first output port so that the first output port outputs at least part of the gas separated by the separation structure.

[0165] In this embodiment, the pressure regulating unit can output at least a portion of the gas separated by the separation structure 30 through the pressure reduction area. The pressure reduction and suction effect of the pressure regulating unit can facilitate the miniaturization design of the gas-liquid separator 500 and improve the flexibility of installation. At the same time, the gas-liquid separator 500 can be installed in a water heater to reduce the amount of bubbles in the output gas-liquid mixture, reduce the noise formed at the water end, and improve the user experience.

[0166] In this embodiment, the pressure regulating unit may include a pump 104a, 104b, or a venturi structure connected to the first output port 602. In the embodiment of the present application, the gas-liquid separator 500 may also refer to the description of the gas-liquid ratio regulating structure, which will not be repeated here. The pressure regulating unit may also refer to the description of the first pipeline 200, which will not be repeated here.

[0167] A water heater is also provided in an embodiment of the present application, comprising: an inner tank 100 with a predetermined pressure, the inner tank 100 comprising a gas area 102 and a liquid area 101; a gas-liquid separator 500 as described in any of the above embodiments; the gas-liquid separator 500 is arranged in the inner tank 100 and passes into the interior of the inner tank 500; the gas-liquid separator 500 can also spray liquid into the gas area to form the gas-liquid mixture.

[0168] In this embodiment, the first pipe of the gas-liquid separator 500 can be used as a water inlet pipe of the water heater, and the second pipe of the gas-liquid separator 500 can be used as a water outlet pipe of the water heater. Wherein, the water heater is an electric water heater.

[0169] It should be noted that the first pipe 200, the second pipe 300, the third pipe 400, the inner tank 100, and the first gas-liquid mixture and the second gas-liquid mixture provided in any embodiment of the present application can refer to the description of the first pipe 200, the second pipe 300, the third pipe 400, the inner tank 100, and the first gas-liquid mixture and the second gas-liquid mixture in the patent application with application number "201710713113.X" and name "Electric Water Heater". All the contents of the patent application are cited here and will not be introduced one by one in the embodiments of the present application.

[0170] Any numerical value cited herein includes all values ​​of lower and upper values ​​that increase by one unit from the lower limit to the upper limit, and there is at least a two-unit interval between any lower value and any higher value. For example, if the value of the quantity of a component or a process variable (such as temperature, pressure, time, etc.) is stated to be from 1 to 90, preferably from 20 to 80, and more preferably from 30 to 70, the purpose is to illustrate that values ​​such as 15 to 85, 22 to 68, 43 to 51, 30 to 32 are also explicitly listed in this specification. For values ​​less than 1, one unit is appropriately considered to be 0.0001, 0.001, 0.01, 0.1. These are merely examples that are intended to be clearly expressed, and it can be considered that all possible combinations of numerical values ​​listed between the lowest value and the highest value are clearly stated in this specification in a similar manner.

[0171] Unless otherwise indicated, all ranges include the endpoints and all numbers between the endpoints. "About" or "approximately" used with a range applies to both endpoints of the range. Thus, "about 20 to 30" is intended to cover "about 20 to about 30", including at least the specified endpoints.

[0172] All articles and references disclosed, including patent applications and publications, are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. The term "consisting essentially of..." to describe a combination should include the identified elements, ingredients, parts or steps and other elements, ingredients, parts or steps that do not substantially affect the basic novel characteristics of the combination. The use of the terms "comprising" or "including" to describe a combination of elements, ingredients, parts or steps herein also contemplates embodiments that consist essentially of these elements, ingredients, parts or steps. By using the term "may", it is intended to indicate that any attribute described that "may" include is optional.

[0173] Multiple elements, ingredients, parts or steps can be provided by a single integrated element, ingredient, part or step. Alternatively, a single integrated element, ingredient, part or step can be divided into separate multiple elements, ingredients, parts or steps. The disclosure "one" or "an" used to describe an element, ingredient, part or step is not intended to exclude other elements, ingredients, parts or steps.

[0174] It should be understood that the above description is for illustration and not for limitation. Many embodiments and many applications beyond the examples provided will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the above description. Therefore, the scope of the present teachings should not be determined with reference to the above description, but should be determined with reference to the appended claims and the full scope of equivalents possessed by such claims. For the purpose of comprehensiveness, all articles and references, including disclosures of patent applications and publications, are incorporated herein by reference. The omission of any aspect of the subject matter disclosed herein in the preceding claims is not intended to be a waiver of the subject matter, nor should it be considered that the inventors did not consider the subject matter to be part of the disclosed inventive subject matter.

Claims

1. A gas-liquid separator, characterized in that: include: A gas-liquid mixing part for forming a first gas-liquid mixture, the gas-liquid mixing part comprising a first pipe capable of spraying a fluid into a gas region to form the first gas-liquid mixture; the gas region can contain a gas for gas-liquid mixing, the gas comprising air; A gas-liquid separation part comprising an input port, a first output port, and a second output port, wherein the gas-liquid separation part is provided with a separation structure between the input port and the first and second output ports; the input port is communicated with the gas-liquid mixing part to input a first gas-liquid mixture formed by the gas-liquid mixing part; the separation structure is used to separate at least part of the gas in the first gas-liquid mixture; and the second output port is used to output the remaining part of the first gas-liquid mixture; a gas guide device in communication with the first output port, the gas guide device being used to guide out at least a portion of the gas separated by the separation structure; Second pipeline; Wherein, the second pipe is sleeved outside the first pipe, the first pipe and the second pipe are sleeved to form a gap channel, the input port is located at one end of the gap channel, the second output port is located at the other end of the gap channel, and the separation structure is located in the gap channel; or, The second pipe is at least partially sleeved outside the first pipe, and the second pipe and the first pipe are sleeved to form a gap channel. The first output port is located at one end of the gap channel, and the other end of the gap channel is connected to the separation structure.

2. The gas-liquid separator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The air guiding device includes a pump connected to the first output port.

3. The gas-liquid separator according to claim 1, characterized in that: When the first pipeline sprays fluid, a negative pressure area is generated to form the gas guide device. The first output port is connected to the negative pressure area. The negative pressure generated by the negative pressure area can guide the gas out of the first output port.

4. The gas-liquid separator according to claim 3, characterized in that: The first pipe is provided with an injection portion formed by a reduced diameter; fluid is ejected from the injection portion to form the negative pressure area.

5. The gas-liquid separator according to claim 3, characterized in that: The negative pressure area is in communication with the gas area, and the first pipeline can guide the gas output from the first output port to the gas area.

6. The gas-liquid separator according to claim 4, characterized in that: The gas-liquid mixing portion includes a gas region with a pressure higher than atmospheric pressure.

7. The gas-liquid separator according to any one of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that: The input port is arranged at one end of the second pipe, and the second output port is arranged at the other end of the second pipe; the separation structure is located inside the second pipe.

8. The gas-liquid separator according to any one of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that: The first output port is located at one end of the second pipeline, and the other end of the second pipeline is communicated with the separation structure.

9. The gas-liquid separator according to claim 4, characterized in that: A portion of the gap channel surrounding the injection portion forms the negative pressure zone.

10. The gas-liquid separator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first pipeline and the second pipeline are coaxially arranged.

11. The gas-liquid separator according to claim 7, characterized in that: The input port, the first output port, and the injection portion are located on the same side relative to the second output port, and the input port can collect the first gas-liquid mixture formed by the fluid injected by the injection portion.

12. The gas-liquid separator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The separation structure includes a degassing section and a gas-liquid separation zone located downstream of the degassing section, the first gas-liquid mixture passes through the degassing section to form a gas zone and a liquid zone in the gas-liquid separation zone; the second output port is connected to the liquid zone, and the first output port is connected to the gas zone.

13. The gas-liquid separator according to claim 12, characterized in that: The degassing section comprises at least one of the following structures: a spirally extending swirl structure and a damping interlayer structure.

14. The gas-liquid separator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second pipeline is also provided with a mixing portion located between the separation structure and the second output port; the mixing portion is used for mixing gas and liquid to form a gas-liquid mixture.

15. The gas-liquid separator according to claim 14, characterized in that: The mixing part includes a plurality of stirring blades arranged along the circumferential direction.

16. The gas-liquid separator according to claim 15, characterized in that: The separation structure comprises a spirally extending swirl structure; the rotation direction of the stirring blade is opposite to that of the swirl structure.

17. The gas-liquid separator according to claim 1, characterized in that: Part of the gas separated by the separation structure is bubbles larger than a predetermined size.

18. The gas-liquid separator according to claim 1, characterized in that: It is also arranged on a container storing a gas-liquid mixture; the input port is communicated with the container.

19. A gas-liquid separator, characterized in that: include: The gas-liquid separator has an input port, a first output port, a second output port, and a separation structure; The input port is used to input the gas-liquid mixture into the separation structure; The separation structure is used to separate gas from the gas-liquid mixture; the first output port is used to output the gas; and the second output port is used to output the remaining part of the gas-liquid mixture; The gas-liquid separator is further provided with a pressure regulating part connected to the first output port; the pressure regulating part can change the pressure of the area connected to the first output port so that the first output port outputs at least part of the gas separated by the separation structure; The gas-liquid separator also includes: A first pipeline capable of spraying fluid into the gas region to form the gas-liquid mixture; Second pipeline; Wherein, the second pipe is sleeved outside the first pipe, the first pipe and the second pipe are sleeved to form a gap channel, the input port is located at one end of the gap channel, the second output port is located at the other end of the gap channel, and the separation structure is located in the gap channel; or, The second pipe is at least partially sleeved outside the first pipe, and the second pipe and the first pipe are sleeved to form a gap channel. The first output port is located at one end of the gap channel, and the other end of the gap channel is connected to the separation structure.

20. A water heater, characterized in that: include: An inner liner with a predetermined pressure, the inner liner comprising a gas region and a liquid region; A gas-liquid separator as described in any one of claims 1-19; the gas-liquid separator is arranged in the inner tank and passes into the interior of the inner tank; the gas-liquid separator can spray liquid into the gas area to form the gas-liquid mixture.

21. The water heater according to claim 20, characterized in that: The first pipeline of the gas-liquid separator is the water inlet pipe of the water heater, and the second pipeline of the gas-liquid separator is the water outlet pipe of the water heater.

22. The water heater according to claim 20, characterized in that: The liquid region has a second gas-liquid mixture; the first gas-liquid mixture is a low-temperature gas-liquid mixture lower than a first predetermined temperature, and the second gas-liquid mixture is a high-temperature gas-liquid mixture higher than a second predetermined temperature.

23. The water heater according to claim 20, characterized in that: The water heater is an electric water heater.

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