Aerators, microbubble generating systems and water heaters

Abstract

This invention discloses an aerator, a microbubble generating system, and a water heater, relating to the field of microbubble technology. The aerator has a liquid inlet surface, a liquid outlet surface, and multiple liquid flow channels. Each liquid flow channel has its two ends penetrating the liquid inlet surface and the liquid outlet surface, respectively. The multiple liquid flow channels include at least a first flow channel and a second flow channel arranged in parallel. The first and second flow channels have different structures: the first flow channel is a foaming channel for generating microbubbles, and the second flow channel is a direct flow channel for liquid to pass through. The first flow channel is a variable diameter flow channel, and the second flow channel is a constant diameter straight-through flow channel. The technical solution provided by this invention can achieve both good foaming effect and large flow rate output.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of microbubble technology, and particularly to a bubbler, a microbubble generating system, and a water heater. Background Technology

[0002] The bubbler is a crucial component in a microbubble generation system, used to produce microbubbles. Traditional bubblers have a simple flow channel structure. To improve foaming performance, the flow channel is typically designed to generate a significant pressure drop. While this pressure drop enhances foaming, it also increases flow resistance, leading to a decrease in flow rate and making it unsuitable for high-flow-rate applications. Therefore, traditional bubblers often cannot simultaneously achieve both good foaming performance and high-flow-rate output. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The main objective of this invention is to propose an aerator, a microbubble generating system, and a water heater that can achieve both good aeration effect and large flow rate output.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the bubbler proposed in this invention has an inlet surface, an outlet surface, and multiple liquid passages. Each liquid passage has two ends that penetrate the inlet surface and the outlet surface, respectively. The multiple liquid passages include at least a first passage and a second passage arranged in parallel. The first passage and the second passage have different structures. The first passage is a bubble-generating passage for generating microbubbles, and the second passage is a flow passage for direct liquid passage. The first passage is constructed as a variable diameter passage, and the second passage is constructed as a constant diameter straight passage.

[0005] In one embodiment, the first flow channel includes a tapered section, a throat, and a dipping section arranged sequentially and connected to each other. The wide end of the tapered section penetrates the inlet surface, the wide end of the dipping section penetrates the outlet surface, and the throat is a straight section of equal diameter extending from the narrow end of the tapered section toward the narrow end of the dipping section.

[0006] In one embodiment, the length of the tapered section is not less than 1.5 mm and not more than 3.5 mm;

[0007] And / or, the length of the throat is not less than 0.7 mm and not more than 1.2 mm;

[0008] And / or, the expansion angle of the gradually expanding segment is not less than 2 degrees and not greater than 5 degrees.

[0009] In one embodiment, the first flow channel is disposed near the center of the bubbler, and the second flow channel is disposed near the edge of the bubbler;

[0010] And / or, the second flow channel is provided with a turbulence structure.

[0011] In one embodiment, the second flow channel is at least partially disposed around the periphery of the first flow channel;

[0012] Alternatively, multiple second flow channels are provided at intervals along the circumference of the bubbler, and the first flow channel is located within the area enclosed by the multiple second flow channels.

[0013] In one embodiment, a flow disruptor and / or a bubble breaking device are provided downstream of the liquid outlet surface.

[0014] In one embodiment, the bubbler further includes a tube body and a bubble-generating section. The tube body has an inlet port and an outlet port at its two ends, respectively. The tube body includes a first section, a second section, and a third section connected sequentially from the inlet port toward the outlet port. The bubble-generating section is disposed in the second section and has the plurality of liquid flow channels. The side of the bubble-generating section facing the inlet port forms the inlet surface, and the side of the bubble-generating section facing the outlet port forms the outlet surface. The third section is provided with the turbulence-disrupting element and the bubble-breaking element, and the turbulence-disrupting element is located between the outlet surface and the bubble-breaking element.

[0015] The present invention also proposes a microbubble generating system, comprising:

[0016] Dissolved gas system; and

[0017] As described above, the output of the dissolved gas system is connected to the bubbler.

[0018] The present invention also proposes a water heater, including the microbubble generating system as described above. The dissolved gas system includes a fluid conveying component and a dissolved gas tank. The output end of the fluid conveying component is connected to the dissolved gas tank, and the output port of the dissolved gas tank is connected to the liquid inlet end of the aerator. The fluid conveying component has at least a first branch channel and a second branch channel arranged in parallel. The first branch channel has an air inlet for introducing external gas on its channel wall.

[0019] In one embodiment, the first branch channel is configured to generate a low-pressure zone within the first branch channel when fluid passes through it, and the air inlet is at least partially oriented toward the low-pressure zone.

[0020] The technical solution of this invention involves providing multiple liquid-passing channels between the inlet and outlet surfaces of a bubbler. Each liquid-passing channel extends through both the inlet and outlet surfaces. These channels include at least a first channel and a second channel arranged in parallel. The first and second channels have different structures: the first channel is a foaming channel for generating microbubbles, and the second channel is a flow channel for direct liquid passage. Thus, external liquid enters the various liquid-passing channels through the inlet surface of the bubbler and is divided. A portion of the liquid can pass through the first channel to generate microbubble liquid, while the other portion can be directly output through the second channel. The first channel uses a variable diameter channel, which facilitates the large-scale precipitation of microbubbles in the liquid to form microbubble liquid. The second channel is constructed as a constant-diameter straight-through channel, resulting in low resistance and facilitating liquid passage to ensure high-flow-rate output. Furthermore, the simple structure of the constant-diameter straight-through channel simplifies the manufacturing process of the second channel. By differentiating the design of the first and second flow channels, the flow channel structure and function of the bubbler are diversified. The first flow channel generates microbubbles to ensure a foaming effect, while the second channel allows for continuous flow to ensure a large flow rate output. In this way, both good foaming effect and large flow rate output can be achieved. Attached Figure Description

[0021] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without creative effort.

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an embodiment of the bubbler provided by the present invention;

[0023] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Axial orthographic projection view of the central bubbler;

[0024] Figure 3 for Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of the intermediate aerator;

[0025] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of another embodiment of the bubbler provided by the present invention;

[0026] Figure 5 for Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of the intermediate aerator;

[0027] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the structure of an embodiment of the water heater provided by the present invention;

[0028] Figure 7 for Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the structure of an embodiment of a fluid transport component;

[0029] Figure 8 for Figure 7 A cross-sectional structural diagram of a medium-fluid transport component.

[0030] Explanation of icon numbers:

[0031] 1000, Water heater;

[0032] 100. Microbubble generation system; 200. Heat exchange system; 300. Booster pump;

[0033] 10. Aerator; 10a. Liquid inlet surface; 10b. Liquid outlet surface; 101. Liquid inlet port; 102. Liquid outlet port; 11. Liquid flow channel; 111. First flow channel; 1111. Converging section; 1112. Throat; 1113. Diverging section; 112. Second flow channel; 12. Flow turbulence element; 13. Bubble breaking element; 14. Pipe body; 141. First pipe section; 1411. Connecting part; 142. Second pipe section; 143. Third pipe section; 15. Aerating part;

[0034] 20. Infusion tubing;

[0035] 30. Fluid conveying component; 301. Liquid inlet; 302. Flow branch channel; 302a. First branch channel; 302b. Second branch channel; 303. Liquid outlet; 304. Liquid inlet channel; 305. Liquid outlet channel; 306. Air inlet; 306a. First section; 306b. Second section; 3061. Air inlet; 3062. Through port; 31. Liquid inlet section; 32. Flow branch section; 33. Liquid outlet section;

[0036] 40. Dissolved gas tank; 50. Air pump.

[0037] The realization of the objective, functional features and advantages of the present invention will be further explained in conjunction with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0038] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, and not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0039] It should be noted that if the embodiments of the present invention involve directional indicators (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.), the directional indicators are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of the components in a specific posture. If the specific posture changes, the directional indicators will also change accordingly.

[0040] Furthermore, if the embodiments of this invention involve descriptions such as "first" or "second," these descriptions are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of those features. Additionally, the use of "and / or" or "and / or" throughout the text includes three parallel solutions. For example, "A and / or B" includes solution A, solution B, or a solution where both A and B are satisfied simultaneously. Furthermore, the technical solutions of the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but this must be based on the ability of those skilled in the art to implement them. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or impossible to implement, it should be considered that such a combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed by this invention.

[0041] The bubbler is a crucial component in a microbubble generation system, used to produce microbubbles. Traditional bubblers have a simple flow channel structure. To improve foaming performance, the flow channel is typically designed to generate a significant pressure drop. While this pressure drop enhances foaming, it also increases flow resistance, leading to a decrease in flow rate and making it unsuitable for high-flow-rate applications. Therefore, traditional bubblers often cannot simultaneously achieve both good foaming performance and high-flow-rate output.

[0042] For example, an aerator can be installed on the pipe connecting the water heater to the user's water outlet (such as the shower head). The aerator can precipitate microbubbles in the hot water output by the water heater, turning it into microbubble water, thereby improving the user's bathing experience. However, traditional aerators usually have too much resistance and too small an output flow rate, which cannot effectively improve the user's bathing experience.

[0043] Based on this, the present invention proposes a bubbler that, through diversified design of the flow channel of the bubbler, can achieve both good foaming effect and large flow output.

[0044] Please see Figures 1 to 3In one embodiment of the present invention, the bubbler 10 has an inlet surface 10a, an outlet surface 10b, and a plurality of liquid passages 11. Each liquid passage 11 has its two ends penetrating the inlet surface 10a and the outlet surface 10b, respectively. The plurality of liquid passages 11 include at least a first passage 111 and a second passage 112 arranged in parallel. The structures of the first passage 111 and the second passage 112 are different. The first passage 111 is a bubble-generating passage for generating microbubbles, and the second passage 112 is a flow passage for direct passage of liquid.

[0045] The bubbler 10 can be applied in a microbubble generating system 100. The gas-dissolved liquid containing dissolved gas is delivered to the bubbler 10 through the liquid delivery line 20 of the microbubble generating system 100, and then the microbubbles in the gas-dissolved liquid are precipitated by the bubbler 10 to form a microbubble liquid.

[0046] The bubbler 10 has an inlet surface 10a and an outlet surface 10b, which can be located on opposite sides or adjacent sides of the bubbler 10. Optionally, the bubbler 10 is generally cylindrical, with the inlet surface 10a and the outlet surface 10b formed on its axial end faces, respectively. The bubbler 10 has multiple (i.e., at least two) liquid flow channels 11, which are arranged in parallel. Liquid input from the inlet surface 10a can be diverted into each liquid flow channel 11 and then output from the outlet surface 10b. The structures of the multiple liquid flow channels 11 are not completely identical. Some of the liquid flow channels 11 are first flow channels 111 for foaming, while others are second flow channels 112 for flow passage. That is, the first flow channel 111 is a foaming flow channel for generating microbubbles, and the second flow channel 112 is a flow passage for direct liquid flow. As the liquid passes through the first flow channel 111, dissolved microbubbles in the liquid can be precipitated. To enhance the foaming effect, the first flow channel 111 can be configured to generate a low-pressure zone when the liquid passes through, thereby precipitating microbubbles to a greater extent. For example, the first flow channel 111 can be configured as a variable-diameter flow channel (such as a Venturi flow channel). When the liquid passes through, a low-pressure zone is generated at the narrowest part of the variable-diameter flow channel. In the low-pressure zone, the solubility of gas in the liquid decreases, thereby precipitating a large number of microbubbles. Alternatively, the first flow channel 111 can also be configured as a swirling flow channel. When the liquid passes through, a low-pressure zone is generated at the vortex part of the swirling flow channel to precipitate microbubbles. Of course, the first flow channel 111 can also be configured as other irregular flow channels, as long as it can generate a low-pressure zone in the first flow channel 111 when the liquid passes through, causing the gas in the liquid to precipitate and generate microbubbles. The second flow channel 112 is used for the direct passage of liquid. Its flow channel form includes, but is not limited to, a straight flow channel, a curved flow channel, or other irregular flow channels, as long as it can allow the liquid to pass through. The number of first flow channels 111 and second flow channels 112 can be one, two, or more, and no specific limitation is made here. Optionally, multiple first flow channels 111 and multiple second flow channels 112 are provided to ensure better foaming effect and greater flow output.

[0047] The technical solution of this invention involves providing multiple liquid-passing channels 11 between the liquid inlet surface 10a and the liquid outlet surface 10b of the bubbler 10. Each liquid-passing channel 11 has its two ends penetrating both the liquid inlet surface 10a and the liquid outlet surface 10b. The multiple liquid-passing channels 11 include at least a first channel 111 and a second channel 112 arranged in parallel. The structures of the first channel 111 and the second channel 112 are different. The first channel 111 is a foaming channel for generating microbubbles, and the second channel 112 is a flow channel for direct liquid passage. Thus, external liquid enters the liquid-passing channels 11 through the liquid inlet surface 10a of the bubbler 10 for diversion. A portion of the liquid can generate microbubble liquid through the first channel 111, while another portion can be directly output through the second channel 112. By differentiating the design of the first flow channel 111 and the second flow channel 112, the flow channel structure and function of the bubbler 10 are diversified. The first flow channel 111 generates microbubbles to ensure a foaming effect, while the second channel can continuously flow through to ensure that the bubbler 10 has a large flow rate output. In this way, both a good foaming effect and a large flow rate output can be achieved.

[0048] like Figure 3 As shown, in one embodiment, the first flow channel 111 is constructed as a variable diameter flow channel, and the second flow channel 112 is constructed as a constant diameter straight-through flow channel. A variable diameter flow channel refers to a fluid channel whose cross-sectional area or shape changes along the flow direction; a constant diameter straight-through flow channel refers to a straight fluid channel whose cross-sectional area remains constant (i.e., its diameter or width does not shrink or expand).

[0049] In this embodiment, the first flow channel 111 adopts a variable diameter flow channel, including but not limited to a Venturi flow channel, a stepped orifice flow channel, or other variable diameter flow channels, as long as the inner diameter of the first flow channel 111 has a certain change. When the liquid passes through the first flow channel 111, the liquid flow velocity increases significantly in the variable diameter region (such as narrow places or intersections), the static pressure decreases, and the solubility of gas in the liquid decreases, which is conducive to the large-scale precipitation of microbubbles in the liquid to form microbubble liquid.

[0050] The second flow channel 112 is constructed as a constant-diameter straight-through flow channel, which reduces resistance and facilitates liquid flow, ensuring a high flow rate. Furthermore, the simple structure of the constant-diameter straight-through flow channel simplifies its manufacturing process. The cross-sectional shape of the second flow channel 112 includes, but is not limited to, circular, elliptical, arc-shaped, annular, square, or other irregular cross-sections. For example, the cross-section of the second flow channel 112 can be set to an arc shape to ensure a large flow cross-sectional area. The flow cross-sectional area of ​​the flow channel refers to the effective cross-sectional area available for fluid to pass through in the cross-section perpendicular to the flow direction.

[0051] Optionally, the flow cross-sectional area of ​​the second flow channel 112 is larger than the minimum flow cross-sectional area of ​​the first flow channel 111. This results in lower resistance and a larger flow capacity for the second flow channel 112 compared to the first flow channel 111. Of course, the flow cross-sectional area of ​​the second flow channel 112 can also be designed to be less than or equal to the minimum flow cross-sectional area of ​​the first flow channel 111, as long as the second flow channel 112 can allow liquid to pass through. When multiple second flow channels 112 are provided, the cross-sectional shape and flow cross-sectional area of ​​the multiple second flow channels 112 can be exactly the same, or at least partially different.

[0052] Understandably, when the resistance of the second flow channel 112 is too low and the resistance of the first flow channel 111 is too high, the liquid will tend to flow towards the second flow channel 112, resulting in a small flow rate into the first flow channel 111 and affecting the foaming effect. To balance the flow distribution between the first flow channel 111 and the second flow channel 112, optionally, a turbulence-inducing structure can be provided within the second flow channel 112. By providing a turbulence-inducing structure within the second flow channel 112, the liquid within the second flow channel 112 can be turbulent, thereby appropriately increasing the resistance of the second flow channel 112 to avoid an excessive difference in resistance between the first flow channel 111 and the second flow channel 112, which would lead to uneven flow distribution. The turbulence-inducing structure includes, but is not limited to, turbulence protrusions, turbulence plates, turbulence rings, etc., provided within the second flow channel 112; its specific structure is not limited.

[0053] like Figure 3 As shown, in one embodiment, the first flow channel 111 includes a tapered section 1111, a throat 1112, and a widening section 1113 arranged and connected in sequence. The wide end of the tapered section 1111 penetrates the inlet liquid surface 10a, and the wide end of the widening section 1113 penetrates the outlet liquid surface 10b. The throat 1112 is a straight section of equal diameter extending from the narrow end of the tapered section 1111 toward the narrow end of the widening section 1113.

[0054] In this embodiment, the first flow channel 111 is constructed as a Venturi flow channel having a tapering section 1111, a throat 1112, and a widening section 1113. The inner diameter of the tapering section 1111 gradually decreases from the liquid inlet surface 10a toward the throat 1112, and the inner diameter of the widening section 1113 gradually increases from the throat 1112 toward the liquid outlet surface 10b. The throat 1112 is a straight section of constant diameter with a certain length. As the liquid passes through the first flow channel 111, the liquid velocity gradually increases in the converging section 1111, while the pressure drops sharply at the throat 1112. When the pressure at the throat 1112 is lower than the liquid's saturated vapor pressure, dissolved gas precipitates or the liquid partially vaporizes, forming cavitation bubbles. Furthermore, the high-speed liquid at the throat 1112 creates strong turbulence, exerting shear force on the gas jet and breaking it into microbubbles. These microbubbles flow towards the expanding section 1113, where the liquid velocity gradually decreases and the pressure rises again. The velocity gradient in the expanding section 1113 further promotes bubble refinement. By setting the throat 1112 as a straight section of constant diameter with a certain length, a low-pressure zone of a certain length can be formed in the throat 1112. The microbubbles generated at the end of the converging section 1111 can flow smoothly for a certain distance in the throat 1112 and reach dissolution equilibrium, thus making the generated microbubble liquid more stable.

[0055] To avoid excessively large bubbles, the length of the converging section 1111 must be neither too short nor too long. If the converging section 1111 is too short, the liquid, due to inertia, cannot quickly adapt to the abrupt change in cross-section, resulting in flow separation and energy loss near the inlet of the converging section 1111. This leads to a decrease in the effective flow velocity at the throat 1112, weakening the shear force and causing the bubble size to increase. If the converging section 1111 is too long, the fluid acceleration will slow down, the flow velocity at the throat 1112 will decrease, resulting in insufficient shear force, reduced gas fragmentation efficiency, and an increase in bubble size.

[0056] like Figure 3 As shown, in one embodiment, the length of the tapered section 1111 is not less than 1.5 mm and not more than 3.5 mm. That is, the length L1 of the tapered section 1111 is within the range of 1.5 mm to 3.5 mm. This ensures that the length of the tapered section 1111 is moderate, reducing flow separation and energy loss near the inlet of the tapered section 1111, and guaranteeing a high flow velocity and large shear force at the throat 1112. This ensures gas fragmentation efficiency and avoids excessively large bubble sizes, thereby achieving a better foaming effect. For example, the length L1 of the tapered section 1111 can be 1.5 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm, 3.5 mm, or any other value within the range of 1.5 mm to 3.5 mm.

[0057] The length of the throat 1112 of the first flow channel 111 should not be too short or too long. If the throat 1112 of the first flow channel 111 is too short, the gas will not have enough residence time in the high-speed shear zone and will not be fully broken up before entering the diffuser section 1113, resulting in larger bubble sizes and a wider size distribution. Furthermore, the throat 1112 is the point of lowest pressure drop. If the throat 1112 is too short, the diffuser section 1113 will not be able to effectively utilize kinetic energy to convert pressure energy, leading to an increase in overall pressure loss. In addition, the generation and collapse of cavitation bubbles require a certain amount of time. If the throat 1112 is too short, the cavitation process will be incomplete, and the microbubble production will also decrease. If the throat 1112 of the first flow channel 111 is too long, the friction time between the fluid and the wall will be prolonged, the turbulent energy dissipation will be intensified, the flow velocity in the throat 1112 will gradually decrease, the shear force will weaken, and the bubbles may re-coalesce. Moreover, an excessively long throat 1112 is prone to inducing secondary flow or vortices, resulting in uneven distribution of the gas and liquid phases.

[0058] To achieve better foaming results, such as Figure 3 As shown, in one embodiment, the length of the throat 1112 is not less than 0.7 mm and not more than 1.2 mm. That is, the length L2 of the throat 1112 is within the range of 0.7 mm to 1.2 mm. This ensures that the length of the throat 1112 is moderate, allowing the gas sufficient residence time in the high-speed shear zone of the throat 1112 to be fully broken down, forming smaller microbubbles with a narrower size distribution. Simultaneously, it ensures that the diffuser section 1113 can effectively utilize kinetic energy to convert into pressure energy, reducing pressure loss. Furthermore, it allows for a more complete cavitation process in the throat 1112, increasing the amount of microbubbles generated. It also mitigates problems such as bubble re-coalescing and uneven gas-liquid phase distribution caused by an excessively long throat 1112. For example, the length L2 of the throat 1112 can be 0.7 mm, 0.8 mm, 0.9 mm, 1 mm, 1.1 mm, 1.2 mm, or any other value within the range of 0.7 mm to 1.2 mm.

[0059] The expansion angle of the diverging section 1113 of the first flow channel 111 is the angle between the two side walls of the diverging section 1113. The expansion angle is a key parameter affecting pressure recovery, flow stability, and energy efficiency. If the expansion angle of the diverging section 1113 is too small, the slow pressure recovery may cause bubbles to coalesce in the diverging section 1113; if the expansion angle of the diverging section 1113 is too large, it will significantly reduce bubble production and uniformity.

[0060] like Figure 3As shown, in one embodiment, the expansion angle of the expanding section 1113 is not less than 2 degrees and not greater than 5 degrees. That is, the expansion angle of the expanding section 1113 is α, satisfying 2°≤α≤5°. This ensures that the expansion angle of the expanding section 1113 is moderate, effectively preventing bubbles from coalescing within the expanding section 1113 and guaranteeing bubble yield and uniformity, thereby further improving the foaming effect. For example, the expansion angle α of the expanding section 1113 can be 2°, 3°, 4°, 5°, or any other value within the range of 2° to 5°.

[0061] Optionally, the length of the tapered section 1111 is not less than 1.5 mm and not more than 3.5 mm; the length of the throat 1112 is not less than 0.7 mm and not more than 1.2 mm; and the expansion angle of the expanding section 1113 is not less than 2 degrees and not more than 5 degrees. This makes the overall size design of the first flow channel 111 more reasonable and can achieve a better foaming effect.

[0062] like Figure 3 As shown, in one embodiment, the first flow channel 111 is disposed near the center of the bubbler 10, and the second flow channel 112 is disposed near the edge of the bubbler 10.

[0063] It is understandable that when liquid is transported in a pipeline, the liquid velocity is higher in the center of the pipeline and lower at the edges. By placing the first flow channel 111 close to the center of the bubbler 10, when the external pipeline is connected to the bubbler 10, the liquid entering the first flow channel 111 has a higher velocity. Increased velocity and lower static pressure are more conducive to microbubble precipitation. Placing the second flow channel 112 close to the edge of the bubbler 10 facilitates the smooth output of liquid with lower velocities. In this way, foaming can be achieved in the center while flow is unimpeded at the edges, conforming to fluid dynamics design and reasonably balancing the foaming effect and high flow rate requirements, thus achieving optimal theoretical foaming effect and flow rate.

[0064] The first flow channel 111 and the second flow channel 112 can be arranged in various ways to achieve bubble formation in the central part and flow through the edge part.

[0065] In one embodiment, the second flow channel 112 is at least partially arranged around the periphery of the first flow channel 111. For example, the cross-sectional shape of the second flow channel 112 may be arc-shaped, partially surrounding the periphery of the first flow channel 111. Alternatively, the cross-sectional shape of the second flow channel 112 may be annular, completely surrounding the periphery of the first flow channel 111.

[0066] like Figure 2As shown, in another embodiment, multiple second channels 112 are arranged at intervals along the circumference of the bubbler 10, and the first channel 111 is located within the area formed by the multiple second channels 112. In this embodiment, while ensuring the overall flow rate remains unchanged, a single second channel 112 is replaced with multiple independent and spaced second channels 112, making the flow cross-sectional size of each second channel 112 relatively small. This avoids the second channel 112 having an excessively large flow cross-sectional size, resulting in insufficient resistance, and avoids the resistance difference between the first channel 111 and the second channel 112 being too large, resulting in uneven flow distribution. This ensures that the liquid can enter the first channel 111 and the second channel 112 more evenly. Furthermore, the multiple independent second channels 112 are arranged around the periphery of the first channel 111, which enables foaming in the central part and flow through the edge part, conforming to fluid dynamics design and reasonably balancing the foaming effect and the large flow rate requirement, so that the theoretical foaming effect and flow rate are both optimal.

[0067] Optionally, multiple first channels 111 are provided in the area enclosed by multiple second channels 112, and each first channel 111 can generate microbubbles, thereby further increasing the amount of microbubbles generated.

[0068] For example, such as Figure 2 As shown, there are seven first flow channels 111, one of which is a central foaming channel located at the center of the bubbler 10, and the other six first flow channels 111 surround the central foaming channel. There are four second flow channels 112, which are arranged at intervals along the circumference of the bubbler 10 and surround all the first flow channels 111. Two of the second flow channels 112 have larger cross-sectional dimensions, while the other two have relatively smaller cross-sectional dimensions.

[0069] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, in one embodiment, a turbulence-disrupting element 12 and / or a bubble-breaking element 13 are provided downstream of the liquid outlet surface 10b.

[0070] For example, the bubbler 10 also has a flow-dispersing element 12, which is located downstream of the liquid outlet surface 10b. Liquid enters the bubbler 10 through the inlet surface 10a. A portion of the liquid passes through the first flow channel 111 and is output as microbubble liquid, while the other portion is directly output as conventional liquid through the second flow channel 112. This results in the liquid output from the liquid outlet surface 10b being both microbubble liquid and conventional liquid. By providing the flow-dispersing element 12 downstream of the liquid outlet surface 10b, the flow-dispersing element 12 can agitate and mix the microbubble liquid and conventional liquid output from the liquid outlet surface 10b, allowing the two liquid forms to be fully and evenly mixed to obtain a more uniform microbubble liquid. The structure of the flow-dispersing element 12 can include, but is not limited to, a ring structure, a plate structure, a fan-shaped structure, or other structures, as long as they can achieve the flow-dispersing effect.

[0071] In one embodiment, the flow disruptor 12 has a flow port opposite to the outlet end of the first flow channel 111 and a stop portion opposite to the outlet end of the second flow channel 112. Thus, the microbubble liquid output from the first flow channel 111 can flow directly to the flow port, while the conventional liquid output from the second flow channel 112 will bypass the stop portion and flow to the flow port, ensuring thorough and uniform mixing of the microbubble liquid and the conventional liquid at the flow port. For example, multiple first flow channels 111 and multiple second flow channels 112 are provided, with the multiple first flow channels 111 located within the area enclosed by the multiple second flow channels 112. In this case, the flow disruptor 12 can be configured as an annular shape, with a flow port formed in the middle of the flow disruptor 12, allowing the microbubble liquid output from the first flow channel 111 and the conventional liquid output from the second flow channel 112 to converge at the flow port in the middle of the flow disruptor 12.

[0072] For example, the bubbler 10 also includes a bubble breaker 13 located downstream of the liquid outlet surface 10b. By incorporating the bubble breaker 13, it serves two purposes: firstly, it turbulences the flow, ensuring thorough and uniform mixing of the bubble liquid and the conventional liquid, resulting in a more homogeneous microbubble liquid; secondly, the bubble breaker 13 further shears and breaks down the microbubbles in the liquid, forming smaller microbubbles, thereby further enhancing the microbubble effect. The bubble breaker 13 can have various shapes, including but not limited to mesh structures, spiral shear structures, or other structures, as long as they effectively turbulence and shear the bubbles.

[0073] Optionally, the bubble-breaking component 13 may employ a mesh structure with a plurality of openings. For example, the bubble-breaking component 13 may include, but is not limited to, a metal mesh, a honeycomb mesh plate, or other porous structural components. The microbubble liquid and the liquid can flow forward through the mesh openings of the mesh structure, and turbulence is formed at the edges of the mesh openings to ensure thorough and uniform mixing; and the shearing action of the mesh openings can further shear and break up the bubbles in the microbubble liquid, forming smaller microbubbles. To achieve better turbulence and bubble shearing effects, the bubble-breaking component 13 may optionally employ a multi-layered mesh structure.

[0074] Understandably, in practical applications, the inclusion of the turbulence-disrupting element 12 and the bubble-breaking element 13 cannot significantly increase flow resistance, otherwise it will affect the foaming effect.

[0075] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, in one embodiment, the bubbler 10 further includes a tube body 14 and a bubble-generating section 15. The tube body 14 has an inlet port 101 and an outlet port 102 formed at its two ends. The tube body 14 includes a first tube segment 141, a second tube segment 142, and a third tube segment 143 connected sequentially from the inlet port 101 to the outlet port 102. The bubble-generating section 15 is disposed in the second tube segment 142 and has multiple liquid flow channels 11. The side of the bubble-generating section 15 facing the inlet port 101 forms an inlet surface 10a, and the side of the bubble-generating section 15 facing the outlet port 102 forms an outlet surface 10b. The third tube segment 143 is provided with a turbulence-disrupting element 12 and a bubble-breaking element 13. The turbulence-disrupting element 12 is located between the outlet surface 10b and the bubble-breaking element 13.

[0076] In this embodiment, the inlet port 101 of the pipe body 14 can be connected to the outlet port of the dissolved gas tank 40 in the microbubble generating system 100, and the outlet port 102 can be connected to the user's water supply (e.g., a shower head). The dissolved gas liquid output from the dissolved gas tank 40 enters the first pipe section 141 through the inlet port 101, and then is transported to the third pipe section 143 through multiple liquid passages 11 of the foaming section 15, and is then output to the user's water supply through the outlet port 102. The first pipe section 141, the second pipe section 142, and the third pipe section 143 can be independently configured and assembled, or they can be a single integral structure. The foaming section 15 and the second pipe section 142 can be independently configured and assembled, or they can be a single integral structure. Optionally, the first pipe section 141, the second pipe section 142, the third pipe section 143, and the foaming section 15 can be a single integral structure, which simplifies the manufacturing process and avoids sealing problems and leakage issues caused by assembly structures. The flow disruptor 12 can be integrally formed within the third pipe section 143, or the flow disruptor 12 can be assembled within the third pipe section 143 as an independent component. The bubble breaking component 13 can be integrally formed within the third pipe section 143, or the bubble breaking component 13 can be assembled within the third pipe section 143 as an independent component.

[0077] The third pipe section 143 is equipped with a flow-turbing element 12 and a bubble-breaking element 13. The flow-turbing element 12 is located between the bubble-breaking element 13 and the liquid outlet surface 10b. A gap is formed between the flow-turbing element 12 and the liquid outlet surface 10b, and a gap is formed between the flow-turbing element 12 and the bubble-breaking element 13. The microbubble liquid and dissolved gas liquid output from the multiple liquid passages 11 of the foaming section 15 enter the third pipe section 143. They are first turbulently mixed by the flow-turbing element 12, and then further mixed and sheared by the bubble-breaking element 13 to obtain a microbubble liquid with smaller size and more uniform distribution.

[0078] Optionally, such as Figure 5 As shown, the outer peripheral wall of the first pipe section 141 is provided with a connecting part 1411 to facilitate the connection of the first pipe section 141 to other pipes. The connecting part 1411 may include, but is not limited to, a threaded structure, a snap-fit ​​structure, or other quick-release structures. Optionally, the connecting part 1411 is an external thread on the outer peripheral wall of the first pipe section 141, which has a simple structure and facilitates the installation and disassembly of the aerator 10 to other pipes.

[0079] like Figure 6 As shown, the present invention also proposes a microbubble generating system 100, including a dissolved gas system and a bubbler 10, wherein the output end of the dissolved gas system is connected to the bubbler 10. The specific structure of the bubbler 10 is as described in the above embodiments. Since the microbubble generating system 100 adopts all the technical solutions of all the above embodiments, it has at least all the beneficial effects brought about by the technical solutions of the above embodiments, which will not be described in detail here.

[0080] The microbubble generating system 100 can be applied to water-using devices to generate microbubbles, including but not limited to water heaters 1000, washing machines, and shower equipment. The dissolved gas system is used to transport a dissolved gas liquid containing a large amount of dissolved gas to the aerator 10, where microbubbles are precipitated from the dissolved gas liquid to form a microbubble liquid. Since the aerator 10 has at least a first flow channel 111 and a second flow channel 112 arranged in parallel, the first flow channel 111 generates the microbubble liquid to ensure a foaming effect, while the second flow channel 112 allows for continuous flow to ensure a large flow rate output from the aerator 10. Thus, the microbubble generating system 100 can achieve both good foaming effect and large flow rate output, thereby improving the user experience.

[0081] like Figure 6 As shown, the present invention also proposes a water heater 1000, including a microbubble generating system 100. The specific structure of the microbubble generating system 100 is as described in the above embodiments. Since the water heater 1000 adopts all the technical solutions of all the above embodiments, it has at least all the beneficial effects brought about by the technical solutions of the above embodiments, and will not be described in detail here.

[0082] The water heater 1000 can be a gas water heater, an electric water heater, or other types of water heater. Taking a gas water heater 1000 as an example, the water heater 1000 includes a microbubble generating system 100 and a heat exchange system 200. The heat exchange system 200 may include an inlet pipe, a heat exchanger, and an outlet pipe connected in sequence. A burner may be provided on one side of the heat exchanger. The high-temperature flue gas generated by the burner flows towards the surface of the heat exchanger. Cold water transported by the inlet pipe flows into the heat exchanger and exchanges heat with the high-temperature flue gas to form hot water. The hot water is output through the outlet pipe to the microbubble generating system 100, where microbubble hot water is generated and then output to the user's water outlet (e.g., a shower head) to improve the user's bathing experience. Optionally, the water heater 1000 also includes a booster pump 300, which is installed on the inlet pipe to increase the inlet water pressure and further meet the demand for large flow rates.

[0083] like Figures 6 to 8 As shown, in one embodiment, the dissolved gas system includes a fluid conveying component 30 and a dissolved gas tank 40. The output end of the fluid conveying component 30 is connected to the dissolved gas tank 40, and the output port of the dissolved gas tank 40 is connected to the liquid inlet end of the bubbler 10. The fluid conveying component 30 has at least a first branch channel 302a and a second branch channel 302b arranged in parallel. The channel wall of the first branch channel 302a is provided with an air inlet 3061 for introducing external gas.

[0084] In this embodiment, the input end of the fluid conveying component 30 can be connected to an external pipeline. The fluid conveying component 30 is used to transport liquid in the pipeline to the dissolved gas tank 40, and then from the dissolved gas tank 40 to the aerator 10 via the liquid delivery pipeline 20. The fluid conveying component 30 has a branch channel 302, which has at least a first branch channel 302a and a second branch channel 302b arranged in parallel. The channel wall of the first branch channel 302a is provided with an air inlet 3061, so that when the liquid passes through the first branch channel 302a, external gas can enter the first branch channel 302a through the air inlet 3061 to mix with the liquid in the first branch channel 302a to obtain a dissolved gas liquid. At the same time, the second branch channel 302b can continuously transport liquid. In this way, both the dissolved gas effect and the large flow rate requirement can be met simultaneously. Furthermore, through the cooperation of the fluid conveying component 30 and the bubbler 10, the entire microbubble generating system 100 can ensure the gas dissolving effect and large flow rate through the fluid conveying component 30 in its upstream flow path, and can ensure the foaming effect and large flow rate through the bubbler 10 in its downstream flow path, thereby ensuring the output of a large flow rate of microbubble liquid.

[0085] In related technologies, most microbubble generation systems use an air pump to directly inject air into the dissolved gas tank. This requires a high sealing pressure from the air pump. When the inlet pressure is too high, the air pump cannot inject air into the dissolved gas tank, resulting in a significant decrease in the dissolved gas effect. Some solutions use a water flow cut-off method to inject air into the dissolved gas tank, that is, closing the water flow cut-off valve when injecting air. This causes the water flow to drop sharply for a short time, and then recover after a few seconds. This makes the water flow output unstable, and the water flow fluctuation is noticeable, affecting the user experience.

[0086] In addition, some related technologies include a water inlet pipe at the inlet of the dissolved gas tank. This water inlet pipe is constructed as a single reducing pipe (e.g., a Venturi tube), with a suction pipe located at or near the minimum diameter of the reducing pipe. Gas is then drawn into the dissolved gas tank via the suction pipe and the water inlet pipe. This approach uses a single reducing pipe to supply both gas and liquid to the dissolved gas tank. According to Bernoulli's equation, when liquid flows through the narrowest part of the reducing pipe (e.g., the throat of a Venturi tube), the flow velocity is inversely proportional to the cross-sectional area. The smaller the cross-sectional area at the narrowest point, the higher the flow velocity and the lower the local pressure, thus creating a stronger vacuum and promoting gas intake. Therefore, to improve suction capacity, the narrowest part of the reducing pipe needs to be designed to be very small. However, if the narrowest part is too small, it will restrict flow and cause a significant increase in liquid flow resistance, reducing the liquid flow rate and affecting the liquid delivery capacity. Therefore, it is impossible to simultaneously achieve good gas intake and high-flow-rate liquid delivery.

[0087] like Figure 8 As shown, in one embodiment, the first branch channel 302a is configured to generate a low-pressure zone when fluid passes through it, and the air inlet 3061 is at least partially oriented towards this low-pressure zone. This reduces the injection pressure at the air inlet 3061, making it easier for external gas to enter the first branch channel 302a, thereby further improving the dissolved gas effect. Simultaneously, because the second branch channel 302b continuously delivers liquid, the liquid flow rate output by the fluid conveying component 30 does not drop abruptly, which helps maintain a large liquid flow rate, thus meeting high flow rate requirements. In this way, the difficulty of injection is reduced, the dissolved gas effect is improved, and a high flow rate output is guaranteed.

[0088] The first branch channel 302a is constructed to create a low-pressure zone when fluid passes through it. The air inlet 3061 faces this low-pressure zone, thus reducing the injection pressure and allowing external gas to enter the first branch channel 302a more easily, thereby improving its dissolved gas effect. For example, the first branch channel 302a can be designed as a variable-diameter channel (e.g., a Venturi channel). According to Bernoulli's principle, when fluid passes through a variable-diameter channel, the flow velocity increases and the static pressure decreases as the channel narrows, creating a low-pressure zone. Alternatively, the first branch channel 302a can also be designed as a swirling channel. When fluid passes through a swirling channel, the pressure decreases in the high-speed rotating region (e.g., the center of the swirling flow), forming a low-pressure zone, while the pressure is higher at the outer edge. Of course, the first branch channel 302a can also be designed as other irregularly shaped channels, which are not specifically limited here. The second branch channel 302b includes, but is not limited to, a straight-through channel of equal diameter, a variable-diameter channel, a curved channel, etc., and its channel shape is not specifically limited. In addition, the number of the first branch channel 302a and the second branch channel 302b can be one, two or more, and is not specifically limited here. The first branch channel 302a and the second branch channel 302b can be coaxially arranged (for example, a sleeve structure can be adopted, so that the first branch channel 302a is arranged around the second branch channel 302b, or the second branch channel 302b is arranged around the first branch channel 302a), or they can be arranged non-coaxially (for example, the first branch channel 302a and the second branch channel 302b extend in parallel, or have a certain inclination angle); the first branch channel 302a and the second branch channel 302b can be integrated on the same component (for example, the first branch channel 302a and the second branch channel 302b are integrated on the diversion part 32), or they can be respectively arranged on different components (for example, the first branch channel 302a is formed in the first diversion pipe, and the second branch channel 302b is formed in the second diversion pipe), without specific limitations here.

[0089] Optionally, the first branch channel 302a is constructed as a Venturi channel, and the second branch channel 302b is constructed as a straight-through channel. The first branch channel 302a is constructed as a Venturi channel, with its throat being the narrowest part of the Venturi channel. When fluid passes through, a low-pressure area is generated at the throat. The air inlet 3061 faces the throat to facilitate pressure reduction during air injection. Understandably, a single Venturi channel cannot simultaneously satisfy both the throat pressure reduction effect and the high flow rate. The smaller the throat diameter, the better the throat pressure reduction effect, but the lower the flow rate through the throat. In this design, since the first branch channel 302a and the second branch channel 302b are connected in parallel, and the second branch channel 302b is a straight-through channel with lower flow resistance, it can meet the high-flow-rate delivery requirements. Therefore, the throat of the first branch channel 302a can be designed to be very small to achieve better pressure reduction and further enhance gas injection performance, thus better balancing pressure reduction and high-flow-rate requirements. Of course, in some embodiments, the second branch channel 302b can also be constructed as a Venturi channel, with its throat size larger than that of the first branch channel 302a, achieving similarly good flow characteristics.

[0090] Compared to existing technologies that directly pump air into the dissolved gas tank using an air pump, and those that intermittently close the water flow shut-off valve to improve the pumping effect, the present invention delivers gas and liquid into the dissolved gas tank 40 via a fluid conveying component 30. Since the fluid conveying component 30 has a first branch channel 302a and a second branch channel 302b connected in parallel, the first branch channel 302a is configured to generate a low-pressure zone when fluid passes through it. The air inlet 3061 is at least partially oriented towards this low-pressure zone, thus reducing the injection pressure at the air inlet 3061. The reduced gas injection difficulty allows external gas to more easily enter the first branch channel 302a, which then transports the gas to the dissolved gas tank 40. This allows more gas to enter the dissolved gas tank 40, improving the dissolved gas effect and solving the problem of excessive pressure preventing gas injection when directly pumping gas into the dissolved gas tank 40. On the other hand, the second branch channel 302b continuously supplies liquid to the dissolved gas tank 40, increasing the liquid inflow and ensuring a consistent liquid outflow, enabling high-flow-rate liquid delivery to downstream pipelines. Furthermore, the absence of intermittent closure of the water flow shut-off valve during gas injection prevents sudden drops in liquid flow, ensuring stable liquid flow and continuous, stable high-flow-rate output.

[0091] Compared to the above-mentioned solution of using a self-priming variable diameter pipe to introduce air into the dissolved gas tank, the fluid conveying component of the present invention has a first branch channel 302a and a second branch channel 302b connected in parallel. On the one hand, the first branch channel 302a is configured to generate a low-pressure zone when fluid passes through it, and the air inlet 3061 is at least partially oriented towards the low-pressure zone. This reduces the injection pressure of the air inlet 3061, lowers the injection difficulty, and makes it easier for external gas to enter the first branch channel 302a. On the other hand, the second branch channel 302b can continuously deliver liquid to ensure a large flow rate output. Furthermore, because of the flow through the second branch channel 302b, when the first branch channel 302a is constructed as a variable diameter channel, the narrowest part of the first branch channel 302a can be designed to be smaller, which is more conducive to reducing the injection pressure and improving the air intake effect. Thus, by having the first branch channel 302a and the second branch channel 302b designed in parallel, the contradiction between the air intake capacity and the liquid delivery capacity of the traditional single intake reducer can be well balanced, and the requirements of good air intake effect and large flow rate liquid delivery can be met at the same time.

[0092] The water heater 1000 of the present invention, on the one hand, delivers gas and liquid to the dissolved gas tank 40 via the fluid conveying component 30 upstream of the dissolved gas tank 40, which reduces the difficulty of injecting gas into the dissolved gas tank 40, improves the dissolved gas effect, and achieves a large flow rate output, so that the dissolved gas tank 40 can deliver more dissolved gas liquid to the aerator 10 downstream; at the same time, the downstream aerator 10 can simultaneously achieve a good aeration effect and a large flow rate output. Thus, through multiple effects, the water heater 1000 can provide a large flow rate of microbubble liquid to the user's water end, thereby improving the user's bathing experience.

[0093] There are multiple arrangements for the first branch channel 302a and the second branch channel 302b.

[0094] In one embodiment, the second branch channel 302b is at least partially arranged around the periphery of the first branch channel 302a. For example, the cross-section of the second branch channel 302b may be annular, such that the second branch channel 302b is arranged around the periphery of the first branch channel 302a. As another example, the cross-section of the second branch channel 302b may be arc-shaped, such that the second branch channel 302b is partially arranged around the periphery of the first branch channel 302a. Yet another example, the second branch channel 302b may extend spirally along the axial direction of the first branch channel 302a and be fitted around the periphery of the first branch channel 302a.

[0095] like Figure 8As shown, in some embodiments, multiple second branch channels 302b are arranged circumferentially along the first branch channel 302a, and the first branch channel 302a is located within the area enclosed by the multiple second branch channels 302b. By providing multiple second branch channels 302b, it is beneficial to further increase the liquid flow rate to better meet the demand for large flow rates. Furthermore, while ensuring that the overall flow rate remains unchanged, replacing a single second branch channel 302b with multiple independent and spaced second branch channels 302b makes the flow cross-sectional size of each second branch channel 302b relatively small. This avoids the second branch channel 302b having an excessively large flow cross-sectional size, resulting in insufficient resistance, and avoids the resistance difference between the first branch channel 302a and the second branch channel 302b being too large, resulting in uneven flow distribution. This ensures that the liquid can enter the first branch channel 302a and the second branch channel 302b more evenly.

[0096] like Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, in one embodiment, the fluid transport member 30 includes an inlet section 31, a diverter section 32, and an outlet section 33. The liquid inlet section 31 is provided with a liquid inlet 301 and a liquid inlet channel 304; the diversion section 32 is provided on the side of the liquid inlet section 31 away from the liquid inlet 301, the diversion section 32 is provided with a diversion channel 302 and an air inlet 306, the liquid inlet 301 is connected to the inlet end of each branch channel of the diversion channel 302 via the liquid inlet channel 304, one end of the air inlet 306 penetrates the inner wall of the first branch channel 302a to form an air inlet 3061, and the other end penetrates the surface of the diversion section 32 to form a through port 3062; the liquid outlet section 33 is provided on the end of the diversion section 32 away from the liquid inlet section 31, the liquid outlet section 33 is provided with a liquid outlet 303 and a liquid outlet channel 305, the outlet end of each branch channel of the diversion channel 302 is connected to the liquid outlet 303 via the liquid outlet channel 305.

[0097] In this embodiment, the inlet section 31, the diverter section 32, and the outlet section 33 can be independent components assembled together. Alternatively, the diverter section 32 can be integrally formed with at least one of the inlet section 31 and the outlet section 33. Optionally, the inlet section 31, the diverter section 32, and the outlet section 33 can be integrally formed, which simplifies the manufacturing process, ensures the overall structural strength, and avoids problems such as poor sealing and leakage that can occur with assembled structures. The inlet section 31 and the outlet section 33 are hollow tubular structures, such as circular tubes. One end of the inlet section 31 is provided with an inlet port 301, and an inlet flow channel 304 is formed inside the inlet section 31. One end of the outlet section 33 is provided with an outlet port 303, and an outlet flow channel 305 is formed inside the outlet section 33. One end of the diversion section 32 is connected to the end of the liquid inlet section 31 away from the liquid inlet 301, and the other end of the diversion section 32 is connected to the end of the liquid outlet section 33 away from the liquid outlet 303. Each branch channel of the diversion channel 302 (e.g., the first branch channel 302a and the second branch channel 302b) is integrated onto the diversion section 32, resulting in a more compact overall structure and smaller footprint. This also avoids complex piping structures and simplifies the manufacturing process. For example, multiple parallel channels can be simultaneously constructed on the same component through injection molding to simplify the manufacturing process.

[0098] like Figure 8 As shown, in one embodiment, the air inlet 306 has a first section 306a and a second section 306b arranged and connected from the through opening 3062 toward the air inlet 3061, and the inner diameter of the first section 306a is larger than the inner diameter of the second section 306b.

[0099] In this embodiment, the air inlet 306 has a stepped hole structure. The inner diameter of the first section 306a of the air inlet 306 is relatively large, which is beneficial for connection with external pipelines. For example, the outlet end of the air pump 50 can be inserted into the first section 306a and connected to the first branch channel 302a via the second section 306b. The diameter of the second section 306b is smaller than the diameter of the first section 306a, allowing the gas to enter the first branch channel 302a at a higher flow rate, thereby fully mixing with the liquid in the first branch channel 302a to further improve the dissolved gas effect.

[0100] To facilitate connection between external piping and the fluid transport component 30, the inner peripheral wall of the first orifice section 306a may optionally be provided with internal threads for connecting the piping. Alternatively, the outer peripheral walls of the inlet section 31 and the outlet section 33 may optionally be provided with external threads for connecting the piping.

[0101] like Figure 6As shown, in one embodiment, the microbubble generating system 100 further includes an air pump 50, which is connected to the air inlet 3061 of the fluid conveying component 30 and is used to inject gas into the first branch channel 302a. In this embodiment, the air pump 50 injects gas into the first branch channel 302a. Since the air pump 50 can generate a certain pressure, it is more conducive to injecting more gas into the first branch channel 302a, which is beneficial to further enhance the gas dissolving effect.

[0102] The above description is merely an exemplary embodiment of the present invention and does not limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Any equivalent structural transformations made based on the technical concept of the present invention and the contents of the specification and drawings of the present invention, or direct / indirect applications in other related technical fields, are included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A water heater, characterized in that, The system includes a microbubble generating system, which comprises a dissolved gas system and a bubbler. The output end of the dissolved gas system is connected to the bubbler. The dissolved gas system includes a fluid conveying component and a dissolved gas tank. The output end of the fluid conveying component is connected to the dissolved gas tank, and the output port of the dissolved gas tank is connected to the liquid inlet of the bubbler. The fluid conveying component has at least a first branch channel and a second branch channel arranged in parallel. The flow wall of the first branch channel is provided with an air inlet for introducing external gas. The fluid transport component includes an inlet section and a diversion section. The inlet section is provided with an inlet port and an inlet channel. The diversion section is located on the side of the inlet section away from the inlet port. The diversion section is provided with a diversion channel. The inlet port is connected to the inlet end of each branch channel of the diversion channel via the inlet channel. The diversion channel has at least a first branch channel and a second branch channel. The first branch channel is configured to generate a low-pressure zone within it when fluid passes through, and the air inlet is at least partially oriented towards the low-pressure zone; the second branch channel is configured as a straight-through channel; the second branch channel is at least partially arranged around the periphery of the first branch channel; or, multiple second branch channels are spaced apart circumferentially along the first branch channel, and the first branch channel is located within the area enclosed by the multiple second branch channels; the first branch channel is positioned opposite to the central region of the liquid inlet channel; The bubbler has an inlet surface, an outlet surface, and multiple liquid passages. Each liquid passage has two ends that pass through the inlet surface and the outlet surface, respectively. The multiple liquid passages include at least a first passage and a second passage arranged in parallel. The first passage and the second passage have different structures. The first passage is a bubble-generating passage for generating microbubbles, and the second passage is a flow passage for direct liquid passage. The first passage is constructed as a variable diameter passage, and the second passage is constructed as a constant diameter straight-through passage. The first flow channel includes a converging section, a throat, and a expanding section arranged sequentially and connected to each other. The wide end of the converging section penetrates the inlet surface, and the wide end of the expanding section penetrates the outlet surface. The throat is a straight section of equal diameter extending from the narrow end of the converging section toward the narrow end of the expanding section. The length of the converging section is not less than 1.5 mm and not more than 3.5 mm, the length of the throat is not less than 0.7 mm and not more than 1.2 mm, and the expansion angle of the expanding section is not less than 2 degrees and less than 5 degrees.

2. The water heater as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first flow channel is located near the center of the bubbler, and the second flow channel is located near the edge of the bubbler; And / or, the second flow channel is provided with a turbulence structure.

3. The water heater as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The second flow channel is at least partially arranged around the periphery of the first flow channel; Alternatively, multiple second flow channels are provided at intervals along the circumference of the bubbler, and the first flow channel is located within the area enclosed by the multiple second flow channels.

4. The water heater as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, Downstream of the liquid outlet surface, there is a flow-disrupting element and / or a bubble-breaking element.

5. The water heater as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The bubbler further includes a tube body and a bubble-generating section. The tube body has an inlet port and an outlet port at its two ends. The tube body includes a first section, a second section, and a third section connected sequentially from the inlet port to the outlet port. The bubble-generating section is located in the second section and has multiple liquid flow channels. The side of the bubble-generating section facing the inlet port forms the inlet surface, and the side of the bubble-generating section facing the outlet port forms the outlet surface. The third section is provided with a flow-turbing element and a bubble-breaking element, and the flow-turbing element is located between the outlet surface and the bubble-breaking element.

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