Air dissolving tank and water heater

Abstract

The invention discloses a dissolved air tank and a water heater, and relates to the technical field of household appliances, and the dissolved air tank comprises a tank body, a first separator and a dissolved air stopper. The tank body is provided with a containing space, a liquid inlet, a liquid outlet and an air inlet, the liquid inlet, the liquid outlet and the air inlet are all communicated with the containing space, the liquid inlet is formed in the top of the tank body, and the liquid outlet is formed in the bottom of the tank body. The first partition piece is arranged in the containing space to divide the containing space into an upper cavity and a lower cavity, the first partition piece is provided with a first through hole, and the first through hole is communicated with the upper cavity and the lower cavity. The dissolved air blocking piece is arranged on the first partition piece to divide the upper cavity into a first dissolved air cavity and a second dissolved air cavity, the first dissolved air cavity is provided with an opening communicating with the second dissolved air cavity and the liquid inlet, and the liquid inlet and the opening are sequentially arranged at intervals in the height direction of the tank body, so that the dissolved air tank does not need to depend on a complex collision or flow guide structure. Therefore, the volume of the dissolved air blocking piece can be designed to be smaller, and the dissolved air tank can be conveniently arranged in the water heater.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of household appliances, in particular to a gas dissolving tank and a water heater. BACKGROUND

[0002] At present, a gas dissolving tank is integrated in a gas water heater to realize micro-bubble generation function. The gas dissolving tank usually has a flow guide plane and a flow dividing hole in the tank body. The flow guide plane guides the water flow direction and promotes the water flow to collide or form a vortex, so as to enhance the gas-liquid mixing effect. However, in the related technology, the flow guide plane of the flow dividing plate structure needs to occupy a large space, so that the volume of the gas dissolving tank is large, which is not conducive to arrangement in the water heater with limited space. SUMMARY

[0003] The embodiments of the present application provide a gas dissolving tank and a water heater, which can solve at least one of the above technical problems.

[0004] In a first aspect, the embodiments of the present application provide a gas dissolving tank, comprising: a tank body, the tank body being provided with a containing space, a liquid inlet, a liquid outlet and a gas inlet, the liquid inlet, the liquid outlet and the gas inlet all being communicated with the containing space, the liquid inlet being located at the top of the tank body, and the liquid outlet being located at the bottom of the tank body; a first partition, the first partition being arranged in the containing space to divide the containing space into an upper chamber and a lower chamber, the first partition being provided with a first through hole, the first through hole being communicated with the upper chamber and the lower chamber; and a gas dissolving baffle, the gas dissolving baffle being arranged on the first partition to divide the upper chamber into a first gas dissolving chamber and a second gas dissolving chamber, the first gas dissolving chamber being provided with an open end communicated with the second gas dissolving chamber and the liquid inlet, and the liquid inlet and the open end being arranged in sequence and spaced apart along the height direction of the tank body.

[0005] In some embodiments, the two sides along the width direction of the tank body are in contact with the gas dissolving baffle respectively, and the tank body is recessed inward at the two side positions in contact with the gas dissolving baffle, so as to fit the gas dissolving baffle.

[0006] In some embodiments, the number of the second gas dissolving chambers is two, and the two second gas dissolving chambers are arranged on the two sides of the first gas dissolving chamber along the length direction of the tank body.

[0007] In some embodiments, the number of the first through holes is multiple, and the first partition is provided with the first through hole corresponding to the positions of the first gas dissolving chamber and the second gas dissolving chamber, and the first gas dissolving chamber and the second gas dissolving chamber are communicated with the lower chamber through the corresponding first through holes respectively.

[0008] In some embodiments, the dissolved gas tank further includes a second partition, which is disposed in the lower chamber to divide the lower chamber into a first mixing chamber, a second mixing chamber, and a third mixing chamber. The first mixing chamber, the second mixing chamber, and the third mixing chamber are arranged sequentially along the length of the tank body. The first mixing chamber is connected to one of the second dissolved gas chambers through a first through hole, the second mixing chamber is connected to the first dissolved gas chamber through a first through hole, and the third mixing chamber is connected to the other second dissolved gas chamber through a first through hole. The second partition is also provided with second through holes on both sides along the length of the tank body, and the second mixing chambers are connected to the first mixing chamber and the third mixing chamber through the second through holes, respectively.

[0009] In some implementations, the volume of the upper chamber is smaller than the volume of the lower chamber.

[0010] In some embodiments, the tank body is also provided with an air inlet pipe for communicating with an external air source. One end of the air inlet pipe is located outside the tank body, and the other end of the air inlet pipe passes through the tank body and is located inside the tank body. An air inlet is provided at the end of the air inlet pipe located in the tank body, and the air inlet is located in the upper chamber.

[0011] In some embodiments, the dissolved gas tank also includes a filter media container, the tank body has an installation port that communicates with the lower chamber, and the filter media container is connected to the edge of the installation port and located in the lower chamber.

[0012] In some embodiments, the tank includes a first cover plate, a second cover plate, and a cylinder. The first cover plate and the second cover plate are respectively disposed at both ends of the cylinder along the height direction of the cylinder. The first cover plate, the second cover plate, and the cylinder cooperate to form an accommodating space. The first cover plate is provided with a liquid inlet, and the second cover plate is provided with a liquid outlet.

[0013] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a water heater, including: The dissolved gas tank of any of the above embodiments; and The water heater body has its outlet connected to the inlet of the dissolved air tank.

[0014] The dissolved gas tank and water heater provided in this application embodiment include a tank body, a first partition, and a dissolved gas baffle. The tank body has a receiving space, a liquid inlet, a liquid outlet, and a gas inlet. The liquid inlet, liquid outlet, and gas inlet are all connected to the receiving space. The liquid inlet is located at the top of the tank body, and the liquid outlet is located at the bottom of the tank body. The first partition is disposed within the receiving space to divide the receiving space into an upper chamber and a lower chamber. The first partition has a first through hole that connects the upper chamber and the lower chamber. The dissolved gas baffle is disposed on the first partition to divide the upper chamber into a first dissolved gas chamber and a second dissolved gas chamber. The first dissolved gas chamber has an opening that connects the second dissolved gas chamber and the liquid inlet. The liquid inlet and the opening are arranged alternately along the height direction of the tank body. Thus, compared to dissolved air tanks in related technologies, the dissolved air tank of this application embodiment forms a two-stage dissolved air region by setting a dissolved air baffle on the first partition and dividing the upper chamber into a first dissolved air chamber and a second dissolved air chamber. Water first enters the first dissolved air chamber, where it is initially mixed with the injected air; then it flows into the second dissolved air chamber through the opening to achieve secondary dissolved air, which helps to increase the gas-liquid contact area and contact time, and improve the overall dissolved air rate, without relying on complex collision or flow guiding structures. This allows the volume of the dissolved air baffle to be designed to be smaller, thereby making the dissolved air tank smaller and easier to arrange inside the water heater. Attached Figure Description

[0015] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without creative effort.

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the dissolved gas tank provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0017] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of a dissolved gas tank.

[0018] Figure 3 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the disassembled structure of the dissolved gas tank.

[0019] Figure 4 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the water flow direction in the dissolved air tank.

[0020] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the dissolved gas tank provided in another embodiment of this application.

[0021] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a water heater provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0022] Explanation of icon numbers: 10. Dissolved gas tank; 20. Water heater; 100. Tank body; 101. Containing space; 101a. Upper chamber; 101b. Lower chamber; 101c. First dissolved gas chamber; 101d. Second dissolved gas chamber; 101e. First mixing chamber; 101f. Second mixing chamber; 101g. Third mixing chamber; 102. Liquid inlet; 103. Liquid outlet; 104. Air inlet; 105. Mounting port; 107. Opening; 110. Air inlet pipe; 120. First cover plate; 130. Second cover plate; 140. Cylinder body; 200. First partition; 201. First through hole; 300. Dissolved gas baffle; 400. Second partition; 401. Second through hole; 500. Filter media container; 600. Water heater body; The realization of the purpose, functional features and advantages of this application will be further explained in conjunction with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0023] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the embodiments of this application will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0024] In the following description, when referring to the accompanying drawings, the same numbers in different drawings denote the same or similar elements unless otherwise indicated. The embodiments described in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all embodiments consistent with this application. Rather, they are merely examples of apparatuses and methods consistent with some aspects of this application as detailed in the appended claims.

[0025] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "first," "second," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances. Furthermore, in the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, "multiple" refers to two or more. "And / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, or B existing alone. The character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects are in an "or" relationship.

[0026] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application belongs. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of this application. The term "and / or" as used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0027] Please seeFigures 1 to 5 This application provides a dissolved gas tank 10, which includes a tank body 100, a first partition 200, and a dissolved gas baffle 300. The tank body 100 has a receiving space 101, a liquid inlet 102, a liquid outlet 103, and an air inlet 104. The liquid inlet 102, liquid outlet 103, and air inlet 104 are all connected to the receiving space 101. The liquid inlet 102 is located at the top of the tank body 100, and the liquid outlet 103 is located at the bottom of the tank body 100. The first partition 200 is disposed in the receiving space 101 to divide the receiving space 101 into an upper chamber 101a and a lower chamber 101b. The first partition 200 has a first through hole 201, which connects the upper chamber 101a and the lower chamber 101b. A gas-dissolving baffle 300 is disposed on the first partition 200 to divide the upper chamber 101a into a first gas-dissolving chamber 101c and a second gas-dissolving chamber 101d. The first gas-dissolving chamber 101c is provided with an opening 107 that connects the second gas-dissolving chamber 101d and the liquid inlet 102. The liquid inlet 102 and the opening 107 are arranged alternately along the height direction of the tank body 100.

[0028] Thus, compared to dissolved air tanks in related technologies, the dissolved air tank 10 of this application embodiment forms a two-stage dissolved air region by setting the dissolved air baffle 300 on the first partition 200 and dividing the upper chamber 101a into a first dissolved air chamber 101c and a second dissolved air chamber 101d. Water first enters the first dissolved air chamber 101c, where it is initially mixed with the injected air; then it flows into the second dissolved air chamber 101d through the opening 107 to achieve secondary dissolved air, which helps to increase the gas-liquid contact area and contact time, and improve the overall dissolved air rate without relying on complex collision or flow guiding structures. This allows the volume of the dissolved air baffle 300 to be designed to be smaller and the fitting precision requirement to be lower, thereby making the volume of the dissolved air tank 10 smaller and thus easier to arrange inside the water heater 20.

[0029] Furthermore, the first partition 200 divides the accommodating space 101 into an upper chamber 101a and a lower chamber 101b, and is provided with a first through hole 201 connecting the two chambers. This allows water to enter the lower chamber 101b for buffering and mixing after the water has dissolved gas in the upper chamber 101a. This structure effectively prolongs the residence time of the water in the tank 100, while also homogenizing water temperature fluctuations, alleviating the "hot and cold water shock" problem that occurs when the gas water heater 20 is started or stopped or when water pressure changes, and improving the stability of the outlet water temperature.

[0030] Furthermore, the first dissolved air chamber 101c is provided with an opening 107 connecting the second dissolved air chamber 101d and the liquid inlet 102. The liquid inlet 102 and the opening 107 are arranged alternately along the height direction of the tank body 100, so that the water flow entering from the liquid inlet 102 cannot directly flow through to the liquid outlet 103, but is guided to the first dissolved air chamber 101c, and then flows through the opening 107 to the second dissolved air chamber 101d. This vertically staggered flow channel design naturally forms an impact flow path, enhancing the turbulence and gas-liquid mixing effect, while avoiding flow interruption and ensuring that the dissolved air process is fully carried out.

[0031] Meanwhile, the layout of the liquid inlet 102 located at the top of the tank 100 and the liquid outlet 103 located at the bottom of the tank 100 allows the water to flow from top to bottom under the action of gravity, which is conducive to the full dissolution of gas in the liquid and avoids premature escape of bubbles, thereby improving the dissolved gas efficiency and microbubble stability.

[0032] In some embodiments, the tank body 100 forms a closed containment space 101, with a liquid inlet 102 at the top, a liquid outlet 103 at the bottom, and an air inlet 104 on the side wall or top. All three are connected to the containment space 101 and are used to introduce water, discharge the mixture, and inject air, respectively.

[0033] The first partition 200 is fixedly installed inside the tank 100, horizontally dividing the accommodating space 101 into an upper chamber 101a and a lower chamber 101b. The first partition 200 has a first through hole 201 in its central or partial area. The first through hole 201 can serve as a flow channel between the upper chamber 101a and the lower chamber 101b, allowing water to flow from the upper chamber 101a into the lower chamber 101b, while promoting the mixing and temperature equalization of the liquids in the two chambers.

[0034] A gas-dissolving baffle 300 is installed on the upper surface of the first separator 200 and extends upwards to a position near the liquid inlet 102. The gas-dissolving baffle 300 further divides the upper chamber 101a into a first gas-dissolving chamber 101c and a second gas-dissolving chamber 101d. The first gas-dissolving chamber 101c is directly connected to the liquid inlet 102, and the top of the first gas-dissolving chamber 101c is provided with an opening 107, which also connects to the second gas-dissolving chamber 101d. When water flows in from the liquid inlet 102, it first impacts the air environment in the first gas-dissolving chamber 101c, achieving initial gas dissolution; then the water flows through the opening 107 to the second gas-dissolving chamber 101d, extending the gas-liquid contact path in the process, completing secondary gas dissolution.

[0035] The inlet 102 and the opening 107 are arranged alternately along the height of the tank 100, forming a staggered layout in the vertical direction. This design prevents water from flowing directly into the lower chamber 101b, guiding the water to fully diffuse and mix in the upper chamber 101a, thus improving dissolved air efficiency. At the same time, the lower chamber 101b can store some of the dissolved air liquid, which, when reopened after a water outage, quickly mixes with the newly entering water flow, effectively suppressing sudden changes in outlet water temperature and improving user bathing comfort.

[0036] In some embodiments, the dissolved gas baffle 300 is cylindrical. The dissolved gas baffle 300 extends along the height of the tank 100, is fixed to the upper surface of the first separator 200, and extends upwards to a position near the liquid inlet 102. An annular or partially open flow channel is formed between the outer peripheral wall of the dissolved gas baffle 300 and the inner wall of the tank 100. Its internal hollow region constitutes the first dissolved gas chamber 101c, while the space enclosed by the outer wall of the dissolved gas baffle 300 and the inner wall of the tank 100 forms the second dissolved gas chamber 101d.

[0037] The cylindrical gas-dissolving baffle 300 clearly divides the upper chamber 101a into a central region and an outer region, realizing the functional zoning of the first gas-dissolving chamber 101c and the second gas-dissolving chamber 101d. After the water flows in from the top inlet 102, it first impacts the first gas-dissolving chamber 101c, completing the initial gas-liquid mixing inside the cylindrical structure. Subsequently, the water flows out through the opening 107 at the top of the gas-dissolving baffle 300 to the second gas-dissolving chamber 101d, where secondary gas dissolution occurs in a wider annular space. This guides the water flow to form an orderly flow path, enhances the turbulence intensity, and improves the gas dissolution efficiency.

[0038] The cylindrical design of the dissolved gas baffle 300 offers significant structural advantages. Firstly, the cylindrical geometry provides excellent resistance to pressure and deformation, maintaining stability under water flow impact or system vibration conditions, ensuring long-term reliable separation of the dissolved gas chamber. Secondly, the cylindrical dissolved gas baffle 300 can be integrally molded, eliminating the need for complex guide planes or diversion holes, significantly reducing processing difficulty and manufacturing costs. Simultaneously, its symmetrical shape facilitates matching with the inner cavity of the tank 100, reducing ineffective gaps and contributing to overall miniaturization.

[0039] In some embodiments, the tank body 100 is in contact with the dissolved gas baffle 300 on both sides along the width direction, and the tank body 100 is recessed inward on both sides in contact with the dissolved gas baffle 300 to fit the dissolved gas baffle 300.

[0040] The tank body 100 of the dissolved gas tank 10 has an overall irregular shape to accommodate internal functional components and achieve a compact layout. The inner walls on both sides along the width direction of the tank body 100 directly contact the front and rear surfaces of the dissolved gas baffle 300, respectively. To improve structural fit and reduce wasted space, the tank body 100 is recessed inwards at the corresponding front and rear sides of the dissolved gas baffle 300, forming a locally concave contour. The curved or planar shape of this recessed area matches the outer contour of the dissolved gas baffle 300, ensuring that the inner wall of the tank body 100 tightly covers the dissolved gas baffle 300.

[0041] The aforementioned recessed design effectively reduces the overall size of the tank 100 in the width direction. By setting an inward recess in the contact area, the shape of the tank 100 can conform to the geometry of the dissolved gas baffle 300, avoiding unnecessary space waste and achieving overall miniaturization while maintaining a sufficient flow channel cross-sectional area.

[0042] Furthermore, the tight fit between the tank body 100 and the dissolved air baffle 300 enhances structural stability. Under conditions of water flow impact or system vibration, the dissolved air baffle 300 is less prone to displacement or loosening, ensuring the long-term reliable separation effect between the first dissolved air chamber 101c and the second dissolved air chamber 101d.

[0043] In some embodiments, there are two second dissolved air chambers 101d, located on either side of the first dissolved air chamber 101c along the length of the tank 100. The dissolved air baffle 300 divides the upper chamber 101a into one first dissolved air chamber 101c and two second dissolved air chambers 101d. Along the length of the tank 100, the first dissolved air chamber 101c is centrally located, with the two second dissolved air chambers 101d situated to the left and right of the first dissolved air chamber 101c, forming a symmetrical chamber layout of "one main chamber and two side chambers." This structural design allows water to simultaneously flow to the left and right after entering the first dissolved air chamber 101c, flowing into the second dissolved air chambers 101d on either side.

[0044] The inlet 102 is directly opposite the top region of the first dissolved air chamber 101c. After the water is injected from top to bottom, it first mixes with the air in the first dissolved air chamber 101c. Because the top of the first dissolved air chamber 101c has an opening 107 that connects to the second dissolved air chambers 101d on the left and right sides, the water flows to the second dissolved air chambers 101d on both sides after impacting the first dissolved air chamber 101c. This double-sided flow diversion method significantly increases the coverage of the water flow path, prolongs the gas-liquid contact time, and promotes more uniform gas dissolution.

[0045] The symmetrical arrangement of the two second dissolved air chambers 101d also improves the balance of the flow field inside the tank 100. Compared with the single-sided flow channel structure, the double-sided design effectively avoids excessively high local flow velocities or the formation of dead zones, making the water flow distribution more uniform and improving the overall dissolved air efficiency. At the same time, the symmetrical structure helps to counteract the lateral forces brought about by the water flow impact, enhancing the stability of the dissolved air baffle 300 during operation.

[0046] This three-chamber layout makes full use of the space along the length direction to achieve the lateral expansion of the dissolved gas function without increasing the height or width of the tank by 100.

[0047] In some embodiments, there are multiple first through holes 201. The first partition 200 is provided with first through holes 201 at positions corresponding to the first dissolved air chamber 101c and the second dissolved air chamber 101d. The first dissolved air chamber 101c and the second dissolved air chamber 101d are respectively connected to the lower chamber 101b through their respective first through holes 201. Specifically, the first partition 200 is provided with multiple first through holes 201, which are respectively arranged at positions corresponding to the first dissolved air chamber 101c and the two second dissolved air chambers 101d. Each first dissolved air chamber 101c and each second dissolved air chamber 101d is connected to the lower chamber 101b through its corresponding first through hole 201 below, allowing the water flow after dissolved air in each dissolved air region to flow into the lower chamber 101b through its respective first through hole 201. Of course, the number of first through holes 201 provided on the first partition 200 at the position corresponding to each second dissolved air chamber 101d can be multiple, and the specific design can be tailored to the actual situation.

[0048] This multi-hole layout is not intended to isolate the water flow, but rather to actively create a flow state where multiple streams converge by introducing gas-containing water flows from the three dissolved gas chambers at different locations in the lower chamber 101b. When the three water flows enter the lower chamber 101b simultaneously from different locations, they diffuse laterally and disturb each other, thereby accelerating the mixing process. This structural design significantly enhances the mixing effect of the water flow within the lower chamber 101b, causing the gas concentration and water temperature to become uniform within a short time.

[0049] The efficient mixing capability is crucial for the actual user experience of the gas water heater 20. When the water supply is interrupted and then restarted, the newly entering cold water quickly mixes with the residual hot water and gas-containing water in the lower chamber 101b, effectively suppressing sudden drops or fluctuations in the outlet water temperature and preventing users from experiencing "hot and cold water shocks." At the same time, the uniformity of gas distribution also helps to stably release microbubbles through the aerator, improving the consistency and cleaning effect of the microbubble water.

[0050] In some embodiments, the dissolved gas tank 10 further includes a second partition 400, which is disposed in the lower chamber 101b to divide the lower chamber 101b into a first mixing chamber 101e, a second mixing chamber 101f, and a third mixing chamber 101g. The first mixing chamber 101e, the second mixing chamber 101f, and the third mixing chamber 101g are arranged sequentially along the length of the tank body 100. The first mixing chamber 101e is connected to the lower chamber 101e through a first through hole 201. A second dissolved gas chamber 101d is connected, a second mixing chamber 101f is connected to a first dissolved gas chamber 101c through a first through hole 201, and a third mixing chamber 101g is connected to another second dissolved gas chamber 101d through a first through hole 201. The second separator 400 is also provided with second through holes 401 on both sides along the length of the tank body 100. The second mixing chamber 101f is connected to the first mixing chamber 101e and the third mixing chamber 101g through the second through holes 401 respectively.

[0051] Specifically, the second partition 400 extends along the height of the tank 100 and has an overall cylindrical structure, fixed inside the lower chamber 101b. The cylindrical second partition 400 divides the lower chamber 101b into three independent mixing regions in the horizontal plane: the first mixing chamber 101e, the second mixing chamber 101f, and the third mixing chamber 101g. These three mixing chambers are arranged sequentially along the length of the tank 100, forming a left, center, and right layout.

[0052] The first mixing chamber 101e is connected to the second dissolved air chamber 101d on the left through a first through hole 201 on the first separator 200. The second mixing chamber 101f is connected to the centrally located first dissolved air chamber 101c through another first through hole 201. The third mixing chamber 101g is connected to the second dissolved air chamber 101d on the right through a third first through hole 201. Of course, the number of first through holes 201 corresponding to each mixing chamber (first mixing chamber 101e, second mixing chamber 101f, and third mixing chamber 101g) can also be multiple. Thus, the water flow after dissolved air in the three dissolved air areas of the upper chamber 101a enters the corresponding lower mixing chambers, achieving orderly introduction.

[0053] Although the three mixing chambers are initially isolated from each other, the second partition 400 has second through holes 401 on both side walls along the length of the tank 100. The second mixing chamber 101f communicates with the first mixing chamber 101e through the second through hole 401 on the left, and with the third mixing chamber 101g through the second through hole 401 on the right. These second through holes 401 are located in the lower part of the side wall of the cylindrical second partition 400, allowing water to flow laterally between the different mixing chambers.

[0054] This structural design achieves a "zoned introduction, central interconnection" mixing mechanism. Water flows from different dissolved gas chambers first enter their respective mixing chambers, avoiding short-circuit mixing caused by differences in flow rate or gas content. Subsequently, driven by gravity and pressure, the water flows continuously through the second through-hole 401 between the three mixing chambers, promoting thorough homogenization of water temperature and dissolved gas concentration. Especially when the gas water heater 20 is shut off and restarted, this mechanism can effectively mitigate sudden changes in outlet water temperature, improving user comfort.

[0055] Furthermore, the cylindrical second partition 400 not only optimizes the flow channel layout but also significantly enhances the structural strength of the tank 100. Its continuous sidewall extending in the height direction fits snugly against the inner cavity of the tank 100, providing support and resistance to pressure, improving overall rigidity without adding additional reinforcing ribs, while maintaining a compact external dimension.

[0056] In some embodiments, the first through-hole 201 can reduce the weight of the first partition 200. The first through-hole 201 provided on the first partition 200 not only serves to connect the upper chamber 101a and the lower chamber 101b to achieve water flow guidance and mixing functions, but also plays a role in reducing structural weight. Since the first partition 200 is usually plate-shaped and multiple first through-holes 201 are reasonably arranged in non-critical stress areas, the self-weight of the first partition 200 is effectively reduced while ensuring structural strength and fluid function.

[0057] The second through-hole 401 reduces the weight of the second partition 400, which extends along the height of the tank 100 and is cylindrical in shape. The second through-hole 401 on its side wall, in addition to facilitating lateral water flow exchange between the first mixing chamber 101e, the second mixing chamber 101f, and the third mixing chamber 101g, also optimizes the weight distribution of the second partition 400. The introduction of the second through-hole 401 maintains the rigidity of the second partition 400 while reducing material usage, enabling the second partition 400 to achieve a lightweight design while fulfilling both fluid connectivity and structural support functions.

[0058] In some embodiments, the volume of the upper chamber 101a is smaller than the volume of the lower chamber 101b. The "smaller upper chamber and larger lower chamber" volume ratio is optimized based on the microbubble generation mechanism and system energy efficiency requirements, taking into account dissolved gas efficiency, water output stability and gas utilization efficiency.

[0059] The upper chamber 101a, as the core area for gas-liquid contact and microbubble generation, has a relatively small volume. However, it is divided into a first gas-dissolving chamber 101c and a second gas-dissolving chamber 101d by the gas-dissolving baffle 300, forming a compact two-stage gas-dissolving structure. The smaller volume allows the injected air to be quickly surrounded and dissolved by the incoming water flow, preventing large amounts of air from accumulating or stagnating in the cavity. Since air only effectively participates in the gas-dissolving process when water flows through it, an excessively large upper chamber 101a can easily lead to some air being discharged or dissipated with the water flow without being utilized, resulting in gas waste. By reducing the volume of the upper chamber 101a, the contact between air and water becomes more concentrated and efficient, significantly improving gas utilization.

[0060] The lower chamber 101b occupies the main volume of the tank 100 and primarily serves the functions of buffering, mixing, and temperature homogenization. The relatively large lower chamber 101b can store a sufficient amount of dissolved gaseous liquid. When the water supply is interrupted and then reopened, the newly entering cold water mixes rapidly with the remaining gaseous hot water, effectively suppressing sudden changes in the outlet water temperature. Simultaneously, the ample volume extends the water residence time, allowing the dissolved gas to be fully and stably distributed, preventing premature bursting or aggregation of microbubbles, and further ensuring the output quality of the microbubble water.

[0061] In some embodiments, the tank body 100 is also provided with an air inlet pipe 110, which is used to communicate with an external air source. One end of the air inlet pipe 110 is located outside the tank body 100, and the other end of the air inlet pipe 110 passes through the tank body 100 and is located inside the tank body 100. An air inlet 104 is provided at the end of the air inlet pipe 110 located in the tank body 100, and the air inlet 104 is located in the upper chamber 101a.

[0062] The air inlet pipe 110 is used to connect to an external air source, such as a micro air pump or compressed air device. One end of the air inlet pipe 110 is located outside the tank 100 for easy sealing and connection with the air supply system; the other end penetrates the wall of the tank 100 and extends into the interior of the tank 100, with an air inlet 104 at its end, which is directly arranged in the upper chamber 101a.

[0063] Placing the air inlet 104 in the upper chamber 101a has clear functional advantages. After the water enters through the top inlet 102, it first comes into contact with air in the upper chamber 101a. At this point, the gas is released from the air inlet 104 in the form of tiny bubbles, which are immediately carried away and dissolved by the descending water flow. Since the upper chamber 101a is the area where the dissolved gas chamber formed by the dissolved gas baffle 300 is located, placing the air inlet 104 here ensures that the gas participates in mixing during the most effective dissolved gas stage, maximizing gas-liquid contact efficiency.

[0064] The structural design of the air inlet pipe 110, which penetrates the tank body 100, ensures the sealing and reliability of the gas delivery path. Gas from an external gas source is directly introduced into the upper chamber 101a through the air inlet pipe 110, avoiding leakage or impurity contamination during transmission. Simultaneously, the end position of the air inlet pipe 110 is optimized, ensuring its outlet is far from the direct impact area of ​​the liquid inlet 102, preventing high-speed water flow from directly impacting the air inlet 104 and causing airflow turbulence or backflow, thereby maintaining a stable gas supply and uniform bubble distribution.

[0065] This layout also supports intermittent or on-demand gas supply modes. When the gas water heater 20 activates the microbubble function, an external gas source injects a fixed amount of air into the upper chamber 101a through the air inlet pipe 110; the gas supply can be cut off in a timely manner when the gas dissolution is complete or the water usage stops. Since the air inlet 104 is located in the main gas dissolution area, each supply of gas can be used efficiently, reducing waste and improving system energy efficiency.

[0066] In some embodiments, along the length of the tank 100, the opening 107 and the air inlet 104 are arranged alternately at intervals, with the air inlet 104 facing the top of the tank 100. Specifically, the opening 107 is located in the side or top region of the first dissolved gas chamber 101c, serving to connect the first dissolved gas chamber 101c with the second dissolved gas chamber 101d; the air inlet 104 is located at the end of the air inlet pipe 110 and is arranged on one side of the opening 107 along the length of the tank 100. The two are maintained at a certain distance in the horizontal direction to avoid the water flow directly impacting the air inlet 104, while forming an orderly gas-liquid interaction path.

[0067] The air inlet 104 faces the top of the tank 100, allowing the injected gas to enter the upper chamber 101a by upward jetting or diffusion. This orientation design utilizes the downward gravitational flow of water and the upward buoyancy of gas to form a counter-current contact flow field. As the bubbles rise, they are continuously entrained, sheared, and dissolved by the downward water flow, significantly extending the gas-liquid contact time and improving the microbubble generation efficiency and dissolution uniformity.

[0068] The staggered arrangement of the opening 107 and the air inlet 104 further optimizes the hydrodynamic environment within the upper chamber 101a. After entering through the liquid inlet 102, the water first fills the first dissolved gas chamber 101c, and then flows down through the opening 107 and the collision with the first separator 200 to the second dissolved gas chamber 101d. During this process, the water flows through the area near the air inlet 104, fully mixing with the newly injected gas. Because the air inlet 104 is not directly opposite the liquid inlet 102 or the opening 107, it avoids the destruction of bubbles by localized high-speed jets and also helps prevent undissolved gas from being rapidly discharged with the water flow.

[0069] In some embodiments, the air inlet pipe 110 extends along the height direction of the tank body 100. The air inlet pipe 110 enters from the lower part or lower side of the tank body 100 and extends upward to the upper chamber 101a region inside the tank body 100, and its end is provided with an air inlet 104, which is located in the upper chamber 101a and faces the top of the tank body 100.

[0070] The air inlet pipe 110 is arranged to extend vertically, creating a spatial synergy between the gas delivery path and the main direction of water flow. Water flows vertically downwards from the liquid inlet 102 at the top of the tank 100, while gas is delivered upwards through the vertically extending air inlet pipe 110 to the vicinity of the top of the upper chamber 101a for release. This arrangement ensures that bubbles immediately enter the coverage area of ​​the high-speed downward water flow after generation, where they are rapidly entrained and sheared away, thereby improving gas dissolution efficiency and the uniformity of microbubble distribution.

[0071] The intake pipe 110, extending along the height direction, also offers excellent structural integration advantages. This design avoids the need for additional bends or transition structures in the lateral space of the tank 100, effectively saving space in both length and width directions and facilitating overall miniaturization. Simultaneously, the vertically oriented intake pipe 110 can be installed close to the inner wall of the tank 100, forming an orderly arrangement with internal components such as the dissolved gas baffle 300 and the first partition 200, reducing flow channel interference and maintaining internal flow field stability.

[0072] Furthermore, the vertical extension path of the air inlet pipe 110 helps to suppress liquid backflow. When the external air source stops supplying air, since the outlet of the air inlet pipe 110 is located at the top of the upper chamber 101a and is usually used in conjunction with a check valve, water in the lower chamber 101b or external pipelines is difficult to flow back into the air inlet pipe 110, thus improving the safety and reliability of system operation.

[0073] In some embodiments, the dissolved air tank 10 is connected to an external gas supply system, which includes an air pump and a gas check valve. The outlet of the air pump is connected to the inlet of the gas check valve via a pipeline, and the outlet of the gas check valve is connected to the outer end of the inlet pipe 110. During operation, the air pump starts and supplies compressed air to the gas check valve. The compressed air passes through the gas check valve and enters the inlet pipe 110, and is finally introduced into the receiving space 101 of the dissolved air tank 10.

[0074] The gas check valve plays a crucial role. This valve allows gas to flow only in one direction from the gas pump to the inlet pipe 110, effectively preventing backflow of water or gas-liquid mixtures from the containment space 101 into the gas pump during pressure fluctuations or when the system is shut down. Backflow could not only damage the internal structure of the gas pump but also pose electrical safety hazards. The gas check valve ensures the safety and reliability of the system operation through a mechanical check mechanism, while maintaining the stability of the gas pressure inside the dissolved gas tank 10.

[0075] The air filling process is typically performed before water use begins or when the microbubble function is activated. The control system first shuts off the water supply to the water heater 20 and starts the air pump to pre-fill the containing space 101 with a predetermined amount of air. Once the air pressure reaches the set value, the water supply is opened, and water flows into the dissolved air tank 10, where it mixes thoroughly with the injected air. Because the air intake path is precisely guided by the gas check valve and the air intake pipe 110, the gas can enter the upper chamber 101a efficiently and controllably, avoiding leakage or ineffective dissipation and improving gas utilization efficiency.

[0076] In some embodiments, the inner walls of the tank body 100 along its width direction contact the outer surfaces of the second partition 400. To improve structural compactness and space utilization efficiency, the tank body 100 is recessed inward at positions corresponding to the two sides of the second partition 400, forming a partially concave profile. The shape of this recessed area matches the outer profile of the second partition 400, ensuring that the inner wall of the tank body 100 fits tightly against the side of the second partition 400.

[0077] The inwardly recessed design effectively reduces the overall size of the tank 100 in the width direction. The second partition 400 is cylindrical and extends along the height direction of the tank 100, occupying a certain space in the lateral direction. If the tank 100 adopts a conventional straight cylindrical inner cavity, an additional gap needs to be reserved to accommodate the second partition 400, resulting in an increase in overall volume. By setting an inwardly recessed structure in the contact area, the shape of the tank 100 can conform to the geometry of the second partition 400, avoiding ineffective cavities and achieving a compact shape.

[0078] Meanwhile, the tight fit between the tank body 100 and the second partition 400 enhances the positioning stability of the internal components. During water flow impact or equipment operation vibration, the second partition 400 is less prone to lateral displacement or shaking, ensuring the long-term reliable separation effect between the first mixing chamber 101e, the second mixing chamber 101f, and the third mixing chamber 101g.

[0079] Please see Figure 5 In some embodiments, the dissolved air tank 10 further integrates a filter media container 500, which is used to slowly release specific trace elements and improve the quality of the effluent. The tank body 100 has an installation port 105 at a position corresponding to the lower chamber 101b. This installation port 105 penetrates the wall of the tank body 100 and communicates directly with the interior of the lower chamber 101b. The filter media container 500 is fixedly connected to the edge of the installation port 105 via its outer edge, for example, by means of a snap-fit, threaded engagement, or sealing ring structure to achieve reliable installation. The entire container is completely housed within the lower chamber 101b, positioned at the end of the water flow path before discharge.

[0080] The filter media container 500 is filled with slow-release functional filter media, such as composite materials or porous ceramic carriers containing beneficial minerals like magnesium, zinc, and selenium. When water flows through the lower chamber 101b, it comes into full contact with the filter media container 500, and the functional filter media releases trace mineral ions at a controllable rate. These ions can regulate the pH value of the water, improve its smoothness and skin comfort, and inhibit the crystal growth of scale-forming substances such as calcium carbonate, reducing the risk of scale buildup in the heat exchanger and piping system of the water heater 20.

[0081] Arranging the filter media container 500 within the lower chamber 101b offers several advantages. Firstly, the water flow velocity is relatively stable after dissolving and mixing, facilitating full contact between the functional filter media and the water, ensuring uniform and stable release of trace elements. Secondly, the presence of microbubbles enhances water molecule activity, further promoting the dispersion and dissolution of mineral ions and improving water quality regulation. Furthermore, since the filter media container 500 is located after the dissolving process, it avoids the scouring and damage to the slow-release filter media caused by high flow velocities or turbulence, extending the service life of the functional filter media.

[0082] The design of the mounting port 105 balances ease of maintenance with reliable sealing. Users can easily replace the filter media container 500 by removing the end cap or connecting assembly at the mounting port 105 without disassembling the entire dissolved air tank 10. The sealing structure between the filter media container 500 and the edge of the mounting port 105 ensures no leakage under operating pressure, maintaining the airtightness and hydraulic integrity of the dissolved air tank 10.

[0083] In some embodiments, the tank 100 includes a first cover plate 120, a second cover plate 130, and a cylindrical body 140. The cylindrical body 140 has a hollow columnar structure and extends vertically, forming the main body of the tank 100. The first cover plate 120 and the second cover plate 130 are respectively disposed at both ends of the cylindrical body 140 along its height direction. The first cover plate 120, the second cover plate 130, and the cylindrical body 140 cooperate to form an accommodating space 101. The first cover plate 120 is installed at the upper end of the cylindrical body 140, and the second cover plate 130 is installed at the lower end of the cylindrical body 140. The three are tightly fitted together by welding, threaded connection, or snap-fit ​​sealing, etc., to jointly enclose and form a closed accommodating space 101.

[0084] The first cover plate 120 is provided with a liquid inlet 102, which serves as the inlet for water to enter the dissolved gas tank 10. The liquid inlet 102 is usually located in the central area or near the center of the first cover plate 120, which facilitates the vertical downward flow of water into the upper chamber 101a and reduces energy loss caused by flow deflection.

[0085] The second cover plate 130 is provided with a liquid outlet 103, which serves as a channel for discharging the treated microbubble water. The position of the liquid outlet 103 is connected to the bottom of the lower chamber 101b, ensuring that the water flows out smoothly after completing the dissolution, mixing and possible filtration processes.

[0086] Please see Figure 2 and Figure 4 Based on the above implementation, the water flow has a certain pressure when it enters the dissolved air tank 10 from the liquid inlet 102. This pressurized water flow first enters the first dissolved air chamber 101c and flows into the remaining area of ​​the upper chamber 101a through the opening 107. The water flow entering the first dissolved air chamber 101c will collide with the first partition 200, causing the water flow in the first dissolved air chamber 101c to split: part of the water flow directly passes through the first through hole 201 located at the bottom of the first dissolved air chamber 101c (the diameter of the first through hole 201 is smaller than the diameter of the liquid inlet 102) and enters the second mixing chamber 101f in the lower chamber 101b; the other part of the water flow rushes downward to the upper surface of the first partition 200, changes its flow direction under the impact, and rushes out to both sides through the opening 107, entering the left and right second dissolved air chambers 101d respectively.

[0087] The water flowing out of the opening 107 enters the second dissolved air chamber 101d and is guided by the first separator 200 and the first through hole 201 corresponding to the second dissolved air chamber 101d, resulting in a secondary impact and diversion effect, which further disperses and accelerates the diffusion of the water flow. Part of the water flow, under the action of inertia, directly passes through the corresponding first through hole 201 and enters the first mixing chamber 101e or the third mixing chamber 101g in the lower chamber 101b; the other part of the water flow flows towards the second separator 400 located in the central region of the lower chamber 101b.

[0088] The water flowing towards the second separator 400, upon contacting its cylindrical sidewall, partially enters the second mixing chamber 101f through the second through-holes 401 on both sides of the second separator 400. This water flow merges with the water flowing directly into the second mixing chamber 101f from the first dissolved gas chamber 101c, forming a multi-directional flow superposition that significantly enhances the mixing intensity. The water flows from different sources disturb, shear, and merge within the second mixing chamber 101f, causing the water temperature and dissolved gas concentration to rapidly become uniform.

[0089] Furthermore, the bottom opening of the second separator 400 is opposite to and spaced apart from the outlet 103. When a portion of the high-speed water flow directly impacts the edge region of the outlet 103, it is blocked by the edge region of the outlet 103, resulting in a reverse flow effect. This reaction force causes the local water flow to swirl upwards and flow towards the upper region of the lower chamber 101b, where it mixes again with the gas-containing water flow currently flowing in the second mixing chamber 101f. This further enhances the turbulence and mixing effect inside the lower chamber 101b, effectively suppressing local temperature or gas concentration unevenness and improving the consistency and stability of the microbubble water output.

[0090] Please see Figure 6This application also proposes a water heater 20, which includes a dissolved air tank 10 and a water heater body as described in any of the above embodiments. The outlet of the water heater body is connected to the inlet 102 of the dissolved air tank 10. The outlet of the water heater body is connected to the inlet 102 of the dissolved air tank 10 through a pipeline, so that heated water flows into the dissolved air tank 10 for microbubble treatment, and finally outputs microbubble hot water with cleaning and skin care functions.

[0091] The water heater 20 has a conventional gas water heater structure, including core components such as a burner, heat exchanger, water circuit control system, and temperature regulation module. When the user activates the microbubble bathing mode, the control system starts the gas source device (such as a micro air pump) and injects air into the dissolved air tank 10. After the air is injected, the heated water flows out from the outlet of the water heater 20 and directly into the liquid inlet 102 at the top of the dissolved air tank 10. The water undergoes multiple stages of dissolved air and mixing processes inside the dissolved air tank 10, forming stable and uniform microbubble water, which is then discharged from the liquid outlet 103 at the bottom of the dissolved air tank 10 and released to the user via the aerator or shower head.

[0092] Integrating the dissolved air tank 10 into the outlet of the water heater 20 instead of the inlet has significant technical advantages. On the one hand, the higher temperature of the hot water makes the dissolution kinetics of gas in warm water more conducive to the generation and stability of microbubbles; on the other hand, it avoids the waste of gas caused by ineffective dissolved air during the cold water stage, thus improving system energy efficiency.

[0093] In the accompanying drawings of this embodiment, the same or similar reference numerals correspond to the same or similar components. In the description of this application, it should be understood that if terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," "right," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings, they are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, the terms used to describe positional relationships in the drawings are only for illustrative purposes and should not be construed as limiting this application. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0094] The above are merely preferred embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit this application. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A dissolved gas tank, characterized in that, include: The tank body has a receiving space, a liquid inlet, a liquid outlet, and an air inlet. The liquid inlet, the liquid outlet, and the air inlet are all connected to the receiving space. The liquid inlet is located at the top of the tank body, and the liquid outlet is located at the bottom of the tank body. A first partition is disposed within the receiving space to divide the receiving space into an upper chamber and a lower chamber. The first partition is provided with a first through hole, which connects the upper chamber and the lower chamber. as well as A gas-dissolving baffle is provided on the first partition to divide the upper chamber into a first gas-dissolving chamber and a second gas-dissolving chamber. The first gas-dissolving chamber has an opening that connects the second gas-dissolving chamber and the liquid inlet. The liquid inlet and the opening are arranged at intervals along the height direction of the tank.

2. The dissolved gas tank according to claim 1, characterized in that, The tank body is in contact with the dissolved gas baffle on both sides along the width direction of the tank body. The tank body is recessed inward on both sides in contact with the dissolved gas baffle to fit the dissolved gas baffle.

3. The dissolved gas tank according to claim 1, characterized in that, There are two second gas-dissolving chambers, which are respectively located on both sides of the first gas-dissolving chamber along the length of the tank.

4. The dissolved gas tank according to claim 3, characterized in that, The number of first through holes is multiple. The first separator is provided with the first through hole at the position corresponding to the first gas dissolving chamber and the second gas dissolving chamber. The first gas dissolving chamber and the second gas dissolving chamber are respectively connected to the lower chamber through the corresponding first through hole.

5. The dissolved gas tank according to claim 4, characterized in that, The dissolved gas tank further includes a second partition, which is disposed in the lower chamber to divide the lower chamber into a first mixing chamber, a second mixing chamber, and a third mixing chamber. The first mixing chamber, the second mixing chamber, and the third mixing chamber are arranged sequentially along the length of the tank body. The first mixing chamber is connected to one of the second dissolved gas chambers through the first through hole, the second mixing chamber is connected to the first dissolved gas chamber through the first through hole, and the third mixing chamber is connected to the other second dissolved gas chamber through the first through hole. The second partition is also provided with second through holes on both sides along the length of the tank body, and the second mixing chambers are connected to the first mixing chamber and the third mixing chamber through the second through holes, respectively.

6. The dissolved gas tank according to claim 1, characterized in that, The volume of the upper chamber is smaller than the volume of the lower chamber.

7. The dissolved gas tank according to claim 1, characterized in that, The tank body is also provided with an air inlet pipe for connecting to an external air source. One end of the air inlet pipe is located outside the tank body, and the other end of the air inlet pipe passes through the tank body and is located inside the tank body. The end of the air inlet pipe located in the tank body is provided with an air inlet, which is located in the upper chamber.

8. The dissolved gas tank according to claim 1, characterized in that, The dissolved gas tank also includes a filter media container. The tank body is provided with an installation port, which communicates with the lower chamber. The filter media container is connected to the edge of the installation port and located within the lower chamber.

9. The dissolved gas tank according to claim 1, characterized in that, The tank includes a first cover plate, a second cover plate, and a cylinder. The first cover plate and the second cover plate are respectively disposed at both ends of the cylinder along the height direction of the cylinder. The first cover plate, the second cover plate, and the cylinder cooperate to form the accommodating space. The first cover plate is provided with the liquid inlet, and the second cover plate is provided with the liquid outlet.

10. A water heater, characterized in that, include: The dissolved gas tank as described in any one of claims 1 to 9; as well as The water heater body has its outlet connected to the liquid inlet of the dissolved air tank.

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