Microbubble generating device, water heater and control method of water heater

Abstract

The invention provides a microbubble generating device, a water heater and a control method of the water heater, and belongs to the technical field of hot water equipment. The microbubble generating device comprises a dissolved air tank, an inflating device, a first one-way valve and a liquid level detection switch, and the dissolved air tank is provided with a water inlet connector and a water outlet connector; the air charging device is connected with the dissolved air tank, and an air outlet of the air charging device is communicated with the dissolved air tank; the first one-way valve is arranged in an air outlet of the air charging device, and the first one-way valve is configured to allow the air charging device to charge air into the dissolved air tank; the liquid level detection switch is arranged in the dissolved air tank, and the liquid level detection switch is configured to start the air charging device when the liquid level detection switch generates a high liquid level electric signal and close the air charging device when the liquid level detection switch generates a low liquid level electric signal.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of hot water equipment technology, and in particular to a microbubble generator, a water heater, and a control method thereof. Background Technology

[0002] Nano-microbubble water possesses bactericidal and deep-cleaning properties, and does not produce substances harmful to the human body, making it a new trend in the hot water supply equipment industry. Currently, some microbubble gas water heaters have a dissolved air tank installed in the internal water circuit. After activating the microbubble function and opening the hot water tap, a solenoid valve disconnects the dissolved air tank from the tap water inlet pipe. Then, an air pump or a water pump is used to pump air into the dissolved air tank. After inflation, the solenoid valve is opened to restore tap water flow, and the heater is turned on to heat the tap water.

[0003] Because existing microbubble gas water heaters use a solenoid valve to cut off the dissolved gas tank and the inlet pipe after the hot water tap is turned on, users have to wait for hot water for too long, up to 30 seconds or more. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a microbubble generator that reduces the time users spend waiting for hot water.

[0005] To achieve the objectives of this invention, the following technical solution is adopted:

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, a microbubble generating device is provided, comprising a dissolved gas tank, an inflation device, a first one-way valve, and a liquid level detection switch. The dissolved gas tank has an inlet and an outlet. The inflation device is connected to the dissolved gas tank, and the outlet of the inflation device is in communication with the dissolved gas tank. The first one-way valve is disposed in the outlet of the inflation device and is configured to allow the inflation device to inflate the dissolved gas tank. The liquid level detection switch is disposed inside the dissolved gas tank and is configured to open the inflation device when the liquid level detection switch generates a high liquid level electrical signal and close the inflation device when the liquid level detection switch generates a low liquid level electrical signal.

[0007] According to one embodiment of the present invention, it further includes a flow guide plate, which is disposed in the dissolved air tank corresponding to the water inlet and together with the dissolved air tank to form a flow equalization cavity. The flow guide plate is provided with a plurality of water passage holes for dispersing the water flow.

[0008] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the guide plate is bowl-shaped.

[0009] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the inflation device includes a housing having an air inlet and an air outlet, an air pump assembly and a drive device installed in the housing, a first one-way valve located on the air outlet of the housing, the housing being detachably connected to the dissolved gas tank, the drive device being detachably connected to the housing, and the drive device driving the air pump assembly to draw in air through the air inlet and exhaust air through the first one-way valve.

[0010] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the housing has a first guide cavity and a second guide cavity connected to a first one-way valve. The first guide cavity is located between the first one-way valve and the second guide cavity. The housing has at least one first air inlet at the second guide cavity. The pumping assembly includes a piston, a guide tube, and a second one-way valve. A first through hole is opened at the center of the piston. One end of the guide tube is fixed to the center of one side of the piston, and the cavity of the guide tube is connected to the first through hole. At least one second air inlet is opened on the side wall of the guide tube. The piston is axially movable and sealed in the first guide cavity. The guide tube is axially movable in the second guide cavity. When the pumping assembly is in the suction position, the second air inlet is connected to the first air inlet. The second one-way valve is installed in the first through hole and is configured to allow gas to flow from the guide tube into the first guide cavity. When the pumping assembly is in the compression position, the piston presses the gas in the first guide cavity into the dissolved gas tank through the first one-way valve.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the housing includes a detachably connected cylinder and a mounting base, a first guide cavity is located in the cylinder, a second guide cavity is located in the mounting base, and a first one-way valve is mounted on the cylinder.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the dissolved gas tank is provided with an installation interface, the cylinder is sealed in the first installation interface, one end of the cylinder is provided with a first flange, the mounting base is provided with a second flange, and the second flange, the first flange and the first installation interface are detachably and sealedly connected.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the driving device is a geared motor, the shaft of the geared motor has an external thread, the inner wall of the guide tube has an internal thread, the shaft of the geared motor is located in the cavity of the guide tube and the external thread meshes with the internal thread, and the geared motor drives the guide tube to move axially between the intake position and the compression position by rotating forward or in reverse.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the present invention, it further includes a water outlet connector, one end of which is installed in the water outlet interface, and one end of the liquid level detection switch is installed on the water outlet connector.

[0015] The present invention also discloses a water heater, including a water heater body and the aforementioned microbubble generating device, wherein the water inlet is connected to the water outlet pipe of the water heater body, the water outlet is used to connect to the terminal water pipe, and the air filling device and the liquid level detection switch are both electrically connected to the controller of the water heater body.

[0016] This invention also discloses a water heater control method applied to the aforementioned water heater. The controller has a microbubble standby mode and a microbubble operation mode pre-stored. The water heater control method includes:

[0017] The water heater is in standby mode after being powered on, and the microbubble function is in microbubble standby mode.

[0018] After turning on the tap of the terminal water pipe, check whether the water inlet flow of the water heater is the preset normal water flow.

[0019] If the water flow is normal, the water heater enters the heating mode and switches from the microbubble standby mode to the microbubble operation mode. In both the heating and microbubble operation modes, the water outlet pipe of the water heater continuously injects hot water into the dissolved air tank, and the water in the dissolved air tank flows out through the terminal water pipe and faucet.

[0020] When the controller receives a high water level electrical signal preset by the liquid level detection switch, the controller starts the aeration device to aerate the dissolved air tank until the controller receives a low water level electrical signal from the liquid level detection switch. Then the controller shuts off the aeration device and maintains the microbubble operation mode.

[0021] If the water flow rate is lower than normal, the water heater will be in standby mode. The microbubble standby mode remains unchanged, and the aeration device is always off in the microbubble standby mode.

[0022] One embodiment of the present invention has the following advantages or beneficial effects:

[0023] This invention provides a microbubble generator, comprising a dissolved gas tank, an inflation device, a first one-way valve, and a liquid level detection switch. The dissolved gas tank has an inlet port for connecting to the hot water outlet pipe of a water heater and an outlet port for connecting to a terminal water pipe. The inflation device is connected to the dissolved gas tank, and its outlet is connected to the dissolved gas tank. The first one-way valve is located in the outlet of the inflation device and is configured to allow the inflation device to inflate the dissolved gas tank. The liquid level detection switch is located inside the dissolved gas tank for liquid level detection. The switch is configured to activate the aeration device when the liquid level detection switch generates a high liquid level electrical signal and deactivate the aeration device when the liquid level detection switch generates a low liquid level electrical signal. Furthermore, there is no water valve between the hot water outlet pipe and the water inlet. Therefore, this microbubble generator allows for continuous and uninterrupted injection of hot water into the dissolved air tank from the hot water outlet pipe while the water heater is running. When the aeration device replenishes the dissolved air tank with gas pressure, it is not necessary to disconnect the hot water outlet pipe from the dissolved air tank, thus reducing the waiting time for hot water and improving the user experience. Attached Figure Description

[0024] The above and other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from a detailed description of exemplary embodiments thereof with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0025] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a microbubble generating apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0026] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of a microbubble generating device according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0027] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of a microbubble generating apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0028] Figure 4 This is an exploded view of an inflation device according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0029] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a dissolved air tank at a low liquid level, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0030] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a dissolved gas tank at a high liquid level, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0031] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a dissolved gas tank with a moderate liquid level, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0032] Figure 8 This is a logic diagram of a water heater control method according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0033] The reference numerals in the attached figures are explained as follows:

[0034] 1. Dissolved air tank; 11. Inlet water interface; 12. Outlet water interface; 13. Installation interface;

[0035] 2. Inflation device; 21. Housing; 211. Cylinder; 2111. First guide cavity; 212. Mounting base; 2121. Second guide cavity; 2122. First air inlet; 22. Pump assembly; 221. Piston; 2211. First through hole; 222. Guide tube; 2221. Second air inlet; 223. Second one-way valve; 2231. Second pressure plate; 23. Drive device; 231. Rotating shaft;

[0036] 3. First check valve; 31. Sealing ring; 32. First pressure plate; 33. Screw; 34. Filter screen;

[0037] 4. Liquid level detection switch; 41. Sliding rod; 411. First partition; 412. Second partition; 413. Thread; 414. Fixing nut; 42. Magnetic float;

[0038] 5. Flow guide plate; 51. Flow equalization cavity; 52. Water passage hole;

[0039] 6. Water outlet connector; 61. Clamp;

[0040] 7. Controller;

[0041] 8. Function selection module;

[0042] 9. Water flow sensor. Detailed Implementation

[0043] Exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, these exemplary embodiments can be implemented in many forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, they are provided so that the invention will be thorough and complete, and the concept of the exemplary embodiments will be fully conveyed to those skilled in the art. The same reference numerals in the drawings denote the same or similar structures, and therefore their detailed description will be omitted.

[0044] The terms “a,” “one,” “the,” and “the” are used to indicate the existence of one or more elements / components / etc.; the terms “including” and “having” are used to indicate an open-ended meaning of inclusion and that other elements / components / etc. may exist in addition to the listed elements / components / etc.

[0045] like Figure 1-7 As shown, a microbubble generating device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a dissolved gas tank 1, an inflation device 2, a first one-way valve 3, and a liquid level detection switch 4.

[0046] The dissolved air tank 1 has a water inlet 11 and a water outlet 12. The water inlet 11 is used to connect to the water outlet pipe of the water heater.

[0047] More preferably, the dissolved gas tank 1 is made of high-strength corrosion-resistant material and its volume should be 0.5L or more.

[0048] The inflation device 2 is connected to the dissolved gas tank 1, and the outlet of the inflation device 2 is connected to the dissolved gas tank 1 to inflate the dissolved gas tank 1.

[0049] The first one-way valve 3 is located in the air outlet of the air filling device 2. The first one-way valve 3 is configured to allow the air filling device 2 to fill the dissolved gas tank 1 with air, and to prevent water in the dissolved gas tank 1 from entering the air filling device 2.

[0050] The liquid level detection switch 4 is installed inside the dissolved gas tank 1. When the liquid level detection switch 4 detects that the liquid level in the dissolved gas tank 1 is high, it means that the gas pressure in the dissolved gas tank 1 is lower than the preset gas pressure, and the microbubble effect is reduced.

[0051] For example, when the liquid level is high, the water level in dissolved air tank 1 should be between 1 / 2 and 3 / 4 of the total height of the dissolved air tank.

[0052] When the liquid level detection switch 4 detects that the liquid level in the dissolved air tank 1 is below the high liquid level but higher than or equal to the low liquid level, it indicates that the air pressure in the dissolved air tank 1 is within the preset air pressure, and the microbubble effect is optimal.

[0053] For example, when the liquid level is low, the water level in the dissolved air tank should be less than 1 / 4 of the total height of the dissolved air tank, indicating that when the water in the dissolved air tank is pressed down to a low level by the air pressure, the condition for closing the air filling device 2 is met.

[0054] The liquid level detection switch 4 is configured to activate the air filling device 2 when the liquid level detection switch 4 generates a preset high liquid level electrical signal, so as to replenish the air pressure to the dissolved air tank 1.

[0055] When the liquid level detection switch 4 generates a low liquid level electrical signal, the air filling device 2 is shut off to ensure that the air pressure in the dissolved air tank 1 is maintained within an appropriate air pressure range, so that the hot water from the water heater outlet pipe can enter the dissolved air tank 1 normally.

[0056] Preferably, a pressure sensor is installed on the top wall of the dissolved gas tank 1 to detect the gas pressure of the dissolved gas tank 1. When the liquid level detection switch 4 detects a high liquid level and the pressure sensor detects that the gas pressure is too low, the inflation device 2 is turned on; when the liquid level detection switch 4 detects a low liquid level and the pressure sensor detects that the gas pressure is normal, the inflation device 2 is turned off.

[0057] Preferably, the liquid level detection switch 4 integrates a switch module that controls the power supply of the inflation device 2, and the inflation device 2 is electrically connected to the switch module, thus eliminating the need for an external controller.

[0058] like Figure 3 As shown, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a flow guide plate 5 is also included. The flow guide plate 5 is disposed in the dissolved air tank 1 corresponding to the water inlet 11, and together with the dissolved air tank 1, forms a flow equalization cavity 51. The flow guide plate 5 has a plurality of water passage holes 52 for dispersing the water flow. The fine water flow through the water passage holes 52 forms microbubble water with a gas-liquid mixing ratio of about 1% to 3%, thereby improving the mixing of gas and liquid.

[0059] When the hot water from the water heater outlet pipe enters the dissolved air tank 1, it first enters the equalization chamber 51, and then enters the main cavity of the dissolved air tank 1 through the water passage 52.

[0060] like Figure 3 As shown, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the guide plate 5 is bowl-shaped, and the water passage holes 52 are spaced apart on the side wall of the guide plate 5.

[0061] like Figure 2-3As shown, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a filter screen 34 is provided at the outlet of the first one-way valve 3. The filter screen 34 is preferably 40 mesh or above to prevent impurities from entering and jamming the first one-way valve 3.

[0062] like Figure 3 , 5 As shown in Figure 7, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a portion of the inflation device 2 extends into the dissolved gas tank 1, and the outlet of the inflation device 2 is located above the liquid level in the dissolved gas tank 1, so that the inflation device 2 inflates the cavity between the liquid surface and the top wall of the dissolved gas tank 1. If the outlet of the inflation device 2 is below the water surface, a gurgling noise will be generated during inflation.

[0063] like Figure 1-4 As shown, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the inflation device 2 includes a housing 21 having an air inlet and an air outlet, a pumping assembly 22 and a driving device 23 installed in the housing 21.

[0064] The first one-way valve 3 is located on the air outlet of the housing 21. The housing 21 is detachably connected to the dissolved gas tank 1. The drive device 23 is detachably connected to the housing 21. The drive device 23 drives the air pump assembly 22 to draw in air through the air inlet and exhaust air through the first one-way valve 3.

[0065] like Figure 1-4 As shown, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the housing 21 has a first guide cavity 2111 and a second guide cavity 2121 that are connected to the first one-way valve 3, and the first guide cavity 2111 is located between the first one-way valve 3 and the second guide cavity 2121.

[0066] The housing 21 has at least one first air inlet 2122 at the second guide cavity 2121 for drawing in external air.

[0067] The air pump assembly 22 includes a piston 221, a guide tube 222, and a second one-way valve 223. The piston 221 has a first through hole 2211 at its center.

[0068] One end of the guide tube 222 is fixed to the center of one side of the piston 221, and the cavity of the guide tube 222 is connected to the first through hole 2211. At least one second air inlet hole 2221 is provided on the side wall of the guide tube 222 for drawing the air drawn in by the first air inlet hole 2122 into the cavity of the guide tube 222.

[0069] The piston 221 is axially movable and sealed in the first guide cavity 2111, the guide tube 222 is axially movable in the second guide cavity 2121, and when the pump assembly 22 is in the suction position, the second air inlet 2221 is connected to the first air inlet 2122.

[0070] The second one-way valve 223 is installed in the first through hole 2211 of the piston 221. The second one-way valve 223 is configured to allow gas to flow from the guide tube 222 into the first guide cavity 2111 and prevent gas backflow.

[0071] When the air pump assembly 22 is in the compressed air position, the piston 221 forces the gas in the first guide chamber 2111 into the dissolved gas tank 1 through the first one-way valve 3.

[0072] The pumping principle is as follows: When drawing in air, piston 221 moves from the first end of the first guide cavity 2111 to the second end of the first guide cavity 2111. At this time, the first guide cavity 2111 is under negative pressure, so that external air is drawn into the first guide cavity 2111 through the cavity of the first air inlet 2122, the second air inlet 2221, the guide tube 222, and the second one-way valve 223. When expelling air, piston 221 moves from the second end of the first guide cavity 2111 to the first end of the first guide cavity 2111. Piston 221 forces the air in the first guide cavity 2111 into the dissolved air tank 1 through the first one-way valve 3.

[0073] Of course, the method of pumping gas is not limited to the above-described embodiments. Those skilled in the art can choose the method of pumping gas into the dissolved gas tank 1 according to actual needs.

[0074] like Figure 1-4 As shown, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the housing 21 includes a detachably connected cylinder 211 and a mounting base 212, a first guide cavity 2111 is located in the cylinder 211, a second guide cavity 2121 is located in the mounting base 212, and a first one-way valve 3 is mounted on the cylinder 211.

[0075] For example, the first one-way valve 3 is fixed to the cylinder 211 by a first mounting assembly, which includes a sealing ring 31, a first pressure plate 32 and a plurality of screws 33, and the first pressure plate 32 has a vent hole at its center.

[0076] The inner edge of the sealing ring 31 is provided with a first annular step, the central hole diameter of the sealing ring 31 is adapted to the diameter of the first pressure plate 32, and the first pressure plate 32 is provided with a plurality of first fixing holes.

[0077] One end of the cylinder 211 has a mounting cavity that communicates with the first guide cavity 2111. One end of the mounting cavity has a second annular step. The cylinder 211 has multiple second fixing holes that correspond to the first fixing hole and have internal threads around the mounting cavity.

[0078] The first one-way valve 3 is placed in the mounting cavity, and one end of the first one-way valve 3 abuts against the annular step. The first pressure plate 32 abuts against the other end of the first one-way valve 3. The sealing ring 31 is located between the first pressure plate 32 and the inner wall of the cylinder 211, and the edge of the first pressure plate 32 abuts against the first annular step.

[0079] One end of the screw 33 passes through the first fixing hole and connects to the second fixing hole to install and fix the first one-way valve 3.

[0080] like Figure 4 As shown, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the second one-way valve 223 is fixed in the first through hole 2211 by a second mounting assembly. The second mounting assembly includes a second pressure plate 2231 and a plurality of screws. The center of the second pressure plate 2231 has a vent hole.

[0081] The inner wall of the first through hole 2211 has a third annular step, one end of the second one-way valve 223 abuts against the third annular step, the second pressure plate 2231 abuts against the other end of the second one-way valve 223, and the second pressure plate 2231 is mounted on the piston 221 by screws.

[0082] like Figure 1-2 As shown, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the dissolved gas tank 1 is provided with an installation interface 13, the cylinder 211 extends into the dissolved gas tank 1 through the first installation interface 13 and is sealed in the first installation interface 13, the first one-way valve 3 is located at the upper end of the cylinder 211, the lower end of the cylinder 211 is provided with a first flange, the mounting base 212 is provided with a second flange, and the second flange, the first flange and the first installation interface 13 are detachable and sealed together.

[0083] The cylinder 211 is embedded inside the dissolved gas tank 1, saving internal installation space.

[0084] like Figure 1-4 As shown, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the drive device 23 is a geared motor. The shaft 231 of the geared motor has an external thread, and the inner wall of the guide tube 222 has an internal thread. The shaft 231 is located in the cavity of the guide tube 222 and the external thread meshes with the internal thread. The geared motor drives the guide tube 222 to move axially between the intake position and the compression position by rotating forward or in reverse.

[0085] like Figure 4 As shown, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the cross-section of the second guide cavity 2121 is polygonal or semi-circular, and the outer wall shape of the guide tube 222 is adapted to the cross-sectional shape of the second guide cavity 2121, so that the guide tube 222 can only be axially displaced in the second guide cavity 2121 and cannot rotate.

[0086] The speed reduction motor identification piston assembly of this invention can be implemented in various ways to reach the target position, such as monitoring the rise of the motor stall current, accumulating the number of motor rotor rotation steps, accumulating the motor running time, etc. This invention does not make any specific limitation.

[0087] like Figure 1-3As shown, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a water outlet connector 6 is also included. One end of the water outlet connector 6 is installed in the water outlet interface 12, and the terminal water pipe is connected to the water outlet connector 6.

[0088] One end of the liquid level detection switch 4 is installed on the water outlet connector 6. When the water outlet connector 6 is removed, the liquid level detection switch 4 can be removed together, which improves the convenience of installation and maintenance.

[0089] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the water outlet connector 6 is sealed to the water outlet interface 12, and the water outlet connector 6 and the water outlet interface 12 are fixed together by a clamp 61.

[0090] like Figure 2 , 3 As shown, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the liquid level detection switch 4 includes a slide rod 41 and a magnetic float 42. The upper end of the slide rod 41 has a first partition 411 for cooperating with the magnetic float 42 to generate a high liquid level electrical signal. The slide rod 41 has a second partition 412 between its upper and lower ends for cooperating with the magnetic float 42 to generate a low liquid level electrical signal. The magnetic float 42 floats up and down between the first partition 411 and the second partition 412.

[0091] like Figure 2 , 3 As shown, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the lower end of the slide rod 41 has a thread 413, the lower end of the water outlet connector 6 has a through hole, the lower end of the slide rod 41 passes through the through hole in a sealed manner, and the slide rod 41 is vertically fixed on the water outlet connector 6 by connecting the fixing nut 414 with the thread 413.

[0092] like Figure 5-7 As shown, the present invention also provides a water heater, including a water heater body and the microbubble generating device described above. The water heater body includes a heating module, a controller 7, a function selection module 8, and a water flow sensor 9.

[0093] The inflation device 2, liquid level detection switch 4, heating module, function selection module 8 and water flow sensor 9 are electrically connected to the controller 7.

[0094] The inlet port 11 is connected to the outlet pipe of the water heater body, and the outlet port 12 is used to connect to the terminal water pipe.

[0095] Preferably, the function selection module 8 has function operation buttons and a display screen. For example, the function operation buttons include buttons for normal water use, microbubble function, temperature adjustment, and mode selection.

[0096] The water heater of the present invention, by employing the aforementioned microbubble generating device, allows hot water from the water outlet pipe of the water heater to directly enter the dissolved air tank 1 when the user turns on the faucet of the terminal water pipe. Furthermore, during the water heater's heating operation, hot water is continuously injected into the dissolved air tank 1, eliminating the existing process of disconnecting the water outlet pipe from the dissolved air tank 1. This reduces the user's waiting time for hot water and improves the user experience.

[0097] The water heaters mentioned above are either gas water heaters or instant electric water heaters.

[0098] like Figure 5-8 As shown, the present invention also provides a water heater control method, applied to the above-mentioned water heater, wherein the controller 7 is pre-stored with a microbubble standby mode and a microbubble operation mode, and the water heater control method includes:

[0099] The water heater is in standby mode after being powered on, and the microbubble function is in microbubble standby mode.

[0100] After the tap on the terminal water pipe is turned on, the water flow sensor 9 detects whether the water inlet flow of the water heater is the preset normal water flow.

[0101] If the water flow rate is normal (e.g., greater than or equal to 2.5L / min), the water heater enters the heating mode and the microbubble standby mode switches to the microbubble operation mode. In the heating mode and the microbubble operation mode, the water outlet pipe of the water heater body continuously injects hot water into the dissolved air tank 1, and the water in the dissolved air tank 1 flows out through the terminal water pipe and faucet.

[0102] When the controller 7 receives the preset high water level electrical signal from the liquid level detection switch 4, the controller 7 starts the aeration device 2 to aerate the dissolved air tank 1 until the controller 7 receives the low water level electrical signal from the liquid level detection switch 4. Then the controller shuts off the aeration device 2 and maintains the microbubble operation mode.

[0103] If the water flow rate is lower than normal, the water heater will be in standby mode. The microbubble standby mode remains unchanged, and the air filling device 2 is always off in the microbubble standby mode.

[0104] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, when entering the microbubble standby mode, the piston of the inflation device 2 is in the air intake position, and the cylinder is filled with air, so that when the air pressure in the dissolved gas tank 1 drops after the machine is turned on, it can be replenished in time, thereby improving the inflation efficiency.

[0105] The present invention provides a water heater control method. When the user turns on the faucet of the terminal water pipe, the hot water from the water heater outlet pipe directly enters the dissolved air tank 1. In the water heater heating operation state, hot water is continuously injected into the dissolved air tank 1, eliminating the existing process of disconnecting the water heater outlet pipe from the dissolved air tank 1, thereby reducing the user's waiting time for hot water and improving the user experience.

[0106] In this embodiment of the invention, the term "multiple" refers to two or more, unless otherwise explicitly defined. The terms "install," "connect," and "fix" should be interpreted broadly. For example, "connect" can mean a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this embodiment of the invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0107] In the description of the embodiments of the present invention, it should be understood that the terms "upper" and "lower" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing the embodiments of the present invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or unit referred to must have a specific orientation or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the embodiments of the present invention.

[0108] In the description of this specification, the terms "an embodiment," "a preferred embodiment," etc., refer to a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example, which is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0109] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, the embodiments of the present invention can have various modifications and variations. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the embodiments of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A microbubble generator, characterized in that, include: The dissolved air tank (1) is equipped with a water inlet (11) and a water outlet (12); An inflation device (2) is connected to the dissolved gas tank (1), and the air outlet of the inflation device (2) is connected to the dissolved gas tank (1); A first one-way valve (3) is provided in the outlet of the inflation device (2), and the first one-way valve (3) is configured to allow the inflation device (2) to inflate the dissolved gas tank (1); A liquid level detection switch (4) is installed inside the dissolved gas tank (1). The liquid level detection switch (4) is configured to turn on the gas filling device (2) when the liquid level detection switch (4) generates a high liquid level electrical signal, and to turn off the gas filling device (2) when the liquid level detection switch (4) generates a low liquid level electrical signal.

2. The microbubble generator according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a flow guide plate (5), which is disposed in the dissolved air tank (1) corresponding to the water inlet (11) and together with the dissolved air tank (1) forms a flow equalization cavity (51). The flow guide plate (5) has multiple water passage holes (52) for dispersing the water flow.

3. The microbubble generator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inflation device (2) includes a housing (21) with an air inlet and an air outlet, a pump assembly (22) installed in the housing (21) and a drive device (23). The first one-way valve (3) is located on the air outlet of the housing (21). The housing (21) is detachably connected to the dissolved gas tank (1). The drive device (23) is detachably connected to the housing (21). The drive device (23) drives the pump assembly (22) to draw in air through the air inlet and exhaust air through the first one-way valve (3).

4. The microbubble generator according to claim 3, characterized in that, The housing (21) has a first guide cavity (2111) and a second guide cavity (2121) connected to the first one-way valve (3). The first guide cavity (2111) is located between the first one-way valve (3) and the second guide cavity (2121). The housing (21) has at least one first air inlet (2122) at the second guide cavity (2121). The pump assembly (22) includes a piston (221), a guide tube (222), and a second one-way valve (223). The piston (221) has a first through hole (2211) at its center. One end of the guide tube (222) is fixed to the center of one side of the piston (221), and the cavity of the guide tube (222) is connected to the first through hole (2211). The sidewall of the guide tube (222) has an opening. There is at least one second air inlet (2221), the piston (221) is axially movable and sealed in the first guide cavity (2111), the guide tube (222) is axially movable in the second guide cavity (2121), and when the pump assembly (22) is in the suction position, the second air inlet (2221) communicates with the first air inlet (2122), the second one-way valve (223) is installed in the first through hole (2211), the second one-way valve (223) is configured to allow gas to flow from the guide tube (222) to the first guide cavity (2111), and when the pump assembly (22) is in the compression position, the piston (221) pressurizes the gas in the first guide cavity (2111) into the dissolved gas tank (1) through the first one-way valve (3).

5. The microbubble generator according to claim 4, characterized in that, The housing (21) includes a detachably connected cylinder (211) and a mounting base (212), the first guide cavity (2111) is located in the cylinder (211), the second guide cavity (2121) is located in the mounting base (212), and the first one-way valve (3) is mounted on the cylinder (211).

6. The microbubble generator according to claim 5, characterized in that, The dissolved gas tank (1) has an installation interface (13), the cylinder (211) is sealed in the first installation interface (13), one end of the cylinder (211) is provided with a first flange, the mounting base (212) is provided with a second flange, and the second flange, the first flange and the first installation interface (13) are detachable and sealed together.

7. The microbubble generator according to claim 4, characterized in that, The drive device (23) is a geared motor. The shaft (231) of the geared motor has an external thread, and the inner wall of the guide tube (222) has an internal thread. The shaft (231) is located in the cavity of the guide tube (222) and the external thread meshes with the internal thread. The geared motor drives the guide tube (222) to move axially between the intake position and the compression position by rotating forward or in reverse.

8. The microbubble generator according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a water outlet connector (6), one end of which is installed in the water outlet interface (12), and one end of the liquid level detection switch (4) is installed on the water outlet connector (6).

9. A water heater, characterized in that, The device includes a water heater body and a microbubble generator as described in any one of claims 1-8. The water inlet (11) is connected to the water outlet pipe of the water heater body, and the water outlet (12) is used to connect to the terminal water pipe. The air filling device (2) and the liquid level detection switch (4) are both electrically connected to the controller of the water heater body.

10. A water heater control method, characterized in that, Applied to the water heater of claim 9, the controller pre-stores a microbubble standby mode and a microbubble operating mode, and the water heater control method includes: The water heater is in standby mode after being powered on, and the microbubble function is in microbubble standby mode. After turning on the tap of the terminal water pipe, check whether the water inlet flow of the water heater is the preset normal water flow. If the water flow is normal, the water heater enters the heating mode and the microbubble standby mode switches to the microbubble operation mode. In the heating mode and the microbubble operation mode, the water outlet pipe of the water heater body continuously injects hot water into the dissolved air tank (1), and the water in the dissolved air tank (1) flows out through the terminal water pipe and the faucet. When the controller receives a high water level electrical signal preset by the liquid level detection switch (4), the controller starts the air filling device (2) to fill the dissolved air tank (1) with air until the controller receives a low water level electrical signal from the liquid level detection switch (4), then the controller shuts off the air filling device (2) and maintains the microbubble operation mode. If the water flow rate is lower than normal, the water heater is in standby mode, and the microbubble standby mode remains unchanged. In the microbubble standby mode, the air filling device (2) is always off.

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