Foam generating device and water heater assembly

Abstract

The utility model discloses a foam generating device and a water heater assembly, and relates to the technical field of bathing equipment, the foam generating device comprises a first mixing piece, the first mixing piece is internally provided with a first mixing cavity and is provided with an input port, an air inlet and an output port, and the input port, the air inlet and the output port are all communicated with the first mixing cavity; the input port is used for inputting foaming liquid and clear water; the air inlet part is connected with the air inlet of the first mixing part, and the foaming liquid, the clear water and the air are mixed in the first mixing cavity to form first foam; a second mixing cavity is formed in the second mixing part, a foam inlet communicated with the second mixing cavity is formed in the second mixing part, and the foam inlet is communicated with the output port of the first mixing part, so that the first foam is mixed with water in the second mixing cavity to form second foam. According to the technical scheme provided by the utility model, the technical problem that foam generated by an existing foam generating device is poor in fineness can be solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of bathing equipment, in particular to a foam generating device and a water heater component. Background Art

[0002] A water heater is a common household appliance, often referred to as a household water heater. It is designed to provide households with hot water at a constant temperature for daily use, such as bathing, washing hands, and washing dishes. During bathing, shower gel is often mixed with water to create foam, thereby effectively cleansing the skin. To this end, a foaming device is installed on the water heater. Through a liquid pump, air inlet pipe, water inlet pipe, air pump, and mixer, foaming liquid, water, and air are pumped into the mixer to mix and produce fine foam, enhancing the bathing experience.

[0003] However, the foam generated by the existing foam generating device has poor fineness. Utility Model Content

[0004] The main purpose of the utility model is to provide a foam generating device and a water heater assembly, aiming to solve the technical problem that the foam generated by the existing foam generating device has poor fineness.

[0005] To achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the foam generating device proposed in the present invention comprises:

[0006] a first mixing element, wherein the first mixing element has a first mixing chamber and is provided with an input port, an air inlet, and an output port, wherein the input port, the air inlet, and the output port are all in communication with the first mixing chamber, and the input port is used to input foaming liquid and clean water;

[0007] an air inlet member connected to the air inlet of the first mixing member, wherein the foaming liquid, the clean water and the gas are mixed in the first mixing chamber to form a first foam; and

[0008] The second mixing element has a second mixing chamber inside and is provided with a foam inlet communicated with the second mixing chamber. The foam inlet is communicated with the output port of the first mixing element, so that the first foam is mixed with water in the second mixing chamber to form a second foam.

[0009] In one embodiment, the foam generating device further comprises a peristaltic pump, which is connected to the input port of the first mixing element through a pipeline to pump the clean water and the foaming liquid into the cavity.

[0010] In one embodiment, the foam generating device further includes a liquid drawing tube, and the peristaltic pump is connected to the liquid drawing tube to absorb the foaming liquid through the liquid drawing tube.

[0011] In one embodiment, the foam generating device further includes a pressure reducing valve, which is in communication with the first mixing chamber of the first mixing element and the second mixing chamber of the second mixing element.

[0012] In one embodiment, the foam generating device further comprises a diverter provided at the water outlet of the pressure reducing valve, and the pressure reducing valve is respectively connected to the first mixing element and the second mixing element through the diverter.

[0013] In one embodiment, the diverter comprises:

[0014] a pipe body, the pipe body being in communication with the pressure reducing valve; and

[0015] Water distribution pipes, wherein the pipe body is respectively connected to the two water distribution pipes;

[0016] Wherein, one of the water distribution pipes is connected to the liquid supply pipe communicating with the input port of the first mixing element, and the other water distribution pipe is connected to the foam pipe communicating with the foam inlet port of the second mixing element.

[0017] In one embodiment, the first mixing element is configured as a foam pump for mixing water, foaming liquid and air to generate the first foam.

[0018] In one embodiment, the second mixing element is configured as a mixer for mixing the first foam generated by the foam pump with water to obtain the desired second foam.

[0019] The utility model also provides a water heater assembly, comprising a water heater and a foam generating device, wherein the foam generating device comprises:

[0020] a first mixing element, wherein the first mixing element has a first mixing chamber and is provided with an input port, an air inlet, and an output port, wherein the input port, the air inlet, and the output port are all in communication with the first mixing chamber, and the input port is used to input foaming liquid and clean water;

[0021] an air inlet member connected to the air inlet of the first mixing member, wherein the foaming liquid, the clean water and the gas are mixed in the first mixing chamber to form a first foam; and

[0022] The second mixing element has a second mixing chamber inside and is provided with a foam inlet communicated with the second mixing chamber. The foam inlet is communicated with the output port of the first mixing element, so that the first foam is mixed with water in the second mixing chamber to form a second foam.

[0023] In one embodiment, the water heater assembly further includes a three-way switch, and the water outlet of the water heater is connected to the shower head via the three-way switch; or

[0024] The water outlet of the water heater is connected to the pressure reducing valve through the three-way switch.

[0025] In the technical solution provided by the present invention, the user can input the foaming liquid and clean water into the first mixing chamber of the first mixing component, and use the provided air inlet component to suck air into the first mixing chamber of the first mixing component, so that the clean water, air and foaming liquid can be mixed in the first mixing chamber to produce the first foam. After that, the first mixing component transports the high-concentration first foam produced for the first time to the second mixing chamber of the second mixing component, so that it can be mixed with water again to produce the required second foam. It is understandable that the first foam produced by the first mixing may be unevenly mixed, resulting in the foaming liquid not being fully dispersed, that is, the first foam is not fine enough. Mixing the first foam with water for the second time can enhance the dispersibility of the foam, make the produced second foam more uniform, ensure that the foaming liquid is fully dissolved, and thus meet the user's demand for fine foam. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without paying any creative work.

[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a first state of an embodiment of the foam generating device provided by the utility model;

[0028] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the second state of an embodiment of the foam generating device provided by the present utility model.

[0029] Description of Figure Numbers:

[0030] 10. First mixing element; 20. Air inlet element; 30. Second mixing element; 40. Peristaltic pump; 50. Liquid drawing tube; 60. Pressure reducing valve; 70. Diverter element; 71. Tube body; 72. Water distribution pipe; 80. Three-way switch.

[0031] The realization of the purpose, functional features and advantages of the present invention will be further explained in conjunction with embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] The following will be combined with the drawings in the embodiments of the present invention to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the embodiments described are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative efforts shall fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0033] It should be noted that if the embodiments of the present invention involve directional indications (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.), the directional indications are only used to explain the relative position relationship, movement status, etc. between the components in a certain specific posture. If the specific posture changes, the directional indications will also change accordingly.

[0034] In addition, if there are descriptions involving "first", "second", etc. in the embodiments of the present invention, the descriptions of "first", "second", etc. are only for descriptive purposes and cannot be understood as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of the indicated technical features. Therefore, the features limited to "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of such features. In addition, if "and / or" or "and / or" appears in the full text, its meaning includes three parallel schemes. Taking "A and / or B" as an example, it includes scheme A, or scheme B, or a scheme in which A and B are satisfied at the same time. In addition, the technical solutions between the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but it must be based on the ability of ordinary technicians in this field to implement. When the combination of technical solutions is mutually contradictory or cannot be implemented, it should be deemed that such a combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection required by the present invention.

[0035] As living standards improve, water heaters are becoming more and more common, and people have higher and higher requirements for the bathing experience. They usually use shower gel mixed with water to create foam to better cleanse the skin. In response to this background, a foam generating device is installed on the water heater. Through the liquid pump, air inlet pipe, water inlet pipe, air inlet pump and mixer, foaming liquid, water and air are respectively pumped into the mixer to mix and produce fine foam to enhance the bathing experience. However, the above-mentioned foam generating method is relatively limited in effect, resulting in poor foam fineness and unable to meet the user's demand for delicate foam.

[0036] In view of this, an embodiment of the present invention provides a foam generating device that can produce fine foam. The first mixing element mixes water, air and foaming liquid to produce a first foam solution, and then the high-concentration aqueous solution foam and water produced in the first time are pumped into the second mixing element for mixing to produce the required fine foam.

[0037] In order to better understand the above technical solution, the above technical solution is described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0038] like Figure 1 、 Figure 2 As shown, the embodiment of the present invention provides a foam generating device for generating fine foam, and the foam generating device includes:

[0039] A first mixing element 10 has a first mixing chamber and is provided with an input port, an air inlet, and an output port. The input port, the air inlet, and the output port are all connected to the first mixing chamber. The input port is used to input foaming liquid and clean water.

[0040] An air inlet 20, the air inlet 20 is connected to the air inlet of the first mixing element 10, and the foaming liquid, clean water and gas are mixed in the first mixing chamber to form a first foam; and

[0041] The second mixing element 30 has a second mixing chamber inside and is provided with a foam inlet communicated with the second mixing chamber. The foam inlet is communicated with the output port of the first mixing element 10, so that the first foam is mixed with water in the second mixing chamber to form the second foam.

[0042] In the technical solution adopted in this embodiment, the user can input foaming liquid and clean water into the first mixing chamber of the first mixing element 10, and use the provided air inlet member 20 to draw air into the first mixing chamber of the first mixing element 10, so that the clean water, air, and foaming liquid can be mixed in the first mixing chamber to produce a first foam. The first mixing element 10 then transfers the first high-concentration foam produced the first time to the second mixing chamber of the second mixing element 30, so that it can be mixed with water again to produce the desired second foam. It is understandable that the first foam produced by the first mixing may be unevenly mixed, resulting in the foaming liquid not being fully dispersed, that is, the first foam is not fine enough. However, mixing the first foam with water a second time can enhance the dispersibility of the foam, make the produced second foam more uniform, ensure that the foaming liquid is fully dissolved, and thus meet the user's demand for fine foam.

[0043] Specifically, the foam generating device includes a first mixing element 10 , an air inlet element 20 and a second mixing element 30 .

[0044] The first mixing element 10 is used to provide a first mixing chamber to achieve initial mixing of materials within the first mixing chamber. The first mixing element 10 can be a bubbler, which can form a high-concentration first foam by introducing gas into the foaming liquid and dispersing it with water. It is understood that a liquid supply portion is provided on one side of the first mixing element 10, and the input port of the first mixing element 10 can be connected to the liquid supply portion to input the foaming liquid into the first mixing chamber. The input port of the first mixing element 10 can also be connected to the water outlet of a water heater or faucet to input clean water into the first mixing chamber. Furthermore, by sharing a common input port for the foaming liquid and water, i.e., adding them simultaneously or sequentially into the first mixing chamber through the same input port, the input ratio and order can be adjusted, allowing for flexible control of foam generation. Furthermore, sharing a common port can improve the mixing efficiency of the foaming liquid and water.

[0045] The air inlet member 20 is used to guide air into the first mixing chamber of the first mixing element 10. It will be appreciated that, through the provision of the air inlet member 20, air can be introduced into the mixing chamber of the first mixing element 10 under the action of the first mixing element 10. This allows the introduced air to mix with the clean water and foaming liquid when they are introduced into the first mixing chamber. The air inlet member 20 can be an air inlet pipe, communicating with the first mixing chamber of the first mixing element 10. When it is desired to generate the first foam, air can be introduced into the first mixing chamber along the air inlet pipe until it reaches below the surface of the mixture of clean water and foaming liquid, thereby achieving mixing of the first foam.

[0046] The second mixing element 30 is used to remix the first foam to produce a finer second foam. The second mixing element 30 can be a foam mixer, connected to the first mixing chamber of the first mixing element 10. After the first mixing element 10 produces the first foam, it pumps the first foam to the foam inlet of the foam mixer, where it enters the foam mixer along with water for a second mixing process. This remixes the high-concentration first foam to form a finer second foam. It is understood that compared to the first foam, all ingredients within the second foam are more evenly distributed throughout the mixture, thereby optimizing the fineness of the first foam.

[0047] Further, refer to Figure 1 、 Figure 2 In one embodiment of the present invention, the foam generating device further comprises a peristaltic pump 40, which is connected to the input port of the first mixing element 10 through a pipeline to pump clean water and foaming liquid into the cavity.

[0048] In the technical solution adopted in this embodiment, the peristaltic pump 40 precisely controls the amount of foaming liquid used. An appropriate amount of foaming liquid helps achieve the desired foam density. This precise control improves the utilization rate of the foaming liquid and avoids waste. It will be appreciated that when a higher concentration of first foam is required, the peristaltic pump 40 controls the amount of foaming liquid pumped out to increase; when a lower concentration of first foam is required, the peristaltic pump 40 controls the amount of foaming liquid pumped out to decrease. During the process of pumping the foaming liquid, the amount of clean water delivered remains constant.

[0049] Further, refer to Figure 1 、 Figure 2 In one embodiment of the present invention, the foam generating device further includes a liquid drawing tube 50 , and the peristaltic pump 40 is connected to the liquid drawing tube 50 to absorb the foaming liquid through the liquid drawing tube 50 .

[0050] In the technical solution adopted in this embodiment, the peristaltic pump 40 can conveniently draw the foaming liquid through the provided liquid drawing tube 50. One end of the liquid drawing tube 50 is connected to the peristaltic pump 40, and the other end of the liquid drawing tube 50 is inserted into the foaming liquid. Therefore, when the peristaltic pump 40 is turned on, the foaming liquid can enter the pipeline along the liquid drawing tube 50 and be input into the mixing space of the first mixing element 10 along the pipeline.

[0051] Further, refer to Figure 1 、 Figure 2 In one embodiment of the present invention, the foam generating device further includes a pressure reducing valve 60 , which is in communication with the first mixing chamber of the first mixing element 10 and the second mixing chamber of the second mixing element 30 .

[0052] In the technical solution adopted in this embodiment, the pressure-reducing valve 60 is provided to maintain a constant water pressure within the first mixing chamber of the first mixing element 10 and the second mixing chamber of the second mixing element 30, thereby isolating them from external water pressure and reducing the possibility of affecting the consistency of foam concentration. It will be understood that the pressure-reducing valve 60 is in communication with the first mixing chamber of the first mixing element 10 and the second mixing chamber of the second mixing element 30.

[0053] Further, refer to Figure 1 、 Figure 2 In one embodiment of the present invention, the foam generating device further includes a diverter 70 disposed at the water outlet of the pressure reducing valve 60 , and the pressure reducing valve 60 is connected to the first mixing element 10 and the second mixing element 30 through the diverter 70 .

[0054] In the technical solution adopted in this embodiment, the diverter 70 can evenly distribute water to the first mixing chamber of the first mixing element 10 and the second mixing chamber of the second mixing element 30. This arrangement can simplify the system design and reduce the number of pipes and valves.

[0055] Further, refer to Figure 1 、 Figure 2 In one embodiment of the present invention, the diverter 70 includes:

[0056] a pipe body 71 , the pipe body 71 being in communication with the pressure reducing valve 60 ; and

[0057] The water distribution pipe 72 and the pipe body 71 are respectively connected to the two water distribution pipes 72;

[0058] One water distribution pipe 72 is connected to the liquid supply pipe connected to the input port of the first mixing element 10 , and the other water distribution pipe 72 is connected to the foam pipe connected to the foam inlet of the second mixing element 30 .

[0059] In the technical solution adopted in this embodiment, the diverter 70 can also include two parts: a tube body 71 and a water diversion pipe 72. It can be understood that the tube body 71 is used to connect to the pressure reducing valve 60, and the water diversion pipes 72 are provided in two parts, both of which are connected to the tube body 71. The tube body 71 can be a Y-shaped pipe or a T-shaped pipe, and has an input port and two output ports. Clean water flows from the pressure reducing valve 60 into the input port of the tube body 71, thereby achieving diversion, so that it flows into the two water diversion pipes 72 from the two output ports of the tube body 71, and then inputs clean water into the first mixing element 10 and the second mixing element 30 respectively. In other words, through the tube body 71 and the two water diversion pipes 72, the clean water passing through the pressure reducing valve 60 can be input into the first mixing element 10 and the second mixing element 30 respectively. In this way, there is no need to set up an additional pressure reducing valve 60 and other pipes, and precise control can be achieved.

[0060] Further, refer to Figure 1 、 Figure 2 In one embodiment of the present invention, the first mixing element 10 is configured as a foam pump for mixing water, foaming liquid and air to generate the first foam.

[0061] In the technical solution adopted in this embodiment, the first mixing element 10 is configured as a foam pump, which can effectively mix water, foaming liquid, and air to produce a stable first foam. Furthermore, the design of the foam pump generally takes into account user convenience, simplifies the foam generation process, and can easily and quickly produce the first foam, thereby improving foam generation efficiency.

[0062] Further, refer to Figure 1 、 Figure 2 In one embodiment of the present invention, the second mixing element 30 is configured as a mixer for mixing the first foam generated by the foam pump with water to obtain the required second foam.

[0063] In the technical solution adopted in this embodiment, the second mixing element 30 is configured as a mixer. The mixer ensures that the first foam and water are thoroughly mixed, producing a more delicate second foam. Furthermore, the use of the mixer can help produce a more consistent second foam, providing users with a better bathing experience and improving the uniformity of the foam.

[0064] The present invention also provides a water heater assembly, comprising the foam generating device of each of the aforementioned embodiments. The specific structure of the foam generating device is referenced to the aforementioned embodiments. Since the present water heater assembly utilizes all of the technical solutions of all of the aforementioned embodiments, it at least possesses all of the beneficial effects brought about by the technical solutions of the aforementioned embodiments, and therefore, no further details will be given here.

[0065] Further, refer to Figure 1 、 Figure 2 In one embodiment of the present invention, the water heater assembly further includes a three-way switch 80, and the water outlet of the water heater is connected to the shower head through the three-way switch 80; or

[0066] The water outlet of the water heater is connected to the pressure reducing valve 60 via a three-way switch 80 .

[0067] In the technical solution adopted in this embodiment, the water heater assembly further includes a three-way switch 80 connected to the water outlet of the water heater. It is understood that when the foam generating device is in an inoperative state, water flows from the water heater through the three-way switch 80 until it reaches the showerhead; when the foam generating device is in an operative state, water flows from the water heater through the three-way switch 80 until it reaches the first mixing chamber of the first mixing element 10 and the mixing chamber of the second mixing element 30. It is understood that the three-way switch 80 has one input and two outputs. The input can only be connected to one of the outputs at a time. That is, the connection direction of the three-way switch 80 can be adjusted to place the foam generating device in an inoperative state or an operative state, thereby facilitating the user's free switching during bathing and providing a better bathing experience.

[0068] The above description is merely an exemplary embodiment of the present invention and does not limit the patent scope of the present invention. All equivalent structural transformations made using the contents of the present invention specification and drawings under the technical concept of the present invention, or direct / indirect application in other related technical fields are included in the patent protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A foam generating device, characterized in that: include: a first mixing element, wherein the first mixing element has a first mixing chamber and is provided with an input port, an air inlet, and an output port, wherein the input port, the air inlet, and the output port are all in communication with the first mixing chamber, and the input port is used to input foaming liquid and clean water; an air inlet member connected to the air inlet of the first mixing member, wherein the foaming liquid, the clean water and the gas are mixed in the first mixing chamber to form a first foam; as well as The second mixing element has a second mixing chamber inside and is provided with a foam inlet communicated with the second mixing chamber. The foam inlet is communicated with the output port of the first mixing element, so that the first foam is mixed with water in the second mixing chamber to form a second foam.

2. The foam generating device according to claim 1, wherein The foam generating device further comprises a peristaltic pump, which is connected to the input port of the first mixing element through a pipeline to pump the clean water and the foaming liquid into the first mixing chamber.

3. The foam generating device according to claim 2, wherein: The foam generating device further comprises a liquid drawing tube, and the peristaltic pump is connected to the liquid drawing tube so as to absorb the foaming liquid through the liquid drawing tube.

4. The foam generating device according to claim 1, wherein The foam generating device further includes a pressure reducing valve, which is in communication with the first mixing chamber of the first mixing element and the second mixing chamber of the second mixing element.

5. The foam generating device according to claim 4, characterized in that The foam generating device further comprises a diverter member provided at the water outlet of the pressure reducing valve, and the pressure reducing valve is respectively connected with the first mixing member and the second mixing member through the diverter member.

6. The foam generating device according to claim 5, wherein: The diverter comprises: a pipe body, the pipe body being in communication with the pressure reducing valve; and Water distribution pipes, wherein the pipe body is respectively connected to the two water distribution pipes; Wherein, one of the water distribution pipes is connected to the liquid supply pipe communicating with the input port of the first mixing element, and the other water distribution pipe is connected to the foam pipe communicating with the foam inlet port of the second mixing element.

7. The foam generating device according to claim 1, wherein: The first mixing element is configured as a foam pump for mixing water, foaming liquid and air to generate first foam.

8. The foam generating device according to claim 7, wherein: The second mixing element is configured as a mixer for mixing the first foam generated by the foam pump with water to obtain the required second foam.

9. A water heater assembly, characterized in that: The water heater assembly includes a water heater and a foam generating device, and the foam generating device is the foam generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The water heater assembly according to claim 9, wherein: The water heater assembly further includes a three-way switch, and the water outlet of the water heater is connected to the shower head via the three-way switch; or The water outlet of the water heater is connected to the pressure reducing valve through the three-way switch.

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