JP2009082906A - Bubble generator and bubble generation device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a bubble generator that can generate a sufficient amount of microbubbles and make its size smaller and a bubble generator device having the same. <P>SOLUTION: The generator 100 has a bubble generator member 103 and a support member 105. In the member 103, a liquid passage 35 and a pressure buildup passage 36 are formed. After water flowing in from apertures at an upper end of the passage 35 flows towards one direction in the passage 35, the water flows in a direction opposite to the one direction in the passage 36, and flows out of apertures at an upper end of the passage 36. The sum of areas of apertures at a lower end of the passage 36 is smaller than that of the areas of the apertures at the upper end of the passage 35, and the areas of the apertures at the upper end of the passage 36 are larger than those of the apertures at the lower end of the passage 36. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a bubble generator that generates fine bubbles in a liquid and a bubble generation device including the bubble generator.

  Conventionally, an apparatus for generating fine bubbles in a liquid has been developed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

The fine bubble generating nozzle described in Patent Document 1 has a decompression mechanism and a venturi section provided on the downstream side of the decompression mechanism. In this fine bubble generating nozzle, fine bubbles are generated in the liquid by the decompression mechanism, and the fine bubbles are further refined in the venturi section.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2007-020779

  However, it is not possible to generate a sufficient amount of fine bubbles in the liquid simply by arranging the pressure reducing mechanism and the venturi portion linearly as in the fine bubble generating nozzle. Further, in order to improve the generation amount of fine bubbles in the fine bubble generation nozzle, the length of the venturi portion must be increased. In this case, it is difficult to reduce the size of the fine bubble generating nozzle.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a bubble generator that can generate a sufficient amount of fine bubbles and that can be reduced in size, and a bubble generator including the bubble generator.

  (1) A bubble generator according to a first invention includes a main body having an inlet, a first channel, a second channel, and an outlet, and the first channel flows in from the inlet. The liquid is provided so as to guide the liquid in the first direction, and the second flow path guides the liquid guided from the downstream end of the first flow path in the second direction opposite to the first direction and from the outlet. The cross-sectional area of the upstream end of the second flow path is smaller than the area of the inlet, and the area of the outlet is larger than the cross-sectional area of the upstream end of the second flow path.

  According to this bubble generator, the liquid flowing into the main body from the inflow port is guided in the first direction by the first flow path. Further, the liquid guided from the downstream end of the first channel is guided in the second direction opposite to the first direction by the second channel and flows out from the outlet.

  Here, in this bubble generator, the cross-sectional area of the upstream end of the second flow path is smaller than the area of the inlet. In this case, when the liquid flows from the inflow port into the second flow path via the first flow path, the flow velocity of the liquid increases and the pressure of the liquid decreases. Thereby, the gas dissolved in the liquid appears as bubbles.

  The area of the outlet is larger than the cross-sectional area at the upstream end of the second flow path. In this case, when the liquid flows from the upstream end of the second flow path to the outlet, the flow velocity of the liquid decreases and the pressure of the liquid increases. Thereby, the above-mentioned bubbles appearing in the liquid are refined.

  The first flow path is provided to guide the liquid in the first direction, and the second flow path is provided to guide the liquid in the second direction opposite to the first direction. In this case, the second flow path can be lengthened without increasing the overall length of the main body. Thereby, the generation | occurrence | production efficiency of a fine bubble can be improved, without enlarging the full length of a main-body part.

  As a result, a sufficient amount of fine bubbles can be generated, and the bubble generator can be downsized.

  (2) The cross-sectional area of the second channel may gradually increase from the upstream end toward the outlet. In this case, when the liquid flows through the second flow path, the flow velocity of the liquid gradually decreases, and the pressure of the liquid increases. Thereby, the bubbles in the liquid can be reliably miniaturized.

  (3) The cross-sectional area of the second channel may be discontinuously or continuously enlarged from the upstream end toward the outlet. In this case, when the liquid flows through the second flow path, the flow velocity of the liquid is sufficiently decreased, and the pressure of the liquid is sufficiently increased. Thereby, the bubbles in the liquid can be sufficiently miniaturized.

  (4) The second flow path has a first enlarged portion on the upstream side and a second enlarged portion on the downstream side, and the cross-sectional area of the first enlarged portion is enlarged at the first ratio, The cross-sectional area of the enlarged portion may be enlarged at a second rate greater than the first rate.

  In this case, the flow velocity of the liquid decreases in the first enlarged portion, and the pressure of the liquid increases. Thereby, the bubbles in the liquid are refined. Further, in the second enlarged portion, the liquid flow rate is decreased at a rate of decrease larger than the liquid flow rate decreased rate in the first enlarged portion, and the increase rate of the liquid pressure is also increased. Thereby, the bubble refined | miniaturized in the 1st expansion part can be further refined | miniaturized.

  (5) The bubble generator may further include a liquid collision surface provided to face the outlet of the main body.

  In this case, the bubbles generated in the main body collide with the liquid collision surface together with the liquid flowing out from the outlet. Thereby, the bubbles in the liquid can be reliably miniaturized.

  (6) The liquid collision surface may have a protrusion at a position facing the outlet of the main body.

  In this case, the bubbles generated in the main body collide with the protrusion together with the liquid flowing out from the outlet. Thereby, the bubble in a liquid can be refined more reliably.

  (7) The bubble generator may further include a protective wall provided so as to surround a space outside the outlet of the main body.

  In this case, the fine bubbles that have flowed out from the outlet of the main body can be sufficiently stabilized in the protective wall. Thereby, it is possible to sufficiently prevent the fine bubbles flowing out from the outlet of the main body from disappearing in a short time.

  (8) The bubble generator may further include a housing member that houses the main body.

  In this case, the bubbles generated in the main body can be sufficiently stabilized in the housing member. Thereby, it is possible to sufficiently prevent the bubbles generated in the main body from disappearing in a short time.

  (9) A flow passage through which the liquid flowing out from the outlet of the main body flows is formed between the inner surface of the housing portion and the main body, and the cross-sectional area of the flow passage gradually increases from the upstream side to the downstream side. Also good.

  In this case, since the pressure of the liquid flowing out from the outlet is increased stepwise, the bubbles in the liquid can be efficiently miniaturized.

  (10) The flow path may be provided to guide the liquid flowing out from the outlet in the first direction.

  In this case, the flow path of the liquid in the bubble generator can be lengthened without increasing the total length of the bubble generator. Thereby, bubbles can be sufficiently stabilized in the bubble generator. As a result, it is possible to prevent the fine bubbles generated in the liquid from disappearing in a short time.

  (11) The main body further includes a third flow path extending in the first direction from the downstream end of the first flow path, and an auxiliary valve provided in the third flow path. It may be closed when the pressure of the liquid in one flow path is lower than a predetermined value, and may be released when the pressure of the liquid in the first flow path becomes equal to or higher than a predetermined value.

  In this bubble generator, the auxiliary valve is opened when the pressure of the liquid in the first flow path rises due to poor liquid flow in the second flow path. In this case, a part of the liquid in the first channel flows into the third channel. This prevents the liquid pressure from increasing in the main body. As a result, damage to the main body can be prevented.

  (12) The main body further includes a moving member that is movably provided in the third flow path. When the auxiliary valve is closed, the moving member is accommodated in the third flow path. When the is opened, at least a part of the moving member may protrude from the third flow path to the outside of the main body.

  In this case, the user can detect the abnormality of the bubble generator by visually recognizing that at least a part of the moving member protrudes outside the main body. Thereby, maintenance of a bubble generator can be performed at an appropriate time. As a result, failure of the bubble generator can be reliably prevented.

  (13) The bubble generator may further include a check valve provided in the first flow path. In this case, it is possible to prevent the liquid from flowing backward in the first flow path. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the liquid from flowing backward toward another device connected to the upstream side of the bubble generator. As a result, it is possible to keep other devices connected to the bubble generator in good hygiene.

  (14) The first flow path may have a substantially uniform cross-sectional area, and the check valve may include a flow rate adjusting unit provided so as to intersect the first direction.

  In this case, the flow region of the liquid in the first flow path is locally reduced by the flow rate adjusting unit. Thereby, the pressure of the liquid changes in a short time, and cavitation occurs on the downstream side of the flow velocity adjustment unit. As a result, bubbles are generated in the liquid.

  Further, the flow rate of the liquid is increased by the flow rate adjusting member. In this case, bubbles in the liquid can be refined on the downstream side of the flow rate adjusting member by the flow of the liquid whose flow rate has increased.

  As a result, fine bubbles can be generated efficiently.

  (15) A bubble generator according to a second invention includes a gas dissolver that dissolves a gas in a liquid, and the bubble generator according to the first invention connected to the gas dissolver, And a gas dissolution chamber having a ceiling portion, and a first ejection portion for ejecting liquid from the gas dissolution chamber toward the ceiling portion, and the ceiling portion has a lower surface curved so as to protrude downward. .

  In this bubble generating device, the liquid in which the gas is dissolved by the gas dissolver is supplied to the bubble generator. Then, fine bubbles are generated in the liquid by the bubble generator.

  Here, in the gas dissolver of the bubble generating device, the liquid is ejected from the first ejection portion toward the ceiling portion. Thereby, the liquid collides with the lower surface of the ceiling part, and the air in the gas dissolution chamber is dissolved in the liquid. Further, the liquid that has collided with the lower surface of the ceiling part falls from the lower surface of the ceiling part to the liquid stored in the gas dissolution chamber. At this time, an impact is generated by collision between the liquid falling from the ceiling and the liquid in the gas dissolution chamber, and the gas is dissolved in the liquid. In this way, in this gas dissolver, the opportunity for dissolving the gas in the liquid is provided at least twice, so that a sufficient amount of gas can be dissolved in the liquid.

  Moreover, in this gas dissolver, it curves so that the lower surface of a ceiling part may become convex downward. In this case, the distance between the first ejection part and the lower surface of the ceiling part is shortened, and the liquid ejected from the first ejection part can immediately collide with the lower surface of the ceiling part. Thereby, the liquid ejected from the first ejection section can collide with the lower surface of the ceiling section at high speed. As a result, a sufficient amount of gas can be dissolved in the liquid in the gas dissolution chamber.

  Further, since the lower surface of the ceiling portion is curved so as to protrude downward, the liquid ejected from the first ejection portion can flow upward and outward along the lower surface of the ceiling portion. In this case, since the liquid can be dropped from a high position in the gas dissolution chamber, the falling speed of the liquid is increased. As a result, a large impact is generated when the liquid ejected from the first ejection section falls onto the liquid stored in the gas dissolution chamber. As a result, more gas can be dissolved in the liquid in the gas dissolution chamber.

  In addition, since the bubble generator is provided with the bubble generator, it is possible to reduce the size of the bubble generator while generating a sufficient amount of fine bubbles.

  As a result, the bubble generating device can be downsized and the generation efficiency of fine bubbles can be sufficiently improved.

  According to the present invention, when the liquid flows from the inflow port into the second flow path via the first flow path, the flow speed of the liquid increases and the pressure of the liquid decreases. Thereby, the gas dissolved in the liquid appears as bubbles.

  Further, when the liquid flows from the upstream end of the second flow path to the outlet, the liquid flow velocity decreases and the liquid pressure increases. Thereby, the above-mentioned bubbles appearing in the liquid are refined.

  Further, the second flow path can be lengthened without increasing the overall length of the main body. Thereby, the generation | occurrence | production efficiency of a fine bubble can be improved, without enlarging the full length of a main-body part.

  As a result, a sufficient amount of fine bubbles can be generated, and the bubble generator can be downsized.

  Hereinafter, a bubble generator and a bubble generator according to embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

<First Embodiment>
(1) Configuration of Bubble Generation Device FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a gas dissolver and a bubble generation device including the gas dissolver according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the bubble generation device 1000 according to the present embodiment includes a bubble generator 100 and a gas dissolver 200. The gas dissolver 200 is provided with an air valve 250 and a drain valve 260.

  The bubble generator 100 and the gas dissolver 200 are connected by a liquid circulation pipe 300. The liquid flow pipe 300 is provided with a check valve 310. The bubble generator 100 is attached to the lower side surface of the bathtub 700. One end of a liquid supply pipe 400 is connected to the gas dissolver 200. The other end of the liquid supply pipe 400 is connected to a tap faucet 500.

  In bubble generating apparatus 1000 according to the present embodiment, water 701 is supplied from bathtub faucet 500 into bathtub 700 through liquid supply pipe 400, gas dissolver 200, liquid circulation pipe 300, and bubble generator 100. .

  In the gas dissolver 200, air is dissolved in the water 701. The bubble generator 100 causes the air dissolved in the water 701 in the gas dissolver 200 to appear in the water 701 as fine bubbles. Thereby, fine bubbles are supplied to the water 701 in the bathtub 700.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the gas dissolver 200 is provided with the air valve 250. Thereby, air can be easily taken into the gas dissolver 200.

  Further, the gas dissolver 200 is provided with a drain valve 260 that is opened and closed (for example, electrically) in accordance with the operation state of the bubble generator 1000. Thereby, when the bubble generator 1000 is not used, the water 701 in the gas dissolver 200 can be easily discharged.

  The liquid circulation pipe 300 is provided with a check valve 310. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the water in the bathtub 700 from flowing back through the liquid circulation pipe 300.

  Hereinafter, the gas dissolver 200 and the bubble generator 100 will be described with reference to the drawings.

(2) Gas dissolver (2-1) Configuration of gas dissolver FIG. 2 is an external perspective view showing the gas dissolver 200 of FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 is a schematic sectional view of the gas dissolver 200 of FIG. It is. 2 and 3, the drain valve 260 of FIG. 1 is not shown.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the gas dissolver 200 includes a cylindrical first casing 201 and a cylindrical second casing 202. In the following, in order to simplify the description, the first casing 201 side is set as the upper side, and the second casing 202 side is set as the lower side.

  The lower end of the first casing 201 and the upper end of the second casing 202 are open. A disc-shaped partition plate 203 is provided between the first housing 201 and the second housing 202. A hook-shaped attachment portion 211 is formed at the lower end of the first housing 201. In addition, a hook-shaped attachment portion 212 is formed at the upper end of the second casing 202.

  A plurality of through holes 213 (FIG. 3) are formed at equal intervals in the attachment portion 211. Similarly, the same number of through holes 214 (FIG. 3) as the through holes 213 are formed at equal intervals in the partition plate 203, and the same number of through holes 215 (FIG. 3) as the through holes 213 are formed at equal intervals in the mounting portion 212. Is formed. In the present embodiment, eight through holes 213 to 215 are formed.

  Bolts 216 are passed through the through holes 213 to 215, and nuts 217 are attached to the bolts 216. Thereby, the attachment part 211, the partition plate 203, and the attachment part 212 are fixed, and the 1st housing | casing 201 and the 2nd housing | casing 202 are fixed.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the ceiling portion 111 of the first housing 201 is curved so as to protrude downward. As shown in FIG. 3, a cylindrical connecting portion 231 is formed at the center portion of the ceiling portion 111 of the first housing 201 so as to extend upward. The air valve 250 of FIG. 1 is attached to the connecting pipe portion 231.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the air valve 250 has a cylindrical main body 521 and a lid 522 attached to the upper end of the main body 521. A cylindrical through hole 530 is formed inside the lid portion 522. The internal space of the main body 521 and the outside of the main body 521 are communicated with each other through a through hole 530. In addition, the internal space of the main body 521 and the internal space of the first housing 201 are communicated with each other through the internal space of the connecting portion 231.

  In the main body portion 521, four substantially L-shaped guide members 523 (only three are shown in FIG. 3) are provided along the inner peripheral surface of the main body portion 521. In addition, a disc-shaped moving member 524 is provided in the main body 521 so as to be slidable up and down with respect to the guide member 523. The diameter of the moving member 524 is smaller than the inner diameter of the main body 521, and a space is formed between the outer peripheral surface of the moving member 524 and the inner peripheral surface of the main body 521.

  An L-shaped liquid circulation pipe 401 is provided so as to penetrate the side surface of the first housing 201. The liquid supply pipe 400 of FIG. 1 is attached to one end of the liquid circulation pipe 401. Thereby, water 701 is supplied to the liquid circulation pipe 401.

  The other end of the liquid circulation pipe 401 is open upward at the center in the first housing 201. A cylindrical ejection nozzle 221 is provided at the other end of the liquid circulation pipe 401. The water supplied to the water 701 from the liquid supply pipe 400 is ejected upward from the ejection nozzle 221.

  When water 701 is ejected from the ejection nozzle 221, the moving member 524 of the air valve 250 is moved upward by the pressure of the water 701. Thereby, the opening at the lower end of the through hole 530 is closed by the moving member 524. As a result, the air in the first housing 201 is prevented from flowing out of the gas dissolver 200.

  On the other hand, when the water 701 is not ejected from the ejection nozzle 221, the moving member 524 is moved downward, and the opening at the lower end of the through hole 530 is opened. Thereby, the air outside the gas dissolver 200 is supplied into the first housing 201 through the through hole 530. As a result, a sufficient amount of air is supplied into the first housing 201.

  A cylindrical ejection nozzle 222 is provided at a position offset from the center of the partition plate 203. Water 701 ejected from the ejection nozzle 221 into the first casing 201 is ejected from the ejection nozzle 222 into the second casing 202.

  A part of the lower portion of the second housing 202 protrudes to the side. Thereby, an auxiliary space 240 is formed on the side portion in the second housing 202. The auxiliary space 240 is formed so that the cross-sectional area in the vertical direction gradually decreases outward. A liquid outflow pipe 241 is provided at the tip of the auxiliary space 240, that is, at the portion where the cross-sectional area of the auxiliary space 240 is smallest. A liquid circulation pipe 300 in FIG. 1 is connected to the liquid outflow pipe 241.

  A bubble rising plate 223 is provided on the bottom surface portion 112 of the second housing 202. The bubble rising plate 223 is located in the vicinity of the auxiliary space 240 between the ejection nozzle 222 and the liquid outflow pipe 241. In the present embodiment, the bubble rising plate 223 is vertically attached on the bottom surface portion 112 of the second housing 202.

  In the above-described configuration, the water 701 supplied from the liquid circulation pipe 401 into the first casing 201 passes through the first casing 201 and the second casing 202 and passes through the liquid outflow pipe 241. Spill from.

  In addition, it is preferable that the distance between the upper end of the ejection nozzle 221 and the center part of the lower surface of the ceiling part 111 of the 1st housing | casing 201 is 5-25 mm.

(2-2) Effect of Gas Dissolver In the present embodiment, the water 701 supplied from the tap faucet 500 (FIG. 1) to the gas dissolver 200 is supplied from the ejection nozzle 221 as shown in FIG. It is ejected toward the ceiling portion 111 of one casing 201. Thereby, the water 701 collides with the lower surface of the ceiling portion 111, and the air in the first housing 201 is dissolved in the water 701.

  Further, in the gas dissolver 200 according to the present embodiment, the ejection nozzle 221 is provided in the central portion of the first casing 201. Furthermore, the ceiling part 111 of the first housing 201 is curved so that the center part of the lower surface is the lowest point.

  In this case, the distance between the ejection nozzle 221 and the lower surface of the ceiling portion 111 is shortened, and the water 701 ejected from the ejection nozzle 221 can immediately collide with the lower surface of the ceiling portion 111. Thereby, the water 701 ejected from the ejection nozzle 221 can collide with the lower surface of the ceiling part 111 at high speed. As a result, a sufficient amount of air can be dissolved in the water 701 in the first housing 201.

  Further, the water 701 ejected from the ejection nozzle 221 falls after flowing upward and outward along the lower surface of the ceiling portion 111 of the first casing 201 as indicated by an arrow in FIG. 3. In this case, since the water 701 can be dropped from a sufficiently high position in the first housing 201, the falling speed of the water 701 increases. Thereby, when the water 701 ejected from the ejection nozzle 221 falls into the water 701 stored in the first housing 201, a large impact is generated. As a result, more air can be dissolved in the water 701 in the first housing 201.

  Further, the water 701 supplied into the first housing 201 is ejected from the ejection nozzle 222 into the second housing 202. As a result, the water 701 is agitated in the second housing 202, and the air in the second housing 202 and the air jetted into the second housing 202 together with the water 701 from the first housing 201 ( Bubbles) are dissolved in water 701.

  Further, the ejection nozzle 222 and the liquid outflow pipe 241 are sufficiently separated in the horizontal direction (direction parallel to the partition plate 203) in the second casing 202. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the water 701 ejected from the ejection nozzle 222 into the second housing 202 from directly reaching the liquid outflow pipe 241.

  Therefore, when the water 701 is ejected from the ejection nozzle 222, the bubbles generated in the water 701 and the bubbles flowing into the second housing 202 from the first housing 201 move along the flow of the water 701. In this case, the bubbles can be prevented from reaching the liquid outflow pipe 241 in a short time. Thereby, the bubbles can be retained in the water 701 for a sufficient time in the second housing 202, and the bubbles can be prevented from flowing out of the liquid outflow pipe 241. As a result, bubbles can be sufficiently dissolved in the water 701 in the second housing 202.

  In addition, a bubble rising plate 223 is provided between the ejection nozzle 222 and the liquid outflow pipe 241 on the bottom surface portion 112 of the second casing 202. In this case, as indicated by arrows in FIG. 3, the water 701 flowing from the ejection nozzle 222 toward the liquid outflow pipe 241 collides with the bubble rising plate 223. Thereby, the flow direction of the water 701 is changed upward in the bubble rising plate 223.

  Therefore, even when the bubbles flow in the flow of the water 701 and flow from the ejection nozzle 222 side toward the liquid outflow pipe 241 side in the second casing 202, the bubbles are caused to float upward at the bubble rising plate 223. Can do. Thereby, the bubbles can be retained in the water 701 in the second casing 202 for a further sufficient time, and the bubbles can be reliably prevented from flowing out of the liquid outflow pipe 241. As a result, bubbles can be reliably dissolved in the water 701 in the second housing 202.

  In addition, an auxiliary space 240 in which a cross-sectional area in the vertical direction gradually decreases outward is formed in a side portion in the second casing 202. A liquid outflow pipe 241 is connected to the tip of the auxiliary space 240.

  In this case, the flow rate of the water 701 flowing to the liquid outflow pipe 241 through the auxiliary space 240 gradually increases as it approaches the liquid outflow pipe 241. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the flow rate of the water 701 from rapidly increasing in the vicinity of the liquid outflow pipe 241. Thereby, it is possible to reliably prevent bubbles in the water 701 from flowing out of the liquid outflow pipe 241 along the flow of the water 701.

  As a result, air can be reliably dissolved in the water 701 in the gas dissolver 200.

  In the present embodiment, the first casing 201 to which the liquid circulation pipe 401 is attached and the second casing 202 to which the liquid outflow pipe 241 is attached can be separated. Thereby, the positional relationship between the liquid circulation pipe 401 and the liquid outflow pipe 241 can be freely adjusted according to various conditions such as the position of the faucet 500 (FIG. 1) and the installation location of the gas dissolver 200. As a result, the degree of freedom of installation of the gas dissolver 200 is improved. In addition, the gas dissolver 200 can be easily maintained by separating the first casing 201 and the second casing 202.

  In the present embodiment, the ceiling portion 111 of the first housing 201 is curved so as to protrude downward. Thereby, the strength of the first housing 201 can be improved. Thereby, the thickness of the first housing 201 can be reduced, and the material cost of the gas dissolver 200 can be reduced.

  An air valve 250 is provided at the center of the ceiling portion 111 of the first housing 201, that is, at the lowest portion of the ceiling portion 111. Thereby, it can prevent that the dimension of the height direction of the gas dissolver 200 becomes large. As a result, the installation flexibility of the gas dissolver 200 is further improved.

(3) Bubble Generator (3-1) Configuration of Bubble Generator FIG. 4 is an assembled perspective view of the bubble generator 100 of FIG. 1, and FIG. 5 is a longitudinal sectional view of the bubble generator 100 of FIG. is there. FIG. 6 is a top view of a bubble generating member 103 described later.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the bubble generator 100 includes a bubble stabilization tube 101, an O-ring 102, a bubble generation member 103, an O-ring 104, a support member 105 and a fixing member 106.

  The bubble stabilizing tube 101 has a first cylindrical portion 11 and a second cylindrical portion 12 having a diameter larger than that of the first cylindrical portion 11. In the following, in order to simplify the description, the first cylindrical portion 11 side is the upper side, and the fixing member 106 side is the lower side. As shown in FIG. 5, a projecting portion 13 having a semicircular cross section that protrudes downward is formed in an annular shape on the upper surface portion 113 of the second cylindrical portion 12.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the bubble generating member 103 includes a columnar main body portion 31, a cylindrical portion 32 formed so as to extend upward from a central portion of the main body portion 31, and an outer peripheral portion of the main body portion 31. A cylindrical first outer wall portion 33 formed so as to extend upward from the outer periphery, and a cylindrical second outer wall portion 34 formed so as to extend downward from the outer peripheral portion of the main body portion 31. .

  As shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, the bubble generating member 103 is formed with a liquid passage 35 that vertically penetrates the central portion of the main body portion 31 and the cylindrical portion 32. In the present embodiment, the liquid passage 35 has a uniform cross-sectional area. The main body 31 is formed with a plurality of pressure increasing passages 36 so as to surround the liquid passage 35. Each pressure increase passage 36 is formed so as to penetrate the main body 31 vertically.

  Each pressure increase passage 36 includes a first enlarged portion 361 formed on the lower side of the main body 31 and a second enlarged portion 362 formed on the upper side of the main body 31. The cross-sectional area of the first enlarged portion 361 gradually increases at the first rate upward, and the cross-sectional area of the second enlarged portion 362 gradually increases at the second rate upward.

  In the present embodiment, the second ratio is greater than the first ratio. Further, the total opening area at the lower ends of the plurality of first enlarged portions 361 is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the liquid passage 35. Moreover, the diameter of the opening of the lower end of the 1st expansion part 361 is set to 1.5 mm, for example. In addition, the inclination angle of the first and second enlarged portions 361 is set, for example, in the range of 5 ° to 15 °.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, a concave portion 37 is formed in an annular shape along the outer peripheral surface at the upper portion of the cylindrical portion 32. As shown in FIG. 5, the bubble generating member 103 is attached to the bubble stabilizing tube 101 by inserting the cylindrical portion 32 into the first cylindrical portion 11 with the O-ring 102 fitted in the concave portion 37.

  In the present embodiment, the positions of the second enlarged portion 362 and the protruding portion 13 are set so that the opening at the upper end of the second enlarged portion 362 and the protruding portion 13 face each other.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the support member 105 includes a disc portion 51, a columnar portion 52 formed to extend upward on the upper surface of the disc portion 51, and a lower surface of the disc portion 51. It has the rod-shaped part 53 formed so that it may extend toward the downward direction. As shown in FIG. 5, the support member 105 is attached to the bubble generating member 103 such that the columnar part 52 is fitted into the second outer wall part 34.

  In the present embodiment, the diameter of the disc part 51 and the outer diameter of the second outer wall part 34 are equal. Thereby, when the support member 105 is attached to the bubble generating member 103, the upper surface of the disc portion 51 is locked to the lower end of the second outer wall portion 34.

  Further, the length of the cylindrical portion 52 in the axial direction is shorter than the length of the second outer wall portion 34 in the axial direction. Thereby, when the support member 105 is attached to the bubble generating member 103, a space 30 is formed between the lower surface of the main body portion 31 and the upper surface of the cylindrical portion 52. In the space 30, an O-ring 104 is provided so as to be in close contact with the lower surface of the main body portion 31, the upper surface of the cylindrical portion 52, and the inner peripheral surface of the second outer wall portion 34. In the present embodiment, the formation position of the first enlarged portion 361 and the inner diameter of the O-ring 104 are set so that the openings at the lower ends of the plurality of first enlarged portions 361 are located inward of the O-ring 104. Has been.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the fixing member 106 includes a cylindrical portion 61 and a disc portion 62. A plurality of fan-shaped through holes 63 are formed in a region excluding the central portion of the disc portion 62. As shown in FIG. 5, the tubular portion 61 is attached to the lower end portion of the second cylindrical portion 12 so that the lower end of the rod-like portion 53 and the central portion of the disc portion 62 come into contact with each other. Thereby, the support member 105 is fixed between the bubble generating member 103 and the fixing member 106.

  A liquid supply pipe 300 (FIG. 1) is connected to the first cylindrical portion 11 of the bubble stabilizing pipe 101. Water 701 in which air is dissolved in the gas dissolver 200 (FIG. 2) is supplied to the liquid passage 35 of the bubble generating member 103 via the liquid supply pipe 300 and the first cylindrical portion 11. The water 701 supplied to the liquid passage 35 passes through the space 30, the pressure increase passage 36, and the second cylindrical portion 12, and then flows out from the through hole 63 of the fixing member 106 into the bathtub 700 (FIG. 1). . In the following description, the space between the pressure rising passage 36 and the cylindrical portion 32 and the first outer wall portion 33, the space between the first outer wall portions 33 and 113, and the outer peripheral surface of the bubble generating member 103. Between the first cylindrical portion 12 and the inner peripheral surface of the second cylindrical portion 12, and the space between the outer peripheral surface of the rod-shaped portion 53 and the inner peripheral surface of the second cylindrical portion 12 to reach the through hole 63. Is referred to as an auxiliary flow path.

  The distance between the opening at the upper end of the pressure increasing passage 36 of the bubble generating member 103 and the protrusion 13 of the bubble stabilizing tube 101 is preferably 5 to 15 mm. Moreover, it is preferable that the distance between the outer peripheral surface of the bubble generation member 103 and the inner peripheral surface of the 2nd cylindrical part 12 is 5-20 mm. Moreover, it is preferable that the axial length of the pressure raising passage 36 of the bubble generating member 103 is 3 to 20 mm. Moreover, it is preferable that the height of the 1st outer wall part 33 of the bubble generation member 103 is 2-10 mm.

  In the present embodiment, the area of the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical space formed by the upper end of the first outer wall portion 33 and the upper surface portion 113 of the bubble stabilizing tube 101 is the same as that of the cylindrical portion 32 in the horizontal direction. It is larger than the area of the annular region between the outer wall 33 and the outer wall 33. Further, the area of the annular region between the second cylindrical portion 12 and the first outer wall portion 33 in the horizontal direction is larger than the area of the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical space. That is, in the present embodiment, the second cylindrical portion 12 and bubbles are generated so that the cross-sectional area of the auxiliary flow channel in the second cylindrical portion 12 gradually increases in the flow direction of the water 701. The dimension of each component of the member 103 is set.

(3-2) Effect of Bubble Generator As described above, the sum of the opening areas at the lower ends of the plurality of first enlarged portions 361 is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the liquid passage 35. In this case, when the water 701 flows from the liquid passage 35 into the first enlarged portion 361 via the space 30, the flow rate of the water 701 increases and the pressure of the water 701 decreases. Thereby, the air dissolved in the water 701 appears as bubbles.

  In addition, the cross-sectional area of the pressure increase passage 36 gradually increases in the flow direction of the water 701. In this case, when the water 701 flows through the pressure increase passage 36, the flow rate of the water 701 gradually decreases, and the pressure of the water 701 increases. Thereby, the bubbles in the water 701 are refined.

  Further, the area of the annular region between the cylindrical portion 32 and the first outer wall portion 33 in the horizontal direction is larger than the sum of the opening areas at the upper ends of the plurality of second enlarged portions 362. In this case, when the water 701 flows out from the opening at the upper end of the second enlarged portion 362, the flow rate of the water 701 decreases and the pressure of the water 701 increases. Thereby, the bubbles in the water 701 are further refined.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the second cylindrical portion 12 and the bubble generating member so that the cross-sectional area of the auxiliary flow path in the second cylindrical portion 12 expands stepwise toward the flow direction of the water 701. The dimension of each component 103 is set. In this case, since the pressure of the water 701 is increased stepwise, the bubbles in the water 701 can be efficiently miniaturized.

  The bubble stabilizing tube 101 and the bubble generating member 103 are connected so that the opening at the upper end of the second enlarged portion 362 and the upper surface portion 113 of the second cylindrical portion 12 face each other. In this case, the bubbles generated in the pressure increase passage 36 collide with the upper surface portion 113 of the second cylindrical portion 12 together with the water 701 flowing out from the second enlarged portion 362. Thereby, the bubbles in the water 701 are further refined.

  In addition, the protrusion 13 is provided on the upper surface 113 of the second cylindrical portion 12 so as to face the opening at the upper end of the second enlarged portion 362. In this case, the bubbles generated in the pressure increase passage 36 collide with the protrusion 13 together with the water 701 flowing out from the second enlarged portion 362. Thereby, the bubbles in the water 701 can be efficiently miniaturized and the bonding of the bubbles can be prevented.

  Further, the first outer wall portion 33 is provided so as to surround the outside of the opening at the upper end of the plurality of second enlarged portions 362. In this case, the fine bubbles generated in the pressure increase passage 36 can be sufficiently stabilized in the first outer wall portion 33. Thereby, it is possible to sufficiently prevent the bubbles flowing out from the second enlarged portion 362 from disappearing in a short time.

  The bubbles generated in the bubble generation member 103 are discharged from the bubble generator 100 after passing through the second cylindrical portion 12. In this case, the bubbles generated in the bubble generating member 103 can be sufficiently stabilized in the second cylindrical portion 12. Thereby, it is possible to sufficiently prevent the bubbles supplied from the bubble generator 100 into the bathtub 700 from disappearing in a short time. As a result, the number of bubbles in the bathtub 700 can be sufficiently increased.

  In the bubble generator 100 according to the present embodiment, the water 701 flows in the liquid passage 35 in one direction, and then flows in the pressure increase passage 36 in a direction opposite to the one direction. . Thereafter, the water 701 flows again in one direction in the second cylindrical portion 12.

  Thus, in the present embodiment, the flow direction of the water 701 is reversed twice in the bubble generator 100. Thereby, the flow path of the water 701 in the bubble generator 100 can be made sufficiently long without enlarging the bubble generator 100. As a result, the bubbles can be sufficiently stabilized in the bubble generator 100.

  As a result, fine bubbles can be stably generated in the water 701.

<Other examples of gas dissolvers>
7 to 9 are schematic cross-sectional views showing other examples of the gas dissolver.

  The gas dissolver 600 shown in FIG. 7 is different from the gas dissolver 200 of FIG. 3 in the following points.

  As shown in FIG. 7, in the gas dissolver 600 of this example, a liquid circulation pipe 401 is provided so as to penetrate the center portion of the bottom surface portion 112 of the second housing 202 and the center portion of the partition plate 203. Yes. In this case, since the liquid circulation pipe 401 is inserted from the lower side of the gas dissolver 600, an increase in the width direction of the gas dissolver 600 is prevented. Thereby, the installation freedom degree of the gas dissolver 600 improves.

  The gas dissolver 610 shown in FIG. 8 is different from the gas dissolver 200 of FIG. 3 in the following points.

  As shown in FIG. 8, in the gas dissolver 610 of this example, the bubble rising plate 223 is inclined to the liquid outflow pipe 241 side so as to shield between the ejection nozzle 222 and the liquid outflow pipe 241. ing. In this case, it is possible to reliably prevent bubbles generated in the water 701 from reaching the liquid outflow pipe 241 when the water 701 is ejected from the ejection nozzle 222 into the second housing 202. Thereby, the bubbles can be retained in the water 701 for a sufficient time in the second housing 202, and the bubbles can be reliably prevented from flowing out of the liquid outflow pipe 241. As a result, bubbles can be reliably dissolved in the water 701 in the second housing 202.

  The gas dissolver 620 shown in FIG. 9 is different from the gas dissolver 200 of FIG. 3 in the following points.

  As shown in FIG. 9, in the gas dissolver 620 of this example, the upper part of the bubble rising plate 223 is inclined toward the liquid outflow pipe 241 so as to shield between the ejection nozzle 222 and the liquid outflow pipe 241. Yes. In this case, it is possible to reliably prevent bubbles generated in the water 701 from reaching the liquid outflow pipe 241 when the water 701 is ejected from the ejection nozzle 222 into the second housing 202. Thereby, the bubbles can be retained in the water 701 for a sufficient time in the second housing 202, and the bubbles can be reliably prevented from flowing out of the liquid outflow pipe 241. As a result, bubbles can be reliably dissolved in the water 701 in the second housing 202.

  In the above example, two spaces are formed in the gas dissolver 200 by one partition plate 203, but three or more spaces are formed in the gas dissolver 200 by two or more partition plates 203. It may be formed.

  Further, the partition plate 203 may not be provided. That is, the space in the gas dissolver 200 may not be divided into a plurality of spaces.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the case where the ejection nozzle 221 was provided in the partition plate 203 was demonstrated, you may form the hole of the shape similar to the ejection nozzle 221 in the partition plate 203. FIG.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the ceiling part 111 of the 1st housing | casing 201 is curving gently toward the downward direction, the ceiling part 111 may be curving steeply. For example, the ceiling part 111 may be curved in a substantially V shape.

<Other examples of ejection nozzle>
10 to 12 are diagrams illustrating other examples of the ejection nozzles provided in the liquid supply pipe 400 and the partition plate 203 of FIGS. 3 and 7 to 9. 10 to 12, (a) is a perspective view of the ejection nozzle, and (b) is a top view of the ejection nozzle.

  The ejection nozzle 224 shown in FIG. 10 has a cylindrical main body portion 41 and a plurality of ejection ports 42 formed radially on the upper surface of the main body portion 41. In addition, the lower end side of the main-body part 41 is opening similarly to the ejection nozzle 221 of FIG.

  When this ejection nozzle 224 is provided in the liquid circulation pipe 401 (FIG. 3), the water 701 can be ejected from each ejection port 42 toward the ceiling portion 111 of the first housing 201 at a high speed. Thereby, the water 701 can collide with the ceiling portion 111 of the first housing 201 at a high speed. As a result, air can be reliably dissolved in the water 701.

  Further, when this ejection nozzle 224 is provided on the partition plate 203 (FIG. 3), the water 701 can be ejected from each ejection port 42 into the second housing 202 at a high speed. Thereby, the water 701 can be sufficiently stirred in the second housing 202. As a result, air can be sufficiently dissolved in the water 701.

  The jet nozzle 225 shown in FIG. 11 is formed in a substantially funnel shape, and has an inlet 551 and an outlet 552 having a diameter larger than that of the inlet 551. When the ejection nozzle 225 is provided in the liquid circulation pipe 401 (FIG. 3), the water 701 can be ejected from the ejection port 552 toward a wide range of the lower surface of the ceiling portion 111 of the first housing 201. In this case, the water 701 ejected from the ejection nozzle 225 can easily reach the outer peripheral portion of the ceiling portion 111 of the first housing 201. Thereby, since the water 701 can be dropped from a sufficiently high position in the first housing 201, the falling speed of the water 701 is increased. As a result, a large impact is generated when the water 701 ejected from the ejection nozzle 225 falls into the water 701 stored in the first housing 201. Accordingly, more air can be dissolved in the water 701 in the first housing 201.

  Further, when the ejection nozzle 225 is provided on the partition plate 203 (FIG. 3), the water 701 can be ejected from the ejection port 552 toward a wide area in the second housing 202. Thereby, the water 701 can be stirred in a wide area in the second housing 202. As a result, a sufficient amount of air can be dissolved in the water 701.

  The ejection nozzle 226 shown in FIG. 12 has a cylindrical main body portion 611 and a substantially hemispherical ejection portion 621. In the center of the ejection portion 621, an ejection port 631 that is substantially elliptical when viewed from above is formed. In addition, the lower end side of the main-body part 611 is opening similarly to the ejection nozzle 221 of FIG. Further, the cross-sectional area of the internal space of the main body 611 is larger than the area of the jet outlet 631.

  When the ejection nozzle 226 is provided in the liquid circulation pipe 401 (FIG. 3), the water 701 can be ejected from the ejection port 631 toward a wide range of the lower surface of the ceiling portion 111 of the first housing 201. In this case, the water 701 ejected from the ejection nozzle 226 can easily reach the outer peripheral portion of the lower surface of the ceiling portion 111 of the first housing 201. Thereby, since the water 701 can be dropped from a sufficiently high position in the first housing 201, the falling speed of the water 701 is increased. As a result, a large impact is generated when the water 701 ejected from the ejection nozzle 225 falls into the water 701 stored in the first housing 201. Accordingly, more air can be dissolved in the water 701 in the first housing 201.

  Further, in the ejection nozzle 226, the area of the ejection port 631 is smaller than the area of the inner peripheral surface of the main body 611, so that the flow rate of the water 701 ejected from the ejection port 631 can be sufficiently increased. Thereby, in the 1st housing | casing 201, the water 701 ejected from the ejection nozzle 226 can be made to collide with the ceiling part 111 at high speed. As a result, a sufficient amount of air can be dissolved in the water 701 in the first housing 201.

  Further, when the ejection nozzle 226 is provided on the partition plate 203 (FIG. 3), the water 701 can be ejected from the ejection port 631 toward a wide area in the second housing 202 at a high speed. Thereby, the water 701 can be sufficiently stirred in a wide region in the second housing 202. As a result, a sufficient amount of air can be dissolved in the water 701.

<Other examples of partition plates>
FIGS. 13-16 is a figure which shows the other example of the partition plate provided in the gas dissolver 200 (FIG. 3).

  In the partition plate 204 shown in FIG. 13, the portions accommodated in the first housing 201 (FIG. 3) and the second housing 202 (FIG. 3) are bent so as to protrude upward. . In this case, the volume of the space on the first housing 201 side among the two spaces formed in the gas dissolver 200 can be reduced, and the volume of the space on the second housing 202 side can be increased.

  On the other hand, in the partition plate 205 shown in FIG. 14, the portions accommodated in the first housing 201 and the second housing 202 are bent so as to protrude downward. In this case, the volume of the space on the first housing 201 side among the two spaces formed in the gas dissolver 200 can be increased, and the volume of the space on the second housing 202 side can be reduced.

  Therefore, by selectively using the partition plates 204 and 205 shown in FIG. 13 and FIG. 14, the volume ratio of the two spaces formed in the gas dissolver 200 can be changed. In this case, since the ratio of the volumes of the two spaces can be changed according to the application and use environment of the gas dissolver 200 and the bubble generator 100, the convenience of the gas dissolver 200 is improved.

  In the partition plate 206 shown in FIG. 15, the thickness of the portion accommodated in the first housing 201 and the second housing 202 is larger than the thickness of the portion where the through hole 214 is formed. ing. In this case, the volume of the two spaces formed in the gas dissolver 200 can be reduced.

  On the other hand, in the partition plate 207 shown in FIG. 16, the thickness of the portion where the through hole 214 is formed is larger than the thickness of the portion accommodated in the first housing 201 and the second housing 202. It is getting bigger. In this case, the volume of the two spaces formed in the gas dissolver 200 can be increased.

  Therefore, by selectively using the partition plates 206 and 207 shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the volume of the two spaces formed in the gas dissolver 200 can be reduced and increased. In this case, since the volume of the space formed in the gas dissolver 200 can be changed according to the use and use environment of the gas dissolver 200 and the bubble generator 100, the convenience of the gas dissolver 200 is improved.

<Second Embodiment>
17 and 18 are longitudinal sectional views of the bubble generator 120 according to the second embodiment.

  The bubble generator 120 of FIGS. 17 and 18 differs from the bubble generator 100 of FIG. 5 in the following points.

  As shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, in bubble generator 120 according to the present embodiment, support member 105 is not formed with rod-like portion 53 (FIG. 5). Further, the bubble generator 120 is not provided with the fixing member 106 (FIG. 5). In the present embodiment, for example, the bubble generating member 103 and the support member 105 are fixed by a screw mechanism or the like.

  A relief valve 54 is embedded in the central portion of the support member 105. The relief valve 54 has a disc part 55 and a cylindrical part 56. A liquid introduction path 57 having a circular cross section is formed at the center of the disk portion 55.

  A flange portion 58 is formed at the lower end of the cylindrical portion 56. A liquid outlet passage 59 having a circular cross section is formed at the center of the flange portion 58. A coil spring 71 and a moving plate 72 are provided inside the cylindrical portion 56. One end of the coil spring 71 is fixed to the flange portion 58, and the other end is fixed to the lower surface of the moving plate 72. An annular liquid passage 73 is formed in the moving plate 72. The moving plate 72 is provided so as to be movable in the axial direction of the cylindrical portion 56. The moving plate 72 is biased toward the disc portion 55 by the coil spring 71.

  In the present embodiment, the positions and diameters of the liquid introduction passage 57 and the liquid passage 73 are set so that the liquid introduction passage 57 is positioned inward of the liquid passage 73.

  Here, when the water 701 is normally circulated in the bubble generator 120, the pressure that the coil spring 71 applies to the moving plate 72 rather than the pressure that the water 701 in the liquid introduction path 57 applies to the moving plate 72. Is higher. In this case, as shown in FIG. 17, the moving plate 72 is brought into contact with the lower surface of the disc portion 55.

  Thereby, the opening at the lower end of the liquid introduction path 57 is sealed by the moving plate 72. As a result, the water 701 is prevented from flowing into the cylindrical portion 56 from the liquid introduction path 57. Accordingly, the water 701 flows through the liquid passage 35, the space 30, and the pressure increase passage 36.

  On the other hand, when the flow of the water 701 in the bubble generating member 103 deteriorates due to accumulation of suspended matter in the water 701 in the pressure increasing passage 36, the pressure of the water 701 in the bubble generating member 103 increases. . As a result, the pressure applied to the moving plate 72 by the water 701 in the liquid introduction path 57 increases. As a result, as shown in FIG. 18, the moving plate 72 is pushed into the flange portion 58 side of the cylindrical portion 56.

  In this case, the opening at the lower end of the liquid introduction path 57 is opened, and a part of the water 701 in the liquid passage 35 flows through the liquid introduction path 57, the liquid passage 73, and the liquid outlet path 59. This prevents the pressure of the water 701 in the bubble generating member 103 from increasing. As a result, damage to the bubble generating member 103 can be prevented.

<Third Embodiment>
19 and 20 are longitudinal sectional views of the bubble generator 130 according to the third embodiment.

  The bubble generator 130 of FIGS. 19 and 20 differs from the bubble generator 120 of FIGS. 17 and 18 in the following points.

  As shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, a cylindrical portion 81 is formed at the center of the support member 105 of the bubble generator 130 so as to extend downward. A flange portion 82 is formed at the lower end of the cylindrical portion 81. A guide passage 83 having a circular cross section is formed at the center of the flange portion 82.

  The flange portion 82 is provided with a locking valve 84. The locking valve 84 has a main body portion 841 and a tip portion 842. The locking valve 84 has a mechanism in which the distal end 842 is accommodated in the main body 841 when a predetermined pressure is applied to the distal end 842.

  The cylindrical portion 56 is provided in the cylindrical portion 81. Further, a notification member 85 is provided between the cylindrical portion 56 and the flange portion 82 in the cylindrical portion 81 so as to be movable in the axial direction of the cylindrical portion 81. The notification member 85 has a flange portion 86 and a cylindrical portion 87. A liquid passage 88 having a circular cross section is formed in the notification member 85.

  As shown in FIG. 19, when the water 701 does not flow into the cylindrical portion 56 from the liquid introduction path 57 at the normal time, the notification member 85 is accommodated in the cylindrical portion 81. At this time, the lower end of the cylindrical portion 87 is locked by the tip end portion 841 of the locking valve 84. Thereby, the movement of the cylindrical part 87 is prevented.

  On the other hand, when the water 701 flows from the liquid introduction path 57 into the cylindrical portion 56, the water 701 flows out of the cylindrical portion 81 through the liquid passage 88 of the notification member 85. At this time, the notification member 85 is pushed in the flow direction of the water 701 by the flow of the water 701. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 20, the cylindrical portion 87 moves downward while pushing the distal end portion 842 of the locking valve 84 into the main body portion 841. As a result, the lower end portion of the cylindrical portion 87 protrudes outside the cylindrical portion 81.

  In this case, the user can detect abnormality of the bubble generator 130 by visually recognizing that the cylindrical portion 87 protrudes outside the cylindrical portion 81. This makes it possible to perform maintenance of the bubble generator 130 at an appropriate time.

<Fourth embodiment>
21 and 22 are longitudinal sectional views of a bubble generator 140 according to the fourth embodiment.

  The bubble generator 140 of FIGS. 21 and 22 is different from the bubble generator 100 of FIG. 5 in the following points.

  As shown in FIGS. 21 and 22, in the bubble generator 140 according to the present embodiment, a check valve including a fixed plate 91 and a valve body 92 is provided in the cylindrical portion 32.

  The fixed plate 91 has a circular shape. The fixed plate 91 is fixed to the cylindrical portion 32 so that the outer peripheral surface of the fixed plate 91 and the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 32 are in close contact with each other. A plurality of through holes 93 are formed in the fixing plate 91.

  The valve body 92 includes a cylindrical fixed shaft 94 and a circular concave deformation plate 95. The upper end of the fixed shaft 94 is attached to the lower surface of the fixed plate 91. The deformation plate 95 is attached to the lower end of the fixed shaft 94. The deformation plate 95 is made of an elastic member such as resin.

  In the present embodiment, the water 701 that has flowed into the liquid passage 35 from the gas dissolver 200 (FIG. 1) passes through the plurality of through-holes 93 of the fixing plate 91 as shown by arrows in FIG. It flows so as to pass through the gap between the inner peripheral surface of the portion 32 and the outer peripheral surface of the deformation plate 95.

  Here, in the present embodiment, when the water 701 flows through the liquid passage 35, the distance between the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 32 and the outer peripheral surface of the deformable plate 95 is sufficiently small (for example, 0. The sizes of the cylindrical portion 32 and the deformation plate 95 are set so as to be 2 mm to 10 mm. In this case, when the water 701 passes through the gap between the cylindrical portion 32 and the deformation plate 95, the pressure of the water 701 changes greatly in a short time. Thereby, cavitation occurs on the downstream side of the deformation plate 95, and bubbles are generated in the water 701.

  Further, the flow rate of the water 701 greatly increases in the gap between the cylindrical portion 32 and the deformation plate 95. In this case, the bubbles in the water 701 can be refined on the downstream side of the deformation plate 95 by the flow of the water 701 whose flow velocity has increased.

  As a result, fine bubbles can be generated efficiently. In the present embodiment, the amount of fine bubbles generated can be increased by about 15% compared to the bubble generator 100 according to the first embodiment.

  Further, in the present embodiment, when the water 701 that has flowed into the liquid passage 35 from the bathtub 700 (FIG. 1) tries to flow backward in the liquid passage 35, the water pressure acting on the upper surface of the deformation plate 95 is higher. The water pressure acting on the lower surface of the deformation plate 95 is increased. Thereby, as shown in FIG. 22, the deformable plate 95 is curved so that the outer peripheral portion contacts the lower surface of the fixed plate 91.

  Here, in the present embodiment, the position of the through hole 93 and the size of the deformation plate 95 are set so that the deformation plate 95 contacts the outer surface of the through hole 93 on the lower surface of the fixed plate 91. . Thereby, in the liquid passage 35, it is possible to prevent the water 701 downstream of the fixed plate 91 from passing through the through hole 93 and flowing upstream of the fixed plate 91.

  Therefore, when the water 701 is not supplied from the gas dissolver 200 to the bubble generator 140, the water in the bathtub 700 can be prevented from flowing back through the bubble generator 140. Thereby, it is possible to prevent dust and the like in the bathtub 700 from flowing into the bubble generator 140 and the gas dissolver 200 together with the water 701. As a result, it is possible to keep the bubble generator 140 and the gas dissolver 200 in good hygiene.

  In the present embodiment, bubble generator 140 can be removed from bubble generator 1000 (FIG. 1) and cleaned. Therefore, even if a defect such as dust clogging occurs in the valve body 92, the defect can be easily solved. Thus, by providing the valve body 92 in the bubble generator 140, maintenance of the bubble generator 1000 is facilitated.

<Other embodiments>
In the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the liquid passage 35 of the bubble generating member 103 has a cylindrical shape whose cross-sectional area does not change, but the shape of the liquid passage 35 is not limited to the above example.

  For example, the opening area at the lower end of the liquid passage 35 may be smaller than the opening area at the upper end of the liquid passage 35. In this case, the flow rate of the water 701 increases on the lower end side of the liquid passage 35, and the pressure decreases. Thereby, bubbles can be generated in the water 701 on the lower end side of the liquid passage 35.

  The shapes and dimensions of the liquid passage 35 and the pressure increase passage 36 are set so that the opening area of the upper end of the liquid passage 35 is larger than the total opening area of the lower end of the pressure increase passage 36.

  Further, the shape of the pressure increase passage 36 formed in the main body 31 of the bubble generating member 103 (FIG. 6) is not limited to the above shape.

  23 and 24 are diagrams showing another example of the pressure increasing passage 36 formed in the main body 31 of the bubble generating member 103 (FIG. 6). 23 and 24, the water 701 flows in the pressure rising passage 36 in the direction indicated by the arrow.

  The pressure increasing passage 36 shown in FIG. 23 has a cross-sectional area that is gradually and gradually expanding upward at the same rate. In this case, when the water 701 flows through the pressure increasing passage 36, the flow rate of the water 701 gradually decreases, and the pressure of the water 701 gradually increases. Thereby, the bubbles in the water 701 are efficiently miniaturized.

  The pressure rise passage 36 shown in FIG. 24 includes a liquid introduction path 363, a first enlarged portion 364, and a second enlarged portion 365. In the pressure increase passage 36, the cross-sectional area of the first enlarged portion 364 is larger than the cross-sectional area of the liquid introduction path 363, and the cross-sectional area of the second enlarged portion 365 is larger than the cross-sectional area of the first enlarged portion 364. That is, in this example, the cross-sectional area of the pressure increase passage 36 is discontinuously expanded stepwise.

  In this case, when the water 701 flows from the liquid introduction path 363 into the first enlarged portion 364, the flow rate of the water 701 decreases and the pressure of the water 701 increases. Thereby, the bubbles in the water 701 are refined.

  Further, when the water 701 flows from the first enlarged portion 364 into the second enlarged portion 365, the flow rate of the water 701 further decreases, and the pressure of the water 701 further increases. Thereby, the bubbles in the water 701 can be further refined.

  In FIG. 24, the case where two enlarged portions 364 and 365 are provided in the pressure increase passage 36 has been described. However, only one similar enlarged portion may be provided, or three or more enlarged portions may be provided. May be.

<Another configuration example of the bubble generator>
FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating another configuration example of the bubble generating device.

  The bubble generator 2000 shown in FIG. 25 is different from the bubble generator 1000 of FIG. 1 in the following points.

  As shown in FIG. 25, in the bubble generating device 2000 in this example, the gas dissolution tank 200 and the bathtub 700 are connected by a liquid supply pipe 400. Further, a pump 450 is inserted in the liquid supply pipe 400.

  In the bubble generating apparatus 2000 in this example, the water 701 in the bathtub 700 is supplied to the gas dissolution tank 200 via the liquid circulation pipe 400 when the pump 450 is activated. As described above, air is dissolved in the water 701 in the gas dissolution tank 200.

  The water 701 in which air is dissolved in the gas dissolution tank 200 is supplied to the bubble generator 100 through the liquid circulation pipe 300. As described above, fine bubbles are generated in the water 701 in the bubble generator 100. Thereby, fine bubbles are supplied to the water 701 in the bathtub 700. Therefore, in the bubble generating device 2000 in this example, a sufficient amount of fine bubbles can be generated in the water 701 in the bathtub 700 while circulating the water 701 in the bathtub 700.

  Further, in the bubble generation device 2000 in this example, the gas dissolution tank 200 is disposed above the bubble generator 100. In this case, the water level of the water 701 in the bathtub 700 is lowered below the bubble generator 100, so that the water in the gas dissolution tank 200 is discharged from the bubble generator 100. Therefore, in this example, air can be easily supplied into the gas dissolution tank 200 by discharging the water 701 in the bathtub 700.

<Correspondence between Each Component in Claim and Each Element in Embodiment>
Hereinafter, although the example of a response | compatibility with each component of a claim and each element of embodiment is demonstrated, this invention is not limited to the following example.

  In the above embodiment, the upper end of the liquid passage 35 is an example of an inflow port, the liquid passage 35 is an example of a first flow path, the pressure increase passage 36 is an example of a second flow path, and bubbles are generated. The member 103 and the support member 105 are examples of the main body, the upper end of the pressure rising passage 36 is an example of an outlet, the upper surface 113 is an example of a liquid collision surface, and the first outer wall 33 is a protective wall. The bubble stabilizing tube 101 is an example of an accommodating member, the auxiliary flow path is an example of a flow path, and the space in the cylindrical part 56 and the space in the cylindrical part 81 are examples of a third flow path. The coil spring 71 and the moving plate 72 are examples of auxiliary valves, the notification member 85 is an example of a moving member, the first casing 201 and the second casing 202 are examples of gas dissolution chambers, The nozzle 221 is an example of a first ejection part, and the deformation plate 95 is an example of a flow rate adjustment part.

  As each constituent element in the claims, various other elements having configurations or functions described in the claims can be used.

  A bubble generation experiment was performed using the bubble generation apparatuses of Examples and Comparative Examples. Hereinafter, the bubble generation experiment will be described.

(Example)
As the bubble generating device of the example, the bubble generating device 1000 described in FIGS. 1 to 6 was used. In the embodiment, the rod-like portion 53 and the disc portion 62 shown in FIG. 5 are not provided.

(Comparative Example 1)
The bubble generator 1000 of the comparative example 1 is different from the bubble generator 1000 of the embodiment in the following points.

  FIG. 26 is a conceptual diagram showing a bubble generator 901 provided in the bubble generator 1000 of Comparative Example 1. As shown in FIG. 26, in the bubble generator 901 of Comparative Example 1, a space 38 is formed between the liquid passage 35 and the main body 31. The cross-sectional area of the pressure increase passage 36 gradually increases downward. In addition, a collision plate 39 is provided in the bubble stabilizing tube 101 so as to face the opening at the lower end of the pressure increasing passage 36. In the bubble generator 901, the water supplied from the liquid supply pipe 400 into the liquid passage 35 collides with the collision plate 39 after passing through the space 38 and the pressure increase passage 36 as shown by arrows in FIG. To flow.

(Comparative Example 2)
The bubble generator 1000 of the comparative example 2 is different from the bubble generator 1000 of the comparative example 1 in the following points.

  FIG. 27 is a conceptual diagram showing a bubble generator 902 provided in the bubble generation device 1000 of the second comparative example. As shown in FIG. 27, in the bubble generator 902 of Comparative Example 2, the pressure increase passage 36 includes a liquid introduction path 366 and an enlarged portion 367 having a larger cross-sectional area than the liquid introduction path 366.

(Comparative Example 3)
The bubble generator 1000 of Comparative Example 3 is different from the bubble generator 1000 of Comparative Example 1 in the following points.

  FIG. 28 is a conceptual diagram showing a bubble generator 903 of the bubble generation apparatus 1000 of Comparative Example 3. As shown in FIG. 28, in the bubble generator 903 of Comparative Example 3, the pressure increase passage 36 has a cylindrical shape whose cross-sectional area does not change.

(Comparative Example 4)
The bubble generator 1000 of the comparative example 4 is different from the bubble generator 1000 of the embodiment in the following points.

  FIG. 29 is a conceptual diagram showing a gas dissolver 801 provided in the bubble generator 1000 of Comparative Example 4. As shown in FIG. 29, in the gas dissolver 801 of Comparative Example 4, the ceiling portion 111 of the first casing 201 is not curved and has a flat plate shape. In addition, the liquid circulation pipe 401 is provided so as to penetrate the central part of the ceiling part 111. Water 701 is ejected downward from the ejection nozzle 221.

(Comparative Example 5)
The bubble generator 1000 of Comparative Example 5 is different from the bubble generator 1000 of the example in the following points.

  FIG. 30 is a conceptual diagram showing a gas dissolver 802 provided in the bubble generator 1000 of Comparative Example 5. As shown in FIG. 30, in the gas dissolver 802 of Comparative Example 5, the first housing 201 has a substantially hemispherical shape.

(Evaluation 1)
In Evaluation 1, fine bubbles were generated in the water 701 in the bathtub 700 using the bubble generator 1000 of the example and the comparative examples 1 to 3. Then, the time required for the liquid level of the water 701 to be sufficiently clouded by the fine bubbles (hereinafter referred to as the clouding time) was measured. In Evaluation 1 and Evaluation 2 described later, a bathtub 700 having a horizontal cross-sectional area of 0.78 m ² (0.6 m × 1.3 m) was used. Moreover, the quantity of the water 701 in the bathtub 700 is 200L.

  FIG. 31 is a graph showing the measurement results of the cloudiness time. As shown in FIG. 31, when fine bubbles were generated using the bubble generating apparatus 1000 of the example, the cloudiness time was 90 seconds.

  On the other hand, when the bubble generating apparatus 1000 of Comparative Example 1 was used, the cloudiness time was 120 seconds, and when the bubble generating apparatus 1000 of Comparative Example 2 was used, the cloudiness time was 180 seconds. In addition, when the bubble generator 1000 of the comparative example 3 was used, the whole liquid level of the water 701 could not be made fully cloudy within the measurement time.

  From the above results, it can be seen that according to the bubble generating apparatus 1000 of the embodiment, a sufficient amount of fine bubbles can be rapidly generated in the water 701.

(Evaluation 2)
In the evaluation 2, fine bubbles are generated in the water 701 in the bathtub 700 using the bubble generator 1000 of the example, the comparative example 4 and the comparative example 5, and the water 701 in the bathtub 700 is sufficiently clouded by the fine bubbles. I let you. Thereafter, the generation of fine bubbles by the bubble generator 1000 was stopped, and the time during which the water 701 was kept cloudy was measured.

  FIG. 32 is a graph showing the measurement results of the retention time of the water 701 in the cloudy state. As shown in FIG. 32, when fine bubbles were generated using the bubble generating apparatus 1000 of the example, the white turbid state of the water 701 was maintained for 110 seconds.

  On the other hand, when the bubble generation device 1000 of Comparative Example 4 is used, the retention time of the water 701 in the cloudy state is 75 seconds, and when the bubble generation device 1000 of Comparative Example 5 is used, the retention time of the water 701 in the cloudiness state. Was 100 seconds.

  From the above results, it can be seen that a sufficient amount of fine bubbles can be generated in the water 701 according to the bubble generator 1000 of the example. Moreover, it turns out that it can fully prevent that a micro bubble lose | disappears in a short time by generating a micro bubble in the water 701 with the bubble generator 1000 of an Example.

  The present invention can be effectively used for various bubble generators and the like.

The figure which shows an example of the gas dissolver which concerns on 1st Embodiment, and the bubble generator provided with the same External perspective view showing a gas dissolver Schematic sectional view showing a gas dissolver Assembly perspective view of the bubble generator of FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view of the bubble generator of FIG. Top view of bubble generating member Schematic sectional view showing another example of gas dissolver Schematic sectional view showing another example of gas dissolver Schematic sectional view showing another example of gas dissolver The figure which shows the other example of an ejection nozzle The figure which shows the other example of an ejection nozzle The figure which shows the other example of an ejection nozzle The figure which shows the other example of a partition plate The figure which shows the other example of a partition plate The figure which shows the other example of a partition plate The figure which shows the other example of a partition plate The longitudinal cross-sectional view of the bubble generator which concerns on 2nd Embodiment The longitudinal cross-sectional view of the bubble generator which concerns on 2nd Embodiment Longitudinal sectional view of a bubble generator according to the third embodiment Longitudinal sectional view of a bubble generator according to the third embodiment Longitudinal sectional view of a bubble generator according to the fourth embodiment Longitudinal sectional view of a bubble generator according to the fourth embodiment The figure which shows the other example of a pressure rise passage The figure which shows the other example of a pressure rise passage The figure which shows the other structural example of a bubble generator The conceptual diagram which shows the bubble generator of the bubble generator of the comparative example 1 The conceptual diagram which shows the bubble generator of the bubble generator of the comparative example 2 The conceptual diagram which shows the bubble generator of the bubble generator of the comparative example 3 The conceptual diagram which shows the gas dissolver of the bubble generator of the comparative example 4 The conceptual diagram which shows the gas dissolver of the bubble generator of the comparative example 5 Graph showing measurement results of cloudiness time Graph showing measurement results of retention time in cloudy state

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 13 Protrusion part 33 1st outer wall part 35 Liquid passage 36 Pressure rise passage 71 Coil spring 72 Moving plate 85 Notification member 100,120,130 Bubble generator 101 Bubble stabilization tube 103 Bubble generation member 105 Support member 111 Ceiling part 113 Upper surface part 200, 600, 610, 620 Gas dissolver 201 First housing 202 Second housing 203 Partition plate 221, 222 Ejection nozzle 223 Bubble rising plate 240 Auxiliary space 241 Liquid outflow pipe 250 Air valve 361 First enlarged portion 362 2nd expansion part 401 Liquid distribution pipe 700 Bath 701 Water 1000 Bubble generator

Claims (15)

A main body having an inlet, a first channel, a second channel and an outlet,
The first flow path is provided to guide the liquid flowing in from the inflow port in a first direction,
The second flow path is provided to guide the liquid guided from the downstream end of the first flow path in a second direction opposite to the first direction and to flow out from the outlet.
The cross-sectional area of the upstream end of the second flow path is smaller than the area of the inlet,
The bubble generator, wherein an area of the outlet is larger than a cross-sectional area of an upstream end of the second flow path. The bubble generator according to claim 1, wherein a cross-sectional area of the second flow path gradually increases from the upstream end toward the outlet. The bubble generator according to claim 2, wherein a cross-sectional area of the second flow path is discontinuously or continuously expanded from the upstream end toward the outlet. The second flow path has an upstream first enlarged portion and a downstream second enlarged portion,
The cross-sectional area of the first enlarged portion is enlarged at a first rate, and the cross-sectional area of the second enlarged portion is enlarged at a second rate that is larger than the first rate. Bubble generator. The bubble generator in any one of Claims 1-4 further provided with the liquid collision surface provided so that the said outflow port of the said main-body part may be opposed. The bubble generator according to claim 5, wherein the liquid collision surface has a protrusion at a position facing the outflow port of the main body. The bubble generator in any one of Claims 1-6 further provided with the protective wall provided so that the space outside the said outflow port of the said main-body part may be enclosed. The bubble generator in any one of Claims 1-7 further provided with the accommodating member which accommodates the said main-body part. Between the inner surface of the housing portion and the main body portion, a flow passage is formed through which the liquid flowing out from the outlet of the main body portion flows.
The bubble generator according to claim 8, wherein a cross-sectional area of the flow passage is gradually increased from an upstream side to a downstream side. The bubble generator according to claim 8, wherein the flow passage is provided so as to guide the liquid flowing out from the outlet in the first direction. The main body includes a third flow path extending in the first direction from a downstream end of the first flow path;
An auxiliary valve provided in the third flow path,
The auxiliary valve is closed when the pressure of the liquid in the first flow path is lower than a predetermined value, and is opened when the pressure of the liquid in the first flow path exceeds the predetermined value. The bubble generator according to any one of claims 1 to 10. The main body further includes a moving member provided movably in the third flow path,
When the auxiliary valve is closed, the moving member is accommodated in the third flow path, and when the auxiliary valve is opened, at least part of the moving member is removed from the third flow path. The bubble generator of Claim 11 which protrudes outside the main-body part.   The bubble generator in any one of Claims 1-12 further provided with the non-return valve provided in a said 1st flow path. The first flow path has a substantially uniform cross-sectional area;
The bubble generator according to claim 13, wherein the check valve includes a flow rate adjusting unit provided to intersect the first direction. A gas dissolver for dissolving the gas in the liquid;
The bubble generator according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the bubble generator is connected to the gas dissolver and generates bubbles in a liquid supplied from the gas dissolver.
The gas dissolver is
A gas dissolution chamber having a ceiling,
A first ejection part for ejecting liquid from the gas dissolution chamber toward the ceiling part,
The bubble generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the ceiling portion has a lower surface curved so as to protrude downward.

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