JP2023114812A - Fine bubble generating unit and water supply system - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a fine bubble generating unit capable of generating a large amount of fine bubbles.SOLUTION: A fine bubble generation unit 100 for converting dissolved gas into bubbles by applying changes in pressure to liquid includes a tubular member 1 including a liquid flow path 4 extending along a central axis 2, and an insertion member 30 disposed in the liquid flow path. The inner wall of the tubular member has an upstream cylindrical region 7 and a downstream cylindrical region 8 which are separately positioned on the upstream and the downstream with respect to a flow direction 5 of the liquid flow path, and an upstream inner screw 12 and a downstream inner screw 15 are formed in the respective regions. The insertion member is provided with, on the circumference, an external screw in which a screw groove to engage an upstream screw groove 16 of the upstream internal screw is formed, and a flow passage extending in the direction of the central axis and penetrating the insertion member. The external screw is disposed in the upstream cylindrical region in engagement with the upstream internal thread. A restriction portion is provided between the upstream cylindrical region and the downstream cylindrical region to prevent the insertion member from moving to the downstream cylindrical region.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to a fine bubble generation unit that utilizes hydrodynamic cavitation to generate fine bubbles and a water supply system incorporating the fine bubble generation unit. More particularly, the present invention relates to a fine bubble generating unit that generates fine bubbles by generating bubbles of gas dissolved in a liquid by applying a pressure change to the liquid, and a water supply system incorporating the fine bubble generating unit.

Conventionally, Patent Documents 1 to 3 have proposed a fine bubble generation unit having a ventchery structure and a liquid supply device including the fine bubble generation unit. All of the fine bubble generating units described in these documents consist of a tubular member, and a channel is formed by a cylindrical inner wall extending along the central axis in the longitudinal direction. The cylindrical inner wall is formed with a constricted portion protruding toward the central axis. The constricted portion has an inlet side (upstream) taper in which the inner diameter gradually decreases from the upstream side to the downstream side on the upstream side with respect to the direction of flow, and the taper on the downstream side with respect to the direction of flow from the upstream side to the downstream side. An outlet side (downstream side) inverse taper is formed in which the inner diameter gradually increases. Therefore, the liquid flowing in the flow path from the upstream side to the downstream side is pressurized toward the downstream end of the upstream taper, and then is rapidly depressurized when it passes through the upstream side taper and enters the downstream side reverse taper. As a result, the gas (usually air) dissolved in the liquid is bubbled to generate fine fine bubbles.

JP 2017-136590 A JP 2018-134587 A Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2019-042700

The above-mentioned fine bubble generation unit has a taper and a reverse taper on the upstream and downstream sides of the flow path, respectively, and causes fine fine bubbles to be deposited by changing the pressure of the liquid passing therethrough. It has been confirmed that a considerable number of fine bubbles can be generated. Hereinafter, such a fine bubble generation unit will be referred to as a "double taper type fine bubble generation unit".

The inventors of the present application have conducted intensive research to provide a new form of fine bubble generation unit that can generate more fine bubbles than the above-described double taper type fine bubble generation unit. It was found that more fine bubbles are formed by forming unevenness on the inner wall.

The present invention has been made based on the above findings. For example, a fine bubble generation unit (100) that generates fine bubbles by bubbling dissolved gas in a liquid by applying a pressure change to the liquid is
a tubular member (1) comprising a central axis (2) and a liquid channel (4) surrounded by a tubular inner wall (3) extending along said central axis (2);
at least one insert positioned in said liquid channel (4);
The inner wall (3) of the tubular member (1) includes an upstream cylindrical region (7) and a downstream cylindrical region (7) which are respectively divided into upstream and downstream sides with respect to the flow direction (5) of the liquid channel (4). a region (8);
Said upstream cylindrical region (7) has a continuous an upstream internal thread (12) is formed extending to
Said downstream cylindrical region (8) has, with respect to said flow direction (5), a continuous A downstream internal thread (15) is formed extending to
said at least one insert member comprises a first insert member (30);
The first insert member (30) has a first central axis (31) and an upstream thread of the upstream internal thread (12) on a circumference around the first central axis (31). A first external screw (33) formed with a thread groove (34) that meshes with the groove (16), and the first insertion member (30) extending in the direction of the first central axis (31). said first external thread (33) meshing with said upstream internal thread (12) of said upstream cylindrical region (7) to said located in the upstream cylindrical region (7),
Between the upstream cylindrical region (7) and the downstream cylindrical region (8), the first insertion member (30) arranged in the upstream cylindrical region (7) is arranged in the downstream cylindrical region (8). ) is provided to prevent movement.

According to the unit of the embodiment of the present invention, the liquid flows through the liquid channel (4) from the upstream side to the downstream side. At this time, when the liquid enters the first flow path (37) of the first insertion member (30), the pressure there changes abruptly (the dynamic pressure increases and the static pressure decreases), Air bubbles are deposited from the After that, when the liquid passes through the first flow path (37), the pressure of the liquid abruptly changes (the dynamic pressure decreases and the static pressure increases), and the deposited bubbles are crushed into fine fine bubbles. Also, the liquid that has passed through the first flow path (37) is sheared by the resistance received from the thread groove (17) of the downstream internal thread (15) and further finely divided. Therefore, the liquid that has passed through the channel contains a large amount of fine bubbles. Further, the first insertion member (30) arranged in the liquid flow path (4) is prevented from moving downstream by the restriction portion formed on the downstream side. As such, no member (eg, ring) is required to retain the first insert member (30) in the liquid channel (4).

FIG. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a tubular member and a first insertion member that constitute the fine bubble generating unit according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention; FIG. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view of the tubular member into which the first insertion member is inserted and the second insertion member; FIG. 4 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the tubular member into which the first and second insertion members are inserted and the third insertion member; FIG. 4 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a tubular member into which first to third insertion members have been inserted; Perspective view [Fig. 5(a)], front view [Fig. 5(b)] and side view [Fig. 5(c)] of the first insertion member. Front view [Fig. 6(a)], longitudinal sectional view [Fig. 6(b)], front perspective view [Fig. 6(c)] and rear perspective view [Fig. 6(d)] of the second insertion member. FIG. 10 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a fine bubble generation unit according to Embodiment 6 of the present invention; The front view [Fig. 7(a)] and longitudinal sectional view [Fig. 7(b)] of the third insertion member. 5 is an exploded perspective view of a water supply system incorporating the fine bubble generating unit of FIG. 4; FIG. Sectional drawing of the water supply system which combined the member shown in FIG. FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of a fine bubble generating unit incorporated in the water supply system of FIG. 9; Sectional drawing of the fine bubble generation unit which combined the components shown in FIG.

[A. Fine bubble generation unit]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION An embodiment of a fine bubble generating unit according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the fine bubble generation unit of the embodiment described below employs a so-called hydrodynamic cavitation method. Hydrodynamic cavitation is the formation of a negative pressure region (cavity) in the vicinity of a sudden change in the direction of flowing water. It is a phenomenon that occurs and conversely contracts due to the recovery of pressure in the non-negative pressure area. [Journal of the Japan Society of Home Economics Vol.71, No.2, 124-128 (2020)]

Fine bubbles are divided into "microbubbles" and "ultra-fine bubbles" depending on the size of the bubbles. Usually, fine bubbles with a diameter of less than 100 μm and 1 μm (= 0.001 mm) or more are called "microbubbles". Bubbles smaller than 1 μm in diameter are classified as 'ultra-fine bubbles' [see International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Technical Committee TC281 (Fine Bubble Technology), 'General Principles (Part 1 Terminology)'. ] Therefore, in the following description, "fine bubbles" should be understood as a concept including both microbubbles and ultrafine bubbles.

[A1. Configuration of Fine Bubble Generation Unit]
The configuration of the fine bubble generation unit will be described below.

[1.1: Tubular member 1]
FIG. 1 shows a fine bubble generation unit according to Embodiment 1, particularly a channel structure of the fine bubble generation unit. As shown in the figure, a fine bubble generating unit (hereinafter simply referred to as "unit") 100 consists of a tubular member 1. As shown in FIG. Preferably, the tubular member 1 is made of metal (eg stainless steel), but it can also be made of other materials (eg ceramic, plastic). In the embodiment, the entire tubular member 1 is made up of one member, but it may be made up of a combination of a plurality of members.

Tubular member 1 has a tubular inner wall 3 extending along a central longitudinal axis 2 . The tubular inner wall 3 defines a cylindrical passageway 4 passing through the tubular member 1 along the central axis 2 . The flow path 4 is configured such that the portion appearing on the right side of the drawing is the upstream portion and the portion appearing on the left side of the drawing is the downstream portion, and the fluid flows in the flow direction indicated by the arrow 5 .

The channel 4 of the tubular member 1 has a downstream channel portion 6 located downstream in the direction of flow 5 . In Embodiment 1, the downstream channel portion 6 includes three regions. The three regions are an upstream cylindrical region 7 located upstream with respect to the flow direction 5, a downstream cylindrical region 8 located downstream with respect to the flow direction 5, and between the upstream cylindrical region 7 and the downstream cylindrical region 8. is an intermediate region 9 that connects the upstream cylindrical region 7 and the downstream cylindrical region 8 .

In the inner wall portion of the upstream cylindrical region 7 , the entire upstream cylindrical region 7 , that is, from the upstream end 10 of the upstream cylindrical region 7 to the downstream end 11 of the upstream cylindrical region 7 , has a center axis 2 . The upstream inner thread 12 is formed uniformly. Similarly, the inner wall portion of the downstream cylindrical region 8 has a central A downstream inner thread 15 centered on the shaft 2 is uniformly formed.

In Embodiment 1, the dimensions (pitch, crest diameter, root diameter) and spiral direction of the upstream thread groove 16 forming the upstream internal thread 12 are the same as those of the downstream thread groove 17 forming the downstream internal thread 15. The dimensions (pitch, peak diameter, root diameter) and spiral direction are the same.

The inner wall portion of the intermediate region 9 connecting the upstream cylindrical region 7 and the downstream cylindrical region 8 is a smooth cylindrical surface 18 without thread grooves. In Embodiment 1, the inner diameter of the cylindrical surface 18 is the same as the diameter of the crest of the upstream thread groove 16 . Therefore, the upstream thread groove 16 and the downstream thread groove 17 are formed by inserting the same tool into the cylindrical hollow portion of the tubular member 1 from the upstream side and the downstream side to process the cylindrical surface thereof, and the upstream thread groove 16 and the downstream thread groove 17 are processed. An intermediate region 18 without a thread groove can be formed by leaving an unprocessed region between the downstream thread groove 17 and the thread groove 17 .

The tubular member 1 also has a large-diameter channel portion 20 adjacent to the upstream side of the downstream channel portion 6 and having an inner diameter larger than the inner diameter of the upstream cylindrical region 7 (specifically, the upstream thread groove 16). formed.

Large diameter flow path portion 20 includes a plurality of regions coaxially extending along central axis 2 . In Embodiment 1, the large-diameter channel portion 20 comprises at least a first region 21, a second cylindrical region 22, a third cylindrical region 23 and a fourth cylindrical region, from downstream to upstream with respect to the flow direction 5. Includes area 24 . The first region 21 is a tapered cylindrical surface whose inner diameter gradually increases from the upstream end 10 of the upstream cylindrical region 7 toward the upstream side. The second region 22 is a cylindrical surface having an inner diameter equal to the inner diameter of the upstream end of the first region 21 . The third region 23 is a cylindrical surface having an inner diameter larger than that of the second region 22 , and a step 25 is formed between the second region 22 and the third region 23 . The fourth region 24 is a cylindrical surface having an inner diameter larger than that of the third region 23 , and a step is formed between the third region 23 and the fourth region 24 .

[1.2: Insertion member]
At least one insertion member is inserted into and arranged in the tubular member 1 having the above configuration in order to efficiently cause turbulence and cavitation in the fluid flowing through the flow path 4 .

[1.2.1: First insertion member]
In embodiment 1, the at least one insert member comprises a first insert member 30 . As shown in FIG. 5, the first insertion member 30 has a first central axis 31 and a cylindrical surface 32 centered on the first central axis 31 (an imaginary surface indicated by a dashed line in FIG. 5(b). ) has an external thread 33 machined to . The thread groove 34 of the outer thread 33 has dimensions (pitch, crest diameter, root diameter) that exactly fit into the upstream thread groove 16 formed in the upstream inner thread 12 of the upstream cylindrical region 7 .

The first insertion member 30 has a circumference 35 centered on the first central axis 31 (indicated by a dotted line in FIG. 5(b)). Four first channels 37 are formed through the first insert 30 along four eccentric axes 36 (spaced apart) and parallel to the first central axis 31 .

In Embodiment 1, the diameter of the first flow path 37 is set to a size that allows the first flow path 37 to divide the screw groove 34 on the outer periphery. Alternatively, the diameter and/or position of the first flow passage 37 may be determined such that the first flow passage 37 does not interrupt the thread groove 34 .

The first insertion member 30 formed in this manner is inserted into the flow path 4 of the tubular member 1 from its upstream end, as shown in FIGS. It is screwed into the upstream thread groove 16 and arranged at the downstream end of the upstream cylindrical region 7 . In this state, the first central axis 31 of the first insertion member 30 coincides with the central axis 2 of the tubular member 1 . Also, the first insert 30 adjoins the intermediate region 9 . As described above, no thread groove is formed in the intermediate region 9 , and the cylindrical surface 18 of the intermediate region 9 has the same diameter as the crest of the upstream thread groove 16 . Therefore, the intermediate region 9 functions as a restricting portion that prevents the first insertion member 30 from moving beyond the upstream cylindrical region 7 to the downstream side.

[1.2.2: Second insertion member]
In embodiment 1, the at least one insert member may comprise a second insert member 40 . As shown in FIG. 6, the second insertion member 40 includes a second central axis 41, an external thread 42 formed along a cylindrical surface (virtual surface) centered on the second central axis 41, It has one central channel 43 extending along the second central axis 41 and formed through the second insert 40 .

The thread groove 44 of the outer thread 42 has dimensions (pitch, crest diameter, root diameter) that exactly fit into the upstream thread groove 16 formed in the upstream inner thread 12 of the upstream cylindrical region 7 .

The central flow path 43 includes a small diameter flow path (restricted flow path) 45 and a large diameter flow path 46 positioned upstream and downstream in the flow direction 5 with the second insert member 40 disposed in the flow path 4 . include. As their names indicate, the small-diameter channel 45 and the large-diameter channel 46 have an inner diameter smaller than that of the large-diameter channel 46 . As shown, the upstream end of the small diameter channel 45 coincides with the upstream end of the second insertion member 40 and the downstream side of the large diameter channel 46 coincides with the downstream end of the second insertion member 40 . In addition, the downstream end of the small-diameter channel 45 and the upstream end of the large-diameter channel 46 are aligned, thereby forming a step 47 between the small-diameter channel 45 and the large-diameter channel 46 .

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the inner diameter of the large-diameter flow path 46 is larger than that of the second insertion member 40 when the second insertion member 40 is arranged upstream and adjacent to the first insertion member 30 . The diameter channel 46 and the plurality of first channels 37 of the first insertion member 30 are determined to communicate with each other.

The second insert member 40 formed in this manner extends from the upstream end of the flow path 4 of the tubular member 1 to the upstream thread groove of the upstream internal thread 12 in the upstream cylindrical region 7 as shown in FIGS. 16 and arranged in contact with the first insertion member 30 on the upstream side of the first insertion member 30 previously inserted into the upstream cylindrical region 7 . In this state, the second central axis 41 of the second insertion member 40 coincides with the central axis 2 of the tubular member 1 . Further, the second insertion member 40 is prevented from moving downstream while in contact with the first insertion member 30 . Therefore, the first insertion member 30 functions as a regulating portion for the second insertion member 40 .

[1.2.3: Third insertion member]
In embodiment 1, the at least one insert member may comprise a third insert member 50 . As shown in FIG. 7 , the third insertion member 50 includes a third central axis 51 , an outer cylindrical surface 52 centered on the third central axis 51 , and a plurality of grooves penetrating the third insertion member 50 . A third flow path (spiral flow path) 53 is formed. The outer diameter of the outer cylindrical surface 52 is substantially the same as the inner diameter of the third region 23 formed in the large-diameter flow path portion 20 of the tubular member 1 .

In Embodiment 1, the plurality of third flow paths 53 are arranged at regular intervals on a cylindrical surface 54 centered on the third central axis 51 (an imaginary surface indicated by a dotted line in FIG. 7A) (embodiment 1, helical channels extending along four eccentric helical shafts 55 which extend parallel to each other in a helical manner over a cylindrical surface 54) and at 90° intervals.

The third insertion member 50 formed in this manner is inserted into the third region 23 of the large-diameter flow passage portion 20 from the upstream end of the flow passage 4 of the tubular member 1, as shown in FIGS. placed. In this state, the second central axis 51 of the third insertion member 50 coincides with the central axis 2 of the tubular member 1 . In addition, the third insertion member 50 is prevented from moving downstream by coming into contact with the stepped portion 25 formed between the second region 22 and the third region 23 in the arranged state. be. Therefore, the stepped portion 25 functions as a restriction portion for the third insertion member 50 .

[A2. Action of Fine Bubble Generation Unit]

The unit 100 of Embodiment 1 configured in this manner is incorporated in various liquid handling devices that handle liquids, such as a water supply system to be described later.

A liquid (for example, water) is caused to flow in the flow path 4 from the upstream side toward the downstream side while being incorporated in the liquid handling device. The liquid that has entered the channel 4 first enters the third channel 53 of the third insertion member 50 provided in the large-diameter channel portion 20 . The cross-sectional area (channel cross-section) of the third channel 53 is smaller than the cross-sectional area (channel cross-section) of the fourth region 24 on the upstream side. Therefore, the flow velocity of the liquid entering the third channel 53 increases. Further, the pressure of the liquid passing through the third flow path 53 changes (specifically, the dynamic pressure (kinetic energy) increases and the static pressure decreases), and as a result, the liquid is dissolved in the liquid. The gas forms bubbles and precipitates. Next, the liquid that has passed through the third channel 53 enters the second region 22 located downstream of the third channel 53 . Here, the cross-sectional area (channel cross-section) of the second region 22 is larger than the cross-sectional area (channel cross-section) of the third channel 53 . Therefore, the flow velocity of the liquid that has passed through the third flow path 53 is reduced. On the other hand, the pressure of the liquid entering the second region 22 changes (specifically, the dynamic pressure (kinetic energy) decreases and the static pressure increases), and the precipitated bubbles are crushed into fine fine particles. become a bubble. Further, since the third flow path 53 is spirally formed, the liquid coming out of the third flow path 53 of the third insertion member 50 forms a spiral flow.

The liquid exiting the third insert 50 then enters the upstream cylindrical region 7 and is sheared by contact with the upstream thread groove 16 as it passes through the upstream cylindrical region 7 . As a result, the deposited bubbles are shear fractured to become finer fine bubbles.

Next, the liquid that has moved to the downstream side of the upstream cylindrical region 7 enters the upstream small-diameter channel 45 of the second insertion member 40 . The cross-sectional area (channel cross-section) of the small-diameter channel 45 is smaller than the cross-sectional area (channel cross-section) of the upstream cylindrical region 7 . Therefore, the flow velocity of the liquid entering the small-diameter channel 45 increases, and the pressure changes (specifically, the dynamic pressure (kinetic energy) increases and the static pressure decreases). As a result, residual gas dissolved in the liquid is precipitated as bubbles.

Next, when the liquid that has passed through the upstream small-diameter channel 45 enters the downstream large-diameter channel 46, the pressure changes (specifically, the dynamic pressure (kinetic energy) decreases and the static pressure increases. ), and the precipitated bubbles are crushed into fine fine bubbles.

After passing through the large-diameter channel 46 of the second insertion member 40 , the liquid then enters the plurality of first channels 37 of the first insertion member 30 . At this time, the liquid that has passed through the second insertion member 40 flows radially outward into the first channel 37 as indicated by arrows 56 in FIG. Therefore, the liquid passing through the first flow path 37 is sheared by the friction received from the surrounding thread grooves 16, thereby shearing and destroying the bubbles contained in the liquid to generate even finer fine bubbles.

Also, the cross-sectional area (channel cross-section) of the first flow channel 37 in the first insertion member 30 is smaller than the cross-sectional area (channel cross-section) of the large-diameter flow channel 46 in the second insertion member 40 . Therefore, the flow velocity of the liquid entering the first flow path 37 increases and the pressure changes (specifically, the dynamic pressure (kinetic energy) increases and the static pressure decreases). As a result, residual gas dissolved in the liquid is precipitated as bubbles.

Next, the liquid that has passed through the first insertion member 30 undergoes a change in pressure entering the downstream cylindrical region 8 (specifically, the dynamic pressure (kinetic energy) decreases and the static pressure increases). , the precipitated bubbles are crushed into fine fine bubbles. Further, the liquid passing near the downstream thread groove 17 is further sheared by contact with the downstream thread groove 17 . As a result, the bubbles contained in the liquid are further shear fractured into fine fine bubbles.

In this way, the liquid flowing through the flow path 4 of the fine bubble generation unit 100 not only generates a large amount of fine bubbles due to repeated changes in pressure, but also the generated fine bubbles come into contact with the thread groove. Repeatedly sheared. As a result, the liquid discharged from the flow path 4 has a great momentum and contains a large amount of fine bubbles.

In addition, all of the first to third insertion members 30 to 50 have restricting portions located downstream thereof (for example, the first insertion member 30 is the intermediate region 9, the second insertion member 40 is the first The downstream movement of the insertion member 30 and the third insertion member 50 is restricted by a step 25). Therefore, fine bubbles are stably generated over a long period of time.

[1.2.4: Other Embodiments]
The fine bubble generation unit of Embodiment 1 described above can be modified in various ways.

For example, in Embodiment 1, an intermediate region 9 is provided between the upstream cylindrical region 7 and the downstream cylindrical region 8, and the intermediate region 9 is formed as a non-threaded portion. Although the downstream movement of the insertion member 30 was regulated (that is, the intermediate region 9 was made to function as a regulating portion), the downstream end of the upstream cylindrical region 7 was aligned with the upstream end of the downstream cylindrical region 8 The intermediate region may be eliminated by In this case, by making the dimensions (pitch or thread inner diameter or both) of the downstream thread groove 17 of the downstream cylindrical region 8 different from the dimensions of the upstream thread groove 16 of the upstream cylindrical region 7, the upstream cylindrical region A portion where the downstream end of 7 and the upstream end of the downstream cylindrical region 8 are connected functions as a restricting portion to prevent the first insertion member 30 from moving downstream.

In Embodiment 1, three insertion members 30, 40, 50 are arranged in the tubular member 1, but only one or any two insertion members may be arranged. For example, a configuration in which only the first insertion member 30 or only the second insertion member 40 is provided in the tubular member 1, a configuration in which only the first insertion member 30 and the third insertion member 50 are provided, or a configuration in which only the first insertion member 30 and the third insertion member 50 are provided. A configuration in which only the insertion member 40 and the third insertion member 50 are provided (in this case, the second insertion member replaces the first insertion member) is also included in the present invention.

In Embodiment 1, the first flow path 37 of the first insertion member 30 is formed straight parallel to the central axis 31, but the spiral flow similar to the third flow path 53 of the third insertion member 50 is formed. Alternatively, the third channel 53 of the third insert 50 may be a straight channel similar to the first channel 37 of the first insert 30 .

In Embodiment 1, the inner diameter of the upstream cylindrical region 7 (the upstream inner thread 12) and the inner diameter of the downstream cylindrical region 8 (the downstream inner thread 15) in the first insertion member 30 are the same. The inner diameter of the region 7 (upstream inner thread 12) may be smaller than the inner diameter of the downstream cylindrical region 8 (downstream inner thread 15), or conversely, the upstream cylindrical region 7 (upstream inner thread 12) may be smaller than the inner diameter of the downstream cylindrical region 8 (downstream inner thread 15). may be larger than the inner diameter of the downstream cylindrical region 8 (downstream internal thread 15). However, in the former case, it is desirable to provide an intermediate region (regulating portion) downstream of the upstream cylindrical region 7 (upstream internal thread 12) to prevent the insertion members 30 and 40 from coming off.

In the above description, the dimensions of each part of the fine bubble generation unit can be changed as appropriate provided that the effects of the first embodiment described above are not impaired.

[B. water supply system]
A water supply system incorporating a fine bubble generator will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 to 11. FIG.

The water supply system 101 has a faucet 102 , a hose unit 103 , and a connection mechanism 104 that connects the faucet 102 and the hose unit 103 .

The illustrated faucet 102 is a single faucet that discharges either cold or hot water, but it may be a mixed faucet that discharges a mixture of cold and hot water, or any other type of faucet. good too.

The hose unit 103 has a hose 105 and a hose joint 106 connected to the proximal end of the hose 105 . The hose joint 106 is a materialization of the unit 100 of Embodiment 1 described above, and is made of a cylindrical member made of metal (for example, stainless steel) or plastic. A continuous cylindrical space (flow path) 1104 is formed from to the terminal side (downstream side). Cylindrical space 1104 includes upstream large-diameter cylindrical region 1122, downstream large-diameter cylindrical region 1121, upstream cylindrical region 1107, intermediate region 1109, and downstream cylindrical region 1122 described in Embodiment 1 in order from the proximal side to the distal side. A side cylindrical region 1108 is formed, an upstream internal thread 1112 is formed in the upstream cylindrical region 1107, a downstream internal thread 1115 is formed in the downstream cylindrical region 1108, and an intermediate region 1109 is formed as an unthreaded region. It's becoming In the upstream cylindrical region 1107, a first insert member 1130 is arranged at the downstream end of the upstream cylindrical region 1107, and a second insert member 1140 is arranged adjacent to the upstream side of the first insert member 1130. It is A third insertion member 1150 is arranged in the downstream large-diameter cylindrical region 1121 .

The hose joint 106 is fixed to the hose 105 by inserting the distal end into the proximal end of the hose 105 and crimping a metal collar 119 around it. In order to prevent the hose joint 106 from coming off from the hose 105, an annular unevenness 120 is formed on the outer periphery of the hose joint 106 on the distal end side, and the collar 119 is crimped and deformed along the outer shape thereof.

A connection mechanism 104 that connects the faucet 102 and the hose unit 103 has a faucet-side connection mechanism portion provided on the faucet 102 and a hose-side connection mechanism portion provided on the hose unit 103 .

The faucet-side connection mechanism portion has an annular socket 122 into which the discharge port 121 of the faucet 102 is fitted. The socket 122 is fixed by fitting screws 124 into a plurality of threaded holes 123 penetrating the inner and outer peripheral surfaces of the socket 122 while the socket 122 is attached to the discharge port 121 . An annular adapter 125 is arranged between the socket 122 and the discharge port 121 to fill the gap between the two.

An annular base 126 is fixed to the outer circumference of the socket 122 . For this purpose, an outer thread 127 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the socket 122, and a corresponding inner thread 128 is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the mouthpiece 126. By fitting the outer thread 127 and the inner thread 128, the two are connected. be done. In order to seal between the socket 122 and the mouthpiece 126, a packing 129 is arranged therebetween.

The base 126 has a tubular mouth 130 at its distal end. An annular groove 131 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical mouth portion 130 .

The hose side connection mechanism portion has a sleeve 132 attached to the proximal side outer circumference of the hose joint 106 . A tapered surface 133 whose diameter gradually decreases from the proximal end toward the distal end is formed on the proximal inner peripheral surface of the sleeve 132 , and an annular stepped portion 134 is formed on the distal side of the tapered surface 133 .

A plurality of through holes 135 penetrating the inner peripheral surface and the outer peripheral surface are formed in the base end side cylindrical portion of the hose joint 106 covered with the sleeve 132 at regular intervals in the circumferential direction. A metal ball 136 having a size corresponding to . An annular groove 137 is formed on the distal end side of the through hole 135 in the inner peripheral surface of the base end side cylindrical portion of the hose joint 106 , and a packing 138 is arranged in the groove 132 . On the other hand, an annular stepped portion 139 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the base end side cylindrical portion of the hose joint 106 , and a helical spring 140 is arranged between the annular stepped portion 139 and the annular stepped portion 134 of the sleeve 132 . . As a result, the spring force of the spring 140 urges the sleeve 132 toward the base end side with respect to the hose joint 116 and holds it in the advanced position shown in FIG. In the embodiment, the hose joint 106 has a groove 141 formed in the proximal outer periphery thereof and a retaining ring 142 mounted in the groove 141 to retain the sleeve 132 in the illustrated forward position. .

When connecting the hose joint 106 to the mouthpiece 126 , first, the sleeve 132 is moved toward the distal end against the biasing force of the spring 140 . Thereby, the metal ball 136 accommodated in the through hole 135 can move radially outward. Next, from this state, the cylindrical opening 130 of the mouthpiece 126 is inserted into the hose joint 106 . At this time, the cylindrical opening 130 to be inserted hits the metal ball 136 and moves the metal ball 136 outward. Also, the packing 138 contacts the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical mouth portion 130 to seal the space between the hose joint 106 and the mouthpiece 126 .

After the tubular mouth 130 is fully inserted, the sleeve 132 is released and moved to the advanced position by the biasing force of the spring 140 . As a result, the metal ball 136 moves radially inward and fits into the groove 131 . A locking claw 143 integrally formed on the outer circumference of the sleeve 132 engages an annular flange 144 of the mouthpiece 126 to connect the hose joint 116 to the mouthpiece 126 .

According to the water supply system 101 configured in this manner, pressure water discharged from the faucet 102 enters the hose joint 106 via the mouthpiece 126, and enters the third insertion member 1150, the second insertion member 1140 and the second insertion member 1140. 1 insertion member 1130 sequentially and flows into the hose 103. At this time, air bubbles are generated by repeating pressurization and decompression, and the generated air bubbles are finely sheared by contact with the inner thread, forming microbubbles. Fine bubble-containing water containing a large amount of ultra-fine bubbles is produced.

The units of the embodiments described above can be used in different fields and for different purposes. For example, environmental field (factory wastewater treatment, sludge volume reduction, water purification, water quality improvement), agricultural field (plant growth promotion, yield increase, quality improvement, pest control), food field (freshness preservation, oxidation prevention, chemical use control) ), the cleaning field (toilet washing, clothing and food washing), the beauty field (face washing, scalp washing, shower head), etc. In that case, depending on the field of application, the liquid need not be water, and may be a liquid other than water (for example, oil or a mixture of oil and liquid other than oil).

100: Fine bubble generation unit 1: Tubular member 2: Central axis 3: Tubular inner wall 4: Flow path 5: Flow direction 6: Downstream flow path portion 7: Upstream cylindrical region 8: Downstream cylindrical region 9: Intermediate region 12 : Upstream inner thread 12
15: downstream inner thread 15
16: Upstream screw groove 16
17: downstream thread groove 17
20: Large-diameter channel portion 30: First insertion member 31: First central shaft 33: External thread 34: Screw groove 37: First channel 40: Second insertion member 41: Second central shaft 42 : Outer screw 43: Central channel 44: Thread groove 45: Small diameter channel (throttle channel)
46: Large-diameter channel 50: Third insertion member 51: Third central shaft 52: Outer peripheral cylindrical surface 53: Third channel (spiral channel)
54: Cylindrical surface 55: Eccentric spiral shaft

Claims (14)

A fine bubble generation unit (100) for generating fine bubbles by bubbling gas dissolved in the liquid by applying a pressure change to the liquid,
The fine bubble generation unit (100)
a tubular member (1) comprising a central axis (2) and a liquid channel (4) surrounded by a tubular inner wall (3) extending along said central axis (2);
at least one insert positioned in said liquid channel (4);
The inner wall (3) of the tubular member (1) includes an upstream cylindrical region (7) and a downstream cylindrical region (7) which are respectively divided into upstream and downstream sides with respect to the flow direction (5) of the liquid channel (4). a region (8);
Said upstream cylindrical region (7) has a continuous an upstream internal thread (12) is formed extending to
Said downstream cylindrical region (8) has, with respect to said flow direction (5), a continuous A downstream internal thread (15) is formed extending to
said at least one insert member comprises a first insert member (30);
The first insert member (30) has a first central axis (31) and an upstream thread of the upstream internal thread (12) on a circumference around the first central axis (31). A first external screw (33) formed with a thread groove (34) that meshes with the groove (16), and the first insertion member (30) extending in the direction of the first central axis (31). said first external thread (33) meshing with said upstream internal thread (12) of said upstream cylindrical region (7) to said located in the upstream cylindrical region (7),
Between the upstream cylindrical region (7) and the downstream cylindrical region (8), the first insertion member (30) arranged in the upstream cylindrical region (7) is arranged in the downstream cylindrical region (8). ) is provided with a regulating part that prevents it from moving to
A fine bubble generation unit characterized by: an intermediate region (9) positioned between the downstream end (11) of the upstream cylindrical region (7) and the upstream end (13) of the downstream cylindrical region (8);
The inner peripheral surface of the intermediate region (9) is a cylindrical surface without thread grooves,
The intermediate region (9) constitutes the restricting portion,
The fine bubble generation unit according to claim 1, characterized by: said downstream end (11) of said upstream cylindrical region (7) coincides with said upstream end (13) of said downstream cylindrical region (18);
The thread dimension of the upstream thread groove (16) forming the upstream internal thread (12) of the upstream cylindrical region (7) is greater than the downstream internal thread (15) of the downstream cylindrical region (8). Unlike the thread dimensions of the downstream thread groove (17) that constitutes,
A boundary between the downstream end (11) of the upstream cylindrical region (7) and the upstream end (13) of the downstream cylindrical region (8) constitutes the restricting portion,
The fine bubble generation unit according to claim 1, characterized by: 4. The fine bubble generating unit of claim 3, wherein the thread dimension is at least one of a pitch, a crest inner diameter, and a root inner diameter. said downstream end (11) of said upstream cylindrical region (7) coincides with said upstream end (13) of said downstream cylindrical region (8);
The spiral direction of the upstream thread groove (16) forming the upstream internal thread (12) of the upstream cylindrical region (7) is the same as the downstream internal thread (15) of the downstream cylindrical region (8). is opposite to the spiral direction of the downstream thread groove (17) constituting the
A boundary between the downstream end (11) of the upstream cylindrical region (7) and the upstream end (13) of the downstream cylindrical region (8) constitutes the restricting portion,
The fine bubble generation unit according to claim 1, characterized by: Said tubular member (1) has a cylindrical surface having a constant inner diameter from said upstream end (10) of said upstream cylindrical region (7) to said downstream end (14) of said downstream cylindrical region (8). The upstream internal thread (12) and the downstream internal thread (15) extend from the upstream end (10) of the upstream cylindrical region (7) and the downstream end (14) of the downstream cylindrical region (8), respectively. 6. The fine bubble generating unit according to any one of claims 1 to 5, which is processed. Said first insert members (30) comprise a plurality of equally spaced circumferences extending parallel to said first central axis (31) on a circumference centered on said first central axis (31). From claim 1, characterized in that a plurality of eccentric channels (37) are formed through said first insert (30) in said flow direction (5) along an eccentric axis (36). 7. The fine bubble generation unit according to any one of 6. Said first inserts (30) extend helically around said first central axis (31) at equal intervals on a circumference centered on said first central axis (31). A plurality of eccentric flow passages are formed through the first insertion member (30) in the flow direction (5) along a plurality of helical eccentric shafts. A fine bubble generation unit according to any one of the above. Claim 1, characterized in that said first insert member is formed with a central channel passing through said first insert member in said flow direction (5) along said first central axis. 9. The fine bubble generation unit according to any one of 8. said at least one insert member comprises a second insert member (40);
Said second insert member (40) has a second central axis (41) and said upstream side of said upstream internal thread (12) on a circumference centered on said second central axis (41). A second external thread (42) formed with a thread groove (44) that meshes with the thread groove (16), and a second insert member (40) along the second central axis (41) for the flow thread (42). A central channel (43) is formed penetrating in direction (5),
Said central channel (43) comprises a small diameter channel (45) extending downstream from an upstream end of said central channel (43) with respect to said flow direction (5) and a large diameter channel (46) having a large inner diameter and extending from the downstream end of the small diameter channel (45) to the downstream end of the central channel (43) with respect to the flow direction (5);
characterized in that it is arranged in said upstream cylindrical area (7) with said second external thread (42) meshing with said upstream internal thread (12) of said upstream cylindrical area (7). The fine bubble generation unit according to any one of claims 1 to 8. The tubular member (1) has a large-diameter flow path portion with an inner diameter larger than the inner diameter of the upstream cylindrical flow path (7) upstream of the upstream cylindrical flow path (7) with respect to the flow direction (5). 11. The fine bubble generating unit according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized by having (20). said at least one insert member comprises a third insert member (50);
The third insert member (50) is arranged in the large diameter channel portion (20),
The third insertion member (50) has a third central axis (51) and the third central axis (51) at equal intervals on a circumference centered on the third central axis (51). a plurality of third channels (53) passing through said third insert (50) in said flow direction (5) along a plurality of helical eccentric shafts (55) extending helically around 51). ) is formed. The fine bubble generation unit according to claim 11, wherein A water supply system comprising the fine bubble generation unit according to any one of claims 1 to 12 and a hose connected downstream of the fine bubble generation unit. 14. The water supply system according to claim 13, further comprising a faucet connected upstream of the fine bubble generation unit.

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