JP7012399B1 - Fine bubble generation unit and water supply system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a fine bubble generation unit capable of generating a large amount of fine bubbles. A fine bubble generation unit is a fine bubble generation unit that generates fine bubbles by applying a change in pressure to a liquid flowing in a flow path 4, and extends along a central axis 2 and a central axis. It has a tubular member 1 having a flow path 4 surrounded by a tubular inner wall 3 to be formed, and the inner wall protrudes inward toward a central axis to form an inwardly protruding portion 11 and an inwardly protruding portion 10 and the inside of the flow path. It has a downstream uneven portion 19 formed on the downstream side of the inwardly protruding portion with respect to the flow direction of the flowing liquid. [Selection diagram] Fig. 1

Description

The present invention relates to a fine bubble generation unit that generates fine bubbles using fluid mechanical cavitation and a water supply system that incorporates the fine bubble generation unit. The present invention particularly relates to a fine bubble generation unit that generates fine bubbles by bubble-forming the dissolved gas in the liquid by applying a pressure change to the liquid, and a water supply system incorporating the fine bubble generation unit.

Conventionally, patent documents 1 to 3 have proposed a fine bubble generation unit having a bentery structure and a liquid supply device including the fine bubble generation unit. Each of the fine bubble generation units described in these documents is made of a tubular member, and a flow path is formed by a tubular inner wall extending along a central axis in the longitudinal direction. A throttle portion protruding toward the central axis is formed on the tubular inner wall. The throttle portion has an inlet side (upstream side) taper whose inner diameter gradually decreases from the upstream side to the downstream side on the upstream side in the flow direction, and on the downstream side and from the upstream side to the downstream side in the flow direction. An outlet-side (downstream-side) reverse taper is formed in which the inner diameter gradually increases toward the end. Therefore, the liquid flowing from the upstream side to the downstream side in the flow path is pressurized toward the downstream end of the upstream side taper, and then rapidly depressurized when entering the downstream side reverse taper beyond that pressure. As a result, the gas (usually air) dissolved in the liquid is bubbled to generate fine fine bubbles.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2017-136590 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2018-134587 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2019-042700

The above-mentioned fine bubble generation unit has a taper and a reverse taper on the upstream side and the downstream side of the flow path, respectively, and deposits fine fine bubbles by applying a pressure change to the liquid passing through the taper. 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 extensive research to provide a new type of fine bubble generation unit capable of generating even more fine bubbles than the above-mentioned double taper type fine bubble generation unit. It was found that more fine bubbles are formed by forming irregularities on the inner wall of the flow path located on the downstream side of the.

The present invention has been made based on the above findings, and for example, the fine bubble generation unit of one embodiment is
A fine bubble generation unit that generates fine bubbles by bubble-forming the dissolved gas in the liquid by applying a change in pressure to the liquid.
(A) The fine bubble generation unit is
It has a central axis (2), a tubular inner wall (3) extending along the central axis (2), and a flow path (4) surrounded by the tubular inner wall (3), and the whole is one. It has a tubular member (1) composed of members and has.
(B) The tubular inner wall (3) is
An inwardly projecting portion (10) that projects inward toward the central axis (2) and forms a throttle flow path (11) centered on the central axis (2).
It has a downstream flow path (13) formed on the downstream side of the inward protrusion (10) with respect to the flow direction of the liquid flowing in the flow path (4).
(C) The downstream flow path (13) is a non-tapered cylindrical surface having a constant inner diameter centered on the central axis (2), and the inwardly projecting portion (10) with respect to the flow direction. The upstream cylindrical portion (17) formed adjacent to the inward protruding portion (10) on the downstream side of the above, and the upstream cylindrical portion (17) on the downstream side of the upstream cylindrical portion (17) with respect to the flow direction. ) Has a downstream cylindrical portion (18) formed adjacent to).
(D) The upstream cylindrical portion (17) has a smooth tubular inner surface and has a smooth tubular inner surface.
(E) The downstream cylindrical portion (18) is uniform from the downstream end of the tubular member (1) to the boundary between the upstream cylindrical portion (17) and the downstream cylindrical portion (18) in the flow direction. Equipped with an internal screw (19) formed in
(F) The fine bubble generation unit also includes a downstream stirring member (31) formed with an external screw (33) that can be screwed into the internal screw (19).
(G) The downstream stirring member (31) is
The external screw (33) is screwed into the internal screw (19) and arranged in the downstream cylindrical portion (18) in the downstream flow path (13).
(H) In the downstream side stirring member (31), a plurality of through grooves (34) extending in the flow direction are formed at regular intervals in the circumferential direction about the central axis (2). The external screw (33) is divided in the circumferential direction .

According to the unit of the embodiment of the present invention, the liquid flows in the flow path from the upstream side to the downstream side. At this time, when the liquid enters the throttle flow path, the pressure and the flow velocity rise sharply there, the pressure changes (the dynamic pressure rises, and the static pressure decreases), and bubbles are deposited from the liquid. After that, when it passes through the throttle flow path, the pressure of the liquid changes abruptly (the dynamic pressure decreases and the static pressure increases). As a result, the precipitated bubbles are crushed and refined into fine bubbles. After that, the bubbles contained in the liquid flowing in the vicinity of the internal screw on the downstream side are further sheared and miniaturized by the resistance received from the internal screw . Therefore, the liquid that has passed through the flow path contains a large amount of fine bubbles that have been refined.

The vertical sectional view of the fine bubble generation unit which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. The vertical sectional view of the fine bubble generation unit which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention. The vertical sectional view of the fine bubble generation unit which concerns on Embodiment 3 of this invention. The vertical sectional view of the fine bubble generation unit which concerns on Embodiment 4 of this invention. The vertical sectional view of the fine bubble generation unit which concerns on Embodiment 5 of this invention. The vertical sectional view of the fine bubble generation unit which concerns on Embodiment 6 of this invention. The vertical sectional view of the fine bubble generation unit which concerns on Embodiment 7 of this invention. The vertical sectional view of the fine bubble generation unit which concerns on Embodiment 8 of this invention. The vertical sectional view of the fine bubble generation unit which concerns on Embodiment 9 of this invention. The vertical sectional view of the fine bubble generation unit which concerns on Embodiment 10 of this invention. A perspective view [FIG. 11 (a)], a front view [FIG. 11 (b)], and a side view [FIG. 11 (c)] showing the structure of the downstream stirring member. A front view [FIG. 12 (a)] and a cross-sectional view [FIG. 12 (b)] showing the structure of the upstream stirring member. The figure which shows the schematic structure of the fine bubble generation unit used in Experiment 1 and the number of fine bubble generations. The figure which shows the schematic structure of the fine bubble generation unit used in Experiment 2. The figure which shows the result of Experiment 2 (the number of microbubbles and ultrafine bubbles generated at a water temperature of 20 ° C. and 40 ° C.). FIG. 15 is a diagram showing the results of Experiment 2 (the number of microbubbles and ultrafine bubbles generated at water temperatures of 20 ° C. and 40 ° C.). The figure which showed the result of Experiment 2 in a graph. The figure which shows the result of Experiment 2 together with FIG. An exploded perspective view of a water supply system incorporating the fine bubble generation unit of the sixth embodiment. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a water supply system in which the members shown in FIG. 19 are combined. An exploded perspective view of a hose unit incorporating the fine bubble generation unit shown in FIGS. 19 and 20. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a hose unit in which the fine bubble generation units shown in FIGS. 19 and 20 are combined.

[Embodiment of Fine Bubble Generation Unit]
Hereinafter, embodiments of the fine bubble generation unit according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The fine bubble generation unit of the embodiment described below adopts a so-called hydrodynamic cavitation method. In liquid mechanical cavitation, a negative pressure region (cavity) is created near a sudden change in the direction of running water, and when the pressure is lower than the water vapor pressure, local boiling occurs momentarily and microbubbles are generated from the dissolved gas. It is a phenomenon that occurs and conversely contracts due to the recovery of pressure in the non-negative pressure range. [Journal of the Japanese Home Economics Society Vol.71, No.2, 124-128 (2020)]

Fine bubbles are divided into "micro bubbles" and "ultra fine bubbles" according to the size of the bubbles. Usually, among fine bubbles, bubbles with a diameter of less than 100 μm and 1 μm (= 0.001 mm) or more are called “micro bubbles”. Bubbles smaller than 1 μm in diameter are classified as “ultra-fine bubbles” [See International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Expert Committee TC281 (Fine Bubble Technology), “General Principles (Part 1 Term)”. Therefore, in the following description, "fine bubble" should be understood as a concept including both microbubbles and ultrafine bubbles.

[Embodiment 1]
FIG. 1 shows a flow path structure of a fine bubble generation unit according to the first embodiment, particularly a fine bubble generation unit. As shown in the figure, the fine bubble generation unit (hereinafter, simply referred to as “unit”) 100 is composed of a tubular member 1. Preferably, the tubular member 1 is made of metal (eg, stainless steel), but can also be made of other materials (eg, ceramic, plastic). In the embodiment, the tubular member 1 is composed of one member as a whole, but may be configured by combining a plurality of members.

The tubular member 1 has a tubular inner wall 3 extending along a longitudinal central axis 2. The tubular inner wall 3 forms a cylindrical flow path 4 extending along the central axis 2. In the flow path 4, the portion appearing on the right side of the figure is the upstream side portion, and the portion appearing on the left side of the figure is the downstream side portion. The above basic configuration is also common to a plurality of embodiments described below.

The tubular inner wall 3 of the unit 100 of the first embodiment has a throttle portion (inward protruding portion) 10 protruding inward toward the central axis 2 between the upstream side portion and the downstream side portion. In the first embodiment, the throttle portion 10 is an annular flange. Specifically, in the embodiment, the throttle portion 10 is a pair of annular walls extending from the inner wall 3 toward the central axis 2 and perpendicular to the central axis at regular intervals in the direction of the central axis 2. And having a tubular surface connecting the radial inner ends of the pair of annular walls.

The center of the throttle portion 10 coincides with the central axis 2, whereby a throttle flow path 11 extending along the central axis 2 is formed inside the throttle portion 10. The throttle flow path 11 has a constant diameter. As used herein, "diameter" means "diameter". An upstream side flow path 12 adjacent to the throttle portion 10 is formed on the upstream side of the throttle portion 10, and a downstream side flow path 13 adjacent to the throttle portion 10 is formed on the downstream side of the throttle portion 10.

The upstream side flow path 12 is formed by a plurality of non-tapered cylindrical portions arranged from the throttle portion 10 toward the upstream side. The first embodiment has three cylindrical portions, that is, a most downstream cylindrical portion 14, an intermediate cylindrical portion 15, and an upstream cylindrical portion 16. In the first embodiment, the cylindrical portions 14, 15 and 16 all have a smooth tubular inner surface. As shown, the most downstream cylindrical portion 14 has the smallest diameter and the most upstream cylindrical portion 16 has the largest diameter.

The downstream flow path 13 has an upstream cylindrical portion 17 adjacent to the throttle portion 10 and a downstream cylindrical portion 18 adjacent to the downstream side of the upstream cylindrical portion 17. The upstream cylindrical portion 17 and the downstream cylindrical portion 18 are non-tapered cylindrical surfaces having a constant inner diameter. The upstream cylindrical portion 17 has a smooth tubular inner surface. Concavities and convexities are formed on the entire tubular inner surface of the downstream cylindrical portion 18. In the embodiment, the unevenness is an internal screw 19 uniformly formed from the downstream end of the downstream cylindrical portion 18 to the boundary with the upstream cylindrical portion 17. As described above, in the first embodiment, the upstream cylindrical portion 17 of the smooth tubular inner surface is formed between the upstream end of the internal thread 19 and the throttle portion 10, but the inside of the downstream flow path 13 is almost entirely inside. A screw may be formed. This point is the same in the following embodiments.

The dimensions of each part can be appropriately determined when applying the configuration of the unit 100 to an actual device. When the first embodiment is applied to a household water faucet or the like, for example, the inner diameter of the throttle flow path 11 is 4.0 mm and the axial length is 5.0 mm. The inner diameter of the most downstream cylindrical portion 14 in the upstream side flow path 12 is 8.376 mm, the inner diameter of the intermediate cylindrical portion 15 is 13.6 mm, and the inner diameter of the most upstream cylindrical portion 16 is 15.8 mm. In the downstream flow path 13, the inner diameter of the upstream cylindrical portion 17 is 8.376 mm, and the internal thread 19 of the downstream cylindrical portion 18 has a pitch of 1.5 mm, a valley diameter of 10 mm, an effective diameter of 9.026 mm, and a mountain diameter. Is 8.376 mm.

According to the unit 100 of the first embodiment configured in this way, a liquid (for example, water) is flowed in the flow path 4 from the upstream side to the downstream side. At this time, when the liquid passes through the cylindrical portions 16, 15 and 14 of the upstream flow path 12 and enters the throttle flow path 11 of the throttle portion 10, the flow velocity rapidly increases there and the pressure changes (movement). The pressure rises and the static pressure decreases), and the gas dissolved in the liquid precipitates as bubbles. After that, the liquid that has passed through the throttle portion 10 enters the downstream flow path 13, where the pressure of the liquid changes abruptly (the dynamic pressure decreases and the static pressure increases). As a result, the precipitated bubbles are crushed and refined into fine bubbles. After that, when the liquid passes through the downstream flow path 13, the fine bubbles contained in the liquid flowing in the vicinity of the internal screw 19 are sheared by the resistance received from the internal screw 19 and further refined. Therefore, the liquid that has passed through the flow path 4 contains a large amount of fine bubbles that have been refined.

[Embodiment 2]
FIG. 1 shows a flow path structure of a fine bubble generation unit 200, particularly a fine bubble generation unit 200, according to the second embodiment. As shown in the figure, the unit 200 of the second embodiment is different from the unit 100 of the first embodiment in that unevenness is formed on the entire surface of the most downstream cylindrical portion 14 of the upstream side flow path 12, and the other structures are different. It is the same as the unit of the first embodiment. Therefore, the same parts are designated by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

The unevenness in the second embodiment is composed of the internal screw 21 as in the first embodiment. The dimensions of the internal screw 21 are the same as the dimensions of the internal screw 19 of the first embodiment. Of course, the internal thread 19 of the upstream side flow path 12 and the internal thread 21 of the downstream side flow path 13 may have different dimensions.

According to the unit 200 of the second embodiment configured in this way, a liquid (for example, water) is flowed in the flow path 4 from the upstream side to the downstream side. At this time, when the liquid flows through the cylindrical portion 14 of the upstream side flow path 12, the liquid flowing in the vicinity of the internal thread 21 is disturbed by the resistance received from the internal thread 21. Next, when the liquid enters the throttle flow path 11 of the throttle portion 10, the pressure suddenly changes there (dynamic pressure rises and static pressure decreases), and the gas dissolved in the liquid becomes bubbles. And precipitate. After that, the liquid that has passed through the throttle portion 10 enters the downstream flow path 13, where the pressure of the liquid changes abruptly (the dynamic pressure decreases and the static pressure increases). As a result, the precipitated bubbles are crushed and refined into fine bubbles. After that, when the liquid passes through the downstream flow path 13, the fine bubbles contained in the liquid flowing in the vicinity of the internal screw 19 are sheared by the resistance received from the internal screw 19 and further refined. Therefore, the liquid that has passed through the flow path 4 contains a large amount of fine bubbles that have been refined.

[Embodiment 3]
FIG. 3 shows the flow path structure of the fine bubble generation unit 300, particularly the fine bubble generation unit 300, according to the third embodiment. As shown in the figure, the unit 300 of the third embodiment is different from the unit 100 of the first embodiment in that the stirring member 31 is provided in the downstream cylindrical portion 18 of the downstream flow path 13, and the other structures are different. It is the same as the unit of the first embodiment. Therefore, the same parts are designated by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

An embodiment of the stirring member 23 is shown in FIG. The stirring member 31 of the illustrated embodiment is an external screw member having an external screw 33 on the circumference centered on the shaft 32. The dimension of the external screw 33 has a dimension corresponding to the internal screw 19 formed in the downstream cylindrical portion 18. The stirring member 31 also has four cylinders by cutting off a cylindrical portion extending in parallel with the shaft 32 about each point on the circumference centered on the shaft 32 and at intervals of 90 degrees in the circumferential direction. A through hole or groove (downstream side stirring hole) 34 is formed. As shown, in embodiments, the through holes or grooves 34 are independent of each other, thereby providing a wall 35 extending in the direction of the axis 32 between adjacent through holes or grooves 34. In the embodiment, the through hole or groove 34 has a size and shape that divides the outer peripheral external screw 33 into four, and therefore, when viewed from the direction of the shaft 32 as shown in FIG. 11 (b), the through hole or the groove 34 has a size and a shape. The entire stirring member 31 appears in an X shape. Hereinafter, the stirring member 31 is appropriately referred to as an “X plate”. In the embodiment, four spiral through holes 34 are formed, but the number and shape of the through holes or grooves 34 are not limited, and it is preferable to evenly arrange a plurality of through holes 34 around the shaft 32.

The X plate 31 configured in this way is arranged in the downstream cylindrical portion of the downstream flow path 13 by screwing the external screw 33 into the internal screw 19 of the downstream flow path 13. A non-threaded portion is formed in the upstream cylindrical portion 17 between the internal screw 19 and the throttle portion 10. Therefore, in a state where the X plate 31 is screwed into the internal screw 19 of the downstream flow path 18, the upstream space (first) having a length corresponding to the non-threaded portion is between the X plate 31 and the throttle portion 10. Downstream side stirring chamber) 36 is formed. On the other hand, a downstream space (second downstream stirring chamber) 37 is formed between the downstream end of the downstream cylindrical portion 18 and the X plate 31.

According to the unit 300 of the third embodiment configured in this way, a liquid (for example, water) is flowed in the flow path 4 from the upstream side to the downstream side. At this time, when the liquid passes through the cylindrical portions 16, 15 and 14 of the upstream flow path 12 and enters the throttle flow path 11 of the throttle portion 10, the pressure suddenly changes there (the dynamic pressure rises and the dynamic pressure rises. The static pressure decreases), and the gas dissolved in the liquid precipitates as bubbles. After that, the liquid that has passed through the throttle portion 10 enters the downstream flow path 13, where the pressure of the liquid changes abruptly (the dynamic pressure decreases and the static pressure increases). As a result, the precipitated bubbles are crushed and refined into fine bubbles. After that, when it passes through the throttle portion 10 and enters the upstream space 36, the pressure of the liquid changes abruptly there (the dynamic pressure decreases and the static pressure increases). As a result, the precipitated bubbles are crushed and refined into fine bubbles. Next, the liquid enters the through hole or groove 34 of the X plate 31, where the pressure of the liquid changes again (dynamic pressure increases, static pressure decreases). After that, when the liquid passes through the through hole or the groove 34 of the X plate 31 and enters the downstream space 37, the pressure of the liquid changes abruptly there (the dynamic pressure decreases and the static pressure increases). As a result, new bubbles are precipitated, and the precipitated bubbles are further crushed and made finer. Further, when the liquid passes through the downstream flow path 13, the fine bubbles contained in the liquid flowing in the vicinity of the internal screw 19 are sheared by the resistance received from the internal screw 19 and further refined. Therefore, the liquid that has passed through the flow path 4 contains a large amount of fine bubbles that have been refined.

[Embodiment 4]
FIG. 4 shows the flow path structure of the fine bubble generation unit 400, particularly the fine bubble generation unit 400, according to the fourth embodiment. As shown in the figure, the unit 400 according to the fourth embodiment has an internal screw 21 formed on the inner surface of the most downstream cylindrical portion 14 of the upstream side flow path 12 as described in the second embodiment in the unit 300 of the third embodiment. The unit 200 of the second embodiment is provided with the X plate 31 described in the third embodiment, and the other configurations are the same as those described in the first to third embodiments. Therefore, the same parts are designated by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

According to the unit 400 of the fourth embodiment, a liquid (for example, water) is flowed in the flow path 4 from the upstream side to the downstream side. At this time, when the liquid flows through the cylindrical portion 14 of the upstream side flow path 12, the liquid flowing in the vicinity of the internal thread 21 is disturbed by the resistance received from the internal thread 21. Next, when the liquid enters the throttle flow path 11 of the throttle portion 10, the pressure suddenly changes there (dynamic pressure rises and static pressure decreases), and the gas dissolved in the liquid becomes bubbles. And precipitate. After that, when it passes through the throttle portion 10 and enters the upstream space 36, the pressure of the liquid changes abruptly there (the dynamic pressure decreases and the static pressure increases). As a result, the precipitated bubbles are crushed and refined into fine bubbles. Next, the liquid enters the through hole or groove 34 of the X plate 31, where the pressure of the liquid changes again (dynamic pressure increases, static pressure decreases). After that, when the liquid passes through the through hole or the groove 34 of the X plate 31 and enters the downstream space 37, the pressure of the liquid changes abruptly there (the dynamic pressure decreases and the static pressure increases). As a result, new bubbles are precipitated, and the precipitated bubbles are further crushed and made finer. Further, when the liquid passes through the downstream flow path 13, the fine bubbles contained in the liquid flowing in the vicinity of the internal screw 19 are sheared by the resistance received from the internal screw 19 and further refined. Therefore, the liquid that has passed through the flow path 4 contains a large amount of fine bubbles that have been refined.

[Embodiment 5]
FIG. 5 shows the flow path structure of the fine bubble generation unit 500, particularly the fine bubble generation unit 500, according to the fifth embodiment. As shown in the figure, the unit 500 of the fifth embodiment is the unit 200 of the second embodiment in which the stirring member 51 is arranged in the central cylindrical portion 15 of the upstream side flow path 12. Other configurations are the same as the configurations described in the first embodiment. Therefore, the same parts are designated by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

An embodiment of the stirring member 51 is shown in FIG. The stirring member 51 of the illustrated embodiment has a cylindrical outer surface 55 centered on a shaft 54. The outer diameter of the outer surface 55 of the cylinder is the same as or substantially the same as the inner diameter of the central cylindrical portion 15, and the stirring member 51 is fitted and fixed to the cylindrical portion 15, whereby the upstream flow path 12 is the stirring member 51. It is divided into an upstream space 52 and a downstream space (upstream stirring chamber) 53 located on the upstream side and the downstream side, respectively.

The stirring member 51 is formed with four through holes 58 extending from the front surface 56 to the back surface 57 of the stirring member 51 around each point on the circumference centered on the shaft 54 at a right angle of 90 degrees in the circumferential direction. Has been done. The through hole 58 is twisted so that the center of the through hole 58 draws a spiral (helix) in the clockwise direction in the figure from the front surface 56 to the back surface 57. Hereinafter, the stirring member 51 is appropriately referred to as a “spiral plate”. In the embodiment, four spiral through holes 58 are formed, but the number and size of the through holes 58 and the turning angle are not limited. For example, it is preferable to arrange three or more spiral through holes 58 evenly around the shaft 54.

According to the unit 500 of the fifth embodiment, the liquid that has entered the upstream space 52 of the upstream flow path 12 then enters the plurality of through holes 58 of the spiral plate 51. At this time, the pressure of the liquid changes due to the decrease in the cross-sectional area of the flow path (the dynamic pressure increases and the static pressure decreases). As a result, the gas dissolved in the liquid becomes bubbles and precipitates. After that, when the liquid discharged from the through hole 58 enters the cylindrical portion 14 of the upstream flow path 12, the pressure changes there (the dynamic pressure increases and the static pressure decreases). As a result, the bubbles precipitated when passing through the through hole 58 are crushed and refined into fine bubbles. Next, when the liquid flows through the cylindrical portion 14 of the upstream side flow path 12, the liquid flowing in the vicinity of the internal thread 21 is sheared by the resistance received from the internal thread 21. Next, when the liquid enters the throttle flow path 11 of the throttle portion 10, the pressure suddenly changes there (dynamic pressure rises and static pressure decreases), and the gas dissolved in the liquid becomes bubbles. And precipitate. After that, the liquid that has passed through the throttle portion 10 enters the downstream flow path 13, where the pressure of the liquid changes abruptly (the dynamic pressure decreases and the static pressure increases). As a result, the precipitated bubbles are crushed and refined into fine bubbles. After that, when the liquid passes through the downstream flow path 13, the fine bubbles contained in the liquid flowing in the vicinity of the internal screw 19 are sheared by the resistance received from the internal screw 19 and further refined. Therefore, the liquid that has passed through the flow path 4 contains a large amount of fine bubbles that have been refined.

[Embodiment 6]
FIG. 6 shows the flow path structure of the fine bubble generation unit 600, particularly the fine bubble generation unit 600, according to the sixth embodiment. As shown in the figure, the unit 600 of the sixth embodiment is different from the unit 400 of the fourth embodiment in that the stirring member 51 is arranged in the central cylindrical portion 15 of the upstream side flow path 12 in the unit 400 of the fourth embodiment. The configuration of is the same as the configuration described in the fourth embodiment. Therefore, the same parts are designated by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

According to the unit 600 of the sixth embodiment, the liquid that has entered the upstream space 52 of the upstream flow path 12 then enters the plurality of through holes 58 of the spiral plate 51. At this time, the pressure of the liquid changes due to the decrease in the cross-sectional area of the flow path (the dynamic pressure increases and the static pressure decreases). As a result, the gas dissolved in the liquid becomes bubbles and precipitates. After that, when the liquid discharged from the through hole 58 enters the cylindrical portion 14 of the upstream flow path 12, the pressure changes there (the dynamic pressure increases and the static pressure decreases). As a result, the bubbles precipitated when passing through the through hole 58 are crushed and refined into fine bubbles. Next, when the liquid flows through the cylindrical portion 14 of the upstream side flow path 12, the liquid flowing in the vicinity of the internal thread 21 is sheared by the resistance received from the internal thread 21. Next, when the liquid enters the throttle flow path 11 of the throttle portion 10, the pressure suddenly changes there (dynamic pressure rises and static pressure decreases), and the gas dissolved in the liquid becomes bubbles. And precipitate. After that, when it passes through the throttle portion 10 and enters the upstream space 36, the pressure of the liquid changes abruptly there (the dynamic pressure decreases and the static pressure increases). As a result, the precipitated bubbles are crushed and refined into fine bubbles. Next, the liquid enters the through hole or groove 34 of the X plate 31, where the pressure of the liquid changes again (dynamic pressure increases, static pressure decreases). After that, when the liquid passes through the through hole or the groove 34 of the X plate 31 and enters the downstream space 37, the pressure of the liquid changes abruptly there (the dynamic pressure decreases and the static pressure increases). As a result, new bubbles are precipitated, and the precipitated bubbles are further crushed and made finer. Further, when the liquid passes through the downstream flow path 13, the fine bubbles contained in the liquid flowing in the vicinity of the internal screw 19 are sheared by the resistance received from the internal screw 19 and further refined. Therefore, the liquid that has passed through the flow path 4 contains a large amount of fine bubbles that have been refined.

[Embodiment 7]
FIG. 7 shows the flow path structure of the fine bubble generation unit 700, particularly the fine bubble generation unit 700, according to the seventh embodiment. As shown in the figure, the tubular inner wall 3 of the unit 700 of the seventh embodiment has a throttle portion (inward protrusion) composed of an annular convex portion that protrudes inward toward the central axis 2 between the upstream side portion and the downstream side portion. Part) 71. The center of the throttle portion 71 coincides with the central axis 2, whereby a throttle flow path 72 extending along the central axis 2 is formed inside the throttle portion 71. Other basic configurations are the same as the configurations described in the first embodiment. Therefore, the same parts are designated by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

The throttle portion 71 has a cylindrical tapered portion (tapered surface) 73 whose diameter gradually decreases from the upstream side to the downstream side, and a small diameter cylindrical portion 74 arranged on the downstream side of the cylindrical tapered portion 73 and having a constant diameter. .. The cylindrical tapered portion 73 and the small-diameter cylindrical portion 74 are coaxially arranged with their centers aligned with the central axis 2.

On the upstream side of the throttle portion 71, there is an upstream side flow path 75 extending from the upstream end of the throttle portion 71 (that is, the cylindrical tapered portion 73) toward the upstream. The upstream side flow path 75 includes a downstream side cylindrical portion 76 extending from the upstream end of the throttle portion 71 (cylindrical taper portion 73) toward the upstream side, and the downstream side cylindrical portion 76 from the upstream end toward the upstream side. It has an extending upstream cylindrical portion 77. In the embodiment, the downstream cylindrical portion 76 has an inner diameter larger than the diameter of the upstream end portion of the cylindrical tapered portion 73, and the upstream cylindrical portion 77 has an inner diameter larger than the inner diameter of the downstream cylindrical portion 76.

The structure of the downstream flow path 13 located on the downstream side of the throttle portion 71 is the same as the structure of the downstream flow path in the first embodiment. Therefore, the same parts are designated by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

The dimensions of each part can be appropriately determined when applying the configuration of the unit 100 to an actual device. For example, when the embodiment 7 is applied to a household water faucet or the like, the small diameter cylindrical portion 74 in the throttle flow path 72 has an inner diameter of 4.0 mm and an axial length of 5.0 mm. The taper angle of the cylindrical tapered portion 73 is 26.2 °, and the axial length is 15.0 mm. The inner diameter of the small-diameter cylindrical portion 74 is 4.0 mm. In the upstream side flow path 75, the inner diameter of the downstream side cylindrical portion 76 is 13.6 mm, and the inner diameter of the upstream side cylindrical portion 77 is 15.8. In the downstream flow path 13, the inner diameter of the upstream cylindrical portion 17 is 8.376 mm, and the dimensions of the internal thread 19 in the downstream cylindrical portion 18 are a pitch of 1.5 mm, a valley diameter of 10 mm, and an effective diameter of 9.026 mm. The mountain diameter is 8.376 mm.

According to the unit 700 of the seventh embodiment configured in this way, the liquid flowing from the upstream side to the downstream side in the flow path 4 is the upstream side cylindrical portion 77 and the downstream side cylindrical portion 76 of the upstream side flow path 75. After that, it enters the cylindrical tapered portion 73. The pressure of the liquid passing through the cylindrical tapered portion 73 gradually changes as it moves through the cylindrical tapered portion 73 (dynamic pressure increases and static pressure decreases). As a result, the gas dissolved in the liquid becomes bubbles and precipitates. After that, the liquid that has passed through the throttle portion 71 enters the downstream flow path 13, where the pressure of the liquid changes abruptly (the dynamic pressure decreases and the static pressure increases). As a result, the precipitated bubbles are crushed and refined into fine bubbles. After that, when the liquid passes through the downstream flow path 13, the fine bubbles contained in the liquid flowing in the vicinity of the internal screw 19 are sheared by the resistance received from the internal screw 19 and further refined. Therefore, the liquid that has passed through the flow path 4 contains a large amount of fine bubbles that have been refined.

[Embodiment 8]
FIG. 8 shows the flow path structure of the fine bubble generation unit 800 according to the eighth embodiment, particularly the fine bubble generation unit 800. As shown in the figure, in the unit 800 of the eighth embodiment, the X plate 31 described in the third embodiment is provided on the downstream cylindrical portion 18 (internal screw 19) of the downstream flow path 13 in the unit 700 of the seventh embodiment. In that respect, it is different from the unit 700 of the seventh embodiment. Other configurations are the same as the configurations described in the seventh embodiment. Therefore, the same parts are designated by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

According to the unit 800 of the eighth embodiment configured in this way, the liquid flowing from the upstream side to the downstream side in the flow path 4 is the upstream side cylindrical portion 77 and the downstream side cylindrical portion 76 of the upstream side flow path 75. After that, it enters the cylindrical tapered portion 73. The pressure of the liquid passing through the cylindrical tapered portion 73 gradually changes as it moves through the cylindrical tapered portion 73 (dynamic pressure increases and static pressure decreases). As a result, the gas dissolved in the liquid becomes bubbles and precipitates. After that, when it passes through the throttle portion 71 and enters the upstream space 36, the pressure of the liquid changes abruptly (the dynamic pressure decreases and the static pressure increases), and the precipitated bubbles are crushed and made finer. It becomes a fine bubble. Next, the liquid enters the through hole or groove 34 of the X plate 31, where the pressure of the liquid changes again (dynamic pressure increases, static pressure decreases). After that, when the liquid passes through the through hole or the groove 34 of the X plate 31 and enters the downstream space 37, the pressure of the liquid changes abruptly there (the dynamic pressure decreases and the static pressure increases). As a result, new bubbles are precipitated, and the precipitated bubbles are further crushed and made finer. Further, when the liquid passes through the downstream flow path 13, the fine bubbles contained in the liquid flowing in the vicinity of the internal screw 19 are sheared by the resistance received from the internal screw 19 and further refined. Therefore, the liquid that has passed through the flow path 4 contains a large amount of fine bubbles that have been refined.

[Embodiment 9]
FIG. 9 shows the flow path structure of the fine bubble generation unit 900, particularly the fine bubble generation unit 900, according to the ninth embodiment. As shown in the figure, the unit 900 of the ninth embodiment is provided with the spiral plate 51 described in the fifth embodiment in the downstream cylindrical portion 76 in the upstream side flow path 75 of the unit 700 of the seventh embodiment. It is different from the unit 700 of the seventh embodiment. Other configurations are the same as the configurations described in the fifth and seventh embodiments. Therefore, the same parts are designated by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

According to the unit 900 of the ninth embodiment configured in this way, the liquid flowing from the upstream side to the downstream side in the flow path 4 passes through the upstream side cylindrical portion 77 of the upstream side flow path 75 and then is a spiral plate. Enter the plurality of through holes 58 of 51. At this time, the pressure of the liquid changes due to the decrease in the cross-sectional area of the flow path (the dynamic pressure increases and the static pressure decreases). As a result, the gas dissolved in the liquid becomes bubbles and precipitates. After that, the liquid discharged from the through hole 58 enters the cylindrical tapered portion 73. The pressure of the liquid passing through the cylindrical tapered portion 73 gradually changes as it moves through the cylindrical tapered portion 73 (dynamic pressure increases and static pressure decreases), and the gas dissolved in the liquid becomes bubbles. And precipitate. After that, when it passes through the throttle portion 71 and enters the upstream space 36, the pressure of the liquid changes abruptly there (the dynamic pressure decreases and the static pressure increases). As a result, the precipitated bubbles are crushed and refined into fine bubbles. Next, the liquid enters the through hole or groove 34 of the X plate 31, where the pressure of the liquid changes again (dynamic pressure increases, static pressure decreases). After that, when the liquid passes through the through hole or the groove 34 of the X plate 31 and enters the downstream space 37, the pressure of the liquid changes abruptly there (the dynamic pressure decreases and the static pressure increases). As a result, new bubbles are precipitated, and the precipitated bubbles are further crushed and made finer. Further, when the liquid passes through the downstream flow path 13, the fine bubbles contained in the liquid flowing in the vicinity of the internal screw 19 are sheared by the resistance received from the internal screw 19 and further refined. Therefore, the liquid that has passed through the flow path 4 contains a large amount of fine bubbles that have been refined.

[Embodiment 10]
FIG. 10 shows the flow path structure of the fine bubble generation unit 1000, particularly the fine bubble generation unit 1000 according to the tenth embodiment. As shown in the figure, the unit 1000 of the tenth embodiment is provided with the spiral plate 51 described in the ninth embodiment on the downstream cylindrical portion 76 in the upstream side flow path 75 of the unit 800 of the eighth embodiment. Other configurations are the same as the configurations described in embodiments 8 and 9. Therefore, the same parts are designated by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

According to the unit 800 of the ninth embodiment configured in this way, the liquid flowing from the upstream side to the downstream side in the flow path 4 passes through the upstream side cylindrical portion 77 of the upstream side flow path 75 and then is a spiral plate. Enter the plurality of through holes 58 of 51. At this time, the pressure of the liquid changes due to the decrease in the cross-sectional area of the flow path (the dynamic pressure increases and the static pressure decreases). As a result, the gas dissolved in the liquid becomes bubbles and precipitates. After that, the liquid discharged from the through hole 58 enters the cylindrical tapered portion 73. The pressure of the liquid passing through the cylindrical tapered portion 73 gradually changes as it moves through the cylindrical tapered portion 73 (dynamic pressure increases and static pressure decreases), and the gas dissolved in the liquid becomes bubbles. And precipitate. After that, when it passes through the throttle portion 71 and enters the upstream space 36, the pressure of the liquid changes abruptly (the dynamic pressure decreases and the static pressure increases), and the precipitated bubbles are crushed and made finer. It becomes a fine bubble. Next, the liquid enters the through hole or groove 34 of the X plate 31, where the pressure of the liquid changes again (dynamic pressure increases, static pressure decreases). After that, when the liquid passes through the through hole or the groove 34 of the X plate 31 and enters the downstream space 37, the pressure of the liquid changes abruptly there (the dynamic pressure decreases and the static pressure increases). As a result, new bubbles are precipitated, and the precipitated bubbles are further crushed and made finer. Further, when the liquid passes through the downstream flow path 13, the fine bubbles contained in the liquid flowing in the vicinity of the internal screw 19 are sheared by the resistance received from the internal screw 19 and further refined. Therefore, the liquid that has passed through the flow path 4 contains a large amount of fine bubbles that have been refined.

The unit of the above-described embodiment can be variously modified. For example, the annular throttle portions 10, 71 are annular portions having a cylindrical inner surface continuously around the central axis, but a plurality of annular portions formed intermittently around the central axis at regular intervals. It may consist of a protrusion.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the unevenness formed in the flow path 4 is an internal thread, but an uneven shape other than the internal thread may be used as long as the structure can apply a shearing force to the liquid flowing through the flow path.

[Experiment 1]
Six types of fine bubble generation units (A, A', B, B', C, C') shown in FIG. 13 were created, and the internal screw provided on the downstream side of the throttle section and the upstream side of the throttle section. The effect of the stirring member provided on the downstream side on the generation of fine bubbles was investigated.

[Unit type]
The type A unit is a unit in which the flow paths on the upstream side and the downstream side of the throttle portion have a smooth cylindrical surface without internal threads.
The type B unit has an internal thread formed on the downstream cylindrical surface of the throttle portion of the type A unit.
The type C unit is a unit in which an X plate (see FIG. 11) is attached to the internal screw of the type B unit.
Types A', B', and C'are units in which a spiral plate (FIG. 12) is attached to a unit of types A, B, and C.
Dimensions of the throttle part formed in each unit (inner diameter 4.0 mm, axial length 5.0 mm), internal thread dimensions (pitch 1.5 mm, valley diameter 10 mm, effective diameter 9.026 mm, peak diameter 8.376 mm) , The dimensions of the cylindrical surface without internal threads (inner diameter 8.376 mm) are common.

[liquid]
Water was used as the liquid. The temperatures of the water used are 20 ° C and 40 ° C. Water at 20 ° C. has a flow rate of 16.5 liters / minute and a water pressure of 0.33 MPa, and water at 40 ° C. has a flow rate of 14.8 liters / minute and a water pressure of 0.22 MPa.

[Fine bubble measuring device and method]
For the measurement of fine bubbles, a "nanoparticle size distribution measuring device SALD-7500 nano" (hereinafter referred to as "measuring device") manufactured by Shimadzu Corporation was used.

For measurement, first, a predetermined amount of water flowing from a faucet without a fine bubble generation unit (a faucet without a unit) is stored, and after 2 minutes have passed, every 30 seconds, the water flowing from the faucet without a unit is used. The number of fine particles originally contained was measured four times, and the average value (number of blanks) N1 of them was determined.
Next, a predetermined amount of water flowing from the faucet equipped with the fine bubble generation unit (unit-mounted faucet) is stored, and after 2 minutes have passed, every 30 seconds, fine particles contained in the water flowing from the unit-mounted faucet are stored. The number of these was measured four times, and the average value N2 of them was obtained. The number of fine particles N2 at this point is the number of "fine particles inherently contained in water" (N1), the number of microbubbles generated by the unit N (micro), and the number of microbubbles generated by the unit. The total number of ultra fin bubbles N (ultra) [N1 + N (micro) + N (ultra)]. Therefore, the number obtained by subtracting N1 from N2 (N2-N1) is the number N (fine) of fine bubbles.

[result]
The results are shown in the table of FIG. As shown in the table, the number of fine bubbles generated in units B and B'with internal threads is about 1.2 of the number of fine bubbles generated in unit A without internal threads at both water temperatures of 20 ° C and 40 ° C. It was about double to about 1.5 times.
In addition, the number of fine bubbles generated in units C and C'with stirring members on the internal threads has increased significantly, and the number of fine bubbles generated in unit A without internal threads at both water temperatures of 20 ° C and 40 ° C. It was about 2 to 3 times that of.
From the above results, it was confirmed that the number of fine bubbles generated was significantly increased by providing the internal screw on the downstream side of the throttle portion and by attaching the stirring member to the internal screw.

[Experiment 2]
Seven types of fine bubble generation units (A, B, C, D, E1 to E3, A', B', C', D', E1'to E3') shown in FIG. 14 were created, and each of them was created. For the unit, the number of microbubbles and ultrafine bubbles (A, B, C, D, E1 to E3) [not shown] was examined.

[Unit type]
The type A unit is a double-tapered fine bubble generation unit in which a tapered flow path is formed on the upstream side of the central throttle portion, a reverse tapered flow path is formed on the downstream side, and a spiral plate is arranged on the upstream side of the upstream tapered flow path. Is. The taper angles (θ1, θ2) of the upstream side tapered flow path and the downstream side tapered flow path are both 26.2 °, the length of the downstream side tapered flow path is 15 mm, and it is between the upstream side and the downstream side tapered flow path. The length of the small diameter throttle flow path is 5.0 mm, and the inner diameter of the throttle flow path is 4.0 mm.
The type B unit has internal threads (M10: pitch 1.5 mm, valley diameter 10 mm, effective diameter 9.026 mm, peak diameter 8.376 mm) formed on the upstream and downstream sides of the throttle portion, and is the upstream internal thread. The unit 500 of the fifth embodiment has a spiral plate arranged on the upstream side. The length of the throttle flow path is 5.0 mm, and the inner diameter of the throttle flow path is 4.0 mm.
In the type C unit, internal threads are formed on the upstream and downstream sides of the throttle, a spiral plate is placed on the upstream side of the upstream internal thread, and an X plate (see FIG. 11) is placed on the downstream internal thread. , Unit 600 of Embodiment 6. The length of the throttle flow path is 5.0 mm, and the inner diameter of the throttle flow path is 4.0 mm.
In type D, a tapered flow path is formed on the upstream side of the throttle portion, an internal thread is formed on the downstream side, a spiral plate is arranged on the upstream side of the flow side tapered flow path, and an X plate is formed on the downstream internal thread (Fig. 11) is the unit 1000 of the tenth embodiment in which the unit 1000 is arranged. The length of the throttle flow path formed on the downstream side of the tapered flow path is 5.0 mm, and the inner diameter of the throttle flow path is 4.0 mm.
Types E1 to E3 are units 900 of the ninth embodiment, in which a tapered flow path is formed on the upstream side of the throttle portion, an internal thread is formed on the downstream side, and a spiral plate is arranged on the upstream side of the upstream tapered flow path. be. In the units E1, E2, and E3, the upstream taper angles are 26.2 °, 53.2 °, and 17.4 °, and the lengths of the upstream taper flow path are 15 mm, 7 mm, and 23 mm, respectively. The length of the throttle flow path formed on the downstream side of the tapered flow path is 5.0 mm, and the inner diameter of the throttle flow path is 4.0 mm.
Types A', B', C', D', E1'to E3'are types A, B, C, D, E1 to E3, respectively, excluding the spiral plate on the upstream side.

[Fine bubble measuring device and method]
As in Experiment 1, the fine bubble was measured using a "nanoparticle size distribution measuring device SALD-7500 nano" (hereinafter referred to as "measuring device") manufactured by Shimadzu Corporation.

The measurement method is to store a predetermined amount of water flowing from a faucet without a fine bubble generation unit (a faucet without a unit), and after 2 minutes have passed, every 30 seconds into the water flowing from the faucet without a unit. The number of fine particles originally contained was measured four times, and the average value (number of blanks) N1 of them was determined.
Next, a predetermined amount of water flowing from the faucet equipped with the fine bubble generation unit (unit-mounted faucet) is stored, and after 2 minutes have passed, every 30 seconds, fine particles contained in the water flowing from the unit-mounted faucet are stored. The number of these was measured four times, and the average value N2 of them was obtained. The number of fine particles N2 at this point is the number of "fine particles inherently contained in water" (N1), the number of microbubbles generated by the unit N (micro), and the number of microbubbles generated by the unit. The total number of ultra fin bubbles N (ultra) [N1 + N (micro) + N (ultra)]. Therefore, the number obtained by subtracting N1 from N2 (N2-N1) is the number of fine bubbles N (fine) [the number of microbubbles N (micro) + and the number of ultrafine bubbles N (ultra)].
Subsequently, a predetermined amount of water flowing from the faucet equipped with the fine bubble generation unit (unit-mounted faucet) was stored, left for 24 hours, and then the number of fine particles was measured four times every 30 seconds, and the average of them was measured. The value N3 was calculated. Since the microbubbles disappeared after being left for 24 hours, the number N3 of the fine particles at this point is the number of the above-mentioned "fine particles originally contained in water" and the water after being left for 24 hours. It is the total [N1 ++ N (ultra)] of the number N (ultra) of the existing ultra fin bubbles. Therefore, the number obtained by subtracting N3 from N2 is the number N (micro) of microbubbles. Further, the number obtained by subtracting N1 from N3 is the number N (ultra) of ultra fin bubbles.

[result]
The measurement results are shown in the tables of FIGS. 15 and 16 and the graphs of FIGS. 17 and 18. As shown in these tables and graphs, regarding microbubbles, the microbubbles of units C and D provided with the X plate on the downstream side of the throttle portion are significantly larger than those of the conventional unit A at a water temperature of 40 ° C. It was confirmed that the number of occurrences of On the other hand, regarding the ultrafine bubbles, it was confirmed that the number of ultrafine bubbles generated was significantly increased in all the units, regardless of the water temperature, as compared with the conventional unit A.

From Experiments 1 and 2 described above, by providing an internal thread on the downstream side of the throttle portion, the generation of fine bubbles is significantly increased as compared with the conventional unit in which tapered flow paths are formed on the upstream side and the downstream side of the throttle portion. It was confirmed that

[Experiment 3]
Four types of units having an inner diameter of 3.5 mm, 4.0 mm, 4.5 mm, and 5.0 mm, which are the units of the second embodiment, are connected to a household faucet to generate fine bubbles. The water saving effect was investigated. The dimensions of the internal threads formed on the upstream side and the downstream side of the throttle portion are M10 (pitch 1.5 mm, valley diameter 10 mm, effective diameter 9.026 mm, peak diameter 8.376 mm). The equipment used for the measurement is the same as in Experiments 1 and 2.

As a result of Experiment 3, when the inner diameter of the throttle portion was 3.5 mm, cavitation was likely to occur on the downstream side of the throttle portion, but the flow rate was reduced, and as a result, the amount of fine bubbles generated was reduced. On the other hand, when the inner diameter of the throttle portion was increased to 4.0 mm, 4.5 mm, and 5.0 mm, cavitation was less likely to occur and the amount of fine bubbles generated was reduced. Therefore, in the case of a household faucet, it was confirmed that setting the inner diameter of the throttle portion to 4.0 mm is the most appropriate in terms of both water saving and generation of fine bubbles.

[Experiment 4]
Regarding the unit (unit with X plate) of the third embodiment in which the inner diameter of the drawing flow path is 4.0 mm and the dimensions of the upstream internal thread and the downstream internal thread are M10, the downstream end of the drawing channel (outlet of the drawing flow path). The distance between the X plate and the X plate (the axial distance of the upstream cylindrical portion 17) is set to 2.5 mm, 3.5 mm, 4.5 mm, and 6.5 mm, and two conditions (water temperature 20 ° C., water pressure 0.33 MPa,) are set. Water was flowed at a flow rate of 16.5 liters / minute, 40 ° C., a water pressure of 0.22 MPa, and a flow rate of 14.8 liters / minute), and the amount of fine bubbles generated was examined.

As a result of Experiment 4, when the water temperature is 20 ° C. and the distance between the throttle portion and the X plate is 2.5 mm, 3.5 mm, 4.5 mm, and 6.5 mm, the amount of fine bubbles generated is 2010, 1871, 121, respectively. When the distance between the aperture and the X plate is 2.5 mm, 3.5 mm, 4.5 mm, and 6.5 mm at 1756 pieces / ml and the water temperature is 40 ° C, the amount of fine bubbles generated is 5164, 4925, 5307, respectively. , 4384 pieces / ml. From this result, it was confirmed that it is most appropriate to leave a gap of 4.5 mm between the throttle portion and the X plate.

[Example 1]
A water supply system incorporating a fine bubble generator will be described with reference to FIGS. 17 to 20.

The water supply system 101 includes a faucet 102, a hose unit 103, and a connection mechanism 104 for connecting the faucet 102 and the hose unit 103.

The illustrated faucet 102 is a single faucet that discharges either water or hot water, but may be a mixing faucet that mixes and discharges water and hot water, or is a faucet of another type. May be good.

The hose unit 103 has a hose 105 and a hose joint 106 connected to the base end of the hose 105. The hose joint 106 is a embodiment of the unit 600 of the above-mentioned embodiment 6, and is made of a cylindrical member made of metal (for example, stainless steel) or plastic, and is formed from a proximal end side to an distal end side along a central axis. A continuous cylindrical space (flow path) 108 is formed. The cylindrical space 108 has an upstream cylindrical portion 109, an upstream internal screw 110, a drawing portion 111, a downstream cylindrical portion 112, and a downstream internal screw 113 in order from the proximal end side to the distal end side. Is formed, the spiral plate 115 is fitted on the upstream side of the upstream internal screw 110, and the X plate 116 is fitted on the upstream portion of the downstream internal screw 113. The X plate 116 is prevented from coming off (moving to the downstream side) by fitting the retaining ring 118 into the annular groove 117 formed in the downstream internal screw 113.

The hose joint 106 is fixed to the hose 105 by inserting the end side into the base end of the hose 105 and crimping a metal collar 119 around the hose joint 106. 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 end side of the hose joint 106, and the collar 119 is caulked and deformed along the outer shape thereof.

The 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 the screw 124 into a plurality of screw holes 123 penetrating the inner peripheral surface and the outer peripheral surface of the socket 122 with the socket 122 attached to the discharge port 121. An annular adapter 125 that fills the gap between the socket 122 and the discharge port 121 is arranged.

An annular base 126 is fixed to the outer circumference of the socket 122. Therefore, an external screw 127 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the socket 122, and a corresponding internal screw 128 is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the base 126. By fitting these external screw 127 and the internal screw 128, both are formed. Are concatenated. A packing 129 is arranged between the socket 122 and the base 126 in order to seal the space between the socket 122 and the base 126.

The mouthpiece 126 has a tubular mouthpiece 130 on the terminal side. An annular groove 131 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the tubular mouth portion 130.

The hose-side connecting mechanism portion has a sleeve 132 mounted on the outer periphery of the hose joint 106 on the proximal end side. On the inner peripheral surface of the sleeve 132 on the proximal end side, a tapered surface 133 whose diameter gradually decreases from the proximal end toward the terminal side is formed, and an annular step portion 134 is formed on the terminal 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 the hole 135 is housed. An annular groove 137 is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the base end side cylindrical portion of the hose joint 106 on the terminal side of the through hole 135, and the packing 138 is arranged in the groove 132. On the other hand, an annular step 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 step portion 139 and the annular step portion 134 of the sleeve 132. ing. As a result, the sleeve 132 is urged toward the proximal end side with respect to the hose joint 116 by the spring force of the spring 140, and is held at the forward position shown in FIG. In the embodiment, a groove 141 is formed on the outer periphery of the hose joint 106 on the proximal end side, and a stop ring 142 is mounted on the groove 141, whereby the sleeve 132 is held in the forward position shown in the figure. ..

When connecting the hose joint 106 to the base 126, first, the sleeve 132 is moved toward the end side against the urging force of the spring 140. As a result, the metal ball 136 housed in the through hole 135 can move outward in the radial direction. Next, from this state, the tubular mouth portion 130 of the base 126 is inserted into the hose joint 106. At this time, the inserted tubular mouth portion 130 hits the metal ball 136 and moves the metal ball 136 to the outside. Further, the packing 138 comes into contact with the outer peripheral surface of the tubular mouth portion 130, and the space between the hose joint 106 and the base 126 is sealed.

After the tubular mouth portion 130 is completely inserted, the sleeve 132 is released and moved to the forward position by the urging force of the spring 140. As a result, the metal ball 136 moves inward in the radial direction and fits into the groove 131. Further, the locking claw 143 integrally formed on the outer periphery of the sleeve 132 engages with the annular flange 144 of the base 126, and connects the hose joint 116 to the base 126.

According to the water supply system 101 configured as described above, as described in the sixth embodiment, the pressure water discharged from the faucet 102 enters the hose joint 106 via the base 126, and enters the spiral plate 115 on the upstream side. It passes through the internal screw 110, the drawing portion 111, the downstream cylindrical portion 112, and the downstream internal screw 113 and flows to the hose 102. It is finely sheared by contact to produce fine bubble-containing water containing a large amount of microbubbles and ultrafine bubbles.

The units of the plurality of embodiments described above can be used for various purposes in various fields. 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 maintenance, antioxidant, chemical use control) ), Cleaning field (toilet cleaning, clothing and food cleaning), beauty field (face washing, scalp cleaning, shower head), etc. can be widely used for water supply systems. In that case, depending on the field of application, the liquid does not have to be water, and may be a liquid other than water (for example, oil, a mixture of oil and a liquid other than oil).

100: Fine bubble generation unit 1: Tubular member 2: Central axis 3: Tubular inner wall 4: Flow path 10: Squeezed portion (inward protruding portion)
11: Aperture flow path 19: Internal screw (unevenness)
21: Internal screw (unevenness)
31: Stirring member (X plate)
33: External screw 34: Through hole or groove (downstream stirring hole)
51: Stirring member (spiral plate)
58: Through hole (upstream stirring hole)
71: Squeezing part 72: Squeezing flow path 101: Water supply system 102: Faucet 103: Hose unit 105: Hose

Claims (9)

A fine bubble generation unit that generates fine bubbles by bubble-forming the dissolved gas in the liquid by applying a change in pressure to the liquid.
(A) The fine bubble generation unit is
It has a central axis (2), a tubular inner wall (3) extending along the central axis (2), and a flow path (4) surrounded by the tubular inner wall (3), and the whole is one. It has a tubular member (1) composed of members and has.
(B) The tubular inner wall (3) is
An inwardly projecting portion (10) that projects inward toward the central axis (2) and forms a throttle flow path (11) centered on the central axis (2).
It has a downstream flow path (13) formed on the downstream side of the inward protrusion (10) with respect to the flow direction of the liquid flowing in the flow path (4).
(C) The downstream flow path (13) is a non-tapered cylindrical surface having a constant inner diameter centered on the central axis (2), and the inwardly projecting portion (10) with respect to the flow direction. The upstream cylindrical portion (17) formed adjacent to the inward protruding portion (10) on the downstream side of the above, and the upstream cylindrical portion (17) on the downstream side of the upstream cylindrical portion (17) with respect to the flow direction. ) Has a downstream cylindrical portion (18) formed adjacent to).
(D) The upstream cylindrical portion (17) has a smooth tubular inner surface and has a smooth tubular inner surface.
(E) The downstream cylindrical portion (18) is uniform from the downstream end of the tubular member (1) to the boundary between the upstream cylindrical portion (17) and the downstream cylindrical portion (18) in the flow direction. Equipped with an internal screw (19) formed in
( F ) The fine bubble generation unit also includes a downstream stirring member (31) formed with an external screw (33) that can be screwed into the internal screw (19).
( G ) The downstream stirring member (31) is
The external screw (33) is screwed into the internal screw (19) and arranged in the downstream cylindrical portion (18) in the downstream flow path (13) .
(H) In the downstream side stirring member (31), a plurality of through grooves (34) extending in the flow direction are formed at regular intervals in the circumferential direction about the central axis (2). The fine bubble generation unit in which the external screw (33) is divided in the circumferential direction. The internal screw (19) of the downstream cylindrical portion (18) is continuous with the downstream side of the downstream stirring member (31) in the circumferential direction centered on the central axis (2) with respect to the flow direction. An annular groove (117) is formed and
The first aspect of the present invention, wherein the annular groove (117) is fitted with a stop ring (118) for preventing the downstream stirring member (31) from moving to the downstream side of the annular groove (117). Fine bubble generation unit. A fine bubble generation unit that generates fine bubbles by bubble-forming the dissolved gas in the liquid by applying a change in pressure to the liquid.
(A) The fine bubble generation unit is
It has a central axis (2), a tubular inner wall (3) extending along the central axis (2), and a flow path (4) surrounded by the tubular inner wall (3), and the whole is one. It has a tubular member (1) composed of members and has.
(B) The tubular inner wall (3) is
An inwardly projecting portion (10) that projects inward toward the central axis (2) and forms a throttle flow path (11) centered on the central axis (2).
It has a downstream flow path (13) formed on the downstream side of the inward protrusion (10) with respect to the flow direction of the liquid flowing in the flow path (4).
(C) The downstream flow path (13) has a non-tapered cylindrical surface having a constant inner diameter centered on the central axis (2).
(D) Internal threads are uniformly applied to the cylindrical surface of the downstream flow path (13) from the downstream end of the inward protrusion (10) to the downstream end of the tubular member (1) in the flow direction. 19) is formed,
(E) The fine bubble generation unit also includes a downstream stirring member (31) formed with an external screw (33) that can be screwed into the internal screw (19).
(F) The downstream stirring member (31) is arranged between the upstream end and the downstream end of the cylindrical surface by screwing the external screw (33) to the internal screw (19). A first downstream stirring chamber (36) is formed between the upstream end of the cylindrical surface and the downstream stirring member (31), and the downstream end of the cylindrical surface and the downstream stirring member (31) A second stirring chamber (37) is formed between the two.
(G) In the downstream side stirring member (31), a plurality of through grooves (34) extending in the flow direction are formed at regular intervals in the circumferential direction about the central axis (2). The fine bubble generation unit in which the external screw (33) is divided in the circumferential direction. The internal thread (19) of the downstream flow path (13) is continuous with the downstream side of the downstream stirring member (31) in the circumferential direction centered on the central axis (2) with respect to the flow direction. An annular groove (117) is formed and
The third aspect of the present invention, wherein the annular groove (117) is fitted with a stop ring (118) for preventing the downstream stirring member (31) from moving to the downstream side of the annular groove (117). Fine bubble generation unit. The tubular inner wall (3) has an upstream flow path (12) formed on the upstream side of the inward protrusion (10) with respect to the flow direction.
The upstream side flow path (12) is composed of a non-tapered cylindrical surface having a constant inner diameter centered on the central axis (2), and is formed adjacent to the inward protrusion (10). Has a side cylindrical portion (14)
The fine bubble generation unit according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein an internal screw (21) is formed on the inner surface of the downstream cylindrical portion (14) in the upstream flow path (12). The upstream side flow path (12) includes an upstream side cylindrical portion (15) formed on the upstream side of the downstream side cylindrical portion (14) in the upstream side flow path (12) with respect to the flow direction.
An upstream stirring member (51) is fixed to the upstream cylindrical portion (15) in the upstream flow path (12).
The upstream stirring member (51) has a certain space around the central axis (2) in the circumferential direction centered on the central axis (2), and is said to be in the direction of the central axis (2). The fine bubble generation unit according to claim 5, further comprising a plurality of upstream stirring holes (58) penetrating the upstream stirring member (51). The tubular inner wall (3) has an upstream flow path (12) formed on the upstream side of the inward protrusion (10) with respect to the flow direction.
The upstream side flow path (12) has a tapered portion (73) whose diameter gradually increases from the throttle flow path (11) toward the upstream side in the flow direction.
An upstream stirring member (51) is fixed to the upstream side of the tapered portion (73) in the flow direction.
The upstream stirring member (51) has a certain space around the central axis (2) in the circumferential direction centered on the central axis (2), and is said to be in the direction of the central axis (2). The fine bubble generation unit according to any one of claims 1 to 4, which has a plurality of upstream stirring holes (58) penetrating the upstream stirring member (51). A water supply system including the fine bubble generation unit according to any one of claims 1 to 7 and a hose connected to the downstream side of the fine bubble generation unit. The water supply system according to claim 8, further comprising a faucet connected to the upstream side of the fine bubble generation unit.

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