KR20220170728A - Fine bubble generating device - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides a technology that can generate fine bubbles in a consecutive and stable manner in a liquid in a bath. A control apparatus of a fine bubble generation apparatus of the present invention may execute fine bubble generation driving, which pressurizes and supplies a liquid from a tank supply route to a tank by driving a pressurization pump and supplies a liquid from which gas is pressurized and dissolved to a bath from the tank through a tank emission route.　During execution of the fine bubble generation driving, the control apparatus may execute first tank circulation driving that circulates the liquid of the tank by a tank circulation pump in a tank circulation route in a state of opening a gas inlet valve and second tank circulation driving that circulates the liquid of the tank by the tank circulation pump in the tank circulation route in a state of closing the gas inlet valve.　The control apparatus is configured to drive the tank circulation pump with a first rotation number for the first tank circulation driving and drive the tank circulation pump with a second rotation number lower than the first rotation number for the second tank circulation driving.

Description

Fine bubble generating device {FINE BUBBLE GENERATING DEVICE}

[0001] The technology disclosed herein relates to a device for generating microbubbles.

[0002] In Patent Document 1, a tank for dissolving gas under pressure in a liquid, a tank supply path for supplying the liquid to the tank, a pressurized pump installed in the tank supply path, and a liquid tank from the tank A tank discharge path for discharging the liquid in which the gas is dissolved under pressure, and a micro-bubble generating nozzle installed in the tank discharge path and generating fine bubbles by decompressing the liquid in which the gas is dissolved under pressure, and Disclosed is a micro-bubble generating device comprising an installed gas introduction mechanism and a control device. The gas introduction mechanism includes a gas introduction port for introducing the gas and a gas introduction valve for opening and closing the gas introduction port. The control device includes a gas introduction operation in which the gas is introduced into the tank by supplying the liquid from the tank to the liquid tank in a state where the gas introduction valve is open, and the pressurization operation in a state where the gas introduction valve is closed. Alternate micro-bubble generation operation in which a pump is driven to pressurize and supply liquid from the tank supply passage to the tank, and at the same time supply the liquid in which the gas is dissolved under pressure from the tank to the liquid tank through the tank discharge passage. do it with

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2009-18118

[0004] In the microbubble generating device of Patent Document 1, the gas introduction operation and the microbubble generation operation cannot be simultaneously performed, the gas is supplied to the tank through the gas introduction operation, and the gas is consumed from the tank through the microbubble generation operation. However, the gas introduction operation and the micro-bubble generation operation must be performed alternately. However, since microbubbles cannot be generated in the liquid supplied from the tank to the liquid tank during execution of the gas introduction operation, the microbubbles generated in the liquid in the liquid tank by the microbubble generating operation disappear during execution of the gas introduction operation. It was difficult to continuously and reliably generate microbubbles in the bath liquid. In the present specification, a technique capable of continuously and stably generating microbubbles in the liquid of a liquid tank is provided.

[0005] A microbubble generator disclosed in the present specification includes a tank for dissolving gas under pressure in a liquid, a tank supply path for supplying the liquid to the tank, a pressure pump installed in the tank supply path, and a pressure pump installed in the tank supply path. A tank discharge path for discharging the liquid in which the gas is dissolved under pressure into a liquid tank, and a micro-bubble generating nozzle installed in the tank discharge path and generating fine bubbles by depressurizing the liquid in which the gas is dissolved under pressure; A tank circulation path installed separately from the tank discharge path and sending the liquid from an outlet connected to the tank to an inlet connected to the tank; a tank circulation pump installed in the tank circulation path; and a gas introduction installed in the tank circulation path. It has a mechanism and a control device. The gas introducing mechanism includes: a pressure reducing portion through which the liquid is reduced and passed therethrough, a gas inlet through which the gas is introduced by negative pressure of the liquid in the reduced pressure portion, and the gas A gas introduction valve for opening and closing the inlet is provided. The control device drives the pressure pump to pressurize and supply the liquid from the tank supply passage to the tank, and at the same time supply the liquid in which the gas is pressurized and dissolved from the tank to the liquid tank through the tank discharge passage. It is possible to execute the operation of generating fine bubbles. The control device may include: a first tank circulation operation in which the liquid in the tank is circulated in the tank circulation path by the tank circulation pump in a state where the gas introduction valve is opened during execution of the micro-bubble generating operation; With the introduction valve closed, a second tank circulation operation in which the liquid in the tank is circulated in the tank circulation path by the tank circulation pump can be executed. The controller drives the tank circulation pump at a first rotational speed in the first tank circulation operation, and drives the tank circulation pump at a second rotational speed lower than the first rotational speed in the second tank circulation operation. It is configured to be driven by rotational speed.

[0006] In the above micro-bubble generating device, by performing the first tank circulation operation even during the micro-bubble generating operation, gas can be introduced from the gas introduction mechanism and supplied to the tank. Accordingly, there is no need to interrupt the micro-bubble generating operation to supply gas to the tank, and the micro-bubble generating operation can be continuously performed. With this configuration, fine bubbles can be continuously and stably generated in the liquid in the liquid tank.

[0007] Further, in the above micro-bubble generator, when the first tank circulation operation and the second tank circulation operation are performed during execution of the micro-bubble generating operation, the flow of the liquid in the tank increases. In a pressurized dissolution type tank, as the flow of the liquid in the tank increases, pressurized dissolution of the gas to the liquid in the tank is promoted. According to the configuration described above, by executing the first tank circulation operation and the second tank circulation operation during execution of the microbubble generation operation, the liquid in the tank is made to flow vigorously and the pressure dissolution of the gas to the liquid in the tank is further promoted. there is a number

[0008] Further, in the first tank circulation operation, since gas is introduced into the decompression part of the gas introduction mechanism, the negative pressure of the liquid in the decompression part is relieved as the gas is mixed with the liquid, but in the second tank circulation operation, the gas is mixed with the liquid. Since no gas is introduced into the decompression portion of the introduction mechanism, the negative pressure of the liquid in the decompression portion is not relieved. For this reason, if the rotation speed of the tank circulation pump is made the same in the first tank circulation operation and the second tank circulation operation, in the second tank circulation operation, the liquid at the decompression part of the gas introduction mechanism is higher than in the first tank circulation operation. pressure is lower. If the pressure of the liquid in the decompression part of the gas introducing mechanism is excessively lowered, cavitation may occur in the decompression part to generate noise. According to the above configuration, the rotational speed of the tank circulation pump in the second tank circulation operation is lower than the rotational speed of the tank circulation pump in the first tank circulation operation, thereby reducing the pressure of the gas introduction mechanism in the second tank circulation operation. The pressure of the liquid in the section can be suppressed from being excessively lowered. Thus, in the second tank circulation operation, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of cavitation in the depressurized portion of the gas introduction mechanism and suppress the occurrence of noise.

[0009] Further, when performing the first tank circulation operation during execution of the micro-bubble generation operation, if the flow rate of the fluid flowing through the decompression section of the gas introduction mechanism increases, the pressure of the liquid in the decompression section becomes lower by that amount, and the gas introduction mechanism More gas can be introduced from According to the above configuration, by setting the rotational speed of the tank circulation pump in the first tank circulation operation higher than the rotational speed of the tank circulation pump in the second tank circulation operation, in the first tank circulation operation, the gas introducing mechanism further Many gases can be introduced.

[0010] In the micro-bubble generating device, the gas introduction mechanism may be disposed upstream of the tank circulation pump in the tank circulation path.

[0011] In the first tank circulation operation, when the gas introduction mechanism is disposed upstream of the tank circulation pump in the tank circulation path, the gas introduced by the gas introduction mechanism is mixed with the liquid and flows into the tank circulation pump. For this reason, compared to the case where the gas introduction mechanism is disposed on the downstream side of the tank circulation pump in the tank circulation path, the efficiency of the tank circulation pump is lowered and the flow rate of the fluid flowing through the pressure reducing portion of the gas introduction mechanism is reduced. In contrast, in the second tank circulation operation, even when the gas introduction mechanism is arranged upstream of the tank circulation pump in the tank circulation path, since gas is not introduced by the gas introduction mechanism, the gas introduction mechanism moves from the tank circulation path to the tank. Compared to a case disposed downstream of the circulation pump, the efficiency of the tank circulation pump does not decrease, and the flow rate of the fluid flowing through the pressure reducing section of the gas introducing mechanism does not decrease. Therefore, if the number of revolutions of the tank circulation pump is the same in the first tank circulation operation and the second tank circulation operation, the flow rate of the fluid flowing through the pressure reducing part of the gas introducing mechanism is higher in the second tank circulation operation than in the first tank circulation operation. increases, and the pressure of the liquid in the pressure reducing portion of the gas introducing mechanism becomes lower. Accordingly, cavitation is more likely to occur in the decompression portion of the gas introduction mechanism, and noise is more likely to occur. According to the above configuration, by making the rotation speed of the tank circulation pump in the second tank circulation operation lower than the rotation speed of the tank circulation pump in the first tank circulation operation, in the second tank circulation operation, the cavitation in the decompression section is reduced. By suppressing the generation of noise, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of noise.

[0012] Further, when the gas introduction mechanism is disposed upstream of the tank circulation pump in the tank circulation path, the suction pressure of the tank circulation pump acts on the decompression portion of the gas introduction mechanism, so that the gas introduction mechanism is in the tank circulation path. The pressure of the liquid in the decompression section becomes lower than in the case of being disposed on the downstream side of the tank circulation pump. For this reason, in the first tank circulation operation, the amount of gas introduced from the gas introducing mechanism can be increased. Further, according to the above configuration, in the first tank circulation operation, when the gas introduced from the gas introduction mechanism and the liquid flowing through the tank circulation path pass through the tank circulation pump, the impeller of the tank circulation pump stirs them. ), it is possible to further accelerate the dissolution of the gas into the liquid.

[0013] The microbubble generating device includes a first liquid level electrode capable of detecting whether the liquid level in the tank is equal to or higher than the first liquid level, and a second liquid level in which the liquid level in the tank is higher than the first liquid level. A second liquid level electrode capable of detecting abnormality may be further provided. A liquid level at a portion where the outlet to the tank circulation path is connected to the tank may be lower than the first liquid level. The first tank circulation operation, when the controller detects that the liquid level in the tank is lower than the first liquid level while the micro-bubble generation operation is being executed and the first tank circulation operation is being executed. is finished, the second tank circulation operation is started, the micro-bubble generation operation is being executed, and it is detected that the liquid level in the tank is higher than the second liquid level while the second tank circulation operation is being executed. In addition, it may be configured so that the second tank circulation operation is ended and the first tank circulation operation is started.

[0014] During execution of the fine bubble generation operation, when the amount of gas consumed in the tank is smaller than the amount of gas introduced from the gas introducing mechanism, the liquid level in the tank goes down, and the amount of gas consumed in the tank is reduced to gas. When more than the amount of gas introduced by the introduction mechanism, the liquid level in the tank rises. On the other hand, when the first tank circulation operation is performed while the tank circulation pump is being driven, gas is introduced from the gas introduction mechanism, and when the second tank circulation operation is performed, gas is not introduced from the gas introduction mechanism. According to the above configuration, the control device selectively executes either the first tank circulation operation or the second tank circulation operation according to the liquid level of the tank, so that the amount of gas consumed in the tank and the amount of gas introduced from the gas introducing mechanism are reduced. You can strike a balance.

[0015] The gas introduction valve may be configured to receive a force in a direction to close the gas introduction valve by negative pressure of the liquid in the pressure reducing section. When the first tank circulation operation is ended and the second tank circulation operation is started, the control device sets the rotation speed of the tank circulation pump from the first rotation speed to the above while continuing to drive the tank circulation pump. It is reduced to the 2nd rotational speed, and it may be comprised so that the said gas introduction valve may be closed after that.

[0016] In the above configuration, the negative pressure of the liquid in the pressure reducing section acts on the gas introduction valve in the direction of closing the gas introduction valve. For this reason, when the gas introduction valve is switched from an open state to a closed state in a state where the liquid pressure in the pressure reduction section is low, the valve body of the gas introduction valve is strongly pressed against the valve seat. Collisions may cause noise generation or damage to the gas introduction valve. In the configuration described above, when the first tank circulation operation is terminated and the second tank circulation operation is started, the controller reduces the rotational speed of the tank circulation pump to increase the pressure of the liquid in the pressure reducing section, and then controls the gas introduction valve. switch from an open state to a closed state. Accordingly, it is possible to suppress generation of noise and damage to the gas introduction valve due to strong collision of the valve body of the gas introduction valve with the valve seat.

[0017] The gas introduction valve may be configured to receive a force in a direction to close the gas introduction valve by negative pressure of the liquid in the pressure reducing section. When the second tank circulation operation ends and the first tank circulation operation starts, the controller opens the gas introduction valve while continuing to drive the tank circulation pump, and then rotates the tank circulation pump. You may be comprised so that a number may be increased from the said 2nd rotational speed to the said 1st rotational speed.

[0018] In the above configuration, the negative pressure of the liquid in the pressure reducing section acts on the gas introduction valve in the direction of closing the gas introduction valve. For this reason, if the gas introduction valve is switched from a closed state to an open state in a state where the pressure of the liquid in the pressure reducing section is low, there is a risk that the gas introduction valve does not operate smoothly. In the configuration described above, when the second tank circulation operation is ended and the first tank circulation operation is started, the control device switches the gas introduction valve from a closed state to an open state, and then increases the rotational speed of the tank circulation pump to decompress the pressure. Reduce the pressure of the liquid in the section. In this way, the gas introduction valve can be operated smoothly.

[0019] In the microbubble generating device, the liquid may be water, and the liquid tank may be a bathtub used by a user for bathing.

[0020] According to the above configuration, it is possible to continuously and stably generate microbubbles in the water of the bathtub used by the user for bathing.

[0021] Fig. 1 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of a hot water device 2 of an embodiment.
Fig. 2 is a diagram schematically showing a cross section of a bathtub adapter 132 of the hot water system 2 of the embodiment.
Fig. 3 is a flow chart (flow chart) of processing executed by the controller 150 in bath-filling operation of the hot water apparatus 2 of the embodiment.
4 is a diagram schematically showing an example of the flow of water in the hot water device 2 of the embodiment.
5 is a diagram schematically showing another example of the flow of water in the hot water device 2 of the embodiment.
Fig. 6 is a flow chart of processing executed by the control device 150 in the fine-bubble generating operation of the hot water device 2 of the embodiment.
Fig. 7 is a diagram schematically showing another example of the flow of water in the hot water device 2 of the embodiment.
8 is a diagram schematically showing another example of the flow of water in the hot water device 2 of the embodiment.
Fig. 9 is a flow chart of processing executed by the control device 150 in the fine-bubble generation operation of the hot water device 2 of the modified example.
Fig. 10 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of a hot water device 2 of another modified example.

[0022] (Example)

As shown in FIG. 1 , the hot water system 2 of the present embodiment includes a heat source unit 10, an air pressure melting unit 50, a bathtub adapter 132, and a controller 150. The hot water device 2 heats water supplied from a water supply source 200 such as tap water and supplies the heated water to a desired temperature to a faucet 250 installed in a kitchen or the like or a bathtub 130 installed in a bathroom. can In addition, the hot water device 2 may generate fine bubbles in the water of the bathtub 130 used by the user for bathing.

[0023] (Configuration of heat source unit 10)

The heat source unit 10 includes a first heat source device 12, a second heat source device 14, a water supply path 16, a hot water path 18, and a bypass path 20. , bypass servo, 22, pouring furnace, 24, bath-filling valve 26, water quantity sensor 28, circulation path 30 ), a circulation return path 32, a bathtub circulation pump 34, and a water flow switch 36.

[0024] The upstream end of the water supply passage 16 is connected to the water supply source 200, and the downstream end of the water supply passage 16 is connected to the first heat source device 12. Further, the upstream end of the hot water path 18 is connected to the first heat source device 12, and the downstream end of the hot water path 18 is connected to the faucet 250. The first heat source device 12 is a combustion heat source device that heats water by burning gas, for example. The first heat source unit 12 heats the water introduced from the water supply path 16 and sends the heated water to the tap path 18.

[0025] The upstream end of the bypass passage 20 is connected to the water supply passage 16, and the downstream end of the bypass passage 20 is connected to the hot water passage 18. The bypass servo 22 is installed at a site where the bypass passage 20 is connected to the water supply passage 16. The bypass servo 22 controls the flow rate of water flowing from the water supply passage 16 to the tap passage 18 via the first heat source device 12 and the water supply passage 16 by adjusting the opening degree of the built-in valve body. It is possible to adjust the ratio of the flow rate of water flowing from ) to the tap passage 18 via the bypass passage 20. By adjusting the degree of opening of the bypass servo 22, the high-temperature water flowing in from the first heat source device 12 and the by- Low-temperature water introduced from the pass furnace 20 is mixed in a desired ratio, and water adjusted to a desired temperature is supplied. A hot water temperature thermistor 18a for detecting the temperature of water in the hot water path 18 is provided in the hot water path 18 downstream of the portion to which the bypass path 20 is connected.

[0026] The upstream end of the pouring furnace 24 is connected to the tapping furnace 18, which is downstream of the portion to which the bypass furnace 20 is connected, and the downstream end of the pouring furnace 24 is a circulation return path 32 is connected to The hot water filling valve 26 is installed in the pouring furnace 24 and opens and closes the pouring furnace 24. The hot water filling valve 26 is normally closed. The water quantity sensor 28 is installed in the pouring furnace 24 and detects the quantity of water flowing through the pouring furnace 24.

[0027] The upstream end of the circulation return passage 32 is connected to the heat source return passage 60 (details will be described later) of the air pressure melting unit 50, and the downstream end of the circulation return passage 32 is the second It is connected to the heat source device 14. In addition, the upstream end of the circulation passage 30 is connected to the second heat source device 14, and the downstream end of the circulation passage 30 is the heat source passage 68 of the air pressure melting unit 50, details is connected to (described later). The second heat source device 14 is a combustion heat source device that heats water by burning gas, for example. The second heat source device 14 heats the water flowing in from the circulation return passage 32 and sends the heated water to the circulation advance passage 30 . Near the upstream end of the return circuit 32, a thermistor 32a for detecting the temperature of water in the return circuit 32 is provided. Near the downstream end of the circulation passage 30, a circulation passage thermistor 30a for detecting the temperature of water in the circulation passage 30 is provided.

[0028] The bathtub circulation pump 34 is installed in the circulation return path 32 on the downstream side of the connection part of the pouring furnace 24, and the water in the circulation return path 32 is supplied to the second heat source device 14. send out towards The water flow switch 36 is installed between the bathtub circulation pump 34 and the second heat source device 14 in the circulation return path 32, and detects whether or not water is flowing through the circulation return path 32.

[0029] (Configuration of air pressure melting unit 50)

The air pressure melting unit 50 includes a tank 52, a heat source return passage 60, a heat source passage passage 68, a tank return passage 74, a tank connection passage 76, a tank passage passage 64, and a communication passage (連通路, 66), a first three-way valve (80), a second three-way valve (82), a check valve (check valve, 84), a tank water supply valve (86), a first pressure pump (88) ), a second pressure pump 90, a tank suction path 92, a tank circulation pump 94, and a gas introduction mechanism 96.

Tank 52 may store water therein. Inside the tank 52, a low water level electrode 52a, a high level electrode 52b and an earth electrode 52c for detecting the water level in the tank 52 are provided. The water level detected by the low water level electrode 52a (hereinafter also referred to as a lower limit water level) is lower than the water level detected by the high level electrode 52b (hereinafter also referred to as an upper limit water level). When the low water level electrode 52a and the high level electrode 52b come into contact with the surface of the water stored in the tank 52, current flows between them and the ground electrode 52c, and an ON signal is output to the controller 150. The tank 52 is used to pressurize and dissolve air into water to produce air dissolved water.

[0031] One end of the heat source return passage 60 is connected to the communication passage 66, and the other end of the heat source return passage 60 is the circulation return passage 32 of the heat source unit 10 is connected to The communication path 66 connects the first three-way valve 80 and the second three-way valve 82 . The first three-way valve 80 is connected to a communication passage 66, a first bathtub water passage 62, and a tank travel passage 64. The first three-way valve 80 is a first communication state in which the tank passage 64 and the first bathtub water passage 62 communicate (see FIGS. 7 and 8 ), and the tank passage 64 and the communication passage. 66 is in communication with the second communication state (see Fig. 1), and the first bathtub water passage 62 and the tank progress passage 64 and the communication passage 66 are in communication with the third communication state (Fig. 4, 5) can be switched. The upstream end of the tank passage 64 is connected to the lower part of the tank 52, and the downstream end of the tank passage 64 is connected to the first three-way valve 80. In the tank path 64, there is a check that allows water to flow from the tank 52 toward the first three-way valve 80 and prohibits water from flowing from the first three-way valve 80 toward the tank 52. A valve 84 is installed. One end of the first bathtub water line 62 is connected to the first three-way valve 80, and the other end of the first bathtub water line 62 is connected to the bathtub adapter 132.

[0032] One end of the heat source passage 68 is connected to the circulation passage 30 of the heat source unit 10, and the other end of the heat source passage 68 is connected to the second three-way valve 82. A communication path 66, a heat source travel path 68, and a second bathtub water path 70 are connected to the second three-way valve 82. The second three-way valve 82 is in a fourth communication state in which the second bathtub water passage 70 and the communication passage 66 communicate (see FIGS. 7 and 8 ), and the heat source travel passage 68 and the second bathtub water passage. The fifth communication state (see Figs. 1, 4 and 5) in which 70 is communicated can be switched. One end of the second bathtub water line 70 is connected to the second three-way valve 82, and the other end of the second bathtub water line 70 is connected to the bathtub adapter 132.

[0033] The upstream end of the tank return path 74 is connected to the heat source travel path 68, and the downstream end of the tank return path 74 is connected to the upstream end of the tank connection path 76. The downstream end of the tank connection path 76 (hereinafter also referred to as an inlet 76a) is connected to the top of the tank 52. The water level at the site where the inlet 76a of the tank connection passage 76 is connected to the tank 52 is higher than the upper limit water level detected by the high level electrode 52b. The tank water supply valve 86 is installed in the tank return passage 74 and opens and closes the tank return passage 74. The tank water supply valve 86 is normally closed. The first pressurization pump 88 and the second pressurization pump 90 are provided downstream of the tank water supply valve 86 in the tank return path 74 . The first pressure pump 88 and the second pressure pump 90 pressurize the water in the tank return passage 74 and send it toward the tank connection passage 76. In the tank return passage 74, the first pressure pump 88 is disposed upstream of the second pressure pump 90. Water sent from the tank return passage 74 to the tank connection passage 76 flows into the tank 52 through the inlet 76a.

[0034] The upstream end of the tank suction path 92 (hereinafter also referred to as an outlet 92a) is connected to the bottom of the tank 52. The water level at the site where the outlet 92a of the tank suction passage 92 is connected to the tank 52 is lower than the lower limit water level detected by the low water level electrode 52a. The downstream end of the tank suction passage 92 is connected to the upstream end of the tank connection passage 76 . A tank circulation pump 94 is installed in the tank suction path 92. The tank circulation pump 94 sucks the water in the tank 52 into the tank suction path 92 through the outlet 92a, and discharges the water in the tank suction path 92 toward the tank connection path 76. send. Water sent from the tank suction path 92 to the tank connection path 76 flows into the tank 52 through the inlet 76a.

[0035] The gas introduction mechanism 96 is installed in the tank suction passage 92 on the upstream side of the tank circulation pump 94. The gas introduction mechanism 96 includes an inlet pipe 98, a water outlet pipe 100, a Venturi tube 102, a gas introduction passage 104, and a gas introduction valve 106. Water flows into the inlet pipe 98 from the upstream side of the tank suction path 92 . The water outlet pipe 100 discharges water to the downstream side of the tank suction path 92 . The venturi pipe 102 communicates the inlet pipe 98 and the outlet pipe 100. The diameter of the venturi pipe 102 is smaller than the diameters of the inlet pipe 98 and the outlet pipe 100. Water flowing through the gas introduction mechanism 96 is reduced to a pressure lower than atmospheric pressure when flowing from the inlet pipe 98 to the venturi pipe 102, and when flowing from the venturi pipe 102 to the water outlet pipe 100, it is originally increases to a pressure of The upstream end of the gas introduction path 104 (hereinafter also referred to as a gas introduction port 104a) is open to the atmosphere, and the downstream end is connected to the Venturi tube 102. The gas introduction valve 106 is installed in the gas introduction passage 104 and opens and closes the gas introduction passage 104 . The gas introduction valve 106 includes a valve body (not shown), a valve seat (not shown), a spring (not shown) that urges the valve body in a direction in which the valve body is seated on the valve seat, A solenoid (not shown) for moving the valve body in a direction away from the valve seat is provided. In a state where the valve body is seated on the valve seat by the biasing force of the spring, the gas introduction valve 106 is closed. When the valve body is pushed away from the valve seat by the actuation of the solenoid, the gas introduction valve 106 is opened. When the gas introduction valve 106 is open when water flows through the gas introduction mechanism 96, air is sucked into the gas introduction path 104 from the gas introduction port 104a, and the venturi tube 102 is blown. Air is mixed with flowing water. Air introduced from the gas introduction passage 104 is mixed with water flowing through the tank suction passage 92 and flows into the tank 52 through the tank connection passage 76 . The gas introduction valve 106 is normally closed, and is opened when the solenoid is driven by the control device 150 described later. The negative pressure of water in the venturi tube 102 acts on the gas introduction valve 106 in the direction of closing the gas introduction valve 106 .

[0036] Even if the above gas introduction mechanism 96 is installed in the tank return path 74, when water is supplied from the tank return path 74 to the tank 52, the gas introduction mechanism 96 Air can be introduced. However, in the case of such a configuration, the pressure loss in the tank return path 74 increases, and the pressure of the water sent to the tank 52 by the first pressure pump 88 and the second pressure pump 90 decreases. In addition, in the case of such a configuration, when the amount of air introduced in the gas introduction mechanism 96 is increased, the pressure of the water sent to the tank 52 is reduced, and when the pressure of the water sent to the tank 2 is increased, the gas is introduced. The amount of air introduced into the mechanism 96 is reduced. In contrast, in this embodiment, since the gas introduction mechanism 96 is provided in the tank suction path 92 provided separately from the tank return path 74, the pressure loss in the tank return path 74 can be reduced. there is. In addition, a large amount of air can be introduced by the gas introduction mechanism 96 while sending water from the tank return passage 74 to the tank 52 at a high pressure.

[0037] (Configuration of bathtub adapter 132)

Subsequently, the bathtub adapter 132 installed on the wall portion 130a of the bathtub 130 will be described with reference to (a) and (b) of FIG. 2 . 2(a) shows a state in which water flows from the first bathtub waterway 62 toward the bathtub 130 and water flows from the bathtub 130 toward the second bathtub waterway 70 (eg, the state of FIG. 7 ). ), the flow of water in the bathtub adapter 132 is shown. 2(b) shows a state in which water flows from the bathtub 130 toward the first bathtub waterway 62 and water flows from the second bathtub waterway 70 toward the bathtub 130 (eg, the state of FIG. 5 ). ), the flow of water in the bathtub adapter 132 is shown.

[0038] The bathtub adapter 132 includes a first waterway 136 and a second waterway 138. The first water passage 136 communicates with the first bathtub water passage 62, and the second water passage 138 communicates with the second bathtub water passage 70. The first water passage 136 is branched into a first discharge passage 136a and a first suction passage 136b. The first discharge path 136a communicates with the first discharge port 134a formed on the front surface 132a of the tub adapter 132. Water discharged from the first discharge port 134a into the bathtub 130 is discharged forward of the wall part 130a of the bathtub 130, that is, in a direction perpendicular to the wall part 130a of the bathtub 130. In the first discharge passage 136a, a backflow prevention part 140a for preventing the flow of water from the bathtub 130 toward the first bathtub waterway 62, and an upstream side from the backflow prevention part 140a ( A micro-bubble generating nozzle 142 disposed on the first bathtub water passage 62 side) is installed. The micro-bubble generating nozzle 142 reduces the water passing through the micro-bubble generating nozzle 142 . The first suction path 136b communicates with the first suction port 134b formed on the front surface 132a of the tub adapter 132. A backflow prevention part 140b is installed in the first suction passage 136b to prevent the flow of water from the first bathtub water passage 62 toward the bathtub 130 .

The second water passage 138 is branched into a second discharge passage 138a and a second suction passage 138b. The second intake passage 138b communicates with the second intake port 134c formed on the front surface 132a of the bathtub adapter 132. A backflow prevention part 140c for preventing the flow of water from the second bathtub waterway 70 toward the bathtub 130 is installed in the second suction passage 138b. The second discharge path 138a communicates with the second discharge port 134d formed on the lower surface 132b of the tub adapter 132. Water discharged from the second discharge port 134d is discharged downward, that is, in a direction parallel to the wall portion 130a of the bathtub 130 . In the second discharge path 138a, a backflow prevention unit 140d is installed to prevent the flow of water from the bathtub 130 toward the second bathtub waterway 70.

[0040] (Configuration of control device 150)

A controller 150 shown in FIG. 1 controls the operation of each component of the heat source unit 10 and the air pressure melting unit 50 . The control device 150 is configured to communicate with a remote control 154 that can be manipulated by a user. The control device 150 has a memory 152 and can store various settings input by a user, such as a set temperature or a set quantity in a hot water filling operation, a set temperature in a reheating operation, and the like. The user may instruct the start and end of hot water filling operation, fine bubble generation operation, and warming operation to be described later through the remote controller 154 .

[0041] (hot water filling operation)

The hot water filling operation is initiated when the user instructs the start of the hot water filling operation using the remote controller 154 . Alternatively, the hot water filling operation may be started when the user sets the start time of the hot water filling operation with the remote controller 154 and the controller 150 determines that the start time of the hot water filling operation has arrived. When starting the hot water filling operation, the controller 150 puts the first three-way valve 80 and the second three-way valve 82 into the third communication state and the fifth communication state, respectively (see Figs. 4 and 5). . In this state, the controller 150 executes the processing shown in FIG.

[0042] In S2, the control device 150 executes the air bleeding process. Specifically, the control device 150 opens the hot water filling valve 26 and starts heating the water by the first heat source device 12 . As a result, as shown in FIG. 4 , the water adjusted to the set temperature flows from the tap furnace 18 through the pouring furnace 24 to the circulation return path 32 . The water flowing into the circulation return passage 32 is branched into a flow toward the upstream side (ie, the heat source return passage 60) and a flow toward the downstream side (ie, the second heat source device 14). The water flowing from the circulation return path 32 to the heat source return path 60 passes through the communication path 66, the first three-way valve 80, the first bathtub water line 62, and the bathtub adapter 132 to return the bathtub 130. ) is introduced into In addition, the water flowing from the circulation return passage 32 to the second heat source device 14 is passed through the circulation passage 30, the heat source passage 68, the second three-way valve 82, the second bathtub water passage 70, It is introduced into the bathtub 130 via the bathtub adapter 132 . Accordingly, the insides of the first bathtub waterway 62 and the second bathtub waterway 70 are filled with water, and the air remaining inside the first bathtub waterway 62 and the second bathtub waterway 70 is removed from the bathtub ( 130) is discharged. The controller 150 closes the hot water filling valve 26 when the accumulated water quantity detected by the water quantity sensor 28 reaches a predetermined value (for example, 6L), and the first heat source device 12 Heating is finished and the air-bleeding process is finished.

[0043] In S4, the control device 150 executes residual water detection processing of the bathtub 130. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5 , the control device 150 drives the bathtub circulation pump 34, and whether or not there is residual water in the bathtub 130 based on whether or not the water flow switch 36 detects the water flow. judge When there is no remaining water in the bathtub 130 and the bathtub adapter 132 is not submerged in water, the water flow switch 36 does not detect the water flow even when the bathtub circulation pump 34 is driven. In contrast, when there is still water in the bathtub 130 and the bathtub adapter 132 is submerged in water, when the bathtub circulation pump 34 is driven, the water flow switch 36 detects the water flow. If there is still water in the bathtub 130 at S4 (YES), the process proceeds to S6. If there is no remaining water in the bathtub 130 at S4 (NO), the process proceeds to S10.

[0044] In S6, the controller 150 performs a determination process on the amount of remaining water in the bathtub 130. Specifically, the control device 150 drives the bathtub circulation pump 34 and stores the temperature detected by the thermistor 32a as the pre-heating temperature during circulation return. After that, the control device 150 starts heating the water by the second heat source device 14 . As a result, as shown in FIG. 5 , the remaining water in the bathtub 130 flows through the bathtub adapter 132, the first bathtub water passage 62, the first three-way valve 80, the communication passage 66, and the heat source return passage 60. , is sent to the second heat source device 14 via the circulation return path 32. The remaining water heated by the second heat source device 14 passes through the circulation path 30, the heat source path 68, the second three-way valve 82, the second bathtub water line 70, and the bathtub adapter 132. It returns to the bathtub 130 via. When the temperature detected by the thermistor 32a in the circulation return becomes equal to or higher than the set temperature, the controller 150 stores the temperature detected by the thermistor 32a in the circulation return as the temperature after heating, and then the bathtub circulation pump 34 is stopped, and the heating of water by the second heat source device 14 is finished. Then, the control device 150 calculates the residual water amount of the bathtub 130 from the temperature rise range obtained by subtracting the pre-heating temperature from the temperature after heating and the accumulated heating amount in the second heat source device 14 at S6. yields

[0045] In S8, the controller 150 updates the set quantity in the hot water filling operation by subtracting the remaining water amount of the bathtub 130 determined in S6 from the set quantity in the hot water filling operation.

[0046] In S10, the control device 150 opens the hot water filling valve 26 and starts heating by the first heat source device 12. As a result, as shown in FIG. 4 , the water adjusted to the set temperature flows from the tap furnace 18 through the pouring furnace 24 to the circulation return path 32 . The water introduced into the circulation return passage 32 is branched into a flow toward the upstream side (ie, the heat source return passage 60) and a flow toward the downstream side (ie, the second heat source device 14). The water flowing from the circulation return passage 32 to the heat source return passage 60 passes through the communication passage 66, the first three-way valve 80, the first bathtub water passage 62, and the bathtub adapter 132 to the bathtub ( 130). The water flowing from the circulation return path 32 to the second heat source device 14 flows through the circulation path 30, the heat source path 68, the second three-way valve 82, the second bathtub water line 70, and the bathtub. It flows into the bathtub 130 via the adapter 132 .

[0047] In S12, the controller 150 waits until the integrated quantity detected by the quantity sensor 28 reaches the set quantity in the hot water filling operation. Incidentally, the integrated water quantity referred to here is the sum of the integrated water quantity detected by the water quantity sensor 28 in the air bleeding process of S2 and the integrated water quantity after starting to fill the bathtub 130 with hot water in S10. When the accumulated quantity reaches the set quantity (if YES), the process proceeds to S14.

[0048] In S14, the control device 150 closes the hot water filling valve 26 and ends the heating of water by the first heat source device 12.

[0049] In S16, the controller 150 drives the bathtub circulation pump 34 to obtain the temperature detected by the thermistor 32a as the bathtub water temperature by returning the circulation. Then, the control device 150 determines whether or not the temperature of the water in the bathtub is equal to or higher than the set temperature. If the bath water temperature does not reach the set temperature (NO), the process proceeds to S18. If the bathtub water temperature is equal to or higher than the set temperature (YES), the process proceeds to S20.

[0050] In S18, the controller 150 executes a process of heating the water in the bathtub 130. Specifically, the controller 150 starts heating the water by the second heat source device 14 while driving the bathtub circulation pump 34 . As a result, as shown in FIG. 5 , water in the bathtub 130 flows through the bathtub adapter 132, the first bathtub water passage 62, the first three-way valve 80, the communication passage 66, and the heat source return passage 60. , is sent to the second heat source device 14 via the circulation return path 32. The water heated by the second heat source device 14 passes through the circulation path 30, the heat source path 68, the second three-way valve 82, the second bathtub water line 70, and the bathtub adapter 132. It returns to the bathtub 130 via. When the temperature detected by the thermistor 32a becomes equal to or higher than the set temperature by returning the circulation, the controller 150 stops the bathtub circulation pump 34 and ends the water heating by the second heat source device 14.

[0051] In S20, the control device 150 notifies the user through the remote control 154 that the hot water filling operation is completed. After S20, the process of Fig. 3 ends.

[0052] (Microbubble generation operation)

The micro-bubble generation operation is initiated when the user instructs the remote controller 154 to start the micro-bubble generation operation. In addition, in the hot water apparatus 2 of this embodiment, after the hot water filling operation described above is completed, the micro-bubble generation operation is automatically started. That is, the micro-bubble generation operation is executed in conjunction with the execution of the hot water filling operation. When the micro-bubble generation operation is started, the controller 150 puts the first three-way valve 80 and the second three-way valve 82 into a third communication state and a fifth communication state, respectively (FIGS. 4 and 5). Reference). In this state, the controller 150 executes the processing shown in FIG.

[0053] In S32, the control device 150 executes the cold water relaxation process. Specifically, the controller 150 drives the bathtub circulation pump 34 when the temperature detected by the thermistor 30a in the circulation path or thermistor 32a in the circulation return path is equal to or less than a predetermined temperature, and the second heat source device. Start heating the water by (14). When low-temperature water remains inside the circulation path 30 or the circulation return path 32 by this cold water relaxation treatment, as shown in FIG. 5, the low-temperature water is the heat source path 68 ), the second three-way valve 82, and the second bathtub water line 70, and flows into the bathtub adapter 132, and is introduced into the bathtub 130 from the second discharge port 134d of the lower surface 132b of the bathtub adapter 132. ) is released. For this reason, even if the user is taking a bath in the bathtub 130, it is possible to suppress the discharge of low-temperature water directly toward the user's body. When a predetermined time elapses from the start of the cold water relaxation process, the controller 150 stops the bathtub circulation pump 34, ends the water heating by the second heat source device 14, and ends the cold water relaxation process.

[0054] In S34, the controller 150 drives the tank circulation pump 94. Accordingly, circulation of water between the tank 52, the tank suction path 92 and the tank connection path 76 starts. Further, when the tank circulation pump 94 is driven in S34, the controller 150 controls the tank circulation pump 94 so that the rotation speed of the tank circulation pump 94 becomes a predetermined second rotation speed. The second rotational speed is a rotational speed lower than the first rotational speed described later, and is, for example, 80% of the first rotational speed.

[0055] In S36, the controller 150 opens the gas introduction valve 106. In this way, air is introduced into the water flowing through the gas introduction mechanism 96 of the tank suction passage 92 .

[0056] In S38, the control device 150 controls the tank circulation pump 94 so that the rotational speed of the tank circulation pump 94 becomes a predetermined first rotational speed.

[0057] In S40, the control device 150 starts the supply of air dissolved water from the tank 52 to the bathtub 130. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7 , the control device 150 sets the first three-way valve 80 to a first communication state and the second three-way valve 82 to a fourth communication state, and then the bathtub circulates. The pump 34, the first pressure pump 88, and the second pressure pump 90 are driven. Accordingly, the water in the bathtub 130 flows through the bathtub adapter 132, the second bathtub water line 70, the second three-way valve 82, the communication passage 66, the heat source return passage 60, and the circulation return passage 32. ), the second heat source machine 14, the circulation path 30, the heat source path 68, the tank return path 74, and the tank connection path 76 via the tank 52 is supplied. At this time, water pressurized by the first pressure pump 88 and the second pressure pump 90 is supplied to the tank 52 . In this way, the air is pressurized and dissolved in the water inside the tank 52 . Then, the water in which the air is dissolved under pressure is supplied from the tank 52 to the bathtub 130 through the tank passage 64, the first three-way valve 80, the first bathtub water line 62, and the bathtub adapter 132. do. At this time, when the water in which the air is dissolved under pressure passes through the fine bubble generating nozzle 142 of the first discharge passage 136a of the bathtub adapter 132, the pressure is reduced to below atmospheric pressure, and when it is ejected into the bathtub 130 As the atmospheric pressure increases, microbubbles are generated in the water in the bathtub 130.

[0058] In S42, the controller 150 determines whether the water level in the tank 52 is below the lower limit water level based on the detection signal from the low water level electrode 52a. In the present embodiment, in the gas introduction mechanism 96, the amount of air introduced when the gas introduction valve 106 is open is greater than the amount of air in fine bubbles generated in the water in the bathtub 130. For this reason, in the state where the gas introduction valve 106 is opened, the amount of air in the tank 52 increases, and the water level in the tank 52 goes down. If the water level in the tank 52 is below the lower limit water level (YES), the process proceeds to S44. If the water level in the tank 52 is equal to or higher than the lower limit water level (NO), the process proceeds to S48.

[0059] In S44, the controller 150 controls the tank circulation pump 94 so that the rotation speed of the tank circulation pump 94 becomes the second rotation speed.

[0060] In S46, the controller 150 closes the gas introduction valve 106. Accordingly, introduction of air to water flowing through the gas introduction mechanism 96 of the tank suction path 92 is stopped. Further, in this embodiment, even while the gas introduction valve 106 is closed, the driving of the tank circulation pump 94 continues as it is. Accordingly, the flow of water in the tank 52 is promoted, and the pressure dissolution of the air into the water in the tank 52 is promoted.

[0061] In S48, the controller 150 determines whether or not the water level in the tank 52 is equal to or higher than the upper limit water level based on the detection signal from the high level electrode 52b. Since air is not supplied to the tank 52 when the gas introduction valve 106 is closed, the amount of air in the tank 52 decreases and the water level in the tank 52 rises. If the water level in the tank 52 is equal to or higher than the upper limit water level (YES), the process proceeds to S50. If the water level in the tank 52 is below the upper limit water level (NO), the process proceeds to S54.

[0062] In S50, the controller 150 opens the gas introduction valve 106. Thereby, introduction of air to the water flowing through the gas introduction mechanism 96 of the tank suction path 92 is resumed.

[0063] In S52, the controller 150 controls the tank circulation pump 94 so that the rotation speed of the tank circulation pump 94 becomes the first rotation speed.

[0064] In S54, the control device 150 determines whether the operation time of the micro-bubble generation operation has reached a set time. Here, the operating time of the micro-bubble generating operation is the elapsed time from the start of the micro-bubble generating operation. In the hot water apparatus 2 of the present embodiment, when the micro-bubble generating operation is executed alone without interlocking with the execution of the hot water filling operation, the set time is set to, for example, 10 minutes. Contrary to this, when the micro-bubble generation operation is executed in conjunction with the execution of the hot water filling operation, the set time is set to, for example, 30 minutes. If the operation time has not reached the set time (NO), the processing returns to S42. When the driving time reaches the set time (if YES), the processing proceeds to S56.

[0065] In S56, the controller 150 stops the bathtub circulation pump 34, the first pressurization pump 88, and the second pressurization pump 90, so that air from the tank 52 to the bathtub 130 The supply of dissolved water is terminated.

[0066] In S58, the controller 150 closes the gas introduction valve 106 when the gas introduction valve 106 is open. In this way, introduction of air into the water flowing through the gas introducing mechanism 96 of the tank suction path 92 is completed.

[0067] In S60, the controller 150 executes the tank cleaning process. Specifically, the control device 150 opens the hot water filling valve 26 and starts heating the water by the first heat source device 12 . As a result, as shown in FIG. 8 , the water adjusted to the set temperature flows from the tap furnace 18 through the pour furnace 24 to the circulation return path 32 . The water flowing into the circulation return passage 32 is branched into a flow toward the upstream side (ie, the heat source return passage 60) and a flow toward the downstream side (ie, the second heat source device 14). Water flowing from the circulation return passage 32 to the heat source return passage 60 passes through the communication passage 66, the second three-way valve 82, the second bathtub water passage 70, and the bathtub adapter 132 to the bathtub ( 130). In addition, the water flowing from the circulation return path 32 to the second heat source device 14 flows through the circulation path 30, the heat source path 68, the tank return path 74, the tank connection path 76, and the tank. 52, the tank progress path 64, the first three-way valve 80, the first bathtub water line 62, and the bathtub adapter 132, and flows into the bathtub 130. In this way, the inside of the tank 52, the tank suction path 92, and the tank connection path 76 are cleaned.

[0068] In S62, the controller 150 stops the tank circulation pump 94. Thus, the circulation of water between the tank 52, the tank suction path 92 and the tank connection path 76 is terminated. After S62, the process of Fig. 6 ends.

[0069] (heating operation)

The warming operation is started when the user instructs the start of the warming operation with the remote controller 154 . When the warming operation starts, the control device 150 puts the first three-way valve 80 into a third communication state and also puts the second three-way valve 82 into a fifth communication state (see Figs. 4 and 5). ). In this state, the controller 150 drives the bathtub circulation pump 34 and starts heating water by the second heat source device 14. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 5 , the water in the bathtub 130 flows through the bathtub adapter 132, the first bathtub water passage 62, the first three-way valve 80, the communication passage 66, and the heat source return passage 60. ), and is sent to the second heat source device 14 via the circulation return path 32. The water heated by the second heat source device 14 passes through the circulation path 30, the heat source path 68, the second three-way valve 82, the second bathtub water line 70, and the bathtub adapter 132. and returns to the bathtub 130. When the temperature detected by the thermistor 32a becomes equal to or higher than the set temperature by returning the circulation, the controller 150 stops the bathtub circulation pump 34 and ends the water heating by the second heat source device 14. After that, the control device 150 notifies the user through the remote controller 154 that the warming operation is completed, and ends the warming operation.

[0070] (modified example)

In the hot water apparatus 2, when executing the fine-bubble generation operation, the controller 150 may execute the process shown in FIG. 9 instead of the process shown in FIG. 6. In the following, the processing shown in FIG. 9 will be described in terms of differences from the processing shown in FIG. 6 .

[0071] In the process shown in Fig. 9, if NO after S40 and at S54, the process proceeds to S64. In S64, the controller 150 waits until the elapsed time from opening the gas introduction valve 106 in S36 or S50 reaches the first predetermined time. The first predetermined time is an assumed time from when the gas introduction valve 106 is opened until the water level in the tank 52 drops from the upper limit water level to the lower limit water level, and is shorter than the set time in S54. It's time. If the elapsed time from opening the gas introduction valve 106 reaches the first predetermined time (if YES), the process proceeds to S44.

[0072] In the process shown in Fig. 9, the process after S46 proceeds to S66. In S66, the controller 150 waits until the elapsed time after closing the gas introduction valve 106 in S46 reaches the second predetermined time. The second predetermined time is an assumed time until the water level in the tank 52 rises from the lower limit water level to the upper limit water level in the state where the gas introduction valve 106 is closed, and is shorter than the set time in S54. When the elapsed time from closing the gas introduction valve 106 reaches the second predetermined time (if YES), the process proceeds to S50.

[0073] According to the processing shown in FIG. 9, opening and closing of the gas introduction valve 106 can be switched without using a detection signal from the low water level electrode 52a or the high water level electrode 52b.

[0074] (other modifications)

In the hot water device 2, in the micro-bubble generation operation executed in conjunction with the execution of the hot water filling operation, the cold water relaxation process S32 in FIGS. 6 and 9 may be omitted.

[0075] In the hot water device 2, the tank cleaning process of S60 in FIGS. 6 and 9 may be omitted.

[0076] In the hot water device 2, in the operation time determination process of S54 of FIGS. 6 and 9, even when the operation time reaches the set time, fine bubbles are generated by the user through the remote controller 154. Until the end of the operation is instructed, it is possible to return to S42 or S64 without proceeding to S56 and continue the fine bubble generation operation.

[0077] In the hot water device 2, when the micro-bubble generating operation is executed in conjunction with the execution of the hot water filling operation, the notification (notice) of the completion of the hot water filling operation in S20 of FIG. 3 is given at the end of the hot water filling operation. It may be carried out during execution of the fine-bubble generation operation without doing this. More specifically, after the operating time of the micro-bubble generating operation reaches a predetermined notification time (for example, 2 minutes) capable of generating enough micro-bubbles in the water in the bathtub 130, the hot water filling end notification may be performed. . With this configuration, the timing for the user to enter the bathroom can be delayed, and it is possible to suppress the user from entering the bathroom before sufficiently generating fine bubbles in the water in the bathtub 130.

[0078] In the hot water device 2, the user may be able to switch through the remote controller 154 whether to execute the fine bubble generation operation in conjunction with the execution of the hot water filling operation.

[0079] In the hot water device 2, air is introduced into the tank 52, but instead of air, gases such as carbon dioxide, hydrogen, and oxygen may be introduced into the tank 52. In this case, what is necessary is just to have a structure which connects the gas filling tank (not shown) filled with gas to the gas introduction port 104a of the gas introduction path 104.

[0080] In the hot water device 2, in the hot water filling operation, the tub 130 is filled with a set amount of water based on the accumulated amount of water detected by the water quantity sensor 28. Unlike this, the hot water device 2 has, for example, installed a water level sensor capable of detecting the water level of the bathtub 130, and based on the water level of the bathtub 130 detected by the water level sensor in the hot water filling operation, the bathtub ( 130) may be configured to fill the set level of water.

[0081] In the hot water device 2, the heat source unit 10 is connected to the faucet 250, and the air pressure melting unit 50 is connected to the bathtub 130. Alternatively, the heat source unit 10 may be connected to another heat utilization location, or the air pressure melting unit 50 may be connected to another liquid tank.

[0082] In the hot water device 2, the flow of water from the upstream side of the tank suction path 92 to the downstream side of the tank suction path 92 downstream of the tank circulation pump 94 is allowed, and the tank You may provide a check valve (not shown) which prohibits the flow of water from the downstream side of the suction path 92 to the upstream side. Even if the tank circulation pump 94 is stopped while the first pressure pump 88 and the second pressure pump 90 are driven by installing a check valve in the tank suction path 92, the first pressure pump 88 ), it is possible to suppress the reverse flow of the water discharged from the tank return path 74 by the second pressure pump 90 through the tank suction path 92.

[0083] In the hot water device 2, the gas introduction mechanism 96 is disposed upstream of the tank circulation pump 94 in the tank suction path 92. Alternatively, in the tank suction passage 92 , the gas introduction mechanism 96 may be disposed downstream of the tank circulation pump 94 .

[0084] In the hot water device 2, the downstream end of the tank return passage 74 and the downstream end of the tank suction passage 92 are connected to the tank 52 via a common tank connection passage 76. Unlike this, as shown in FIG. 10, the air pressure melting unit 50 does not have a tank connection path 76, and the downstream end of the tank return path 74 (hereinafter also referred to as an inlet 74a) and , The downstream end of the tank suction path 92 (hereinafter, also referred to as an inlet 92b) may be configured to be connected to the tank 52 separately. In this case, water flowing through the tank return path 74 flows into the tank 52 through the inlet 74a, and water flowing through the tank suction path 92 flows into the tank 52 through the inlet 92b. .

[0085] As described above, in one or more embodiments, the hot water device 2 (example of a micro-bubble generating device) includes a tank 52 for pressurizing and dissolving air (example of gas) in water (example of liquid). ), a tank return path 74 for supplying water to the tank 52, a tank connection path 76 (example of a tank supply path), a first pressure pump 88 installed in the tank return path 74, The second pressure pump 90 (example of pressure pump), the tank path 64 for discharging water in which air is pressurized and dissolved from the tank 52 to the bathtub 130 (example of liquid tank), the first bathtub waterway ( 62), a bathtub adapter 132 (an example of a tank discharge path), and a micro-bubble generating nozzle 142 installed in the bathtub adapter 132 and generating micro-bubbles by decompressing the water in which air is pressurized and dissolved; An inlet 76a connected to the tank 52 from an outlet 92a connected to the tank 52 and provided separately from the tank progress path 64, the first bathtub waterway 62, and the bathtub adapter 132 The tank suction path 92 for sending water to the tank, the tank connection path 76 (example of tank circulation path), the tank circulation pump 94 installed in the tank suction path 92, and the gas installed in the tank suction path 92 An introduction mechanism 96 and a control device 150 are provided. The gas introduction mechanism 96 includes a venturi tube 102 (example of a pressure reducing unit) through which water is reduced and passed therethrough, a gas inlet 104a through which air is introduced by the negative pressure of water in the venturi tube 102, and A gas introduction valve 106 is provided to open and close the gas introduction port 104a. The control device 150 drives the first pressure pump 88 and the second pressure pump 90 to pressurize and supply water from the tank return path 74 and the tank connection path 76 to the tank 52. At the same time, a micro-bubble generation operation is executed in which water in which air is dissolved under pressure is supplied from the tank 52 to the bathtub 130 through the tank passage 64, the first bathtub water passage 62, and the bathtub adapter 132. can The controller 150 pumps water from the tank 52 through the tank suction passage 92 and the tank connection passage ( 76), and in a state where the gas introduction valve 106 is closed, water in the tank 52 is pumped through the tank suction passage 92 and the tank connection passage 76 by the tank circulation pump 94. ), the second tank circulation operation can be performed. The controller 150 drives the tank circulation pump 94 at a first rotational speed in the first tank circulation operation, and drives the tank circulation pump 94 at a rotational speed higher than the first rotational speed in the second tank circulation operation. It is configured to drive at a low second rotational speed.

[0086] In the hot water device 2, by performing the first tank circulation operation even during the execution of the micro-bubble generation operation, air is introduced from the gas introducing mechanism 96 and air can be supplied to the tank 52. there is. For this reason, it is not necessary to interrupt the micro-bubble generating operation to supply air to the tank 52, and the micro-bubble generating operation can be continuously executed. With this configuration, fine bubbles can be continuously and stably generated in the water in the bathtub 130 .

[0087] Further, in the hot water device 2, when the first tank circulation operation or the second tank circulation operation is executed during execution of the microbubble generation operation, the flow of water in the tank 52 increases. In the pressurized dissolving type tank 52, as the flow of water in the tank 52 increases, pressurized dissolution of air into the water in the tank 52 is promoted. According to the configuration described above, by executing the first tank circulation operation or the second tank circulation operation during execution of the microbubble generation operation, the water in the tank 52 is caused to flow vigorously and air is pressurized against the water in the tank 52. Dissolution can be further accelerated.

[0088] In the first tank circulation operation, since air is introduced into the venturi tube 102 of the gas introduction mechanism 96, the negative pressure of the water in the venturi tube 102 is reduced by mixing air with the water. However, since air is not introduced into the venturi tube 102 of the gas introducing mechanism 96 in the second tank circulation operation, the negative pressure of water in the venturi tube 102 is not relieved. For this reason, if the rotation speed of the tank circulation pump 94 is made the same in the first tank circulation operation and the second tank circulation operation, the speed of the gas introduction mechanism 96 in the second tank circulation operation is higher than in the first tank circulation operation. The water pressure in the venturi tube 102 is lowered. If the water pressure in the venturi tube 102 of the gas introducing mechanism 96 is too low, cavitation may occur in the venturi tube 102 and noise may occur. According to the above configuration, the rotation speed of the tank circulation pump 94 in the second tank circulation operation is lower than the rotation speed of the tank circulation pump 94 in the first tank circulation operation, so that in the second tank circulation operation , it is possible to prevent the water pressure in the venturi tube 102 of the gas introducing mechanism 96 from being too low. Accordingly, in the second tank circulation operation, the occurrence of cavitation in the Venturi tube 102 of the gas introduction mechanism 96 can be suppressed, and the occurrence of noise can be suppressed.

[0089] In addition, when the first tank circulation operation is executed during execution of the micro-bubble generating operation, when the flow rate of water flowing through the venturi tube 102 of the gas introduction mechanism 96 increases, the venturi tube 102 The pressure of the water in is lowered, and more air can be introduced from the gas introducing mechanism 96. According to the above configuration, the rotation speed of the tank circulation pump 94 in the first tank circulation operation is higher than the rotation speed of the tank circulation pump 94 in the second tank circulation operation, in the first tank circulation operation. More air can be introduced by the gas introduction mechanism 96.

[0090] In one or more embodiments, the gas introduction mechanism 96 is disposed upstream of the tank circulation pump 94 in the tank suction path 92.

[0091] In the first tank circulation operation, when the gas introduction mechanism 96 is disposed upstream of the tank circulation pump 94 in the tank suction path 92, the air introduced by the gas introduction mechanism 96 is mixed with water and flows into the tank circulation pump (94). For this reason, compared to the case where the gas introduction mechanism 96 is arranged on the downstream side of the tank circulation pump 94 in the tank suction path 92, the efficiency of the tank circulation pump 94 is lowered, and the gas introduction mechanism ( The flow rate of water flowing through the venturi tube 102 of 96 is reduced. In contrast, in the second tank circulation operation, even when the gas introduction mechanism 96 is disposed upstream of the tank circulation pump 94 in the tank suction passage 92, air is supplied from the gas introduction mechanism 96. Since it is not introduced, the efficiency of the tank circulation pump 94 does not decrease compared to the case where the gas introduction mechanism 96 is disposed on the downstream side of the tank circulation pump 94 in the tank suction path 92, The flow rate of water flowing through the venturi tube 102 of the gas introduction mechanism 96 does not decrease. For this reason, if the number of revolutions of the tank circulation pump 94 is made the same in the first tank circulation operation and the second tank circulation operation, the gas introduction mechanism 96 is reduced in the second tank circulation operation compared to the first tank circulation operation. The flow rate of water flowing through the venturi tube 102 of the gas introduction mechanism 96 becomes larger, and the pressure of water in the venturi tube 102 of the gas introduction mechanism 96 becomes lower. Accordingly, cavitation is more likely to occur in the venturi tube 102 of the gas introduction mechanism 96, and noise is more likely to occur. According to the above configuration, the rotation speed of the tank circulation pump 94 in the second tank circulation operation is lower than the rotation speed of the tank circulation pump 94 in the first tank circulation operation, so that in the second tank circulation operation , it is possible to suppress the occurrence of noise by suppressing the occurrence of cavitation in the venturi tube 102.

[0092] Further, when the gas introduction mechanism 96 is disposed upstream of the tank circulation pump 94 in the tank suction passage 92, the suction pressure of the tank circulation pump 94 is increased by the gas introduction mechanism 96 ), compared to the case where the gas introduction mechanism 96 is arranged on the downstream side of the tank circulation pump 94 in the tank suction path 92, the venturi tube 102 The pressure of the water in is lower. For this reason, in the first tank circulation operation, the amount of air introduced from the gas introduction mechanism 96 can be increased. Further, according to the above configuration, in the first tank circulation operation, when the air introduced from the gas introducing mechanism 96 and the water flowing through the tank suction path 92 pass through the tank circulation pump 94, the tank circulation pump Since agitation is performed by the impeller of (94), dissolution of air into water can be further promoted.

[0093] In one or more embodiments, the hot water device 2 has a low water level electrode capable of detecting whether the water level (example of liquid level) in the tank 52 is equal to or greater than the lower limit water level (example of first liquid level). (52a, example of the first liquid level electrode) and a high level electrode (52b, example of the second liquid level electrode) capable of detecting whether or not the water level in the tank 52 is higher than the upper limit level (example of the second liquid level) than the lower limit level Yes) is provided. The water level at the site where the outlet 92a to the tank suction path 92 is connected to the tank 52 is lower than the lower limit water level. The controller 150 terminates the first tank circulation operation when it is detected that the water level in the tank 52 is lower than the lower limit water level while the microbubble generating operation is being executed and the first tank circulation operation is being executed. When the second tank circulation operation is started, the micro-bubble generating operation is executed, and it is detected that the water level in the tank 52 is higher than the upper limit water level during the execution of the second tank circulation operation, the second tank circulation operation is performed. end and start the first tank circulation operation.

[0094] When the amount of air consumed from the tank 52 is smaller than the amount of air introduced from the gas introducing mechanism 96 during execution of the microbubble generating operation, the water level in the tank 52 goes down, When the amount of air consumed from the tank 52 is greater than the amount of air introduced from the gas introducing mechanism 96, the water level in the tank 52 rises. On the other hand, when the first tank circulation operation is performed while the tank circulation pump 94 is driven, air is introduced from the gas introduction mechanism 96, and when the second tank circulation operation is performed, the gas introduction mechanism 96 air will not be introduced. According to the above configuration, the control device 150 selectively executes either the first tank circulation operation or the second tank circulation operation according to the water level of the tank 52, so that the amount of air consumed from the tank 52 and the gas The amount of air introduced by the introduction mechanism 96 can be balanced.

[0095] In one or more embodiments, the gas inlet valve 106 is configured to be forced by negative pressure of water in the venturi tube 102 in the direction of closing the gas inlet valve 106. When the first tank circulation operation is ended and the second tank circulation operation is started, the controller 150 increases the number of revolutions of the tank circulation pump 94 to the first rotation while continuing to drive the tank circulation pump 94. to the second rotational speed, after which the gas introduction valve 106 is closed.

[0096] In the above configuration, the negative pressure of water in the venturi tube 102 acts on the gas introduction valve 106 in the direction of closing the gas introduction valve 106. For this reason, when the gas introduction valve 106 is switched from an open state to a closed state in a state where the water pressure in the venturi pipe 102 is low, the valve body of the gas introduction valve 106 strongly collides with the valve seat, There is a possibility of generating noise or damaging the gas introduction valve 106. In the above configuration, the controller 150 reduces the rotational speed of the tank circulation pump 94 when the first tank circulation operation ends and the second tank circulation operation starts, so that the water in the venturi tube 102 is reduced. After increasing the pressure, the gas introduction valve 106 is switched from an open state to a closed state. Accordingly, it is possible to suppress generation of noise and damage to the gas introduction valve 106 due to strong collision of the valve body of the gas introduction valve 106 with the valve seat.

[0097] In one or more embodiments, the gas inlet valve 106 is configured to be forced in the direction of closing the gas inlet valve 106 by negative pressure of water in the venturi tube 102. When the second tank circulation operation is ended and the first tank circulation operation is started, the controller 150 opens the gas introduction valve 106 while continuing to drive the tank circulation pump 94, and thereafter opens the tank circulation pump. (94) is configured to increase the rotational speed from the second rotational speed to the first rotational speed.

[0098] In the above configuration, the negative pressure of water in the venturi tube 102 acts on the gas introduction valve 106 in the direction of closing the gas introduction valve 106. For this reason, when trying to switch the gas introduction valve 106 from a closed state to an open state in a state where the water pressure in the venturi tube 102 is low, there is a risk that the gas introduction valve 106 may not operate smoothly. . In the above configuration, when the second tank circulation operation ends and the first tank circulation operation starts, the controller 150 switches the gas introduction valve 106 from the closed state to the open state, and then the tank circulation pump 94 ) is increased to reduce the water pressure in the venturi tube (102). Accordingly, the gas introduction valve 106 can be operated smoothly.

[0099] In the above, each embodiment has been described in detail, but these are only examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims. The technology described in the claims includes various modifications and changes of the specific examples exemplified above. The technical elements described in this specification or drawings exhibit technical usefulness alone or in various combinations, and are not limited to the combinations described in the claims at the time of application. In addition, the technology exemplified in this specification or drawings can simultaneously achieve a plurality of objects, and has technical usefulness in itself by achieving one of the objects.

2: hot water device
10: heat source unit
12: first heat source
14: second heat source
16: Waterway
18: Departure route
18a: tapping temperature thermistor
20: Bypass Road
22: bypass servo
24: Jutang Road
26: hot water fill valve
28: water quantity sensor
30: circular path
30a: thermistor with circular progression
32: return to circulation
32a: thermistor with return to circulation
34: bathtub circulation pump
36: water flow switch
50: air pressure melting unit
52: tank
52a: low level electrode
52b: high level electrode
52c: ground electrode
60: to heat source return
62: first bathtub waterway
64: tank progress
66: communication path
68: heat source path
70: second bathtub waterway
74: tank return
74a: inlet
76: tank junction
76a: inlet
80: first three-way valve
82: second three-way valve
84: check valve
86: tank water supply valve
88: first pressure pump
90: second pressure pump
92: tank suction path
92a: outlet
92b: inlet
94: tank circulation pump
96 gas introduction mechanism
98: inlet pipe
100: outlet pipe
102 Venturi tube
104: gas introduction path
104a: gas inlet
106: gas introduction valve
130: bathtub
130a: wall part
132: bathtub adapter
132a: front
132b: lower surface
134a: first discharge port
134b: first inlet
134c: second inlet
134d: second discharge port
136: first waterway
136a: first discharge path
136b: first suction path
138: second waterway
138a: second discharge path
138b: second suction passage
140a: backflow prevention unit
140b: backflow prevention unit
140c: backflow prevention unit
140d: backflow prevention unit
142: fine bubble generating nozzle
150: control device
152: memory
154: remote control
200: water source
250: faucet

Claims (6)

A tank for dissolving a gas in a liquid under pressure;
a tank supply passage for supplying the liquid to the tank;
A pressure pump installed in the tank supply passage;
a tank discharge path for discharging the liquid in which the gas is dissolved under pressure from the tank to a liquid tank;
a micro-bubble generating nozzle installed in the tank discharge passage and generating micro-bubbles by depressurizing the liquid in which the gas is dissolved under pressure;
a tank circulation path provided separately from the tank discharge path and sending the liquid from an outlet connected to the tank to an inlet connected to the tank;
a tank circulation pump installed in the tank circulation passage;
a gas introduction mechanism installed in the tank circulation path;
It is equipped with a control device,
The gas introduction mechanism,
A decompression unit for depressurizing and passing the liquid;
a gas inlet for introducing the gas by negative pressure of the liquid in the pressure reducing unit;
Equipped with a gas introduction valve that opens and closes the gas introduction port,
The control device drives the pressure pump to pressurize and supply the liquid from the tank supply passage to the tank, and at the same time supply the liquid in which the gas is pressurized and dissolved from the tank to the liquid tank through the tank discharge passage. It is possible to perform a fine bubble generating operation,
The control device may include: a first tank circulation operation in which the liquid in the tank is circulated in the tank circulation path by the tank circulation pump in a state where the gas introduction valve is opened during execution of the micro-bubble generating operation; With the introduction valve closed, a second tank circulation operation can be executed in which the liquid in the tank is circulated in the tank circulation path by the tank circulation pump;
The controller drives the tank circulation pump at a first rotational speed in the first tank circulation operation, and drives the tank circulation pump at a second rotational speed lower than the first rotational speed in the second tank circulation operation. It is configured to be driven by rotational speed,
Microbubble generator. According to claim 1,
The gas introduction mechanism is disposed upstream of the tank circulation pump in the tank circulation path,
Microbubble generator. According to claim 1 or 2,
a first liquid level electrode capable of detecting whether the liquid level in the tank is equal to or greater than a first liquid level;
Further comprising a second liquid level electrode capable of detecting whether the liquid level in the tank is equal to or higher than a second liquid level higher than the first liquid level,
A liquid level at a portion where the outlet to the tank circulation path is connected to the tank is lower than the first liquid level;
The control device,
When it is detected that the liquid level in the tank is lower than the first liquid level while the micro-bubble generating operation is being executed and the first tank circulation operation is being executed, the first tank circulation operation is terminated and the second tank circulation operation is being executed. Start tank circulation operation,
When it is detected that the liquid level in the tank is higher than the second liquid level while the micro-bubble generation operation is being executed and the second tank circulation operation is being executed, the second tank circulation operation is terminated and the first tank circulation operation is executed. configured to start the tank circulation operation,
Microbubble generator. According to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The gas introduction valve is configured to receive a force in the direction of closing the gas introduction valve by the negative pressure of the liquid in the pressure reducing unit,
When the first tank circulation operation ends and the second tank circulation operation starts, the control device sets the rotation speed of the tank circulation pump from the first rotation speed to the first rotation speed while continuing to drive the tank circulation pump. configured to reduce the number of revolutions to 2 and then close the gas introduction valve,
Microbubble generator. According to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The gas introduction valve is configured to receive a force in the direction of closing the gas introduction valve by the negative pressure of the liquid in the pressure reducing unit,
When the second tank circulation operation ends and the first tank circulation operation starts, the controller opens the gas introduction valve while continuing to drive the tank circulation pump, and thereafter rotates the tank circulation pump at a rotational speed of the tank circulation pump. configured to increase from the second rotational speed to the first rotational speed,
Microbubble generator. According to any one of claims 1 to 5,
the liquid is water,
The liquid tank is a bathtub used by the user for bathing,
Microbubble generator.

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