JP2010155210A - Device for generating microbubbles - Google Patents

Abstract

Provided is a fine bubble generator that can easily supply expiratory water and start a pump while having a relatively simple configuration, and is easy to handle and excellent in workability for a user.
A fine bubble generating device (1) that takes in water and air to generate and discharge fine bubble-containing water containing fine bubbles. The suction nozzle (7) that is placed in the bathtub (6) and sucks the water in the water tank (6), the air introduction part (31) having the intake port (38), and the air taken in from the air introduction part (31) And a main body (70) for generating and discharging water containing fine bubbles using water taken from the suction nozzle (7). The main body (70) is provided with a pressure pump (4) that pressurizes and feeds water mixed with air, and is supplied to the pressure pump (4) such as a manual pumping member (72). Expiratory water supply means for supplying water is provided in the water supply path (71).
[Selection] Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a fine bubble generating device, and more particularly to a mechanism for starting the device.

Conventionally, several devices of this type have been proposed (Patent Document 1, etc.). For example, this device mixes water and air to form air-mixed water, pressurizes the air-mixed water with a pump to dissolve air in the water, and discharges the air-dissolved water immersed in a bath at once. A large amount of fine bubbles are formed in the bathtub by discharging from the nozzle. As described above, when the action of fine bubbles is received during bathing, a warm bath effect and the like are obtained, so that bathing can be enjoyed more relaxedly.
JP-A-5-68700

  By the way, in this type of apparatus, in general, a non-self-priming pump that requires expiratory water (water for filling a pump chamber or the like in which an impeller is accommodated) at the time of starting is often used. Therefore, at the time of starting, water is directly poured into the pump using a hose or the like, or the water supply pipe is directly connected to the water supply pipe, but the water is not easy to work and is troublesome for the user. It was.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and the object of the present invention is to make it easy to handle the user by supplying exhalation water and starting the pump easily with a relatively simple configuration. It is another object of the present invention to provide a fine bubble generator excellent in workability.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a microbubble generator (1) that takes in water and air and generates and discharges microbubble-containing water containing microbubbles. 6) an intake nozzle (7) that is disposed in the water tank (6) and has an intake port (38) that takes in air from the outside, and the air introduction unit (31). A main body (70) that generates and discharges the water containing fine bubbles using the air taken in from the water and the water taken in from the suction nozzle (7), and the main body (70) A pressurizing pump (4) that pressurizes and feeds water mixed with air is provided, and the pressurizing pump is provided in the water feeding path (71) between the suction nozzle (7) and the pressurizing pump (4). (4) An expiratory water supply means for supplying expiratory water is provided.

  According to such a configuration, since the exhalation supply means for supplying exhalation for starting the pressurization pump (4) is provided in the water supply path (71), a separate pipe is attached for the exhalation, or the hose It is possible to supply expiratory water to the pressurizing pump (4) at the start-up without preparing equipment such as, etc., which is excellent in convenience and operability.

  For example, a manual pumping member (72) provided in the suction nozzle (7) can be used as the expiratory water supply means.

  In this case, a relatively simple structure is sufficient, which is advantageous in terms of cost and can be directly operated from within the water tank (6), so that it is more convenient.

  Specifically, the pumping member (72) includes a pump part (72) having a pump chamber (72a) that can be reversibly reduced, and the pump chamber (72a) is positioned on the water tank (6) side. And a discharge port (78) located on the pressure pump (4) side. The suction port (77) is allowed to flow into the pump chamber (72a), and An openable first valve body (77a) that does not allow outflow from the pump chamber (72a) is provided, and the discharge port (78) allows outflow from the pump chamber (72a), and the pump chamber (72a) An openable second valve body (78a) that does not allow inflow to 72a) may be provided.

  By doing so, it is possible to simply supply expiratory water to the pressurizing pump (4) simply by expanding and contracting the pump chamber (72a) of the pumping member (72).

  Further, a starting pump (79) may be used as the expiratory water supply means. Since the pressurization pump (4) can be started automatically, it is even more convenient.

  For example, a centrifugal pump provided in the suction nozzle (7) can be used as the starting pump (79). Water can be supplied simply by immersing the starter pump (79) in water.

  As described above, according to the present invention, although it has a relatively simple configuration, it becomes possible to easily supply exhalation water to the pressurization pump and start it, making it easy for the user to handle and improving workability. An excellent fine bubble generator can be provided.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that the following description of the preferred embodiment is merely illustrative in nature, and is not intended to limit the present invention, its application, or its use.

(First embodiment)
-Configuration of microbubble generator-
FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration of a microbubble generator (1) according to a first embodiment to which the present invention is applied. This micro-bubble generator (1) is attached to a bathtub (6) such as a unit bath for the purpose of a warm bathing effect on the human body, etc. It is set to be installed at the place.

  The microbubble generator (1) includes a circulation channel (30) for circulating water (hot water) in the bathtub (6), and takes air into the water circulating through the circulation channel (30). Generate water containing fine bubbles (also called fine bubble-containing water) and discharge the fine bubble-containing water into the bathtub (6) so that the fine bubbles are continuously formed in the bathtub (6). It is configured.

  Specifically, the fine bubble generator (1) includes a suction nozzle (7), an air introduction part (31), an air mixing part (3), a pressure pump (4), a dissolved water generator (pressure vessel) ) (10), a discharge nozzle (8) and the like. The air mixing unit (3), the pressure pump (4), the dissolved water generator (10), and the discharge nozzle (8) are also collectively referred to as a main body (70).

  Of these, the suction nozzle (7), the air mixing part (3) of the main body part (70), the pressure pump (4), the dissolved water generator (10) and the discharge nozzle (8) are connected to the pipe ( 2) are connected in series in this order, and water in the bathtub (6) taken from the suction nozzle (7) into the fine bubble generator (1) is discharged from the discharge nozzle (8) and circulated repeatedly. A circulation channel (30) is formed.

(Suction nozzle)
The suction nozzle (7) is provided to take in the water in the bathtub (6), and is arranged near the bottom of the bathtub (6) so as to sink into the water stored in the bathtub (6). . The suction nozzle (7) has a suction port (37) that takes in water from the bathtub (6) at its tip, and is connected to one end of a flexible hose, etc. (which constitutes part of the pipe (2)) Thus, the water supply path (71) is configured. The water supply path (71) extends to the dissolved water generator (10) and communicates with the air mixing unit (3), the pressure pump (4), and the dissolved water generator (10).

  The suction nozzle (7) of the present embodiment is provided with expiratory water supply means (72) for supplying expiratory water for starting the pressurizing pump (4), which will be separately described later.

(Air introduction part)
The air introduction part (31) is provided mainly for taking in air from the outside, and has an intake air amount adjustment valve (5c), a check valve (5d), etc., each of which is an intake pipe (5b). It is connected.

  An intake port (38) for taking in air from the outside is open to the atmosphere at the tip of the intake pipe (5b). This intake port (38) captures dust and the like floating in the air. An intake filter (9b) is provided to prevent entry into the apparatus.

  An air intake adjustment valve (open / close valve) (5c) for adjusting (limiting) the flow rate of air introduced into the air mixing section (3) is provided downstream of the air introduction section (31), and air mixing A check valve (5d) for preventing air and water in the section (3) from flowing backward to the upstream side of the suction pipe (5b) is provided in a line in this order from the upstream side, and the suction pipe (5b) The end of is connected to the air mixing section (3).

  The intake air amount adjusting valve (5c) is set so that the intake amount of air per unit time does not exceed a predetermined amount, and can be adjusted as necessary.

(Air mixing part)
The air mixing part (3) is provided for introducing a predetermined amount of air into the water taken in from the bathtub (6) and flows, for example, a Y-shaped or T-shaped branch in appearance. Consists of piping and the like, one end branched into two branches communicates with the suction nozzle (7), and the other end communicates with the air introduction part (31). Then, the water in the bathtub (6) flows from one end thereof, and the air taken in by the air introduction portion (31) flows from the other end so as to be drawn into the water flow, and is approximately at a predetermined rate. Water in which air and water are mixed (also referred to as air-mixed water) is formed and sucked into the pressure pump (4).

(Pressure pump)
The pressure pump (4) is provided to pressurize the air mixture water thus obtained and send it to the dissolved water generator (10), and at the same time circulate the water in the bathtub (6) in the circulation channel (30). It has been. A so-called cascade pump (vortex pump) is used for the pressurizing pump (4) of the present embodiment. For example, the pressurizing pump (4) is pressurized to about 2 to 3 kg / cm 2 (0.2 to 0.3 MPa) with a gauge pressure. Water can be sent. The pressurizing pump (4) is a non-self-priming pump that is commonly used, and requires water (expiratory water) to fill the pump chamber in which the impeller is accommodated at the time of starting. .

(Dissolved water generator)
The dissolved water generator (10) is a substantially sealed pressure vessel that accepts the air-mixed water pressurized by the pressure pump (4) and the air is dissolved at a relatively high concentration in the water. Water (this state of water is also referred to as air-dissolved water) and is a major device in the fine bubble generator (1).

  That is, as shown in FIG. 2, air-mixed water is temporarily stored in the tank (11) in a pressurized state, the gas-liquid is forcibly contacted by bubbling the air-mixed water, It is configured to efficiently generate air-dissolved water by promoting the dissolution of air.

  Specifically, the tank (11) includes a disc-shaped bottom portion (11a), a cylindrical body portion (11b) extending upward from an outer peripheral edge of the bottom portion (11a), and a body portion (11b). And a lid (11c) that closes the upper opening. An inlet (14) is opened at the center of the upper surface of the lid (11c), and an outlet (20) is opened at the lower part of the trunk (11b). The inlet (14) is connected to the inlet pipe (26). ), The outlet (20) communicates with the pipe (2) constituting the circulation channel (30) via the outlet pipe (27).

  The tank (11) is provided with a cylindrical partition wall (13) that extends upward from the bottom (11a) and is formed concentrically with the cylindrical body (11b). The partition wall (13) is formed so that the upper end portion thereof is separated from the lid portion (11c), the dissolution promoting portion (15) that is a space surrounded by the partition wall (13), and the partition wall ( The gas-liquid separation part (19) which is a space between the body part (11) and the body part (11b) communicates with each other via a communication path (18) formed above the partition wall (13). The air mixed water or air-dissolved water in the tank (11) is adjusted so that the liquid level is above the upper end of the partition wall (13).

  Inside the partition wall (13) of the tank (11), a cylindrical guide tube extending downward from the lid (11c) of the tank (11) and formed concentrically with the partition wall (13) (12) is provided, and a guide portion (17) is formed between the guide tube (12) and the partition wall (13). The guide tube (12) is formed such that its lower end is separated from the bottom (11a), and between the guide tube (12) and the bottom (11a), the dissolution promoting portion (15) and the guide portion ( A guide passage (16) communicating with 17) is formed.

  An injection nozzle (28) protruding inward of the tank (11) is connected to the introduction port (14). The injection nozzle (28) is formed in a hollow disk shape, and a plurality of fine-hole injection ports (28a) are formed on the lower surface thereof. Then, the air-mixed water introduced into the injection nozzle (28) from the introduction port (14) is vigorously injected from these injection ports (28a) toward the dissolution promoting portion (15), and the dissolution promoting portion (15) Vigorous bubbles and water flow are formed to promote dissolution of air into the water (bubbling treatment).

  The lid (11c) of the tank (11) is provided with an exhaust valve (40) for discharging excess air remaining in the tank (11).

  That is, the exhaust valve (40) has a casing (41), a spherical float (43) accommodated so as to float on the dissolved air flowing into the casing (41), and a float (43) on one end side. A valve portion (42) connected to the other end of the valve body (42) for opening and closing an exhaust port (45) formed in the casing (41) is provided.

  A cylindrical exhaust pipe (21) communicating with the exhaust valve (40) is provided below the exhaust valve (40), the upper end thereof being connected to the casing (41) of the exhaust valve (40), and the lower end being connected to the tank (11 ) So that it protrudes into contact with the liquid surface of the dissolved air.

  Also, below the exhaust pipe (21), there are four rod-shaped fixing members (24) so that the float (43) does not malfunction due to the influence of the flow of dissolved water in the dissolved water generator (10). ) Is connected to the disk-shaped rectifying plate (25).

  The air dissolved water flows into the exhaust pipe (21) by pressurization, and the liquid level reaches the height in the casing (41) of the exhaust valve (40). And when the excess air does not accumulate so much in the dissolved water generator (10), the float (43) is rising, the valve body (42) is approaching the horizontal state, and the valve portion is the exhaust port (45 ) In close contact (closed position).

  When surplus air increases in the dissolved water generator (10) and the liquid level of the dissolved air in the casing (41) decreases, the float (43) descends (open position). Then, since the valve body (42) is inclined and the valve part is separated from the exhaust port (45) of the casing (41), surplus air accumulated in the casing (41) is discharged from the exhaust port (45) to the outside at once. . When excess air is discharged, the float (43) rises and returns to the closed position.

  Thus, the dissolved air formed by being introduced into the dissolution promoting portion (15) flows into the guide portion (17) through the guide passage (16) and then flows upward through the guide portion (17). Then, it flows into the gas-liquid separator (19) through the communication passage (18), flows downward, and is led out from the outlet (20) (see the arrow in FIG. 2).

(Discharge nozzle)
The discharge nozzle (8) is provided to generate a large amount of fine bubbles from the air-dissolved water and discharge the fine bubble-containing water containing the fine bubbles into the bathtub (6). It is placed near the bottom of the bathtub (6) so as to be submerged in the water stored in the tank. The discharge nozzle (8) is connected to one end of a discharge path (which constitutes a part of the pipe (2)) such as a flexible hose, and the other end communicates with the dissolved water generator (10). ing.

  In the passage through which the dissolved air is provided, which is provided inside the discharge nozzle (8), a throttle part (39) having a reduced flow path cross-sectional area, a so-called orifice is formed. As a result, when the air-dissolved water passes through the orifice, the pressure is rapidly reduced to generate a large amount of fine bubbles, and the generated fine bubbles are discharged into the bathtub (6) together with water.

-Operation of microbubble generator-
To explain the operation during normal operation, first call the pressure pump (4) with the suction nozzle (7) and the discharge nozzle (8) submerged in the bathtub (6) where water is stored. Supply the water so that the pressurized pump (4) and the water supply path (71) can be filled with water and driven, and the main power switch for operating the microbubble generator (1) is turned on. If it does so, a pressurization pump (4) will drive and water in bathtub (6) will come to circulate through circulation channel (30).

  At this time, in the air mixing section (3), air is drawn from the air introduction section (31) by the circulating water flow to form air mixed water. Then, the air-mixed water is pumped to the dissolved water generator (10) by the pressurizing pump (4), and the bubbling process is performed under pressure as described above to promote the dissolution of air in the water and dissolve the air. Water is formed and discharged from the discharge nozzle (8) into the bathtub (6) as water containing fine bubbles. By continuously performing such an operation, a large amount of fine bubbles are constantly formed in the bathtub (6) without changing the amount of water.

  When the operation is stopped, for example, when the main power switch is turned off, the pressure pump (4) stops, water circulation and air intake are eliminated, and the pressure in the dissolved water generator (10) returns to normal pressure. The water that was inside the pressurized pump (4) and dissolved water generator (10) is naturally discharged.

(Expiration water supply means)
By the way, as described above, in this fine bubble generating device (1), it is necessary to supply expiratory water to the pressurizing pump (4) at the start of operation. It has been devised.

  That is, in this fine bubble generating device (1), a manual pump unit (pumping member) (72) is provided in the suction nozzle (7) as a priming water supply means.

  FIG. 3 schematically shows the portion of the suction nozzle (7). As shown in the figure, the suction nozzle (7) is provided integrally with the nozzle body (73) having a suction opening (37) that opens to the end, and the nozzle body (73). It has a throat portion (74) in which a cylindrical communication passage communicating with the port (37) is formed, and a pump portion (72) provided integrally at the projecting end of the throat portion (74). A water-permeable filter (75) is detachably mounted on the large-diameter opening end of the suction port (37) in the nozzle body (73) by a support frame (76) so as to cover the opening end.

  The pump part (72) is formed of a flexible material such as a synthetic resin, and has a hollow bowl shape so that the user can easily grasp it and has a shape restoring property. A pump chamber (72a) separated from the outside by the body is formed. The pump chamber (72a) can be reversibly reduced by the user gripping or releasing the pump unit, and returns to a bowl shape when there is no load.

  A pump suction port (77) communicating with the throat portion (74) is provided at one end portion (tub (6) side) in the longitudinal direction of the pump portion (72), and the other end portion (pressure pump) (4) side) is provided with a pump discharge port (78) communicating with the water supply path (71). The pump suction port (77) is allowed to flow into the pump chamber (72a), and the pump chamber (72a ) The first openable valve body (77a) (backflow prevention valve) that does not allow outflow from the pump chamber is swingably provided, and the pump discharge port (78) allows outflow from the pump chamber (72a). An openable second valve body (78a) (backflow prevention valve) that does not allow inflow into the pump chamber (72a) is swingably provided.

  Therefore, when the user supplies exhalation water to the pressurizing pump (4) in order to start the operation of the fine bubble generating device (1), the user only needs to hold or release the pump part (72).

  That is, when the user grasps the pump part (72), as shown in FIG. 3B, the pump chamber (72a) shrinks, and the water filled in the pump chamber (72a) draws the second valve body (78a). The water is pushed and opened from the pump discharge port (78) toward the water supply path (71), that is, the pressure pump (4).

  When the user releases his hand from the pump chamber (72a), as shown in FIG. 3 (a), the pump portion (72) returns to its original bowl shape, and the inside of the pump chamber (72a) Therefore, the first valve body (77a) is drawn and the pump suction port (77) is opened, and new water is taken into the pump chamber (72a) from the suction port (37).

  By repeating this operation, water in the bathtub (6) can be supplied as expiratory water for the pressure pump (4). Once the pressure pump (4) is actuated, the suction action causes the first valve body (77a) and the second valve body (78a) to both swing to the open side, and the pump suction port (77) and Since both pump discharge ports (78) are in an open state, water in the bathtub (6) can be taken in without any trouble.

(Second Embodiment)
FIG. 4 shows a second embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, exhalation water can be automatically supplied instead of the manual pumping member (72) of the first embodiment. In addition, about the member similar to 1st Embodiment, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected, the description is abbreviate | omitted, and a different part is demonstrated.

  That is, in this fine bubble generating device (1), a small water pump (starting pump) (79) is attached to the suction nozzle (7). For example, as this water supply pump (79), an impeller that is rotationally driven by a motor is provided, and a general centrifugal pump that supplies water using centrifugal force can be suitably used. Since the water pump (79) is used by being submerged in the bathtub (6), there is no need for expiratory water, it can be driven simply by turning on the water pump (79), and the pressure pump (4) Expiratory water can be supplied.

  Once the pressure pump (4) is activated, the water in the bathtub (6) is taken in from the water intake (not shown) of the water pump (79) by the suction force of the pressure pump (4). .

  As described above, according to the fine bubble generating device of the present invention, it is easy to handle the user and excel in workability because the starter can be prepared by simply supplying exhalation water to the pressure pump (4). Moreover, since it can be realized with a relatively simple configuration, the cost can be suppressed and it can be put into practical use immediately.

  The fine bubble generator (1) according to the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and includes various other configurations.

  For example, the starting pump (79) is not necessarily provided in the suction nozzle (7). You may provide in any of the water supply path | routes (71) from a suction nozzle (7) to a pressurization pump (4). However, in that case, a self-priming pump is preferable. The starting pump (79) may be detachably attached to the suction nozzle (7). If it does so, it can be attached only at the time of starting, and can be removed at the time of unnecessary normal operation, which is excellent in convenience.

It is a conceptual diagram which shows the whole structure of the fine bubble generator of 1st Embodiment. It is a schematic sectional drawing of a dissolved water generator. It is a figure for demonstrating the structure of a suction nozzle part. (A) And (b) represents the different operation | movement at the time of expiration water supply. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the whole structure of the microbubble generator of 2nd Embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Fine bubble generator 3 Air mixing part 4 Pressure pump 5c Intake amount adjustment valve 5d Check valve 6 Bathtub (water tank)
7 Suction nozzle 8 Discharge nozzle 9b Intake filter 10 Dissolved water generator (pressure vessel)
Reference Signs List 30 Circulating Channel 31 Air Introducing Port 37 Suction Port 38 Inlet Port 39 Throttle Portion 40 Exhaust Valve 70 Body 71 Water Supply Path 72 Pump Portion
72a Pump chamber 73 Nozzle body part 74 Throat part 75 Filter 76 Support frame 77 Pump suction port (suction port)
77a First valve body 78 Pump discharge port (discharge port)
78a Second valve body 79 Water supply pump (starting pump)

Claims (5)

A fine bubble generator (1) that takes in water and air to produce and discharge fine bubble-containing water containing fine bubbles,
A suction nozzle (7) which is arranged in any tank (6) and sucks the water in this tank (6);
An air inlet (31) having an air inlet (38) for taking in air from the outside;
A main body (70) for generating and discharging the fine bubble-containing water using the air taken in from the air introduction part (31) and the water taken in from the suction nozzle (7),
The main body (70) is provided with a pressure pump (4) that pressurizes and feeds water mixed with air,
A water supply passage (71) between the suction nozzle (7) and the pressure pump (4) is provided with a water supply means for supplying water for the pressure pump (4). A feature of a fine bubble generator. It is a fine bubble generator of Claim 1, Comprising:
A fine bubble generator characterized in that a manual pumping member (72) provided in the suction nozzle (7) is used as the expiratory water supply means. It is a fine bubble generator of Claim 2, Comprising:
The pumping member (72) includes a pump part (72) having a pump chamber (72a) that can be reversibly reduced,
The pump chamber (72a) is provided with a suction port (77) located on the water tank (6) side and a discharge port (78) located on the pressure pump (4) side,
The suction port (77) is provided with an openable first valve body (77a) that allows inflow into the pump chamber (72a) and does not allow outflow from the pump chamber (72a).
The discharge port (78) is provided with an openable second valve body (78a) that allows outflow from the pump chamber (72a) and does not allow inflow into the pump chamber (72a). A feature of a fine bubble generator. It is a fine bubble generator of Claim 1, Comprising:
A microbubble generator characterized in that a starting pump (79) is used as the expiratory water supply means. It is a fine bubble generator of Claim 4, Comprising:
A microbubble generator characterized in that a centrifugal pump provided in the suction nozzle (7) is used as the starting pump (79).

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