Water treatment equipment, building and water treatment equipment maintenance methods

Abstract

This invention provides a compact water treatment device equipped with a microbubble generator and a method for using the same. [Solution] The water treatment apparatus according to the present invention comprises a container, a filter installed in the internal space of the container, and a microbubble generator installed in the internal space of the container and connected downstream of the filter. Furthermore, in the water treatment apparatus according to the present invention, the microbubble generator can be directly connected to the filter. Because the water treatment apparatus according to the present invention can have a compact configuration, it can be installed in various buildings.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a water treatment apparatus and related technologies.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, water purifiers have become widespread in order to remove residual chlorine (hypochlorous acid), turbidity, microorganisms, etc. from tap water. Activated carbon, ceramic filters, filtration membranes, hollow fiber membranes, etc. are used in these water purifiers, and tap water is purified by the water purifier. Note that the purified tap water may have residual chlorine removed, making it easier for biofilms to form.

[0003] On the other hand, attention has been focused on the effects of microbubbles contained in liquids such as beauty, health, and cleaning. Therefore, a microbubble generator that generates microbubble water, which is water containing microbubbles, is used, and microbubble water is generated from tap water.

[0004] Based on the above-described background, a system including a water purifier and a microbubble generator has been proposed in order to purify tap water and generate microbubble water from the purified tap water. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a microbubble liquid supply system in which a water purifier and a microbubble liquid generator are arranged in the middle of a water supply pipe, and both the water purifier and the microbubble liquid generator are arranged on the downstream side of a water meter (water supply meter) and on the upstream side of the first pipe branch portion, and the microbubble liquid generator is arranged on the downstream side of the water purifier.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] The microbubble liquid supply system described in Patent Document 1 is intended for installation in detached houses, but when installed in apartment buildings, the water purification device and the microbubble liquid generator are respectively placed in the middle of the water piping used throughout the entire building, thus requiring a certain amount of installation space. Furthermore, while it is possible to suppress the formation of biofilm downstream of the microbubble liquid generator by the microbubbles generated by the generator, there was a risk of biofilm formation in the piping between the water purification system and the microbubble liquid generator. Furthermore, when a microbubble generator is installed in a house, the long piping distance from the microbubble generator to the faucet means that the amount of microbubbles decreases along the way, and the effect of the microbubbles tends to weaken when the water treated by the microbubble liquid supply system is released from the faucet.

[0007] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a compact water treatment apparatus equipped with a microbubble generator and a method for using the same. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The inventors of this invention have conducted extensive research to solve the above problems and have found that the following invention is suitable for the above purpose, leading to the present invention.

[0009] In other words, the present invention relates to the following invention. <1> A water treatment apparatus comprising a container, a filter installed in the internal space of the container, and a microbubble generator installed in the internal space of the container and connected downstream of the filter. <2> The aforementioned microbubble generator is directly connected to the aforementioned filter. <1> The water treatment apparatus described above. <3> The container has a container inlet into which the water to be treated is supplied, and a container outlet into which the finely bubbled water treated by the filter and the fine bubble generator is discharged; the filter has a filter inlet into which the water to be treated supplied from the container inlet flows, a filter body continuous with the filter inlet, and a filter outlet into which the filtered water treated by the filter body is discharged; the fine bubble generator has a fine bubble generator inlet into which the filtered water flows, a fine bubble generator body continuous with the fine bubble generator inlet, and a fine bubble generator outlet continuous with the fine bubble generator body from which the finely bubbled water is discharged; and the fine bubble generator body has an orifice. <1> or <2> The water treatment apparatus described above. <4> The filter contains activated carbon, <1> from <3> A water treatment device as described in any of the following. <5> For use in buildings <1> from <4> A water treatment device as described in any of the following. <6> A building in which a water treatment device is installed, and the said water treatment device is <1> from <5> A building that has a water treatment system as described in any of the above.

[0010] <1a> <1> from <5> A method for maintaining a water treatment device as described in any of the above, comprising the following steps (P1) and (P2). Step (P1): A step to check the microbubble generator and determine whether or not cleaning the microbubble generator is necessary. Step (P2): If it is determined that cleaning of the microbubble generator is necessary, the step of cleaning the microbubble generator. <2a> <1> from <5> A method for maintaining a water treatment device as described in any of the above, comprising the following steps (P10) and (P20). Step (P10): The process of opening the container lid of the container, removing the filter, visually inspecting the microbubble generator, and determining whether or not the microbubble generator needs to be cleaned. Step (P20): When it is determined that the microbubble generator needs to be cleaned by checking the microbubble generator, remove the microbubble generator and clean the removed microbubble generator

Advantages of the Invention

[0011] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a compact water treatment apparatus provided with a microbubble generator and a method of using the same.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0012] [Figure 1] It is a schematic diagram of an apartment house 100 where a water treatment apparatus 1 is installed. [Figure 2] It is a schematic diagram of the water treatment apparatus 1. [Figure 3] It is a perspective view of the filter 20. [Figure 4] It is a schematic diagram (side view) of the microbubble generator 30. [Figure 5] It is a schematic diagram (plan view) of the microbubble generator 30. [Figure 6] It is a schematic diagram when the water treatment apparatus 1 is in use. [Figure 7] It is a flowchart of a maintenance method of the water treatment apparatus 1.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0013] (Explanation of Terms) In the present invention, "microbubble" means a gas having a diameter equivalent to a volume of less than 100 μm present in water, as defined in JIS B 8741-1. There is no limit to the lower limit of the diameter of the microbubble, and it is usually 5 nm or more. Also, in the present invention, "raw water to be treated" means water supplied to the water treatment apparatus of the present invention. The raw water to be treated is, for example, tap water. Also, in the present invention, "filtered water of the filter" means water obtained by filtering the raw water to be treated by the filter according to the present invention. In the present invention, the "microbubble water" is water to which microbubbles are added to the filtered water by the microbubble generator according to the present invention. In the present invention, the phrase "the microbubble generator is directly connected to the filter" means that the microbubble generator and the filter are directly connected, and it means that no member that increases the flow path space such as a pipe is used between the microbubble generator and the filter.

[0014] The water treatment apparatus of the present invention includes a container, a filter installed in the internal space of the container, and a microbubble generator installed in the internal space of the container and connected to the downstream of the filter.

[0015] According to such a configuration, the filter and the microbubble generator are installed in the internal space of the container, and the water treatment apparatus of the present invention can have a compact configuration.

[0016] Since the water treatment apparatus of the present invention can have a compact configuration, it can be installed even in a house with a narrow installation space. In particular, in an apartment house or the like, the water treatment apparatus of the present invention can be installed in each individual dwelling unit. Further, since the water treatment apparatus of the present invention can be installed in each individual dwelling unit, the distance between the water treatment apparatus of the present invention and the dwelling unit is short, and it is possible to use the microbubble water in a state where the microbubbles contained in the microbubble water are likely to remain.

[0017] In the present invention, the microbubble generator can be directly connected to the filter.

[0018] According to such a configuration, there is no or only a small amount of filtered water between the filter and the microbubble generator. Therefore, bacteria do not grow or are difficult to grow in the filtered water, and impurities such as biofilms do not occur or are less likely to occur. Therefore, the biofilm does not flow into the downstream microbubble generator or the probability of inflow decreases, and troubles such as blockage by the biofilm in the microbubble generator are less likely to occur.

[0019] Furthermore, in the present invention, the container has a container inlet into which the water to be treated is supplied, and a container outlet into which the finely bubbled water treated by the filter and the fine bubble generator is discharged; the filter has a filter inlet into which the water to be treated supplied from the container inlet flows, a filter body continuous with the filter inlet, and a filter outlet into which the filtered water treated by the filter body is discharged; the fine bubble generator has a fine bubble generator inlet into which the filtered water flows, a fine bubble generator body continuous with the fine bubble generator inlet, and a fine bubble generator outlet continuous with the fine bubble generator body from which the finely bubbled water is discharged; and the fine bubble generator body may have an orifice.

[0020] With this configuration, since the microbubble generator has an orifice, cavitation is more likely to occur in the filtered water as it passes through the orifice and after it has passed through, allowing for the generation of microbubbles with a simple configuration. Furthermore, since the flow path is narrowed in the orifice, there are concerns about problems such as blockage by biofilm. However, if the aforementioned microbubble generator can be directly connected to the filter, it becomes possible to suppress problems caused by biofilm.

[0021] Furthermore, in the present invention, the filter may include activated carbon.

[0022] With this configuration, the activated carbon can adsorb impurities in the water to be treated, and the filter can easily filter the water to be treated.

[0023] Furthermore, the water treatment device of the present invention is preferably a water treatment device for use in buildings.

[0024] Because the water treatment system of the present invention can have a compact configuration, it can be installed in a variety of buildings.

[0025] Furthermore, it is preferable that the building of the present invention is a building on which the water treatment apparatus of the present invention is installed.

[0026] In a building of the present invention, once the water treatment apparatus of the present invention is installed, users will be able to utilize microbubble water treated by a filter and a microbubble generator within the building of the present invention.

[0027] Furthermore, in the present invention, the maintenance method for the water treatment device may include the following steps (P1) and (P2). Step (P1): A step to check the microbubble generator and determine whether or not cleaning the microbubble generator is necessary. Step (P2): If it is determined that cleaning of the microbubble generator is necessary, the step of cleaning the microbubble generator.

[0028] With this configuration, the step (P1) of checking the microbubble generator and determining whether cleaning the microbubble generator is necessary allows for checking the condition of the microbubble generator, particularly whether there are any problems such as blockage by biofilm, and determining whether cleaning the microbubble generator is necessary. Furthermore, if it is determined that cleaning the microbubble generator is necessary, the step (P2) of cleaning the microbubble generator allows for cleaning only when necessary, making it possible to efficiently maintain the water treatment device of the present invention.

[0029] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments and can be modified and implemented as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the invention. The dimensions, materials, and other specific numerical values ​​shown in the embodiments are merely examples to facilitate understanding of the invention and do not limit the present invention unless otherwise specified. In addition, in all drawings, similar components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and descriptions are omitted as appropriate.

[0030] (Embodiment) [Building (apartment building)] A water treatment apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an apartment building 100 in which the water treatment apparatus 1 is installed.

[0031] As shown in Figure 1, the apartment building 100 is equipped with multiple dwelling units 120 and a water supply system 140 that supplies water to each of the multiple dwelling units 120.

[0032] Here, a building refers to anything constructed for people to live in, store goods, or work in, such as houses, shops, factories, and warehouses. Houses include both apartment buildings and detached houses. Apartment buildings, in particular, have multiple dwelling units.

[0033] The water supply system 140 includes piping 141, a pressure booster 142, piping 143, piping 144, and a faucet 145. Piping 141 is connected to the pressure booster 142. Tap water (water to be treated W1) is supplied to the pressure booster 142 through piping 141. The pressure booster 142 increases the pressure of the water to be treated W1. The pressure booster 142 is connected to piping 143. The pressurized water to be treated W1 is supplied to each of the multiple dwelling units 120 through piping 143.

[0034] Each of the multiple dwelling units 120 is equipped with a water treatment device 1. In other words, each dwelling unit 120 is a dwelling unit in a building equipped with a water treatment device 1, or more specifically, a dwelling unit in an apartment building where a water treatment device 1 is individually installed. As will be described later, the water treatment device 1 can have a compact configuration, so it is preferable that the water treatment device 1 be installed in the apartment building 100. When the water treatment device 1 is installed in the apartment building 100, one unit of the water treatment device 1 may be installed in the apartment building 100, or multiple units may be installed. If one unit of the water treatment device 1 is installed in the apartment building 100, costs can be kept down, and if multiple units of the water treatment device 1 are installed in the apartment building 100, fine-bubble water containing fine bubbles can be effectively supplied to the dwelling units. Furthermore, if multiple water treatment devices 1 are installed in an apartment building 100, one water treatment device 1 may be installed for two or more dwelling units, or it may be installed in each individual dwelling unit 120. Furthermore, if the water treatment device 1 is installed in each individual dwelling unit 120, the water treatment device 1 may be installed outside the living space of the dwelling unit (for example, in a pipe shaft) or inside the living space of the dwelling unit (for example, in the kitchen).

[0035] The water treatment device 1 is connected to a branched pipe 143. The water to be treated W1 is supplied to the water treatment device 1 through the pipe 143. Details of the water treatment device 1 will be described later.

[0036] A pipe 144 is connected to the water treatment device 1. The microbubble water W3 generated by the water treatment device 1 is supplied to the pipe 144. A faucet 145 is connected to the pipe 144. The user can use the microbubble water W3 by opening the faucet 145.

[0037] The water treatment device 1 is a water treatment device for use in dwelling units 120 in a multi-unit housing complex 100, that is, for use in residential buildings. The following describes in detail a water treatment apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] [Configuration of Water Treatment System 1] The configuration of the water treatment apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the water treatment apparatus 1. Figure 3 is a perspective view of the filter 20. Figure 4 is a schematic diagram (side view) of the microbubble generator 30. Figure 5 is a schematic diagram (top view) of the microbubble generator 30.

[0039] As shown in Figure 2, the water treatment apparatus 1 comprises a container 10 and a filter 20 and a microbubble generator 30 installed in the internal space of the container 10. Here, as shown in Figure 2, we define the vertical direction. We also define the front-to-back and left-to-right directions, which are orthogonal to the vertical direction. The vertical, left-to-right, and front-to-back directions are orthogonal to each other. Note that the vertical, left-to-right, and front-to-back directions are defined for the sake of explanation. Therefore, the vertical, left-to-right, and front-to-back directions do not have to coincide with the vertical, left-to-right, and front-to-back directions when the water treatment device 1 is in use. Also, the up and down directions may be swapped, the left and right directions may be swapped, and the front and back directions may be swapped.

[0040] In this specification, unless otherwise specified, each part of the first member is defined as follows: The front part of the first member means the front half of the first member. The rear part of the first member means the rear half of the first member. The left part of the first member means the left half of the first member. The right part of the first member means the right half of the first member. The upper part of the first member means the upper half of the first member. The lower part of the first member means the lower half of the first member. The front end of the first member means the front end of the first member. The rear end of the first member means the rear end of the first member. The left end of the first member means the left end of the first member. The right end of the first member means the right end of the first member. The upper end of the first member means the upper end of the first member. The lower end of the first member means the lower end of the first member. The front end of the first member means the front end of the first member and its vicinity. The rear end of the first member means the rear end of the first member and its vicinity. The left end of the first member means the left end of the first member and its vicinity. The right end of the first member means the right end of the first member and its vicinity. The upper end of the first member means the upper end of the first member and its vicinity. The lower end of the first member means the lower end of the first member and its vicinity. The first member is, for example, a filter 20.

[0041] [Container 10] The container 10 includes a container body 14, a container lid 12, a container inlet 16, a container outlet 18, and an outlet pipe 19.

[0042] The container body 14 has a cylindrical shape. The first central axis L1 of the container body 14 extends in the vertical direction. The container body 14 has a bottom surface. The lower end of the container body 14 is closed. The upper end of the container body 14 is open. The container body 14 has two openings on its side.

[0043] The container lid portion 12 has a cylindrical shape. The first central axis L1 of the container lid portion 12 extends in the vertical direction. The first central axis L1 of the container lid portion 12 is the same as the first central axis L1 of the container body portion 14. The container lid portion 12 has an upper surface. The upper end of the container lid portion 12 is closed. The lower end of the container lid portion 12 is open. The lower end of the container lid 12 is connected to the upper end of the container body 14. The internal space of the container lid 12 and the internal space of the container body 14 are connected.

[0044] The container inlet 16 has a cylindrical shape. The second central axis L2 of the container inlet 16 extends in the left-right direction. The left end of the container inlet 16 is open. The right end of the container inlet 16 is open. The right end of the container inlet 16 is connected to the opening of the container body 14. The internal space of the container inlet 16 and the internal space of the container body 14 are connected. The container inlet 16 is located at the bottom of the container 10. Specifically, the container inlet 16 is located at the lower left of the container body 14.

[0045] The container outlet portion 18 has a cylindrical shape. The second central axis L2 of the container outlet portion 18 extends in the left-right direction. The second central axis L2 of the container inlet portion 16 is the same as the second central axis L2 of the container outlet portion 18. The right end of the container outlet portion 18 is open. The left end of the container outlet portion 18 is open. The left end of the container outlet portion 18 is connected to the opening of the container body portion 14. A spiral groove is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the container outlet portion 18. The container outlet 18 is located at the bottom of the container 10. Specifically, the container outlet 18 is located at the lower right of the container body 14.

[0046] The outlet pipe 19 has a curved cylindrical shape. The upper end of the outlet pipe 19 is open. The upper end of the outlet pipe 19 has a circular shape when viewed downwards. The first central axis L1 passes through the center of the circular shape at the upper end of the outlet pipe 19. The right end of the outlet pipe 19 is open. The right end of the outlet pipe 19 has a circular shape when viewed lefts. The second central axis L2 passes through the center of the circular shape at the right end of the outlet pipe 19. The right end of the outlet pipe 19 is connected to the opening of the container body 14. The internal space of the outlet pipe 19 and the internal space of the container outlet 18 are connected.

[0047] The material of the container body 14, the container lid 12, the container inlet 16, the container outlet 18, and the outlet piping 19 is metal. The material of the container body 14, the container lid 12, the container inlet 16, the container outlet 18, and the outlet piping 19 is stainless steel.

[0048] [Filter 20] The filter 20 is installed in the internal space of the container 10. The internal space of the container 10 consists of the internal space of the container body 14 and the internal space of the container lid. The filter 20 includes a filter inlet 22, a filter body 24, and a filter outlet 26. As shown in Figure 3, the filter 20 has a cylindrical shape.

[0049] The filter body 24 has a cylindrical shape. The first central axis L1 of the filter body 24 extends in the vertical direction. The filter body 24 has an upper surface. The filter body 24 has side surfaces. The side surfaces of the filter body 24 are covered with a filter. The filter body 24 has a lower surface. An opening is provided in the center of the lower surface of the filter body 24.

[0050] The filter body 24 contains filter media. The filter media is located inside the filter on the side of the filter body 24. The filter media contains an adsorbent. The filter media contains activated carbon. In other words, the filter 20 contains activated carbon. The filter media can remove impurities contained in the water to be treated W1. The filter media can remove residual chlorine contained in the water to be treated W1. In other words, the filter 20 can remove residual chlorine from the water to be treated W1. In this invention, "impurities" refer to substances other than water contained in the water to be treated, such as residual chlorine (hypochlorous acid), sand, sludge, and organic matter. Furthermore, "impurities are removed from the water to be treated" means that some or all of the impurities contained in the water to be treated are removed.

[0051] The filter inlet 22 is located on the side of the filter 20. Almost the entire side of the filter 20 is open. The filter inlet 22 is an opening on the side of the filter 20. The filter body 24 is connected to the internal space of the container 10 via the filter inlet 22.

[0052] The filter outlet section 26 has a cylindrical shape. The first central axis L1 of the filter outlet section 26 extends in the vertical direction. The lower end of the filter outlet section 26 is open. The upper end of the filter outlet section 26 is open. The filter outlet section 26 is located at the bottom of the filter 20. More specifically, the upper end of the filter outlet section 26 is connected to an opening on the lower surface of the filter body section 24. A spiral groove is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the filter outlet section 26.

[0053] The material of the upper and lower surfaces of the filter body 24, as well as the material of the filter outlet 26, is resin.

[0054] [Microbubble Generator 30] The microbubble generator 30 is installed in the internal space of the container 10. As shown in Figure 4, the microbubble generator 30 includes a microbubble generator inlet 32, a microbubble generator main body 34, and a microbubble generator outlet 36.

[0055] The microbubble generator inlet 32 ​​has a cylindrical shape. The first central axis L1 of the microbubble generator inlet 32 ​​extends in the vertical direction. Looking downwards, a reduced diameter section 33 is formed in the center of the microbubble generator inlet 32. The reduced diameter section 33 is a frustoconical space. The diameter of the reduced diameter section 33 gradually decreases downwards. A spiral groove is formed on the outer surface of the microbubble generator inlet 32.

[0056] The main body 34 of the microbubble generator has a cylindrical shape. The first central axis L1 of the main body 34 of the microbubble generator extends in the vertical direction. As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the main body 34 of the microbubble generator has three orifices 35. When viewed downwards, the three orifices 35 are formed to be arranged at equal intervals in the central part of the main body 34 of the microbubble generator. In other words, the microbubble generator 30 has orifices 35. The orifice 35 is a cylindrical space. The orifice 35 is a part of the microbubble generator 30 that is reduced in diameter and has a predetermined length. The orifice 35 is connected to the reduced diameter section 33.

[0057] The microbubble generator outlet 36 has a cylindrical shape. The first central axis L1 of the microbubble generator outlet 36 extends in the vertical direction. Looking downwards, an enlarged diameter section 37 is formed in the center of the microbubble generator outlet 36. The enlarged diameter section 37 is a cylindrical space. A recess is formed in the outlet peripheral wall of the microbubble generator outlet 36 that forms the enlarged diameter section 37. The enlarged diameter section 37 is connected to the orifice 35.

[0058] The microbubble generator 30 is directly connected to the filter 20. Specifically, the microbubble generator inlet 32 ​​is connected to the filter outlet 26. More precisely, the lower end of the microbubble generator outlet 36 is connected to the upper end of the outlet pipe 19. More specifically, a spiral groove is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the filter outlet 26. A spiral groove is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the microbubble generator inlet 32. Therefore, the microbubble generator inlet 32 ​​(with its outer circumferential groove) can be screwed into the filter outlet 26 (with its inner circumferential groove), and the microbubble generator 30 can be directly fitted into the filter 20. Furthermore, the groove formed on the outer circumferential surface of the microbubble generator inlet 32 ​​is screwed into the groove formed on the inner circumferential surface of the filter outlet 26, and the microbubble generator 30 is detachable from the filter 20 (and the water treatment device 1).

[0059] The enlarged diameter section 37 is connected to the internal space of the outlet pipe 19.

[0060] The material of the microbubble generator inlet 32, the microbubble generator main body 34, and the microbubble generator outlet 36 is resin. The material of the microbubble generator inlet 32, the microbubble generator main body 34, and the microbubble generator outlet 36 is ABS resin.

[0061] [How to use the water treatment device 1] The usage of the water treatment device 1 will be explained with reference to Figure 6. Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the water treatment device 1 in use.

[0062] As shown in Figure 6, the water to be treated W1 is supplied to the water treatment device 1 from the container inlet 16. The water to be treated W1 is supplied to the internal space of the container 10.

[0063] The water to be treated W1 supplied from the container inlet 16 flows upward through the internal space of the container 10 and is supplied to the filter inlet 22. Specifically, the water to be treated W1 supplied from the container inlet 16 located at the bottom of the container 10 flows upward within the internal space of the container 10. The water to be treated W1 flows upward through a cylindrical space formed between the filter 20 and the container 10. More specifically, the filter 20 is positioned concentrically with the container 10 within the internal space of the container 10. That is, the first central axis L1 of the filter 20 (filter body 24) is the same as the first central axis L1 of the container 10 (container body 14 and container lid 12). A cylindrical space is formed between the filter 20 and the container 10. Looking downward, the distance between the filter 20 and the container 10 is equal at all positions in the circumferential direction of the filter 20 and the container 10. Therefore, the flow rate of the water to be treated W1 is less likely to be uneven at all positions in the circumferential direction of the filter 20 and the container 10, and the water pressure is less likely to be uneven. The water to be treated W1 flows through a cylindrical space formed between the filter 20 and the container 10, and flows into the filter 20 (filter body 24) from the filter inlet 22. Since almost the entire side surface of the filter 20 is the filter inlet 22, a wide area for the water to be treated W1 to pass through can be secured, thereby reducing pressure loss in the filter 20 and suppressing the risk of blockage.

[0064] The filter 20 is supplied with water to be treated W1. The water to be treated W1 may contain residual chlorine (hypochlorous acid). The filter 20 contains filter media. The filter media can remove residual chlorine contained in the water to be treated W1. If the water to be treated W1 contains residual chlorine, the filter 20 can remove the residual chlorine from the water to be treated W1. Furthermore, the first central axis L1 of the filter 20 (filter inlet 22) and the first central axis L1 of the container 10 (container lid 12) are the same. Therefore, uneven flow of the water to be treated W1 flowing into the filter 20 is suppressed. By suppressing uneven flow of the water to be treated W1 into the filter 20, the water to be treated W1 is more easily distributed and flowed evenly through the filter media arranged in the filter 20, thereby improving the efficiency of residual chlorine removal and increasing the utilization rate of the filter media. The filtered water W2, which is the filtered water W1, is discharged from the filter outlet 26.

[0065] The microbubble generator 30 is directly connected to the filter 20 so that filtered water is supplied to it. Specifically, the microbubble generator inlet 32 ​​is connected to the filter outlet 26. Therefore, the filtered water W2 is supplied from the filter outlet 26 to the microbubble generator inlet 32.

[0066] The microbubble generator 30 imparts microbubbles to the filtered water W2. The microbubble generator 30 generates microbubbled water W3, which is water containing microbubbles, from the filtered water W2. Specifically, the filtered water W2 supplied to the microbubble generator inlet 32 ​​is supplied to the diameter-reducing section 33 and the orifice 35 of the microbubble generator main body 34 connected to the diameter-reducing section 33. Because the diameter-reducing section 33 and the orifice 35 are reduced in diameter, the filtered water W2 is pressurized in the diameter-reducing section 33 and the orifice 35. The pressurized filtered water W2 is supplied to the diameter-expanding section 37 of the microbubble generator outlet 36 connected to the orifice 35. Because the diameter-expanding section 37 is expanded in diameter, the pressurized filtered water W2 is depressurized, and cavitation occurs. Microbubbles are generated in the filtered water W2 due to cavitation, and microbubble water W3 is generated from the filtered water W2.

[0067] The microbubble water W3 generated by the microbubble generator 30 is supplied from the water treatment device 1 via the outlet pipe 19 and the container outlet 18.

[0068] As described above, the water treatment device 1 comprises a container 10, a filter 20 installed in the internal space of the container 10, and a microbubble generator 30 installed in the internal space of the container 10 and connected downstream of the filter 20. Furthermore, the container 10 has a container inlet 16 into which the water to be treated W1 is supplied, and a container outlet 18 into which the finely bubbled water, which has been treated by the filter 20 and the fine bubble generator 30, is discharged. Furthermore, the filter 20 has a filter inlet 22 into which the water to be treated W1 supplied from the container inlet 16 flows, a filter body 24 continuous with the filter inlet 22, and a filter outlet 26 from which the filtered water W2 treated by the filter body 24 is discharged. Furthermore, the microbubble generator 30 has a microbubble generator inlet 32 ​​into which filtered water W2 flows, a microbubble generator main body 34 continuous with the microbubble generator inlet 32, and a microbubble generator outlet 36 continuous with the microbubble generator main body 34 from which microbubble water W3 is discharged, and the microbubble generator main body 34 has an orifice 35.

[0069] [Effects of water treatment device 1] The water treatment device 1 comprises a container 10 and a filter 20 and a microbubble generator 30 installed in the internal space of the container 10. Since the filter 20 and microbubble generator 30 are installed in the internal space of the container 10, the water treatment device 1 can have a compact configuration.

[0070] Furthermore, in typical water treatment systems, the filter 20 and the microbubble generator 30 are not directly connected. In a typical water treatment system, the water to be treated W1 is supplied to the filter 20. If the water to be treated W1 contains residual chlorine, the filter 20 can remove the residual chlorine from the water to be treated W1, so there may be filtered water W2 that does not contain residual chlorine between the filter 20 and the microbubble generator 30. Since the filtered water W2 has had the residual chlorine removed, bacteria can easily proliferate in the filtered water W2 that exists between the filter 20 and the microbubble generator 30, and impurities such as biofilms are likely to form. As a result, the formed biofilms can flow into the downstream microbubble generator 30, making it easy for problems such as blockages to occur in the microbubble generator 30.

[0071] In the water treatment apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention, the filter 20 and the microbubble generator 30 are directly connected. Water to be treated W1 is supplied to the filter 20. The filter 20 can filter the water to be treated W1. Furthermore, if the water to be treated W1 contains residual chlorine, the filter 20 removes the residual chlorine from the water to be treated W1, but there is no filter-treated water W2 from which residual chlorine has been removed between the filter 20 and the microbubble generator 30, or only a small amount. Therefore, bacteria do not proliferate in the filter-treated water W2, or if bacteria proliferate, it is only a small amount, and impurities such as biofilms do not form, or are less likely to form. Therefore, biofilms do not flow into the downstream microbubble generator 30, or the probability of them flowing in is reduced, and problems such as blockage by biofilms in the microbubble generator 30 are less likely to occur. In particular, since the microbubble generator 30, which includes an orifice, is prone to blockage, it is possible to suppress problems caused by biofilms.

[0072] [Maintenance method for water treatment device 1] The maintenance method for the water treatment device 1 will be explained with reference to Figure 7. Figure 7 is a flowchart of the maintenance method for the water treatment device 1.

[0073] As shown in Figure 7, a user performing maintenance on the water treatment device 1 can carry out a maintenance method for the water treatment device that includes the following steps (P1) and (P2). Step (P1): A step to check the microbubble generator and determine whether or not cleaning the microbubble generator is necessary. Step (P2): If it is determined that cleaning of the microbubble generator is necessary, the step of cleaning the microbubble generator.

[0074] In the maintenance of the water treatment device 1, the user performs step (P1). Step (P1) is the process of checking the microbubble generator 30 and determining whether or not cleaning the microbubble generator 30 is necessary. Specifically, the user first removes the container lid 12 of the container 10 (S10). Next, the user removes the filter 20 (S12). Once the filter 20 is removed, the user can visually inspect the microbubble generator 30, and then visually inspects the microbubble generator 30 (S14). That is, the user opens the container lid 12 of the container 10, removes the filter 20, visually inspects the microbubble generator 30, and determines whether or not the microbubble generator 30 needs to be cleaned (step (P10)).

[0075] Visual inspection of the microbubble generator 30 involves visually checking whether or not impurities such as biofilm are present inside the microbubble generator 30 (the reduced diameter section 33, the orifice 35, and the expanded diameter section 37). If the user visually inspects the microbubble generator 30 and finds impurities such as biofilm, it is determined that cleaning of the microbubble generator 30 is necessary. If the user visually inspects the microbubble generator 30 and no impurities such as biofilm are found, it is determined that cleaning the microbubble generator 30 is unnecessary.

[0076] If it is determined that cleaning of the microbubble generator 30 is necessary, the user performing maintenance on the water treatment device 1 will carry out step (P2), as shown in Figure 7. Step (P2) is the step of cleaning the microbubble generator 30 if it is determined that cleaning of the microbubble generator 30 is necessary. Specifically, the user removes the microbubble generator 30 (S20). Next, the user cleans the microbubble generator 30 (S22). In particular, the inside of the microbubble generator 30 (the diameter-reducing section 33, the orifice 35, and the diameter-expanding section 37) is cleaned with running water. That is, if the microbubble generator 30 is inspected and it is determined that cleaning of the microbubble generator 30 is necessary, the microbubble generator 30 is removed and the removed microbubble generator 30 is cleaned (step (P20)). After cleaning the microbubble generator 30, the user attaches the microbubble generator 30 to the container 10 (S24).

[0077] When the cleaned microbubble generator 30 is attached to the container 10, or when it is determined that cleaning of the microbubble generator 30 is unnecessary, the user attaches the filter 20 (S30). Next, the user attaches the container lid 12 (S32) and completes the maintenance of the water treatment device 1.

[0078] [Effectiveness of the maintenance method for water treatment device 1] The user performing maintenance on the water treatment device 1 checks the microbubble generator 30 (step (P1)). Specifically, they open the container lid 12 of the container 10, remove the filter 20, and visually inspect the microbubble generator 30 (step (P10)). By removing the container lid 12 and the filter 20, the user can visually inspect the microbubble generator 30, especially the inside of the microbubble generator 30 (reduced diameter section 33, orifice 35, and expanded diameter section 37). Next, the user inspects the microbubble generator 30 and, if necessary, cleans it (step (P2)). Specifically, if the user inspects the microbubble generator 30 and it needs cleaning, they remove the microbubble generator 30 and clean the removed microbubble generator 30 (step (P20)). By removing the biofilm from the microbubble generator 30 through cleaning, problems with the microbubble generator 30 caused by the biofilm can be suppressed.

[0079] [Other embodiments] The water treatment apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to the water treatment apparatus 1, but can be modified within the scope of its gist.

[0080] Although the container body 14 has a cylindrical shape, it may have any shape other than cylindrical, as long as it does not impair the purpose of the present invention. For example, the container body 14 may have a frustoconical shape, a rectangular parallelepiped shape, or a shape that is a combination of any shape.

[0081] Although the container lid 12 has a cylindrical shape, it may have any shape other than cylindrical, as long as it does not impair the purpose of the present invention. For example, the container lid 12 may have a frustoconical shape, a rectangular parallelepiped shape, or a shape that is a combination of any shape.

[0082] Although the container inlet 16 has a cylindrical shape, it may have any shape other than cylindrical, as long as it does not impair the purpose of the present invention. For example, the container inlet 16 may have a frustoconical shape, a rectangular parallelepiped shape, or a shape that is a combination of any shape. The container inlet 16 may also be an opening provided in the container 10. The container inlet 16 is provided at the lower part of the container body 14, but it may be provided at any position on the container 10. The container inlet 16 may be provided at the upper part of the container body 14, or it may be provided on the container lid 12.

[0083] The filter inlet 22 is an opening that covers substantially the entire side surface of the filter 20, but it may be any opening provided in the filter 20 as long as it does not impair the purpose of the present invention. For example, the filter inlet 22 may be an opening that covers a part of the side surface of the filter 20. The filter inlet 22 may also have a cylindrical shape and be provided at the top of the filter 20. Furthermore, the filter inlet 22 may be provided at any position on the filter 20. The filter inlet 22 may also be provided at the bottom of the filter 20.

[0084] Although the container outlet portion 18 has a cylindrical shape, it may have any shape other than cylindrical, as long as it does not impair the purpose of the present invention. For example, the container outlet portion 18 may have a frustoconical shape, a rectangular parallelepiped shape, or a shape that is a combination of any shape. The container outlet portion 18 may also be an opening provided in the container 10. The container outlet portion 18 is provided at the lower part of the container body portion 14, but it may be provided at any position on the container 10. The container outlet portion 18 may be provided at the upper part of the container body portion 14, or it may be provided on the container lid portion 12.

[0085] Although the outlet pipe 19 has a curved cylindrical shape, it may have any shape other than a curved cylindrical shape, as long as it does not impair the purpose of the present invention.

[0086] The materials for the container body 14, the container lid 12, the container inlet 16, the container outlet 18, and the outlet piping 19 are arbitrary, as long as they do not impair the purpose of the present invention. These materials may be resin, ceramic, or any combination of materials.

[0087] Although the filter outlet 26 has a cylindrical shape, it may have any shape other than cylindrical, as long as it does not impair the purpose of the present invention (as long as it can be connected to the microbubble generator inlet 32). For example, the filter outlet 26 may have a frustoconical shape, a rectangular parallelepiped shape, or a shape that is a combination of any shape. The filter outlet 26 may also be an opening provided in the filter 20. The filter outlet 26 is provided at the bottom of the filter 20, but it may be provided at any position on the filter 20. The filter outlet 26 may also be provided at the top of the filter 20.

[0088] The materials for the filter inlet 22, the filter body 24, and the filter outlet 26 are arbitrary as long as they do not impair the purpose of the present invention. These materials may be metal, ceramic, or any combination of materials.

[0089] The filter media contains activated carbon, but may also contain other materials as long as it does not impair the purpose of the present invention (as long as it can remove residual chlorine from the treated water W1). The filter media may include a ceramic filter, a filtration membrane, or a hollow fiber membrane, or any combination thereof. Furthermore, although the filter media contains activated carbon, it does not need to contain activated carbon as long as it does not impair the purpose of the present invention (as long as it can remove residual chlorine from the treated water W1).

[0090] Although the microbubble generator inlet 32 ​​has a cylindrical shape, it may have any shape other than cylindrical, as long as it does not impair the purpose of the present invention (as long as it can be connected to the filter outlet 26). For example, the microbubble generator inlet 32 ​​may have a frustoconical shape, a rectangular parallelepiped shape, or a shape that is a combination of any shape. Furthermore, although the microbubble generator inlet 32 ​​is provided at the top of the microbubble generator 30, it may be provided at any position on the microbubble generator 30. The microbubble generator inlet 32 ​​may also be provided at the bottom of the microbubble generator 30.

[0091] Although the microbubble generator outlet 36 has a cylindrical shape, it may have any shape other than cylindrical as long as it does not impair the purpose of the present invention. For example, the microbubble generator outlet 36 may have a frustoconical shape, a rectangular parallelepiped shape, or a shape that is a combination of any shape. Furthermore, although the microbubble generator outlet 36 is provided at the bottom of the microbubble generator 30, it may be provided at any position on the microbubble generator 30. The microbubble generator outlet 36 may also be provided at the top of the microbubble generator 30.

[0092] The microbubble generator 30 includes an orifice, but it does not need to. The microbubble generator 30 includes an orifice and generates microbubbles by a pore-type method, but microbubbles may be generated by any method. For example, the microbubble generator 30 may generate microbubbles by a pressurized dissolution method, an ultrasonic method, a gas-liquid mixing / shearing method, an ultra-high-speed swirling method, a flip-flop phenomenon generation method, etc.

[0093] The microbubble generator 30 has three orifices, but it may have one, two, or four or more.

[0094] The microbubble generator 30 may be, for example, a microbubble generator like the one disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 7142386. This microbubble generator is installed in a flow path through which liquid flows and generates bubbles in the liquid flowing through the flow path, and comprises: a pair of axially cylindrical outer members, each having a first spiral portion extending spirally in the circumferential direction on its inner surface and through which liquid flows axially; a pair of axially oriented inner members, each having a second spiral portion extending spirally in the circumferential direction on its outer surface, and positioned within the outer members such that its outer surface faces the inner surface of the outer members at a predetermined distance; and a support structure positioned between one axially oriented outer member and the other axially oriented outer member and inner member, supporting each inner member and having a through hole through which liquid can flow axially. The device comprises an intermediate member, and each inner member and the intermediate member is provided with a liquid flow hole that penetrates axially through the radial center of each inner member from the liquid inlet side of one inner member to the liquid outlet side of the other inner member, wherein the fluid flows between the first helical portion of one outer member and the second helical portion of one inner member and through the liquid flow hole, and the liquid that flows out from between one outer member and one inner member passes through the through hole of the intermediate member, flows between the first helical portion of the other outer member and the second helical portion of the other inner member, and merges with the liquid that flows out from the liquid flow hole at the liquid outlet side of the other inner member.

[0095] The microbubble generator 30 may be, for example, a microbubble generator as disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 6978793. This microbubble generator is a microbubble generator in which an inlet portion that gradually decreases in diameter from the entrance of a cylindrical body, an orifice continuous with the inlet portion, and an expanding diameter portion continuous with the orifice are formed sequentially, the outlet peripheral wall of the orifice being a radial vertical surface, the expanding diameter portion being open only at the outlet located at the extension of the center line of the orifice, and a recess being formed in the outlet peripheral wall.

[0096] Although the filter 20 and the microbubble generator 30 are connected by screw threads, any connection method may be used as long as it does not impair the purpose of the present invention. The filter 20 and the microbubble generator 30 may be connected by a coupler, a socket, or a flange.

[0097] The first central axis L1 is common to the container 10, the filter 20, and the microbubble generator 30, but it does not have to be common to all of them as long as it does not impair the purpose of the present invention.

[0098] The second central axis L2 is common to both the container inlet 16 and the container outlet 18, but it does not have to be common as long as it does not impair the purpose of the present invention.

[0099] In the maintenance method for the water treatment device 1, when performing step P1 to check the microbubble generator 30 and determine whether or not cleaning the microbubble generator 30 is necessary, the user visually checks the microbubble generator 30. However, as long as the objective of the present invention is not impaired, the condition of the microbubble generator 30 may be checked by means other than visual inspection. For example, the pressure loss and flow rate when water is passed through the microbubble generator 30 may be measured.

[0100] In the maintenance method for the water treatment device 1, the microbubble generator 30 is cleaned with running water, but the microbubble generator 30 may be cleaned using methods other than running water, as long as the objective of the present invention is not impaired. The microbubble generator 30 may be cleaned with a cleaning agent, with an airbrush, or by a combination of any cleaning methods. Furthermore, the microbubble generator 30 may be disassembled and cleaned. For example, if the microbubble generator 30 has a case (not shown) that houses the microbubble generator inlet 32, the microbubble generator body 34, and the microbubble generator outlet 36, one or more parts selected from the group consisting of the microbubble generator inlet 32, the microbubble generator body 34, and the microbubble generator outlet 36 may be disassembled, removed, and cleaned.

[0101] Furthermore, since the microbubble generator 30 is detachable from the water treatment device 1, if cleaning (maintenance) of the microbubble generator 30 takes a long time, it may be replaced with another microbubble generator 30.

[0102] Although the water treatment device 1 is installed in an individual dwelling unit 120 in the apartment building 100, it may be installed in any building as long as it does not impair the purpose of the present invention. For example, the water treatment device 1 may be installed in the water supply system 140 (piping 141) of the apartment building 100 (it does not have to be installed in an individual dwelling unit in the apartment building). Furthermore, the water treatment device 1 may be installed in a detached house, a shop, a factory, or a warehouse. [Industrial applicability]

[0103] Because the water treatment device according to the present invention can be constructed compactly, it can be installed in various buildings and is therefore useful as a water treatment device. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0104] 1. Water treatment equipment 10 containers 12 Container lid 14 Container body 16 Container inlet 18 Container outlet 19 Outlet piping 20 filters 22 Filter inlet 24 Filter body 26 Filter outlet 30 Microbubble Generator 32 Microbubble Generator Inlet 33 Reduced diameter part 34. Microbubble Generator Main Unit 35 Orifice 36 Microbubble Generator Outlet 37 Expanded diameter part 100 apartment complex 120 dwelling units 140 Water supply system 141,143,144 Piping 142 Booster 145 Faucets L1 1st center axis L2 2nd center axis W1 Water to be treated W2 filtered water W3 Microbubble Water

Claims

1. The system comprises a container, a filter installed in the internal space of the container, and a microbubble generator installed in the internal space of the container and connected downstream of the filter, The aforementioned microbubble generator is directly connected to the aforementioned filter, The container has a container inlet to which the water to be treated is supplied, and a container outlet to which the finely bubbled water, which has been treated by the filter and the fine bubble generator, is discharged. The filter has a filter inlet into which the water to be treated supplied from the container inlet flows, a filter body continuous with the filter inlet, and a filter outlet from which the filtered water treated by the filter body is discharged. The microbubble generator has a microbubble generator inlet into which the filtered water flows, a microbubble generator body continuous with the microbubble generator inlet, and a microbubble generator outlet continuous with the microbubble generator body from which the microbubble water is discharged. The main body of the microbubble generator has an orifice, Water treatment equipment.

2. The filter contains activated carbon, The water treatment apparatus according to claim 1.

3. A water treatment apparatus according to claim 1 or 2 for use in a building.

4. A building equipped with a water treatment system, A building in which the water treatment apparatus is the water treatment apparatus described in claim 1 or 2.

5. A method for maintaining a water treatment device according to claim 1 or 2, A method for maintaining a water treatment device, comprising the following steps (P1) and (P2). Step (P1): A step to check the microbubble generator and determine whether or not cleaning the microbubble generator is necessary. Step (P2): If it is determined that cleaning of the microbubble generator is necessary, a step to clean the microbubble generator.

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