Microbubble generating device

Abstract

The microbubble generating device disclosed in the specification has a tank, a tank supply path, a pressure pump, a tank discharge path, a microbubble generating nozzle, a tank circulation path, a tank circulation pump, a gas introduction mechanism, a liquid level electrode, and a control device. The gas introduction mechanism has a gas introduction port, a pressure reduction portion, and a gas introduction valve. The control device can execute microbubble generation operation control, which means driving the pressure pump to pressurize and supply liquid to the tank and to supply liquid from the tank to a liquid bath. The control device drives the tank circulation pump to circulate the liquid in the tank during execution of the microbubble generation operation control, whereby the tank is supplied with gas introduced through the gas introduction port, and controls the opening and closing operation of the gas introduction valve based on information about whether the liquid level of the tank detected by the liquid level electrode is above a prescribed level. Accordingly, the amount of information about the liquid level of the tank can be reduced, and the speed of the judgment process related to the opening and closing of the gas introduction valve can be ensured.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This specification relates to a microbubble generator. Background Technology

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a microbubble generating device comprising: a storage tank for pressurizing and dissolving gas in a liquid; a storage tank supply path for supplying the liquid to the storage tank; a pressurizing pump disposed in the storage tank supply path; a storage tank discharge path for discharging the pressurized liquid containing the dissolved gas from the storage tank into a liquid tank; a microbubble generating nozzle disposed in the storage tank discharge path for depressurizing the pressurized liquid containing the dissolved gas to generate microbubbles; a storage tank circulation path disposed separately from the storage tank discharge path for conveying the liquid from an outlet connected to the storage tank to an inlet connected to the storage tank; a storage tank circulation pump disposed in the storage tank circulation path; a gas introduction mechanism disposed in the storage tank circulation path; two liquid level electrodes capable of detecting whether the liquid level in the storage tank is above a specified level; and a control device. The gas introduction mechanism includes: a pressure reducing section for depressurizing the liquid; a gas inlet for introducing gas through the negative pressure of the liquid in the pressure reducing section; and a gas introduction valve for opening and closing the gas inlet. The control device is capable of performing microbubble generation operation control, which refers to driving the pressurizing pump to pressurize and supply the liquid to the storage tank from the storage tank supply path, and supplying pressurized liquid containing the gas dissolved in it from the storage tank to the liquid tank through the storage tank discharge path. During the execution of the microbubble generation operation control, the control device drives the storage tank circulation pump to circulate the liquid in the storage tank in the storage tank circulation path, thereby supplying the storage tank with the gas introduced through the gas inlet. The opening and closing of the gas introduction valve is controlled based on information related to whether the liquid level in the storage tank detected by one of the two liquid level electrodes is above the lower liquid level, and information related to whether the liquid level in the storage tank detected by the other of the two liquid level electrodes is above the upper liquid level.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Publication No. 2015-127052 Summary of the Invention

[0006] In microbubble generators, to ensure the speed of judgment processing related to the opening and closing of the gas inlet valve, it is sometimes desirable to reduce the amount of information related to the tank level. In the microbubble generator of Patent Document 1, the control device is configured to control the opening and closing of the gas inlet valve based on information related to whether the tank level is above the lower level and information related to whether the tank level is above the upper level. In this microbubble generator, the amount of information related to the tank level is relatively large, and the judgment processing related to the opening and closing of the gas inlet valve may lack speed. In this specification, a technique is provided that can reduce the amount of information related to the tank level, thereby ensuring the speed of judgment processing related to the opening and closing of the gas inlet valve. In addition, in this specification, for microbubble generators with two level electrodes, the two level electrodes are sometimes referred to as "lower level electrode" and "upper level electrode". Here, "lower level" is a level lower than "upper level".

[0007] [Technical solutions used to solve technical problems]

[0008] The microbubble generating device disclosed in this specification includes a storage tank, a storage tank supply path, a pressurizing pump, a storage tank discharge path, a microbubble generating nozzle, a storage tank circulation path, a storage tank circulation pump, a gas introduction mechanism, a liquid level electrode, and a control device. The storage tank pressurizes and dissolves gas in a liquid; the storage tank supply path supplies the liquid to the storage tank; the pressurizing pump is located in the storage tank supply path; the storage tank discharge path discharges the pressurized liquid containing the dissolved gas from the storage tank into a liquid tank; the microbubble generating nozzle is located in the storage tank discharge path, depressurizing the pressurized liquid containing the dissolved gas to generate microbubbles; the storage tank circulation path is separately provided with the storage tank discharge path, conveying the liquid from an outlet connected to the storage tank to an inlet connected to the storage tank; the storage tank circulation pump is located in the storage tank circulation path; the gas introduction mechanism is located in the storage tank circulation path; and the liquid level electrode can detect whether the liquid level in the storage tank is above a specified level. The gas introduction mechanism includes a pressure reducing section, a gas inlet, and a gas introduction valve. The pressure reducing section depressurizes the liquid as it passes through; the gas inlet introduces the gas through the negative pressure of the liquid in the pressure reducing section; and the gas introduction valve opens and closes the gas inlet. The control device is capable of performing microbubble generation operation control, which refers to: driving the pressurizing pump to pressurize and supply the liquid to the storage tank from the storage tank supply path and supplying the pressurized liquid containing the dissolved gas from the storage tank to the liquid tank through the storage tank discharge path. During the execution of the microbubble generation operation control, the control device performs the following processes (performs the following operation control): driving the storage tank circulation pump to circulate the liquid in the storage tank in the storage tank circulation path, thereby supplying the storage tank with the gas introduced through the gas inlet; and controlling the opening and closing of the gas introduction valve based on information related to whether the liquid level in the storage tank, detected by the liquid level electrode, is above a specified level.

[0009] Another microbubble generating device disclosed in this specification includes a storage tank, a storage tank supply path, a pressurizing pump, a storage tank discharge path, a microbubble generating nozzle, a storage tank circulation path, a storage tank circulation pump, a gas introduction mechanism, a single liquid level electrode, and a control device. The storage tank pressurizes and dissolves gas in a liquid; the storage tank supply path supplies the liquid to the storage tank; the pressurizing pump is located in the storage tank supply path; the storage tank discharge path discharges the pressurized liquid containing the dissolved gas from the storage tank into a liquid tank; the microbubble generating nozzle is located in the storage tank discharge path to depressurize the pressurized liquid containing the dissolved gas to generate microbubbles; the storage tank circulation path is separately provided with the storage tank discharge path, conveying the liquid from an outlet connected to the storage tank to an inlet connected to the storage tank; the storage tank circulation pump is located in the storage tank circulation path; the gas introduction mechanism is located in the storage tank circulation path; and the single liquid level electrode can detect whether the liquid level in the storage tank is above a specified level. The gas introduction mechanism includes a pressure reducing section, a gas inlet, and a gas introduction valve. The pressure reducing section depressurizes the liquid as it passes through; the gas inlet introduces the gas through the negative pressure of the liquid in the pressure reducing section; and the gas introduction valve opens and closes the gas inlet. The control device is capable of performing microbubble generation operation control, which refers to: driving the pressurizing pump to pressurize and supply the liquid to the storage tank from the storage tank supply path, and supplying pressurized liquid containing the dissolved gas from the storage tank to the liquid tank through the storage tank discharge path. During the microbubble generation operation control, the control device can perform the following processes: driving the storage tank circulation pump to circulate the liquid in the storage tank in the storage tank circulation path, thereby supplying the storage tank with the gas introduced through the gas inlet; and controlling the opening and closing of the gas introduction valve based on information related to whether the liquid level in the storage tank, detected by the single liquid level electrode, is above a specified level.

[0010] According to the above structure, the control device is configured to control the opening and closing of the gas inlet valve based on information related to whether the tank liquid level detected by a single liquid level electrode is above a predetermined level. Therefore, the amount of information related to the tank liquid level can be reduced, thereby ensuring the speed of judgment and processing related to the opening and closing of the gas inlet valve.

[0011] In one or more embodiments, the control device may perform the following processing during the execution of the microbubble generation operation control: if the liquid level of the storage tank is detected by the liquid level electrode to be lower than the specified liquid level when the gas inlet valve is open, the gas inlet valve is closed; the gas inlet valve is kept closed from the time the gas inlet valve is closed until a first specified time has elapsed; and the gas inlet valve is opened after the first specified time has elapsed.

[0012] In a microbubble generator, droplets scattering from the liquid surface of a storage tank adhere to the level electrode, potentially causing it to become sticky. When this stickiness occurs, there is a concern about falsely detecting the tank's liquid level. For example, if the microbubble generator has a lower and upper level electrode, and the control device controls the opening and closing of the gas inlet valve by varying the tank's liquid level between the lower and upper levels, the upper level electrode is almost never immersed in the liquid. Therefore, the upper level electrode cannot suppress the formation of stickiness, raising concerns about falsely detecting the tank's liquid level. Based on this structure, by frequently immersing the level electrode in the liquid during microbubble generation operation control, the formation of stickiness on the level electrode can be suppressed. Therefore, false detection of the tank's liquid level can be prevented.

[0013] In one or more embodiments, the control device may perform the following processing during the execution of the microbubble generation operation control: determining the elapsed time as the intake time, wherein the elapsed time refers to the time from the opening of the gas inlet valve in the closed state to the time when the liquid level of the tank is detected by the liquid level electrode to be lower than the specified liquid level and the gas inlet valve is closed; if the intake time exceeds the upper limit intake time, reducing the speed of the pressurizing pump when driving the pressurizing pump thereafter.

[0014] Imagine that if the intake time is too long, the amount of liquid supplied to the storage tank will be excessive, or the amount of gas introduced by the gas introduction mechanism will be insufficient. Furthermore, the higher the speed of the booster pump, the greater the amount of liquid supplied to the storage tank; conversely, the lower the speed of the booster pump, the smaller the amount of liquid supplied. Based on this structure, if the intake time exceeds the upper limit, i.e., the intake time is too long, the amount of liquid supplied to the storage tank can be reduced by decreasing the speed of the booster pump, thereby shortening the intake time.

[0015] In one or more embodiments, the control device may perform the following processing during the execution of the microbubble generation operation control: determining the elapsed time as the intake time, wherein the elapsed time refers to the time from the opening of the gas inlet valve in the closed state to the time when the liquid level of the tank is detected by the liquid level electrode to be lower than the specified liquid level and the gas inlet valve is closed; if the intake time is lower than the lower limit intake time, increasing the rotational speed of the pressurizing pump when driving the pressurizing pump thereafter.

[0016] Imagine that if the intake time is too short, the amount of liquid supplied to the storage tank is too small, or the amount of gas introduced by the gas introduction mechanism is too large. According to the above structure, when the intake time is below the lower limit intake time, that is, when the intake time is too short, the amount of liquid supplied to the storage tank can be increased by increasing the speed of the booster pump, thereby extending the intake time.

[0017] In one or more embodiments, the control device may perform the following processing during the execution of the microbubble generation operation control: determining the elapsed time as the intake time, wherein the elapsed time refers to the time from the opening of the gas inlet valve in the closed state to the time when the liquid level electrode detects that the liquid level of the tank is lower than the specified liquid level and the gas inlet valve is closed; if the intake time exceeds the upper limit intake time, increasing the rotational speed of the tank circulation pump when the tank circulation pump is driven in the open state thereafter.

[0018] Imagine a scenario where the intake time is too long, resulting in either excessive liquid supply to the storage tank or insufficient gas introduction by the gas introduction mechanism. Furthermore, with the gas introduction valve open, a higher rotational speed of the storage tank circulation pump leads to a greater amount of gas introduced by the gas introduction mechanism, while a lower rotational speed leads to a smaller amount of gas introduced. Based on this structure, when the intake time exceeds the upper limit (i.e., the intake time is too long), increasing the rotational speed of the storage tank circulation pump increases the amount of gas introduced by the gas introduction mechanism, thereby shortening the intake time.

[0019] In one or more embodiments, the control device may perform the following processing during the execution of the microbubble generation operation control: determining the elapsed time as the intake time, wherein the elapsed time refers to the time from the opening of the gas inlet valve in the closed state to the time when the liquid level of the tank is detected by the liquid level electrode to be lower than the specified liquid level and the gas inlet valve is closed; if the intake time is lower than the lower limit intake time, reducing the rotational speed of the tank circulation pump when the tank circulation pump is driven in the open state thereafter.

[0020] Imagine that if the intake time is too short, the amount of liquid supplied to the storage tank is too small, or the amount of gas introduced by the gas introduction mechanism is too large. According to the above structure, when the intake time is below the lower limit intake time, that is, when the intake time is too short, the amount of gas introduced by the gas introduction mechanism can be reduced by decreasing the speed of the storage tank circulation pump, thereby extending the intake time.

[0021] In one or more embodiments, the control device may perform the following processing during the execution of the microbubble generation operation control: determine whether a stop condition for stopping the microbubble generation operation control is met; if the stop condition is met, execute a stop processing to stop the microbubble generation operation control; when executing the stop processing, perform the following processing: open the gas inlet valve while the pressurizing pump and the storage tank circulation pump are driving; if the liquid level in the storage tank is detected by the liquid level electrode to be lower than the specified liquid level while the gas inlet valve is open, close the gas inlet valve; maintain the gas inlet valve closed for a period of time longer than the first specified time, i.e., a second specified time, from the time the gas inlet valve is closed until a second specified time has elapsed; after the second specified time has elapsed, stop the pressurizing pump and the storage tank circulation pump to stop the microbubble generation operation control.

[0022] According to the above structure, the microbubble generation operation control can be stopped while the liquid level electrode is immersed in the liquid. This suppresses the formation of viscous liquid on the liquid level electrode, thereby reducing false detections of the tank's liquid level. Furthermore, according to the above structure, when the microbubble generation operation control is stopped, the portion of the liquid level electrode above the portion normally immersed in the liquid is also immersed. Therefore, the formation of viscous liquid on the liquid level electrode can be more effectively suppressed.

[0023] In one or more embodiments, the control device may perform the following processing during the execution of the microbubble generation operation control: when the liquid level of the storage tank is detected by the liquid level electrode as being above the specified liquid level while the gas inlet valve is closed, the gas inlet valve is opened; the gas inlet valve is kept open from the time the gas inlet valve is opened until a third specified time has elapsed; and the gas inlet valve is closed after the third specified time has elapsed.

[0024] For example, a microbubble generator has a lower liquid level electrode and an upper liquid level electrode. If the control device controls the opening and closing of the gas inlet valve by varying the liquid level in the tank between the lower and upper liquid levels, the lower liquid level electrode needs to be relatively long. This could lead to an increase in the overall weight of the device. According to the structure described above, the length of the liquid level electrode can be shortened. Therefore, a lighter overall device can be achieved.

[0025] In one or more embodiments, the liquid may be water. The liquid tank may be a bathtub used by a user for bathing.

[0026] Based on the above structure, in a microbubble generator that produces microbubbles from water in a bathtub used for bathing, the amount of information related to the water level in the storage tank can be reduced, thereby ensuring the speed of judgment and processing related to the opening and closing of the gas inlet valve. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of the hot water device 2 in Embodiments 1 to 3.

[0028] Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating an example of water flow in the bathtub adapter 132 of the hot water device 2 in Embodiments 1 to 3.

[0029] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating another example of water flow in the bathtub adapter 132 of the hot water device 2 of Embodiments 1 to 3.

[0030] Figure 4 This is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of the flow of water in the hot water device 2 of Embodiments 1 to 3.

[0031] Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating another example of the flow of water in the hot water device 2 of Embodiments 1 to 3.

[0032] Figure 6 This is a diagram schematically illustrating another example of the flow of water in the hot water device 2 of Examples 1 to 3.

[0033] Figure 7 This is a flowchart of the process executed by the control device 150 in the microbubble generation operation control of the hot water device 2 in Example 1.

[0034] Figure 8 In the microbubble generation operation control of the hot water device 2 in Examples 1 to 3, the control device 150 is in Figure 7 The processing shown Figure 9 The processing shown, or Figure 10 The flowchart shown illustrates the stop process executed during the processing.

[0035] Figure 9 This is a flowchart of the process executed by the control device 150 in the microbubble generation operation control of the hot water device 2 in Example 2.

[0036] Figure 10 This is a flowchart of the process executed by the control device 150 in the microbubble generation operation control of the hot water device 2 in Example 3.

[0037] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0038] 2: Hot water device; 10: Heat source unit; 12: First heat source unit; 14: Second heat source unit; 16: Water supply path; 18: Hot water path; 18a: Hot water temperature thermistor; 20: Bypass path; 22: Bypass servo mechanism; 24: Hot water injection path; 26: Valve; 28: Water volume sensor; 30: Circulation path; 30a: Circulation path thermistor; 32: Circulation loop; 32a: Circulation loop thermistor; 34: Bathtub circulation pump; 36 50: Flow switch; 52: Air pressurization and dissolution unit; 53: Storage tank; 54: Water level electrode; 60: Heat source circuit; 62: First bathtub water circuit; 64: Storage tank outflow circuit; 66: Connecting circuit; 68: Heat source outflow circuit; 70: Second bathtub water circuit; 74: Storage tank circuit; 74a: Water inlet; 80: First three-way valve; 82: Second three-way valve; 84: Check valve; 86: Storage tank water supply valve; 88: First pressurization pump; 90: Second pressurization pump; 92: Storage tank circulation. Path; 92a: Outlet; 94: Tank circulation pump; 96: Gas introduction mechanism; 98: Water inlet pipe; 100: Water outlet pipe; 102: Venturi tube; 104: Gas introduction path; 104a: Gas inlet; 106: Gas introduction valve; 130: Bathtub; 130a: Wall; 132: Bathtub adapter; 132a: Front surface; 132b: Lower surface; 134a: First outlet; 134b: First suction inlet; 134c: Second suction inlet Inlet; 134d: Second outlet; 136: First water path; 136a: First discharge path; 136b: First suction path; 138: Second water path; 138a: Second discharge path; 138b: Second suction path; 140a, 140b, 140c, 140d: Check valve; 142: Microbubble generator nozzle; 150: Control device; 152: Memory; 154: Remote control; 200: Water supply source; 250: Faucet. Detailed Implementation

[0039] (Example 1)

[0040] like Figure 1 As shown, the hot water device 2 of this embodiment includes a heat source unit 10, an air pressurization and dissolution unit 50, a bathtub adapter 132, and a control device 150. The hot water device 2 can heat water supplied from a water source 200 such as tap water, and supply the water heated to the desired temperature to a faucet 250 installed in the kitchen or elsewhere, and to a bathtub 130 installed in the bathroom. Furthermore, the hot water device 2 can generate tiny bubbles in the water in the bathtub 130 used for bathing.

[0041] (Structure of heat source unit 10)

[0042] The heat source unit 10 includes a first heat source unit 12, a second heat source unit 14, a water supply path 16, a hot water path 18, a bypass path 20, a bypass servo mechanism 22, a hot water injection path 24, a hot water injection valve 26, a water volume sensor 28, a circulation path 30, a circulation loop 32, a bathtub circulation pump 34, and a water flow switch 36.

[0043] The upstream end of water supply path 16 is connected to water source 200, and the downstream end of water supply path 16 is connected to first heat source unit 12. Similarly, the upstream end of hot water path 18 is connected to first heat source unit 12, and the downstream end of hot water path 18 is connected to faucet 250. First heat source unit 12 is, for example, a combustion heat source unit that heats water by burning gas. First heat source unit 12 heats the water flowing into from water supply path 16 and delivers the heated water to hot water path 18.

[0044] The upstream end of the bypass path 20 is connected to the water supply path 16, and the downstream end of the bypass path 20 is connected to the hot water path 18. A bypass servo mechanism 22 is installed at the point where the bypass path 20 connects to the water supply path 16. The bypass servo mechanism 22 can adjust the ratio of the flow rate of water flowing from the water supply path 16 through the first heat source 12 to the hot water path 18, and the flow rate of water flowing from the water supply path 16 through the bypass path 20 to the hot water path 18, by adjusting the opening of a built-in valve. By adjusting the opening of the bypass servo mechanism 22, hot water flowing in from the first heat source 12 and cold water flowing in from the bypass path 20 are mixed in a desired ratio and regulated to a desired temperature in the hot water path 18, which is downstream of the point where the bypass path 20 is connected. A hot water temperature thermistor 18a is installed in the hot water path 18, which detects the temperature of the water in the hot water path 18.

[0045] The upstream end of the hot water injection path 24 is connected to the hot water path 18, which is downstream of the bypass path 20. The downstream end of the hot water injection path 24 is connected to the circulation loop 32. A hot water injection valve 26 is installed in the hot water injection path 24 to open and close the hot water injection path 24. The hot water injection valve 26 is normally closed. A water flow sensor 28 is installed in the hot water injection path 24 to detect the amount of water flowing through the hot water injection path 24.

[0046] The upstream end of the circulation loop 32 is connected to the heat source loop 60 of the air pressurization and dissolution unit 50 (details to be described later), and the downstream end of the circulation loop 32 is connected to the second heat source 14. Additionally, the upstream end of the circulation path 30 is connected to the second heat source 14, and the downstream end of the circulation path 30 is connected to the heat source path 68 of the air pressurization and dissolution unit 50 (details to be described later). The second heat source 14 is, for example, a combustion heat source that heats water by burning gas. The second heat source 14 heats the water flowing into the circulation loop 32 and sends the heated water out to the circulation path 30. A circulation loop thermistor 32a for detecting the temperature of the water in the circulation loop 32 is provided near the upstream end of the circulation loop 32. A circulation path thermistor 30a for detecting the temperature of the water in the circulation path 30 is provided near the downstream end of the circulation path 30.

[0047] The bathtub circulation pump 34 is located downstream of the connection point of the hot water injection path 24 in the circulation loop 32, and sends water from the circulation loop 32 to the second heat source unit 14. A flow switch 36 is located in the circulation loop 32 between the bathtub circulation pump 34 and the second heat source unit 14 to detect whether water flows through the circulation loop 32.

[0048] (Structure of the air pressurized dissolution unit 50)

[0049] The air pressurization and dissolution unit 50 includes a storage tank 52, a heat source circuit 60, a heat source outlet 68, a storage tank circuit 74, a storage tank outlet 64, a connecting circuit 66, a first three-way valve 80, a second three-way valve 82, a check valve 84, a storage tank water supply valve 86, a first pressurization pump 88, a second pressurization pump 90, a storage tank circulation path 92, a storage tank circulation pump 94, and a gas introduction mechanism 96.

[0050] Storage tank 52 is used to pressurize and dissolve air in water to generate air-dissolved water. Storage tank 52 is capable of storing water. Inside storage tank 52 are a water level electrode 54 and a grounding electrode (not shown) for detecting the water level inside the tank. When the water level electrode 54 comes into contact with the surface of the water stored in storage tank 52, a current flows between the water level electrode 54 and the grounding electrode, outputting an ON signal to the control device 150. That is, the water level electrode 54 is configured to detect whether the water level in storage tank 52 is above a specified level. Hereinafter, the water level in storage tank 52 detected by the water level electrode 54 is sometimes referred to as the "boundary water level".

[0051] One end of the heat source circuit 60 is connected to the connecting circuit 66, and the other end of the heat source circuit 60 is connected to the circulation circuit 32 of the heat source unit 10. The connecting circuit 66 connects the first three-way valve 80 and the second three-way valve 82. The first three-way valve 80 is connected to the connecting circuit 66, the first bathtub water circuit 62, and the storage tank outlet circuit 64. The first three-way valve 80 can switch the first connecting state (see reference). Figure 6 ), second connected state (refer to) Figure 1 ) and the third connected state (refer to Figure 4 , Figure 5 The first connection state is when the storage tank outlet 64 and the first bathtub water passage 62 are connected; the second connection state is when the storage tank outlet 64 and the connecting passage 66 are connected; and the third connection state is when the first bathtub water passage 62, the storage tank outlet 64, and the connecting passage 66 are connected. The upstream end of the storage tank outlet 64 is connected to the lower part of the storage tank 52, and the downstream end of the storage tank outlet 64 is connected to the first three-way valve 80. A one-way valve 84 is provided on the storage tank outlet 64, which allows water to flow from the storage tank 52 to the first three-way valve 80 and prohibits water from flowing from the first three-way valve 80 to the storage tank 52. One end of the first bathtub water passage 62 is connected to the first three-way valve 80, and the other end of the first bathtub water passage 62 is connected to the bathtub adapter 132.

[0052] One end of the heat source path 68 is connected to the circulation path 30 of the heat source unit 10, and the other end is connected to the second three-way valve 82. The second three-way valve 82 is connected to the connecting path 66, the heat source path 68, and the second bathtub water path 70. The second three-way valve 82 can switch to a fourth connecting state (see reference). Figure 6 ) and the 5th connected state (refer to Figure 1 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 The fourth connection state is the connection between the second bathtub water passage 70 and the connecting passage 66; the fifth connection state is the connection between the heat source passage 68 and the second bathtub water passage 70. One end of the second bathtub water passage 70 is connected to the second three-way valve 82, and the other end of the second bathtub water passage 70 is connected to the bathtub adapter 132.

[0053] The upstream end of the storage tank circuit 74 is connected to the heat source outlet 68, and the downstream end of the storage tank circuit 74 is connected to the storage tank 52 via the water inlet 74a. A storage tank water inlet valve 86 is installed in the storage tank circuit 74 to open and close the circuit. The storage tank water inlet valve 86 is normally closed. A first pressurizing pump 88 and a second pressurizing pump 90 are installed in the storage tank circuit 74 between the storage tank water inlet valve 86 and the storage tank 52. The first pressurizing pump 88 and the second pressurizing pump 90 pressurize the water in the storage tank circuit 74 and deliver it to the storage tank 52. In the storage tank circuit 74, the first pressurizing pump 88 is positioned upstream of the second pressurizing pump 90.

[0054] The upstream end of the tank circulation path 92 (hereinafter referred to as outlet 92a) is connected to the bottom of the tank 52, and the downstream end of the tank circulation path 92 is connected to the tank circuit 74, which is downstream of the second booster pump 90. The water level at the outlet 92a of the tank circulation path 92 connected to the tank 52 is lower than the boundary water level. The tank circulation pump 94 is installed in the tank circulation path 92. The tank circulation pump 94 draws water from the tank 52 into the tank circulation path 92 through the outlet 92a, and discharges water from the tank circulation path 92 into the tank 52 through the inlet 74a at the downstream end of the tank circuit 74.

[0055] A gas introduction mechanism 96 is located upstream of the tank circulation pump 94 in the tank circulation path 92. The gas introduction mechanism 96 includes an inlet pipe 98, an outlet pipe 100, a venturi tube 102, a gas introduction path 104, and a gas introduction valve 106. Water flows into the inlet pipe 98 from the upstream side of the tank circulation path 92. The outlet pipe 100 allows water to flow out to the downstream side of the tank circulation path 92. The venturi tube 102 connects the inlet pipe 98 and the outlet pipe 100. The diameter of the venturi tube 102 is smaller than the diameters of both the inlet pipe 98 and the outlet pipe 100. Water flowing through the gas introduction mechanism 96 is depressurized to below atmospheric pressure as it flows from the inlet pipe 98 to the venturi tube 102, and pressurized back to its original pressure as it flows from the venturi tube 102 to the outlet pipe 100. The upstream end of the gas inlet path 104 (hereinafter also referred to as gas inlet 104a) is open to the atmosphere, and the downstream end is connected to the venturi tube 102. A gas inlet valve 106 is provided in the gas inlet path 104 to open and close it. When water flows through the gas inlet mechanism 96, with the gas inlet valve 106 in the open state, air is drawn into the gas inlet path 104 from the gas inlet 104a, and the air mixes with the water flowing through the venturi tube 102. The air introduced through the gas inlet path 104 flows into the storage tank 52 together with the water flowing through the storage tank circulation path 92. The gas inlet valve 106 is normally in the closed state.

[0056] (Structure of bathtub adapter 132)

[0057] Next, refer to Figure 2 , Figure 3 The bathtub adapter 132 installed on the wall 130a of the bathtub 130 will be described. Figure 2 This indicates a state where water is flowing from the first bathtub water passage 62 to the bathtub 130, and water is flowing from the bathtub 130 to the second bathtub water passage 70 (e.g., Figure 6 The water flow in the bathtub adapter 132 under the condition of (state). Figure 3 This indicates a state where water is flowing from bathtub 130 to the first bathtub water passage 62, and water is flowing from the second bathtub water passage 70 to bathtub 130 (e.g., Figure 5The water flow in the bathtub adapter 132 under the condition of (state).

[0058] The bathtub adapter 132 has a first water passage 136 and a second water passage 138. The first water passage 136 is connected to the first bathtub water passage 62, and the second water passage 138 is connected to the second bathtub water passage 70. The first water passage 136 branches into a first discharge path 136a and a first suction path 136b. The first discharge path 136a is connected to a first outlet 134a provided on the front surface 132a of the bathtub adapter 132. Water discharged from the first outlet 134a into the bathtub 130 is discharged in front of the wall 130a of the bathtub 130, that is, in a direction perpendicular to the wall 130a of the bathtub 130. The first discharge path 136a is provided with: a check valve 140a, which prevents water from flowing from the bathtub 130 into the first bathtub water passage 62; and a microbubble generating nozzle 142, which is positioned upstream of the check valve 140a (on the side of the first bathtub water passage 62). The microbubble generating nozzle 142 depressurizes the water passing through it. The first suction path 136b is connected to the first suction port 134b provided on the front surface 132a of the bathtub adapter 132. A check valve 140b is provided on the first suction path 136b to prevent water from flowing from the first bathtub water passage 62 into the bathtub 130.

[0059] The second water passage 138 branches into a second discharge path 138a and a second suction path 138b. The second suction path 138b is connected to the second suction port 134c provided on the front surface 132a of the bathtub adapter 132. A check valve 140c is provided on the second suction path 138b to prevent water from flowing from the second bathtub water passage 70 into the bathtub 130. The second discharge path 138a is connected to the second discharge outlet 134d provided on the lower surface 132b of the bathtub adapter 132. Water discharged from the second discharge outlet 134d is discharged downwards, parallel to the wall 130a of the bathtub 130. A check valve 140d is provided on the second discharge path 138a to prevent water from flowing from the bathtub 130 into the second bathtub water passage 70.

[0060] (Structure of control device 150)

[0061] Figure 1The control device 150 shown controls the operation of each structural element of the heat source unit 10 and the air pressurization and dissolution unit 50. The control device 150 is configured to communicate with a remote control 154 that can be operated by a user. The control device 150 has a memory 152 capable of storing various settings input by the user, such as the set temperature or set water volume in the hot water injection operation control, and the set temperature in the reheating operation control. The user can use the remote control 154 to indicate the start or end of the hot water injection operation control, reheating operation control, and microbubble generation operation control (described later).

[0062] (Hot water injection operation control)

[0063] The hot water injection operation control begins when the user instructs the user to start the hot water injection operation control via remote control 154. Alternatively, the hot water injection operation control may also begin when the user has preset the start time of the hot water injection operation control via remote control 154, and the control device 150 determines that the start time of the hot water injection operation control has arrived. When the hot water injection operation control begins, the control device 150 sets the first three-way valve 80 and the second three-way valve 82 to the third connected state and the fifth connected state, respectively (see reference). Figure 4 , Figure 5 When the hot water injection operation is initiated, the control device 150 opens the hot water injection valve 26, and heating begins from the first heat source unit 12. Accordingly, as Figure 4 As shown, water adjusted to a set temperature flows from hot water path 18 into circulation loop 32 via hot water injection path 24. The water flowing into circulation loop 32 flows upstream (i.e., heat source loop 60) and downstream (i.e., second heat source unit 14). Water flowing from circulation loop 32 to heat source loop 60 flows into bathtub 130 via connecting path 66, first three-way valve 80, first bathtub water path 62, and bathtub adapter 132. Water flowing from circulation loop 32 to second heat source unit 14 flows into bathtub 130 via circulation path 30, heat source path 68, second three-way valve 82, second bathtub water path 70, and bathtub adapter 132. Control device 150 remains on standby until the accumulated water volume detected by water volume sensor 28 reaches the set water volume in hot water injection operation control. Here, accumulated water volume refers to the accumulated water volume detected by water volume sensor 28 from the start of hot water injection operation control. When the accumulated water volume reaches the set water volume, the control device 150 closes the hot water injection valve 26, ending the water heating process by the first heat source unit 12. After this, the control device 150 notifies the user via remote control 154 that the hot water injection operation is complete, thus ending the hot water injection operation control.

[0064] (Reheating operation control)

[0065] Reheating operation control begins when the user instructs the user to start reheating operation control via remote control 154. Alternatively, reheating operation control can also begin after the first heat source unit 12 finishes heating the water in the hot water injection operation control, if the control device 150 determines that the temperature detected by the thermistor 32a in the circulation loop does not meet the set temperature. When reheating operation control begins, the control device 150 sets the first three-way valve 80 to the third connected state and sets the second three-way valve 82 to the fifth connected state (see reference). Figure 4 , Figure 5 According to this state, control device 150 drives bathtub circulation pump 34, and the water begins to be heated by the second heat source unit 14. Accordingly, as Figure 5 As shown, water from bathtub 130 is transported to the second heat source unit 14 via bathtub adapter 132, first bathtub water passage 62, first three-way valve 80, connecting passage 66, heat source circuit 60, and circulation circuit 32. Water heated by the second heat source unit 14 returns to bathtub 130 via circulation path 30, heat source path 68, second three-way valve 82, second bathtub water passage 70, and bathtub adapter 132. When the temperature detected by the thermistor 32a in the circulation circuit reaches or exceeds the set temperature, control device 150 stops bathtub circulation pump 34 and terminates water heating by the second heat source unit 14. After this, control device 150 informs the user via remote control 154 that the reheating operation control is complete and terminates the reheating operation control.

[0066] (Microbubble generation operation control)

[0067] The microbubble generation operation control begins when the user instructs the microbubble generation operation control to start via remote control 154. Furthermore, in the hot water device 2 of this embodiment, the microbubble generation operation control automatically begins after the aforementioned hot water injection operation control is completed. That is, the microbubble generation operation control is executed in conjunction with the execution of the hot water injection operation control. When the microbubble generation operation control begins, the control device 150 respectively sets the first three-way valve 80 and the second three-way valve 82 to the third connected state and the fifth connected state (see reference). Figure 4 , Figure 5 Additionally, control device 150 opens the tank water supply valve 86. Based on this state, control device 150 performs... Figure 7 The processing is shown.

[0068] In S2, the control device 150 drives the tank circulation pump 94. Accordingly, water circulates between the tank 52 and the tank circulation path 92.

[0069] In step S4, control device 150 opens gas inlet valve 106. Accordingly, air is introduced into the water flowing through gas inlet mechanism 96 of tank circulation path 92.

[0070] In S6, control device 150 begins supplying air-dissolved water from storage tank 52 to bathtub 130. Specifically, as... Figure 6 As shown, the control device 150 sets the first three-way valve 80 to the first connected state and the second three-way valve 82 to the fourth connected state, and drives the bathtub circulation pump 34, the first pressurization pump 88, and the second pressurization pump 90. Accordingly, water from the bathtub 130 is supplied to the storage tank 52 via the bathtub adapter 132, the second bathtub water passage 70, the second three-way valve 82, the connecting passage 66, the heat source circuit 60, the circulation circuit 32, the second heat source motor 14, the circulation route 30, the heat source route 68, and the storage tank circuit 74. At this time, water pressurized by the first pressurization pump 88 and the second pressurization pump 90 is supplied to the storage tank 52 from the storage tank circuit 74. Accordingly, air is dissolved in the water under pressure inside the storage tank 52. Then, the pressurized water containing dissolved air is supplied from the storage tank 52 to the bathtub 130 via the storage tank route 64, the first three-way valve 80, the first bathtub water passage 62, and the bathtub adapter 132. At this time, the pressurized water containing dissolved air is depressurized to below atmospheric pressure when it passes through the microbubble generating nozzle 142 of the first discharge path 136a of the bathtub adapter 132, and is pressurized to atmospheric pressure when it is sprayed into the bathtub 130, causing the water in the bathtub 130 to generate microbubbles.

[0071] In S8, the control device 150 determines whether the water level in the storage tank 52 is below the boundary water level based on the presence or absence of the ON signal output from the water level electrode 54. In this embodiment, when the gas inlet valve 106 is open in the gas inlet mechanism 96, the amount of air introduced is greater than the amount of air generated by the tiny bubbles in the water of the bathtub 130. Therefore, with the gas inlet valve 106 open, the amount of air in the storage tank 52 increases, and the water level in the storage tank 52 decreases. If the water level in the storage tank 52 is above the boundary water level (if not), the process repeats S8. If the water level in the storage tank 52 is below the boundary water level (if yes), the process proceeds to S10.

[0072] In S10, the control device 150 closes the gas inlet valve 106. This stops the introduction of air into the water flowing through the gas inlet mechanism 96 of the tank circulation path 92. Since no air is supplied to the tank 52 when the gas inlet valve 106 is closed, the amount of air in the tank 52 decreases, and the water level in the tank 52 rises. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the tank circulation pump 94 continues to operate even when the gas inlet valve 106 is closed. This promotes the flow of water in the tank 52, thereby promoting the pressurization and dissolution of air into the water in the tank 52.

[0073] In S12, the control device 150 uses a built-in timer (not shown) to start timing the water level rise time.

[0074] In S14, the control device 150 determines whether the water level rise time, which started timing in S12, exceeds a first predetermined time (e.g., 90 seconds). If the water level rise time is less than the first predetermined time (if not), the process repeats S14. If the water level rise time exceeds the first predetermined time (if yes), the process proceeds to S16.

[0075] In S16, the control device 150 stops the built-in timer (not shown) from timing the water level rise time.

[0076] In S18, the control device 150 opens the gas inlet valve 106. Accordingly, air is reintroduced into the water flowing through the gas inlet mechanism 96 of the storage tank circulation path 92.

[0077] In S20, the control device 150 uses a built-in timer (not shown) to start timing the inhalation time.

[0078] In S22, the control device 150 determines whether the water level in the storage tank 52 is below the boundary water level based on the presence or absence of the ON signal output from the water level electrode 54. If the water level in the storage tank 52 is above the boundary water level (if not), the process repeats S22. If the water level in the storage tank 52 is below the boundary water level (if yes), the process proceeds to S24.

[0079] In S24, control device 150 closes gas inlet valve 106. This stops the introduction of air into the water flowing through gas inlet mechanism 96 in the storage tank circulation path 92.

[0080] In step S26, the control device 150 terminates the inhalation timer (not shown) built in. Additionally, the control device 150 stores the inhalation time at the end of the timing in the memory 152.

[0081] In S28, the control device 150 determines whether the inhalation time stored in the memory 152 in S26 exceeds a predetermined upper limit inhalation time (e.g., 120 seconds). If the inhalation time exceeds the upper limit inhalation time (if yes), the process proceeds to S30. If the inhalation time is less than the upper limit inhalation time (if no), the process proceeds to S32.

[0082] In S30, the control device 150 reduces the rotational speed of the first pressurizing pump 88 and the second pressurizing pump 90 by a predetermined value (e.g., 10 Hz). Accordingly, when the first pressurizing pump 88 and the second pressurizing pump 90 are subsequently driven, the amount of water supplied to the storage tank 52 is reduced. After S30, processing proceeds to S32.

[0083] In S32, the control device 150 determines whether the inhalation time stored in the memory 152 in S26 is lower than a predetermined lower limit inhalation time (e.g., 60 seconds). If the inhalation time is lower than the lower limit inhalation time (if yes), the process proceeds to S34. If the inhalation time is higher than the lower limit inhalation time (if no), the process proceeds to S36.

[0084] In S34, the control device 150 increases the rotational speed of the first pressurizing pump 88 and the second pressurizing pump 90 by a predetermined value (e.g., 10 Hz). Accordingly, when the first pressurizing pump 88 and the second pressurizing pump 90 are subsequently driven, the amount of water supplied to the storage tank 52 increases. After S34, the process proceeds to S36.

[0085] In S36, the control device 150 determines whether the stop condition for stopping the microbubble generation operation control is met. In this embodiment, the stop condition refers to the operation control time of the microbubble generation operation control reaching a set time. The operation control time of the microbubble generation operation control refers to the elapsed time from the start of the microbubble generation operation control. In the hot water device 2 of this embodiment, when the microbubble generation operation control is executed independently without linkage with the execution of the hot water injection operation control, the set time is, for example, set to 10 minutes. In contrast, when the microbubble generation operation control is executed in conjunction with the execution of the hot water injection operation control, the set time is, for example, set to 30 minutes. If the stop condition is not met (no), the process returns to S12. If the stop condition is met (yes), the process proceeds to S38.

[0086] In S38, the control device 150 performs a stop procedure to control the operation of the microbubble to stop (see reference). Figure 8 After S38, Figure 7 The processing is now complete.

[0087] The above description indicates that the control device 150 determines whether the stop condition is met during the processing of S36. However, the control device 150 can also determine whether the stop condition is met during the processing of S2 to S34. Furthermore, the control device 150 is configured to stop the currently executing processing even if it is determined that the stop condition is met during the processing of S2 to S34, and instead execute the processing of S38 (i.e., stop processing).

[0088] (Processing stopped)

[0089] like Figure 8As shown, in S52, the control device 150 opens the gas inlet valve 106 when it is in the closed state. Accordingly, air is restarted to be introduced into the water flowing through the gas inlet mechanism 96 of the storage tank circulation path 92.

[0090] In S54, the control device 150 determines whether the water level in the storage tank 52 is below the boundary water level based on the presence or absence of the ON signal output from the water level electrode 54. If the water level in the storage tank 52 is above the boundary water level (if not), the process repeats S54. If the water level in the storage tank 52 is below the boundary water level (if yes), the process proceeds to S56.

[0091] In step S56, control device 150 closes gas inlet valve 106. This stops the introduction of air into the water flowing through gas inlet mechanism 96 in the storage tank circulation path 92.

[0092] In S58, the control device 150 uses a built-in timer (not shown) to start timing the water level rise time.

[0093] In S60, the control device 150 determines whether the water level rise time, which started timing in S58, exceeds a second predetermined time (e.g., 180 seconds) that is longer than the first predetermined time. If the water level rise time is less than the second predetermined time (if not), the process repeats S60. If the water level rise time exceeds the second predetermined time (if yes), the process proceeds to S62.

[0094] In S62, the control device 150 stops the built-in timer (not shown) from timing the water level rise time.

[0095] In S64, the control device 150 stops the bathtub circulation pump 34, the first pressurization pump 88 and the second pressurization pump 90, thereby ending the supply of air-dissolved water from the storage tank 52 to the bathtub 130.

[0096] In S66, control device 150 stops tank circulation pump 94. Accordingly, the circulation of water between tank 52 and tank circulation path 92 ends. After S66, Figure 8 The processing is now complete.

[0097] Thus, during the shutdown process, the control device 150 can stop the operation of the microbubbles while the water level electrode 54 is immersed in water. At this time, Figure 8 The water level in tank 52 at the end of the treatment was higher than that at the time when the treatment was completed. Figure 7At the time when the gas inlet valve 106 is opened in S18, the water level in the storage tank 52 is high. Therefore, the portion of the water level electrode 54 above the portion that is normally submerged in water is also submerged. Accordingly, the generation of sludge on the water level electrode 54 can be appropriately suppressed.

[0098] (Example 2)

[0099] The hot water device 2 of this embodiment has a structure that is substantially the same as that of the hot water device 2 of Embodiment 1. In the hot water device 2 of this embodiment, when microbubble generation operation control is performed, the control device 150 takes over the execution. Figure 7 The process shown is executed. Figure 9 The processing is shown below. Figure 9 The processing shown is the same as Figure 7 The differences in the processing shown will be explained.

[0100] exist Figure 9 In the process shown, if the inhalation time stored in memory 152 in S26 exceeds the upper limit inhalation time (if yes in S28), the process proceeds to S70. In S70, control device 150 increases the rotational speed of tank circulation pump 94 by a predetermined value (e.g., 10 Hz). Accordingly, when tank circulation pump 94 is driven with gas inlet valve 106 open thereafter, the amount of air introduced by gas inlet mechanism 96 increases. After S70, the process proceeds to S32.

[0101] On the other hand, if the inhalation time stored in memory 152 in S26 is lower than the lower limit inhalation time (if it is in S32), the process proceeds to S72. In S72, control device 150 reduces the rotational speed of tank circulation pump 94 by a predetermined value (e.g., 10 Hz). Accordingly, when tank circulation pump 94 is driven with gas inlet valve 106 open thereafter, the amount of air introduced by gas inlet mechanism 96 is reduced. After S72, the process proceeds to S36.

[0102] In addition, Figure 9 In the process S70 shown, the control device 150 can also be configured to increase the rotational speed of the tank circulation pump 94 when the tank circulation pump 94 is driven with the gas inlet valve 106 open, but not increase the rotational speed of the tank circulation pump 94 when the tank circulation pump 94 is driven with the gas inlet valve 106 closed. Similarly, in Figure 9In the process S72 shown, the control device 150 may also be configured to reduce the speed of the tank circulation pump 94 when the tank circulation pump 94 is driven with the gas inlet valve 106 open, but not reduce the speed of the tank circulation pump 94 when the tank circulation pump 94 is driven with the gas inlet valve 106 closed.

[0103] (Example 3)

[0104] The hot water device 2 of this embodiment has a structure that is substantially the same as that of the hot water device 2 of Embodiment 1. In the hot water device 2 of this embodiment, when microbubble generation operation control is performed, the control device 150 takes over the execution. Figure 7 The process shown is executed. Figure 10 The processing is shown.

[0105] In S82, the control device 150 drives the tank circulation pump 94. Accordingly, water circulates between the tank 52 and the tank circulation path 92.

[0106] In S84, control device 150 begins supplying air-dissolved water from storage tank 52 to bathtub 130. At this time, control device 150 performs [operations related to...]. Figure 7 The same processing applies to S8.

[0107] In S86, the control device 150 determines whether the water level in the storage tank 52 is above the boundary water level based on the presence or absence of the ON signal output from the water level electrode 54. If the water level in the storage tank 52 is below the boundary water level (if not), the process repeats S86. If the water level in the storage tank 52 is above the boundary water level (if yes), the process proceeds to S88.

[0108] In S88, control device 150 opens gas inlet valve 106. Accordingly, air is introduced into the water flowing through gas inlet mechanism 96 of tank circulation path 92.

[0109] In S90, the control device 150 uses a built-in timer (not shown) to start timing the water level drop time.

[0110] In S92, the control device 150 determines whether the water level drop time, which started timing in S90, exceeds a third predetermined time (e.g., 90 seconds). If the water level drop time is less than the third predetermined time (if not), the process repeats S92. If the water level drop time exceeds the third predetermined time (if yes), the process proceeds to S94.

[0111] In S94, the control device 150 stops the built-in timer (not shown) from timing the water level drop time.

[0112] In S96, control device 150 closes gas inlet valve 106. Accordingly, air is stopped from being introduced into the water flowing through gas inlet mechanism 96 of tank circulation path 92.

[0113] In S98, the control device 150 uses a built-in timer (not shown) to start timing the exhaust time.

[0114] In S100, the control device 150 determines whether the water level in the storage tank 52 is above the boundary water level based on the presence or absence of the ON signal output from the water level electrode 54. If the water level in the storage tank 52 is below the boundary water level (if not), the process repeats S100. If the water level in the storage tank 52 is above the boundary water level (if yes), the process proceeds to S102.

[0115] In S102, the control device 150 opens the gas inlet valve 106. Accordingly, air is reintroduced into the water flowing through the gas inlet mechanism 96 of the storage tank circulation path 92.

[0116] In S104, the control device 150 stops the built-in timer (not shown) from timing the exhaust time. Additionally, the control device 150 stores the exhaust time at the end of the timing in the memory 152.

[0117] In S106, the control device 150 determines whether the exhaust time stored in the memory 152 in S104 exceeds a predetermined upper limit exhaust time (e.g., 120 seconds). If the exhaust time exceeds the upper limit exhaust time (if yes), the process proceeds to S108. If the exhaust time is less than the upper limit exhaust time (if no), the process proceeds to S110.

[0118] In S108, the control device 150 increases the rotational speed of the first booster pump 88 and the second booster pump 90 by a predetermined value (e.g., 10 Hz). Accordingly, when the first booster pump 88 and the second booster pump 90 are subsequently driven, the amount of water supplied to the storage tank 52 increases. After S108, processing proceeds to S110.

[0119] In S110, the control device 150 determines whether the exhaust time stored in the memory 152 in S104 is lower than a predetermined lower limit exhaust time (e.g., 60 seconds). If the exhaust time is lower than the lower limit exhaust time (if yes), the process proceeds to S112. If the exhaust time is higher than the lower limit exhaust time (if no), the process proceeds to S114.

[0120] In S112, the control device 150 reduces the rotational speed of the first pressurizing pump 88 and the second pressurizing pump 90 by a predetermined value (e.g., 10 Hz). Accordingly, when the first pressurizing pump 88 and the second pressurizing pump 90 are driven thereafter, the amount of water supplied to the storage tank 52 is reduced. After S112, the process proceeds to S114.

[0121] In S114, the control device 150 determines whether the stop conditions for the operation control to stop the generation of microbubbles are met. If the stop conditions are not met (in the case of no), the process returns to S90. If the stop conditions are met (in the case of yes), the process proceeds to S116.

[0122] In S116, the control device 150 performs a stop procedure to control the operation of the microbubbles to stop (see reference). Figure 8 Following S116, Figure 10 The processing is now complete.

[0123] The above description indicates that the control device 150 determines whether the stop condition is met during the processing in S114. However, the control device 150 can also determine whether the stop condition is met even during the processing in S82 to S112. Furthermore, the control device 150 is configured such that even if the stop condition is determined to be met during the processing in S82 to S112, the currently executing processing is stopped, and the processing in S116 (i.e., the stop processing) is executed.

[0124] Alternatively, it can also be configured as follows: Figure 10 In the process S108 shown, the control device 150 reduces the speed of the tank circulation pump 94 by a predetermined value (e.g., 10 Hz) instead of increasing the speed of the first pressurizing pump 88 and the second pressurizing pump 90 by a predetermined value. Accordingly, when the tank circulation pump 94 is driven with the gas inlet valve 106 open thereafter, the amount of air introduced by the gas inlet mechanism 96 is reduced. Similarly, it can also be configured such that... Figure 10 In process S112 shown, instead of reducing the rotational speed of the first pressurizing pump 88 and the second pressurizing pump 90 by a predetermined value, the control device 150 increases the rotational speed of the tank circulation pump 94 by a predetermined value (e.g., 10 Hz). Accordingly, when the tank circulation pump 94 is driven with the gas inlet valve 106 open thereafter, the amount of air introduced by the gas inlet mechanism 96 increases.

[0125] (Modified Example)

[0126] In the hot water device 2 described above, air is introduced into the storage tank 52, but carbon dioxide, hydrogen, oxygen, etc., can also be introduced into the storage tank 52 instead of air. In this case, the gas filling tank (not shown) filled with gas can be connected to the gas inlet 104a of the gas introduction path 104.

[0127] In the hot water device 2 described above, a set amount of water is stored in the bathtub 130 based on the accumulated water volume detected by the water volume sensor 28 during the hot water injection operation control. In another embodiment, the hot water device 2 may also be configured to, for example, include a water level sensor capable of detecting the water level in the bathtub 130, and store a set amount of water in the bathtub 130 based on the water level detected by the water level sensor during the hot water injection operation control.

[0128] In the aforementioned hot water device 2, the heat source unit 10 is connected to the faucet 250, and the air pressurization and dissolving unit 50 is connected to the bathtub 130. In another embodiment, the heat source unit 10 may be connected to another heat utilization part, and the air pressurization and dissolving unit 50 may be connected to another liquid tank.

[0129] In the aforementioned hot water device 2, the gas introduction mechanism 96 is positioned upstream of the storage tank circulation pump 94 on the storage tank circulation path 92. In another embodiment, the gas introduction mechanism 96 may also be positioned downstream of the storage tank circulation pump 94 on the storage tank circulation path 92.

[0130] In the aforementioned hot water device 2, the downstream end of the tank circulation path 92 is connected to the tank circuit 74, which is downstream of the second booster pump 90. In another embodiment, the downstream end of the tank circulation path 92 may not be connected to the tank circuit 74, or it may be located independently of the tank circuit 74 in the tank 52.

[0131] In the hot water device 2 described above, only one water level electrode 54 is provided for detecting the water level in the storage tank 52. In another embodiment, multiple water level electrodes may be provided for detecting the water level in the storage tank 52.

[0132] In the hot water device 2 described above, it is also possible for the user to switch whether to perform microbubble generation operation control in conjunction with the execution of hot water injection operation control via remote control 154.

[0133] In the aforementioned hot water device 2, if the intake time exceeds the upper limit intake time (in... Figure 7 or Figure 9 In the case where S28 is true, the control device 150 is configured to reduce the rotational speed of the first pressurizing pump 88 and the second pressurizing pump 90 by a predetermined value. Figure 7(S30) or increase the speed of the tank circulation pump 94 by a specified value ( Figure 9 (S70). In another embodiment, if the intake time exceeds the upper limit intake time, the control device 150 may be configured to reduce the rotational speed of the first pressurizing pump 88 and the second pressurizing pump 90 by a predetermined value, and increase the rotational speed of the storage tank circulation pump 94 by a predetermined value. Furthermore, in another embodiment, if the intake time exceeds the upper limit intake time, the control device 150 may be configured to shorten the intake time instead of correcting the rotational speeds of the first pressurizing pump 88, the second pressurizing pump 90, and the storage tank circulation pump 94. Figure 7 or Figure 9 The first specified time in S14. Accordingly, if it is subsequently detected that the water level of the storage tank 52 is lower than the boundary water level and the water level of the storage tank 52 is raised (if this is the case in S8), the time for raising the water level of the storage tank 52 is shortened (the time for repeatedly executing S14).

[0134] In the aforementioned hot water device 2, when the intake time is lower than the lower limit intake time (in... Figure 7 or Figure 9 In the case where S32 is true, the control device 150 is configured to increase the rotational speed of the first pressurizing pump 88 and the second pressurizing pump 90 by a predetermined value. Figure 7 (S34) or reduce the speed of the tank circulation pump 94 by a specified value ( Figure 9 (S72). In another embodiment, when the intake time is lower than the lower limit intake time, the control device 150 may be configured to increase the rotational speed of the first pressurizing pump 88 and the second pressurizing pump 90 by a predetermined value, and decrease the rotational speed of the storage tank circulation pump 94 by a predetermined value. Furthermore, in another embodiment, when the intake time is lower than the lower limit intake time, the control device 150 may be configured to extend the intake time instead of correcting the rotational speeds of the first pressurizing pump 88, the second pressurizing pump 90, and the storage tank circulation pump 94. Figure 7 or Figure 9 The first specified time in S14. Accordingly, if it is subsequently detected that the water level of the storage tank 52 is lower than the boundary water level and the water level of the storage tank 52 is raised (if S8 is yes), the time for raising the water level of the storage tank 52 is extended (the time for repeatedly executing S14).

[0135] In the aforementioned hot water device 2, the stopping condition for halting the microbubble generation operation control is that the operation control time for the microbubble generation operation control reaches a set time. In another embodiment, the stopping condition may not be that the operation control time for the microbubble generation operation control reaches a set time. For example, the stopping condition may also be that the user instructs the microbubble generation operation control to end via remote control 154.

[0136] The length of the water level electrode 54 in the aforementioned hot water device 2 can be appropriately changed. That is, the dividing water level in the aforementioned hot water device 2 can be appropriately changed.

[0137] The first specified time, the second specified time, the third specified time, the upper limit air intake time, the lower limit air intake time, the correction value of the rotation speed of the first booster pump 88 and the second booster pump 90, the correction value of the rotation speed of the storage tank circulation pump 94, and the set time for stopping the microbubble operation control in the hot water device 2 mentioned above can be appropriately changed.

[0138] (Correspondence)

[0139] As described above, in one or more embodiments, the hot water device 2 (an example of a microbubble generating device) includes a storage tank 52, a storage tank circuit 74 (an example of a storage tank supply path), a first pressurizing pump 88, a second pressurizing pump 90 (an example of a pressurizing pump), a storage tank outlet 64, a first bathtub water path 62, a bathtub adapter 132 (an example of a storage tank discharge path), a microbubble generating nozzle 142, a tank circulation path 92, a storage tank circulation pump 94, a gas introduction mechanism 96, a water level electrode 54 (an example of a liquid level electrode), and a control device 150, wherein the storage tank 52 pressurizes water (an example of a liquid) to dissolve air (an example of a gas); the storage tank circuit 74 (an example of a storage tank supply path) supplies water to the storage tank 52; the first pressurizing pump 88 and the second pressurizing pump 90 (an example of a pressurizing pump) are provided in the storage tank circuit 74; the storage tank The outlet 64, the first bathtub water path 62, and the bathtub adapter 132 (an example of a tank discharge path) discharge pressurized water containing dissolved air from the storage tank 52 to the bathtub 130 (an example of a liquid tank); the microbubble generating nozzle 142 is provided on the bathtub adapter 132 to depressurize the pressurized water containing dissolved air to generate microbubbles; the storage tank circulation path 92 is provided independently of the storage tank outlet 64, the first bathtub water path 62, and the bathtub adapter 132, and delivers water from the outlet 92a connected to the storage tank 52 to the inlet 74a (an example of an inlet) connected to the storage tank 52; the storage tank circulation pump 94 is provided on the storage tank circulation path 92; the gas introduction mechanism 96 is provided on the storage tank circulation path 92; the water level electrode 54 (an example of a liquid level electrode) can detect whether the water level in the storage tank 52 is above the boundary water level (an example of a specified liquid level). The gas introduction mechanism 96 includes a Venturi tube 102 (an example of a pressure-reducing section), a gas inlet 104a, and a gas introduction valve 106. The Venturi tube 102 (an example of a pressure-reducing section) allows water to pass through under reduced pressure; the gas inlet 104a introduces air through the negative pressure of the water in the Venturi tube 102; and the gas introduction valve 106 opens and closes the gas inlet 104a. The control device 150 is capable of performing microbubble generation operation control, which means: driving the first pressurizing pump 88 and the second pressurizing pump 90 to pressurize and supply water to the storage tank 52 from the storage tank circuit 74, and supplying pressurized water containing dissolved air to the bathtub 130 from the storage tank 52 through the storage tank outlet 64, the first bathtub water circuit 62, and the bathtub adapter 132. The control device 150 drives the tank circulation pump 94 to circulate the water in the tank 52 in the tank circulation path 92, thereby supplying air introduced through the gas inlet 104a to the tank 52. The opening and closing of the gas inlet valve 106 is controlled according to the presence or absence of the ON signal output from the water level electrode 54 (an example of information related to whether the tank liquid level detected by the liquid level electrode is above the specified liquid level).

[0140] In one or more embodiments, the hot water device 2 (an example of a microbubble generating device) includes a storage tank 52, a storage tank circuit 74 (an example of a storage tank supply path), a first pressurizing pump 88, a second pressurizing pump 90 (an example of a pressurizing pump), a storage tank outlet 64, a first bathtub water path 62, a bathtub adapter 132 (an example of a storage tank discharge path), a microbubble generating nozzle 142, a storage tank circulation path 92, a storage tank circulation pump 94, a gas introduction mechanism 96, a single water level electrode 54 (an example of a liquid level electrode), and a control device 150, wherein the storage tank 52 pressurizes water (an example of a liquid) to dissolve air (an example of a gas); the storage tank circuit 74 (an example of a storage tank supply path) supplies water to the storage tank 52; the first pressurizing pump 88 and the second pressurizing pump 90 (an example of a pressurizing pump) are provided in the storage tank circuit 74; the storage tank outlet... 64. The first bathtub water path 62 and the bathtub adapter 132 (an example of a tank discharge path) discharge pressurized water containing dissolved air from the tank 52 to the bathtub 130 (an example of a liquid tank); the microbubble generating nozzle 142 is provided on the bathtub adapter 132 to depressurize the pressurized water containing dissolved air to generate microbubbles; the tank circulation path 92 is provided independently of the tank outlet 64, the first bathtub water path 62, and the bathtub adapter 132, and delivers water from the outlet 92a connected to the tank 52 to the inlet 74a (an example of an inlet) connected to the tank 52; the tank circulation pump 94 is provided on the tank circulation path 92; the gas introduction mechanism 96 is provided on the tank circulation path 92; the single water level electrode 54 (an example of a liquid level electrode) can detect whether the water level in the tank 52 is above the boundary water level (an example of a specified liquid level). The gas introduction mechanism 96 includes a Venturi tube 102 (an example of a pressure-reducing section), a gas inlet 104a, and a gas introduction valve 106. The Venturi tube 102 (an example of a pressure-reducing section) allows water to pass through under reduced pressure; the gas inlet 104a introduces air through the negative pressure of the water in the Venturi tube 102; and the gas introduction valve 106 opens and closes the gas inlet 104a. The control device 150 is capable of performing microbubble generation operation control, which means: driving the first pressurizing pump 88 and the second pressurizing pump 90 to pressurize and supply water to the storage tank 52 from the storage tank circuit 74, and supplying pressurized water containing dissolved air to the bathtub 130 from the storage tank 52 through the storage tank outlet 64, the first bathtub water circuit 62, and the bathtub adapter 132. The control device 150 drives the tank circulation pump 94 to circulate the water in the tank 52 in the tank circulation path 92, thereby supplying air introduced through the gas inlet 104a to the tank 52. The opening and closing of the gas inlet valve 106 is controlled according to the presence or absence of the ON signal output from the single water level electrode 54 (an example of information related to whether the tank liquid level detected by the liquid level electrode is above the specified liquid level).

[0141] Based on the above structure, the control device 150 is configured to control the opening and closing of the gas inlet valve 106 based on the presence or absence of an ON signal output from a water level electrode 54. Therefore, the amount of information related to the water level of the storage tank 52 can be reduced, thereby ensuring the speed of judgment and processing related to the opening and closing of the gas inlet valve 106.

[0142] In one or more embodiments, during the microbubble generation operation control process, the control device 150 closes the gas inlet valve 106 when the water level in the storage tank 52 is detected by the water level electrode 54 as being lower than the boundary water level while the gas inlet valve 106 is open, maintains the gas inlet valve 106 in the closed state from the time the gas inlet valve 106 is closed until a first predetermined time has elapsed, and opens the gas inlet valve 106 after the first predetermined time has elapsed.

[0143] In the hot water device 2, water droplets splashing from the water surface of the storage tank 52 adhere to the water level electrode 54, which may cause the water level electrode 54 to generate viscous fluid. However, when the water level electrode 54 generates viscous fluid, there is a concern about false detection of the water level in the storage tank 52. For example, the hot water device 2 has a lower water level electrode and an upper water level electrode. When the control device 150 controls the opening and closing of the gas inlet valve 106 by varying the water level in the storage tank 52 between the lower and upper water levels, the upper water level electrode is almost never immersed in the water. Therefore, the upper water level electrode cannot suppress the generation of viscous fluid, raising concerns about false detection of the water level in the storage tank 52. Based on the above structure, by frequently immersing the water level electrode 54 in water during the microbubble generation operation control, the generation of viscous fluid on the water level electrode 54 can be suppressed. Therefore, false detection of the water level in the storage tank 52 can be suppressed.

[0144] In one or more embodiments, the control device 150 performs the following processing during the microbubble generation operation control: determining the elapsed time as the intake time, wherein the elapsed time refers to the time from the opening of the gas inlet valve 106 which is in a closed state until the water level electrode 54 detects that the water level in the storage tank 52 is lower than the boundary water level and closes the gas inlet valve 106; if the intake time exceeds the upper limit intake time, reducing the rotation speed of the first pressurizing pump 88 and the second pressurizing pump 90 when driving the first pressurizing pump 88 and the second pressurizing pump 90 thereafter.

[0145] Imagine that if the intake time is too long, too much water is supplied to the storage tank 52, or too little air is introduced by the gas introduction mechanism 96. Furthermore, the higher the rotational speed of the first pressurizing pump 88 and the second pressurizing pump 90, the more water is supplied to the storage tank 52; conversely, the lower the rotational speed of the first pressurizing pump 88 and the second pressurizing pump 90, the less water is supplied to the storage tank 52. Based on this structure, if the intake time exceeds the upper limit, i.e., if the intake time is too long, the amount of water supplied to the storage tank 52 can be reduced by decreasing the rotational speed of the first pressurizing pump 88 and the second pressurizing pump 90, thereby shortening the intake time.

[0146] In one or more embodiments, the control device 150 performs the following processing during the microbubble generation operation control: determining the elapsed time as the intake time, wherein the elapsed time refers to the time from the opening of the gas inlet valve 106 which is in a closed state until the water level electrode 54 detects that the water level in the storage tank 52 is lower than the boundary water level and closes the gas inlet valve 106; if the intake time is lower than the lower limit intake time, reducing the rotation speed of the first pressurizing pump 88 and the second pressurizing pump 90 when driving the first pressurizing pump 88 and the second pressurizing pump 90 thereafter.

[0147] Imagine that if the intake time is too short, the amount of water supplied to the storage tank 52 is too small, or the amount of air introduced by the gas introduction mechanism 96 is too large. According to the above structure, when the intake time is lower than the lower limit intake time, that is, when the intake time is too short, the amount of water supplied to the storage tank 52 can be increased by increasing the rotation speed of the first pressurizing pump 88 and the second pressurizing pump 90, thereby extending the intake time.

[0148] In one or more embodiments, the control device 150 performs the following processing during the microbubble generation operation control: determining the elapsed time as the intake time, wherein the elapsed time refers to the time from the opening of the gas inlet valve 106 which is in a closed state until the water level electrode 54 detects that the water level of the storage tank 52 is lower than the boundary water level and closes the gas inlet valve 106; if the intake time exceeds the upper limit intake time, increasing the rotational speed of the storage tank circulation pump 94 when the gas inlet valve 106 is open thereafter.

[0149] Imagine that if the intake time is too long, the amount of water supplied to the storage tank 52 is too large, or the amount of air introduced by the gas introducing mechanism 96 is too small. Furthermore, with the gas introducing valve 106 open, the higher the rotational speed of the storage tank circulation pump 94, the greater the amount of air introduced by the gas introducing mechanism 96; conversely, the lower the rotational speed of the storage tank circulation pump 94, the less air is introduced by the gas introducing mechanism 96. Based on this structure, if the intake time exceeds the upper limit, i.e., the intake time is too long, increasing the rotational speed of the storage tank circulation pump 94 can increase the amount of air introduced by the gas introducing mechanism 96, thereby shortening the intake time.

[0150] In one or more embodiments, the control device 150 performs the following processing during the microbubble generation operation control: determining the elapsed time as the intake time, wherein the elapsed time refers to the time from the opening of the gas inlet valve 106 which is in a closed state until the water level electrode 54 detects that the water level of the storage tank 52 is lower than the boundary water level and closes the gas inlet valve 106; if the intake time is lower than the lower limit intake time, increasing the rotational speed of the storage tank circulation pump 94 when the gas inlet valve 106 is open thereafter.

[0151] Imagine that if the intake time is too short, the amount of water supplied to the storage tank 52 is too small, or the amount of air introduced by the gas introduction mechanism 96 is too large. According to the above structure, when the intake time is lower than the lower limit intake time, that is, when the intake time is too short, the amount of air introduced by the gas introduction mechanism 96 can be reduced by decreasing the speed of the storage tank circulation pump 94, thereby extending the intake time.

[0152] In one or more embodiments, the control device 150 performs the following processing during the execution of microbubble generation operation control: it can determine whether a stop condition for stopping the microbubble generation operation control is met, and if the stop condition is met, it performs a stop processing to stop the microbubble generation operation control. When performing the stop processing, the control device 150 performs the following processing: while the first pressurizing pump 88, the second pressurizing pump 90, and the storage tank circulation pump 94 are driven, the gas inlet valve 106 is opened; if the water level in the storage tank 52 is detected by the water level electrode 54 to be lower than the boundary water level while the gas inlet valve 106 is open, the gas inlet valve 106 is closed; during the period from when the gas inlet valve 106 is closed until a second predetermined time, which is longer than a first predetermined time, the gas inlet valve 106 is kept closed; after the second predetermined time, the first pressurizing pump 88, the second pressurizing pump 90, and the storage tank circulation pump 94 are stopped to stop the microbubble generation operation control.

[0153] According to the above structure, the microbubble generation operation control can be stopped while the water level electrode 54 is immersed in water. This suppresses the generation of viscous liquid on the water level electrode 54, thereby preventing false detection of the water level in the storage tank 52. Furthermore, according to the above structure, when the microbubble generation operation control is stopped, the portion of the water level electrode 54 above the portion immersed in water during normal operation is also immersed in water. Therefore, the generation of viscous liquid in the water level electrode 54 can be more effectively suppressed.

[0154] In one or more embodiments, the control device 150 performs the following process during the microbubble generation operation control: when the water level of the storage tank 52 is detected by the water level electrode 54 as being above the boundary water level while the gas inlet valve 106 is closed, the gas inlet valve 106 is opened, and the gas inlet valve 106 is kept open from the time the gas inlet valve 106 is opened until a third predetermined time has elapsed, and the gas inlet valve 106 is closed after the third predetermined time has elapsed.

[0155] For example, the hot water heater 2 has a lower water level electrode and an upper water level electrode. When the control device 150 controls the opening and closing of the gas inlet valve 106 by varying the water level in the storage tank 52 between the lower and upper water levels, the lower water level electrode needs to be relatively long. In this case, it may lead to an increase in the overall weight of the hot water heater 2. According to the above structure, the length of the water level electrode 54 can be shortened. Therefore, it is possible to achieve a lighter overall weight for the hot water heater 2.

[0156] In one or more embodiments, the liquid is water. The liquid tank is a bathtub 130 used by the user for bathing.

[0157] Based on the above structure, in the hot water device 2 that generates tiny bubbles in the water of the bathtub 130 used for bathing, the amount of information related to the water level of the storage tank 52 can be reduced, thereby ensuring the speed of judgment and processing related to the opening and closing of the gas inlet valve 106.

[0158] The embodiments have been described in detail above, but these embodiments are merely examples and do not limit the scope of the technical solutions. The technology described in the technical solutions includes various modifications and variations to the specific examples exemplified above. The technical elements described in this specification or drawings, individually or in various combinations, exert their technical usefulness and are not limited to the combinations described in the technical solutions at the time of application. Furthermore, the technology exemplified in this specification or drawings can achieve multiple objectives simultaneously, and achieving even one objective is itself technically useful.

Claims

1. A microbubble generating device, characterized in that, It includes a storage tank, a storage tank supply path, a pressurizing pump, a storage tank discharge path, a microbubble generating nozzle, a storage tank circulation path, a storage tank circulation pump, a gas introduction mechanism, a liquid level electrode, and a control device. The storage tank pressurizes and dissolves the gas in the liquid; The storage tank supply path supplies the liquid to the storage tank; The pressurization pump is located in the supply path of the storage tank; The discharge path of the storage tank discharges the pressurized liquid containing the gas dissolved in it from the storage tank to the liquid tank; The microbubble generating nozzle is positioned in the discharge path of the storage tank to depressurize the pressurized liquid containing the gas to generate microbubbles. The storage tank circulation path and the storage tank discharge path are respectively provided for conveying the liquid from the outlet connected to the storage tank to the inlet connected to the storage tank; The tank circulation pump is located in the tank circulation path; The gas introduction mechanism is located in the circulation path of the storage tank; The liquid level electrode can detect whether the liquid level in the storage tank is above the specified level. The gas introduction mechanism includes a pressure reducing section, a gas inlet, and a gas introduction valve, wherein... The pressure-reducing section allows the liquid to pass under reduced pressure; The gas inlet is introduced by the negative pressure of the liquid in the pressure reducing section; The gas inlet valve opens and closes the gas inlet. The control device is capable of performing microbubble generation operation control, which refers to: driving the pressurization pump to pressurize and supply the liquid to the storage tank from the storage tank supply path, and supplying the pressurized liquid containing the gas dissolved in it from the storage tank to the liquid tank through the storage tank discharge path. The control device performs the following processes during the execution of the microbubble generation operation control: The liquid in the storage tank is circulated in the storage tank circulation path by driving the storage tank circulation pump, thereby supplying the gas introduced by the gas inlet to the storage tank; The opening and closing of the gas inlet valve is controlled based on information related to whether the liquid level in the storage tank, detected by the liquid level electrode, is above a specified level. The control device performs the following processes during the execution of the microbubble generation operation control: If the liquid level in the storage tank is detected by the liquid level electrode to be lower than the specified liquid level while the gas inlet valve is open, the gas inlet valve will be closed. The gas inlet valve remains closed from the time it is closed until a first predetermined time has elapsed. The gas inlet valve is opened after the first predetermined time has elapsed.

2. The microbubble generator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control device performs the following processes during the execution of the microbubble generation operation control: The elapsed time is defined as the intake time, where the elapsed time refers to the time from when the gas inlet valve, which is in the closed state, is opened until the liquid level in the tank is detected by the liquid level electrode to be lower than the predetermined liquid level, causing the gas inlet valve to close. If the intake time exceeds the upper limit of the intake time, the speed of the booster pump is reduced when the booster pump is driven thereafter.

3. The microbubble generator according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The control device performs the following processes during the execution of the microbubble generation operation control: The elapsed time is defined as the intake time, where the elapsed time refers to the time from when the gas inlet valve, which is in the closed state, is opened until the liquid level in the tank is detected by the liquid level electrode to be lower than the predetermined liquid level, causing the gas inlet valve to close. If the inhalation time is lower than the lower limit inhalation time, the rotational speed of the booster pump is increased when the booster pump is driven thereafter.

4. The microbubble generator according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The control device performs the following processes during the execution of the microbubble generation operation control: The elapsed time is defined as the intake time, which refers to the time from when the gas inlet valve, which is in the closed state, is opened until the liquid level in the tank is detected by the liquid level electrode to be lower than the predetermined liquid level, causing the gas inlet valve to close. If the intake time exceeds the upper limit, the rotational speed of the tank circulation pump is increased when the gas inlet valve is opened thereafter.

5. The microbubble generator according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The control device performs the following processes during the execution of the microbubble generation operation control: The elapsed time is defined as the intake time, where the elapsed time refers to the time from when the gas inlet valve, which is in the closed state, is opened until the liquid level in the tank is detected by the liquid level electrode to be lower than the predetermined liquid level, causing the gas inlet valve to close. If the intake time is lower than the lower limit intake time, reduce the speed of the tank circulation pump when driving the tank circulation pump with the gas inlet valve open thereafter.

6. The microbubble generator according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The control device performs the following processes during the execution of the microbubble generation operation control: It can determine whether the stopping conditions for controlling the operation of the microbubbles are met. If the aforementioned stopping conditions are met, a stop process is executed to control the operation of the microbubbles to stop. When the stop process is executed, the following process is performed: With the pressurization pump and the storage tank circulation pump running, open the gas inlet valve. If the liquid level in the storage tank is detected by the level electrode to be lower than the specified level while the gas inlet valve is open, the gas inlet valve will be closed. The gas inlet valve remains closed from the time it is closed until a second predetermined time, which is longer than the first predetermined time, has elapsed. After the second predetermined time has elapsed, the pressurization pump and the tank circulation pump are stopped to halt the microbubble generation operation control.

7. A microbubble generating device, characterized in that, It includes a storage tank, a storage tank supply path, a pressurizing pump, a storage tank discharge path, a microbubble generating nozzle, a storage tank circulation path, a storage tank circulation pump, a gas introduction mechanism, a liquid level electrode, and a control device. The storage tank pressurizes and dissolves the gas in the liquid; The storage tank supply path supplies the liquid to the storage tank; The pressurization pump is located in the supply path of the storage tank; The discharge path of the storage tank discharges the pressurized liquid containing the gas dissolved in it from the storage tank to the liquid tank; The microbubble generating nozzle is positioned in the discharge path of the storage tank to depressurize the pressurized liquid containing the gas to generate microbubbles. The storage tank circulation path and the storage tank discharge path are respectively provided for conveying the liquid from the outlet connected to the storage tank to the inlet connected to the storage tank; The tank circulation pump is located in the tank circulation path; The gas introduction mechanism is located in the circulation path of the storage tank; The liquid level electrode can detect whether the liquid level in the storage tank is above the specified level. The gas introduction mechanism includes a pressure reducing section, a gas inlet, and a gas introduction valve, wherein... The pressure-reducing section allows the liquid to pass under reduced pressure; The gas inlet is introduced by the negative pressure of the liquid in the pressure reducing section; The gas inlet valve opens and closes the gas inlet. The control device is capable of performing microbubble generation operation control, which refers to: driving the pressurization pump to pressurize and supply the liquid to the storage tank from the storage tank supply path, and supplying the pressurized liquid containing the gas dissolved in it from the storage tank to the liquid tank through the storage tank discharge path. The control device performs the following processes during the execution of the microbubble generation operation control: The liquid in the storage tank is circulated in the storage tank circulation path by driving the storage tank circulation pump, thereby supplying the gas introduced by the gas inlet to the storage tank; The opening and closing of the gas inlet valve is controlled based on information related to whether the liquid level in the storage tank, detected by the liquid level electrode, is above a specified level. The control device performs the following processes during the execution of the microbubble generation operation control: When the gas inlet valve is closed, and the liquid level in the storage tank is detected by the liquid level electrode to be above the specified liquid level, the gas inlet valve is opened. The gas inlet valve remains open from the time it is opened until a third predetermined time has elapsed. After the third specified time has elapsed, the gas inlet valve is closed.

8. A microbubble generating device, characterized in that, It includes a storage tank, a storage tank supply path, a pressurization pump, a storage tank discharge path, a microbubble generating nozzle, a storage tank circulation path, a storage tank circulation pump, a gas introduction mechanism, a single liquid level electrode, and a control device. The storage tank pressurizes and dissolves the gas in the liquid; The storage tank supply path supplies the liquid to the storage tank; The pressurization pump is located in the supply path of the storage tank; The discharge path of the storage tank discharges the pressurized liquid containing the gas dissolved in it from the storage tank to the liquid tank; The microbubble generating nozzle is located in the discharge path of the storage tank to depressurize the pressurized liquid containing the gas to generate microbubbles. The storage tank circulation path and the storage tank discharge path are respectively provided for conveying the liquid from the outlet connected to the storage tank to the inlet connected to the storage tank; The tank circulation pump is located in the tank circulation path; The gas introduction mechanism is located in the circulation path of the storage tank; The single liquid level electrode can detect whether the liquid level in the storage tank is above the specified level. The gas introduction mechanism includes a pressure reducing section, a gas inlet, and a gas introduction valve, wherein... The pressure-reducing section allows the liquid to pass under reduced pressure; The gas inlet is introduced by the negative pressure of the liquid in the pressure reducing section; The gas inlet valve opens and closes the gas inlet. The control device is capable of performing microbubble generation operation control, which refers to: driving the pressurization pump to pressurize and supply the liquid to the storage tank from the storage tank supply path, and supplying the pressurized liquid containing the gas dissolved in it from the storage tank to the liquid tank through the storage tank discharge path. The control device is capable of performing the following processes during the microbubble generation operation control: The liquid in the storage tank is circulated in the storage tank circulation path by driving the tank circulation pump, thereby supplying the gas introduced through the gas inlet to the storage tank. The opening and closing of the gas inlet valve is controlled based on information relating to whether the liquid level in the tank, detected by the single liquid level electrode, is above a specified level. The control device performs the following processes during the execution of the microbubble generation operation control: If the liquid level in the storage tank is detected by the liquid level electrode to be lower than the specified liquid level while the gas inlet valve is open, the gas inlet valve will be closed. The gas inlet valve remains closed from the time it is closed until a first predetermined time has elapsed. The gas inlet valve is opened after the first predetermined time has elapsed.

9. A microbubble generating device, characterized in that, It includes a storage tank, a storage tank supply path, a pressurization pump, a storage tank discharge path, a microbubble generating nozzle, a storage tank circulation path, a storage tank circulation pump, a gas introduction mechanism, a single liquid level electrode, and a control device. The storage tank pressurizes and dissolves the gas in the liquid; The storage tank supply path supplies the liquid to the storage tank; The pressurization pump is located in the supply path of the storage tank; The discharge path of the storage tank discharges the pressurized liquid containing the gas dissolved in it from the storage tank to the liquid tank; The microbubble generating nozzle is located in the discharge path of the storage tank to depressurize the pressurized liquid containing the gas to generate microbubbles. The storage tank circulation path and the storage tank discharge path are respectively provided for conveying the liquid from the outlet connected to the storage tank to the inlet connected to the storage tank; The tank circulation pump is located in the tank circulation path; The gas introduction mechanism is located in the circulation path of the storage tank; The single liquid level electrode can detect whether the liquid level in the storage tank is above the specified level. The gas introduction mechanism includes a pressure reducing section, a gas inlet, and a gas introduction valve, wherein... The pressure-reducing section allows the liquid to pass under reduced pressure; The gas inlet is introduced by the negative pressure of the liquid in the pressure reducing section; The gas inlet valve opens and closes the gas inlet. The control device is capable of performing microbubble generation operation control, which refers to: driving the pressurization pump to pressurize and supply the liquid to the storage tank from the storage tank supply path, and supplying the pressurized liquid containing the gas dissolved in it from the storage tank to the liquid tank through the storage tank discharge path. The control device is capable of performing the following processes during the microbubble generation operation control: The liquid in the storage tank is circulated in the storage tank circulation path by driving the tank circulation pump, thereby supplying the gas introduced through the gas inlet to the storage tank. The opening and closing of the gas inlet valve is controlled based on information relating to whether the liquid level in the tank, detected by the single liquid level electrode, is above a specified level. The control device performs the following processes during the execution of the microbubble generation operation control: When the gas inlet valve is closed, and the liquid level in the storage tank is detected by the liquid level electrode to be above the specified liquid level, the gas inlet valve is opened. The gas inlet valve remains open from the time it is opened until a third predetermined time has elapsed. After the third specified time has elapsed, the gas inlet valve is closed.

10. The microbubble generator according to claim 1, 2, 7, 8 or 9, characterized in that, The liquid is water. The liquid tank is a bathtub used by users for bathing.

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