Header pipe supply system for fine bubble water for cold regions

Abstract

To provide a header pipe supply system for fine bubble water for cold regions that supplies fine bubble water to a tap water header pipe (symbol 100 in Figure 3) while preventing a situation in cold regions where water in the tap water supply pipe freezes and becomes unusable for a long period of time.SOLUTION: A header pipe supply system for fine bubble water for cold regions comprises a water draining device 3 that receives tap water from a main water supply pipe via a water meter 4 in unfrozen ground at a predetermined distance below the ground surface, a fine bubble water generator 1 that is installed immediately downstream of the water draining device 3 and that reduces the size of bubbles contained in the tap water, and a header pipe having multiple branch water supply holes that branches the tap water having passed through the fine bubble water generator 1 via an indoor main water supply pipe to multiple tap water demand points within the house.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a fine bubble water supply system that refines the bubbles contained in tap water, and in particular to a fine bubble water supply system for cold regions that prevents the water in tap water supply pipes or hot water supply pipes (hereinafter referred to as "water pipes") from freezing during the cold season in cold regions, causing the water pipes to burst or making tap water unusable for a long period of time until the frozen tap water in the water pipes is unfrozen. [Background technology]

[0002] In cold or semi-cold regions such as Hokkaido, Tohoku, Shinetsu, and Hokuriku, temperatures drop below freezing during the cold season, causing the water in water pipes to freeze, making tap water unusable for long periods of time, or causing the water pipes to burst due to frozen tap water or the connections between the water pipes and appliances that use tap water to burst.

[0003] For this reason, in cold regions, tap water suppliers (waterworks bureaus), including those providing hot water, bury their tap water supply pipes at least one meter underground where the ground does not freeze even in winter, and supply tap water to consumers via a water meter that incorporates a water meter and stop valve.

[0004] However, as shown in Figure 14, on the tap water consumer side, although the tap water supply pipe from the waterworks bureau upstream of the water meter 4 is buried underground at a depth where it will not freeze, the indoor header water supply pipe (symbol 100 in Figure 3, symbol 100 in Figure 14(b)) that distributes tap water to multiple indoor water demand points (washing machine, washbasin, bath, sink, toilet, etc.) downstream of the water meter 4 and the indoor water pipes distributed from it are naturally usually piped outdoors and will therefore freeze.

[0005] When water freezes inside a water pipe, the pipe may not burst, but if the water freezes in a tightly packed, expanded state, it will take a long time for the ice to melt due to rising temperatures during the day or heating the pipe, and tap water will be unusable during that time.

[0006] For this reason, in order to prevent the water in water pipes from freezing, an anti-freeze device is known that uses a temperature sensor to measure the outdoor air temperature, and when the outdoor air temperature drops below the level at which water freezes, it uses gas or electrical heat to heat the water pipes to prevent them from freezing (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0007] In cold regions, various types of drainage devices are sometimes installed to prevent water pipes from bursting or the water in the pipes from freezing.

[0008] The simplest example of a water draining device is one in which, at night when tap water use ends, a stop valve (for example, reference numeral 22 or 23 in Figure 15) that stops the tap water supply from the waterworks bureau is closed to prevent tap water from flowing into indoor water-using appliances, etc., and the water that has accumulated in the indoor water pipes at the water pressure supplied by the waterworks bureau is drained or the water pressure in the water pipes is reduced by opening a drainer or faucet connected to various tap water-using appliances.

[0009] This effectively prevents the water supply pipes from bursting because the water pressure in the indoor water pipes is low, even if the water remaining in the tap water supply pipes 5, 32a, 32b, 33, and 34 downstream from the water meter freezes, or prevents water leakage from the indoor water supply system due to frozen tap water.

[0010] Another example of a water draining device is to close the stop valve (symbol 22 or 23 in Figure 15) that stops the tap water supply from the waterworks bureau, and then drain the water at the end of the water pipe where the tap water is used.

[0011] Furthermore, there is also known a device that closes a stop valve that stops the tap water supply from the waterworks bureau, and then releases high-pressure water that has accumulated in a water pipe downstream of the stop valve into the ground, etc.

[0012] In recent years, tap water containing many micrometer- or nanometer-sized bubbles (approximately 50 to 500 nm in diameter) with diameters of approximately 100 μm or less has come to be used in showers, face washes, and for various other beauty and health purposes. Microbubble water can effectively penetrate the pores and sweat glands of the human body and remove dirt.

[0013] Furthermore, since the molecules that make up the water do not clump together and remain smooth, the water can penetrate finely between the fibers of clothing and the like and come into close contact with the surfaces of dishes and the like, so microbubble water is widely used as washing water, dishwashing water, and toilet seat cleaning water.

[0014] Furthermore, microbubble water has also attracted attention for its cleaning effect due to the electrical action of the microbubbles contained in it. That is, the surfaces of the microbubbles contained in microbubble water are usually negatively charged, and the microbubbles repel each other due to the electrical action, giving them the property of finely separating, diffusing, and floating in the water.

[0015] In contrast, dirt such as oil, sebum, and small foreign matter is often positively charged and electrically bonds with the negatively charged object being cleaned. As a result, when negatively charged microbubbles adsorb to positively charged dirt, the dirt is electrically neutralized, making it easier to separate from the object being cleaned. It is known that the dirt that has been electrically neutralized and separated from the object being cleaned remains adsorbed to the gas-liquid interface of the microbubbles and rises to the water surface due to the buoyancy of the bubbles, so that the dirt removed from the object being cleaned is cleaned in the microbubble water without adhering to the object again.

[0016] One example of such a fine-bubble water generator is known, which has a first nozzle on the water inlet side, which gradually decreases in cross-sectional area perpendicular to its central axis from the inlet toward the outlet of flowing tap water, a second nozzle on the water outlet side, which is arranged continuously via a connecting passage that communicates with the outlet of the first nozzle and gradually increases in cross-sectional area perpendicular to its central axis from the inlet toward the outlet, and a gap or side chamber that is open only to the connecting passage (see, for example, Patent Document 2). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0017] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-193522 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-136864 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0018] However, installing a fine bubble water generator such as that shown in Patent Document 2 for each household appliance that uses tap water, such as a shower or a washing machine, would result in extremely high installation costs.

[0019] Furthermore, even if a fine-bubble water generator is installed in all or some of the appliances and devices that use tap water in cold regions, during cold seasons, the water that is stagnant under high water pressure not only in the tap water supply pipes within the home but also in the fine-bubble water generator, which has a nozzle with a thin water flow channel inside, will freeze and expand, often damaging the fine-bubble water generator, which has a fine internal structure.

[0020] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a header pipe supply system for fine bubble water for cold regions that supplies fine bubble water to a tap water header pipe (symbol 100 in Figure 3) while preventing the water in the tap water supply pipe from freezing and becoming unusable for long periods during the cold season in cold regions.

[0021] Another object of the present invention is to generate fine bubble water at the base of the tap water supply system and provide it to a tap water header pipe (symbol 100 in Figure 3) without having to attach a fine bubble water generator to each of the appliances that use tap water used in homes in cold regions, such as shower heads, washing machines, bathtubs, sinks, and toilets. [Means for solving the problem]

[0022] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a header pipe supply system for fine bubble water for cold climates, comprising: a water draining device that receives tap water from a main water supply pipe via a water meter in frozen ground a predetermined distance underground from the ground surface; a fine-bubble water generator that is installed immediately downstream of the water draining device and that micronizes the air bubbles contained in the tap water that has passed through the water draining device; and a header pipe with multiple branch water supply holes that branches the tap water that has passed through the fine-bubble water generator via an indoor main water supply pipe to multiple tap water demand points within the house. The water draining device has a water stop mechanism that blocks the inflow of tap water from the main water supply pipe and a water discharge surface that discharges water from the main water supply pipe and the header pipe leading to the tap water demand points into the ground when the water stop mechanism blocks the inflow of tap water, and the water draining device has a lever device that is located above ground and has an operating unit that houses a lever that manually operates the water stop mechanism.

[0023] The header pipe is formed from two metal pipes made of brass or stainless steel, and a branch water supply hole for the water heater formed in one of the two metal pipes and a water receiving hole for supplying tap water to multiple branch water supply holes that branch tap water to the multiple tap water demand points formed in the other of the two metal pipes are connected by a hose made of a flexible material.

[0024] Here, the first example of the fine-bubble water generator comprises a fine-bubble water generating nozzle placed inside the tap water main supply pipe, and a support member that supports the fine-bubble water generating nozzle within the tap water main supply pipe and is provided with a water passage section that allows some of the tap water from the water pipe to pass through, and is characterized in that the fine-bubble water generating nozzle has a first water passage whose diameter gradually decreases in the direction of the flow of the tap water, a second water passage that is connected to the outlet side of the first water passage and whose diameter gradually increases in the direction of the flow of the tap water, a throttle section that connects the first water passage and the second water passage, and a water intake plate with multiple water intake holes provided at the inlet section of the first water passage.

[0025] The second example of the micro-bubble water generator is composed of a cylinder that fits closely to the inner surface of the main tap water supply pipe, a water inlet panel having multiple branch holes formed concentrically a predetermined distance from the central axis of the cylinder for tap water to flow out, and a water outlet panel having multiple branch holes for flowing tap water out of the cylinder, and is characterized in that the inner surface wall of the cylinder between the water inlet panel and the water outlet panel has an uneven portion formed by spiral cuts, and water flowing in from the multiple branch holes of the water inlet panel comes into contact with and collides with the spiral uneven portion, causing turbulence within the cylinder, which breaks up the bubbles in the tap water into fine particles and causes micro-bubble water to flow out of the water outlet panel. [Effects of the Invention]

[0026] In the header pipe supply system for cold climates of the present invention, a micro-bubble water generator is installed immediately downstream of a drainage device that receives tap water from a main water supply pipe via a water meter in unfrozen ground a predetermined distance below the ground surface. The micro-bubble water generator refines the bubbles contained in the tap water that has passed through the drainage device. When the tap water supply is stopped and drained at night, for example, the water in the indoor water supply pipe, including the micro-bubble water generator, is drained, preventing the water from freezing. Even if water remains in some of the indoor water pipes, the drainage reduces the water pressure, preventing damage to the water pipes or the micro-bubble water generator, and preventing the ice that has formed in the water pipes from taking a long time to melt.

[0027] Furthermore, the header pipe supply system for fine bubble water for cold climates according to the present invention makes it possible to supply fine bubble water to devices that use tap water in a home, such as shower heads, washing machines, bathtubs, sinks, and toilets, without the need to attach a fine bubble water generator to each of them. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0028] [Figure 1] 1 shows the configuration of a water receiving section leading to a tap water header pipe in a header pipe supply system for fine bubble water for cold regions (this system) according to the present invention. [Figure 2] An example of the connection state of the stop valve device and the fine bubble water generator that make up this system is shown. [Figure 3] A schematic diagram of a tap water supply system in a typical home to which this system is applied is shown below. [Figure 4] A side view of a union-type fine bubble water generator for water pipes is shown. [Figure 5] A side cross-sectional view of a union-type fine bubble water generator for water pipes is shown. [Figure 6] An example of a detachable joint for a water pipe is shown. [Figure 7] 1 is a side cross-sectional view of a first example of a fine bubble water generator used in a header pipe supply system for fine bubble water in cold climates according to the present invention. FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of the fine-bubble water generator (first example) from the upstream side (a) and the downstream side (b). [Figure 9] The water intake section of the fine-bubble water generator (first example) shown in Figure 7 is shown in (a) as a plan view from the upstream side, (b) as a side view, and (c) as a plan view from the downstream side. [Figure 10] FIG. 8 is a schematic explanatory diagram of the cavitation effect in the nozzle of the fine bubble water generator (first example) shown in FIG. 7. [Figure 11] 8 shows a side view of the water intake section of the fine-bubble water generator (first example) shown in FIG. 7, in which the water intake hole is formed in a curved shape. [Figure 12] This shows a second example of a fine-bubble water generator used in this system. Part (a) shows a first example of the internal configuration of the fine-bubble water generator (second example) used in this system, and part (b) shows the side of the inlet face and the side of the outlet face. The holes in the inlet face (four in the example shown in Figure 12) and the holes in the outlet face (four in the example shown in Figure 5) are aligned in the direction of water flow. Part (c) shows a perspective view of the AA' cross section of the fine-bubble water generator (second example) shown in part (b). Here, a spiral cut is made on the inner surface of the cylinder. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 shows a second example of the internal structure of the micro-bubble water generator (second example) used in this system. Part (a) shows the internal structure of the micro-bubble water generator (second example) used in this system, and part (b) shows the side of the inlet face and the side of the outlet face. Here, the holes in the inlet face (four in the example shown in FIG. 13) and the holes in the outlet face (four in the example shown in FIG. 13) are rotated approximately 90 degrees in the direction of water flow. Part (c) shows a perspective view of the BB' cross section of the micro-bubble water generator (second example) shown in part (b). Here, a spiral cut is made on the inner surface of the cylinder. [Figure 14]The following shows examples of water supply pipe systems that supply water from the main water supply pipe via a water meter to multiple water demand points within a home. (a) shows an example where water supply pipes are branched off at various locations within the home, and (b) shows an example where a header pipe is used to supply water from the header pipe to each water demand point within the home. [Figure 15] This shows an example of a conventional water supply system that supplies cold and hot tap water from a main water supply pipe through a water meter to multiple water demand points within a home, such as a bathroom, washing machine, sink, kitchen, and toilet. [Figure 16] The following shows examples of water meters used in cold regions. Part (a) shows an example of a water meter installed at the bottom of a manhole-shaped water meter storage unit, and part (b) shows an example of a water meter (smart water meter) that allows water utilities to remotely detect water usage. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0029] FIG. 1 shows the configuration of the tap water receiving point leading to the tap water header pipe (symbol 100 in FIG. 3) in the header pipe supply system for fine bubble water for cold regions (this system) according to the present invention, and FIG. 2 shows an example of the connection state of the stop valve device 2 and the fine bubble water generator 1 that constitute this system.

[0030] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, tap water supplied from the waterworks bureau via a water meter 4 installed deep in the ground to prevent the tap water from freezing even in winter flows into the fine-bubble water generator 1 via an underground water drainage device 3, where fine-bubble water containing many fine bubbles (microbubble water, fine-bubble water) is generated. This fine-bubble water is then supplied via an indoor water supply pipe 5 to a header water supply pipe (100 in Figure 3) that centrally distributes tap water to indoor tap water-using appliances such as shower heads and washing machines.

[0031] The water draining device 3 is provided with a stop valve (not shown) within the water draining device 3, and does not require closing the stop valve (reference numeral 22 or 23 in Fig. 15) connected to the upstream side of the tap water supply pipe from the waterworks bureau. The stop valve within the water draining device 3 is linked to lever 2A (see Fig. 2) of the lever device 2 that is connected to the water draining device 3 and extends above ground, so that the water is stopped by, for example, tilting lever 2A upward, and tap water from the tap water supply pipe flows into the indoor drain pipe by tilting lever 2A downward.

[0032] The stop valve in the underground drainage device 3 and the drain plug (not shown) for opening and closing the drainage surface 3A provided on the underside of the drainage device 3 are mechanically linked to the lever device 2 on the ground, and when the lever 2A is operated to stop the water (by tilting it downward), the stop valve in the drainage device 3 closes and at the same time, the water accumulated in the micro-bubble water generator 1 and the indoor water supply pipe 5 provided upstream of the drainage plug is released into the ground from the drainage surface 3A.

[0033] For this reason, lever 2A provided on above-ground lever device 2 is connected to underground drainage device 3 and a connecting rod (symbol 2C in Figure 2) in connecting pipe 2B, and by operating lever 2A to stop the water, a valve that blocks the water flow between the tap water supply pipe and drainage device 3 shown in Figure 3 is closed, and at the same time, water is released into the ground from drainage surface 3A provided on the underside of drainage device 3.

[0034] In this way, when the user has finished using tap water, he or she operates lever 2A provided on the above-ground part of drainage device 3 to close the underground stop valve, preventing water from flowing into drainage device 3 from the tap water supply pipe, and the water is discharged into the ground from drainage surface 3A provided on the underside of drainage device 3.

[0035] This reduces the water pressure in the indoor water supply pipe, so even if the remaining water in the secondary water pipe freezes, the indoor water pipe will not burst.

[0036] When water is to be used the next morning, lever 2A of lever device 2 is operated to open the stop valve of underground water drainage device 3, thereby allowing tap water to be supplied from the tap water supply pipe to the indoors. When tap water is being supplied from the tap water supply pipe to the indoors, drainage surface 3A provided on the underside of water drainage device 3 is closed.

[0037] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a tap water supply system in a typical house to which the header pipe supply system for fine bubble water according to the present invention is applied.

[0038] Before describing the header pipe supply system for fine bubble water according to the present invention shown in FIG. 3, an example of a conventional tap water supply pipe system will be described for comparison.

[0039] Fig. 15 shows an example of a conventional tap water supply system for a typical home. As shown in Fig. 15, tap water supplied by, for example, a local government waterworks bureau passes through a branch valve 20 that branches tap water from a main tap water supply pipe, a branched water supply pipe 21, a first stop valve 22, an auxiliary stop valve 23, and a water meter (a meter for water usage) 24, and is then supplied to the home.

[0040] In Figure 15, tap water supplied into a house via a water meter 24 is often supplied to a water heater 25 via a branch pipe 32a within the home, and the tap water (cold water) that passes through branch pipe 32a is branched out to tap water usage points within the house, such as a toilet (for flushing the toilet bowl and for watering the toilet seat) 26, a washing machine 27, a kitchen sink 28, a bath and shower 29, a washbasin 30, and an outdoor sprinkler tap 31, and is used in each of these locations.

[0041] In addition, the hot water heated by gas or electricity in the water heater 25 is branched out by a hot water supply pipe system 34, which is separate from the cold water supply pipe system 33 that branches off tap water (cold water), and is piped to, for example, a toilet (for a warm water washlet) 26, a kitchen sink 28, a bath and shower 29, a washbasin 30, etc., and is used in each of the locations.

[0042] Here, the cold water supply pipe system 33 and the hot water supply pipe system 34 that branch tap water (cold water) are usually installed under the floor (including the basement) or within the walls of the house.

[0043] In recent years, there has been a dramatic increase in demand for installing microbubble water generators, which break down the air contained in tap water into micro- or nano-sized particles, in places where tap water or hot water is used, such as toilets (for flushing toilet bowls and warm water washing toilet seats) 26, washing machines 27, kitchen sinks 28, baths and showers 29, and washbasins 30.

[0044] Microbubble water refers to tap water (cold water) or hot water that contains a lot of air, with bubbles of micrometer or nanometer size (approximately 50 to 500 nm in diameter) that are generally less than 100 μm in diameter. Because the microbubble water is smaller than the pores in the skin, it can penetrate pores and sweat glands and effectively remove dirt, making it suitable for a variety of beauty and health purposes, particularly as shower water and facial cleansing water.

[0045] Furthermore, such fine-bubble water effectively penetrates into the small gaps in the fibers of clothing and the like, and comes into close contact with the surfaces of fabrics, tableware, skin, etc., and has therefore recently come to be widely used as laundry water and cleaning water for warm-water washing toilet seats, etc.

[0046] Furthermore, recently, many washing machines have been equipped with microbubble water generators in the water inlet or shower head, and these have become particularly popular in recent years.

[0047] Such microbubble water generators, which produce water containing many micrometer- or nanometer-sized bubbles in tap water (cold water) or hot water, have traditionally been installed at each point where tap water is used (showers, washing machines, warm-water toilet seats, etc.).

[0048] The present invention was made in consideration of the need for a fine-bubble water generator in the above-mentioned conventional tap water supply system in an ordinary home, which was previously installed as needed at each end of a tap water usage point. The present invention provides a header pipe supply system for fine-bubble water for cold seasons that can be easily attached near the base of the main cold water and / or hot water supply pipe of a water supply system for a home, etc., thereby generating fine-bubble water from all tap water cold water and hot water supplied within the home and supplying it.

[0049] As a first embodiment of the header pipe supply system for fine bubble water for cold regions according to the present invention, a configuration will be described in which only cold water is produced as fine bubble water and supplied to tap water usage points within a house.

[0050] In this first embodiment, the system is composed of a water pipe connection unit 100 (for cold water) that is connected via a water meter 24 through a main water pipe that receives tap water supply, a second adapter 11a (shown in Figure 3) that constitutes the water pipe connection unit 100, and a fine bubble water generation unit (13a to 13e shown in Figure 4) that is connected to the second adapter 11a.

[0051] Next, as a second embodiment, we will explain a configuration in which cold water (tap water) and hot water (which in this application means "hot water supplied from an external source such as a water heater installed in the home or a local hot water supply system") are separately produced into fine-bubble water and fine-bubble hot water (which in this application will be collectively referred to as simply "fine-bubble water" as appropriate) and then supplied to tap water usage points in the home, such as showers and washing machines.

[0052] In this second embodiment, the cold water pipe connection unit 100 (FIGS. 3 and 4) and the hot water pipe connection unit 101 (FIG. 3) are connected via the water meter 24, and in addition to the second adapter unit (referred to herein as simply the "second adapter") 11a constituting the cold water pipe connection unit 100 and the fine bubble water generation unit (13a to 13e shown in FIG. 4) connected to the second adapter 11a, the hot water pipe connection unit 101 (FIG. 3) is further composed of a second adapter 11b (referred to herein as simply the "second adapter." Note that the second adapter 11b has the same configuration as the second adapter 11a shown in FIG. 4 and is therefore not shown) and a fine bubble water generation unit (corresponding to and having the same configuration as 13a to 13e shown in FIG. 4 and therefore not shown) connected to the second adapter 11b.

[0053] As described above, the first embodiment described above should be adopted in homes that use only cold water and not hot water (i.e., homes or facilities without water heaters) or in cases where it is desired to produce fine-bubble water from only cold water, while the second embodiment described above should be adopted in cases where it is desired to produce fine-bubble water from not only cold water but also hot water supplied from a water heater, etc., as in the majority of ordinary homes.

[0054] For the reasons mentioned above, the second embodiment in which cold water and hot water are converted into fine bubble water and used will be mainly described below.

[0055] FIG. 3 shows an example of a header pipe supply system for fine bubble water according to the second embodiment of the present invention, in which cold water and hot water are converted into fine bubble water and used.

[0056] In Figure 3, the first adapter 11a constituting the cold water pipe connection unit 100, which is connected via the water meter 24, is connected to the fine bubble water generation units 13a to 13e shown in Figure 4, and the second adapter 11b constituting the hot water pipe connection unit 101 is connected to units equivalent to or identical to the fine bubble water generation units 13a to 13e (shown in Figure 4).

[0057] Here, as shown in Figure 4 or Figure 5, the water pipe connection unit 100 has a first adapter 10 shown in Figure 4 that also serves as a tap water branching means, or a first adapter 10 having a tap water branching means shown in Figure 5(a), on the upstream side where tap water (cold water) is supplied.

[0058] Tap water flows into the first adapter 10 shown in Figure 4 from the left side of Figure 4, and the first adapter 10 branches the water into water to be supplied to the water heater side and water to be supplied to tap water usage points such as washing machines and toilets (cold water).

[0059] As shown in Figure 5, tap water flows into the first adapter 10 from the left side of Figure 5(a), and the first adapter 10 having a branching means may be configured to branch into water to be supplied to the water heater side and water to be supplied to tap water usage points such as a washing machine and a toilet (cold water).

[0060] The first adapter 10 and the second adapter 11a, which is positioned downstream of the first adapter 10 and has one end joined to the water pipe on the tap water demand side, are naturally connected (Figure 4) or coupled (Figure 5) at the water pipe joint via, for example, a circular gasket or the like (not shown) to prevent water leakage.

[0061] The connection between the first adapter 10 and the second adapter 11a, i.e., the joining (connection) of the water pipe unit, may be made, for example, via a hose as shown in FIG. 4, or, as shown in FIG. 5, the first adapter 10 shown in FIG. 5(a) and the second adapter 11a shown in FIG. 5(b) may be directly screwed together without using a hose.

[0062] The tap water supply pipe and the first adapter 10 and / or second adapter 11a are threadedly connected using a connecting nut to secure the joint. For example, a female thread is formed on each end of the cut water pipe to thread into the first adapter 10 and / or second adapter 11a, and the male thread on the other end is cut long so that the shorter male thread threads full length into the water pipe coupling section. The length of the longer female thread is adjusted to the length that will thread into the water pipe coupling section, so that the first adapter 10 and second adapter 11a that make up this water pipe header pipe can be adjusted to fit between the water pipes.

[0063] As described above, to make a screw connection, one of the pipes to be screwed together must be threaded with a male thread and the other pipe with a female thread, which does not pose a problem when installing the header pipe supply system for fine bubble water, for example, during the construction of a new home. However, when installing the header pipe supply system for fine bubble water in an existing home, it may be necessary to remove a large area of ​​flooring or wall materials, and in such cases, it is possible to use a detachable connecting member such as that shown in Figure 6. Such detachable water pipe or water hose joining members are widely known as water supply joints that connect a washing machine hose to a tap faucet with a single touch, and are known not only to those skilled in the art but also to the general public, so the mechanism of the joint will not be described here.

[0064] Furthermore, in this header pipe supply system, as described above, the fine bubble water generators 12, 13a-13e are connected or coupled to the tap water outlets of the first adapter 10 and the second adapters 11a, 11b, respectively. However, as in the case of the connection between the first adapter 10 and the second adapters 11a, 11b, this may be a threaded connection in which one pipe is threaded with a male thread and the other pipe is threaded with a female thread, or it may be a detachable joint connection as described above.

[0065] In this way, the water inlet side (52A side shown in Figure 7) of the fine-bubble water generators 12, 13a-13e is connected to the tap water outlets of the first adapter 10 and the second adapters 11a, 11b, while the water outlet side (52B side shown in Figure 7) of the fine-bubble water generators 12, 13a-13e is connected to hoses for guiding tap water (cold water and / or hot water) to points of use such as a water heater, kitchen (sink), bath, washroom, toilet, washing machine, etc., as shown in Figure 4.

[0066] In this system, the first adapter 10 and the second adapters 11a, 11b are made of metal pipes made of brass or stainless steel, as these are highly durable and leak-proof. The branch water supply holes of the first adapter 10 and the second adapters 11a, 11b and the water inlet sides of the fine-bubble water generators 12, 13a-13e are preferably connected by screw-fitting means as described above to ensure a firm connection and to prevent water leakage. However, the water outlet sides of the fine-bubble water generators 12, 13a-13e may also be detachably connected to hoses that lead tap water (cold and / or hot water) to points of use such as water heaters, kitchens (sinks), baths, washrooms, toilets, washing machines, etc.

[0067] Furthermore, the hose 14 from the micro-bubble water generators 12, 13a-13e is preferably made of a flexible material that supplies tap water individually to each tap water demand point. This is because the installation work from the micro-bubble water generators 12, 13a-13e to each tap water demand point is easy, and further, the flexibility of the hose 14 makes it highly durable even if vibrations or distortions occur in the tap water supply route due to an earthquake or the like.

[0068] The flexible hose 14 used in this system is preferably made of, for example, polybutene or cross-linked polyethylene. Experiments and tests conducted by the inventors of the present application have confirmed that these materials are superior not only in flexibility but also in waterproofness and durability compared to materials such as polyvinyl chloride.

[0069] Next, the fine bubble water generators 12, 13a-13e (first example) used in the header pipe supply system for fine bubble water in cold regions according to the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 7 to 11. However, the generators are not limited to the type used in this header pipe supply system.

[0070] Figure 7 shows a side cross-sectional view of a first example 12, 13a-13e of the micro-bubble generator used in this header pipe supply system for micro-bubble water, which is placed midway along the water supply pipe 2 that carries water from a water supply pipe, an elevated water tank, etc. to a faucet.

[0071] A first example of a fine-bubble water generator used in this system is shown in Figures 7 to 11 below. However, the fine-bubble water generator used in this system is not limited to this. If the fine-bubble water generator used in this system can be made small and compact, it can also be stored inside the water draining device 3. A second example of a fine-bubble water generator used in this system is shown in Figures 12 and 13 and will be described later.

[0072] 7 (first example) is configured by disposing a cylindrical nozzle 56 inside a cylindrical body 53. The cylindrical body 53 is made up of a first cylindrical portion 54 and a second cylindrical portion 55 with different cross-sectional diameters, and the first cylindrical portion 54, which has the smaller diameter, has a male thread portion 54a on its outer periphery and is inserted into and screwed onto the upstream pipe portion 52A of the water supply pipe 52.

[0073] Second cylindrical portion 55, which has a larger diameter, has a female thread portion 55a on its inner periphery and is connected by screwing to the tip of downstream pipe portion 52B of inserted water supply pipe 52. An annular rubber packing 57 is fitted onto the outer periphery of first cylindrical portion 54, and when first cylindrical portion 54 is inserted into water supply pipe 52, the annular end face of upstream pipe portion 52A comes into contact with the end face of second cylindrical portion 55 with rubber packing 57 interposed therebetween.

[0074] Nozzle 56 has an outer diameter that is approximately equal to the inner diameter of first cylindrical portion 54, and is held within cylinder 53 with a portion of nozzle 56 inserted into first cylindrical portion 54. Inside nozzle 56, there is provided a water passage portion 58 that narrows from both the left and right ends toward the center. That is, water passage portion 58 has a neck portion 59 at its center where the cross-sectional diameter is smallest, and is hollowed out in an approximately conical shape so that the diameter increases as it extends from neck portion 59 to the left and right.

[0075] Therefore, the water passage section 58 is composed of a first water passage 58a whose diameter gradually decreases along the direction in which the tap water flows, and a second water passage 58b which is connected to the outlet side of the first water passage 58a and whose diameter gradually increases along the direction in which the tap water flows.

[0076] The maximum diameter of the first water passage 58a on the inlet side of the nozzle 56 is preferably larger than the maximum diameter of the second water passage 58b on the outlet side, but they may be the same size, or conversely, the inlet may be narrower.

[0077] The water intake section 60 is made up of a circular thick plate and is located inside the cylindrical body 53 on the inlet side of the first water passage 58a of the nozzle 56. In this example, the water intake section 60 has four circular water intake holes 61 drilled in a circle, evenly spaced apart on a plane, penetrating the axial direction. Up to eight water intake holes 61 can be provided depending on the flow rate of the tap water piping or the like to be installed. Therefore, when there are a large number of water intake holes 61, it is preferable to arrange them evenly across the plane of the water intake section 60 rather than arranging them at equal intervals on a circle.

[0078] FIG. 8 shows the fine bubble water generator (first example) shown in FIG. 7, where (a) is a perspective view of the exterior from the upstream side, and (b) is a perspective view of the exterior from the downstream side.

[0079] Figure 9 shows the water intake section of the fine bubble water generator shown in Figure 7, with (a) a plan view from the upstream side, (b) a side view, and (c) a plan view from the downstream side.

[0080] As shown in the side view of Figure 9(b), this water intake hole 61 is provided so that its central axis in the depth direction is inclined relative to the axis of the water supply pipe 62. Therefore, each water intake hole 61 has the shape of an oblique cylinder, so that tap water passing through the water intake hole 61 is discharged in a direction inclined relative to the axis of the water intake section 60, and a twist is added to the flow of tap water from the upstream pipe section 52A, resulting in a swirling flow that is discharged from the water intake section 60. Note that Figure 9(b) shows only one of the water intake holes 61 as a representative.

[0081] At this time, each water intake hole 61 is inclined so that the tap water forms a swirling flow counterclockwise in Figure 9(c) and is discharged toward the adjacent water intake hole 61. Therefore, the tap water passing through each water intake section 60 forms a swirling flow twisted in the same direction as shown by the arrow in Figure 11(a), and is introduced into the first water passage 58a of the nozzle 56.

[0082] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 9(b), by making the inner wall surface of the water intake hole 61 an uneven surface 61a, the tap water is released from the water intake hole 61 with increased turbulence. In this example, as shown in Figure 9(b), a large number of protrusions are provided to form the uneven surface 61a. By increasing the turbulence in this way, it becomes easier to extract dissolved air from the tap water, and cavitation bubbles can be generated effectively within the nozzle 56.

[0083] The tap water released from each water intake hole 61 as a swirling flow hits the inner wall of the first water passage 58a at an angle, and proceeds toward the neck 59 while swirling in a spiral as shown in Figure 10. Then, because the first water passage 58a has a narrowing structure in which the water passage diameter gradually narrows, the water speed increases as it approaches the neck 59, and is released from the neck 59 into the second water passage 58b.

[0084] The tap water, whose flow rate has increased in this way, is sprayed out from the neck 59 at high pressure and diffused in the second water passage 58b. This causes a sudden drop in pressure, and countless tiny cavitation bubbles are generated in the tap water due to boiling, and are released into the downstream pipe 52B. Generally, the water pressure of tap water supplied to ordinary homes from the waterworks bureau is 1.5 kgf / cm2 to 3kgf / cm 2 The nozzle 56 uses only this water pressure to turn the air contained in the tap water into fine bubble water containing an extremely large number of bubbles that have been miniaturized by cavitation. The ideal water pressure in this case is 2.0 to 4.0 kgf / cm. 2 (0.2 to 0.39 MPa).

[0085] In the above embodiment, the maximum diameter of first water passage 58a is larger than the maximum diameter of second water passage 58b, but they may be configured with the same diameter and symmetrical shapes centered on neck 59. Also, the horizontal dimensions from neck 59 to each maximum diameter portion may be different. In short, it is sufficient that the relationship between the pressure of tap water blown out from first water passage 58a and the pressure drop due to diffusion in second water passage 58b produces an appropriate amount of cavitation bubbles with the appropriate quality as fine bubbles.

[0086] 11, it is preferable to configure the shape of the water intake hole 61 from the inlet side to the outlet side not as an oblique cylinder but as a shape with a bend in the middle. This causes a twist in the flow of tap water passing through the water intake hole 61, which, together with the uneven surface 61a on the inner wall of the water intake hole 61, further increases the degree of turbulence, improving the effectiveness of generating cavitation bubbles inside the nozzle 56.

[0087] The micro-bubble water generators 12, 13a-13e (first example) shown in Figure 7 are directly connected to a water supply supplied to a typical household, and convert the air contained in the tap water into microbubbles through cavitation using only the tap water pressure. These micro-bubble water generators 12, 13a-13e are located downstream of the water meter, but the piping distance from these micro-bubble water generators 12, 13a-13e to washing machines and other appliances that use the micro-bubble water is approximately 15 meters on average. Since microbubbles cannot be seen with the naked eye, the inventors of this application confirmed that microbubbles were being formed even at the end of a 20-meter-long pipe by using a laser pointer in a dark place to shine a laser on the water being treated and detect the light reflected from the bubbles.

[0088] To generate microbubbles more efficiently, it is preferable to arrange multiple nozzles 56 in series inside the cylindrical portion, with the second water passage 58b of the nozzle 56 in the front stage connected to the first water passage 58a of the nozzle 56 in the rear stage, thereby creating a configuration in which cavitation is repeatedly generated.

[0089] Furthermore, the fine bubble water generator (first example) used in the fine bubble water header pipe supply system for cold regions of the present invention is not limited to the fine bubble water generator described above (shown in Figures 7 to 11).

[0090] Furthermore, if the fine bubble water generator used in the header pipe supply system for fine bubble water in cold regions according to the present invention can be made small and compact, it can be integrated with the water drainage device 3. This makes it possible to install the system inexpensively and in a short construction period.

[0091] FIG. 12 shows a second example of a fine bubble water generator used in this header pipe supply system, with (a) showing a second internal configuration of the second example of the fine bubble water generator used in this header pipe supply system. (b) shows the side of the inlet face and the side of the outlet face. The holes in the inlet face (four in the example shown in FIG. 12) and the holes in the outlet face (four in the example shown in FIG. 12) are aligned in the direction of water flow. (c) shows a perspective view of the AA' cross section of the second example of the fine bubble water generator used in this header pipe supply system shown in (b). A spiral cut is made on the inner surface of the cylinder.

[0092] As shown in Figure 12(a), the fine bubble water generator (second example) 73 used in this header pipe supply system is composed of a cylinder 73-1 that is arranged in close contact with the inner wall of the indoor water supply pipe (shown in Figure 2), a water inlet surface 73-2 that has branch holes 76 (76-1, 76-2, 76-3, 76-4) formed concentrically (four in the example shown in Figure 12) that discharge tap water from the central axis of the cylinder 73-1 at a predetermined distance (a size corresponding to the diameter size of the cylinder 73-1), and a water outlet surface 73-3 that has branch holes 77 (77-1, 77-2, 77-3, 77-4) (four in the example shown in Figure 12) that discharge the tap water from the cylinder 73-1.

[0093] Here, the cylindrical body 73-1 is inserted into the inner surface of the main body, and the micro-bubble water generator (second example) 73 used in this header pipe supply system is fixed to the inner wall of the indoor water supply pipe (Figure 2), and an uneven portion 73-4 is formed by spiral cuts on the inner wall of the cylindrical body 73-1 between the water inlet face 73-2 and the water outlet face 73-3.

[0094] Water flowing in from the branch holes 76 of the water inlet surface 73-2 (four in the example shown in Figure 12) comes into contact with and collides with the spiral uneven portion 73-4, causing turbulence within the cylindrical body 73-1, which efficiently breaks down the air bubbles in the tap water into small particles and causes fine bubble water to flow out of the water outlet surface 73-3.

[0095] In this way, the micro-bubble water generator 73 used in this header pipe supply system has a small and lightweight shape formed into a cylindrical body 73-1 (containing 73-2 and 73-3) that fits closely to the inner wall of the indoor water supply pipe (Figure 2), and is able to effectively generate the same number of nano-sized micro-bubbles as conventional micro-bubble water generators.

[0096] FIG. 13 shows a second configuration of the fine bubble water generator 73 (second example) used in this header pipe supply system. Section (a) shows a second configuration of a fine-bubble water generator (second example) used in this header pipe supply system, and section (b) shows the side of the inlet and outlet bodies. Unlike the first example shown above, this second example differs from the first example in that the holes 7 (77-1, 77-2, 77-3, 77-4) in the outlet body 3-3 (four in the example shown in Figure 13) are rotated approximately 90 degrees in the direction of water flow relative to the holes 76 (76-1, 76-2, 76-3, 76-4) in the inlet body 73-2 (four in the example shown in Figure 13). Section (c) shows the BB' cross section of the fine-bubble water generator shown in section (b), which is the same as the first example shown above. A spiral cut 73-4 is formed on the inner surface of the cylinder 73-1.

[0097] Thus, in the second internal configuration of the fine-bubble water generator (second example) shown in Figure 13, the branch holes 76 (four in the example shown in Figure 13) provided in the water inlet surface 3-2 and the branch holes 77 (four in the example shown in Figure 13) provided in the water outlet surface 73-3 have their central axes inclined by 90 degrees to the central axis of the water intake plate.Therefore, water that passes through the holes 76 (four in the example shown in Figure 13) of the water inlet surface 73-2 does not form a straight water flow through the water inlet holes 76 and water outlet holes within the cylinder 73-1, but forms a vortex water flow.As a result, more water flow collides with the spiral notches in the cylinder 73-1, and fine-bubble water can be generated more efficiently.

[0098] The water inlet and outlet faces are made of brass, resin or stainless steel material with a thickness of at least 5 millimeters, and the cylindrical body is made of brass, stainless steel or resin material.

[0099] Furthermore, the inner wall of the cylinder 73-1 between the water inlet surface 73-2 and the water outlet surface 73-3 has an uneven portion 73-4 formed by spiral cuts, and water flowing in from the branch holes 76 of the water inlet surface 73-2 (four in the example shown in Figure 13) comes into contact with and collides with the spiral uneven portion 73-4, causing turbulence in the water within the cylinder 73-1, which breaks up the air bubbles in the tap water into fine particles and enables the generation of high-performance fine-bubble water.

[0100] Figure 16 shows an example of a water meter 4 used in cold regions that is installed deep underground, where part (a) shows an example of the water meter 4 installed at the bottom of a manhole 4b-shaped water meter storage section 4b, and part (b) shows an example of an electronic water meter 4 (smart water meter) that allows water utility companies to remotely detect water usage.

[0101] Figure 16(a) shows a water meter 4 installed deep underground in cold regions. In cold regions, water pipes from the waterworks bureau freeze during cold seasons, so water meter 4 is often installed about 1.2 meters below the ground surface. This is because the freezing temperature of water does not drop below zero degrees Celsius at depths of 1 meter or less, even during cold seasons.

[0102] In this case, the meter value showing the amount of water used cannot be read from the water meter 4, so a handle 4a is attached to the top of the water meter 4, and with the manhole cover 4c open, a waterworks employee uses a hook or similar to hook the handle 4a from above ground to pull the water meter 4 up close to the ground surface and read the water meter. For this reason, the water pipes upstream and downstream of the water meter are connected to long, flexible water pipes in a toroidal shape.

[0103] Meanwhile, in recent years, electronic water meter (smart meter) 4 as shown in Figure 16(b) has come into use, which allows water utilities to remotely monitor water usage. In this case, the water meter does not need to be installed in the large manholes 4b and 4c as shown in Figure 16(a). However, since electronic water meter 4 also freezes during cold seasons, it is still necessary to install the electronic water meter 4 deep underground.

[0104] As described above, in this header pipe supply system for fine-bubble water for cold climates, the water draining device 3 is located downstream of the water meter 4, and the fine-bubble water generator 1, which refines the bubbles contained in the tap water that has passed through the water draining device 3, is located immediately downstream of the water draining device 3. As a result, when tap water use is stopped and the water is drained, such as at night, the water in the indoor water supply pipe, including the fine-bubble water generator 1, is drained, and the tap water does not freeze because the water in the water pipe is drained. Even if water remains in some of the indoor water pipe, the water pressure is reduced by the water draining, so the water pipe or the fine-bubble water generator 1 will not be damaged, and it will not take a long time for the ice that has formed in the water pipe to melt.

[0105] Furthermore, this header pipe supply system for fine bubble water for cold regions makes it possible to supply fine bubble water to devices that use tap water in the home, such as shower heads, washing machines, bathtubs, sinks, and toilets, without the need to attach a fine bubble water generator to each device. [Explanation of symbols]

[0106] 1. Microbubble water generator 2 Lever device for draining water 2A Water drain lever 2B Connecting pipe between lever device 2 and drain device 3 2C connecting rod 3. Water drainage device 3A Drainage surface of drainage device 3 4 Water meter 4a Manhole cover 4b Manhole 5. Water supply pipe to water supply pipe header 100 (Cold Water) Water Pipe Connection Unit 101 (hot water) water pipe connection unit 10 First adapter constituting the water pipe connection unit 11a, 11b Second adapter constituting the water pipe connection unit 12, 13a-13e Microbubble water generator (first example) 58a First water passage of the microbubble water generator 58b Second water passage of the microbubble water generator 60 Water intake section of microbubble water generator 61 Water intake hole of microbubble water generator 61a Concave and convex surface of the microbubble water generator 73 Microbubble water generator (second example) 73-1 Cylinder that constitutes the microbubble water generator 73-2 Water inlet face of the microbubble water generator 73-3 Water outlet body constituting the microbubble water generator 73-4 Spiral unevenness formed on the inner surface of a cylinder

Claims

1. a water draining device that receives tap water from a tap water main pipe via a water meter and is located in unfrozen ground a predetermined distance below the ground surface; A fine bubble water generator is installed immediately downstream of the draining device and refines the bubbles contained in the tap water that has passed through the draining device. a header pipe having a plurality of branch water supply holes that branch the tap water that has passed through the fine bubble water generator to a plurality of tap water demand points within the house via an indoor tap water supply main pipe; The water drainage device is a header pipe supply system for cold regions that includes a water stop mechanism that blocks the inflow of tap water from the main water supply pipe and a water discharge surface that discharges water from the main water supply pipe and the header pipe leading to the tap water demand point into the ground when the water stop mechanism blocks the inflow of tap water, and a lever device that is located above ground and has an operating unit that houses a lever that manually operates the water stop mechanism.

2. The header pipe is formed by two metal pipes made of brass or stainless steel, 2. The header pipe supply system for fine bubble water for cold regions according to claim 1, wherein the branch water supply hole for the water heater formed in one of the two metal pipes and the water receiving hole for supplying tap water to the plurality of branch water supply holes formed in the other of the two metal pipes and branching tap water to the plurality of tap water demand locations are connected by a hose made of a flexible material.

3. The fine bubble water generator comprises: A fine bubble water generating nozzle disposed inside the tap water supply main pipe; A support member that supports the fine bubble water generating nozzle and is provided with a water passage portion that allows a portion of the tap water from the tap water supply main pipe to pass through; Equipped with The fine bubble water generating nozzle is a first water channel whose diameter gradually decreases along the direction in which tap water flows; a second water passage that is connected to the outlet side of the first water passage and whose diameter gradually increases along the direction in which tap water flows; a throttle portion connecting the first water passage and the second water passage; 3. The header pipe supply system for supplying fine bubble water to cold regions according to claim 1, further comprising: a water intake plate having a plurality of water intake holes provided at an inlet of the first water passage.

4. The fine bubble water generating means is a cylindrical body that is in close contact with the inner surface of the tap water supply main; a water inlet face having a plurality of branch holes formed concentrically at a predetermined distance from the central axis of the cylindrical body for supplying tap water; and a water outlet body having a plurality of branch holes for flowing tap water out of the cylindrical body, The inner wall of the cylindrical body between the water inlet body and the water outlet body is formed with uneven portions by spiral cuts, The water flowing in from the multiple branch holes of the water inlet body comes into contact with and collides with the spiral uneven portion, causing turbulence within the cylinder, which breaks up the air bubbles in the tap water into fine particles and causes fine bubble water to flow out of the water outlet body.

3. The header pipe supply system for fine bubble water for cold regions according to claim 1 or 2.

5. 5. A header pipe supply system for supplying fine bubble water to cold regions as described in claim 4, wherein the central axes of the branch holes provided in the water inlet face, extending from the water inlet side to the water outlet side, are inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the central axis of the water inlet face.

6. 6. The header pipe supply system for fine bubble water for cold climates according to claim 5, wherein the plurality of branch holes provided in the water inlet face are provided at equal intervals on the concentric circle.

7. The support member is an inner ring portion that holds the fine bubble water generating nozzle at its inner periphery; an outer annular portion fixed to the inner wall of the tap water supply main; a plurality of spokes connecting the inner annular portion and the outer annular portion; The header pipe supply system for fine bubble water for cold regions according to claim 3, comprising:

8. The support member is an outer annular portion fixed to the inner wall of the tap water supply main; a plurality of nozzle support parts arranged in a circle at equal intervals inside the outer ring part and connected to the inner peripheral wall of the outer ring part, each of which holds the fine bubble water generating nozzle at its inner periphery; The header pipe supply system for fine bubble water for cold regions according to claim 7, comprising:

9. 9. The header pipe supply system for supplying fine bubble water to cold regions according to claim 8, wherein the central axis of the water intake plate extending from the inlet side to the outlet side is inclined relative to the central axis of the water intake plate.

10. 10. The header pipe supply system for supplying fine bubble water to cold regions according to claim 9, wherein a plurality of the water intake plates are provided at equal intervals in a circular shape.

11. 11. The header pipe supply system for fine bubble water for cold climates according to claim 10, wherein the water intake plate has an inner surface formed with an uneven surface for generating turbulent flow.

12. 12. The header pipe supply system for fine bubble water for cold climates according to claim 11, wherein the water intake plate is bent from an inlet side of the tap water toward an outlet side thereof.

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