Bubble-containing liquid generating device

Abstract

To provide an air bubble containing liquid generator having a simple structure.SOLUTION: An air bubble containing liquid generator 1 includes a compression container 4, a liquid supply part 5, an outflow path 6, and a discharge control unit 7. The compression container 4 compressively dissolves a gas G1 into a liquid L1 to generate a compressed liquid L2. The liquid supply part 5 supplies the liquid L1 to the compression container 4. The outflow path 6 connects the compression container 4 with a nozzle 2. The nozzle 2 has a decompression mechanism. The discharge control unit 7 causes an air bubble containing liquid L3 to be discharged from the nozzle 2. The liquid supply part 5 supplies the liquid L1 to the compression container 4 and controls an inner pressure of the compression container 4 so that the inner pressure becomes a reference internal pressure or higher based on pressure information in the compression container 4. The discharge control unit 7 has a function for controlling outflow of the compressed liquid L2 from the compression container 4 to the nozzle 2. The discharge control unit 7 causes the compressed liquid L2 to flow from the compression container 4 to the nozzle 2 to discharge the air bubble containing liquid L3 from the nozzle 2.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a bubble-containing liquid generating device, and particularly to a bubble-containing liquid generating device for generating a bubble-containing liquid.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, the popularity of bubble-containing liquids in which minute bubbles are contained in a liquid has been increasing. Patent Document 1 describes a conventional bubble-containing liquid production device.

[0003] The bubble-containing liquid production device described in Patent Document 1 includes a pressure dissolution tank, a bubble generation unit, and a shearing mechanism unit. The pressure dissolution tank has a liquid introduced from a liquid supply line and a gas pressurized and introduced from a gas feed unit to generate a pressurized liquid in which the gas is dissolved. Further, the bubble generation unit reduces the pressure of the pressurized liquid supplied from the pressure dissolution tank. The shearing mechanism unit applies a shearing force to the liquid containing bubbles.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, in the bubble-containing liquid production device described in Patent Document 1, since two supply parts, namely a liquid supply line and a gas feed unit, are connected to the pressure dissolution tank, the structure becomes complicated and the bubble-containing liquid production device becomes large-sized. Further, since gas is pressurized and fed from the gas feed unit to the pressure dissolution tank, a large air pump is required for the gas feed unit.

[0006] The present disclosure has been made in view of the above points, and an object thereof is to provide a bubble-containing liquid generating device having a simple configuration.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] A bubble-containing liquid generating apparatus according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a pressurized container, a liquid supply unit, an outlet path, and a discharge control unit. The pressurized container generates a pressurized liquid by dissolving a gas under pressure in a liquid. The liquid supply unit supplies the pressurized container The aforementioned A liquid is supplied. The discharge path connects the pressurized container and the nozzle. The nozzle has a depressurization mechanism. The discharge control unit discharges the bubble-containing liquid from the nozzle. The liquid supply unit includes a liquid container for storing the liquid. The liquid supply unit supplies the liquid from the liquid container to the pressurized container. The liquid supply unit supplies the liquid to the pressurized container based on the pressure information in the pressurized container, controlling the internal pressure of the pressurized container to be above a reference internal pressure. The discharge control unit has the function of controlling the outflow of the pressurized liquid from the pressurized container to the nozzle. The discharge control unit causes the pressurized liquid to flow out of the pressurized container to the nozzle, and the bubble-containing liquid to be discharged from the nozzle. A bubble-containing liquid generating apparatus according to another aspect of the present disclosure comprises a pressurized container, a liquid supply unit, an outflow path, and a discharge control unit. The pressurized container generates a pressurized liquid by pressurizing and dissolving a gas in a liquid. The liquid supply unit supplies liquid to the pressurized container. The outflow path connects the pressurized container to a nozzle having a depressurization mechanism. The discharge control unit discharges the bubble-containing liquid from the nozzle. The liquid supply unit supplies the liquid to the pressurized container based on pressure information in the pressurized container to control the internal pressure of the pressurized container to be above a reference internal pressure. The discharge control unit has a function to control the outflow of the pressurized liquid from the pressurized container to the nozzle, causing the pressurized liquid to flow out of the pressurized container to the nozzle and the bubble-containing liquid to be discharged from the nozzle. The liquid supply unit includes a liquid pump that pressurizes and supplies the liquid to the pressurized container. The liquid supply unit detects the internal pressure of the pressurized container based on the power consumption of the liquid pump. The liquid supply unit uses the detected internal pressure of the pressurized container as pressure information and supplies the liquid to the pressurized container based on the detected internal pressure of the pressurized container. A bubble-containing liquid generating apparatus according to another aspect of the present disclosure comprises a pressurized container, a liquid supply unit, an outflow path, a discharge control unit, a gas path, and a gas intake valve. The pressurized container generates a pressurized liquid by dissolving gas under pressure in a liquid. The liquid supply unit supplies liquid to the pressurized container. The outflow path connects the pressurized container to a nozzle having a depressurization mechanism. The discharge control unit discharges the bubble-containing liquid from the nozzle. The gas path supplies gas to the pressurized container. The gas intake valve is provided on the gas path. The liquid supply unit supplies the liquid to the pressurized container based on pressure information in the pressurized container to control the internal pressure of the pressurized container to be above a reference internal pressure. The discharge control unit has a function of controlling the outflow of the pressurized liquid from the pressurized container to the nozzle, causing the pressurized liquid to flow out from the pressurized container to the nozzle and the bubble-containing liquid to be discharged from the nozzle. The gas intake valve opens when the internal pressure of the pressurized container is less than the ambient pressure, and closes when the internal pressure of the pressurized container is equal to or greater than the ambient pressure. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a bubble-containing liquid generating apparatus can be realized with a simple configuration. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the bubble-containing liquid generating apparatus according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a functional block diagram of the control circuit in the bubble-containing liquid generation apparatus described above. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a functional block diagram of the control circuit in a bubble-containing liquid generating apparatus according to a modified example of Embodiment 1. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the bubble-containing liquid generating apparatus according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a bubble-containing liquid generating apparatus according to another modified example 1. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Hereinafter, a bubble-containing liquid generating apparatus according to an embodiment of this disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the figures described in the following embodiments are schematic diagrams, and the ratios of the size and thickness of each component do not necessarily reflect the actual dimensional ratios. Furthermore, the configuration described in the following embodiments is merely one example of this disclosure. This disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments, and various modifications are possible depending on the design, etc., as long as the effects of this disclosure can be achieved.

[0011] (Embodiment 1) (1) Configuration of the bubble-containing liquid generating apparatus Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the bubble-containing liquid generating apparatus 1 according to Embodiment 1.

[0012] The bubble-containing liquid generator 1 is a device that generates bubble-containing liquids. A bubble-containing liquid is a liquid that contains bubbles. Bubbles contained in a liquid are called by different names depending on their size. For example, bubbles with a diameter of 100 μm or less are called fine bubbles. Among fine bubbles, bubbles with a diameter of less than 1 μm are called ultrafine bubbles, and bubbles with a diameter of 1 μm or more are called microbubbles. The bubble-containing liquid generator 1 generates, for example, ultrafine bubble water in which ultrafine bubbles are contained in the liquid. In the ultrafine bubble water generated by the bubble-containing liquid generator 1, for example, the liquid is water and the gas that forms the bubbles is air.

[0013] As shown in Figure 1, the bubble-containing liquid generating device 1 includes a nozzle 2, a housing 3, a pressurized container 4, a pressure detection unit 41, a liquid supply unit 5, an outflow path 6, and a discharge control unit 7.

[0014] The housing 3 is a case that houses a pressure vessel 4, a pressure detection unit 41, a liquid supply unit 5, a part of the outflow path 6, and a part of the discharge control unit 7. Further, in the housing 3, an injection port 511, which is a through-hole communicating with the liquid container 51 of the liquid supply unit 5, is formed. A lid 31 is detachably attached to the injection port 511. Further, in the housing 3, a through-hole 32 for exposing the discharge switch 71 of the discharge control unit 7 to the outside of the housing 3 and a through-hole 33 for exposing a part of the outflow path 6 to the outside of the housing 3 are provided. The housing 3 is made of, for example, resin.

[0015] The pressure vessel 4 is a container that generates a pressurized liquid L2 by pressurizing and dissolving a gas G1 in a liquid L1. Pressurization and dissolution means bringing the gas G1 into contact with the liquid L1 in a pressure environment higher than the atmospheric pressure (1 atm) and dissolving the gas G1 in the liquid L1. For example, when the liquid L1 is water and the gas G1 is air, the pressurized liquid L2 is water in which air is pressurized and dissolved. The liquid supply unit 5, the pressure detection unit 41, and the outflow path 6 are connected to the pressure vessel 4. The pressure vessel 4 is configured to be airtight except for the connection portions with the liquid supply unit 5, the pressure detection unit 41, and the outflow path 6. The pressure vessel 4 is made of, for example, metal or resin.

[0016] The pressure detection unit 41 is a pressure sensor that detects the internal pressure in the pressure vessel 4. For example, the pressure vessel 4 has a pressure detection hole, which is a through-hole, and the pressure detection unit 41 is connected to the pressure detection hole. Alternatively, for example, the pressure detection unit 41 may be installed inside the pressure vessel 4. The pressure detection unit 41 is, for example, a diffused pressure sensor. Note that, as the pressure detection unit 41, other pressure sensors or pressure gauges such as a capacitance-type pressure sensor may be used.

[0017] The liquid supply unit 5 supplies the liquid L1 to the pressure vessel 4. The liquid supply unit 5 includes a liquid container 51, a replenishment path 52, a liquid pump 53, and an inflow path 54.

[0018] The liquid container 51 is a container for storing the liquid L1. The liquid container 51 is made of, for example, metal or resin. The liquid container 51 communicates with the outside of the housing 3 through the inlet 511 and is configured to be able to replenish the liquid L1 through the inlet 511. The inlet 511 is preferably provided at a position away from the opening inside the liquid container 51 of the supply path 52 described later. The inlet 511 is provided, for example, at the upper part of the liquid container 51. Also, when the lid 31 is attached to the inlet 511, the inflow and outflow of the liquid L1 between the liquid container 51 and the outside through the inlet 511 are suppressed. Further, the liquid container 51 is connected to the supply path 52.

[0019] The supply path 52 is a liquid flow path for allowing the liquid L1 to flow from the liquid container 51 into the liquid pump 53. The supply path 52 is a pipe connecting the inside of the liquid container 51 and the suction port 531 of the liquid pump 53. The supply path 52 is made of, for example, metal, resin, or rubber. The end of the supply path � on the liquid container 51 side is located at the bottom of the liquid container 51. Or, the supply path 52 is, for example, a flexible tube having a specific gravity greater than that of the liquid L1 and having a length reaching the bottom of the liquid container 51.

[0020] The liquid pump 53 is a pump for pressurizing and injecting the liquid L1 in the liquid container 51 into the pressure vessel 4. Pressurized injection means applying a pressure above atmospheric pressure to allow the liquid L1 to flow into the pressure vessel 4. The liquid pump 53 is a pump capable of pressurized discharge at a pressure not less than the internal pressure of the pressure vessel 4 and is, for example, a gear pump, a vane pump, etc. Also, as power, the liquid pump 53 has a motor that operates and stops according to the instruction of the control circuit 10 described later.

[0021] The inflow path 54 is a liquid path that allows liquid L1 to flow from the liquid pump 53 into the pressurized container 4. The inflow path 54 is a conduit that connects the discharge port 532 of the liquid pump 53 to the inside of the pressurized container 4. The inflow path 54 is made of, for example, metal, resin, or rubber. The inflow path 54 opens inside the pressurized container 4, for example, by passing through the liquid supply hole 42 of the pressurized container 4. Alternatively, for example, the inflow path 54 may be connected to the liquid supply hole 42 provided in the pressurized container 4.

[0022] The discharge path 6 is a liquid flow path that discharges pressurized liquid L2 from the pressurized container 4 to the nozzle 2. The discharge path 6 includes a first discharge path 61 and a second discharge path 62.

[0023] The first outlet path 61 is a conduit connecting the inside of the pressurized container 4 to the inlet 72 of the discharge control unit 7. The first outlet path 61 is made of, for example, metal, resin, or rubber. The first outlet path 61 is, for example, entirely located inside the housing 3. The first outlet path 61 is, for example, inserted into the pressurized container 4 by passing through a liquid discharge hole 43 provided in the pressurized container 4, and opens inside the pressurized container 4. The opening of the first outlet path 61 on the pressurized container 4 side is located in the pressurized liquid L2. The first outlet path 61 is, for example, inserted to the bottom of the pressurized container 4. As a result, the pressurized liquid L2 is pushed out to the discharge control unit 7 via the first outlet path 61 by the internal pressure of the pressurized container 4.

[0024] The second discharge path 62 is a conduit connecting the discharge port 73 of the discharge control unit 7 to the nozzle 2. The second discharge path 62 is made of, for example, resin or rubber. The second discharge path 62 passes through a through hole 33 provided in the housing 3, and at least the connection portion with the nozzle 2 is located outside the housing 3. Note that the second discharge path 62 may be located outside the housing 3 except for the connection portion with the discharge port 73 of the discharge control unit 7.

[0025] The discharge control unit 7 is located in the middle of the outflow path 6, that is, between the first outflow path 61 and the second outflow path 62, and is a mechanism that controls the discharge of pressurized liquid L2 from the pressurized container 4 to the nozzle 2. The discharge control unit 7 has an inlet 72, an outlet 73, a movable block 74, and a discharge switch 71. In the discharge control unit 7, for example, the movable block 74 is provided on the flow path 75 connecting the inlet 72 and the outlet 73. The movable block 74 is supported by, for example, an elastic body, and is configured to have a different position depending on whether the discharge switch 71 is pressed or not. The discharge switch 71 is located outside the housing 3 through a through hole 32 in the housing 3. When the discharge switch 71 is not pressed, the movable block 74 blocks the flow path 75. Therefore, when the discharge switch 71 is not pressed, the discharge control unit 7 is in a closed state where the pressurized liquid L2 cannot flow out from the inlet 72 to the outlet 73. On the other hand, when the discharge switch 71 is pressed, the movable block 74 is pressed by the discharge switch 71, causing the movable block 74 to move and connect the flow path 75. Therefore, when the discharge switch 71 is pressed, the discharge control unit 7 is in an open state, allowing the pressurized liquid L2 to flow out from the inlet 72 to the outlet 73.

[0026] Nozzle 2 has a depressurization mechanism for pressurized liquid L2 and sprays out bubble-containing liquid L3. Nozzle 2 is connected to the second outlet path 62 of the outlet path 6. Nozzle 2 has a depressurization mechanism composed of, for example, an orifice or a venturi tube. The venturi tube has a constricted section, with a smaller cross-sectional area closer to the constricted section and a larger cross-sectional area further away from the constricted section. When the discharge control unit 7 is open, Nozzle 2 depressurizes the pressurized liquid L2 flowing in from the second outlet path 62 using the depressurization mechanism, causing bubbles to precipitate and generating bubble-containing liquid L3, which is then sprayed out. Nozzle 2 may also have a turbulence generation mechanism. The turbulence generation mechanism is, for example, a shear mechanism.

[0027] (2) Function of the bubble-containing liquid generating device The bubble-containing liquid generating apparatus 1 includes a control circuit 10 as shown in Figure 2. The control circuit 10 includes a pressure measuring unit 81, an indicator unit 82, and a storage unit 83. The control circuit 10 has one or more processors and memory.

[0028] The pressure measuring unit 81 is a circuit that measures the internal pressure of the pressurized container 4. The pressure measuring unit 81 acquires a signal indicating the internal pressure of the pressurized container 4 (see Figure 1) from the pressure detection unit 41 and outputs the internal pressure value of the pressurized container 4.

[0029] The instruction unit 82 is a circuit that instructs the pressurized supply of liquid L1 to the pressurized container 4. The instruction unit 82 controls, for example, the voltage applied to the motor of the liquid pump 53 to operate or stop the liquid pump 53. The instruction unit 82 obtains the internal pressure value of the pressurized container 4 from the pressure measuring unit 81 and compares the internal pressure of the pressurized container 4 with the reference internal pressure. If the internal pressure of the pressurized container 4 is less than the reference internal pressure, the instruction unit 82 operates the liquid pump 53 to pressurize and inject liquid L1 from the liquid container 51 into the pressurized container 4. The reference internal pressure is, for example, 0.5 MPa (5 atmospheres). Note that the reference internal pressure is not limited to 0.5 MPa (5 atmospheres), but can be in the range of 0.2 MPa (2 atmospheres) to 1 MPa (10 atmospheres). The reference internal pressure is stored in advance in, for example, the memory unit 83. The indicator unit 82 stops the liquid pump 53 when the internal pressure of the pressurized container 4, as measured by the pressure measuring unit 81, reaches or exceeds the standard internal pressure. In other words, if the internal pressure of the pressurized container 4 is above the standard internal pressure, the indicator unit 82 does not operate the liquid pump.

[0030] (3) Operation The operation of the bubble-containing liquid generating device 1 will be described below.

[0031] First, assume that the state of the pressurized container 4 is such that the internal pressure of the pressurized container 4 is equal to the external atmospheric pressure (atmospheric pressure, approximately 0.1 MPa), and only gas G1 is present in the pressurized container 4. In other words, there is no pressurized liquid L2 in the pressurized container 4. The instruction unit 82 of the control circuit 10 indicates that the internal pressure of the pressurized container 4 is below the reference internal pressure, and therefore activates the liquid pump 53. As a result, the liquid pump 53 pressurizes and injects liquid L1 from the liquid container 51 into the pressurized container 4.

[0032] When the liquid pump 53 pressurizes and injects liquid L1 from the liquid container 51 into the pressurized container 4, the volume of gas G1 in the pressurized container 4 decreases, and the internal pressure of the pressurized container 4 increases. When the internal pressure of the pressurized container 4 rises to the standard internal pressure, the instruction unit 82 of the control circuit 10 stops the liquid pump 53. As a result, the internal pressure of the pressurized container 4 rises to the standard internal pressure. Also, the liquid L1 in the pressurized container 4 dissolves in an amount of gas G1 corresponding to the internal pressure of the pressurized container 4, and changes into pressurized liquid L2. Therefore, the user can use the bubble-containing liquid L3.

[0033] When a user uses the bubble-containing liquid L3, the user presses the discharge switch 71 of the discharge control unit 7. This opens the outflow path 6 from the pressurized container 4 to the nozzle 2, so that the pressurized liquid L2 in the pressurized container 4 is pushed out into the outflow path 6 by the internal pressure of the pressurized container 4 and flows into the nozzle 2. The pressurized liquid L2 that flows into the nozzle 2 is depressurized by the depressurization mechanism of the nozzle 2, and bubbles precipitate in the pressurized liquid L2. That is, fine bubbles are generated in the depressurized pressurized liquid L2, and bubble-containing liquid L3 is produced. Therefore, bubble-containing liquid L3 is discharged from the nozzle 2.

[0034] When the user utilizes the bubble-containing liquid L3, that is, when the bubble-containing liquid L3 is discharged from the nozzle 2, the volume of pressurized liquid L2 in the pressurized container 4 decreases, causing the gas G1 in the pressurized container 4 to expand and the internal pressure of the pressurized container 4 to decrease. When the internal pressure of the pressurized container 4 falls below the standard internal pressure, the instruction unit 82 of the control circuit 10 instructs the liquid pump 53 to pressurize and inject liquid L1 from the liquid container 51 into the pressurized container 4. When the internal pressure of the pressurized container 4 rises to the standard internal pressure, the instruction unit 82 of the control circuit 10 stops the liquid pump 53. This action causes the internal pressure of the pressurized container 4 to rise above the standard internal pressure, generating pressurized liquid L2. In other words, pressurized liquid L2 is replenished in the pressurized container 4, and it returns to a state where the user can utilize the bubble-containing liquid L3.

[0035] (4) Use of liquids containing bubbles The following describes the use of the bubble-containing liquid L3 produced by the bubble-containing liquid generation device 1.

[0036] As mentioned above, the bubble-containing liquid L3 is, for example, fine bubble water, specifically microbubble water or ultrafine bubble water. In fine bubble water, the bubble surface is negatively charged, so it has the ability to adsorb positively charged substances, such as organic matter, and also exhibits surfactant properties.

[0037] Furthermore, microbubble water can exhibit a sterilizing effect by, for example, incorporating highly oxidizing ozone as bubbles.

[0038] Furthermore, because ultrafine bubble water can be easily absorbed by plants, it can promote plant metabolism and growth by incorporating oxygen and air as bubbles, for example.

[0039] (5) Effects In the bubble-containing liquid generating apparatus 1 according to Embodiment 1, the bubble-containing liquid L3 is discharged from the nozzle 2. Therefore, the bubble-containing liquid L3 can be used by the user.

[0040] Furthermore, in the bubble-containing liquid generating apparatus 1 according to Embodiment 1, liquid L1 is injected into the pressurized container 4 so that the internal pressure of the pressurized container 4 is equal to or greater than the standard internal pressure. Therefore, the bubble-containing liquid generating apparatus 1 can be realized using only the liquid pump 53, without using an air pump. Consequently, since an air pump, which tends to be large, is not used, the bubble-containing liquid generating apparatus 1 can be made smaller.

[0041] (modified version) As shown in Figure 3, the bubble-containing liquid generating apparatus 1 according to a modified embodiment of Embodiment 1 does not include a pressure detection unit 41, and the configuration of the control circuit 10a differs from that of the control circuit 10 according to Embodiment 1.

[0042] Figure 3 is a functional block diagram of the control circuit 10a of a bubble-containing liquid generating apparatus 1 according to a modified example of Embodiment 1. The control circuit 10a includes a pressure measuring unit 81a in place of the pressure measuring unit 81. The pressure measuring unit 81a is connected to the liquid pump 53.

[0043] The pressure measuring unit 81a measures the voltage applied to the liquid pump 53 and the current flowing through the liquid pump 53 to measure the power consumption of the liquid pump 53. Based on the power consumption of the liquid pump 53, the pressure measuring unit 81a measures the internal pressure of the pressurized container 4.

[0044] As described above, the discharge port 532 (see Figure 1) of the liquid pump 53 is connected to the pressurized container 4 (see Figure 1) via the inflow path 54 (see Figure 1). In other words, the pressure of the pressurized liquid L2 in the inflow path 54 is applied to the discharge port 532 of the liquid pump 53. Therefore, when the liquid pump 53 pressurizes and injects liquid L1 into the pressurized container 4, the higher the internal pressure of the pressurized container 4, the higher the discharge pressure of the liquid pump 53 needs to be. That is, when attempting to inject the same amount of liquid L1 into the pressurized container 4 with the liquid pump 53, the higher the internal pressure of the pressurized container 4, the greater the load on the motor, which is the power source of the liquid pump 53. Therefore, the pressure measuring unit 81a estimates the internal pressure of the pressurized container 4 using information that is stored in advance in the memory unit 83, which shows the relationship between the power consumption of the liquid pump 53 and the internal pressure of the pressurized container 4. The information that shows the relationship between the power consumption of the liquid pump 53 and the internal pressure of the pressurized container 4 is, for example, a conversion table that shows the internal pressure of the pressurized container 4 corresponding to the power consumption of the liquid pump 53. Alternatively, for example, the relationship between the power consumption of the liquid pump 53 and the internal pressure of the pressurized container 4 is a formula for changing the power consumption of the liquid pump 53 to the internal pressure of the pressurized container 4 corresponding to the power consumption of the liquid pump 53, or the value of the coefficient of the formula.

[0045] In the bubble-containing liquid generating apparatus 1 according to a modified embodiment of Embodiment 1, the indicator unit 82 first operates the liquid pump 53. Then, the pressure measuring unit 81a measures the internal pressure of the pressurized container 4 based on the power consumption of the liquid pump 53. If the internal pressure of the pressurized container 4 is less than the reference pressure, the indicator unit 82 operates the liquid pump 53 until the internal pressure of the pressurized container 4 becomes equal to or greater than the reference pressure. On the other hand, if the internal pressure of the pressurized container 4 is equal to or greater than the reference pressure, the indicator unit 82 stops the liquid pump 53.

[0046] Furthermore, the instruction unit 82 operates the liquid pump 53 at predetermined time intervals, for example, and the pressure measuring unit 81a measures the internal pressure of the pressurized container 4 based on the power consumption of the liquid pump 53. The time interval is, for example, every 30 minutes. In other words, the instruction unit 82 operates the liquid pump 53 intermittently, and the pressure measuring unit 81a acquires information regarding the power consumption of the liquid pump 53.

[0047] The bubble-containing liquid generating apparatus 1 according to a modified version of Embodiment 1 also produces the same effects as the bubble-containing liquid generating apparatus 1 according to Embodiment 1.

[0048] (Embodiment 2) The bubble-containing liquid generating apparatus 1b according to Embodiment 2 differs from the bubble-containing liquid generating apparatus 1 according to Embodiment 1 (see Figure 1) in that, as shown in Figure 4, it further has a gas path 11 with a gas intake valve 12, and the liquid pump 53b has a backflow function.

[0049] (1) Configuration of the bubble-containing liquid generating apparatus Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the bubble-containing liquid generating apparatus 1b according to Embodiment 2. Components similar to those in the bubble-containing liquid generating apparatus 1 according to Embodiment 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0050] As shown in Figure 4, the pressurized container 4 is connected to a liquid supply unit 5b, a pressure detection unit 41, an outlet path 6, and a gas path 11.

[0051] The gas path 11 is the inflow path for gas supplied from the outside to the pressurized container 4. The gas supplied from the gas path 11 is, for example, air. The gas path 11 is a conduit connecting the intake port 34, which is a through-hole provided in the housing 3, and the gas supply port 44, which is a through-hole provided in the pressurized container 4. The gas path 11 is made of, for example, metal or resin. A gas intake valve 12 is provided along the gas path 11. The gas path 11 may also be equipped with an air filter between the gas intake valve 12 and the intake port 34 of the housing 3 to prevent the intake of dust and powder.

[0052] The gas intake valve 12 is a backflow prevention valve that restricts the direction of gas passage in the gas path 11 to one direction. The gas intake valve 12 allows air to flow in from the intake port 34 of the housing 3 to the gas supply port 44 of the pressurized container 4. On the other hand, the gas intake valve 12 blocks the backflow of gas G1 and pressurized liquid L2 from the gas supply port 44 of the pressurized container 4 to the intake port 34 of the housing 3. The gas intake valve 12 is, for example, a check valve that utilizes the pressure difference between the pressurized container 4 and the outside. The gas intake valve 12 opens when the internal pressure of the pressurized container 4 is less than the ambient pressure and closes when the internal pressure of the pressurized container 4 is equal to or greater than the ambient pressure.

[0053] The liquid supply unit 5b includes a liquid container 51b, a supply path 52b, a liquid pump 53b, and an inflow path 54b.

[0054] The liquid pump 53b has the function of pressurizing and injecting liquid L1 from the liquid container 51b into the pressurized container 4, and the function of backflowing pressurized liquid L2 from the pressurized container 4 back into the liquid container 51b. The liquid pump 53b has a suction port 531 and a discharge port 532. In forward operation (also simply called "operation"), it transports liquid from the suction port 531 to the discharge port 532, and in reverse operation, it transports liquid from the discharge port 532 to the suction port 531. The liquid pump 53b is, for example, a gear pump or a vane pump. The liquid pump 53b has a motor as its power source, and when the motor rotates in the forward direction, the liquid pump 53b operates in the forward direction. When the motor rotates in the reverse direction, the liquid pump 53b operates in the reverse direction. When the motor stops, the liquid pump 53b stops operating. When the liquid pump 53b is stopped, the movement of liquid L1 and pressurized liquid L2 between the liquid container 51b and the pressurized container 4 is suppressed.

[0055] The liquid container 51b has the function of storing the liquid L1 that is injected under pressure into the pressurized container 4, and the function of storing the pressurized liquid L2 that has flowed back from the liquid pump 53b.

[0056] The replenishment path 52b is a conduit connecting the liquid container 51b and the suction port 531 of the liquid pump 53b. When the liquid pump 53b is operating in the forward direction, the replenishment path 52b functions as a liquid path for supplying liquid L1 from the liquid container 51b to the liquid pump 53b. On the other hand, when the liquid pump 53b is operating in the reverse direction, the replenishment path 52b functions as a liquid path for discharging pressurized liquid L2 from the liquid pump 53b to the liquid container 51b.

[0057] The inlet path 54b is a conduit connecting the discharge port 532 of the liquid pump 53b to the pressurized container 4. When the liquid pump 53b is operating in the forward direction, the inlet path 54b functions as a liquid path for discharging liquid L1 from the liquid pump 53b to the pressurized container 4. On the other hand, when the liquid pump 53b is operating in the reverse direction, the inlet path 54b functions as a liquid path for drawing up pressurized liquid L2 from the pressurized container 4 to the liquid pump 53b. Therefore, in order to draw up pressurized liquid L2, it is preferable that the end of the inlet path 54b on the pressurized container 4 side opens at the bottom of the pressurized container 4.

[0058] (2) Function of the bubble-containing liquid generating device The control circuit 10 of the bubble-containing liquid generating apparatus 1b according to Embodiment 2 differs from the control circuit 10 of Embodiment 1 in that the instruction unit 82 is connected to the liquid pump 53b instead of the liquid pump 53, and has the additional function of giving a backflow instruction in addition to the function of giving a supply instruction.

[0059] The instruction unit 82 of the control circuit 10 operates the liquid pump 53b in the forward direction if the internal pressure of the pressurized container 4, as obtained from the pressure measuring unit 81, is less than the reference internal pressure. The liquid pump 53b pressurizes and injects liquid L1 from the liquid container 51b into the pressurized container 4. While the liquid pump 53b is operating in the forward direction, the instruction unit 82 obtains the internal pressure of the pressurized container 4 from the pressure measuring unit 81 and calculates the rate of change of internal pressure. The rate of change of internal pressure is the increase in the internal pressure of the pressurized container 4 per unit time. The rate of change of internal pressure is smaller when there is a lot of gas G1 in the pressurized container 4 and larger when there is a little gas G1 in the pressurized container 4 (details will be described later). If the rate of change of internal pressure is less than the reference rate of change, the instruction unit 82 makes the liquid pump 53b continue to operate in the forward direction. When the internal pressure of the pressurized container 4, as obtained from the pressure measuring unit 81, reaches or exceeds the reference internal pressure, the instruction unit 82 stops the liquid pump 53b.

[0060] On the other hand, if the rate of change of internal pressure during the forward operation of the liquid pump 53b is greater than or equal to the reference rate of change, the indicator unit 82 causes the liquid pump 53b to operate in reverse for a predetermined reverse flow time. The liquid pump 53b reverses the injection of pressurized liquid L2 from the pressurized container 4 into the liquid container 51b. After the reverse flow time has elapsed, the indicator unit 82 causes the liquid pump 53b to operate in forward direction again. When the internal pressure of the pressurized container 4, as obtained from the pressure measuring unit 81, reaches or exceeds the reference internal pressure, the indicator unit 82 stops the liquid pump 53b.

[0061] (3) Operation The operation of the bubble-containing liquid generating device 1b will be described below.

[0062] First, assume that the state of the pressurized container 4 is such that only gas G1 at the same pressure as the outside air exists inside the pressurized container 4. In other words, there is no pressurized liquid L2 in the pressurized container 4. The instruction unit 82 of the control circuit 10 indicates that the internal pressure of the pressurized container 4 is below the reference internal pressure, and therefore activates the liquid pump 53b. As a result, the liquid pump 53b pressurizes and injects liquid L1 from the liquid container 51b into the pressurized container 4.

[0063] When the liquid pump 53b pressurizes and injects liquid L1 from liquid container 51b into pressurized container 4, the volume of gas G1 in pressurized container 4 decreases, and the internal pressure of pressurized container 4 increases. When the internal pressure of pressurized container 4 rises to the standard internal pressure, pressurized liquid L2 is generated in pressurized container 4, and the liquid pump 53b stops operating. This makes the user able to use the bubble-containing liquid L3.

[0064] When the user presses the discharge switch 71 of the discharge control unit 7, the pressurized liquid L2 in the pressurized container 4 flows into the nozzle 2 through the discharge path 6. The pressurized liquid L2 that flows into the nozzle 2 is depressurized by the depressurization mechanism of the nozzle 2, and bubbles precipitate in the pressurized liquid L2. Therefore, bubble-containing liquid L3 is discharged from the nozzle 2.

[0065] When the volume of pressurized liquid L2 in the pressurized container 4 decreases due to the user's use of the bubble-containing liquid L3, that is, the discharge of the bubble-containing liquid L3 from the nozzle 2, the gas G1 in the pressurized container 4 expands, and the internal pressure of the pressurized container 4 decreases. When the internal pressure of the pressurized container 4 falls below the standard internal pressure, the indicator unit 82 causes the liquid pump 53b to operate in the forward direction, pressurizing the injection of liquid L1 from the liquid container 51b into the pressurized container 4. At this time, if there is a sufficient amount of gas G1 remaining in the pressurized container 4, the volume occupied by gas G1 in the pressurized container 4 is larger than when there is a small amount of gas G1. Therefore, when the same amount of liquid L1 is pressurized and injected into the pressurized container 4, if there is a sufficient amount of gas G1 remaining in the pressurized container 4, the increase in the internal pressure of the pressurized container 4 is smaller than when there is a small amount of gas G1. In other words, if the rate of change of internal pressure is smaller than the standard rate of change, it can be inferred that the amount of gas G1 in the pressurized container 4 is greater than the standard amount corresponding to the standard rate of change. In such cases, the instruction unit 82 causes the liquid pump 53b to continue forward operation, and has the liquid pump 53b pressurize and inject liquid L1 from the liquid container 51b into the pressurized container 4 until the internal pressure of the pressurized container 4 exceeds the standard internal pressure. This operation replenishes the pressurized liquid L2 in the pressurized container 4, returning it to a state where the user can use the bubble-containing liquid L3.

[0066] On the other hand, when there is little gas G1 in the pressurized container 4, the volume occupied by gas G1 in the pressurized container 4 is smaller compared to when there is a sufficient amount of gas G1 remaining in the pressurized container 4. Therefore, when the same amount of liquid L1 is injected under pressure into the pressurized container 4, the increase in the internal pressure of the pressurized container 4 is greater when there is little gas G1 in the pressurized container 4 compared to when there is a sufficient amount of gas G1 remaining in the pressurized container 4. In other words, if the rate of change of internal pressure is greater than or equal to the standard rate of change, it can be inferred that the amount of gas G1 in the pressurized container 4 is less than or equal to the standard amount corresponding to the standard rate of change. In such a case, the indicator unit 82 operates the liquid pump 53b in the reverse direction for the duration of the reverse flow time. The liquid pump 53b causes the pressurized liquid L2 to flow back from the pressurized container 4 to the liquid container 51b. As a result, a portion of the pressurized liquid L2 in the pressurized container 4 is discharged into the liquid container 51b, causing the gas G1 to expand and the internal pressure in the pressurized container 4 to decrease. At this time, if the internal pressure of the pressurized container 4 drops below the ambient pressure, the gas intake valve 12 opens, and gas G1 is supplied from the gas path 11 until the internal pressure of the pressurized container 4 becomes equal to the ambient pressure. Through this operation, gas G1 is supplied by the ambient pressure so that the internal pressure of the pressurized container 4 becomes equal to the ambient pressure.

[0067] Subsequently, the indicator unit 82 rotates the liquid pump 53b in the forward direction. As a result, the gas G1 in the pressurized container is compressed by the liquid L1 injected under pressure into the pressurized container 4, and the internal pressure of the pressurized container 4 increases. Also, as the internal pressure of the pressurized container 4 increases, the gas intake valve 12 closes, and the pressurized container 4 returns to a sealed state. This action causes the internal pressure of the pressurized container 4 to be equal to or greater than the ambient pressure. Subsequently, the liquid pump 53b pressurizes and injects liquid L1 into the pressurized container 4 until the internal pressure of the pressurized container 4 is equal to or greater than the reference internal pressure. Therefore, pressurized liquid L2 is replenished in the pressurized container 4, and it returns to a state where the user can use the bubble-containing liquid L3.

[0068] (4) Effects In the bubble-containing liquid generating apparatus 1b according to Embodiment 2, the bubble-containing liquid L3 is discharged from the nozzle 2, similar to the bubble-containing liquid generating apparatus 1 according to Embodiment 1. Therefore, the bubble-containing liquid L3 can be used by the user.

[0069] Furthermore, in the bubble-containing liquid generating apparatus 1b according to Embodiment 2, liquid L1 is injected into the pressurized container 4 so that the internal pressure of the pressurized container 4 becomes equal to or greater than the reference internal pressure, similar to the bubble-containing liquid generating apparatus 1 according to Embodiment 1. Therefore, the internal pressure of the pressurized container 4 can be increased using only a liquid pump, without using an air pump, and bubble-containing liquid L3 can be generated.

[0070] Furthermore, in the bubble-containing liquid generating apparatus 1b according to Embodiment 2, a gas path 11 having a gas intake valve 12 is connected to the pressurized container 4. Therefore, gas can be introduced into the pressurized container 4 by utilizing the difference between the external air pressure and the internal pressure of the pressurized container 4. As a result, gas can be replenished in the pressurized container 4 without using an air pump.

[0071] Furthermore, in the bubble-containing liquid generating apparatus 1b according to Embodiment 2, the liquid pump 53b has a backflow function that causes pressurized liquid L2 to flow back from the pressurized container 4 into the liquid container 51b. Therefore, it is easy to reduce the internal pressure of the pressurized container 4 to ambient pressure using the backflow function of the liquid pump 53b. The backflow function of the liquid pump 53b makes it possible to replenish the pressurized container 4 with gas through the gas path 11 having a gas intake valve 12 even more efficiently.

[0072] (Other variations according to the embodiment) (Another variation 1) In Embodiment 1, the inflow path 54 penetrates the liquid supply hole 42 of the pressurized container 4 and opens inside the pressurized container 4. However, as shown in Figure 5, for example, the liquid supply unit 5c of the bubble-containing liquid generating device 1c may have a micronizing nozzle 55c at the opening of the inflow path 54c inside the pressurized container 4 for discharging the liquid L1 as fine mist particles. The micronizing nozzle 55c is mounted, for example, on the upper side inside the pressurized container 4. With this configuration, the fine mist particles made of liquid L1 absorb the gas G1 or entrain the gas G1 when mixing with the pressurized liquid L2. Therefore, it becomes easy to dissolve the gas G1 in the pressurized liquid L2. The micronizing nozzle may be mounted, for example, on the liquid supply hole 42.

[0073] (Another variation 2) In Embodiments 1 and 2 and the modified embodiment of Embodiment 1, the bubble-containing liquid generator 1 and 1b are equipped with a nozzle 2, and the bubble-containing liquid L3 is discharged from the nozzle 2. However, the bubble-containing liquid generator 1 and 1b may not include a nozzle 2, and the bubble-containing liquid L3 may be discharged from the nozzle 2 by connecting the bubble-containing liquid generator 1 and 1b to the nozzle 2. With such a configuration, for example, the nozzle 2 can be easily replaced. Therefore, for example, different types of nozzles 2 with different discharge directions and discharge amounts of the bubble-containing liquid L3 can be used depending on the application of the bubble-containing liquid L3. Also, for example, by changing the structure of the depressurization mechanism or the turbulence generation mechanism, multiple types of bubble-containing liquid L3 with different bubble diameters can be generated from the same pressurized liquid L2. Therefore, for example, by changing the nozzle 2, microbubble water and ultrafine bubble water can be generated separately as bubble-containing liquid L3.

[0074] (Other variation 3) In Embodiment 1 and its modified form, the bubble-containing liquid generator 1 includes a liquid container 51. However, for example, the bubble-containing liquid generator 1 may not include a liquid container 51 and may receive liquid L1 from outside the housing 3. For example, the supply path 52 may connect the suction port 531 of the liquid pump 53 to a liquid source located outside the housing 3. The liquid source located outside the housing 3 may be, for example, a liquid tank separate from the bubble-containing liquid generator 1, and may be, for example, a bottle or a PET bottle. Alternatively, for example, the liquid source located outside the housing 3 may be a liquid supply path such as a water pipe.

[0075] In Embodiment 2, similarly, the bubble-containing liquid generator 1 does not have a liquid container 51b, and the replenishment path 52b may connect the suction port 531 of the liquid pump 53b to a liquid source located outside the housing 3. In this case, similar to Embodiment 2, the configuration may be such that pressurized liquid L2 flows back into the liquid source when the liquid pump 53b is operating in the reverse direction. Alternatively, for example, the replenishment path 52b of the bubble-containing liquid generator 1b may include a first path which is a unidirectional flow path of liquid L1 from the liquid source to the suction port 531 of the liquid pump 53b, and a second path which is a unidirectional flow path of pressurized liquid L2 from the suction port 531 of the liquid pump 53b to the outlet. The outlet of the second path may be connected to, for example, a container for storing liquid L1, or to a processing path which can appropriately process liquid L1. This allows the internal pressure of the pressurized container 4 to be reduced by the reverse operation of the liquid pump 53b, thereby replenishing the pressurized container 4 with gas G1.

[0076] (Other variations 4) In Embodiments 1 and 2 and the modified embodiment of Embodiment 1, the indicator unit 82 operates the liquid pumps 53 and 53b when the internal pressure of the pressurized container 4 is less than the reference internal pressure, and stops the liquid pumps 53 and 53b when the internal pressure of the pressurized container 4 is equal to or greater than the reference internal pressure. The reference internal pressure that serves as the criterion for whether or not to start the operation of the liquid pumps 53 and 53b and the reference internal pressure that serves as the criterion for whether or not to stop the liquid pumps 53 and 53b may be different. For example, two different first and second reference internal pressures may be predetermined, and the indicator unit 82 operates the liquid pumps 53 and 53b when the internal pressure of the pressurized container 4 is less than the first reference internal pressure, and stops the liquid pumps 53 and 53b when the internal pressure of the pressurized container 4 is equal to or greater than the second reference internal pressure. In this case, the second reference internal pressure is higher than the first reference internal pressure. By using such a configuration, the operating frequency of the liquid pumps 53 and 53b can be reduced.

[0077] (Other variations 5) In Embodiment 1 and its modifications, the liquid pump 53 has two operating states: pressurizing the injection of liquid L1 from the liquid container 51 into the pressurized container 4, and stopping operation. The liquid pump 53 may have multiple operating states with different injection speeds of liquid L1 during pressurized injection of liquid L1 from the liquid container 51 into the pressurized container 4. For example, the liquid pump 53 may have a high-speed injection mode and a low-speed injection mode in which the injection speed of liquid L1 is slower than that of the high-speed injection mode. The liquid pump 53 operates in high-speed injection mode when the internal pressure of the pressurized container 4 is less than the third reference internal pressure, and operates in low-speed injection mode when the internal pressure of the pressurized container 4 is equal to or greater than the third reference internal pressure. The third reference internal pressure is a value smaller than the reference internal pressure. For example, the third reference internal pressure is 1 atmosphere less than the reference internal pressure. With such a configuration, for example, the internal pressure of the pressurized container 4 can be rapidly increased while being precisely controlled. Furthermore, the higher the internal pressure of the pressurized container 4, the greater the load on the liquid pump 53 when injecting liquid L1 into the pressurized container 4. Therefore, by reducing the injection rate of L1 when the internal pressure of the pressurized container 4 is high, the load on the liquid pump 53 can be reduced. Note that the liquid pump 53 may have three or more operating states with different liquid L1 injection rates.

[0078] Furthermore, for example, if the power source supplying power to the liquid pump 53 is a commercial power supply, the liquid pump 53 may operate in high-speed injection mode, and if the power source supplying power to the liquid pump 53 is a battery, the liquid pump 53 may operate in low-speed mode. With such a configuration, the maximum power consumption of the liquid pump 53 can be limited when the power source supplying power to the liquid pump 53 is a battery.

[0079] Similarly, the liquid pump 53b according to Embodiment 2 may also have multiple operating states with different injection speeds of liquid L1 during forward operation. Furthermore, the liquid pump 53b may also have multiple operating states with different backflow speeds of pressurized liquid L2 during reverse operation.

[0080] (Other variations 6) In a modified version of Embodiment 1, the instruction unit 82 operates the liquid pump 53 at predetermined time intervals, and the pressure measuring unit 81a measures the internal pressure of the pressurized container 4 based on the power consumption of the liquid pump 53. However, the intermittent operation of the liquid pump 53 for measuring the internal pressure of the pressurized container 4 does not have to be performed at time intervals. For example, the control circuit 10a may be equipped with a sensor that measures the number of times or duration of presses of the discharge switch 71 of the discharge control unit 7, and when the number of times or duration of presses of the discharge switch 71 exceeds a reference number or duration, the instruction unit 82 operates the liquid pump 53. With such a configuration, the internal pressure of the pressurized container 4 can be measured based on the number or duration of discharge operations of the bubble-containing liquid L3, which is a factor that causes the internal pressure of the pressurized container 4 to decrease.

[0081] (Other variations 7) In Embodiment 2, if the rate of change of the internal pressure of the pressurized container 4 during the forward operation of the liquid pump 53b is greater than or equal to the reference rate of change, the indicator unit 82 causes the liquid pump 53b to operate in the reverse direction for a predetermined reverse flow time. However, the reverse operation of the liquid pump 53b is not limited to the reverse flow time. For example, if the rate of change of the internal pressure of the liquid pump 53b during operation is greater than or equal to the reference rate of change, the indicator unit 82 may cause the liquid pump 53b to operate in the reverse direction until the internal pressure of the pressurized container 4 becomes 0.1 MPa (1 atmosphere) or less. In this way, the pressurized container 4 can be reliably replenished with gas.

[0082] (Other variations 8) The pressure measuring unit 81 of Embodiment 2 is not limited to measuring the internal pressure of the pressurized container 4 by the pressure detection unit 41, but may also measure the internal pressure of the pressurized container 4 by means similar to the modified example of Embodiment 1.

[0083] (Other variations 9) In Embodiment 2, the inflow path 54b also serves as a liquid path for backflowing the pressurized liquid L2 in the pressurized container 4 to the liquid pump 53b. However, for example, the inflow path 54b may include a liquid path for inflowing liquid L1 from the liquid pump 53b into the pressurized container 4, and a liquid path for backflowing the pressurized liquid L2 in the pressurized container 4 to the liquid pump 53b. For example, the inflow path 54b includes a forward path connecting the discharge port 532 of the liquid pump 53b to the inside of the pressurized container 4, and a reverse flow path connecting the discharge port 532 of the liquid pump 53b to the inside of the pressurized container 4. The forward path is provided with a backflow prevention valve that allows the unidirectional passage of liquid L1 from the discharge port 532 of the liquid pump 53b to the pressurized container 4 and blocks the passage of pressurized liquid L2 in the reverse direction. The backflow path is provided with a backflow prevention valve that allows the unidirectional passage of pressurized liquid L2 from the pressurized container 4 to the discharge port 532 of the liquid pump 53b, while blocking the passage of liquid L1 in the reverse direction. This configuration allows the opening in the pressurized container 4 for the forward path to be different from the opening in the pressurized container 4 for the backflow path. Furthermore, for example, similar to the other modification 1, a micronizing nozzle 55c can be provided at the opening in the pressurized container 4 for the forward path to promote the dissolution of gas G1 into the pressurized liquid L2.

[0084] (Other variations 10) In Embodiment 2, the liquid pump 53b has a backflow function that causes the pressurized liquid L2 in the pressurized container 4 to flow back into the liquid container 51b. However, the backflow function may be realized using, for example, a liquid pump 53 without a backflow function and a solenoid valve that can control the opening and closing of the flow path. For example, the liquid supply unit 5b comprises a liquid container 51b, a liquid pump 53, first to fourth solenoid valves, and first to fourth flow paths. The first flow path connects the liquid container 51b and the suction port 531 of the liquid pump 53, and the first solenoid valve is provided on the first flow path. The second flow path connects the liquid container 51b and the discharge port 532 of the liquid pump 53, and the second solenoid valve is provided on the second flow path. The third flow path connects the pressurized container 4 and the discharge port 532 of the liquid pump 53, and the third solenoid valve is provided on the third flow path. The fourth path connects the pressurized container 4 and the suction port 531 of the liquid pump 53, and the fourth solenoid valve is installed on the fourth path. When pressurizing and injecting liquid L1 from the liquid container 51b into the pressurized container 4, the first and third solenoid valves are opened, and the second and fourth solenoid valves are closed. As a result, the first path functions as a replenishment path 52, and the third path functions as an inflow path 54. When backflowing pressurized liquid L2 from the pressurized container 4 into the liquid container 51b, the second and fourth solenoid valves are opened, and the first and third solenoid valves are closed. As a result, the second path functions as a reverse flow path for the replenishment path 52, and the fourth path functions as a reverse flow path for the inflow path 54. This configuration also enables a backflow function to return pressurized liquid L2 from the pressurized container 4 to the liquid container 51b.

[0085] (Other variations 11) In Embodiment 1, the liquid pump 53 does not need to have a backflow function that causes the pressurized liquid L2 in the pressurized container 4 to flow back into the liquid container 51b. Therefore, the liquid pump 53 may be any pump that can pressurize and inject liquid L1 into the pressurized container 4, such as a diaphragm pump, which does not have a backflow function. Also, as described above, when a backflow function is realized using a liquid pump 53 without a backflow function and a solenoid valve, etc., a diaphragm pump, for example, can be used as the liquid pump 53.

[0086] (summary) The bubble-containing liquid generating apparatus (1;1b;1c) according to the first embodiment comprises a pressurized container (4), a liquid supply unit (5;5b;5c), an outlet path (6), and a discharge control unit (7). The pressurized container (4) generates pressurized liquid (L2) by pressurizing and dissolving gas (G1) in liquid (L1). The liquid supply unit (5;5b;5c) supplies liquid (L1) to the pressurized container (4). The outlet path (6) connects the pressurized container (4) and a nozzle (2). The nozzle (2) has a pressure reduction mechanism. The discharge control unit (7) discharges bubble-containing liquid (L3) from the nozzle (2). Based on pressure information inside the pressurized container (4), the liquid supply unit (5;5b;5c) supplies liquid (L1) to the pressurized container (4) to control the internal pressure of the pressurized container (4) to be above a reference internal pressure. The discharge control unit (7) has the function of controlling the outflow of pressurized liquid (L2) from the pressurized container (4) to the nozzle (2). The discharge control unit (7) causes the pressurized liquid (L2) to flow out from the pressurized container (4) to the nozzle (2) and discharges the bubble-containing liquid (L3) from the nozzle (2).

[0087] In the bubble-containing liquid generating apparatus (1;1b;1c) according to the above embodiment, the operation of the liquid supply unit (5;5b;5c) controls the internal pressure of the pressurized container (4) to a standard internal pressure or higher, thereby generating pressurized liquid (L2). Therefore, there is no need to pressurize and inject the gas that will be the raw material for bubbles into the pressurized container (4), and the bubble-containing liquid generating apparatus (1;1b;1c) can be realized with a simple configuration.

[0088] The bubble-containing liquid generating apparatus (1;1b;1c) according to the second embodiment further comprises a pressure detection unit (41) in the first embodiment. The pressure detection unit (41) detects the internal pressure of the pressurized container (4). The liquid supply unit (5;5b;5c) uses the detection result from the pressure detection unit (41) as pressure information and supplies liquid (L1) to the pressurized container (4) based on the detection result.

[0089] In the bubble-containing liquid generating apparatus (1;1b;1c) according to the above embodiment, the pressure detection unit (41) can acquire pressure information inside the pressurized container (4) with high accuracy. Therefore, the liquid supply unit (5;5b;5c) can easily control the internal pressure of the pressurized container (4) to be above the reference internal pressure.

[0090] In the bubble-containing liquid generating apparatus (1;1c) according to the third embodiment, in the first embodiment, the liquid supply unit (5;5c) includes a liquid pump (53). The liquid pump (53) supplies liquid (L1) to the pressurized container (4) under pressure. The liquid supply unit (5;5c) detects the internal pressure of the pressurized container (4) based on the power consumption of the liquid pump (53). The liquid supply unit (5;5c) uses the detected internal pressure of the pressurized container (4) as pressure information and supplies liquid (L1) to the pressurized container (4) based on the detected internal pressure of the pressurized container (4).

[0091] In the bubble-containing liquid generating apparatus (1;1c) according to the above embodiment, the internal pressure of the pressurized container (4) is detected using a liquid pump (53). Therefore, there is no need to use a pressure detection unit (41), and the bubble-containing liquid generating apparatus (1) can be realized with an even simpler configuration.

[0092] The bubble-containing liquid generating apparatus (1b) according to the fourth embodiment further comprises a gas path (11) and a gas intake valve (12) in any of the first to third embodiments. The gas path (11) supplies gas to the pressurized container (4). The gas intake valve (12) is located on the gas path (11). The gas intake valve (12) opens when the internal pressure of the pressurized container (4) is less than the ambient pressure and closes when the internal pressure of the pressurized container (4) is equal to or greater than the ambient pressure.

[0093] In the bubble-containing liquid generating apparatus (1b) according to the above embodiment, gas can be supplied to the pressurized container (4) by controlling the internal pressure of the pressurized container (4) to be less than the ambient pressure. Therefore, an air pump and air tank for pressurizing and injecting gas into the pressurized container (4) are not required. Thus, the bubble-containing liquid generating apparatus (1b) can be realized with a simple configuration.

[0094] In the fifth embodiment of the bubble-containing liquid generating apparatus (1b), in any of the first to fourth embodiments, the liquid supply unit (5b) has the function of causing the pressurized liquid (L2) to flow back from the pressurized container (4).

[0095] In the bubble-containing liquid generating apparatus (1b) according to the above embodiment, the internal pressure of the pressurized container (4) can be reduced by causing the pressurized liquid (L2) in the pressurized container (4) to flow back into the liquid container (51b) of the liquid supply unit (5b). Therefore, the liquid supply unit (5b) can control the internal pressure of the pressurized container (4) with high precision.

[0096] The bubble-containing liquid generating apparatus (1b) according to the sixth embodiment further comprises a gas path (11) and a gas intake valve (12) in any of the first to third embodiments. The gas path (11) supplies gas to the pressurized container (4). The gas intake valve (12) is provided on the gas path (11). The gas intake valve (12) opens when the internal pressure of the pressurized container (4) is less than the ambient pressure and closes when the internal pressure of the pressurized container (4) is equal to or greater than the ambient pressure. The liquid supply unit (5b) has the function of backflowing pressurized liquid (L2) from the pressurized container (4). The liquid supply unit (5b) estimates the amount of gas (G1) in the pressurized container (4) and, if the amount of gas (G1) in the pressurized container (4) is less than or equal to a standard amount, backflows pressurized liquid (L2) from the pressurized container (4) to reduce the pressure of the pressurized container (4).

[0097] In the bubble-containing liquid generating apparatus (1b) according to the above embodiment, when the amount of gas (G1) in the pressurized container (4) is below a standard amount, the pressurized liquid (L2) in the pressurized container (4) is reversed to the outside of the pressurized container (4), thereby supplying gas to the pressurized container (4). Therefore, both liquid (L1) and gas can be replenished in the pressurized container (4) by the operation of the liquid supply unit (5b). Thus, the bubble-containing liquid generating apparatus (1b) can be realized with a simple configuration.

[0098] The bubble-containing liquid generating apparatus according to the seventh embodiment (1;1b;1c) further comprises a nozzle (2) in any of the first to sixth embodiments. The nozzle (2) is connected to an outflow path (6).

[0099] In the bubble-containing liquid generating apparatus (1;1b;1c) according to the above embodiment, there is no need to prepare a nozzle (2) separately, and the bubble-containing liquid (L3) can be used with the bubble-containing liquid generating apparatus (1;1b;1c) alone.

[0100] In the bubble-containing liquid generating apparatus according to the eighth embodiment (1;1b;1c), in the seventh embodiment, the nozzle (2) has a depressurization mechanism or a turbulence generation mechanism.

[0101] In the bubble-containing liquid generating apparatus (1;1b;1c) according to the above embodiment, a bubble-containing liquid (L3) can be efficiently generated from a pressurized liquid (L2) by the nozzle (2).

[0102] In the bubble-containing liquid generating apparatus according to the ninth embodiment (1;1b;1c), in any of the first to eighth embodiments, the discharge control unit (7) has an operating unit (71), and while the operating unit (71) is pressed, the bubble-containing liquid (L3) is discharged from the nozzle (2).

[0103] In the bubble-containing liquid generating apparatus (1;1b;1c) according to the above embodiment, the user presses the operating part (71) to discharge the amount of bubble-containing liquid (L3) required by the user. Therefore, the bubble-containing liquid generating apparatus (1;1b;1c) only needs to discharge the required amount of bubble-containing liquid (L3), and the utilization efficiency of the liquid (L1) and gas (G1) is high.

[0104] In the bubble-containing liquid generating apparatus (1c) according to the tenth embodiment, in any of the first to ninth embodiments, the liquid supply unit (5c) further includes a atomizing nozzle (55c) that supplies liquid (L1) to the pressurized container (4) in a mist-like manner.

[0105] In the bubble-containing liquid generating apparatus (1c) according to the above embodiment, when the liquid (L1) is injected under pressure into the pressurized container (4), it becomes easier to dissolve the gas (G1) in the pressurized liquid (L2).

[0106] In the bubble-containing liquid generating apparatus according to the 11th embodiment (1;1b;1c), in any of the first to tenth embodiments, the liquid (L1) is water. The bubble-containing liquid (L3) is ultrafine bubble water.

[0107] In the bubble-containing liquid generating apparatus (1;1b;1c) according to the above embodiment, ultrafine bubble water can be generated as the bubble-containing liquid (L3). In ultrafine bubble water, the surface of the bubbles is negatively charged, so it has the effect of adsorbing positively charged substances, such as organic matter, and also has a surfactant effect. In addition, in ultrafine bubble water, the bubbles are small and have high permeability. Furthermore, ultrafine bubble water can be easily absorbed by plants. Therefore, the ultrafine bubble water generated by the bubble-containing liquid generating apparatus (1;1b;1c) can be used for various purposes such as plant cultivation and washing.

[0108] In the bubble-containing liquid generating apparatus (1;1b;1c) according to the twelfth embodiment, in the first embodiment, the liquid supply unit (5;5b;5c) includes a liquid pump (53;53b). The liquid pump (53;53b) pressurizes and supplies liquid (L1) to the pressurized container (4).

[0109] In the bubble-containing liquid generating apparatus (1;1b;1c) according to the above embodiment, liquid (L1) can be easily pressurized and supplied to the pressurized container (4) using a liquid pump (53;53b).

[0110] In the bubble-containing liquid generating apparatus (1b) according to the 13th embodiment, the liquid pump (53b) has the functions of forward operation, reverse operation, and operation stop. In forward operation, liquid (L1) is supplied under pressure to the pressurized container (4). In reverse operation, pressurized liquid (L2) is reversed from the pressurized container (4). In operation stop, the liquid pump (53b) does not operate. The liquid pump (53b) performs one of the following operations: forward operation, reverse operation, or operation stop.

[0111] In the bubble-containing liquid generating apparatus (1b) according to the above embodiment, the liquid pump (53b) can either supply liquid (L1) or gas (G1) to the pressurized container (4) through various operations.

[0112] In the bubble-containing liquid generating apparatus (1;1b;1c) according to the 14th embodiment, in the 12th or 13th embodiment, the liquid pump (53;53b) has a function to adjust the operating speed.

[0113] In the bubble-containing liquid generating apparatus (1;1b;1c) according to the above embodiment, the internal pressure of the pressurized container (4) can be precisely controlled by adjusting the operating speed of the liquid pump (53;53b), or the power consumption of the liquid pump (53;53b) can be reduced.

[0114] In the bubble-containing liquid generating apparatus (1;1b;1c) according to the 15th embodiment, in any of the 12th to 14th embodiments, the liquid pump (53;53b) is a gear pump.

[0115] In the bubble-containing liquid generating apparatus (1;1b;1c) according to the above embodiment, a liquid supply unit (5;5b;5c) can be easily realized. [Explanation of symbols]

[0116] 1, 1b, 1c Bubble-containing liquid generating device 2 nozzles 4. Pressurized container 41 Pressure detection unit 5, 5b, 5c Liquid supply section 53 Liquid pump 55c micronizing nozzle 6. Discharge Route 7 Discharge control unit 71 Discharge switch (operating unit) 11. Gas pathway 12 Gas intake valve L1 liquid L2 Pressurized Liquid L3 Liquid containing bubbles

Claims

1. A pressurized container that generates a pressurized liquid by dissolving a gas in a liquid under pressure, A liquid supply unit that supplies the liquid to the pressurized container, An outflow path connecting the pressurized container and a nozzle having a depressurization mechanism, A discharge control unit that discharges a bubble-containing liquid from the nozzle, Equipped with, The aforementioned liquid supply unit is Includes a liquid container for storing the aforementioned liquid, The liquid is supplied from the liquid container to the pressurized container. The liquid supply unit supplies the liquid to the pressurized container based on the pressure information in the pressurized container, thereby controlling the internal pressure of the pressurized container to be above a reference internal pressure. The discharge control unit has a function of controlling the outflow of the pressurized liquid from the pressurized container to the nozzle, causing the pressurized liquid to flow out from the pressurized container to the nozzle and the bubble-containing liquid to be discharged from the nozzle. A device for generating liquid containing bubbles.

2. The pressurized container is further equipped with a pressure detection unit for detecting the internal pressure, The liquid supply unit uses the detection result from the pressure detection unit as pressure information and supplies the liquid to the pressurized container based on the detection result. The bubble-containing liquid generating apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The liquid supply unit is Having the function of causing the pressurized liquid to flow back from the pressurized container into the liquid container, The bubble-containing liquid generating apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.

4. A gas path for supplying gas to the pressurized container, The gas intake valve provided on the aforementioned gas path is further provided, The gas intake valve opens when the internal pressure of the pressurized container is less than the ambient pressure, and closes when the internal pressure of the pressurized container is equal to or greater than the ambient pressure. The aforementioned liquid supply unit is It has the function of causing the pressurized liquid to flow back from the pressurized container into the liquid container, The amount of gas in the pressurized container is estimated, and if the amount of gas in the pressurized container is less than or equal to a standard amount, the pressurized liquid is reversed from the pressurized container to reduce the pressure in the pressurized container. The bubble-containing liquid generating apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.

5. Further comprising the nozzle, A bubble-containing liquid generating apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The nozzle has a pressure reduction mechanism or a turbulence generation mechanism. The bubble-containing liquid generating apparatus according to claim 5.

7. The discharge control unit is It has an operating section, While the operating part is pressed, the bubble-containing liquid is discharged from the nozzle. A bubble-containing liquid generating apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The liquid supply unit is The pressurized container further comprises a fine-particle nozzle for supplying the liquid in a mist form. A bubble-containing liquid generating apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The liquid is water, The aforementioned bubble-containing liquid is ultrafine bubble water. A bubble-containing liquid generating apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The liquid supply unit is The pressurized container includes a liquid pump for supplying the liquid under pressure, The bubble-containing liquid generating apparatus according to claim 1.

11. The liquid pump is A forward operation for pressurizing and supplying the liquid to the pressurized container, A reverse operation that causes the pressurized liquid to flow back from the pressurized container into the liquid container, The liquid pump has the function of stopping operation and the function of not operating, Perform one of the following actions: forward movement, reverse movement, or stopping the operation. The bubble-containing liquid generating apparatus according to claim 10.

12. The liquid pump has a function for adjusting the operating speed, The bubble-containing liquid generating apparatus according to claim 10 or 11.

13. The liquid pump is a gear pump. A bubble-containing liquid generating apparatus according to any one of claims 10 to 12.

14. A pressurized container that generates a pressurized liquid by dissolving a gas under pressure in a liquid, A liquid supply unit that supplies liquid to the pressurized container, An outflow path connecting the pressurized container and a nozzle having a depressurization mechanism, A discharge control unit that discharges a bubble-containing liquid from the nozzle, Equipped with, The liquid supply unit supplies the liquid to the pressurized container based on the pressure information in the pressurized container, thereby controlling the internal pressure of the pressurized container to be above a reference internal pressure. The discharge control unit has a function of controlling the outflow of the pressurized liquid from the pressurized container to the nozzle, causing the pressurized liquid to flow out from the pressurized container to the nozzle, and discharging the bubble-containing liquid from the nozzle. The aforementioned liquid supply unit is The pressurized container includes a liquid pump for pressurizing and supplying the liquid, The internal pressure of the pressurized container is detected based on the power consumption of the liquid pump. The detected internal pressure of the pressurized container is used as the pressure information, and the liquid is supplied to the pressurized container based on the detected internal pressure of the pressurized container. A device for generating liquid containing bubbles.

15. A pressurized container that generates a pressurized liquid by dissolving a gas in a liquid under pressure, A liquid supply unit that supplies liquid to the pressurized container, An outflow path connecting the pressurized container and a nozzle having a depressurization mechanism, A discharge control unit that discharges a bubble-containing liquid from the nozzle, A gas path for supplying gas to the aforementioned pressurized container, A gas intake valve provided on the aforementioned gas path, Equipped with, The liquid supply unit supplies the liquid to the pressurized container based on the pressure information in the pressurized container, thereby controlling the internal pressure of the pressurized container to be above a reference internal pressure. The discharge control unit has a function of controlling the outflow of the pressurized liquid from the pressurized container to the nozzle, causing the pressurized liquid to flow out from the pressurized container to the nozzle, and discharging the bubble-containing liquid from the nozzle. The gas intake valve opens when the internal pressure of the pressurized container is less than the ambient pressure, and closes when the internal pressure of the pressurized container is equal to or greater than the ambient pressure. A device for generating liquid containing bubbles.

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