Fine bubble supply system, fine bubble supply device, and control method for the fine bubble supply device
The fine bubble supply device adjusts bubble concentrations based on temperature sensors to optimize warming and cleansing effects during bathing, addressing the lack of environmental control in conventional devices.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- KINBOSHI INC
- Filing Date
- 2025-10-08
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-25
AI Technical Summary
Conventional fine bubble supply devices do not control the concentration of ultrafine bubbles and microbubbles to optimize cleansing and warming effects based on the user's bathing environment.
A fine bubble supply device equipped with temperature sensors, pumps, generators, and control devices that adjust the concentration of ultrafine bubbles and microbubbles based on water and ambient temperatures, using electric and air volume valves to regulate the generation and supply of fine bubbles.
The device effectively controls the generation of ultrafine bubbles and microbubbles to provide appropriate warming and cleansing effects during bathing, adapting to varying environmental conditions.
Smart Images

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Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to a fine bubble supply system, a fine bubble supply device, and a control method for the fine bubble supply device.
Background Art
[0002] In recent years, minute bubbles called fine bubbles have been utilized in various fields such as environmental fields like water purification, industrial fields like cleaning and combustion improvement, food fields like sterilization and cleaning, and daily fields like bathtubs and health promotion.
[0003] Fine bubbles refer to bubbles with a diameter of 100 μm or less. Among them, microbubbles are visible white turbid bubbles with a diameter of 1 to 100 μm, and ultrafine bubbles are invisible colorless and transparent bubbles with a diameter of 1 μm or less (Fine Bubble Society Joint HP: http: / / www.fb-union.org / index.html).
[0004] Because such fine bubbles are extremely minute, they have various characteristic properties compared to ordinary bubbles. In particular, since the specific surface area is large at the same volume compared to ordinary bubbles, the physical adsorption force on the working surface at the gas-liquid interface is extremely large. In any application field, this adsorption action of bubbles is important. Therefore, in order to make the surface area of bubbles in the same volume as large as possible, it is preferable to make the bubble diameter as small as possible and the bubble density as high as possible.
[0005] As a currently known fine bubble supply device, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-289183 describes a method and device for supplying a liquid containing microbubbles to a storage tank and applying ultrasonic vibration to this liquid to crush the microbubbles in the liquid and generate nanobubbles in the liquid
[0006] Furthermore, Japanese Patent Publication No. 2012-250138 describes an apparatus for rapidly shrinking microbubbles contained in a liquid by applying high pressure and physical stimulation to them. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]
[0007] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2006-289183 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2012-250138 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]
[0008] Regarding ultrafine bubbles and microbubbles, their cleansing and warming effects are touted for users during bathing. However, the fine bubble supply devices described above do not control the concentration of ultrafine bubbles or microbubbles in order to control the cleansing or warming effects.
[0009] Furthermore, conventional fine bubble supply devices, as described above, are not intended to appropriately provide the warming and cleansing effects during bathing according to the user's bathing environment.
[0010] Therefore, in view of the problems of the prior art, the present invention aims to provide a fine bubble supply system, a fine bubble supply device, and a control method for the fine bubble supply system that can control the generation of ultrafine bubbles and microbubbles in the water supplied to the storage tank according to the user's bathing environment. [Means for solving the problem]
[0011] A fine bubble supply device according to an embodiment of one aspect of the present invention is A fine bubble supply device that supplies water containing fine bubbles to a storage tank, A first temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the water stored in the storage tank, A pump that draws up water stored in the storage tank through the input of the first pipe and into the suction port, and discharges the drawn-up water into the second pipe from the discharge port, A generator provided in the second piping, wherein water discharged from the outlet of the pump is supplied to the input side, and microbubbles and ultrafine bubbles are generated in the supplied water, and the generator outputs the water containing the fine bubbles from the output side via the output section of the second piping for storage in the storage tank, A control device that controls the concentration of microbubbles and ultrafine bubbles generated by the generator in the supplied water based on the water temperature measured by the first temperature sensor, Equipped with, It is characterized by the following:
[0012] In the fine bubble supply device, The storage tank is equipped with a second temperature sensor for measuring the ambient temperature around it. The control device is Based on the ambient temperature measured by the second temperature sensor and the water temperature measured by the first temperature sensor, the generator controls the concentration of microbubbles and ultrafine bubbles generated in the supplied water. It is characterized by the following:
[0013] In the fine bubble supply device, The first temperature sensor is installed in the first piping and measures the temperature of the water drawn in from the storage tank T that flows through the first piping. It is characterized by the following:
[0014] In the fine bubble supply device, A water volume control electric valve device is provided in the second piping and connected between the discharge port of the pump and the input side of the water of the generator, and further comprises a water volume control electric valve device that adjusts the amount of water supplied from the pump to the generator by being controlled by the control device, The control device controls the water volume electric valve device to adjust the water volume supplied from the pump to the generator, thereby controlling the concentration of microbubbles and the concentration of ultrafine bubbles generated by the generator in the supplied water which is characterized by this
[0015] In the fine bubble supply device the second pipe includes a first branch portion having one end connected to the first discharge port of the discharge ports of the pump and the other end communicating with the output portion of the second pipe, and a second branch portion having one end connected to the second discharge port of the discharge ports of the pump and the other end communicating with the other end of the first branch portion The generator is a first generator provided in the first branch portion, which generates ultrafine bubbles in the supplied water and outputs water containing ultrafine bubbles to store it in the storage tank through the first branch portion, and is a second generator provided in the second branch portion, which generates microbubbles in the supplied water and outputs water containing microbubbles to store it in the storage tank through the second branch portion The water volume electric valve device is a first electric valve connected between the discharge port of the pump and the water input side of the first generator, and adjusts the water volume supplied from the pump to the first generator by being controlled by the control device, and is a second electric valve connected between the discharge port of the pump and the water input side of the second generator, and adjusts the water volume supplied from the pump to the second generator by being controlled by the control device which is characterized by this
[0016] In the fine bubble supply device the control device By controlling the first electric valve to adjust the amount of water supplied from the pump to the first generator, the concentration of ultrafine bubbles generated in the water supplied to the first generator is controlled, and by controlling the second electric valve to adjust the amount of water supplied from the pump to the second generator, the concentration of microbubbles generated in the water supplied to the second generator is controlled. This is the feature.
[0017] In the fine bubble supply device, it is an air volume electromagnetic valve device connected to a supply path controlled so that the air inhaled from the intake port becomes a predetermined air volume. By being controlled by the control device, it opens and closes to adjust the air volume of the air inhaled from the intake port for injection into the water supplied to the suction port of the pump. It is provided with an air volume electromagnetic valve device. The control device controls the air volume electromagnetic valve device to adjust the air volume injected into the water supplied to the suction port of the pump, thereby controlling the concentration of microbubbles and ultrafine bubbles generated by the generator in the supplied water. This is the feature.
[0018] In the fine bubble supply device, the air volume electromagnetic valve device is a first air volume electromagnetic valve connected to the first pipe. By being controlled by the control device, air is inhaled from the first intake port, and air with a first air volume per unit time is injected into the water supplied to the suction port of the pump through the first pipe. It is a first air volume electromagnetic valve that operates in this way, and is a second air volume electromagnetic valve connected to the first pipe. By being controlled by the control device, air is inhaled from the second intake port, and air with a second air volume different from the first air volume per unit time is injected into the water supplied to the suction port of the pump through the first pipe. It includes a second air volume electromagnetic valve that operates in this way This is the feature.
[0019] In the fine bubble supply device, The control device is The concentration of microbubbles and ultrafine bubbles generated by the generator in the supplied water is controlled by adjusting the amount of air per unit time injected into the water supplied to the pump P by controlling the first air volume solenoid valve and / or the second air volume solenoid valve. It is characterized by the following:
[0020] In the fine bubble supply device, The aforementioned air volume solenoid valve device is The present invention further includes a third air volume solenoid valve connected to the first piping, which, under control by the control device, operates such that air is drawn in from the third intake port, and a third air volume per unit time, different from the first and second air volumes, is injected into the water supplied to the pump's intake port via the first piping. It is characterized by the following:
[0021] In the fine bubble supply device, The control device is The concentration of microbubbles and ultrafine bubbles generated by the generator in the supplied water is controlled by adjusting the amount of air supplied to the generator per unit time by controlling at least one of the first air volume solenoid valve, the second air volume solenoid valve, and the third air volume solenoid valve. It is characterized by the following:
[0022] In the fine bubble supply device, A water volume control electric valve device provided in the second piping and located on the water output side of the generator for adjusting the amount of water output from the generator, comprising a water volume control electric valve device that adjusts the amount of water supplied from the pump P to the generator when controlled by the control device, The control device is By controlling the electric water flow valve device, the amount of water supplied from the pump P to the generator is adjusted, thereby controlling the concentration of microbubbles and ultrafine bubbles generated by the generator in the supplied water. It is characterized by the following:
[0023] In the fine bubble supply device, The control device is If the water temperature measured by the first temperature sensor is below a preset water temperature reference value, the concentration of the microbubbles generated by the generator is controlled to a preset first microbubble concentration, and the concentration of the ultrafine bubbles is controlled to a preset first ultrafine bubble concentration. On the other hand, if the water temperature measured by the first temperature sensor is equal to or greater than the water temperature reference value, the concentration of the microbubbles generated by the generator is controlled to a second microbubble concentration that is higher than the first microbubble concentration, and the concentration of the ultrafine bubbles is controlled to a second ultrafine bubble concentration that is higher than the first ultrafine bubble concentration. It is characterized by the following:
[0024] In the fine bubble supply device, The control device is When the water temperature measured by the first temperature sensor S1 is equal to or greater than the water temperature reference value, the concentration of the microbubbles generated by the generator is controlled to a second microbubble concentration that is higher than the first microbubble concentration, and the concentration of the ultrafine bubbles is controlled to a second ultrafine bubble concentration that is higher than the first ultrafine bubble concentration, The concentration of the microbubbles generated by the generator is controlled to the first microbubble concentration, and the concentration of the ultrafine bubbles is controlled to the first ultrafine bubble concentration. It is characterized by the following:
[0025] In the fine bubble supply device, The control device is If the water temperature measured by the first temperature sensor is below a preset water temperature reference value, the concentration of the microbubbles generated by the generator is controlled to a preset first microbubble concentration, and the concentration of the ultrafine bubbles is controlled to a preset first ultrafine bubble concentration. On the other hand, if the water temperature measured by the first temperature sensor is equal to or greater than the water temperature reference value and the ambient temperature measured by the second temperature sensor is equal to or greater than the ambient temperature reference value, the concentration of the microbubbles generated by the generator is controlled to a second microbubble concentration that is higher than the first microbubble concentration, and the concentration of the ultrafine bubbles is controlled to a second ultrafine bubble concentration that is higher than the first ultrafine bubble concentration. It is characterized by the following:
[0026] In the fine bubble supply device, The control device is When the water temperature measured by the first temperature sensor S1 is equal to or greater than the water temperature reference value and the ambient temperature measured by the second temperature sensor S2 is less than the ambient temperature reference value, the concentration of the microbubbles generated by the generator is controlled to a second microbubble concentration that is higher than the first microbubble concentration, and the concentration of the ultrafine bubbles is controlled to a second ultrafine bubble concentration that is higher than the first ultrafine bubble concentration, The concentration of the microbubbles generated by the generator is controlled to the first microbubble concentration, and the concentration of the ultrafine bubbles is controlled to the first ultrafine bubble concentration. It is characterized by the following:
[0027] In the fine bubble supply device, The system further includes a water temperature control device controlled by the control device, which adjusts the temperature of the water stored in the storage tank to a target water temperature. It is characterized by the following:
[0028] In the fine bubble supply device, The system further includes an ambient temperature control device controlled by the control device, which adjusts the ambient temperature around the storage tank to a target ambient temperature. It is characterized by the following:
[0029] In the fine bubble supply device, The aforementioned storage tank is a bathtub used by the user for bathing. It is characterized by the following:
[0030] In the fine bubble supply device, The control device includes a storage unit that stores a table in which combinations of a range of water temperatures in the storage tank and the concentrations of ultrafine bubbles and microbubbles to be generated by the generator are predetermined. The control device selects a combination from the table stored in the memory unit corresponding to the measured water temperature based on the measured water temperature, and controls the concentration of microbubbles and ultrafine bubbles generated by the generator in the supplied water to the concentration of microbubbles and ultrafine bubbles corresponding to the measured water temperature of the selected combination. It is characterized by the following:
[0031] In the fine bubble supply device, The control device includes a storage unit that stores a table in which combinations of the range of water temperature and ambient temperature in the storage tank T and the concentration of ultrafine bubbles and microbubbles to be generated by the generator are predetermined. The control device selects a combination from the table stored in the memory unit corresponding to the measured water temperature and ambient temperature based on the measured water temperature and ambient temperature, and controls the concentration of microbubbles and ultrafine bubbles generated by the generator in the supplied water to the concentration of microbubbles and ultrafine bubbles corresponding to the measured water temperature and ambient temperature of the selected combination. It is characterized by the following:
[0032] A fine bubble supply system according to an embodiment of one aspect of the present invention is A fine bubble supply system, A storage tank for storing water for the user to use for bathing, The system includes a fine bubble supply device that supplies water containing fine bubbles to the storage tank, The fine bubble supply device is A first temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the water stored in the storage tank, A pump that draws up water stored in the storage tank through the inlet via the input section of the first pipe and discharges it into the second pipe from the outlet, A generator provided in the second piping, wherein water discharged from the outlet of the pump P is supplied to the input side, and microbubbles and ultrafine bubbles are generated in the supplied water, and the generator outputs the water containing the fine bubbles from the output side via the output section of the second piping for storage in the storage tank, A control device that controls the concentration of microbubbles and ultrafine bubbles generated by the generator in the supplied water based on the water temperature measured by the first temperature sensor, Equipped with, It is characterized by the following:
[0033] A control method for a fine bubble supply system according to an embodiment of one aspect of the present invention is: A control method for a fine bubble supply device that supplies water containing fine bubbles to a storage tank, The fine bubble supply device is A first temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the water stored in the storage tank, A pump that draws up water stored in the storage tank through the inlet via the input section of the first pipe and discharges it into the second pipe from the outlet, A generator provided in the second piping, wherein water discharged from the outlet of the pump is supplied to the input side, and microbubbles and ultrafine bubbles are generated in the supplied water, and the generator outputs the water containing the fine bubbles from the output side via the output section of the second piping for storage in the storage tank, A control device is provided, The control device controls the concentration of microbubbles and ultrafine bubbles generated by the generator in the supplied water based on the water temperature measured by the first temperature sensor. It is characterized by the following:
[0034] A fine bubble supply device for supplying water containing fine bubbles according to an embodiment of one aspect of the present invention, A first temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the water, A pump that draws up the water through the input section of the first pipe from the inlet and discharges the drawn-up water into the second pipe from the outlet, A generator provided in the second piping, wherein water discharged from the outlet of the pump is supplied to the input side, and microbubbles and ultrafine bubbles are generated in the supplied water, and water containing fine bubbles is output from the output side via the output section of the second piping, A control device that controls the concentration of microbubbles and ultrafine bubbles generated by the generator in the supplied water based on the water temperature measured by the first temperature sensor, Equipped with, It is characterized by the following:
[0035] In the fine bubble supply device, The control device, after starting the water supply, first controls the generator to generate microbubbles in the supplied water, and then controls the generator to generate microbubbles and / or ultrafine bubbles. It is characterized by the following: [Effects of the Invention]
[0036] According to one aspect of the present invention, the fine bubble supply system can control the generation of ultrafine bubbles and microbubbles in the water supplied to the storage tank, depending on the environment during bathing. [Brief explanation of the drawing]
[0037] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows an example of the configuration of a fine bubble supply system 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows an example of the control flow of the fine bubble supply system 100 shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows an example of the configuration of a fine bubble supply system 200 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows an example of the control flow of the fine bubble supply system 200 shown in Figure 3. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows an example of the configuration of a fine bubble supply system 300 according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows an example of the control flow of the fine bubble supply system 200 shown in Figure 5. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows an example of the relationship between the amount of air supplied to the generator G shown in Figure 3 and the concentration of ultrafine bubbles generated by the generator G. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows an example of the relationship between the amount of air supplied to the generator G shown in Figure 3 and the concentration of microbubbles generated by the generator G. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows an example of test results for the concentration of ultrafine bubbles and microbubbles generated by the generator, the amount of air supplied to the generator, the cleaning effect, and the thermal effect under each condition. [Figure 10] Figure 10 shows an example of the average removal rate of simulated dirt under various conditions, used to confirm the cleaning effect using the Dunnett test. [Figure 11]Figure 11 shows an example of the rate of increase in the user's skin temperature before and after bathing under various conditions, used to confirm the thermal effect using Dunnett's test. [Figure 12] Figure 12 shows an example of the distribution of ultrafine bubble and microbubble concentrations generated by the generator under each condition, which provides a cleaning effect and / or a warming effect. [Figure 13] Figure 13 shows examples of the relationship between the water temperature and ambient temperature of the storage tank and the controlled concentrations of ultrafine bubbles and microbubbles, assuming the target cleaning and heating effects. [Figure 14] Figure 14 shows examples of the relationship between the water temperature in the storage tank and the controlled concentrations of ultrafine bubbles and microbubbles, assuming the target cleaning and heating effects. [Figure 15A] Figure 15A shows an example of the configuration of a fine bubble supply device generator. [Figure 15B] Figure 15B is a schematic diagram of the vortex generation mechanism of the generator shown in Figure 15A. [Figure 15C] Figure 15C shows an example of a preferred configuration of the generator shown in Figure 15A. [Figure 16] Figure 16 shows another example of the configuration of a fine bubble supply device generator. [Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention]
[0038] As a premise, in this invention, a fine bubble refers to a bubble with a diameter of 100 μm or less. Of these, visible, cloudy bubbles with a diameter of 1 to 100 μm are called microbubbles, and invisible, colorless, transparent bubbles with a diameter of 1 μm or less are called ultrafine bubbles.
[0039] Furthermore, the clear difference between microbubbles and ultrafine bubbles is that ultrafine bubbles do not scatter visible light and therefore cannot be directly observed with the naked eye, while the presence of microbubbles can be confirmed by their cloudy appearance.
[0040] Furthermore, in the embodiments of the present invention, the ultrafine bubbles and microbubbles provide a cleansing effect that allows for body washing simply by immersing oneself in warm water, and also provide a warming effect. This warming effect is necessary in winter, but not necessarily in summer, as it may lead to overheating. The product is mainly used in assisted bathing, and it is desirable that the bathing time be the shortest possible time to achieve the desired effect.
[0041] Here, the inventors have discovered that, as previously described, microbubbles provide a warming effect, and that depending on the concentration of these microbubbles, the warming effect can be comparable to that of plain hot water without fine bubbles.
[0042] Furthermore, as previously described, the inventors have discovered that while microbubbles provide a cleaning effect, there is a range in which the cleaning effect becomes comparable to that of plain water without fine bubbles, depending on the concentration of microbubbles.
[0043] Furthermore, the inventors discovered that there is a minimum concentration of ultrafine bubbles necessary to exhibit a significantly greater cleaning effect compared to plain hot water without fine bubbles.
[0044] Therefore, in the embodiment of the present invention based on the inventor's findings as described above, for example, the ambient temperature (air temperature) and the water temperature of the storage tank are measured by sensors. If the measured ambient temperature and water temperature are high, the concentration of microbubbles in the storage tank is increased to suppress the thermal effect and provide a cleaning effect. On the other hand, if the measured ambient temperature and water temperature are low, the concentration of microbubbles is controlled to be below the upper limit while maintaining the concentration of ultrafine bubbles above the lower limit. This allows for control over the application of both warming and cleansing effects, providing users with the necessary warming and cleansing effects during their bath.
[0045] The embodiments of the present invention, based on the inventors' findings described above, will be explained below with reference to the drawings.
[0046] (First Embodiment) Here, Figure 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the fine bubble supply system 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a diagram showing an example of the control flow of the fine bubble supply system 100 shown in Figure 1.
[0047] [Fine bubble supply system] In this embodiment, the fine bubble supply system 100 is installed, for example, in a bathroom used by a user for bathing in a typical home, lodging facility, medical facility, etc.
[0048] The fine bubble supply system 100 according to the first embodiment shown in Figure 1 comprises a storage tank T and a fine bubble supply device 101.
[0049] [Storage tank T] The storage tank T is, for example, a bathtub in which water (hot water) is stored for the user to bathe in. Note that this storage tank T may be omitted from the fine bubble supply system 100 if necessary. In this case, water may be supplied directly to the fine bubble supply device 101 of the fine bubble supply system 100 from a faucet or the like, and water containing fine bubbles may be supplied from the fine bubble supply device 101 to equipment such as a shower.
[0050] [Fine bubble supply device] The fine bubble supply device 101 is configured to supply water containing fine bubbles to the storage tank T.
[0051] The fine bubble supply device 101 includes, for example, a first pipe L1 and a second pipe L2. The system comprises a first temperature sensor S1 which is a water temperature sensor, a second temperature sensor S2 which is an ambient temperature sensor, a pump P, a generator G, an electric valve device V for water flow control, a water temperature control device Y, an ambient temperature control device K, and a control device CNT.
[0052] Thus, in this embodiment, the fine bubble supply device 101 includes a water temperature adjustment device Y and an ambient temperature adjustment device K. However, as a separate configuration from the fine bubble supply device 101, the water temperature adjustment device Y and / or the ambient temperature adjustment device K may be provided in the fine bubble supply system 100.
[0053] The following describes in detail each component of the fine bubble supply device 101.
[0054] [First piping] The first pipe L1 is connected between the storage tank T and the suction port Pin of the pump P, and is a pipe that sends the water stored in the storage tank T to the suction port of the pump P.
[0055] [Second piping] This second pipe L2 is connected between the outlet of pump P and the storage tank T, and is used to send water containing fine bubbles discharged from the outlet Po of pump P to the storage tank T. As will be described later, a water volume control electric valve device V and a generator G are installed along this second pipe L2.
[0056] In this embodiment, the second pipe L2 includes, for example, a first branch L2a and a second branch L2b, as shown in Figure 1.
[0057] The first branch L2a is connected at one end to the first outlet Po1 of the outlets Po of the pump P, as shown in Figure 1, and at the other end to the output Lout of the second pipe L2.
[0058] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 1, for example, one end of the second branch L2b is connected to the second outlet Po2 of the outlet Po of the pump P, and the other end is connected to the other end of the first branch L2a and the output Lout of the second pipe L2.
[0059] [Pump P] Pump P, as shown in Figure 1 for example, is controlled by a control device CNT and sucks up water stored in the storage tank T through the input Lin of the first pipe L1 via the suction port Pin, and discharges the sucked-up water through the outlet Po to the second pipe L2.
[0060] [Generator] The generator G is installed in the second piping L2. This generator G is supplied with water discharged from the outlet Po of the pump P.
[0061] The generator G generates microbubbles and ultrafine bubbles in the supplied water containing air (a mixed fluid of water and air), and outputs the water containing the fine bubbles from the output side via the output section Lout of the second pipe L2 for storage in the storage tank T.
[0062] As an additional configuration, the generator G may be configured to adjust the concentration (number) of microbubbles and ultrafine bubbles by adjusting the amount of air added to the supplied water using a solenoid valve (not shown), etc. In this case, for example, the control device CNT may control the solenoid valve to adjust the amount of air added to the supplied water, thereby adjusting the concentration of microbubbles and ultrafine bubbles.
[0063] This generator G includes, for example, a first generator G1 and a second generator G2, as shown in Figure 1.
[0064] The first generator G1 is located in the first branching section L2a, as shown in Figure 1. This first generator G1 generates ultrafine bubbles in the supplied water containing air (a mixed fluid of water and air) and outputs the water containing the ultrafine bubbles via the first branching section L2a for storage in the storage tank T.
[0065] Furthermore, the first generator G1 may be configured to adjust the concentration (number) of ultrafine bubbles by adjusting the amount of air added to the supplied water using a solenoid valve (not shown) or the like.
[0066] Furthermore, the second generator G2 is provided in the second branching section L2b, for example, as shown in Figure 1. This second generator G2 generates microbubbles in the supplied water containing air (a mixed fluid of water and air) and outputs the water containing microbubbles via the second branching section L2b for storage in the storage tank T.
[0067] Furthermore, this second generator G2 may be configured to adjust the concentration (number) of microbubbles by adjusting the amount of air added to the supplied water using a solenoid valve (not shown) or the like.
[0068] [Electric water flow control valve device] The water flow control electric valve device V is installed in the second piping L2, for example, as shown in Figure 1. This water flow control electric valve device V is connected between the outlet Po of the pump P and the water input side of the generator G.
[0069] This electric water flow valve device V is controlled by the control device CNT to adjust the amount of water supplied per unit time from the pump P to the generator G. In other words, the control device CNT controls the electric water flow valve device V to adjust the amount of water supplied per unit time from the pump P to the generator G, thereby controlling the concentration (number) of microbubbles and ultrafine bubbles generated by the generator G in the supplied water.
[0070] This water flow control electric valve device V includes, for example, a first electric valve V1 and a second electric valve V2, as shown in Figure 1.
[0071] The first electric valve V1 is connected between the outlet Po of the pump P and the water input side of the first generator G1.
[0072] This first electric valve V1 is controlled by the control device CNT to adjust the amount of water supplied from the pump P to the first generator G1. In other words, the control device CNT controls the first electric valve V1 to adjust the amount of water supplied per unit time from the pump P to the first generator G1, thereby controlling the concentration (number) of ultrafine bubbles generated by the first generator G1 in the supplied water.
[0073] Furthermore, the second electric valve V2 is connected between the outlet Po of the pump P and the water input side of the second generator G2.
[0074] This second electric valve V2 is controlled by the control device CNT to adjust the amount of water supplied per unit time from the pump P to the second generator G2. In other words, the control device CNT controls the second electric valve V2 to adjust the amount of water supplied per unit time from the pump P to the second generator G2, thereby controlling the concentration (number) of microbubbles generated by the second generator G2 in the supplied water.
[0075] In this way, the control device CNT controls the water volume electric valve device V (first and second electric valves V1 and V2), thereby adjusting the amount of water supplied to the generator G (first and second generators G1 and G2), and thus adjusting the concentration of microbubbles and ultrafine bubbles in the water supplied from the second pipe L2 to the storage tank T.
[0076] [First temperature sensor] The first temperature sensor S1 is a water temperature sensor that measures the temperature of the water stored in the storage tank T.
[0077] This first temperature sensor S1 is installed in the first pipe L1, for example, as shown in Figure 1. The first temperature sensor S1 measures the temperature of the water drawn in from the storage tank T that flows through the first pipe L1, and records this temperature as the water temperature of the water stored in the storage tank T.
[0078] The first temperature sensor S1 may be installed in the storage tank T, in which case the first temperature sensor S1 may directly measure the temperature of the water stored in the storage tank T.
[0079] [Water temperature adjustment device] The water temperature control device Y is controlled by the control device CNT and adjusts the temperature of the water stored in the storage tank T to a target temperature.
[0080] Furthermore, the control device CNT may control the water temperature adjustment device Y based on the water temperature measured by the first temperature sensor S1 to adjust the temperature of the water stored in the storage tank T to a target water temperature.
[0081] For example, if the water temperature control device Y is to raise the water temperature of the water in the storage tank T to the target water temperature, it may be configured to raise the water temperature by heating the water stored in the storage tank T.
[0082] On the other hand, for example, if the water temperature control device Y is to lower the water temperature of the water in the storage tank T to the target water temperature, it may be configured to lower the water temperature by adding water at a lower temperature to the storage tank T.
[0083] As previously mentioned, in this embodiment, the water temperature control device Y is provided in the fine bubble supply device 101, but it may also be provided separately from the fine bubble supply device 101.
[0084] [Second temperature sensor] The second temperature sensor S2 is an ambient temperature sensor that measures the ambient temperature of the atmosphere surrounding the storage tank T, for example, the temperature inside the bathroom where the fine bubble supply system 100 is located.
[0085] [Environmental temperature control device] The ambient temperature control device K is controlled by the control device CNT and adjusts the ambient temperature around the storage tank T (for example, the temperature inside the bathroom where the fine bubble supply system 100 is located) to a target ambient temperature.
[0086] Furthermore, the control device CNT may control the ambient temperature adjustment device K based on the ambient temperature measured by the second temperature sensor S2 to adjust the ambient temperature around the storage tank T (for example, the temperature inside the bathroom where the fine bubble supply system 100 is located) to a target ambient temperature.
[0087] As previously mentioned, in this embodiment, the ambient temperature control device K is provided in the fine bubble supply device 101, but it may also be provided separately from the fine bubble supply device 101.
[0088] [Control device] The control device CNT controls the concentration (number) of microbubbles and ultrafine bubbles generated by the generator G in the supplied water, based on the water temperature measured by at least the first temperature sensor S1.
[0089] In particular, in this embodiment, the control device CNT controls the concentration (number) of microbubbles and the concentration (number) of ultrafine bubbles that the generator G generates in the supplied water, based on the ambient temperature measured by the second temperature sensor S2 and the water temperature measured by the first temperature sensor S1.
[0090] For example, as shown in Figure 1, the control device CNT controls the water flow rate electric valve device V to adjust the amount of water supplied from the pump P to the generator G, thereby controlling the concentration of microbubbles and ultrafine bubbles generated by the generator G in the supplied water.
[0091] More specifically, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the control device CNT controls the first electric valve V1 to adjust the amount of water supplied from the pump P to the first generator G1, thereby controlling the concentration (number) of ultrafine bubbles generated by the first generator G1 in the supplied water.
[0092] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, for example, the control device CNT controls the second electric valve V2 to adjust the amount of water supplied from the pump P to the second generator G2, thereby controlling the concentration (number) of microbubbles generated by the second generator G2 in the supplied water.
[0093] The control device CNT controls the concentration of microbubbles and ultrafine bubbles generated by the generator G in the supplied water, based on the ambient temperature measured by the second temperature sensor S2 and the water temperature measured by the first temperature sensor S1.
[0094] Here, the control device CNT includes a memory unit M, as shown in Figure 1, for example.
[0095] The memory unit M stores the program for the processing executed by the control device CNT, as well as the data necessary for that processing. This memory unit M is also configured to temporarily store the measured water temperature and ambient temperature data. This memory unit M is, for example, a non-volatile memory (readable storage medium) such as NAND flash memory.
[0096] In particular, the memory unit M stores a table that pre-defines combinations linking at least the range of water temperature in the storage tank T with the concentrations of ultrafine bubbles and microbubbles that the generator G should generate.
[0097] In this case, the control device CNT selects a combination from the table stored in the memory unit M corresponding to the measured water temperature based on the measured water temperature, and controls the concentration of microbubbles and ultrafine bubbles generated by the generator G in the supplied water to the concentration of microbubbles and ultrafine bubbles corresponding to the measured water temperature of the selected combination.
[0098] Furthermore, the memory unit M may store a table that pre-defines combinations of the ranges of water temperature in the storage tank T and ambient temperature, and the concentrations of ultrafine bubbles and microbubbles that the generator G should generate.
[0099] In this case, the control device CNT may select a combination from a table stored in the memory unit M corresponding to the measured water temperature and ambient temperature based on the measured water temperature and ambient temperature, and control the concentration of microbubbles and ultrafine bubbles generated by the generator G in the supplied water to the concentration of microbubbles and ultrafine bubbles corresponding to the measured water temperature and ambient temperature of the selected combination.
[0100] As previously described, the control device CNT may also adjust the temperature of the water stored in the storage tank T to the target water temperature by controlling the water temperature adjustment device Y.
[0101] In this case, for example, the control device CNT may control the water temperature adjustment device Y to adjust the temperature of the water stored in the storage tank T to the target water temperature, and at the same time, based on the measured water temperature and ambient temperature, control the concentration of microbubbles and ultrafine bubbles generated by the generator G in the supplied water to a concentration of microbubbles and ultrafine bubbles corresponding to the measured water temperature and ambient temperature, selected from combinations defined in the table stored in the memory unit M.
[0102] Furthermore, as previously described, the control device CNT may also control the ambient temperature control device K to adjust the ambient temperature around the storage tank T (for example, the temperature inside the bathroom where the fine bubble supply system 100 is located) to the target ambient temperature.
[0103] In this case, for example, the control device CNT may control the ambient temperature control device K to adjust the ambient temperature around the storage tank T to the target ambient temperature, and based on the measured water temperature and ambient temperature, control the concentration of microbubbles and ultrafine bubbles generated by the generator G in the supplied water to a concentration of microbubbles and ultrafine bubbles corresponding to the measured water temperature and ambient temperature, selected from combinations defined in the table stored in the memory unit M.
[0104] For example, in the fine bubble supply device 101 according to this first embodiment, by using a table stored in the storage unit M based on the relationship between the cleaning effect and thermal effect and the concentrations of ultrafine bubbles and microbubbles, as shown in Figure 12 of the later-described embodiment, for example, the ambient temperature (air temperature) and the water temperature of the storage tank T are measured by a sensor. If the measured ambient temperature and water temperature are high, the concentration of microbubbles in the storage tank T is increased to a threshold MBD1 or higher and the concentration of ultrafine bubbles is controlled to a threshold UFBD2 or higher to suppress the thermal effect while providing a cleaning effect. On the other hand, if the measured ambient temperature and water temperature are low, the concentration of ultrafine bubbles in the storage tank T is maintained at a threshold UFBD2 or higher while the concentration of microbubbles is controlled to be below the threshold MBD1 in order to obtain a thermal effect and a cleaning effect. This allows for control over the application of both warming and cleansing effects, providing users with the necessary warming and cleansing effects during their bath.
[0105] In other words, according to the fine bubble supply system 100 of this first embodiment, it is possible to appropriately provide the user with a warming effect and a cleansing effect during bathing, depending on the user's bathing environment.
[0106] (Second Embodiment) Here, Figure 3 shows an example of the configuration of the fine bubble supply system 200 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 shows an example of the control flow of the fine bubble supply system 200 shown in Figure 3.
[0107] [Fine bubble supply system] In this embodiment as well, the fine bubble supply system 200 is installed, for example, in a bathroom used by a user for bathing in a private home, lodging facility, medical facility, etc.
[0108] The fine bubble supply system 200 according to the second embodiment shown in Figure 3 comprises a storage tank T and a fine bubble supply device 201.
[0109] [Storage tank T] The storage tank T is, for example, a bathtub in which water (hot water) is stored for the user to bathe.
[0110] [Fine bubble supply device] The fine bubble supply device 201 is configured to supply water containing fine bubbles to the storage tank T.
[0111] The fine bubble supply device 201 includes, for example, a first pipe L1, a second pipe L2, a first temperature sensor S1 which is a water temperature sensor, a second temperature sensor S2 which is an ambient temperature sensor, a pump P, a generator G, an air volume solenoid valve device Z, a control device CNT, a water temperature adjustment device Y, and an ambient temperature adjustment device K.
[0112] Thus, the fine bubble supply device 201 according to this embodiment differs from the fine bubble supply device 101 of the first embodiment in that it is equipped with an air volume solenoid valve device Z instead of a water volume electric valve device V.
[0113] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the fine bubble supply device 201 includes a water temperature control device Y and an ambient temperature control device K. However, as a separate configuration from the fine bubble supply device 201, the water temperature control device Y and / or the ambient temperature control device K may be provided in the fine bubble supply system 200.
[0114] [Solenoid valve device for air volume control] The air volume control solenoid valve device Z provided in this fine bubble supply device 201 is connected to a supply path that is controlled so that the amount of air drawn in from the intake port is a predetermined amount.
[0115] This air volume solenoid valve device Z is controlled by the control device CNT to open and close, adjusting the amount of air drawn in from the intake port to be injected into the water supplied to the intake port Pin of the pump P.
[0116] The control device CNT controls the air volume solenoid valve device Z to adjust the amount of air injected into the water supplied to the suction port Pin of the pump P, thereby controlling the concentration of microbubbles and ultrafine bubbles generated by the generator G in the supplied water.
[0117] The air volume solenoid valve device Z includes, for example, a first air volume solenoid valve Z1, a second air volume solenoid valve Z2, and a third air volume solenoid valve Z3, as shown in Figure 3.
[0118] The first air volume solenoid valve Z1 is connected to the first piping L1, for example, as shown in Figure 3. This first air volume solenoid valve Z1 is controlled by the control device CNT, for example, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, to open and close, allowing air to be drawn in from the first intake port Zin1, and to inject a first air volume A1 per unit time into the water supplied to the intake port Pin of the pump P via the first piping L1.
[0119] Furthermore, the second air volume solenoid valve Z2 is connected to the first piping L1, for example, as shown in Figure 3. This second air volume solenoid valve Z2 is controlled by the control device CNT, for example, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, to open and close, allowing air to be drawn in from the second intake port Zin2, and operating so that a second air volume A2, which is different from (and greater than) the first air volume A1 per unit time, is injected into the water supplied to the intake port Pin of the pump P via the first piping L1.
[0120] Furthermore, the third air volume solenoid valve Z3 is connected to the first piping L1, for example, as shown in Figure 3. This third air volume solenoid valve Z3 is controlled by the control device CNT, for example, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, to open and close, allowing air to be drawn in from the third air intake port Zin3. This causes a third air volume A3 (which is different from the first and second air volumes A1 and A2) per unit time to be injected into the water supplied to the pump P's intake port Pin via the first piping L1.
[0121] Then, for example, as shown in Figure 4, the control device CNT controls at least the first air volume solenoid valve Z1 and / or the second air volume solenoid valve Z2 to adjust the amount of air per unit time injected into the water supplied to the pump P, thereby controlling the concentration of microbubbles and ultrafine bubbles generated by the generator G in the supplied water.
[0122] In particular, as shown in Figure 4, for example, the control device CNT controls at least one of the first air volume solenoid valve Z1, the second air volume solenoid valve Z2, and the third air volume solenoid valve Z3 to adjust the amount of air supplied to the generator G per unit time, thereby controlling the concentration of microbubbles and ultrafine bubbles generated by the generator G in the supplied water.
[0123] Furthermore, the other configurations of the fine bubble supply system 200 according to this second embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment described above.
[0124] For example, in the fine bubble supply device 201 according to this second embodiment, by using a table stored in the storage unit M based on the relationship between the cleaning effect and thermal effect and the concentrations of ultrafine bubbles and microbubbles, as shown in Figure 12 of the later-described embodiment, for example, the ambient temperature (air temperature) and the water temperature of the storage tank T are measured by a sensor, and if the measured ambient temperature and water temperature are high, the concentration of microbubbles in the storage tank T is increased to a threshold MBD1 or higher and the concentration of ultrafine bubbles is controlled to a threshold UFBD2 or higher to suppress the thermal effect while providing a cleaning effect. On the other hand, if the measured ambient temperature and water temperature are low, the concentration of ultrafine bubbles in the storage tank T is maintained at a threshold UFBD2 or higher while the concentration of microbubbles is controlled to be below the threshold MBD1 in order to obtain a thermal effect and a cleaning effect. This allows for control over the application of both warming and cleansing effects, providing users with the necessary warming and cleansing effects during their bath.
[0125] In other words, according to the fine bubble supply system 200 of this second embodiment, it is possible to appropriately provide the user with a warming effect and a cleansing effect during bathing, depending on the user's bathing environment.
[0126] (Third embodiment) Here, Figure 5 shows an example of the configuration of the fine bubble supply system 300 according to the third embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 shows an example of the control flow of the fine bubble supply system 200 shown in Figure 5.
[0127] [Fine bubble supply system] In this embodiment as well, the fine bubble supply system 300 is installed, for example, in a bathroom used by a user for bathing in a private home, lodging facility, medical facility, etc.
[0128] The fine bubble supply system 300 according to the third embodiment shown in Figure 5 comprises a storage tank T and a fine bubble supply device 301.
[0129] [Storage tank T] The storage tank T is, for example, a bathtub in which water (hot water) is stored for the user to bathe.
[0130] [Fine bubble supply device] The fine bubble supply device 301 is configured to supply water containing fine bubbles to the storage tank T.
[0131] The fine bubble supply device 301 includes, for example, a first pipe L1, a second pipe L2, a first temperature sensor S1 which is a water temperature sensor, a second temperature sensor S2 which is an ambient temperature sensor, a pump P, a generator G, a water volume electric valve device V300, a water temperature adjustment device Y, an ambient temperature adjustment device K, and a control device CNT.
[0132] Thus, the fine bubble supply device 301 according to this third embodiment is equipped with a water volume control electric valve device V300, similar to the fine bubble supply device 101 of the first embodiment.
[0133] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the fine bubble supply device 301 includes a water temperature control device Y and an ambient temperature control device K. However, as a separate configuration from the fine bubble supply device 301, the water temperature control device Y and / or the ambient temperature control device K may be provided in the fine bubble supply system 200.
[0134] The water flow control electric valve device V300 is installed in the second piping L2, for example, as shown in Figure 5. This water flow control electric valve device V300 is located on the water output side of the generator G and is used to adjust the amount of water output from the generator G. It is controlled by the control device CNT to adjust the amount of water supplied from the pump P to the generator G.
[0135] Thus, the electric water volume valve device V300 of the fine bubble supply device 301 according to this third embodiment is located in a different position from the electric water volume valve device V of the fine bubble supply device 101 according to the first embodiment.
[0136] The control device CNT then controls the water flow rate electric valve device V300, for example as shown in Figures 5 and 6, to adjust the amount of water supplied from the pump P to the generator G (adjusting the pressure applied to the generator G), thereby controlling the concentration of microbubbles and ultrafine bubbles generated by the generator G in the supplied water.
[0137] Furthermore, the other configurations of the fine bubble supply system 300 according to this third embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment described above.
[0138] Furthermore, in the fine bubble supply device 301 according to this third embodiment, by using a table stored in the storage unit M based on the relationship between the cleaning effect and thermal effect and the concentrations of ultrafine bubbles and microbubbles, as shown in Figure 12 of the embodiment described later, for example, the ambient temperature (air temperature) and the water temperature of the storage tank T are measured by a sensor, and if the measured ambient temperature and water temperature are high, the concentration of microbubbles in the storage tank T is increased to a threshold MBD1 or higher and the concentration of ultrafine bubbles is controlled to a threshold UFBD2 or higher to suppress the thermal effect while providing a cleaning effect. On the other hand, if the measured ambient temperature and water temperature are low, the concentration of ultrafine bubbles in the storage tank T is maintained at a threshold UFBD2 or higher while the concentration of microbubbles is controlled to be less than the threshold MBD1 in order to obtain a thermal effect and a cleaning effect. This allows for control over the application of both warming and cleansing effects, providing users with the necessary warming and cleansing effects during their bath.
[0139] In other words, according to the fine bubble supply system 300 of this third embodiment, it is possible to appropriately provide the user with a warming effect and a cleansing effect during bathing, depending on the user's bathing environment.
[0140] (Examples) [Control method for fine bubble supply device] Here, we will describe a more specific control method for the fine bubble supply device according to the above embodiment. In the following, we will explain a specific control flow using the control flow of the fine bubble supply device 201 according to the second embodiment shown in Figure 3 as an example. This device adjusts the amount of air to control the concentration of fine bubbles in order to provide a warming effect and a cleaning effect according to the user's bathing environment. Although the configuration for controlling the concentration of fine bubbles differs from that of the second embodiment, the control flow for controlling the concentration of fine bubbles in order to provide a warming effect and a cleaning effect will be explained similarly for the fine bubble supply devices 101 and 301 according to the first and third embodiments.
[0141] Here, Figure 7 shows an example of the relationship between the amount of air supplied to the generator G shown in Figure 3 and the concentration of ultrafine bubbles generated by the generator G. Also, Figure 8 shows an example of the relationship between the amount of air supplied to the generator G shown in Figure 3 and the concentration of microbubbles generated by the generator G.
[0142] For example, as shown in Figure 7, by adjusting the amount of air supplied to the generator G per unit time, the concentration of ultrafine bubbles generated in the water supplied by the generator G can be controlled within the range of 2.0E+7 (bubbles / mL) to 6.2E+7 (bubbles / mL).
[0143] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 8, by adjusting the amount of air supplied to the generator G per unit time, the concentration of ultrafine bubbles generated in the water supplied by the generator G can be controlled within the range of 2.0E+7 (bubbles / mL) to 6.2E+7 (bubbles / mL).
[0144] In other words, as shown in Figures 7 and 8, in the fine bubble supply device 201 according to the second embodiment shown in Figure 3, the control device CNT controls, for example, at least one of the first air volume solenoid valve Z1, the second air volume solenoid valve Z2, and the third air volume solenoid valve Z3 to adjust the amount of air supplied to the generator G per unit time in the range of 20 mL to 140 mL. This allows the concentration of microbubbles generated by the generator G in the supplied water to be controlled in the range of 5446.9 (bubbles / mL) to 15155.7 (bubbles / mL), while controlling the concentration of ultrafine bubbles in the range of 2.0E+7 (bubbles / mL) to 6.2E+7 (bubbles / mL).
[0145] This allows for control over the application of both thermal and cleansing effects to the human body, providing the necessary thermal and cleansing effects depending on the bathing environment.
[0146] As previously described, in the fine bubble supply device 101 according to the first embodiment shown in Figure 1, the control device CNT can control the concentration (number) of ultrafine bubbles generated by the first generator G1 in the supplied water by controlling the first electric valve V1 to adjust the amount of water supplied from the pump P to the first generator G1, and can also control the concentration (number) of microbubbles generated by the second generator G2 in the supplied water by controlling the second electric valve V2 to adjust the amount of water supplied from the pump P to the second generator G2.
[0147] Furthermore, as previously described, in the fine bubble supply device 301 according to the third embodiment shown in Figure 5, the control device CNT controls the water volume electric valve device V300 to adjust the amount of water supplied from the pump P to the generator G (adjusts the pressure applied to the generator G), thereby enabling control of the concentration of microbubbles and ultrafine bubbles generated by the generator G in the supplied water.
[0148] Here, Figure 9 shows an example of test results for each condition, including the concentration of ultrafine bubbles and microbubbles generated by the generator, the amount of air supplied to the generator, the cleaning effect, and the thermal effect. Figure 10 shows an example of the average removal rate of simulated dirt under each condition, used to confirm the cleaning effect using the Dunnett test. Figure 11 shows an example of the rate of increase in the user's skin temperature before and after bathing under each condition, used to confirm the thermal effect using the Dunnett test. Figure 12 shows an example of the distribution of the concentrations of ultrafine bubbles and microbubbles generated by the generator under each condition, which yields a cleaning effect and / or thermal effect.
[0149] [Test Method] Regarding the cleaning effect test, a user bathed for 5 minutes in 200L of hot water in a storage tank (bathtub) T while generating ultrafine bubbles and microbubbles of various concentrations. The amount of oleic acid deposited before and after bathing was compared. Dunnett's test was performed on the amount of reduction using plain water as the baseline, and those with a statistically significant difference were considered to have a cleaning effect.
[0150] In a 200L bathtub (storage tank) T, ultrafine bubbles and microbubbles of various concentrations were generated while the user bathed for 5 minutes, and the temperature difference before and after bathing was recorded. A Dunnett test was performed using plain water as the baseline, and those with a statistically significant difference were considered to have a thermal effect.
[0151] In this study, microbubble concentrations were measured using Shimadzu's SALD-7500nano, measuring bubbles ranging from 1 μm to 200 μm. Ultrafine bubble concentrations were measured using Malvern's NanoSight NS300. All measurements were obtained in a single pass.
[0152] Note that the conditions NW shown in Figures 9 to 11 are the results of tests conducted on plain hot water that does not contain fine bubbles. Conditions 1) to 5) are the results of tests conducted using the same fine bubble supply device, which controls the concentration of fine bubbles by adjusting the amount of air as shown in Figure 3. Condition 6) is the result of tests conducted using a fine bubble supply device that generates only microbubbles. Furthermore, condition 7) is the result of testing using a fine bubble supply device equipped with an ultrafine bubble generator and a microbubble generator, as shown in Figure 1. Furthermore, conditions 8) to 10) are the results of tests conducted using three different fine bubble supply devices, each controlling the fine bubble concentration by adjusting the amount of air as shown in Figure 3.
[0153] In Figure 12, "1" is indicated as having a significant cleaning and warming effect. In Figure 12, "2" is indicated as having a particularly high cleaning effect (removal rate more than 3 times that of plain hot water). In Figure 12, "0" is indicated as having a cleaning and warming effect similar to plain hot water without fine bubbles.
[0154] For example, as shown in Figure 12, if the microbubble concentration is less than the preset first MB concentration threshold MBD1 (approximately 8,000 bubbles / mL) and the ultrafine bubble concentration is greater than or equal to the preset first UFB concentration threshold UFBD1 (approximately 20 million bubbles / mL), a thermal effect can be achieved (for example, condition 1 in Figure 9).
[0155] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 12, for example, even if the ultrafine bubble concentration is above the preset first UFB concentration threshold UFBD1 (approximately 20 million bubbles / mL), if the microbubble concentration is above the preset first MB concentration threshold MBD1 (approximately 8,000 bubbles / mL), the cleaning and warming effects will be similar to those of plain hot water (for example, condition 2 in Figure 9).
[0156] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 12, a cleaning effect can be achieved if the concentration of ultrafine bubbles is less than the second MB concentration threshold MBD2 (approximately 17,000 bubbles / mL), which is higher than the first MB concentration threshold MBD1, and the concentration of ultrafine bubbles is greater than or equal to the second UFB concentration threshold UFBD2 (approximately 37 million bubbles / mL), which is higher than the first UFB concentration threshold UFBD1 (for example, conditions 3) to 5), 8) to 10)) in Figure 9).
[0157] Furthermore, the cleaning effect is particularly preferable when the second MB concentration threshold MBD2 (approximately 17,000 bubbles / mL), which is higher than the first MB concentration threshold MBD1, and the ultrafine bubble concentration is higher than the third UFB concentration threshold UFBD3 (approximately 55 million bubbles / mL), which is higher than the second UFB concentration threshold UFBD2 (for example, conditions 4) and 5)) in Figure 9).
[0158] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 12, even when the ultrafine bubble concentration is above the second UFB concentration threshold UFBD2 (approximately 37 million bubbles / mL), the cleaning and warming effects are not achieved if the microbubble concentration exceeds the second MB concentration threshold MBD2 (approximately 17,000 bubbles / mL) (for example, condition 7 in Figure 9).
[0159] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 12, even if the microbubbles alone are below the second MB concentration threshold MDB2 (approximately 17,000 bubbles / mL), the cleaning effect is comparable to that of plain hot water (for example, condition 6 in Figure 9).
[0160] [Control Sequence] Here, we will explain some examples of control sequences that can be assumed based on the relationship between the concentrations of ultrafine bubbles and microbubbles, as determined by the above test results, and their cleaning and warming effects.
[0161] Figure 13 shows examples of the relationship between the water temperature and ambient temperature of the storage tank and the controlled concentrations of ultrafine bubbles and microbubbles, assuming the target cleaning and heating effects.
[0162] As previously described, the memory unit M of the control device CNT may store a table that pre-defines combinations of the ranges of water temperature and ambient temperature in the storage tank T, as shown in Figure 13, and the concentrations of ultrafine bubbles and microbubbles that the generator G should generate. For example, as shown in Figure 13, if the water temperature measured by the first temperature sensor S1 is less than a preset water temperature reference value (e.g., 40°C), the control device CNT controls the concentration of microbubbles generated by the generator G to a preset first microbubble concentration (6765.4 bubbles / mL in the example in Figure 14) and the concentration of ultrafine bubbles to a preset first ultrafine bubble concentration (4.2E+07 bubbles / mL in the example in Figure 13) based on the combination specified in the table (control 4).
[0163] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 13, if the water temperature measured by the first temperature sensor S1 is equal to or greater than the water temperature reference value and the ambient temperature measured by the second temperature sensor S2 is equal to or greater than the ambient temperature reference value (for example, 25°C), the control device CNT controls the concentration of microbubbles generated by the generator G to a second microbubble concentration that is higher than the first microbubble concentration (5.7E+07 bubbles / mL in the example in Figure 13), and controls the concentration of ultrafine bubbles to a second ultrafine bubble concentration that is higher than the first ultrafine bubble concentration (9427.2 bubbles / mL in the example in Figure 13) based on the combination specified in the table (control 1). This allows for bathing without any heat-generating effect, while maximizing cleansing effectiveness in the shortest possible time (for example, 3 minutes).
[0164] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 13, when the water temperature measured by the first temperature sensor S1 is above the water temperature reference value (40°C to 42°C) and the ambient temperature measured by the second temperature sensor S2 is around the ambient temperature reference value (for example, 25°C), the control device CNT controls the concentration of microbubbles generated by the generator G to a second microbubble concentration that is higher than the first microbubble concentration (6765.4 bubbles / mL in the example in Figure 13), and also controls the concentration of ultrafine bubbles to a second ultrafine bubble concentration that is higher than the first ultrafine bubble concentration (4.2E+07 bubbles / mL in the example in Figure 13) (control 3).
[0165] In particular, as shown in Figure 13, when the water temperature measured by the first temperature sensor S1 is above the water temperature reference value (40°C to 42°C) and the ambient temperature measured by the second temperature sensor S2 is below the ambient temperature reference value (e.g., 25°C), the control device CNT controls the concentration of microbubbles generated by the generator G to a second microbubble concentration higher than the first microbubble concentration (5.7E+07 bubbles / mL in the example of Figure 13) and the concentration of ultrafine bubbles to a second ultrafine bubble concentration higher than the first ultrafine bubble concentration (9427.2 bubbles / mL in the example of Figure 13) (Control 2A), and then controls the concentration of microbubbles generated by the generator G to a first microbubble concentration (6765.4 bubbles / mL in the example of Figure 13) and the concentration of ultrafine bubbles to a first ultrafine bubble concentration (4.2E+07 bubbles / mL in the example of Figure 13) (Control 2B).
[0166] Furthermore, if the ambient temperature is low, the duration of the thermal effect (control 2B time) should be shortened to mitigate the drop in blood pressure after bathing.
[0167] As described above, the control device CNT selects a combination from a table stored in the memory unit M corresponding to the measured water temperature and ambient temperature based on the measured water temperature and ambient temperature, and controls the concentration of microbubbles and ultrafine bubbles generated by the generator G in the supplied water to the concentration of microbubbles and ultrafine bubbles corresponding to the measured water temperature and ambient temperature of the selected combination.
[0168] Furthermore, the control device CNT may be configured to control the concentration of microbubbles and ultrafine bubbles based at least on the measured water temperature. Figure 14 shows examples of the relationship between the water temperature in the storage tank and the controlled concentrations of ultrafine bubbles and microbubbles, assuming the target cleaning and heating effects.
[0169] For example, as shown in Figure 14, if the water temperature measured by the first temperature sensor S1 is less than a preset water temperature reference value (e.g., 40°C), the control device CNT controls the concentration of microbubbles generated by the generator G to a preset first microbubble concentration (6765.4 bubbles / mL in the example in Figure 14) and also controls the concentration of ultrafine bubbles to a preset first ultrafine bubble concentration (4.2E+07 bubbles / mL in the example in Figure 14). For example, if the water temperature is below 38°C, the lower temperature allows for a longer bathing time (5 minutes) to provide both a cleansing and warming effect simultaneously, thus promoting warmth. Furthermore, if the water temperature is between 38°C and 40°C, the slightly lower temperature allows for simultaneous cleansing and warming effects, enabling a shorter bathing time (4 minutes).
[0170] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 14, if the water temperature measured by the first temperature sensor S1 is above the water temperature reference value (for example, 42°C), the control device CNT controls the concentration of microbubbles generated by the generator G to a second microbubble concentration that is higher than the first microbubble concentration (9427.2 bubbles / mL in the example in Figure 14), and also controls the concentration of ultrafine bubbles to a second ultrafine bubble concentration that is higher than the first ultrafine bubble concentration (5.7E+07 bubbles / mL in the example in Figure 14). Thus, when the water temperature is high, only the cleaning effect is applied without the heating effect.
[0171] In particular, as shown in Figure 14, when the water temperature measured by the first temperature sensor S1 is above the water temperature reference value (40°C to 42°C), the control device CNT controls the concentration of microbubbles generated by the generator G to a second microbubble concentration higher than the first microbubble concentration (9427.2 bubbles / mL in the example in Figure 14), and also controls the concentration of ultrafine bubbles to a second ultrafine bubble concentration higher than the first ultrafine bubble concentration (5.7E+07 bubbles / mL in the example in Figure 14). Then, it controls the concentration of microbubbles generated by the generator G to a first microbubble concentration (6765.4 bubbles / mL in the example in Figure 14) and also controls the concentration of ultrafine bubbles to a first ultrafine bubble concentration (4.2E+07 bubbles / mL in the example in Figure 14). Thus, when the water temperature is between 40°C and 42°C, the cleaning effect is maximized first, and since the water temperature itself is neither too low nor too high, the warming effect is applied in the later stages.
[0172] As described above, the control device CNT selects a combination from a table stored in the memory unit M corresponding to the measured water temperature based on the measured water temperature, and controls the concentration of microbubbles and ultrafine bubbles generated by the generator G in the supplied water to the concentration of microbubbles and ultrafine bubbles corresponding to the measured water temperature and ambient temperature of the selected combination.
[0173] In other words, the fine bubble supply system according to this embodiment can appropriately provide both a warming effect and a cleansing effect depending on the bathing environment.
[0174] As an additional function, the control device CNT may, in addition to heating and cleaning, control the generator G to generate microbubbles in the supplied water first, after starting the water supply, because the water becomes cloudy when the number of microbubbles exceeds, for example, around 8,000, and then switch to another cleaning mode in which the generator G is controlled to generate microbubbles and / or ultrafine bubbles.
[0175] [Generator] Here, examples of generators applied to the fine bubble supply devices according to the embodiments described above will be explained with reference to the drawings. Figure 15A is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a generator in a fine bubble supply device. Figure 15B is a schematic diagram of the vortex generation mechanism of the generator shown in Figure 15A. Figure 15C is an example of a preferred configuration of the generator shown in Figure 15A. Figure 16 is a diagram showing another example of the configuration of a generator in a fine bubble supply device.
[0176] The generator 20 shown in Figure 15A can function as a generator G capable of generating microbubbles and ultrafine bubbles, but it may also be used as a first generator G1 that generates at least ultrafine bubbles. In addition, the generator 30 shown in Figure 16 may be used as a second generator G2 that generates microbubbles.
[0177] The generators applied to the fine bubble supply device according to each embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 15A. The generator 20 includes a gas-liquid inlet pipe 21 for introducing a mixed fluid of liquid and air (the input side of the generator G of the second pipe L2 (Figures 3 and 5), or the input side of the first generator G1 of the first branch L2a (Figure 1)), a bubble generation mechanism 22 provided on the mixed fluid discharge side of the gas-liquid inlet pipe 21, a cylindrical gas-liquid multiphase flow generation mechanism 25 such that the gas-liquid inlet pipe 21 is installed in the center of the pipe, and a discharge pipe 26 provided on the side of the gas-liquid multiphase flow generation mechanism 25 for discharging the liquid containing fine bubbles (the output side of the generator G of the second pipe L2 (Figures 3 and 5), or the output side of the first generator G1 of the first branch L2a (Figure 1)).
[0178] The gas-liquid multiphase flow generation mechanism 25 has a cylindrical shape, with a gas-liquid inlet pipe 21 penetrating from the top surface of the cylindrical body to the center of the cylinder, and the end of the gas-liquid inlet pipe 21 on the mixed fluid discharge side being positioned with a gap between it and the bottom of the cylindrical body. The inside of the cylindrical body is divided into a lower tank section 23a on the bottom side of the cylindrical body and an upper tank section 23b on the upper side of the cylindrical body by a vortex flow generation mechanism 24. The vortex flow generation mechanism 24 has an upper surface 27a with two to four holes and a lower surface 27b with two to four holes positioned offset from the holes on the upper surface, and the holes on the upper surface and the holes on the lower surface penetrate each other in a corresponding manner. That is, as shown in Figure 15B, in the cross-section of the vortex flow generation mechanism, each through-hole 28 is positioned at an inclination such that it has a certain angle with the surface of the upper surface 27a or the lower surface 27b.
[0179] First, the mixed fluid of the aqueous composition and air introduced into the gas-liquid inlet pipe 21 is introduced into the bubble generation mechanism 22, where it becomes a mixed fluid containing bubbles. The bubble generation mechanism 22 consists of a hollow member having a conical shape, and has a structure in which one or more through holes 29 are provided in a part of the conical surface. The mixed fluid introduced into the gas-liquid inlet pipe is introduced into the bubble generation mechanism 22 from the outside through the through holes 29, where bubbles (microbubbles) are generated. By providing such a bubble generation mechanism 22, fine bubbles can be sufficiently generated even with relatively low water pressure and small water volume.
[0180] The aqueous composition, which has become a mixed fluid containing bubbles by the bubble generation mechanism 22, is discharged from the end of the gas-liquid inlet pipe 21 and introduced into the lower tank section 23a of the gas-liquid multiphase flow generation mechanism 25. Subsequently, it passes through the through-hole 28 of the vortex flow generation mechanism 24 and is introduced into the upper tank section 23b of the gas-liquid multiphase flow generation mechanism 25. As described above, the through-hole 28 is provided at an angle in the cross-sectional direction, so when the aqueous composition containing bubbles passes through the through-hole 28, the aqueous composition containing bubbles becomes a vortex in the upper tank section 23b. A vortex is created in the upper tank section 23b around the pipe of the gas-liquid inlet pipe 21, and at that time, the aqueous composition containing large-diameter bubbles (microbubbles) with low specific gravity gathers on the inside of the upper tank section 23b (towards the center of the cylindrical shape) and separates to the upper part of the upper tank section 23b, while the aqueous composition containing small-diameter bubbles is pushed out to the outside of the upper tank section 23b (towards the outer circumference of the cylindrical shape) by centrifugal force. In this way, an aqueous composition containing many small-diameter bubbles is generated and discharged through a discharge pipe 26 provided on the side of the gas-liquid multiphase flow generation mechanism 25.
[0181] The discharge pipe 26 can optionally be equipped with a bubble generation mechanism 22 inside, similar to the gas-liquid inlet pipe 21. When an aqueous composition containing small-diameter bubbles passes through it, it can become an aqueous composition containing even smaller-diameter bubbles (ultrafine bubbles). Optionally, two or more bubble generation mechanisms 22 may be arranged in parallel in the discharge pipe 26, and by having three or more bubble generation mechanisms 22 in the entire apparatus 20, the efficiency of fine bubble generation can be improved. It is preferable to have one bubble generation mechanism 22 in the gas-liquid inlet pipe 21 and one to four bubble generation mechanisms 22 in the discharge pipe 26. The aqueous composition output from this discharge pipe 26 may contain microbubbles and ultrafine bubbles, but the ratio can be adjusted by adjusting the number and configuration of the bubble generation mechanisms 22.
[0182] As shown in Figure 15C, the bubble generation mechanism according to the present invention comprises, for example, a wall that separates an introduction side of a liquid-air mixed fluid from a discharge side of a bubble-containing fluid, the wall having a shape selected from the group consisting of a cone, frustum, and column with an open bottom, and through holes formed in at least a portion of the side surface of the shape partitioned by the wall for introducing the mixed fluid into the inside of the wall. The mixed fluid is introduced into the wall through the through holes, becomes a bubble-containing fluid, and is discharged from the opening at the bottom.
[0183] The number of through-holes in the wall of the bubble generation mechanism according to the present invention is preferably 3 to 6, and it is preferable that they be provided at equal intervals around the wall. The shape of the holes can be any shape and is not limited, but it is preferably circular. When the through-holes are circular, their inner diameter is 2 mm to 10 mm, preferably 2 mm to 6 mm.
[0184] If the bubble generation mechanism is conical in shape, the height can be 8mm to 50mm, preferably 10mm to 30mm, most preferably 12mm to 25mm, and the inner diameter of the bottom can be 6mm to 20mm, preferably 8mm to 18mm, most preferably 10mm to 16mm.
[0185] When the bubble generation mechanism is frustoconical in shape, the height of the frustoconical part can be 8mm to 50mm, preferably 10mm to 30mm, most preferably 12mm to 25mm, the inner diameter of the upper base can be 5mm to 10mm, preferably 6mm to 9mm, most preferably 7mm to 8mm, and the inner diameter of the lower base can be 6mm to 20mm, preferably 8mm to 18mm, most preferably 10mm to 16mm.
[0186] If the bubble generation mechanism is cylindrical, its height can be 8mm to 50mm, preferably 10mm to 30mm, and most preferably 12mm to 25mm, and the inner diameter of the bottom can be 6mm to 20mm, preferably 8mm to 18mm, and most preferably 10mm to 16mm.
[0187] Furthermore, the thickness of the wall constituting the bubble generation mechanism is 0.5 mm to 8 mm, preferably 1 mm to 5 mm, most preferably 2 mm to 3 mm, and is preferably made of a metal such as aluminum alloy, stainless steel, brass, or resin.
[0188] The number of through holes can be 2 to 8, preferably 2 to 6, and most preferably 2 to 4. When multiple holes are arranged, they are preferably spaced at equal angles. For example, if there are two through holes, they are arranged at a 180° angle. If the bubble generation mechanism is cone-shaped, the holes can be positioned 2 mm to 18 mm, preferably 3 mm to 15 mm, and most preferably 5 mm to 10 mm axially downward from the apex of the cone. In the case of a frustum and a column, the holes can be positioned 1 mm to 18 mm, preferably 2 mm to 15 mm, and most preferably 2 mm to 10 mm axially downward from the top base.
[0189] The diameter of the hole is 1 mm to 4 mm, preferably 1 mm to 3 mm, and most preferably 2 mm to 3 mm, when using a pump with an output of 8.9 L / min. It is preferable to adjust the diameter of the hole as appropriate depending on the performance of the pump used.
[0190] Next, for example, as shown in Figure 16, the generator 30 uses a general pressurized dissolution method and a generating device, and as previously described, it is applied as a second generator G2 (Figure 1) that generates microbubbles. This generator 30 may be combined with the generator 20 shown in Figure 15A, as previously described, for example, when increasing the number of microbubbles to eliminate the thermal effect.
[0191] In the generator 30, the outlet diameter is restricted by the constriction 32, limiting the amount of water discharged from the discharge pipe 36(), and the inside of the tank 35 is pressurized to, for example, 0.15 MPa or higher. Also, inside the tank 35, the upper part is a gas phase and the lower part is a liquid phase. Small holes H are made in the pipe 31, and water is sprayed into the pressurized tank in a shower-like manner to dissolve the gas.
[0192] Here, the generator 30 receives water containing gas from below a tank 35 that is pressurized to, for example, 0.15 MPa or more, via pipe 31 (the input side of the second generator G2 of the second branch L2b (Figure 1)), and the water is ejected into the gas layer inside the tank 35 through a small hole H opened at the end of pipe 31. At this time, the gas dissolves in the ejected water to a supersaturated state. The ejected water enters the water layer below due to gravity. Below this water layer in the tank 35, a discharge pipe 36 (the output side of the second generator G2 of the second branch L2b (Figure 1)) is provided. A constriction 32 is provided inside this discharge pipe 36, and when the pressure is released after passing through this constriction 32, the dissolved air precipitates as microbubbles, and water containing microbubbles is discharged from the discharge pipe 36.
[0193] As described above, the generator 20 shown in Figure 15A can function as a generator G capable of generating microbubbles and ultrafine bubbles, but it may also be used as a first generator G1 that generates at least ultrafine bubbles. In addition, the generator 30 shown in Figure 16 may be used as a second generator G2 that generates microbubbles. The configuration of the generators applied to the fine bubble supply device is not limited to these generators, and generators with similar functions may be used.
[0194] [Industrial applicability] The fine bubble supply system, fine bubble supply device, and control method for the fine bubble supply system according to the present invention are useful, for example, in supplying fine bubbles for use in bathing at medical facilities.
[0195] While several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be carried out in a variety of other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims and their equivalents. [Explanation of Symbols]
[0196] 100, 200, 300 Fine Bubble Supply System 101, 201, 301 Fine bubble supply device L1 First Piping L2 Second Piping S1 First temperature sensor S2 Second temperature sensor P Pump G Generator V Water volume control electric valve device Z Air volume solenoid valve device Y Water temperature adjustment device K Environmental temperature control device
Claims
1. A fine bubble supply device that supplies water containing fine bubbles to a storage tank, A first temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the water stored in the aforementioned storage tank, A pump that draws up water stored in the storage tank through the input of the first pipe and into the suction port, and discharges the drawn-up water into the second pipe through the discharge port, A generator provided in the second piping, wherein water discharged from the outlet of the pump is supplied to the input side, and microbubbles and ultrafine bubbles are generated in the supplied water, and the generator outputs the water containing the fine bubbles from the output side via the output section of the second piping for storage in the storage tank, A control device that controls the concentration of microbubbles and ultrafine bubbles generated by the generator in the supplied water based on the water temperature measured by the first temperature sensor, A water volume control electric valve device is provided in the second piping and connected between the discharge port of the pump and the input side of the water in the generator, and is controlled by the control device to adjust the amount of water supplied from the pump to the generator, The control device is Based on the water temperature measured by the first temperature sensor, the electric water flow valve device is controlled to adjust the amount of water supplied from the pump to the generator, thereby controlling the concentration of microbubbles and ultrafine bubbles generated by the generator in the supplied water. A fine bubble supply device characterized by the following features.
2. The storage tank is equipped with a second temperature sensor for measuring the ambient temperature around it. The control device is Based on the ambient temperature measured by the second temperature sensor and the water temperature measured by the first temperature sensor, the generator controls the concentration of microbubbles and ultrafine bubbles generated in the supplied water. The fine bubble supply device according to feature 1.
3. The first temperature sensor is installed in the first pipe and measures the temperature of the water drawn in from the storage tank that flows through the first pipe. The fine bubble supply device according to feature 2.
4. The aforementioned second pipe is, A first branch section, one end of which is connected to the first outlet of the pump's outlets, and the other end of which is connected to the output section of the second pipe, It includes a second branch section, one end of which is connected to the second outlet of the pump's outlets, and the other end of which communicates with the other end of the first branch section, The generator is, A first generator provided in the first branching section, which generates ultrafine bubbles in the supplied water and outputs the water containing the ultrafine bubbles to be stored in the storage tank via the first branching section, The second generator provided in the second branching section generates microbubbles in the supplied water and outputs the water containing the microbubbles to be stored in the storage tank via the second branching section, The aforementioned electric valve device for water volume control is A first electric valve connected between the discharge port of the pump and the water input side of the first generator, which is controlled by the control device to adjust the amount of water supplied from the pump to the first generator, A second electric valve connected between the discharge port of the pump and the water input side of the second generator, which is controlled by the control device to adjust the amount of water supplied from the pump to the second generator, is included. The fine bubble supply device according to feature 1.
5. The control device is By controlling the first electric valve and adjusting the amount of water supplied from the pump to the first generator, the concentration of ultrafine bubbles generated by the first generator in the supplied water is controlled, The second electric valve is controlled to adjust the amount of water supplied from the pump to the second generator, thereby controlling the concentration of microbubbles generated by the second generator in the supplied water. The fine bubble supply device according to feature 4.
6. A fine bubble supply device that supplies water containing fine bubbles to a storage tank, A first temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the water stored in the aforementioned storage tank, A pump that draws up water stored in the storage tank through the input of the first pipe and into the suction port, and discharges the drawn-up water into the second pipe through the discharge port, A generator provided in the second piping, wherein water discharged from the outlet of the pump is supplied to the input side, and microbubbles and ultrafine bubbles are generated in the supplied water, and the generator outputs the water containing the fine bubbles from the output side via the output section of the second piping for storage in the storage tank, A control device that controls the concentration of microbubbles and ultrafine bubbles generated by the generator in the supplied water based on the water temperature measured by the first temperature sensor, An air volume solenoid valve device connected to a supply path controlled to ensure that the amount of air drawn in from the intake port is a predetermined amount, wherein the control device controls the opening and closing operation to adjust the amount of air drawn in from the intake port for injection into the water supplied to the intake port of the pump, and comprises: The control device is Based on the water temperature measured by the first temperature sensor, the solenoid valve device for air volume is controlled to adjust the amount of air injected into the water supplied to the pump's suction port, thereby controlling the concentration of microbubbles and ultrafine bubbles generated by the generator in the supplied water. A fine bubble supply device characterized by the following features.
7. The aforementioned air volume solenoid valve device is A first air volume solenoid valve connected to the first piping, which is controlled by the control device to draw air in from the first air intake and operate so that a first air volume per unit time is injected into the water supplied to the pump's intake via the first piping, The invention includes a second air volume solenoid valve connected to the first piping, which, when controlled by the control device, operates so that air is drawn in from the second intake port and a second air volume different from the first air volume per unit time is injected through the first piping into the water supplied to the intake port of the pump, The fine bubble supply device according to feature 6.
8. The control device is The concentration of microbubbles and ultrafine bubbles generated by the generator in the supplied water is controlled by adjusting the amount of air per unit time injected into the water supplied to the pump by controlling the first air volume solenoid valve and / or the second air volume solenoid valve. The fine bubble supply device according to feature 7.
9. The aforementioned air volume solenoid valve device is The present invention further includes a third air volume solenoid valve connected to the first piping, which is controlled by the control device to draw air in from a third intake port and operate so that a third air volume, different from the first and second air volumes per unit time, is injected into the water supplied to the pump's intake port via the first piping. The fine bubble supply device according to feature 7.
10. The control device is The concentration of microbubbles and ultrafine bubbles generated by the generator in the supplied water is controlled by adjusting the amount of air supplied to the generator per unit time by controlling at least one of the first air volume solenoid valve, the second air volume solenoid valve, and the third air volume solenoid valve. The fine bubble supply device according to feature 9.
11. A fine bubble supply device that supplies water containing fine bubbles to a storage tank, A first temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the water stored in the aforementioned storage tank, A pump that draws up water stored in the storage tank through the input of the first pipe and into the suction port, and discharges the drawn-up water into the second pipe through the discharge port, A generator provided in the second piping, wherein water discharged from the outlet of the pump is supplied to the input side, and microbubbles and ultrafine bubbles are generated in the supplied water, and the generator outputs the water containing the fine bubbles from the output side via the output section of the second piping for storage in the storage tank, A control device that controls the concentration of microbubbles and ultrafine bubbles generated by the generator in the supplied water based on the water temperature measured by the first temperature sensor, A water volume control electric valve device provided in the second piping and located on the water output side of the generator for adjusting the amount of water output from the generator, comprising a water volume control electric valve device that adjusts the amount of water supplied from the pump to the generator when controlled by the control device, The control device is Based on the water temperature measured by the first temperature sensor, the electric water flow valve device is controlled to adjust the amount of water supplied from the pump to the generator, thereby controlling the concentration of microbubbles and ultrafine bubbles generated by the generator in the supplied water. A fine bubble supply device characterized by the following features.
12. The control device is If the water temperature measured by the first temperature sensor is below a preset water temperature reference value, the concentration of the microbubbles generated by the generator is controlled to a preset first microbubble concentration, and the concentration of the ultrafine bubbles is controlled to a preset first ultrafine bubble concentration. On the other hand, if the water temperature measured by the first temperature sensor is equal to or greater than the water temperature reference value, the concentration of the microbubbles generated by the generator is controlled to a second microbubble concentration that is higher than the first microbubble concentration, and the concentration of the ultrafine bubbles is controlled to a second ultrafine bubble concentration that is higher than the first ultrafine bubble concentration. The fine bubble supply device according to feature 2.
13. The control device is When the water temperature measured by the first temperature sensor is equal to or greater than the water temperature reference value, the concentration of the microbubbles generated by the generator is controlled to a second microbubble concentration that is higher than the first microbubble concentration, and the concentration of the ultrafine bubbles is controlled to a second ultrafine bubble concentration that is higher than the first ultrafine bubble concentration, The concentration of the microbubbles generated by the generator is controlled to the first microbubble concentration, and the concentration of the ultrafine bubbles is controlled to the first ultrafine bubble concentration. The fine bubble supply device according to feature 12.
14. The control device is If the water temperature measured by the first temperature sensor is below a preset water temperature reference value, the concentration of the microbubbles generated by the generator is controlled to a preset first microbubble concentration, and the concentration of the ultrafine bubbles is controlled to a preset first ultrafine bubble concentration. On the other hand, if the water temperature measured by the first temperature sensor is equal to or greater than the water temperature reference value and the ambient temperature measured by the second temperature sensor is equal to or greater than the ambient temperature reference value, the concentration of the microbubbles generated by the generator is controlled to a second microbubble concentration that is higher than the first microbubble concentration, and the concentration of the ultrafine bubbles is controlled to a second ultrafine bubble concentration that is higher than the first ultrafine bubble concentration. The fine bubble supply device according to feature 2.
15. The control device is When the water temperature measured by the first temperature sensor is equal to or greater than the water temperature reference value and the ambient temperature measured by the second temperature sensor is less than the ambient temperature reference value, the concentration of the microbubbles generated by the generator is controlled to a second microbubble concentration that is higher than the first microbubble concentration, and the concentration of the ultrafine bubbles is controlled to a second ultrafine bubble concentration that is higher than the first ultrafine bubble concentration, The concentration of the microbubbles generated by the generator is controlled to the first microbubble concentration, and the concentration of the ultrafine bubbles is controlled to the first ultrafine bubble concentration. The fine bubble supply device according to feature 14.
16. The system further includes a water temperature control device controlled by the control device, which adjusts the temperature of the water stored in the storage tank to a target water temperature. The fine bubble supply device according to feature 2.
17. The system further includes an ambient temperature control device controlled by the control device, which adjusts the ambient temperature around the storage tank to a target ambient temperature. The fine bubble supply device according to feature 16.
18. The fine bubble supply device according to claim 1, characterized in that the storage tank is a bathtub in which the user bathes.
19. The control device includes a storage unit that stores a table in which combinations of a range of water temperatures in the storage tank and the concentrations of ultrafine bubbles and microbubbles to be generated by the generator are predetermined. The control device selects a combination from the table stored in the memory unit corresponding to the measured water temperature based on the measured water temperature, and controls the concentration of microbubbles and ultrafine bubbles generated by the generator in the supplied water to the concentration of microbubbles and ultrafine bubbles corresponding to the measured water temperature of the selected combination. The fine bubble supply device according to feature 1.
20. The control device includes a storage unit that stores a table in which combinations of the range of water temperature and ambient temperature of the storage tank and the concentration of ultrafine bubbles and microbubbles to be generated by the generator are predetermined. The control device selects a combination from the table stored in the memory unit corresponding to the measured water temperature and ambient temperature based on the measured water temperature and ambient temperature, and controls the concentration of microbubbles and ultrafine bubbles generated by the generator in the supplied water to the concentration of microbubbles and ultrafine bubbles corresponding to the measured water temperature and ambient temperature of the selected combination. The fine bubble supply device according to feature 2.
21. A fine bubble supply system, A storage tank for storing water for the user to use for bathing, The system includes a fine bubble supply device that supplies water containing fine bubbles to the storage tank, The fine bubble supply device is A first temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the water stored in the aforementioned storage tank, A pump that draws up water stored in the storage tank through the inlet via the input section of the first pipe and discharges it into the second pipe from the outlet, A generator provided in the second piping, wherein water discharged from the outlet of the pump is supplied to the input side, and microbubbles and ultrafine bubbles are generated in the supplied water, and the generator outputs the water containing the fine bubbles from the output side via the output section of the second piping for storage in the storage tank, A control device that controls the concentration of microbubbles and ultrafine bubbles generated by the generator in the supplied water based on the water temperature measured by the first temperature sensor, A water volume control electric valve device provided in the second piping and located on the water output side of the generator for adjusting the amount of water output from the generator, comprising a water volume control electric valve device that adjusts the amount of water supplied from the pump to the generator when controlled by the control device, The control device is Based on the water temperature measured by the first temperature sensor, the electric water flow valve device is controlled to adjust the amount of water supplied from the pump to the generator, thereby controlling the concentration of microbubbles and ultrafine bubbles generated by the generator in the supplied water. A fine bubble supply system characterized by the following features.
22. A control method for a fine bubble supply device that supplies water containing fine bubbles to a storage tank, The fine bubble supply device is A first temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the water stored in the aforementioned storage tank, A pump that draws up water stored in the storage tank through the inlet via the input section of the first pipe and discharges it into the second pipe from the outlet, A generator provided in the second piping, wherein water discharged from the outlet of the pump is supplied to the input side, and microbubbles and ultrafine bubbles are generated in the supplied water, and the generator outputs the water containing the fine bubbles from the output side via the output section of the second piping for storage in the storage tank, Control device and A water volume control electric valve device provided in the second piping and located on the water output side of the generator for adjusting the amount of water output from the generator, comprising a water volume control electric valve device that adjusts the amount of water supplied from the pump to the generator when controlled by the control device, The control device is Based on the water temperature measured by the first temperature sensor, the electric water flow valve device is controlled to adjust the amount of water supplied from the pump to the generator, thereby controlling the concentration of microbubbles and ultrafine bubbles generated by the generator in the supplied water. A control method for a fine bubble supply device, characterized by the features described above.
23. A fine bubble supply device that supplies water containing fine bubbles, A first temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the water, A pump that draws up the water through the input section of the first pipe from the suction port and discharges the drawn-up water into the second pipe from the discharge port, A generator provided in the second piping, wherein water discharged from the outlet of the pump is supplied to the input side, and microbubbles and / or ultrafine bubbles are generated in the supplied water, and water containing fine bubbles is output from the output side via the output section of the second piping, A control device that controls the concentration of microbubbles and / or ultrafine bubbles generated by the generator in the supplied water based on the water temperature measured by the first temperature sensor, A water volume control electric valve device provided in the second piping and located on the water output side of the generator for adjusting the amount of water output from the generator, comprising a water volume control electric valve device that adjusts the amount of water supplied from the pump to the generator when controlled by the control device, The control device is Based on the water temperature measured by the first temperature sensor, the electric water flow valve device is controlled to adjust the amount of water supplied from the pump to the generator, thereby controlling the concentration of microbubbles and / or ultrafine bubbles generated by the generator in the supplied water. A fine bubble supply device characterized by the following features.
24. The control device, after starting the water supply, first controls the generator to generate microbubbles in the supplied water, and then controls the generator to generate microbubbles and / or ultrafine bubbles. The fine bubble supply device according to feature 23.