Nanobubble Generator

Abstract

To provide a nanobubble generation device effective for generating nanobubbles in liquid even in liquid feeding at a small flow rate.SOLUTION: A nanobubble generation device includes: a liquid communication part 161 which has a first surface 163 and a second surface 164 that are opposed to each other and multiple holes 165 for liquid feeding that respectively open to the first surface 163 and the second surface 164; and an actuator 162 which supports the liquid communication part 161 so that at least the first surface 163 is in contact with the liquid, and vibrates the liquid communication part 161 so as to generate nanobubbles in the liquid passing through the multiple holes 165 from the first surface 163 to the second surface 164.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a nanobubble generator.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a shower head that discharges water while generating bubbles of 100 μm or less in water by means of a water flow.

Prior Art Document

Patent Document

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The present disclosure provides a nanobubble generator that is effective in generating nanobubbles in a liquid even in a small flow rate liquid feeding.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] A nanobubble generator according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a liquid passage portion having a first surface and a second surface facing each other, and a plurality of holes for liquid passage that open to the first surface and the second surface, respectively, and an actuator that supports the liquid passage portion so that at least the first surface is in contact with a liquid, and vibrates the liquid passage portion so as to generate nanobubbles in the liquid passing through the plurality of holes from the first surface toward the second surface.

[0006] According to this nanobubble generator, by utilizing the energy of the actuator, it is possible to generate nanobubbles in a liquid even in a small flow rate liquid feeding.

[0007] The actuator may vibrate the liquid passage portion so as to generate 100 million or more nanobubbles per milliliter in the liquid passing through the plurality of holes. The generated nanobubbles can be effectively utilized for cleaning or the like.

[0008] The actuator may vibrate the fluid passage at a frequency exceeding 20 kHz. This allows for the generation of nanobubbles with high energy efficiency.

[0009] The actuator may vibrate its fluid-conducting section to generate a liquid flow from the first surface to the second surface in each of the multiple holes. The vibration of the fluid-conducting section can also be effectively utilized for liquid delivery. The liquid flow in each of the multiple holes can also promote the generation of nanobubbles.

[0010] The actuator may vibrate the fluid passage along directions perpendicular to the first and second surfaces. Nanobubbles can be generated with high energy efficiency.

[0011] A container for holding liquid may be provided, and the actuator may support the liquid passage so that its first surface is in contact with the liquid inside the container and its second surface faces the outside of the container, and the liquid passage may be vibrated to atomize the liquid that has passed through multiple holes and send it out of the container. The generated nanobubbles can be effectively utilized as mist.

[0012] The actuator may vibrate its liquid passage to atomize 0.5 to 5 ml of liquid per minute and expel it from the container. This allows for the generation of nanobubbles with higher energy efficiency.

[0013] Each of the multiple pores may be formed in such a way that, when the container is in an atmospheric pressure environment and the liquid-permeable portion is stationary, liquid does not pass from the first surface to the second surface. Nanobubbles can be generated with higher energy efficiency.

[0014] The inner diameter of each of the multiple pores may be 3 to 10 μm. This allows for the generation of nanobubbles with higher energy efficiency.

[0015] The inner diameter of each of the multiple pores may gradually decrease from the first surface to the second surface. This allows for the generation of nanobubbles with higher energy efficiency.

[0016] The container further includes a cylindrical portion that protrudes from the outer surface of the container and is directed towards the inside of a person's mouth. The actuator supports the liquid-conducting portion so that its second surface faces the outside of the container via the cylindrical portion, and may vibrate the liquid-conducting portion to deliver liquid into the mouth via the cylindrical portion. The mist containing nanobubbles can be effectively utilized for purposes such as removing phlegm.

[0017] The container has an opposing surface that faces a person's face, and the actuator may support the fluid passage so that the second surface forms part of the opposing surface, and vibrate the fluid passage to deliver liquid to the face. The mist containing nanobubbles can be effectively used for purposes such as removing phlegm.

[0018] The system comprises multiple liquid delivery units, each having a liquid passage, a container, and an actuator, and a power supply unit that can be attached to any of the multiple liquid delivery units and supplies power to the actuator to vibrate the liquid passage, wherein the size of each of the multiple holes may differ among the multiple liquid delivery units. By using the first unit and the second unit separately according to multiple types of liquids with different viscosities, nanobubbles can be generated in each of the multiple types of liquids with high energy efficiency.

[0019] The system comprises multiple liquid delivery units, each having a liquid passage section, a container, and an actuator, and a power supply unit that can be attached to any of the multiple liquid delivery units and supplies power to the actuator to vibrate the liquid passage section, and the number of holes may differ among the multiple liquid delivery units. By using the first unit and the second unit separately according to multiple types of liquids with different viscosities, nanobubbles can be generated in each of the multiple types of liquids with high energy efficiency.

[0020] The actuator may support the liquid passage portion such that both the first surface and the second surface are in contact with the liquid inside the container, and vibrate the liquid passage portion to circulate the liquid inside the container through a plurality of holes and around the liquid passage portion. The content of nanobubbles can be freely adjusted.

[0021] It includes a plurality of vibration units each having a liquid passage portion and an actuator. The plurality of vibration units are arranged along a line such that the first surface and the second surface are perpendicular to the same line, and are housed inside the container. Each actuator of the plurality of vibration units may vibrate the liquid passage portion to generate nanobubbles in the liquid passing through the plurality of holes. Nanobubbles can be generated in a shorter time.

Advantages of the Invention

[0022] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a nanobubble generation device effective for generating nanobubbles in liquid even in small-flow liquid delivery.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0023] [Figure 1] It is a side view showing an example of a nanobubble generation device. [Figure 2] It is an enlarged view of the liquid passage portion in FIG. 1. [Figure 3] It is a diagram showing a modified example of the nanobubble generation device. [Figure 4] It is a diagram showing another modified example of the nanobubble generation device. [Figure 5] It is a diagram showing still another modified example of the nanobubble generation device.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0024] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the description, the same reference numerals are given to the same elements or elements having the same function, and duplicate descriptions are omitted.

[0025] The nanobubble generating device according to this embodiment is a device that generates bubbles with a diameter of less than 1 μm (hereinafter referred to as "nanobubbles") in a liquid. The shower head described in Patent Document 1 generates fine bubbles in a liquid, but since the bubbles are generated by the energy of the water flow, it is not possible to generate sufficient bubbles with a small flow rate.

[0026] Therefore, the nanobubble generating apparatus according to this embodiment comprises a liquid-passing section having a first surface and a second surface facing opposite directions, and a plurality of holes for liquid passage that open to the first surface and the second surface, respectively, and an actuator that supports the liquid-passing section so that at least the first surface is in contact with the liquid, and vibrates the liquid-passing section to generate nanobubbles in the liquid passing through the plurality of holes from the first surface to the second surface.

[0027] By utilizing the energy of the actuator, nanobubbles can be generated in the liquid even with low flow rates. The following diagram illustrates the configuration of a nanobubble generation device.

[0028] Figure 1 is a side view showing an example of a nanobubble generator, with a portion of the upper part being a cross-section. The nanobubble generator 1 shown in Figure 1 is a nebulizer that atomizes liquid and supplies it to the user's respiratory system. For example, the nanobubble generator 1 sends the atomized liquid in a direction that intersects the vertical direction (e.g., perpendicular). For the sake of explanation, the direction of liquid delivery will be referred to as "forward" below.

[0029] The nanobubble generator 1 comprises a liquid delivery unit 100 and a power supply unit 200. The liquid delivery unit 100 has a container 110, a lid 140, a cylindrical part 150, and a vibration unit 160. The container 110 opens upward and contains a liquid such as distilled water or an aqueous solution of a drug.

[0030] The container 110 is integrally molded from a resin material and has a bottom plate 111 and a peripheral wall 120. The bottom plate 111 intersects vertically. The peripheral wall 120 surrounds the top of the bottom plate 111. As a result, a storage space 112 opening upward is formed on the bottom plate 111, and the liquid is contained in the storage space 112.

[0031] The peripheral wall 120 has a front wall 121 facing the front of the container 110 and a rear wall 122 facing the rear of the container 110. The front wall 121 has a liquid outlet 123 for dispensing liquid.

[0032] The peripheral wall 120 protrudes below the bottom plate 111. This creates a wiring space 113 below the bottom plate 111. Around the wiring space 113, a pair of contacts 131 and 132 are provided on the rear wall 122. Each of the pair of contacts 131 and 132 is made of a conductive material such as copper and is exposed to the rear from the rear wall 122. The pair of contacts 131 and 132 are connected to the actuator 162, described later, via the wiring space 113 and a pair of electric wires 133 and 134.

[0033] Around the containment space 112, the upper part of the rear wall 122 bulges backward. As a result, a rearward-extending portion 114 is formed on the upper part of the container 110, and the upper part of the containment space 112 is extended backward.

[0034] The lid 140 is attached to the upper part of the peripheral wall 120 so as to cover the storage space 112. For example, the lid 140 is attached to the upper part of the front wall 121 by a hinge 141. By rotating the lid 140 around the hinge 141, the upper part of the peripheral wall 120 can be opened and closed.

[0035] The cylindrical portion 150 protrudes from the outer surface of the container 110 and is directed towards the user's (person's) oral cavity. For example, the cylindrical portion 150 is provided on the front wall 121 so as to surround the liquid delivery port 123 and protrudes forward from the front wall 121. For example, the cylindrical portion 150 is integrally molded with the container 110 using the same material as the container 110.

[0036] Multiple air intake ports 151 are formed in the cylindrical portion 150. This makes it possible to mix the air from the air intake ports 151 with the liquid delivered from the liquid delivery port 123 and allow the user to inhale it.

[0037] The vibration unit 160 has a fluid-conducting section 161 and an actuator 162. The fluid-conducting section 161 is a thin plate made of a metal such as stainless steel and has a first surface 163 and a second surface 164. The fluid-conducting section may be made of a non-metallic material such as ceramic. The first surface 163 and the second surface 164 are oriented opposite to each other in the thickness direction of the fluid-conducting section 161. The fluid-conducting section 161 is positioned so as to block the fluid inlet 123 with the second surface 164 facing forward and the first surface 163 facing backward. The first surface 163 is in contact with the liquid in the containment space 112, and the second surface 164 faces the outside of the container 110. For example, the first surface 163 faces the outside of the container 110 after passing through the cylindrical section 150.

[0038] The thickness of the fluid-permeable section 161 (the distance between the first surface 163 and the second surface 164) is, for example, 0.3 to 1 mm, and may also be 0.55 to 0.75 mm. For example, the thickness of the fluid-permeable section 161 is 0.65 mm.

[0039] As shown in Figure 2, the fluid passage section 161 further has a plurality of holes 165. Each of the plurality of holes 165 penetrates the fluid passage section 161 and opens to the first surface 163 and the second surface 164.

[0040] Each of the multiple holes 165 is formed so as not to allow liquid to pass from the first surface 163 to the second surface 164 when the container 110 is in an atmospheric pressure environment and the liquid-permeable part 161 is stationary. Each of the multiple holes 165 is, for example, circular. The inner diameter of each of the multiple holes 165 is, for example, 3 to 10 μm, and may be 3 to 7 μm. For example, the inner diameter of each of the multiple holes 165 is 5 μm. Each of the multiple holes 165 may be non-circular (for example, elliptical or polygonal).

[0041] The multiple holes 165 are, for example, 1 mm in diameter. 2They are scattered at a density of 50 to 100 per unit. For example, the fluid passage section 161 has a circular outer shape with a diameter of 8 mm and contains 900 holes 165 within this outer shape.

[0042] The inner diameter of each of the multiple holes 165 may gradually decrease from the first surface 163 to the second surface 164. For example, the inner diameter D2 at the second surface 164 of each of the multiple holes 165 may be 3 to 10 μm, 3 to 7 μm, or 4.5 to 6.5 μm. The inner diameter D1 at the first surface 163 of each of the multiple holes 165 may be 30 to 50 μm, or 35 to 45 μm. For example, the inner diameter D2 at the second surface 164 of each of the multiple holes 165 is 5.5 μm, and the inner diameter D1 at the first surface 163 of each of the multiple holes 165 is 40 μm.

[0043] The inner diameter of each of the multiple holes 165 may be constant from the first surface 163 to the second surface 164. The inner diameter of each of the multiple holes 165 may gradually increase from the first surface 163 to the second surface 164. The multiple holes 165 may include two or more holes 165 with different inner diameters.

[0044] Returning to Figure 1, the actuator 162 supports the liquid-conducting portion 161 such that at least the first surface 163 is in contact with the liquid contained in the container 110. For example, the actuator 162 supports the liquid-conducting portion 161 such that the first surface 163 is in contact with the liquid contained in the container 110, and the second surface 164 faces the outside of the container 110 via the cylindrical portion 150. For example, the actuator 162 has an annular shape and is attached to the front wall 121 so as to surround the liquid-dispensing port 123. The actuator 162 supports the liquid-conducting portion 161 around its entire circumference with the second surface 164 facing forward and the first surface 163 facing backward, so as to close the liquid-dispensing port 123.

[0045] The actuator 162 vibrates the liquid-conducting section 161 to generate nanobubbles in the liquid passing through multiple holes 165 from the first surface 163 to the second surface 164. The actuator 162 may also vibrate the liquid-conducting section 161 to generate a flow of liquid from the first surface 163 to the second surface 164 in each of the multiple holes 165. For example, the actuator 162 vibrates the liquid-conducting section 161 to atomize the liquid that has passed through the multiple holes 165 and send it out of the container 110. For example, the actuator 162 vibrates the liquid-conducting section 161 to send the liquid into the oral cavity via the cylindrical section 150.

[0046] For example, the actuator 162 causes the fluid-conducting section 161 to vibrate ultrasonically along a direction perpendicular to the first surface 163 and the second surface 164. For example, the actuator 162 is a piezoelectric element and repeatedly expands and contracts along a direction perpendicular to the first surface 163 and the second surface 164 in response to the application of a driving voltage that increases and decreases at a constant period. The expansion and contraction of the actuator 162 causes the fluid-conducting section 161 to repeatedly move forward and backward. Each time the fluid-conducting section 161 moves backward, the hydraulic pressure increases partially behind the fluid-conducting section 161, and the liquid is sent forward through the multiple holes 165.

[0047] The actuator 162 vibrates the liquid-conducting section 161 to generate nanobubbles in the liquid passing through the multiple holes 165. For example, the actuator 162 vibrates the liquid-conducting section 161 to generate more than 100 million nanobubbles per milliliter in the liquid passing through the multiple holes 165.

[0048] Here, the amount of liquid delivered per unit time by the vibration of the liquid-conducting section 161 increases as the vibration energy increases. For example, if the amplitude of the vibration of the liquid-conducting section 161 is increased without changing the frequency of the vibration, the amount of liquid delivered per unit time increases. Also, as the amount of liquid delivered by the vibration of the liquid-conducting section 161 increases, the number of nanobubbles contained per 1 ml of delivered liquid increases. Based on this finding, the actuator 162 vibrates the liquid-conducting section 161 so that 0.5 to 5 ml of liquid per minute is atomized and delivered outside the container 110. The actuator 162 may also vibrate the liquid-conducting section 161 so that 0.7 to 4 ml of liquid per minute is atomized and delivered outside the container 110, or it may vibrate the liquid-conducting section 161 so that 0.7 to 2 ml of liquid per minute is atomized and delivered outside the container 110.

[0049] For example, the actuator 162 causes the fluid passage section 161 to vibrate ultrasonically. Ultrasonic vibration means vibration at a frequency above 20 kHz. For example, the actuator 162 consumes 0.5 to 2 W of power in response to an applied drive voltage of ±60 to 120 V with a frequency of 20 to 200 kHz, causing the fluid passage section 161 to vibrate at a frequency corresponding to the drive voltage. The actuator 162 may also consume 0.8 to 1.2 W of power in response to an applied drive voltage of ±70 to 90 V with a frequency of 50 to 150 kHz, causing the fluid passage section 161 to vibrate at a frequency corresponding to the drive voltage. For example, the actuator 162 consumes 1 W of power in response to an applied drive voltage of 108 kHz with an amplitude of 80 V, causing the fluid passage section 161 to vibrate at a frequency corresponding to the drive voltage. As a result, the fluid passage section 161 with a diameter of 8 mm vibrates ultrasonically with an intensity of 2 W / cm².

[0050] The power supply unit 200 supplies power to the actuator 162 to vibrate the fluid passage 161. For example, the power supply unit 200 generates the drive voltage and applies it to the actuator 162. The power supply unit 200 has a grip 210 and a fitting portion 220. The grip 210 is mounted under the container 110 and is grasped by the user.

[0051] The grip 210 includes a battery housing 211, a drive circuit 212, and a switch 213. The battery housing 211 houses a battery for generating the drive voltage. For example, the battery housing 211 houses one or more AA or AAA dry cell batteries.

[0052] The drive circuit 212 converts the DC voltage applied from the battery into the drive voltage. The switch 213 is, for example, a push-button switch, and switches between an ON state that causes the drive circuit 212 to generate the drive voltage and an OFF state that prevents the drive circuit 212 from generating the drive voltage.

[0053] The fitting portion 220 protrudes upward from the rear portion of the grip 210 and fits into the container 110 from the rear below the protruding portion 114. The fitting portion 220 is provided with a pair of contacts 231 and 232. Each of the pair of contacts 231 and 232 is made of a conductive material such as copper and is exposed forward from the fitting portion 220.

[0054] The pair of contacts 231 and 232 are connected to the drive circuit 212 and output a drive voltage generated by the drive circuit 212. When the mating portion 220 is fitted into the container 110, the pair of contacts 231 and 232 make contact with the pair of contacts 131 and 132, respectively. As a result, the actuator 162 is electrically connected to the drive circuit 212, and the drive voltage generated by the drive circuit 212 is applied to the actuator 162.

[0055] In the nanobubble generating apparatus 1 described above, the specifications of the liquid passage section suitable for nanobubble generation may vary depending on the characteristics (e.g., viscosity) of the liquid contained in the container 110. Therefore, the nanobubble generating apparatus 1 may have a plurality of liquid delivery units 100. In this case, the power supply unit 200 can be attached to any of the plurality of liquid delivery units 100 and supplies a drive voltage to the actuator 162 of the attached liquid delivery unit 100.

[0056] If the nanobubble generator 1 has multiple liquid delivery units 100, the size of each of the multiple holes 165 may differ from one another among the multiple liquid delivery units 100. Alternatively, the number of multiple holes 165 may differ from one another among the multiple liquid delivery units 100. Alternatively, both the size of each of the multiple holes 165 and the number of multiple holes 165 may differ from one another among the multiple liquid delivery units 100.

[0057] The configuration of the nanobubble generating apparatus 1 illustrated above can be modified as appropriate. The direction in which the actuator 162 vibrates the liquid-conducting section 161 is not necessarily limited to directions perpendicular to the first surface 163 and the second surface 164. For example, the actuator 162 may vibrate the liquid-conducting section 161 along directions parallel to the first surface 163 and the second surface 164.

[0058] The nanobubble generator 1 may further include a tube 152, as shown in Figure 3. The tube 152 is connected to the cylindrical portion 150 and inserted into the user's oral cavity. The tube 152 may be made of a material more flexible than the material of the container 110 and the cylindrical portion 150. The tube 152 may be detachably attached to the cylindrical portion 150, or it may be fixed to the cylindrical portion 150 by adhesive or the like. The tube 152 may also be integrally molded with the container 110, for example by two-color molding. A vibration unit 160 may also be provided at the end of the tube 152. In this case, for example, the reduction of mist due to adhesion to the inner surface of the tube 152 can be suppressed.

[0059] The actuator 162 may be integrated with the fluid passage section 161. For example, the fluid passage section 161 itself may be formed from a piezoelectric element and configured to vibrate in response to the application of a driving voltage. In this case, the fluid passage section 161 may vibrate by repeatedly expanding and contracting the inner diameter of the multiple holes 165.

[0060] The configuration, which generates nanobubbles while delivering liquid by vibrating the liquid passage section 161, is applicable to devices other than nebulizers. For example, Figure 4 shows a nanobubble generator 1A, which is an example of a beauty device that atomizes liquid and supplies it to the user's face. The nanobubble generator 1A has a liquid delivery unit 100A and a power supply unit 200A.

[0061] The liquid delivery unit 100A comprises a container 110A and a plurality of vibration units 160A, 160B, and 160C. Container 110A contains a liquid such as distilled water or a beauty serum (e.g., lotion). Container 110A has an opposing surface 119. The opposing surface 119 faces in a direction intersecting the vertical direction and is directed toward a person's face.

[0062] Each of the multiple vibration units 160A, 160B, and 160C has the aforementioned fluid passage section 161 and actuator 162. The multiple vibration units 160A, 160B, and 160C are arranged so as to be scattered on the opposing surface 119. This allows the atomized liquid to be supplied simultaneously over a wide area of ​​the face. In each of the multiple vibration units 160A, 160B, and 160C, the actuator 162 supports the fluid passage section 161 such that its second surface 164 constitutes part of the opposing surface 119, and vibrates the fluid passage section 161 to deliver the liquid to the face.

[0063] In each of the multiple vibration units 160A, 160B, and 160C, the actuator 162 vibrates the liquid-conducting section 161 in such a way that nanobubbles are generated in the liquid passing through the multiple holes 165. For example, the actuator 162 vibrates the liquid-conducting section 161 in such a way that more than 100 million nanobubbles are generated per milliliter in the liquid passing through the multiple holes 165.

[0064] The power supply unit 200A supplies power to the actuators 162 of each of the multiple vibration units 160A, 160B, and 160C to vibrate the fluid passage 161. For example, the power supply unit 200A generates the above-mentioned drive voltage and applies it to the actuators 162. Similar to the power supply unit 200, the power supply unit 200A has a grip 210 located below the container 110A. Note that the number of vibration units is not limited to three and can be changed as appropriate.

[0065] The fluid delivery unit 100A may further include a direction adjustment unit that allows the orientation of the multiple vibration units 160A, 160B, and 160C (the direction in which the second surface 164 of the fluid passage section 161 faces) to be changed. A direction adjustment unit may be provided for each of the multiple vibration units 160A, 160B, and 160C, making it possible to adjust the orientation of each of the multiple vibration units 160A, 160B, and 160C independently.

[0066] The vibration unit 160 may be configured such that the vibration of the liquid passage section 161 by the actuator 162 does not substantially contribute to the delivery of liquid from the first surface 163 to the second surface 164. For example, each of the multiple holes 165 in the liquid passage section 161 may have an inner diameter large enough not to obstruct the flow of liquid from the first surface 163 to the second surface 164. For example, the liquid passage section 161 may be provided at the water outlet of a shower head and configured to deliver liquid in a shower-like manner even when vibration by the actuator 162 is not applied. Even in such a configuration, nanobubbles can be generated in the liquid passing through the multiple holes 165 by vibrating the liquid passage section 161 with the actuator 162.

[0067] Figure 5 illustrates a nanobubble generator 1B that generates nanobubbles in a liquid in a container by vibration of a liquid-conducting section 161 immersed in liquid. The nanobubble generator 1B has a liquid delivery unit 100B and a plurality of vibration units 160D, 160E, and 160F. The liquid delivery unit 100B contains a liquid such as distilled water or an aqueous solution of a drug. A liquid delivery port 123 is formed at the bottom of the liquid delivery unit 100B. Below the liquid delivery unit 100B, a liquid delivery pipe 170 is provided to guide the liquid delivered from the liquid delivery port 123. The flow path of the liquid delivery pipe 170 is opened and closed by a cock or the like.

[0068] Each of the multiple vibration units 160D, 160E, and 160F has the aforementioned fluid passage section 161 and actuator 162. The actuator 162 of each of the multiple vibration units 160D, 160E, and 160F supports the fluid passage section 161 such that both the first surface 163 and the second surface 164 are in contact with the liquid inside the container 110B, and vibrates the fluid passage section 161 so that the liquid circulates inside the container 110B through the hole 165 and around the fluid passage section 161 (around the actuator 162).

[0069] Multiple vibration units 160D, 160E, and 160F are arranged along the line such that the first surface 163 and the second surface 164 are perpendicular to the same line.

[0070] For example, multiple vibration units 160D, 160E, and 160F are arranged at intervals along a line L1 such that their first surfaces 163 and second surfaces 164 are perpendicular to a single vertical line L1. For example, multiple vibration units 160D, 160E, and 160F are arranged at intervals from bottom to top. In each of the multiple vibration units 160D, 160E, and 160F, the first surface 163 faces upward and the second surface 164 faces downward. The second surface 164 of vibration unit 160E faces the first surface 163 of vibration unit 160D, and the second surface 164 of vibration unit 160F faces the first surface 163 of vibration unit 160E.

[0071] Each actuator 162 of the multiple vibration units 160D, 160E, and 160F vibrates the fluid passage section 161 so that the liquid is sent through multiple holes 165 in the direction toward the second surface 164. For example, the actuator 162 of vibration unit 160F vibrates the fluid passage section 161 so that the liquid above is sent to the vibration unit 160E below. The actuator 162 of vibration unit 160E vibrates the fluid passage section 161 so that the liquid sent from vibration unit 160F is sent to the vibration unit 160D below. The actuator 162 of vibration unit 160D vibrates the fluid passage section 161 so that the liquid sent from vibration unit 160E is sent downwards. The liquid sent downwards by the fluid passage section 161 of vibration unit 160D returns upwards through the outer circumference of the multiple vibration units 160D, 160E, and 160F and the container 110B. This causes the liquid to circulate within container 110B.

[0072] Each actuator 162 of the multiple vibration units 160D, 160E, and 160F vibrates the liquid passage section 161 to generate nanobubbles in the liquid passing through the multiple holes 165. Nanobubbles are generated in the liquid each time the liquid circulating inside the container 110B passes through the multiple holes 165 in each of the multiple vibration units 160D, 160E, and 160F. Therefore, nanobubbles can be efficiently generated in the liquid inside the container 110B.

[0073] This generates a liquid containing nanobubbles at a high concentration inside container 110B. The generated liquid is delivered via the liquid delivery pipe 170 and can be used for various purposes such as hand washing, gargling, or cleaning equipment. The number of vibration units is not limited to three and can be changed as needed.

[0074] 〔summary〕 The embodiments described above include the following configuration. (1) A nanobubble generating device comprising: a liquid-conducting section 161 having a first surface 163 and a second surface 164 facing opposite directions, and a plurality of liquid-conducting holes 165, each opening to the first surface 163 and the second surface 164; and an actuator 162 that supports the liquid-conducting section 161 so that at least the first surface 163 is in contact with the liquid, and vibrates the liquid-conducting section 161 so as to generate nanobubbles in the liquid passing through the plurality of holes 165 from the first surface 163 to the second surface 164. This nanobubble generator can generate nanobubbles in a liquid even with a small flow rate by utilizing the energy of the actuator 162.

[0075] (2) The nanobubble generating apparatus according to (1), wherein the actuator 162 vibrates the liquid passage section 161 so as to generate more than 100 million nanobubbles per ml in the liquid passing through a plurality of holes 165. The generated nanobubbles can be effectively utilized for cleaning and other purposes.

[0076] (3) The nanobubble generating apparatus according to (1) or (2), wherein the actuator 162 vibrates the fluid passage section 161 at a frequency of more than 20 kHz. It can efficiently generate nanobubbles.

[0077] (4) The nanobubble generating apparatus according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein the actuator 162 vibrates the liquid-conducting section 161 so as to generate a liquid flow from the first surface 163 to the second surface 164 in each of the plurality of holes 165. The vibrations of the fluid passage can be effectively utilized for fluid delivery. The flow of liquid in each of the multiple holes can also promote the generation of nanobubbles.

[0078] (5) The nanobubble generating apparatus according to (4), wherein the actuator 162 vibrates the fluid-conducting section 161 along a direction perpendicular to the first surface 163 and the second surface 164. It can efficiently generate nanobubbles.

[0079] (6) The nanobubble generating apparatus according to (5), further comprising a container 110 for containing liquid, wherein the actuator 162 supports the liquid-conducting section 161 such that a first surface 163 is in contact with the liquid inside the container 110 and a second surface 164 faces the outside of the container 110, and vibrates the liquid-conducting section 161 so as to atomize the liquid that has passed through a plurality of holes 165 and send it out of the container 110. The generated nanobubbles can be effectively utilized as a mist.

[0080] (7) The nanobubble generating apparatus according to (6), wherein the actuator 162 vibrates the liquid passage section 161 so as to atomize 0.5 to 5 ml of liquid per minute and send it out of the container 110. Nanobubbles can be generated with higher energy efficiency.

[0081] (8) The nanobubble generating apparatus according to (6) or (7), wherein each of the multiple holes 165 is formed so as not to allow liquid to pass from the first surface 163 to the second surface 164 when the container 110 is in an atmosphere of atmospheric pressure and the liquid-permeable section 161 is stationary. Nanobubbles can be generated with higher energy efficiency.

[0082] (9) The nanobubble generating apparatus according to (8), wherein the inner diameter of each of the multiple pores 165 is 3 to 10 μm. Nanobubbles can be generated with higher energy efficiency.

[0083] (10) The nanobubble generating apparatus according to (8) or (9), wherein the inner diameter of each of the multiple holes 165 gradually decreases from the first surface 163 toward the second surface 164. Nanobubbles can be generated with higher energy efficiency.

[0084] (11) A nanobubble generating device according to any one of (6) to (10), further comprising a cylindrical portion 150 protruding from the outer surface of the container 110 and directed toward the oral cavity of a person, wherein the actuator 162 supports the liquid-conducting portion 161 such that a second surface 164 faces the outside of the container 110 via the cylindrical portion 150, and vibrates the liquid-conducting portion 161 to deliver liquid into the oral cavity via the cylindrical portion 150. Mist containing nanobubbles can be effectively used for purposes such as removing phlegm.

[0085] (12) A nanobubble generating apparatus according to any one of (6) to (10), wherein the container 110 has a facing surface directed toward a person's face, and the actuator 162 supports the fluid-conducting section 161 such that the second surface 164 constitutes part of the facing surface, and vibrates the fluid-conducting section 161 to deliver liquid toward the face. Mist containing nanobubbles can be effectively used for purposes such as removing phlegm.

[0086] (13) A nanobubble generating apparatus according to any one of (6) to (12), comprising: a plurality of liquid delivery units 100 each having a liquid passage section 161, a container 110, and an actuator 162; and a power supply unit that can be attached to any of the plurality of liquid delivery units 100 and supplies power to the actuator 162 to vibrate the liquid passage section 161, wherein the size of each of the plurality of holes 165 differs from that of the plurality of liquid delivery units 100. By using the first and second units appropriately depending on the viscosity of multiple types of liquids, nanobubbles can be generated in each of these liquids with high energy efficiency.

[0087] (14) A nanobubble generating apparatus according to any one of (6) to (13), comprising: a plurality of liquid delivery units 100 each having a liquid passage section 161, a container 110, and an actuator 162; and a power supply unit that can be attached to any of the plurality of liquid delivery units 100 and supplies power to the actuator 162 to vibrate the liquid passage section 161, wherein the number of multiple holes 165 differs among the plurality of liquid delivery units 100. By using the first and second units appropriately depending on the viscosity of multiple types of liquids, nanobubbles can be generated in each of these liquids with high energy efficiency.

[0088] (15) The nanobubble generating apparatus according to (1) or (2), further comprising a container 110 for containing a liquid, wherein the actuator 162 supports the liquid-conducting portion 161 such that both a first surface 163 and a second surface 164 are in contact with the liquid inside the container 110, and vibrates the liquid-conducting portion 161 so as to circulate the liquid inside the container 110 through a plurality of holes 165 and around the liquid-conducting portion 161. The number of nanobubbles can be freely adjusted.

[0089] (15) A nanobubble generating apparatus according to (14), comprising a plurality of vibration units 160D, 160E, 160F, each having a liquid passage section 161 and an actuator 162, wherein the plurality of vibration units 160D, 160E, 160F are arranged along a line such that a first surface 163 and a second surface 164 are perpendicular to the same line and are housed in a container 110, and the actuator 162 of each of the plurality of vibration units 160D, 160E, 160F vibrates the liquid passage section 161 so as to generate nanobubbles in the liquid passing through a plurality of holes 165. This allows for the generation of nanobubbles in a shorter amount of time. [Examples]

[0090] The following describes an example of the nanobubble generation device 1, but the present invention is not limited to this example. A nanobubble generation device 1 having a vibration unit 160 with the following specifications was prepared. Thickness of the fluid-permeable section: 0.65 mm Material of the fluid passage: Stainless steel Outer diameter of the fluid passage: 8mm Number of holes: 900 Inner diameter of pores on the second surface: 5.5 μm Inner diameter of pores on the first surface: 40 μm

[0091] Distilled water was placed in container 110, and a drive voltage of 108 kHz and ±80 V was applied to the actuator 162 of the vibration unit 160 to supply 1 W of power. The mist generated by the actuator 162 vibrating the liquid passage section 161 was collected, and the number of nanobubbles in the collected liquid was counted using nanoparticle tracking analysis. The measurement results confirmed that 120 million nanobubbles were contained per 1 ml. [Explanation of symbols]

[0092] 1...Nanobubble generator, 100...Liquid delivery unit, 110...Container, 150...Cylindrical section, 161...Liquid passage section, 163...First surface, 164...Second surface, 165...Hole, 162...Actuator, 1,1A,1B...Nanobubble generator, 160D,160E,160F...Multiple vibration units.

Claims

1. The first and second faces are facing opposite directions, Each of the following is a plurality of holes for liquid passage that open to the first surface and the second surface, A liquid-conducting section having, An actuator that supports the liquid-conducting portion so that at least the first surface is in contact with the liquid, vibrates the liquid-conducting portion to generate a liquid flow from the first surface to the second surface in each of the plurality of holes, and generates nanobubbles in the liquid by the generated liquid flow, A container for holding the aforementioned liquid, Equipped with, The actuator supports the liquid-conducting portion such that the first surface is in contact with the liquid inside the container and the second surface faces the outside of the container, and vibrates the liquid-conducting portion so as to atomize the liquid that has passed through the plurality of holes and send it out of the container. Each of the aforementioned plurality of holes is formed such that, when the container is in an atmosphere of atmospheric pressure and the liquid-permeable portion is stationary, liquid does not pass from the first surface to the second surface. The inner diameter of each of the aforementioned multiple holes is 3 to 10 μm. Nanobubble generator.

2. The actuator vibrates the liquid-conducting section to generate more than 100 million nanobubbles per milliliter. The nanobubble generating apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The actuator vibrates the fluid passage at a frequency exceeding 20 kHz. The nanobubble generating apparatus according to claim 1.

4. The actuator vibrates the fluid passage along a direction perpendicular to the first and second surfaces. The nanobubble generating apparatus according to claim 1.

5. The actuator vibrates the liquid passage section so as to atomize 0.5 to 5 ml of liquid per minute and send it out of the container. The nanobubble generating apparatus according to claim 1.

6. The inner diameter of each of the aforementioned multiple holes gradually decreases from the first surface toward the second surface. The nanobubble generating apparatus according to claim 1.

7. The container further comprises a cylindrical portion that protrudes from the outer surface of the container and is directed towards the inside of a person's mouth, The actuator supports the liquid passage portion such that the second surface faces the outside of the container through the cylindrical portion, and vibrates the liquid passage portion to deliver liquid into the oral cavity through the cylindrical portion. A nanobubble generating apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The container has an opposing surface that is directed toward a person's face, The actuator supports the fluid passage portion such that the second surface constitutes a part of the opposing surface, and vibrates the fluid passage portion to deliver liquid to the face. A nanobubble generating apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

9. A plurality of liquid supply units, each having the liquid passage section, the container, and the actuator, A power supply unit which can be attached to any of the aforementioned liquid delivery units and supplies power to the actuator to vibrate the liquid passage, Equipped with, The size of each of the aforementioned multiple holes differs from that of the aforementioned multiple liquid delivery units. A nanobubble generating apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

10. A plurality of liquid supply units, each having the liquid passage section, the container, and the actuator, A power supply unit which can be attached to any of the aforementioned liquid delivery units and supplies power to the actuator to vibrate the liquid passage, Equipped with, The number of holes in each of the liquid delivery units is different from one another. A nanobubble generating apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

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