Bubble-containing liquid production device, bubble-containing liquid production system, shower system, liquid supply device, liquid supply system, and treatment method

Abstract

The present invention provides a bubble-containing liquid production device and a bubble-containing liquid production system that make it possible to improve the degree of freedom of adjustment of the amount of dissolved gas in a liquid. Provided is a bubble-containing liquid production device for producing a liquid that contains bubbles, said bubble-containing liquid production device comprising an outer cylinder 11, a nozzle 12, and a spray port 136. The outer cylinder 11 is formed to be hollow. The nozzle 12 is inserted in the outer cylinder 11 such that there is a space 15 between the nozzle 12 and the inner peripheral surface of the outer cylinder 11. The nozzle 12 sprays one of a liquid and a gas through the space 15 and toward the inner peripheral surface of the outer cylinder 11. The spray port 136 sprays the other one of the liquid and the gas toward said one of the liquid and the gas sprayed from the space 15.

Description

Bubble-containing liquid generating device, bubble-containing liquid generating system, shower system, liquid supply device, liquid supply system, and treatment method

[0001] The present invention relates to a bubble-containing liquid generating device for generating a liquid containing bubbles, and a bubble-containing liquid generating system, a shower system, a liquid supply device, a liquid supply system, and a treatment method including the same.

[0002] For example, in a beauty salon or a nursing facility, as exemplified in Patent Document 1 below, a part of the human body (for example, the head, hair, or body) may be washed with a liquid discharged from a shower head. This type of shower head may be used not only for the human body but also for washing various objects such as animals or metals.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-210002

[0004] In recent years, techniques have been proposed to improve the cleaning power of a liquid by mixing fine bubbles such as microbubbles or ultrafine bubbles into the liquid such as water. However, even if bubbles are mixed into the liquid, it cannot be said that the cleaning power of the bubbles in the liquid is sufficiently exerted by simply injecting the liquid onto an object in some cases.

[0005] Therefore, it is conceivable to improve the structure of the shower head so that the amount of dissolved gas (dissolved oxygen amount) in the liquid can be increased to improve the cleaning power. However, in the limited space inside the shower head, there is a problem that the balance between the pressure of the liquid and the pressure of the gas supplied into the liquid is limited, and the degree of freedom in adjusting the amount of dissolved gas in the liquid is low.

[0006] If a bubble-containing liquid generating device with a high degree of freedom in adjusting the amount of dissolved gas in the liquid can be provided, it can be applied not only to a shower head but also to various systems for generating a bubble-containing liquid, such as a water server.

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and aims to provide a bubble-containing liquid generating device, a bubble-containing liquid generating system, a shower system, a liquid supply device, a liquid supply system, and a treatment method that can improve the degree of freedom in adjusting the amount of dissolved gas in the liquid.

[0008] (1) The bubble-containing liquid generator according to the present invention is a bubble-containing liquid generator for generating a liquid containing bubbles, comprising an outer cylinder, a nozzle, and an injection port. The outer cylinder is formed in a hollow shape. The nozzle is inserted into the outer cylinder such that it has a space between itself and the inner circumferential surface of the outer cylinder, and injects either a liquid or a gas toward the inner circumferential surface of the outer cylinder through the space. The injection port injects the other liquid or gas toward the liquid or gas being injected into the space.

[0009] With this configuration, either the liquid or the gas can be pulverized by injecting one from the nozzle toward the inner surface of the outer cylinder. Conversely, the other liquid or gas can be pulverized by injecting the other liquid or gas toward the one being injected from the nozzle. As a result, the pulverized liquid and gas mix in the space, making it possible to generate a liquid containing gas bubbles. Since the liquid and gas are injected into the space separately, the degree of pulverization of the liquid and gas can be finely adjusted by adjusting their respective flow rates, thereby increasing the degree of freedom in adjusting the amount of dissolved gas in the liquid.

[0010] (2) The device may further include a heater for heating the liquid before it is sprayed.

[0011] With this configuration, a preheated liquid can be sprayed, causing it to pulverize and become a mist. This makes it possible to generate a mist of liquid, thus expanding the applications of the bubble-containing liquid generator.

[0012] (3) The liquid or gas that is ejected from the nozzle into the space may be ejected in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the nozzle.

[0013] With this configuration, either the liquid or the gas is injected perpendicular to the axial direction of the nozzle and pulverized on the inner surface of the outer cylinder, thereby efficiently pulverizing either the liquid or the gas.

[0014] (4) The other of the liquid or gas that is sprayed from the nozzle toward the space may be sprayed in a direction parallel to the axial direction of the nozzle.

[0015] With this configuration, by spraying the other liquid or gas parallel to the nozzle axis toward one of the liquids or gases being sprayed perpendicular to the nozzle axis, the other liquid or gas can be efficiently pulverized.

[0016] (5) The bubble-containing liquid generator may further include a buffer area and a supply port. The buffer area is formed on the side opposite to the space side with respect to the injection port. The supply port supplies the other of the liquid or gas to the buffer area. The other of the liquid or gas supplied from the supply port is stored in the buffer area and then injected from the injection port.

[0017] With this configuration, the other of the liquid or gas supplied from the supply port is stored in the buffer area before being injected from the injection port, thereby stabilizing the pressure of the other liquid or gas being injected. This allows for the stable generation of a liquid containing bubbles.

[0018] (6) The bubble-containing liquid generation system according to the present invention comprises a bubble-containing liquid generation device, a first pump that supplies one of the liquid or gas to the nozzle, a second pump that supplies the other of the liquid or gas to the injection port, and a flow rate adjustment unit for adjusting the flow rates of the first pump and the second pump.

[0019] With this configuration, the flow rates of the liquid and gas can be adjusted separately by the flow rate adjustment unit, making it possible to fine-tune the degree of pulverization of the liquid and gas. As a result, the degree of freedom in adjusting the amount of dissolved gas in the liquid can be improved.

[0020] According to the present invention, it is possible to finely adjust the degree of pulverization of the liquid and gas, and as a result, the degree of freedom in adjusting the amount of dissolved gas in the liquid can be improved.

[0021] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the overall configuration of a bubble-containing liquid generating system according to one embodiment of the present invention. This is a cross-sectional view illustrating the specific configuration of the bubble-containing liquid generating device. This is a diagram showing the external configuration of the outer cylinder, where (a) is a plan view, (b) is a view from arrow A1, and (c) is a view from arrow A2. This is a diagram showing the external configuration of the nozzle, where (a) is a plan view, (b) is a view from arrow B1, and (c) is a view from arrow B2. This is a diagram showing the external configuration of the base, where (a) is a plan view, (b) is a view from arrow C1, and (c) is a view from arrow C2. This is a diagram showing the external configuration of the cap, where (a) is a plan view, (b) is a view from arrow D1, and (c) is a view from arrow D2. This is a perspective view of a shower head according to one embodiment, viewed from the upper front side. This is a perspective view of the shower head, viewed from the lower rear side. This is a front view of the shower head. This is an exploded perspective view of the shower head, viewed from the upper front side. This is an exploded perspective view of the shower head, viewed from the lower rear side. This is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in Figure 9. This is a side cross-sectional view of a shower head according to one modification. This is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure for a treatment method according to one embodiment of the present invention. This is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a shower system. This is a diagram showing the schematic configuration of a liquid supply system.

[0022] 1. Overall Configuration Diagram 1 of the bubble-containing liquid generation system is a schematic diagram illustrating the overall configuration of a bubble-containing liquid generation system according to one embodiment of the present invention. This bubble-containing liquid generation system includes a bubble-containing liquid generation device 1, a liquid pump 2, a gas pump 3, and a flow rate adjustment unit 4, etc.

[0023] In the bubble-containing liquid generator 1, the liquid supplied to the bubble-containing liquid generator 1 from the liquid pump 2 via the liquid supply pipe 21 is mixed with the gas supplied to the bubble-containing liquid generator 1 from the gas pump 3 via the gas supply pipe 31, generating a liquid containing bubbles (bubble-containing liquid). In this example, the bubble-containing liquid generated from the bubble-containing liquid generator 1 is supplied to the shower head 5 via the piping 51.

[0024] Specifically, water, as an example of a liquid, is supplied from the liquid pump 2, and air, as an example of a gas, is supplied from the gas pump 3. As a result, the bubble-containing liquid generator 1 generates water containing fine air bubbles, which is supplied to the showerhead 5. As a result, water containing fine air bubbles is sprayed from the showerhead 5. The fine bubbles may be microbubbles or ultrafine bubbles.

[0025] However, the liquid supplied from the liquid pump 2 to the bubble-containing liquid generator 1 is not limited to water; it may be any other liquid. Similarly, the gas supplied from the gas pump 3 to the bubble-containing liquid generator 1 is not limited to air; it may be any other gas, such as oxygen. The bubble-containing liquid generated from the bubble-containing liquid generator 1 is not limited to the showerhead 5; it may be supplied to other devices such as a water dispenser, or stored in a tank or the like.

[0026] The liquid supplied from the liquid pump 2 into the bubble-containing liquid generator 1 is heated by the heater 10. The heater 10 is preferably integrally provided within the bubble-containing liquid generator 1, but the liquid may be heated by the heater 10 before being supplied into the bubble-containing liquid generator 1. The heater 10 can also be omitted.

[0027] The flow rate adjustment unit 4 includes a liquid flow rate adjustment unit 41 and a gas flow rate adjustment unit 42. The liquid flow rate adjustment unit 41 is a mechanism for adjusting the flow rate of the liquid pump 2 by manual or automatic control. The gas flow rate adjustment unit 42 is a mechanism for adjusting the flow rate of the gas pump 3 by manual or automatic control. In the case of automatic control, for example, a computer (not shown) may be configured to adjust the flow rate to a preset level by executing a program.

[0028] In this way, the amount of bubbles in the bubble-containing liquid can be adjusted by appropriately adjusting the flow rates of the liquid pump 2 and the gas pump 3. Furthermore, the particle size of the bubbles in the bubble-containing liquid can also be adjusted, such as to create microbubbles or ultrafine bubbles.

[0029] 2. Diagram 2 of the specific configuration of the bubble-containing liquid generator is a cross-sectional view illustrating the specific configuration of the bubble-containing liquid generator 1. This bubble-containing liquid generator 1 comprises an outer cylinder 11, a nozzle 12, a base 13, and a cap 14, and is a cylindrical member integrally formed by assembling these components.

[0030] Figure 3 shows the external configuration of the outer cylinder 11, where (a) is a plan view, (b) is a view from arrow A1, and (c) is a view from arrow A2. Figure 4 shows the external configuration of the nozzle 12, where (a) is a plan view, (b) is a view from arrow B1, and (c) is a view from arrow B2. Figure 5 shows the external configuration of the base 13, where (a) is a plan view, (b) is a view from arrow C1, and (c) is a view from arrow C2. Figure 6 shows the external configuration of the cap 14, where (a) is a plan view, (b) is a view from arrow D1, and (c) is a view from arrow D2. Below, the configuration of each part constituting the bubble-containing liquid generator 1 will be specifically described with reference to Figures 2 to 6.

[0031] <Outer Cylinder Structure> The outer cylinder 11 is a hollow member and comprises a cylindrical portion 111 and a lid portion 112. In this example, the cylindrical portion 111 is formed in a cylindrical shape, but it may be in other shapes such as a rectangular cylinder as long as it is cylindrical. The end face of the cylindrical portion 111 on the side viewed by arrow A1 is open, and the end face on the side viewed by arrow A2 is closed by the lid portion 112. However, an opening 113 is formed in the center of the lid portion 112, and the side viewed by arrow A2 of the cylindrical portion 111 is also open through this opening 113.

[0032] A threaded portion 114 (screw groove) for connecting the outer cylinder 11 to the base 13 is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the end of the cylindrical portion 111 of the outer cylinder 11 that is viewed from arrow A1. In addition, a threaded portion 115 (screw groove) for connecting the pipe 51 is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the opening 113.

[0033] <Nozzle Configuration> The nozzle 12 is a hollow member with a smaller diameter than the outer cylinder 11, and comprises a cylindrical portion 121 and a lid portion 122. In this example, the cylindrical portion 121 is formed in a cylindrical shape, but it may be in other shapes such as a rectangular cylinder as long as it is cylindrical. The end face of the cylindrical portion 121 on the side viewed by arrow B1 is open, and the end face on the side viewed by arrow B2 is closed by the lid portion 122. Unlike the lid portion 112 of the outer cylinder 11, the lid portion 122 of the nozzle 12 does not have an opening.

[0034] The nozzle 12 is inserted into the outer cylinder 11. The cylindrical portion 121 of the nozzle 12 is located coaxially with the cylindrical portion 111 of the outer cylinder 11, and a space 15 is formed between the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 121 of the nozzle 12 and the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 111 of the outer cylinder 11. This space 15 is formed in an annular (circular) shape around the nozzle 12. In addition, a gap 16 is formed between the lid portion 122 of the nozzle 12 and the lid portion 112 of the outer cylinder 11, and the space 15 and the opening 113 are in communication through this gap 16.

[0035] Multiple injection ports 123 are formed on the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 121 of the nozzle 12. Each injection port 123 is made up of a small hole that penetrates the cylindrical portion 121, and the inside of the nozzle 12 and the space 15 inside the outer cylinder 11 are in communication through each injection port 123.

[0036] In this example, multiple (e.g., four) nozzles 123 are formed in a row at equal intervals along a direction parallel to the axial direction of the nozzle 12, and multiple rows (e.g., four rows) of these nozzles 123 are formed at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion 121 of the nozzle 12. Although a configuration in which 16 nozzles 123 are formed is described, the number and position of the nozzles 123 are not particularly limited.

[0037] A threaded portion 124 (screw thread) is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the end of the cylindrical portion 121 of the nozzle 12 on the side viewed by arrow B1, for connecting the nozzle 12 to the base portion 13 and the cap 14.

[0038] <Configuration of the base> The base 13 is a hollow member having the same outer diameter as the outer cylinder 11, and comprises a cylindrical portion 131 and a lid portion 132. However, the outer diameter of the base 13 is not limited to being the same as that of the outer cylinder 11; it may be larger or smaller than the outer diameter of the outer cylinder 11. In this example, the cylindrical portion 131 is formed in a cylindrical shape, but it may be in other shapes such as a rectangular cylinder as long as it is cylindrical. The end face of the cylindrical portion 131 on the side viewed by arrow C1 is open, and the end face on the side viewed by arrow C2 is closed by the lid portion 132.

[0039] An opening 133 is formed in the lid portion 132 of the base portion 13. The inner diameter of the opening 133 corresponds to the outer diameter of the cylindrical portion 121 of the nozzle 12, and a threaded portion 134 (screw groove) for connecting the cylindrical portion 121 of the nozzle 12 is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the opening 133. In addition, a threaded portion 135 (screw thread) is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the end of the cylindrical portion 131 of the base portion 13 on the side viewed by arrow C2, for connecting the base portion 13 to the cylindrical portion 111 of the outer cylinder 11.

[0040] Multiple nozzles 136 are formed in the lid portion 132 of the base portion 13. Each nozzle 136 is made up of a small hole that penetrates the lid portion 132, and the inside of the base portion 13 and the space 15 inside the outer cylinder 11 are in communication through each nozzle 136. The inner diameter of each nozzle 136 formed in the base portion 13 is about the same as the inner diameter of each nozzle 123 formed in the nozzle 12.

[0041] In this example, multiple (for example, eight) nozzles 136 are formed at equal intervals along the circumferential direction around the opening 133 formed in the center of the lid portion 132. However, the number and position of the nozzles 136 are not particularly limited.

[0042] Furthermore, a supply port 137 is formed in the cylindrical portion 131 of the base portion 13. The supply port 137 has a larger inner diameter than the injection port 136, and the side surface of the cylindrical portion 131 is open through the supply port 137. In this example, one supply port 137 is formed in the cylindrical portion 131, but multiple supply ports 137 may be formed.

[0043] <Configuration of the Cap> The cap 14 is a plate-like member having the same outer diameter as the base 13. However, as long as the end face on the C1 arrow-view side of the cylindrical portion 131 of the base 13 can be closed by the cap 14, the outer diameter of the cap 14 is not limited to being the same as that of the base 13, and may be larger or smaller than the outer diameter of the base 13. In this example, the base 13 is formed in a disc shape, but it may be in other shapes such as a rectangular plate shape as long as it is plate-like.

[0044] An opening 141 is formed in the cap 14. The inner diameter of the opening 141 corresponds to the outer diameter of the cylindrical portion 121 of the nozzle 12, and a screw portion 142 (thread groove) for connecting the cylindrical portion 121 of the nozzle 12 is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the opening 141.

[0045] <Assembly of the Bubble-Containing Liquid Generator> When assembling the outer cylinder 11, the nozzle 12, the base 13, and the cap 14 to form the bubble-containing liquid generator 1, the nozzle 12 is connected to the base 13 and the cap 14, and the outer cylinder 11 is connected to the base 13.

[0046] When connecting the nozzle 12 to the base 13 and the cap 14, first, the screw portion 124 (thread) formed on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 121 of the nozzle 12 is inserted into the opening 133 of the lid portion 132 of the base 13 and screwed into the screw portion 134 (thread groove) formed on the inner peripheral surface of the opening 133. Thereby, the nozzle 12 and the base 13 are coaxially connected, and the base 13 is disposed at the end portion on the B1 arrow-view side of the nozzle 12.

[0047] Then, the screw portion 124 (thread) formed on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 121 of the nozzle 12 is inserted into the opening 141 of the cap 14 and screwed into the screw portion 142 (thread groove) formed on the inner peripheral surface of the opening 141. The cap 14 is tightened until it abuts against the end face on the C1 arrow-view side of the cylindrical portion 131 of the base 13. Thereby, the end face on the C1 arrow-view side of the cylindrical portion 131 of the base 13 can be closed by the cap 14, and a buffer region 138 can be formed inside the base 13.

[0048] The buffer region 138 is formed on the side opposite to the space 15 side with respect to the injection port 136. That is, the buffer region 138 and the space 15 are partitioned by the lid portion 132 of the base portion 13.

[0049] In this state, each injection port 123 formed in the cylindrical portion 121 of the nozzle 12 is located outside the base portion 13. That is, each injection port 123 is not located in the buffer region 138 formed inside the base portion 13, and the region inside the nozzle 12 is spatially separated from the buffer region 138 inside the base portion 13.

[0050] When connecting the outer cylinder 11 to the base portion 13, the screw portion 135 (thread) formed on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 131 of the base portion 13 is inserted into the end portion on the A1 arrow view side of the cylindrical portion 111 of the outer cylinder 11 and screwed into the screw portion 114 (thread groove) formed on the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 111. Thereby, the end surface on the A1 arrow view side of the cylindrical portion 111 of the outer cylinder 11 can be closed by the base portion 13, and the space 15 can be formed inside the outer cylinder 11.

[0051] In the state where the bubble-containing liquid generator 1 is assembled, the outer peripheral surfaces of the outer cylinder 11, the base portion 13, and the cap 14 are configured to be flush and continuous. However, the base portion 13 and the cap 14 may not be separate members but may be integrally formed. Also, the nozzle 12 and the base portion 13 may not be separate members but may be integrally formed. It is also possible to configure the nozzle 12, the base portion 13, and the cap 14 as one integral member.

[0052] 3. Flow of Fluid in the Bubble-Containing Liquid Generator Next, the flow of fluid (liquid and gas) in the bubble-containing liquid generator 1 will be described using FIG. 2. In this example, the case where liquid is injected from the nozzle 12 will be described.

[0053] The liquid supply pipe 21 communicating with the liquid pump 2 is connected to the nozzle 12. That is, the liquid pump 2 constitutes a first pump that supplies liquid to the nozzle 12. Therefore, the liquid supplied from the liquid supply pipe 21 to the nozzle 12 is injected into the space 15 from the plurality of injection ports 123. At this time, the liquid does not flow into the base portion 13 (inside the buffer region 138) but only flows into the outer cylinder 11 (inside the space 15).

[0054] Since the multiple injection ports 123 of the nozzle 12 are formed in the cylindrical portion 121, the liquid injected from each injection port 123 toward the space 15 is injected perpendicular to the axial direction of the nozzle 12. As a result, the liquid injected from each injection port 123 is directed toward the inner circumferential surface of the outer cylinder 11 through the space 15. In this way, the liquid can be pulverized by injecting it from the nozzle 12 toward the inner circumferential surface of the outer cylinder 11.

[0055] The air supply pipe 31, which is connected to the gas pump 3, is connected to the supply port 137 of the base 13. In other words, the gas pump 3 constitutes a second pump that supplies gas to the injection port 136 via the supply port 137. Therefore, the gas introduced from the air supply pipe 31 to the supply port 137 is supplied to the buffer region 138 within the base 13. At this time, the gas is stored in the buffer region 138 without flowing into the nozzle 12, and is then injected into the space 15 from the multiple injection ports 136.

[0056] Since the multiple injection ports 136 of the base portion 13 are formed in the lid portion 132, the gas injected from each injection port 136 toward the space 15 is injected in a direction parallel to the axial direction of the nozzle 12. As a result, the gas injected from each injection port 136 is injected toward the liquid injected from the nozzle 12 into the space 15. In this way, the gas can be pulverized by injecting it toward the liquid injected from the nozzle 12.

[0057] As a result, the pulverized liquid and gas mix within space 15, making it possible to generate a liquid containing gas bubbles. Since the liquid and gas are injected separately into space 15, the degree of pulverization of the liquid and gas can be finely adjusted by adjusting their respective flow rates, thereby increasing the degree of freedom in adjusting the amount of dissolved gas in the liquid.

[0058] In this example, the flow rate adjustment unit 4, which includes a liquid flow rate adjustment unit 41 and a gas flow rate adjustment unit 42, allows for separate adjustment of the liquid and gas flow rates. This makes it possible to finely adjust the degree of liquid and gas dispersion, thereby increasing the flexibility in adjusting the amount of dissolved gas in the liquid. By appropriately adjusting the liquid and gas flow rates, it is also possible to introduce fine bubbles such as microbubbles or ultrafine bubbles into the liquid.

[0059] In particular, in this embodiment, the gas supplied from the supply port 137 is stored in the buffer region 138 before being injected from the injection port 136, which stabilizes the pressure of the injected gas. This makes it possible to stably generate a liquid containing bubbles.

[0060] The bubble-containing liquid generated in the bubble-containing liquid generator 1 flows out to the outside through the opening 113 of the outer cylinder 11. In this example, the opening 113 is connected to the shower head 5 via piping 51 (see Figure 1), and the bubble-containing liquid flowing out of the bubble-containing liquid generator 1 is sprayed from the shower head 5. Therefore, the bubble-containing liquid sprayed from the shower head 5 can be used to wash people, animals, or other objects (such as washing hair).

[0061] As described above, in this example, the liquid supplied from the liquid supply pipe 21 is water, and the gas supplied from the air supply pipe 31 is air. Therefore, inside the bubble-containing liquid generator 1, water containing air bubbles is generated by the mixing of water and air.

[0062] Furthermore, the liquid injected from each nozzle 123 of the nozzle 12 toward the space 15 is not limited to being injected in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the nozzle 12, but may be injected in a direction inclined with respect to the perpendicular direction, as long as it is injected toward the inner circumferential surface of the outer cylinder 11. Also, the gas injected from each nozzle 136 of the base 13 toward the space 15 is not limited to being injected in a direction parallel to the axial direction of the nozzle 12, but may be injected in a direction inclined with respect to the parallel direction, as long as it is injected toward the liquid injected into the space 15.

[0063] As shown in Figure 1, the bubble-containing liquid generator 1 is equipped with a heater 10. This heater 10 may be provided on the nozzle 12. That is, the heater 10 may be attached to the inner or outer circumferential surface of the nozzle 12. In this case, the liquid can be heated by the heater 10 before being sprayed from the nozzle 12, so that by spraying the preheated liquid from the nozzle 12, the liquid can be atomized. This makes it possible to generate a mist of liquid, thus expanding the applications of the bubble-containing liquid generator 1.

[0064] 4. Modified Examples In the embodiments described above, a case was described in which liquid is ejected from the nozzle 123 and gas is ejected from the nozzle 136 of the base 13. However, the configuration is not limited to this, and a configuration in which air is ejected from the nozzle 123 and liquid is ejected from the nozzle 136 of the base 13 is also possible.

[0065] In this case, the liquid supply pipe 21, which communicates with the liquid pump 2, is connected to the supply port 137 of the base 13, and the air supply pipe 31, which communicates with the gas pump 3, is connected to the nozzle 12. As a result, the gas pump 3 constitutes a first pump that supplies gas to the nozzle 12, and the liquid pump 2 constitutes a second pump that supplies liquid to the injection port 136 via the supply port 137.

[0066] Therefore, gas is injected from the nozzle 12 towards the inner surface of the outer cylinder 11 through the space 15. By injecting gas from the nozzle 12 towards the inner surface of the outer cylinder 11 in this way, the gas can be pulverized.

[0067] Furthermore, liquid is sprayed from the nozzle 136 of the base 13 towards the gas being sprayed into the space 15. In this way, by spraying liquid towards the gas being sprayed from the nozzle 12, the liquid can be pulverized.

[0068] As a result, the pulverized liquid and gas mix within space 15, making it possible to generate a liquid containing gas bubbles. Since the liquid and gas are injected separately into space 15, the degree of pulverization of the liquid and gas can be finely adjusted by adjusting their respective flow rates, thereby increasing the degree of freedom in adjusting the amount of dissolved gas in the liquid.

[0069] In this modified example, the liquid supplied from the supply port 137 to the buffer region 138 within the base 13 is stored in the buffer region 138 before being ejected from the injection port 136 of the base 13, thereby stabilizing the pressure of the ejected liquid. This makes it possible to stably generate a liquid containing air bubbles.

[0070] 5. Example of shower head configuration Instead of the shower head 5 described above, a shower head configured as follows may be used. An embodiment of the shower head will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0071] In this section, the coordinates shown in the diagrams are common to all diagrams. The X, Y, and Z directions of the coordinates are perpendicular to each other. The Z direction may also be referred to as the up-down direction (the direction where the Z axis is positive from the origin is up), the X direction as the front-back direction (the direction where the X axis is positive from the origin is forward), and the Y direction as the side-to-side direction. In the following, these directions may be used to explain the shape and positional relationships of each part, but these are defined solely for the convenience of explanation and do not limit the orientation or posture when using the showerhead. Furthermore, expressions indicating direction, or states such as horizontal, vertical, orthogonal, only indicate that they can be understood in a general way, and should not necessarily be interpreted strictly according to those expressions.

[0072] In the embodiment described in this section, spiral projections or grooves are provided within the liquid flow path inside the showerhead, so that the liquid introduced into the showerhead is released in a specific state. Such a showerhead can be used on its own, or it can be used as part of a shower system that releases functional water, which is a bubble-containing liquid generated by the bubble-containing liquid generator 1. An example of the configuration of such a showerhead will be described below.

[0073] In the embodiment described in this section, the liquid used in the shower head 151 is, for example, water, but other liquids may also be used.

[0074] Figure 7 is a perspective view of a shower head 151 according to one embodiment of this section, viewed from the upper front. Figure 8 is a perspective view of the shower head 151 viewed from the lower rear. Figure 9 is a front view of the shower head 151. Figure 10 is an exploded perspective view of the shower head 151 viewed from the upper front. Figure 11 is an exploded perspective view of the shower head 151 viewed from the lower rear.

[0075] As shown in the figure, the shower head 151 comprises a main body 60, an inner member 70, a discharge part 80, and a connecting part 90. Each member is made of a metal such as aluminum or stainless steel, but may also be made of other materials such as resin. The shower head 151 has the function of increasing the amount of fine bubbles mixed in the water or generating bubbles by utilizing the spiral structure formed in the internal flow path 56 (shown in Figure 12), as will be described later, before releasing the water supplied from the outside. Utilizing the spiral structure may involve, but is not limited to, causing the water flow to collide with the spiral-shaped part.

[0076] The main body 60 comprises a housing 61, a recess 62, an inlet 64, a cylindrical portion 65, and a mounting portion 69. The main body 60 constitutes the main part of the shower head 151, which includes a spiral structure. The main body 60 may be used by being attached to a part that the user grips, for example, but it may also be formed integrally with the part that the user grips.

[0077] The housing 61 is the housing portion of the shower head 151. The housing 61 is a component that forms the outer shape of the shower head 151 and has various components formed inside. In the embodiment described in this section, the main body 60 has a one-piece metal structure in which each component is formed by processing the housing 61. The housing 61 is formed, for example, by processing a cylindrical member. The main body 60 may also be constructed by incorporating other components into the housing 61.

[0078] The recess 62 is a depression formed in the housing 61 of the shower head 151. The recess 62 is formed on the front surface of the main body 60 so as to be recessed toward the rear. A part of the recess 62 is connected to the cylindrical portion 65. The recess 62, when combined with the lid portion 81 of the discharge portion 80 as described later, forms a cavity 58. The recess 62 can be said to be a component on the main body 60 side that forms the cavity described later. The recess 62 is formed, for example, in a spherical shape. However, the shape of the recess 62 is not limited to this, and for example, it may have a shape having a flat surface and a curved surface, or it may be composed of other curved surfaces.

[0079] The inlet 64 is the part that serves as the entry point for introducing water into the interior of the housing 61. In other words, the water supplied to the shower head 151 is discharged to the outside from the discharge section 80 via the flow path 56 from the inlet 64.

[0080] The cylindrical portion 65 is a cylindrical space provided inside the housing 61. In the embodiment described in this section, the cylindrical portion 65 has an inner circumferential surface 66 which is, for example, a cylindrical surface. In the embodiment described in this section, the cylindrical portion 65 is a through hole that penetrates the housing 61 in the front-rear direction. The cylindrical portion 65 extends toward the recess 62, and the front end of the cylindrical portion 65 is located within the recess 62. The cylindrical portion 65 may be a bottomed hole. Also, the inner circumferential surface 66 of the cylindrical portion 65 does not have to be cylindrical.

[0081] As shown in Figure 11, in the embodiment described in this section, the inlet 64 is provided to introduce water into the main body 60 from a direction different from the direction in which the cylindrical portion 65 extends (front-to-back direction). The inlet 64 is a hole that extends vertically to introduce water upward from the bottom of the cylindrical portion 65. The hole extending upward from the inlet 64 is connected to the inside of the cylindrical portion 65. In other words, the water introduced from the inlet 64 is configured to flow upward from the inlet 64 and into the cylindrical portion 65.

[0082] Furthermore, in the embodiment described in this section, a threaded portion 67 is formed on a part of the inner circumferential surface on the rear end side of the cylindrical portion 65. The threaded portion 67 is a part having a thread formed so that the inner member 70 can be screwed into it.

[0083] The mounting portion 69 is the part to which the lid portion 81, which constitutes the discharge portion 80, is attached, as will be described later. The mounting portion 69 is an external thread formed near the front end of the side surface of the housing 61. The structure in which the lid portion 81 is attached to the mounting portion 69 allows the main body portion 60 and the discharge portion 80 to be separated. The mounting portion 69 may be an internal thread or the like, or a bayonet mechanism or clamp type may be used to facilitate the attachment and detachment of the discharge portion 80.

[0084] The inner member 70 is an elongated member whose longitudinal direction is the same as the direction in which the cylindrical portion 65 extends, i.e., the front-to-back direction. In the embodiment described in this section, the inner member 70 is a threaded member having a male thread, and more specifically, for example, a hexagon socket button head bolt. The inner member 70 is made of stainless steel, for example, but is not limited to this material.

[0085] The inner member 70 comprises an outer peripheral surface 71, a tip portion 75, and a head portion 77. The inner member 70 is screwed into the threaded portion 67 from the rear of the housing 61, with the head portion 77 at the rear and the tip portion 75 at the front, and is fixed so that the outer peripheral surface 71 fits inside the cylindrical portion 65.

[0086] The outer circumferential surface 71 of the inner member 70, which is a screw member, can be said to have a helical portion 72. In the embodiment of this section, the helical portion 72 can be said to be an external screw, a helical projection or a helical groove formed along the screw axis direction.

[0087] It is desirable that the inner member 70 is positioned inside the cylindrical portion 65 so as to be hit by the flow of water entering from the inlet 64. It is also desirable that the inner member 70 is arranged along the same direction as substantially the entire interior of the cylindrical portion 65 in the direction in which the cylindrical portion 65 extends. In the embodiment described in this section, the tip portion 75 is configured to protrude outside the cylindrical portion 65 from the front end of the cylindrical portion 65, i.e., the end in the direction in which water flows. The inner member 70 is arranged to penetrate the cavity 58.

[0088] The discharge section 80 comprises a lid 81 and a discharge port 85 formed in the lid 81. The discharge section 80 is provided in a part of the main body 60 and discharges the liquid that has passed through the flow path 56 to the outside. That is, the discharge section 80 is attached to the front end of the main body 60 and is responsible for discharging water that has passed through the flow path 56 inside the main body 60 to the outside. The discharge section 80 is generally disc-shaped, but is not limited to this.

[0089] The lid portion 81 is a plate-shaped part positioned at the front end of the housing 61 so as to cover the recess 62. The peripheral edge of the lid portion 81 is formed to be engageable with the mounting portion 69. Specifically, a female thread is formed on the peripheral edge of the lid portion 81 that is screwed into a male thread formed on the mounting portion 69, and the discharge portion 80 is configured to be detachably attached to the main body portion 60.

[0090] In the embodiment described in this section, the discharge section 80 is configured such that the lid portion 81 is positioned to cover the recess 62, thereby forming a cavity 58 between it and the main body portion 60. That is, the space defined by the recess 62 and the lid portion 81 is the cavity 58, and at least a portion of the water that has passed through the flow path 56 remains in the cavity 58.

[0091] The discharge port 85 is an opening formed in a part of the lid portion 81. Water that has passed through the flow path 56 inside the main body portion 60 is discharged to the outside from the discharge port 85. The discharge port 85 can also be said to be part of the water flow path connecting the cavity 58 to the outside. In the embodiment described in this section, one discharge port 85 is formed in approximately the center of the lid portion 81. Note that the discharge port 85 may be composed of two or more openings. It is an opening formed inside and serves as a path through which the liquid in the cavity 58 is ejected to the outside.

[0092] In the embodiment described in this section, the discharge port 85 is formed so that a part of the inner member 70 can pass through it. That is, the discharge port 85 is, for example, a circular hole formed in the center of the lid portion 81, and its diameter is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the outer circumferential surface 71 of the inner member 70. Specifically, for example, when the outer diameter of the outer circumferential surface 71 corresponds to the outer diameter of a standard screw, the diameter of the discharge port 85 is configured to be the dimension specified by the standard as the dimension of a hole that fits that screw, or a dimension slightly larger than that.

[0093] In the embodiment described in this section, the connecting portion 90 is attached to the lower part of the main body 60. The connecting portion 90 is a joint to which a hose or the like that supplies water to the shower head 151 is connected. Water passes through the connecting portion 90 and flows into the main body 60 from the inlet 64. The form of the connecting portion 90 is not limited. This connecting portion 90 may be, for example, a screw-in type connecting portion, or it may be connected via a flange. Furthermore, the connecting portion 90 may not be detachable from the main body 60, and the connecting portion 90 may be integrally formed with the main body 60.

[0094] Next, we will explain the behavior of the water introduced into the showerhead 151 and then released.

[0095] Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in Figure 9.

[0096] As shown in Figure 12, in the embodiment described in this section, a gap is formed by the difference between the inner diameter of the cylindrical portion 65 and the outer diameter of the inner member 70. This gap becomes part of the flow path 56. The flow path 56 is the path through which the supplied water flows, entering from the inlet 64, passing through the gap formed between the cylindrical portion 65 and the outer circumferential surface 71 of the inner member 70, and reaching the cavity 58. When water is introduced from the inlet 64, it flows through the flow path 56 between the cylindrical portion 65 and the inner member 70 to the cavity 58.

[0097] Furthermore, it is desirable that the gap between the cylindrical portion 65 and the inner member 70 be relatively narrow. For example, the dimensions of a standard screw and the dimensions of a hole that fits that screw, as defined by the standard, can be used as the dimensions of the inner member 70 and the cylindrical portion 65, respectively, but are not limited to these.

[0098] Here, since a spiral section 72 is formed in the inner member 70, the water flowing in from the inlet 64 collides with the spiral section 72 and is crushed, which can generate fine bubbles or increase the number of fine bubbles based on the bubbles contained within. In addition, the water may become swirling as it passes through the spiral section 72 formed in the relatively narrow channel 56.

[0099] In the cavity 58, the inner member 70 penetrates in the front-to-back direction. There is a discharge port 85 on the front side of the cavity 58, and the water inside the cavity 58 is pushed out by the water newly flowing into the cavity 58 and discharged to the outside through the discharge port 85.

[0100] In this embodiment, the tip 75 of the inner member 70 is configured to protrude slightly outside the outlet 85. Therefore, the water in the cavity 58 is discharged to the outside by passing between the edge of the outlet 85 and the outer surface 71 of the inner member 70. Since the water is discharged through a relatively narrow gap, even if the amount of water discharged per unit time is small, the water can be discharged with force. However, depending on the application, for example, this configuration of the outlet 85 does not have to be adopted.

[0101] As described above, the shower head 151 according to the embodiment of this section has a structure that allows it to release water that has cleaning and penetrating power by containing fine bubbles. By allowing water to pass through a flow path 56 in which a spiral section 72 is formed, which can be constructed relatively simply, fine bubbles can be effectively generated and maintained.

[0102] In the embodiment described in this section, as stated above, the inlet 64 is configured to introduce water into the flow path 56 in a direction different from the direction in which the cylindrical portion 65 extends. As a result, the flow of the introduced water effectively collides with the spiral portion 72, etc., promoting the generation or maintenance of fine bubbles by pulverizing the water.

[0103] The tip 75 of the inner member 70 is configured to protrude slightly outside the outlet 85. The narrow gap formed between the tip 75 and the outlet 85 suppresses turbulence in the discharge flow, making it possible to keep the noise level generated when water is discharged from the shower head 51 relatively low (improving quietness). In addition, the narrow gap formed between the tip 75 and the outlet 85 increases the flow velocity when the liquid is discharged, increasing the shear force generated in the liquid, which promotes the atomization of the liquid (which can also be called misting). As a result, water can be discharged from the outlet 85 in a fine mist, improving the usability of the shower head 51. The positional relationship between the tip 75 and the outlet 85 may be adjusted, thereby allowing adjustment of the diffusion angle of the sprayed water and the degree of atomization of the bubbles.

[0104] Figure 13 is a side cross-sectional view of a modified shower head 251.

[0105] The cross-section shown in Figure 13 corresponds to the cross-section shown in Figure 12.

[0106] In the embodiments described in this section, an example in which a helical portion 72 is formed on the outer circumferential surface 71 of the inner member 70 has been described, but the invention is not limited to this. For example, the inner member 270 may not have a helical portion, and a helical portion 272 may be formed on the inner circumferential surface 266 of the cylindrical portion 65. That is, as shown in Figure 7, the shower head 251 differs from the shower head 151 described above in that it uses a main body portion 260 having a bottomed cylindrical portion 65, and that a recessed shaft is used as the inner member 270.

[0107] In this modification, a helical portion 272 is formed on the inner circumferential surface 266 of the cylindrical portion 65. However, no helical portion is formed on the outer circumferential surface 271 of the inner member 270. Even in this case, the effect of generating bubbles, maintaining bubbles, or generating a swirling flow of water due to the helical portion 272 can be effectively obtained.

[0108] Furthermore, spiral portions may be formed on both the inner circumferential surface 66 and the outer circumferential surface 71. That is, it is sufficient that a spiral portion 72, which is a spiral projection along the direction in which the cylindrical portion 65 extends, is formed on at least one of the inner circumferential surface 66 and the outer circumferential surface 71. In either case, the effect of generating bubbles, maintaining bubbles, or generating a swirling flow of water by the spiral portion 72 can be effectively obtained.

[0109] In the embodiment described in this section, the inner member 70 may be configured to be replaceable with one having a different outer diameter or a different thread profile. By changing the shape of the helical portion 72, the spray pattern and the amount of bubbles generated can be adjusted.

[0110] Furthermore, in a single shower head 151, the discharge section 80 may be changed to a different type, allowing for easy modification of the water discharge pattern (spray pattern).

[0111] The configuration of the showerhead described in this section can be described as follows:

[0112] A shower head relating to one aspect of this section comprises a main body that constitutes a flow path through which supplied liquid flows, a cylindrical portion formed in the main body and having an inner circumferential surface, an inner member provided inside the cylindrical portion so as to extend in the direction in which the cylindrical portion extends, and having an outer circumferential surface arranged such that there is a gap between it and the inner circumferential surface that forms part of the flow path, and a discharge portion provided in a part of the main body that discharges the liquid that has passed through the flow path to the outside, wherein at least one of the inner circumferential surface and the outer circumferential surface has a spiral portion formed in the direction in which the cylindrical portion extends.

[0113] This configuration allows the liquid cleaning power to be exerted more effectively through a new structure.

[0114] Furthermore, a shower head relating to another aspect is a shower head in which, in addition to the above configuration, the inner member is a screw member that is screwed into and fixed to the housing of the main body, and the helical portion is a screw formed on the screw member.

[0115] This configuration allows for an effective improvement in cleaning power through a simple structure that utilizes the threads of existing screws.

[0116] Furthermore, regarding shower heads in other aspects, in contrast to the above configuration, the discharge section has a discharge opening through which a part of the inner member can pass, and the tip of the inner member is configured to protrude outward from the discharge opening, so that liquid is discharged from the gap between the discharge opening and the tip of the inner member.

[0117] This configuration allows the liquid to be released from the discharge section in a mist-like form.

[0118] Furthermore, regarding shower heads in other aspects, in contrast to the above configuration, the discharge section is configured to form a cavity into which the liquid flowing through the channel enters together with the main body, and a discharge port for releasing the liquid to the outside is provided in a part of the cavity.

[0119] With this configuration, a liquid containing swirling flow, etc., can be introduced from the flow path into the cavity and then discharged from the outlet, allowing the liquid to be released in the desired state.

[0120] Furthermore, shower heads relating to other aspects are configured such that, in contrast to the above configuration, the inner member is positioned to pass through the inside of the cavity, and the tip of the inner member is configured to protrude outward from the outlet.

[0121] This configuration allows for the regulation of the discharge state near the outlet.

[0122] Furthermore, regarding shower heads in other aspects, the main body has a recess, the discharge part has a discharge opening, and further comprises a discharge member positioned to cover the recess, and the area surrounded by the recess and the discharge member forms a cavity.

[0123] This configuration allows the water release state to be controlled by the perforated plate.

[0124] Furthermore, shower heads relating to other aspects are shower heads in which, in contrast to the above configuration, the main body has an inlet that introduces liquid into the flow path in a direction different from the direction in which the cylindrical part extends.

[0125] This configuration allows the flow of the introduced fluid to strike the spiral section, thereby generating bubbles in the liquid or maintaining a state in which bubbles are mixed into the liquid.

[0126] 6. Treatment Method Using Foam-Containing Liquid Foam-containing liquid containing fine bubbles generated by the foam-containing liquid generator 1, or foam-containing liquid containing fine bubbles generated by the shower head 151, typically possess high permeability, cleansing power, or moisturizing power. Treatment may be performed by releasing such foam-containing liquid (hereinafter also referred to as "functional water") onto the human body to provide beneficial stimulation to the body or to cleanse the body.

[0127] For example, in scalp care, by spraying functional water onto the scalp from a showerhead 151 or similar device, dirt and sebum deep within the pores can be effectively cleansed. Because the fine bubbles easily penetrate even the smallest details of the pores, a higher cleansing effect can be expected compared to washing with ordinary water.

[0128] Furthermore, the physical stimulation of functional water containing microbubbles, as well as the effects of dissolved gases (such as oxygen from the air) contained in the functional water, may promote blood circulation in the scalp. In particular, it is thought that providing moderate stimulation to the arrector pili muscles located around the hair follicles may activate their function and contribute to maintaining a healthy environment around the hair roots.

[0129] Figure 14 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure for a treatment method according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0130] As shown in Figure 14, an example of a specific treatment procedure is as follows: First, in step S1, a liquid containing bubbles (functional water) is generated using the bubble-containing liquid generator 1, and the temperature is adjusted as needed to prepare the liquid.

[0131] Next, in step S2, the prepared functional water is applied (sprayed) from the showerhead 151 to a designated area of ​​the person receiving treatment (e.g., the scalp) at an appropriate water pressure and for a suitable duration. Using a configuration that can release the water in a mist-like manner, such as the showerhead 151, allows for more uniform application.

[0132] Subsequently, in step S3, the practitioner may massage the target area using their fingers or other means, either in conjunction with or after the application of the functional water. This is expected to further enhance the blood circulation-promoting and relaxation effects.

[0133] Furthermore, this treatment method can be applied to the skin of the face and body. In these cases as well, various effects such as cleansing and moisturizing can be expected.

[0134] Such procedures can be performed using, for example, a shower system 100 like the one shown below, but the equipment used is not limited to this.

[0135] Figure 15 shows an example of the configuration of a shower system 100 using a shower head 151.

[0136] As shown in Figure 15, the shower system 100 includes a shower head 151 and can be used, for example, to supply water and function as a shower. That is, the shower system 100 includes a shower head 151, a gas-containing liquid generator 1, and a hose 103 connecting the connection part 90 of the shower head 151 to the gas-containing liquid generator 1. In this case, by supplying the bubble-containing liquid generated by the bubble-containing liquid generator 1 to the shower head 151 and releasing the bubble-containing liquid from the shower head 151 to perform the treatment, an even more effective treatment can be performed. Note that in Figure 15, the pump, flow rate adjustment unit, etc., surrounding the gas-containing liquid generator 1 are not shown.

[0137] Alternatively, a standard shower head 5 may be used instead of shower head 151. Furthermore, the treatment may be performed simply by using only shower head 151 to release the bubble-containing liquid.

[0138] 7. Examples of Applications of the Bubble-Containing Liquid Generator 1 and the Bubble-Containing Liquid Generating System This section describes examples of applications of the Bubble-Containing Liquid Generator 1 and the Bubble-Containing Liquid Generating System (collectively referred to as the Bubble-Containing Liquid Generator 1 in this section). The convenience and utility of bubble-containing liquids can be further enhanced. As an example of application, this section describes a liquid supply device for supplying functional water and a liquid supply system using the same.

[0139] Figure 16 shows a schematic configuration of the liquid supply system 200 related to this application example.

[0140] As shown in Figure 16, the liquid supply system 200 comprises a liquid supply device 201 and a container 290 for use by the user. The liquid supply device 201 is installed, for example, in a beauty salon, esthetic salon, fitness club, or private home, and is configured to allow users of the facility or store to easily access functional water. The container 290 is, for example, a bottle brought by the user, but is not limited to this.

[0141] The liquid supply device 201 incorporates the bubble-containing liquid generator 1 described above. The bubble-containing liquid generator 1 is configured to generate functional water when raw water (for example, tap water or mineral water brought in by the user) supplied from outside the device is provided. The bubble-containing liquid generator 1 may be installed outside the device and connected to the liquid supply device 201 via piping.

[0142] The functional water generated by the bubble-containing liquid generator 1 can flow out of the liquid supply device 201 through the opening 113 of the bubble-containing liquid generator 1 via the supply line 203 and the supply unit 204. The functional water can be supplied to a container 290 installed in the supply unit 204. The supply and cessation of the functional water can be switched, for example, by opening and closing a valve provided in the supply line 203 or the supply unit 204, but is not limited to this. The supply and cessation of the functional water may also be switched by switching the supply of liquid to the bubble-containing liquid generator 1. Depending on the application, the functional water generated by the bubble-containing liquid generator 1 may be temporarily stored in a storage tank provided in the liquid supply device 201, and the functional water in the storage tank may be supplied to the outside.

[0143] Furthermore, the liquid supply device 201 relating to this section includes an identification sensor 220 used for identifying the container 290 and a control unit 210 that controls the operation of each part of the liquid supply device 201.

[0144] The identification sensor 220 has the function of inspecting whether the container 290 installed in the supply unit 204 for receiving functional water is appropriate (for example, a dedicated product). The identification sensor 220 has, for example, a camera and is configured to acquire image data and identify whether the container 290 is appropriate based on that image data. For example, the container 290 may have a predetermined shape, pattern, color, etc., or the characters printed on the container 290 may be predetermined characters, and these conditions may be used to identify whether the container 290 is appropriate. For example, the identification sensor 220 may be configured to analyze the image data using image recognition software and determine whether the container 290 in the image data is appropriate. The identification sensor 220 may be a camera and be configured to transmit the acquired image data to the control unit 210, where the control unit 210 identifies whether the container 290 is appropriate. In this way, the liquid supply device 201 can confirm whether an appropriate container 290 is installed.

[0145] The control unit 210 is composed of, for example, a microcomputer, and includes a storage unit 211, a receiving unit 212, a processing unit 214, and the like.

[0146] The storage unit 211 stores a program for appropriately controlling the operation of the bubble-containing liquid generator 1. The processing unit 214 executes this program, causing the control unit 210 to perform various operations, such as supplying liquid from the supply unit 204 and stopping the supply. The storage unit 211 may also store various information used for control operations, etc.

[0147] The reception unit 212 is configured to accept user input operations, for example, using an operation panel or a touch panel.

[0148] The processing unit 214 generates commands for the control unit 210 to operate based on information received from the reception unit 212 and information stored in the storage unit 211, and controls the operation of the bubble-containing liquid generator 1 and the operation of the liquid supply device 201 to supply functional water.

[0149] Here, the identification sensor 220 and the control unit 210 are designed to operate in conjunction. For example, the processing unit 214 is configured to execute predetermined processing related to the supply of functional water when the identification sensor 220 identifies that the correct container 290 is installed. Predetermined processing related to the supply of functional water includes, for example, the process of starting the supply of functional water, or the process of making the receiving unit 212 able to receive user instructions regarding the supply of functional water. With the liquid supply device 201 having such a configuration, the liquid supply system 200 can, for example, supply functional water only when the correct container 290 is used. In this case, functional water can be supplied automatically by the equipment alone, without the presence of an administrator or the like, and only to a limited number of users. Note that the predetermined processing is not limited to these, and may include, for example, the processing of charging users for the supply of functional water. The processing unit 214 may also be configured to stop the supply of functional water if the identification sensor 220 does not confirm that the correct container 290 is installed. This prevents misuse.

[0150] The configuration of the identification sensor 220 and the form of the container 290 identified by it are not limited to those described above. Furthermore, the information used to identify the container 290 is not limited to those described above. For example, the identification sensor 220 may be, for example, a reader using NFC technology, or a reader that reads one-dimensional or multi-dimensional codes, and may be configured to acquire identification information from the container 290. Also, the information used to identify the container 290 may be that the container 290 is of a predetermined type, or that it is a container 290 used by a specific user. The identification sensor 220 may be configured to identify individual users and individual containers 290, and to identify whether the identification result satisfies predetermined conditions. This makes it possible to identify whether the user is a legitimate user, whether they are subscribed to a valid usage plan, and whether the container being used is legitimate.

[0151] The method for enabling the supply of functional water to only a specific container 290 is not limited to this. For example, a unique first mounting structure (not shown) for attaching the container 290 may be provided around the supply port 208, and the container 290 may be provided with a unique second mounting structure (not shown) that is compatible with the first mounting structure. The functional water should be supplied only when the container 290 is properly attached to the supply port 208. Here, the connection between the first mounting structure and the second mounting structure may be achieved, for example, by forming the shapes of both to fit together, but is not limited to this. For example, they may be connected by magnetic force in a predetermined manner, such as a structure in which they are attracted to each other by magnets at predetermined positions.

[0152] In this case, the first mounting structure is provided with a detection unit to detect whether the second mounting structure is correctly installed, and the processing unit 214 may perform a predetermined process related to the supply of functional water according to the detection result from the detection unit. For example, an identification sensor 220 can be used as the detection unit, but various other configurations such as switches, optical sensors, proximity sensors, and magnetic sensors can also be used. This makes it possible to physically restrict the supply of functional water to containers other than the dedicated container and to prevent erroneous supply when the container is not set correctly.

[0153] (others)

[0154] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible, which are also included within the scope of the present invention.

[0155] Embodiments may be constructed by appropriately combining the components of the embodiments and modifications described above. The configuration is not limited to the embodiments described above, and some components or functions of the embodiments and modifications described above may be changed or omitted.

[0156] 1. Bubble-containing liquid generator 2. Liquid pump 3. Gas pump 4. Flow rate adjustment unit 10. Heater 11. Outer cylinder 12. Nozzle 13. Base 14. Cap 15. Space 41. Liquid flow rate adjustment unit 42. Gas flow rate adjustment unit 56. Flow path 58. Cavity 60, 260. Main body 61. Housing 62. Recess 64. Inlet 65. Cylinder 66, 266. Inner surface 67. Threaded part 69. Mounting part 70. Inner member 71, 271. Outer surface 72. Spiral part 75, 275. Tip 77. Head 80. Discharge part 81. Lid 85. Discharge port 90. Connection part 100. Shower system 123. Spray port 136. Spray port 137. Supply port 138. Buffer area 151,251 Shower head 200 Liquid supply system 201 Liquid supply device 203 Supply line 204 Supply unit 210 Control unit 211 Storage unit 212 Receiving unit 214 Processing unit 220 Identification sensor 290 Container

Claims

1. A bubble-containing liquid generating device for generating a liquid containing bubbles, comprising: a hollow outer cylinder; a nozzle inserted into the outer cylinder such that there is a space between it and the inner circumferential surface of the outer cylinder, and which injects either a liquid or a gas toward the inner circumferential surface of the outer cylinder through the space; and an injection port which injects the other liquid or gas toward the liquid or gas being injected into the space.

2. The bubble-containing liquid generator according to claim 1, further comprising a heater for heating the liquid before it is sprayed.

3. The bubble-containing liquid generator according to claim 1, wherein the liquid or gas sprayed from the nozzle toward the space is sprayed in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the nozzle.

4. The other of the liquid or gas that is sprayed from the nozzle toward the space is sprayed in a direction parallel to the axial direction of the nozzle, as described in claim 3.

5. The bubble-containing liquid generator according to claim 1, further comprising a buffer region formed on the side opposite to the space side with respect to the injection port, and a supply port for supplying the other of the liquid or gas to the buffer region, wherein the other of the liquid or gas supplied from the supply port is stored in the buffer region and then injected from the injection port.

6. A bubble-containing liquid generating system comprising: a bubble-containing liquid generating device according to claim 1; a first pump for supplying one of the liquid or gas to the nozzle; a second pump for supplying the other of the liquid or gas to the injection port; and a flow rate adjustment unit for adjusting the flow rates of the first pump and the second pump.

7. A shower system comprising: a bubble-containing liquid generator according to claim 1; and a shower head to which the liquid containing bubbles generated by the bubble-containing liquid generator is supplied.

8. The shower system according to claim 7, wherein the shower head comprises: a main body portion that constitutes a flow path through which supplied liquid flows; a cylindrical portion formed in the main body portion and having an inner circumferential surface; an inner member provided inside the cylindrical portion so as to extend in the direction in which the cylindrical portion extends, and having an outer circumferential surface arranged such that there is a gap between it and the inner circumferential surface that becomes part of the flow path; and a discharge portion provided in a part of the main body portion for discharging the liquid that has passed through the flow path to the outside, wherein at least one of the inner circumferential surface and the outer circumferential surface has a spiral portion which is a spiral projection or groove formed in the direction in which the cylindrical portion extends.

9. A liquid supply device comprising: a bubble-containing liquid generator according to claim 1; a supply unit for supplying the liquid containing bubbles generated by the bubble-containing liquid generator to the outside; and a control unit for controlling the supply of the liquid from the supply unit.

10. A liquid supply system comprising: a liquid supply device according to claim 9; and a container for receiving the liquid containing bubbles from the liquid supply device, wherein the liquid supply device further comprises an identification unit for identifying the container; and the control unit controls the supply of the liquid from the supply unit based on the identification result by the identification unit.

11. A liquid supply system comprising: a liquid supply device according to claim 9; and a container for receiving the liquid containing bubbles from the liquid supply device, wherein a first mounting structure is provided near the supply section of the liquid supply device; the container is provided with a second mounting structure that is detachably attached to the first mounting structure; and the system is configured such that the liquid containing bubbles can be supplied from the liquid supply device to the container when the second mounting structure is attached to the first mounting structure.

12. A treatment method for washing or stimulating a predetermined part of the human body using the shower system described in claim 7, comprising the steps of: generating a liquid containing bubbles with the bubble-containing liquid generator; and applying the generated liquid containing bubbles to the predetermined part of the human body from the shower head.

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