【０００１】
【産業上の利用分野】
本発明は、水を循環させるポンプによって、水槽内に微細気泡、大気泡を発生させる機能を有する気泡発生装置の制御に関するものである。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
従来、この種の微細気泡を発生させる気泡発生装置（噴流浴装置）として、特公平３−１４４６４号公報の開示例を図９〜図１２に示す。浴槽１０１内に温水１０２を循環させるポンプ１０３を備えたポンプユニット１０４と、ポンプ１０３の吸入側管路１０５に連結された温水１０２の吸入器１０６およびポンプ１０３の吐出側管路１０７に２方弁１０８を介して分岐連結された低圧噴流ノズル１０９並びに高圧噴流ノズル１１０を備えたノズルユニット１１１で構成されている。
【０００３】
また、ポンプ１０３の吸入側管路１０５にはジェット通路１１２が設けられ、吐出側管路１０７からジェット通路１１２の間にはシャトルバルブ１１３を介して分岐通路１１４を配管している。前記シャトルバルブ１１３は図１０の如くスプリング１１５に付勢された円錐弁１１６と、この円錐弁１１６に連結された弁棒１１７、空気取り入れ通路１１８、空気通路１１９で構成されている。
【０００４】
さらに、高圧噴流ノズル１１０は図１１の如く螺旋通路１２０、１２１を交互に備えた気液混合器１２２と、スプリング１２３によって付勢された弁体１２４および噴流吐出口１２５を備えたレリーフバルブ１２６で構成されている。また低圧噴流ノズル１０９は、図１２の如く流動通路１２７と、この流動通路１２７の外周に形成された空気流入通路１２８を備え、流動通路１２７の下流には細い通路１２９、広い室１３０、ノズル１３１が構成されている。また空気流入通路１２８は細い通路１３２を介して広い室１３０に連通している。
【０００５】
次に動作を説明すると、微細気泡の発生時には図９において、ポンプ１０３を運転すると温水１０２は吸入器１０６から吸入側管路１０５を介してポンプ１０３に吸引され、その後ポンプ１０３から吐出側管路１０７を介して高圧噴流ノズル１１０から微細気泡が噴出される。この時にはポンプ１０３の吐出圧力は分岐管路１１４に作用し、吐出圧力が大きくなり、弁棒１１７に連結した円錐弁１１６がスプリング１１５の付勢力に打ち勝って、円錐弁１１６に開成する。
【０００６】
その結果、空気取り入れ通路１１８、円錐弁１１６、空気通路１１９を介してジェット通路１１２に空気が吸引され、ポンプ１０３に吸引される。吸引された空気は高圧力でポンプ１０３、吐出側管路１０７および高圧噴流ノズル１１０内の気液混合器１２２に送られ加圧溶解されて、高圧噴流ノズル１１０の弁体１２４および噴流吐出口１２５から微細気泡が浴槽１０１に吐出される。一方、大気泡発生時には図９の２方弁１０８が切り替わり、ポンプ１０３からの温水は低圧噴流ノズル１０９から大気泡が浴槽１０１に噴出される。
【０００７】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
しかしながら上記構成では、微細気泡発生の運転時において、２方弁１０８を高圧噴流ノズル１１０側に切り替え、ポンプ１０３が作動すると温水１０２が吸入器１０６から吸入側管路１０５を介してポンプ１０３に吸入する。温水１０２が吸入すると、レリーフバルブ１２６が吐出抵抗となり、ポンプ１０３、吐出側管路１０７、シャトルバルブ１１３がほぼ瞬間的に高圧状態になる。
【０００８】
一方、大気泡発生の運転時において、２方弁１０８を低圧噴流ノズル１０９に切り替え、ポンプ１０３が作動すると温水１０２が微細気泡発生の運転時と同様の流入経路、すなわち吸入器１０６から吸入側管路１０５、ジェット通路１１２を介してポンプ１０３に吸入している。
【０００９】
このように微細気泡、大気泡運転時に温水１０２を同一経路で流入することは、特に大気泡発生では、大流量が必要で有るにもかかわらず、図１０のシャトルバルブ１１３のジェット通路１１２が空気吸引のエジェクタ作用の機能を発揮させるため、一般的に言われているノズルとデュフューザとを兼用した構成としている。そのため開口面積が小さく、その結果として抵抗が大きくなり、ポンプ１０３の吸入負圧が大きくなり、大流量を確保することができない。
【００１０】
また、微細気泡発生の運転時、シャトルバルブ１１３は電気的な制御がなくても空気を自動吸入する優れた方式の１つであるが、シャトルバルブ１１３に設けた弁棒１１７が高出力により作動し、前記弁棒１１７に連結した円錐弁１１６がスプリング１１５の付勢力に打ち勝って、円錐弁１１６が開成し、空気を流入する構成である。このため高出力の変化、すなわち図１１のレリーフバルブ１２６のスプリング１２３によって付勢された弁体１２４からの噴流状態によって、前記弁体１２４に加わる付勢力が連続的に不安定に変化する。
【００１１】
このため前記弁体１２４が不安定に開成することは、前記弁棒１１７に加わる付勢力も不安定となり、吸引される空気量が変化することになる。その結果として、安定した微細気泡の発生ができなくなる。すなわち、従来の技術では、大気泡、微細気泡ともに上述したような実用上の課題があった。
【００１２】
本発明は、このような上記課題を解決するもので、大気泡発生、微細気泡発生をともに安定化するものである。
【００１３】
【課題を解決するための手段】
上記目的を達成するために本発明の気泡発生装置は、水槽と、この水槽に設けられた微細気泡発生部と大気泡発生部とからなる気泡噴流装置と、前記水槽の水を循環するポンプと、このポンプの吐出部と吸入部の間に設けたバイパス回路と、このバイパス回路から分岐し、大気泡発生部へ連通した第１往き管および微細気泡発生部へ連通した第２往き管と、前記第１往き管に設け、大気泡発生時に第１往き管と第２往き管、また微細気泡発生に第２往き管へ切り替える第１切り替え手段と、前記バイパス回路に設けた水流入部と空気流入部を有するエジェクタ部と、このエジェクタ部の上流に設けたバイパス通水を開閉制御する第２切り替え手段と、前記エジェクタの一部に設け水と空気を負圧流入させる抵抗部と、空気流入部に設けた空気逆流防止装置と、この空気逆流防止装置と連通し空気量を調節する空気制御装置と、この空気制御装置の上流に設けた空気流入手段Ｂと、前記水槽の水をポンプの吸入部に吸入する戻り管と、この戻り管から分岐し、大気泡発生時にポンプの吸入部に連通した第１戻り管とエジェクタ部の水流入部に連通した第２戻り管に切り替え、微細気泡発生時に前記第２戻り管へと流れを切り替える第３切り替え手段と、前記大気泡発生部へ連通した空気流入手段Ａと、大気泡発生動作及び微細気泡発生動作の制御を行う制御手段とを備え、前記制御手段は、大気泡発生動作中に微細気泡発生動作への変更指示がなされたときは、上記各切り替え手段の切り替え動作の前にポンプの停止動作を行い、その後、第１切り替え手段を第２往き管側に、第３切り替え手段を第２戻り管側に、第２切り替え手段をバイパス回路開成側に切り替え、前記切り替え動作が完了すると、ポンプの動作を再開し、空気流入手段Ｂを開成して微細気泡発生運転に入り、また、微細気泡発生動作中に大気泡発生動作への変更指示がなされたときは、上記各切り替え手段の切り替え動作の前にポンプの停止動作を行い、その後、第２切り替え手段をバイパス回路閉成側に、第３切り替え手段を第１戻り管と第２戻り管側に、第１切り替え手段を第１往き管と第２往き管側に切り替え、前記切り替え動作が完了すると、ポンプの動作を開始し、空気流入手段Ａを開成して大気泡発生運転に入るようにしたものである。
【００１４】
また、本発明の気泡発生装置における第２技術手段は、上記第１技術手段の制御手段を、大気泡発生動作中に微細気泡発生動作への変更指示がなされたときは、空気流入手段Ａの閉成動作を優先的に行うとともに、同時にポンプの停止動作を行い、また、微細気泡発生動作中に大気泡発生動作への変更指示がなされたときは、空気流入手段Ｂの閉成動作を優先的に行うとともに、同時にポンプの停止動作を行うようにしたものである。
【００１５】
さらに本発明の気泡発生装置における第３技術手段は上記第１技術手段の制御手段を、大気泡発生の運転スイッチを「切」にすると、ポンプを停止し、空気流入手段Ｂを開成してなるものである。
【００１６】
さらにまた、本発明の気泡発生装置における第４技術手段は、上記第１技術手段の制御手段を、微細気泡発生動作中に微細気泡スイッチを「切」にすると、空気流入手段Ｂを閉成し、ポンプを停止した後、第２切り替え手段をバイパス回路閉成側に、第３切り替え手段を第１戻り管と第２戻り管側に、第１切り替え手段を第１往き管と第２往き管側に切り替え、前記切り替え動作が完了すると、一定時間ポンプを作動させ、その後、空気流入手段Ｂを開成するようにしたものである。
【００１７】
また本発明の気泡発生装置における第５技術手段は上記第１技術手段の制御手段を、気泡発生運転前の切り替え手段の設定として、第１切り替え手段を第１往き管と第２往き管側に、第２切り替え手段をバイパス回路閉成側に、第３切り替え手段を第１戻り管と第２管側としてなるものである。
【００１８】
またさらに本発明の気泡発生装置における第６技術手段は上記第１技術手段の制御手段を、第２往き管または第２戻り管に流量検知装置を備え、微細気泡運転開始時および微細気泡発生時に、前記流量検知装置の検知信号により正常か異常を判定して運転を制御する制御手段を備えるものである。
【００１９】
【作用】
上記第１技術手段において、制御手段により、（ａ）大気泡から微細気泡に変更する場合、ポンプを停止することにより、配管回路がほぼ大気圧に戻り、第１切り替え手段を第２往き管側に、第３切り替え手段を第２戻り管側に、第２切り替え手段をバイパス回路開成側に切り替える切り替えトルクが小さくなる。このことは各切り替え手段の耐久性を著しく向上することができる。また各切り替え手段の順位を限定する必要がなくなり、同時に切り替えができるため、切り替え時間を短かくすることができる。そして切り替えが終了するとポンプを作動して、微細気泡運転とする。
【００２０】
一方、（ｂ）微細気泡から大気泡に変更する場合も同様に、ポンプを停止することにより、配管回路がほぼ大気圧に戻り、第２切り替え手段をバイパス回路閉成側に、第３切り替え手段を第１戻り管と第２戻り管側に、第１切り替え手段を第１往き管と第２往き管側に切り替える切り替えトルクが小さくなる。作用効果は（ａ）と同様のため説明を省略する。そして切り替えが終了するとポンプを作動して、大気泡運転とする。
【００２１】
上記第２技術手段において、空気流入手段Ａまたは空気流入手段Ｂを優先的に閉成せしめることによって、ポンプがエアーがみすることなく、安定した作動をすることができること、さらにポンプの耐久性も向上することができる。
【００２２】
上記第３技術手段において、大気泡発生の運転スイッチを「切」にすると、ポンプを停止し、空気流入手段Ｂを形成することによって、空気流入手段Ｂにかかっている負圧を大気圧に戻すことができる。エジェクタ部の空気流入部に設けた空気流入手段Ｂが閉成した状態では、ポンプの吸入部の負圧がそのまま空気流入部から空気流入手段Ｂの間にかかることになる。運転を「切」、すなわちポンプの作動がＯＦＦしても空気流入部に設けた空気逆流防止装置が働き閉成する。このとき空気逆流防止装置と連通し空気量を調節する空気制御装置、空気流入手段Ｂの間が、前記負圧の状態のままとなる。
【００２３】
この負圧が大きくなる条件として、大気泡運転を連続使用（すなわち微細気泡運転をしないで）すると負圧が加算されるため、前記空気流入手段Ｂの開成に大トルクが必要となり、開成不能状態になりやすい。そのため大気泡発生の運転スイッチを「切」にすると、ポンプを停止後毎に、空気流入手段Ｂを開成することにより、負圧を大気圧に戻すことによって、微細気泡発生の運転スイッチを「入」にすると、小トルクで空気流入手段Ｂを開成できることになり、安定して微細気泡を発生することができる。
【００２４】
上記第４技術手段において、微細気泡発生の運転スイッチを「切」にすると、空気流入手段Ｂを閉成後、ポンプを停止するため、上述の如く、配管回路がほぼ大気圧に戻った状態で、第２切り替え手段をバイパス回路閉成側に、第３切り替え手段を第１戻り管と第２戻り管側に、第１切り替え手段を第１往き管と第２往き管側に同時切り替えができる。
【００２５】
そしてポンプを一定時間作動して、ポンプ、第１往き管および第２往き管内の未溶解の空気を水槽に排出させることにより、次の大気泡発生、微細気泡発生の安定化、すたわちポンプ作動の立ち上がりをスムーズすることができる。次にポンプを停止後、空気流入手段Ｂを一定時間開成することにより、次の微細気泡運転時に小トルクで空気流入手段Ｂを開成することができる。
【００２６】
上記第５技術手段において、気泡発生運転前の切り替え手段の設定として、第１切り替え手段を第１往き管と第２往き管側に、第２切り替え手段をバイパスを回路閉成側に、第３切り替え手段を第１戻り管と第２戻り管側することよって、特に気泡の主機能であるマッサージ効果、温熱効果等の目的を大気泡発生の運転スイッチ「入」にすると、ポンプの作動と空気流入手段Ａの開成で、すぐに大気泡を発生することができる。
【００２７】
上記第６技術手段において、第２往き管または第２戻り管に流量検知装置を備え、微細気泡運転開始時および微細気泡発生時に、前記流量検知装置の検知信号により正常か異常を判定して運転を制御することによって、特に微細気泡発生における異常を検知、すなわちポンプのエアーがみによる流量低下や切り替え手段の異常による流量低下、上昇や微細気泡発生部と第２往き管の目詰まり等を検出することができる。また異常検知の検知信号を出力し、ポンプのエアーパージや目詰まりクリーニング操作、使用者に異常を知らせる等を容易に制御操作することができる。
【００２８】
【実施例】
以下本発明の一実施例につき、図１（ａ）大気泡発生時、（ｂ）微細気泡発生時の配管回路図にしたがい説明する。１は気泡を水中に生じさせる浴槽等の水槽、２は水槽１の水中に微細気泡を生じさせる微細気泡発生部で、直列一体化した大気泡発生部３を介して水槽１に通じる。大気泡発生部３は水槽１に取付け、空気流入手段Ａ２５に連通し水中に大気泡を生じさせる。５は水槽１の水４を循環させるポンプで、吐出部６と吸入部７を有する。８はバイパス回路で、一端をポンプ５の吐出部６に、他端を吸入部７に接続するとともに、途中第１切り替え手段１０でモータ式の２方弁を設けた第１往き管９と第２往き管１１に分岐する分岐部１２、１３を備え、この分岐部１２、１３の下流側にバイパス回路８を開成と閉成する第２切り替え手段１４で、モータ式の２方弁よりなる。
【００２９】
１５は第２切り替え手段１４とポンプ５の吸入部７の間に接続したエジェクタ部で、微細気泡発生時のみ空気を流入せしめる空気流入部１６と微細気泡発生時と大気泡発生時に水槽１の水４を流入する水流入部１７を備えている。１８は水流入部１７またはその近傍の第２戻り管２１の管径を絞って形成した抵抗部で、エジェクタ部１５に水と空気を負圧流入させるためのものである。１９は水槽１の水４をポンプ５の吸入部７に連通した戻り管で、この戻り管１９は微細気泡発生時に第２戻り管２１に、大気泡発生時に第１戻り管２０と第２戻り管２１に戻り水を切り替える第３切り替え手段２２で、モータ式の３方弁よりなる。
【００３０】
２３は空気流入部１６またはその近傍に備えた空気逆流防止装置で、この空気逆流防止装置２３は微細気泡発生時に空気量を制御する空気制御装置２４に逆流する空気と水を防止し安定して空気を流入させるもので、空気流入手段Ｂ２６に連通している。２８はポンプ５、第１切り替え手段１０、第２切り替え手段１４、第３切り替え手段２２、空気流入手段Ａ２５、空気流入手段Ｂ２６にそれぞれ結線した制御手段２７に行う操作部で、大気泡釦と微細気泡用釦を備えている。
【００３１】
以下、実施例の気泡発生の動作を簡単に説明する。
【００３２】
（ａ）大気泡発生の運転操作部２８で大気泡発生の指示をし、大気泡スイッチを「入」にすると制御手段２７により次のように制御される。第２切り替え手段１４をバイパス回路８開成側に、第３切り替え手段２２を第１戻り管２０と第２戻り管２１側に、第１切り替え手段１０を開成し第１往き管９と第２往き管１１に各々切り替える。そして、ポンプ５が運転を開始すると、水槽１の水４が戻り管１９から第１戻り管２０と第２戻り管２１の２経路を通り、ポンプ５の吸入部７に吸入される。この時２経路から吸入することは、大気泡発生に必要な大水量を確保するためである。
【００３３】
そしてポンプ５の吐出部６からバイパス回路８に吐出される。
【００３４】
吐出された水４は第２切り替え手段１４によりバイパス回路８が閉成されているため、分岐部１２から第１往き管９に、分岐部１３から第２往き管１１にと２経路を通り、大気泡発生部３からいきおいよく吐出される。そしてこの吐出力により、既にポンプ運転と同時に開成している空気流入手段Ａ２５から流入してきた空気が水に混入して水槽１に広がり大気泡が発生する。この時、第２往き管に水を流す理由は大気泡発生に必要な大水量を確保すること、また微細気泡発生部２が細孔で構成されているため、前記細孔が目詰まりしやすいことから大気泡発生時毎に洗浄操作をして微細気泡を安定して発生させることができるようにしたものである。
【００３５】
（ｂ）微細気泡発生の運転操作部２８で微細気泡発生の指示をし、微細気泡スイッチ「入」にすると制御手段２７により次のように制御される。第１切り替え手段１０を閉成し第２往き管１１側に、第３切り替え手段２２を第２戻り管２１側に、第２切り替え手段１４をバイパス回路８開成側に各々切り替える。そして、ポンプ５が運転を開始すると、水槽１の水４が戻り管１９から第２戻り管２１を通り、エジェクタ部１５の水流入部１８から負圧吸入される。そして、この水４がポンプ５の吸入部７に吸入されると、ポンプ５の吸入側の圧力が上昇するとともに吐出部６側の圧力も昇圧される。
【００３６】
すなわち、微細気泡発生部２の吐出口が細孔で構成されているので、ポンプ５は略締切運転の状態で動作しているので、吸入部７側の圧力が上昇した上にポンプ５の締切圧力が加わり圧力上昇が得られ、ポンプ５、バイパス回路８、第２往き管１１が昇圧される。このような運転状態においてポンプ５の運転と同時に開成している空気流入手段Ｂ２６から空気を流入し、空気制御装置２４により一定の安定した空気量にして空気逆流防止装置２３を介して空気流入部１６よりエジェクタ部１５に吸引され、そして吸入部７からポンプ５に入り吐出部６からバイパス回路８側と分岐部１３から第２往き管１１の両方に流れる。この時、バイパス回路８、第２往き管１１は高圧に昇圧されているため、先に吸引された空気は溶解された状態にある。
【００３７】
そして空気の溶解された水が微細気泡発生部２を通過すると急激に減圧されて溶解していた空気が微細気泡となって大気泡発生部３を経て水槽１に乳白色と広がる。前記流入された空気はポンプ５の吸入部１５から吸入され、ポンプ５の高速回転翼により微細空気化され、気液接触効率が大きくなり、ポンプ５を含む高圧化された水回路で、ほぼ瞬間的に加圧溶解される。
【００３８】
また未溶解の空気はバイパス回路８に設けた分岐部１３から吐出する水量Ｑ１と再循環水Ｑ２とエジェクタ部１５の水流入部１８から流入する水量Ｑ３とした場合、Ｑ１＝Ｑ３、すなわち微細気泡発生部２から吐出した水量Ｑ１となり、吐出した水量Ｑ１分のみをＱ３分として流入させる。一方、バイパス回路８に再循環する水量Ｑ２は可能な限り多くすることが望ましい。なぜならＱ２／Ｑ１比を仮に循環回数とすると、この循環比を大とすることにより、未溶解空気をバイパス回路８でさらに加圧溶解することができる。
【００３９】
図２は大気泡発生から微細気泡に変更（ａ）および微細気泡から大気泡に変更（ｂ）する場合のフローチャートにしたがい説明する。ただし大気泡スイッチを「入」のＳ１から空気流入手段Ａ２５の開成Ｓ６、微細気泡スイッチを「入」のＳ１５から空気流入手段Ｂ２６の開成Ｓ２０はすでに上述しているので説明を省略する。
【００４０】
（ａ）の如く大気泡発生中から微細気泡発生に操作部２８により変更を指示、すなわち微細気泡スイッチを「入」にすると（Ｓ７）、優先的に制御手段２７が空気流入手段Ａ２５を閉成する（Ｓ８）と同時にポンプが停止する（Ｓ９）。そして次に第１切り替え手段１０を閉成して（Ｓ１０）第２往き管１１に通水するように切り替え、第３切り替え手段２２を第２戻り管２１に切り替え（Ｓ１１）、第２切り替え手段１４を開成して（Ｓ１２）、バイパス回路８に水を循環させるように同時に切り替える。
【００４１】
各切り替え手段１０、２２、１４が切り替わると、ポンプ５を作動させ（Ｓ１３）、そして空気流入手段Ｂ２６を開成し（Ｓ１４）、微細気泡発生の運転に入る。このようなシーケンスにすることによって、まず大気泡から微細気泡に気泡変更しても、大気泡発生部３にも上述した水量Ｑ１が流れるため、前記大気泡発生部３に設けたエジェクタ作用により、前記空気流入手段Ａ２５が開成したままであると空気が流入し、微細気泡と混合されて、微細気泡の発生量が減少する。
【００４２】
このため、空気流入手段Ａ２５を優先的に閉成するものである。
【００４３】
またポンプを停止し、配管回路を大気圧状態で各切り替え手段を切り替えることができるため、小トルクで切り替えることができる。そしてポンプ５を作動し、空気流入手段Ｂ２６を開成すると微細気泡が発生する。切り替えトルクが小トルクであることは、各切り替え手段の耐久性が向上し、より安定、確実に切り替えることができるものである。さらに各切り替え手段の切り替え順位に限定されることがなく、同時に短時間切り替えができる。さらにまたポンプの停止、作動の時間も短く、気泡変更時間が総合的に迅速化ができる。
【００４４】
最悪な高負圧状態になる条件は、ポンプを作動中に第１切り替え手段１０を開成のままで、かつ第３切り替え手段２２を第２戻り管に切り替えると、エジェクタ部１５の水流入部のみの流入水となるために高負圧状態が生じる。また高負圧になると上述の開成トルクを大トルクにする必要があること、水回路と空気流入回路等の接続部から異常な空気が流入することになる。さらにポンプ５から異常音が発生するなどの問題が生じ、これを避けるため、上記のような制御が必須条件となる。
【００４５】
一方、（ｂ）の如く微細気泡発生中から大気泡発生に操作部２８により変更を指示、大気泡スイッチ「入」にすると（Ｓ２１）、優先的に制御手段２７が空気流入手段Ｂ２６を閉成し（Ｓ２２）、ポンプ５を停止する（Ｓ２３）。そして第２切り替え手段１４を閉成して（Ｓ２４）、バイパス回路８の循環を停止させ、第３切り替え手段２２を第１戻り管２０と第２戻り管２１に切り替え（Ｓ２５）、第１切り替え手段１０を開成して（Ｓ２６）、第１往き管９と第２往き管１１に通水できるように同時に切り替える。
【００４６】
各切り替え手段１４、２２、１０が切り替わるとポンプを作動し（Ｓ２７）、空気流入手段Ａ２５を開成し（Ｓ２８）、大気泡発生の運転に入る。このようなシーケンスにすることによって、（ａ）と同様の効果が得られる。また微細気泡から大気泡に気泡変更しても、前記空気流入手段Ｂ２６が開成していると、バイパス回路８に水が循環しているため、エジェクタ部１５が負圧状態となり、空気が常時流入してポンプ５が大気泡になっても常にエアーがみ状態で運転することになる。このため、空気流入手段Ｂ２６を優先的に閉成するものである。
【００４７】
最悪な高負圧状態になる条件は、ポンプ５が作動中に第３切り替え手段２２を第２戻り管２１のままで、第２切り替え手段１４を閉成し、かつ第１切り替え手段１０を開成すると、エジェクタ部１５の水流入部のみの流入水となるために高負圧状態が生じる。また高負圧になると第３切り替え手段２２の切り替えトルクを大トルクにする必要があること、水回路や空気流入回路等の接続部から異常な空気が流入することになる。さらにポンプ５から異常音が発生するなどの問題が生じ、これを避けるため、上記のような制御が必須条件となる。
【００４８】
図３は大気泡発生の停止後のフローチャートを示す。Ｓ１〜Ｓ６は図２と同一制御手段であるから説明は省略する。大気泡スイッチを「切」にする（Ｓ２９）と、ポンプ５が停止し（Ｓ３０）、空気流入手段Ａ２５が閉成する（Ｓ３１）。
【００４９】
その後、空気流入手段Ｂ２６を開成する（Ｓ３２）。このような制御手段を行うことによって、大気泡発生時に生じるエジェクタ部１５の空気流入部１６の空気逆流防止装置２３から気泡流入手段Ｂ２６までの高負圧状態を大気圧に戻すことができる。
【００５０】
このことは微細気泡発生時に空気流入手段Ｂ２６の開成トルクを小さくすることができ、常に安定した開成作動ができる。大気泡発生時にエジェクタ部１５内が高負圧状態になる要因として、ポンプ５の吸入部７までの抵抗が大きいこと、すなわち第３切り替え手段２２、第１戻り管２０、第２戻り管２１および戻り管１９等の総抵抗によって決定される。しかしながら、前記第３切り替え手段２２の３方弁のボール径を大きくして抵抗を小さくすることは可能であるが、コスト高となる。
【００５１】
また各戻り管１９、２０、２１の管径を大きくして抵抗を小さくすることも可能であるが、これもコスト高と経済的でなくなる。このように経済性を考慮すると、高負圧状態は避けることができない。さらに、もし大気泡発生を連続して使用すると、大気泡発生毎に負圧が増加し、エジェクタ部１５の接続部から異常な空気が流入しやすくなり、ポンプ５がエアーがみが生じ、気泡発生が安定して運転することができなくなるなどの問題が発生する。
【００５２】
図４は微細気泡発生の停止後のフローチャートを示す。Ｓ１５〜Ｓ２０は図２と同一の制御手段であるから説明は省略する。微細気泡スイッチを「切」にする（Ｓ３３）と、空気流入手段Ｂを閉成し（Ｓ３４）、ポンプ５を停止する（Ｓ３５）。そして第２切り替え手段１４を閉成し（Ｓ３６）、第３切り替え手段２２を第１戻り管２０と第２戻り管２１に切り替え（Ｓ３７）、第１切り替え手段１０を開成し（Ｓ３８）、各切り替え手段を同時に切り替える。そして各切り替え手段１４、２２、１０が切り替わると、ポンプ５を作動させ（Ｓ３９）、一定時間ｔ作動させた後（Ｓ４０）、ポンプ５を停止し（Ｓ４１）、空気流入手段Ｂ２６を開成する（Ｓ４２）。
【００５３】
このような制御手段を行うことによって、ポンプ５、バイパス回路８、第２往き管１１の未溶解空気を水槽１に排出させると同時に、微細気泡発生部２の細孔部を洗浄することができる。また操作時に生じるエジェクタ部１５の空気流入部１６の空気逆流防止装置２３から気泡流入手段Ｂ２６までの高負圧状態を大気圧戻すことができる。このことは図３で詳述したような微細気泡発生時に空気流入手段Ｂ２６の開成トルクを小さくできる。
【００５４】
図５は気泡運転前の各々切り替え手段設定について、微細気泡発生時を代表例としたフローチャートを示す。Ｓ１５〜Ｓ２０は図２と同一の制御手段であるから説明は省略する。微細気泡スイッチを「切」する（Ｓ４３）と、空気流入手段Ｂ２６を閉成する（Ｓ４４）とともに、ポンプ５を停止する（Ｓ４５）。その後、第２切り替え手段１４を閉成（Ｓ４６）、第３切り替え手段２２を第１戻り管２０、第２戻り管２１側に切り替え（Ｓ４７）、第１切り替え手段１０を開成する（Ｓ４８）。
【００５５】
このような制御を行うことによって、特に気泡の主機能であるマッサージ効果、温熱効果等の目的を大気泡発生の運転スイッチ「入」にすると、ポンプ５の作動と空気流入手段Ａ２５の開成で、すぐに大気泡を発生することができる。
【００５６】
図６は図１の変形例で、第２往き管１１に流量検知装置２９を設け、微細気泡発生時を代表例とした配管回路図を示す。図１の実施例と同一構造で同一作用をする部分には同一符号を付して詳細な説明を省略し、異なる部分を中心に説明する。
【００５７】
微細気泡運転開始時および微細気泡発生時に、前記流量検知装置２９の検知信号により正常か異常を判定して運転を制御することによって、特に微細気泡発生における異常を検知、すなちポンプ５のエアーがみによる流量低下や各々の切り替え手段１０、１４、２２の切り替え異常による流量低下や流量上昇や微細気泡発生部２、第２往き管２１、戻り管１９、第２戻り管２１、バイパス回路１５等の目詰まりを制御手段３０によって検出することができる。また異常検知の検知信号を出力し、ポンプ５のエアーバージや各々の配管目詰まりクリーニング操作、使用者に異常を知らせる等を容易に制御操作できる極めて有効な手段である。
【００５８】
図中では詳述していないが、第２戻り管２１に流量検知装置２９を設けても同様の効果を有する。
【００５９】
図７は図１の第２変形例で、第３切り替え手段２２のモータ式の３方弁を、モータ式の２方弁からなる第３切り替え手段３２とし、微細気泡発生時を代表例とした配管回路図を示す。図１の実施例と同一構造で同一作用をする部分には同一符号を付して詳細な説明を省略し、異なる部分を中心に説明する。戻り管１９に分岐部３１を備え、この分岐部３１から第１戻り管３３と第２戻り管３４を分岐している。
【００６０】
前記第１戻り管３３とバイパス回路８との間に、第３切り替え手段３２を設け、微細気泡発生時には、前記第２戻り管３４からエジェクタ部１５の水流入部１７のみから水を流入するように、第３切り替え手段３２を閉成している。この第３切り替え手段３２をモータ式に２方弁にすることによって、低コスト化と、図中では詳述していないが、図１の配管回路図と比較してもわかるように、大気泡発生時にポンプ５の吸入部７への流入量が多くなり、吸入抵抗を低減が可能となる。また制御手段２７は図２と同一であることから、動作説明は省略する。
【００６１】
図８は図１の第３変形例で、微細気泡発生部２と大気泡発生部３が直列一体化したものから、水槽１に並列分離化し、微細気泡発生部３５と大気泡発生部３６に分離し、微細気泡発生時を代表例とした配管回路図を示す。図１の実施例と同一構造で同一作用をする部分には同一符号を付して詳細な説明を省略し、異なる部分を中心に説明する。微細気泡発生部３５に第２往き管３８を、また大気泡発生部３６に第１往き管３７、戻り管１９および空気流入手段Ａ２５をそれぞれ連結している。
【００６２】
微細気泡発生時には、バイパス回路８で空気を加圧溶解した水は分岐部１３から第２往き管３８を通り、細孔構成からなる微細気泡発生部３５で急激に減圧され、水槽１に微細気泡に吐出される。図中では詳述していないが、大気泡発生時には第１往き管３６と第２往き管３７の両方に流れ、大気泡発生部３６から吐出する水量はやや減少する。しかしながら、図８の配管回路図の構成は、特にユニットバス等の施工時、浴槽とユニット壁との距離が狭く、図１のような直列一体化の発生装置が施工できない場合に有効な手段である。また制御手段２７は図２と同一であることから、動作説明は省略する。
【００６３】
【発明の効果】
このように本発明の請求項１記載の気泡発生装置は、大気泡から微細気泡に変更する時、あるいは微細気泡から大気泡に変更する時、かならずポンプを停止して、配管回路がほぼ大気圧に戻った状態で、各切り替え手段が切り替わるため、切り替えトルクを小トルクとすることができ、各切り替え手段の耐久性を著しく向上できる。また各切り替え手段の切り替え順位を限定することなく、同時に切り替えができることから、切り替え時間を迅速化できる。
【００６４】
また本発明の請求項２記載の気泡発生装置は、微細気泡発生時に空気流入手段Ａからの空気の流入がなくなり、微細気泡の消泡作用を防止できる。また大気泡発生時に空気流入手段Ｂからの空気の流入が無くなり、ポンプがエアーがみすることなく安定した作動をすることができ、またポンプの耐久性を向上することができる。
【００６５】
また本発明の請求項３記載の気泡発生装置は、大気泡発生の運転スイッチを「切」にし、空気流入手段Ｂを開成することによって、空気流入手段Ｂにかかっている負圧を大気圧に戻すことによって、微細気泡発生の運転スイッチを「入」にすると、小トルクで空気流入手段Ｂを開成できることになり、安定して微細気泡を発生することができる。
【００６６】
また本発明の請求項４記載の気泡発生装置は、微細気泡発生の運転スイッチを「切」にし、空気流入手段Ｂを閉成し、ポンプを停止して、第２切り替え手段をバイパス回路閉成側に、第３切り替え手段を第１戻り管と第２戻り管側に、第１切り替え手段を第１往き管と第２往き管側荷切り替え、そしてポンプを一定時間作動させてポンプを停止し、空気流入手段Ｂを開成することによって、ポンプ、第１往き管および第２往き管内の未溶解の空気を水槽に排出できる。また次の大気泡発生、微細気泡発生を安定化、すなわちポンプ作動の立ち上がりをスムーズにすることができる。さらに次にポンプを停止後、空気流入手段Ｂを一定時間開成することにより、小トルクで空気流入手段Ｂを開成することができる。
【００６７】
また本発明の請求項５記載の気泡発生装置は、気泡発生運転前の切り替え手段の設定として、第１切り替え手段を第１往き管と第２往き管側に、第２切り替え手段をバイパス回路閉成側に、第３切り替え手段を第１戻り管と第２戻り管側することよって、特に気泡の主機能であるマッサージ効果、温熱効果等の目的を大気泡発生の運転スイッチ「入」にすると、ポンプの作動と空気流入手段Ａの開成で、迅速に大気泡を発生することができる。
【００６８】
さらに本発明の請求項６記載の気泡発生装置は、第２往き管または第２戻り管に流量検知装置を備えることによって、微細気泡運転開始時および微細気泡発生時に、正常か異常を判定して運転を制御することができる。特に微細気泡発生における異常を検知、すなわちポンプのエアーがみによる流量低下や切り替え手段の異常による流量低下、流量上昇や微細気泡発生部と第２往き管の目詰まり等を検出することができる。また異常検知の検知信号を出力し、ポンプのエアーパージ操作や目詰まりクリーニング操作、使用者に異常を知らせる等を容易に制御操作することができる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】（ａ）本発明の一実施例における気泡発生装置の大気泡発生時を示す構成図
（ｂ）同装置の微細気泡発生時を示す構成図
【図２】（ａ）同装置の大気泡発生から微細気泡発生に変更する制御手段の動作フローチャート
（ｂ）同装置の微細気泡発生から大気泡発生に変更する制御手段の動作フローチャート
【図３】同装置の大気泡発生停止後の制御手段の動作フローチャート
【図４】同装置の微細気泡発生停止後の制御手段の動作フローチャート
【図５】同装置の微細気泡発生停止後の切り替え手段設定の制御手段の動作フローチャート
【図６】同装置の第１変形例における微細気泡発生時を示す構成図
【図７】同装置の第２変形例における微細気泡発生時を示す構成図
【図８】同装置の第３変形例における微細気泡発生時を示す構成図
【図９】従来の噴流浴装置を示すシステム構成図
【図１０】同装置のシャトルバルブの断面図
【図１１】同装置のレリーフバルブの断面図
【図１２】同装置の低圧噴流ノズルの断面図
【符号の説明】
１ 水槽
２、３５ 微細気泡発生部
３、３６ 大気泡発生部
５ ポンプ
６ 吐出部
７ 吸入部
８ バイパス回路
９ 第１往き管
１０、３７ 第１切り替え手段
１１、３８ 第２往き管
１２、１３、３１ 分岐部
１４ 第２切り替え手段
１５ エジェクタ部
１６ 空気流入部
１７ 水流入部
１８ 抵抗部
１９ 戻り管
２０、３３ 第１戻り管
２１、３４ 第２戻り管
２２、３２ 第３切り替え手段
２３ 空気逆流防止装置
２４ 空気制御装置
２５ 空気流入手段Ａ
２６ 空気流入手段Ｂ
２７、３０ 制御手段
２８ 操作部
２９ 流量検知装置[0001]
[Industrial applications]
The present invention relates to control of a bubble generator having a function of generating fine bubbles and large bubbles in a water tank by a pump that circulates water.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, as an air bubble generating device (jet bath device) for generating such fine bubbles, examples disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 3-14464 are shown in FIGS . A pump unit 104 having a pump 103 for circulating hot water 102 in a bathtub 101; a two-way valve for an inhaler 106 for hot water 102 connected to a suction side pipe 105 of the pump 103 and a discharge side pipe 107 of the pump 103; It comprises a nozzle unit 111 having a low-pressure jet nozzle 109 and a high-pressure jet nozzle 110 branched and connected via 108.
[0003]
Further, a jet passage 112 is provided in the suction-side conduit 105 of the pump 103, and a branch passage 114 is provided between the discharge-side conduit 107 and the jet passage 112 via a shuttle valve 113. The shuttle valve 113 includes a conical valve 116 urged by a spring 115 as shown in FIG. 10 , a valve rod 117 connected to the conical valve 116, an air intake passage 118, and an air passage 119.
[0004]
Further, as shown in FIG. 11 , the high-pressure jet nozzle 110 includes a gas-liquid mixer 122 having spiral passages 120 and 121 alternately, and a relief valve 126 having a valve element 124 and a jet outlet 125 urged by a spring 123. It is configured. As shown in FIG. 12 , the low-pressure jet nozzle 109 includes a flow passage 127 and an air inflow passage 128 formed on the outer periphery of the flow passage 127. A narrow passage 129, a wide chamber 130, and a nozzle 131 are provided downstream of the flow passage 127. Is configured. The air inflow passage 128 communicates with the wide chamber 130 through a narrow passage 132.
[0005]
Next, the operation will be described . In FIG. 9 , when microbubbles are generated, when the pump 103 is operated, the hot water 102 is sucked from the inhaler 106 to the pump 103 via the suction side pipe 105, and then is discharged from the pump 103 to the discharge side pipe Fine bubbles are ejected from the high-pressure jet nozzle 110 via 107. At this time, the discharge pressure of the pump 103 acts on the branch pipe line 114, and the discharge pressure increases, so that the conical valve 116 connected to the valve rod 117 overcomes the urging force of the spring 115 and opens the conical valve 116.
[0006]
As a result, air is sucked into the jet passage 112 via the air intake passage 118, the conical valve 116, and the air passage 119, and is sucked by the pump 103. The sucked air is sent under high pressure to the pump 103, the discharge side pipeline 107 and the gas-liquid mixer 122 in the high-pressure jet nozzle 110, where the air is dissolved under pressure, and the valve element 124 and the jet outlet 125 of the high-pressure jet nozzle 110 are dissolved. , The fine bubbles are discharged into the bathtub 101. On the other hand, when a large bubble is generated, the two-way valve 108 in FIG. 9 is switched, and the hot water from the pump 103 is blown into the bathtub 101 from the low-pressure jet nozzle 109.
[0007]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the above configuration, during the operation of generating fine bubbles, the two-way valve 108 is switched to the high-pressure jet nozzle 110 side, and when the pump 103 operates, the hot water 102 is sucked from the inhaler 106 into the pump 103 via the suction-side pipe 105. I do. When the hot water 102 is sucked, the relief valve 126 becomes a discharge resistance, and the pump 103, the discharge side pipeline 107, and the shuttle valve 113 are almost instantaneously brought into a high pressure state.
[0008]
On the other hand, during the operation for generating large bubbles, the two-way valve 108 is switched to the low-pressure jet nozzle 109, and when the pump 103 is operated, the hot water 102 flows in the same way as in the operation for generating fine bubbles, that is, from the inhaler 106 to the suction side pipe The air is sucked into the pump 103 through the passage 105 and the jet passage 112.
[0009]
As described above, the flow of the hot water 102 along the same path during the operation of the fine bubbles and the large bubbles means that the jet path 112 of the shuttle valve 113 in FIG. In order to exert the function of the ejector function of suction, the nozzle is commonly used as a diffuser. Therefore, the opening area is small, and as a result, the resistance increases, the suction negative pressure of the pump 103 increases, and a large flow rate cannot be secured.
[0010]
In addition, during operation of generation of microbubbles, the shuttle valve 113 is one of the excellent systems for automatically sucking air without electric control, but the valve rod 117 provided in the shuttle valve 113 operates by high output. Then, the conical valve 116 connected to the valve stem 117 overcomes the urging force of the spring 115, so that the conical valve 116 is opened and air flows in. Change in Therefore high output, i.e. the jet state from the valve body 124 which is biased by a spring 123 of the relief valve 126 of FIG. 11, the biasing force is continuously unstable changes applied to the valve body 124.
[0011]
Therefore, when the valve element 124 is opened in an unstable manner, the urging force applied to the valve rod 117 becomes unstable, and the amount of air to be sucked changes. As a result, stable generation of fine bubbles cannot be achieved. That is, in the conventional technology, both the large bubbles and the fine bubbles have the above-described practical problems.
[0012]
The present invention solves the above-mentioned problems, and stabilizes both generation of large bubbles and generation of fine bubbles.
[0013]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, the bubble generating device of the present invention is a water tank, a bubble jet device including a fine bubble generating section and a large bubble generating section provided in the water tank, and a pump for circulating water in the water tank. , a bypass circuit provided between the suction portion and the discharge portion of the pump, branching from the bypass circuit, and a second forward pipe communicating to the first forward pipe Contact and fine bubble generating portion communicating to a large bubble generating section , provided on the first forward pipe, the first forward pipe and the second forward pipe when a large bubble generation, also a first switching means for switching to the second forward pipe fine bubble generating, a water inflow provided in the bypass circuit An ejector section having an air inflow section, second switching means provided upstream and downstream of the ejector section for controlling opening and closing of bypass water, a resistance section provided in a part of the ejector, and allowing water and air to flow in a negative pressure; air provided in the inlet portion The flow prevention device, an air control device for adjusting the amount of air communicating with the air backflow prevention device, an air inlet means B provided upstream of the air control system, for sucking water in the water tank to the suction portion of the pump a return tube, the branches from the return pipe, switched to the second return pipe communicating with the water inflow of the first return pipe and ejector portion that communicates with the intake section of the pump when a large bubble generation, the second when fine bubbles generated A third switching unit that switches a flow to a return pipe; an air inflow unit A that communicates with the large bubble generation unit; and a control unit that controls a large bubble generation operation and a fine bubble generation operation. When an instruction to change to the fine bubble generation operation is issued during the large bubble generation operation, the pump is stopped before the switching operation of each of the switching units, and then the first switching unit is connected to the second going pipe side. And the third cut The place unit to the second return pipe side, switches the second switching means to the bypass circuit open side, when the switching operation is completed, and restarts the operation of the pump, and opens the air inlet means B enters the fine bubble generating operation Further, when an instruction to change to the large bubble generating operation is issued during the fine bubble generating operation, the pump is stopped before the switching operation of each of the switching units, and then the second switching unit is closed by the bypass circuit. The third switching means is switched to the first return pipe and the second return pipe, and the first switching means is switched to the first going pipe and the second going pipe . When the switching operation is completed, the operation of the pump is stopped. At the start, the air inflow means A is opened to start a large bubble generation operation .
[0014]
Further, the second technical means in the bubble generating apparatus of the present invention, the control means of the first technical means, when a change instruction to the fine bubble generation operation is issued during the large bubble generation operation, the air inflow means A The closing operation is preferentially performed, and at the same time, the pump is stopped. If a change instruction to the large bubble generating operation is given during the fine bubble generating operation, the closing operation of the air inflow means B is prioritized. In addition, the pump is stopped simultaneously .
[0015]
Further, the third technical means in the bubble generating apparatus of the present invention is such that the control means of the first technical means, when the operation switch for generating large bubbles is turned off, stops the pump and opens the air inflow means B. Things.
[0016]
Still further, the fourth technical means in the bubble generating apparatus of the present invention closes the air inflow means B when the control means of the first technical means turns off the fine bubble switch during the fine bubble generating operation. After the pump is stopped , the second switching means is on the bypass circuit closing side, the third switching means is on the first return pipe and the second return pipe side, and the first switching means is on the first going pipe and the second going pipe. switch to the side, when the switching operation is completed, is operated for a predetermined time pump, then, is obtained so as to open the air inlet means B.
[0017]
The fifth technical means in the bubble generating apparatus of the present invention is such that the control means of the first technical means is set to the switching means before the bubble generation operation, and the first switching means is provided on the first going pipe and the second going pipe side. The second switching means is on the bypass circuit closing side, and the third switching means is on the first return pipe and the second pipe side.
[0018]
The sixth technical means in the bubble generating apparatus of the present invention further comprises the control means of the first technical means, a flow detecting device provided in the second going pipe or the second return pipe, at the time of starting the fine bubble operation and at the time of generating the fine bubbles. And control means for controlling operation by judging whether the flow rate is normal or abnormal based on the detection signal of the flow rate detecting device.
[0019]
[Action]
In the first technical means, when the control means changes (a) large bubbles to fine bubbles, the pump is stopped to return the piping circuit to substantially atmospheric pressure, and the first switching means is switched to the second outgoing pipe side. In addition, the switching torque for switching the third switching unit to the second return pipe side and switching the second switching unit to the bypass circuit opening side is reduced. This can significantly improve the durability of each switching means. In addition, since it is not necessary to limit the order of each switching means, and switching can be performed at the same time, the switching time can be shortened. When the switching is completed, the pump is operated to perform the fine bubble operation.
[0020]
On the other hand, also in the case of (b) changing from the fine bubble to the large bubble, similarly, by stopping the pump, the piping circuit returns to substantially the atmospheric pressure, and the second switching means is moved to the bypass circuit closing side, and the third switching means is moved to the bypass circuit closing side. To the first return pipe and the second return pipe, and the switching torque for switching the first switching means to the first going pipe and the second going pipe. The operation and effect are the same as those in FIG. Then, when the switching is completed, the pump is operated to perform the large bubble operation.
[0021]
In the second technical means, by allowed to preferentially close the air inlet means A or the air inlet means B, that can pump is without seeing an air, a stable operation, further pump durability Performance can also be improved.
[0022]
In the third technical means, when the operation switch for generating a large bubble is turned off, the pump is stopped and the negative pressure applied to the air inflow means B is returned to the atmospheric pressure by forming the air inflow means B. be able to. In a state where the air inflow means B provided in the air inflow section of the ejector section is closed, the negative pressure of the suction section of the pump is directly applied between the air inflow section and the air inflow means B. Even if the operation is turned off, that is, even if the operation of the pump is turned off, the air backflow prevention device provided in the air inflow section operates and closes. At this time, the space between the air control device that communicates with the air backflow prevention device and adjusts the amount of air and the air inflow means B remains at the negative pressure.
[0023]
As a condition for increasing the negative pressure, if the large bubble operation is continuously used (that is, if the fine bubble operation is not performed), the negative pressure is added. Easy to be. Therefore, when the operation switch for generating large bubbles is turned off, the operation switch for generating fine bubbles is turned on by returning the negative pressure to the atmospheric pressure by opening the air inflow means B every time the pump is stopped. ", The air inflow means B can be opened with a small torque, and fine bubbles can be stably generated.
[0024]
In the fourth technical means, when the operation switch for generating microbubbles is turned off, the pump is stopped after the air inflow means B is closed, so that the pipe circuit is almost returned to the atmospheric pressure as described above. The second switching means can be switched to the bypass circuit closing side, the third switching means can be switched to the first return pipe and the second return pipe, and the first switching means can be switched to the first going pipe and the second going pipe at the same time. .
[0025]
Then, the pump is operated for a certain period of time to discharge undissolved air in the pump, the first going pipe and the second going pipe to the water tank, thereby stabilizing the next generation of large bubbles and fine bubbles, that is, The pump operation can be started up smoothly. Next, after the pump is stopped, the air inflow means B is opened for a certain period of time, so that the air inflow means B can be opened with a small torque during the next fine bubble operation.
[0026]
In the fifth technical means, as the setting of the switching means before the bubble generation operation, the first switching means is on the first and second outgoing pipe sides, the second switching means is on the bypass circuit closing side, and the third switching means is on the third circuit closing side. By setting the switching means on the first return pipe side and the second return pipe side, especially when the purpose of the main effect of the bubble, such as the massage effect and the heat effect, is set to the operation switch for generating the large bubble, the operation of the pump and the air By opening the inflow means A, large bubbles can be generated immediately.
[0027]
In the sixth technical means, a flow detecting device is provided in the second going pipe or the second return pipe, and at the time of starting the fine bubble operation and at the time of generating the fine bubble, the operation is determined by judging normal or abnormal by the detection signal of the flow detecting device. To detect abnormalities especially in the generation of microbubbles, that is, to detect a decrease in the flow rate due to the air in the pump, a decrease in the flow rate due to an abnormality in the switching means, an increase, and the clogging of the microbubble generator and the second going pipe. can do. In addition, a detection signal of abnormality detection is output, and an air purge of the pump, a clogging cleaning operation, a notification of an abnormality to a user, and the like can be easily controlled.
[0028]
【Example】
Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the piping circuit diagram of FIG. 1 (a) when large bubbles are generated and (b) when fine bubbles are generated. Reference numeral 1 denotes a water tank such as a bathtub for generating bubbles in water, and 2 denotes a fine bubble generating section for generating fine bubbles in the water of the water tank 1, which communicates with the water tank 1 via a large bubble generating section 3 integrated in series. The large bubble generating section 3 is attached to the water tank 1 and communicates with the air inflow means A25 to generate large bubbles in water. Reference numeral 5 denotes a pump for circulating the water 4 in the water tank 1 and has a discharge unit 6 and a suction unit 7. Reference numeral 8 denotes a bypass circuit, one end of which is connected to the discharge part 6 of the pump 5 and the other end of which is connected to the suction part 7. The second switching means 14 is provided with branch portions 12 and 13 for branching into the two outgoing pipes 11 and opens and closes the bypass circuit 8 downstream of the branch portions 12 and 13, and is composed of a motor-operated two-way valve.
[0029]
Reference numeral 15 denotes an ejector connected between the second switching means 14 and the suction part 7 of the pump 5. An air inflow part 16 which allows air to flow only when fine bubbles are generated, and a water in the water tank 1 when fine bubbles are generated and when large bubbles are generated. 4 is provided. Reference numeral 18 denotes a resistance portion formed by narrowing the diameter of the water return portion 17 or the second return pipe 21 in the vicinity thereof, and serves to cause water and air to flow into the ejector portion 15 under a negative pressure. Reference numeral 19 denotes a return pipe connecting the water 4 of the water tank 1 to the suction portion 7 of the pump 5. The return pipe 19 is connected to the second return pipe 21 when fine bubbles are generated, and to the first return pipe 20 and the second return pipe 20 when large bubbles are generated. The third switching means 22 for returning water to the pipe 21 and switching the water comprises a motor type three-way valve.
[0030]
Reference numeral 23 denotes an air backflow prevention device provided at or near the air inflow portion 16. The air backflow prevention device 23 prevents air and water from flowing back to the air control device 24 that controls the amount of air when fine bubbles are generated, and stably prevents the air and water from flowing back. The air is allowed to flow in and communicates with the air inflow means B26. Reference numeral 28 denotes an operation unit for the control unit 27 connected to the pump 5, the first switching unit 10, the second switching unit 14, the third switching unit 22, the air inflow unit A25, and the air inflow unit B26. A button for air bubbles is provided.
[0031]
Hereinafter, the operation of generating bubbles in the embodiment will be briefly described.
[0032]
(A) The large-bubble generation operation operation unit 28 gives an instruction to generate a large bubble, and when the large-bubble switch is turned “ON”, the control means 27 controls as follows. The second switching means 14 is on the bypass circuit 8 opening side, the third switching means 22 is on the first return pipe 20 and the second return pipe 21 side, the first switching means 10 is open, and the first going pipe 9 and the second going pipe are opened. Switch to each of the tubes 11. When the pump 5 starts operating, the water 4 in the water tank 1 is sucked from the return pipe 19 through the two paths of the first return pipe 20 and the second return pipe 21 to the suction part 7 of the pump 5. At this time, the inhalation from the two paths is to secure a large amount of water necessary for generating large bubbles.
[0033]
Then, the fluid is discharged from the discharge part 6 of the pump 5 to the bypass circuit 8.
[0034]
Since the bypass circuit 8 is closed by the second switching means 14, the discharged water 4 passes through two paths from the branch part 12 to the first going pipe 9 and from the branch part 13 to the second going pipe 11. It is discharged from the large bubble generating section 3 vigorously. Due to this discharge force, the air that has flowed in from the air inflow means A25 that has already been opened at the same time as the operation of the pump is mixed into the water and spreads in the water tank 1 to generate large bubbles. At this time, the reason for flowing the water through the second going pipe is to secure a large amount of water necessary for the generation of large bubbles, and because the fine bubble generation part 2 is composed of pores, the pores are easily clogged. For this reason, the washing operation is performed every time a large bubble is generated, so that fine bubbles can be stably generated.
[0035]
(B) The operation of the micro-bubble generation is instructed by the operation unit 28, and when the micro-bubble switch is turned on, the control means 27 controls as follows. The first switching means 10 is closed, and the third switching means 22 is switched to the second return pipe 21 side, and the second switching means 14 is switched to the bypass circuit 8 open side, respectively. Then, when the pump 5 starts operating, the water 4 in the water tank 1 passes through the return pipe 19 through the second return pipe 21, and is sucked at a negative pressure from the water inflow section 18 of the ejector section 15. When the water 4 is sucked into the suction section 7 of the pump 5, the pressure on the suction side of the pump 5 increases and the pressure on the discharge section 6 side also increases.
[0036]
That is, since the discharge port of the microbubble generating section 2 is constituted by a fine hole, the pump 5 operates in a substantially shut-off operation state. The pressure is applied to increase the pressure, and the pressure of the pump 5, the bypass circuit 8, and the second going pipe 11 is increased. In such an operation state, air flows in from the air inflow means B26 which is opened at the same time as the operation of the pump 5, and is made to have a constant and stable air volume by the air control device 24. The liquid is sucked into the ejector unit 15 from the ejector unit 16, enters the pump 5 from the suction unit 7, and flows from the discharge unit 6 to both the bypass circuit 8 side and the branch unit 13 to both the second going pipe 11. At this time, since the bypass circuit 8 and the second going pipe 11 are pressurized to a high pressure, the air previously sucked is in a dissolved state.
[0037]
Then, when the water in which the air is dissolved passes through the fine bubble generating section 2, the pressure is rapidly reduced and the dissolved air becomes fine bubbles and spreads to the water tank 1 via the large bubble generating section 3 as milky white. The inflowing air is sucked from the suction part 15 of the pump 5 and is finely pulverized by the high-speed rotating blades of the pump 5 to increase the gas-liquid contact efficiency. Is dissolved under pressure.
[0038]
When the undissolved air is the amount of water Q1 discharged from the branch portion 13 provided in the bypass circuit 8, the recirculated water Q2, and the amount of water Q3 flowing from the water inflow portion 18 of the ejector portion 15, Q1 = Q3, that is, fine bubbles The amount of water Q1 discharged from the generation unit 2 is obtained, and only the amount of discharged water Q1 flows in as Q3. On the other hand, it is desirable to increase the amount of water Q2 recirculated to the bypass circuit 8 as much as possible. Because, if the Q2 / Q1 ratio is assumed to be the number of circulations, by increasing the circulation ratio, the undissolved air can be further pressurized and dissolved in the bypass circuit 8.
[0039]
FIG. 2 will be described according to a flowchart in the case of changing from the occurrence of large bubbles to fine bubbles (a) and the case of changing from fine bubbles to large bubbles (b). However, since the large-bubble switch has already been described from S1 of "ON" to the opening S6 of the air inflow means A25, and the fine-bubble switch of S15 from "ON" to S20 of the air inflow means B26 has already been described above, the description is omitted.
[0040]
As shown in (a), when the operation unit 28 instructs a change to the generation of fine bubbles during the generation of large bubbles, that is, when the fine bubble switch is turned on (S7), the control means 27 closes the air inflow means A25 preferentially. (S8), the pump stops at the same time (S9). Then, the first switching means 10 is closed (S10), and the second switching pipe 22 is switched to flow water to the second going pipe 11, and the third switching means 22 is switched to the second return pipe 21 (S11). 14 is opened (S12) and simultaneously switched to circulate water in the bypass circuit 8.
[0041]
When each of the switching means 10, 22, and 14 is switched, the pump 5 is operated (S13), the air inflow means B26 is opened (S14), and the operation for generating fine bubbles is started. With such a sequence, even if the bubble is first changed from a large bubble to a fine bubble, the above-mentioned water amount Q1 also flows through the large bubble generation unit 3. If the air inflow means A25 is kept open, air flows in and is mixed with the fine bubbles, so that the amount of generated fine bubbles is reduced.
[0042]
Therefore, the air inflow means A25 is preferentially closed.
[0043]
Further, since the pump can be stopped and each switching means can be switched while the piping circuit is in the atmospheric pressure state, the switching can be performed with a small torque. Then, when the pump 5 is operated to open the air inflow means B26, fine bubbles are generated. When the switching torque is small, the durability of each switching means is improved, and switching can be performed more stably and reliably. Further, switching is not limited to the switching order of each switching means, and switching can be performed for a short time at the same time. Furthermore, the time for stopping and operating the pump is short, and the time for changing bubbles can be shortened overall.
[0044]
The worst high negative pressure condition is that if the first switching means 10 is kept open while the pump is operating and the third switching means 22 is switched to the second return pipe, only the water inflow portion of the ejector 15 A high negative pressure condition occurs due to the inflow of water. In addition, when the pressure becomes high, the opening torque needs to be large, and abnormal air flows in from the connection between the water circuit and the air inflow circuit. Further, a problem such as occurrence of an abnormal sound from the pump 5 occurs. In order to avoid such a problem, the above-described control is an essential condition.
[0045]
On the other hand, as shown in (b), a change is instructed by the operating unit 28 to generate large bubbles from the generation of fine bubbles, and when the large bubble switch is turned on (S21), the control means 27 closes the air inflow means B26 with priority. Then, the pump 5 is stopped (S23). Then, the second switching means 14 is closed (S24), the circulation of the bypass circuit 8 is stopped, the third switching means 22 is switched between the first return pipe 20 and the second return pipe 21 (S25), and the first switching is performed. The means 10 is opened (S26) and simultaneously switched so that water can flow through the first going pipe 9 and the second going pipe 11.
[0046]
When each of the switching means 14, 22, and 10 is switched, the pump is operated (S27), the air inflow means A25 is opened (S28), and the operation for generating large bubbles starts. With such a sequence, the same effect as in (a) can be obtained. Even if the air bubbles are changed from fine air bubbles to large air bubbles, if the air inflow means B26 is open, since the water is circulating in the bypass circuit 8, the ejector unit 15 is in a negative pressure state, and the air always flows in. As a result, even if the pump 5 becomes a large bubble, the pump 5 is always operated in a state of air. Therefore, the air inflow means B26 is preferentially closed.
[0047]
The worst condition for the high negative pressure state is that the second switching means 14 is closed and the first switching means 10 is opened while the third switching means 22 remains the second return pipe 21 while the pump 5 is operating. Then, since it becomes inflow water only in the water inflow part of the ejector part 15, a high negative pressure state arises. Further, when the pressure becomes high negative, the switching torque of the third switching means 22 needs to be increased, and abnormal air flows in from a connection portion such as a water circuit or an air inflow circuit. Further, a problem such as occurrence of an abnormal sound from the pump 5 occurs. In order to avoid such a problem, the above-described control is an essential condition.
[0048]
FIG. 3 shows a flowchart after the stop of the generation of large bubbles. S1 to S6 are the same control means as those in FIG. When the large bubble switch is turned off (S29), the pump 5 stops (S30) and the air inflow means A25 is closed (S31).
[0049]
Thereafter, the air inflow means B26 is opened (S32). By performing such control means, the high negative pressure state from the air backflow prevention device 23 of the air inflow section 16 of the ejector section 15 to the bubble inflow means B26, which is generated when large bubbles are generated, can be returned to the atmospheric pressure.
[0050]
This makes it possible to reduce the opening torque of the air inflow means B26 at the time of generation of fine bubbles, and to always perform a stable opening operation. The reason why the inside of the ejector unit 15 is in a high negative pressure state when large bubbles are generated is that the resistance to the suction unit 7 of the pump 5 is large, that is, the third switching means 22, the first return pipe 20, the second return pipe 21, It is determined by the total resistance of the return pipe 19 and the like. However, although it is possible to reduce the resistance by increasing the ball diameter of the three-way valve of the third switching means 22, the cost increases.
[0051]
Although it is possible to reduce the resistance by increasing the diameter of each of the return pipes 19, 20, and 21, this is also costly and uneconomical. Considering the economics, a high negative pressure state cannot be avoided. Furthermore, if the large bubble generation is used continuously, the negative pressure increases each time a large bubble is generated, so that abnormal air tends to flow in from the connection portion of the ejector unit 15, and the pump 5 generates air. Problems such as the inability to operate stably occur.
[0052]
FIG. 4 shows a flowchart after the generation of fine bubbles is stopped. S15 to S20 are the same control means as those in FIG. When the fine bubble switch is turned off (S33), the air inflow means B is closed (S34), and the pump 5 is stopped (S35). Then, the second switching means 14 is closed (S36), the third switching means 22 is switched between the first return pipe 20 and the second return pipe 21 (S37), and the first switching means 10 is opened (S38). Switching means are switched simultaneously. When each of the switching means 14, 22, and 10 is switched, the pump 5 is operated (S39), and after operating for a certain time (S40), the pump 5 is stopped (S41) and the air inflow means B26 is opened (S41). S42).
[0053]
By performing such control means, the undissolved air in the pump 5, the bypass circuit 8, and the second outgoing pipe 11 can be discharged into the water tank 1, and at the same time, the pores of the fine bubble generating section 2 can be washed. . Further, the high negative pressure state from the air backflow prevention device 23 of the air inflow portion 16 of the ejector portion 15 to the bubble inflow means B26, which is generated during the operation, can be returned to the atmospheric pressure. This can reduce the opening torque of the air inflow means B26 at the time of generation of fine bubbles as described in detail in FIG.
[0054]
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a setting example of each switching means before the bubble operation, when a minute bubble is generated. S15 to S20 are the same control means as those in FIG. When the microbubble switch is turned off (S43), the air inflow means B26 is closed (S44) and the pump 5 is stopped (S45). Thereafter, the second switching means 14 is closed (S46), the third switching means 22 is switched to the first return pipe 20 and the second return pipe 21 (S47), and the first switching means 10 is opened (S48).
[0055]
By performing such control, when the operation switch of the large bubble generation is set to “on” especially for the purpose of the massage effect and the thermal effect which are the main functions of the bubble, the operation of the pump 5 and the opening of the air inflow means A25 are performed. Large bubbles can be generated immediately.
[0056]
FIG. 6 is a modified example of FIG. 1, in which a flow detection device 29 is provided in the second going pipe 11, and a piping circuit diagram showing a typical example when fine bubbles are generated is shown. The parts having the same structure and the same function as those in the embodiment of FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.
[0057]
At the start of microbubble operation and at the time of generation of microbubbles, the operation is controlled by judging whether the operation is normal or abnormal based on the detection signal of the flow rate detecting device 29. Flow rate decrease due to dents or flow rate increase or flow increase due to abnormal switching of the respective switching means 10, 14, 22, fine bubble generator 2, second going pipe 21, return pipe 19, second return pipe 21, bypass circuit 15. Can be detected by the control means 30. Further, this is an extremely effective means that outputs a detection signal of abnormality detection and can easily control the air barge of the pump 5 and the clogging of each pipe, and inform the user of the abnormality.
[0058]
Although not shown in detail in the drawing, the same effect can be obtained even if the flow rate detecting device 29 is provided in the second return pipe 21.
[0059]
FIG. 7 is a second modified example of FIG. 1, in which the motor-driven three-way valve of the third switching means 22 is replaced by a third switching means 32 composed of a motor-driven two-way valve, and a typical example is when fine bubbles are generated. The piping circuit diagram is shown. The parts having the same structure and the same function as those in the embodiment of FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted. The return pipe 19 is provided with a branch portion 31 from which a first return pipe 33 and a second return pipe 34 are branched.
[0060]
A third switching means 32 is provided between the first return pipe 33 and the bypass circuit 8 so that water can flow from the second return pipe 34 only from the water inflow section 17 of the ejector section 15 when fine bubbles are generated. Then, the third switching means 32 is closed. By making the third switching means 32 a motor-operated two-way valve, the cost can be reduced and, although not shown in detail in the figure, as can be seen by comparing with the piping circuit diagram of FIG. At the time of occurrence, the amount of inflow of the pump 5 into the suction section 7 increases, and the suction resistance can be reduced. The control means 27 is the same as that of FIG.
[0061]
FIG. 8 shows a third modified example of FIG. 1, in which the microbubble generator 2 and the large bubble generator 3 are integrated in series and separated into parallel in the water tank 1, and the fine bubble generator 35 and the large bubble generator 36 are separated. FIG. 4 shows a piping circuit diagram representative of a case where the microbubbles are separated from each other. The parts having the same structure and the same function as those in the embodiment of FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted. The second going pipe 38 is connected to the fine bubble generating section 35, and the first going pipe 37, the return pipe 19, and the air inflow means A25 are connected to the large bubble generating section 36, respectively.
[0062]
At the time of generation of microbubbles, water obtained by pressurizing and dissolving air in the bypass circuit 8 passes through the second outgoing pipe 38 from the branch portion 13, is rapidly decompressed in the microbubble generating portion 35 having a fine pore structure, and Is discharged. Although not described in detail in the figure, when a large bubble is generated, it flows through both the first going pipe 36 and the second going pipe 37, and the amount of water discharged from the large bubble generating section 36 is slightly reduced. However, the configuration of the piping circuit diagram of FIG. 8 is an effective means especially when a unit bath or the like is constructed and the distance between the bathtub and the unit wall is small and a series-integrated generator as shown in FIG. 1 cannot be constructed. is there. The control means 27 is the same as that of FIG.
[0063]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, the bubble generator according to claim 1 of the present invention always stops the pump when changing from large bubbles to fine bubbles, or when changing from fine bubbles to large bubbles, so that the piping circuit is substantially at atmospheric pressure. In the state returned to the above, each switching means switches, so that the switching torque can be made small, and the durability of each switching means can be significantly improved. In addition, since switching can be performed simultaneously without limiting the switching order of each switching unit, the switching time can be shortened.
[0064]
Further, in the bubble generating device according to the second aspect of the present invention, the air does not flow from the air inflow means A when the fine bubbles are generated, and the defoaming action of the fine bubbles can be prevented. In addition, when large bubbles are generated, the inflow of air from the air inflow means B is eliminated, so that the pump can operate stably without seeing air, and the durability of the pump can be improved.
[0065]
Further, in the bubble generating apparatus according to the third aspect of the present invention, the operation switch for generating large bubbles is turned off, and the air inflow means B is opened to reduce the negative pressure applied to the air inflow means B to atmospheric pressure. When the operation switch for generating fine bubbles is turned on by returning, the air inflow means B can be opened with a small torque, and fine bubbles can be generated stably.
[0066]
In the bubble generating apparatus according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the operation switch for generating fine bubbles is turned off, the air inflow means B is closed, the pump is stopped, and the second switching means is closed in a bypass circuit. Side, the third switching means is switched to the first return pipe and the second return pipe side, the first switching means is switched to the first going pipe and the second going pipe side load, and the pump is operated for a certain time to stop the pump. By opening the air inflow means B, the undissolved air in the pump, the first going pipe and the second going pipe can be discharged to the water tank. Further, the next generation of large bubbles and fine bubbles can be stabilized, that is, the rising of the pump operation can be made smooth. Further, after the pump is stopped next, the air inflow means B can be opened with a small torque by opening the air inflow means B for a predetermined time.
[0067]
In the bubble generating apparatus according to a fifth aspect of the present invention, as the setting of the switching means before the bubble generation operation, the first switching means is set to the first and second outgoing pipes, and the second switching means is closed to the bypass circuit. By setting the third switching means on the first return pipe side and the second return pipe side on the forming side, particularly when the purpose of the massage effect, the thermal effect, etc., which are the main functions of the bubbles, is set to the operation switch “ON” for generating large bubbles. By operating the pump and opening the air inflow means A, large bubbles can be quickly generated.
[0068]
Further, the bubble generator according to claim 6 of the present invention includes a flow detecting device in the second going pipe or the second return pipe to determine whether the operation is normal or abnormal when the fine bubble operation starts and when the fine bubbles are generated. Operation can be controlled. In particular, it is possible to detect an abnormality in the generation of microbubbles, that is, to detect a decrease in the flow rate due to the air in the pump, a decrease in the flow rate due to an abnormality in the switching means, an increase in the flow rate, and a clogging of the microbubble generator and the second going pipe. In addition, a detection signal of abnormality detection is output, so that an air purge operation of the pump, a clogging cleaning operation, a notification of an abnormality to a user, and the like can be easily controlled.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 (a) is a configuration diagram of a bubble generator according to an embodiment of the present invention when large bubbles are generated; FIG. 1 (b) is a configuration diagram of a bubble generator when micro bubbles are generated; FIG. (B) Operation flow chart of control means for changing from generation of large bubbles to generation of fine bubbles (b) Operation flow chart of control means for changing generation of fine bubbles to generation of large bubbles in the apparatus [FIG. 3] Control after stop of generation of large bubbles in the apparatus FIG. 4 is an operation flowchart of control means after the generation of fine bubbles in the device is stopped; FIG. 5 is an operation flowchart of control means for setting switching means after the generation of fine bubbles is stopped in the device; FIG. 7 is a configuration diagram showing a state in which microbubbles are generated in a first modification of FIG. 7; FIG. 8 is a configuration diagram showing a case in which microbubbles are generated in a second modification of the device; FIG. Configuration showing FIG. 9 is a system configuration diagram showing a conventional jet bath apparatus. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a shuttle valve of the same apparatus. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a relief valve of the same apparatus. FIG. Figure [Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Water tank 2, 35 Fine bubble generation part 3, 36 Large bubble generation part 5 Pump 6 Discharge part 7 Suction part 8 Bypass circuit 9 First going pipe 10, 37 First switching means 11, 38 Second going pipe 12, 13, 31 branch part 14 second switching means 15 ejector part 16 air inflow part 17 water inflow part 18 resistance part 19 return pipe 20, 33 first return pipe 21, 34 second return pipe 22, 32 third switching means 23 air backflow prevention Device 24 air control device 25 air inflow means A
26 Air inflow means B
27, 30 control means 28 operation unit 29 flow rate detection device