JP7568271B2 - Foam water discharge device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a foam water ejection device.

Conventionally, a foam water discharge device has been used that is attached to the outlet of a water faucet and discharges foam water (air-mixed water) containing air from the faucet. This discharge device allows the user to feel the volume of water even when the amount of water discharged is small, so the amount of water discharged can be reduced, which in turn allows water to be saved.

As shown in Patent Document 1, for example, the foam water discharge device has a cylindrical flow path forming section with a water flow path formed inside through which water flows from the upstream side to the downstream side. Air holes are formed in the peripheral wall of the flow path forming section to introduce external air into the water flow path. In addition, a pressure reduction plate with multiple small holes is provided inside the flow path forming section to divide the water flow path in the water flow direction. Water flowing through the water flow path is sprayed downstream through the small holes in the pressure reduction plate, thereby drawing external air into the water flow path through the air holes. This allows external air to mix with the water in the water flow path, generating foam water.

The foam water discharge device further includes a configuration for rectifying the generated foam water and discharging it. For example, one such configuration includes a configuration in which a straightening plate for rectifying the foam water and a discharge plate for discharging the foam water rectified by the straightening plate are provided inside the flow path forming portion. In this configuration, multiple openings are formed in the straightening plate, and the foam water is rectified by flowing through these openings. In addition, multiple openings are also formed in the discharge plate, and the foam water is discharged through these openings. In this case, the foam water rectified by the straightening plate is further rectified in the discharge plate and discharged. The discharge plate is formed, for example, integrally with the flow path forming portion from a resin material.

Patent No. 5854365

In the configuration of the foam water discharge device described above, if the straightening plate is placed too close to the pressure reducing plate, the straightening plate may create resistance to the water being sprayed from the small holes in the pressure reducing plate, weakening the force of the spray. In that case, there is a risk that less outside air will be taken in, lowering the air mixing rate of the foam water. On the other hand, if the straightening plate is placed too close to the discharge plate, it is assumed that the straightening plate and the discharge plate will not be able to properly straighten the foam water. In that case, there is a risk of disturbance in the flow of the foam water being discharged from the discharge plate.

As such, the distance between the straightening plate and the pressure reducing plate, and the distance between the straightening plate and the discharge plate are considered to be important in generating and discharging foam water, and therefore it is necessary to set these distances to appropriate distances. However, it is considered that the appropriate size of these distances varies depending on the specifications of the foam water discharge device, and technology is required to easily adjust these distances.

The present invention was made in consideration of the above circumstances, and its main objective is to provide a foam water ejection device that makes it easy to set the distance between the spray point where water is sprayed to generate foam water and the straightening member, and the distance between the straightening member and the ejection section.

To solve the above problems, the foam water discharge device of the first invention is a foam water discharge device that includes a cylindrical flow path forming section with a water flow path formed inside through which water flows from the upstream side to the downstream side, and an air passage that can introduce air from the outside into the water flow path, and generates foam water containing air and discharges it downstream by injecting water that has flowed into the water flow path from the upstream side to the downstream side, drawing in external air into the water flow path through the air passage, and is characterized in that it includes a straightening member that is provided to divide the water flow path downstream of the point where the water is injected in the water flow direction and straightens the generated foam water and guides it downstream, a discharge section that is provided downstream of the straightening member and faces the straightening member and further straightens the foam water straightened by the straightening member and discharges it from the water flow path, and an annular ring member that is interposed between the straightening member and the discharge section and determines the distance between the straightening member and the discharge section.

According to the first invention, a ring member is interposed between the straightening member and the discharge portion, thereby defining the distance between them. In this case, the distance between the straightening member and the discharge portion can be easily adjusted by the height of the ring member (more specifically, the length in the water flow direction). In addition, once the distance between the straightening member and the discharge portion is determined, the distance between the straightening member and the point where the water is sprayed is also determined, so in this case, the distance between the straightening member and the point where the water is sprayed can also be easily adjusted by the ring member.

The foam water discharge device of the second invention is the first invention, wherein the discharge section has a plurality of discharge openings for discharging the foam water, and among the plurality of discharge openings, a predetermined discharge opening provided on the outer periphery of the discharge section overlaps with the ring member in the arrangement direction in which the ring member and the discharge section are arranged, and at least a portion of the inner circumferential surface of the ring member, including the end portion on the discharge section side, is an expanding surface formed so that the inner diameter continuously increases toward the discharge section side, and the expanding surface overlaps with the predetermined discharge opening in the arrangement direction.

In a configuration in which foam water is discharged from multiple discharge openings provided in the discharge section, it is considered that the multiple discharge openings are arranged across the entire area of the discharge section to ensure the discharge diameter (discharge width) of the discharged foam water. However, in the above configuration in which a ring member is interposed between the straightening member and the discharge section, it is expected that the discharge openings on the outer periphery (predetermined discharge openings) will overlap with the ring member in the arrangement direction in which the ring member and the discharge section are lined up. In that case, there is a risk that the discharge diameter of the foam water discharged from each discharge opening (discharge section) will be small.

In view of this, in the second invention, at least a portion of the inner peripheral surface of the ring member, including the end portion on the discharge portion side, is made into an expanding surface whose inner diameter increases toward the discharge portion side, and the expanding surface is made to overlap with the discharge opening on the outer peripheral side in the arrangement direction. In this case, the portion of the discharge opening on the outer peripheral side that overlaps with the expanding surface in the arrangement direction is opened to the upstream side. Therefore, when the entire discharge opening on the outer peripheral side overlaps with the ring member in the arrangement direction, a portion of the discharge opening on the outer peripheral side opens to the upstream side. Also, when a portion of the discharge opening on the outer peripheral side overlaps with the ring member in the arrangement direction, the opening area of the discharge opening on the outer peripheral side that opens to the upstream side becomes large. In this configuration, the foam water can be guided to the outer peripheral side beyond the minimum inner diameter part of the ring member and discharged from the discharge opening on the outer peripheral side. Therefore, even in a configuration in which a ring member is provided, the discharge diameter of the foam water discharged from the discharge portion can be ensured.

In addition, in the above configuration, the flow of foam water that flows along the expanding surface to the discharge opening on the outer periphery flows toward the outer periphery, so if the flow suddenly expands toward the outer periphery, the foam water discharged from the discharge portion may spread toward the outer periphery. In consideration of this, in the second invention, the expanding surface of the ring member is formed so that the inner diameter continuously increases toward the discharge portion. In this case, the flow of foam water along the expanding surface can be made to spread gradually toward the outer periphery, so the foam water discharged can be prevented from spreading toward the outer periphery while maintaining the discharge diameter of the foam water.

The foam water discharge device of the third invention is the second invention, characterized in that the expanding surface is curved so that the degree of increase in the inner diameter increases toward the discharge portion.

According to the third invention, the expanding diameter surface of the ring member is curved so that the degree of increase in the inner diameter increases toward the discharge portion. In this case, the distance between the discharge opening on the outer periphery side and the expanding diameter surface can be made small over a wide range on the outer periphery side, so the flow rate of foamy water flowing along the expanding diameter surface to the discharge opening on the outer periphery side can be suppressed. This further suppresses the foamy water discharged from the discharge portion from spreading to the outer periphery side.

The foam water discharge device of the fourth invention is the second or third invention, characterized in that the predetermined discharge opening has a smaller opening area than the discharge opening on the inner periphery side.

According to the fourth invention, among the discharge openings provided in the discharge section, the discharge openings on the outer periphery (predetermined discharge openings) have a smaller opening area than the discharge openings on the inner periphery. In this case, the flow rate of foam water that flows along the expanded diameter surface to the discharge openings on the outer periphery and is discharged from the opening can be suppressed. Therefore, the foam water discharged from the discharge section can be further suppressed from spreading to the outer periphery.

The foam water discharge device of the fifth invention is any of the first to fourth inventions, characterized in that the straightening member has a plurality of straightening openings through which the foam water flows, and among the plurality of straightening openings, the straightening openings provided on the outer periphery of the straightening member overlap with the ring member in the direction in which the straightening member and the ring member are aligned, and the straightening member has a protruding portion that protrudes from the outer periphery of the plurality of straightening openings toward the ring member from the straightening openings, and the tip of the protruding portion is arranged in contact with the ring member.

To ensure the amount of foam water discharged from the discharge section, it is necessary to provide a large number of straightening openings in the straightening member, and therefore straightening openings are also provided on the outer periphery of the straightening member. However, in the above configuration in which a ring member is interposed between the straightening member and the discharge section, it is expected that the straightening openings on the outer periphery will overlap with the ring member in the arrangement direction in which the straightening member and the ring member are lined up. In that case, the flow of foam water through the straightening openings on the outer periphery will be restricted, and as a result, there is a risk that the amount of foam water discharged from the discharge section cannot be ensured.

In view of this, in the fifth invention, the straightening member is provided with a protrusion that protrudes from the outer periphery toward the ring member from the multiple straightening openings, and the straightening member is arranged with the tip of the protrusion in contact with the ring member. In this case, the outer periphery straightening opening is separated from the ring member upstream, so the entire downstream opening (opening on the ring member side) of the outer periphery straightening opening can be opened. Therefore, foam water can flow into the inner region of the ring member through the entire downstream opening. This makes it possible to ensure the amount of foam water discharged even in a configuration in which a ring member is provided.

FIG. 2 is a side view showing the foam water discharge device attached to a faucet pipe. FIG. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the internal configuration of the foam water discharge device. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the foam water discharge device in an exploded state. 1A is a perspective view showing a main body case, and FIG. 1A is a perspective view showing a flow rate adjusting plate, and FIG. 1A is a plan view showing a rectifier, and FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view. FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the inside of the frame A in FIG. 3 .

Below, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

As shown in FIG. 1, the foam water discharge device 10 is attached to the outlet (tip) of a water faucet pipe 11 via a metal socket 12. The socket 12 is formed in a cylindrical shape, and the foam water discharge device 10 is housed inside it. An internal thread is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the socket 12, and the internal thread is screwed into an external thread formed on the outer periphery of the faucet pipe 11. In this way, the socket 12 is attached to the faucet pipe 11 with the foam water discharge device 10 housed inside it.

The water flowing through the faucet pipe 11 is discharged through the foam water discharge device 10. In the foam water discharge device 10, external air is mixed with the water flowing inside to generate foam water (air-mixed water). The generated foam water is then discharged from the foam water discharge device 10.

Next, the foam water discharge device 10 will be described with reference to Figures 2 to 4. In the following description, the up and down directions are based on the installation state of the foam water discharge device 10 attached to the faucet pipe 11.

As shown in Figures 2 to 4, the foam water discharge device 10 comprises a main body case 21, a flow rate adjustment plate 22, a pressure reducing plate 23, a flow rectifier 24, and a ring member 25 provided on the main body case 21. Each of the components 21 to 25 that make up the foam water discharge device 10 is made of synthetic resin, for example, polyacetal (POM).

Next, each component 21 to 25 of the foam water discharge device 10 will be described in order. First, the main body case 21 will be described with reference to Figures 2 to 5.

As shown in Figures 2 to 5, the main body case 21 is formed in a cylindrical shape with a bottom. The main body case 21 has a cylindrical tubular portion 31 and a disk-shaped discharge portion 32 provided at the bottom of the tubular portion 31. A water flow path 33 through which water flows is formed inside the tubular portion 31. The water flow path 33 extends in the vertical direction, and water flows from above to below through the water flow path 33. Therefore, the upstream side of the water flow direction is the upper side, and the downstream side of the water flow direction is the lower side. The tubular portion 31 corresponds to the flow path forming portion.

A plurality of air holes 35 are formed in the peripheral wall portion 34 surrounding the water flow path 33 in the cylindrical portion 31. These air holes 35 communicate with the inside and outside of the cylindrical portion 31, and are arranged at predetermined intervals (more specifically, equal intervals) in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion 31. Each air hole 35 is connected to the water flow path 33, and external air is introduced into the water flow path 33 through each air hole 35. The air holes 35 correspond to air passages.

A number of ribs 36 extending in the axial direction of the cylindrical portion 31 are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 31. These ribs 36 are arranged between adjacent air holes 35 in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion 31. A groove 37 is formed between each of the adjacent ribs 36. These grooves 37 extend in the axial direction and are connected to each of the air holes 35. When the foam water discharge device 10 is housed in the socket 12, outside air is guided between the socket 12 and the cylindrical portion 31 through each groove 37 to the air holes 35.

Next, the components 22 to 25 provided in the main body case 21 will be described. All of these components 22 to 25 are provided inside the cylindrical portion 31 of the main body case 21, and are arranged in a line from top to bottom in the following order: flow rate adjustment plate 22, pressure reduction plate 23, flow rectifier 24, and ring member 25. Of these components 22 to 25, first, the flow rate adjustment plate 22 will be described with reference to Figures 2 to 4 and 6.

As shown in Figures 2 to 4 and 6, the flow rate adjustment plate 22 is formed in a substantially circular plate shape and is disposed at the upper end opening of the cylindrical portion 31 of the main body case 21. The pressure reduction plate 23 is attached to the cylindrical portion 31 so as to close the upper end opening, and the flow rate adjustment plate 22 is placed on the pressure reduction plate 23. More specifically, the flow rate adjustment plate 22 is a curved plate (bowl-shaped) that is gently curved downward toward the periphery so that its center is the apex, and is placed with its periphery placed on the pressure reduction plate 23. In this case, a predetermined space 43 that is part of the water flow path 33 is formed between the flow rate adjustment plate 22 and the pressure reduction plate 23.

The flow rate adjustment plate 22 is provided with a water inlet 45 for allowing water to flow into the water flow path 33. The water inlet 45 is a circular hole that penetrates the flow rate adjustment plate 22 in the thickness direction, and is provided in the center of the flow rate adjustment plate 22. Water flows into the water flow path 33 (more specifically, the space portion 43) through this water inlet 45, thereby restricting the flow rate of water flowing into the water flow path 33. In addition, by restricting the flow rate of water flowing into the water flow path 33, water is supplied to the downstream pressure reduction plate 23 (small hole 58) at an appropriate flow rate.

The flow rate adjustment plate 22 is provided with an annular inner protrusion 46 that protrudes downward from the periphery of the water inlet 45, and an annular outer protrusion 47 that protrudes downward from the outer periphery side of the inner protrusion 46. The inner protrusion 46 and the outer protrusion 47 are concentric with each other. The lower end of the inner protrusion 46 is placed on the pressure reduction plate 23. The inner protrusion 46 has a plurality of passages 48 that extend radially through the protrusion 46. These passages 48 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the inner protrusion 46 and extend radially from the inner space of the inner protrusion 46. In this embodiment, six passages 48 are arranged at 60° intervals. The lower end of the outer protrusion 47 is spaced upward from the pressure reduction plate 23. As a result, a predetermined gap 49 is formed between the outer protrusion 47 and the pressure reduction plate 23.

In the above configuration, when water flows into the space 43 through the water inlet 45, the water flows from the inner space of the inner protrusion 46 through each passage 48 into the space between the inner protrusion 46 and the outer protrusion 47 in the space 43. In this case, the water flows radially toward the outer periphery in the space 43. The water then flows through the gap 49 between the pressure reducing plate 23 and the outer protrusion 47 into the outer space of the outer protrusion 47. As a result, the water that flows into the space 43 through the water inlet 45 is evenly distributed toward the outer periphery in the space 43.

Next, the pressure reduction plate 23 will be described with reference to Figures 3 and 4.

3 and 4, the pressure reducing plate 23 is formed in a substantially circular plate shape and is provided below (i.e. downstream of) the flow rate adjusting plate 22. The pressure reducing plate 23 is provided with a peripheral protrusion 51 that protrudes upward from its peripheral edge. The peripheral protrusion 51 is formed in an annular shape and has a flange portion 51a that protrudes to the outer periphery. The flange portion 51a is hooked onto a step portion 53 formed on the inner periphery of the tubular portion 31 of the main body case 21. The inner diameter of the tubular portion 31 is expanded at its upper end side, thereby forming a step portion 53 on the inner periphery of the tubular portion 31. The flange portion 51a is hooked onto this step portion 53, thereby attaching the pressure reducing plate 23 to the tubular portion 31.

The flange portion 51a is formed with a pair of recesses 55 recessed toward the inner periphery. In contrast, a pair of protrusions 56 are formed on the inner periphery of the tubular portion 31 above the step portion 53 in correspondence with the recesses 55. The flange portion 51a is hooked onto the step portion 53 with the protrusions 56 of the tubular portion 31 inserted into the recesses 55. This restricts the circumferential displacement of the pressure reduction plate 23 when the pressure reduction plate 23 is attached to the tubular portion 31. In addition, the pressure reduction plate 23 is biased downward by the water flow, so that the flange portion 51a does not come off the step portion 53 upward.

A flow rate adjustment plate 22 is disposed on the inside of the peripheral protrusion 51 on the pressure reduction plate 23. The outer diameter of the flow rate adjustment plate 22 is the same as or slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the peripheral protrusion 51. Like the pressure reduction plate 23, the flow rate adjustment plate 22 is also biased downward by the water flow, so that it does not come off upward from the inside of the peripheral protrusion 51.

The pressure reducing plate 23 has a number of small holes 58 formed therethrough in the thickness direction (vertical direction). These small holes 58 are provided on the outer periphery of the pressure reducing plate 23 and are arranged at equal intervals on the circumference of the same circle centered on the central axis of the pressure reducing plate 23. Furthermore, these small holes 58 are arranged on the outer periphery side of the outer protrusion 47 of the flow rate adjusting plate 22. As a result, in the space 43 between the pressure reducing plate 23 and the flow rate adjusting plate 22, water guided outside the outer protrusion 47 is sprayed downward, i.e., downstream, through each small hole 58. Each small hole 58 corresponds to a "point from which water is sprayed."

When water is sprayed from each small hole 58, the pressure in the water flow path 33 downstream of the pressure reducing plate 23 drops, and this pressure becomes negative relative to the air outside the foam water discharge device 10. Then, outside air is drawn into the water flow path 33 through each air hole 35 in the cylindrical portion 31, and the air is mixed into the water flowing through the water flow path 33. This produces foam water containing air.

Next, the rectifier 24 will be described with reference to Figures 3, 4, and 7.

As shown in Figures 3, 4 and 7, the rectifier 24 is formed in a substantially circular plate shape. The rectifier 24 is provided below (i.e. downstream of) the pressure reducing plate 23 in the water flow path 33, and is arranged so as to divide the water flow path 33 in the up-down direction, i.e., the water flow direction. In this case, the outer peripheral surface of the rectifier 24 and the inner peripheral surface of the tubular portion 31 are in contact with or close to each other.

The flow straightener 24 has a number of openings 61 formed therein, which penetrate the flow straightener 24 in the thickness direction. The foam water generated upstream of the flow straightener 24 flows downstream through these openings 61. This straightens the flow of the foam water. The flow straightener 24 corresponds to a flow straightening member, and each opening 61 corresponds to a flow straightening opening.

As shown in FIG. 7(a), the rectifier 24 has a plurality of plate portions 62, 63 that define each opening 61. The plurality of plate portions 62, 63 include a plurality of large and small annular plate portions 62 that extend in an annular shape around the shaft portion 24a provided in the center of the rectifier 24, and a plurality of radial plate portions 63 that extend radially around the shaft portion 24a. In this case, each region defined in the radial direction by the annular plate portions 62 is defined in the circumferential direction by the radial plate portions 63, and thus a plurality of openings 61 are formed in each of the above regions that are aligned in the circumferential direction around the center of the rectifier 24.

As shown in FIG. 7(b), in each opening 61, the plate surface of each plate portion 62, 63 facing the opening 61 is an inclined surface that is inclined downward (downstream) toward the inside of the opening 61. More specifically, the plate surface of each plate portion 62, 63 is slightly inclined with respect to the vertical direction, and the inclination angle is, for example, 1°. As a result, in each opening 61, the opening area becomes smaller toward the bottom.

Next, the discharge section 32 of the main body case 21 will be described with reference to Figures 3 and 5(b).

As shown in FIG. 3, the discharge section 32 is provided below (i.e. downstream) the rectifier 24. The discharge section 32 is arranged facing the rectifier 24 in the up-down direction (water flow direction). As shown in FIG. 5(b), the discharge section 32 has a plurality of openings 71 penetrating the discharge section 32 in the thickness direction. The foamy water rectified by the rectifier 24 is discharged downward through these openings 71. As a result, the foamy water rectified by the rectifier 24 is further rectified in the discharge section 32 and discharged. Each opening 71 corresponds to a discharge opening.

The discharge section 32 has a plurality of plate sections 72, 73 that define each opening 71. These plurality of plate sections 72, 73 include a plurality of large and small annular plate sections 72 that extend in an annular shape centered on the shaft section 32a provided in the center of the discharge section 32, and a plurality of radial plate sections 73 that extend radially centered on the shaft section 32a. In this case, each area defined radially by the annular plate sections 72 is defined circumferentially by the radial plate sections 73, thereby forming a plurality of openings 71 that are aligned in the circumferential direction centered on the center of the discharge section 32 for each of the above-mentioned areas.

In this embodiment, there are three regions partitioned by the annular plate portion 72, and the openings 71 are a plurality of openings 71a provided on the inner periphery of the discharge portion 32, a plurality of openings 71b provided on the outer periphery side of the openings 71a, and a plurality of openings 71c provided on the outer periphery side of the openings 71b. In addition to these openings 71a to 71c, an opening 71d is also formed on the inside of the shaft portion 32a. Of these openings 71a to 71d, the opening 71c located on the outermost side has a smaller opening area than the other openings 71a, 71b, and 71d. In more detail, the opening area of the opening 71c is less than half the opening area of the openings 71a, 71b, and 71d. The opening 71c corresponds to the "predetermined discharge opening", and the openings 71a, 71b, and 71d correspond to the "discharge openings on the inner periphery side".

The foam water discharge device 10 of this embodiment further includes a ring member 25 interposed between the discharge section 32 and the rectifier 24. The foam water discharge device 10 is characterized by the inclusion of this ring member 25, and its characteristic configuration will be described below with reference to Figures 3 and 8.

As shown in Figures 3 and 8(a), the ring member 25 is formed in an annular shape, and its outer diameter is the same as that of the flow straightener 24. The ring member 25 is placed on the discharge portion 32 in the water flow path 33. In this case, the ring member 25 is arranged so that its central axis is located on the same axis as the central axis of the discharge portion 32. In addition, the outer peripheral surface of the ring member 25 and the inner peripheral surface of the tubular portion 31 are in contact with or close to each other.

The rectifier 24 is placed on the ring member 25. The rectifier 24 is arranged so that its central axis is coaxial with the central axis of the ring member 25. In this case, the discharge portion 32 and the rectifier 24 are spaced apart in the vertical direction (water flow direction) by the height dimension H of the ring member 25. Therefore, in this case, the distance L1 between the discharge portion 32 and the rectifier 24 is set by the ring member 25 to be the same as the height dimension H. The height dimension of the ring member 25 refers to the length dimension of the ring member 25 in the vertical direction (water flow direction).

When the distance L1 between the discharge portion 32 and the rectifier 24 is determined, the distance L2 between the rectifier 24 and the pressure reduction plate 23 is determined. As described above, the pressure reduction plate 23 has small holes 58 for injecting water, so in this case, the distance L2 between the rectifier 24 and the point where water is injected is determined.

Here, in a configuration in which the ring member 25 is interposed between the rectifier 24 and the discharge portion 32, the foam water rectified by the rectifier 24 flows through the inner area 76 surrounded by the ring member 25 and is discharged to the discharge portion 32. Therefore, the configuration related to the flow of such foam water will be described below.

As shown in FIG. 8(b), of the openings 61 of the rectifier 24, the opening 61a (also see FIG. 7(a)) located on the (furthest) outer periphery has a portion of its outer periphery overlapping with the ring member 25 in the up-down direction (water flow direction). In other words, in the direction in which the rectifier 24 and the ring member 25 are lined up, a portion of the opening 61a overlaps with the ring member 25.

The rectifier 24 is provided with a protrusion 65 that protrudes downward (downstream) from its periphery toward the ring member 25. The protrusion 65 protrudes from the outer periphery side of each opening 61 and forms a ring shape. The rectifier 24 is arranged with the tip of the protrusion 65 placed (in contact) on the upper surface 25b of the ring member 25. In this case, the outer periphery opening 61a and the ring member 25 are spaced apart in the vertical direction, and the distance is the same as the protruding length of the protrusion 65. As a result, even if a part of the opening 61a overlaps with the ring member 25 in the vertical direction, the entire lower end opening of the opening 61a is opened, and the foam water flows into the inner region 76 of the ring member 25 through the entire opened lower end opening.

Of the openings 71 of the discharge section 32, the (most) outermost opening 71c entirely overlaps with the ring member 25 in the vertical direction (water flow direction). In other words, in the direction in which the ring member 25 and the discharge section 32 are lined up, the entire opening 71c overlaps with the ring member 25.

Of the inner peripheral surface of the ring member 25, a portion of the lower surface, including the end on the discharge section 32 side, which is the lower end, is an annular expanding diameter surface 25a formed so that the inner diameter continuously increases toward the discharge section 32 side. The expanding diameter surface 25a is formed in a curved shape so that the rate at which the inner diameter increases increases toward the discharge section 32 side. In this case, the expanding diameter surface 25a is formed as a convex curved surface (arcuate surface).

More specifically, the ring member 25 has an upper surface 25b and a lower surface 25c that are parallel to each other, and an upper inner peripheral surface 25d and an outer peripheral surface 25e that are perpendicular to the upper surface 25b and the lower surface 25c. The inner peripheral surface of the ring member 25 has an upper inner peripheral surface 25d on the upper side and an expanded diameter surface 25a on the lower side. The upper inner peripheral surface 25d extends downward from the upper surface 25b, and extends from the lower end of the upper inner peripheral surface 25d to the lower surface 25c so that the expanded diameter surface 25a expands downward toward the outer periphery.

The enlarged diameter surface 25a of the ring member 25 overlaps with the opening 71c in the vertical direction. In this case, the portion of the opening 71c that overlaps with the enlarged diameter surface 25a in the vertical direction opens upward (upstream), in other words, opens into the inner region 76 of the ring member 25. As a result, even if the entire opening 71c is configured to overlap with the ring member 25 in the vertical direction, the foam water flows from the inner region 76 to the opening 71c and is discharged from the opening 71c.

The configuration of this embodiment described above provides the following excellent effects:

By interposing a ring member 25 between the rectifier 24 and the discharge portion 32, the distance between them 24, 32 is determined. In this case, the distance between the rectifier 24 and the discharge portion 32 can be easily adjusted by the height of the ring member 25. In addition, when the distance between the rectifier 24 and the discharge portion 32 is determined, the distance between the rectifier 24 and the pressure reducing plate 23 (the point where water is sprayed) is also determined, so in this case, the distance between the rectifier 24 and the pressure reducing plate 23 can also be easily adjusted by the ring member 25.

A portion of the inner peripheral surface of the ring member 25, including the end portion on the discharge section 32 side, is made into an expanding surface 25a whose inner diameter increases toward the discharge section 32 side. The expanding surface 25a is made to overlap with the outer peripheral opening 71c of the discharge section 32 in the arrangement direction in which the ring member 25 and the discharge section 32 are arranged. In this case, the overlapping portion of the outer peripheral opening 71c that overlaps with the expanding surface 25a in the arrangement direction is opened to the upstream side. Therefore, even if the entire outer peripheral opening 71c is configured to overlap with the ring member 25 in the arrangement direction, foam water can be discharged through the outer peripheral opening 71c. This ensures the discharge diameter of the foam water discharged from the discharge section 32 (each opening 71).

In addition, the expanding diameter surface 25a of the ring member 25 is formed so that the inner diameter increases continuously toward the discharge portion 32, so that the flow of foam water along the expanding diameter surface 25a can be made to gently expand toward the outer periphery. This makes it possible to prevent the foam water from spreading toward the outer periphery while maintaining the discharge diameter of the foam water.

Specifically, the expanding surface 25a is curved so that the degree of increase in the inner diameter increases toward the discharge portion 32. In this case, the distance between the outer peripheral opening 71c and the expanding surface 25a can be made small over a wide range on the outer peripheral side, so the flow rate of foam water flowing along the expanding surface 25a to the outer peripheral opening 71c can be suppressed. This further suppresses the foam water discharged from the discharge portion 32 from spreading outward.

Of the openings 71 provided in the discharge section 32, the opening 71c on the outer periphery has a smaller opening area than the openings 71a, 71b, and 71d on the inner periphery. In this case, the flow rate of the foam water that flows along the enlarged diameter surface 25a to the opening 71c on the outer periphery and is discharged from the opening 71c can be suppressed. Therefore, the foam water discharged from the discharge section 32 can be further suppressed from spreading to the outer periphery.

Incidentally, in the configuration of the above embodiment, for example, among the openings 71a, 71b, and 71d located on the inner periphery side of the opening 71c, only the opening 71d may be formed with an opening area smaller than the opening area of the opening 71a. However, even in such a case, it can be said that the opening 71c is substantially made smaller in opening area than the opening 71 located further inward. In other words, in this specification, even if a small number of openings 71 located on the inner periphery side of the opening 71c have opening areas smaller than the opening 71c, such a configuration is not excluded.

The rectifier 24 is provided with a protruding portion 65 that protrudes from the outer periphery toward the ring member 25 from the multiple openings 61, and the rectifier 24 is arranged with the tip of the protruding portion 65 abutting the ring member 25. In this case, the outer periphery opening 61a can be separated upward from the ring member 25, so that the entire lower end opening (the entire downstream opening) of the outer periphery opening 61a can be opened. Therefore, the foam water can flow into the inner region 76 of the ring member 25 through the entire lower end opening. This makes it possible to ensure the amount of foam water discharged even in a configuration in which the ring member 25 is provided.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and may be implemented, for example, as follows:

- In the above embodiment, a portion of the lower side of the inner circumferential surface of the ring member 25 is the expanded diameter surface 25a, but the entire inner circumferential surface of the ring member 25 may be the expanded diameter surface. For example, such a configuration may be applied when the height dimension H of the ring member 25 is small.

For example, the expanding surface 25a of the ring member 25 may be formed as a plane connecting the upper inner peripheral surface 25d and the lower surface 25c. In this case, the inner diameter of the expanding surface 25a increases continuously toward the discharge portion 32, so that the flow of foamy water along the expanding surface 25a can be made to gently expand toward the outer periphery.

- In the above embodiment, the ring member 25 is made of synthetic resin, but the ring member 25 may be made of a rubber material such as silicone rubber. For example, a rubber O-ring may be used as the ring member 25.

- In the above embodiment, a resin straightener 24 is used as the straightening member, but a wire mesh formed by weaving metal wires may also be used as the straightening member. The wire mesh has multiple openings (corresponding to straightening openings) partitioned by wires, and the foam water can be straightened by flowing through these openings.

- In the above embodiment, each opening 71 of the discharge section 32 is defined by a plurality of plate sections 72, 73, but for example, a plurality of round holes may be formed in the plate-shaped discharge section 32, and these round holes may serve as the openings 71. A similar configuration may also be adopted for the openings 61 of the rectifier 24.

In the above embodiment, six passages 48 are formed in the inner protrusion 46 of the flow rate adjustment plate 22, but the number of passages 48 does not necessarily have to be six. For example, four passages 48 may be formed in the inner protrusion 46.

- In the above embodiment, two recesses 55 are provided on the pressure reducing plate 23, while two protrusions 56 are provided on the cylindrical portion 31 of the main body case 21, and each protrusion 56 of the cylindrical portion 31 fits into each recess 55 of the pressure reducing plate 23. In this case, however, the number of recesses 55 and protrusions 56 does not necessarily have to be two, and may be, for example, four. Also, in this case, the protrusions 56 may be fitted into the recesses 55.

- In the above embodiment, the flow rate adjustment plate 22 is placed on the pressure reducing plate 23 and on the inside of the peripheral protrusion 51, but this may be modified so that the flow rate adjustment plate 22 is fitted inside the peripheral protrusion 51.

- In the above embodiment, the plate surfaces of the plate parts 62, 63 facing the opening 61 of the rectifier 24 are inclined surfaces inclined inward of the opening 61 toward the downstream side, but this may be changed so that the plate surfaces of the plate parts 62, 63 facing the opening 61 are inclined surfaces inclined outward of the opening 61 toward the downstream side. In other words, the opening 61 may be formed so that its opening area increases toward the downstream side. Also, the plate surfaces of the plate parts 62, 63 facing the opening 61 may be vertical surfaces that are not inclined toward the downstream side. Even in these cases, the rectifier 24 can rectify the foam water.

In the above embodiment, each of the components 21 to 25 of the foam water discharge device 10 is made of a synthetic resin material, but at least one of the components 21 to 25 may be made of a metal material.

10...Foam water discharge device, 21...Main body case, 24...Flow straightener (flow straightener member), 25...Ring member, 25a...Expanded diameter surface, 31...Cylindrical portion (flow path forming portion), 32...Discharge portion, 33...Water flow path, 35...Air hole as air passage, 61...Opening (flow straightener opening), 65...Protrusion, 71...Opening (discharge opening), 71c...Opening (specified discharge opening).

Claims (5)

a cylindrical flow path forming portion formed therein with a water flow path through which water flows from an upstream side to a downstream side;
an air passage capable of introducing air from the outside into the water flow path ;
An injection point that injects water that has flowed into the water flow path from the upstream side to the downstream side,
A foam water discharge device that generates foam water containing air and discharges it downstream by injecting water downstream from the injection point and drawing external air into the water flow path through the air passage,
A straightening member that is provided so as to divide the water flow path in the water flow direction downstream of the injection point and straightens the generated foamy water and guides it downstream;
a discharge section provided downstream of the straightening member and facing the straightening member, for further straightening the foamed water straightened by the straightening member and discharging the foamed water from the water flow path;
A foam water discharge device characterized by comprising an annular ring member interposed between the straightening member and the discharge portion and defining the distance between the straightening member and the discharge portion. The discharge portion has a plurality of discharge openings for discharging the foam water,
Among the plurality of discharge openings, a predetermined discharge opening provided on an outer circumferential side of the discharge portion overlaps with the ring member in an arrangement direction in which the ring member and the discharge portion are arranged,
At least a portion of the inner circumferential surface of the ring member, including the end portion on the discharge portion side, is an expanding surface formed such that the inner diameter thereof continuously increases toward the discharge portion side,
The foam water discharge device according to claim 1 , wherein the expanding surface overlaps with the predetermined discharge opening in the arrangement direction. The foam water discharge device according to claim 2, wherein the expanding surface is curved so that the degree of increase in the inner diameter increases toward the discharge portion. The foam water discharge device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the opening area of the specified discharge opening is smaller than that of the discharge opening on the inner periphery side thereof. The flow straightening member has a plurality of flow straightening openings through which the foamy water flows,
Among the plurality of straightening openings, a straightening opening provided on an outer circumferential side of the straightening member overlaps with the ring member in a direction in which the straightening member and the ring member are arranged,
A foam water discharge device as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the straightening member has a protrusion that protrudes from the outer periphery of the multiple straightening openings toward the ring member side of the straightening openings, and the tip of the protrusion is positioned in abutment against the ring member.

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