JP7680214B2 - Air bubble generator, shower nozzle and pressure regulator - Google Patents

Description

The present disclosure relates to a bubble generator, a shower nozzle, and a pressure regulator.

Patent Document 1 discloses a shower nozzle with a built-in bubble generating mechanism. In this bubble generating mechanism, a throttle section is formed midway through the flow path, and a collision section is disposed in the throttle section. The bubble generating mechanism causes the liquid to contain bubbles by colliding the liquid flow with the collision section, and causes the liquid containing the bubbles to flow out from the outlet.

International Publication No. 2013/012069

In a structure that includes a bubble generating mechanism, such as the shower nozzle disclosed in Patent Document 1, the greater the pressure of the liquid flowing into the bubble generating mechanism, the more bubbles can be generated in the liquid. For example, when using tap water, there is a risk that the amount of bubbles generated will decrease depending on the region due to low water pressure.

One aspect of the present disclosure aims to provide a bubble generating device that can suppress a decrease in the amount of bubbles generated.

The bubble generating device is cylindrical and includes an inlet end for the liquid to flow in and an outlet end for the liquid to flow out. The device comprises a cylinder (3) through which the liquid flows, a bubble generator (10) that is disposed within the cylinder (3) so that the liquid passes through it and that causes the liquid passing through to contain bubbles, and a pressure regulator (30) that is disposed within the cylinder (3) closer to the inlet end than the bubble generator (10) and that directs the liquid flowing in from the inlet end to the inlet of the bubble generator (10). The pressure regulator (30) has an inner flow path (31) including a first opening (31a) facing the inlet end and a second opening (31b) facing the inlet of the bubble generator (10) and having an opening area smaller than the opening area of the first opening (31a), and an outer flow path (35) formed around the inner flow path (31) and including a third opening (35a) facing the inlet end and a fourth opening (35b) facing the bubble generator (10).

In the above-mentioned air bubble generating device, air bubbles are contained in the liquid flowing through the flow path (4) of the cylindrical body (3) by passing through the air bubble generator (10). The liquid flow regulator (30) that guides the liquid to the inlet of the air bubble generator (10) includes an inner flow path (31) and an outer flow path (35). The second opening 31b of the inner flow path 31 facing the inlet of the air bubble generator (10) is narrower than the first opening 31a on the inlet end side, so that the pressure of the liquid passing through the inner flow path 31 can be increased. This makes it possible to suppress a decrease in the flow rate of the liquid flowing into the inlet of the air bubble generator (10), and suppresses a decrease in the amount of air bubbles generated. In addition, the provision of the outer flow path 35 suppresses a decrease in the flow rate.

In one example, the opening area of the fourth opening (35b) may be larger than the opening area of the third opening (35a). Also, the sum of the opening area of the second opening (31b) and the opening area of the fourth opening (35b) may be larger than the sum of the opening area of the first opening (31a) and the opening area of the third opening (35a). In this configuration, a decrease in the flow rate through the liquid flow regulator (30) can be suppressed.

In one example, the opening area of the first opening (31a) may be larger than the opening area of the third opening (35a). In this configuration, more than half of the liquid flowing into the pressure regulator (30) can be guided to the inner flow path 31.

In one example, the outer flow path (35) may have a partition wall (38) that divides the outer flow path (35) along the flow direction of the liquid. In such a configuration, the flow of the liquid flowing through the outer flow path (35) is easily controlled.

In one example, the cross-sectional area of the inner flow passage 31 may be gradually reduced from the inlet side toward the bubble generator 10. In this configuration, turbulence of the liquid flow in the inner flow passage 31 can be suppressed.

In one example, a strainer (40) may be provided that is disposed closer to the inlet end than the pressure regulator (30) and filters the liquid flowing into the pressure regulator (30). By filtering the liquid flowing into the pressure regulator (30), deterioration of the bubble generator (10) can be suppressed.

The shower nozzle is cylindrical and includes an inlet end through which the liquid flows and an outlet end through which the liquid flows. The shower nozzle includes a cylinder (3) through which the liquid flows, a head (5) provided at one end of the cylinder (3) and serving as an outlet for the liquid, a bubble generator (10) arranged so that the liquid passes through the cylinder (3) and causes bubbles to be contained in the passing liquid, and a pressure regulator (30) arranged inside the cylinder (3) closer to the inlet end than the bubble generator (10) and directs the liquid flowing in from the inlet end to the inlet of the bubble generator (10). The pressure regulator (30) has an inner flow path (31) including a first opening (31a) facing the inlet end and a second opening (31b) narrower than the first opening (31a) facing the inlet of the bubble generator (10), and an outer flow path (35) formed around the inner flow path (31).

The pressure regulator (30) comprises an inner flow passage (31) including a first opening (31a) facing one side in the axial direction and a second opening (31b) facing the other side in the axial direction and having an opening area smaller than the opening area of the first opening (31a), and an outer flow passage (35) formed around the inner flow passage (31) and including a third opening (35a) facing one side in the axial direction and a fourth opening (35b) facing the other side in the axial direction.

According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a bubble generating device that suppresses a decrease in the amount of bubbles generated.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing an example of a bubble generating device. FIG. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing an example of a bubble generating device. 4 is a plan view of a pressure regulator included in the air bubble generating device, as viewed from one axial direction. FIG. FIG. 4 is a plan view of the pressure regulator as viewed from the other axial direction. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VV in FIG. 3. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI in FIG. FIG. 1 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing an example of a shower nozzle.

Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that in the description of the drawings, the same elements are given the same reference numerals, and duplicate descriptions will be omitted.

Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view showing an example of a bubble generating device. Figure 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing an example of a bubble generating device. The bubble generating device 1 generates bubbles in water (liquid) flowing inside, and discharges water containing bubbles. In the following description, upstream and downstream are based on the flow direction of water in the bubble generating device 1. The bubble generating device 1 includes a cylindrical body 3, a bubble generator 10, a swirling flow generator 20, a pressure regulator 30 (tube member), a strainer 40, and a cap 50. The bubble generator 10, the swirling flow generator 20, the pressure regulator 30, and the strainer 40 are housed in a space formed by the cylindrical body 3 and the cap 50. In the present disclosure, the bubble generator 10 and the pressure regulator 30 form a liquid flow structure 60.

The cylinder 3 includes a main body 4, an outflow end 7, and an inflow end 8. The main body 4 has a cylindrical shape extending in one axial direction. The flow direction of water in the bubble generating device 1 coincides with the axial direction of the main body 4. In one example, the main body 4 includes a cylindrical portion 5 in which a cylindrical space (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as a cylindrical space 5a) is defined by the inner wall surface, and a truncated cone portion 6 in which a truncated cone-shaped space (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as a truncated cone space 6a) is defined by the inner wall surface. The cylindrical portion 5 has an inner diameter of a uniform size in the flow direction. The truncated cone portion 6 is adjacent to the downstream side of the cylindrical portion 5.

The truncated cone portion 6 faces the lower bottom surface of the truncated cone-shaped space 6a toward the upstream side, and faces the upper bottom surface of the truncated cone-shaped space 6a toward the downstream side. The lower bottom surface of the truncated cone-shaped space 6a is the surface having the larger area of the two bottom surfaces in the truncated cone-shaped space 6a, and the upper bottom surface is the surface having the smaller area of the two bottom surfaces in the truncated cone-shaped space 6a. The truncated cone-shaped space 6a is composed of an upper bottom surface, a lower bottom surface, and an inclined surface 6b connecting the upper bottom surface and the lower bottom surface. The shape (size) of the lower bottom surface of the truncated cone-shaped space 6a is smaller than the shape (size) of the bottom surface in the cylindrical space 5a. That is, a step portion 4d is formed at the boundary between the cylindrical space 5a and the truncated cone-shaped space 6a. In the illustrated example, the outer wall surface 4a of the main body portion 4 has a dodecagonal cross section formed by six long sides and six short sides arranged alternately.

The outflow end 7 is the downstream end of the cylindrical body 3. In one example, the downstream end of the cylindrical body 3 includes a wall portion 7a extending in a direction intersecting the axial direction (orthogonal in the illustrated example) and an outlet 7b formed in the center of the wall portion 7a. The outlet 7b protrudes from the wall portion 7a along the axial direction. The outlet 7b has a substantially cylindrical shape. A screw thread 7c is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the outlet 7b. The inner diameter of the outlet 7b may be the same as the diameter of the upper bottom surface of the truncated cone-shaped space 6a. The inflow end 8 is the upstream end of the cylindrical body 3. In one example, the inflow end 8 includes a screw groove 8c formed on the inner peripheral surface of the upstream end of the cylindrical body 3.

The bubble generator 10 is arranged so that the liquid passes through the inner space of the cylinder 3 (cylindrical space 5a in the illustrated example), and causes air bubbles to be contained in the passing liquid. In this embodiment, the bubble generator 10 is arranged in the inner space of the swirl flow generator 20. The bubble generator 10 in one example has a substantially cylindrical shape, and causes air bubbles to be contained in the liquid passing through a flow path 12 formed by the inner space. The bubble generator 10 in the illustrated example has a flow path 12 that connects an inlet opening on the upstream side and an outlet opening on the downstream side. A throttle section 12a with a smaller flow path cross-sectional area than the inlet is formed midway through the flow path 12, and a collision section 13 that further reduces the flow path cross-sectional area is arranged in the throttle section 12a.

When the liquid supplied from the inlet collides with the collision section 13, some of the dissolved gas turns into bubbles, forming a bubble-containing liquid, which flows out from the outlet. Note that the bubble generator 10 may generate bubbles in the flowing liquid based on other principles. In one example, the bubbles may be fine bubbles with a bubble diameter of less than 100 μm, and in particular, may be microbubbles with a bubble diameter of 1 μm or more but less than 100 μm, ultrafine bubbles with a bubble diameter of less than 1 μm, etc.

The swirl flow generator 20 has a cylindrical shape with a bottom, and includes a substantially cylindrical peripheral wall 21 extending along the axial direction, and a substantially disk-shaped bottom wall 23 formed at the downstream end of the peripheral wall 21. The peripheral wall 21 has an outer wall surface that follows the inner wall surface of the cylindrical portion 5 of the cylinder 3. The peripheral wall 21 also has an inner wall surface that follows the outer wall surface of the bubble generator 10. For example, the outer diameter of the peripheral wall 21 may be substantially the same as the inner diameter of the cylindrical portion, and the inner diameter of the peripheral wall 21 may be substantially the same as the outer diameter of the bubble generator 10. The inner diameter of the peripheral wall 21 is smaller than the diameter of the lower bottom surface of the truncated cone space 6a.

As shown in FIG. 2, the swirl flow generator 20 is disposed in the cylindrical space 5a of the main body 4 of the cylinder 3 with the bottom wall 23 facing downstream. The swirl flow generator 20 is restricted from moving downstream by abutting against the step 4d. The bubble generator 10 disposed in the inner space of the swirl flow generator 20 is restricted from moving downstream by abutting against the bottom wall 23. A circular opening 23a is formed in the center of the bottom wall 23.

An auxiliary flow path 25 is formed in the peripheral wall 21. The auxiliary flow path 25 allows liquid to pass between the bubble generator 10 and the inner wall surface of the cylindrical body 3. An example of the auxiliary flow path 25 is formed from the upstream end to the downstream end of the peripheral wall 21. The auxiliary flow path 25 is composed of multiple (three in the illustrated example) flow paths of the same shape that generate a swirling flow in the liquid. Each auxiliary flow path 25 is disposed at equal intervals from each other in the circumferential direction of the peripheral wall 21. Therefore, the swirling flow generator 20 has rotational symmetry with the axis as the center of rotation. The auxiliary flow path 25 generates a swirling flow in the liquid by tilting the direction of the liquid discharged from the outlet 25a with respect to the axial direction of the swirling flow generator 20.

The auxiliary flow path 25 in one example is formed by a slit formed in the peripheral wall 21. The slit is a space that connects the inside and outside of the peripheral wall 21. The slit is formed from the upstream end to the downstream end of the peripheral wall 21. The slit is formed so that the circumferential position moves continuously from the upstream end to the downstream end, that is, so that it rotates around the axis. The slit is also formed so that the circumferential width gradually decreases from the upstream end to the downstream end. That is, the width of the slit at the downstream end is narrower than the width of the slit at the upstream end. When the swirl flow generator 20 and the bubble generator 10 are housed in the inner space of the cylindrical body 3, the inner wall surface of the cylindrical body 3, the slit, and the outer wall surface of the bubble generator 10 form the auxiliary flow path 25. In one example, the auxiliary flow path 25 has a flow path cross-sectional area determined by the thickness of the peripheral wall 21 and the width of the slit. The outlet 25a of the auxiliary flow path 25 faces the truncated cone-shaped space 6a in the cylindrical body 3.

Fig. 3 is a plan view of the pressure regulator 30 as viewed from one side in the axial direction. Fig. 4 is a plan view of the pressure regulator 30 as viewed from the other side in the axial direction. Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line V-V in Fig. 3. Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI in Fig. 3. The pressure regulator 30 is disposed on the inflow end side of the bubble generator 10 within the cylindrical space 5a of the cylindrical body 3. The pressure regulator 30 guides the liquid flowing in from the inflow end to the inlet of the bubble generator 10. The pressure regulator 30 increases the flow rate of the liquid flowing into the flow path 12 of the bubble generator 10.

The pressure regulator 30 of one example includes an inner flow path 31 and an outer flow path 35 having a common central axis. The central axis common to the inner flow path 31 and the outer flow path 35 may coincide with the central axis of the bubble generator 10. The inner flow path 31 has a first opening 31a and a second opening 31b. The first opening 31a faces the inlet end side. The second opening 31b faces the inlet of the bubble generator 10. The outer flow path 35 is formed around the inner flow path 31. The outer flow path 35 includes a third opening 35a and a fourth opening 35b. The third opening 35a faces the inlet end side. The fourth opening 35b faces the inlet of the bubble generator 10 and the inlet of the auxiliary flow path 25 of the swirl flow generator 20.

The pressure regulator 30 in the illustrated example includes an inner peripheral wall 32, an outer peripheral wall 36, and one or more partition walls 38 (ribs). The inner peripheral wall 32 has a first opening 31a and a second opening 31b, and has a truncated conical cylindrical shape. The inner flow path 31 is defined by the inner peripheral surface 32a of the inner peripheral wall 32. The first opening 31a and the second opening 31b are both circular. The flow path cross-sectional area of the inner flow path 31 gradually decreases from the inlet side toward the bubble generator 10 side. The inner peripheral wall 32 in the illustrated example is inclined at a certain angle with respect to the axis in a cross-sectional view. The inner peripheral wall 32 may have an arc shape that is convex toward the inside in the radial direction, or may have an arc shape that is convex toward the outside in the radial direction.

The outer wall 36 has a cylindrical outer surface 36a and a truncated cone inner surface 36b. The outer diameter of the outer wall 36 may be substantially the same as the inner diameter of the cylindrical portion 5 of the cylinder 3. The outer flow path 35 is defined by the outer surface 32b of the inner wall 32 and the inner surface 36b of the outer wall 36. The third opening 35a and the fourth opening 35b have an approximately annular shape. The flow path cross-sectional area of the outer flow path 35 gradually increases from the inlet side toward the bubble generator 10 side.

In the illustrated example, the inner peripheral surface 36b of the outer peripheral wall 36 is inclined at a certain angle with respect to the axis in a cross-sectional view. A cylindrical protrusion 39 is formed on the end face of the inflow end side of the outer peripheral wall 36. The inner peripheral surface 39a of the protrusion 39 is connected to the inner peripheral surface 36b of the outer peripheral wall 36. The inner peripheral surface 36b of the outer peripheral wall 36 may have an arc shape that is convex toward the inside in the radial direction, or may have an arc shape that is convex toward the outside in the radial direction. The inner peripheral surface 36b may also have a cylindrical shape, for example.

The partition walls 38 divide the outer flow passage 35 along the flow passage direction. The partition walls 38 in one example connect the outer peripheral surface 32b of the inner peripheral wall 32 and the inner peripheral surface 36b of the outer peripheral wall 36. In the illustrated example, three partition walls 38 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. The number of partition walls 38 may be two or less, or may be four or more. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the partition walls 38 in one example extend along the flow passage direction. In addition, when viewed from the axial direction of the inner peripheral wall 32 (outer peripheral wall 36), the partition walls 38 extend in the radial direction centered on the axis. In the illustrated example, the outer flow passage 35 is divided into multiple parts by forming multiple partition walls 38. The outer flow passage 35 in the illustrated example is composed of three flow passages.

In one example of the inner flow passage 31, the opening area of the second opening 31b is smaller than the opening area of the first opening 31a. That is, as shown in FIG. 6, the diameter L1 of the second opening 31b is smaller than the diameter L1 of the first opening 31a. For example, the opening area of the second opening 31b may be equal to or smaller than the flow passage cross-sectional area of the throttling section 12a of the bubble generator 10. Also, the opening area of the fourth opening 35b is larger than the opening area of the third opening 35a. Also, the sum of the opening area of the second opening 31b and the opening area of the fourth opening 35b is larger than the sum of the opening area of the first opening 31a and the opening area of the third opening 35a. That is, the diameter L3 of the outer periphery of the fourth opening 35b is larger than the diameter L4 of the outer periphery of the third opening 35a. Also, the opening area of the first opening 31a is larger than the opening area of the third opening 35a. The opening area of the third opening 35a may be the sum of the opening areas of the three flow paths divided by the partition wall 38. Similarly, the opening area of the fourth opening 35b may be the sum of the opening areas of the three flow paths divided by the partition wall 38.

In one example, the length L5 along the axial direction of the inner flow passage 31 and the outer flow passage 35 may be about 10 to 20 mm. The angle of the inner wall 32 with respect to the axis may be about 3 degrees to 10 degrees. The angle of the inner surface 36b with respect to the axis may be about 5 degrees to 30 degrees. The ratio (L1/L2) of the diameter L1 of the second opening 31b to the diameter L2 of the first opening 31a may be about 0.5 to 0.7. That is, the ratio of the opening area of the second opening 31b to the opening area of the first opening 31a may be about 0.3 to 0.5. In the illustrated example, the ratio (L1/L2) is about 0.6. The ratio (L3/L4) of the outer periphery diameter L3 of the fourth opening 35b to the outer periphery diameter L4 of the third opening 35a may be about 1.4 to 1.6. In the illustrated example, the ratio (L3/L4) is approximately 1.5. The ratio of the opening area of the fourth opening 35b to the opening area of the third opening 35a may be approximately 3 to 4. In other words, the opening area of the fourth opening 35b may be approximately 3 to 4 times the opening area of the third opening 35a. In addition, the ratio (L2/L4) of the diameter L2 of the first opening 31a to the outer diameter L4 of the third opening 35a may be approximately 0.6 to 0.8. In the illustrated example, the ratio (L2/L4) is approximately 0.7.

Refer to FIG. 2 again. The strainer 40 is, for example, a metallic mesh filter, and includes a spherical central portion 41 and a circular retaining portion 42 formed on the outside of the central portion 41. The strainer 40 is disposed closer to the inlet end than the pressure regulator 30. In the illustrated example, the strainer 40 is disposed adjacent to the inlet end of the pressure regulator 30. The retaining portion 42 of the strainer 40 abuts against the protruding portion 39 of the pressure regulator 30. The central portion 41 of the strainer 40 is disposed inside the protruding portion 39. The strainer 40 filters the liquid flowing into the pressure regulator 30.

The cap 50 is connected to the inlet end 8 of the cylindrical body 3. The cap 50 in one example is generally cylindrical and has a flow path 51 through which liquid flows. The cap 50 has a thread 52 formed on the outer periphery on the upstream side and a thread 53 formed on the outer periphery on the downstream side. In addition, a flange 55 that protrudes in the radial direction is formed between the upstream thread 52 and the downstream thread 53.

The downstream thread 53 is connected to the upstream end of the cylinder 3. As shown in FIG. 2, a thread groove 8c corresponding to the thread 53 is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the upstream end of the cylinder 3. When the cap 50 is connected to the cylinder 3 (i.e., the thread 53 and the thread groove 8c are screwed together), the flange 55 of the cap 50 abuts against the edge of the cylinder 3. In one example, the connection between the upstream end of the cylinder 103 and the cap 50 is sealed by a seal member 45 (in one example, an O-ring) arranged between the flange 55 of the cap 50 and the downstream thread 53 (annular groove 55a).

In one example, the bubble generator 1 may be connected to a pipe through which water flows. For example, the bubble generator 1 may be connected to a water pipe to generate bubbles in the water flowing through the water pipe. In this case, the upstream thread 52 of the cap 50 and the thread 7c of the outlet 7b of the cylindrical body 3 are both connected to the water pipe. Also, for example, the bubble generator 1 may be connected to the base end of a shower nozzle. In this case, the upstream thread 52 is connected to a connector provided at the tip of a shower hose, and the thread 7c of the outlet 7b of the cylindrical body 3 is connected to the base end of the shower nozzle.

As described above, the bubble generator 1 is cylindrical and includes an inlet end for the liquid to flow in and an outlet end for the liquid to flow out. The bubble generator 10 is arranged in the cylindrical body 3 so that the liquid passes through it and causes the liquid passing through to contain bubbles. The pressure regulator 30 is arranged in the cylindrical body 3 closer to the inlet end than the bubble generator 10 and guides the liquid flowing in from the inlet end to the inlet of the bubble generator 10. The pressure regulator 30 has an inner flow path 31 including a first opening 31a facing the inlet end and a second opening 31b facing the inlet of the bubble generator 10 and having an opening area smaller than the opening area of the first opening 31a, and an outer flow path 35 formed around the inner flow path 31 and including a third opening 35a facing the inlet end and a fourth opening 35b facing the bubble generator 10.

In the above-mentioned air bubble generating device 1, air bubbles are contained in the liquid flowing through the cylindrical body 3 by passing through the air bubble generator 10. For example, when the air bubble generating device 1 is connected to a water pipe, air bubbles are contained in the water flowing through the air bubble generating device 1. The pressure regulator 30 that guides the liquid to the inlet of the air bubble generator 10 includes an inner flow path 31 and an outer flow path 35. The second opening 31b of the inner flow path 31 facing the inlet of the air bubble generator 10 is narrower than the first opening 31a on the inlet end side, so that the pressure of the liquid passing through the inner flow path 31 can be increased. This makes it possible to suppress a decrease in the flow rate of the liquid flowing into the inlet of the air bubble generator 10, and suppresses a decrease in the amount of air bubbles generated. Furthermore, the provision of the outer flow path 35 suppresses a decrease in the flow rate.

In one example, the opening area of the fourth opening 35b is larger than the opening area of the third opening 35a. Also, the sum of the opening area of the second opening 31b and the opening area of the fourth opening 35b is larger than the sum of the opening area of the first opening 31a and the opening area of the third opening 35a. In this configuration, a decrease in the flow rate of the liquid flowing through the pressure regulator 30 can be suppressed.

In one example, the opening area of the first opening 31a is larger than the opening area of the third opening 35a. In this configuration, more than half of the liquid flowing into the pressure regulator 30 can be guided to the inner flow path 31. In one example, as shown in FIG. 6, an inclined surface 32c is formed at the upstream end of the inner wall 32 so that the inner surface 32a has an increased diameter, making it easier to take in liquid into the inner flow path 31.

In one example, the outer flow passage 35 includes a partition wall 38. In such a configuration, the flow of liquid passing through the outer flow passage 35 is easily controlled. In one example, the partition wall 38 extends along the flow direction of the liquid, thereby suppressing the occurrence of turbulence within the outer flow passage 35.

In one example, the flow path cross-sectional area of the inner flow path 31 gradually decreases from the inlet side toward the bubble generator 10. In this configuration, turbulence of the liquid flow in the inner flow path 31 can be suppressed.

In one example, the bubble generator 1 is provided with a strainer 40 that is disposed closer to the inlet end than the pressure regulator 30 and filters the liquid flowing into the pressure regulator 30. By filtering the liquid flowing into the pressure regulator 30, deterioration of the bubble generator 10 can be suppressed.

Although exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments. For example, the liquid flow structure 60 of the present disclosure may be used in a shower nozzle. Figure 7 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing a shower nozzle. The shower nozzle 100 includes a configuration similar to that of the bubble generator 1 described above at the base end portion.

Figure 7 is a side view of an example of a shower nozzle, showing a part of the shower nozzle in cross section. As shown in Figure 7, the shower nozzle 100 includes a cylinder 103, a head 105, a bubble generator 10, a swirl generator 20, a pressure regulator 30, a strainer 40, and a cap 50. The cylinder 103 is a part that is held by the user of the shower nozzle 100, and has, for example, a substantially cylindrical outer shape. The cylinder 103 in the illustrated example has a substantially cylindrical outer shape that is bent at the center in the longitudinal direction. Inside the cylinder 103, a flow path 104 with a circular cross section is formed through which liquid flows along the longitudinal direction. That is, the cylinder 103 has a substantially cylindrical shape. The head 105 is provided at one end (downstream end) of the cylinder 103, and serves as an outlet for liquid flowing in from a shower hose 111 connected to the other end (upstream end) of the cylinder 103. The head 105 has, for example, multiple through holes, and the liquid flowing through the cylinder 103 is ejected from the multiple through holes.

The peripheral wall 21 of the swirl flow generator 20 has an outer peripheral surface that conforms to the inner peripheral surface of the flow path 104 of the cylinder 103, and is arranged in the flow path 104 of the cylinder 103 so that the bottom wall 23 faces downstream as shown in FIG. 7. In one example of the shower nozzle 100, the swirl flow generator 20 is arranged at the end of the cylinder 103 opposite the head 105 (i.e., the upstream side). For example, a step 104a is provided in the flow path 104 of the cylinder 103, which is formed so that the inner diameter is large. The swirl flow generator 20 is restricted from moving downstream by abutting against the step 104a. In the flow path 104, the upstream side of the step 104a is a flow path 104b with a uniform inner diameter. The space formed by the flow path 104b may have a configuration similar to the cylindrical space 5a of the cylindrical part 5 of the cylinder 3 in the bubble generator 1 described above.

The bubble generator 10 is arranged so that the liquid passes through the flow path 104 of the cylinder 103, and causes bubbles to be contained in the passing liquid. Similar to the configuration of the bubble generating device 1, the bubble generator 10 in the shower nozzle 100 is arranged in the inner space of the swirl flow generator 20. When the swirl flow generator 20 is in contact with the step 104a, the auxiliary flow path 25 of the swirl flow generator 20 is connected to the flow path 104 of the cylinder 103.

The outer wall 36 of the pressure regulator 30 is aligned with the inner surface of the flow path 104b of the cylindrical body 103. The pressure regulator 30 is disposed closer to the inlet end than the bubble generator 10 within the inner space of the cylindrical body 103.

The cap 50 is disposed upstream of the pressure regulator 30 and connects the cylinder 103 and the shower hose 111. That is, the cap 50 is connected to the inlet end 108 of the cylinder 103. A screw groove 108a is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the inlet end 108. The screw groove 108a is screwed into the thread 53 of the cap 50, thereby connecting the cap 50 to the cylinder 103. The upstream thread 52 of the cap 50 is connected to the shower hose 111. The strainer 40 is disposed between the cap 50 and the pressure regulator 30. In one example, the connection between the upstream end of the cylinder 103 and the cap 50 is sealed by a seal member 45 disposed between the flange 55 of the cap 50 and the downstream thread 53.

The shower nozzle 100 of the above example is cylindrical and includes an inlet end through which the liquid flows and an outlet end through which the liquid flows. The shower nozzle 100 includes a cylinder 103 through which the liquid flows, a head 105 provided at one end of the cylinder 103 and serving as an outlet for the liquid, a bubble generator 10 arranged so that the liquid passes through the cylinder 103 and contains bubbles in the liquid passing through, and a pressure regulator 30 arranged inside the cylinder 103 closer to the inlet end than the bubble generator 10 and directs the liquid flowing in from the inlet end to the inlet of the bubble generator 10. The pressure regulator 30 has an inner flow path 31 including a first opening 31a facing the inlet end and a second opening 31b narrower than the first opening 31a facing the inlet of the bubble generator 10, and an outer flow path 35 formed around the inner flow path 31. This shower nozzle 100 also provides the same effects as the bubble generator 1 described above.

In addition, in the above description of the pressure regulator, an example was given in which the outer flow passage formed around the inner flow passage is divided by a partition wall to form multiple flow passages with a fan-shaped cross section, but the outer flow passage may also be formed, for example, by multiple cylindrical flow passages surrounding the outer periphery of the inner flow passage.

In addition, although an example has been shown in which the partition wall formed in the outer flow path extends along the flow path direction, the partition wall may extend, for example, so as to spiral around the flow path direction.

1...bubble generator, 3...cylinder, 10...bubble generator, 30...pressure regulator, 31...inner flow path, 31a...first opening, 31b...second opening, 35...outer flow path, 35a...third opening, 35b...fourth opening, 38...partition wall, 100...shower nozzle.

Claims (10)

A cylindrical body (3) having a cylindrical shape, including an inflow end for the liquid to flow in and an outflow end for the liquid to flow out, and through which the liquid flows;
a bubble generator (10) disposed within the cylindrical body (3) so that the liquid passes through the inside thereof, the bubble generator generating bubbles in the liquid passing through the inside thereof ;
a liquid flow regulator (30) disposed inside the cylindrical body (3) closer to the inlet end than the bubble generator (10) so that the liquid passes through the inside and flows out toward the bubble generator (10), and the liquid flow regulator (30) regulates the flow of the liquid passing through the inside ,
The liquid flow regulator (30) is
an inner flow path (31) which is a flow path of the liquid , the inner flow path (31) including a first opening (31a) facing the inlet end side so that the liquid flows in , and a second opening (31b) having an opening area smaller than the opening area of the first opening (31a) and facing an inlet of the bubble generator (10) through which the liquid flows out ;
The bubble generating device has an outer flow path (35) which is a flow path for the liquid , the outer flow path (35) being formed around the inner flow path (31) and including a third opening (35a) facing the inlet end side so that the liquid flows in , and a fourth opening (35b) facing the bubble generator (10) side through which the liquid flows out. The bubble generating device according to claim 1, wherein the opening area of the fourth opening (35b) is greater than the opening area of the third opening (35a). The bubble generating device according to claim 2, wherein the sum of the opening area of the second opening (31b) and the opening area of the fourth opening (35b) is greater than the sum of the opening area of the first opening (31a) and the opening area of the third opening (35a). The bubble generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the opening area of the first opening (31a) is greater than the opening area of the third opening (35a). The bubble generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the outer flow path (35) has a partition wall (38) that divides the outer flow path (35) along the flow direction of the liquid. The bubble generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the flow path cross-sectional area of the inner flow path (31) gradually decreases from the inlet side toward the bubble generator (10). The bubble generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a strainer (40) arranged closer to the inlet end than the liquid flow regulator (30) and filtering the liquid flowing into the liquid flow regulator (30). A cylindrical body (103) having a cylindrical shape and including an inflow end through which the liquid flows and an outflow end through which the liquid flows,
a head (105) provided at the outlet end of the cylindrical body (103) and serving as an outlet for the liquid;
a bubble generator (10) arranged in the cylindrical body (103) so that the liquid passes through the inside thereof, the bubble generator generating bubbles in the liquid passing through the inside thereof;
a liquid flow regulator (30) that is disposed on the inflow end side of the bubble generator (10) so that the liquid passes through the inside of the cylindrical body (103) and flows out toward the bubble generator (10), and that regulates the flow of the liquid passing through the inside of the cylindrical body (103);
The liquid flow regulator (30) is
The shower nozzle has an inner flow path (31) which is a flow path for the liquid, the inner flow path (31) including a first opening (31a) facing the inlet end side so that the liquid flows in , and a second opening (31b) which is narrower than the first opening (31a) and faces an inlet of the bubble generator (10) through which the liquid flows out , and an outer flow path (35) formed around the inner flow path (31). A liquid flow regulator comprising:
an inner flow path (31) including a first opening (31a) facing one side in the axial direction of the liquid flow regulator and a second opening (31b) facing the other side in the axial direction and having an opening area smaller than the opening area of the first opening (31a), for passing liquid from the first opening (31a) to the second opening (31b) ;
a third opening (35a) facing one side of the axial direction and a fourth opening (35b) facing the other side of the axial direction , and an outer flow path (35) for passing liquid from the third opening (35a) to the fourth opening (35b) . The bubble generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a cap (50) connected to the inlet end of the cylindrical body (3).

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