JP7780700B2 - Hair Catcher - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a hair catcher that can be attached to a bathroom drain to capture hair, debris, etc. that flows into the drain along with the water, preventing the drain pipe from clogging.

Generally known hair catchers that can be attached to bathroom drains include those described in Patent Documents 1 and 2 below.

Patent Document 1 describes a hair catcher that is installed in a bathroom drain or the like to capture hair and other debris. The hair catcher generates a vortex within the recessed bottom when wastewater flows through arc-shaped vortex-generating protrusions, passes through a sloped surface, and flows into the recessed bottom.

Patent Document 2 describes a hair catcher equipped with a water retention section that is concave with an upwardly protruding convex portion at the bottom and retains the wastewater that flows in; an upper wastewater outflow section that extends from the top of the water retention section and allows any wastewater that does not enter the water retention section to flow out while preventing hair from flowing out as the water is being drained; and a wastewater inlet section that directs wastewater from the washing area into the water retention section at a position horizontally offset from the top of the convex portion within the water retention section.

Design Registration No. 1620963 JP 2009-203770 A

However, the hair catcher described in Patent Document 1 has the problem that trapped hair and other debris accumulate in the recessed bottom, resulting in poor drainage.

The hair catcher described in Patent Document 2 has the problem that hair and other particles gather and are supported by the convex parts inside the temporary water-retaining section, which can clog the drainage holes in the convex parts with hair and result in poor drainage.

The present invention was made in consideration of the above problems, and aims to provide a hair catcher with a simple structure and excellent drainage and cleanability.

In order to achieve the above object, the hair catcher according to the present invention is a hair catcher that can be attached to a bathroom drain,
a bowl-shaped recess with an open top;
a swirling flow generating portion provided around the outer periphery of the upper periphery of the recessed portion to generate a swirling flow in the recessed portion;
a flange portion having an annular surface that protrudes outward from an upper peripheral edge of the swirl flow generating portion;
a protrusion provided in a vertical position at the center of the recessed portion,
The outer peripheral wall surface of the recessed portion, the bottom surface of the recessed portion, and the wall surface of the protruding portion form an annular swirling flow path.

With the above configuration, wastewater from the swirling flow generating section flows into the recessed portion as a swirling flow, generating a swirling flow within the annular swirling flow path surrounded by the outer wall surface of the recessed portion, the bottom surface of the recessed portion, and the wall surface of the convex portion, allowing hair, debris, etc. to float and flow within the swirling flow path. As a result, hair, debris, etc. floating and flowing within the swirling flow generated within the swirling flow path can be collected by wrapping around the convex portion located on the inner side of the swirling flow, resulting in a hair catcher with excellent drainage properties and less clogging of the drainage holes. Furthermore, because hair, debris, etc. wrapped around the convex portion form a single mass, hair, debris, etc. can be easily removed, resulting in a hair catcher with excellent cleanability.

In addition to the above configuration, the hair catcher according to the present invention may have the apex of the convex portion protruding above the upper periphery of the concave portion.

With the above configuration, the convex portion protrudes higher than the height of the upper peripheral edge of the recessed portion, ensuring the formation of an annular swirling flow path within the recessed portion.

In addition to the above configuration, the hair catcher according to the present invention may have the apex of the convex portion protruding above the annular surface of the flange portion.

With the above configuration, the convex portion protrudes higher than the height of the annular surface of the flange portion, ensuring the formation of an annular swirl flow path within the recessed portion.

In addition to the above configuration, the hair catcher according to the present invention may have a through-hole at the top of the convex portion that communicates with the lower bottom surface of the concave portion.

With the above configuration, the through-holes opening at the tops of the convex portions can function as drainage holes and air vents. In particular, even if wastewater accumulates in the recessed portion and reaches a height near the top, the wastewater can be discharged from the through-holes below the hair catcher (deep in the drain outlet), and the through-holes can function as air vents, allowing the wastewater to flow out smoothly.

In addition to the above configuration, the hair catcher according to the present invention may have a drainage hole in the bottom surface of the recessed portion, and the base surface located at the bottom of the wall surface of the protruding portion and the outer wall surface of the recessed portion may be configured as surfaces without drainage holes.

With the above configuration, wastewater accumulated in the recess can be discharged below the hair catcher through drainage holes provided in the bottom surface of the recess. Furthermore, the outer wall surface of the recess and the wall surface of the convex portion, which form the side surfaces of the annular swirling flow path, are smooth surfaces without drainage holes, ensuring and maintaining the fluidity of the swirling flow within the swirling flow path without impeding its smooth flow. Furthermore, by configuring the wall surface of the convex portion as a smooth surface, hair, debris, etc. can be wrapped around the smooth wall surface of the convex portion without getting caught, making it easy to remove hair, debris, etc. from the smooth wall surface of the convex portion.

In addition to the above configuration, the hair catcher according to the present invention may also have the height of the base surface of the convex portion approximately the same as the height of the outer wall surface of the concave portion.

With the above configuration, the wall surface of the convex portion is formed as a smooth surface with no drainage holes up to a position approximately the same height as the outer wall surface of the recessed portion, so the smooth flow of the swirling flow within the swirling flow path is not impeded, and the fluidity of the swirling flow within the swirling flow path is ensured and maintained. Furthermore, by forming the wall surface of the convex portion as a smooth surface, hair, debris, etc. can be wrapped around the smooth wall surface of the convex portion without getting caught, making it easy to detach and remove hair, debris, etc. from the smooth wall surface of the convex portion.

In addition to the above configuration, the hair catcher according to the present invention may also have a drainage hole in the upper wall surface of the convex portion located above the base surface of the convex portion.

With the above configuration, the through-holes opening in the upper wall surface of the convex portion can function as drainage holes and air vents. In particular, even if wastewater accumulates in the recessed portion and reaches a height near the upper wall surface of the convex portion, the wastewater can be discharged below the hair catcher through the through-holes, and the through-holes can function as air vents, allowing the wastewater to flow out smoothly.

In addition to the above configuration, the hair catcher according to the present invention may also be configured such that the swirling flow generating section is composed of multiple inclined surfaces, each of which may be provided with a drainage hole.

With the above configuration, a swirling flow can be generated by the inclined surface of the swirling flow generating section. Furthermore, the drainage holes provided in the inclined surface allow wastewater flowing up the inclined surface to flow below the hair catcher. Even if the wastewater accumulates in the recess and reaches a height close to the inclined surface, the wastewater can be allowed to flow below the hair catcher through the drainage holes in the inclined surface.

In addition to the above configuration, the hair catcher according to the present invention may also have multiple ribs formed radially on the wall surface of the convex portion that forms the swirl flow path.

With the above configuration, hair, dust, etc. gather by wrapping around the radial ribs on the wall surface of the convex portion, so they do not stick to the wall surface of the convex portion and can be easily removed.

The hair catcher of the present invention can collect captured hair, debris, etc. by wrapping it around the convex portion, making it possible to realize a hair catcher with a simple structure that has excellent drainage and cleanability.

1 is a perspective view of a hair catcher according to an embodiment of the present invention, seen from above. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the hair catcher according to the embodiment of the present invention, seen from below. FIG. 2 is a plan view of the hair catcher according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the hair catcher according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a front view of the hair catcher according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a hair catcher according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first derivative example of a hair catcher according to an embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from above. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a second derivative example of a hair catcher according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 is a perspective view of the hair catcher 10 of this embodiment, seen from above; Figure 2 is a perspective view of the hair catcher 10 of this embodiment, seen from below; Figure 3 is a plan view of the hair catcher 10 of this embodiment; Figure 4 is a bottom view of the hair catcher 10 of this embodiment; Figure 5 is a front view of the hair catcher 10 of this embodiment; and Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the hair catcher 10 of this embodiment, taken along the line A-A in Figure 3. For ease of understanding of the embodiments of the present invention, the dimensions and scale of the components shown in the drawings may differ from the actual dimensions and scale.

The hair catcher 10 in this embodiment is configured to be removably attached to a bathroom drain. The hair catcher 10 comprises a bowl-shaped recess 31 with an open top, a swirling flow generating portion 21 that is arranged around the outer periphery of the upper periphery of the recess 31 and generates a swirling flow in the recess 31, a flange 11 with an annular surface that extends outward from the upper periphery of the swirling flow generating portion 21, and a protrusion 41 that stands upright in the center of the recess 31. The flange 11, swirling flow generating portion 21, recess 31, and protrusion 41 are integrally molded from, for example, a synthetic resin material.

The flange portion 11 is positioned at the outermost periphery of the hair catcher 10 and has an annular surface that extends outward from the upper periphery of the swirling flow generating portion 21. The annular surface of the flange portion 11 extends approximately horizontally, and the inner periphery of the flange portion 11 is connected to the upper periphery of the swirling flow generating portion 21. When attaching the hair catcher 10 to a drain, the flange portion 11 is stably placed on the periphery of the opening of the drain with the recessed portion 31 inserted into the drain. The flange portion 11 has a size that fits the drain, for example, a diameter of approximately 10 cm. The flange portion 11 may be provided with a cutting groove 12 that allows it to be cut to fit the diameter and shape of the drain, a claw portion 13 that can engage with the drain, or a notch 14.

The swirling flow generating section 21 is a component that is connected to the inner peripheral edge of the flange portion 11 and is provided in a circular pattern around the outer upper peripheral edge of the recessed portion 31. In this embodiment, the hair catcher 10 has six swirling flow generating sections 21 arranged at equal intervals (60° intervals) along the circumferential direction, but the number of swirling flow generating sections 21 is not limited to this and may be five or less or seven or more.

The swirling flow generating section 21 comprises an inclined surface 22 that slopes downward in a specific circumferential direction (counterclockwise in Figure 3), and a drainage guide wall 23 that surrounds the outer periphery of the inclined surface 22. The drainage guide wall 23 is composed of a smooth surface without drainage holes, and a portion of the drainage guide wall 23 extends from the inner periphery of the flange portion 11 toward the upper periphery of the outer periphery wall surface 32 of the recessed portion 31. The drainage guide wall 23 is smoothly connected to the outer periphery wall surface 32 of the recessed portion 31.

In the hair catcher 10 of this embodiment, the inclined surfaces 22, whose outer peripheries are surrounded by the drainage guide walls 23, are formed in a roughly triangular shape in plan view. The area near the apex on the inner periphery of the roughly triangular shape (region R on the innermost periphery of the inclined surfaces 22 shown in Figure 1) is the lowest point on each inclined surface 22. The drainage guide walls 23 that surround the outer periphery of the inclined surfaces 22 function to guide drainage to region R, which is the lowest point on the inclined surfaces 22, and are able to generate a swirling flow in the recessed portion 31.

The inclined surface 22 is provided with multiple drainage holes 24. The drainage holes 24 provided in the inclined surface 22 are through-holes with openings on both the upper and lower surfaces of the inclined surface 22. A portion of the wastewater flowing on the inclined surface 22 flows out below the hair catcher 10 through the drainage holes 24 provided in the inclined surface 22. The drainage holes 24 provided in the inclined surface 22 are particularly designed to allow wastewater that has accumulated in the recess 31 and reached the height of the swirling flow generating section 21 to flow out below the hair catcher 10, thereby increasing the amount of wastewater that flows out. Furthermore, the drainage holes 24 provided in the inclined surface 22 also function as air vents to allow the wastewater to flow out smoothly.

A bowl-shaped recess 31 with an open top is provided inside the swirling flow generating section 21. The recess 31 is composed of an outer wall surface 32 that extends downward from the inner periphery of the swirling flow generating section 21, and a bottom surface 33 that extends toward the center of the hair catcher 10.

The outer peripheral wall surface 32 is a wall surface located on the outer peripheral side of the recessed portion 31. The outer peripheral wall surface 32 extends circumferentially and substantially vertically toward the center of the recessed portion 31, surrounding the protruding portion 41, and the upper peripheral edge of the outer peripheral wall surface 32 is connected to the inner peripheral edge of the swirling flow generating portion 21. The outer peripheral wall surface 32 is composed of a smooth surface with no drainage holes.

The bottom surface 33 extends in a generally horizontal direction, and the outer peripheral edge of the bottom surface 33 is connected to the lower peripheral edge of the outer wall surface 32. The bottom surface 33 is provided with a plurality of drainage holes 34. The drainage holes 34 provided in the bottom surface 33 are through-holes with openings on both the upper and lower surfaces of the bottom surface 33. Drainage water that flows into the recessed portion 31 flows out below the hair catcher 10 through the drainage holes 34 provided in the bottom surface 33.

A protrusion 41 extends upward from the center of the recess 31. The lower periphery of the protrusion 41 smoothly connects with the inner periphery of the bottom surface 33.

In the hair catcher 10 of this embodiment, the protrusion 41 is a hollow conical member. However, the shape of the protrusion 41 is not particularly limited, and it may be, for example, a cylindrical member. The protrusion 41 is composed of a wall surface 42 that extends upward from the bottom surface 33 of the recessed portion 31, and a peak 43 located at the top of the protrusion 41.

The wall surface 42 is composed of a lower wall surface 42f (hereinafter referred to as the base surface 42f) that extends below the convex portion 41, and an upper wall surface 42u that extends above the convex portion 41. The base surface 42f is a surface located at the base of the convex portion 41 that rises from the bottom surface 33 of the recessed portion 31. The base surface 42f is composed of a smooth surface that does not have drainage holes. As an example, the height of the base surface 42f is approximately the same as the height of the outer wall surface 32 that extends to the upper peripheral edge of the recessed portion 31 (height H2 shown in Figure 6), as shown in Figure 6.

On the other hand, the upper wall surface 42u is provided with multiple drainage slits 44. The drainage slits 44 provided in the upper wall surface 42u are through-holes with openings on both the outer and inner surfaces of the upper wall surface 42u. When drainage water that flows into the interior of the recessed portion 31 accumulates in the recessed portion 31 and reaches the height of the upper wall surface 42u, it flows out below the hair catcher 10 through the drainage slits 44 provided in the upper wall surface 42u. The drainage slits 44 provided in the upper wall surface 42u also function as air vents to allow the drainage water to flow out smoothly.

The apex 43 is located at the top of the convex portion 41. In the hair catcher 10 of this embodiment, the shape of the apex 43 is a cone with a closed top, but this shape is not limited to this and it may be cylindrical to make it easier for the user to grip. The apex 43 preferably protrudes above the height (height H1 shown in Figure 6) of the upper periphery of the recessed portion 31 (the inner periphery of the swirling flow generating portion 21), and more preferably protrudes above the height (height H2 shown in Figure 6) of the annular surface of the flange portion 11.

It is preferable that at least a portion of the top 43 has a through-hole that communicates with the lower part of the bottom surface 33 of the recess 31. In the hair catcher 10 of this embodiment, the drainage slit 44 provided in the upper wall surface 42u is formed to reach part of the area of the top 43, resulting in a configuration in which the drainage slit 44 is provided across both the top 43 and the upper wall surface 42u.

When wastewater flows into the recess 31 and accumulates there, it reaches a height near the top 43, and then flows out below the hair catcher 10 through the drainage slits 44 provided in the top 43. The drainage slits 44 provided in the top 43 also function as air vents to allow the wastewater to flow out smoothly.

In the hair catcher 10 of this embodiment, an annular swirling flow path 50 is formed by the outer wall surface 32 of the recessed portion 31, the bottom surface 33 of the recessed portion 31, and the wall surface 42 of the convex portion 41. More specifically, the outer surface of the swirling flow path 50 is formed by the outer wall surface 32 of the recessed portion 31, the bottom surface of the swirling flow path 50 is formed by the bottom surface 33 of the recessed portion 31, and the inner surface of the swirling flow path 50 is formed by the base surface 42f of the convex portion 41. The swirling flow path 50 is formed within the recessed portion 31 so as to surround the periphery of the convex portion 41.

The following describes the flow of wastewater from the hair catcher 10 of this embodiment. Water used in the bathroom flows into the drain outlet to which the hair catcher 10 is attached. The wastewater flows from the outside of the flange portion 11 into the swirling flow generating portion 21 and flows along the sloped surface 22, which is sloped to create a difference in elevation, toward the innermost region R of the sloped surface 22. The wastewater then flows from region R of the sloped surface 22 into the recessed portion 31 in a direction along the drain guide wall 23 (direction D1 shown in Figure 3). This direction D1 coincides with the circumferential direction of the swirling flow path 50 formed within the recessed portion 31. The wastewater that flows from each sloped surface 22 into the swirling flow path 50 of the recessed portion 31 becomes a swirling flow that swirls around the convex portion 41 (direction D2 shown in Figure 3). At this time, hair, debris, and other debris contained in the swirling flow of wastewater flow along the swirling flow path 50 while floating within the drain.

The outer peripheral wall surface 32, which is the outer peripheral surface of the swirling flow path 50, and the base surface 42f of the convex portion 41, which is the inner peripheral surface of the swirling flow path 50, are configured as smooth surfaces. This ensures that the smooth flow of the swirling flow within the swirling flow path 50 is not impeded, and ensures and maintains the fluidity of the swirling flow within the swirling flow path 50. In addition, the bottom surface 33 of the recessed portion 31, which is the bottom surface of the swirling flow path 50, is provided with multiple drainage holes 34. This allows wastewater within the swirling flow path 50 to be discharged downward.

The swirling flow path 50 is annular, and because a difference in flow speed occurs between the outer and inner sides of the swirling flow, hair, debris, etc. wraps around the protrusions 41 located on the inner side and forms an annular debris bundle (a single mass of debris). This prevents hair, debris, etc. from accumulating on the drainage holes 34 on the bottom surface 33, making the drainage holes 34 on the bottom surface 33 less likely to clog, and maintaining good drainage.

If the amount of wastewater flowing into the hair catcher 10 exceeds the amount of wastewater discharged through the hair catcher 10, the wastewater may accumulate in the recess 31 and reach the height of the swirling flow generating section 21 (height H1 shown in Figure 6). In this case, drainage is performed through the drainage holes 24 provided on the inclined surface 22 of the swirling flow generating section 21 and the drainage slits 44 provided on the convex section 41, thereby increasing the amount of wastewater.

Even if the amount of water flowing into the drain outlet increases and reaches the height of the annular surface of the flange portion 11 (height H2 shown in Figure 6), the drain slits 44 located at the top 43 of the convex portion 41, which is higher than the annular surface of the flange portion 11, function as air vents to remove air present below the hair catcher 10. This maintains good drainage.

To remove hair and debris captured by the hair catcher 10, simply remove the hair catcher 10 from the drain and invert it. In particular, because the base surface 42f of the convex portion 41, which forms the outer periphery of the swirling flow path 50, is smooth, when the hair catcher 10 is inverted, the annular debris bundle wrapped around the smooth base surface 42f of the convex portion 41 easily detaches from the convex portion 41 and falls without getting caught. This allows hair and debris to be removed without getting your hands dirty, and prevents hair and debris from sticking to the hair catcher 10, resulting in a hair catcher 10 that is easy to clean and hygienic.

A first derivative example of a hair catcher according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to Figure 7. Figure 7 is a perspective view of the first derivative example of a hair catcher according to this embodiment (hair catcher 10A) viewed from above. Below, the description of the hair catcher 10A, which has the same configuration as the hair catcher 10 shown in Figures 1 to 6 above, will be simplified or omitted.

The hair catcher 10A shown in Figure 7 is similar to the hair catcher 10 shown in Figures 1 to 6 above, but further includes multiple ribs 60A on the surface that forms the swirling flow path 50. As shown in Figure 7, the multiple ribs 60A are arranged radially outward from the center of the hair catcher 10A. More specifically, each rib 60A is arranged to extend from the base surface 42f of the convex portion 41 to the bottom surface 33 of the concave portion 31. There are no particular limitations on the number or shape of the ribs 60A.

In the first derivative example of hair catcher 10A, a ring-shaped swirling flow path 50 is also formed by the outer wall surface 32 of recessed portion 31, the bottom surface 33 of recessed portion 31, and the wall surface 42B of protruding portion 41B. Because swirling flow path 50 is ring-shaped, the difference in flow velocity between the outer and inner sides of the swirling flow causes hair, debris, etc. to wrap around protruding portion 41 located on the inner side and form a ring-shaped debris bundle. As hair, debris, etc. wrap around protruding portion 41 so as to come into contact with the upper surfaces of ribs 60A provided on base surfaces 42f of protruding portion 41, reducing the contact area with base surfaces 42f of protruding portion 41. In other words, by contacting the upper surfaces of ribs 60A, hair, debris, etc. float above base surfaces 42f of protruding portion 41 and wrap around protruding portion 41, forming a ring-shaped debris bundle. Ideally, hair, debris, etc. that has become wrapped around the protrusion 41 and is floating above the base surface 42f of the protrusion 41 will only be in contact with the upper surface of the rib 60A.

To remove the trapped hair and debris, simply remove the hair catcher 10A from the drain and turn it upside down. At this time, the annular debris bundle floats above the base surface 42f of the convex portion 41, and because the contact area with the base surface 42f of the convex portion 41 is small, it easily detaches from the convex portion 41 and falls. This allows hair and debris to be removed without getting your hands dirty, and prevents hair and debris from sticking to the hair catcher 10A, resulting in a hair catcher 10A that is easy to clean and hygienic.

By providing each rib 60A on the bottom surface 33 of the recessed portion 31, hair, debris, etc. can be kept floating through the drainage holes 34 provided in the bottom surface 33. As a result, the drainage holes 34 in the bottom surface 33 are less likely to become clogged, and drainage is better maintained.

A second derivative example of a hair catcher according to an embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to Figure 8. Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of a second derivative example of a hair catcher according to this embodiment (hair catcher 10B). The cross-sectional view in Figure 8 shows a cross-section of hair catcher 10B at the same position as in Figure 6 (the position of cross section A-A in Figure 3). Below, with regard to hair catcher 10B, descriptions of the same configuration as that of hair catcher 10 shown in Figures 1 to 6 above will be simplified or omitted.

The hair catcher 10B shown in Figure 8 has a configuration in which the height of the convex portion 41B is lower than that of the hair catcher 10 shown in Figures 1 to 6 described above. More specifically, while the hair catcher 10 shown in Figures 1 to 6 has a configuration in which the top 43 protrudes above the height of the annular surface of the flange portion 11 (height H2 shown in Figure 6), the hair catcher 10B shown in Figure 8 has a configuration in which the top 43B is lower than the height of the annular surface of the flange portion 11 (height H2 shown in Figure 8) and protrudes above the height of the upper peripheral edge of the recessed portion 31 (the inner peripheral edge of the swirling flow generating portion 21) (height H1 shown in Figure 8). Note that, although the top 43B of the hair catcher 10B shown in Figure 8 does not have a drainage slit, a drainage slit may be provided in the top 43B.

In the second derivative example, hair catcher 10B, an annular swirling flow path 50B is formed by the outer wall surface 32 of recessed portion 31, the bottom surface 33 of recessed portion 31, and the wall surface 42B of protruding portion 41B.

The outer peripheral wall surface 32, which is the outer peripheral surface of the swirling flow path 50B, and the wall surface 42B of the convex portion 41B, which is the inner peripheral surface of the swirling flow path 50B, are configured with smooth surfaces. This ensures that the smooth flow of the swirling flow within the swirling flow path 50B is not impeded, and ensures and maintains the fluidity of the swirling flow within the swirling flow path 50B.

The swirling flow path 50B is annular, and because a difference in flow speed occurs between the outer and inner sides of the swirling flow, hair, debris, etc. wraps around the protrusion 41B located on the inner side and forms an annular debris bundle (a single mass of debris). This prevents hair, debris, etc. from accumulating on the drainage holes 34 provided on the bottom surface 33, making the drainage holes 34 on the bottom surface 33 less likely to clog, and maintaining good drainage.

To remove hair and debris captured by the hair catcher 10B, simply remove the hair catcher 10B from the drain and invert it. In particular, because the wall surface 42B of the convex portion 41B, which forms the outer periphery of the swirling flow path 50B, is smooth, when the hair catcher 10B is inverted, the ring-shaped debris bundle wrapped around the smooth wall surface 42B of the convex portion 41B easily detaches from the convex portion 41B and falls without getting caught. This allows hair and debris to be removed without getting hands dirty, and prevents hair and debris from sticking to the hair catcher 10B, resulting in a hair catcher 10B that is easy to clean and hygienic.

As explained above, the hair catchers 10, 10A, and 10B according to this embodiment and its derivatives are useful as hair catchers that can be attached to a bathroom drain and have excellent drainage and cleanability. The hair catchers 10, 10A, and 10B according to this embodiment and its derivatives have an annular swirling flow path 50, 50B formed around the protrusions 41, 41B located in the center of the recessed portion 31, allowing captured hair, debris, etc. to be collected by wrapping around the protrusions 41, 41B, making the drain hole less likely to clog and providing excellent drainage. Furthermore, the hair catchers 10, 10A, and 10B according to this embodiment and its derivatives collect hair, debris, etc. wrapped around the protrusions 41, 41B in a single mass, making it easy to remove the hair, debris, etc., and providing excellent cleanability.

The above-described embodiment and derivative examples merely embody one aspect of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment and derivative examples. The conditions of the above-described embodiment and derivative examples, as well as the shape, number, position, and dimensions of each component, may be changed as appropriate, and some components may be omitted or added as appropriate, without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

10, 10A, 10B Hair catcher 11 Flange portion 12 Cutting groove 13 Claw portion 14 Notch portion 21 Swirling flow generating portion 22 Inclined surface 23 Drainage guide wall 24 Drainage hole 31 Recessed portion 32 Outer peripheral wall surface 33 Bottom surface 34 Drainage hole 41, 41B Convex portion 42, 42B Wall surface 42f Lower wall surface (foot surface)
42u Upper wall surface 43, 43B Top 44 Drainage slit 50, 50B Swirling flow path 60A Rib

Claims (9)

A hair catcher that can be attached to a bathroom drain,
a bowl-shaped recess with an open top;
a swirling flow generating portion provided around the outer periphery of the upper periphery of the recessed portion to generate a swirling flow in the recessed portion;
a flange portion having an annular surface that protrudes outward from an upper peripheral edge of the swirl flow generating portion;
a protrusion provided in a vertical position at the center of the recessed portion,
an outer peripheral wall surface of the recessed portion, a bottom surface of the recessed portion, and a wall surface of the protruding portion form an annular swirling flow path ;
A hair catcher characterized in that the top of the convex portion protrudes above the upper peripheral edge of the concave portion . 2. The hair catcher according to claim 1 , wherein the top of the projection projects above the annular surface of the flange. 3. The hair catcher according to claim 1 , wherein a through-hole is formed at the top of the convex portion, the through-hole communicating with the lower bottom surface of the concave portion. A hair catcher that can be attached to a bathroom drain,
a bowl-shaped recess with an open top;
a swirl flow generating portion provided around the outer periphery of the upper periphery of the recessed portion to generate a swirl flow in the recessed portion;
a flange portion having an annular surface that protrudes outward from an upper peripheral edge of the swirl flow generating portion;
a protrusion provided in a vertical position at the center of the recessed portion,
an annular swirl flow path is formed by an outer peripheral wall surface of the recessed portion, a bottom surface of the recessed portion, and a wall surface of the protruding portion,
a drainage hole is provided in the bottom surface of the recessed portion, and a base surface located at the lower part of the wall surface of the protruding portion is configured as a surface having no drainage hole;
A hair catcher characterized in that the height of the base surface of the convex portion is approximately the same as the height of the outer wall surface of the concave portion. 5. The hair catcher according to claim 4, wherein the outer peripheral wall surface of the recessed portion is formed as a surface that does not have drainage holes. 6. The hair catcher according to claim 4 , wherein a drain hole is provided in an upper wall surface of the convex portion located above the base surface of the convex portion. 7. The hair catcher according to claim 1, wherein the swirling flow generating portion is formed of a plurality of inclined surfaces, each of which is provided with a drain hole. 8. The hair catcher according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of ribs are formed radially on a surface that defines the swirl flow path. 9. The hair catcher according to claim 1, wherein the hair catcher catches dust including hair by wrapping it around the protrusion.