Microbubble generator and cleaning equipment

Abstract

The microbubble generator includes: a main body having a flow path that connects an inlet and an outlet and through which liquid can pass; and a collision part provided on the outlet side that radially divides the flow path into multiple parts relative to the center of the flow path and generates microbubbles in the liquid.

Description

[0001] This invention is a divisional application of Chinese Patent Application No. 202380048345.1, filed by the applicant on October 2, 2023, entitled "Fine Bubble Generator and Cleaning Equipment". Technical Field

[0002] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a microbubble generator and a cleaning device. Background Technology

[0003] Previously, there were known microbubble generators that generated microbubbles by locally reducing the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path of liquids such as water supply, thereby rapidly depressurizing the liquid passing through the flow path and causing dissolved air in the liquid to precipitate out.

[0004] Existing technical documents

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-23936 Summary of the Invention

[0007] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0008] However, there is room for improvement in the existing configuration in terms of suppressing the decrease in flow rate and effectively generating fine bubbles.

[0009] Therefore, a microbubble generator capable of suppressing the decrease in flow rate and effectively generating microbubbles, as well as a cleaning device equipped with the microbubble generator, are provided.

[0010] Methods for solving problems

[0011] The microbubble generator of the embodiment includes: a main body having a flow path that connects an inlet and an outlet and through which liquid can pass; and a collision part provided on the outlet side that radially divides the flow path into a plurality of parts relative to the center of the flow path and generates microbubbles in the liquid. Attached Figure Description

[0012] Figure 1 This is a longitudinal sectional side view that schematically shows an example of a drum-type washing machine according to the first embodiment.

[0013] Figure 2 This is a partial cross-sectional view showing an example of the fine bubble generator of the first embodiment assembled in the water injection box.

[0014] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of the microbubble generator of the first embodiment, showing the state in which the flow path components have been removed.

[0015] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the microbubble generator of the first embodiment, showing the state in which the flow path components have been removed.

[0016] Figure 5 It is along Figure 4 The X5-X5 line represents a cross-sectional view of the microbubble generator of the first embodiment.

[0017] Figure 6 Other examples of the collision section in the first embodiment are shown. Figure 5 A comparable sectional view.

[0018] Figure 7 This is an enlarged representation of the microbubble generator of the first embodiment along... Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of a portion cut off along the X7-X7 line.

[0019] Figure 8 It represents the collision part of the existing structure. Figure 5 A comparable sectional view.

[0020] Figure 9 This is a comparative example of the collision section in the first embodiment. Figure 5 A comparable sectional view.

[0021] Figure 10 This is a graph showing the simulation results related to the impact of different collision part configurations on the amount of fine bubbles generated and the flow rate.

[0022] Figure 11 This is a partial cross-sectional view showing another example of the fine bubble generator of the first embodiment assembled in the water injection box.

[0023] Figure 12 This is an example of the collision part in the second embodiment. Figure 5 A comparable sectional view.

[0024] Figure 13 Other examples of the collision section in the second embodiment are shown. Figure 5 A comparable sectional view.

[0025] Figure 14 This is a partial cross-sectional view showing an example of the third embodiment in which a fine bubble generator is placed on the upstream side of the water supply valve.

[0026] Figure 15 This is a diagram showing the microbubble generator of the fourth embodiment viewed from the upstream side.

[0027] Figure 16 This is a magnified representation of the microbubble generator of the fourth embodiment along... Figure 15A cross-sectional view of a portion cut off along the X16-X16 line.

[0028] Figure 17 This is a cross-sectional view (1) showing another example of the collision part in the fourth embodiment.

[0029] Figure 18 This is a cross-sectional view (2) showing another example of the collision part in the fourth embodiment.

[0030] Figure 19 This is a cross-sectional view (3) showing another example of the collision part in the fourth embodiment.

[0031] Figure 20 This is an example of the collision part in the fifth embodiment. Figure 17 A comparable sectional view.

[0032] Figure 21 This is an example of the collision part in the sixth embodiment. Figure 17 A comparable sectional view.

[0033] Figure 22 This is a longitudinal sectional side view that schematically illustrates an example of a dishwashing machine according to the seventh embodiment.

[0034] Figure 23 This is a top view that schematically illustrates an example of a water-washing toilet device according to the eighth embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0035] Hereinafter, several embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In each embodiment, substantially identical elements are labeled with the same symbols, and descriptions are omitted. Furthermore, in each embodiment, the additional terms such as "first," "second," ... for constituent elements are only used to distinguish similar constituent elements and do not imply superiority or inferiority among constituent elements or time factors.

[0036] (First Embodiment)

[0037] First, for the first embodiment, refer to Figures 1 to 11 An example of applying a microbubble generator to a washing machine as a cleaning device is illustrated. Figure 1The washing machine 10 shown is a front-loading washing machine with either a horizontal axis type (rotating drum 14 with its axis of rotation facing horizontally) or an inclined axis type (rotating drum 14 with its axis of rotation facing downwards and downwards). The washing machine is not limited to a front-loading type; it can also be a vertical axis type (rotating drum with its axis of rotation facing vertically). The washing machine 10 may or may not have a heater-type or heat pump-type drying function. Furthermore, the washing machine 10 may also have an automatic detergent dispensing device that automatically dispenses detergent and conditioning agents. This automatic detergent dispensing device has a detergent tank capable of storing the amount of detergent used in multiple wash cycles, and automatically dispenses a predetermined amount of detergent from the detergent tank into the water tank during each wash cycle.

[0038] The washing machine 10 includes an outer casing 11, a door 12, a water tank 13, a rotating drum 14, a motor 15, a drainage mechanism 16, and a water filling device 20. Furthermore, although not shown in detail, the washing machine 10 includes a known control panel and control devices. Figure 1 In this design, the side facing the washing machine 10, i.e., the lower vertical side, is designated as the lower side of the washing machine 10, and the side opposite to the facing surface, i.e., the upper vertical side, is designated as the upper side of the washing machine 10. Furthermore, [the following text is incomplete and requires further context: "..."] Figure 1 The left side of the paper, that is, the side opposite the door 12 of the outer box 11, is set as the front side of the washing machine 10. Figure 1 The right side of the paper, that is, the opposite side of the door 12 of the outer box 11, is set as the rear side of the washing machine 10.

[0039] The outer casing 11 is formed as a rectangular hollow box, for example, by combining a metal such as stainless steel or a resin material. The outer casing 11 constitutes the external outline of the washing machine 10. Furthermore, the outer casing 11 has an opening 111 on its front side that connects the interior of the outer casing 11 to the outside. A door 12 is located on the front side of the outer casing 11 and opens and closes the opening 111. With the door 12 open, the user can insert or remove clothes from the drum 14 through the opening 111.

[0040] Both the water tank 13 and the rotating drum 14 are formed into bottomed cylindrical shapes. The water tank 13 is capable of holding water. The water tank 13 is disposed inside the outer casing 11 and is elastically supported by a suspension (not shown). The rotating drum 14 is rotatably disposed inside the water tank 13 and is driven to rotate by a motor 15. The motor 15 is located on the outer bottom of the water tank 13 and has the function of driving the rotating drum 14 to rotate relative to the water tank 13.

[0041] The drain mechanism 16 is used to drain water from the water tank 13 to the outside of the washing machine 10. The drain mechanism 16 can be configured to include a drain valve 161 and a drain hose 162. The drain valve 161 is configured to be electrically open and closed. One end of the drain hose 162 is connected to the drain valve 161, and the other end extends to the outside of the washing machine 10. When the drain valve 161 is opened while water is present in the water tank 13, the water stored in the water tank 13 is drained to the outside of the washing machine 10 through the drain hose 162. In other words, the drain valve 161 opens and closes the drain path for draining water stored in the water tank 13 to the outside.

[0042] The water filling device 20 is used, for example, to inject water supplied from an external water source such as a tap water pipe into a water tank 13. The water filling device 20 includes a water supply valve 21, a water filling box 22, a water filling hose 23, and a microbubble generator 30. The water supply valve 21 is configured to be electromagnetically openable and closed. The water supply valve 21 controls the path of water from an external source through the water filling box 22 to the water tank 13. Figure 2 As shown, the water supply valve 21 has an inlet portion 211 and an outlet portion 212. The inlet portion 211 is connected to an external water source, such as a faucet (not shown), via a water supply hose 100. The outlet portion 212 is connected, for example, to a water filling box 22.

[0043] The water inlet box 22 has the function of receiving water supplied from an external water source and supplying that water to the water tank 13 via the water inlet hose 23. The water inlet box 22 is, for example, made of synthetic resin and can be formed into a box shape that is longer along the front-to-back direction of the washing machine 10. The water inlet box 22 is configured to store detergent, fabric softener, and other washing agents inside. Figure 2 As shown, the water injection box 22 has a connecting portion 221 and a communicating portion 222. The connecting portion 221 and the communicating portion 222 communicate the interior and exterior of the water injection box 22. The connecting portion 221 is, for example, formed as a cylinder with steps on its inner circumferential surface.

[0044] The connecting part 221 connects the water supply valve 21 to the water injection box 22. Water passing through the water supply valve 21 flows into the water injection box 22 through the connecting part 221. Figure 2 As shown, the outlet 212 of the water supply valve 21 is directly connected to the connecting part 221. Direct connection means that no other components are sandwiched between the connected parts. A sealing member 24 is provided between the outer peripheral surface of the outlet 212 and the inner peripheral surface of the connecting part 221. The sealing member 24 is, for example, an O-ring made of synthetic resin. By pressing the sealing member 24 against the outer peripheral surface of the outlet 212 and the inner peripheral surface of the connecting part 221, the outlet 212 and the connecting part 221 are connected in a watertight state.

[0045] The connecting portion 222 is, for example, formed as a cylinder with a substantially fixed inner diameter. The inner diameter of the connecting portion 222 is, for example, smaller than the inner diameter of the connecting portion 221. The connecting portion 222 is located downstream of the connecting portion 221. In other words, the connecting portion 221 is located upstream of the connecting portion 222. Downstream refers to the side downstream of the direction of water flow from an external water source. Upstream refers to the side upstream of the direction of water flow from an external water source.

[0046] The water inlet hose 23 is used to inject water from an external water source into the water inlet box 22 into the water tank 13. For example... Figure 1 As shown, one end of the water injection hose 23 is connected to the water injection box 22, and the other end is connected to the water tank 13. When the water injection box 22 contains detergent, when water flows into the water injection box 22, the detergent in the water injection box 22 mixes with the water flowing in the water injection box 22 and then flows into the water tank 13 through the water injection hose 23.

[0047] The microbubble generator 30 has the following function: when liquids such as water supplied from an external water source are directed towards... Figure 2 When arrow A passes through the interior of the microbubble generator 30, it generates microbubbles containing ultrafine bubbles in the liquid. These ultrafine bubbles are bubbles with a particle size of 50 nm to less than 1,000 nm. Due to their small size, ultrafine bubbles can penetrate complex structures, effectively removing dirt that cannot be completely removed by other microbubbles such as micron-sized bubbles. Furthermore, ultrafine bubbles possess the following properties: nanometer-sized particle size, low buoyancy, high hydrophobicity, and poor water solubility, resulting in a longer residence time in the liquid.

[0048] The microbubble generator 30 is located downstream of the water supply valve 21 and inside the water injection box 22. For example... Figure 2 As shown, the microbubble generator 30 is installed in a state supported between the outlet 212 and the connecting portion 221. The microbubble generator 30 is installed, for example, sandwiched between the outlet 212 and the connecting portion 221. A sealing member 25 is provided between the outer peripheral surface of the microbubble generator 30 and the inner peripheral surface of the connecting portion 221. The sealing member 25 is, for example, an O-ring made of synthetic resin. By pressing the sealing member 25 against the outer peripheral surface of the microbubble generator 30 and the inner peripheral surface of the connecting portion 221, the microbubble generator 30 and the connecting portion 221 are connected in a watertight state. Alternatively, the microbubble generator 30 may also be configured to be fixed relative to the outlet 212 and the connecting portion 221 by pressing it in.

[0049] The microbubble generator 30 is, for example, made of synthetic resin, with a diameter and overall length of, for example, a few millimeters to tens of millimeters. Specifically, the maximum diameter is approximately 15 millimeters, and the length is set to approximately 10 millimeters. Figure 2 As shown, the microbubble generator 30 is, for example, formed as a cylindrical shape with a flange. The microbubble generator 30 has a main body 40, a flow path component 50, and a collision part 60. The main body 40 is located on the upstream side of the microbubble generator 30, and the flow path component 50 is located on the downstream side of the microbubble generator 30. The main body 40 and the flow path component 50 are configured to be separately assembled. The main body 40 and the flow path component 50 are not limited to being separate parts, and may also be integrally formed.

[0050] like Figure 3 as well as Figure 4 As shown, the main body 40 is, for example, formed as a cylinder with steps on its outer peripheral surface. The main body 40 has an inlet 41, an outlet 42, and a flow path 43. The inlet 41 and the outlet 42 are, for example, formed as cylinders. The inlet 41 is the part through which water flows from the outside of the main body 40 into the inside. Water from an external water source, after passing through the water supply valve 21, is introduced into the main body 40 through the inlet 41. The outlet 42 is the part through which water flows out from the inside of the main body 40 into the outside. The inner diameter of the outlet 42 is smaller than the inner diameter of the inlet. In this embodiment, the outlet 42 is connected to the flow path component 50. The water introduced into the main body 40 flows from the outlet 42 through the flow path component 50 into the water injection box 22, and then, after mixing with the detergent in the water injection box 22, is supplied to the water tank 13.

[0051] A flow path 43 is disposed inside the main body 40, connecting the inlet 41 and the outlet 42, allowing liquid to pass through. The flow path 43 is configured to include a throttling section 431 and a straight section 432. The throttling section 431 and the straight section 432 are disposed around the entire circumference of the inner circumference of the main body 40. The throttling section 431 is disposed on the inflow side, i.e., the upstream side, of the main body 40. The throttling section 431 is connected to the inlet 41 and is disposed between the inlet 41 and the outlet 42. The throttling section 431 is formed such that the cross-sectional area, i.e., the inner diameter, of the flow path 43 gradually decreases in the middle portion extending from the inlet 41 to the main body 40. In this embodiment, the throttling section 431 is formed into a so-called truncated cone-shaped conical tube, where the cross-sectional area, i.e., the inner diameter, of the flow path 43 continuously decreases gradually. The throttling section 431 may also be configured such that the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path 43 gradually decreases in a stepped manner. Furthermore, the throttling section 431 can be integrally formed with the main body section 40, or it can be separate from the main body section 40.

[0052] A straight section 432 is provided downstream of the throttling section 431. The straight section 432 is connected to the outlet section 42. The straight section 432 is formed as a cylinder with a constant inner diameter, meaning the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path 43, i.e., the area through which liquid can pass, remains constant; hence, it is called a straight tube. The inner diameter of the straight section 432 is set to be approximately the same as the minimum inner diameter of the throttling section 431. Furthermore, the inner diameter of the straight section 432 is set to be approximately the same as the inner diameter of the connecting portion 222 of the water injection box 22. In this embodiment, the inner diameter of the straight section 432 is set to approximately 3 mm.

[0053] like Figure 2 As shown, the flow path component 50 is, for example, formed as a cylinder with steps on its inner circumferential surface, and has a flow path 51 inside. The overall length of the flow path component 50 is, for example, longer than the overall length of the main body 40. The flow path component 50 connects the main body 40 to the communication portion 222 of the water injection box 22. The inner diameter of the upstream portion of the flow path component 50 is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the downstream portion of the main body 40. Furthermore, the downstream portion of the main body 40 is configured to be inserted into the upstream portion of the flow path component 50 in a substantially fitted state. By inserting the downstream portion of the main body 40 into the upstream portion of the flow path component 50, the main body 40 and the flow path component 50 can be combined. In addition, the inner diameter of the downstream portion of the flow path component 50 is set to be approximately the same as the inner diameter of the communication portion 222 and the inner diameter of the straight portion 432.

[0054] The collision section 60 is used to generate fine bubbles in the liquid flowing through the flow path 43 by locally reducing the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path 43. The ratio of the cross-sectional area of ​​the collision section 60 to the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path 43 can be set to approximately 25% to 45%. Figure 4 As shown, the collision portion 60 is located near the downstream end of the main body portion 40, and at least a portion of it is provided on the straight portion 432. The collision portion 60 is integrally formed with the main body portion 40, for example, by injection molding of a synthetic resin material. The collision portion 60 is not limited to being integral with the main body portion 40, and may also be formed separately.

[0055] like Figure 5As shown, the collision section 60 radially divides the flow path 43 into multiple, in this case three, sections relative to the center of the flow path 43 along the direction of liquid flow. That is, the flow path 43 is divided into three flow paths 43a when passing through the collision section 60. The collision section 60 is, for example, composed of three protrusions 61 formed in the shape of rods, which protrude from the inner peripheral surface of the straight section 432 toward the center of the cross section of the flow path 43. In this embodiment, the protrusions 61 protrude from the inner peripheral surface of the straight section 432 toward the center of the cross section of the flow path 43. Furthermore, each protrusion 61 is connected at its front end and integrated into a generally Y-shaped form. That is, the multiple protrusions 61 are connected within the flow path 43. Accordingly, the multiple protrusions 61 are connected and linked to each other within the flow path, thereby improving the strength of the collision section 60. As a result, the reliability of the fine bubble generator 30 can be improved. In addition, by connecting the multiple protrusions 61 to each other within the flow path 43, the flow path 43 can be divided into multiple sections. This increases the flow rate of the liquid within the divided flow path 43. Consequently, it increases the generation of fine bubbles.

[0056] Multiple protrusions 61 are arranged at equal intervals circumferentially across the cross-section facing the flow path 43. The multiple protrusions 61 are not limited to an equally spaced configuration; they can also be unequally spaced. Furthermore, the area of ​​the gaps formed between each protrusion 61 is the minimum cross-sectional area through which water can pass in the fine bubble generator 30. Additionally, as... Figure 6 As shown, there can be four or more protrusions 61. That is, it can be configured to divide the flow path 43 into four or more sections by means of multiple protrusions 61. Figure 6 In this example, the collision portion 60 is generally formed in a roughly cross shape by means of multiple protrusions 61. In this case, the flow path 43 is divided into four flow paths 43b when passing through the collision portion 60.

[0057] like Figure 7 As shown, the protrusion 61 has an upstream sidewall portion 611, an enlarged diameter portion 612, and a downstream sidewall portion 613. The upstream sidewall portion 611 constitutes the upstream end of the protrusion 61. The cross-sectional shape of the upstream sidewall portion 611 in the longitudinal direction is, for example, formed as a so-called projectile-shaped curved surface protruding upstream in the direction opposite to the direction of liquid flow in the flow path 43. The longitudinal direction refers to the direction along which the liquid flows in the flow path 43. The width direction is the direction orthogonal to the direction along which the liquid flows in the flow path 43, and when the microbubble generator 30 is installed in the washing machine 10, it refers to the direction along the vertical direction of the washing machine 10.

[0058] The longitudinal cross-sectional shape of the upstream sidewall portion 611 can also be a triangular shape that tapers towards the upstream side. The diameter-expanding portion 612 is connected to the upstream sidewall portion 611 and is formed to expand in a generally straight line from the upstream side to the downstream side. The diameter-expanding portion 612 is not limited to a straight diameter expansion configuration, and can also be a curved diameter expansion configuration. That is, regarding the cross-sectional shape of the protrusion 61, the cross-sectional shape on the upstream side is smaller than the cross-sectional shape on the downstream side relative to the direction of liquid flow within the flow path 43. Furthermore, the longitudinal cross-sectional shape of the protrusion 61 changes gradually relative to the direction of liquid flow within the flow path 43.

[0059] The downstream sidewall portion 613 is connected to the enlarged diameter portion 612, forming the downstream end of the protrusion 61. The cross-sectional shape of the downstream sidewall portion 613 in the longitudinal direction is, for example, generally rectangular. The downstream end face of the downstream sidewall portion 613 lies on the same plane as the downstream end face of the main body portion 40. That is, the downstream surface of the protrusion 61 and the downstream surface of the main body portion 40 are so-called coplanar. Furthermore, regarding the shape of the downstream end of the protrusion 61 only, the longitudinal dimension of the downstream sidewall portion 613 is smaller than the width dimension of the downstream sidewall portion 613.

[0060] Here, in the cross-section of the protrusion 61, when the length dimension L of the protrusion 61 is smaller than the width dimension W, the angle between the expanded diameter portion 612 and the surface opposite the liquid flowing in the flow path 43 becomes larger. This increases the flow resistance of the protrusion 61 to the liquid flowing in the flow path 43, potentially leading to a decrease in flow rate. Therefore, in this embodiment, the protrusion 61 is as follows... Figure 7 As shown, in the cross-section of the protrusion 61, the length dimension L is greater than the width dimension W. This reduces the flow resistance of the protrusion 61 to the liquid flowing within the flow path 43, thereby increasing the flow rate. In this embodiment, the ratio of the length dimension L to the width dimension W of the protrusion 61 is, for example, set to approximately 3:2. The length dimension L of the protrusion 61 is, for example, set to approximately 0.7 mm to 1.1 mm, and the width dimension W of the protrusion 61 is, for example, set to approximately 0.5 mm to 0.7 mm.

[0061] When water flows into the upstream side of the microbubble generator 30, the flow path cross-sectional area is narrowed in the throttling section 431, which is formed to gradually reduce the inner diameter. This narrows the flow velocity based on Bernoulli's principle in fluid mechanics, and causes cavitation due to decompression. Then, microbubbles are generated by the shear force acting from the collision of the high-speed flow with the collision section 60 and the negative pressure subdivision generated in a negative pressure region, for example, below -1.0 MPa, near the downstream end face of the collision section 60. As a result, the microbubble generator 30 causes a large amount of air dissolved in the water passing through it to be released as microbubbles, supplying a much larger quantity of microbubble-containing water compared to before passing through the microbubble generator 30.

[0062] Furthermore, the inventors of this application conducted simulations related to the impact of different collision portion configurations on the amount of fine bubbles generated and the flow rate. In these simulations, for example... Figure 8 As shown, the configuration of the collision section 60a of a conventional microbubble generator as a reference, i.e., the configuration in which the flow path 43 is not divided into multiple parts on the downstream side, the microbubble generator 30 of this embodiment, and the microbubble generator 30 used as a comparative example are shown. Figure 9 Three configurations of a collision section 60b, as shown, are compared, in addition to a rod-shaped component protruding from the inner circumferential surface of the straight section 432 toward the flow path 43. In the configuration using the collision section 60b, the flow path 43 is divided into three flow paths 43c and one circular flow path 43d by the collision section 60b.

[0063] Figure 10 The diagram shows the relationship between (1) the size of the negative pressure region downstream of the impact section, (2) the amount of fine bubbles generated after passing through the impact section, and (3) the flow rate after passing through the impact section for each specification. The size of the negative pressure region refers to the size obtained by calculating the volume of the region below -1.0 MPa. Figure 10 As shown, it was confirmed that when using the microbubble generator 30 with the collision section 60 of this embodiment, the same amount of microbubble generation can be obtained compared to the existing configuration, and the flow rate is increased by approximately 1.1 times. Furthermore, it was confirmed that in the configuration of this embodiment, the size of the negative pressure region is increased by approximately 1.2 times compared to the existing configuration. Thus, by using the collision section 60 of this embodiment in the microbubble generator 30, the size of the negative pressure region can be effectively increased, thereby promoting the generation of microbubbles and achieving an increase in flow rate.

[0064] Furthermore, in the collision section 60b used as a comparative example, although an increase in flow rate was confirmed, the size of the negative pressure region and the amount of fine bubbles generated were significantly reduced. This is because, when an annular component like the collision section 60b is provided, the collision section 60b needs to be made thinner in order to suppress the proportion of the cross-sectional area of ​​the collision section 60b to the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path. Therefore, it is believed that because the area of ​​the downstream end face of the collision section 60b is smaller, it is difficult to generate negative pressure. In addition, as a reason for the difficulty in generating negative pressure, it can also be considered that if an annular component exists in the flow path, the flow of liquid flowing in the flow path is pushed back, making it difficult to increase the flow rate. It can also be considered that, due to the annular component, the collision section 60b is asymmetrically arranged on the outer and inner sides of the flow path, thus interfering with the flow of liquid on the outer and inner sides of the flow path, making the flow of liquid unstable. Therefore, it is speculated that the amount of fine bubbles generated is reduced.

[0065] According to the embodiment described above, the microbubble generator 30 includes a main body 40 and a collision section 60. The main body 40 has a flow path 43 that connects an inlet 41 to an outlet 42, through which liquid can pass. The collision section 60 is provided on the outlet 42 side, and radially divides the flow path 43 into multiple parts relative to its center, thereby generating microbubbles in the liquid. Accordingly, by dividing the flow path 43 radially into multiple parts relative to its center by the collision section 60, there are no regions where the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path 43 locally narrows, and the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path 43 at the outlet 42 is ensured. Therefore, a decrease in flow rate can be suppressed, and microbubbles can be generated effectively.

[0066] The main body 40 also includes a throttling section 431. The throttling section 431 is provided between the inlet section 41 and the outlet section 42, causing the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path 43 to gradually decrease. Accordingly, the flow velocity of the liquid flowing within the flow path 43 is increased through the throttling section 431, thus enabling the liquid to collide with the collision section 60 at a higher velocity. This, in turn, increases the amount of fine bubbles generated.

[0067] Furthermore, the number of flow paths 43 separated by the collision section 60 is three or more. Accordingly, by setting the number of flow paths separated by the collision section 60 to three or more, the area occupied by the cross-sectional area of ​​the collision section 60 relative to the outlet section 42 is increased, thereby increasing the amount of fine bubbles generated.

[0068] Furthermore, the cross-sectional shape of the collision section 60 is such that the upstream side is smaller than the downstream side in the direction in which the liquid flows within the flow path 43. Accordingly, by forming the cross-sectional shape of the collision section 60 to gradually increase from the upstream side to the downstream side, the collision section 60 is formed into a smooth shape relative to the liquid flowing within the flow path 43, which can reduce the flow path resistance during liquid flow and thus increase the liquid flow rate.

[0069] Furthermore, the cross-sectional shape of the collision section 60 is such that its dimension in the direction of liquid flow within the flow path 43 is larger than its dimension in the direction orthogonal to the liquid flow direction. Here, for example, if the cross-sectional shape of the collision section 60 is formed such that its dimension in the direction of liquid flow within the flow path 43 (i.e., the length direction) is smaller than its dimension in the direction orthogonal to the liquid flow direction (i.e., the width direction), the angle between the collision section 60 and the surface facing the liquid flowing within the flow path 43 becomes larger. Therefore, the flow resistance increases, potentially leading to a decrease in flow rate. Therefore, by forming the cross-section of the collision section 60 such that its length dimension is larger than its width dimension, the flow resistance during liquid flow can be reduced, thereby further increasing the liquid flow rate.

[0070] In addition, such as Figure 11 As shown, the fine bubble generator 30 can also be configured without the flow path component 50. In this case, the fine bubble generator 30 consists only of the main body 40 and the collision part 60. Furthermore, the main body 40 is connected to the communication portion 222 of the water injection box 22. That is, the main body 40 is directly connected to the water injection box 22. Figure 11 In this example, water introduced into the main body 40 flows out from the outlet 42 into the water injection box 22, where it mixes with the detergent before being supplied to the water tank 13. This reduces the number of components in the microbubble generator 30, thus reducing assembly time. Consequently, the manufacturing cost of the water injection device 20, which includes the microbubble generator 30, can be reduced. Furthermore, by setting the inner diameter of the connecting portion 222 of the water injection box 22, which is directly connected to the outlet 42 of the main body 40, to be approximately the same as the inner diameter of the straight portion 432, the same liquid rectification effect as the flow path component 50 can be achieved.

[0071] (Second Implementation)

[0072] Next, also refer to Figure 12 as well as Figure 13 The second embodiment will be described. This second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the microbubble generator 30 replaces the collision part 60 of the first embodiment with a collision part 71. Specifically, in the first embodiment, the collision part 60 is composed of multiple protrusions 61, while in this embodiment, the collision part 71 is composed of a single component. In other words, the collision part 60 is composed of three protrusions 61, while in this embodiment, the collision part 71 can be described as being formed into a rod shape by two protrusions.

[0073] The collision section 71 is formed, for example, by a plate-shaped or rod-shaped component, and is configured to traverse the flow path 43. That is, the flow path 43 is divided into two flow paths 43e when passing through the collision section 60. In this embodiment, the collision section 71 extends in a straight line from a point on the inner peripheral surface of the straight section 432 and the outlet section 42, through the center of the cross-section of the straight section 432 and the outlet section 42, i.e., the center of the flow path 43, to another point on the inner peripheral surface of the straight section 432 and the outlet section 42, which is the opposite side. Therefore, the cross-sectional areas of each flow path 43e separated by the collision section 71 are approximately equal, and constitute the minimum cross-sectional area through which the liquid in the fine bubble generator 30 can pass.

[0074] The collision portion 71 can be constructed with the same cross-sectional shape as the protrusion 61. The collision portion 71 has an upstream sidewall portion 711, an enlarged diameter portion 712, and a downstream sidewall portion 713. The cross-sectional shapes of the upstream sidewall portion 711, the enlarged diameter portion 712, and the downstream sidewall portion 713 of the collision portion 71 are the same as those of the upstream sidewall portion 611, the enlarged diameter portion 612, and the downstream sidewall portion 613 of the protrusion 61, respectively, and therefore descriptions are omitted. Furthermore, as... Figure 12 As shown, the collision portion 71 is arranged approximately horizontally relative to the mounting surface of the washing machine 10. The collision portion 71 is not limited to being approximately horizontal relative to the mounting surface of the washing machine 10; it may be inclined horizontally or approximately vertically. Furthermore, the collision portion 71 is not limited to being configured to pass through the center of the flow path 43; it may be configured to traverse the flow path 43 without passing through its center. Moreover, the collision portion 71 is not limited to extending in a straight line; it may be configured to extend in a curved or bent shape or other similar forms.

[0075] According to this second embodiment, the same effects as those of the first embodiment described above can be achieved. Furthermore, by minimizing the number of flow paths 43 separated by the collision section 71, the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow paths 43 can be ensured, thus suppressing a decrease in flow rate. Moreover, by providing the collision section 71 between the inner circumferential surfaces of the straight section 432, the strength against external forces near the outlet section 42 can be increased. This improves the reliability of the fine bubble generator 30.

[0076] In addition, such as Figure 13 As shown, the collision part 71 can also be configured to have multiple parts spaced apart from each other on the straight part 432. Figure 13 In the example, two collision sections 71 are provided. The number of collision sections 71 is not limited to two; three or more can also be provided. In this case, the flow path 43 is divided into three or more flow paths 43e by the multiple collision sections 71. Furthermore, by providing multiple collision sections 71, the strength against external forces near the outlet section 42 can be further improved.

[0077] (Third Implementation)

[0078] Reference Figure 14 The third embodiment will be described. This third embodiment differs from the previous embodiments in the installation position of the microbubble generator 30 in the washing machine 10. Specifically, in the previous embodiments, the microbubble generator 30 is located downstream of the water supply valve 21; in contrast, in this embodiment, the microbubble generator 30 is located upstream of the water supply valve 21. In this embodiment, the water injection device 20 has a cylindrical component 26. The cylindrical component 26 is, for example, formed as a cylinder with steps on its outer circumferential surface. Figure 14 As shown, one end of the cylindrical component 26 is connected to the inlet portion 211 of the water supply valve 21, and the other end is connected to the water supply hose 100. The cylindrical component 26 can be detachably installed on the inlet portion 211 and the water supply hose 100, for example, by means of a threaded connection. In this case, the threaded portion formed in the inlet portion 211 can be positioned above the upper surface 112 of the outer casing 11.

[0079] In this embodiment, the microbubble generator 30 is built into the cylindrical component 26. The microbubble generator 30 consists of a main body 40 and a collision part 60. When the water supply valve 21 is open, water from an external water source flows into the cylindrical component 26 via the water supply hose 100 and then flows through the microbubble generator 30 to the water supply valve 21 as it passes through the cylindrical component 26. According to this third embodiment, the same effects as the embodiments described above can be achieved. Furthermore, for example, for existing washing machines that do not have a microbubble generator 30, by installing the cylindrical component 26 between the water supply valve 21 and the water supply hose 100, a microbubble generating function can be added to the existing washing machine. Moreover, for example, in the event of a malfunction of the microbubble generator 30, by removing the cylindrical component 26 from the water supply valve 21 and the water supply hose 100, the malfunction of the microbubble generator 30 can be easily addressed by replacing components.

[0080] Furthermore, when the microbubble generator 30 is positioned upstream of the water supply valve 21 as in the third embodiment, the downstream branch of the water supply valve 21, which could be positioned downstream, cannot compensate for the reduced flow rate caused by the microbubble generator 30. Therefore, the water supply speed to the washing machine 10 is determined solely by the flow rate of the microbubble generator 30. Thus, the microbubble generator 30 of the present invention, which increases the water supply speed compared to conventional microbubble generators, can also fully exert its effect in this third embodiment.

[0081] (Fourth implementation)

[0082] Next, refer to Figures 15 to 19The fourth embodiment will be described. This fourth embodiment differs from the previous embodiments in the construction of the flow path 43 of the microbubble generator 30. Specifically, as follows... Figure 15 as well as Figure 16 As shown, the flow path 43 of this embodiment has a downstream throttling section 433. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the throttling section 431 functions as an upstream throttling section. The downstream throttling section 433 is provided on the outflow side, i.e., the downstream side, of the main body 40. The downstream throttling section 433 is provided between the straight section 432 and the outlet section 42, and is connected to the outlet section 42. The downstream throttling section 433 is located closer to the outlet section 42 than the throttling section 431. In other words, the throttling section 431 is located closer to the inlet section 41 than the downstream throttling section 433. Accordingly, by using multiple stages of the throttling section 431 and the downstream throttling section 433, the flow rate of the liquid flowing in the flow path 43 is increased, thereby improving the pressure reduction effect on the liquid and increasing the amount of fine bubbles generated.

[0083] The downstream throttling section 433 is formed such that the cross-sectional area, i.e., the inner diameter, of the flow path 43 gradually decreases in the middle of the direction extending from the straight section 432 to the main body 40. In this embodiment, the downstream throttling section 433 is formed into a so-called truncated cone-shaped conical tube in which the cross-sectional area, i.e., the inner diameter, of the flow path 43 continuously decreases. The downstream throttling section 433 is provided all around the inner circumference of the main body 40. Accordingly, the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path 43 can be continuously narrowed, thereby effectively increasing the flow velocity of the liquid flowing in the flow path 43. As a result, the amount of fine bubbles generated can be increased. The downstream throttling section 433 can also be configured such that the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path 43 gradually decreases in stages. Furthermore, the downstream throttling section 433 can be integrally formed with the main body 40 or it can be separate.

[0084] The flow path 43 has its cross-sectional area narrowed in stages by the throttling section 431 and the downstream throttling section 433. Furthermore, after the straight section 432 rectifyes the turbulent flow of liquid passing through the throttling section 431, the downstream throttling section 433 further narrows the flow path cross-sectional area, thereby stabilizing the liquid flow and increasing the flow velocity. This increases the amount of fine bubbles generated. The lengths Lu and Ld of the throttling section 431 and the downstream throttling section 433 can be set to be the same or different. In this embodiment, the length Lu of the throttling section 431 is set to be longer than the length Ld of the downstream throttling section 433.

[0085] Furthermore, the tilt angles θu and θd of the throttling section 431 and the downstream throttling section 433 relative to the horizontal can be set to the same or different angles. The tilt angles θu and θd can be set, for example, within the range of 10° to 30°. In this embodiment, the tilt angle θu of the throttling section 431 relative to the horizontal and the tilt angle θd of the downstream throttling section 433 relative to the horizontal are set to the same angle. When the tilt angles θu and θd are set to different angles, it is preferable that the tilt angle θd is greater than the tilt angle θu. This suppresses the increase in flow velocity in the throttling section 431, thereby suppressing pressure loss.

[0086] Furthermore, in this embodiment, such as Figure 16 As shown, the collision part 60 is located near the downstream end of the main body 40, and at least a portion of it is provided in the downstream throttling part 433. In this embodiment, the collision part 60 is provided in both the outlet part 42 and a portion of the downstream throttling part 433. Figure 15 As shown, the collision section 60 divides the flow path 43 radially relative to the center of the flow path 43 along the direction of liquid flow, into multiple, in this case, three. That is, the flow path 43 is divided into three flow paths 43a when passing through the collision section 60.

[0087] And, as Figure 16 as well as Figure 17 As shown, a plurality of protrusions 61 constituting the collision section 60 are formed protruding from the inner peripheral surfaces of the downstream throttling section 433 and the outlet section 42 toward the flow path 43. In this embodiment, the protrusions 61 protrude from the inner peripheral surfaces of the downstream throttling section 433 and the outlet section 42 toward the center of the cross-section of the flow path 43. Figure 17 In this example, the collision portion 60 is generally formed in a roughly cross shape by means of multiple protrusions 61. In this case, the flow path 43 is divided into four flow paths 43b when passing through the collision portion 60.

[0088] also, Figure 18 The example shown is one in which the flow path 40 has a downstream throttling section 433 and the microbubble generator 30 replaces the collision section 60 by incorporating the collision section 71 of the second embodiment described above. In this case, the collision section 71 can be configured to extend in a straight line from a point on the inner circumferential surface of the downstream throttling section 433 and the outlet section 42, through the center of the cross-section of the downstream throttling section 433 and the outlet section 42 (i.e., the center of the flow path 43), to another point on the inner circumferential surface of the downstream throttling section 433 and the outlet section 42, where the surfaces are opposite. Accordingly, by placing the collision section 71 between the inner circumferential surfaces of the downstream throttling section 433 and the outlet section 42, the strength against external forces near the outlet section 42 can be increased. This improves the reliability of the microbubble generator 30.

[0089] In addition, such as Figure 19 As shown, the collision section 71 can also be configured to have multiple sections spaced apart from each other on the downstream throttling section 433 and the outlet section 42. Figure 19 In this example, two collision sections 71 are provided, and the two collision sections 71 are arranged parallel to each other. The number of collision sections 71 is not limited to two; it can also be three or more. In this case, the flow path 43 is divided into three or more flow paths 43c by the multiple collision sections 71. Furthermore, by providing multiple collision sections 71, the strength against external forces near the outlet section 42 can be further improved.

[0090] According to this fourth embodiment, the flow path 43 is narrowed by the downstream throttling section 433 and the collision section 60, thereby effectively increasing the liquid flow rate. Furthermore, by increasing the flow rate of the liquid flowing within the flow path 43 near the outlet section 42, fine bubbles can be generated efficiently. In addition, by bringing the liquid, which is in a stable flow state after passing through the downstream throttling section 433, into contact with the collision section 60, pressure loss can be reduced, and flow rate reduction can be suppressed.

[0091] (Fifth Embodiment)

[0092] Next, refer to Figure 20 The fifth embodiment will be described. This fifth embodiment differs from the fourth embodiment in the configuration of the collision portion 60. In the fifth embodiment, a protrusion 62 is provided instead of the protrusion 61 in the fourth embodiment. Specifically, in the fourth embodiment, the front ends of the plurality of protrusions 61 are connected; in contrast, in this embodiment, the plurality of protrusions 62 each have a tapered end and are not connected, protruding independently from the downstream throttling portion 433. Therefore, in this embodiment, the flow path 43 is not separated by the plurality of protrusions 62.

[0093] The protrusion 62 can be constructed with the same cross-sectional shape as the protrusion 61. The protrusion 62 has an upstream sidewall portion 621, an enlarged diameter portion 622, and a downstream sidewall portion 623. The cross-sectional shapes of the upstream sidewall portion 621, the enlarged diameter portion 622, and the downstream sidewall portion 623 of the protrusion 62 are the same as those of the upstream sidewall portion 611, the enlarged diameter portion 612, and the downstream sidewall portion 613 of the protrusion 61, respectively, and therefore their description is omitted.

[0094] According to this fifth embodiment, the same effects as those of the fourth embodiment described above are achieved. Furthermore, by ensuring that the multiple protrusions 62 are not connected to each other within the flow path 43, the proportion of the cross-sectional area of ​​the collision portion 60 in the inner cross-sectional area of ​​the main body portion 40 can be reduced, thus ensuring the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path 43. This ensures the flow rate. Moreover, by ensuring the flow rate and increasing the liquid flow rate in multiple stages using the throttling portion 431 and the downstream throttling portion 433, the performance of the fine bubble generator 30 can be improved.

[0095] (Sixth Embodiment)

[0096] Next, refer to Figure 21 The sixth embodiment will be described. This sixth embodiment differs from the fourth embodiment in that the microbubble generator 30 replaces the collision part 71 of the fourth embodiment with a collision part 72. The cross-sectional shape of the collision part 72 can be configured in the same way as the collision part 71. The collision part 72 of this embodiment has multiple main body parts 721 and annular parts 722. The main body parts 721 are formed, for example, of plate-shaped or rod-shaped components, and protrude from the inner peripheral surface of the downstream throttling part 433 and the outlet part 42 toward the flow path 43. The multiple main body parts 721 are, for example, arranged symmetrically with respect to the center of the flow path 43. Alternatively, the multiple main body parts 721 may be asymmetrical with respect to the center of the flow path 43.

[0097] The annular portion 722 is formed in a circular shape, for example, and is disposed between multiple main body portions 721. In this embodiment, the center of the annular portion 722 coincides with the center of the flow path 43. The annular portion 722 has a through hole 723. The through hole 723 is disposed at the center of the annular portion 722 and is formed by penetrating the collision portion 72 along the thickness direction. In this configuration, the flow path 43 is divided into two flow paths 43d and one circular flow path 43e when passing through the collision portion 72. The cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path 43e is set to be smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path 43d.

[0098] Furthermore, in this embodiment, such as Figure 21 As shown, the downstream throttling section 433 is provided at two locations by cutting off a portion of the circumferential direction of the inner circumferential surface of the main body 40. In this case, the portion of the inner circumferential surface of the main body 40 where the downstream throttling section 433 is not provided is formed as a straight section 432 connected to the outlet section 42. Thus, by providing the downstream throttling section 433 in the region of the inner circumferential surface of the main body 40 corresponding to the collision section 72, the liquid with increased flow velocity effectively contacts the downstream throttling section 433, and a larger cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path 43 in the portion where the downstream throttling section 433 is not provided is ensured, thereby simultaneously achieving the generation of fine bubbles and ensuring the flow rate.

[0099] According to this sixth embodiment, by employing a configuration in which a through hole 723 is provided in the collision section 72, there is a tendency to reduce flow resistance. Therefore, according to this embodiment, an increase in flow rate can be achieved.

[0100] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the through-hole 723 is provided at the center of the flow path 43. The flow velocity is fastest at the center of the flow path 43. Therefore, by providing the through-hole 723 at the center of the flow path 43, the flow velocity of the liquid can be effectively increased. Moreover, corresponding to the increase in the flow velocity of the liquid in multiple stages through the throttling section 431 and the downstream throttling section 433, an increase in the amount of fine bubbles generated can be expected.

[0101] (Seventh Embodiment)

[0102] Next, refer to Figure 22 The seventh embodiment will be described. This seventh embodiment applies to a dishwashing machine 80 as a washing device. As is well known, the dishwashing machine 80 includes an outer casing 81, a door 82, a washing tank 83, a dish basket 84, a washing nozzle 85, a circulation device 86, a heater 87, and a water supply mechanism 88. The outer casing 81 constitutes the outer shell of the dishwashing machine 80, and is formed integrally into a rectangular box shape with an opening at the front, for example, by a stainless steel plate. The door 82 is provided on the front side of the outer casing 81, and opens and closes the opening of the outer casing 81. When the door 82 is open, the user can put or take out the dishware D through the opening relative to the washing tank 83. The washing tank 83 is provided inside the outer casing 81, and is formed integrally into a rectangular box shape with an opening at the front, for example, by a stainless steel plate. The dish basket 84 is used to store the dishware D. The dish basket 84 is configured to be able to enter and exit the interior and exterior of the washing tank 83 when the door 82 is open.

[0103] A cleaning nozzle 85 is disposed within the cleaning tank 83, below the cutlery basket 84. When a cleaning solution, a mixture of water and cleaning agent, is supplied to the cleaning nozzle 85, the cleaning solution is sprayed from the tip of the cleaning nozzle 85. A circulation device 86 is disposed, for example, at the bottom of the outer casing 81. The circulation device 86 can be configured to include a switching valve 861 and a pump 862. The switching valve 861 is configured to be electrically openable and closed. The switching valve 861 is configured to selectively select a circulation path for circulating the cleaning solution stored in the cleaning tank 83 and a drainage path for draining the water stored in the cleaning tank 83 to the outside. The pump 862 functions as a circulation pump for circulating the cleaning solution in the cleaning tank 83 through the circulation path and as a drainage pump for draining the cleaning solution in the cleaning tank 83 through the drainage path.

[0104] A heater 87 is provided, for example, at the bottom of the cleaning tank 83. The heater 87 has the function of heating the cleaning fluid stored in the cleaning tank 83 into warm water. A water supply mechanism 88 is used, for example, to supply water from an external water source such as a tap water pipe into the cleaning tank 83. The water supply mechanism 88 includes a water supply valve 881, a water supply pipe 882, and a water supply outlet 883. The water supply valve 881 is configured to be electromagnetically openable and closed. The water supply pipe 882 is, for example, made of metal, with one end connected to the water supply valve 881 and the other end connected to the water supply outlet 883. The water supply outlet 883 is provided, for example, at the top of the cleaning tank 83. The water supply outlet 883 is used to supply water from an external water source into the cleaning tank 83. When the water supply valve 881 is open, water from an external water source is supplied into the cleaning tank 83 through the water supply pipe 882 and the water supply outlet 883. That is, the water supply valve 881 opens and closes the path from the external water source through the water supply pipe 882 to the water supply outlet 883.

[0105] Furthermore, the water supply outlet 883 has a mounting portion 883a. And, in this embodiment, as... Figure 22 As shown, the fine bubble generator 30 is built into the mounting portion 883a. Therefore, the fine bubble generator 30 generates bubbles when water supplied from an external water source flows towards... Figure 22 When arrow A passes through the interior of the microbubble generator 30, microbubbles containing ultrafine bubbles are generated in the water. With cleaning agent added to the cleaning tank 83, when the water supply valve 881 is opened, the cleaning agent in the cleaning tank 83 mixes with the microbubble water generated by the microbubble generator 30 within the cleaning tank 83. Then, by driving the pump 862 and the heater 87, the microbubble water, which has become warm water from the cleaning nozzle 85, is sprayed towards the tableware D to clean the tableware D. According to this fourth embodiment, in the tableware washing machine 80 equipped with the microbubble generator 30, the reduction in flow rate can be suppressed, and the cleaning performance can be improved by the effect of the microbubbles.

[0106] (Eighth Embodiment)

[0107] Next, refer to Figure 23 The eighth embodiment will be described. This eighth embodiment applies to a water-washing toilet device 90 as a cleaning device. As is well known, the water-washing toilet device 90 includes a toilet bowl 91 and a water supply mechanism 92. The toilet bowl 91 functions as a washing basin. The toilet bowl 91 includes a toilet basin 911 and a lip surface 912 provided on the outer periphery of the upper end of the toilet basin 911.

[0108] The water supply mechanism 92 includes a water supply valve 921, a main water supply pipe 922, a toilet bowl water supply pipe 923, a lip water supply pipe 924, and a detergent supply device 925. The water supply valve 921 is configured to be electromagnetically openable. One end of the main water supply pipe 922 is connected to the water supply valve 921, and the other end branches into two parts, connecting to the toilet bowl water supply pipe 923 and the lip water supply pipe 924. The toilet bowl water supply pipe 923 supplies water from an external water source to the toilet bowl 911. The toilet bowl water supply pipe 923 has a spray section 923a, which is located at the front end of the toilet bowl water supply pipe 923 and supplies water to the toilet bowl 911. The lip water supply pipe 924 supplies water from an external water source to the lip surface 912. The lip water supply pipe 924 also has a spray section 924a. The ejector section 924a is located at the front end of the water supply pipe 924 for the lip surface and is the part that supplies water to the lip surface 912.

[0109] When the water supply valve 921 is open, water supplied from an external water source is delivered to the toilet bowl 91 through the main water supply pipe 922, the toilet bowl water supply pipe 923, and the lip water supply pipe 924. That is, the water supply valve 921 controls the path of water from the external source to the toilet bowl 91 via the water supply pipes 922, 923, and 924. The detergent supply device 925, for example, functions as follows: when the water supply valve 921 is open and water is supplied to the toilet bowl 91 through the water supply pipes 922, 923, and 924, detergent is automatically supplied to the toilet bowl 91 via the detergent supply pipe 925a.

[0110] Furthermore, the main water supply pipe 922 has a mounting part 922a. And, in this embodiment, as... Figure 23 As shown, the fine bubble generator 30 is built into the mounting portion 922a. Therefore, the fine bubble generator 30 generates water from an external water source towards... Figure 23 When arrow A passes through the interior of the microbubble generator 30, microbubbles containing ultrafine bubbles are generated in the water. When the water supply valve 921 is opened, the cleaning agent in the toilet bowl 91 mixes with the microbubble water generated by the microbubble generator 30 within the toilet bowl 91. Then, the toilet bowl 91 is cleaned using the microbubble water mixed with the cleaning agent. According to this eighth embodiment, in the water-washing toilet device 90 equipped with the microbubble generator 30, the reduction in flow rate can be suppressed, and the cleaning performance can be improved by the effect of microbubbles.

[0111] Furthermore, while specific numerical values ​​have been provided to illustrate the microbubble generator in the above embodiments, these values ​​are merely examples and can be modified as appropriate. Additionally, the above embodiments can be arbitrarily combined for implementation.

[0112] The foregoing has described several embodiments of the present invention, but these embodiments are merely illustrative and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These new embodiments can be implemented in various other ways, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, and are included in the invention described in the scope of the patent claims and its equivalents.

Claims

1. A microbubble generator, comprising: The main body has a flow path that connects the inlet and outlet and allows liquid to pass through; and The collision section, provided on the outlet side, radially divides the flow path into multiple parts relative to the center of the flow path, and generates fine bubbles in the liquid. The aforementioned collision portion has multiple protrusions extending from the inner peripheral surface of the aforementioned main body toward the aforementioned flow path. The aforementioned protrusions are three rod-shaped components, and when viewed from the front, their respective front ends form a Y-shape, directly connected within the aforementioned flow path. The cross-sectional shape of the protrusion on the upstream side in the direction of liquid flow within the flow path is formed to be smaller than the cross-sectional shape on the downstream side and protrudes from the downstream side toward the upstream side.

2. The microbubble generator according to claim 1, wherein, The main body also has a throttling section, which is provided between the inlet and the outlet to gradually reduce the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path.

3. The microbubble generator according to claim 2, wherein, The cross-sectional shape of the aforementioned collision portion is such that the dimension in the direction in which the liquid flows within the aforementioned flow path is greater than the dimension in the direction orthogonal to the direction of the liquid flow.

4. A cleaning device, wherein, The microbubble generator as described in any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. A microbubble generator, comprising: The main body has a flow path that connects the inlet and outlet and allows liquid to pass through; and The collision section generates tiny bubbles in the liquid by reducing the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path. The main body includes: a downstream throttling section connected to the outlet section, which gradually reduces the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path; and an upstream throttling section located closer to the inlet section than the downstream throttling section, which also gradually reduces the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path. The cross-sectional area of ​​the aforementioned flow path is narrowed in stages by the aforementioned upstream throttling section and the aforementioned downstream throttling section. The aforementioned collision section is disposed on the inner circumferential surface of the downstream throttling section located on the outlet side, and the cross-section of the collision section in the direction of liquid flow within the flow path is formed such that the downstream side is larger than the upstream side. The aforementioned downstream throttling section is arranged around the entire inner circumference of the main body. The aforementioned collision section is composed of multiple protrusions, which are formed protruding from the inner circumferential surface of the outlet of the downstream throttling section toward the flow path, and are spaced apart circumferentially on the inner circumferential surface of the outlet of the downstream throttling section. Multiple of the aforementioned protrusions are connected within the aforementioned flow path.

6. The microbubble generator according to claim 5, wherein, The aforementioned collision section is formed to traverse the aforementioned flow path.

7. The microbubble generator according to claim 6, wherein, The aforementioned collision portion has a through hole formed through the collision portion in the thickness direction.

8. The microbubble generator according to claim 7, wherein, The aforementioned through hole is located at the center of the aforementioned flow path.

9. The microbubble generator according to claim 8, wherein, The aforementioned collision section is provided with multiple intervals.

10. A cleaning device, wherein, The microbubble generator is provided with any one of claims 5 to 9.

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