Mixer

Abstract

To provide a technique capable of further improving the workability of a passage member.SOLUTION: A mixer includes: a first inflow section into which first fluid flows; a second inflow section into which second fluid flows; an outflow section from which mixed fluid flows out; a plurality of first fluid passages each communicating between the first inflow section and the outflow section; and a plurality of second fluid passages each communicating between the second inflow section and each of the plurality of first fluid passages. Each of the plurality of first fluid passages includes a reduced-diameter passage whose flow path diameter is reduced, and an enlarged-diameter passage which is provided on the downstream side of the reduced-diameter passage and whose flow path diameter is enlarged. Each of the plurality of second fluid passages is formed linearly from an upstream end to a downstream end. A portion in the plurality of second fluid passages is arranged such that the upstream end thereof is positioned in a first direction as seen from the downstream end, and the remainder is arranged such that the upstream end thereof is positioned in the first direction or in a second direction different from the first direction as seen from the downstream end.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The technology disclosed in this specification relates to a mixing device.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a mixing device that mixes a first fluid and a second fluid to form a mixed fluid. The mixing device includes a first inlet through which the first fluid flows in, a second inlet through which the second fluid flows in, an outlet through which the mixed fluid flows out, and a passage member disposed such that one end faces the first inlet, the other end faces the outlet, and the side surface between the one end and the other end faces the second inlet. The passage member has a plurality of first fluid flow paths each communicating between the first inlet and the outlet, and a plurality of second fluid flow paths each communicating between the second inlet and each of the plurality of first fluid flow paths. The plurality of first fluid flow paths include at least three first fluid flow paths. Each of the plurality of first fluid flow paths includes a reduced-diameter flow path whose flow path diameter decreases from the first inlet side toward the outlet side, and an enlarged-diameter flow path provided on the downstream side of the reduced-diameter flow path and having a flow path diameter that increases from the first inlet side toward the outlet side. Each of the plurality of second fluid flow paths has a downstream end communicating with the first fluid flow path and is linearly formed from the upstream end to the downstream end. Each of the plurality of second fluid flow paths is radially arranged with respect to the central axis of the flow direction of the plurality of first fluid flow paths.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the mixing device of Patent Document 1, a plurality of second fluid flow paths are arranged radially with respect to the central axis in the flow direction of the first fluid flow path. For this reason, there is a problem in workability when manufacturing the passage member. For example, when manufacturing the passage member by injection molding using resin, it is necessary to prepare molds corresponding to each of the plurality of second fluid flow paths as separate molds for mold release after molding. This specification provides a technique capable of further improving the workability of the passage member.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The mixing device according to the first aspect disclosed in this specification mixes a second fluid with a first fluid to obtain a mixed fluid. The mixing device includes a first inlet through which the first fluid flows in, a second inlet through which the second fluid flows in, an outlet through which the mixed fluid flows out, and a passage member having one end facing the first inlet and the other end facing the outlet, and the side surface between the one end and the other end facing the second inlet. The passage member has a plurality of first fluid flow paths each communicating between the first inlet and the outlet, and a plurality of second fluid flow paths each communicating between the second inlet and each of the plurality of first fluid flow paths. The plurality of first fluid flow paths include at least three first fluid flow paths. Each of the plurality of first fluid flow paths includes a reduced-diameter flow path whose flow path diameter decreases from the first inlet side toward the outlet side, and an enlarged-diameter flow path provided on the downstream side of the reduced-diameter flow path and having a flow path diameter that increases from the first inlet side toward the outlet side. Each of the plurality of second fluid flow paths has a downstream end communicating with the first fluid flow path and is formed linearly from the upstream end to the downstream end. A part of the plurality of second fluid flow paths is arranged such that the upstream end is located in the first direction when viewed from the downstream end. The remaining ones of the plurality of second fluid flow paths are arranged such that the upstream end is located in the first direction or a second direction different from the first direction when viewed from the downstream end.

[0006] According to the above configuration, for example, when manufacturing a passage member by injection molding using resin, even if the passage member has three or more first fluid channels, only one or two molds corresponding to each of the plurality of second fluid channels need to be prepared for demolding after molding. According to the above configuration, the workability of the passage member can be further improved.

[0007] In a second aspect, in the mixing device of the first aspect, the plurality of second fluid channels may be arranged along a plane orthogonal to the flow direction of the plurality of first fluid channels.

[0008] According to the above configuration, for example, when manufacturing a passage member by injection molding using resin, demolding of the mold corresponding to the plurality of second fluid channels can be performed without using a slide mechanism that slides the passage member in the flow direction of the plurality of first fluid channels. Thereby, complication of the mold configuration can be suppressed. According to the above configuration, the workability of the passage member can be further improved.

[0009] In a third aspect, in the mixing device of the second aspect, the remaining of the plurality of second fluid channels may be arranged such that the upstream end is located in the second direction when viewed from the downstream end, and the second direction may be the opposite direction of the first direction.

[0010] According to the above configuration, for example, when manufacturing a passage member by injection molding using resin, the demolding direction (i.e., the first direction) of the mold corresponding to a part of the plurality of second fluid channels and the demolding direction (i.e., the second direction) of the mold corresponding to the remaining of the plurality of second fluid channels can be set in opposite directions. Thereby, while holding the passage member in the same posture, demolding of the mold corresponding to a part of the plurality of second fluid channels in the first direction and demolding of the mold corresponding to the remaining of the plurality of second fluid channels in the second direction can be performed symmetrically, so that a mold with good mold release property can be configured. According to the above configuration, the workability of the passage member can be further improved.

[0011] In a fourth aspect, in the mixing device of the third aspect, the first fluid flow path in which a part of the plurality of second fluid flow paths communicate may be arranged at a position where the distance to the side surface in the first direction is equal to or less than the distance to the side surface in the second direction. The first fluid flow path in which the remaining of the plurality of second fluid flow paths communicate may be arranged at a position where the distance to the side surface in the second direction is equal to or less than the distance to the side surface in the first direction.

[0012] According to the above configuration, the length of each of the plurality of second fluid flow paths can be shortened. Thereby, the pressure loss when the second fluid passes through the plurality of second fluid flow paths can be reduced, and more second fluid can be made to flow in. Further, for example, when manufacturing the passage member by injection molding using resin, the length of the pin-shaped mold corresponding to the plurality of second fluid flow paths can be shortened, and it is possible to suppress the mold from being damaged during the manufacture of the passage member.

[0013] In a fifth aspect, in the mixing device of the third or fourth aspect, the mixing device may further include a case member that houses the passage member. The case member may include a supply port that supplies the second fluid to the second inflow portion. The supply port may be arranged to face the side surface of the passage member at a central position between the end portion in the first direction of the side surface of the passage member and the end portion in the second direction of the side surface of the passage member in a direction orthogonal to the first direction and the second direction.

[0014] According to the above configuration, the deviation in the distance from the supply port to the upstream end of each of the plurality of second fluid flow paths can be reduced. For this reason, the second fluid flowing in from the second inflow portion can be made to flow in evenly to a part of the plurality of second fluid flow paths and the remainder of the plurality of second fluid flow paths.

[0015] In the sixth aspect, in the mixing device according to any one of the second to fifth aspects, the side surface of the passage member may include a diameter-expanded portion that expands in diameter from the first inflow portion side toward the outflow portion side. Each of the plurality of first fluid flow paths may communicate the reduced-diameter flow path and the expanded-diameter flow path, and may further include a constant-diameter flow path having a constant flow path diameter. The expanded-diameter flow path and the constant-diameter flow path of each of the plurality of first fluid flow paths may be disposed inside the diameter-expanded portion. Each of the plurality of second fluid flow paths may have a downstream end communicating with the constant-diameter flow path of the first fluid flow path.

[0016] According to the above configuration, the constant-diameter flow path has the smallest diameter among the first fluid flow paths and thus becomes the flow path with the most reduced pressure. Therefore, the suction effect of the second fluid into the second fluid flow path communicating with the constant-diameter flow path can be further improved. When the downstream end of the second fluid flow path communicates with the constant-diameter flow path, the second fluid flow path is likely to be longer than when the downstream end of the second fluid flow path communicates with the reduced-diameter flow path or the expanded-diameter flow path. However, according to the above configuration, since the diameter-expanded portion is formed on the side surface of the passage member and the constant-diameter flow path and the expanded-diameter flow path are disposed inside the diameter-expanded portion, the length of the second fluid flow path can be shortened compared to the case where the diameter of the side surface of the passage member is constant. Therefore, the length of the second fluid flow path can be shortened while enhancing the suction effect of the second fluid. As a result, the pressure loss of the second fluid flow path can be reduced, and more second fluid can be made to flow in. Further, for example, when manufacturing the passage member by injection molding using resin, the length of the pin-shaped mold corresponding to the plurality of second fluid flow paths can be shortened, and it is possible to suppress damage to the mold forming the second fluid flow path during the manufacture of the passage member.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0017]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0018] (Configuration of the mixing device 2) The mixing device 2 shown in FIG. 1 includes a case member 100, an inlet member 102, and an outlet member 104. The case member 100 has a substantially cylindrical shape centered on the central axis A. The case member 100 includes a supply portion 106 protruding outward. An inlet 102a is formed in the inlet member 102. An outlet 104a is formed in the outlet member 104. An inlet 106a and a supply port 106b are formed in the supply portion 106. The inlet 106a is an opening provided on the outer surface of the supply portion 106, the supply port 106b is an opening provided on the inner surface 18 (see FIG. 2) of the case member 100, and the inlet 106a and the supply port 106b communicate with each other. The mixing device 2 mixes a first fluid (for example, water) supplied from the outside through the inlet 102a with a second fluid (for example, air) supplied from the outside through the inlet 106a, and discharges the mixed fluid (for example, a fluid in which air is mixed with water) to the outside through the outlet 104a.

[0019] The inlet member 102 is attached to one end of the case member 100. A plurality of screw bosses 100a are formed at one end of the case member 100. A plurality of screw receiving portions 102b are formed on the inlet member 102 corresponding to the plurality of screw bosses 100a. The inlet member 102 is fixed to the case member 100 by passing each of the plurality of screws 108 through the corresponding screw receiving portion 102b and screwing it into the corresponding screw boss 100a. A seal member 20c (see FIG. 2) is disposed at the connection portion between the case member 100 and the inlet member 102, and the connection portion between the case member 100 and the inlet member 102 is sealed by the seal member 20c.

[0020] The outlet member 104 is attached to the other end of the case member 100. A plurality of screw bosses 100b are formed at the other end of the case member 100. A plurality of screw receiving portions 104b are formed on the outlet member 104 corresponding to the plurality of screw bosses 100b. The outlet member 104 is fixed to the case member 100 by passing each of the plurality of screws 110 through the corresponding screw receiving portion 104b and screwing it into the corresponding screw boss 100b. A seal member 20d (see FIG. 2) is disposed at the connection portion between the case member 100 and the outlet member 104, and the connection portion between the case member 100 and the outlet member 104 is sealed by the seal member 20d.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 2, inside the case member 100 of the mixing device 2, a passage member 10 and a plurality of swirling flow generating members 30 are accommodated. The passage member 10 and the plurality of swirling flow generating members 30 are arranged side by side along the central axis A. In the following description, inside the case member 100, the space formed between one end (the right end in FIG. 2) of the passage member 10 and the inlet member 102 is also referred to as the first inflow portion 10a, and the space formed between the other end (the left end in FIG. 2) of the passage member 10 and the plurality of swirling flow generating members 30 is also referred to as the outflow portion 10b, and the space formed between the side surface 16 of the passage member 10 and the case member 100 is also referred to as the second inflow portion 16a. The first inflow portion 10a communicates with the inlet 102a of the inlet member 102. The second inflow portion 16a communicates with the inflow port 106a (see FIG. 1) of the supply portion 106. The outflow portion 10b communicates with the outlet 104a of the outlet member 104 via the plurality of swirling flow generating members 30. Also, regarding the passage member 10, the side of one end (the right side in FIG. 2) is also referred to as the upstream side, and the side of the other end (the left side in FIG. 2) is also referred to as the downstream side. The plurality of swirling flow generating members 30 are arranged side by side on the downstream side of the passage member 10. Each of the plurality of swirling flow generating members 30 has a shape that generates a swirling flow in the passing fluid.

[0022] (Configuration of the passage member 10) As shown in Fig. 3, the passage member 10 has a substantially rotating body shape centered on the central axis A. Near the upstream end of the side surface 16 of the passage member 10, an upstream seal holding portion 15a is formed. The upstream seal holding portion 15a includes an upstream groove portion 17a, an upstream fitting portion 18a that projects radially outward on the upstream side of the upstream groove portion 17a, and an upstream locking portion 19a that projects radially outward on the downstream side of the upstream groove portion 17a. As shown in Fig. 2, a seal member 20a is held by the upstream seal holding portion 15a. By sealing between the upstream seal holding portion 15a and the case member 100, the movement of fluid between the first inflow portion 10a and the second inflow portion 16a outside the passage member 10 is suppressed. As shown in Fig. 3, near the downstream end of the side surface 16 of the passage member 10, a downstream seal holding portion 15b is formed. The downstream seal holding portion 15b includes a downstream groove portion 17b, a downstream fitting portion 18b that projects radially outward on the downstream side of the downstream groove portion 17b, and a downstream locking portion 19b that projects radially outward on the upstream side of the downstream groove portion 17b. As shown in Fig. 2, a seal member 20b is held by the downstream seal holding portion 15b. By sealing between the downstream seal holding portion 15b and the case member 100, the movement of fluid between the second inflow portion 16a and the outflow portion 10b outside the passage member 10 is suppressed.

[0023] Inside the passage member 10, a plurality of first fluid passages 12 and a plurality of second fluid passages 14 are formed. Each of the plurality of first fluid passages 12 communicates between a first inlet portion 10a and an outlet portion 10b. Each of the plurality of second fluid passages 14 communicates between a second inlet portion 16a and each of the plurality of first fluid passages 12. Each of the plurality of first fluid passages 12 includes a reduced-diameter passage 22 whose flow path diameter decreases from the upstream side to the downstream side, an enlarged-diameter passage 24 provided on the downstream side of the reduced-diameter passage 22 and whose flow path diameter increases from the upstream side to the downstream side, and a constant-diameter passage 23 that communicates the reduced-diameter passage 22 and the enlarged-diameter passage 24 and has a constant flow path diameter. The side surface 16 of the passage member 10 includes an enlarged-diameter portion 16b whose diameter increases from the upstream side to the downstream side. The constant-diameter passage 23 and the enlarged-diameter passage 24 of each of the plurality of first fluid passages 12 are arranged inside the enlarged-diameter portion 16b. Each of the plurality of second fluid passages 14 has an upstream end communicating with the second inlet portion 16a and a downstream end communicating with the constant-diameter passage 23 of the first fluid passage 12. The plurality of second fluid passages 14 are linearly formed from the upstream end to the downstream end and are arranged along a plane orthogonal to the flow direction of the plurality of first fluid passages 12 (i.e., the direction along the central axis A).

[0024] As shown in FIG. 3, in the present embodiment, the plurality of first fluid passages 12 include one first fluid passage 12a arranged on the central axis A and seven first fluid passages 12b arranged side by side in the circumferential direction outside the radial direction of the first fluid passage 12a. In the present embodiment, two slits 13 are formed in the enlarged-diameter passage 24 of one first fluid passage 12a arranged on the central axis A. The slit 13 has a U-shaped groove shape extending radially outward of the enlarged-diameter passage 24. As shown in FIG. 2, the slit 13 extends from the vicinity of the upstream end to the downstream end of the enlarged-diameter passage 24. By forming the slit 13 in the enlarged-diameter passage 24 of the first fluid passage 12a, it is possible to suppress the formation of a water film in the enlarged-diameter passage 24 of the first fluid passage 12a.

[0025] In the mixing device 2, when the first fluid flows into the first inflow portion 10a through the inlet 102a, the first fluid flows into each of the reduced-diameter flow paths 22 of the plurality of first fluid flow paths 12. The first fluid that has flowed into the reduced-diameter flow path 22 increases its flow velocity by passing through the reduced-diameter flow path 22. As a result, it is depressurized and flows into the equal-diameter flow path 23. Thereby, the inside of the equal-diameter flow path 23 becomes a negative pressure, and the second fluid is sucked into the second inflow portion 16a through the inlet 106a and the supply port 106b (see FIG. 1), and the second fluid flows into each of the plurality of second fluid flow paths 14. When the second fluid passes through the second fluid flow path 14 and flows into the equal-diameter flow path 23, the first fluid and the second fluid are mixed in the equal-diameter flow path 23. The mixed fluid of the first fluid and the second fluid flows from the equal-diameter flow path 23 into the enlarged-diameter flow path 24, and its flow velocity decreases by passing through the enlarged-diameter flow path 24. As a result, it is pressurized. Then, the mixed fluid flows into the plurality of swirling flow generating members 30 through the outflow portion 10b, and is agitated by the generation of a swirling flow when passing through the plurality of swirling flow generating members 30, and is more evenly mixed. Then, the mixed fluid is discharged from the outlet 104a. Incidentally, as in this embodiment, when the first fluid is water and the second fluid is air, the water is depressurized by passing through the reduced-diameter flow path 22, and the inside of the equal-diameter flow path 23 becomes a negative pressure, so that the air dissolved in the water becomes bubbles and fine bubbles are generated in the water. Further, when the water is pressurized by passing through the enlarged-diameter flow path 24, the bubbles of the air mixed in the water are split, and more fine bubbles can be generated in the water. Furthermore, when passing through the plurality of swirling flow generating members 30, the fine bubbles can be split even finer.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 4, in the present embodiment, among the plurality of second fluid channels 14, some of the second fluid channels 14a are arranged such that the upstream end is located in the first direction (for example, the direction from right to left in FIG. 4) when viewed from the downstream end, and the remaining second fluid channels 14b among the plurality of second fluid channels 14 are arranged such that the upstream end is located in the second direction (for example, the direction from left to right in FIG. 4) different from the first direction when viewed from the downstream end. In particular, in the present embodiment, the second direction is the opposite direction of the first direction (the direction forming an angle of 180° with respect to the first direction). The first fluid channels 12 (in the example of FIG. 4, the first fluid channel 12a on the central axis A and the four first fluid channels 12b on the left side of the central axis A) communicating with the second fluid channel 14a whose upstream end is located in the first direction when viewed from the downstream end are arranged at positions where the distance to the side surface 16 in the first direction is less than or equal to the distance to the side surface 16 in the second direction. The first fluid channels 12 (in the example of FIG. 4, the three first fluid channels 12b on the right side of the central axis A) communicating with the second fluid channel 14b whose upstream end is located in the second direction when viewed from the downstream end are arranged at positions where the distance to the side surface 16 in the second direction is less than or equal to the distance to the side surface 16 in the first direction. In the present embodiment, the supply port 106b of the supply unit 106 is in a direction orthogonal to the first direction and the second direction (for example, the direction from bottom to top in FIG. 4), at the central position between the end of the side surface 16 of the passage member 10 in the first direction and the end of the side surface 16 of the passage member 10 in the second direction, and is arranged to face the side surface 16.

[0027] (Method for manufacturing the passage member 10) The passage member 10 can be manufactured by injection molding, for example, using a resin (such as polypropylene or polyphenylene sulfide). The mold used for manufacturing the passage member 10 includes a first mold corresponding to the shape of the upstream end face of the passage member 10 and the shapes of the respective reduced-diameter flow paths 22 and equal-diameter flow paths 23 of the plurality of first fluid flow paths 12, a second mold corresponding to the shape of the downstream end face of the passage member 10 and the shape of the respective enlarged-diameter flow paths 24 of the plurality of first fluid flow paths 12, a third mold corresponding to the shape of the side face 16 of the passage member 10 in the first direction and the shape of a part of the second fluid flow paths 14, i.e., the second fluid flow paths 14a, among the plurality of second fluid flow paths 14, and a fourth mold corresponding to the shape of the side face 16 of the passage member 10 in the second direction and the shape of the remaining second fluid flow paths 14, i.e., the second fluid flow paths 14b, among the plurality of second fluid flow paths 14. After molding the passage member 10, the passage member 10 can be removed from the mold by moving the first mold in the upstream direction, the second mold in the downstream direction, the third mold in the first direction, and the fourth mold in the second direction.

[0028] In the mixing device 2, the case member 100 can also be manufactured by injection molding, for example, using a resin (such as polypropylene or polyphenylene sulfide). In this case, sink marks are likely to occur at locations on the inner surface of the case member 100 corresponding to the supply portion 106 during molding. In the present embodiment, the seal members 20a and 20c are arranged at positions upstream of the supply portion 106, and the seal members 20b and 20d are arranged at positions downstream of the supply portion 106. Thus, by arranging the seal members 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d at positions that do not overlap with the supply portion 106, it is possible to suppress the influence of sink marks occurring at locations on the inner surface of the case member 100 corresponding to the supply portion 106 on the sealing performance of the seal members 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d. Although sink marks may occur at locations on the inner surface of the case member 100 corresponding to the screw bosses 100a and 100b during molding, the sink marks occurring at these locations are smaller than those occurring at locations corresponding to the supply portion 106, so the influence on the sealing performance of the seal members 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d is small.

[0029] (Modified Example) The mixing device 2 may include only the passage member 10 and may not include the swirling flow generating member 30.

[0030] The supply port 106b may be arranged to face the side surface 16 of the passage member 10 in a direction other than the direction orthogonal to the first direction and the second direction.

[0031] The first fluid may be a liquid other than water or a gas. Also, the second fluid may be a gas other than air or a liquid. As an example, the first fluid may be water and the second fluid may be a liquid detergent.

[0032] The plurality of first fluid flow paths 12 may not include one first fluid flow path 12a arranged on the central axis A. The plurality of first fluid flow paths 12 may not include the slit 13. The arrangement of the plurality of first fluid flow paths 12 in a plane orthogonal to the central axis A is not limited to the above-described embodiment and may be any arrangement. The number of the plurality of first fluid flow paths 12 may be any number as long as it is three or more.

[0033] Each of the plurality of first fluid flow paths 12 may not include the equal-diameter flow path 23, and the reduced-diameter flow path 22 and the enlarged-diameter flow path 24 may be directly connected.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 5, the plurality of second fluid flow paths 14 may be arranged so as to intersect a plane orthogonal to the flow direction of the plurality of first fluid flow paths 12 (i.e., the direction along the central axis A).

[0035] The downstream ends of the plurality of second fluid flow paths 14 may not communicate with the equal-diameter flow path 23, and may communicate, for example, near the downstream end of the reduced-diameter flow path 22 or near the upstream end of the enlarged-diameter flow path 24.

[0036] The connection positions of each of the plurality of second fluid flow paths 14 and the plurality of first fluid flow paths 12 may be different in the flow direction of the plurality of first fluid flow paths 12 (i.e., the direction along the central axis A).

[0037] As shown in FIG. 6, with respect to the plurality of second fluid flow paths 14, the second direction may not be the opposite direction of the first direction (a direction forming an angle of 180° with respect to the first direction).

[0038] As shown in FIG. 7, all of the plurality of second fluid flow paths 14 may be arranged such that the upstream end is located in the first direction when viewed from the downstream end. In this case, the supply port 106b of the supply unit 106 may be arranged to face the side surface 16 of the passage member 10 in the first direction.

[0039] The inner surface 18 of the case member 100 may not have a substantially cylindrical shape. For example, the inner surface 18 of the case member 100 may have a square cylindrical shape. In this case, the side surface 16 of the passage member 10 may have a square cylindrical shape similar to the inner surface 18.

[0040] The side surface 16 of the passage member 10 may not include a diameter-expanded portion 16b. For example, the side surface 16 of the passage member 10 may have a straight cylindrical shape centered on the central axis A.

[0041] The passage member 10 and the case member 100 may be formed of a metal (for example, aluminum, stainless steel, etc.).

[0042] (Corresponding relationship) In this embodiment, the mixing device 2 mixes a second fluid (e.g., air) with a first fluid (e.g., water) to form a mixed fluid. The mixing device 2 includes a first inlet portion 10a into which the first fluid flows, a second inlet portion 16a into which the second fluid flows, an outlet portion 10b from which the mixed fluid flows out, and a passage member 10 disposed such that one end faces the first inlet portion 10a, the other end faces the outlet portion 10b, and a side surface 16 between the one end and the other end faces the second inlet portion 16a. The passage member 10 has a plurality of first fluid flow paths 12 each communicating between the first inlet portion 10a and the outlet portion 10b, and a plurality of second fluid flow paths 14 each communicating between the second inlet portion 16a and each of the plurality of first fluid flow paths 12. The plurality of first fluid flow paths 12 includes at least three first fluid flow paths 12. Each of the plurality of first fluid flow paths 12 includes a reduced-diameter flow path 22 whose flow path diameter decreases from the first inlet portion 10a side toward the outlet portion 10b side, and an enlarged-diameter flow path 24 provided on the downstream side of the reduced-diameter flow path 22 and having a flow path diameter that increases from the first inlet portion 10a side toward the outlet portion 10b side. Each of the plurality of second fluid flow paths 14 has a downstream end communicating with a first fluid flow path 12 on the downstream side of the reduced-diameter flow path 22 and is linearly formed from the upstream end to the downstream end. A part of the plurality of second fluid flow paths 14 is arranged such that the upstream end is located in a first direction when viewed from the downstream end, and the remainder of the plurality of second fluid flow paths 14 is arranged such that the upstream end is located in a first direction (see FIG. 7) or a second direction different from the first direction (see FIG. 4) when viewed from the downstream end.

[0043] According to the above configuration, for example, when manufacturing the passage member 10 by injection molding using resin, even if the passage member 10 includes three or more first fluid flow paths 12, only one or two molds corresponding to each of the plurality of second fluid flow paths 14 need to be prepared for mold release after molding. According to the above configuration, the workability of the passage member 10 can be further improved.

[0044] In one embodiment of the present technology, as shown in FIG. 2, the plurality of second fluid flow paths 14 are arranged along a plane orthogonal to the flow direction of the plurality of first fluid flow paths 12.

[0045] According to the above configuration, for example, when manufacturing the passage member 10 by injection molding using resin, die extraction for the mold corresponding to the plurality of second fluid passages 14 can be performed without using a slide mechanism that slides the passage member 10 in the flow direction of the plurality of first fluid passages 12. Thereby, complication of the mold configuration can be suppressed. According to the above configuration, the workability of the passage member 10 can be further improved.

[0046] In one embodiment of the present technology, as shown in FIG. 4, the rest of the plurality of second fluid passages 14 are arranged such that the upstream end is located in the second direction when viewed from the downstream end, and the second direction is the opposite direction of the first direction.

[0047] According to the above configuration, for example, when manufacturing the passage member 10 by injection molding using resin, the die extraction direction (i.e., the first direction) of the mold corresponding to a part of the plurality of second fluid passages 14 (i.e., the second fluid passage 14a) and the die extraction direction (i.e., the second direction) of the mold corresponding to the rest of the plurality of second fluid passages 14 (i.e., the second fluid passage 14b) can be set in opposite directions. Thereby, while holding the passage member 10 in the same posture, die extraction in the first direction of the mold corresponding to a part of the plurality of second fluid passages 14 (i.e., the second fluid passage 14a) and die extraction in the second direction of the mold corresponding to the rest of the plurality of second fluid passages 14 (i.e., the second fluid passage 14b) can be performed symmetrically, so that a mold with good mold release property can be configured. According to the above configuration, the workability of the passage member 10 can be further improved.

[0048] In one embodiment of the present technology, as shown in FIG. 4, the first fluid passages 12a and 12b that communicate with a part of the plurality of second fluid passages 14 (i.e., the second fluid passage 14a) are arranged at positions where the distance to the side surface 16 in the first direction is less than or equal to the distance to the side surface 16 in the second direction. The first fluid passage 12b that communicates with the rest of the plurality of second fluid passages 14 (i.e., the second fluid passage 14b) is arranged at a position where the distance to the side surface 16 in the second direction is less than or equal to the distance to the side surface 16 in the first direction.

[0049] According to the above configuration, the length of each of the plurality of second fluid flow paths 14 can be shortened. As a result, the pressure loss when the second fluid passes through the plurality of second fluid flow paths 14 can be reduced, and more second fluid can be made to flow in. Further, for example, when manufacturing the passage member 10 by injection molding using resin, the length of the pin-shaped mold corresponding to the plurality of second fluid flow paths 14 can be shortened, and it is possible to suppress the mold from being damaged during the manufacture of the passage member 10.

[0050] In one embodiment of the present technology, a case member 100 that houses the passage member 10 is further provided. The case member 100 includes a supply port 106b that supplies the second fluid to the second inflow portion 16a. As shown in FIG. 4, the supply port 106b is located at the center between the end portion in the first direction of the side surface 16 of the passage member 10 and the end portion in the second direction of the side surface 16 of the passage member 10 in a direction orthogonal to the first direction and the second direction, and is arranged so as to face the side surface 16 of the passage member 10.

[0051] According to the above configuration, the deviation in the distance from the supply port 106b to each upstream end of the plurality of second fluid flow paths 14 can be reduced. For this reason, the second fluid flowing in from the second inflow portion 16a can be made to flow in evenly into a part of the plurality of second fluid flow paths 14 (that is, the second fluid flow path 14a) and the remainder of the plurality of second fluid flow paths 14 (that is, the second fluid flow path 14b).

[0052] In one embodiment of the present technology, the side surface 16 of the passage member 10 includes a diameter-expanding portion 16b that expands in diameter from the first inflow portion 10a side toward the outflow portion 10b side. Each of the plurality of first fluid flow paths 12 communicates a reduced-diameter flow path 22 and an expanded-diameter flow path 24, and further includes a constant-diameter flow path 23 having a constant flow path diameter. The expanded-diameter flow paths 24 and the constant-diameter flow paths 23 of each of the plurality of first fluid flow paths 12 are arranged inside the diameter-expanding portion 16b. Each of the plurality of second fluid flow paths 14 has its downstream end communicating with the constant-diameter flow path 23 of the first fluid flow path 12.

[0053] According to the above configuration, the same flow path 23 has the smallest diameter among the first fluid flow paths 12, and thus becomes the flow path with the most pressure reduction. Therefore, the suction effect of the second fluid into the second fluid flow path 14 communicating with the same flow path 23 can be further improved. When the downstream end of the second fluid flow path 14 communicates with the same flow path 23, the second fluid flow path 14 is more likely to be longer than when the downstream end of the second fluid flow path 14 communicates with the reduced-diameter flow path 22 or the enlarged-diameter flow path 24. However, according to the above configuration, the enlarged-diameter portion 16b is formed on the side surface 16 of the passage member 10, and the same flow path 23 and the enlarged-diameter flow path 24 are arranged inside the enlarged-diameter portion 16b. Therefore, compared with the case where the diameter of the side surface 16 of the passage member 10 is constant, the length of the second fluid flow path 14 can be shortened. Therefore, the length of the second fluid flow path 14 can be shortened while enhancing the suction effect of the second fluid. As a result, the pressure loss of the second fluid flow path 14 can be reduced, and more second fluid can be allowed to flow in. Further, for example, when manufacturing the passage member 10 by injection molding using resin, the length of the pin-shaped mold corresponding to the plurality of second fluid flow paths 14 can be shortened, and it is possible to suppress damage to the mold forming the second fluid flow path 14 during the manufacture of the passage member 10.

[0054] The technical elements described in this specification or the drawings exhibit technical utility either alone or in various combinations, and are not limited to the combinations described in the claims at the time of filing. In addition, the technologies exemplified in this specification or the drawings can achieve a plurality of objects simultaneously, and achieving one of the objects itself has technical utility.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0055] 2: Mixing device 10: Passage member 10a: First inflow portion 10b: Outflow portion 12: First fluid flow path 13: Slit 14: Second fluid flow path 15a: Upstream seal holding portion 15b: Downstream seal holding portion 16: Side 16a: Second inflow part 16b: Diameter-expanded part 17a: Upstream-side groove part 17b: Downstream-side groove part 18: Inner surface 18a: Upstream-side fitting part 18b: Downstream-side fitting part 19a: Upstream-side locking part 19b: Downstream-side locking part 20a: Seal member 20b: Seal member 20c: Seal member 20d: Seal member 22: Reducing flow path 24: Expanding flow path 30: Swirling flow generating member 100: Case member 102: Inlet member 102a: Inlet 104: Outlet member 104a: Outlet 106: Supply part 106a: Inlet 106b: Supply port

Claims

1. A mixing device for mixing a second fluid with a first fluid to form a mixed fluid, comprising: a first inlet through which the first fluid flows in; a second inlet through which the second fluid flows in; an outlet through which the mixed fluid flows out; a passage member having one end facing the first inlet and the other end facing the outlet, and the side surface between the one end and the other end facing the second inlet; The passage member includes: a plurality of first fluid flow paths each communicating between the first inlet and the outlet; a plurality of second fluid flow paths each communicating between the second inlet and each of the plurality of first fluid flow paths; The plurality of first fluid flow paths include at least three first fluid flow paths; Each of the plurality of first fluid flow paths includes: a reduced-diameter flow path whose flow path diameter decreases from the first inlet side toward the outlet side; an enlarged-diameter flow path provided downstream of the reduced-diameter flow path and having a flow path diameter that increases from the first inlet side toward the outlet side; Each of the plurality of second fluid flow paths has a downstream end communicating with the first fluid flow path and is linearly formed from the upstream end to the downstream end; Some of the plurality of second fluid flow paths are arranged such that the upstream end is located in a first direction when viewed from the downstream end; The remaining of the plurality of second fluid flow paths are arranged such that the upstream end is located in the first direction or a second direction different from the first direction when viewed from the downstream end. A mixing device.

2. The mixing device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of second fluid flow paths are arranged along a plane orthogonal to the flow direction of the plurality of first fluid flow paths.

3. The remaining of the plurality of second fluid flow paths are arranged such that the upstream end is located in the second direction when viewed from the downstream end; The mixing device according to claim 2, wherein the second direction is the opposite direction of the first direction.

4. The first fluid flow path communicating with some of the plurality of second fluid flow paths is arranged at a position where the distance to the side surface in the first direction is less than or equal to the distance to the side surface in the second direction; The first fluid flow path communicating with the remaining of the plurality of second fluid flow paths is arranged at a position where the distance to the side surface in the second direction is less than or equal to the distance to the side surface in the first direction. The mixing device according to claim 3.

5. The mixing device further includes a case member for housing the passage member. The case member includes a supply port for supplying the second fluid to the second inflow portion. The supply port is disposed so as to face the side surface of the passage member at a position centered between the end portion in the first direction and the end portion in the second direction of the side surface of the passage member in a direction orthogonal to the first direction and the second direction. The mixing device according to claim 3. **Claim 6** The side surface of the passage member includes a diameter-expanding portion whose diameter expands from the first inflow portion side toward the outflow portion side. Each of the plurality of first fluid flow paths communicates with the reduced-diameter flow path and the diameter-expanding flow path, and further includes a constant-diameter flow path having a constant flow path diameter. The constant-diameter flow paths and the diameter-expanding flow paths of each of the plurality of first fluid flow paths are disposed inside the diameter-expanding portion. The mixing device according to claim 2, wherein each of the plurality of second fluid flow paths has a downstream end communicating with the constant-diameter flow path of the first fluid flow path.

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