Bubble generating device

Abstract

To intermittently discharge bubbles from a discharge pipe by adjusting a balance between an introduction amount of liquid and an introduction amount of gas into a flow path.SOLUTION: A bubble generating device comprises: a container body that includes a cylindrical flow path with a first direction as a central axis; a gas introduction pipe that introduces gas into the flow path; a liquid introduction pipe that introduces liquid supplied from a liquid supply source into the flow path; and a discharge pipe that discharges a gas-liquid mixture in which liquid and gas are mixed from the flow path to the outside. In the container body: a gas introduction port communicating with the gas introduction pipe is formed in an inner wall surface constituting the flow path; a discharge port communicating with the discharge pipe is formed in the inner wall surface; and a liquid introduction port that is open in a direction intersecting a radial direction of the flow path as viewed in the first direction and communicates with the liquid introduction pipe is formed in an inner circumferential surface around the central axis.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The technology disclosed in this specification relates to a bubble generating device. [Background technology]

[0002] Bubble generating devices have been known for some time. These bubble generating devices mix a liquid supplied from a liquid supply source with a gas supplied from a gas supply means to generate bubbles, and then discharge a gas-liquid mixture of the bubbles and the liquid. Conventional bubble generating devices have a tubular body having a liquid flow path therein. The tubular body has a reduced diameter portion where the inner diameter is reduced, and a plurality of through-holes are formed in this reduced diameter portion. The gas supplied from the gas supply means to the plurality of through-holes and the liquid supplied from the liquid supply source to the flow path mix within the flow path to generate bubbles, and a gas-liquid mixture of the bubbles and the liquid is discharged (see, for example, Patent Document 1 listed below). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2019 / 212028 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In conventional bubble generators, the force of the gas flow supplied through a plurality of through-holes generates a swirling flow in the flow path, thereby mixing the gas and liquid. However, this configuration leaves room for improvement, for example, because the gas is supplied through relatively small through-holes, the force of the swirling flow is relatively weak, and there is a risk that the gas and liquid may not be mixed sufficiently, and also because it is necessary to form a plurality of through-holes in the flow path.

[0005] This specification discloses a technique that can solve the above-mentioned problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The technology disclosed in this specification can be realized, for example, in the following forms.

[0007] (1) The bubble generating device disclosed in this specification comprises a container body having a cylindrical flow path therein with a central axis in a first direction, a gas inlet pipe for introducing gas into the flow path, a liquid inlet pipe for introducing liquid supplied from a liquid supply source into the flow path, and an outlet pipe for discharging a gas-liquid mixture of liquid and gas from the flow path to the outside, wherein the container body has an inner wall surface constituting the flow path formed with a gas inlet port communicating with the gas inlet pipe, an outlet port communicating with the outlet pipe formed on the inner wall surface, and a liquid inlet port formed on the inner peripheral surface around the central axis, which opens in a direction intersecting the radial direction of the flow path when viewed in the first direction and which communicates with the liquid inlet pipe.

[0008] This bubble generator can generate bubbles by mixing pressurized gas and liquid. The bubble generator is configured to mix the gas and liquid by generating a swirling flow in the flow path using the momentum of the liquid introduced through a liquid inlet opening that opens in a direction intersecting the radial direction of the flow path. Therefore, for example, the momentum of the swirling flow is relatively strong, allowing the gas and liquid to be mixed efficiently.

[0009] (2) In the above-described bubble generator, the discharge flow path of the discharge pipe may include a first flow path portion having a first inner diameter, a second flow path portion having a second inner diameter, and a third flow path portion located between the first flow path portion and the second flow path portion and having a third inner diameter smaller than both the first inner diameter and the second inner diameter. According to this bubble generator, the gas-liquid mixture can be effectively guided from the flow path to the discharge pipe by the Venturi effect in the discharge pipe.

[0010] (3) In the above-described bubble generator, the opening direction of the liquid inlet may be parallel to a tangent to an imaginary circle centered on the central axis when viewed in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. This bubble generator can generate a swirling flow of liquid in the flow path more efficiently than a configuration in which the liquid inlet opens in a direction not perpendicular to the central axis.

[0011] (4) The above-described bubble generator may further include a micro-bubble generating member having a first flow path communicating with the discharge pipe, a second flow path through which gas supplied from the outside flows, and a porous filter separating the first flow path from the second flow path. According to this bubble generator, for example, by supplying gas to the gas inlet pipe but not to the second flow path of the micro-bubble generating member, bubbles can be intermittently discharged from the first flow path of the micro-bubble generating member. On the other hand, by supplying gas to the second flow path of the micro-bubble generating member without supplying gas to the gas inlet pipe, micro-bubbles can be continuously discharged from the first flow path.

[0012] (5) In the above-described air bubble generating device, the gas introduction pipe may be configured to introduce gas pressurized by a compressor into the flow path.

[0013] The techniques disclosed in this specification can be realized in various forms, for example, in the form of a bubble generating device, a bubble generating system, a bubble generating method, etc. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] Schematic diagram showing the general configuration of a shower system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] A side view showing the external configuration of the bubble generating device. [Figure 3] An explanatory diagram showing the cross-sectional structure of the bubble generating device [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a cross-sectional configuration of the first bubble generation member taken along the line IV-IV in FIG. 2; [Figure 5]FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a cross-sectional configuration of the second bubble generation member at position VV in FIG. 2; [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a cross-sectional configuration of the downstream member taken along the line VI-VI in FIG. 2; [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the flow of the liquid L, the first pressurized gas G1, and the gas-liquid mixture M when the massage mode is being executed. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the flow of the liquid L, the second pressurized gas G2, and the gas-liquid mixture M when the cloudy mode is executed. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a cross-sectional configuration of a bubble generation device according to another embodiment; [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a side view showing the external configuration of a bubble generation device according to another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] A. Implementation: A-1. Shower System 1 Configuration: FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of a shower system 1 according to this embodiment. The shower system 1 is installed in, for example, a shop such as a beauty salon, a home, etc. As shown in FIG. 1, the shower system 1 includes a shower head 2, an operating device 5, a gas supply device 4, and a bubble generator 10. The shower head 2 and operating device 5 are installed on a shower stand (not shown). The shower system 1 may include one or more sets of shower head 2 and operating device 5.

[0016] The showerhead 2 is configured to switch the release mode between, for example, a "foam mode" and a "non-foam mode" to release a gas-liquid mixture M or liquid L, which will be described later. The liquid L is, for example, water or hot or cold water. The foam mode is a mode that utilizes the gas supply function of the gas supply device 4. Specifically, the foam mode is a mode that releases a liquid L containing bubbles (hereinafter, "gas-liquid mixture M") by incorporating gas G supplied by the gas supply device 4 into the liquid L supplied from the liquid supply source 6. The gas G is, for example, air. The non-foam mode is a mode that does not utilize the gas supply function of the gas supply device 4. Specifically, the non-foam mode is a mode that releases a liquid L that does not incorporate gas G supplied by the gas supply device 4 into the liquid L supplied from the liquid supply source 6.

[0017] The shower head 2 includes a head body 50 and a shower plate 56. The head body 50 and the shower plate 56 are made of, for example, resin (EPDM (ethylene propylene diene rubber)).

[0018] The head body 50 has a generally spherical head portion 52 and a generally cylindrical extension portion 54 extending downward from the head portion 52. An accommodation space (not shown) is formed inside the head portion 52, and a front opening communicating with the accommodation space is formed in the front surface of the head portion 52. A handle portion 62 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the head portion 52. The handle portion 62 protrudes obliquely upward from the rear surface side of the head portion 52.

[0019] The upper end of the internal space of the extension portion 54 communicates with the storage space of the head portion 52. A tubular connecting member 58 is provided at the lower end of the extension portion 54. The extension portion 54 may house a fine bubble generator (not shown) using a Venturi tube. The downstream end of a first shower hose H1 is connected to this connecting member 58. The upstream end of the first shower hose H1 is connected to a second discharge pipe 38 (see FIG. 2, etc.) of the bubble generation device 10, which will be described later, via a connecting member (e.g., a nut) N1. The downstream end of the second shower hose H2 is connected to a first liquid introduction pipe 26 (see FIG. 2, etc.) of the bubble generation device 10, which will be described later, via a connecting member N2. The upstream end of the second shower hose H2 is connected to a liquid supply source 6 (e.g., a water heater, etc.). The liquid L supplied from the liquid supply source 6 is introduced into the head body 50 through the second shower hose H2, the bubble generator 10 and the first shower hose H1.

[0020] The shower plate 56 is disposed so as to cover the front opening of the head body 50. The shower plate 56 is shaped like a circular plate overall, and has a plurality of discharge holes 64 formed therein. Each discharge hole 64 is a hole that discharges the liquid L or gas-liquid mixture M introduced from the first shower hose H1. The plurality of discharge holes 64 are formed in an area including the center P of the shower plate 56. Each discharge hole 64 has, for example, the same cross-sectional shape over its entire length.

[0021] The operating device 5 is disposed, for example, near the foot of the shower stand. The operating device 5 has a first foot switch SW1 and a second foot switch SW2. Both the first foot switch SW1 and the second foot switch SW2 are switches for issuing an instruction to execute the foam mode. The foam mode includes, for example, a massage mode and a milky white mode. The massage mode is a mode in which relatively large gas G (air) chunks (e.g., bubbles with a bubble diameter of 1 mm or more) are introduced from the gas supply device 4 into the liquid L supplied from the liquid supply source 6. The flow rate per unit time of the gas G from the gas supply device 4 in the massage mode is higher than that in the milky white mode, for example, 5 L / min to 9 L / min, and is 7 L / min in this embodiment. The milky white mode is a mode in which relatively small gas G chunks (e.g., fine bubbles with a bubble diameter of less than 100 μm) are introduced from the gas supply device 4 into the liquid L supplied from the liquid supply source 6. The flow rate per unit time of the gas G from the gas supply device 4 in the cloudy mode is less than that in the massage mode, for example, 0.010 L / min or more and 0.020 L / min or less, and is 0.015 L / min in this embodiment.

[0022] Specifically, when stepped on by a foot, both the first foot switch SW1 and the second foot switch SW2 are switched from an OFF state to an ON state and send an ON signal to the gas supply device 4. The gas supply device 4 has a compressor. The compressor is a device for pressurizing gas to atmospheric pressure or higher. The pressure of the gas G pressurized by the compressor (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as "pressurized gas G") can be adjusted by the flow rate of the gas G introduced into the bubble generator 10. The pressure of the pressurized gas G may be, for example, 0.15 to 0.20 MPa, or 0.18 to 0.20 MPa. When the gas supply device 4 receives an ON signal from either the first foot switch SW1 or the second foot switch SW2, it executes a gas supply function of supplying pressurized gas G. When the gas supply device 4 receives an ON signal from the first foot switch SW1, it supplies gas (hereinafter, referred to as "first pressurized gas G1") that satisfies a first flow rate condition corresponding to the massage mode. When an ON signal is received from the second foot switch SW2, gas (hereinafter referred to as "second pressurized gas G2") that satisfies a second flow rate condition corresponding to the cloudy mode is supplied. The flow rate condition includes, for example, the flow rate of the gas G and the size of the bubbles. However, in this embodiment, the pressure of the pressurized gas G is the same in both the massage mode and the cloudy mode, for example, 0.26 MPa.

[0023] The gas supply device 4 has a first output part 4A and a second output part 4B. The upstream end of the first gas supply tube T1 is connected to the first output part 4A. The downstream end of the first gas supply tube T1 is connected to a first gas introduction pipe 27 (described later) of the bubble generation device 10 via a connecting member 24 (see FIG. 2, etc.). The first gas supply tube T1 is provided with a first check valve 7. The first check valve 7 prevents the first pressurized gas G1 and liquid L supplied into the bubble generation device 10 from flowing back toward the gas supply device 4.

[0024] The upstream end of the second gas supply tube T2 is connected to the second output port 4B of the gas supply device 4. The downstream end of the second gas supply tube T2 is connected to a second gas introduction pipe 36 (see FIG. 2, etc.) of the bubble generation device 10, which will be described later, via a connecting member N3. The second gas supply tube T2 is provided with a second check valve 8. The second check valve 8 prevents the second pressurized gas G2 and liquid L supplied into the bubble generation device 10 from flowing back toward the gas supply device 4.

[0025] A-2. Configuration of the bubble generator 10: FIG. 2 is a side view showing the external configuration of the bubble generation device 10, and FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing the cross-sectional configuration of the bubble generation device 10. FIG. 3 shows the cross-sectional configuration of the bubble generation device 10 parallel to the plane of the paper in FIG. 2. The bubble generation device 10 mixes a liquid L supplied from a liquid supply source 6 with a first pressurized gas G1 or a second pressurized gas G2 supplied from a gas supply device 4 to generate bubbles, and discharges a gas-liquid mixture M in which the bubbles and liquid L are mixed (see FIGS. 7 and 8 described below). As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the bubble generation device 10 comprises a first bubble generation member 20 and a second bubble generation member 30. The second bubble generation member 30 is an example of a fine bubble generation member.

[0026] (Configuration of the first air bubble generation member 20): The first bubble generation member 20 mixes the liquid L supplied from the liquid supply source 6 with the first pressurized gas G1 supplied from the gas supply device 4 to generate bubbles, and discharges a gas-liquid mixture M (first gas-liquid mixture M1) in which the bubbles and liquid L are mixed (see FIG. 7, described later). The first bubble generation member 20 is a bubble generation device using a swirling flow. The swirling flow method mixes the liquid L and the gas G by using a swirling flow, and the supplied gas G can be finely sheared by the swirling flow. The first bubble generation member 20 comprises a container body 22, a first gas inlet pipe 27, a first liquid inlet pipe 26, and a first outlet pipe 28.

[0027] Figure 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the cross-sectional configuration of the first bubble generation member 20 at the position IV-IV in Figure 2. As shown in Figures 2 to 4, the container body 22 as a whole is approximately cylindrical, centered on a first central axis Q1 (see Figure 4 described later) along a first direction (the left-right direction on the paper surface of Figures 2 and 3, hereinafter referred to as the "first central axis direction"). A flow path 23 is formed inside the container body 22.

[0028] A first liquid inlet pipe 26 is provided to protrude from the outer peripheral surface of the container body 22 about the first central axis Q1. The first liquid inlet pipe 26 introduces the liquid L supplied from the liquid supply source 6 into the flow path 23. A first gas inlet pipe 27 is provided to protrude from one end face of the container body 22 in the first central axis direction. The first gas inlet pipe 27 introduces the first pressurized gas G1 supplied from the first output portion 4A of the gas supply device 4 into the flow path 23. A first exhaust pipe 28 is provided to protrude from the other end face of the container body 22 in the first central axis direction. The first exhaust pipe 28 exhausts the gas-liquid mixture M from the flow path 23 to the outside.

[0029] In this embodiment, the first liquid inlet pipe 26 is disposed at a position closer to the first gas inlet pipe 27 in the direction of the first central axis. This increases the residence time of the liquid L until it is discharged from the flow path 23, and enables the supplied gas G to be mixed more finely and uniformly. The first gas inlet pipe 27 and the first discharge pipe 28 are disposed coaxially with respect to the first central axis Q1 of the container body 22.

[0030] The flow path 23 of the container body 22 has a cylindrical shape centered on the first central axis Q1. In this embodiment, the length R1 of the flow path 23 in the first central axis direction is shorter than the diameter R2 of the flow path 23. The length R1 of the flow path 23 may be equal to or less than the radius (R2 / 2) of the flow path 23. The inner circumferential wall 26C of the flow path 23 around the first central axis Q1 is circular (see FIG. 4). The inner diameter of the flow path 23 is substantially constant over the entire length in the first central axis direction. Of the inner wall surfaces constituting the flow path 23, the inner wall portion on the one end face side in the first central axis direction (the first gas introduction pipe 27 side) is a flat surface perpendicular to the first central axis direction. Of the inner wall surfaces constituting the flow path 23, the inner wall portion on the other end face side in the first central axis direction (the first discharge pipe 28 side) is a flat surface perpendicular to the first central axis direction.

[0031] The inner wall surface that constitutes the flow path 23 is formed with a first gas inlet 24B, a first liquid inlet 26B, and a first outlet 28B.

[0032] The first gas inlet port 24B is formed in the center of the inner wall portion on the one end face side. As described above, the connecting member 24 is connected to the first gas introduction pipe 27. Specifically, a female thread is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the first gas introduction pipe 27, and a male thread is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the connecting member 24, and the connecting member 24 is screwed onto the first gas introduction pipe 27. A first gas introduction flow path 24A is formed in the connecting member 24. The first gas inlet port 24B is in communication with the first gas introduction flow path 24A. The center of the first gas inlet port 24B and the central axis of the first gas introduction flow path 24A are arranged coaxially (the first central axis Q1). The inner diameter D2 of the first gas inlet port 24B is smaller than the inner diameter D1 of the first gas introduction flow path 24A. The shape of the inner circumferential surface constituting the downstream end of the first gas introduction channel 24A is tapered so that the inner diameter becomes smaller as it approaches the first gas introduction port 24B.

[0033] The first discharge port 28B is formed in the center of the inner wall portion on the other end side. A through-hole 28C is formed in the first discharge pipe 28 of the first bubble generation member 20. A cylindrical venturi member 40 is inserted into the through-hole 28C. The internal space of the venturi member 40 is the first discharge flow path 28A. The first discharge port 28B communicates with the first discharge flow path 28A. The center of the first discharge port 28B and the central axis of the first discharge flow path 28A are arranged coaxially (the first central axis Q1).

[0034] The first discharge flow path 28A includes a first flow path portion located on the upstream side, a second flow path portion located on the downstream side, and a third flow path portion located between the first and second flow path portions. The first flow path portion has a first inner diameter D3 and is connected to the first discharge port 28B. The second flow path portion has a second inner diameter D4 and is connected to the downstream end opening of the first discharge flow path 28A. The third flow path portion has a third inner diameter D5. The third inner diameter D5 is smaller than both the first inner diameter D3 and the second inner diameter D4. The third flow path portion is located closer to the first discharge port 28B. The shape of the inner circumferential surface from the first flow path portion to the third flow path portion is tapered, with the inner diameter decreasing as it approaches the third flow path portion. The shape of the inner circumferential surface from the third flow path portion to the second flow path portion is tapered so that the inner diameter increases as the liquid L approaches the downstream end opening of the first discharge flow path 28A. When the liquid L is depressurized in the second flow path portion, dissolved air in the liquid L precipitates, generating fine bubbles (with a bubble diameter of approximately 100 μm or less).

[0035] The first liquid inlet 26B is formed in the inner circumferential wall 26C that constitutes the flow path 23. A first liquid inlet flow path 26A is formed in the first liquid inlet pipe 26 of the first bubble generation member 20. The first liquid inlet 26B is connected to the first liquid inlet flow path 26A. When viewed in the direction of the first central axis, the first liquid inlet flow path 26A extends linearly in a direction along a tangent to a circle (an example of an imaginary circle) that is the outline of the inner circumferential wall 26C. Therefore, the first liquid inlet 26B opens in a direction along the tangent. Specifically, the opening direction of the first liquid inlet 26B is parallel to the tangent.

[0036] (Configuration of the second bubble generation member 30): The second bubble generation member 30 mixes the liquid L supplied from the liquid supply source 6 with the second pressurized gas G2 supplied from the gas supply device 4 to generate bubbles, and discharges a gas-liquid mixture M (second gas-liquid mixture M2) in which the bubbles and liquid L are mixed (see FIG. 8 described later). The second bubble generation member 30 is a filter-type bubble generation device. The filter type is a system in which the gas G is mixed with the liquid L through a porous filter. The second bubble generation member 30 comprises a container body 32, a second gas inlet pipe 36, a second liquid inlet pipe 34, and a second outlet pipe 38.

[0037] 5 is an explanatory diagram showing the cross-sectional configuration of the second bubble generation member 30 at the position VV in FIG. 2, and FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing the cross-sectional configuration of the downstream member at the position VI-VI in FIG. As shown in FIGS. 2, 5, and 6, the container body 32 has a generally rectangular shape overall and extends in a second direction (the up-down direction on the surface of FIG. 2, hereinafter referred to as the "second central axis direction") that is perpendicular to the first direction. A storage channel 33A is formed inside the container body 32, penetrating in the second central axis direction. The storage channel 33A has a generally cylindrical shape centered on a second central axis Q2 (see FIGS. 5 and 6) that runs along the second central axis direction. A filter 60 is inserted into the storage channel 33A. The filter 60 has a cylindrical shape. The filter 60 is a porous body (with a pore diameter of, for example, 1 μm) and is made of, for example, ceramics. The central axis of the filter 60 is arranged coaxially with the second central axis Q2. The outer diameter of the filter 60 is smaller than the inner diameter of the storage channel 33A, and therefore a space (hereinafter referred to as the "mixing flow channel") is formed between the filter 60 and the inner circumferential surface that constitutes the storage channel 33A.

[0038] The second gas introduction pipe 36 is connected to one end of the container body 32 in the second central axis direction. Specifically, a female thread is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the one end of the container body 32, and a male thread is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the second gas introduction pipe 36, so that the second gas introduction pipe 36 is screwed into the container body 32. A second gas introduction flow path 36A is formed in the second gas introduction pipe 36. The second gas introduction flow path 36A communicates with the internal space 32A of the filter 60, but does not communicate with the mixing flow path. The inner diameter of the second gas introduction flow path 36A is, for example, 2 mm.

[0039] The second liquid introduction pipe 34 is provided so as to protrude from the outer peripheral surface of the container body 32. The second liquid introduction pipe 34 has a second liquid introduction flow path 34A formed therein, which is connected to the mixing flow path. The second liquid introduction pipe 34 is connected to the first discharge pipe 28 of the first bubble generation member 20. The first discharge pipe 28 and the second liquid introduction pipe 34 may be connected via a separate tubular connecting member. Specifically, a female thread is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the second liquid introduction pipe 34, and a male thread is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the first discharge pipe 28, with the first discharge pipe 28 screwed onto the second liquid introduction pipe 34. The second liquid introduction flow path 34A is connected to the first discharge flow path 28A of the first discharge pipe 28.

[0040] The second discharge pipe 38 is provided so as to protrude from the outer peripheral surface of the container body 32. The second discharge pipe 38 and the second liquid introduction pipe 34 are arranged at different positions in the second central axis direction. The second discharge pipe 38 and the second liquid introduction pipe 34 are arranged at positions symmetrical to each other when viewed in the second central axis direction. A second discharge flow path 38A communicating with the mixing flow path is formed in the second discharge pipe 38. Note that the second discharge pipe 38 may have a Venturi structure, similar to the first discharge pipe 28.

[0041] (Operation of shower system 1): In the non-foaming mode, both the first foot switch SW1 and the second foot switch SW2 of the operating device 5 are in the OFF state, and the liquid L is continuously supplied from the liquid supply source 6 to the bubble generation device 10. That is, the liquid L is supplied to the first liquid inlet pipe 26 of the bubble generation device 10, and the pressurized gas G is not supplied to either the first gas inlet pipe 27 or the second gas inlet pipe 36. Therefore, the liquid L supplied from the first liquid inlet pipe 26 is introduced into the flow path 23 of the container body 22, and while generating a swirling flow along the inner circumferential wall 26C, is introduced into the mixing flow path of the second bubble generation member 30 via the first discharge flow path 28A and the first gas inlet flow path 24A. The liquid L introduced into the mixing flow path generates a swirling flow along the cylindrical inner circumferential surface of the accommodation path 33A, and is supplied to the shower head 2 via the second discharge flow path 38A and the first shower hose H1, and is then discharged from the discharge holes 64 of the shower plate 56. The liquid L discharged at this time contains fine bubbles.

[0042] 7 is an explanatory diagram showing the flows of the liquid L, first pressurized gas G1, and gas-liquid mixture M when the massage mode is being executed. In the massage mode, the first foot switch SW1 of the operation device 5 is in the on state, and the second foot switch SW2 is in the off state, and the liquid L is continuously supplied from the liquid supply source 6 to the bubble generation device 10. That is, as shown in FIG. 7, the liquid L is supplied to the first liquid introduction pipe 26 of the bubble generation device 10, the first pressurized gas G1 is supplied to the first gas introduction pipe 27, and the pressurized gas G is not supplied to the second gas introduction pipe 36.

[0043] The first pressurized gas G1 supplied from the first gas inlet pipe 27 is introduced into the flow path 23 of the container body 22 and mixed with the liquid L by the swirling flow of the liquid L, generating a first gas-liquid mixture M1. Therefore, mainly the first gas-liquid mixture M1, not the liquid L, is introduced into the mixing flow path of the second bubble generation member 30 via the first discharge flow path 28A and the first gas inlet flow path 24A. Furthermore, by adjusting the balance between the amount of liquid L introduced into the flow path 23 and the amount of the first pressurized gas G1 introduced, the first gas-liquid mixture M1 containing bubbles can be intermittently discharged from the first discharge pipe 28. The inner diameter D2 of the first gas inlet 24B (which may be 1 mm or more, 2 mm or more, or 5 mm or more; for example, 5 mm in this embodiment) is significantly larger than the pore diameter of the filter 60. For this reason, it is believed that a mass of bubbles with a relatively large diameter is mixed into the liquid L, causing the first gas-liquid mixture M1 to be intermittently discharged from the first discharge pipe 28. By making the shape of the flow path 23 cylindrical, a swirling flow can be efficiently generated, and the efficiency of generating fine bubbles can be increased. Furthermore, the first pressurized gas G1 supplied from the gas supply device 4 can be mixed into the liquid L more efficiently, finely, and uniformly.

[0044] The first gas-liquid mixture M1 intermittently introduced into the mixing flow path generates a swirling flow along the cylindrical inner circumferential surface of the accommodation path 33A, is supplied to the shower head 2 via the second discharge flow path 38A and the first shower hose H1, and is intermittently discharged from the discharge holes 64 of the shower plate 56. The first gas-liquid mixture M1 discharged at this time contains fine bubbles. The first gas-liquid mixture M1 is intermittently discharged from the shower head 2 onto the skin, etc., providing a massaging effect.

[0045] 8 is an explanatory diagram showing the flows of the liquid L, the second pressurized gas G2, and the gas-liquid mixture M when the cloudy mode is being executed. In the cloudy mode, the first foot switch SW1 of the operation device 5 is in the OFF state, and the second foot switch SW2 is in the ON state, and the liquid L is continuously supplied from the liquid supply source 6 to the bubble generation device 10. That is, as shown in FIG. 8, the liquid L is supplied to the first liquid introduction pipe 26 of the bubble generation device 10, the pressurized gas G is not supplied to the first gas introduction pipe 27, and the second pressurized gas G2 is supplied to the second gas introduction pipe 36.

[0046] In the first bubble-generating member 20, as in the non-foaming mode, the liquid L supplied from the first liquid inlet pipe 26 is introduced into the flow path 23 of the container body 22, where it generates a swirling flow along the inner circumferential wall 26C and is then introduced into the mixing flow path of the second bubble-generating member 30. The liquid L introduced into the mixing flow path generates a swirling flow along the cylindrical inner circumferential surface of the accommodation passage 33A. At this time, the second pressurized gas G2 supplied from the second gas inlet pipe 36 passes through the multiple pores of the filter 60 and is mixed with the swirling flow of the liquid L as fine bubbles. This produces a second gas-liquid mixture M2 containing fine bubbles with smaller diameters than those in the massage mode. The second gas-liquid mixture M2 is supplied to the shower head 2 via the second discharge flow path 38A and the first shower hose H1 and is then discharged from the discharge holes 64 of the shower plate 56. The second gas-liquid mixture M2 is released from the shower head 2 onto the skin or the like, and a cosmetic effect can be obtained by making the mixture opaque.

[0047] B. Other Embodiments: 9 is an explanatory diagram showing the cross-sectional configuration of an air bubble generation device in another embodiment. In this embodiment, the configuration of an air bubble generation device 10a is different from the configuration of the air bubble generation device 10 in the above embodiment, but the other configurations are the same.

[0048] The bubble generator 10a does not include the first bubble generation member 20 of the bubble generator 10, but has a configuration similar to the second bubble generation member 30. In the bubble generator 10a, a first gas introduction flow path 24Aa is formed in the second liquid introduction pipe 34. A first gas introduction port 24Ba is formed on the inner circumferential surface that constitutes the mixing path. The opening diameter of the first gas introduction port 24B is 1 mm or more and 10 mm or less, and is 5 mm in this embodiment. The first gas introduction flow path 24Aa is connected to the first gas introduction port 24Ba and introduces a first pressurized gas G1 into the mixing flow path.

[0049] In the massage mode, the liquid L is supplied to the first liquid inlet pipe 26 of the bubble generator 10, the first pressurized gas G1 is supplied to the first gas inlet flow path 24Aa, and the pressurized gas G is not supplied to the second gas inlet pipe 36. The first pressurized gas G1 is mixed with the liquid L in the mixing path by a swirling flow of the liquid L, generating a first gas-liquid mixture M1. The first gas-liquid mixture M1 is supplied to the shower head 2 via the second discharge flow path 38A and the first shower hose H1, and is intermittently discharged from the discharge holes 64 of the shower plate 56.

[0050] In the cloudy mode, the liquid L is supplied to the first liquid inlet pipe 26 of the bubble generator 10, the pressurized gas G is not supplied to the first gas inlet flow path 24Aa, and the second pressurized gas G2 is supplied to the second gas inlet pipe 36. The second pressurized gas G2 supplied from the second gas inlet pipe 36 passes through the multiple pores of the filter 60 and is mixed as fine bubbles with the swirling flow of the liquid L, thereby generating a second gas-liquid mixture M2. The second gas-liquid mixture M2 is supplied to the shower head 2 via the second discharge flow path 38A and the first shower hose H1, and is discharged from the discharge holes 64 of the shower plate 56.

[0051] Figure 10 is a side view showing the external configuration of a bubble generation device in another embodiment. The figure shows an enlarged longitudinal cross-sectional view of a rotating adapter 70, which will be described later. This embodiment differs from the above-described embodiment in that the bubble generation device 10 includes a rotating adapter 70. The rotating adapter 70 is a member (also called a "rotary joint") that connects two pipe members together and allows one pipe member to rotate relative to the other pipe member around the central axis of the rotating adapter 70.

[0052] Specifically, the rotating adapter 70 has a first connecting member 71, a second connecting member 72, a ring 73, and a packing 74. The first connecting member 71 is cylindrical overall and has a threaded portion 71A, a flange portion 71B, and an insertion portion 71C. The threaded portion 71A, the flange portion 71B, and the insertion portion 71C are all tubular, and their central axes are located on the same imaginary straight line. The flange portion 71B is disposed between the threaded portion 71A and the insertion portion 71C.

[0053] A male thread is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the threaded portion 71A. The flange portion 71B protrudes radially outward relative to both the threaded portion 71A and the insertion portion 71C. The insertion portion 71C extends in the opposite direction to the threaded portion 71A. An accommodation groove 71D is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the insertion portion 71C. The accommodation groove 71D is formed around the entire circumferential direction of the insertion portion 71C. A ring 73 is accommodated in the accommodation groove 71D. The outer peripheral portion of the ring 73 protrudes outward beyond the outer peripheral surface of the insertion portion 71C.

[0054] The second connecting member 72 is a nut-shaped member. A female thread is formed on the inner peripheral surface of one end of the second connecting member 72. An engagement portion 72A that protrudes radially inward is provided at the other end of the second connecting member 72. An insertion portion 71C of the first connecting member 71 is inserted into a hole formed by the engagement portion 72A. An accommodating groove 71D of the insertion portion 71C is located deeper within the second connecting member 72 than the engagement portion 72A. The engagement portion 72A engages with a protruding portion of the ring 73, thereby enabling the first connecting member 71 and the second connecting member 72 to rotate relative to each other and preventing the second connecting member 72 from coming off the first connecting member 71. The packing 74 is annular and flat, and is disposed on the tip side of the insertion portion 71C.

[0055] In this embodiment, the rotating adapter 70 is disposed between the first discharge pipe 28 of the first bubble generation member 20 and the second liquid introduction pipe 34 of the second bubble generation member 30, and connects the first discharge pipe 28 and the second liquid introduction pipe 34. Specifically, the threaded portion 71A of the rotating adapter 70 is threadedly engaged with the second liquid introduction pipe 34, and the second connecting member 72 of the rotating adapter 70 is threadedly engaged with the first discharge pipe 28 of the first bubble generation member 20. By threading the second connecting member 72 onto the first discharge pipe 28, a packing 74 is sandwiched between the insertion portion 71C and the first discharge pipe 28, thereby ensuring a seal of the water flow channel within the rotating adapter 70. By interposing a rotating adapter 70 between the first bubble-generating member 20 and the second bubble-generating member 30, the first bubble-generating member 20 and the second bubble-generating member 30 can rotate relative to each other around the rotation axis of the rotating adapter 70.

[0056] The fastening force of the rotating adapter 70 is such that it allows relative rotation between the first and second bubble-generating members 20 and 30 while ensuring a seal between the water flow channels. The relative rotation may be 360 degrees or less, 180 degrees or less, 90 degrees or less, or 45 degrees or less. With this configuration, for example, if an external force is applied to either the first or second bubble-generating member 20 or 30, the external force can be released by the relative rotation between the first and second bubble-generating members 20 and 30 caused by the rotating adapter 70, thereby preventing water leakage due to loosening of the fastening.

[0057] In this embodiment, the rotating adapter 70 is made of, for example, metal, and the first and second bubble-generating members 20 and 30 are made of, for example, resin. In such cases, the connection between the rotating adapter 70 and the first or second bubble-generating member 20 or 30 is more likely to loosen than when metal members are connected to each other. However, using the rotating adapter 70 prevents external forces from being applied to the fastened portions, thereby preventing water leakage due to loosening. Furthermore, application of external forces to the bubble generation device 10 (the first or second bubble-generating member 20 or 30) may cause the central axis of the first discharge flow path 28A of the Venturi member 40 to tilt relative to the central axis of the second liquid introduction flow path 34A of the second bubble-generating member 30, potentially reducing the efficiency of bubble (fine bubble) generation. In response to this, by connecting a rotating adapter 70 between the first bubble-generating member 20 and the second bubble-generating member 30 and dissipating the external force, the inclination of the venturi member 40 can be kept constant, thereby suppressing a decrease in bubble generation efficiency.

[0058] In this embodiment, the rotating adapter 70 is provided at the connecting portion between the first bubble generation member 20 and the second bubble generation member 30, but this is not limiting. The rotating adapter 70 may be configured to include at least one of the following: (A) The rotary adapter 70 is interposed between the first liquid introduction pipe 26 of the first bubble generation member 20 and the connecting member N2. (B) The rotary adapter 70 is interposed between the first gas introduction pipe 27 of the first bubble generation member 20 and the connection member 24 . (C) The rotary adapter 70 is interposed between the second discharge pipe 38 of the second bubble generation member 30 and the connecting member N1. (D) The rotary adapter 70 is interposed between the second gas introduction pipe 36 of the second bubble generation member 30 and the connecting member N3. By employing these configurations and using the rotary adapter 70 at each fastening portion, it is possible to prevent water leakage caused by loosening of the fastening.

[0059] C. Variations: The technology disclosed in this specification is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be modified into various forms without departing from the spirit thereof, for example, the following modifications are also possible.

[0060] The configuration of shower system 1 in the above embodiment is merely an example and can be modified in various ways. For example, shower system 1 (bubble generator 10) does not have to include either first check valve 7 or second check valve 8. Operating device 5 is not limited to a configuration including foot switches SW1 and SW2 that are operated with the feet, and may also be an operating device that is operated by hand.

[0061] For example, the shapes, dimensions, and materials of the various parts of the showerhead 2 are merely examples and can be modified in various ways. Specifically, the showerhead 2 does not need to have a handle 62 or the like.

[0062] In the above embodiment, the shape of the flow path 23 may be a cone whose diameter decreases toward the first discharge pipe 28. In the first bubble generation member 20 of the above embodiment, the first liquid introduction pipe 26 may be disposed closer to the first discharge pipe 28 in the first central axis direction, or may be disposed in the center in the first central axis direction. At least one of the first gas introduction pipe 27 and the first discharge pipe 28 may be disposed on an axis different from the first central axis Q1 of the container body 22. The length R1 of the flow path 23 in the first central axis direction may be the same as or longer than the diameter R2 of the flow path 23. In the above embodiment, the connecting member 24 was separate from the container body 22 and was detachable from the container body 22. The connecting member 24 and the container body 22 may be formed integrally. In the first bubble generation member 20, the Venturi member 40 does not have to be disposed in the through-hole 28C of the first discharge pipe 28. However, in the above embodiment, if the configuration includes a venturi member 40, the gas-liquid mixture M or the liquid L can be effectively guided from the flow path 23 to the first discharge pipe 28 (first discharge flow path 28A) due to the venturi effect of the venturi member 40.

[0063] In the above embodiment, the first liquid inlet 26B (first liquid introduction flow path 26A) only needs to open from the inner circumferential wall 26C in a direction intersecting the radial direction of the flow path 23 when viewed in the first central axis direction. For example, the opening direction of the first liquid inlet 26B may be non-parallel to the tangent line.

[0064] In the second bubble generation member 30 of the above embodiment, the second discharge pipe 38 and the second liquid introduction pipe 34 may be disposed at the same position in the second central axis direction. The second discharge pipe 38 and the second liquid introduction pipe 34 may also be disposed at positions asymmetric with each other when viewed in the second central axis direction.

[0065] In the above-described embodiment and modified examples, the operation device is the operation device 5 equipped with the foot switches SW1 and SW2, but the operation device may be provided in a process execution unit (such as a shower head).

[0066] The configuration of the rotating adapter is not limited to that shown in Figure 10. The rotating adapter may be configured to connect two pipe members to each other and to allow one pipe member to rotate relative to the other pipe member around the central axis of the rotating adapter. The rotating adapter is not limited to being made of metal, but may be made of resin, for example. The first bubble generation member 20 and the second bubble generation member 30 are not limited to being made of resin, but may be made of metal, for example. [Explanation of symbols]

[0067] 1: shower system 2: shower head 4: gas supply device 4A: first output section 4B: second output section 5: operating device 6: liquid supply source 7: first check valve 8: second check valve 10, 10a: bubble generator 20: first bubble generation member 22, 32: container body 23: flow path 24: connecting member 24A, 24Aa: first gas introduction flow path 24B, 24Ba: first gas introduction port 26: first liquid introduction pipe 26A: first liquid introduction flow path 26B: first liquid introduction port 26C: inner peripheral wall 27: first gas introduction pipe 28: first exhaust pipe 28A: first exhaust flow path 28B: first exhaust port 28C: through hole 30: second bubble generation member 32A: internal space 33A: Storage path 34: Second liquid inlet pipe 34A: Second liquid inlet flow path 36: Second gas inlet pipe 36A: Second gas inlet flow path 37: Gas outlet pipe 37A: Gas outlet flow path 38: Second outlet pipe 38A: Second outlet flow path 40: Venturi member 50: Head body 52: Head portion 54: Extension portion 56: Shower plate 58: Connection member 60: Filter 62: Handle portion 64: Discharge hole 70: Rotating adapter G1: First pressurized gas G2: Second pressurized gas H1: First shower hose H2: Second shower hose L: Liquid M1: First gas-liquid mixture M2: Second gas-liquid mixture M: Gas-liquid mixture SW1, SW2: Foot switch T1: First gas supply tube T2: Second gas supply tube

Claims

1. a container body having a cylindrical flow path therein with a central axis in the first direction; a gas introduction pipe for introducing a gas into the flow path; a liquid introduction pipe for introducing a liquid supplied from a liquid supply source into the flow path; a discharge pipe that discharges a gas-liquid mixture obtained by mixing a liquid and a gas from the flow path to the outside, The container body includes: a gas inlet port communicating with the gas inlet pipe is formed on an inner wall surface that constitutes the flow path, A discharge port communicating with the discharge pipe is formed on the inner wall surface, A bubble generating device having a liquid inlet formed on an inner surface around the central axis, the liquid inlet opening opening in a direction intersecting the radial direction of the flow path when viewed in the first direction and communicating with the liquid inlet pipe.

2. The bubble generating device according to claim 1, A bubble generating device, wherein the discharge flow path of the discharge pipe includes a first flow path portion having a first inner diameter, a second flow path portion having a second inner diameter, and a third flow path portion located between the first flow path portion and the second flow path portion and having a third inner diameter smaller than both the first inner diameter and the second inner diameter.

3. The bubble generating device according to claim 1 or 2, A bubble generation device, wherein when viewed in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, the opening direction of the liquid inlet is parallel to a tangent to an imaginary circle centered on the central axis.

4. The bubble generating device according to claim 1 or 2, Furthermore, a micro-bubble generating member of a fine pore type is provided, The fine bubble generating member has a first flow path communicating with the discharge pipe; a second flow path through which a gas supplied from the outside flows; a porous filter that separates the first flow path from the second flow path.

5. The bubble generating device according to claim 1 or 2, The gas inlet pipe introduces gas pressurized by a compressor into the flow path.

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