Air bubble generator

Abstract

To provide an air bubble generator which can be easily assembled to a pipe joint.SOLUTION: In an air bubble generator 51 assembled to a pipe joint 1, the pipe joint 1 comprises: a cylindrical body 52 which is configured in such a manner that a plug 2 having an insertion cylindrical part 13 in which a fluid can circulate, and a socket 3 having an insertion port part 25 in which the insertion cylindrical part 13 can be inserted are detachably attached, which can be installed at the insertion port part 25, and in which a swirling flow channel 60, in which a liquid flows while swirling, is formed; and a guide part 54 which is provided continuously with the cylindrical body 52, and can be inserted in the insertion cylindrical part 13. The swirling flow channel 60 has a constriction part which is constricted along a vertical surface perpendicular to a circulation direction of the liquid, and a pair of facing surfaces which are located to face each other so as to sandwich the constriction part when viewed from the liquid circulation direction. A flow channel cross section, in which the swirling flow channel 60 is cut along the vertical surface, is formed into a shape so as rotate along the vertical surface as advancing the liquid circulation direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a bubble generating device that is incorporated into a pipe fitting. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a pipe joint for connecting a water supply hose to a water faucet. The pipe joint disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a plug fixed to the faucet and a socket fixed to the water supply hose. The plug is provided with a tubular insertion portion through which liquid (tap water) can flow. Meanwhile, the socket is provided with an insertion opening into which the tubular insertion portion of the plug can be inserted. This pipe joint is configured so that the plug and socket can be connected with a single touch by inserting the tubular insertion portion of the plug into the insertion opening of the socket and engaging an annular groove formed in the tubular insertion portion with multiple balls arranged around the insertion opening.

[0003] Patent Document 2 discloses a bubble generator that generates fine bubbles with a diameter of 100 μm or less, known as fine bubbles, in a liquid. The bubble generator disclosed in Patent Document 2 is installed in a pipeline through which a liquid flows, and includes a cylindrical body with a through-hole formed therein. In this bubble generator, when the cylindrical body is cut in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the liquid flow, the cross-sectional shape of the through-hole is a constricted shape that narrows in the center and is formed in a shape that rotates as it progresses in the direction of the liquid flow. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 1-98793 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2018-58038 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] When incorporating the air bubble generator into the pipe fitting, the air bubble generator is first installed in the socket insertion opening, and then the insertion tube of the plug is inserted into the socket insertion opening. However, because the cylindrical body of the air bubble generator installed in the socket insertion opening is located deep inside the insertion opening, it is difficult to insert the cylindrical body into the insertion tube of the plug while inserting the insertion tube of the plug into the socket insertion opening, which has been a problem in that it is not easy to incorporate the air bubble generator into the pipe fitting.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and has an object to provide a bubble generating device that can be easily incorporated into a pipe joint. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The characteristic configuration of the air bubble generating device according to the present invention for solving the above problem is as follows: A bubble generating device incorporated into a pipe fitting, comprising: the pipe joint is configured by detachably connecting a plug having an insertion tubular portion through which a liquid can flow and a socket having an insertion opening into which the insertion tubular portion can be inserted, a cylindrical body that can be installed in the insertion opening and has a swirling flow path through which liquid flows while swirling; a guide portion connected to the cylindrical body and insertable into the insertion cylindrical portion; Equipped with The swirl flow path is a constricted portion constricted along a vertical plane perpendicular to the direction of flow of the liquid; a pair of opposing surface portions disposed opposite to each other so as to sandwich the constricted portion when viewed from the direction of flow of the liquid; and The cross section of the swirling flow path cut along the vertical plane is formed into a shape that rotates along the vertical plane as the liquid advances in the flow direction.

[0008] According to the bubble generating device of this configuration, a guide portion that can be inserted into the insertion tube of the plug is connected to the cylindrical body installed in the insertion opening of the socket. This allows the cylindrical body to be easily inserted into the insertion tube of the plug via the guide portion while inserting the insertion tube of the plug into the insertion opening of the socket. Therefore, the bubble generating device can be easily incorporated into a pipe fitting. In the bubble generating device incorporated into a pipe fitting, liquid flowing through the insertion tube of the plug flows into the swirling flow path of the cylindrical body. The liquid that flows into the swirling flow path flows while swirling. Centrifugal force acts on the swirling liquid, creating a pressure difference in the swirling flow path between the liquid flowing through the constricted portion and the liquid flowing near the pair of opposing surfaces. As a result, the liquid flowing through the constricted portion is decompressed, generating bubbles in the liquid flowing through the constricted portion. Thus, by simply incorporating the bubble generating device into a pipe fitting, a liquid containing bubbles can be easily produced. Because a liquid containing bubbles has a significant cleaning effect, it can be effectively used, for example, as wash water in a washing machine.

[0009] In the air bubble generating device according to the present invention, It is preferable that the tip of the guide portion is positioned near the entrance of the insertion opening portion when the cylindrical body is placed in the insertion opening portion.

[0010] With the bubble generating device of this configuration, when the cylindrical body is placed in the insertion port of the socket, the tip of the guide part is positioned near the entrance of the insertion port, making it easier to see the tip of the guide part, and making it easier to insert the cylindrical body into the insertion port of the plug via the guide part while inserting the insertion port of the socket.

[0011] In the air bubble generating device according to the present invention, It is preferable that the area (S1) of the cross section of the swirl flow path on the outlet side is set larger than the area (S2) of the cross section of the swirl flow path on the inlet side.

[0012] In the bubble generator of this configuration, the cross-sectional area of ​​the outlet side of the swirl flow path is set relatively larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the inlet side of the swirl flow path, so that the liquid flowing through the swirl flow path is decelerated before being released. In this way, even if the decelerated liquid is released from the swirl flow path and collides with liquid containing previously released bubbles, the collision energy is small, so that the increase in pressure of the liquid containing the previously released bubbles can be suppressed, and together with suppressing the decrease in the decompression effect in the swirl flow path, more bubbles can be generated.

[0013] In the air bubble generating device according to the present invention, The swirl flow path is preferably formed so that the distance between the pair of opposing surfaces increases and the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path increases along the direction in which the liquid flows.

[0014] In the bubble generator of this configuration, the distance between the pair of opposing surfaces increases as the liquid advances in the flow direction, and therefore the swirling radius of the liquid flowing through the swirling channel increases as the liquid advances in the flow direction. While this increase in swirling radius is accompanied by a decrease in the swirling speed of the liquid, the increased swirling radius compensates for the centrifugal force acting on the liquid. Furthermore, the cross-sectional area of ​​the swirling channel increases as the liquid advances in the flow direction, thereby strengthening the centrifugal force acting on the liquid. Furthermore, due to the interaction between the increased swirling radius and the increased cross-sectional area of ​​the channel, the liquid flowing through the swirling channel becomes turbulent as the liquid advances in the flow direction, thereby increasing the stirring effect. Thus, by strengthening the centrifugal force acting on the liquid and increasing the stirring effect, more bubbles can be efficiently generated and the generated bubbles can be efficiently dispersed throughout the liquid.

[0015] In the air bubble generating device according to the present invention, The area ratio (S1 / S2) of the area (S1) to the area (S2) is preferably 1.1 to 1.5.

[0016] The momentum (jet force) of the liquid released from the swirl flow channel is related to the speed of the liquid in the swirl flow channel, so if the liquid is decelerated excessively in the swirl flow channel, the momentum of the liquid will become too weak to be suitable for use. In the bubble generator of this configuration, the area ratio (S1 / S2) of the cross-sectional area (S1) of the flow channel at the outlet side of the swirl flow channel to the cross-sectional area (S2) of the flow channel at the inlet side of the swirl flow channel is set to 1.1 to 1.5. This improves the balance between the area (S1) and the area (S2), making it possible to generate more bubbles while maintaining the momentum of the liquid suitable for use.

[0017] In the air bubble generating device according to the present invention, It is preferable that an inclined portion be formed at an opening edge of the cylindrical body on the outlet side of the swirl flow path, the inclined portion being inclined radially outward of the cylindrical body toward the flow direction of the liquid.

[0018] With this configuration of bubble generating device, a portion of the liquid released from the outlet of the swirling flow path flows along the inclined portion that slopes radially outward of the cylindrical body in the direction of the liquid flow, thereby allowing bubbles to be dispersed efficiently.

[0019] In the air bubble generating device according to the present invention, The angle formed by the inclined portion with respect to the flow direction of the liquid is preferably 20 to 70°.

[0020] If the angle of the inclined portion relative to the liquid flow direction is too small, most of the liquid released from the outlet of the swirl channel will travel straight in the liquid flow direction, making it impossible to efficiently disperse bubbles. On the other hand, if the angle of the inclined portion relative to the liquid flow direction is too large, the liquid will be excessively decelerated near the outlet of the swirl channel, and the momentum of the liquid will be too weak to be suitable for use. In the bubble generator of this configuration, the angle of the inclined portion relative to the liquid flow direction is set to 20 to 70 degrees. This makes the angle of the inclined portion relative to the liquid flow direction appropriate, allowing for efficient dispersion of bubbles and making the momentum of the liquid suitable for use. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a pipe joint into which an air bubble generating device according to one embodiment of the present invention is incorporated. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a side view of the plug and a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the socket. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an air bubble generating device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a structural explanatory diagram of the swirling flow path. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the swirl flow path. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line EE in FIG. 5(a). [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of assembling the air bubble generating device into the pipe joint. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] The present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following embodiments, an air bubble generator is incorporated into a pipe joint that detachably connects a hose and a faucet attached to a washing machine with one touch. However, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments described below or the configurations shown in the drawings.

[0023] <Outline of pipe joint configuration> FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a pipe fitting 1 into which a bubble generation device 51 according to one embodiment of the present invention is incorporated. FIG. 1(a) is an exploded perspective view showing the relative positions of a plug 2, a socket 3, and the bubble generation device 51. FIG. 1(b) is a perspective view of the pipe fitting 1 before the plug 2 is connected to the socket 3 in which the bubble generation device 51 is installed. FIG. 1(c) is a perspective view of the pipe fitting 1 in which the plug 2 and the socket 3 are connected. In FIG. 1(a), tap water (corresponding to the "liquid" of the present invention) flows from a faucet (not shown) in the direction of liquid flow indicated by the outlined arrow in the figure. As shown in FIGS. 1(a) to 1(c), the pipe fitting 1 into which the bubble generation device 51 is incorporated comprises a plug 2 and a socket 3, which are detachably connected to each other.

[0024] <plug> As shown in Figure 1(a), the plug 2 comprises a faucet mounting section 11, a body section 12, and an insertion tube section 13, which are arranged in this order in the direction of liquid flow (the direction of the white arrow in the figure: water flow direction) and through which tap water can pass. The faucet mounting section 11 has a faucet insertion opening 15 into which the tap water outlet of the faucet is inserted, a ring member 16 arranged to surround the faucet insertion opening 15, and a plurality of screws 17 (four in this example) threaded into the ring member 16 at a predetermined angular pitch (90° pitch in this example) around the circumference of the ring member 16, and is configured so that the tap water outlet of the faucet inserted into the faucet insertion opening 15 is fixed to the faucet by tightening the screws 17 from all sides. The body section 12 is shaped so that it can be held with fingers when attaching the plug 2 to the faucet. A plurality of (four in this example) anti-slip protrusions 18 are formed at a predetermined angular pitch (90° in this example) in the circumferential direction on the body 12 to prevent fingers from slipping when rotating the faucet around the tap water outlet. A flange 19 is formed at the base of the body 12 so as to protrude outward between adjacent anti-slip protrusions 18 in the circumferential direction.

[0025] Fig. 2(a) is a view taken along the arrow A in Fig. 1(a), i.e., a side view of the plug 2. As shown in Fig. 2(a), the insertion tube portion 13 is formed in a cylindrical shape extending from the body portion 12 in the water flow direction (the direction of the outlined arrow in the figure), and has an annular groove 13a formed near the boundary with the body portion 12.

[0026] <socket> Fig. 2(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB in Fig. 1(a), i.e., a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the socket 3. As shown in Fig. 2(b), the socket 3 includes a socket body 20 having a hollow shaft portion 21 and a hose nipple portion 22 that are connected in this order in the water flow direction (the direction of the outlined arrow in the figure) through which tap water can flow, and a sleeve 23 that is fitted onto the hollow shaft portion 21.

[0027] The hollow shaft-shaped portion 21 has an insertion opening 25 into which the insertion tube portion 13 of the plug 2 can be inserted. A step 26 is formed in the hollow shaft-shaped portion 21 so that the flow path cross section becomes smaller on the downstream side of the insertion opening 25 in the water flow direction.

[0028] A plurality of (four in this example) ball retaining holes 27 are drilled in the hollow shaft-shaped portion 21 at a predetermined angular pitch (90° in this example) in the circumferential direction so as to correspond to the annular groove 13a in the insertion tubular portion 13 of the plug 2 inserted into the insertion opening 25. A ball 28 is fitted into the ball retaining hole 27 so as to be able to appear and disappear from the inner side of the insertion opening 25.

[0029] A stopper ring 29 is fitted onto the upstream end of the hollow shaft portion 21 in the water flow direction. A watertight packing 30 is provided inside the hollow shaft portion 21 in the middle in the water flow direction so as to surround the insertion opening 25.

[0030] A hose (not shown) attached to the washing machine is attached and fixed to the hose nipple portion 22 .

[0031] The sleeve 23 is mounted on the hollow shaft-shaped portion 21 so as to be movable back and forth in the axial direction of the hollow shaft-shaped portion 21 between a locked position shown by a solid line in Fig. 2(b) and an unlocked position shown by a two-dot chain line in Fig. 2(b). Here, the locked position refers to a position where the movement of the sleeve 23 is stopped by a stopper ring 29 when the sleeve 23 moves axially relative to the hollow shaft-shaped portion 21 toward the upstream side in the water flow direction. On the other hand, the unlocked position refers to a position where the movement of the sleeve 23 is stopped when the sleeve 23 moves axially relative to the hollow shaft-shaped portion 21 toward the downstream side in the water flow direction by an inward annular convex portion 31 provided on the sleeve 23 and an outward annular convex portion 32 provided on the hollow shaft-shaped portion 21 abutting against each other via a compression coil spring 35 (described later).

[0032] When sleeve 23 is in the locked position, ball 28 is pushed inward of insertion opening 25 by the inner circumferential surface of sleeve 23, and is in a state in which ball 28 protrudes from ball retaining hole 27 on the inward side of insertion opening 25 so as to be able to engage with annular groove 13a of insertion cylindrical portion 13. On the other hand, when sleeve 23 is in the unlocked position, part of ball 28 can be received in annular notch 33 formed on the inner circumferential side of the upstream end of sleeve 23 in the water flow direction, and ball 28 moves toward annular notch 33, thereby enabling ball 28 to be positioned so as not to protrude inward of insertion opening 25.

[0033] A compression coil spring 35 is disposed between the inward annular projection 31 of the sleeve 23 and the outward annular projection 32 of the hollow shaft portion 21 to bias the sleeve 23 toward the locked position.

[0034] As shown in Figure 1(a), a locking claw 41 is connected to the sleeve 23 via an elastic hinge 40. As shown in Figure 1(c), when the plug 2 is connected to the socket 3 and the sleeve 23 is in the locked position, the locking claw 41 is latched onto the flange portion 19 of the plug 2, thereby reliably preventing the sleeve 23 from moving from the locked position to the unlocked position. Therefore, even if a hand or an object accidentally comes into contact with the sleeve 23, the sleeve 23 will not move to the unlocked position, and unintentional separation of the plug 2 and the socket 3 can be reliably prevented.

[0035] <Overall configuration of the bubble generator> Figure 3 is a perspective view of a bubble generator 51 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3(a) is a perspective view as seen from the downstream side in the water flow direction, and Figure 3(b) is a perspective view with a part cut away as seen from the upstream side in the water flow direction. The bubble generator 51 shown in Figures 3(a) and (b) generates minute bubbles, so-called fine bubbles, in tap water containing dissolved gas such as air. Here, fine bubbles refer to minute bubbles of 100 μm or less; those between 1 μm and 100 μm are called microbubbles, and those between several tens of nm and 1 μm (1000 nm) are called ultrafine bubbles (also called "nanobubbles"); however, the term "fine bubbles" in this specification includes both.

[0036] As shown in Figures 3(a) and 3(b), the air bubble generator 51 includes a cylindrical body 52 having a swirling flow path 60 through which tap water swirls; a flange 53 formed at the downstream end of the cylindrical body 52 in the water flow direction so as to project outward in an annular shape; and a cylindrical guide 54 integrally connected to the cylindrical body 52 and extending toward the upstream side of the cylindrical body 52 in the water flow direction. The air bubble generator 51 is made of resin and is not particularly limited in size. However, for example, when the air bubble generator 51 is incorporated into a pipe fitting 1 as shown in Figure 1 installed in the water supply passage of a washing machine, the cylindrical body 52 and the guide 54 each preferably have a length of 10 to 20 mm and a diameter of 5 to 10 mm. The flange 53 preferably has a diameter of 12 to 20 mm and a thickness of 1 to 3 mm.

[0037] <Cylindrical body> The cylindrical body 52 has a circular cross-sectional outline and is formed so as to extend in the axial direction of an imaginary central axis that extends in the water flow direction. In Figures 3(a) and 3(b), the water flow direction is indicated by an outline arrow, and the central axis that coincides with the central axis of the cylindrical body 52 is indicated by a dashed line marked with the symbol "CL."

[0038] <Swirling flow path> As shown in FIG. 3(a), the swirl flow path 60 has a constricted portion 61 and a pair of opposing surface portions 62. The constricted portion 61 is formed in a constricted shape along a vertical plane perpendicular to the water flow direction. That is, the constricted portion 61 includes a pair of curved portions 63 that are curved inward to approach the central axis CL, and these curved portions 63 are arranged so as to sandwich the central axis CL in a direction perpendicular to the central axis CL. The pair of opposing surface portions 62 are arranged opposite to each other so as to sandwich the constricted portion 61 when viewed from the water flow direction, and are formed so as to extend in an arc shape around the central axis CL.

[0039] The swirling flow path 60 further has a pair of diverging portions 64 arranged to connect the constricted portion 61 (the pair of curved portions 63) and the pair of opposing surface portions 62. The pair of diverging portions 64 are formed in a horn-like shape that diverges toward the end, such that the distance between them increases as the flow progresses from the pair of curved portions 63 toward the pair of opposing surface portions 62. In this way, the swirling flow path 60 is defined and formed by the pair of curved portions 63, the pair of diverging portions 64, and the pair of opposing surface portions 62.

[0040] In this embodiment, the cross section of the swirl flow path 60 cut along a vertical plane perpendicular to the water flow direction is formed into a constricted shape that is narrower at the center than at both ends in the radial direction of the cylindrical body 52. ​​In this example, the constricted shape appears as a continuous shape of a pair of curved portions 63, a pair of flared portions 64, and a pair of opposing surface portions 62 on a vertical plane perpendicular to the water flow direction. In the following, unless otherwise specified, the "radial direction" refers to the radial direction of the cylindrical body 52.

[0041] Examples of the "constricted shape" include a "bundongmo" shape in which both radial ends are ginkgo biloba-shaped, a "gourd" shape in which both radial ends are circular, an "I" shape in which both radial ends are elliptical or rounded rectangular, and an irregular shape in which one radial end is ginkgo biloba-shaped and the other radial end is circular, elliptical, or rounded rectangular. By narrowing the central portion of the cross section of the swirl flow channel 60 and widening the both radial ends, the centrifugal force generated when the liquid swirls in the swirl flow channel 60 is increased, resulting in a significant reduction in pressure in the central portion. The size of the constricted shape is not particularly limited. For example, when the outer diameter of the cylindrical body 52 is 5 to 10 mm, it is preferable to set the longitudinal length of the constricted shape to 3 to 8 mm and the width of the narrowest portion of the central portion to 1 to 3 mm. The cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path at the inlet side of the swirling flow path 60 is preferably 1 / 15 to 1 / 5, and more preferably 1 / 10 to 1 / 7, of the cross-sectional area of ​​the liquid supply flow path in which the bubble generator 51 is arranged (in this example, the flow path from the plug 2 to the socket 3), from the viewpoint of ensuring the liquid flow rate necessary to obtain the desired centrifugal force.

[0042] Fig. 4 is an explanatory diagram of the structure of the swirl flow channel 60. As shown in Fig. 4, the swirl flow channel 60 is formed in a shape such that a constricted cross section of the swirl flow channel 60 cut along a vertical plane perpendicular to the water flow direction rotates around a central axis CL along the vertical plane as the water flows in the water flow direction. Furthermore, the swirl flow channel 60 is configured such that the distance D between the pair of opposing surface portions 62 increases and the area of ​​the constricted cross section of the flow channel increases as the water flows in the liquid flow direction.

[0043] The degree of rotation of the constricted flow channel cross section can be expressed as the angle of rotation of the constricted flow channel cross section relative to the length of the swirl flow channel 60, and preferably rotates 90 to 180°, and more preferably 90 to 120°, per 10 mm in the water flow direction (direction in which the central axis CL extends). In this example, the constricted flow channel cross section is set to rotate 90° around the central axis CL per 10 mm in the water flow direction. Note that the degree of rotation of the constricted flow channel cross section is also determined by the water pressure of the tap water; when the water pressure is relatively high and the flow rate is fast, the angle of rotation per 10 mm of the swirl flow channel 60 may be relatively small. The above numerical range is set when the water pressure is 1 to 2 kgf / cm 2 This is suitable for pressures of approximately 0.1 to 0.2 MPa (approximately the same as the outlet pressure of ordinary tap water).

[0044] FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the swirling flow path 60. FIG. 5(a) is a diagram showing the flow path cross-section when the bubble generation device 51 is viewed from the front side (the outlet side of the swirling flow path 60), and FIG. 5(b) is a diagram showing the flow path cross-section when the bubble generation device 51 is viewed from the rear side (the inlet side of the swirling flow path 60). In FIG. 5(a), the flow path cross-section at the outlet side of the swirling flow path 60 is the region shown by hatching, and the area of ​​this region is designated S1. In FIG. 5(b), the flow path cross-section at the inlet side of the swirling flow path 60 is the region shown by hatching, and the area of ​​this region is designated S2. In the bubble generation device 51 of this embodiment, the area (S1) is set to be larger than the area (S2).

[0045] The force (jet force) of the tap water discharged from the swirl flow path is related to the speed of the tap water in the swirl flow path, so if the speed of the tap water is excessively slowed in the swirl flow path, the force of the tap water will become too weak to be suitable for use. Therefore, the area ratio (S1 / S2) of the area (S1) to the area (S2) is preferably set to 1.1 to 1.5, and more preferably to 1.2 to 1.4. This improves the balance between the area (S1) and the area (S2), allowing the force of the tap water to be suitable for use while generating more bubbles. In this example, when S1 is 20 mm 2 , S2 is 15.4mm 2, the area ratio (S1 / S2) is set to 1.3.

[0046] Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along the arrow EE in Fig. 5(a). As shown in Fig. 6, a pair of inclined portions 65 inclined radially outward of the cylindrical body 52 toward the water flow direction are formed on the opening edge on the outlet side of the swirling flow path 60 in the cylindrical body 52. ​​The angle that the inclined portions 65 form with respect to the water flow direction, in other words, the angle that the inclined portions 65 form with respect to the central axis CL, is preferably 20 to 70°, more preferably 30 to 60°. In this example, this angle is set to 45°. As shown in Fig. 6, in the bubble generation device 51, the swirling flow path 60 has an inclined portion forming region R where the pair of inclined portions 65 are formed. K and a guide portion forming region R in which the guide portion 54 is formed. G The swirl flow path forming region R S In this embodiment, the cross section of the swirl flow passage 60 on the outlet side is formed in the inclined portion forming region R K and the swirl flow path forming region R S The cross section is taken along a vertical plane perpendicular to the central axis CL at the boundary position (position indicated by the arrow with the symbol "F" in FIG. 6) between the swirl flow path 60 and the guide portion forming region R. The area of ​​this cross section is S1. G and the swirl flow path forming region R S The cross section is taken along a vertical plane perpendicular to the central axis CL at the boundary position (position indicated by the arrow with the symbol "G" in FIG. 6), and the area of ​​this cross section is S2.

[0047] If the angle of the inclined portion 65 with respect to the water flow direction is too small, most of the liquid released from the outlet of the swirl flow channel 60 will proceed straight in the water flow direction, making it impossible to efficiently disperse air bubbles. On the other hand, if the angle of the inclined portion 65 with respect to the water flow direction is too large, the liquid will be excessively decelerated near the outlet of the swirl flow channel 60, and the momentum of the liquid will be too weak to be suitable for use. Therefore, by setting the angle of the inclined portion 65 with respect to the water flow direction within the above-mentioned numerical range, the angle of the inclined portion 65 with respect to the water flow direction will be appropriate, allowing air bubbles to be efficiently dispersed and the momentum of the liquid to be suitable for use.

[0048] <Guide section> 1(b), the guide portion 54 is set to a length and an outer diameter that allows it to be inserted into the insertion tubular portion 13 of the plug 2 inserted into the insertion opening 25 of the socket 3 when the cylindrical body 52 and the flange portion 53 are installed in the insertion opening 25 of the socket 3. In this embodiment, the lengths of the cylindrical body 52 and the guide portion 54 in the water flow direction are set so that the tip of the guide portion 54 is located near the inlet of the insertion opening 25 when the cylindrical body 52 and the flange portion 53 are installed in the insertion opening 25 of the socket 3.

[0049] 7A and 7B are explanatory diagrams of the operation of incorporating the bubble generator 51 into the pipe fitting 1. When incorporating the bubble generator 51 into the pipe fitting 1, first, as shown in Fig. 7A, the cylindrical body 52 and the flange portion 53 are placed in the insertion opening 25 so that the flange portion 53 abuts on the step portion 26 of the socket 3. In this installed state, the tip of the guide portion 54 is positioned near the entrance of the insertion opening 25.

[0050] 7(a)-(b), the sleeve 23 is moved from the locked position (see FIG. 7(a)) to the unlocked position (see FIG. 7(b)) against the biasing force of the compression coil spring 35, and then the guide portion 54 is inserted into the insertion cylindrical portion 13 while inserting the insertion cylindrical portion 13 of the plug 2 into the insertion opening 25 of the socket 3. At this time, because the sleeve 23 is in the unlocked position, a portion of the ball 28 can be received in the annular cutout portion 33, and the ball 28 is pushed and moved toward the annular cutout portion 33 by the outer circumferential surface of the insertion cylindrical portion 13, so that the ball 28 can be positioned so that it does not protrude inward from the insertion opening 25, and the insertion cylindrical portion 13 can be inserted deep into the insertion opening 25 without being stopped by the ball 28.

[0051] 7(a) and 7(b), since the tip of the guide portion 54 is positioned near the entrance of the insertion port 25, the tip of the guide portion 54 is easily visible, and the operation of inserting the tubular body 52 into the insertion port 13 of the plug 2 via the guide portion 54 can be more easily performed while inserting the insertion port 13 of the plug 2 into the insertion port 25 of the socket 3. In this way, the tubular body 52 can be easily inserted into the insertion port 13 via the guide portion 54.

[0052] 7(c), when the insertion tube portion 13 is inserted all the way into the insertion opening 25 until the tip (lower end) of the insertion tube portion 13 abuts against the flange portion 53 and the sleeve 23 is released, the sleeve 23 automatically returns to the locked position due to the biasing force of the compression coil spring 35. When the sleeve 23 is positioned in the locked position in this manner, the ball 28 is pressed inwardly of the insertion opening 25 by the inner circumferential surface of the sleeve 23, protruding from the ball retaining hole 27 inwardly of the insertion opening 25, and the ball 28 engages with the annular groove 13a of the insertion tube portion 13. In this manner, with the bubble generator 51 incorporated therein, the plug 2 is connected to the socket 3 in a locked state.

[0053] In this way, in the bubble generating device 51 incorporated into the pipe fitting 1, when tap water from a faucet (not shown) is supplied through the pipe fitting 1 and the bubble generating device 51 to a washing machine (not shown) via a water supply hose (not shown), the tap water flows into the swirling flow path 60 in the cylindrical body 52 via the guide portion 54, and the tap water flows while swirling through the swirling flow path 60.

[0054] Centrifugal force acts on the tap water as it swirls through the swirling flow path 60, creating a pressure difference between the tap water flowing through the constricted portion 61 shown in FIG. 3(a) and the tap water flowing near the pair of opposing surface portions 62. As a result, the tap water flowing through the constricted portion 61 is depressurized. Normally, tap water contains dissolved air, but because it is constantly in contact with air at atmospheric pressure, it is nearly saturated. When such saturated tap water is depressurized, the solubility decreases, and the amount of gas (air) that can be dissolved decreases. The gas that did not dissolve is then generated as bubbles in the tap water flowing through the constricted portion 61.

[0055] When the tap water flowing through the swirling flow path 60 is released from the swirling flow path 60, it collides with the tap water that has already been released, pressurizing the tap water near the outlet of the swirling flow path 60 and increasing its pressure. In the bubble generator 51 of this embodiment, the area of ​​the flow path cross section at the outlet side of the swirling flow path 60 (S1: the area of ​​the hatched portion in FIG. 5(a)) is set larger than the area of ​​the flow path cross section at the inlet side of the swirling flow path 60 (S2: the area of ​​the hatched portion in FIG. 5(b)). As a result, the tap water flowing through the swirling flow path 60 is decelerated before being released. Even if the decelerated tap water is released from the swirling flow path 60 and collides with tap water containing already released bubbles, the collision energy is small, so that the increase in pressure of the tap water containing already released bubbles can be suppressed. This suppresses a decrease in the pressure reduction effect in the swirling flow path 60 and allows more bubbles to be generated.

[0056] Furthermore, in the bubble generator 51 of this embodiment, the distance D (see FIG. 4 ) between the pair of opposing surfaces 62 increases as the tap water advances in the flow direction, and therefore the swirling radius of the tap water flowing through the swirling flow path 60 increases as the tap water advances in the flow direction. This increase in swirling radius is accompanied by a decrease in the swirling speed of the tap water, but the increased swirling radius compensates for the centrifugal force acting on the tap water. Furthermore, the cross-sectional area of ​​the swirling flow path 60 increases as the tap water advances in the flow direction, and therefore the centrifugal force acting on the tap water is strengthened. Furthermore, due to the interaction between the increased swirling radius and the increased cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path, the tap water flowing through the swirling flow path 60 becomes turbulent as the tap water advances in the flow direction, and the stirring effect is increased. Thus, the centrifugal force acting on the tap water is strengthened and the stirring effect is increased, thereby efficiently generating more bubbles and efficiently diffusing the generated bubbles throughout the tap water.

[0057] In the swirling flow path 60, as the tap water advances in the flow direction, the distance between the pair of opposing surfaces 62 increases and the area of ​​the constricted flow path cross section increases, resulting in a swirling radius / flow path cross section expansion structure, which creates a turbulent flow as described above and increases the stirring action, thereby achieving the following effects:

[0058] (1) Bubbles can be made larger by merging with each other. This allows them to float and separate contaminants that cannot be lifted by bubbles with a diameter of, for example, about 100 nm due to their insufficient buoyancy, thereby improving the cleaning effect. (2) The bubbles with negative ions on their surfaces can come into contact more efficiently with the Ca and Mg ions contained in tap water, which can further promote the inactivation of the Ca and Mg ions. (3) Degassed water can be produced more efficiently.

[0059] The above describes the bubble generating device of the present invention based on one embodiment, but the present invention is not limited to the configuration described in the above embodiment, and the configuration can be changed as appropriate within the scope of the invention.

[0060] (Another embodiment 1) In the above embodiment, an example is shown in which the area (S1) of the flow path cross section at the outlet side of the swirling flow path 60 is set larger than the area (S2) of the flow path cross section at the inlet side of the swirling flow path 60, but this is not limited to this, and there may also be a mode in which the area (S1) and the area (S2) are set equal, or a mode in which the area (S1) is set smaller than the area (S2).

[0061] (Alternative embodiment 2) In the above embodiment, an example was shown in which the guide portion 54 was formed in a cylindrical shape, but this is not limited thereto. The guide portion 54 only needs to be able to guide the tubular body 52 to the insertion tubular portion 13 of the plug 2 via the guide portion 54, and the guide portion 54 may be formed by providing a plurality of segments that form a portion of the circumferential direction of a cylindrical member at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction, or by providing a plurality of rod-shaped members at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction. [Industrial Applicability]

[0062] The bubble generating device of the present invention can be effectively used, for example, by incorporating it into a pipe fitting that connects a hose attached to a washing machine and a faucet with a single touch, in applications where it generates fine bubbles known as fine bubbles. [Explanation of symbols]

[0063] 1 Pipe fittings 2 plugs 3 sockets 13 Insertion tube 25 Insertion port 51 Bubble generator 52 Cylindrical body 54 Guide section 60 Swirling flow path 61 Neck 62 Towards the face 65 inclined portion

Claims

1. A bubble generating device incorporated into a pipe fitting, comprising: the pipe joint is configured by detachably connecting a plug having an insertion tubular portion through which a liquid can flow and a socket having an insertion opening into which the insertion tubular portion can be inserted, a cylindrical body that can be installed in the insertion opening and has a swirling flow path through which liquid flows while swirling; a guide portion connected to the cylindrical body and insertable into the insertion cylindrical portion; Equipped with The swirling flow path is a constricted portion constricted along a vertical plane perpendicular to the direction of flow of the liquid; a pair of opposing surface portions disposed opposite to each other so as to sandwich the constricted portion when viewed from the direction of flow of the liquid; and A bubble generating device in which the cross section of the swirling flow path cut along the vertical plane is formed in a shape that rotates along the vertical plane as the liquid progresses in the flow direction.

2. 2. The bubble generating device according to claim 1, wherein the tip of the guide portion is positioned near the entrance of the insertion opening portion when the cylindrical body is placed in the insertion opening portion.

3. 3. The bubble generating device according to claim 1, wherein the cross-sectional area (S1) of the swirl flow path at the outlet side is set larger than the cross-sectional area (S2) of the swirl flow path at the inlet side.

4. 4. The bubble generation device according to claim 3, wherein the swirl flow path is formed so that the distance between the pair of opposing surfaces increases and the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path increases in the direction of the liquid flow.

5. 4. The bubble generation device according to claim 3, wherein the area ratio (S1 / S2) of the area (S1) to the area (S2) is 1.1 to 1.

5.

6. 3. A bubble generating device according to claim 1, wherein an inclined portion is formed at the opening edge of the cylindrical body on the outlet side of the swirl flow path, the inclined portion being inclined radially outward of the cylindrical body in the direction of liquid flow.

7. 7. The bubble generation device according to claim 6, wherein the angle formed by the inclined portion with respect to the flow direction of the liquid is 20 to 70 degrees.

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