Fine bubble generator

Abstract

To provide a fine bubble generator capable of facilitating the attaching / detaching work of a fine bubble nozzle and improving the convenience of a user who cleans the fine bubble nozzle.SOLUTION: In the fine bubble generating device 1, the fine bubble nozzle 100 is rotatable around the axial center X1 in the first and second directions DR1, DR2 in a state of being attached to the discharge port 29. The apparatus main assembly 2 includes engaging portions 31 and 32 provided on the base 20. The engaging portions 31, 32 engage with the fine bubble nozzle 100 pivoting in the first direction DR1 from the removal position to the attachment position to restrict the fine bubble nozzle 100 at the attachment position from separating from the discharge port 29 to one side in the axial center X1 direction, while separating from the fine bubble nozzle 100 pivoting in the second direction DR2 from the attachment position to the removal position to allow the fine bubble nozzle 100 at the removal position to separate from the discharge port 29 to one side in the axial center X1 direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a microbubble generating device. [Background technology]

[0002] An example of a conventional fine bubble generating device is disclosed in Patent Document 1. As shown in Fig. 7, this fine bubble generating device includes a device main body and a fine bubble nozzle.

[0003] The device body is installed in the bathtub and has a discharge passage that discharges hot water supplied from outside the bathtub into the inside of the bathtub. The device body has a partition lid. The partition lid can be compared to the base of the present invention. The partition lid has a discharge port that is the downstream end of the discharge passage.

[0004] The micro-bubble nozzle is detachably attached to the outlet and generates micro-bubbles by acting on gas dissolved in the hot water passing through the outlet passage.

[0005] As shown in Figure 8, the fine bubble nozzle is attached to the outlet by fastening a screw to the partition cover through the fixing part of the nozzle holder while held in the nozzle holder, and is removed from the outlet by unscrewing the screw. By performing this attachment and detachment procedure for the fine bubble nozzle, the user can clean the fine bubble nozzle. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2024-54610 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] However, the conventional micro-bubble generators described above require the user to tighten and loosen screws when attaching and detaching the micro-bubble nozzle, making it difficult to improve user convenience.

[0008] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned conventional situation, and aims to solve the problem of providing a micro-bubble generator that can simplify the attachment and detachment of a micro-bubble nozzle and improve the convenience for users when cleaning the micro-bubble nozzle. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The micro-bubble generator of the present invention is a device body that is installed in a bathtub and has a discharge path that discharges hot water supplied from outside the bathtub into the inside of the bathtub, the device body having a base that is formed with a discharge port that is the downstream end of the discharge path; a fine bubble nozzle detachably attached to the discharge port, which acts on gas dissolved in the hot water passing through the discharge path to generate fine bubbles; A fine bubble generating device comprising: the fine bubble nozzle, when attached to the discharge port, is rotatable about the axis of the discharge port in a first direction from a removal position to an attachment position, and is rotatable about the axis from the attachment position to the removal position in a second direction opposite to the first direction, The device main body is characterized by having an engaging portion provided on the base that engages with the fine bubble nozzle as it rotates in the first direction from the removal position to the attachment position, and is configured to restrict the fine bubble nozzle in the attachment position from moving away from the discharge outlet in one direction in the axial direction, while moving away from the fine bubble nozzle as it rotates in the second direction from the attachment position to the removal position, and to allow the fine bubble nozzle in the removal position to move away from the discharge outlet in the one direction in the axial direction.

[0010] In the micro-bubble generator of the present invention, when a user removes the micro-bubble nozzle from the outlet, the user simply rotates the micro-bubble nozzle in the second direction from the attached position to the removed position, causing the engagement portion to move away from the micro-bubble nozzle, allowing the micro-bubble nozzle in the removed position to move away from the outlet in one axial direction.

[0011] Furthermore, when a user attaches a fine bubble nozzle to the outlet, the fine bubble nozzle, which is spaced apart from the outlet in one axial direction, is moved to the other axial direction and attached to the outlet while in the removal position, and then the fine bubble nozzle is simply rotated in a first direction from the removal position to the attachment position, whereby the engaging portion engages with the fine bubble nozzle and prevents the fine bubble nozzle in the attachment position from moving away from the outlet in one axial direction.

[0012] In other words, when a user attaches or detaches a fine bubble nozzle to clean it, this fine bubble generator does not require the screw tightening and unscrewing operations required for the conventional fine bubble generator.

[0013] Therefore, the micro-bubble generating device of the present invention can simplify the attachment and detachment of the micro-bubble nozzle, improving the convenience for the user in cleaning the micro-bubble nozzle.

[0014] The fine bubble nozzle preferably has an engaged portion that protrudes radially outward from the axis and in a first direction. The engaging portion preferably has a first wall, a second wall, and a third wall formed on the base. The first wall preferably protrudes from the base in one direction in the axial direction and abuts against the engaged portion from the second direction when the fine bubble nozzle rotates in the first direction from the removal position to the attachment position, thereby positioning the fine bubble nozzle at the attachment position. The second wall preferably connects to a connecting edge of the first wall located in one direction in the axial direction and protrudes in the second direction, and abuts against the engaged portion from one direction in the axial direction when the first wall positions the fine bubble nozzle at the attachment position. The third wall preferably protrudes from the base in one direction in the axial direction and is connected to a first radially outward leading edge of the first wall and a second radially outward leading edge of the second wall.

[0015] In this case, the configuration in which an engaging portion having a first wall, a second wall, and a third wall reinforcing the first wall and the second wall is formed on the base allows the engaging portion to engage with the engaged portion with high reliability and prevents damage to the engaging portion.

[0016] The engaged portion preferably has a first engaged portion and a second engaged portion arranged so that their axes are located therebetween. The engaging portion preferably has a first engaging portion and a second engaging portion arranged so that their axes are located therebetween, the first engaging portion being engageable with the first engaged portion but not engageable with the second engaged portion, and the second engaging portion being engageable with the second engaged portion.

[0017] In this case, the problem of the fine bubble nozzle being attached to the outlet incorrectly when its orientation around the axis is opposite to the correct orientation can be prevented.

[0018] The fine-bubble nozzle preferably has a first portion inserted into the discharge port, and a second portion located on one side of the discharge port in the axial direction, the second portion having a gripping portion that is gripped when the fine-bubble nozzle is rotated about the axis, and an engaged portion that engages with the engaging portion when the fine-bubble nozzle rotates in the first direction from the detached position to the attached position. Furthermore, it is preferable that a pushing means be provided between the first portion and the discharge port, which pushes the first portion out in one direction in the axial direction in response to the rotation of the fine-bubble nozzle in the second direction.

[0019] In this case, when the user grasps the gripping portion and rotates the fine bubble nozzle in the second direction, the pushing means pushes the first part out in one direction along the axial center, and the entire fine bubble nozzle moves in one direction along the axial center, allowing the fine bubble nozzle to be easily removed from the outlet.

[0020] It is desirable that the fine bubble nozzle has a nozzle body having a first portion and an engaging portion that is part of the second portion, and a nozzle holder that is at least part of the remainder of the second portion and has a gripping portion and an engaging portion, and that engages with the engaging portion in the axial direction to cover the engaging portion.

[0021] Let's assume that no pushing means is provided between the first portion and the discharge port. In this case, if a user grips the gripping portion and rotates the fine-bubble nozzle in the second direction, the first portion may remain inserted into the discharge port while the mating portion disengages from the nozzle holder, causing only the nozzle holder to be removed from the discharge port. This may result in a malfunction requiring the user to then remove the nozzle body from the discharge port. This increases the risk of the nozzle body and nozzle holder being dropped or lost. In this regard, the fine-bubble generator provides a pushing means between the first portion and the discharge port, thereby preventing such malfunctions and consequently preventing the nozzle body and nozzle holder from being dropped or lost. [Effects of the Invention]

[0022] According to the micro-bubble generating device of the present invention, the micro-bubble nozzle can be easily attached and detached, and the convenience of the user in cleaning the micro-bubble nozzle can be improved. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a micro-bubble generating device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the micro-bubble generating device of the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the micro-bubble generating device of the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a partial perspective view showing the base and the fine bubble nozzle in the attached position. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a partially exploded perspective view of the base and the fine bubble nozzle. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a partially exploded perspective view of the base and the fine bubble nozzle. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a partial perspective view of the base. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a partial front view of the base. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a partial front view showing the base and the fine bubble nozzle in the removed position. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a partial front view showing the base and the fine bubble nozzle in the attached position. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of the fine bubble nozzle. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of the fine bubble nozzle. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a partial front view showing the base and the fine-bubble nozzle, and explains the configuration that makes it impossible to attach the fine-bubble nozzle to the outlet when the orientation of the fine-bubble nozzle around its axis is opposite to the correct orientation. [Figure 14]Figure 14 is a partial schematic diagram explaining the action of the pushing means, where Figure 14(a) is a view from the direction of arrow Z1 in Figure 10, Figure 14(c) is a view from the direction of arrow Z2 in Figure 9, and Figure 14(b) is a diagram showing a transitional state between Figure 14(a) and Figure 14(c). DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0025] (Example) As shown in Figure 1, the fine-bubble generator 1 of this embodiment is one example of a specific embodiment of the fine-bubble generator of the present invention. The fine-bubble generator 1 is a so-called circulation connector that is attached to the side wall 9W of a bathtub 9 installed in a bathroom in a house, facility, etc., and is connected to a hot water supply system (not shown).

[0026] In Figure 1, the inner wall surface of the side wall 9W of the bathtub 9 faces the front side of the page in Figure 1. The inner wall surface side of the side wall 9W of the bathtub 9 is defined as the front, and the outer wall surface side of the side wall 9W is defined as the rear. When a user positioned inside the bathtub 9 and performing maintenance work on the fine-bubble generator 1 faces the inner wall surface of the side wall 9W, the side that is to the left is defined as the left, and the side that is to the right is defined as the right. The front-to-back directions, left-to-right directions, and up-to-down directions shown in Figure 2 and subsequent figures are all indicated in accordance with the directions shown in Figure 1.

[0027] The fine bubble generating device 1 includes a device main body 2 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, and a fine bubble nozzle 100 shown in FIGS.

[0028] <Device body> As shown in Fig. 3, device body 2 has outer adapter 40, packing 45, intermediate adapter 47, inner adapter 50, base 20, and cover body 60. By assembling outer adapter 40, packing 45, intermediate adapter 47, inner adapter 50, base 20, and cover body 60 along assembly axis X2 extending in the front-to-rear direction, device body 2 is installed on side wall 9W of bathtub 9, as shown in Fig. 2. Mounting hole 9H is formed in side wall 9W so as to penetrate in the front-to-rear direction.

[0029] The outer adapter 40, the intermediate adapter 47, the inner adapter 50, the base 20, and the cover body 60 are each manufactured by injection molding or the like using a resin material that is heat resistant to hot and cold water.

[0030] 1, a first connecting portion 41 and a second connecting portion 42 are formed on the rear end side of the cylindrical portion of the outer adapter 40. The first connecting portion 41 and the second connecting portion 42 each protrude downward and have open bottom ends 41D and 42D. The first connecting portion 41 and the second connecting portion 42 are connected to a hot water supply system (not shown).

[0031] 2 and 3, a flange 40F is formed on the front end side of the cylindrical portion of the outer adapter 40. The flange 40F abuts against the peripheral edge of the mounting hole 9H on the outer wall surface of the side wall 9W with a packing 45 interposed therebetween.

[0032] The cylindrical portion of the intermediate adapter 47 is inserted into the mounting hole 9H from the inner wall surface side of the side wall 9W and screwed into the cylindrical portion of the outer adapter 40. A flange 47F is formed on the front end side of the cylindrical portion of the intermediate adapter 47. The flange 47F abuts against the periphery of the mounting hole 9H on the inner wall surface of the side wall 9W with a packing (not shown) interposed therebetween.

[0033] In this way, the outer adapter 40 and the intermediate adapter 47 sandwich the mounting hole 9H in the side wall 9W while sealing the peripheral edge of the mounting hole 9H.

[0034] As shown in Figure 3, the disk portion 50D of the inner adapter 50 abuts against the flange 47F of the intermediate adapter 47 from the front. A small-diameter cylindrical portion is formed on the rear surface of the disk portion 50D so as to protrude rearward. The cylindrical portion of the inner adapter 50 enters the cylindrical portion of the intermediate adapter 47, and its rear end fits into a fitting portion (not shown) formed inside the cylindrical portion of the outer adapter 40. An engaging portion (not shown) formed on the rear surface of the outer periphery of the disk portion 50D engages with an engaging portion formed on the outer periphery of the flange 47F, thereby fixing the inner adapter 50 to the intermediate adapter 47.

[0035] A peripheral wall 50W of the inner adapter 50 is connected to the outer periphery of the disk portion 50D and protrudes forward. A plurality of partition walls are formed inside the peripheral wall 50W on the front side of the disk portion 50D.

[0036] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the base 20 is substantially disk-shaped and is fixed to the inner adapter 50 in a state of abutting against the peripheral wall 50W of the inner adapter 50 and the front edges of the partition walls from the front.

[0037] A first discharge port 29, a first suction port 21, and a second suction port 22 are formed to penetrate the base 20 in the front-rear direction. The first discharge port 29 is an example of the "discharge port" in the present invention.

[0038] The first discharge port 29 is a circular hole centered on the axis X1 extending in the front-rear direction at a position spaced upward from the assembly axis X2.

[0039] 5 and 6, the rearward protruding portion of first discharge port 29 is cut out by notch 29C. As shown in FIGS. 5 to 8, push-out guides 38A and 38B are formed on the inner circumferential surface of first discharge port 29 located near notch 29C.

[0040] 8, the push-out guides 38A and 38B are arranged so that the axis X1 is located between them. The push-out guides 38A and 38B form part of the push-out means 80, which will be described later.

[0041] 3, the first suction port 21 is a generally rectangular hole with a lattice formed in a position spaced downward and to the right from the assembly axis X2. A mesh filter may be attached to the first suction port 21 to prevent foreign matter from entering.

[0042] The second suction port 22 is a generally rectangular hole with a lattice formed at a position spaced downward and to the left of the assembly axis X2. A mesh filter may be attached to the second suction port 22 to prevent foreign matter from entering.

[0043] An arc-shaped recess 28 is formed in the base 20 above the first discharge port 29. The arc-shaped recess 28 is recessed rearward from the front surface of the base 20 and extends in an arc shape in the circumferential direction of the assembly axis X2.

[0044] The disk portion 60D of the cover body 60 is spaced forward from the front surface of the base 20. The peripheral wall 60W of the cover body 60 is connected to the entire outer periphery of the disk portion 60D and protrudes rearward. As shown in FIG. 2 , the cover body 60 is fixed to the inner adapter 50 with the peripheral wall 60W covering the peripheral wall 50W of the inner adapter 50 and the outer periphery of the base 20.

[0045] A partition wall 60S protruding rearward from the rear surface of the disk portion 60D is formed on the cover body 60. The partition wall 60S extends in the left-right direction to separate the first discharge port 29 and the arc-shaped recess 28 from the first suction port 21 and the second suction port 22, and its rear end abuts against the front surface of the base 20.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 1, the disk portion 60D is formed with a fine bubble discharge opening 61 and a mesh opening 62 so as to penetrate therethrough in the front-rear direction.

[0047] The micro-bubble discharge opening 61 is located on the upper end side of the disk portion 60D and is a collection of multiple rectangular holes arranged in an arc shape in the circumferential direction of the assembly axis X2. As shown in Fig. 2, the micro-bubble discharge opening 61 faces the arc-shaped recess 28 of the base 20 from the front.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 1, the mesh opening 62 is a collection of multiple small holes located below the assembly axis X2 in the disk portion 60D, arranged in an arc shape in the circumferential direction of the assembly axis X2, and arranged in the radial direction of the assembly axis X2.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 2, mesh opening 62 connects suction space 60A, which is surrounded by disk portion 60D, peripheral wall 60W and base 20 below partition wall 60S, with the inside of bathtub 9.

[0050] As shown in Fig. 1, a second discharge port 69 is formed at the lower end of the peripheral wall 60W so as to penetrate in the vertical direction. As shown in Fig. 2, the second discharge port 69 is located rearward of the lower end of the base 20 and does not communicate with the suction space 60A.

[0051] <First flow path, first discharge path, and first suction path> The device body 2 has a first flow path P1, a first discharge path P1E, and a first suction path P1S.

[0052] The first flow path P1 is a flow path that connects the lower end 41D of the first connecting portion 41 and a first branch portion B1 that is provided behind the base 20 in the device body 2.

[0053] The first discharge path P1E is a flow path that extends from the first branch portion B1 to the first discharge port 29. The first discharge port 29 is the downstream end of the first discharge path P1E. The first discharge path P1E is an example of the "discharge path" in the present invention.

[0054] A check valve V1A is provided in the first discharge passage P1E. A flexible plate 51A of the valve member 51 shown in Fig. 3 constitutes a valve body of the check valve V1A.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 2, the first discharge channel P1E is a flow path that discharges gas-liquid mixed water, which is part of hot and cold water supplied from outside the bathtub 9, i.e., from a hot water supply system (not shown), into the inside of the bathtub 9. The hot and cold water supplied from the hot water supply system (not shown) includes hot and cold water that is returned from inside the bathtub 9 to a circulation path of the hot water supply system (not shown), circulated, and then supplied to the first discharge channel P1E from outside the bathtub 9. The gas-liquid mixed water is hot and cold water in which gases such as air are dissolved and generated by a gas-liquid mixing device provided in the hot water supply system (not shown). The check valve V1A prevents backflow from the first discharge port 29 to the first branch B1.

[0056] The first suction path P1S is a flow path that extends from the first suction port 21 to the first branch point B1. A check valve V1B is provided midway along the first suction path P1S. A flexible plate 51B of the valve member 51 shown in Figure 3 constitutes the valve body of the check valve V1B.

[0057] 2, the first intake passage P1S is a flow path for returning hot water stored inside the bathtub 9 to a hot water supply system (not shown). The check valve V1B prevents backflow from the first branch B1 to the first intake port 21.

[0058] <Second flow path, second discharge path, and second suction path> The device main body 2 has a second flow path P2, a second discharge path P2E, and a second suction path P2S.

[0059] The second flow path P2 is a flow path that connects the lower end 42D of the second connecting portion 42 and the second branch portion B2 that is provided behind the base 20 inside the device body 2.

[0060] The second discharge path P2E is a flow path that extends from the second branch portion B2 to the second discharge port 69. The second discharge port 69 is the downstream end of the second discharge path P2E.

[0061] A check valve V2A is provided in the second discharge passage P2E. A flexible plate 52A of the valve member 52 shown in Figure 3 constitutes a valve body of the check valve V2A.

[0062] As shown in Figure 2, second discharge channel P2E is a channel that discharges hot water that is not a gas-liquid mixture, but is supplied from the outside of bathtub 9, i.e., a hot water supply system (not shown), into bathtub 9. Check valve V2A prevents backflow from second discharge port 69 to second branch B2.

[0063] The second suction passage P2S is a flow path that extends from the second suction port 22 to the second branch portion B2. A check valve V2B is provided midway along the second suction passage P2S. The flexible plate 52B of the valve member 52 shown in Figure 3 constitutes the valve body of the check valve V2B.

[0064] 2, the second intake passage P2S is a flow path for returning hot water stored inside the bathtub 9 to a hot water supply system (not shown). The check valve V2B prevents backflow from the second branch B2 to the second intake port 22.

[0065] <First Engagement Portion and Second Engagement Portion> 5, 7, and 8, the device body 2 has a first engagement portion 31 and a second engagement portion 32 formed on the base 20. The first engagement portion 31 and the second engagement portion 32 are examples of the "engagement portion" of the present invention.

[0066] 8, the first engagement portion 31 and the second engagement portion 32 are arranged so that the axis X1 is located between them. The first engagement portion 31 is located slightly downward with respect to the axis X1 and spaced to the left of the first discharge port 29. The second engagement portion 32 is located slightly downward with respect to the axis X1 and spaced to the right of the first discharge port 29.

[0067] 5, 7, and 8, the first engagement portion 31 has a first wall 311, a second wall 312, and a third wall 313. The first wall 311, the second wall 312, and the third wall 313 are integrally formed on the front side of the base 20.

[0068] The first wall 311 protrudes from the front surface of the base 20 in one direction along the axis X1 and extends in the left-right direction like a flat plate. In this embodiment, one side along the axis X1 is the front, and the other side along the axis X1 is the rear.

[0069] The second wall 312 is connected to a connecting edge 311C located on one side of the first wall 311 in the direction of the axis X1, protrudes downward, and extends in the left-right direction like a flat plate. The second wall 312 protrudes from the first wall 311 in a second direction DR2 (described later).

[0070] The third wall 313 protrudes from the front surface of the base 20 in one direction along the axis X1 and extends in the vertical direction like a flat plate. The third wall 313 is connected to a first tip edge 311E of the first wall 311, which is located radially outward from the axis X1, and a second tip edge 312E of the second wall 312, which is located radially outward from the axis X1.

[0071] The second engagement portion 32 has a first wall 321, a second wall 322, and a third wall 323. The first wall 321, the second wall 322, and the third wall 323 are integrally formed on the front surface side of the base 20.

[0072] The first wall 321 protrudes from the front surface of the base 20 to one side in the direction of the axis X1 and extends in the left-right direction like a flat plate.

[0073] The second wall 322 is connected to a connecting edge 321C located on one side of the first wall 321 in the direction of the axis X1, protrudes upward, and extends in the left-right direction like a flat plate. Similar to the second wall 312, the second wall 322 also protrudes from the first wall 321 in a second direction DR2, which will be described later.

[0074] The third wall 323 protrudes from the front surface of the base 20 in one direction in the direction of the axis X1 and extends in the vertical direction like a flat plate. The third wall 323 is connected to a first tip edge 321E of the first wall 321 that is radially outward from the axis X1, and a second tip edge 322E of the second wall 322 that is radially outward from the axis X1.

[0075] As shown in FIG. 8, the distance L1 that the third wall 313 of the first engagement portion 31 is separated from the axis X1 in the left-right direction is smaller than the distance L2 that the third wall 323 of the second engagement portion 32 is separated from the axis X1 in the left-right direction.

[0076] 5, 7, and 8, the first engagement portion 31 has an anti-rotation rib 314. The anti-rotation rib 314 is integrally formed on the front surface side of the base 20 together with the first wall 311, the second wall 312, and the third wall 313.

[0077] The anti-rotation rib 314 protrudes from the front surface of the base 20 in one direction along the axis X1 and extends vertically like a flat plate. The lower end edge of the anti-rotation rib 314 is connected to the leading edge of the first wall 321 in the radially inward direction of the axis X1. The upper end of the anti-rotation rib 314 is bent and protrudes a short distance in the radially inward direction of the axis X1.

[0078] <Fine bubble nozzle> As shown in FIG. 2, the fine bubble nozzle 100 is attached to the first discharge port 29 in order to generate fine bubbles by acting on gas dissolved in the hot water passing through the first discharge passage P1E.

[0079] As shown in Figures 4 to 6, the fine bubble nozzle 100 is removably attached to the first outlet 29 so that the user can clean it if problems such as poor circulation or clogging occur due to foreign matter being mixed into the hot water passing through the first outlet path P1E.

[0080] Figures 4, 9, and 10 show the state in which the fine-bubble nozzle 100 is attached to the first discharge port 29. In this state, the fine-bubble nozzle 100 can rotate in a first direction DR1 about the axis X1 of the first discharge port 29 from the removal position shown in Figure 9 to the attachment position shown in Figures 4 and 10, and can also rotate in a second direction DR2, which is opposite to the first direction DR1, about the axis X1 from the attachment position shown in Figures 4 and 10 to the removal position shown in Figure 9.

[0081] 9 and 10, the first direction DR1 is the clockwise direction on the paper, and the second direction DR2 is the counterclockwise direction on the paper. In Figures 2, 3, 5, 6, 11, and 12, the orientation of the fine bubble nozzle 100 corresponds to the installation position.

[0082] In the following description of the shapes of the components of the fine bubble nozzle 100, the vertical and horizontal directions of the fine bubble nozzle 100 are based on the state in which it is in the attached position.

[0083] As shown in FIGS. 2, 11, and 12, the fine bubble nozzle 100 includes a nozzle body 110, a nozzle holder 120, and a shield 150.

[0084] The nozzle body 110 and the nozzle holder 120 are each manufactured by injection molding or the like using a resin material that is heat resistant to hot and cold water. The shield 150 is made of an elastic material such as rubber. The shield 150 may also be manufactured by injection molding or the like using a resin material that is heat resistant to hot and cold water.

[0085] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 12, the nozzle body 110 has an insertion portion 111, a seal ring 111S, and a fitted portion 112.

[0086] The insertion portion 111 is a portion of the nozzle body 110 located rearward of the flange 112F of the fitted portion 112. The seal ring 111S is fitted into a seal groove formed in the insertion portion 111. The seal ring 111S is made of an elastic material such as rubber.

[0087] 2, the insertion portion 111 and the seal ring 111S are inserted into the first discharge port 29. The insertion portion 111 of the nozzle body 110 and the seal ring 111S are an example of the "first portion" in the present invention.

[0088] As shown in FIG. 12, the insertion portion 111 is formed with a flange 111F and a first protrusion 111T.

[0089] The flange 111F abuts against the seal ring 111S from behind when the seal ring 111S is fitted in the seal groove of the insertion part 111. Extrusion ribs 118A and 118B are formed on the outer peripheral edge side of the flange 111F.

[0090] The pushing-out ribs 118A and 118B are arranged so that the axis X1 is located between them and protrude rearward. The pushing-out ribs 118A and 118B, together with the pushing-out guides 38A and 38B, constitute the pushing-out means 80, which will be described later.

[0091] The first protrusion 111T protrudes rearward from the center of the flange 111F. Two inlets 115H are formed at the rear end of the first protrusion 111T.

[0092] As shown in FIG. 11, the fitted portion 112 is formed with a second protrusion 112T, a second collision surface 108, and retaining projections 117A and 117B.

[0093] The second protrusion 112T protrudes forward from the center of the flange 112F. A bottomed circular hole centered on the axis X1 is formed at the front end of the second protrusion 112T so as to be recessed rearward, and two ejection ports 116H open at the bottom of the hole.

[0094] The second collision surface 108 is formed on the front surface of the flange 112F and surrounds the second protrusion 112T.

[0095] The retaining protrusions 117A, 117B are arranged with the axis X1 located between them and protrude radially outward from the outer periphery of the flange 112F about the axis X1. The retaining protrusions 117A, 117B are bifurcated protrusions. Small protrusions are provided on the side surfaces of the retaining protrusions 117A, 117B that face the circumferential direction of the axis X1.

[0096] 2 and 12, the nozzle body 110 has two reduced diameter passages 105. Each reduced diameter passage 105 extends forward from each inlet 115H while decreasing in diameter.

[0097] 2 and 11, the nozzle body 110 has two expanding passages 106. Each expanding passage 106 is connected to the front end of each reducing passage 105, and extends forward while expanding in diameter to reach each ejection port 116H.

[0098] 11 and 12, nozzle holder 120 has holder main body 121, gripping portions 141A, 141B, 142A, 142B, and first engaged portion 131 and second engaged portion 132. First engaged portion 131 and second engaged portion 132 are examples of the "engaged portion" of the present invention.

[0099] As shown in FIG. 2, the fitting portion 112 of the nozzle body 110, the nozzle holder 120, and the shielding body 150 are positioned to one side of the first discharge port 29 in the direction of the axis X1 when the insertion portion 111 and the seal ring 111S are inserted into the first discharge port 29.

[0100] The fitted portion 112 of the nozzle body 110, the nozzle holder 120, and the shield 150 are an example of the "second portion" of the present invention. The fitted portion 112 is an example of a "part of the second portion" of the present invention. The nozzle holder 120 and the shield 150 are an example of the "remaining part of the second portion" of the present invention.

[0101] As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the holder body 121 has a large diameter portion 121A, a small diameter portion 121B, and a lid portion 121C.

[0102] 12, the large diameter portion 121A has a generally cylindrical shape centered on the axis X1, and a step 121D is formed on the rear end side of the inner circumferential surface thereof. The step 121D can be fitted onto the flange 112F of the fitted portion 112 in the direction of the axis X1.

[0103] Retaining recesses 127A and 127B are formed on the rear surface of large diameter portion 121A. Retaining recesses 127A and 127B are arranged so that axis X1 is located between them, and are recessed forward from the rear surface of large diameter portion 121A to connect step portion 121D with the outer circumferential surface side of large diameter portion 121A.

[0104] 11, a rotation-preventing protrusion 124 is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the large diameter portion 121A at a position on the front end side and away from the axis X1 to the left. The rotation-preventing protrusion 124 has a substantially semicircular shape when viewed along the axis X1.

[0105] 6, nozzle holder 120 covers fitted portion 112 by fitting step 121D to flange 112F. In this state, retaining protrusions 117A, 117B and retaining recesses 127A, 127B fit together, preventing nozzle main body 110 from coming off nozzle holder 120.

[0106] When retaining protrusions 117A, 117B and retaining recesses 127A, 127B are fitted together, the tips of retaining protrusions 117A, 117B are substantially flush with the outer circumferential surface of large diameter portion 121A. Note that the tips of retaining protrusions 117A, 117B may be set to protrude from the outer circumferential surface of large diameter portion 121A so that they can be easily caught by a fingertip, thereby making it possible to easily separate nozzle main body 110 and nozzle holder 120.

[0107] 11, small diameter portion 121B has a generally cylindrical shape centered on axis X1, and has a smaller diameter than large diameter portion 121A. Small diameter portion 121B is connected to large diameter portion 121A from the front.

[0108] A plurality of outlet holes 121H are formed at the connecting portion between the small diameter portion 121B and the large diameter portion 121A so as to penetrate in the direction of the axis X1. Each outlet hole 121H has an arc shape centered on the axis X1 and is located opposite the outer periphery of the second collision surface 108 in the direction of the axis X1.

[0109] The lid portion 121C closes the front side of the small diameter portion 121B. As shown in FIG. 2, a convex portion that protrudes rearward is formed in the center of the lid portion 121C. A first collision surface 107 is formed on the rear surface of the lid portion 121C. The first collision surface 107 is annular and centered on the axis X1, and faces the front end of the second protrusion 112T.

[0110] 11 and 12, the shield 150 has a multi-stage cylindrical shape centered on the axis X1. As shown in FIG. 2, the shield 150 is fitted onto the outside of the small diameter portion 121B. The rear end of the shield 150 faces each of the outlet holes 121H. The outer diameter of the shield 150 is smaller than the outer diameter of the large diameter portion 121A.

[0111] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the gripping portions 141A, 141B, 142A, and 142B protrude from the outer circumferential surface of the large diameter portion 121A.

[0112] 10, when the fine bubble nozzle 100 is in the attached position, the grip portion 141A protrudes leftward from a portion located below and to the left on the outer circumferential surface of the large diameter portion 121A, and extends leftward below the first engagement portion 31. The grip portion 141B protrudes slightly downward from a portion located below the outer circumferential surface of the large diameter portion 121A. The grip portion 142A protrudes rightward from a portion located above and to the right on the outer circumferential surface of the large diameter portion 121A, and extends rightward above the second engagement portion 32. The grip portion 142B protrudes slightly upward from a portion located above the outer circumferential surface of the large diameter portion 121A.

[0113] The gripping portions 141A, 141B, 142A, and 142B are gripped when the fine bubble nozzle 100 is rotated in a first direction DR1 around the axis X1 from the removal position to the attachment position, or when it is rotated in a second direction DR2 around the axis X1 from the attachment position to the removal position.

[0114] The gripping portions 141A, 141B, 142A, and 142B are gripped when the fine-bubble nozzle 100 is moved away from the first outlet 29 in one direction along the axis X1, or when the fine-bubble nozzle 100 that is moved away from the first outlet 29 in one direction along the axis X1 is moved to the other direction along the axis X1 and attached to the first outlet 29 in the removed position.

[0115] <First engaged portion and second engaged portion> 11 and 12, first engaged portion 131 protrudes leftward from the outer circumferential surface of large diameter portion 121A above grip portion 141A, and its lower end is connected to grip portion 141A. First engaged portion 131 protrudes upward from grip portion 141A. The upper end surface of first engaged portion 131 is a flat surface extending in the left-right direction.

[0116] Second engaged portion 132 protrudes rightward from the outer circumferential surface of large diameter portion 121A below grip portion 141B, and its upper end is connected to grip portion 141B. Second engaged portion 132 protrudes downward from grip portion 141B. The lower end surface of second engaged portion 132 is a flat surface extending in the left-right direction.

[0117] That is, the first engaged portion 131 and the second engaged portion 132 protrude radially outward from the axis X1 and protrude in the first direction DR1. The first engaged portion 131 and the second engaged portion 132 are arranged so that the axis X1 is located between them.

[0118] The thickness of the first engaged portion 131 and the second engaged portion 132 in the direction of the axis X1 is smaller than the thickness of the gripping portions 141A and 142A in the direction of the axis X1, and is also slightly smaller than the gap between the second walls 312 and 322 and the front surface of the base 20 in the direction of the axis X1.

[0119] 9, a distance L3 between the radially outer tip end face of the first engaged portion 131 and the axis X1 is smaller than the distances L1 and L2. A distance L4 between the radially outer tip end face of the second engaged portion 132 and the axis X1 is larger than the distance L1 and smaller than the distance L2.

[0120] That is, the first engaging portion 31 can be engaged with the first engaged portion 131 but cannot be engaged with the second engaged portion 132. The second engaging portion 32 can be engaged with the second engaged portion 132.

[0121] As shown in Figures 4 and 10, when the fine-bubble nozzle 100 rotates in the first direction DR1 from the removal position to the attachment position, the first walls 311, 321 abut against the first engaged portion 131 and the second engaged portion 132 from the second direction DR2, thereby positioning the fine-bubble nozzle 100 at the attachment position.

[0122] The second walls 312, 322 abut against the first engaged portion 131 and the second engaged portion 132 from one side in the direction of the axis X1, in a state in which the first walls 311, 321 position the fine bubble nozzle 100 at the mounting position.

[0123] When the fine-bubble nozzle 100 rotates in the first direction DR1 from the removal position to the attachment position, the anti-rotation protrusion 124 presses against the upper end of the anti-rotation rib 314, elastically deforming the anti-rotation rib 314. When the fine-bubble nozzle 100 is in the attachment position, the anti-rotation rib 314 returns to its original shape and abuts against the anti-rotation protrusion 124, thereby preventing the fine-bubble nozzle 100 from rotating.

[0124] In this way, the first engaging portion 31 and the second engaging portion 32 engage with the first engaged portion 131 and the second engaged portion 132 of the fine bubble nozzle 100 which rotates in the first direction DR1 from the removal position shown in Figure 9 to the installation position shown in Figure 10, thereby preventing the fine bubble nozzle 100 in the installation position from moving away from the first discharge outlet 29 in one direction in the axial direction X1.

[0125] On the other hand, the first engaging portion 31 and the second engaging portion 32 move away from the first engaged portion 131 and the second engaged portion 132 of the fine-bubble nozzle 100 which rotates in the second direction DR2 from the mounting position shown in Figure 10 to the removal position shown in Figure 9, allowing the fine-bubble nozzle 100 in the removal position to move away from the first discharge outlet 29 in one direction along the axis X1.

[0126] As shown in Figure 13, if the fine-bubble nozzle 100 is incorrectly attached to the first outlet 29 with its posture around the axis X1 opposite to the correct posture shown in Figure 9, the first engaging portion 31 will not be able to engage with the second engaged portion 132 because the distance L4 is greater than the distance L1.

[0127] <Extrusion method> 6, a pushing-out means 80 is provided between the insertion portion 111 and the seal ring 111S and the first discharge port 29. The pushing-out means 80 is configured to have pushing-out ribs 118A and 118B and pushing-out guides 38A and 38B shown in FIG.

[0128] In FIG. 14, a set of the push-out guide 38A and the push-out rib 118A is shown, and the set of the push-out guide 38B and the push-out rib 118B is similar and therefore not shown.

[0129] The push-out guide 38A has a first guide surface 38A1, a second guide surface 38A2, and a third guide surface 38A3.

[0130] The first guide surface 38A1 is a flat surface facing forward and extending in the second direction DR2. The second guide surface 38A2 is an inclined surface connected to the first guide surface 38A1 and extending forward in the second direction DR2. The third guide surface 38A3 is a flat surface connected to the second guide surface 38A2 and extending in the second direction DR2.

[0131] Push-out rib 118A has a first cam surface 118A1 and a second cam surface 118A2. First cam surface 118A1 is a flat surface facing rearward and extending in second direction DR2. Second cam surface 118A2 is an inclined surface connected to first cam surface 118A1 and extending forward in second direction DR2.

[0132] As shown in Figure 14(a), when the fine bubble nozzle 100 is in the attached position, the first cam surface 118A1 of the extrusion rib 118A abuts the first guide surface 38A1 of the extrusion guide 38A, and the second cam surface 118A2 of the extrusion rib 118A is away from the second guide surface 38A2 of the extrusion guide 38A in the first direction DR1.

[0133] As shown in Figure 14(b), when the user grasps the gripping portions 141A, 141B, 142A, and 142B and rotates the fine bubble nozzle 100 in the second direction DR2 around the axis X1 from the attachment position toward the removal position, the second cam surface 118A2 rides up onto the second guide surface 38A2 during the rotation, and the first cam surface 118A1 moves forward away from the first guide surface 38A1.

[0134] As shown in Figure 14(c), when the user rotates the fine bubble nozzle 100 in the second direction DR2 to the removal position, the second cam surface 118A2 moves away from the second guide surface 38A2, and the first cam surface 118A1 moves onto the third guide surface 38A3.

[0135] In this way, the pushing means 80 pushes the insertion part 111 and the seal ring 111S in one direction along the axis X1 in response to the rotation of the fine-bubble nozzle 100 in the second direction DR2. As a result, the entire fine-bubble nozzle 100 moves in one direction along the axis X1, so that the fine-bubble nozzle 100, which has been rotated to the removal position, can be easily removed from the first discharge port 29.

[0136] When the fine bubble nozzle 100 rotates about the axis X1 in the first direction DR1 from the detached position toward the attached position, the pushing means 80 performs the reverse operation.

[0137] <Filling operation> The hot water supply system (not shown) performs the filling operation to supply hot water to the inside of the bathtub 9 as follows.

[0138] The hot water supply system (not shown) heats water supplied from an external water source by circulating it through a heat exchanger, and supplies the heated water to the second flow path P2 from the lower end 42D of the second connecting portion 42 of the fine bubble generating device 1, as shown in Figure 2.

[0139] The hot water passes through the second flow path P2, the second branch B2, and the second discharge path P2E and is discharged from the second discharge port 69 into the inside of the bathtub 9. When the hot water supply system (not shown) determines using a water level sensor or the like that a predetermined amount of hot water has accumulated in the bathtub 9, it stops filling the bathtub.

[0140] <Reheating operation> The hot water supply system (not shown) performs a reheating operation for reheating the hot water stored in the bathtub 9 as follows.

[0141] The hot water supply system (not shown) operates a circulation pump (not shown) to draw hot water stored in the bathtub 9 through the mesh opening 62 of the fine bubble generating device 1 and the suction space 60A, and into the first suction path P1S from the first suction port 21.

[0142] The hot water passes through the first intake passage P1S, the first branch portion B1, the first flow path P1, and the lower end 41D of the first connecting portion 41, and is returned to the circulation path of the hot water supply system (not shown).

[0143] The hot water supply system (not shown) heats the water returned to the circulation path by circulating it through a heat exchanger for circulating heating, and supplies the heated water to the second flow path P2 from the lower end 42D of the second connecting portion 42 of the fine bubble generating device 1.

[0144] The hot water passes through the second flow path P2, the second branch B2, and the second discharge path P2E and is discharged from the second discharge port 69 into the inside of the bathtub 9. The hot water supply system (not shown) ends the reheating operation when it determines, using a water temperature sensor or the like, that the hot water stored in the bathtub 9 has risen to the set temperature, or when it receives a command to end the reheating operation.

[0145] <Fine bubble generation operation> The hot water supply system (not shown) performs a fine bubble generating operation in which hot water stored in the bathtub 9 is circulated to generate fine bubbles as follows.

[0146] The hot water supply system (not shown) operates a circulation pump (not shown) to draw hot water stored in the bathtub 9 through the mesh opening 62 of the fine bubble generator 1 and the suction space 60A, and into the second suction path P2S from the second suction port 22.

[0147] The hot water passes through the second intake passage P2S, the second branch portion B2, the second flow passage P2, and the lower end 42D of the second connecting portion 42, and is returned to the circulation path of the hot water supply system (not shown).

[0148] The hot water supply system (not shown) supplies the hot water returned to the circulation path to a gas-liquid mixer (not shown) to generate gas-liquid mixed water.

[0149] The hot water supply system (not shown) supplies hot water, which is gas-liquid mixed water, from the lower end 41D of the first connecting portion 41 of the fine-bubble generation device 1 to the first flow path P1.

[0150] The hot water passes through the first flow path P1, the first branch B1, and the first discharge path P1E and reaches the first discharge port 29. In other words, the hot water in the bathtub 9 is returned to and circulated through the circulation path of the hot water supply system (not shown), and then supplied to the first discharge path P1E from outside the bathtub 9, and the hot water reaches the first discharge port 29. Then, the fine bubble nozzle 100 attached to the first discharge port 29 acts on the gas dissolved in the hot water passing through the first discharge path P1E to generate fine bubbles in the following manner.

[0151] That is, the hot water that has reached the first discharge port 29 enters each of the inlets 115H into each of the reduced-diameter passages 105, and is depressurized as it passes through each of the reduced-diameter passages 105, causing air bubbles to separate. Next, the hot water is pressurized as it passes through each of the expanded-diameter passages 106 and is ejected from each of the ejection ports 116H, causing the air bubbles to become finer. The hot water ejected from each of the ejection ports 116H then collides with the first collision surface 107, causing the air bubbles to become even finer.

[0152] The hot or cold water that collides with the first collision surface 107 changes its flow direction in the space around the first collision surface 107 and collides with the second collision surface 102. This causes the bubbles to become even finer. The hot or cold water that collides with the second collision surface 102 changes its flow direction in the space around the second collision surface 102 and flows out of the fine bubble nozzle 100 through each outlet hole 121H.

[0153] At this time, the hot water flowing out from each outlet hole 121H collides with the rear end of the shield 150, thereby preventing the micro bubbles from bursting, and reducing cavitation noise.

[0154] Thereafter, the hot and cold water flowing out from each outlet hole 121H passes through the space around the arc-shaped recess 28 of the base 20 and the fine bubble discharge opening 61, and is discharged into the bathtub 9.

[0155] When the hot water supply system (not shown) receives an instruction to end the fine bubble generation operation, it ends the fine bubble generation operation.

[0156] <Action and effect> In the micro-bubble generator 1 of the embodiment, when the user removes the micro-bubble nozzle 100 from the first discharge port 29, the user simply rotates the micro-bubble nozzle 100 in the second direction DR2 from the mounting position shown in Figure 10 to the removal position shown in Figure 9, causing the first engaging portion 31 and the second engaging portion 32 to move away from the first engaged portion 131 and the second engaged portion 132 of the micro-bubble nozzle 100, allowing the micro-bubble nozzle 100 in the removal position to move away from the first discharge port 29 in one direction along the axis X1.

[0157] Furthermore, when the user attaches the fine-bubble nozzle 100 to the first outlet 29, the user simply moves the fine-bubble nozzle 100, which is spaced apart from the first outlet 29 in one direction in the direction of the axis X1, in the other direction in the direction of the axis X1 and attaches it to the first outlet 29 in the removal position shown in Figure 9, and then rotates the fine-bubble nozzle 100 in the first direction DR1 from the removal position to the attachment position shown in Figure 10, whereby the first engaging portion 31 and the second engaging portion 32 engage with the first engaged portion 131 and the second engaged portion 132 of the fine-bubble nozzle 100, thereby restricting the fine-bubble nozzle 100, which is in the attachment position, from moving apart in one direction in the direction of the axis X1 from the first outlet 29.

[0158] In other words, when the user attaches or detaches the fine bubble nozzle 100 to clean it, this fine bubble generator 1 does not require the screw tightening and unscrewing operations required for the conventional fine bubble generator described above.

[0159] Therefore, the fine-bubble generator 1 of the embodiment can simplify the attachment and detachment of the fine-bubble nozzle 100, and improve the convenience for the user in cleaning the fine-bubble nozzle 100.

[0160] In this fine-bubble generator 1, when the fine-bubble nozzle 100 rotates in a first direction DR1 from the removal position shown in Fig. 9 to the attachment position shown in Fig. 10, the first walls 311, 321 abut against the first engaged portion 131 and the second engaged portion 132 from the second direction DR2 to position the fine-bubble nozzle 100 at the attachment position. The second walls 312, 322 abut against the first engaged portion 131 and the second engaged portion 132 from one side in the direction of the axis X1 when the first walls 311, 321 position the fine-bubble nozzle 100 at the attachment position. The third walls 313, 323 are connected to first tip edges 311E, 321E of the first walls 311, 321 and second tip edges 312E, 322E of the second walls 312, 322. In this way, the first engaging portion 31 and the second engaging portion 32 having the first walls 311, 321 and the second walls 312, 322 and the third walls 313, 323 that reinforce the first walls 311, 321 and the second walls 312, 322 are formed on the base 20, which allows the first engaging portion 31 and the second engaging portion 32 to engage with the first engaged portion 131 and the second engaged portion 132 with high reliability and prevents damage to the first engaging portion 31 and the second engaging portion 32.

[0161] 9 and 10, the first and second engaged portions 131, 132 are arranged with their respective axes X1 positioned between them. The first engaging portion 31 can engage with the first engaged portion 131, but cannot engage with the second engaged portion 132 because the distance L4 is greater than the distance L1. The second engaging portion 32 can engage with the second engaged portion 132. This configuration prevents the fine-bubble nozzle 100 from being erroneously attached to the first outlet 29, as shown in FIG. 13, when the orientation of the fine-bubble nozzle 100 around the axis X1 is reversed from the correct orientation.

[0162] 2, the fine-bubble nozzle 100 includes an insertion portion 111 and a seal ring 111S inserted into the first outlet 29, a fitted portion 112 located on one side of the first outlet 29 in the direction of the axis X1, a nozzle holder 120, and a shield 150. As shown in FIG. 14, a pushing means 80 is provided between the insertion portion 111 and the seal ring 111S and the first outlet 29. With this configuration, when a user grips the grips 141A, 141B, 142A, and 142B and rotates the fine-bubble nozzle 100 in the second direction DR2, the pushing means 80 pushes the insertion portion 111 and the seal ring 111S in one direction in the direction of the axis X1, and the entire fine-bubble nozzle 100 moves in one direction in the direction of the axis X1. This allows the fine-bubble nozzle 100 to be easily removed from the first outlet 29.

[0163] 12, the fine-bubble nozzle 100 of the fine-bubble generator 1 includes a nozzle body 110 having an insertion portion 111, a seal ring 111S, and a fitted portion 112, and a nozzle holder 120 that fits onto the flange 112F of the fitted portion 112 in the direction of the axis X1 to cover the fitted portion 112. Let us assume a configuration in which no extrusion means 80 is provided between the insertion portion 111 and the seal ring 111S and the first discharge port 29. In this case, if the user grips the gripping portions 141A, 141B, 142A, and 142B and rotates the fine-bubble nozzle 100 in the second direction DR2, the fitted portion 112 may come off the nozzle holder 120 while the insertion portion 111 and the seal ring 111S remain inserted in the first discharge port 29, causing only the nozzle holder 120 to be removed from the first discharge port 29. This may result in a malfunction requiring the nozzle body 110 to be removed from the first discharge port 29. As a result, the nozzle body 110 and the nozzle holder 120 may be dropped or lost. In this regard, the fine-bubble generator 1 includes the extrusion means 80 provided between the insertion portion 111 and the seal ring 111S and the first discharge port 29, thereby preventing such malfunctions and preventing the nozzle body 110 and the nozzle holder 120 from being dropped or lost.

[0164] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to the examples, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the above examples and can be modified and applied as appropriate within the scope of the invention.

[0165] In the embodiment, the micro-bubble generator 1 is a so-called circulation connector, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the present invention may be applied to a micro-bubble generator that does not have the function of circulating hot and cold water between the inside and outside of a bathtub.

[0166] In the embodiment, the fine-bubble generator 1 is a circulation connector having a first connecting part 41 and a second connecting part 42, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the fine-bubble generator may be a circulation connector having three or four connecting parts.

[0167] In the embodiment, the first engaging portion 31 and the second engaging portion 32 are formed integrally with the base 20, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, an engaging portion that is a separate member from the base may be assembled to the base.

[0168] In the embodiment, the fine-bubble nozzle 100 is designed to be prevented from being erroneously attached to the first outlet 29 when its orientation around the axis X1 is opposite to the correct orientation, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the present invention also includes a configuration in which the fine-bubble nozzle has an axisymmetric shape with the axis as the axis of symmetry, and the fine-bubble nozzle can be attached to the outlet even when rotated 180° around the axis.

[0169] The present invention also includes a configuration in which the first engaging portion 31 and the second engaging portion 32 in the embodiment are modified to eliminate the third walls 313, 323, and a configuration in which the first walls 311, 321 and the second walls 312, 322 in the embodiment are modified to be spaced apart.

[0170] The present invention also includes a configuration in which the shield 150 according to the embodiment is eliminated. In this case, the fitted portion 112 of the nozzle body 110 and the nozzle holder 120 correspond to the "second part" of the present invention, and the nozzle holder 120 corresponds to the "remaining part of the second part" of the present invention. [Industrial Applicability]

[0171] The present invention can be used, for example, in bathrooms in homes, facilities, and the like. [Explanation of symbols]

[0172] 1...Micro-bubble generator 9...Bathtub P1E...Discharge path (first discharge path) 2...Device body 29…Discharge port (first discharge port) 20...Bass 100...Fine bubble nozzle X1: Axis of outlet (axis of first outlet) DR1…first direction DR2…Second direction 31, 32...engagement portion (31...first engagement portion, 32...second engagement portion) 131, 132...Engaged part (131...First engaged part, 132...Second engaged part) 311, 321...1st wall 312, 322…Second wall 313, 323…Third wall 311C, 321C...Connecting edge of the first wall 311E, 321E...First leading edge of the first wall 312E, 322E...Second leading edge of the second wall 111, 111S...first part (111...insertion part of nozzle body, 111S...seal ring) 112, 120, 150... second part (112... fitting part of nozzle body, 120... nozzle holder, 150... shield) 141A, 141B, 142A, 142B...Gripping part 80...Extrusion means 110...Nozzle body

Claims

1. A device body that is installed in the bathtub and has a discharge path that discharges hot water supplied from outside the bathtub into the inside of the bathtub, the device body having a base that has a discharge port that is the downstream end of the discharge path; a fine bubble nozzle detachably attached to the discharge port, which acts on gas dissolved in the hot water passing through the discharge path to generate fine bubbles; A fine bubble generating device comprising: the fine bubble nozzle, when attached to the discharge port, is rotatable about an axis of the discharge port from a removal position to an attachment position in a first direction, and is rotatable about the axis from the attachment position to the removal position in a second direction opposite to the first direction, The device main body is characterized in that it has an engaging portion provided on the base, which engages with the fine bubble nozzle as it rotates in the first direction from the removal position to the installation position, and is configured to restrict the fine bubble nozzle in the installation position from moving away from the discharge outlet in one direction in the axial direction, while moving away from the fine bubble nozzle as it rotates in the second direction from the installation position to the removal position, and allows the fine bubble nozzle in the removal position to move away from the discharge outlet in the one direction in the axial direction.

2. The fine bubble nozzle has an engaged portion that protrudes radially outward from the axis and also protrudes in the first direction, the engaging portion has a first wall, a second wall, and a third wall formed on the base, the first wall projects from the base in one direction in the axial direction, and when the fine bubble nozzle rotates in the first direction from the removal position to the attachment position, the first wall abuts against the engaged portion from the second direction to position the fine bubble nozzle at the attachment position; the second wall is connected to a connecting edge of the first wall located on one side in the axial direction and protrudes in the second direction, and the first wall abuts against the engaged portion from the one side in the axial direction when the first wall positions the fine bubble nozzle at the attachment position; 2. The micro-bubble generator according to claim 1, wherein the third wall protrudes from the base toward one side in the axial direction and is connected to a first tip edge of the first wall in the radially outer direction and a second tip edge of the second wall in the radially outer direction.

3. the engaged portion has a first engaged portion and a second engaged portion that are arranged so that the axis is located between them, The micro-bubble generating device according to claim 2, wherein the engaging portion comprises a first engaging portion and a second engaging portion arranged so that the axis is positioned between them, the first engaging portion being engageable with the first engaged portion but not with the second engaged portion, and the second engaging portion being engageable with the second engaged portion.

4. The fine bubble nozzle includes a first portion inserted into the outlet; a second portion located on one side of the discharge port in the axial direction, the second portion having a gripping portion that is gripped when the fine bubble nozzle is rotated around the axial center, and an engaged portion that engages with the engaging portion when the fine bubble nozzle is rotated in the first direction from the removal position to the attachment position, A micro-bubble generator according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein an extrusion means is provided between the first portion and the discharge port, for extruding the first portion in one direction of the axial center in response to rotation of the micro-bubble nozzle in the second direction.

5. The fine bubble nozzle includes a nozzle body having the first portion and a fitted portion that is a part of the second portion; The fine-bubble generating device according to claim 4, further comprising: a nozzle holder which is at least a part of the remaining portion of the second part, has the gripping portion and the engaged portion, and is engaged with the engaged portion in the axial direction to cover the engaged portion.

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