faucet

Abstract

The present invention provides a faucet capable of generating fine bubbles in water that is dispensed more effectively than conventional faucets. [Solution] The faucet 1 comprises a raw water inlet into which raw water flows, a cartridge 4 for purifying the raw water, a purified water flow path 12 which is a flow path through which purified water (raw water that has passed through the cartridge 4) flows, a water outlet 14 for discharging the purified water, and a fine bubble generating unit 16 for generating fine bubbles in the purified water, with the fine bubble generating unit 16 being located downstream of the cartridge 4.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a faucet capable of generating fine bubbles in the discharged water.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as a technique for discharging water with fine bubbles generated, the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1 below is known. The above "fine bubbles" are, for example, microbubbles (bubbles with a bubble diameter of 1 μm or more and less than 100 μm) or nanobubbles (also referred to as "ultra-fine bubbles", bubbles with a diameter of less than 1 μm).

[0003] In Patent Document 1, there is provided a liquid flow path body having a liquid flow path hole in which an inlet, an outlet, a liquid inlet hole on the inlet side, and a liquid outlet hole on the outlet side are continuous, a first vortex forming body disposed in the liquid inlet hole, and a second vortex forming body disposed in the liquid flow path hole between the first vortex forming body and the outlet.

[0004] Then, the liquid flowing into the liquid inlet hole from the inlet flows out from the outlet through the liquid outlet hole. The first vortex forming body forms a first vortex in the liquid at the liquid outlet hole, and the second vortex forming body forms a second vortex in the liquid at the liquid outlet hole between the inner circumferences of the holes of the liquid flow path hole. The second vortex rotates integrally with the first vortex to become a turbulent flow and advances to the outlet through the liquid outlet hole. As a result, the air in the liquid is crushed into a large number of micro-unit bubbles and nano-unit bubbles by the turbulent flow caused by the first vortex and the second vortex, mixed into the liquid, and discharged from the outlet.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] Incidentally, users had been requesting a technology that could generate fine bubbles in water that was being discharged more effectively than the conventional technologies described above.

[0007] This invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and aims to provide a faucet that can generate fine bubbles in water that is discharged more effectively than conventional faucets. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] (1) The present invention comprises a raw water inlet into which raw water flows, a cartridge for purifying the raw water, a purified water flow path which is a flow path through which purified water, which is water that has passed through the cartridge, flows, a discharge section for discharging the purified water, and a fine bubble generating section for generating fine bubbles in the purified water, wherein the fine bubble generating section is located downstream of the cartridge.

[0009] According to the present invention as described in (1) above, since the fine bubble generation unit is located downstream of the cartridge, it is possible to suppress the influence of the cartridge on the fine bubbles. The influence of the cartridge on the fine bubbles is, for example, the disappearance of the fine bubbles.

[0010] (2) In addition, in the present invention, the fine bubble generating unit may be located near the water discharge unit.

[0011] According to the present invention as described in (2) above, since the fine bubble generating unit is located near the water outlet (i.e., at the tip of the entire flow path of the faucet), it is possible to take in more air and generate more fine bubbles.

[0012] (3) In addition, in the present invention, the fine bubble generating unit may be arranged adjacent to the cartridge.

[0013] According to the present invention as described in (3) above, since the fine bubble generation unit is located adjacent to the cartridge and downstream of the cartridge, it is possible to suppress the influence of the cartridge on the fine bubbles.

[0014] (4) In addition, in the present invention, the fine bubble generating unit may be arranged integrally with the cartridge.

[0015] According to the present invention as described in (4) above, the fine bubble generating unit is integrated with the cartridge, so for example, the fine bubble generating unit and the cartridge can be attached and detached together.

[0016] (5) In addition, the present invention may include a raw water flow path which is a flow path through which the raw water goes to the water discharge section without passing through the cartridge, and a switching section which switches the form in which the water discharge section discharges water, wherein the switching section may be able to switch whether the water discharge section discharges the raw water or the purified water.

[0017] According to the present invention as described in (5) above, the switching section allows the water outlet to switch between discharging raw water and purified water. This makes it possible to dispense purified water, and also to dispense raw water without passing it through the cartridge. As a result, it is possible to reduce the wear and tear on the cartridge.

[0018] (6) In addition, in the present invention, the above-mentioned embodiment includes at least a shower mode in which raw water is discharged in a shower-like manner, and at least a straight mode in which purified water is discharged in a straight manner, and the fine bubble generating unit may be arranged in the shower channel, which is the flow path in the shower mode, and in the straight channel, which is the flow path in the straight mode.

[0019] According to the present invention as described above in (6), since the fine bubble generating portion is arranged in the shower flow path and the straight flow path, fine bubbles can be generated in both the shower mode in which water is discharged in a shower shape and the straight mode in which water is discharged in a straight shape.

[0020] (7) Further, in the present invention, the fine bubble generating portion generates the fine bubbles by a Venturi tube, and the Venturi tube in the straight mode may have a longer flow path than the Venturi tube in the shower mode.

[0021] According to the present invention as described above in (7), in the straight mode, it is possible to generate more fine bubbles. That is, it is possible to increase the generation amount of fine bubbles when discharging purified water.

Effect of the Invention

[0022] According to the present invention, there is an effect that fine bubbles can be generated in water discharged better than in the prior art.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0023] [Figure 1] It is a perspective view showing Embodiment 1 of a faucet according to the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a view showing the tip side of the faucet in FIG. 1, where (a) is a view showing the flow path body when viewed from the direction indicated by arrow A in FIG. 1, and (b) is a view showing the water discharge portion. [Figure 3] It is a cross-sectional view taken between B and B in FIG. 2(a). [Figure 4] It is a cross-sectional view taken between C and C in FIG. 2(a). [Figure 5] It is a view showing a state in which the first Venturi tube constituting the fine bubble generating portion in FIG. 4 is cut along this axial direction, where (a) is a perspective view of the first Venturi tube and (b) is a side view of the first Venturi tube. [Figure 6]Figure 4 shows the second venturi tube, which constitutes the fine bubble generation section, cut along its axial direction; (a) is a perspective view of the second venturi tube, and (b) is a side view of the second venturi tube. [Figure 7] This figure shows an embodiment 2 of the faucet according to the present invention, where (a) is a perspective view of the faucet and (b) is a diagram showing the flow path as viewed from the direction indicated by arrow D in (a). [Figure 8] Figure 7 shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of the area near the fine bubble generation region, where (a) is a cross-sectional view between E and F in Figure 7(b), and (b) is a cross-sectional view between F and F in Figure 7(b). [Figure 9] This is a side view showing the fine bubble generation section in Figure 8, cut along this axial direction. [Figure 10] This figure shows a third embodiment of the faucet according to the present invention, where (a) is a perspective view of the faucet and (b) is a diagram showing the flow path as viewed from the direction indicated by arrow G in (a). [Figure 11] This is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the area near the fine bubble generation region in Figure 10, and is a cross-sectional view between HH in Figure 10(b). [Figure 12] This is a perspective view showing Embodiment 4 of the faucet according to the present invention. [Figure 13] Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view between K and L. [Figure 14] Figure 13 shows the fine bubble generation section, where (a) is a perspective view of the fine bubble generation section, and (b) is a side view showing the fine bubble generation section in (a) cut along this axial direction. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0024] The following describes the faucets according to Embodiments 1 to 4 of the present invention. Embodiment 1

[0025] Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described below with reference to Figures 1 to 6. Figure 1 is a perspective view showing Embodiment 1 of the faucet according to the present invention, Figure 2 is a view showing the tip side of the faucet in Figure 1, where (a) is a view showing the flow path as seen from the direction indicated by arrow A in Figure 1, and (b) is a view showing the water discharge section, Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view between B and C in Figure 2(a), Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view between C and C in Figure 2(a), Figure 5 is a view showing the first venturi tube constituting the fine bubble generation section in Figure 4 cut along its axial direction, where (a) is a perspective view of the first venturi tube and (b) is a side view of the first venturi tube, Figure 6 is a view showing the second venturi tube constituting the fine bubble generation section in Figure 4 cut along its axial direction, where (a) is a perspective view of the second venturi tube and (b) is a side view of the second venturi tube.

[0026] <Regarding the overall configuration of the faucet according to Embodiment 1> In this embodiment, we will describe the case in which the faucet 1 is applied to a water tap, as shown in Figure 1. The faucet 1 includes a pipe storage section 2 capable of housing pipes (not shown) through which raw water, which is tap water, passes; an on / off lever 3 provided in the pipe storage section 2; a cartridge 4 for purifying the raw water flowing in from the pipes; and a flow path body 5 configured to discharge purified water, which is water that has passed through the cartridge 4. The following describes each component of the faucet 1 according to this embodiment.

[0027] <Regarding the pipe storage area> The pipe storage section 2 has a cylindrical shape and is formed to accommodate a pipe through which raw water passes, with its lower end connected to a desired base. In addition, a first cartridge connection section 6 is provided in the axial middle of the pipe storage section 2, to which a cartridge 4 can be detachably connected. Although not shown in the figures, the pipe is provided with an on / off valve configured to open and close the passage of raw water.

[0028] <About the opening / closing lever> The opening / closing lever 3 is a lever provided at the upper end of the pipe storage section 2, and is configured to open and close the valve of the pipe by moving the open end of the opening / closing lever 3 up and down.

[0029] <About the cartridge> The cartridge 4 comprises a cylindrical cartridge case 7 and a water purification layer 8 housed in a water purification layer storage section 9 within the cartridge case 7.

[0030] <About the cartridge case> The cartridge case 7 is formed such that one end in the longitudinal direction can be detachably connected to the first cartridge connection part 6 of the piping storage part 2, and the other end in the longitudinal direction can be detachably connected to the second cartridge connection part 17 of the flow path body 5, which will be described later.

[0031] <About the water treatment tank> The water purification layer 8 is a purification material that allows water to pass through and is capable of performing a treatment that transforms raw water into purified water upon contact. The purification material is a material (material) that has a dechlorination function to remove chlorine from raw water, and examples include calcium sulfite, ascorbic acid, activated carbon, and hollow fiber membranes.

[0032] <Regarding the raw water inflow section> The interior of the cartridge case 7 at one end, although not shown in detail, includes a raw water inlet into which raw water flows. This raw water inlet corresponds to the "raw water inlet" in the claims and is formed so that raw water that has passed through the piping can flow into the cartridge 4 and flow path 5.

[0033] <Regarding the water treatment tank housing section and the first raw water flow path section> The cartridge case 7 includes a water purification layer housing section 9 capable of housing the water purification layer 8, and a first raw water flow path section 10, which is a flow path through which raw water proceeds to the discharge section 14 (described later) without passing through the cartridge 4. The first raw water flow path section 10 is formed to surround the outer periphery of the water purification layer 8 when the water purification layer 8 is housed in the water purification layer housing section 9. The first raw water flow path section 10 constitutes the "raw water flow path section" in the claims.

[0034] <About the flow path> As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the flow path body 5 comprises a flow path main body 11 continuously installed on the cartridge 4, a purified water flow path section 12 through which purified water (raw water that has passed through the cartridge 4) flows, second raw water flow path sections 13a and 13b through which raw water flows without passing through the cartridge 4, a discharge section 14 (see Figure 4) that discharges purified water or raw water, a switching section 15 that switches the form in which the discharge section 14 discharges water, and a fine bubble generating section 16 (see Figure 4) that generates fine bubbles in the purified water. The various components of the flow path body 5 will be described below.

[0035] <About the main flow path> The flow path body 11 has a cylindrical shape and is formed to be connectable to the cartridge 4. The flow path body 11 is divided into a purified water flow path section 12 and a second raw water flow path section 13a, 13b by a first internal housing 18 and a second internal housing 19. A water discharge section 14, a switching section 15, and a fine bubble generation section 16 are provided at the tip of the flow path body 11.

[0036] <About the water purification channel> The purified water channel section 12 is formed to extend toward the discharge section 14, separated from the second raw water channel sections 13a and 13b by the first internal housing 18 and the second internal housing 19. The purified water channel section 12 is in communication with a straight channel 39 formed in the second internal housing 19.

[0037] <Regarding the Second Raw Water Flow Channel> The second raw water flow channels 13a and 13b are each formed to communicate with the first raw water flow channel 10 of the cartridge case 7 when the flow channel body 11 is connected to the cartridge 4. The second raw water flow channels 13a and 13b are formed to extend toward the water discharge section 14, separated from the purified water flow channel 12 by the first internal housing 18 and the second internal housing 19 which is arranged to surround the outside of the first internal housing 18. The second raw water flow channel 13a is connected to the straight flow channel 39, and the second raw water flow channel 13b is connected to the shower flow channel 40 formed in the second internal housing 19.

[0038] <About the water outlet> The water discharge section 14 is positioned at the tip of the flow path body 11 so as to be able to discharge purified water or raw water downwards. The water discharge section 14 is a member formed in a substantially disc shape and has one straight water discharge hole 20 and a number of shower water discharge holes 21.

[0039] The straight discharge hole 20 is a relatively large-diameter hole formed approximately in the center of the plate surface of the discharge section 14 (see Figure 2(b)). The straight discharge hole 20 is formed to allow purified water that has passed through the purified water flow path section 12 and the straight flow path 39, or raw water that has passed through the second raw water flow path section 13a and the straight flow path 39, to be discharged in a straight (rod-like) manner.

[0040] The shower discharge holes 21 are extremely small diameter holes formed in large numbers on the plate surface of the discharge section 14 so as to surround the outer circumference of the straight discharge holes 20 (see Figure 2(b)). The shower discharge holes 21 are formed so as to be able to discharge the raw water that has passed through the second raw water flow path section 13b and the shower flow path 40 in a shower-like manner.

[0041] <About the switching mechanism> The switching unit 15 is a mechanism configured to allow the water discharge unit 14 to switch between discharging raw water and purified water, and as shown in Figure 3, it comprises a switching lever 22, a rotational transmission shaft 23, a camshaft 24, a guide housing 25, a plurality (three in this embodiment) of pressing rods 26a, 26b, 26c, and a plurality (three in this embodiment) of valve rods 27a, 27b, 27c.

[0042] <About the selector lever> The switching lever 22 is located on one side of the tip end of the flow path body 11 and is designed to be rotatable by the user's fingers.

[0043] <Regarding the rotational transmission shaft> The rotational transmission shaft 23 is housed inside the flow path body 11, and one end of it in the axial direction is connected to the switching lever 22 so as to transmit the rotation of the switching lever 22 to the camshaft 24.

[0044] <About camshafts> The camshaft 24 is a rod-shaped member, and one end of the camshaft in the axial direction is connected to the other end of the rotational transmission shaft 23 in the axial direction. The camshaft 24 is rotatable inside the flow path body 11, guided by the second internal housing 19 and the guide housing 25, which will be described later. The camshaft 24 has a plurality (two in this embodiment) of guide pieces 28a, 28b and a plurality (three in this embodiment) of pressing protrusions 29 on its outer circumferential surface. The guide pieces 28a, 28b and the pressing protrusions 29 are arranged at a predetermined interval in the axial direction of the camshaft 24.

[0045] <About Guide Housing> The guide housing 25 is located inside the second internal housing 19. The space between the guide housing 25 and the second internal housing 19 is kept watertight by a plurality of seal rings 30 attached to the outer surface of the guide housing 25. The guide housing 25 is also connected to the first internal housing 18. The inside of the guide housing 25 is partitioned by a partition wall 31, forming the purified water flow path 12 and the second raw water flow paths 13a and 13b described earlier.

[0046] The guide housing 25 is further formed with guide receiving portions 32a and 32b. The guide housing 25 guides the camshaft 24 by having the guide receiving portion 32a receive the guide piece 28a of the camshaft 24, and by having the guide receiving portion 32b receive the guide piece 28b of the camshaft 24.

[0047] <About the pressure rod> The pressing rods 26a, 26b, and 26c are rod-shaped members, with pressing rod 26a positioned in the purified water flow path section 12 within the guide housing 25, pressing rod 26b positioned in the second raw water flow path section 13a, and pressing rod 26c positioned in the second raw water flow path section 13b. The pressing rods 26a, 26b, and 26c are arranged to be movable in the flow direction of the purified water flow path section 12 and the second raw water flow path sections 13a and 13b. The pressing rods 26a, 26b, and 26c are arranged such that one end of each in the axial direction faces the outer circumferential surface of the camshaft 24.

[0048] <Regarding the operation of the push rod when operating the switching mechanism> Since the pressing rods 26a, 26b, and 26c are arranged as described above, when the switching lever 22 is rotated and this rotation is transmitted to the camshaft 24 via the rotation transmission shaft 23, the rotation of the camshaft 24 causes one of the pressing projections 29 of the camshaft 24 to press one end of the corresponding pressing rod 26a, 26b, or 26c. Furthermore, this pressing allows the pressing rods 26a, 26b, and 26c to move in the direction opposite to the direction of water flow in each flow path section 12, 13a, and 13b (towards the cartridge 4 in Figures 3 and 4).

[0049] <About the valve stem> The valve stems 27a, 27b, and 27c are members that close or open the respective water channels 12, 13a, and 13b, respectively, at approximately the midpoint between the purified water channel section 12 and the second raw water channel sections 13a and 13b. Each valve stem 27a, 27b, and 27c has a valve portion 33 formed at one end in the axial direction and a rod-shaped portion 34 formed continuously with the valve portion 33.

[0050] In this embodiment, valve stem 27a is positioned in the purified water flow path section 12 of the first internal housing 18 with the valve portion 33 in contact with the pressing rod 26a. Valve stem 27b is positioned in the second raw water flow path section 13a between the first internal housing 18 and the guide housing 25 with the valve portion 33 in contact with the pressing rod 26b. Valve stem 27c is also positioned in the second raw water flow path section 13b between the first internal housing 18 and the guide housing 25 with the valve portion 33 in contact with the pressing rod 26c. Valve stems 27a, 27b, and 27c are positioned to be movable in the flow direction of the purified water flow path section 12 and the second raw water flow path sections 13a and 13b.

[0051] The valve section 33 is formed to close off a portion of the purified water flow path section 12 of the first internal housing 18 where the flow path width is relatively narrow. The valve stem 27b is formed to close off the second raw water flow path section 13a between the first internal housing 18 and the guide housing 25. The valve stem 27c is also formed to close off the second raw water flow path section 13b between the first internal housing 18 and the guide housing 25. Seal rings 36 are attached to each outer surface of the valve section 33, and when the valve section 33 closes each flow path section 12, 13a, and 13b, the seal rings 36 can stop the flow.

[0052] Each rod-shaped portion 34 is supported by valve stem support portions 37a, 37b, and 37c of the first internal housing 18. Support by these valve stem support portions 37a, 37b, and 37c means that the valve stems 27a, 27b, and 27c are supported so that they can move in the flow direction of each flow path portion 12, 13a, and 13b. In this supported state, a biasing member 38 is attached to the outer circumference of each rod-shaped portion 34. The biasing member 38 is positioned so that the valve stems 27a, 27b, and 27c are always biased in the direction of water flow in each flow path portion 12, 13a, and 13b. In this embodiment, a helical spring is used as the biasing member 38.

[0053] <Regarding the operation of the valve stem when operating the switching mechanism> As described above, the valve stems 27a, 27b, and 27c are always biased in the direction of water flow in each flow path section 12, 13a, and 13b, and the valve section 33 can close each flow path section 12, 13a, and 13b. Furthermore, as explained earlier, when any one of the pressing rods 26a, 26b, and 26c moves in the direction opposite to the direction of water flow in each flow path section 12, 13a, and 13b, the pressure from any one of the pressing rods 26a, 26b, and 26c causes the corresponding valve stems 27a, 27b, and 27c to move in the direction opposite to the direction of water flow in each flow path section 12, 13a, and 13b, and the valve section 33 can release (i.e., open) one of the closed states of each flow path section 12, 13a, and 13b.

[0054] <Regarding switching the water discharge pattern using the switching mechanism> The switching unit 15 having the above configuration allows the water discharge unit 14 to switch between different water discharge modes (hereinafter referred to as "water discharge modes"). The water discharge modes include at least one mode in which raw water is discharged in a shower-like manner (hereinafter referred to as "shower mode"), and at least one mode in which purified water is discharged in a straight (rod-like) manner (hereinafter referred to as "straight mode").

[0055] For example, in this embodiment, when the operation of the switching unit 15 described above closes the purified water flow path 12 by the valve stem 27a, or releases (i.e. opens) the second raw water flow path 13a by the valve stem 27b, purified water passes through the purified water flow path 12, or raw water passes through the second raw water flow path 13a and is led to the straight flow path 39, and purified water or raw water is discharged in a straight stream from the straight discharge hole 20 of the discharge unit 14. Therefore, the straight mode can be switched by the above operation.

[0056] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the closure state of the second raw water flow path section 13b by the valve stem 27c is released by operating the switching unit 15, the raw water passes through the second raw water flow path section 13b and is guided to the shower flow path 40, and the raw water is discharged in a shower-like manner from the shower discharge holes 21 of the discharge unit 14. Therefore, it is possible to switch to shower mode by the above operation. Note that the configuration of the flow path section may be changed so that purified water is discharged in a shower-like manner from the shower discharge holes 21.

[0057] <About the fine bubble generation unit> The fine bubble generating unit 16 is located downstream of the cartridge 4. In this embodiment, the fine bubble generating unit 16 is located near the water discharge unit 14. Here, "near the water discharge unit" means, for example, preferably within 5 cm from the tip of the water discharge unit 14, more preferably within 3 cm, and even more preferably within 1 cm.

[0058] The fine bubble generation unit 16 is located in the straight channel 39, which is the flow path in straight mode, and in the shower channel 40, which is the flow path in shower mode. More specifically, in this embodiment, the fine bubble generation unit 16 is composed of a first venturi tube 41 and a second venturi tube 42, and fine bubbles are generated by these first and second venturi tubes 41 and 42. The first venturi tube 41 is located in the straight channel 39, and the second venturi tube 42 is located in the shower channel 40.

[0059] While "fine bubbles" are explained in the "Background Art" section of this specification, to explain in more detail, when generating ultrafine bubbles, it is preferable that the number generated is between 1 million and 20 million bubbles / ml.

[0060] The first Venturi tube 41 and the second Venturi tube 42 correspond to the "Venturi tube" in the claims, with the first Venturi tube 41 corresponding to the "Venturi tube in straight mode" and the second Venturi tube 42 corresponding to the "Venturi tube in shower mode".

[0061] <Regarding the first Venturi tube> As shown in Figure 5, the first Venturi tube 41 has a roughly frustoconical outer shape and includes an inlet 43 formed at one end in the axial direction, an outlet 44 formed at the other end in the axial direction, and a flow path 45 that extends in the axial direction and penetrates to connect the inlet 43 and the outlet 44. Multiple flow paths 45 (four in this embodiment) are formed, and their diameter gradually decreases as you move from the inlet 43 side and the outlet 44 side towards a predetermined position in the flow path 45 (a position closer to the inlet 43 than the approximate middle of the flow path 45).

[0062] <Regarding the second Venturi tube> As shown in Figure 6, the second Venturi tube 42 has a substantially cylindrical outer shape and includes an inlet 46 formed at one end in the axial direction, an outlet 47 formed at the other end in the axial direction, and a flow path 48 that extends in the axial direction and penetrates to connect the inlet 46 and the outlet 47. Multiple flow paths 48 (eight in this embodiment) are formed, and their diameter gradually decreases as you move from the inlet 46 side and the outlet 47 side towards a predetermined position in the flow path 48 (a position closer to the inlet 46 than the approximate middle of the flow path 48).

[0063] <Regarding the flow paths of the first and second venturi tubes> The Venturi tube in "straight mode" has a longer flow path than the Venturi tube in "shower mode". In other words, the flow path 45 of the first Venturi tube 41 is formed to be longer than the flow path 48 of the second Venturi tube 42.

[0064] <Effects and benefits obtained by this embodiment> In this embodiment, which has the above configuration, the fine bubble generation unit 16 is positioned downstream of the cartridge 4, making it possible to suppress the influence of the cartridge 4 on the fine bubbles. The influence of the cartridge 4 on the fine bubbles is, for example, the disappearance of the fine bubbles.

[0065] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, since the fine bubble generating unit 16 is located near the water outlet unit 14 (i.e., towards the tip of the entire flow path of the faucet 1), it is possible to take in more air and generate more fine bubbles.

[0066] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the switching unit 15 allows the water discharge unit 14 to switch between discharging raw water and purified water. This makes it possible to discharge purified water, and also to discharge raw water without passing it through the cartridge 4. As a result, it is possible to reduce the wear and tear on the cartridge 4.

[0067] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, since the fine bubble generating unit 16 is arranged in the straight channel 39 and the shower channel 40, it is possible to generate fine bubbles whether in shower mode, where water is discharged in a shower-like manner, or in straight mode, where water is discharged in a straight line.

[0068] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to generate more fine bubbles in straight mode. In other words, it is possible to increase the amount of fine bubbles generated when dispensing purified water.

[0069] Based on the above, this embodiment provides the effect of generating fine bubbles in water that is discharged more effectively than in the conventional method. Embodiment 2

[0070] In addition to Embodiment 1 described above, the faucet according to the present invention may also employ Embodiment 2 described below. Embodiment 2 of the faucet according to the present invention will be described below with reference to Figures 7 to 9.

[0071] Figure 7 shows Embodiment 2 of the faucet according to the present invention, where (a) is a perspective view of the faucet, and (b) is a view of the flow path as seen from the direction indicated by arrow D in (a). Figure 8 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the area near the fine bubble generation section in Figure 7, where (a) is a cross-sectional view between E and F in Figure 7(b), and (b) is a cross-sectional view between F and C in Figure 7(b). Figure 9 is a side view showing the fine bubble generation section in Figure 8 cut along this axial direction. Note that the same reference numerals are used for components identical to those in Embodiment 1, and detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0072] <Regarding the faucet according to Embodiment 2> The faucet 51 according to this embodiment, shown in Figure 7(a), is identical to that of Embodiment 1 in terms of configuration and structure, except that it is equipped with a fine bubble generating unit 52 instead of the fine bubble generating unit 16 (see Figures 4 to 6) in Embodiment 1.

[0073] <Regarding the fine bubble generation unit in Embodiment 2> In this embodiment, the fine bubble generation unit 52 is located downstream of the cartridge 4 and adjacent to the cartridge 4. That is, the fine bubble generation unit 52 is located between the cartridge 4 and the flow path body 5. In this embodiment, the fine bubble generation unit 52 consists of a single Venturi tube as shown in Figures 8 and 9, and fine bubbles are generated by this Venturi tube. In this embodiment, the fine bubble generation unit 52 is a Venturi tube that combines the functions of both a "Venturi tube in straight mode" and a "Venturi tube in shower mode".

[0074] The fine bubble generating unit 52 has a substantially cylindrical outer shape and includes a cartridge connection part 53 formed on one end in the axial direction, a flow path body connection part 54 formed on the other end in the axial direction, a first inlet part 55 formed on one end in the axial direction, a first outlet part 56 formed on the other end in the axial direction, and a first flow path 57 that extends in the axial direction and is formed to penetrate and connect the first inlet part 55 and the first outlet part 56.

[0075] The fine bubble generating section 52 further includes, as shown in Figure 8(b), a second inlet section 58 formed outside the first flow path 57, a second outlet section 59 formed on the other end side in the axial direction, and a second flow path 60 formed through to connect the second inlet section 58 and the second outlet section 59.

[0076] Multiple first channels 57 are formed, and their diameter gradually decreases as you move from the first inlet 55 side and the first outlet 56 side towards a predetermined position in the first channel 57 (a position closer to the first inlet 55 than the approximate middle of the first channel 57). As shown in Figure 8(b), multiple second channels 60 are formed surrounding the first channel 57, and their diameter gradually decreases as you move from the second inlet 58 side and the second outlet 59 side towards a predetermined position in the second channel 60 (a position closer to the second inlet 58 than the approximate middle of the second channel 60).

[0077] In this embodiment, the first channel 57 is a channel through which purified water passes, and the second channel 60 is a channel through which raw water passes. The first channel 57 is formed to be longer than the second channel 60.

[0078] <Effects and benefits obtained by this embodiment> According to this embodiment, which has the above configuration, the fine bubble generation unit 52 is positioned adjacent to the cartridge 4 and downstream of the cartridge 4, making it possible to suppress the influence of the cartridge 4 on the fine bubbles.

[0079] Based on the above, this embodiment provides the same effects as Embodiment 1. Embodiment 3

[0080] In addition to embodiments 1 and 2 described above, the faucet according to the present invention may also employ the following embodiment 3. Hereinafter, embodiment 3 of the faucet according to the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 10 and 11.

[0081] Figure 10 shows Embodiment 3 of the faucet according to the present invention, where (a) is a perspective view of the faucet, and (b) is a view of the flow path as seen from the direction indicated by arrow G in (a). Figure 11 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the area near the fine bubble generation part in Figure 10, and is a cross-sectional view between HH in Figure 10(b). Note that the same reference numerals are used for components identical to those in Embodiment 1, and detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0082] <Regarding the faucet according to Embodiment 3> The faucet 61 according to this embodiment, shown in Figure 10(a), is identical to that of Embodiment 1 in its configuration and structure, except that it includes a cartridge 62 and a fine bubble generating unit 63 instead of the cartridge 4 and fine bubble generating unit 16 (see Figures 3 and 4) in Embodiment 1.

[0083] <Regarding the cartridge in Embodiment 3> Cartridge 62 is identical to cartridge 4 (see Figures 3 and 4) in its basic configuration and structure, except that it is configured to be integrated with the fine bubble generating unit 63.

[0084] <Regarding the fine bubble generation unit in Embodiment 3> In this embodiment, the fine bubble generating unit 63 is located downstream of the cartridge 62 and is arranged integrally with the cartridge 62.

[0085] In this embodiment, the fine bubble generation unit 63 consists of a single Venturi tube as shown in Figure 11, and fine bubbles are generated by this Venturi tube. In this embodiment, the fine bubble generation unit 63 is a Venturi tube that combines the functions of both a "Venturi tube in straight mode" and a "Venturi tube in shower mode".

[0086] The fine bubble generating unit 63 has a substantially cylindrical outer shape and includes a first inlet 64 formed at one end in the axial direction, a first outlet 65 formed at the other end in the axial direction, and a first flow path 66 that extends in the axial direction and penetrates to connect the first inlet 64 and the first outlet 65. The fine bubble generating unit 63 further includes, although not shown in the figures, a second inlet formed outside the first flow path 66, a second outlet formed on the other end in the axial direction, and a second flow path that penetrates to connect the second inlet and the second outlet. The second flow path is a flow path through which raw water that does not pass through the cartridge 62 passes.

[0087] Multiple first channels 66 are formed, and their diameter gradually increases from the first inlet 64 side to the first outlet 65 side. Multiple second channels are formed surrounding the first channels 66, and their diameter gradually increases from the second inlet side to the second outlet side.

[0088] <Effects and benefits obtained by this embodiment> According to this embodiment, which has the above configuration, the fine bubble generating unit 63 is integrated with the cartridge 62, so that, for example, the fine bubble generating unit 63 and the cartridge 62 can be attached and detached together.

[0089] Based on the above, this embodiment provides the same effects as Embodiment 1. Embodiment 4

[0090] In addition to embodiments 1 to 3 described above, the faucet according to the present invention may also employ the following embodiment 4. Hereinafter, embodiment 4 of the faucet according to the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 12 to 14.

[0091] Figure 12 is a perspective view showing Embodiment 4 of the faucet according to the present invention, Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view between K and H in Figure 12, and Figure 14 is a diagram showing the fine bubble generating section in Figure 13, where (a) is a perspective view of the fine bubble generating section and (b) is a side view showing the fine bubble generating section in (a) cut along this axial direction.

[0092] <Regarding the overall configuration of the faucet according to Embodiment 4> In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 12 and 13, we will describe the case in which the faucet 71 is applied to a water tap, similar to the faucet 1 according to Embodiment 1 (see Figure 1). The faucet 71 includes a pipe storage section 72 capable of housing pipes (not shown) through which raw water passes, a flow path body 73 through which raw water and purified water pass, a first handle 74 and a second handle 75 provided in the pipe storage section 72, a cartridge 76 that converts raw water into purified water, a water discharge section 77 capable of discharging raw water and purified water, and a fine bubble generating section 78 that generates fine bubbles. The following describes each component of the faucet 71 according to this embodiment.

[0093] <Regarding the pipe storage area> The pipe storage section 72 has a cylindrical shape and is formed to accommodate a pipe through which raw water passes, and its lower end is connected to a desired base.

[0094] <About the flow path> As shown in Figure 13, the flow path body 73 communicates with the pipe storage section 72 and includes a raw water inlet 79 into which raw water flows, a purified water flow path section 80 through which purified water (raw water that has passed through the cartridge 76) flows, a raw water flow path section 81 through which raw water flows without passing through the cartridge 76, a cartridge connection section 82 to which the cartridge 76 can be detachably connected, and a connecting section 83 to which the lower end of the water discharge section 77 is connected.

[0095] <Regarding the first and second handles> The first handle 74 and the second handle 75 are handles provided on the flow path body 73. The first handle 74 is configured to allow switching between water discharge and shut-off of the faucet 71 by rotating it in the direction indicated by arrow J in Figure 12, and to allow adjustment of the temperature of the discharged water. The second handle 75 is configured to allow switching between purified water and raw water by rotating it in the direction indicated by arrow J in Figure 12. The second handle 75 corresponds to the "switching unit" in the claims.

[0096] <About the cartridge> As shown in Figure 13, the cartridge 76 comprises a cylindrical cartridge case 84 and a water purification treatment layer 85 housed within the cartridge case 84. The cartridge case 84 is formed to be detachably connected to the cartridge connection portion 82 of the flow path body 73. The cartridge case 84 has a raw water inlet 86 into which raw water that has passed through the raw water inlet 79 can flow, and a purified water outlet 87 into which purified water, which is the water that has passed through the cartridge 76, can flow out to the purified water flow path 80.

[0097] <About the water outlet> The water discharge section 77 is connected to the flow path body 73 and is positioned to discharge purified water or raw water downwards from the water outlet 91 (see Figure 1).

[0098] <About the fine bubble generation unit> The fine bubble generating unit 78 is located downstream of the cartridge 76. In this embodiment, the fine bubble generating unit 16 is located within the water discharge unit 14, near the connecting unit 83, as shown in Figure 13. In this embodiment, the fine bubble generating unit 78 consists of a single venturi tube, which generates fine bubbles.

[0099] As shown in Figure 14(a), the fine bubble generating section 78 has a substantially cylindrical outer shape and includes an inlet section 88 formed at one end in the axial direction, an outlet section 89 formed at the other end in the axial direction, and a flow path 90 that extends in the axial direction and penetrates to connect the inlet section 88 and the outlet section 89 (see Figure 14(b)). Multiple flow paths 90 (seven in this embodiment) are formed, and their diameter gradually decreases as you move from the inlet section 88 side and the outlet section 89 side towards a predetermined position in the flow path 90 (a position closer to the inlet section 88 than the approximate middle of the flow path 90).

[0100] <Effects and benefits obtained by this embodiment> According to this embodiment, which has the above configuration, the same effects as in Embodiment 1 are produced. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the same effects as in Embodiment 1 are achieved.

[0101] <Modified version of the present invention> The configuration described in the above embodiments can be modified as appropriate within the scope of the present invention, and the invention is not limited to the configuration of the above embodiments.

[0102] In other words, while embodiments 1 to 4 described above show examples of applying the faucet according to the present invention to a water tap, the invention is not limited to this, and may also be applied, for example, to a shower head in a bathroom shower.

[0103] Furthermore, while embodiments 1 to 4 described above show examples of using a so-called "Venturi type" with a "Venturi tube" as the method for generating fine bubbles, the method is not limited to this, and other fine bubble generation methods such as a swirling liquid flow type, a static mixer type, a micropore type, or an ejector type may also be used.

[0104] Furthermore, not limited to embodiments 1 to 4 described above, a configuration may be adopted in which the "fine bubble generation unit" is placed between the "cartridge" and the "flow channel" and near the "water discharge unit".

[0105] Furthermore, not limited to embodiments 1 to 4 described above, a configuration may be adopted in which both the discharge of raw water and the discharge of purified water can be switched between a straight mode and a shower mode. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0106] 1, 51, 61, 71... faucets 2, 72... Pipe storage section 3…Opening / closing lever 4, 62, 76… cartridges 5, 73...flow channel 6…First cartridge connection section 7, 84... Cartridge case 8, 85...Water treatment layer 9…Water treatment tank housing 10...First raw water flow path section (raw water flow path section) 11…Flow channel body 12, 80... Water purification channel section 13a, 13b...Second raw water flow path section (raw water flow path section) 14, 77... Water outlet 15…Switching section 16, 52, 63, 78... Fine bubble generation section 17...Second cartridge connection 18…First internal housing 19…Second internal housing 20…Straight water outlet 21... Shower spout 22... Switching lever 23... Rotary transmission shaft 24... Camshaft 25… Guide Housing 26a, 26b, 26c... Pressing rods 27a, 27b, 27c...valve stem 28a, 28b... Guide pieces 29...Pressure projection 30, 36... Seal rings 31...Bulkhead 32a, 32b... Guide receiving section 33… Valve 34...rod-shaped part 37a, 37b, 37c...Valve stem support part 38… Biasing member 39…Straight channel 40… Shower channel 41…First Venturi tube 42…Second Venturi tube 43, 46, 88...Inflow section 44, 47, 89... Outlet 45, 48, 90...channels 53, 82... Cartridge connection part 54...Flow channel connection section 55, 64...1st inflow section 56, 65... First outflow section 57, 66...First channel 58…Second inflow section 59…Second Outlet 60...Second channel 74...First handle 75...Second handle (switching part) 79…Raw water inlet 81...Raw water flow path section 83...Connection part 86... Raw water inlet 87...Water purification outlet 91... Spout

Claims

1. The raw water inlet where the raw water flows in, A cartridge for purifying the raw water, The purified water channel section is a channel through which purified water, which is the raw water that has passed through the cartridge, flows. The water outlet for discharging the purified water, The purified water comprises a fine bubble generating unit that generates fine bubbles, The fine bubble generating unit is a faucet located downstream of the cartridge.

2. The faucet according to claim 1, wherein the fine bubble generating unit is located near the water outlet.

3. The faucet according to claim 1, wherein the fine bubble generating unit is arranged adjacent to the cartridge.

4. The faucet according to claim 3, wherein the fine bubble generating unit is arranged integrally with the cartridge.

5. The raw water flow path is a flow path that directs the raw water to the water outlet without passing through the cartridge, The water discharge section includes a switching section that switches the mode in which the water is discharged, The faucet according to claim 1, wherein the switching unit can switch the water outlet between discharging raw water and discharging purified water.

6. The above configuration includes at least a shower mode in which the raw water is discharged in a shower-like manner, and at least a straight mode in which the purified water is discharged in a straight stream. The faucet according to claim 5, wherein the fine bubble generating unit is arranged in the shower channel, which is a flow path in the shower mode, and in the straight channel, which is a flow path in the straight mode.

7. The fine bubble generating unit generates the fine bubbles using a Venturi tube. The faucet according to claim 6, wherein the venturi pipe in the straight mode has a longer flow path than the venturi pipe in the shower mode.

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