Foam water dispensing device

Abstract

To provide a foam water discharge device that can appropriately set a distance between a water injection location and a rectifying part and a distance between a rectifying part and a discharging part while ensuring a discharge diameter of foam water.SOLUTION: A foam water discharge device 10 comprises a cylindrical part 31 having a water flow channel 33 formed therein, and produces foam water by injecting water flowing into the water flow channel 33 from a water inlet 41 of a flow rate adjusting plate 22 from an upstream side through a small hole 48 of a decompression plate 23 to a downstream side and by drawing outside air into the water flow channel 33 through an air hole 35. Further, the foam water discharge device 10 comprises: a rectifying part 51 that is provided at a downstream side of the decompression plate 23 and rectifies generated foam water; and a discharge part 32 that is provided at a downstream side of the rectifying part 51 for further rectifying and discharging the foam water rectified by the rectifying part 51. The rectifying part 51 is provided with downstream protrusions 62 that protrude to the downstream side and are spaced apart from each other. A tip part of the plurality of downstream side protrusions 62 is in contact with the discharge part 32.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a foam water discharge device. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, foam water discharge devices have been used that are attached to the outlet of a water faucet and discharge foam water (air-mixed water) containing air from the faucet. This discharge device allows the user to feel the volume of water even when the amount of water discharged is small, so that the amount of water discharged can be reduced, and thus water can be saved.

[0003] As shown in Patent Document 1, for example, the foam water discharge device includes a cylindrical flow path forming section in which a water flow path through which water flows from the upstream side to the downstream side is formed. Air holes are formed in the peripheral wall of the flow path forming section to introduce external air into the water flow path. In addition, a pressure reducing plate having a plurality of small holes is provided in the flow path forming section so as to divide the water flow path in the water flow direction. Water flowing through the water flow path is sprayed downstream through the small holes in the pressure reducing plate, and external air is drawn into the water flow path through the air holes as the water is sprayed. This causes the external air to mix with the water in the water flow path, generating foam water.

[0004] The foam water discharge device further includes a configuration for rectifying the generated foam water and discharging it. One such configuration is, for example, a configuration including a straightening plate that rectifies the foam water and a discharge plate that discharges the foam water rectified by the straightening plate, inside the flow path forming portion. In this configuration, a plurality of openings are formed in the straightening plate, and the foam water flows through these openings to rectify the foam water. In addition, a plurality of openings are also formed in the discharge plate, and the foam water is discharged through these openings. In this case, the foam water rectified by the straightening plate is further rectified in the discharge plate and discharged. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 5854365 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] In the configuration of the foam water discharge device described above, if the straightening plate is placed too close to the pressure reducing plate, the straightening plate may act as a resistance to the water sprayed from the small holes in the pressure reducing plate, weakening the force of the spray. In that case, there is a risk that less outside air will be taken in, lowering the air mixing rate of the foam water. On the other hand, if the straightening plate is placed too close to the discharge plate, it is assumed that the straightening plate and the discharge plate will not be able to properly straighten the foam water. In that case, there is a risk of disturbance occurring in the flow of the foam water discharged from the discharge plate.

[0007] Thus, the distance between the straightening plate and the pressure reducing plate (and thus the small holes from which water is ejected) and the distance between the straightening plate and the discharge plate are considered to be important in generating and discharging foam water. In order to set these distances to appropriate distances, it is possible to interpose, for example, an annular ring member between the straightening plate and the discharge plate. In this case, the height dimension of the ring member (in other words, the length dimension of the ring member in the central axial direction) can determine the distance between the straightening plate and the discharge plate, and further the distance between the straightening plate and the pressure reducing plate can also be determined.

[0008] However, when a ring member is interposed between the straightening plate and the discharge plate, the opening on the outer periphery of the discharge plate may be blocked by the ring member. In that case, the amount of foam water discharged from the opening on the outer periphery may be limited, and as a result, the diameter of the foam water discharged from the discharge plate may become small. In particular, in small foam water discharge devices, the impact of the small diameter of the foam water discharged is large, and improvements are required.

[0009] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned circumstances, and its main objective is to provide a foam water discharge device that can set the distance between the water injection point and the straightening section, and the distance between the straightening section and the discharge section to appropriate distances while ensuring the water discharge diameter of the foam water. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] In order to solve the above problems, the foamy water discharge device of the first invention comprises a cylindrical flow path forming section having a water flow path formed on the inside through which water flows from the upstream side to the downstream side, and an air passage capable of introducing air from the outside into the water flow path, and by spraying water that has flowed into the water flow path from the upstream side downstream, external air is drawn into the water flow path through the air passage, thereby generating foamy water containing air and discharging it downstream, the foamy water discharge device comprising: a rectifying section that is arranged to separate the water flow path downstream of the point where the water is sprayed, and rectifies the generated foamy water and guides it downstream, and a discharge section that is arranged downstream of the rectifying section and faces the rectifying section, and further rectifies the foamy water rectified by the rectifying section and discharges it from the water flow path, the rectifying section is provided with a plurality of downstream protrusions that protrude toward the downstream side and are spaced apart from each other, and the tips of the multiple downstream protrusions abut the discharge section.

[0011] According to the first aspect of the present invention, the flow straightening section is provided with a plurality of downstream protrusions that protrude downstream, and the tips of the downstream protrusions abut the discharge section. In this case, the downstream protrusions can determine the distance between the flow straightening section and the discharge section, and can also determine the distance between the flow straightening section and the water ejection point. In addition, since the downstream protrusions are spaced apart from each other, foamy water can be ejected evenly from the entire area of ​​the discharge section, even in a configuration in which the downstream protrusions are interposed between the flow straightening section and the discharge section. This makes it possible to set each of the above-mentioned intervals to an appropriate interval while ensuring the discharge diameter of the foamy water.

[0012] The foam water discharge device of the second invention is the same as that of the first invention, wherein the multiple downstream protrusions include multiple outer circumferential protrusions that are arranged on the outer periphery of the straightening section and lined up along the entire outer periphery.

[0013] It is considered that the foamy water discharged from the discharge portion is likely to become turbulent on its outer periphery (surface side). In view of this, the second invention provides a downstream protrusion that is disposed on the outer periphery of the straightening portion and aligned along the entire outer periphery. In this case, the foamy water flowing on the outer periphery between the straightening portion and the discharge portion flows along each outer periphery protrusion, so that the flow of the foamy water flowing on the outer periphery between the straightening portion and the discharge portion can be straightened. This makes it possible to prevent the foamy water discharged from the discharge portion from becoming turbulent on the outer periphery, and ultimately to prevent turbulence from occurring in the foamy water discharged from the discharge portion.

[0014] The foam water discharge device of the third invention is the second invention, wherein the multiple downstream protrusions include multiple inner protrusions arranged more inner than the outer protrusions in the straightening section.

[0015] According to the third aspect of the present invention, in addition to the outer circumferential protrusion, a plurality of inner circumferential protrusions arranged on the inner circumferential side of the outer circumferential protrusion are provided as the downstream protrusion. In this case, the flow of foamy water flowing on the inner circumferential side between the straightening section and the discharge section can also be straightened. Therefore, it is possible to further suppress turbulence in the foamy water discharged from the discharge section.

[0016] The foam water discharge device of the fourth invention is any of the first to third inventions, wherein the discharge portion has a plurality of discharge openings for discharging the foam water, and the plurality of downstream protrusions have a tapered shape at least at their tips.

[0017] According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, since the tip of the downstream protrusion has a tapered shape, when the tip of the downstream protrusion is in contact with the discharge portion, the discharge opening is prevented from being covered by the tip. This makes it possible to preferably ensure the discharge amount of foam water in a configuration in which multiple downstream protrusions are provided.

[0018] The foam water discharge device of the fifth invention is the fourth invention, wherein the straightening section has a plurality of straightening openings through which the foamy water flows and a plurality of straightening partitions that partition the straightening openings, and the straightening partition has an annular straightening partition that forms the outer periphery of the straightening section and extends in a ring shape, and the plurality of downstream protrusions include a plurality of outer periphery protrusions that are disposed on the annular straightening partition and are lined up along the entire circumferential direction of the annular straightening partition, and the discharge section has a plurality of discharge partitions that partition each of the discharge openings, and the discharge partition has an annular protruding partition that extends in a ring shape and against which the tip ends of the plurality of downstream protrusions respectively abut.

[0019] According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, since a plurality of outer circumferential protrusions are provided in the annular flow straightening partition that constitutes the outer circumferential portion in the flow straightening section, it is possible to obtain the same effect as the second aspect of the present invention. Also, since the tapered tips of the outer circumferential protrusions are in contact with the annular protrusion partition that extends annularly in the discharge section, it is possible to suitably prevent the tip of each outer circumferential protrusion from covering the discharge opening.

[0020] A foam water discharge device according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is any one of the first to fifth aspects of the present invention, wherein the flow straightening section is provided with a plurality of upstream protruding sections that protrude upstream.

[0021] It is believed that if the water sprayed toward the flow straightening section is agitated together with the air, it becomes easier to mix the air into the water. In this regard, in the sixth aspect of the invention, the flow straightening section is provided with a plurality of upstream protruding parts that protrude upstream, which can promote mixing of the sprayed water and air. This promotes mixing of air into the water, making it possible to generate foamy water with a high air mixing rate.

[0022] The foaming water discharge device of the seventh invention is, in the sixth invention, a peripheral wall portion surrounding the water flow path in the flow path forming portion has a plurality of air holes formed in the circumferential direction as the air passage, and is provided with a water injection portion arranged upstream of the straightening portion and facing the straightening portion, and having an injection hole as a point from which the water is injected, and a plurality of the injection holes are provided along the entire outer periphery of the water injection portion, and the plurality of upstream protrusions include a plurality of protrusions lined up along the entire outer periphery of the straightening portion.

[0023] According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the water injection section has a plurality of injection holes for injecting water along the entire outer periphery of the water injection section, so that external air drawn in through the air holes formed in the peripheral wall of the flow passage section can be easily mixed into the water. In addition, in this configuration, the flow straightening section has a plurality of upstream protrusions aligned along the entire outer periphery, so that mixing of the water and air injected from each injection hole can be favorably promoted. This makes it possible to favorably generate foamy water with a high air mixing rate. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0024] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a side view showing the foam water discharge device attached to a faucet pipe. [Diagram 2] 1 is a side view showing the foam water discharge device housed in a socket, the socket being shown in vertical cross section; FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the internal configuration of the foam water discharge device. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the foam water discharge device in an exploded state. [Figure 6] 1A is a perspective view showing the main body case, and FIG. [Figure 7] 1A is a perspective view of the rectifier as viewed obliquely from above, and FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the rectifier as viewed obliquely from below. [Figure 8] FIG. 2A is a plan view showing the rectifier, and FIG. [Figure 9] 1A is a plan view showing a state in which the rectifier is disposed in the main body case, and FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0025] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 1, the foam water discharge device 10 is attached to the outlet (tip) of a water tap pipe 11 via a metal socket 12. As shown in FIG. 2, the socket 12 is formed in a cylindrical shape and houses the foam water discharge device 10 inside. An internal thread 12a is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the socket 12, and the internal thread 12a is screwed into a male thread (not shown) formed on the outer periphery of the tap pipe 11. As a result, the socket 12 is attached to the tap pipe 11 in a state where it houses the foam water discharge device 10. Also, in this embodiment, the foam water discharge device 10 is a relatively small one that can be attached to the tap pipe 11 of the washbasin.

[0027] Water flowing through faucet piping 11 is discharged through foam water discharge device 10. In foam water discharge device 10, external air is mixed into the water flowing therethrough to generate foam water (air-mixed water). The generated foam water is then discharged from foam water discharge device 10.

[0028] Next, the foam water discharge device 10 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0029] 3 to 5, the foam water discharger 10 includes a main body case 21, and a flow rate adjusting plate 22, a pressure reducing plate 23, and a flow rectifier 24 provided in the main body case 21. Each of the components 21 to 24 constituting the foam water discharger 10 is formed from a synthetic resin material, for example, polyacetal (POM).

[0030] Next, the components 21 to 24 of the foam water discharge device 10 will be described in order. First, the main body case 21 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0031] As shown in Figs. 3 to 6, the main body case 21 is formed in a cylindrical shape with a bottom. The main body case 21 has a cylindrical tubular portion 31 and a disk-shaped discharge portion 32 provided at the bottom of the tubular portion 31. A water flow path 33 through which water flows is formed inside the tubular portion 31. The water flow path 33 extends in the vertical direction, and water flows from above to below through the water flow path 33. Therefore, the water flows in the vertical direction, with the upstream side of the water flow direction being the upper side and the downstream side of the water flow direction being the lower side. The tubular portion 31 corresponds to a flow path forming portion.

[0032] A plurality of air holes 35 are formed in the peripheral wall portion 34 surrounding the water flow path 33 in the cylindrical portion 31. These air holes 35 communicate with the inside and outside of the cylindrical portion 31, and are arranged at predetermined intervals (more specifically, equal intervals) in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion 31. Each air hole 35 communicates with the water flow path 33, and external air is introduced into the water flow path 33 through each air hole 35. The air holes 35 correspond to an air passage.

[0033] A plurality of ribs 36 extending in the axial direction of the cylindrical portion 31 are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 31. These ribs 36 are disposed between adjacent air holes 35 in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion 31. A groove portion 37 is formed between each of the adjacent ribs 36. These groove portions 37 extend in the axial direction and communicate with each of the air holes 35. When the foam water discharge device 10 is housed in the socket 12, outside air is guided to the air holes 35 through each groove portion 37 between the socket 12 and the cylindrical portion 31 (see FIG. 2).

[0034] Next, a description will be given of each of the components 22-24 provided in the main body case 21. All of these components 22-24 are provided inside the cylindrical portion 31 of the main body case 21, and are arranged side by side from the upstream side (upper side) to the downstream side (lower side) in the order of the flow rate adjusting plate 22, the pressure reducing plate 23, and the flow rectifier 24. Of these components 22-24, first, the flow rate adjusting plate 22 will be described.

[0035] As shown in Figs. 3 to 5, the flow rate adjusting plate 22 is formed in a substantially circular plate shape, and is disposed at the upper end opening of the cylindrical portion 31 of the main body case 21. The pressure reducing plate 23 is attached to the cylindrical portion 31 so as to close the upper end opening, and the flow rate adjusting plate 22 is placed on the pressure reducing plate 23. More specifically, the flow rate adjusting plate 22 is in the shape of a curved plate (bowl-shaped) that is curved gently downward toward the periphery so that the central portion becomes the apex, and the periphery is placed on the pressure reducing plate 23. In this case, a predetermined space 43 that is a part of the water flow path 33 is formed between the flow rate adjusting plate 22 and the pressure reducing plate 23.

[0036] The flow rate adjustment plate 22 is provided with a water inlet 41 for allowing water to flow into the water flow path 33. The water inlet 41 is a circular hole penetrating the flow rate adjustment plate 22 in the thickness direction, and is provided in the center of the flow rate adjustment plate 22. Water flows into the water flow path 33 (more specifically, the space portion 43) through the water inlet 41, thereby restricting the flow rate of water flowing into the water flow path 33. In particular, the maximum flow rate of water flowing into the water flow path 33 is restricted. This allows water to be supplied at an appropriate flow rate to small holes 48 (described below) provided in the downstream pressure reduction plate 23.

[0037] Further, the water inlet 41 is provided with a mesh portion 45 (net portion). The mesh portion 45 is formed integrally with the flow rate adjustment plate 22. This prevents foreign matter from entering the water flow path 33. Note that the mesh portion 45 may be formed separately from the flow rate adjustment plate 22 and attached to the water inlet 41.

[0038] Next, the pressure reducing plate 23 will be described.

[0039] As shown in Figs. 4 and 5, the pressure reducing plate 23 is formed in a substantially circular plate shape. The pressure reducing plate 23 is provided downstream of the flow rate adjusting plate 22 and upstream of each air hole 35 of the cylindrical portion 31. The pressure reducing plate 23 is provided with a peripheral protrusion 46 protruding upward from its peripheral portion. The peripheral protrusion 46 is formed in an annular shape and has a flange portion 46a protruding to the outer periphery. The flange portion 46a is hooked to a step portion 47 formed on the inner periphery of the cylindrical portion 31 of the main body case 21. The inner diameter of the cylindrical portion 31 is expanded at its upper end side, so that the step portion 47 is formed on the inner periphery surface of the cylindrical portion 31. The flange portion 46a is hooked to this step portion 47, so that the pressure reducing plate 23 is attached to the cylindrical portion 31. In addition, the pressure reducing plate 23 is urged downward by the water flow, so that the flange portion 46a does not come off the step portion 47 upward.

[0040] The flow rate adjusting plate 22 is disposed on the pressure reducing plate 23, inside the area surrounded by the peripheral protrusion 46. The outer diameter of the flow rate adjusting plate 22 is the same as or slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the peripheral protrusion 46. Like the pressure reducing plate 23, the flow rate adjusting plate 22 is also urged downward by the water flow, so that it is prevented from coming off upward from the inside of the peripheral protrusion 46.

[0041] The pressure reduction plate 23 has a plurality of small holes 48 formed therethrough in the thickness direction (vertical direction). These small holes 48 are provided on the outer periphery of the pressure reduction plate 23 and are arranged at equal intervals along the entire outer periphery of the pressure reduction plate 23. This allows water to be sprayed downstream from the space 43 between the pressure reduction plate 23 and the flow rate adjustment plate 22 through each small hole 48. The pressure reduction plate 23 corresponds to the "water spray section," and each small hole 48 corresponds to the "spray hole" and the "location from which water is sprayed."

[0042] When water is sprayed from each small hole 48, the pressure in the water flow path 33 downstream of the pressure reducing plate 23 drops, and this pressure becomes negative relative to the air outside the foam water discharge device 10. Then, outside air is drawn into the water flow path 33 through each air hole 35 of the tubular part 31, and the air is mixed into the water flowing through the water flow path 33. This produces foamy water containing air.

[0043] Next, the rectifier 24 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0044] As shown in Figs. 4, 7 and 8, the rectifier 24 has a rectifier section 51 formed in a substantially circular plate shape. The rectifier 24 is provided downstream of the pressure reducing plate 23, and the rectifier section 51 is disposed so as to divide the water flow path 33 in the water flow direction. The rectifier section 51 is formed with a plurality of openings 52 (eight in this embodiment) penetrating the rectifier section 51 in the thickness direction. Each of these openings 52 has a substantially arc shape centered on the center of the rectifier section 51. The foamy water generated upstream of the rectifier section 51 flows downstream through these openings 52. This causes the flow of the foamy water to be rectified. Each opening 52 corresponds to a rectifying opening.

[0045] Specifically, the flow straightening section 51 has a plurality of partitions 53, 54 that partition each opening 52. The plurality of partitions 53, 54 include a plurality of large and small partitions 53 that extend in an annular shape centered on the center of the flow straightening section 51, and a plurality of partitions 54 that extend radially from the center of the flow straightening section 51. The annular partitions 53 have different diameters from each other and are concentric with the center of the flow straightening section 51. In this embodiment, two partitions 53 are arranged, and hereinafter, the partition 53 on the large diameter side is referred to as partition 53a and the partition 53 on the small diameter side is referred to as partition 53b. In this embodiment, the diameter of the partition 53a on the large diameter side is twice the diameter of the partition 53b on the small diameter side. In addition, the partition 53a on the large diameter side constitutes the outer periphery of the flow straightening section 51. Note that each partition 53, 54 corresponds to a flow straightening partition, and the partition 53a corresponds to an annular flow straightening partition.

[0046] The radially extending partitions 54 are disposed at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the flow straightening section 51. In this embodiment, four partitions 54 are disposed at 90° intervals in the circumferential direction. Each partition 54 is connected to each of the annular partitions 53. As a result, a plurality of regions surrounded by the partitions 53, 54 are formed in the flow straightening section 51, and each of the plurality of regions serves as an opening 52. The flow straightening section 51 as a whole has a shape that is point-symmetrical with respect to its center.

[0047] Next, the discharge portion 32 of the main body case 21 will be described with reference to FIG. 4 and FIG. 6(b).

[0048] As shown in Fig. 4, the discharge section 32 is provided downstream of the rectifier section 51 of the rectifier 24, and is disposed opposite the rectifier section 51 in the water flow direction. As shown in Fig. 6(b), the discharge section 32 is formed with a plurality of openings 56 penetrating the discharge section 32 in the thickness direction. The foamy water rectified by the rectifier section 51 is discharged downstream from the water flow path 33 through these openings 56. As a result, the foamy water rectified by the rectifier section 51 is further rectified in the discharge section 32 and discharged. Each opening 56 corresponds to a discharge opening.

[0049] Specifically, the discharge section 32 has a plurality of partitions 57, 58 that partition each opening 56. These multiple partitions 57, 58 include a plurality of large and small partitions 57 that extend in an annular shape centered on the center of the discharge section 32, and a plurality of partitions 58 that extend radially centered on the center of the discharge section 32. Each partition 57, 58 corresponds to a discharge partition.

[0050] Each annular partition 57 has a different diameter and is concentric with the center of the discharge portion 32. In this embodiment, two partitions 57 are arranged, and below, the partition 57 on the larger diameter side is referred to as partition 57a ​​and the partition 57 on the smaller diameter side is referred to as partition 57b. The center of the discharge portion 32 is a cylindrical central tube portion 59.

[0051] The diameter of partition 57a ​​is approximately the same as the diameter of partition 53a of flow straightening section 51. Therefore, partitions 53a, 57a are in a positional relationship where they overlap with each other in the water flow direction (see FIG. 9(b)). Similarly, the diameter of partition 57b is approximately the same as the diameter of partition 53b of flow straightening section 51. Therefore, partitions 53b, 57b are in a positional relationship where they overlap with each other in the water flow direction.

[0052] Each radially extending partition portion 58 is connected to an annular partition portion 57. In this case, each region radially partitioned by the annular partition portion 57 is partitioned in the circumferential direction by the radially extending partition portions 58. As a result, a plurality of regions surrounded by the partition portions 57, 58 are formed in the discharge portion 32, and each of the plurality of regions serves as an opening 56. Note that the discharge portion 32 as a whole has a shape that is point-symmetrical with respect to the center.

[0053] Here, in the foam water discharge device 10 of this embodiment, a plurality of protrusions 61, 62 are provided on the rectification section 51 of the rectifier 24. The foam water discharge device 10 of this embodiment is characterized in that these protrusions 61, 62 are provided on the rectification section 51, and the characteristic configuration will be described below with reference to Figs. 4 and 7 to 9.

[0054] As shown in Figs. 4, 7 and 8, the flow straightener 24 has a plurality of upstream protrusions 61 protruding from the flow straightener 51 to the upstream side, and a plurality of downstream protrusions 62 protruding from the flow straightener 51 to the downstream side. Each upstream protrusion 61 has a cylindrical shape extending in the water flow direction. Each upstream protrusion 61 is provided in the partition 53a on the large diameter side of the flow straightener 51, more specifically, on the outer periphery of the partition 53a. The downstream end face of each upstream protrusion 61 is flush with the downstream surface of the flow straightener 51, while the upstream portion protrudes upstream of the upstream surface of the flow straightener 51.

[0055] The upstream protrusions 61 are arranged at equal intervals along the entire circumferential area of ​​the partition section 53a. Therefore, the upstream protrusions 61 are arranged in an annular shape with the center of the flow straightening section 51 as the center. The interval between adjacent upstream protrusions 61 is set to be equal to or smaller than the outer diameter of the upstream protrusions 61. The number of upstream protrusions 61 is preferably 4 to 20, and is 12 in this embodiment. The upstream protrusions 61 are arranged so as to be point symmetric with the center of the flow straightening section 51 as the center.

[0056] As shown in Figures 4 and 9(a), each upstream protrusion 61 is disposed within the cylindrical portion 31 of the main body case 21 in a state of abutting or being close to the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 31. In this case, the space between adjacent upstream protrusions 61 forms a flow path through which foamy water flows. Therefore, in the flow straightener 24, foamy water flows downstream through the spaces between adjacent upstream protrusions 61 in addition to through each opening 52 of the flow straightener 51. This causes the foamy water flowing along the circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 31 to be straightened.

[0057] When viewed from the water flow direction, each upstream protrusion 61 is located near each small hole 48 of the pressure reducing plate 23 arranged in an annular shape, more specifically, it is located on the outer periphery side of each small hole 48. In this case, each upstream protrusion 61 and each small hole 48 are arranged in an annular shape centered on the same central axis. In FIG. 9(a), each small hole 48 is indicated by a two-dot chain line for reference. In this configuration, when water is sprayed from each small hole 48, the presence of the upstream protrusion 61 promotes mixing of the sprayed water with the outside air drawn in from the air hole 35.

[0058] Next, the downstream protrusion 62 will be described.

[0059] As shown in Figures 7(b) and 8(b), each downstream protrusion 62 has a conical shape with an outer diameter that decreases toward the downstream side. Therefore, each downstream protrusion 62 has a tapered shape that tapers toward the tip. In addition, the tip of each downstream protrusion 62 has a curved shape that is convex toward the downstream side. Note that each downstream protrusion 62 has the same configuration (shape and size).

[0060] Each downstream protrusion 62 includes a downstream protrusion 62a arranged in the larger diameter partition 53a of the flow straightening section 51, and a downstream protrusion 62b arranged in the smaller diameter partition 53b. In this case, the downstream protrusion 62a is arranged on the outer periphery of the flow straightening section 51, and the downstream protrusion 62b is arranged on the inner periphery side of the downstream protrusion 62a in the flow straightening section 51. Therefore, the downstream protrusion 62a corresponds to the outer periphery protrusion, and the downstream protrusion 62b corresponds to the inner periphery protrusion.

[0061] The downstream protrusions 62a are arranged at equal intervals along the entire circumferential area of ​​the partition section 53a. Therefore, the downstream protrusions 62a are arranged in an annular shape centered on the central portion of the flow straightening section 51. The interval between adjacent downstream protrusions 62a is set to be equal to or smaller than the outer diameter of the downstream protrusions 62a. The number of downstream protrusions 62a is preferably 4 to 20, and is 12 in this embodiment.

[0062] The downstream protrusions 62b are arranged at equal intervals along the entire circumferential area of ​​the partition section 53b. Thus, like the downstream protrusions 62a, the downstream protrusions 62b are arranged in an annular shape centered on the central portion of the flow straightening section 51. The number of downstream protrusions 62b is less than the number of downstream protrusions 62a, and is four in this embodiment. The downstream protrusions 62 (62a, 62b) are arranged point symmetrically with respect to the central portion of the flow straightening section 51.

[0063] As shown in Fig. 4, the tip of each downstream protrusion 62 abuts against the discharge portion 32 of the main body case 21. In this abutting state, the rectifier 24 is disposed in the cylindrical portion 31. In this case, the downstream protrusion 62 defines the distance L1 between the rectifier 51 and the discharge portion 32 to be the same as the protruding length H of the downstream protrusion 62. In addition, by defining the distance L1 between the rectifier 51 and the discharge portion 32, the distance L2 between the rectifier 51 and the pressure reducing plate 23 is also defined. As described above, the pressure reducing plate 23 is provided with the small holes 48 for injecting water, and therefore in this case, the distance L2 between the rectifier 51 and the water injection point is defined.

[0064] As shown in Fig. 9(b), each downstream protrusion 62a is disposed along partition portion 57a ​​on the larger diameter side of discharge portion 32. The tip of each downstream protrusion 62a abuts partition portion 57a. Additionally, each downstream protrusion 62b is disposed along partition portion 57b on the smaller diameter side of discharge portion 32. The tip of each downstream protrusion 62b abuts partition portion 57b. Additionally, partition portion 57a ​​corresponds to the annular protrusion partition portion.

[0065] According to the configuration of this embodiment described in detail above, the following excellent effects can be obtained.

[0066] The flow straightening section 51 is provided with a plurality of downstream protrusions 62 that protrude toward the downstream side, and the tips of the downstream protrusions 62 abut against the discharge section 32. In this case, the downstream protrusions 62 can determine the distance L1 between the flow straightening section 51 and the discharge section 32, and can also determine the distance L2 between the flow straightening section 51 and the pressure reducing plate 23 (in other words, the small holes 48 that are the water ejection points). Since the downstream protrusions 62 are spaced apart from each other, foamy water can be ejected evenly from the entire area of ​​the discharge section 32, even in a configuration in which the downstream protrusions 62 are interposed between the flow straightening section 51 and the discharge section 32. This allows the distances L1 and L2 to be set to appropriate distances while ensuring the discharge diameter of the foamy water.

[0067] As downstream protrusions 62, multiple downstream protrusions 62a are provided that are disposed on the outer periphery of rectifying section 51 and are aligned along the entire outer periphery. In this case, the foamy water flowing on the outer periphery between rectifying section 51 and discharge section 32 flows along each downstream protrusion 62a, so that the flow of the foamy water flowing on the outer periphery between rectifying section 51 and discharge section 32 can be rectified. This makes it possible to prevent the foamy water discharged from discharge section 32 from being turbulent on the outer periphery, and as a result, it is possible to suitably prevent turbulence from occurring in the foamy water discharged from discharge section 32.

[0068] As the downstream protrusions 62, a plurality of downstream protrusions 62b are provided, which are arranged on the inner circumferential side of the downstream protrusions 62a in the flow straightening section 51. In this case, the flow of foamy water flowing on the inner circumferential side between the flow straightening section 51 and the discharge section 32 can also be straightened. Therefore, the generation of turbulence in the foamy water discharged from the discharge section 32 can be further suppressed.

[0069] Since the tip of the downstream protruding portion 62 has a tapered shape, it is possible to prevent the tip from covering the opening 56 of the discharge portion 32 when the tip of the downstream protruding portion 62 is in contact with the discharge portion 32. As a result, in a configuration in which multiple downstream protruding portions 62 are provided, it is possible to preferably ensure the discharge amount of foamy water.

[0070] A plurality of downstream protrusions 62a are arranged along the entire circumferential area of ​​partition section 53a on the large diameter side that constitutes the outer periphery of flow straightening section 51. Furthermore, the tapered tip end portions of each downstream protrusion 62a abut against partition section 57a ​​on the large diameter side of discharge section 32. This makes it possible to suitably prevent the tip end portions of each downstream protrusion 62a from covering opening 56 of discharge section 32.

[0071] Similarly, a plurality of downstream protrusions 62b are arranged along the entire circumferential area of ​​partition section 53b on the small diameter side in flow straightening section 51. Furthermore, the tapered tips of each downstream protrusion 62b abut against partition section 57b on the small diameter side of discharge section 32. This makes it possible to suitably prevent the opening 56 of discharge section 32 from being covered by the tips of each downstream protrusion 62b.

[0072] Furthermore, because the tip ends of the downstream protrusions 62a, 62b arranged in an annular shape abut against the partitions 57a, 57b forming an annular shape in the discharge portion 32, the downstream protrusions 62a, 62b can abut against the partitions 57a, 57b regardless of the circumferential position of the rectifier 51. This makes it possible to facilitate the assembly work by eliminating the need for work such as circumferential alignment when assembling the rectifier 51 and thus the rectifier 24 into the cylindrical portion 31 of the main body case 21.

[0073] The flow straightening section 51 is provided with a plurality of upstream protrusions 61 that protrude upstream, which can promote mixing of the water sprayed from the small holes 48 of the pressure reducing plate 23 with the air drawn in from the outside. This promotes mixing of air into the water, making it possible to generate foamy water with a high air mixing rate.

[0074] The pressure reducing plate 23 is provided with a plurality of small holes 48 along its entire outer periphery, and the flow straightening section 51 is provided with a plurality of upstream protrusions 61 along its entire outer periphery. This makes it possible to favorably promote mixing of the water and air sprayed from each small hole 48. This makes it possible to favorably generate foamy water with a high air mixing rate.

[0075] The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and may be implemented, for example, as follows.

[0076] The arrangement of the upstream protrusion 61 in the flow straightening section 51 is not necessarily limited to the arrangement in the above embodiment. For example, instead of or in addition to providing the upstream protrusion 61 in the large diameter partition 53a of the flow straightening section 51, the upstream protrusion 61 may be provided in the small diameter partition 53b.

[0077] In the above embodiment, the upstream protrusion 61 is cylindrical, but it may be conical, plate-like, or have another shape.

[0078] In the above embodiment, the downstream protrusion 62a (corresponding to the outer circumferential protrusion) is arranged in the large-diameter partition 53a of the flow straightening section 51, and the downstream protrusion 62b (corresponding to the inner circumferential protrusion) is arranged in the small-diameter partition 53b, but the arrangement of the downstream protrusion 62 is not necessarily limited to this. For example, of the downstream protrusions 62a, 62b, only the downstream protrusion 62a may be provided, and the downstream protrusion 62b may not be provided.

[0079] The number of the downstream protruding portions 62a and the interval between adjacent downstream protruding portions 62 may be set appropriately according to the size and specifications of the foam water discharger 10. The same applies to the downstream protruding portions 62b.

[0080] In the above embodiment, the downstream protrusion 62 is conical and the entire downstream protrusion 62 is tapered toward the tip, but for example, only the tip of the downstream protrusion 62 may be tapered. In this case, the base end of the downstream protrusion 62 may be formed with a constant outer diameter, and the tip end may be formed so that the outer diameter becomes smaller toward the tip.

[0081] The shape of the downstream protrusion 62 does not necessarily have to be conical, and may be, for example, plate-like. In this case, it is also preferable to make at least the tip portion thinner to form a tapered shape. It is also possible to make the downstream protrusion 62 cylindrical.

[0082] In the above embodiment, the opening 52 of the rectifying portion 51 is arc-shaped, but it may be other shapes such as a circle or a square. In addition, the opening 56 of the discharge portion 32 is not limited to the shape in the above embodiment, and may be other shapes such as a circle or a square.

[0083] In the above embodiment, all of the components 21 to 24 of the foam water discharge device 10 are made of a synthetic resin material, but at least one of the components 21 to 24 may be made of a metal material. [Explanation of symbols]

[0084] 10...foam water discharge device, 21...main body case, 23...pressure reduction plate (water injection section), 31...cylindrical section (flow path forming section), 32...discharge section, 33...water flow path, 35...air hole (air passage), 48...small hole (injection hole), 51...straightening section, 52...opening (straightening opening), 53, 54...partition section (straightening partition section), 56...opening (discharge opening), 57, 58...partition section (discharge partition section), 61...upstream protrusion, 62...downstream protrusion, 62a...downstream protrusion (outer circumferential protrusion), 62...downstream protrusion (inner circumferential protrusion).

Claims

1. a cylindrical flow path forming portion formed therein with a water flow path through which water flows from an upstream side to a downstream side; an air passage capable of introducing air from the outside into the water flow path; A foam water discharge device that generates foam water containing air and discharges it downstream by injecting water that has flowed into the water flow path from the upstream side to the downstream side, and drawing in external air into the water flow path through the air passage, A straightening section is provided downstream of the point where the water is sprayed so as to divide the water flow path in the water flow direction, and straightens the generated foamy water and guides it downstream. A discharge section is provided downstream of the rectification section and facing the rectification section, and further rectifies the foamed water rectified by the rectification section and discharges it from the water flow path, The flow straightening portion is provided with a plurality of downstream protruding portions that protrude toward the downstream side and are spaced apart from each other, The downstream protrusions have tip ends in contact with the discharge portion, The plurality of downstream protrusions include: a plurality of outer circumferential protrusions arranged along an entire outer circumferential portion of the flow straightening portion; A foam water discharge device including: a plurality of inner circumference side protrusions arranged more inner than the outer circumference side protrusions in the straightening section.

2. The discharge portion has a plurality of discharge openings for discharging the foamed water, The foam water discharge device according to claim 1 , wherein at least a tip portion of the downstream protruding portion has a tapered shape.

3. a cylindrical flow path forming portion formed therein with a water flow path through which water flows from an upstream side to a downstream side; an air passage capable of introducing air from the outside into the water flow path; A foam water discharge device that generates foam water containing air and discharges it downstream by injecting water that has flowed into the water flow path from the upstream side to the downstream side, and drawing in external air into the water flow path through the air passage, A straightening section is provided downstream of the point where the water is sprayed so as to divide the water flow path in the water flow direction, and straightens the generated foamy water and guides it downstream. A discharge section is provided downstream of the rectification section and facing the rectification section, and further rectifies the foamed water rectified by the rectification section and discharges it from the water flow path, The flow straightening portion is provided with a plurality of downstream protruding portions that protrude toward the downstream side and are spaced apart from each other, The downstream protrusions have tip ends in contact with the discharge portion, The discharge portion has a plurality of discharge openings for discharging the foamed water, A foam water discharge device, wherein at least the tip portions of the multiple downstream protrusions have a tapered shape.

4. The straightening section has a plurality of straightening openings through which the foamed water flows, and a plurality of straightening partitions that partition the straightening openings, The flow straightening section includes an annular flow straightening section that forms an outer periphery of the flow straightening section and extends in an annular shape, the plurality of downstream side protrusions include a plurality of outer circumferential side protrusions that are disposed in the annular flow straightening partition and are aligned along an entire circumferential area of ​​the annular flow straightening partition, The discharge section has a plurality of discharge partition sections that partition each of the discharge openings, The foam water discharge device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the discharge partition portion has an annular protruding partition portion that extends annularly and against which the tip ends of the plurality of downstream protruding portions abut.

5. The foam water discharge device according to claim 1 , wherein the flow straightening section is provided with a plurality of upstream protrusions that protrude toward the upstream side.

6. a cylindrical flow path forming portion formed therein with a water flow path through which water flows from an upstream side to a downstream side; an air passage capable of introducing air from the outside into the water flow path; A foam water discharge device that generates foam water containing air and discharges it downstream by injecting water that has flowed into the water flow path from the upstream side to the downstream side, and drawing in external air into the water flow path through the air passage, A straightening section is provided downstream of the point where the water is sprayed so as to divide the water flow path in the water flow direction, and straightens the generated foamy water and guides it downstream. A discharge section is provided downstream of the rectification section and facing the rectification section, and further rectifies the foamed water rectified by the rectification section and discharges it from the water flow path, The flow straightening portion is provided with a plurality of downstream protruding portions that protrude toward the downstream side and are spaced apart from each other, The downstream protrusions have tip ends in contact with the discharge portion, The flow straightening portion is provided with a plurality of upstream protrusions protruding toward the upstream side, A plurality of air holes serving as the air passages are formed in a circumferential direction in a peripheral wall portion surrounding the water flow path in the flow path forming portion, a water injection unit provided upstream of the flow straightening unit and facing the flow straightening unit, the water injection unit having an injection hole as a portion for injecting the water; The injection hole is provided along the entire outer periphery of the water injection portion, A foam water discharge device, wherein the multiple upstream protrusions include multiple protrusions aligned along the entire outer periphery of the flow straightening section.

7. The foam water discharge device according to claim 3 or 6, wherein the plurality of downstream protrusions include a plurality of outer peripheral protrusions arranged on the outer periphery of the flow straightening section and aligned along the entire outer periphery.

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