Residential Equipment Machinery

Abstract

To provide a housing facility device that is advantageous for downsizing, and can discharge pulsating flows having phases different from each other from a plurality of outlets.SOLUTION: A housing facility device 100 according to an embodiment comprises: a fluid oscillation element 10; a branch flow passage 6 connected to a discharge port 2 of the fluid oscillation element 10, and comprising a plurality of branch outlets 61 and 62; and a plurality of flow passage outlets 271 and 272 connected to the plurality of branch outlets 61 and 62 respectively, and for discharging fluid from the respective branch outlets to an open space. The flow passage outlets 271 and 272 discharge pulsating flows. The sum of cross sections of narrowest portions of respective fluid passages located downstream of the discharge port 2 of the fluid oscillation element 10 is equal to or larger than a cross section of the discharge port 2 of the fluid oscillation element 10.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The first disclosure relates to a housing equipment. [Background technology]

[0002] The background of the first disclosure will be explained. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a fluid oscillator device that acts on a pressurized fluid to generate an exhaust flow in the form of an oscillating spray of fluid droplets. The device includes a fluid inlet, a pair of power nozzles, a passage having an interface with a pair of sidewalls between the inlet and the power nozzles, an interaction chamber that receives the flow from the nozzles, and a means for increasing the instability of the flow from the power nozzles. The device is configured for the purpose of generating an oscillating fluid jet with a spatially uniform droplet distribution over a wide range of operating temperatures. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 2008-517762 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-274634 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The inventors of the present application have studied mechanisms for discharging pulsating flows from multiple outlets and have come to the following new realization: The fluid oscillator device described in Patent Document 1 can generate a single oscillating fluid jet, but cannot generate multiple fluid jets. In order to generate multiple fluid jets using this device, multiple fluid oscillator devices must be provided, which makes this device disadvantageous in terms of miniaturization.

[0005] One of the purposes of the first disclosure is to provide a household equipment device that is advantageous for miniaturization and can discharge pulsating flows from a plurality of outlets. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned problems, one aspect of the first disclosure is a housing equipment. The housing equipment in one aspect includes a fluid oscillation element, a branch flow path connected to an outlet of the fluid oscillation element and having multiple branch outlets, and multiple flow path outlets connected to the multiple branch outlets, respectively, and discharging the fluid from each branch outlet into an open space. The flow path outlets discharge a pulsating flow, and the sum of the cross-sectional areas of the most constricted parts of each fluid passage located downstream from the outlet of the fluid oscillation element is equal to or greater than the cross-sectional area of ​​the outlet of the fluid oscillation element. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a household equipment device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing an example of the household equipment according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a first diagram illustrating the process of oscillation of a fluid oscillation element. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a second diagram illustrating the oscillation process of the fluid oscillation element. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a third diagram illustrating the oscillation process of the fluid oscillation element. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a fourth diagram illustrating the oscillation process of the fluid oscillation element. [Figure 7] 3 is a plan view showing the internal space of a transmission flow path of the household equipment according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a first diagram showing a flow of fluid in the household equipment of the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 4 is a second diagram showing the flow of fluid in the household equipment of the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 4 is a third diagram showing the flow of fluid in the household equipment of the first embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing changes in the flow rate of the first pulsating flow and the second pulsating flow. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a longitudinal section taken along line AA in FIG. [Figure 13]2 is a diagram showing a cross section of the household equipment device of FIG. 1 taken along line BB. [Figure 14] 2 is a diagram showing a vertical cross section of the household equipment device of FIG. 1 taken along line CC. [Figure 15] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line DD of the household equipment shown in FIG. [Figure 16] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of an intake opening of the household equipment according to the first embodiment. [Figure 17] 3A and 3B are diagrams illustrating an example of a protrusion of the household equipment according to the first embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a household equipment device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing an example of a household equipment device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a first discharge mode of the household equipment according to the second embodiment. [Figure 21] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a second discharge mode of the household equipment according to the second embodiment. [Figure 22] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a state in which two side walls of the household equipment according to the second embodiment are rotated. [Figure 23] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a first discharge mode of another example of the household equipment according to the second embodiment. [Figure 24] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a second discharge mode of another example of the household equipment according to the second embodiment. [Figure 25] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a household equipment device according to a third embodiment. [Figure 26] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the inside of the fluid oscillation element and the branch flow channel. [Figure 27] 26 is a diagram showing a vertical cross section of the household equipment device of FIG. 25 taken along line EE. FIG. [Figure 28] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a household equipment device according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 29] FIG. 29 is a diagram showing a cross section of the household equipment device of FIG. 28 taken along line FF. [Figure 30] FIG. 29 is a diagram showing a vertical cross section of the household equipment device of FIG. 28 taken along line GG. [Figure 31] FIG. [Figure 32] FIG. [Figure 33] FIG. 4 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a flow regulating member. [Figure 34] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another straightening member. [Figure 35] 31 is a view taken along an arrow H in FIG. 30 showing the vicinity of the branch exit. [Figure 36] 31 is a view taken along an arrow H in FIG. 30 showing another example of the vicinity of the branch exit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Below, embodiments relating to the first and second disclosures will be described. In the following description, identical components will be assigned the same reference numerals, and duplicate explanations will be omitted. In each drawing, for the sake of convenience, some components will be omitted, enlarged, or reduced as appropriate. The drawings should be viewed according to the orientation of the reference numerals. The structures and shapes referred to in this specification include not only structures and shapes that strictly match the contents referred to, but also structures and shapes that deviate by errors such as dimensional errors and manufacturing errors. In each drawing, some components that are not important for explaining the embodiments will be omitted.

[0009] Terms including ordinal numbers such as first and second are used to describe various components. These terms are used only to distinguish one component from another, and do not limit the configurations of the first and second disclosures. The following embodiments are provided as examples to help understand the contents of the first and second disclosures, and do not limit the configurations of the first and second disclosures.

[0010] The techniques of the first and second disclosures can be applied to various types of housing equipment equipped with a discharge device that discharges a fluid. There are no limitations on the fluid, and it may be a gas, a liquid, or a multiphase fluid. As an example, the housing equipment of the first and second disclosures can be applied to a device that discharges a liquid. Examples of such devices include showers, faucets, sprinklers, and chemical sprayers. As an example, the housing equipment of the first and second disclosures can be applied to a device that discharges a gas. Examples of such devices include dryers, hair dryers, hand dryers, and air conditioning and heating equipment. As an example, the housing equipment of the first and second disclosures can be applied to a device that discharges a multiphase fluid. Examples of such devices include a bathroom shower containing air bubbles, a hand-washing faucet device, and the like.

[0011] [First embodiment] From the viewpoints of usability and design, it is desirable for home appliances to be miniaturized, and miniaturization can also broaden the range of applications. Devices that generate a single fluid jet, such as the device described in Patent Document 1, require multiple fluid oscillators to generate multiple fluid jets, which is disadvantageous in terms of miniaturization.

[0012] In order to discharge pulsating flows from a plurality of outlets, it is conceivable to add moving parts such as impellers and gears, but in this case, the moving parts may break down due to wear, entrapment of dirt, etc.

[0013] The housing equipment of the first disclosure was made based on these findings and can achieve multiple pulsating flows without using any moving parts. Because there are no moving parts, it is almost never broken down due to wear or dust inclusions. As an example, if it is used for cleaning purposes, the multiple pulsating flows can provide a good cleaning effect. As an example, if it is used for discharging onto the human body, the multiple pulsating flows can provide a good massage feeling. The technology of the first disclosure will be described below with reference to the first embodiment.

[0014] The following describes the ingenuity of the housing equipment 100 of the first embodiment. Reference is made to FIGS. 1 and 2. The first embodiment of the first disclosure is a housing equipment 100 that can be used as a water discharger that discharges hot or cold water to the human body to provide a massage sensation. Hereinafter, the housing equipment 100 may be referred to as the equipment 100. The equipment 100 includes a fluid oscillation element 10, a branch flow path 6 connected to the outlet 2 of the fluid oscillation element 10 and having a plurality of branch outlets 61, 62, and a plurality of transmission flow paths 7L, 7R having a plurality of flow path outlets 271, 272 that discharge fluid from the plurality of branch outlets 61, 62 into an open space. The plurality of transmission flow paths 7L, 7R are flow paths formed in a plurality of internal spaces 7P, 7Q. The plurality of transmission flow paths 7L, 7R discharge a plurality of pulsating flows. The plurality of pulsating flows discharged from the plurality of transmission flow paths 7L, 7R may have flow rates that change at the same cycle but in different phases from each other. In the description of the first embodiment, a flow ejected from a small hole into an open space is referred to as a "jet," a pulsating jet is referred to as an "oscillating flow," and a pulsating jet is referred to as a "pulsating flow." The term "jet" refers to a concept that includes both an oscillating flow and a pulsating flow.

[0015] In the description of the first embodiment, the period of the pulsating flow refers to the period of the temporal change in the flow rate of the pulsating flow, and the different phases of the multiple pulsating flows include the timing of the maximum flow rate of the multiple pulsating flows being different. When one of the multiple pulsating flows with the same period is at a maximum flow rate and the other is at a minimum flow rate, this is called out of phase. This period may be constant or may change.

[0016] For ease of explanation, as shown in the figure, the front-to-back direction on a plane along the ejection direction of the fluid oscillation element 10 is referred to as the X direction, the left-to-right direction perpendicular to the front-to-back direction on the plane is referred to as the Y direction, and the vertical up-down direction is referred to as the Z direction. The direction of the arrow in the X direction is referred to as "rear" or "rearward," and the direction opposite the arrow is referred to as "front" or "forward." The direction of the arrow in the Y direction is referred to as "right" or "rightward," and the direction opposite the arrow is referred to as "left" or "leftward." The X direction, Y direction, and Z direction are perpendicular to each other. These directions are not limited to being strictly perpendicular, but may also be nearly perpendicular. These directional notations do not limit the usage orientation of the device 100; the device 100 can be used in any orientation depending on the application.

[0017] The operating principle of the fluid oscillation element 10 of this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 3, 4, 5, and 6. As shown in Figure 3, when the main fluid M is flowing unevenly toward the second intermediate wall portion 56, the main fluid M flows along the wall surface of the second intermediate wall portion 56 due to the Coanda effect (circle P). At this time, the return fluid B flows into the second feedback path 12 (circle Q).

[0018] 4, the return fluid B that has flowed into the second feedback path 12 applies pressure to the main fluid M in the upstream portion 131. The main fluid M is pushed by the pressure from the return fluid B and separates from the second intermediate wall portion 56, generating a vortex W1 in the space after separation (circle P).

[0019] 5, the vortex W1 gradually grows into a larger vortex, applying pressure to the main fluid M toward the first intermediate wall portion 55. When the main fluid M approaches the first intermediate wall portion 55, the main fluid M flows along the wall surface of the first intermediate wall portion 55 due to the Coanda effect (circle P). At this time, the return fluid B flows into the first feedback path 11 (circle Q).

[0020] As shown in FIG. 6 , the return fluid B flowing through the first feedback path 11 applies pressure to the main fluid M in the upstream section 131. The main fluid M is pushed by the pressure from the return fluid B and separates from the first intermediate wall 55. A second vortex W2 is generated in the space after separation, and the vortex W1 becomes smaller. In this way, the vortex W1 between the main fluid M and the second intermediate wall 56 and the vortex W2 between the main fluid M and the first intermediate wall 55 alternately generate, grow, and shrink. As a result, the fluid oscillation element 10 reaches an oscillation state in which the discharge direction of the main fluid M periodically changes. As a result, the fluid oscillation element 10 discharges a wavy flow J from the discharge port 2. As shown in these figures, the wavy flow J can be considered a fluid flow whose direction of travel swings.

[0021] 1 and 2, the branch flow path 6 will be described. The branch flow path 6 has a branch inlet 63 connected to the discharge port 2, and multiple branch outlets 61 and 62. The branch inlet 63 is provided at the upstream end of a branch flow path main body 68, and the branch outlets 61 and 62 are provided at the downstream end of the branch flow path main body 68. In the example of FIG. 1, the fluid that flows forward from the branch inlet 63 branches in two directions in the branch flow path 6, turns approximately 90°, and is discharged downward from each of the branch outlets 61 and 62.

[0022] The multiple transmission channels 7L and 7R will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 7. The multiple transmission channels 7L and 7R are collectively referred to as the transmission channel 7. In FIG. 7, the internal spaces of the multiple transmission channels 7L and 7R are exposed and shown. The transmission channel 7 includes a transmission channel main body 70, transmission inlets 73 and 74 connected to the branch outlets 61 and 62, and channel outlets 271 and 272 that discharge fluid from the transmission inlets 73 and 74, respectively, into an open space. In the example of FIG. 1, the transmission channel 7L includes a transmission inlet 73 and multiple (80 in this example) channel outlets 271 arranged in a matrix of multiple rows (20 rows in this example) and multiple columns (4 columns in this example). The transmission channel 7R includes a transmission inlet 74 and multiple (80 in this example) channel outlets 272 arranged in a matrix of multiple rows (20 rows in this example) and multiple columns (4 columns in this example).

[0023] The transmission flow path main body 70 is an outer shell that surrounds the transmission flow paths 7L and 7R. The transmission flow path main body 70 is a vertically flat box-shaped body with its longitudinal direction in the front-to-rear direction, and is rectangular in plan view. The transmission flow path 7L communicates with the transmission inlet 73 and the flow path outlet 271, and the transmission flow path 7R communicates with the transmission inlet 74 and the flow path outlet 272. The transmission inlets 73 and 74 are pipe-shaped portions that protrude upward from the ceiling of the transmission flow path main body 70 and lead to the upper side of the internal space. The transmission inlets 73 and 74 are arranged side by side on the left and right along the front-to-back bisector of the ceiling. The transmission inlets 73 and 74 are arranged in the left-to-right direction. The flow path outlets 271 and 272 are openings provided at the bottom of the transmission flow path main body 70 and lead to the lower side of the internal space.

[0024] The internal space of transmission flow path main body 70 is a space surrounded on the periphery by peripheral wall portion 79, and is divided into left and right spaces by partition wall 77 extending along the left-right bisector of the bottom. Transmission flow path 7L includes the space to the left of partition wall 77, and transmission flow path 7R includes the space to the right of partition wall 77.

[0025] The flow of fluid in the device 100 will be described with reference to Figures 8, 9, 10, and 11. Figures 8, 9, and 10 schematically show the flow of fluid in the device 100.

[0026] The pulsating flow discharged from the flow path outlet 271 is referred to as a first pulsating flow K1, and the pulsating flow discharged from the flow path outlet 272 is referred to as a second pulsating flow K2.

[0027] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing changes in the flow rates of the first pulsating flow K1 and the second pulsating flow K2. The pulsating flow may be a fluid flow in which at least one of the flow rate and flow velocity changes over time. In the example of FIG. 11, the first pulsating flow K1 and the second pulsating flow K2 pulsate at the same period. At timing T1 when the first pulsating flow K1 reaches a maximum, the second pulsating flow K2 reaches a minimum. At timing T3 when the second pulsating flow K2 reaches a maximum, the first pulsating flow K1 also reaches a minimum. The timings when the flow rates of the first pulsating flow K1 and the second pulsating flow K2 become equal, midway between timing T1 and timing T3, are referred to as timings T2 and T4. The minimum flow rate of the pulsating flow may be zero or greater. The ratio of the minimum flow rate to the maximum flow rate of the pulsating flow (maximum flow rate / minimum flow rate) is sometimes referred to as the contrast ratio of the pulsating flow.

[0028] 3, 4, 5, and 6, the direction of travel of the wavy flow J discharged from the discharge port 2 of the fluid oscillation element 10 changes from left to right over time. Below, we will explain the flow of the fluid when the direction of travel of the wavy flow J is to the right, to the left, and in a straight line.

[0029] At timing T1 shown in FIG. 8, the fluid J discharged from the discharge port 2 travels diagonally rightward from the branch inlet 63 of the branch flow path 6, passes through the branch outlet 61 and the transmission inlet 73, and flows into the interior of the transmission flow path 7L. The fluid flowing through the branch outlet 61 is referred to as the first fluid J1. The first fluid J1 that has flowed into the transmission flow path 7L is discharged as a first pulsating flow K1 from the multiple flow path outlets 271 into the open space. In the example of FIG. 8, the first pulsating flow K1 is discharged to the left in the drawing.

[0030] At timing T3 shown in Figure 10, the fluid J discharged from the discharge port 2 travels diagonally leftward from the branch inlet 63 of the branch flow path 6, passes through the branch outlet 62 and the transmission inlet 74, and flows into the interior of the transmission flow path 7R. The fluid J flowing through the branch outlet 62 is referred to as the second fluid J2. The second fluid J2 that has flowed into the transmission flow path 7R is discharged as a second pulsating flow K2 from the multiple flow path outlets 272 into the open space. In the example of Figure 10, the second pulsating flow K2 is discharged to the left in the figure.

[0031] 9, the fluid J discharged from the discharge port 2 travels straight from the branch inlet 63 of the branch flow path 6. Therefore, the fluid J branches into a first fluid J1 and a second fluid J2 at the branch inlet 63, and these fluids simultaneously flow through the paths shown in FIGS. 8 and 10. The first fluid J1 is discharged as a first pulsating flow K1 from the multiple flow path outlets 271 into the open space, and the second fluid J2 is discharged as a second pulsating flow K2 from the multiple flow path outlets 272 into the open space.

[0032] The cross-sectional area of ​​each fluid passage perpendicular to the fluid flow (hereinafter simply referred to as "cross-sectional area") will be described with reference to Figures 12, 13, 14, and 15. The symbol S2 in Figure 12 indicates the cross-sectional area of ​​the outlet 2 of the fluid oscillation element 10 in the cross section taken along line AA. The symbols S61 and S62 in Figure 13 indicate the cross-sectional areas of the branch outlets 61 and 62 in the cross section taken along line BB. The symbols S7L and S7R in Figure 14 indicate the cross-sectional areas of the transmission flow passages 7L and 7R in the cross section taken along line CC. The symbols S271 and S272 in Figure 15 indicate the cross-sectional areas of the flow passage outlets 271 and 272 in the cross section taken along line CC.

[0033] The inventors' repeated experiments have suggested that pulsating flows K1 and K2 with a desirable contrast ratio can be easily achieved when the cross-sectional area of ​​the fluid passage downstream of the fluid oscillation element 10 is equal to or greater than the cross-sectional area of ​​the downstream end (discharge port 2) of the fluid oscillation element 10. This is thought to be because a narrow cross-sectional area of ​​the downstream fluid passage makes it easier for the fluid to stagnate downstream. When the fluid stagnates, the minimum flow rate of the second pulsating flow K2 does not become zero at time T1, and the minimum flow rate of the first pulsating flow K1 does not become zero at time T3, resulting in a low contrast ratio. When a fluid passage branches into multiple passages, the cross-sectional area of ​​the fluid passage can be considered as the sum of the cross-sectional areas of the branched passages. It is also possible for all of the cross-sectional areas of the fluid passages downstream of the fluid oscillation element 10 to be equal to or greater than the cross-sectional area of ​​the downstream end of the fluid oscillation element 10.

[0034] In the device 100, the sum (S61 + S62) of the cross-sectional areas S61, S62 of the branch outlets 61, 62 is greater than or equal to the cross-sectional area S2 of the outlet 2 of the fluid oscillation element 10. The cross-sectional areas S61, S62 may be the cross-sectional areas of the portions having the smallest cross-sectional areas of the fluid passages of the branch flow path 6. In the device 100, the sum (S7L + S7R) of the cross-sectional areas S7L, S7R of the internal space of the transmission flow path 7 is greater than or equal to the cross-sectional area S2 of the outlet 2 of the fluid oscillation element 10. The cross-sectional areas S7L, S7R may be the cross-sectional areas of the portions having the smallest cross-sectional areas of the transmission flow paths 7L, 7R of the transmission flow path 7. In the device 100, the sum (80 × S271 + 80 × S272) of the cross-sectional areas S271, S272 of the multiple flow path outlets 271, 272 is greater than or equal to the cross-sectional area S2 of the outlet 2 of the fluid oscillation element 10. The cross-sectional areas S271 and S272 may be the cross-sectional areas of the portions of the plurality of flow path outlets 271 and 272 that have the smallest cross-sectional areas.

[0035] The sum of the cross-sectional areas S61, S62 is preferably 1.2 times or more the cross-sectional area S2 of the outlet 2. The sum of the cross-sectional areas S7L, S7R is preferably 1.2 times or more the cross-sectional area S2 of the outlet 2. The sum of the cross-sectional areas S271, S272 is preferably 1.2 times or more the cross-sectional area S2 of the outlet 2. When these area ratios are 1.2 times or more, it is easy to realize pulsating flows K1, K2 having a desired contrast ratio, and a desirable cleaning effect, a desirable massage effect, etc. can be obtained.

[0036] The suction opening 91 of the device 100 will be described with reference to FIG. 16 . The greater the discharge rate from the multiple flow path outlets 271, 272, the stronger the cleaning power or massage sensation. After extensive prototype testing, the inventors discovered that providing an inlet hole downstream of the fluid oscillation element that can draw in fluid from the outside increases the discharge rate from the flow path outlets 271, 272. Therefore, the device 100 of the first embodiment has an inlet opening 91 downstream of the outlet 2 of the fluid oscillation element 10 that can draw in fluid from an open space. In the example of FIG. 16 , the inlet opening 91 is a downward-facing opening provided in the bottom 67 of the branch flow path 6, downstream of the branch inlet 63 and before the branching into the branch outlets 61, 62. The shape, size, position, and other aspects of the inlet opening 91 can be determined by simulation or other means depending on the desired discharge rate.

[0037] An example of the protrusion 92 of the device 100 will be described with reference to Figures 16 and 17. Figure 17 shows a longitudinal cross section of the suction opening 91 and the protrusion 92 taken along the center line CL. The inventors conducted experiments and found that when the suction opening 91 is provided, the greater the flow rate, the more likely the wavy flow J is to flow back to the outside from the suction opening 91. From the perspective of reducing backflow, it is desirable to direct the fluid away from the suction opening 91. Therefore, the device 100 of the first embodiment has a protrusion 92 that protrudes into the fluid passage near the upstream side of the suction opening 91.

[0038] 17, protrusion 92 is provided on bottom 67 near the upstream side of suction opening 91, and has a generally trapezoidal shape whose left-right width gradually increases from the upstream side to the downstream side in a plan view. In this example, the upper surface of protrusion 92 includes an inclined surface 921 whose height from bottom 67 gradually increases from the upstream side to the downstream side. Protrusion 92 has a generally trapezoidal shape and includes inclined surface 921, which can suppress an increase in flow path resistance. From the viewpoint of reducing backflow, an overhanging portion 922 that protrudes like an eave from the downstream side of protrusion 92 may be provided above suction opening 91.

[0039] Next, the features of the household equipment 100 of the first embodiment will be described.

[0040] The housing equipment 100 includes a fluid oscillation element 10, a branch flow path 6 connected to the outlet 2 of the fluid oscillation element 10 and having a plurality of branch outlets 61, 62, and a plurality of flow path outlets 271, 272 connected to the branch outlets 61, 62, respectively, and discharging the fluid from each branch outlet into an open space. The flow path outlets 271, 272 discharge pulsating flows K1, K2, and the sum of the cross-sectional areas of the most constricted parts of each fluid passage located downstream from the outlet 2 of the fluid oscillation element 10 is equal to or greater than the cross-sectional area of ​​the outlet 2 of the fluid oscillation element 10.

[0041] According to this configuration, multiple pulsating flows K1, K2 can be discharged using a single fluid oscillation element 10, which is advantageous for miniaturization compared to a case where multiple fluid oscillation devices are provided. Since no moving parts are provided, the possibility of malfunction due to wear of the moving parts, inclusion of dirt, etc. is reduced. When the device 100 is used for cleaning purposes, the multiple pulsating flows K1, K2 can provide a good cleaning effect. When the device 100 is used for discharging onto the human body, the multiple pulsating flows K1, K2 can provide a good massage feeling.

[0042] In the household equipment 100, the sum of the cross-sectional areas of the branch outlets 61, 62 is equal to or greater than the cross-sectional area of ​​the outlet 2 of the fluid oscillation element 10. In this case, pulsating flows K1, K2 with a desirable contrast ratio can be easily achieved.

[0043] In the household equipment 100, the sum of the cross-sectional areas of the flow path outlets 271, 272 is equal to or greater than the cross-sectional area of ​​the outlet 2 of the fluid oscillation element 10. In this case, pulsating flows K1, K2 with a desirable contrast ratio can be easily achieved.

[0044] The household equipment 100 is provided with a plurality of transmission flow paths 7L, 7R that are connected to the plurality of branch outlets 61, 62, respectively, and transmit fluid from each branch outlet to the flow path outlets 271, 272. The sum of the cross-sectional areas of the plurality of transmission flow paths 7L, 7R is equal to or greater than the cross-sectional area of ​​the outlet 2 of the fluid oscillation element 10. In this case, pulsating flows K1, K2 with a desirable contrast ratio can be easily achieved. By providing the transmission flow paths 7L, 7R, the household equipment 100 can increase the distance between the flow path outlets 271, 272 and the fluid oscillation element 10, allowing the household equipment 100 to be installed without compromising its ease of use or aesthetics.

[0045] The household equipment 100 has a suction opening 91 that can draw fluid from an open space downstream of the discharge port 2 of the fluid oscillation element 10. In this case, the amount of fluid discharged from the multiple flow path outlets 271, 272 can be increased by drawing fluid from the outside.

[0046] The household equipment 100 has a protrusion 92 that protrudes into the fluid passage near the upstream side of the suction opening 91. In this case, the fluid is directed away from the suction opening 91, and backflow from the suction opening 91 can be reduced.

[0047] The above is the description of the first embodiment.

[0048] Modifications of the first embodiment will be described below. In the drawings and descriptions of the modifications, the same or equivalent components and members as those in the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals. Explanations that overlap with those in the first embodiment will be omitted as appropriate, and the description will focus on the configurations that differ from those in the first embodiment.

[0049] In the description of the first embodiment, an example was shown in which the flow path outlet 271 and the flow path outlet 272 have the same number of symmetrically arranged outlets of the same shape, but this is not limiting. The arrangement of these outlets may be asymmetric, and the outlets may have different shapes or different numbers.

[0050] In the description of the first embodiment, an example in which the branch flow path 6 branches into two paths has been shown, but the present invention is not limited to this. The branch flow path may branch the fluid into three or more paths. In this case, the internal space of the transmission flow path can be divided into the same number of paths as the number of branches, and each branch flow can be introduced, thereby discharging three or more pulsating flows.

[0051] In the description of the first embodiment, an example in which the branch flow path 6 is bent at an angle of 90 degrees has been shown, but the present invention is not limited to this. The branch flow path may not be bent, or may be bent at an angle other than 90 degrees.

[0052] In the description of the first embodiment, an example was shown in which the suction opening 91 and the protrusion 92 are provided on the bottom 67 of the branch flow path 6, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the suction opening and the protrusion may be provided on the ceiling, side wall, etc. of the branch flow path.

[0053] In the description of the first embodiment, an example was given in which the feedback path is a path that feeds back a portion of the main fluid M from the downstream portion 132 of the main path 13 to the upstream portion 131, but this is not limited to this. For example, the feedback path may be a path that feeds back a portion of the fluid from the downstream portion of the branch flow path to the vicinity of the discharge port 2. As long as the discharge port 2 flows a wavy flow down, the presence or absence of a feedback path and its connection position are not limited. The fluid oscillation element is not limited to the configuration of the fluid oscillation element 10, and any configuration that can function as a fluid oscillation element based on known principles can be used.

[0054] The background of the second disclosure will now be explained. For example, Patent Document 2 describes a water discharge device that can switch the water discharge mode and adjust the flow rate. This device is equipped with a switching member that, by pressing a button, alternates between water discharge from a first water hole and water discharge from a second water hole. This switching member has a flow rate adjustment member that adjusts the flow rate of water discharged from each water hole, and by connecting this flow rate adjustment member to a button, the water discharge mode and flow rate can be switched by operating the button.

[0055] The inventors of the present application have studied mechanisms for switching between different types of discharge flow from the discharge port and have come to the following new realization. The device described in Patent Document 2 requires space for moving the switching member back and forth in order to switch between the hot and cold water discharge modes by pressing a button to move the switching member back and forth. This device also requires additional space because it is provided with a device for holding the advanced and retracted state to facilitate operation. The need for this space makes this device disadvantageous in terms of miniaturizing the entire device.

[0056] One of the purposes of the second disclosure is to provide a household equipment device that is advantageous for miniaturization and can switch between different types of discharge flow.

[0057] To solve the above-mentioned problems, a housing equipment according to one aspect of the second disclosure includes a flow path having an inlet and a single outlet, and a discharge mode switching unit for switching between a first discharge mode in which a straight flow is discharged from the outlet and a second discharge mode in which a wavy flow is discharged from the outlet. The discharge mode switching unit is a part of a side wall of the flow path and includes a switching member that can switch between the first discharge mode and the second discharge mode by rotating relative to the flow path main body.

[0058] [Second embodiment] From the standpoints of usability and design, it is desirable for home appliances to be compact, and miniaturization can also broaden the range of applications. In devices that move a switching element back and forth, such as the device described in Patent Document 1, providing space for the switching element, such as a space for the element to move back and forth, increases the size of the element, which is detrimental to miniaturization. This device cannot switch between multiple flow patterns and discharge from a single outlet, and instead has a first flow path and water passage hole for the first ejection pattern and a second flow path and water passage hole for the second ejection pattern separately. For these reasons, this device has the disadvantages of being large and complex. The second disclosure was made based on these findings, and the technology of the second disclosure will be described below with reference to the second embodiment.

[0059] The following describes the ingenuity of the household equipment 200 of the second embodiment. Reference is made to FIGS. 18 and 19 . The second embodiment of the second disclosure is a household equipment 200 that can be used as a shower that dispenses hot and cold water. Hereinafter, the household equipment 200 may be referred to as the equipment 200. The equipment 200 includes a flow path 3, a discharge mode switching unit 4, a branch flow path 6, and a transmission flow path 7. The flow path 3 includes a flow path main body 5 having an inlet 1 and a single discharge outlet 2. The discharge mode switching unit 4 is a mechanism for switching between a first discharge mode in which a straight flow F is discharged from the discharge outlet 2 and a second discharge mode in which a wavy flow J is radially discharged from the discharge outlet 2. The discharge mode switching unit 4 is a part of the side wall of the flow path 3 and includes a switching member 42 that can switch between the first discharge mode and the second discharge mode by rotating relative to the flow path main body 5. In the description of the second embodiment, a flow ejected from a small hole into an open space is referred to as a "jet," a pulsating jet is referred to as an "oscillating flow," and a pulsating jet is referred to as a "pulsating flow." The term "jet" refers to a concept that includes both an oscillating flow and a pulsating flow.

[0060] For ease of explanation, as shown in the figure, on a plane, the front-to-back direction on the plane along the discharge direction of the flow path 3 is referred to as the X direction, the left-to-right direction perpendicular to the front-to-back direction on the plane is referred to as the Y direction, and the vertical up-down direction is referred to as the Z direction. The direction of the arrow in the X direction is referred to as "rear" or "rearward," and the direction opposite to the arrow is referred to as "front" or "forward." The direction of the arrow in the Y direction is referred to as "right" or "rightward," and the direction opposite to the arrow is referred to as "left" or "leftward." The X direction, Y direction, and Z direction are mutually orthogonal. These directions are not limited to being strictly orthogonal, and include cases where they are nearly orthogonal. These directional notations do not limit the usage orientation of the device 200, and the device 200 can be used in any orientation depending on the application.

[0061] The configuration of the flow path 3 will be described. In the flow path 3, a fluid supplied from the outside to the inlet 1 flows through the flow path main body 5 and is discharged from the outlet 2. As shown in FIGS. 18 and 19 , the flow path main body 5 is a box-shaped member that surrounds a path space 18, which serves as a path for the fluid. The flow path main body 5 has a ceiling portion 51 and a bottom portion 52 that sandwich the path space 18, middle wall portions 55 and 56 that divide the path space 18 into left and right thirds, and outer wall portions 57 and 58 that surround the path space 18 from the sides. The inlet 1 is provided at the upstream end of the flow path main body 5 so as to supply the fluid to the path space 18. The outlet 2 is provided at the downstream end of the flow path main body 5 so as to discharge the fluid from the path space 18. The middle wall portions 55 and 56 include a first middle wall portion 55 and a second middle wall portion 56 that are provided symmetrically across a left-right bisector of the flow path 3 (hereinafter referred to as a center line CL). The left-right centers of the inlet 1 and the outlet 2 are located on a center line CL.

[0062] When the oscillation conditions are satisfied, the flow path 3 constitutes a fluidic oscillation element 10. Hereinafter, when describing the function of the fluidic oscillation element, the flow path 3 may be referred to as the fluidic oscillation element 10. When the oscillation conditions are satisfied, the fluidic oscillation element 10 discharges a wavy flow J from the outlet 2. When the oscillation conditions are not satisfied, the fluidic oscillation element 10 discharges a straight flow F from the outlet 2. The direction of the wavy flow J from the outlet 2 periodically changes. The wavy flow J is sometimes referred to as a kinetic flow or a oscillating flow based on its discharge form. The straight flow F is a flow that discharges in a substantially constant direction from the outlet 2, and includes a flow parallel to the center line CL and a flow inclined relative to the center line CL. The straight flow F is sometimes referred to as a non-kinetic flow or a non-oscillating flow. Fluidic oscillation elements based on known principles can be used, such as those that generate Karman vortices to induce a wavy kinetic jet or those that utilize the Coanda effect to induce a wavy kinetic jet. Fluidic oscillation elements themselves are well known, so detailed description is omitted.

[0063] See also Figures 20 and 21. The fluid oscillation element 10 of this embodiment has a main path 13, a first feedback path 11, and a second feedback path 12. The first feedback path 11 and the second feedback path 12 are collectively referred to as feedback paths. The main path 13 extends along the center line CL and includes a portion formed between the first intermediate wall portion 55 and the second intermediate wall portion 56 and a portion formed between the outer wall portions 57 and 58. Fluid supplied from the inlet 1 flows through the main path 13 toward the outlet 2. Hereinafter, as shown in Figures 20 and 21, the fluid flowing through the main path 13 will be referred to as the "main fluid M."

[0064] The first feedback path 11 is a path that extends substantially in the X direction to the left of the main path 13. The first feedback path 11 is formed between the first intermediate wall portion 55 and the first outer wall portion 57. The second feedback path 12 is a path that extends substantially in the X direction to the right of the main path 13. The second feedback path 12 is formed between the second intermediate wall portion 56 and the second outer wall portion 58. The first feedback path 11 and the second feedback path 12 can be configured symmetrically. The feedback path is a path that feeds back a portion of the main fluid M from the downstream portion 132 to the upstream portion 131 of the main path 13. Hereinafter, the fluid flowing through the feedback path will be referred to as the "return fluid B."

[0065] The configuration of the fluid oscillation element 10 of this embodiment is similar to that of the fluid oscillation element 10 of the first embodiment, and therefore a duplicated description will be omitted. The operating principle of the fluid oscillation element 10 of this embodiment is similar to that of the fluid oscillation element 10 of the first embodiment, and therefore Figures 3, 4, 5, and 6 and the descriptions thereof apply.

[0066] The fluid oscillation element 10 can stop oscillation by reducing the flow rate of the feedback fluid B below a threshold value. To do this, the feedback path may be blocked or narrowed. The fluid oscillation element 10 can stop oscillation by breaking the symmetry of at least one of the main path 13 and the feedback path. In the first discharge mode shown in FIG. 20, the fluid oscillation element 10 rotates the switching member 42 to narrow the feedback path and stop oscillation. In the second discharge mode shown in FIG. 21, the fluid oscillation element 10 rotates the switching member 42 to widen the feedback path and induce oscillation.

[0067] The discharge form switching unit 4 will now be described. The discharge form switching unit 4 can switch between a first discharge form and a second discharge form. As shown in FIG. 18 , the discharge form switching unit 4 includes an opening support unit 41, a switching member 42, a connecting shaft unit 43, an attachment unit 44, an O-ring 45, and an operation unit 46. The opening support unit 41 is an annular portion that surrounds the periphery of a circular opening formed in a ceiling unit 51 above the upstream portion 131 of the main path 13. The opening support unit 41 may be formed integrally with the ceiling unit 51, or may be formed separately from the ceiling unit 51.

[0068] The switching member 42 has a surface 422 that contacts the flow path main body 5 on a circumferential surface surrounding the rotation axis of the switching member 42. As shown in FIGS. 19 and 20 , in order to rotate smoothly relative to the flow path main body 5, it is desirable that the surface 422 be a surface along an arc that is coaxial with the rotation axis of the switching member 42. From this perspective, the surface 422 can have at least one of a partially conical convex surface and a partially cylindrical convex surface. When the surface 422 is a partially conical convex surface, the surface 522 of the flow path main body 5 that contacts the switching member 42 can be a partially conical concave surface. When the surface 422 is a partially cylindrical convex surface, the surface 522 can be a partially cylindrical concave surface.

[0069] In the example of FIG. 19, surface 422 has a partially cylindrical convex surface, and surface 522 has a partially cylindrical concave surface. In the example of FIG. 19, switching member 42 has two partial cylindrical portions 423, 424, which are pillars with an approximately quadrant-shaped bottom. In the state of FIG. 19, the two partial cylindrical portions 423, 424 are arranged symmetrically with respect to center line CL. The partial cylindrical portions 423, 424 have a three-dimensional shape created by moving the approximately quadrant up and down. Switching member 42 has the function of narrowing and widening at least one of main path 13 and feedback path by rotating about a rotation axis extending up and down.

[0070] As shown in FIG. 18 , the connection shaft 43 is fixed to the switching member 42 and extends upward from the switching member 42, and an O-ring 45 is attached to the outer periphery of the connection shaft 43. The connection shaft 43 is coupled to the operating unit 46 by fitting into an insertion hole provided on the underside of the operating unit 46. The attachment portion 44 is attached to the opening support portion 41 with a fastener such as a screw, and rotatably supports the switching member 42, the connection shaft 43, and the operating unit 46. The operating unit 46 is an operating knob that allows the user to input an operation to rotate the switching member 42. The operating unit 46 is connected to the connection shaft 43, and by rotating the operating unit 46, the connection shaft 43 and the switching member 42 rotate together.

[0071] 18 and 19, the branch flow path 6 will be described. The branch flow path 6 has a branch inlet 63 connected to the discharge port 2, and multiple branch outlets 61 and 62. The branch inlet 63 is provided at the upstream end of a branch flow path main body 68, and the branch outlets 61 and 62 are provided at the downstream end of the branch flow path main body 68. In the example of FIG. 18, the fluid that flows forward from the branch inlet 63 branches in two directions in the branch flow path 6, turns approximately 90°, and is discharged downward from each of the branch outlets 61 and 62.

[0072] The transmission flow path 7 will be described with reference to FIG. 18 . The transmission flow path 7 has transmission inlets 73 and 74 connected to the branch outlets 61 and 62, and multiple outlets 71 and 72 leading to an open space. The transmission inlets 73 and 74 are pipe-shaped sections that protrude upward from the ceiling of the transmission flow path main body 70 and are located at the center of the ceiling in the front-to-back direction. The transmission flow path main body 70 is a vertically flat box-shaped body with its longitudinal direction in the front-to-back direction, and is rectangular in plan view. The outlets 71 and 72 are multiple holes located at the bottom of the transmission flow path main body 70 and arranged in a matrix in the front-to-back and left-to-right directions. As an example, the outlets 71 and 72 have a shape and arrangement suitable for spraying water, and the transmission flow path 7 may be used as a spray plate.

[0073] The internal space of the transmission flow path main body 70 is divided by a partition wall (not shown) into two internal spaces 7P and 7Q, on the left and right. Fluid from the transmission inlet 73 flows into the internal space 7P of the transmission flow path main body 70 and is discharged from the outlet 71. Fluid from the transmission inlet 74 flows into the internal space 7Q of the transmission flow path main body 70 and is discharged from the outlet 72. In the first discharge mode, the transmission flow path 7 discharges a straight flow F from the multiple outlets 71 and 72, and in the second discharge mode, it discharges a wavy flow J from the multiple outlets 71 and 72, whose traveling direction changes over time.

[0074] The switching member 42 will be further described with reference to FIG. 22 as well. The return flow is not shown in FIG. 22. In the example of FIG. 22, the switching member 42 includes portions of two opposing side walls of the flow path 3. These two side walls are exemplified as outer wall portions 57 and 58, and portions of the two side walls are exemplified as portions 571 and 581 of the outer wall portions 57 and 58. That is, portion 571 is the partial cylindrical portion 423, and portion 581 is the partial cylindrical portion 424. Portions 571 and 581 are neck-shaped portions at the downstream ends of paths extending downstream from the inlet 1 along the center line CL.

[0075] In the state shown in FIG. 22, the two portions 571 and 581 are rotated approximately 30° clockwise from the state shown in FIG. 19. In this state, the left-right symmetry of the main path 13 is lost, causing the fluid oscillation element 10 to stop oscillating and discharge a straight flow F from the discharge port 2. In this manner, by rotating the two portions 571 and 581, the direction of the straight flow F in the first discharge mode can be easily changed. When the branch flow path 6 is connected, the fluid can be selectively supplied to one or the other of the branch outlets 61 and 62 by rotating the two portions 571 and 581 to change the direction of the straight flow F. As shown in FIG. 22, when the two portions 571 and 581 are rotated clockwise, the fluid can be supplied mainly to the branch outlet 61. When the two portions 571 and 581 are rotated in opposite directions, the fluid can be supplied mainly to the branch outlet 62. The shapes of the portions 571 and 581 and the rotational positions of the portions 571 and 581 can be set by experimentation in order to realize the desired wavy flow J and straight flow F.

[0076] Another example of the switching member 42 will be described with reference to FIGS. 23 and 24. The return flow is not shown in FIG. 23. In the above example, the switching member 42 includes portions of two side walls, but this is not limiting. As shown in FIGS. 23 and 24, the switching member 42 may include a portion of one of two opposing side walls of the flow path 3. These two side walls are exemplified by intermediate wall portions 55 and 56, and a portion of one of the two side walls is exemplified by a portion 562 of the intermediate wall portion 56 that faces the main path 13. In other words, the switching member 42 is the portion 562 of the intermediate wall portion 56 that faces the main path 13, and is a columnar body with a closed arc as its bottom surface (a three-dimensional shape created by moving the closed arc up and down).

[0077] Hereinafter, the state in which the portion 562 is rotated relative to the intermediate wall portion 56 as shown in FIG. 23 will be referred to as the rotated state, and the state in which the portion 562 is not rotated relative to the intermediate wall portion 56 as shown in FIG. 24 will be referred to as the non-rotated state.

[0078] The flow path 3 in Figures 23 and 24 will be described as a fluid oscillation element 10. As shown in Figure 24, in a non-rotating state, the main path 13 is symmetric. Therefore, the fluid oscillation element 10 oscillates using the same mechanism as in the example of Figure 21 and ejects a wavy flow J from the outlet 2. As shown in Figure 23, in a rotating state, the portion 562 is rotated approximately 120 degrees clockwise from the non-rotating state. In this state, the left-right symmetry of the main path 13 is lost, so the fluid oscillation element 10 stops oscillating and ejects a straight flow F from the outlet 2. In this example, the fluid can be supplied mainly to the branch outlet 62. When the portion 562 is rotated in the opposite direction, the fluid can be supplied mainly to the branch outlet 61. The shape and rotational position of the portion 562 can be determined experimentally to achieve the desired wavy flow J and straight flow F.

[0079] Next, the features of the household equipment 200 of the second embodiment will be described.

[0080] The housing equipment 200 includes a flow path 3 having an inlet 1 and a single outlet 2, and a discharge mode switching unit 4 for switching between a first discharge mode in which a straight flow F is discharged from the outlet 2 and a second discharge mode in which a wavy flow J is discharged from the outlet 2. The discharge mode switching unit 4 is a part of the side wall of the flow path 3 and includes a switching member 42 that can switch between the first discharge mode and the second discharge mode by rotating with respect to the flow path main body 5.

[0081] According to this configuration, the discharge form can be switched by rotating the switching member 42, which eliminates the space required for the member to move back and forth, and is advantageous for miniaturization. Since fluids of multiple discharge forms can be discharged from a single discharge port 2, this configuration is more advantageous for miniaturization than devices with multiple discharge ports.

[0082] In the housing equipment 200, the surface 422 of the circumferential surface surrounding the rotation axis of the switching member 42 that comes into contact with the flow path main body 5 has at least one of a partially conical convex surface and a partially cylindrical convex surface. The surface 522 of the flow path main body 5 that comes into contact with the switching member 42 has at least one of a partially conical concave surface and a partially cylindrical concave surface. In this case, the switching member 42 can rotate smoothly relative to the flow path main body 5. The gap between the opposing portions of the switching member 42 and the flow path main body 5 can be reduced.

[0083] The housing equipment 200 further includes a branch flow path 6 connected to the discharge port 2 and having a plurality of branch outlets 61, 62, and a transmission flow path 7 connected to the branch outlets 61, 62 and having a plurality of jet ports 71, 72 leading to an open space. In a first discharge mode, the transmission flow path 7 ejects a straight flow from the plurality of jet ports 71, 72, and in a second discharge mode, the transmission flow path 7 ejects a jet flow in which at least one of the flow rate and direction changes over time from the plurality of jet ports 71, 72. In this case, the ejection mode from the jet ports 71, 72 can be switched. When ejecting in the first discharge mode, the flow rate supplied to the transmission flow path 7 does not change, so a jet flow that does not change over time can be ejected. When ejecting in the second discharge mode, the flow rate supplied to the transmission flow path 7 changes due to the wavy flow J, so a jet flow that changes over time can be ejected. By providing the transmission flow path 7, the household equipment 200 can increase the distance between the nozzles 71, 72 and the fluid oscillation element 10, and can be installed without impairing the ease of use or aesthetic appearance of the household equipment 200.

[0084] In the household equipment 200, the switching member 42 includes a portion of each of the two opposing side walls of the flow path 3. In this case, it functions as a fluid oscillation element in the second discharge mode (wavy flow J), and by rotating the switching member 42 from that state, it can be switched to the first discharge mode (straight flow F). By rotating the two opposing surfaces, the direction of the straight flow F in the first discharge mode can be easily changed. When the branch flow path 6 is connected, fluid can be selectively supplied to one or the other of the branch outlets 61, 62.

[0085] In the housing equipment 200, the switching member 42 may be configured to include a portion of one of two opposing side walls of the flow path 3. In this case, in the first discharge mode, one side is closed or widened with respect to the center line CL passing through the discharge port 2, making the flow path 3 asymmetric. As a result, the discharge direction of the linear flow F can be inclined with respect to the center line CL. When the branch flow path 6 is connected, the fluid can be selectively supplied to the branch outlets 61, 62 provided in the branch flow path 6.

[0086] This concludes the description of the second embodiment.

[0087] Below, a modified example of the second embodiment will be described. In the drawings and description of the modified example, the same components and members as those in the second embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals. Explanations that overlap with those in the second embodiment will be omitted as appropriate, and the description will focus on the configurations that differ from those in the second embodiment.

[0088] In the description of the second embodiment, an example was shown in which parts of the two opposing side walls of the flow path 3 are the parts 571 and 581 of the outer wall portions 57 and 58, respectively. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the two side walls may be the intermediate wall portions 55 and 56.

[0089] In the description of the second embodiment, an example in which the switching member 42 is provided in the main path 13 has been shown, but this is not limiting. For example, the switching member may be provided in the feedback path. In this case, the switching member may be part of at least one of two opposing side walls of the middle wall portion and the outer wall portion that face the feedback path.

[0090] In the description of the second embodiment, an example in which the branch flow path 6 branches into two paths is shown, but this is not limiting. The branch flow path may branch the fluid into three or more paths. In the above description, an example in which the branch flow path 6 is bent at 90 degrees is shown, but this is not limiting. The branch flow path may not be bent, or may be bent at an angle other than 90 degrees.

[0091] In the description of the second embodiment, an example was given in which the switching member 42 rotates by rotating the operating unit 46, but this is not limiting. The operating unit may be a button, and the switching member may rotate when the operating unit is pressed down.

[0092] In the explanation of the second embodiment, an example was given in which the feedback path is a path that feeds back a portion of the main fluid M from the downstream portion 132 of the main path 13 to the upstream portion 131, but this is not limited to this. For example, the feedback path may be a path that feeds back a portion of the fluid from the downstream portion of the branch flow path to the vicinity of the discharge port 2. As long as the discharge port 2 flows a wavy flow down, the presence or absence of a feedback path and its connection position are not limited. The fluid oscillation element is not limited to the configuration of the fluid oscillation element 10, and any configuration that can function as a fluid oscillation element based on known principles can be used.

[0093] In the description of the second embodiment, an example was shown in which the outlets 71 and 72 have shapes and arrangements suitable for sprinkling water, but this is not limiting. For example, the outlets 71 and 72 may be arranged so that the water joins and is sprayed. In this case, the household equipment 200 can spray a pulsating flow in the second discharge mode.

[0094] [Third embodiment] See Figures 25 and 26. In Figure 26, the fluid oscillation element 10 and the branch flow path main body 68 are cut along a plane passing through approximately the center of their thickness in the Z direction, and the branch outlets 61 and 62 are cut in half approximately at the center in the X direction to show the interior. A household equipment device 300 according to the third embodiment is a shower device that a user holds in their hand. Hereinafter, the household equipment device 300 may be referred to as the device 300. The device 300 may also be referred to as a hand shower device. The device 300 includes a fluid oscillation element 10, a branch flow path 6 connected to the outlet 2 of the fluid oscillation element 10 and having multiple branch outlets 61 and 62, and multiple transmission flow paths 81 and 82 each having multiple flow path outlets 271 and 272 that discharge fluid from the multiple branch outlets 61 and 62 into an open space. The multiple transmission flow paths 81 and 82 are flow paths formed between the cover 31 and the inner cover 32. The multiple transmission flow paths 81 and 82 discharge multiple pulsating flows. The multiple pulsating flows discharged from the multiple transmission flow paths 81, 82 may change in flow rate at the same cycle with different phases. In the description of the third embodiment, a flow ejected from a small hole into an open space is referred to as a "jet flow," a pulsating jet flow is referred to as an "oscillating flow," and a pulsating jet flow is referred to as a "pulsating flow." The term "jet flow" is a concept that includes both an oscillating flow and a pulsating flow.

[0095] For ease of explanation, as shown in the figure, the front-to-back direction on a plane along the ejection direction of the fluid oscillation element 10 is referred to as the X direction, the left-to-right direction perpendicular to the front-to-back direction on the plane is referred to as the Y direction, and the vertical up-down direction is referred to as the Z direction. The direction of the arrow in the X direction is referred to as "rear" or "rearward," and the direction opposite the arrow is referred to as "front" or "forward." The direction of the arrow in the Y direction is referred to as "right" or "rightward," and the direction opposite the arrow is referred to as "left" or "leftward." The X direction, Y direction, and Z direction are mutually orthogonal. These directions are not limited to being strictly orthogonal, and may also be nearly orthogonal. These directional notations do not limit the orientation of the device 300, and the device 300 can be used in any orientation depending on the application.

[0096] Similar to the first embodiment, the fluid oscillation element 10 includes a first intermediate wall portion 55 and a second intermediate wall portion 56. The operating principle of the fluid oscillation element 10 is the same as that of the first embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted for the sake of brevity. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the fluid oscillation element 10 allows fluid supplied from an inlet 1 to flow and discharges the fluid as a wavy flow J from an outlet 2. The wavy flow J can be described as a fluid flow whose direction of travel swings.

[0097] The branch flow path 6 has a branch inlet 63 connected to the discharge port 2, and multiple branch outlets 61, 62. The branch inlet 63 is provided at the upstream end of the branch flow path main body 68, and the branch outlets 61, 62 are provided at the downstream end of the branch flow path main body 68. In the example of Figure 25, the fluid that flows forward from the branch inlet 63 branches in two directions in the branch flow path 6, turns approximately 90°, and is discharged downward from each of the branch outlets 61, 62.

[0098] The transmission flow paths 81, 82 are formed by the cover 31 and the inner cover 32. The cover 31 and the inner cover 32 are formed in the shape of a shallow circular dish. The inner cover 32 has pipe-shaped transmission inlets 73, 74 located on the same circumference near the outer edge. The transmission inlets 73, 74 form holes that penetrate the inner cover 32 in the Z direction. The branch outlets 61, 62 are connected to the transmission inlets 73, 74, respectively. The fluid discharged from the branch outlets 61, 62 passes through the transmission inlets 73, 74 and is discharged toward the cover 31 side.

[0099] The cover 31 has an outer wall portion 33, an inner wall portion 34, and a partition portion 35. The outer wall portion 33, the inner wall portion 34, and the partition portion 35 rise from the bottom portion 31a of the cover 31 and are formed in the shape of concentric rings. The outer wall portion 33 is formed near the outer edge of the cover 31. The inner wall portion 34 is formed radially inward from the outer wall portion 33. The partition portion 35 is provided midway between the outer wall portion 33 and the inner wall portion 34. The upper ends of the outer wall portion 33, the inner wall portion 34, and the partition portion 35 contact the bottom portion 32a of the inner cover 32.

[0100] The transmission flow path 81 is formed as a space surrounded by the bottom 31a of the cover 31, the outer wall 33, the partition 35, and the inner cover 32. The transmission flow path 82 is formed as a space surrounded by the bottom 31a of the cover 31, the partition 35, the inner wall 34, and the inner cover 32.

[0101] The partition wall portion 35 has introduction portions 35a and 35b at circumferential positions corresponding to the branch outlets 61 and 62 provided in the inner cover 32. The introduction portion 35a is formed in a semicircular shape that is concave toward the outside in the radial direction of the cover 31 and convex toward the inside. The introduction portion 35b is formed in a semicircular shape that is concave toward the inside in the radial direction of the cover 31 and convex toward the outside. The introduction portions 35a and 35b are connected to the lower ends of pipe-shaped transmission inlets 73 and 74, respectively.

[0102] The transmission inlet 73 communicates with the transmission flow path 81 via the introduction portion 35a. The transmission inlet 74 communicates with the transmission flow path 82 via the introduction portion 35b. The fluid discharged from the transmission inlet 73 to the cover 31 flows into the transmission flow path 81 and is discharged from the multiple flow path outlets 271 to the open space. The fluid discharged from the transmission inlet 74 to the cover 31 flows into the transmission flow path 82 and is discharged from the multiple flow path outlets 272 to the open space.

[0103] The flow of fluid in the device 300 will be described. The wavy flow J discharged from the discharge port 2 of the fluid oscillation element 10 swings left and right, passes through the branch flow path 6, and is discharged from the branch outlets 61 and 62. As described in the first embodiment using FIG. 11 and other figures, a first pulsating flow K1 is discharged from the flow path outlet 271 of the device 300 into the open space, and a second pulsating flow K2 is discharged from the flow path outlet 272 into the open space.

[0104] The cross-sectional area of ​​the fluid passage perpendicular to the fluid flow (hereinafter simply referred to as "cross-sectional area") will be described with reference to Figure 27. Reference numerals S81 and S82 in Figure 27 denote the cross-sectional areas of transmission flow paths 81 and 82 in the cross section taken along line EE.

[0105] As explained in the first embodiment, the inventors of the present application conducted repeated experiments and found that pulsating flows K1, K2 with a desirable contrast ratio are easily achieved when the cross-sectional area of ​​the fluid passage downstream of the fluid oscillation element 10 is equal to or larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the downstream end (outlet 2) of the fluid oscillation element 10. In the device 300, the sum (S81+S82) of the cross-sectional areas S81, S82 of the internal spaces of the transmission flow paths 81, 82 is equal to or larger than the cross-sectional area S2 of the outlet 2 of the fluid oscillation element 10.

[0106] As in the first embodiment, the sum (S61+S62) of the cross-sectional areas S61, S62 of the branch outlets 61, 62 of the device 300 is equal to or greater than the cross-sectional area S2 of the outlet 2 of the fluid oscillation element 10. As in the first embodiment, the sum of the cross-sectional areas S271, S272 of the multiple flow path outlets 271, 272 of the device 300 is equal to or greater than the cross-sectional area S2 of the outlet 2 of the fluid oscillation element 10.

[0107] The sum of the cross-sectional areas S61, S62 is preferably 1.2 times or more the cross-sectional area S2 of the outlet 2. The sum of the cross-sectional areas S81, S82 is preferably 1.2 times or more the cross-sectional area S2 of the outlet 2. The sum of the cross-sectional areas S271, S272 is preferably 1.2 times or more the cross-sectional area S2 of the outlet 2. When these area ratios are 1.2 times or more, it is easy to realize pulsating flows K1, K2 having a desired contrast ratio, and a desirable cleaning effect, a desirable massage effect, etc. can be obtained.

[0108] As explained in the first embodiment using Figures 16 and 17, the fluid oscillation element 10 of this embodiment may be provided with an intake opening 91 that can intake fluid from the outside, and a protrusion 92 that protrudes into the fluid passage to reduce backflow from the intake opening 91 to the outside.

[0109] As described in the second embodiment, the fluid oscillation element 10 of this embodiment may be provided with a discharge mode switching unit 4. The device 300 may be capable of switching between a first discharge mode in which a jet flow that does not change over time is discharged and a second discharge mode in which a jet flow that changes over time, using the discharge mode switching unit 4.

[0110] [Fourth embodiment] See Figures 28, 29, and 30. The household equipment 400 of the fourth embodiment includes a configuration in which a fluid is discharged from the branch outlets 61, 62 of the equipment 100 of the first embodiment into an open space. Hereinafter, the household equipment 400 may be referred to as equipment 400. The equipment 400 is used, for example, as a shower device. Like the household equipment described in the first, second, and third embodiments, the equipment 400 of this embodiment discharges a pulsating flow, and is therefore suitable for a discharge configuration known as "cascading water."

[0111] The device 400 has two fluid discharge paths. The first discharge path of the device 400 includes a fluid oscillation element 10, a branch flow path 6 connected to the discharge port 2 of the fluid oscillation element 10 and having multiple branch outlets 61 and 62, and multiple transmission flow paths 7L and 7R having multiple flow path outlets 271 and 272 that discharge the fluid from the multiple branch outlets 61 and 62 into an open space. The multiple transmission flow paths 7L and 7R are formed inside a transmission flow path main body 70. The multiple transmission flow paths 7L and 7R discharge multiple pulsating flows. The multiple pulsating flows discharged from the multiple transmission flow paths 7L and 7R may change in flow rate at the same cycle but in different phases. In the description of the fourth embodiment, a flow sprayed from a small hole into an open space is referred to as a "jet," a pulsating jet is referred to as a "oscillating flow," and a pulsating jet is referred to as a "pulsating flow." The term "jet" refers to a concept that includes both an oscillating flow and a pulsating flow.

[0112] For ease of explanation, as shown in the figure, the front-to-back direction on a plane along the ejection direction of the fluid oscillation element 10 is referred to as the X direction, the left-to-right direction perpendicular to the front-to-back direction on the plane is referred to as the Y direction, and the vertical up-down direction is referred to as the Z direction. The direction of the arrow in the X direction is referred to as "rear" or "rearward," and the direction opposite the arrow is referred to as "front" or "forward." The direction of the arrow in the Y direction is referred to as "right" or "rightward," and the direction opposite the arrow is referred to as "left" or "leftward." The X direction, Y direction, and Z direction are perpendicular to each other. These directions are not limited to being strictly perpendicular, but may also be nearly perpendicular. These directional notations do not limit the usage orientation of the device 400; the device 400 can be used in any orientation depending on the application.

[0113] The configurations and functions of the fluid oscillation element 10 and the branch flow path 6 in the discharge path of the first system are the same as those in the first embodiment, and therefore will not be described for brevity. The internal space of the transmission flow path main body 70 has a transmission flow path 7L on the left side of the left-right bisector and a transmission flow path 7R on the right side, similar to the transmission flow path main body 70 described in the first embodiment using Figure 7.

[0114] The plurality of flow path outlets 271 formed on the transmission flow path 7L side are connected to the through holes 38a located on the left side of the left-right bisector among the plurality of through holes 38a provided in the cover 38. The plurality of flow path outlets 272 formed on the transmission flow path 7R side are connected to the through holes 38a located on the right side of the left-right bisector among the plurality of through holes 38a provided in the cover 38.

[0115] The flow of fluid in the discharge path of the first system of the device 400 will be described. The wavy flow J discharged from the discharge port 2 of the fluid oscillation element 10 swings left and right, passes through the branch flow path 6, and is discharged from the branch outlets 61 and 62. As described in the first embodiment using FIG. 11 and other figures, the first pulsating flow K1 is discharged from the flow path outlet 271 of the device 400 into the open space, and the second pulsating flow K2 is discharged from the flow path outlet 272 into the open space.

[0116] As explained in the first embodiment, the inventors of the present invention conducted repeated experiments and found that pulsating flows K1 and K2 having a desirable contrast ratio are easily achieved when the cross-sectional area of ​​the fluid passage downstream of the fluid oscillation element 10 is equal to or greater than the cross-sectional area of ​​the downstream end (outlet 2) of the fluid oscillation element 10. As in the first embodiment, the sum (S61 + S62) of the cross-sectional areas S61 and S62 at the branch outlets 61 and 62 of the device 400 is equal to or greater than the cross-sectional area S2 of the outlet 2 of the fluid oscillation element 10. The sum (S7L + S7R) of the cross-sectional areas S7L and S7R in the internal space of the transmission flow path 7 of the device 400 is equal to or greater than the cross-sectional area S2 of the outlet 2 of the fluid oscillation element 10. The sum of the cross-sectional areas S271 and S272 at the multiple flow path outlets 271 and 272 of the device 400 is equal to or greater than the cross-sectional area S2 of the outlet 2 of the fluid oscillation element 10.

[0117] The sum of the cross-sectional areas S61, S62 is preferably 1.2 times or more the cross-sectional area S2 of the outlet 2. The sum of the cross-sectional areas S7L, S7R is preferably 1.2 times or more the cross-sectional area S2 of the outlet 2. The sum of the cross-sectional areas S271, S272 is preferably 1.2 times or more the cross-sectional area S2 of the outlet 2. When these area ratios are 1.2 times or more, it is easy to realize pulsating flows K1, K2 having a desired contrast ratio, and a desirable cleaning effect, a desirable massage effect, etc. can be obtained.

[0118] As explained in the first embodiment using Figures 16 and 17, the fluid oscillation element 10 in the discharge path of the first system in this embodiment may be provided with an intake opening 91 that can intake fluid from the outside, and a protrusion 92 that protrudes into the fluid passage to reduce backflow from the intake opening 91 to the outside.

[0119] As described in the second embodiment, the fluid oscillation element 10 of the first discharge path in this embodiment may be provided with a discharge mode switching unit 4. The device 400 may be capable of switching between a first discharge mode in which a jet flow that does not change over time is discharged and a second discharge mode in which a jet flow that changes over time is discharged by the discharge mode switching unit 4.

[0120] The device 400 includes, as the second discharge path, a fluid oscillation element 410 and a branch flow path 406 connected to the discharge port 2 of the fluid oscillation element 410 and having multiple branch outlets 461, 462 (see FIG. 30 ). The multiple branch outlets 461, 462 discharge pulsating flows into an open space. The multiple pulsating flows discharged from the multiple branch outlets 461, 462 may have different phases and the flow rates may change at the same cycle. In the description of the fourth embodiment, the flow jetted from the branch outlets 461, 462 into the open space is referred to as a "jet," a pulsating jet is referred to as an "oscillating flow," and a pulsating jet is referred to as a "pulsating flow." The term "jet" refers to a concept that includes both an oscillating flow and a pulsating flow.

[0121] The configuration and function of the fluid oscillation element 410 are the same as those of the first embodiment, and for the sake of brevity, a description thereof will be omitted. The fluid oscillation element 410 passes a fluid supplied from an inlet 401 and discharges it as a wavy flow J from a discharge port 2.

[0122] The branch flow path 406 is formed by a branch flow path main body 430 connected to the discharge port 2 of the fluid oscillation element 410, and a flow path member 440. A branch inlet 463 connected to the discharge port 2 is provided at the upstream end of the branch flow path main body 430. The branch flow path 406 branches into a first flow path 431 and a second flow path 432 downstream of the branch inlet 463.

[0123] The first flow path 431 is connected to a connection port 441 of the flow path member 440, extends in the +X direction within the flow path member 440, is further bent downward, and extends to a branch outlet 461. The second flow path 432 is connected to a connection port 442 of the flow path member 440, extends in the -X direction within the flow path member 440, is further bent downward, and extends to a branch outlet 462. A rectifying member 450 is provided at the branch outlets 461 and 462.

[0124] 31, 32, and 33, the flow rectifying member 450 will be described. The flow rectifying member 450 has a flat cylindrical shape with a central portion 451 that bulges upward and downward. The flow rectifying member 450 is attached to the branch outlets 461, 462 with the outer edge portion 452 in contact with the inner circumferential surfaces of the branch outlets 461, 462. The flow rectifying member 450 has a plurality of flow holes 455 that penetrate vertically from the central portion 451 to the outer edge portion 452.

[0125] The flow straightening member 450 has a slit 456 formed below the central portion 451. As shown in Fig. 33, a bottom portion 457 of the slit 456 is formed in a concave shape when viewed from below. The axial dimension of the flow hole 455 increases from the outer edge portion 452 toward the central portion 451. On the diameter where the slit 456 is formed, the axial dimension of the flow hole 455 is approximately constant from the outer edge portion 452 to the central portion 451.

[0126] The flow rectifying member 450 rectifies the flow of the fluid flowing through the first flow path 431 and the second flow path 432 by means of a plurality of flow holes 455 .

[0127] 34, another example of flow straightening member 450 will be described. Flow straightening member 450 is cylindrical, and when viewed from the outside in the radial direction, a pleated portion in which a plurality of recessed portions 453 and protruding portions 454 are continuously arranged in the circumferential direction is formed on outer edge portion 452. The fluid flowing through first flow path 431 and second flow path 432 is straightened by passing through flow straightening member 450, and is discharged from branch outlets 461, 462.

[0128] The flow straightening member 450 ensures a large flow rate in the central portion 451 around the central axis. The branch outlets 461 and 462 may not be provided with the flow straightening member 450. When the flow straightening member 450 is not provided, the fluid flowing through the first flow path 431 and the second flow path 432 is discharged from the branch outlets 461 and 462 without being rectified.

[0129] The following describes the flow of fluid in the discharge path of the second system of the device 400. The wavy flow J discharged from the discharge port 2 of the fluid oscillation element 410 swings left and right, passes through the branch flow path 406, and is discharged into the open space from the branch outlets 461 and 462. A first pulsating flow K1 is discharged from the branch outlet 461 of the device 400 into the open space, and a second pulsating flow K2 is discharged from the branch outlet 462 into the open space.

[0130] As explained in the first embodiment, the inventors of the present invention conducted repeated experiments and found that when the cross-sectional area of ​​the fluid passage downstream of the fluid oscillation element 410 is equal to or greater than the cross-sectional area of ​​the downstream end (outlet 2) of the fluid oscillation element 410, pulsating flows K1 and K2 with a desirable contrast ratio are more easily achieved.

[0131] Please refer to Figure 35. In Figure 35, the peripheral portions of branch outlets 461, 462 are hatched. A plurality of flow holes 455 of flow straightening member 450 are formed in a mesh pattern at branch outlets 461, 462. The total cross-sectional area of ​​the plurality of flow holes 455 at branch outlet 461 is S461, and the total cross-sectional area of ​​the plurality of flow holes 455 at branch outlet 462 is S462.

[0132] Refer to Figure 36. In Figure 36, the peripheral portions of branch outlets 461, 462 are hatched. Pleated straightening members 450 are formed in branch outlets 461, 462. In the flow path cross section of branch outlet 461, the total cross-sectional area excluding the portion occupied by the cross section of straightening member 450 is defined as S461. In the flow path cross section of branch outlet 462, the total cross-sectional area excluding the portion occupied by the cross section of straightening member 450 is defined as S462.

[0133] 35 and 36 , similarly to the first embodiment, the sum (S461+S462) is equal to or greater than the cross-sectional area S2 of the outlet 2 of the fluid oscillation element 410. Even in parts other than the branch outlets 461 and 462 of the branch flow path 406, the sum of the cross-sectional areas of the first flow path 431 and the second flow path 432 is equal to or greater than the cross-sectional area S2 of the outlet 2 of the fluid oscillation element 410. The sum of the cross-sectional areas of the most constricted parts of the first flow path 431 and the second flow path 432 is equal to or greater than the cross-sectional area S2 of the outlet 2 of the fluid oscillation element 410.

[0134] The sum of the cross-sectional areas S461, S462 is preferably 1.2 times or more the cross-sectional area S2 of the outlet 2. When the area ratio is 1.2 times or more, it is easy to realize pulsating flows K1, K2 having a desired contrast ratio, and a desirable cleaning effect, a desirable massage effect, etc. can be obtained.

[0135] As explained in the first embodiment using Figures 16 and 17, the fluid oscillation element 410 of the second system discharge path in this embodiment may be provided with an intake opening 91 that can intake fluid from the outside, and a protrusion 92 that protrudes into the fluid passage to reduce backflow from the intake opening 91 to the outside.

[0136] As described in the second embodiment, the fluid oscillation element 410 of the second discharge path in this embodiment may be provided with a discharge mode switching unit 4. The device 400 may be capable of switching between a first discharge mode in which a jet flow that does not change over time is discharged and a second discharge mode in which a jet flow that changes over time is discharged by the discharge mode switching unit 4.

[0137] In the discharge path of the second system of this embodiment, pulsating flows K1 and K2 are discharged into an open space from branch outlets 461 and 462. The device 400 is advantageous for miniaturization due to the configuration of the fluid oscillation element 410 and other components, and can discharge pulsating flows from multiple outlets. The device 400 is advantageous for miniaturization due to the provision of a discharge form switching unit 4 in the fluid oscillation element 410, and can switch between different forms of discharge flows for discharge.

[0138] The first embodiment, second embodiment, modified embodiment, third embodiment, and fourth embodiment have been described above. When understanding the abstract technical concepts of the first embodiment, second embodiment, modified embodiment, third embodiment, and fourth embodiment, the technical concepts should not be interpreted as being limited to the content of the first embodiment, second embodiment, modified embodiment, third embodiment, and fourth embodiment. The first embodiment, second embodiment, modified embodiment, third embodiment, and fourth embodiment described above are merely illustrative examples, and many design modifications, such as changes, additions, and deletions of components, are possible. In the first, second, third, and fourth embodiments, the term "embodiment" is used to emphasize the scope of such design modifications. However, design modifications are also permitted even in areas not specifically described. Hatching on cross sections in the drawings does not limit the materials of the hatched objects.

[0139] Any combination of the components of the first embodiment, second embodiment, modified embodiment, third embodiment, and fourth embodiment is also valid as an aspect of the technical idea that abstracts the embodiments and modified embodiment. For example, any of the first embodiment, second embodiment, modified embodiment, third embodiment, and fourth embodiment may be combined with any of the description matters of other embodiments, or any of the description matters of the first embodiment, second embodiment, other modified embodiment, third embodiment, and fourth embodiment may be combined with the modified embodiment. For example, the discharge mode switching unit 4 of the second embodiment may be combined with the housing equipment 100 of FIG. 1.

[0140] Up to this point, the embodiments and modifications have been described. Any combination of the above components is also effective. For example, the first disclosed embodiment or modification may be combined with any of the description matters of the second disclosed embodiment or modification, the third embodiment, or the fourth embodiment. Similarly, the second disclosed embodiment or modification may be combined with any of the description matters of the first disclosed embodiment or modification, the third embodiment, or the fourth embodiment. [Explanation of symbols]

[0141] 1 inlet, 2 outlet, 3 flow path, 4 discharge form switching unit, 5 flow path main body, 6 branch flow path, 7 transmission flow path, 10 fluid oscillation element, 42 switching member, 61, 62 branch outlet, 70 transmission flow path main body, 71, 72 ejection port, 73, 74 transmission inlet, 81, 82 transmission flow path, 91 suction opening, 92 protrusion, 271, 272 flow path outlet, 401 inlet, 406 branch flow path, 410 fluid oscillation element, 450 straightening member, 453 recess, 454 protrusion, 455 flow hole, 461, 462 branch outlet, 100, 200, 300, 400 housing equipment.

Claims

1. a fluid oscillation element; a branch flow path connected to the discharge port of the fluid oscillation element and having a plurality of branch outlets; Equipped with Discharging a pulsating flow from the plurality of branch outlets; the sum of the cross-sectional areas of the most constricted portions of the fluid passages located downstream of the discharge port of the fluid oscillation element is equal to or greater than the cross-sectional area of ​​the discharge port of the fluid oscillation element, The household equipment further comprises a plurality of flow path outlets connected to the plurality of branch outlets, respectively, and discharging the fluid from the branch outlets into an open space.

2. The household equipment according to claim 1 , wherein a sum of the cross-sectional areas of the branch outlets is equal to or greater than a cross-sectional area of ​​the discharge port of the fluid oscillation element.

3. The household equipment according to claim 1 , wherein a sum of the cross-sectional areas of the flow path outlets is equal to or greater than a cross-sectional area of ​​the discharge port of the fluid oscillation element.

4. a plurality of transmission flow paths connected to the plurality of branch outlets, respectively, for transmitting fluid from the branch outlets to the flow path outlet; The household equipment according to claim 1 , wherein a sum of the cross-sectional areas of the plurality of transmission flow paths is equal to or greater than a cross-sectional area of ​​the discharge port of the fluid oscillation element.

5. A fluid oscillation element; a branch flow path connected to the discharge port of the fluid oscillation element and having a plurality of branch outlets; Equipped with Discharging a pulsating flow from the plurality of branch outlets; the sum of the cross-sectional areas of the most constricted portions of the fluid passages located downstream of the discharge port of the fluid oscillation element is equal to or greater than the cross-sectional area of ​​the discharge port of the fluid oscillation element, The housing equipment has a suction opening that can suck in fluid from an open space downstream of the discharge port of the fluid oscillation element.

6. The household equipment according to claim 5, further comprising a protrusion protruding into the fluid passage near the upstream side of the suction opening.

7. A fluid oscillation element; a branch flow path connected to the discharge port of the fluid oscillation element and having a plurality of branch outlets; Equipped with Discharging a pulsating flow from the plurality of branch outlets; the sum of the cross-sectional areas of the most constricted portions of the fluid passages located downstream of the discharge port of the fluid oscillation element is equal to or greater than the cross-sectional area of ​​the discharge port of the fluid oscillation element, the fluid oscillation element includes a flow path having an inlet and a single outlet, the outlet being the discharge port; a discharge mode switching unit for switching between a first discharge mode in which a straight flow is discharged from the discharge port and a second discharge mode in which a wave-like flow is discharged from the discharge port, The discharge mode switching portion is a part of a side wall of the flow path and includes a switching member that can switch between the first discharge mode and the second discharge mode by rotating relative to a flow path main body.

8. a surface of the switching member that is in contact with the flow path main body and that surrounds the rotation axis of the switching member has at least one of a partially conical convex surface and a partially cylindrical convex surface; The household equipment according to claim 7 , wherein the surface of the flow path body that comes into contact with the switching member has at least one of a partially conical concave surface and a partially cylindrical concave surface.

9. a branch flow path connected to the discharge port and having a plurality of branch outlets; and a transmission flow path connected to the branch outlet and having a plurality of jetting ports leading to an open space, 9. The home appliance according to claim 7, wherein the transmission flow path ejects a straight flow from the plurality of nozzles in the first discharge mode, and ejects a jet of air from the plurality of nozzles in the second discharge mode, the jet of air having at least one of a flow rate and a direction of travel that changes over time.

10. 8. The household equipment according to claim 5, wherein a flow straightening member for straightening the flow of the fluid is provided at the branch outlet, and a pulsating flow is discharged from the plurality of branch outlets.

11. The household equipment according to claim 10, wherein the flow straightening member has a plurality of flow holes formed in a mesh pattern.

12. The household equipment according to claim 10, wherein the airflow regulating member has recesses and protrusions formed continuously in a circumferential direction when viewed from the outside.

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