high-pressure washer

Abstract

To provide a high-pressure washer that can generate water containing fine bubbles according to an overall compact constitution and in short time.SOLUTION: A high-pressure washer 1 turns water supplied from a water supply port 100 into high-pressure water and jets the high-pressure water from a washing gun 50. The high-pressure washer 1 comprises: a tank 31 for storing water; a high-pressure water supply part 40 for pumping water in the tank 31 by using a high-pressure pump 41; a washing gun 50 for jetting the high-pressure water pumped from the high-pressure water supply part 40; and a fine bubble generation part 12 which is provided at least at any place in between a connection end part 2 and the washing gun 50, in order to generate water containing fine bubbles by circulating water.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a high-pressure washer that sprays water containing fine bubbles at high pressure. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, as described in Patent Document 1, a hot water washer is known that includes an electric water heater that heats and keeps water warm, a cleaning gun that sprays hot water from the electric water heater at high pressure, a pump that drives the supply of high-pressure water to the cleaning gun, and a flow tank and tank provided on the inlet side of the pump.

[0003] Meanwhile, as described in Patent Document 2, a device is known in which a plurality of replaceable nozzles are used in the micro-bubble generating section, and which generates a liquid containing micro-bubbles of a predetermined particle size according to the specifications of the nozzles. The micro-bubble liquid is stored in a storage tank and supplied to a product storage tank by a pump, where it undergoes an inspection process and a container sealing process before being shipped as a product. Also, as described in Patent Document 3, a micro-bubble generating device is known in which a liquid discharge hole is provided in an end wall member of a cylindrical member, and a plurality of annular grooves are formed on the mirror-finished inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical member. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 9-123879 [Patent Document 2] International Publication No. 2019 / 234962 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-272739 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In order to spray microbubble-containing water in a high-pressure washer, it is necessary to combine a high-pressure washer such as that disclosed in Patent Document 1 with a microbubble generator such as that disclosed in Patent Documents 2 and 3. Therefore, a system can be considered in which microbubble-containing water is first generated and stored in the microbubble generator, and the stored microbubble-containing water is then used as raw water in the high-pressure washer. However, simply combining separate devices in this way takes time to generate microbubble-containing water, and the overall system tends to become larger.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a high-pressure washer that has a compact overall configuration and can generate water containing fine bubbles in a short period of time. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] [1] One aspect of the present invention is a high-pressure washer (1) having a connection end (2) connected to a water inlet (100), and converting water supplied from the water inlet (100 into high-pressure water and spraying it from a cleaning gun (50), the high-pressure washer comprising: a tank (31) for storing water; a high-pressure water supply unit (40) for pressurizing the water in the tank (31) using a high-pressure pump (41); the cleaning gun (50) for spraying the high-pressure water pumped from the high-pressure water supply unit (40); and a fine-bubble generating unit (12) provided at least somewhere between the connection end (2) and the cleaning gun (50) for generating fine-bubble-containing water by circulating water.

[0008] The high-pressure washer (1) of [1] is used by connecting the connection end (2) to the water supply port (100). A fine-bubble generating unit (12) is provided at least somewhere between the connection end (2) and the cleaning gun (50). The cleaning gun (50) sprays high-pressure fine-bubble-containing water pumped from the high-pressure water supply unit (40). With this high-pressure washer (1), the line from the connection end (2) including the fine-bubble generating unit (12) to the cleaning gun (50) is configured in one pass, so that fine-bubble-containing water can be generated in a short time. Because the fine-bubble generating unit (12) is built in, there is no need to provide a separate fine-bubble generating device. Therefore, the high-pressure washer (1) has a compact configuration as a whole.

[0009] [2] In the high-pressure washer (1) described above in [1], the fine-bubble generator (12) may be provided in a low water pressure region (R) where the water pressure is lower than the water pressure supplied from the water inlet (100). With this configuration, high water pressure is not applied to the fine-bubble generator (12), thereby reducing wear and deformation of the internal structure of the fine-bubble generator (12). This improves the durability of the fine-bubble generator (12).

[0010] [3] In the high-pressure washer (1) described in [2] above, a pressure regulating valve (V1) may be provided between the water inlet (100) and the fine-bubble generating unit (12). This configuration not only protects the fine-bubble generating unit (12) as described above, but also allows water at a constant pressure to flow into the fine-bubble generating unit (12) even if the water supply pressure of the water received through the water inlet (100) fluctuates or varies. This allows for stable generation of water containing fine bubbles.

[0011] [4] In any one of the high-pressure washer (1) described in [1] to [3] above, the tank (31) may be provided with a water level sensor (33), and the high-pressure washer (1) may further include an automatic valve (V3) provided in an inlet line (L2) for introducing water into the tank (31) and opening and closing based on the water level detected by the water level sensor (33) to switch between introducing and stopping water. In this case, the flow rate and pressure of water passing through the fine-bubble generator (12) are constant or nearly constant. Therefore, the number of generated fine bubbles is maintained according to the specifications. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the present invention, water containing fine bubbles can be produced in a short time, and the high-pressure washer (1) has a compact overall configuration. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a high-pressure washer 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the low water pressure region (R) in the high-pressure washer (1) of FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same elements are given the same reference numerals, and duplicated description will be omitted.

[0015] As shown in Fig. 1, a high-pressure washer 1 of this embodiment is used by being connected to a water inlet 100. The high-pressure washer 1 has a connection end 2 that is connected to the water inlet 100. The high-pressure washer 1 generates micro-bubble-containing water by passing water supplied from the water inlet 100 through a micro-bubble generating engine 10, and sprays the high-pressure micro-bubble-containing water from a cleaning gun 50. The high-pressure washer 1 includes the micro-bubble generating engine 10, a heating unit 20 that heats (or warms) the micro-bubble-containing water, a storage unit 30 that stores the micro-bubble-containing water, a high-pressure water supply unit 40 that pumps the micro-bubble-containing water using a high-pressure pump 41, and a cleaning gun 50 that sprays the high-pressure micro-bubble-containing water. The high-pressure washer 1 is a washer that sprays water containing fine bubbles, which is warm water at about 60°C, for example. The high-pressure washer 1 is used to clean all kinds of objects, but when spraying warm water, it is excellent at removing dirt, salt, and the like that has adhered to vehicles, etc.

[0016] In the high-pressure washer 1, the inlet 13 of the fine-bubble generation engine 10 or the end of the pipe connected to the inlet 13 serves as a connection end 2, which is connected to an appropriate water supply port 100. The fine-bubble generation engine 10 and the heating unit 20 are connected by a first line L1. An upstream end L1a of the first line L1 is connected to the outlet 14 of the fine-bubble generation engine 10. A downstream end L1b of the first line L1 is connected to the boiler 21 of the heating unit 20. The heating unit 20 and the storage unit 30 are connected by a second line (inlet line) L2. An upstream end L2a of the second line L2 is connected to the boiler 21. A downstream end L2b of the second line L2 is connected to a water inlet 31a provided in the tank 31 of the storage unit 30. The storage unit 30 and the cleaning gun 50 are connected by a third line L3. An upstream end L3a of the third line L3 is connected to the bottom of the tank 31 via a strainer 36. A downstream end L3b of the third line L3 is connected to the cleaning gun 50. A downstream portion of the third line L3 including the downstream end L3b (a portion beyond the hose connection port 43) is a high-pressure hose 45.

[0017] In this specification, the term "line" refers to a tubular body such as a pipe or hose that carries a fluid (mainly water (including hot water) in this embodiment). The materials that make up each line (including various piping materials such as joints) are appropriately selected depending on the pressure and temperature of the fluid in question.

[0018] The micro-bubble generation engine 10 may include, for example, a housing (not shown). The micro-bubble generation engine 10 has a pressure regulating valve V1 and a micro-bubble generation unit 12 provided downstream of the pressure regulating valve V1. In other words, the pressure regulating valve V1 is provided between the water supply port 100 and the micro-bubble generation unit 12. The pressure regulating valve V1 and the micro-bubble generation unit 12 are connected and arranged in series between the inlet 13 and the outlet 14. The pressure regulating valve V1 reduces the pressure of the water received from the water supply port 100 to a constant pressure. The water supply pressure at the water supply port 100 is, for example, about 0.1 MPa to 0.75 MPa, but the pressure downstream of the pressure regulating valve V1 (the water after passing through the pressure regulating valve V1) is adjusted to about 0.1 MPa to 0.4 MPa.

[0019] The fine bubble generating unit 12 generates fine bubble-containing water containing fine bubbles by causing water to flow through the interior of the fine bubble generating unit 12. The fine bubble generating unit 12 includes, for example, an orifice portion therein, and generates fine bubbles by the cavitation effect when water flows through it. The fine bubbles generated in the fine bubble generating unit 12 are, for example, ultrafine bubbles (hereinafter referred to as UFB) having a diameter of less than 1 μm. Note that the fine bubbles generated in the fine bubble generating unit 12 may also be, for example, microbubbles having a diameter of 1 μm or more and less than 100 μm. A known UFB generator or the like is used as the fine bubble generating unit 12. The fine bubble generation engine 10 can also be called a UFB generation engine.

[0020] The pressure regulating valve V1 and the fine-bubble generating unit 12 may be installed inside the housing of the fine-bubble generating engine 10, or may be installed inside a larger housing (not shown) that houses most of the components and parts of the high-pressure washer 1. In other words, the housing of the fine-bubble generating engine 10 may be omitted.

[0021] The first line L1 is provided with a pressure reducing valve V2 and a ball valve 24 disposed downstream of the pressure reducing valve V2. The pressure reducing valve V2 further reduces the pressure of the micro-bubble-containing water to prevent excessive pressure from being applied to the boiler 21. In this way, the pressure reducing valve V2 protects the boiler 21. A feedwater drain is provided upstream of the pressure reducing valve V2 so as to branch off from the second line L2, and water can be discharged by opening the ball valve 19.

[0022] The heating unit 20 has a boiler 21 with a known configuration. The boiler 21 has a sealed structure and heats (or warms) the fine-bubble-containing water that flows in through the first line L1. Kerosene, for example, is used as fuel for the boiler 21. The high-pressure washer 1 is a kerosene-fired hot water washer. Water flows into the boiler 21 through the first line L1 in response to the opening operation of a water supply solenoid valve (automatic valve) V3 on the second line L2 (described later). The heated water then flows out of the boiler 21 through the second line L2. That is, the flow of water through the first line L1 and the second line L2 is turned on and off (water flowing and stopped) in response to the opening and closing of the water supply solenoid valve V3. The boiler 21 heats the fine-bubble-containing water to a certain temperature. In the high-pressure washer 1, the temperature of the fine-bubble-containing water is set to about 60°C, but is not limited to this and can also be set to 60°C or higher. The boiler 21 is equipped with a water level sensor 22 and a temperature sensor 23. When the water level in the boiler 21 is lower than the water level sensor 22, meaning that the boiler 21 is in a dry state, heating in the boiler 21 is stopped. When the water temperature detected by the temperature sensor 23 reaches an arbitrary set temperature, heating in the boiler 21 is stopped. When the water temperature is below the set temperature, reheating is activated. A boiler drain 27 is provided at the bottom of the boiler 21, and water can be drained from the boiler tank by opening a ball valve 28. A hot water faucet 26 for hand washing is provided at the top of the boiler 21.

[0023] The second line L2 introduces the micro-bubble-containing water flowing out from the boiler 21 into the tank 31 of the storage unit 30. The tank 31 has an appropriate capacity and stores the micro-bubble-containing water. The tank 31 is provided with a water level sensor 33. The type of the water level sensor 33 is not particularly limited. The water level sensor 33 has, for example, multiple electrodes and detects the water level in stages depending on whether each electrode is immersed in water (whether or not it is conducting electricity). The water level sensor 33 includes, for example, a first electrode 33a that is the shortest, a second electrode 33b that is longer than the first electrode 33a, and a third electrode 33c that is longer than the first and second electrodes 33a and 33b. Using these three electrodes of different lengths, the water level sensor 33 detects a drought state, a low water level, and a full water state. A drought state is detected when the third electrode 33c is turned off. When the second electrode 33b is turned off, a low water level (i.e., the water level at which water supply starts) is detected, and when the first electrode 33a is turned on, a full water state (i.e., the water level at which water supply stops) is detected.

[0024] The high-pressure washer 1 further includes a control unit 60 that controls each unit (each controllable component) of the high-pressure washer 1. The control unit 60 is a computer including a processor such as a CPU and storage devices such as ROM and RAM. The control unit 60 is electrically connected to the water level sensor 33 and the water supply solenoid valve V3, or is capable of communicating information with them (wired or wirelessly). The control unit 60 receives a detection signal from the water level sensor 33. The control unit 60 opens and closes the water supply solenoid valve V3 based on the water level detected by the water level sensor 33. When the control unit 60 receives a signal corresponding to a low water level (i.e., a water supply start water level), the water supply solenoid valve V3 is opened, and micro-bubble-containing water is introduced into the tank 31. When the control unit 60 receives a signal corresponding to a full water state (i.e., a water supply stop water level), the water supply solenoid valve V3 is closed, and the introduction of micro-bubble-containing water into the tank 31 is stopped. The water supply solenoid valve V3 is controlled by the control unit 60 to switch between introducing and stopping water. Furthermore, when the control unit 60 inputs a signal corresponding to a water shortage state, the high-pressure pump 41, which will be described later, is stopped, and cleaning by the cleaning gun 50 is stopped.

[0025] A relief line L20 is connected to the tank 31 at a position higher than the connection port to which the upstream end L2a of the second line L2 is connected. A safety valve 29 is provided in the relief line L20, and when the water pressure in the line exceeds a predetermined value, water in the tank 31 is discharged through the relief line L20. This prevents damage to the boiler 21 due to steam expansion. The relief line L20 discharges water to the tank 31.

[0026] A strainer 36 for removing foreign matter from the water is installed at the bottom of the tank 31. An overflow OF may be provided near the top end of the tank 31.

[0027] A high-pressure pump 41 having a known configuration is installed in the third line L3. The high-pressure pump 41 increases (boosts) the pressure of the microbubble-containing water to a predetermined pressure. The predetermined pressure on the discharge side of the high-pressure pump 41 may be lower than the supply water pressure at the water supply port 100, or may be higher. The predetermined pressure on the discharge side of the high-pressure pump 41 is, for example, approximately 3 MPa to 15 MPa. The high-pressure pump 41 has a drive motor and the like (not shown). A spillway path L30, which is a branch line from the third line L3, is provided on the discharge side of the high-pressure pump 41 via an unloader valve V4. The downstream end of the spillway path L30 is connected to the tank 31. A spillway drain L31 further branches off from the spillway path L30, and water can be discharged to the outside by opening a ball valve 39. A pump drain L41 may be installed in the third line L3 between the upstream end L3a and the high-pressure pump 41. Water can be discharged by opening a ball valve 37.

[0028] A high-pressure hose 45, which forms part of the third line L3, is connected to a hose connection port 43 provided downstream of the unloader valve V4. A cleaning gun 50 connected to the downstream end L3b of the high-pressure hose 45 sprays high-pressure micro-bubble-containing water from a nozzle 52 when a user operates an operation unit 51. A known configuration may be adopted for the cleaning gun 50. The water level in the tank 31 changes depending on the consumption amount (spray amount) of the micro-bubble-containing water. The water level in the tank 31 is maintained at a position roughly between the lower end of the second electrode 33b and the lower end of the first electrode 33a. For example, if the water level in the tank 31 becomes lower than the lower end of the third electrode 33c and the above-mentioned drought state is detected, the control unit 60 will issue, for example, an alarm and / or a warning display via a touch panel display, speaker, or the like (not shown).

[0029] In the high-pressure washer 1, the fine-bubble generating unit 12 is provided somewhere between the connection end 2 and the cleaning gun 50. The fine-bubble generating unit 12 is incorporated into the high-pressure washer 1, realizing an integrated UFB high-pressure hot water washer. In particular, in this embodiment, the fine-bubble generating unit 12 is provided between the pressure regulating valve V1 and the heating unit 20. As shown in FIG. 2, in the high-pressure washer 1, a low water pressure region R is set between the outlet of the pressure regulating valve V1 and the suction port of the high-pressure pump 41, where the water pressure is lower than the water pressure supplied from the water supply port 100. The fine-bubble generating unit 12 is provided within the range of the low water pressure region R. More specifically, the fine-bubble generating unit 12 is provided at the most upstream portion within the range of the low water pressure region R.

[0030] The high-pressure washer 1 of this embodiment is used by connecting the connection end 2 to the water supply port 100. The fine-bubble generating unit 12 is provided at least somewhere between the connection end 2 and the cleaning gun 50. The cleaning gun 50 sprays high-pressure fine-bubble-containing water pumped from the high-pressure water supply unit 40. With this high-pressure washer 1, the line from the connection end 2, including the fine-bubble generating unit 12, to the cleaning gun 50 is configured in one pass, so fine-bubble-containing water can be generated in a short time. Because the fine-bubble generating unit 12 is built in, there is no need to provide a separate fine-bubble generating device. Therefore, the overall configuration of the high-pressure washer 1 is compact.

[0031] Furthermore, the high-pressure washer 1 that sprays hot water has a high cleaning effect, so even if the temperature of the hot water is kept low (for example, 60°C), sufficient cleaning effect (for example, desalination effect) can be expected. This reduces the escape of water containing fine bubbles as steam. The boiler 21 (heating unit 20) also consumes less fuel, resulting in excellent fuel efficiency. This contributes to reducing the environmental impact.

[0032] The micro-bubble generating unit 12 is provided in a low water pressure region R where the water pressure is lower than the water pressure supplied from the water inlet 100. This prevents high water pressure from being applied to the micro-bubble generating unit 12, reducing wear and deformation in the internal structure of the micro-bubble generating unit 12. This improves the durability of the micro-bubble generating unit 12.

[0033] A pressure regulating valve V1 is provided between the water supply port 100 and the micro-bubble generating unit 12. This not only protects the micro-bubble generating unit 12 as described above, but also ensures that water at a constant pressure flows into the micro-bubble generating unit 12 even if there are fluctuations or variations in the water supply pressure of the water received from the water supply port 100. This allows for stable production of water containing micro-bubbles.

[0034] The high-pressure washer 1 further includes a water supply solenoid valve V3 that is provided in the second line L2 that introduces water into the tank 31 and opens and closes based on the water level detected by the water level sensor 33 to switch between introducing and stopping water. This keeps the flow rate and pressure of water passing through the micro-bubble generating unit 12 constant or close to constant. This keeps the number of micro-bubbles generated according to the specifications.

[0035] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. For example, in the above embodiments, a kerosene-fired hot water washer has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. The present invention may also be applied to a high-pressure washer that omits the heating unit 20 and sprays cold water (i.e., water at room temperature).

[0036] When the present invention is applied to a hot water washer, an open-type boiler may be used instead of the closed-type boiler 21. In that case, the open-type boiler may also serve as a tank.

[0037] It is also possible to omit the opening and closing control of the water supply electromagnetic valve V3 based on the detection result of the water level sensor 33. The water level sensor 33 may not be provided, and the tank 31 may have a ball tap structure.

[0038] The fine-bubble generating unit 12 may be provided at least somewhere between the connection end 2 and the cleaning gun 50. The fine-bubble generating unit 12 may be provided within the low water pressure region R, downstream of the heating unit 20 or downstream of the storage unit 30. The fine-bubble generating unit 12 may also be provided outside the low water pressure region R, i.e., on the discharge side of the high-pressure pump 41. [Explanation of symbols]

[0039] 1...high-pressure washer, 2...connection end, 10...fine bubble generating engine, 12...fine bubble generating unit, 20...heating unit, 21...boiler, 31...tank, 33...water level sensor, 40...high-pressure water supply unit, 41...high-pressure pump, 50...cleaning gun, 60...control unit, 100...water supply port, L2...second line (inlet line), R...low water pressure area, V1...pressure regulating valve, V2...pressure reducing valve, V3...water supply solenoid valve (automatic valve), V4...unloader valve.

Claims

1. A high-pressure washer (1) having a connection end (2) connected to a water inlet (100) and converting water supplied from the water inlet (100) into high-pressure water and spraying it from a cleaning gun (50), A tank (31) for storing the water; a high-pressure water supply unit (40) that pumps the water in the tank (31) using a high-pressure pump (41); the cleaning gun (50) that sprays the high-pressure water pressure-fed from the high-pressure water supply unit (40); a microbubble generating unit (12) that generates microbubble-containing water by a cavitation effect by circulating the water, A pressure regulating valve (V1) is provided downstream of the water supply port (100), the fine bubble generating section (12) is provided in a low water pressure region (R) formed downstream of the pressure regulating valve (V1) and having a water pressure lower than the water pressure supplied from the water supply port (100); The high-pressure washer (1) is configured such that the high-pressure pump (41) is provided downstream of the fine bubble generating section (12).

2. A high-pressure washer (1) as described in claim 1, further comprising a heating section (20) provided between the fine bubble generating section (12) and the tank (31) for heating the fine bubble-containing water.

3. The tank (31) is provided with a water level sensor (33), 3. The high-pressure washer (1) according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising an automatic valve (V3) provided in an inlet line (L2) that introduces the water into the tank (31), and that switches between introducing and stopping the water by opening and closing based on the water level detected by the water level sensor (33).

Images