Hair Catcher

Abstract

To provide a hair catcher having a simple structure and excellent drainage and cleaning performance.SOLUTION: A hair catcher 10 according to the present invention can be attached to a bathroom drain port, comprising a bowl-shaped concave part 31 with an open upper surface, a swirling flow generating part 21 that is provided in a circular fashion outside the upper peripheral edge of the concave part 31 and that generates a swirling flow in the concave part 31, a flange part 11 having an annular surface projecting outward from the upper peripheral edge of the swirling flow generating part 21, and a protruded part 41 erected in the center of the concave part 31. An annular swirling flow path 50 is formed by an outer peripheral side wall surface 32 of the concave part 31, a bottom surface 33 of the concave part 31, and a wall surface 42 of the protruded part 41.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a hair catcher that can be attached to a bathroom drain and that catches hair, debris, etc. that flows into the drain along with the wastewater, thereby preventing the drain pipe from clogging. [Background technology]

[0002] Generally, hair catchers that can be attached to a bathroom drain are known, such as those described in Patent Documents 1 and 2 below.

[0003] Patent document 1 describes a hair catcher that is installed in a bathroom drain or the like to capture hair and other debris, and generates a vortex within the concave bottom when wastewater flows from between arc-shaped vortex-generating convex parts through a sloped part into the concave bottom.

[0004] Patent document 2 describes a hair catcher that has a water retention section that is concave with an upwardly protruding convex portion at the bottom and that retains the wastewater that flows in, an upper wastewater outflow section that extends from the top of the water retention section and allows any wastewater that does not enter the water retention section to flow out while preventing hair from flowing out as the water is being drained, and a wastewater inlet section that guides wastewater from the washing area into the water retention section at a position horizontally shifted from the top of the convex portion within the water retention section. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Design Registration No. 1620963 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-203770 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, the hair catcher described in Patent Document 1 has a problem in that the drainage performance is impaired when the captured hair and the like accumulates in the recessed bottom.

[0007] The hair catcher described in Patent Document 2 has the problem that hair and other particles gather and are supported by the convex part inside the temporary water retention part, so the drainage holes in the convex part become clogged with hair and other particles, resulting in poor drainage.

[0008] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and has an object to provide a hair catcher that has a simple structure and excellent drainage and cleaning properties. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] In order to achieve the above object, the hair catcher according to the present invention is a hair catcher that can be attached to a bathroom drain, a bowl-shaped recess with an open top; a swirl flow generating portion provided around the outer periphery of the upper periphery of the recessed portion to generate a swirl flow in the recessed portion; a flange portion having an annular surface that protrudes outward from an upper peripheral edge of the swirl flow generating portion; a protrusion provided in a vertical position at the center of the recessed portion, The outer peripheral wall surface of the recessed portion, the bottom surface of the recessed portion, and the wall surface of the protruding portion form an annular swirling flow path.

[0010] According to the above configuration, the drainage water flows into the recessed portion as a swirling flow from the swirling flow generating portion, generating a swirling flow in the annular swirling flow path surrounded by the outer wall surface of the recessed portion, the bottom surface of the recessed portion, and the wall surface of the convex portion, thereby floating and moving hair, debris, etc. in the swirling flow path. As a result, hair, debris, etc. floating and moving in the swirling flow generated in the swirling flow path can be collected by wrapping around the convex portion located on the inner side of the swirling flow, thereby realizing a hair catcher with excellent drainage properties and less clogging of the drainage hole. Furthermore, because the hair, debris, etc. wrapped around the convex portion form a clump, the hair, debris, etc. are easily removed, resulting in a hair catcher with excellent cleanability.

[0011] In addition to the above configuration, the hair catcher according to the present invention may have an apex of the convex portion protruding above an upper periphery of the concave portion.

[0012] According to the above configuration, the convex portion protrudes higher than the height of the upper peripheral edge of the recessed portion, and it is possible to reliably form an annular swirl flow path within the recessed portion.

[0013] In addition to the above configuration, the hair catcher according to the present invention may have a top portion of the convex portion protruding above the annular surface of the flange portion.

[0014] According to the above configuration, the convex portion protrudes higher than the height of the annular surface of the flange portion, and it is possible to reliably form an annular swirl flow path within the recessed portion.

[0015] In addition to the above configuration, the hair catcher according to the present invention may have a through-hole at the top of the convex portion that communicates with a lower bottom surface of the concave portion.

[0016] According to the above configuration, the through-holes at the tops of the convex portions can function as drain holes and air vents. In particular, even if wastewater accumulates in the recessed portion and reaches a height near the top, the wastewater can be discharged from the through-holes below the hair catcher (to the deep drain outlet), and the through-holes function as air vents to allow the wastewater to flow out smoothly.

[0017] In addition to the above configuration, the hair catcher of the present invention may have a drainage hole in the bottom surface of the recessed portion, and the base surface located at the bottom of the wall surface of the convex portion and the outer wall surface of the recessed portion may be formed of surfaces that do not have a drainage hole.

[0018] According to the above configuration, wastewater accumulated in the recess can be discharged below the hair catcher through drainage holes provided in the bottom surface of the recess. Furthermore, because the outer peripheral wall surface of the recess and the wall surface of the convex portion, which form the side surfaces of the annular swirling flow path, are smooth surfaces without drainage holes, the smooth flow of the swirling flow within the swirling flow path is not impeded, ensuring and maintaining the fluidity of the swirling flow within the swirling flow path. Furthermore, because the wall surface of the convex portion is smooth, hair, debris, etc. can be wrapped around the smooth wall surface of the convex portion without getting caught, making it easy to remove hair, debris, etc.

[0019] In addition to the above configuration, the hair catcher according to the present invention may be configured such that the height of the base surface of the convex portion is approximately the same as the height of the outer peripheral wall surface of the concave portion.

[0020] According to the above configuration, the wall surface of the convex portion is formed as a smooth surface without drainage holes up to a position approximately equal to the height of the outer wall surface of the recessed portion, so that the smooth flow of the swirling flow in the swirling flow path is not hindered and the fluidity of the swirling flow in the swirling flow path can be ensured and maintained. Furthermore, by forming the wall surface of the convex portion as a smooth surface, hair, dust, etc. can be wrapped around the smooth wall surface of the convex portion without getting caught, and hair, dust, etc. can be easily detached and removed from the smooth wall surface of the convex portion.

[0021] In addition to the above configuration, the hair catcher according to the present invention may be configured such that a drainage hole is provided in an upper wall surface of the convex portion located above the base surface of the convex portion.

[0022] According to the above configuration, the through-holes opening in the upper wall surface of the convex portion can function as drainage holes and air vents. In particular, even if wastewater accumulates in the recessed portion and reaches a height near the upper wall surface of the convex portion, the wastewater can be discharged below the hair catcher through the through-holes, and the through-holes function as air vents to allow the wastewater to flow out smoothly.

[0023] In addition to the above configuration, the hair catcher according to the present invention may be configured such that the swirl flow generating portion is configured by a plurality of inclined surfaces, and a drain hole is provided in each inclined surface.

[0024] With the above configuration, a swirling flow can be generated by the inclined surface of the swirling flow generating unit. Furthermore, the drainage holes in the inclined surface allow wastewater flowing on the inclined surface to flow below the hair catcher. Even if the wastewater accumulates in the recess and reaches a height close to the inclined surface, the drainage holes in the inclined surface allow the wastewater to flow below the hair catcher.

[0025] In addition to the above configuration, the hair catcher according to the present invention may further include a plurality of ribs formed radially on a wall surface of the convex portion that constitutes the swirl flow path.

[0026] According to the above configuration, hair, dust, etc. gather by wrapping around the radial ribs provided on the wall surface of the convex portion, so that they do not stick to the wall surface of the convex portion and can be easily removed. [Effects of the Invention]

[0027] The hair catcher according to the present invention can collect captured hair, debris, etc. by wrapping it around the convex portion, thereby realizing a hair catcher with a simple configuration and excellent drainage and cleanability. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0028] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a hair catcher according to an embodiment of the present invention, seen from above. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the hair catcher according to the embodiment of the present invention, seen from below. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the hair catcher according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the hair catcher according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a front view of the hair catcher according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a hair catcher according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first derivative example of a hair catcher according to an embodiment of the present invention, seen from above. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a second derivative example of the hair catcher according to the embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0029] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 is a perspective view of hair catcher 10 in this embodiment as seen from above, Fig. 2 is a perspective view of hair catcher 10 in this embodiment as seen from below, Fig. 3 is a plan view of hair catcher 10 in this embodiment, Fig. 4 is a bottom view of hair catcher 10 in this embodiment, Fig. 5 is a front view of hair catcher 10 in this embodiment, and Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view of hair catcher 10 in this embodiment, taken along line AA in Fig. 3. Note that, for ease of understanding of the embodiments of the present invention, the dimensions and scale of each component shown in the drawings may differ from the actual dimensions and scale.

[0030] Hair catcher 10 in this embodiment is configured to be detachably attached to a bathroom drain. Hair catcher 10 is configured to include a bowl-shaped recessed portion 31 with an open top, a swirling flow generating portion 21 that is provided around the outer periphery of the upper periphery of recessed portion 31 and generates a swirling flow in recessed portion 31, a flange portion 11 that has an annular surface that extends outward from the upper periphery of swirling flow generating portion 21, and a protrusion 41 that stands upright in the center of recessed portion 31. Flange portion 11, swirling flow generating portion 21, recessed portion 31, and protrusion 41 are integrally molded from, for example, a synthetic resin material.

[0031] The flange portion 11 is disposed on the outermost periphery of the hair catcher 10 and has an annular surface that extends outward from the upper periphery of the swirling flow generating portion 21. The annular surface of the flange portion 11 extends substantially horizontally, and the inner periphery of the flange portion 11 is connected to the upper periphery of the swirling flow generating portion 21. When attaching the hair catcher 10 to a drain, the flange portion 11 is stably placed on the periphery of the opening of the drain with the recessed portion 31 inserted into the drain. The flange portion 11 has a size that fits the drain, for example, a diameter of approximately 10 cm. The flange portion 11 may be provided with a cutting groove 12 that allows it to be cut to fit the diameter and shape of the drain, a claw portion 13 that can engage with the drain, or a notch 14.

[0032] The swirling flow generating portion 21 is a member that is connected to the inner peripheral edge of the flange portion 11 and is provided in a circumferential shape outside the upper peripheral edge of the recessed portion 31. In the present embodiment, the hair catcher 10 has six swirling flow generating portions 21 provided at equal intervals (60° intervals) along the circumferential direction, but the number of swirling flow generating portions 21 is not limited to this and may be five or less or seven or more.

[0033] The swirl flow generating section 21 includes an inclined surface 22 that is inclined so as to decrease in a specific circumferential direction (counterclockwise in FIG. 3 ), and a drainage guide wall 23 that surrounds the outer periphery of the inclined surface 22. The drainage guide wall 23 is configured with a smooth surface that does not have drainage holes, and a portion of the drainage guide wall 23 extends from the inner periphery of the flange portion 11 toward the upper periphery of the outer periphery wall surface 32 of the recessed section 31. The drainage guide wall 23 is smoothly connected to the outer periphery wall surface 32 of the recessed section 31.

[0034] In hair catcher 10 of this embodiment, inclined surface 22, whose outer periphery is surrounded by drainage guide wall 23, is formed in a generally triangular shape in plan view. The vicinity of the apex on the inner periphery of the generally triangular shape (region R on the innermost periphery of inclined surface 22 shown in FIG. 1) is the lowest point on each inclined surface 22. Drainage guide wall 23 surrounding the outer periphery of inclined surface 22 has the function of guiding drainage to region R, which is the lowest point on inclined surface 22, and is able to generate a swirling flow in recessed portion 31.

[0035] The inclined surface 22 is provided with a plurality of drainage holes 24. The drainage holes 24 provided in the inclined surface 22 are through-holes having openings on both the upper and lower surfaces of the inclined surface 22. A portion of the wastewater flowing on the inclined surface 22 flows out below the hair catcher 10 through the drainage holes 24 provided in the inclined surface 22. Furthermore, the drainage holes 24 provided in the inclined surface 22 are particularly designed to allow wastewater that has accumulated in the recessed portion 31 and reached the height of the swirl flow generating portion 21 to flow out below the hair catcher 10, thereby increasing the amount of wastewater that flows out. Furthermore, the drainage holes 24 provided in the inclined surface 22 also function as air vents to allow the wastewater to flow out smoothly.

[0036] A bowl-shaped recess 31 with an open top is provided inside swirl flow generating section 21. Recess 31 is composed of an outer peripheral wall surface 32 that extends downward from the inner peripheral edge of swirl flow generating section 21, and a bottom surface 33 that extends toward the center of hair catcher 10.

[0037] The outer peripheral wall surface 32 is a wall surface located on the outer peripheral side of the recessed portion 31. The outer peripheral wall surface 32 extends in the circumferential direction and in the approximately vertical direction surrounding the protrusion 41 toward the center of the recessed portion 31, and the upper peripheral edge of the outer peripheral wall surface 32 is connected to the inner peripheral edge of the swirl flow generating portion 21. The outer peripheral wall surface 32 is formed of a smooth surface without any drainage holes.

[0038] Bottom surface 33 extends in a substantially horizontal direction, and the outer peripheral edge of bottom surface 33 is connected to the lower peripheral edge of outer peripheral side wall surface 32. Bottom surface 33 is provided with a plurality of drainage holes 34. Drainage holes 34 provided in bottom surface 33 are through-holes that have openings on both the upper and lower surfaces of bottom surface 33. Drainage water that flows into recessed portion 31 flows out below hair catcher 10 through drainage holes 34 provided in bottom surface 33.

[0039] A protrusion 41 extends upward from the center of the recess 31. The lower periphery of the protrusion 41 and the inner periphery of the bottom surface 33 are smoothly connected.

[0040] In hair catcher 10 of this embodiment, protrusion 41 is made of a hollow conical member. However, the shape of protrusion 41 is not particularly limited, and it may be, for example, a cylindrical member. Protrusion 41 is made up of wall surface 42 that extends upward from bottom surface 33 of recessed portion 31, and apex 43 located at the top of protrusion 41.

[0041] Wall surface 42 is composed of lower wall surface 42f (hereinafter referred to as base surface 42f) extending below convex portion 41 and upper wall surface 42u extending above convex portion 41. Base surface 42f is a surface located at the base of convex portion 41 that rises from bottom surface 33 of recessed portion 31. Base surface 42f is composed of a smooth surface without drainage holes. As an example, the height of base surface 42f is approximately the same as the height of outer peripheral wall surface 32 that extends to the upper peripheral edge of recessed portion 31 (height H2 shown in FIG. 6), as shown in FIG. 6.

[0042] Meanwhile, the upper wall surface 42u is provided with a plurality of drainage slits 44. The drainage slits 44 provided in the upper wall surface 42u are through-holes that have openings on both the outer and inner peripheral surfaces of the upper wall surface 42u. When the drainage water that flows into the recessed portion 31 accumulates in the recessed portion 31 and reaches the height of the upper wall surface 42u, it flows out below the hair catcher 10 through the drainage slits 44 provided in the upper wall surface 42u. The drainage slits 44 provided in the upper wall surface 42u also function as air vents to allow the drainage water to flow out smoothly.

[0043] Apex 43 is located at the top of convex portion 41. In hair catcher 10 of this embodiment, the shape of apex 43 is a cone with a closed top, but is not limited to this shape and may be cylindrical to make it easier for the user to grip. Apex 43 preferably protrudes above the height (height H1 shown in FIG. 6) of the upper periphery of recessed portion 31 (the inner periphery of swirling flow generating portion 21), and more preferably protrudes above the height (height H2 shown in FIG. 6) of the annular surface of flange portion 11.

[0044] It is preferable that at least a portion of top 43 be provided with a through-hole that communicates with the lower part of bottom surface 33 of recess 31. In hair catcher 10 of this embodiment, drainage slit 44 provided in upper wall surface 42u is formed to reach a part of the area of ​​top 43, and drainage slit 44 is provided across both top 43 and upper wall surface 42u.

[0045] When the wastewater that flows into recess 31 accumulates in recess 31 and reaches a height near top 43, it flows out below hair catcher 10 through drainage slits 44 provided in top 43. Drainage slits 44 provided in top 43 also function as air vents to allow the wastewater to flow out smoothly.

[0046] In the hair catcher 10 of this embodiment, an annular swirling flow path 50 is formed by the outer peripheral wall surface 32 of the recessed portion 31, the bottom surface 33 of the recessed portion 31, and the wall surface 42 of the convex portion 41. More specifically, the outer peripheral surface of the swirling flow path 50 is formed by the outer peripheral wall surface 32 of the recessed portion 31, the bottom surface of the swirling flow path 50 is formed by the bottom surface 33 of the recessed portion 31, and the inner peripheral surface of the swirling flow path 50 is formed by the base surface 42f of the convex portion 41. The swirling flow path 50 is formed within the recessed portion 31 so as to surround the periphery of the convex portion 41.

[0047] The flow of wastewater from the hair catcher 10 of this embodiment will be described below. Water used in the bathroom flows into the drain outlet to which the hair catcher 10 is attached. The wastewater flows from the outside of the flange 11 into the swirling flow generating unit 21 and flows along the sloped surface 22, which is sloped to create a difference in elevation, toward the innermost region R of the sloped surface 22. The wastewater then flows from region R of the sloped surface 22 into the recessed portion 31 in a direction along the drain guide wall 23 (direction D1 shown in FIG. 3). This direction D1 coincides with the circumferential direction of the swirling flow path 50 formed in the recessed portion 31. The wastewater that flows from each sloped surface 22 into the swirling flow path 50 of the recessed portion 31 becomes a swirling flow that swirls around the protrusion 41 (direction D2 shown in FIG. 3). At this time, hair, debris, and other debris contained in the swirling flow of the wastewater flow along the swirling flow path 50 while floating within the drainage.

[0048] The outer peripheral wall surface 32, which is the outer peripheral surface of the swirling flow path 50, and the base surface 42f of the convex portion 41, which is the inner peripheral surface of the swirling flow path 50, are configured with smooth surfaces. This ensures and maintains the fluidity of the swirling flow within the swirling flow path 50 without impeding the smooth flow of the swirling flow within the swirling flow path 50. In addition, a plurality of drainage holes 34 are provided in the bottom surface 33 of the recessed portion 31, which is the bottom surface of the swirling flow path 50. This allows wastewater within the swirling flow path 50 to be discharged downward.

[0049] The swirling flow path 50 is annular, and a difference in flow speed occurs between the outer and inner sides of the swirling flow, causing hair, dirt, etc. to wrap around the protrusions 41 located on the inner side and form an annular dirt bundle (a single mass of dirt). This prevents hair, dirt, etc. from accumulating on the drainage holes 34 provided in the bottom surface 33, making the drainage holes 34 in the bottom surface 33 less likely to become clogged, and maintaining good drainage.

[0050] If the amount of wastewater flowing into hair catcher 10 exceeds the amount of wastewater discharged through hair catcher 10, the wastewater may accumulate in recess 31 and reach the height of swirling flow generating section 21 (height H1 shown in FIG. 6). In this case, drainage is performed through drainage holes 24 provided in inclined surface 22 of swirling flow generating section 21 and drainage slits 44 provided in convex section 41, thereby increasing the amount of wastewater.

[0051] Even if the amount of water flowing into the drain outlet increases and reaches the height of the annular surface of flange 11 (height H2 shown in Figure 6), drain slits 44 provided at top 43 of protrusion 41, which is higher than the annular surface of flange 11, function as vents to release air present below hair catcher 10. This maintains good drainage.

[0052] To remove hair, debris, and the like captured by hair catcher 10, simply remove hair catcher 10 from the drain and invert it. In particular, because base surface 42f of convex portion 41, which forms the outer peripheral surface of swirl flow path 50, is smooth, when hair catcher 10 is inverted, the annular debris bundle wrapped around smooth base surface 42f of convex portion 41 easily detaches from convex portion 41 and falls without getting caught. This allows hair, debris, and the like to be removed without getting hands dirty, and hair, debris, and the like do not stick to hair catcher 10, resulting in a hair catcher 10 that is easy to clean and hygienic.

[0053] A first derivative example of a hair catcher according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the first derivative example of a hair catcher according to this embodiment (hair catcher 10A) viewed from above. In the following, with regard to hair catcher 10A, descriptions of the same configuration as that of hair catcher 10 shown in Figs. 1 to 6 above will be simplified or omitted.

[0054] The hair catcher 10A shown in Fig. 7 is configured such that, in addition to the hair catcher 10 shown in Figs. 1 to 6 described above, multiple ribs 60A are provided on the surface that forms the swirling flow path 50. As shown in Fig. 7, the multiple ribs 60A are provided radially outward from the center of the hair catcher 10A. More specifically, each rib 60A is provided so as to extend from the base surface 42f of the protrusion 41 to the bottom surface 33 of the recess 31. The number and shape of the ribs 60A are not particularly limited.

[0055] In hair catcher 10A, the first derivative example, an annular swirling flow path 50 is also formed by outer wall surface 32 of recessed portion 31, bottom surface 33 of recessed portion 31, and wall surface 42B of protrusion 41B. Swirling flow path 50 is annular, and due to the difference in flow velocity between the outer and inner sides of the swirling flow, hair, dust, etc., wrap around protrusion 41 located on the inner side and form an annular dust bundle. The hair, dust, etc., wrap around protrusion 41 so as to come into contact with the upper surfaces of ribs 60A provided on base surfaces 42f of protrusion 41, thereby reducing the contact area with base surfaces 42f of protrusion 41. In other words, by contacting the upper surfaces of ribs 60A, the hair, dust, etc., float above base surfaces 42f of protrusion 41 and wrap around protrusion 41, forming an annular dust bundle. Ideally, hair, dust, etc. that has wrapped around the protrusion 41 while floating above the base surface 42f of the protrusion 41 is in contact only with the upper surface of the rib 60A.

[0056] To remove the trapped hair and debris, simply remove hair catcher 10A from the drain and turn it upside down. At this time, the annular debris bundle floats above base surface 42f of protrusion 41, and because the contact area with base surface 42f of protrusion 41 is small, it easily detaches from protrusion 41 and falls. This allows hair and debris to be removed without getting hands dirty, and hair and debris do not stick to hair catcher 10A, resulting in a hair catcher 10A that is easy to clean and hygienic.

[0057] By providing each rib 60A on the bottom surface 33 of the recessed portion 31, hair, dust, and the like can be floated up from the drainage holes 34 provided on the bottom surface 33. As a result, the drainage holes 34 on the bottom surface 33 are less likely to become clogged, and drainage is maintained more efficiently.

[0058] A second variation of the hair catcher according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the second variation of the hair catcher according to the embodiment (hair catcher 10B). The cross-sectional view of Fig. 8 shows a cross-section of hair catcher 10B at the same position as Fig. 6 (the position of cross section AA in Fig. 3). In the following, with regard to hair catcher 10B, the description of the same configuration as hair catcher 10 shown in Figs. 1 to 6 above will be simplified or omitted.

[0059] The hair catcher 10B shown in Fig. 8 has a configuration in which the height of the protrusion 41B is lower than that of the hair catcher 10 shown in Figs. 1 to 6 described above. More specifically, while the hair catcher 10 shown in Figs. 1 to 6 has a configuration in which the top 43 protrudes above the height of the annular surface of the flange portion 11 (height H2 shown in Fig. 6), the hair catcher 10B shown in Fig. 8 has a configuration in which the top 43B is lower than the height of the annular surface of the flange portion 11 (height H2 shown in Fig. 8) and protrudes above the height of the upper periphery of the recessed portion 31 (the inner periphery of the swirling flow generating portion 21) (height H1 shown in Fig. 8). Note that, although the top 43B of the hair catcher 10B shown in Fig. 8 does not have a drainage slit, a drainage slit may be provided in the top 43B.

[0060] In the hair catcher 10B, which is the second derivative example, an annular swirl flow path 50B is formed by the outer peripheral wall surface 32 of the recessed portion 31, the bottom surface 33 of the recessed portion 31, and the wall surface 42B of the protruding portion 41B.

[0061] The outer peripheral wall surface 32, which is the outer peripheral surface of the swirl flow path 50B, and the wall surface 42B of the convex portion 41B, which is the inner peripheral surface of the swirl flow path 50B, are smooth surfaces, which ensures and maintains the fluidity of the swirl flow within the swirl flow path 50B without impeding the smooth flow of the swirl flow within the swirl flow path 50B.

[0062] Swirling flow path 50B is annular, and because a difference in flow speed occurs between the outer and inner sides of the swirling flow, hair, dust, etc. wraps around protrusion 41B located on the inner side and gathers to form an annular dust bundle (a single mass of dust). This prevents hair, dust, etc. from accumulating on drainage hole 34 provided in bottom surface 33, making drainage hole 34 in bottom surface 33 less likely to clog, and maintaining good drainage.

[0063] To remove hair and debris captured by hair catcher 10B, simply remove hair catcher 10B from the drain and invert it. In particular, because wall surface 42B of convex portion 41B, which forms the outer periphery of swirl flow path 50B, is smooth, when hair catcher 10B is inverted, the annular debris bundle wrapped around smooth wall surface 42B of convex portion 41B easily detaches from convex portion 41B and falls without getting caught. This allows hair and debris to be removed without getting hands dirty, and hair and debris do not stick to hair catcher 10B, resulting in a hair catcher 10B that is easy to clean and hygienic.

[0064] As described above, hair catchers 10, 10A, and 10B according to this embodiment and its derivatives are useful as hair catchers that can be attached to bathroom drains and have excellent drainage and cleanability. Hair catchers 10, 10A, and 10B according to this embodiment and its derivatives have annular swirl channels 50, 50B formed around protrusions 41, 41B located at the center of recess 31, allowing trapped hair, debris, and the like to wrap around protrusions 41, 41B and collect. This reduces clogging of the drain hole and provides excellent drainage. Furthermore, hair and debris wrapped around protrusions 41, 41B of hair catchers 10, 10A, and 10B according to this embodiment and its derivatives are collected together, making them easy to remove and providing excellent cleanability.

[0065] The above-described embodiment and derivative examples merely embody one aspect of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment and derivative examples. The conditions of the above-described embodiment and derivative examples, the shape, number, position, dimensions, etc. of each component may be changed as appropriate, and some components may be omitted or added as appropriate, without departing from the spirit of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0066] 10, 10A, 10B Hair Catcher 11 Flange 12 Cutting groove 13 Claw 14 Notch 21 Swirling flow generation section 22 Slope 23 Drainage guide wall 24 Drain hole 31 Depression 32 Outer wall 33 bottom 34 Drain hole 41, 41B convex part 42, 42B wall 42nd floor lower wall (base) 42u upper wall 43, 43B top 44 Drainage slit 50, 50B swirl flow path 60A Rib

Claims

1. A hair catcher that can be attached to a bathroom drain, a bowl-shaped recess with an open top; a swirl flow generating portion provided around the outer periphery of the upper periphery of the recessed portion to generate a swirl flow in the recessed portion; a flange portion having an annular surface that protrudes outward from an upper peripheral edge of the swirl flow generating portion; a protrusion provided in a vertical position at the center of the recessed portion, an annular swirl flow path is formed by an outer peripheral wall surface of the recessed portion, a bottom surface of the recessed portion, and a wall surface of the protruding portion, A hair catcher characterized in that the top of the convex portion protrudes above the upper peripheral edge of the concave portion.

2. 2. The hair catcher according to claim 1, wherein the top of the projection projects above the annular surface of the flange.

3. 3. The hair catcher according to claim 1, wherein a through-hole is formed at the top of the convex portion, the through-hole communicating with the lower bottom surface of the concave portion.

4. A hair catcher that can be attached to a bathroom drain, a bowl-shaped recess with an open top; a swirl flow generating portion provided around the outer periphery of the upper periphery of the recessed portion to generate a swirl flow in the recessed portion; a flange portion having an annular surface that protrudes outward from an upper peripheral edge of the swirl flow generating portion; a protrusion provided in a vertical position at the center of the recessed portion, an annular swirl flow path is formed by an outer peripheral wall surface of the recessed portion, a bottom surface of the recessed portion, and a wall surface of the protruding portion, a drainage hole is provided in the bottom surface of the recessed portion, and a base surface located at a lower part of the wall surface of the protruding portion is configured as a surface having no drainage hole; A hair catcher characterized in that the height of the base surface of the convex portion is approximately the same as the height of the outer wall surface of the concave portion.

5. A hair catcher as described in Claim 4, characterized in that the outer wall surface of the recessed portion is composed of a surface that does not have drainage holes.

6. 6. The hair catcher according to claim 4, wherein a drain hole is provided in an upper wall surface of the convex portion located above the base surface of the convex portion.

7. 7. The hair catcher according to claim 1, wherein the swirling flow generating portion is formed of a plurality of inclined surfaces, each of which is provided with a drain hole.

8. 8. The hair catcher according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of ribs are formed radially on a surface that defines the swirl flow path.

9. A hair catcher described in any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that debris including hair is captured by wrapping it around the convex portion.

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