Microbubble generator and shower head

Abstract

To provide a fine bubble generating device that has a novel structure for generating fine bubbles.SOLUTION: A fine bubble generating device 10 includes: an inflow port 11 and an outlet port 12; and a flow channel 13 for communicating between the inflow port 11 and the outlet port 12. The flow channel 13 includes: a juxtaposition part 13a where multiple independent helical flow channels 14 extending helically about an axis line P extending from the inflow port 11 to the outlet port 12 are juxtaposed. The fine bubble generating device 10 merges swirl flows discharged from the multiple helical flow channels 14 on a downstream side of the juxtaposition part 13a to generate fine bubbles.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a fine bubble generator and shower head and pertains thereto.

Background Art

[0002] A fine bubble generator is a device that is attached to the water passage of a faucet and generates fine bubbles in the water flow passing through the water passage. The fine bubbles generated in the water flow impart additional effects such as a cleaning effect to the water flow.

[0003] The fine bubble generator disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a main body portion having a substantially cylindrical outer shape and a through hole that penetrates the main body portion in the central axis direction. The cross-sectional shape of the through hole is a shape having a central region including the narrowest portion and two peripheral regions that are symmetrically formed with respect to the central axis of the main body portion and include the widest portion. The through hole has a shape in which the above cross-section rotates along the central axis of the main body portion from the first end side where the water flow flows in toward the second end side where the water flow flows out.

[0004] When the water flow passing through the water passage of the faucet passes through the fine bubble generator, the water flow that flows into the central region of the through hole flows straight along the central axis of the main body portion with substantially no rotation at the same pressure and flow velocity. On the other hand, the water flow that flows into the peripheral region of the through hole flows while swirling in a spiral shape along the outer peripheral shape of the through hole. At this time, a velocity difference occurs between the water flow flowing through the central region and the water flow flowing through the peripheral region, and a pressure difference occurs such that the central region has a low water pressure based on the centrifugal force acting on the water flow flowing through the peripheral region. The fine bubble generator of Patent Document 1 generates fine bubbles in the water flow passing through the through hole based on the velocity difference and pressure difference between the water flow flowing through the central region of the through hole and the water flow flowing through the peripheral region.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide a novel microbubble generating device whose structure for generating microbubbles differs from that of the prior art. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A microbubble generating device that solves the above problems is a microbubble generating device used by being attached to the water passage of a faucet, and comprises an inlet and an outlet, and a flow path connecting the inlet and the outlet, wherein the flow path comprises a parallel section in which a plurality of independent spiral flow paths extending spirally around an axis extending from the inlet to the outlet are arranged in parallel, and microbubbles are generated by merging the swirling flows discharged from the plurality of spiral flow paths downstream of the parallel section.

[0008] According to the above configuration, microbubbles can be generated by the mixing of the swirling flow discharged from the spiral channel. In this configuration, microbubbles can be generated without providing a section where the water flow can travel in a straight line from the inlet to the outlet, which is a key part for generating microbubbles in the conventional technology. Furthermore, in this configuration, since the microbubbles are generated in the section where the swirling flow mixes, they diffuse simultaneously with or after their generation. Therefore, the uneven distribution of microbubbles in the water flowing through the channel is reduced.

[0009] In the above-described microbubble generating device, it is preferable that a confluence section is provided downstream of the parallel section in the flow path for converging the water flows discharged from the multiple helical flow paths. In the above configuration, since a confluence section for merging the swirling flow is provided inside the microbubble generator, there is no need to secure a section for merging the swirling flow downstream of the part of the waterway where the microbubble generator is located. Therefore, the degree of freedom in setting the shape of the waterway in which the microbubble generator is installed, and the installation position of the microbubble generator in the waterway, is improved.

[0010] In the above-described microbubble generating device, it is preferable that the confluence section comprises an extended portion having a shape in which each of the plurality of helical flow paths is extended toward the outlet side, and a communicating portion that connects the extended portions at the central portion where the axis is located.

[0011] According to the above configuration, in the cross-section of the confluence, the direction in which each discharged helical flow spreads is limited to the direction toward the connecting section, that is, toward the center of the flow path, so that the helical flows come into contact with each other efficiently. This improves the efficiency of microbubble generation at the confluence. Furthermore, if there are three or more helical flow paths, the efficiency of microbubble generation is also improved because the area where the swirling flows mix is ​​concentrated in the connecting section.

[0012] In the above-described microbubble generating device, the device comprises a cylindrical first member and a pin-shaped second member inserted into the first member, wherein the first member comprises a peripheral wall having an inner surface with a circular cross-section, a plurality of spiral walls protruding from the inner surface of the peripheral wall and extending spirally around the axis which is the central axis of the peripheral wall, and a through hole located on the axis and penetrating the first member in the axial direction, the second member is a member that, when inserted into the through hole, abuts against each end surface of the spiral wall and closes the through hole, and the spiral flow path is preferably a space partitioned by the peripheral wall, the spiral walls, and the second member.

[0013] According to the above configuration, a flow channel having a parallel section in which multiple helical flow channels are arranged in parallel can be easily formed by combining a first member and a second member whose shapes can be formed by mold molding.

[0014] In the above-described microbubble generating device, it is preferable that the downstream end of the first member is provided with a portion in which the second member is not inserted into the through hole, and in which the spaces partitioned by the peripheral wall and the spiral wall are connected by the through hole.

[0015] According to the above configuration, a confluence portion including an extension portion and a communication portion can be easily formed on the downstream side of the parallel portion by combining a first member and a second member having shapes that can be formed by molding.

Advantages of the Invention

[0016] According to the present invention, there is provided a fine bubble generator in which the structure for generating fine bubbles is novel. and shower head is provided.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0017] [Figure 1] It is a perspective view of the fine bubble generator. [Figure 2] It is a sectional view taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] (a) is a sectional view taken along line 3a-3a of FIG. 2, and (b) is a sectional view taken along line 3b-3b of FIG. 2. [Figure 4] It is an exploded partial sectional view of the fine bubble generator. [Figure 5] It is a perspective view showing the upstream end portion of the first member. [Figure 6] It is an explanatory view showing a state where the fine bubble generator is attached to a faucet. [Figure 7] It is a perspective view of the fine bubble generator of a modification example. [Figure 8] It is a partial sectional view taken along line 8-8 of FIG. 7.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0018] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the fine bubble generator of the present invention will be described. [Fine Bubbles] In this specification, fine bubbles mean bubbles having a diameter of less than 100 μm. The diameter of the fine bubbles is, for example, 1 nm or more. Fine bubbles are so-called fine bubbles and include microbubbles having a diameter of 1 μm or more and less than 100 μm, and ultrafine bubbles having a diameter of less than 1 μm.

[0019] [Fine Bubble Generator] As shown in Figure 6, the microbubble generator 10 is installed inside the water passage 41 of the faucet 40. The water flowing through the water passage 41 passes through the microbubble generator 10 and flows downstream of the water passage 41, where it is discharged from the discharge section 42 of the faucet 40. The microbubble generator 10 generates microbubbles in the water flow downstream of the microbubble generator 10 in the water passage 41. The microbubbles generated in the water flow impart additional effects to the water flow, such as a cleaning effect.

[0020] The type of faucet 40 to which the microbubble generator 10 is attached is not particularly limited, and it can be applied to any known faucet to which the microbubble generator is attached. Figure 6 illustrates an example where the faucet 40 is a shower head.

[0021] The microbubble generator 10 generates microbubbles by passing a water flow through a specific-shaped channel provided inside the device. The specific-shaped channel provided in the microbubble generator 10 will be described below.

[0022] [Flow channel shape] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the microbubble generator 10 includes an inlet 11 and an outlet 12, and a flow path 13 connecting the inlet 11 and the outlet 12. The inlet 11 is the part into which the water flow from the water channel 41 flows. The outlet 12 is the part that discharges the water flow that has passed through the microbubble generator 10 back into the water channel 41. The flow path 13 includes a parallel section 13a that constitutes the upstream part of the flow path 13, and a confluence section 13b that is continuously arranged downstream of the parallel section 13a and constitutes the downstream part of the flow path 13. The upstream end of the parallel section 13a is the inlet 11, and the downstream end of the confluence section 13b is the outlet 12.

[0023] [Parallel section] The parallel section 13a divides the water flow that has entered the microbubble generator 10 into multiple independent water flows, and causes each of the divided water flows to flow in a spiral pattern.

[0024] As shown in Figures 2 and 3(a), the parallel section 13a is provided with a plurality of independent spiral channels 14 that extend spirally around an axis P extending from the inlet 11 to the outlet 12. The number of spiral channels 14 provided in the parallel section 13a is between 2 and 5, preferably 3. In the drawings, the case where the number of spiral channels 14 is 3 is illustrated as an example. As shown in Figure 3(a), the plurality of spiral channels 14 are arranged at equal intervals around the axis P. The spiral channels 14 have a shape in which the channel cross-section shown in Figure 3(a) rotates along the axis P from the inlet 11 to the outlet 12.

[0025] The rotation speed of the helical channel 14 is, for example, 2 rotations or more (720 degrees or more). Alternatively, the rotation speed of the helical channel 14 is, for example, 3 rotations or less (1080 degrees or less). As the rotation speed of the helical channel 14 increases, the efficiency of generating microbubbles improves, but the flow rate per unit time of the water flowing through the microbubble generator 10 tends to decrease due to the reduction in the cross-sectional area of ​​the channel. Therefore, it is preferable to increase the rotation speed of the helical channel 14 within the range in which the desired flow rate can be obtained.

[0026] The spiral pitch of the spiral channel 14 is, for example, between 12 mm and 20 mm. Furthermore, the spiral pitch is the same for all spiral channels 14. As shown in Figure 3(a), the cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the axis P in the helical channel 14 has a widening section that gradually increases in width from the central side (axis P side) of the helix formed by the helix 14 toward the outer circumference of the helix. In the following, the cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the axis P may be simply referred to as the cross-sectional shape.

[0027] Examples of shapes with widened sections include sectors, trapezoids, arcs, circles, and ellipses. In the drawing, as an example, the case where the cross-sectional shape of the helical channel 14 is sector-shaped is shown. The cross-sectional shapes of all the helical channels 14 are the same.

[0028] [Confluence] The confluence section 13b is the part where the water flows discharged from each spiral channel 14 are combined and mixed.

[0029] As shown in Figures 2 and 3(b), the confluence section 13b comprises a plurality of extension sections 15 and a connecting section 16. The extension sections 15 are portions that extend the spiral flow channels 14 of the parallel section 13a toward the outlet 12, and one extension section 15 is provided for each of the plurality of spiral flow channels 14. The spiral pitch and the cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the axis P of the extension section 15 are the same as those of the spiral flow channels 14.

[0030] The connecting portion 16 is provided in the central part where the axis P is located and connects the multiple extension portions 15 to each other. The cross-sectional shape of the connecting portion 16 perpendicular to the axis P is not particularly limited, but it is preferably circular.

[0031] As shown in Figures 3(a) and 3(b), the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow channel perpendicular to the axis P at the confluence 13b is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow channel at the parallel section 13a by the amount of the connecting section 16. The cross-sectional area of ​​the connecting section 16 is not particularly limited, but it is preferably smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​one of the extension sections 15.

[0032] In other words, let "S" be the cross-sectional area of ​​one spiral channel 14, and "n" be the number of spiral channels 14 constituting the parallel section 13a. In this case, it is preferable that the cross-sectional area of ​​the connecting section 16 is such that the cross-sectional area of ​​the channel cross-section of the confluence section 13b is less than or equal to "S × (n + 1)". Alternatively, the cross-sectional area of ​​the connecting section 16 is such that the cross-sectional area of ​​the channel cross-section of the confluence section 13b is greater than or equal to "S × (n + 1 / 10)". If the cross-sectional shapes of the multiple spiral channels 14 constituting the parallel section 13a are all different, then "S" is the average cross-sectional area of ​​the spiral channels 14.

[0033] The length of the junction 13b in the direction along axis P is, for example, 1 / 6 to 1 / 8 of the length of the parallel section 13a in the same direction. Furthermore, it is preferable that the number of rotations of the extension 15 is between 1 / 4 rotation or more (90 degrees or more) and 1 / 3 rotation or less (120 degrees or less) for the length of the junction 13b in the direction along axis P.

[0034] [Structure of a microbubble generator] Next, the structure of the microbubble generator 10 that partitions the aforementioned flow path 13 will be described. As shown in Figure 4, the microbubble generator 10 comprises a cylindrical first member 20 and a pin-shaped second member 30, and is formed by combining the first member 20 and the second member 30.

[0035] The first member 20 includes a peripheral wall 21 having an inner circumferential surface with a circular cross-section perpendicular to the axis P. The cross-sectional shape of the outer circumferential surface of the peripheral wall 21 is not particularly limited and is appropriately designed to match the shape of the water passage 41 to which the microbubble generating device 10 is attached.

[0036] An engaging portion 22 is provided on the upstream end face of the first member 20, protruding in the direction of the axis P. As shown in Figure 6, when the microbubble generator 10 is attached to the water channel 41, the engaging portion 22 engages with a receiving portion 43 provided in the water channel 41. The engagement of the engaging portion 22 and the receiving portion 43 restricts the rotation of the microbubble generator 10 relative to the water channel 41.

[0037] As shown in Figure 4, the first member 20 is provided with a plurality of helical walls 23 that protrude from the inner circumferential surface of the peripheral wall 21 toward the axis P. The helical walls 23 are wall portions that extend spirally around the axis P, which is the central axis of the peripheral wall 21, from the upstream end toward the downstream end of the peripheral wall 21. The space between adjacent helical walls 23 becomes the helical flow path 14 of the parallel section 13a and the extension portion 15 of the confluence section 13b. Therefore, the number of helical walls 23 formed in the first member 20 corresponds to the number of helical flow paths 14 and extension portions 15. For example, as shown in Figure 3, if the number of helical flow paths 14 and extension portions 15 is 3, the number of helical walls 23 formed will also be 3.

[0038] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, each spiral wall 23 has a guide section 23a formed at its upstream end, which is shaped to gradually increase in protrusion height toward the downstream side along a hemispherical surface with axis P as its central axis. The guide section 23a is configured to guide the water flow from the water channel 41 into the spiral channel 14 so that the water flows smoothly into the microbubble generator 10.

[0039] As shown in Figure 4, the first member 20 is located on the axis P and has a through hole 24 that penetrates the first member 20 in the direction of the axis P. The protruding height of each helical wall 23 is lower than the distance from the inner surface of the peripheral wall 21 to the axis P. As a result, the through hole 24 is formed in the center of the first member 20. Furthermore, the through hole 24 is formed in a shape that gradually decreases in diameter from the upstream side to the downstream side. In other words, the portion of the tip surface of each helical wall 23 downstream of the guide portion 23a is formed in a shape that follows the outer surface of a frustocone that gradually decreases in diameter from the upstream side to the downstream side.

[0040] The second member 30 is inserted into the through hole 24 of the first member 20, thereby contacting the tip surface of the spiral wall 23 and closing the through hole 24. The second member 30 comprises a pin-shaped pin body 31 and a locking portion 32 provided at the base end of the pin body 31.

[0041] The pin body 31 has a frustoconical or conical shape that gradually decreases in diameter from the base end where the locking portion 32 is located towards the tip end. The shape of the outer circumferential surface of the pin body 31 is consistent with the tip surfaces of each helical wall 23 of the first member 20. Therefore, when the second member 30 is inserted into the through hole 24 of the first member 20, the outer circumferential surface of the pin body 31 makes surface contact with the tip surfaces of each helical wall 23. Furthermore, the length of the pin body 31 in the axial direction P is shorter than the length of the first member 20 in the axial direction P. More specifically, the length of the pin body 31 in the axial direction P is shorter than the length of the area in the first member 20 where the helical walls 23 are provided.

[0042] The locking portion 32 is formed to be slightly larger than the base end of the pin body 31, and is a portion that expands in diameter in a stepped manner from the base end of the pin body 31. When the pin body 31 of the second member 30 is inserted into the through hole 24 of the first member 20 from the upstream end, the locking portion 32 abuts against the upstream end of the spiral wall 23 of the first member 20. As the locking portion 32 abuts against the spiral wall 23, the second member 30 is prevented from being inserted further into the through hole 24. This state represents the assembly state in which the second member 30 is properly assembled to the first member 20.

[0043] As shown in Figures 2 and 3(a), in the above assembly state, a portion of the first member 20 is provided on the upstream side where the pin body 31 of the second member 30 is inserted into the through hole 24. This portion becomes the parallel section 13a that constitutes the upstream portion of the flow path 13. In this portion, the spiral space partitioned by the peripheral wall 21 and spiral wall 23 of the first member 20 and the pin body 31 of the second member 30 becomes the spiral flow path 14.

[0044] Furthermore, in the above assembly state, a portion of the first member 20 is provided on the downstream side where the pin body 31 of the second member 30 is not inserted into the through hole 24. This portion becomes the confluence 13b that constitutes the downstream portion of the flow path 13. In this portion, the space partitioned by the peripheral wall 21 and the spiral wall 23 of the first member 20 becomes the extension portion 15, and the through hole 24 that connects the spaces that constitute the extension portion 15 becomes the communication portion 16.

[0045] Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described. As shown in Figure 6, the microbubble generator 10 is installed inside the water passage 41 of the faucet 40. Within the water passage 41, the water flow that reaches the microbubble generator 10 flows from the inlet 11 into the flow path 13 provided in the microbubble generator 10. At this time, the water flow flows along the guide section 23a and into the multiple spiral flow paths 14 that constitute the parallel section 13a, and is divided into multiple water flows corresponding to the number of spiral flow paths 14.

[0046] As shown in Figure 2, the water flowing into each spiral channel 14 becomes a spiral flow that flows spirally within the spiral channel 14. Of the spiral flows within one spiral channel 14, the inner water flow that flows on the central side of the spiral channel 14, which is closer to the axis P, flows downstream while swirling in a spiral with a relatively short radius. On the other hand, the outer water flow that flows on the outer circumference of the spiral channel 14, which is further from the axis P, flows downstream while swirling in a spiral with a relatively long radius. As a result, a velocity difference occurs between the inner and outer parts of the spiral flow within one spiral channel 14, based on the fact that the inner part flows relatively slowly and the outer part flows relatively quickly. Due to the above velocity difference and the centrifugal force acting when flowing spirally, the spiral flow in the spiral channel 14 is gradually pressurized and compressed as it flows downstream.

[0047] The spiral flows in each spiral channel 14 of the parallel section 13a are discharged into the confluence section 13b. At this time, the spiral flows discharged from each spiral channel 14 mix with each other in the confluence section 13b, and the pressure is released from the compressed state as the total cross-sectional area of ​​the channels expands. Due to the mixing of the spiral flows in the confluence section 13b and the pressure reduction effect due to the release of pressure, the air dissolved in the water flow turns into bubbles, and as a result, fine bubbles are generated in the water flowing through the confluence section 13b. The water flow containing the fine bubbles is then discharged from the outlet 12 of the fine bubble generator 10 into the downstream water channel 41.

[0048] Next, the effects of this embodiment will be described. (1) The microbubble generator 10 includes an inlet 11 and an outlet 12, and a flow path 13 connecting the inlet 11 and the outlet 12. The flow path 13 includes a parallel section 13a in which a plurality of independent spiral flow paths 14 are arranged in parallel, extending spirally around an axis P extending from the inlet 11 to the outlet 12. The microbubble generator 10 generates microbubbles by merging the swirling flows discharged from the plurality of spiral flow paths 14 downstream of the parallel section 13a.

[0049] According to the above configuration, fine bubbles can be generated by the mixing of the swirling flow discharged from the spiral channel 14. In the above configuration, fine bubbles can be generated without providing a section where the water flow can travel in a straight line from the inlet to the outlet, which is a key part for generating fine bubbles in the conventional technology. Furthermore, in the above configuration, since the fine bubbles are generated in the section where the swirling flow mixes, they diffuse simultaneously with or after their generation. As a result, the uneven distribution of fine bubbles in the water flowing through the water channel 41 is reduced. In contrast, in the conventional technology disclosed in Patent Document 1, the generated fine bubbles tend to be concentrated in the central part of the water flow.

[0050] (2) Downstream of the parallel section 13a in the flow path 13, a confluence section is provided to merge the water flows discharged from the multiple spiral flow paths 14. The microbubble generator 10 is equipped with a confluence section 13b that merges with the swirling flow. Therefore, it is not necessary to secure a section for merging with the swirling flow downstream of the part of the waterway 41 where the microbubble generator 10 is located. This improves the degree of freedom in setting the shape of the waterway 41 in which the microbubble generator 10 is installed, and the installation position of the microbubble generator 10 in the waterway 41.

[0051] (3) The confluence section 13b comprises an extension section 15 in which each of the multiple spiral flow paths 14 is extended toward the outlet 12, and a connecting section 16 that connects the extension sections 15 at the central part where the axis P is located.

[0052] According to the above configuration, in the cross-sectional area of ​​the confluence section 13b, the direction in which each discharged helical flow spreads is limited to the direction toward the connecting section 16, that is, toward the center of the flow path, so that the helical flows come into contact with each other efficiently. As a result, the efficiency of microbubble generation in the confluence section 13b is improved. Furthermore, if there are three or more helical flow paths 14, the efficiency of microbubble generation is also improved because the area where the swirling flows mix is ​​concentrated in the connecting section 16.

[0053] (3) The cross-sectional shape of the helical channel 14 perpendicular to the axis P has a widening portion that gradually increases in width from the central side of the helix formed by the helix to the outer circumference of the helix.

[0054] According to the above configuration, the helical flow within the helical channel 14 is compressed more strongly. As a result, the degree of pressure reduction due to the release of pressure at the confluence section 13b is also increased. Consequently, the efficiency of microbubble generation at the confluence section 13b is improved.

[0055] (5) The microbubble generator 10 comprises a cylindrical first member 20 and a pin-shaped second member 30 inserted into the first member 20. The first member 20 comprises a peripheral wall 21, a plurality of spiral walls 23 that protrude from the inner circumferential surface of the peripheral wall 21 and extend spirally around an axis P, and a through hole 24 located on the axis P and penetrating the first member 20 in the direction of the axis P. The second member 30 is a member that, when inserted into the through hole 24, abuts against each end surface of the spiral wall 23 and closes the through hole 24. The spiral flow path 14 is a space partitioned by the peripheral wall 21, the spiral walls 23, and the second member 30.

[0056] According to the above configuration, a flow channel 13 having a parallel section 13a in which multiple helical flow channels 14 are arranged in parallel can be easily formed by combining the first member 20 and the second member 30, which have shapes that can be formed by mold molding.

[0057] (6) The downstream end of the first member 20 is provided with a portion in which the second member 30 is not inserted into the through hole 24, and the spaces partitioned by the peripheral wall 21 and the spiral wall 23 are connected by the through hole 24.

[0058] According to the above configuration, a confluence section 13b, which includes an extension section 15 and a connecting section 16, can be easily formed downstream of the parallel section 13a by combining the first member 20 and the second member 30, which have shapes that can be formed by mold molding.

[0059] This embodiment can be implemented with the following modifications. This embodiment and the following modifications can be combined with each other to the extent that they do not contradict each other technically. In the above embodiment, the cross-sectional shapes of the multiple helical channels 14 were all the same, but the cross-sectional shapes of some of the helical channels 14 may be different, or all of the helical channels 14 may have different cross-sectional shapes. Furthermore, the cross-sectional shape may change within a single helical channel 14.

[0060] The cross-sectional shape of the helical channel 14 is not limited to the shape having the widened portion described above. For example, the cross-sectional shape of the helical channel 14 may be a shape in which the width is constant from the center of the helix formed by the helix toward the outer circumference of the helix, for example, a rectangular shape.

[0061] The shape of the confluence section 13b is not limited to a shape comprising an extension section 15 and a communication section 16. For example, the confluence section 13b may have a circular cross-section, where the spiral wall 23 is omitted from the first member 20 and it consists only of the peripheral wall 21, or it may have an annular cross-section.

[0062] The microbubble generator 10 may also have a shape in which the confluence section 13b is omitted. In this case, microbubbles are generated in the downstream portion of the microbubble generator 10 in the water channel 41 by converging and mixing the water flows discharged from each spiral channel 14.

[0063] The microbubble generator 10 is not limited to a configuration combining the first member 20 and the second member 30 of the above embodiment. For example, the microbubble generator 10 may be configured by combining a first member 20 in which the spiral wall 23 is omitted and a second member 30 in which the spiral wall 23 is integrally formed on the outer circumferential surface of the pin body 31. Alternatively, the microbubble generator 10 may be configured as a single member in which the flow path 13 is formed by cutting or a 3D printer.

[0064] The flow path 13 may be configured to include a plurality of parallel sections 13a arranged with a confluence section 13b in between. In the case of a configuration with a plurality of parallel sections 13a, the rotation direction of the helical flow path 14 constituting each parallel section 13a may all be the same, or they may be different for each parallel section 13a. An example of a microbubble generator 10 having a plurality of parallel sections 13a arranged with a confluence section 13b in between is shown in Figures 7 and 8.

[0065] The flow path 13 of the microbubble generator 10 shown in Figures 7 and 8 comprises a first parallel section 13a1, a confluence section 13b located downstream of the first parallel section 13a1, and a second parallel section 13a2 located downstream of the confluence section 13b. The direction of rotation of the helical flow path 14 constituting the first parallel section 13a1 is counterclockwise toward the downstream side, and the direction of rotation of the helical flow path 14 constituting the second parallel section 13a2 is clockwise toward the downstream side. The confluence section 13b is formed in a ring-shaped cross-section.

[0066] Furthermore, the microbubble generating device 10 is formed from a cylindrical first member 20 having a peripheral wall 21, and a second member 30 which is inserted inside the first member 20 and has a spiral wall 23 integrally formed on the outer surface of the pin body 31. In Figure 8, only the first member 20 is shown in cross-section.

[0067] Within the water channel 41, the water flow that reaches the microbubble generator 10 flows into the multiple spiral channels 14 that constitute the first parallel section 13a1, and is divided into multiple water flows corresponding to the number of spiral channels 14. The spiral flows flowing through each spiral channel 14 of the first parallel section 13a1 mix at the confluence section 13b. Microbubbles are then generated in the mixed water flows.

[0068] Next, the water flow containing microbubbles flows further into the multiple spiral channels 14 that constitute the second parallel section 13a2, and is divided into multiple water flows corresponding to the number of spiral channels 14. The spiral flows containing microbubbles flowing through each spiral channel 14 of the second parallel section 13a2 mix in the downstream water channel 41. Further microbubbles are then generated in the mixed water flow. In this way, by providing the microbubble generator 10 with multiple parallel sections 13a arranged with a confluence section 13b in between, it is possible to generate more microbubbles in the water flow. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0069] P...axis, 10...microbubble generator, 11...inlet, 12...outlet, 13...flow channel, 13a...parallel section, 13b...junction section, 14...spiral flow channel, 15...extension section, 16...connecting section, 20...first member, 21...circumferential wall, 23...spiral wall, 24...through hole, 30...second member, 40...faucet, 41...water passage.

Claims

1. Inlet and outlet, It comprises a flow path connecting the inlet and the outlet, The flow path comprises a parallel section in which a plurality of independent spiral flow paths are arranged in parallel, extending spirally around an axis extending from the inlet to the outlet, The flow path includes a confluence section provided downstream of the parallel section, which merges the water flows discharged from the multiple spiral flow paths, It comprises a cylindrical first member and a pin-shaped second member inserted into the first member. The first member is, A peripheral wall having an inner surface with a circular cross-section, A plurality of spiral walls protrude from the inner surface of the peripheral wall and extend spirally around the axis which is the central axis of the peripheral wall, It comprises a through hole located on the aforementioned axis and penetrating the first member in the axial direction, The second member is inserted into the through hole, and in contact with each end surface of the spiral wall to close the through hole. The helical channel is a space partitioned by the peripheral wall, the helical wall, and the second member. The aforementioned confluence is a portion downstream of the spiral channel in which the second member is not inserted into the through-hole, and in which the spaces partitioned by the peripheral wall and the spiral wall are connected by the through-hole. A microbubble generating device characterized by generating microbubbles by merging the swirling flows discharged from multiple helical channels at the aforementioned confluence section.

2. The microbubble generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the cross section perpendicular to the axis in the helical flow path has a shape in which the width gradually widens from the central side to the outer circumference of the helix formed by the helix flow path.

3. The microbubble generating apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the confluence portion comprises an extended portion having a shape in which each of the plurality of helical flow paths is extended toward the outlet side, and a communicating portion that connects the extended portions at the central portion where the axis is located.

4. A shower head equipped with a water passage, The water channel is equipped with a microbubble generating device, The microbubble generating device is Inlet and outlet, It comprises a flow path connecting the inlet and the outlet, The flow path comprises a parallel section in which a plurality of independent spiral flow paths are arranged in parallel, extending spirally around an axis extending from the inlet to the outlet. The microbubble generating device is It comprises a cylindrical first member and a pin-shaped second member inserted into the first member. The first member is, A peripheral wall having an inner surface with a circular cross-section, A plurality of spiral walls protrude from the inner surface of the peripheral wall and extend spirally around the axis which is the central axis of the peripheral wall, It comprises a through hole located on the aforementioned axis and penetrating the first member in the axial direction, The second member is inserted into the through hole, and in contact with each end surface of the spiral wall to close the through hole. The helical channel is a space partitioned by the peripheral wall, the helical wall, and the second member. In the aforementioned water channel, a confluence section is provided downstream of the parallel section of the microbubble generator to merge the water flows discharged from the multiple spiral channels. A shower head characterized by generating fine bubbles at the aforementioned confluence section by converging the swirling flows discharged from multiple spiral channels.

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