Fine bubble generation device, water discharge tool including same, and housing equipment

Abstract

Provided are a miniaturized fine bubble generation device, a water discharge tool including the same, and housing equipment.　A fine bubble generation device (10) is provided with a first flow path (31). The first flow path (31) extracts air dissolved in water. The water from which air has been extracted in the first flow path (31) joins water flowing from separate flow paths (second flow path (32), third flow path (33)), which are flow paths different from the first flow path (31), on the downstream side of the first flow path (31).

Description

Microbubbler, water discharge device equipped with the same, and housing equipment

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a microbubbler, a water discharge device equipped with the same, and housing equipment.

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a conventional microbubbler. In this microbubbler, an air supply passage is connected in the middle of a water supply passage, and air is sent into the water flowing through the water supply passage through the air supply passage and mixed to generate microbubbles.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-110468

[0004] Since the microbubbler of Patent Document 1 requires an air supply passage for supplying air to the water supply passage, there is a concern that the device itself will become large.

[0005] The present disclosure has been completed based on the above circumstances, and an object to be solved is to provide a miniaturized microbubbler.

[0006] The microbubbler of the present disclosure includes a first flow path for extracting air dissolved in water, and the water from which air has been extracted in the first flow path merges with water flowing from a separate flow path on the downstream side of the first flow path.

[0007] Partial cross-sectional view showing the shower head of Embodiment 1. Partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing the shower head of Embodiment 1. Exploded perspective view showing the shower head of Embodiment 1. Perspective view showing the microbubbler of Embodiment 1. Bottom view showing the microbubbler of Embodiment 1. Cross-sectional view showing the microbubbler of Embodiment 1. As another embodiment, a diagram showing an example in which the microbubbler is applied to a kitchen faucet. Partially enlarged partial cross-sectional view showing the kitchen faucet of another embodiment. As another embodiment, a diagram showing an example in which the microbubbler is applied to a washbasin faucet (No. 1). Partially enlarged partial cross-sectional view showing the washbasin faucet (No. 1) of another embodiment. As another embodiment, a diagram showing an example in which the microbubbler is applied to a washbasin faucet (No. 2). Partially enlarged partial cross-sectional view showing the washbasin faucet (No. 2) of another embodiment.

[0008] First, embodiments of the present disclosure will be listed and described. Any combination of the following embodiments without causing contradiction is also included as a form for carrying out the invention. [1] The microbubble generator of the present disclosure is equipped with a first channel for extracting air dissolved in water, and the water from which air has been extracted in the first channel merges downstream of the first channel with water flowing from another channel, which is a different channel from the first channel. In this way, the microbubble generator extracts air from the water flowing in the first channel and generates fine bubbles by merging this water containing the extracted air with water from a channel other than the first channel. For this reason, the microbubble generator does not need to take in air from the outside as in the conventional, and no configuration for that purpose is required. As a result, the microbubble generator can be miniaturized. Miniaturization of the device is advantageous, for example, from the viewpoint of design. That is, by achieving miniaturization of the microbubble generator, the design constraints caused by the size of the microbubble generator can be alleviated in products such as water dispensers into which the microbubble generator is incorporated. As a result, products incorporating this microbubble generator can easily be given the desired design. Therefore, the microbubble generator can improve the design freedom of the products into which it is incorporated.

[0009] [2] In the microbubble generator described in [1] above, the first channel forms a swirling flow. In this case, the water flowing through the first channel can experience a good pressure drop due to the swirling. The microbubble generator can improve the efficiency of air extraction from water by this pressure drop.

[0010] [3] The microbubble generating device described in either [1] or [2] above is provided with a second channel that is connected to the downstream side of the first channel, and the second channel is the separate channel. With this configuration, since the microbubble generating device has a second channel as a separate channel, the first channel and the second channel can be provided as a unit. For this reason, the microbubble generating device can be simplified in configuration compared to the case in which the separate channel is provided separately from the device. Accordingly, the microbubble generating device can be easily miniaturized.

[0011] [4] In the microbubble generating device described in [3] above, the first channel and the second channel are arranged side by side. Because the two channels are arranged side by side in this microbubble generating device, the device can be deployed over a shorter distance compared to when the channels are arranged in series, and as a result the device itself can be made smaller.

[0012] [5] In the microbubble generating apparatus described in [4] above, the second channel is arranged around the first channel. In this case, the first channel and the second channel are arranged adjacent to each other. Therefore, the water containing extracted air flowing through the first channel and the water from the second channel can be merged immediately after exiting the channel. This ensures a flow path from the point where the waters merge until they reach the discharge point, increasing the opportunities for agitation. As a result, even finer bubbles are generated. If the water flowing through the first channel is in a swirling flow, the water that flows out of the first channel spreads out toward the water flowing through the second channel due to centrifugal force, making collisions between the waters more likely.

[0013] [6] The microbubble generating device described in [5] above is provided with a third flow path located inside the first flow path, adjacent to the first flow path, and connected to the downstream side of the first flow path, wherein the third flow path is the other flow path. By providing the third flow path, this microbubble generating device can minimize the reduction in flow rate compared to when the microbubble generating device is not installed in the water discharge device.

[0014] [7] The water discharger of this disclosure has a microbubble generating device described in any of [1] to [6] above attached to the upstream side of the flow path. Because the microbubble generating device is attached to the upstream side of this water discharger, the design freedom of the water discharger is increased by providing a separate mechanism or making the shape of the water discharge part and handle part complex, thereby improving the design. Because the attachment part is on the upstream side of the water discharger, it is easy to attach the microbubble generating device. It is easy to attach to multiple types of water dischargers afterwards.

[0015] [8] The water discharger described in [7] above has a facing surface that faces the outlet of at least one of the first channel and the other channel when the microbubble generating device is attached. The water that flows out of the first channel and the other channel of the microbubble generating device strikes the facing surface that faces the outlet, making it easier to agitate. This increases the amount of microbubbles generated.

[0016] [9] The water dispenser described in either [7] or [8] above comprises a water discharge section and a handle section in which the water flow channel toward the water discharge section is formed, and the microbubble generator is attached to the handle section. This water dispenser offers greater design freedom and improved aesthetics by providing additional mechanisms or complex shapes in the water discharge section and handle section. The attachment section is located upstream of the handle section, making it easy to attach the microbubble generator to the water dispenser. It is easy to attach to multiple types of water dispensers later.

[0017]

[10] The residential equipment of the present disclosure is equipped with a microbubble generator as described in any of [1] to [6] above. The residential equipment of the present disclosure may also be equipped with a water dispenser as described in any of [7] to [9] above. This residential equipment can enjoy the effects of the microbubble generator and the water dispenser.

[0018] <Embodiment 1> Embodiment 1, which embodies the microbubble generator 10 of the present disclosure, will be described with reference to the drawings. As shown in Figure 1, the microbubble generator 10 is installed on a shower head 1, and the shower head 1 corresponds to the water discharge device according to the present disclosure. This microbubble generator 10 contains fine bubbles in the water flowing from the water discharge unit 2, which will be described later, and supplies water with higher cleaning power compared to raw water that does not contain fine bubbles.

[0019] The shower head 1 comprises a water outlet section 2 and a handle section 3. The water outlet section 2 is provided continuously downstream of the handle section 3. The shower head 1 is connected to one end of the water supply hose 9 at a base end section 14 on the handle section 3 side. The base end section 14 corresponds to the upstream end of the shower head 1. A flow path is formed inside the shower head 1 through which water supplied from the water supply hose 9 flows. Water flowing into the shower head 1 from the base end section 14 flows through the internal flow path and flows out from the spray holes 6 in the water outlet section 2, which will be described later. The shower head 1 is used in a bathroom or the like by the user holding the handle section 3, etc. The shower head 1 can also be used by hanging it on a shower hook (not shown) attached to a bathroom wall (not shown). In this disclosure, "water" includes temperature-controlled hot water.

[0020] The water discharge section 2 includes a cover member 4 and a spray plate 5. The cover member 4 forms the outer shape of the shower head 1. The spray plate 5 has a plurality of spray holes 6 that penetrate through the spray plate 5 in the thickness direction. Water that flows into the shower head 1 flows through a channel formed inside and is sprayed from the surface side of the spray plate 5 through the spray holes 6 at the downstream end.

[0021] The handle portion 3 has an inner cylinder portion 7 and an outer cylinder portion 8. The inner cylinder portion 7 and the outer cylinder portion 8 are both cylindrical with open ends. The downstream end of the outer cylinder portion 8 is connected to the upstream end of the cover member 4. The outer cylinder portion 8 and the cover member 4 are integrally formed. The upstream end of the inner cylinder portion 7 is the base end portion 14. The base end portion 14 protrudes outward from the upstream end of the outer cylinder portion 8. The base end portion 14 has a male threaded portion 15 on its outer circumference into which the hose-side connecting member is screwed.

[0022] Inside the inner cylinder portion 7, a storage space 11, a confluence space 12, and a water passage space 13 are formed. These storage space 11, confluence space 12, and water passage space 13 constitute the flow path inside the shower head 1. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, each of the storage space 11, confluence space 12, and water passage space 13 is formed to extend continuously from the upstream end to the downstream end of the inner cylinder portion 7. The storage space 11 is located at the upstream end of the flow path in the shower head 1. The upstream end of the storage space 11 is open to the outside. The water supplied into the shower head 1 is supplied from this opening in the storage space 11. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the microbubble generator 10 is inserted through the opening in the storage space 11 and housed inside the storage space 11. That is, the microbubble generator 10 is located at the upstream end of the flow path in the shower head 1.

[0023] The downstream end of the storage space 11 is continuous with the confluence space 12, as shown in Figure 2. The storage space 11 has a first opposing surface 16 that faces the outlets of the first channel 31, the second channel 32, and the third channel 33, which will be described later. The confluence space 12 has a second opposing surface 17 between the confluence space 12 and the water passage space 13. The downstream end of the confluence space 12 is continuous with the water passage space 13. The downstream end of the water passage space 13 is continuous with the water passage on the discharge section 2 side (not shown).

[0024] The central axis of the outer shape of the base end portion 14 is defined as central axis C1, the central axis of the storage space 11 as central axis C2, and the central axis of the water passage space 13 as central axis C3. The central axis C2 of the storage space 11 is inclined with respect to the central axis C1 of the outer shape of the base end portion 14. The central axis C3 of the water passage space 13 extends parallel to the central axis C2 of the storage space 11. Because there is a misalignment between the central axes C1, C2, and C3, turbulence is more easily generated compared to the case of coaxial design.

[0025] As shown in Figures 4 to 6, the microbubble generator 10 has a first cylindrical section 21, a second cylindrical section 22, a third cylindrical section 23, blades 24, connecting ribs 25, ribs 26, and an enlarged diameter section 27. The first cylindrical section 21, the second cylindrical section 22, and the third cylindrical section 23 are each cylindrical in shape. The first cylindrical section 21, the second cylindrical section 22, and the third cylindrical section 23 are arranged concentrically. The connecting ribs 25 connect the first cylindrical section 21 and the second cylindrical section 22. Four connecting ribs 25 are provided at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. The ribs 26 are provided in a cross shape on the third cylindrical section 23.

[0026] As shown in Figure 6, the enlarged diameter portion 27 is provided at the upstream end of the first cylindrical portion 21. The outer circumferential surface of the first cylindrical portion 21 of the microbubble generator 10 fits with the inner circumference of the storage space 11 provided in the handle portion 3 of the shower head 1. The outer diameter of the enlarged diameter portion 27 is formed to be slightly larger than the inner diameter of the storage space 11. The microbubble generator 10 is housed in the storage space 11 as the enlarged diameter portion 27 elastically deforms.

[0027] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the first cylindrical portion 21 is positioned on the outermost side of the first cylindrical portion 21, the second cylindrical portion 22, and the third cylindrical portion 23. A second flow path 32 is formed on the inner circumferential surface side of the first cylindrical portion 21. The second flow path 32 is formed between the first cylindrical portion 21 and the second cylindrical portion 22, the first flow path 31 is formed between the second cylindrical portion 22 and the third cylindrical portion 23, and the third flow path 33 is formed inside the third cylindrical portion 23.

[0028] As shown in Figures 4 to 6, the blades 24 are arranged in the first flow path 31. The blades 24 connect the second cylindrical section 22 and the third cylindrical section 23 in the radial direction. Eight blades 24 are arranged at equal intervals around the axis of the microbubble generator 10. Each blade 24 is inclined in the circumferential direction from the upstream side to the downstream side of the first flow path 31.

[0029] As shown in Figure 6, the upstream end of the second cylindrical section 22 is located downstream of the upstream end of the first cylindrical section 21, and the upstream end of the third cylindrical section 23 is located downstream of the upstream end of the second cylindrical section 22. Therefore, the upstream end of the microbubble generator 10 has a shape that is recessed inward. The upstream end of the first cylindrical section 21 has a chamfered inner wall. The downstream end of the second cylindrical section 22 is located upstream of the downstream end of the first cylindrical section 21, and the downstream end of the third cylindrical section 23 is located upstream of the downstream end of the second cylindrical section 22.

[0030] Next, the effects and advantages of the above embodiment 1 will be described.

[0031] The inner diameter of the storage space 11 is smaller than the outer diameter of the enlarged portion 27. Therefore, the microbubble generator 10 can maintain its installed state after being attached to the storage space 11.

[0032] The upstream end of the microbubble generator 10 has an inwardly recessed shape, and the upstream end of the flow from the hose has a chamfered inner wall, which facilitates water flow from the hose into the second flow path 32 of the microbubble generator 10.

[0033] The first channel 31 forms a swirling flow due to the blades 24. The microbubble generator 10 forms a relatively narrow channel compared to the upstream side. As a result, the water flowing into the microbubble generator 10 has its flow velocity increased, causing a pressure drop and potentially leading to cavitation. The swirling flow formed by the first channel 31 causes cavitation, extracting air present in the water. The swirling flow from the first channel 31, which has extracted the air, merges with the water flowing through the second channel 32 and the third channel 33 in the confluence space 12. The water flowing out of the first channel 31 spreads out toward the water flowing through the second channel 32 due to centrifugal force, and is agitated by colliding with the water flowing out of the second channel 32, generating fine bubbles.

[0034] The water flowing out of the first channel 31 strikes the first opposing surface 16, merges with the second channel 32 and the third channel 33 in the confluence space 12, and is agitated by striking the second opposing surface 17, generating fine bubbles.

[0035] Since the downstream end of the second cylindrical section 22 is separated from the first opposing surface 16, the water passing through the second channel 32 collides with the first opposing surface 16 and flows inward. As a result, it collides with the water flowing out of the first channel 31, causing more intense collisions between the water molecules and further agitation.

[0036] By providing a third channel 33, the microbubble generator 10 can minimize the reduction in flow rate compared to when the microbubble generator 10 is not attached to the shower head 1. The water flowing out of the third channel 33 does not hit the opposing surface, so its velocity does not decrease. When the water flowing out of the first channel 31 and second channel 32, which has its velocity reduced by hitting the opposing surface, merges with the water flowing out of the third channel 33, a shear flow is created due to the difference in velocity. As a result, the water is further agitated, generating fine bubbles.

[0037] The storage space 11 has a cylindrical shape. The central axis C2 of the flow path in the storage space 11 is inclined with respect to the central axis C1 of the outer shape of the base end 14. As a result, when water flows through the hose to the base end 14, a misalignment occurs in the axis of the flow path, making it easy to generate turbulence. The central axis C3 of the water passage space 13 extends parallel to and is misaligned with respect to the central axis C2 of the storage space 11. Therefore, when water flows from the storage space 11 through the confluence space 12 to the water passage space 13, a misalignment occurs in the axis of the flow path, making it easier to generate turbulence compared to the case where the paths are coaxial.

[0038] As described above, the microbubble generator 10 according to Embodiment 1 is equipped with a first channel 31. The first channel 31 extracts air dissolved in water. The water from which air has been extracted in the first channel 31 merges with the water flowing out from the second channel 32 and the third channel 33 downstream of the first channel 31. The second channel 32 and the third channel 33 correspond to the other channels according to this disclosure.

[0039] Since the microbubble generator 10 extracts air dissolved in water in the first channel 31, there is no need to provide a new air supply path. Therefore, the microbubble generator 10 can be made smaller.

[0040] The first flow path 31 forms a swirling flow. As a result, the water flowing through the first flow path 31 can generate a favorable pressure drop due to the swirling. The microbubble generator 10 can improve the extraction efficiency of air from water due to this pressure drop.

[0041] The microbubble generator 10 includes a second flow path 32 which is a separate flow path from the first flow path 31 and communicates with the downstream side of the first flow path 31. In the present embodiment, the microbubble generator 10 unitarily includes the first flow path 31 and the second flow path 32. Therefore, the microbubble generator 10 can simplify the configuration of the device as compared with the case where the separate flow path is provided separately from the device. As a result, the microbubble generator 10 is easy to miniaturize.

[0042] In the present embodiment, the first flow path 31 and the second flow path 32 are arranged side by side. For this reason, the microbubble generator 10 can simultaneously form a swirling flow and a straight water flow. As a result, the microbubble generator 10 can miniaturize itself.

[0043] The second flow path 32 is arranged around the first flow path 31. As a result, the swirling flow flowing out from the first flow path 31 spreads toward the water flowing through the second flow path 32 due to centrifugal force and is further stirred by colliding with it.

[0044] The microbubble generator 10 includes a third flow path 33 which is a separate flow path from the first flow path 31 and communicates with the downstream side of the first flow path 31. The third flow path 33 is arranged side by side with the first flow path 31 inside the first flow path 31. By providing the third flow path 33, the microbubble generator 10 can prevent the flow rate from decreasing as much as possible as compared with the case where the microbubble generator 10 is not attached to the shower head 1. In addition, the water flowing out from the third flow path 33 does not collide with the first opposing surface 16 and the second opposing surface 17, so the speed does not decrease. By merging with the water flowing out from the first flow path 31 and the second flow path 32 and colliding with the opposing surface and having its speed decreased, a shear flow is caused due to the speed difference. Therefore, the water is further stirred and microbubbles are generated.

[0045] The microbubble generator 10 is attached to the base end 14, which is the upstream end of the flow path of the shower head 1. As a result, the shower head 1 has greater design freedom and improved aesthetics by allowing for additional mechanisms or complex shapes in the water outlet section 2 and the handle section 3.

[0046] When the microbubble generator 10 is attached, the shower head 1 has a first opposing surface 16 and a second opposing surface 17 that face the outlets of the first channel 31 and the second channel 32. Therefore, the water flowing out of the first channel 31 and the second channel 32 merges in the confluence space 12, and is agitated by colliding with the first opposing surface 16 and the second opposing surface 17, generating fine bubbles.

[0047] The shower head 1 comprises a water outlet section 2 and a handle section 3. A microbubble generator 10 is attached to the handle section 3, and a first channel 31, a second channel 32, and a third channel 33 are formed in the handle section 3. Water flows from the handle section 3 towards the water outlet section 2 through the first channel 31, the second channel 32, and the third channel 33. As a result, the shower head 1 offers greater design freedom and improved aesthetics by allowing for additional mechanisms or complex shapes in the water outlet section 2 and the handle section 3.

[0048] <Other Embodiments> This disclosure is not limited to Embodiment 1 described above in the description and drawings, but the following embodiments are also included in the technical scope of this disclosure. (1) The separate flow channels provided in the microbubble generator may be either the second flow channel or the third flow channel, or there may be three or more. It is not essential for the microbubble generator to have separate flow channels. (2) It is not essential for the microbubble generator to have the second flow channel around the entire circumference of the first flow channel. (3) The connecting ribs of the microbubble generator may not be four, or there may be none. (4) The blades of the microbubble generator may not be eight, or there may be none. (5) The structure that forms the swirling flow may be a helical flow channel, or it may be fixed blades. (6) The first flow channel and the separate flow channels may not be concentric, or they may not be side by side. (7) The first cylindrical section, the second cylindrical section, and the third cylindrical section may not be concentric, or they may not be side by side. (8) The water outlet equipped with the microbubble generator is not limited to a shower head. Other forms of water outlets include various types of faucets such as washbasin faucets, hand-washing faucets, kitchen faucets, and bathroom faucets. Specifically, the microbubble generator can be applied to the hand shower section of a washbasin faucet, kitchen faucet, etc. By equipping these water outlets with a microbubble generator, the cleaning performance in hand washing, face washing, dish washing, etc., can be improved. (9) The microbubble generator is not limited to the various water outlets described above, and may be installed in the water outlet section of a toilet, for example. Examples of water outlet sections in this case include the flush valve section of a toilet, the spreader section of a urinal, the ballcock section inside the tank of a tank-type toilet, and the nozzle section of a local cleaning device. By equipping these toilets with a microbubble generator, the cleaning power of the toilet can be improved, blackening of the toilet can be suppressed, urine scale can be removed, urine scale can be suppressed, and local cleaning power can be improved. (10) The microbubble generating device is not limited to the water discharger, water discharge section, etc. described above, but may be provided in a water supply path for supplying water to these various water dischargers, water discharge sections, etc.Examples of the water supply path in this case include a water supply path formed within housing equipment such as a washbasin vanity, cabinet, system kitchen, bathroom, etc. where a water discharging device is provided, a water supply path formed within housing equipment such as a toilet, urinal, etc. That is, the fine bubble generator may be provided in various housing equipment arranged in the plumbing of a house. In this case, the fine bubble generator may be provided at any location within the water supply path.

[0049] (11) FIGS. 7 and 8 show an example in which the above-described fine bubble generator 10 is applied to a kitchen faucet 201. The kitchen faucet 201 is provided in the sink 290 of the kitchen 200. The kitchen faucet 201 corresponds to the water discharging device according to the present disclosure, and the sink 290 corresponds to the housing equipment according to the present disclosure. The kitchen faucet 201 is fixed to the sink 290 at the proximal end side. Inside the sink 290, a water supply pipe (not shown) forming a water supply passage 209 is arranged. The water supply passage 209 communicates with a water supply source (not shown) on the upstream side and communicates with the kitchen faucet 201 on the downstream side. The kitchen faucet 201 has a water discharging portion 202. The water discharging portion 202 is provided at the tip of the water discharge pipe 201A. The fine bubble generator 10 is provided inside this water discharging portion 202. Thus, the fine bubble generator 10 can also be suitably applied to the kitchen faucet 201. Note that the fine bubble generator 10 may be provided at any part within the water discharge pipe 201A of the kitchen faucet 201, or may be provided in a water supply pipe (not shown) forming a water supply passage within the sink 290 of the kitchen 200.

[0050] (12) An example of applying the microbubble generator to a washbasin faucet is shown. Here, as shown in Figures 9 and 10, a washbasin vanity faucet 301 provided on a washbasin vanity 300 is given as an example of a washbasin faucet. The washbasin vanity faucet 301 corresponds to the water outlet according to the disclosure, and the washbasin vanity 300 corresponds to the housing equipment according to the disclosure. As shown in Figure 9, the washbasin vanity 300 includes a washbasin 391 having a washbasin bowl 391A, a back panel 392 positioned above the rear of the washbasin 391, and a mirror cabinet 393 positioned above the back panel 392. The washbasin vanity faucet 301 extends diagonally downward and forward from the lower end of the mirror cabinet 393. A water supply hose (not shown) that forms a water supply channel 309 is connected to the washbasin vanity faucet 301. The water supply channel 309 communicates with a water source (not shown) on the upstream side. The water supply channel 309 is introduced from the washbasin 391, passing through the back side of the back panel 392 to the mirror cabinet 393, and communicating with the washbasin faucet 301 downstream. The washbasin faucet 301 has a water outlet 302. The water outlet 302 is provided at the tip of the water outlet pipe 301A. As shown in Figure 10, the microbubble generator 10 is provided inside this water outlet 302. Thus, the microbubble generator 10 can be well applied to the washbasin faucet 301 as well. The microbubble generator 10 may be provided in any part of the water outlet pipe 301A of the washbasin faucet 301, or it may be provided in a water supply hose (not shown) that forms the water supply channel 309 in the washbasin 300.

[0051] (13) An example of applying the microbubble generator to another form of washbasin faucet is shown. Here, as shown in Figures 11 and 12, a washbasin faucet 401 provided on a washbasin 400 is given as an example of a washbasin faucet. The washbasin faucet 401 corresponds to the water outlet according to the disclosure, and the washbasin 400 corresponds to the housing equipment according to the disclosure. As shown in Figure 11, the washbasin faucet 401 extends forward from a base end fixed to the upper surface of the washbasin 400 toward the washbasin bowl 400A. Inside the washbasin 400, a water supply hose, water supply piping, etc. (not shown) that form a water supply channel 409 are arranged. The water supply channel 409 communicates with a water source (not shown) on the upstream side and with the washbasin faucet 401 on the downstream side. The washbasin faucet 401 has a water outlet 402. The water outlet 402 is located at the tip of the water outlet pipe 401A. As shown in Figure 12, the microbubble generator 10 is located inside this water outlet 402. Thus, the microbubble generator 10 can also be successfully applied to a washbasin faucet 401. The microbubble generator 10 may be located in any part of the water outlet pipe 401A in the washbasin faucet 401, or it may be located in a water supply hose, water supply piping, etc. (not shown) that forms the water supply channel 409 in the washbasin 400.

[0052] 1...Shower head (water outlet), 2, 202, 302, 402...Water outlet section, 3...Handle section, 10...Microbubble generator, 16...First opposing surface, 17...Second opposing surface, 31...First flow path, 32...Second flow path, 33...Third flow path, 201...Kitchen faucet (water outlet), 290...Sink (housing equipment), 300...Washbasin (housing equipment), 301...Washbasin faucet (water outlet), 400...Washbasin (housing equipment), 401...Washbasin faucet (water outlet)

Claims

1. A microbubble generator equipped with a first channel for extracting air dissolved in water, wherein the water from which air has been extracted in the first channel merges with water flowing from another channel, which is a different channel from the first channel, downstream of the first channel.

2. The microbubble generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first flow path forms a swirling flow.

3. A microbubble generating apparatus according to any one of claims 1 and 2, comprising a second channel connected to the downstream side of the first channel, wherein the second channel is the other channel.

4. The microbubble generating apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the first channel and the second channel are arranged side by side.

5. The microbubble generating apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the second flow channel is arranged around the first flow channel.

6. The microbubble generating apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising a third channel located inside the first channel, arranged alongside the first channel and connected to the downstream side of the first channel, wherein the third channel is the other channel.

7. A water discharge device having a microbubble generating device according to either claim 1 or claim 2 attached to the upstream side of the flow path.

8. The water discharge device according to claim 7, having a facing surface that faces the outlet of at least one of the first flow path and the other flow path when the microbubble generating device is attached.

9. The water discharger according to claim 7, comprising a water discharge section and a handle section having a water channel formed therein through which water flows toward the water discharge section, wherein the microbubble generating device is attached to the handle section.

10. A residential facility equipped with a microbubble generating device according to either claim 1 or claim 2.

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