JP6781729B2 - Foam discharge device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a foam discharge device.

In recent years, a foam discharge device that discharges foam has been used in various facilities. For example, in a washroom or a kitchen of a commercial facility or the like, a foam discharge device is used in which a cleaning agent such as a liquid cleaning agent is mixed with air and discharged as bubbles from a nozzle discharge port.

For example, in Patent Document 1, in a foam discharge device that discharges a liquid cleaning agent in the form of bubbles, by devising the structure of the nozzle that discharges bubbles, bubbles having a desired contour can be stably formed on the palm or the like. Techniques for doing so are disclosed.

JP-A-2016-209867

By the way, in the process of using the foam discharge device, bubbles may adhere around the discharge port of the nozzle. For example, when receiving bubbles from the nozzle discharge port with the palm, if the palm is brought too close to the nozzle discharge port, the bubbles may adhere to the periphery of the nozzle discharge port. When bubbles adhere to the periphery of the nozzle discharge port in this way, a nozzle structure for discharging the bubbles so as to be formed in a specific shape is provided as in the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1. When applied to a foam ejection device, it becomes difficult to stably form bubbles having a desired contour.

Therefore, the present invention relates to appropriately removing bubbles adhering to the periphery of the nozzle discharge port in the foam discharge device.

In order to solve the above problems, one aspect of the present invention is a nozzle having a discharge port for discharging bubbles, a bubble removing mechanism for removing bubbles adhering to the periphery of the discharge port, and removing bubbles by a bubble removing mechanism. The present invention relates to a foam discharge device including a control device for controlling the timing of operation.

As described above, according to the foam ejection device of the present invention, it is possible to appropriately remove the bubbles adhering to the periphery of the nozzle ejection port in the foam ejection device.

It is a schematic diagram which shows the schematic structure of the foam discharge device which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing which shows the nozzle which concerns on this embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows the lower lid member of the nozzle which concerns on this embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the position of the palm when the bubble is ejected from the nozzle which concerns on this embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the state which the bubble is discharged from the discharge port in the state which the bubble is not adhering around the discharge port of the nozzle which concerns on the same embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the state that the bubble is discharged from the discharge port in the state which the bubble is attached around the discharge port of the nozzle which concerns on the same embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of the arrangement in the front view in the foam discharge device of the injection nozzle which concerns on this embodiment. It is a figure which shows another example of the arrangement in the front view in the bubble discharge device of the injection nozzle which concerns on the same embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows 1st example of the control flow concerning the bubble removal operation performed by the control apparatus which concerns on this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the 2nd example of the control flow concerning the bubble removal operation performed by the control apparatus which concerns on this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the 3rd example of the control flow concerning the bubble removal operation performed by the control device which concerns on this embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the schematic structure of the foam discharge device which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the schematic structure of the foam discharge device which concerns on 3rd Embodiment.

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the present specification and the drawings, components having substantially the same functional configuration are designated by the same reference numerals, so that duplicate description will be omitted.

An embodiment of the present invention relates to a foam discharge device. Specifically, the foam discharge devices 1, 2, and 3 according to each embodiment of the present invention are foam discharge devices that discharge a liquid as bubbles from a nozzle discharge port by mixing the liquid with a gas. is there.

The types of the liquid discharged as bubbles by the foam discharge devices 1, 2 and 3 and the type of gas mixed with the liquid are not particularly limited, but in the present specification, as an example, a liquid cleaning agent or the like is used as the foam discharge devices 1 and 2. An example of being discharged as bubbles by being mixed with air by 3 and 3 will be described. The liquid discharged as foam by the foam discharge devices 1, 2 and 3 is, for example, a liquid cleanser such as a hand wash, a body wash, or a face wash, and a hair cosmetic (for example, a hair styling agent, a fixing agent, or a hair restorer). Etc.), skin cosmetics (eg, lotion, milky lotion, beauty essence, etc.), shaving foam, dishwashing liquid, etc. Further, the gas mixed with the liquid discharged as bubbles may be, for example, carbon dioxide gas, nitrogen, helium or the like.

Further, in the present specification, as an example, foam ejection devices 1, 2 and 3 for ejecting bubbles from a nozzle when a foam receiver that receives bubbles of equality in the hand is detected by a non-contact type sensor will be described. As the foam ejection device according to the present invention, a device that ejects bubbles from a nozzle when a push button is pressed or a foam receiver is detected by a contact sensor may be used. Further, in the present specification, the electric foam discharge devices 1, 2 and 3 will be described as an example, but as the foam discharge device according to the present invention, a manual foam discharge device (for example, for pressing a pump head) A device that supplies cleaning agent and air to the nozzle and discharges bubbles from the nozzle) may be used accordingly.

<First Embodiment>
The foam discharge device 1 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 11.

[Structure of foam discharge device]
First, with reference to FIG. 1, the overall configuration of the foam discharge device 1 according to the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing a foam discharge device 1 according to the present embodiment.

In each drawing referred to in the present specification, the side in which the nozzle 40 is provided in the foam discharge device 1 is the front direction, the direction opposite to the front direction is the rear direction, and the bubble discharge device 1 is viewed from the front side. The left side and the right side in are shown as the left direction and the right direction, respectively. The upward direction and the downward direction may not exactly coincide with the vertically upward direction and the vertical downward direction, respectively, and may be, for example, directions inclined from the vertically upward direction and the vertical downward direction, respectively.

As shown in FIG. 1, the foam discharge device 1 includes a cleaning agent container 10, a cleaning agent supply mechanism 20, a gas supply mechanism 30, a nozzle 40, a foam removal mechanism 50, a control device 60, and their configurations. It includes a housing 70 that houses the elements at least partially, a foam receiver sensor 81, a foam sensor 82, and a cover 83.

The cleaning agent container 10 stores the cleaning agent 19. For example, the cleaning agent container 10 includes a container body 11 and a lid 12. The container body 11 has an opening on the upper side, and stores the cleaning agent 19 inside. The lid 12 airtightly covers the opening of the container body 11 and is provided so as to be openable and closable.

The cleaning agent supply mechanism 20 supplies the cleaning agent 19 inside the cleaning agent container 10 to the nozzle 40. For example, the cleaning agent supply mechanism 20 includes a liquid pump 21, a connecting pipe 22, and a dipping pipe 23. The connecting pipe 22 is connected to the liquid pump 21 at one end and to the nozzle 40 at the other end. The immersion pipe 23 is connected to the liquid pump 21 at one end and is immersed in the cleaning agent 19 inside the cleaning agent container 10 at the other end. The liquid pump 21 is a pump that delivers a fluid from the immersion pipe 23 side to the connection pipe 22 side. As the liquid pump 21, for example, a centrifugal pump (for example, a centrifugal pump or the like), a syringe pump, a gear pump, a diaphragm pump or a positive displacement pump (for example, a piezo pump or the like) or the like is used. By driving the liquid pump 21, the cleaning agent 19 inside the cleaning agent container 10 is supplied to the nozzle 40 via the immersion pipe 23 and the connecting pipe 22.

The gas supply mechanism 30 supplies gas to the nozzle 40. For example, the gas supply mechanism 30 includes an air pump 31 and a connecting pipe 32. The connecting pipe 32 is connected to the air pump 31 at one end and to the nozzle 40 at the other end. The air pump 31 is, for example, a pump that sends out ambient air to the connecting pipe 32 side. As the air pump 31, for example, a centrifugal pump (for example, a centrifugal pump or the like), a syringe pump, a gear pump, a diaphragm pump or a positive displacement pump (for example, a piezo pump or the like) or the like is used. By driving the air pump 31, air around the air pump 31 is supplied to the nozzle 40 via the connecting pipe 32. The gas supply mechanism 30 may supply a gas such as carbon dioxide gas, nitrogen, or helium contained in a cylinder or the like to the nozzle 40. In that case, for example, the cylinder is connected to the nozzle 40 via the connecting pipe 32. By opening and closing the mouth of the cylinder, gas is supplied to the nozzle 40 via the connecting pipe 32.

The nozzle 40 discharges the cleaning agent 19 as bubbles. Specifically, the nozzle 40 has a discharge port 43 through which bubbles are discharged. In the present embodiment, the nozzle 40 discharges bubbles from the discharge port 43 so as to form bubbles in a specific shape. FIG. 1 shows an example in which a foam body 90 having a heart-shaped contour is formed on a palm 5 by bubbles discharged from a discharge port 43. The palm 5 is an example of a foam receiver that receives bubbles. The foam receiver of the foam discharged from the nozzle 40 is not limited to such an example, and may be, for example, a sponge, a rag, a cleaning sheet, or a desk. The upper part of the housing 70 projects forward, and the nozzle 40 is provided, for example, below the part of the upper part of the housing 70 that protrudes forward. Further, the discharge port 43 is provided, for example, at the lower part of the nozzle 40. The details of the configuration of the nozzle 40 will be described later.

The bubble removing mechanism 50 removes bubbles adhering to the periphery of the discharge port 43 of the nozzle 40. The bubble removing mechanism 50 according to the present embodiment removes bubbles adhering to the periphery of the discharge port 43 by injecting a fluid toward the discharge port 43. The type of fluid jetted by the foam removing mechanism 50 is not particularly limited, but in the present specification, an example in which a defoaming liquid 59, which is a liquid for removing bubbles, is jetted by the foam removing mechanism 50 will be described as an example. To do. As the defoaming liquid 59, a liquid containing alcohol is preferably used. In that case, safety can be appropriately ensured when the defoaming liquid 59 comes into contact with the user's hand. Further, the bacteria attached to the nozzle 40 by contact with the user's hand can be removed by the alcohol contained in the defoaming liquid 59. As the defoaming liquid 59, for example, water, a liquid containing silicon, an activator liquid, or the like may be used. Further, the fluid injected by the bubble removing mechanism 50 may be, for example, a gas such as air, or may contain a solid (for example, powder).

For example, the foam removing mechanism 50 includes a defoaming liquid container 51, a defoaming liquid supply mechanism 52, and an injection nozzle 53.

The defoaming liquid container 51 stores the defoaming liquid 59. For example, the defoaming liquid container 51 includes a container body 51a and a lid 51b. The container body 51a has an opening on the upper side, and stores the defoaming liquid 59 inside. The lid 51b airtightly covers the opening of the container body 51a and is provided so as to be openable and closable.

The defoaming liquid supply mechanism 52 supplies the defoaming liquid 59 inside the defoaming liquid container 51 to the injection nozzle 53. For example, the defoaming liquid supply mechanism 52 includes a defoaming liquid pump 52a, a connecting pipe 52b, and a dipping pipe 52c. The connection pipe 52b is connected to the defoaming liquid pump 52a at one end and to the injection nozzle 53 at the other end. The immersion pipe 52c is connected to the defoaming liquid pump 52a at one end and is immersed in the defoaming liquid 59 inside the defoaming liquid container 51 at the other end. The defoaming liquid pump 52a is a pump that sends a fluid from the immersion pipe 52c side to the connection pipe 52b side. As the defoaming liquid pump 52a, for example, a centrifugal pump (for example, a centrifugal pump or the like), a syringe pump, a gear pump, a diaphragm pump, a positive displacement pump (for example, a piezo pump or the like) or the like is used. By driving the defoaming liquid pump 52a, the defoaming liquid 59 inside the defoaming liquid container 51 is supplied to the injection nozzle 53 via the immersion pipe 52c and the connecting pipe 52b.

The injection nozzle 53 injects the defoaming liquid 59 toward the discharge port 43 of the nozzle 40. For example, the injection nozzle 53 is provided below the discharge port 43 of the nozzle 40 (that is, at a position below the discharge port 43 in the vertical direction), and injects the defoaming liquid 59 upward toward the discharge port 43. .. The defoaming liquid 59 injected from the injection nozzle 53 reaches the bubbles adhering to the periphery of the discharge port 43, so that the bubbles are removed. The number and arrangement of the injection nozzles 53 and how the bubbles 9 are removed by the bubble removing mechanism 50 will be described later.

The cover 83 is provided to define the distance between the discharge port 43 of the nozzle 40 and the foam receiver such as the palm 5. Specifically, the cover 83 covers the periphery of the discharge port 43 of the nozzle 40 and projects downward from the lower end of the discharge port 43. For example, the cover 83 is a cylindrical member having openings at both ends, and is attached to the lower portion of the upper portion of the housing 70 that protrudes forward. Since the cover 83 is provided to facilitate the formation of the foam body 90 having a desired contour on the foam receiver, it may be omitted from the configuration of the foam discharge device 1.

The foam receiver sensor 81 detects a foam receiver such as the palm 5 below the nozzle 40 and outputs the detection result. Specifically, the foam receiver sensor 81 non-contactly detects whether or not the foam receiver such as the palm 5 is located in the set setting area below the nozzle 40. As the bubble receiver sensor 81, for example, a transmissive photoelectric sensor (for example, a sensor using infrared rays) is used.

The bubble sensor 82 detects the adhesion of bubbles around the discharge port 43 of the nozzle 40 and outputs the detection result. Specifically, the bubble sensor 82 non-contactly detects whether or not bubbles are attached within the set set area around the discharge port 43 of the nozzle 40. As the bubble sensor 82, for example, a transmissive type or a reflective type photoelectric sensor (for example, a sensor using infrared rays) is used.

The control device 60 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) which is an arithmetic processing unit, a ROM (Read Only Memory) which stores programs and arithmetic parameters used by the CPU, and a RAM which temporarily stores parameters which are appropriately changed in the execution of the CPU. (Random Access Memory), a data storage storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) device for storing data and the like.

The control device 60 is electrically connected to each device provided in the foam discharge device 1. For example, the control device 60 is electrically connected to the liquid pump 21, the air pump 31, the defoaming liquid pump 52a, the foam receiver sensor 81, and the foam sensor 82. The function of the control device 60 may be divided by a plurality of control devices, and in that case, the plurality of control devices may be connected to each other so as to be communicable with each other.

The control device 60 controls the supply of the cleaning agent 19 to the nozzle 40 by the cleaning agent supply mechanism 20 by controlling the operation of the liquid pump 21. Further, the control device 60 controls the supply of gas to the nozzle 40 by the gas supply mechanism 30 by controlling the operation of the air pump 31. As a result, the operation of ejecting bubbles from the nozzle 40 is controlled. In this way, the control device 60 controls the operation of ejecting bubbles from the nozzle 40 by controlling the supply of the cleaning agent 19 and the gas to the nozzle 40.

Further, the control device 60 controls the supply of the defoaming liquid 59 to the injection nozzle 53 by the foam removing mechanism 50 by controlling the operation of the defoaming liquid pump 52a. As a result, the injection of the defoaming liquid 59 from the injection nozzle 53 is controlled, so that the operation of removing the bubbles adhering to the periphery of the discharge port 43 of the nozzle 40 is controlled. In this way, the control device 60 controls the operation of removing bubbles adhering to the periphery of the discharge port 43 by the bubble removing mechanism 50. Specifically, the control device 60 controls the timing of the bubble removing operation by the bubble removing mechanism 50.

Next, the details of the configuration of the nozzle 40 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3. The configuration of the nozzle 40 is the same as the configuration of the nozzle described in Patent Document 1 described above.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the nozzle 40 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a lower lid member 406 of the nozzle 40 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 shows an example in which the discharge direction 7 of the bubbles 9 is vertically downward. The discharge direction 7 of the bubbles 9 is preferably in the vertical downward direction, but it does not have to be strictly in the vertical downward direction, and may be inclined from the vertical downward direction.

The nozzle 40 includes a bubble generation mechanism 41, a bubble storage space 42, and a discharge port 43. The bubble generation mechanism 41 has a function of generating bubbles. The bubbles generated by the bubble generation mechanism 41 are supplied to the bubble storage space 42 located below the bubble generation mechanism 41. In the bubble storage space 42, the bubbles supplied from the bubble generation mechanism 41 diffuse in a direction orthogonal to the discharge direction 7 (horizontal direction in the example shown in FIG. 2). The bubbles 9 diffused in the direction orthogonal to the discharge direction 7 are discharged from the lower part of the bubble storage space 42 to the lower external space through the discharge port 43.

The foam generation mechanism 41, the foam storage space 42, and the discharge port 43 are specifically formed by the members constituting the nozzle 40. Hereinafter, specific examples of the members constituting the nozzle 40 will be described.

The nozzle 40 includes, for example, an upper case member 401, an upper lid member 402, a mixing chamber forming member 403, a connecting member 404, a lower case member 405, and a lower lid member 406.

The upper case member 401 is a cylindrical member having an opening at the upper end and a bottom at the lower end. A cylindrical portion 401a is provided in the center of the bottom portion of the upper case member 401 so as to project in the vertical direction. The internal space of the cylindrical portion 401a penetrates in the vertical direction. A mixing chamber forming member 403 is fitted to the upper inner peripheral portion of the cylindrical portion 401a, and a connecting member 404 is fitted to the upper outer peripheral portion of the cylindrical portion 401a. The lower case member 405 is fitted to the lower outer peripheral portion of the cylindrical portion 401a. The upper lid member 402 is fitted in the opening at the upper end of the upper case member 401.

A through hole 402a penetrating in the vertical direction is provided on the center side of the upper lid member 402. A cylindrical portion 402b is provided on the outer peripheral side of the through hole 402a of the upper lid member 402 so as to project upward. The internal space of the cylindrical portion 402b penetrates in the vertical direction. A connecting member 404 penetrates and is fitted into the through hole 402a. The connecting pipe 32 of the gas supply mechanism 30 is fitted to the outer peripheral portion of the cylindrical portion 402b.

The mixing chamber forming member 403 includes a cylindrical portion 403a, a cylindrical portion 403b, and an annular convex portion 403c. The cylindrical portion 403a has an opening at the lower end and a bottom portion at the upper end, and is fitted to the upper inner peripheral portion of the cylindrical portion 401a of the upper case member 401. The cylindrical portion 403b projects upward from the upper end of the cylindrical portion 403a. The annular convex portion 403c projects upward from the upper end of the cylindrical portion 403a at a distance from the cylindrical portion 403b around the cylindrical portion 403b.

An annular recess 403d is formed between the columnar portion 403b and the annular convex portion 403c. A plurality of through holes 403e penetrating in the vertical direction are provided at the bottom of the annular recess 403d at intervals. The through hole 403e communicates the annular recess 403d with the mixing chamber 403f, which is the internal space of the cylindrical portion 403a. A porous body 41b is provided in the opening 403g on the lower side of the mixing chamber 403f. As the porous body 41b, for example, a mesh sheet made of synthetic resin or metal, a sintered body of metal particles, a sponge-like molded body made of synthetic resin having a three-dimensional network structure, or the like is used.

The connecting member 404 includes a first cylindrical portion 404a, a second cylindrical portion 404b, and a third cylindrical portion 404c. The first cylindrical portion 404a, the second cylindrical portion 404b, and the third cylindrical portion 404c are arranged concentrically in this order from the lower side, and the internal space of the connecting member 404 penetrates in the vertical direction. Further, the outer diameters of the first cylindrical portion 404a, the second cylindrical portion 404b, and the third cylindrical portion 404c become smaller in this order, and the thicknesses of the respective cylindrical portions in the radial direction substantially coincide with each other. The first cylindrical portion 404a is fitted to the outer peripheral portion on the upper side of the cylindrical portion 401a of the upper case member 401. The second cylindrical portion 404b covers the outer peripheral portion of the cylindrical portion 403b of the mixing chamber forming member 403, and is fitted through the through hole 402a of the upper lid member 402. The connecting pipe 22 of the cleaning agent supply mechanism 20 is fitted to the inner peripheral portion of the third cylindrical portion 404c.

On the inner peripheral surface of the first cylindrical portion 404a, a plurality of gas flow grooves through which gas can pass are formed so as to extend in the vertical direction. Therefore, the gas supplied to the inside of the upper case member 401 by the gas supply mechanism 30 via the connecting pipe 32 passes through the gas flow groove from the lower side of the connecting member 404 and passes through the gas flow groove, and the annular recess 403d of the mixing chamber forming member 403. Will be sent to. Further, on the inner peripheral surface of the second cylindrical portion 404b, a plurality of liquid flow grooves through which the liquid can pass are formed so as to extend in the vertical direction. Therefore, the cleaning agent 19 supplied to the inside of the connecting member 404 via the connecting pipe 22 by the cleaning agent supply mechanism 20 is sent to the annular recess 403d of the mixing chamber forming member 403 through the liquid flow groove. Therefore, the cleaning agent 19 and the gas merge in the annular recess 403d of the mixing chamber forming member 403.

In the nozzle 40, the foam generation mechanism 41 includes a gas-liquid mixing portion 41a in which a liquid and a gas are mixed and has a foam supply port on the lower side, and a porous body 41b provided in the foam supply port. The foam supply port is an opening through which the foam supplied to the foam storage space 42 passes. The gas-liquid mixing section 41a includes, for example, an annular recess 403d, a through hole 403e, and a mixing chamber 403f of the mixing chamber forming member 403. The cleaning agent 19 that has merged with the gas in the annular recess 403d is mixed with the gas while flowing through the annular recess 403d, the through hole 403e, and the mixing chamber 403f to form a coarse foam, and further, the opening 403g below the mixing chamber 403f. By passing through the porous body 41b provided in the above, a fine foam is formed and sent out to the foam storage space 42 located below the porous body 41b. As described above, the lower opening 403g of the mixing chamber 403f corresponds to the foam supply port through which the foam supplied to the foam storage space 42 passes.

The lower case member 405 is a cylindrical member having openings at the upper and lower ends. The peripheral edge portion 405a of the opening at the upper end of the lower case member 405 projects upward from the upper surface of the lower case member 405. The peripheral edge portion 405a is fitted to the lower outer peripheral portion of the cylindrical portion 401a of the upper case member 401. The area of the opening at the upper end of the lower case member 405 is smaller than the area of the opening at the lower end, and the internal space of the lower case member 405 expands from the upper side to the lower side. A lower lid member 406 is fitted in the opening at the lower end of the lower case member 405.

In the nozzle 40, the bubble storage space 42 is located below the porous body 41b, and is larger than the area of the opening 403 g as the bubble supply port of the bubble generation mechanism 41 in the horizontal plane which is a plane orthogonal to the bubble discharge direction 7. Has an area. The bubble storage space 42 is, for example, a space defined on the inner peripheral side of the nozzle 40 by a portion of the cylindrical portion 401a of the upper case member 401 below the porous body 41b and the lower case member 405. The cross-sectional area of the bubble storage space 42 in the horizontal plane, for example, expands from the upper side to the lower side, and is larger than the area of the opening 403 g over the entire area in the vertical direction. In the bubble storage space 42, there may be a part in the vertical direction in which the cross-sectional area in the horizontal plane is smaller than the area of the opening 403 g.

The lower lid member 406 is provided with a discharge port 43 penetrating in the vertical direction. In this way, the lower portion of the foam storage space 42 is communicated with the external space via the discharge port 43. The area of the opening of the discharge port 43 on the bubble storage space 42 side is smaller than the maximum cross-sectional area of the bubble storage space 42 in the horizontal plane which is a plane orthogonal to the bubble discharge direction 7. The shape of the discharge port 43 when viewed from below the nozzle 40 is appropriately set so that the contour of the foam body 90 discharged from the nozzle 40 and formed on the foam receiver such as the palm 5 becomes a desired shape. .. For example, FIG. 3 shows an example in which the shape of the discharge port 43 when viewed from below the nozzle 40 is heart-shaped. The contour of the foam body 90 formed on the foam receiver such as the palm 5 corresponds to the shape of the discharge port 43. Therefore, for example, by making the shape of the discharge port 43 into a heart shape, the contour of the foam body 90 formed on the foam receiver such as the palm 5 can be made into a heart shape. The number of discharge ports 43 provided in the lower lid member 406 may be one or a plurality.

The peripheral edge portion 406a of the discharge port 43 projects downward from the lower surface of the lower lid member 406. As a result, it is possible to make it difficult for the bubbles discharged from the discharge port 43 to adhere to the periphery of the discharge port 43. Further, a porous body 44 is provided in the opening of the discharge port 43 on the foam storage space 42 side. As a result, the bubbles can be more effectively diffused in the horizontal direction in the bubble storage space 42, and the bubbles discharged from the nozzle 40 can be made finer. As the porous body 44, for example, a mesh sheet made of synthetic resin or metal, a sintered body of metal particles, a sponge-like molded body made of synthetic resin having a three-dimensional network structure, or the like is used.

As described above, the foam storage space 42 located below the porous body 41b has a cross-sectional area larger than the area of the opening 403 g as the foam supply port of the foam generation mechanism 41 in the horizontal plane. Further, the area of the opening on the bubble storage space 42 side of the discharge port 43 that communicates the lower part of the foam storage space 42 with the external space is smaller than the maximum cross-sectional area of the foam storage space 42 in the horizontal plane. As a result, the bubbles 9 supplied from the bubble generation mechanism 41 to the bubble storage space 42 are diffused horizontally in the bubble storage space 42, and the bubbles such as the palm 5 are received from each part of the discharge port 43 at an average speed. It can be discharged onto the body. Therefore, by devising the shape of the discharge port 43, a foam body 90 having a desired contour can be formed on a foam receiver such as the palm 5, for example, a cleaning agent or a chemical solution can be applied to the palm 5, the back of the hand, or a sponge. It is possible to add fun and freshness to the washing of hands or face performed by attaching the cleaning agent or chemical solution to the sponge, or the cleaning of dishes, baths, kitchens, etc. performed by attaching the cleaning agent or chemical solution to the sponge.

Here, a state in which bubbles are discharged from the nozzle 40 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 6.

FIG. 4 is a schematic view showing the position of the palm 5 when the bubbles are discharged from the nozzle 40 according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 4, the details of the shape of the discharge port 43 of the nozzle 40 are omitted.

The operation of ejecting the bubbles 9 from the nozzle 40 is controlled by the control device 60 as described above. For example, when the foam receiver sensor 81 detects a foam receiver such as a palm 5 in the set area below the nozzle 40, the control device 60 sends the cleaning agent supply mechanism 20 and the gas supply mechanism 30 from the nozzle 40. The ejection operation of the bubble 9 of the above is executed. As shown in FIG. 4, the foam receiver sensor 81 can detect the palm 5 in a state where the palm 5 which is the foam receiver is in contact with the lower end of the cover 83 so as to cover the opening at the lower end of the cover 83. Is. Therefore, the user can receive the bubbles 9 discharged from the nozzle 40 by the palm 5 with the palm 5 in contact with the lower end of the cover 83. The user can also receive the foam 9 discharged from the nozzle 40 by the other foam receiver with the other foam receiver such as a sponge in contact with the lower end of the cover 83.

Here, from the viewpoint of forming the foam body 90 having a desired contour on the foam receiver, the distance between the discharge port 43 of the nozzle 40 and the foam receiver such as the palm 5 is important. If the distance between the discharge port 43 and the foam receiver is excessively short or long, it becomes difficult to form the foam 90 having a desired contour on the foam receiver. In the present embodiment, the foam ejection device 1 is provided with the cover 83, so that the foam 9 is ejected from the nozzle 40 in a state where the foam receiver such as the palm 5 is in contact with the lower end of the cover 83. As a result, when the foam 9 is discharged from the discharge port 43, the distance between the discharge port 43 and the foam receiver can be appropriately defined, so that the foam 90 having a desired contour can be placed on the foam receiver. Can be easily formed.

FIG. 5 is a schematic view showing how the bubbles 9 are discharged from the discharge port 43 in a state where the bubbles 9 are not attached around the discharge port 43 of the nozzle 40 according to the present embodiment.

For example, in FIG. 5, the bubbles 9 are discharged in a state where the bubbles 9 are held inside the discharge port 43 without adhering to the outer peripheral side of the peripheral edge portion 406a of the discharge port 43 before the start of the discharge of the bubbles 9. The situation when it is broken is shown. When the ejection of the bubbles 9 is started, the bubbles 9 are pushed out from the inside of the nozzle 40 through the ejection port 43, and descend downward while spreading horizontally from the lower end of the ejection port 43. At this time, the state in which the bubbles 9 are not attached to the outer peripheral side of the peripheral edge portion 406a of the discharge port 43 is maintained. Then, at the end of discharging the bubbles 9, the bubbles 9 are separated vertically at the lower end of the discharge port 43. The upper foam 9 that has been separated is held inside the discharge port 43, and the lower foam 9 adheres to the palm 5 that is the foam receiver as the foam 90.

FIG. 6 is a schematic view showing a state in which bubbles 9 are discharged from the discharge port 43 in a state where bubbles 9 are attached around the discharge port 43 of the nozzle 40 according to the present embodiment. As described above, the bubbles 9 are attached to the periphery of the discharge port 43. For example, when the bubbles 9 are received by the palm 5, the bubbles 9 are discharged in a state where the distance from the discharge port 43 of the palm 5 is too close. This can occur if this is done, or if the foam 9 is pressed against the discharge port 43 after receiving the foam 9 with the palm 5.

For example, in FIG. 6, the bubbles 9 are discharged in a state where the bubbles 9 are attached from the inside of the discharge port 43 to the outer peripheral side of the peripheral edge portion 406a of the discharge port 43 before the start of the discharge of the bubbles 9. The situation of the case is shown. In such a case, after the discharge of the bubbles 9 is started, the state in which the bubbles 9 are attached from the inside of the discharge port 43 to the outer peripheral side of the peripheral edge portion 406a of the discharge port 43 is maintained, and the discharge port is maintained. Bubbles 9 are discharged downward from 43. Then, at the end of discharging the bubbles 9, the bubbles 9 are separated vertically at a position below the lower end of the discharge port 43. The upper foam 9 that has been separated adheres from the inside of the discharge port 43 to the outer peripheral side of the peripheral edge portion 406a of the discharge port 43, and the lower foam 9 is a foam body 90 on the palm 5 that is a foam receiver. Adheres to.

As described above, when the bubbles 9 are discharged from the discharge port 43 with the bubbles 9 attached around the discharge port 43, the discharge port 43 has no bubbles 9 attached around the discharge port 43. The contact area between the bubbles 9 and the nozzle 40 at the time of protrusion of the bubbles 9 is larger than that in the case where the bubbles 9 are discharged from the air. As a result, the shape of the contour of the foam 9 formed on the foam receiver tends to be blunted. Further, when the bubbles 9 are discharged from the discharge port 43 with the bubbles 9 adhering to the periphery of the discharge port 43, the bubbles 9 are discharged from the discharge port 43 with the bubbles 9 not adhering to the periphery of the discharge port 43. The position where the bubbles 9 are separated vertically at the end of the discharge of the bubbles 9 is a position below the lower end of the discharge port 43, unlike the case where the bubbles 9 are discharged. As a result, the position where the bubbles 9 are separated vertically becomes unstable, so that the shape of the contour of the bubbles 90 formed on the bubble receiver becomes unstable. Therefore, it becomes difficult to stably form the foam body 90 having a desired contour on the foam receiver.

In particular, when a cover 83 that covers the periphery of the discharge port 43 is provided as in the foam discharge device 1, for example, when the palm 5 that receives the foam 9 is moved away from the discharge port 43, the cover 83 is mistakenly attached to the palm 5. The bubbles 9 adhere to the periphery of the discharge port 43 by attaching the bubbles 9 or shifting the palm 5 in the lateral direction (direction along the horizontal direction) while the palm 5 is in contact with the cover 83. obtain. When the bubbles 9 adhere to the periphery of the discharge port 43 in this way, the bubbles 9 tend to accumulate inside the cover 83, so that it is difficult to form the bubbles 90 having a desired contour on the foam receiver. It is easy to become.

Therefore, it is considered desirable to appropriately remove the bubbles 9 adhering to the periphery of the discharge port 43 of the nozzle 40 in the bubble discharge device 1. In the present embodiment, by using the above-mentioned bubble removing mechanism 50 provided in the bubble discharging device 1, it is possible to appropriately remove the bubbles 9 adhering to the periphery of the discharging port 43. Hereinafter, the operation of removing the bubbles 9 by the bubble removing mechanism 50 will be described in detail.

[Operation of foam discharge device]
Subsequently, the operation of the foam discharge device 1 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 to 11. Specifically, the operation of removing bubbles 9 by the bubble removing mechanism 50 of the bubble discharging device 1 will be described below.

The operation of removing bubbles 9 by the bubble removing mechanism 50 is controlled by the control device 60 as described above. In such a bubble removing operation by the bubble removing mechanism 50, the fluid such as the defoaming liquid 59 ejected from the injection nozzle 53 of the bubble removing mechanism 50 reaches the bubbles 9 adhering to the periphery of the discharge port 43, whereby the bubbles 9 are reached. The bubble 9 is removed. The average particle size of the defoaming liquid 59 is preferably, for example, 10 μm or more and 400 μm or less from the viewpoint of appropriately removing the bubbles 9. The average particle size of the defoaming liquid 59 can be measured, for example, by using a laser diffraction type measuring instrument.

As described above, in order to remove the bubbles 9 by the bubble removing mechanism 50, the fluid such as the defoaming liquid 59 ejected from the injection nozzle 53 is effectively reached to the bubbles 9 adhering to the periphery of the discharge port 43. This is very important. Then, in order for the fluid such as the defoaming liquid 59 to effectively reach the bubbles 9 adhering to the periphery of the discharge port 43, it is necessary to optimize the arrangement of the injection nozzle 53 in the foam discharge device 1. Here, an example of arrangement of the injection nozzle 53 in the bubble discharge device 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8. 7 and 8 are diagrams showing an example of arrangement of the injection nozzle 53 according to the present embodiment in the foam discharge device 1 in a front view.

As shown in FIG. 7, one injection nozzle 53 may be provided below the discharge port 43. For example, the installation position of the injection nozzle 53 in the left-right direction may substantially coincide with the position of the central axis of the nozzle 40 in the left-right direction. The position and orientation of the injection nozzle 53 are set based on, for example, the injection direction of the defoaming liquid 59 injected from the injection nozzle 53, the position and dimensions of the cover 83, and the position and dimensions of the nozzle 40. Specifically, the position and orientation of the injection nozzle 53 so that the defoaming liquid 59 injected from the injection nozzle 53 appropriately reaches the periphery of the discharge port 43 of the nozzle 40 without being blocked by a member such as the cover 83. Is set. Since the defoaming liquid 59 can be ejected from the injection nozzle 53 in a conical shape, the injection direction of the defoaming liquid 59 may have a width. Here, the injection pattern of the injection nozzle 53 depends on the inner diameter of the injection port of the injection nozzle 53, the length of the injection port in the injection direction, and the shape of the spin groove formed in communication with the injection port. For example, by forming a plurality of spin grooves in the injection nozzle 53 so as to be point-symmetrical to each other, the injection pattern can be made conical as described above.

Further, as shown in FIG. 8, a plurality of injection nozzles 53 may be provided below the discharge port 43. Specifically, a plurality of injection nozzles 53 may be provided below the discharge port 43 at positions different from each other in the horizontal direction. For example, FIG. 8 shows an example in which two injection nozzles 53 are provided. In this case, for example, each injection nozzle 53 may be provided on both sides of the nozzle 40 in the left-right direction. By providing a plurality of injection nozzles 53 at different positions in the horizontal direction in this way, the discharge port 43 is provided so that a region where the defoaming liquid 59 does not reach is partially formed around the discharge port 43 of the nozzle 40. The defoaming liquid 59 can be appropriately reached in the surroundings.

When a gas such as air is injected by the bubble removing mechanism 50, the temperature of the injected gas is preferably relatively high from the viewpoint of effectively removing the bubbles 9, and the speeds of the injected gases are compared. It is preferable that the gas is fast, and the humidity of the injected gas is relatively low. For example, it is preferable that the temperature, velocity and humidity of the injected gas are about the same as the temperature, velocity and humidity of the wind blown from a household hair dryer that is generally distributed. Further, as the bubble removing mechanism provided in the bubble discharge device 1, a device for sucking air may be provided, and a mechanism for forming an air flow around the discharge port 43 by sucking air may be used. In that case as well, the bubbles 9 can be removed as in the case of injecting a gas.

Next, an example of a control flow related to the bubble removing operation performed by the control device 60 will be described. 9, 10 and 11 are flowcharts showing a first example, a second example and a third example of a control flow relating to a bubble removing operation performed by the control device 60 according to the present embodiment, respectively.

The first example of the control flow shown in FIG. 9 is started, for example, when the power of the bubble discharge device 1 is turned on. When the first example of the control flow shown in FIG. 9 is started, first, in step S511, the control device 60 determines whether or not the foam receiver has been detected by the foam receiver sensor 81. If it is determined that the foam receiver has been detected (step S511 / YES), the process proceeds to step S513. On the other hand, when it is not determined that the foam receiver is detected (step S511 / NO), the determination process of step S511 is repeated.

In step S513, the control device 60 causes the cleaning agent supply mechanism 20 and the gas supply mechanism 30 to execute the ejection operation of the bubbles 9 from the nozzle 40.

Specifically, the control device 60 causes the cleaning agent supply mechanism 20 and the gas supply mechanism 30 to supply the cleaning agent 19 and the gas to the nozzle 40, respectively, so that the bubbles 9 are discharged from the nozzle 40. Here, the time from the start to the end of the discharge of the foam 9 is determined in advance so that the amount of the foam 9 to be discharged is, for example, an appropriate amount for washing the hands, face, or the like.

Next, in step S515, the control device 60 causes the bubble removing mechanism 50 to execute the bubble 9 removing operation. Here, the control device 60 starts the removal operation, for example, after a predetermined time (for example, about 3 seconds) has elapsed from the end of the bubble 9 discharge operation. Further, the control device 60 prohibits the execution of the removal operation while the foam receiver is detected by the foam receiver sensor 81, for example.

Specifically, the control device 60 causes the foam removing mechanism 50 to supply the defoaming liquid 59 to the injection nozzle 53, thereby injecting the defoaming liquid 59 from the injection nozzle 53, thereby injecting the defoaming liquid 59 into the discharge port 43. The bubbles 9 adhering to the surroundings are removed. Here, the time from the start to the end of the injection of the defoaming liquid 59 is, for example, the amount of the defoaming liquid 59 to be sprayed to be an appropriate amount for removing the bubbles 9 adhering to the periphery of the discharge port 43. It is determined in advance so as to be.

Next, in step S517, the control device 60 determines whether or not the power supply of the bubble discharge device 1 has been turned off. When it is determined that the power of the foam discharge device 1 has been turned off (step S517 / YES), the control flow shown in FIG. 9 ends. On the other hand, if it is not determined that the power of the foam discharge device 1 has been turned off (step S517 / NO), the process returns to step S511.

In the first example of the control flow, as described above, the control device 60 causes the bubble removing mechanism 50 to execute the bubble 9 removing operation each time after the bubbles 9 are discharged from the nozzle 40. Here, the adhesion of the bubbles 9 to the periphery of the discharge port 43 can occur when the bubbles 9 are discharged from the nozzle 40 as described above. Therefore, by executing the removal operation of the bubbles 9 triggered by the discharge of the bubbles 9, the bubbles 9 adhering to the periphery of the discharge port 43 can be appropriately removed without using the bubble sensor 82. Can be done.

The second example of the control flow shown in FIG. 10 is started, for example, when the power of the bubble discharge device 1 is turned on. When the second example of the control flow shown in FIG. 10 is started, first, in step S521, has the control device 60 detected that the foam 9 has adhered to the periphery of the discharge port 43 of the nozzle 40 by the foam sensor 82? Judge whether or not. When it is determined that the adhesion of the bubbles 9 to the periphery of the discharge port 43 is detected (step S521 / YES), the process proceeds to step S523. On the other hand, when it is not determined that the adhesion of the bubbles 9 to the periphery of the discharge port 43 is detected (step S521 / NO), the determination process of step S521 is repeated.

In step S523, the control device 60 causes the bubble removing mechanism 50 to perform the bubble 9 removing operation.

Next, in step S525, the control device 60 determines whether or not the power supply of the bubble discharge device 1 has been turned off. When it is determined that the power of the foam discharge device 1 has been turned off (step S525 / YES), the control flow shown in FIG. 10 ends. On the other hand, if it is not determined that the power of the foam discharge device 1 has been turned off (step S525 / NO), the process returns to step S521.

In the second example of the control flow, as described above, the control device 60 removes the bubbles 9 by the bubble removing mechanism 50 when the bubble sensor 82 detects that the bubbles 9 adhere to the periphery of the discharge port 43. Perform the operation. As a result, the bubble removing mechanism 50 can execute the removal operation of the bubbles 9 when the bubbles 9 are attached around the discharge port 43, while the bubbles 9 are not attached around the discharge port 43. Occasionally, it is possible to prevent the removal operation of the bubbles 9 from being executed. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately remove the bubbles 9 adhering to the periphery of the discharge port 43 and prevent the bubbles 9 from being unnecessarily executed.

The third example of the control flow shown in FIG. 11 is started, for example, when the power of the bubble discharge device 1 is turned on. When the third example of the control flow shown in FIG. 11 is started, first, in step S531, the control device 60 performs the previous removal time (specifically, the time when the bubble 9 removal operation was executed most recently). ) To determine whether the set time has elapsed. If it is determined that the set time has elapsed since the previous removal time (step S531 / YES), the process proceeds to step S533. On the other hand, if it is not determined that the set time has elapsed since the previous removal time (step S531 / NO), the determination process of step S531 is repeated. Here, the set time is set in advance based on, for example, the frequency of the ejection operation of the bubbles 9 from the nozzle 40.

In step S533, the control device 60 causes the bubble removing mechanism 50 to perform the bubble 9 removing operation.

Next, in step S535, the control device 60 determines whether or not the power supply of the bubble discharge device 1 has been turned off. When it is determined that the power of the foam discharge device 1 has been turned off (step S535 / YES), the control flow shown in FIG. 11 ends. On the other hand, if it is not determined that the power of the foam discharge device 1 has been turned off (step S535 / NO), the process returns to step S531.

In the third example of the control flow, as described above, the control device 60 causes the bubble removing mechanism 50 to execute the bubble 9 removing operation every time the set time elapses. Therefore, by appropriately setting the set time, when the time elapses to such an extent that the possibility that the bubbles 9 are attached around the discharge port 43 is relatively high, the bubble removing mechanism 50 removes the bubbles 9. Can be executed. Therefore, the bubbles 9 adhering to the periphery of the discharge port 43 can be appropriately removed without using the bubble sensor 82.

As described above, according to the bubble discharge device 1 according to the present embodiment, the control device 60 controls the timing of the bubble 9 removal operation by the bubble removal mechanism 50. As a result, the bubble 9 removing operation by the bubble removing mechanism 50 can be executed at an appropriate timing without being executed at an excessive frequency. Therefore, the bubbles 9 adhering to the periphery of the discharge port 43 of the nozzle 40 in the bubble discharge device 1 can be appropriately removed. Therefore, the foam body 90 having a desired contour can be stably formed on the foam receiver.

It should be noted that the control of the removal operation triggered by the discharge of the bubbles 9 described with reference to FIG. 9 and the removal triggered by the detection of the adhesion of the bubbles 9 described with reference to FIG. A plurality of controls among the operation control and the removal operation control triggered by the elapse of the set time described with reference to FIG. 11 may be used in combination with each other. For example, the control device 60 causes the bubble removing mechanism 50 to execute the bubble 9 removing operation after the bubbles 9 are discharged from the nozzle 40, and in addition, the bubble 9 removing operation is performed every time the set time elapses. May be executed. Further, for example, in the control device 60, in addition to causing the bubble removing mechanism 50 to execute the bubble 9 removing operation after the bubbles 9 are discharged from the nozzle 40, the bubble sensor 82 moves the bubbles 9 to the periphery of the discharge port 43. The removal operation of the bubbles 9 may be executed when the adhesion of the bubbles 9 is detected.

<Second embodiment>
The foam discharge device 2 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 12 is a schematic view showing a schematic configuration of the foam discharge device 2 according to the present embodiment.

The foam ejection device 2 according to the present embodiment differs from the foam ejection device 1 described above in the configuration of the foam removing mechanism.

The bubble removing mechanism 150 according to the present embodiment removes the bubbles 9 adhering to the periphery of the discharge port 43 by applying a physical stimulus to the bubbles 9 adhering to the periphery of the discharge port 43 of the nozzle 40 in a non-contact manner. .. The bubble removing mechanism 150 includes, for example, a stimulus applying device 153 that non-contactly applies a physical stimulus to the bubbles 9 adhering to the periphery of the discharge port 43 of the nozzle 40. The type of the stimulus applying device 153 is not particularly limited, but in the present specification, an example in which the stimulating device 153 is a device that irradiates the bubbles 9 with ultrasonic waves will be described as an example. As the stimulus applying device 153, for example, a device that irradiates a laser beam, a device that irradiates a microwave, a device that irradiates infrared rays, a device that radiates heat (for example, a device having a heating wire) or the like is used. Good.

The stimulus applying device 153 has, for example, an ultrasonic element that generates ultrasonic waves, and can irradiate ultrasonic waves by oscillating the ultrasonic element. For example, the stimulus applying device 153 is provided below the discharge port 43 of the nozzle 40, and irradiates ultrasonic waves upward toward the discharge port 43. The bubbles 9 are removed by the ultrasonic waves irradiated from the stimulus applying device 153 reaching the bubbles 9 adhering to the periphery of the discharge port 43.

In the present embodiment, the control device 60 controls the irradiation of ultrasonic waves by the stimulus applying device 153 by controlling the operation of the stimulating device 153. As a result, the operation of removing bubbles 9 adhering to the periphery of the discharge port 43 of the nozzle 40 by the bubble removing mechanism 150 is controlled. In such an operation of removing bubbles 9 by the bubble removing mechanism 150, the bubbles 9 are removed by the ultrasonic waves or the like irradiated from the bubble removing mechanism 150 reaching the bubbles 9 adhering to the periphery of the discharge port 43. ..

As described above, in order to remove the bubbles 9 by the bubble removing mechanism 150, it is important to effectively bring the ultrasonic waves or the like irradiated from the stimulus applying device 153 to the bubbles 9 adhering to the periphery of the discharge port 43. Is. Then, in order for the ultrasonic waves or the like to effectively reach the bubbles 9 adhering to the periphery of the discharge port 43, it is necessary to optimize the arrangement of the stimulus applying device 153 in the bubble discharge device 2. The position and orientation of the stimulus applying device 153 are set based on, for example, the irradiation direction of ultrasonic waves or the like emitted from the stimulating device 153, the position and dimensions of the cover 83, and the position and dimensions of the nozzle 40. Therefore, like the injection nozzle 53 described above, one stimulus applying device 153 may be provided below the discharge port 43, or a plurality of stimulus applying devices 153 may be provided.

In the foam discharge device 2 according to the present embodiment, similarly to the foam discharge device 1 described above, the control device 60 controls the timing of the bubble 9 removal operation by the bubble removal mechanism 150. Therefore, the bubbles 9 adhering to the periphery of the discharge port 43 of the nozzle 40 in the bubble discharge device 2 can be appropriately removed.

<Third embodiment>
The foam discharge device 3 according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 13 is a schematic view showing a schematic configuration of the foam discharge device 3 according to the present embodiment.

The foam discharge device 3 according to the present embodiment differs from the foam discharge device 1 described above in the configurations of the cleaning agent supply mechanism, the gas supply mechanism, and the nozzle, and the cleaning agent 19 is mixed with the gas in advance in the nozzle. Is supplied as bubbles.

The gas supply mechanism 130 according to the present embodiment supplies gas to the cleaning agent container 10. For example, the gas supply mechanism 130 includes an air pump 31 and a connecting pipe 132. The connecting pipe 132 is connected to the air pump 31 at one end and is connected to the inside of the cleaning agent container 10 at the other end. By driving the air pump 31, the air around the air pump 31 is supplied to the inside of the cleaning agent container 10 via the connecting pipe 132.

The cleaning agent supply mechanism 120 according to the present embodiment supplies the cleaning agent 19 inside the cleaning agent container 10 to the nozzle 140 as bubbles by mixing with a gas. For example, the cleaning agent supply mechanism 120 includes a dipping pipe 121, a connecting member 122, a connecting pipe 123, and a porous body 124. The immersion pipe 121 is immersed in the cleaning agent 19 inside the cleaning agent container 10 at one end, and is connected to one end of the connecting pipe 123 via the connecting member 122 at the other end. The connecting pipe 123 is connected to the other end of the connecting pipe 123 via the connecting member 122 at one end, and is connected to the nozzle 140 at the other end. The outer peripheral portion of one end of the connecting pipe 123 is covered with the connecting member 122. Further, the porous body 124 is provided inside one end of the connecting pipe 123. A mixing chamber 123a, which is a space where the cleaning agent 19 and the gas are mixed, is formed below the porous body 124 in the internal space at one end of the connecting pipe 123.

By driving the air pump 31, gas is supplied to the inside of the cleaning agent container 10, and as the pressure inside the cleaning agent container 10 rises, the cleaning agent 19 inside the cleaning agent container 10 is released. It is sent to the mixing chamber 123a via the immersion pipe 121 and the connecting member 122. Here, a plurality of gas flow grooves through which gas can pass are formed on the inner peripheral surface of the connecting member 122 so as to extend in the vertical direction. Therefore, the gas supplied to the inside of the cleaning agent container 10 by the gas supply mechanism 130 via the connecting pipe 132 is sent from the upper side of the connecting member 122 to the mixing chamber 123a through the gas flow groove. Therefore, in the mixing chamber 123a, the cleaning agent 19 and the gas merge. The cleaning agent 19 that has merged with the gas in the mixing chamber 123a becomes foamy by passing through the porous body 124 provided above the mixing chamber 123a inside the connecting pipe 123, and enters the nozzle 140 via the connecting pipe 123. Sent.

The nozzle 140 according to the present embodiment discharges the cleaning agent 19 as bubbles 9. Specifically, the nozzle 140 has a discharge port 143 from which the bubbles 9 are discharged. Similar to the nozzle 40 described above, the nozzle 140 is provided at the lower part of the portion of the upper part of the housing 70 that protrudes forward, and the discharge port 43 is provided at the lower part of the nozzle 40. In that case, the foam-like cleaning agent 19 sent through the connecting pipe 123 by driving the air pump 31 is discharged downward as bubbles 9 from the discharge port 143. Since the shape of the foam 9 discharged from the nozzle 140 is relatively simple as compared with the shape of the foam 9 discharged from the nozzle 40 described above, the cover described above from the configuration of the foam discharge device 3 83 can be omitted.

In the foam discharge device 3 according to the present embodiment, similarly to the foam discharge device 1 described above, the control device 60 controls the timing of the bubble 9 removal operation by the bubble removal mechanism 50. Therefore, the bubbles 9 adhering to the periphery of the discharge port 43 of the nozzle 40 in the bubble discharge device 3 can be appropriately removed.

As the foam removing mechanism provided in the foam discharging device 3 according to the present embodiment, instead of the foam removing mechanism 50 that injects fluid toward the discharge port 143, the bubbles 9 adhering to the periphery of the discharge port 143 are not contacted. The above-mentioned foam removing mechanism 150 that gives a physical stimulus may be used.

Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, the present invention is not limited to these examples. It is clear that a person having ordinary knowledge in the field of technology to which the present invention belongs can come up with various modifications or applications within the scope of the technical ideas described in the claims. , These are also naturally understood to belong to the technical scope of the present invention.

1,2,3 Foam discharge device 9 Foam 10 Foam container 20,120 Foam supply mechanism 30,130 Gas supply mechanism 40,140 Nozzle 41 Foam generation mechanism 41a Gas-liquid mixing unit 41b Porous body 42 Foam storage space 43,143 Discharge port 44 Porous body 50, 150 Foam removing mechanism 51 Foam removing liquid container 52 Foam removing liquid supply mechanism 53 Injection nozzle 60 Control device 70 Housing 81 Foam receiver sensor 82 Foam sensor 83 Cover 153 Stimulation applying device 401 Upper case member 402 Upper lid member 403 Mixing chamber forming member 404 Connecting member 405 Lower case member 406 Lower lid member

Claims (9)

A nozzle with a discharge port for discharging bubbles and
A bubble removing mechanism that removes the bubbles adhering to the periphery of the discharge port,
A control device that controls the timing of the bubble removal operation by the bubble removal mechanism, and
A bubble sensor that detects the adhesion of the bubbles around the discharge port, and
Equipped with a,
The control device is a bubble discharge device that causes the bubble removing mechanism to execute the removing operation when the bubble sensor detects the adhesion of the bubbles. A nozzle with a discharge port for discharging bubbles and
A bubble removing mechanism that removes the bubbles adhering to the periphery of the discharge port,
A control device that controls the timing of the bubble removal operation by the bubble removal mechanism, and
With
The control device is a foam ejection device that causes the foam removing mechanism to execute the removing operation each time a set time elapses. A nozzle with a discharge port for discharging bubbles and
A bubble removing mechanism that removes the bubbles adhering to the periphery of the discharge port,
A control device that controls the timing of the bubble removal operation by the bubble removal mechanism, and
With
The bubble removing mechanism includes an injection nozzle that injects a fluid toward the discharge port.
A foam discharge device in which the fluid is a liquid containing alcohol. A nozzle with a discharge port for discharging bubbles and
A bubble removing mechanism that removes the bubbles adhering to the periphery of the discharge port,
A control device that controls the timing of the bubble removal operation by the bubble removal mechanism, and
With
The nozzle
A gas-liquid mixing section in which a liquid and a gas are mixed and having a foam supply port on the lower side, and a foam generation mechanism that includes a porous body provided in the foam supply port and generates the bubbles,
A foam storage space located below the porous body and having a cross-sectional area larger than the area of the foam supply port on a plane orthogonal to the foam discharge direction.
With
The lower part of the foam storage space is communicated with the external space through the discharge port.
The area of the opening of the discharge port on the foam storage space side is smaller than the maximum cross-sectional area of the bubble storage space in a plane orthogonal to the bubble discharge direction.
A foam discharge device that covers the periphery of the discharge port and further includes a cover that projects downward from the lower end of the discharge port. The foam discharging device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the foam removing mechanism includes an injection nozzle for injecting a fluid toward the discharge port. The discharge port is provided at the bottom of the nozzle.
The foam ejection device according to claim 5 , wherein a plurality of injection nozzles are provided below the discharge port at positions different from each other in the horizontal direction, and the fluid is injected upward toward the discharge port. A nozzle with a discharge port for discharging bubbles and
A bubble removing mechanism that removes the bubbles adhering to the periphery of the discharge port,
A control device that controls the timing of the bubble removal operation by the bubble removal mechanism, and
With
The bubble removing mechanism is a bubble discharging device including a stimulating device that gives a physical stimulus to the bubbles adhering to the periphery of the discharging port in a non-contact manner. The foam discharging device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the control device causes the foam removing mechanism to execute the removing operation after the bubbles are discharged from the nozzle. The nozzle
A gas-liquid mixing section in which a liquid and a gas are mixed and having a foam supply port on the lower side, and a foam generation mechanism that includes a porous body provided in the foam supply port and generates the bubbles,
A foam storage space located below the porous body and having a cross-sectional area larger than the area of the foam supply port on a plane orthogonal to the foam discharge direction.
With
The lower part of the foam storage space is communicated with the external space through the discharge port.
The area of the opening of the discharge port on the foam storage space side is smaller than the maximum cross-sectional area of the bubble storage space in a plane orthogonal to the bubble discharge direction, according to any one of claims 1 to 8. The foam ejection device described.

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