JP7235842B1 - Shower head and cleaning method using the same - Google Patents

Abstract

A shower head and a cleaning method using the same are provided that can improve the cleaning power of air bubbles in a liquid. A shower head (1) connected to a liquid-sending pipe (2) for discharging a liquid sent from the liquid-sending pipe (2) toward an object (W), comprising a first storage chamber (104) and a first nozzle. A member 11 and a second storage chamber 105 are provided. The first containing chamber 104 contains the liquid sent from the liquid sending pipe 2 . A plurality of small holes 113 are formed in the first nozzle member 11 for discharging the liquid in the first storage chamber 104 . The second storage chamber 104 is for storing the liquid released from the small hole 113 and retaining bubbles in the liquid. [Selection diagram] Fig. 3

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a shower head that is connected to a liquid-sending pipe and that discharges liquid sent from the liquid-sending pipe toward an object, and a cleaning method using the same.

For example, in beauty salons or nursing care facilities, there are cases where a part of the human body (for example, the head, hair, body, etc.) is washed with liquid discharged from a shower head, as exemplified in Patent Document 1 below. This type of showerhead may be used for cleaning various objects such as animals or metals as well as the human body.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2014-210002

In recent years, techniques have been proposed for improving the detergency of a liquid such as water by mixing fine bubbles such as nanobubbles or microbubbles into the liquid. However, even if air bubbles are mixed in the liquid, it may not be possible to sufficiently exhibit the detergency of the air bubbles in the liquid simply by spraying the liquid onto the object.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a shower head and a cleaning method using the same that can improve the cleaning power of air bubbles in a liquid.

(1) A shower head according to the present invention is a shower head that is connected to a liquid-sending pipe and for discharging liquid sent from the liquid-sending pipe toward an object, comprising: a first storage chamber; A first nozzle member and a second storage chamber are provided. The first accommodation chamber accommodates the liquid sent from the liquid delivery pipe. The first nozzle member is formed with a plurality of first small holes for discharging the liquid in the first containing chamber. The second containing chamber is for containing the liquid released from the first small hole and retaining bubbles in the liquid.

According to such a configuration, since the bubbles in the liquid released from the first storage chamber through the first small hole stay in the second storage chamber, the dissolved oxygen amount in the liquid in the second storage chamber decreases. To increase. As a result, it is possible to improve the detergency of the air bubbles in the liquid when the liquid in the second storage chamber comes into contact with the object.

(2) The showerhead may further include a second nozzle member formed with a plurality of second small holes for discharging the liquid in the second storage chamber.

According to such a configuration, it is possible to store the liquid in the second storage chamber, retain the air bubbles in the liquid, and then release the liquid from the second small hole. As a result, the object can be washed with high detergency using the liquid with a large amount of dissolved oxygen released from the second small holes.

(3) A convex portion may be formed at a position facing the first small hole on the surface of the second nozzle member on the side of the second containing chamber.

According to such a configuration, the liquid discharged from the first housing chamber through the first small hole collides with the protrusion formed on the second nozzle member, thereby crushing air bubbles in the liquid. It becomes finer bubbles and stays in the second storage chamber. As a result, the amount of dissolved oxygen in the liquid in the second storage chamber can be further increased, so that the object can be washed with higher detergency.

(4) The second storage chamber is opened through an opening, and the liquid discharged from the first small hole is released from the second storage chamber by bringing the object into contact with or close to the opening. It may be housed in a chamber.

According to such a configuration, by bringing the object into contact with or close to the opening, the liquid can be stored in the second storage chamber and the air bubbles in the liquid can be retained. Therefore, the detergency of the air bubbles in the liquid can be easily improved simply by using the shower head in contact with or in close proximity to the object.

(5) A cleaning method according to the present invention is a cleaning method using the shower head, and is used while the shower head is in contact with or in close proximity to the object.

According to such a configuration, it is possible to easily improve the detergency due to air bubbles in the liquid simply by using the shower head in contact with or in close proximity to the object. In particular, when a shower head having a second nozzle member is used, by bringing the shower head into contact with or close to an object, the pressure in the second storage chamber increases, and the liquid is discharged from the second small hole of the second nozzle member. Since the speed of the liquid applied is increased, the detergency can be further improved.

According to the present invention, since the amount of dissolved oxygen in the liquid in the second storage chamber increases, it is possible to improve the detergency due to the air bubbles in the liquid when the liquid in the second storage chamber comes into contact with the object. .

1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a configuration example of a showerhead according to a first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the showerhead of FIG. 1; FIG. FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an aspect of washing an object using the shower head of FIG. 1; FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a configuration example of a showerhead according to a second embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an aspect of washing an object using the shower head of FIG. 4;

1. 1. First Embodiment FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a configuration example of a shower head 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 2 is a bottom view of the shower head 1 of FIG. 1. FIG.

This shower head 1 is for washing an object by discharging a liquid sent from a liquid sending pipe 2 (see FIG. 1) toward the object. Detachably connected. The object to be washed may be a part of the human body (for example, the head, hair or body), or may be an object other than the human body such as an animal or metal.

The liquid-sending pipe 2 is composed of, for example, a hose made of rubber or resin. The liquid sent by the liquid sending tube 2 may be water or a liquid other than water. When water is sent through the liquid-sending pipe 2, tap water may be supplied to the liquid-sending pipe 2 from a tap (not shown).

Alternatively, a liquid containing air (bubbles) may be supplied to the liquid-sending tube 2 . For example, liquid and air may be mixed at a predetermined pressure ratio (for example, 1:1) to generate a liquid containing air in advance and to supply the liquid to the liquid feeding tube 2 . In this case, the liquid may be supplied to the liquid-sending pipe 2 in the form of mist. The diameter of the bubbles contained in the liquid is not particularly limited, but fine bubbles such as nanobubbles or microbubbles can improve the detergency of the liquid.

The shower head 1 includes a hollow head body 10 , and a first nozzle member 11 , a second nozzle member 12 and a hose coupling 13 that can be attached to and detached from the head body 10 . The first nozzle member 11 , the second nozzle member 12 and the hose joint 13 are not limited to being detachable from the head body 10 , and at least one member may be fixed to the head body 10 .

The head main body 10 is, for example, a columnar member, and has an inlet opening 101 formed on its side surface and an outlet opening 102 formed on its bottom surface. The inlet opening 101 and the outlet opening 102 communicate with each other via a channel 103 formed inside the head body 10 . The channel 103 includes a first storage chamber 104 , a second storage chamber 105 and a connection path 106 .

A hose coupling 13 is attached to the inlet opening 101 . The hose coupling has a configuration in which a cylindrical portion 131 and a flange portion 132 annularly protruding from a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 131 are integrally formed. A thread (not shown) is formed in a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 131 closer to the inlet opening 101 than the flange portion 132 . The hose coupling 13 can be attached to the inlet opening 101 by screwing the threads into threads (not shown) formed in the inlet opening 101 . However, the hose coupling 13 is not limited to the screw-in type, and may have another shape such as a fitting type.

The first storage chamber 104 communicates with the entrance opening 101 via a connection path 106 . The connection path 106 has an inner diameter smaller than that of the inlet opening 101, and after extending straight in the opening direction (horizontal direction) of the inlet opening 101, is bent toward the first storage chamber 104 side (downward). It is formed in an L shape. Specifically, the connection path 106 has a horizontal channel 161 extending in the horizontal direction and a vertical channel 162 extending in the vertical direction.

An L-shaped bent portion is formed at a connecting portion between the horizontal flow passage 161 and the vertical flow passage 162 in the connection path 106 . An extension portion 163 for extending the horizontal flow path 161 is formed in the bent portion. The extension portion 163 extends toward the side opposite to the inlet opening 101 side with respect to the bent portion (the joint portion between the horizontal channel 161 and the vertical channel 162). Therefore, the liquid flowing into the head main body 10 from the inlet opening 101 passes through the horizontal channel 161 and collides with the end of the extension 163, and then flows through the bend into the vertical channel 162. It flows into the containment chamber 104 . The shape of the connection path 106 is not limited to the shape described above, but preferably has a bent portion or curved portion in the middle.

Although the shape of the first storage chamber 104 is not particularly limited, in the present embodiment, the first storage chamber 104 has a circular cross section in the horizontal direction. That is, the first storage chamber 104 has a circular cross section perpendicular to the central axis L and extends vertically along the central axis L. As shown in FIG. The connection path 106 (vertical flow path 162) is connected to the upper end of the first storage chamber 104 on the center axis L. As shown in FIG. Therefore, the liquid sent from the liquid-sending pipe 2 is accommodated in the first accommodation chamber 104 via the connection path 106 .

The first housing chamber 104 is open at its lower end through a lower end opening 141 . The second storage chamber 105 communicates with the lower end opening 141 . The shape of the second storage chamber 105 is not particularly limited. It extends vertically along the central axis L. The inner diameter of the second storage chamber 105 is larger than the inner diameter of the first storage chamber 104 . Therefore, a stepped portion is formed by the corner portion at the joint portion (peripheral portion of the lower end opening portion 141) between the first storage chamber 104 and the second storage chamber 105. As shown in FIG.

The first nozzle member 11 is inserted into the first storage chamber 104 from the second storage chamber 105 side and attached to the lower end opening 141 . The first nozzle member 11 has a configuration in which a cylindrical portion 111 and a head portion 112 closing one end (lower end) of the cylindrical portion 111 are integrally formed. A thread (not shown) is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 111 . The first nozzle member 11 can be attached to the lower end opening 141 by screwing the thread into a thread groove (not shown) formed in the lower end opening 141 .

The head portion 112 has an outer diameter larger than that of the cylindrical portion 111, and when the first nozzle member 11 is attached to the lower end opening 141, the connecting portion between the first storage chamber 104 and the second storage chamber 105 is large. The head 112 comes into contact with a step formed in (the peripheral portion of the lower end opening 141). However, the first nozzle member 11 is not limited to the screw-in type, and may have another shape such as a fitting type.

A head portion 112 of the first nozzle member 11 is formed with a plurality of small holes (first small holes) 113 . Each small hole 113 penetrates the head 112 , and the first storage chamber 104 and the second storage chamber 105 are communicated through the small hole 113 . Each small hole 113 extends parallel to the central axis L, and has an inner diameter of, for example, 0.5 to 1.5 mm, more preferably about 1 mm. The number of small holes 113 is, for example, about 3 to 10, and in this embodiment, 5 small holes 113 are formed at regular intervals.

Each small hole 113 is for discharging the liquid in the first storage chamber 104 . That is, the liquid flowing into the head main body 10 from the liquid-sending pipe 2 is stored in the first storage chamber 104 , and then is pressurized through the small holes 113 of the first nozzle member 11 into the second storage chamber 105 . released to At this time, the liquid discharged from each small hole 113 may be in the form of mist. The second housing chamber 105 is open to the outside of the head body 10 through the outlet opening 102 at its lower end.

The second nozzle member 12 is inserted into the second housing chamber 105 from the outside of the head body 10 and attached to the outlet opening 102 . The second nozzle member 12 is a disk-shaped member and has a thread (not shown) formed on its outer peripheral surface. The second nozzle member 12 can be attached to the outlet opening 102 by threading the threads into threads (not shown) formed in the outlet opening 102 . However, the second nozzle member 12 is not limited to the screw-in type, and may have other shapes such as a fitting type.

When the second nozzle member 12 is attached to the outlet opening 102 , the upper surface 121 of the second nozzle member 12 contacts the step surface 151 formed on the inner peripheral surface of the second storage chamber 105 . In this state, the lower surface 122 of the second nozzle member 12 is located on the second housing chamber 105 side (upper side) than the lower edge of the head body 10 (peripheral edge of the outlet opening 102). As a result, a space S is formed inside the head body 10 at a portion of the outlet opening 102 outside (below) the second nozzle member 12 .

A plurality of small holes (second small holes) 123 are formed in the second nozzle member 12 at positions other than the central portion. Each small hole 123 penetrates the second nozzle member 12 , and the second housing chamber 105 and the outside of the head main body 10 are communicated through the small hole 123 . Each small hole 123 extends parallel to the central axis L, and has an inner diameter of, for example, about 0.5 to 2.5 mm, more preferably about 1 to 2 mm.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of small holes 123 are annularly arranged in the circumferential direction with respect to the central axis L. As shown in FIG. Specifically, a plurality of small holes 123 are arranged in a plurality of rows on concentric circles centered on the central axis L. As shown in FIG. In this example, a plurality of small holes 123 are arranged in three rows, and arranged in the order of the inner small hole 123a, the central small hole 123b, and the outer small hole 123c from the one closest to the central axis L. That is, a plurality of inner small holes 123a are arranged in an annular shape at regular intervals, a plurality of central small holes 123b are arranged in an annular shape at regular intervals outside them, and a plurality of outer small holes 123c are arranged in an annular shape at regular intervals. arrayed. The inner small hole 123a, the central small hole 123b, and the outer small hole 123c, which are adjacent to each other, are arranged radially with respect to the central axis L. As shown in FIG.

The inner small hole 123a, the central small hole 123b, and the outer small hole 123c may each have the same inner diameter, or may have different inner diameters. When the inner small hole 123a, the central small hole 123b, and the outer small hole 123c have different inner diameters, for example, the inner diameter of the central small hole 123b is larger than the inner diameter of the inner small hole 123a, and the inner diameter of the outer small hole 123c is larger than the inner diameter of the central small hole 123b. may be larger.

In this case, for example, it is preferable that the inner diameter of the inner small hole 123a is 0.5 to 1.5 mm, the inner diameter of the central small hole 123b is 1 to 2 mm, and the inner diameter of the outer small hole 123c is 1.5 to 2.5 mm. More preferably, for example, the inner diameter of the inner small hole 123a is about 1 mm, the inner diameter of the central small hole 123b is about 1.5 mm, and the inner diameter of the outer small hole 123c is about 2 mm. The number of inner small holes 123a, central small holes 123b and outer small holes 123c is, for example, 10 to 30, more preferably 15 to 25, still more preferably about 20.

Each small hole 123 is for discharging the liquid in the second storage chamber 105 . That is, the liquid discharged from the first storage chamber 104 into the second storage chamber 105 through the small holes 113 of the first nozzle member 11 passes from the second storage chamber 105 through the small holes 123 of the second nozzle member 12. is discharged to the outside of the head main body 10.

The flow rate of the liquid discharged from the plurality of small holes 113 of the first nozzle member 11 and the flow rate of the liquid discharged from the small holes 123 of the second nozzle member 12 are the same, for example 0.5 to 5 L/min, preferably is about 1 L/min. However, the plurality of small holes 123 of the second nozzle member 12 are larger in number than the plurality of small holes 113 of the first nozzle member 11 and the inner diameter of each small hole 123 is equal to or larger than the inner diameter of each small hole 113 . Therefore, the liquid contained in the second storage chamber 105 is discharged from the small holes 123 of the second nozzle member 12 at a slower speed than the liquid discharged from the small holes 113 of the first nozzle member 11 .

A convex portion 124 is formed on the upper surface 121 of the second nozzle member 12 (the surface on the second storage chamber 105 side). The convex portion 124 faces the first nozzle member 11 and protrudes toward the first nozzle member 11 side. Thereby, the convex portion 124 is provided at a position facing each small hole 113 formed in the first nozzle member 11 . Therefore, the liquid discharged from inside the first storage chamber 104 through each small hole 113 collides with the protrusion 124 formed on the second nozzle member 12 and scatters inside the second storage chamber 105 .

Although the shape of the convex portion 124 is not particularly limited, in the present embodiment, the convex portion 124 is formed in a conical shape. The apex of the convex portion 124 is located on the center axis L and is close to the first nozzle member 11 . Therefore, the tapered surface of the conical protrusion 124 faces each small hole 113, and the liquid that collides with the tapered surface scatters away from the central axis L. As shown in FIG. However, the shape of the convex portion 124 is not limited to a shape with a sharp apex, and may be other shapes such as a spherical shape.

FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a mode of washing an object using the shower head 1 of FIG.

When the liquid contains air bubbles, the liquid discharged from the small holes 113 of the first nozzle member 11 into the second storage chamber 105 collides with the convex portion 124 of the second nozzle member 12, thereby The air bubbles are pulverized, and as shown in FIG. That is, the second storage chamber 105 functions as a space for retaining bubbles in the liquid. The bubbles staying in the second storage chamber 105 are fine bubbles such as nanobubbles or microbubbles.

Even if the liquid sent from the liquid sending pipe 2 to the shower head 1 does not contain air bubbles, the liquid in the first storage chamber 104 may not reach the wall surface (the first nozzle member 11 or the first storage chamber). 104), air bubbles are generated. Therefore, the liquid discharged into the second storage chamber 105 from the small holes 113 of the first nozzle member 11 contains bubbles, and the bubbles become finer bubbles and stay in the second storage chamber 105. It will happen.

When using the showerhead 1 to wash the object W, the showerhead 1 is used in a state of being in contact with or in close proximity to the object W, as shown in FIG. In FIG. 3, the object W is in contact with the shower head 1 . Specifically, the lower surface 122 of the second nozzle member 12 of the shower head 1 is in contact with the object W (for example, a person's head).

However, the shower head 1 may be used in a state in which the lower edge of the head body 10 (peripheral edge of the outlet opening 102), for example, is brought into contact with the object W instead of the lower surface 122 of the second nozzle member 12. . Alternatively, the shower head 1 may be used in a state in which it is brought close to the object W to the extent that it does not come into contact with it. In this case, a gap of, for example, 10 mm or less, more preferably 5 mm or less, and even more preferably 3 mm or less may be formed between the showerhead 1 and the object W.

In this embodiment, the velocity of the liquid discharged from each of the small holes 123 of the second nozzle member 12 is slow, and the detergency of the liquid is low, but the liquid is discharged from the first storage chamber 104 through the small holes 113. As the bubbles in the liquid stay in the second storage chamber 105, the amount of dissolved oxygen in the liquid in the second storage chamber 105 increases. As a result, when the liquid in the second storage chamber 105 comes into contact with the object W, the detergency of the air bubbles in the liquid can be improved.

In particular, in the present embodiment, the liquid can be stored in the second storage chamber 105 and the liquid can be discharged from the small holes 123 of the second nozzle member 12 after the air bubbles in the liquid are retained. As a result, the object W can be washed with high detergency using the liquid with a large amount of dissolved oxygen released from each small hole 123 .

Further, in the present embodiment, the liquid discharged from the inside of the first storage chamber 104 through the small holes 113 collides with the protrusions 124 formed on the second nozzle member 12, thereby causing air bubbles in the liquid to be generated. It is pulverized into finer bubbles and stays in the second storage chamber 105 . As a result, the amount of dissolved oxygen in the liquid in the second storage chamber 105 can be further increased, so that the object W can be cleaned with higher cleaning power.

Furthermore, in the present embodiment, just by using the shower head 1 in contact with or in close proximity to the object W, it is possible to easily improve the detergency due to air bubbles in the liquid. When the shower head 1 is brought into contact with or close to the object W, the pressure inside the second storage chamber 105 increases, and the velocity of the liquid discharged from the small holes 123 of the second nozzle member 12 increases, so that the cleaning is further performed. You can improve your strength.

2. Second Embodiment FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a configuration example of a shower head 100 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an aspect of washing an object using the showerhead 100 of FIG.

Unlike the showerhead 100 according to the first embodiment, the showerhead 100 according to the second embodiment does not include the second nozzle member 12 . Except for this point, the showerhead 100 according to the second embodiment has the same configuration as the showerhead 1 according to the first embodiment. detailed description is omitted.

Since the shower head 100 is not provided with the second nozzle member 12 , the second storage chamber 105 is open through the outlet opening 102 . Therefore, in the absence of the object W, the liquid discharged from the first storage chamber 104 through the small holes 113 of the first nozzle member 11 is discharged from the outlet opening 102 to the outside of the head body 10 as it is. .

However, in this embodiment, the shower head 100 is used in a state of being in contact with or in close proximity to the object W. FIG. That is, as shown in FIG. 5, by bringing the object W into contact with or close to the outlet opening 102 of the shower head 100, the liquid discharged from the small holes 113 of the first nozzle member 11 is discharged into the second storage chamber 105. It can be accommodated inside.

In FIG. 5, the object W is in contact with the shower head 100 . Specifically, the lower edge of the head body 10 (the peripheral edge of the outlet opening 102) is in contact with the object W. As shown in FIG. However, the shower head 100 may be used in a state in which it is brought close to the object W to the extent that it does not come into contact with it. In this case, a gap of, for example, 10 mm or less, more preferably 5 mm or less, and even more preferably 3 mm or less may be formed between the showerhead 100 and the object W.

In this embodiment, by bringing the object W into contact with or close to the outlet opening 102, the liquid can be stored in the second storage chamber 105 and the air bubbles in the liquid can be retained. Therefore, just by using the shower head 100 in contact with or in close proximity to the object W, it is possible to easily improve the detergency of the air bubbles in the liquid.

1,100 shower head 2 liquid feed pipe 10 head body 11 first nozzle member 12 second nozzle member 101 inlet opening 102 outlet opening 103 channel 104 first storage chamber 105 second storage chamber 106 connection path 113 small hole (second 1 small hole)
123 small hole (second small hole)
124 convex part

Claims (2)

A shower head connected to a liquid-sending pipe for discharging a liquid sent from the liquid-sending pipe toward an object,
a first storage chamber in which the liquid sent from the liquid delivery pipe is stored;
a first nozzle member formed with a plurality of first small holes for discharging the liquid in the first storage chamber;
a second storage chamber for storing the liquid released from the first small hole to retain bubbles in the liquid ;
a second nozzle member formed with a plurality of second small holes for discharging the liquid in the second storage chamber ;
The shower head, wherein a convex portion is formed at a position facing the first small hole on the surface of the second nozzle member on the side of the second storage chamber. A cleaning method using the shower head according to claim 1 ,
A cleaning method in which the shower head is used while being in contact with or in close proximity to the object.

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