shower head

Abstract

To provide a shower head having a sterilizing effect on microorganisms, fungi such as bacteria, and viruses, and an effect of inactivating viruses. [Solution] A shower head (1) is connected to a shower hose (9) and has a shower discharge surface that can discharge shower water in one or more discharge modes. It is equipped with a switch lever (5) that selects one of multiple shower discharge modes that are discharged from the shower discharge surface (2) of the shower head (1), and gripping parts (3, 10) for holding the shower head. The gripping parts (3, 10) have a water inlet (8A) that connects to the water supply port of the shower hose (9), and an internal water passage that is connected to the water inlet (8A) and passes tap water through the shower head. A cylindrical silver ion water generating cartridge (10) containing silver ion glass particles that release silver ions into the water when it comes into contact with water is detachably connected between the gripping parts (3, 10) and the water inlet (8A).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a shower head used in a bathroom, etc., and more particularly to a shower head that can impart antiviral and sterilizing effects to the hot water (warm water or cold water) sprayed from the shower head. [Background technology]

[0002] Showerheads typically found in bathrooms include a water inlet connected to a shower hose inlet, a water discharge surface with multiple water discharge ports, and a handle that extends integrally from the water discharge surface and incorporates a water passageway that directs water from the hose to the water discharge surface. Various types of showerheads are available, allowing the user to select one of several modes by operating a lever to control the water discharged from the water discharge surface. Most showerheads currently used in ordinary home bathrooms are of this type.

[0003] Furthermore, in recent years, shower devices capable of forcefully spraying hot and cold water in the form of a jet of water from the tip of a shower head have been disclosed (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2).

[0004] A showerhead with this type of jet-like water jet function can be used to spray hot or cold water onto the head or shoulders, for example, instead of spraying water from the shower head itself, or to remove dirt or get a massage without using much soap or other soap.It can also be used to clean the bathtub, floor, and walls of a bathroom. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] China Innovative Patent Approval Publication No. CN216704726U [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2024-018246 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The shower head described above is used for cleaning by spraying hot and cold water in a powerful jet stream to wash away dirt from the body, as well as dirt and slime adhering to the surfaces around the bathtub, floor, walls, and ceiling of the bathroom.

[0007] However, in many cases, microorganisms, bacteria, and other fungi, as well as viruses, are trapped in the joints of tiles on bathroom floors and walls. While a high-speed jet of hot water can remove dirt and slime from surfaces, it is difficult to wash away the microorganisms, bacteria, and other fungi, and viruses that have become trapped in the joints of bathroom floors and walls.

[0008] On the other hand, spraying germicidal cleaners such as chlorine or sodium hypochlorite, which have a germicidal effect, into the bathroom and then taking time to clean the bathtub and bathroom not only takes a long time for the cleaning work using these germicidal cleaners and the rinsing work of the germicidal cleaners, but also leaves a lingering smell of chlorine or the like in the bathroom even after the germicidal cleaners are rinsed off, making bathing immediately afterwards an unpleasant experience.

[0009] The present invention was made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a showerhead that has the effect of sterilizing and inactivating microorganisms, fungi such as bacteria, and viruses, simply by replacing the showerhead.

[0010] Furthermore, the present invention aims to provide a showerhead that can be easily and inexpensively replaced simply by ejecting hot and cold water in a powerful jet stream from the showerhead, and that also has the effect of sterilizing and inactivating microorganisms, fungi such as bacteria, and viruses. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] In order to achieve the above object, the first aspect of the present invention (corresponding to claim 1) is a shower head having a shower discharge surface that can be connected to a shower hose and can discharge shower water in a plurality of discharge patterns, the shower head comprising a switch lever for selecting one of the plurality of water discharge patterns to be discharged from the shower discharge surface, and a grip for holding the shower head, the grip being adapted to hold the shower hose. from Connect to the water inlet The shower head Water intake and a gripping portion on the shower discharge surface side connected to the shower discharge surface side. , The grip part on the water inlet side and the grip part on the shower discharge surface side are threadedly connected and thus separable. A cylindrical silver ion water generating cartridge containing silver ion glass particles that release silver ions into water when in contact with water is removably housed inside the grip part on the water inlet side. Water that passes through the silver ion water generating cartridge is supplied to the shower discharge surface side through an internal water passage provided inside the grip part on the shower discharge surface side. The present invention provides a shower head characterized by the above features.

[0012] As a result, the present invention makes it possible to provide a showerhead that has the effect of sterilizing and inactivating microorganisms, bacteria and other fungi, and viruses, simply by replacing the showerhead currently in use, at low cost and with ease.

[0013] In order to achieve the above object, the second aspect of the present invention (corresponding to claim 2) is a shower head having a shower water-discharging surface that can be connected to a shower hose and can discharge shower water in multiple water discharge modes, and a jet water outlet that discharges a jet of water with a narrowed water flow from the vertical front direction of the shower water-discharging surface, the shower head comprising: a selector lever that selects one of the multiple shower water-discharging modes that can be discharged from the shower water-discharging surface; a water discharge switch that switches between shower water discharge from the shower water-discharging surface and jet water discharge from the jet water outlet; and a handle for holding the shower head, the handle comprising: The shower head is made up of a water inlet-side grip part connected to the water inlet of the shower head, which is connected to the water supply port of the shower hose, and a shower head-side grip part connected to the shower head's water discharge surface. The water inlet-side grip part and the shower head-side grip part are separable by being screwed together. , the above Inlet side Gripping part Within minutes The cartridge contains a cylindrical silver ion water generating cartridge that can be detached and installed. The cartridge contains silver ion glass particles that release silver ions into the water when they come into contact with the water. The silver ion water generating cartridge is configured so that the water passing through the cartridge is supplied to the shower water discharge surface side through an internal water passage provided inside the grip part on the shower water discharge surface side. The present invention provides a shower head characterized by the above features.

[0014] As a result, the present invention makes it possible to provide a showerhead that can be easily and inexpensively installed by simply replacing the showerhead currently in use, which not only functions to forcefully spray hot and cold water in the form of a jet of water from the showerhead, but also has the effect of sterilizing and inactivating microorganisms, fungi such as bacteria, and viruses.

[0015] Here, the silver ion water generating cartridge has a cylindrical storage body, the water inlet is threadedly connected to the storage body, and the storage body of the silver ion water generating cartridge is threadedly connected to the gripping portion and forms part of the gripping portion.

[0016] This allows the user to easily replace the shower head currently in use by simply removing it from the shower hose and fitting the shower head of the present invention onto the shower hose.

[0017] Furthermore, the cylindrical silver ion water generating cartridge containing silver ion glass particles usually provides antibacterial and antiviral effects for about 2 to 5 years (varies greatly depending on frequency of use), and the silver ion water generating cartridge can be easily replaced manually by the user.

[0018] The silver ion particles contain at least silver oxide and boron oxide, which allows the silver ion elution to be sustained evenly.

[0019] By the way, water-passing caps made of circular plates with multiple holes are fitted to both sides of the cylindrical silver ion water generating cartridge, and the silver ion glass particles are contained within the cylindrical silver ion water generating cartridge. [Effects of the Invention]

[0020] The showerhead according to the first aspect of the present invention makes it possible to easily and inexpensively convert an existing showerhead into one that has the effect of sterilizing and inactivating microorganisms, fungi such as bacteria, and viruses, simply by replacing it with a new one.

[0021] Furthermore, the showerhead according to the second aspect of the present invention allows for the provision of a showerhead that can be easily and inexpensively replaced with an existing showerhead, and that has the function of spraying hot and cold water in a powerful jet stream from the showerhead, as well as the effect of sterilizing and inactivating microorganisms, bacteria and other fungi, and viruses.

[0022] Silver ions are known to have bactericidal and antibacterial properties against lower organisms such as microorganisms. Microorganisms, in the narrow sense, refer to bacteria, fungi, and viruses, but in the broad sense, also include protozoa and algae.

[0023] The bactericidal and antiviral effects of silver ions are due to the fact that the silver ions produced when they dissociate from oxygen are unstable (positively charged Ag+), and so they attempt to bind with the oxygen of microbial bacteria (negatively charged) and are taken up into the cells of microorganisms (viruses, bacteria, fungi, algae, etc.), exerting their antibacterial properties.The taken-up silver ions bind to proteins, etc., inhibiting their function and preventing cell division, etc.It is thought that this dysfunction of the proteins generates reactive oxygen species, which then kills the microbial cells. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0024] [Figure 1] 1 shows a perspective view of a showerhead according to the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 shows a side view of a showerhead according to the present invention. [Figure 3]1 shows a cylindrical silver ion water generating cartridge containing silver ion glass particles removably housed in the shower head according to the present invention, housed in the grip of the shower head. [Figure 4] 4 is a vertical cross-sectional perspective view showing the internal structure of a cylindrical silver ion water generating cartridge that contains the silver ion glass particles shown in FIG. 3. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0025] The showerhead according to the present invention will be described in detail below. As described above, the showerhead according to the first aspect of the present invention is a showerhead having a shower discharge surface that is connected to a shower hose and can discharge shower water in one or more discharge forms, and a cylindrical silver ion water generating cartridge containing silver ion glass particles that can be attached and detached within the showerhead.

[0026] On the other hand, the showerhead according to the second aspect of the present invention has a shower head with a shower water-discharging surface that can be connected to a shower hose and can discharge shower water in one or more water discharge forms, and a jet water outlet that discharges a jet of water with a narrowed water flow from the front vertical direction of the shower water-discharging surface, and a cylindrical silver ion water generating cartridge that contains silver ion glass particles can be attached and detached inside the shower head.

[0027] The cylindrical silver ion water generating cartridges containing silver ion glass particles that are removably stored in the showerheads according to these two aspects of the present invention have exactly the same shape, and the storage position and method within the showerhead are also the same.

[0028] Therefore, the explanation of the showerhead of the present invention will be given of a second embodiment of the showerhead, which has a shower water-discharging surface that is connected to a shower hose and can discharge shower water in multiple shower water-discharging forms, and a jet water outlet that discharges a jet of water with a narrowed water flow from the front vertical direction of the shower water-discharging surface, and in which a cylindrical silver ion water generating cartridge containing silver ion glass particles can be attached and detached.

[0029] In addition to various types of showerheads that allow the user to switch between multiple water discharge modes by operating a lever, Patent Documents 1 and 2 also disclose in detail shower devices that can forcefully spray hot and cold water in a jet stream from a showerhead. This application describes how a cylindrical silver ion water generating cartridge containing silver ion glass particles is detachably housed within these showerheads, which is a key feature of the present invention. In the following description, the directions indicated by the arrows in Figure 2 are referred to as the "front-to-back" and "up-to-down" directions, respectively.

[0030] [Configuration of silver ion water generating cartridge detachable shower head] The showerhead according to the present invention hereinafter detachably houses a cylindrical silver ion water generating cartridge. The configuration of the showerhead 1 that houses this silver ion water generating cartridge will be described below.

[0031] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, this showerhead 1 has a hollow, disc-shaped water-discharging surface and cylindrical handles 3 and 10 that extend rearward from the water-discharging surface. The water-discharging surface and handles 3 and 10 are molded integrally from hard resin, and their surfaces are plated.

[0032] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the showerhead 1 has a shower water-discharge surface that is connected to a shower hose 9 and can discharge shower water in one or more water-discharge modes, and a jet water outlet 6a that discharges a narrowed jet of water from the vertical front side of the water-discharge surface. It also has a selector lever 5 that selects one of the one or more shower water-discharge modes discharged from the water-discharge surface, an ON / OFF switch 7 that switches between shower water discharge and jet water discharge from the jet water outlet 6a, and grips 3, 10 for holding the showerhead 1. The grips 3, 10 have a water inlet 8A that connects to a water supply port of a shower hose that supplies tap water such as hot and cold water to the showerhead 1, and an internal water passage connected to the water inlet 8A that passes tap water through the showerhead 1. A cylindrical silver ion water generating cartridge 20 containing silver ion glass particles that release silver ions into water when it comes into contact with water is detachably connected between the grips 3, 10 and the water inlet 8A.

[0033] The water discharge surface is comprised of a main body 2A and a cover 2B rotatably attached to the main body 2A. The space defined by the main body 2A and the cover 2B is shown in FIG. 1. The handles 3 and 10 shown in FIG. 1 incorporate a water channel, which is a storage space for a cylindrical silver ion water generating cartridge, a water channel cover (not shown) provided within the handles 3 and 10 to cover the water channel, a water discharge nozzle (jet water nozzle) 6, a branching section that branches hot and cold water into the shower discharge surface and the jet water outlet 6a, a branching section setting plate, and a water passage plate. The underside of the cover 2B forms a curved shower surface, and multiple water spray outlets 4 are opened on this shower surface (see FIGS. 1 and 2). The cover 2B is integrally formed with a switch lever 5 for rotating the cover 2B relative to the main body 2A. Operating the switch lever 5 to rotate the cover 2B relative to the main body 2A changes the water spray pattern from the water spray outlets 4.

[0034] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the water-discharging body main body 2A has a spray nozzle 6 with multiple openings 6a built in the center of the front surface, and a sliding ON / OFF switch 7 for turning on and off the spray of water from the spray nozzle 6a of the spray nozzle 6 is provided in the center of the width direction behind the spray nozzle 6 on the top surface of the main body 2A.

[0035] As is well known (not shown), the inside of this showerhead 1 has a disk-shaped base plate for switching shower modes from the water discharge surface, and a flow channel formed integrally on the base plate, which is a storage space for the silver ion water generating cartridge within the gripping parts 3 and 10 shown in Figure 1. An inlet pipe forming a flow channel cover located within the gripping parts 3 and 10 is connected to the flow channel.

[0036] A rod-shaped switching rod is housed within the circulation section of showerhead 1 and can slide back and forth. This switching rod is constantly biased backward (to the OFF direction) by an internal spring. The switching rod is connected to ON / OFF switch 7 (see Figure 2). Sliding ON / OFF switch 7 forward against the biasing force of the spring causes water to be sprayed from the multiple water outlets 4 opening onto the shower surface of cover 2B on the water-spraying surface of showerhead 1. Releasing ON / OFF switch 7 causes the switching rod to slide backward due to the biasing force of the spring, shutting off water from the water outlets 4 on the shower surface and causing water to spray forward in a powerful jet stream from outlets 6a of spray nozzle 6.

[0037] 1, the ends of the handles 3, 10 of the showerhead 1 are easily connected to one end of a shower hose 9 with a single touch using coupler joint fittings 8, allowing the showerhead 1 to be connected to a water source such as a tap or hot water supply system (not shown) connected to the other end of the shower hose 9. Here, coupler joint fitting 8 is composed of a cylindrical water inlet 8A threadedly attached to the end openings of the handles 3, 10 of the showerhead 1, and a water inlet 8B attached to one end of the shower hose 9. By inserting water inlet 8A into water inlet 8B, the showerhead 1 can be easily connected to one end of the shower hose 9 with a single touch.

[0038] Next, the characteristic structure of the showerhead 1 according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In this showerhead 1, a cylindrical adapter 10 constituting the gripping parts 3, 10 is removably attached to the rear end of the gripping part 3, and a silver ion water generating cartridge 20 is removably inserted into the adapter 10.

[0039] Here, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, the adapter 10 has as its main components a cylindrical outer tube 11, a cylindrical screw member 12 press-fitted into the front end of the outer tube 11, and an annular nut member 13 for fixing the silver ion water generating cartridge 20 removably inserted into the center of the interior of the outer tube 11 and the screw member 12.

[0040] As shown in Figure 1, a coupler joint fitting 8 is connected to the male thread portion 12b of the cylindrical screw member 12 press-fitted into the front end of the cylindrical outer cylinder 11. As described above and in Figure 1, this showerhead is composed of a cylindrical water inlet 8A threadedly attached to the end openings of the gripping portions 3, 10 of the showerhead 1, and a water inlet 8B attached to one end of the shower hose 9. By inserting the water inlet 8A into the water inlet 8B, the silver ion water generating cartridge 20 can be easily connected to one end of the shower hose 9 with a single touch.

[0041] As shown in Fig. 4, the outer tube 11 has an annular protrusion 11a integrally formed on the inner periphery of its front end, and a female thread 11b engraved on the inner periphery of its rear end. The outer periphery of the outer tube 11 is knurled to prevent slipping. Furthermore, two oval air vent holes (only one of which is shown in Figs. 2 and 3) are formed in two locations in the middle of the outer tube 11 in the longitudinal direction.

[0042] 4, an annular convex portion 12a is integrally formed on the inner periphery of the front end of the screw member 12, and a male thread portion 12b is engraved on the outer periphery of the front end. An annular flange portion 12c is integrally formed on the outer periphery of the screw member 12 at a location rearward of the male thread portion 12b, and a ring-shaped elastic seal ring (O-ring) 14 and a locking ring (snap ring) 15 are fitted onto the outer periphery of the cylindrical portion 12A rearward of this flange portion 12c.

[0043] The silver ion water generating cartridge 20 is configured by closing the front and rear end openings of a cylindrical case 21 with disc-shaped water-passing caps 22, 23, respectively. Each water-passing cap 22, 23 has a plurality of circular water-passing holes 22a, 23a, respectively, and each water-passing cap 22, 23 is attached to the front and rear ends of the case 21 by fitting the outer periphery of its inner end surface onto the outer periphery of the front and rear ends of the case 21. Ring-shaped elastic seal rings (O-rings) 24, 25 are fitted onto the outer periphery of each water-passing cap 22, 23, respectively.

[0044] The space formed by the case 21 and the pair of water-permeable caps 22, 23 of the silver ion water generating cartridge 20 contains a silver ion glass particle agent 26 that generates silver ions when it comes into contact with water. In this embodiment, silver-containing glass (phosphate glass) is used as the silver ion glass particle agent 26, and its components include silver oxide (AgO), boron oxide (3(BO)n), diphosphorus pentoxide (PO), and calcium oxide (CaO).

[0045] Depending on the state of the microorganisms and the concentration of silver ions (antibacterial effects are seen even in extremely small amounts of 0.01 ppm - 0.00001 g per liter), silver ions can have either a bacteriostatic or bactericidal effect. Because even minute amounts of silver ions can be expected to have a bactericidal and antibacterial effect against a wide range of viruses and bacteria, they are suitable for use as a highly safe, non-polluting antibacterial agent, making them ideal for cleaning bathrooms.

[0046] The nut member 13 is an annular member that is fitted onto the outer periphery of one (rear) water-permeable cap 23 when the silver ion water generating cartridge 20 is in an assembled state as shown in Fig. 4, and has a male thread 13a formed on its outer periphery that screws into a female thread 11b formed on the inner periphery of the rear end of the outer cylinder 11. Engagement grooves 13b are formed at two radially opposing locations on the rear end face of the nut member 13, for engagement with the claws of a tool (not shown) (see Fig. 3).

[0047] As described above, the adapter 10, which includes the outer cylinder 11, the screw member 12, and the nut member 13 as its main components, is assembled and integrated as follows.

[0048] 4, the outer tube 11 and the screw member 12 are assembled and integrated by fitting a protrusion 11a formed on the inner periphery of the front end of the outer tube 11 onto the outer periphery of the cylindrical portion 12A behind the flange portion 12c of the screw member 12. At this time, the fitting portion between the protrusion 11a of the outer tube 11 and the cylindrical portion 12A of the screw member 12 is sealed by an elastic seal ring (O-ring) 14, and the positioning of the outer tube 11 and the screw member 12 in the front-to-rear direction is determined by a locking ring (snap ring) 15.

[0049] Next, the nut member 13 is fitted onto the outer periphery of the water passage cap 23 on the rear end side of the silver ion water generating cartridge 20, and the silver ion water generating cartridge 20 is inserted into the screw member 12 and the outer cylinder 11. That is, the silver ion water generating cartridge 20 is inserted from rear to front into the outer cylinder 11 and the screw member 12, with one (front end) water passage cap 22 first, and with the male thread 13a of the nut member 13 threaded into the female thread 11b engraved on the inner periphery of the rear end of the outer cylinder 11, the claws of a tool (not shown) are engaged with the engagement grooves 13b formed in two places on the rear end face of the nut member 13, and the nut member 13 is rotated in the screwing direction.

[0050] 4, the outer circumferential surface of the water-permeable cap 22 at the front end of the silver ion water generating cartridge 20 fits onto the inner circumferential surface of the protrusion 12a of the screw member 12. As a result, the silver ion water generating cartridge 20 is detachably inserted into the adapter 10, with its front end supported by the screw member 12 via the water-permeable cap 22 and its rear end supported by the outer circumferential surface 11 via the water-permeable cap 23 and the nut member 13. The silver ion water generating cartridge 20 thus inserted into the adapter 10 can be easily removed from the adapter 10 that constitutes the gripping portions 3, 10 and replaced with a new one; replacement of the silver ion water generating cartridge 20 will be described later.

[0051] The adapter 10 configured as described above is detachably attached to the gripping portion 3, 10 of the showerhead 1. That is, as shown in Figure 2, the adapter 10 is detachably attached to the rear end of the gripping portion 3, 10 by screwing the male thread portion 12b, which is engraved on the outer periphery of the screw member 12 of the adapter 10 that constitutes the gripping portion 3, 10, into the female thread (not shown), which is engraved on the inner periphery of the rear end of the gripping portion 3, 10.

[0052] 1 is threaded into the female thread 11b engraved on the inner periphery of the rear end of the outer tube 11 of the adapter 10. Therefore, by inserting the water inlet 8A into the water supply port 8B attached to the end of the shower hose 9, the silver ion water generating cartridge 20 can be easily connected to the handles 3, 10 in the showerhead 1 with a single touch.

[0053] [How this shower head works] Next, the operation of the showerhead 1 configured as above will be described.

[0054] When using shower head 1 installed in a bathroom or other location, the user turns ON / OFF switch 7 OFF and operates selector lever 5, which causes water (hot water) from a water source such as a tap or hot water heater to be supplied through shower hose 9 to shower head 1. The water (hot water) flowing through shower hose 9 first passes through silver ion water generating cartridge 20 inserted into adapter 10 of shower head 1.

[0055] That is, water (hot water) supplied from the shower hose 9 to the silver ion water generating cartridge 20 first passes through the silver ion water generating cartridge 20 inserted into the adapter 10. Specifically, in the silver ion water generating cartridge 20, the water (hot water) passes through a plurality of water passage holes 23a formed in one (rear) water passage cap 23 and flows into the inside of the case 21 of the silver ion water generating cartridge 20, and this water (hot water) comes into contact with the silver ion glass particle agent 26 contained in the case 21, generating silver ion water having bactericidal and deodorizing effects. This silver ion water then passes through a plurality of water passage holes 22a formed in the other (front) water passage cap 22 and is discharged into the grip part 3.

[0056] In this showerhead 1, silver ion water discharged into the handles 3, 10 is supplied to the water discharge surface through the handles 3, 10 and sprayed from multiple spray nozzles 4 opening on the shower surface, which is the underside of the cover 2B of the water discharge surface, to be used for washing the user's body and shampooing and rinsing their hair. This silver ion water provides high bactericidal and deodorizing effects. By operating the switch lever 5 and rotating the cover 2B of the water discharge surface relative to the main body 2A, the spray pattern of the silver ion water sprayed from the spray nozzles 4 can be changed. Silver ion water, with its strong bactericidal and deodorizing effects, can also be used to wash pets such as dogs and cats.

[0057] On the other hand, in this shower head 1, when the ON / OFF switch 7 is turned ON, the spraying of silver ion water from the shower surface is stopped, and the silver ion water generated in the silver ion water generating cartridge 20 is forcefully sprayed forward from the multiple spray outlets 6a opening into the spray nozzle 6, and is used to clean, for example, the walls and floors of the bathroom, the drain, the door sash, etc.

[0058] Considering consumption and maintaining the deodorizing and sterilizing effects, the silver ion glass particle agent 26 that generates silver ion water can typically withstand 2 to 7 years, or 5,500 uses, depending on how often the showerhead 1 is used. However, if the showerhead 1 is to be used for a longer period of time, the silver ion water generating cartridge 20 must be replaced with a new one. The method for replacing the silver ion water generating cartridge 20 is described below.

[0059] When replacing a silver ion water generating cartridge 20 currently in use with a new one, it is necessary to remove the silver ion water generating cartridge 20. This removal of the silver ion water generating cartridge 20 is performed by the following procedure. That is, when the entire adapter 10 containing the silver ion water generating cartridge 20 is rotated around its axis in the loosening direction, the male thread forming portion 12b of the screw member 12 is released from the female thread (not shown) formed on the inner periphery of the rear end of the gripping portions 3, 10, and the adapter 10 can be removed from the gripping portions 3, 10 together with the water receiving port 8A threaded thereto.

[0060] Once the adapter 10 has been removed from the gripping portions 3, 10 together with the water inlet 8A as described above, the water inlet 8A is turned relative to the adapter 10 to release the threaded connection between them, and the water inlet 8A is removed from the adapter 10. Once the water inlet 8A has been removed from the adapter 10 in this manner, the claws of a tool (not shown) are engaged with the engagement grooves 13b formed in two locations on the outer surface of the nut member 13 shown in Figure 3, and the nut member 13 is rotated with the tool in the loosening direction, causing the nut member 13 and the silver ion water generation cartridge 20 held therein to move rearward along the female thread 11b engraved on the inner periphery of the rear end of the outer cylinder 11, and the nut member 13 and silver ion water generation cartridge 20 are removed.

[0061] Thereafter, the silver ion water generating cartridge 20 is removed from the nut member 13, a new silver ion water generating cartridge 20 is attached to the nut member 13, the male thread 13a of the nut member 13 is threaded onto the female thread 11b of the outer tube 11, and the nut member 13 is rotated in the tightening direction together with the silver ion water generating cartridge 20. As a result, the nut member 13 and the silver ion water generating cartridge 20 move forward along the female thread 11b of the outer tube 11 while rotating. Then, as shown in Figure 3, when one (front) water passage cap 22 of the silver ion water generating cartridge 20 is fitted onto the inner periphery of the protrusion 12a of the screw member 12, the silver ion water generating cartridge 20 is fixed in place, and finally, the water inlet 8A is screwed into the female thread 11b of the outer tube 11 of the adapter 10, completing the replacement of the silver ion water generating cartridge 20.

[0062] In the above, the method of removing the entire adapter 10 from the gripping parts 3, 10 and then removing the silver ion water generating cartridge 20 from the removed adapter 10 and replacing it with a new one has been adopted, but it is also possible to replace the silver ion water generating cartridge 20 with a new one while the adapter 10 remains attached to the gripping parts 3, 10 without removing the adapter 10 from the gripping parts 3, 10. This method will be described below.

[0063] That is, while leaving the adapter 10 in the gripping portions 3, 10, remove the water inlet 8A from the outer tube 11 of the adapter 10, engage the claws of a tool (not shown) with the engagement grooves 13b formed in two places on the outer surface of the nut member 13 shown in Figure 3, use the tool to rotate the nut member 13 in the loosening direction, and move the nut member 13 and the silver ion water generation cartridge 20 held therein rearward along the female thread 11b engraved on the inner circumference of the rear end of the outer tube 11, and remove the nut member 13 and silver ion water generation cartridge 20.

[0064] Thereafter, the silver ion water generating cartridge 20 is removed from the nut member 13, a new silver ion water generating cartridge 20 is attached to the nut member 13, the male thread 13a of the nut member 13 is threaded onto the female thread 11b of the outer tube 11, and the nut member 13 is rotated in the tightening direction together with the silver ion water generating cartridge 20. As a result, the nut member 13 and the silver ion water generating cartridge 20 move forward along the female thread 11b of the outer tube 11 while rotating. Then, as shown in FIG. 4 , when one (front) water passage cap 22 of the silver ion water generating cartridge 20 is fitted onto the inner periphery of the protrusion 12a of the screw member 12, the silver ion water generating cartridge 20 is fixed in place. Finally, by screwing the water inlet 8A into the female thread 11b of the outer tube 11 of the adapter 10, the silver ion water generating cartridge 20 can be replaced without removing the entire adapter 10 from the gripping portions 3, 10.

[0065] As described above, the handles 3, 10 of the showerhead 1 are provided with a water inlet 8A that connects to the water supply port of the shower hose 9 that supplies tap water such as hot and cold water to the showerhead 1, and an internal water passage (not shown) that is connected to the water inlet 8A and passes tap water through the showerhead 1. A cylindrical silver ion water generating cartridge 10 containing silver ion glass particles that release silver ions into the water when they come into contact with water is removably connected between the handles 3, 10 and the water inlet 8A.

[0066] As a result, the present invention makes it possible to provide a showerhead that can be easily and inexpensively installed by simply replacing the showerhead currently in use, which not only functions to forcefully spray hot and cold water in the form of a jet of water from the showerhead, but also has the effect of sterilizing and inactivating microorganisms, fungi such as bacteria, and viruses.

[0067] As is clear from the above explanation, according to this embodiment, the adapter 10, which forms part of the gripping parts 3, 10 of the shower head 1, is removably attached to the rear end of the gripping parts 3, 10, and the silver ion water generating cartridge 20 is removably inserted into the adapter 10, so that the silver ion water generating cartridge 20 can be easily attached and detached, and if necessary, the silver ion water generating cartridge 20 can be easily replaced with a new one.

[0068] In addition, in this embodiment, a silver ion water generating cartridge is used as the silver ion water generating cartridge 20, which is configured to contain silver ion glass particle agents 26 that generate silver ions when they come into contact with water, so that the silver ion water generated by the silver ion water generating cartridge can provide high bactericidal and deodorizing effects.

[0069] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims and the technical concept described in the specification and drawings. [Explanation of symbols]

[0070] 1 shower head 2. Water discharge body 3 Gripping part 4 Sprinkler outlet 5 Switching lever 6 Spout nozzle 6a spout 7 ON / OFF switch 8 Coupler joint type fitting Shower head side water inlet that forms an 8A coupler joint type fitting 8B Coupler joint type fitting that forms the hose side water inlet 9. Shower hose 10 Adapter constituting the gripping portion 3 11 Outer cylinder 12 Screw member 13 Nut material 20 Silver ion water generating cartridges 21 cases 22,23 Water-permeable cap 22a,22b Water hole 26 Silver ion glass particle agent

Claims

1. A shower head having a shower discharge surface that is connected to a shower hose and can discharge shower water in multiple water discharge patterns, A switching lever for selecting one of a plurality of water discharge patterns for water discharged from the shower water discharge surface; a gripping portion that grips the shower head, The handle comprises a handle on the water inlet side connected to the water inlet of the shower head, which is connected to the water supply port of the shower hose, and a handle on the shower head side connected to the water discharge surface, The grip portion on the water inlet side and the grip portion on the shower discharge surface side are formed separable by being screwed together, A cylindrical silver ion water generating cartridge containing silver ion glass particles that release silver ions into the water upon contact with the water is removably housed in the grip portion on the water inlet side. This showerhead is characterized in that the water that has passed through the silver ion water generating cartridge is supplied to the shower water discharge surface side through an internal water passage provided inside the grip part on the shower water discharge surface side.

2. A shower head has a shower water discharge surface that can be connected to a shower hose and can discharge shower water in multiple water discharge patterns, and a jet water outlet that discharges a jet of water with a narrowed water flow from the front vertical side of the shower water discharge surface, A switching lever for selecting one of a plurality of shower discharge modes for discharging water from the shower discharge surface; a water discharge switch for switching between shower water discharge from the shower water discharge surface and jet water discharge from the jet water outlet; a gripping portion that grips the shower head, The handle comprises a handle on the water inlet side connected to the water inlet of the shower head, which is connected to the water supply port of the shower hose, and a handle on the shower head side connected to the water discharge surface, The grip portion on the water inlet side and the grip portion on the shower discharge surface side are formed separable by being screwed together, A cylindrical silver ion water generating cartridge containing silver ion glass particles that release silver ions into the water upon contact with the water is removably housed in the grip portion on the water inlet side. This showerhead is characterized in that the water that has passed through the silver ion water generating cartridge is supplied to the shower water discharge surface side through an internal water passage provided inside the grip part on the shower water discharge surface side.

3. 3. The showerhead according to claim 1, wherein the silver ion glass particles contain at least silver oxide and boron oxide.

4. The showerhead described in claim 3, characterized in that a water-passing cap consisting of a circular plate with multiple holes is fitted to both sides of the cylindrical silver ion water generating cartridge, and the silver ion glass particles are contained within the silver ion water generating cartridge in a confined state.

5. The shower head according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the switching lever is provided on the grip side of the shower head.

6. The shower head of claim 2, wherein the water discharge switch is provided on the back side of the shower head.

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