Shower faucet

Abstract

A shower faucet capable of improving a sense of use of a shower is provided. The shower faucet according to an embodiment is a shower faucet provided with a shower at an upper portion in a bathroom, and includes a water spouting port, a water spouting surface, and a control portion. The water spouting port spouts water toward a user located below the shower. The water spouting surface is provided with the water spouting port. The control portion controls spouting of water from the water spouting port. The control portion executes a first water spouting mode in which water is spouted from the water spouting port toward a body of the user other than a head.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The disclosed implementation relates to a shower faucet. Background Technology

[0002] Previously, a shower faucet was known, which included a shower installed in the upper part of the bathroom and had: a spray nozzle for spraying water toward a user located below the shower; a spray surface with the spray nozzle; and a control unit for controlling the spraying of water from the spray nozzle (for example, see Patent Document 1).

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2022-88811

[0006] Users sometimes shower in areas other than their head, such as the face. In such cases, users want to shower in a natural posture while avoiding their head. However, with a shower faucet like the one described above, if the user avoids their head while showering, the shower spray will only hit one side of the body, which may reduce the user experience of the shower. Summary of the Invention

[0007] One approach to implementing this solution is to provide a shower faucet that improves the user experience of a shower.

[0008] One embodiment of the shower faucet is a shower faucet with a shower installed at the top of the bathroom. The shower faucet includes: a spray nozzle for spraying water toward a user located below the shower; a spray surface with the spray nozzle; and a control unit for controlling the water spray from the spray nozzle. The control unit executes a first spray mode in which water is sprayed from the spray nozzle toward the user's body excluding the head.

[0009] With this configuration, the control unit executes a first spray mode that sprays water from the nozzles towards the user's area excluding the head, ensuring that the water (shower spray) does not reach the user's head. As a result, the user can enjoy a full-body shower without experiencing breathing difficulties, thus improving the shower's usability.

[0010] Furthermore, in the aforementioned shower faucet, in the first spray mode, water is sprayed simultaneously from one side of the user's body toward the spray nozzle and the other side opposite to that side.

[0011] With this configuration, water is sprayed simultaneously from the front of the user's body on one side and from the back of the user's body on the other side, allowing the user to shower their entire body except for the head. This improves the user experience of the shower.

[0012] Furthermore, in the aforementioned shower faucet, the water spray in the first spray pattern is from a spray nozzle located in a U-shaped first area on the spray surface, excluding a designated area.

[0013] With this configuration, by placing the water spray nozzles in a U-shaped first area on the shower surface, the user can enjoy a full-body shower, excluding the head. This improves the user experience of the shower.

[0014] Furthermore, in the aforementioned shower faucet, the first area is the U-shaped area of ​​the spray surface other than the upper defined area when the spray surface is viewed from the front.

[0015] With this configuration, the first area, being a U-shaped region of the spray surface excluding the upper designated area when viewed from the front, allows for easy shower spray that avoids the user's head. Furthermore, the shower spray from the first area travels from the user's front, over their shoulders, and around to their back. Therefore, the user can simultaneously enjoy shower spray from both the front and back of their body.

[0016] Furthermore, in the aforementioned shower faucet, the showerhead is tilted such that, when viewed from the front, the upper part of the spray surface is above and the lower part of the spray surface is below, and the first region is provided with a spray nozzle at the lower part of the spray surface that has a flow rate per unit time greater than that of the other spray nozzles in the first region.

[0017] With this configuration, by placing a larger-diameter nozzle at the lower part of the shower surface compared to other nozzles, resulting in a higher flow rate per unit time, the amount of water sprayed towards the user's waist can be increased. This improves the shower's usability. Furthermore, by making the nozzle larger in diameter at the lower part of the shower surface, excess water from the shower is discharged through this larger-diameter nozzle. This reduces the time required for excess water to be cleared from the shower.

[0018] Furthermore, in the aforementioned shower faucet, the control unit executes a second spray mode, which sprays water from the nozzle toward the user's head.

[0019] With this configuration, the second spray mode can be executed by the control unit, enabling a shower spray directed towards the user's head.

[0020] Furthermore, in the aforementioned shower faucet, the water spray in the second spray mode is from the spray nozzle of the second area within the designated area of ​​the spray surface.

[0021] With this configuration, a second area for the second spray pattern can be formed on the water spray surface without reducing the size of the first area.

[0022] Furthermore, in the aforementioned shower faucet, a spray hole is provided at the lower part of the first area when the water spray surface is viewed from the front. The spray hole sprays a mist of water with a diameter smaller than that of the other spray nozzles from the first area.

[0023] Based on this configuration, it is possible to spray water in a mist form (mist spray) from the spray nozzle.

[0024] Furthermore, in the aforementioned shower faucet, the control unit executes a third spray mode, which sprays water from the spray nozzles disposed in the first region and from the spray nozzles in the third region other than the second region within the designated area of ​​the spray surface.

[0025] With this configuration, even without spraying water from the nozzles in the second area towards the user's head, water can still be sprayed from the nozzles in the third area towards the user's head. Furthermore, by executing a third spray mode that sprays water from the nozzles in the first and third areas through the control unit, a shower can be sprayed onto the user's entire body, including the head.

[0026] Invention Effects

[0027] According to one embodiment, a shower faucet can improve the user experience of the shower. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Figure 1 This is an explanatory diagram of the shower faucet according to the first embodiment.

[0029] Figure 2 This is a perspective view showing the shower faucet according to the first embodiment.

[0030] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing the first area of ​​the sprinkled surface.

[0031] Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional view showing the flow path of the shower in the first spray mode.

[0032] Figure 5 This is an explanatory diagram of the shower spray scheme in the first spray mode.

[0033] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing the second area in the sprinkled surface.

[0034] Figure 7 This is a three-dimensional view showing the flow path of the shower in the second spray mode.

[0035] Figure 8 This is an explanatory diagram of the shower spray scheme in the second spray mode.

[0036] Figure 9 This is a diagram showing the first and third areas of the sprinkler surface.

[0037] Figure 10 This is a three-dimensional diagram showing the flow path of the shower in the third spray mode.

[0038] Figure 11 This is an explanatory diagram of the shower spray scheme in the third spray mode.

[0039] Figure 12 This is an explanatory diagram of the shower faucet according to the second embodiment.

[0040] Figure 13 This is a perspective view showing the shower faucet according to the second embodiment.

[0041] Figure 14 This is a perspective view showing the installation structure of the shower.

[0042] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0043] 1: Shower faucet; 4: Shower unit (overhead shower); 9: Control unit; 41: Spray nozzle; 411: First spray nozzle; 412: Second spray nozzle; 413: Third spray nozzle; 42: Spray surface; 1000: Bathroom; A1: First area; A2: Second area; A3: Third area. Detailed Implementation

[0044] The embodiments of the shower faucet disclosed in this application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the invention is not limited to the embodiments shown below.

[0045] (First Implementation)

[0046] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The outline of the shower faucet in the first embodiment will be described. Figure 1 This is an explanatory diagram of the shower faucet according to the first embodiment. Figure 2 This is a perspective view showing the shower faucet according to the first embodiment. It should be noted that... Figure 2 The shower faucet is shown instead of a handheld shower head.

[0047] like Figure 1As shown, a shower faucet 1 is installed in a bathroom / shower room (hereinafter collectively referred to as "bathroom") 1000. The shower faucet 1 comprises a faucet body 2, a handheld shower head 3, an overhead shower head (hereinafter referred to as "shower head") 4, a faucet 5, an outlet pipe 6, and a slide bar 7 (see reference). Figure 2 ), sliding sleeve 8, control unit 9, and operation unit 10.

[0048] The faucet body 2 is installed on the wall 1001 of the bathroom 1000. The shower faucet 1 is a so-called exposed shower faucet, in which the faucet body 2 is exposed inside the bathroom 1000.

[0049] Hereinafter, the term "front-back direction" will sometimes be used, where the direction in which the front panel or the like protrudes from the wall 1001 of the bathroom 1000 is defined as "front" and the opposite side of "front" is defined as "rear". The term "vertical direction" will sometimes be defined as "downward" and the opposite side of "downward" is defined as "upward". In addition, the direction orthogonal to the front-back direction and the vertical direction will sometimes be defined as "left-right direction".

[0050] It should be noted that, in terms of the left-right direction, when the shower 4 is installed on the wall 1001, the user is directly facing the shower 4, that is, in Figure 1 The user is facing the back of wall 1001, with the user's right side designated as the right side and the user's left side designated as the left side.

[0051] It should be noted that "facing the shower 4 directly" means, for example, when the shower 4 is tilted with its upper part above and its lower part below, the user's front is facing the water spray surface 42 of the shower 4. For example, when the shower 4 is directly above the user, such as... Figure 3 As shown, this is the user's posture with their face facing the lower part of the shower 4.

[0052] The shower 4 is installed in the upper part of the bathroom 1000. The shower 4 is installed in front of the wall 1001. It should be noted that the shower 4 can also be installed in the ceiling 1002 of the bathroom 1000. Furthermore, the shower 4 is positioned so that the spray surface 42 can be viewed from the front (see reference). Figure 2 In the case of ), the upper part of the water spray surface 42 is located above and the lower part of the water spray surface 42 is located below.

[0053] like Figure 2 As shown, the shower 4 has a spray nozzle 41 (see reference). Figure 3 , Figure 6 as well as Figure 9 The shower head 41 sprays hot and cold water flowing through the outlet pipe 6 towards the user of the shower head 4, i.e., the user located below the shower head 4. The shower head 42 is the surface located at the bottom of the shower head 4. Multiple spray heads 41 are provided on the shower head 42.

[0054] like Figure 1 As shown, the outflow pipe 6 connects the faucet body 2 and the shower head 4. When there are multiple spray patterns in the shower head 4, the outflow pipe 6 is configured with multiple patterns according to the number of spray patterns in the shower head 4. The outflow pipe 6 connects the faucet body 2 and the shower hose 3a of the handheld shower head 3. The outflow pipe 6 connects the faucet body 2 and the tap 5.

[0055] At slide bar 7 (refer to) Figure 2 A sliding sleeve 8 that can move vertically is connected to the shower head 7. The handheld shower head 3 is mounted on the sliding sleeve 8. The sliding sleeve 8 moves vertically to change its height position relative to the sliding rod 7, thereby changing the height of the mounted handheld shower head 3.

[0056] The control unit 9 controls the water spray from the spray nozzle 41 of the shower 4. The control unit 9 controls the water spray from the spray nozzle 41, thereby executing the water spray mode in the shower 4. The control unit 9 can be, for example, a processing device such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), or a storage device such as ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), or HDD (Hard Disk Drive).

[0057] The control unit 9 may be located inside the operating unit 10, for example. It should be noted that the control unit 9 may also be located outside the operating unit 10. Furthermore, the control unit 9 may also be built into the shower unit 4.

[0058] The user operates the control unit 10 after setting the water volume and temperature from the shower head 4 (spray nozzle 41), selecting and executing the spray mode. The control unit 10 is built into the faucet body 2. It should be noted that the control unit 10 can also be used as a stand for holding items such as shampoo.

[0059] Shower faucet 1 sprays hot and cold water from a handheld shower 3, shower 4, or tap 5. Hot and cold water includes mixed hot and cold water (a mixture of cold and hot water) and cold water itself. Hot and cold water may also include hot water that is not mixed with cold water.

[0060] It should be noted that, in Figure 1 In this shower faucet 1, there is a handheld shower head 3, a shower head 4, and a faucet 5, but it is not limited to these. Shower faucet 1 may also have two of the following: a handheld shower head 3, a shower head 4, and a faucet 5. Shower faucet 1 may also have only a shower head 4.

[0061] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing the first area of ​​the sprinkler surface. It should be noted that... Figure 3In the diagram, the upper part of the sprinkler surface is designated as the upper part of the sprinkler surface, and the lower part is designated as the lower part of the sprinkler surface. For example... Figure 3 As shown, a plurality of spray nozzles 41 are provided on the water spray surface 42 of the shower 4. The spray nozzles 41 are arranged in a prescribed configuration on the water spray surface 42. The spray nozzles 41 include a first spray nozzle 411, a second spray nozzle 412, and a third spray nozzle 413.

[0062] Multiple first water nozzles 411 are spaced at predetermined intervals on approximately the entire surface of the spray surface 42. The first water nozzles 411 are positioned along a center line L that bisects the spray surface 42 in the left-right direction. C It is set symmetrically on both sides of the center.

[0063] The second water nozzle 412 is located at the lower part of the water spray surface 42. Figure 3 In the example shown, three second spray nozzles 412 are provided at the lower part of the spray surface 42. In this case, regarding the second spray nozzles 412, one of the three is located at the center in the left-right direction of the spray surface 42, i.e., along the centerline L. C Above, the remaining two are located on the left and right sides of the second water jet 412 in the center.

[0064] The second nozzle 412 is a nozzle with a larger diameter than the first nozzle 411. The second nozzle 412 has a higher flow rate per unit time. Water from the second nozzle 412 collides with the protrusions located inside the second nozzle 412, causing the water flow to vortex periodically, and the water is violently sprayed while vibrating left and right at high speed.

[0065] The third spray nozzle 413 is located on the upper part of the spray surface 42. Figure 3 In the example shown, five third spray nozzles 413 are provided on the upper part of the spray surface 42. In this case, regarding the third spray nozzles 413, three of the five are located at the center in the left-right direction of the spray surface 42, i.e., along the centerline L. C The upper part is arranged in a vertical direction, and the remaining two are located on the left and right sides of the third water nozzle 413 in the center of the vertical direction.

[0066] The third nozzle 413 is a nozzle that sprays water toward the user's head. It is preferable that the water spray from the third nozzle 413 be more forceful than the water spray from the first nozzle 411.

[0067] Control Unit 9 (refer to) Figure 1 It can execute a first water spray mode, a second water spray mode, and a third water spray mode. In the first water spray mode, the control unit 9 sprays water from the nozzle 41 toward the user's body, excluding the head. The water spray in the first water spray mode is from the nozzle 41, which is located in a first area A1 in a U-shape on the spray surface 42, excluding a designated area.

[0068] Specifically, such as Figure 3 As shown, the first region A1 is a U-shaped area of ​​the spray surface 42 excluding the upper defined area when viewed from the front. The first region A1 includes a first spray nozzle 411 and a second spray nozzle 412.

[0069] Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional diagram showing the flow path of the showerhead in the first spray mode. (See diagram below.) Figure 4 As shown, the faucet 5, which is connected to and supports the shower 4, houses three outflow pipes 6 corresponding to the first spray mode, the second spray mode, and the third spray mode, respectively. The three outflow pipes 6 are arranged in a left-right direction.

[0070] The first outflow pipe 61 of the three outflow pipes 6 corresponds to the first water spray pattern. The first outflow pipe 61 is located, for example, in the center of the faucet 5 in the left-right direction.

[0071] When the control unit 9 executes the first water spraying mode, hot and cold water W is supplied from the first outflow pipe 61 to the spray nozzle 41 in the first area A1 of the spray surface 42.

[0072] Figure 5 This is an explanatory diagram of the shower spray pattern in the first spray mode. It should be noted that... Figure 5 The image shows a user using the shower with their back to it.

[0073] like Figure 5 As shown, in the first water spray mode, the control unit 9 (refer to...) Figure 1 ) water sprayed from nozzle 41 in the first area A1 of the sprinkler surface 42 (refer to Figure 3 That is, the first water jet 411 (refer to) Figure 3 ) and second nozzle 412 (refer to Figure 3 ( ) spray water.

[0074] In the first water spray mode, the control unit 9 sprays water simultaneously from the water nozzle 41 within the first region A1 toward both the front side (which is the side of the user H's body) and the back side (which is the opposite side). The water sprayed from the water nozzle 41 within the first region A1 flows from the front of the user H, around the shoulder, and to the back. Thus, the user H can simultaneously enjoy hot and cold water W on both the front and back of their body, excluding the head.

[0075] In addition, the water jet from the second nozzle 412 in the first area A1 increases the amount of water sprayed toward the user H's waist.

[0076] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing the second area within the sprinkler surface. It should be noted that... Figure 6In the diagram, the upper part of the sprinkler surface is designated as the upper part of the sprinkler surface, and the lower part is designated as the lower part of the sprinkler surface. Furthermore, in... Figure 6 In, with Figure 3 The same reference numerals are used for the same parts. Hereinafter, reference numerals will be omitted. Figure 3 Description of the same parts.

[0077] In the second water spray mode, control unit 9 (refer to...) Figure 1 Water is sprayed from the third nozzle 413 toward the user's head. In the second spray mode, the water is sprayed from the nozzle 41 (third nozzle 413) located in the second area A2, which is a designated area of ​​the area other than the first area A1, which becomes the spray surface 42.

[0078] Figure 7 This is a three-dimensional diagram showing the flow path of the showerhead in the second spray mode. (See diagram below.) Figure 7 As shown, the second outflow pipe 62 of the three outflow pipes 6 corresponds to the second water spray pattern. The second outflow pipe 62 is located, for example, to the left of the first outflow pipe 61 located in the center of the faucet 5.

[0079] When the control unit 9 executes the second spray mode, hot and cold water W is supplied from the second outflow pipe 62 to the third spray nozzle 413 in the second area A12 of the spray surface 42.

[0080] Figure 8 This is an explanatory diagram of the shower spray scheme in the second spray mode. It should be noted that... Figure 8 The image shows a user using the shower with their back to it.

[0081] like Figure 8 As shown, in the second water spraying mode, the control unit 9 controls the water spray from the nozzles 41 in the second area A2 of the water spray surface 42 (see reference). Figure 6 That is, the third nozzle 413 (refer to) Figure 6 The water sprays from the third nozzle 413 within the second area A2 toward the head of the user H. In the second spray mode, the control unit 9 sprays water from the third nozzle 413 within the second area A2 toward the user H's head. Thus, the user can enjoy hot and cold water (W) over their head.

[0082] Figure 9 This is a diagram showing the first and third areas of the sprinkler surface. It should be noted that... Figure 9 In the diagram, the upper part of the sprinkler surface is designated as the upper part of the sprinkler surface, and the lower part is designated as the lower part of the sprinkler surface. Furthermore, in... Figure 9 In, with Figure 3 and Figure 6 The same reference numerals are used for the same parts. Hereinafter, reference numerals will be omitted. Figure 3 and Figure 6Description of the same parts.

[0083] In the third water spray mode, control unit 9 (refer to...) Figure 1 The third spray pattern sprays water from nozzle 41 towards the user's entire body, including the head. The water in the third spray pattern is sprayed from nozzles 41 (first nozzle 411 and second nozzle 412) within the first area A1 of the spray surface 42. Furthermore, the water in the third spray pattern is sprayed from areas outside the designated area, excluding the second area A2 (see reference). Figure 6 The water spray is carried out by the water nozzle 41 (first water nozzle 411) in the third area A3 outside the first area A1, and the designated area becomes the area of ​​the water spray surface 42 other than the first area A1.

[0084] Figure 10 This is a three-dimensional diagram showing the flow path of the showerhead in the third spray mode. (Example) Figure 10 As shown, the third outflow pipe 63 of the three outflow pipes 6 corresponds to the third water spray pattern. The third outflow pipe 63 is located, for example, to the right of the first outflow pipe 61 located in the center of the faucet 5.

[0085] When the control unit 9 executes the third spray mode, hot and cold water W is supplied from the third outflow pipe 63 to the first spray nozzle 411 and the second spray nozzle 412 in the first area A1 of the spray surface 42. Furthermore, when the control unit 9 executes the third spray mode, hot and cold water W is supplied from the third outflow pipe 63 to the first spray nozzle 411 in the third area A3 of the spray surface 42. It should be noted that a check valve is provided at the branch point where the hot and cold water W from the third outflow pipe 63 flows to the spray nozzle 41 in the first area A1 and the spray nozzle 41 in the third area A3.

[0086] Figure 11 This is an illustration of the shower spray pattern in the third spray mode. It should be noted that... Figure 11 The image shows a user using the shower with their back to it.

[0087] like Figure 11 As shown, in the third water spraying mode, the control unit 9 sprays water from the first water nozzle 411 and the second water nozzle 412 within the first area A1 of the spray surface 42. Furthermore, in the third water spraying mode, water is sprayed from areas other than the second area A2 (see reference 411). Figure 6 Water is sprayed from the first water nozzle 411 in the third area A3, which is outside the first area A1. The designated area becomes the area of ​​the water spray surface 42 other than the first area A1.

[0088] In the third water spray mode, the control unit 9 sprays water onto the user H's entire body, including the head. Thus, even without water spraying from the second water nozzle 412 in the second area A2, water can be sprayed from the first water nozzle 411 in the third area A3, allowing the user H to enjoy hot and cold water W over their entire body, including the head.

[0089] In the first embodiment, the shower faucet 1 executes a first spray mode via the control unit 9, spraying water from the nozzle 41 toward the user H in an area excluding the head. The water spray (shower spray) from the nozzle 41 does not reach the user H's head. As a result, the user H can enjoy a full-body shower without experiencing breathing difficulties, thus improving the user experience of the shower 4.

[0090] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the shower faucet 1 sprays water simultaneously towards the front of the user H's body on one side and the back of the user H's body on the other side, allowing the user H to shower their entire body except for their head. This improves the user experience of the shower 4.

[0091] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the shower faucet 1, with its spray nozzle 41 positioned in a U-shaped first area A1 on the spray surface 42 of the showerhead 4, allows the user H to shower their entire body except for the head. This improves the user experience of the showerhead 4.

[0092] Furthermore, the shower faucet 1 of the first embodiment, with its first region A1 being a U-shaped area of ​​the spray surface 42 (excluding the upper designated area) when viewed from the front, allows for easy shower spraying that avoids the user H's head. Additionally, the shower spray from the first region A1 travels from the user H's front, over their shoulder, and around to their back. Therefore, the user H can simultaneously enjoy shower spray from both the front and back of their body.

[0093] Furthermore, the shower faucet 1 of the first embodiment, by arranging a second spray nozzle 412 with a larger diameter than the other spray nozzles 41 and a higher flow rate per unit time at the lower part of the spray surface 42, can increase the amount of water sprayed towards the user H's waist. This improves the user experience of the shower 4. Moreover, by making the diameter of the second spray nozzle 412 larger at the lower part of the spray surface 42, excess water from the shower 4 is discharged from this larger diameter second spray nozzle 412. This shortens the time required for excess water treatment in the shower 4.

[0094] Furthermore, the shower faucet 1 of the first embodiment can execute a second spray mode via the control unit 9, enabling it to spray shower water toward the head of the user H.

[0095] Furthermore, the shower faucet 1 of the first embodiment can form a second region A2 for the second spray pattern on the spray surface 42 without reducing the first region A1 by spraying water from the second spray nozzle 412 in the second region A2 in a second spray pattern.

[0096] Furthermore, the shower faucet 1 of the first embodiment executes a third spray mode via the control unit 9, allowing water to spray from the third spray nozzle 413 in the third region A3 towards the user H's head even without spraying water from the second spray nozzle 412 in the second region A2. Moreover, by executing the third spray mode via the control unit 9, which sprays water from the first spray nozzle 411 and the second spray nozzle 412 in the first region A1 and the third spray nozzle 413 in the third region A3, shower water can be sprayed onto the user H's entire body, including the head.

[0097] (Second Implementation)

[0098] Reference Figure 12 and Figure 13 The outline of the shower faucet in the second embodiment will be described. Figure 12 This is an explanatory diagram of the shower faucet according to the second embodiment. Figure 13 This is a perspective view showing the shower faucet according to the second embodiment. It should be noted that... Figure 13 Only the shower is shown.

[0099] It should be noted that the shower faucet in the first embodiment described above is an exposed type. In contrast, the shower faucet in the second embodiment is an embedded type, as described later. The shower faucet in the second embodiment differs from that in the first embodiment, but the configuration of the shower nozzle and the spray surface is the same as in the first embodiment.

[0100] like Figure 12 As shown, shower faucet 1 is located in bathroom 1000. Shower faucet 1 includes a faucet body (not shown), a handheld shower head 3, a shower head (overhead shower head) 4, a faucet 5, outlet pipes 6a, 6b, and 6c, and a slide bar 7 (see reference). Figure 13 ), Sliding sleeve 8 (refer to) Figure 13 ), control unit 9 and operation unit 10.

[0101] A portion of the shower faucet 1 is located within the wall 1001 of the bathroom 1000. In the shower faucet 1, the faucet body and the outflow pipes 6a, 6b, and 6c are located within the wall 1001. On the other hand, in the shower faucet 1, the handheld shower head 3, the shower head 4, the slide bar 7, the slide sleeve 8, the operating part 10, and the front panel 11 are exposed to the bathroom 1000.

[0102] That is, the shower faucet 1 is a so-called embedded shower faucet in which the faucet body is embedded in the wall 1001 of the bathroom 1000.

[0103] The shower 4 is installed in the upper part of the bathroom 1000. The shower 4 is supported by an arm 43 extending from the wall 1001 into the bathroom 1000 (see reference). Figure 13 And it is set on the wall surface 1001. Inside the arm 43, there is a structure such as... Figure 3 , Figure 6 as well as Figure 9 The outflow pipes 61, 62, and 63 are shown as shown. It should be noted that the shower 4 can also be installed on the ceiling 1002 of the bathroom 1000.

[0104] like Figure 13 As shown, the shower 4 has a spray nozzle 41 (see reference). Figure 3 , Figure 6 as well as Figure 9 The shower head 41 sprays hot and cold water flowing through the outlet pipe 6 towards the user of the shower head 4, i.e., the user located below the shower head 4. The shower head 42 is the surface located at the bottom of the shower head 4. Multiple spray heads 41 are provided on the shower head 42.

[0105] like Figure 12 As shown, the outflow pipe 6 connects the faucet body and the shower head 4. When there are multiple spray patterns in the shower head 4, the outflow pipe 6 is configured with multiple patterns according to the number of spray patterns in the shower head 4. Outflow pipe 6a connects the faucet body and the shower hose 3a of the handheld shower head 3. Outflow pipe 6b connects the faucet body and the tap 5.

[0106] A sliding sleeve 8, which can move vertically, is connected to the sliding rod 7. The handheld shower 3 is mounted on the sliding sleeve 8. The sliding sleeve 8 moves vertically, changing its height position relative to the sliding rod 7, thereby changing the height of the mounted handheld shower 3.

[0107] The control unit 9 controls the water spray from the spray nozzle 41 of the shower 4. The control unit 9 controls the water spray from the spray nozzle 41, thereby executing the water spray mode in the shower 4. The control unit 9 can be, for example, a processing device such as a CPU, or a storage device such as ROM, RAM, or HDD.

[0108] The control unit 9 may be located inside the operating unit 10, for example. It should be noted that the control unit 9 may also be located outside the operating unit 10. Furthermore, the control unit 9 may also be built into the shower unit 4.

[0109] When setting the water volume and temperature from the shower head 4 (spray nozzle 41), selecting and executing the spray mode, the user operates the control unit 10. In the recessed shower faucet 1, the control unit 10 is embedded in the wall surface 1001, with only the operating surface exposed.

[0110] Shower faucet 1 sprays hot and cold water from a handheld shower 3, shower 4, or tap 5. Hot and cold water includes mixed hot and cold water (a mixture of cold and hot water) and cold water itself. Hot and cold water may also include hot water that is not mixed with cold water.

[0111] It should be noted that, in Figure 13 In this shower faucet 1, there is a handheld shower head 3, a shower head 4, and a faucet 5, but it is not limited to these. Shower faucet 1 may also have two of the following: a handheld shower head 3, a shower head 4, and a faucet 5. Shower faucet 1 may also have only a shower head 4.

[0112] Figure 14 This is a perspective view showing the installation structure of the shower. (Example) Figure 14 As shown, in shower 4 (refer to Figure 13 In the installation structure of the shower 4, the shower unit 4 has an inner panel 44. The inner panel 44 is, for example, a plate-shaped member made of rigid resin, and has a first elongated hole 441 and a second elongated hole 442.

[0113] A first elongated hole 441 is formed in the center of the inner plate 44. The first elongated hole 441 is an elongated hole that extends in the left-right direction. A second elongated hole 442 is formed around the first elongated hole 441. For example, there are four second elongated holes 442, which are formed at equal intervals from the first elongated holes 441. The second elongated holes 442 are elongated holes that extend in the vertical direction.

[0114] In bathroom 1000 (reference) Figure 12 ) wall 1001 (refer to) Figure 13 An embedded box 50 is pre-fixed inside the wall 1001. The arm 43 of the shower 4 is installed in the embedded box 50 fixed inside the wall 1001. The arm 43 is fixed to the embedded box 50.

[0115] Furthermore, the inner plate 44 is moved to the insert box 50 by inserting the arm 43 through the first elongated hole 441 from the top of the arm 43. The inner plate 44, which has moved to the insert box 50, is fixed to the insert box 50 by installing small screws 443 through the second elongated hole 442.

[0116] Here, construction errors may sometimes occur in the insert box 50. For example, when the arm 43 is installed extending horizontally from the wall 1001, construction errors may sometimes occur in the insert box 50 in the left-right direction.

[0117] The inner plate 44 allows for lateral errors by making the length of the first elongated hole 441 in the lateral direction longer than the length of the arm 43 in the lateral direction. Furthermore, the arm 43 extends obliquely upward from the wall surface 1001. Therefore, construction errors in both the vertical and horizontal directions may sometimes occur in the insert box 50.

[0118] The inner panel 44, through the second elongated hole 442 extending vertically, also allows for vertical errors. After the inner panel 44 is fixed, a metal decorative panel, such as stainless steel, can be fixed to it.

[0119] In the second embodiment, the shower faucet 1 executes a first spray mode via the control unit 9, spraying water from the nozzle 41 towards the user H in an area excluding the head. The water spray (shower spray) from the nozzle 41 will not reach the user H's head. As a result, the user H can enjoy a full-body shower without experiencing breathing difficulties, thus improving the user experience of the shower 4.

[0120] Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the shower faucet 1 sprays water simultaneously towards the front of the user H's body on one side and the back of the user H's body on the other side, allowing the user H to shower their entire body except for their head. This improves the user experience of the shower 4.

[0121] Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the shower faucet 1 has a spray nozzle 41 positioned in a U-shaped first area A1 on the spray surface 42 of the showerhead 4, allowing the user H to shower their entire body except for the head. This improves the user experience of the showerhead 4.

[0122] Furthermore, the shower faucet 1 of the second embodiment, with its first region A1 being a U-shaped area of ​​the spray surface 42 (excluding the upper designated area) when viewed from the front, allows for easy shower spraying that avoids the user H's head. Additionally, the shower spray from the first region A1 flows from the user H's front, over the shoulder, and around to the back. Therefore, the user H can simultaneously enjoy shower spray from both the front and back of their body.

[0123] Furthermore, the shower faucet 1 of the second embodiment increases the amount of water sprayed towards the user's waist by arranging a second nozzle 412, which has a larger diameter than the other nozzles 41 and a higher flow rate per unit time, at the lower part of the spray surface 42. This improves the user experience of the shower 4. Additionally, by making the diameter of the second nozzle 412 larger at the lower part of the spray surface 42, excess water from the shower 4 is discharged from this larger diameter nozzle 412. This shortens the time required for excess water disposal from the shower 4.

[0124] Furthermore, the shower faucet 1 in the second embodiment executes the second spray mode through the control unit 9, enabling it to spray shower water toward the head of the user H.

[0125] Furthermore, the shower faucet 1 of the second embodiment sprays water in a second spray pattern from the second nozzle 412 in the second region A2, and can form a second region A2 for the second spray pattern on the spray surface 42 without reducing the first region A1.

[0126] Furthermore, the shower faucet 1 in the second embodiment executes a third spray mode via the control unit 9, allowing water to spray from the third spray nozzle 413 in the third region A3 towards the user H's head even without spraying water from the second spray nozzle 412 in the second region A2. Moreover, by executing the third spray mode via the control unit 9, which sprays water from the first spray nozzle 411 and the second spray nozzle 412 in the first region A1 and the third spray nozzle 413 in the third region A3, shower water can be sprayed onto the user H's entire body, including the head.

[0127] (Other implementation methods)

[0128] The shower faucet 1 may also have a spray hole (not shown) on the spray surface 42 of the shower 4. The spray hole sprays a mist of water with a diameter smaller than that of the other spray nozzles 41 (first spray nozzle 411 and second spray nozzle 412) from the first area A1. The spray hole is located in the lower part of the first area A1 when the spray surface 42 is viewed from the front. The spray hole may also be provided, for example, in place of the second spray nozzle 412.

[0129] The shower faucet 1 has a spray hole, which can spray water in a mist (mist spray).

[0130] Alternatively, the shape of the first region A1 in the spray surface 42 of the shower faucet 1 may be different from the shape described in the above embodiment. The shape of the first region A1 may also be an inverted U-shape that is convex upwards. Even if the first region A1 is an inverted U-shape, the first spray mode can still be executed, and the water spray (shower spray) from the nozzle 41 will not spray onto the head of the user H. As a result, the user H can shower the entire body except for the head without experiencing breathing difficulties, thus improving the user experience of the shower 4.

[0131] <Postscript>

[0132] (1) A shower faucet, wherein a shower is installed at the upper part of a bathroom, the shower faucet comprising:

[0133] The water spray nozzles spray water towards the user located below the shower.

[0134] The water spray surface is provided with the aforementioned spray nozzles; and

[0135] The control unit controls the water spray from the nozzle.

[0136] The control unit executes a first water spray mode, which sprays water from the nozzles toward the user's body, excluding the head.

[0137] (2) According to the shower faucet described in (1) above, in the first spray mode, water is sprayed simultaneously from one side of the user’s body toward the spray nozzle and the other side opposite to the first side.

[0138] (3) According to the shower faucet described in (2) above, the water spray in the first spray mode is from the spray nozzle in the first area arranged in a U-shape on the spray surface, excluding the designated area.

[0139] (4) The shower faucet according to (3) above, wherein the first area is the U-shaped area of ​​the spray surface other than the upper specified area when the spray surface is viewed from the front.

[0140] (5) The shower faucet according to (4) above, wherein the shower is tilted such that the upper part of the spray surface is above and the lower part of the spray surface is below when viewed from the front, and the first region is provided with a spray nozzle at the lower part of the spray surface that has a flow rate per unit time greater than that of the other spray nozzles in the first region.

[0141] (6) The shower faucet according to (3) or (4) above, wherein the control unit executes a second spray mode, the second spray mode spraying water from the spray nozzle toward the user's head.

[0142] (7) The shower faucet according to (6) above, wherein the water spray in the second spray mode is performed from the spray nozzle of the second area disposed in the designated area of ​​the spray surface.

[0143] (8) The shower faucet according to (3) or (4) above, wherein,

[0144] When viewed from the front, the lower part of the first area is provided with a spray hole that sprays a mist of water with a diameter smaller than that of the other spray nozzles in the first area.

[0145] (9) The shower faucet according to (6) or (7) above, wherein,

[0146] The control unit is capable of executing the second spraying mode from the spray nozzles in the second area of ​​the designated area located on the spray surface.

[0147] The control unit executes a third water spraying mode, which sprays water from the water nozzles disposed in the first region and from the water nozzles disposed in the third region other than the second region within the specified area of ​​the water spraying surface.

[0148] Many more effects and variations can be readily derived by those skilled in the art. Therefore, the broader scope of the invention is not limited to the specific details and representative embodiments shown and described above. Thus, various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the inclusive inventive concept as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A shower faucet, wherein a showerhead is installed at the upper part of a bathroom, the shower faucet comprising: The water spray nozzles spray water towards the user located below the shower. The water spray surface is provided with the aforementioned spray nozzles; and The control unit controls the water spray from the nozzle. The control unit executes a first water spray mode, which sprays water from the nozzles toward the user's body, excluding the head.

2. The shower faucet according to claim 1, wherein, In the first water spray mode, water is sprayed simultaneously from one side of the user's body toward the spray nozzle and the other side opposite to the first side.

3. The shower faucet according to claim 2, wherein, In the first water spraying mode, the water is sprayed from a spray nozzle in a U-shaped first area located on the spray surface, excluding the designated area.

4. The shower faucet according to claim 3, wherein, The first region is the U-shaped area of ​​the spray surface, excluding the upper defined region, when viewed from the front.

5. The shower faucet according to claim 4, wherein, The showerhead is tilted such that, when viewed from the front, the upper part of the spray surface is above and the lower part of the spray surface is below. The first region is provided with a water nozzle at the lower part of the water spray surface, which has a flow rate per unit time greater than that of the other water nozzles in the first region.

6. The shower faucet according to claim 3 or 4, wherein, The control unit executes a second water spray mode, which sprays water from the nozzle toward the user's head.

7. The shower faucet according to claim 6, wherein, In the second water spraying mode, the water spraying is performed from the water spray nozzles in the second area of ​​the designated area within the water spraying surface.

8. The shower faucet according to claim 3 or 4, wherein, When viewed from the front, the lower part of the first area is provided with a spray hole that sprays a mist of water with a diameter smaller than that of the other spray nozzles in the first area.

9. The shower faucet according to claim 7, wherein, The control unit executes a third water spraying mode, which sprays water from the water nozzles disposed in the first region and from the water nozzles disposed in the third region other than the second region within the specified area of ​​the water spray surface.

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