Spray head

Abstract

The spray header disclosed by the utility model can be used for inhibiting the generation of bacteria, so that a clean state is maintained. The present invention is provided with: a mixing chamber in which a liquid agent and water can be mixed to generate a mixed liquid; a water dispersing surface having water dispersing holes through which the mixed liquid generated in the mixing chamber can be discharged; a first flow path capable of supplying the water flowing in from the shower pipe to the mixing chamber; a second flow path capable of supplying the mixed liquid generated in the mixing chamber to the water dispersing hole; a third flow path capable of supplying the liquid to the mixing chamber; a switching unit capable of changing between a supply state in which the liquid is supplied to the mixing chamber and a non-supply state in which the liquid cannot be supplied to the mixing chamber; and a check valve which is provided in the third flow path, can prevent the reverse flow of the liquid agent, and is provided at the same position as the switching part or on the downstream side of the switching part.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The utility model relates to a spray head. BACKGROUND

[0002] In the past, a spray head provided with a spray head main body and a cleaning liquid container capable of being installed to the spray head main body is known (Patent Literature 1, etc.). The spray head described in Patent Literature 1 is configured to mix the cleaning liquid contained in the cleaning liquid container and the water flowing into the spray head main body in the inside of the spray head main body, and to discharge the foam water from the water discharge cover. In addition, the spray head described in Patent Literature 1 is configured to be capable of switching the discharge of the foam water and the discharge of only the water by opening and closing the connection passage connected to the cleaning liquid container by the use of the control mechanism. Further, the spray head described in Patent Literature 1 is configured to prevent the cleaning liquid in the connection passage from flowing backward to the cleaning liquid container by providing the check valve between the cleaning liquid container and the connection passage.

[0003] PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS

[0004] PATENT LITERATURE

[0005] Patent Literature 1: Japanese Utility Model Registration No. 3247830 SUMMARY

[0006] PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0007] However, in the spray head described in Patent Literature 1, there is a problem that the control mechanism is provided further downstream than the check valve, and thus the diluted cleaning liquid is retained in the region between the control mechanism and the check valve of the connection passage when the control mechanism is made to be in the closed state, and bacteria can be generated.

[0008] The utility model relates to a spray head capable of inhibiting the generation of bacteria, thereby maintaining a clean state.

[0009] TECHNICAL SOLUTION FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEMS

[0010] The spray head according to the utility model is provided with: a mixing chamber capable of mixing a liquid agent and water to generate a mixed liquid; a water discharge surface having a water discharge hole capable of discharging the mixed liquid generated in the mixing chamber; a first flow path capable of supplying the water flowing from a spray pipe to the mixing chamber; a second flow path capable of supplying the mixed liquid generated in the mixing chamber to the water discharge hole; a third flow path capable of supplying the liquid agent to the mixing chamber; a switching section capable of changing the state of supplying the liquid agent to the mixing chamber and the state of not supplying the liquid agent to the mixing chamber; and a check valve provided in the third flow path, the check valve being configured to allow the flow of fluid in the direction toward the mixing chamber and to prevent the flow of fluid in the opposite direction, the check valve being provided at the same position as the switching section or further downstream than the switching section.

[0011] Utility Model Effect

[0012] The spray head involved in this invention can inhibit the growth of bacteria, thereby maintaining a clean state. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing the entire spray head involved in this embodiment.

[0014] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the spray head.

[0015] Figure 3 It is a schematic cross-sectional view of the structure of the spray head, showing the longitudinal section in a partially omitted manner.

[0016] Figure 4 This is a magnified cross-sectional view of the area near the switching section.

[0017] Figure 5 This is a three-dimensional diagram showing the components that form the central flow path.

[0018] Figure 6 It is a schematic enlarged cross-sectional view of the structure near the switching section of the supply state, partially omitted.

[0019] Figure 7 This is a schematic enlarged cross-sectional view showing the structure near the switching section of the supply state, with some parts omitted.

[0020] Figure 8 This is a schematic enlarged cross-sectional view showing the structure of the cross section near the switching section in the non-supply state, partially omitted. Detailed Implementation

[0021] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described using the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, the following embodiments are not intended to limit the invention to the claims, and the combinations of features described in the embodiments are not limited to those necessary for the solution of the invention. Additionally, in this embodiment, there are instances where the scale and dimensions of each constituent element are exaggerated, and some constituent elements are omitted.

[0022] [Overall structure of the sprinkler head]

[0023] The spray head 1 according to this embodiment is configured to, when connected to a spray pipe (not shown), mix a liquid (e.g., a cleaning agent) with water supplied from the spray pipe to generate a mixture (e.g., a cleaning solution diluted with the cleaning agent), and discharge the generated mixture from the water-spreading surface 151 (water-spreading hole 152) of the spray head 1.

[0024] Specifically, such as Figure 1 andFigure 2 As shown in FIG. 1, the shower head 1 according to the present embodiment includes a shower head body 100 configured to mix a liquid agent and water, and a liquid agent containing container 300 configured to be attachable to and detachable from the shower head body 100 and to supply the liquid agent to the shower head body 100. The shower head body 100 is configured to be connectable to a shower pipe (not shown) at a lower end thereof. The liquid agent containing container 300 is configured to be attachable to and detachable from the shower head body 100.

[0025] Further, as shown in FIG. 1, Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown in FIG. 1, the shower head 1 according to the present embodiment includes a shower head body 100 configured to mix a liquid agent and water, and a liquid agent containing container 300 configured to be attachable to and detachable from the shower head body 100 and to supply the liquid agent to the shower head body 100. The shower head body 100 is configured to be connectable to a shower pipe (not shown) at a lower end thereof. The liquid agent containing container 300 is configured to be attachable to and detachable from the shower head body 100.

[0026] The first flow path 500 and the second flow path 600 form a Venturi structure configured to generate a negative pressure in the mixing chamber 400 by water flowing through the first flow path 500 and the second flow path 600. Further, the shower head 1 according to the present embodiment is configured such that, due to the negative pressure generated by the Venturi structure, the switching portion 200 introduces the liquid agent and air from the third flow path 700 into the mixing chamber 400 in the supply state, and the switching portion 200 introduces only air from the third flow path 700 into the mixing chamber 400 in the non-supply state. With this configuration, the shower head 1 according to the present embodiment is configured such that the switching portion 200 discharges foam from the water dispersion surface 151 (water dispersion hole 152) in the supply state, and the switching portion 200 discharges only water from the water dispersion surface 151 (water dispersion hole 152) in the non-supply state.

[0027] The detailed structure of the spray head 1 with this configuration will be described below. In this specification, the direction in which the liquid (mixture or water) is sprayed from the water distribution surface 151 will be described as "front," and the opposite direction will be described as "rear." Furthermore, in this specification, the direction in which the spray pipe is mounted on the spray head 1 will be described as "downward," and the opposite direction will be described as "upward." Further, in this specification, the state in which the head 150 and the liquid container 300 are positioned higher than the handle portion 110 will be described as the "upright state," and the state in which the head 150 and the liquid container 300 are positioned lower than the handle portion 110 will be described as the "inverted state." Additionally, the "inverted state" will also include the state in which the spray head 1 is tilted with the head 150 and the liquid container 300 positioned lower than the handle portion 110.

[0028] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the case where the shower head 1 is configured to be connected to a single shower pipe has been described, but it is not limited to this. For example, the shower head 1 may be configured to exist integrally with the shower pipe and be directly connected to a faucet (not shown), or it may be configured to be connected to multiple shower pipes.

[0029] [Structure of the spray head body]

[0030] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the main body 100 of the spray head has: a handle portion 110 that can be held by a user; a head 150 provided above the handle portion 110 and having a water spray surface 151; and a switching portion 200 provided on the handle portion 110.

[0031] [Handle structure]

[0032] The handle 110 is formed into a generally cylindrical shape with a diameter that allows the user to grip it, and its upper end is fixed to the lower end of the head 150. A pipe connection 112 for mounting a spray pipe is provided at the lower end of the handle 110. The interior of the handle 110 is hollow, such as... Figure 3 As shown, a discharge hole 114 is formed at its lower end to drain liquid flowing into the handle portion 110. An air inlet hole 116 for introducing air into the first communication passage 220 or the second communication passage 230 (described later) of the switching section 200, and an opening 118 for exposing the switch portion 202 (described later) of the switching section 200, are formed on the circumferential surface of the handle portion 110. Furthermore, the pipe connection portion 112 can adopt various known structures, and therefore its description is omitted.

[0033] like Figure 3As shown, the handle portion 110 has a built-in flow path forming member for forming a flow path extending from the lower end to the upper end of the handle portion 110. In this embodiment, the flow path forming member includes: a lower flow path forming member 120A having a pipe connection portion 112; a middle flow path forming member 120B connected to the upper end of the lower flow path forming member 120A; and an upper flow path forming member 120C connected to the upper end of the middle flow path forming member 120B. The lower flow path forming member 120A, the middle flow path forming member 120B, and the upper flow path forming member 120C are all hollow, and the pipe connection portion 112 of the lower flow path forming member 120A to the upper end of the upper flow path forming member 120C are interconnected. The upper end of the upper flow path forming member 120C is configured to be liquid-tightly connected to the handle connection portion 153 of the head 150 (described later) via a sealing member such as an O-ring, allowing water or a mixture to be supplied to the head 150 via the handle connection portion 153. Furthermore, the flow path forming member disposed inside the handle portion 110 is not limited to this structure and various structures can be adopted. For example, it can be formed by a single flow path forming member instead of multiple flow path forming members.

[0034] like Figure 3 As shown, the central flow path forming member 120B has a cylindrical internal space extending from its upper end to its lower end. Figure 4 As shown, the internal space of the central flow path forming member 120B has an upper inner peripheral surface 122 extending downward from its upper end and a lower inner peripheral surface 124 with a diameter larger than the upper inner peripheral surface 122. A horizontal portion 126 extending radially outward is formed between the upper inner peripheral surface 122 and the lower inner peripheral surface 124, and the inner peripheral surface is formed as a whole in a stepped cross-section. The upper inner peripheral surface 122 has a shape that slopes downward from its upper end and radially inward, that is, a shape that gradually tapers downward at the front end.

[0035] like Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown, an inner cylindrical portion 160 is provided inside the central flow path forming member 120B. The inner cylindrical portion 160 is formed into a cylindrical shape that is open at the top and bottom, and has a shape that narrows from bottom to top near its front end. Furthermore, the inner cylindrical portion 160 is configured to be detachable from the central flow path forming member 120B. Specifically, the inner cylindrical portion 160 is configured to be detachable from the central flow path forming member 120B by inserting into the space defined by the horizontal portion 126 and the lower inner peripheral portion 124 within the internal space of the central flow path forming member 120B. Because the inner cylindrical portion 160 is configured to be detachable from the central flow path forming member 120B, i.e., the inner cylindrical portion 160 and the central flow path forming member 120B are separate components, it has the advantage of easily adjusting the spacing between the end of the first flow path 500 on the second flow path 600 side and the end of the second flow path 600 on the first flow path 500 side, which will be described later. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the inner cylindrical portion 160 is described as being able to be attached to and detached from the central flow path forming member 120B, but it is not limited to this. For example, the inner cylindrical portion 160 may also be configured such that it cannot be attached to and detached from the central flow path forming member 120B.

[0036] In addition, such as Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the central flow path forming member 120B has a pair of mounting walls (agent-side mounting wall 130A and air-side mounting wall 130B) extending forward from its outer peripheral surface. A switching section receiving space 132 capable of accommodating the switching section 200 is formed between the pair of mounting walls 130A and 130B.

[0037] The agent-side mounting wall 130A is configured to supply liquid from the liquid container 300 via the agent supply pipe 170 (described later) to the first communication passage 220 of the switching section 200. Specifically, a pipe connection portion 133 for connecting to the agent supply pipe 170 is formed on the outer surface of the agent-side mounting wall 130A. Furthermore, the agent-side mounting wall 130A has an agent supply hole 134 extending from the pipe connection portion 133 to the switching section receiving space 132, configured to allow liquid supplied via the agent supply pipe 170 to flow through the agent supply hole 134 into the first communication passage 220 of the switching section 200.

[0038] In this embodiment, the pipe connection 133, when the spray head 1 is upright, is positioned further below the outlet 340 of the liquid container 300 in the vertical direction. With this structure, when the spray head 1 is upright, the liquid can be introduced from the liquid container 300 by the weight of the liquid itself, in addition to the attractive force generated by the venturi structure.

[0039] The air-side mounting wall portion 130B is configured to selectively supply air supplied from the air introduction hole 116 (see FIG. 8) formed in the peripheral surface of the handle portion 110 to the first communication passage 220 or the second communication passage 230 of the switching portion 200. Specifically, a valve housing portion 135 extending in a cylindrical shape is formed in the outer surface of the air-side mounting wall portion 130B, and a third check valve 830 is embedded in the valve housing portion 135. In addition, the air-side mounting wall portion 130B is configured to have an air supply hole 136 that penetrates from the valve housing portion 135 to the switching portion housing space 132, and is capable of causing air supplied from the air introduction hole 116 and the third check valve 830 to flow toward either of the first communication passage 220 and the second communication passage 230 of the switching portion 200 via the air supply hole 136. Figure 1

[0040] Here, the third check valve 830 is configured to allow the flow of fluid in the direction from the outside of the shower head body 100 toward the second flow passage 600 and to prevent the flow of fluid in the direction from the liquid agent containing container 300 toward the outside of the shower head body 100. Specifically, the third check valve 830 is configured to be brought into an open state by negative pressure generated by water flowing in the first flow passage 500 and the second flow passage 600 regardless of the posture of the shower head 1, and to allow the flow of fluid in the direction from the outside of the shower head body 100 toward the second flow passage 600 via the first communication passage 220 or the second communication passage 230 of the switching portion 200. In addition, the third check valve 830 is configured to be brought into a closed state by the elastic force of the third check valve 830 when the supply of water from the faucet is stopped regardless of the posture of the shower head 1, and to prevent the flow of fluid in the direction from the liquid agent containing container 300 toward the outside of the shower head body 100 via the first communication passage 220 of the switching portion 200. With the third check valve 830 of such a configuration, in a state where the supply of water from the faucet is stopped, regardless of the posture of the shower head 1, it is possible to suppress the liquid agent in the liquid agent containing container 300 and the liquid agent stagnating in the first communication passage 220 or the like from leaking out of the air introduction hole 116 of the shower head body 100.

[0041] In the present embodiment, the third check valve 830 can employ a so-called duckbill valve having a mouth shape extending in the direction of the valve housing portion 135. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 8, the third check valve 830 has a base portion 832 in a circular ring shape, a peripheral wall portion 838 in a cylindrical shape extending in one direction from the base portion 832, and a pair of valve bodies 834 and 836 in a flat plate shape disposed on the inner side of the peripheral wall portion 838 and extending in one direction from the base portion 832. The pair of valve bodies 834 and 836 are connected to the base portion 832 in a manner facing each other at the base end, and are inclined in a manner that the front ends thereof contact each other from the base end toward the front end. Figure 6

[0042] ​​The peripheral wall portion 838 has a length in the opposite direction of the valve bodies 834 and 836. Figure 6 The length in the vertical direction is greater than the length in the planar direction of valve bodies 834 and 836. Figure 7 The peripheral wall portion 838 has a long shape (length in the vertical direction). That is, in a cross-section orthogonal to the extending direction of the peripheral wall portion 838, the peripheral wall portion 838 has an elliptical cross-section with the relative direction of the valve bodies 834 and 836 as the major axis and the planar direction of the valve bodies 834 and 836 as the minor axis. Preferably, the length of the major axis of the peripheral wall portion 838 is larger than the inner diameter of the valve receiving portion 135, and preferably the length of the minor axis of the peripheral wall portion 838 is smaller than the inner diameter of the valve receiving portion 135. The third check valve 830, by having such length dimensions of the major and minor axes of the peripheral wall portion 838, can suppress excessive restriction of the movement of the valve bodies 834 and 836, and apply pressure in the closing direction to the front end of the valve bodies 834 and 836, thus having the advantage of being able to perform sufficient check valve function even in low-pressure environments.

[0043] With this structure, the third check valve 830 can stably supply air to the interior of the spray head body 100 even when the suction force (negative pressure) generated by the venturi structure of the spray head body 100 is weak. However, the third check valve 830 is not limited to the structure described and illustrated above, and various check valves can be used.

[0044] Furthermore, such as Figure 4 As shown, an air / agent inlet passage 137 is formed in the middle flow path forming member 120B, which connects the switching section receiving space 132 and the internal space of the lower inner peripheral surface 124. A second check valve 820 is embedded in the air / agent inlet passage 137 (the third flow path 700). The air / agent inlet passage 137 is configured such that, in the supply state described later, the switching section 200 introduces liquid agent and air through the second check valve 820 from the first connecting passage 220 of the switching section 200 into the internal space of the lower inner peripheral surface 124 (the mixing chamber 400 described later). On the other hand, the air / agent inlet passage 137 is configured such that, in the non-supply state described later, the switching section 200 only introduces air through the second connecting passage 230 of the switching section 200 into the internal space of the lower inner peripheral surface 124 (the mixing chamber 400).

[0045] Here, the second check valve 820 is configured to allow fluid flow from the liquid container 300 toward the mixing chamber 400, and to prevent fluid flow from the mixing chamber 400 toward the liquid container 300. Specifically, the second check valve 820 is configured to be open regardless of the position of the shower head 1 due to the negative pressure generated by the water flowing in the first flow path 500 and the second flow path 600, allowing fluid flow from the first connecting passage 220 or the second connecting passage 230 of the switching unit 200 toward the mixing chamber 400. Furthermore, the second check valve 820 is configured to return to a closed state by its elasticity when the water supply from the faucet is stopped, regardless of the position of the shower head 1, preventing fluid flow from the mixing chamber 400 toward the first connecting passage 220 or the second connecting passage 230 of the switching unit 200. With the second check valve 820 having such a structure, when the water supply from the faucet is stopped, regardless of the position of the shower head 1, the backflow of water or liquid to the first communication path 220 or the second communication path 230 of the switching section 200 can be suppressed, thereby suppressing water from entering the liquid container 300 and / or water or liquid from leaking out of the air inlet hole 116 to the outside.

[0046] In this embodiment, the second check valve 820 can be a so-called duckbill valve having a spout shape in the downstream direction of the air / agent inlet path 137 (the third flow path 700). Specifically, as Figure 4 As shown, the second check valve 820, like the third check valve 830, has: an annular base portion 822; a cylindrical peripheral wall portion 828 extending from the base portion 822 in one direction; and a pair of flat valve bodies 824 and 826 disposed inside the peripheral wall portion 828 and extending obliquely from the base portion 822 in one direction. The peripheral wall portion 828, like the peripheral wall portion 838 of the third check valve 830, has an elliptical cross-section. Preferably, the length of the major axis in the cross-section of the peripheral wall portion 828 is larger than the inner diameter of the air / agent inlet passage 137 (third flow path 700), and preferably, the length of the minor axis in the cross-section of the peripheral wall portion 828 is smaller than the inner diameter of the air / agent inlet passage 137 (third flow path 700). With this structure, the second check valve 820, like the third check valve 830, can prevent excessive restriction of the movement of the valve bodies 824 and 826, and apply pressure in the closing direction to the front end of the valve bodies 824 and 826. Therefore, it has the advantage of being able to perform sufficient check valve function even in low-pressure environments. However, the second check valve 820 is not limited to the structure described and illustrated above, and various check valves can be used.

[0047] [Structure of the switching unit]

[0048] The switching section 200 is configured to be able to change a supply state (see Figure 7 ) in which the liquid agent housed in the liquid agent housing container 300 is supplied to the mixing chamber 400 and a non-supply state (see Figure 8 ) in which the liquid agent housed in the liquid agent housing container 300 is not supplied to the mixing chamber 400.

[0049] In the present embodiment, as shown in Figure 6 , the switching section 200 is housed in a switching section housing space 132 of the middle flow path forming member 120B. As shown in Figure 1 and Figure 4 , the switching section 200 has a switch section 202 that is exposed from the opening section 118 of the handle section 110 and is configured to be able to switch the supply state and the non-supply state by moving the switch section 202 in the up-down direction along the length direction of the opening section 118. Further, as shown in Figure 4 , the switching section 200 has an upper side protrusion section 204 that extends upward (one side of the moving direction) and a lower side protrusion section 206 that extends downward (the other side of the moving direction). The upper side protrusion section 204 and the lower side protrusion section 206 are guided to move linearly in the up-down direction by an upper side guide member 250 and a lower side guide member 252, respectively.

[0050] As shown in Figure 4 , the switching section 200 has two or more communication paths of different shapes. In the present embodiment, the switching section 200 has a first communication path 220 for supplying the liquid agent and the air to the mixing chamber 400 and a second communication path 230 for supplying only the air to the mixing chamber 400. Further, as shown in Figure 7 , the switching section 200 is configured to be able to supply the liquid agent housed in the liquid agent housing container 300 to the mixing chamber 400 together with the air by operating the switch section 202 in a manner that the first communication path 220 communicates with the air-agent introduction path 137 of the middle flow path forming member 120B. Further, as shown in Figure 8 , the switching section 200 is configured to be able to supply only the air to the mixing chamber 400 without supplying the liquid agent housed in the liquid agent housing container 300 to the mixing chamber 400 by operating the switch section 202 in a manner that the second communication path 230 communicates with the air-agent introduction path 137 of the middle flow path forming member 120B. As such, the switching section 200 involved in the present embodiment has the second communication path 230 for flowing only the air in addition to the first communication path 220 for flowing the liquid agent and the air, and by having a structure that switches them, it is possible to improve the switching speed of ON (supply) / OFF (stop) of the foam discharged from the water dispersing surface 151 (water dispersing hole 152) of the shower head 1.

[0051] Specifically, as shown in Figure 7As shown, when the switch section 202 is moved to one side (upward in the illustrated example), a first communication passage 220 of the switching section 200 is formed at a position communicating with the air / agent inlet passage 137. Furthermore, in the state of communicating with the air / agent inlet passage 137, the first communication passage 220 has: a liquid agent communication passage 222 communicating with the agent supply pipe 170 via the agent supply hole 134; an air communication passage 224 communicating with the air inlet hole 116 via the air supply hole 136 and the third check valve 830; and a merging communication passage 226 that causes the liquid agent flowing in the liquid agent communication passage 222 and the air flowing in the air communication passage 224 to merge and flow into the air / agent inlet passage 137. The merging communication passage 226 extends in a direction orthogonal to the liquid agent communication passage 222 and the air communication passage 224, thereby forming a T-shape for the first communication passage 220 as a whole.

[0052] Preferably, the vertical position of the spray head 1 in the liquid connection path 222, when in its upright state, is at the same position as or higher than the air connection path 224. This structure allows for efficient supply of liquid to the mixing chamber 400 when the spray head 1 is upright. In particular, when the vertical positions of the liquid connection path 222 and the air connection path 224 are the same, efficient supply of liquid to the mixing chamber 400 is possible in either the upright or inverted state of the spray head 1.

[0053] On the other hand, such as Figure 8 As shown, during the operation of moving the switch 202 to the other side (downward in the illustrated example), a second connecting passage 230 is formed at a position communicating with the air / agent inlet passage 137. Furthermore, in the state of communicating with the air / agent inlet passage 137, the second connecting passage 230 has: an air connecting passage 234 communicating with the air inlet hole 116 via the air supply hole 136 and the third check valve 830; and an air connecting passage 236 that allows air flowing in the air connecting passage 234 to further flow into the air / agent inlet passage 137. These air connecting passages 234 and 236 extend in mutually orthogonal directions, thereby forming an L-shape for the second connecting passage 230 as a whole. Additionally, in the non-supply state during the operation of moving the switch 202 to the other side (downward in the illustrated example), the first connecting passage 220 is configured not to communicate with the air / agent inlet passage 137 (the third flow path).

[0054] In this embodiment, such as Figure 4 As shown, an intermediate plate portion 240 is provided between the switching section 200 and the intermediate flow path forming member 120B (the third flow path). The intermediate plate portion 240 is formed in a flat plate shape, and a through hole 242 is formed at a position matching the air / agent inlet path 137. The switching section 200 surrounds the opening end of the first connecting path 220 and the second connecting path 230.

[0055] O-rings or other sealing members are provided around the opening end, and these sealing members contact the surface of the intermediate plate portion 240 to form a liquid-tight connection between the first connecting passage 220 and the through hole 242 in the supply state, and a liquid-tight connection between the second connecting passage 230 and the through hole 242 in the non-supply state. From the viewpoint of ensuring smooth movement of the switching portion 200, the intermediate plate portion 240 preferably has excellent sliding properties at least at the contact surface with the switching portion 200.

[0056] like Figure 4 As shown, the through hole 242 of the intermediate plate portion 240 has an opening diameter D2 smaller than the outer diameter D1 of the base portion 822 of the second check valve 820, and is disposed within the range of the opening of the base portion 822. With this structure, a small-diameter sealing member (O-ring) can be used while maintaining the size of the second check valve 820, thus enabling miniaturization of the switching section 200. Specifically, from the viewpoint of ensuring airtightness with the base portion 822 of the second check valve 820, the opening diameter D2 of the through hole 242 is preferably 70% or less, more preferably 60% or less, of the outer diameter D1 of the base portion 822 of the second check valve 820. Furthermore, the opening diameter D2 of the through hole 242 is preferably less than or equal to the inner diameter (opening diameter on the base portion 822 side) of the base portion 822 of the second check valve 820.

[0057] Furthermore, the opening diameter D2 of the through hole 242 in the intermediate plate portion 240 is larger than the opening diameter D3 of the first connecting passage 220 and the second connecting passage 230. From the viewpoint of suppressing flow resistance and achieving miniaturization, the opening diameter D3 of the first connecting passage 220 and the second connecting passage 230 is preferably φ1.5 mm or more, and more preferably φ2.0 mm or more. Additionally, the opening diameters of the first connecting passage 220 and the second connecting passage 230 can be the same diameter or different diameters.

[0058] [Structure of the mixing chamber and flow paths 1 through 3]

[0059] The spray head body 100 having the above structure includes: a mixing chamber 400 capable of mixing liquid and water to generate a mixed liquid; a first flow path 500 capable of supplying water flowing in from the spray pipe to the mixing chamber 400; a second flow path 600 capable of supplying the mixed liquid generated in the mixing chamber 400 to the water distribution hole 152; and a third flow path 700 capable of supplying liquid contained in the liquid container 300 to the mixing chamber 400.

[0060] The mixing chamber 400 is a space defined by the lower inner peripheral surface 124 and the horizontal portion 126 of the central flow path forming member 120B. The mixing chamber 400 is configured to mix water supplied from the first flow path 500 and liquid and air (only air in the non-supply state) supplied from the third flow path 700.

[0061] The first flow path 500 is a space defined by the inner peripheral surface of the inner side cylindrical portion 160, and is configured so that the flow path area narrows toward the second flow path 600. A part of the first flow path 500 is disposed inside the mixing chamber 400. In the present embodiment, a part of the first flow path 500 is disposed inside the mixing chamber 400 by the upper end portion of the inner side cylindrical portion 160 being located inside the mixing chamber 400.

[0062] The second flow path 600 is a space defined by the upper side inner peripheral surface portion 122 of the middle flow path forming member 120B, and is configured so that the flow path area narrows toward the first flow path 500. In the present embodiment, the second flow path 600 is disposed in the same direction as the axial direction (the up-down direction) of the first flow path 500. Specifically, the second flow path 600 is disposed in a coaxial manner with the first flow path 500. With this structure, the first flow path 500 and the second flow path 600 cooperate with each other to constitute a so-called Venturi flow path structure (Venturi structure).

[0063] The third flow path 700 is a space defined by the air / dispensable agent introduction path 137 of the middle flow path forming member 120B. In the present embodiment, the third flow path 700 is disposed in a direction (the front direction) that crosses the axial direction (the up-down direction) of the first flow path 500 and the second flow path 600. Specifically, the third flow path 700 is disposed in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the first flow path 500 and the second flow path 600. It is configured so that not only the dispensable agent is supplied to the third flow path 700, but also air supplied from the outside of the shower head body 100 via the air introduction hole 116 is supplied.

[0064] Furthermore, the second check valve 820 is provided in the third flow path 700. Specifically, the second check valve 820 is provided on the more downstream side than the switching portion 200. In other words, the switching portion 200 is provided on the more upstream side (the side away from the mixing chamber 400) than the second check valve 820. With this structure, in a state in which the switching portion 200 is switched to the non-supply state, it is possible to avoid the diluted dispensable agent from remaining between the second check valve 820 and the switching portion 200, and thus it is possible to suppress the generation of bacteria. That is, in a structure in which the switching portion is provided on the more downstream side than the check valve as in the shower head of Patent Document 1, in a state in which the switching portion is switched to the non-supply state, there is a possibility that the diluted dispensable agent remains on the downstream side of the check valve and bacteria are generated, but with the shower head body 100 of the present embodiment, it is possible to avoid such a problem. However, the position of the second check valve 820 is not limited to the position on the more downstream side than the switching portion 200, and can be the same position as the switching portion 200. Specifically, the second check valve 820 can also be provided inside the switching portion 200 (for example, the confluence communication path 226 of the first communication path 220, the air communication path 236 of the second communication path 230, and the like).

[0065] [Structure of head]

[0066] As shown in Figure 2 and Figure 3 , the head 150 has a drenching surface 151 provided on the front surface side, a handle connecting portion 153 provided on the lower end portion, and a housing recess 155 formed on the rear surface side.

[0067] A plurality of drenching holes 152 are formed in the drenching surface 151, and the drenching surface 151 is configured to be able to discharge water or a mixture from the drenching holes 152. The handle connecting portion 153 is configured to be able to be connected to the upper portion flow path formation member 120C of the handle portion 110 in a liquid-tight manner. A head side flow path 154 for causing water or a mixture flowing in from the upper portion flow path formation member 120C to flow to the drenching holes 152 is formed between the drenching surface 151 and the handle connecting portion 153.

[0068] As shown in Figure 2 and Figure 3 , the housing recess 155 is configured to be able to detachably mount the liquid agent housing container 300. Specifically, as shown in Figure 2 , the housing recess 155 has a circular bottom surface 155a that divides the head 150 into two portions in the front-rear direction and a peripheral wall 155b that extends from the periphery of the bottom surface 155a toward the rear, and is formed as a bottomed cylindrical shape as a whole.

[0069] A container connecting portion 156 to which the flow outlet 340 of the liquid agent housing container 300 is connected in a liquid-tight manner is provided on the bottom surface 155a of the housing recess 155. As shown in Figure 3 and Figure 6 , a liquid agent supply pipe 170 that causes liquid agent flowing out from the flow outlet 340 of the liquid agent housing container 300 to flow to the first communication path 220 (liquid agent communication path 222) of the switching portion 200 is connected to the container connecting portion 156. The liquid agent supply pipe 170 is a pipe member that is connected to the container connecting portion 156 of the head 150 in a liquid-tight manner at one end and is connected to the pipe connecting portion 133 of the switching portion 200 in a liquid-tight manner at the other end.

[0070] Further, a positioning recess 157 into which a later-described insertion protrusion 315 of the liquid agent housing container 300 is inserted is formed in the bottom surface 155a of the housing recess 155. The positioning recess 157 is formed to be able to suppress positional deviation of the liquid agent housing container 300 with respect to the head 150 by inserting the insertion protrusion 315 of the liquid agent housing container 300 into the positioning recess 157.

[0071] The head 150 has multiple discharge holes that discharge liquid remaining in the head 150 into the interior space of the handle portion 110, thus enabling the liquid to be discharged to the outside of the spray head body 100 via the interior space of the handle portion 110 and the discharge holes 114. With this structure, the spray head body 100 can prevent liquid from accumulating inside the head 150 and the handle portion 110, thereby inhibiting the growth of bacteria.

[0072] [Structure of liquid container]

[0073] like Figure 2 As shown, the liquid container 300 has a main body 310 capable of containing liquid and a cover 350 capable of being mounted relative to the main body 310, and is configured to be mounted on the receiving recess 155 formed in the head 150 of the spray head body 100. That is, the liquid container 300 is configured such that, in the upright state of the spray head 1, it is located on the side (above) closer to the water surface 151 than the connection between the first flow path 500 and the second flow path 600 and the third flow path 700.

[0074] [Structure that accommodates the main body]

[0075] like Figure 3 As shown, the main body 310 includes: a receiving space 320 capable of receiving liquid; an injection port 330 capable of injecting liquid into the receiving space 320; and an outlet 340 for the liquid contained in the receiving space 320 to flow out.

[0076] like Figure 2 , Figure 3 As shown, the receiving body portion 310 has a shape and size that can be attached to and detached from the receiving recess 155 formed in the head 150 of the spray head body 100. Specifically, in the spray head 1 of this embodiment, the receiving recess 155 of the head 150 is a bottomed cylindrical shape. Therefore, the receiving body portion 310 is formed into a flat, generally cylindrical shape with an outer diameter slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the receiving recess 155.

[0077] More specifically, the receiving main body 310 has a front wall portion opposite to the bottom surface 155a of the receiving recess 155 when it is received in the receiving recess 155 of the head 150, a rear wall portion opposite to the front wall portion, and a peripheral wall portion connecting the periphery of the front wall portion and the periphery of the rear wall portion. For example... Figure 2 As shown, a cylindrical injection port 330 is formed on the rear wall. An insertion protrusion 315 is formed on the front wall, which can be inserted into a positioning recess 157 formed on the bottom surface 155a of the receiving recess 155 of the head 150.

[0078] The flow outlet 340 is formed near the lower end portion of the front wall portion, and is configured to be liquid-tightly connected to the container connecting portion 156 of the accommodation recess 155 provided in the head portion 150 via an O-ring or the like sealing member. Specifically, as shown in Figure 3 The flow outlet 340 is formed as a cylindrical shape extending from the front wall portion toward the front (the direction of the bottom surface 155a of the accommodation recess 155 of the head portion 150), and is configured to communicate the accommodation space 320 of the accommodation main body portion 310 and the container connecting portion 156 of the head portion 150.

[0079] In addition, the flow outlet 340 can be provided at any position as long as it is a structure that communicates the accommodation space 320 and the container connecting portion 156 of the head portion 150.

[0080] [Structure of the Cap Portion]

[0081] As shown in Figure 2 and Figure 3 The cap portion 350 is formed as a substantially disc shape capable of occluding the injection inlet 330 of the accommodation main body portion 310. The cap portion 350 according to the present embodiment is configured to occlude the injection inlet 330 of the accommodation main body portion 310 liquid-tightly by being mounted to the injection inlet 330 of the accommodation main body portion 310 via an O-ring or the like sealing member.

[0082] The cap portion 350 is formed with a first suction port 352 that allows air to flow from the outside to the inside of the cap portion 350 at a position that matches the injection inlet 330 of the accommodation main body portion 310 in a state where the cap portion 350 is mounted to the injection inlet 330. Further, a valve holding body 354 for holding the first check valve 810 is provided at a position that matches the first suction port 352 on the inner surface of the cap portion 350. The valve holding body 354 has an internal space capable of accommodating the first check valve 810 and a second suction port 356 for introducing air that has passed through the first check valve 810 into the inside of the accommodation main body portion 310.

[0083] The first check valve 810 is configured to allow fluid flow from the outside of the cover 350 toward the inside of the receiving body 310, and to prevent fluid flow from the inside of the receiving body 310 toward the outside of the cover 350. Specifically, the first check valve 810 is configured to open due to the negative pressure generated within the receiving body 310 caused by the reduction of liquid in the receiving body 310, allowing air to flow from the outside of the cover 350 toward the receiving space 320 of the receiving body 310. Furthermore, the first check valve 810 is configured to return to a closed state by its elasticity when the negative pressure within the receiving body 310 is eliminated by the supply of air into the receiving body 310, preventing liquid from leaking from the receiving space 320 of the receiving body 310 to the outside of the cover 350. By having such a first check valve 810, the cover 350 can prevent the liquid from leaking out of the receiving space 320 of the receiving body 310 to the outside, and maintain the pressure balance between the receiving space 320 of the receiving body 310 and the outside atmosphere.

[0084] In this embodiment, the first check valve 810 can be a so-called duckbill valve having a spout shape along the downstream direction of the valve retainer 354 (towards the interior of the receiving body 310). Specifically, as Figure 3 As shown, the first check valve 810, like the second check valve 820 and the third check valve 830, has: an annular base portion; a cylindrical peripheral wall portion extending from the base portion in one direction; and a pair of flat valve bodies disposed inside the peripheral wall portion and extending obliquely from the base portion in one direction. Furthermore, the peripheral wall portion, like the second check valve 820 and the third check valve 830, has an elliptical cross-section. Preferably, the length of the major axis of the cross-section of the peripheral wall portion is larger than the inner diameter of the valve retainer 354, and preferably, the length of the minor axis of the cross-section of the peripheral wall portion 828 is smaller than the inner diameter of the valve retainer 354. With this structure, the first check valve 810, like the second check valve 820 and the third check valve 830, can suppress excessive restriction of valve body movement and apply pressure in the closing direction to the front ends of the pair of valve bodies, thus having the advantage of sufficient check-back performance even in low-pressure environments. However, the first check valve 810 is not limited to the structure described and illustrated above, and various check valves can be used.

[0085] Furthermore, the cover 350 has an operating portion 358 for facilitating the assembly and disassembly of the cover 350 relative to the receiving body 310 and the head 150. In this embodiment, the operating portion 358 is a pair of protrusions spaced 180 degrees apart circumferentially, configured to assist in the rotational operation of the cover 350 relative to the receiving body 310 and the head 150. Additionally, the operating portion 358 can have various arbitrary structures, or it may be omitted altogether.

[0086] The lid portion 350 is preferably configured to allow visual confirmation of the inside of the accommodation main body portion 310. For example, the lid portion 350 can also be configured to be transparent or translucent by at least a portion that matches the injection port 330 of the accommodation main body portion 310, and to allow visual confirmation of the accommodation space 320 of the accommodation main body portion 310. In the present embodiment, the lid portion 350 is formed as a whole to be transparent or translucent. In this way, by configuring the lid portion 350 to allow visual confirmation of the inside of the accommodation main body portion 310, the liquid amount in the accommodation space 320 can be visually confirmed, for example, the shower head 1 can be made to be active in a posture capable of discharging the liquid agent, and the liquid agent can be replenished as early as possible.

[0087] [Composition of the liquid agent]

[0088] From the viewpoint of being able to supply the liquid agent to the mixing chamber 400 using the pressure difference between the mixing chamber 400 and the accommodation space 320 of the liquid agent accommodation container 300, the viscosity of the liquid agent at 30°C accommodated in the liquid agent accommodation container 300 is preferably 200 mPa-s or less, and more preferably 100 mPa-s or less.

[0089] Further, from the viewpoint of ensuring the washability and reducing the amount of the liquid agent used in the supply to the shower head 1 in relation to the cost and the number of times of filling, it is preferable that the content of the surfactant contained in the liquid agent be 10% by mass or more.

[0090] In the present embodiment, as the surfactant contained in the liquid agent, any surfactant used in general skin liquid agents and hair liquid agents can be used, and for example, anionic surfactants, amphoteric surfactants, and the like can be listed.

[0091] As the anionic surfactant, for example, polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether carboxylic acid or a salt thereof, alkyl sulfate or a salt thereof, polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether sulfate or a salt thereof, polyoxyalkylene alkenyl ether sulfate or a salt thereof, alkyl sulfosuccinate or a salt thereof, polyoxyalkylene alkyl sulfosuccinate or a salt thereof, a-olefin sulfonic acid or a salt thereof, fatty acid or a salt thereof, N-acylated amino acid or a salt thereof, N-acylalkyl taurine or a salt thereof, and the like can be listed.

[0092] As the amphoteric surfactant, for example, betaine-type surfactants such as lauryl dimethyl amino acetic betaine, amine oxide-type surfactants such as lauryl dimethyl amine oxide, imidazolium betaine-type surfactants such as 2-alkyl-N-carboxymethyl-N-hydroxyethyl imidazolium betaine, amide betaine-type surfactants such as coconut oil fatty acid amide propyl betaine, lauric acid amide propyl betaine, sulfobetaine-type surfactants such as lauryl hydroxy sulfobetaine, and the like can be listed.

[0093] [Method for using the shower head]

[0094] Next, the method of using the spray head 1 according to the present embodiment will be described. The spray head 1 according to the present embodiment can switch between a mixed liquid (cleansing liquid) discharge mode in which the mixed liquid is foamed and discharged from the water dispersion holes 152 and a water discharge mode in which water is discharged from the water dispersion holes 152.

[0095] When the spray head 1 according to the present embodiment is used in the mixed liquid discharge mode, the switch portion 202 of the switching portion 200 is moved to one side (in the present embodiment, the upper side) so that the first communication passage 220 of the switching portion 200 is brought into communication with the air / agent introduction passage 137 (see FIG. 6). That is, the switching portion 200 is brought into the supply state. Figure 7 ). That is, the switching portion 200 is brought into the supply state.

[0096] Then, when the user operates the faucet, water flows into the mixing chamber 400 via the spray pipe and the first flow passage 500. In the first flow passage 500 of the present embodiment, the flow passage area is reduced toward the second flow passage 600, and the flow rate of water increases from the upstream toward the downstream of the first flow passage 500, so the pressure decreases from the upstream toward the downstream of the first flow passage 500 (Bernoulli's theorem). Also, when the pressure in the mixing chamber 400 is lower than the pressure in the liquid agent-containing container 300 and the outside air, the liquid agent (cleansing agent) of the liquid agent-containing container 300 and the air from the outside flow into the mixing chamber 400 via the first communication passage 220 and the third flow passage 700 of the switching portion 200, and the water, the liquid agent, and the air are mixed in the mixing chamber 400 to generate a mixed liquid (cleansing liquid).

[0097] The mixed liquid generated in the mixing chamber 400 is supplied to the head portion 150 via the second flow passage 600, and is sprayed from the water dispersion holes 152 of the head portion 150 toward the user. Thus, the user can clean the body using the mixed liquid sprayed from the spray head 1.

[0098] On the other hand, when the spray head 1 according to the present embodiment is used in the water discharge mode, the switch portion 202 of the switching portion 200 is moved to the other side (in the present embodiment, the lower side) so that the second communication passage 230 of the switching portion 200 is brought into communication with the air / agent introduction passage 137. That is, the switching portion 200 is brought into the non-supply state. Note that the switching from the mixed liquid discharge mode to the water discharge mode and the switching from the water discharge mode to the mixed liquid discharge mode can be performed with the supply of water from the faucet being continued, or can be performed with the supply of water from the faucet being stopped.

[0099] Then, water is supplied from the faucet in a state where the switching section 200 is in the non-supply state, and as the pressure of the mixing chamber 400 decreases with respect to the outside air, air from the outside flows into the mixing chamber 400 via the second communication path 230 and the third flow path 700 of the switching section 200, and the water and the air are mixed in the mixing chamber 400. Thereafter, the water containing air mixed in the mixing chamber 400 is supplied to the head section 150 via the second flow path 600, and is sprayed from the spray holes 152 of the head section 150 to the user. Thus, the user can wash the mixed liquid adhering to the body with the water sprayed from the shower head 1.

[0100] [Advantages of the shower head according to the present embodiment]

[0101] As described above, the shower head 1 according to the present embodiment includes a mixing chamber 400 that can mix a liquid agent and water to generate a mixed liquid, a spray surface 151 that has spray holes 152 through which the mixed liquid generated in the mixing chamber 400 can be sprayed, a first flow path 500 that can supply water flowing from a shower pipe to the mixing chamber 400, a second flow path 600 that can supply the mixed liquid generated in the mixing chamber 400 to the spray holes 152, a third flow path 700 that can supply a liquid agent to the mixing chamber 400, a switching section 200 that can change a supply state in which the liquid agent can be supplied to the mixing chamber 400 and a non-supply state in which the liquid agent cannot be supplied to the mixing chamber 400, and a second check valve 820 that is provided to the third flow path 700, the second check valve 820 being configured to allow the flow of fluid in a direction toward the mixing chamber 400 and to stop the flow of fluid in the opposite direction, and being provided at the same position as the switching section 200 or further downstream than the switching section 200.

[0102] With the shower head 1 having such a configuration, in a state where the switching section 200 is switched to the non-supply state, the diluted liquid agent can be prevented from remaining between the second check valve 820 and the switching section 200, and thus the generation of bacteria can be suppressed.

[0103] Further, the shower head 1 according to the present embodiment is configured such that the switching section 200 discharges the mixed liquid from the spray surface 151 in the supply state, and the switching section 200 discharges water from the spray surface 151 in the non-supply state. With the shower head 1 having such a configuration, the body can be washed with the mixed liquid sprayed from the shower head 1, and the mixed liquid adhering to the body can be washed with the water sprayed from the shower head 1.

[0104] Further, the spray head 1 according to the present embodiment further includes a liquid agent accommodating container 300 that accommodates the liquid agent, the liquid agent accommodating container 300 having a suction port 352, 356 that allows air to flow from the outside of an accommodation space 320 to the inside, and a first check valve 810 provided at a position that matches the suction port 352, 356, the first check valve 810 being configured to allow the flow of fluid in a direction from the outside of the accommodation space 320 to the inside and to prevent the flow of fluid in the opposite direction. With the spray head 1 having such a configuration, the leakage of the liquid agent from the accommodation space 320 of the accommodation main body 310 to the outside can be prevented, and the air pressure balance between the accommodation space 320 of the accommodation main body 310 and the outside atmosphere can be maintained.

[0105] Further, the spray head 1 according to the present embodiment is configured such that, in the upright state of the spray head 1, the liquid agent accommodating container 300 is positioned on the side of the face 151 further from the connection portion of the first flow path 500 and the second flow path 600 and the third flow path 700. With the spray head 1 having such a configuration, in the upright state of the spray head 1, the liquid agent can be introduced from the liquid agent accommodating container 300 by the weight of the liquid agent.

[0106] Further, the spray head 1 according to the present embodiment is configured to allow air to be supplied from the outside of the spray head 1 to the third flow path 700, and includes a third check valve 830 that allows the flow of fluid in a direction from the outside of the spray head 1 to the second flow path 600 and prevents the flow of fluid in a direction from the liquid agent accommodating container 300 to the outside of the spray head 1. In particular, the spray head 1 according to the present embodiment includes an air introduction hole 116 through which air can be introduced from the outside of the spray head 1, and the third check valve 830 is provided between the switching portion 200 (the confluence communication path 226) and the air introduction hole 116. With the spray head 1 having such a configuration, in the supply state in which the supply of water from the faucet is stopped, regardless of the posture of the spray head 1, the leakage of the liquid agent in the liquid agent accommodating container 300 or the liquid agent stagnating in the first communication path 220 and the like to the outside of the spray head 1 can be suppressed.

[0107] Further, the switching portion 200 of the spray head 1 according to the present embodiment includes a first communication path 220 for supplying the liquid agent and air to the mixing chamber 400 and a second communication path 230 for supplying air to the mixing chamber 400, and is configured to allow the first communication path 220 to communicate with the third flow path 700 in the supply state and to allow the second communication path 230 to communicate with the third flow path 700 in the non-supply state. With the spray head 1 having such a configuration, by providing the second communication path 230 that allows only air to flow in addition to the first communication path 220 that allows the liquid agent and air to flow, and by providing a configuration that switches between the first communication path 220 and the second communication path 230, the switching speed of the ON (supply) / OFF (stop) of the foam discharged from the face 151 (the face hole 152) of the spray head 1 can be improved.

[0108] Further, the first communication path 220 of the spray head 1 according to the present embodiment has the liquid agent communication path 222 through which the liquid agent flows and the air communication path 224 through which the air flows, and is configured to be able to join the liquid agent flowing through the liquid agent communication path 222 and the air flowing through the air communication path 224, and the liquid agent communication path 222 is configured to be positioned at the same position as the air communication path 224 or more toward the water distribution surface 151 in the vertical direction in the upright state of the spray head 1. With the spray head 1 having such a configuration, in the upright state of the spray head 1, the liquid agent can be efficiently supplied to the mixing chamber 400.

[0109] Further, the spray head 1 according to the present embodiment is configured such that the liquid agent communication path 222 is positioned at the same position as the air communication path 224 in the vertical direction in the upright state of the spray head 1. With the spray head 1 having such a configuration, in either of the upright state and the inverted state of the spray head 1, the liquid agent can be efficiently supplied to the mixing chamber 400.

[0110] Further, the spray head 1 according to the present embodiment further has the intermediate plate portion 240 provided between the switching portion 200 and the third flow path 700, the switching portion 200 has the first communication path 220 for supplying the liquid agent to the mixing chamber 400, is configured to communicate the first communication path 220 with the third flow path 700 in the supply state and not to communicate the first communication path 220 with the third flow path 700 in the non-supply state, and between the switching portion 200 and the intermediate plate portion 240, a sealing member is provided so as to surround the periphery of the opening end portion of the first communication path 220, the intermediate plate portion 240 is formed with the through hole 242 at a position matching the third flow path 700, and the opening diameter D2 of the through hole 242 is smaller than the outer diameter D1 of the second check valve 820. With the spray head 1 having such a configuration, it is possible to adopt a small-diameter sealing member (O-ring) while maintaining the size of the second check valve 820, and thus it is possible to realize the downsizing of the switching portion 200.

[0111] [Modified Example]

[0112] The spray head according to the present application is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various changes can be made within the scope of the technical idea of the present application.

[0113] In the above-described embodiments, the case where the liquid agent storage container 300 is configured to be detachable with respect to the storage recess 155 formed in the rear surface of the head portion 150 of the spray head main body 100 has been described, but is not limited thereto. The liquid agent storage container 300 can also be configured to be mountable at other portions of the spray head main body 100.

[0114] In the above-described embodiment, the case where the spray head 1 has a structure for introducing the liquid agent and the air into the mixing chamber 400 through the first flow path 500 and the second flow path 600 to form a Venturi structure has been described, but is not limited thereto. For example, various structures such as an electric mechanism for supplying the liquid agent and the air into the mixing chamber 400 can be employed.

[0115] In the above-described embodiment, the case where the switching section 200 has the second communication path 230 for supplying only the air to the mixing chamber 400 in the non-supply state of the liquid agent has been described, but is not limited thereto. For example, the switching section 200 can have a structure that does not have the second communication path 230 and cannot supply both the liquid agent and the air to the mixing chamber 400 in the non-supply state of the liquid agent.

[0116] In addition, various publicly known structures can be added to the spray head 1 of the above-described embodiment. As the publicly known structures, for example, a switching mechanism that can switch a water discharge mode (a mist mode, a jet mode, and the like) by an operation of the head 150 (the water dispersion surface 151), a water stop mechanism that stops the water discharge from the water dispersion surface 151 in a state where a faucet is opened, a mechanism that adds a chlorine removal function, a water purification function, and the like by providing a cartridge in a flow path, a nano bubble generation mechanism for generating nano bubbles to improve a cleaning property, a mechanism (a foamer such as a screen, a stirring paddle, and the like) that makes a foam fine at a position more downstream than the mixing section 400, and the like can be exemplified, but are not limited thereto.

[0117] It is clear from the description of the claims that the modifications described above are included in the scope of the present application.

[0118] Symbol Explanation

[0119] 1: Spray head

[0120] 100: Spray head body

[0121] 110: Handle section

[0122] 112: Tube connecting section

[0123] 114: Discharge hole

[0124] 116: Air introduction hole

[0125] 118: Opening section

[0126] 120A: Lower flow path forming member

[0127] 120B: Middle flow path forming member

[0128] 120C: Upper flow path forming member

[0129] 122: Upper inner peripheral surface section

[0130] 124: lower inner peripheral surface portion

[0131] 126: horizontal portion

[0132] 130A: agent-side mounting wall portion

[0133] 130B: air-side mounting wall portion

[0134] 132: switching portion accommodation space

[0135] 133: pipe connection portion

[0136] 134: agent supply hole

[0137] 135: valve accommodation portion

[0138] 136: air supply hole

[0139] 137: air / agent introduction path

[0140] 150: head portion

[0141] 151: water dispersing surface

[0142] 152: water dispersing hole

[0143] 153: handle connecting portion

[0144] 154: head-side flow path

[0145] 155: accommodation recess

[0146] 155a: bottom surface

[0147] 155b: peripheral wall

[0148] 156: container connecting portion

[0149] 157: positioning recess

[0150] 160: inner-side cylindrical portion

[0151] 170: agent supply pipe

[0152] 200: switching portion

[0153] 202: switch portion

[0154] 204: upper-side protruding portion

[0155] 206: lower-side protruding portion

[0156] 220: first communication path

[0157] 222: liquid / agent communication path

[0158] 224, 234, 236: air communication path

[0159] 226: merging communication path

[0160] 230: second communication path

[0161] 240: intermediate plate portion

[0162] 242: through-hole

[0163] 250: upper guide member

[0164] 252: lower guide member

[0165] 300: liquid agent accommodating container

[0166] 310: accommodating main body portion

[0167] 315: insertion protrusion

[0168] 320: accommodating space

[0169] 330: injection inlet

[0170] 340: outflow port

[0171] 350: lid portion

[0172] 352: first suction port

[0173] 354: valve holding body

[0174] 356: second suction port

[0175] 358: operation portion

[0176] 400: mixing chamber

[0177] 500: first flow path

[0178] 600: second flow path

[0179] 700: third flow path

[0180] 810: first check valve

[0181] 820: second check valve

[0182] 822, 832: base portion

[0183] 824, 826, 834, 836: valve body

[0184] 828, 838: peripheral wall portion

[0185] 830: third check valve

Claims

1. A spray head, wherein, have: The mixing chamber allows liquid agents and water to be mixed to form a mixture; A water-spraying surface having water-spraying holes for spraying out the mixture generated in the mixing chamber; The first flow path is capable of supplying water flowing in from the spray pipe to the mixing chamber; The second flow path is capable of supplying the mixture generated in the mixing chamber to the water dispersing hole; The third flow path supplies the liquid agent to the mixing chamber; The switching unit is capable of changing the supply state, which allows liquid to be supplied to the mixing chamber, and the non-supply state, which prevents liquid from being supplied to the mixing chamber. and The second check valve is located in the third flow path. The second check valve is configured to allow the flow of fluid toward the mixing chamber and prevent the flow of fluid in the opposite direction, and is located at the same position as the switching section or further downstream of the switching section.

2. The spray head as described in claim 1, wherein, The switching unit is configured such that it releases the mixture from the water surface in the supply state, and releases water from the water surface in the non-supply state.

3. The spray head as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein, It also has a liquid container capable of holding liquids. The liquid container has a suction port for allowing air to flow from the outside of the liquid containing space into the interior, and a first check valve positioned to match the suction port. The first check valve is configured to allow the flow of fluid from the outside of the containment space toward the inside and to prevent the flow of fluid in the opposite direction.

4. The spray head as described in claim 3, wherein, The liquid container is configured such that, in the upright state of the spray head, it is located closer to the water distribution surface than the connection between the first flow path and the second and third flow paths.

5. The spray head as described in claim 3, wherein, It is configured to supply air from outside the spray head to the third flow path. The system is equipped with a third check valve, which allows fluid to flow from the outside of the spray head toward the second flow path and prevents fluid from flowing from the liquid container toward the outside of the spray head.

6. The spray head as described in claim 5, wherein, It has an air inlet port that allows air to be introduced from the outside of the spray head. The third check valve is disposed between the switching section and the air inlet.

7. The spray head as described in claim 5, wherein, The switching unit includes a first connection path for supplying liquid and air to the mixing chamber and a second connection path for supplying air to the mixing chamber, and is configured to connect the first connection path to the third flow path in the supply state and connect the second connection path to the third flow path in the non-supply state.

8. The spray head as described in claim 7, wherein, The first connecting passage includes a liquid connecting passage for liquid flow and an air connecting passage for air flow, configured to allow the liquid flowing in the liquid connecting passage and the air flowing in the air connecting passage to merge. The liquid agent connection is configured such that, in the upright state of the spray head, its vertical position is located at the same position as the air connection or closer to the water distribution surface than the air connection.

9. The spray head as claimed in claim 8, wherein, The liquid agent connection is configured such that the vertical position of the spray head in its upright state is at the same position as the air connection.

10. The spray head as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein, It also includes an intermediate plate portion disposed between the switching unit and the third flow path. The switching unit includes a first communication path for supplying liquid to the mixing chamber, configured such that in the supply state, the first communication path is connected to the third flow path, and in the non-supply state, the first communication path is not connected to the third flow path. A sealing member is provided between the switching section and the intermediate plate section, surrounding the opening end of the first connecting passage. The intermediate plate has a through hole at a position that matches the third flow path. The opening diameter of the through hole is smaller than the outer diameter of the second check valve.

11. A spray head, wherein, have: The mixing chamber allows liquid agents and water to be mixed to form a mixture; A water-spraying surface having water-spraying holes for spraying out the mixture generated in the mixing chamber; The first flow path is capable of supplying water flowing in from the spray pipe to the mixing chamber; The second flow path is capable of supplying the mixture generated in the mixing chamber to the water dispersing hole; The third flow path supplies the liquid agent to the mixing chamber; The switching unit is capable of changing the supply state, which allows liquid to be supplied to the mixing chamber, and the non-supply state, which prevents liquid from being supplied to the mixing chamber. and The second check valve is located in the third flow path. The second check valve is configured to allow the flow of fluid toward the mixing chamber and prevent the flow of fluid in the opposite direction, and is in the shape of a nozzle in the downstream direction of the third flow path, with an elliptical cross-section.

12. The spray head as claimed in claim 11, wherein, The second check valve is configured to allow the flow of fluid toward the mixing chamber and prevent the flow of fluid in the opposite direction, and is located at the same position as the switching section or further downstream of the switching section.

13. The spray head as claimed in claim 11 or 12, wherein, The switching unit is configured such that it releases the mixture from the water surface in the supply state, and releases water from the water surface in the non-supply state.

14. The spray head as claimed in claim 11 or 12, wherein, It also has a liquid container capable of holding liquids. The liquid container has a suction port for allowing air to flow from the outside of the liquid containing space into the interior, and a first check valve positioned to match the suction port. The first check valve is configured to allow the flow of fluid from the outside of the containment space toward the inside and to prevent the flow of fluid in the opposite direction.

15. The spray head as claimed in claim 14, wherein, The liquid container is configured such that, in the upright state of the spray head, it is located closer to the water distribution surface than the connection between the first flow path and the second and third flow paths.

16. The spray head as claimed in claim 11 or 12, wherein, It is configured to supply air from outside the spray head to the third flow path. The system is equipped with a third check valve, which allows fluid to flow from the outside of the spray head toward the second flow path and prevents fluid from flowing from the second flow path toward the outside of the spray head.

17. The spray head as claimed in claim 16, wherein, It has an air inlet hole that allows air to be introduced from the outside of the spray head. The third check valve is located between the confluence passage and the air inlet.

18. The spray head as claimed in claim 16, wherein, The switching unit includes a first connection path for supplying liquid and air to the mixing chamber and a second connection path for supplying air to the mixing chamber, and is configured to connect the first connection path to the third flow path in the supply state and connect the second connection path to the third flow path in the non-supply state.

19. The spray head as claimed in claim 18, wherein, The first connecting passage includes a liquid connecting passage for liquid flow and an air connecting passage for air flow, and is configured to allow the liquid flowing in the liquid connecting passage and the air flowing in the air connecting passage to merge. The liquid agent connection is configured such that, in the upright state of the spray head, its vertical position is located at the same position as the air connection or closer to the water distribution surface than the air connection.

20. The spray head as claimed in claim 19, wherein, The liquid agent connection is configured such that the vertical position of the spray head in its upright state is at the same position as the air connection.

21. The spray head as claimed in claim 11 or 12, wherein, It also includes an intermediate plate portion disposed between the switching unit and the third flow path. The switching unit includes a first communication passage for supplying liquid to the mixing chamber, and is configured such that, in the supply state, the first communication passage is connected to the third flow path, and in the non-supply state, the first communication passage is not connected to the third flow path. A sealing member is provided between the switching section and the intermediate plate section, surrounding the opening end of the first connecting passage. The intermediate plate has a through hole at a position that matches the third flow path. The opening diameter of the through hole is smaller than the outer diameter of the second check valve.

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