Shower head

Abstract

To provide a shower head for improving a showering feeling.SOLUTION: A shower head includes: a head body having a flow channel through which a fluid flows; and a water wheel arranged inside the head body so as to be rotated by receiving the flow of the fluid. The head body comprises a water wheel chamber arranged in the middle of the flow channel and including the water wheel inside. The water wheel chamber is a space divided by an outflow wall having a plurality of outflow holes to allow the fluid to flow outward and an inflow wall having a communication path communicating with the flow channel. The water wheel includes: a rotational shaft; a plurality of blades extending from the rotational shaft so as to receive the flow of the fluid; and a water stop wall arranged along the outflow wall so as to repeat the block / open of the outflow holes with the rotation of the water wheel.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The technology disclosed in this specification relates to a showerhead. [Background technology]

[0002] One known technique for imparting pulsation to the water ejected from a shower head is to place a pulsating rotor (water wheel) in the flow path (see Patent Document 1). When the water wheel receives the inflow of water and rotates, pulsation occurs in the water, and the water is ejected with alternating strong and weak pressures. This allows the user to feel a moderately stimulating sensation in the shower. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-178187 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] There has been a demand for showerheads like the one described above that offer an even more comfortable shower experience. This specification discloses a technique that can solve the above-mentioned problem. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The technology disclosed in this specification can be realized, for example, in the following forms. (1) The showerhead disclosed in this specification comprises a head body having a flow path through which a fluid can flow, and a water wheel disposed inside the head body and rotated by receiving the flow of the fluid. The head body has a water wheel chamber disposed midway along the flow path and containing the water wheel. The water wheel chamber is a space defined by an outlet wall having a plurality of outlet holes for discharging the fluid to the outside and an inlet wall having a communication passage that communicates with the flow path. The water wheel comprises a rotating shaft, a plurality of blades extending from the rotating shaft and receiving the flow of the fluid, and a water blocking wall disposed along the outlet wall that repeatedly blocks and opens the outlet holes as the water wheel rotates.

[0006] According to the above configuration, the water blocking wall repeatedly blocks and opens the outlet hole, allowing the fluid to be intermittently discharged from the outlet hole with a simple configuration, so the user can feel the rhythmic stimulation more clearly, thereby improving the bathing comfort.

[0007] (2) In the showerhead described in (1) above, a plurality of the outlet holes may be arranged adjacent to each other to form a set, and the outlet wall may have a plurality of sets of the outlet holes.

[0008] With this configuration, it is possible to prevent the discharged fluid from scattering while ensuring that the discharged fluid is discharged at a constant rate or more from the shower head.

[0009] (3) In the showerhead described in (1) or (2) above, the water blocking wall may be displaced as the water wheel rotates between a partially blocking position in which it blocks at least one or a set of outlet holes among the plurality or sets of outlet holes, and a first fully open position in which it opens all of the plurality or sets of outlet holes.

[0010] With this configuration, when water is sprayed from the shower head, some of the outlet holes spray fluid, while other times all of the holes spray fluid, allowing the user to feel a more distinct rhythmic sensation, further improving the shower experience.

[0011] (4) In the showerhead described in any one of (1) to (3) above, the water wheel may have claws extending at an angle from a receiving surface that receives the fluid flow on at least one of the plurality of blades.

[0012] With this configuration, the fluid is prevented from escaping from the tip of the blade, so the blades receive the flow of the fluid without waste, and the water turbine rotates efficiently.

[0013] (5) In the showerhead described in any one of (1) to (4) above, the plurality or plurality of sets of outlet holes and the water blocking wall may be arranged along an imaginary circle centered on the rotation axis, the plurality or plurality of sets of outlet holes may be arranged at equal intervals, the water blocking wall may have an arc-shaped portion arranged along the imaginary circle, and the length of the arc portion may be approximately equal to the length of the imaginary arc connecting the edges of two or two sets of adjacent outlet holes along the imaginary circle.

[0014] With this configuration, there are times when fluid is discharged from some of the outlet holes and times when fluid is discharged from all of the outlet holes, and the time when fluid is discharged from all of the outlet holes is the shortest, so the user can feel the rhythmic stimulation more clearly, thereby further improving the bathing comfort.

[0015] The technology disclosed in this specification can be realized in various forms, for example, in the form of a shear head and a discharge method thereof. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a shower head according to an embodiment; [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a shower head according to an embodiment; [Figure 3] Front view of the shower head of the embodiment [Figure 4] 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the shower head of the embodiment taken along line IV-IV in FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a front view of a first movable flow path member according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a rear view of the intermediate member according to the embodiment; [Figure 7] 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the intermediate member of the embodiment taken along line VII-VII in FIG. 6. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a rear view of the second movable flow path member according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a partially enlarged rear view showing the periphery of the water turbine chamber of the second movable flow path member of the embodiment and the water turbine attached to the second movable member in the fully open position. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a partially enlarged rear view showing the periphery of the turbine chamber of the second movable flow path member of the embodiment and the turbine attached to the second movable member and in a partially shielded position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] A. Implementation: A-1. Shower head 10 configuration: An embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 10. The shower head 10 of this embodiment is configured to change the water (an example of a fluid) discharge state by switching between multiple flow paths corresponding to multiple discharge modes. The multiple discharge modes include, for example, "mist mode," "straight mode," "pure straight mode," "jet mode," and "massage mode." The mist mode discharges misty water, the straight mode discharges water with higher water pressure and more force than the mist mode, and the pure straight mode discharges water with higher density than the straight mode. The jet mode discharges water with the highest water pressure, and the massage mode discharges water intermittently. The shower head 10 has the function of intermittently discharging water when the "massage mode" is selected as the discharge mode. In this embodiment, "water" includes hot water and cold water.

[0018] (Overall configuration of shower head 10) As shown in FIG. 2, the showerhead 10 includes a head body 100, a nozzle member 500 attached to the head body 100, an operation ring 600 for switching between a plurality of discharge modes, and a cover 700.

[0019] 2, the head main body 100 includes a cover member 200, a fixed flow path member 300 fixed inside the cover member 200, and a movable flow path member 400 rotatably assembled to the fixed flow path member 300. The fixed flow path member 300 and the movable flow path member 400 form a flow path through which water can flow. The movable flow path member 400, the nozzle member 500, and the cover 700 are arranged inside the operation ring 600 in this order starting from the side closest to the fixed flow path member 300, and are configured to rotate relative to the fixed flow path member 300 in conjunction with the rotation of the operation ring 600. In the following description, the side of the showerhead 10 on which the cover 700 is arranged is referred to as the front.

[0020] (Cover member 200) As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the cover member 200 includes a cover body 210 and a grip portion 220 connected to the cover body 210. Examples of materials for the cover member 200 include synthetic resins such as ASA resin (acrylonitrile-styrene-acrylate copolymer resin) and ABS resin (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer resin), metals such as stainless steel, and synthetic rubbers such as EPDM (ethylene propylene diene rubber). The cover body 210 is dome-shaped with an opening on the front side. The grip portion 220 is generally cylindrical and houses a water pipe (not shown) inside. The water pipe is connected to a water heater via a shower hose.

[0021] (Fixed flow path member 300) The fixed flow path member 300 is made of synthetic resin and includes a base portion 310, a mounting shaft 320, and a joint portion 330, as shown in FIG. 2. Examples of materials for the fixed flow path member 300 include synthetic resins such as ABS resin (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer resin), metals such as stainless steel, and synthetic rubbers such as EPDM (ethylene propylene diene rubber). The base portion 310 has a thick, disk-like shape overall and is fixed inside the cover main body 210. The mounting shaft 320 is cylindrical and protrudes forward from the center of the base portion 310. The joint portion 330 is tubular and extends from the base portion 310 to be connected to a water pipe. As shown in FIG. 4, the mounting shaft 320 has a screw hole 322 that opens at its front end surface.

[0022] As shown in Fig. 4, the fixed flow path member 300 has a base flow path 340 (an example of a flow path) therein. The base flow path 340 communicates with the internal space of the joint part 330, and has a base outflow hole 340out that opens to the front surface of the fixed flow path member 300, as shown in Fig. 2. A rubber packing 350 is arranged around the base outflow hole 340out, as shown in Fig. 2.

[0023] (Movable flow path member 400) The movable flow path member 400 is made of synthetic resin and is disposed in front of the base portion 310 as shown in Fig. 2. Examples of materials for the movable flow path member 400 include synthetic resins such as ASA resin (acrylonitrile-styrene-acrylate copolymer resin), metals such as stainless steel, and synthetic rubbers such as EPDM (ethylene propylene diene rubber). The movable flow path member 400 has multiple flow paths corresponding to the multiple discharge modes described above. The multiple flow paths include massage flow paths (first massage flow path 415, communication path 423, and water turbine chamber 435) through which water flows when the "massage mode" is selected as the discharge mode.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 4, the movable flow path member 400 includes a first movable flow path member 410 arranged in front of the fixed flow path member 300, a second movable flow path member 430 arranged in front of the first movable flow path member 410, and an intermediate member 420 arranged between the first movable flow path member 410 and the second movable flow path member 430.

[0025] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the first movable flow path member 410 includes a rear wall 411, multiple first partition walls 413, and a first barrel 414. The rear wall 411 is plate-shaped with an overall circular outer shape and has a through-hole 412 in its center. The first barrel 414 is cylindrical and extends forward from the edge of the through-hole 412, allowing the mounting barrel 320 to be inserted therein. The multiple first partition walls 413 protrude forward from the rear wall 411 and define multiple flow paths, including a first massage flow path 415. The rear wall 411 has multiple distribution holes, including a massage distribution hole 415in, which distributes water flowing out from the base outlet hole 340out of the fixed flow path member 300 to the first massage flow path 415.

[0026] 4 and 8, second movable flow path member 430 includes a front wall 431 (an example of an outflow wall), a plurality of second partition walls 433, a second barrel 434, and a plurality of massage nozzles 436A, 436B. Front wall 431 is plate-shaped with an overall circular outer shape, has a through-hole 432 in the center, and is disposed so as to face rear wall 411. Second barrel 434 is cylindrical and extends rearward from the edge of through-hole 432, allowing mounting barrel 320 to be inserted therein.

[0027] The multiple second partition walls 433 protrude rearward from the front wall 431 and define multiple flow paths. The second partition walls 433 include a partition wall 433W. The partition wall 433W is cylindrical and larger than the second barrel 434, and is arranged concentrically with the second barrel 434. The space defined by the front wall 431, the partition wall 433W, and the second barrel 434 forms a water turbine chamber 435 that houses the water turbine 450 therein.

[0028] The front wall 431 has a plurality of outlet holes 435outA and 435outB. The outlet holes 435outA and 435outB are circular holes that penetrate the front wall 431. As shown in FIG. 8, the outlet holes 435outA and 435outB are arranged on an imaginary circle VC concentric with the second barrel 434, just inside the partition wall 433W. The imaginary circle VC is a circle that is centered on the central axis of the second barrel 434 and passes through the centers of the circles that define the edges of each of the outlet holes 435outA and 435outB. In this embodiment, two outlet holes 435outA are arranged adjacent to each other on the imaginary circle VC to form one pair, and the other two outlet holes 435outB are arranged adjacent to each other on the imaginary circle VC to form another pair. The two pairs of outlet holes 435outA and 435outB are arranged on opposite sides of the second barrel 434.

[0029] As shown in Figures 2 and 4, the multiple massage nozzles 436A, 436B include a set (two) of massage nozzles 436A and another set (two) of massage nozzles 436B. Massage nozzle 436A extends forward from the edges of each of the two outlet holes 435outA and is cylindrical, tapering as it moves away from front wall 431. Water passing through outlet hole 435outA passes through the interior of massage nozzle 436A and is ejected to the outside of showerhead 10. The same applies to the shape of massage nozzle 436B and its relationship to outlet hole 435outB. Massage nozzles 436A, 436B have a length of, for example, 14 mm and an inner diameter of, for example, 3 mm.

[0030] As shown in Fig. 10, a plurality of annular portions 428 and a plurality of protrusions 429 are arranged on the rear surface of the front wall 431. Each of the plurality of annular portions 428 has an annular shape and protrudes from the hole edges of the plurality of outlet holes 435outA, 435outB. Each of the plurality of protrusions 429 has an arc shape extending along the imaginary circle VC and extends from the hole edge of the outlet hole 435outA to the hole edge of the outlet hole 435outB. Note that for ease of viewing the drawings, the protrusions 429 are omitted in Figs. 8 and 9.

[0031] 4 and 6, the intermediate member 420 includes a middle plate 421 (an example of an inlet wall) that separates the first movable flow path member 410 and the second movable flow path member 430. The middle plate 421 has a disk shape as a whole, and has a shaft insertion hole 422 in the center through which the mounting shaft 320 can be inserted.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 6, the intermediate member 420 has two communication passages 423. The communication passages 423 are passages that connect the first massage passage 415 and the turbine chamber 435. The two communication passages 423 are arranged on opposite sides of the shaft insertion hole 422. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, each communication passage 423 is defined by two side walls 424, an inclined wall 425, an inclined surface 426, and a communication hole 427. The communication passage 423 extends in an arc shape that convex outward (toward the outer peripheral edge of the middle plate 421) and has an inlet 423in at one end and an outlet 423out at the other end. The side wall 424 is a wall that stands from the rear surface of the middle plate 421 (the surface facing the first movable passage member 410: the upper surface in FIG. 7) and extends in an arc shape that convex outward (toward the outer peripheral edge of the middle plate 421). The side walls 424 are generally triangular in shape, with the height increasing from both ends of the side walls 424 toward the center between the ends of the side walls 424. The two side walls 424 are arranged side by side with a gap between them. The inclined wall 425 is a wall connecting the two side walls 424, extends from the outlet 423out to the center, and is inclined so as to move away from the middle plate 421 as it approaches the center. The communication hole 427 is a hole that penetrates the middle plate 421, and is arranged between the two side walls 424 and near the outlet 423out. The inclined surface 426 is arranged on the rear surface of the middle plate 421, between the two side walls 424, and near the inlet 423in. The inclined surface 426 extends from the edge of the communicating hole 427 toward the inlet 423in, and is inclined so as to move away from the front surface of the middle plate 421 (the surface facing the second movable flow path member 430: the lower surface in Figure 7) as it approaches the inlet 423in.

[0033] The communication passage 423 is disposed inward of the position where the partition wall 433W contacts the middle plate 421 (at a position closer to the shaft insertion hole 422) and is offset from the outflow holes 435outA and 435outB (see FIG. 9). More specifically, one communication passage 423 is disposed adjacent to the outflow hole 435outA with its inlet 423in side facing the outflow hole 435outA. The other communication passage 423 has a similar relationship with the outflow hole 435outB. The communication passage 423 is disposed immediately inside the partition wall 433W.

[0034] 4, the mounting shaft 320 is inserted through the first shaft cylinder 414, the shaft insertion hole 422, and the second shaft cylinder 434. A screw S having a screw head SH and a threaded portion ST is screwed onto the mounting shaft 320. A washer WS having an outer diameter slightly larger than that of the mounting shaft 320 is sandwiched between the screw head SH and the mounting shaft 320, and the washer WS engages with the peripheral portion of the second shaft cylinder 434, thereby attaching the movable flow path member 400 to be rotatable relative to the mounting shaft 320.

[0035] (Waterwheel 450) The water wheel 450 is disposed inside the water wheel chamber 435 and is a component that rotates when it receives the water flow. Examples of materials for the water wheel 450 include synthetic resins such as ASA resin (acrylonitrile-styrene-acrylate copolymer resin) and ABS resin (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer resin), metals such as stainless steel, and synthetic rubbers such as EPDM (ethylene propylene diene rubber). As shown in FIG. 9 , the water wheel 450 includes a rotating shaft 451, a plurality of blades 452 extending from the rotating shaft 451, water blocking walls 453 connected to some of the plurality of blades 452, and claws 454 extending from each of the plurality of blades 452.

[0036] 4 and 9, the rotary shaft 451 is substantially cylindrical, and the second barrel 434 is inserted into the rotary shaft 451. The second barrel 434 and the rotary shaft 451 are arranged concentrically.

[0037] 4 and 9, the plurality of blades 452 are shaped like long, thin plates and extend outward from the rotation shaft 451. The plurality of blades 452 are arranged at equal intervals around the rotation shaft 451. In this embodiment, the water turbine 450 has seven blades 452.

[0038] The plurality of claws 454 are rectangular plate pieces, and extend at an angle from the tip of each of the plurality of blades 452, as shown in FIG.

[0039] 4 and 9, the water blocking wall 453 has a plate shape, is connected to the side edges of the tips of some of the blades 452, and is arranged along the front wall 431. The water blocking wall 453 is arranged so as to repeatedly block and open the outflow holes 435outA and 435outB as the water turbine 450 rotates. More specifically, the water blocking wall 453 is arranged on an imaginary circle VC on which the two pairs of outflow holes 435outA and 435outB are arranged. In this embodiment, the entire water blocking wall 453 is an arc-shaped portion extending along the imaginary circle VC.

[0040] As described above, the two sets of outlet holes 435outA and 435outB are disposed on opposite sides of the second barrel 434 (i.e., across the rotation axis 451). Therefore, as shown in FIG. 8, when two imaginary arcs VCa1 and VCa2 are set, which are parts of an imaginary circle VC and connect the edges of the two sets of outlet holes 435outA and 435outB, the lengths L1 and L2 of the two imaginary arcs VCa1 and VCa2 are equal to each other. The length L3 of the water blocking wall 453 is substantially equal to the lengths L1 and L2 of the imaginary arcs VA1 and VA2 (see also FIG. 9). The length L3 of the water blocking wall 453 refers to the distance between both ends of the water blocking wall 453 measured along the imaginary circle VC. The term "substantially equal" includes cases where the length L3 of the water blocking wall 453 is completely equal to the lengths L1 and L2 of the imaginary arcs VA1 and VA2, as well as cases where they are slightly different due to unavoidable manufacturing errors. The two sets of outlet holes 435outA, 435outB are arranged on opposite sides of an up-down axis Av (see FIGS. 3 and 8) that extends along the extension direction of the grip portion 220. The showerhead 10 is often used by a user holding the grip portion 220 with the cover body 210 facing up and the grip portion 220 facing down. It is easier to direct the water to the desired location if the two sets of outlet holes 435outA, 435outB are arranged on opposite sides of the up-down axis Av than if they were arranged side by side along the up-down axis Av. For example, if a user were to direct the water onto their own head, if the two sets of outlet holes 435outA, 435outB were arranged side by side along the up-down axis Av, the water from above would be obscured by the water from below, making it difficult to visually recognize the water. However, if the two sets of outlet holes 435outA, 435outB are arranged on opposite sides of the up-down axis Av, the water can be directed accurately onto the user's head.

[0041] The number of blades 452 provided in the water turbine 450, the size of the communication holes 427, and the size of the outflow holes 435outA and 435outB are preferably designed so that the water turbine 450 can rotate even at low water pressure. For example, to enable the water turbine 450 to operate at a water pressure of 0.05 MPa or more, the number of blades 452 is set to 7, and the total opening area of ​​the multiple communication holes 427 is set to 20 mm. 2The distance between the two outflow holes 435outA and 435outB is about 3 mm, the inner diameter of each outflow hole 435outA and 435outB is about 3 mm, and the total opening area of ​​the multiple outflow holes 435outA and 435outB is 28 mm 2 It is preferable that the width of the water blocking wall 453 is about 7 mm and the length (L3) of the water blocking wall 453 is about 54 mm.

[0042] (Nozzle member 500) The nozzle member 500 is disposed in front of the movable flow path member 400. Examples of materials for the nozzle member 500 include synthetic resins such as ASA resin (acrylonitrile-styrene-acrylate copolymer resin), metals such as stainless steel, and synthetic rubbers such as EPDM (ethylene propylene diene rubber). As shown in FIG. 2, the nozzle member 500 includes a nozzle plate 511. The nozzle plate 511 is generally disk-shaped and has a central through-hole 515. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the nozzle plate 511 includes a plurality of massage insertion holes 512. The tips of the massage nozzles 436A and 436B are inserted into each of the massage insertion holes 512. Although not shown in detail, the nozzle member 500 includes a plurality of nozzles corresponding to the flow paths other than the massage flow path.

[0043] (Cover 700) As shown in FIG. 2, the cover 700 is generally disk-shaped and is disposed in front of the nozzle member 500. Examples of materials for the cover 700 include synthetic resins such as ABS resin (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer resin), metals such as stainless steel, and synthetic rubbers such as EPDM (ethylene propylene diene rubber). The front surface of the cover 700 may be plated to enhance its appearance. The cover 700 has multiple massage insertion holes 701. The tips of the massage nozzles 436A and 436B are inserted through each of the massage insertion holes 701. Although not shown in detail, the cover 700 also has multiple nozzle insertion holes corresponding to the nozzles provided in the nozzle member 500.

[0044] (Operation Ring 600) 2 and 4, the operation ring 600 is ring-shaped and has an outer diameter substantially equal to that of the head body 100. Examples of materials for the operation ring 600 include synthetic resins such as ABS resin (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer resin), metals such as stainless steel, and synthetic rubbers such as EPDM (ethylene propylene diene rubber). The operation ring 600 is disposed adjacent to the opening edge of the head body 100, and surrounds the movable flow path member 400, the nozzle member 500, and the cover 700.

[0045] A screw S having a screw head SH and a threaded portion ST is screwed onto the mounting shaft 320. A washer WS having an outer diameter slightly larger than that of the mounting shaft 320 is sandwiched between the screw head SH and the mounting shaft 320, and the washer WS engages with the peripheral portion of the through-hole 432 in the second movable flow path member 430, thereby rotatably fixing the movable flow path member 400 to the mounting shaft 320. The movable flow path member 400, the nozzle member 500, and the cover 700 are configured to rotate in conjunction with the rotation of the operation ring 600.

[0046] A-2. Shower Head 10 Operation: When a user turns on the faucet, water supplied from the water heater passes through the shower hose and the water pipe and is supplied into the base flow path 340.

[0047] When the user rotates the operation ring 600, the movable flow path member 400, the nozzle member 500, and the cover 700 rotate relative to the fixed flow path member 300 in conjunction with the rotation of the operation ring 600. The operation ring 600 is displaceable between a plurality of designated positions corresponding to each of the discharge modes, thereby switching between the plurality of discharge modes. For example, when the operation ring 600 is rotated to a position that designates the massage mode, the massage distribution hole 415in is positioned to align with the base outlet hole 340out, and the distribution holes of the other flow paths are blocked by the packing 350. This allows water to be supplied to the first massage flow path 415.

[0048] Water that has passed through the first massage channel 415 flows into the turbine chamber 435 via the communication passage 423. At this time, the water flows inside the communication passage 423 from the inlet 423in to the outlet 423out while being guided by the inclined wall 425 and the inclined surface 426, flows into the turbine chamber 435 at a shallow angle to the middle plate 421, and flows along the partition wall 433W (see Figures 7 and 9). As a result, a water flow is generated inside the turbine chamber 435, rotating in the direction from the inlet 423in to the outlet 423out (the direction indicated by the thick arrow in Figure 9) along the inner surface of the partition wall 433W. This water flow is received by the blades 452, causing the turbine 450 to rotate.

[0049] As the water wheel 450 rotates, the water blocking wall 453 also rotates. The water blocking wall 453 rotates along the imaginary circle VC, repeatedly blocking and opening the two sets of outlet holes 435outA and 435outB. Specifically, focusing on one set of outlet holes 435outA of the two sets of outlet holes 435outA and 435outB, when the water blocking wall 453 is in a blocking position (the position shown in FIG. 10 ) that covers the set of outlet holes 435outA, water cannot pass through the outlet hole 435outA, and water does not flow out from the massage nozzle 436A that communicates with the outlet hole 435outA. On the other hand, when the water blocking wall 453 is in a position offset from the outlet hole 435outA (the position shown in FIG. 9 ), water passes through the outlet hole 435outA and flows out from the massage nozzle 436A that communicates with the outlet hole 435outA. The same applies to the other set of outlet holes 435outB and massage nozzle 436B. In this way, water passes through each of the two sets of outlet holes 435outA and 435outB intermittently, and water is intermittently ejected from each of the two sets of massage nozzles 436A and 436B. This allows the user to more clearly feel the rhythmic stimulation of the ejected water. This allows for an improved bathing experience with a simple configuration.

[0050] As described above, the length L3 of the water blocking wall 453 is part of the imaginary circle VC and is substantially equal to the lengths L1 and L2 of the imaginary arcs VA1 and VA2 connecting the edges of the two sets of outflow holes 435outA and 435outB (see FIGS. 8 and 9). As a result, the water blocking wall 453 is displaced between a partial blocking position (see FIG. 10) in which it blocks one of the two sets of outflow holes 435outA and 435outB, and a full opening position (see FIG. 9) in which it opens both sets of outflow holes 435outA and 435outB.

[0051] With this configuration, when water is sprayed from showerhead 10, there are times when the water passes through only one of the two sets of outlet holes 435outA, 435outB, and times when the water passes through both sets of outlet holes 435outA, 435outB. This means that there are times when water is sprayed from only one of the two sets of massage nozzles 436A, 436B, and times when water is sprayed from both, providing a more pronounced rhythmic sensation for the user, further improving the shower experience.

[0052] Two outlet holes 435outA are arranged adjacent to each other to form one set, and two other outlet holes 435outB are arranged adjacent to each other to form another set. For example, when discharging hot water from a water heater from shower head 10, the water must be discharged at a certain flow rate or higher to ignite the water heater. However, because the water swirls and hits the inner surface of the outlet hole at an angle, if the inner diameter of the outlet hole is made too large to ensure a certain flow rate, the direction of the water flow from the outlet hole becomes unstable and the water is more likely to splash in all directions. In this embodiment, two outlet holes 435outA are arranged adjacent to each other on imaginary circle VC to form one set, and the other two outlet holes 435outB are arranged adjacent to each other on imaginary circle VC to form another set. This ensures a certain water discharge rate from shower head 10 while avoiding the inner diameter of each of the multiple outlet holes 435outA, 435outB from becoming too large, thereby suppressing water splashing. In addition, by arranging the two outlet holes 435outA next to each other, the water discharged from each outlet hole 435outA and attempting to splash collide with each other, thereby suppressing overall splashing. The same is true for outlet hole 435outB. Furthermore, by arranging the two outlet holes 435outA next to each other to form a pair, and by arranging the other two outlet holes 435outB next to each other to form another pair, it is possible to stimulate the body with a strong local force.

[0053] In addition, the tapered shape of massage nozzles 436A, 436B narrows the flow path of massage nozzles 436A, 436B, increasing the force of the water being ejected and reducing splashing. Furthermore, the cylindrical shape of massage nozzles 436A, 436B extending from the edges of outlet holes 435outA, 435outB regulates the flow of water after passing through outlet holes 435outA, 435outB, reducing splashing.

[0054] In addition, to improve the bathing comfort, it is preferable that the period of intermittent discharge of water from the two sets of outlet holes 435outA, 435outB is suitably fast, and to achieve this, it is preferable that the water wheel 450 rotates efficiently.

[0055] Here, claws 454 are arranged on receiving surfaces 452F that receive the water flow at the tips of the blades 452. These claws 454 prevent water from escaping from the tips of the blades 452. This allows the blades 452 to receive the water flow without waste, and the water wheel 450 rotates efficiently.

[0056] In addition, the water blocking walls 453 are arranged at the tip ends of some of the blades 452. With this configuration, the centrifugal force generated when the water turbine 450 rotates is greater than when the water blocking walls 453 are arranged at the base ends of the blades 452. Also, the frictional force acting between the water blocking walls 453 and the second movable flow path member 430 is smaller than when the water blocking walls 453 are arranged over the entire blades 452 from the base ends to the tip ends. These factors allow the water turbine 450 to rotate efficiently.

[0057] One of the communication passages 423 is arranged so that its inlet 423in is adjacent to one of the outlet holes 435outA. That is, there is a certain distance between the outlet 423out of this communication passage 423 and the other outlet hole 435outB, which is located downstream of the water flow that flows in from this communication passage 423. The same applies to the relationship between the other communication passage 423 and the outlet holes 435outA and 435outB. As a result, water that flows into the turbine chamber 435 through the communication passage 423 does not immediately flow out of the outlet holes 435outA and 435outB, so the rotational flow necessary to rotate the turbine 450 is generated efficiently. Furthermore, the communication passage 423 is arranged just inside the partition wall 433W, so that the water that flows into the turbine chamber 435 through the communication passage 423 hits the tip of the blade 452, i.e., a position far from the rotation shaft 451. This allows the turbine 450 to rotate efficiently.

[0058] Furthermore, since a plurality of annular portions 428 and a plurality of ridges 429 are arranged on the rear surface of the front wall 431, a gap is formed between the water turbine 450 and the front wall 431 by the protruding height of the annular portions 428 and ridges 429, thereby reducing the contact area between the water turbine 450 and the second movable flow path member 430. This reduces the frictional force acting between the water turbine 450 and the second movable flow path member 430, allowing the water turbine 450 to rotate efficiently.

[0059] A-3. Advantages of this embodiment: As described above, according to this embodiment, the shower head 10 comprises a head body 100 having flow paths through which water can flow (first massage flow path 415, communication path 423, and water wheel chamber 435), and a water wheel 450 disposed inside the head body 100 and rotated by receiving a water flow. The head body 100 is disposed midway through the flow paths and has a water wheel chamber 435 in which the water wheel 450 is disposed, and the water wheel chamber 435 has a plurality of outlet holes 435ou for discharging water to the outside. The space is partitioned by a front wall 431 having outlet holes 435outA, 435outB, and a middle plate 421 having a communicating passage 423 that communicates with the first massage channel 415 and the water turbine chamber 435, and the water turbine 450 is equipped with a rotating shaft 451, a plurality of blades 452 extending from the rotating shaft 451 and receiving the water flow, and a water blocking wall 453 arranged along the front wall 431 and arranged so as to repeatedly block and open the outflow holes 435outA, 435outB as the water turbine 450 rotates.

[0060] According to the above configuration, water blocking wall 453 repeatedly blocks and opens outlet holes 435outA and 435outB, so that fluid can be intermittently discharged from outlet holes 435outA and 435outB with a simple configuration, allowing the user to feel the rhythmic stimulation more clearly, thereby improving the bathing comfort.

[0061] In addition, two outlet holes 435outA are arranged adjacent to each other on the imaginary circle VC to form a set, and the other two outlet holes 435outB are arranged adjacent to each other on the imaginary circle VC to form another set.

[0062] With this configuration, it is possible to prevent water from splashing while ensuring that a certain amount of water is discharged from the shower head 10.

[0063] In addition, as the water turbine 450 rotates, the water blocking wall 453 displaces between a partially shielded position in which at least one of the multiple sets of outflow holes 435outA, 435outB is shielded, and a first fully open position in which all of the multiple sets of outflow holes 435outA, 435outB are open.

[0064] With this configuration, when water is sprayed from showerhead 10, some of the outlet holes 435outA, 435outB are sprayed, while other times all of the holes 435outA, 435outB are sprayed, providing the user with a more distinct rhythmic sensation, further improving the shower experience.

[0065] The water wheel 450 also includes a claw 454 extending at an angle from a receiving surface 452F that receives the water flow on at least one of the plurality of blades 452.

[0066] With this configuration, water is prevented from escaping from the tips of the blades 452, so that the blades 452 receive the water flow without waste, and the water wheel 450 rotates efficiently.

[0067] In addition, multiple sets of outlet holes 435outA, 435outB and water-blocking wall 453 are arranged along an imaginary circle VC centered on rotation axis 451, multiple sets of outlet holes 435outA, 435outB are arranged at equal intervals, water-blocking wall 453 is arc-shaped and arranged along imaginary circle VC, and length L3 of water-blocking wall 453 is approximately equal to lengths L1, L2 of imaginary arcs VCa1, VCa2 connecting the hole edges of two adjacent sets of outlet holes 435outA, 435outB along imaginary circle VC.

[0068] With this configuration, when water is sprayed from showerhead 10, there are times when water is sprayed from some of outlet holes 435outA, 435outB and times when water is sprayed from all of outlet holes 435outA, 435outB, and the time when water is sprayed from all outlet holes 435outA, 435outB is the shortest, so the user can feel the rhythmic stimulation more clearly, further improving the showering experience.

[0069] B. Variations: The technology disclosed in this specification is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be modified into various forms without departing from the spirit thereof, for example, the following modifications are also possible. (1) In the above embodiment, the multiple discharge modes set for the shower head 10 were exemplified as "mist mode," "straight mode," "pure straight mode," "jet mode," and "massage mode." However, the discharge modes can be set arbitrarily. For example, the number of discharge modes a shower head has can be four or less, or six or more. Furthermore, the types of discharge modes a shower head has can also include bubble mode and stop mode. (2) In the above embodiment, the movable flow path member 400, the nozzle member 500, and the cover 700 are configured to rotate relative to the fixed flow path member 300 in conjunction with the rotation of the operation ring 600. However, at least one of the nozzle member 500 and the cover 700 may not rotate relative to the head main body 100. For example, only the movable flow path member 400 may rotate relative to the head main body 100, or only the movable flow path member 400 and the nozzle member 500 may rotate relative to the head main body 100. (3) In the above embodiment, two outlet holes 435outA are formed as one pair and two other outlet holes 435outB are formed as another pair, but the outflow wall may have three or more pairs of outlet holes, or three or more outlet holes may be formed as one pair. Alternatively, the outlet holes may not be formed as pairs. (4) In the above embodiment, the lengths L1 and L2 of the two imaginary circular arcs VCa1 and VCa2 connecting the edges of the two sets of outlet holes 435outA and 435outB are equal to each other, but the lengths of the two imaginary circular arcs VCa1 and VCa2 may be different from each other. Also, when the outflow wall has three or more sets of outlet holes, it is preferable that the multiple sets of outlet holes be arranged at equal intervals, but they do not have to be arranged at equal intervals. (5) In the above embodiment, the water blocking wall 453 is configured to be displaceable between a partially shielded position in which it shields at least one of the multiple sets of outlet holes 435outA, 435outB, and a first fully open position in which it opens all of the multiple sets of outlet holes 435outA, 435outB, but the water blocking wall may also be designed to always shield one of the multiple outlet holes. (6) In the above embodiment, the water blocking wall 453 is an arc-shaped wall arranged along the imaginary circle VC. However, the shape and arrangement of the water blocking wall may be any shape as long as it repeatedly blocks and opens the outflow holes as the turbine rotates. For example, the water blocking wall may be a sector shape including an arc-shaped portion arranged along the imaginary circle VC. (7) In the above embodiment, the water wheel 450 has the tines 454, but the water wheel does not have to have the tines. (8) In the above embodiment, the water wheel 450 has the claws 454, but the blades may be configured to receive the water flow without waste by, for example, providing recesses on the receiving surfaces of the blades. Alternatively, the blades may be configured to receive the water flow without waste by curved tips. (9) In the above embodiment, the water blocking wall 453 is disposed only at the tip of the blade 452, but the water blocking wall may be disposed closer to the rotation axis. The water blocking wall may have a shape that extends from the rotation axis to the tip of the blade, and a hole through which water can pass may be provided in part of the water blocking wall. (10) In the above embodiment, the communicating passage 423 is arranged just inside the partition wall 433W, and the water flowing into the turbine chamber 435 hits the tip of the blade 452, but the flow path may be designed so that the water flowing into the turbine chamber hits a position close to the base end of the blade. (11) In the above embodiment, the second movable flow path member 430 includes the annular portion 428 and the ridges 429. However, the movable flow path member does not necessarily have to include either or both of the annular portion and the ridges. [Explanation of symbols]

[0070] 10: Shower head 100: Head body 200: Cover member 210: Cover body 220: Grip portion 300: Fixed flow path member 310: Base portion 320: Mounting shaft 322: Screw hole 330: Joint portion 340: Base flow path 340out: Base outflow hole 350: Gasket 400: Movable flow path member 410: First movable flow path member 411: Rear wall 412: Through hole 413: First partition wall 414: First shaft cylinder 415: First massage flow path (flow path) 415in: Massage distribution hole 420: Intermediate member 421: Middle plate (inlet wall) 422: Shaft insertion hole 423: Communication path (flow path) 423in: Inlet 423out: Outlet 424: Side wall 425: Inclined wall 426: Inclined surface 427: Communication hole 428: Annular portion 429: Protrusion 430: Second movable flow path member 431: Front wall (outlet wall) 432: Through hole 433: Second partition wall 433W: Partition wall 434: Second shaft cylinder 435: Turbine chamber (flow path) 435outA, 435outB: Outlet holes 436A, 436B: Massage nozzle 450: Water wheel 451: Rotating shaft 452: Blade 452F: Receiving surface 453: Water blocking wall 454: Claw 500: Nozzle member 511: Nozzle plate 512: Massage insertion hole 515: Through hole 600: Operation ring 700: Cover 701: Massage insertion hole L1: Length of imaginary arc VCa1 L2: Length of imaginary arc VCa2 L3: Length of water blocking wall S: Screw SH: Screw head ST: Threaded portion VA1, VA2: Virtual arc VC: Virtual circle WS: Washer

Claims

1. A head body having a flow path through which a fluid can flow; A water wheel is disposed inside the head body and rotates by receiving the flow of the fluid, The head body is disposed in the flow path and has a water wheel chamber in which the water wheel is disposed, the turbine chamber is a space defined by an outflow wall having a plurality of outflow holes for discharging the fluid to the outside, and an inflow wall having a communication passage communicating with the flow path, The water wheel, A rotation axis; a plurality of blades extending from the rotating shaft and receiving the flow of the fluid; A water blocking wall is disposed along the outflow wall so as to repeatedly cover and open the outflow hole as the water turbine rotates; Equipped with Shower head.

2. A plurality of the outflow holes are arranged adjacent to each other to form a set, The outflow wall has a plurality of sets of the outflow holes.

10. The showerhead of claim 1.

3. The water blocking wall is displaced between a partial blocking position where at least one or a set of outflow holes among the plurality or sets of outflow holes is blocked and a first fully open position where all of the plurality or sets of outflow holes are opened in accordance with the rotation of the water turbine. The showerhead according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The water wheel has a tine extending at an angle from a receiving surface that receives the flow of the fluid on at least one of the plurality of blades. The showerhead according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The plurality or plurality of sets of outflow holes and the water blocking wall are arranged along a virtual circle centered on the rotation axis, The plurality or plurality of sets of outlet holes are equally spaced, The water blocking wall has an arc-shaped portion that is arranged along the imaginary circle, The length of the arc portion is approximately equal to the length of a virtual arc connecting the hole edges of two or two sets of adjacent outflow holes along the virtual circle. The showerhead according to claim 1 or 2.

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