Water discharge device

Abstract

To provide a shower device suitable for daytime rest in which the risk of burns to a user is reduced.SOLUTION: A water discharge device includes: a hot-water mixing part that mixes high-temperature hot water and cold water to generate hot water at a desired temperature; a first water discharge part that discharges hot water toward a user located at a predetermined position; a second water discharge part that is provided separately from the first water discharge part and discharges hot water toward the user located at the predetermined position; a first flow path part that extends from the hot-water mixing part to the first water discharge part; and a second flow path part that extends from the hot-water mixing part to the second water discharge part. The first flow path part and the second flow path part are branched via a branching part provided downstream of the hot-water mixing part. The particle size of the hot water discharged from the second water discharge part via the second flow path part is larger than the particle size of the hot water discharged from the first water discharge part via the first flow path part. The length of the second flow path part is longer than the length of the first flow path part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a water discharge device (for example, a shower device). [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, multi-function shower devices that are intended for more than simply cleaning the body have been proposed.

[0003] The human body senses temperature differently depending on the part of the body. Therefore, even if the water is of the same temperature, the person may feel a difference in temperature. A shower device is known that actively changes the particle size of the hot water to create a temperature distribution in the water, making the perceived temperature uniform and providing a comfortable mist shower (Patent Document 1).

[0004] Specifically, it has been proposed to actively create a difference in particle size between the mist shower sprayed toward the user's chest and the mist shower sprayed toward the user's abdomen, thereby actively creating an uneven temperature distribution in the sprayed water, thereby eliminating unevenness in the temperature perceived by the user. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2009-189606 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The present inventor has begun to develop a shower device suitable for daytime rest, during which it is desirable to provide a comfortable recovery from fatigue and a pleasant feeling of awakening.

[0007] In order to recover from fatigue, it is necessary to provide a thermal effect that improves blood flow, and in order to provide a sense of awakening, it is necessary to provide a thermal effect and tactile stimulation that stimulates the sympathetic nerves.

[0008] On the other hand, if you shower with water of a uniform temperature all over your body, it will encourage sweating in areas that are prone to sweating, which is not suitable for a daytime break.

[0009] In Patent Document 1, the temperature of the mist shower sprayed toward the user's abdomen (a part that produces little sweat) is set low, so it is not effective in warming the body while suppressing sweating.

[0010] Furthermore, in Patent Document 1, the flow path from the hot water source to the water outlet with large particle diameters is shorter than the flow path from the hot water source to the water outlet with small particle diameters. Therefore, if a user mistakenly sets the temperature too high, hot water is likely to be discharged toward the user, and there is a risk of the user being burned (when water of different particle diameters is discharged through a flow path of the same length, the water of large particle diameters drops in temperature less and becomes hotter).

[0011] The present invention has been made based on the above findings. It is an object of the present invention to provide a shower device that is suitable for use during daytime breaks and that reduces the risk of a user getting burned. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] A first aspect of the present invention is a water-spouting device comprising a hot water / water mixing section that mixes high-temperature hot water and cold water to produce hot water of a desired temperature, a first water discharge section that discharges hot water toward a user at a predetermined position, a second water discharge section that is provided separately from the first water discharge section and discharges hot water toward the user at the predetermined position, a first flow path section from the hot water / water mixing section to the first water discharge section, and a second flow path section from the hot water / water mixing section to the second water discharge section, wherein the first flow path section and the second flow path section are branched off via a branch section provided downstream of the hot water / water mixing section, the particle size of the hot water discharged from the second water discharge section via the second flow path section is larger than the particle size of the hot water discharged from the first water discharge section via the first flow path section, and the length of the second flow path section is longer than the length of the first flow path section.

[0013] According to the first aspect of the present invention, the length of the second flow path section from the hot and cold water mixing section (hot water source) to the second water outlet section with larger particle size is longer than the length of the first flow path section from the hot and cold water mixing section (hot water source) to the first water outlet section with smaller particle size. Therefore, even if a high temperature is accidentally set, a drop in temperature of the large particle size water outlet from the second water outlet section is expected, reducing the risk of the user being burned (in addition to the thermal conduction (heat dissipation) effect of the longer second flow path section itself, a drop in temperature can also be expected due to the (low temperature) residual hot water remaining in the longer second flow path section).

[0014] A second aspect of the present invention is a water-spouting device comprising a hot water / water mixing section that mixes high-temperature hot water and cold water to produce hot water of a desired temperature, a first water discharge section that discharges hot water toward a user at a predetermined position, a second water discharge section that is provided separately from the first water discharge section and discharges hot water toward the user at the predetermined position, a first flow path section from the hot water / water mixing section to the first water discharge section, and a second flow path section from the hot water / water mixing section to the second water discharge section, wherein the first flow path section and the second flow path section are branched off via a branch section provided downstream of the hot water / water mixing section, the flow velocity of the hot water discharged from the second water discharge section through the second flow path section is smaller than the flow velocity of the hot water discharged from the first water discharge section through the first flow path section, and the length of the second flow path section is longer than the length of the first flow path section.

[0015] According to the second aspect of the present invention, the length of the second flow path section from the hot and cold water mixing section (hot water source) to the second water outlet section with a slower flow rate is longer than the length of the first flow path section from the hot and cold water mixing section (hot water source) to the first water outlet section with a faster flow rate. Therefore, even if a high temperature is accidentally set, a drop in temperature of the water outlet with a slower flow rate from the second water outlet section is expected, reducing the risk of the user being burned (in addition to the thermal conduction (heat dissipation) effect of the longer second flow path section itself, a drop in temperature can also be expected due to the (low temperature) residual hot water remaining in the longer second flow path section).

[0016] A third aspect of the present invention is a water-discharging device comprising a hot water / water mixing section that mixes high-temperature hot water and cold water to produce hot water of a desired temperature, a first water discharge section that discharges hot water toward a user at a predetermined position, a second water discharge section that is provided separately from the first water discharge section and discharges hot water toward the user at the predetermined position, a first flow path section from the hot water / water mixing section to the first water discharge section, a second flow path section from the hot water / water mixing section to the second water discharge section, and a temperature reduction device that is provided to actively lower the temperature of the hot water discharged from the first water discharge section via the first flow path section, wherein the first flow path section and the second flow path section are branched off via a branch section provided downstream of the hot water / water mixing section, and the length of the second flow path section is longer than the length of the first flow path section.

[0017] According to the third aspect of the present invention, the length of the second flow path section from the hot and cold water mixing section (hot water source) to the second water discharge section is longer than the length of the first flow path section from the hot and cold water mixing section (hot water source) to the first water discharge section. Therefore, even if a high temperature is accidentally set, it is expected that the temperature of the water discharged from the second water discharge section will be reduced without going through a temperature reduction device, reducing the risk of the user being burned (in addition to the thermal conduction (heat dissipation) effect of the longer second flow path section itself, a temperature reduction can also be expected due to the (low temperature) residual hot water remaining in the longer second flow path section).

[0018] In each of the above aspects, it is preferable that the first water-spouting section and the second water-spouting section are arranged facing each other with the specified position in between, and that the water-spouting range of the second water-spouting section is lower than the water-spouting range of the first water-spouting section.

[0019] In each of the above aspects, the water discharged by the second water discharge section tends to be hotter, but by setting the water discharge range of the second water discharge section lower, it is possible to prevent hot water from reaching (landing on) the user's face directly, regardless of which direction the user is facing when using the water discharge device.

[0020] And when the temperature of the hot water that reaches (lands on) the range of water discharged by the second water discharger, which is lower than the range of water discharged by the first water discharger, is relatively high, the user can also obtain a comfortable thermal effect. In other words, it is possible to suppress sweating and warm the body at the same time, providing a shower device that is ideal for daytime breaks.

[0021] The water discharge range of the first water discharger is preferably a range corresponding to the neck of a user in a predetermined position, for example, a height range of 120 cm to 130 cm (although it may be possible to change (adjust) the setting according to the height of the user). In this case, if the first water discharger and the second water discharger are arranged facing each other with the predetermined position in between, the water discharge range of the second water discharger will be a part of the body that is relatively less sensitive to heat (especially the front side of the body), so that the user can reliably feel the warmth of the body.

[0022] Moreover, it is preferable that the first water discharger discharges hot water in the form of a mist (discharges water in small particle sizes of 1 mm or less).

[0023] According to this aspect, even on the first water discharge section side, where the distance from the hot water mixing section (hot water source) to the water discharge section is short, even if high temperature water is discharged, heat can be more reliably released into the air so that it hits the user.

[0024] When water is discharged in mist form, if the water temperature near the water outlet is, for example, 39.8°C, the water temperature when it reaches (lands on) the user's body is, for example, around 28.7°C (relatively low temperature).

[0025] Furthermore, it is preferable that the first water-spouting section and the second water-spouting section are arranged at approximately the same height, and that the angle that the water-spouting center direction of the first water-spouting section makes with the vertical direction is larger than the angle that the water-spouting center direction of the second water-spouting section makes with the vertical direction.

[0026] According to this embodiment, the water (hot water) discharged from the second water discharger is discharged downward from the range of the first water discharger and spreads more widely than the water discharged from the first water discharger, so that the hot water reaches a wider range of the user's body parts, and the user can feel the warmth of the body more reliably. Also, even if the temperature is set to a high temperature by mistake, the water (hot water) discharged from the second water discharger can be encouraged to drop in temperature in the air.

[0027] A plurality of the second water dischargers may be provided. In this case, one or a plurality of second branching portions may be provided between the plurality of second water dischargers and the branching portion.

[0028] In this case, the second flow path section is branched by the second branch section, so that the thermal conduction (heat dissipation) effect of such a second flow path section is enhanced, and a further decrease in temperature due to the (low-temperature) remaining hot water in such a second flow path section can be expected. Effect of the Invention

[0029] According to the first aspect of the present invention, the length of the second flow path section from the hot and cold water mixing section (hot water source) to the second water outlet section with larger particle size is longer than the length of the first flow path section from the hot and cold water mixing section (hot water source) to the first water outlet section with smaller particle size. Therefore, even if a high temperature is accidentally set, a drop in temperature of the large particle size water outlet from the second water outlet section is expected, reducing the risk of the user being burned (in addition to the thermal conduction (heat dissipation) effect of the longer second flow path section itself, a drop in temperature can also be expected due to the (low temperature) residual hot water remaining in the longer second flow path section).

[0030] According to the second aspect of the present invention, the length of the second flow path section from the hot and cold water mixing section (hot water source) to the second water outlet section with a slower flow rate is longer than the length of the first flow path section from the hot and cold water mixing section (hot water source) to the first water outlet section with a faster flow rate. Therefore, even if a high temperature is accidentally set, a drop in temperature of the water outlet with a slower flow rate from the second water outlet section is expected, reducing the risk of the user being burned (in addition to the thermal conduction (heat dissipation) effect of the longer second flow path section itself, a drop in temperature can also be expected due to the (low temperature) residual hot water remaining in the longer second flow path section).

[0031] According to the third aspect of the present invention, the length of the second flow path section from the hot and cold water mixing section (hot water source) to the second water discharge section is longer than the length of the first flow path section from the hot and cold water mixing section (hot water source) to the first water discharge section. Therefore, even if a high temperature is accidentally set, it is expected that the temperature of the water discharged from the second water discharge section will be reduced without going through a temperature reduction device, reducing the risk of the user being burned (in addition to the thermal conduction (heat dissipation) effect of the longer second flow path section itself, a temperature reduction can also be expected due to the (low temperature) residual hot water remaining in the longer second flow path section). [Brief description of the drawings]

[0032] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of a shower apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating an embodiment in which a hot and cold water mixing valve is combined. [Diagram 3] 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the arrangement of a second branch portion in the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a shower device according to a modified example of the first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 5] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of a shower device according to a further modified example of the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of arrangement of a second branch portion in a further modified example of the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a shower apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of a shower apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a shower device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention installed in a shower cubicle. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a shower head body of a shower device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a first water discharge section (spray section) provided in a shower device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XII-XII in FIG. 11. [Figure 13] 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XIII-XIII in FIG. 11. [Figure 14] 13 is a perspective view of a second water discharge section (spray section) provided in a shower device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 15] 15 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line XV-XV in FIG. 14. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line XVI-XVI in FIG. [Figure 17] 13 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the arrangement of branching parts in a fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 18] FIG. 13 is a schematic view showing another example of the arrangement of the branching portion in the fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a user taking a shower using water discharged from the shower head body of the shower apparatus according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a state in which a user is taking a shower with water discharged from a shower apparatus according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 21] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a state in which a user is taking a shower with water discharged from a shower apparatus according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 22] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a state in which a user is taking a shower with water discharged from a shower apparatus according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0033] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0034] (Configuration of the first embodiment) FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a shower apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] 1, the shower device of the first embodiment of the present invention includes a first water spouting unit 100 that spouts hot water toward a first water spouting range corresponding to the neck of a user who is in a predetermined position 300, and a second water spouting unit 200 that spouts hot water toward a second water spouting range that is lower than the first water spouting range for the user. Note that the "predetermined position" indicated by the predetermined position 300 is, for example, any position where the first water spouting range, which is the range of hot water spouted from the first water spouting unit 100, and the second water spouting range, which is the range of hot water spouted from the second water spouting unit 200, intersect in a plan view.

[0036] The first water discharge range is set to a height range of, for example, 120 cm to 130 cm. However, the first water discharge range may be changeable (adjustable) in accordance with the height of the user.

[0037] The first water spouting section 100 and the second water spouting section 200 are arranged to face each other with a predetermined position 300 in between. The first water spouting section 100 and the second water spouting section are arranged at approximately the same height. Here, "approximately the same" is defined as the difference in height between the first water spouting section and the second water spouting section being within 250 mm.

[0038] The first water discharger 100 and the second water discharger 200 can be fixed to the wall or ceiling of the shower room via various types of known support members, respectively. Alternatively, the first water discharger 100 and the second water discharger 200 can be fixed directly to the wall or ceiling of the shower room without using a support member.

[0039] The first water discharger 100 of this embodiment is configured to discharge hot water in a mist form in a triangular, solid conical, or hollow conical surface shape. On the other hand, the second water discharger 200 of this embodiment is configured to discharge hot water in a wave form so that the hot water passes through a roughly triangular region. The angle (θ1: for example, 2 to 90 degrees) that the center direction of the water discharged by the first water discharger makes with the vertical direction is larger than the angle (θ2: for example, 1 to 35 degrees) that the center direction of the water discharged by the second water discharger makes with the vertical direction.

[0040] In this embodiment, the hot water temperature immediately after the first water discharge section 100 and the hot water temperature immediately after the second water discharge section 200 are both 39.8°C during stable hot water flow. Therefore, the hot water mixing valve 500 can be shared as shown in FIG. 2. However, the hot water discharged in mist form from the first water discharge section 100 has a relatively small particle size, so the temperature drops significantly, and the hot water temperature when it reaches (lands on) the user's neck is about 28.7°C (relatively low). On the other hand, the hot water discharged in wave form from the second water discharge section 200 has a relatively large particle size, so the temperature drops less, and the hot water temperature when it reaches (lands on) the user's front side (below the neck) of the body is about 38.2°C (relatively high).

[0041] In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 2(a) and Fig. 2(b), a configuration can be adopted that includes a mixing valve 500 connected to a hot water supply pipe 510 and a water supply pipe 520 to generate hot water at a desired temperature, a first flow path section 110 that connects the mixing valve 500 to a first water outlet section 100, and a second flow path section 210 that connects the mixing valve 500 to a second water outlet section 200. (Note that in the configuration shown in Fig. 2(a), a flow rate adjustment valve is provided in the area before the first flow path section 110 and the second flow path section 210 branch off, and in the configuration shown in Fig. 2(b), in addition to this, flow rate adjustment valves are also provided midway through each of the first flow path section 110 and the second flow path section 210. Either configuration can be adopted.

[0042] In this embodiment, the first flow path section 110 and the second flow path section 210 have a common portion 530 on the hot and cold water mixing valve 500 side, and are branched off via a branching section 550 (see FIG. 2). A plurality of second water discharge sections 200 may be provided, and a second branching section 215 may be provided between the plurality of second water discharge sections 200 and the branching section 550. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the second flow path section 210 leading to the plurality of second water discharge sections 200 may adopt a substantially T-shaped form in a plan view having one second branching section 215.

[0043] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the length of the second flow path section 210 from the hot and cold water mixing valve 500 to the second water outlet section 200 is longer than the length of the first flow path section 110 from the hot and cold water mixing valve 500 to the first water outlet section 100 (see Figures 1 and 3).

[0044] (Functions and Effects of the First Embodiment) According to the first embodiment, the temperature of the hot water that reaches (lands on) the first water discharge range, which corresponds to the user's neck, is lower than the temperature of the hot water that reaches (lands on) the second water discharge range, which is lower than the first water discharge range, thereby providing a shower device that is suitable for daytime breaks.

[0045] The relatively low temperature of the water that reaches (lands on) the first water outlet range, which corresponds to the user's neck, means that the water is at a relatively low temperature and reaches the neck (where large arteries run) and the back directly below the neck (where sweating is generally likely to occur), thereby suppressing sweating.

[0046] On the other hand, by setting the temperature of the hot water that reaches (lands on) the second water discharge range, which is lower than the first water discharge range, relatively high, the user can obtain a comfortable thermal effect. In other words, it is possible to suppress sweating and warm the body at the same time, providing a shower device that is ideal for daytime breaks.

[0047] In addition, the first water discharger 100 and the second water discharger 200 are disposed to face each other with the predetermined position 300 in between, that is, the second water discharge range is the part of the body that is relatively less sensitive to heat (particularly the front side of the body). Therefore, the user can more reliably feel the warmth of the body.

[0048] In addition, the first water discharger 100 and the second water discharger 200 are disposed at approximately the same height, and the direction of the center of water discharge by the first water discharger 100 is angled downward more gently than the direction of the center of water discharge by the second water discharger 200. Therefore, hot water from the first water discharger 100 can be easily discharged locally toward the first water discharge range corresponding to the neck of the user, while hot water from the second water discharger 200 can be discharged toward the second water discharge range below the first water discharge range while spreading more than the water discharged from the first water discharger 100, so that the hot water reaches a wider range of the user's body parts, and the user can feel the warmth of the body more reliably. In addition, even if the temperature is set to a high temperature by mistake, the temperature of the water (hot water) discharged from the second water discharger 200 can be encouraged to drop in air.

[0049] In addition, since the length of the second flow passage section 210 from the mixing valve 500 to the second water outlet section 200 is longer than the length of the first flow passage section 110 from the mixing valve 500 to the first water outlet section 100, even if the temperature is set to a high temperature by mistake, the temperature of the large particle water discharged from the second water outlet section 200 is expected to drop, reducing the risk of the user being burned (in addition to the thermal conduction (heat dissipation) effect of the longer second flow passage section 210 itself, a temperature drop due to the (low temperature) remaining hot water remaining in the longer second flow passage section 210 can also be expected). Specifically, if the temperature of the remaining hot water is about 25°C (about room temperature) at the start of hot water flow when the set temperature is set to 50°C, even if the hot water temperature immediately after discharge from the first water outlet section 100 is high at about 44°C, the hot water temperature immediately after discharge from the second water outlet section 200 will drop to about 40°C.

[0050] (Modification of the first embodiment) The number of first water dischargers 100 is not limited to 1. For example, three may be provided to correspond to the front rear of the neck, the left rear of the neck, and the right rear of the neck.

[0051] The number of second water dischargers 200 is also not limited to 1. For example, as shown in Fig. 3, a plurality of second water dischargers may be provided on the front side of the user's body in order to discharge water to a wider area on the front side of the user's body.

[0052] Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 4, the second water discharger 200 may be configured to discharge hot water to the front, left, and right sides of the user. For example, as shown in Fig. 4, a plurality of second water dischargers 200 may be provided at appropriate intervals along a water supply passage arranged in an elliptical semi-annular shape. According to this embodiment, hot water reaches the front, left, and right sides of the user, so that the user can feel the warmth of the body more reliably.

[0053] Furthermore, the first water discharger 100 and the second water discharger 200 can be provided at different heights. In this case, as shown in Fig. 5, the second water discharger 200 may be configured to discharge hot water all around the user (the front, left, right, and rear sides). For example, as shown in Fig. 5, a plurality of second water dischargers 200 may be provided at appropriate intervals along a water supply passage arranged in an elliptical ring. According to this embodiment, hot water reaches the front, left, right, and rear sides of the user, so that the user can feel the warmth of the body more reliably.

[0054] In this case, as shown in FIG. 6(a), the second flow path section 210 leading to the multiple second water outlet sections 200 may have a shape resembling a fire station map symbol in a plan view, with one second branch section 215'.

[0055] Alternatively, in this case, as shown in Figures 6(b) and 6(c), the second flow path section 210 leading to the multiple second water outlet sections 200 may have a configuration having second branching sections 216, 216' that branch radially above the user's head, and third branching sections 217, 218, 217', 218', 217", 218" that further branch each of the branched radial flow paths in both directions of the annular flow path.

[0056] (Configuration of the second embodiment) FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a shower apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0057] As shown in Figure 7, the shower device of the second embodiment of the present invention comprises a first water spouting section 100' that spouts hot water toward a first water spouting range corresponding to the neck of a user who is positioned in a predetermined position 300, and a second water spouting section 200' that spouts hot water toward a second water spouting range that is lower than the first water spouting range relative to the user.

[0058] As in the first embodiment, the first water discharge range is set to a height range of, for example, 120 cm to 130 cm. However, the first water discharge range may be changeable (adjustable) according to the height of the user.

[0059] Also, similar to the first embodiment, the first water discharger 100' and the second water discharger 200' are arranged to face each other with the predetermined position 300 in between. Moreover, the first water discharger 100' and the second water discharger 200' are arranged at approximately the same height position.

[0060] Also, similar to the first embodiment, the first water discharger 100' and the second water discharger 200' can be fixed to the wall or ceiling of the shower cubicle via various types of known support members. Alternatively, the first water discharger 100' and the second water discharger 200' can be fixed directly to the wall or ceiling of the shower cubicle without using a support member.

[0061] The first water spouting section 100' of this embodiment is a shower spouting section with each opening having a relatively small diameter, and is configured to spout hot water in a shower manner with a relatively high flow rate (for example, 2.0 m / s to 8.0 m / s). On the other hand, the second water spouting section 200' of this embodiment is a shower spouting section with each opening having a relatively large diameter, and is configured to spout hot water in a shower manner with a relatively low flow rate (for example, 1.0 m / s to 4.0 m / s). The angle (θ1: for example, 2 to 90 degrees) that the water spouting center direction of the first water spouting section 100' makes with the vertical direction is larger than the angle (θ2: for example, 1 to 35 degrees) that the water spouting center direction of the second water spouting section 200' makes with the vertical direction.

[0062] In this embodiment, the hot water temperature immediately after the first water discharge section 100' and the hot water temperature immediately after the second water discharge section 200' are both 39.8°C during stable hot water flow. Therefore, the hot water mixing valve 500 can be shared as shown in FIG. 2. However, the hot water discharged from the first water discharge section 100' in shower mode has a relatively high flow rate, so the temperature drops significantly, and the hot water temperature when it reaches (lands on) the user's neck is about 28.7°C (relatively low). On the other hand, the hot water discharged from the second water discharge section 200' in shower mode has a relatively low flow rate, so the temperature drops less, and the hot water temperature when it reaches (lands on) the user's front side (below the neck) of the body is about 38.2°C (relatively high).

[0063] In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 2(a) and 2(b), a configuration can be adopted that includes a mixing valve 500 connected to a hot water supply pipe 510 and a water supply pipe 520 to produce hot water at a desired temperature, a first flow path section 110 that connects the mixing valve 500 to a first water outlet section 100', and a second flow path section 210 that connects the mixing valve 500 to a second water outlet section 200'.

[0064] Also in this embodiment, the first flow path section 110 and the second flow path section 210 have a common portion 530 on the hot and cold water mixing valve 500 side, and are branched off via a branching section 550 (see FIG. 2). Also, a plurality of second water discharge sections 200' may be provided, and a second branching section 215 may be provided between the plurality of second water discharge sections 200' and the branching section 550. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the second flow path section 210 leading to the plurality of second water discharge sections 200' may adopt a substantially T-shaped shape in a plan view having one second branching section 215.

[0065] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the length of the second flow path section 210 from the hot and cold water mixing valve 500 to the second water outlet section 200' is longer than the length of the first flow path section 110 from the hot and cold water mixing valve 500 to the first water outlet section 100' (see Figures 7 and 3).

[0066] (Effects of the second embodiment) The second embodiment can achieve substantially the same effects as the first embodiment. That is, the temperature of the hot water that reaches (lands on) the first water discharge range corresponding to the neck of the user is lower than the temperature of the hot water that reaches (lands on) the second water discharge range below the first water discharge range, so that a shower device suitable for daytime rest can be provided. In addition, the relatively low temperature of the hot water that reaches (lands on) the first water discharge range corresponding to the neck of the user means that the hot water reaches the neck (where the large arteries run) and the back directly below the neck (where sweating is generally likely to occur), so that sweating is suppressed, while the temperature of the hot water that reaches (lands on) the second water discharge range below the first water discharge range is set relatively high, so that the user can obtain a comfortable thermal effect. That is, it is possible to achieve both suppression of sweating and warming of the body, and it is possible to provide a shower device suitable for daytime rest.

[0067] In addition, the first water discharger 100' and the second water discharger 200' are disposed to face each other with the predetermined position 300 in between, that is, the second water discharge range is the part of the body that is relatively less sensitive to heat (particularly the front side of the body). Therefore, the user can more reliably feel the warmth of the body. In addition, the first water discharger 100' and the second water discharger 200' are disposed at approximately the same height, and the direction of the water discharge center by the first water discharger 100' is angled downward more gently than the direction of the water discharge center by the second water discharger 200', so that hot water from the first water discharger 100' can be discharged locally toward the first water discharge range corresponding to the user's neck, while hot water from the second water discharger 200' can be discharged toward the second water discharge range below the first water discharge range while spreading more than the water discharged from the first water discharger 100', so that the hot water reaches a wider range of the user's body parts, and the user can feel the body warm more reliably. Also, even if the temperature is set to a high temperature by mistake, the water (hot water) discharged from the second water discharger 200' can be encouraged to drop in temperature in the air.

[0068] In addition, since the length of the second flow path section 210 from the mixing valve 500 to the second water outlet section 200' is longer than the length of the first flow path section 110 from the mixing valve 500 to the first water outlet section 100', even if the temperature is set to a high temperature by mistake, the temperature of the water discharged from the second water outlet section 200' with a low flow rate is expected to drop, reducing the risk of the user being burned (in addition to the thermal conduction (heat dissipation) effect of the longer second flow path section 210 itself, a temperature drop due to the (low temperature) remaining hot water remaining in the longer second flow path section 210 can also be expected). Specifically, if the temperature of the remaining hot water is about 25°C (about room temperature) at the start of hot water flow when the set temperature is set to 50°C, even if the hot water temperature immediately after the water is discharged from the first water outlet section 100' is high at about 44°C, the hot water temperature immediately after the water is discharged from the second water outlet section 200' will drop to about 40°C.

[0069] (Configuration of the third embodiment) FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of a shower apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0070] As shown in FIG. 8, the shower apparatus of the third embodiment of the present invention comprises a first water spouting section 100″ that spouts hot water toward a first water spouting range corresponding to the neck of a user who is in a designated position 300, and a second water spouting section 200″ that spouts hot water toward a second water spouting range that is lower than the first water spouting range relative to the user.

[0071] As in the first and second embodiments, the first water discharge range is set to a height range of, for example, 120 cm to 130 cm. However, the first water discharge range may be changeable (adjustable) according to the height of the user.

[0072] Also, similar to the first and second embodiments, the first water discharge section 100'' and the second water discharge section 200'' are arranged to face each other with the predetermined position 300 in between. Furthermore, the first water discharge section 100'' and the second water discharge section 200'' are arranged at approximately the same height position.

[0073] Also, similar to the first and second embodiments, the first water discharger 100" and the second water discharger 200" can each be fixed to the wall or ceiling of the shower cubicle via various types of well-known support members. Alternatively, the first water discharger 100" and the second water discharger 200" can be fixed directly to the wall or ceiling of the shower cubicle without using a support member.

[0074] The first water discharger 100" of this embodiment is configured to discharge hot water in a wave pattern so that it passes through a roughly triangular area, and a fan device 600 (an example of a temperature lowering device) is provided nearby so that the temperature of the hot water immediately after being discharged from the first water discharger 100" is actively lowered (the temperature is lowered to the same extent as when the water is discharged in mist mode). On the other hand, the second water discharger 200" of this embodiment is configured to discharge hot water in a wave pattern so that it passes through a roughly triangular area. The angle (θ1: for example, 2 to 90 degrees) that the center direction of water discharged by the first water discharger 100" makes with the vertical direction is larger than the angle (θ2: for example, 1 to 35 degrees) that the center direction of water discharged by the second water discharger 200" makes with the vertical direction.

[0075] In this embodiment, the hot water temperature immediately after being discharged from the first water discharge section 100" and the hot water temperature immediately after being discharged from the second water discharge section 200' are both 39.8°C during stable hot water flow. Therefore, the hot water mixing valve 500 can be shared as shown in Figure 2. However, the hot water discharged in a wave pattern from the first water discharge section 100" drops in temperature significantly due to the action of the fan device 600, and the hot water temperature when it reaches (lands on) the user's neck is about 28.7°C (relatively low). On the other hand, the hot water discharged in a wave pattern from the second water discharge section 200' drops in temperature less due to the relatively slow flow rate, and the hot water temperature when it reaches (lands on) the front side of the user's body (below the neck) is about 38.2°C (relatively high).

[0076] In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 2(a) and 2(b), a configuration can be adopted that includes a mixing valve 500 connected to a hot water supply pipe 510 and a water supply pipe 520 to produce hot water at a desired temperature, a first flow path section 110 that connects the mixing valve 500 and a first water outlet section 100'', and a second flow path section 210 that connects the mixing valve 500 and a second water outlet section 200''.

[0077] Also in this embodiment, the first flow path section 110 and the second flow path section 210 have a common portion 530 on the hot and cold water mixing valve 500 side, and are branched off via a branching section 550 (see FIG. 2). Also, a plurality of second water discharge sections 200" may be provided, and a second branching section 215 may be provided between the plurality of second water discharge sections 200" and the branching section 550. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the second flow path section 210 leading to the plurality of second water discharge sections 200" may adopt an approximately T-shaped shape in a plan view having one second branching section 215.

[0078] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the length of the second flow path section 210 from the hot and cold water mixing valve 500 to the second water outlet section 200" is longer than the length of the first flow path section 110 from the hot and cold water mixing valve 500 to the first water outlet section 100" (see Figures 8 and 3).

[0079] (Effects of the third embodiment) The third embodiment can also provide substantially the same effects as those of the first and second embodiments. That is, the temperature of the hot water that reaches (lands on) the first water discharge range corresponding to the user's neck is lower than the temperature of the hot water that reaches (lands on) the second water discharge range below the first water discharge range, so that a shower device suitable for daytime rest can be provided. In addition, the fact that the temperature of the hot water that reaches (lands on) the first water discharge range corresponding to the user's neck is relatively low means that the hot water reaches the neck (where the large arteries run) and the back directly below the neck (where sweating is generally likely to occur), suppressing sweating, while the temperature of the hot water that reaches (lands on) the second water discharge range below the first water discharge range is relatively high, so that the user can obtain a comfortable thermal effect. That is, it is possible to provide a shower device suitable for daytime rest, which can achieve both suppression of sweating and warming of the body.

[0080] Furthermore, the first water discharge section 100" and the second water discharge section 200" are arranged to face each other with the predetermined position 300 in between, i.e., the second water discharge range is the part of the body that is relatively less sensitive to heat (particularly the front side of the body). This allows the user to more reliably feel the warmth of the body. In addition, the first water spouting section 100" and the second water spouting section 200" are positioned at approximately the same height, and the direction of the center of water spouting by the first water spouting section 100" is angled downward more gently than the direction of the center of water spouting by the second water spouting section 200". This makes it easy for hot water from the first water spouting section 100" to be spouted locally toward the first water spouting range corresponding to the user's neck, while the hot water from the second water spouting section 200" can be spouted toward the second water spouting range that is lower than the first water spouting range, spreading out more than the water spouted from the first water spouting section 100". This allows the hot water to reach a wider range of parts of the user's body, allowing the user to more reliably feel the body warmed. Also, even if a high temperature is accidentally set, the water (hot water) spouted from the second water spouting section 200" can be encouraged to cool in the air.

[0081] In addition, since the length of the second flow path section 210 from the mixing valve 500 to the second water outlet section 200" is longer than the length of the first flow path section 110 from the mixing valve 500 to the first water outlet section 100", even if a high temperature is accidentally set, the temperature of the water discharged from the second water outlet section 200" is expected to drop without passing through the fan device 600, reducing the risk of the user being burned (in addition to the thermal conduction (heat dissipation) effect of the longer second flow path section 210 itself, a temperature drop due to the (low temperature) residual hot water remaining in the longer second flow path section 210 can also be expected). Specifically, if the set temperature is 50°C and the temperature of the residual hot water is about 25°C (about room temperature) at the start of hot water flow, even if the temperature of the hot water immediately after discharge from the first water outlet section 100" is high at about 44°C, the temperature of the hot water immediately after discharge from the second water outlet section 200" will drop to about 40°C.

[0082] (Configuration of the fourth embodiment) Next, a shower apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0083] Fig. 9 is a perspective view showing a shower device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention installed in a shower cubicle, and Fig. 10 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a shower head body of the shower device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0084] As shown in Figure 9, the shower device 1 of this embodiment is fixed to a side wall surface 2a of a shower cubicle 2. The shower device 1 also has a shower head body 4 and a support member 6 for attaching the shower head body 4 to the side wall surface 2a.

[0085] The showerhead body 4 is an overall elliptical ring-shaped member, with multiple water spray parts provided at intervals along this elliptical ring.

[0086] Support member 6 is attached to extend generally horizontally from the upper part of side wall 2a and is configured to support showerhead body 4 at a predetermined height. A water supply passage (not shown) is provided inside support member 6, and hot and cold water supplied through this water supply passage flows into showerhead body 4 and is sprayed from each spray section.

[0087] In this embodiment, the shower head body 4 is fixed to the side wall surface 2a via the support member 6 extending from the side wall surface 2a, but the shower head body may be fixed to the ceiling surface via a support member extending from the ceiling surface. Also, the shower head body may be fixed directly to the side wall surface or the ceiling surface without a support member.

[0088] When shower device 1 is in use, water is sprayed from each spray section, showering water from above onto a user standing below showerhead body 4. In addition, because the spray sections are provided along the annular showerhead body 4, each spray section creates a shower of water that surrounds the head of a user standing below showerhead body 4.

[0089] Next, the internal structure of the showerhead body 4 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0090] As described above, the showerhead body 4 is configured in an elliptical ring shape overall. Inside this showerhead body 4, there is a water supply passage 4a that extends along the ring shape. Hot and cold water supplied through a water supply path (not shown) formed inside the support member 6 flows into the water supply passage 4a inside the showerhead body 4 and is supplied to the entire showerhead body 4.

[0091] Furthermore, the showerhead body 4 is provided with multiple sprinkler unit mounting recesses 4b at predetermined intervals along the water supply passage 4a. These sprinkler unit mounting recesses 4b are cylindrical depressions extending vertically, formed to communicate with the water supply passage 4a, and open toward the underside of the showerhead body 4. That is, hot and cold water flowing through the water supply passage 4a of the showerhead body 4 flows into the sprinkler unit mounting recesses 4b.

[0092] Further, a sprinkler unit holding member 8 is fitted into each of the sprinkler unit mounting recesses 4b. The sprinkler unit holding member 8 is a cylindrical member, and is attached in a watertight manner in each of the sprinkler unit mounting recesses 4b.

[0093] Nozzle 18, which is the sprinkler unit, is held within sprinkler unit holding member 8, which corresponds to the first water discharge unit of the present invention. Nozzle 18 is held by sprinkler unit holding member 8 so that it sprays hot and cold water in a mist form from the underside of sprinkler unit holding member 8. Nozzle 18 is held facing diagonally downward by sprinkler unit holding member 8, and nozzle 18 sprays hot and cold water diagonally downward toward the center of elliptical showerhead body 4.

[0094] Fig. 11 to Fig. 13 are diagrams showing an example of a nozzle 18 for realizing a shower discharge in the form of mist in which hot and cold water falls while spreading. Fig. 11 is a perspective view showing the entire nozzle. Fig. 12 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line XII-XII in Fig. 11, and Fig. 13 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line XIII-XIII in Fig. 11.

[0095] As shown in Figure 11, nozzle 18, which is the spray part, is formed into a cylindrical shape as a whole and can be fitted into each spray part mounting recess 4b of showerhead body 4 for use. As shown in Figures 11 to 13, a passage 18a with a circular cross section is formed along the central axis of cylindrical nozzle 18. Furthermore, a dome-shaped (hemispherical) inner wall surface 18b is formed at the tip of this circular cross section passage 18a. Furthermore, a V-shaped cross section groove 18c is provided on the tip surface of nozzle 18, and the deepest part of this groove 18c is cut out from a part of dome-shaped inner wall surface 18b.

[0096] With this configuration, hot and cold water guided by the water supply passage 4a in the shower head body 4 flows into the passage 18a of the nozzle 18, and the hot and cold water guided by the passage 18a flows out from the notch provided in the inner wall surface 18b to the bottom of the V-shaped cross-section groove 18c and is discharged downward (upward in Figs. 11 to 13). As a result, as shown in Fig. 12, the hot and cold water W discharged from the nozzle 18 falls while spreading in a mist state in a cone or elliptical cone shape. In this embodiment, each nozzle 18 is attached to the shower head body 4 so that the major axis of the elliptical cone faces the tangent direction of the elliptical shower head body 4. In this embodiment, the shower head body 4 is provided with a water spraying section by attaching the nozzle 18 to the shower head body 4, but the water spraying section can also be provided by forming a nozzle hole directly in the member that constitutes the shower head body 4.

[0097] A fluid element 10, which is a sprinkler unit, is held within the sprinkler unit holding member 8, which corresponds to the second spouting unit of the present invention. This fluid element 10 is held by the sprinkler unit holding member 8 so that it sprays hot and cold water in a wave pattern from the underside of the sprinkler unit holding member 8. The fluid element 10 is held facing diagonally downward by the sprinkler unit holding member 8, and the fluid element 10 sprays hot and cold water diagonally downward toward the center of the elliptical showerhead body 4.

[0098] Fig. 14 to Fig. 16 are diagrams showing an example of a fluid element 10 for realizing a shower discharge in a wave pattern in which hot and cold water falls while spreading. Fig. 14 is a perspective view of the fluid element 10. Fig. 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XV-XV in Fig. 14, and Fig. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XVI-XVI in Fig. 12.

[0099] As shown in Fig. 14, the fluid element 10 is a generally thin rectangular parallelepiped member with a rectangular water outlet 10a provided on its front end face and a flange 10b formed on its rear end. Furthermore, a groove 10c is provided parallel to the flange 10b so as to go around the entire periphery of the fluid element 10. An O-ring (not shown) is fitted into this groove 10c to ensure watertightness between the sprinkler unit holding member 8 and the fluid element.

[0100] 15, a passage with a rectangular cross section is formed inside the fluid element 10 so as to penetrate in the longitudinal direction. This passage is formed as, from the upstream side, a water supply passage 12a, a vortex street passage 12b, and a flow straightening passage 12c.

[0101] The water supply passage 12a is a straight passage that extends from the inlet 10d on the back side of the fluid element 10 and has a constant rectangular cross-sectional area.

[0102] The vortex passage 12b is a passage with a rectangular cross section that is provided downstream of the water supply passage 12a so as to be continuous with the water supply passage 12a (without any step). That is, the downstream end of the water supply passage 12a and the upstream end of the vortex passage 12b have the same dimensions and shape. A pair of opposing wall surfaces (both side wall surfaces) of the vortex passage 12b are tapered so that the flow path cross-sectional area decreases downstream over the entire vortex passage 12b. That is, the vortex passage 12b is tapered toward the downstream side, and gradually narrows in width.

[0103] The straightening passage 12c is a rectangular cross-sectional passage provided downstream so as to communicate with the vortex street passage 12b, and is formed linearly with a constant cross-sectional area. The straightening passage 12c straightens the hot and cold water containing vortex streets guided by the vortex street passage 12b, and discharges it from the water outlet 10a. The cross-sectional area of ​​the straightening passage 12c is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the downstream end of the vortex street passage 12b, and a step 14 is formed between the vortex street passage 12b and the straightening passage 12c. The step wall surface, which is the surface of the step 14, is oriented in a direction perpendicular to the central axis of the vortex street passage 12b.

[0104] 16, the wall surfaces (ceiling and floor surfaces) facing each other in the height direction of the water supply passage 12a, the vortex passage 12b, and the flow straightening passage 12c are all provided on the same plane. That is, the heights of the water supply passage 12a, the vortex passage 12b, and the flow straightening passage 12c are all the same and constant.

[0105] Next, a hot and cold water collision section 16 is formed at the downstream end of the water supply passage 12a (near the connection between the water supply passage 12a and the vortex passage 12b), and this hot and cold water collision section 16 is provided so as to block a part of the flow path cross section of the water supply passage 12a. This hot and cold water collision section 16 is a triangular prism-shaped section extending so as to connect the wall surfaces (ceiling surface and floor surface) facing each other in the height direction of the water supply passage 12a, and is arranged like an island in the center of the width direction of the water supply passage 12a. The cross section of the hot and cold water collision section 16 is formed in the shape of an isosceles triangle, and is arranged so that its hypotenuse is perpendicular to the central axis of the water supply passage 12a, and the apex angle of the isosceles triangle is arranged so that it faces the downstream side.

[0106] By providing this hot and cold water collision section 16, a Karman vortex is generated downstream, and the hot and cold water discharged from the water outlet 10a vibrates back and forth. That is, hot and cold water supplied from the water supply passage (not shown) of the support member 6 flows into the water supply passage 4a (FIG. 10) in the shower head body 4, and further flows into the inlet 10d of each fluid element 10 held by the spray section holding member 8. The hot and cold water that flows into the water supply passage 12a from the inlet 10d of each fluid element 10 collides with the hot and cold water collision section 16 that is provided to block a part of the flow path. As a result, a vortex street of Karman vortices that rotate in opposite directions is formed downstream of the hot and cold water collision section 16. The Karman vortex formed by this hot and cold water collision section 16 grows while being guided by the tapered vortex street passage 12b, and reaches the straightening passage 12c.

[0107] The hot and cold water that flows into the straightening passage 12c downstream of the vortex street passage 12b is straightened here. The hot and cold water discharged from the water outlet 10a through this straightening passage 12c is bent based on the flow velocity distribution at the water outlet 10a, and the discharge direction changes as the part with high flow velocity moves up and down in FIG. 4. That is, when the part with high flow velocity is located at the upper end of the water outlet 10a in FIG. 4, the hot and cold water is sprayed downward, and when the part with high flow velocity is located at the lower end of the water outlet 10a, the hot and cold water is sprayed upward. In this way, by alternately generating Karman vortices downstream of the hot and cold water collision section 16, a flow velocity distribution is generated at the water outlet 10a, and the jet is deflected. In addition, since the position of the part with high flow velocity moves back and forth due to the progression of the vortex street, the sprayed hot and cold water also vibrates back and forth in a sinusoidal wave (wave-like) manner within a predetermined vibration plane (a plane parallel to the paper surface in FIG. 4).

[0108] 10, in this embodiment, each fluid element 10 is attached facing diagonally downward, so that hot and cold water discharged from the water outlet 10a of the fluid element 10 falls while spreading out in a fan shape within a predetermined vibration plane. Also, in this embodiment, each fluid element 10 is attached to the showerhead body 4 so that its vibration plane faces the tangential direction (circumferential direction) of the elliptical showerhead body 4. As a result, a cylindrical shower water discharge with an elliptical cross section is formed below the showerhead body 4, and the head of a user standing below the showerhead body 4 is surrounded by the shower water discharge.

[0109] In the fourth embodiment, the first flow path section 110 and the second flow path section 210 also have a common portion on the mixing valve 500 (hot water mixing section) side, and are branched off via a branching section 550.

[0110] The branching portion 550 may be disposed in the vicinity of the first water discharger 100 as shown in FIG. 17, or may be disposed in the vicinity of the mixing valve 500 as shown in FIG.

[0111] (Function of the Fourth Embodiment) Next, the operation of the shower device 1 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

[0112] FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a user taking a shower using water discharged from shower head body 4 of shower device 1 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0113] As described above, hot and cold water is discharged from the nozzles 18 (first water discharge section) provided on the shower head body 4 in a mist form. On the other hand, hot and cold water is discharged from the fluid element 10 (second water discharge section) provided on the shower head body 4 in a wave form while vibrating back and forth in a sine wave form. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 19, hot and cold water discharged from each nozzle 18 and each fluid element 10 falls while spreading out in a roughly fan shape. Also, as described above, each nozzle 18 and each fluid element 10 is attached so as to be inclined diagonally downward toward the center of the shower head body 4 (FIG. 10). Therefore, the water discharge space S surrounded by the shower water discharged from each nozzle 18 and each fluid element 10 has a shape that narrows downward.

[0114] Furthermore, the nozzles 18 and the fluid elements 10 are provided at a predetermined interval along the annular shower head body 4. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 19, in the area where the width of the hot and cold water discharged from each nozzle 18 and each fluid element 10 is not sufficiently wide (the area near the shower head body 4), there is a gap between the hot and cold water discharged from each nozzle 18 and each fluid element 10. As a result, the air in the water discharge space S surrounded by the shower water discharged from each nozzle 18 and each fluid element 10 can flow out to the outside of the water discharge space S through the gap between each shower water discharge. Furthermore, in this embodiment, since the shower head body 4 is configured in an annular shape, the air in the water discharge space S can flow out above the shower head body 4 through the inside of the shower head body 4. Therefore, the hot air of the hot and cold water discharged in the water discharge space S is not trapped, and the water discharge space S is maintained at a comfortable temperature.

[0115] On the other hand, the hot and cold water discharged from each nozzle 18 and each fluid element 10 falls while spreading horizontally, so that the discharged hot and cold water forms a flat fan-shaped shape as a whole. The fan-shaped hot and cold water discharged from each nozzle 18 and each fluid element 10 join each other at a position where they have fallen a predetermined distance L. In addition, the flat fan-shaped hot and cold water discharged from each nozzle 18 and each fluid element 10 is directed in the tangential direction of the annular shower head body 4, so that the user's head and body are surrounded by the fan-shaped hot and cold water discharged from each nozzle 18 and each fluid element 10, forming a water film around the user's body. Therefore, the portion of the water discharge space S above the predetermined distance L below the shower head body 4 acts as a hot air release space because there is a gap between each shower water discharge. In addition, the portion of the water discharge space S below a predetermined distance L below the shower head body 4 acts as a hot air retention space, as the hot and cold water discharged from each nozzle 18 and each fluid element 10 join together to form a water film that surrounds the body.

[0116] In this way, the hot and cold water discharged from each nozzle 18 and each fluid element 10 falls the specified distance L, and as it hits the upper half of the user's body, it forms a water film that covers the body, allowing the user's body to be sufficiently warmed by the hot and cold water. For this reason, even if the temperature inside the shower cubicle 2 is low, the user will not feel cold and can continue showering for a long time.

[0117] According to the shower device of the fourth embodiment of the present invention, the shower head body 4 is fixed to the side wall surface 2a, so the user can take a shower without holding the shower head body 4 with his / her hands. In addition, since the nozzles 18 and the fluid elements 10, which are the multiple water spraying parts, are provided at intervals on the shower head body 4, there are gaps between the hot water discharged from each fluid element 10 near the shower head body 4, which prevents hot air from building up in the water discharge space S surrounded by the shower water discharge. This prevents a user who takes a long shower from feeling hot or short of breath. In addition, the hot water discharged from each nozzle 18 and each fluid element 10 spreads as it falls, so that the water hits a wide area on the body of the user standing below the shower head body 4, and the hot water that hits the body spreads further on the surface of the body, so that the body can be fully enveloped by the hot water. As a result, even in low temperature conditions, the user who is taking a shower is less likely to feel cold and can continue taking a long shower.

[0118] Furthermore, with the shower device of this embodiment, the hot and cold water discharged from each nozzle 18 and each fluid element 10 join together at a position a predetermined distance L dropped from each nozzle 18 and each fluid element 10 (FIG. 19), so ventilation is ensured inside and outside the water discharge space S surrounded by the shower water up to the position where the hot and cold water join together, preventing hot air from building up. Furthermore, below the position where the discharged hot and cold water join together, the user's body is fully enveloped in the hot water, allowing the user's body to be sufficiently warmed.

[0119] Furthermore, with the shower device of this embodiment, the water discharge space S surrounded by the discharged hot and cold water narrows downwards, ensuring sufficient ventilation in the upper part of the water discharge space S surrounded by the hot and cold water. On the other hand, the space in the lower part of the water discharge space S surrounded by the hot and cold water becomes smaller, making it easier to ensure heat retention within the space and allowing the user to be sufficiently warmed.

[0120] Furthermore, according to the shower device of this embodiment, the shower head body 4 is configured in a ring shape, so that the air within the water discharge space S surrounded by the shower water flows out to the outside through the inside of the shower head body 4, preventing hot air from building up within the water discharge space S surrounded by the shower water.

[0121] In addition, according to the shower device of this embodiment, the length of the second flow path section 210 from the mixing valve 500 (hot and cold water mixing section) to each fluid element 10 is longer than the length of the first flow path section 110 from the mixing valve 500 (hot and cold water mixing section) to each nozzle 18, so even if a high temperature is accidentally set, a decrease in temperature of the large-particle water ejected from each fluid element 10 is expected, reducing the risk of the user being burned (in addition to the thermal conduction (heat dissipation) effect of the longer second flow path section 210 itself, a decrease in temperature can also be expected due to the (low temperature) residual hot water remaining in the longer second flow path section 210).

[0122] Fifth embodiment Next, a shower apparatus according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

[0123] The shower apparatus of this embodiment differs from the fourth embodiment in the shape of the shower head body. Therefore, only the differences between the fifth embodiment of the present invention and the fourth embodiment will be described here, and a description of the similar configurations, actions, and effects will be omitted. Figure 20 is a perspective view showing a user taking a shower with water discharged from the shower apparatus of the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[0124] As shown in FIG. 20, the shower head body 20 provided in the shower device according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention is configured to have a rectangular ring shape. A plurality of water spraying parts are provided along the ring-shaped shower head body 20, and a shower water spout is formed surrounding the user's head. The hot and cold water sprayed from each water spraying part is configured to fall while spreading in a flat fan shape. In addition, each shower water spray spreading in a fan shape is directed parallel to each side of the shower head body 20, and merges with each other at a position where it has fallen a certain distance from each water spraying part, forming a water film around the user's body. Furthermore, each water spraying part is attached diagonally downward so that each shower water sprayed is directed toward the center of the shower head body 20, and the water spraying space surrounded by the sprayed hot and cold water is configured to narrow downward. In addition, the nozzles illustrated in FIG. 11 and the fluid elements illustrated in FIG. 15 can be used as the plurality of water spraying parts provided in the shower head body 20 in an appropriate arrangement.

[0125] Furthermore, in the shower device of this embodiment, the length of the second flow path section 210 from the mixing valve 500 (hot and cold water mixing section) to each fluid element 10 is longer than the length of the first flow path section 110 from the mixing valve 500 (hot and cold water mixing section) to each nozzle 18, so that even if a high temperature is accidentally set, a drop in temperature of the large-particle water ejected from each fluid element 10 is expected, reducing the risk of the user being burned (in addition to the thermal conduction (heat dissipation) effect of the longer second flow path section 210 itself, a drop in temperature can also be expected due to the (low temperature) residual hot water remaining in the longer second flow path section 210).

[0126] Sixth embodiment Next, a shower apparatus according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

[0127] The shower device of this embodiment differs from the fourth embodiment in the shape of the shower head body. Therefore, only the differences between the sixth embodiment of the present invention and the fourth embodiment will be described here, and a description of the similar configurations, actions, and effects will be omitted. Figure 21 is a perspective view showing a user taking a shower with water discharged from the shower device of the sixth embodiment of the present invention.

[0128] As shown in FIG. 21, the shower head body 30 provided in the shower device according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention is composed of two linear shower head bodies 30a, 30b. A plurality of spray units are provided along each of the linear shower head bodies 30a, 30b, forming a shower spout that surrounds the user's head. Here, the hot and cold water sprayed from each spray unit is configured to fall while spreading in a flat fan shape. Furthermore, the spray units provided in the center of each shower head body 30a, 30b spray shower water in a fan shape parallel to the extension direction of each shower head body 30a, 30b. In contrast, the spray units provided near the ends of each shower head body 30a, 30b spray shower water in a fan shape directed at approximately a right angle to the extension direction of each shower head body 30a, 30b.

[0129] Furthermore, the water spraying units provided on each shower head body 30a, 30b spray hot and cold water diagonally downward in the direction in which the sprayed shower water approaches each other. Therefore, the water spraying space surrounded by the sprayed hot and cold water is configured to narrow downward. Also, the shower water sprayed from each water spraying unit provided near the end of the shower head body 30a and 30b is directed to join each other at a position where it falls a certain distance. Therefore, the shower water sprayed from the two shower head bodies 30a, 30b configured in a straight line surrounds the head of a user standing between the two shower head bodies 30a, 30b. Note that the nozzles illustrated in FIG. 11 and the fluid elements illustrated in FIG. 15 can be used as the multiple water spraying units provided on the shower head body 30 in an appropriate arrangement.

[0130] Furthermore, in the shower device of this embodiment, the length of the second flow path section 210 from the mixing valve 500 (hot and cold water mixing section) to each fluid element 10 is longer than the length of the first flow path section 110 from the mixing valve 500 (hot and cold water mixing section) to each nozzle 18, so that even if a high temperature is accidentally set, a drop in temperature of the large-particle water ejected from each fluid element 10 is expected, reducing the risk of the user being burned (in addition to the thermal conduction (heat dissipation) effect of the longer second flow path section 210 itself, a drop in temperature can also be expected due to the (low temperature) residual hot water remaining in the longer second flow path section 210).

[0131] Seventh embodiment Next, a shower apparatus according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

[0132] The shower apparatus of this embodiment differs from the fourth embodiment in the shape of the shower head body. Therefore, only the differences between the seventh embodiment of the present invention and the fourth embodiment will be described here, and a description of the similar configurations, actions, and effects will be omitted. Figure 22 is a perspective view showing a user receiving shower water from the shower apparatus of the seventh embodiment of the present invention.

[0133] As shown in FIG. 22, the shower head body 40 provided in the shower device according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention is composed of two shower head bodies 40a, 40b that extend in a curved shape. These shower head bodies 40a, 40b extend in a curved shape so that both ends approach each other, and multiple spray parts are provided along them. This forms a shower spout that surrounds the user's head. Here, the hot and cold water sprayed from each spray part is configured to fall while spreading in a flat fan shape. Furthermore, the spray parts provided in the center of each shower head body 40a, 40b spray shower water in a fan shape that spreads in the tangential direction of the extension direction of each shower head body 40a, 40b. In contrast, the spray parts provided near the ends of each shower head body 40a, 40b spray shower water in a fan shape at an angle close to a right angle to the extension direction of each shower head body 40a, 40b.

[0134] Furthermore, the water spraying units provided on each shower head body 40a, 40b spray hot and cold water diagonally downward in the direction in which the sprayed shower water approaches each other. Therefore, the water spraying space surrounded by the sprayed hot and cold water is configured to narrow downward. Also, the shower water sprayed from each water spraying unit provided near the end of the shower head body 40a and 40b is directed to join each other at a position where it falls a certain distance. Therefore, the shower water sprayed from the two shower head bodies 40a, 40b configured to be curved surrounds the head of the user standing between the two shower head bodies 40a, 40b. Note that the nozzles illustrated in FIG. 11 and the fluid elements illustrated in FIG. 15 can be used as the multiple water spraying units provided on the shower head body 40 in an appropriate arrangement.

[0135] Furthermore, in the shower device of this embodiment, the length of the second flow path section 210 from the mixing valve 500 (hot and cold water mixing section) to each fluid element 10 is longer than the length of the first flow path section 110 from the mixing valve 500 (hot and cold water mixing section) to each nozzle 18, so that even if a high temperature is accidentally set, a drop in temperature of the large-particle water ejected from each fluid element 10 is expected, reducing the risk of the user being burned (in addition to the thermal conduction (heat dissipation) effect of the longer second flow path section 210 itself, a drop in temperature can also be expected due to the (low temperature) residual hot water remaining in the longer second flow path section 210).

[0136] The present invention includes the following features (inventions). <Feature 1> A hot and cold water mixing unit that mixes high-temperature hot water and cold water to generate hot water at a desired temperature; A first water discharge unit that discharges hot water toward a user who is in a predetermined position; A second water discharge unit that is provided separately from the first water discharge unit and discharges hot water toward the user who is at the predetermined position; A first flow path portion extending from the hot and cold water mixing portion to the first water discharge portion; A second flow path portion extending from the hot and cold water mixing portion to the second water discharge portion; Equipped with The particle size of the hot water discharged from the second water discharge portion through the second flow path portion is larger than the particle size of the hot water discharged from the first water discharge portion through the first flow path portion, The length of the second flow path portion is longer than the length of the first flow path portion. A water discharge device characterized by the above. <Feature 2> A hot and cold water mixing unit that mixes high-temperature hot water and cold water to generate hot water at a desired temperature; A first water discharge unit that discharges hot water toward a user who is in a predetermined position; A second water discharge unit that is provided separately from the first water discharge unit and discharges hot water toward the user who is at the predetermined position; A first flow path portion extending from the hot and cold water mixing portion to the first water discharge portion; A second flow path portion extending from the hot and cold water mixing portion to the second water discharge portion; Equipped with The first flow path portion and the second flow path portion are branched via a branch portion provided downstream of the hot and cold water mixing portion, The flow velocity of the hot water discharged from the second water discharge portion through the second flow path portion is smaller than the flow velocity of the hot water discharged from the first water discharge portion through the first flow path portion, The length of the second flow path portion is longer than the length of the first flow path portion. A water discharge device characterized by the above. <Feature 3> A hot and cold water mixing unit that mixes high-temperature hot water and cold water to generate hot water at a desired temperature; A first water discharge unit that discharges hot water toward a user who is in a predetermined position; A second water discharge unit that is provided separately from the first water discharge unit and discharges hot water toward the user who is at the predetermined position; A first flow path portion extending from the hot and cold water mixing portion to the first water discharge portion; A second flow path portion extending from the hot and cold water mixing portion to the second water discharge portion; A temperature lowering device provided to actively lower the temperature of hot water discharged from the first water discharge portion through the first flow path portion; Equipped with The first flow path portion and the second flow path portion are branched via a branch portion provided downstream of the hot and cold water mixing portion, The length of the second flow path portion is longer than the length of the first flow path portion. A water discharge device characterized by the above. <Feature 4> The first water discharger and the second water discharger are arranged to face each other with the predetermined position therebetween, The water discharge range of the second water discharge portion is lower than the water discharge range of the first water discharge portion. A water discharge device according to any one of features 1 to 3. <Feature 5> The first water discharge portion is configured to discharge hot water in a mist form. A water discharge device according to any one of features 1 to 4. <Feature 6> The angle that the water discharge center direction of the first water discharge portion makes with respect to the vertical direction is larger than the angle that the water discharge center direction of the second water discharge portion makes with respect to the vertical direction. A water discharge device according to any one of features 1 to 5. <Feature 7> The second water discharge section is provided in plurality, and one or more second branch sections are provided between the plurality of second water discharge sections and the branch section. A water discharge device according to any one of features 1 to 6. [Explanation of symbols]

[0137] 1. Shower equipment 2. Shower room 2a Side wall 4. Shower head body 4a Water supply passage 4b Water spray part mounting recess 6 Supporting member 8 Water spray part holding member 10 Fluid element (water spray section) 10a Outlet 10b Tsuba 10c groove 10d inlet 12a Water supply passage 12b Vortex row passage 12c rectifier passage 14 Step section 16 Hot water collision area 18 Nozzles 18a aisle 18b Inner wall 18c groove 20 Shower head body 30 Shower head body 30a Shower head body 30b Shower head body 40 Shower head body 40a Shower head body 40b Shower head body 100, 100', 100” First outlet 110 First flow path section 200, 200', 200” Second outlet 210 Second flow path section 215, 215', 216, 216', 217, 218 Second branch 300 Predetermined position 400 Control unit 500 Mixing Valve 510 Hot water pipe 520 Water supply pipe 530 Common flow path section 550 Branch 600 Fan Unit

Claims

1. A hot and cold water mixing unit that mixes high-temperature hot water and cold water to generate hot water at a desired temperature; A first water discharge unit that discharges hot water toward a user who is in a predetermined position; A second water discharge unit that is provided separately from the first water discharge unit and discharges hot water toward the user who is in the predetermined position; A first flow path portion extending from the hot and cold water mixing portion to the first water discharge portion; A second flow path portion extending from the hot and cold water mixing portion to the second water discharge portion; Equipped with The first flow path portion and the second flow path portion are branched via a branch portion provided downstream of the hot and cold water mixing portion, The particle size of the hot water discharged from the second water discharge portion through the second flow path portion is larger than the particle size of the hot water discharged from the first water discharge portion through the first flow path portion, The length of the second flow path portion is longer than the length of the first flow path portion. A water discharge device characterized by the above.

2. A hot and cold water mixing unit that mixes high-temperature hot water and cold water to generate hot water at a desired temperature; A first water discharge unit that discharges hot water toward a user who is in a predetermined position; A second water discharge unit that is provided separately from the first water discharge unit and discharges hot water toward the user who is in the predetermined position; A first flow path portion extending from the hot and cold water mixing portion to the first water discharge portion; A second flow path portion extending from the hot and cold water mixing portion to the second water discharge portion; Equipped with The first flow path portion and the second flow path portion are branched via a branch portion provided downstream of the hot and cold water mixing portion, The flow velocity of the hot water discharged from the second water discharge portion through the second flow path portion is smaller than the flow velocity of the hot water discharged from the first water discharge portion through the first flow path portion, The length of the second flow path portion is longer than the length of the first flow path portion. A water discharge device characterized by the above.

3. A hot and cold water mixing unit that mixes high-temperature hot water and cold water to generate hot water at a desired temperature; A first water discharge unit that discharges hot water toward a user who is in a predetermined position; A second water discharge unit that is provided separately from the first water discharge unit and discharges hot water toward the user who is in the predetermined position; A first flow path portion extending from the hot and cold water mixing portion to the first water discharge portion; A second flow path portion extending from the hot and cold water mixing portion to the second water discharge portion; A temperature lowering device that is provided to actively lower the temperature of hot water discharged from the first water discharge portion through the first flow path portion; Equipped with The first flow path portion and the second flow path portion are branched via a branch portion provided downstream of the hot and cold water mixing portion, The length of the second flow path portion is longer than the length of the first flow path portion. A water discharge device characterized by the above.

4. The first water discharger and the second water discharger are disposed to face each other with the predetermined position therebetween, The water discharge range of the second water discharge portion is lower than the water discharge range of the first water discharge portion.

4. The water discharge device according to claim 1, wherein the water discharge device is a water discharge device.

5. The first water discharge portion is configured to discharge hot water in a mist form. The water discharge device according to claim 1 .

6. The angle that the water discharge center direction of the first water discharge portion makes with respect to the vertical direction is larger than the angle that the water discharge center direction of the second water discharge portion makes with respect to the vertical direction. The water discharge device according to claim 4 .

7. The second water discharge section is provided in plurality, and one or more second branch sections are provided between the plurality of second water discharge sections and the branch section. The water discharge device according to claim 1 .

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