Shower head

Abstract

To provide a shower head capable of effectively caring for the skin and muscles deep within the skin.SOLUTION: A shower head 100 capable of exhausting water L that contains micro-bubbles and curing the user's water bath region that the water L is splashed on comprises: a body part 1 which has a water discharge part 11 where a penetration hole 111 and a plurality of exhaust holes 112 are disposed on its front surface; a bubble generator 2 for generating micro-bubbles in the water L; and a treatment mechanism 3 capable of curing the user's water bath region. The treatment mechanism 3 comprises: a shaft member 31 that extends from the inside of the body part 1, through the penetration hole 111 to the outside of the water discharge part 11; a treatment element 32 provided at the outer end part of the shaft member 31; and a drive mechanism 33 that is provided in the body part 1 and reciprocates the shaft member 31 in an axial direction A.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a showerhead. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, showerheads that mix microscopic air bubbles into the water flow discharged from the showerhead are known. For example, the showerhead in Patent Document 1 has a flow path restrictor and an air introduction path provided near the water spray opening, which generates microbubbles in the water discharged, improving the function of washing the body, etc.

[0003] In recent years, people have come to expect not only a strong cleansing effect but also a pleasant sensation on the skin when taking a shower. To this end, showerheads that can increase the water pressure of the water flow containing fine bubbles have been developed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2016-87145 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, a water flow with high water pressure can stimulate the skin near the surface, but it is difficult to reach deep into the skin. Therefore, it is difficult to stimulate the muscles deep inside the skin. In addition, by increasing the water pressure, the stimulation can be applied to a deeper area, but it is difficult to reach the muscles deep inside the skin. Even if the water pressure can be increased to a depth that reaches the deepest part of the skin, the water pressure may be too high, causing pain to the user's skin or damage to the epidermis of the skin, resulting in roughness.

[0006] In view of the above circumstances, the present invention aims to provide a shower head that can effectively care for the skin and the muscles deep within it. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above object, a showerhead according to one aspect of the present invention is capable of spraying water containing fine bubbles and treating the bathing area of ​​a user. The showerhead comprises a main body, a bubble generating unit, and a treatment mechanism. The main body has a water-discharging unit on its front surface. The water-discharging unit has a through hole and a plurality of ejection holes. The bubble generating unit generates the fine bubbles in the water. The treatment mechanism is capable of treating the bathing area of ​​the user. The treatment mechanism comprises a shaft member, a treatment element, and a drive mechanism. The shaft member extends from inside the main body to the outside of the water-discharging unit through the through hole. The treatment element is located at the outer end of the shaft member. The drive mechanism is located within the main body and reciprocates the shaft member in the axial direction in which the shaft member extends.

[0008] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following embodiments. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the present invention, a shower head can be provided that can effectively care for the skin and the muscles deep within it. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an external view of a shower head according to a first embodiment, seen from the front side; [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is an external view of a shower head according to a first embodiment, seen from the rear side; [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a control system for a shower head according to a first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a side cross-sectional view showing an example of an internal structure of a shower head according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 11 is a side cross-sectional view showing an example of an internal structure of a shower head according to a second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] <1. First embodiment> Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is an external view of a shower head 100 according to a first embodiment, as viewed from the front. FIG. 2 is an external view of the shower head 100 according to the first embodiment, as viewed from the rear. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a control system of the shower head 100 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a side cross-sectional view showing an example of the internal structure of the shower head 100 according to the first embodiment.

[0012] The shower head 100 is capable of spraying water L containing fine bubbles, and is also capable of treating the body part on which the user is bathed in the water L. The water L is, for example, hot water or cold water. Furthermore, by fixing the shower head 100 to a hook in the bathroom, the user can be bathed in the water L containing fine bubbles while receiving the above-mentioned treatment without holding the shower head 100. Hereinafter, the above-mentioned body part will be referred to as the "bathing part." The bathing part is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, the head, shoulders, arms, legs, etc.

[0013] <1-1.Main body 1> As shown in Fig. 4, the showerhead 100 includes a main body 1. The main body 1 has a water-discharging section 11 on its front surface, in which a through hole 111 and multiple jetting holes 112 are arranged. The multiple jetting holes 112 and the through hole 111 penetrate the plate-shaped water-discharging section 11 in its thickness direction. The through hole 111 is arranged in the center of the outer surface of the water-discharging section 11. The multiple jetting holes 112 are arranged two-dimensionally on the outer surface of the water-discharging section 11 so as to surround the through hole 111.

[0014] A part of the supply flow path Pf is disposed inside the housing 10 of the main body 1. Water L supplied from a water source such as a hot water supplier flows through the supply flow path Pf into a space S provided behind the water discharge unit 11. The water L in the space S is sprayed out of the water discharge unit 11 through the spray hole 112 due to its water pressure.

[0015] <1-2. Grip 101> The showerhead 100 further includes a grip 101. The grip 101 is attached to the lower part of the main body 1 and is held by a user. The grip 101 is cylindrical and extends downward (for example, downward on the paper of FIGS. 1 to 3) from the lower end of the housing 10 of the main body 1. That is, one end of the grip is connected to the main body 1. The other end is connected to a hose H that is connected to a water source. The showerhead 100 sprays water L from the water source through the hose H and the inside of the grip 101 (i.e., another part of the supply flow path Pf) into the space S.

[0016] A joint J is disposed midway along the hose H. The joint J has a first joint J1 and a second joint J2. The first joint J1 is female and disposed at the end of the hose H1 on the grip 101 side. The second joint J2 is male and inserted into the first joint J1 to be detachably connected to the first joint J1, and disposed at the end of the hose H2 on the water source side. However, this is not limiting, and the joint J may be disposed at the lower part of the grip 101. In other words, one of the first joint J1 and the second joint J2 may be disposed at the lower part of the grip 101, and the other may be disposed at the end of the hose H.

[0017] The joint J where the two are connected is a hollow cylinder, and allows the water L to flow without leaking. In this embodiment, the joint J is a coupler type, and the connection between the two can be released with one touch. However, the joint J is not limited to this example, and may be of a type other than a coupler, and may be of a screw type or a quick fastener type, for example.

[0018] <1-3. Shower head 100 control system> The showerhead 100 further includes a memory unit 102 and a control unit 103 (see FIG. 3). The memory unit 102 is a non-transient storage medium that maintains its memory even when the power supply is stopped. The control unit 103 uses the programs and data stored in the memory unit 102 to control the components of the showerhead 100 that require control. For example, the control unit 103 controls the memory unit 102, a drive mechanism 33 (e.g., a motor 331) of the treatment mechanism 3, a power supply unit 4, a power supply unit 5, and a pressure adjustment unit 6, which will be described later.

[0019] The showerhead 100 further includes an input unit 104. The input unit 104 accepts operational input from the user and outputs a signal indicating the operational input to the control unit 103. The input unit 104 is disposed above the grip 101 (e.g., above the paper surface of FIGS. 1 to 3 and closer to the main body than the grip 101), and in particular directly above the grip 101 in the lower part of the housing 10 of the main body 1. This allows the user to easily perform operational input with the fingers (e.g., thumb and index finger) of the hand holding the grip 101. This makes the showerhead 100 easier to use.

[0020] <1-4. Bubble generating section 2> The shower head 100 also has a bubble generating unit 2. The bubble generating unit 2 generates fine bubbles in the water L. The fine bubbles are, for example, fine bubbles, and include bubbles with a diameter of less than 0.1 mm and 1 μm or more (so-called microbubbles) and bubbles with a diameter of less than 1 μm (so-called ultrafine bubbles). In this embodiment, the bubble generating unit 2 is disposed in the supply flow path Pf in the housing 10 of the main body 1, as shown in FIG. 4. For example, the bubble generating unit 2 has a constricted portion 21 in which the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the supply flow path Pf is reduced, and generates fine bubbles by the Venturi effect. For example, in the constricted portion 21, the flow rate of the water L is accelerated, and the water L is rapidly depressurized. When the pressure of the water L becomes equal to or lower than the saturated vapor pressure, bubbles are generated by the vaporization of the water L. After passing through the constricted portion 21, the bubbles expand and are collapsed and broken down into fine bubbles with a diameter of less than 0.1 mm due to the sudden increase in pressure.

[0021] The bubble generation unit 2 is preferably disposed on the space S side of the supply flow path Pf, and more preferably disposed at the end on the space S side of the supply flow path Pf. By doing so, it is possible to reduce the fine bubbles that disappear before reaching the space S. Therefore, the water flow discharged from the ejection holes 112 can contain more fine bubbles.

[0022] In addition, the bubble generation unit 2 is disposed inside the main body unit 1 in this embodiment. However, this example does not exclude a configuration in which the bubble generation unit 2 is disposed outside the main body unit 1. For example, the bubble generation unit 2 may be disposed in the supply flow path Pf in the grip 101. Alternatively, the bubble generation unit 2 may be disposed in the middle of the hose H, or may be disposed on the water source side.

[0023] <1-5. Treatment mechanism 3> Further, the shower head 100 has a treatment mechanism 3. The treatment mechanism 3 can treat the bathing part of the user and is disposed on the main body unit 1. The treatment mechanism 3 includes a shaft member 31, a treatment element 32, and a drive mechanism 33. The shaft member 31 extends from the inside of the main body unit 1 to the outside of the water discharge part 11 through the through hole 111. The treatment element 32 is disposed at the outer end of the shaft member 31. The drive mechanism 33 is disposed inside the main body unit 1 and reciprocates the shaft member 31 in the axial direction A. The axial direction A is parallel to the direction in which the central axis CA of the shaft member 31 extends.

[0024] In this way, when the user takes a bath with water L (for example, warm water), the treatment element 32 that reciprocates together with the shaft member 31 is pressed against the skin of the bathing part, so that the bathing part can be treated. That is, the user can receive treatment by intermittent pressing or pressing with a strength change over time from the treatment element. At this time, the skin of the bathing part and the muscles deep inside are relaxed deeply. Further, this treatment can improve the blood circulation of the bathing part and can also be expected to have an effect of recovering from fatigue. Therefore, the shower head 100 can give the user a comfortable and pleasant stimulation by this treatment.

[0025] In addition, the above-mentioned treatment makes it easier for the pores of the skin at the bathing area to open. Furthermore, by showering the user with water L containing fine bubbles such as microbubbles and ultrafine bubbles in this state, the skin at the bathing area can be cleaned with the fine bubbles even to the inside of the pores. Therefore, the shower head 100 can effectively remove keratin plugs such as sebum and dirt that accumulate in the pores, and is effective not only in improving the skin's cleaning ability, but also in improving the skin's heat retention and moisture retention.

[0026] Therefore, the shower head 100 can effectively care for the skin and deep muscles of the user's bathing area through the synergistic effect of the massage that acts on the muscles deep inside the skin and the physical stimulation by the water pressure and the cleaning by the fine bubbles. The shower head 100 is particularly effective for scalp care.

[0027] In addition, the user brings the shower head 100 close enough to the area to be bathed in order to apply the treatment heads 32 to the area. This makes it possible to make the distance between the area to be bathed and the water discharge part 11 close and uniform, thereby preventing a decrease in the temperature and momentum (spray strength) of the water L sprayed from the water discharge part 11.

[0028] The shaft member 31 is a rod-shaped member that extends in the axial direction A along the central axis CA. Here, the main body 1 has a cylindrical holding portion 12 that extends in the axial direction A. The holding portion 12 surrounds the shaft member 31 and holds the shaft member 31 so that it can reciprocate. This allows the shaft member 31 to reciprocate without wobbling in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction A.

[0029] Preferably, the main body 1 has a waterproof member 121. The waterproof member 121 is disposed in the gap between the outer circumferential surface of the shaft member 31 and the inner circumferential surface of the holding portion 12 to close the gap. The waterproof member 121 may be a gasket made of resin or metal, or may be a lubricant such as grease. This can prevent water L from entering the gap and reaching the drive mechanism 33, etc. This can improve the waterproofing of the gap.

[0030] In addition, in this embodiment, the end of the holding part 12 on the water-discharging part 11 side is separated from the water-discharging part 11. However, this is not limited to the example, and the holding part 12 may be connected to the through hole 111 of the water-discharging part 11. In other words, the end of the holding part on the water-discharging part 11 side and the area including the through hole 111 on the back surface of the water-discharging part 11 (particularly the edge of the through hole 111) may be connected at the connection part between them so that water L cannot pass through. In this case, the inside of the holding part 12 is included in the inside of the through hole 111 when viewed from the axial direction, or overlaps with the entire inside of the through hole 111. In this way, there is no gap between the holding part 12 and the water-discharging part 11. Therefore, it is possible to reliably prevent the water L from entering the gap between the shaft member 31 and the holding part 12. Therefore, the waterproofness in the gap can be further improved.

[0031] The treatment head 32 is an attachment that can be attached and detached to the outer end of the shaft member 31. The treatment head 32 reciprocates together with the shaft member 31. As a result, when the treatment head 32 is applied to the skin of the bathing area, the treatment head 32 can repeatedly press the bathing area intermittently or with a strength that changes over time. In this embodiment, the treatment head 32 is spherical, but it may be a shape other than spherical. For example, the treatment head 32 may be a cone shape or a frustum shape whose diameter decreases toward the tip, or a forked shape divided into two branches. In other words, the treatment head 32 is replaceable. The user can attach treatment heads 32 of various shapes to the outer end of the shaft member 31, taking into consideration the pressing area of ​​the treatment head 32, the treatment strength, etc. However, this example does not exclude a configuration in which the treatment head 32 is not replaceable with respect to the shaft member 31, and a configuration in which the treatment head 32 has only one shape.

[0032] The driving mechanism 33 is disposed in a waterproof space within the housing 10. For example, as shown in Fig. 4, the driving mechanism 33 has a motor 331 and a motion conversion mechanism 332. The motor 331 is built into the main body 1 and is controlled by the control unit 103. The motion conversion mechanism 332 converts the rotational motion generated by the motor 331 into the reciprocating motion of the shaft member 31.

[0033] In this way, the shaft member 31 can be reciprocated by driving the motor 331. Therefore, the number of reciprocations of the shaft member 31 per unit time (i.e., the number of times the treatment head 32 presses per unit time) can be adjusted by controlling the rotation speed of the motor 331. Furthermore, the treatment intensity of the treatment head 32 can be adjusted by adjusting the torque output by the motor 331. In addition, the heat dissipated from the motor 331 can also suppress a decrease in temperature of the water L in the supply flow path Pf and the space S.

[0034] For example, in this embodiment, the motion conversion mechanism 332 is a crank mechanism, and includes a crank and a rod. One end of the crank is coupled to the shaft of the motor 331. The crank extends radially outward from the shaft. The other end of the crank (i.e., the radially outer end) is rotatably connected to one end of the rod. The other end of the rod is rotatably connected to the inner end of the shaft member 31 that is capable of linearly reciprocating motion in the axial direction A. This example does not exclude a configuration in which the motion conversion mechanism 332 is a mechanism other than a crank mechanism.

[0035] In this embodiment, the treatment mechanism 3 mounted on the shower head 100 and the through hole 111 through which the shaft member 31 is inserted are singular, but this is not limited to this example and may be plural.

[0036] <1-6. Power supply section 4> Next, the showerhead 100 further includes a chargeable and dischargeable power supply unit 4, and a terminal 41 for connecting an external power supply (not shown) to the power supply unit 4. The power supply unit 4 is built into the main body 1 and can supply power to components of the showerhead 100 that require power. The external power supply can be, for example, an external charging device or an outlet connected to a commercial power grid. For example, the power supply unit 4 is disposed in a waterproof sealed space inside the housing 10, and supplies power to the memory unit 102, the control unit 103, the input unit 104, the motor 331 of the drive mechanism 33, the power supply unit 5 described below, and the like. In this embodiment, the power supply unit 4 is a Li-ion battery, but is not limited to this example and may be a secondary battery other than a Li-ion battery.

[0037] Here, the main body 1 further has a storage section 13 and a waterproof lid 14. The storage section 13 stores the terminal 41. The waterproof lid 14 is detachable from the storage section 13. In detail, the storage section 13 is a recess in which the terminal 41 is disposed, and is disposed on the outer surface of the housing 10. The waterproof lid 14 is attached to an opening of the storage section 13 to cover the opening, thereby sealing the storage section 13 waterproofly. This makes it possible to prevent water L from entering the inside of the storage section 13.

[0038] Preferably, the main body 1 further includes a water-repellent layer 131. The water-repellent layer 131 is disposed on the inner surface of the storage section 13 and repels water L. By disposing the water-repellent layer 131 on the inner surface of the storage section 13, even if the main body 1 is wet when charging the power supply section 4, the water L is less likely to flow onto the inner surface of the storage section 13. Therefore, the water L is less likely to adhere to the terminal 41 for electrically connecting the external power supply and the power supply section 4. Therefore, the terminal 41 can be connected to the external power supply without worrying about leakage and short circuit by directly or by lightly wiping the periphery of the terminal 41. However, this example does not exclude a configuration in which the water-repellent layer 131 is not disposed on the inner surface of the storage section 13.

[0039] Also, preferably, the power supply unit 4 is capable of being charged contactlessly. In this way, even if the power supply unit 4 is placed inside a sealed waterproof space, the user can charge the power supply unit 4 by placing it near a contactless charging device. In other words, the power supply unit 4 can be charged without exposing a tangible object (such as the terminal 41) for supplying power to the power supply unit 4 to the outside of the housing 10 of the main body unit 1. Therefore, even if the outer surface of the main body unit 1 is wet, the user can charge the power supply unit 4 by contactless charging without changing the condition. When the power supply unit 4 is capable of being charged contactlessly, the showerhead 100 may or may not have the terminal 41. However, the above example does not exclude a configuration in which the power supply unit 4 cannot be charged contactlessly.

[0040] Also, preferably, the housing 10 of the main body 1 has a first housing 10a and a second housing 10b. The water discharge unit 11 is disposed on the front surface of the first housing 10a. The first housing 10a houses the drive mechanism 33 and the like. The second housing 10b houses the power supply unit 4 and is detachable from the first housing 10a. In this embodiment, the first housing 10a further houses a part of the shaft member 31 so that it can be inserted and removed. Also, inside the first housing 10a, a part of the supply flow path Pf (on the space S side), the space S, the holding unit 12 (and the power supply unit 5 described later), and the like are disposed. The second housing 10b is disposed with a terminal 41, a housing unit 13, a waterproof cover 14, and the like.

[0041] Since the second housing 10b that houses the power supply unit 4 can be detached from the first housing 10a, the user can simply detach the second housing 10b and carry it to a location where it can be charged. In other words, the user does not need to detach the shower head 100 from the hose H and carry the entire shower head 100. This allows the user to easily charge the power supply unit 4.

[0042] However, the above example does not exclude a configuration in which the second housing 10b is not detachable from the first housing 10a.

[0043] <1-7. Power supply unit 5> Next, preferably, the shower head 100 further includes a power supply unit 5. The power supply unit 5 supplies an electric current to at least one of the water L and the conductive treatment head 32 for providing an electric stimulation to the user's skin. In this embodiment, the shaft member 31 and the treatment head 32 are made of a conductive material, and an electric current is supplied to both the water L and the treatment head 32. In this way, the user can receive an electric stimulation at the bathing area by the electric current transmitted from at least one of the water L into which the user has been showered and the treatment head 32 touching the skin at the bathing area. This electric stimulation acts deeply on the skin and the muscles deep therein, thereby promoting the health and beauty of the user.

[0044] For example, the power supply unit 5 may include a power supply unit 5a having a discharge plate 51 and a conductive portion 52. A conductive material is used for the discharge plate 51 and the conductive portion 52. The discharge plate 51 is disposed in the space S behind the water discharge unit 11, and has a disk shape that spreads radially outward from the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical holding unit 12. The conductive portion 52 extends into the space S from a waterproof sealed space in which the power supply unit 4 is disposed, and is electrically connected to the discharge plate 51. The conductive portion 52 transmits a current supplied from the power supply unit 4 to the discharge plate 51. The discharge plate 51 contacts the water L contained in the space S with a wide contact area, and passes a current through the water L. Therefore, the current flows to the user's skin through the water L ejected from the ejection hole 112.

[0045] In this embodiment, the end of the holding part 12 is axially separated from the back surface of the water-discharging part 11. Therefore, the shaft member 31 comes into contact with the water L. Therefore, the current flows from the discharge plate 51 through the water L to the shaft member 31, and further flows from the shaft member 31 to the skin via the treatment head 32 when the treatment head 32 touches the user's skin.

[0046] The power supply unit 5 may also include a power supply unit 5b having a pair of electrodes 53, 54 arranged in the supply flow path Pf. The power supply unit 5b supplies at least a part of the current to the water L flowing toward the water discharge unit 11 by passing a current between the electrode 53 and the electrode 54 via the water L. Therefore, the current flows to the skin of the user via the water L ejected from the ejection hole 112, and flows to the skin via the water L in the space S, the shaft member 31, and the treatment head 32 when the treatment head touches the skin of the user.

[0047] In this embodiment, the power supply unit 5 includes both power supply units 5a and 5b. However, this is not limited to the example, and either of the two may be omitted. In other words, it is sufficient that the power supply unit 5 includes at least one of the power supply units 5a and 5b. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the power supply units 5a and 5b are disposed inside the main body unit 1 or inside the grip 101. However, this is not limited to the example, and at least one of the power supply units 5a and 5b may be disposed outside the main body unit 1 or outside the grip 101.

[0048] Furthermore, the above examples do not exclude a configuration in which the showerhead 100 does not include the power supply unit 5. For example, both the power supply unit 5a and the power supply unit 5b may be omitted.

[0049] <1-8. Pressure Regulating Section 6> Next, preferably, the showerhead 100 further includes a pressure adjustment unit 6 (see FIG. 3). For example, the pressure adjustment unit 6 changes the amount of water L flowing from the water source into the supply flow path Pf or the space S behind the water discharge unit 11, or changes the pressure of the water L in the supply flow path Pf or the above-mentioned space S. In this way, the pressure adjustment unit 6 adjusts the pressure of the water flow (water L) sprayed out from the water discharge unit 11.

[0050] For example, the pressure adjustment unit 6 has a pressure adjustment valve (regulator) for adjusting water pressure. The flow rate or water pressure of the water L maintained by the pressure adjustment valve may be manually adjustable or may be electrically adjusted. The pressure adjustment unit 6 may further have a sensor for detecting the flow rate, pressure, etc. of the water L. For example, a flow rate sensor for detecting the flow rate of the water L (in other words, the flow rate per unit time), or a water pressure sensor for detecting the pressure of the water L can be adopted as the sensor. The sensor outputs the detection result to the control unit 103. The pressure adjustment unit 6 adjusts the flow rate and water pressure of the water L by the control unit 103 controlling the electrically operated pressure adjustment valve. This control is performed, for example, based on an operation input at the input unit 104.

[0051] For example, the pressure adjustment valve is disposed inside the grip 101 (for example, inside the portion of the supply flow path Pf that is supplied to the grip 101). By disposing the pressure adjustment valve near the hand of a user holding the grip 101, it becomes easier to manually adjust the flow rate or water pressure of the water L.

[0052] Alternatively, the pressure regulating valve may be disposed inside the main body 1. For example, the pressure regulating valve may be disposed at the end of the supply flow path Pf on the space S side, or may be disposed within the space S. In other words, the pressure regulating valve may regulate the flow rate or water pressure of the water L discharged from the outlet of the supply flow path Pf, or may regulate the water volume or water pressure of the water L in the space S. By disposing the pressure regulating valve in the water discharge portion 11 or nearby it, it is possible to reduce the pressure loss of the water L due to the regulation of the flow rate or water pressure of the water L. Therefore, the pressure adjusting portion 6 can more accurately regulate the flow rate or water pressure of the water L spouted from the water discharge portion 11. At this time, the user can set the flow rate or water pressure of the water L by operating the input portion 104 near the grip 101.

[0053] More preferably, the pressure adjustment unit 6 changes the force that reciprocates the shaft member 31 in response to a change in pressure of the water L. For example, the pressure adjustment unit 6 is controlled by the control unit 103. The control unit 103 has a mode in which the force that reciprocates the shaft member 31 is changed in response to a change in pressure of the water L. The modes include a first mode, a second mode, a third mode, and a fourth mode.

[0054] In the first mode, the control unit 103 increases the pressure of the water L ejected from the water discharge unit 11 and increases the force that reciprocates the shaft member 31. That is, the treatment strength of the treatment elements 32 is increased overall. In other words, the average strength of the pressure of the treatment elements 32 is increased.

[0055] In the second mode, the control unit 103 reduces the pressure of the water L ejected from the water discharge unit 11 and weakens the force that reciprocates the shaft member 31. That is, the treatment strength of the treatment elements 32 is weakened overall. In other words, the average strength of the pressure of the treatment elements 32 is reduced.

[0056] In the third mode, the control unit 103 reduces the pressure of the water L ejected from the water discharge unit 11 while increasing the force that reciprocates the shaft member 31. That is, the treatment strength of the treatment elements 32 is increased overall. In other words, the average strength of the pressure of the treatment elements 32 is increased.

[0057] In the fourth mode, the control unit 103 increases the pressure of the water L ejected from the water discharge unit 11 and weakens the force that reciprocates the shaft member 31. That is, the treatment strength of the treatment elements 32 is weakened overall. In other words, the average strength of the pressure of the treatment elements 32 is reduced.

[0058] The user can select one of these modes by operating and inputting information through the input unit 104. Note that the user can also use the showerhead 100 without using the above-mentioned modes.

[0059] By changing the pressure of the water L from the water discharge section 11, the stimulation caused by the water L hitting the skin and the skin cleansing ability of the fine bubbles contained in the water L can be changed. In addition, by changing the force that reciprocates the shaft member 31, the treatment intensity of the treatment head 32 can be changed. Therefore, the user can synchronize the change in the stimulation and cleansing ability of the skin at the bathing area with the change in the treatment intensity of the treatment head 32.

[0060] For example, if a user desires strong stimulation and cleaning power, the user can select the first mode and make operational inputs to increase both the water L jet pressure and the treatment intensity, thereby making both stronger. On the other hand, if a user desires weaker stimulation and cleaning power, the user can select the second mode and make operational inputs to decrease both, thereby making both weaker.

[0061] Alternatively, if the user wishes to weaken the skin cleansing power when the bathing area is being loosened by the treatment elements 32, the user can select the third mode and perform an operation input to weaken the jetting pressure of the water L and an operation input to strengthen the treatment intensity, thereby weakening the jetting pressure of the water L while strengthening the treatment intensity. Also, if the user wishes to thoroughly cleanse the skin of a bathing area that has been sufficiently loosened by treatment, the user can select the fourth mode and perform an operation input to strengthen the jetting pressure of the water L and a operation input to weaken the treatment intensity, thereby strengthening the jetting pressure of the water L while weakening the treatment intensity.

[0062] Therefore, the showerhead 100 can change the jetting pressure of the water L and the treatment intensity as desired with simple operations in accordance with the needs of the user.

[0063] It should be noted that the above examples do not exclude a configuration in which the showerhead 100 does not include the pressure adjustment unit 6, and do not exclude a configuration in which the control unit 103 does not include the above-mentioned modes.

[0064] <2. Second embodiment> Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 5. FIG. 5 is a side cross-sectional view showing an example of the internal structure of a shower head 100 according to the second embodiment. In FIG. 5, the power supply unit 4, terminals 41, housing unit 13, etc. are omitted from illustration in order to make it easier to understand the lower part of the second embodiment. Below, configurations different from the first embodiment will be described. Also, components similar to those in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and their description may be omitted.

[0065] In the second embodiment, the drive mechanism 33 has a rotation generating unit 333 instead of the motor 331 of the first embodiment. The rotation generating unit 333 generates rotational motion by the flow of water L supplied to the water discharge unit 11. The motion conversion mechanism 332 converts the rotational motion generated by the rotation generating unit 333 into reciprocating motion of the shaft member 31. In this way, the showerhead 100 can reciprocate the shaft member 31 and the treatment heads 32 in the axial direction A using the flow of water L as a power source without requiring electricity.

[0066] The rotation generating unit 333 is, for example, a water wheel disposed in the supply flow passage Pf, and generates a rotational motion whose rotation plane is parallel to the paper surface in FIG. 5. The motion converting mechanism 332 has, for example, a bevel gear and gear meshing mechanism 334 and a crank mechanism 335. The meshing mechanism 334 converts the rotational motion whose rotation plane is parallel to the paper surface in FIG. 5 into a rotational motion whose rotation plane is perpendicular to the paper surface in FIG. 5 and parallel to the axial direction A. The crank mechanism 335 converts the rotational motion whose rotation plane is converted by the meshing mechanism 334 into a linear reciprocating motion of the shaft member 31. However, this example does not exclude a configuration in which the rotation generating unit 333 is a component that generates a rotational motion other than a water wheel, and does not exclude a configuration in which the motion converting mechanism 332 does not include the meshing mechanism 334 and the crank mechanism 335 described above.

[0067] <3.Notes> The above describes the embodiments of the present invention. Note that the above embodiments are merely examples, and it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications are possible in the combination of each component and each process, and that such modifications are within the scope of the present invention.

[0068] <4. Summary> The embodiments described thus far will be summarized below.

[0069] For example, the showerhead 100 disclosed herein may include A shower head 100 capable of spraying water L containing fine bubbles and treating a bathing area where a user is bathed in the water L, A main body 1 having a water discharge section 11 on the front surface thereof, the water discharge section 11 having a through hole 111 and a plurality of ejection holes 112 arranged therein; A bubble generating unit 2 that generates the fine bubbles in the water L; A treatment mechanism 3 capable of treating the bathing area of ​​the user; Equipped with The treatment mechanism 3 includes: a shaft member 31 extending from inside the main body 1 to outside the water discharge portion 11 through the through hole 111; A treatment head 32 is disposed at the outer end of the shaft member 31. a drive mechanism 33 arranged in the main body 1 to reciprocate the shaft member 31 in an axial direction A along which the shaft member 31 extends; The configuration has the above structure (first configuration).

[0070] The showerhead 100 of the first configuration has: The device may further include a power supply unit 5 that supplies an electric current for providing an electrical stimulus to the skin of the user to at least one of the water L and the conductive massaging head 32 (second configuration).

[0071] Moreover, the showerhead 100 having the first or second configuration has The main body 1 is A cylindrical holding portion 12 that surrounds the shaft member 31 and holds it so that it can reciprocate; a waterproof member 121 that seals a gap between the shaft member 31 and an inner circumferential surface of the holding portion 12; The third configuration may be as follows:

[0072] In addition, the showerhead 100 having any of the first to third configurations described above has The drive mechanism 33 is A motor 331 built into the main body; a motion conversion mechanism 332 for converting the rotational motion generated by the motor 331 into a reciprocating motion of the shaft member 31; The fourth configuration may be as follows:

[0073] In addition, the showerhead 100 having any of the first to third configurations described above has The drive mechanism 33 is A rotation generating unit 333 that generates a rotational motion by the flow of the water L supplied to the water discharge unit 11; a motion conversion mechanism 332 for converting the rotational motion into a reciprocating motion of the shaft member 31; The fifth configuration may be as follows:

[0074] In addition, the showerhead 100 having any of the first to fifth configurations described above has A power supply unit 4 that is built into the main body 1 and is capable of supplying power and being charged and discharged; A terminal 41 for connecting an external power source to the power source unit 4; Further equipped with The main body 1 is A receiving portion 13 for receiving the terminal 41; A waterproof cover 14 that can be attached to and detached from the storage section 13; A water-repellent layer 131 is disposed on the inner surface of the storage portion 13 and repels water L; The sixth configuration may be as follows:

[0075] In addition, the showerhead 100 having any of the first to sixth configurations described above has the following features: The configuration may be such that the power supply unit 4 is built into the main body unit 1 and is capable of supplying power and of being charged in a non-contact manner (seventh configuration).

[0076] In addition, the showerhead 100 having the sixth or seventh configuration has the following features: The main body 1 is a first housing 10a having the water discharge unit 11 disposed on the front surface thereof and housing the drive mechanism 33; a second housing 10b that houses the power supply unit 4 and is detachable from the first housing 10a; The eighth configuration may be as follows:

[0077] In addition, the showerhead 100 having any of the first to eighth configurations described above has the following features: The water discharge unit 11 further includes a pressure adjusting unit 6 for adjusting the pressure of the water L discharged from the water discharge unit 11. The pressure adjusting section 6 may be configured to change the force that reciprocates the shaft member 31 in response to a change in pressure of the water L (ninth configuration).

[0078] In addition, the showerhead 100 having any of the first to ninth configurations described above has a grip 101 attached to a lower portion of the main body 1 and held by the user; an input unit 104 that accepts operation inputs from the user; Further equipped with The input unit 104 may be configured to be disposed above the grip 101 (tenth configuration). [Explanation of symbols]

[0079] 100 shower heads 101 Grip 102 Storage section 103 Control section 104 Input section 1 Main unit 10. Chassis 10a 1st housing 10b Second housing 11 Water discharge part 111 Through hole 112 Spout hole 12 Holding part 121 Waterproofing materials 13 Storage unit 131 Water-repellent layer 14 Waterproof lid 2. Bubble generating section 21 Neck 3 Treatment Organization 31 Shaft member 32 Treatment child 33, 33a Drive mechanism 331 Motor 332 Motion conversion mechanism 333 Rotation generating part 334 Meshing Mechanism 335 Crank mechanism 4 Power supply section 41 Terminal 5, 5a, 5b Power supply unit 51 Discharge plate 52 Conductive part 53,54 electrode 6 Pressure Regulating Section J Joint J1 First joint J2 2nd joint A axis direction CA center axis L water Pf supply channel S space H,H1,H2 hose

Claims

1. A shower head capable of spraying water containing fine bubbles and treating the bathing area of ​​a user, A main body having a water discharge portion on a front surface thereof, the water discharge portion having a through hole and a plurality of ejection holes disposed therein; A bubble generating unit that generates the fine bubbles in water; A treatment mechanism capable of treating the bathing area of ​​the user; Equipped with The treatment mechanism includes: a shaft member extending from inside the main body portion through the through hole to outside the water discharge portion; a treatment head disposed at an outer end of the shaft member; a drive mechanism disposed within the main body for reciprocating the shaft member in the axial direction; A shower head having

2. 2. The showerhead according to claim 1, further comprising a power supply unit that supplies an electric current to at least one of the water and the conductive treatment head for providing electrical stimulation to the skin of the user.

3. The main body portion is A cylindrical holding portion that surrounds the shaft member and holds it so that it can reciprocate; a waterproof member that seals a gap between the shaft member and an inner circumferential surface of the holding portion; 10. The showerhead of claim 1 ,

4. The drive mechanism includes: A motor built into the main body; a motion conversion mechanism for converting a rotational motion generated by the motor into a reciprocating motion of the shaft member; The showerhead of claim 1 , further comprising:

5. The drive mechanism includes: a rotation generating unit that generates a rotational motion by a flow of water supplied to the water discharge unit; a motion conversion mechanism for converting the rotational motion into a reciprocating motion of the shaft member; The showerhead of claim 1 , further comprising:

6. a power supply unit that is built into the main body and is capable of supplying power and being charged and discharged; A terminal for connecting an external power source to the power supply unit; Further equipped with The main body portion is a receiving portion for receiving the terminal; A waterproof cover that is detachable from the storage portion; A water-repellent layer disposed on an inner surface of the storage portion and repels water; The showerhead of claim 1 , further comprising:

7. The showerhead according to claim 1 , further comprising a power supply unit that is built into the main body and is capable of supplying power and is capable of being charged in a non-contact manner.

8. The main body portion is a first housing having the water discharge unit disposed on a front surface thereof and housing the drive mechanism; a second housing that houses the power supply unit and is detachable from the first housing; 7. The showerhead of claim 6, comprising:

9. A pressure adjusting unit is further provided to adjust the water pressure sprayed from the water discharge unit, 4. The showerhead of claim 1, wherein the pressure adjusting part changes a force that reciprocates the shaft member in response to a change in water pressure.

10. a grip attached to a lower portion of the main body and held by the user; an input unit that accepts operation inputs from the user; Further equipped with The showerhead of claim 1 , wherein the input portion is disposed above the grip.

Images