Shower device
The shower device addresses the temperature discomfort issue by incorporating a third water discharge mode that ensures a gradual transition from mist to continuous water flow, maintaining a consistent perceived temperature and reducing user discomfort.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- JP2023205855
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2023-12-06
- Publication Date
- 2025-06-18
AI Technical Summary
Shower devices that combine continuous water flow and mist water discharge often cause a drastic difference in perceived temperature, leading to discomfort, as the continuous water flow feels hotter immediately after mist water discharge at the same temperature setting.
A switching shower device with multiple water discharge modes, including a third mode that necessarily passes through when switching from mist-like water discharge to continuous water discharge, to prevent immediate transition to continuous water flow at the same temperature setting.
This configuration effectively prevents the discomfort of feeling hot water by ensuring a smoother temperature transition between mist and continuous water discharge modes, maintaining a more consistent perceived temperature.
Smart Images
Figure 2025090947000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to a shower device that utilizes mist water discharge with a fine particle size.
Background Art
[0002] Conventionally, a shower device that utilizes mist water discharge with a fine particle size has been known (for example, Patent Document 1).
[0003] A shower device that utilizes mist water discharge has less skin irritation while having a high sebum removal rate. For this reason, it is said to be excellent for face washing applications.
[0004] Such characteristics are due to the characteristics of mist water discharge, in which water droplets are finer, the number of water droplets is larger, and the water droplet distribution is more uniform, compared to general shower water discharge.
[0005] More specifically, in general shower water discharge, relatively large water droplets collide with dirt in patches (spottily), while in mist water discharge, a large number of relatively small water droplets collide with dirt uniformly. Thus, according to mist water discharge, both better skin feel and higher detergency can be achieved simultaneously.
Prior Art Documents
Patent Documents
[0006]
Patent Document 1
Summary of the Invention
Problems to be Solved by the Invention
[0007] As described above, according to mist water discharge, higher detergency can be achieved compared to general shower water discharge.
[0008] However, since the mist water discharge has a relatively small particle size, it is prone to temperature drop after being discharged from the opening (mist nozzle). On the other hand, in a continuous water flow such as streamlined water discharge, the temperature drop after being discharged from the opening is small, and after getting water on the body, it flows along the surface, so even at the same water discharge temperature, it is likely to feel like a relatively high temperature.
[0009] For this reason, when taking a continuous water flow such as streamlined water discharge (without changing the temperature setting operation) at the same temperature setting immediately after taking mist water discharge at a certain temperature setting, the difference in the perceived temperature is drastic, and there may be a feeling of discomfort such as "it is hot water".
[0010] The inventor of the present case considered an improvement measure to solve this problem in a shower device that combines a continuous water flow such as streamlined water discharge and mist water discharge.
[0011] And it was found that it is effective to provide a restriction on the order of switching the water discharge mode so that a continuous water flow such as streamlined water discharge is not taken at the same temperature setting (without changing the temperature setting operation) immediately after taking mist water discharge at a certain temperature setting.
[0012] The present invention was conceived based on the above findings. The object of the present invention is to provide a shower device that combines a continuous water flow and mist water discharge, and in which a continuous water flow such as streamlined water discharge is not taken at the same temperature setting (without changing the temperature setting operation) immediately after taking mist water discharge at a certain temperature setting.
Means for Solving the Problem
[0013] The present invention is a switching shower device having a plurality of water discharge modes including a first water discharge mode, a second water discharge mode, and a third water discharge mode, comprising a gripping portion for a user to grip, a first water discharge passage for discharging hot water or water in the first water discharge mode, a second water discharge passage for discharging hot water or water in the second water discharge mode, a third water discharge passage for discharging hot water or water in the third water discharge mode, a switching operation portion for switching between the first water discharge mode, the second water discharge mode, and the third water discharge mode, and a switching member for switching the water guiding states to the first water discharge passage, the second water discharge passage, and the third water discharge passage in conjunction with the operation of the switching operation portion. The water discharge from the first water discharge passage is continuous water discharge that does not granulate for a distance of at least a certain distance. The water discharge from the second water discharge passage is mist-like water discharge. The water discharge from the third water discharge passage is different from the continuous water discharge that does not granulate for a distance of at least the certain distance and is also different from the mist-like water discharge. The switching operation portion is configured to necessarily pass through the third water discharge mode when switching from the second water discharge mode to the first water discharge mode.
[0014] According to the present invention, when switching from the mist-like water discharge mode (the second water discharge mode) to the continuous water discharge mode (the first water discharge mode), since it is configured to necessarily pass through the third water discharge mode, it is more reliably prevented that immediately after being exposed to mist water discharge at a certain temperature setting, continuous water flow such as rectified water discharge (without performing an operation to change the temperature setting) is received at the same temperature setting.
[0015] The certain distance is preferably 10 cm under the water discharge rate condition of 1.0 L / min. That is, in this specification, continuous water discharge preferably means water discharge that does not granulate for a distance of 10 cm or more (after exiting the opening portion) under the water discharge rate condition of 1.0 L / min.
[0016] Also, the water discharged from the third water discharge channel is preferably the water discharged from the fluid element nozzle. Different from continuous water discharge, the water discharged from the fluid element nozzle generally granulates at about 1 cm (after exiting the opening) under the water discharge rate condition of 1.0 L / min.
[0017] Further, the first opening of the first water discharge channel is constituted by the first element member, the second opening of the second water discharge channel is constituted by the second element member, the third opening of the third water discharge channel is constituted by the third element member, and the thermal conductivity of the third element member is preferably lower than the thermal conductivity of the first element member.
[0018] According to this, since it is difficult for the heat of the hot water to escape through the third element member, it is possible to suppress a temperature drop of the water discharged from the third opening (for example, the water discharged from the fluid element nozzle). Therefore, even when bathing in a continuous water flow such as rectified water discharge (without operating to change the temperature setting) at the same temperature setting immediately after bathing in the water discharged in the third water discharge mode, the temperature difference between the two is felt to be relatively small, and the discomfort of "hot water" is suppressed.
[0019] Also, in this case, the first opening is located substantially at the center of the water discharge surface, the second openings are arranged in a circumferential direction and dispersed on substantially the same circumference surrounding the first opening, the third openings are arranged in a circumferential direction and dispersed on substantially the same circumference surrounding the first opening and located inside the second openings, and further, it is preferable that they are arranged in a circumferential direction and dispersed on substantially the same circumference located outside the second openings.
[0020] According to this, since the third openings (for example, fluid element nozzles) can be dispersed and arranged in a wider area within the water discharge surface, the feeling of being bathed in the water discharged from the third openings (for example, fluid element nozzles) can be improved.
Advantages of the Invention
[0021] According to the present invention, when switching from the mist-like water discharge mode (second water discharge mode) to the continuous water discharge mode (first water discharge mode), it is necessarily configured to pass through the third water discharge mode. Therefore, immediately after being exposed to mist water discharge at a certain temperature setting, it is more reliably prevented from being exposed to a continuous water flow such as rectified water discharge (without performing an operation to change the temperature setting) at the same temperature setting.
Brief Description of the Drawings
[0022]
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
Figure 4
Figure 5
Figure 6
Figure 7
Figure 8
Figure 9
Figure 10
Figure 11
Figure 12
Figure 13
Figure 14
Mode for Carrying Out the Invention
[0023] (Basic Configuration) Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The shower device of the present embodiment is a shower device capable of switching between a plurality of water discharge modes (capable of discharging water in a plurality of water discharge modes).
[0024] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing the shower device 1 according to the present embodiment, FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of the shower device 1 of the present embodiment, FIG. 3 is a partial sectional perspective view of the shower device 1 of the present embodiment, and FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the shower device 1 of the present embodiment. Further, FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram for explaining the opening and closing of the pilot hole, and FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram for explaining the disk pressing member.
[0025] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the shower device 1 of the present embodiment includes a storage chamber 5 (also referred to as a cavity) in which water is supplied and stored from a water supply source (not shown) via water supply members 2 and 3.
[0026] On the water discharge surface side of the shower device 1 with respect to the storage chamber 5, a secondary side flow path member 4 formed by overlapping four substantially disk-shaped element members 40, 47, 48, and 49 is provided. The secondary side flow path member 4 has three (an example of a plurality) water discharge flow paths corresponding to three (an example of a plurality) water discharge modes.
[0027] Referring also to FIGS. 4 to 6, on the element member 40 of the secondary side flow path member 4 facing the storage chamber 5, three valve seats 41 to 43 raised on the storage chamber 5 side are formed, and communication holes communicating with the corresponding flow paths are provided at the centers of the valve seats 41 to 43. The three valve seats 41 to 43 (and the corresponding flow paths) are arranged annularly and evenly at 120-degree intervals in the circumferential direction.
[0028] The diaphragm valves 21 to 23 are provided annularly so as to correspond to each of the three valve seats 41 to 43. The three diaphragm valves 21 to 23 are integrally formed as a single-piece diaphragm member 20, but each diaphragm valve 21 to 23 can operate independently.
[0029] Further, a seal ring portion 24 is formed on the outer peripheral portion of the diaphragm member 20. The seal ring portion 24 is hermetically clamped between the upper edge portion 40a of the element member 40 and the cover member 8. On the other hand, the central region of the diaphragm member 20 is supported on the upper surface of the element member 40 via the space member 38.
[0030] Also, each diaphragm valve 21 to 23 is provided with a coil spring (not shown) between the lower surface of the cover member 8, and is biased in the closing direction by the coil spring.
[0031] In addition, the three diaphragm valves 21 to 23 of the present embodiment are arranged annularly, and pilot holes (partially back pressure chamber outflow holes 21c to 23c formed on the lower surface side of the cover member 8) for communicating the back pressure chambers 21b to 23b of each diaphragm valve 21 to 23 with the space below the element member 40, which is the space outside the storage chamber 5, are intensively provided in the region on the central side of the arrangement of the three diaphragm valves 21 to 23, and are opened and closed by a disk member 10 that functions as a common pilot valve. (When there are two diaphragm valves, the pilot holes for communicating the back pressure chambers of each diaphragm valve with the space below the element member 40, which is the space outside the storage chamber 5, can be intensively provided in the region on the intermediate side of the arrangement of the two diaphragm valves.)
[0032] The disk member 10 is made of resin, is rotatably supported around its own rotation axis, and has 12 teeth 10t on its outer peripheral portion (see also FIG. 7 described later).
[0033] Referring particularly to FIG. 4, the disk member 10 has four (an example of a plurality) communication holes 10h, and each of the four communication holes 10h selectively communicates with back-pressure chamber outflow holes 21c to 23c provided in the back-pressure chambers 21b to 23b of the respective diaphragm valves 21 to 23 according to the rotational position of the disk member 10, thereby releasing the pilot holes of the diaphragm valves 21 to 23. More specifically, the pilot holes of the diaphragm valves 21 to 23 are released when the back-pressure chamber outflow holes 21c to 23c and outflow holes 44 to 46 provided in the element member 40 corresponding to the back-pressure chamber outflow holes 21c to 23c are selectively communicated by the communication holes 10h of the disk member 10. The four communication holes 10h are evenly arranged at 90-degree intervals in the circumferential direction. The back-pressure chamber outflow holes 21c to 23c and the outflow holes 44 to 46 are evenly arranged at 120-degree intervals in the circumferential direction.
[0034] Subsequently, referring particularly to FIG. 5, the disk pressing member 30 is interposed between the back-pressure chamber outflow holes 21c to 23c and the disk member 10, and the coil spring 35 presses the disk member 10 in a direction away from the back-pressure chamber outflow holes 21c to 23 (toward the element member 40).
[0035] In addition, the disk pressing member 30 is provided with outflow communication passages 31c to 33c that communicate with the back-pressure chamber outflow holes 21c to 23c of the respective diaphragm valves 21 to 23. In the present embodiment, the outflow communication passages 31c to 33c are each constituted by a tubular portion 31 to 33, and each tubular portion 31 to 33 is inserted into the corresponding back-pressure chamber outflow hole 21c to 23c. A gap remains between each tubular portion 31 to 33 and the back-pressure chamber outflow hole 21c to 23c, and the gap functions as a back-pressure chamber inflow hole. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 4, an aspect in which back-pressure chamber inflow holes 21d to 23d are provided in a part of the diaphragm valves 21 to 23 may also be adopted.
[0036] Returning to FIGS. 1 to 3, a push button 11 is provided at the lower part of the shower head housing 7 as a switching operation part to which the user applies an operating force. (Instead of the push button 11, other types of buttons, slide switches, etc. may be provided.)
[0037] The push button 11 is configured to rotate around a rotation axis 11s each time the user performs a pressing operation (each time the user applies a pressing force as an operating force). Then, in conjunction with the rotation operation of the push button 11, the abutting slide inclined part 11a of the push button 11 (see FIG. 4) and the abutting ring 12a provided at the base end of the rod part 12 (see FIG. 4) are utilized for abutting (and sliding), so that the rod part 12 reciprocates in its own axial direction.
[0038] The tip of the rod part 12 is exposed in the storage chamber 5 (in water) (see FIG. 6), and it is made of a metal rod such as stainless steel having a rust-proof property. In the present embodiment, the rod part 12 penetrates slidably through an element member 40 integrally fixed to the shower head housing 7. A seal ring member 12s is provided to maintain watertightness (see FIG. 4). The rod part 12 may be composed not only of a rigid body but also of a plastic body such as a string or an elastic body such as rubber.
[0039] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram for explaining the rotation of the disk member 10. As shown in FIG. 7, a coil spring 14 is disposed around the tip of the rod part 12 located in the storage chamber 5. The base end of the coil spring 14 is fixed to the element member 40, and thereby it is fixed to the shower head housing 7 (with respect to the rotation axis 11s of the push button 11).
[0040] A claw member 15 is fixed to the tip of the coil spring 14, and a stopper 13 for the claw member 15 is attached to the tip of the rod part 12. The tip of the coil spring 14 and the claw member 15 are movable in the axial direction with respect to the stopper 13 in the region on the base end side of the rod part 12 due to the deformation of the coil spring 14 in its axial direction.
[0041] Furthermore, the tip of the coil spring 14 and the claw member 15 can also move (change their postures) in the inclined direction by deforming in the direction inclined with respect to the axial direction of the coil spring 14.
[0042] On the side surface of the claw member 15 on the side of the disk member 10, a claw 15t that engages with the tooth 10t of the disk member 10 is provided. And during the movement of the rod portion 12, the disk member 10 is rotated by the claw 15t pulling in the tooth 10t.
[0043] In addition, a detent claw 16 that prevents the disk member 10 (tooth 10t) from rotating in the reverse direction is held by a detent claw fixing portion 17 provided on the element member 40.
[0044] (Function brought about by the basic configuration) When the pressing button 11 is pressed by the user, due to the pressing force (operating force), the contact slide inclined portion 11a of the pressing button 11 rotates around the rotation axis 11s, and the rod portion 12 is moved axially toward the proximal end side via the contact ring 12a.
[0045] The state of FIG. 7 corresponds to the state before the pressing operation. When the movement of the rod portion 12 starts from this state, the claw 15t of the claw member 15 pulls in the tooth 10t of the disk member 10, so that the disk member 10 is rotated. In the state where the pressing button 11 is at the innermost position and the rod portion 12 is moved to the most proximal end side, the detent claw 16 stops the tooth 10t that is one ahead of the state of FIG. 7. With one pressing operation of the pressing button 11 like this, the disk member 10 rotates 30 degrees.
[0046] In a state where the pressing button 11 is at the innermost part and the rod portion 12 is moved to the most proximal side, the coil spring 14 is compressed between the stopper 13 at the tip of the rod portion 12, the claw member 15, and the element member 40. In this state, when the pressing force on the pressing button 11 is released, the rod portion 12 and the pressing button 11 are returned to their original positions (the state shown in FIG. 7) by the restoring force of the coil spring 14. In this process, the claw 15t is not engaged with the tooth 10t, and in combination with the presence of the detent claw 16, the disk member 10 does not rotate in the reverse direction. Further, in this process, since the claw member 15 can move (change its posture) in the inclined direction by deforming in a direction inclined with respect to the axial direction of the coil spring 14, the resistance (interference) from the disk member 10 can be effectively avoided. Then, when the claw member 15 returns to its original position (the state shown in FIG. 7), it engages with the next tooth 10t of the tooth that was pulled in last by the restoring force of the coil spring 14.
[0047] As described above, the four communication holes 10h are evenly arranged at 90-degree intervals in the circumferential direction, and the backpressure chamber outflow holes 21c to 23c and the outflow holes 44 to 46 are evenly arranged at 120-degree intervals in the circumferential direction. Therefore, by rotating the disk member 10 by 30 degrees at a time, a first water discharge mode in which the backpressure chamber outflow hole 21c communicates with the outflow hole 44 and the backpressure chamber outflow holes 22c, 23c do not communicate with the outflow holes 45, 46, a second water discharge mode in which the backpressure chamber outflow hole 22c communicates with the outflow hole 45 and the backpressure chamber outflow holes 21c, 23c do not communicate with the outflow holes 44, 46, and a third water discharge mode in which the backpressure chamber outflow hole 23c communicates with the outflow hole 46 and the backpressure chamber outflow holes 21c, 22c do not communicate with the outflow holes 44, 45 can be sequentially switched.
[0048] An example of a state where the back pressure chamber outflow hole and the outflow hole are not in communication, that is, the pilot hole of the corresponding diaphragm valve is not released, is the state on the right side in FIGS. 4 and 5. In the state on the right side in FIGS. 4 and 5, the back pressure chamber outflow holes 22c, 23c and the outflow holes 45, 46 are blocked by the disk member 10. On the other hand, through the back pressure chamber inflow holes 22d, 23d (in the case of FIG. 4), or the gap between the tubular portions 32, 33 and the back pressure chamber outflow holes 22c, 23c functions as the back pressure chamber inflow hole (in the case of FIG. 5), and the water pressure in the storage chamber 5 and the water pressure in the back pressure chambers 23b, 23c are equal. Therefore, due to the biasing force of a coil spring (not shown), the diaphragm valves 22, 23 are in a closed state.
[0049] On the other hand, an example of a state where the back pressure chamber outflow hole and the outflow hole are in communication, that is, the pilot hole of the corresponding diaphragm valve is released, is the state on the left side in FIGS. 4 and 5. In the state on the left side in FIGS. 4 and 5, the back pressure chamber outflow hole 21c and the outflow hole 44 are in communication (released) by the communication hole 10h of the disk member 10. In this state, water flows out from the back pressure chamber 21b through the back pressure chamber outflow hole 21c and the outflow hole 44, so that the water pressure in the storage chamber 5 becomes higher than the water pressure in the back pressure chamber 21b, and despite the biasing force of a coil spring (not shown), the diaphragm valve 21 is in an open state.
[0050] As described above, according to the shower device 1 of the present embodiment, since the communication or cutoff between each of the three flow paths and the storage chamber 5 is controlled by the three diaphragm valves 21 to 23, a significant reduction in the operating force of the flow path switching operation can be achieved.
[0051] (The three water discharge flow paths in the present embodiment) The three valve seats 41 to 43 that are opened and closed by each of the three diaphragm valves 21 to 23 communicate with the first water discharge flow path, the second water discharge flow path, and the third water discharge flow path formed by the secondary side flow path member 4 (including four substantially disk-shaped element members 40, 47, 48, 49 and three mist flow path forming members 56 that are overlapped as shown in FIG. 4 and are arc-shaped in plan view), respectively.
[0052] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram for explaining three switchable water discharge channels. The valve seat 41 (see FIG. 7) communicates with the first water discharge channel through the opening in the central region (the region shown by hatching) of FIG. 8, and the first water discharge channel reaches the opening P (see FIG. 1) for rectified water discharge. The valve seat 43 (see FIG. 7) communicates with the third water discharge channel through the opening in a substantially reverse C-shaped region (the region shown by broken-line hatching) adjacent to the central region of FIG. 8 in plan view, and the third water discharge channel reaches the circular shower nozzle C and the rectangular fluid element nozzle R (see FIG. 1). The valve seat 42 (see FIG. 7) communicates with the second water discharge channel through the opening in an annular region (the region shown by a satin finish) adjacent to the substantially reverse C-shaped region of FIG. 8, and the second water discharge channel reaches the mist nozzle M (see FIG. 1).
[0053] As shown in FIG. 1, in the present embodiment, the opening P (φ16.1) for rectified water discharge is composed of a group of openings at the lower end side of the rectifying member 57 located at the center on the water discharge surface side, and the total area of the opening P is 203.6 mm 2 . The mist nozzle M (φ1.05) for mist-like water discharge has 18 provided at substantially equal intervals on the circumference of φ55, and the total area is 15.6 mm 2 . The circular shower nozzle C (first round) has 12 provided on the circumference of φ37 inside the mist nozzle M. Each of the 3 on the lower side (the pressing button side) thereof is φ0.8, and each of the remaining 9 is φ0.6. The rectangular fluid element nozzle R (1 mm × 3 mm) has 4 provided on the same circumference as the circular shower nozzle C inside the mist nozzle M. The circular shower nozzle C (second round) has 16 provided on the circumference of φ71 outside the mist nozzle M, and each of them is φ0.5. Further, 20 more circular shower nozzles C (third round) are provided on the circumference of φ87 outside the 16 circular shower nozzles C (second round) of φ0.5. Each of the 4 on the lower side (the pressing button side) thereof is φ1.25, and the remaining 16 are φ0.5. The total area of these circular shower nozzles C and rectangular fluid element nozzles R is 27.2 mm 2 .
[0054] And at a water discharge pressure of 0.1 MPa, the rectified water discharge volume from the opening P is 5.5 L / min, the mist-like water discharge volume from the 18 mist nozzles M is 3.9 L / min, the particle size is about 410 μm, the flow velocity is about 2.9 m / s, the water discharge volume from the 52 fluid element nozzles C and R is 5.9 L / min, the particle size is about 1500 μm, and the flow velocity is about 3.3 m / s. However, these are merely examples, and the rectified water discharge may be continuous water discharge that does not granulate within a certain distance (for example, at least 10 cm or more) under a water discharge volume condition of 1.0 L / min (the water discharge from a general shower nozzle or fluid element nozzle granulates at about 1 cm). Also, for the third water discharge that is neither mist-like water discharge nor rectified water discharge, it is not necessarily required to include water discharge from the fluid element nozzle, and it may be general shower water discharge or air-entrained shower water discharge that is widely spread, or it may be water discharge only from the fluid element nozzle.
[0055] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the shower nozzle C and the fluid element nozzle R are constituted by an element member 48. The element member 48 is made of rubber, has a low thermal conductivity, and is difficult to release heat. Also, the mist nozzle M is constituted by an element member 47. The element member 47 and the rectifying member 57 are made of resin and have a higher thermal conductivity than the element member 48.
[0056] (Details of the second water discharge passage (mist passage) in this embodiment) FIG. 9 is a perspective cross-sectional view showing a cross-section passing through the center lines of each of a pair of adjacent mist nozzles M, and FIG. 10 is a perspective cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. 9 of the element member 47 constituting the mist nozzle M. Referring to FIGS. 8 to 10, the 18 mist nozzles M of this embodiment are divided into three groups of six each, and each group includes three pairs of mist nozzles M. And referring to FIG. 4, one mist passage forming member 56 is arranged in each group.
[0057] Furthermore, FIG. 11 is a longitudinal sectional view of the mist nozzle M taken along the diametrical section of the shower device 1, and FIG. 12 is a perspective sectional view corresponding to FIG. 11. As shown in FIGS. 8 to 12, the hot water or water flowing through the opening of the annular region (the region shown in a matte finish) in FIG. 8 flows downward through the gap (guide flow path) between the mist flow path forming member 56 and the element member 47 and reaches the acceleration flow path 51. The acceleration flow path 51 extends in a plane substantially perpendicular to the water discharge direction by the mist nozzle M and is a linear flow path slightly inclined with respect to the tangential direction in the circumferential direction (see particularly FIG. 8: in FIG. 8, the illustration of the mist flow path forming member 56 is omitted).
[0058] Referring to FIG. 8, the right end as viewed from above the acceleration flow path 51 is smoothly connected via the orifice 52 to the radially outer end of the swirling chamber 53, which is a substantially cylindrical space, of the shower device. Symmetric with respect to 180° rotation, the left end as viewed from above the acceleration flow path 51 is smoothly connected via the orifice 52 to the radially inner end of the swirling chamber 53, which is a substantially cylindrical space, of the shower device.
[0059] Then, referring to FIGS. 9 to 12, below each swirling chamber 53, a water discharge hole 55 (mist nozzle M) is provided via a truncated conical chamber 54. As a result, the water discharge holes 55 (mist nozzles M) communicate with both the left and right sides of one acceleration flow path 51 to constitute a pair of mist nozzles M.
[0060] Also, referring to FIGS. 9 to 12, the upper side of the swirling chamber 53 is partitioned by the mist flow path forming member 56, while the acceleration flow path 51, the orifice 52, the swirling chamber 53, the truncated conical chamber 54, and the water discharge hole 55 (mist nozzle M) are partitioned by the element member 47. The mist flow path forming member 56 is made of a soft resin, and the large-diameter bulging portion 56a is press-fitted into the fitting hole 47a of the corresponding element member 47, whereby the swirling chamber 53 is configured to be watertight.
[0061] With the above configuration, the hot water or water flowing from the guide channel into the acceleration channel 51 flows through the acceleration channel 51, passes through the orifice 52, reaches the swirling chamber 53, swirls within the swirling chamber 53 and the truncated conical chamber 54, and heads towards the water discharge hole 55, and is discharged in a mist form from the water discharge hole 55 (mist nozzle M).
[0062] An example of specific dimensions is that the width of the orifice 52 (width as viewed from the extending direction of the acceleration channel 51) is 1.1 m, the height of the orifice 52 is 1.2 m, the diameter of the swirling chamber 53 is 3.3 mm, the height of the swirling chamber 53 is 1.5 mm, the height of the truncated conical chamber 54 is 1.5 mm, the height (length) of the water discharge hole 55 is 0.5 mm, and the diameter of the water discharge hole 55 is 1.05 mm.
[0063] The layout (position, shape, size, etc.) of the guide channel is configured to evenly (symmetrically) supply hot water or water to a pair of water discharge holes 55 (mist nozzles M) via the acceleration channel 51 (see Fig. 13). Specifically, the guide channel of the present embodiment is laid out to be located in the middle of a pair of water discharge holes 55 (mist nozzles M) in a plan view.
[0064] In the present embodiment, one mist flow path forming member 56 in an arc shape in a plan view is arranged for a group of (six) water discharge holes 55 (mist nozzles M) composed of three pairs of water discharge holes 55 (mist nozzles M) (see Fig. 4). And overall, three mist flow path forming members 56 in an arc shape in a plan view are arranged for three groups of water discharge holes 55 (mist nozzles M) (see Fig. 4).
[0065] With the above layout, the second water discharge flow path (mist flow path) of the present embodiment has a very compact occupied length in the radial direction (specifically, the inner peripheral diameter of the matte area in Fig. 8 is φ52 mm and the outer peripheral diameter is φ58 mm). As a result, the degree of freedom in designing the first water discharge flow path (rectifying flow path) and the third water discharge flow path (shower nozzle and fluid element nozzle flow path) is high (especially, as described above, it is possible to disperse and arrange the shower nozzle C and the fluid element nozzle R in a relatively wide area).
[0066] (Features of the switching operation in this embodiment) As described above, in this embodiment, by rotating the disk member 10 by 30 degrees with a single pressing operation of the pressing button 11 (an example of a switching operation unit), the first water discharge mode (rectified water discharge is performed), the second water discharge mode (mist water discharge is performed), and the third water discharge mode (shower water discharge and fluid element water discharge are performed) can be sequentially switched in this order.
[0067] That is, when switching from the first water discharge mode to the second water discharge mode, the third water discharge mode is not passed through. And when switching from the second water discharge mode to the first water discharge mode, the third water discharge mode is always passed through.
[0068] Such a feature can also be realized by other types of switching operation units. For example, in a mode where the first water discharge mode, the second water discharge mode, and the third water discharge mode are switched by rotating a part of the secondary flow path member 4 by a lever operation unit, it is also possible to configure so that the third water discharge mode is always passed through when switching from the second water discharge mode to the first water discharge mode. Alternatively, even in a mode where start buttons corresponding to the first water discharge mode, the second water discharge mode, and the third water discharge mode are provided, it is possible to configure so that the start button corresponding to the first water discharge mode cannot be operated (or configured to invalidate the operation) while the second water discharge mode is being performed.
[0069] (Features of the watering range in this embodiment) FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram showing the mutual positional relationship between the opening P for rectified (continuous) water discharge and the mist nozzle M for mist-like water discharge in this embodiment. FIG. 14(a) is a schematic diagram viewed from the side, and FIG. 14(b) is a schematic diagram viewed from above.
[0070] As shown in FIG. 14, in the present embodiment, each second water spray region MF (the region shown in a matte finish) through which the mist-like water spray from each of the two mist nozzles M located substantially opposite passes overlaps with the first water spray region PF (the region shown by hatching) through which the rectified water spray from the opening P is scheduled to pass.
[0071] In addition, the region where each second water spray region MF overlaps with the first water spray region PF starts (occurs) at a distance of 3 cm from the opening P of the first water flow path.
[0072] And as is clear from FIG. 14 and the above description, in the present embodiment, each second water spray region MF (the region shown in a matte finish) through which the mist-like water spray from each of the 18 all mist nozzles M is scheduled to pass overlaps with the first water spray region PF (the region shown by hatching) through which the rectified water spray from the opening P is scheduled to pass.
[0073] Each second water spray region MF may be a so-called hollow conical shape or a filled conical shape.
[0074] (Advantages and effects of the present embodiment) According to the shower device 1 of the present embodiment, when switching from the mist-like water spray mode (the second water spray mode) to the rectified water spray mode (the first water spray mode), it is necessarily configured to pass through the water spray mode (the third water spray mode) from the fluid element nozzle. Therefore, it is more reliably prevented that immediately after taking a mist water spray at a certain temperature setting, a rectified water spray is taken at the same temperature setting (without operating to change the temperature setting). Accordingly, it is effectively prevented from feeling the discomfort of "hot water".
[0075] Further, according to the shower device 1 of the present embodiment, the rectifying member 57 (an example of the first element member) forming the opening P of the first water discharge passage is made of resin, and the element member 48 (an example of the third element member) forming the shower nozzle C and the fluid element nozzle R, which are the openings of the third water discharge passage, is made of rubber, and the thermal conductivity of the latter is lower than that of the former. Therefore, since it is difficult for the heat of the hot water to escape through the element member 48, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the temperature of the water discharged from the shower nozzle C and the fluid element nozzle R. For this reason, even when taking the rectified water discharge at the same temperature setting (without operating to change the temperature setting) immediately after being exposed to the water discharged from the fluid element nozzle, the temperature difference between the two is perceived to be relatively small, and the unpleasant feeling of "hot water" can be effectively suppressed.
[0076] Further, according to the shower device 1 of the present embodiment, the opening P is located substantially at the center of the water discharge surface, the mist nozzles M are arranged in a dispersed manner in the circumferential direction on substantially the same circumference surrounding the opening P, and the shower nozzles C and the fluid element nozzles R are arranged in a dispersed manner in the circumferential direction on substantially the same circumference surrounding the opening P and located inside the mist nozzles M (the first round), and are arranged in a dispersed manner in the circumferential direction on substantially the same circumference located outside the mist nozzles M (the second round, the third round). With such a layout, the shower nozzles C and the fluid element nozzles R are arranged in a dispersed manner in a wider area within the water discharge surface. Therefore, the feeling of being showered with the water discharged from the shower nozzles C and the fluid element nozzles R is extremely good.
[0077] In addition, according to the shower device 1 of the present embodiment, the total area (15.6 mm 2 ) of the mist nozzles M of the second water discharge passage is smaller than the total area (203.6 mm 2 ) of the opening P of the first water discharge passage. As a result, when being showered with the mist-like hot water from the mist nozzles M having a relatively small total area, the discharge density of the water droplets is reduced, so that it is effectively suppressed to feel stuffy even when washing the face. In addition, the mist-like hot water discharged from the mist nozzles M having a relatively small total area also reduces the discharge speed of the water droplets, so that it is possible to relieve the skin contact (stimulation to the skin) even when washing the face.
[0078] Also, according to the shower device 1 of the present embodiment, a push button 11 as a switching operation part is provided on the gripping part. Thereby, the time required for the switching operation can be shortened, and the user can be bathed in the mist-like water discharge before the temperature of the body warmed by the continuous water discharge decreases.
[0079] The present invention includes the following features (inventions). [Feature 1] A switching type shower device having a plurality of water discharge modes including a first water discharge mode, a second water discharge mode, and a third water discharge mode, a gripping part for the user to grip, a first water discharge passage for discharging hot water or water in the first water discharge mode, a second water discharge passage for discharging hot water or water in the second water discharge mode, a third water discharge passage for discharging hot water or water in the third water discharge mode, a switching operation part for switching between the first water discharge mode, the second water discharge mode, and the third water discharge mode, a switching member for switching the water guiding state to the first water discharge passage, the water guiding state to the second water discharge passage, and the water guiding state to the third water discharge passage in conjunction with the operation in the switching operation part, and the water discharge from the first water discharge passage is continuous water discharge that does not granulate for a distance of a certain length or more, the water discharge from the second water discharge passage is mist-like water discharge, the water discharge from the third water discharge passage is different from the continuous water discharge that does not granulate for a distance of a certain length or more and is also different from the mist-like water discharge, the switching operation part is configured to always pass through the third water discharge mode when switching from the second water discharge mode to the first water discharge mode This is a feature of the shower device. [Feature 2] The water discharge from the third water discharge passage is water discharge from a fluid element nozzle. The shower device according to feature 1, characterized in that... [Feature 3] The first opening of the first water discharge channel is constituted by a first element member. The second opening of the second water discharge channel is constituted by a second element member. The third opening of the third water discharge channel is constituted by a third element member. The thermal conductivity of the third element member is lower than that of the first element member. The shower device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that... [Feature 4] The first opening is located substantially at the center of the water discharge surface. The second opening is arranged in a circumferential direction and dispersed on substantially the same circumference surrounding the first opening. The third opening is arranged in a circumferential direction and dispersed on substantially the same circumference surrounding the first opening and located inside the second opening, and is further arranged in a circumferential direction and dispersed on substantially the same circumference located outside the second opening. The shower device according to any one of features 1 to 3, characterized in that...
Explanation of reference numerals
[0080] 1 Shower device 2 Water supply member 3 Water supply member 4 Secondary side flow path member 5 Storage chamber 7 Shower head housing 8 Cover member 10 Disk member 10h Communication hole 10t Teeth 11 Pressing button 11a Contact sliding inclined portion 11s Rotation shaft 12 Rod portion 12a Contact ring 12s Seal ring member 13 Stopper 14 Coil spring 15 Claw member 15t Claw 16 Stop claw 17 Stop claw fixing part 20 Diaphragm member 21 Diaphragm valve 21b Back pressure chamber 21c Back pressure chamber outflow hole 21d Back pressure chamber inflow hole 22 Diaphragm valve 22b Back pressure chamber 22c Back pressure chamber outflow hole 22d Back pressure chamber inflow hole 23 Diaphragm valve 23b Back pressure chamber 23c Back pressure chamber outflow hole 23d Back pressure chamber inflow hole 24 Seal ring part 30 Disk pressing member 31 Tubular part 31c Outflow connection passage 32 Tubular part 32c Outflow connection passage 33 Tubular part 33c Outflow connection passage 35 Coil spring 38 Space member 40 Element member 40a Upper edge part 41 Valve seat 42 Valve seat 43 Valve seat 44 Outflow hole 45 Outflow hole 46 Outflow hole 47 Element member 47a Fitting hole 48 Element member 49 Element member 51 Run-up flow path 52 Orifice 53 Swirling chamber 54 Truncated conical chamber 55 Water discharge hole (mist nozzle) 56 Mist flow path forming member 56a Large-diameter bulging part 57 Rectifying member P Opening PF First water discharge region M Mist Nozzle MF Second Water Discharge Region C Circular Shower Nozzle R Rectangular Fluid Element Nozzle
Claims
1. A switching shower device having a plurality of water discharge modes including a first water discharge mode, a second water discharge mode, and a third water discharge mode, a gripping portion for the user to grip, a first water discharge passage for discharging hot water or water in the first water discharge mode, a second water discharge passage for discharging hot water or water in the second water discharge mode, a third water discharge passage for discharging hot water or water in the third water discharge mode, a switching operation portion for switching between the first water discharge mode, the second water discharge mode, and the third water discharge mode, a switching member that switches the water guiding state to the first water discharge passage, the water guiding state to the second water discharge passage, and the water guiding state to the third water discharge passage in conjunction with an operation in the switching operation portion, comprising The water discharged from the first water discharge passage is continuous water discharge that does not granulate for a distance of a certain distance or more, The water discharged from the second water discharge passage is mist-like water discharge, The water discharged from the third water discharge passage is different from the continuous water discharge that does not granulate for a distance of a certain distance or more, and is also different from the mist-like water discharge, The switching operation portion is configured to necessarily pass through the third water discharge mode when switching from the second water discharge mode to the first water discharge mode. A shower device characterized by this.
2. The water discharged from the third water discharge passage is water discharged from a fluid element nozzle. The shower device according to claim 1, characterized by this.
3. The first opening of the first water discharge passage is constituted by a first element member, The second opening of the second water discharge passage is constituted by a second element member, The third opening of the third water discharge passage is constituted by a third element member, The thermal conductivity of the third element member is lower than the thermal conductivity of the first element member. The shower device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that...
4. The first opening is located substantially at the center of the water discharge surface, the second opening is circumferentially distributed on substantially the same circumference surrounding the first opening, the third opening is circumferentially distributed on substantially the same circumference surrounding the first opening and located inside the second opening, and is further circumferentially distributed on substantially the same circumference located outside the second opening. The shower device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that...
Citation Information
Patent Citations
Faucet apparatus
JP2018154980A
Shower head
JP2023091839A
Shower head
WO2021065237A1
Shower head
JP2022013839A