Shower head

Abstract

To provide a shower head which enables improvement of the feeling of taking a shower.SOLUTION: A shower head 10 includes: a passage member 100 including a base passage 207, a straight passage 325, and a mist passage 323 through which water passes; a plurality of mist generation members 500 each of which is connected to the downstream side of the passage member 100 and generates mist from water supplied from the mist passage 323; and a front cover 810 which covers a movable passage member 300 from the downstream side of the straight passage 325 and the mist passage 323. Each of the mist generation members 500 has a mist hole 521 for discharging mist to the outside. The center axis AX of the mist hole 521 is directed in a direction different from a direction perpendicular to the front surface PS of the front cover 810.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The technology disclosed in this specification relates to a shower head.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as a shower device having a function of discharging mist-like water, a device has been proposed that sprays mist in a lateral direction with respect to the discharging direction in which the shower holes discharge hot water or water (see Patent Document 1). This shower device includes a mist generation spraying unit. The mist generation spraying unit includes a plurality of injection holes that are drilled in the same direction as or in the opposite direction to the shower holes and inject hot water or water, and a reflecting plate that is provided opposite to the injection holes and reflects the hot water or water injected from the injection holes. The water discharged from the injection holes collides with the reflecting plate and is reflected, and at this time, it is refined by the impact and converted into mist, and then sprayed in the lateral direction.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the shower device having the above configuration, the particle size of the droplets contained in the mist may vary, or the particle size of the droplets contained in the mist may increase, which may deteriorate the bathing comfort.

[0005] This specification discloses a technology capable of solving the above-described problems.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The technology disclosed in this specification can be realized, for example, in the following forms. (1) The shower head disclosed in this specification includes a flow path portion having a flow path through which a fluid can flow, a mist generation portion connected to the downstream side of the flow path portion and generating mist from the fluid supplied from the flow path, and a cover covering the flow path portion from the downstream side of the flow path. The mist generation portion has mist holes for discharging mist to the outside, and the central axis of the mist holes faces a direction different from the direction perpendicular to the front surface of the cover.

[0007] According to the above configuration, mist with a small particle size can be efficiently spread in the bathroom, improving the bathing comfort.

[0008] (2) In the shower head described in (1) above, the flow path portion may include a main flow path portion and a rectifying portion disposed between the main flow path portion and the mist generation portion, and changing the direction of the fluid flow from the main flow path portion to the mist generation portion.

[0009] According to such a configuration, by interposing a rectifying portion between the main flow path portion and the mist generation portion to change the direction of the fluid flow, the degree of freedom in designing the discharge direction of the mist is increased.

[0010] (3) In the shower head described in (1) or (2) above, the mist generation portion may be detachable from the flow path portion in a state where the cover is attached to the flow path portion.

[0011] According to such a configuration, maintenance and replacement of the mist generation portion are facilitated.

[0012] (4) In the shower head described in any one of (1) to (3) above, the cover is substantially hemispherical, and the mist generation portion may be disposed at a position different from the top of the hemisphere in the cover.

[0013] According to such a configuration, it is easy to design the central axis of the mist holes to face a direction different from the direction perpendicular to the front surface of the cover.

[0014] (5) In the shower head according to any one of (1) to (4) above, when a line perpendicular to the front surface of the cover is used as a reference line, the angle of the central axis line of the mist hole with respect to the reference line may be 10° or more and 80° or less.

[0015] According to such a configuration, the mist can be spread just right within the range where a person exists inside the bathroom.

[0016] (6) In the shower head according to any one of (1) to (4) above, when a line perpendicular to the front surface of the cover is used as a reference line, the angle of the central axis line of the mist hole with respect to the reference line may be 50° or more and 60° or less.

[0017] According to such a configuration, the mist can be spread more efficiently within the range where a person exists inside the bathroom.

[0018] Note that the technology disclosed in this specification can be realized in various forms. For example, it can be realized in the form of a shower head and its ejection method, etc.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0019]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0020] A. Embodiment: A-1. Configuration of Shower Head 10: The embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 11. The shower head 10 of this embodiment is configured to be able to change the discharge state of water (an example of a fluid) by switching a plurality of flow paths corresponding to a plurality of discharge modes. The plurality of discharge modes are, for example, "mist mode" and "straight mode". The mist mode is a mode in which mist-like water is discharged, and the straight mode is a mode in which the water pressure is higher than that in the mist mode and powerful water is discharged. The shower head 10 has a function of discharging mist-like water when the "mist mode" is selected as the discharge mode. In this embodiment, "water" includes hot water and cold water.

[0021] (Overall Configuration of Shower Head 10) As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the shower head 10 includes a flow path member 100 (an example of a flow path section), a plurality of mist generating members 500 (an example of a mist generating section), a connecting pipe 600, a supply pipe 700, a front cover 810 (an example of a cover), a rear cover 860, and a grip cover 870. In this embodiment, the shower head 10 includes nine mist generating members 500. In the following description, the front side of the shower head 10, which is the downstream side of the water flow and where the front cover 810 is arranged (the left side in FIG. 4), will be described as the front.

[0022] (Flow Path Member 100) As shown in FIG. 2, the flow path member 100 includes a fixed flow path member 200 (an example of a main flow path portion), a movable flow path member 300 (an example of a main flow path portion) connected to the downstream side of the fixed flow path member 200, and a plurality of rectifying members 400 (an example of a rectifying portion) connected to the downstream side of the movable flow path member 300. In the present embodiment, the flow path member 100 includes nine rectifying members 400 respectively corresponding to nine mist generating members 500.

[0023] (Fixed flow path member 200) As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the fixed flow path member 200 includes a base plate 201, a mounting shaft 203, two base cylinders 206, and a connection cylinder 204. Examples of the material of the fixed flow path member 200 include synthetic resins such as ABS resin (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer resin), metals such as stainless steel, and synthetic rubbers such as EPDM (ethylene propylene diene rubber).

[0024] The base plate 201 is generally disk-shaped. The mounting shaft 203 is columnar and protrudes forward from the center of the base plate 201. The connection cylinder 204 is cylindrical and extends rearward from the center of the base plate 201. The connection cylinder 204 has a slit 205 through which water can pass. The base plate 201 has two base inlets 202. The base inlets 202 are holes penetrating the base plate 201. The two base inlets 202 are arranged on both sides of the mounting shaft 203. The two base cylinders 206 are arranged around each of the two base inlets 202. Each base cylinder 206 has a substantially elliptical cylindrical shape protruding forward from the base plate 201 and has an opening at the front end. The flow path that passes through the inside of the connection cylinder 204, the slit 205, the space behind the base plate 201, and the base inlets 202 in sequence and reaches the internal space of the base cylinder 206 is a base flow path 207 (an example of a flow path). A rubber packing 210 having a base outlet 211 is arranged at the opening of each base cylinder 206. The packing 210 is biased forward by a spring (not shown).

[0025] (Movable flow path member 300) As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the movable flow path member 300 is arranged in front of the fixed flow path member 200. Examples of the material of the movable flow path member 300 include synthetic resins such as ASA resin (acrylonitrile-styrene-acrylate copolymer resin), metals such as stainless steel, and synthetic rubbers such as EPDM (ethylene propylene diene rubber).

[0026] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, the movable flow path member 300 includes a distribution member 310 arranged in front of the fixed flow path member 200 and a water outlet member 320 arranged on the downstream side of the distribution member 310.

[0027] The distribution member 310 includes a distribution plate 311 and a plurality of distribution protrusions 312. The distribution plate 311 is plate-shaped with an overall circular outer shape and is arranged in front of the base plate 201. The distribution plate 311 has an insertion hole 315, two mist inlets 313, and two straight inlets 314. The insertion hole 315 is arranged at the center of the distribution plate 311 and is a hole through which the mounting shaft 203 can be inserted. The mist inlets 313 and the straight inlets 314 are through holes penetrating the distribution plate 311 and are arranged around the insertion hole 315. The distribution protrusions 312 are protrusions protruding forward from the distribution plate 311. In the present embodiment, the distribution member 310 includes nine distribution protrusions 312. The nine distribution protrusions 312 are arranged at equal pitches around the insertion hole 315 so as to draw a circle.

[0028] The water outlet member 320 includes a water outlet plate 321, nine mist water outlet cylinders 322, one straight water outlet cylinder 324, and nine bosses 326. The water outlet plate 321 is generally circular in shape and is arranged in front of the distribution plate 311. The straight water outlet cylinder 324 is a cylindrical part that extends forward from the center of the water outlet plate 321. The straight water outlet cylinder 324 extends perpendicular to the water outlet plate 321. The nine mist water outlet cylinders 322 are arranged around the straight water outlet cylinder 324 at equal pitches in a circular pattern. Each mist water outlet cylinder 322 is a cylindrical part that extends forward from the water outlet plate 321. The mist water outlet cylinder 322 extends perpendicular to the water outlet plate 321, and the extending end of the mist water outlet cylinder 322 is inclined such that the height from the water outlet plate 321 decreases as it moves away from the center of the water outlet plate 321. The nine bosses 326 are arranged around the straight water outlet cylinder 324 at equal pitches in a circular pattern. The water outlet member 320 has a mist flow path 323 (an example of a flow path) through which the water that has passed through the mist inlet 313 flows, and the internal space of the mist water outlet cylinder 322 is a part of the mist flow path 323. Also, the water outlet member 320 has a straight flow path 325 (an example of a flow path) through which the water that has passed through the straight inlet 314 flows, and the internal space of the straight water outlet cylinder 324 is a part of the straight flow path 325.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 4, by inserting the mounting shaft 203 through the insertion hole 315 and the straight water outlet cylinder 324, the movable flow path member 300 is rotatably supported with respect to the fixed flow path member 200. At the tip of the mounting shaft 203, a stopper 330 for preventing the movable flow path member 300 from coming off and supporting a water sprinkling plate 850, which will be described later, is attached by a screw. Each distribution protrusion 312 is inserted into the inside of each mist water outlet cylinder 322.

[0030] (Rectifying member 400) As shown in FIGS. 2, 4, and 9, the rectifying member 400 is a member that connects the movable flow path member 300 and the mist generating member 500 and changes the direction of the water flow from the movable flow path member 300 to the mist generating member 500. Examples of the material of the rectifying member 400 include synthetic resins such as ASA resin (acrylonitrile-styrene-acrylate copolymer resin), metals such as stainless steel, and synthetic rubbers such as EPDM (ethylene propylene diene rubber). Since the nine rectifying members 400 have the same configuration as each other, hereinafter, one rectifying member 400 will be described in detail, and the description of the other rectifying members 400 will be omitted.

[0031] As shown in FIGS. 7-9, the rectifying member 400 includes a first rectifying cylinder 410, a second rectifying cylinder 420, a partition wall 430, a holding projection 432, and two mounting portions 440 and 450. The first rectifying cylinder 410 has a cylindrical shape and is a portion connected to the movable flow path member 300. The second rectifying cylinder 420 has a cylindrical shape and is a portion connected to the mist generating member 500. The second rectifying cylinder 420 extends at an angle from the first rectifying cylinder 410. A screw groove 421 is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the second rectifying cylinder 420. The partition wall 430 partitions the internal space of the first rectifying cylinder 410 and the internal space of the second rectifying cylinder 420, and is a wall that presses a mounting member 540 to be described later, and has four through holes 431. The through holes 431 are holes that penetrate the partition wall 430. The holding projection 432 has a columnar shape and extends from the central position of the partition wall 430 into the second rectifying cylinder 420. One of the two mounting portions 440 and 450, the mounting portion 440, extends from the outer surface of the first rectifying cylinder 410. The other mounting portion 450 extends from the outer surface of the second rectifying cylinder 420 and is connected to the outer surface of the first rectifying cylinder 410.

[0032] As shown in Fig. 9, the mist water outlet cylinder 322 is inserted into the first rectifying cylinder 410. One mounting portion 440 is screwed to the boss 326, and the other mounting portion 450 is screwed to the water outlet plate 321, whereby the rectifying member 400 is fixed to the movable flow path member 300. In a state where the rectifying member 400 is attached to the movable flow path member 300, the second rectifying cylinder 420 is inclined obliquely with respect to the first rectifying cylinder 410 and the mist water outlet cylinder 322.

[0033] (Mist generating member 500) The mist generating member 500 is a member for generating mist from the water supplied from the rectifying member 400 and discharging it to the outside. The shower head 10 of the present embodiment includes nine mist generating members 500 respectively connected to nine rectifying members 400. Since the nine mist generating members 500 have the same configuration as each other, hereinafter, one mist generating member 500 will be described in detail, and the description of the other mist generating members 500 will be omitted.

[0034] As shown in Figs. 9 and 10, the mist generating member 500 includes a nozzle member 510 and a mounting member 540 mounted on the nozzle member 510.

[0035] The nozzle member 510 includes a nozzle plate 520 and a mist cylinder portion 530. Examples of the material of the nozzle member 510 include synthetic resins such as ASA resin (acrylonitrile-styrene-acrylate copolymer resin), metals such as stainless steel, and synthetic rubbers such as EPDM (ethylene propylene diene rubber).

[0036] The nozzle plate 520 has a disk shape. One surface of the nozzle plate 520 is a discharge surface 520S. The discharge surface 520S is a convex surface gently curved so that the center is convex. The nozzle plate 520 has mist holes 521 and two operation holes 522. The mist holes 521 are holes that open to the discharge surface 520S and penetrate the nozzle plate 520. The operation holes 522 are recesses arranged on the discharge surface 520S for inserting a jig when removing the mist generating member 500 from the rectifying member 400.

[0037] The mist cylinder portion 530 is a cylindrical portion having an outer diameter slightly smaller than the diameter of the nozzle plate 520, and extends perpendicularly from the surface of the nozzle plate 520 opposite to the ejection surface 520S. A thread 531 is provided on the outer surface of the mist cylinder portion 530. Two grooves 532 are provided on the surface of the nozzle plate 520 opposite to the ejection surface 520S. Each groove 532 is a groove that linearly extends from the inner peripheral edge of the mist cylinder portion 530 to the opening edge of the mist hole 521. Each groove 532 extends along the tangent of the circle forming the opening edge of the mist hole 521. A plurality of ribs 533 protrude inward from the inner peripheral surface of the mist cylinder portion 530. In the present embodiment, three ribs 533 are arranged at equal pitches. The rib 533 is a positioning protrusion for fixing the mounting member 540 described later so as not to move.

[0038] The mounting member 540 is a cylindrical member and has two bottom surfaces 541, 542 and a side surface 543. Examples of the material of the mounting member 540 include synthetic resins such as ASA resin (acrylonitrile-styrene-acrylate copolymer resin) and ABS resin (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer resin), metals such as stainless steel, and synthetic rubbers such as EPDM (ethylene propylene diene rubber). The mounting member 540 is press-fitted into the mist cylinder portion 530. The three ribs 533 are in contact with the side surface 543 of the mounting member 540, and one bottom surface 541 is in contact with the nozzle plate 520. There is a gap corresponding to the height of the rib 533 between the side surface 543 of the mounting member 540 and the mist cylinder portion 530, and water can flow into the inside of the groove 532 through this gap, and further pass through the mist hole 521 and flow out to the outside. The gap between the side surface 543 of the mounting member 540 and the mist cylinder portion 530 and the internal space of the groove 532 form a swirling flow path 550 for generating a swirling flow in the water flowing into the inside of the mist hole 521.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 9, the mist generating member 500 is fixed to the rectifying member 400 by screwing the mist cylinder portion 530 into the inside of the second rectifying cylinder 420. A holding hole 544 for receiving the holding projection 432 is provided on the bottom surface 542 of the mounting member 540. Three ribs (not shown) for stably holding the holding projection 432 project from the inner peripheral surface of the holding hole 544.

[0040] (Connecting pipe 600) As shown in FIG. 4, the connecting pipe 600 is arranged behind the fixed flow path member 200 and is a member that connects the fixed flow path member 200 and a supply pipe 700 described later. Examples of the material of the connecting pipe 600 include synthetic resins such as ASA resin (acrylonitrile-styrene-acrylate copolymer resin) and ABS resin (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer resin), metals such as stainless steel, and synthetic rubbers such as EPDM (ethylene propylene diene rubber). The connecting pipe 600 includes a cylindrical connecting cylinder 601 and a flange 602 extending outward from one end of the connecting cylinder 601. The flange 602 is fixed to the rear surface of the base plate 201 by screws, and the connecting cylinder 204 is inserted into the inside of the connecting cylinder 601. A fine bubble generator 610 is arranged inside the connecting cylinder 601. The fine bubble generator 610 has a known configuration for generating small bubbles (fine bubbles) with a diameter of 100 μm or less in the water passing through the inside of the connecting cylinder 601. In the present embodiment, fine bubbles are generated by a plurality of venturi tubes provided with a portion where the cross-sectional area is reduced and a portion where the cross-sectional area is enlarged. Thereby, fine bubbles can be generated with a simple configuration. The fine bubble generator 610 is provided on the most downstream side in the connecting cylinder 601. Since the water flow enters the fine bubble generator 610 in a state where it is rectified in the connecting cylinder 601, fine bubbles can be efficiently generated. The fine bubble generator 610 and the straight flow path 325 are arranged coaxially. By arranging them coaxially, the path until discharge can be shortened, and a decrease in the amount of fine bubbles generated during the discharge can be suppressed.

[0041] (Supply pipe 700) The supply pipe 700 is a cylindrical member connected to the rear end of the connecting pipe 600 and connecting the connecting pipe 600 and the shower hose SW. Examples of the material of the supply pipe 700 include synthetic resins such as ASA resin (acrylonitrile-styrene-acrylate copolymer resin) and ABS resin (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer resin), metals such as stainless steel, and synthetic rubbers such as EPDM (ethylene propylene diene rubber).

[0042] (Front cover 810) The front cover 810 is a member that covers the movable flow path member 300 from the front, that is, from the downstream side of the mist flow path 323 and the straight flow path 325, and has a substantially hemispherical shape. In this specification, "substantially hemispherical" means that it is hemispherical as a whole, but there may be a part that is not hemispherical. The non-hemispherical part is, for example, a substantially flat part or a angular part. Note that "substantially flat" includes not only the case of being completely flat but also the case of being curved slightly convex or concave. As shown in FIGS. 1, 4, and 11, the front cover 810 of the present embodiment has a shape in which the top of the hemisphere is substantially flat.

[0043] As shown in FIGS. 2-4, the front cover 810 includes a watering plate 850 that forms a substantially flat part at the top of the hemisphere, an operation ring 820 and an intermediate cover 830 that form a spherical part other than the top, and a mounting ring 840 for attaching the watering plate 850 to the movable flow path member 300.

[0044] The operation ring 820 is an annular member that surrounds approximately the rear half of the movable flow path member 300. Examples of the material of the operation ring 820 include synthetic resins such as ASA resin (acrylonitrile-styrene-acrylate copolymer resin) and ABS resin (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer resin), metals such as stainless steel, and synthetic rubbers such as EPDM (ethylene propylene diene rubber). The operation ring 820 has a shape that curves such that the diameter decreases as it approaches the front end and bulges slightly outward from the rear end toward the front end, forming approximately the rear half of the hemispherical portion in the front cover 810. Nine concave portions 821 that are recessed in a semicircular shape toward the rear are arranged at the front edge of the operation ring 820. The operation ring 820 is attached to the movable flow path member 300 by screws.

[0045] The intermediate cover 830 is arranged in front of the operation ring 820 and is an annular member that surrounds approximately the front half of the movable flow path member 300. Examples of the material of the intermediate cover 830 include synthetic resins such as ASA resin (acrylonitrile-styrene-acrylate copolymer resin) and ABS resin (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer resin), metals such as stainless steel, and synthetic rubbers such as EPDM (ethylene propylene diene rubber). The intermediate cover 830 has a shape that curves such that the diameter decreases as it approaches the front end and bulges slightly outward from the rear end toward the front end, forming approximately the front half of the hemispherical portion in the front cover 810. In the intermediate cover 830, nine concave portions 831 that are recessed in a semicircular shape toward the front are arranged at positions corresponding to the nine concave portions 821 respectively at the rear edge that contacts the front edge of the operation ring 820. The intermediate cover 830 is assembled to the operation ring 820.

[0046] The opening at the front end of the intermediate cover 830 forms the first exposed hole 811. Also, each of the nine recesses 821 of the operation ring 820 and each of the nine recesses 831 of the intermediate cover 830 are combined to form nine second exposed holes 812. The nozzle plates 520 provided in each mist generating member 500 are exposed to the outside from each of the second exposed holes 812. The nine nozzle plates 520 are arranged side by side at equal pitches so as to draw a circle around the first exposed hole 811.

[0047] The water sprinkling plate 850 is a disc-shaped member located inside the first exposed hole 811. Examples of the material of the water sprinkling plate 850 include synthetic resins such as ASA resin (acrylonitrile-styrene-acrylate copolymer resin) and ABS resin (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer resin), metals such as stainless steel, and synthetic rubbers such as EPDM (ethylene propylene diene rubber). The water sprinkling plate 850 has a dome shape that curves so that the center is slightly convex forward. The water sprinkling plate 850 has a plurality of water sprinkling holes 851. The water sprinkling holes 851 are holes that penetrate the water sprinkling plate 850.

[0048] The mounting ring 840 has an annular shape and is assembled to the front end portion of the stopper 330. The peripheral edge portion of the water sprinkling plate 850 is fixed between the stopper 330 and the mounting ring 840, so that the water sprinkling plate 850 is fixed to the movable flow path member 300. The water sprinkling plate 850 is located at the front end of the straight water outlet cylinder 324. The water sprinkling plate 850 and the mounting ring 840 are exposed to the outside from the first exposed hole 811.

[0049] The movable flow path member 300, the rectifying member 400, the mist generating member 500, and the front cover 810 are rotatable in conjunction with the rotational operation of the operation ring 820.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 11, the central axis AX of the mist hole 521 is oriented in a direction perpendicular to the tangent plane PN of the ejection surface 520S. The central axis AX is oriented in a direction different from the direction perpendicular to the front surface PS of the front cover 810 (the X-axis direction in FIG. 11). In this specification, the "front surface of the cover (front cover 810)" refers to the front end portion of the cover, that is, the plane when the outer surface at the top of the hemisphere is a plane, and when the outer surface at the front end portion of the cover is a curved surface, it refers to the tangent plane to that surface. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11, since the water spray surface 850S of the water spray plate 850 arranged at the front end portion of the front cover 810 is a slightly curved surface, the tangent plane of this water spray surface 850S is defined as the front surface PS.

[0051] (Rear cover 860) As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the rear cover 860 is a cylindrical member having openings at the front end and the rear end as a whole, and the fixed flow path member 200 and the connection pipe 600 are accommodated inside. Examples of the material of the rear cover 860 include synthetic resins such as ASA resin (acrylonitrile-styrene-acrylate copolymer resin) and ABS resin (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer resin), metals such as stainless steel, and synthetic rubbers such as EPDM (ethylene propylene diene rubber). The rear cover 860 includes a dome portion 861, an intermediate portion 862, and a grip connection portion 863.

[0052] The dome portion 861 is a part that covers the fixed flow path member 200 from the rear, that is, from the upstream side of the base flow path 207, and its diameter decreases rearward so as to form a hemisphere from the front end opening connected to the front cover 810. The intermediate portion 862 is a constricted part that extends rearward from the rear end of the dome portion 861. The grip connection portion 863 is a part that extends rearward from the rear end of the intermediate portion 862 and its diameter increases rearward.

[0053] (Grip cover 870) The grip cover 870 is a cylindrical member as a whole and is connected to the rear end of the grip connection portion 863. Examples of the material of the grip cover 870 include synthetic resins such as ASA resin (acrylonitrile-styrene-acrylate copolymer resin) and ABS resin (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer resin), metals such as stainless steel, and synthetic rubbers such as EPDM (ethylene propylene diene rubber). The supply pipe 700 is covered by the grip connection portion 863 and the grip cover 870. One end portion of the supply pipe 700 is exposed from the grip cover 870, and the shower hose SW is connected here.

[0054] A-2. Operation of the shower head 10: When the user opens the faucet, the water supplied from the water heater is supplied to the fixed flow path member 200 through the shower hose SW, the supply pipe 700, and the connection pipe 600, and flows into the base flow path 207.

[0055] When the operation ring 820 is rotated by the user, the movable flow path member 300, the rectifying member 400, the mist generating member 500, and the intermediate cover 830 rotate with respect to the fixed flow path member 200 in conjunction with the rotation of the operation ring 820. The operation ring 820 is displaceable between a plurality of designated positions corresponding to the respective plurality of discharge modes, whereby the switching between the plurality of discharge modes is performed.

[0056] When the operation ring 820 is rotated to a position designating the straight mode, the straight inlet 314 is arranged at a position aligned with the position of the base outlet 211, and the mist inlet 313 is blocked by the packing 210. The water flowing out from the base outlet 211 flows into the straight flow path 325 through the straight inlet 314. The water passing through the straight flow path 325 is discharged from the water spray holes 851.

[0057] Also, when the operation ring 820 is rotationally operated to a position designating the mist mode, the mist inlet 313 is disposed at a position aligned with the position of the base outlet 211, and the straight inlet 314 is blocked by the packing 210. The water flowing out from the base outlet 211 flows into the mist flow path 323 through the mist inlet 313. The water passing through the mist flow path 323 flows into the inside of the swirling flow path 550 through the through hole 431. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 9, since the second rectifying cylinder 420 that houses the mist cylinder portion 530 inside is inclined with respect to the first rectifying cylinder 410 that houses the mist outlet cylinder 322 inside, when the water flows from the mist flow path 323 into the swirling flow path 550, it flows while changing its direction according to the inclination of the second rectifying cylinder 420. By flowing while swirling in the swirling flow path 550, fine bubbles are generated. The water passing through the swirling flow path 550 flows into the inside of the mist hole 521 and flows while swirling. The water discharged from the mist hole 521 while swirling at high speed is atomized and becomes mist. In the present embodiment, since the shower head 10 includes a plurality of mist generating members 500, mist can be efficiently spread in the bathroom. Also, while ensuring the flow rate of water required for mist generation, mist can be more efficiently spread in the bathroom.

[0058] As shown in FIG. 3, the nine mist holes 521 of the nine nozzle plates 520 are arranged at equal intervals in a circular pattern around a water sprinkling plate 850 disposed at the top of a hemisphere in the front cover 810. The shower head 10 of the present embodiment has a plane-symmetric shape with a virtual plane VP passing through the center CN of the front cover 810 and the central axis of the supply pipe 700 housed inside the grip connection portion 863 as the plane of symmetry. One mist hole 521 is arranged on this virtual plane VP, and the other mist holes 521 are arranged to be plane-symmetric with the virtual plane VP as the plane of symmetry. Since one mist hole 521 is arranged on the virtual plane VP, mist can be effectively ejected onto the user's body. Since the other mist holes 521 are arranged in a plane-symmetric manner with the virtual plane VP as the plane of symmetry, the mist can be effectively spread in the bathroom. When a virtual circle VC passing through all the mist holes 521 is set, the angle θc formed by the line connecting one mist hole 521 and the center of the virtual circle VC and the line connecting this one mist hole 521 and another adjacent mist hole 521 and the center of the virtual circle VC is an acute angle. This makes it easier to arrange the plurality of mist generating members 500. In the present embodiment, the center of the virtual circle CR passing through all the mist holes 521 coincides with the center CN of the front cover 810. As shown in FIG. 11, the central axis AX of each mist hole 521 faces a direction different from the direction perpendicular to the front surface PS of the front cover 810 (the X-axis direction in FIG. 11). According to such a configuration, since the mist is ejected radially from the nine mist holes 521, the mist can be efficiently spread in the bathroom as compared with the case where the mist is ejected only in the direction perpendicular to the front surface PS of the front cover 810. Also, in the case of ejecting mist by reflecting water with a reflector as in a conventional shower device, the mist generated by colliding with the reflector collides with each other, so that the particle size of the droplets contained in the mist may vary or the particle size of the droplets contained in the mist may increase. In contrast, in the present embodiment, by setting the direction of the central axis AX of the mist hole 521 to be different from the direction perpendicular to the front surface PS, the mist can be ejected in a direction different from the direction perpendicular to the front surface PS.According to such a configuration, without using a reflector, the mist formed by the mist generating member 500 can be directly spread from the mist holes 521 into the bathroom. Thereby, it is possible to suppress variations in the particle size of the droplets contained in the mist or an increase in the particle size of the droplets contained in the mist.

[0059] In particular, the angle formed by the central axis AX of the mist hole 521 and the reference line RL perpendicular to the front surface PS of the front cover 810 may be within a certain range. For example, the angle θ formed by the central axis AX of the mist hole 521 and the reference line RL may be 10° or more and 80° or less, or may be 50° or more and 60° or less. In the present embodiment, the angle θ formed by the central axis AX and the reference line RL is 55°. Thereby, while suppressing the mist from hitting the ceiling surface or side wall surface in the bathroom and disappearing, the mist can be spread just right within the range where people are present inside the bathroom. Further, the angle formed by the reference line RL and the central axis of the supply pipe 700 housed inside the grip connection portion 863 may be 50°.

[0060] Further, since the front cover 810 has a substantially hemispherical shape, the front cover 810 has a relatively large curve on the outer surface. Therefore, in order to discharge the mist in a direction different from the direction perpendicular to the front surface PS of the front cover 810, the nozzle plate 520 having the mist holes 521 may be made to face the outside of the front cover 810 from a position different from the top of the hemisphere. Thus, since the front cover 810 has a substantially hemispherical shape, the design for discharging the mist in a direction different from the direction perpendicular to the front surface PS of the front cover 810 becomes easy.

[0061] The average particle size of the droplets contained in the mist discharged from the mist holes 521 may be about 500 μm or less. For example, by appropriately designing the width and depth of the grooves 532 of the mist generating member 500, the particle size of the droplets contained in the discharged mist can be adjusted to a desired value. More specifically, the particle size of the droplets contained in the mist can be reduced by reducing the width and depth of the grooves 532. In the present embodiment, the depth of each groove 532 is 0.5 mm and the width is 0.5 mm. When the particle size of the droplets contained in the mist becomes small, the droplets quickly vaporize, and at that time, heat is quickly taken from the surrounding air or a person's skin, so a large cooling effect can be obtained. However, if the width and depth of the grooves become too small, there is a concern that small foreign matters mixed in the tap water may clog the inside of the grooves, making maintenance complicated. According to the shower head 10 that can discharge mist with an average particle size of about 500 μm or less, the feel of the mist on the skin becomes soft and the bathing comfort improves.

[0062] Also, in order to reduce the particle size of the droplets contained in the discharged mist, since the width and depth of the grooves 532 are reduced, a high water pressure is applied to the mist cylinder part 530, which is a part surrounding the swirling flow path 550, and the second rectifying cylinder 420, which is a part where the mist cylinder part 530 is connected in the flow path member 100. In the present embodiment, a thread 531 is provided on the outer surface of the mist cylinder part 530, a thread groove 421 is provided on the inner surface of the second rectifying cylinder 420, and the mist cylinder part 530 is screwed into the second rectifying cylinder 420, whereby the mist generating member 500 is fixed to the flow path member 100. According to such a configuration, it is possible to suppress water from leaking from the gap between the mist generating member 500 and the rectifying member 400 or the connection part between the mist generating member 500 and the flow path member 100 from being damaged due to high water pressure. Also, an O-ring 560 is provided in the gap between the mist cylinder part 530 and the second rectifying cylinder 420 to prevent water leakage.

[0063] In addition, a rectifying member 400, which is a member different from the movable flow path member 300, is interposed between the movable flow path member 300 and the mist generating member 500. By this rectifying member 400, the direction of the water flow supplied from the movable flow path member 300 to the mist generating member 500 is changed. According to such a configuration, compared with the case where the flow path member does not include the rectifying member, it becomes easy to change the direction of the water flow at a desired angle, and it becomes easy to design the discharge direction of the mist in a desired direction.

[0064] In addition, the mist generating member 500 is exposed to the outside through the second exposed hole 812. When performing maintenance or replacement of the mist generating member 500, with the front cover 810 attached to the movable flow path member 300, a jig (not shown) is inserted into the operation hole 522 and the nozzle plate 520 is rotated, so that the rectifying member 400 of the mist generating member 500 can be removed and attached. Further, by adjusting the tightening degree of the rectifying member 400 of the mist generating member 500, the particle size and flow rate of the mist can be freely adjusted.

[0065] A-3. Effects of the present embodiment: As described above, according to the present embodiment, the shower head 10 includes a flow path member 100 having a base flow path 207, a straight flow path 325, and a mist flow path 323 through which water can flow, a mist generating member 500 that is connected to the downstream side of the flow path member 100 and generates mist from the water supplied from the mist flow path 323, and a front cover 810 that covers the movable flow path member 300 from the downstream side of the straight flow path 325 and the mist flow path 323. The mist generating member 500 has a mist hole 521 for discharging mist to the outside. The central axis AX of the mist hole 521 faces a direction different from the direction perpendicular to the front surface PS of the front cover 810.

[0066] According to the above configuration, since mist with a small particle size can be efficiently spread in the bathroom, the bathing comfort is improved.

[0067] Further, the shower head 10 is disposed between the movable flow path member 300 and the mist generating member 500, and includes a rectifying member 400 that changes the direction of the water flow from the movable flow path member 300 to the mist generating member 500. According to such a configuration, by disposing the rectifying member 400 on the upstream side of the mist generating member 500 and changing the direction of the water flow, the degree of freedom in designing the mist discharge direction is increased.

[0068] Further, the mist generating member 500 is detachable from the flow path member 100 with the front cover 810 attached to the flow path member 100. According to such a configuration, maintenance and replacement of the mist generating member 500 become easy.

[0069] Further, the average particle diameter of the droplets contained in the mist discharged from the mist holes 521 is 500 μm or less. According to such a configuration, the touch of the mist on the skin becomes soft and the bathing comfort improves.

[0070] Further, the front cover 810 is substantially hemispherical, and the mist generating member 500 is disposed at a position different from the top of the hemisphere in the front cover 810. According to such a configuration, it becomes easy to design the central axis AX of the mist hole 521 to face a direction different from the direction perpendicular to the front surface PS of the front cover 810.

[0071] Further, when a line perpendicular to the front surface PS of the front cover 810 is used as a reference line RL, the angle of the central axis AX of the mist hole 521 with respect to the reference line RL may be 10° or more and 80° or less, or may be 50° or more and 60° or less. According to such a configuration, the mist can be spread just right within the range where a person exists inside the bathroom.

[0072] B. Modification Example: The technology disclosed in this specification is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be modified into various forms without departing from the gist thereof. For example, the following modifications are also possible. (1) In the above embodiment, as the plurality of discharge modes set in the shower head 10, "mist mode" and "straight mode" are exemplified, but the setting of the discharge mode is arbitrary. For example, the number of discharge modes of the shower head may be one, or may be three or more. Further, the types of discharge modes of the shower head may include a bubble mode, a water stop mode, a massage mode, and a jet mode in which water is discharged at high pressure. (2) In the above embodiment, the front cover 810 had a shape in which the top of the hemisphere was substantially flat, but the shape of the cover is not limited to the above embodiment. For example, the whole may be hemispherical, the top may be completely flat, or it may be a three-dimensional polygonal shape, a block shape, a semi-elliptical shape, a complex shape (such as a conical shape or a triangular pyramid shape), etc. (3) In the above embodiment, the mist holes 521 were arranged in a circle around the top of the hemisphere in the front cover 810, but the arrangement of the mist holes is not limited to the above embodiment. For example, they may be arranged in multiple circles around the top of the hemisphere in the cover, may be arranged in a star shape, or may be arranged in a straight line. Alternatively, some of the mist holes may be arranged at the top of the hemisphere. Alternatively, an irregular and random arrangement may be acceptable. (4) In the above embodiment, the shower head 10 included nine mist generating members 500, but the number of mist generating parts is not limited to the above embodiment. For example, it may be eight or less, or may be ten or more. Further, in the above embodiment, the flow path member 100 included nine rectifying members 400, but the number of rectifying parts is not limited to the above embodiment, as long as it corresponds to the mist generating part. (5) In the above embodiment, the rib 533 is connected to the nozzle plate 520, but the arrangement of the rib is arbitrary, and the rib may be separated from the nozzle plate. (6) In the above embodiment, the front cover 810 was substantially hemispherical, but the cover does not have to be substantially hemispherical. For example, it may be a plate shape curved so that the center is slightly convex forward, or may be a semi-elliptical shape. (7) In the above embodiment, the water sprinkling plate 850 had a curved shape with the center slightly convex forward, but the water sprinkling plate may be a flat plate without a convex shape. If the water sprinkling plate is flat, it is possible to discharge water locally in a high-density range, and if the water sprinkling plate has a curved shape, it is possible to discharge water over a wide range. (8) In the above embodiment, the fine bubble generator 610 was a member that generated fine bubbles by a Venturi tube, but the configuration of the fine bubble generator is arbitrary, and for example, it may be a member that generates fine bubbles by a swirling flow method or a method of taking in outside air. (9) In the above embodiment, one mist hole 521 was arranged on the virtual plane VP, but two or more mist holes may be arranged in a virtual plane shape, or none may be arranged. (10) In the above embodiment, there were two grooves 532, but the number of grooves can be appropriately changed for the purpose of adjusting the flow rate and the comfort of bathing, and for example, one groove may be used, or three or more grooves may be used.

Explanation of reference numerals

[0073] 10: Shower head (flow path section) 100: Flow path section 200: Fixed flow path member (main flow path section) 201: Base plate 202: Base inlet 203: Mounting shaft 204: Connection cylinder 205: Slit 206: Base cylinder 207: Base flow path (flow path) 210: Packing 211: Base outlet 300: Movable flow path member (main flow path section) 310: Distribution member 311: Distribution plate 312: Distribution protrusion 313: Mist inlet 314: Straight inlet 315: Insertion hole 320: Water outlet member 321: Water outlet plate 322: Mist water outlet cylinder 323: Mist flow path (flow path) 324: Straight water outlet cylinder 325: Straight flow path (flow path) 326: Boss 330: Stopper 400: Rectifying member (rectifying section) 410: First rectifying cylinder 420: Second rectifying cylinder 421: Thread groove 430: Partition wall 431: Through hole 432: Holding protrusion 440, 450: Mounting section 500: Mist generating member (mist generating section) 510: Nozzle member 520: Nozzle plate 520S: Ejection surface 521: Mist hole 522: Operation hole 530: Mist cylinder section 531: Thread 532: Groove 533: Rib 540: Mounting member 541, 542: Bottom surface 543: Side surface 544: Holding hole 550: Swirl flow path 560: O-ring 600: Connecting pipe 601: Connection cylinder 602: Flange 610: Fine bubble generator 700: Supply pipe 810: Front cover (cover) 811: First exposed hole 812: Second exposed hole 820: Operation ring 821: Recess 830: Intermediate cover 831: Recess 840: Mounting ring 850: Sprinkler plate 850S: Sprinkling surface 851: Sprinkler hole 860: Rear cover 861: Dome section 862: Intermediate section 863: Grip connection section 870: Grip cover AX: Central axis line PN: Contact plane PS: Front surface RL: Reference line SW: Shower hose

Claims

1. A channel portion having a channel through which a fluid can flow, a mist generating portion connected to the downstream side of the channel portion and generating mist from the fluid supplied from the channel, a cover covering the channel portion from the downstream side of the channel, comprising, wherein the mist generating portion has mist holes for discharging mist to the outside, a shower head in which a central axis of the mist holes faces a direction different from a direction perpendicular to a front surface of the cover.

2. wherein the channel portion comprises a main channel portion, and a rectifying portion disposed between the main channel portion and the mist generating portion and changing a flow direction of the fluid from the main channel portion to the mist generating portion, comprising, the shower head according to Claim 1.

3. wherein the mist generating portion is detachable from the channel portion with the cover attached to the channel portion, the shower head according to Claim 1 or Claim 2.

4. wherein the cover is substantially hemispherical, and the mist generating portion is disposed at a position different from a top of the hemisphere in the cover, the shower head according to Claim 1 or Claim 2.

5. when a line perpendicular to the front surface of the cover is used as a reference line, an angle of a central axis of the mist holes with respect to the reference line is 10° or more and 80° or less, the shower head according to Claim 1 or Claim 2.

6. when a line perpendicular to the front surface of the cover is used as a reference line, an angle of a central axis of the mist holes with respect to the reference line is 50° or more and 60° or less, the shower head according to Claim 1 or Claim 2.

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