Shower head

Abstract

To provide easy connection between a first member and a second member of a shower head.SOLUTION: A shower head comprises a cylindrical first member and a second member coupled to the first member. The first member comprises a ring 30 attached to an outer periphery thereof, and the second member comprises a claw 12 that couples the first member and the second member by engaging with the ring 30.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a shower head. As shown in FIG. 15, the shower head 70 has a main body cover 71 , an inner pipe 72 , a joint 73 , an inner cup 74 , and a shower face 75 .

[0003] A hose (not shown) is connected to the lower end of the inner pipe 72, and a joint 73 is connected to the upper end. The end of the joint 73 opposite the end on the inner pipe 72 side is connected to an inner cup 74. A shower face 75 is attached to the front of the inner cup 74. Hot and cold water supplied to the inner pipe 72 via the hose flows into the inner cup 74 via the joint 73. The hot and cold water is then discharged from a water outlet 75a provided in the shower face 75.

[0004] The joint 73 and the inner pipe 72 are connected by placing a sealing member 72a between the inner circumference of the joint 73 and the outer circumference of the inner pipe 72, and then screwing the thread groove on the inner circumference of the joint 73 into the thread groove on the outer circumference of the inner pipe 72. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-86831 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, the shower head 70 of Patent Document 1 has the problem that the joint 73 and inner pipe 72 are connected by screwing together their threads, which makes the process time-consuming. In particular, the shower head 70 of Patent Document 1 requires the joint 73 and inner pipe 72 to be connected inside the main body cover 71, which makes the process time-consuming. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The showerhead of aspect 1 is a showerhead comprising a cylindrical first member and a second member connected to the first member, wherein the first member has a ring attached to its outer periphery, and the second member has claws that engage with the ring to connect the first member and the second member.

[0008] With this configuration, the first and second members can be connected by engaging the claws of the second member with the ring attached to the outer periphery of the first member, thereby providing a showerhead that allows the first and second members to be easily connected.

[0009] Aspect 2 is the showerhead of Aspect 1, wherein the first member has a housing groove that houses the ring, and the claws have fitting grooves that fit into the ring when inserted into the inner periphery of the ring. With this configuration, the ring housed in the housing groove of the first member is fitted into the fitting grooves of the claws of the second member, thereby stabilizing the connection between the first member and the second member.

[0010] In aspect 3, the bottom surface of the accommodating groove and the bottom surface of the fitting groove are located on the same circumference. This configuration makes it possible to further stabilize the state of the ring accommodated in the accommodating groove of the first member and fitted in the fitting groove of the claw of the second member.

[0011] A fourth aspect of the present invention relates to the showerhead of any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the first member has recesses that accommodate the claws, and the recesses have abutment portions that abut against both ends of the claws along the circumferential direction of the first member. This configuration can prevent the second member from shifting in position along the circumferential direction of the first member.

[0012] A fifth aspect of the present invention relates to the showerhead of any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the ring has a gap formed by cutting out a portion of the annular body, and the first member has an engagement wall that engages with the gap. With this configuration, the ring has a gap, which allows the diameter of the ring to expand when the ring is attached to the outer periphery of the first member. This facilitates attachment of the ring. Furthermore, the first member has an engagement wall that engages with the gap in the ring, which prevents the ring attached to the outer periphery of the first member from rotating.

[0013] A sixth aspect of the showerhead of the second aspect is that the ring has a gap formed by cutting out a portion of the annular body, and further includes a third member disposed on the outer periphery of the ring with which the claws are engaged, to prevent the ring from expanding in diameter. With this configuration, the third member prevents the ring attached to the outer periphery of the first member from expanding in diameter, thereby preventing the ring from becoming detached from the first member due to the expansion of its diameter. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] According to the showerhead of the present invention, the first member and the second member can be easily connected. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a shower head according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the shower head of the first embodiment. [Figure 3]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the grip joint of the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the grip joint of the first embodiment from a different angle. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a partial perspective view of the first embodiment before the main body cover and the grip joint are connected. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a partial perspective view of the first embodiment after the main body cover and the grip joint are connected. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a partial perspective view in which the ring is omitted from FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a partial cross-sectional view of the shower head of the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the shower head according to the second embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the shower head of the second embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the shower face and ring of the second embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a front view of the discharge unit. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a partial perspective view of the shower face before the front cover is attached. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a partial perspective view of the shower face after the front cover has been attached. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of a prior art showerhead. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] First Embodiment A first embodiment will be described in which the first and second members are embodied in a grip joint and a main body cover of a shower head.

[0017] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, shower head 10 has a main body cover 11, a water passage member 13, and a discharge unit 14. Water passage member 13 has an inner cup joint 15, a grip joint 20, and a grip 16. Grip 16 is cylindrical and functions as a handle that is held by the user.

[0018] In the following, with the grip 16 as the reference, the upper side of the axial direction of the grip 16 is defined as the upper side in the vertical direction, and the opposite side is defined as the lower side in the vertical direction. Furthermore, the front side of the shower head 10 is defined as the front side in the front-to-back direction, and the rear side is defined as the rear side in the front-to-back direction. Furthermore, the right side is defined as the right side in the left-to-right direction, and the opposite side is defined as the left side in the left-to-right direction.

[0019] Each component of the showerhead 10 will be described below. <Main unit cover> The main body cover 11 is the second member in the first embodiment.

[0020] 2, the main body cover 11 is cylindrical, and has a first opening 11a (see FIG. 5) at the cylindrical portion at the lower end for inserting the inner cup joint 15. The main body cover 11 has a second opening (not shown) at the upper end for accommodating the rear side of the discharge unit 14.

[0021] 5, the body cover 11 has claws 12 that protrude further downward from the edge of the first opening 11a at the lower end of the body cover 11. The body cover 11 has four claws 12 spaced apart in the circumferential direction of the body cover 11.

[0022] Each of the claws 12 is formed in a rectangular plate shape that is longer in the circumferential direction of the main body cover 11 than in the axial direction thereof, and is curved along the circumferential direction of the main body cover 11 . The lower end of each claw 12 is bent and extends radially outward from the body cover. This bent portion is called a bent portion 12a. Each claw 12 has a thin portion above the bent portion 12a that is thinner than other portions along the radial direction of the body cover 11. This thin portion functions as a fitting groove 12b that fits into a ring 30, which will be described later.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 7, the bottom surfaces of the fitting grooves 12b of the claws 12 are located on the same circumference. The circumferential direction, axial direction, and radial direction of the main body cover 11 refer to the circumferential direction, axial direction, and radial direction based on the cylindrical portion at the bottom end of the main body cover 11. Furthermore, "cylindrical" includes a cylinder with a perfectly circular cross section as well as a cylinder with an elliptical cross section. The same applies to other cylindrical members.

[0024] <Water-permeable components> As shown in FIG. 2, the water-passing member 13 has an inner cup joint 15, a grip joint 20, and a grip 16. The inner cup joint 15 has an upper end connected to an inner cup (not shown) of the discharge unit 14, and a lower end connected to the grip joint 20. The grip joint 20 has a lower end connected to the grip 16. A hose (not shown) is connected to the lower end of the grip 16. The water-passing member 13 distributes hot and cold water supplied from the hose to the discharge unit 14.

[0025] (inner cup joint) The inner cup joint 15 is cylindrical in shape and has an O-ring (not shown) attached to the outer periphery of the lower end of the inner cup joint 15.

[0026] As shown in Figure 2, the inner cup joint 15 is housed within the body cover 11 and protrudes slightly downward from a first opening 11a (see Figure 5) of the body cover 11. Furthermore, when housed within the body cover 11, a gap is formed between the inner periphery of the body cover 11 and the outer periphery of the inner cup joint 15. In other words, when the body cover 11 is viewed from the bottom, the body cover 11 and the inner cup joint 15 form a concentric double circle. The upper end side of the grip joint 20, which will be described later, is inserted into this gap.

[0027] (Grip joint) The grip joint 20 is the first member in the first embodiment. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the grip joint 20 is configured in a cylindrical shape.

[0028] An O-ring 21 is attached to the outer periphery of the grip joint 20 at the center in the vertical direction, which is the axial direction. The grip joint 20 has a screw groove 22 on the outer periphery below the O-ring 21.

[0029] The grip joint 20 has four recesses 23 spaced apart in the circumferential direction and positioned above the O-ring 21. A lower end 23a of each recess 23, which is the end on the O-ring 21 side, extends in the circumferential direction. Both circumferential ends 23b of the recesses 23 extend linearly along the axial direction of the grip joint 20 to the upper end of the grip joint 20. The dimension of the recesses 23 in the circumferential direction of the grip joint 20 is slightly larger than the dimension of the claws 12 of the main body cover 11 in the circumferential direction. Therefore, both end portions 23b of the recesses 23 in the circumferential direction of the grip joint 20 function as abutment portions against which the claws 12 of the main body cover 11 inserted into the recesses 23 abut, as described below.

[0030] The grip joint 20 has a housing groove 24 extending in the circumferential direction at a position above the O-ring 21. The housing groove 24 is formed at a position that overlaps with the recess 23 in the circumferential direction, excluding the recess 23. A ring 30, which will be described later, is housed in the housing groove 24.

[0031] The grip joint 20 has one circumferential location where no accommodation groove 24 is formed, excluding the recess 23. When a ring 30 (described later) is accommodated in the accommodation groove 24, a gap in the ring 30 is disposed in the location where no accommodation groove 24 is formed. Therefore, the location where no accommodation groove 24 is formed functions as an engagement wall 25 with which the gap in the ring 30 engages.

[0032] The depth of the accommodation groove 24 is shallower than the depth of the recess 23. Therefore, the ring 30 accommodated in the accommodation groove 24 is spaced apart from the bottom surface of the recess 23. In other words, the grip joint 20 has a space between the ring 30 and the bottom surface of the recess 23.

[0033] 7, the bottom surfaces of the housing grooves 24 are located on the same circumference. Furthermore, when the grip joint 20 and the main body cover 11 are connected, the bottom surfaces of the housing grooves 24 are also located on the same circumference as the fitting grooves 12b of the claws 12 of the main body cover 11.

[0034] (ring) The ring 30 has a gap formed by cutting out a part of the annular body. In other words, the ring 30 is not a continuous annular ring, but has a gap.

[0035] 3, when the ring 30 is accommodated in the accommodation groove 24 of the grip joint 20, the ring 30 is accommodated with the engagement wall 25 positioned in the gap of the ring 30. By having the engagement wall 25 positioned in the gap of the ring 30, the ring 30 accommodated in the accommodation groove 24 is prevented from rotating in the circumferential direction of the grip joint 20.

[0036] There are no particular limitations on the material of the ring 30, and metal or resin can be used. It is preferable that a stainless steel spring wire is used for the ring 30. The stainless steel spring wire is excellent in terms of the restoring force after elastic deformation and strength.

[0037] (grip) 2, the grip 16 is cylindrical in shape. The grip 16 has a screw groove 16a on the outer periphery of the lower end portion. The screw groove 16a is used for connecting to a hose.

[0038] The grip 16 has a thread groove 16b (see FIG. 8) on the inner periphery of the upper end side. A thread groove 22 on the outer periphery of the grip joint 20 is screwed into this thread groove 16b, thereby connecting the grip 16 and the grip joint 20. An O-ring 21 on the outer periphery of the grip joint 20 abuts against the inner periphery of the grip 16, thereby sealing the space between the grip 16 and the grip joint 20 in a watertight state.

[0039] <Discharge unit> As shown in FIG. 2, the discharge unit 14 has an inner cup (not shown), a flow path switching handle 17, and a shower face 18.

[0040] (inner cup) The inner cup has a flow path for shower water discharge and a flow path for mist water discharge, and functions as a flow path forming member.

[0041] An inner cup joint 15 of the water passage member 13 is connected to the inner cup. A flow path switching handle 17 and a shower face 18 are also connected to the inner cup. The inner cup directs hot and cold water flowing through the inner cup joint 15 to the shower face 18 via a flow path for shower water discharge or a flow path for mist water discharge.

[0042] (Flow path switching handle) 2, the flow path switching handle 17 has an annular main body 17a and a lever 17b extending from the outer periphery of the main body 17a. By gripping the lever 17b and rotating the main body 17a in the circumferential direction, the flow path inside the inner cup can be switched.

[0043] (Shower Face) 2, the shower face 18 has multiple shower water discharge holes 18a and multiple mist water discharge holes 18b. The shower water discharge holes 18a communicate with a flow path for shower water discharge in the inner cup. The mist water discharge holes 18b communicate with a flow path for mist water discharge in the inner cup.

[0044] In the discharge unit 14, shower water is discharged by supplying hot and cold water to the shower water discharge holes 18a, and mist water is discharged by supplying hot and cold water to the mist water discharge holes 18b.

[0045] <Connection mechanism between the main body cover and the grip joint> The connection mechanism between the grip joint 20 as the first member and the body cover 11 as the second member will be described.

[0046] As shown in Figure 2, when connecting the grip joint 20 and the main body cover 11, first, as a preparation step, the inner cup joint 15 is connected to the inner cup. Next, the inner cup with the inner cup joint 15 connected is placed in the second opening of the main body cover 11. Then, the flow path switching handle 17 and the shower face 18 are attached to the inner cup.

[0047] Next, as shown in Figure 5, the grip joint 20 and the body cover 11 are positioned so that the axial direction of the grip joint 20 and the axial direction of the body cover 11 are aligned in the same straight line. The circumferential positions of the grip joint 20 and the body cover 11 are adjusted so that the four recesses 23 of the grip joint 20 face the four claws 12 of the body cover 11. Then, the upper end side of the grip joint 20 and the lower end side of the body cover 11 are brought closer together in a straight line.

[0048] In FIG. 5, the inner cup joint 15 housed in the main body cover 11 is omitted. As shown in FIG. 6 , when the upper end side of the grip joint 20 and the lower end side of the main body cover 11 are brought closer together, the bent portions 12a of the claws 12 are inserted into the space between the bottom surface of the recessed portion 23 of the grip joint 20 and the ring 30. At this time, the ring 30 is pushed by the bent portions 12a of the claws 12 and elastically deforms in the direction of expanding its diameter. Furthermore, when the bent portions 12a of the claws 12 climb over the inner periphery of the ring 30, the ring 30 returns to its original shape. Then, the fitting grooves 12b of the claws 12 fit into the inner periphery of the ring 30. Furthermore, the bent portions 12a of the claws 12 engage with the lower end of the ring 30. Furthermore, both ends of the claws 12 along the circumferential direction of the grip joint 20 come into contact with the contact portions (both ends 23b) of the recessed portion 23.

[0049] The bent portions 12a of the claws 12 engage with the ring 30, thereby restricting the grip joint 20 and the main body cover 11 from moving in directions away from each other. In other words, the grip joint 20 and the main body cover 11 are connected to each other by the claws 12 of the main body cover 11 engaging with the ring 30 of the grip joint 20. Furthermore, both ends of the claws 12 along the circumferential direction of the grip joint 20 abut against abutting portions of the recesses 23 of the grip joint 20, thereby restricting relative rotation between the grip joint 20 and the main body cover 11.

[0050] Furthermore, by fitting the fitting groove 12b of the claw 12 of the grip joint 20 into the ring 30 of the main body cover 11, the engagement state of the claw 12 engaged with the ring 30 can be stabilized.

[0051] 7, when the grip joint 20 and the main body cover 11 are connected, the bottom surface of the accommodating groove 24 of the grip joint 20 and the bottom surface of the fitting groove 12b of the claw 12 of the main body cover 11 are located on the same circumference. Therefore, the state of the ring 30 accommodated in the accommodating groove 24 of the grip joint 20 and fitted in the fitting groove 12b of the claw 12 of the main body cover 11 can be made more stable.

[0052] As shown in Figure 6, when the grip joint 20 and the main body cover 11 are connected, the upper end side of the grip joint 20 is inserted between the main body cover 11 and the inner cup joint (not shown). Then, the two are positioned with the O-ring on the outer periphery of the inner cup joint abutting against the inner periphery of the grip joint 20. Therefore, the inner cup joint and the grip joint 20 are connected in a watertight state.

[0053] 8 is a front view of the connection point between the grip joint 20 and the main body cover 11. The main body cover 11 and the grip 16 are shown in cross section, with the claws 12 of the main body cover 11 omitted. As shown in FIG. 8 , the grip joint 20 and the grip 16 are connected by threading the thread groove 16b on the inner circumference of the upper end of the grip 16 into the thread groove 22 on the outer periphery of the lower end of the grip joint 20. The inner periphery of the upper end of the grip 16 is positioned close to the outer periphery of the ring 30 in the radial direction of the grip joint 20. As a result, if the ring 30 attempts to expand in diameter, it abuts against the inner periphery of the upper end of the grip 16, thereby preventing the ring 30 from expanding in diameter and becoming detached from the receiving groove 24 of the grip joint 20 or the fitting groove 12b of the claw 12. The grip 16 is positioned on the outer periphery of the ring 30 and functions as a third member that prevents the ring 30 from expanding in diameter.

[0054] When the grip joint 20 and the grip 16 are connected, the engagement point between the claws 12 of the main body cover 11 and the ring 30 of the grip joint 20 is covered by the upper end of the grip 16 and cannot be seen from the outside, giving the shower head 10 an excellent design.

[0055] There are no particular limitations on the timing for connecting the grip 16 and the grip joint 20. The grip 16 may be connected after the main body cover 11 and the grip joint 20 are connected, or the grip joint 20 and the grip 16 may be connected in advance, and then the main body cover 11 and the grip joint 20 may be connected.

[0056] <Action and effect> The operation and effects of the first embodiment will be described. (1-1) The grip joint 20 (first member) has a ring 30 attached to its outer periphery, and the main body cover 11 (second member) has claws 12 that connect the grip joint 20 and the main body cover 11 by engaging with the ring 30.

[0057] Grip joint 20 and main body cover 11 can be easily connected by bringing them close together in a straight line and engaging claws 12 on main body cover 11 with ring 30 attached to the outer periphery of grip joint 20. This makes it possible to obtain a shower head 10 in which grip joint 20 and main body cover 11 can be easily connected.

[0058] (1-2) The grip joint 20 has an accommodation groove 24 that accommodates the ring 30, and the claws 12 of the main body cover 11 have fitting grooves 12b that fit into the ring 30 when inserted into the inner periphery of the ring 30. By fitting the fitting grooves 12b into the ring 30, the engagement state of the claws 12 engaged with the ring 30 can be stabilized. Therefore, by fitting the ring 30 accommodated in the accommodation groove 24 of the grip joint 20 into the fitting grooves 12b of the claws 12 of the main body cover 11, the connection state between the grip joint 20 and the main body cover 11 can be stabilized.

[0059] (1-3) The bottom surface of the accommodation groove 24 of the grip joint 20 and the bottom surface of the fitting groove 12b of the claw 12 of the body cover 11 are located on the same circumference. Therefore, the state of the ring 30 accommodated in the accommodation groove 24 of the grip joint 20 and fitted in the fitting groove 12b of the claw 12 of the body cover 11 can be made more stable.

[0060] (1-4) The recess 23 of the grip joint 20 has contact portions that contact both ends of the claws 12 along the circumferential direction of the grip joint 20. Therefore, the relative rotation between the grip joint 20 and the main body cover 11 can be restricted.

[0061] (1-5) The ring 30 has a gap formed by cutting out a portion of the annular body, and the grip joint 20 has an engagement wall 25 that engages with the gap. Because the ring 30 has a gap, the diameter of the ring 30 can be expanded when the ring 30 is attached to the accommodating groove 24 of the grip joint 20. This makes it easier to attach the ring 30. Furthermore, because the grip joint 20 has the engagement wall 25 that engages with the gap in the ring 30, rotation of the ring 30 attached to the outer periphery of the grip joint 20 can be suppressed.

[0062] (1-6) The ring 30 has a gap formed by cutting out a portion of the annular body, and is provided with a grip 16 (third member) that is disposed on the outer periphery of the ring 30 with which the claws 12 of the main body cover 11 are engaged, and that prevents the ring 30 from expanding in diameter. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the ring 30 from expanding in diameter and becoming detached from the accommodation groove 24 of the grip joint 20 or the fitting groove 12b of the claws 12.

[0063] Second Embodiment A second embodiment will be described in which the first and second members are embodied as the shower face 40 and front cover 50 of the shower head 10.

[0064] As shown in Figures 9 and 10, showerhead 10 has a main body cover 11, a water passage member 13, a discharge unit 14, and a front cover 50. Water passage member 13 has an inner cup joint 15 and an inner pipe 19. Discharge unit 14 has an inner cup (not shown) and a shower face 40.

[0065] When the main body cover 11 and the front cover 50 are assembled together, the lower end side thereof becomes cylindrical. This cylindrical portion functions as a grip portion that is gripped by the user. Each component of the showerhead 10 will be described below.

[0066] <Main unit cover> 10, the main body cover 11 is cylindrical and has a first opening 11a at the cylindrical lower end for inserting the inner pipe 19 of the water-passing member. The main body cover 11 has a second opening 11b on the front side for accommodating the discharge unit 14 and the water-passing member 13.

[0067] <Water-permeable components> 10, the inner cup joint 15 has an upper end connected to an inner cup (not shown) of the discharge unit 14, and an inner pipe 19 connected to a lower end. A hose (not shown) is connected to the lower end of the inner pipe 19. The water-passing member 13 passes hot and cold water supplied from the hose to the discharge unit 14.

[0068] <Discharge unit> (inner cup) The inner cup has a flow path for shower water discharge and functions as a flow path forming member. An inner cup joint 15 of the water passage member 13 is connected to the inner cup.

[0069] (Shower Face) The shower face 40 is the first member in the second embodiment. 11 and 12, shower face 40 has a cylindrical peripheral wall 41 and a top wall 42 with multiple shower discharge holes 40a at one axial end of peripheral wall 41. Shower face 40 has five recesses 43 spaced circumferentially around the outer periphery of cylindrical peripheral wall 41.

[0070] 13, recess 43 extends from the outer periphery of top wall 42 of shower face 40 in the thickness direction of top wall 42, and also extends linearly across the outer periphery of peripheral wall 41. Recess 43 has, on the bottom surface on the radially inner side of peripheral wall 41, a straight portion 43a that extends linearly in the axial direction of peripheral wall 41, and an inclined portion 43b that extends at an angle radially outward from the rear end of straight portion 43a.

[0071] The shower face 40 has a circumferentially extending storage groove 44 on the outer periphery of the peripheral wall 41. The storage groove 44 is formed in a position that overlaps with the recess 43 in the circumferential direction, excluding the recess 43. The ring 30, which will be described later, is stored in the storage groove 44. The depth of the storage groove 44 is shallower than the depth of the recess 43.

[0072] 11, the bottom surfaces of the storage grooves 44 are located on the same circumference. Furthermore, when the shower face 40 and the front cover 50 are connected, the bottom surfaces of the storage grooves 44 are also located on the same circumference as the outer surfaces of the claws 51 of the front cover 50, which will be described later.

[0073] Because the depth of the storage groove 44 is shallower than the depth of the recess 43, the ring 30 stored in the storage groove 44 is spaced apart from the bottom surface of the recess 43. In other words, the shower face 40 has a space between the ring 30 and the bottom surface of the recess 43.

[0074] The shower face 40 is attached to the inner cup. When attached to the inner cup, the shower outlet holes 40a of the shower face 40 are connected to the shower water flow path of the inner cup. Hot and cold water flowing from the inner cup to the shower face 40 is discharged from the shower outlet holes 40a.

[0075] <Front cover> The front cover 50 is a second member in the second embodiment. 10, the upper side of the front cover 50 is a circular portion that follows the outline of the shower face 40, and the lower side is a plate-like portion that extends vertically. The front cover 50 has multiple through holes 50a in the circular portion.

[0076] 13, the front cover 50 has claws 51 that protrude from the back surface of the outer periphery of the circular portion in the thickness direction of the circular portion. The front cover 50 has five claws 51 spaced apart in the circumferential direction of the circular portion.

[0077] Each claw 51 is configured as a rectangular plate that is longer in the circumferential direction than in the thickness direction of the circular portion of front cover 50, and is curved along the circumferential direction of the circular portion. The dimension of claw 51 along the circumferential direction of the circular portion is smaller than the dimension of recess 43 along the circumferential direction of shower face 40.

[0078] The tip of each of the claws 51 is bent and extends radially outward of the front cover 50. This bent portion is called a bent portion 52. As shown in FIG. 13, the outer peripheral surface of each of the claws 51 excluding the bent portion 52 (hereinafter also referred to as the "outer surface") is located on the same circumference.

[0079] <Connection mechanism between front cover and shower face> As shown in Figure 10, when connecting the shower face 40 and front cover 50, the components that make up the discharge unit 14 and water passage member 13 are first assembled as a preparation step. Next, the main body cover 11 is attached to the discharge unit 14 and water passage member 13 from the rear. There will be a slight gap between the inner periphery of the second opening 11b of the main body cover 11 and the peripheral wall 41 of the shower face 40.

[0080] Next, as shown in Figure 13, the shower face 40 and front cover 50 are positioned so that the axial direction of the shower face 40 and the thickness direction of the circular portion of the front cover 50 are aligned in the same straight line. The circumferential positions of the shower face 40 and front cover 50 are also adjusted so that the five recesses 43 of the shower face 40 face the five tabs 51 of the front cover 50. The shower face 40 and front cover 50 are then brought closer together in a straight line.

[0081] As shown in Figure 14, the bent portions 52 of the claws 51 of the front cover 50 are inserted between the straight portions 43a of the recesses 43 of the shower face 40 and the ring 30. At this time, the ring 30 is pushed by the bent portions 52 of the claws 51 and elastically deforms in the direction of expanding its diameter. Furthermore, when the bent portions 52 of the claws 51 move over the inner periphery of the ring 30, the ring 30 returns to its original shape. Then, the outer surface of the claws 51 abuts against the inner periphery of the ring 30. The bent portions 52 of the claws 51 also engage with the ring 30. The shower spouts 40a of the shower face 40 are inserted through the through holes 50a of the front cover 50.

[0082] The bent portions 52 of the claws 51 engage with the rings 30, restricting the shower face 40 and the front cover 50 from moving away from each other. In other words, the shower face 40 and the front cover 50 are connected to each other by the claws 51 of the front cover 50 engaging with the rings 30 of the shower face 40.

[0083] Furthermore, the inner circumferential side of the second opening 11b of the main body cover 11 is disposed close to the outer circumferential side of the ring 30. This prevents fingers from touching the ring 30 from the outer circumferential side. In other words, it prevents the ring 30 from excessively expanding in diameter and becoming detached due to fingers touching the ring 30 from the outer circumferential side. The main body cover 11 is disposed on the outer circumferential side of the ring 30 and functions as a third member that prevents the ring 30 from expanding in diameter.

[0084] Furthermore, when the water-permeable member 13 and the main body cover 11 are connected, the area where the claws 51 of the front cover 50 and the ring 30 of the shower face 40 engage is covered by the main body cover 11 and cannot be seen from the outside, improving the design of the shower head 10. As with the first embodiment, there are no particular restrictions on the timing of connecting the shower face 40 and the front cover 50.

[0085] <Action and effect> The operation and effects of the second embodiment will be described. (2-1) The shower face 40 (first member) has a ring 30 attached to its outer periphery, and the front cover 50 (second member) has claws 51 that connect the shower face 40 and the front cover 50 by engaging with the ring 30.

[0086] The shower face 40 and front cover 50 can be easily connected by bringing them close together in a straight line and engaging the claws 51 of the front cover 50 with the ring 30 attached to the outer periphery of the shower face 40. This makes it possible to obtain a showerhead 10 in which the shower face 40 and front cover 50 can be easily connected.

[0087] (2-2) The ring 30 has a gap formed by cutting out a portion of the annular body. The ring 30 is fitted with the claws 51 of the front cover 50, and is provided with a main body cover 11 (third member) that is positioned on the outer periphery of the ring 30 to prevent the ring 30 from expanding in diameter. This prevents the ring 30 from expanding in diameter excessively and becoming detached from the receiving groove 44 of the shower face 40 or the claws 51.

[0088] <Example of change> The first embodiment and the second embodiment (hereinafter collectively referred to as the present embodiment) can be modified and implemented as follows. The present embodiment and the following modifications can be implemented in combination with each other within the scope of no technical contradiction.

[0089] In the first embodiment, the main body cover 11 serving as the second member has the claws 12, and these claws 12 engage with the ring 30 of the grip joint 20 serving as the first member, but this is not limited to this. A member other than the main body cover 11 may have the claws that engage with the ring 30. The inner cup joint may have the claws. For example, the lower end of the inner cup joint may be configured to be connected to the outer periphery of the upper end of the grip joint 20, and the claws of the inner cup joint may engage with the ring 30 of the grip joint 20. In other words, the inner cup joint may be the second member.

[0090] In the first embodiment, the ring 30 is attached to the outer periphery of the grip joint 20 serving as the first member, but this is not limited to this. The ring 30 may be attached to the outer periphery of, for example, the grip 16 other than the grip joint 20, and the claws 12 of the main body cover 11 may engage with this ring 30. In other words, the grip 16 may be the first member.

[0091] In the first embodiment, the claws 12 of the body cover 11 have the fitting grooves 12b that fit into the rings 30, but the fitting grooves 12b may be omitted. In the first embodiment, the bottom surface of the accommodation groove 24 of the grip joint 20 and the bottom surface of the fitting groove 12b of the claw 12 of the main body cover 11 do not have to be positioned on the same circumference.

[0092] The opposite ends 23b of the recess 23 in the circumferential direction of the grip joint 20 do not have to abut on the opposite ends of the pawl 12 along the circumferential direction of the grip joint 20. The grip joint 20 does not have to have an engagement wall 25 that engages with the gap of the ring 30. In other words, the grip joint 20 may allow the ring 30 housed in the housing groove 24 to rotate.

[0093] In the second embodiment, the front cover 50 (the second component) has claws 51 that engage with the rings 30 of the shower face 40 (the first component), but this is not limited to this. Instead of the front cover 50, for example, the main body cover 11 may have claws that engage with the rings 30 of the shower face 40, thereby connecting the main body cover 11 and the shower face 40. In other words, the main body cover 11 may be the second component.

[0094] In the second embodiment, the claws 51 of the front cover 50 do not have a fitting groove that fits into the ring 30, but this is not limiting. The claws 51 may have a fitting groove.

[0095] In this embodiment, the grip joint 20 and shower face 40 as the first component have the accommodation grooves 24, 44 for accommodating the ring 30, but the accommodation grooves 24, 44 may be omitted. For example, the ring 30 may be attached by adhesive, welding, or other methods.

[0096] In this embodiment, the ring 30 has a gap formed by cutting out a portion of the annular body, but it does not have to have a gap. For example, the ring 30 may have a portion cut out, but both ends may be in contact without a gap. Alternatively, the ring 30 may be a continuous annular ring. For example, if the first member, such as the grip joint 20, is made of a material that is easily elastically deformed, the ring 30 can be attached to the outer periphery by elastically deforming the first member.

[0097] In this embodiment, the number of claws and recesses is not limited to four or five. The number of claws and recesses can be selected as appropriate. [Explanation of symbols]

[0098] 10...shower head, 11...main body cover, 12...claw, 12a...flexed portion, 12b...fitting groove, 20...grip joint, 23...recess, 24...accommodating groove, 30...ring, 40...shower face, 43...recess, 50...front cover, 51...claw, 52...flexed portion.

Claims

1. A showerhead comprising a cylindrical first member and a second member connected to the first member, The first member has a ring attached to an outer periphery thereof; The showerhead according to claim 1, wherein the second member has a claw that connects the first member and the second member by engaging with the ring.

2. the first member has an accommodation groove that accommodates the ring, The showerhead according to claim 1 , wherein the claws have fitting grooves that fit into the ring when inserted into the inner periphery of the ring.

3. The showerhead according to claim 2 , wherein a bottom surface of the accommodation groove and a bottom surface of the fitting groove are located on the same circumference.

4. The first member has a recess that accommodates the claw, The shower head according to claim 1 , wherein the recess has contact portions that contact both ends of the claws along the circumferential direction of the first member.

5. the ring has a gap formed by cutting out a part of an annular body, The shower head according to claim 1 , wherein the first member has an engagement wall that engages with the gap.

6. the ring has a gap formed by cutting out a part of an annular body, The showerhead according to claim 2 , further comprising a third member disposed on the outer periphery of the ring with which the claws are engaged, to prevent the ring from expanding in diameter.

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