Shower head

Abstract

To suppress a turbulent flow when a liquid flows into a bubble generator.SOLUTION: A shower head comprises: a connection part having a connection hole to be connected to a water supply pipe; a discharge part having a discharge hole to discharge the liquid; a housing being the housing arranged on a downstream side of the connection part and also arranged on an upstream side of the discharge part, and also being the housing internally including an output flow channel which communicates with the discharge hole and a first input flow channel which communicates with an upstream end of the output flow channel and with the connection hole and also where a water treatment agent is arranged inside; a bubble generator arranged in the output flow channel; and a switch part arranged on the upstream side of the first input flow channel so as to perform switching between an open state to open the first input flow channel and a closed state to close the first input flow channel.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The technology disclosed in this specification relates to a showerhead. [Background technology]

[0002] Showerheads that release liquid containing microbubbles and a chemical have been proposed. Specifically, these showerheads include a housing with a release hole, a microbubble generating member, and a switching unit. A flow path in which the chemical is disposed is formed inside the housing. The microbubble generating member is disposed downstream of the flow path within the housing, and generates microbubbles when liquid from the flow path flows into the microbubble generating member. The switching unit is disposed between the flow path and the microbubble generating member within the housing. The switching unit switches between an open state in which the flow path is opened and a closed state in which the flow path is closed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-18408 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When the switching unit switches from a closed state to an open state, turbulence occurs near the switching unit. In the conventional showerhead described above, the switching unit is located inside the housing between the flow path and the microbubble generating member. Therefore, when the switching unit switches from a closed state to an open state, turbulence occurs between the flow path and the microbubble generating member, and this turbulence flows into the microbubble generating member. The inflow of turbulence could reduce the bubble generation ability of the microbubble generating member.

[0005] This specification discloses a technique that can solve the above-mentioned problems. Note that these problems are not limited to microbubble generating members, but are common to showerheads equipped with bubble generators that generate other types of bubbles, such as fine bubbles. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The technology disclosed in this specification can be realized, for example, in the following forms. (1) A showerhead disclosed in this specification includes a connection part having a connection hole connected to a water supply pipe, a discharge part having a discharge hole for discharging a liquid, a housing disposed downstream of the connection part and upstream of the discharge part, the housing having an output flow path communicating with the discharge hole and a first input flow path communicating with the upstream end of the output flow path and the connection hole and containing a water treatment agent, a bubble generator disposed in the output flow path, and a switching part disposed upstream of the first input flow path and switching between an open state that opens the first input flow path and a closed state that closes the first input flow path. With this configuration, the switching part, which is prone to generating turbulence in the liquid when switched between open and closed, is disposed upstream of the first input flow path and is spaced apart from the bubble generator, thereby suppressing turbulence when the liquid flows into the bubble generator.

[0007] (2) In the showerhead, the bubble generator may have a Venturi tube. This configuration allows bubbles to be generated efficiently with a simple structure.

[0008] (3) In the showerhead described above, the housing may have a storage space and a cartridge removably housed in the storage space, and the cartridge may form at least a portion of the first input flow path where the water treatment agent is disposed. With this configuration, for example, when the effectiveness of the water treatment agent decreases, the water treatment agent can be easily and quickly replaced.

[0009] (4) The showerhead may further include a second input flow path inside the housing, the second input flow path communicating with the upstream end of the output flow path and the connecting hole. With this configuration, the liquid that has passed through the first input flow path via the water treatment agent and the liquid that has passed through the second input flow path without passing through the water treatment agent merge, thereby suppressing turbulence in the liquid flowing into the bubble generator.

[0010] (5) In the showerhead, at least a portion of the second input flow path may be configured as a space formed between an inner wall of the storage space and an outer wall of the cartridge. With this configuration, the number of parts of the showerhead can be reduced.

[0011] (6) In the showerhead, the bubble generator may include a first Venturi tube, and the upstream end of the first Venturi tube may be closer to the downstream end of the first input flow path than the downstream end of the second input flow path. This configuration allows the liquid flow that has passed through the "first input flow path" to flow smoothly into the "Venturi tube," thereby suppressing turbulence in the liquid flow.

[0012] The technology disclosed in this specification can be realized in various forms, for example, in the form of a shear head and a discharge method thereof. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a shower head according to an embodiment; [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a shower head according to an embodiment; [Figure 3] 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the head portion of the shower head according to the embodiment taken along line III-III in FIG. 1; [Figure 4] Enlarged view of the mist generating component in the head [Figure 5] Partial perspective view of the mist generating member [Figure 6] 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the grip portion of the shower head according to the embodiment taken along line VI-VI in FIG. [Figure 7] Enlarged view of the grip part in Figure 6 [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the planar configuration of the connection section, the switching section, and the lower part of the grip section; [Figure 9] 9 is a cross-sectional view showing the shower head of the embodiment taken along line IX-IX in FIG. [Figure 10] 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the shower head of the embodiment taken along line XX in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] A. Implementation: A-1. Shower head 10 configuration: This embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1 to Fig. 12. Note that Fig. 1 and the figures described below show mutually orthogonal X, Y, and Z axes for specifying directions. The positive Z-axis direction is the upward direction, the negative Z-axis direction is the downward direction, the positive Y-axis direction is the rightward direction, the negative Y-axis direction is the leftward direction, the positive X-axis direction is the forward direction, and the negative X-axis direction is the backward direction.

[0015] The showerhead 10 of this embodiment is configured to change the liquid discharge state by switching between multiple flow paths corresponding to multiple discharge modes. The multiple discharge modes include, for example, "mist mode," "straight mode," "pure straight mode," and "jet mode." Mist mode discharges mist-like liquid. Straight mode discharges liquid with higher water pressure and force than mist mode. Pure straight mode discharges liquid with higher density than straight mode. Jet mode discharges liquid with the highest water pressure. The showerhead 10 has the function of discharging mist-like liquid when "mist mode" is selected as the discharge mode. In this embodiment, "liquid" refers not only to water but also to liquids containing water treatment agents, as described below. Unless otherwise specified, the temperature of the liquid can be changed as needed.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 1, the showerhead 10 includes a housing 11, a protective cover 122 disposed on the downstream side of the housing 11, and a connection part 400 disposed on the upstream side of the housing 11. The protective cover 122 is an example of an emission.

[0017] A-1-1. Configuration of protective cover 122 As shown in FIG. 2, the protective cover 122 is a disk-shaped member as a whole. The protective cover 122 is arranged to cover the opening of the head cover 121 of the housing 11. A mode knob 124 is provided on the periphery of the protective cover 122. Examples of materials for the protective cover 122 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 front surface of the protective cover 122 may be plated to enhance its appearance. The protective cover 122 has a plurality of discharge holes 15 (151 to 154) formed therein for discharging liquid to the outside.

[0018] A-1-2. Configuration of the housing 11 The housing 11 includes a head portion 12 and a grip portion 13 .

[0019] (1) Configuration of the head unit 12 2, the head unit 12 includes a head cover 121, a fixed flow path member 200 fixed inside the head cover 121, a movable flow path member 300 rotatably assembled to the fixed flow path member 200, and a mist generating member 900. The fixed flow path member 200 and the movable flow path member 300 are members that form a flow path through which a liquid can flow. The flow path formed in the fixed flow path member 200 and the movable flow path member 300 is an example of an output flow path. The movable flow path member 300 and the mist generating member 900 are arranged inside the protective cover 122 and are configured to rotate relative to the fixed flow path member 200 in conjunction with the rotation of the protective cover 122.

[0020] (Headcover 121) 1 to 3, head cover 121 constitutes a part of housing 11. Examples of materials for head cover 121 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). Head cover 121 is dome-shaped with an opening on the front side.

[0021] (Fixed flow path member 200) As shown in FIG. 2, the fixed flow path member 200 includes a base portion 210, a joint portion 220, and a mounting shaft 250. Examples of materials for the fixed flow path member 200 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 base portion 210 has a thick disk shape as a whole. The mounting shaft 250 has a cylindrical shape and protrudes forward from the center of the flow path forming portion 310. As shown in FIG. 2, the mounting shaft 250 has a screw hole that opens to its front end surface. The joint portion 220 has a cylindrical shape and extends downward from the base portion 210.

[0022] As shown in Fig. 3, a base flow path 211 is formed inside the base portion 210. The base flow path 211 communicates with the internal space of the joint portion 220. As shown in Fig. 2, the base flow path 211 has a pair of base outflow holes 230 that open to the front surface of the fixed flow path member 200. A rubber packing 240 is arranged around each base outflow hole 230.

[0023] (Movable flow path member 300) 2, the movable flow path member 300 is disposed in front of the base portion 210 of the fixed flow path member 200. Examples of materials for the movable flow path member 300 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 movable flow path member 300 includes a flow path forming portion 310 and a plurality of retaining portions 360.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 2, the flow path forming portion 310 has a thick disk shape overall and a through-hole 350 in the center. By inserting the mounting shaft 250 into the through-hole 350, the movable flow path member 300 is rotatably supported relative to the fixed flow path member 200 around the mounting shaft 250. The flow path forming portion 310 has multiple flow paths corresponding to the multiple release modes described above. The multiple flow paths include a mist flow path 320 through which liquid flows when the "mist mode" is selected as the release mode (see FIG. 2). The mist flow path 320 has a mist inlet (not shown) on its rear surface facing the base portion 210 and multiple mist outlets 320out on its front surface on the opposite side. The retaining portions 360 are cylindrical protrusions that protrude forward from the front surface of the movable flow path member 300. Each mist outlet 320out is circumferentially disposed between the retaining portions 360.

[0025] (Mist generating member 900) As shown in Fig. 2, the mist generating member 900 is disposed in front of the movable flow path member 300. As shown in Figs. 3 to 5, the mist generating member 900 includes a mist inlet 910, a storage recess 920, and a mist output portion 930. The mist generating member 900 has the storage recess 920 and the mist output portion 930 disposed toward the front. The mist inlet 910 is stored in the storage recess 920. Examples of materials for the mist generating member 900 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).

[0026] The mist inlet 910 is a cylindrical member having a recess 918 that is open at its downstream end. The recess 918 is formed by a cylindrical inner wall surface 914 that is centered on the central axis of the discharge hole 154 (see FIG. 5). A plurality of outer recesses 916 are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the mist inlet 910. Each outer recess 916 is a groove that extends in a substantially straight line from the upstream surface to the downstream surface of the mist inlet 910. An input hole 912 that communicates with the recess 918 is formed at the downstream end of each outer recess 916. The input hole 912 extends in a direction inclined relative to the radial direction of the recess 918 (for example, in the tangent direction of the inner wall surface 914). The input hole 912 has a minimum width of 2 mm or less and a height of 1 mm or less, for example.

[0027] The storage recess 920 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape. The mist inlet portion 910 is stored in the storage recess 920. The mist inlet portion 910 is pressed into the storage recess 920 by the retaining portion 360 of the movable flow path member 300. An opening surface 919 of the mist inlet portion 910 and a step 922 of the storage recess 920 are in contact. An outer wall 915 of the mist inlet portion 910 are in contact with an inner wall 921 of the storage recess 920. The recess of the outer surface recess 916 communicates with the flow path inside the movable flow path member 300. The outer surface recess 916 communicates with the internal space of the mist inlet portion 910 through the input hole 912.

[0028] The mist output section 930 has a swirl chamber 930A. The swirl chamber 930A is approximately hemispherical and hollow inside. The upstream surface of the mist output section 930 contacts the storage recess 920. The inner diameter of the upstream end of the swirl chamber 930A is smaller than the inner diameter of the storage recess 920. In this embodiment, the swirl chamber 930A and the storage recess 920 are formed integrally. The swirl chamber 930A communicates with the recess 918 of the mist inlet section 910. A mist hole 154A is formed at the apex of the approximately hemispherical shape of the swirl chamber 930A.

[0029] The movable flow path member 300 and the mist generating member 900 are engaged with the protective cover 122. By moving the mode knob 124 in the circumferential direction, the movable flow path member 300, the mist generating member 900, and the protective cover 122 rotate in unison relative to the fixed flow path member 200. This allows the emission mode to be switched.

[0030] (2) Configuration of the grip portion 13 6 to 8, the grip portion 13 has a substantially cylindrical shape. In the grip portion 13, a switching portion 500 and a cartridge accommodating portion 600 are arranged from the upstream side. The cartridge accommodating portion 600 has an internal cavity, and a cartridge 700 filled with the water treating agent D is accommodated in this internal cavity.

[0031] (Switching unit 500) 6, the switching unit 500 includes an operating member 510 and a water dividing member 520. Examples of materials for the switching unit 500 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).

[0032] The operating member 510 has a substantially cylindrical shape. The operating member 510 has a switching knob 511. The switching knob 511 protrudes radially outward from the outer circumferential surface of the operating member 510 (see FIGS. 1, 2, and 8).

[0033] The water dividing member 520 has a substantially cylindrical shape. The outer diameter of the water dividing member 520 is smaller than the inner diameter of the operating member 510. The water dividing member 520 is arranged coaxially with the water dividing member 520 on the inner circumferential side of the operating member 510. The operating member 510 and the water dividing member 520 are configured to rotate integrally. Specifically, a recess 512 is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the operating member 510, and a protrusion 531 that engages with the recess 512 is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the water dividing member 520 (see FIG. 8).

[0034] A bottom wall 525 is provided at the downstream end of the water dividing member 520. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, a circular through-hole 544 is formed in the center of the bottom wall 525. A pair of arc-shaped first introduction holes 551 are formed in the bottom wall 525 around the through-hole 544. A plurality of (e.g., four) second introduction holes 552 that communicate with the internal space of the water dividing member 520 are formed in the outer circumferential surface of the water dividing member 520. An accommodating recess 532 is formed in the protruding portion 531. A spring 533 and a lock pin 534 are housed inside the accommodating recess 532. The tip of the lock pin 534 protrudes from the accommodating recess 532, and the spring 533 is disposed between the lock pin 534 and the bottom surface of the accommodating recess 532.

[0035] (Cartridge storage section 600) The cartridge accommodating portion 600 has a substantially cylindrical shape, as shown in Fig. 6. Examples of materials for the cartridge accommodating portion 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).

[0036] An accommodation space S capable of accommodating the cartridge 700 is formed inside the cartridge accommodation portion 600. The cartridge accommodation portion 600 has an upstream cover 610, a downstream cover 670, and a bubble generating member 650.

[0037] The upstream cover 610 has a substantially cylindrical shape. An upstream end portion 612 of the upstream cover 610 is inserted between the operating member 510 of the switching unit 500 and the water dividing member 520 (see FIGS. 6 and 8). A partition wall 611 is formed inside the upstream side of the upstream cover 610. The partition wall 611 divides the internal space of the upstream cover 610 in the axial direction of the upstream cover 610. A mounting shaft 618 that protrudes upstream is formed in the center of the partition wall 611. The mounting shaft 618 passes through a through-hole 544 of the water dividing member 520. In other words, the switching unit 500 is provided rotatable about the mounting shaft 618. A seal member 624 (e.g., an O-ring) seals the gap between the downstream side of the bottom wall 525 of the water dividing member 520 and the upstream side of the partition wall 611, preventing liquid leakage. Furthermore, the gap between the inner wall surface of the upstream cover 610 and the outer circumferential surface of the water dividing member 520 is sealed by a sealing member 542 (for example, an O-ring), thereby preventing leakage of liquid.

[0038] The partition wall 611 is formed with a pair of first water conduits 621 that penetrate the partition wall 611 (see FIG. 8). The pair of first water conduits 621 are arranged around the mounting shaft 618. Each of the first water conduits 621 is shaped like an arc with the mounting shaft 618 as its center. Furthermore, the partition wall 611 is formed with a plurality of (for example, four) second water conduits 622 that penetrate the partition wall 611. The plurality of second water conduits 622 are arranged radially outward of the pair of first water conduits 621.

[0039] An annular cartridge mounting portion 627 that protrudes upstream is formed on the partition wall 611. As will be described later, a connecting portion 733 of the cartridge 700 is attached to the cartridge mounting portion 627.

[0040] The downstream cover 670 has a substantially cylindrical shape and is disposed such that the downstream end face of the upstream cover 610 and the upstream end face of the downstream cover 670 face each other.

[0041] The bubble generating member 650 is fixed inside the downstream cover 670. The bubble generating member 650 has a bubble generating section 800 and a cover connecting section 652. The cover connecting section 652 is substantially cylindrical and constitutes part of the partition wall that defines the storage space S. The cover connecting section 652 detachably connects the upstream cover 610 and the downstream cover 670. Specifically, the cover connecting section 652 has an extending section 614 that extends into the upstream cover 610. A male thread 632 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the extending section 614, and a female thread 664 that screws into the male thread 632 is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the upstream cover 610. This makes it possible to replace the cartridge 700 stored in the cartridge storage section 600.

[0042] The bubble generating unit 800 is disposed downstream of the cover connecting unit 652. The bubble generating unit 800 is disposed downstream of the storage space S and upstream of the fixed flow path member 200. Examples of materials for the bubble generating unit 800 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 bubble generating unit 800 is an example of a bubble generator.

[0043] The bubble generating section 800 is formed with a plurality of (for example, seven) Venturi tubes 811. The inner wall of the Venturi tube 811 has a tapered shape. The Venturi tube 811 has the smallest inner diameter at the Venturi tube inlet 812 and the inner diameter gradually increases toward the Venturi tube outlet 813. The minimum inner diameter of the Venturi tube in this embodiment is 1.36 mm. As a result of a portion of the tubular flow path narrowing in this way, the flow rate of the liquid in the narrowed portion of the path increases. This reduces the pressure of the liquid at that point. As a result, the gas dissolved in the liquid reaches a saturated state, and the gas that is not fully saturated generates bubbles in the liquid.

[0044] Bubbles are gases that enter a liquid and become round due to surface tension. Bubbles with a diameter of less than 100 μm are called fine bubbles. Of the fine bubbles, those with a diameter of 1 to 100 μm are called microbubbles, and those with a diameter of less than 1 μm are called ultrafine bubbles.

[0045] A connecting part 820 is formed downstream of the bubble generating part 800. A screw thread 821 is formed on the outer surface of the connecting part 820. The connecting part 820 is connected to the joint part 220 of the fixed flow path member 200 by the screw thread 821, and the bubble generating part 800 (venturi tube 811) and the storage space S communicate with the base flow path 211 via the internal space of the joint part 220. The space between the connecting part 820 and the joint part 220 is sealed by a seal member 822 (for example, an O-ring), preventing leakage of liquid.

[0046] (Cartridge 700) 6, the cartridge 700 has a substantially cylindrical shape. The cartridge 700 has a size that allows it to be housed in the housing space S of the cartridge housing portion 600. The cartridge 700 is made up of an outer cylinder 710, an inner cylinder 720, and a lid portion 730.

[0047] Both the outer cylinder 710 and the inner cylinder 720 are cylindrical. The outer cylinder 710 has a bottom on the downstream side. The inner cylinder 720 is thinner than the outer cylinder 710. The inner cylinder 720 is disposed inside the outer cylinder 710 so that their central axes coincide. The lid portion 730 is disposed upstream of the outer cylinder 710. Examples of materials for the cartridge 700 include synthetic resins such as PP resin (polypropylene resin), 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).

[0048] A hole 714 is formed in the center of the downstream end 712 of the outer cylinder 710. The hole 714 communicates with a cartridge inlet channel 719 formed by the inner wall 722 of the inner cylinder 720. The space formed by the outer wall 711 of the outer cylinder 710 and the inner wall 631 of the cartridge accommodating portion 600 communicates with the second water passage 622. This space constitutes a part of the second input flow path. As shown in FIG. 9, ribs R (several locations) are arranged on the inner wall 631 of the cartridge accommodating portion 600. The ribs R and the outer wall 711 of the cartridge 700 are in contact with each other. This allows the second input flow path F2 to be uniformly secured between the cartridge accommodating portion 600 and the cartridge 700.

[0049] A check valve 725 (duckbill valve) is disposed downstream of the inner cylinder 720. A plurality of communication holes 723 are formed on the side surface of the inner cylinder 720. A water treatment agent D is disposed in the space formed by the inner wall 715 of the outer cylinder 710 and the outer wall 721 of the inner cylinder 720. Water that has flowed into the cartridge inlet channel 719 passes through the communication holes 723 and flows into the space formed by the inner wall 715 of the outer cylinder 710 and the outer wall 721 of the inner cylinder 720. The inflowing water comes into contact with the water treatment agent D, dissolving and suspending the water treatment agent. The liquid in which the water treatment agent D has been dissolved and suspended flows out through the communication holes 723 into the cartridge inlet channel 719.

[0050] The lid portion 730 is disposed so as to close the upstream end opening of the outer cylinder 710. A sealing member 732 (e.g., an O-ring) seals the outer circumferential surface of the lid portion 730 against the inner circumferential surface of the outer cylinder 710, preventing leakage of liquid. A cylindrical protruding connecting portion 733 is formed on the upstream side of the lid portion 730. The connecting portion 733 is attached to the cartridge mounting portion 627. A sealing member 735 (e.g., an O-ring) seals the outer circumferential surface of the connecting portion 733 against the inner circumferential surface of the cartridge mounting portion 627, preventing leakage of liquid. A hole 737 is formed in the center of the lid portion 730. The hole 737 communicates with the cartridge inlet channel 719 of the inner cylinder 720 and also communicates with the first water conduit 621. The hole 737, the cartridge inlet channel 719, and the hole 714 form a part of the first input flow path.

[0051] It should be noted that the lid portion 730 of the cartridge 700 can be capped with a cap (not shown) when the cartridge 700 is removed from the cartridge storage portion 600. This allows the water treating agent D in the cartridge 700 to be isolated from the external environment, and the cartridge 700 can be distributed independently.

[0052] (Water Treatment Agent D) Water Treatment Agent D is a solid product. It contains a block polymer (hereinafter referred to as PEG / PPG copolymer) having polyoxyethylene glycol (polyethylene glycol) and polyoxypropylene glycol (polypropylene glycol) units, and at least one of stearic acid or a stearic acid derivative (hereinafter also referred to as "stearic acid, etc."). By incorporating these ingredients, it is possible to ensure a certain amount of dissolution in cold water or hot water while suppressing excessive dissolution, thereby achieving sufficient durability. Furthermore, it is possible to improve the user experience during use.

[0053] PEG / PPG copolymer is a nonionic surfactant and has a heat-retaining effect. PEG / PPG copolymers used in showers are preferably solid at room temperature. The copolymerization ratio of PEG to PPG in the PEG / PPG copolymer is not particularly limited, but a PEG / PPG (mass ratio) range of 150-200 / 35-70 is preferred. If the proportion of PEG is greater than this copolymerization ratio of 150 / 35, the solubility of the shower cosmetic in cold water and hot water tends to be too high.

[0054] Stearic acid or stearic acid derivatives are mainly blended to improve the sensation (slippery feel) when using shower cosmetics. Examples of stearic acid derivatives include polyglyceryl stearate and stearates such as sodium stearate and potassium stearate. Specific examples of polyglyceryl stearate include polyglyceryl-5 stearate (CAS Registry Number: 37349-34-1 (Generic)), which is an ester of stearic acid and polyglycerin-5 (pentamer), and polyglyceryl-10 stearate (CAS Registry Number: 79777-30-3), which is an ester of stearic acid and polyglycerin-10 (decamer).

[0055] In addition to the above components, polyvinyl alcohol (hereinafter referred to as PVA) can be blended in. By blending PVA, the dissolution speed of the water treatment agent can be adjusted appropriately.

[0056] PVA has a large number of hydroxyl groups, making it highly hydrophilic and particularly soluble in warm water. The solubility of PVA in water varies depending on the temperature, with PVA being more soluble in warm water than in cold water. Therefore, by adjusting the PVA content, the solubility of the entire shower cosmetic in cold water or warm water can be adjusted. Furthermore, the addition of PVA can suppress the swelling of the shower cosmetic. Partially saponified PVA is preferred as the PVA used in shower cosmetic. Partially saponified PVA can increase the solubility in warm water and suppress swelling. This partially saponified PVA preferably has a degree of saponification of 86 to 90 mol % and a degree of polymerization of 1,800 to 2,000.

[0057] The composition ratio of the above components is preferably 80 to 97% by weight of PEG / PPG copolymer, 1 to 30% by weight of stearic acid or stearic acid derivative, and 0.1 to 15% by weight of PVA, assuming the water treatment agent in the cartridge to be 100%.

[0058] The active ingredient is not particularly limited. It may include agents that promote beauty effects on body surfaces such as skin, agents that protect body hair, and agents that remove chlorine from water. Specific examples of chlorine-removing ingredients include calcium sulfite, and examples of cosmetic ingredients include collagen, ceramide, placenta, various vitamins (vitamin C, vitamin E, etc.), natural fragrances, synthetic fragrances, blended fragrances (fragrances, etc.), oils, moisturizers, fragrances, deodorants, antiperspirants, and amino acids. Ingredients that prevent hair dryness include cholesterol, ceramide (ceramide NG, ceramide NP, ceramide AP, etc.), propylene glycol (PG), butanediol (NG) quaternium, and isopropanol. Ingredients that reduce friction on the hair surface include cetearamidoethyldiethonium hydrolyzed rice protein and isopropanol. Ingredients that reduce heat damage to hair include meadowfoam δ-lactone and tocopherol. In addition to the above components, the water treatment agent D may also contain pigments, preservatives, emulsifiers, viscosity modifiers, excipients, binders, and the like.

[0059] 9, of the multiple Venturi tubes 811, a Venturi tube inlet 812 which is the upstream end of a first Venturi tube 811A is disposed so as to be located on an extension of the central axis of a hole 714 of the cartridge 700. In other words, the upstream end of the first Venturi tube 811A is closer to the downstream end of the first input flow path F1 than to the downstream end of a second input flow path F2 which will be described later.

[0060] A1-1-3. Configuration of connection part 400 The connecting part 400 is a tubular member having a connecting hole 410. An external water supply pipe is connected to the upstream end of the connecting part 400. Examples of materials for the connecting part 400 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).

[0061] As shown in Figures 2, 6, and 7, the connection part 400 has a cylindrical part 430, a peripheral part 420, and a fitting part 440. The cylindrical part 430 is cylindrical with a bottom part 433 on the downstream side. A connection hole 410 is formed at the upstream end of the cylindrical part 430. An outflow hole 411 is formed on the side surface of the cylindrical part 430, downstream of the peripheral part 420. Water introduced through the connection hole 410 flows through the space inside the cylindrical part 430 to the outflow hole 411. The peripheral part 420 is a member that protrudes radially outward from the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical part 430. The fitting part 440 is cylindrical and protrudes downstream from the center of the cylindrical part 430.

[0062] As shown in FIG. 8, a switching groove 461 is formed in a lower bottom surface 421, which is the downstream surface of the peripheral edge portion 420. The switching groove 461 is a groove formed along the circumferential direction of the peripheral edge portion 420. A locking recess 462 and a locking recess 463 are formed on both ends of the switching groove 461. The locking recess 462 and the locking recess 463 have a substantially semicircular concave shape. The lower bottom surface 421 of the peripheral edge portion 420 has a circular convex portion 452 on the outside of the switching groove 461. The convex portion 452 has mating protrusions 451A and 451B that protrude further downstream.

[0063] A1-1-4. Relationship between the connection unit 400, the switching unit 500, and the cartridge storage unit 600 The relationship between the connection section 400, the switching section 500, and the cartridge storage section 600 will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 to 8. FIG.

[0064] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the mounting shaft 618 of the cartridge accommodating portion 600 is inserted into the through-hole 544 of the switching portion 500 and fitted inside the fitting portion 440 of the connecting portion 400. The fitting hole 441 of the fitting portion 440 and the mounting shaft 618 are screwed together with a screw T (see FIG. 6). The upstream portion of the cartridge accommodating portion 600 abuts against the convex portion 452 of the connecting portion 400. A fitting recess 615A (see FIG. 8) of the cartridge accommodating portion 600 is fitted with a fitting protrusion 451A, and a fitting recess 615B of the cartridge accommodating portion 600 is fitted with a fitting protrusion 451B of the connecting portion 400. This engages the cartridge accommodating portion 600 and the connecting portion 400, making the switching portion 500 rotatable relative to the connecting portion 400 and the cartridge accommodating portion 600.

[0065] A spring 543 is disposed on the outer periphery of the fitting portion 440 of the connection portion 400. The spring 543 is disposed in a compressed state between the bottom portion 433 of the connection portion 400 and the bottom wall 525 of the water dividing member 520 of the switching portion 500. This compresses and deforms the seal member 624, improving the airtightness between the switching portion 500 and the cartridge accommodating portion 600.

[0066] The lock pin 534 of the switching unit 500 engages with the groove of the switching groove 461 of the connecting unit 400. This causes the lock pin 534 to move along the switching groove 461. When the lock pin 534 approaches the position of the locking recess 462 or the locking recess 463, the bias of the spring 533 causes the lock pin 534 to fit into the locking recess 462 or the locking recess 463.

[0067] A1-1-5. Relationship between cartridge storage section 600 and cartridge 700 The relationship between the cartridge accommodating section 600 and the cartridge 700 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0068] The upstream end of the cartridge mounting portion 627 contacts a lid bottom surface 738 of the lid portion 730 of the cartridge 700. A space is provided between the upstream end of the connecting portion 733 and the partition wall 611. Liquid flows into this space from the first water conduit 621 via the first inlet hole 551. The liquid then passes through a space formed by the inner wall of the connecting portion 733 and flows out of the hole 737 into a space formed by the inner wall 722 of the inner cylinder 720 that constitutes the cartridge 700. This series of flow paths is part of the first input flow path.

[0069] 9, a plurality of ribs R extending linearly along the longitudinal direction of the cartridge accommodating portion 600 (cartridge 700) are arranged on the inner wall 631 of the cartridge accommodating portion 600. These ribs R position the cartridge 700 in the center of the cartridge accommodating portion 600 and ensure a second input flow path F2 around the entire circumference of the cartridge 700.

[0070] A-2. Shower Head 10 Operation: When a user turns on the faucet, water supplied from the water heater is supplied from the shower hose through connection hole 410 to the flow path inside connection unit 400. The shared water flows in through outlet hole 411 of connection unit 400 and into the space surrounded by connection unit 400 and tubular portion 521 of switching unit 500. This space branches into a first input flow path F1 and a second input flow path F2.

[0071] (First input flow path F1) The first input flow path F1 will be described with reference to Figures 6 and 7. Water that flows into the space formed inside the switching unit 500 passes through a first inlet hole 551 formed in the switching unit 500 and a first water conduit 621 formed in the cartridge accommodating unit 600, in that order. The water that passes through the first water conduit 621 passes through the space between the partition wall 611 arranged in the cartridge accommodating unit 600 and the connecting unit 733 of the cartridge 700. The passed water then passes through the space inside the connecting unit 733, a hole 737 formed in the cartridge 700, a space surrounded by the inner wall 722 of the inner cylinder 720, and the check valve 725, in that order, and is released to the outside of the cartridge 700 through a hole 714 in the cartridge 700.

[0072] (Second input flow path F2) The second input flow path F2 will be described with reference to Figures 6 and 7. Water that flows into the space formed inside the switching unit 500 passes through the second inlet hole 552 formed in the switching unit 500, the space surrounded by the inner wall of the cartridge accommodating unit 600 and the downstream side surface of the switching unit 500, and the second water conduit 622, in that order. The water then passes through the space surrounded by the inner wall 631 of the cartridge accommodating unit 600 and the outer wall 711 of the cartridge 700.

[0073] (Open and closed states of the first input flow path F1) The open and closed states of the first input flow path F1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 to 8 and 10. The open state of the first input flow path F1 means that water flows through the first input flow path, and the closed state of the first input flow path F1 means that water does not flow through the first input flow path. The first input flow path F1 is switched between the open and closed states by operating the switching unit 500. When the operating member 510 of the switching unit 500 is rotated using the switching knob 511, the water dividing member 520 rotates relative to the cartridge receiving unit 600 in conjunction with the rotation of the operating member 510. When the switching unit 500 rotates, the lock pin 534 arranged in the switching unit 500 moves along the switching groove 461 of the connecting unit 400. When the lock pin 534 approaches the position of the locking recess 462 or the locking recess 463, the lock pin 534 engages with the locking recess 462 or the locking recess 463 due to the bias of the spring 533 arranged between the accommodation recess 532 and the lock pin 534. When the lock pin 534 moves along the switching groove 461 and engages with the locking recess 462 or the locking recess 463, the user can feel a click.

[0074] The first input flow path F1 is opened or closed depending on whether the lock pin 534 of the switching unit 500 is fitted into the locking recess 462 or the locking recess 463 of the connecting unit 400. As shown in FIG. 10A, when the lock pin 340 is in the locking recess 462, the position of the first inlet hole 551 formed in the switching unit 500 coincides with the position of the hole on the switching unit 500 side of the first water conduit 621 formed in the cartridge accommodating unit 600. This brings the first inlet hole 551 and the first water conduit 621 into communication, thereby opening the first input flow path F1. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 10B, when the lock pin 340 is in the locking recess 463, the position of the first inlet hole 551 formed in the switching unit 500 does not coincide with the position of the hole on the switching unit 500 side of the first water conduit 621 formed in the cartridge accommodating unit 600. As a result, the first introduction hole 551 and the first water conduit 621 do not communicate with each other, and the first input flow path F1 is closed.

[0075] The upstream end of the second input flow path F2 remains open even when the switching unit 500 is rotated. The second introduction hole 552 is formed in the side surface of the tubular portion 521. Even if the switching unit 500 selects between opening and closing the first input flow path, the second introduction hole 552 communicates with the space formed by the tubular portion 521 and the inner wall of the cartridge accommodating portion 600. In other words, the second input flow path F2 communicates from the second introduction hole 552 to the upstream end of the second water conduit 622, regardless of whether the first input flow path F1 is open or closed.

[0076] (Switching emission modes) When the user rotates the protective cover 122 using the mode knob 124, the movable flow path member 300 and the mist generating member 900, which is the release section, rotate relative to the fixed flow path member 200 in conjunction with the rotation of the protective cover 122. The protective cover 122 is displaceable between a plurality of designated positions corresponding to each release mode, thereby switching between the plurality of release modes. For example, when the protective cover 122 is rotated to a position that designates the mist mode, the mist inlet is positioned to align with the base outlet hole 230, and the inlets of the other flow paths are blocked by the packing 240. This allows water to flow into the mist flow path. As shown by the solid line in Figure 4, water that has passed through the mist flow path passes through the outer surface recess 916 of the mist inlet section 910, the input hole 912, the internal space of the mist inlet section 910 (recess 918), the output hole 913, and the swirling chamber 930A in that order, and is released to the outside through the release hole 154.

[0077] The groove of input hole 912 is a throttled flow path that is narrower than the groove of outer surface recess 916 and output hole 913. When liquid passes through the inside of the groove of input hole 912, which is a throttled flow path, and flows into the space inside mist inlet section 910 (recess 918), the liquid flows while swirling through the space inside mist inlet section 910 (recess 918). While swirling at high speed, the water passes through swirling chamber 930A and is discharged from mist hole 154A, breaking down into fine particles and becoming mist.

[0078] A-3. Advantages of this embodiment: As described above, in this embodiment, the switching unit 500 (e.g., the second inlet 552 of the water dividing member 520) forms part of the first input flow path F1. Therefore, the switching unit 500 itself can be a factor in generating turbulence in the liquid flowing through the first input flow path F1. Furthermore, the switching operation of the switching unit 500 makes it easier for turbulence to be generated in the liquid flowing through the first input flow path F1. However, in this embodiment, the switching unit 500 is disposed upstream of the first input flow path F1, and a distance from the bubble generation unit 800 is ensured, thereby suppressing turbulence when the liquid flows into the bubble generation unit 800.

[0079] B. Variations: The technology disclosed in this specification is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be modified in various forms without departing from the spirit thereof, for example, the following modifications are also possible. (1) In the above embodiment, the multiple discharge modes set for the shower head 10 were exemplified as "mist mode," "straight mode," "pure straight mode," and "jet mode," but the discharge modes can be set arbitrarily. For example, the number of discharge modes a shower head has can be three or less, or five or more. Furthermore, the types of discharge modes a shower head has can also include a massage mode and a stop-flow mode. (2) The number and arrangement of the mist-forming holes are optional. (3) In the above embodiment, the second input flow path F2 may not be provided. (4) In the above embodiment, the discharge holes 15 (151-154) are formed in the protective cover 122, but this is not limiting. For example, the discharge holes 15 (151-154) may be formed in the mist generating member 900, and a portion of the mist generating member 900 having the discharge holes 15 formed therein may be pierced through a hole formed in the protective cover. [Explanation of symbols]

[0080] 10: Shower head 11: Housing 12: Head section 13: Grip section 15: Discharge hole 121: Head cover 122: Protective cover 124: Switching knob 154: Discharge hole 154A: Mist hole 200: Fixed flow path member 230: Base outlet hole 300: Movable flow path member 310: Flow path forming section 320: Mist flow path 340: Lock pin 360: Stopper section 400: Connection section 410: Connection hole 411: Outlet hole 500: Switching section 510: Operating member 511: Switching knob 520: Water dividing member 521: Cylinder section 551: First inlet hole 552: Second inlet hole 600: Cartridge storage section 621: First water conduit 622: Second water conduit 627: Cartridge mounting section 650: Bubble generating member 700: Cartridge 710: Outer cylinder 714: Hole 719: Cartridge inlet passage 720: Inner cylinder 725: Check valve 730: Lid 800: Bubble generating section 811: Venturi tube 820: Connecting section 900: Mist generating member 910: Mist inlet section 912: Input hole 913: Output hole 930: Mist output section 930A: Swirling chamber D: Water treatment agent F1: First input flow path F2: Second input flow path S: Storage space T: Screw

Claims

1. A shower head, a connection part having a connection hole to be connected to a water supply pipe; a discharge portion having a discharge hole for discharging a liquid; a housing disposed downstream of the connection portion and upstream of the discharge portion, the housing having an output flow path communicating with the discharge hole, and a first input flow path communicating with an upstream end of the output flow path and the connection hole, the first input flow path having a water treatment agent disposed therein; a bubble generator disposed in the output flow path; a switching unit that is disposed upstream of the first input flow path and that switches between an open state that opens the first input flow path and a closed state that closes the first input flow path; Equipped with a shower head.

2. 10. The showerhead of claim 1, the bubble generator having a Venturi tube; Shower head.

3. 10. The showerhead of claim 1, the housing has a storage space and a cartridge detachably stored in the storage space, The cartridge constitutes at least a flow path portion of the first input flow path in which the water treatment agent is disposed. Shower head.

4. 4. The showerhead of claim 3, a second input flow path inside the housing, the second input flow path communicating with the upstream end of the output flow path and the connection hole; The shower head further comprises:

5. 5. The showerhead of claim 4, At least a part of the second input flow path is a space formed between an inner wall of the accommodating space and an outer wall of the cartridge. Shower head.

6. 5. The showerhead of claim 4, the bubble generator includes a first Venturi tube; an upstream end of the first Venturi tube is closer to a downstream end of the first input flow passage than a downstream end of the second input flow passage; Shower head.

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