Shower head and water outlet unit

Abstract

To provide a shower head that can effectively provide a massage effect. [Solution] The shower head 1 is equipped with an insertion section 20 into which the object to be sprayed with water (such as an arm L) is inserted. The insertion section 20 has a plurality of spouts 31A, 32A, 33A, and 34A that intermittently spray water toward the inserted object to be sprayed with water.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a shower head and a water discharge unit.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a conventional shower head. This shower head has a plurality of water spray holes provided along the inside of an annularly formed pipe. This shower head sprays water in all directions onto parts such as the hands and feet of a human body inserted inside the annular pipe. As a result, this shower head can impart a three-dimensional massage effect to parts such as the hands and feet of the human body.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] This type of shower head is desired to be able to effectively impart a massage effect.

[0005] Therefore, the present disclosure aims to solve the problem of providing a shower head and a water discharge unit that can effectively impart a massage effect.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The shower head according to the present disclosure includes an insertion portion into which a water discharge target is inserted, and a plurality of water discharge ports are formed in the insertion portion for intermittently discharging water toward the inserted water discharge target.

[0007] The water discharge unit according to the present disclosure includes the above shower head and a hot and cold water mixing faucet connected to the above shower head.

[0008] Another water discharge unit relating to this disclosure comprises the shower head and a pump connected to the shower head, and discharges hot water pumped up by the pump. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a schematic front view showing a shower head according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] This is a schematic partial cross-sectional view showing a shower head according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 3] This is a diagram illustrating the flow of hot and cold water in a shower head according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 4] This is a diagram illustrating the operation of the shower head according to Embodiment 1, showing the state in which water is discharged towards the arm inserted into the insertion part. [Figure 5] This is a diagram illustrating the flow of hot and cold water in a showerhead according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 6] This is a schematic front view showing a shower head according to Embodiment 3. [Figure 7] This figure illustrates a shower head according to another embodiment, showing an example that includes an insertion portion that expands and contracts in the circumferential direction. [Figure 8] This figure illustrates a shower head according to another embodiment, showing an example with a radially deformable insertion portion. [Figure 9] This diagram illustrates a showerhead according to another embodiment, showing an example where collisions between water streams are avoided by adjusting the water discharge direction. [Figure 10] This diagram illustrates a shower head according to another embodiment, showing an example of controlling the direction of water splashback by setting the water discharge direction. [Figure 11] This figure illustrates a shower head according to another embodiment, showing a modified example (part 1) of the shape of the inner circumferential surface of the insertion part. [Figure 12]This figure illustrates a shower head according to another embodiment, showing a modified example (part 2) of the shape of the inner circumferential surface of the insertion portion. [Figure 13] This figure illustrates a shower head according to another embodiment, showing a modified example (part 3) of the shape of the inner circumferential surface of the insertion portion. [Figure 14] This is a diagram illustrating a shower head according to another embodiment, showing an example with a protrusion. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] First, embodiments of this disclosure will be listed and described. Any combination of the following embodiments, without causing any inconsistency, is also included as a form for carrying out the invention.

[0011] The shower head relating to this disclosure is [1] The device is equipped with an insertion section into which a water-discharge object is inserted, and the insertion section has a plurality of water outlets that intermittently discharge water toward the inserted water-discharge object.

[0012] This showerhead intermittently discharges hot and cold water from multiple nozzles. The discharged water intermittently strikes the object inserted into the nozzle, applying intermittent pressure. Unlike continuous pressure, this intermittent pressure effectively provides a massage effect. When the body is intermittently compressed, the muscles in that area produce an effect similar to acupressure, where the pads of the fingers press and release. In this case, the area receiving intermittent pressure repeatedly experiences a state where blood is pushed out to the surrounding area and then rapidly flows in from the surrounding area, which is thought to promote blood circulation in that area. This improved blood circulation contributes to the elimination of fatigue-causing substances and energy supply. Therefore, this showerhead can effectively provide a massage effect compared to continuous water discharge.

[0013] The above-mentioned "intermittent water discharge" intends to cover all water discharges in which the discharge flow rate changes over time. In the shower head according to the present disclosure, intermittent water discharge does not necessarily require the discharge flow rate to be zero, and may repeat relatively high-flow water discharge and relatively low-flow water discharge. The intermittent water discharge of the present disclosure may be a water discharge form in which the discharge flow rate changes periodically, such as a sine wave shape, a pulse wave shape, a saw blade shape, etc., or a water discharge form in which the discharge flow rate changes irregularly.

[0014] [2] In [1] above, a first water discharge port, which is one of the plurality of water discharge ports, has a different water discharge timing from a second water discharge port, which is another one of the plurality of water discharge ports. According to this configuration, the shower head can more effectively impart a massage effect compared to, for example, the case where intermittent water discharge is performed from a plurality of water discharge ports at the same timing. That is, in this case, a timing can be provided when water is not discharged simultaneously from both the first water discharge port and the second water discharge port. In this case, the flow rate and pressure can be concentrated on one water discharge port. As a result, this shower head can more effectively impart a pressing force. [3] In [2] above, the first water discharge port and the second water discharge port are adjacent to each other. According to this configuration, the shower head can perform water discharges at different timings between adjacent water discharge ports. [4] In any one of [2] and [3] above, the first water discharge port and the second water discharge port discharge water alternately. According to this configuration, the shower head can alternately impart the pressing force due to the water discharge from each water discharge port. Note that as the form in which the first water discharge port and the second water discharge port alternately perform intermittent water discharge, it is not necessarily only the form in which water is discharged only from one of the water discharge ports, but there may be a timing when water is discharged from both water discharge ports, or there may be a timing when water is not discharged from any of the water discharge ports. [5] In any one of [1] to [4] above, the water discharge target is either the user's arm or leg. In this case, the shower head can favorably impart a massage effect to either the arm or leg of the user of the shower head. [6] In [5] above, the plurality of water discharge ports discharge water in a direction inclined toward the tip side of either the arm or the leg in a state of being inserted into the insertion portion. According to this configuration, it is possible to suppress the scattering of droplets toward the face direction of the user when using the shower head.

[0015] The water discharge unit according to the present disclosure is [7] Any one of the shower heads from [1] to [6] above and a hot and cold water mixing faucet connected to the shower head are provided.

[0016] Another water discharge unit according to the present disclosure is [8] Any one of the shower heads from [1] to [6] above and a pump connected to the shower head are provided, and the hot and cold water pumped up by the pump is discharged.

[0017] <Embodiment 1> The shower head 1 according to Embodiment 1 is a shower head for massage. The shower head 1 is used as a so-called hand shower that can be held by the user. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the shower head 1 is connected to one end of a water passage hose H. The other end of the water passage hose H is connected to a shower elbow (not shown) of the hot and cold water mixing faucet T. The shower head 1 and the hot and cold water mixing faucet T constitute a water discharge unit. The shower head 1 can discharge the hot and cold water supplied from the water supply source through the hot and cold water mixing faucet T. In this specification, the hot water and water supplied to the shower head 1 and discharged from the shower head 1 are referred to as hot and cold water regardless of the temperature, mixing ratio, etc.

[0018] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the shower head 1 comprises a gripping part 10 and an insertion part 20. The gripping part 10 is the part that the user of the shower head 1 is expected to grip when using it. The gripping part 10 is rod-shaped and connected to the insertion part 20 at one end. The gripping part 10 is connected to the insertion part 20 at one end and to the water supply hose H at the other end. Inside the gripping part 10, a flow path is formed to allow hot water supplied from the water supply hose H to flow to the insertion part 20. An operation switch 11 is provided on the gripping part 10. The operation switch 11 is an operation part for switching between water flow and water shutoff at the user's hand.

[0019] The insertion section 20 is into which either the user's arm or leg (hereinafter also referred to as "arm, etc.") is inserted. These body parts correspond to the targets of water discharge according to this disclosure. As shown in Figure 1, the insertion section 20 forms an insertion space 20A. The user's arm, etc. is inserted into this insertion space 20A. In this embodiment, the insertion section 20 forms a series of annular shapes. Specifically, the insertion section 20 is an annular shape having a substantially circular outer shape in a front view as shown in Figure 1. The insertion section 20 has a plurality of water outlets 31A, 32A, 33A, and 34A, which will be described later. The insertion section 20 can intermittently discharge water from the plurality of water outlets 31A, 32A, 33A, and 34A towards the inserted arm, etc. The insertion section 20 has a flow path inside that allows hot water supplied from the gripping section 10 to flow to the plurality of water outlets 31A, 32A, 33A, and 34A.

[0020] In the following description, the front-to-back direction of the shower head 1 is defined as the side on which the operating switch 11 on the grip portion 10 is located being the front (front side). Therefore, the rear (back side) of the shower head 1 is the side opposite to the side on which the operating switch 11 on the grip portion 10 is located. In the shower head 1, the insertion space 20A in the insertion portion 20 runs parallel to the front-to-back direction. When using the shower head 1, the user typically inserts their arm or other body part into the insertion portion 20 from the front of the shower head 1. When the user's arm or other body part is inserted into the insertion portion 20, the tip of the arm or other body part is located on the rear side of the shower head 1 (see Figure 4).

[0021] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the insertion section 20 is provided with a plurality of water discharge sections 31, 32, 33, and 34. In this embodiment, the insertion section 20 is provided with four water discharge sections 31, 32, 33, and 34. Each water discharge section 31, 32, 33, and 34 is arranged at approximately equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the annular insertion section 20. Of these water discharge sections 31, 32, 33, and 34, water discharge sections 31 and 33, and water discharge sections 32 and 34 are arranged opposite each other in the radial direction of the insertion section 20.

[0022] Each of the water outlets 31, 32, 33, and 34 has a water outlet 31A, 32A, 33A, and 34A formed thereon. That is, the insertion part 20 has multiple water outlets 31A, 32A, 33A, and 34A formed thereon. The number of water outlets 31A, 32A, 33A, and 34A in the shower head 1 is fewer than that of a conventional shower head. In this embodiment, there are four water outlets 31A, 32A, 33A, and 34A. Of the multiple water outlets 31A, 32A, 33A, and 34A, water outlets 31A and 33A correspond to the first water outlet according to this disclosure, and water outlets 32A and 34A correspond to the second water outlet according to this disclosure. Each water outlet 31A, 32A, 33A, and 34A opens on the inner circumference side of the annular insertion part 20.

[0023] Each of the spouts 31A, 32A, 33A, and 34A is connected to the flow paths F1 and F2, which will be described later. Each of the spouts 31A, 32A, 33A, and 34A can discharge hot water towards an arm or the like inserted into the insertion section 20. Each of the spouts 31A, 32A, 33A, and 34A intermittently discharges hot water towards an arm or the like inserted into the insertion section 20. The discharge flow rate from each of the spouts 31A, 32A, 33A, and 34A is greater than the discharge flow rate from each spout of a conventional shower head. Specifically, each of the spouts 31A, 32A, 33A, and 34A discharges approximately 1.0 L to 2.0 L of hot water per minute.

[0024] As shown in Figure 2, each of the spouts 31A, 32A, 33A, and 34A discharges water in a direction inclined toward the tip of an arm or the like when it is inserted into the insertion part 20. In this embodiment, each of the spouts 31A, 32A, 33A, and 34A discharges water in a direction inclined about 30° toward the back side with respect to the direction toward the center of the insertion space 20A as seen from each of the spouts 31A, 32A, 33A, and 34A, or in other words, the direction perpendicular to the front-back direction. The direction toward the center of the insertion space 20A as seen from each of the spouts 31A, 32A, 33A, and 34A can also be described as the direction perpendicular to the central axis of the insertion part 20.

[0025] Of the multiple water outlets 31A, 32A, 33A, and 34A, water outlets 31A and 33A have different intermittent water discharge timings than water outlets 32A and 34A. In other words, in this embodiment, among the multiple water outlets 31A, 32A, 33A, and 34A, those adjacent to each other in the arrangement direction (circumferential direction of the insertion portion 20) have different intermittent water discharge timings. Specifically, water outlets 31A and 33A and water outlets 32A and 34A discharge water alternately. Water outlets 31A and 33A discharge water intermittently at similar timings. Similarly, water outlets 32A and 34A discharge water intermittently at similar timings. In other words, in this embodiment, of the multiple water outlets 31A, 32A, 33A, and 34A, those that are arranged opposite each other in the radial direction of the insertion section 20 discharge water intermittently at the same timing, while those that are adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction of the insertion section 20 discharge water intermittently alternately.

[0026] In this embodiment, intermittent water discharge from each of the water outlets 31A, 32A, 33A, and 34A is achieved by the following configuration. The shower head 1 has multiple flow paths F1 and F2 formed inside. Specifically, as shown in Figure 3, the shower head 1 has two flow paths: a first flow path F1 that communicates with water outlets 31A and 33A, and a second flow path F2 that communicates with water outlets 32A and 34A. The two flow paths F1 and F2 are connected to an intermittent water supply unit 40 at their upstream ends. The intermittent water supply unit 40 alternately supplies water from a water source supplied via a water hose H to the two flow paths F1 and F2. When the intermittent water supply unit 40 is supplying water to one of the two flow paths F1 and F2, it does not supply water to the other. The intermittent water supply unit 40 may be configured with, for example, a known mechanism (not shown) that produces a flip-flop phenomenon. In this embodiment, the intermittent water supply unit 40 is housed within the gripping unit 10. That is, by incorporating the intermittent water supply unit 40, which is the mechanism for intermittent water discharge, into the gripping unit 10 of the shower head 1, a simple configuration is achieved for the insertion unit 20 that forms each of the water outlets 31A, 32A, 33A, and 34A.

[0027] Examples of configurations for forming multiple channels include dividing the internal space of a hollow gripping section, insertion section, or other part into multiple channels, and arranging multiple tubes such as resin tubes within the internal space.

[0028] The operation and effects of the shower head 1 with the above configuration will be explained along with an example of use. When using the shower head 1, the user holds the shower head 1 by grasping the handle portion 10 with one hand. The user operates the hot and cold water mixing faucet T to supply hot and cold water to the shower head 1. At this time, the shower head 1 can be kept in a state where water discharge does not start by operating the operation switch 11 to the water-stop position. Therefore, the shower head 1 can avoid wasting hot and cold water before inserting an arm or the like into the insertion portion 20.

[0029] The user inserts their arm or other body part into the insertion space 20A in the insertion section 20. In the case of Figure 4, the user of the shower head 1 inserts their arm or other body part L from the front side of the shower head 1. The user operates the operation switch 11 to the water discharge state. This causes the shower head 1 to start discharging water. Each of the water outlets 31A, 32A, 33A, and 34A discharges water in an inclined direction toward the tip of the inserted arm or other body part L. The user of the shower head 1 can easily position their face on the opposite side from the tip of the arm or other body part L inserted into the insertion section 20. Therefore, the shower head 1 can suppress the scattering of water droplets that hit the arm or other body part L toward the user's face, resulting in a comfortable user experience.

[0030] Hot and cold water is intermittently discharged from each of the spouts 31A, 32A, 33A, and 34A. The intermittently discharged hot and cold water intermittently strikes the user's arms, etc., applying intermittent pressure. The user of the showerhead 1 has their arms, etc., comfortably compressed by pressure with varying strengths, similar to acupressure, and an effective massage effect is provided.

[0031] Each of the spouts 31A, 32A, 33A, and 34A dispenses water intermittently at different timings than adjacent spouts. Specifically, among the spouts 31A, 32A, 33A, and 34A, spouts 31A and 33A dispense water intermittently alternately with the adjacent spouts 32A and 34A. The user of showerhead 1 can enjoy a massage effect from the alternating pressure applied at different timings to different parts of their arms, etc., by the hot and cold water being dispensed alternately at different timings.

[0032] Of the spouts 31A, 32A, 33A, and 34A, spouts 31A and 33A, and spouts 32A and 34A are positioned opposite each other on the inner circumference of the insertion section 20. These opposing spouts 31A and 33A, and spouts 32A and 34A, each discharge water at the same time. The user can apply a comfortable pressing force to their arm or other body inserted into the insertion section 20, feeling as if it is being alternately squeezed by the water discharged from spouts 31A and 33A, and from spouts 32A and 34A.

[0033] As described above, the shower head 1 according to Embodiment 1 includes an insertion section 20. The user's arm, etc. L is inserted into the insertion section 20 as the target of water discharge according to this disclosure. Multiple water outlets 31A, 32A, 33A, and 34A are formed in the insertion section 20. The multiple water outlets 31A, 32A, 33A, and 34A intermittently discharge hot water toward the arm, etc. L inserted into the insertion section 20.

[0034] The showerhead 1 intermittently discharges hot and cold water from multiple outlets 31A, 32A, 33A, and 34A. The discharged hot and cold water intermittently strikes the arm or other body part L inserted into the insertion part 20, applying intermittent pressure. Therefore, the showerhead 1 can effectively provide a massage effect compared to a showerhead that discharges water continuously.

[0035] In the showerhead 1, of the water outlets 31A, 32A, 33A, and 34A, water outlets 31A and 33A and water outlets 32A and 34A intermittently discharge water at different timings. Water outlets 31A and 33A and water outlets 32A and 34A correspond to the first and second water outlets according to this disclosure, respectively. Therefore, the showerhead 1 can provide a more effective massage effect compared to the case where water is discharged intermittently from multiple water outlets at the same timing. For example, the showerhead 1 can provide a more effective massage effect compared to the case where water is discharged intermittently from multiple water outlets at the same timing. When water is discharged intermittently from multiple water outlets at different timings, it is possible to include a period when water is not discharged from one of the water outlets. In this case, the discharge flow rate and discharge pressure can be concentrated on the water discharged from the water outlet that is discharging water, and the pressing force can be applied more effectively.

[0036] The spouts that dispense water intermittently at different timings are spouts 31A and 33A, and spouts 32A and 34A, which are adjacent to each other. Specifically, among the spouts 31A, 32A, 33A, and 34A, those that are adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction of the insertion section 20 dispense water intermittently at different timings. Therefore, the shower head 1 can dispense water at different timings from adjacent spouts.

[0037] In the showerhead 1, of the water outlets 31A, 32A, 33A, and 34A, water outlets 31A and 33A, and water outlets 32A and 34A alternately discharge water. Water outlets 31A and 33A, and water outlets 32A and 34A are adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction of the insertion part 20. Therefore, the showerhead 1 can alternately apply pressure from the water discharged from adjacent water outlets. The user of the showerhead 1 can enjoy a massage effect on different parts of their arms, etc., due to the alternating pressure applied at different timings by the water being discharged alternately at different timings.

[0038] In the shower head 1, each of the spouts 31A, 32A, 33A, and 34A discharges water in a direction inclined toward the tip of the arm or the like L when it is inserted into the insertion part 20. Therefore, the shower head 1 can suppress the scattering of water droplets toward the user's face when in use.

[0039] The shower head 1 according to this disclosure constitutes a water discharge unit together with a hot and cold water mixing faucet T. A water discharge unit equipped with such a shower head 1 can enjoy the effects of the shower head 1.

[0040] <Embodiment 2> The shower head according to Embodiment 2 will be described with reference to Figure 5. The shower head 201 of Embodiment 2 differs from Embodiment 1 in that each spout intermittently discharges water at the same timing. In the following description, components similar to those in Embodiment 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations are omitted.

[0041] As shown in Figure 5, the shower head 201 of Embodiment 2 is equipped with an insertion section 220. The insertion section 220 is annular in shape, forming an insertion space (not shown) similar to that of Embodiment 1. The insertion section 220 is provided with four water outlets 231, 232, 233, and 234, arranged in the same manner as the water outlet section of Embodiment 1. Each water outlet 231, 232, 233, and 234 has one water outlet 231A, 232A, 233A, and 234A, respectively. A flow path F21 is connected to each water outlet 231A, 232A, 233A, and 234A. The flow path F21 supplies hot and cold water to each water outlet 231A, 232A, 233A, and 234A via an intermittent water supply section 240.

[0042] The intermittent water supply unit 240 supplies water to a single flow path F21 while changing the flow rate over time. The intermittent water supply unit 240 is configured, for example, with an automatic valve, and the flow rate changes over time by periodically changing the opening of the valve. The hot and cold water supplied from the intermittent water supply unit 240 through the flow path F21 is discharged from each outlet 231A, 232A, 233A, 234A as intermittent discharge with a flow rate that changes over time. The shower head 201 of the above configuration of Embodiment 2 can effectively provide a massage effect, similar to Embodiment 1.

[0043] <Embodiment 3> The shower head according to Embodiment 3 will be described with reference to Figure 6. The shower head 301 of Embodiment 3 differs from Embodiment 1 in that multiple water outlets are formed in each water outlet. In the following description, the same reference numerals are used for components similar to those in Embodiment 1, and redundant explanations are omitted.

[0044] As shown in Figure 6, the shower head 301 of Embodiment 3 is provided with an insertion portion 320. The insertion portion 320 is annular in shape, similar to Embodiment 1. The insertion portion 320 is provided with four water outlets 331, 332, 333, and 334, arranged in the same manner as the water outlet portion of Embodiment 1. Each water outlet portion 331, 332, 333, and 334 has two water outlets 331A, 331B, 332A, 332B, 333A, 333B, and 334A, 334B, respectively. The two water outlets in each water outlet portion correspond to the first water outlet and the second water outlet according to this disclosure, respectively. In other words, the two outlets 331A and 331B in the water outlet section 331, the two outlets 332A and 332B in the water outlet section 332, the two outlets 333A and 333B in the water outlet section 333, and the two outlets 334A and 334B in the water outlet section 334 correspond to the first and second outlets according to this disclosure, respectively. The four water outlet sections 331, 332, 333, and 334 have similar configurations. In the following description, the configuration of the water outlet section 331 will be described as an example, and the descriptions of the other water outlet sections will be omitted.

[0045] The two outlets 331A and 331B in the water discharge section 331 discharge water intermittently at different timings. Similar to Embodiment 1, the two outlets 331A and 331B discharge water in a direction inclined about 30° toward the back side with respect to the tip side of an arm or the like inserted into the insertion section 320, i.e., the direction toward the center of the insertion space 20A. Water is discharged from the two outlets 331A and 331B in directions parallel to each other. The two outlets 331A and 332B are adjacent to each other. In detail, the two outlets 331A and 332B are adjacent in the circumferential direction of the annular insertion section 320. The two outlets 331A and 332B have different water discharge timings. The two outlets 331A and 332B discharge water alternately. Furthermore, the arrangement of adjacent spouts is not limited to being adjacent in the circumferential direction of the insertion section; they may also be adjacent in directions that intersect the circumferential direction, such as the front-to-back direction.

[0046] The shower head 301 according to Embodiment 3 of the above configuration provides the same functions and effects as Embodiment 1. In the shower head 301, the two adjacent spouts 331A and 331B discharge water in directions parallel to each other. Therefore, the point of impact on the arm, etc., is at a close position equivalent to the distance between the two spouts 331A and 331B. The user of the shower head 301 can receive alternating pressure from the hot and cold water discharged alternately from the two spouts 331A and 331B at different timings, giving a sensation similar to acupressure massage. In the spout section 331, the hot and cold water discharged alternately from the two adjacent spouts 331A and 331B at different timings exhibits a discharge pattern that resembles a periodically oscillating discharge from a single spout, providing a good massage effect.

[0047] <Other Embodiments> This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above in the description and drawings, but also includes, for example, the following embodiments within the technical scope of this disclosure.

[0048] The target of water discharge according to this disclosure is not limited to either the arm or leg as exemplified in the above embodiments. The target of water discharge may be any body part as long as it can be inserted into the insertion part.

[0049] The hot and cold water discharged from the showerhead according to this disclosure may be other than tap water, such as hot and cold water from a bathtub pumped up by a pump or the like. In other words, the water discharge unit according to this disclosure may be configured with a pump instead of the hot and cold water mixing faucet exemplified in Embodiment 1 above. When using hot and cold water from a bathtub, for example, by using the showerhead inside the bathtub, the hot and cold water can be circulated within the bathtub, which is preferable from an environmental standpoint as well as from an economic standpoint.

[0050] The number of water outlets in the shower head according to this disclosure is not particularly limited. The number of water outlets is not limited to the four exemplified in each of the above embodiments, but may be three or fewer, or five or more. It is preferable to have multiple water outlets. The multiple water outlets do not necessarily have to be arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the insertion part, and may be arranged at unequal intervals. Each water outlet may have three or more outlets. Each water outlet may have a different number of outlets.

[0051] In the shower head according to this disclosure, the insertion portion is not necessarily annular. The insertion portion may be an annular shape such as an ellipse or oval, or an annular shape with polygonal features such as a triangle, square, or hexagon. The insertion portion is not limited to annular shape; it may be cylindrical in shape, with an axial length relatively long compared to its radial thickness. An insertion portion with an annular or cylindrical shape may have a notch formed in a part of its circumferential direction. The insertion portion may be divided in the circumferential direction, for example, in a U-shape or C-shape. The cross-sectional shape of the insertion portion is also not particularly limited. The shape of the insertion portion is not particularly limited, as long as it forms an insertion space into which an object to be sprayed can be inserted, such as a form having only two opposing water outlets or a form having three inward-facing insertion portions.

[0052] In the shower head according to this disclosure, the insertion portion may be provided in a manner that allows for changes in radial size. In other words, the shower head according to this disclosure may be provided in a manner that allows for changes in the size of the insertion space formed by the insertion portion. The shower head 401 shown in Figure 7 is provided with an insertion portion 420. The insertion portion 420 is provided in a manner that allows for expansion and contraction in the circumferential direction. Specifically, the insertion portion 420 has a plurality of outer cylinders 421 and a plurality of inner cylinders 422 that connect adjacent outer cylinders 421. Each outer cylinder 421 has a water outlet (not shown). Each inner cylinder 422 can be extended in a so-called telescopic manner relative to each outer cylinder 421. The insertion portion 420 can take two different states: a housed state in which each inner cylinder 422 is housed within the outer cylinder 421, and an extended state in which each inner cylinder 422 is extended from the outer cylinder 421. By taking the extended state, the insertion portion 420 can be made larger in radial size than in the housed state. This allows the size of the insertion space 420A formed by the insertion portion 420 to be changed in the radial direction.

[0053] Figure 8 shows an example of another shower head with a freely adjustable insertion space. The shower head 501 shown in Figure 8 is equipped with an insertion section 520. The insertion section 520 is provided to be elastically deformable in the radial direction. The insertion section 520 is divided in the circumferential direction. One divided end of the insertion section 520 is connected to the gripping section 10. The other divided end of the insertion section 520 is provided with a deformation operation section 510. The deformation operation section 510 is held by the user together with the gripping section 10 when elastically deforming it, etc. The user of the shower head 501 can freely change the size of the insertion space 520A to a desired size by gripping the gripping section 10 and the deformation operation section 510 and moving them closer together or further apart.

[0054] The number of spouts in the shower head according to this disclosure is not particularly limited. The spouts may be arranged in three or more rows in the circumferential direction of the insertion portion. The spouts may be arranged in a so-called staggered arrangement, alternatingly offset in the axial direction of the insertion portion while forming rows in the circumferential direction. The spouts may be arranged at unequal intervals in the circumferential direction of the insertion portion.

[0055] In the showerhead according to this disclosure, it is not essential that the hot and cold water discharged from the spouts be discharged in a direction that is inclined toward the tip of the inserted arm or other body part. When each spout discharges hot and cold water at an inclination, the angle can be, for example, 30° to 45°, with the discharge angle when discharged perpendicular to the central axis of the insertion part being defined as 0°. If the discharge angle of the hot and cold water is within this range, it is easy to achieve both the suppression of splashing towards the user's face and the application of sufficient pressure from the water discharge.

[0056] In the shower head according to this disclosure, the hot and cold water discharged from the spout may be discharged at an angle of, for example, 0° to 30°, with the discharge angle when discharged in a direction perpendicular to the central axis of the insertion part being defined as 0°. If the discharge angle of the hot and cold water is within this range, the pressure from the water discharged from the spout can be applied more effectively to the user's arm or other body part inserted into the insertion part.

[0057] In the shower head according to this disclosure, if the discharge angle of hot and cold water from each spout is set to near 0°, the hot and cold water discharged from each spout may collide with the opposing part of the insertion section, raising concerns about splashing. As a countermeasure, the shower head according to this disclosure can be provided with a splash suppression section at the insertion section. Figures 9 to 11 are examples of splash suppression sections.

[0058] The splash suppression section 690 shown in Figure 9 has a form in which a groove 691 with a concave cross-section is provided on the inner circumferential surface of the insertion section 20. The groove 691 has a back surface 691A corresponding to the bottom surface of the groove, and side surfaces 691B that rise from both the front and rear ends of the back surface 691A toward the center of the insertion space 20A. Hot water discharged from the outlet and entering the groove 691 of the splash suppression section 690 collides with the back surface 691A. The hot water that collides with the back surface 691A collides with the back surface 691A and scatters by changing its course in a direction along the back surface 691A or bouncing back. Of these, the hot water that is heading in the axial direction (front and rear direction) of the insertion section 20 hits the side surfaces 691B, suppressing it from flying out of the insertion space 20A in the front and rear direction with force. In this way, the splash suppression section 690 can suppress the scattering of droplets when hot water discharged from the outlet collides with the insertion section 20. Furthermore, the side of the groove may be provided only on the front end of the back surface, on the side opposite to the tip of either the arm or leg inserted into the insertion section. In this case, the shower head can suppress the scattering of droplets in the direction of the user's face.

[0059] The splash suppression section 790 shown in Figure 10 has a protrusion 792 in addition to the groove 691. The protrusion 792 is shaped to protrude convexly from the back surface 691A of the groove 691. The protrusion 792 can suppress the scattering of droplets by mitigating the impact of hot and cold water on the back surface 691A.

[0060] The splash suppression section 890 shown in Figure 11 is configured such that the groove section 891 has a back surface 891A. The back surface 891A has a cross-sectional shape that is curved convexly outward in the radial direction of the insertion section 20. Compared to a back surface 691A with a straight cross-section, such a back surface 891A can suppress splashing caused by the impact of hot water.

[0061] Splashing of hot and cold water can also occur due to collisions between the hot and cold water discharged from each spout. The shower head 901 shown in Figure 12 avoids collisions between hot and cold water by varying the arrangement of the spouts and the direction in which the hot and cold water is discharged from the spouts. Specifically, the shower head 901 has multiple spouts 931, 932, 933, 934, 935, and 936, each having spouts 931A, 932A, 933A, 934A, 935A, and 936A. The multiple spouts 931A, 932A, 933A, 934A, 935A, and 936A are offset in the circumferential and axial directions of the insertion part 20. As a result, the shower head 901 can discharge hot and cold water without collisions between them, suppressing the scattering of splashes caused by collisions.

[0062] The shower head 1001 shown in Figure 13 has outlets 1031A, 1032A, 1033A, 1034A, 1035A, and 1036A arranged to consider the direction of water spray when it hits the insertion part 20. Specifically, the shower head 1001 has outlets 1031A, 1032A, 1033A, 1034A, 1035A, and 1036A arranged so that when the water hits the insertion part 20, the direction in which it bounces back is towards the grip part 10. With this configuration, the amount of water spray can be directed, so the user of the shower head 1001 can adjust the direction of the shower head 1001 to reduce the amount of spray directed towards their face, for example.

[0063] The shower head according to this disclosure may be equipped with a projection. The projection applies pressure to the arm or other body part inserted into the insertion part by being pressed against it. The projection can provide pressure that feels different from the pressure applied by the water discharge from the spout. An example of a shower head equipped with a projection is shown in Figure 14. The shower head 1101 shown in Figure 14 is equivalent to the shower head 1 of Embodiment 1 in configuration other than the projection 1150.

[0064] As shown in Figure 14, the projection 1150 protrudes from the inner circumferential surface of the insertion portion 20 toward the center of the insertion space 20A. Multiple projections 1150 are provided. The multiple projections 1150 are provided between each water discharge portion 31, 32, 33, and 34 in the circumferential direction of the insertion portion 20.

[0065] An example of using the shower head 1101 will be described. The user of the shower head 1101 grasps the gripping part 10 with the hand of one arm, etc. L, and inserts either the other arm or leg into the insertion part 20. In this state, the user moves the shower head 1101 so that the insertion part 20 moves radially relative to the inserted arm, etc. L. In this way, the user can apply not only the pressure from the water discharge but also the pressure from the projection part 1150. The strength of the pressure from the projection part 1150 can be freely adjusted by the user. The user of the shower head 1101 can apply a desired amount of pressure from the projection part 1150.

[0066] The shower head 1101 can be used while being held by an inserted arm or the like L by bringing the arm or the like L, inserted into the insertion part 20, into contact with each of the multiple protrusions 1150. The user can use the shower head 1101 without having to grasp the gripping part 10 or the like with their hand. In this case, because the shower head has an insertion part whose radial size can be freely changed as described above, the holding position by the protrusions can be freely changed according to the thickness of the arm or the like. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0067] 1,201,301,401,501,901,1001,1101…Shower head, 20,220,320,420,520…Insertion part, 31A,32A,33A,34A,231A,232A,233A,234A,331A,331B,332A,332B,333A,333B,334A,334B,931A,932A,933A,934A,935A,936A,1031A,1032A,1033A,1034A,1035A,1036A…Spout, L…Arm etc. (either arm or leg, target of water discharge), T…Hot and cold water mixing faucet

Claims

1. It has an insertion part into which the object to be discharged is inserted. The shower head has a plurality of spouts formed in the insertion section that intermittently discharge water towards the object into which the water is inserted.

2. The shower head according to claim 1, wherein the first water outlet, which is one of the plurality of water outlets, has a different water discharge timing from the second water outlet, which is another of the plurality of water outlets.

3. The shower head according to claim 2, wherein the first spout and the second spout are adjacent to each other.

4. The shower head according to claim 3, wherein the first and second spouts alternately discharge water.

5. The shower head according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the target of the water discharge is either the user's arm or leg.

6. The shower head according to claim 5, wherein the multiple water outlets discharge water in a direction inclined toward the tip of either the arm or leg when inserted into the insertion part.

7. A water discharge unit comprising a shower head as described in claim 1 and a hot and cold water mixing faucet connected to the shower head.

8. A water discharge unit comprising a shower head as described in claim 1 and a pump connected to the shower head, wherein the unit discharges hot water pumped up by the pump.

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