Bathtub hot water outlet adapter and switching member

Abstract

This invention provides a bathtub hot water outlet adapter that can achieve the same effect as if a mechanism were provided to generate and mix multiple types of microbubbles of different sizes, without the need for such a mechanism, and a switching member that can switch the size of the microbubbles. [Solution] The adapter body 2 has a jetting section 25 that jets water mixed with fine bubbles into the bathtub, and a switching member 4 held in the adapter body. The switching member 4 has a first jetting section 413 that, when positioned at the fine bubble jetting position, jets first fine bubbles into the bathtub based on the fine bubbles from the adapter body 2, and a second jetting section 414 that, when positioned at the fine bubble jetting position, converts the fine bubbles from the adapter body 2 into second fine bubbles of a different size from the first fine bubbles and jets them out. The positions of the first jetting section and the second jetting section can be swapped so that one of the first jetting section and the second jetting section can be selectively positioned at the jetting position.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a hot water supply adapter for a bathtub having a function of supplying hot water mixed with fine bubbles into the bathtub, and a switching member capable of switching the size of fine bubbles mixed into hot water. [Background Art]

[0002] In recent years, bathtub facilities have been known that can supply hot water mixed with fine bubbles such as microbubbles (including millibubbles, nanobubbles, etc.) (fine bubble-mixed water) from a hot water supply adapter into a bathtub of ordinary households (for example, Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2).

[0003] Such a bathtub hot water supply adapter is provided with a fine bubble mixing section that generates fine bubbles and mixes them into hot water, and is configured to eject the fine bubble-mixed water generated in the fine bubble mixing section into the bathtub from an ejection outlet provided with an ejection nozzle.

[0004] It has been reported that fine bubble-mixed water has warm bathing effects such as massage effect, relaxation effect, and diet effect. However, the sensation that fine bubble-mixed water gives to the bather's skin varies subtly depending on the size of the fine bubbles mixed in the fine bubble-mixed water. There is also an opinion that the efficacy also differs depending on the size of the fine bubbles. For this reason, if a plurality of types of fine bubble-mixed water with different fine bubble sizes can be supplied and the user can switch and use the desired fine bubble size, the degree of freedom of selection increases, resulting in a product with high commercial value. [Prior Art Documents] [Patent Documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2023-058106 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2014-163573 [Summary of the Invention] [Problem to be Solved by the Invention]

[0006] However, the conventional bathtub water inlet adapters described above, which are capable of supplying water mixed with microbubbles, can only mix in one type of microbubble. Therefore, users could not select and use their preferred type of water mixed with microbubbles of different sizes.

[0007] Furthermore, it is conceivable to incorporate a mechanism into the bathtub hot water outlet adapter that generates and mixes multiple types of fine bubbles of different sizes.

[0008] However, in that case, there are challenges such as the bathtub hot water outlet adapter becoming larger and costing more.

[0009] The present invention aims to provide a bathtub hot water outlet adapter that can achieve the same effect as if a mechanism were provided to generate and mix multiple types of microbubbles of different sizes, and a switching member that can switch the size of the microbubbles. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The above objectives will be achieved by the following means: [1] The adapter comprises an adapter body that generates fine bubbles to be mixed into hot water, and a switching member held in the adapter body, The aforementioned switching member is The device comprises a first discharge unit that, when positioned at the microbubble discharge position, discharges first microbubbles into the bathtub based on the microbubbles from the adapter body, and a second discharge unit that, when positioned at the microbubble discharge position, discharges second microbubbles of a different size from the first microbubbles into the bathtub based on the microbubbles from the adapter body. A bathtub hot water outlet adapter characterized in that the positions of the first discharge section and the second discharge section can be swapped so that one of the first discharge section and the second discharge section is selectively positioned at the discharge position. [2] The bathtub hot water outlet adapter described in paragraph 1 above, wherein the switching member is detachably held in the adapter body. [3] The bathtub hot water outlet adapter according to paragraph 2 above, wherein the switching member is detachably held to the adapter body by the magnetic attraction force, and after releasing the holding of the switching member against the magnetic force, the position of the first discharge part and the second discharge part are swapped and the switching member is held again. [4] The bathtub hot water outlet adapter according to paragraph 1, wherein the switching member is rotatably held with respect to the adapter body, and the positions of the first discharge part and the second discharge part are swapped by the rotation of the switching member. [5] The bathtub hot water outlet adapter according to any one of paragraphs 1 to 4 above, wherein the switching member is provided on a cover member that is detachably attached to the adapter body so as to cover the surface of the adapter body on the inside of the bathtub. [6] A switching member used in a bathtub hot water outlet adapter as described in any of items 1 to 4 above. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the bathtub hot water outlet adapter of the invention [1], the switching member held in the adapter body includes a first discharge unit that, when positioned in the microbubble discharge position, discharges a first microbubble into the bathtub based on the microbubbles from the adapter body, and a second discharge unit that, when positioned in the microbubble discharge position, discharges a second microbubble of a different size from the first microbubble into the bathtub based on the microbubbles from the adapter body. The positions of the first discharge unit and the second discharge unit are interchangeable so that one of the first discharge unit and the second discharge unit can be selectively positioned in the discharge position.

[0012] Therefore, when the first discharge unit is positioned at the discharge location, the first microbubbles are discharged into the bathtub. Conversely, when the second discharge unit is positioned at the discharge location, the second microbubbles, which are of a different size than the first microbubbles, are discharged into the bathtub.

[0013] In this way, it is possible to switch between the first and second types of microbubbles, each with a different microbubble size, allowing users to select their preferred microbubble size. This makes it possible to provide a bathtub hot water outlet adapter with high commercial value.

[0014] Moreover, even without providing the adapter body with a mechanism to generate and mix multiple types of fine bubbles of different sizes, a bathtub hot water outlet adapter that has the same effect as having the above mechanism can be provided by selectively swapping the positions of the first and second discharge sections in the switching member, thus avoiding an increase in the size and cost of the adapter body.

[0015] According to the bathtub hot water outlet adapter of invention [2], the switching member is detachably held in the adapter body, so that the positions of the first discharge part and the second discharge part can be easily swapped.

[0016] According to the bathtub hot water outlet adapter of invention [3], the switching member is detachably held to the adapter body by the magnetic attraction force. Therefore, after releasing the switching member against the magnetic force, it can be held again with the positions of the first and second discharge parts swapped, making it easy to swap the positions of the first and second discharge parts.

[0017] According to the bathtub hot water outlet adapter of the invention [4], the switching member is rotatably held relative to the adapter body, and the rotation of the switching member swaps the positions of the first discharge part and the second discharge part, so that the operation of swapping the positions of the first discharge part and the second discharge part can be easily performed.

[0018] According to the bathtub hot water outlet adapter of the invention [5], a switching member is provided on a cover member that is detachably attached to the adapter body so as to cover the surface of the adapter body on the inside of the bathtub, making it easy to attach the switching member to the adapter body.

[0019] According to the switching member of the invention [6], the use of this switching member allows switching the size of fine bubbles discharged into a bathtub, so that a user can select fine bubbles of a desired size, and the commercial value of the bathtub hot water outlet adapter can be increased. Moreover, even without providing, in the adapter body, a mechanism that separately generates and mixes a plurality of types of fine bubbles of different sizes, a bathtub hot water outlet adapter having the same effect as that provided with the above mechanism can be easily realized. [BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS]

[0020] [Figure 1] It is an overall perspective view of the bathtub hot water outlet adapter which is one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is also an exploded perspective view of the same. [Figure 3] It is an exploded perspective view of a filter member. [Figure 4] It is a perspective view of a front member constituting the filter member. [Figure 5] It is also a rear view of the front member. [Figure 6] It is a perspective view of the filter member when viewed from the rear. [Figure 7] It is an exploded perspective view of the switching member when viewed from the rear. [Figure 8] It is an exploded perspective view of the switching member when viewed from the front. [Figure 9] It is a front view of the switching member main body. [Figure 10] It is a front view of the bathtub hot water outlet adapter. [Figure 11] It is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in Fig. 10. [Figure 12] It is a perspective view for explaining how the switching device is installed with its top and bottom reversed. [Figure 13] It is a front view of the bathtub hot water outlet adapter in a state where the switching device is installed with its top and bottom reversed. [Figure 14] It is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B in Fig. 13. [Figure 15] It is a front view of a bathtub hot water outlet adapter which is another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] This is an exploded perspective view of the switching member, illustrating yet another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] (A) is a side view of the switching member shown in Figure 16, and (B) is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the same member. [Figure 18] This is a perspective view of the mesh retainer. [Figure 19] This is a side view of the mesh retainer. [Figure 20] (A) is a perspective view of the switching member body, and (B) is a cross-sectional view of (A) along line BB. [Figure 21] (A) is a perspective view of the discharge hole of the second discharge section in the switching member body, and (B) is a perspective view of the same discharge hole viewed from a different direction than (A). [Figure 22] (A) is a rear view of the switching member body with the mesh retainer attached to the discharge hole of the second discharge section, and (B) is a cross-sectional view of (A) when cut along the same BB line as shown in Figure (A) of Figure 21. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0021] Figure 1 is an overall perspective view of a bathtub hot water outlet adapter 1, which is one embodiment of this invention, and Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the same. This bathtub hot water outlet adapter 1 comprises an adapter body 2, a filter member 3 as a cover member, and a switching member 4. In this embodiment, in order to facilitate understanding of the invention, the inside of the bathtub (diagonally in the lower left direction in Figures 1 and 2) will be referred to as the "front side," and the outside of the bathtub (diagonally in the upper right direction in Figures 1 and 2) will be referred to as the "rear side."

[0022] The adapter body 2 penetrates the side wall of the bathtub (not shown), and is installed in the bathtub with its front end protruding into the bathtub. This adapter body 2 can perform a bath filling process by supplying hot water from an outdoor water heater into the bathtub, and a reheating process by drawing the hot water from the bathtub and sending it to the outdoor water heater, where it is reheated and the hot water is returned to the bathtub. In addition, the adapter body 2 can also perform a process of mixing fine bubbles such as microbubbles (including nanobubbles) into the hot water and spraying them into the bathtub.

[0023] The adapter body 2 has a supply pipe connection port 21, a return pipe connection port 22, and an intake pipe connection port 23 at the rear outside the bathtub. The supply pipe that supplies hot water into the bathtub is connected to the supply pipe connection port 21, and the return pipe that returns the hot water in the bathtub to the water heater is connected to the return pipe connection port 22. One end of the intake pipe is connected to the intake pipe connection port 23, and the other end of the intake pipe is open.

[0024] A filter guide 24 is installed at the front of the adapter body 2, and a filter member 3 is detachably attached to this filter guide 24. Inside the adapter body 2, a supply channel is formed from the supply pipe connection port 21 to the bathtub via the filter guide 24 and filter member 3, and a return channel is formed from the bathtub to the return pipe connection port 22. During the bath filling process, hot water heated by the water heater is supplied to the bathtub through the supply channel, and during the reheating process, the hot water in the bathtub flows to the water heater through the return channel, is heated by the water heater, and is then supplied back into the bathtub through the supply channel for circulation.

[0025] Furthermore, a nozzle (corresponding to a spraying part) 25 is formed approximately in the center of the filter guide 24 of the adapter body 2, for spraying water mixed with fine bubbles (also called water mixed with fine bubbles) into the bathtub using a spraying nozzle 27 (shown in Figures 11 and 14).

[0026] The water containing fine bubbles is generated, for example, by the negative pressure created by the hot water circulating inside the adapter body 2, which draws in air from the intake pipe connected to the intake pipe connection port 23, and mixes it with the hot water as fine bubbles. When the water containing fine bubbles is ejected, the generated water containing fine bubbles is ejected into the bathtub from the outlet 25 of the filter guide 24 by the ejection nozzle 27. The method of generating the fine bubbles and the method of mixing them with the hot water are not limited.

[0027] Furthermore, the operating mode for filling / reheating the bathtub and the operating mode for spraying water mixed with fine bubbles may be configured to be switched using a changeover switch or the like (not shown).

[0028] As described above, bathtub hot water outlet adapters equipped with a function for spraying finely foamed water into the bathtub are publicly known from Patent Documents 1 and 2, etc., mentioned in the background art section, so a detailed explanation will be omitted.

[0029] Next, the filter member 3, which serves as a cover component, will be described. Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of the filter member 3, Figure 4 is a perspective view of the front member 31, Figure 5 is a rear view of the front member 31, and Figure 6 is a perspective view of the filter member 3 as seen from the rear.

[0030] The filter member 3 consists of a front member 31 and a rear member 32. The front member 31 consists of a circular base 311 and an annular base 312 formed integrally with the outer circumference of the base 311, which protrudes toward the adapter body 2.

[0031] Furthermore, a filter portion is formed on the surface of the base portion 311 by numerous small holes 313. In addition, the base portion 311 of the front member 31 is notched in an inverted U shape in a predetermined width area approximately in the horizontal center of the base portion 311, and in the area from approximately in the vertical center downwards, and an inverted U-shaped frame wall 314 projecting backward is formed around the periphery of the notch. This frame wall 314 forms an inverted U-shaped recess 315 with an open lower end in the lower region of the front member 31. As will be described later, the discharge component 412 of the switching member 4 fits into this recess 315.

[0032] As shown in Figures 3 and 5, on the rear surface of the front member 31, magnet housings 316 are formed on both sides and the upper part of the outer peripheral surface of the frame wall 314 in the horizontal direction, and magnet pieces 317 are housed in each of these magnet housings 316. In addition, on the back surface of the base portion 311 of the front member 31, a number of screw hole projections 318 are formed along the outer circumference, and screw holes 319 are formed in each screw hole projection 318.

[0033] The rear member 32 of the filter member 3 has a short cylindrical portion 321 that opens towards the front member 31, and an annular engaging projection 322 that protrudes toward the adapter body 2 on the rear surface of the short cylindrical portion 321. Screw insertion holes 323 are formed on the bottom circumferential surface of the short cylindrical portion 321 at positions corresponding to each screw hole 319 of the front member 31. By inserting screw members 33 through each screw insertion hole 323 from the rear and screwing them into each screw hole 319 of the front member 31, the front member 31 and the rear member 32 are connected in a state where the short cylindrical portion 321 is housed within the base portion 312 of the front member 31, and the magnet piece 317 housed in the magnet housing portion 316 is prevented from falling out.

[0034] The engaging projection wall 322 formed on the rear surface of the short cylindrical portion 321 is a component for attaching the filter member 3 to the adapter body 2. Specifically, as shown in Figure 2, a plurality of engaging grooves 26 are formed at predetermined positions in the circumferential direction on the outer circumferential surface of the filter guide 24 of the adapter body 2. Each engaging groove 26 has a first groove portion 26a extending rearward from the front edge of the filter guide 24, and a second groove portion 26b that communicates with the rear end of the first groove portion 26a and extends in the circumferential direction. On the other hand, as shown in Figure 3, the same number of engaging protrusions 324 are formed on the inner circumferential surface of the engaging projection wall 322 at positions corresponding to the plurality of engaging grooves 26 of the filter guide 24.

[0035] When attaching the filter member 3 to the adapter body 2, each of the engaging projections 324 of the engaging wall 322 is fitted into the first groove portion 26a of the engaging groove 26 of the filter guide 24 from the front of the filter guide 24. Next, by rotating the filter member 3 in the circumferential direction, each engaging projection 324 is fitted into the second groove portion 26b of each engaging groove 26 and secured. The filter member 3 can be removed from the adapter body 2 by following the reverse procedure.

[0036] The bottom surface of the short cylindrical portion 321 has a jet opening 325 of a predetermined size formed approximately in the center, and a flow opening 326 is formed to allow the hot water in the bathtub, which is absorbed through the small holes 313 in the front member 31, to flow to the adapter body 2. The jet opening 325 is positioned such that, when the filter member 3 is attached to the adapter body 2, the nozzle 25 of the filter guide 24 protrudes forward from the jet opening 325.

[0037] Furthermore, on the rear side of the rear member 32, a discharge port 327 is formed that opens diagonally downward by opening a part of the circumferential direction of the engaging projection wall 322. This discharge port 327 is the part through which heated hot water supplied from the adapter body 2 into the bathtub during the hot water filling / reheating process is discharged.

[0038] The connection between the front member 31 and the rear member 32 causes the lower region of the fitting recess 315 formed in the front member 31 to be closed in the front-rear direction by the short cylindrical portion 321 of the rear member 32, so that the front member 31 and the rear member 32 are in communication in the front-rear direction only at the ejection opening 325.

[0039] A switching member 4 is detachably attached to the filter member 3. Figure 7 is an exploded perspective view of the switching member 4 seen from the rear, Figure 8 is an exploded perspective view of the same from the front, and Figure 9 is a front view of the switching member body 41.

[0040] The switching member 4 comprises a switching member body 41 and a circular lid member 42. The switching member body 41 consists of a disc-shaped portion 411 and a vertically elongated discharge component 412 that protrudes rearward from the rear surface of the disc-shaped portion 411. The discharge component 412 is located approximately in the horizontal center of the disc-shaped portion 411, and its upper and lower ends extend to the upper and lower positions of the disc-shaped portion 411. The size and shape of the discharge component 412 are set so that it fits snugly into the fitting recess 315 formed in the filter member 3, regardless of the upper and lower orientation of the discharge component 412.

[0041] The discharge component 412 has a first discharge section 413 and a second discharge section 414 formed at the upper and lower positions. The first discharge section 413, located on the upper side, has a discharge hole that penetrates the discharge component 412 and the disc-shaped section 411 in the front-to-back direction. In this embodiment, the discharge hole of the first discharge section 413 is set to be angled downward with respect to the direction of ejection of the fine-bubble-mixed water ejected from the nozzle 25. This has the effect of suppressing the diffusion of the hot water and reducing splashing outside the bathtub when the bathtub is filled with hot water from an empty state. In addition, in this embodiment, the opening area of ​​the inlet of the discharge hole of the first discharge section 413 is set to be larger than the opening area of ​​the outlet. By widening the inlet, the hot water ejected from the nozzle 25 can be reliably guided to the outlet of the first discharge section 413.

[0042] Similarly, the second discharge section 414 located on the lower side also has a discharge hole that penetrates the discharge component 412 and the disc-shaped section 411 in the front-rear direction, but a mesh member (black filled portion) 415 is provided in the discharge hole of the second discharge section 414. The mesh member 415 functions as a filter that converts the microbubbles mixed in the microbubble-containing water ejected from the nozzle 25 of the adapter body 2 into microbubbles of different sizes before ejection. In this embodiment, an example is shown in which two sheet-like mesh members are arranged in layers with a gap between them, but the type, material, number, etc. of the mesh member 415 are not limited, and any mesh member that can convert the size of the microbubbles mixed in the microbubble-containing water ejected from the adapter body 2 into a smaller size or a larger size can be used. Note that the reference numeral 416 shown in Figure 7 is a mesh retainer for fixing the mesh member 415 in the second discharge section 414.

[0043] Multiple magnet pieces 418 are arranged at several locations on the inner side of the outer circumferential surface of the discharge component 412. Specifically, as shown in Figures 8 and 9, magnet housings 417 are formed on the front surface of the disc-shaped portion 411 at a total of four locations: two horizontally and two vertically, with the depth extending toward the discharge component 412. As shown in Figure 9, the magnet pieces 418 are housed in these magnet housings 417. The three upper horizontal and vertical positions of the magnet pieces 418 in the discharge component 412 correspond to the three positions of the magnet pieces 317 arranged on the frame wall 314 around the fitting recess 315 of the filter member 3. Furthermore, the magnet piece 418 arranged on the lower vertical side of the discharge component 412 is provided to correspond to the magnet piece 317 arranged on the upper side of the fitting recess 315 of the filter member 3 when the discharge component 412 is inverted and fitted into the fitting recess 315 of the filter member 3.

[0044] Furthermore, the magnetic poles of the magnetic piece 418 on the discharge component 412 side and the magnetic piece 317 on the filter member 3 side are set to attract each other. When the discharge component 412 is fitted into the fitting recess 315 of the filter member 3, the magnetic piece 418 on the discharge component 412 side and the magnetic piece 317 on the filter member 3 side face each other and exert an attractive force, thus maintaining the fitted state.

[0045] Furthermore, on the outer circumferential surface of the discharge component 412, grooves 410 with curved bottom surfaces are formed on both sides of the upper and lower magnet housings 417. On the other hand, on both sides of the upper end of the inner circumferential surface of the frame wall 314 of the filter member 3, curved protrusions 310 (shown in Figures 3 and 5) that can be fitted into the grooves 410 are formed. As a result, when the discharge component 412 is fitted into the recess 315 of the filter member 3, the grooves 410 and protrusions 310 of the discharge component 412 are fitted together and positioned.

[0046] On the other hand, the lid member 42 has upper and lower through holes 421 and 422 that penetrate the lid member 42 in the thickness direction, at positions facing the upper and lower first discharge sections 413 and second discharge sections 414 of the discharge component 412, and communicates with the first discharge section 413 and second discharge section 414, respectively. In addition, a rib 423 is formed in the lower through hole 422 to prevent contact of fingers, etc., with the mesh member 415 installed in the second discharge section 414. In this embodiment, the rib 423 is provided at an angle to the discharge surface to ensure stirring performance, but it does not have to be at an angle. Furthermore, a plurality of magnet retainers 424 are provided protruding from the rear surface of the lid member 42 at positions corresponding to the magnet housing section 417 of the discharge component 412.

[0047] A circular guide wall 425 that slightly protrudes to the rear is formed on the outer circumference of the lid member 42. With the switching member body 41 and the lid member 42 positioned, the disc-shaped portion 411 of the switching member body 41 is tightly fitted into the guide wall 425 of the lid member 42, fixing the lid member 42 and the switching member body 41 as a single unit, thereby forming the switching member 4. In the fixed state of the lid member 42 and the switching member body 41, the positions of the first discharge portion 413 of the switching member body 41 and the upper through hole 421 of the lid member 42 coincide, and the positions of the second discharge portion 414 of the switching member body 41 and the lower through hole 422 of the lid member 42 coincide. Furthermore, each magnet retainer 424 of the lid member 42 is fitted into each magnet housing portion 417 of the switching member body 41, and the magnet piece 418 in the magnet housing portion 417 is pressed and fixed by the fitted magnet retainer 416.

[0048] The switching member 4 is attached to the filter member 3 with its rear discharge component 412 fitted into the fitting recess 315 of the filter member 3. When the switching member 4 is attached, the upper first discharge portion 413 and the ejection opening 325 of the filter member 3 face each other, and the first discharge portion 413 and the ejection opening 325 are in communication. As mentioned above, an attractive force acts on the magnetic piece 418 on the discharge component 412 side and the magnetic piece 317 on the filter member 3 side, and this attractive force maintains the attached state of the switching member 4. On the other hand, a user (for example, a bather) can grasp the switching member 4, resist the attractive force to detach the discharge component 412 from the fitting recess 315 of the filter member 3, remove the switching member 4 from the filter member 3, and then re-fit the discharge component 412 into the fitting recess 315 of the filter member 3 with the top and bottom reversed to maintain the attachment. By reversing the orientation of the discharge component 312, the vertical positions of the first discharge section 413 and the second discharge section 414 are swapped, resulting in the second discharge section 414 and the ejection opening 325 of the filter member 3 facing each other.

[0049] Next, we will explain how to use the switching member 4.

[0050] First, as shown in Figure 10, the discharge component 412 is positioned with the first discharge section 413 on the upper side and the second discharge section 414 on the lower side. The discharge component 412 is fitted into the fitting recess 315 of the filter member 3, the switching member 4 is attached to the filter member 3, and the adapter body 2 holds it in place. In this state, as shown in the cross-sectional view of Figure 11, the first discharge section 413 is positioned in front of the nozzle 25 of the adapter body 2, directly in line with the nozzle, while the second discharge section 414 is located separately below and not involved with the nozzle 27 and nozzle 25. In other words, the first discharge section 413 is positioned at a discharge position through which the water containing fine bubbles ejected from the nozzle 27 and nozzle 25 passes, while the second discharge section 414 is positioned at a non-discharge position through which the water containing fine bubbles does not pass.

[0051] If the user wishes, they can set the operating mode of the bathtub hot water outlet adapter 1 to the microbubble-mixed water ejection processing mode, and then operate the bathtub hot water outlet adapter 1. In this case, the microbubble-mixed water is ejected from the ejection nozzle 27 through the ejection outlet 25 to the first discharge section 413. Since there is no mesh member 415 in the first discharge section 413, the ejected microbubble-mixed water passes directly through the first discharge section 413 and is supplied into the bathtub. Therefore, the size of the microbubbles mixed in the microbubble-mixed water is not changed, and the microbubbles (corresponding to the first microbubbles) are ejected into the bathtub as they are. Note that since the microbubble-mixed water from the adapter body 2 does not flow into the second discharge section 414, which is in a non-discharge position, no microbubbles are ejected from the second discharge section 414.

[0052] Next, when the user applies force to the switching member 4 in the direction of removing it from the filter member 3, the discharge component 412 detaches from the fitting recess 315 of the filter member 3 against the attractive force of the magnetic pieces 317 and 418, and the switching member 4 is removed from the filter member 3. Removal may also be performed by sliding the switching member 4 downward to detach it from the fitting recess 315. In this case, by pulling at least the upper end of the switching member 4 slightly forward while sliding it downward, the switching member 4 can be removed while avoiding interference with the nozzle 25 of the adapter body 2.

[0053] After removal, as shown in Figure 12, the switching member 4 is rotated half a turn so that the second discharge section 414 of the discharge component 412 is on the upper side and the first discharge section 413 is on the lower side. Then, as shown in Figure 13, the discharge component 412 is fitted into the fitting recess 315 of the filter member 3, and the switching member 4 is attached to the filter member 3. The attractive force of the magnetic pieces 317 and 418 makes it easy to fit the discharge component 412 into the fitting recess 315.

[0054] The user can easily attach, detach, and change the position of the switching member 4 by hooking their finger onto the first dispensing part 413. Therefore, there is no need to provide any extra protrusions for hooking a finger, and it is less likely to get in the way while bathing.

[0055] In the switched state of the switching member 4, as shown in the cross-sectional view of Figure 14, the second discharge section 414 is located in front of the nozzle 27 and outlet 25 of the adapter body 2 that dispense water containing fine bubbles, while the first discharge section 413 is located separately below and not involved with the nozzle 27 and outlet 25. In other words, the second discharge section 414 is positioned at a discharge location that allows the water containing fine bubbles dispensed from the nozzle 27 and outlet 25 to pass through, while the first discharge section 413 is positioned in a non-discharge location.

[0056] When the user activates the water-discharge operation of the bathtub hot water outlet adapter 1, the water-discharged with microbubbles is ejected from the discharge nozzle 27 through the discharge port 25 to the second discharge section 414. Since a mesh member 415 is present in the second discharge section 414, the ejected water-discharged with microbubbles passes through the mesh member 415. By passing through the mesh member 415, the microbubbles mixed in the water-discharged with microbubbles are converted into microbubbles of a different size (corresponding to the second type of microbubbles), for example, smaller microbubbles that have been further refined, and these are discharged into the bathtub from the second discharge port 414. Note that since the water-discharged with microbubbles from the adapter body 2 does not flow into the first discharge section 413, which is in a non-discharge position, no microbubbles are discharged from the first discharge section 413.

[0057] Furthermore, when converting to microbubbles of different sizes, it is not necessary for all of the original microbubbles to be converted. Microbubbles of the original size may be included, and it is sufficient if the proportion of microbubbles of different sizes increases overall. Also, not all microbubbles need to be converted to the same size; the converted microbubbles may include microbubbles of various sizes. Moreover, multiple microbubbles may be generated from one microbubble, and one microbubble may be generated from multiple microbubbles.

[0058] As described above, in this embodiment, when the first discharge unit 413 is positioned at the discharge position, the microbubbles mixed in the discharged microbubble-containing water are discharged directly into the bathtub. Conversely, when the second discharge unit 414 is positioned at the discharge position, the microbubbles mixed in the original microbubble-containing water are converted into microbubbles of different sizes and discharged into the bathtub.

[0059] In this way, the size of the microbubbles mixed into the hot water sprayed from the nozzle 25 can be switched. For example, it is possible to easily switch between water mixed with extremely small microbubbles and water mixed with microbubbles that are relatively larger than the microbubbles, and discharge them into the bathtub. As a result, users can select their preferred size of microbubbles, providing a bathtub hot water outlet adapter 1 with high commercial value.

[0060] Furthermore, even without providing the adapter body 2 with a mechanism to generate and mix in multiple types of microbubbles of different sizes, a bathtub hot water outlet adapter 1 that has the same effect as if the above mechanism were provided can be provided by selectively swapping the positions of the first discharge section 413 and the second discharge section 414 in the switching member 4. Therefore, since it is not necessary to provide the adapter body 2 with a mechanism to generate and mix in multiple types of microbubbles of different sizes, it is possible to avoid increasing the size and cost of the adapter body 2.

[0061] Furthermore, the switching member 4 is detachably held to the filter member 3 by the magnetic force between the magnetic piece 317 on the filter member 3 side and the magnetic piece 418 on the switching member 4 side. Therefore, after removing the switching member 4 against the magnetic force, it can be held again with the positions of the first discharge section 413 and the second discharge section 414 swapped, making it easy to swap the positions of the first discharge section 413 and the second discharge section 414. Also, because magnetic pieces 317 and 418 are used, the strength of the magnets can be set according to the user. Moreover, since attachment and detachment can be achieved by embedding the magnetic pieces 317 and 418 inside the switching member 4 without protruding any claws or other parts necessary for fitting, there is no need to worry about claws breaking. Furthermore, because it is held by magnetic force, the operation method is intuitive, so people of all ages can easily attach and detach the switching member 4.

[0062] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, one of the first discharge section 413 and the second discharge section 414 is positioned at a discharge position that allows the water containing fine bubbles ejected from the nozzle 25 of the adapter body 2 to pass through and discharge fine bubbles, while the other discharge section is positioned at a non-discharge position where the water containing fine bubbles does not pass through and no fine bubbles are discharged. However, it is not necessary to configure the system so that no fine bubbles are discharged at all from the discharge section in the non-discharge position; some of the water containing fine bubbles ejected from the nozzle 25 may flow in and some fine bubbles may be discharged. In short, the switching device 4 should be held in a state where the entire amount or a dominant amount of fine bubbles is discharged from the discharge section in the discharge position, and the size of the fine bubbles discharged as the entire amount or dominant amount should be switched by selectively swapping the discharge sections positioned at the discharge position.

[0063] In the above embodiment, the positions of the first discharge section 413 and the second discharge section 414 can be swapped by using the attractive force of the magnetic pieces 317 and 418 to detachably hold the switching member 4 to the filter member 3. However, the swapping of the positions of the first discharge section 413 and the second discharge section 414 may be achieved without using the attractive force of the magnetic pieces 317 and 418.

[0064] Figure 15 shows an example of a bathtub hot water outlet adapter 1 that allows the positions of the first discharge section 413 and the second discharge section 414 to be swapped without using the attractive force of the magnetic pieces 317 and 418, and is a front view of the bathtub hot water outlet adapter 1.

[0065] In this embodiment, a rotation shaft 5 is provided that is extendable and retractable in the longitudinal direction, with one end connected to the center of the switching member 4 and the other end connected to the filter member 3 or the adapter body 2. The switching member 4 is configured to rotate around the rotation shaft 5 as indicated by the arrow. Furthermore, an elastic force is applied to the rotation shaft 5 in the direction of length reduction. There are no magnetic pieces.

[0066] To swap the positions of the first discharge section 413 and the second discharge section 414, the user moves the switching member 4 forward against the elastic force in the direction that extends the rotating shaft 5, separating it from the filter member 3 and detaching the discharge component 412 from the fitting recess 315 of the filter member 3. Then, by rotating the switching member 4 half a turn, the positions of the first discharge section 413 and the second discharge section 414 are swapped. After that, the user loosens their grip and moves the switching member 4 in the direction that reduces the length of the rotating shaft 5, fitting the discharge component 412 into the fitting recess 315.

[0067] In this case, instead of fitting the discharge component 412 into the recess 315 for positioning, the first discharge unit 413 or the second discharge unit 414 may be positioned and fixed on the flow path of the fine-bubble-mixed water discharged from the nozzle 25 by another method.

[0068] Next, other embodiments of the switching member 4 will be described with reference to Figures 16 to 22. Note that members with the same names as those in the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 14 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0069] Figure 16 is an exploded perspective view of the switching member 4, Figure 17(A) is a side view of the switching member 4, and Figure 17(B) is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the same.

[0070] In this embodiment, the switching member body 41 and the lid member 42 are fixed together by screws (not shown). Specifically, the switching member body 41 has two through holes 41a, 41a that penetrate the switching member body 41 in the front-rear direction, located between the first discharge section 413 and the second discharge section 414, and are formed adjacent to each other in the horizontal direction. On the other hand, on the rear surface of the lid member 42, that is, the surface facing the switching member body 41, two bosses 42a, 42a are formed at positions corresponding to the through holes 41a, 41a, projecting toward the switching member body 41, and screw holes 42b, 42b are formed in each boss 42a, 42a. With the lid member 42 placed over the switching member body 41, screws are passed through the through holes 41a, 41a of the switching member body 41 from the rear, and the screws that have passed through are screwed into the screw holes 42b, 42b of the lid member 42, thereby connecting and fixing the switching member body 41 and the lid member 42.

[0071] On the rear surface of the discharge component 412 of the switching member body 41, the intermediate portion between the first discharge section 413 and the second discharge section 414 is formed as a thick-walled surface 41b that protrudes slightly to the rear.

[0072] The first discharge section 413 is formed by fitting a cylindrical discharge hole forming member 413b, which has a discharge hole 413a facing diagonally downward, into a fitting hole 412a provided in the front-rear direction of the discharge component 412. In this embodiment, when the switching member 4 is attached to the filter member 3 in a position where the thickened surface 41b is in the vertical direction, the discharge hole forming member 413b is mounted in the fitting hole 412a of the discharge component 412 such that the rear surface of the discharge hole forming member 413b becomes an inclined surface with respect to the vertical direction, with the lower end facing rearward (towards the adapter body 2) and the upper end facing forward (towards the lid member 42). More specifically, the front-rear position of the lower end of the rear surface of the discharge hole forming member 413b is approximately the same as the front-rear position of the thickened surface 41b, and the front-rear position of the upper end of the rear surface of the discharge hole forming member 413b is approximately the same as the front-rear position of the upper end of the discharge component 412.

[0073] The reason for tilting the rear surface of the discharge hole forming member 413b in this manner is as follows. Specifically, when the switching member 4 is attached to the filter member 3, the nozzle 25 of the fine-bubble-mixed water on the adapter body 2 faces the discharge hole 413a of the first discharge section 413, as shown by the dashed line in Figure 17(B). At this time, the position of the tip (front end) of the nozzle 25 in the front-rear direction is not limited, but as shown in the figure, it is set to be in front of the lower end of the discharge hole forming member 413b and behind the upper end.

[0074] Therefore, if a user attempts to remove the switching member 4 from the filter member 3 by sliding the switching member 4 downward, or attempts to install the switching member 4 by fitting the upper part of the discharge component 412 into the fitting recess 315 of the filter member 3 and sliding it upward, it is possible to avoid interference and collision between the upper end of the rear surface of the discharge hole forming member 413b and the member 250 that forms the nozzle 25, thereby preventing damage to the discharge hole forming member 413b and the member 250 that forms the nozzle 25.

[0075] In order to achieve these effects effectively, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 17(A), the inclination angle θ of the rear surface of the discharge hole forming member 413b is preferably 5 degrees or more with respect to the vertical, and in this embodiment it is set to approximately 5 degrees. Of course, the inclination angle θ with respect to the vertical may be less than 5 degrees.

[0076] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the following configuration is used as the mesh retainer 416 for fixing the mesh member 415 attached to the second discharge section.

[0077] Figure 18 is a perspective view of the mesh retainer 416. The mesh retainer 416 is made of resin and is formed in a cylindrical shape with an outer diameter slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the discharge hole 414a of the second discharge section 414. In the middle of the mesh retainer 416 in the longitudinal direction (axial direction), a U-shaped notch is formed by two first notches 416a and second notches 416b extending parallel to the circumferential direction, and a third notch 416c extending in the longitudinal direction of the mesh retainer 416, connecting one end of both notches 416a and 416b. An elastic piece 416d that can swing elastically in the thickness direction of the mesh retainer 416 is formed in the area enclosed by this U-shaped notch.

[0078] Near the end of the second notch 416b opposite to the third notch 416c, a first rib 416e is formed on the outer surface of the elastic piece 416d, projecting radially outward from the mesh retainer 416. Also, near the intersection of the second notch 416b and the third notch 416c, a second rib 416f is formed on the outer surface of the elastic piece 416d, projecting radially outward from the mesh retainer 416. Furthermore, a third rib 416g is also formed on the outer surface of the edge of the third notch 416c opposite to the elastic piece 416d, projecting radially outward from the mesh retainer 416.

[0079] As shown in Figure 19, the positions of the first rib 416e and the second rib 416f in the mesh retainer 416 are the same in the longitudinal direction (axial direction), but the position of the third rib 416g in the mesh retainer 416 is shifted forward relative to the positions of the first rib 416e and the second rib 416f. The reason for this will be explained later.

[0080] Furthermore, the first notch 416a, the second notch 416b, the third notch 416c, the elastic piece 416d, the first rib 416e, the second rib 416f, and the third rib 416g are formed at symmetrical positions around the axis of the mesh retainer 416, in other words, at uniform positions in the circumferential direction.

[0081] Furthermore, multiple pressing pieces 416h are formed on the inner circumferential surface of the mesh presser 416 for holding down the mesh member 415.

[0082] On the other hand, as shown in Figures 20 and 21, a guide strip 414b, consisting of an elongated stepped portion that protrudes radially from the discharge hole 414a and faces rearward, is formed in the axial middle portion of the inner circumferential surface of the discharge hole 414a of the second discharge section 414, extending over a portion of the circumferential direction of the discharge hole 414a. Furthermore, the position of one end of this guide strip 414b in the longitudinal direction is offset from the position of the other end in the longitudinal direction, and it is continuously inclined in the longitudinal direction from one end to the other. In this embodiment, when viewed from the rear, the guide strip 414b is inclined forward (towards the mesh member 415) as you move from the upstream side to the downstream side in a clockwise direction.

[0083] As will be described later, the guide strip 414b plays the role of locking and guiding the third rib 416g of the mesh retainer 416 when the mesh retainer 416 is rotated clockwise and fitted into the discharge hole 414a of the second discharge section 414.

[0084] Near the other end of the guide strip 414b (the downstream end in a clockwise direction), a barrier portion 414c projecting radially inward is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the discharge hole 414a of the second discharge section 414, in the axial direction of the discharge hole 414a. This barrier portion 414c plays a role in creating a clicking sensation when the mesh retainer 416 is rotated clockwise and fitted into the discharge hole 414a, as the second rib 416f of the mesh retainer 416 overcomes the barrier portion 414c.

[0085] Furthermore, on the inner circumferential surface of the discharge hole 414a of the second discharge section 414, a stopper 414d is formed extending in the axial direction of the mesh retainer 416, in a portion located downstream of the barrier section 414c in the rotational direction of the mesh retainer 416. This stopper 414d engages with the first rib 416e of the mesh retainer 416 at almost the same time that the second rib 416f of the mesh retainer 416 overcomes the barrier section 414c when the mesh retainer 416 is rotated in the mounting direction during installation, thereby preventing further rotation of the mesh retainer 416.

[0086] The stopper 414d, at the engagement portion with the first rib 416e of the mesh retainer 416, is formed in a wedge-shaped cross-section that forms an acute angle toward the barrier portion 414c side between it and the inner circumferential surface of the discharge hole 414a of the second discharge portion 414, as shown in Figures 20(B) and 22(B). On the other hand, the engagement portion of the first rib 416e with the stopper 414d is formed in a shape that fits into the wedge-shaped stopper 414d. With the stopper 414d and the first rib 416e having such cross-sectional shapes, when the mesh retainer 416 is rotated in the mounting direction, the first rib 416e fits into and engages with the stopper 414d, preventing further rotation of the mesh retainer 416 and fixing it in place. Furthermore, since the stopper 414d is formed with a wedge-shaped cross-section that forms an acute angle with the inner circumferential surface of the discharge hole 414a toward the first rib 416e, the first rib 416e fits into and engages with the wedge-shaped stopper 414d, thereby applying a radially outward force to the mesh retainer 416 via the first rib 416e. If the angle between the stopper 414d and the inner circumferential surface of the discharge hole 414a were not acute, when the first rib 416e of the rotated mesh retainer 416 engages with the stopper 414d, a stress would be applied that would deform the mesh retainer 416 radially inward. As a result, the first rib 416e would pass over the stopper 414d, making it impossible to fix the mesh retainer 416, which could lead to damage to the mesh retainer 416 and is therefore undesirable.

[0087] The rear end of the stopper 414d has a retaining portion 414f that is inclined toward the barrier portion 414c. This retaining portion 414f prevents the mesh retainer 416, which is fitted into the discharge hole 414a, from coming off to the rear by preventing the first rib 416e of the mesh retainer 416, which is engaged with the stopper 414d, from moving backward.

[0088] Furthermore, the guide strip 414b and stopper 414d are also formed at symmetrical positions with respect to the axis of the inner circumferential surface of the discharge hole 414a. However, the barrier portion 414c is formed only at the end of one of the guide strips 414d.

[0089] Next, a method for attaching the mesh member 415 to the discharge hole 414a of the second discharge section 414 in the switching device 4 according to the embodiment shown in Figures 16 to 22 will be described. In this embodiment, each mesh member 415 is a circular mesh member 415 held by an annular holder 415a with a thick outer circumference. The outer diameter of each mesh member 415 is smaller than the inner diameter of the mesh retainer 416.

[0090] After the two mesh members 415 are stacked in the thickness direction and inserted into the discharge hole 414a of the second discharge section 414, the mesh retainer 416 is inserted into the discharge hole 414a from the rear, with the retaining piece 416h facing the rear, so that the annular tip of the mesh retainer 416 is positioned between the inner circumferential surface of the discharge hole 414a and the holder 415a of the mesh member 415. At this time, the two first ribs 416e of the mesh retainer 416 are positioned between the guide strip 414b and the stopper 414d of the discharge hole 414a, and the mesh retainer 416 is inserted into the discharge hole 414a so that the first ribs 416e do not interfere with the guide strip 414b or the stopper 414d.

[0091] The mesh retainer 416 is inserted into the discharge hole 414a until the two third ribs 416g of the mesh retainer 416 each contact the guide strip 414b. Once each third rib 416g contacts the guide strip 414b, the mesh retainer 416 is rotated clockwise when viewed from the rear. The rear outer circumference of the discharge section 414a is marked with the words "lock" and "remove" and an arrow. "Lock" indicates the rotation direction when installing the mesh retainer 416, and "remove" indicates the rotation direction when removing the mesh retainer 416. The user can rotate the mesh retainer 416 in the required direction by referring to these markings.

[0092] When the user rotates the mesh retainer 416 in the "stopping" direction, the third rib 416g slides along the inclined guide strip 414b, and the mesh retainer 416 gradually moves forward. Since the second rib 416f is formed at a position offset axially rearward from the third rib 416g of the mesh retainer 416, even if the third rib 416g comes into contact with the guide strip 414b, the second rib 416f and the guide strip 414b do not interfere with each other. This prevents deterioration of the durability of the second rib 416f due to interference with the guide strip 414b and the resulting axial stress from the guide strip 414b.

[0093] Furthermore, since the two guide strips 414b are formed symmetrically with respect to the axis of the inner circumferential surface of the discharge hole 414a, the mesh retainer 146 moves forward while maintaining a position perpendicular to the front-to-back direction without tilting in the front-to-back direction. This allows the mesh retainer 416 to rotate and advance smoothly.

[0094] As the mesh holder 146 rotates, the second rib 416f of the mesh holder 146 moves in the rotational direction, and the second rib 416f reaches the barrier portion 414c on the inner circumferential surface of the discharge hole 414a. As the mesh holder 146 is further rotated, the elastic piece 416d elastically deforms radially inward of the mesh holder 416, causing the second rib 416f to ride up onto the barrier portion 414c. Once the second rib 416f has overcome the barrier portion 414c, the elastic piece 416d elastically returns to its radially outward position due to the restoring force. In addition, the tips of each retaining piece 416h of the mesh holder 416 abut against the circumferential end of the holder 415a of the mesh member 415, pressing the mesh member 415 forward. The overcoming of the barrier portion 414c of the second rib 416f, and the elastic return of the elastic piece 416d after overcoming the barrier, provides the user with a click sensation, allowing the user to perceive that the mesh retainer 146 has been attached.

[0095] Almost simultaneously with the second rib 416f overcoming the barrier portion 414c, the first rib 416e of the mesh retainer 146 engages with the stopper 414d of the discharge hole 414a, fixing the mesh retainer 146 in a state where further rotation is prevented. Since the stopper 414d is formed with a wedge-shaped cross-section that forms an acute angle with the inner circumferential surface of the discharge hole 414a toward the first rib 416e, the first rib 416e fits into and engages with the wedge-shaped stopper 414d, thereby applying a radially outward force to the mesh retainer 416 via the first rib 416e. For this reason, even if one tries to forcibly rotate the mesh retainer 416 in the mounting direction, radially inward deformation of the mesh retainer 416 is suppressed, thus preventing the risk of the mesh retainer 416 rotating beyond its strain limit.

[0096] With the first rib 416e of the mesh retainer 416 engaged with the stopper 414d of the discharge hole 414a, the mesh retainer 416 is fixed inside the discharge hole 414a, and the mesh member 415 is fixed between the lid member 42 and the mesh retainer 416 by the holder 415a being held down by the mesh retainer 416.

[0097] Thus, after attaching the mesh member 415 to the second discharge section 414 of the switching device 4, with the first discharge section 413 positioned above and the second discharge section 414 positioned below, the discharge component 412 is fitted into the fitting recess 315 of the filter member 3, similar to the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 14, and the switching member 4 is attached to the filter member 3. The switching member 4 is maintained attached to the filter member 3 by the magnetic attraction force, similar to the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 14.

[0098] Additionally, if necessary, the switching member 4 is removed from the filter member 3, and the switching member 4 is rotated 180 degrees vertically so that the second discharge section 414 is positioned on the upper side and the first discharge section 413 is positioned on the lower side, and the discharge component 412 is then attached to the filter member 3.

[0099] As mentioned above, the rear surface of the discharge hole forming member 413b is inclined in the front-rear direction at an angle θ with respect to the vertical direction. Therefore, when attaching or detaching the switching member 4 to or from the filter member 3, even if the switching member 4 is slid up and down, interference between the discharge hole forming member 413b and the member 250 forming the nozzle 25 can be avoided, and collisions between the discharge hole forming member 413b and the member 250 forming the nozzle 25 can be avoided, preventing damage to both members.

[0100] When removing the mesh retainer 416 from the second discharge section 414 for purposes such as replacing the mesh member 415, the procedure should be the reverse of the installation procedure. That is, rotate the mesh retainer 416 counterclockwise (in the direction indicated as "remove") when viewed from the rear. This will release the engagement between the first rib 416e and the stopper 414d, the second rib 416f will move over the barrier section 414c, and the third rib 416g will be guided along the guide strip 414b, causing the mesh retainer 416 to move backward. With the mesh retainer 416 rotated until the two first ribs 416e are positioned between the guide strip 414b and the stopper 414d of the discharge hole 414a, the mesh retainer 416 can be removed from the second discharge section 414 by pulling it backward.

[0101] Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. For example, the first discharge section 413 is configured to discharge the water containing microbubbles that is ejected from the nozzle 25 as is, that is, without changing the size of the microbubbles. However, a mesh member 415 may also be provided in the first discharge section 413 to convert the microbubbles mixed in the water containing microbubbles ejected from the nozzle 25 into microbubbles of different sizes before discharge. In this case, the configuration of the mesh member 415 of the second discharge section 414 may be different from that of the first discharge section 413, and the microbubbles mixed in the water containing microbubbles discharged from the first discharge section 413 may be converted into microbubbles of a further different size.

[0102] Furthermore, although the configuration described allows switching between two types of microbubble sizes, it is also possible to form three or more discharge sections and switch between three or more types of microbubble sizes.

[0103] Furthermore, although the example given illustrates the case where the switching member 4 is attached to the filter member 3 which acts as a cover member, it may be attached to a cover member other than the filter member 3, or it may be attached directly to the adapter body 2. However, by attaching the switching member 4 to the filter member 3, it becomes easier to attach the switching member 4 to the adapter body 2, and it is possible to realize a tank hot water outlet adapter 1 that can perform both the hot water filling / reheating process and the fine-bubble mixed water spraying process while the switching member 4 is attached. [Industrial applicability]

[0104] The bathtub hot water outlet adapter of this invention can be installed, for example, in a bathtub in a typical household and can be used as a bathtub hot water outlet adapter that can supply water mixed with microbubbles of different sizes. [Explanation of symbols]

[0105] 1. Bathtub hot water outlet adapter 2. Adapter body 3. Filter component (cover component) 4 Switching member 24 Filter Guide 25 spout 26 Engagement groove 26a 1st groove 26b Second groove 27 Spray nozzles 31 Front member 32 Rear member 250 Members that form the nozzle 310 Convex part 314 Frame wall 315 Recessed 316 Magnet housing 317 Magnet piece 322 Engaging protrusion 324 Engagement protrusion 325 Spout opening 41 Switching component body 41a Through hole 41b Thick side 42 Lid member 42a Boss 42b Screw hole 410 Groove 412 Discharge component 412a Fitting hole 413 1st discharge part 413a Discharge hole 413b Discharge hole forming member 414 2nd discharge part 414a Discharge hole 414b Guideline 414c Barrier section 414d Stopper 415 Mesh member 415a Holder 416 Mesh holder 416a First cut 416b Second cut 416c Third cut 416d Elastic piece 416e First Rib 416f 2nd Rib 416g Third Rib 416h Presser foot 417 Magnet housing 418 Magnet piece

Claims

1. The system comprises an adapter body that generates fine bubbles to be mixed into hot water, and a switching member held by the adapter body. The aforementioned switching member is The device comprises a first discharge unit that, when positioned at the microbubble discharge position, discharges first microbubbles into the bathtub based on the microbubbles from the adapter body, and a second discharge unit that, when positioned at the microbubble discharge position, discharges second microbubbles of a different size from the first microbubbles into the bathtub based on the microbubbles from the adapter body. A bathtub hot water outlet adapter characterized in that the positions of the first discharge portion and the second discharge portion can be swapped so that one of the first discharge portion and the second discharge portion is selectively positioned at the discharge position.

2. The bathtub hot water outlet adapter according to claim 1, wherein the switching member is detachably held in the adapter body.

3. The bathtub hot water outlet adapter according to claim 2, wherein the switching member is detachably held to the adapter body by the magnetic attraction force, and after releasing the holding of the switching member against the magnetic force, the position of the first discharge part and the second discharge part are swapped and the switching member is held again.

4. The bathtub hot water outlet adapter according to claim 1, wherein the switching member is rotatably held with respect to the adapter body, and the positions of the first discharge part and the second discharge part are swapped by the rotation of the switching member.

5. The bathtub hot water outlet adapter according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the switching member is provided on a cover member that is detachably attached to the adapter body so as to cover the surface of the adapter body on the inside of the bathtub.

6. A switching member used in a bathtub hot water outlet adapter according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

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