Shower system

Abstract

This shower system provides a simple configuration that allows water containing fine bubbles to be discharged from multiple water outlets. [Solution] The shower system 1 includes a plurality of water discharge devices, including a first water discharge device 2 and a second water discharge device 3 located at a distance from the first water discharge device 2, and a piping section 6 that supplies water to the plurality of water discharge devices. The piping section 6 includes an inlet 61 for introducing water from outside the piping section 6 into the piping section 6, a water dispenser 63 that guides the water introduced from the inlet 61 to each water discharge device, and a microbubble generator 62 provided between the inlet 61 and the water dispenser 63 and configured to generate microbubbles in the water introduced from the inlet 61.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a shower system.

Background Art

[0002] Shower systems installed in bathrooms may be provided with a plurality of water discharge devices in order to meet the user's demand for taking showers in various modes. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a shower apparatus provided with an overhead shower that discharges water from above the user's head, a body shower that discharges water to the user's torso and legs, and a hand shower that is held and used by the user. Further, Patent Document 1 describes a technique of mixing water and air in the shower head of the overhead shower and discharging air-containing water from the overhead shower.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In recent years, attention has been paid to fine bubbles having a diameter of, for example, several tens of micrometers or less, which have unique properties not found in bubbles of general sizes. Therefore, for the purpose of improving skin beauty and health, it is desired to spray water or hot water containing fine bubbles from a shower head.

[0005] However, in the shower device described in Patent Document 1, if the device for generating microbubbles is to be incorporated into the showerhead of an overhead shower, there is a risk that the showerhead will become larger or its mass will increase. Furthermore, even if the device for generating microbubbles is incorporated into the showerhead of an overhead shower, microbubbles will not be formed in the water discharged from the body shower or hand shower, which is a problem as the effect of the microbubbles tends to be insufficient.

[0006] This invention was made in view of the above background, and aims to provide a shower system that can discharge water containing fine bubbles from multiple water discharge devices with a simple configuration. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] One aspect of the present invention includes a plurality of water discharge devices, each comprising a first water discharge device and a second water discharge device positioned at a distance from the first water discharge device. It has a piping section that supplies water to multiple water discharge devices, The aforementioned piping section includes an inlet for introducing water from outside the piping section into the piping section, A water distributor that guides the water introduced from the inlet to each of the water discharge devices, The shower system includes a microbubble generator provided between the inlet and the water dispenser, which is configured to generate microbubbles in the water introduced from the inlet. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] The shower system has a microbubble generator installed between the inlet and the water dispenser. By installing the microbubble generator in this position, the water introduced from the inlet always passes through the microbubble generator before reaching the water dispenser. Then, the water in which microbubbles have been formed in the microbubble generator is supplied from the water dispenser to each water discharge device, so that water containing microbubbles can be discharged from multiple water discharge devices.

[0009] Furthermore, in the shower system, microbubbles are formed between the water introduced from the inlet and the water dispenser. Therefore, even if a microbubble generator is not provided in each individual water dispenser, the shower system can discharge water containing microbubbles from multiple water dispensers. Thus, the shower system can discharge water containing microbubbles from multiple water dispensers with a simple configuration.

[0010] As described above, according to the above embodiment, a shower system can be provided that can discharge water containing fine bubbles from multiple water discharge devices with a simple configuration. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the shower system in one embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a front view of the shower system in the embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a rear view of the shower system in the embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the microbubble generator in the embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a perspective view of the water discharge device selection section in the embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is an exploded perspective view of Figure 6. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a perspective view showing the internal structure of the switching valve in the embodiment. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a rear view of the first water discharge device in the embodiment. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is an exploded perspective view of the mist discharge unit in the embodiment. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view showing the main part of the mist discharge nozzle in the mist discharge unit of the embodiment. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a perspective view of the mist discharge nozzle of the mist discharge unit, seen from the inside. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is an exploded perspective view of the continuous / intermittent water discharge body in the embodiment. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view showing the main part of the continuous water flow nozzle in the continuous / intermittent water discharge body of the embodiment. [Figure 15] Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view showing the main part of the intermittent water flow nozzle in the continuous / intermittent water discharge body of the embodiment. [Figure 16] Figure 16 is a plan view of the water flow forming plate in the continuous / intermittent water discharge body of the embodiment. [Figure 17] Figure 17 is a plan view of the intermittent water flow generating part in the continuous / intermittent water discharge body of the embodiment. [Figure 18] Figure 18 is a bottom view of the second water discharge device of the embodiment. [Figure 19] Figure 19 is a perspective view of the second water discharge device of the embodiment. [Figure 20] Figure 20 is an exploded perspective view of Figure 19. [Figure 21] Figure 21 is a top view of the nozzle plate in the second water discharge device of the embodiment. [Figure 22] Figure 22 is a partial cross-sectional view of the first water discharge hole and its peripheral part in the second water discharge device of the embodiment. [Figure 23] Figure 23 is a partial cross-sectional view of the second water discharge hole and its peripheral part in the second water discharge device of the embodiment. [Figure 24] Figure 24 is a partial cross-sectional view of the third water discharge hole, the fourth water discharge hole, and their peripheral parts in the second water discharge device of the embodiment. [Figure 25] Figure 25 is a perspective view of the mist discharge nozzle of the nozzle plate as viewed from the inner side thereof. [Figure 26] Figure 26 is a perspective view of the additive dissolving part in the embodiment. [Figure 27] Figure 27 is an exploded perspective view of Figure 26. [Figure 28] Figure 28 is a cross-sectional view showing the main part of the additive dissolving part in the embodiment. [Modes for Carrying Out the Invention]

[0012] An embodiment of the shower system will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 28.

[0013] (Overall configuration of the shower system) As shown in Figures 1 to 4, the shower system 1 has a plurality of water discharge devices, including a first water discharge device 2 and a second water discharge device 3 positioned at a distance from the first water discharge device 2. The number of water discharge devices provided in the shower system 1 is not particularly limited as long as there are two or more. For example, the shower system 1 may have two water discharge devices, the first water discharge device 2 and the second water discharge device 3, or it may have three or more water discharge devices, including the first water discharge device 2, the second water discharge device 3 and the third water discharge device 4. Furthermore, the configurations of the water discharge devices provided in the shower system 1 may all be the same or they may be different from one another. The arrangement of each water discharge device in the shower system 1 may be an appropriate arrangement according to the configuration and function of the water discharge device.

[0014] The shower system 1 in this embodiment has three water discharge devices: a first water discharge device 2, a second water discharge device 3, and a third water discharge device 4. The first water discharge device 2 is positioned along the wall of the bathroom and is configured to discharge water towards the torso of the user facing the first water discharge device 2. The second water discharge device 3 is positioned above the user's head and is configured to discharge water downwards from the second water discharge device 3. The third water discharge device 4 has a shower head 41 that the user can grasp and is configured to discharge water by directing the shower head 41 towards a desired part of the user's body. The more detailed configuration of each water discharge device will be described later.

[0015] In this embodiment, the shower system 1 has a retaining member 5 that is fixed to the bathroom wall, and the first water discharge device 2 and the second water discharge device 3 of the three water discharge devices are held by the retaining member 5. The third water discharge device 4 is detachably held by a shower hook 221 (described later) provided on the first water discharge device 2.

[0016] As shown in Figure 2, the retaining member 5 has a retaining member fixing part 51 that is fixed to the bathroom wall, a first device retaining part 52 to which the first water discharge device 2 is attached, and a second device retaining part 53 to which the second water discharge device 3 is attached. More specifically, the retaining member fixing part 51 in this embodiment is two rods arranged parallel to each other. The retaining member fixing part 51 is attached to the bathroom wall with its longitudinal direction facing approximately parallel to the vertical direction. The method of fixing the retaining member fixing part 51 to the bathroom wall is not particularly limited. For example, the retaining member fixing part 51 in this embodiment is fastened to the bathroom wall by screws 511.

[0017] In this embodiment, the first device holding portion 52 consists of two rods positioned between the two holding member fixing portions 51, and extends in a direction perpendicular to the extending direction of the holding member fixing portions 51. Both ends of the first device holding portion 52 are connected to the holding member fixing portions 51. The first device holding portion 52 is configured so that the hook 211 (see Figure 4) of the first water discharge device 2, which will be described later, can be attached to it. The first water discharge device 2 is attached to the holding member 5 in a manner that allows it to be attached and detached by hooking the hook 211 onto the first device holding portion 52.

[0018] In this embodiment, the second device holding portion 53 is provided at the upper ends of the two holding member fixing portions 51 and has a loop shape connecting these upper ends. Furthermore, a bridge portion 531 for attaching the second water discharge device 3 is provided at the tip of the loop in the second device holding portion 53. The second water discharge device 3 is fastened to the bridge portion 531 of the second device holding portion 53 by a screw 532.

[0019] In this embodiment, the retaining member fixing portion 51 and the second device retaining portion 53 of the retaining member 5 have a cylindrical structure, and piping connecting the water dispenser 63 (described later) and the second water discharge device 3 in the piping portion 6 is arranged inside these cylinders. By providing two retaining member fixing portions 51, as in this embodiment of the retaining member 5, the number of pipes that can be arranged inside the retaining member fixing portion 51 and the second device retaining portion 53 can be increased. As a result, the types of water discharge patterns discharged from the second water discharge device 3 can be increased without compromising the aesthetic design of the shower system 1.

[0020] Furthermore, by making the shape of the retaining member fixing part 51 a rod shape and arranging the two retaining member fixing parts 51 with a gap between them, it becomes easier for the worker to grip the retaining member when attaching the retaining member 5 to the bathroom wall. In addition, in this case, it is easy to avoid a large area occupied by the retaining member fixing part 51 on the bathroom wall, and the degree of freedom in arranging the shower system 1 can be further increased.

[0021] (Piping section 6) As shown in Figure 4, the piping section 6 of the shower system 1 has an inlet 61, a microbubble generator 62, and a water dispenser 63, and is configured to supply water introduced from the inlet 61 to each water discharge device. The specific configuration of the piping section 6 can be appropriately set according to the configuration of each water discharge device and the manner in which water is discharged in the water discharge devices. For example, the piping section 6 may include pipes such as hoses and pipes, fittings for connecting pipes to each other, and valves for controlling the flow of water within the piping section 6. The piping section 6 may also be configured by appropriately combining these parts.

[0022] In addition to the inlet 61, the microbubble generator 62, and the water dispenser 63, the piping section 6 of this embodiment includes a pipe 60a connecting the microbubble generator 62 and the water dispenser 63, a pipe 60b connecting the water dispenser 63 to the first water discharge mode selection unit (described later), a pipe 60c connecting the water dispenser 63 to the second water discharge mode selection unit (described later), a pipe 60d supplying water from the water dispenser 63 to the third water discharge device 4, and a fitting 60e connecting the pipe 60d to the shower hose 42 (described later) of the third water discharge device 4.

[0023] [Inlet 61] For example, a bathroom faucet or water supply pipe is connected to the inlet 61. This allows water supplied from the faucet or water supply pipe to be introduced into the piping section 6. The arrangement of the inlet 61 in the shower system 1 is not particularly limited. For example, in this embodiment of the shower system 1, the inlet 61 is provided at the lower end of the first water discharge device 2.

[0024] [Microbubble generator 62] The microbubble generator 62 is installed in the piping section 6 between the inlet 61 and the water dispenser 63, and is configured to generate microbubbles as water passes through the microbubble generator 62. For example, in this embodiment, the microbubble generator 62 is connected to the inlet 61. Therefore, the shower system 1 in this embodiment can form microbubbles in the water immediately after it is introduced from the inlet 61, and supply water containing microbubbles to the entire shower system 1.

[0025] The size of the microbubbles formed in the microbubble generator 62 is not particularly limited. From the viewpoint of more reliably obtaining the effects unique to microbubbles, it is preferable that the microbubble generator 62 be configured to form bubbles with a diameter of less than 100 μm, and more preferably to form bubbles with a diameter of less than 1 μm. In other words, it is preferable that the microbubbles include fine bubbles as defined in ISO 20480-1 and JIS B8741-1, and more preferably that they include ultrafine bubbles.

[0026] The specific configuration of the microbubble generator 62 can take various forms. For example, the microbubble generator 62 in this embodiment has a bubble generation nozzle 621 for generating microbubbles, as shown in Figure 5. The number, arrangement, and structure of the bubble generation nozzles 621 provided in the microbubble generator 62 can take various forms. For example, the microbubble generator 62 may have one bubble generation nozzle 621, or it may have multiple bubble generation nozzles 621. If the microbubble generator 62 has multiple bubble generation nozzles 621, some of these bubble generation nozzles 621 may have a different structure from the other bubble generation nozzles 621. From the viewpoint of generating microbubbles more efficiently, it is preferable that the bubble generation nozzles 621 extend in a direction along the flow of water in the piping section 6.

[0027] Methods for generating fine bubbles in the bubble generation nozzle 621 include (1) bubble disruption by liquid shearing, (2) precipitation of dissolved gas in the liquid, and (3) rapid condensation of vapor bubbles. (1) Bubble disruption by liquid shearing includes (1-1) the "swirling flow liquid type" which disrupts bubbles by high-speed liquid swirling flow, (1-2) the "ejector type or venturi type" which disrupts bubbles by rapid pressure changes in the gas-liquid flow path, (1-3) the "micropore type" which refines bubbles by fine gas dispersion holes, and (1-4) the "static mixer type" which shears bubbles by obstacles in the gas-liquid flow path.

[0028] (2) Precipitation of dissolved gases in liquid includes (2-1) the "pressure-induced precipitation method," which involves the precipitation of bubbles by rapidly depressurizing a saturated solution under pressure, and (2-2) the "heat-induced precipitation method," which involves the rapid heating of a saturated solution at room temperature. (3) Rapid condensation of vapor bubbles includes (3-1) the "direct vapor contact condensation method," which involves the refinement of mixed gas bubbles by direct vapor contact condensation. The fine bubbles formed by these methods mainly consist of microbubbles as defined in ISO20480-1 and JIS B8741-1, that is, bubbles with a diameter of 1 μm or more and less than 100 μm.

[0029] Furthermore, methods for generating ultrafine bubbles as microbubbles in the bubble generation nozzle 621 include (4) a method using microbubbles as a raw material, and (5) a method for directly generating ultrafine bubbles.

[0030] (4) Methods using microbubbles as a raw material include (4-1) the "high-speed swirling liquid flow method," in which bubbles are crushed by a high-speed swirling liquid flow to generate microbubbles and ultrafine bubbles in the liquid, and after the microbubbles float and separate, only the ultrafine bubbles remain in the liquid; and (4-2) the "pressurized dissolution method," in which gas is pressurized and dissolved in the liquid to a supersaturated state, and then the liquid is rapidly depressurized to generate microbubbles and ultrafine bubbles, and after the microbubbles float and separate, only the ultrafine bubbles remain in the liquid.

[0031] (5) Methods for directly generating ultrafine bubbles include (5-1) the "surfactant-added micropore method," in which a sufficient amount of surfactant is added to the liquid to reduce the gas-liquid interfacial tension and disperse ultrafine bubbles from very small gas dispersion pores, and (5-2) "ultrasonic cavitation," in which ultrafine bubbles are generated from dissolved gas in the liquid by cavitation.

[0032] [Water distributor 63] As shown in Figure 4, the water dispenser 63 is connected to the microbubble generator 62 via piping 64a and is configured to guide water containing microbubbles to each water discharge device. The water dispenser 63 may include components such as pipes, fittings, and valves. By combining these components according to the desired distribution method, the water dispenser 63 can be obtained. For example, by using a water dispenser 63 composed of pipes and fittings and connecting multiple water discharge devices in parallel to the microbubble generator 62, water containing microbubbles can be discharged simultaneously from multiple water discharge devices. Alternatively, by using a water dispenser 63 equipped with on-off valves and switching valves and connecting multiple water discharge devices in parallel to the microbubble generator 62, water containing microbubbles can be discharged from some of the multiple water discharge devices selected by the user.

[0033] The water dispenser 63 in this configuration has a water discharge device selection unit 64 that selects which water discharge device from which water is discharged. By providing the water dispenser 63 with a water discharge device selection unit 64 in this way, water can be discharged from a specific water discharge device selected by the user from among the multiple water discharge devices. As a result, the usability of the shower system 1 can be further improved.

[0034] More specifically, the water discharge device selection unit 64 in this embodiment includes a switching valve 7 and an operating dial 65 located outside the first water discharge device 2 for changing the connection destination of the switching valve 7, as shown in Figure 6. As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the switching valve 7 includes a switching valve base 71 having three outlet ports 711 and a switching valve cover 72 having one inlet port 721, with an internal space 70 (see Figure 8) formed between the switching valve base 71 and the switching valve cover 72.

[0035] As shown in Figure 7, the outer surface of the switching valve cover 72 is provided with a positioning projection 722 for determining the position of the operating dial 65. A spring (not shown) is provided between the positioning projection 722 and the switching valve cover 72, and the repulsive force of this spring presses the positioning projection 722 against the operating dial 65.

[0036] Three openings 712 are provided on the surface of the switching valve base 71 facing the internal space 70, and these openings are connected to the outlet port 711. Around these openings 712, slopes 713 are provided to allow the poppet 73, which will be described later, to move in the front-rear direction.

[0037] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the internal space 70 of the switching valve 7 is provided with three poppets 73. The poppets 73 are configured to close the opening 712 (see Figure 7) when they are in the forward position and to form a gap between the poppet 73 and the opening 712 when they are in the retracted position. Therefore, the switching valve 7 can switch between an open state and a closed state of the outlet port 711 by changing the front-rear position of the poppets 73.

[0038] More specifically, the poppet 73 is held by the switching valve cover 72 in a state that allows it to move in the front-rear direction, and a spring (not shown) is provided between the poppet 73 and the switching valve cover 72. This spring applies a repulsive force to the poppet 73 in the direction away from the switching valve cover 72. In addition, the three tips of the poppet 73 are each inserted into openings 712 that lead to the outlet port 711.

[0039] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the poppet 73 has three protrusions 731 to 733 on its side. As shown in Figure 8, two of the three protrusions 731 to 733, protrusions 731 and 732, are positioned to contact the top surface of the slope 713 when the poppet 73 rotates, and are used to retract the poppet 73. The remaining protrusion 733 of the three protrusions 731 to 733 is positioned to contact the tip protrusion (described later) of the switching shaft 66, and is used to maintain the retracted position of the poppet 73.

[0040] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the operating dial 65 is provided on the switching valve cover 72. As shown in Figure 7, the operating dial 65 has a dial casing 651 that is grasped by the user and a dial body 652 that is mounted inside the dial casing 651. Three positioning recesses 653 are provided on the surface of the dial body 652 that faces the switching valve cover 72. These positioning recesses 653 are arranged to engage with positioning protrusions 722 when one of the three outlet ports 711 provided inside the switching valve 7 is open.

[0041] The switching shaft 66 has a base end 661 (see Figure 7) fixed to the dial body 652 and a tip end 662 (see Figure 8) positioned in the internal space 70 of the switching valve 7. As shown in Figure 8, the tip end 662 of the switching shaft 66 is provided with two tip protrusions 663 that project radially in the direction of the shaft. These tips 662 are positioned to contact the projections of the poppet 73 when the switching shaft 66 rotates.

[0042] The operation of the water discharge device selection unit 64 in this embodiment is described below. When any water discharge device is selected, the projection of the poppet 73 corresponding to that water discharge device rests on the top surface 663a of the tip projection 663 of the switching shaft 66. As a result, the poppet 73 corresponding to that water discharge device is held in a retracted position, and a gap is formed between the poppet 73 and the opening 712. Therefore, when water is supplied to the water discharge device selection unit 64 in this state, the water that enters the internal space of the switching valve 7 from the inlet port 721 flows into the gap between the poppet 73 corresponding to the selected water discharge device and the opening 712, and is guided to the outlet port 711. The water that flows out from the outlet port 711 is supplied to the water discharge device selected by the water discharge device selection unit 64 and discharged from that water discharge device.

[0043] On the other hand, the poppet 73 corresponding to the unselected water discharge device moves forward due to the repulsive force of the spring present between the poppet 73 and the switching valve cover 72, closing the opening 712. Therefore, no water is discharged from the unselected water discharge device.

[0044] Furthermore, when the user rotates the dial housing 651 to change the water discharge device, the dial body 652 and the switching shaft 66 rotate in accordance with the dial housing 651. When this rotation causes the tip protrusion 663 of the switching shaft 66 to move away from the projection 733 of the poppet 73, the poppet 73 moves forward due to the spring's repulsive force. As a result, the opening 712 is closed by the forward-moving poppet 73.

[0045] As the dial casing 651 rotates further, the side surface 663b of the tip projection 663 comes into contact with the projection 733 of another poppet 73, causing that poppet 73 to rotate. As the poppet 73 rotates, the projections 731 and 732 of the poppet 73 come into contact with the top surface of the slope 713. Then, as the projections 731 and 732 of the poppet 73 move along the top surface of the slope 713, the entire poppet 73 retracts.

[0046] When the poppet 73 reaches its most retracted position, the projection 733 of the poppet 73 disengages from the side surface 663b of the tip projection 663. At this moment, the poppet 73 moves forward due to the spring's repulsive force, and the projection 733 of the poppet 73 is pressed against the top surface 663a of the tip projection 663. As a result, the position of the poppet 73 is maintained with a gap formed between the poppet 73 and the opening 712, and the water discharge device corresponding to the poppet 73 is selected.

[0047] Furthermore, when a water dispensing device is selected by rotating the dial housing 651, a positioning projection 722 provided on the switching valve cover 72 engages with a positioning recess 653 on the dial body 652. When the positioning projection 722 engages with the positioning recess 653, a clicking sound or a slight jolt is generated. Therefore, the user can also confirm that the desired water dispensing device has been selected by sensing the jolt or clicking sound applied to the dial housing 651.

[0048] (First water discharge device 2) As shown in Figures 1 and 3, the first water discharge device 2 is positioned along the wall of the bathroom and is configured to discharge water toward the torso of the user facing the first water discharge device 2. The first water discharge device 2 also has a plurality of water discharge holes, including a first water discharge hole 230 that discharges water in a first discharge mode and a second water discharge hole 240 that discharges water in a second discharge mode different from the first discharge mode, and a water discharge mode selection unit 25 (hereinafter referred to as "first water discharge mode selection unit 25") provided on the side of the first water discharge device 2, which selects which of the plurality of water discharge holes discharges water.

[0049] More specifically, the first water discharge device 2 in this embodiment has three types of water discharge holes: a first water discharge hole 230, a second water discharge hole 240, and a third water discharge hole 280, and is configured to discharge water from each water discharge hole in a different manner. The discharge manner of the water discharged from each water discharge hole is not particularly limited. For example, the first water discharge hole 230 in this embodiment is configured to discharge mist, the second water discharge hole 240 is configured to discharge a continuous stream of water, and the third water discharge hole 280 is configured to discharge water intermittently. A more detailed configuration of the first water discharge device 2 will be described below.

[0050] As shown in Figure 1, the first water discharge device 2 in this embodiment has a front panel 21 provided on the front of the first water discharge device 2, that is, the side facing the user, and a frame 22 provided on the back of the front panel 21. As shown in Figure 3, the front panel 21 has a rectangular outline when the first water discharge device 2 is viewed from the front. Also, as shown in Figure 1, the front panel 21 is gently curved such that its central part in the vertical direction protrudes towards the user more than its upper and lower ends.

[0051] As shown in Figures 4 and 9, the frame 22 is provided on the back surface of the front panel 21, slightly inward from the edge. Inside the frame 22 on the back surface of the front panel 21, there is a hook 211 for attaching the first water discharge device 2 to the holding member 5, a plurality of water discharge bodies with water discharge holes, and a piping section 6. The water discharge bodies in the first water discharge device 2 of this embodiment include three mist water discharge bodies 23 having a first water discharge hole 230, and two continuous / intermittent water discharge bodies 24 having a second water discharge hole 240 and a third water discharge hole 280.

[0052] The three mist outlets 23 are arranged on the back surface of the front panel 21, spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction. Additionally, the two continuous / intermittent mist outlets 24 are positioned between adjacent mist outlets 23. By arranging the mist outlets 23 with vertical spacing between them, the area over which the mist reaches the user's torso can be widened. Therefore, by discharging warm water mist from the mist outlets 23, the user's entire torso can be warmed more easily, further improving comfort.

[0053] Furthermore, the uppermost of the three mist dischargers 23 (23a-23c), mist discharger 23a, is configured to discharge mist diagonally downwards relative to the horizontal direction. In other words, the center line of the mist discharge range is oriented diagonally downwards relative to the horizontal direction. By discharging mist diagonally downwards from the uppermost mist discharger 23a in this way, it becomes easier to avoid the mist hitting the user's face. As a result, comfort can be further improved.

[0054] As shown in Figure 9, among the walls constituting the frame 22, a shower hook 221 for holding the third water discharge device 4 is provided on the side wall 22a on one side of the first water discharge device 2. A water discharge device selection unit 64, which serves as a water distributor 63, is attached to the side wall 22b on the other side of the first water discharge device 2. By providing the water discharge device selection unit 64 on the side of the first water discharge device 2 as in this embodiment, the arrangement of the piping section 6 within the first water discharge device 2 can be further simplified, and the assembly of the first water discharge device 2 can be made easier. In addition, by providing the water discharge device selection unit 64 on the side of the first water discharge device 2, the overall length of the piping section 6 can be further shortened, and the pressure loss in the piping section 6 can be further reduced.

[0055] Furthermore, above the water discharge device selection section 64 on the side wall 22b, a first water discharge mode selection section 25 is provided. More specifically, the first water discharge mode selection section 25 includes a switching valve 702, an operating dial 251 for changing the connection destination of the switching valve 702, and a switching shaft (not shown) that transmits the operation of the operating dial 251 to the switching valve 702. In addition, above the first water discharge mode selection section 25 on the side wall 22b, a water discharge mode selection section 31 of the second water discharge device 3 (hereinafter referred to as "second water discharge mode selection section 31"), which will be described later, is provided. More specifically, the second water discharge mode selection section 31 includes a switching valve 703, an operating dial 311 for changing the connection destination of the switching valve 703, and a switching shaft (not shown) that transmits the operation of the operating dial 311 to the switching valve 703. The specific configurations of the first water discharge mode selection section 25 and the second water discharge mode selection section 31 will be described later.

[0056] By providing the first water discharge mode selection unit 25 and the second water discharge mode selection unit 31 together with the water discharge device selection unit 64 on the side of the first water discharge device 2, the arrangement of the piping section 6 within the first water discharge device 2 can be further simplified, and the assembly of the first water discharge device 2 can be made easier. Furthermore, by providing the first water discharge mode selection unit 25 and the second water discharge mode selection unit 31 on the side of the first water discharge device 2, the overall length of the piping section 6 can be further shortened, and pressure loss in the piping section 6 can be further reduced.

[0057] Furthermore, the operating dial 65 of the water discharge device selection unit 64, the operating dial 251 of the first water discharge mode selection unit 25, and the operating dial 311 of the second water discharge mode selection unit 31 protrude outward from the side wall 22b. In this embodiment, the first water discharge device 2 is configured to discharge water from its front. On the other hand, water is not discharged from the side of the first water discharge device 2. Therefore, by providing the operating dials 65, 251, and 311 on the outside of the side of the first water discharge device 2, the user can easily operate these operating dials without obstructing the water discharge, even when water is being discharged from the first water discharge device 2. As a result, the usability of the shower system 1 can be further improved.

[0058] Furthermore, in the first water discharge device 2 of this embodiment, the operation dial 65 of the water discharge device selection unit 64 is positioned at the lowest of the three operation dials. Above the operation dial 65 of the water discharge device selection unit 64 is the operation dial 251 of the first water discharge mode selection unit 25. And, of the three operation dials 65, the operation dial 311 of the second water discharge mode selection unit 31 is positioned at the highest. By positioning the operation dial 65 of the water discharge device selection unit 64 at the lowest point, and positioning the operation dial 251 of the first water discharge mode selection unit 25 and the operation dial 311 of the second water discharge mode selection unit 31 in positions corresponding to the vertical positional relationship between the first water discharge device 2 and the second water discharge device 3, the function of each operation dial becomes easier to understand intuitively. As a result, the usability of the shower system 1 can be further improved.

[0059] The lower wall 22c, which forms the lower end of the frame 22, is provided with an inlet 61 for the piping section 6, a microbubble generator 62, and a check valve 26. The check valve 26 is connected to a pipe 27a connecting the first water discharge mode selection section 25 and the mist discharge body 23, and to a pipe 312 connecting the second water discharge mode selection section 31 and the additive dissolution section 8 (described later). The check valve 26 is configured to be closed by water pressure while water is flowing through these pipes, and to be open when the flow of water in these pipes is stopped. Therefore, the check valve 26 can discharge water accumulated in these pipes to the outside of the shower system 1.

[0060] [First water discharge mode selection unit 25] The first water discharge mode selection unit 25 includes a switching valve 702, an operating dial 251, and a switching shaft (not shown). The structure of the switching valve 702, operating dial 251, and switching shaft in the first water discharge mode selection unit 25 is the same as the structure of the corresponding part in the water discharge device selection unit 64.

[0061] The inlet port of the first water discharge mode selection unit 25 is connected to the outlet port 711 of the water discharge device selection unit 64 via piping 60b. Of the three outlet ports of the first water discharge mode selection unit 25, the first outlet port is connected to the mist discharge unit 23 via piping 27a. The second outlet port is connected via piping 27b to the first connection port 248 (described later) for supplying water to the second water discharge hole 240 of the continuous / intermittent water discharge unit 24. The third outlet port is connected via piping 27c to the second connection port 248b (described later) for supplying water to the third water discharge hole 280 of the continuous / intermittent water discharge unit 24. Therefore, with the first water discharge device 2 selected in the water discharge device selection unit 64, water can be discharged from any of the water discharge holes: the first water discharge hole 230, the second water discharge hole 240, or the third water discharge hole 280, by setting the operation dial 251 of the first water discharge mode selection unit 25 to the position corresponding to the desired water discharge hole.

[0062] [Mist discharge unit 23] The specific structure of the mist discharger 23 can take various forms within the range from which mist is discharged from the first discharge hole 230. For example, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 9, the mist discharger 23 extends in the width direction of the first water discharge device 2, that is, in a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction. As shown in Figure 10, the mist discharger 23 has a base 231 connected to the first water discharge mode selection unit 25 via piping 20a, a header 233 equipped with a plurality of mist discharge nozzles 232, and a mist generating core 234 housed within the mist discharge nozzles 232. The base 231 is fastened to the back surface of the front panel 21 by screws 235. The header 233 is sandwiched between the base 231 and the front panel 21 of the first water discharge device 2. The plurality of mist discharge nozzles 232 are arranged at intervals from each other in the width direction of the first water discharge device 2.

[0063] As shown in Figure 11, a water channel 246 is formed between the base 231 and the header 233. Water supplied from the piping section 6 passes through the channel 246 formed between the base 231 and the header 233 and is distributed to each mist discharge nozzle 232. The mist discharge nozzle 232 has a core housing section 235 that houses the mist generating core 234, and a nozzle body 236 that protrudes from the tip wall 235a of the core housing section 235, that is, the wall facing the front panel 21. The tip of the nozzle body 236 penetrates the front panel 21 and protrudes outward from the front panel 21. A first water discharge hole 230 is provided at the tip of the nozzle body 236.

[0064] The mist generating core 234 is pressed against the front wall portion 235a of the core housing portion 235 by a projection 231a provided on the base 231. In addition, a gap is provided between the mist generating core 234 and the side wall portion 235b of the core housing portion 235, allowing water to enter.

[0065] As shown in Figure 12, the tip wall portion 235a of the core housing portion 235 is provided with four grooves 237 (237a to 237d) that extend into the internal space of the nozzle body 236. Of the four grooves 237, the first groove 237a has a linear shape and extends along the tangent to the opening of the nozzle body 236. The second groove 237b is positioned at a location rotated 90° from the first groove 237a with respect to the center of the opening of the nozzle body 236. The third groove 237c is positioned at a location rotated 180° from the first groove 237a with respect to the center of the opening of the nozzle body 236. The fourth groove 237d is positioned at a location rotated 270° from the first groove 237a with respect to the center of the opening of the nozzle body 236.

[0066] When water is supplied to the mist discharge nozzle 232 configured in this way, the water first passes through the gap between the mist generating core 234 and the side wall portion 235b of the core housing portion 235. Then, the water passes through the groove 237 of the tip wall portion 235a and enters the internal space of the nozzle body 236. The water that enters the nozzle body 236 from the groove 237 in this way swirls along the inner wall of the nozzle body 236. As a result, a high-speed swirling flow can be formed inside the nozzle body 236. Then, when the swirling flow inside the nozzle body 236 reaches the first water discharge hole 230, mist is discharged from the first water discharge hole 230.

[0067] Furthermore, by forming a high-speed swirling flow within the nozzle body 236, it is possible to break up bubbles in the water and increase the number of microbubbles. In other words, the mist discharge nozzle 232 in the first water discharge device 2 of this embodiment functions as a second microbubble generator configured to increase the number of microbubbles in the water, and is configured to discharge water that has passed through the second microbubble generator. In this way, by discharging water after increasing the number of microbubbles in the water in the second microbubble generator, the effect of microbubbles can be further enhanced.

[0068] [Continuous / Intermittent water discharge unit 24] The specific structure of the continuous / intermittent water discharge body 24 can take various forms within the range in which a continuous water flow is discharged from the second water discharge hole 240 and an intermittent water flow is discharged from the third water discharge hole 280. For example, the continuous / intermittent water discharge body 24 in this embodiment has a rectangular shape in a plan view taken from the rear of the first water discharge device 2, as shown in Figure 9. The continuous / intermittent water discharge body 24 is fastened to the front panel 21 of the first water discharge device 2 by screws 241a (see Figure 13) inserted through its outer peripheral edge.

[0069] As shown in Figure 13, the continuous / intermittent water discharge unit 24 has a base 242 connected to the first water discharge mode selection unit 25 via pipes 27b and 27c, a cover 243 fastened to the base 242 by screws 241b, and a nozzle seat 245 sandwiched between the base 242 and the cover 243, which is equipped with a plurality of continuous water flow discharge nozzles 244. As shown in Figure 14, a water flow path 246 is formed between the base 242 and the nozzle seat 245. The tips of the continuous water flow discharge nozzles 244 provided on the nozzle seat 245 penetrate the cover 243 and the front panel 21 and protrude outward from the front panel 21.

[0070] The internal space of the continuous water flow discharge nozzle 244 has the largest inner diameter at the base end and the inner diameter decreases towards the tip. A second water discharge hole 240 is provided at the tip of the continuous water flow discharge nozzle 244. Furthermore, a stepped portion 247 is provided on the tip side of the continuous water flow discharge nozzle 244, formed so as to have an inner diameter larger than the opening diameter of the second water discharge hole 240. In this way, by making the internal space of the continuous water flow discharge nozzle 244 the tapered shape described above, and by providing a stepped portion 247 with an opening diameter larger than the inner diameter of the second water discharge hole 240 at the tip of the continuous water flow discharge nozzle 244, it is possible to suppress water dripping when the discharge of water from the second water discharge hole 240 is stopped.

[0071] As shown in Figure 13, the continuous / intermittent water discharge body 24 is provided with an intermittent water flow generating unit 28 that generates an intermittent water flow, two intermittent water flow discharge nozzles 281 that discharge the intermittent water flow generated in the intermittent water flow generating unit 28, and a nozzle holding plate 282 that holds these intermittent water flow discharge nozzles 281. The intermittent water flow discharge nozzle 281 in this embodiment has a base end portion 283 that has a substantially spherical shape and a tip portion 284 that extends from the base end portion 283.

[0072] As shown in Figure 15, the base end 283 of the intermittent water flow discharge nozzle 281 is rotatably held between the base 242 and the nozzle holding plate 282. The tip 284 of the intermittent water flow discharge nozzle 281 is inserted into the through hole 212 of the front panel 21. A third water discharge hole 280 is also provided at the tip 284.

[0073] Of the through-holes in the front panel 21, the through-hole 212 into which the tip 284 of the intermittent water flow discharge nozzle 281 is inserted has an oval shape that extends vertically. Therefore, by moving the tip 284 of the intermittent water flow discharge nozzle 281 vertically, the user can rotate the intermittent water flow discharge nozzle 281 around its base end 283. By rotating the intermittent water flow discharge nozzle 281, the discharge angle of the intermittent water flow discharged from the third discharge hole 280 can be changed to a desired angle. As a result, the usability of the shower system 1 can be further improved. The detailed configuration of the intermittent water flow generation unit 28 will be described later.

[0074] As shown in Figure 13, the base 242 has two connection ports 248 (248a, 248b) connected to the piping section 6. Of the two connection ports 248, the first connection port 248a communicates with a water flow path 246 (see Figure 14) formed between the base 242 and the nozzle seat 245. Therefore, when water is supplied from the piping section 6 to the first connection port 248a, the water first enters the flow path 246 between the base 242 and the nozzle seat 245. The water that enters the flow path 246 is then distributed to a plurality of continuous water flow discharge nozzles 244, and a continuous water flow is discharged from a second discharge hole 240 provided at the tip of each continuous water flow discharge nozzle 244.

[0075] In this embodiment, the nozzle sheet 245 of the continuous / intermittent water discharge body 24 is made of a rubber-elastic resin, more specifically, a silicone resin. By sandwiching such a nozzle sheet 245 between the base 242 and the cover 243, the nozzle sheet 245 can also function as a water-stopping member. As a result, it is possible to suppress water leakage from the flow path 246 to the outside while avoiding an increase in the number of parts.

[0076] Of the two connection ports 248, the second connection port 248b is in communication with the internal space 285 (see Figure 15) of the intermittent water flow generation unit 28. Therefore, when water is supplied from the piping unit 6 to the second connection port 248b, the water first enters the internal space 285 of the intermittent water flow generation unit 28, and an intermittent water flow is generated in the intermittent water flow generation unit 28. The intermittent water flow generated in the intermittent water flow generation unit 28 enters the two intermittent water flow discharge nozzles 281 and is discharged from the third discharge hole 280 provided at the tip of the intermittent water flow discharge nozzles 281.

[0077] As shown in Figures 13 and 15, the internal space 285 of the intermittent water flow generation unit 28 in this embodiment is separated from the external space by a partition wall 249 provided on the base 242 and a cover 243. The internal space 285 of the intermittent water flow generation unit 28 houses a rotating blade 286 for generating an intermittent water flow and a water flow forming plate 287 for generating a water flow to rotate the rotating blade 286. As shown in Figures 15 and 16, two through holes 243a are provided in the part of the cover 243 facing the internal space 285 of the intermittent water flow generation unit 28. The base end portion 283 of the intermittent water flow discharge nozzle 281 faces the through holes 243a of the cover 243.

[0078] As shown in Figure 15, the water flow forming plate 287 is positioned between the opening of the connection port 248 (not shown) and the rotating blade 286. As shown in Figure 16, the water flow forming plate 287 has a disc shape and has two water flow forming holes 287a. The inlet 287b of the water flow forming hole 287a is located on the surface of the water flow forming plate 287 facing the opening of the connection port 248 in the thickness direction, and the outlet 287c is located on the surface facing the rotating blade 286. The inlet 287b and outlet 287c of the water flow forming hole 287a are located at different positions in the circumferential direction of the water flow forming plate 287, and the inlet 287b and outlet 287c are connected by a slope-shaped flow path 287d.

[0079] As shown in Figure 17, the rotating blade 286 has a central axis 286a, seven blade sections 286b extending radially from the central axis 286a, and a shielding plate 286c provided on the surface of the blade section 286b facing the base 242. The rotating blade 286 is held in the internal space 285 of the intermittent water flow generation unit 28 in a state that allows it to rotate about the central axis 286a. The shielding plate 286c has an arc shape that extends over a range of approximately 1 / 3 of the circumferential direction of the rotating blade 286 and is provided in a position that can shield the base ends 283 of the two intermittent water flow discharge nozzles 281.

[0080] The water supplied to the intermittent water flow generating unit 28 in this configuration first enters the inlet 287b of the water flow forming hole 287a. Since the flow path 287d of the water flow forming hole 287a is formed in a slope shape, the water discharged from the outlet 287c of the water flow forming hole 287a travels along the slope of the flow path 287d and strikes the blade portion 286b of the rotating blade 286. As a result, the rotating blade 286 can be rotated in one direction, as shown by arrow F in Figure 17.

[0081] As the rotating blades 286 rotate, the shielding plates 286c alternately shield the base ends 283 of the two intermittent water flow discharge nozzles 281. When the base ends 283 of the intermittent water flow discharge nozzles 281 are not shielded by the shielding plates 286c, water can enter the base ends 283 of the intermittent water flow discharge nozzles 281 and be discharged from the third discharge hole 280. On the other hand, when the base ends 283 of the intermittent water flow discharge nozzles 281 are shielded by the shielding plates 286c, it becomes difficult for water to enter the base ends 283 of the intermittent water flow discharge nozzles 281, and the discharge of water from the third discharge hole 280 is stopped. Therefore, by supplying water to the intermittent water flow generation unit 28 and rotating the rotating blades 286, water can be intermittently discharged from each intermittent water flow discharge nozzle 281.

[0082] (Second water discharge device 3) As shown in Figures 1 and 3, the second water outlet 3 is positioned above the user's head and is configured to discharge water downwards. As mentioned above, the shower system 1 has a microbubble generator 62 between the inlet 61 and the water dispenser 63, so that water containing microbubbles can be supplied to all water outlets. Therefore, there is no need to provide a device for generating microbubbles in the second water outlet 3, which is positioned above the user's head. Thus, the shower system 1 can easily avoid increasing the size of the second water outlet 3.

[0083] As shown in Figure 18, the second water discharge device 3 in this embodiment has a disc shape and has four types of water discharge holes on its lower surface: a first water discharge hole 340, a second water discharge hole 360, a third water discharge hole 370, and a fourth water discharge hole 390. The first water discharge hole 340 is located in the shower plate 34 (described later) which is positioned in the center of the lower surface of the second water discharge device 3 and is configured to discharge a relatively narrow continuous stream of water. The second water discharge hole 360 ​​is positioned around the shower plate 34 and is configured to discharge a relatively wide continuous stream of water.

[0084] The fourth water outlet 390 is located midway between the shower plate 34 and the edge of the second water outlet 3 in the radial direction on the lower surface of the second water outlet 3, and is configured to discharge mist. The third water outlet 370 is located on the lower surface of the second water outlet 3, in the area between the area where the second water outlet 360 is located and the area where the fourth water outlet 390 is located, and in the area between the area where the fourth water outlet 390 is located and the edge of the lower surface. The third water outlet 370 is configured to discharge a continuous stream of water with a diameter intermediate between the water stream discharged from the first water outlet 340 and the water stream discharged from the second water outlet 360.

[0085] As shown in Figure 19, four connection ports 351 to 354 are provided on the upper surface of the second water discharge device 3. Each of the four connection ports 351 to 354 is connected via piping to the outlet port 813 of the second water discharge mode selection unit 31. Of the four connection ports 351 to 354, water flowing into the first connection port 351 is discharged from the first water discharge hole 340. Water flowing into the second connection port 352 is discharged from the second water discharge hole 360. Water flowing into the third connection port 353 is discharged from the third water discharge hole 370. And water flowing into the fourth connection port 354 is discharged from the fourth water discharge hole 390. Therefore, by operating the operation dial 311 of the second water discharge mode selection unit 31 shown in Figure 9, the user can select the water discharge hole from which water is discharged from among the four types of water discharge holes. A more detailed configuration of the second water discharge device 3 will be described below.

[0086] [Second water discharge mode selection unit 31] As shown in Figure 9, the second water discharge mode selection unit 31 is located above the first water discharge mode selection unit 25 on the side of the first water discharge device 2. More specifically, the second water discharge mode selection unit 31 includes a switching valve 703, an operating dial 311 located outside the first water discharge device 2 for changing the connection destination of the switching valve 703, and a switching shaft (not shown) that transmits the operation of the operating dial 311 to the switching valve 703. The structure of the switching valve 703, operating dial 311, and switching shaft in the second water discharge mode selection unit 31 is the same as the structure of the corresponding part in the water discharge device selection unit 64, except that the number of outlet ports 813 is four.

[0087] [Internal structure of the second water discharge device 3] As shown in Figures 19 and 20, the second water discharge device 3 has a rear outer panel 32 that forms its upper surface and a front outer panel 33 that forms its side and lower surfaces. As shown in Figure 18, a shower plate 34 with a first water discharge hole 340 and a shower ring 341 that holds the shower plate 34 are mounted in the center of the front outer panel 33. A space is formed between the rear outer panel 32 and the front outer panel 33, and as shown in Figures 20 and 22 to 24, a laminate is arranged in this space, consisting of a header plate 35 with connection ports 351 to 354, a mist discharge plate 36 with a second water discharge hole 360 ​​and a fourth water discharge hole 390, a nozzle seat 37 with a third water discharge hole 370, and a retaining plate 38. The laminate is fastened to the front outer panel 33 by screws (not shown).

[0088] The header plate 35 and the mist discharge plate 36 are welded to each other. A nozzle sheet 37 is superimposed on the mist discharge plate 36, and a retaining plate 38 is superimposed on the nozzle sheet 37. A screw (not shown) is inserted through the header plate 35. The screw inserted through the header plate 35 passes through the mist discharge plate 36 and the nozzle sheet 37 and is fastened to the retaining plate 38.

[0089] The header plate 35 is positioned facing the rear outer panel 32. Also, as shown in Figure 19, the connection ports 351 to 354 of the header plate 35 protrude upward from the rear outer panel 32. Of the four connection ports 351 to 354, the third connection port 353, which supplies water to the third water outlet 370, is equipped with a check valve 355.

[0090] As shown in Figure 20, the mist discharge plate 36 is superimposed on the header plate 35. As shown in Figures 20 to 22, a cylindrical portion 361 is provided in the center of the mist discharge plate 36. As shown in Figures 21 and 22, the internal space of the cylindrical portion 361 faces the opening 351a of the first connection port 351. The base end 361a of the cylindrical portion 361 is welded to the header plate 35. The tip 361b of the cylindrical portion 361 penetrates the nozzle seat 37 and the retaining plate 38 and contacts the front outer 33. A shower plate 34 is attached to the tip 361b of the cylindrical portion 361 via a shower ring 341. Therefore, water supplied from the first connection port 351 first enters the cylindrical portion 361 and is discharged as a continuous stream from the first water discharge hole 340 of the shower plate 34 provided at the tip 361b of the cylindrical portion 361. For convenience, the first water outlet 340 has been omitted from Figure 22.

[0091] As shown in Figure 21, the cylindrical portion 361 of the mist discharge plate 36 is surrounded by a protrusion 362 that projects toward the header plate 35. The protrusion 362 of the mist discharge plate 36 is welded to a protrusion 356 (see Figure 20) provided on the header plate 35, and these protrusions 356 and 362 form three flow channels 363 (363a to 363c) in the space between the mist discharge plate 36 and the header plate 35.

[0092] Of the three flow channels 363, the first flow channel 363a is formed in an annular shape around the cylindrical portion 361. Also, as shown in Figures 21 and 22, the first flow channel 363a faces the opening 352a of the second connection port 352.

[0093] As shown in Figures 20-21 and 23, a plurality of first continuous water flow discharge nozzles 364 are provided in the region of the mist discharge plate 36 facing the first flow path 363a. As shown in Figure 23, the tip of each first continuous water flow discharge nozzle 364 penetrates the nozzle seat 37, the retaining plate 38, and the front outer 33, and protrudes outward from the front outer 33. A second water discharge hole 360 ​​is provided at the tip of each first continuous water flow discharge nozzle 364. Therefore, water supplied from the second connection port 352 enters the first flow path 363a and is distributed to the plurality of first continuous water flow discharge nozzles 364 in the first flow path 363a. The water is then discharged as a continuous water flow from the second water discharge hole 360 ​​provided at the tip of each first continuous water flow discharge nozzle 364.

[0094] As shown in Figure 21, of the three flow channels 363, the second flow channel 363b is formed in a shape corresponding to the annular region where the fourth discharge port 390 is located. The second flow channel 363b also faces the opening 354a of the fourth connection port 354.

[0095] As shown in Figures 20-21 and 24, a plurality of mist discharge nozzles 39 are provided in the region of the mist discharge plate 36 facing the second flow path 363b. As shown in Figures 20 and 21, the mist discharge nozzles 39 are arranged at intervals from each other in the circumferential direction of the mist discharge plate 36.

[0096] As shown in Figure 24, the mist discharge nozzle 39 has a core housing 391 and a nozzle body 392 that protrudes from the tip wall 391a of the core housing 391, that is, the wall facing the nozzle seat 37, with the mist generating core 393 housed in the core housing 391. The tip of the nozzle body 392 penetrates the nozzle seat 37, the retaining plate 38, and the front outer 33, and protrudes outward from the front outer 33. A fourth water discharge hole 390 is provided at the tip of the nozzle body 392.

[0097] The mist generating core 393 is pressed against the front wall portion 391a of the core housing portion 391 by a projection 357 provided on the header plate 35. In addition, a gap is provided between the mist generating core 393 and the side wall portion 391b of the core housing portion 391, allowing water to enter.

[0098] As shown in Figure 25, the tip wall portion 391a of the core housing portion 391 is provided with two grooves 394 (394a, 394b) that connect to the internal space of the nozzle body 392. Of the two grooves 394, the first groove 394a has a linear shape and extends along the tangent to the opening of the nozzle body 392. The second groove 394b is positioned 180° from the first groove 394a with respect to the center of the opening of the nozzle body 392.

[0099] When water is supplied to the mist discharge nozzle 39 configured in this way, the water first passes through the gap between the mist generating core 393 and the side wall portion 391b of the core housing portion 391. Then, the water passes through the groove 394 between the mist generating core 393 and the tip wall portion 391a of the core housing portion 391 and enters the internal space of the nozzle body 392. The water that enters the nozzle body 392 from the groove 394 in this way swirls along the inner wall of the nozzle body 392. As a result, a high-speed swirling flow can be formed inside the nozzle body 392. Then, when the swirling flow inside the nozzle body 392 reaches the fourth discharge hole 390, mist is discharged from the fourth discharge hole 390.

[0100] Furthermore, by forming a high-speed swirling flow within the nozzle body 392, it is possible to break up bubbles in the water and increase the number of microbubbles. In other words, the mist discharge nozzle 39 in the second water discharge device 3 of this embodiment functions as a second microbubble generator configured to increase the number of microbubbles in the water, and is configured to discharge water that has passed through the second microbubble generator. In this way, by discharging water after increasing the number of microbubbles in the water using the second microbubble generator, the effect of microbubbles can be further enhanced.

[0101] The number of grooves 394 provided on the tip wall portion 391a of the core housing portion 391 is not limited to two. For example, the number of grooves 394 provided on the tip wall portion 391a may be three, four, or five or more. Although not shown in the figure, if four grooves 394 are provided on the tip wall portion 391a, these grooves 394 can be arranged in the same way as the grooves 237 in the mist discharge body 23 shown in Figure 12.

[0102] Preferably, there are two grooves 394 provided on the tip wall portion 391a of the core housing portion 391. By reducing the number of grooves 394 provided on the tip wall portion 391a of the core housing portion 391, a faster swirling flow is formed in the internal space of the nozzle body 392, making the water droplets of mist discharged from the fourth water discharge hole 390 finer. As a result, when the mist discharged from the fourth water discharge hole 390 comes into contact with the user's skin, the user is more likely to feel a softer sensation, further improving comfort.

[0103] As shown in Figure 21, the third channel 363c of the three channels 363 is formed in a shape corresponding to the area where the third water discharge hole 370 is located. The third channel 363c also faces the opening 353c of the third connection port 353. Multiple through holes 365 are provided in the area of ​​the mist discharge plate 36 that faces the third channel 363c. Therefore, water supplied from the third connection port 353 enters the third channel 363c and flows through the through holes 365 into the space 371 (see Figure 24) between the mist discharge plate 36 and the nozzle seat 37.

[0104] As shown in Figure 24, the nozzle seat 37 is superimposed on the mist discharge plate 36 with a space 371 formed between it and the mist discharge plate 36. The nozzle seat 37 is also provided with a plurality of second continuous water flow discharge nozzles 372, each having a fourth water discharge hole 390. The tips of the second continuous water flow discharge nozzles 372 penetrate the retaining plate 38 and the front outer 33 and protrude outward from the front outer 33.

[0105] A third discharge hole 370 is provided at the tip 373 of the second continuous water flow discharge nozzle 372. Water supplied from the third connection port 353 enters the space 371 between the mist discharge plate 36 and the nozzle seat 37 via the third flow path 363c and is distributed to the multiple second continuous water flow discharge nozzles 372. Then, it is discharged as a continuous water flow from the third discharge hole 370 provided at the tip of each second continuous water flow discharge nozzle 372.

[0106] In this embodiment, the nozzle seat 37 of the second water discharge device 3 is made of a rubber-elastic resin, more specifically, a silicone resin. By sandwiching such a nozzle seat 37 between the mist discharge plate 36 and the retaining plate 38, the nozzle seat 37 can also function as a water-stopping member. As a result, it is possible to suppress water leakage to the outside from the space 371 between the mist discharge plate 36 and the nozzle seat 37 while avoiding an increase in the number of parts.

[0107] The internal space of the second continuous water flow discharge nozzle 372 has the largest inner diameter at the base end on the mist discharge plate 36 side, and the inner diameter decreases towards the tip. In addition, a stepped portion 374 is provided on the tip side of the second continuous water flow discharge nozzle 372 that has an inner diameter larger than the opening diameter of the third discharge hole 370. By making the internal space at the tip of the second continuous water flow discharge nozzle 372 the tapered shape described above, and by providing the second continuous water flow discharge nozzle 372 with a stepped portion 374 that has an opening diameter larger than the inner diameter of the third discharge hole 370, it is possible to easily prevent water remaining inside the second continuous water flow discharge nozzle 372 from dripping out when the discharge of water from the third discharge hole 370 is stopped.

[0108] Furthermore, the base end portion 375 of the second continuous water flow discharge nozzle 372 protrudes slightly towards the mist discharge plate 36 compared to its surroundings. This prevents water present between the mist discharge plate 36 and the nozzle seat 37 from entering the second continuous water flow discharge nozzle 372 when the water supply from the second water discharge mode selection unit 31 is stopped. As a result, when the water supply from the second water discharge mode selection unit 31 is stopped, it is easy to prevent water remaining between the mist discharge plate 36 and the nozzle seat 37 from dripping from the second continuous water flow discharge nozzle 372.

[0109] [Additive dissolution section 8] As shown in Figure 9, an additive dissolving unit 8 is provided on the piping 312 connecting the second water discharge mode selection unit 31 and the fourth water discharge port 390. The additive dissolving unit 8 is configured to dissolve additives in the water supplied from the second water discharge mode selection unit 31. Examples of additives that can be used include cosmetic ingredients, cleansing agents, fragrances, and foaming agents.

[0110] The additive dissolving unit 8 is attached to the side wall 22a of the first water discharge device 2. As shown in Figures 26 and 27, the additive dissolving unit 8 has a bottomed cylindrical case portion 81, a tablet holding portion 82 housed inside the cylinder of the case portion 81, and a lid portion 83 attached to the tablet holding portion 82 to close the opening of the case portion 81. As shown in Figure 27, a spring 84 is positioned between the bottom of the case portion 81 and the bottom of the tablet holding portion 82. Also, as shown in Figures 27 and 28, the tablet holding portion 82 has an additive storage space 821 in which the additive tablets are housed.

[0111] The additive dissolving section 8 is configured to switch between a closed state, where the opening of the case section 81 is closed by the tablet holding section 82, and an open state, where the additive storage space 821 of the tablet holding section 82 protrudes from the case section 81. Therefore, by opening the additive dissolving section 8, the user can place the additive tablet in the additive storage space 821 of the tablet holding section 82. Furthermore, after placing the additive tablet in the additive storage space 821 of the tablet holding section 82, the tablet can be stored inside the additive dissolving section 8 by closing the additive dissolving section 8.

[0112] More specifically, as shown in Figure 26, the side surface of the tablet holding portion 82 in this embodiment is provided with a first protrusion 822 extending in a direction parallel to the axial direction of the case portion 81, and a second protrusion 823 extending in the circumferential direction of the case portion 81 from the end of the first protrusion 822 near the bottom of the tablet holding portion 82. In addition, the inner surface of the case portion 81 is provided with an L-shaped engaging projection 811 corresponding to the shapes of the first protrusion 822 and the second protrusion 823.

[0113] The first and second protrusions 822 and 823 of the tablet holding portion 82 are in contact with the engaging protrusion 811 of the case portion 81 when the additive dissolving portion 8 is closed. In this state, the second protrusion 823 is pressed against the engaging protrusion 811 by the repulsive force of the spring 84. The engagement between the second protrusion 823 and the engaging protrusion 811 maintains the closed state of the opening of the case portion 81 by the tablet holding portion 82.

[0114] On the other hand, to switch the additive dissolving section 8 from a closed state to an open state, the lid 83 should be rotated. When the lid 83 is rotated, the tablet holding section 82 rotates in conjunction with the lid 83. This rotation moves the second protrusion 823 to a position where it is disengaged from the engaging protrusion 811, and the engagement between the second protrusion 823 and the engaging protrusion 811 is released. Once the engagement between the second protrusion 823 and the engaging protrusion 811 is released, the tablet holding section 82 is pushed up by the repulsive force of the spring 84, and the additive storage space 821 is exposed to the outside of the case section 81. To switch the additive dissolving section 8 from an open state to a closed state, the lid 83 should be pushed into the case section 81 and then rotated to re-engage the second protrusion 823 and the engaging protrusion 811.

[0115] As shown in Figures 26 to 28, the case section 81 has two ports, an inlet port 812 and an outlet port 813. The inlet port 812 is connected to the outlet port 813 of the second water discharge mode selection section 31. The outlet port 813 is connected to the fourth connection port 354 of the second water discharge mode selection section 31. Therefore, the water supplied from the second water discharge mode selection section 31 enters the space between the case section 81 and the tablet holding section 82. At this time, if a tablet is held in the tablet holding section 82, the tablet dissolves in the water, and an additive is added to the water. Then, the water containing the additive flows out from the outlet port 813 and is guided to the fourth connection port 354 of the second water discharge mode selection section 31.

[0116] (Third water discharge device 4) As shown in Figure 1, the third water discharge device 4 has a shower head 41 that can be grasped by the user, and a shower hose 42 that connects the shower head 41 to the piping section 6. The shower head 41 is held in a detachable manner by a shower hook 221 provided on the side of the first water discharge device 2. The shower hose 42 connects the shower head 41 to a joint of the piping section 6 provided on the side of the first water discharge device 2.

[0117] The configuration of the showerhead 41 in the third water discharge device 4 is not particularly limited. For example, the showerhead 41 may be configured to discharge water in one type of discharge mode, or it may be configured to discharge water in multiple different types of discharge modes. The water discharged from the third water discharge device 4 can take various forms such as continuous water flow, intermittent water flow, and mist.

[0118] The shower system 1 in this embodiment has a microbubble generator 62 installed between the inlet 61 and the water dispenser 63. By installing the microbubble generator 62 in this position, the water introduced from the inlet 61 always passes through the microbubble generator 62 before reaching the water dispenser 63. Then, the water in which microbubbles have been formed in the microbubble generator 62 is supplied from the water dispenser 63 to each water discharge device, so that water containing microbubbles can be discharged from multiple water discharge devices.

[0119] Furthermore, in the shower system 1, fine bubbles are formed between the water introduced from the inlet 61 and the water dispenser 63. Therefore, even if the shower system 1 does not have a fine bubble generator 62 in each individual water dispenser, it can discharge water containing fine bubbles from multiple water dispensers. Thus, the shower system 1 can discharge water containing fine bubbles from multiple water dispensers with a simple configuration.

[0120] Therefore, the shower system 1 in this embodiment can discharge water containing fine bubbles from multiple water discharge devices with a simple configuration.

[0121] Although the embodiments of the shower system have been described above, the specific embodiments of the shower system according to the present invention are not limited to those of the embodiments, and the configuration can be modified as appropriate without impairing the spirit of the present invention.

[0122] For example, in the embodiment, an example was described in which the second water discharge device is provided with four types of discharge holes that discharge water in different discharge modes. However, the types of discharge holes provided in the second water discharge device are not limited to four. The second water discharge device may have one type of discharge hole, two types, three types, or five or more types.

[0123] Furthermore, although the first water discharge device in the embodiment is configured to select one type of water discharge port from a plurality of types of water discharge ports and discharge water from that port, it may also be configured to select two or more types of water discharge ports and discharge water from the selected port. Similarly, although the second water discharge device in the embodiment is configured to select one type of water discharge port from a plurality of types of water discharge ports and discharge water from that port, it may also be configured to select two or more types of water discharge ports and discharge water from the selected port.

[0124] The shapes of the first and second water discharge devices are not limited to those of the embodiment. For example, the front panel 21 of the first water discharge device in the embodiment may be gently curved such that its central portion in the vertical direction protrudes more towards the bathroom wall than its upper and lower ends. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0125] 1. Shower System 2. First water discharge device 3. Second water discharge device 6. Piping section 61 Inlet 62 Microbubble Generator 63 Water distributor

Claims

1. A plurality of water discharge devices, including a first water discharge device and a second water discharge device positioned at a distance from the first water discharge device, It has a piping section that supplies water to multiple water discharge devices, The aforementioned piping section includes an inlet for introducing water from outside the piping section into the piping section, A water distributor that guides the water introduced from the inlet to each of the water discharge devices, A shower system comprising a microbubble generator provided between the inlet and the water dispenser, configured to generate microbubbles in the water introduced from the inlet.

2. The shower system according to claim 1, wherein the water dispenser has a water discharge device selection unit that selects a water discharge device from which water is discharged from a plurality of water discharge devices.

3. The shower system according to claim 2, wherein the first water discharge device is arranged along the wall of the bathroom and is configured to discharge water toward the torso of a user facing the first water discharge device, and the water discharge device selection section is provided on the side of the first water discharge device.

4. The shower system according to claim 3, wherein the water dispenser is provided along the side surface of the first water discharge device.

5. The shower system according to claim 3, wherein the first water discharge device includes a plurality of water discharge holes, including a first water discharge hole that discharges water in a first discharge mode and a second water discharge hole that discharges water in a second discharge mode different from the first discharge mode, and a water discharge mode selection unit provided on the side of the first water discharge device for selecting which water discharge hole from which water is discharged from the plurality of water discharge holes.

6. The shower system according to claim 3, wherein the second water discharge device is positioned above the user's head and is configured to discharge water downward from the second water discharge device.

7. The shower system according to claim 6, wherein the second water discharge device includes a plurality of water discharge holes, including a first water discharge hole for discharging water in a first discharge mode and a second water discharge hole for discharging water in a second discharge mode different from the first discharge mode, and a water discharge mode selection unit provided on the side of the first water discharge device for selecting which of the plurality of water discharge holes discharges water.

8. The shower system according to claim 6, wherein the plurality of water discharge devices include a third water discharge device comprising a shower head configured to be graspable by a user and a shower hose connecting the shower head and the piping section.

9. The shower system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein at least one of the plurality of water discharge devices has a second microbubble generator configured to increase the number of microbubbles in the water, and is configured to discharge water that has passed through the second microbubble generator.

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