Kit and cleaning method

Abstract

To provide a mixing unit, a kit and a cleaning method which can exhibit an excellent cleaning effect, even if an amount of a surface active agent contained in a cleaning liquid is small.SOLUTION: A mixing unit includes a storage chamber capable of storing a cleaning agent containing a surface active agent, a mixing chamber for mixing the cleaning agent and water and producing a cleaning liquid, a first flow channel capable of supplying water to the mixing chamber, a second flow channel capable of supplying the cleaning liquid produced in the mixing chamber to a shower head or a shower hose, and a third flow channel capable of supplying the cleaning agent stored in the storage chamber to the mixed chamber, wherein when a supply amount of the cleaning liquid supplied from the second flow channel is 4000 g / min or more and 7000 g / min or less, a content of the surface active agent contained in the cleaning liquid is 0.09 mass% or less, and a flow rate of the cleaning liquid jetted from the shower head is 2.0 m / s or more and 10 m / s or less, a value obtained by multiplying a flow rate [m / s] of the cleaning liquid by a content [mass%] of the surface active agent is 0.025 or more.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a mixing unit, a kit, and a cleaning method.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a mixing unit that mixes a cleaning agent containing a surfactant with water flowing in a shower head to generate a cleaning liquid has been known. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a mixing unit including a container for storing a cleaning agent and a three-way cock for attaching the container to a shower head.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In conventional mixing units, including the mixing unit described in Patent Document 1, there is a situation where the mixing amount of the surfactant with respect to the water flowing in the shower head has not been studied. Therefore, for example, when the amount of the surfactant contained in the cleaning liquid is small, there is a problem that a good cleaning effect cannot be obtained. On the other hand, when the amount of the surfactant contained in the cleaning liquid is large, for example, when the surfactant concentration in the cleaning liquid is equal to or higher than the surfactant concentration in a general cleaning agent (about 10% by mass to 40% by mass), there is a problem that a large amount of the surfactant is consumed, so that the environmental load may increase or the cost for the user may increase.

[0005] The present invention relates to a mixing unit, a kit, and a cleaning method capable of exhibiting an excellent cleaning effect even when the amount of the surfactant contained in the cleaning liquid is small.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The mixing unit according to the present invention includes a storage chamber capable of storing a cleaning agent containing a surfactant, a mixing chamber capable of mixing the cleaning agent and water to generate a cleaning liquid, and is configured to allow water to flow in from a shower hose or a faucet. It has a first flow path capable of supplying the water flowing in from the shower hose or the faucet to the mixing chamber, a second flow path capable of supplying the cleaning liquid generated in the mixing chamber to a shower head or a shower hose, and a third flow path capable of supplying the cleaning agent stored in the storage chamber to the mixing chamber. When the supply amount of the cleaning liquid supplied from the second flow path to the shower head or the shower hose is 4000 g / min or more and 7000 g / min or less, the content of the surfactant contained in the cleaning liquid supplied to the shower head or the shower hose is 0.09% by mass or less. When the flow rate of the cleaning liquid ejected from the shower head is 2.0 m / s or more and 10 m / s or less, the value obtained by multiplying the flow rate [m / s] of the cleaning liquid by the content [mass%] of the surfactant is 0.025 or more.

[0007] The mixing unit according to the present invention includes a storage chamber capable of storing a cleaning agent containing a surfactant, a mixing chamber capable of mixing the cleaning agent and water to generate a cleaning liquid, and is configured to allow water to flow in from a shower hose or a faucet. It has a first flow path capable of supplying the water flowing in from the shower hose or the faucet to the mixing chamber, a second flow path capable of supplying the cleaning liquid generated in the mixing chamber to a shower head or a shower hose, and a third flow path capable of supplying the cleaning agent stored in the storage chamber to the mixing chamber. When the supply amount of the cleaning liquid supplied from the second flow path to the shower head or the shower hose is 5000 g / min or more and 9000 g / min or less, the content of the surfactant contained in the cleaning liquid supplied to the shower head or the shower hose is 0.05% by mass or less. When the flow rate of the cleaning liquid ejected from the shower head is 2.0 m / s or more and 10 m / s or less, the value obtained by multiplying the flow rate [m / s] of the cleaning liquid by the content [mass%] of the surfactant is 0.025 or more.

[0008] The mixing unit according to the present invention includes a storage chamber capable of storing a liquid agent, a mixing chamber capable of mixing the liquid agent and water to generate a liquid, and is configured to allow water to flow in from a shower hose or a faucet. It has a first flow path capable of supplying the water flowing in from the shower hose or the faucet to the mixing chamber, a second flow path capable of supplying the liquid generated in the mixing chamber to a shower head or a shower hose, and a third flow path capable of supplying the liquid agent stored in the storage chamber to the mixing chamber. The second flow path is arranged along the same direction as the axial direction of the first flow path. The first flow path is configured such that the flow cross-sectional area decreases toward the second flow path. The second flow path is configured such that the flow cross-sectional area decreases toward the first flow path. The third flow path is arranged along a direction intersecting the axial directions of the first flow path and the second flow path. The minimum flow cross-sectional area of the second flow path is larger than the minimum flow cross-sectional area of the first flow path.

[0009] The kit according to the present invention is a kit having the above mixing unit and a liquid agent. The liquid agent contains 10% by mass or more of a surfactant, and the viscosity of the liquid agent is 200 mPa·s or less.

[0010] The cleaning method according to the present invention is a cleaning method using a mixing unit including a storage chamber capable of storing a cleaning agent containing a surfactant, a mixing chamber capable of mixing the cleaning agent and water to generate a cleaning liquid, and is configured to allow water to flow in from a shower hose or a faucet. It has a first flow path capable of supplying the water flowing in from the shower hose or the faucet to the mixing chamber, a second flow path capable of supplying the cleaning liquid generated in the mixing chamber to a shower head or a shower hose, and a third flow path capable of supplying the cleaning agent stored in the storage chamber to the mixing chamber. The cleaning agent is stored in the storage chamber, water is supplied from the first flow path to the mixing chamber, and the cleaning liquid ejected from the shower head has a flow rate of 2.0 m / s or more and 10 m / s or less. The cleaning liquid is ejected from the shower head toward an object such that the value obtained by multiplying the flow rate [m / s] of the cleaning liquid by the content [% by mass] of the surfactant is 0.025 or more.

Advantages of the Invention

[0011] According to the mixing unit, kit, and cleaning method of the present invention, it is possible to exhibit an excellent cleaning effect even when the amount of surfactant contained in the cleaning liquid is small.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0012]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0013] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the invention according to each claim, and not all combinations of features described in the embodiments are essential for the solution means of the invention. Also, in the present embodiment, there are cases where the scales and dimensions of each component are exaggerated or some components are omitted.

[0014] [First Embodiment] The kit according to the first embodiment has a mixing unit and a liquid agent. The mixing unit is a mixing unit used to mix the liquid agent with the water supplied from the shower hose to generate a liquid and supply the generated liquid to the shower head when connected to the shower hose and the shower head. The liquid agent and the liquid are not particularly limited, but in the first embodiment, they are a cleaning agent and a cleaning liquid containing a surfactant.

[0015] The mixing unit according to the first embodiment has, for example, a total water spray hole area of 10 mm 2 or more, preferably 15 mm 2 or more, and 30 mm 2 or less, preferably 25 mm 2 or less, and can be suitably used for a shower head. Note that the "total water spray hole area" refers to the total area of the water spray holes formed in the shower head that eject the cleaning liquid.

[0016] [Overall Configuration of Mixing Unit] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, the mixing unit 1 includes a mixing section 100 capable of mixing a cleaning agent and water, and a storage section 200 capable of storing the cleaning agent. As will be described later, the mixing section 100 is configured to be connectable to the shower hose 2 and the shower head 3. Further, the storage section 200 is configured to be detachable from the mixing section 100.

[0017] In this specification, in a state where the mixing section 100 is connected to the shower hose 2 and the shower head 3 (the state in FIG. 5), the direction in which the shower hose 2 is located (the downward direction in FIG. 5) is described as "downward", and the direction in which the shower head 3 is located (the upward direction in FIG. 5) is described as "upward". That is, in this specification, the upstream side of the water flow from the shower hose 2 to the shower head 3 is described as "downward", and the downstream side of the water flow is described as "upward". Also, in this specification, the direction in which the storage section 200 is attached to the mixing section 100 (the left direction in FIGS. 3 and 4) is described as "front", and the direction in which the storage section 200 is removed from the mixing section 100 (the right direction in FIGS. 3 and 4) is described as "rear". However, the vertical direction and the front-rear direction in this specification are not necessarily the vertical direction and the front-rear direction in the actual usage situation.

[0018] In the first embodiment, the mixing unit 100 is described as being configured to be connectable to the shower hose 2 and the shower head 3, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the mixing unit 100 may be configured to be connectable to a faucet (not shown) and the shower hose 2, or may be configured to be connectable to a plurality of shower hoses 2.

[0019] [Configuration of Mixing Unit] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, the mixing unit 100 includes an elongated cylindrical portion 110 extending along the vertical direction, a pair of clamping portions 120 extending rearward from the upper end portion of the cylindrical portion 110, a holding portion 130 extending rearward from the lower end portion of the cylindrical portion 110, an upper connecting portion 140 provided above the cylindrical portion 110, and a lower connecting portion 150 provided below the cylindrical portion 110, and is formed in a substantially L-shaped cross section as a whole (see FIGS. 3 and 4).

[0020] The cylindrical portion 110 has a cylindrical internal space 111 extending from the upper end to the lower end of the cylindrical portion 110, and is formed in a cylindrical shape with the upper and lower portions open as a whole. The rear portion of the cylindrical portion 110 that is more than half or substantially half of the long axis direction has a trapezoidal shape or a substantially trapezoidal shape with a long side and a short side in a cross section along the front-rear direction. On the other hand, the front portion of the cylindrical portion 110 that is more than half or substantially half has a semi-circular shape or a substantially semi-circular shape in a cross section along the front-rear direction. The internal space 111 of the cylindrical portion 110 is formed across the front portion and the rear portion of the cylindrical portion 110. Note that the internal space 111 of the cylindrical portion 110 may have a prismatic shape or other shapes.

[0021] The front portion of the cylindrical portion 110 that is more than half or substantially half has a shape in which the diameter decreases toward the central portion in the vertical direction, and is formed in an hourglass shape when the cylindrical portion 110 is viewed from the front. Since the front portion of the cylindrical portion 110 that is more than half or substantially half has a shape in which the diameter decreases toward the central portion in the vertical direction, there is an advantage that the user can easily grip the mixing unit 1 when using the mixing unit 1.

[0022] The rear part of the cylindrical portion 110, which is half or more than approximately half of the cylindrical portion 110, has a recess 112 formed by being recessed inward from both ends in a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction and the front-rear direction at the central portion in the vertical direction. Since the rear part of the cylindrical portion 110, which is half or more than approximately half of the cylindrical portion 110, has the recess 112, there is an advantage that it is easy for the user to grip the mixing unit 1 when using the mixing unit 1.

[0023] The inner peripheral surface portion 113 of the cylindrical portion 110 has an upper inner peripheral surface portion 113a extending downward from the upper end of the inner peripheral surface portion 113, a first intermediate portion 113b extending outward in a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction from the tip of the upper inner peripheral surface portion 113a, a second intermediate portion 113c extending downward from the tip of the first intermediate portion 113b, a third intermediate portion 113d extending outward in a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction from the tip of the second intermediate portion 113c, and a lower inner peripheral surface portion 113e extending downward from the tip of the third intermediate portion 113d, and is formed in a stepped cross-sectional shape as a whole. The upper inner peripheral surface portion 113a is formed to be inclined inward and downward in a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction from the upper end of the inner peripheral surface portion 113. Further, the connecting portion between the upper inner peripheral surface portion 113a and the first intermediate portion 113b is formed in a curved surface shape.

[0024] The clamping portion 120 is a pair of clamping pieces extending rearward from both ends in a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction and the front-rear direction of the cylindrical portion 110 in the vicinity of the upper part of the cylindrical portion 110. Further, the tip portion 121 of the clamping portion 120 is formed to be bent inward of the clamping portion 120. The clamping portion 120 having the above configuration is configured to be able to clamp the accommodating portion 200. Specifically, the clamping portion 120 is configured to be able to clamp the accommodating portion 200 by the tip portion 121 engaging with an engaging recess 213a (to be described later) of the accommodating portion 200.

[0025] The holding part 130 is formed to extend rearward from the entire rear end part of the cylindrical part 110 at the lower end part of the cylindrical part 110. This holding part 130 has a trapezoidal shape or a substantially trapezoidal shape whose cross-section along the front-rear direction has a long side and a short side. Further, the holding part 130 has an insertion recess 131 formed to be recessed from the tip end toward the base end at the center part in the vertical direction of the holding part 130 and in the direction orthogonal to the front-rear direction. The insertion recess 131 has a circular cross-section in the vertical direction and in the direction orthogonal to the front-rear direction, and is configured to enable insertion of an insertion projection 215 (to be described later) of the accommodating part 200. The holding part 130 having the above configuration is configured to be able to hold the accommodating part 200. Specifically, the holding part 130 is configured to be able to hold the accommodating part 200 by inserting the insertion projection 215 into the insertion recess 131.

[0026] The upper connecting part 140 is provided at the upper end part of the cylindrical part 110. Further, the upper connecting part 140 has an annular bottom part 141 extending outward in the direction orthogonal to the vertical direction from the upper end of the upper inner peripheral surface part 113a, a wall part 142 extending upward from the peripheral edge of the bottom part 141, and a screw groove 143 formed along the inner peripheral surface of the wall part 142, and is formed in a substantially bottomed cylindrical shape with the upper part and the central part of the bottom part 141 being open as a whole.

[0027] The upper connecting portion 140 having the above configuration is configured to be connectable to the shower head 3. Specifically, the upper connecting portion 140 is configured to be connectable to the shower head 3 by screwing a thread groove 143 formed on the inner peripheral surface of the wall portion 142 and a thread (not shown) formed on the outer peripheral surface of the lower end portion of the shower head 3. Note that the configuration for connecting the upper connecting portion 140 and the shower head 3 is not limited to this. For example, the upper connecting portion 140 and the shower head 3 may be connected by fitting a recess formed by the bottom portion 141 and the wall portion 142 and the lower end portion of the shower head 3. Further, the upper connecting portion 140 has a shape protruding upward from the upper end of the cylindrical portion 110, and the upper connecting portion 140 and the shower head 3 may be connected by screwing a thread formed on the outer peripheral surface of the upper connecting portion 140 and a thread groove formed on the inner peripheral surface of the lower end portion of the shower head 3. Alternatively, the upper connecting portion 140 and the shower head 3 may be connected by fitting the upper connecting portion 140 into the shower head 3. Furthermore, the upper connecting portion 140 and the shower head 3 may be connected via various known joint members.

[0028] The lower connecting portion 150 is provided at the lower end portion of the cylindrical portion 110. The lower connecting portion 150 has a cylindrical convex portion 151 protruding downward from the lower end of the cylindrical portion 110 and a thread 152 formed along the outer peripheral surface of the convex portion 151, and is formed in a cylindrical shape as a whole.

[0029] The lower connecting portion 150 having the above configuration is configured to be connectable to the shower hose 2. Specifically, the lower connecting portion 150 is configured to be connectable to the shower hose 2 by screwing a thread 152 formed on the outer peripheral surface of the convex portion 151 and a thread groove (not shown) formed on the inner peripheral surface of the upper end portion of the shower hose 2. Note that the configuration for connecting the lower connecting portion 150 and the shower hose 2 is not limited to this. For example, the lower connecting portion 150 and the shower hose 2 may be connected by fitting the convex portion 151 into the shower hose 2. Further, the lower connecting portion 150 has a shape that is recessed upward from the lower end of the cylindrical portion 110, and the lower connecting portion 150 and the shower hose 2 may be connected by screwing a thread groove formed on the inner peripheral surface of the lower connecting portion 150 and a thread formed on the outer peripheral surface of the upper end portion of the shower hose 2, or the lower connecting portion 150 and the shower hose 2 may be connected by fitting the shower hose 2 into the lower connecting portion 150. Furthermore, the lower connecting portion 150 and the shower hose 2 may be connected via various known joint members.

[0030] In addition, the mixing portion 100 according to the first embodiment includes an inner cylindrical portion 160 provided inside the cylindrical portion 110, a cleaning agent introduction flow path 170 through which the cleaning agent can flow from the storage portion 200 into the internal space 111 of the cylindrical portion 110, an air introduction flow path 180 through which air can flow from the outside of the mixing portion 100 into the internal space 111, and a hole portion 190 formed along a direction orthogonal to the cleaning agent introduction flow path 170 and the air introduction flow path 180.

[0031] The inner cylindrical portion 160 is formed in a cylindrical shape with open upper and lower ends, and has a shape that tapers upward from below. Further, the inner cylindrical portion 160 is configured to be detachable from the cylindrical portion 110. Specifically, the inner cylindrical portion 160 is configured to be detachable from the cylindrical portion 110 by being inserted into the space defined by the first intermediate portion 113b, the second intermediate portion 113c, the third intermediate portion 113d, and the lower inner peripheral surface portion 113e within the internal space 111 of the cylindrical portion 110. Since the inner cylindrical portion 160 is configured to be detachable from the cylindrical portion 110, that is, since the inner cylindrical portion 160 is a separate member from the cylindrical portion 110, there is an advantage that it is easy to adjust the separation distance between the end portion on the second flow path 600 side of the first flow path 500 described later and the end portion on the first flow path 500 side of the second flow path 600. In the first embodiment, although the inner cylindrical portion 160 has been described as being configured to be detachable from the cylindrical portion 110, it is not limited thereto. For example, the inner cylindrical portion 160 may be configured to be non-detachable from the cylindrical portion 110. That is, the inner cylindrical portion 160 may be integrally formed with the cylindrical portion 110, or may be formed integrally with the cylindrical portion 110.

[0032] The cleaning agent introduction flow path 170 is formed to extend in a direction (front-rear direction) orthogonal to the extending direction (vertical direction) of the internal space 111. Specifically, the cleaning agent introduction flow path 170 is a through hole formed from the second intermediate portion 113c of the cylindrical portion 110 to the insertion recess 131 (described later) of the holding portion 130, and communicates with the internal space 111. Further, the cleaning agent introduction flow path 170 is configured to communicate with the cleaning agent supply flow path 217 (described later) of the housing portion 200 in a state where the housing portion 200 is attached to the mixing portion 100.

[0033] The air introduction flow path 180 is formed to extend in the same direction as the extending direction (vertical direction) of the internal space 111 from the cleaning agent introduction flow path 170. Specifically, the air introduction flow path 180 is a through hole formed to extend downward from the central portion in the extending direction (front-rear direction) of the cleaning agent introduction flow path 170. That is, one end portion in the extending direction of the air introduction flow path 180 communicates with the cleaning agent introduction flow path 170, and the other end portion in the extending direction of the air introduction flow path 180 is connected to the outside of the mixing portion 100.

[0034] The hole portion 190 is a through hole formed to extend in a direction orthogonal to the extending direction (front-rear direction) of the cleaning agent introduction flow path 170 and the extending direction (vertical direction) of the air introduction flow path 180 from the central portion in the extending direction (front-rear direction) of the cleaning agent introduction flow path 170. That is, the hole portion 190 is configured to separate the cleaning agent introduction flow path 170 into a flow path on the internal space 111 side and a flow path on the cleaning agent supply flow path 217 side.

[0035] Further, the hole portion 190 has a small hole portion 191 formed to extend in a direction orthogonal to the extending direction (front-rear direction) of the cleaning agent introduction flow path 170 and the extending direction (vertical direction) of the air introduction flow path 180 from the cleaning agent introduction flow path 170, and a large hole portion 192 having a larger opening area than the small hole portion 191. The small hole portion 191 has a rectangular or substantially rectangular cross section along the vertical direction. The large hole portion 192 is formed at both end portions in the extending direction of the small hole portion 191 and has a circular cross section along the vertical direction.

[0036] In the first embodiment, the cylindrical portion 110, the sandwiching portion 120, the holding portion 130, the upper connecting portion 140, and the lower connecting portion 150 are formed by integral molding using a material such as ABS or PC, for example. Further, the inner cylindrical portion 160 is formed by integral molding using a material such as ABS or PC, for example. Note that the molding material and molding method of the mixing portion 100 are not limited thereto, and various known molding materials such as metal materials and various known molding methods can be adopted.

[0037] [Configuration of the housing portion] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, the storage unit 200 has a storage main body 210 capable of storing a cleaning agent and a lid 220 attachable to the storage main body 210, and is formed in a cylindrical shape as a whole.

[0038] The storage main body 210 has a semi-circular top plate portion 211, a front wall portion 212 extending downward from the linear edge portion of the top plate portion 211, a rear wall portion 213 extending downward from the curved edge portion of the top plate portion 211, and a bottom plate portion 214 closing the lower side of the storage main body 210, and is formed in a cylindrical shape as a whole. The top plate portion 211, the front wall portion 212, the rear wall portion 213, and the bottom plate portion 214 are each formed in a plate shape.

[0039] The top plate portion 211 has a circular opening 211a at the center of the top plate portion 211. The opening 211a is a through hole formed from the upper surface to the lower surface of the top plate portion 211. Further, the top plate portion 211 has a pair of shaft holding portions 211b near the front end portion of the top plate portion 211. The shaft holding portion 211b extends upward from the upper surface of the top plate portion 211 and has a semi-circular or substantially semi-circular cross section along the vertical direction. An insertion hole 211c through which the shaft portion 230 can be inserted is formed at the upper end portion of the shaft holding portion 211b.

[0040] The front wall portion 212 has an upper front wall portion 212a extending downward from the front end of the top plate portion 211, an intermediate front wall portion 212b extending rearward from the lower end of the upper front wall portion 212a, and a lower front wall portion 212c extending downward from the rear end of the intermediate front wall portion 212b, and is formed in a stepped shape as a whole. The upper front wall portion 212a, the intermediate front wall portion 212b, and the lower front wall portion 212c each have a rectangular or substantially rectangular shape having a pair of long sides and short sides when the front wall portion 212 is viewed from the front. Further, the connecting portion between the upper front wall portion 212a and the intermediate front wall portion 212b and the connecting portion between the intermediate front wall portion 212b and the lower front wall portion 212c are each formed in a curved surface shape.

[0041] The rear wall portion 213 is formed in a curved shape that curves from one end to the other end in a direction orthogonal to the vertical direction and the front-rear direction of the front wall portion 212. Further, the rear wall portion 213 has an engaging concave portion 213a at the front end portion of the rear wall portion 213 that can engage with the tip end portion 121 of the sandwiching portion 120 of the mixing portion 100. The engaging concave portion 213a has a shape that coincides with the tip end portion 121 of the sandwiching portion 120.

[0042] The bottom plate portion 214 is formed across the inner surface of the lower front wall portion 212c to the inner surface of the rear wall portion 213, and has a semi-circular shape or a substantially semi-circular shape when viewed from above the bottom plate portion 214. Further, the bottom plate portion 214 is formed to be inclined from the inner surface of the rear wall portion 213 toward a cleaning agent supply flow path 217 described later. Since the bottom plate portion 214 is formed to be inclined toward the cleaning agent supply flow path 217, the cleaning agent accommodated in the accommodation main body portion 210 naturally flows into the cleaning agent supply flow path 217, so that there is no need to provide a component for allowing the cleaning agent to flow into the cleaning agent supply flow path 217. Therefore, there is an advantage that the structure of the accommodation portion 200 can be simplified and the manufacturing cost can be suppressed.

[0043] Further, the accommodation main body portion 210 according to the first embodiment has an insertion convex portion 215 that can be inserted into the insertion concave portion 131 of the holding portion 130 of the mixing portion 100 at the central portion in the direction orthogonal to the vertical direction and the front-rear direction of the lower front wall portion 212c. The insertion convex portion 215 has a circular cross-section in the direction orthogonal to the vertical direction and the front-rear direction, and is formed to extend forward from the outer surface of the lower front wall portion 212c. Further, an annular sealing portion 216 is provided at the central portion in the extending direction and on the outer peripheral surface of the insertion convex portion 215. Since the sealing portion 216 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the insertion convex portion 215, there is an advantage that leakage of the cleaning agent can be prevented when the cleaning agent is supplied from the accommodation portion 200 to the mixing portion 100.

[0044] Furthermore, in the state where the housing portion 200 is attached to the mixing portion 100, the housing main body portion 210 according to the first embodiment has a cleaning agent supply channel 217 through which a cleaning agent can flow from the housing main body portion 210 toward the cleaning agent introduction channel 170 of the mixing portion 100. The cleaning agent supply channel 217 is a through hole formed from the front surface of the insertion convex portion 215 to the inner surface of the lower front wall portion 212c, and communicates with the internal space of the housing main body portion 210. Also, the cleaning agent supply channel 217 is configured to communicate with the cleaning agent introduction channel 170 of the mixing portion 100 in the state where the housing portion 200 is attached to the mixing portion 100.

[0045] The cleaning agent supply channel 217 has a small channel 217a and a large channel 217b having a larger flow path area than the small channel 217a. The small channel 217a is formed from the central portion or substantially central portion in the extending direction of the insertion convex portion 215 to the inner surface of the lower front wall portion 212c. The large channel 217b is formed from the central portion or substantially central portion in the extending direction of the insertion convex portion 215 to the front surface of the insertion convex portion 215.

[0046] In this specification, the "flow path area" is the opening projection area of the flow path in a cross section orthogonal to the extending direction (axial direction) of the flow path.

[0047] Also, in the first embodiment, an annular sealing portion 218 is provided inside and above the housing main body portion 210. Thereby, it becomes possible to prevent leakage of the cleaning agent from the inside of the housing main body portion 210 to the outside.

[0048] The lid portion 220 has a shape and size capable of closing the opening 211a of the top plate portion 211. Specifically, the lid portion 220 includes a closing portion 221 that is placed on the upper surface of the top plate portion 211 and closes the opening 211a, an insertion portion 222 that extends downward from the central portion of the closing portion 221 and is inserted into the opening 211a, a plurality of peripheral wall portions 223 that extend upward from the central portion of the closing portion 221, and a roof portion 224 that closes the upper ends of the peripheral wall portions 223, and is formed in a substantially cross-sectional shape as a whole. Further, a cylindrical opening is formed in the lid portion 220 from the central portion of the lower end of the insertion portion 222 to the central portion near the upper end of the closing portion 221. Furthermore, an annular sealing portion 225 is provided between the insertion portion 222 and the top plate portion 211. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the leakage of the cleaning agent from the inside of the housing main body portion 210 to the outside.

[0049] At the central portion of the closing portion 221, a plurality of air passage hole portions 221a for allowing air to flow from the outside to the inside of the housing main body portion 210 and for allowing air to flow from the inside to the outside of the housing main body portion 210, and an insertion hole 221b into which a check valve 226 that allows the flow of air through the air passage hole portions 221a and blocks the outflow of the cleaning agent from the inside of the housing main body portion 210 to the outside can be inserted are formed. That is, in the first embodiment, the check valve 226 is attached to the closing portion 221. Note that the check valve 226 may be provided on the top plate portion 211 or may be provided on the housing main body portion 210.

[0050] According to the lid portion 220 having the above configuration, when supplying the cleaning agent to the mixing chamber 400 described later, it is possible to replace the air in the housing main body portion 210, and at the same time, it is possible to prevent the outflow of the cleaning agent from the inside of the housing main body portion 210 to the outside by the check valve 226. Further, since the roof portion 224 is provided, it is possible to prevent the inflow of water from the outside to the inside of the housing main body portion 210 through the air passage hole portions 221a.

[0051] The lid portion 220 is configured to be connectable to the housing main body portion 210 by the shaft portion 230. That is, the lid portion 220 is configured to be attached to the housing main body portion 210 by being connected to the housing main body portion 210 by the shaft portion 230.

[0052] Further, the lid portion 220 is configured to be able to change between a closed state in which the opening 211a of the top plate portion 211 is closed and an open state in which the opening 211a of the top plate portion 211 is opened. Specifically, the lid portion 220 is configured to be rotatable about the shaft portion 230, and thereby configured to be able to change between the closed state and the open state. Thus, in the housing portion 200 according to the first embodiment, since the lid portion 220 closes the opening 211a of the top plate portion 211, it is possible to prevent leakage of the cleaning agent and has the advantage of being hygienic. Further, since the lid portion 220 is configured to be able to change between the closed state and the open state, there is an advantage that it is easy to refill the cleaning agent.

[0053] In the first embodiment, the housing portion 200 has been described as having the lid portion 220, but it is not limited thereto. For example, the housing portion 200 may not have the lid portion 220, and the cleaning agent may be refillable by replacing the housing portion 200 or the cartridge for storing the cleaning agent. Further, in the first embodiment, the lid portion 220 has been described as being configured to be able to change between the closed state and the open state by rotating about the shaft portion 230, but it is not limited thereto. For example, the closed state and the open state may be configured to be changeable by rotating the lid portion 220 screwed to the top plate portion 211, or the closed state and the open state may be configured to be changeable by attaching and detaching the lid portion 220 fitted to the opening 211a of the top plate portion 211, or the lid portion 220 may be configured such that the closed state and the open state cannot be changed.

[0054] The accommodating part 200 having the above configuration is configured to be detachable from the mixing part 100. Specifically, the accommodating part 200 is configured such that the insertion convex part 215 of the accommodation main body part 210 is inserted into the insertion concave part 131 of the holding part 130 of the mixing part 100, and is held by the clamping part 120 of the mixing part 100, so as to be attached to the mixing part 100. By performing the opposite operation, it is configured to be removed from the mixing part 100. Since the accommodating part 200 is configured to be detachable from the mixing part 100, when the mixing part 100 or the accommodating part 200 is damaged, or when dirt accumulates in the accommodating part 200, etc., there is an advantage that it is easy to replace the mixing part 100 or the accommodating part 200 or to clean the accommodating part 200. In the first embodiment, the accommodating part 200 has been described as being held by the clamping part 120 of the mixing part 100, but it is not limited to this. For example, the mixing part 100 does not have the clamping part 120, and the accommodating part 200 can be made detachable from the mixing part 100 by fixing the mixing part 100 and the accommodating part 200 using a detachable fixing means such as a magnet.

[0055] In the first embodiment, the accommodating part 200 has been described as being configured to be detachable from the mixing part 100, but it is not limited to this, and the accommodating part 200 may be configured to be non-detachable from the mixing part 100.

[0056] In the first embodiment, the top plate part 211, the front wall part 212, the rear wall part 213, the bottom plate part 214, and the insertion convex part 215 are formed by integral molding using materials such as PP, PE, PET, etc., for example. Also, the lid part 220 is formed by integral molding using materials such as PP, PE, PET, etc., for example. Note that the molding material and molding method of the accommodating part 200 are not limited to this, and various known molding materials and molding methods can be adopted. Also, in the first embodiment, the sealing part 216 is formed using various known rubber materials such as fluororubber and silicone rubber, for example.

[0057] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the hybrid unit 1 having the above configuration includes an accommodation chamber 300 capable of accommodating a cleaning agent containing a surfactant, a mixing chamber 400 capable of mixing the cleaning agent and water to generate a cleaning liquid, a first flow path 500 configured to allow water to flow in from the shower hose 2 or the faucet, and capable of supplying the water flowing in from the shower hose 2 or the faucet to the mixing chamber 400, a second flow path 600 capable of supplying the cleaning liquid generated in the mixing chamber 400 to the shower head 3 or the shower hose 2, and a third flow path 700 capable of supplying the cleaning agent accommodated in the accommodation chamber 300 to the mixing chamber 400.

[0058] The accommodation chamber 300 is a space defined by the accommodation main body portion 210 and the lid portion 220. From the viewpoint of enabling the supply of the cleaning agent to the mixing chamber 400 by the differential pressure between the mixing chamber 400 and the accommodation chamber 300, the viscosity of the cleaning agent at 30°C accommodated in the accommodation chamber 300 is preferably 200 mPa·s or less, and more preferably 100 mPa·s or less.

[0059] In addition, from the viewpoint of reducing the usage amount of the cleaning agent during supply to the shower head 3 in relation to cost and the number of refills while ensuring detergency, the content of the surfactant contained in the cleaning agent is preferably 10% by mass or more.

[0060] In the first embodiment, the surfactant contained in the cleaning agent may be any as long as it is used in ordinary skin cleaning agents or hair cleaning agents. For example, anionic surfactants, amphoteric surfactants, nonionic surfactants, etc. can be mentioned.

[0061] Examples of anionic surfactants include polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether carboxylic acid or its salts, alkyl sulfuric acid or its salts, polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether sulfuric acid or its salts, polyoxyalkylene alkenyl ether sulfuric acid or its salts, alkyl sulfosuccinate or its salts, polyoxyalkylene alkyl sulfosuccinate or its salts, α-olefin sulfonic acid or its salts, fatty acids or their salts, N-acylated amino acids or their salts, N-acyl alkyl taurine or its salts, and the like.

[0062] As amphoteric surfactants, for example, betaine type surfactants such as lauryldimethylaminoacetic acid betaine, amine oxide type surfactants such as lauryldimethylamine oxide, imidazolinium betaine type surfactants such as 2-alkyl-N-carboxymethyl-N-hydroxyethylimidazolinium betaine, amide betaine type surfactants such as coconut oil fatty acid amidopropyl betaine and lauric acid amidopropyl betaine, sulfobetaine type surfactants such as lauryl hydroxysulfobetaine, etc. can be mentioned.

[0063] As nonionic surfactants, POE(n) lauryl ether (POE is an abbreviation of polyoxyethylene. n is the average number of moles of ethylene oxide added) can be used. Specifically, as such nonionic surfactants, one or more of POE(16) lauryl ether (HLB 16.2) (a polyoxyethylene lauryl ether with n = 16 and HLB = 16.2; the following notations are the same), POE(21) lauryl ether (HLB 17.0), POE(41) lauryl ether (HLB 18.3), and POE(47) lauryl ether (HLB 18.6) etc. can be used. Among these, as the nonionic surfactant, POE(21) lauryl ether (HLB 16.2) is preferable. Incidentally, POE(21) lauryl ether may also be called "EMULGEN 121" ("EMULGEN" is a registered trademark). The weight average molecular weight of POE(21) lauryl ether is 1113. As the nonionic surfactant, commercially available ones can be used.

[0064] The mixing chamber 400 is a space defined by a first intermediate portion 113b and a second intermediate portion 113c within the internal space 111 of the mixing section 100. This mixing chamber 400 is configured to mix water supplied from the first flow path 500 and a cleaning agent supplied from the third flow path 700. Further, in a supply state where the cleaning agent accommodated in the accommodation chamber 300 described later can be supplied to the mixing chamber 400, the mixing chamber 400 is configured to mix water supplied from the first flow path 500, a cleaning agent supplied from the third flow path 700, and air supplied from the fourth flow path 900. In a non-supply state where the cleaning agent accommodated in the accommodation chamber 300 described later cannot be supplied to the mixing chamber 400, the mixing chamber 400 is configured to mix water supplied from the first flow path 500 and air supplied from the air introduction flow path 180 and the second communication path 812.

[0065] The first flow path 500 is a space defined by the inner peripheral surface of the inner cylindrical portion 160. Also, a part of the first flow path 500 is disposed within the mixing chamber 400. In the first embodiment, in a state where the inner cylindrical portion 160 is attached to the cylindrical portion 110, the upper end portion of the inner cylindrical portion 160 is located within the mixing chamber 400, whereby a part of the first flow path 500 is disposed within the mixing chamber 400.

[0066] The second flow path 600 is a space defined by the upper inner peripheral surface portion 113a within the internal space 111 of the mixing section 100. In the first embodiment, the second flow path 600 is disposed along the same direction as the axial direction (vertical direction) of the first flow path 500. Specifically, the second flow path 600 is disposed coaxially with the first flow path 500.

[0067] In the first embodiment, the first flow path 500 is configured such that the flow cross-sectional area decreases toward the second flow path 600, and the second flow path 600 is configured such that the flow cross-sectional area decreases toward the first flow path 500. That is, in the mixing unit 1 according to the present exemplary form, a flow path structure of a so-called Venturi tube is formed by these first flow path 500 and second flow path 600.

[0068] As shown in FIG. 6, the minimum flow area A2 of the second flow path 600 is preferably larger than the minimum flow area A1 of the first flow path 500 from the viewpoint of facilitating the inflow of the cleaning liquid generated in the mixing chamber 400 into the second flow path 600 and ensuring the supply amount of the cleaning liquid to the shower head 3. Specifically, the minimum flow area A2 of the second flow path 600 is +0.3 mm 2 or more and +6.3 mm 2 or less, preferably +0.8 mm 2 or more and +4.5 mm 2 or less. Further, the minimum flow area A2 of the second flow path 600 is preferably +1.09 times or more and +1.70 times or less, and more preferably +1.20 times or more and +1.60 times or less, with respect to the minimum flow area A1 of the first flow path 500.

[0069] The minimum flow area A1 of the first flow path 500 is preferably 3.1 mm 2 or more and 9.6 mm 2 or less, and more preferably 4.1 mm 2 or more and 8.1 mm 2 or less, from the viewpoint of making the pressure in the mixing chamber 400 smaller than that in the storage chamber 300 and the outside air.

[0070] The minimum flow area A2 of the second flow path 600 is preferably 3.4 mm 2 or more and 15.9 mm 2 or less, and more preferably 4.9 mm 2 or more and 12.6 mm 2 or less, from the viewpoint of facilitating the inflow of the cleaning liquid generated in the mixing chamber 400 into the second flow path 600 and ensuring the supply amount of the cleaning liquid to the shower head 3.

[0071] The flow path length of the second flow path 600 is preferably 4.2 mm or more, and more preferably 6.5 mm or more, from the viewpoint of reducing the pressure loss associated with a sudden increase in the flow area of the second flow path 600 and enhancing the suction efficiency of water, the cleaning agent, and air. In the first embodiment, the flow path length of the second flow path 600 is the vertical straight-line length from the upper end to the lower end of the upper inner peripheral surface portion 113a.

[0072] In the first embodiment, the separation distance D between the end of the first flow path 500 on the side of the second flow path 600 and the end of the second flow path 600 on the side of the first flow path 500 is preferably 0.5 mm or more and 3.0 mm or less, and more preferably 0.8 mm or more and 2.0 mm or less, from the viewpoint of making the pressure in the mixing chamber 400 lower than that in the storage chamber 300 and the outside air and securing a space for mixing water, cleaning agent, and air. In the first embodiment, the separation distance D between the end of the first flow path 500 on the side of the second flow path 600 and the end of the second flow path 600 on the side of the first flow path 500 is the linear distance in the vertical direction from the lower end of the upper inner peripheral surface portion 113a to the upper end of the inner cylindrical portion 160.

[0073] The third flow path 700 is a flow path constituted by a cleaning agent introduction flow path 170, a cleaning agent communication path 811a of a switching portion 800 described later, and a cleaning agent supply flow path 217. In the first embodiment, the third flow path 700 is arranged along a direction intersecting the axial direction (vertical direction) of the first flow path 500 and the second flow path 600. Specifically, the third flow path 700 is arranged along a direction orthogonal to the axial direction (vertical direction) of the first flow path 500 and the second flow path 600.

[0074] From the viewpoint of adjusting the supply amount of the cleaning agent to the mixing chamber 400, this third flow path 700 preferably has a portion where the flow path area is 0.2 mm 2 or more and 2.0 mm 2 or less, and more preferably has a portion where the flow path area is 0.3 mm 2 or more and 1.5 mm 2 or less. In the first embodiment, the small flow path 217a of the cleaning agent supply flow path 217 has the above-described flow path area. Note that it is not always necessary for the small flow path 217a to have the above-described flow path area. For example, the cleaning agent introduction flow path 170 may have the above-described flow path area, the large flow path 217b of the cleaning agent supply flow path 217 may have the above-described flow path area, the cleaning agent communication path 811a of the switching portion 800 described later may have the above-described flow path area, or the entire third flow path 700 may have the above-described flow path area.

[0075] Further, from the viewpoint of adjusting the supply amount of the cleaning agent to the mixing chamber 400, the flow path area of the third flow path 700 is 0.2 mm 2 or more and 2.0 mm 2 or less, and downstream of the portion where the flow path area is 0.7 mm 2 or more and 7.1 mm 2 or less. Preferably, the flow path area is 1.7 mm 2 or more and 4.9 mm 2 or less. In the first embodiment, the cleaning agent communication path 811a of the switching unit 800 described later has the above flow path area.

[0076] According to the mixing unit 1 according to the first embodiment having the above configuration, when the supply amount of the cleaning liquid supplied from the second flow path 600 to the shower head 3 or the shower hose 2 is 4000 g / min or more and 7000 g / min or less, the content of the surfactant contained in the cleaning liquid supplied to the shower head 3 or the shower hose 2 is 0.09% by mass or less. Further, the content of the surfactant contained in the cleaning liquid supplied to the shower head 3 or the shower hose 2 is more preferably 0.07% by mass or less, and even more preferably 0.05% by mass or less. Furthermore, the content of the surfactant contained in the cleaning liquid supplied to the shower head 3 or the shower hose 2 may be less than 0.01% by mass if the flow rate of the cleaning liquid ejected from the shower head 3 is 2.0 m / s or more, but is preferably 0.001% by mass or more, more preferably 0.005% by mass or more. If the flow rate is less than 2.0 m / s, it is preferably 0.04% by mass or more, and more preferably 0.05% by mass or more. As will be described later, in the mixing unit 1 according to the first embodiment, the pressure in the mixing chamber 400 becomes lower than the pressure in the storage chamber 300 due to the pressure drop accompanying the increase in the flow rate of water from the upstream to the downstream in the first flow path 500, so that the cleaning agent flows into the mixing chamber 400 from the storage chamber 300 through the third flow path 700. And since the flow rate of the water flowing through the first flow path 500 is due to the inflow amount of the water flowing into the first flow path 500 from the shower hose 2 or the faucet, it can be said that the supply amount of the cleaning agent supplied from the third flow path 700 to the mixing chamber 400 is due to the inflow amount of the water flowing into the first flow path 500 from the shower hose 2 or the faucet. That is, there is a correlation between the increase and decrease in the supply amount of the water supplied to the mixing chamber 400 and the increase and decrease in the supply amount of the cleaning agent. Therefore, in any case where the supply amount of the cleaning liquid supplied from the second flow path 600 to the shower head 3 or the shower hose 2 is 4000 g / min or more and 7000 g / min or less, the content of the surfactant contained in the cleaning liquid supplied to the shower head 3 or the shower hose 2 is 0.09% by mass or less.

[0077] The mixing unit 1 according to the first embodiment having the above configuration satisfies the condition that when the flow rate of the cleaning liquid ejected from the shower head 3 is 2.0 m / s or more and 10 m / s or less, the value obtained by multiplying the flow rate of the cleaning liquid [m / s] by the surfactant content [mass%] is 0.025 or more, and more preferably 0.02 or more. Further, in the case where the flow rate of the cleaning liquid ejected from the shower head 3 of the mixing unit 1 according to the first embodiment is 2 m / s or more and 6 m / s or less, it is preferable that these numerical ranges are satisfied.

[0078] In this specification, the "flow rate of the cleaning liquid ejected from the shower head" may be an actually measured value or a calculated value. When using a calculated value, the value obtained by dividing the ejection amount [g / min] of the cleaning liquid ejected from the shower head 3 by the total area [mm 2 of the water spray holes of the shower head 3 can be used.

[0079] The mixing unit 1 according to the first embodiment further includes a switching unit 800 that can change between a supply state in which the cleaning agent stored in the storage chamber 300 can be supplied to the mixing chamber 400 and a non-supply state in which the cleaning agent stored in the storage chamber 300 cannot be supplied to the mixing chamber 400, and a fourth flow path 900 that can supply air to the third flow path 700.

[0080] The switching unit 800 has a long switching main body portion 810 and a pair of restricting portions 820 provided at both longitudinal ends of the switching main body portion 810, and is formed in a long shape as a whole.

[0081] The switching main body portion 810 has a rectangular or substantially rectangular cross-section along the short side direction, and is configured to be slidable in the hole portion 190 of the mixing portion 100 in a state of being inserted into the hole portion 190 of the mixing portion 100. Further, in a state where the switching main body portion 810 is inserted into the hole portion 190 of the mixing portion 100, the switching main body portion 810 has a first communication path 811 that communicates with the flow path on the internal space 111 side of the cleaning agent introduction flow path 170, the flow path on the cleaning agent supply flow path 217 side of the cleaning agent introduction flow path 170, and the air introduction flow path 180, and a second communication path 812 that communicates with the flow path on the internal space 111 side of the cleaning agent introduction flow path 170 and the air introduction flow path 180.

[0082] The first communication passage 811 and the second communication passage 812 are arranged along the longitudinal direction of the switching main body 810. Specifically, when one of the pair of restricting portions 820 abuts against an inner wall portion 193 described later, the first communication passage 811 is a passage on the inner space 111 side of the cleaning agent introduction passage 170, a passage on the cleaning agent supply passage 217 side of the cleaning agent introduction passage 170, and a position communicating with the air introduction passage 180 of the mixing portion 100. Further, the second communication passage 812 is arranged at a position communicating with the passage on the inner space 111 side of the cleaning agent introduction passage 170 and the air introduction passage 180 of the mixing portion 100 when the other restricting portion 820 of the pair of restricting portions 820 abuts against the inner wall portion 193 described later.

[0083] The first communication passage 811 has a cleaning agent communication passage 811a communicating with the passage on the inner space 111 side of the cleaning agent introduction passage 170 and the passage on the cleaning agent supply passage 217 side of the cleaning agent introduction passage 170, and an air communication passage 811b formed to extend from the axial center portion of the cleaning agent communication passage 811a in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the cleaning agent communication passage 811a and communicating with the air introduction passage 180 of the mixing portion 100. As a whole, a cross section along the short side direction of the switching main body 810 is formed in a substantially T shape. Further, the cleaning agent communication passage 811a and the air communication passage 811b communicate with each other through a communication hole 811c formed in the wall portion constituting the cleaning agent communication passage 811a.

[0084] In the first embodiment, the cleaning agent communication passage 811a has a flow passage area smaller than the flow passage area of the cleaning agent introduction passage 170. Further, the air communication passage 811b has a flow passage area smaller than the flow passage area of the air introduction passage 180.

[0085] In the first embodiment, the cleaning agent communication passage 811a is configured to function as the third flow passage 700. Further, the air communication passage 811b is configured to function as the fourth flow passage 900.

[0086] The second communication passage 812 communicates with the passage on the inner space 111 side of the detergent introduction passage 170 and the air introduction passage 180 of the mixing section 100, and is formed in a substantially L shape as a whole. This second communication passage 812 is configured to supply the air supplied from the air introduction passage 180 to the mixing chamber 400 through the passage on the inner space 111 side of the detergent introduction passage 170.

[0087] At both ends in the short direction of the switching main body portion 810, two annular sealing portions 813 are provided. Specifically, the sealing portion 813 is embedded in the switching main body portion 810 at positions coaxial with the detergent communication passage 811a of the first communication passage 811 and the passage communicating with the detergent introduction passage 170 of the second communication passage 812, respectively. By having the sealing portion 813, leakage of the detergent can be prevented.

[0088] The restricting portion 820 has a cylindrical shape or a substantially cylindrical shape. Also, either one of the pair of restricting portions 820 is configured to be detachable from the switching main body portion 810, and is configured to be attached to the switching main body portion 810 in a state where the switching main body portion 810 is inserted into the hole portion 190 of the mixing section 100.

[0089] Further, the restricting portion 820 is configured to restrict the sliding of the switching main body portion 810 with respect to the hole portion 190. Specifically, the restricting portion 820 is configured to restrict the sliding of the switching main body portion 810 with respect to the hole portion 190 by abutting against the inner wall portion 193 of the mixing section 100 formed by the difference in the opening areas of the small hole portion 191 and the large hole portion 192 of the hole portion 190. By the restricting portion 820 restricting the sliding of the switching main body portion 810, there is an advantage that the detachment of the switching portion 800 from the mixing section 100 can be prevented.

[0090] The switching unit 800 having the above configuration is configured to be able to change between a supply state in which the cleaning agent accommodated in the accommodation chamber 300 can be supplied to the mixing chamber 400 and a non - supply state in which the cleaning agent accommodated in the accommodation chamber 300 cannot be supplied to the mixing chamber 400. Specifically, the switching unit 800 slides the switching main body 810 with respect to the hole 190, and connects the first communication passage 811 to the passage on the internal space 111 side of the cleaning agent introduction passage 170, the passage on the cleaning agent supply passage 217 side of the cleaning agent introduction passage 170, and the air introduction passage 180 of the mixing unit 100, and the second communication passage 812 is connected to the passage on the internal space 111 side of the cleaning agent introduction passage 170 and the air introduction passage 180 of the mixing unit 100. By switching between the states, the supply state and the non - supply state are configured to be switched.

[0091] That is, in the first embodiment, in the supply state, water, the cleaning agent, and air flow into the mixing chamber 400, and in the non - supply state, only water and air flow in.

[0092] In the first embodiment, the switching main body 810 and one of the restricting portions 820 are formed by integral molding using a material such as PP or POM, for example. Also, the other restricting portion 820 is formed by integral molding using a material such as ABS or PC, for example. Note that the molding material and molding method of the switching unit 800 are not limited to this, and various known molding materials and molding methods can be adopted.

[0093] The fourth flow path 900 is a flow path constituted by the air introduction passage 180, the air communication passage 811b of the switching unit 800, and the communication hole 811c. The minimum flow cross - sectional area of the fourth flow path (the opening area of the communication hole 811c) is preferably 0.8 mm 2 or more and 3.1 mm 2 or less from the viewpoint of stably supplying the cleaning agent to the mixing chamber 400 by the third flow path 700 and appropriately foaming the cleaning liquid, and more preferably 0.9 mm 2 or more and 1.8 mm 2 or less.

[0094] [Cleaning method] The cleaning method according to the first embodiment generally uses a mixing unit 1 including a storage chamber 300 capable of storing a cleaning agent containing a surfactant, a mixing chamber 400 capable of mixing the cleaning agent and water to generate a cleaning liquid, a first flow path 500 configured to allow water to flow in from a shower hose 2 or a faucet and supply the water flowing in from the shower hose 2 or the faucet to the mixing chamber 400, a second flow path 600 capable of supplying the cleaning liquid generated in the mixing chamber 400 to a shower head 3 or the shower hose 2, and a third flow path 700 capable of supplying the cleaning agent stored in the storage chamber 300 to the mixing chamber 400. The cleaning method includes storing a cleaning agent in the storage chamber 300, supplying water from the first flow path 500 to the mixing chamber 400, and ejecting the cleaning liquid from the shower head 3 toward an object so that the flow rate of the cleaning liquid ejected from the shower head 3 is 2.0 m / s or more and 10 m / s or less, and the value obtained by multiplying the flow rate of the cleaning liquid [m / s] by the content of the surfactant [mass%] is 0.025 or more. Hereinafter, such a cleaning method will be specifically described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 5.

[0095] First, put a cleaning agent in the storage chamber 300. Also, as shown in FIG. 5, screw the screw groove 143 formed on the inner peripheral surface of the wall portion 142 of the upper connecting portion 140 of the mixing portion 100 and the thread formed on the outer peripheral surface of the lower end portion of the shower head 3, and screw the thread 152 formed on the outer peripheral surface of the convex portion 151 of the lower connecting portion 150 of the mixing portion 100 and the screw groove formed on the inner peripheral surface of the upper end portion of the shower hose 2 to connect the mixing unit 1 to the shower hose 2 and the shower head 3.

[0096] Also, as shown in FIG. 3, slide the switching main body portion 810 of the switching portion 800 with respect to the hole portion 190 of the mixing portion 100 to bring the first communication path 811 of the switching portion 800 into communication with the flow path on the inner space 111 side of the cleaning agent introduction flow path 170, the flow path on the cleaning agent supply flow path 217 side of the cleaning agent introduction flow path 170, and the air introduction flow path 180 of the mixing portion 100. That is, set the mixing unit 1 to the supply state.

[0097] Then, when a user operates a faucet (not shown) connected to the lower end of the shower hose 2, water flows into the mixing chamber 400 through the shower hose 2 and the first flow path 500. Here, in the first flow path 500 according to the first embodiment, the flow area is reduced toward the second flow path 600, and since the flow velocity of water increases from the upstream to the downstream of the first flow path 500, the pressure decreases from the upstream to the downstream of the first flow path 500 (Bernoulli's theorem).

[0098] Then, when the pressure in the mixing chamber 400 becomes lower than that in the storage chamber 300 and the outside air, the cleaning agent flows into the mixing chamber 400 from the storage chamber 300 through the third flow path 700, and air flows into the mixing chamber 400 through the fourth flow path 900 and the third flow path 700. Further, water, the cleaning agent, and air are mixed in the mixing chamber 400 to generate a cleaning liquid.

[0099] The cleaning liquid generated in the mixing chamber 400 is supplied to the shower head 3 through the second flow path 600 and ejected from the shower head 3 to the user. Therefore, the user can wash their body with the cleaning liquid ejected from the shower head 3.

[0100] Particularly in the mixing unit 1 according to the first embodiment, when the supply amount of the cleaning liquid supplied from the second flow path 600 to the shower head 3 is 4000 g / min or more and 7000 g / min or less, the content of the surfactant contained in the cleaning liquid supplied to the shower head 3 is 0.09% by mass or less. When the flow rate of the cleaning liquid ejected from the shower head 3 is 2.0 m / s or more and 10 m / s or less, the value obtained by multiplying the flow rate of the cleaning liquid [m / s] by the content of the surfactant [mass%] is 0.025 or more. Therefore, although the amount of the surfactant contained in the cleaning liquid is small, due to the synergistic effect with the water pressure of the cleaning liquid ejected from the shower head 3, an excellent cleaning effect can be exhibited. In addition, since the amount of the surfactant contained in the cleaning liquid is less than the amount of the surfactant contained in a general cleaning agent, the environmental load and the cost for the user can be reduced. Furthermore, since the hair, face, and body can be washed together with the cleaning liquid ejected from the shower head 3, the cleaning process and the cleaning time can be shortened compared to the conventional cleaning method (a method of individually washing the hair, face, and body using hands or cleaning tools).

[0101] Also, as shown in FIG. 4, when the switching main body 810 of the switching unit 800 is slid with respect to the hole 190 of the mixing unit 100 so that the second communication path 812 of the switching unit 800 communicates with the flow path on the inner space 111 side of the cleaning agent introduction flow path 170 and the air introduction flow path 180 of the mixing unit 100, that is, when the mixing unit 1 is changed from the supply state to the non-supply state, air flows into the mixing chamber 400 through the air introduction flow path 180, the second communication path 812, and the flow path on the inner space 111 side of the cleaning agent introduction flow path 170. Also, water and air are mixed in the mixing chamber 400.

[0102] Then, the water containing air mixed in the mixing chamber 400 is supplied to the shower head 3 through the second flow path 600 and ejected from the shower head 3 to the user. Therefore, the user can wash away the cleaning liquid adhering to the body.

[0103] Further, when the faucet connected to the lower end of the shower hose 2 is operated again by the user, the supply of water to the mixing chamber 400 via the shower hose 2 and the first flow path 500 is stopped, and the ejection of the cleaning liquid or water containing air from the shower head 3 to the user is stopped.

[0104] [Advantages of the mixing unit according to the first embodiment] As described above, the mixing unit 1 according to the first embodiment includes a storage chamber 300 capable of storing a cleaning agent containing a surfactant, a mixing chamber 400 capable of mixing the cleaning agent and water to generate a cleaning liquid, a first flow path 500 configured to allow water to flow in from the shower hose 2 or the faucet and supply the water flowing in from the shower hose 2 or the faucet to the mixing chamber 400, a second flow path 600 capable of supplying the cleaning liquid generated in the mixing chamber 400 to the shower head 3 or the shower hose 2, and a third flow path 700 capable of supplying the cleaning agent stored in the storage chamber 300 to the mixing chamber 400. When the supply amount of the cleaning liquid supplied from the second flow path 600 to the shower head 3 or the shower hose 2 is 4000 g / min or more and 7000 g / min or less, the content of the surfactant contained in the cleaning liquid supplied to the shower head 3 or the shower hose 2 is 0.09 mass% or less. When the flow rate of the cleaning liquid ejected from the shower head 3 is 2.0 m / s or more and 10 m / s or less, the value obtained by multiplying the flow rate [m / s] of the cleaning liquid by the content [mass%] of the surfactant is 0.025 or more.

[0105] According to the hybrid unit 1 having such a configuration, when the supply amount of the cleaning liquid supplied from the second flow path 600 to the shower head 3 or the shower hose 2 is 4000 g / min or more and 7000 g / min or less, the content of the surfactant contained in the cleaning liquid supplied to the shower head 3 or the shower hose 2 is 0.09 mass% or less. When the flow rate of the cleaning liquid ejected from the shower head 3 is 2.0 m / s or more and 10 m / s or less, the value obtained by multiplying the flow rate of the cleaning liquid [m / s] by the content of the surfactant [mass%] is 0.025 or more. Therefore, even when the amount of the surfactant contained in the cleaning liquid supplied to the shower head 3 or the shower hose 2 is small, there is an advantage that an excellent cleaning effect can be exhibited by combining with the water pressure of the cleaning liquid ejected from the shower head 3. In addition, since the dilution ratio of the surfactant is high, there is also an advantage that it is gentle on the user's skin. Furthermore, since the amount of the surfactant contained in the cleaning liquid is less than the amount of the surfactant contained in a general cleaning agent, there is also an advantage that the environmental load and the user's cost can be reduced. In addition, since the hair, face, and body can be cleaned together with the cleaning liquid ejected from the shower head 3, there is also an advantage that the cleaning process and the cleaning time can be shortened compared to the conventional cleaning method (a method of cleaning the hair, face, and body individually using hands or cleaning tools).

[0106] The mixing unit 1 according to the first embodiment includes a storage chamber 300 capable of storing a liquid agent, a mixing chamber 400 capable of mixing the liquid agent and water to generate a liquid, and is configured to allow water to flow in from the shower hose 2 or a faucet. A first flow path 500 capable of supplying the water flowing in from the shower hose 2 or the faucet to the mixing chamber 400, a second flow path 600 capable of supplying the liquid generated in the mixing chamber 400 to the shower head 3 or the shower hose 2, and a third flow path 700 capable of supplying the liquid agent stored in the storage chamber 300 to the mixing chamber 400. The second flow path 600 is arranged along the same direction as the axial direction of the first flow path 500. The first flow path 500 is configured such that the flow passage area decreases toward the second flow path 600. The second flow path 600 is configured such that the flow passage area decreases toward the first flow path 500. The third flow path 700 is arranged along a direction intersecting the axial directions of the first flow path 500 and the second flow path 600. The minimum flow passage area of the second flow path 600 is larger than the minimum flow passage area of the first flow path 500.

[0107] According to the mixing unit 1 having such a configuration, since the flow passage area of the first flow path 500 decreases toward the second flow path 600, the pressure decreases from the upstream to the downstream of the first flow path 500, and the pressure of the mixing chamber 400 becomes lower than that of the storage chamber 300. Therefore, even without providing a component such as a motor for supplying the cleaning agent to the mixing chamber 400, the cleaning agent can be supplied to the mixing chamber 400 by the differential pressure between the mixing chamber 400 and the storage chamber 300. Thus, there are advantages that the number of components and the manufacturing cost of the mixing unit 1 can be reduced, and the structure of the mixing unit 1 can be simplified.

[0108] Further, in the mixing unit 1 according to the first embodiment, a part of the first flow path 500 is arranged inside the mixing chamber 400. According to the mixing unit 1 having such a configuration, since the pressure of the mixing chamber 400 becomes lower than that of the storage chamber 300, there is an advantage that the cleaning agent can be supplied to the mixing chamber 400 by the differential pressure between the mixing chamber 400 and the storage chamber 300.

[0109] Furthermore, the mixing unit 1 according to the first embodiment further includes a switching unit 800 that can change between a supply state in which the cleaning agent stored in the storage chamber 300 can be supplied to the mixing chamber 400 and a non-supply state in which the cleaning agent stored in the storage chamber 300 cannot be supplied to the mixing chamber 400. According to the mixing unit 1 having such a configuration, since it is possible to easily switch between a state in which the cleaning liquid is ejected from the shower head 3 and a state in which only water is ejected from the shower head 3, there is an advantage of high convenience.

[0110] Also, the mixing unit 1 according to the first embodiment further includes a fourth flow path 900 that can supply air to the third flow path 700. According to the mixing unit 1 having such a configuration, since the cleaning liquid can be foamed, there is an advantage that a cleaning feeling can be produced.

[0111] [Second Embodiment] Next, the kit according to the second embodiment will be described. In the description of the kit according to the second embodiment, only the configurations different from those of the kit according to the first embodiment will be described, and the description of the configurations common to the kit according to the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0112] The mixing unit according to the second embodiment is preferably used, for example, for a shower head in which the total area of the water spray holes is 30 mm 2 or more, preferably 35 mm 2 or more, and 50 mm 2 or less, preferably 45 mm 2 or less.

[0113] The minimum flow path area A1 of the first flow path 500 is preferably 4.5 mm 2 or more and 16.0 mm 2 or less, and more preferably 7.0 mm 2 or more and 12.6 mm 2 or less.

[0114] The minimum flow path area A2 of the second flow path 600 is +0.3 mm 2 or more and +10.0 mm 2It is preferably the following, +0.8 mm 2 or more, +8.0 mm 2 It is more preferably the following. Further, the minimum flow passage area A2 of the second flow passage 600 is preferably +1.07 times or more and +3.22 times or less, and more preferably +1.17 times or more and +2.78 times or less with respect to the minimum flow passage area A1 of the first flow passage 500.

[0115] Specifically, the minimum flow passage area A2 of the second flow passage 600 is 4.80 mm 2 or more and 26.0 mm 2 or less, preferably 7.8 mm 2 or more and 20.6 mm 2 or less, and more preferably the following.

[0116] The third flow passage 700 preferably has a first portion (such as the small flow passage 217a) having a flow passage area of 0.2 mm 2 or more and 2.0 mm 2 or less. This first portion preferably has a flow passage area of 0.2 mm 2 or more and 2.0 mm 2 or less. Further, the third flow passage 700 has a second portion (such as the cleaning agent communication passage 811a) having a flow passage area of 0.7 mm 2 or more and 7.1 mm 2 or less on the downstream side of the first portion. This second portion preferably has a flow passage area of 1.7 mm 2 or more and 4.9 mm 2 or less, and more preferably the following.

[0117] According to the mixing unit 1 according to the second embodiment having the above configuration, when the supply amount of the cleaning liquid supplied from the second flow path 600 to the shower head 3 or the shower hose 2 is 5000 g / min or more and 9000 g / min or less, the content of the surfactant contained in the cleaning liquid supplied to the shower head 3 or the shower hose 2 is 0.05% by mass or less. Further, it is more preferable that the content of the surfactant contained in the cleaning liquid supplied to the shower head 3 or the shower hose 2 is 0.04% by mass or less. Furthermore, the content of the surfactant contained in the cleaning liquid supplied to the shower head 3 or the shower hose 2 may be less than 0.01% by mass if the flow rate of the cleaning liquid ejected from the shower head 3 is 2.0 m / s or more, but preferably 0.001% by mass or more, more preferably 0.005% by mass or more. If the flow rate is less than 2.0 m / s, it is preferably 0.04% by mass or more, and more preferably 0.05% by mass or more.

[0118] In the mixing unit 1 according to the second embodiment having the above configuration, when the flow rate of the cleaning liquid ejected from the shower head 3 is 2.0 m / s or more and 10 m / s or less, the value obtained by multiplying the flow rate of the cleaning liquid [m / s] by the content of the surfactant [mass%] is 0.025 or more, and more preferably 0.03 or more. Further, in the mixing unit 1 according to the second embodiment, when the flow rate of the cleaning liquid ejected from the shower head 3 is 2 m / s or more and 6 m / s or less, it is preferable to satisfy these numerical ranges.

[0119] [Advantages of the mixing unit according to the second embodiment] As described above, the mixing unit 1 according to the second embodiment includes a storage chamber 300 capable of storing a cleaning agent containing a surfactant, a mixing chamber 400 capable of mixing the cleaning agent and water to generate a cleaning liquid, a first flow path 500 configured to allow water to flow in from the shower hose 2 or a faucet and supply the water flowing in from the shower hose 2 or the faucet to the mixing chamber 400, a second flow path 600 capable of supplying the cleaning liquid generated in the mixing chamber 400 to the shower head 3 or the shower hose 2, and a third flow path 700 capable of supplying the cleaning agent stored in the storage chamber 300 to the mixing chamber 400. When the supply amount of the cleaning liquid supplied from the second flow path 600 to the shower head 3 or the shower hose 2 is 5000 g / min or more and 9000 g / min or less, the content of the surfactant contained in the cleaning liquid supplied to the shower head 3 or the shower hose 2 is 0.05 mass% or less. When the flow rate of the cleaning liquid ejected from the shower head 3 is 2.0 m / s or more and 10 m / s or less, the value obtained by multiplying the flow rate [m / s] of the cleaning liquid by the content [mass%] of the surfactant is 0.025 or more.

[0120] According to the mixing unit 1 according to the second embodiment having such a configuration, the same effects as those of the mixing unit 1 according to the first embodiment can be achieved. Further, in the mixing unit 1 according to the second embodiment, the supply amount of the cleaning liquid supplied from the second flow path 600 to the shower head 3 or the shower hose 2 is larger than that of the mixing unit 1 according to the first embodiment, and the ejection amount of the cleaning liquid ejected from the shower head 3 is larger than that of the mixing unit 1 according to the first embodiment. Therefore, there is an advantage that the feeling of using the shower is improved.

[0121] [Other Modification Examples] The mixing unit according to the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the technical idea of the present invention.

[0122] For example, in the above-described embodiment, a part of the first flow path 500 is disposed in the mixing chamber 400, the first flow path 500 is configured such that the flow cross-sectional area decreases toward the second flow path 600, and the second flow path 600 is configured such that the flow cross-sectional area decreases toward the first flow path 500. However, the present invention is not limited to this. A part of the first flow path 500 may not be disposed in the mixing chamber 400, the flow cross-sectional area of the first flow path 500 may not decrease toward the second flow path 600, and the flow cross-sectional area of the second flow path 600 may not decrease toward the first flow path 500. That is, the cleaning agent may be supplied to the mixing chamber 400 by a component for supplying the cleaning agent to the mixing chamber 400, such as a motor, without supplying the cleaning agent to the mixing chamber 400 by the differential pressure between the mixing chamber 400 and the storage chamber 300.

[0123] Further, in the above-described embodiment, it has been described that there is a switching unit 800 that can switch between a supply state in which the cleaning agent stored in the storage chamber 300 can be supplied to the mixing chamber 400 and a non-supply state in which the cleaning agent stored in the storage chamber 300 cannot be supplied to the mixing chamber 400. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a configuration without the switching unit 800 may be employed.

[0124] Further, in the above-described embodiment, it has been described that the switching unit 800 slides the switching main body 810 with respect to the hole 190 to switch between a state in which the first communication path 811 communicates with the flow path on the inner space 111 side of the cleaning agent introduction flow path 170, the flow path on the cleaning agent supply flow path 217 side of the cleaning agent introduction flow path 170, and the air introduction flow path 180 of the mixing unit 100, and a state in which the second communication path 812 communicates with the flow path on the inner space 111 side of the cleaning agent introduction flow path 170 and the air introduction flow path 180 of the mixing unit 100, thereby switching between the supply state and the non-supply state. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the switching unit 800 may have only the first communication path 811, a valve may be provided in the first communication path 811, and the supply state and the non-supply state may be switched by opening and closing the valve provided in the first communication path 811.

[0125] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, although the description has been made assuming that the fourth flow path 900 capable of supplying air to the third flow path 700 is provided, the present invention is not limited to this, and a configuration without the fourth flow path 900 may be employed. Also, although the description has been made assuming that the fourth flow path 900 supplies air to the mixing chamber 400 via the third flow path 700, the present invention is not limited to this, and a configuration may be adopted in which air is supplied to the mixing chamber 400 without passing through the third flow path 700.

[0126] Also, in the above-described embodiment, although the description has been made assuming that the mixing unit 1 is configured to be connectable to the shower hose 2 and the shower head 3, the present invention is not limited to this, and the mixing unit 1 may be configured integrally with either one or both of the shower hose 2 and the shower head 3.

[0127] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, although the description has been made assuming that the supply amounts of the cleaning agent and air to the mixing chamber 400 are adjusted by adjusting the flow path areas of the third flow path 700 and the fourth flow path 900, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, the supply amounts of the cleaning agent and air to the mixing chamber 400 may be adjusted by using a valve such as a check valve.

[0128] It is apparent from the description of the claims that such modifications as described above are included in the scope of the present invention.

Example

[0129] Hereinafter, the present invention will be specifically described based on examples, but these do not limit the object of the present invention.

[0130] [Preparation of Examples 1 to 5 and Comparative Examples 1 and 2] Based on the mixing unit according to the present embodiment, the mixing units according to Examples 1 to 5 and Comparative Examples 1 and 2 were prepared. In the mixing units according to Examples 1 to 5 and Comparative Examples 1 and 2, the flow path area of the third flow path 700, the content of the surfactant contained in the cleaning agent, and the viscosity of the cleaning agent were adjusted so that the content of the surfactant contained in the cleaning liquid became the values shown in Table 1.

[0131] [Cleaning Conditions] (1) Water supply amount: 5400 g / min (2) Water temperature: approximately 40 °C (3) Components of the detergent: Sodium polyoxyethylene (2) lauryl ether sulfate (ES, average number of moles of ethylene oxide added: 2.0) and ion-exchanged water (4) Content of surfactant contained in the detergent: The values shown in Table 1 were used. (5) Viscosity of the detergent at 30 °C: For Examples 1 to 3 and Comparative Example 2 (where the content of surfactant contained in the detergent is 27% by mass), it was 38.8 mPa·s. For Examples 4 and 5 and Comparative Example 1 (where the content of surfactant contained in the detergent is 13.5% by mass), it was 10 mPa·s or less. The viscosity of the detergent was adjusted using a BM viscometer (model number TVB-10H, rotor M1, rotation speed 60 rpm). (6) Cleaning liquid supply amount: The values shown in Table 1 were used. (7) Flow rate of the cleaning liquid ejected from the shower head 3: It was set to the values shown in Table 1.

[0132] [Evaluation of detergency] First, 20 μL of model comedonal sebum stain (98% by mass) and carbon black (2% by mass) were dropped at three arbitrary locations (each in a range of 3 cm × 3 cm) in the longitudinal direction of the arm and dried for 5 minutes or more. Then, the mixing units according to Examples 1 to 5 and Comparative Examples 1 and 2 were attached to a shower hose (manufactured by Sanei, model number PS3086TXW) and a shower head (manufactured by Toto, model number THY731HR), and after cleaning according to the following procedure, the detergency was evaluated according to the following evaluation criteria, and the environmental load and the cost for the user were evaluated, and a comprehensive evaluation was performed based on these evaluation results.

[0133] Note that the components of the model comedonal sebum stain are as follows. Squalene: 7.94% by mass, wax (myristyl myristate): 13.89% by mass, cottonseed oil: 7.14% by mass, cholesterol: 11.90% by mass, cholesterol ester: 3.97%, lauric acid: 0.79% by mass, myristic acid: 6.35% by mass, palmitin: 24.6% by mass, stearic acid: 4.76% by mass, oleic acid: 18.65% by mass

[0134] [Washing procedure] Step 1: Turn off the mixing unit 1 and apply water in one round trip to the part of the arm model with comedo sebum dirt attached. Step 2: Turn on the mixing unit 1 and apply the cleaning solution in five round trips to the part of the arm model with comedo sebum dirt attached. Step 3: Turn off the mixing unit 1 and apply water in five round trips to the part of the arm model with comedo sebum dirt attached.

[0135] [Evaluation criteria for detergency] 5: The dirt falls off cleanly 4: The dirt generally falls off, but some dirt remains on the skin texture 3: The dirt falls off slightly 2: Almost no dirt falls off 1: No dirt falls off at all For the mixing unit with the above evaluation of 3 or more, it was evaluated that it has detergency (evaluation ○). On the other hand, for the mixing unit with the above evaluation of 2 or less, it was evaluated that it has poor detergency (evaluation ×).

[0136] [Evaluation criteria for environmental impact and user cost] Generally, when using common detergents such as shampoo (product name: Merit Shampoo DE, surfactant content: 17.8% by mass, incentive usage fee: 6 g, surfactant usage amount: 1.07 g, seller name: Kao Corporation), facial cleanser (product name: Biore Skin Care Facial Cleanser Moisture, surfactant content: 32.4% by mass, incentive usage fee: 1 g, surfactant usage amount: 0.32 g, seller name: Kao Corporation), and body shampoo (product name: Men's Biore Deodorant Body Wash FA, surfactant content: 24.1% by mass, incentive usage fee: 6 g, surfactant usage amount: 1.45 g, seller name: Kao Corporation) to wash hair, face, and body respectively, 13 g of detergent is used and 2.8 g of surfactant is used. Therefore, in the shower device using the mixing unit according to Examples 1 to 5 and Comparative Examples 1 and 2, assuming that the time of using the detergent is about 33 seconds, when the usage amount of the surfactant is lower than 2.8 g, it can be evaluated that the environmental load and the user's cost can be reduced (evaluation ○). On the other hand, when the usage amount of the surfactant in 33 seconds is 2.8 g or more, it is evaluated that the environmental load and the user's cost cannot be reduced (evaluation ×). Note that the above 33 - second time is the washing time assumed when washing hair, face, and body under the above washing conditions using a shower device equipped with the mixing unit according to Examples 1 to 5 and Comparative Examples 1 and 2.

[0137]

Table 1

[0138] As shown in Table 1, for Examples 1 to 5 where the supply amount of the cleaning liquid supplied to the shower head is around 5400 g / min and the content of the surfactant contained in the cleaning liquid supplied to the shower head is 0.09 mass% or less, it was revealed that even when the amount of the surfactant contained in the cleaning liquid is small, excellent cleaning effects can be exerted and the environmental load and the cost for the user are small. On the other hand, for Comparative Examples 1 and 2 where the surfactant content exceeds 0.09 mass% under the same conditions, it was revealed that the amount of the surfactant contained in the cleaning liquid is large and the environmental load and the cost for the user are large.

[0139] [Preparation of Examples 6 to 8 and Comparative Examples 3 to 5] Based on the mixing unit according to the present embodiment, mixing units according to Examples 6 to 8 and Comparative Examples 3 to 5 were prepared. In the mixing units according to Examples 6 to 8 and Comparative Examples 3 to 5, the flow channel area of the first flow channel 500, the flow channel area of the second flow channel 600, the flow channel area of the third flow channel 700, the content of the surfactant contained in the cleaning agent, and the viscosity of the cleaning agent were adjusted so that the flow velocity of the cleaning liquid and the content of the surfactant contained in the cleaning liquid became the values shown in Table 2.

[0140] [Cleaning Conditions] (1) Water supply amount: For Example 6, it was 6800 g / min, for Example 7 it was 4200 g / min, for Example 8 it was 6800 g / min, for Comparative Example 3 it was 4800 g / min, for Comparative Example 4 it was 6800 g / min, and for Comparative Example 5 it was 4200 g / min. (2) Water temperature: Approximately 40°C (3) Cleaning agent: The following cleaning agents (a) and (b) were used. (a): A cleaning agent containing sodium lauryl polyoxyethylene (2) ether sulfate (ES, average number of moles of ethylene oxide added: 2.0) (27 mass%) and ion-exchanged water (73 mass%) (hereinafter referred to as "Cleaning Agent 1"). (b): Sodium lauryl polyoxyethylene (2) sulfate (ES, average number of moles of ethylene oxide added: 2.0) (3% by mass), polyoxyethylene (16) lauryl ether (HLB 16.2) (9% by mass), and ion-exchanged water (88% by mass) (hereinafter referred to as "detergent 2"). (4) Content of surfactant contained in the detergent: For Example 6, it was 2.70% by mass; for Example 7, it was 1.69% by mass; for Example 8, it was 3.38% by mass; for Comparative Example 3, it was 3.38% by mass; for Comparative Example 4, it was 1.69% by mass; for Comparative Example 5, it was 0.42% by mass. (5) Viscosity of the detergent at 30°C: For Example 6, it was 10 mPa·s or less; for Example 7, it was 10 mPa·s or less; for Example 8, it was 10 mPa·s or less; for Comparative Example 3, it was 10 mPa·s or less; for Comparative Example 4, it was 10 mPa·s or less; for Comparative Example 5, it was 10 mPa·s or less. The viscosity of the detergent was adjusted using a BM viscometer (model TVB-10H, rotor M1, rotation speed 60 rpm). (6) Detergent supply rate: For Example 6, it was 6810 g / min; for Example 7, it was 4216 g / min; for Example 8, it was 6821 g / min; for Comparative Example 3, it was 4808 g / min; for Comparative Example 4, it was 6821 g / min; for Comparative Example 5, it was 4216 g / min.

[0141] [Evaluation of detergency, washing procedure, and evaluation criteria for detergency] The evaluation of detergency, washing procedure, and evaluation criteria for detergency were the same as those when evaluating the mixing units according to Examples 1 to 5 and Comparative Examples 1 and 2.

[0142]

Table 2

[0143] As shown in Table 2, when the supply amount of the cleaning liquid supplied to the shower head is 4000 g / min or more and 7000 g / min or less, the content of the surfactant contained in the cleaning liquid supplied to the shower head is 0.09% by mass or less. When the flow rate of the cleaning liquid ejected from the shower head is 2.0 m / s or more and 10 m / s or less, for Example 7 where the value obtained by multiplying the flow rate of the cleaning liquid [m / s] by the content of the surfactant [mass%] is 0.025 or more, it has been clarified that excellent cleaning effects can be achieved even when the amount of the surfactant contained in the cleaning liquid is small.

[0144] Also, as shown in Table 2, when the supply amount of the cleaning liquid supplied to the shower head is 5000 g / min or more and 9000 g / min or less, the content of the surfactant contained in the cleaning liquid supplied to the shower head is 0.05% by mass or less. When the flow rate of the cleaning liquid ejected from the shower head is 2.0 m / s or more and 10 m / s or less, for Examples 6 and 8 where the value obtained by multiplying the flow rate of the cleaning liquid [m / s] by the content of the surfactant [mass%] is 0.025 or more, it has been clarified that excellent cleaning effects can be achieved even when the amount of the surfactant contained in the cleaning liquid is small.

[0145] On the other hand, for Comparative Example 3 where the flow rate of the cleaning liquid ejected from the shower head is less than 2.0 m / s, it has been clarified that the cleaning effect is poor. Also, for Comparative Examples 4 and 5 where the flow rate of the cleaning liquid ejected from the shower head is 2.0 m / s or more and 10 m / s or less, and the value obtained by multiplying the flow rate of the cleaning liquid [m / s] by the content of the surfactant [mass%] is less than 0.025, it has been clarified that the cleaning effect is poor.

Explanation of Signs

[0146] 1: Mixing unit 2: Shower hose 3: Shower head 100: Mixing section 110: Cylindrical section 111: Internal space 112: Recess 113: Inner circumferential surface 113a: Upper inner circumferential surface 113b: First intermediate part 113c: Second intermediate part 113d: Third intermediate part 113e: Lower inner circumferential surface 120: Clamping part 121: Tip part 130: Holding part 131: Insertion recess 140: Upper connecting part 141: Bottom part 142: Wall part 143: Thread groove 150: Lower connecting part 151: Protrusion 152: Thread crest 160: Inner cylindrical part 170: Detergent introduction flow path 180: Air introduction flow path 190: Hole part 191: Small hole part 192: Large hole part 193: Inner wall part 200: Accommodation part 210: Accommodation main body part 211: Top plate part 211a: Opening part 211b: Shaft holding part 211c: Insertion hole 212: Front wall part 212a: Upper front wall part 212b: Intermediate front wall part 212c: Lower front wall part 213: Rear wall part 213a: Engagement recess 214: Bottom plate part 215: Insertion protrusion 216: Sealing part 217: Detergent supply flow path 217a: Small flow path 217b: Large flow path 218: Sealing part 220: Cover part 221: Blocking part 221a: Air passage hole part 221b: Insertion hole 222: Insertion part 223: Peripheral wall part 224: Roof part 225: Sealing part 226: Check valve 230: Shaft part 300: Accommodation chamber 400: Mixing chamber 500: First flow path 600: Second flow path 700: Third flow path 800: Switching part 810: Switching body part 811: First communication path 811a: Detergent communication path 811b: Air communication path 811c: Communication hole 812: Second communication path 813: Sealing part 820: Regulation part 900: Fourth flow path

Claims

1. A mixing unit having a cleaning agent containing a surfactant and a storage chamber capable of storing the cleaning agent, The mixing unit comprises: A mixing chamber capable of mixing a cleaning agent and water to generate a cleaning liquid; A first flow path configured to allow water to flow in from a shower hose or a faucet and capable of supplying the water flowing in from the shower hose or the faucet to the mixing chamber; A second flow path capable of supplying the cleaning liquid generated in the mixing chamber to a shower head or a shower hose; a third flow path capable of supplying the cleaning agent contained in the storage chamber to the mixing chamber; having when the supply amount of the cleaning liquid supplied from the second flow path to the shower head or the shower hose is 4000 g / min or more and 7000 g / min or less, the content of a surfactant contained in the cleaning liquid supplied to the shower head or the shower hose is 0.09 mass% or less, When the flow velocity of the cleaning liquid sprayed from the showerhead is 2.0 m / s or more and 10 m / s or less, the value obtained by multiplying the flow velocity [m / s] of the cleaning liquid by the content [mass %] of the surfactant is 0.025 or more. kit.

2. A mixing unit having a cleaning agent containing a surfactant and a storage chamber capable of storing the cleaning agent, The mixing unit comprises: A mixing chamber capable of mixing a cleaning agent and water to generate a cleaning liquid; A first flow path configured to allow water to flow in from a shower hose or a faucet and capable of supplying the water flowing in from the shower hose or the faucet to the mixing chamber; A second flow path capable of supplying the cleaning liquid generated in the mixing chamber to a shower head or a shower hose; a third flow path capable of supplying the cleaning agent contained in the storage chamber to the mixing chamber; having when the supply amount of the cleaning liquid supplied from the second flow path to the shower head or the shower hose is 5000 g / min or more and 9000 g / min or less, the content of a surfactant contained in the cleaning liquid supplied to the shower head or the shower hose is 0.05 mass% or less, When the flow velocity of the cleaning liquid sprayed from the showerhead is 2.0 m / s or more and 10 m / s or less, the value obtained by multiplying the flow velocity [m / s] of the cleaning liquid by the content [mass %] of the surfactant is 0.025 or more. kit.

3. A mixing unit including a liquid agent containing a surfactant and a storage chamber capable of storing the liquid agent, The mixing unit comprises: A mixing chamber capable of mixing the liquid agent and water to generate a liquid; A first flow path configured to allow water to flow in from a shower hose or a faucet and capable of supplying the water flowing in from the shower hose or the faucet to the mixing chamber; A second flow path capable of supplying the liquid generated in the mixing chamber to a shower head or a shower hose; a third flow path capable of supplying the liquid agent contained in the storage chamber to the mixing chamber; having The second flow passage is disposed along the same direction as the axial direction of the first flow passage, The first flow path is configured such that a flow path area decreases toward the second flow path, The second flow path is configured such that a flow path area decreases toward the first flow path, The third flow path is disposed along a direction intersecting an axial direction of the first flow path and the second flow path, The second flow path has a minimum flow area greater than a minimum flow area of ​​the first flow path, When the flow velocity of the liquid produced by mixing the water supplied from the first flow path to the mixing chamber with the liquid supplied from the third flow path and ejected from the showerhead via the second flow path is 2.0 m / s or more and 10 m / s or less, the value obtained by multiplying the flow velocity [m / s] of the liquid by the content [mass %] of the surfactant is 0.025 or more. kit.

4. A portion of the first flow path is disposed within the mixing chamber. The kit of claim 3.

5. A distance between an end of the first flow path on the second flow path side and an end of the second flow path on the first flow path side is 0.5 mm or more and 3.0 mm or less. The kit according to claim 4.

6. The minimum flow area of ​​the second flow path is 3.4 mm ２ Over 15.9 mm ２ Is less than or equal to The kit according to any one of claims 3 to 5.

7. The minimum flow area of ​​the second flow path is 2.5 mm ２ That's all. The kit according to any one of claims 3 to 5.

8. The minimum flow area of ​​the first flow path is 3.1 mm ２ More than 9.6 mm ２ Is less than or equal to The kit according to any one of claims 3 to 5.

9. The minimum flow area of ​​the first flow path is 4.5 mm ２ More than 16.0 mm ２ Is less than or equal to The kit according to any one of claims 3 to 5.

10. The third flow path has a flow path area of ​​0.2 mm ２ More than 2.0 mm ２ It has the following parts: The kit according to any one of claims 3 to 5.

11. The nozzle further includes a fourth flow passage capable of supplying air to the third flow passage. The kit according to any one of claims 3 to 5.

12. The minimum flow area of ​​the fourth flow path is 0.8 mm ２ More than 3.1 mm ２ Is less than or equal to The kit of claim 11.

13. The liquid contains a surfactant in an amount of 10% by mass or more, The viscosity of the liquid is 200 mPa·s or less. The kit according to any one of claims 3 to 5.

14. A storage chamber capable of storing a cleaning agent containing a surfactant; A mixing chamber capable of mixing a cleaning agent and water to generate a cleaning liquid; A first flow path configured to allow water to flow in from a shower hose or a faucet and capable of supplying the water flowing in from the shower hose or the faucet to the mixing chamber; A second flow path capable of supplying the cleaning liquid generated in the mixing chamber to a shower head or a shower hose; a third flow path capable of supplying the cleaning agent contained in the storage chamber to the mixing chamber; A cleaning method using a mixing unit comprising: A cleaning agent is contained in the storage chamber, Supplying water from the first flow path to the mixing chamber, The cleaning liquid is sprayed from the shower head toward the object so that the flow velocity of the cleaning liquid sprayed from the shower head is 2.0 m / s or more and 10 m / s or less, and a value obtained by multiplying the flow velocity [m / s] of the cleaning liquid by the content [mass %] of the surfactant is 0.025 or more. Cleaning method:

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