Water discharge device

Abstract

To provide a water discharge device capable of changing a position or an orientation of other water discharge hole with respect to one water discharge hole provided on an arm.SOLUTION: A water discharge device comprises an arm 50 comprising: a main body part 50A; a movable part 50B which relatively moves with respect to the main body part 50A, and each of the main body part 50A and the movable part 50B has a water discharge hole 60. According to the above-mentioned structure, by moving the movable part 50B, a position or an orientation of the water discharge hole 60 of the movable part 50B can be changed with respect to the water discharge hole 60 of the main body part 50A.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a water discharge device. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, water discharge devices that discharge shower water from arms have been known. For example, the water discharge device described in Patent Document 1 below has arms connected to both the left and right sides of a mixer tap. Each arm is provided with a water outlet. The water outlets are arranged at regular intervals along the length of the arm. Water produced in the mixer tap is supplied to the arms and discharged from the water outlets. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-52357 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the water discharge device configured as described above, all of the water discharge ports are fixed to the arm, so it is not possible to change the position or orientation of some of the water discharge ports provided on the arm relative to the other water discharge ports.

[0005] The present disclosure was completed based on the above circumstances, and aims to provide a water-discharging device that can change the position and orientation of some of the water outlets provided on an arm relative to other water outlets. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The water discharge device of the present disclosure comprises an arm having a main body and a movable part that moves relative to the main body, and a water discharge outlet is provided in each of the main body and the movable part. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a water discharge device; [Figure 2] Front view showing the water discharge device [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a partially enlarged front view showing the lower end of the water discharge device with the mirror portion removed. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the lower end of the water discharger with the mirror surface removed, which corresponds to the cross section taken along the line AA in FIG. 3. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a partially enlarged perspective view showing a connection between the housing and the arm; [Figure 6] FIG. 5 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing a connection portion between the housing and the arm, which corresponds to a cross-section taken along the line DD in FIG. 4. [Figure 7] A partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing the connection between the main body and the movable part of the arm. [Figure 8] Front view showing the first nozzle [Figure 9] 9 is a cross-sectional view showing the first nozzle, which corresponds to the cross section taken along the CC line in FIG. 8. [Figure 10] 8 is a cross-sectional view showing the state in which the movable part moves relative to the main body part, and corresponds to the cross section at position BB in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] <Embodiment> Water discharger M is a shower device fixed to a bathroom mounting wall W. In the following description, the upper side (positive side of the Z axis in Fig. 1) of water discharger M when mounted on the bathroom mounting wall W will be referred to as the upper side, the lower side (negative side of the Z axis in Fig. 1) as the lower side, the left side (negative side of the Y axis in Fig. 1) when water discharger M is viewed from the front will be referred to as the left side, the right side (positive side of the Y axis in Fig. 1) as the right side, the inside of the bathroom (positive side of the X axis in Fig. 1) as the front side, and the side opposite the inside of the bathroom (negative side of the X axis in Fig. 1) as the rear side.

[0009] The water discharger M comprises a housing 10 and a pair of first and second arms 50F and 50S. The water discharger M comprises a faucet connector 10A (see Figures 2 and 3). A water supply hose extending from a faucet main body (not shown) is connected to the faucet connector 10A. The faucet main body has the functions of adjusting flow rate and temperature. The faucet main body switches between discharging water from a faucet (not shown) and discharging water from a shower (hand shower and body shower, described below). The water discharger M comprises a hand shower connector 10B to which a shower hose extending from a hand shower (not shown) is connected.

[0010] The water discharge device M is provided with an operating unit 11 that switches between the hand shower and the shower from the first and second arms 50F, 50S (referred to as body shower). The operating unit 11 protrudes downward from the underside of the water discharge device M (see Figure 2). The hand shower and the body shower can be switched by manually operating the operating unit 11. Specifically, the hand shower is switched to the body shower by pressing the operating unit 11 downward. The body shower is switched to the hand shower by pulling the operating unit 11 upward. When the faucet main body is turned off while switched to the body shower, or when the faucet main body is switched from the shower to the faucet water discharge, the operating unit 11 automatically returns to its original state (the state in which water is discharged from the hand shower).

[0011] The housing 10 is fixed to a mounting wall W. The first arm 50F is provided on the left side of the housing 10. The second arm 50S is provided on the right side of the housing 10. The first arm 50F is rotatable about an imaginary first rotation axis Z1 relative to the housing 10. The second arm 50S is rotatable about an imaginary second rotation axis Z2 relative to the housing 10. By rotating, the first and second arms 50F, 50S are placed in a stored state (shown by two-dot chain lines in FIGS. 1 and 2) and a pulled-out state (shown by solid lines in FIGS. 1 and 2), as shown in FIG. 3.

[0012] In the stored state, the first and second arms 50F, 50S are arranged along the left and right sides of the housing 10. Arm receiving portions 12 with which the first and second arms 50F, 50S come into contact in the stored state are provided on the left and right sides of the housing 10 (see FIG. 1). The first and second arms 50F, 50S come into contact with the arm receiving portions 12, thereby preventing them from coming into contact with the mounting wall W. Receiving grooves 51 into which the arm receiving portions 12 fit are formed in the first and second arms 50F, 50S.

[0013] In the extended state, the first and second arms 50F, 50S are positioned at any position extending from the mounting wall W. The first and second arms 50F, 50S can rotate independently. By adjusting the rotation angle of the first and second arms 50F, 50S, the user can use the body shower while standing or sitting. As shown in FIG. 2, the left-right distance between the tips of the first and second arms 50F, 50S in the extended state and an imaginary plane P perpendicular to the mounting wall W at the center of the housing 10 in the left-right direction is greater than the left-right distance between the tips of the first and second arms 50F, 50S and the imaginary plane P in the retracted state. In the extended state, the left-right distance between the first and second arms 50F, 50S is greater than that between the first and second arms 50F, 50S in the retracted state.

[0014] A mirror surface portion 13 is provided on the front surface of the housing 10. The mirror surface portion 13 is held by a base member made of synthetic resin (for example, ABS resin).

[0015] The first and second rotation axes Z1, Z2 are provided at the lower ends of the first and second arms 50F, 50S in the stored state, as shown in Fig. 3. The first and second rotation axes Z1, Z2 are arranged horizontally when the water discharger M is attached to the mounting wall W. The first and second rotation axes Z1, Z2 are arranged at the same height when the water discharger M is attached to the mounting wall W.

[0016] As shown in Fig. 4, the first and second rotation axes Z1, Z2 are inclined with respect to the mounting wall W when the water discharger M is attached to the mounting wall W. The first and second rotation axes Z1, Z2 are positioned such that the center sides in the left-right direction of the housing 10 are forward of the ends in the left-right direction. The first and second rotation axes Z1, Z2 intersect at the center position in the left-right direction of the housing 10.

[0017] As shown in Fig. 4, the left and right side surfaces of the housing 10 are provided with inclined portions 10S that are inclined to follow the rotation trajectories of the first and second arms 50F, 50S. The inclined portions 10S are formed in the front region of the side surfaces of the housing 10. The first and second arms 50F, 50S are connected to the housing 10 within the inclined portions 10S.

[0018] When the water discharge device M is attached to the mounting wall W, as shown in FIG. 4, a clearance S is secured between the first and second arms 50F, 50S and the mounting wall W. This clearance S allows the first and second arms 50F, 50S to rotate approximately 180 degrees without coming into contact with the mounting wall W. The clearance S is larger than the minimum size required for the first and second arms 50F, 50S to rotate. The size of the clearance S is such that fingers will not be pinched between the first and second arms 50F, 50S and the mounting wall W. The thickness dimension (front-rear dimension) of the housing 10 is a dimension that allows the clearance S to be secured.

[0019] 3 and 4, a frame 15 is provided at the lower end of the housing 10. The frame 15 is made of metal (e.g., SUS304). The frame 15 has a main frame 16, a sub-frame 17, and an arm fixing frame 18. The first and second arms 50F and 50S are rotatably connected to the frame 15, as shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4. The frame 15 is made of metal (e.g., SUS304). The frame 15 has a main frame 16, a sub-frame 17, and an arm fixing frame 18.

[0020] The main frame 16 is located at the rear of the housing 10. The main frame 16 is wall-shaped across the entire width of the housing 10 in the left-right direction. The sub-frame 17 and the arm fixing frame 18 are provided on both left and right ends of the main frame 16. The sub-frame 17 is fixed to the front surface of the main frame 16 by welding. The arm fixing frame 18 is fixed to the front surface of the sub-frame 17 by screws.

[0021] As shown in Figure 5, the arm fixing frame 18 integrally comprises a pair of left and right side portions 18A, an upper portion 18B, and a rear portion 18C. The upper portion 18B connects the upper ends of the pair of left and right side portions 18A. The rear portion 18C connects the rear ends of the pair of left and right side portions 18A. The rear portion 18C fits along the front surface of the subframe 17.

[0022] A frame-side spring locking portion 19 that locks the ends of first and second torsion springs 39F and 39S (described later) is provided on the upper surface portion 18B of the arm fixing frame 18. The frame-side spring locking portion 19 is formed by cutting out a portion of the upper surface portion 18B.

[0023] As shown in Fig. 6, a first through portion 21 and a second through portion 22 that penetrate in the left-right direction are formed in the left and right side surface portions 18A of the arm fixing frame 18. The first through portion 21 is formed in the side surface portion 18A located on the center side in the left-right direction of the housing 10 (on the left side in Fig. 6). The second through portion 22 is formed in the side surface portion 18A located on the end side in the left-right direction of the housing 10 (on the right side in Fig. 6). The first through portion 21 and the second through portion 22 are generally circular. The first through portion 21 and the second through portion 22 are formed coaxially.

[0024] As shown in Fig. 6, a protrusion 23 protrudes from the periphery of the first through portion 21. The protrusion 23 fits into a notched groove 31C formed in the first and second arm holding members 31F, 31S (described later) to prevent the first and second arm holding members 31F, 31S from rotating. The second through portion 22 is slightly larger than the first through portion 21. An arm end housing 52 provided at the end of the first and second arms 50F, 50S (described later) fits into the second through portion 22.

[0025] As shown in Fig. 3, frame 15 holds switching valve 24, residual water drain valve 25, internal piping 26, and first and second working units 30F, 30S. Switching valve 24 is fixed to the center in the left-right direction of frame 15. Switching valve 24 switches between the hand shower and the body shower by operating operating unit 11.

[0026] The internal piping 26 includes a water supply piping 26A, a hand shower piping 26B, a body shower piping 26C, and a branch piping 26D. One end of the water supply piping 26A is provided with a faucet connection 10A. The other end of the water supply piping 26A is connected to the selector valve 24. One end of the hand shower piping 26B is provided with a hand shower connection 10B. The other end of the hand shower piping 26B is connected to the selector valve 24. As shown in FIG. 4, the water supply piping 26A and the hand shower piping 26B are disposed in the space formed between the main frame 16 and the sub-frame 17. One end of the body shower piping 26C is connected to the selector valve 24, and the other end is connected to the branch piping 26D. The branch piping 26D branches the water supplied from the body shower piping 26C into the water passages R of the first and second arms 50F and 50S. In this specification, water refers not only to cold water but also to liquid water of any temperature.

[0027] The residual water discharge valve 25 is provided on the branch pipe 26D. The residual water discharge valve 25 discharges residual water from the water passages R of the first and second arms 50F, 50S. The residual water discharge valve 25 is fixed to the center of the frame 15 in the left-right direction.

[0028] The first working unit 30F performs work on the first arm 50F in the rotational direction when the first arm 50F rotates. The second working unit 30S performs work on the second arm 50S in the rotational direction when the second arm 50S rotates. As shown in FIG. 4, the first and second working units 30F, 30S are provided for the first and second arms 50F, 50S, respectively. The first and second working units 30F, 30S are disposed between the first and second arms 50F, 50S. The first working unit 30F includes a first arm holding member 31F, a first braking mechanism 32F, and a first elastic member 33F. The second working unit 30S includes a second arm holding member 31S, a second braking mechanism 32S, and a second elastic member 33S.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 6, the first and second arm holding members 31F, 31S are fixed to the frame 15. FIG. 6 shows only the second arm holding member 31S. The first arm holding member 31F rotatably holds the first arm 50F. The second arm holding member 31S rotatably holds the second arm 50S. The first and second arm holding members 31F, 31S are made of metal (e.g., C3604). The first and second arm holding members 31F, 31S have a shaft portion 31A and a flange portion 31B. The shaft portion 31A is cylindrical. The inside of the shaft portion 31A is a through hole that is open at both ends in the axial direction. The shaft portion 31A passes through the first through portion 21 and the second through portion 22 of the arm fixing frame 18.

[0030] A spring guide 34 and a bushing 35 are attached to the outer peripheral surface of the shaft portion 31A. The spring guide 34 and the bushing 35 are made of synthetic resin (e.g., POM). A notched groove 31C is formed at the end of the shaft portion 31A. The notched groove 31C extends from the end face of the shaft portion 31A in a direction along the axis of the shaft portion 31A. A protrusion 23 provided on the first through portion 21 engages with the notched groove 31C. A flange portion 31B is provided at the end of the shaft portion 31A. The flange portion 31B has an annular shape. The flange portion 31B is housed in a component housing portion 53 of an arm end housing 52 provided at each end of the first and second arms 50F, 50S, and engages with a step portion 54.

[0031] The arm-end housing 52 is fixed to the end of each of the first and second arms 50F, 50S. The arm-end housing 52 rotates together with the first and second arms 50F, 50S. The arm-end housing 52 is made of metal (e.g., C3604). The arm-end housing 52 is cylindrical. The interior of the arm-end housing 52 is a component storage section 53 that stores components that make up either the first or second working unit 30F, 30S. A cross section of the component storage section 53 perpendicular to the axis of the arm-end housing 52 is circular. Both ends of the component storage section 53 in the axial direction are open. The axis of the arm-end housing 52 fixed to the first arm 50F coincides with the first rotation axis Z1. The axis of the arm-end housing 52 fixed to the second arm 50S coincides with the second rotation axis Z2.

[0032] The arm-end housing 52 has an arm-side fitting portion 55 that fits into either the first or second arm 50F, 50S, and a frame-side fitting portion 56 that fits into the frame 15. A lock nut 57 is fixed to the opening of the arm-side fitting portion 55. The lock nut 57 is made of metal (e.g., C3604). The center of the lock nut 57 is open.

[0033] The frame-side fitting portion 56 protrudes from the outer surfaces of the first and second arms 50F, 50S. The frame-side fitting portion 56 fits into the second through-hole 22 of the arm fixing frame 18. The frame-side fitting portion 56 rotates with respect to the arm fixing frame 18.

[0034] 5, the frame-side fitting portion 56 is provided with an arm-side spring locking portion 58 that locks onto ends of first and second torsion springs 39F and 39S, which will be described later. The arm-side spring locking portion 58 is a hole that passes through a protrusion 59 provided on the frame-side fitting portion 56. The protrusion 59 is disposed inside the arm fixing frame 18. The arm-side spring locking portion 58 passes through in a direction parallel to the axis of the arm end housing 52.

[0035] As shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, the first braking mechanism 32F applies a constant resistance force to the rotation of the first arm 50F. The second braking mechanism 32S applies a constant resistance force to the rotation of the second arm 50S. The second braking mechanism 32S has a similar configuration to the first braking mechanism 32F and is therefore not shown. The first braking mechanism 32F is provided between the first arm 50F and the first arm holding member 31F (see FIG. 6). The second braking mechanism 32S is provided between the second arm 50S and the second arm holding member 31S. The first and second braking mechanisms 32F, 32S each include a force generating member 36, a pressing member 37, and a sliding member 38. The force generating member 36, the pressing member 37, and the sliding member 38 are housed in the component housing 53 of the arm-end housing 52.

[0036] The force generating member 36 generates an elastic force in the extension direction of the first and second rotation axes Z1, Z2. The force generating member 36 is made of a plurality of disc springs. The disc springs are made of metal (e.g., SUS304). The plurality of disc springs are stacked along the axis of the arm-end housing 52. One end of each disc spring contacts the inner surface of the lock nut 57. The other end of each disc spring contacts the pressing member 37.

[0037] The pressing member 37 is pressed toward the first and second arm holding members 31F and 31S by the force generating member 36. The pressing member 37 is an annular plate material. The pressing member 37 is made of metal (for example, SUS304).

[0038] The sliding member 38 is disposed between the pressing member 37 and the first and second arm holding members 31F, 31S. The sliding member 38 is an annular plate (washer). The sliding member 38 is made of synthetic resin (e.g., POM). The sliding member 38 rubs against the pressing member 37 and the flange portion 31B. The friction between the sliding member 38 and the pressing member 37 and the flange portion 31B generates a frictional force. Due to this frictional force, the first and second braking mechanisms 32F, 32S perform negative work in the direction of rotation when the first and second arms 50F, 50S rotate. In this application, work is a physical quantity expressed in units of joules.

[0039] The first elastic member 33F includes a first torsion spring 39F. The second elastic member 33S includes a second torsion spring 39S. The first and second torsion springs 39F, 39S generate torque according to their torsion angles. The torsion angles of the first and second torsion springs 39F, 39S are determined by the rotation angles of the first and second arms 50F, 50S. The direction of the torque generated by the first and second torsion springs 39F, 39S increases the potential energy of the first and second arms 50F, 50S. When the first and second arms 50F, 50S are shifted from the retracted state to the extended state, the first and second torsion springs 39F, 39S perform negative work. When the first and second arms 50F, 50S are shifted from the retracted state to the retracted state, the first and second torsion springs 39F, 39S perform positive work. The first and second torsion springs 39F, 39S are made of metal (e.g., SUS304). The first and second torsion springs 39F, 39S are fitted onto the outside of the spring guide 34. The first and second torsion springs 39F, 39S are disposed inside the arm fixing frame 18. One ends of the first and second torsion springs 39F, 39S are engaged with the frame-side spring engaging portion 19. The other ends of the first and second torsion springs 39F, 39S are engaged with the arm-side spring engaging portion 58.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 6, a water passage R is formed within the first and second working units 30F, 30S, allowing water to flow to the water outlets 60 of the first and second arms 50F, 50S. The water passage R is formed of a highly flexible braided hose or the like. The water passage R passes through an insertion hole 41 formed within the first and second working units 30F, 30S. The insertion hole 41 is composed of an opening in the lock nut 57, an opening in the force generating member 36, an opening in the pressing member 37, an opening in the sliding member 38, and a through-hole in one of the first and second arm holding members 31F, 31S. First and second rotation axes Z1, Z2 pass through the water passage R. The first and second rotation axes Z1, Z2 coincide with the axis of the insertion hole 41.

[0041] The first and second arms 50F, 50S are rod-shaped. As shown in FIG. 4, the cross-sectional shape of each of the first and second arms 50F, 50S taken perpendicular to the longitudinal direction is such that the front-to-rear dimension is greater than the left-to-right dimension. As shown in FIG. 2, each of the first and second arms 50F, 50S is provided with a plurality of water outlets 60. The water outlets 60 spray water for a body shower toward the user's body.

[0042] In the stored state, the water outlet 60 located at the top of the first and second arms 50F, 50S (referred to as upper end water outlet 60A) showers water onto the user's neck and shoulders. In the stored state, the water outlet 60 located at the bottom of the first and second arms 50F, 50S (referred to as lower end water outlet 60B) showers water onto the user's legs. In the stored state, the three water outlets 60 located in the vertical middle of the first and second arms 50F, 50S (referred to as middle water outlet 60C) shower water onto the user's arms and body.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 2, the water spouts 60 are provided on the front surfaces of the first and second arms 50F, 50S in the stored state. The portions of the front surfaces of the first and second arms 50F, 50S where the water spouts 60 are located (referred to as the water spouting surfaces 61) are inclined with respect to the mounting wall W, as shown in FIG. 4. The water spouting surfaces 61 face toward the center of the water spouting device M in the left-right direction. In the pulled-out state, the water spouts 60 face downward. Each of the first and second arms 50F, 50S has five water spouts 60 arranged at approximately equal intervals along the length of the first and second arms 50F, 50S. This allows the body shower to spout water evenly over the user's body.

[0044] As shown in Figure 7, each water outlet 60 is formed at the tip of a nozzle 62. The nozzle 62 is held in a nozzle case 63. The nozzle case 63 is cylindrical and forms part of the water passage R. The nozzle 62 held in the nozzle case 63 is fixed in place by a fixing cap 64.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 7, the nozzle 62 has a first nozzle 70 that forms the upper end water spout 60A and the lower end water spout 60B, and a second nozzle 65 that forms the intermediate water spout 60C. The first nozzle 70 is a narrow-angle nozzle that spouts shower water over a narrow range (referred to as first shower water spout 70C). The first nozzle 70 is held movably relative to the first and second arms 50F, 50S so that the direction of its tip can be changed. The second nozzle 65 is a wide-angle nozzle that spouts shower water over a wide range (referred to as second shower water spout 65C). The second nozzle 65 is fixed to the first and second arms 50F, 50S so that the direction of its tip does not change. The water spouting area of ​​the first shower water spout 70C and the water spouting area of ​​the second shower water spout 65C form a circle on a plane perpendicular to the axis of each nozzle 70, 65 when each nozzle 70, 65 is facing vertically downward and spouts water.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 7, the second nozzle 65 includes a second-nozzle tubular portion 65A and a second-nozzle whirler 65B. The second-nozzle tubular portion 65A forms a water flow path along its axis and sprays water from its tip. The second-nozzle whirler 65B is disposed inside the second-nozzle tubular portion 65A. The second-nozzle whirler 65B generates a swirling flow. The second-nozzle whirler 65B is inclined at an angle of 60° relative to the axis of the second-nozzle tubular portion 65A. This improves the diffusion of the second nozzle 65. The second nozzle 65 allows the shower water to be sprayed over a wide area of ​​the user's arms and body.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 9, the first nozzle 70 includes a first-nozzle tubular portion 71 and a first-nozzle whirler 72. The first-nozzle tubular portion 71 forms a water flow path along its axis and sprays water from its tip. The first-nozzle tubular portion 71 has a whirler housing portion 73 that houses the first-nozzle whirler 72. The inner diameter of the whirler housing portion 73 is constant. The whirler housing portion 73 is provided on the upstream side of the first-nozzle tubular portion 71.

[0048] The first-nozzle whirler 72 generates a swirling flow toward the downstream side. The first-nozzle whirler 72 is inclined at an angle smaller than the angle of the second-nozzle whirler 65B. Specifically, the first-nozzle whirler 72 is inclined at an angle of 40° with respect to the axis of the first-nozzle tubular portion 71. This improves the straightness of the first nozzle 70.

[0049] The first nozzle tubular portion 71 is provided with a downstream pipe portion 74 that forms a non-circular cross section of the flow path. The downstream pipe portion 74 is located downstream of the whirler housing portion 73 in the first nozzle tubular portion 71. A throttle portion 75 whose inner diameter decreases toward the downstream side is provided between the downstream pipe portion 74 and the whirler housing portion 73.

[0050] The inner peripheral surface of the downstream pipe portion 74 has an uneven shape. When viewed from the tip side, the downstream pipe portion 74 has a spur gear-like shape, as shown in Figure 8. The downstream pipe portion 74 has six grooves 76 extending along the axis. The six grooves 76 are lined up in a circumferential direction about the axis. The six grooves 76 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. The six grooves 76 are arranged in positions that are rotationally symmetric about the axis. The depth dimensions (dimensions in a direction perpendicular to the axis) of the six grooves 76 are equal. As shown in Figure 9, the bottom surfaces 77 of the grooves 76 are inclined so that the depth dimensions of the grooves 76 increase toward the tip (downstream side) of the first nozzle 70.

[0051] As shown in Fig. 8, the portion of the inner circumferential surface of the downstream pipe portion 74 located between the grooves 76 is a curved surface 78 having an arc shape. The curved surface 78 is an arc centered on the axis of the first-nozzle tubular portion 71. The inner diameter of the curved surface 78 is smaller than the inner diameter of the whirler-accommodating portion 73. The curved surface 78 is inclined so that the inner diameter increases toward the tip (downstream side) of the first nozzle 70.

[0052] The swirling flow formed by the first nozzle whirler 72 collides with the inner circumferential surface of the downstream pipe section 74, causing turbulence. This increases the particle size of the first shower water spout 70C spouted from the first nozzle 70. As shown in FIG. 7, the spouting range of the first shower water spout 70C spouted from the first nozzle 70 is smaller than the spouting range of the second shower water spout 65C spouted from the second nozzle 65. The first shower water spout 70C from the first nozzle 70 stimulates the user's neck and legs.

[0053] The rear end 70A of the first nozzle 70 has a spherical shape, as shown in Fig. 9. The rear end 70A of the first nozzle 70 slides against the curved surface 63A of the nozzle case 63, as shown in Fig. 7. The tip 70B of the first nozzle 70 protrudes from the outer surfaces of the first and second arms 50F, 50S. The direction of the tip of the first nozzle 70 can be changed by gripping the tip 70B of the first nozzle 70 with one hand and moving the first nozzle 70.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 1, the first and second arms 50F, 50S each have a main body 50A and a movable part 50B that moves relative to the main body 50A. The movable part 50B is provided at the tip of the first and second arms 50F, 50S. The main body 50A is rotatably connected to the housing 10 around first and second rotation axes Z1, Z2. A water outlet 60 is provided in each of the main body 50A and the movable part 50B. The main body 50A is provided with an intermediate water outlet 60C and a lower end water outlet 60B. The movable part 50B is provided with an upper end water outlet 60A.

[0055] 7, the movable part 50B rotates relative to the main body part 50A about an imaginary rotation axis (referred to as the third rotation axis Z3). The third rotation axis Z3 extends in the same direction as the longitudinal direction of the first and second arms 50F, 50S.

[0056] A connecting portion 80 between the movable portion 50B and the main body portion 50A has a movable-side cylinder portion 81 and a main body-side cylinder portion 82 that fit together. The movable-side cylinder portion 81 is provided integrally with the movable portion 50B. The main body-side cylinder portion 82 is provided integrally with the main body portion 50A.

[0057] The mating portion of the moving-side cylinder portion 81 and the main body-side cylinder portion 82 has an arcuate surface that slides when the movable portion 50B moves. The moving-side cylinder portion 81 is mated with the outside of the main body-side cylinder portion 82. In the mated state, the moving-side cylinder portion 81 and the main body-side cylinder portion 82 are coaxial. The axes of the arcuate surfaces of the moving-side cylinder portion 81 and the main body-side cylinder portion 82 coincide with the third rotation axis Z3.

[0058] 7, a load adjustment member 83 is provided at the connection portion 80 between the movable portion 50B and the main body portion 50A. The load adjustment member 83 is an O-ring disposed between the outer peripheral surface of the main body side cylinder portion 82 and the inner peripheral surface of the moving side cylinder portion 81. The load adjustment member 83 provides a sense of moderation (resistance) when moving the movable portion 50B.

[0059] As shown in Figure 10, the connecting portion 80 between the movable portion 50B and the main body portion 50A is provided with a rotation limiting portion 84 that limits the rotation range of the movable portion 50B to a predetermined range α. The movable portion 50B rotates between an initial position and a moving position. The initial position is a position where the upper end water outlet 60A, the intermediate water outlet 60C, and the lower end water outlet 60B are arranged in the same direction. The moving position is a position where the upper end water outlet 60A is arranged in a different direction from the intermediate water outlet 60C and the lower end water outlet 60B.

[0060] The rotation limiting portion 84 has a convex portion 84A provided on the outer peripheral surface of the main body side cylinder portion 82 and a concave portion 84B provided on the inner peripheral surface of the movable side cylinder portion 81. The convex portion 84A is fitted into the concave portion 84B. The rotation range of the movable portion 50B is limited by the circumferential end face of the concave portion 84B coming into contact with the convex portion 84A. The specified rotation range α is a range of 60 degrees centered on the third rotation axis Z3. By rotating the movable portion 50B, the upper end water outlet 60A faces inward by a maximum of 60 degrees compared to the intermediate water outlet 60C and the lower end water outlet 60B.

[0061] 7, an end face 85 of the movable part 50B is provided at the lower end of the moving-side cylinder part 81 when the first and second arms 50F, 50S are in the retracted state. The end face 85 of the movable part 50B protrudes from the outer peripheral surface of the moving-side cylinder part 81 in a direction perpendicular to the third rotation axis Z3. The end face 85 of the movable part 50B forms the outer surface of the movable part 50B.

[0062] An end surface 86 of the main body 50A is provided at the vertical middle of the main body side cylinder 82 when the first and second arms 50F, 50S are stored. The end surface 86 of the main body 50A protrudes from the outer circumferential surface of the main body side cylinder 82 in a direction perpendicular to the third rotation axis Z3. The end surface 86 of the main body 50A forms the outer surface of the main body 50A.

[0063] An end surface 85 of the movable part 50B and an end surface 86 of the main body part 50A come into sliding contact with each other when the movable part 50B moves. When the movable part 50B moves, the main body side cylinder part 82 and the moving side cylinder part 81 come into contact over a wide surface, ensuring durability.

[0064] A connecting pipe 87 is arranged inside the connecting portion 80 between the movable portion 50B and the main body portion 50A, forming a water passage R through which water flows to the upper-end water outlet 60A. The connecting pipe 87 is connected to the nozzle case 63 of the movable portion 50B and the nozzle case 63 of the main body portion 50A. A third rotation axis Z3 passes through the connecting pipe 87. The connecting pipe 87 is a member separate from the main body side cylinder portion 82 and the moving side cylinder portion 81. This prevents forces caused by the rotation of the movable portion 50B from acting on the connecting pipe 87.

[0065] An example of how to use the water discharger M will be described below. Before use, the first and second arms 50F, 50S of the water discharger M are in the retracted state. First, the user operates the faucet body to switch to water discharge from the shower. This starts water discharge from the hand shower. The user then operates the faucet body to adjust the temperature and flow rate of the hand shower.

[0066] Next, the user grasps the first and second arms 50F, 50S while sitting facing the water discharger M, and rotates the first and second arms 50F, 50S of the water discharger M to the desired position. At this time, resistance to the rotation of the first and second arms 50F, 50S is generated by the negative work of the first and second braking mechanisms 32F, 32S and the first and second elastic members 33F, 33S. When the user adjusts the positions of the first and second arms 50F, 50S to match the pulled-out state and then releases their hands from the first and second arms 50F, 50S, the first and second arms 50F, 50S will stay in the position where they were released. This is because the resistance force of the first braking mechanism 32F, the torque of the first elastic member 36F, and the weight of the first arm 50F are balanced, and the resistance force of the second braking mechanism 32S, the torque of the second elastic member 36S, and the weight of the second arm 50S are balanced. The first and second arms 50F, 50S rotate diagonally. This allows the left-right distance between the first and second arms 50F, 50S to be wider than the shoulder width of an adult male. The first and second arms 50F, 50S can be rotated at different angles.

[0067] Next, the user switches the hand shower to the body shower by pressing the operating unit 11. The hand shower stops spouting water and the body shower starts spouting water.

[0068] Next, the user adjusts the orientation of the movable part 50B. Rotate the movable part 50B relative to the main body part 50A to orient the upper end water outlet 60A to suit the user's body. By rotating the movable part 50B, the user can direct the first shower water outlet 70C from the upper end water outlet 60A to the desired area (neck and shoulders). Rotating only the movable part 50B is easier than rotating the entire first and second arms 50F, 50S.

[0069] Next, the user grasps the tip 70B of the first nozzle 70 with their hand and moves it to adjust the orientation of the upper-end water spout 60A and the lower-end water spout 60B. Because the first shower water spout 70C of the first nozzle 70 travels in a straight line, moving the first nozzle 70 allows the first shower water spout 70C to hit the target area. Because the first shower water spout 70C of the first nozzle 70 has large droplets, it hits the body without cooling down. The first shower water spout 70C from the lower-end water spout 60B improves the feeling of warmth in the user's legs. Because the first shower water spout 70C of the first nozzle 70 has large droplets, it provides a stimulating sensation where it hits. The first shower water spout 70C from the upper-end water spout 60A provides a stimulating sensation around the user's neck.

[0070] The user ends the body shower by operating the operating unit 11 to switch to a hand shower, by operating the faucet body to stop the water flow, or by operating the faucet body to switch to water discharge from the faucet.

[0071] The user then returns the first and second arms 50F, 50S to the stored state. When the first and second arms 50F, 50S are rotated to the stored state, the receiving grooves 51 of the first and second arms 50F, 50S fit into the arm receiving portions 12 of the housing 10. At this time, because the clearance S between the first and second arms 50F, 50S and the mounting wall W is large, fingers are prevented from being pinched between the first and second arms 50F, 50S and the mounting wall W. When the first and second arms 50F, 50S are returned to the stored state, if the movable part 50B is in the moving position, the movable part 50B comes into contact with the housing 10 and is returned to its initial position. This returns the first and second arms 50F, 50S to the stored state.

[0072] The operation and effect of the embodiment configured as described above will be described. The water discharger M includes first and second arms 50F, 50S and first and second working units 30F, 30S. The first and second arms 50F, 50S have a water discharge outlet 60 and rotate about imaginary first and second rotation axes Z1, Z2. When the first and second arms 50F, 50S rotate, the first and second working units 30F, 30S perform work on the first and second arms 50F, 50S in the rotational direction. A water passage R that conducts water to the water discharge outlet 60 is formed within the first and second working units 30F, 30S. This configuration allows the water discharger M to be made more compact than when the working units 30 and the water passage R are located at separate locations.

[0073] The water discharge device M includes first and second arms 50F, 50S and first and second working units 30F, 30S. When the first arm 50F rotates, the first working unit 30F performs work on the first arm 50F in the rotational direction. When the second arm 50S rotates, the second working unit 30S performs work on the second arm 50S in the rotational direction. The first and second working units 30F, 30S are disposed between the first and second arms 50F, 50S. This configuration allows for a more compact design than when the first and second working units 30F, 30S protrude outward from both sides of the first and second arms 50F, 50S.

[0074] The first and second rotation axes Z1, Z2 are inclined with respect to the mounting wall W when attached to the mounting wall W. With this configuration, the first and second arms 50F, 50S can be displaced within a plane that intersects the mounting wall W obliquely.

[0075] The first and second rotation axes Z1, Z2 are in an intersecting positional relationship. With this configuration, the first and second arms 50F, 50S can be displaced along non-parallel planes.

[0076] When attached to the mounting wall W, the positions of the tips of the first and second arms 50F, 50S projected onto a horizontal plane change as the first and second arms 50F, 50S rotate. With this configuration, the horizontal positions of the tips of the first and second arms 50F, 50S can be changed by rotating the first and second arms 50F, 50S.

[0077] When attached to the mounting wall W, the first and second rotation axes Z1, Z2 are provided at the lower ends of the first and second arms 50F, 50S when the first and second arms 50F, 50S are arranged along the mounting wall W. With this configuration, the first and second arms 50F, 50S rotate around the lower ends as the rotation axes. When the first and second arms 50F, 50S are rotated until they protrude diagonally upward from the mounting wall W, the amount of rotation of the first and second arms 50F, 50S can be reduced compared to when the upper ends of the first and second arms 50F, 50S serve as the rotation axes.

[0078] The first and second arms 50F, 50S have a main body 50A and a movable part 50B that moves relative to the main body 50A. A water outlet 60 is provided in each of the main body 50A and the movable part 50B. With this configuration, by moving the movable part 50B, the position and orientation of the water outlet 60A of the movable part 50B can be changed relative to the water outlets 60B, 60C of the main body 50A.

[0079] The movable part 50B rotates relative to the main body part 50A around the imaginary third rotation axis Z3. With this configuration, by rotating the movable part 50B, the position and orientation of the water outlet 60A of the movable part 50B can be changed relative to the water outlets 60B, 60C of the main body part 50A.

[0080] The third rotation axis Z3 extends in the same direction as the longitudinal direction of the first and second arms 50F, 50S. With this configuration, the position and orientation of the upper-end spout 60A can be changed along a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the first and second arms 50F, 50S.

[0081] The third rotation axis Z3 of the movable part 50B passes through the water passage R through which water passes to the upper end water outlet 60A provided in the movable part 50B. With this configuration, the structure of the first and second arms 50F, 50S can be made more compact than when the water passage R and the third rotation axis Z3 are spaced apart.

[0082] The rotation range α of the movable part 50B is limited to a predetermined range that allows the first and second arms 50F, 50S to be stored while the movable part 50B remains in the moved state, so that the first and second arms 50F, 50S can be stored without returning the movable part 50B to a specified position relative to the main body 50A.

[0083] The upper-end water spout 60A provided on the movable part 50B is formed at the tip of the first nozzle 70. The first nozzle 70 is held movably relative to the movable part 50B so that the orientation of its tip can be changed. With this configuration, the orientation of the upper-end water spout 60A can be changed by moving the first nozzle 70, so the orientation and position of the upper-end water spout 60A can be changed more precisely.

[0084] The main body 50A is rotatably connected to the housing 10 around first and second imaginary rotation axes Z1, Z2. With this configuration, by rotating the main body 50A with respect to the housing 10, the position and orientation of the water outlets 60B, 60C of the main body 50A can be changed.

[0085] The first nozzle 70 includes a first-nozzle tubular portion 71, a first-nozzle whirler 72, and a downstream pipe portion 74. The first-nozzle tubular portion 71 forms a water flow path along its axis and sprays water from its tip. The first-nozzle whirler 72 is disposed inside the first-nozzle tubular portion 71 and generates a swirling flow toward the downstream side. The downstream pipe portion 74 is disposed on the first-nozzle tubular portion 71 downstream of the first-nozzle whirler 72. The downstream pipe portion 74 has a non-circular cross section perpendicular to the axis of the flow path. With this configuration, the swirling flow is disturbed in the downstream pipe portion 74, thereby increasing the particle size of the sprayed water.

[0086] The downstream pipe portion 74 has a plurality of grooves 76 extending along the axis. With this configuration, the grooves 76 can disrupt the swirling flow.

[0087] The first nozzle 70 is held movably relative to the first and second arms 50F, 50S so that the direction of the tip can be changed. With this configuration, the directions of the upper end water spout 60A and the lower end water spout 60B can be changed by moving the first nozzle 70, so the direction and position of the spouted water can be changed more precisely.

[0088] <Other embodiments> The present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above and illustrated in the drawings, and the following embodiments, for example, are also included within the technical scope of the present disclosure. (1) In the above embodiment, the first and second rotation axes Z1, Z2 are located inside the water passage R. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the first and second rotation axes may be located outside the water passage R. (2) In the above embodiment, the first and second rotation axes Z1 and Z2 are in an intersecting positional relationship. However, this is not limiting, and the first and second rotation axes may be in a skewed positional relationship. By having the first and second rotation axes in a skewed positional relationship, the two arms can be displaced along non-parallel planes. (3) In the above embodiment, the first and second rotation axes Z1, Z2 are parallel to the horizontal plane when attached to the mounting wall W. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The first and second rotation axes may be inclined relative to the horizontal plane when attached to the mounting wall. This configuration allows the arm to be displaced within a plane that intersects the horizontal plane at an angle. (4) In the above embodiment, the first and second arms 50F and 50S are provided, but the present invention is not limited to this and may include only one arm. (5) In the above embodiment, the distance between the tips of the first and second arms 50F, 50S increases as the first and second arms 50F, 50S rotate. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the distance between the tips of the two arms does not have to increase as the arms rotate. (6) In the above embodiment, the third rotation axis Z3 of the movable part 50B extends in the same direction as the longitudinal direction of the first and second arms 50F, 50S. However, the third rotation axis may extend perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the arms. This configuration allows the movable part to bend relative to the main body part around the third rotation axis. (7) In the above embodiment, the rotation range α of the movable part 50B is limited to a range of 60 degrees. However, the rotation range of the movable part is not limited to this and can be changed as appropriate. The rotation range of the movable part does not necessarily have to be limited to a predetermined range. (8) In the above embodiment, the downstream pipe portion 74 of the first nozzle 70 is provided with a plurality of grooves 76. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it is sufficient that the downstream pipe portion of the first nozzle is provided with at least one groove. (9) In the above embodiment, the second nozzle 65 is fixed to the first and second arms 50F, 50S, and the first nozzle 70 is movable relative to the first and second arms 50F, 50S. However, this is not limiting, and the nozzles can be fixed and moved as appropriate. (10) In the above embodiment, the third rotation axis Z3 of the movable part 50B extends in the same direction as the longitudinal direction of the first and second arms 50F, 50S. However, this is not limiting, and the third rotation axis may extend in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the arms. (11) The force generating member 36 may be configured to generate force using, for example, magnetic force. (12) The first and second elastic members 33F and 33S may be made of rubber, for example. If a cylindrical rubber member is twisted, it will function similarly to a torsion spring. [Explanation of symbols]

[0089] α...Rotation range of movable part, M...Water discharge device, R...Water passage, W...Mounting wall, Z1...First rotation axis, Z2...Second rotation axis, Z3...Third rotation axis, 10...Housing, 50F, 50S...Arm, 30F, 30S...Working part, 31F, 31S...Arm holding member, 32F, 32S...Braking mechanism, 33F, 33S...Elastic member, 36...Force generating member, 37...Pressing member, 38...Sliding member, 39F, 39S...Torsion spring, 50A...Main body, 50B...Movable part, 60...Water discharge port, 60A...Upper end water discharge port, 70...First nozzle, 71...Tubular part for first nozzle, 72...Whirler for first nozzle, 74...Downstream pipe part, 76...Groove

Claims

1. A rod-shaped arm having a main body and a movable part that moves relative to the main body, The main body and the movable part are each provided with a water outlet, the movable portion rotates relative to the main body portion about a virtual rotation axis, the rotation axis extends in the same direction as the longitudinal direction of the arm, the movable portion is provided at the tip end of the arm and is shorter than the main body portion; A water discharge device in which, as the movable part rotates relative to the main body part, the side surface of the movable part on which the water discharge outlet is located can change direction relative to the side surface of the main body part on which the water discharge outlet is located.

2. The water discharge device according to claim 1, wherein the arm is rotatable about a rotation axis provided at an end opposite to the tip end.

3. The water discharge device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the connecting portion between the movable portion and the main body portion has a movable-side tubular portion and a main body-side tubular portion that fit together.

4. The water discharger according to claim 1 , wherein a load adjusting member is provided at a connection between the movable part and the main body part.

5. a connecting portion between the movable portion and the main body portion includes a moving-side cylindrical portion and a main body-side cylindrical portion that fit together, and further includes a load adjusting member; The water discharge device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the load adjustment member is an O-ring arranged between an outer peripheral surface of the main body side tubular portion and an inner peripheral surface of the moving side tubular portion.

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