shower head

Abstract

To provide a shower head that suppresses backlash of at least some of the components constituting a head part.SOLUTION: A shower head 100 includes a discharge switching handle 22 and a discharge switching member 26. The discharge switching handle 22 includes: a wall part 221; a projection part 222 installed to the wall part 221; and an outer peripheral wall 224 extending from the wall part 221. The discharge switching member 26 includes: a slit 265a into which the projection part 222 is inserted; and a plurality of irregularities 265b coming into contact with a smooth surface 224c of the outer peripheral wall 224.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11B

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a shower head including a head and a grip. The head has a spring inside.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] When a spring is disposed inside the head as in the shower head of Patent Document 1, when assembling the head, the components move due to the elastic force of the spring, and there is a problem that the head is difficult to assemble.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a shower head having a head portion that is easy to assemble.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The present invention provides an invention in the following aspects. (Item 1) A shower head including a handle portion and a head portion, wherein water flowing from the handle portion into the head portion is discharged from the head portion as shower water or mist water, The head portion includes a head casing, a first member having a through hole through which water flowing into the head casing flows, a second member having a through hole through which water passing through the through hole of the first member flows, A discharge switching member having a first through hole and a second through hole, An elastic member that biases the second member toward the discharge switching member, causing a part of the second member to come into contact with the discharge switching member, A spray plate having a shower hole that communicates with the first through hole and discharges shower water, and a mist hole that communicates with the second through hole and discharges mist water, A discharge switching handle rotates the discharge switching member so that the first through-hole of the discharge switching member communicates with the through-hole of the second member in order to allow the water that has passed through the through-hole of the second member to flow into the first through-hole of the discharge switching member when discharging the shower water, and so that the second through-hole of the discharge switching member communicates with the through-hole of the second member when discharging the mist water, Equipped with, The discharge switching handle is The wall section, The projection provided on the wall portion, A first peripheral wall extending from the aforementioned wall portion, Equipped with, The aforementioned discharge switching member is The opening into which the aforementioned projection fits, Multiple irregularities that contact the inner surface of the first peripheral wall, Equipped with, Shower head.

[0007] (Item 2) The discharge switching handle has a second circumferential wall that extends radially inward from the first circumferential wall, and the top of the second circumferential wall is recessed. The first member comprises a flange, the flange is positioned on the top of the second peripheral wall and presses the discharge switching handle against the head casing. The shower head described in item 1.

[0008] (Item 3) The through hole in the first member is located near the center of the first member. The shower head according to item 1 or 2.

Advantages of the Invention

[0009] According to the present invention, since the discharge switching member can be firmly attached to the discharge switching handle, it is possible to suppress the discharge switching member from moving due to the elastic force of the spring during the assembly of the head portion.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010] [Figure 1] It is a perspective view of the shower head. [Figure 2] It is an exploded perspective view of the handle portion. [Figure 3A] It is a perspective view of the bottom of the handle casing as viewed obliquely downward. [Figure 3B] The handle casing shown in FIG. 3A is rotated 180°, and it is a perspective view of the bottom of the handle casing as viewed obliquely downward. [Figure 4] It is a perspective view of the rotating member rotated 180° from the state shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 5A] It is a cross-sectional view of the handle casing schematically showing the state where water flows through the original water passage. [Figure 5B] It is a cross-sectional view of the handle casing schematically showing the state where water flows through the purified water generation path. [Figure 6] It is a perspective view of the head casing as viewed from the front side. [Figure 7A] It is a perspective view of the discharge switching handle as viewed from the front side. [Figure 7B] It is a cross-sectional view taken along line VIIb-VIIb of FIG. 7A. [Figure 8A] It is a perspective view of the pressing member as viewed from the front side. [Figure 8B] It is a perspective view of the pressing member as viewed from the rear side. [Figure 8C] It is a front view of the central portion of the pressing member as viewed from the front side. [Figure 9] It is a front view of the spring. [Figure 10A] It is a perspective view of the intermediate member as viewed from the front side. [Figure 10B] This is a perspective view of the intermediate member from the rear. [Figure 10C] This is a front view of the central portion of the intermediate member, seen from the rear. [Figure 11A] This is a perspective view of the discharge switching member as seen from the front. [Figure 11B] This is a perspective view of the discharge switching member as seen from the rear. [Figure 11C] Figure 11A is a cross-sectional view along the line XIc-XIc. [Figure 11D] Figure 11A is a cross-sectional view along the XId-XId line. [Figure 12A] This is a perspective view of the spray vane from the front. [Figure 12B] This is a perspective view of the spray vane from the rear. [Figure 13] This is a front view of the spray guide. [Figure 14] This is a cross-sectional view of the head section. [Figure 15A] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the shower head, illustrating the water flow within the head when shower water is being dispensed. [Figure 15B] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the head section illustrating the water flow within the head section when mist water is discharged. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] The shower head 100 of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. For the sake of explanation, the top and bottom of Figure 1 will be described as the top and bottom of the shower head 100. Furthermore, the front of Figure 1 will be described as the front of the shower head 100, and the back of Figure 1 will be described as the rear of the shower head 100.

[0012] <1. Overview of showerheads> As shown in Figure 1, the shower head 100 comprises a handle portion 10 and a head portion 20. The handle portion 10 is mainly the part that the user holds in their hand. The head portion 20 is preferably detachably connected to the upper end of the handle portion 10. Water flows in from the lower end of the handle portion 10, flows to the head portion 20, and is discharged from the head portion 20.

[0013] The handle section 10 is equipped with a water quality switching mechanism that changes the water quality of the water flowing into the head section 20. By using the water quality switching mechanism, the user can choose whether to have the raw water (tap water) flowing into the handle section 10 flow into the head section 20 as raw water, or to have it flow into the head section 20 as purified water.

[0014] The head unit 20 is equipped with a discharge switching mechanism that switches the form of water discharged from the head unit 20. By using the discharge switching mechanism, the user can choose whether to discharge the water flowing into the head unit 20 as shower water or as mist water. Mist water is a mist-like water consisting of water droplets with a smaller diameter than shower water.

[0015] The details of each component are explained below.

[0016] <2. Handle> The handle portion 10 will be described with reference to Figures 2 to 5B. As shown in Figure 2, the handle portion 10 comprises a handle casing 11, a water purification member 12, a water quality switching member 13, a rotating member 14, a locking member 15, and a water quality switching handle 16.

[0017] <2-1. Handle Casing> As shown in Figures 2, 3A, 3B, 5A, and 5B, the handle casing 11 comprises a cylindrical casing body 111, a water passage wall 112, and a support wall 113.

[0018] As shown in Figures 3A and 3B, the water-conducting wall 112 is located at the bottom of the casing body 111 and extends radially from the casing body 111. The support wall 113 is a cylindrical wall located inside the casing body 111 and extends upward from the water-conducting wall 112.

[0019] The water passage wall 112 has a plurality of raw water inlets 1121a, 1121b (four in this embodiment) and a plurality of purified water generation inlets 1122a, 1122b (four in this embodiment). Each raw water inlet 1121a, 1121b is in communication with the raw water channel X (see Figure 5A). Each purified water generation inlet 1122a, 1122b is in communication with the purified water generation channel Y (see Figure 5B). The raw water channel X is the flow path through which water flowing into the handle section 10 flows to the head section 20 as raw water. The purified water generation channel Y is the flow path through which water flowing into the handle section 10 is purified by the water purification member 12, and the resulting purified water flows to the head section 20. Details of the raw water channel X and the purified water generation channel Y will be described later.

[0020] Each of the raw water inlets 1121a and 1121b is located radially inward from the support wall 113. Of the four raw water inlets 1121a and 1121b, two raw water inlets 1121a are adjacent to each other. The remaining two raw water inlets 1121b are adjacent to each other and are located symmetrically to the two raw water inlets 1121a.

[0021] The two water purification inlets 1122a and 1122b are positioned symmetrically. Furthermore, the two water purification inlets 1122a and 1122b are located circumferentially between the raw water inlet 1121a and 1121b. Each water purification inlet 1122a and 1122b communicates with the space outside the support wall 113 (i.e., the space between the outer surface of the support wall 113 and the inner surface of the casing body 111; see Figure 5B).

[0022] <2-2. Water purification components> The water purification component 12 purifies the raw water that flows into the handle portion 10. The water purification component 12 is located inside the casing body 111. Preferably, the water purification component 12 is a cartridge type that can be removed and replaced from the handle casing 11.

[0023] As shown in Figures 2, 5A, and 5B, the water purification member 12 comprises a support portion 121, a filter 122, and an O-ring 123.

[0024] The support section 121 is cylindrical or tubular in shape and made of a non-permeable material. The inside of the support section 121 is in communication with the raw water inlets 1121a and 1121b, allowing water to flow through.

[0025] The filter 122 is positioned on the outer surface of the support portion 121. The filter 122 is not particularly limited as long as it can remove at least some of the chlorine contained in the raw water, and can be, for example, a filtration membrane such as a hollow fiber membrane, activated carbon, or a ceramic filter.

[0026] The O-rings 123 are attached to the upper and lower parts of the support portion 121, respectively. As shown in Figures 5A and 5B, the O-ring 123 attached to the lower part of the support portion 121 contacts the inner surface of the support wall 113. The O-ring 123 attached to the upper part of the support portion 121 contacts the inner surface of the head casing 21, which will be described later.

[0027] As shown in Figure 5A, the hollow interior of the support section 121 functions as a raw water channel X. Since the support section 121 is made of an impermeable material, the water flowing through the raw water channel X flows to the head section 20 as raw water without coming into contact with the filter 122.

[0028] As shown in Figure 5B, the outer diameter of the water purification member 12 is smaller than the inner diameter of the casing body 111. Therefore, a space is formed between the water purification member 12 (the outer surface of the filter 122) and the inner surface of the casing body 111. This space is in communication with the water purification outlets 1122a and 1122b and functions as a water purification channel Y. The water flowing through the water purification channel Y comes into contact with the filter 122, so the chlorine contained in the water is removed by the filter 122, and purified water with a lower chlorine concentration than the raw water is produced.

[0029] <2-3. Water Quality Switching Components> The water quality switching member 13 selectively switches whether the water flowing into the handle portion 10 flows into the raw water inlets 1121a and 1121b, or into the purified water generation inlets 1122a and 1122b.

[0030] As shown in Figure 2, the water quality switching member 13 comprises a main body 131 made of a non-permeable material such as rubber. The main body 131 has two through holes 131a that penetrate through the main body 131. The two through holes 131a are located at symmetrical positions. The main body 131 does not have any through holes other than the through holes 131a.

[0031] By connecting the through-hole 131a to a desired water inlet from among the raw water inlets 1121a, 1121b or the purified water generation inlets 1122a, 1122b, and blocking the other water inlets with the main body 131, water can be directed to the desired water inlet.

[0032] <2-4. Rotating Members> The rotating member 14 rotates the water quality switching member 13. As shown in Figures 2 and 4, the rotating member 14 includes a screw portion 141, a projection portion 142, a flange 143, and a stopper 144.

[0033] The rotating member 14 is cylindrical and allows water to flow through its interior. The threaded portion 141 is provided on the outer surface of the lower part of the rotating member 14 and is, for example, a male thread. A hose fitting is connected to the threaded portion 141.

[0034] The projection 142 is provided on the upper part of the rotating member 14. The projection 142 is inserted into the through hole 131a of the water quality switching member 13 (see Figures 5A and 5B). When the rotating member 14 is rotated, the projection 142 comes into contact with the inner surface of the through hole 131a, causing the rotating member 14 to rotate the water quality switching member 13.

[0035] The flange 143 is provided on the outer surface of the rotating member 14 and above the threaded portion 141. The flange 143 has two engaging portions 143a provided at symmetrical positions. Two engaging portions 161 of the water quality switching handle 16, which will be described later, engage with each of the engaging portions 143a. The engaging portions 143a are, for example, notches into which the protruding engaging portions 161 fit.

[0036] A groove 14a for inserting the locking member 15 is formed on the outer surface of the rotating member 14, above the flange 143. The groove 14a is not formed around the entire circumference of the rotating member 14, but only over a portion of its circumference. The stopper 144 (see Figure 2) is the portion on the same circumference as the groove 14a that is not recessed by the groove 14a. The stopper 144 limits the range of rotation of the rotating member 14. That is, when the rotating member 14 is rotated, the stopper 144 contacts the locking member 15, preventing the rotating member 14 from rotating any further. When the rotating member 14 is rotated in the first direction, at the first position where the stopper 144 contacts the locking member 15, the through hole 131a of the water quality switching member 13 communicates only with the raw water inlets 1121a and 1121b. When the rotating member 14 is rotated in a second direction opposite to the first direction, at the second position where the stopper 144 contacts the locking member 15, the through hole 131a of the water quality switching member 13 communicates only with the purified water inlets 1122a and 1122b. When the stopper 144 is between the first and second positions, the through hole 131a of the water quality switching member 13 communicates partially with both the raw water inlets 1121a and 1121b and the purified water inlets 1122a and 1122b.

[0037] <2-5.Locking member> The locking member 15 prevents the rotating member 14 from coming out of the handle casing 11. As shown in Figure 2, the locking member 15 is U-shaped. A portion of the locking member 15 is inserted into the groove 14a of the rotating member 14. The tip of the locking member 15 is inserted into an opening provided at the bottom of the handle casing 11 and is locked to the handle casing 11.

[0038] <2-6. Water Quality Switching Handle> The water quality switching handle 16 rotates the rotating member 14. As shown in Figure 2, the water quality switching handle 16 is cylindrical. The rotating member 14 is inserted into the hollow interior of the water quality switching handle 16. The water quality switching handle 16 has an engaging portion 161 that engages with the engaged portion 143a of the rotating member 14. The engaging portion 161 is, for example, a projection that fits onto the engaged portion 143a. As the engaging portion 161 engages with the engaged portion 143a of the rotating member 14, the rotating member 14 rotates along with the rotation of the water quality switching handle 16.

[0039] <2-7. Switching between raw water and purified water> The switching between raw water and purified water will be explained primarily with reference to Figures 5A and 5B. Note that in Figures 5A and 5B, the water flow is schematically shown with arrows.

[0040] When the water quality switching handle 16 is rotated, the rotating member 14 also rotates. Since the projection 142 of the rotating member 14 is fitted into the through hole 131a of the water quality switching member 13, when the rotating member 14 is rotated, the water quality switching member 13 also rotates.

[0041] As shown in Figure 5A, when the through-hole 131a of the water quality switching member 13 is connected only to the raw water inlets 1121a and 1121b, and the main body 131 blocks the purified water inlets 1122a and 1122b, the water flowing into the handle 10 flows only into the raw water channel X. The water that has passed through the raw water channel X flows into the head 20 as raw water.

[0042] As shown in Figure 5B, when the through-hole 131a of the water quality switching member 13 is connected only to the purified water generation inlets 1122a and 1122b, and the raw water inlets 1121a and 1121b are blocked by the main body 131, the water flowing into the handle 10 flows only into the purified water generation channel Y. The water flowing into the purified water generation channel Y is filtered by the filter 122 and becomes purified water. The generated purified water then flows into the head 20.

[0043] <3. Head section> Next, the head unit 20 will be described with reference to Figures 6 to 14. As shown in Figures 6 to 14, the head unit 20 comprises a head casing 21, a discharge switching handle 22, a retaining member 23, a spring 24, an intermediate member 25, a discharge switching member 26, a spray plate 27, and a spray guide 28.

[0044] <3-1. Head Casing> The head casing 21 is screw-connected to the upper end of the handle casing 11. As shown in Figure 6, the head casing 21 has an opening 21a that communicates with the hollow interior of the handle casing 11. Water flows from the handle casing 11 to the head casing 21 through this opening 21a. The inner surface of the head casing 21 is provided with a plurality of screw holes 21b (five in this embodiment) having threaded portions (female threads).

[0045] <3-2. Discharge switching handle> The discharge switching handle 22 rotates the discharge switching member 26. As shown in Figure 7A, the discharge switching handle 22 comprises an annular wall portion 221, a plurality of protrusions 222 (four in this embodiment), an inner circumferential wall 223, and an outer circumferential wall 224. The discharge switching handle 22 is rotatable relative to the head casing 21.

[0046] The wall portion 221 has a front surface and a rear surface. As shown in Figure 7A, an opening 221a is provided in the center of the wall portion 221. As shown in Figure 14, the discharge switching handle 22 is positioned so that the rear surface of the wall portion 221 faces the head casing 21.

[0047] As shown in Figure 7A, the multiple protrusions 222 are provided at intervals in the circumferential direction. Each protrusion 222 projects forward from the front surface of the wall portion 221.

[0048] The inner circumferential wall 223 extends forward from the inner edge of the wall portion 221. As shown in Figure 7B, a groove 223a is formed around the entire circumference of the top (front end) of the inner circumferential wall 223. The groove 223a causes the top of the inner circumferential wall 223 to be recessed.

[0049] The outer peripheral wall 224 extends forward from the outer edge of the wall portion 221. As shown in Figure 14, the inner surface of the outer peripheral wall 224 has a smooth surface 224a, a threaded portion (female thread) 224b located behind the smooth surface 224a, and a smooth surface 224c located behind the threaded portion 224b.

[0050] <3-3. Retaining members and springs> The retaining member 23 presses the discharge switching handle 22 against the head casing 21 to prevent the discharge switching handle 22 from separating from the head casing 21. As shown in Figures 8A, 8B, and 14, the retaining member 23 comprises a circular wall portion 231, a plurality of cylindrical portions 232a, 232b (four in this embodiment), a cylindrical peripheral wall 233, an O-ring 234, an O-ring 235, and an annular flange 236.

[0051] The wall portion 231 has a front surface and a rear surface. As shown in Figures 8A and 8B, the wall portion 231 has a plurality of through holes 231a (five in this embodiment) for inserting screws N at positions corresponding to the screw holes 21b of the head casing 21.

[0052] Multiple cylindrical sections 232a, 232b are provided radially inward from the through hole 231a and protrude forward from the front surface of the wall section 231. The four cylindrical sections 232a, 232b are separated by a cross-shaped through hole 231b that intersects at the center of the wall section 231. The two upper cylindrical sections 232a do not have bottoms. That is, the interiors of the two upper cylindrical sections 232a penetrate the wall section 231. The two lower cylindrical sections 232b have bottoms. The hollow interiors of the through hole 231b and the two upper cylindrical sections 232a are water passages. That is, water flowing into the head casing 21 flows from the rear side of the retaining member 23, through the hollow interiors of the through hole 231b and the two upper cylindrical sections 232a, and to the front side of the retaining member 23.

[0053] As shown in Figure 8C, the radially outer side walls of each cylindrical portion 232a, 232b constitute a part of the circumference of a circle having the same center as the center of the wall portion 231. The diameter d1 of the virtual circle formed by each side wall is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the coil spring 24 (see Figure 9). As shown in Figure 14, the spring 24 is positioned between the retaining member 23 and the intermediate member 25. One end of the spring 24 is positioned in contact with the front surface of the wall portion 231 so that each cylindrical portion 232a, 232b is housed inside the hollow interior of the spring 24. Because each cylindrical portion 232a, 232b is housed inside one end of the spring 24, that end cannot move horizontally on the front surface of the wall portion 231. In this way, each cylindrical portion 232a, 232b positions one end of the spring 24.

[0054] As shown in Figure 14, the peripheral wall 233 extends forward from the outer edge of the wall portion 231. O-rings 234 and 235 are attached to the outer surface of the peripheral wall 233. O-ring 234 contacts the inner surface of the head casing 21. O-ring 235 contacts the inner surface of the inner peripheral wall 223 of the discharge switching handle 22.

[0055] As shown in Figures 8A and 8B, the flange 236 extends radially outward from the front end of the peripheral wall 233. As shown in Figure 14, the flange 236 is positioned on the top of the inner peripheral wall 223 of the discharge switching handle 22.

[0056] As shown in Figure 14, the retaining member 23 is positioned inside the head casing 21 and the opening 221a of the discharge switching handle 22 such that the rear surface of the wall portion 231 faces the head casing 21 and the flange 236 is positioned on the top of the inner circumferential wall 223 of the discharge switching handle 22. The retaining member 23 is fixed to the head casing 21 by inserting a screw N into the through hole 231a and tightening the screw N into the screw hole 21b of the head casing 21. Because the flange 236 is positioned on the top of the inner circumferential wall 223 of the discharge switching handle 22, when the screw N is tightened, the flange 236 presses the discharge switching handle 22 against the head casing 21. In this way, the discharge switching handle 22 does not separate from the head casing 21.

[0057] <3-4. Intermediate Members> As shown in Figures 10A, 10B, and 14, the intermediate member 25 comprises a wall portion 251, a peripheral wall 252, an O-ring 253, an insertion portion 254, and a plurality of protrusions 255 (four in this embodiment). The intermediate member 25 is positioned within the inner space of the peripheral wall 233 of the retaining member 23.

[0058] The wall portion 251 has a front surface and a rear surface. As shown in Figure 10A, the wall portion 251 is provided with a through hole 251a symmetrically with respect to the center of the wall portion 251. The through hole 251a is a water flow path. That is, water that has passed through the through hole 231b of the retaining member 23 and the hollow interior of the two upper cylindrical portions 232a flows from the rear side of the intermediate member 25 through the through hole 251a to the front side of the intermediate member 25.

[0059] As shown in Figures 10A and 10B, the peripheral wall 252 extends rearward from the outer edge of the wall portion 251.

[0060] As shown in Figure 14, the O-ring 253 is attached to the outer surface of the peripheral wall 252. The O-ring 253 contacts the inner surface of the peripheral wall 233 of the retaining member 23.

[0061] As shown in Figure 10B, the insertion portion 254 extends rearward from the center of the rear surface of the wall portion 251. The insertion portion 254 is cross-shaped, having a first plate 254a extending in the vertical direction and a second plate 254b that is shorter than the first plate 254a and perpendicular to the first plate 254a. The insertion portion 254 is inserted from the front side of the retaining member 23 into the cross-shaped through hole 231b of the retaining member 23 (see Figure 8A). The first plate 254a and the second plate 254b are shorter than the through hole 231b. Therefore, when the insertion portion 254 is inserted into the through hole 231b, the through hole 231b is not blocked by the insertion portion 254, and a gap exists between the inner surface of the through hole 231b and the insertion portion 254 through which water can flow.

[0062] As shown in Figures 10B and 10C, each projection 255 is located radially outward from the insertion portion 254 and protrudes rearward from the rear surface of the wall portion 251. Each projection 255 is shorter than the insertion portion 254. The multiple projections 255 constitute a part of the circumference of a circle having the same center as the center of the wall portion 251. The diameter d2 of the virtual circle formed by the multiple projections 255 (see Figure 10C) is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the spring 24. The other end of the spring 24 is positioned in contact with the rear surface of the wall portion 251 so that each projection 255 is housed inside the hollow interior of the spring 24 (see Figure 14). Because each projection 255 is housed inside the other end of the spring 24, the other end of the spring 24 cannot move horizontally on the rear surface of the wall portion 251. In this way, each projection 255 positions the other end of the spring 24.

[0063] As shown in Figure 14, the spring 24 is compressed between the front surface of the wall portion 231 of the retaining member 23 and the rear surface of the wall portion 251 of the intermediate member 25. Due to the elastic force of the spring 24, the intermediate member 25 is biased toward the discharge switching member 26, and the front surface of the wall portion 251 of the intermediate member 25 is pressed against the O-ring 262 of the discharge switching member 26.

[0064] <3-5. Discharge switching member> The discharge switching member 26 selectively switches whether the water that has passed through the through hole 251a of the intermediate member 25 is directed to the shower hole 271a (see Figure 12A) of the spray plate 27 or to the mist hole 271b (see Figure 12A).

[0065] As shown in Figures 11A to 11D and Figure 14, the discharge switching member 26 comprises a wall portion 261, an O-ring 262, a front peripheral wall 263, an O-ring 264, and a rear peripheral wall 265. The discharge switching member 26 is attached to the discharge switching handle 22 and rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the discharge switching handle 22.

[0066] The wall portion 261 has a front surface and a rear surface. As shown in Figure 11A, the wall portion 261 has a plurality of through holes 261a (two in this embodiment) and a plurality of through holes 261b (four in this embodiment). The two through holes 261a are located in positions corresponding to the through holes 251a of the intermediate member 25. Each through hole 261a communicates with the shower holes 271a of the water spray plate 27. Each through hole 261b is located radially outward from the through holes 261a and near the outer edge of the wall portion 261. Each through hole 261b communicates with the mist holes 271b of the water spray plate 27.

[0067] As shown in Figure 11C, O-rings 262 are attached to the rear surface of the wall portion 261 around each through-hole 261a. As shown in Figure 14, the O-rings 262 are in contact with the front surface of the wall portion 251 of the intermediate member 25.

[0068] As shown in Figures 11B to 11D, the rear surface of the wall portion 261 has a first region 2611 located in the center, and a second region 2612 which is radially outward from the first region 2611 and is lower than the first region 2611. The through hole 261a is provided in the first region 2611. The through hole 261b is provided in the second region 2612.

[0069] As shown in Figures 11A and 11C, the front peripheral wall 263 extends forward from the front surface of the wall portion 261. The front peripheral wall 263 is cylindrical and concentric with the wall portion 261, and extends from a position radially outward from the through hole 261a and radially inward from the through hole 261b.

[0070] As shown in Figures 11C and 11D, the O-ring 264 is attached to the outer surface of the front peripheral wall 263. As shown in Figure 14, the O-ring 264 is in contact with the inner surface of the inner peripheral wall 274 of the spray plate 27.

[0071] As shown in Figures 11B to 11D, the rear peripheral wall 265 extends rearward from the outer edge of the wall portion 261. The rear peripheral wall 265 is provided with a slit 265a in which the projection 222 of the discharge switching handle 22 fits, at a position corresponding to the projection 222 of the discharge switching handle 22. In addition, the outer surface of the rear peripheral wall 265 is provided with a plurality of serrations 265b. The discharge switching member 26 is positioned such that the projection 222 of the discharge switching handle 22 is inserted into the slit 265a, and the serrations 265b contact the smooth surface 224c of the outer peripheral wall 224 of the discharge switching handle 22. With this structure, the discharge switching member 26 is firmly attached to the discharge switching handle 22.

[0072] <3-6. Sprinkler Plate> The spray plate 27 discharges the water that flows into the head portion 20 as shower water or mist water. As shown in Figures 12A, 12B, and 14, the spray plate 27 comprises a wall portion 271, an outer peripheral wall 272, an O-ring 273, an inner peripheral wall 274, and a housing portion 275.

[0073] The wall portion 271 has a front surface and a rear surface. As shown in Figures 12A and 12B, the wall portion 271 has a first portion provided with a plurality of shower holes 271a and a second portion provided with a plurality of mist holes 271b located radially outward from the first portion. As shown in Figure 14, the front surface of the second portion is a convex curved surface that protrudes forward from the front surface of the first portion. The mist holes 271b penetrate the top of the convex curved surface. The diameter of the mist holes 271b is larger than the diameter of the shower holes 271a.

[0074] As shown in Figures 12B and 14, the outer peripheral wall 272 is cylindrical and extends rearward from the outer edge of the wall portion 271. The O-ring 273 is attached to the outer surface of the outer peripheral wall 272. The O-ring 273 contacts the smooth surface 224a of the outer peripheral wall 224 of the discharge switching handle 22. A threaded portion (male thread) 272a is provided on the outer surface of the outer peripheral wall 272 at a position rearward from the O-ring 273. The spray plate 27 is attached to the discharge switching handle 22 by screwing the threaded portion 272a into the threaded portion 224b of the discharge switching handle 22.

[0075] As shown in Figure 12B, the inner circumferential wall 274 is cylindrical and extends rearward from the rear surface of the wall portion 271. The inner circumferential wall 274 is provided between the first and second portions of the wall portion 271, and separates the first and second portions.

[0076] As shown in Figure 12B, the rear surface of the second portion of the wall 271 (i.e., the portion between the outer circumferential wall 272 and the inner circumferential wall 274) is provided with a plurality of housing sections 275 for housing the spray guide 28. The plurality of housing sections 275 are spaced apart in the circumferential direction. Each housing section 275 is cylindrical. The number of housing sections 275 corresponds to the number of mist holes 271b. That is, there is one housing section 275 for each mist hole 271b. The housing sections 275 are positioned such that the mist hole 271b is located at their center.

[0077] <3-7. Spraying Guide> The spray guide 28 atomizes water to produce mist water. As shown in Figure 13, the spray guide 28 comprises a cylindrical spray guide body 281. A helical groove 281a is formed on the outer surface of the spray guide body 281. The pitch and inclination angle of the helical groove 281a are designed to enable the generation of micro-nanobubbles in the water passing through the helical groove 281a. As an example, the spray guide body 281 has a diameter of 3.35 mm and a height of 4 mm, and the helical groove 281a is a double-start screw with a pitch of 2.4 mm and an inclination angle of 21.24°. In this embodiment, the ends of multiple spray guide bodies 281 are connected by a connecting part 282 to form a unit. The connecting part 282 is made of a flexible resin material. This makes the connecting part 282 bendable, making it easier to house the spray guide body 281 in the housing part 275.

[0078] <3-8. Switching between shower water and mist water> Referring to Figures 15A and 15B, the flow of water within the head unit 20, from the time water flows into the head casing 21 until it is discharged as shower water or mist water, will be explained. In Figures 15A and 15B, the flow of water is schematically shown with arrows.

[0079] As shown in Figure 15A, when the water flowing into the head unit 20 is to be discharged as shower water, the discharge switching handle 22 is rotated to connect the through hole 261a of the discharge switching member 26 with the through hole 251a of the intermediate member 25.

[0080] Water flowing into the head casing 21 first flows into the cylindrical portion 232a of the retaining member 23 and into the gap between the through hole 231b and the insertion portion 254 of the intermediate member 25. Because the gap between the through hole 231b and the insertion portion 254 is narrow, the water is pressurized as it passes through this gap, causing gas to dissolve in the water. Once the water has passed through this gap, it is released from its pressurized state, and the dissolved gas is generated in the water as micro-nanobubbles (fine bubbles).

[0081] The water that has passed through the cylindrical portion 232a and the through hole 231b flows through the through hole 251a of the intermediate member 25, and then through the through hole 261a of the discharge switching member 26. Due to the elastic force of the spring 24, the intermediate member 25 is biased toward the discharge switching member 26, so the front surface of the wall portion 251 of the intermediate member 25 and the O-ring 262 around the through hole 261a of the discharge switching member 26 are in close contact. Therefore, the water that has passed through the through hole 251a flows into the through hole 261a without leaking out. The water is also pressurized as it passes through the through hole 261a, so micro-nanobubbles are generated in the water after it has passed through the through hole 261a.

[0082] Water passing through the through-hole 261a flows into the inner space of the inner peripheral wall 274 of the spray plate 27. The water that flows into the inner space of the inner peripheral wall 274 is discharged in the form of shower water from the shower holes 271a provided in the spray plate 27. Since the water is pressurized as it passes through the shower holes 271a, micro-nanobubbles are also generated in the water after it has passed through the shower holes 271a.

[0083] As shown in Figure 15B, when the water flowing into the head portion 20 is discharged as mist, the discharge switching handle 22 is rotated to bring the second region 2612 of the wall portion 261 of the discharge switching member 26 facing the through hole 251a of the intermediate member 25. At this time, due to the elastic force of the spring 24, the O-ring 262 around the through hole 261a of the discharge switching member 26 comes into close contact with the portion of the front surface of the wall portion 251 of the intermediate member 25 where the through hole 251a does not exist.

[0084] Water flowing into the head casing 21 flows through the cylindrical portion 232a and through hole 231b of the retaining member 23, and then through hole 251a of the intermediate member 25. As already mentioned, when water passes through hole 231b, micro-nanobubbles are generated in the water. The water that has passed through hole 251a flows radially outward through the space between the front surface of the wall portion 251 and the second region 2612 of the wall portion 261 of the discharge switching member 26, and passes through through hole 261b of the discharge switching member 26 (see Figures 11A and 11B). The water that has passed through through hole 261b flows into the housing portion 275, becomes mist by passing through the spray guide 28, and is discharged in the form of mist water from the mist hole 271b. Micro-nanobubbles are generated in the water when passing through the spray guide 28 and when passing through the mist hole 271b, so mist water containing micro-nanobubbles is discharged from the mist hole 271b.

[0085] <4. Features> In the shower head 100 of the present invention, the user can select both the water quality and the form of water discharged from the shower head 100.

[0086] The projection 222 of the discharge switching handle 22 is inserted into the slit 265a of the discharge switching member 26, and the irregularities 265b of the discharge switching member 26 come into contact with the smooth surface 224c of the outer peripheral wall 224 of the discharge switching handle 22, thereby firmly attaching the discharge switching member 26 to the discharge switching handle 22. This prevents the discharge switching member 26, which is indirectly affected by the elastic force of the spring 24 via the intermediate member 25, from moving when assembling the head unit 20. Furthermore, because the discharge switching member 26 is firmly attached to the discharge switching handle 22, the intermediate member 25, which is biased by the spring 24, can be held down by the discharge switching member 26. As a result, even if the spray plate 27 is removed, the intermediate member 25 is prevented from flying out, making internal maintenance of the head unit 20 easier.

[0087] The groove 223a recesses the top of the inner circumferential wall 223 of the discharge switching handle 22, thereby reducing the contact area between the top of the inner circumferential wall 223 and the flange 236 of the retaining member 23 positioned on that top. This reduction in contact area reduces friction between the top of the inner circumferential wall 223 and the flange 236. As a result, frictional resistance when rotating the discharge switching handle 22 can be reduced.

[0088] Because the water flow path (inside the cylindrical portion 232a and through hole 231b) is located near the center of the retaining member 23, water pressure is applied near the center of the intermediate member 25 and the discharge switching member 26, thereby preventing the intermediate member 25 and the discharge switching member 26 from tilting.

[0089] When discharging shower water, micro-nanobubbles can be generated at three locations: the through-hole 231b of the retaining member 23, the through-hole 261a of the discharge switching member 26, and the shower hole 271a. This allows the shower water to contain a large number of micro-nanobubbles. Similarly, when discharging mist water, micro-nanobubbles can be generated at three locations: the through-hole 231b of the retaining member 23, the spray guide 28, and the mist hole 271b. This also allows the mist water to contain a large number of micro-nanobubbles.

[0090] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0091] 100 shower heads 10 Handle 20 Head section 21 Head casing 22 Discharge selector handle 221 Wall section 222 Protrusion 223 Inner peripheral wall (second peripheral wall) 223a Groove 224 Outer peripheral wall (first peripheral wall) 23. Retaining member (first member) 231a Cylindrical section (through hole of the first member) 231b Through hole (through hole in the first member) 236 Flange 24. Springs (elastic components) 25 Intermediate member (second member) 251a Through hole (through hole in the second member) 26 Discharge switching member 261a Through hole (first through hole) 261b Through hole (second through hole) 265a Slit (opening) 265b Unevenness 27 Sprinkler plates 271a Shower hole 271b Mist holes

Claims

1. A shower head comprising a handle portion and a head portion, wherein water flowing from the handle portion to the head portion is discharged from the head portion as shower water or mist water, The head portion is, Head casing and, A first member having a through hole through which water flowing into the head casing flows, A second member having a through hole through which water that has passed through the through hole of the first member flows, A discharge switching member having a first through hole and a second through hole, An elastic member that biases the second member toward the discharge switching member, causing a part of the second member to come into contact with the discharge switching member, A spray plate having a shower hole that communicates with the first through hole and discharges shower water, and a mist hole that communicates with the second through hole and discharges mist water, A discharge switching handle rotates the discharge switching member so that the first through-hole of the discharge switching member communicates with the through-hole of the second member in order to allow the water that has passed through the through-hole of the second member to flow into the first through-hole of the discharge switching member when discharging the shower water, and so that the second through-hole of the discharge switching member communicates with the through-hole of the second member when discharging the mist water, Equipped with, The discharge switching handle is The wall section, The projection provided on the wall portion, A first peripheral wall extending from the aforementioned wall portion, Equipped with, The aforementioned discharge switching member is The opening into which the aforementioned projection fits, Multiple irregularities that contact the inner surface of the first peripheral wall, Equipped with, Shower head.

2. The discharge switching handle has a second circumferential wall that extends radially inward from the first circumferential wall, and the top of the second circumferential wall is recessed. The first member comprises a flange, the flange is positioned on the top of the second peripheral wall and presses the discharge switching handle against the head casing. The shower head according to claim 1.

3. The through hole in the first member is located near the center of the first member. The shower head according to claim 1 or 2.

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