shower head

Abstract

To provide a shower head in which a head part including a transmission part is easy to be replaced, extensibility is high, and wired electrical connection between the head part and a base part is unnecessary.SOLUTION: A shower head 10 includes a head part 2, and a base part 3 to which the head part 2 is mounted in an attachable and detachable manner. The head part 2 includes a non-contact power reception part 24. The base part 3 includes a non-contact power supply part 34. In a state where the head part 2 is mounted to the base part 3, a state is established where a head flow path 21 in the head part 2 and a base flow path 31 in the base part 3 communicate with each other and power reception and supply is enabled between the non-contact power supply part 34 and the non-contact power reception part 24.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a shower head. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a shower head having a head portion and a base portion.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a water discharging device provided with a head portion. The head portion is disclosed as having a water discharging portion for discharging hot and cold water, an operation portion for switching the water discharging state of the hot and cold water from the water discharging portion, and a transmission antenna for transmitting a wireless signal.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the water discharging device disclosed in Patent Document 1, replacement according to the use of the head portion is not assumed, and the expandability is low.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a shower head in which replacement of a head portion having a transmission portion is easy, the expandability is high, and a wired electrical connection between the head portion and the base portion is not required.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A shower head according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a head portion and a base portion. The head portion is detachably mounted on the base portion. The head portion has a non-contact power receiving portion. The base portion has a non-contact power supply portion. When the head portion is mounted on the base portion, the head flow path in the head portion and the base flow path in the base portion are connected, and power can be supplied between the non-contact power supply portion and the non-contact power receiving portion. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] The shower head of this disclosure allows for easy replacement of the head unit having a transmitting unit, offers high expandability, and eliminates the need for wired electrical connections between the head unit and the base unit. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a shower device equipped with a shower head according to the first embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the same shower head. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of the same shower head. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a simplified diagram of another example of the attachment (head part) in the same shower head. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a simplified diagram of yet another example of the attachment (head part) in the shower head shown above. [Figure 6] Figures 6A to 6C show the relationship between the direction of the normal to the power receiving surface, the direction of the normal to the power supply surface, and the direction of the water discharged from the base of the showerhead shown above. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of a shower device equipped with a shower head according to the second embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of a shower device equipped with a shower head according to the third embodiment of this disclosure. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] (1) Overview This document describes a shower device relating to this disclosure. The embodiments described below are only a part of the various embodiments of this disclosure, and various modifications are possible depending on the design, etc., as long as the objectives of this disclosure can be achieved in the embodiments described below. In addition, the figures described in the embodiments below are schematic diagrams, and the ratios of the size and thickness of each component in the figures do not necessarily reflect the actual dimensional ratios.

[0010] As shown in Figure 1, the shower head 10 according to this disclosure comprises a head portion 2 and a base portion 3 to which the head portion 2 is detachably attached. The head portion 2 has a non-contact power receiving portion 24. The base portion 3 has a non-contact power supply portion 34. When the head portion 2 is attached to the base portion 3, the head flow path 21 in the head portion 2 and the base flow path 31 in the base portion 3 are connected, and power can be supplied between the non-contact power supply portion 34 and the non-contact power receiving portion 24.

[0011] In the shower device described above, the head unit containing the transmitter can be easily replaced, it has high expandability, and there is no need for a wired electrical connection between the head unit and the base unit.

[0012] (2) First Embodiment The shower device 1 according to the first embodiment will be described below with reference to Figures 1 to 6.

[0013] (2.1) Overview of the shower system As shown in Figure 1, the shower device 1 comprises a shower head 10, a water supply unit 4, and a control unit 5. The shower device 1 is mainly installed in the bathroom 90 and discharges water within the bathroom 90. The shower device 1 is connected to a water supply source 91, which is a water supply or the like, via a water distribution pipe 92, and water (liquid) is supplied from the water supply source 91.

[0014] (2.2) Shower head The shower head 10 is installed in the bathroom 90. The shower head 10 has a head portion 2 and a base portion 3. The head portion 2 is detachably attached to the base portion 3 and supported by the base portion 3.

[0015] The gripping portion of the shower head 10 may be constituted by the head portion 2, may be constituted by the base portion 3, or may be constituted by both the head portion 2 and the base portion 3. Further, when the shower head 10 is held by a holder, the holder may directly hold the head portion 2, or the holder may directly hold the base portion 3 and indirectly hold the head portion 2.

[0016] (2.2.1) Head portion As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the head portion 2 has a head case 20 that constitutes an outer shell. The head case 20 is formed of resin. Inside the head case 20, a head flow path 21 is provided.

[0017] The head flow path 21 is constituted by the internal space of a pipe member made of resin or metal. The pipe member constituting the head flow path 21 is a straight pipe extending linearly, and the end portion on the upstream side (inlet side) of the pipe member protrudes from the head case 20 to become a connecting portion (male) 211. The end portion on the downstream side of the head flow path 21 is a discharge port 212.

[0018] A recess is formed at the end portion on the downstream side of the head flow path 21 of the head case 20, and a detachable tip member 29 is attached to this recess. An opening communicating with the head flow path 21 is formed in the tip member 29, and this opening serves as the discharge port 212.

[0019] The water flowing through the head channel 21 receives high pressure from the upstream side and is ejected from the discharge port 212. In this way, the head section 2 has only one discharge port 212, and the area of ​​the discharge port 212 is narrowed to ensure that water is ejected from the discharge port 212. The head section 2 in the shower device 1 (shower head 10) shown in Figures 1 to 3 is an attachment that constitutes the shower head 10, which is capable of high-pressure water jetting from the discharge port 212.

[0020] As shown in Figure 3, the head portion 2 has a mounting portion 22 for mounting to the base portion 3. Mounting the head portion 2 to the base portion 3 means that the head portion 2 and the base portion 3 are held in contact with each other at predetermined positions (orientations) so that their relative positions do not change. In the first embodiment, the mounting portion 22 is formed in a part of the head case 20. The mounting portion 22 is formed in the head case 20 by a groove formed parallel to the direction in which the head flow path 21 extends.

[0021] On the other hand, the base portion 3, which will be described later, has a base case 30, and the base case 30 has a mounting portion 32 that corresponds to the mounting portion 22. The mounting portion 32 is formed by a projection that protrudes from the base case 30 and is inserted into the groove which is the mounting portion 22.

[0022] To attach the head unit 2 to the base unit 3, first, insert the end of the mounting unit 32 on the head unit 2 side (opposite to the connection part 311) into the end of the mounting unit 22 on the base unit 3 side (the side that connects to the connection part (female) 311 described later). Then, slide the head case 20 and the base case 30 relative to each other so that the connection part 311 of the base case 30 approaches the head case 20. As shown in Figure 2, when the end face of the head case 20 on the base case 30 side and the end face of the base case 30 on the head case 20 side come into contact, further sliding is restricted, and the head unit 2 is attached to the base unit 3 (referred to as the attached state).

[0023] In the installed state, the connection part 211 located at the upstream end of the head flow path 21 of the head part 2 is connected to the connection part 311 located at the downstream end of the base flow path 31 of the base part 3, so that the head flow path 21 in the head part 2 and the base flow path 31 in the base part 3 are connected. Water flowing in the base flow path 31 can flow into the head flow path 21 without leakage.

[0024] (2.2.1.1) Transmitter As shown in Figure 1, the head unit 2 has a transmitting unit 23. The transmitting unit 23 transmits various signals to the receiving unit 11, including signals for discharging or stopping water from the water supply unit 4. The transmitting unit 23 transmits signals wirelessly, such as by infrared rays, radio waves, or ultrasound. The transmitting unit 23 is located inside the head case 20 and transmits signals through an opening or signal-transmitting portion formed in the head case 20. The transmitting unit 23 has an electronic circuit board with a control function (control unit) and an transmitting element.

[0025] (2.2.1.2) Operation section The head unit 2 has an operating unit 27 for transmitting signals by the transmitting unit 23. The operating unit 27 is located on the head case 20 and can be operated with any finger of the hand that is holding the shower head 10. The operating unit 27 is positioned to be exposed through an opening formed in the head case 20, but may also be formed from a part of the surface of the head case 20. The operating unit 27 is made up of push buttons. The operating unit 27 can be used to operate the water supply unit 4 to discharge water from the outlet 212 and to stop the water discharge, as well as to start and stop various operations, adjust the amount, and activate functions. The transmitting unit 23 transmits operation signals corresponding to the various operations performed by the operating unit 27 to the receiving unit 11.

[0026] (2.2.1.3) Contactless power receiving section As shown in Figures 1 and 3, the head unit 2 has a contactless power receiving unit 24. The contactless power receiving unit 24 is used together with the contactless power supply unit 34 of the base unit 3, which will be described later, to receive and supply power by so-called wireless power transfer. Various existing methods such as electromagnetic induction, magnetic field resonance, electric field coupling, radio wave, or laser can be used as appropriate for wireless power transfer, and a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0027] The contactless power receiving unit 24 is provided in the head case 20. The contactless power receiving unit 24 is housed within the head case 20, and power is supplied and received through a portion of the head case 20. The portion of the head case 20 surface where power is supplied and received is designated as the power receiving surface 201. The power receiving surface 201 is aligned with the direction in which the head flow path 21 extends. In other words, the orientation 202 of the normal to the power receiving surface 201 is 90 degrees with respect to the direction in which the head flow path 21 extends, as shown in Figure 1.

[0028] (2.2.1.4) Energy Storage Unit The head unit 2 has a power storage unit 25. The power storage unit 25 is provided in the head case 20 and is electrically connected to the contactless power receiving unit 24, and stores the electrical energy received by the contactless power receiving unit 24. The power storage unit 25 is housed inside the head case 20. Various batteries, including lithium-ion batteries, can be used as the power storage unit 25 as appropriate, and a detailed explanation is omitted. The power storage unit 25 is electrically connected to the transmission unit 23 and operation unit 27 described above, the wear detection unit 26 and lighting unit 28 described later, and supplies power to them.

[0029] (2.2.1.5) Wear detection unit The head unit 2 has a mounting detection unit 26. The mounting detection unit 26 detects that the head unit 2 is mounted on the base unit 3. As shown in Figure 2, the mounting detection unit 26 detects that the head unit 2 is mounted on the base unit 3. As shown in Figure 1, in the first embodiment, the mounting detection unit 26 is configured by a device such as a so-called limit switch. The mounting detection unit 26 has a protruding piece that protrudes from the surface of the head case 20 and can be retracted into the head case 20 at the portion of the head case 20 that contacts the base case 30 when mounted. When this protruding piece is pushed by the base case 30 and retracted into the head case 20, the mounting detection unit 26 detects the retraction of the protruding piece and detects that the head unit is mounted. When the mounting detection unit 26 detects that the head unit is mounted, a signal indicating the mounted state is transmitted to the electronic circuit board.

[0030] (2.2.1.6) Lighting section As shown in Figures 1 and 3, the head unit 2 has an illumination unit 28. The illumination unit 28 is provided in the head case 20 and emits light through an opening or a light-transmitting portion formed in the head case 20. In the first embodiment, the illumination unit 28 has an LED and is provided near the discharge port 212 of the head case 20. In the first embodiment, one illumination unit 28 is formed near the discharge port 212 of the head case 20. The direction of the light emitted by the illumination unit 28 is the same as the direction of the water discharged from the discharge port 212, and the illumination unit 28 can illuminate the vicinity of the intended position where the high-pressure water sprayed from the discharge port 212 will hit.

[0031] (2.2.2) Base section As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the base portion 3 has a base case 30 that constitutes the outer shell. The base case 30 is made of resin. The base channel 31 provided inside the base case 30 is made up of the internal space of a pipe member made of resin or metal. The pipe member that constitutes the base channel 31 is a straight pipe that extends in a straight line, and the upstream end (inlet side) of the pipe member protrudes from the base case 30 to form a connection portion (male) 33. The downstream end of the base channel 31 in the base case 30 is a connection portion 311 which is a recess into which the connection portion 211 of the head portion 2 is inserted, as described above.

[0032] As shown in Figure 3, the mounting portion 32 for attaching the head portion 2 to the base portion 3 is formed in a part of the base case 30. The mounting portion 32 is formed in the base case 30 parallel to the direction in which the base flow path 31 extends. When the head portion 2 and the base portion 3 are mounted, the direction in which the head flow path 21 extends and the direction in which the base flow path 31 extends are the same, and the head flow path 21 and the base flow path 31 are connected in a straight line.

[0033] (2.2.2.1) Contactless power supply section As shown in Figures 1 and 3, the base portion 3 has a contactless power supply unit 34. The contactless power supply unit 34 is used together with the contactless power receiving unit 24, as described above, to receive and supply power. The contactless power supply unit 34 is provided in the base case 30. The contactless power supply unit 34 is housed within the base case 30, and power is received and supplied through a part of the base case 30. The portion of the base case 30 surface where power is received and supplied is designated as the power supply surface 301. The power supply surface 301 is aligned with the direction in which the base flow path 31 extends. In other words, the orientation 302 of the normal to the power supply surface 301 is 90 degrees with respect to the direction in which the base flow path 31 extends, as shown in Figure 1.

[0034] (2.3) Water supply section The water supply unit 4 supplies water towards the base unit 3. The water supply unit 4 has a case 40 that forms the outer shell and a flow path 41 provided inside the case 40. The case 40 is installed outside the bathroom 90, adjacent to the bathroom 90. The upstream end of the flow path 41 is connected to a water distribution pipe 92 from the water supply source 91 mentioned above. The downstream end of the flow path 41 is a connection part 42 to which a pipe (hose 6, described later in the first embodiment) for supplying water towards the base unit 3 is connected.

[0035] The water supply unit 4 has a water discharge / shut-off switching unit 43. The water discharge / shut-off switching unit 43 is housed in a case 40 and is installed in the middle of the flow path 41. The water discharge / shut-off switching unit 43 switches between discharging (supplying) water supplied from the water source 91 to the base unit 3 and shutting off (stopping the water supply). The water discharge / shut-off switching unit 43 is composed of a solenoid valve.

[0036] The water supply unit 4 has a high-pressure generation unit 44. The high-pressure generation unit 44 is housed in a case 40 and is located downstream of the water discharge / shut-off switching unit 43 in the middle of the flow path 41. The high-pressure generation unit 44 pressurizes the water supplied from the water source 91 and sends it to the base unit 3. The high-pressure generation unit 44 is composed of a pump.

[0037] The water supply unit 4 has a flow path switching valve 45. The flow path switching valve 45 is housed in a case 40 and is installed in the part of the flow path 41 downstream from the high-pressure generation unit 44. The flow path switching valve 45 switches the destination of the water flowing through the flow path 41. There are multiple destinations for the water supplied from the water supply unit 4, one of which is the base unit 3. Other destinations include faucets installed in the bathroom 90, but the destination of the water is not particularly limited. The flow path switching valve 45 is composed of a switching valve.

[0038] The water discharge / shut-off switching unit 43, the high-pressure generation unit 44, and the flow path switching valve 45 are supplied with power from a power source such as a commercial power supply.

[0039] (2.4) Control Unit The control unit 5 controls the water discharge and shut-off by the water supply unit 4 based on the received signals. In the first embodiment, a control box 50 is installed outside the bathroom 90, adjacent to the bathroom 90, and the control unit 5 is housed in the control box 50. The control unit 5 and the water supply unit 4 are electrically connected by an electric wire 51, and the control unit 5 transmits a control signal to the water supply unit 4 to control the water supply unit 4 (water discharge / shut-off switching unit 43, high-pressure generation unit 44, and flow path switching valve 45).

[0040] The control box 50 houses the receiving unit 11. The receiving unit 11 receives operation signals transmitted from the transmitting unit 23. The receiving unit 11 is electrically connected to the control unit 5, and the operation signals received by the receiving unit 11 are transmitted to the control unit 5. The control unit 5 receives various operation signals transmitted from the transmitting unit 23 and transmits control signals corresponding to various operations to the water discharge / shut-off switching unit 43, the high-pressure generation unit 44, or the flow path switching valve 45 to control them.

[0041] The control unit 5 and the receiving unit 11 are supplied with power from a power source such as a commercial power supply.

[0042] (2.5) Hose Hose 6 is connected at both ends to the base section 3 and the water supply section 4, respectively, forming a water supply channel 61 from the water supply section 4 to the base section 3. Hose 6 has a hose body 60 made of flexible rubber or the like, and the water supply channel 61 is formed inside the hose body 60. The upstream end of hose 6 is connected to the connection part 42 at the downstream end of the flow path 41 of the water supply section 4. The downstream end of hose 6 is connected to the connection part 33 at the upstream end of the base flow path 31 of the base section 3. Appropriate retaining structures and means can be used for connecting both ends of hose 6 to the connection parts 33 and 42.

[0043] The hose 6 has a power cord 62. The power cord 62 is electrically connected to the contactless power supply unit 34. The power cord 62 is embedded inside the hose body 60. One end of the power cord 62 is electrically connected to a power cord 341 which is electrically connected to the contactless power supply unit 34.

[0044] For example, a connector can be used to connect the power cord 62 and the power cord 341. That is, one connector is attached to one end of the hose 6, and the connection part 33 of the base case 30 is made with the other connector. The power cord 62 is attached to one connector, and the power cord 341 is attached to the other connector. When both connectors are connected, it becomes possible to connect the power cord 62 and the power cord 341.

[0045] The other end of the power cord 62 is electrically connected to the power supply via the wires (not shown) of the water supply unit 4. The connector described above can also be used to connect the other end of the power cord 62 to the wires of the water supply unit 4. Of course, an adapter may also be interposed between the power cord 62 and the power supply.

[0046] (2.6) Installation To attach the head unit 2 to the base unit 3, as described above, the end of the mounting portion 32 of the base unit 3 on the head unit 2 side is inserted into the end of the mounting portion 22 of the head unit 2 on the base unit 3 side and slid in. As shown in Figure 2, the unit is attached when the end face of the head case 20 and the end face of the base case 30 come into contact.

[0047] When the unit is attached, the attachment detection unit 26 detects that the head unit 2 is attached to the base unit 3. In the first embodiment, the transmitting unit 23 of the head unit 2 transmits a signal only when the attachment detection unit 26 detects that the head unit 2 is attached. When the head unit 2 is not attached to the base unit 3, the transmitting unit 23 does not transmit a signal to the receiving unit 11. This prevents accidental operation of the operating unit 27 when the head unit 2 is not attached to the base unit 3, which would transmit a water discharge signal and cause unintended water discharge from the downstream end of the base flow path 31 of the base unit 3 instead of the discharge port 212 of the head unit 2.

[0048] A means for maintaining the attached state of the head portion 2 on the base portion 3 may be provided to prevent the head portion 2 from being released. For example, a fastener may be used as the means for maintaining the attached state. That is, the attached state of the head portion 2 and the base portion 3 may be maintained by screwing them together with a fastener such as a screw. Alternatively, a structure that mechanically maintains the attached state may be used without using a fastener. Furthermore, in a structure that mechanically maintains the attached state, a means for releasing the hold may be provided.

[0049] In the mounted state, as described above, the head channel 21 and the base channel 31 are connected, and power can be supplied between the non-contact power supply unit 34 and the non-contact power receiving unit 24. In other words, in the mounted state, the power receiving surface 201 and the power supply surface 301 are in close proximity to or in contact with each other, thus enabling power supply and reception via wireless power transfer.

[0050] (2.7) Replacement of the head unit Head unit 2 is an attachment that makes up the shower head 10 and is replaceable. The head unit 2 (shower head 10) shown in Figures 1 to 3 was capable of high-pressure water jets from the outlet 212 and illumination by the lighting unit 28. In contrast, another example of head unit 2 is shown in Figure 4.

[0051] The head unit 2 shown in Figure 4 is an attachment 12 for scalp care. Compared to the attachments (head unit 2) shown in Figures 1 to 3, attachment 12 does not have a lighting unit 28, and the shape of the head case 20 and the structure of the head flow path 21 are different. Attachment 12 has massage balls 281 driven by a built-in motor. The motor that drives the massage balls 281 is controlled by a control unit on the electronic circuit board in response to operation (input) at the operation unit 27. In addition, attachment 12 has multiple discharge ports 212. This attachment 12 can provide a massage effect to the scalp and perform scalp care.

[0052] Another example of head unit 2 is shown in Figure 5. The head unit 2 shown in Figure 5 is an attachment 13 for showering with a normal body wash. Compared to the attachments (head unit 2) shown in Figures 1 to 3, attachment 13 does not have a lighting unit 28, and the shape of the head case 20 and the structure of the head flow path 21 are different. Also, attachment 13 does not have the massage balls 281 that the attachments (head unit 2) shown in Figures 1 to 3 have. Multiple discharge ports 212 are formed in attachment 13. This attachment 12 makes it easier to wash the body.

[0053] (2.8) Effects In the shower device 1, the head unit 2 is detachably attached to the base unit 3, so by replacing the head unit 2, attachments can be fitted according to the application, resulting in a highly expandable shower head 10.

[0054] Furthermore, since power is supplied between the head unit 2 and the base unit 3 via contactless (wireless) power supply, there is no need to electrically connect exposed terminals, allowing for safe power supply.

[0055] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, as shown in Figure 6A, in the installed state, the angle θ2 between the direction 202 of the normal to the power receiving surface 201 and the direction 312 of the water discharged from the base flow path 31, and the angle θ3 between the direction 302 of the normal to the power supply surface 301 and the direction 312 of the water are 90 degrees.

[0056] Incidentally, when performing contactless power reception and supply between the contactless power receiving unit 24 and the contactless power supply unit 34, the larger the area of ​​the power receiving surface 201 and the power supply surface 301, the greater the power that can be received and supplied. For this reason, it is preferable to increase the area of ​​the power receiving surface 201 and the power supply surface 301.

[0057] When the direction 202 of the normal to the power receiving surface 201 and the direction 302 of the normal to the power supply surface 301 are at a 90-degree angle to the direction 312 of the water discharged from the base channel 31, the power receiving surface 201 and the power supply surface 301 will be aligned with the direction 312 of the water. In this case, when the head unit 2 is released from the base unit 3 while water is being discharged from the base channel 31, and the head unit 2 moves slightly from its attached state, the water discharged from the base channel 31 will proceed in a direction aligned with the power receiving surface 201 and the power supply surface 301. Therefore, it is unlikely that the water discharged from the base channel 31 will hit the power receiving surface 201 or the power supply surface 301 and apply force in a direction that pushes the power receiving surface 201 or the power supply surface 301. As a result, it becomes less likely that the head unit 2 will move significantly from its attached state and completely detach from the base unit 3.

[0058] However, as shown in Figure 6B, if the angle θ2 between the direction of the normal vector 202 and the direction of the water 312 exceeds 150 degrees, and the angle θ3 between the direction of the normal vector 302 and the direction of the water 312 is less than 30 degrees, when the head unit 2 moves slightly from its mounted position, the water discharged from the base channel 31 hits the power receiving surface 201 and applies a large force in the direction of pushing the power receiving surface 201, and the water that bounces off the power receiving surface 201 applies a force in the direction of pushing the power supply surface 301. As a result, the head unit 2 may move significantly from its mounted position and may completely detach from the base unit 3.

[0059] Similarly, as shown in Figure 6C, if the angle θ2 between the direction of the normal 302 and the direction of the water 312 is less than 30 degrees, and the angle θ3 between the direction of the normal 202 and the direction of the water 312 exceeds 150 degrees, when the head unit 2 moves slightly from its mounted position, the water discharged from the base channel 31 hits the power supply surface 301 and exerts a large force in the direction of pushing the power supply surface 301, and the water that bounces off the power supply surface 301 exerts a force in the direction of pushing the power receiving surface 201. As a result, the head unit 2 may move significantly from its mounted position and may completely detach from the base unit 3.

[0060] In the first embodiment, the direction 202 of the normal to the power receiving surface 201 and the direction 302 of the normal to the power supply surface 301 are at a 90-degree angle to the direction 312 of the water discharged from the base channel 31. Therefore, even if water is discharged from the base channel 31 while the head portion 2 has moved slightly from its mounted position, the head portion 2 is less likely to fall off the base portion 3.

[0061] (3) Second embodiment The shower device 1 according to the second embodiment will be described below with reference to Figure 7. Since the shower device 1 according to the second embodiment is largely the same as the shower device 1 according to the first embodiment, redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0062] In the first embodiment, the non-contact power receiving unit 24 of the head unit 2 received and supplied power in relation to the non-contact power supply unit 34 of the base unit 3. In contrast, in the second embodiment, the non-contact power receiving unit 24 of the head unit 2 received and supplied power in relation to the non-contact power supply unit 71 of the shower head holder 7.

[0063] The shower device 1 includes a shower head holder 7 that holds the head unit 2. The shower head holder 7 has a slide bar 72 installed on the wall of the bathroom 90 and a holder body 70 that is slidably mounted relative to the slide bar 72. The holder body 70 supports the head unit 2 and holds it in place so that it does not fall out of the holder body 70.

[0064] The holder body 70 is provided with a contactless power supply unit 71. The contactless power supply unit 71 is located inside the part of the holder body 70 that contacts and holds the head unit 2. This allows power to be supplied between the contactless power receiving unit 24 and the contactless power supply unit 71 while the head unit 2 is held in the holder body 70. Power supply may be performed automatically when the head unit 2 is held in the holder body 70 and power can be supplied between the contactless power receiving unit 24 and the contactless power supply unit 71.

[0065] Furthermore, when supplying power to the head unit 2, there is no need to provide a contactless power supply unit 34 on the base unit 3, and there is no need to provide a power cord 62 on the hose 6.

[0066] (4) Third Embodiment The shower device 1 according to the third embodiment will be described below with reference to Figure 8. Since the shower device 1 according to the third embodiment is largely the same as the shower device 1 according to the second embodiment, redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0067] In the second embodiment, the non-contact power supply unit 71 was provided inside the part of the holder body 70 that contacts the head part 2 and holds the head part 2. In contrast, in the third embodiment, the non-contact power supply unit 71 is provided not in the part of the holder body 70 that directly holds the head part 2, but in the part of the head part 2 held by the holder body 70 that is opposite to the part where the non-contact power receiving unit 24 is provided.

[0068] This allows power to be received between the non-contact power receiving unit 24 and the non-contact power supply unit 71 while the head unit 2 is held in the holder body 70. Once the head unit 2 is held in the holder body 70 and power can be received between the non-contact power receiving unit 24 and the non-contact power supply unit 71, power may be received automatically.

[0069] (5) Variant The following lists some modifications of the above embodiment. The modifications described below can be combined and applied as appropriate.

[0070] The location where the shower device 1 is installed is not limited to the bathroom 90 where the bathtub is installed, but may also be a separate shower room. Furthermore, the location where the shower device 1 is installed may be a space other than the bathroom 90 and the separate shower room, or it may be outdoors. The water discharged by the shower device 1 does not necessarily have to be discharged within the bathroom 90.

[0071] The water supply source 91 is not particularly limited and may include tap water, water heaters, water storage tanks, etc., as appropriate.

[0072] The liquid supplied to the shower device 1 is not limited to water, but may include water and hot water, as well as aqueous solutions containing other substances, or liquids other than water. The water supply source 91 is not limited to one that supplies water.

[0073] The shower device 1 does not necessarily have to include a hose 6. In other words, the hose 6 can be of any configuration and does not have to be included in the shower device 1. When the shower device 1 is in use, it is sufficient that the base flow path 31 of the base unit 3 and the flow path 41 of the water supply unit 4 are connected.

[0074] The shape, size, and material of the head case 20 and base case 30 are not particularly limited. Furthermore, the head case 20 and base case 30 constitute the outer shell of the shower head 10, and it is preferable that the internal space formed by the head case 20 and base case 30 is sealed when the head part 2 is attached to the base part 3. However, the internal space formed by the head case 20 and base case 30 does not necessarily have to be sealed.

[0075] The pipe members constituting the head channel 21 and the base channel 31 may be made of resin or metal and may not be flexible, or they may be flexible hoses made of rubber or the like. The pipe members constituting the head channel 21 and the base channel 31 do not have to extend in a straight line.

[0076] The tip member 29 has any configuration and does not have to be included in the head portion 2.

[0077] The connection portion 211 of the head channel 21 and the connection portion 311 of the base channel 31 do not necessarily have to consist of male and female parts as described above, and the connection portions 211 and 311 are not particularly limited.

[0078] The mounting portion 22 formed on the head portion 2 is not limited to grooves, and the mounting portion 32 formed on the base portion 3 is not limited to protrusions.

[0079] The operation unit 27 may be composed of switches, touch panels, etc., instead of push buttons. The operation unit 27 may be mounted on the electronic circuit board that constitutes the transmission unit 23.

[0080] The angle between the direction 202 of the normal to the power receiving surface 201 of the head case 20 and the direction in which the head flow path 21 extends is not limited to 90 degrees and does not have to be 90 degrees. The angle between the direction 302 of the normal to the power supply surface 301 of the base case 30 and the direction in which the base flow path 31 extends is not limited to 90 degrees and does not have to be 90 degrees.

[0081] In the first embodiment, the energy storage unit 25 is provided in the head unit 2, but the energy storage unit 25 has any configuration and does not have to be included in the head unit 2.

[0082] The mounting detection unit 26 is not limited to using a limit switch, but may, for example, optically detect the relative positional relationship between the head case 20 and the base case 30 to detect the mounting of the head unit 2 to the base unit 3.

[0083] The mounting detection unit 26 is provided on the head unit 2, but the mounting detection unit 26 has an arbitrary configuration and does not have to be included in the head unit 2.

[0084] The location and number of lighting units 28 are not limited. Furthermore, the lighting units 28 have any configuration and do not necessarily have to be included in the head unit 2.

[0085] Case 40 may be installed inside the bathroom 90.

[0086] The water discharge / shut-off switching section 43 does not necessarily have to be formed by a solenoid valve, and may be composed of other types of valves. Furthermore, the water discharge / shut-off switching section 43 may be composed of a pump, for example, and is not particularly limited.

[0087] The high-pressure generation unit 44 has an arbitrary configuration and does not have to be included in the water supply unit 4. The flow path switching valve 45 has an arbitrary configuration and does not have to be included in the water supply unit 4.

[0088] The control unit 5 may be located in the water supply unit 4. In other words, the control unit 5 may be housed in the case 40 instead of the control box 50, in which case the control box 50 is unnecessary.

[0089] The receiving unit 11 does not necessarily have to be located in the control unit 5 (control box 50). Alternatively, the receiving unit 11 may be located in the water supply unit 4 (case 40), similar to the control unit 5.

[0090] Instead of hose 6, a pipe made of a non-flexible resin or metal may be used.

[0091] The power cord 62 may be attached to the surface of the hose body 60 with its internal conductors covered with an insulator.

[0092] The attachment (head part 2) of the shower head 10 is not limited to those described above.

[0093] In the installed state, it is preferable that the direction 202 of the normal to the power receiving surface 201 and the direction 302 of the normal to the power supply surface 301 form an angle of 30 degrees or more and 150 degrees or less with respect to the direction 312 of the water flowing through the base channel 31.

[0094] (summary) As described above, the shower head 10 of the first embodiment comprises a head portion 2 and a base portion 3 to which the head portion 2 is detachably attached. The head portion 2 has a non-contact power receiving portion 24. The base portion 3 has a non-contact power supply portion 34. When the head portion 2 is attached to the base portion 3, the head flow path 21 in the head portion 2 and the base flow path 31 in the base portion 3 are connected, and power can be supplied between the non-contact power supply portion 34 and the non-contact power receiving portion 24.

[0095] In the first embodiment, a wired electrical connection between the head unit 2 and the base unit 3 is not required.

[0096] A second embodiment can be realized by combining it with the first embodiment. In the second embodiment, the head unit 2 further comprises a head case 20 having a head channel 21 inside. The base unit 3 further comprises a base case 30 having a base channel 31 inside. At least a portion of the surface of the head case 20 becomes a power receiving surface 201 for receiving and supplying power. At least a portion of the surface of the base case 30 becomes a power supply surface 301 for receiving and supplying power. When the head unit 2 is mounted on the base unit 3, the power receiving surface 201 and the power supply surface 301 are close to or in contact with each other and facing each other. When the head unit 2 is mounted on the base unit 3, the direction 202 of the normal to the power receiving surface 201 and the direction 302 of the normal to the power supply surface 301 form an angle of 30 degrees or more and 150 degrees or less with respect to the direction 312 of the water flowing through the base channel 31.

[0097] In the second embodiment, when water is being discharged from the base flow path 31, the attachment of the head portion 2 to the base portion 3 is released, and even if the head portion 2 moves slightly from its attached state, it becomes less likely that the head portion 2 will completely detach from the base portion 3.

[0098] A third embodiment can be realized by combining it with the first or second embodiment. In the third embodiment, the base portion 3 is further equipped with hoses 6, each having one end connected to the base portion 3 to constitute a water supply channel 61.

[0099] In the third embodiment, it is not necessary to prepare a separate hose 6.

[0100] A fourth embodiment can be realized by combining it with the third embodiment. In the fourth embodiment, the hose 6 has a power cord 62 that is electrically connected to the non-contact power supply unit 34.

[0101] In the fourth embodiment, power can be supplied to the base unit 3 via a wired power cord 62 using the hose 6. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0102] 1. Shower device 10 shower heads 11 Receiving unit 2 Head section 23 Transmitter 25 Energy Storage Unit 26. Mounting detection unit 27 Control section 3. Base section 34 Contactless power supply unit 4 Water supply section 44 High-pressure generation unit 5. Control Unit 6 hoses 61 Waterway 62 Power cord 7. Shower head holder 71 Contactless power supply unit

Claims

1. The head section, The head portion is detachably attached to a base portion, The head portion has a non-contact power receiving portion, The base portion has a contactless power supply unit, When the head portion is mounted on the base portion, the head channel within the head portion and the base channel within the base portion are connected, and power can be supplied between the contactless power supply unit and the contactless power receiving unit. Shower head.

2. The head portion further comprises a head case having the head flow path inside, The base portion further comprises a base case having the base flow path inside, At least a portion of the surface of the head case becomes the power receiving surface for the power supply and receiving process. At least a portion of the surface of the base case becomes the power supply surface for receiving and supplying power, With the head portion attached to the base portion, The power receiving surface and the power supply surface face each other in close proximity or in contact, The orientation of the normal to the power receiving surface and the orientation of the normal to the power supply surface form an angle of 30 degrees or more and 150 degrees or less with respect to the direction of the water flowing through the base channel. The shower head according to claim 1.

3. The base portion is further provided with hoses, each having one end connected to form a water supply channel. The shower head according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The hose has a power cord that is electrically connected to the non-contact power supply unit. The shower head according to claim 3.

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