Mixing unit, kit, and cleaning method

Abstract

The present invention includes: a storage chamber capable of storing a detergent containing a surfactant; a mixing chamber capable of generating a cleaning liquid by mixing the detergent and water; a first flow path that is configured to allow water from a shower hose or a faucet to flow therein and through which the water flowing in from the shower hose or the faucet can be supplied to the mixing chamber; a second flow path through which the cleaning liquid generated in the mixing chamber can be supplied to a shower head or the shower hose; and a third flow path through which the detergent stored in the storage chamber can be supplied to the mixing chamber. When the flow velocity of the cleaning liquid sprayed from the shower head is 2.0-10 m / s, the value obtained by multiplying the flow velocity [m / s] of the cleaning liquid by the content [mass%] of the surfactant is 0.025 or more.

Description

Mixing unit, kit and cleaning method

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

[0002] Conventionally, mixing units that mix a detergent containing a surfactant with water flowing through a shower head to generate a cleaning liquid have been known. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a mixing unit that includes a container for storing the detergent and a three-way cock for attaching the container to the shower head.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 6-209873

[0004] The mixing unit according to the present invention includes a storage chamber capable of storing a cleaning agent containing a surfactant, a mixing chamber capable of producing a cleaning liquid by mixing the cleaning agent and water, and a first flow path configured to allow water to flow in from a shower hose or a faucet, the first flow path being capable of supplying the water flowing in from the shower hose or the faucet to the mixing chamber, a second flow path being capable of supplying the cleaning liquid produced in the mixing chamber to a shower head or a shower hose, and a third flow path being capable of supplying the cleaning agent stored in the storage chamber to the mixing chamber, and when the flow velocity of the cleaning liquid sprayed from the shower head is 2.0 m / s or more and 10 m / s or less, the value obtained by multiplying the flow velocity [m / s] of the cleaning liquid by the content [mass %] of the surfactant is 0.025 or more.

[0005] The kit according to the present invention includes the mixing unit and the cleaning agent.

[0006] A cleaning method according to the present invention is a cleaning method using a mixing unit including: a storage chamber capable of storing a cleaning agent containing a surfactant; a mixing chamber capable of producing a cleaning liquid by mixing the cleaning agent and water; a first flow path configured to allow water to flow in from a shower hose or a faucet and capable of supplying the water flowing in from the shower hose or the faucet to the mixing chamber; a second flow path capable of supplying the cleaning liquid produced in the mixing chamber to a shower head or a shower hose; and a third flow path capable of supplying the cleaning agent stored in the storage chamber to the mixing chamber. The cleaning agent is stored in the storage chamber, water is supplied from the first flow path to the mixing chamber, and the cleaning liquid is sprayed from the shower head toward an object so that the flow velocity of the cleaning liquid [m / s] multiplied by the content [mass %] of the surfactant is 0.025 or greater.

[0007] Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing a mixing unit according to a first embodiment; Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing a mixing unit according to a first embodiment; Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the mixing unit in a supplying state; Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the mixing unit in a non-supplying state; Fig. 5 is a perspective view showing a state in which the mixing unit is connected to a shower hose and a shower head; Fig. 6 is a partially enlarged view showing an enlarged portion of the mixing unit;

[0008] The present invention relates to a mixing unit, a kit, and a cleaning method that can achieve excellent cleaning effects by combining the flow rate of a cleaning liquid with the content of a surfactant.

[0009] Preferred embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the inventions according to the claims, and not all of the combinations of features described in the embodiments are necessarily essential to the solution of the invention. Furthermore, in the present embodiments, the scale and dimensions of each component may be exaggerated, and some components may be omitted.

[0010] [First Embodiment] A kit according to a first embodiment includes a mixing unit and a liquid. The mixing unit is connected to a shower hose and a shower head, and is used to mix the liquid with water supplied from the shower hose to generate a liquid, and to supply the generated liquid to the shower head. The liquid and the liquid are not particularly limited, but in the first embodiment, they are a detergent and a cleaning liquid containing a surfactant.

[0011] The mixing unit according to the first embodiment has a total area of ​​the water spray holes of, for example, 10 mm ２ More than 15 mm, preferably ２ More than 30 mm ２ Less than 25 mm, preferably ２ The showerhead can be suitably used for the following showerheads: Note that the "total area of ​​the nozzle holes" refers to the total area of ​​the nozzle holes that spray the cleaning liquid out of the multiple nozzle holes formed in the showerhead.

[0012] 1 to 5, the mixing unit 1 includes a mixing section 100 capable of mixing a cleaning agent and water, and a storage section 200 capable of storing a cleaning agent. As will be described later, the mixing section 100 is configured to be connectable to a shower hose 2 and a shower head 3. The storage section 200 is configured to be detachable from the mixing section 100.

[0013] In this specification, when the mixer 100 is connected to the shower hose 2 and the shower head 3 (as shown in FIG. 5 ), the direction in which the shower hose 2 is located (downward in FIG. 5 ) is referred to as "downward," and the direction in which the shower head 3 is located (upward in FIG. 5 ) is referred to as "upward." That is, in this specification, the upstream side of the water flow from the shower hose 2 to the shower head 3 is referred to as "downward," and the downstream side of the water flow is referred to as "upward." Also, in this specification, the direction in which the storage unit 200 is attached to the mixer 100 (leftward in FIGS. 3 and 4 ) is referred to as "forward," and the direction in which the storage unit 200 is detached from the mixer 100 (rightward in FIGS. 3 and 4 ) is referred to as "rearward." However, the up-down direction and front-rear direction in this specification do not necessarily correspond to the up-down direction and front-rear direction in actual use.

[0014] In the first embodiment, the mixing unit 100 is described as being connectable to the shower hose 2 and the shower head 3, but this is not limited to this. For example, the mixing unit 100 may be connectable to a water faucet (not shown) and the shower hose 2, or may be connectable to multiple shower hoses 2.

[0015] [Configuration of mixing section] As shown in Figures 1 to 5, the mixing section 100 has a long cylindrical section 110 extending in the vertical direction, a pair of clamping sections 120 extending rearward from the upper end of the cylindrical section 110, a holding section 130 extending rearward from the lower end of the cylindrical section 110, an upper connecting section 140 provided above the cylindrical section 110, and a lower connecting section 150 provided below the cylindrical section 110, and is formed into a generally L-shaped cross section as a whole (see Figures 3 and 4).

[0016] The tubular portion 110 has a cylindrical internal space 111 extending from the upper end to the lower end of the tubular portion 110, and is formed into a cylindrical shape that is open at the top and bottom as a whole. The portion rearward of half or approximately half of the tubular portion 110 in the longitudinal direction has a trapezoidal or approximately trapezoidal cross section along the front-to-rear direction, with long and short sides. On the other hand, the portion forward of half or approximately half of the tubular portion 110 has a semicircular or approximately semicircular cross section along the front-to-rear direction. The internal space 111 of the tubular portion 110 is formed across the front and rear portions of the tubular portion 110. The internal space 111 of the tubular portion 110 may have a prismatic shape or another shape.

[0017] The portion forward of half or approximately half of the cylindrical portion 110 has a shape in which the diameter tapers toward the center in the vertical direction, and the cylindrical portion 110 is formed in an hourglass shape when viewed from the front. Since the portion forward of half or approximately half of the cylindrical portion 110 has a shape in which the diameter tapers toward the center in the vertical direction, there is an advantage that the user can easily grip the mixing unit 1 when using it.

[0018] The rear half or approximately half of the cylindrical portion 110 has a recess 112 formed in the center in the vertical direction, recessed from both ends in directions perpendicular to the vertical and front-to-rear directions toward the inside of the cylindrical portion 110. Having the recess 112 in the rear half or approximately half of the cylindrical portion 110 has the advantage that it is easier for a user to grip the mixing unit 1 when using it.

[0019] The inner circumferential surface portion 113 of the cylindrical portion 110 includes an upper inner circumferential surface portion 113a extending downward from the upper end of the inner circumferential surface portion 113, a first intermediate portion 113b extending outward from the tip of the upper inner circumferential surface portion 113a in a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction, a second intermediate portion 113c extending downward from the tip of the first intermediate portion 113b, a third intermediate portion 113d extending outward from the tip of the second intermediate portion 113c in a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction, and a lower inner circumferential surface portion 113e extending downward from the tip of the third intermediate portion 113d. The upper inner circumferential surface portion 113a is formed to slope inward and downward from the upper end of the inner circumferential surface portion 113 in a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction. The connection between the upper inner circumferential surface portion 113a and the first intermediate portion 113b is formed to have a curved surface.

[0020] The clamping portion 120 is a pair of clamping pieces that extend rearward from both ends of the cylindrical portion 110 in directions perpendicular to the up-down and front-rear directions near the top of the cylindrical portion 110. Furthermore, the tip portion 121 of the clamping portion 120 is formed by being bent inward of the clamping portion 120. The clamping portion 120 having the above configuration is configured to be able to clamp the storage portion 200. Specifically, the clamping portion 120 is configured to be able to clamp the storage portion 200 by engaging the tip portion 121 with an engagement recess 213a of the storage portion 200, which will be described later.

[0021] The holding portion 130 is formed at the lower end of the tubular portion 110, extending rearward from the entire rear end of the tubular portion 110. The holding portion 130 has a trapezoidal or substantially trapezoidal cross section along the front-rear direction, with long and short sides. The holding portion 130 also has an insertion recess 131 formed in the center of the holding portion 130 in the vertical direction and in the direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction, recessed from the tip to the base end of the holding portion 130. The insertion recess 131 has a circular cross section in the vertical direction and in the direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction, and is configured to allow insertion of an insertion protrusion 215 (described later) of the accommodating portion 200. The holding portion 130 having the above configuration is configured to hold the accommodating portion 200. Specifically, the holding portion 130 is configured to hold the accommodating portion 200 by inserting the insertion protrusion 215 into the insertion recess 131.

[0022] The upper connecting portion 140 is provided at the upper end of the cylindrical portion 110. The upper connecting portion 140 has an annular bottom portion 141 extending outward in a direction perpendicular to the up-down direction from the upper end of the upper inner circumferential surface portion 113a, a wall portion 142 extending upward from the periphery of the bottom portion 141, and a thread groove 143 formed along the inner circumferential surface of the wall portion 142, and is formed as a whole in a generally bottomed cylindrical shape with the top and the center of the bottom portion 141 open.

[0023] The upper connecting part 140 having the above configuration is configured to be connectable to the shower head 3. Specifically, the upper connecting part 140 is configured to be connectable to the shower head 3 by threading a thread groove 143 formed on the inner circumferential surface of the wall part 142 into a thread (not shown) formed on the outer circumferential surface of the lower end of the shower head 3. Note that the configuration for connecting the upper connecting part 140 and the shower head 3 is not limited to this. For example, the upper connecting part 140 and the shower head 3 may be connected by fitting a recess formed by the bottom part 141 and the wall part 142 into the lower end of the shower head 3. Alternatively, the upper connecting part 140 may have a shape that protrudes upward from the upper end of the cylindrical part 110, and the upper connecting part 140 and the shower head 3 may be connected by threading a thread formed on the outer peripheral surface of the upper connecting part 140 into a thread groove formed on the inner peripheral surface of the lower end of the shower head 3, or the upper connecting part 140 may be connected to the shower head 3 by fitting the upper connecting part 140 into the shower head 3. Furthermore, the upper connecting part 140 and the shower head 3 may be connected via various known joint members.

[0024] The lower connecting portion 150 is provided at the lower end of the tubular portion 110. The lower connecting portion 150 has a cylindrical protrusion 151 that protrudes downward from the lower end of the tubular portion 110 and a screw thread 152 formed along the outer circumferential surface of the protrusion 151, and is formed in a cylindrical shape as a whole.

[0025] Lower connector 150 having the above configuration is configured to be connectable to shower hose 2. Specifically, lower connector 150 is configured to be connectable to shower hose 2 by threading thread 152 formed on the outer surface of convex portion 151 into a thread groove (not shown) formed on the inner surface of the upper end of shower hose 2. Note that the configuration for connecting lower connector 150 and shower hose 2 is not limited to this; for example, lower connector 150 and shower hose 2 may be connected by fitting convex portion 151 into shower hose 2. Alternatively, the lower connecting part 150 may be recessed upward from the lower end of the tubular part 110, and a thread groove formed on the inner surface of the lower connecting part 150 may be threadedly engaged with a thread formed on the outer surface of the upper end of the shower hose 2 to connect the lower connecting part 150 and the shower hose 2, or the shower hose 2 may be connected by fitting the shower hose 2 into the lower connecting part 150. Furthermore, the lower connecting part 150 and the shower hose 2 may be connected via various known joint members.

[0026] In addition, the mixing section 100 according to the first embodiment has an inner cylindrical section 160 provided inside the cylindrical section 110, a cleaning agent introduction flow path 170 capable of flowing cleaning agent from the storage section 200 toward the internal space 111 of the cylindrical section 110, an air introduction flow path 180 capable of flowing air from the outside of the mixing section 100 into the internal space 111, and a hole 190 formed along a direction perpendicular to the cleaning agent introduction flow path 170 and the air introduction flow path 180.

[0027] The inner cylindrical portion 160 is formed in a cylindrical shape that is open at the top and bottom and tapers upward. The inner cylindrical portion 160 is configured to be detachable from the cylindrical portion 110. Specifically, the inner cylindrical portion 160 is configured to be detachable from the cylindrical portion 110 by being inserted into a space defined by the first intermediate portion 113b, the second intermediate portion 113c, the third intermediate portion 113d, and the lower inner circumferential surface portion 113e within the internal space 111 of the cylindrical portion 110. The detachable configuration of the inner cylindrical portion 160 from the cylindrical portion 110, i.e., the inner cylindrical portion 160 being a separate member from the cylindrical portion 110, has the advantage of making it easier to adjust the separation distance between the end of the first flow path 500 on the second flow path 600 side, which will be described later, and the end of the second flow path 600 on the first flow path 500 side. In the first embodiment, the inner cylindrical portion 160 is described as being configured to be detachable from the cylindrical portion 110, but this is not limiting, and for example, the inner cylindrical portion 160 may be configured to be non-detachable from the cylindrical portion 110. In other words, the inner cylindrical portion 160 may be formed integrally with the cylindrical portion 110, or may be formed integrally with the cylindrical portion 110.

[0028] The cleaning agent introduction channel 170 is formed to extend in a direction (front-rear direction) perpendicular to the extension direction (up-down direction) of the internal space 111. Specifically, the cleaning agent introduction channel 170 is a through-hole formed from the second intermediate portion 113 c of the tubular portion 110 to an insertion recess 131 (described later) of the holding portion 130, and communicates with the internal space 111. Furthermore, the cleaning agent introduction channel 170 is configured to communicate with a cleaning agent supply channel 217 (described later) of the storage portion 200 when the storage portion 200 is attached to the mixing portion 100.

[0029] The air introduction flow path 180 is formed to extend from the cleaning agent introduction flow path 170 in the same direction as the extension direction (up-down direction) of the internal space 111. Specifically, the air introduction flow path 180 is a through-hole formed to extend downward from the center of the extension direction (front-rear direction) of the cleaning agent introduction flow path 170. That is, one end of the air introduction flow path 180 in the extension direction communicates with the cleaning agent introduction flow path 170, and the other end of the air introduction flow path 180 in the extension direction is connected to the outside of the mixing section 100.

[0030] The hole 190 is a through-hole formed to extend from the center in the extension direction (front-rear direction) of the cleaning agent introduction channel 170 toward a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the cleaning agent introduction channel 170 and the extension direction (up-down direction) of the air introduction channel 180. In other words, the hole 190 is configured to separate the cleaning agent introduction channel 170 into a channel on the internal space 111 side and a channel on the cleaning agent supply channel 217 side.

[0031] The hole 190 has a small hole 191 extending from the cleaning agent introduction channel 170 in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the cleaning agent introduction channel 170 and the extension direction of the air introduction channel 180 (the up-down direction), and a large hole 192 having a larger opening area than the small hole 191. The small hole 191 has a rectangular or approximately rectangular cross section along the up-down direction. The large hole 192 is formed at both ends of the small hole 191 in the extension direction, and has a circular cross section along the up-down direction.

[0032] In the first embodiment, the cylindrical portion 110, the clamping portion 120, the holding portion 130, the upper connecting portion 140, and the lower connecting portion 150 are formed by integral molding using a material such as ABS or PC. The inner cylindrical portion 160 is also formed by integral molding using a material such as ABS or PC. The molding material and molding method of the mixing portion 100 are not limited to these, and various known molding materials such as metal materials and various known molding methods can be used.

[0033] [Configuration of storage unit] As shown in Figures 1 to 5, the storage unit 200 has a storage main body 210 that can store a cleaning agent, and a lid 220 that can be attached to the storage main body 210, and is formed in a cylindrical shape overall.

[0034] The storage body 210 has a semicircular top plate 211, a front wall 212 extending downward from the linear edge of the top plate 211, a rear wall 213 extending downward from the curved edge of the top plate 211, and a bottom plate 214 that closes the lower side of the storage body 210, and is formed in a cylindrical shape as a whole. The top plate 211, the front wall 212, the rear wall 213, and the bottom plate 214 are each formed in a plate shape.

[0035] The top plate 211 has a circular opening 211a in the center thereof. The opening 211a is a through-hole formed from the upper surface to the lower surface of the top plate 211. The top plate 211 also has a pair of shaft holders 211b near the front end of the top plate 211. The shaft holders 211b are formed to extend upward from the upper surface of the top plate 211, and have a semicircular or approximately semicircular cross section along the vertical direction. An insertion hole 211c is formed at the upper end of each shaft holder 211b, through which the shaft 230 can be inserted.

[0036] The front wall 212 has an upper front wall 212a extending downward from the front end of the top panel 211, an intermediate front wall 212b extending rearward from the lower end of the upper front wall 212a, and a lower front wall 212c extending downward from the rear end of the intermediate front wall 212b, and is formed in a stepped shape as a whole. When viewed from the front of the front wall 212, the upper front wall 212a, the intermediate front wall 212b, and the lower front wall 212c each have a rectangular or approximately rectangular shape with a pair of long sides and a pair of short sides. In addition, the connecting portion between the upper front wall 212a and the intermediate front wall 212b and the connecting portion between the intermediate front wall 212b and the lower front wall 212c are each formed in a curved shape.

[0037] The rear wall 213 is formed in a curved shape that curves from one end to the other end in a direction perpendicular to the up-down direction and the front-rear direction of the front wall 212. The rear wall 213 also has an engagement recess 213a at the front end of the rear wall 213 that can engage with the tip 121 of the clamping unit 120 of the mixing unit 100. The engagement recess 213a has a shape that matches the tip 121 of the clamping unit 120.

[0038] The bottom plate 214 is formed from the inner surface of the lower front wall 212c to the inner surface of the rear wall 213, and has a semicircular or approximately semicircular shape when viewed from above. The bottom plate 214 is also formed to be inclined from the inner surface of the rear wall 213 toward a cleaning agent supply passage 217 (described later). Because the bottom plate 214 is formed to be inclined toward the cleaning agent supply passage 217, the cleaning agent contained in the storage main body 210 naturally flows into the cleaning agent supply passage 217, eliminating the need for a component for causing the cleaning agent to flow into the cleaning agent supply passage 217. This has the advantages of simplifying the structure of the storage unit 200 and reducing manufacturing costs.

[0039] Furthermore, the storage main body 210 according to the first embodiment has an insertion convex portion 215 that can be inserted into the insertion recess 131 of the holding portion 130 of the mixing portion 100, at the center of the lower front wall portion 212c in a direction perpendicular to the up-down and front-rear directions. The insertion convex portion 215 has a circular cross section in a direction perpendicular to the up-down and front-rear directions, and is formed to extend forward from the outer surface of the lower front wall portion 212c. Furthermore, an annular sealing portion 216 is provided at the center in the extension direction and on the outer peripheral surface of the insertion convex portion 215. Providing the sealing portion 216 on the outer peripheral surface of the insertion convex portion 215 has the advantage of preventing leakage of the cleaning agent when the cleaning agent is supplied from the storage portion 200 to the mixing portion 100.

[0040] Furthermore, the storage main body 210 according to the first embodiment has a detergent supply channel 217 that allows the detergent to flow from the storage main body 210 toward the detergent introduction channel 170 of the mixing section 100 when the storage section 200 is attached to the mixing section 100. The detergent supply channel 217 is a through-hole that is formed from the front surface of the insertion convex section 215 to the inner surface of the lower front wall section 212c, and communicates with the internal space of the storage main body 210. Furthermore, the detergent supply channel 217 is configured to communicate with the detergent introduction channel 170 of the mixing section 100 when the storage section 200 is attached to the mixing section 100.

[0041] The cleaning agent supply flow path 217 has a small flow path 217a and a large flow path 217b having a flow path area larger than that of the small flow path 217a. The small flow path 217a is formed from the center or approximately the center in the extension direction of the insertion convex portion 215 to the inner surface of the lower front wall portion 212c. The large flow path 217b is formed from the center or approximately the center in the extension direction of the insertion convex portion 215 to the front surface of the insertion convex portion 215.

[0042] In this specification, the term "flow path area" refers to the projected area of ​​the opening of the flow path in a cross section perpendicular to the extending direction (axial direction) of the flow path.

[0043] In the first embodiment, an annular sealing portion 218 is provided inside and above the storage body 210. This makes it possible to prevent the cleaning agent from leaking from the inside of the storage body 210 to the outside.

[0044] The lid portion 220 has a shape and size capable of closing the opening 211a of the top plate portion 211. Specifically, the lid portion 220 is placed on the upper surface of the top plate portion 211 and includes a closing portion 221 that closes the opening 211a, an insertion portion 222 that extends downward from the center of the closing portion 221 and is inserted into the opening 211a, multiple peripheral wall portions 223 that extend upward from the center of the closing portion 221, and a roof portion 224 that closes the upper end of the peripheral wall portion 223. The lid portion 220 has a generally cross-shaped cross section overall. The lid portion 220 also has a cylindrical opening that extends from the center of the lower end of the insertion portion 222 to the center near the upper end of the closing portion 221. Furthermore, an annular sealing portion 225 is provided between the insertion portion 222 and the top plate portion 211. This prevents the cleaning agent from leaking from the inside of the storage body 210 to the outside.

[0045] The closing portion 221 has, in its center, a plurality of air passage holes 221a that allow air to flow from the outside of the storage main body 210 into the inside and air to flow from the inside of the storage main body 210 to the outside, and an insertion hole 221b that allows air to flow through the air passage holes 221a and into which a check valve 226 that prevents the outflow of cleaning agent from the inside of the storage main body 210 to the outside can be inserted. That is, in the first embodiment, the check valve 226 is attached to the closing portion 221. Note that the check valve 226 may be provided in the top plate 211 or in the storage main body 210.

[0046] The cover 220 having the above configuration makes it possible to replace the air inside the storage body 210 when supplying the cleaning agent to the mixing chamber 400 (described later), while preventing the cleaning agent from flowing out from the inside to the outside of the storage body 210 by the check valve 226. Furthermore, the roof 224 makes it possible to prevent water from flowing from the outside to the inside of the storage body 210 through the air passage holes 221 a.

[0047] The lid portion 220 is configured to be connectable to the storage main body portion 210 by the shaft portion 230. In other words, the lid portion 220 is configured to be attached to the storage main body portion 210 by being connected to the storage main body portion 210 by the shaft portion 230.

[0048] Furthermore, the lid portion 220 is configured to be changeable between a closed state in which the opening 211a of the top plate portion 211 is closed and an open state in which the opening 211a of the top plate portion 211 is open. Specifically, the lid portion 220 is configured to be rotatable about the shaft portion 230, thereby being changeable between the closed state and the open state. As described above, in the storage portion 200 according to the first embodiment, the lid portion 220 closes the opening 211a of the top plate portion 211, which has the advantages of preventing leakage of the detergent and being hygienic. Furthermore, because the lid portion 220 is configured to be changeable between the closed state and the open state, it has the advantage of being easy to refill the detergent.

[0049] In the first embodiment, the storage unit 200 has been described as having the lid portion 220, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the storage unit 200 may not have the lid portion 220, and the cleaning agent may be refilled by replacing the storage unit 200 or a cartridge that stores the cleaning agent. In addition, in the first embodiment, the lid portion 220 has been described as being configured to be changeable between a closed state and an open state by rotating about the shaft portion 230. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the closed state and the open state may be changeable by rotating the lid portion 220 that is threaded onto the top plate portion 211, or the closed state and the open state may be changeable by attaching and detaching the lid portion 220 that is fitted into the opening 211 a of the top plate portion 211, or the lid portion 220 may be configured to be unable to change between the closed state and the open state.

[0050] The storage unit 200 having the above configuration is configured to be detachable from the mixing unit 100. Specifically, the storage unit 200 is configured to be attached to the mixing unit 100 by inserting the insertion convex portion 215 of the storage main body portion 210 into the insertion concave portion 131 of the holding portion 130 of the mixing unit 100 and being clamped by the clamping portion 120 of the mixing unit 100, and is configured to be detached from the mixing unit 100 by performing the opposite operation. Configuring the storage unit 200 to be detachable from the mixing unit 100 has the advantage of facilitating replacement of the mixing unit 100 or the storage unit 200 or cleaning of the storage unit 200 in the event that the mixing unit 100 or the storage unit 200 is damaged or if dirt accumulates in the storage unit 200, for example. In the first embodiment, the storage section 200 is described as being clamped by the clamping section 120 of the mixing section 100, but this is not limited to this. For example, the mixing section 100 may not have the clamping section 120, and the mixing section 100 and the storage section 200 may be fixed using a detachable fixing means such as a magnet, thereby making the storage section 200 detachable from the mixing section 100.

[0051] In the first embodiment, the storage unit 200 is described as being configured to be detachable from the mixing unit 100, but this is not limited to this, and the storage unit 200 may be configured to be non-detachable from the mixing unit 100.

[0052] In the first embodiment, the top plate 211, the front wall 212, the rear wall 213, the bottom plate 214, and the insertion protrusion 215 are integrally molded using materials such as PP, PE, and PET. The lid 220 is integrally molded using materials such as PP, PE, and PET. The molding material and molding method for the storage unit 200 are not limited to these, and various known molding materials and molding methods can be used. In the first embodiment, the sealing unit 216 is formed using various known rubber materials such as fluororubber and silicone rubber.

[0053] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 , the mixing unit 1 having the above configuration includes a storage chamber 300 that can store a detergent containing a surfactant, a mixing chamber 400 that can mix the detergent and water to produce a cleaning liquid, a first flow path 500 that is configured to allow water to flow in from a shower hose 2 or a faucet and can supply the water flowing in from the shower hose 2 or the faucet to the mixing chamber 400, a second flow path 600 that can supply the cleaning liquid produced in the mixing chamber 400 to the shower head 3 or the shower hose 2, and a third flow path 700 that can supply the detergent stored in the storage chamber 300 to the mixing chamber 400.

[0054] The storage chamber 300 is a space defined by the storage body 210 and the lid 220. The viscosity of the cleaning agent stored in the storage chamber 300 at 30°C is preferably 200 mPa·s or less, and more preferably 100 mPa·s or less, from the viewpoint of enabling the cleaning agent to be supplied to the mixing chamber 400 by the pressure difference between the mixing chamber 400 and the storage chamber 300.

[0055] The content of the surfactant contained in the cleaning agent is preferably 10% by mass or more, from the viewpoint of reducing the amount of cleaning agent used during supply to the showerhead 3 in relation to costs and the number of refills while ensuring cleaning performance.

[0056] In the first embodiment, the surfactant contained in the cleanser may be any surfactant used in ordinary skin cleansers or hair cleansers, such as anionic surfactants, amphoteric surfactants, and nonionic surfactants.

[0057] Examples of anionic surfactants include polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether carboxylic acids or salts thereof, alkyl sulfates or salts thereof, polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether sulfates or salts thereof, polyoxyalkylene alkenyl ether sulfates or salts thereof, sulfosuccinate alkyl esters or salts thereof, polyoxyalkylene sulfosuccinate alkyl esters or salts thereof, α-olefin sulfonic acid or salts thereof, fatty acids or salts thereof, N-acylated amino acids or salts thereof, and N-acylalkyltaurines or salts thereof.

[0058] Examples of amphoteric surfactants include acetate betaine surfactants such as lauryl dimethylamino acetate betaine, amine oxide surfactants such as lauryl dimethylamine oxide, imidazolinium betaine surfactants such as 2-alkyl-N-carboxymethyl-N-hydroxyethyl imidazolinium betaine, amidobetaine surfactants such as coconut oil fatty acid amidopropyl betaine and lauric acid amidopropyl betaine, and sulfobetaine surfactants such as lauryl hydroxysulfobetaine.

[0059] As the nonionic surfactant, POE(n) lauryl ether (POE is an abbreviation for polyoxyethylene, where n is the average number of moles of ethylene oxide added) can be used. Specifically, such nonionic surfactants can be one or more of POE(16) lauryl ether (HLB 16.2) (a polyoxyethylene lauryl ether in which n is 16 and has an HLB of 16.2; the same notation will be used hereinafter), POE(21) ​​lauryl ether (HLB 17.0), POE(41) lauryl ether (HLB 18.3), and POE(47) lauryl ether (HLB 18.6). Among these, POE(21) ​​lauryl ether (HLB 16.2) is preferred as the nonionic surfactant. POE(21) ​​lauryl ether is sometimes called "EMULGEN 121" ("EMULGEN" is a registered trademark). The weight average molecular weight of POE (21) lauryl ether is 1113. As the nonionic surfactant, commercially available products can be used.

[0060] The mixing chamber 400 is a space defined by the first intermediate portion 113b and the second intermediate portion 113c within the internal space 111 of the mixing section 100. The mixing chamber 400 is configured to mix water supplied from the first flow path 500 with cleaning agent supplied from the third flow path 700. In a supply state in which a cleaning agent contained in a storage chamber 300 (described later) can be supplied to the mixing chamber 400, the mixing chamber 400 is configured to mix water supplied from the first flow path 500, cleaning agent supplied from the third flow path 700, and air supplied from the fourth flow path 900. In a non-supply state in which a cleaning agent contained in a storage chamber 300 (described later) cannot be supplied to the mixing chamber 400, the mixing chamber 400 is configured to mix water supplied from the first flow path 500 with air supplied from the air introduction flow path 180 and the second communication path 812.

[0061] The first flow path 500 is a space defined by the inner circumferential surface of the inner cylindrical portion 160. A portion of the first flow path 500 is disposed within the mixing chamber 400. In the first embodiment, when the inner cylindrical portion 160 is attached to the cylindrical portion 110, the upper end of the inner cylindrical portion 160 is positioned within the mixing chamber 400, and thus a portion of the first flow path 500 is disposed within the mixing chamber 400.

[0062] The second flow path 600 is a space defined by the upper inner circumferential surface portion 113a within the internal space 111 of the mixing section 100. In the first embodiment, the second flow path 600 is arranged along the same direction as the axial direction (up-down direction) of the first flow path 500. Specifically, the second flow path 600 is arranged coaxially with the first flow path 500.

[0063] In the first embodiment, the first flow path 500 is configured so that the flow path area decreases toward the second flow path 600, and the second flow path 600 is configured so that the flow path area decreases toward the first flow path 500. That is, in the mixing unit 1 according to this embodiment, the first flow path 500 and the second flow path 600 form a so-called Venturi tube flow path structure.

[0064] 6, the minimum flow path area A2 of the second flow path 600 is preferably larger than the minimum flow path area A1 of the first flow path 500 from the viewpoint of making it easier for the cleaning liquid produced in the mixing chamber 400 to flow into the second flow path 600 and ensuring the supply amount of the cleaning liquid to the shower head 3. Specifically, the minimum flow path area A2 of the second flow path 600 is +0.3 mm relative to the minimum flow path area A1 of the first flow path 500. ２ More than +6.3mm ２ Preferably, it is equal to or less than +0.8 mm. ２ Above +4.5mm ２It is more preferable that the minimum flow path area A2 of the second flow path 600 is less than the minimum flow path area A1 of the first flow path 500. That is, if the minimum flow path area A2 of the second flow path 600 is smaller than the minimum flow path area A1 of the first flow path 500, the fluid from the first flow path 500 collides with the wall of the second flow path 600 and its flow is hindered, thereby reducing the force that draws the cleaning agent from the storage chamber 300 into the mixing chamber 400. Furthermore, the volume of the fluid from the first flow path 500 increases after it joins with the cleaning agent. Therefore, it is preferable that the minimum flow path area A2 of the second flow path 600 is larger than the minimum flow path area A1 of the first flow path 500. Conversely, if the minimum flow path area A2 of the second flow path 600 is too large compared to the minimum flow path area A1 of the first flow path 500, the flow path area rapidly expands from the first flow path 500 toward the second flow path 600, increasing flow turbulence and reducing the force that draws the cleaning agent from the storage chamber 300 into the mixing chamber 400. Furthermore, vibrations and noise may occur. Therefore, from the viewpoint of realizing the following configurations, which will be described later: "When the supply rate of the cleaning liquid supplied from the second flow path 600 to the shower head 3 is 4000 g / min or more and 7000 g / min or less, the surfactant content in the cleaning liquid supplied to the shower head 3 is 0.09 mass % or less" and "When the flow velocity of the cleaning liquid sprayed from the shower head 3 is 2.0 m / s or more and 10 m / s or less, the value obtained by multiplying the flow velocity of the cleaning liquid [m / s] by the surfactant content [mass %] is 0.025 or more," the minimum flow path area A2 of the second flow path 600 is preferably the above value relative to the minimum flow path area A1 of the first flow path 500. Furthermore, from the same viewpoint, the minimum flow path area A2 of the second flow path 600 is preferably +1.09 to +1.70 times the minimum flow path area A1 of the first flow path 500, and more preferably +1.20 to +1.60 times the minimum flow path area A1 of the first flow path 500.

[0065] In the first embodiment, the minimum flow path area A1 of the first flow path 500 is the flow path area of ​​the end of the first flow path 500 on the side of the second flow path 600. The minimum flow path area A1 of the first flow path 500 is set to 3.1 mm from the viewpoint of making the pressure in the mixing chamber 400 smaller than that of the storage chamber 300 and the outside air. ２ Over 9.6 mm ２ Preferably, it is 4.1 mm or less. ２ Over 8.1 mm ２It is more preferable that the minimum flow path area A1 of the first flow path 500 be equal to or less than 0.09% by mass. That is, if the flow path area of ​​the first flow path 500 is too narrow, the flow resistance increases, the flow rate decreases, and as a result, the effect of increasing the flow rate decreases. Conversely, if the flow path area of ​​the first flow path 500 is too wide, the force of drawing the cleaning agent from the storage chamber 300 into the mixing chamber 400 decreases due to a decrease in the pressure in the mixing chamber 400. For this reason, from the viewpoint of realizing the following configurations, which will be described later: "When the supply amount of the cleaning liquid supplied from the second flow path 600 to the shower head 3 is 4000 g / min or more and 7000 g / min or less, the surfactant content contained in the cleaning liquid supplied to the shower head 3 is 0.09% by mass or less" and "When the flow velocity of the cleaning liquid sprayed from the shower head 3 is 2.0 m / s or more and 10 m / s or less, the value obtained by multiplying the flow velocity of the cleaning liquid [m / s] by the surfactant content [mass %] is 0.025 or more."

[0066] The minimum flow path area A1 of the first flow path 500 is 10 mm ２ 30mm or more ２ The above values ​​are more preferable in the following cases: If the total area of ​​the spray holes is too small, the pressure loss at the spray holes increases, making it difficult to reduce the pressure in mixing chamber 400, and the amount of cleaning agent supplied, i.e., the concentration of the activator in the cleaning liquid, decreases. Conversely, if the total area of ​​the spray holes is too large, the flow rate of the cleaning liquid issuing from the spray holes decreases. For this reason, from the viewpoint of spraying a large amount of cleaning liquid from the showerhead 3 to improve the usability of the shower, it is preferable that the minimum flow path area A1 of the first flow path 500 be the above value when the total area of ​​the spray holes is the above value, while realizing the following configurations: "When the supply rate of cleaning liquid supplied from the second flow path 600 to the showerhead 3 is 4000 g / min or more and 7000 g / min or less, the content of surfactant contained in the cleaning liquid supplied to the showerhead 3 is 0.09 mass % or less" and "When the flow velocity of the cleaning liquid sprayed from the showerhead 3 is 2.0 m / s or more and 10 m / s or less, the value obtained by multiplying the flow velocity of the cleaning liquid [m / s] by the surfactant content [mass %] is 0.025 or more," which will be described later.

[0067] The minimum flow path area A2 of the second flow path 600 is set to 3.4 mm from the viewpoint of making it easier for the cleaning liquid produced in the mixing chamber 400 to flow into the second flow path 600 and ensuring the supply amount of the cleaning liquid to the shower head 3. ２ Over 15.9 mm ２ Preferably, it is 4.9 mm or less. ２ Over 12.6 mm ２ More preferably, it is:

[0068] The flow path length of the second flow path 600 is preferably 4.2 mm or more, and more preferably 6.5 mm or more, from the viewpoints of reducing pressure loss that accompanies a sudden expansion of the flow path area of ​​the second flow path 600 and increasing the efficiency of suction of water, cleaning agent, and air. Note that in the first embodiment, the flow path length of the second flow path 600 is the linear length in the vertical direction from the upper end to the lower end of the upper inner circumferential surface portion 113a.

[0069] In the first embodiment, the separation distance D between the end of the first flow path 500 on the second flow path 600 side and the end of the second flow path 600 on the first flow path 500 side is preferably 0.5 mm or more and 3.0 mm or less, and more preferably 0.8 mm or more and 2.0 mm or less, from the viewpoint of ensuring a space for mixing water, cleaning agent, and air while making the pressure in the mixing chamber 400 lower than that of the storage chamber 300 and the outside air. Note that in the first embodiment, the separation distance D between the end of the first flow path 500 on the second flow path 600 side and the end of the second flow path 600 on the first flow path 500 side is the linear distance in the vertical direction from the lower end of the upper inner circumferential surface portion 113 a to the upper end of the inner cylindrical portion 160.

[0070] The third flow path 700 is a flow path configured by the cleaning agent introduction flow path 170, a cleaning agent communication path 811a of the switching unit 800 (described later), and a cleaning agent supply flow path 217. In the first embodiment, the third flow path 700 is arranged along a direction intersecting the axial direction (up-down direction) of the first flow path 500 and the second flow path 600. Specifically, the third flow path 700 is arranged along a direction perpendicular to the axial direction (up-down direction) of the first flow path 500 and the second flow path 600.

[0071] The third flow path 700 adjusts the supply amount of the cleaning agent to the mixing chamber 400, and from the viewpoint of realizing the following configurations, which will be described later: "When the supply amount of the cleaning liquid supplied from the second flow path 600 to the shower head 3 is 4000 g / min or more and 7000 g / min or less, the content of the surfactant contained in the cleaning liquid supplied to the shower head 3 is 0.09 mass % or less" and "When the flow velocity of the cleaning liquid sprayed from the shower head 3 is 2.0 m / s or more and 10 m / s or less, the value obtained by multiplying the flow velocity [m / s] of the cleaning liquid by the content [mass %] of the surfactant is 0.025 or more." ２ More than 2.0 mm ２ It is preferable that the thickness of the periphery ... is 0.3 mm or less. ２ More than 1.5 mm ２ It is more preferable that the cleaning agent supply passage 217 has a portion having the following area. In the first embodiment, the small passage 217a of the cleaning agent supply passage 217 has the above-described flow path area. In the first embodiment, the above-described flow path area is the minimum flow path area of ​​the third passage 700. Note that the small passage 217a does not necessarily have to have the above-described flow path area. For example, the cleaning agent introduction passage 170 may have the above-described flow path area, the large passage 217b of the cleaning agent supply passage 217 may have the above-described flow path area, a cleaning agent communication passage 811a of the switching unit 800 (described later) may have the above-described flow path area, or the entire third passage 700 may have the above-described flow path area.

[0072] In addition, the third flow path 700 has a flow path area of ​​0.2 mm 2 from the viewpoint of adjusting the amount of cleaning agent supplied to the mixing chamber 400. ２ More than 2.0 mm ２ The flow path area is 0.7 mm downstream of the part where ２ Over 7.1 mm ２ It is preferable that the flow passage has a section with a flow passage area of ​​1.7 mm or less. ２ Over 4.9 mm ２ In the first embodiment, a cleaning agent communication passage 811a of a switching portion 800, which will be described later, has the above-mentioned flow path area.

[0073] According to the mixing unit 1 of the first embodiment having the above configuration, when the supply rate of the cleaning liquid supplied from the second flow path 600 to the shower head 3 or the shower hose 2 is 4000 g / min or more and 7000 g / min or less, the surfactant content of the cleaning liquid supplied to the shower head 3 or the shower hose 2 is 0.09 mass% or less. The surfactant content of the cleaning liquid supplied to the shower head 3 or the shower hose 2 is more preferably 0.07 mass% or less, and even more preferably 0.05 mass% or less. The surfactant content of the cleaning liquid supplied to the shower head 3 or the shower hose 2 may be less than 0.01 mass% if the flow velocity of the cleaning liquid ejected from the shower head 3 is 2.0 m / s or more, but is preferably 0.001 mass% or more, and more preferably 0.005 mass% or more. If the flow velocity is less than 2.0 m / s, the surfactant content is preferably 0.04 mass% or more, and more preferably 0.05 mass% or more. As will be described later, in the mixing unit 1 according to the first embodiment, the pressure in the mixing chamber 400 becomes lower than the pressure in the storage chamber 300 due to a pressure drop caused by an increase in the flow rate of water from upstream to downstream in the first flow path 500, causing the cleaning agent to flow from the storage chamber 300 into the mixing chamber 400 via the third flow path 700. The flow rate of water flowing through the first flow path 500 is caused by the inflow rate of water flowing into the first flow path 500 from the shower hose 2 or the faucet. Therefore, it can be said that the supply rate of cleaning agent supplied from the third flow path 700 to the mixing chamber 400 is caused by the inflow rate of water flowing into the first flow path 500 from the shower hose 2 or the faucet. In other words, there is a correlation between an increase or decrease in the supply rate of water supplied to the mixing chamber 400 and an increase or decrease in the supply rate of cleaning agent. Therefore, regardless of whether the supply rate of the cleaning liquid supplied from the second flow path 600 to the shower head 3 or the shower hose 2 is 4000 g / min or more and 7000 g / min or less, the content of surfactant contained in the cleaning liquid supplied to the shower head 3 or the shower hose 2 is 0.09 mass% or less.

[0074] In the mixing unit 1 according to the first embodiment having the above configuration, when the flow velocity of the cleaning liquid sprayed from the shower head 3 is 2.0 m / s or more and 10 m / s or less, the value obtained by multiplying the flow velocity [m / s] of the cleaning liquid by the surfactant content [mass %] is 0.025 or more, and more preferably 0.02 or more. Furthermore, in the mixing unit 1 according to the first embodiment, when the flow velocity of the cleaning liquid sprayed from the shower head 3 is 2 m / s or more and 6 m / s or less, it is preferable that these numerical ranges are satisfied.

[0075] In this specification, the "flow rate of the cleaning liquid sprayed from the shower head" may be an actual measurement value or a calculated value. When a calculated value is used, the spray rate [g / min] of the cleaning liquid sprayed from the shower head 3 is multiplied by the total area [mm ２ ] can be used.

[0076] In addition, the mixing unit 1 according to the first embodiment further includes a switching section 800 that can switch between a supply state in which the cleaning agent contained in the storage chamber 300 can be supplied to the mixing chamber 400 and a non-supply state in which the cleaning agent contained in the storage chamber 300 cannot be supplied to the mixing chamber 400, and a fourth flow path 900 that can supply air to the third flow path 700.

[0077] The switching section 800 has an elongated switching body 810 and a pair of restricting sections 820 provided at both longitudinal ends of the switching body 810, and is formed in an elongated shape as a whole.

[0078] The switching main body 810 has a rectangular or substantially rectangular cross section along the short side direction, and is configured to be able to slide in the hole 190 of the mixing section 100 when inserted into the hole 190 of the mixing section 100. When inserted into the hole 190 of the mixing section 100, the switching main body 810 has a first communication passage 811 that communicates with the flow path on the internal space 111 side of the cleaning agent introduction flow path 170, the flow path on the cleaning agent supply flow path 217 side of the cleaning agent introduction flow path 170, and the air introduction flow path 180, and a second communication passage 812 that communicates with the flow path on the internal space 111 side of the cleaning agent introduction flow path 170 and the air introduction flow path 180.

[0079] The first communication passage 811 and the second communication passage 812 are arranged along the longitudinal direction of the switching main body 810. Specifically, the first communication passage 811 is arranged at a position where, when one of the pair of restricting portions 820 abuts against an inner wall portion 193 (described later), the first communication passage 811 communicates with the flow passage on the internal space 111 side of the cleaning agent introduction flow passage 170, the flow passage on the cleaning agent supply flow passage 217 side of the cleaning agent introduction flow passage 170, and the air introduction flow passage 180 of the mixing section 100. Furthermore, the second communication passage 812 is arranged at a position where, when the other of the pair of restricting portions 820 abuts against the inner wall portion 193 (described later), the second communication passage 812 communicates with the flow passage on the internal space 111 side of the cleaning agent introduction flow passage 170 and the air introduction flow passage 180 of the mixing section 100.

[0080] The first communication passage 811 has a detergent communication passage 811a that communicates with the passage on the internal space 111 side of the detergent introduction passage 170 and the passage on the detergent supply passage 217 side of the detergent introduction passage 170, and an air communication passage 811b that is formed extending from the axial center of the detergent communication passage 811a in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the detergent communication passage 811a and communicates with the air introduction passage 180 of the mixing section 100, and the cross section along the short side direction of the switching main body 810 as a whole is formed in a substantially T-shape. Furthermore, the detergent communication passage 811a and the air communication passage 811b communicate with each other via a communication hole 811c formed in a wall portion that constitutes the detergent communication passage 811a.

[0081] In the first embodiment, the detergent communication passage 811a has a flow path area smaller than the flow path area of ​​the detergent introduction passage 170. In addition, the air communication passage 811b has a flow path area smaller than the flow path area of ​​the air introduction passage 180.

[0082] In the first embodiment, the cleaning agent communication passage 811a is configured to function as the third flow path 700. The air communication passage 811b is configured to function as the fourth flow path 900.

[0083] The second communication passage 812 is formed in a generally L-shape as a whole and communicates with the flow passage on the internal space 111 side of the cleaning agent introduction flow passage 170 and the air introduction flow passage 180 of the mixing section 100. The second communication passage 812 is configured to supply air supplied from the air introduction flow passage 180 to the mixing chamber 400 via the flow passage on the internal space 111 side of the cleaning agent introduction flow passage 170.

[0084] Two annular sealing portions 813 are provided at each of the short-side ends of the switching body 810. Specifically, the sealing portions 813 are embedded in the switching body 810 at a position coaxial with the detergent communication passage 811a of the first communication passage 811 and a position coaxial with the passage of the second communication passage 812 that communicates with the detergent introduction passage 170. The presence of the sealing portions 813 makes it possible to prevent leakage of the detergent.

[0085] The restricting portions 820 have a cylindrical or substantially cylindrical shape. One of the pair of restricting portions 820 is configured to be detachable from the switching body 810, and is configured to be attached to the switching body 810 when the switching body 810 is inserted into the hole 190 of the mixing portion 100.

[0086] Furthermore, the restricting portion 820 is configured to restrict the sliding of the switching main body portion 810 relative to the hole portion 190. Specifically, the restricting portion 820 is configured to restrict the sliding of the switching main body portion 810 relative to the hole portion 190 by abutting against the inner wall portion 193 of the mixing portion 100 formed by the difference in opening area between the small hole portion 191 and the large hole portion 192 of the hole portion 190. The restricting portion 820 restricting the sliding of the switching main body portion 810 has the advantage of preventing the switching portion 800 from falling off the mixing portion 100.

[0087] The switching unit 800 having the above configuration is configured to be able to change between a supply state in which the cleaning agent contained in the storage chamber 300 can be supplied to the mixing chamber 400, and a non-supply state in which the cleaning agent contained in the storage chamber 300 cannot be supplied to the mixing chamber 400. Specifically, the switching unit 800 is configured to switch between the supply state and the non-supply state by sliding the switching main body 810 relative to the hole 190 to switch between a state in which the first communication passage 811 is connected to the flow passage on the internal space 111 side of the cleaning agent introduction flow passage 170, the flow passage on the cleaning agent supply flow passage 217 side of the cleaning agent introduction flow passage 170, and the air introduction flow passage 180 of the mixing unit 100, and a state in which the second communication passage 812 is connected to the flow passage on the internal space 111 side of the cleaning agent introduction flow passage 170 and the air introduction flow passage 180 of the mixing unit 100.

[0088] That is, in the first embodiment, in the supply state, water, cleaning agent, and air are flowed into the mixing chamber 400, and in the non-supply state, only water and air are flowed into the mixing chamber 400.

[0089] In the first embodiment, the switching body 810 and one of the restricting portions 820 are integrally molded using a material such as PP or POM. The other restricting portion 820 is integrally molded using a material such as ABS or PC. The molding material and molding method of the switching portion 800 are not limited to these, and various known molding materials and molding methods can be used.

[0090] The fourth flow path 900 is a flow path formed by the air introduction flow path 180, and the air communication path 811b and communication hole 811c of the switching unit 800. The minimum flow path area of ​​the fourth flow path (the opening area of ​​the communication hole 811c) is set to 0.8 mm from the viewpoint of stably supplying the cleaning agent to the mixing chamber 400 through the third flow path 700 and foaming the cleaning liquid appropriately. ２ Over 3.1 mm ２ Preferably, it is 0.9 mm or less. ２ Over 1.8 mm ２ More preferably, it is:

[0091] [Cleaning Method] The cleaning method according to the first embodiment is generally a cleaning method using a mixing unit 1 including: a storage chamber 300 capable of storing a cleaning agent containing a surfactant; a mixing chamber 400 capable of producing a cleaning liquid by mixing the cleaning agent and water; a first flow path 500 configured to allow water to flow in from a shower hose 2 or a faucet and capable of supplying the water flowing in from the shower hose 2 or the faucet to the mixing chamber 400; a second flow path 600 capable of supplying the cleaning liquid produced in the mixing chamber 400 to the shower head 3 or the shower hose 2; and a third flow path 700 capable of supplying the cleaning agent stored in the storage chamber 300 to the mixing chamber 400. The cleaning method according to the first embodiment is a cleaning method using a mixing unit 1 including: a storage chamber 300 capable of storing a cleaning agent containing a surfactant; a mixing chamber 400 capable of mixing the cleaning agent and water to produce a cleaning liquid by mixing the cleaning agent and water; a first flow path 500 configured to allow water to flow in from a shower hose 2 or a faucet and capable of supplying the water flowing in from the shower hose 2 or the faucet to the mixing chamber 400; This is a cleaning method in which the cleaning liquid is sprayed from the showerhead 3 toward the object so that the flow velocity (m / s) is greater than or equal to 10 m / s and less than or equal to 10 m / s, and the value obtained by multiplying the flow velocity (m / s) of the cleaning liquid by the surfactant content (mass %) is greater than or equal to 0.025. This cleaning method will be specifically described below using Figures 3 to 5.

[0092] First, the cleaning agent is placed in the storage chamber 300. Then, as shown in Figure 5, the thread groove 143 formed on the inner peripheral surface of the wall 142 of the upper connecting part 140 of the mixing part 100 is threadedly engaged with the thread formed on the outer peripheral surface of the lower end of the shower head 3, and the thread 152 formed on the outer peripheral surface of the convex part 151 of the lower connecting part 150 of the mixing part 100 is threadedly engaged with the thread groove formed on the inner peripheral surface of the upper end of the shower hose 2, thereby connecting the mixing unit 1 to the shower hose 2 and the shower head 3.

[0093] 3, the switching body 810 of the switching part 800 is slid relative to the hole 190 of the mixing part 100, so that the first communication passage 811 of the switching part 800 is brought into communication with the flow path on the internal space 111 side of the cleaning agent introduction flow path 170, the flow path on the cleaning agent supply flow path 217 side of the cleaning agent introduction flow path 170, and the air introduction flow path 180 of the mixing part 100. In other words, the mixing unit 1 is brought into a supply state.

[0094] When a user operates a water faucet (not shown) connected to the lower end of the shower hose 2, water flows into the mixing chamber 400 via the shower hose 2 and the first flow path 500. In the first embodiment, the flow path area of ​​the first flow path 500 decreases toward the second flow path 600, and the water flow rate increases from upstream to downstream of the first flow path 500, resulting in a decrease in pressure from upstream to downstream of the first flow path 500 (Bernoulli's principle).

[0095] When the pressure in the mixing chamber 400 becomes lower than that in the storage chamber 300 and the outside air, the cleaning agent flows from the storage chamber 300 into the mixing chamber 400 via the third flow path 700, and air flows into the mixing chamber 400 via the fourth flow path 900 and the third flow path 700. In addition, the water, cleaning agent, and air are mixed in the mixing chamber 400 to produce a cleaning liquid.

[0096] The cleaning liquid produced in the mixing chamber 400 is supplied to the shower head 3 via the second flow path 600 and sprayed toward the user from the shower head 3. Therefore, the user can wash their body with the cleaning liquid sprayed from the shower head 3.

[0097] Here, in conventional mixing units, including the mixing unit described in Patent Document 1, the amount of surfactant mixed with the water flowing through the showerhead has not been considered. Therefore, for example, when the amount of surfactant contained in the cleaning liquid is small, there is a problem that a good cleaning effect cannot be obtained. On the other hand, when the amount of surfactant contained in the cleaning liquid is large, for example, when the surfactant concentration in the cleaning liquid is equal to or higher than the surfactant concentration in a general cleaning agent (approximately 10% by mass to 40% by mass), a large amount of surfactant is consumed, which may result in a large environmental load and increased costs for the user.

[0098] In this regard, in the mixing unit 1 according to the first embodiment, when the supply rate of the cleaning liquid supplied from the second flow path 600 to the shower head 3 is 4000 g / min or more and 7000 g / min or less, the surfactant content of the cleaning liquid supplied to the shower head 3 is 0.09 mass% or less. Furthermore, when the flow velocity of the cleaning liquid sprayed from the shower head 3 is 2.0 m / s or more and 10 m / s or less, the value obtained by multiplying the flow velocity [m / s] of the cleaning liquid by the surfactant content [mass%] is 0.025 or more. Therefore, even though the amount of surfactant contained in the cleaning liquid is small, excellent cleaning effects can be achieved by the synergistic effect with the water pressure of the cleaning liquid sprayed from the shower head 3. Furthermore, because the amount of surfactant contained in the cleaning liquid is less than the amount of surfactant contained in general cleaning agents, environmental impact and user costs can be reduced. Furthermore, because the cleaning liquid sprayed from the shower head 3 can wash the hair, face, and body all at once, the cleaning process and cleaning time can be shortened compared to conventional cleaning methods (methods in which the hair, face, and body are washed individually using hands or cleaning tools).

[0099] 4 , when the switching body 810 of the switching part 800 is slid relative to the hole 190 of the mixing part 100 to place the second communication passage 812 of the switching part 800 in communication with the passage on the internal space 111 side of the cleaning agent introduction passage 170 and the air introduction passage 180 of the mixing part 100, that is, when the mixing unit 1 is changed from the supply state to the non-supply state, air flows into the mixing chamber 400 via the air introduction passage 180, the second communication passage 812, and the passage on the internal space 111 side of the cleaning agent introduction passage 170. Furthermore, water and air are mixed in the mixing chamber 400.

[0100] The aerated water mixed in the mixing chamber 400 is then supplied to the shower head 3 via the second flow path 600 and sprayed out from the shower head 3 toward the user, allowing the user to wash away any cleaning liquid adhering to their body.

[0101] In addition, when the user operates the faucet connected to the lower end of the shower hose 2 again, the supply of water to the mixing chamber 400 via the shower hose 2 and the first flow path 500 is stopped, and the spray of cleaning liquid or water containing air from the shower head 3 toward the user is stopped.

[0102] [Advantages of the mixing unit according to the first embodiment] As described above, the mixing unit 1 according to the first embodiment includes the storage chamber 300 capable of storing a detergent containing a surfactant, the mixing chamber 400 capable of mixing the detergent and water to produce a cleaning liquid, the first flow path 500 configured to allow water to flow in from the shower hose 2 or the faucet and capable of supplying the water flowing in from the shower hose 2 or the faucet to the mixing chamber 400, the second flow path 600 capable of supplying the cleaning liquid produced in the mixing chamber 400 to the shower head 3 or the shower hose 2, and the second flow path 600 capable of supplying the detergent stored in the storage chamber 300 to the mixing chamber 400. and a third flow path (700), and when the supply rate of the cleaning liquid supplied from the second flow path (600) to the shower head (3) or the shower hose (2) is 4000 g / min or more and 7000 g / min or less, the content of surfactant contained in the cleaning liquid supplied to the shower head (3) or the shower hose (2) is 0.09 mass % or less, and when the flow rate of the cleaning liquid sprayed from the shower head (3) is 2.0 m / s or more and 10 m / s or less, the value obtained by multiplying the flow rate of the cleaning liquid [m / s] by the surfactant content [mass %] is 0.025 or more.

[0103] With the mixing unit 1 having this configuration, when the supply rate of the cleaning liquid from the second flow path 600 to the showerhead 3 or shower hose 2 is 4000 g / min or more and 7000 g / min or less, the surfactant content of the cleaning liquid supplied to the showerhead 3 or shower hose 2 is 0.09 mass% or less. When the flow velocity of the cleaning liquid sprayed from the showerhead 3 is 2.0 m / s or more and 10 m / s or less, the value obtained by multiplying the flow velocity (m / s) of the cleaning liquid by the surfactant content (mass%) is 0.025 or more. Therefore, even when the amount of surfactant contained in the cleaning liquid supplied to the showerhead 3 or shower hose 2 is small, excellent cleaning results can be achieved by combining the water pressure of the cleaning liquid sprayed from the showerhead 3. Furthermore, the high surfactant dilution ratio provides the advantage of being gentle on the user's skin. Furthermore, the amount of surfactant contained in the cleaning liquid is lower than the amount of surfactant contained in typical cleaning agents, thereby reducing environmental impact and user costs. In addition, the cleaning liquid sprayed from the shower head 3 can be used to wash the hair, face, and body all at once, which has the advantage of shortening the cleaning process and time compared to conventional cleaning methods (methods in which the hair, face, and body are washed separately using hands or cleaning tools).

[0104] The mixing unit 1 according to the first embodiment includes a storage chamber 300 capable of storing a liquid agent, a mixing chamber 400 capable of mixing the liquid agent and water to produce a liquid, a first flow path 500 configured to allow water to flow in from a shower hose 2 or a faucet and capable of supplying the water flowing in from the shower hose 2 or the faucet to the mixing chamber 400, a second flow path 600 capable of supplying the liquid produced in the mixing chamber 400 to the shower head 3 or the shower hose 2, and a third flow path 600 capable of supplying the liquid agent stored in the storage chamber 300 to the mixing chamber 400. The third flow path 700 is arranged along a direction intersecting the axial directions of the first flow path 500 and the second flow path 600, and the second flow path 600 is arranged along the same direction as the axial direction of the first flow path 500, and the first flow path 500 is configured so that the flow path area decreases toward the second flow path 600, and the second flow path 600 is configured so that the flow path area decreases toward the first flow path 500, and the third flow path 700 is arranged along a direction intersecting the axial directions of the first flow path 500 and the second flow path 600, and the minimum flow path area of ​​the second flow path 600 is larger than the minimum flow path area of ​​the first flow path 500.

[0105] According to the mixing unit 1 having such a configuration, the flow path area of ​​the first flow path 500 decreases toward the second flow path 600, and the pressure decreases from upstream to downstream of the first flow path 500, making the pressure in the mixing chamber 400 lower than that of the storage chamber 300. Therefore, without providing a component such as a motor for supplying the cleaning agent to the mixing chamber 400, the cleaning agent can be supplied to the mixing chamber 400 by the pressure difference between the mixing chamber 400 and the storage chamber 300, which has the advantages of reducing the number of components and manufacturing costs of the mixing unit 1 and simplifying the structure of the mixing unit 1.

[0106] In the mixing unit 1 according to the first embodiment, a portion of the first flow path 500 is disposed inside the mixing chamber 400. According to the mixing unit 1 having such a configuration, the pressure in the mixing chamber 400 is lower than that in the storage chamber 300, which has the advantage that the cleaning agent can be supplied to the mixing chamber 400 by the pressure difference between the mixing chamber 400 and the storage chamber 300.

[0107] Furthermore, the mixing unit 1 according to the first embodiment further includes a switching unit 800 that can switch between a supply state in which the cleaning agent contained in the storage chamber 300 can be supplied to the mixing chamber 400, and a non-supply state in which the cleaning agent contained in the storage chamber 300 cannot be supplied to the mixing chamber 400. The mixing unit 1 having such a configuration has the advantage of being highly convenient, since it can easily switch between a state in which the cleaning liquid is sprayed from the shower head 3 and a state in which only water is sprayed from the shower head 3.

[0108] Moreover, the mixing unit 1 according to the first embodiment further includes a fourth flow path 900 that can supply air to the third flow path 700. The mixing unit 1 having such a configuration has the advantage that the cleaning liquid can be foamed, thereby creating a feeling of cleanliness.

[0109] [Second embodiment] Next, a kit according to a second embodiment will be described. In the description of the kit according to the second embodiment, only the configurations different from those of the kit according to the first embodiment will be described, and the description of the configurations common to the kit according to the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0110] The mixing unit according to the second embodiment has, for example, a nozzle hole with a total area of ​​30 mm ２ More than 35mm, preferably ２ More than 50 mm ２ Less than 45 mm, preferably ２ It can be suitably used in the following shower heads.

[0111] In the second embodiment, the minimum flow path area A1 of the first flow path 500 is the flow path area of ​​the end of the first flow path 500 on the side of the second flow path 600. The minimum flow path area A1 of the first flow path 500 is 4.5 mm ２ Over 16.0 mm ２ Preferably, it is 7.0 mm or less. ２ Over 12.6 mm ２It is more preferable that the minimum flow path area A1 of the first flow path 500 be equal to or less than 0.05% by mass. That is, if the flow path area of ​​the first flow path 500 is too narrow, the flow resistance increases, the flow rate decreases, and as a result, the flow velocity from the spray holes decreases. Conversely, if the flow path area of ​​the first flow path 500 is too wide, the force of drawing the cleaning agent from the storage chamber 300 into the mixing chamber 400 decreases due to a decrease in pressure in the mixing chamber 400. For this reason, from the viewpoint of realizing the following configurations, which will be described later: "When the supply amount of the cleaning liquid supplied from the second flow path 600 to the shower head 3 is 5000 g / min or more and 9000 g / min or less, the surfactant content contained in the cleaning liquid supplied to the shower head 3 is 0.05% by mass or less" and "When the flow velocity of the cleaning liquid sprayed from the shower head 3 is 2.0 m / s or more and 10 m / s or less, the value obtained by multiplying the flow velocity of the cleaning liquid [m / s] by the surfactant content [mass %] is 0.025 or more."

[0112] The minimum flow path area A1 of the first flow path 500 is 30 mm ２ More than 50 mm ２ The above values ​​are more preferable in the following cases: If the total area of ​​the spray holes is too small, the pressure loss at the spray holes increases, making it difficult to reduce the pressure in mixing chamber 400, and the amount of cleaning agent supplied, i.e., the concentration of the activator in the cleaning liquid, decreases. Conversely, if the total area of ​​the spray holes is too large, the flow rate of the cleaning liquid issuing from the spray holes decreases. For this reason, from the viewpoint of spraying a large amount of cleaning liquid from the showerhead 3 to improve the usability of the shower, it is preferable that the minimum flow path area A1 of the first flow path 500 be the above value when the total area of ​​the spray holes is the above value, while realizing the following configurations: "When the supply rate of cleaning liquid supplied from the second flow path 600 to the showerhead 3 is 5000 g / min or more and 9000 g / min or less, the content of surfactant contained in the cleaning liquid supplied to the showerhead 3 is 0.05 mass % or less" and "When the flow velocity of the cleaning liquid sprayed from the showerhead 3 is 2.0 m / s or more and 10 m / s or less, the value obtained by multiplying the flow velocity of the cleaning liquid [m / s] by the surfactant content [mass %] is 0.025 or more," which will be described later.

[0113] The minimum flow path area A2 of the second flow path 600 is +0.3 mm relative to the minimum flow path area A1 of the first flow path 500. ２ or more +10.0 mm ２ Preferably, it is equal to or less than +0.8 mm. ２ or more +8.0 mm ２ It is more preferable that the minimum flow path area A2 of the second flow path 600 is less than the minimum flow path area A1 of the first flow path 500. That is, if the minimum flow path area A2 of the second flow path 600 is smaller than the minimum flow path area A1 of the first flow path 500, the fluid from the first flow path 500 collides with the wall of the second flow path 600 and its flow is hindered, thereby reducing the force that draws the cleaning agent from the storage chamber 300 into the mixing chamber 400. Furthermore, the volume of the fluid from the first flow path 500 increases after it joins with the cleaning agent. Therefore, it is preferable that the minimum flow path area A2 of the second flow path 600 is larger than the minimum flow path area A1 of the first flow path 500. Conversely, if the minimum flow path area A2 of the second flow path 600 is too large compared to the minimum flow path area A1 of the first flow path 500, the flow path area increases rapidly, increasing flow turbulence and reducing the force that draws the cleaning agent from the storage chamber 300 into the mixing chamber 400. Furthermore, vibrations and noise may occur. Therefore, from the viewpoint of realizing the following configurations, which will be described later: "When the supply rate of the cleaning liquid supplied from the second flow path 600 to the shower head 3 is 5000 g / min or more and 9000 g / min or less, the surfactant content in the cleaning liquid supplied to the shower head 3 is 0.05 mass % or less" and "When the flow velocity of the cleaning liquid sprayed from the shower head 3 is 2.0 m / s or more and 10 m / s or less, the value obtained by multiplying the flow velocity of the cleaning liquid [m / s] by the surfactant content [mass %] is 0.025 or more," the minimum flow path area A2 of the second flow path 600 is preferably the above value relative to the minimum flow path area A1 of the first flow path 500. Furthermore, from the same viewpoint, the minimum flow path area A2 of the second flow path 600 is preferably +1.07 to +3.22 times the minimum flow path area A1 of the first flow path 500, and more preferably +1.17 to +2.78 times the minimum flow path area A1 of the first flow path 500.

[0114] Specifically, the minimum flow path area A2 of the second flow path 600 is 4.80 mm ２ Over 26.0 mm ２ Preferably, it is 7.8 mm or less. ２ Over 20.6 mm ２More preferably, it is:

[0115] The third flow path 700 adjusts the supply amount of the cleaning agent to the mixing chamber 400, and from the viewpoint of realizing the following configuration, which will be described later: "When the supply amount of the cleaning liquid supplied from the second flow path 600 to the shower head 3 is 5000 g / min or more and 9000 g / min or less, the content of the surfactant contained in the cleaning liquid supplied to the shower head 3 is 0.05 mass % or less," and "When the flow velocity of the cleaning liquid sprayed from the shower head 3 is 2.0 m / s or more and 10 m / s or less, the value obtained by multiplying the flow velocity [m / s] of the cleaning liquid by the content [mass %] of the surfactant is 0.025 or more." ２ More than 2.0 mm ２ It is preferable that the first portion (small flow path 217a, etc.) has a flow path area of ​​0.3 mm or less. ２ More than 1.5 mm ２ Furthermore, the third flow path 700 has a flow path area of ​​0.7 mm or less downstream of the first portion. ２ Over 7.1 mm ２ It is preferable that the second portion (e.g., the cleaning agent communication passage 811a) has a flow path area of ​​1.7 mm or less. ２ Over 4.9 mm ２ In the second embodiment, the flow path area of ​​the first portion is the minimum flow path area of ​​the third flow path 700.

[0116] According to the mixing unit 1 of the second embodiment having the above configuration, when the supply rate of the cleaning liquid supplied from the second flow path 600 to the shower head 3 or the shower hose 2 is 5000 g / min or more and 9000 g / min or less, the surfactant content of the cleaning liquid supplied to the shower head 3 or the shower hose 2 is 0.05 mass% or less. Furthermore, the surfactant content of the cleaning liquid supplied to the shower head 3 or the shower hose 2 is more preferably 0.04 mass% or less. Furthermore, the surfactant content of the cleaning liquid supplied to the shower head 3 or the shower hose 2 may be less than 0.01 mass% if the flow velocity of the cleaning liquid sprayed from the shower head 3 is 2.0 m / s or more, but is preferably 0.001 mass% or more, and more preferably 0.005 mass% or more. If the flow velocity is less than 2.0 m / s, the surfactant content is preferably 0.04 mass% or more, and more preferably 0.05 mass% or more.

[0117] In the mixing unit 1 according to the second embodiment having the above configuration, when the flow velocity of the cleaning liquid sprayed from the shower head 3 is 2.0 m / s or more and 10 m / s or less, the value obtained by multiplying the flow velocity [m / s] of the cleaning liquid by the surfactant content [mass %] is 0.025 or more, and more preferably 0.03 or more. Furthermore, in the mixing unit 1 according to the second embodiment, when the flow velocity of the cleaning liquid sprayed from the shower head 3 is 2 m / s or more and 6 m / s or less, it is preferable that these numerical ranges are satisfied.

[0118] [Advantages of the mixing unit according to the second embodiment] As described above, the mixing unit 1 according to the second embodiment includes the storage chamber 300 capable of storing a detergent containing a surfactant, the mixing chamber 400 capable of mixing the detergent and water to produce a cleaning liquid, the first flow path 500 configured to allow water to flow in from the shower hose 2 or the faucet and capable of supplying the water flowing in from the shower hose 2 or the faucet to the mixing chamber 400, the second flow path 600 capable of supplying the cleaning liquid produced in the mixing chamber 400 to the shower head 3 or the shower hose 2, and the second flow path 600 capable of supplying the detergent stored in the storage chamber 300 to the mixing chamber 400. and a third flow path (700), and when the supply rate of the cleaning liquid supplied from the second flow path (600) to the shower head (3) or the shower hose (2) is 5000 g / min or more and 9000 g / min or less, the content of surfactant contained in the cleaning liquid supplied to the shower head (3) or the shower hose (2) is 0.05 mass % or less, and when the flow rate of the cleaning liquid sprayed from the shower head (3) is 2.0 m / s or more and 10 m / s or less, the value obtained by multiplying the flow rate of the cleaning liquid [m / s] by the surfactant content [mass %] is 0.025 or more.

[0119] The mixing unit 1 according to the second embodiment having such a configuration can achieve the same effects as the mixing unit 1 according to the first embodiment. Furthermore, in the mixing unit 1 according to the second embodiment, the amount of cleaning liquid supplied from the second flow path 600 to the shower head 3 or the shower hose 2 is greater than in the mixing unit 1 according to the first embodiment, and the amount of cleaning liquid sprayed from the shower head 3 is greater than in the mixing unit 1 according to the first embodiment, which has the advantage of improving the shower experience.

[0120] [Other Modifications] The mixing unit according to the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention.

[0121] For example, in the above-described embodiment, it has been described that a portion of the first flow path 500 is disposed within the mixing chamber 400, that the first flow path 500 is configured so that the flow path area decreases toward the second flow path 600, and that the second flow path 600 is configured so that the flow path area decreases toward the first flow path 500. However, this is not limited to this, and a portion of the first flow path 500 may not be disposed within the mixing chamber 400, or the flow path area of ​​the first flow path 500 may not decrease toward the second flow path 600, or the flow path area of ​​the second flow path 600 may not decrease toward the first flow path 500. In other words, instead of supplying the cleaning agent to the mixing chamber 400 by a pressure difference between the mixing chamber 400 and the storage chamber 300, the cleaning agent may be supplied to the mixing chamber 400 by a component for supplying the cleaning agent to the mixing chamber 400, such as a motor.

[0122] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the cleaning device is described as having a switching unit 800 that can switch between a supply state in which the cleaning agent contained in the storage chamber 300 can be supplied to the mixing chamber 400 and a non-supply state in which the cleaning agent contained in the storage chamber 300 cannot be supplied to the mixing chamber 400, but this is not limited to this, and the cleaning device may be configured without the switching unit 800.

[0123] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the switching unit 800 is described as being configured to slide the switching main body 810 relative to the hole 190 to switch between a state in which the first communication passage 811 is connected to the passage on the internal space 111 side of the cleaning agent introduction passage 170, the passage on the cleaning agent supply passage 217 side of the cleaning agent introduction passage 170, and the air introduction passage 180 of the mixing section 100, and a state in which the second communication passage 812 is connected to the passage on the internal space 111 side of the cleaning agent introduction passage 170 and the air introduction passage 180 of the mixing section 100, thereby switching between the supply state and the non-supply state. However, this is not limited to this. For example, the switching unit 800 may be configured to have only the first communication passage 811, and a valve may be provided in the first communication passage 811, and the supply state and the non-supply state may be switched by opening and closing the valve provided in the first communication passage 811.

[0124] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the fourth flow path 900 capable of supplying air to the third flow path 700 has been described as being provided, but this is not limiting and a configuration without the fourth flow path 900 is also possible. Also, the fourth flow path 900 has been described as supplying air to the mixing chamber 400 via the third flow path 700, but this is not limiting and a configuration in which air is supplied to the mixing chamber 400 without passing through the third flow path 700 is also possible.

[0125] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the mixing unit 1 is described as being configured to be connectable to the shower hose 2 and the shower head 3, but this is not limited to this, and the mixing unit 1 may be configured as an integral part of either or both of the shower hose 2 and the shower head 3.

[0126] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the flow path area of ​​the third flow path 700 and the flow path area of ​​the fourth flow path 900 are adjusted to adjust the amounts of cleaning agent and air supplied to the mixing chamber 400. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the amounts of cleaning agent and air supplied to the mixing chamber 400 may be adjusted by using a valve such as a check valve.

[0127] It is clear from the claims that the above-mentioned modifications are included within the scope of the present invention.

[0128] In relation to the above-described embodiment, the present invention further discloses the following mixing unit etc.

[0129] <1> A mixing unit comprising: a storage chamber capable of storing a cleaning agent containing a surfactant; a mixing chamber capable of producing a cleaning liquid by mixing the cleaning agent and water; a first flow path configured to allow water to flow in from a shower hose or a faucet, and capable of supplying the water flowing in from the shower hose or the faucet to the mixing chamber; a second flow path capable of supplying the cleaning liquid produced in the mixing chamber to a shower head or a shower hose connected to the shower head; and a third flow path capable of supplying the cleaning agent stored in the storage chamber to the mixing chamber, wherein when the flow velocity of the cleaning liquid sprayed from the shower head is 2.0 m / s or more and 10 m / s or less, preferably 2 m / s or more and 6 m / s or less, the value obtained by multiplying the flow velocity [m / s] of the cleaning liquid by the content [mass %] of the surfactant is 0.025 or more, preferably 0.03 or more.

[0130] <2> The mixing unit according to <1>, wherein the second flow path is arranged along the same direction as the axial direction of the first flow path, the first flow path is configured so that a flow path area decreases toward the second flow path, and the third flow path is arranged along a direction intersecting the axial directions of the first flow path and the second flow path. <3> The mixing unit according to <1> or <2>, wherein the second flow path is configured so that a flow path area decreases toward the first flow path. <4> The mixing unit according to any one of <1> to <3>, wherein a part of the first flow path is arranged within the mixing chamber, and wherein a separation distance between an end of the first flow path on the second flow path side and an end of the second flow path on the first flow path side is 0.5 mm or more and 3.0 mm or less, preferably 0.8 mm or more and 2.0 mm or less. <5> The minimum flow path area of ​​the second flow path is 2.5 mm or less. ２ The mixing unit according to any one of <1> to <4> above.

[0131] <6> The mixing unit according to any one of <1> to <5>, wherein the minimum flow path area of ​​the second flow path is larger than the minimum flow path area of ​​the first flow path. <7> The flow path area of ​​the first flow path at the end of the second flow path side is 7.0 mm ２ Over 12.6 mm ２<8> The mixing unit according to any one of <1> to <6>, wherein the total area of ​​the spray holes of the shower head is 30 mm or less. ２ More than 50 mm ２ less than or equal to 35 mm, preferably ２ 45mm or more ２ <9> The mixing unit according to any one of <1> to <7>, wherein the third flow path has a flow path area of ​​0.2 mm or less. ２ More than 2.0 mm ２ Less than 0.3 mm, preferably ２ More than 1.5 mm ２ The mixing unit according to any one of <1> to <8>, having the following parts:

[0132] <10> The minimum flow path area of ​​the third flow path is 0.2 mm ２ More than 2.0 mm ２ Less than 0.3 mm, preferably ２ More than 1.5 mm ２ The mixing unit according to any one of the items <1> to <9>, wherein the mixing unit is no more than 1. <11> The mixing unit according to any one of the items <1> to <10>, further comprising a fourth flow path capable of supplying air to the third flow path. <12> The fourth flow path has a minimum flow path area of ​​0.8 mm ２ Over 3.1 mm ２ less than or equal to 0.9 mm, preferably ２ Over 1.8 mm ２ <13> The mixing unit according to any one of <1> to <12>, wherein the viscosity of the cleaning agent is 200 mPa·s or less, and preferably 100 mPa·s or less.

[0133] <14> The mixing unit according to any one of <1> to <13>, wherein the cleaning agent contains a surfactant in an amount of 1.69% by mass or more, preferably 2.70% by mass or more, more preferably 3.38% by mass or more, and even more preferably 10% by mass or more. <15> The mixing unit according to any one of <1> to <14>, wherein the mixing unit is configured integrally with the showerhead. <16> The mixing unit according to any one of <1> to <15>, wherein, when the supply rate of the cleaning liquid supplied from the second flow path to the showerhead or the shower hose is 4000 g / min or more and 7000 g / min or less, the surfactant content contained in the cleaning liquid supplied to the showerhead or the shower hose is 0.09% by mass or less. <17> The minimum flow path area of ​​the second flow path is +0.3 mm relative to the minimum flow path area of ​​the first flow path. ２ More than +6.3mm ２ or less, preferably +0.8 mm ２ Above +4.5mm ２ The mixing unit according to any one of <1> to <16>, wherein:

[0134] <18> The mixing unit according to any one of <1> to <17>, wherein the minimum flow path area of ​​the second flow path is +1.09 to +1.70 times, preferably +1.20 to +1.60 times, the minimum flow path area of ​​the first flow path. <19> The minimum flow path area of ​​the second flow path is 3.4 mm ２ Over 15.9 mm ２ less than 4.9 mm, preferably ２ Over 12.6 mm ２ <20> The mixing unit according to any one of <1> to <18>, wherein the minimum flow path area of ​​the first flow path is 3.1 mm or less. ２ Over 9.6 mm ２ less than or equal to 4.1 mm, preferably ２ Over 8.1 mm ２<21> The mixing unit according to any one of <1> to <15>, wherein when the supply amount of the cleaning liquid supplied from the second flow path to the shower head or the shower hose is 5000 g / min or more and 9000 g / min or less, the content of a surfactant contained in the cleaning liquid supplied to the shower head or the shower hose is 0.05 mass % or less.

[0135] <22> The minimum flow path area of ​​the second flow path is +0.3 mm relative to the minimum flow path area of ​​the first flow path. ２ or more +10.0 mm ２ or less, preferably +0.8 mm ２ or more +8.0 mm ２ The mixing unit according to any one of <1> to <15> and <21>, wherein the minimum flow path area of ​​the second flow path is +1.07 to +3.22 times, preferably +1.17 to +2.78 times, the minimum flow path area of ​​the first flow path. <24> The mixing unit according to any one of <1> to <15>, <21> and <22>, wherein the minimum flow path area of ​​the second flow path is 4.8 mm ２ Over 26.0 mm ２ less than or equal to 7.8 mm, preferably ２ Over 20.6 mm ２ <25> The mixing unit according to any one of <1> to <15> and <21> to <23>, wherein the minimum flow path area of ​​the first flow path is 4.5 mm or less. ２ Over 16.0 mm ２ Preferably, it is 7.0 mm or less. ２ Over 12.6 mm ２ The mixing unit according to any one of <1> to <15> and <21> to <24>, wherein:

[0136] <26> A kit comprising: the mixing unit according to any one of <1> to <25>; and the cleaning agent. <27> A cleaning method using a mixing unit including: a storage chamber capable of storing a cleaning agent containing a surfactant; a mixing chamber capable of mixing the cleaning agent and water to produce a cleaning liquid; a first flow path configured to allow water to flow in from a shower hose or a faucet and capable of supplying the water flowing in from the shower hose or the faucet to the mixing chamber; a second flow path capable of supplying the cleaning liquid produced in the mixing chamber to a shower head or a shower hose; and a third flow path capable of supplying the cleaning agent stored in the storage chamber to the mixing chamber, wherein the cleaning agent is stored in the storage chamber; water is supplied from the first flow path to the mixing chamber; and the cleaning liquid is sprayed from the shower head toward an object so that the flow velocity of the cleaning liquid [m / s] multiplied by the content [mass %] of the surfactant is 0.025 or more, preferably 0.03 or more. <28> The cleaning method according to <27>, wherein the cleaning liquid having a surfactant content of 0.09 mass% or less is supplied from the second flow path to the shower head or the shower hose at 4000 g / min to 7000 g / min. <29> The cleaning method according to <27>, wherein the cleaning liquid having a surfactant content of 0.05 mass% or less is supplied from the second flow path to the shower head or the shower hose at 5000 g / min to 9000 g / min.

[0137] <30> The cleaning method according to any one of <27> to <29>, wherein the viscosity of the cleaning agent is 200 mPa·s or less, preferably 100 mPa·s or less. <31> The cleaning method according to any one of <27> to <30>, wherein the cleaning agent contains a surfactant in an amount of 1.69 mass% or more, preferably 2.70 mass% or more, more preferably 3.38 mass% or more, and even more preferably 10 mass% or more. <32> The cleaning method according to any one of <27> to <31>, wherein the mixing unit is integrated with the showerhead.

[0138] The present invention will be specifically described below based on examples, but the object of the present invention is not limited to these examples.

[0139] [Preparation of Examples 1 to 5 and Comparative Examples 1 and 2] Based on the mixing unit according to this embodiment, mixing units according to Examples 1 to 5 and Comparative Examples 1 and 2 were prepared. In the mixing units according to Examples 1 to 5 and Comparative Examples 1 and 2, the flow path area of ​​the third flow path 700, the content of the surfactant contained in the cleaning agent, and the viscosity of the cleaning agent were adjusted so that the content of the surfactant contained in the cleaning solution was the value shown in Table 1.

[0140] [Cleaning conditions] (1) Water supply rate: 5,400 g / min (2) Water temperature: Approximately 40°C (3) Cleaning agent components: Polyoxyethylene (2) Sodium lauryl ether sulfate (ES, average number of moles of ethylene oxide added: 2.0) and ion-exchanged water (4) Surfactant content in the cleaning agent: The value shown in Table 1. (5) Viscosity of the cleaning agent at 30°C: For Examples 1 to 3 and Comparative Example 2 (cleaning agents containing 27% by mass of surfactant), the viscosity was 38.8 mPa·s. For Examples 4 and 5 and Comparative Example 1 (cleaning agents containing 13.5% by mass of surfactant), the viscosity was 10 mPa·s or less. The viscosity of the cleaning agent was adjusted using a BM-type viscometer (model TVB-10H, rotor M1, rotation speed: 60 rpm). (6) Cleaning liquid supply rate: The value shown in Table 1. (7) Flow rate of the cleaning liquid sprayed from the shower head 3: The flow rate was set to the value shown in Table 1.

[0141] [Evaluation of Detergency] First, 20 μL of model comedo sebum soil (98% by mass) and carbon black (2% by mass) were dropped onto three randomly selected locations (each within a 3 cm × 3 cm area) along the longitudinal direction of an arm, and allowed to dry for at least 5 minutes. Then, the mixing units according to Examples 1 to 5 and Comparative Examples 1 and 2 were attached to a shower hose (manufactured by SANEI Corporation, model number PS3086TXW) and a shower head (manufactured by TOTO Corporation, model number THY731HR), and cleaning was carried out according to the following procedure. After that, the detergency was evaluated according to the following evaluation criteria, as well as the environmental impact and user costs, and an overall evaluation was carried out based on these evaluation results.

[0142] The components of the model comedo sebum stain are as follows: squalene: 7.94% by mass, wax (myristyl myristate): 13.89% by mass, cottonseed oil: 7.14% by mass, cholesterol: 11.90% by mass, cholesterol ester: 3.97% by mass, lauric acid: 0.79% by mass, myristic acid: 6.35% by mass, palmitic acid: 24.6% by mass, stearic acid: 4.76% by mass, oleic acid: 18.65% by mass.

[0143] [Cleaning Procedure] Step 1: With mixing unit 1 in a non-supply state, water was applied back and forth once to the area on the arm where the model comedo sebum soil had adhered. Step 2: With mixing unit 1 in a supply state, the cleaning solution was applied back and forth five times to the area on the arm where the model comedo sebum soil had adhered. Step 3: With mixing unit 1 in a non-supply state, water was applied back and forth five times to the area on the arm where the model comedo sebum soil had adhered.

[0144] [Criteria for assessing cleanliness] 5: Dirt is removed completely 4: Dirt is mostly removed, but dirt remains on the skin texture 3: Dirt is removed somewhat 2: Dirt is hardly removed at all 1: Dirt is not removed at all Mixing units that achieved a rating of 3 or more were assessed as having good cleansing power (rating ◯). On the other hand, mixing units that achieved a rating of 2 or less were assessed as having poor cleansing power (rating ×).

[0145] [Evaluation Criteria for Environmental Impact and User Cost] Generally, when washing hair, face, and body, respectively, using common detergents such as shampoo (trade name: Merit Shampoo DE, surfactant content: 17.8% by mass, recommended usage fee: 6 g, surfactant usage amount: 1.07 g, seller: Kao Corporation), facial cleanser (trade name: Biore Skin Care Facial Cleanser Moisture, surfactant content: 32.4% by mass, recommended usage fee: 1 g, surfactant usage amount: 0.32 g, seller: Kao Corporation), and body shampoo (trade name: Men's Biore Deodorant Body Wash FA, surfactant content: 24.1% by mass, recommended usage fee: 6 g, surfactant usage amount: 1.45 g, seller: Kao Corporation), 13 g of detergent and 2.8 g of surfactant are used. Therefore, assuming that the duration of detergent use in shower appliances using the mixing units of Examples 1 to 5 and Comparative Examples 1 and 2 is approximately 33 seconds, if the amount of surfactant used is less than 2.8 g, the environmental impact and user costs were evaluated as being reduced (evaluated as "Good"). On the other hand, if the amount of surfactant used in 33 seconds is 2.8 g or more, the environmental impact and user costs were evaluated as not being reduced (evaluated as "Poor"). The aforementioned 33 seconds is the expected washing time when washing hair, face, and body under the above washing conditions using shower appliances equipped with the mixing units of Examples 1 to 5 and Comparative Examples 1 and 2.

[0146]

[0147] As shown in Table 1, when the supply rate of the cleaning liquid supplied to the showerhead is around 5,400 g / min, it is clear that Examples 1 to 5, in which the surfactant content in the cleaning liquid supplied to the showerhead is 0.09 mass% or less, exhibit excellent cleaning effects and have low environmental impact and user costs, even when the amount of surfactant contained in the cleaning liquid is small. On the other hand, it is clear that Comparative Examples 1 and 2, in which the surfactant content exceeds 0.09 mass% under the same conditions, contain a large amount of surfactant in the cleaning liquid, resulting in high environmental impact and user costs.

[0148] [Preparation of Examples 6 to 8 and Comparative Examples 3 to 5] Based on the mixing unit according to this embodiment, mixing units according to Examples 6 to 8 and Comparative Examples 3 to 5 were prepared. In the mixing units according to Examples 6 to 8 and Comparative Examples 3 to 5, the flow path area of ​​the first flow path 500, the flow path area of ​​the second flow path 600, the flow path area of ​​the third flow path 700, the content of the surfactant contained in the cleaning agent, and the viscosity of the cleaning agent were adjusted so that the flow rate of the cleaning liquid and the content of the surfactant contained in the cleaning liquid were the values ​​shown in Table 2.

[0149] [Cleaning conditions] (1) Water supply rate: 6800 g / min for Example 6, 4200 g / min for Example 7, 6800 g / min for Example 8, 4800 g / min for Comparative Example 3, 6800 g / min for Comparative Example 4, and 4200 g / min for Comparative Example 5. (2) Water temperature: about 40° C. (3) Detergent: The following detergents (a) and (b) were used. (a): A cleaning agent containing sodium polyoxyethylene (2) lauryl ether sulfate (ES, average number of moles of ethylene oxide added: 2.0) (27% by mass) and ion-exchanged water (73% by mass) (hereinafter referred to as "cleaning agent 1"). (b): A cleaning agent containing sodium polyoxyethylene (2) lauryl ether sulfate (ES, average number of moles of ethylene oxide added: 2.0) (3% by mass), polyoxyethylene (16) lauryl ether (HLB: 16.2) (9% by mass) and ion-exchanged water (88% by mass) (hereinafter referred to as "cleaning agent 2"). (4) Content of surfactant in cleaning agents: 2.70% by mass for Example 6, 1.69% by mass for Example 7, 3.38% by mass for Example 8, 3.38% by mass for Comparative Example 3, 1.69% by mass for Comparative Example 4, and 0.42% by mass for Comparative Example 5. (5) Viscosity of the cleaning agent at 30°C: 10 mPa·s or less for Example 6, 10 mPa·s or less for Example 7, 10 mPa·s or less for Example 8, 10 mPa·s or less for Comparative Example 3, 10 mPa·s or less for Comparative Example 4, and 10 mPa·s or less for Comparative Example 5. The viscosity of the cleaning agent was adjusted using a BM-type viscometer (model number TVB-10H, rotor M1, rotation speed 60 rpm). (6) Supply rate of cleaning liquid: 6810 g / min for Example 6, 4216 g / min for Example 7, 6821 g / min for Example 8, 4808 g / min for Comparative Example 3, 6821 g / min for Comparative Example 4, and 4216 g / min for Comparative Example 5.

[0150] [Evaluation of cleaning power, cleaning procedure and evaluation criteria for cleaning power] The evaluation of cleaning power, cleaning procedure and evaluation criteria for cleaning power were the same as those used when evaluating the mixing units of Examples 1 to 5 and Comparative Examples 1 and 2.

[0151]

[0152] As shown in Table 2, in Example 7, when the supply rate of the cleaning liquid supplied to the shower head was 4000 g / min or more and 7000 g / min or less, the surfactant content contained in the cleaning liquid supplied to the shower head was 0.09 mass % or less, and when the flow rate of the cleaning liquid sprayed from the shower head was 2.0 m / s or more and 10 m / s or less, the value obtained by multiplying the flow rate [m / s] of the cleaning liquid by the surfactant content [mass %] was 0.025 or more. It was revealed that even when the amount of surfactant contained in the cleaning liquid was small, an excellent cleaning effect was exhibited.

[0153] Furthermore, as shown in Table 2, when the supply rate of the cleaning liquid supplied to the shower head was 5000 g / min or more and 9000 g / min or less, the surfactant content contained in the cleaning liquid supplied to the shower head was 0.05 mass % or less, and when the flow rate of the cleaning liquid sprayed from the shower head was 2.0 m / s or more and 10 m / s or less, the value obtained by multiplying the flow rate [m / s] of the cleaning liquid by the surfactant content [mass %] was 0.025 or more. It was also revealed that, in Examples 6 and 8, excellent cleaning effects were exhibited even when the amount of surfactant contained in the cleaning liquid was small.

[0154] On the other hand, it was revealed that the cleaning effect was poor in Comparative Example 3, in which the flow velocity of the cleaning liquid sprayed from the shower head was less than 2.0 m / s. Furthermore, when the flow velocity of the cleaning liquid sprayed from the shower head was 2.0 m / s or more and 10 m / s or less, it was also revealed that the cleaning effect was poor in Comparative Examples 4 and 5, in which the value obtained by multiplying the flow velocity [m / s] of the cleaning liquid by the surfactant content [mass %] was less than 0.025.

[0155] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1: Mixing unit 2: Shower hose 3: Shower head 100: Mixing portion 110: Cylindrical portion 111: Internal space 112: Recess 113: Inner peripheral surface portion 113a: Upper inner peripheral surface portion 113b: First intermediate portion 113c: Second intermediate portion 113d: Third intermediate portion 113e: Lower inner peripheral surface portion 120: Clamping portion 121: Tip portion 130: Holding portion 131: Insertion recess 140: Upper connecting portion 141: Bottom portion 142: Wall portion 143: Thread groove 150: Lower connecting portion 151: Convex portion 152: Thread 160: Inner cylindrical portion 170: Cleaning agent introduction channel 180: Air introduction channel 190 : Hole 191 : Small hole 192 : Large hole 193 : Inner wall 200 : Storage section 210 : Storage main body 211 : Top plate 211a : Opening 211b : Shaft holding section 211c : Insertion hole 212 : Front wall 212a : Upper front wall 212b : Middle front wall 212c : Lower front wall 213 : Rear wall 213a : Engagement recess 214 : Bottom plate 215 : Insertion protrusion 216 : Sealing section 217 : Cleaning agent supply flow path 217a : Small flow path 217b : Large flow path 218 : Sealing section 220 : Lid 221 : Closing section 221a : Air passage hole 221b : Insertion hole 222: Insertion portion 223: Peripheral wall portion 224: Roof portion 225: Sealing portion 226: Check valve 230: Shaft portion 300: Storage chamber 400: Mixing chamber 500: First flow path 600: Second flow path 700: Third flow path 800: Switching portion 810: Switching main body portion 811: First communication path 811a: Cleaning agent communication path 811b: Air communication path 811c: Communication hole 812: Second communication path 813: Sealing portion 820: Restricting portion 900: Fourth flow path

Claims

a storage chamber capable of storing a detergent containing a surfactant; a mixing chamber capable of mixing a cleaning agent and water to generate a cleaning liquid; a first flow path configured to allow water to flow in from a shower hose or a faucet and capable of supplying the water flowing in from the shower hose or the faucet to the mixing chamber; a second flow path capable of supplying the cleaning liquid generated in the mixing chamber to a shower head or a shower hose; a third flow path capable of supplying the cleaning agent contained in the storage chamber to the mixing chamber; Equipped with When the flow velocity of the cleaning liquid sprayed from the showerhead is 2.0 m / s or more and 10 m / s or less, the value obtained by multiplying the flow velocity [m / s] of the cleaning liquid by the content [mass %] of the surfactant is 0.025 or more. Mixed unit. 　 the second flow path is arranged along the same direction as the axial direction of the first flow path, The first flow path is configured so that a flow path area decreases toward the second flow path, The second flow path is configured so that a flow path area decreases toward the first flow path, The third flow path is disposed along a direction intersecting the axial direction of the first flow path and the second flow path.

2. The mixing unit of claim 1. 　 A portion of the first flow path is disposed within the mixing chamber, a distance between an end of the first flow path on the second flow path side and an end of the second flow path on the first flow path side is 0.5 mm or more and 3.0 mm or less; 3. A mixing unit according to claim 1 or 2. 　 The flow path area of ​​the end of the first flow path on the second flow path side is 7.0 mm ２ Over 12.6 mm ２ is A mixing unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3. 　 The total area of ​​the spray holes in the shower head is 30 mm ２ More than 50 mm ２ is A mixing unit according to any one of claims 1 to 4. 　 The minimum flow path area of ​​the third flow path is 0.2 mm ２ More than 2.0 mm ２ is A mixing unit according to any one of claims 1 to 5. 　 The viscosity of the cleaning agent is 200 mPa·s or less. A mixing unit according to any one of claims 1 to 6. 　 The cleaning agent contains a surfactant in an amount of 10% by mass or more. 　 A mixing unit according to any one of claims 1 to 7. 　 When the supply amount of the cleaning liquid supplied from the second flow path to the shower head or the shower hose is 5000 g / min or more and 9000 g / min or less, the content of the surfactant contained in the cleaning liquid supplied to the shower head or the shower hose is 0.05 mass % or less. A mixing unit according to any one of claims 1 to 8. 　 The minimum flow path area of ​​the second flow path is +0.3 mm relative to the minimum flow path area of ​​the first flow path. ２ or more +10.0 mm ２ is A mixing unit according to any one of claims 1 to 9. 　 The minimum flow path area of ​​the second flow path is greater than or equal to +1.07 times and less than or equal to +3.22 times the minimum flow path area of ​​the first flow path. A mixing unit according to any one of claims 1 to 10. 　 The minimum flow area of ​​the second flow path is 4.8 mm ２ Over 26.0 mm ２ is A mixing unit according to any one of claims 1 to 11. 　 The minimum flow area of ​​the first flow path is 4.5 mm ２ Over 16.0 mm ２ is A mixing unit according to any one of claims 1 to 12. 　 A mixing unit according to any one of claims 1 to 13, The cleaning agent Equipped with kit. 　 a storage chamber capable of storing a detergent containing a surfactant; a mixing chamber capable of mixing a cleaning agent and water to generate a cleaning liquid; a first flow path configured to allow water to flow in from a shower hose or a faucet and capable of supplying the water flowing in from the shower hose or the faucet to the mixing chamber; a second flow path capable of supplying the cleaning liquid generated in the mixing chamber to a shower head or a shower hose; a third flow path capable of supplying the cleaning agent contained in the storage chamber to the mixing chamber; A cleaning method using a mixing unit comprising: A cleaning agent is stored in the storage chamber, Supplying water from the first flow path to the mixing chamber, The cleaning liquid is sprayed from the shower head toward the object so that the flow velocity of the cleaning liquid sprayed from the shower head is 2.0 m / s or more and 10 m / s or less, and the value obtained by multiplying the flow velocity [m / s] of the cleaning liquid by the content [mass %] of the surfactant is 0.025 or more. Cleaning method.

Images