CN118252410A - Shower apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides a shower apparatus which can allow a user to continuously bath for a long time in a relaxed state. The present invention is a shower apparatus (1) which is fixed in a manner that shower water sprays from above to a user, and is characterized by comprising: a shower head body (4); and a plurality of water spraying parts (10) which are arranged on the shower head main body at intervals so as to form shower water spraying which surrounds the head of a user standing below the shower head main body, wherein each water spraying part is configured that the sprayed hot water is spread and falls down.

Description

Shower apparatus

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a shower device, and more particularly, to a shower device which is fixed so that shower water sprays from above to a user.

Background

JP-A2022-15192 (patent document 1) discloses a shower device. The shower device is disc-shaped and is mounted on a ceiling for use. A plurality of water spray holes are arranged on the circumference of the disk-shaped shower device, and hot water is sprayed out of each water spray hole in a linear shape.

Patent document 1: japanese patent application laid-open No. 2022-15192

The present inventors have developed a shower apparatus which allows a user to perform not only a simple body washing operation but also a shower water spray from above while the user is in a relaxed state for a relatively long period of time, thereby achieving a fatigue recovery and pressure relief effect. In the shower device described in patent document 1, since the shower holes are arranged in an array at the peripheral edge of the shower head having a disk shape, shower water is not easily sprayed directly onto the face of the user standing under the center of the shower head. Therefore, the user who is bathing is less likely to feel dyspnea, and can continue bathing for a long period of time.

However, in the shower device described in patent document 1, since linear shower water sprays are discharged from the respective water spray holes arranged at intervals on the circumference, the water spray is small in the area of the body of the user who is bathing, and the body of the user cannot be sufficiently covered with the discharged hot water. Therefore, when the temperature in the bathroom is low, the user feels cold during bathing due to the influence of the outside temperature, and the bathing cannot be continued for a long time.

In contrast, in the shower device described in patent document 1, it is considered to greatly increase the number of water spray holes or to spray water in a film shape around the user as a whole, thereby wrapping the body of the user with hot water. However, when the shower is sprayed in the above-described manner, the periphery of the head of the user is covered with the shower, and hot air of the sprayed hot water stays around the head, which causes a problem that the user feels stuffy and dyspnea. Therefore, there is a problem in that it is difficult for the user to continuously bath for a long time in a relaxed state.

Disclosure of Invention

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a shower apparatus which allows a user to continue to bath for a long period of time while in a relaxed state.

In order to solve the above-described problems, the present invention provides a shower apparatus for fixing a shower water spray to a user from above, comprising: a shower head body; and a plurality of water spraying parts which are arranged on the shower head main body at intervals so as to form shower water spraying which surrounds the head of a user standing below the shower head main body, wherein each water spraying part is configured to spray hot water which spreads downwards and falls down.

According to the present invention configured as described above, since the shower device is fixed so that shower water is sprayed from above to the user, the user can take a bath without holding the shower head main body by hand. Further, since the plurality of water spray portions are provided at the shower head main body with a gap therebetween, the hot water sprayed from each water spray portion is present in the vicinity of the shower head main body, and thus, the hot air can be prevented from accumulating in the space surrounded by the shower water spray. Therefore, the user who takes a bath for a long time can be restrained from feeling stuffy and breathing difficulty. Further, since the hot water discharged from each water spray portion spreads and falls down while being spread, the body of the user standing under the shower head main body can be wetted with a large area, and the hot water spread further on the body surface, so that the body can be sufficiently covered with the hot water. As a result, even when the air temperature is low, the user who is bathing is unlikely to feel cold, and can continue bathing for a long period of time.

In the present invention, it is preferable that the water spouting portions are configured such that the hot water spouted from the water spouting portions merge with each other at a position falling from the water spouting portions at a predetermined distance, and a water film is formed around the body of the user.

According to the present invention configured as described above, since the hot water discharged from each sprinkler portion merges with each other at the position where the hot water falls at a predetermined distance from each sprinkler portion, ventilation can be ensured inside and outside the space surrounded by the shower water spray up to the position where the hot water merges, and stagnation of hot air can be suppressed. Further, the body of the user can be sufficiently wrapped with hot water below the position where the hot water discharged merges, and the body of the user can be sufficiently warmed.

In the present invention, it is preferable that each of the water spraying portions is directed downward Fang Bianzhai in a space surrounded by the hot water to be sprayed.

According to the present invention configured as described above, the space surrounded by the hot water to be discharged is narrowed downward, so that sufficient air permeability can be ensured in the upper portion of the space surrounded by the hot water. On the other hand, since the space is smaller in the lower part of the space surrounded by the hot water, the heat insulation property in the space is easily ensured, and the user can be wrapped with a relatively small amount of hot water, and the user can be sufficiently warmed while saving water.

In the present invention, the shower head body is preferably formed in a ring shape.

According to the present invention configured as described above, since the shower head body is configured in the annular shape, air in the space surrounded by the shower water spray flows out to the outside through the inside of the shower head body, and it is possible to suppress stagnation of hot air in the space surrounded by the shower water spray.

In the present invention, it is preferable that each of the water spraying units is configured such that the hot water sprayed is vibrated reciprocally in a sinusoidal wave shape, and thereby the hot water sprayed falls down while spreading downward.

According to the present invention configured as described above, even when the intervals between adjacent sprinkler portions are widely separated, the body of the user can be sufficiently covered with hot water to be sprayed, and water can be saved while maintaining the water flow of the sprayed water.

In the present invention, it is preferable that the 1 st water spraying portion and the 2 nd water spraying portion among the plurality of water spraying portions are configured to spray hot water in which water spraying regions extending in a linear shape are formed on the same surface of a virtual water plane oriented in the vertical direction below the shower head main body, and that the 1 st water spraying portion and the 2 nd water spraying portion are configured such that at least a part of the 1 st water spraying region formed by the 1 st water spraying portion and the 2 nd water spraying region formed by the 2 nd water spraying portion overlap each other in the vertical direction on the same surface.

According to the present invention configured as described above, at least a part of the 1 st water region and the 2 nd water region overlap each other in the vertical direction. Therefore, the hot water flowing down on the body surface of the user when the water reaches the 1 st water region and the hot water flowing down on the 2 nd water region interfere with each other on the body surface of the user, and are likely to remain on the body surface. Therefore, the amount of hot water retained on the body surface of the user who is bathing increases with respect to the amount of water discharged from the shower head main body, and a sufficient water sensation can be imparted to the user even when the amount of water discharged from the shower head main body is relatively small. Further, since the time for which the hot water stays on the body surface of the user is long, a large amount of heat is given to the user from the hot water, and the body of the user can be sufficiently warmed. As a result, the user can be given a sufficient feeling of water and warmth while saving water.

In the present invention, it is preferable that the 1 st water supply area is formed above the 2 nd water supply area, and the 2 nd water spray unit is configured such that the hot water discharged from the 1 st water supply area is dropped while being spread in the horizontal direction, and the dropped hot water sprayed from the 1 st water supply area merges with the hot water supplied from the 2 nd water supply area and spreads in the horizontal direction.

According to the present invention configured as described above, the 1 st water distribution area is formed above the 2 nd water distribution area, and the 2 nd water distribution portion is configured to drop while spreading in the horizontal direction. Therefore, the hot water flowing down in the 1 st water application area is discharged from the 2 nd water application portion, and is spread in the horizontal direction by the hot water flowing down in the 2 nd water application area while spreading in the horizontal direction. Therefore, the hot water that has been applied to the body surface of the user flows down while spreading substantially on the body surface, and the time for which the hot water stays on the body surface can be prolonged, so that a sufficient feeling of water can be imparted to the user.

In the present invention, it is preferable that the 1 st water spraying portion and the 2 nd water spraying portion among the plurality of water spraying portions are configured to spray hot water in which water spraying regions extending in a linear shape are formed on the same surface of a virtual water plane oriented in the vertical direction below the shower head main body, and the 1 st water spraying portion and the 2 nd water spraying portion are configured such that the 1 st water spraying region formed by the 1 st water spraying portion and the 2 nd water spraying region formed by the 2 nd water spraying portion intersect on the same surface.

In the present invention configured as described above, shower water is sprayed obliquely downward from the plurality of shower portions of the shower head main body toward the user. The 1 st water spraying part and the 2 nd water spraying part form water areas extending linearly to virtual water planes facing the vertical direction, and the 1 st water area formed by the 1 st water spraying part is intersected with the 2 nd water area formed by the 2 nd water spraying part.

According to the present invention constructed as described above, the 1 st water region and the 2 nd water region intersect. Therefore, the hot water flowing in the 1 st water area and the hot water flowing in the 2 nd water area on the body surface of the user interfere with each other at the crossing point of the water areas, and are likely to stay on the body surface of the user. Therefore, the amount of hot water retained on the body surface of the user who is bathing increases with respect to the amount of water discharged from the shower head main body, and a sufficient water sensation can be imparted to the user even when the amount of water discharged from the shower head main body is relatively small. Further, since the time for which the hot water stays on the body surface of the user is long, a large amount of heat is given to the user from the hot water, and the body of the user can be sufficiently warmed. As a result, the user can be given a sufficient feeling of water and warmth while saving water.

In the present invention, it is preferable that the 1 st water region and the 2 nd water region intersect in a V-shape at a predetermined height below a substantially center of the shower head main body in the lateral direction on a virtual water plane.

According to the present invention configured as described above, the 1 st water supply region and the 2 nd water supply region intersect in a V-shape at a predetermined height below the substantially center in the lateral direction of the shower head main body. Therefore, the 1 st and 2 nd water areas can be formed at a relatively high position of the upper body of the user while avoiding the shower water spray from directly flowing to the vicinity of the face of the user, so that the time for which the water hot water flows down on the body surface of the user can be prolonged, and the user can be warmed sufficiently.

In the present invention, the shower head main body preferably has: an annular portion configured to be annular and provided with an annular passage inside; and a hot water supply unit connected to the annular unit and provided with a plurality of distribution passages therein, wherein hot water flows into the annular passage from a plurality of locations through each distribution passage.

According to the present invention configured as described above, since the hot water flows into the annular passage from a plurality of positions through the respective distribution passages, the distance of the water supply passage passing from the water supply source to the respective water spray portions is equalized, and the hot water is supplied to the respective water spray portions at a relatively uniform water supply pressure. As a result, the flow rate of the hot water discharged from each water spray portion becomes uniform, and the shower feel of the shower perceived by the user becomes more uniform. Further, since the hot water is uniformly supplied to the respective water spraying portions, even when the water supply pressure to the shower head main body is low, the relationship between the 1 st water supply area and the 2 nd water supply area can be maintained according to the design value.

ADVANTAGEOUS EFFECTS OF INVENTION

According to the shower device provided by the invention, a user can continuously bath for a long time in a relaxed state.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing a state in which a shower device according to embodiment 1 of the present invention is installed in a shower room.

Fig. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a shower head body of a shower apparatus according to embodiment 1 of the present invention.

Fig. 3 is an oblique view of a fluid element included in the shower device according to embodiment 1 of the present invention.

Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV of fig. 3.

Fig. 5 is a sectional view taken along line V-V of fig. 3.

Fig. 6 is a view schematically showing a user who is bathing a shower that is ejected from the shower head main body of the shower apparatus according to embodiment 1 of the present invention.

Fig. 7 is an oblique view showing the entire nozzle according to a modification of the sprinkler portion of the shower apparatus according to embodiment 1 of the present invention.

Fig. 8 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII of fig. 7.

Fig. 9 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view taken along line IX-IX of fig. 7.

Fig. 10 is a perspective view showing a state in which a user is showering water spray from the shower device according to embodiment 2 of the present invention.

Fig. 11 is a side view schematically showing shower water spray on a virtual horizontal plane oriented in the vertical direction in the shower apparatus according to embodiment 2 of the present invention.

Fig. 12 is an enlarged view schematically showing a state of hot water flowing on a virtual horizontal plane oriented in the vertical direction in the shower apparatus according to embodiment 2 of the present invention.

Fig. 13 is a perspective view showing a state in which a user is showering water spray from the shower device according to embodiment 3 of the present invention.

Fig. 14 is a perspective view showing a state in which a user is showering water spray from the shower device according to embodiment 4 of the present invention.

Fig. 15 is a perspective view showing a state in which a user is showering water spray from the shower device according to embodiment 5 of the present invention.

Fig. 16 is an oblique view showing a state in which a user is bathing shower water from the shower apparatus according to embodiment 6 of the present invention.

Fig. 17 is an oblique view showing a shower device according to embodiment 7 of the present invention.

Fig. 18 is an oblique view showing a state in which an upper member of a shower head main body is removed in the shower apparatus according to embodiment 7 of the present invention.

Fig. 19 is a cross-sectional view of a shower head main body included in a shower device according to embodiment 7 of the present invention.

Fig. 20 is an exploded perspective view showing an attachment structure of a sprinkler portion in a shower device according to embodiment 7 of the present invention.

Fig. 21 is a view showing an example of hot water discharged from a fluid element in the shower device according to embodiment 7 of the present invention.

Fig. 22 is a view schematically showing hot water discharged from the 1 st to 3 rd fluid elements provided in the shower head main body of the shower apparatus according to embodiment 7 of the present invention.

Detailed Description

Next, a shower device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing a state in which a shower device according to embodiment 1 of the present invention is installed in a shower room. Fig. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a shower head body of a shower apparatus according to embodiment 1 of the present invention.

As shown in fig. 1, the shower device 1 of the present embodiment is fixed to a side wall surface 2a of the shower room 2. The shower device 1 further includes a shower head body 4 and a support member 6 for attaching the shower head body 4 to the side wall surface 2 a.

The shower head body 4 is an annular member having an elliptical shape as a whole, and a plurality of water spraying portions are provided at intervals along the elliptical ring.

The support member 6 is attached so as to extend substantially horizontally from the upper portion of the side wall surface 2a, and is configured to support the shower head body 4 at a predetermined height. A water supply passage (not shown) is provided in the support member 6, and hot water supplied through the water supply passage flows into the shower head body 4 and is discharged from each sprinkler portion.

In the present embodiment, the shower head body 4 is fixed to the side wall surface 2a via the support member 6 extending from the side wall surface 2a, but the shower head body may be fixed to the ceiling surface via a support member extending from the ceiling surface. Alternatively, a columnar member may be raised from the floor surface of the shower room or the like, and the shower head body 4 may be fixed by the member at a relatively high position above the user. The shower head body may be directly fixed to the side wall surface or the ceiling surface, not through the support member. In the present specification, "the shower head body fixed to the side wall surface or the ceiling wall surface" includes a method of fixing the shower head body via a support member and a method of directly fixing the shower head body to the side wall surface or the ceiling surface.

The shower apparatus 1 is configured to spray water from each water spray portion when in use, so that the shower water sprays from above to a user standing under the shower head main body 4. Further, since the shower portions are provided along the annular shower head body 4, shower water is sprayed by each shower portion so as to surround the head of a user standing below the shower head body 4. That is, when viewed from a user standing under the shower head main body 4, the water sprays from the front, back, left and right sides and water on the user's body, and the shower water sprays to surround the user's head.

Next, the internal structure of the shower head body 4 will be described with reference to fig. 2.

As described above, the shower head body 4 is formed in an elliptical ring shape as a whole. A water supply passage 4a extending in an annular shape is provided in the shower head body 4. The hot water supplied through a water supply passage (not shown) formed in the support member 6 flows into a water supply passage 4a in the shower head body 4, and is supplied to the entire shower head body 4.

A plurality of shower head mounting recesses 4b are provided in the shower head body 4 at predetermined intervals along the water supply passage 4 a. These shower attachment recesses 4b are cylindrical recesses extending in the vertical direction, are formed so as to communicate with the water supply passage 4a, and are open toward the lower surface of the shower head body 4. That is, the hot water flowing in the water supply passage 4a of the shower head body 4 flows into the sprinkler mounting recess 4b.

In addition, the sprinkler portion holding members 8 are fitted into the respective sprinkler portion mounting recesses 4 b. The sprinkler holding member 8 is a cylindrical member, and is water-tightly fitted into each of the sprinkler fitting recesses 4 b. The fluid element 10 serving as a sprinkler portion is held by each sprinkler portion holding member 8. The fluid element 10 is held by the sprinkler holding member 8 so as to eject hot water from the lower surface of the sprinkler holding member 8. The fluid element 10 is held by the sprinkler holding member 8 so as to be directed obliquely downward, and the fluid element 10 is directed toward the center of the elliptical shower head body 4 so as to spray hot water obliquely downward. The sprinkler portion holding member 8 is configured to be detachable from the sprinkler portion mounting recess 4 b.

Next, the structure of the fluid element 10 serving as the sprinkler portion of the shower apparatus 1 will be described with reference to fig. 3 to 5.

Fig. 3 is an oblique view of a fluid element included in the shower device according to embodiment 1 of the present invention. Fig. 4 is a sectional view taken along the IV-IV line of fig. 3, and fig. 5 is a sectional view taken along the V-V line of fig. 3.

As shown in fig. 3, the fluid element 10 is a substantially thin rectangular parallelepiped member, and has a rectangular water jet 10a provided on the front end surface and a flange 10b provided on the rear end surface. A groove 10c is provided in parallel with the flange 10b so as to surround the periphery of the fluid element 10. An O-ring (not shown) is fitted into the groove 10c to ensure water tightness with the sprinkler portion holding member 8.

As shown in fig. 4, a passage having a rectangular cross section is formed inside the fluid element 10 so as to penetrate in the longitudinal direction. The passages are formed in this order from the upstream side as a water supply passage 12a, a vortex flow passage 12b, and a rectifying passage 12c.

The water supply passage 12a is a linear passage having a rectangular cross section and a constant cross section extending from the inlet 10d on the back surface side of the fluid element 10.

The vortex passage 12b is a passage having a rectangular cross section provided on the downstream side of the water supply passage 12a so as to be connected to the water supply passage 12a (without a step). That is, the downstream end of the feed water passage 12a and the upstream end of the vortex flow passage 12b have the same size and shape. The pair of opposing wall surfaces (both side wall surfaces) of the scroll passage 12b are tapered so that the flow path cross-sectional area decreases throughout the scroll passage 12b toward the downstream side. That is, the vortex path 12b is configured to be tapered toward the downstream side and gradually narrowed in width.

The rectifying passage 12c is a passage having a rectangular cross section provided on the downstream side so as to communicate with the vortex passage 12b, and has a constant cross section in a straight line. The hot water containing the vortex induced by the vortex passage 12b is rectified by the rectifying passage 12c and discharged from the water jet 10 a. The flow path cross-sectional area of the rectifying passage 12c is smaller than the flow path cross-sectional area of the downstream end portion of the vortex passage 12b, and a step portion 14 is formed between the vortex passage 12b and the rectifying passage 12 c. The surface of the step 14, i.e., the step wall surface, faces in a direction orthogonal to the central axis of the scroll passage 12 b.

On the other hand, as shown in fig. 5, all the wall surfaces (ceiling surface and floor surface) facing the height direction of the water supply passage 12a, the vortex flow passage 12b, and the rectifying passage 12c are provided on the same plane. That is, the heights of the water supply passage 12a, the vortex passage 12b, and the rectifying passage 12c are all the same and constant.

Next, a hot water collision portion 16 is formed at the downstream end portion of the water supply passage 12a (near the connection portion of the water supply passage 12a and the vortex passage 12 b), and the hot water collision portion 16 is provided so as to block a part of the flow path cross section of the water supply passage 12 a. The hot water collision portion 16 is a triangular prism-shaped portion extending so as to connect wall surfaces (ceiling surface and floor surface) facing the height direction of the water supply passage 12a, and is arranged in an island shape at the center in the width direction of the water supply passage 12 a. The hot water collision portion 16 is formed in an isosceles triangle shape in cross section, and is disposed so that its hypotenuse is orthogonal to the central axis of the water supply passage 12a, and a portion of the apex angle of the isosceles triangle is disposed toward the downstream side.

By providing the hot water collision portion 16, karman vortex is generated on the downstream side thereof, and the hot water ejected from the water jet 10a vibrates reciprocally. That is, the hot water supplied from the water supply passage (not shown) of the support member 6 flows into the water supply passage 4a (fig. 2) in the shower head main body 4 and flows into the inflow port 10d of each fluid element 10 held by the sprinkler portion holding member 8. The hot water flowing into the water supply passage 12a from the inflow port 10d of each fluid element 10 collides with the hot water collision portion 16 provided to block a part of the flow path. Thereby, a vortex row of karman vortices alternately rotating reversely is formed on the downstream side of the hot water collision part 16. The karman vortex formed by the hot water collision portion 16 grows while being guided by the vortex passage 12b tapered at the tip end, and reaches the rectifying passage 12c.

The hot water flowing into the rectifying passage 12c on the downstream side of the vortex passage 12b is rectified here. The hot water discharged from the water jet 10a through the flow straightening passage 12c is curved based on the flow velocity distribution in the water jet 10a, and the portion having a high flow velocity moves in the up-down direction in fig. 4, so that the discharge direction changes. That is, in a state where a portion having a high flow rate of hot water is located at the upper end of the water jet 10a in fig. 4, the hot water is injected downward, and in a state where a portion having a high flow rate is located at the lower end of the water jet 10a, the hot water is injected upward. As described above, the stuck vortex is alternately generated on the downstream side of the hot water collision portion 16, whereby the flow velocity distribution is generated in the water jet 10a, and the jet is deflected. Further, since the position of the portion having a high flow velocity is reciprocated by the progress of the vortex, the hot water to be injected is also reciprocated in a sinusoidal wave shape in a predetermined vibration plane (a plane parallel to the paper surface of fig. 4).

Here, as shown in fig. 2, in the present embodiment, since each fluid element 10 is mounted obliquely downward, the hot water discharged from the water discharge port 10a of the fluid element 10 falls down while spreading in a fan shape substantially in a predetermined vibration plane. That is, the hot water sprayed from the water spray ports 10a of the fluid element 10 vibrates reciprocally in a sine wave shape, whereby the trajectory of the sprayed water per a certain time is expanded in a fan shape. In the present embodiment, each fluid element 10 is attached to the shower head body 4 such that the vibration plane thereof faces the tangential direction (circumferential direction) of the elliptical shower head body 4. Thus, a cylindrical shower water jet having an elliptical cross section is formed as a whole below the shower head main body 4, and the head of a user standing below the shower head main body 4 is surrounded by the shower water jet.

Further, the hot water sprayed from the water spray ports 10a of the fluid element 10 preferably spreads downward at an angle of about 10 ° or more. When the expansion of the water jet is too large, the amount of water wasted by falling down is not increased by the body of the user standing under the shower head main body 4, and the water saving performance is reduced. On the other hand, when the spread of the water jet is too small, the area of the body water of the user becomes small, and the number of fluid elements 10 required for wrapping the body of the user becomes large, so that the water saving property is lowered. Accordingly, the expansion angle α (fig. 4) of the hot water discharged from the water jet 10a of the fluid element 10 is set to about 10 ° to about 45 °, and more preferably, about 20 ° to about 30 °. The interval at which the fluid element 10 is disposed is set to be about 30 to about 200mm, preferably about 43 to about 167mm, so that the water jet spreads in a fan shape and falls.

Next, the operation of the shower apparatus 1 according to embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described with reference to fig. 6.

Fig. 6 is a view schematically showing a user who is bathing a shower that is ejected from the shower head body 4 of the shower apparatus 1 according to embodiment 1 of the present invention.

As described above, the hot water discharged from the fluid element 10 provided in the shower head main body 4 is discharged while vibrating reciprocally in a sinusoidal wave shape. Therefore, as shown in fig. 6, the hot water discharged from each fluid element 10 falls down while spreading substantially in a fan shape. As described above, each fluid element 10 is mounted so as to be inclined obliquely downward toward the center of the shower head body 4 (fig. 2). Therefore, the water spray space S surrounded by the shower water spray from each fluid element 10 has a shape narrowed downward. In the shower device 1 of the present embodiment, since the hot water is discharged from the fluid element 10 provided in the shower head main body 4 while vibrating reciprocally in a sinusoidal wave, even when the interval at which the fluid element 10 is provided is set to be wide, the body of the user can be wrapped, and the water-saving effect can be obtained while maintaining the water flow of the water jet.

The fluid elements 10 are provided along the annular shower head body 4 at predetermined intervals. Therefore, as shown in fig. 6, in the region (region near the shower head main body 4) where the width of the hot water discharged from each fluid element 10 is not sufficiently expanded, a gap exists between the hot water discharged from each fluid element 10. Thereby, the air in the water spray space S surrounded by the shower water sprays from the respective fluid elements 10 can flow out to the outside of the water spray space S through the gap between the shower water sprays. In the present embodiment, the shower head body 4 is formed in a ring shape, and therefore, air in the water spray space S can flow out upward of the shower head body 4 through the inside of the shower head body 4. Therefore, the hot air of the hot water discharged into the water discharge space S is not retained, and the inside of the water discharge space S is maintained at a comfortable temperature.

On the other hand, the hot water discharged from each fluid element 10 falls down while spreading in the horizontal direction, and thus the discharged hot water as a whole forms a flat fan shape. The fan-shaped hot water discharged from each fluid element 10 merges with each other at a position where it falls at a prescribed distance L. Further, since the flat fan-shaped hot water discharged from each fluid element 10 is directed in the tangential direction of the annular shower head main body 4, the fan-shaped hot water discharged from each fluid element 10 surrounds the head and body of the user, and a water film is formed around the body of the user. Therefore, the portion of the shower head main body 4 below the water spray space S above the predetermined distance L functions as a hot air release space because a gap exists between the shower water sprays. In addition, the portion of the water jet space S below the shower head main body 4 at the predetermined distance L functions as a hot air holding space because the hot water ejected from the fluid elements 10 merges to form a water film surrounding the body. The predetermined distance L is preferably set so that the upper body of a user having a relatively small size (for example, a height of about 150 cm) can be kept wet.

As described above, since the hot water discharged from each fluid element 10 falls down at the predetermined distance L and forms a water film so as to cover the body of the user while being applied to the upper body of the user, the body of the user is sufficiently warmed by the hot water. Therefore, even when the temperature in the shower room 2 is low, the user does not feel cold, and can keep the shower for a long time.

According to the shower apparatus of embodiment 1 of the present invention, since the shower head body 4 is fixed to the side wall surface 2a, a user can take a bath without holding the shower head body 4 by hand. Further, since the fluid elements 10 as the plurality of water spraying portions are provided to the shower head body 4 at intervals, gaps exist between the hot water sprayed from the fluid elements 10 in the vicinity of the shower head body 4, and it is possible to suppress stagnation of hot air in the water spraying space S surrounded by shower water spray. Therefore, the user who is bathing for a long time can be restrained from feeling stuffy and breathing difficulty. Further, since the hot water discharged from each fluid element 10 spreads and falls down, the body of the user standing under the shower head main body 4 is wetted with a large area, and the hot water of the water spreads further on the body surface, so that the body can be sufficiently covered with the hot water. As a result, even when the air temperature is low, the user who is bathing is unlikely to feel cold, and can continue bathing for a long period of time.

Further, according to the shower device of the present embodiment, since the hot water discharged from each fluid element 10 merges with each other at the position where the hot water falls by the predetermined distance L from each fluid element 10 (fig. 6), ventilation can be ensured between the inside and outside of the water spray space S surrounded by the shower water spray, and stagnation of hot air can be suppressed. Further, the body of the user can be sufficiently wrapped with hot water below the position where the hot water discharged merges, and the body of the user can be sufficiently warmed.

Further, according to the shower device of the present embodiment, the water spray space S surrounded by the hot water to be discharged is narrowed downward, so that sufficient air permeability can be ensured in the upper portion of the water spray space S surrounded by the hot water. On the other hand, in the lower part of the water spraying space S surrounded by the hot water, the space becomes small, the heat insulation property in the space is easily ensured, and the user can be sufficiently warmed.

In addition, according to the shower device of the present embodiment, since the shower head body 4 is formed in the annular shape, air in the water spray space S surrounded by shower water spray flows out to the outside through the inside of the shower head body 4, and thus, stagnation of hot air in the water spray space S surrounded by shower water spray can be suppressed.

In the above embodiment, the sprinkler portion is constituted by the fluid element 10, and shower water spray in which hot water falls while expanding is realized by the fluid element 10. In contrast, as a modification example, a nozzle for ejecting hot water can be configured to realize a sprinkler portion that drops while expanding hot water.

Fig. 7 to 9 are diagrams showing an example of a shower nozzle for spraying hot water while expanding and dropping. Fig. 7 is an oblique view showing the whole of the nozzle. Fig. 8 is a partial enlarged sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII of fig. 7, and fig. 9 is a partial enlarged sectional view taken along line IX-IX of fig. 7.

As shown in fig. 7, the nozzle 18 as a shower head is formed in a cylindrical shape as a whole, and can be fitted into each shower head mounting recess 4b of the shower head body 4 for use. As shown in fig. 7 to 9, a circular-section passage 18a is formed along the central axis of the cylindrical nozzle 18. A dome-shaped (hemispherical) inner wall surface 18b is formed at the tip of the circular cross-section passage 18a. A groove 18c having a V-shaped cross section is provided in the front end surface of the nozzle 18, and a part of the dome-shaped inner wall surface 18b is cut off at the deepest portion of the groove 18 c.

With this structure, the hot water guided by the water supply passage 4a in the shower head body 4 flows into the passage 18a of the nozzle 18, and the hot water guided by the passage 18a flows out from the slit provided in the inner wall surface 18b toward the bottom of the groove 18c having a V-shaped cross section, and is ejected downward (upward in fig. 7 to 9). As a result, as shown in fig. 8, the hot water W discharged from the nozzle 18 falls down while expanding into a conical shape or an elliptical cone shape. In the present modification, each nozzle 18 is attached to the shower head body 4 such that the major axis of the elliptical cone is oriented in the tangential direction of the elliptical shower head body 4. In the present modification, the shower head body 4 is provided with the nozzle 18 by attaching the nozzle 18 thereto, but the shower head body 4 may be provided with a nozzle hole directly formed in a member constituting the shower head body 4.

Next, the operation of the shower apparatus according to embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described with reference to fig. 10 to 12.

The shower device according to this embodiment is different from embodiment 1 of the present invention in the direction (angle) in which each fluid element is attached to the shower head main body. As a result, the manner of spraying water from the shower device is different from embodiment 1 described above. Therefore, the manner of spraying water generated by the shower device according to embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described below, and the same structure as that of embodiment 1 will be omitted.

Fig. 10 is a front view schematically showing a user who is bathing a shower that is ejected from the shower head main body 19 of the shower apparatus according to embodiment 2 of the present invention. Fig. 11 is a side view schematically showing shower water spray on a virtual horizontal plane oriented in the vertical direction in the shower apparatus according to embodiment 2 of the present invention. Fig. 12 is an enlarged view schematically showing a state of hot water flowing on a virtual horizontal plane oriented in the vertical direction in the shower apparatus according to embodiment 2 of the present invention.

As in embodiment 1, the hot water discharged from the fluid element 10 provided in the shower head main body 19 is discharged while vibrating reciprocally in a sinusoidal wave shape. Therefore, as shown in fig. 10, the hot water discharged from each fluid element 10 falls down while spreading substantially in a fan shape. Further, since each fluid element 10 is attached so as to be inclined obliquely downward toward the center of the shower head main body 19 (as in fig. 2 of embodiment 1), shower water sprayed from each fluid element 10 is sprayed on a virtual horizontal plane P oriented in the vertical direction below the shower head main body 19. Further, since the vibration plane of each fluid element 10 is oriented in the tangential direction of the elliptical shower head main body 19, shower water sprayed from each fluid element 10 forms a water region extending in a line substantially oriented in the horizontal direction on the virtual water plane P. In the shower device according to the present embodiment, since the hot water is discharged from the fluid element 10 provided in the shower head main body 19 while vibrating reciprocally in a sinusoidal wave, even when the interval at which the fluid element 10 is provided is set to be wide, the body of the user can be wrapped, and the water-jet water potential can be maintained, and the water-saving effect can be obtained.

As shown in fig. 10 and 11, in the present embodiment, A1 st water region A1 extending in a straight line substantially in the horizontal direction is formed on one surface (left surface in fig. 11) of a virtual water plane P of shower water W1 discharged from a fluid element 10A as A1 st water discharge portion among the plurality of fluid elements 10. Similarly, the shower water spray W2 discharged from the fluid element 10B serving as the 2 nd water spray portion among the plurality of fluid elements 10 forms A2 nd water area A2 extending in a straight line substantially in the horizontal direction on the same plane of the virtual water plane P. In the example shown in fig. 10 and 11, the virtual horizontal plane P is set to include the major axis of the elliptical shower head main body 19. As shown in fig. 11, the fluid element 10A as the 1 st water spraying portion and the fluid element 10B as the 2 nd water spraying portion are disposed on the side of the horizontal plane P, and the fluid element 10A forms the 1 st water area A1 and the fluid element 10B forms the 2 nd water area A2 on the same plane of the horizontal plane P.

Here, as shown in fig. 11, the angle at which the fluid element 10A as the 1 st water spraying portion ejects hot water with respect to the horizontal plane P is larger than the angle at which the fluid element 10B as the 2 nd water spraying portion ejects hot water with respect to the horizontal plane P, and therefore the 1 st water area A1 is formed above the 2 nd water area A2. That is, the 1 st water area A1 and the 2 nd water area A2 on the water plane P are separated by a predetermined distance in the up-down direction. As shown in fig. 10, A1 st water area A1 formed by the fluid element 10A and A2 nd water area A2 formed by the fluid element 10B overlap each other in the vertical direction. That is, the projection in the vertical direction of the 1 st water area A1 formed on the horizontal plane P overlaps at least a part of the 2 nd water area A2 formed on the horizontal plane P.

Therefore, as shown in fig. 12, the hot water sprayed from the fluid element 10A and dropped onto the 1 st water area A1 merges with the hot water sprayed from the fluid element 10B and dropped onto the 2 nd water area A2 while spreading. As described above, the hot water falling down to the 1 st water area A1 merges with the hot water flowing down to the 2 nd water area A2, and the hot water falling down from the 1 st water area A1 is temporarily blocked, and the time for which the hot water stays on the water surface P (the body surface of the user) increases.

Thus, even when the amount of water discharged from the shower head main body 19 is relatively small, a sufficient feeling of water can be given to the user. Further, since the time for which the hot water stays on the body surface of the user is long, a large amount of heat is given to the user from the hot water, and the body of the user can be sufficiently warmed. The shower water sprayed from the fluid element 10B as the 2 nd water spraying portion spreads in the horizontal direction and is applied to the 2 nd water application area A2. Therefore, the hot water flowing down in the 1 st water zone spreads in the horizontal direction as compared with the hot water flowing down in the 2 nd water zone A2, and the hot water is likely to stay on the body surface of the user.

In the present embodiment, the 2 fluid elements 10A and 10B disposed on the front side of the user standing below the shower head main body 19 are the 1 st and 2 nd water spraying portions, but any 2 of the plurality of water spraying portions provided in the shower head main body 19 may be the 1 st and 2 nd water spraying portions.

According to the shower device of embodiment 2 of the present invention, at least a part of the 1 st water area A1 and the 2 nd water area A2 overlap each other in the vertical direction (fig. 10). Therefore, the hot water flowing down on the body surface of the user while being applied to the 1 st water application area A1 and the hot water flowing down on the 2 nd water application area A2 interfere with each other on the body surface of the user, and are likely to remain on the body surface. Therefore, the amount of hot water retained on the body surface of the user who is bathing increases with respect to the amount of water discharged from the shower head main body 19, and even when the amount of water discharged from the shower head main body 19 is relatively small, a sufficient water sensation can be imparted to the user. Further, since the time for which the hot water stays on the body surface of the user is long, a large amount of heat is given to the user from the hot water, and the body of the user can be sufficiently warmed. As a result, the user can be given a sufficient feeling of water and warmth while saving water.

In the shower device according to the present embodiment, the 1 st water area A1 is formed above the 2 nd water area A2, and the fluid element 10B as the 2 nd water spray unit is configured such that hot water falls while spreading in the horizontal direction. Therefore, the hot water flowing down in the 1 st water area A1 spreads in the horizontal direction while spreading in the horizontal direction by being discharged from the fluid element 10B, and the hot water flowing down in the 2 nd water area A2 spreads in the horizontal direction. Therefore, the hot water flowing on the body surface of the user can be greatly spread on the body surface and flowed down, and the time for which the hot water stays on the body surface can be made longer, so that a sufficient water sensation can be imparted to the user.

In the above-described embodiment, the sprinkler portion is constituted by the fluid element 10, and the water area extending in a linear shape is formed on the horizontal surface by the fluid element 10 such that the hot water spreads and falls down. In contrast, as a modification example, a sprinkler portion that allows hot water to drop while expanding can be realized by a structure of a nozzle that ejects hot water.

Next, a shower apparatus according to embodiment 3 of the present invention will be described with reference to fig. 13.

In the shower device according to the present embodiment, the direction of shower water sprayed from a fluid element provided in a shower head main body is different from that of embodiment 2 described above. Therefore, only the differences between embodiment 3 and embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described, and the description of the same structure, operation, and effects will be omitted. Fig. 13 is a front view showing a state in which a user is showering water spray from the shower device according to embodiment 3 of the present invention.

The shower head main body 20 of the shower device of the present embodiment is formed in an elliptical ring shape as a whole, and a plurality of fluid elements 10 are provided as water spraying portions, similarly to the embodiments 1 and 2. As described above, the hot water discharged from the fluid element 10 spreads into a substantially fan shape and falls down while being discharged while vibrating reciprocally in a sinusoidal wave shape. The fluid elements 10 are attached so as to be inclined obliquely downward toward the center of the shower head main body 20, and shower water sprayed from the fluid elements 10 is sprayed on a virtual horizontal plane P oriented in the vertical direction below the shower head main body 20. In embodiment 2 described above, the vibration plane of each fluid element 10 is oriented in the tangential direction of the elliptical shower head body 4, and a water region extending in a line shape in a substantially horizontal direction is formed on the water plane P. In contrast, in the present embodiment, the vibration plane of the fluid element 10 is inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the tangential line of the elliptical shower head body 4, and an inclined water region is formed on the water plane P.

That is, as shown in fig. 13, in the present embodiment, the shower water W1 discharged from the fluid element 10A as the 1 st water discharge portion among the plurality of fluid elements 10 provided in the shower head main body 20 forms the 1 st water region A1 extending in a straight line so as to be inclined so as to rise toward the end portion while being low at the center of the shower head main body 20 on the virtual water plane P. On the other hand, the shower water spray W2 discharged from the fluid element 10B serving as the 2 nd water spray portion among the plurality of fluid elements 10 is also formed on the same plane as the virtual water plane P in a linearly extending 2 nd water area A2 which is inclined so as to be lower at the center side of the shower head main body 20 and to be higher toward the end portion. In the example shown in fig. 13, the virtual horizontal plane P is also set to include the major axis of the elliptical shower head main body 20. The fluid element 10A as the 1 st water spraying portion and the fluid element 10B as the 2 nd water spraying portion are disposed on the side of the horizontal plane P, and the fluid element 10A forms the 1 st water area A1 and the fluid element 10B forms the 2 nd water area A2 on the same plane of the horizontal plane P.

Here, since the vibration planes of the fluid element 10A as the 1 st water spraying portion and the fluid element 10B as the 2 nd water spraying portion are attached to the shower head main body 20 at a predetermined angle, the water areas inclined at a predetermined angle are formed on the water plane P, respectively. In the present embodiment, the 1 st water area A1 formed by the fluid element 10A and the 2 nd water area A2 formed by the fluid element 10B are formed so as to be low at the center side of the shower head main body 20 and to be raised toward both end portions. As a result, as shown in fig. 13, the 1 st water area A1 and the 2 nd water area A2 intersect in a V-shape at a predetermined height below the substantially center of the shower head main body 20 in the lateral direction.

Therefore, as shown in fig. 13, the hot water discharged from the fluid element 10A and flowing to the 1 st water area A1 and the hot water discharged from the fluid element 10B and flowing to the 2 nd water area A2 are joined at points intersecting in a V-shape. As described above, the hot water flowing into the 1 st water area A1 and the hot water flowing into the 2 nd water area A2 are joined together, and thereby the hot water is temporarily blocked, and the time during which the hot water stays on the water surface P (the body surface of the user) becomes long.

Thus, even when the amount of water discharged from the shower head main body 20 is relatively small, a sufficient feeling of water can be given to the user. Further, since the time for which the hot water stays on the body surface of the user is long, a large amount of heat is given to the user from the hot water, and the body of the user can be sufficiently warmed. Further, since the 1 st water area A1 and the 2 nd water area A2 are inclined so as to be lowered at the center of the shower head main body 20, the hot water discharged from the fluid elements 10A and 10B is less likely to be sprayed to the face of the user. On the other hand, since the 1 st water area A1 and the 2 nd water area A2 are located at high positions at both end portions of the shower head main body 20, hot water is sprayed near both shoulders of the user, and the user can be effectively warmed.

According to the shower apparatus of embodiment 3 of the present invention, the 1 st water area A1 and the 2 nd water area A2 intersect. Therefore, the hot water flowing in the 1 st water area A1 and the hot water flowing in the 2 nd water area A2 interfere with each other at the crossing point of the water areas on the body surface of the user, and are likely to stay on the body surface of the user. Therefore, the amount of hot water retained on the body surface of the user who is bathing increases with respect to the amount of water discharged from the shower head main body 20, and even when the amount of water discharged from the shower head main body 20 is relatively small, a sufficient water sensation can be imparted to the user. Further, since the time for which the hot water stays on the body surface of the user is long, a large amount of heat is given to the user from the hot water, and the body of the user can be sufficiently warmed. As a result, the user can be given a sufficient feeling of water and warmth while saving water.

In the shower device according to the present embodiment, the 1 st water area A1 and the 2 nd water area A2 intersect in a V-shape at a predetermined height below the substantially center in the lateral direction of the shower head main body 20. Therefore, the 1 st and 2 nd water areas can be formed at a relatively high position of the upper body of the user while avoiding the shower water spray from directly flowing to the vicinity of the face of the user, so that the time for which the water hot water flows down on the body surface of the user can be prolonged, and the user can be warmed sufficiently.

Next, a shower apparatus according to embodiment 4 of the present invention will be described with reference to fig. 14.

With the shower device of the present embodiment, the shape of the shower head main body is different from those of the above-described embodiments 1 to 3. Therefore, only the differences between embodiment 4 and embodiments 1 to 3 of the present invention will be described, and the same structure, operation, and effects will be omitted. Fig. 14 is a perspective view showing a state in which a user is showering water spray from the shower device according to embodiment 4 of the present invention.

As shown in fig. 14, a shower head body 30 included in a shower device according to embodiment 4 of the present invention is formed in a rectangular ring shape. A plurality of shower nozzles are provided along the shower head main body 30 having the annular configuration, and shower water is sprayed around the head of the user. The hot water discharged from each sprinkler portion is formed to drop down while expanding into a flat fan shape. The shower water sprays extending in the fan shape are directed in directions parallel to the sides of the shower head main body 20, and join each other at a position falling from each of the water spray portions by a predetermined distance, thereby forming a water film around the body of the user. The shower water spouted is directed to the center of the shower head main body 30, and the shower water spouted is directed obliquely downward, so that the hot water spouted is directed to a virtual horizontal plane in the vertical direction below the shower head main body. The shower water sprays extending in the fan shape are directed in directions parallel to the sides of the shower head main body 30, and at least a part of each water area formed by the 1 st water spraying part and the 2 nd water spraying part among the plurality of water spraying parts is overlapped with each other in the vertical direction. As the plurality of water spraying portions provided in the shower head main body 30, any configuration such as the fluid element illustrated in fig. 3 and the nozzle illustrated in fig. 9 can be adopted.

Next, a shower apparatus according to embodiment 5 of the present invention will be described with reference to fig. 15.

With the shower device of the present embodiment, the shape of the shower head main body is different from those of the above-described embodiments 1 to 4. Therefore, only the differences between embodiment 5 and embodiments 1 to 4 of the present invention will be described, and the same structure, operation, and effects will be omitted. Fig. 15 is a perspective view showing a state in which a user is showering water spray from the shower device according to embodiment 5 of the present invention.

As shown in fig. 15, a shower head body 40 included in a shower device according to embodiment 5 of the present invention is composed of 2 linear shower head bodies 40a and 40 b. A plurality of shower nozzle portions are provided along the shower head bodies 40a and 40b having the linear configuration, so as to form shower water jets surrounding the head of the user. Here, the hot water discharged from each water spray portion is configured to drop while expanding into a flat fan shape. The shower nozzle portion provided at the center of each of the shower head bodies 40a and 40b sprays shower water in a fan shape parallel to the extending direction of each of the shower head bodies 40a and 40 b. In contrast, the sprinkler portion provided near the end portions of the shower head bodies 40a and 40b sprays shower water in a fan shape that is directed substantially at right angles to the direction in which the shower head bodies 40a and 40b extend.

The sprinkler portions provided in the shower head bodies 40a and 40b are inclined downward in a direction in which the shower water sprays are close to each other, and the hot water sprays on a virtual horizontal plane oriented in the vertical direction below the shower head bodies. Therefore, the water spray space surrounded by the hot water to be discharged is configured to be narrowed downward. The shower water sprays from the central portions of the shower head bodies 40a and 40b are spread in a fan shape in parallel with the shower head bodies 40a and 40b, respectively, and at least a part of each water area formed by the 1 st water spraying portion and the 2 nd water spraying portion among the plurality of water spraying portions overlaps with each other in the vertical direction. That is, shower water sprays from the shower head units 40a and 40b provided near the ends of the shower head units are directed to merge with each other at positions falling at a predetermined distance. Therefore, the shower water sprayed from the 2 shower head bodies 40a and 40b, which are linearly formed, surrounds the head of the user standing between the 2 shower head bodies 40a and 40 b. As the plurality of water spraying portions provided in the shower head main body 40, any configuration such as the fluid element illustrated in fig. 3 and the nozzle illustrated in fig. 9 can be adopted.

Next, a shower apparatus according to embodiment 6 of the present invention will be described with reference to fig. 16.

The shower device of the present embodiment is different from the above-described embodiment 5 in the shape of the shower head main body. Therefore, only the differences between embodiment 6 and embodiment 5 of the present invention will be described, and the same structure, operation, and effects will be omitted. Fig. 16 is an oblique view showing a state in which a user is bathing shower water from the shower apparatus according to embodiment 6 of the present invention.

As shown in fig. 16, a shower head main body 50 included in a shower device according to embodiment 6 of the present invention is composed of 2 shower head main bodies 50a and 50b which are bent and extended. The shower head bodies 50a and 50b are bent and extended so that both end portions thereof approach each other, and a plurality of water sprinkling portions are provided along the shower head bodies. Thereby, a shower spray is formed which surrounds the head of the user. Here, the hot water discharged from each water spray portion is configured to drop while expanding into a flat fan shape. The shower nozzle portion provided at the center of each of the shower head bodies 50a and 50b sprays shower water having a fan shape that spreads in a substantially tangential direction of the direction in which each of the shower head bodies 50a and 50b extends. In contrast, the sprinkler portion provided near the end of each of the shower head bodies 50a and 50b sprays shower water in a fan shape at an angle close to a right angle with respect to the direction in which each of the shower head bodies 50a and 50b extends.

The sprinkler portions provided in the shower head bodies 50a and 50b spray hot water obliquely downward in a direction in which the sprayed shower water sprays approach each other, and the sprayed hot water is supplied to a virtual horizontal plane oriented in the vertical direction below the shower head bodies. Therefore, the water spray space surrounded by the hot water to be discharged is configured to be narrowed downward. The shower water sprays from the shower head main bodies 50a and 50b are directed to merge with each other at positions falling at a predetermined distance. Therefore, the shower water sprayed from the 2 shower head bodies 50a and 50b formed by bending surrounds the head of the user standing between the 2 shower head bodies 50a and 50 b. The shower water sprays from the central portions of the shower head bodies 50a and 50b spread in a fan shape at a predetermined angle, and the water areas formed by the 1 st water spraying portion and the 2 nd water spraying portion among the plurality of water spraying portions intersect in a V-shape at a predetermined height below the substantial center in the lateral direction of the shower head body. As the plurality of water spraying portions provided in the shower head main body 50, any configuration such as the fluid element illustrated in fig. 3 and the nozzle illustrated in fig. 9 can be adopted.

Next, a shower apparatus according to embodiment 7 of the present invention will be described with reference to fig. 17 to 22.

The shower device of the present embodiment is different from the above-described embodiment 1 in the structure of supplying hot water to each shower head portion of the shower head main body. Therefore, only the differences between embodiment 7 and embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described below, and the same structure, operation, and effects will be omitted.

Fig. 17 is an oblique view showing a shower device according to embodiment 7 of the present invention. Fig. 18 is an oblique view showing a state in which an upper cover of a shower head main body included in the shower device according to embodiment 7 of the present invention is removed. Fig. 19 is a cross-sectional view of a shower head main body included in a shower device according to embodiment 7 of the present invention. Fig. 20 is an exploded perspective view showing an attachment structure of a sprinkler portion in a shower device according to embodiment 7 of the present invention. Fig. 21 is a view showing an example of hot water discharged from a fluid element in the shower device according to embodiment 7 of the present invention. Fig. 22 is a view schematically showing hot water discharged from the 1 st to 3 rd fluid elements provided in the shower head main body of the shower apparatus according to embodiment 7 of the present invention.

As shown in fig. 17, the shower device 61 of the present embodiment is fixed to the side wall surface 2a of the shower stall. The shower device 61 further includes a shower head main body 62 and a support member 66 for attaching the shower head main body 62 to the side wall surface 2 a.

The shower head main body 62 is an annular member having an elliptical shape as a whole, and a plurality of water spraying portions are provided at intervals along the elliptical ring. The shower head main body 62 is composed of an elliptical ring-shaped annular portion 62a and 3 hot water supply portions 62b radially extending from the center of the annular portion 62 a.

The annular portion 62a is an elliptical annular portion, and a plurality of sprinkler portions are provided on the lower surface thereof at intervals. As will be described later, a water supply passage for supplying hot water to each sprinkler portion is provided in the annular portion 62 a. On the other hand, each hot water supply portion 62b extends radially from the center of the annular portion 62a, and the distal ends thereof are connected to the annular portion 62a, respectively. Specifically, 1 hot water supply portion 62b extends from the center of the annular portion 62a in the direction of the side wall surface 2a, 2 hot water supply portions 62b extend in the opposite direction of the side wall surface 2a, and the tip ends of the hot water supply portions 62b are connected to the annular portion 62 a. The lengths between the 3 points at which the distal ends of the hot water supply portions 62b and the annular portions 62a are connected are substantially the same.

Next, the support member 66 is a member attached so as to extend in a substantially horizontal direction from the upper portion of the side wall surface 2a, and is configured to support the shower head main body 62 at a predetermined height. The support member 66 is connected to the upper surface of the shower head main body 62, and the tip of the support member 66 is connected to the joint portion of the 3 hot water supply portions 62b at the center of the shower head main body 62. A water supply passage (not shown) is provided in the support member 66, and hot water supplied through the water supply passage flows into the hot water supply portions 52b of the shower head main body 62 and is discharged from the sprinkler portions provided on the lower surface of the annular portion 62 a.

In the present embodiment, the shower head main body 62 is just connected to the distal end portion of the support member 66, but as a modification, a ball joint (not shown) is provided between the support member 66 and the shower head main body 62, and the shower head main body 62 may be fixed to the support member 66 so as to be angularly adjustable. In this case, a ball joint (not shown) is provided between the tip of the support member 66 and the joint of the 3 hot water supply portions 62b, and the ball joint is located near the center of gravity of the shower head main body 62. Therefore, the moment of force acting on the rotation center of the ball joint is relatively small due to the gravity acting on the shower head main body 62, and the shower head main body 62 can be easily fixed at an arbitrary angular position by the ball joint.

The shower head main body 62 is composed of an upper cover 63, a flow path forming member 64, and a lower cover 65, and by coupling these upper cover 63 and flow path forming member 64, a water supply passage for supplying hot water is formed in each shower head portion of the shower head main body 62.

As shown in fig. 18, the flow path forming member 64 is composed of an annular portion and 3 linear portions extending radially from the center of the annular portion. The annular portion constitutes a part of the annular portion 62a of the shower head main body 62, and each linear portion constitutes a part of the hot water supply portion 62 b. The annular passage 64a extending in an annular shape is formed in an annular portion so as to surround the annular portion 62a once, and the distribution passages 64b are formed in the respective linear portions. That is, 3 distribution passages 64b extend radially from the center of the shower head main body 62, and the tips thereof communicate with the annular passage 64a. As described above, the hot water flows into the annular passage 64a from a plurality of places through the distribution passages 64b.

On the other hand, a plurality of communication holes 64c are provided along the annular passage 64a, and these communication holes 64c communicate with a sprinkler mounting recess 64d (fig. 19) provided on the lower surface side of the flow path forming member 64. Thus, the annular passage 64a formed in the annular portion 62a of the shower head main body 62 communicates with each of the sprinkler mounting recesses 64d, and hot water is supplied to the fluid element 10 (fig. 19) mounted therein.

Next, as shown in fig. 19 and 20, a plurality of sprinkler mounting recesses 64d are provided along the annular passage 64a on the lower surface side of the flow passage forming member 64. Further, as in embodiment 1 described above, each of the sprinkler portion attachment recesses 64d is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape, and the sprinkler portion holding member 68 holding the fluid element 10 as a sprinkler portion is detachably fitted thereto. The structure of the fluid element 10 is the same as that of embodiment 1 described above, and therefore, the description thereof is omitted.

The sprinkler portion holding member 68 is a substantially cylindrical member as a whole, and is configured to hold the fluid element 10 as a sprinkler portion. The sprinkler holding member 68 holds the fluid element 10 so as to be inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the central axis. Thereby, the hot water is ejected obliquely downward from the shower head main body 62. Further, a groove 68a is provided on the outer periphery of the sprinkler portion holding member 68, and an O-ring (not shown) is disposed in the groove 68a, whereby water tightness between the sprinkler portion holding member 68 and the sprinkler portion mounting recess 64d is ensured.

As shown in fig. 20, loading grooves 68b (only 1 is shown in fig. 20) are provided at 2 of the outer peripheral surface of the sprinkler portion holding member 68. Each loading groove 68b is formed in a hook shape, and includes an axial direction portion extending in the axial direction from the upper end of the sprinkler portion holding member 68 and a circumferential direction portion extending in the circumferential direction of the sprinkler portion holding member 68 from the lower end of the axial direction portion. On the other hand, 2 engaging projections 64e (only 1 is shown in fig. 20) are provided on the inner wall surface of the sprinkler mounting recess 64d at positions corresponding to the axial direction portions of the respective loading grooves 68 b.

When mounting the sprinkler portion holding member 68, first, the sprinkler portion holding member 68 is fitted into the sprinkler portion mounting recess 64d so as to receive the engagement projections 64e in the axial direction portions of the mounting grooves 68 b. Then, by rotating the sprinkler portion holding member 68, the engagement projections 64e are received in the circumferential direction portions of the loading grooves 68b, and the sprinkler portion holding member 68 can be fixed to the flow path forming member 64. In the present embodiment, the sprinkler portion holding member 68 is rotated until the engagement projections 64e come into contact with the ends of the circumferential portions of the loading grooves 68b, whereby the fluid element 10 held by the sprinkler portion holding member 68 is oriented in an appropriate direction.

In addition, as in embodiment 1 described above, each fluid element 10 provided in the shower head main body 62 is mounted so that the vibration plane of the hot water to be sprayed (the plane parallel to the paper surface of fig. 4) faces the tangential direction of the elliptical annular portion 62 a. In addition, the intervals at which the respective fluid elements 10 are disposed are not constant, and the intervals thereof are adjusted so that the user is comfortably wrapped by the hot water sprayed from the respective fluid elements 10. In the present embodiment, the interval between adjacent fluid elements 10 is set to be about 43mm to about 167mm. Preferably, the spacing between the fluid elements 10 is set to be about 30mm to about 200mm. In contrast, in a typical conventional disk-shaped overhead shower, the shower head is uniformly provided with shower holes at intervals of about 10mm to about 30mm throughout the shower head.

Next, the operation of the shower apparatus 61 according to embodiment 7 of the present invention will be described.

First, if the user performs an operation to start water spraying from the shower device 61, the supply of hot water to the shower device 61 is started. The supplied hot water flows into the shower head main body 62 through a water supply passage (not shown) formed in the support member 66. The hot water flowing into the shower head main body 62 is branched into 3 pieces at the joint portions of the 3 hot water supply portions 62 b. That is, as shown by arrows in fig. 18, the hot water supplied to the shower head main body 62 is distributed to 3 distribution passages 64b in the hot water supply portion 62b, and flows into the annular passage 64a from the tip end of each distribution passage 64 b.

The hot water flowing into the annular passage 64a from the tip of each distribution passage 64b branches into 2 as indicated by the arrows in fig. 18, flows into the annular passage 64a in two directions, and spreads throughout the annular passage 64 a. Thereby, the hot water flows into the respective sprinkler mounting recesses 64d through the respective communication holes 64c provided along the annular passage 64 a. The hot water flowing into the sprinkler mounting recess 64d flows into the fluid element 10 held by the sprinkler holding member 68 fitted into the sprinkler mounting recess 64 d. The hot water supplied to each fluid element 10 is discharged while vibrating reciprocally.

Here, in the present embodiment, after the hot water supplied to the shower head main body 62 is distributed to the 3 distribution passages 64b, it flows into the annular passage 64a. Therefore, the distance of the water supply passage passing from the water supply source to each fluid element is equalized, and the hot water is supplied to each fluid element 10 at a relatively uniform water supply pressure. As a result, the flow rate of the hot water discharged from each fluid element 10 becomes uniform, and the shower feel of the shower perceived by the user becomes more uniform.

In addition, for example, when the pressure of the hot water supplied to some of the plurality of fluid elements 10 is low, the sprayed hot water does not vibrate reciprocally at an amplitude according to a design value, and there is a possibility that the water sprays from adjacent fluid elements 10 do not overlap sufficiently. In addition, when the pressure of the hot water supplied to the fluid element 10 is low, the water potential of the hot water to be discharged is weak, and the hot water may not be supplied to the user at an angle according to the design value. According to the shower device 61 of the present embodiment, by distributing the hot water through the distribution passage 64b, the hot water can be supplied to each fluid element 10 at a relatively uniform feed water pressure, and shower water can be sprayed substantially in accordance with the design value even when the feed water pressure is low.

Next, fig. 21 is a diagram showing an example of hot water discharged from the fluid element 10. The column (a) of fig. 21 is a photograph taken of hot water discharged from the fluid element 10 from a direction perpendicular to the vibration plane, and the column (b) is a photograph taken from a direction parallel to the vibration plane. As shown in column (a) of fig. 21, the angle at which the hot water discharged from the fluid element 10 is discharged swings in the vibration plane, vibrates in a sine wave shape, and falls while expanding in a direction parallel to the vibration plane. On the other hand, as shown in column (b) of fig. 21, the hot water discharged from the fluid element 10 hardly spreads in the direction perpendicular to the vibration plane, and the width at the time of discharge is kept unchanged and falls. As a result, the hot water discharged from the fluid element 10 is substantially parallel to the linear region.

Fig. 22 is a diagram schematically showing hot water discharged from the 1 st fluid element 10A, the 2 nd fluid element 10B, and the 3 rd fluid element 10C arranged in an array among the plurality of fluid elements 10 provided in the shower head main body 62. As shown in fig. 22, in the shower apparatus 61 of the present embodiment, the angle of hot water discharged from each fluid element swings at substantially the same period and the same amplitude. However, in the shower device 61 of the present embodiment, since the lengths of the channels from the joint point of the hot water supply portions 62b to the fluid elements 10 are different, the timing of starting oscillation in the fluid elements 10 is different, and the phase of the angle change of the hot water discharged from the fluid elements disposed adjacently is different.

As shown in fig. 22, the hot water discharged from the 1 st fluid element 10A is poured on a virtual horizontal plane P set at a predetermined height below the shower head main body 62 and oriented in the horizontal direction. The hot water discharged from the 1 st fluid element 10A is then supplied to the water region R1 extending in a straight line on the water plane P. That is, the water spot of the hot water discharged from the 1 st fluid element 10A reciprocates on the water area R1. Similarly, the hot water discharged from the 2 nd fluid element 10B is applied to the water region R2 on the water plane P, and the water point reciprocates in the water region R2. The hot water discharged from the 3 rd fluid element 10C is supplied to the water supply region R3 on the water level P, and the water supply region R3 reciprocates.

At the instant shown in fig. 22, the hot water discharged from the 1 st fluid element 10A is discharged at the point p11, the hot water discharged from the 2 nd fluid element 10B is discharged at the point p21, and the hot water discharged from the 3 rd fluid element 10C is discharged at the point p31. Then, at a moment slightly after the moment shown in fig. 22, hot water discharged from the 1 st fluid element 10A and located at the point d1 is supplied to the vicinity of the point p12, hot water discharged from the 2 nd fluid element 10B and located at the point d2 is supplied to the vicinity of the point p22, and hot water discharged from the 3 rd fluid element 10C and located at the point d3 is supplied to the vicinity of the point p 23.

Here, if attention is paid to each water point on the water level P, at the moment shown in fig. 22, the hot water is applied to the point P11, and then the water is applied to the point after a predetermined time has elapsed, and the water is not applied during this time. In other words, at each point on the water region R1, the hot water is actually water only 1 or 2 times while the water point reciprocates 1 time in the water region R1, and no water is present at other times. As described above, in the shower apparatus 61 according to the present embodiment, the water is "separated" in time, so that the total amount of hot water discharged can be reduced.

In contrast, in the conventional shower apparatus, water is continuously supplied to the entire water supply area, and thus the total amount of hot water discharged is extremely large. Or if the interval between the water spray holes (not shown) is enlarged to reduce the total amount of hot water in the conventional shower apparatus, the user feels that the water spray is "sparse" and the shower comfort is deteriorated. In addition, if the total amount of hot water is reduced by narrowing the interval of the water spray holes (not shown) and reducing the flow rate of hot water sprayed from each water spray hole, the user feels that the water force of the sprayed water is weakened, and the shower comfort is deteriorated.

On the other hand, in the shower apparatus 61 of the present embodiment, although the water is "pulled apart" in time, the flow rate of the water at each water point is relatively large, and the skin of the user is appropriately stimulated, so that a good shower comfort is obtained.

The water points of the hot water discharged from the fluid elements reciprocate in the respective water areas, but the phase of the angular oscillation of the hot water discharged from the fluid elements is shifted from each other, so that the distance between the water points always varies. That is, at the moment shown in fig. 22, the hot water discharged from the 1 st fluid element 10A is supplied to the point p11, and the hot water discharged from the 2 nd fluid element 10B is supplied to the point p21. At the next instant in fig. 22, the water points of the hot water discharged from the 1 st and 2 nd fluid elements are moved to the points p12 and p22, respectively. As described above, the distance between the water points of the hot water discharged from the 1 st and 2 nd fluid elements disposed adjacently is the distance L11 between the point p11 and the point p21 at the instant shown in fig. 22, and is changed to the distance L12 between the point p12 and the point p22 at the next instant.

That is, in the shower apparatus 61 of the present embodiment, the hot water discharged from the 1 st fluid element 10A and the 2 nd fluid element 10B disposed adjacently is respectively supplied to the virtual horizontal plane P disposed in the horizontal direction below the shower head main body 62. The 1 st water points P11 and P12 of the hot water discharged from the 1 st fluid element 10A and the 2 nd water points P21 and P22 of the hot water discharged from the 2 nd fluid element 16B move on the virtual water plane P. The distances L11, L12..between these 1 st water point p11, p 12..and 2 nd water point p21, p 22..vary throughout.

Similarly, the distance between the water points of the hot water discharged from the 2 nd and 3 rd fluid elements 10B and 10C disposed adjacently is the distance L21 between the point p21 and the point p31 at the instant shown in fig. 22, and is the distance L22 between the point p22 and the point p32 at the next instant. Therefore, in the example shown in fig. 22, the distances L21, L22 between the 2 nd water point ejected from the 2 nd fluid element 10B and the 3 rd water point ejected from the 3 rd fluid element 10C also constantly change.

In the shower device 61 of the present embodiment, since the water jet from each fluid element 10 swings (reciprocates), even when the interval between the fluid elements 10 is increased to 30mm or more, the user can obtain a comfortable shower feel, and can satisfy the water saving requirement while keeping the interval between the fluid elements 10 apart, and can provide a comfortable shower feel. In addition, in the shower device 61 of the present embodiment, since the phase of the angular oscillation of the hot water discharged from the 1 st and 2 nd fluid elements disposed adjacently is made different, the distance between the water points always changes. Therefore, it is difficult for the user to predict the movement of each water spot, and the user is given a feeling of always being showered with hot water over a wide range. Here, the phase of the angular oscillation of the hot water discharged from each fluid element 10 can be set according to the state of supply of the hot water from the water supply source to each fluid element.

In the shower device 61 of the present embodiment, since the lengths of the flow paths from the joint point of the hot water supply portions 62b to the fluid elements 10 are different, the timing of starting oscillation in the fluid elements 10 is different, and the hot water oscillates in different phases. In the shower device 61 of the present embodiment, the lengths of the flow paths to the fluid elements 10 are also equal for some 2 adjacent fluid elements 10, and the 2 fluid elements 10 oscillate the hot water in phase. However, since the hot water discharged from the other 2 fluid elements 10 adjacent to each other in a large number of different phases swings, the user cannot predict the movement of the water point, and the user can be given a feeling of always being sprayed with hot water over a wide range.

Further, each fluid element can be oriented so that the same water region as in the above-described 1 st to 3 rd embodiments (fig. 6, 10, 13) is formed from the shower head main body 62 of the present embodiment. In fig. 14 to 16 showing the 4 th to 6 th embodiments of the present invention, the supply path for supplying hot water to the shower head main body is not shown, but the hot water may be supplied to the shower head main body by using the distribution passage as in the 7 th embodiment.

For example, in embodiment 4 shown in fig. 14, a cross-shaped distribution passage (not shown) may be provided so as to connect the midpoints of the long sides and the midpoints of the short sides of the shower head body 30. In this case, the present invention may be configured such that hot water supplied from the support member flows in from the intersection of the crosses, and flows in from the 4-point of the rectangular annular shower head main body 30 through the distribution passage. This makes it possible to make the distance of the water supply passage from the water supply source to the fluid elements uniform, and to supply hot water at a relatively uniform water supply pressure to the water spray portions provided in the shower head main body 30.

In embodiments 5 and 6 shown in fig. 15 and 16, a distribution passage (not shown) extending in the front-rear direction may be provided so as to connect the midpoints of the shower head bodies separated into front and rear 2 shower head bodies. In this case, the present invention may be configured such that the hot water supplied from the support member flows in from the midpoint of the distribution passage, and the hot water flows in from the center of each shower head body through the distribution passage. Thus, the distance from the water supply source to the water supply passage passing through the fluid elements is uniform, and hot water can be supplied to each sprinkler portion provided in the shower head main body at a relatively uniform water supply pressure.

While the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, various modifications can be made to the above-described embodiments.

Description of the reference numerals

1 Shower device

2 Shower room

2A side wall surface

4 Shower head main body

4A Water supply passage

4B watering portion mounting recess

6 Support member

8 Sprinkler part holding member

10 Fluid element (watering part)

10A fluid element (1 st sprinkler)

10B fluid element (2 nd sprinkler)

10C fluid element (3 rd sprinkler)

10A water jet

10B flange portion

10C groove

10D inflow port

12A Water supply passage

12B vortex path

12C rectifying path

14 Step part

16 Hot water collision part

18 Nozzle

18A pathway

18B inner wall surface

18C groove

19 Shower head main body

20 Shower head main body

30 Shower head main body

40 Shower head main body

40A, 40b shower head body

50 Shower head body

50A, 50b shower head body

61 Shower device

62 Shower head main body

62A ring portion

62B Hot Water supply portion

63 Upper cover

64 Flow channel forming member

64A annular passage

64B distribution passage

64C communication hole

64D sprinkler installation recess

64E clamping projection

65 Lower cover

66 Support member

68 Sprinkler portion holding member

68A groove

68B loading groove

Claims (10)

1. A shower device is fixed in a manner that shower water sprays from above to a user,

The shower device is characterized by comprising:

A shower head body; and

A plurality of sprinkling parts which are arranged on the shower head main body at intervals so as to form shower water sprinkling which surrounds the head of a user standing under the shower head main body,

The water spraying units are configured such that the hot water sprayed therefrom falls down while spreading downward.

2. The shower device of claim 1, wherein,

The water spraying units are configured such that the sprayed hot water merges with each other at a position falling from the water spraying units at a predetermined distance, and a water film is formed around the body of the user.

3. The shower device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein,

The water spraying parts are oriented downwards Fang Bianzhai through a space surrounded by the sprayed hot water.

4. The shower device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein,

The shower head body is formed in a ring shape.

5. The shower device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein,

The water spraying units are configured such that the hot water sprayed therefrom vibrates reciprocally in a sinusoidal wave shape, and the hot water sprayed therefrom falls down while spreading downward.

6. The shower device of claim 1, wherein,

The 1 st sprinkler part and the 2 nd sprinkler part of the plurality of sprinkler parts are configured to spray hot water respectively forming a linearly extending water area on the same surface of a virtual water plane facing the vertical direction below the shower head main body,

The 1 st water spraying part and the 2 nd water spraying part are configured such that at least a part of the 1 st water area formed by the 1 st water spraying part and the 2 nd water area formed by the 2 nd water spraying part overlap each other in the vertical direction on the same surface.

7. The shower device of claim 6, wherein,

The 1 st water supply area is formed above the 2 nd water supply area, and the 2 nd water spray unit is configured such that the hot water sprayed from the 2 nd water spray unit spreads in the horizontal direction and falls down while spreading in the horizontal direction, and the hot water sprayed from the 1 st water supply area and falling down merges with the hot water supplied from the 2 nd water supply area and spreads in the horizontal direction.

8. The shower device of claim 1, wherein,

The 1 st sprinkler part and the 2 nd sprinkler part of the plurality of sprinkler parts are configured to spray hot water respectively forming a linearly extending water area on the same surface of a virtual water plane facing the vertical direction below the shower head main body,

The 1 st water spraying part and the 2 nd water spraying part are configured such that a1 st water spraying area formed by the 1 st water spraying part intersects with a2 nd water spraying area formed by the 2 nd water spraying part on the same surface.

9. The shower device of claim 8, wherein,

The 1 st water area and the 2 nd water area intersect in a V-shape at a predetermined height below a substantially center of the shower head main body in the lateral direction on the virtual water plane.

10. A shower device as claimed in claim 6 or 8, wherein,

The shower head body has: an annular portion configured to be annular and provided with an annular passage inside; and a hot water supply unit connected to the annular unit and having a plurality of distribution passages provided therein, wherein hot water flows into the annular passage from a plurality of locations through the distribution passages.