JP2003169832A - Shower unit - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a shower unit in which a massage effect is improved by controlling a discharge control means provided for each of a plurality of spouts to make different the change cycles of respective discharge forms. <P>SOLUTION: The discharge control means for controlling the discharge form of washing water is provided for each spout and the discharge control means periodically changes the respective discharge forms and controls them so that the change cycle of the discharge form can be different for each spout. As a result, massaging discharging can be performed from a plurality of spouts and in such massaging discharging, the discharge form can be made different for each spout. Therefore, the feelings of massaging stimuli suitable for each of parts of a human body can be applied. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2003,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a shower device for washing a human body by discharging washing water from spouts provided at a plurality of locations.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as water which is flushed from a plurality of parts to a plurality of parts of a human body to wash the human body without using a hand, and also to give a massage effect, a kaikaihei 5-44123 or There is a special table 6-506130. The former can give a proper massage to the skin of the body by a spray nozzle that ejects water droplets in a conical shape while swirling. On the other hand, the latter is
By moving the frame member with an electric motor, various parts of the body can be stimulated.

[0003]

However, the actual Kaihei 5-4
In the case as disclosed in 4123 or 6-506130, since the same stimulus is given to any part of the human body, there is a problem that the massage effect is poor. Because, for each part, such as head, face, shoulders, chest, abdomen,
Because there is a massage stimulus suitable for each leg,
When the massage stimulus suitable for the head is applied to the face as it is, the stimulus is too strong and feels uncomfortable. Further, since the periodical change of stimulation is scarce, the user does not feel a monotonous and uncomfortable state and is in a relaxed state, which is not suitable for promoting blood circulation.

The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to control a water discharge control means provided for each of a plurality of water discharge ports so that the changing cycle of each water discharge form is different. It is to provide a shower device having a high massage effect.

[0005]

In order to achieve the above object, in the first aspect of the present invention, water discharge control means for controlling the water discharge form of the wash water to be discharged is provided for each water discharge port,
Since the water discharge control means periodically changes each water discharge form and controls so that the change cycle of the water discharge form is different for each water discharge port, massage water discharge is performed from a plurality of water discharge ports. In addition, it is possible to provide massage water discharge having different water discharge forms for each water discharge port.

Now, in the human sensory characteristics, a change in the feeling of massage stimulation due to a difference in the change cycle of the water discharge form will be described. If the change cycle of the water discharge form is short (for example, a cycle of less than 0.02 seconds, hereinafter referred to as "short cycle range"), human cannot recognize the change and feels that the stimulus does not change so much. feel. Next, the change cycle of the water discharge form is made longer than that (for example, cycle 0.
02 to 2 seconds, hereinafter referred to as the "middle cycle range"), the change is partially recognized, and since the change per unit time is severe, a feeling of massage stimulation is strongly felt. Furthermore, if the change cycle of the water discharge form is lengthened (for example, a cycle longer than 2 seconds, hereinafter referred to as "long cycle range"), humans can recognize the change,
I feel all the stimuli, and the change per unit time is gradual, so I recognize that it is a massage stimulus that gives me a relaxing feeling. At this time, the feeling of massage stimulation is weaker than that in the middle cycle area, but since the change in the water discharge form can be recognized, the feeling becomes completely different from that in the low cycle area. However, if the change cycle of the water discharge form is too long (for example, 20 seconds or more), the change in the massage stimulus feeling may be too small and the user may feel uncomfortable, which is not preferable. Note that these periodic numerical values are described for reference, but they may vary depending on other water discharge conditions. However, even if the cycle numerical values are different, there is a tendency that the massage stimulus sensation described above is changed by changing the change cycle of the water discharge form. In addition, even within the same region, for example, in the middle period region, if the period is changed even slightly, a different massage stimulating sensation is obtained. When approaching to the short cycle region side, the properties of the medium cycle region are basically used, but the properties of the short cycle region are also added. On the contrary, when approaching to the long-period region side, the properties of the medium-period region are basically used, but the properties of the long-period region are also added. Therefore, the water discharge form may be changed (of course, the change cycle is different) within the same region for all of the water discharge ports at a plurality of locations.
Therefore, if the change cycle of the water discharge form is made different for each water outlet, different massage stimuli can be given to different parts of the human body. Moreover, since the water discharge form can be controlled for each water discharge port, it is possible to provide a massage stimulation feeling suitable for each part of the human body. For example, the face may have a weak feeling of massage, the head and shoulders may have a strong feeling of massage, and the chest and abdomen may have a feeling of massage in between. Furthermore, by giving different massage stimulus sensations to different parts of the human body, and also suitable massage sensations to each part, it is possible to further promote blood circulation to the user. When human beings receive a stimulus that does not change with time, or a similar stimulus to any part, humans feel monotonous, uncomfortable, and uncomfortable, and thus also feel a sense of tension. If you get nervous too much, it will put an unreasonable burden on your blood vessels, making it unsuitable for promoting blood circulation. It is a well-known fact that a higher blood circulation promoting effect can be obtained in a relaxed state, that is, parasympathetic nerve dominance. Further, it can be said that the blood circulation can be promoted in a relaxed state also in terms of giving a comfortable massage feeling in the right place for each human body part. As described above, it is possible to give a comfortable and high massage effect by controlling the water discharge form suitable for each part of the human body. In addition, the water discharge form controllable by the water discharge control means in the present invention means an instantaneous water discharge flow rate, an average water discharge flow rate, a wash water flow velocity, a wash water space volume ratio,
It is a physical parameter of spouted water such as a washing area, a direction of spouting washing water, and a washing water collision portion (washing portion) on the washing surface.

In order to achieve the above object, in the second aspect, the flow rate control means provided in each of the flush water flow paths from the water supply source to the plurality of water discharge ports, and the control means for controlling the operation of the flow rate control means. And the control means periodically changes the outflow rate from each flow rate control means,
Since it is characterized in that the flow rate control means is controlled so that the flow rate change cycle is different, it is possible to perform massage water discharge by changing the flow rate, and to obtain massage water discharge with a different flow rate change cycle for each water outlet. it can. Normally, a person feels a strong stimulus when the flow rate is high, and a weak stimulus when the flow rate is low. However, a different massage sensation can be felt due to the difference in the flow rate change cycle. This will be described below. When the change rate of the flow rate is short (short cycle range), the human cannot recognize the change in the flow rate, and recognizes that the massage stimulus has a relatively small change in flow rate. Next, make the flow rate change cycle longer than that (medium cycle range)
And because it feels only when there is a large amount of flow, it is recognized as a vigorous, strong massage stimulus with a sense of rhythm.
Furthermore, if the flow rate change period is lengthened (long period range), human beings can follow the flow rate change, and feel strong and weak stimuli, and feel that it is a massage stimulus with a relaxed mood. As described above, the feeling of massage stimulation differs depending on the difference in the flow rate change cycle. Further, since the cycle of the flow rate change differs for each water outlet, it is possible to give different feelings of massage stimulation suitable for each body part. At that time, not only different flow rate change cycles but also different flow rate values (maximum instantaneous water discharge flow rate, minimum instantaneous water discharge flow rate, average water discharge flow rate) for each water outlet will produce a different sense of massage stimulation. It is possible and preferable. Specific examples of the flow rate control means include a water pump and a valve. As a method of periodically changing the outflow rate, in the case of a water pump, intermittent operation in which ON / OFF is repeated may be used, or pulsating operation in which the strength changes while maintaining the ON state. Of course, a combination of both operations may be used. On the other hand, in the case of a valve, open / close control may be performed or control for adjusting the opening may be performed. The flow rate control may control the average water discharge flow rate, or may control the instantaneous water discharge flow rate.

In order to achieve the above object, in claim 3, the spout is provided in the movable body, and the moving speed of the movable body is different for each movable body, so that the spout moves. By doing so, it is possible to perform massage water discharge, and it is possible to make different massage water discharge for each water discharge port. This uses massage water discharge in which the irritating sensation changes due to a change in the washing part due to the position movement of the water outlet, and moreover, different sensation of massage stimulus due to different movement speeds can be provided. When the water is moved at high speed (short cycle range), human cannot recognize the movement, and feels that it continuously hits multiple parts at the same time. And the stimulus is also dispersed, and you feel that it is a weak massage stimulus. Further, when it is moved at a slower speed (medium cycle range) than that, it has a characteristic that it feels like a stronger massage stimulus because the stimulus is periodically felt when looking at a local site and the stimulus change is intense. Of course, if the speed is made slower (longer period range), the movement can be recognized, and the stimulus change becomes gradual when viewed at the local site, so it is recognized as a massage stimulus that allows you to feel relaxed. Therefore, by changing the moving speed,
Different massage stimuli can be given. Further, since the moving speed is different for each water outlet, a different massage feeling can be given for each human body part, and a higher massage effect can be given. Here, the fact that the moving speed is different means that the massage spouting is different for each spout, so that the scalar or vector of the moving speed may be different even during movement.

In order to achieve the above object, in the present invention, the water discharge port is provided in the movable body, and the moving amount of the movable body is periodically changed, and the movable body is moved for each movable body. Since the amount change cycle is different, it is possible to perform massage water discharge by periodically changing the movement amount of the water discharge port, and to give different massage water discharge to each water discharge port. This utilizes massage water discharge in which the washing area changes periodically due to the periodic change in the amount of movement of the water outlet, and the feeling of stimulation changes for the user. When the washing area is changed at a high speed (short cycle range), the human cannot recognize the area change, and feels that the washing area continuously and simultaneously hits a plurality of sites. And the stimulus is also dispersed, and you feel that it is a weak massage stimulus. Also, if the washing area is changed at a slower speed (medium cycle range) than that, a periodic stimulation will be felt when looking at the local site, which has the characteristic of feeling a rhythmic, vibrant and stronger massage stimulation. Have. Furthermore, if the washing area is changed at a low speed (long period), the area change can be tracked, and the stimulus change will be gradual when viewed at the local site, so it feels like a massage stimulus that allows you to feel relaxed. As described above, the feeling of massage stimulation differs depending on the length of the cleaning area change cycle. Since the movement amount change cycle, that is, the cleaning area change cycle is different for each water outlet, different massage feelings suitable for each human body part can be provided.

In order to achieve the above object, in claim 5, the movable body is a rotating body which moves by performing a rotary motion. Therefore, even if the movable body has a simple structure, the movable body can move by the movement of the water outlet. Massage water discharge can be performed. This is because, in the case of the rotational movement, it is possible to wash the wide area uniformly and efficiently by simply moving the same distance (radial direction) around a certain axis. Since a wide area is efficiently cleaned, there is also an advantage that the flow rate can be small when compared with the same cleaning time. As a result, a high-pressure pump for supplying a large amount of flow is not required, and the ability to supply hot water is small. Therefore, it can be said that the present shower device can be easily used in a more general home. And claim 3
When combined with, the rotation speed will be different for each water outlet. At this time, the change in the feeling of massage stimulation due to the difference in rotation speed is the same as that due to the difference in moving speed described above. Therefore, it is possible to give a massage water discharge having a different feeling of stimulation for each water outlet, that is, for each human body part. When combined with claim 4, the moving amount of the rotating body changes periodically, and the changing cycle of the moving amount of the rotating body differs for each water outlet. This moving amount of the rotating body can be restated as the distance from the center of rotation to the water outlet. Therefore, when the distance is small, water is discharged in a narrow range, and when the distance is large, water is discharged in a wide range. Further, since the changing cycle of the cleaning area differs for each water outlet, it is possible to give different massage water for each human body part.

In order to achieve the above object, in claim 6, the movable body is moved by using electric energy. Therefore, the movement of the movable body can be controlled accurately and in a wide range. It will be possible. That is,
Regardless of the water pressure, it is possible to freely control the movement of the water outlet (the changing cycle of the moving speed or the moving amount) simply by changing the electric input (voltage value, input time, etc.). Therefore, different massage water discharge can be freely produced. And for each spout, spout movement speed (oscillation frequency, rotation speed, etc.)
By making the change cycle of the movement amount of the water discharge port and the change amount of the water discharge port, it is possible to control the massage sensation that is different for each human body part relatively easily.

In order to solve the above problems, in the present invention, the movable body is moved by using the kinetic energy of the wash water supplied from the water supply source. Therefore, the flow of the wash water is used. Then, the movable body can be moved. That is, the movement of the movable body can be controlled by controlling the flow of washing water. The control of the flow of the wash water may be determined based on the design shape, or the shape may be variable (for example, a part of the wash water flow path is blocked). Further, the flow control may be performed by controlling the water discharge parameter such as the flow rate of wash water. At this time, since the internal energy called wash water is used,
It can be realized with a simple configuration. Moreover, since a power source is not required, it is particularly advantageous for bathrooms in general households where it is difficult to install a power source. As a specific configuration, a generally-known fluid element, such as a sidewall-attached type, a jet flow deflection type, a turbulent flow type, a collision flow type, a vortex flow type, or an improved or combination thereof is suitable. Then, by changing the changing cycle of the water outlet movement speed (oscillation frequency, rotation speed, etc.) and the water outlet movement amount for each water outlet, different massage water discharge can be performed for each human body part.

In order to achieve the above object, in the present invention, the water discharge port is composed of a plurality of water discharge holes, and switching means for supplying cleaning water supplied from a water supply source to a predetermined water discharge hole, A control means for controlling the operation of the switching means is provided, and the control means periodically switches the water discharge holes to which the cleaning water is supplied, and the water discharge holes are switched at different intervals for each water discharge port. It is possible to perform massage water discharge by switching a plurality of water discharge modes from the same water discharge port, and moreover, since there are a plurality of water discharge ports, different water discharge ports can be provided. At this time, if the switching cycle of the water discharge hole is short (short cycle range), humans cannot recognize that the water discharge mode has been switched, and feel that they continuously and simultaneously hit multiple sites. And the stimulus is also dispersed, and you feel that it is a weak massage stimulus. Next, if the switching cycle of the water discharge hole is made longer than that (middle cycle range), a stimulation is felt partially, and it is recognized as a stimulating, vibrant, massage stimulation. further,
When the switching cycle of the water discharge hole is lengthened (long cycle range), human beings can follow the switching change, and feel all the stimuli, and feel that it is a massage stimulus that gives a relaxed mood.
As described above, the feeling of massage stimulation varies depending on the difference in the switching cycle of the water discharge holes. Since the switching cycle is different for each water outlet, different massage stimuli can be given for each human body part. It should be noted that there are a plurality of water discharge holes with the same shape at the same water discharge location and they can be switched (of course, the switching cycle of the water discharge holes is different for each water discharge port), but a method of switching those having different water discharge hole shapes However, it is preferable because the massage effect is further enhanced. Furthermore, it is more preferable to make the shape of the water discharge hole different for each water discharge port, because the feeling of massage stimulation is further different. Here, the meaning of the shape of the water discharge hole includes not only the shape of the water discharge hole but also the sum of the cross-sectional areas of the water discharge holes, the area of each water discharge hole, and the number of water discharge holes. The water spout means a water spout from almost the same location. Therefore, the components forming the water discharge port may be the same component or separate components, but the water discharge holes must be very close to each other.

In order to achieve the above object, in claim 9, an air mixing amount control means for mixing air into each of the wash water flow paths extending from the water supply source to the plurality of water discharge ports, and the operation of the air mixing amount control means. And a control means for controlling the aeration amount, the control means periodically changing the aeration amount from each aeration amount control means, and changing the aeration amount variation cycle for each aeration amount control means. Since it is characterized in that it is controlled, it is possible to perform massage water discharge by changing the amount of air mixing, and it is possible to use different massage water discharge for each water outlet. This is based on the fact that when air is mixed into the wash water, it becomes a soft and weak stimulus. That is, strong and weak stimuli can be controlled by controlling the air mixing amount. At this time, if the change period of the air amount is short (short period range), the human cannot recognize the change in the air amount, and recognizes that the massage stimulus has a relatively small change. Next, if the change period of the air amount is made longer than that (middle period range), a vibrant massage stimulus with a rhythmic feeling is strongly recognized. Furthermore, if the change period of the air mixing amount is lengthened (long period range), a human being can follow the change of the air mixing amount, so that it feels like a massage stimulus that gives a relaxed mood. As described above, different massage stimulus sensations can be provided depending on the difference in the cycle of the change in the amount of mixed air. Since the air mixing amount changing means has a different changing period of the air mixing amount, different massage feelings suitable for each water outlet, that is, each human body part can be provided. As concrete means, there are a forced intake method using an air pump and a natural intake method using an ejector effect. In the case of the forced intake method, the amount of air mixed changes only by changing the electric input of the air pump, which is advantageous in that control is easy. The natural aspiration method includes, for example, a method of changing the flow velocity with a water pump or the like, and a method of changing the area of an air hole taken by a valve. ON / O
It may be an intermittent operation in which FF is repeated, or a pulsating operation in which the strength changes while maintaining the ON state. Of course, a combination of both operations may be used.

In order to solve the above-mentioned object, in claim 10, the spouts provided at a plurality of positions are symmetrically arranged. Therefore, only one side of the human body, for example, only the left side. You can have a balance on the left and right without stimulating only the right side. This feeling of balance also leads to a feeling of comfort, and can promote blood circulation in a relaxed state. The water discharge form change cycles from the water discharge ports arranged symmetrically may be different or the same.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, in the eleventh aspect of the present invention, since the plurality of water outlets provided at a plurality of locations are vertically arranged, it is possible to discharge water to a plurality of locations in the vertical direction of the human body. it can. In both the standing position and the sitting position, the human body usually has a longer washing portion in the vertical direction than in the horizontal direction. Moreover, since there are parts having different properties in the vertical direction, it is preferable to have different massage stimulation feelings in the vertical direction. For example, when considering stimulation on the head, face, chest, and abdomen, it is desirable that the head has a strong sense of massage stimulation, the face has a weak sense of massage stimulation, and the chest and abdomen have a sense of massage stimulation between them. Therefore, when the upper and lower massage water discharge form is used, it is possible to give a comfortable massage stimulation feeling to each human body part,
It can give a high massage effect.

[0017]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below in order to further clarify the constitution and operation of the present invention described above. FIG. 1 is an external view of a shower device according to the present invention. The shower device 1 includes an opening / closing valve 2, a hot and cold water mixing adjustment unit 3, an operation panel 4, an A water discharge nozzle 11, a B water discharge nozzle 12, a C water discharge nozzle 13, a D water discharge nozzle 14,
E water discharge nozzle 15, F water discharge nozzle 16, G water discharge nozzle 1
It consists of 7. The shower device 1 is fixed to the wall of the bathroom. Further, the temperature of the hot water can be adjusted by the hot and cold water mixing adjustment unit 3. Here, the shower device according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram centering on the water channel of the shower device 1.

As shown in FIG. 2, the water passage of the shower device 1 is supplied with wash water from the water supply source 20 when the opening / closing valve 2 is opened. Then, the water channel is branched, each on-off valve (A on-off valve 21, B on-off valve 22, C on-off valve 23, ...) And each water pump (A water pump 31, B water pump 3) that is a flow rate control means.
2, C water pump 33, ...) and each water discharge nozzle (A
Water discharge nozzle 11, B water discharge nozzle 12, C water discharge nozzle 1
3, ...) is discharged to the human body.

The control means 40 comprises a cycle setting means 40a, a storage means 40b and a timer 40c. The user sets the cycle by the cycle setting means 40a, stores the set value in the storage means 40b, and changes the outflow rate of each pump periodically while controlling the timer 40c based on the stored data. . Then, when the same change cycle is input, the flow cycle is controlled to be different for each water pump by rejecting the same.
As a result, water discharge having different flow rate change cycles between the water discharge nozzles is sent to the human body. Alternatively, some periodic change patterns may be stored in the storage means 40b in advance, and the user may select the pattern. Here, control of each water pump (flow rate control means) will be described. It is possible to control so that the change rate of the flow rate is different for each water pump. For example, as intermittent operation in which ON and OFF are repeated, the change cycle of ON time and OFF time may be controlled to be different for each water pump. Also, as a pulsating operation that changes the voltage input value to the water pump,
The cycle in which the high flow rate and the low flow rate change may be different. Of course, the intermittent operation and the pulsating operation may be used together.

In particular, when the electromagnetic pump shown in FIG. 3 is used, by performing the following control in addition to the above control, the instantaneous water discharge flow rate changes and water is discharged. Therefore, even if the average water discharge flow rate is the same, different massage stimulation feelings can be given by changing the instantaneous water discharge flow rate. This electromagnetic pump discharges water while periodically changing the instantaneous water discharge flow rate by oscillating the plunger 51 by a periodic electric input to the electromagnetic coil 52.
For example, when the AC frequency is increased (low cycle range), the amplitude of the plunger 51 becomes small, and as a result, the instantaneous water discharge flow rate does not change so much, and a continuous soft massage sensation is obtained. On the other hand, when the AC frequency is lowered (medium period range), the amplitude of the plunger 51 is increased, and as a result, the instantaneous water discharge flow rate is greatly changed. In particular, the maximum instantaneous water discharge flow rate is felt, resulting in intermittent and hard massage stimulation. Therefore, different massage stimuli can be provided by controlling this alternating frequency. Further, instead of the AC frequency, the DC waveform may be controlled by a frequency at which the DC waveform is intermittently input.

As described above, it is possible to control the change in the flow rate (instantaneous water discharge flow rate, average water discharge flow rate) by each water pump by various operation control of the water pump. Then, by making the change rate of the flow rate of each water pump different, the flow rate change cycle can be made different for each spout, and the massage stimulus that is different for each body part and that is suitable for each body part It can give a feeling. Therefore, a high massage effect can be given, and by extension, to the user,
A comfortable stimulus and a blood circulation promoting effect can be given.

In the above example, the water pump is used as the flow rate control means, but as another method of controlling the flow rate, a valve may be used instead of the water pump. The valve may be an open / close control that repeats an open state and a closed state, or may be an opening adjustment control in which an intermediate opening exists. In the control of this valve, it is preferable to connect the opening / closing mechanism or the opening degree adjusting mechanism to the stepping motor and change the water channel opening cross-sectional area by utilizing the step angle of the stepping motor, which is preferable because of high accuracy. However, the method is not limited to this method, and a method of adjusting the opening degree by compressing or pulling the spring using water pressure may be used.

Further, an air pump (air amount control means) can be used instead of the flow rate control means. By using an air pump, air can be mixed into the wash water. When the air content is high, humans feel a soft sensation. Therefore, by controlling the operation of the air pump,
Different stimulating sensations can be realized: hard stimulating sensation and soft stimulating sensation. Then, an air pump provided for each wash water flow path can be used to periodically change the amount of air mixed and to control so that the change rate of the air amount is different for each water outlet. As a result, a different massage sensation can be given to each human body part, and a high massage effect can be given.

Further, the following control may be performed using the operation panel 4 shown in FIG. The operation panel 4 is a power source 4
2, different massage selection switch 43, A spout selection switch 61, B spout selection switch 62, C spout selection switch 63, D spout selection switch 64, E spout selection switch 65, F spout selection switch 66, And a G water spout selection switch 67. With the user standing in front of the shower device 1 or sitting in a chair, the power supply 42 of the operation panel 4 in FIG. 4 is turned on. In this ON state, the operation panel is valid. After that, by pressing any of the seven spout selection switches, the on-off valve (C spout selection switch 6 corresponding to the spout selection switch
If it is 3, the C on-off valve 23 corresponds) is opened. At this time,
Each spout selection switch is connected to each on-off valve.
That is, only the selected water discharge nozzle can discharge water. In addition, when the water discharge port selection switch is pressed while the different massage selection switch 43 is pressed, control is performed so that the flow rate change cycle is different between the selected water discharge nozzles. For example, when the B water discharge port selection switch 62 and the C water discharge port selection switch 63 are pressed while the different massage selection switch 43 is pressed, the water discharge from the B water discharge nozzle 12 and the flow rate change from the C water discharge nozzle 13 are changed. It is controlled so that the cycle is different.

Further, in the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, a plurality of spouts in each spouting nozzle are provided vertically, and B spout and C spout, D spout and E spout, The F spout and the G spout were made symmetrical. By doing so, it is possible to simultaneously give good stimulation to multiple parts of the human body in good balance. It is also possible to have different change cycles in the vertical direction and the same change cycle in the horizontal direction.

Next, regarding the second embodiment, first, referring to FIG.
The movement of one water discharge nozzle will be described with reference to FIG. 5 and 6 show the B water discharge nozzle 12 in FIG. 1 extracted. 5 is a perspective view from the upper portion of the B water discharge nozzle 12, and FIG. 6 is a perspective cross-sectional view from the side portion of the B water discharge nozzle 12. When the opening / closing valve 2 is opened, the cleaning water supplied from the water supply source (not shown) is supplied to the B water discharge nozzle 12. Then, the water passage 72, the swirl chamber inflow passage 73, and the swirl chamber 74 provided inside the B water discharge nozzle 12 are supplied in this order. The swirl chamber inflow passage 73 has a smaller water passage cross-sectional area than the water passage 72, and is configured to supply cleaning water tangentially to the center of the swirl chamber 74. Further, a swinging portion 80 is provided inside the swirling chamber 74, and the swinging portion 80 supplies the water supply port 8 to which the wash water is supplied.
1, and a water discharge port 82 that communicates with the water supply port 81 and discharges the cleaning water toward the cleaning surface. Further, in the seal portion 77 provided in the opening above the swirl chamber 74,
The swing part 80 is inserted so as to be inscribed. Further, since the seal portion 77 is made of an elastic body,
The oscillating portion 80 can freely rotate about the oscillating portion 80 itself in the swirling chamber 74, and the oscillating portion 80 can freely revolve around the seal portion 77 in a conical shape. Has become. Alternatively, the seal portion 77 may be eliminated and the casing 76 and a part of the swinging portion 80 may be brought into direct contact with each other and slid.

The above-mentioned revolution will be described in more detail. Since the swing unit 80 is provided so as to be tiltable with respect to the central axis of the swirl chamber 74, the swing unit 80 is rotated by the centrifugal force generated by swirling the wash water inside the swirl chamber 74.
Revolves around the central axis of the swirl chamber 74 with inclination. At this time, the swinging portion 80 is configured such that the maximum tilt angle is regulated by the taper guide portion 75 provided on the upper portion of the swirling chamber 74.

Further, as shown in FIG. 6, the rocking portion 80 includes a water feed port 81 for supplying wash water and a water spout 82 for communicating wash water with the water feed port 81. It is provided in a state of being inclined with respect to the central axis (rotational axis) of the.
That is, the direction in which the wash water is discharged is inclined with respect to the central axis of the swinging portion 80.

A case where the cleaning water is spouted with the configuration of FIGS. 5 and 6 will be described with reference to FIG.
The washing water supplied to the swirling chamber 74 flows into the swirling chamber 74 in a state where the kinetic energy is increased by increasing the flow velocity by the swirling chamber inflow passage 73 having a smaller water passage area than the water passage 72. Further, since the swirl chamber inflow path 73 is configured to flow the wash water into the swirl chamber 74 from the tangential direction, the wash water flowing into the swirl chamber 74 swirls in the swirl chamber 74. . After a part of the kinetic energy is applied to the swinging part 80 inserted in the swirl chamber 74 to rotate the swinging part 80, the swinging part 80 passes through a water supply port 81 and a water discharge port 82 provided in the swinging part 80. Is spitted out. At this time, the cleaning water is supplied to the casing 76 and the swinging part 8 by the seal part 77.
The seal between 0 is made.

When the wash water swirls inside the swirl chamber 74, the swing part 80 is revolved, so that the swing part 8 is rotated.
The wash water discharged from the water discharge port 82 provided at 0 is discharged while the water discharge port 82 revolves while changing the water discharge direction as the swing part 80 revolves, thereby drawing a spirally expanded trajectory. . Therefore, it is possible to swing the water discharge in a conical shape with a trajectory that is much larger than the trajectory of the water discharge port 82 provided in the swinging portion 80, and to enlarge the washing area without impairing (decreasing) the stimulation of washing. You can Further, by changing the gap between the casing 76 and the rocking portion 80 and the taper angle of the taper guide portion 75, the revolution angle of the rocking portion 80 can be changed. For example, if the revolving angle of the swinging portion 80 is increased by increasing the gap between the swinging portion 80 and the casing 76, the cleaning area can be increased. At this time, the oscillating portion 80 not only moves the water discharge trajectory by revolving around the central axis of the swirl chamber 74, but also the oscillating portion 80 itself rotates to discharge the cleaning water. Therefore, the trajectory of the discharged wash water is discharged while drawing a trajectory that is a combination of the rotation trajectory due to the revolution and the rotation trajectory due to the rotation. Therefore, the rotation speed includes the revolution speed and the rotation speed. Next, control of the revolution speed and the rotation speed will be described. Both the revolution speed and the rotation speed are higher as the wash water flow velocity in the swirl chamber inflow path 73 is higher,
The rotation speed increases. Therefore, the rotation speed can be controlled by controlling the wash water flow velocity in the swirl chamber inflow path 73.

Further, the rotation speed and the revolution speed can be controlled depending on the design shape. First, as a method of controlling the rotation speed, if the mass of the oscillating portion 80 is increased, the rotation speed becomes slow. As a method for making the mass heavy, the size of the swinging portion 80 may be increased, or the swinging portion 80 may be made of a material having a large specific gravity. There is also a method of changing the lower shape of the swinging unit 80. Figure 6
In this case, it is formed by a square pole, but as shown in FIG.
The rotation speed can be increased by making the lower shape of 0 an impeller shape. In this method, the mass remains unchanged or is made lighter and the radial direction is made longer to receive a component having a high wash water flow velocity. The wash water flow velocity component in the swirl chamber 74 is slowest in the central portion and the peripheral portion of the swirl chamber 74, and has a peak in the middle thereof. Therefore, it can be said that an attempt was made to receive a wash water flow velocity component closer to this peak value. Further, as shown in FIG. 9, by making only a part of the lower shape of the swinging portion 95 round, it is possible not to have a constant speed, so that different moving speeds can be easily realized.

Next, regarding the control method of the revolution speed,
explain. First, if the mass of the oscillating portion 80 is increased like the rotation speed, the revolution speed becomes slow. Further, when the shape of the swinging portion is constant, if the diameter of the swirl chamber 74 is increased, the revolution speed of revolution becomes slow. This is because the peak value of the wash water flow velocity component in the swirl chamber 74 described above is more
This is to move to the peripheral area.

A case where a plurality of water discharge nozzles as described above are provided will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing mainly the water channel structure by extracting the B water discharge nozzle 12 and the C water discharge nozzle 14 in FIG. 1. In this embodiment, the B swinging portion 105 and the C swinging portion 110 correspond to the movable body in the present invention. The diameter of the swirl chamber 104 of the B water discharge nozzle 12 is designed to be larger than the diameter of the swirl chamber 109 of the C water discharge nozzle 13. Further, the size of the B swinging portion 105 of the B water discharge nozzle 12 is designed to be larger (heavier) than the size of the C swinging portion 110 of the C water discharge nozzle 13. Therefore, when the wash water supplied from the water supply source 20 passes through each on-off valve (B on-off valve 22, C on-off valve 23) and is supplied to the B water discharge nozzle 12 and the C water discharge nozzle 13, the swirling chamber inflow path 103 , 108, the rotation speed (revolution rotation speed and rotation speed) of the B oscillating portion 105 becomes slower for the reason described above. That is, the rotation speed of the rotation trajectory discharged from the B water discharge port 102 is slower.

Further, as shown in FIG. 10, the swirling chambers 104, 1
If the water channel form (shape, distance) up to 09 is different, the wash water flow velocity components in the swirl chamber inflow passages 103, 108 are different, and the inflow direction components contributing to the swirl in the respective swirl chambers 104, 109 are also different. , And the rotation speeds of the swinging parts are different. Furthermore, the rotational speed can be controlled even if the flow passage cross-sectional areas of the swirl chamber inflow passages 103 and 108 are different.

A method of controlling the rotation speed at the time of use other than the design matters of the water discharge nozzle will be described with reference to FIG. The fact that the rotation speed of the oscillating portion 115 changes when the washing water flow velocity in the swirl chamber inflow passage 113 is controlled is used. For example, when the water pump 120 is provided in the water path up to the swirl chamber inflow path 113 and is operated, the wash water flow rate becomes faster, so that the rotation speed of the rocking part 115 becomes faster.
In addition, by adjusting the opening degree of the valve 121 provided in the middle of the water passage or flowing water through the bypass passage 112, the flow rate of washing water can be similarly controlled.

As described above, it is possible to control the rotation speed (rotational rotation speed and revolution speed) of the rocking portion by various methods. The rotation speed can be made different for each rocking part. On the other hand, as described above, when the rotation speed of the spouting water is different, the feeling of massage stimulation received by humans is different. Therefore, it is possible to give different feelings of massage stimulation for each water outlet, that is, for each human body part. Also, if you draw a complicated trajectory by controlling each rotation speed and each revolution speed to be different for each spout, you can relax the user with a less artificial stimulus. It is also very preferable from the viewpoint of promoting blood circulation.

When the flow velocity of the washing water is increased, the swirling component in the swirling chamber becomes large. Then, the inclination angle of the rocking portion 80 becomes large, and the cleaning area becomes large. On the contrary, when the flow rate of the washing water is slowed, the washing area is reduced as a result. That is, it is possible to control the cleaning area by controlling the flow rate of the cleaning water.
Then, by using a control means such as a timer to make the cleaning area variable cycle different for each water outlet, a different massage sensation can be given for each part of the human body.

In the second embodiment, the structure is described in which the kinetic energy of the wash water is used to swirl, but it is sufficient if the position of the water discharge port can be moved. It can be realized if it is a jet flow deflection type, a turbulent flow type, a collision flow type, or a vortex flow type. Further, a configuration in which these are combined may be used. For example, if a sidewall-attached fluid element is used, the water discharge port moves linearly so as to reciprocate. Then, the moving speed and the moving amount can be controlled by controlling the wash water flow rate. Therefore, in the fluid element provided for each of the plurality of water discharge ports, if the changing cycle of the moving speed or the moving amount is made different, a different massage stimulus feeling can be given to each human body part, and thus a high massage effect to the user. Can be given.

Next, a third embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 12 and 13 show the B water discharge nozzle 12 in FIG. 1 as in the second embodiment, and the swinging portion 135 corresponds to the movable body in the present invention.
When the opening / closing valve 2 is opened, the cleaning water supplied from the water supply source (not shown) is supplied to the B water discharge nozzle 12. And B
It is supplied to the water passage 132, the bending tube 133, and the swinging part 135 provided inside the water discharge nozzle 12. The swinging portion 135 is provided with a water supply port 136 to which cleaning water is supplied, and a water discharge port 137 communicating with the water supply port 136 and discharging the cleaning water toward the human body. In addition, the casing 134 outside the swinging portion 135 has a plurality of armatures 138 on the circumference.
Is provided. A magnetomotive force is generated by sequentially energizing the armature 138 clockwise or counterclockwise. Then, due to the magnetomotive force, the swinging portion 135 is attracted to the armature 138 and can rotate.

Explaining the trajectory of the wash water discharged in the above-described configuration, since the water outlet 137 makes a rotational motion, water is discharged to the human body while drawing a rotation trajectory. Then, by controlling this rotational movement, it is possible to realize various sensations of massage stimulation. Specifically, it is possible to control the rotational speed of the rotational movement and the rotational movement amount. Moreover, there is an advantage that the control can be freely performed because it is an electric input. First, regarding the rotation speed, if the switching of the sequential energization is made faster, the rotation speed becomes higher, and conversely, if the switching of the sequential energization is made slower, the rotation speed becomes lower. As described above, different massage stimuli can be realized due to the difference in rotation speed. Regarding the control of the rotational movement amount, when the energization voltage value is increased, the magnetomotive force is increased and the swinging portion 135 is closer to the armature 138, so that the movement amount of the water discharge port 137 is widened. Therefore, the amount of movement of the spout 137 (cleaning area) is controlled by controlling the voltage value.
Can be controlled. Then, if the voltage value change is time-controlled, it is possible to control the change period of the movement amount. As described above, different massage stimulation sensations can be realized by the difference in the change cycle.

As described above, when the energization is switched and the voltage value is controlled so that the rotation speed is different for each spout and the change period of the movement amount is different, different massage stimuli are produced for different parts of the human body. It can give a feeling. In addition,
Although the oscillating portion 135 is rotated while the energizing method is sequentially set, it is not limited to the sequential order. For example, reciprocating motion can be achieved by alternately energizing two armatures on a diagonal line. Also, if you energize randomly,
Since it is possible to draw a complicated trajectory,
It is possible to give a more unnatural natural stimulating sensation, and it is also possible to easily realize different changing cycles of the moving speed and the moving amount. Further, although the armature is used as the electric energy in the description, a method of directly rotating the rocking portion with a motor may be used.

Next, a fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 14 and 15. FIGS. 14 and 15 are extracts of the B water discharge nozzle 12 and the D water discharge nozzle 14 in FIG. 1, FIG. 14 is a configuration diagram centering on a water channel, and FIG. 15 is a view of the B water discharge nozzle 12 and the D water discharge nozzle 14. It is the figure which showed the water outlet surface. The B spout 140 and the D spout 150 are each configured as an assembly of a plurality of holes. When the on-off valve 2 is opened, the washing water supplied from the water supply source (not shown) is branched into water channels, and the flow passage switching valves 140c and 150 are respectively branched.
The water channel is further branched through c, and the flow channels 140a, 1
40b, 150a, 150b. At this time,
The flow path 140a is connected to the water discharge hole 149, and the flow path 1
40b is a water discharge hole 141, 142, 143, 144, 14
5, 146, 147, 148. Also,
The channel 150a is connected to the water discharge hole 159, and the channel 1
50b is a water discharge hole 151, 152, 153, 154, 15
5, 156, 157, 158. Then, the wash water is discharged from each water discharge hole toward the human body.

Here, when water is discharged from the water discharge hole 149 or the water discharge hole 159, a jet-like strong water discharge is generated. on the other hand,
Water discharge holes 141, 142, 143, 144, 145, 14
6, 147, 148 and water discharge holes 151, 152, 153,
When water is discharged from 154, 155, 156, 157, and 158, a mist-like weak stimulus is discharged. Therefore, in the B spout 140 and the D spout 150 that are composed of a plurality of spout holes, a strong stimulus and a weak stimulus can be realized at the spout respectively. The control means 160 is a flow path switching valve 140c, 150c which is a switching means (water discharge control means) in the present invention.
Can be signaled to. By the control means 160, the flow path switching valves 140c and 150c can select a flow path and repeat the switching, and as a result, strong stimulus and weak stimulus can be alternately discharged. At that time, it does not matter if there is a moment when you open multiple channels,
It doesn't matter if there is a moment when everything is closed. Further, by making the switching cycle of the flow path switching valves 140c and 150c different, the B water discharge nozzle 12 and the D water discharge nozzle 1 are provided.
In 4, different water discharge forms, that is, different feelings of massage stimulation are simultaneously sent to the human body. Therefore, a different massage stimulus can be given to each part of the human body, and a high massage effect can be given. In the present embodiment, the B water outlet 140 and the D water outlet 150 have the same water discharge hole shape, but different shapes are more preferable because a different massage stimulation feeling can be realized. Further, the flow path switching valve may be opened and closed by utilizing the flow of washing water, but it is preferable to use an electromagnetic valve because switching at a higher speed becomes easier.

In the above-mentioned embodiments, the case of being fixed to the wall of the bathroom is explained, but the installation form is not limited to this. It may be portable and used outside the bathroom,
In the bathroom, the form may be such that the mixed faucet is applied to the human body via a hose, or the form is installed on the wall of the bathtub.
Further, as an example other than the bathroom, it may be mounted on an automatic hair washer having spouts at a plurality of locations. The state of the user may be not only the standing state or the sitting state but also the person in the sleeping state. The part to be applied need not be the whole body, but may be, for example, only the upper half of the body or only the shoulder. In the case of only the shoulders, it is possible to realize a massage with a higher massage effect by applying water discharge having different change cycles to both shoulders.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an external view of a shower device according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a partial water channel configuration diagram of the shower device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an electromagnetic pump which is a flow rate control means according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an operation panel according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a top view of a water discharge nozzle according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a side view of a water discharge nozzle according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a cleaning trajectory according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing another example of the swinging portion according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing another example of the rocking portion according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a partial water channel configuration diagram of the shower device according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing another example of the method for controlling water discharge according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a top view of a water discharge nozzle according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a side view of a water discharge nozzle according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a partial waterway configuration diagram of a shower device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a view showing a water discharge surface of a water discharge nozzle according to a fourth embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 ... Shower device 2 ... Open / close valve 3 Hot water mixing control unit 4 ... Operation panel 11 ... A water discharge nozzle 12 ... B water discharge nozzle 13 ... C water discharge nozzle 14 ... D water discharge nozzle 15 ... E water discharge nozzle 16 ... F water discharge nozzle 17 ... G water discharge nozzle 20 ... Water source 21 ... A on-off valve 22 ... B on-off valve 23 ... C on-off valve 31 ... A water pump 32 ... B water pump 33 ... C water pump 40 ... Control means 40a ... Cycle setting means 40b ... storage means 40c ... timer 42 ... Power supply 43 ... Different massage selection switch 51 ... Plunger 52 ... Electromagnetic coil 53 ... Inhalation port 54 ... Discharge port 55 ... Intake side spring 56 ... Check valve 57 ... Discharge side spring 61 ... A spout selection switch 62 ... B spout selection switch 63 ... C spout selection switch 64 ... D spout selection switch 65 ... E spout selection switch 66 ... F spout selection switch 67 ... G spout selection switch 72 ... Waterway 73 ... Swirling chamber inflow path 74 ... Swirl chamber 75 ... Taper guide part 76 ... Casing 77 ... Seal part 80 ... Swing part 81 ... Water supply port 82 ... spout 90 ... Swing part 91 ... Water inlet 92 ... spout 95 ... Oscillating part 96 ... Water inlet 97 ... Spout 102 ... B spout 103 ... swirl chamber inflow path 104 ... Swirl chamber 105 ... B swinging part 107 ... C spout 108 ... Swirl chamber inflow path 109 ... Swirl chamber 110 ... C rocking part 112 ... Waterway 113 ... Swirling chamber inflow path 114 ... Swirl chamber 115 ... Oscillating part 117 ... Spout 120 ... Water pump 121 ... Valve 122 ... Bypass 132 ... Waterway 133 ... Bending tube 134 ... Casing 135 ... rocking part 136 ... Water inlet 137 ... Spout 138 ... Electric child 140 ... B spout 140a ... Channel 140b ... flow path 140c ... Flow path switching valve 141 ... Water discharge hole 142 ... Water discharge hole 143 ... Water discharge hole 144 ... Water discharge hole 145 ... Water discharge hole 146 ... Water discharge hole 147 ... Water discharge hole 148 ... Water discharge hole 149 ... Water discharge hole 150 ... B spout 150a ... flow path 150b ... flow path 150c ... Flow path switching valve 151 ... Water discharge hole 152 ... Water discharge hole 153 ... Water discharge hole 154 ... Water discharge hole 155 ... Water discharge hole 156 ... Water discharge hole 157 ... Water discharge hole 158 ... Water discharge hole 159 ... Water discharge hole 160 ... Control means

   ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    (72) Inventor Koichi Toyota             2-1-1 Nakajima, Kokurakita-ku, Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka Prefecture             No. Totoki Equipment Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Yasuo Hamada             2-1-1 Nakajima, Kokurakita-ku, Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka Prefecture             No. Totoki Equipment Co., Ltd. F-term (reference) 2D032 FA02 FA04 FA11                 4C100 AC09 BA02 BA07 BB02 BC11                       BC12 BC13 BC14 CA01 CA17                       DA01 DA02 DA04 DA05 DA08                       DA10

Claims (11)

[Claims] 1. A shower device for washing a human body by spouting wash water from spouts provided at a plurality of locations, each spout having a spout control means for controlling the spouting form of the wash water spouted. A shower device characterized in that the control means cyclically changes each water discharge form and controls so that the water discharge form change cycle is different for each water discharge port. 2. A flow control means provided in each of the flush water flow paths extending from the water supply source to the plurality of water outlets, and control means for controlling the operation of the flow control means, wherein the control means controls each flow rate. 2. The shower apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the flow rate flowing out of the means is changed periodically, and the flow rate changing means is controlled so that the changing rate of the flow rate is different. 3. The water discharge port is provided in a movable body,
The shower device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the moving speed of the movable body is different for each movable body. 4. The water discharge port is provided in a movable body,
4. The shower device according to claim 1, wherein the moving amount of the movable body is periodically changed, and the changing period of the moving amount of the movable body is different for each movable body. 5. The shower apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the movable body is a rotating body that moves by performing a rotary motion. 6. The movable body is moved by using electric energy.
The shower device according to claim 1. 7. The shower device according to claim 3, wherein the movable body moves by using kinetic energy of wash water supplied from a water supply source. 8. The water discharge port comprises a plurality of water discharge holes, and switching means for supplying wash water supplied from a water supply source to a predetermined water discharge hole, and control means for controlling the operation of the switching means. 4. The control means periodically switches the water discharge holes to which the cleaning water is supplied, and the cycle for switching the water discharge holes is different for each water discharge port. Shower device. 9. An air mixing amount control means for mixing air into each of the wash water flow paths extending from the water supply source to the plurality of water discharge outlets, and a control means for controlling the operation of the air mixing amount control means. The means for periodically changing the air mixing amount from each air mixing amount control means, and controlling so that the changing cycle of the air mixing amount is different for each air mixing amount control means. 8. The shower device according to claim 8. 10. The shower device according to claim 1, wherein the water discharge ports provided at a plurality of positions are symmetrically arranged. 11. The water spout provided at a plurality of locations is arranged in a plurality at the top and bottom.
The shower device according to claim 1.