JP2024095519A - Shower equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

[Problem] To provide a shower device that can spray a sufficient amount of shower water onto the user's body while keeping the showerhead body compact and avoiding the user's face. [Solution] The present invention is a shower device (1) that is fixed so as to spray shower water onto the user from above, and has a showerhead body (4) and multiple spray units (10) attached to the showerhead body, the first spray unit (10A) is configured to spray hot water onto one side of a first water landing surface (P1) that is oriented in the vertical direction, and the second spray unit (10B) is configured to spray hot water onto the other side of the first water landing surface, and the water landing angle (α1) of the hot water discharged from the first spray unit and landing on one side of the first water landing surface is greater than the water landing angle (α2) of the hot water discharged from the second spray unit and landing on the other side of the first water landing surface. [Selected Figure] Figure 6

Description

The present invention relates to a shower device, and in particular to a shower device that is fixed so that shower water is sprayed from above on the user.

JP 2022-15192 A (Patent Document 1) describes a shower device. This shower device is disk-shaped and is attached to the ceiling when used. The disk-shaped shower device has a number of nozzle holes arranged in a circular pattern around its periphery, and hot and cold water is sprayed in a line from each nozzle.

JP 2022-15192 A

The inventors of this application have developed a shower device that not only allows the user to wash the body, but also allows the user to enjoy a relatively long time in a relaxed state while showering with shower water falling from above, thereby recovering from fatigue and relieving stress. However, if the shower water falls directly on the face of the user of the shower device, the user will likely feel short of breath and will find it difficult to continue showering for long periods of time. In the shower device described in Patent Document 1, the spray holes are arranged in a row around the periphery of the shower head, which is configured in a disk shape, so by increasing the circumference of the spray holes, the shower water is less likely to hit the user's face directly. However, if the circumference is increased, the sprayed hot water will fall directly around the user's body, and the user will not be able to receive a sufficient amount of water.

On the other hand, by spraying the shower water diagonally downward from the shower head body fixed above the user, it is possible to spray a sufficient amount of shower water onto the user's body while avoiding the shower water hitting the user's face directly. Here, in order to spray the shower water onto the user's body while avoiding the user's face, it is necessary to position the spray holes so that the shower water hits at as large an angle as possible (as close to a right angle) with respect to a vertical plane. However, if the shower water is to hit the user's body at a large angle from the shower head body fixed above the user, there is a problem in that the shower head body becomes larger.

The objective of the present invention is to provide a shower device that can direct a sufficient amount of shower water onto the user's body while keeping the shower head body compact and avoiding the user's face.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a shower device that is fixed to shower water from above on a user, and includes a shower head body and a plurality of spray units that are attached to the shower head body and spray water diagonally downward to surround the user standing below the shower head body, a first of the spray units is configured to land hot water on one side of an imaginary first landing surface that is oriented vertically below the shower head body, and a second of the spray units is configured to land hot water on the other side of the first landing surface, and the landing angle of the hot water discharged from the first spray unit and landing on one side of the first landing surface is larger than the landing angle of the hot water discharged from the second spray unit and landing on the other side of the first landing surface.

According to the present invention configured in this way, the landing angle of the hot water discharged from the first spray unit is greater than the landing angle of the hot water discharged from the second spray unit, so when a user stands below the showerhead body facing the first spray unit, the shower water is less likely to hit the user's face. On the other hand, even if the landing angle of the hot water from the second spray unit is smaller, the shower water is less likely to hit the user's face, so the showerhead body can be configured compactly. This allows the showerhead body to be kept compact while still allowing a sufficient amount of shower water to hit the user's body while avoiding the user's face.

In the present invention, preferably, a third sprinkler section of the multiple sprinkler sections is oriented vertically and configured to land hot water on one side of a second landing plane perpendicular to the first landing plane, and a fourth sprinkler section of the multiple sprinkler sections is configured to land hot water on the other side of the second landing plane, and the landing angle of the hot water landing on one side of the second landing plane is approximately the same as the landing angle of the hot water landing on the other side of the second landing plane.

When a user stands facing the first spray unit, the hot water that hits the second landing surface from the third and fourth spray units hits the user's side, so the shower water can surround the user's entire periphery. Also, because the landing angles of the hot water that hits the second landing surface from the third and fourth spray units are approximately the same, the user can easily recognize which direction to stand in below the shower head body, allowing them to use the shower device properly.

In the present invention, preferably, the landing angle of the hot water discharged from the third spray unit and landing on one side of the second landing surface, and the landing angle of the hot water discharged from the fourth spray unit and landing on the other side of the second landing surface, are greater than the landing angle of the hot water discharged from the second spray unit and landing on the other side of the first landing surface.

When a user stands facing the first spray unit, the hot water that lands on the second landing surface from the third and fourth spray units hits the side of the user. With the present invention configured as described above, the landing angle of the hot water that lands on the second landing surface from the third and fourth spray units is greater than the landing angle of the hot water that lands on the first landing surface from the second spray unit, so the shower water is prevented from hitting the side of the user's face. As a result, the feeling of pressure on the user can be reduced, allowing them to take a longer shower.

In the present invention, the first water spray unit is preferably configured to spray hot water in a film shape.

When a user stands facing the first spray unit, the hot water sprayed from the first spray unit hits the front of the user. According to the present invention configured as described above, the first spray unit sprays hot water in a film-like form, so even if the hot water that hits the user's upper body splashes toward the face, the film-like water from the first spray unit can block the splashed water from hitting the face. As a result, the feeling of pressure on the user can be reduced, allowing them to take a longer shower.

In the present invention, the first spray section is preferably provided on the shower head body so as to spray hot and cold water at an angle closer to horizontal than the second spray section.

According to the present invention configured in this way, the first sprinkler unit sprays hot water at an angle closer to horizontal than the second sprinkler unit, so that the landing angle of the hot water landing on one side of the first landing surface is made larger than the landing angle of the hot water landing on the other side of the first landing surface. This makes the landing angle less susceptible to the influence of the force of the hot water sprayed from each sprinkler unit, and makes it possible to reliably increase the landing angle of the hot water sprayed from the first sprinkler unit.

In the present invention, preferably, the first water spray section is configured to be angle adjustable so that the angle at which hot and cold water is sprayed can be changed.

According to the present invention configured in this way, the first spray section is configured to be adjustable so that the angle at which hot water is sprayed can be changed, so the angle at which the hot water hits the shower device from the first spray section can be changed to suit the height and preferences of the user, allowing for a more comfortable shower.

In the present invention, the showerhead body preferably has an annular portion having an annular passage therein, and a hot and cold water supply portion connected to the annular portion and having multiple distribution passages therein, and hot and cold water flows into the annular passage from multiple locations via each distribution passage.

According to the present invention configured in this way, hot water flows into the annular passage from multiple locations via each distribution passage, so the distance of the water supply passages that pass from the water supply source to each spray section is uniform, and hot water is supplied to each spray section with a relatively uniform water supply pressure. As a result, the flow rate of hot water discharged from each spray section becomes more uniform, and the user's shower experience becomes more uniform. In addition, because hot water is supplied to each spray section uniformly, the relationship of the water landing angle of the hot water discharged from the first spray section and the second spray section to the water landing plane can be maintained as designed even when the water supply pressure to the showerhead body is low.

The shower device of the present invention allows the shower head body to be kept compact, while still directing a sufficient amount of shower water onto the user's body while avoiding the user's face.

1 is a perspective view showing a shower apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention installed in a shower cubicle. FIG. FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the shower head body of the shower apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a fluid element provided in the shower apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VV in FIG. 3. FIG. 1 is a side view showing a user taking a shower using water discharged from the shower head body of the shower apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a front view showing a user taking a shower using water discharged from the shower head body of the shower apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing an entire nozzle according to a modified example of the spray unit provided in the shower apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line IX-IX in FIG. 8. FIG. 9 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line XX in FIG. 8. FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a state in which a user is taking a shower with water discharged from a shower apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a state in which a user is taking a shower with water discharged from a shower apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention. 13 is a diagram showing a water supply passage provided inside the showerhead body in a shower apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. FIG. 11 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a spray unit provided on a shower head body in a shower device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a modified example of the spray section provided in the shower apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a further modified example of the spray section provided in the shower apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a state in which a user is taking a shower with water discharged from a shower apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. 13 is a diagram showing a schematic diagram of shower water discharged from each spray section of the shower head body landing on a landing surface in the shower device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a shower apparatus according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a state in which an upper member of the shower head body has been removed in a shower device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a shower head body provided in a shower apparatus according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. An exploded perspective view showing the mounting structure of the spray unit in a shower apparatus according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

Next, a shower apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
1 is a perspective view showing a shower device according to a first embodiment of the present invention installed in a shower cubicle, and FIG 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a shower head body of the shower device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 1, the shower device 1 of this embodiment is fixed to the side wall surface 2a of the shower cubicle 2. The shower device 1 also has a shower head body 4 and a support member 6 for attaching the shower head body 4 to the side wall surface 2a.

The showerhead body 4 is an overall elliptical ring-shaped member, with multiple water spray parts spaced apart along this elliptical ring.
The support member 6 is attached to the upper part of the side wall surface 2a so as to extend generally horizontally, and is configured to support the showerhead body 4 at a predetermined height. Furthermore, a water supply passage (not shown) is provided inside the support member 6, and hot and cold water supplied through this water supply passage flows into the showerhead body 4 and is sprayed from each spray section.

In this embodiment, the shower head body 4 is fixed to the side wall surface 2a via a 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 structure may be erected from the floor surface of a shower room or the like, and the shower head body 4 may be fixed to a relatively high position above the user using this structure. The shower head body may also be fixed directly to the side wall surface or ceiling surface without using a support member. In this specification, the term "shower head body fixed to a side wall surface or ceiling surface" includes a mode in which the shower head body is fixed via a support member and a mode in which the shower head body is fixed directly to the side wall surface or ceiling surface.

When the shower device 1 is in use, water is sprayed from each spray section, showering the user standing below the shower head body 4 from above. In addition, because the spray sections are provided along the annular shower head body 4, each spray section creates a shower of water that surrounds the head of the user standing below the shower head body 4. In other words, as seen from the user standing below the shower head body 4, the sprayed water hits the user's body from the front, back, left and right sides, and the user's head is surrounded by the shower water.

Next, the internal structure of the showerhead body 4 will be described with reference to FIG.
As described above, the showerhead body 4 is configured in an elliptical ring shape as a whole. A water supply passage 4a that extends along the ring shape is provided inside this showerhead body 4. Hot and cold water supplied through a water supply path (not shown) formed inside the support member 6 flows into the water supply passage 4a inside the showerhead body 4 and is supplied to the entire showerhead body 4.

The shower head body 4 is further provided with multiple sprinkler attachment recesses 4b at predetermined intervals along the water supply passage 4a. These sprinkler attachment recesses 4b are cylindrical depressions extending vertically, formed to communicate with the water supply passage 4a, and open toward the underside of the shower head body 4. In other words, hot and cold water flowing through the water supply passage 4a of the shower head body 4 flows into the sprinkler attachment recesses 4b.

In addition, a sprinkler unit holding member 8 is fitted into each of the sprinkler unit mounting recesses 4b. The sprinkler unit holding member 8 is a cylindrical member and is watertightly attached in each of the sprinkler unit mounting recesses 4b. Furthermore, a fluid element 10, which is a sprinkler unit, is held inside each of the sprinkler unit holding members 8. This fluid element 10 is held by the sprinkler unit holding member 8 so that hot and cold water is discharged from the underside of the sprinkler unit holding member 8. The fluid element 10 is held by the sprinkler unit holding member 8 facing diagonally downward, and the fluid element 10 discharges hot and cold water diagonally downward toward the center of the elliptical showerhead body 4. The sprinkler unit holding member 8 is configured to be freely attached and detached to the sprinkler unit mounting recesses 4b.

Next, the configuration of the fluid element 10, which is a water spray unit provided in the shower device 1, will be described with reference to FIGS.
Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a fluid element provided in the shower apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in Fig. 3, and Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line V-V in Fig. 3.

As shown in FIG. 3, the fluid element 10 is a generally thin rectangular parallelepiped member with a rectangular water outlet 10a at its front end and a flange 10b at its rear end. In addition, a groove 10c is provided parallel to the flange 10b so as to go around the entire periphery of the fluid element 10. An O-ring (not shown) is fitted into this groove 10c to ensure watertightness between the sprinkler unit holding member 8.

4, a passage having a rectangular cross section is formed in the interior of the fluid element 10 so as to penetrate in the longitudinal direction. From the upstream side, this passage is formed as a water supply passage 12a, a vortex passage 12b, and a flow straightening passage 12c.
The water supply passage 12a is a straight passage that extends from the inlet 10d on the back side of the fluid element 10 and has a constant rectangular cross-sectional area.
The vortex passage 12b is a passage with a rectangular cross section that is provided downstream of the water supply passage 12a so as to be continuous with the water supply passage 12a (without any step). That is, the downstream end of the water supply passage 12a and the upstream end of the vortex passage 12b have the same dimensions and shape. A pair of opposing wall surfaces (both side wall surfaces) of the vortex passage 12b are tapered so that the flow path cross-sectional area decreases downstream over the entire vortex passage 12b. That is, the vortex passage 12b is tapered toward the downstream side, and gradually narrows in width.

The straightening passage 12c is a rectangular cross-sectional passage provided downstream to communicate with the vortex passage 12b, and is formed in a straight line with a constant cross-sectional area. The straightening passage 12c straightens the hot and cold water containing vortexes guided by the vortex passage 12b, and discharges it from the water outlet 10a. The flow path cross-sectional area of the straightening passage 12c is configured to be smaller than the flow path cross-sectional area of the downstream end of the vortex passage 12b, and a step 14 is formed between the vortex passage 12b and the straightening passage 12c. The step wall surface, which is the surface of the step 14, is oriented in a direction perpendicular to the central axis of the vortex passage 12b.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 5, the wall surfaces (ceiling and floor surfaces) facing each other in the height direction of the water supply passage 12a, the vortex passage 12b, and the straightening passage 12c are all provided on the same plane. In other words, the heights of the water supply passage 12a, the vortex passage 12b, and the straightening passage 12c are all the same and constant.

Next, a hot and cold water collision section 16 is formed at the downstream end of the water supply passage 12a (near the connection between the water supply passage 12a and the vortex passage 12b), and this hot and cold water collision section 16 is arranged so as to block a part of the flow path cross section of the water supply passage 12a. This hot and cold water collision section 16 is a triangular prism-shaped section that extends to connect the wall surfaces (ceiling surface and floor surface) that face each other in the height direction of the water supply passage 12a, and is arranged in an island shape in the center of the width direction of the water supply passage 12a. The cross section of the hot and cold water collision section 16 is formed in the shape of an isosceles triangle, and is arranged so that its hypotenuse is perpendicular to the central axis of the water supply passage 12a, and the apex angle of the isosceles triangle is arranged so that it faces downstream.

By providing this hot and cold water collision section 16, a Karman vortex is generated downstream, and the hot and cold water discharged from the water outlet 10a vibrates back and forth. That is, the hot and cold water supplied from the water supply passage (not shown) of the support member 6 flows into the water supply passage 4a (Figure 2) in the shower head body 4, and then flows into the inlet 10d of each fluid element 10 held by the spray section holding member 8. The hot and cold water that flows into the water supply passage 12a from the inlet 10d of each fluid element 10 collides with the hot and cold water collision section 16, which is provided to block part of the flow path. As a result, a vortex street of Karman vortices that rotate in opposite directions is formed downstream of the hot and cold water collision section 16. The Karman vortex formed by this hot and cold water collision section 16 grows while being guided by the tapered vortex street passage 12b, and reaches the straightening passage 12c.

The hot water that flows into the straightening passage 12c downstream of the vortex street passage 12b is straightened here. The hot water that passes through this straightening passage 12c and is discharged from the water outlet 10a is bent based on the flow velocity distribution at the water outlet 10a, and the discharge direction changes as the part with high flow velocity moves up and down in FIG. 4. That is, when the part with high flow velocity is located at the upper end of the water outlet 10a in FIG. 4, the hot water is sprayed downward, and when the part with high flow velocity is located at the lower end of the water outlet 10a, the hot water is sprayed upward. In this way, by alternately generating Karman vortices downstream of the hot water collision section 16, a flow velocity distribution is generated at the water outlet 10a, and the jet is deflected. In addition, because the position of the part with high flow velocity moves back and forth due to the progression of the vortex street, the sprayed hot water also vibrates back and forth in a sinusoidal wave shape within a predetermined vibration plane (a plane parallel to the paper surface in FIG. 4).

As shown in FIG. 2, in this embodiment, each fluid element 10 is attached facing diagonally downward, so that hot water discharged from the water outlet 10a of the fluid element 10 falls while spreading out in a fan shape within a predetermined vibration plane. In other words, the hot water discharged from the water outlet 10a of the fluid element 10 vibrates back and forth in a sinusoidal wave, so that the trajectory of the water discharged per certain time spreads out in a fan shape. Also, in this embodiment, each fluid element 10 is attached to the shower head body 4 so that its vibration plane faces the tangential direction (circumferential direction) of the elliptical shower head body 4. As a result, a cylindrical shower water discharge with an elliptical cross section is formed below the shower head body 4 as a whole, and the head of a user standing below the shower head body 4 is surrounded by the shower water discharge.

It is preferable that the hot water discharged from the water outlet 10a of the fluid element 10 spreads downward at an angle of about 10° or more. If the water spread is too large, the amount of water that falls without landing on the body of the user standing below the shower head body 4 increases and water saving decreases. On the other hand, if the water spread is too small, the area that falls on the user's body becomes small, and the number of fluid elements 10 required to wrap the user's body increases, resulting in water saving decreases. Therefore, the spread angle α (Figure 4) of the hot water discharged from the water outlet 10a of the fluid element 10 is set to about 10° to about 45°, more preferably about 20° to about 30°. In addition, the interval between the fluid elements 10 is set to about 30 to about 200 mm, preferably about 43 to about 167 mm, because the water falls while spreading out like a fan.

Next, the operation of the shower device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
Fig. 6 is a side view showing a user taking a shower using water discharged from the showerhead body 4 of the shower device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 7 is a front view showing a user taking a shower using water discharged from the showerhead body 4 of the shower device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

As described above, the hot water discharged from the fluid element 10 provided in the shower head body 4 is discharged while vibrating back and forth in a sine wave. Therefore, as shown in Figures 6 and 7, the hot water discharged from each fluid element 10 falls while spreading out in a roughly fan shape. Also, as described above, each fluid element 10 is attached so as to be inclined diagonally downward toward the center of the shower head body 4 (Figure 2), so the shower water discharged from each fluid element 10 lands on an imaginary landing surface oriented vertically below the shower head body 4. In addition, in the shower device 1 of this embodiment, the hot water discharged from the fluid element 10 provided in the shower head body 4 is discharged while vibrating back and forth in a sine wave, so that even if the intervals between the fluid elements 10 are set wide, the user's body can be enveloped, and water can be saved while maintaining the force of the water discharge.

6, in this embodiment, the shower water W1 discharged from the fluid element 10A, which is the first water spraying part of the multiple fluid elements 10, lands on one side of the virtual first water landing plane P1 at a water landing angle α1. Since the vibration plane of the fluid element 10A is oriented in the tangential direction of the elliptical shower head body 4, the shower water discharged from the fluid element 10A forms a water landing area that extends linearly and is oriented in a generally horizontal direction on the first water landing plane P1. Similarly, the shower water W2 discharged from the fluid element 10B, which is the second water spraying part of the multiple fluid elements 10, lands on the other side (back side) of the first water landing plane P1 at a water landing angle α2. Fluid element 10B also has a vibration plane oriented in the tangential direction of elliptical shower head body 4, so the shower water discharged from fluid element 10B forms a water landing area that extends linearly in a generally horizontal direction on first water landing plane P1. In this specification, the term "water landing angle" refers to the angle between the top of the shower water that spreads in the vertical direction and the water landing plane when the shower water falls while spreading in the vertical direction.

Here, in this embodiment, the first water landing plane P1 is set so as to include the long axis of the elliptical shower head body 4, i.e., vertically in the center of the front-to-rear direction of the shower head body 4. Furthermore, fluid element 10A, which is the first water spray part of the multiple fluid elements 10, is disposed on the short axis of the elliptical shower head body 4 on the front side of the first water landing plane P1. On the other hand, fluid element 10B, which is the second water spray part of the multiple fluid elements 10, is disposed on the rear side of the first water landing plane P1 on the short axis of the elliptical shower head body 4.

That is, the fluid element 10A, which is the first water spray unit, and the fluid element 10B, which is the second water spray unit, are arranged at both ends in the front-rear direction, sandwiching the center of the shower head body 4. The water landing angle α1 at which the shower water W1 discharged from the fluid element 10A lands on one side of the first water landing plane P1 is set to be larger than the water landing angle α2 at which the shower water W2 discharged from the fluid element 10B lands on the other side of the first water landing plane P1. In this embodiment, the attachment angle of the fluid element 10A to the shower head body 4 and the attachment angle of the fluid element 10B to the shower head body 4 are different, and as a result, the water landing angle α1 is larger than the water landing angle α2.

In this way, the landing angle α1 of the hot and cold water discharged from fluid element 10A is greater than the landing angle α2 of the hot and cold water discharged from fluid element 10B, so when a user stands facing the fluid element 10A below the shower head body 4, the shower water W1 is less likely to hit the user's face. In this embodiment, the landing angle α1 is preferably 1° or more and 35° or less, and the landing angle α2 is preferably 0° or more and 34° or less.

7, in this embodiment, the shower water discharged from the fluid element 10C, which is the third water discharge part among the multiple fluid elements 10, lands on one side of the second water discharge plane P2 perpendicular to the first water discharge plane P1 at a water discharge angle α3. Since the vibration plane of the fluid element 10C is oriented in the tangential direction of the elliptical shower head body 4, the shower water discharged from the fluid element 10C forms a water discharge area extending linearly on the second water discharge plane P2 oriented in a generally horizontal direction. Similarly, the shower water discharged from the fluid element 10D, which is the fourth water discharge part among the multiple fluid elements 10, lands on the other side (opposite side) of the second water discharge plane P2 at a water discharge angle α4. In addition, the vibration plane of the fluid element 10D is also oriented in the tangential direction of the elliptical showerhead body 4, so the shower water discharged from the fluid element 10D forms a water landing area that extends linearly and is oriented roughly horizontally on the second water landing plane P2.

Here, in this embodiment, the second water landing plane P2 is set so as to include the short axis of the elliptical shower head body 4, i.e., vertically in the center of the left-right direction of the shower head body 4. Furthermore, fluid element 10C, which is the third water spray part of the multiple fluid elements 10, is disposed on the long axis of the elliptical shower head body 4, on the left side of the second water landing plane P2 in FIG. 7. On the other hand, fluid element 10D, which is the fourth water spray part of the multiple fluid elements 10, is disposed on the right side of the second water landing plane P2 in FIG. 7, on the long axis of the elliptical shower head body 4.

That is, the fluid element 10C, which is the third water spray unit, and the fluid element 10D, which is the fourth water spray unit, are arranged at both ends in the left and right direction, sandwiching the center of the shower head body 4. The water landing angle α3 at which the shower water W3 discharged from the fluid element 10C lands on one side of the second water landing plane P2 is approximately the same as the water landing angle α4 at which the shower water W4 discharged from the fluid element 10D lands on the other side of the second water landing plane P2. In this embodiment, the attachment angle of the fluid element 10C to the shower head body 4 and the attachment angle of the fluid element 10D to the shower head body 4 are the same, and therefore the water landing angle α3 and the water landing angle α4 are approximately the same. In this embodiment, the water landing angle α3 and the water landing angle α4 are preferably 1° or more and 35° or less.

In this way, the landing angles α3, α4 of the hot and cold water that land on the second landing plane P2 from the fluid elements 10C, 10D are approximately the same, so the user can easily recognize the direction in which to stand below the shower head body 4 and can properly use the shower device 1. Furthermore, the landing angles α3, α4 at which the shower water jets W3, W4 land on the second landing plane P2 are set to be larger than the landing angle α2 at which the shower water jet W2 lands on the first landing plane P1.

In this embodiment, the two fluid elements 10A and 10B arranged at both ends of the shower head body 4 in the front-to-rear direction are the first and second spray parts, but any spray part that lands the shower water on one side of the first water landing plane P1 can be the first spray part, and any spray part that lands the shower water on the other side of the first water landing plane P1 can be the second spray part. In this embodiment, the two fluid elements 10C and 10D arranged at both ends of the shower head body 4 in the left-to-right direction are the third and fourth spray parts, but any spray part that lands the shower water on one side of the second water landing plane P2 can be the third spray part, and any spray part that lands the shower water on the other side of the second water landing plane P2 can be the fourth spray part.

According to the shower device 1 of the first embodiment of the present invention, the landing angle α1 of the hot water discharged from the fluid element 10A, which is the first spray unit, is larger than the landing angle α2 of the hot water discharged from the fluid element 10B, which is the second spray unit. Therefore, when a user stands below the shower head body 4 facing the fluid element 10A, the shower water discharge W1 is less likely to hit the user's face. On the other hand, even if the landing angle α2 of the hot water from the fluid element 10B is made small, the shower water discharge W2 is less likely to hit the user's face, so the shower head body 4 can be made compact. This allows the shower head body 4 to be kept compact while allowing a sufficient amount of shower water to hit the user's body while avoiding the user's face.

In addition, with the shower device 1 of this embodiment, when a user stands facing the first spray unit, fluid element 10A, the hot and cold water landing on the second water landing plane P2 from the third and fourth spray units, fluid elements 10C and 10D, hits the user's side, so the shower water can surround the user's entire periphery. In addition, the landing angles α3 and α4 of the hot and cold water landing on the second water landing plane P2 from fluid elements 10C and 10D, respectively, are approximately the same, so the user can easily recognize the direction in which to stand below the shower head body 4 and can use the shower device 1 properly.

Furthermore, according to the shower device 1 of this embodiment, when a user stands facing the first spray unit, fluid element 10A, the hot water that lands on the second water landing plane P2 from the third and fourth spray units, fluid elements 10C and 10D, hits the side of the user. According to the configuration of this embodiment, the landing angles α3 and α4 of the hot water that lands on the second water landing plane P2 from fluid elements 10C and 10D are greater than the landing angle α2 of the hot water that lands on the first water landing plane P1 from fluid element 10B, the second spray unit, so the shower water W3 and W4 can be prevented from hitting the side of the user's face. As a result, the feeling of pressure felt by the user can be reduced, allowing the user to take a longer shower.

In the above-described embodiment, the water spraying section is formed by the fluid element 10, which causes the hot water to fall while spreading, forming a linear water landing area on the landing surface. In a modified version, however, the nozzle that ejects the hot water can be configured to create a water spraying section that causes the hot water to fall while spreading.

Figures 8 to 10 are diagrams showing an example of a nozzle for achieving a shower discharge in which hot and cold water falls while spreading. Figure 8 is a perspective view showing the entire nozzle. Figure 9 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line IX-IX in Figure 8, and Figure 10 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line X-X in Figure 8.

As shown in FIG. 8, the nozzle 18, which is the water spray part, is formed into a cylindrical shape overall and can be fitted into each water spray part mounting recess 4b of the shower head body 4 for use. As shown in FIGS. 8 to 10, a passage 18a with a circular cross section is formed along the central axis of the cylindrical nozzle 18. In addition, a dome-shaped (hemispherical) inner wall surface 18b is formed at the tip of this circular cross section passage 18a. Furthermore, a V-shaped cross section groove 18c is provided on the tip surface of the nozzle 18, and the deepest part of this groove 18c is cut out of a part of the dome-shaped inner wall surface 18b.

With this configuration, the hot water introduced 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 introduced by the passage 18a flows out of the notch provided in the inner wall surface 18b to the bottom of the V-shaped cross-section groove 18c and is discharged downward (upward in Figures 8 to 10). As a result, as shown in Figure 9, the hot water W discharged from the nozzle 18 falls while spreading in a cone or elliptical cone shape. In this modified example, each nozzle 18 is attached to the shower head body 4 so that the long axis of the elliptical cone faces the tangent direction of the elliptical shower head body 4. In this modified example, the shower head body 4 is provided with a water spray section by attaching the nozzle 18 to the shower head body 4, but the water spray section can also be provided by forming a nozzle hole directly in the member that constitutes the shower head body 4.

Next, a shower apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
The shower device of this embodiment differs from the first embodiment described above in the shape of the shower head body and the water spray unit provided thereon. Therefore, only the differences between the second embodiment of the present invention and the first embodiment will be described here, and the same configurations, actions, and effects will not be described. Figure 11 is a perspective view showing a user taking a shower with water sprayed from the shower device of the second embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 11, the shower head body 20 provided in the shower device according to the second embodiment of the present invention is configured in a rectangular ring shape. Multiple spray sections are provided along this ring-shaped shower head body 20, forming a shower water discharge that surrounds the user's head. Furthermore, each spray section is attached facing diagonally downward so that each spray of shower water heads toward the center of the shower head body 20, and the sprayed hot and cold water lands on an imaginary landing surface that is oriented vertically below the shower head body.

In this embodiment, the first water spray section provided on one long side of the shower head body 20 formed in a rectangular ring shape is composed of a long and thin slit-shaped water outlet 11A formed along the long side. By discharging hot and cold water from this slit-shaped water outlet 11A, the shower water discharged from the first water spray section becomes a thin film-like water outlet, and the width of the water spray falls diagonally downward while remaining almost constant. In contrast, the second, third, and fourth water spray sections provided on the other long side and two short sides of the shower head body 20 are composed of fluid elements 10B, 10C, and 10D, and their vibration planes are directed parallel to each side of the shower head body 20. The second, third, and fourth water spray sections can also be composed of slit-shaped water outlets.

Furthermore, the water outlet 11A, which is the first water spray part provided on one long side of the shower head body 20, lands the shower water in a film on one side of the first water landing plane P1. On the other hand, the fluid element 10B, which is the second water spray part provided on the other long side of the shower head body 20, lands the shower water on the other side (back side) of the first water landing plane P1. Furthermore, the fluid element 10C, which is the third water spray part provided on one short side of the shower head body 20, lands the shower water on one side of the second water landing plane P2. In contrast, the fluid element 10D, which is the fourth water spray part provided on the other short side of the shower head body 20, lands the shower water on the other side (back side) of the second water landing plane P2.

In this embodiment, the first water landing plane P1 is set vertically so as to pass through the midpoints of each short side, and the second water landing plane P2 is set vertically so as to pass through the midpoints of each long side. The water landing angle α1 of the hot water landing on the first water landing plane P1 from the water outlet 11A is set to be larger than the water landing angle α2 of the hot water landing on the first water landing plane P1 from the fluid element 10B. Furthermore, the water landing angle α3 of the hot water landing on the second water landing plane P2 from the fluid element 10C is set to be approximately the same as the water landing angle α4 of the hot water landing on the second water landing plane P2 from the fluid element 10D. In addition, the water landing angles α3 and α4 of the hot water landing on the second water landing plane P2 from the fluid elements 10C and 10D are set to be larger than the water landing angle α2 of the hot water landing on the first water landing plane P1 from the fluid element 10B, which is the second water spray section.

According to the shower device of this embodiment, the first spray section provided on one long side of the shower head body 20 is composed of a long, slit-shaped water outlet 11A. Therefore, when a user stands facing the first spray section, the hot water sprayed from the first spray section hits the front of the user. According to the shower device of this embodiment, the first spray section sprays hot water in a film shape, so even if the hot water that hits the upper half of the user's body splashes toward the face, the film of hot water from the first spray section can block the splashed hot water from hitting the face. As a result, the feeling of pressure on the user can be reduced, allowing the user to take a longer shower.

Next, a shower apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
The shower device of this embodiment differs from the first embodiment described above in the shape of the shower head body and the configuration of the spray section of the shower head body. Therefore, only the differences between the third embodiment of the present invention and the first embodiment will be described here, and the same configurations, actions, and effects will be omitted. Fig. 12 is a perspective view showing a user taking a shower with water discharged from the shower device according to the third embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 13 is a diagram showing a water supply flow path provided inside the shower head body. Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view showing an enlarged view of the spray section provided on the shower head body.

As shown in FIG. 12, the shower head body 30 provided in the shower device according to the third embodiment of the present invention is composed of two linear shower head bodies 30a, 30b. Along each linearly configured shower head body 30a, 30b, multiple spray sections are provided, forming a shower water discharge that surrounds the user's head. Furthermore, the spray sections provided on each shower head body 30a, 30b are directed diagonally downward so that the discharged shower water approaches each other, and the discharged hot and cold water hits a virtual first water landing plane P1 that is oriented vertically between the shower head bodies 30a, 30b. In addition, the angle of the shower water discharged from each spray section 36 provided on each shower head body 30a, 30b is configured to be changeable.

Figure 13 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of the shower head body 30a. As shown in Figure 13, a first water supply passage 32 and a second water supply passage 34 are provided in parallel inside the shower head body 30a. In addition, hot and cold water is supplied to these water supply passages independently from a supply source, and the flow rate of hot and cold water flowing through the first water supply passage 32 and the flow rate of hot and cold water flowing through the second water supply passage 34 can be changed individually. Similarly, a first water supply passage 32 and a second water supply passage 34 are provided inside the shower head body 30b.

Figure 14 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the water spray unit provided on the shower head body 30. As shown in Figure 14, the water spray unit 36 provided on the shower head body 30 has a first nozzle 36a connected to the first water supply flow path 32, a second nozzle 36b connected to the second water supply flow path 34, and a sleeve 36c provided to surround the first nozzle 36a and the second nozzle 36b.

The first nozzle 36a is connected to the first water supply flow path 32 and is configured to spray hot and cold water supplied from the first water supply flow path 32. The second nozzle 36b is connected to the second water supply flow path 34 and is configured to spray hot and cold water supplied from the second water supply flow path 34. The sleeve 36c is disposed to surround the first nozzle 36a and the second nozzle 36b and is tapered toward the tip.

The hot and cold water sprayed from the first nozzle 36a and the second nozzle 36b hit the inner wall surface of the sleeve 36c, mix, and are discharged from the sleeve 36c in a predetermined direction. The direction of the hot and cold water sprayed from the sleeve 36c changes depending on the flow rate ratio of the hot and cold water sprayed from the first nozzle 36a and the hot and cold water sprayed from the second nozzle 36b.

That is, when the flow rate ratio of hot and cold water sprayed from the first nozzle 36a provided on the outside of the shower head body 30 (the side of the shower head body 30a farther from the shower head body 30b) increases, the hot and cold water is sprayed in a direction closer to horizontal. Conversely, when the flow rate ratio of hot and cold water sprayed from the first nozzle 36a decreases, the hot and cold water is sprayed in a direction closer to vertical. In this embodiment, by changing the water supply pressure of the hot and cold water supplied from a hot and cold water supply source (not shown) to the first water supply flow path 32 and the second water supply flow path 34, respectively, the flow rate ratio of the first nozzle 36a and the second nozzle 36b can be changed, and the angle of the shower water sprayed from the spray section 36 can be changed.

Furthermore, the first spray section 36A of the spray sections 36 provided on the shower head body 30a of the shower head body 30 lands the shower water on one side of the first water landing plane P1. On the other hand, the second spray section 36B of the spray sections 36 provided on the shower head body 30b of the shower head body 30 lands the shower water on the other side (the back side) of the first water landing plane P1.

In this embodiment, the first water landing plane P1 is set vertically so as to pass through the middle between the shower head body 30a and the shower head body 30b. In this embodiment, the angle of the hot water sprayed from the spray parts 36A and 36B can be changed, but the landing angle α1 of the hot water sprayed from the spray part 36A onto the first water landing plane P1 is always greater than the landing angle α2 of the hot water sprayed from the spray part 36B onto the first water landing plane P1. In this embodiment, both spray parts 36A and 36B are configured so that the angle at which the hot water is sprayed can be changed, but it is also possible to make the angle of only the first spray part adjustable.

According to the third embodiment of the shower device of the present invention, the first spray section, spray section 36A, is configured so that the angle at which hot water is sprayed can be changed, so that the angle at which the hot water hits the user from the first spray section can be changed to suit the height and preferences of the user using the shower device, allowing for a more comfortable shower.

In addition, in the third embodiment described above, the angle at which hot and cold water is discharged is changed by changing the flow rate ratio of the hot and cold water discharged from the two nozzles, but as a modified example, the angle at which hot and cold water is discharged can be changed by changing the angle of the nozzle itself.

In the modified example shown in FIG. 15, a plurality of nozzles 37a are provided on a spray plate 37 attached to the shower head body, and the spray plate 37 on which the nozzles 37a are provided is configured to be rotatable about a predetermined axis 37b. The angle of the spray plate 37 can be configured to be changeable automatically or manually.

In addition, in the modified example shown in FIG. 16, multiple nozzles 38a are provided on the water spray unit 38, which has a spherical outer shape, and the water spray unit 38 provided with these nozzles 38a is configured to be pivotable around the center point of a specified sphere. In addition, the angle of the water spray unit 38 can be configured to be changeable automatically or manually.

Next, a shower apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
The shower device of this embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the shape of the shower head body and the configuration of the water spray parts. Therefore, only the differences between the fourth embodiment of the present invention and the first embodiment will be described here, and the same configurations, actions, and effects will not be described. Fig. 17 is a perspective view showing a state in which a user is taking a shower with water sprayed from the shower device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 18 is a schematic diagram showing the state in which the shower water sprayed from each water spray part of the shower head body lands on the landing surface.

As shown in FIG. 17, the shower head body 40 provided in the shower device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention is composed of two shower head bodies 40a, 40b that extend in a curved shape. These shower head bodies 40a, 40b extend in a curved shape so that both ends approach each other, and multiple spray parts are provided along them. This creates a shower water discharge that surrounds the user's head. Here, in this embodiment, each spray part is composed of a nozzle 42 that discharges hot and cold water. Furthermore, each nozzle 42 provided in each shower head body 40a, 40b discharges hot and cold water diagonally downward in the direction in which the discharged shower water approaches each other, and the discharged hot and cold water lands on a virtual first water landing plane P1 that is oriented vertically below the shower head body.

That is, the nozzle 42A, which is the first water spray part of the nozzles 42 provided on the shower head body 40a of the shower head body 40, lands the shower water on one side of the first water landing plane P1. On the other hand, the nozzle 42B, which is the second water spray part of the nozzles 42 provided on the shower head body 40b of the shower head body 40, lands the shower water on the other side (the back side) of the first water landing plane P1. In this embodiment, the first water landing plane P1 is set vertically so as to pass through the middle between the shower head body 40a and the shower head body 40b.

In the first embodiment described above, the attachment angles of the fluid element 10A, which is the first spray part, and the fluid element 10B, which is the second spray part, are different, so that the landing angle α1 of the hot and cold water landing on the first landing plane P1 is greater than the landing angle α2. In contrast, in this embodiment, the nozzle 42A, which is the first spray part provided on the shower head body 40a, and the nozzle 42B, which is the second spray part provided on the shower head body 40b, are attached at the same angle.

In contrast, in this embodiment, the water supply pressure of the hot water supplied to the shower head body 40a of the shower head body 40 is set higher than the water supply pressure of the hot water supplied to the shower head body 40b. Therefore, the water force of the shower water discharged from the nozzle 42A, which is the first water discharge part provided on the shower head body 40a, is stronger than the water force of the shower water discharged from the nozzle 42B, which is the second water discharge part provided on the shower head body 40b.

As a result, as shown in FIG. 18, the shower water W1 discharged from nozzle 42A follows a trajectory close to a straight line L along the discharge direction and lands on the first water landing plane P1. In contrast, the shower water W2 discharged from nozzle 42B lands on the first water landing plane P1, deviating significantly downward from the straight line L along the discharge direction. As a result, the water landing angle α1 of the hot water discharged from nozzle 42A, the first water spray section, and landing on the first water landing plane P1 is greater than the water landing angle α2 of the hot water discharged from nozzle 42B, the second water spray section, and landing on the first water landing plane P1.

In addition, in this embodiment, the present invention can be configured to change the water supply pressure of the hot water supplied to the shower head body 40a of the shower head body 40, thereby allowing the landing angle α1 of the hot water discharged from the nozzle 42A, which is the first spray section, and landing on the first landing plane P1 to be changed.

Next, a shower apparatus according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
The shower device of this embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the structure for supplying hot and cold water to each spray section of the shower head body. Therefore, the following will only describe the differences between the fifth embodiment of the present invention and the first embodiment, and will omit a description of the same configurations, operations, and effects.

Figure 19 is a perspective view of a shower apparatus according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. Figure 20 is a perspective view of a shower head body provided in a shower apparatus according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention with the top cover removed. Figure 21 is a cross-sectional view of a shower head body provided in a shower apparatus according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. Figure 22 is an exploded perspective view showing the attachment structure of the water spray unit in a shower apparatus according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 19, the shower device 51 of this embodiment is fixed to the side wall surface 2a of the shower cubicle. The shower device 51 also has a shower head body 52 and a support member 56 for attaching the shower head body 52 to the side wall surface 2a.

The shower head body 52 is an elliptical ring-shaped member as a whole, with multiple water spray sections spaced apart along the elliptical ring. The shower head body 52 is also composed of an elliptical ring-shaped portion 52a and three hot and cold water supply sections 52b that extend radially from the center of the ring-shaped portion 52a.

The annular portion 52a is an elliptical ring-shaped portion, and a number of water spray parts are provided at intervals on its underside. As described below, a water supply passage is provided inside the annular portion 52a to supply hot water to each water spray part. Meanwhile, each hot water supply part 52b extends radially from the center of the annular portion 52a, and their tips are connected to the annular portion 52a. Specifically, one hot water supply part 52b extends from the center of the annular portion 52a toward the side wall surface 2a, and two hot water supply parts 52b extend in the opposite direction to the side wall surface 2a, and the tips of each hot water supply part 52b are connected to the annular portion 52a. The lengths between the three points where the tips of each hot water supply part 52b and the annular portion 52a are connected are configured to be approximately the same.

Next, the support member 56 is a member attached so as to extend generally horizontally from the upper part of the side wall surface 2a, and is configured to support the shower head body 52 at a predetermined height. Furthermore, the support member 56 is connected to the upper surface of the shower head body 52, and the tip of the support member 56 is connected to the joint of the three hot and cold water supply parts 52b at the center of the shower head body 52. In addition, a water supply passage (not shown) is provided inside the support member 56, and hot and cold water supplied through this water supply passage flows into each hot and cold water supply part 52b of the shower head body 52 and is sprayed from each spray part provided on the underside of the annular part 52a.

In this embodiment, the shower head body 52 is rigidly attached to the tip of the support member 56, but as a modified example, a ball joint (not shown) can be provided between the support member 56 and the shower head body 52, and the shower head body 52 can be fixed to the support member 56 so that the angle can be adjusted. In this case, the ball joint (not shown) is provided between the tip of the support member 56 and the connection part of the three hot and cold water supply parts 52b, and the ball joint is located near the center of gravity of the shower head body 52. Therefore, the moment of force acting on the center of rotation of the ball joint based on gravity acting on the shower head body 52 is relatively small, and the shower head body 52 can be easily fixed to any angle position by the ball joint.

The shower head body 52 is further composed of an upper cover 53, a flow path forming member 54, and a lower cover 55. By joining the upper cover 53 and the flow path forming member 54, a water supply passage is formed for supplying hot and cold water to each spray section of the shower head body 52.

As shown in FIG. 20, the flow path forming member 54 is composed of an annular portion and three straight portions extending radially from the center of the annular portion. This annular portion constitutes part of the annular portion 52a of the shower head body 52, and each straight portion constitutes part of the hot and cold water supply portion 52b. Furthermore, an annular passage 54a extending annularly is formed in the annular portion so as to go around the annular portion 52a, and a distribution passage 54b is formed in each straight portion. In other words, the three distribution passages 54b extend radially from the center of the shower head body 52, and their tips are connected to the annular passage 54a. In this way, hot and cold water flows into the annular passage 54a from multiple locations via each distribution passage 54b.

Meanwhile, multiple communication holes 54c are provided along the annular passage 54a, and these communication holes 54c are connected to the spray part mounting recesses 54d (Fig. 21) provided on the underside of the flow path forming member 54. As a result, the annular passage 54a formed in the annular part 52a of the shower head body 52 communicates with each spray part mounting recess 54d, and hot and cold water is supplied to the fluid element 10 (Fig. 21) attached thereto.

21 and 22, a number of sprinkler unit mounting recesses 54d are provided along the annular passage 54a on the underside of the flow path forming member 54. As in the first embodiment described above, each sprinkler unit mounting recess 54d is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape, and a sprinkler unit holding member 58 that holds the fluid element 10, which is the sprinkler unit, is removably fitted into it. The structure of the fluid element 10 is similar to that of the first embodiment described above, so a description thereof will be omitted.

The spray unit holding member 58 is an approximately cylindrical member overall, and is configured to hold the fluid element 10, which is the spray unit. The spray unit holding member 58 holds the fluid element 10 so that it is inclined at a predetermined angle relative to the central axis. This causes hot and cold water to be ejected diagonally downward from the shower head body 52. In addition, a groove 58a is provided on the outer periphery of the spray unit holding member 58, and an O-ring (not shown) is placed in this groove 58a to ensure watertightness between the spray unit holding member 58 and the spray unit mounting recess 54d.

22, mounting grooves 58b are provided at two locations on the outer peripheral surface of the sprinkler unit holding member 58 (only one is shown in FIG. 22). Each mounting groove 58b is formed in a hook shape and is composed of an axial portion extending in the axial direction from the upper end of the sprinkler unit holding member 58 and a circumferential portion extending in the circumferential direction of the sprinkler unit holding member 58 from the lower end of this axial portion. Meanwhile, two engagement protrusions 54e are provided on the inner peripheral surface of the sprinkler unit mounting recess 54d at positions corresponding to the axial portions of each mounting groove 58b (only one is shown in FIG. 22).

When attaching the sprinkler unit holding member 58, first, the sprinkler unit holding member 58 is fitted into the sprinkler unit mounting recess 54d so that each engagement protrusion 54e is received in the axial portion of each mounting groove 58b. Next, the sprinkler unit holding member 58 is rotated so that each engagement protrusion 54e is received in the circumferential portion of each mounting groove 58b, and the sprinkler unit holding member 58 can be fixed to the flow path forming member 54. In this embodiment, the sprinkler unit holding member 58 is rotated until each engagement protrusion 54e abuts against the end of the circumferential portion of each mounting groove 58b, so that the fluid element 10 held by the sprinkler unit holding member 58 is configured to face in the appropriate direction.

As in the first embodiment described above, each fluid element 10 provided on the shower head body 52 is attached so that the vibration plane of the hot and cold water (a plane parallel to the paper surface of FIG. 4) faces the tangent direction of the elliptical annular portion 52a. The intervals between the fluid elements 10 are not constant, but are adjusted so that the user is comfortably enveloped in the hot and cold water sprayed from each fluid element 10. In this embodiment, the intervals between adjacent fluid elements 10 are set to about 43 mm to about 167 mm. Preferably, the intervals between the fluid elements 10 are set to about 30 mm to about 200 mm. In contrast, in a typical conventional disc-shaped overhead shower, the spray holes are uniformly provided at intervals of about 10 mm to about 30 mm throughout the entire shower head.

Next, the operation of the shower device 51 according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described.
First, when a user operates the shower unit 51 to start discharging water, the supply of hot and cold water to the shower unit 51 begins. The supplied hot and cold water passes through a water supply passage (not shown) formed inside the support member 56 and flows into the shower head body 52. The hot and cold water that flows into the shower head body 52 is branched into three at the joint of the three hot and cold water supply parts 52b. That is, the hot and cold water supplied to the shower head body 52 is distributed to the three distribution passages 54b in the hot and cold water supply part 52b, as shown by the arrows in Figure 20, and flows into the annular passage 54a from the tip of each distribution passage 54b.

The hot water that enters the annular passage 54a from the tip of each distribution passage 54b branches into two as shown by the arrows in Figure 20 and flows into the annular passage 54a in both directions, and spreads throughout the entire annular passage 54a. As a result, the hot water flows into each sprinkler unit mounting recess 54d through each communication hole 54c provided along the annular passage 54a. The hot water that flows into the sprinkler unit mounting recess 54d flows into the fluid element 10 held by the sprinkler unit holding member 58 fitted into the sprinkler unit mounting recess 54d. The hot water supplied to each fluid element 10 is discharged while vibrating back and forth. The manner in which the hot water is discharged from the shower head body 52 is the same as in the first embodiment (Figure 6) described above, so a description will be omitted.

In this embodiment, the hot and cold water supplied to the shower head body 52 is distributed to the three distribution passages 54b and then flows into the annular passage 54a. This equalizes the distance of the water supply passages that must be passed from the water supply source to each fluid element, and hot and cold water is supplied to each fluid element 10 with a relatively uniform water supply pressure. As a result, the flow rate of hot and cold water discharged from each fluid element 10 becomes more uniform, and the user's shower experience becomes more uniform.

In addition, for example, if the pressure of hot water supplied to some of the multiple fluid elements is low, the force of the hot water ejected may be weak, and the hot water may not land on the user at the angle specified by the design value. According to the shower device 51 of this embodiment, by distributing the hot water through the distribution passage 54b, hot water can be supplied to each fluid element with a relatively uniform water supply pressure, and even when the water supply pressure is low, the relationship of the landing angle of the hot water ejected from the first spray section and the second spray section to the landing plane can be maintained as specified by the design value.

Note that Figures 11, 12, and 17, which show the second to fourth embodiments of the present invention described above, do not show a supply path through which the supplied hot and cold water flows into the shower head body, but it is also possible to supply hot and cold water to the shower head body using a distribution passage, as in the fifth embodiment described above.

For example, in the second embodiment shown in FIG. 11, a cross-shaped distribution passage (not shown) can be provided to connect the midpoints of the long sides and the midpoints of the short sides of the showerhead body 20. In this case, it is preferable to configure the present invention so that hot and cold water supplied from the support member flows in from the intersection of the cross and passes through the distribution passage to flow in from four points of the rectangular, annular showerhead body 20. This makes the distance of the water supply passages that pass from the water supply source to each fluid element uniform, and hot and cold water can be supplied to each spray section provided in the showerhead body 20 with a relatively uniform water supply pressure.

In the third and fourth embodiments shown in Figures 12 and 17, a distribution passage (not shown) extending in the front-to-rear direction can be provided to connect the midpoints of the shower head bodies separated into two parts, front and rear. In this case, it is preferable to configure the present invention so that hot and cold water supplied from the support member flows in from the midpoint of the distribution passage, and flows through the distribution passage into the center of each shower head body. This makes the distance of the water supply passage passing from the water supply source to each fluid element uniform, and hot and cold water can be supplied to each spray section provided in the shower head body with a relatively uniform water supply pressure.

Although the preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described above, various modifications can be made to the above-mentioned embodiment. In particular, the shape of the shower head body in each of the above-mentioned embodiments and each of the modified examples, and the configuration of each of the water spray sections provided therein, can be combined as appropriate, and the present invention can also be constituted by any combination of these.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 shower device 2 shower cubicle 2a side wall surface 4 shower head body 4a water supply passage 4b spray unit mounting recess 6 support member 8 spray unit holding member 10 fluid element (spray unit)
10A Fluid element (first water spray unit)
10B Fluid element (second water spray unit)
Reference Signs List 10a: Water outlet 10b: Flange 10c: Groove 10d: Inlet 11A: Water outlet 12a: Water supply passage 12b: Vortex passage 12c: Flow straightening passage 14: Step 16: Hot and cold water collision section 18: Nozzle 18a: Passage 18b: Inner wall surface 18c: Groove 20: Shower head body 30: Shower head body 32: First water supply passage 34: Second water supply passage 36: Spray section 36A: Spray section (first spray section)
36B Water spray unit (second water spray unit)
36a: First nozzle 36b: Second nozzle 36c: Sleeve 37: Spray plate 37a: Nozzle 37b: Axis 38: Spray section 38a: Nozzle 40: Shower head body 40a, 40b: Shower head body 42: Nozzle 42A: Nozzle (first spray section)
42B Nozzle (second water spray unit)
51 shower device 52 shower head body 52a annular portion 52b hot and cold water supply portion 53 upper cover 54 flow path forming member 54a annular passage 54b distribution passage 54c communication hole 54d spray portion mounting recess 54e engagement protrusion 55 lower cover 56 support member 58 spray portion holding member 58a groove 58b mounting groove

Claims (7)

A shower device that is fixed so as to shower water onto a user from above,
The shower head body,
a plurality of spray units provided on the shower head body and configured to spray water diagonally downward so as to surround a user standing below the shower head body;
A first sprinkler unit of the plurality of sprinkler units is configured to land hot water on one side of an imaginary first landing surface oriented vertically below the shower head body, and a second sprinkler unit of the plurality of sprinkler units is configured to land hot water on the other side of the first landing surface,
A shower device characterized in that the landing angle of hot water discharged from the first spray section and landing on one side of the first landing surface is greater than the landing angle of hot water discharged from the second spray section and landing on the other side of the first landing surface. The shower device according to claim 1, wherein a third sprinkler unit among the plurality of sprinkler units is oriented vertically and configured to land hot water on one side of a second landing plane perpendicular to the first landing plane, and a fourth sprinkler unit among the plurality of sprinkler units is configured to land hot water on the other side of the second landing plane, and the landing angle of the hot water landing on the one side of the second landing plane is substantially the same as the landing angle of the hot water landing on the other side of the second landing plane. The shower device according to claim 2, wherein the landing angle of the hot water discharged from the third spray unit and landing on one side of the second landing surface, and the landing angle of the hot water discharged from the fourth spray unit and landing on the other side of the second landing surface, are greater than the landing angle of the hot water discharged from the second spray unit and landing on the other side of the first landing surface. The shower device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first water spray unit is configured to spray hot water in the form of a film. The shower device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first spray section is provided on the shower head body so as to spray hot and cold water at an angle closer to horizontal than the second spray section. The shower device according to claim 5, wherein the first water spray unit is configured to be angle adjustable so that the angle at which hot and cold water is sprayed can be changed. The shower head body has a ring-shaped annular portion with an annular passage inside, and a hot and cold water supply portion connected to the annular portion with multiple distribution passages inside, and hot and cold water flows into the annular passage from multiple locations via each of the distribution passages. The shower device of claim 1.

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