JP2822649B2 - Shower equipment - Google Patents

Description

Description: BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a shower device installed and used in a bathroom or a shower room.

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, with the development of hot water supply technology, bathrooms have been installed with showers in most homes, and shower culture regarding bathing is increasing. Moreover, exhilaration, comfort, and pleasure, etc., have been demanded in addition to simply removing sweat and dirt from the body.

Conventionally, with respect to this type of shower device, for example,
As shown in FIG. 6 shown in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 202350/1992, the amount of hot water or the temperature of hot water is changed by a time-varying signal, and the change in the amount of hot water or the temperature of hot water is changed as shown in FIG. Is displayed on a display device such as a level meter in which a plurality of water heaters are arranged to give a massage effect due to a temporal change in the amount of hot water when the shower is used, and the user is notified of the change in the hot water amount by the display device to improve use. There is something. Separately, as shown in FIG. 8 shown in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 60-2838, a signal that changes with time such as the scale and rhythm of a musical score is transmitted from a signal generator 1, and
By operating the temperature controller 2 or the water amount controller 3 to change the hot water supply temperature or the hot water supply amount, the speaker 6 which is a sounding body provided in the shower remote control box 5 in the bathroom is driven via the sound wave generation circuit 4, There has been a technique in which a melody of a musical score is flown from a speaker 6 to a bathroom, and the amount of hot water in a shower is also changed.

Problems to be Solved by the Invention However, in such conventional configurations, since the amount of hot water in the shower is changed by a signal that changes over time, a high-speed massage is required to obtain an exciting massage effect. However, if the flow rate is changed at a high speed, a so-called water hammer phenomenon, which is well known, is caused, which adversely affects equipment and piping. Therefore, it has to be suppressed to a low speed or a small change in the amount of hot water such that the water hammer phenomenon does not occur, and for a shower user, the massage effect and the feeling of irritation are unsatisfactory.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a shower apparatus which solves such a conventional problem, has a sufficient massage effect and a stimulating feeling, and has a high effect.

Means for Solving the Problems In order to solve the above problems, the shower device of the present invention comprises:
A plurality of discharge ports for discharging hot and cold water, a signal generator for outputting a time-varying signal, a flow path switching controller for outputting a flow path switching signal based on a signal from the signal generator; Flow path switching means for driving a valve body with one electromagnetic coil in accordance with a control signal of a path switching controller to switch a flow path to the plurality of discharge ports, wherein the switching means switches the plurality of discharge ports. In this case, the shower device is provided with a passage switching means for opening the valve seat where the valve body is closed and then closing the other open valve seat.

According to the present invention, a flow path switching signal is generated from a flow path switching controller in response to a signal from a signal generator which changes over time, and the control signal of the flow path switching controller is switched by the above-described configuration. The means is received by the means, and the flow path switching means acts to switch a flow path to a plurality of discharge ports for discharging hot water. Therefore, the user can experience a shower from the discharge port that changes according to a signal that changes over time.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1 to 3, reference numeral 1 denotes a compact disk on which music is recorded as an example of a signal generator and a compact disk player which is a player thereof. When the compact disc player 1 is operated, a tone signal is output. This tone signal is input to a speaker 6 as a sounding body and a flow path switching controller 7. The flow path switching controller 7 includes a rhythm element detecting unit. In the flow path switching controller 7, the rhythm element detecting section detects the strength of the frequency band of the sound of the drum or the bass, which is a musical instrument in the rhythm section of music, and the rhythm element signal exceeds a certain level. During a certain period, the power is output to the flow path switching means 8. The flow path switching means 8 includes a movable core 11 slidably inserted into the axis of the electromagnetic coil 9 via a guide pipe 10, and a fixed core 12 for sucking the movable core 11 includes a guide pipe 10. And is fixed to the yoke 13 outside the electromagnetic coil 9 by caulking. The lines of magnetic force generated by the electromagnetic coil 9 are the movable core 11 and the fixed core.
A magnetic circuit extending to the yoke 13 and the yoke plate 14 is configured. Further, a valve element 15 is loosely attached to an end face of the movable iron core 11. A spring 16 mounted on the valve element 15 urges the movable iron core 11 in a direction away from the fixed iron core 12. The flow path in the valve body 17 of the flow path switching means 8 has an inlet 19 communicating with a hot water supply port 18 and a shower nozzle 20 for discharging hot and cold water.
A plurality of valve seats 25 and 26 are formed in the middle of the communication passages with outlets 23 and 24 communicating with the plurality of discharge ports 21 and 22, respectively. The valve body 15,
It is inserted so as to slide on the inner surfaces of the plurality of valve seats 25 and 26, and is close to a so-called type of spool valve configuration. Note that 27
Is a guide rib formed on the valve facing 15. Also,
FIG. 3 shows the appearance of the shower body 28, and 29 is the shower body 28.
This is a cap of a battery power supply unit case built in, and has a battery-replaceable and waterproof structure. Multiple outlets 21,2
2 separate from the shower nozzle 20 and the hand shower nozzle 3
In addition, a hot water nozzle 31 for discharging hot and cold water from the upper portion of the shower body, a fog nozzle 32 for discharging hot and cold water in a fine mist, and the like are provided. The selection of these shower nozzles is performed by operating a selection solenoid valve 34 (not shown) from the operation unit 33. Note that the selection solenoid valve 34 is a self-holding solenoid valve that can be operated by one-shot energization with the intention of reducing battery power consumption. In addition,
The signal generator 1, the flow path switching controller 7, the flow path switching means 8 and the like are configured to be built in the shower main body 28.

In the above configuration, at the operation unit 33 of the shower body 28,
When the discharge from the fixed shower nozzle 20 is instructed, the selection solenoid valve 34 is opened by one-shot energization to open the shower nozzle.
Hot water spouts from the 20 discharge ports 21. In this case, since the flow path switching means 8 is not energized, the flow path switching means 8
In the state of FIG. 1, the valve seat 25 is fully opened and the valve seat 26 remains fully closed in the state of FIG. However, since it has a thermistor for detecting hot water supply temperature and has a function of supplying hot water at a suitable temperature, when the hot water supplied from the hot water supply port 18 is other than 37 to 42 ° C., the shower nozzle 20
Instead, the water is first discharged from the standby discharge port 35, and when the temperature reaches an appropriate level, the liquid is automatically discharged from the selected shower nozzle. Therefore, suddenly cold water,
It can be used safely without taking hot water.

Next, when a mode switch (not shown) of the musical tone interlocking shower of the operation unit 33 is turned on, a musical tone signal is generated from the compact disc player 1 as a signal generator, and music is heard from the speaker 6 as a sounding body. At the same time, the shower jet alternately changes from the outlet 21 and from the outlet 22 in conjunction with the rhythm of the music. In this musical tone-linked shower, the flow path switching controller 7 detects a rhythm element from the musical sound signal by the above-described configuration, and applies a switching electric output to the electromagnetic coil 9 of the flow path switching means 8 according to the rhythm element signal. Get up by. FIG. 2 shows a state in which a current is applied from the flow path switching controller 7 to the flow path switching means 8 and the shower port is switched from the discharge port 21 to the discharge port 22. In this way, the shower outlet changes in accordance with the temporally changing rhythm element signal, and a rhythmic stimulus can be obtained. As described above, in response to the generation of the sound of the rhythm element which changes with time, the flow path switching means 8 is energized only at the instant of each signal, and is movable by the electromagnetic force generated in the electromagnetic coil 9 of the flow path switching means 8. Since the iron core 11 acts to close the valve seat 25 by pulling the valve body 15 against the force of the spring 16, the shower jet flows from the discharge port 21 to the discharge port 22 only at that moment.
Changes to Between the pulses of the rhythm element signal, the flow path switching controller 7 supplies the flow path switching means 8.
Since the input current to the valve stops, and at that moment, the electromagnetic force of the electromagnetic coil 9 of the flow path switching means 8 also disappears, the valve body 15 immediately opens the valve seat 25 fully by the force of the spring 16 and immediately closes the valve seat 26 completely. Acts like returning to the state. Also,
The flow path switching means 8 is different from the conventional structure in which the pilot valve is driven to change the flow rate by driving the main valve through a change in the force acting on the diaphragm.
Is driven directly by the movable iron core 11 on which an electromagnetic force acts, so that a quick response can be obtained, and the switching of the shower jet can be changed in conjunction with a fast change signal such as music.

Also, since the shower outlet is switched and changed instead of changing the shower flow rate as in the conventional case, even if the outlet is switched at a high speed, a so-called water hammer phenomenon occurs, and the surrounding equipment and piping are changed. Does not adversely affect The reason is that the valve body 15 opens the valve seat 26 and then closes the valve seat 25, and in the case of the reverse operation, the valve seat 25 is opened and then the valve seat 26 is closed, while the discharge ports 21 and 22 for jetting out a shower. , The shower flow rate of each discharge port rapidly and rapidly changes from maximum to zero and from zero to maximum, but the total flow rate hardly changes. In other words, not only does the water hammer phenomenon not occur, but also the shower jet flow rate from the individual discharge ports 21 and 22 dynamically changes at high speed and greatly,
An extremely stimulating massage effect can be obtained.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, while listening to the favorite music from the speaker 6, the shower outlet changes according to the rhythm change of the music, and rhythmical stimulation and massage effects, and visual, auditory, and tactile sensations are achieved. It is possible to realize a musical tone-linked jet pattern change shower that gives the effect of feeling the effect of creating a rich shower life. Moreover, there is no need to worry about adverse effects such as the water hammer phenomenon.

In the above embodiment, as a signal that changes with time, a music-linked shower using a compact disc player has been described as an example.However, a signal recorded in a memory IC, and not only a music signal but also other 1 / f signals, for example, may be used. Use has the same effect.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 shown as another embodiment, a plurality of discharge ports 36, 37 are provided in separate hand showers 38, 39, and a signal from the signal generator 1 is controlled to switch the flow path. Vessel 7
In addition, the hand showers 38 and 39 are alternately switched and ejected through the flow path switching means 8 in conjunction with the signal, thereby providing a plurality of ejection ports 21 and 22 as shown in FIG.
Is formed in one shower nozzle 20 and the ejection pattern is switched, so that a different stimulating effect can be obtained. For example, it is possible to stimulate the shoulder and the waist alternately.

Further, in the embodiment shown in FIG.
When the valve seat 25 is fully open, the valve seat 26 is fully closed.On the contrary, when the valve seat 25 is fully closed, the valve seat 26 is fully opened. Was repeated according to the signal. In the embodiment of FIGS. 4 and 5, a minimum flow path 40 is provided between the inlet 19 and the outlet 23.
Since the minimum flow path 41 is provided between the discharge port 36 and the outlet 24, each of the discharge ports 36 and 37 acts so as to repeat between the fully open flow rate and the minimum flow rate according to the signal of the signal generator 1. Accordingly, in a state where the electromagnetic coil 9 is not energized, as shown in FIG. 4, the hand shower 38 bathes in the upper body at a full open flow rate, and the hand shower 39 keeps the feet warm with hot water at the minimum flow rate. It can be used and is convenient in winter. The minimum flow paths 40, 4
1 does not need to be formed as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, but also in a configuration in which the gap between the outer diameter of the valve body 15 and the inner diameter of the valve seats 25 and 26 is a gap that can ensure the minimum flow rate. The operation and effect of the present invention can be obtained.

In the above-described embodiment, all the plurality of outlets are described as two examples, but the present invention includes a case where there are three or more outlets. By using three or more discharge ports, the jetting pattern of the shower becomes more diversified, and a higher effect can be obtained. For this purpose, the valve body 15 of the flow path switching means 8 shown in FIG. 1 and FIG.
This is possible by using a spool valve having three or more outlets.

Also, the passage switching means is not an electromagnetic spool valve,
By using a pure fluid element, the power energy required for switching can be reduced, and the flow path can be switched with a small actuator.

Effects of the Invention As described above, according to the shower device of the present invention, the following effects can be obtained.

(1) A plurality of discharge ports for discharging hot and cold water, a signal generator for outputting a time-varying signal, and a flow path switching controller for outputting a flow path switching signal based on a signal from the signal generator. Channel switching means for driving a valve body with one electromagnetic coil in accordance with a control signal of the flow path switching controller to switch a flow path to the plurality of discharge ports, and the switching means comprises a plurality of discharge ports. When switching the outlet, the valve body is a shower device having a flow path switching unit that opens the valve seat that is closed and then closes the other open valve seat, so that the shower jet flow from the plurality of discharge ports can be dynamically changed. The water hammer phenomenon can be prevented even at a high speed and a large change, and there is an effect that an extremely high stimulating feeling and a massage effect can be obtained.

(2) Since a plurality of discharge ports can be formed integrally or separately, and the shower flow can be switched and changed according to a signal that changes with time from the plurality of discharge ports, there is no hitherto. The unique effect that a shower with a high effect can be realized can be obtained.

[Brief description of the drawings]

1 and 2 are block diagrams showing the configuration of a shower device according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 3 is an external perspective view of the shower device, and FIGS. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a shower device showing an embodiment, FIG. 6 is a characteristic diagram showing a change in water amount of a conventional shower device, FIG. 7 is an external perspective view of a display of the conventional shower device, and FIG. It is a lineblock diagram of a shower device. 1 ... Signal generator, 7 ... Channel switching controller, 8 ...
Channel switching means, 21 ... discharge port, 22 ... discharge port, 36 ...
... Discharge port, 37 ... Discharge port.

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on front page (58) Field surveyed (Int.Cl. ⁶ , DB name) A47K 3/22

Claims (1)

(57) [Claims] 1. A plurality of discharge ports for discharging hot and cold water, a signal generator for outputting a time-varying signal, and a flow path switching control for outputting a flow path switching signal based on a signal from the signal generator. And a flow path switching means for driving a valve body with one electromagnetic coil in accordance with a control signal of the flow path switching controller to switch a flow path to the plurality of discharge ports. And a flow path switching means for opening a valve seat closed by the valve body and then closing the other open valve seat when switching the discharge port.