Technical Field

[1] The present invention is directed to a shower equipment for conducting a shower function with water sprayed through a plurality of holes and, more specifically, to a multi-purpose shower equipment that allows a user to select one of a shower function and a bidet function through simple actuation of a switch. Background Art

[2] As is generally known, a shower equipment means a bathroom article that enables a user to take a shower with water sprayed through a plurality of holes of a shower cap, whereas a bidet is a device that can be used in cleansing a vagina or an anus with water. The bidet is sold independently or in combination with a water closet. In recent years, hygiene is taken seriously and thus an increasing number of people enjoy bidet wash. This holds particularly true for female users. Furthermore, products have been developed that can perform both a bidet function and a shower function. The inventive shower equipment is one of such products.

[3] Shown in FIG. 1 is a conventional multi-purpose shower equipment that can perform both a bidet function and a shower function. This shower equipment includes a shower housing 1, a shower cap 2 arranged on the front surface of the shower housing 1, a bidet water outlet 3 provided above the shower cap 2 and a switch 4 projecting from one flank side of the shower housing 1. Depending on the position of the switch 4, water is sprayed either from the shower cap 2 or the bidet water outlet 3. It is a matter of course that a distributor body (not shown) for changing a water flow path in response to actuation of the switch 4 is provided within the shower housing 1.

[4] Due to the integral formation of a shower part and a bidet wash part, the conventional multi-purpose shower equipment is problematic in that it has a complicated internal structure, thus reducing moldability and productivity.

[5] Another problem is that the conventional shower equipment has only a single bidet water outlet, which may make the user feel unpleasant. In other words, female users may feel displeased when cleansing their vagina, because the water discharged from a single bidet water outlet is used to wash both the vagina and the anus. Disclosure of Invention

Technical Problem

[6] Taking into account the above problems inherent in the prior art, it is an object of the present invention to provide a multi-purpose shower equipment that can be manufactured with improved productivity by separately producing and combining together

a shower housing and a bidet housing.

[7] Another object of the present invention is to provide a multi-purpose shower equipment that enables a user to perform wash operation with a high degree of hygiene and an improved feeling of contentment by the provision of two bidet water outlets used for different purposes.

[8] A further object of the present invention is to provide a multi-purpose shower equipment that allows a user to control the pressure of water discharged, thus enhancing a user s feeling of contentment. Technical Solution

[9] With these objects in view, the present invention provides a multi-purpose shower equipment comprising: a shower housing having an internally formed water supply passage, the shower housing opened at an upper front surface and provided with a switch insertion hole at an upper lateral portion; a bidet housing coupled to and extending over top and rear surfaces of the shower housing, the bidet housing having water inlet holes connected to water outflow holes of the shower housing to introduce water into the bidet housing and two water outlet ports through which the water is discharged from the bidet housing; a shower cap coupled to a front opening of the shower housing and having a plurality of holes; a distributor body provided within the front opening of the shower housing for feeding the water introduced through the water supply passage to different parts of the shower equipment; a coupling member for coupling the shower cap and the distributor body together, the coupling member providing a passage through which the water is discharged from the distributor body; a flow way changing part positioned at the rear of the distributor body and having four water communication holes, the flow way changing part adapted to allow the water to be selectively supplied to four flow passageways of the distributor body; and a control switch part inserted into the switch insertion hole of the shower housing at one end for rotating a swing body received within the flow way changing part.

[10] According to the present invention, the multi-purpose shower equipment further comprises elongated silicon hoses received within each of the compartments in a condition that, if needed, the silicon hoses can be pulled out through the water outlet ports and. The bidet housing includes: outlet port caps threadedly coupled to the water outlet ports for holding the silicon hoses against removal; nozzle caps threadedly coupled to the water outlet ports for fixing the silicon hoses; and O-rings provided around the outlet port caps for preventing water leakage through the water outlet ports.

[11] According to the multi-purpose shower equipment of the present invention, each of the silicon hoses has a nozzle formed at a frontal end exposed outside the corresponding one of the outlet port caps, the nozzle having a plurality of spray holes

partly exposed outside each of the nozzle caps. A water purifying filter is combined with a rear end of each of the silicon hoses lying inside the compartments.

[12] According to the multi-purpose shower equipment of the present invention, the distributor body includes a housing fitted to the opening of the shower housing and provided at a rear side with holes corresponding to the communication holes of the flow way changing part, and a connector pad arranged at the rear side of the housing for preventing water leakage from between the flow way changing part and the housing of the distributor body. The four flow passageways of the housing includes two water flow paths for interconnecting holes formed on the rear side of the housing and a water outflow path of the shower housing, a water flow path for interconnecting hole formed on the rear side of the housing and a center portion to which the coupling member is coupled, and a through-hole formed on the rear side of the housing to penetrate the housing.

[13] According to the multi-purpose shower equipment of the present invention, the housing is provided at upper lateral portions with water outflow holes that have a predetermined length and remain in communication with the water flow paths. Water inflow holes corresponding to the water outflow holes are formed around the opening of the shower housing into which the housing is inserted.

[14] According to the multi-purpose shower equipment of the present invention, the flow way changing part includes a plate having a plurality of communication holes, a support member attached to the plate with the swing body interposed between the plate and the support member, a plurality of roller members provided on the support member for facilitating movement of the swing body, and a resilient member provided on the support member for pressing the swing body against the plate.

[15] According to the multi-purpose shower equipment of the present invention, the control switch part includes a button partially exposed outside the shower housing and a swing body having a pin fitted into an insertion hole of the button so as to allow the swing body to integrally rotate with the button, the swing body provided at a center portion with a water supply hole through which the water is supplied to the communication holes of the flow way changing part. The water supply hole of the swing body has the shape of an ellipse whose long axis extends in a horizontal direction, the swing body being configured such that, when the water supply hole of the swing body comes into alignment with one of the communication holes of the flow way changing part, the remaining communication holes are all kept closed.

[16] According to the multi-purpose shower equipment of the present invention, the coupling member includes an inner extension externally threaded for coupling with a center portion of the distributor body, an outer extension continuously formed with the inner extension and internally threaded for connection with a mouth cleaner, and a

support ring having a greater diameter than the inner extension and the outer extension.

Advantageous Effects

[17] The multi-purpose shower equipment of the present invention provides an effect that the internal structure is simplified and productivity is enhanced by separately producing and combining together a shower housing and a bidet housing. [18] Further, the multi-purpose shower equipment of the present invention provides an effect that a user can selectively enjoy a shower function, a bidet function, a water massage function and a mouth cleaning function through actuation of a button. [19] Still further, the multi-purpose shower equipment of the present invention provides an effect that the shower equipment is small-sized and easy-to-carry, thus allowing a user to use the same at an actual trip location by directly connecting it to a typical shower hose. [20] Yet still further, the multi-purpose shower equipment of the present invention provides an effect that a user can control the pressure of discharged water to a desired level by use of a button, thus enhancing a user s feeling of contentment. [21] In addition to the above, the multi-purpose shower equipment of the present invention provides an effect that individual members are made of an antimicrobial material and therefore are harmless to the human body.

Brief Description of the Drawings [22] The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments given in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: [23] FIG. 1 is a view showing the configuration of a conventional multi-purpose shower equipment; [24] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a multi-purpose shower equipment in accordance with the present invention; [25] FIG. 3 is a front elevational view depicting a multi-purpose shower equipment in accordance with the present invention; [26] FIG. 4 is an explodes perspective view showing a multi-purpose shower equipment in accordance with the present invention; [27] FIG. 5 is a view showing the configuration of a control switch forming one major part of the present invention; [28] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a bidet housing forming another major part of the present invention; [29] FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view showing a bidet housing forming another major part of the present invention; [30] FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating a distributor body forming a further major

part of the present invention;

[31] FIG. 9 is a view showing the front surface of a distributor body;

[32] FIG. 10 is a view showing the rear surface of a distributor body;

[33] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing the interior of a distributor body;

[34] FIG. 12 is a side elevational cross-sectional view of a multi-purpose shower equipment in accordance with the present invention; and

[35] FIG. 13 is a view illustrating one exemplary use of a multi-purpose shower equipment in accordance with the present invention. Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[36] Preferred embodiments of a multi-purpose shower equipment according to the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Mode for the Invention

[37] FIGS. 2, 3 and 4 are perspective, front elevational and exploded perspective views illustrating a multi-purpose shower equipment in accordance with the present invention. FIG. 5 is a view showing the configuration of a control switch forming one major part of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a bidet housing forming another major part of the present invention. FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view showing a bidet housing forming another major part of the present invention. FIGS. 8 through 11 are views illustrating the front surface, the rear surface and the interior of a distributor body. FIG. 12 is a side elevational cross-sectional view of a multi-purpose shower equipment in accordance with the present invention. FIG. 13 is a view illustrating one exemplary use of a multi-purpose shower equipment in accordance with the present invention.

[38] The multi-purpose shower equipment of the present invention includes: a shower housing 10 having an internally formed water supply passage 11, the shower housing 10 opened at an upper front surface and provided with a switch insertion hole 13 at an upper lateral portion; a bidet housing 20 coupled to and extending over top and rear surfaces of the shower housing 10, the bidet housing 20 having water inlet holes 21 and 22 connected to water outflow holes 14 and 15 of the shower housing 10 to introduce water into the bidet housing 20 and two water outlet ports 23 and 24 through which the water is discharged from the bidet housing 20; a shower cap 70 coupled to a front opening 12 of the shower housing 10 and having a plurality of holes 71 ; a distributor body 30 provided within the front opening 12 of the shower housing 10 for feeding the water introduced through the water supply passage 11 to different parts of the shower equipment; a coupling member 40 for coupling the shower cap 70 and the distributor body 30 together, the coupling member 40 providing a passage through

which the water is discharged from the distributor body 30; a flow way changing part 50 positioned at the rear of the distributor body 30 and having four water communication holes, the flow way changing part 50 adapted to allow the water to be selectively supplied to four flow passageways of the distributor body 30; and a control switch part 60 inserted into the switch insertion hole 13 of the shower housing 10 at one end for rotating a swing body 65 received within the flow way changing part 50.

[39] The bidet housing 20 is divided into two independent compartments, each of which communicates with the corresponding one of the water inlet holes 21 and 22 and further with the corresponding one of the water outlet ports 23 and 24. A silicon hose 26 of a predetermined length is received within each of the compartments in such a manner that it can be drawn out through the corresponding one of the water outlet ports 23 and 24, if needed.

[40] The bidet housing 20 includes an outlet port cap 25 threadedly fastened at its inner side to the water outlet port 23 or 24 for preventing the silicon hose 26 from removal, a nozzle cap 27 threadedly engaged with the projecting portion of the water outlet port 23 or 24 for fixing the silicon hose 26 in a retracted condition, and an O-ring 28 provided on the outer peripheral surface of the outlet port cap 25 for inhibiting the water from leakage through the water outlet port 23 or 24. In this regard, the silicon hose 26 is provided with a nozzle 26a at its frontal end remaining exposed to the outside from the outlet port cap 25. The nozzle 26a has a plurality of spray holes 26b, some of which is exposed to the outside from the nozzle cap 27. A water purifying filter 26c is coupled to the rear end of the silicon hose 26 kept inside the corresponding one of the compartments.

[41] The silicon hose 26 is combined with the bidet housing 20 in the following manner.

The rear end of the silicon hose 26 is inserted through the outlet port cap 25 and then the water purifying filter 26c is combined with the end of the silicon hose 26. As the water purifying filter 26c is combined in this manner, the rear end of the silicon hose 26 has a diameter greater than that of the bore of the outlet port cap 25, thus preventing the silicon hose 26 from removal out of the outlet port cap 25. The nozzle 26a formed at the frontal end of the silicon hose 26 is also greater in diameter than that of the bore of the outlet port cap 25, which precludes the possibility that the frontal end of the silicon hose 26 is moved inwardly beyond the outlet port cap 25. Subsequently, the outlet port cap 25 is threadedly engaged with the water outlet port 23 or 24 of the bidet housing 20 and the nozzle cap 27 is combined with the outlet port cap 25 such that a part of the nozzle 26a of the silicon hose 26 can exposed at the exterior of the outlet port cap 25. In this process, the O-ring 28 is disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the outlet port cap 25 to thereby inhibit the water from leaking through the water outlet port 23 or 24.

[42] The distributor body 30 includes a housing 31 fitted to the opening 12 of the shower housing 10 and provided at its rear side with holes corresponding to the communication holes of the flow way changing part 50, and a connector pad 32 arranged at the rear side of the housing 31 for preventing any water leakage from between the flow way changing part 50 and the housing 31 of the distributor body 30.

[43] The housing 31 has four flow passageways, which includes two water flow paths 33 and 34 for interconnecting the holes 33 and 34 formed on the rear surface of the housing 31 and the water outflow path of the shower housing 10, a water flow path 36 for interconnecting the hole 36 formed on the rear surface of the housing 31 and the center portion 35 to which the coupling member 40 is coupled, and a through-hole 37 formed on the rear surface of the housing 31 to penetrate the housing 31. Formed at the upper lateral portions of the housing 31 are water outflow holes 38 and 39 that have a predetermined length and remain in communication with the water flow paths 33 and 34. Water inflow holes 16 and 17 corresponding to the water outflow holes 38 and 39 are formed around the opening 12 of the shower housing 10 into which the housing 31 is inserted.

[44] The flow way changing part 50 includes a plate 51 having a plurality of communication holes, a support member 52 attached to the plate 51 with the swing body 65 interposed therebetween, a plurality of roller members 53 provided on the support member 52 for facilitating movement of the swing body 65, and balls 54 and springs 55 provided on the support member 52 for pressing the swing body 65 against the plate 51.

[45] The control switch part 60 includes a button 61, a part of which is exposed to the outside of the shower housing 10, and a swing body 65 having a pin 64 fitted into an insertion hole 62 of the button 61 so as to allow the swing body 65 to integrally rotate with the button 61, the swing body 65 provided at its center portion with a water supply hole 63 through which the water is supplied to the communication holes of the flow way changing part 50.

[46] In this connection, the water supply hole 63 of the swing body 65 has the shape of an ellipse whose long axis extends in a horizontal direction. The swing body 65 is configured such that, when the water supply hole 63 of the swing body 65 comes into alignment with one of the communication holes of the flow way changing part 50, the remaining communication holes are all kept closed.

[47] The coupling member 40 includes an inner extension 41 externally threaded for coupling with the center portion 35 of the distributor body 30, an outer extension 42 continuously formed with the inner extension 41 and internally threaded for connection with a mouth cleaner 80, and a support ring 43 having a greater diameter than the inner extension 41 and the outer extension 42. A water massage cap 44 having a hole of a

predetermined shape may be fitted to the outer extension 42. The coupling member 40 is combined with the center portion 35 of the distributor body 30 through an insertion hole 72 formed at the center portion of the shower cap 70, thereby fixing the shower cap 70 against any movement.

[48] Although not shown in the drawings, it goes without saying that a plurality of packing members are provided to avoid any water leakage between different elements, most of the packing members being in the form of an O-ring. Furthermore, the respective elements are preferably made of antimicrobial resin harmless to the human body. Particularly, the silicon hose 26 is produced by use of antimicrobial silicon resin to make sure that no injury is caused to the human body when the silicon hose 26 is inserted into the latter.

[49] The multi-purpose shower equipment configured as above allows a user to change water discharging positions through the actuation of a button, thus making it possible not only to take a shower or a water massage but also to enjoy a bidet function for cleansing a vagina or an anus.

[50] In operation, water is fed from a water supply pipe (not shown) into the internal space of the shower housing 10 through the water supply passage 11. Then, the water is introduced into the distributor body 30 via the water supply hole 63 of the swing body 65 and the communication holes of the flow way changing part 50, after which the water moves toward various parts of the shower equipment through the flow paths of the distributor body 30 and is discharged to the outside.

[51] If the water supply hole 63 of the swing body 65 is brought into alignment with the uppermost communication hole of the flow way changing part 50 by actuation of the button 61 of the control switch part 60, the water introduced through the water supply passage 11 is supplied to the first water flow path 33 through the hole 33 of the distributor body 30 and then introduced into the first water inflow hole 16 of the shower housing 10 via the water outflow hole 38 remaining in communication with the first water flow path 33. Thereafter, the water is introduced into the left compartment of the bidet housing 20 via the first outflow hole 14 communicating with the first water inflow hole 16 and the first water inlet hole 21 of the bidet housing 20.

[52] Subsequently, the water is purified as it goes by the water purifying filter 26c attached to the rear end of the silicon hose 26 and is discharged through the spray holes 26b of the nozzle 26a formed at the frontal end of the silicon hose 26. This enables the user to wash a vagina or an anus with the water discharged from the nozzle 26a of the silicon hose 26 located at the left water outlet port 23. In other words, the water sprayed through the spray holes 26b that remain exposed outside the nozzle cap 27 can be used to wash external intimate parts of the user, which is referred to as an outer wash bidet function.

[53] At this time, the silicon hose 26 may optionally be pulled out by grasping the nozzle

26a and then can be used to wash the inside of a vagina or an intestine. This means that the silicon hose 26 serves as a bidet for washing concealed bodily parts.

[54] The process of pulling out the silicon hose 26 is as follows. The nozzle cap 27 is reversely turned and separated from the outlet port cap 25. Under this condition, the nozzle 26a of the silicon hose 26 is grasped and pulled frontward into an extended position. Since the water purifying filter 26c is attached to the rear end of the silicon hose 26, there is no possibility that the silicon hose 26 is removed from the outlet port cap 25. In this condition, the nozzle 26a of the silicon hose 26 is inserted into a vagina or an intestine to wash the inside thereof, at which time the water is sprayed from all of the spray holes 26b of the nozzle 26a. For the purpose of hygiene and pleasantness, each of the silicon hoses 26 received in the different compartments of the bidet housing 20 is given its own use and should be used only for the intended purpose.

[55] After the silicon hose 26 has been used, it is pushed into the bidet housing 20 and the nozzle cap 27 is fastened to thereby prevent the silicon hose 26 from removal. At this time, the silicon hose 26 becomes flexible under the action of the water and therefore can be pulled out from or pushed into the bidet housing 20 with ease.

[56] If the water supply hole 63 of the swing body 65 is brought into alignment with the second communication hole of the flow way changing part 50, the water introduced through the water supply passage 11 is supplied to the third water flow path 36 through the hole 35 of the distributor body 30 and then to the center portion 35 communicating with the third water flow path 36. Thereafter, the water is discharged to the outside through the coupling member 40. The user can enjoy water massage using the water massage cap 45 removably attached to the outer extension 42 of the coupling member 40. If needed, the mouth cleaner 80 may be connected to the outer extension 42 of the coupling member 40 and used to cleanse the oral cavity of the user.

[57] If the water supply hole 63 of the swing body 65 is brought into alignment with the third communication hole of the flow way changing part 50, the water introduced through the water supply passage 11 is supplied to the front side of the distributor body 30 via the through-hole 37 formed through the thickness of the distributor body 30 and then sprayed through the holes 71 of the shower cap 70, thereby allowing the user to take a shower.

[58] If the water supply hole 63 of the swing body 65 is brought into alignment with the lowermost communication hole of the flow way changing part 50 by actuation of the button 61 of the control switch part 60, the water introduced through the water supply passage 11 is supplied to the second water flow path 34 through the hole 34 of the distributor body 30 and then introduced into the second water inflow hole 17 of the shower housing 10 through the water outflow hole 39 communicating with the second

water flow path 34. Thereafter, the water enters the right compartment of the bidet housing 20 via the second water outflow hole 15 communicating with the second water inflow hole 17 and the second water inlet hole 22 of the bidet housing 20. The water is then discharged to the outside through the silicon hose 26.

[59] As set forth above, by bringing the water supply hole 63 of the swing body 65 into alignment with one of the communication holes of the flow way changing part 50 through actuation of the button 61 of the control switch part 60, it is possible for the user to selectively enjoy the shower function, the bidet function, the water massage function and the mouth cleaning function.

[60] The silicon hoses 26 are normally retracted into the bidet housing 20 and can be optionally extended long from the bidet housing 20. This makes it possible to wash the inside of a vagina or an intestine. Particularly, the bidet housing 20 has two silicon hoses 26 inserted through the water outlet ports 23 and 24, one of which can be used for washing an intestine and the other of which can be used for cleaning a vagina. Accordingly, the provision of two silicon hoses 26 enables a user to perform wash operation with a high degree of hygiene and an improved feeling of contentment, as compared to an instance that a single silicon hose is used to wash both the vagina and the anus.

[61] In addition, it is possible to control the pressure of water sprayed, by adjusting the area at which the water supply hole 63 of the swing body 65 is brought into alignment with one of the communication holes of the flow way changing part 50.

[62] While the invention has been shown and described in respect to one preferred embodiment, this is for the illustrative purpose only and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention by no means. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the following claims. Industrial Applicability

[63] As described in the foregoing, the present invention can be applied to a multipurpose shower equipment that allows a user to arbitrarily select one of a showering function, a water massage function and a bidet function through simple actuation of a switch.