Valves and shower heads

Abstract

This invention provides a valve and a shower head. The valve includes a valve body, a switching shaft, and a movable seal. The valve body has a first chamber, a second chamber, a main outlet, and a pressure relief outlet. Both the switching shaft and the movable seal are movably connected to the valve body. The switching shaft includes a first sealing part and a second sealing part. The movable seal has a water passage hole, and the first chamber and the second chamber are located on opposite sides of the movable seal. The valve provided by this invention allows water to flow through by changing the position of the movable seal, either by connecting the first chamber and the main outlet or by separating the first chamber and the main outlet, thus closing the valve. The movement of the movable seal is achieved by the movement of the switching shaft and changing the fluid pressure difference between the chambers on both sides of the movable seal; therefore, switching the valve requires less effort.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of shower head technology, and more particularly to a valve and a shower head. Background Technology

[0002] Some showerheads on the market offer switchable water flow effects. For example, the spray pattern on the showerhead can be changed, and the strength of the water flow can also be adjusted. Existing switchable showerheads typically have a valve; users can switch the valve's state to change the water flow effect. The sealing components within the valve (e.g., in some valves, this component is a valve disc) directly bear significant water pressure. Furthermore, because the sealing components need to maintain a good seal, the fit between the sealing components and other components in the valve is quite tight. Therefore, when the sealing components are driven to move, they experience considerable resistance (including friction and water pressure). Consequently, users need to overcome significant resistance when driving the sealing components, making it relatively difficult to switch the showerhead's water flow effect. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The present invention aims to at least solve one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. To this end, the present invention proposes a valve whose state switching requires less effort.

[0004] The present invention also provides a shower head including the above-described valve.

[0005] A valve according to a first aspect of the present invention includes: a valve body having a first chamber, a second chamber, a main outlet, and a pressure relief outlet, the first chamber and the second chamber being capable of containing fluid, the main outlet and the pressure relief outlet being for the fluid to exit the valve body, and the second chamber and the main outlet being separated; a switching shaft being movably connected to the valve body, the switching shaft including a first sealing portion and a second sealing portion; a movable seal being movably connected to the valve body, the movable seal being movable relative to the valve body to communicate between the first chamber and the main outlet or to separate the first chamber and the main outlet, the movable seal having a water passage hole, the first chamber and the second chamber being located on opposite sides of the movable seal, and the first chamber and the second chamber being capable of communicating through the water passage hole; the switching shaft being movable relative to the valve body to cause the first sealing portion to block the water passage hole and release the separation of the second chamber and the pressure relief outlet by the second sealing portion, or to cause the first sealing portion to release the blockage of the water passage hole and to cause the second sealing portion to separate the second chamber and the pressure relief outlet.

[0006] The valve according to a first aspect embodiment of the present invention has at least the following beneficial effects: The valve provided by the present invention, by changing the position of the movable seal, can connect the first chamber and the main outlet to allow water to flow through the valve, or separate the first chamber and the main outlet to close the valve. The movement of the movable seal is achieved by changing the fluid pressure difference between the chambers on both sides of the movable seal through the movement of the switching shaft.

[0007] In existing technologies, valve sealing components are subjected to significant fluid pressure, and the friction between the sealing components and other parts of the valve is also substantial. Therefore, directly pushing the sealing components requires overcoming considerable resistance. However, in the valve of this invention, the user does not directly push the movable seal; the movement of the movable seal is actually driven by the fluid pressure difference between the chambers on either side of the movable seal. Even if the movable seal experiences significant resistance during movement, the user does not need to directly overcome this resistance. This reduces the force required for the user to switch valve states, making valve switching much easier.

[0008] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the valve further includes a first elastic element connected to the movable seal; the elastic force of the first elastic element is used to drive the movable seal to reset, so as to restore the separation of the movable seal from the first chamber and the main outlet.

[0009] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the valve further includes a second elastic element connected to the switching shaft; the elastic force of the second elastic element is used to drive the switching shaft to reset, so as to release the first sealing part from the water passage hole.

[0010] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a shower head includes: a plurality of valves as described in the first aspect embodiment; a housing, wherein the valves are installed inside the housing, and the surface of the housing has a plurality of sets of water outlets, each set of water outlets being connected to a main outlet on a different valve.

[0011] According to the second aspect of the present invention, the shower head has at least the following beneficial effects: the water output effect of the shower head can be switched, and the switching of the water output effect of the shower head is relatively effortless.

[0012] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the main outlet and the pressure relief outlet on the same valve are both connected to the same group of water outlets.

[0013] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the shower head further includes a sliding plate, the sliding plate being slidably connected to the valve housing, the sliding direction of the sliding plate being perpendicular to the movement direction of the switching shaft, the sliding plate including a first surface and a second surface, the first surface and the second surface being spaced apart along the sliding direction of the sliding plate and spaced apart along the movement direction of the switching shaft; the sliding plate is slidable relative to the valve housing so that the first surface or the second surface abuts against the switching shaft.

[0014] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the shower head further includes: a mounting base, the valve housing being fixed to the mounting base, and the mounting base having a plurality of spaced positioning grooves along the sliding direction of the sliding plate; a first positioning member; and a third elastic member, the two ends of which are respectively connected to the first positioning member and the sliding plate, the elastic force of the third elastic member being used to drive the first positioning member to engage in the first positioning groove.

[0015] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the housing includes a handle portion for a user to hold, and the shower head further includes: a roller rotatably connected to the handle portion, with at least a portion of the roller protruding outside the handle portion, the roller including a protrusion, the protrusion being radially spaced from the center of the roller; a transmission member slidably connected to the handle portion, the transmission member including a transmission groove, the protrusion being slidably disposed in the transmission groove, the sliding direction of the protrusion in the transmission groove being perpendicular to the sliding direction of the transmission member relative to the handle portion, the distance between the transmission groove and the center of the roller gradually increasing from the center of the transmission groove to both ends of the transmission groove; and a sliding plate connected to the transmission member, the roller being rotatable and driving the transmission member and the sliding plate to slide.

[0016] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the housing includes a handle portion for a user to hold, and the shower head further includes: a push button slidably connected to the handle portion, at least a portion of the push button being exposed outside the handle portion; a transmission member slidably connected to the handle portion, and both the push button and the sliding plate are connected to the transmission member; the push button is slidable relative to the handle portion to allow the transmission member and the sliding plate to slide.

[0017] According to some embodiments of the present invention, along the sliding direction of the transmission member, the handle portion has a plurality of spaced second positioning grooves, and the shower head further includes: a second positioning member; a fourth elastic member, the two ends of which are respectively connected to the transmission member and the second positioning member, and the elastic force of the fourth elastic member is used to drive the second positioning member to engage in the second positioning groove.

[0018] The valve of the present invention has the following beneficial effects: it can save the force required to switch valve states, and the valve switching is more effortless.

[0019] The shower head of the present invention has the following beneficial effects: (1) the water output effect of the shower head can be switched, and the switching of the water output effect is relatively effortless; (2) the handle is provided with a push button or roller for the user to touch and operate, and the user can adjust the state of the valve to adjust the water output effect of the shower head in a convenient and effortless manner.

[0020] Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a valve in a closed state according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram showing the positions of the first and second sealing parts;

[0023] Figure 3 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the valve switching shaft after it moves along the first direction;

[0024] Figure 4 for Figure 3 A schematic diagram showing the positions of the first and second sealing parts;

[0025] Figure 5 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram showing the valves in the middle after they have been switched to the water-flow state;

[0026] Figure 6 for Figure 5 A schematic diagram showing the positions of the first and second sealing parts;

[0027] Figure 7 for Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the valve switching shaft moving along the second direction;

[0028] Figure 8 for Figure 7 A schematic diagram showing the positions of the first and second sealing parts;

[0029] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of a shower head according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 10 for Figure 9 A schematic diagram showing the distribution of the water outlets of the shower head;

[0031] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the cooperation between the sliding plate and the switching shaft in some embodiments of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the positioning method of the sliding plate in some embodiments of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 13 for Figure 9 A cross-sectional view of the shower head in the picture;

[0034] Figure 14 for Figure 13 Enlarged view of region A in the middle;

[0035] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of a shower head according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 16 for Figure 15 A schematic diagram of the push button and transmission components in the shower head shown;

[0037] Figure 17 For based on Figure 16 The diagram shows the structure after adding a second positioning element and a second positioning groove.

[0038] Icon labels:

[0039] 100-Valve, 101-Outer cylinder, 102-Inner cylinder, 103-Valve body, 104-First chamber, 105-Second chamber, 106-Main outlet, 107-Pressure relief outlet, 108-Fixed seat, 109-Pressure relief flow channel, 110-First elastic element, 111-Modible seal, 112-Second elastic element, 113-Switching shaft, 114-Sliding plate, 201-First sealing part, 202-Water passage hole, 401-Pressure relief inlet, 402-Second sealing part, 701-First surface, 702-Second surface, 70 3-Connecting inclined surface, 801-Third elastic element, 802-First positioning element, 803-First positioning groove, 804-Mounting base, 900-Shower head, 901-Head, 902-Handle part, 903-Roller, 904-Outer shell, 1001-Inner ring water outlet, 1002-Middle ring water outlet, 1003-Outer ring water outlet, 1101-Transmission element, 1102-Transmission groove, 1103-Protrusion, 1301-Push button, 1302-Second positioning element, 1303-Second positioning groove, 1304-Fourth elastic element. Detailed Implementation

[0040] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0041] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the orientation descriptions, such as up, down, etc., are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limiting this invention.

[0042] In the description of this invention, "multiple" refers to two or more. The use of "first" and "second" is for distinguishing technical features only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance, or implicitly indicating the number of indicated technical features or their sequential relationship.

[0043] In the description of this invention, unless otherwise explicitly defined, terms such as "set up," "install," and "connect" should be interpreted broadly, and those skilled in the art can reasonably determine the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention in conjunction with the specific content of the technical solution.

[0044] It should be stated here that in this invention, the description of valve 100 or shower head 900 involves terms containing the word "water," such as "water flow state" and "water passage 202." However, valve 100 and shower head 900 of this invention are not limited to water as the only fluid; they can also be used with other fluids. Furthermore, Figures 1 to 8 ,as well as Figure 11 In the diagram, the dashed arrows indicate the approximate direction of fluid flow.

[0045] This invention provides a valve 100, which includes a valve body 103, a movable seal 111, and a switching shaft 113. Both the switching shaft 113 and the movable seal 111 are movably connected to the valve body 103. For example, Figures 1 to 8 The valve 100 shown has a sliding connection between the switching shaft 113 and the valve body 103, and the movable seal 111 is also slidingly connected to the valve body 103.

[0046] Reference Figure 1 The valve housing 103 has a first chamber 104, a second chamber 105, a main outlet 106, and a pressure relief outlet 107. The first chamber 104 and the second chamber 105 can contain fluid, the main outlet 106 and the pressure relief outlet 107 allow fluid to flow out of the valve housing 103, and the second chamber 105 is separated from the main outlet 106, so the fluid in the second chamber 105 cannot flow to the main outlet 106.

[0047] Specifically, refer to Figure 1In some embodiments, the valve housing 103 includes an outer cylinder 101 and an inner cylinder 102, with the inner cylinder 102 disposed inside the outer cylinder 101. The inner cavity of the inner cylinder 102 serves as a first chamber 104. The valve 100 also includes a fixed seat 108, with both the fixed seat 108 and the movable seal 111 mounted inside the outer cylinder 101. A second chamber 105 is the space between the movable seal 111 and the fixed seat 108. The size of the second chamber 105 can change with the movement of the movable seal 111. The outer periphery of the movable seal 111 abuts against the inner wall of the outer cylinder 101, preventing fluid from passing between the outer periphery of the movable seal 111 and the inner wall of the outer cylinder 101.

[0048] Reference Figure 1 The movable seal 111 can abut against the end of the inner cylinder 102, and the first chamber 104 and the second chamber 105 are located on both sides of the movable seal 111, respectively. (Refer to...) Figure 2 The movable seal 111 includes a water passage 202, through which the first chamber 104 and the second chamber 105 can communicate when the water passage 202 is not blocked. The water passage 202 serves as the fluid inlet of the second chamber 105, while the pressure relief outlet 107 allows fluid to flow out of the second chamber 105. The switching shaft 113 includes a first sealing part 201 and a second sealing part 402. When the switching shaft 113 moves to different positions, the position of the first sealing part 201 changes, and the position of the second sealing part 402 also changes.

[0049] The valve 100 of the present invention has a closed state and a water-flowing state.

[0050] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 When valve 100 is in the closed state, the first chamber 104 and the second chamber 105 are connected through the water passage 202, and both the first chamber 104 and the second chamber 105 contain fluid. Specifically, refer to... Figure 2 The switching shaft 113 passes through the water passage hole 202. In the closed state, the outer surface of the part of the switching shaft 113 located in the movable seal 111 has a gap with the hole wall of the water passage hole 202. The water passage hole 202 is not completely blocked, and fluid can be transferred from the first chamber 104 to the second chamber 105 through this gap.

[0051] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the closed state, the movable seal 111 separates the first chamber 104 from the main outlet 106, and the movable seal 111 also separates the second chamber 105 from the main outlet 106, so the fluid in the first chamber 104 and the second chamber 105 cannot flow to the main outlet 106; the second sealing part 402 separates the pressure relief outlet 107 from the second chamber 105, so the fluid in the second chamber 105 cannot flow out from the pressure relief outlet 107.

[0052] Reference Figure 5 and Figure 6 When valve 100 is in the water-flow state, the first sealing part 201 seals the water-flow hole 202. For example, refer to... Figure 6 The first sealing part 201 is inserted into the water passage 202, and the first sealing part 201 abuts against the wall of the water passage 202, thereby sealing the water passage 202. At this time, the first chamber 104 and the second chamber 105 are separated from each other, and the fluid in the first chamber 104 cannot flow into the second chamber 105.

[0053] Reference Figure 5 and Figure 6 When valve 100 is in the water-flow state, the second chamber 105 is connected to the pressure relief outlet 107. Specifically, refer to... Figure 1 The movable seal 111 has a pressure relief channel 109, which has a pressure relief inlet 401. In the sealed state, the second sealing part 402 blocks the pressure relief inlet 401, thereby separating the pressure relief outlet 107 and the second chamber 105. In the water-flow state, the second sealing part 402 does not block the pressure relief inlet 401, and the second chamber 105 is connected to the pressure relief outlet 107.

[0054] Reference Figure 5 and Figure 6 In the water-flow state, the first chamber 104 and the main outlet 106 are connected, and fluid can flow from the first chamber 104 to the main outlet 106. If fluid is continuously injected into the first chamber 104, the fluid can continuously flow out from the main outlet 106.

[0055] Next, let's combine... Figures 1 to 8 This explains how to switch valve 100 between a closed state and a water-flowing state.

[0056] by Figure 1 Based on the closed state shown, the switching shaft 113 can first be moved along the first direction to... Figure 3 The position shown allows the first sealing part 201 to block the water passage 202 and releases the separation between the second sealing part 402 and the second chamber 105 and the pressure relief outlet 107 (as shown). Figure 4 As shown). Figure 4 As shown, at this time, the fluid in the second chamber 105 can flow out from the pressure relief outlet 107. As the fluid in the second chamber 105 gradually decreases, the pressure exerted by the fluid in the second chamber 105 on the movable seal 111 decreases, and the movable seal 111 will gradually move away from the first chamber 104 (e.g., along...). Figure 4 (Second direction movement in the middle); the final position of the movable seal 111 moves to such a position. Figure 5 At the indicated location, valve 100 is switched to the water-flow state. It should be noted that, from... Figure 3 The state shown is to Figure 5 During the process shown, the first sealing part 201 always keeps the water passage hole 202 blocked, but the position of the first sealing part 201 relative to the water passage hole 202 is different.

[0057] If it is necessary to return valve 100 to the closed state, the switching shaft 113 can be moved and reset in the second direction, which is opposite to the first direction. Figure 1 and Figure 8 For example, the first direction is to the left, and the second direction is to the right. Switching axis 113 actually moves along its own axis. Refer to the following... Figure 5 and Figure 7 When the switching shaft 113 is reset, the first sealing part 201 releases the blockage of the water passage 202, and the first chamber 104 and the second chamber 105 are connected (e.g., Figure 8 (As shown); the second sealing section 402 restores the separation between the second chamber 105 and the pressure relief outlet 107. Combined with Figure 7 and Figure 8 In the water-flowing state, the fluid flowing out of the first chamber 104 will flush the movable seal 111; when the water passage 202 is no longer blocked, a portion of the fluid flowing out of the first chamber 104 can flow into the second chamber 105 through the water passage 202. Figure 7 and Figure 8 As the fluid in the second chamber 105 gradually increases, the pressure exerted by the water in the second chamber 105 on the movable seal 111 gradually increases, and the movable seal 111 gradually moves towards the first chamber 104 and resets (e.g., along...). Figure 7 The first direction of movement in the middle causes valve 100 to change. Figure 1 The closed state is shown.

[0058] The valve 100 provided by this invention can, by changing the position of the movable seal 111, connect the first chamber 104 and the main outlet 106 to allow water to flow through the valve 100, or separate the first chamber 104 and the main outlet 106 to close the valve 100. The movement of the movable seal 111 is achieved by changing the fluid pressure difference between the chambers on both sides of the movable seal 111 through the movement of the switching shaft 113.

[0059] In existing technologies, valve sealing components withstand significant fluid pressure. Furthermore, due to the need for good sealing performance, the sealing components fit tightly with other parts of the valve. Therefore, when the sealing components are driven to move, they experience considerable resistance (including friction, water pressure, etc.). Consequently, users need to overcome significant resistance when driving the sealing components, making it more difficult for them to switch the water flow settings of the showerhead.

[0060] In the case of valve 100 of the present invention, the user does not directly push the movable seal 111. The movement of the movable seal 111 is actually driven by the fluid pressure difference between the chambers on both sides of the movable seal 111. Even if the resistance to the movement of the movable seal 111 is large, the user does not need to directly overcome the resistance encountered when the movable seal 111 moves. This helps to reduce the force required by the user when switching the state of valve 100, thereby making the switching of valve 100 more effortless.

[0061] Reference Figure 1 In some embodiments, the valve 100 further includes a first elastic element 110, with the movable seal 111 connected to the first elastic element 110. The elastic force of the first elastic element 110 is used to prevent the movable seal 111 from moving away from the first chamber 104, and the elastic force of the first elastic element 110 is used to drive the movable seal 111 to reset, thereby restoring the separation of the movable seal 111 from the first chamber 104 and the main outlet 106. For example, the first elastic element 110 is disposed in the second chamber 105, with both ends of the first elastic element 110 abutting against the movable seal 111 and the fixed seat 108, respectively, and the first elastic element 110 is in a compressed state.

[0062] The elastic force of the first elastic element 110 can serve as part of the driving force for the repositioning of the movable seal 111 (the other part of the driving force is provided by the fluid pressure difference between the first chamber 104 and the second chamber 105), and the elastic force of the first elastic element 110 can keep the movable seal 111 against the inner cylinder 102. When fluid is just injected into the first chamber 104 and there is no fluid in the second chamber 105, the elastic force of the first elastic element 110 can make the movable seal 111 cover the end of the inner cylinder 102, preventing the movable seal 111 from being directly forced open when fluid is just injected into the first chamber 104, thus preventing water from flowing through.

[0063] That is, the first elastic element 110 is provided to improve the reset efficiency of the movable seal 111 and to ensure the sealing of the valve 100 in its initial state. Moreover, since the first elastic element 110 has a low cost, compared with other means such as using the magnetic force of a magnet to reset the movable seal 111, the method of using the elastic force of the first elastic element 110 to drive the movable seal 111 to reset is beneficial to reducing the cost of the valve 100.

[0064] Reference Figure 1 In some embodiments, the valve 100 further includes a second elastic element 112, and the switching shaft 113 is connected to the second elastic element 112. The elastic force of the second elastic element 112 is used to drive the switching shaft 113 to move in a second direction. For example, the two ends of the second elastic element 112 abut against the valve housing 103 and the shoulder of the switching shaft 113, respectively. An external force can be applied to the switching shaft 113 to cause it to move from... Figure 1Move to the indicated position Figure 5 The position shown is maintained, and the switching axis 113 is kept in the position indicated. Figure 5 As shown in the position, the second elastic element 112 is compressed accordingly during the process; when the switching shaft 113 is held in place... Figure 5 After the external force at the indicated position is removed, the elastic force of the second elastic element 112 drives the switching shaft 113 to reset. Furthermore, the arrangement of using the elastic force of the second elastic element 112 to drive the switching shaft 113 to reset helps reduce the cost of the valve 100.

[0065] The present invention also provides a shower head 900, which includes a housing 904 and a valve 100 as described in any of the above embodiments. The valve 100 is installed inside the housing 904; the housing 904 includes multiple sets of water outlets, each set of water outlets being connected to a main outlet 106 on a different valve 100. For this shower head 900, the fluid entering and exiting the shower head 900 can be water, and the fluid passing through the valve 100 inside the shower head 900 can also be water.

[0066] like Figure 11 As shown, when the shower head 900 includes multiple valves 100, the multiple valve housings 103 can be integrated into a single molded housing.

[0067] Reference Figure 9 The housing 904 includes a head 901 and a handle 902. The handle 902 is for the user to hold, and the end of the handle 902 away from the head 901 can be connected to a hose, allowing the water supply system to deliver water to the shower head 900 (the hose and water supply system are not shown). That is, the end of the handle 902 away from the head 901 has an inlet for water to enter the shower head 900 or the valve 100. The head 901 is connected to the other end of the handle 902, and the head 901 is provided with multiple sets of water outlets. The valve 100 can be located inside the head 901.

[0068] Reference Figure 10 , Figure 10 The shower head 900 has three sets of water outlets: an inner ring outlet 1001, a middle ring outlet 1002, and an outer ring outlet 1003. These three sets of outlets are each associated with a different valve 100. Water can be sprayed from different sets of outlets, resulting in different water flow effects from the shower head 900. For example, the outlets can be positioned differently, allowing water to spray from different points on the shower head 900. Alternatively, the outlets can be of different sizes, resulting in different water flow patterns.

[0069] The following explains how to use the 900 shower head.

[0070] For example, combining Figure 10 and Figure 11 The inner ring outlet 1001 is connected to the main outlet 106 of the front valve 100, the middle ring outlet 1002 is connected to the main outlet 106 of the middle valve 100, and the outer ring outlet 1003 is connected to the main outlet 106 of the rear valve 100. During use, the front valve 100 can be switched to the water-flowing state (with the other valves 100 in the closed state), and water can be injected into the shower head 900. Water will then flow out from the inner ring outlet 1001. To change the water flow effect, the middle valve 100 can be switched to the water-flowing state (with the other valves 100 in the closed state), allowing water to flow out from the middle ring outlet 1002. Alternatively, to change the water flow effect, the rear valve 100 can be switched to the water-flowing state (with the other valves 100 in the closed state), allowing water to flow out from the outer ring outlet 1003.

[0071] In this way, by switching the state of the multiple valves 100 inside the shower head 900, water can flow out from different outlets, thereby switching the water output effect of the shower head 900.

[0072] It should be noted that the valve 100 in the shower head 900 of the present invention is mainly used to switch the water output effect of the shower head 900, while another valve 100 is used to control whether the water supply system delivers water to the shower head 900 through the hose.

[0073] In some embodiments, the main outlet 106 and the pressure relief outlet 107 belonging to the same valve 100 are both connected to the same set of water outlets. This arrangement is to allow water flowing out of the pressure relief outlet 107 to also flow out of the water outlet, so that the water flowing out of the pressure relief outlet 107 is used as part of the water used by the user for showering, thereby making full use of the water flowing into the valve 100 and increasing the effective water output of the shower head 900.

[0074] The following explains how users can switch the state of valve 100 in shower head 900.

[0075] Reference Figure 11 In some embodiments, the valve 100 further includes a sliding plate 114, which is slidably connected to the valve housing 103. The sliding direction of the sliding plate 114 is perpendicular to the movement direction of the switching shaft 113. The user can drive the sliding plate 114 to slide relative to the valve housing 103, thereby changing the position of the switching shaft 113. Specifically, as... Figure 11As shown, the sliding plate 114 includes a first surface 701 and a second surface 702 for abutting against the switching shaft 113. The first surface 701 and the second surface 702 are spaced apart along the sliding direction of the sliding plate 114, and are also spaced apart along the movement direction of the switching shaft 113. When the valve 100 is in the closed state, the switching shaft 113 of the valve 100 abuts against the first surface 701; when the valve 100 is in the water-flow state, the second surface 702 abuts against the switching shaft 113.

[0076] To switch valve 100 from a closed state to a water-flowing state, the sliding plate 114 can be pushed, causing the switching shaft 113, which was originally abutting against the first surface 701, to abut against the second surface 702. Similarly, to switch valve 100 from a water-flowing state to a closed state, the sliding plate 114 can be pushed, causing the switching shaft 113, which was originally abutting against the second surface 702, to abut against the first surface 701. In other words, by sliding the sliding plate 114, either the first surface 701 or the second surface 702 can abut against the switching shaft 113.

[0077] The advantage of using the sliding plate 114 to drive the movement of the switching shaft 113 is that the user does not need to directly press the end of the switching shaft 113, preventing the user's fingers from being injured by the switching shaft 113; moreover, since the sliding direction of the sliding plate 114 is perpendicular to the movement direction of the switching shaft 113, the drive structure for driving the sliding plate 114 (which will be described in detail below) can be conveniently located at the handle 902 of the shower head 900, making it convenient for the user to manually adjust the position of the sliding plate 114 and ultimately change the water output state of the shower head 900.

[0078] When the valve 100 includes a second elastic member 112, one end of the switching shaft 113 is connected to the second elastic member 112, and the other end of the switching shaft 113 abuts against the first surface 701 or the second surface 702. The elastic force of the second elastic member 112 keeps the switching shaft 113 abutting against the sliding plate 114. That is, whether the first surface 701 or the second surface 702 abuts against the switching shaft 113, the second elastic member 112 is in a compressed state. Of course, as mentioned above, in some other embodiments, the magnetic force of a magnet (for example, the magnet is located at the right end of the switching shaft, and the switching shaft is made of a ferromagnetic material) can also be used to make the switching shaft 113 tend to move in the second direction, so as to ensure that the switching shaft 113 can abut against the first surface 701 or the second surface 702.

[0079] Reference Figure 11Both the first surface 701 and the second surface 702 can be configured as planes, and the normals of both surfaces 701 and 702 are the same as the first direction. The sliding plate 114 may also include a connecting inclined surface 703, with its two ends connected to the first surface 701 and the second surface 702, respectively. The connecting inclined surface 703 is an inclined plane, and the angle between the normal of the connecting inclined surface 703 and the first direction is an acute angle. The switching shaft 113 can also abut against the connecting inclined surface 703. Therefore, during the switching process between the first surface 701 and the second surface 702 at the part abutting against the switching shaft 113, the switching shaft 113 can move relatively smoothly.

[0080] Reference Figure 12 In some embodiments, the valve 100 further includes a mounting base 804, a first positioning member 802, and a third elastic member 801. The mounting base 804 is fixed to the valve housing 103 (e.g., fixed to the bottom of the valve housing 103), see reference. Figure 12 Along the sliding direction of the sliding plate 114, the mounting base 804 has a plurality of spaced first positioning grooves 803, which are used to accommodate first positioning members 802. Both the first positioning member 802 and the sliding plate 114 are connected to the third elastic member 801, and the elastic force of the third elastic member 801 is used to drive the first positioning member 802 to engage in the first positioning groove 803.

[0081] When the first positioning member 802 is engaged in one of the first positioning grooves 803, the wall of the first positioning groove 803 abuts against the first positioning member 802, thereby preventing the sliding plate 114 from sliding. This arrangement allows the sliding plate 114 to be fixed after sliding to certain positions, and the sliding plate 114 is not easily slipped due to slight shaking or vibration.

[0082] If the position of the sliding plate 114 needs to be changed, the user can push the sliding plate 114 with a little force to push the first positioning member 802 out of the first positioning groove 803.

[0083] Furthermore, it can be configured such that when the first surface 701 or the second surface 702 abuts against the switching shaft 113, the first positioning member 802 is engaged in one of the first positioning grooves 803. Thus, when the valve 100 is in a closed state or a water-flowing state, the sliding plate 114 is less likely to slide due to slight shaking or vibration, and the state of the valve 100 is less likely to change due to shaking or vibration.

[0084] The following section introduces the driving structure used to drive the sliding plate 114.

[0085] Reference Figure 13 and Figure 14In some embodiments, the shower head 900 further includes a roller 903 and a transmission member 1101, wherein the roller 903 is for user contact and control. The roller 903 is rotatably connected to the handle portion 902, at least a portion of the roller 903 is exposed in the handle portion 902, and the transmission member 1101 is slidably connected to the housing 904 and connected to the sliding plate 114. The roller 903 includes a protrusion 1103, which is spaced apart from the rotation center of the roller 903 (spaced apart radially). The transmission member 1101 includes a transmission groove 1102, in which the protrusion 1103 is slidably disposed. From the center of the transmission groove 1102 to both ends, the distance between the transmission groove 1102 and the rotation center of the roller 903 gradually increases. The sliding direction of the protrusion 1103 in the transmission groove 1102 is perpendicular to the sliding direction of the transmission member 1101 relative to the outer casing 904.

[0086] When the roller 903 rotates, the protrusion 1103 slides accordingly in the transmission groove 1102. The protrusion 1103 abuts against the wall of the transmission groove 1102 and pushes the transmission component 1101 to slide. The user can drive the roller 903 to rotate, which will drive the sliding plate 114 to slide and ultimately change the water output state of the shower head 900. This setting makes it convenient and effortless to switch the water output state of the shower head 900. In addition, with the above setting, if the roller 903 is continuously rotated many times, the sliding plate 114 can slide back and forth several times, thereby cyclically switching the water output effect of the shower head 900.

[0087] Reference Figure 15 and Figure 16 In other embodiments, the shower head 900 includes a push button 1301 and a transmission member 1101, wherein the push button 1301 is for the user to touch and operate. The push button 1301 is slidably connected to a handle portion 902, and at least a portion of the push button 1301 protrudes from the handle portion 902. The transmission member 1101 is also slidably connected to the handle portion 902, and the transmission member 1101 is connected to a sliding plate 114. When the user pushes the push button 1301, the transmission member 1101 slides relative to the handle portion 902, thereby causing the sliding plate 114 to slide. Figure 15 and Figure 16 The setup shown also makes the water output of the shower head 900 more convenient and effortless. In addition, the structure of the shower head 900 is relatively simple under this setup, making it easy to assemble and cost-effective.

[0088] Reference Figure 17In some embodiments, to fix the position of the push button 1301 after it has moved to certain positions, the shower head 900 may further include a fourth elastic member 1304 and a second positioning member 1302, and the handle portion 902 may also include a second positioning groove 1303. The two ends of the fourth elastic member 1304 are respectively connected to the second positioning member 1302 and the transmission member 1101. The elastic force of the fourth elastic member 1304 is used to drive the second positioning member 1302 into the second positioning groove 1303. When the second positioning member 1302 is engaged in the second positioning groove 1303, the second positioning member 1302 abuts against the groove wall of the second positioning groove 1303, thereby preventing the transmission member 1101 from sliding. If it is necessary to move the push button 1301 again, the user can push the push button 1301 with slight force to push the second positioning member 1302 out of the second positioning groove 1303. This design allows the push button 1301 to be fixed after it has been moved to certain specific positions, preventing the push button 1301 from changing position due to the shaking and vibration of the shower head 900, thereby preventing the position of the sliding plate 114 from changing. This helps to prevent the water output effect of the shower head 900 from changing due to the shaking or vibration of the shower head 900, thereby improving the stability of the water output effect of the shower head 900.

[0089] The embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. Within the scope of knowledge possessed by those skilled in the art, various changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

Claims

1. Valve, characterized in that The valve comprises: a valve housing having a first chamber, a second chamber, a main outlet and a pressure relief outlet, the first and second chambers being capable of containing fluid, the main outlet and the pressure relief outlet being for the fluid to exit the valve housing, the second chamber and the main outlet being separated; a switching shaft movably connected to the valve housing, the switching shaft comprising a first blocking portion and a second blocking portion; a movable sealing member movably connected to the valve housing, the movable sealing member being capable of moving relative to the valve housing to connect or separate the first chamber and the main outlet, the movable sealing member having a water passage, the first and second chambers being located on two sides of the movable sealing member respectively, the first and second chambers being capable of being connected through the water passage; the switching shaft being capable of moving relative to the valve housing to block the water passage by the first blocking portion and to separate the second chamber and the pressure relief outlet by the second blocking portion, or to unblock the water passage by the first blocking portion and to separate the second chamber and the pressure relief outlet by the second blocking portion; a first elastic member connected to the movable sealing member, the elastic force of the first elastic member being used to drive the movable sealing member to reset to restore the separation of the movable sealing member to the first chamber and the main outlet; a second elastic member connected to the switching shaft, the elastic force of the second elastic member being used to drive the switching shaft to reset to unblock the water passage by the first blocking portion.

2. A showerhead, characterized by The valve comprises: a plurality of valves as claimed in claim 1; a housing, the valves being installed inside the housing, the surface of the housing having a plurality of groups of water outlets, each group of water outlets being connected to the main outlet of a different valve.

3. The showerhead of claim 2, wherein The main outlet and the pressure relief outlet of the same valve are connected to the same group of water outlets.

4. The showerhead of claim 2, wherein The shower further comprises a sliding plate, the sliding plate being slidably connected to the valve housing, the sliding direction of the sliding plate being perpendicular to the movement direction of the switching shaft, the sliding plate comprising a first surface and a second surface, the first surface and the second surface being spaced apart along the sliding direction of the sliding plate and being spaced apart along the movement direction of the switching shaft; the sliding plate being capable of sliding relative to the valve housing to make the first surface or the second surface abut against the switching shaft.

5. The showerhead of claim 4, wherein The shower further comprises: a mounting seat, the valve housing being fixed to the mounting seat, the mounting seat having a plurality of first positioning grooves spaced apart along the sliding direction of the sliding plate; a first positioning member; a third elastic member, two ends of the third elastic member being connected to the first positioning member and the sliding plate respectively, the elastic force of the third elastic member being used to drive the first positioning member to be clamped into the first positioning groove.

6. The showerhead of claim 4, wherein The housing comprises a handle portion for a user to hold, the shower further comprises: a roller rotatably connected to the handle portion, at least part of the roller being exposed outside the handle portion, the roller comprising a protruding portion, the protruding portion being spaced apart from the center of the roller along the radial direction of the roller; A transmission member is slidably connected with the handle portion, the transmission member comprises a transmission groove, the protruding portion is slidably arranged in the transmission groove, the sliding direction of the protruding portion in the transmission groove is perpendicular to the sliding direction of the transmission member relative to the handle portion, and the distance between the center of the transmission groove and the center of the roller gradually increases from the center of the transmission groove to the two ends of the transmission groove. The sliding plate is connected with the transmission member, and the roller can rotate to drive the transmission member and the sliding plate to slide.

7. The showerhead of claim 4, wherein The shell comprises a handle portion for a user to hold, and the shower head further comprises: A push button is slidably connected with the handle portion, and at least part of the push button is exposed outside the handle portion; A transmission member is slidably connected with the handle portion, and the push button and the sliding plate are both connected with the transmission member; The push button can slide relative to the handle portion to drive the transmission member and the sliding plate to slide.

8. The showerhead of claim 7, wherein, Along the sliding direction of the transmission member, the handle portion has a plurality of second positioning grooves which are spaced apart, and the shower head further comprises: A second positioning member; A fourth elastic member is connected with the transmission member and the second positioning member at two ends, and the elastic force of the fourth elastic member is used to drive the second positioning member to be clamped into the second positioning groove.

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