Nozzle with sliding diverter

Abstract

A diverter for a spout includes a housing defining a compartment with an opening and one or more channels positioned around the compartment to allow water flow therethrough. An actuator extends into the compartment. The actuator is slidable in a first direction from a rest position to a diverter position and is slidable in a second direction from the diverter position to the rest position. The first and second directions are opposite directions parallel to a central axis of the housing. The actuator is configured to block water flow when in the diverter position.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application is a PCT international patent application and claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application No. 63 / 050,591, filed on July 10, 2020, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Background Technology

[0003] A bathtub showerhead typically includes a diverter that directs water flow from the showerhead to the shower head in the shower. Typically, the diverter is located at the front of the showerhead and includes a handle that is pulled from a rest position to an upright position to divert water. The handle remains in the upright position due to the pressure of the water flowing towards the shower head. When the water flow is turned off, the handle returns to the rest position, allowing water to flow through the showerhead during the next use of the shower.

[0004] Typically, diverters are exposed to water, causing calcium and other types of mineral deposits to accumulate around them. This accumulation of mineral deposits can prevent the diverter from returning to a stationary position after the water flow is turned off. Furthermore, the diverter handle is usually located at the distal end of the bathtub nozzle, where the outlet is also located, which limits the design flexibility of the bathtub nozzle. Therefore, improvements are desired. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This disclosure generally relates to a diverter for a nozzle. In some exemplary embodiments, the diverter is slidable between a rest position and a diverting position to divert water flow from the nozzle to another outlet.

[0006] One aspect of the invention relates to a flow divider for a nozzle. The flow divider includes: a housing defining a compartment with an opening and one or more channels positioned around the compartment to allow water flow; and an actuator extending into the opening of the compartment, the actuator being slidable from a rest position to a flow-diverting position along a first direction and from the flow-diverting position to a rest position along a second direction, the first and second directions being opposite directions parallel to the central axis of the nozzle, and the actuator obstructing water flow when in the flow-diverting position.

[0007] The diverter also includes a spring housed inside a compartment. When the water flow is shut off, the spring returns the actuator from the diverting position to the resting position. The compartment protects the spring from exposure to the water flow.

[0008] The actuator includes a shaft and a plunger, the shaft extending into a compartment, the plunger being connected to the shaft in a substantially orthogonal arrangement and housed within the compartment. The shaft is threaded to the plunger, and the plunger moves together with the shaft between a rest position and a diversion position. The plunger includes a plug at its distal end configured to block the flow of water from the one or more channels.

[0009] The spring is positioned around the plunger and between the compartment and the shaft. As the shaft moves from a rest position to a diversion position along a first direction, the spring compresses from a relaxed state to a compressed state. When the water flow is open, the spring remains compressed due to the pressure from the water flow. When the water flow is closed, the spring expands from the compressed state to a relaxed state, thereby moving the plunger from the diversion position to the rest position along a second direction.

[0010] The diverter may also include a handle connected to the actuator, the handle being configured to be held by a user to move the actuator in a first direction from a rest position to a diverting position. When the actuator is in both the rest and diverting positions, the handle covers the opening of the compartment. Furthermore, the compartment has a drain hole for discharging water that enters through the compartment opening.

[0011] Another aspect of this disclosure relates to a faucet assembly including a nozzle and a diverter, the nozzle being configured to receive a water flow, the diverter being at least partially housed within an inner cavity of the nozzle, wherein the nozzle includes: a body defining an inner cavity; a central axis extending along the length of the body between a proximal and a distal end; a groove located between the proximal and distal ends of the body; and an outlet located at the distal end of the body; the diverter includes: a housing defining a compartment having an opening aligned with a groove on the body of the nozzle, and the housing defining one or more channels within the inner cavity of the nozzle, the one or more channels being positioned Around the compartment to allow water flow to the nozzle outlet; an actuator extending through a slot in the nozzle and into the compartment defined by the housing of the diverter, the actuator being slidable from a rest position to a diverting position in a first direction parallel to the central axis and from the diverting position to a rest position in a second direction parallel to the central axis, the first and second directions being opposite directions, and the actuator being configured to prevent water flow to the nozzle outlet and divert water flow away from the nozzle when in the diverting position; and a spring housed inside the compartment, the spring causing the actuator to return from the diverting position to the rest position in the second direction when the water flow is shut off, the compartment protecting the spring from exposure to the water flow.

[0012] The actuator includes a shaft and a plunger. The shaft extends through a slot in the nozzle and into a compartment within the housing of the splitter. The plunger is connected to the shaft in a substantially orthogonal arrangement. The plunger is housed within the compartment of the splitter housing. The shaft is threaded to the plunger, and the plunger moves together with the shaft between a rest position and a splitting position along a first direction and a second direction. The plunger includes a plug at its distal end configured to block water flow from one or more channels defined by the splitter housing to the outlet of the nozzle.

[0013] The spring is positioned around the plunger and between the compartment and the shaft. As the shaft moves along a first direction from a rest position to a diversion position, the spring compresses from a relaxed state to a compressed state. When the water flow remains open, the spring remains compressed due to the pressure exerted on the plunger by the water flow. When the water flow is closed, the spring expands from the compressed state to a relaxed state, so that pressure is no longer applied to the plunger. This expansion from compression to relaxation causes the plunger to move along a second direction from the diversion position to the rest position.

[0014] A handle is attached to the actuator and configured to be held by a user to move the actuator in a first direction from a rest position to a split position. When the actuator is in both the rest and split positions, the handle covers both a groove on the body of the nozzle and an opening in a compartment within the housing of the splitter. This compartment has a drain hole for discharging water that enters through the groove on the body of the nozzle.

[0015] The faucet assembly may also include a flow diversion component located on the body of the nozzle to provide a stepped flow of water after the water flows out of the nozzle outlet. The faucet assembly may also include a sprayer or shower head, wherein, when the actuator is in the diversion position, the diverter diverts water flow from the nozzle to the sprayer or shower head.

[0016] On the other hand, a faucet assembly is disclosed, comprising a nozzle and a diverter. The nozzle is configured to receive water flow, and the diverter is at least partially housed within an inner cavity of the nozzle. The nozzle comprises: a body defining an inner cavity; a central axis extending along the length of the body between a proximal and a distal end; a groove located between the proximal and distal ends of the body; and an outlet located at the distal end of the body. The diverter comprises: a housing defining a chamber having an opening aligned with the groove on the body of the nozzle, and the housing defining one or more channels within the inner cavity of the nozzle. A channel is positioned around the compartment to allow water flow to the outlet of the nozzle; an actuator including a shaft and a plunger connected to the shaft, the shaft extending through a slot in the nozzle and into a compartment defined by the housing of the diverter, the plunger being configured to slide from a rest position to a diverting position along a first direction parallel to the central axis and to slide from the diverting position to a rest position along a second direction parallel to the central axis, the first and second directions being opposite directions, and the plunger being configured to divert water flow away from the nozzle when in the diverting position; and a spring housed inside the compartment, wherein the spring is configured to move the plunger from the diverting position to the rest position along the second direction when the water flow is shut off.

[0017] On the other hand, a diverter for a nozzle is disclosed, the diverter comprising: a housing defining a compartment with an opening and one or more channels positioned around the compartment to allow water flow; and an actuator extending into the opening of the compartment, the actuator being slidable from a rest position to a diverting position in a first direction and from the diverting position to a rest position in a second direction, the first and second directions being opposite directions parallel to the central axis of the nozzle, and the actuator being configured to block water flow when in the diverting position.

[0018] In the following description, various additional aspects will be set forth. These aspects may involve individual features and combinations of features. It should be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are merely exemplary and explanatory, and do not limit the broad inventive concepts upon which the embodiments disclosed herein are based. Attached Figure Description

[0019] The following figures illustrate specific embodiments of the present disclosure and therefore do not limit the scope of the disclosure. The figures are not drawn to scale and are intended to be used in conjunction with the explanations in the following detailed description. Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below in conjunction with the figures, wherein the same reference numerals denote the same elements.

[0020] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a faucet assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Left view of the faucet component.

[0022] Figure 3 for Figure 1 The right-side view of the faucet assembly.

[0023] Figure 4 for Figure 1 A top view of the faucet assembly.

[0024] Figure 5 for Figure 1 A bottom view of the faucet assembly.

[0025] Figure 6 for Figure 1 A front view of the faucet component.

[0026] Figure 7 for Figure 1 An exploded 3D view of the faucet components.

[0027] Figure 8 for Figure 1 A cross-sectional side view of the nozzle assembly, showing the distributor, at least partially housed inside the nozzle, in a stationary position.

[0028] Figure 9 for Figure 1 A cross-sectional side view of the nozzle assembly, showing the distributor, at least partially housed inside the nozzle, in the splitting position.

[0029] Figure 10 A perspective view of the splitter removed from the nozzle.

[0030] Figure 11 for Figure 10 An exploded 3D view of the shunt.

[0031] Figure 12 for Figure 10 Front view of the splitter.

[0032] Figure 13 for Figure 10 Rear view of the splitter. Detailed Implementation

[0033] Various embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein the same reference numerals denote the same parts and components throughout the views. Reference to the various embodiments does not limit the scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, any examples set forth in this specification are not intended to be limiting, but merely illustrate some of the many possible embodiments outlined in the appended claims.

[0034] This disclosure generally relates to a diverter that slides from a rest position to a diversion position to split water flow from a nozzle to another outlet. Advantageously, the sliding diverter is easy to operate, especially for people with wrist arthritis. Furthermore, the diverter occupies less space and can be positioned away from the distal end of the nozzle, such as between the distal and proximal ends of the nozzle, providing greater design flexibility for the nozzle.

[0035] Furthermore, when the water flow is shut off, the diverter automatically returns from the diverting position to the stationary position via a mechanism that seals against the water flow. Advantageously, this prevents the accumulation of mineral deposits around the mechanism, which could hinder the diverter from automatically returning to the stationary position.

[0036] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a faucet assembly 10 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The faucet assembly 10 includes a diverter 200 at least partially housed within a nozzle 100. In some embodiments, the nozzle 100 is a bathtub nozzle for filling a bathtub with water, and the diverter 200 is configured to divert water flow from the bathtub nozzle to another outlet, such as a shower head. While the nozzle 100 is described in some examples as being directly for use in a bathtub, the diverter 200 can be adapted to other additional environments, such as a kitchen sink faucet, where the diverter 200 diverts water flow from the kitchen sink faucet to another outlet, such as a sprayer. Given the other environments and uses of the diverter 200, the above examples are illustrative and do not imply any limitation on the applicability of the diverter 200.

[0037] Figures 2 to 6 These are the left view, right view, top view, bottom view, and front view of the faucet component 10. Now refer to... Figures 1 to 6 The nozzle 100 includes a body 102 defining an inner cavity. The body 102 has a proximal end portion 104, a distal end portion 106, and a central axis 108 extending along the length of the nozzle 100 between the proximal end portion 104 and the distal end portion 106. The nozzle 100 includes an outlet 110 located at the distal end portion 106 of the body 102. The nozzle 100 is configured to receive water from a water supply component, such that the water exits from the outlet 110.

[0038] In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, nozzle 100 includes a flow conversion element 112 connected to body 102 to provide a stepped flow of water after the water exits from outlet 110 of nozzle 100. In some embodiments, nozzle 100 does not include the flow conversion element 112, making the element optional.

[0039] The splitter 200 includes an actuator 202 extending into the body 102 of the nozzle 100. The actuator 202 is capable of being in a rest position 210 (see [link to figure]) along the central axis 108 of the nozzle 100. Figure 8 ) and diversion location 212 (see Figure 9 Sliding between the nozzles. As will be described in more detail, when in the rest position 210, the diverter 200 allows water to flow through the outlet 110 of the nozzle 100 when the water supply to the nozzle 100 is open. When in the diverting position 212, the diverter 200 diverts water away from the outlet 110 of the nozzle 100 to another outlet, such as a shower head or sprayer, while the water supply remains open.

[0040] Actuator 202 includes a handle 204 that a user can grip to slide actuator 202 along a first direction D1 from a rest position 210 to a split position 212. In the embodiment depicted in the figures, the first direction D1 is a forward direction defined from the proximal end 104 of nozzle 100 to the distal end 106 of nozzle 100. In an alternative embodiment, the first direction D1 is a rearward direction defined from the distal end 106 of nozzle 100 to the proximal end 104 of nozzle 100.

[0041] When the water supply is shut off, actuator 202 automatically returns from the diversion position 212 to the rest position 210 by sliding along the second direction D2. In the embodiment depicted in the figures, the second direction D2 is a rearward direction, defined as the direction from the distal end 106 of nozzle 100 to the proximal end 104 of nozzle 100. In an alternative embodiment, the second direction D2 is a forward direction, defined as the direction from the proximal end 104 of nozzle 100 to the distal end 106 of nozzle 100.

[0042] Figure 7 This is an exploded perspective view of the faucet component 10. Now refer to... Figure 7 The body 102 of the nozzle 100 includes a groove 114 located between a proximal end 104 and a distal end 106. The splitter 200 includes a housing 206 insertable into the cavity of the body 102. The housing 206 defines a compartment 208 having an opening 209. When the housing 206 is inserted into the cavity of the body 102, the opening 209 of the compartment 208 aligns with the groove 114 on the body 102. The actuator 202 includes a shaft 205 extending through the groove 114 and into the compartment 208 of the housing 206.

[0043] The faucet assembly 10 includes an adapter 300 configured to connect to a water supply component, such as a copper pipe. As an illustrative example, the adapter 300 can be configured to connect the faucet assembly 10 to multiple copper pipes of different diameters. The adapter 300 has a proximal end 302 and a distal end 304. The proximal end 302 is configured to attach to the water supply component and provide a smooth, leak-free water flow from the water supply component to the faucet assembly 10.

[0044] The faucet assembly 10 also includes a connector 400, which is connected at a first end 402 to the distal end 304 of the adapter 300 and at a second end 404 to the splitter 200 to provide a smooth and leak-proof flow of water from the adapter 300 to the splitter 200. While the embodiment depicted in the figures illustrates the adapter 300 and connector 400 as separate components attached together, in alternative embodiments, the adapter 300 and connector 400 may be combined into a single component.

[0045] Connector 400 includes thread 406 (see also...) Figure 8 and Figure 9 The thread 406 can be screwed onto the corresponding thread 306 of the adapter 300 to provide a waterproof connection between the connector 400 and the adapter 300. Although the embodiment illustrated in the figure shows the thread 406 as an internal thread and the thread 306 as an external thread, alternative arrangements in which the thread 406 is an external thread and the thread 306 is an internal thread are also possible.

[0046] The connector 400 also includes a thread 408, which can be screwed onto a corresponding thread 214 of the distributor 200 (see...). Figure 8 and Figure 9 This allows for a waterproof connection between the connector 400 and the diverter 200. Therefore, the connector 400, combined with the adapter 300, provides a waterproof and leak-proof connection between the diverter 200 and the water supply unit. Although the exemplary embodiment illustrated in the figures shows thread 408 as an external thread and thread 214 as an internal thread, alternative arrangements are possible. For example, thread 408 could be an internal thread, and thread 214 could be an external thread.

[0047] The connector also includes an external thread 410, which engages threadedly with the internal thread 116 of the nozzle body 102 (see also...). Figure 8 and Figure 9 ( ), to secure the connector 400, housing 206, and adapter 300 inside the cavity of the nozzle 100.

[0048] The diverter 200 may also include a front member 222 attached to the housing 206. The front member 222 defines an outlet 224 for allowing water from the water supply unit to exit the housing 206 and flow to the outlet 110 of the nozzle 100. The front member 222 includes threads 226 (see...). Figure 8 and Figure 9 ), thread 226 can be screwed onto the corresponding thread 228 of the distributor 200 (see Figure 10 and Figure 11 This provides a waterproof connection between the front member 222 and the housing 206. Although the embodiment depicted in the figures illustrates the front member 222 and the housing 206 as separate components attached together, in alternative embodiments, the front member 222 and the housing 206 may be combined into a single component.

[0049] Figure 8 and Figure 9 Along the head component 10 Figure 6 The front view shows a cross-sectional side view taken from plane 8-8. Figure 8 In the diagram, the splitter 200 is shown in the rest position 210, while... Figure 9 In the diagram, the splitter 200 is shown in the split position 212.

[0050] Now refer to Figures 7 to 9 The diverter 200 includes a handle 204 connected to a shaft 205, and the shaft 205 extends into a compartment 208 of the housing 206 of the diverter 200. In the embodiment depicted in the figures, the handle 204 includes a thread 213 that threadedly engages with an external thread 215 on the shaft 205 to connect the handle 204 and the shaft 205 together. In an alternative embodiment, the handle 204 and the shaft 205 are integral pieces, such that the handle 204 and the shaft 205 are not separate pieces attached together.

[0051] Actuator 202 also includes a plunger 207 connected to shaft 205 in a substantially orthogonal arrangement. Plunger 207 is received within compartment 208. In one exemplary embodiment, shaft 205 includes external threads 215 (see...). Figure 7 The external thread 215 engages threadedly with the corresponding internal thread 211 of the plunger 207 (see...). Figure 10 This is achieved by connecting shaft 205 and plunger 207 together, such that plunger 207 moves together with shaft 205 and handle 204 between rest position 210 and split position 212. Other arrangements for connecting shaft 205 and plunger 207 together are also possible.

[0052] A plug 230 is attached to the distal end of the plunger 207. For example... Figure 9As shown, when actuator 202 is in the diversion position 212, plug 230 seals the internal opening 232 of front member 222 to prevent water from flowing through outlet 224 of the front member and to outlet 110 of nozzle 100. Conversely, the blockage formed by plug 230 causes water to flow away from nozzle 100 and divert towards another outlet, such as a sprayer or shower head. Furthermore, the pressure from the water flow acts on plug 230, causing actuator 202 to remain in the diversion position 212 while simultaneously diverting water away from nozzle 100.

[0053] The compartment 208 of the diverter houses a spring 216. The spring 216 is configured to return the actuator 202 from the diversion position 212 to the rest position 210 when the water flow from the water supply is shut off, so that water pressure no longer acts on the plug 230 to hold the actuator 202 in the diversion position 212. The spring 216 is positioned around the plunger 207 and between the compartment 208 and the shaft 205. When the shaft 205 moves along the first direction D1 from the rest position 210 to the diversion position 212, the spring 216 is compressed from a relaxed state 218 to a compressed state 220.

[0054] Due to the water pressure acting on the stopper 230, the spring 216 remains in a compressed state 220 while the water flow from the water supply keeps it open. For example, the spring 216 may be configured to have a spring force less than or equal to the pressure exerted on the stopper 230 by the water flow, such that the spring 216 remains in a compressed state 220 while the water flow keeps it open. In some embodiments, a water pressure of 10 psi or greater holds the stopper 230 and the spring 216 in a compressed state, such that the actuator 202 remains in the diversion position 212 while the water flow keeps it open.

[0055] When the water supply is shut off, since there is no longer pressure from the water flow on the plug 230, the spring 216 expands from the compressed state 220 to the relaxed state 218, causing the spring force of the spring 216 to expand. As the spring 216 expands from the compressed state 220 to the relaxed state 218, the spring force of the spring 216 pushes the shaft 205 and the plunger 207 from the diversion position 212 to the rest position 210 along the second direction D2. When the water flow is shut off, the spring 216 automatically returns the actuator 202 to the rest position 210.

[0056] During subsequent use of the faucet assembly 10, when the water supply is reopened, the actuator 202 will be in the rest position 210, and water will flow from the outlet 110. To divert water from outlet 110 to another outlet, such as a sprayer or shower head, the user needs to slide the handle 204 back to the diversion position 212.

[0057] Advantageously, the compartment 208 protects the spring 216 from the flow of water through the diverter 200, resulting in a significant reduction in the buildup of mineral deposits around the spring 216 after prolonged use of the faucet assembly 10. Therefore, the durability and reliability of the faucet assembly 10 are improved.

[0058] Still refer to Figure 8 and Figure 9 The handle 204 is shaped and sized to protect both the nozzle 100's groove 114 and compartment 208 when the actuator 202 is in both the rest position 210 and the diversion position 212. Advantageously, this helps prevent water diverted to the sprayer or shower head from entering the compartment 208 that houses the spring 216, so that water does not degrade the spring 216 after prolonged use of the faucet assembly 10. Therefore, the shape of the handle 204 also enhances the durability of the faucet assembly 10.

[0059] Furthermore, the housing 206 includes a drain hole 238 for draining any water that enters the compartment 208. Advantageously, this helps ensure that water does not remain inside the compartment 208, preventing water from degrading the spring 216. Therefore, the drain hole 238 also enhances the durability of the faucet assembly 10.

[0060] Figure 10 This is a 3D view of the shunt 200. Figure 10 As shown, plunger 207 is housed within compartment 208 of housing 206. In the embodiment illustrated, plunger 207 has internal threads 211 for threadedly connecting shaft 205 to plunger 207. Alternative arrangements for connecting plunger 207 and shaft 205 are possible. Furthermore, in alternative embodiments, plunger 207 and shaft 205 may be integral pieces, such that plunger 207 and shaft 205 are not separate pieces attached together.

[0061] The plunger 207 may include a planar surface 231 that projects radially from the body of the plunger 207. In this embodiment, a spring 216 engages the planar surface 231 such that the spring 216 compresses and expands between the planar surface 231 and the sidewall of the compartment 208 between a rest position 210 and a diversion position 212.

[0062] In an alternative embodiment, plunger 207 does not include planar surface 231, such that spring 216 instead engages with shaft 205, which is substantially orthogonal to plunger 207. In this embodiment, spring 216 compresses and expands between shaft 205 and the sidewall of compartment 208 between rest position 210 and diversion position 212.

[0063] like Figure 10As shown, the plug 230 is attached to the distal end of the plunger 207. The plug 230 is a rubber gasket or liner. As described above, when the actuator 202 is in the diversion position 212, the plug 230 prevents water from flowing to the outlet 110 of the nozzle 100.

[0064] Figure 11 This is an exploded perspective view of the shunt 200. (See diagram below.) Figure 11 As shown, the diverter 200 may include a gasket 240 to provide a watertight seal between the housing 206 and the front member 222. Additionally, the diverter 200 may include a gasket 242 to provide a watertight seal between the front member 222 and the body 102 of the nozzle 100.

[0065] Figure 12 and Figure 13 These are the front and rear views of the splitter 200, respectively. Figure 12 and Figure 13 As shown, housing 206 defines one or more channels 234, 236 positioned around compartment 208 to allow water from the water supply to flow around compartment 208 and exit through internal opening 232 of front member 222. Compartment 208 advantageously protects spring 216 from the water flowing in channels 234, 236, preventing the accumulation of mineral deposits around spring 216 after prolonged use of faucet assembly 10, thereby improving the durability of faucet assembly 10.

[0066] In addition to the methods described above, there are other ways to affect the linear motion of the plunger, such as those described in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 193,503, filed May 26, 2021, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0067] The various embodiments described above are provided by way of illustration only and should not be construed as limiting the claims appended herein. Those skilled in the art will readily understand that various modifications and variations can be made without following the exemplary embodiments and applications illustrated and described herein, and without departing from the true spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A faucet assembly, comprising: A nozzle, configured to receive a water flow, the nozzle comprising: The body, which defines an internal cavity; A central axis that extends along the length of the body between the proximal and distal ends of the body; A groove, the groove being located between the proximal end and the distal end of the body; and An outlet, said outlet being located at the distal end of the body; and A flow divider, the flow divider being at least partially housed within the cavity of the nozzle, the flow divider comprising: A housing having a front end and a opposite rear end, the front end defining an internal opening, wherein the internal opening of the housing is spaced apart from and in fluid communication with the outlet of the nozzle, the housing defining a compartment having an opening aligned with a groove on the body of the nozzle, and the housing defining one or more channels within the cavity of the nozzle, the one or more channels being positioned around the compartment to allow water flow through the housing to the outlet of the nozzle; An actuator including a shaft and a plunger connected to the shaft, the shaft extending through the slot of the nozzle and into the compartment defined by the housing of the diverter, the plunger configured to slide from a rest position to a diverting position along a first direction parallel to the central axis, and configured to slide from the diverting position to the rest position along a second direction parallel to the central axis, the first and second directions being opposite directions, and the plunger configured to, when in the diverting position, seal the internal opening of the housing to prevent water flow to the outlet of the nozzle, and to divert the water flow away from the nozzle; and A spring, housed inside the compartment, wherein the spring is configured to move the plunger along the second direction from the diversion position to the rest position when the water flow is shut off.

2. The faucet assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The plunger includes a plug located at the distal end, the plug being configured to block the water flow from the one or more channels defined by the housing of the diverter to the outlet of the nozzle.

3. The faucet assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The housing of the diverter protects the spring from the influence of the water flow.

4. The faucet assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The shaft is threaded to the plunger at a first end and threaded to a handle at a second end, the handle being configured to be held by a user to allow the plunger to slide between the rest position and the diversion position.

5. The faucet assembly according to claim 4, wherein, The handle is shaped and sized to cover both the groove on the body of the nozzle and the opening of the compartment in the housing of the splitter when the actuator is in both the stationary position and the splitting position.

6. The faucet assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The spring is positioned around the plunger and between the compartment and the shaft, and the spring is compressed when the plunger slides to the diversion position.

7. The faucet assembly according to claim 6, wherein, The spring is configured to remain in a compressed state due to the pressure exerted on the plunger by the water flow.

8. The faucet assembly according to claim 7, wherein, The spring is configured to expand from the compressed state when the water flow is shut off, causing the plunger to slide from the diversion position to the rest position along the second direction.

9. The faucet assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The compartment has a drain hole for draining water that enters through the opening of the compartment.

10. A flow divider for a nozzle, the flow divider comprising: A housing having a front end and a opposite rear end, the front end defining an internal opening, the housing defining a compartment with the opening and one or more channels positioned around the compartment to allow water flow from the rear end of the housing to the front end; as well as An actuator comprising a shaft and a plunger, the shaft extending into the opening of the compartment, the plunger being connected to the shaft in a substantially orthogonal arrangement and housed within the compartment, the actuator being slidable from a rest position to a diversion position along a first direction and from the diversion position to the rest position along a second direction, the first and second directions being opposite directions parallel to the central axis of the nozzle, and the plunger being configured to seal the internal opening of the housing to prevent water flow from exiting the front end of the housing when the actuator is in the diversion position.

11. The diverter of claim 10, further comprising a spring housed within the compartment, wherein, When the water flow is turned off, the spring causes the actuator to return from the diversion position to the rest position.

12. The shunt according to claim 10, wherein, The plunger is configured to slide along the first direction and the second direction between the rest position and the diversion position.

13. The shunt according to claim 10, wherein, The plunger includes a plug located at the distal end, the plug being configured to block the flow of water from the one or more channels.

14. The shunt according to claim 10, wherein, A spring is positioned around the plunger and between the compartment and the shaft, and the spring is compressed from a relaxed state to a compressed state when the plunger slides into the diversion position.

15. The shunt according to claim 14, wherein, The spring is configured to remain in the compressed state due to the pressure from the water flow.

16. The shunt according to claim 14, wherein, When the water flow is shut off, the spring expands from the compressed state to the relaxed state, causing the plunger to slide from the diversion position to the stationary position along the second direction.

17. The diverter of claim 10, further comprising a handle connected to the shaft, the handle being configured to be held by a user to allow the plunger to slide between the rest position and the diverting position along the first direction and the second direction.

18. The shunt according to claim 17, wherein, The handle is shaped and sized to cover the opening of the compartment when the actuator is in the stationary position and the diversion position, and wherein a spring is housed in the compartment, the compartment protecting the spring from the influence of the water flow.

19. The shunt according to claim 10, wherein, The compartment has a drain hole for draining water that enters through the opening of the compartment.

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