A temperature memory handle assembly, switch assembly and shower

Abstract

The application provides a temperature memory handle assembly, which comprises a handle, a gear knob and a sliding seat. The handle is internally provided with a fixing column. The gear knob and the sliding seat are sequentially arranged on the fixing column. The gear knob is rotatable relative to the fixing column. The sliding seat is cooperated with and synchronously rotated with the fixing column. The sliding seat is arranged on the inner side of the gear knob and is pressed to the inner end surface of the gear knob by an elastic element. The cooperating surfaces of the sliding seat and the gear knob are respectively provided with positioning members and / or positioning grooves. The application also provides a switch assembly and a shower comprising the temperature memory handle assembly. The temperature memory function of the concealed shower is increased. The temperature memory function can be realized by replacing the temperature memory handle assembly. The user can replace the desired memory temperature by himself.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the technical field of bathroom fixtures, specifically relating to a temperature memory handle assembly, a switch assembly, and a shower. Background Technology

[0002] Bathroom showerheads can be installed in two ways: exposed and concealed. Exposed showerheads are installed directly on the wall after the bathroom renovation, with the water supply hose exposed. This is the most common installation method, as it's simple to install and easy to maintain later. Concealed showerheads, on the other hand, have the showerhead pipes hidden inside the wall, with only the shower head and control panel visible. This method offers a cleaner, more aesthetically pleasing appearance, allows for personalized control panel designs, and doesn't take up much bathroom space.

[0003] Most existing American-style concealed shower units use a pressure balance valve structure, which lacks a temperature limit function and cannot provide a 38° or 40° temperature indication. Consumers need to touch the water temperature while showering, which is a waste of time and water and may also result in scalding, seriously affecting the consumer's user experience. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of the technical problem that existing American-style concealed showers do not have a temperature limit function, requiring consumers to touch the water temperature while showering, which is both time-consuming and water-consuming, and may also result in scalding, this invention proposes a temperature memory handle assembly, a switch assembly, and a shower to solve the above-mentioned technical problems.

[0005] A temperature memory handle assembly includes a handle, a gear selector knob, and a slide. A fixed post is disposed inside the handle. The gear selector knob and slide are sequentially inserted through the fixed post. The gear selector knob is rotatable relative to the fixed post. The slide engages with the fixed post and rotates synchronously. The slide is located inside the gear selector knob and is pressed against the inner end face of the gear selector knob by an elastic element. Positioning elements and / or positioning grooves are respectively provided on the mating surfaces of the slide and the gear selector knob. Through the engagement of the handle, gear selector knob, and slide, as well as the engagement of the positioning elements and positioning grooves, this temperature memory handle assembly allows the user to set their desired memory temperature and quickly locate the specified memory temperature position using the handle during subsequent use.

[0006] Preferably, the positioning element includes a ball bearing and a ball bearing spring, the ball bearing spring pushing the ball bearing against the end face where the positioning groove is located. This arrangement allows for audible and tactile feedback from the ball bearing contacting the positioning groove, indicating that the device has rotated to the designated temperature position.

[0007] Preferably, it also includes a limiting plate, which is sleeved on the fixed post and locked in position by a nut. The elastic element is a return spring disposed between the limiting plate and the slide. The limiting plate restricts the movement position of the slide.

[0008] A further preferred embodiment includes a spline sleeve, which is fixedly fitted to the gear selector knob, and one end of the spline sleeve is provided with an internal spline. This design allows the spline sleeve to engage with the gear selector knob, and the internal spline of the spline sleeve can be used to connect subsequent functional components.

[0009] In a further preferred embodiment, the spline sleeve has an annular hollow structure. The spline sleeve, in conjunction with the gear selector knob, forms a cavity accommodating the slide and the limiting plate. The inner surface of the side with the internal spline has an annular boss smaller than the maximum outer diameter of the limiting plate. This structure of the spline sleeve allows the slide and the limiting plate to be housed within it and achieve corresponding linkage. The annular boss can also hold the limiting plate and other internal components during handle assembly, assisting in locking the limiting plate and internal components.

[0010] In a further preferred embodiment, the limiting plate and the slide are connected by a limiting part and a limiting groove for a limiting connection. This configuration can prevent the slide from rotating and causing a shift in the temperature memory position.

[0011] In a further preferred embodiment, a wear-resistant ring is provided between the slide and the spline sleeve. This feature can improve the rotation feel to some extent.

[0012] Preferably, the fixed column is provided with a polygonal mounting surface, and the middle of the slide is provided with a corresponding polygonal mounting hole. This assembly method enables the handle and the slide to rotate synchronously.

[0013] According to a second aspect of the invention, a switch assembly is provided, comprising the temperature memory handle assembly as described above.

[0014] Preferably, the device further includes a high-temperature limiting ring, a valve core gland, a pressure balancing valve, and a valve seat, which are sequentially coupled. The high-temperature limiting ring has an external spline that meshes with the internal spline on the spline sleeve connecting the gear selector knob. An adjustment groove is located adjacent to the external spline. When the gear selector knob is pressed down, the internal spline disengages from the external spline and enters the adjustment groove. The gear selector knob can rotate relative to the handle, adjusting the positioning element and the positioning groove to match and set the current memory temperature. This combination allows the user to set the memory temperature according to their optimal comfort level.

[0015] According to a third aspect of the invention, a shower device is provided, comprising the switch assembly as described above.

[0016] This invention provides a temperature memory handle assembly suitable for American-style concealed showers. By combining the temperature memory handle with a high-temperature limiting ring, a temperature setting function is added, which can be adjusted according to the user's needs, thus realizing the temperature memory function of the shower. The structure is simple, and compared with traditional American-style concealed showers, only the handle assembly needs to be replaced to achieve the temperature memory function. Attached Figure Description

[0017] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the embodiments and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate embodiments and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. Other embodiments and many anticipated advantages of the embodiments will be readily recognized as they become better understood through reference to the following detailed description. Elements in the drawings are not necessarily to scale. The same reference numerals refer to corresponding similar parts.

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a temperature memory handle assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of a temperature memory handle assembly according to a specific embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] Figures 3a-3b This is an exploded view of a temperature memory handle assembly according to a specific embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a switch assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 5 This is an exploded view of a switching assembly according to a specific embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the gear selector knob in an unpressed state according to a specific embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of the gear knob in a depressed state according to a specific embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional perspective view of a switch assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 9 This is a diagram of a concealed shower unit, one embodiment of the invention.

[0027] The meanings of the numbers in the diagram are as follows: 100, handle; 110, fixed post; 200, gear knob; 210, ball bearing groove; 300, spline sleeve; 400, slide; 410, ball bearing; 420, ball bearing spring; 430, elastic element; 440, wear-resistant ring I; 450, wear-resistant ring II; 460, female groove; 500, limit plate; 510, male groove; 600, nut; 1, temperature memory handle assembly; 2, decorative panel; 3, valve seat; 4, decorative sleeve; 5, high temperature limiting ring; 6, valve core cover; 7, pressure balancing valve; 8, screw; 9, shower head; 10, faucet. Detailed Implementation

[0028] In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form part of the detailed description and are illustrated by specific illustrative embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. In this regard, directional terms such as “top,” “bottom,” “left,” “right,” “up,” “down,” etc., are used with reference to the orientation of the described figures. Because components of the embodiments can be positioned in several different orientations, directional terms are used for illustrative purposes and are by no means limiting. It should be understood that other embodiments may be utilized or logical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. Therefore, the following detailed description should not be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims.

[0029] This invention proposes a temperature memory handle assembly. Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a temperature memory handle assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The temperature memory handle assembly mainly includes a handle 100 and a gear knob 200. The handle 100 is used to control flow rate and temperature. The gear knob 200, as the core component for temperature memory, prompts the handle to rotate to the memory temperature position via a positioning structure when the handle 100 is rotated. The memory temperature can also be set and adjusted via the gear knob 200. The following is a description of the structure of the temperature memory handle assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of a temperature memory handle assembly according to a specific embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figures 3a-3b An exploded view of a temperature memory handle assembly according to a specific embodiment of the present invention is shown, and the temperature memory handle assembly is described in detail below:

[0030] The temperature memory handle assembly also includes a spline sleeve 300, a slide 400, and a limiting plate 500. A fixing post 110 is provided inside the handle 100. The gear knob 200, spline sleeve 300, slide 400, and limiting plate 500 are all mounted on the fixing post 110. The spline sleeve 300 is fixedly engaged with the gear knob 200 and is rotatably mounted on the fixing post 110 along with the gear knob 200. The slide 400 is engaged with the limiting plate 500 and is disposed in the cavity formed by the engagement of the spline sleeve 300 and the gear knob 200. The slide 400 is fixed to the fixing post 110 by a polygonal mounting surface and can rotate synchronously with the handle 100. As an example, in this application, the slide 400 and the fixed column 110 are fitted together by a rectangular mounting surface. That is, the surface of the fixed column 110 is provided with a rectangular mounting surface, and the slide 400 is provided with a corresponding rectangular mounting hole. The two are fitted together to achieve synchronous rotation. Alternatively, in addition to using a rectangular mounting surface, a hexagonal mounting surface or the like can also be used to achieve the same technical effect of the present invention.

[0031] In a specific embodiment, the spline sleeve 300 and the gear knob 200 are fixedly connected by a threaded connection. The spline sleeve 300 is a hollow annular structure. One end of its inner ring is provided with an internal spline for mating with external components. The end with the internal spline has an annular boss structure smaller than the maximum diameter of the limiting plate 500 (i.e., the size of the male groove 510 mentioned below), which is used to assist in installation during assembly. It can hold the maximum outer diameter of the limiting plate (male groove 510) and facilitate the locking installation of the nut 600 by holding the internal components during assembly.

[0032] In a specific embodiment, the limiting plate 500 and the slide 400 are disposed in the cavity formed by the spline sleeve 300 and the gear knob 200, and are assembled and rotated synchronously with the fixing post 110 in the handle 100. The limiting plate 500 is restricted to the end of the fixing post 110 by the nut 600 and the washer to prevent it from falling out. The slide block 400 and the limiting plate 500 are anti-detached by a snap-fit ​​and a slot, and are also limited by a limiting part and a limiting groove. In a specific example, the limiting part is a male groove 510 and the limiting groove is a female groove 460. The limiting plate 500 restricts the movement position of the slide block 400. Specifically, the circumferential surface of the slide block 400 has a female groove 460 along the axial direction, and the outer surface of the limiting plate 500 has a male groove 510. The engagement of the male groove 510 and the female groove 460 ensures that the slide block 400 can only move along the axial direction and cannot rotate relative to the limiting plate 500. An elastic element 430 is provided between the slide block 400 and the limiting plate 500. The elastic element 430 is used to push the slide block 400 against the inner end face of the gear knob 200, realizing the reset action after the gear knob 200 pushes down and drives the slide block 400 to move axially. In this embodiment, the elastic element 430 is specifically a return spring structure. In some other embodiments, other elastic structural components, such as spring sheets, can also be used to achieve this function.

[0033] In a specific embodiment, positioning elements and positioning grooves are respectively provided on the mating surfaces of the slide 400 and the gear knob 200. Taking the illustration of this application as an example, the end face of the slide 400 is provided with two positioning element mounting holes. The positioning elements include a ball 410 and a ball spring 420. The ball 410 and the ball spring 420 are disposed in the positioning element mounting holes. The ball spring 420 pushes the ball 410 against the inner end face of the gear knob 200. The inner end face of the gear knob 200 is provided with a ball groove 210. When the slide 400 and the gear knob 200 rotate relative to each other, the ball 410 can be pushed into the ball groove 210 under the action of the ball spring 420, and a sound is emitted to indicate that the memory temperature position has been reached. In other embodiments, the positioning element and the positioning groove can also be reversed. For example, the ball groove can be set on the end face of the slide, and the ball and ball spring can be set on the inner end face of the gear knob. Moreover, the number of positioning elements and positioning grooves can also be set according to different needs, which can also achieve the technical effect of the present invention.

[0034] In a specific embodiment, there is a certain gap between the outer ring of the slide block 400 and the inner ring of the spline sleeve 300, and a wear-resistant ring I 450 is provided between the mating surfaces of the two. A wear-resistant ring II 440 is provided between the mating end faces of the slide block 400 and the gear knob 200. The provision of the two wear-resistant rings can improve the feel of the slide block 400 rotating synchronously within the gear knob 200 and the spline sleeve 300 when the handle 100 is rotated.

[0035] Continue to refer to Figure 4 , Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a switch assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown, including a temperature memory handle 1, a decorative panel 2, and a valve seat 3 as described in the above embodiment. The following is a description of the structure of the assembly. Figure 5 The exploded view shown below illustrates a switch assembly according to a specific embodiment of the present invention. The switch assembly further includes a decorative sleeve 4, a high-temperature limiting ring 5, a valve core cover 6, and a pressure balancing valve 7. A decorative panel 2 is fitted onto the decorative sleeve 4. One end of the valve core cover 6 fixes the pressure balancing valve 7 within a valve seat 3, while the other end connects and engages with the decorative sleeve 4. One end of the high-temperature limiting ring 5 engages with the pressure balancing valve 7 to limit the maximum adjustable temperature of the valve core, for example, limiting the maximum temperature to 50°C, thus preventing the valve core from being adjusted to temperatures above 50°C. The other end of the high-temperature limiting ring 5 engages with the splined sleeve of the temperature memory handle 1, and has an external spline structure that corresponds to the internal spline of the splined sleeve.

[0036] The following is combined Figure 6 as well as Figure 7 The shown cross-sectional view illustrates the working principle of this switching assembly. Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of the gear selector knob in an unpressed state, according to a specific embodiment of the present invention, is shown, as follows. Figure 6 As shown, under normal use, when the handle 100 is rotated counterclockwise at the bottom position, the flow rate increases and then decreases again, and the temperature increases from cold to hot. At this time, the gear knob 200 and the spline sleeve 300 are fixed by threads. Under the action of the elastic element 430, the spline sleeve 300 engages with the high temperature limiting ring 5 spline, and the gear knob 200 is fixed and cannot rotate. The rectangular assembly of the slide 400 and the handle 100 rotates synchronously. When the handle 100 is rotated, the slide 400 rotates with the handle 100. The ball catcher 410 and the ball catcher spring 420 rotate with the slide 400. When the ball catcher 410 touches the ball catcher groove 210 on the gear knob 200 and makes a sound, it indicates to the user that the rotation temperature position has been reached.

[0037] Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of the gear selector knob in a depressed state according to a specific embodiment of the present invention is shown, as follows. Figure 7 As shown, this state is the temperature memory setting state. Consumers can set the desired temperature to easily and quickly find the optimal body temperature from the previous use, such as 38℃ or 40℃. Consumers can set the optimal body temperature while washing up for direct use next time. The specific setting method is as follows: with the consumer at the optimal body temperature, press down the gear knob 200. At this time, the inner spline of the spline sleeve 300 falls into the groove structure adjacent to the outer spline of the high-temperature limiting ring 5, that is, the spline sleeve 300 disengages from the spline of the high-temperature limiting ring 5 (the inner spline teeth of the spline sleeve disengage from the outer spline teeth of the high-temperature limiting ring), as shown. Figure 8 As shown in the side perspective view of the cross-sectional structure of the switch assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention, the spline sleeve 300 and the slide 400 are in a clearance fit, while the gear knob 200 and the spline sleeve 300 are still in a threaded fixed fit. At this time, rotating the gear knob 200 until the ball-stop groove 210 of the gear knob 200 collides with the ball-stop 410 to produce a clicking sound, and then releasing the gear knob 200, allows it to return to spline engagement between the spline sleeve 300 and the high-temperature limiting ring 5 under the action of the elastic element 430, thus re-fixing the gear knob 200 and ending the setting of the optimal body temperature. After showering, turn off the shower faucet. The next time you use it, simply rotate the handle 100 to the position with a gear selector; this position is the previously set optimal body temperature.

[0038] Figure 9 A schematic diagram of the structure of a shower device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown, as follows: Figure 9 As shown, the shower includes the aforementioned switch assembly, as well as a shower head 9 and a faucet 10. The shower is a concealed shower structure, and the temperature memory function can be realized by directly replacing the temperature memory handle assembly without modifying the overall structure of the shower, which greatly improves the user experience.

[0039] Existing American-style concealed shower units lack a temperature limit function, forcing consumers to rely solely on touch to determine water temperature, which is time-consuming, wasteful of water, and poses a risk of scalding. Adding a temperature memory function would require replacing the entire concealed shower unit, which is inconvenient. The temperature memory handle assembly proposed in this application allows for direct replacement of the handle assembly to achieve the temperature memory function. Through the ingenious combination of the gear knob, slide, limit plate, and spline sleeve, consumers can set and change the optimal temperature according to their needs and quickly access the remembered temperature during subsequent showers, greatly enhancing the user experience.

[0040] The specific embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention should be determined by the scope of the claims.

[0041] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "upper," "lower," "inner," "outer," etc., indicating orientation or positional relationships based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, are only for the convenience of describing the 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, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of the invention. The word "comprising" does not exclude the presence of elements or steps not listed in the claims. The word "a" or "an" preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements. The simple fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that combinations of these measures cannot be used for improvement. Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.

Claims

1. A temperature memory handle assembly, characterized in that, include: The device comprises a handle, a gear selector knob, a limiting plate, a high-temperature limiting ring, and a slide. The handle has a fixed post inside. The gear selector knob and the slide are sequentially mounted on the fixed post. The gear selector knob is rotatable relative to the fixed post. The slide engages with the fixed post and rotates synchronously. The slide is located inside the gear selector knob and is pressed against its inner end face by an elastic element. Positioning elements and / or positioning grooves are respectively provided on the mating surfaces of the slide and the gear selector knob. The limiting plate is sleeved on the fixed post and locked in position by a nut. The elastic element… A return spring is provided between the limiting plate and the slide block; a spline sleeve is also included, which is fixedly engaged with the gear knob, and one end of the spline sleeve is provided with an internal spline; the high temperature limiting ring is provided with an external spline that meshes with the internal spline on the spline sleeve connected to the gear knob, and an adjustment groove is provided adjacent to the external spline. When the gear knob is pressed down, the internal spline disengages from the external spline and enters the adjustment groove. The gear knob can rotate relative to the handle to adjust the matching of the positioning member and the positioning groove to set the current memory temperature.

2. The temperature memory handle assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The positioning element includes a ball and a ball spring, wherein the ball spring pushes the ball against the end face where the positioning groove is located.

3. The temperature memory handle assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The spline sleeve has an annular hollow structure. The spline sleeve and the gear knob cooperate to form a cavity for accommodating the slide and the limiting plate. An annular boss smaller than the maximum outer diameter of the limiting plate is provided on the inner surface of the side where the internal spline is located.

4. The temperature memory handle assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The limiting plate and the slide are connected by a limiting part and a limiting groove for limiting.

5. The temperature memory handle assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, A wear-resistant ring is provided between the slide and the spline sleeve.

6. The temperature memory handle assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fixed column is provided with a polygonal assembly surface, and the middle part of the slide is provided with a polygonal assembly hole.

7. A switching assembly, characterized in that, Includes the temperature memory handle assembly as described in any one of claims 1-6.

8. The switching assembly according to claim 7, characterized in that, It also includes a valve core gland, a pressure balancing valve, and a valve seat, wherein the high-temperature limiting ring, valve core gland, pressure balancing valve, and valve seat are fitted together in sequence.

9. A shower, characterized in that, Includes the switching assembly as described in any one of claims 7-8.

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