Spray diverter, spray header assembly and method of diverting flow of liquid

Abstract

The invention discloses a spray diverter, a spray header assembly and a method for diverting a liquid flow. The spray header assembly comprises a main body, a switch and a spray diverter assembly. The body defines a plurality of channels including an inlet channel and at least three outlet channels. The switch is configured to couple with the shower diverter assembly such that linear movement of the switch translates to rotational movement of a shutter of the shower diverter assembly. The shutter diverts water to one of the outlet channels, which causes the showerhead assembly to distribute water out of one of several discrete outlets.

Description

[0001] Cross - Reference to Related Applications

[0002] This disclosure claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 615,993, filed Dec. 29, 2023, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] Examples generally relate to systems including a multi-functional showerhead assembly, and more particularly, to a multi-functional showerhead assembly including a water diverter configured to distribute fluid in multiple spray patterns. Background Art

[0004] This disclosure generally relates to the field of showerhead assemblies through which fluid is distributed. Conventional showerhead assemblies define a single internal passage through which fluid can pass. Because there is only a single internal passage, fluid can be distributed in only a single spray pattern through a single outlet. For example, a basic showerhead assembly distributes fluid in the form of a solid stream. There is a need in the art for a system configured to distribute fluid through different functional outlets of the same assembly.

[0005] Some conventional showerhead assemblies attempt to address this problem by introducing a valve or diverter within the showerhead assembly. In such systems, the user can actuate an internal valve by manipulating a button on the exterior of the showerhead assembly to change the spray pattern. However, such systems are limited by the number of fluid passages within the system. Other systems (such as bathroom showerheads) can use a turbine baffle to divert fluid to different outlets. The user manipulates the turbine baffle by pulling on a tab on the exterior of the faucet head to change the spray pattern, and the tab causes the turbine baffle within the showerhead to rotate. However, due to the construction of the showerhead, manipulating the tab can be cumbersome or inflexible for the user.

[0006] There is a need in the art for a showerhead assembly that includes a showerhead diverter configured to distribute fluid in more than two discrete spray patterns. There is also a need for a spray diverter that can be manipulated by the user through a smoother mechanism. Summary of the Invention

[0007] An example according to the present disclosure relates to a sprinkler head assembly, which includes a body, a toggle switch or button, and a spray diverter. The spray diverter is housed inside the body. The switch is functionally connected to the spray diverter such that manipulation of the switch by the user causes the spray diverter to switch or toggle between various spray modes. The switch is configured to be manipulated by the user to at least three positions, the at least three positions corresponding to at least three spray modes at the outlet of the sprinkler head assembly. When the switch is in the first position, the sprinkler head assembly can dispense fluid in a first spray mode. When the switch is in the second position, the sprinkler head assembly can dispense fluid in a second spray mode. When the switch is in the third position, the sprinkler head assembly can dispense fluid in a third spray mode.

[0008] The body of the sprinkler head assembly includes an inlet, an internal passage, a spray diverter, and an outlet housing. The inlet, the internal passage, the spray diverter, and the outlet housing are fluidly connected such that when fluid enters the sprinkler head assembly through the inlet, the fluid can pass through the assembly and exit the assembly through the outlet of the outlet housing.

[0009] In one example, the spray diverter includes a shaft housing, a shaft, a baffle, and a channel separator. The shaft housing is coupled to the switch of the sprinkler head assembly. The shaft housing defines a channel configured to receive the first end of the shaft. The shaft housing is configured such that when the switch causes the shaft housing to move linearly, the shaft rotates in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction, depending on the linear direction in which the shaft housing moves. For example, when the switch is manipulated such that the shaft housing is moved towards the outlet of the faucet head assembly, the shaft rotates counterclockwise as a result. If the shaft housing is moved in the opposite direction, the shaft rotates clockwise.

[0010] The shaft is configured such that the second end of the shaft (the end not coupled to the shaft housing) is coupled to the baffle and the channel separator. The shaft is coupled to the baffle and the channel separator such that rotation of the shaft causes rotation of the baffle relative to the channel separator. The baffle includes a disk having an opening, where the opening is arranged such that the opening can divert fluid to a series of outlet channels within the outlet housing.

[0011] The outlet housing includes at least three outlet channels. The outlet channels divert the fluid flow through the sprinkler head assembly to corresponding outlets. When the baffle rotates, via the operation of the switch, the opening of the baffle rotates from one outlet channel fluidly connected to the inlet channel to a different outlet channel. This changes from which outlet the sprinkler head assembly dispenses water.

[0012] The outlets can be configured in various ways to achieve the desired spray pattern. For example, this can be a series of smaller nozzles combined together, or a single nozzle with a specific orifice shape. As a result, the sprinkler head assembly is configured to dispense water in various spray patterns.

[0013] In an example in accordance with the present disclosure, a method of diverting a liquid stream to one of a plurality of outlets to modify a spray pattern of a spray head assembly includes: providing a spray head assembly having a spray diverter configured to modify the spray pattern of the spray head assembly such that the spray diverter receives a user input indicative of a desired spray operation during actuation of an actuation mechanism of the spray head assembly, such that a shaft housing coupled to the actuation mechanism selectively moves to different operating positions on a shaft based on the received user input, and based on the movement of the shaft housing, causing a shaft coupled to the shaft housing to rotate to align one or more openings of a baffle with one or more segments of a channel divider fluidly coupled to at least one nozzle, thereby allowing a fluid passage through the at least one nozzle implementing the desired spray operation. The shaft housing may selectively move between at least three different operating positions on the shaft. In one example, selectively moving the shaft housing and rotating the shaft occur simultaneously. In one example, the baffle may include a connector extending perpendicularly from the baffle and the baffle is configured to be coupled to a distal end of the shaft.

[0014] The foregoing is a summary and, as such, necessarily includes simplifications, generalizations, and omissions of detail. Accordingly, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be limiting in any way. Other aspects, features, and advantages of the devices described herein will become apparent in the detailed description set forth herein and taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, as defined by the claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a spray head assembly according to an example, the spray head assembly having a switch configured to change the spray pattern.

[0016] Figures 2A to 2C is a perspective view of a spray head assembly having a switch movable to at least three positions.

[0017] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a spray diverter assembly of a spray head assembly according to an example.

[0018] Figure 4 is an exploded view of a spray diverter assembly according to an example.

[0019] Figure 5 is an exploded view of a shaft assembly according to an example, the shaft assembly having a shaft and a shaft housing.

[0020] Figure 6 is a side view of a baffle according to an example.

[0021] Figure 7 is a side view of a channel divider assembly according to an example, the channel divider assembly having a baffle and a channel divider.

[0022] Figures 8A to 8C is a perspective view of a spray diverter assembly according to one example.

[0023] Figure 9 is an internal cross-sectional side view of a spray head assembly according to one example.

[0024] Figures 10A to 10C is an internal cross-sectional side view of a spray head assembly according to one example, the spray head assembly having three discrete channels through which fluid can pass.

[0025] While various examples may be modified into various modifications and alternative forms, details thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail. However, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the claimed disclosure to the specific examples described. Instead, it is intended to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the subject matter defined by the claims. Detailed Description

[0026] Generally referring to the drawings, disclosed herein is a spray head assembly configured to dispense fluid in at least three discrete spray patterns. The spray head assembly can be configured to be used with a kitchen faucet or any other suitable application. The spray head assembly is configured to convert a linear motion of a switch into a rotational motion of an internal shutter to change the spray pattern of the fluid at the outlet of the spray head assembly. The internal shutter can divert the fluid flowing through the spray head assembly into discrete channels that terminate at discrete outlets having different spray patterns.

[0027] Figure 1 Illustrates a non-limiting example of a spray head assembly 100 that includes a body 102 and a spray diverter assembly 200 (FIG. 2). The body 102 includes a structure defining a hole through which a toggle switch or button 104 extends. The spray diverter assembly 200 is housed within the body 102 and will be described in more detail hereinafter. The body 102 terminates at a first end that includes a fluid inlet 106 and a threaded connection 108, while the second end terminates at an outlet housing 110. The inlet 106 and the outlet housing 110 can be fluidly connected such that fluid entering the spray head assembly 100 through the inlet 106 exits the spray head assembly 100 through the outlet housing 110.

[0028] The body 102 can be of any suitable shape and length for the desired application. For example, the body 102 is generally cylindrical. In alternative examples, the body 102 can have a cross-section that is generally rectangular, hexagonal, octagonal, or any other suitable polygon. The body 102 can be longer or shorter. In some applications, if the spray head assembly 100 is to be coupled to a faucet system, it may be desirable for the cross-section of the spray head assembly 100 to match the cross-section of the faucet system (not shown). The body 102 can be constructed of a suitable rigid material, including but not limited to: metals, alloys, thermoplastics, other engineering materials, or any combination thereof. The material can match the faucet system (not shown) to which the spray head assembly 100 is to be coupled.

[0029] The threaded connection 108 can have external or internal threads. The threaded connection 108 is configured such that it can be coupled to the faucet system in an airtight connection. In such an example, the faucet system can have complementary threads, meaning that if the threaded connection 108 has external threads, the faucet system has internal threads. The threaded connection 108 can also include another suitable type of connection, such as a welded or push-fit connection.

[0030] Reference Figures 2A to 2C , the switch 104 can be moved to at least three positions. Figure 2A The first position of the switch 104 shown defines a first spray pattern from the outlet housing 110. Figure 2B The second position of the switch 104 shown defines a second spray pattern from the outlet housing 110. Figure 2C The third position of the switch 104 shown defines a third spray pattern from the outlet housing 110. The switch 104 can be configured to move to these positions by continuous actuation or snapping into discrete positions, depending on the configuration of the example.

[0031] The spray diverter assembly 200 is configured to convert the linear motion of the switch 104 (as described above) into rotational motion of the shutter 208. Reference Figure 3 , the switch 104 can include a switch body 202 coupled to a shaft assembly 300, which includes a shaft housing 204 coupled to a shaft 206. The shutter 208 is coupled to the distal end of the shaft 206 opposite the shaft housing 204. The cross-section of the shutter 208 can be generally circular, or any other suitable shape that matches the cross-section of the faucet (not shown) to which the spray head assembly is to be coupled. The shutter 208 includes one or more openings 210 for allowing fluid to flow therethrough. Reference Figure 4, the opening 210 corresponds to a discrete section of the channel separator 212. The channel separator 212 and the baffle 208 can be adapted within the fluid outlet housing 214. The baffle 208 further includes a connector 216. The connector 216 extends from the baffle 208 at a generally perpendicular angle. The shaft 206 is configured to be inserted into the connector 216 such that when the shaft 206 rotates, the baffle 208 rotates.

[0032] The switch body 202 includes a body portion 201 and a set of lugs 218 that extend from below the body portion 201 and resemble a saddle. The set of lugs 218 is configured to couple with recesses 203 formed in the shaft housing 204 and to effect linear movement using the shaft housing 204 when a user manipulates the switch body 202. The switch body 202 also includes angled portions that intersect at the center of the switch body 202 and the switch body 202 resembles a saddle. The angled portions are configured as ergonomic points for a user to manipulate the switch body 202.

[0033] Now referring Figure 5 , as described below, the shaft assembly 300 can include a shaft housing 204 and a shaft 206. The shaft 206 is configured to be inserted into an internal channel 306 of the shaft housing 204. The internal channel 306 also includes a series of grooves 308 that correspond to a series of fins or threads 312 on the outer surface of the shaft 206. The grooves 308 wind around the internal channel 306. Similarly, the fins 312 extend along the outer surface of the shaft 206 such that each fin extends along a portion of the length of the shaft 206 and partially circumferentially. The shaft 206 also includes openings 314, 316 for receiving pins 317 ( Figure 3 ) that pass through it. In use, when the shaft housing 204 moves linearly along the shaft 310 (by a switch (not shown), as described above), the fins 312 move along the grooves 308. Because the fins 312 extend around the circumference of the exterior of the shaft 206, this movement causes the shaft 206 to rotate clockwise or counterclockwise, depending on the direction in which the shaft housing 204 moves.

[0034] Referring Figure 6 , an example of a baffle 400 can include a first opening 404, a second opening 406, and a connector 402. The connector 402 is generally located at the center of the baffle between the first void 404 and the second void 406. The connector 402 extends perpendicularly from the baffle such that a shaft of a shaft assembly (not shown) can be connected to the baffle 400 via the connector 402. The walls of the connector 402 can be tapered as they extend from the surface of the baffle 400 to secure the shaft of the shaft assembly (not shown) to the baffle 400. In other examples, the connector 402 can include other elements configured to secure the shaft of the shaft assembly to the baffle 400.

[0035] As described above, the showerhead assembly 100 is configured to divert fluid to different outlets via a passage diverter assembly 500 as depicted in Figure 7 . The passage diverter assembly includes a passage divider 502 having a structure that defines a plurality of openings 504. Pairs of the openings 504 of the passage diverter assembly 500 define in the fluid discharge member an inlet to respective outlet channels (not shown) or fluid paths. The openings of the baffle 504 are configured to at least partially correspond to the shape of the sections of the passage divider 502.

[0036] Now referring to Figure 8A , when assembled and in use, the shower diverter assembly 200 includes a switch body 202 coupled to a shaft housing 204 such that when a user moves the switch body 202 to a first position, the baffle 208 rotates to a first position and aligns with a first section of the passage divider 210. When the switch body 202 is moved, the shaft housing 204 linearly translates, which in turn causes rotation of the shaft 206. Since the shaft 206 is coupled to the baffle 208, this causes rotation of the baffle 208. When the user moves the switch body 202 to a second position as depicted in Figure 8B , the baffle 208 rotates to a second position such that the void of the baffle 208 aligns with a second section of the passage divider 210. When the user moves the switch body 202 to a third position as shown in Figure 8C , the baffle 208 rotates to a third position such that the void of the baffle aligns with a third section of the passage divider 210.

[0037] The body 102 also includes a plurality of internal components. Referring to Figure 9 , the body 102 defines a lumen having an inlet passage 112 fluidly connected to an inlet 106 and an outlet housing 110. A baffle 120 is located within the lumen between the inlet 106 and the outlet housing 110. The baffle 120 diverts fluid from the inlet 106 to one of at least three outlet channels.

[0038] The spray pattern is formed by the configuration of the outlet housing 110. In some examples, the outlet housing 110 includes a nozzle (not shown) or a set of nozzles having orifices of different sizes and shapes to achieve a desired spray pattern. For example, to achieve a fan-shaped spray pattern, a single nozzle may have a long and narrow opening. As another example, to achieve a rain-like spray pattern, a set of nozzles may have small circular openings.

[0039] The baffle 120 is configured to divert water to different outlet channels within the body 102. Referring to Figure 10A, the first outlet passage 122 is fluidly connected to the first nozzle arrangement 124. The baffle 120 can direct the fluid in the sprinkler head assembly 100 from the inlet passage 112 to the first outlet passage 122. In order to direct the fluid to a specific passage, the voids (not shown) in the baffle 120 should be aligned with the first outlet passage 122. Refer to Figure 10B , the second outlet passage 126 is fluidly connected to the second nozzle arrangement 128. The baffle 120 can direct the fluid in the sprinkler head assembly 100 from the inlet passage 112 to the second outlet passage 126. Refer to Figure 10C , the third outlet passage 130 is fluidly connected to the third nozzle arrangement 132. The baffle 120 can direct the fluid in the sprinkler head assembly 100 from the inlet passage 112 to the third outlet passage 130.

[0040] The internal components of the above sprinkler head assembly 100 can be made of any suitable material. These materials can include, but are not limited to, metals, alloys, thermoplastics, or other engineering materials. It may be advantageous to make the internal components of the sprinkler head assembly 100 of materials that are resistant to wear or chemical changes associated with continuous exposure to water.

[0041] Without departing from its essential attributes, the present disclosure may be embodied in other specific forms; thus, the illustrated embodiments should be considered illustrative and not restrictive in all respects. The claims provided herein are for the purpose of ensuring that this application is sufficient to establish foreign priority and not for other purposes.

[0042] Various examples of systems, devices, and methods have been described herein. These examples are given by way of example only and are not intended to limit the scope of the claimed disclosure. In addition, it should be understood that the various features of the examples that have been described can be combined in various ways to produce many additional examples. Moreover, although various materials, dimensions, shapes, configurations, locations, etc. have been described as being usable with the disclosed examples, other materials, dimensions, shapes, configurations, and locations, etc. can also be utilized without exceeding the scope of the claimed disclosure.

[0043] One of ordinary skill in the relevant art will recognize that the subject matter of the present invention can include fewer features than are illustrated in any of the above individual examples. The examples described herein are not meant to be an exhaustive presentation of the ways in which the various features of the subject matter herein can be combined. Thus, these examples are not mutually exclusive combinations of features; rather, the various examples can include combinations of different individual features selected from different individual examples, as will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. In addition, unless otherwise stated, the elements described with respect to one example can also be implemented in other examples even if not described in those examples.

[0044] Any incorporation by reference of the above documents is further limited so that any claim included in such documents is not incorporated herein by reference. Any incorporation by reference of the above documents is further limited so that any limitation provided in such documents is not incorporated herein by reference unless expressly included herein.

[0045] For purposes of interpreting the claims, the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) are not expressly invoked unless the specific terms "means" or "step" are recited in a claim.

Claims

1. A spray diverter, the spray diverter being configured to modify a spray pattern of a spray head assembly, the spray diverter comprising: a shutter having a plurality of openings configured to align with different sections of a channel divider fluidly coupled to one or more outlets; and A shaft assembly is coupled to the switch and the shutter, the shaft assembly being configured to convert linear motion of the switch into rotational motion of the shutter, wherein converting the linear motion into rotational motion causes the plurality of openings to align with different sections of the channel divider, thereby modifying the fluid pathway to one or more different outlets. 2 . The spray splitter of claim 1 , wherein the different sections of the channel divider include at least three sections fluidly coupled to three different outlets. 3 . The spray diverter of claim 2 , wherein the switch is configured to move between three operating positions to selectively align the plurality of openings with the at least three sections fluidly coupled to the three different outlets.

4. The shower diverter of claim 3, wherein the switch includes a switch body having angled portions that intersect at a center of the switch body.

5. The spray diverter according to claim 3, wherein the shaft assembly comprises: a shaft housing coupled to the switch, the shaft housing being configured to linearly translate to different operating positions based on linear movement of the switch; and A shaft is coupled to the shaft housing and the shutter, wherein one or more fins or threads are configured to convert linear motion of the shaft housing into rotational motion of the shutter.

6. The spray diverter of claim 5, wherein the one or more fins or threads extend partially circumferentially along the outer surface of the shaft.

7. The spray diverter of claim 6, wherein the one or more fins or threads are configured to be received by one or more grooves in the shaft housing.

8. The spray diverter of claim 7, wherein linear translation of the shaft housing causes rotation of the one or more fins or threads and the shutter.

9. The spray diverter of claim 5, wherein the shaft further comprises one or more openings configured to receive a pin.

10. The spray diverter of claim 5, wherein the shaft housing further comprises one or more recesses configured to couple to one or more tabs of the switch and utilize the one or more tabs of the switch to drive linear movement of the housing.

11. A shower head assembly comprising: a body defining an interior cavity configured to convey a flow of liquid from an inlet along one or more fluid pathways to a plurality of outlets; a spray diverter coupled to the inner cavity of the body, the spray diverter configured to selectively divert the flow of liquid along one or more fluid paths to one of the plurality of outlets; as well as A switch is coupled to the body and the spray diverter is configured to modify an operating position of the diverter based on received user input to selectively divert the flow of liquid to one of the plurality of outlets. 12 . The showerhead assembly of claim 11 , wherein the showerhead diverter is configured to divert the liquid flow along one or more fluid paths to at least one of three outlets.

13. The showerhead assembly of claim 11, wherein the shower diverter comprises: a shutter having at least one opening configured to selectively align with different sections of the channel divider to divert the flow of liquid to one of the plurality of outlets; and A shaft assembly is coupled to the switch within the inner cavity, the shaft assembly being configured to convert linear motion of the switch into rotational motion of the shutter.

14. The showerhead assembly of claim 13, wherein the shaft assembly comprises: a shaft housing coupled to the switch, the shaft housing configured to move linearly between a plurality of operating positions based on received user input; and A shaft having at least one fin or thread is coupled to the shutter and the shaft housing, the shaft being configured to convert linear motion of the shaft housing into rotational motion of the shutter.

15. The showerhead assembly of claim 14, wherein the switch comprises one or more tabs configured to couple to one or more recesses of the shaft housing.

16. The showerhead assembly of claim 14, wherein the at least one fin or thread extends circumferentially along an outer surface of the shaft and is configured to be received by one or more grooves of the shaft housing.

17. A method of diverting a liquid flow to one of a plurality of outlets to modify a spray pattern of a showerhead assembly, the method comprising: providing a showerhead assembly having a showerhead flow diverter configured to modify a showerhead assembly showerhead pattern; causing the spray diverter to receive user input indicating a desired spray operation when an actuation mechanism of the spray head assembly is actuated; causing a shaft housing coupled to the actuation mechanism to selectively move to different operating positions on the shaft based on received user input; as well as Based on the movement of the shaft housing, the shaft connected to the shaft housing is rotated to align one or more openings of the shutter with one or more sections of the channel divider fluidly connected to at least one nozzle, thereby allowing a fluid passage to pass through the at least one nozzle to implement the desired spraying operation.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein selectively moving the shaft housing and rotating the shaft occur simultaneously.

19. The method of claim 17, wherein the shutter further comprises a connector extending perpendicularly from the shutter, the shutter being configured to be coupled to a distal end of the shaft.

20. The method of claim 17, wherein the shaft housing is selectively movable between at least three different operating positions on the shaft.

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