A joint assembly, thermostatic faucet and thermostatic shower head

Abstract

The utility model discloses a joint assembly, thermostatic faucet and thermostatic shower, joint assembly includes first joint and second joint, first joint is used for connecting with the cold water import of thermostatic faucet, and second joint is used for connecting with the hot water import of thermostatic faucet, be equipped with first temperature sensing part on first joint, be equipped with second temperature sensing part on second joint, first temperature sensing part with second temperature sensing part can show the display state of matching. The utility model discloses through visual identification direct guidance customer correct judgment and setting water supply temperature, and customer only needs to keep two temperature sensing parts display consistent or matching to realize the best use state of product, improves customer experience, and through visual identification direct acquisition effective information, is convenient for after -sales personnel analysis and provides the solution.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of faucet technology, and in particular to a connector assembly, a thermostatic faucet, and a thermostatic shower head. Background Technology

[0002] Existing thermostatic faucets mainly suffer from the following problems: 1. Current standards require or recommend a wide range of cold / hot water supply temperatures (according to national standard QB / T 2806, cold water 4-29℃, hot water recommended 50-75℃). However, thermostatic products are not always optimal within this range. If a further narrowing of the temperature range is required (e.g., cold water 15-20℃, hot water 65-70℃), this is difficult to meet in practice. For example, cold water temperature is affected by seasonal changes and is uncontrollable, while hot water temperature is affected by the power of the water heater. 2. With existing thermostatic showerheads, even if the cold / hot water supply temperatures are known, matching the cold / hot water temperatures correctly remains a challenge for customers due to limitations. For example, if the cold water supply is only 5℃, how should the hot water temperature be set? 3. Existing thermostatic products only require or recommend a water supply temperature range in the product manual. Customers may not notice or be able to determine whether it meets the requirements, making it difficult to translate into an effective guidance method. For example, the problem of reverse connection of the cold / hot water inlet ends occurs frequently. 4. The actual usage scenarios of the product are very complex and diverse. When customer complaints occur, especially when thermostatic products exhibit abnormalities due to unsatisfactory water supply conditions, the effective information obtained by after-sales personnel through remote communication with customers is very limited. This may require after-sales personnel to go to the site for analysis before providing a solution, which increases the time cost for customers and the maintenance cost for suppliers, which is very detrimental to the sales and promotion of thermostatic shower heads. Utility Model Content

[0003] The present invention aims to at least partially solve one of the aforementioned technical problems in the related art. To this end, the present invention proposes a connector assembly.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution of this utility model is as follows:

[0005] This utility model also proposes a thermostatic faucet with the above-mentioned connector assembly.

[0006] This utility model also proposes a thermostatic shower head with the above-mentioned thermostatic faucet.

[0007] The connector assembly according to a first aspect embodiment of the present invention includes:

[0008] The first connector is used to connect to the cold water inlet of the thermostatic faucet. The first connector is provided with a first temperature sensing component. The first temperature sensing component is configured to have at least two distinguishable display states, and each display state corresponds to a continuous cold water temperature range.

[0009] The second connector is used to connect to the hot water inlet of the thermostatic faucet. The second connector is provided with a second temperature sensing component. The second temperature sensing component is configured to have at least two distinguishable display states, and each display state corresponds to a continuous hot water temperature range.

[0010] The first temperature sensing component and the second temperature sensing component can display matching display states. When the display states of the first temperature sensing component and the second temperature sensing component are matched, the ratios a / b and b / a of the difference 'a' between any temperature in the cold water temperature range corresponding to the current display state of the first temperature sensing component and the preset center temperature, and the difference 'b' between any temperature in the hot water temperature range corresponding to the current display state of the second temperature sensing component and the preset center temperature, are both less than 1.8.

[0011] The connector assembly according to the embodiments of the present invention has at least the following beneficial effects:

[0012] 1. The first temperature sensing component of this utility model can change the display status (such as color, serial number, pattern, etc.) according to the change of the inlet water temperature of the first connector. The second temperature sensing component can change the display status (such as color, serial number, pattern, etc.) according to the change of the inlet water temperature of the second connector. It can be set according to the characteristics of the temperature sensing components and product requirements: when the display status of the first temperature sensing component and the second temperature sensing component are consistent or matched, the thermostatic faucet is in the best use state. Conversely, the greater the difference in their markings (such as judging by the difference in serial number when displaying serial number), the less ideal the water supply conditions of the thermostatic faucet are. Therefore, for customers, it is only necessary to keep the display of the two temperature sensing components consistent or matched to achieve the best use state of the product, or to avoid the most undesirable water supply conditions.

[0013] 2. The preset center temperature is typically a suitable temperature for showering. The first and second temperature sensing components each have two or more temperature ranges, with a one-to-one correspondence between cold and hot water temperature ranges. The temperature difference ratios a / b and b / a are both less than 1.8. This means that each corresponding cold and hot water temperature range is symmetrical or nearly symmetrical around the preset center temperature. In other words, the distance from the temperature within the cold water range to the preset center temperature is equal to or close to the distance from the temperature within the hot water range to the preset center temperature. When the thermostatic faucet's cold / hot water supply temperature reaches this condition, the faucet outlet water temperature is at the preset center temperature. The ratio of the cold / hot water inlet gap in the thermostatic valve is 1:1 or close to 1:1 (e.g., if the preset center temperature is 40℃ and the cold water temperature is 15℃, the hot water temperature should be set to 65℃, at which point the thermostatic valve's cold / hot water inlet gap ratio is 1:1). This helps reduce fluctuations in the thermostatic valve's outlet water temperature and improves the stability of the outlet water temperature. Furthermore, more temperature ranges can be set to make the temperature difference ratio even closer to 1:1.

[0014] 3. This utility model guides customers to correctly judge and set the water supply temperature through visual indicators to achieve optimal usage, thus improving customer experience; the matching of the temperature sensing component's display status corresponds to the matching of the cold / hot water supply temperature range, which has strong applicability to actual environments (such as allowing water supply temperature to vary within a certain range); effective information can be directly obtained through visual indicators, facilitating after-sales personnel to analyze and provide solutions; the first and second temperature sensing components can be embedded in existing products with minimal structural changes, and can be adapted to existing "straight" and "placement" type thermostatic faucets at a low cost.

[0015] According to some embodiments of this utility model, the distinguishable display states are color changes, pattern changes, or ordinal number changes.

[0016] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the first temperature sensing component and the second temperature sensing component can display the same display state. The first temperature sensing component is configured to display a first state in a first cold water temperature range, a second state in a second cold water temperature range, and a third state in a third cold water temperature range. The second temperature sensing component is configured to display the first state in a first hot water temperature range, the second state in a second hot water temperature range, and the third state in a third hot water temperature range.

[0017] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the first temperature-sensing component is a first temperature-sensing coating or a heat-conducting component with a first temperature-sensing coating on its surface or a heat-conducting component with a first temperature-sensing pigment added to its substrate, wherein the first temperature-sensing coating has a first temperature-sensing pigment; the second temperature-sensing component is a second temperature-sensing coating or a heat-conducting component with a second temperature-sensing coating on its surface or a heat-conducting component with a second temperature-sensing pigment added to its substrate, wherein the second temperature-sensing coating has a second temperature-sensing pigment.

[0018] According to some embodiments of this utility model, the preset center temperature is a value between 38℃ and 43℃.

[0019] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the first connector and the second connector are made of metal, the first temperature sensing component is the first temperature sensing coating which covers the outer wall surface of the first connector, and the second temperature sensing component is the second temperature sensing coating which covers the outer wall surface of the second connector.

[0020] According to some embodiments of this utility model, the first connector and the second connector are made of plastic. The first connector is provided with a first mounting hole. The first temperature sensing component is a heat-conducting component with a first temperature-conducting coating on its surface or a heat-conducting component with a first temperature-conducting pigment added to its substrate. The first temperature sensing component is sealed and embedded in the first mounting hole. Water in the first connector can contact the first temperature sensing component. The second connector is provided with a second mounting hole. The second temperature sensing component is a heat-conducting component with a second temperature-conducting coating on its surface or a heat-conducting component with a second temperature-conducting pigment added to its substrate. The second temperature sensing component is sealed and embedded in the second mounting hole. Water in the hot water inlet can contact the second temperature sensing component.

[0021] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the upper end of the first temperature sensing component and / or the second temperature sensing component is covered with a transparent decorative cover.

[0022] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a thermostatic faucet includes the connector assembly, wherein the first connector is integrally connected to or detachably connected to the cold water inlet of the thermostatic faucet, and the second connector is integrally connected to or detachably connected to the hot water inlet of the thermostatic faucet.

[0023] A thermostatic shower head according to a third aspect of the present invention includes the thermostatic faucet.

[0024] Additional aspects and advantages of this invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0025] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of this utility model will become apparent and readily understood from the description of the embodiments taken in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:

[0026] Figure 1 This is a structural schematic diagram of the first thermostatic faucet of this utility model;

[0027] Figure 2 This is an example diagram showing the temperature ranges corresponding to different display states of the first and second temperature sensing components of this utility model.

[0028] Figure 3 This is a structural schematic diagram of the second type of thermostatic faucet of this utility model;

[0029] Figure 4 This is an exploded view of the second type of thermostatic faucet of this utility model;

[0030] Figure 5 This is an installation diagram of the connector assembly of this utility model.

[0031] Reference numerals: First temperature sensing component 100, first connector 200, first mounting hole 210, second temperature sensing component 300, second connector 400, second mounting hole 410, metal housing 500, plastic housing 600, first through hole 610, second through hole 620, transparent decorative cover 700. Detailed Implementation

[0032] The embodiments of this utility model are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to explain this utility model, and should not be construed as limiting this utility model.

[0033] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "upper" and "lower" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.

[0034] Reference Figure 1-4 A connector assembly, comprising:

[0035] The first connector 200 is used to connect to the cold water inlet of the thermostatic faucet. The first connector 200 is provided with a first temperature sensing element 100. The first temperature sensing element 100 is configured to have at least two distinguishable display states, and each display state corresponds to a continuous cold water temperature range.

[0036] The second connector 400 is used to connect to the hot water inlet of the thermostatic faucet. The second connector 400 is provided with a second temperature sensing element 300. The second temperature sensing element 300 is configured to have at least two distinguishable display states, and each display state corresponds to a continuous hot water temperature range.

[0037] The first temperature sensing component 100 and the second temperature sensing component 300 can display matching display states. When the display states of the first temperature sensing component 100 and the second temperature sensing component 300 are matched, the ratios a / b and b / a of the difference 'a' between any temperature in the cold water temperature range corresponding to the current display state of the first temperature sensing component 100 and the preset center temperature, and the difference 'b' between any temperature in the hot water temperature range corresponding to the current display state of the second temperature sensing component 300 and the preset center temperature, are both less than 1.8. It should be noted that both difference 'a' and difference 'b' refer to positive differences, that is, the distance between two numbers, where a positive difference equals the larger number minus the smaller number.

[0038] Water supply temperature setting principles:

[0039] Thermostatic valves achieve their temperature control function by adjusting the ratio of cold / hot water inlet areas. The cold / hot water inlet areas are determined by the gap between them (a direct linear relationship). Because this gap is very small, the initial gap allocation for the thermostatic valve in shower settings is crucial. Ideally, the ratio should be 1:1 or close to 1:1 (because with the same gap change, the proportional change is minimal, minimizing the pressure change and water area change in the cold / hot water inlet gap, which is highly beneficial for reducing outlet water temperature fluctuations and improving outlet water temperature stability). Assuming the shower temperature is set to 40℃, if the pressure difference between the two inlet water points is small, according to thermodynamic laws, the cold / hot water temperatures should be symmetrical around 40℃. For example, if the cold water temperature is 15℃, the hot water temperature should be set to 65℃. At this point, the cold / hot water inlet area ratio is 1:1, providing ample adjustment space. Even with water pressure fluctuations, the thermostatic valve can easily balance the temperature by adjusting the cold / hot water ratio, resulting in good outlet water temperature stability.

[0040] Temperature labeling method:

[0041] Based on the aforementioned principles for setting water supply temperature, the temperature marking is explained using the national standard requirements / recommendations as an example (national standard requirements / recommendations: cold inlet water temperature range is 4-29℃, hot inlet water temperature range is 50-75℃). To achieve symmetrical or near-symmetrical cold / hot inlet water temperatures around 40℃, the temperature range of the first temperature sensing element 100 can be pre-designed, for example, as shown in the reference... Figure 2The display is as follows: when the cold inlet water temperature is in the range of [4℃, 15℃), it is red; when the cold inlet water temperature is in the range of [15℃, 24℃), it is green; and when the cold inlet water temperature is in the range of [24℃, 29℃], it is blue. Similarly, the second temperature sensing component 300 can be pre-designed: when the hot inlet water temperature is in the range of [50℃, 55℃), it is blue; when the hot inlet water temperature is in the range of [55℃, 65℃), it is green; and when the hot inlet water temperature is in the range of [65℃, 75℃], it is red. It can be verified that under this design, as long as the display of the cold / hot inlet water temperature sensing components is kept consistent, the temperature difference ratios a / b and b / a < 1.8 (the ratio of the difference between the cold inlet water temperature and 40℃ to the difference between the hot inlet water temperature and 40℃). Furthermore, the temperature difference ratio can be optimized by setting more temperature ranges to make it closer to 1:1. It should be noted that current temperature-sensitive pigments cannot achieve very fine recognition accuracy. For example, 23.9℃ is pure green and 24.1℃ is pure blue. The color changes gradually from 23.9℃ to 24.1℃, with both blue and green present, but it is still identifiable. Currently, temperature-sensitive pigments can achieve an accuracy of ±1 degree, which is sufficient for this invention.

[0042] Temperature setting operation:

[0043] Users can determine and set the correct water supply temperature based on the display status of the first temperature sensing element 100 and the second temperature sensing element 300 (e.g., by adjusting the hot water temperature of the water heater to maintain a consistent color for the temperature sensing elements). Furthermore, color depth or numerical values ​​can be set to indicate to the user whether the current temperature should be set higher or lower. Conversely, differences in the display of the temperature sensing elements (such as color, ordinal number) can be used to avoid the most undesirable water supply conditions, such as... Figure 2 In this case, red and blue cold / hot water inlet configurations should be avoided.

[0044] In some embodiments of this utility model, the distinguishable display states are color changes, pattern changes, or ordinal number changes.

[0045] In some embodiments of this utility model, the first temperature sensing component 100 and the second temperature sensing component 300 can display the same display state. The first temperature sensing component 100 is configured to display a first state for a first cold water temperature range, a second state for a second cold water temperature range, and a third state for a third cold water temperature range. The second temperature sensing component 300 is configured to display a first state for a first hot water temperature range, a second state for a second hot water temperature range, and a third state for a third hot water temperature range.

[0046] In some embodiments of this utility model, the first temperature-sensing component 100 is a first temperature-sensing coating, a heat-conducting component with a first temperature-sensing coating on its surface, or a heat-conducting component with a first temperature-sensing pigment added to its substrate. The first temperature-sensing coating contains the first temperature-sensing pigment. The second temperature-sensing component 300 is a second temperature-sensing coating, a heat-conducting component with a second temperature-sensing coating on its surface, or a heat-conducting component with a second temperature-sensing pigment added to its substrate. The second temperature-sensing coating contains the second temperature-sensing pigment. The temperature-sensing pigment, also known as a thermochromic pigment, is a functional coating material that changes color through temperature changes and can be designed to change color across multiple temperature ranges. The heat-conducting component can be a metal part, a thermally conductive plastic, or a thermally conductive rubber.

[0047] In some embodiments of this utility model, the preset center temperature is a value between 38℃ and 43℃.

[0048] In some embodiments of this utility model, the first connector 200 and the second connector 400 are made of metal, the first temperature sensing component 100 is a first temperature sensing coating that covers the outer wall of the first connector 200, and the second temperature sensing component 300 is a second temperature sensing coating that covers the outer wall of the second connector 400.

[0049] In some embodiments of this utility model, the first connector 200 and the second connector 400 are made of plastic. The first connector 200 is provided with a first mounting hole 210. The first temperature sensing component 100 is a heat-conducting component with a first temperature-conducting coating on its surface or a heat-conducting component with a first temperature-conducting pigment added to its substrate. The first temperature sensing component 100 is sealed and embedded in the first mounting hole 210. Water in the first connector 200 can contact the first temperature sensing component 100. The second connector 400 is provided with a second mounting hole 410. The second temperature sensing component 300 is a heat-conducting component with a second temperature-conducting coating on its surface or a heat-conducting component with a second temperature-conducting pigment added to its substrate. The second temperature sensing component 300 is sealed and embedded in the second mounting hole 410. Water in the hot water inlet can contact the second temperature sensing component 300.

[0050] In some embodiments of this utility model, the upper end of the first temperature sensing component 100 and / or the second temperature sensing component 300 is covered with a transparent decorative cover 700.

[0051] A thermostatic faucet includes the aforementioned connector assembly. A first connector 200 is integrally connected to or detachably connected to the cold water inlet of the thermostatic faucet, and a second connector 400 is integrally connected to or detachably connected to the hot water inlet of the thermostatic faucet. The integral connection is equivalent to embedding a first temperature-sensing component 100 and a second temperature-sensing component 300 into an existing thermostatic faucet. (Refer to...) Figure 1 It is a "straight" type thermostatic faucet, comprising a long strip-shaped metal shell 500, a first connector 200 and a second connector 400 integrally formed with the metal shell 500 and located on the rear side of the metal shell 500. The temperature-sensing component uses a temperature-sensing coating, which can be directly applied to the outer wall surface of the first connector 200 and the second connector 400. (Refer to...) Figure 3-4 This is a "placement" type thermostatic faucet. Because the shell of this type of faucet is made of plastic, and ordinary plastic has poor thermal conductivity, a heat-conducting component is needed to instantly reflect the inlet water temperature. Therefore, the temperature-sensing component of this type of faucet uses a heat-conducting component with a temperature-sensing coating on its surface or a heat-conducting component with temperature-sensing pigment added to its substrate. Specifically, this "placement" type thermostatic faucet includes a plastic shell 600, within which a first connector 200 and a second connector 400 made of plastic are formed. The upper wall of the plastic shell 600 has a first through hole 610 and a second through hole 620. The first through hole 610 corresponds to the first mounting hole 210, and the second through hole 620 corresponds to the second mounting hole 410. The first through hole 610 and the second through hole 620 allow the user to easily view the status of the first temperature-sensing component 100 and the second temperature-sensing component 300. A transparent decorative cover 700 is respectively embedded in the first through hole 610 and the second through hole 620. For detachable connector assemblies, refer to... Figure 5 This connector assembly, as a stand-alone component, can be temporarily connected to an existing thermostatic faucet for pre-installation condition checks and post-installation anomaly analysis.

[0052] A thermostatic shower head, including the aforementioned thermostatic faucet.

[0053] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, the scope of which is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A connector assembly, characterized in that, include: A first connector (200) is used to connect to the cold water inlet of a thermostatic faucet. The first connector (200) is provided with a first temperature sensing component (100). The first temperature sensing component (100) is configured to have at least two distinguishable display states, and each display state corresponds to a continuous cold water temperature range. The second connector (400) is used to connect to the hot water inlet of the thermostatic faucet. The second connector (400) is provided with a second temperature sensing component (300). The second temperature sensing component (300) is configured to have at least two distinguishable display states, and each display state corresponds to a continuous hot water temperature range. The first temperature sensing component (100) and the second temperature sensing component (300) can display matching display states. When the display states of the first temperature sensing component (100) and the second temperature sensing component (300) are matched, the ratios a / b and b / a of the difference between any temperature in the cold water temperature range corresponding to the current display state of the first temperature sensing component (100) and the preset center temperature, and the difference between any temperature in the hot water temperature range corresponding to the current display state of the second temperature sensing component (300) and the preset center temperature, are both less than 1.

8.

2. The connector assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The distinguishable display states are color changes, pattern changes, or ordinal number changes.

3. The connector assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first temperature sensing component (100) and the second temperature sensing component (300) can display the same display state. The first temperature sensing component (100) is configured to display a first state in a first cold water temperature range, a second state in a second cold water temperature range, and a third state in a third cold water temperature range. The second temperature sensing component (300) is configured to display the first state in a first hot water temperature range, the second state in a second hot water temperature range, and the third state in a third hot water temperature range.

4. The connector assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first temperature-sensing component (100) is a first temperature-sensing coating or a heat-conducting component with a first temperature-sensing coating on its surface or a heat-conducting component with a first temperature-sensing pigment added to its substrate, wherein the first temperature-sensing coating has a first temperature-sensing pigment. The second temperature-sensing component (300) is a second temperature-sensing coating or a heat-conducting component with a second temperature-sensing coating on its surface or a heat-conducting component with a second temperature-sensing pigment added to its substrate, wherein the second temperature-sensing coating has a second temperature-sensing pigment.

5. The connector assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The preset center temperature is a value between 38℃ and 43℃.

6. The connector assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first connector (200) and the second connector (400) are made of metal. The first temperature sensing component (100) is the first temperature sensing coating, which is applied to the outer wall of the first connector (200). The second temperature sensing component (300) is the second temperature sensing coating, which is applied to the outer wall of the second connector (400).

7. The connector assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first connector (200) and the second connector (400) are made of plastic. The first connector (200) is provided with a first mounting hole (210). The first temperature sensing component (100) is a heat-conducting component with a first temperature-conducting coating on its surface or a heat-conducting component with a first temperature-conducting pigment added to its substrate. The first temperature sensing component (100) is sealed and embedded in the first mounting hole (210). Water in the first connector (200) can contact the first temperature sensing component (100). The second connector (400) is provided with a second mounting hole (410). The second temperature sensing component (300) is a heat-conducting component with a second temperature-conducting coating on its surface or a heat-conducting component with a second temperature-conducting pigment added to its substrate. The second temperature sensing component (300) is sealed and embedded in the second mounting hole (410). Water in the hot water inlet can contact the second temperature sensing component (300).

8. The connector assembly according to claim 7, characterized in that, The upper end of the first temperature sensing component (100) and / or the second temperature sensing component (300) is covered with a transparent decorative cover (700).

9. A thermostatic faucet, characterized in that, The assembly includes the connector assembly according to any one of claims 1-8, wherein the first connector (200) is integrally connected to or detachably connected to the cold water inlet of the thermostatic faucet, and the second connector (400) is integrally connected to or detachably connected to the hot water inlet of the thermostatic faucet.

10. A thermostatic shower head, characterized in that, Including the thermostatic faucet as described in any one of claims 9.

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