Lifting and sliding structure to compensate for the water pressure force acting on the shower head and shower device

Abstract

Lifting and sliding structure to compensate for the water pressure force acting on the shower head, comprising: a rod (1); a retainer (2) arranged on the rod (1); a sliding block (3) which is guided on the rod (1) and arranged above the retainer (2); a telescopic water conduit structure (4) arranged between the retainer (2) and the sliding block (3); a sliding tube (5) guided on the rod (1) and arranged above the sliding block (3); and a support device (6) arranged on the rod (1), wherein the support device (6) comprises a fixed cylinder (7) attached to the retainer (2), a piston (8) guided in a sealing-sliding manner on the inner wall of the fixed cylinder (7), a sealing cover (9) attached to the upper opening of the fixed cylinder (7) and a movement tube (10) arranged between the piston (8) and the sliding block (3) and passing through the sealing cover (9) in a sealing-sliding manner, wherein the piston (8) divides the interior of the fixed cylinder (7) into an upper chamber (11) and a lower chamber (12); wherein a three-way water channel (13) is formed in the sliding block (3), the three ends of which are each connected to the outlet of the telescopic water conduit structure (4), to the inlet of the sliding tube (5) and to the upper end section of the movement tube (10); and wherein a flow opening (14) is provided on the side wall of the lower end section of the motion tube (10), through which the interior of the motion tube (10) is fluidically connected to the upper chamber (11).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of sanitary engineering and in particular relates to a lifting and sliding structure for compensating the water pressure force acting on the shower head and to a shower device equipped therewith.

[0002] Currently, most height-adjustable shower heads on the market use screw or threaded clamping mechanisms. To adjust the height of the shower head, the nut or screw must be loosened, the shower head moved to the desired position, and then the nut or screw tightened again. In households with family members of varying heights, this means that the height needs to be readjusted almost every time the shower head is used, which is time-consuming and inconvenient. Furthermore, such adjustments cannot be made while the water is running.

[0003] A height-adjustable shower device is disclosed in an existing Chinese patent application filed by the applicant (application number 202411050942.0; filing date August 1, 2024). It comprises an outer pipe, an inner pipe, a lower water inlet, a middle water inlet, a gravity compensation mechanism, a telescopic water inlet pipe, an upper water inlet, a connecting water pipe, a transverse pipe, a transverse water pipe assembly, a wall bracket, and a bushing. The gravity compensation mechanism is rotatably connected to both the middle and the lower water inlet. The bushing is arranged on the inner pipe; pivoting clearances are provided between the inner wall of the bushing and the outer wall of the inner pipe, as well as between the inner wall of the outer pipe and the outer wall of the inner pipe, allowing the inner pipe to pivot.On the back of the inner tube is an elastic friction pad that is pressed against the inner wall of the outer tube. A longitudinal slot is formed in the middle of the outer tube, through which a handle attached to the inner tube extends; the handle is slidable within the longitudinal slot. Although this known device allows for quick height adjustment by simply pulling or pushing the handle, it has a significant disadvantage: due to the upward force of the water pressure, the shower head tends to swing upwards unintentionally during operation. Therefore, the height adjustment can only be carried out safely when the water is depressurized, i.e., when the water is turned off. Height adjustment is not possible while the water is flowing.Furthermore, the upward force of the water pressure leads to an unstable positioning of the shower head's height; fluctuating water pressure also alters the magnitude of the upward force, making it difficult for the shower head to maintain its set position. These disadvantages are therefore obvious, and there is an urgent need for a technical solution that allows for stable height adjustment while the water is running.

[0004] The invention is based on the objective of creating a lifting and sliding structure to compensate for the water pressure force acting on the shower head, as well as a shower device that avoids the shortcomings of the conventional structure.

[0005] This problem is solved according to the invention by a lifting and sliding structure for compensating the water pressure force acting on the shower head, which has the features specified in claim 1, and by a lifting and sliding structure for compensating the water pressure force acting on the shower head, which has the features specified in claim 10. Further advantageous embodiments of the invention will become apparent from the features of the dependent claims.

[0006] According to the invention, a lifting and sliding structure is provided to compensate for the water pressure force acting on the shower head. This structure comprises a rod, a retaining bracket arranged on the rod, a sliding block arranged on the upper side of the retaining bracket and guided slidably along the rod, a telescopic water conduit structure arranged between the retaining bracket and the sliding block, a sliding tube guided slidably above the position of the sliding block on the rod, and a support device arranged on the rod. The support device includes a fixed cylinder arranged on the retaining bracket, a piston guided in a sealing-sliding manner on the inner wall of the fixed cylinder, a sealing cap closing the upper end section of the fixed cylinder, and a movement tube arranged between the piston and the sliding block, which passes through the sealing cap in a sealing-sliding manner.The piston (8) divides the inner opening of the fixed cylinder into an upper chamber and a lower chamber. The sliding block has a three-way water channel, the three openings of which are fluidically connected to the outlet of the telescopic water conduit structure, the inlet of the sliding tube, and the upper end section of the moving tube. A flow opening is formed on the lower side wall of the moving tube, through which the inner opening of the moving tube is fluidically connected to the upper chamber of the fixed cylinder.

[0007] According to the invention, the side wall of the rod is provided with a recessed lifting and sliding groove. The retaining clip is arranged within the lifting and sliding groove, the sliding block is guided slidably on the inner wall of the lifting and sliding groove, and the sliding tube is also guided slidably on the inner wall of the lifting and sliding groove. The telescopic water conduit structure, the movement tube, and the fixed cylinder are located entirely within the lifting and sliding groove.

[0008] According to the invention, the retainer has a water supply opening, wherein the water inlet of the telescopic water conduit structure is fluidically connected to the water supply opening.

[0009] According to the invention, the telescopic water conduit structure comprises a fixed water pipe arranged on the retainer and a moving water pipe connected to the fixed water pipe in a sealingly sliding manner, wherein the upper end of the moving water pipe is arranged on the sliding block and is in fluid communication with the inlet opening of the three-way water channel.

[0010] According to the invention, the upper end of the moving water pipe is arranged in the inlet opening of the three-way water channel by means of a retaining ring, wherein a first sealing ring is provided between the outer wall of the moving water pipe and the inner wall of the inlet opening, and wherein the outer wall of the lower end of the moving water pipe is connected to the inner wall of the fixed water pipe in a sliding sealing manner by means of a second sealing ring.

[0011] According to the invention, the upper end of the movement tube is arranged in the lateral outlet opening of the three-way water channel by means of a positioning piece, wherein a third sealing ring is provided between the outer wall of the movement tube and the inner wall of the lateral outlet opening.

[0012] According to the invention, a first sealing ring is inserted into the inner opening of the sealing cover, wherein the movement tube is connected to the sealing cover in a sliding sealing manner via the first sealing ring.

[0013] According to the invention, the circumferential side wall of the piston is provided with a second sealing ring, wherein the piston is connected to the inner wall of the fixing cylinder in a sliding sealing manner via the second sealing ring.

[0014] Furthermore, a positioning block is arranged on the rod, the underside of which rests against the top of the sealing cover. The positioning block is provided with two positioning openings, with the moving tube sliding through one of these openings. The upper end of the fixed water pipe of the telescopic water pipe structure projects into the other positioning opening, and the moving water pipe of the telescopic water pipe structure passes through this other positioning opening.

[0015] The invention further relates to a shower device comprising a shower head and the lifting and sliding structure described above for compensating the water pressure force acting on the shower head. The shower head is arranged on the sliding tube.

[0016] The lifting and sliding structure according to the invention for compensating the water pressure force acting on the shower head exhibits the following technical effects in practical use: The rod is attached to a wall or a similar external structure. The support device braces the sliding block, the water guide tube, and the guide tube in such a way that these components are held at the desired height along the rod. Water flows through the telescopic water guide structure and the three-way water channel into the water supply pipe, the guide tube, and the connected shower head. This creates an upward force, F1, exerted by the water pressure on the shower head. Simultaneously, water flows through the three-way water channel into the movable tube. The water enters the upper chamber through the flow opening and generates a downward force, F2, on the top of the piston. According to the well-known relationship F = P*S (F = force, P = pressure, S = contact area), if the effective area S is the same, then F1 = F2. Since both forces act in opposite directions, they cancel each other out.In this way, the buoyancy force acting on the shower head is completely compensated. This allows the height of the guide tube and the shower head to be adjusted reliably and without disruptive pressure effects, even when water is flowing through them. The height adjustment is therefore smooth, stable, precise, and without any uncontrolled upward drift of the shower head due to water pressure.

[0017] The invention and its embodiments are explained in more detail below with reference to the drawing. The drawing shows: Fig. 1 a perspective structural view of the lifting and sliding structure according to the invention for compensating the water pressure force acting on the shower head; Fig. 2 an exploded view of the in Fig. 1 structure shown; Fig. 3 a sectional view of the structure according to the invention; Fig. 4 an enlarged view of area A in Fig. 3; Fig. 5 an enlarged representation of area B in Fig. 3; Fig. 6 an enlarged representation of area C in Fig. 3; and Fig. 7 an enlarged representation of area D in Fig. 3.

[0018] To facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art, a more detailed explanation of the invention is given below with reference to exemplary embodiments and the associated figures. The features and embodiments mentioned in the exemplary embodiments serve only to clarify the invention and do not constitute a limitation of the scope of protection.

[0019] As in the Fig. 1 to Fig.As shown in Figure 7, the invention relates to a lifting and sliding structure for compensating the water pressure force acting on the shower head. The device comprises a rod 1, a retaining bracket 2 mounted on the rod 1, a sliding block 3 guided along the rod 1 and arranged above the retaining bracket 2, a telescopic water conduit structure 4 arranged between the retaining bracket 2 and the sliding block 3, a sliding tube 5 guided slidably along the rod 1 above the sliding block 3, a water conduit pipe 27 arranged between the sliding tube 5 and the sliding block 3, and a support device 6 mounted on the rod 1, which serves to provide a support force.The support device 6 comprises a fixed cylinder 7 attached to the retaining bracket 2, a piston 8 guided within the fixed cylinder 7 in a sealing-sliding manner, a sealing cover 9 arranged at the upper opening of the fixed cylinder 7, and a movement tube 10 arranged between the piston 8 and the sliding block 3 and passing through the sealing cover 9 in a sealing-sliding manner. The piston 8 divides the interior of the fixed cylinder 7 into an upper chamber 11 and a lower chamber 12. A three-way water channel 13 is formed in the sliding block 3, the three ends of which are each connected to the outlet of the telescopic water conduit structure 4, to the inlet of the water conduit pipe 27, and to the upper end region of the movement tube 10. A flow opening 14 is provided on the side wall of the lower end section of the movement tube 10, through which the interior of the movement tube 10 communicates with the upper chamber 11.The inlet of the guide tube 5 is in fluidic connection with one of the ends of the three-way water channel 13 via the water pipe 27.

[0020] The invention further relates to a shower device comprising a shower head and the lifting and sliding structure described above for compensating the water pressure force. The shower head is arranged on the sliding tube 5.

[0021] In practical application, the rod 1 is permanently mounted to a wall or other external structure. The support device 6 supports the sliding block 3, the water pipe 27, and the sliding tube 5, allowing these components to remain at the desired height on the rod 1. The water flow passes through the telescopic water pipe structure 4 and the three-way water channel 13 into the water pipe 27, the sliding tube 5, and the shower head. The water pressure on the shower head generates an upward force F1. Simultaneously, water flows through the three-way water channel 13 into the movement tube 10, from where it passes through the flow opening 14 into the upper chamber 11. This exerts a downward force F2 on the top of the piston 8.According to the formula F = P × S, where F is the fluid force acting on an area, P is the fluid pressure, and S is the area exposed to the pressure, then, for equal areas S, F1 = F2. Since the forces F1 and F2 act in opposite directions, they cancel each other out, thus compensating for the force generated by the water pressure. This prevents the shower head from tilting upwards due to the water pressure, and height adjustment can be reliably performed even while the water is running. This allows for more convenient, easier, more stable, and more precise adjustment of the height of the sliding tube 5 and the shower head. To adjust the height of the shower head, it is sufficient to apply an upward or downward operating force to the sliding block 3, the sliding tube 5, or directly to the shower head.

[0022] In the present embodiment, a lifting and sliding groove 15 is formed in the side wall of the rod 1 as a recessed longitudinal groove. The retaining clip 2 is arranged within the lifting and sliding groove 15, the sliding block 3 is guided slidably on the inner wall of the lifting and sliding groove 15, and the sliding tube 5 is also slidably mounted on the inner wall of the lifting and sliding groove 15. The water pipe 27, the telescopic water pipe structure 4, the movement tube 10, and the fixed cylinder 7 are all located within the lifting and sliding groove 15. The arrangement of the lifting and sliding groove 15 results in a compact structure for the rod 1, the water pipe 27, the telescopic water pipe structure 4, the movement tube 10, and the fixed cylinder 7. At the same time, the vertical sliding behavior of the sliding block 3 becomes more stable and uniform.In addition, the lifting and sliding channel 15 also provides protection against the water pipe 27, the telescopic water pipe structure 4, the movement tube 10 and the fixed cylinder 7.

[0023] In the present embodiment, a water supply opening 16 is formed in the retaining bracket 2, to which the inlet of the telescopic water pipe structure 4 is fluidically connected. In operation, a feed water pipe is connected to the retaining bracket 2 and is in contact with the water supply opening 16, so that the feed water is introduced into the telescopic water pipe structure 4 via the water supply opening 16.

[0024] In the present embodiment, the telescopic water conduit structure 4 comprises a fixed water pipe 17 arranged on the retaining bracket 2 and a moving water pipe 18 telescopically coupled to the fixed water pipe 17 in a sealingly sliding manner. The upper end of the moving water pipe 18 is attached to the sliding block 3 and is in fluidic communication with the inlet opening of the three-way water channel 13.

[0025] In use, the fixed water pipe 17 and the moving water pipe 18 can be telescopically moved relative to each other without impairing the water conveying function of the telescopic water pipe structure 4. At the same time, the lifting and sliding movement of the sliding block 3 remains unimpeded. Furthermore, the mutual guidance of the fixed water pipe 17 and the moving water pipe 18 results in a more stable vertical sliding movement of the sliding block 3.

[0026] In the present embodiment, the upper end of the flow pipe 18 is secured in the inlet opening of the three-way water channel 13 by means of a retaining ring 19. A first sealing ring 20 is arranged between the outer wall of the flow pipe 18 and the inner wall of the inlet of the three-way water channel 13. The lower end of the flow pipe 18 is connected to the inner wall of the fixed water pipe 17 via a second sealing ring 21, forming a sliding seal. This structure ensures a reliable seal both between the flow pipe 18 and the three-way water channel 13 and between the flow pipe 18 and the fixed water pipe 17, thus reliably preventing water from escaping.

[0027] In the present embodiment, the upper end of the movement tube 10 is secured in the lateral outlet opening of the three-way water channel 13 via a positioning element 22. A third sealing ring 23 is arranged between the outer wall of the movement tube 10 and the inner wall of the lateral outlet opening of the three-way water channel 13. This structure ensures a reliable seal between the movement tube 10 and the lateral outlet opening of the three-way water channel 13, thus reliably preventing water from escaping.

[0028] In the present embodiment, a first sealing ring 24 is inserted in the through-opening of the sealing cover 9. The movement tube 10 is slidably connected to the sealing cover 9 via the first sealing ring 24. This structure ensures a reliable seal between the movement tube 10 and the sealing cover 9, thus reliably preventing water from escaping.

[0029] In the present embodiment, a second sealing ring 25 is inserted on the circumferential wall of the piston 8. The piston 8 is guided against the inner wall of the fixed cylinder 7 in a sliding sealing manner via the second sealing ring 25. This structure ensures a reliable seal between the piston 8 and the fixed cylinder 7, thus reliably preventing water from escaping.

[0030] In the present embodiment, a positioning block 26 is arranged on the rod 1. This block is positioned within the lifting and sliding channel 15 and is fastened to the rod 1 by means of screws. The underside of the positioning block 26 rests against the top of the sealing cover 9. The positioning block 26 is provided with two positioning openings, one of which is slidably penetrated by the movement tube 10. The telescopic water pipe structure 4 extends through the second positioning opening, with the upper end of the fixed water pipe 17 projecting into the second positioning opening, while the movement water pipe 18 completely passes through this second positioning opening.This structure allows the positioning block 26 not only to press the sealing cover 9 downwards to prevent the sealing cover 9 from lifting off the fixed cylinder 7, but also to guide the movement of the movement tube 10 and the movement water tube 18, thereby ensuring the stability of the movement tube 10 and the telescopic water pipe structure 4 within the lifting and sliding channel 15.

[0031] Specifically, the lower end of the fixed water pipe 17 is inserted into the water supply opening 16 of the fixing base 2 via a plug-in part 28. A fourth sealing ring 29 is arranged between the outer wall of the fixed water pipe 17 and the inner wall of the water supply opening 16. This structure ensures a reliable seal between the fixed water pipe 17 and the water supply opening 16, preventing any water leakage.

[0032] The technical features described in the present embodiment can be freely combined as required by practical necessity.

[0033] The embodiments described above represent only preferred solutions of the invention. Furthermore, the invention can also be implemented in other forms. Any modifications or substitutions readily apparent to a person skilled in the art, which do not depart from the fundamental concept of the present technical solution, also fall within the scope of protection of the invention. Reference symbol list 1 bar 2 fixings 3 sliding block 4 telescopic water pipe structure 5 sliding tube 6 Support device 7 fixed cylinders 8 pistons 9 sealing caps 10 Motion tube 11 upper chamber 12 lower chamber 13 Three-way water channel 14 Flow opening 15 Lifting and sliding channel 16 Water inlet opening 17 Fixed water pipe 18 Movement water pipe 19 retaining ring 20 sealing rings 21 second sealing ring 22 Positioning piece 23 third sealing ring 24 first sealing ring 25 second sealing ring 26 Positioning block 27 water pipe 28 Insert part 29 fourth sealing ring

Claims

[1] Lifting and sliding structure for compensating the water pressure force acting on the shower head, comprising: a rod (1); a retainer (2) arranged on the rod (1); a sliding block (3) which is guided on the rod (1) and arranged above the retainer (2); a telescopic water conduit structure (4) arranged between the retainer (2) and the sliding block (3); a sliding tube (5) guided on the rod (1) and arranged above the sliding block (3); and a support device (6) arranged on the rod (1), wherein the support device (6) comprises a fixed cylinder (7) attached to the retainer (2), a piston (8) guided in a sealing-sliding manner on the inner wall of the fixed cylinder (7), a sealing cover (9) attached to the upper opening of the fixed cylinder (7) and a movement tube (10) arranged between the piston (8) and the sliding block (3) and passing through the sealing cover (9) in a sealing-sliding manner, wherein the piston (8) divides the interior of the fixed cylinder (7) into an upper chamber (11) and a lower chamber (12); wherein a three-way water channel (13) is formed in the sliding block (3), the three ends of which are each connected to the outlet of the telescopic water conduit structure (4), to the inlet of the sliding tube (5) and to the upper end section of the movement tube (10); and wherein a flow opening (14) is provided on the side wall of the lower end section of the motion tube (10), through which the interior of the motion tube (10) is fluidically connected to the upper chamber (11). [2] Lifting and sliding structure for compensating the water pressure force acting on the shower head according to claim 1, characterized by , that an inwardly recessed lifting and sliding groove (15) is formed on the side wall of the rod (1), wherein the fixing base (2) is arranged in the lifting and sliding groove (15), wherein the sliding block (3) and the sliding tube (5) are each guided slidably on the inner wall of the lifting and sliding groove (15), and wherein the telescopic water conduit structure (4), the movement tube (10) and the fixed cylinder (7) are all arranged within the lifting and sliding groove (15). [3] Lifting and sliding structure for compensating the water pressure force acting on the shower head according to claim 1, characterized by , - that the retainer (2) has a water supply opening (16); and - that the inlet of the telescopic water conduit structure (4) is fluidically connected to the water supply opening (16). [4] Lifting and sliding structure for compensating the water pressure force acting on the shower head according to claim 1, characterized by , that the telescopic water conduit structure (4) comprises a fixed water pipe (17) arranged on the retainer (2) and a moving water pipe (18) coupled to the fixed water pipe (17) in a sealingly sliding telescopic manner, wherein the upper end of the moving water pipe (18) is attached to the sliding block (3) and is fluidically connected to the inlet opening of the three-way water channel (13). [5] Lifting and sliding structure for compensating the water pressure force acting on the shower head according to claim 4, characterized by, that the upper end of the moving water pipe (18) is inserted into the inlet opening of the three-way water channel (13) by means of a retaining ring (19), wherein a first sealing ring (20) is arranged between the outer wall of the moving water pipe (18) and the inner wall of the inlet of the three-way water channel (13), and wherein the outer wall of the lower end of the moving water pipe (18) is connected to the inner wall of the fixed water pipe (17) in a sliding sealing manner via a second sealing ring (21). [6] Lifting and sliding structure for compensating the water pressure force acting on the shower head according to claim 5, characterized by , that the upper end of the movement tube (10) is inserted into the lateral outlet opening of the three-way water channel (13) by means of a positioning piece (22), wherein a third sealing ring (23) is arranged between the outer wall of the movement tube (10) and the inner wall of the lateral outlet opening of the three-way water channel (13). [7] Lifting and sliding structure for compensating the water pressure force acting on the shower head according to claim 1, characterized by , that a first sealing ring (24) is inserted in the inner opening of the sealing cover (9), wherein the movement tube (10) is connected to the sealing cover (9) in a sliding sealing manner via the first sealing ring (24). [8] Lifting and sliding structure for compensating the water pressure force acting on the shower head according to claim 7, characterized by , that a second sealing ring (25) is inserted on the circumferential side of the piston (8), wherein the piston (8) is connected to the inner wall of the fixed cylinder (7) in a sliding sealing manner via the second sealing ring (25). [9] Lifting and sliding structure for compensating the water pressure force acting on the shower head according to claim 1, characterized by, that a positioning block (26) is arranged on the rod (1), the underside of which rests on the top of the sealing cover (9), wherein the positioning block (26) has two positioning openings, wherein the movement tube (10) slidably passes through one of the positioning openings, while the upper end of the fixed water tube (17) of the telescopic water conduit structure (4) projects into the other positioning opening, and wherein the movement water tube (18) of the telescopic water conduit structure (4) passes through the said other positioning opening. [10] Shower device comprising: a shower head; and a lifting and sliding structure for compensating the water pressure force acting on the shower head according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the shower head is arranged on the sliding tube (5).

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