Shower head water channel switching structure

The shower head's water channel switching structure with a sealing head and rotating disc mechanism addresses accidental switching to centralized channels, improving user comfort by controlled switching and reliable water discharge.

JP3256494UActive Publication Date: 2026-07-07SHINSANKAI CO LTD

Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Utility models
Current Assignee / Owner
SHINSANKAI CO LTD
Filing Date
2026-05-09
Publication Date
2026-07-07

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Conventional shower heads risk accidental switching to centralized water outlet channels with high water flow and pressure, causing discomfort and water splashing during use.

Method used

A water channel switching structure with a first and second switching member, including a sealing head and rotating disc mechanism, separates distributed and centralized water outlet channels, ensuring controlled switching and reducing accidental transitions.

Benefits of technology

The structure allows easy selection between distributed and centralized water outlet modes, minimizing the risk of accidental switching and enhancing user comfort by preventing water splashing and ensuring reliable water discharge.

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Abstract

This showerhead water channel switching structure reduces the risk of accidental switching to a centralized water outlet and improves the showerhead user experience. [Solution] The shower head's water channel switching structure includes a first switching member 1 and a second switching member 2. The first switching member 1 is used to switch between the first water outlet passage 31 and the second water outlet passage 32, and to enable communication with the water supply passage 33. The second switching member 2 is positioned on the second water outlet passage 32, and the second water outlet passage 32 communicates with either or all of the third water outlet passage 34 and the fourth water outlet passage 35 via the second switching member 2. Here, the outlet of the first water outlet passage 31 is located at the upper end of the back of the shower head, and the multiple outlets of the third water outlet passage 34 and the fourth water outlet passage 35 are all positioned on the front of the shower head. This invention separates the switching function between distributed water outlets and centralized water outlets in the shower head.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of shower heads used in bathrooms and the like, and more specifically to a water passage switching structure.

Background Art

[0002] Conventional multi-water passage shower heads achieve various water discharge effects by discharging water from different water passages, satisfying various needs of users. It is of course possible to cut off and discharge shower water on the user's side, and there has also been proposed a shower head that can be used with light operability without the need to move or slip off the shower head during the switching operation (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The switching of the water passage is mainly performed by a water distribution valve core installed in the shower head. Generally, by pressing or switching the water distribution valve core, the switching between different water passages is triggered. Also, the water passages are sequentially switched according to the operation of the water distribution valve core.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, during the switching process, there is a possibility of switching to a water passage that discharges water in a large flow rate and concentrated manner (for example, the water passage in the spray gun mode for floor cleaning, where the water discharge pressure is high and the water flow is concentrated), which may cause water splashing, and furthermore, the water may directly hit the user, causing discomfort, etc., which may have an adverse effect on the usage experience of the shower head.

[0005] The objective of this invention is to provide a water channel switching structure for a shower head, which separates the switching function between distributed water outlet channels and centralized water outlet channels in the shower head, reduces the risk of accidental switching to the centralized water outlet channel, and ensures a pleasant shower head user experience. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The technical means employed by this utility model to solve the above-mentioned problems are as follows: A waterway switching structure, comprising the following: The first switching member is used to switch between the first and second water outlet passages and to establish communication with the water supply passage. The second switching member is positioned on the second water outlet passage, and the second water outlet passage communicates with either or all of the third water outlet passage and the fourth water outlet passage via the second switching member. Here, the outlet of the first water outlet passage is located at the upper end of the back of the shower head, and the multiple outlets of the third and fourth water outlet passages are all located on the front of the shower head.

[0007] As a further improvement to the above technical solution, a switching chamber is provided between the first water outlet passage and the water supply passage, and the first water outlet passage, the second water outlet passage, and the water supply passage are all in communication with the switching chamber. The first switching member is located in the switching chamber, and the first switching member includes a communicating member, which is fixed inside the switching chamber. The communicating member has a hollow structure, and both the first water outlet passage and the switching chamber are in communication with the cavity of the communicating member. A sealing head for controlling communication and blocking between the cavity and the switching chamber is slidably connected to the communicating member, and the communication portion between the switching chamber and the second water outlet passage is located on the movement trajectory of the sealing head. A first spring is provided between the inner end of the sealing head and the housing of the shower head, and both ends of the first spring are in contact with the sealing head and the housing, respectively. Furthermore, the outer end of the sealing head penetrates the housing and is exposed on the back surface of the shower head.

[0008] As a further improvement to the above technical means, the second switching member includes a push rod, a mounting rod, and a rotating disc. A locking chamber is provided in the second water outlet passage and communicates with it, and the push rod is slidably connected to the locking chamber. The outer end of the push rod penetrates the housing and is exposed to the front of the shower head. One end of the mounting rod is inserted into the inner end of the push rod and is slidably provided, and the rotating disc is fitted onto the mounting rod and is rotatable. The other end of the mounting rod is inserted into the housing, and a second spring is provided between the mounting rod and the rotating disc, with both ends of the second spring in contact with the mounting rod and the rotating disc, respectively. Four guide rails are provided in the locking chamber, arranged at equal angles around its central axis, and a drive tooth corresponding to each guide rail is provided at the inner end of the push rod. The drive tooth is slidably arranged between adjacent guide rails. The rotating disc is provided with a locking tooth corresponding to the drive tooth. A first inclined surface structure is provided on the end face of the guide rail adjacent to the locking tooth, and a second inclined surface structure is provided on both sides of the end of the drive tooth adjacent to the locking tooth. Furthermore, a third inclined surface structure, which conforms to the first inclined surface structure, is provided on the end face of the locking tooth adjacent to the drive tooth. The second water outlet passage is provided with two first through holes for communication with the third water outlet passage and two second through holes for communication with the fourth water outlet passage. The first and second through holes have the same structure and are arranged symmetrically with respect to the locking chamber. The rotating disc is provided with extensions to cover any two adjacent through holes among the first and second through holes.

[0009] As a further improvement to the above technical means, a first pressing member is fitted and fixed to the outer end of the sealing head, and a second pressing member is fitted and fixed to the outer end of the pushing rod. Both the first and second pressing members are slidably connected to the housing. Furthermore, a third spring is provided between the second pressing member and the housing, and both ends of the third spring abut against the second pressing member and the housing, respectively.

[0010] As a further improvement to the above technical means, a guide rod is slidably provided in the housing, and the central axis of the guide rod and the sealing head are located on the same straight line. A first spring is fitted onto the inner end of the guide rod. A recess is formed in the inner end of the sealing head for insertion of the inner end of the guide rod. The guide rod is arranged parallel to the push rod, and its outer end is inserted into and fixed in a pressing member. Furthermore, a third spring is fitted onto the outer end of the guide rod.

[0011] As a further improvement to the above technical means, a sealing ring is fitted onto the communicating member and the sealing head, respectively.

[0012] As a further improvement to the above technical means, the diameter of the discharge port of the third water outlet is smaller than the diameter of the discharge port of the fourth water outlet, and the number of discharge ports of the fourth water outlet is fewer than the number of discharge ports of the third water outlet. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] This utility model has the following advantages and effects compared to the prior art. This utility model achieves the separation of the switching function between a distributed water outlet channel and a centralized water outlet channel in a showerhead by providing a first switching member and a second switching member. This allows the user to easily select between two types of water outlet methods in the showerhead, reduces the risk of accidentally switching to the centralized water outlet channel when switching between water outlet modes (e.g., rain type, massage type, etc.) in the distributed water outlet channel, and improves the user experience of the showerhead. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0014] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view from the front of a shower head to which the water channel switching structure according to this utility model is applied. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a perspective view from the rear of a shower head to which a water channel switching structure according to one embodiment of the present invention is applied. [Figure 3]FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic mounted state of the water channel switching structure according to the present utility model. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic structure of the first switching member 1 shown in FIG. 3. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a schematic partial cross-sectional structure of the sealing head 12 shown in FIG. 4. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a schematic cross-sectional structure of the housing 9 shown in FIG. 4 from a first viewing angle. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a schematic cross-sectional structure of the housing 9 shown in FIG. 4 from a second viewing angle. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a schematic cross-sectional structure of the second switching member 2 shown in FIG. 4. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a schematic cross-sectional structure of the lock chamber 5 shown in FIG. 7.

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0015] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 9. For each figure, the corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations are omitted. For parts not shown in the figure to be described, reference numerals shown in other figures may be used for reference. The following embodiments are for the purpose of explaining the present utility model, and the present utility model is not limited thereto.

EXAMPLE

[0016] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 9, the waterway switching structure of the shower head according to this embodiment includes a first switching member 1 and a second switching member 2. The first switching member 11 is used to perform switching between the first water outlet passage 31 and the second water outlet passage 32 and to realize communication with the water supply passage 33. The discharge port of the first water outlet passage 31 is located at the upper end of the back surface of the shower head. The second switching member 2 is arranged on the second water outlet passage 32, and the second water outlet passage 32 communicates with either one or both of the third water outlet passage 34 and the fourth water outlet passage 35 through the second switching member 2. A plurality of discharge ports of the third water outlet passage 34 and the fourth water outlet passage 35 are all arranged on the front surface of the shower head.

[0017] When the shower head is used in the normal state, the water supply passage 33 is in communication with the second water outlet passage 32. By switching the second switching member 2, the water flow in the water supply passage 33 is discharged through either one or both of the third water outlet passage 34 and the fourth water outlet passage 35. Thereby, cleaning by distributed water discharge from the front surface of the shower head is performed, and the needs of the user for various water discharge effects can be satisfied. When it is necessary to perform centralized cleaning on a specific part, the first switching member 1 is switched to communicate the first water outlet passage 31 with the water supply passage 33, and the water flow in the water supply passage 33 is discharged only from the first water outlet passage 31.

[0018] In this embodiment, the diameter of the discharge port of the third water outlet passage 34 is smaller than the diameter of the discharge port of the fourth water outlet passage 35, and the number of discharge ports of the fourth water outlet passage 35 is less than the number of discharge ports of the third water outlet passage 34. By doing so, different water discharge effects can be obtained between the third water outlet passage 34 and the fourth water outlet passage 35, and the needs of the user for various water discharge forms can be satisfied.

[0019] Referring to Figures 3 to 6, a switching chamber 4 is provided between the first water outlet passage 31 and the water supply passage 33, and the first water outlet passage 31, the second water outlet passage 32, and the water supply passage 33 are all in communication with the switching chamber 4. The first switching member 1 is located inside the switching chamber 4 and includes a communicating member 11. The communicating member 11 is fixed inside the switching chamber 4 and has a hollow structure, and both the first water outlet passage 31 and the switching chamber 4 are in communication with the cavity of the communicating member 11. A sealing head 12 is slidably connected to the communicating member 11 to control the communication and blocking between its cavity and the switching chamber 4. The communication point between the switching chamber 4 and the second water outlet passage 32 is located on the movement trajectory of the sealing head 12. A first spring 13 is provided between the inner end of the sealing head 12 and the housing of the shower head, and both ends of the first spring 13 are in contact with the sealing head 12 and the housing, respectively. The outer end of the sealing head 12 penetrates the housing and is exposed to the back of the shower head.

[0020] When the showerhead is used in its normal state, the sealing head 12 blocks the space between the communication member 11 and the switching chamber 4 due to the action of the first spring 13. At this time, the water flow in the water supply passage 33 flows into the second water outlet passage 32 and is discharged from the front of the showerhead via the third water outlet passage 34 and the fourth water outlet passage 35.

[0021] If centralized cleaning is required during bathing by discharging water from the first water outlet passage 31, the sealing head 12 is pressed inward. This causes the sealing head 12 to slide relative to the communicating member 111, and the first spring 13 is compressed. The sealing head 12 releases the blockage between the cavity of the communicating member 11 and the switching chamber 4 (i.e., the inner end of the sealing head 12 moves out of the communicating member 11), and at the same time closes the communication between the switching chamber 4 and the second water outlet passage 32. As a result, the water flow in the water supply passage 33 flows only to the first water outlet passage 31 via the switching chamber 4, and is discharged from the back of the shower head, performing centralized cleaning.

[0022] In this embodiment, a sealing ring 14 is fitted to both the communicating member 11 and the sealing head 12, improving sealing performance. This reduces the risk of water leakage in the switching chamber 4 and ensures a reliable barrier effect between the cavity of the communicating member 11 and the switching chamber 4 by the sealing head 12, thereby ensuring the usability of the shower head for single-sided water discharge (i.e., front or back discharge).

[0023] Referring to Figures 6 to 8, the second switching member 2 includes a push rod 21, a mounting rod 22, and a rotating disc 23. A locking chamber 5 communicating with the second water outlet passage 32 is provided, and the push rod 21 is slidably connected to the locking chamber 5. The outer end of the push rod 21 penetrates the housing and is exposed to the front of the shower head. One end of the mounting rod 22 is inserted into the inner end of the push rod 21 and is slidably provided, and the rotating disc 23 is fitted onto the mounting rod 22 and is rotatable. The other end of the mounting rod 22 is inserted into the housing, and a second spring 24 is provided between the mounting rod 22 and the rotating disc 23, with both ends of the second spring 24 in contact with the mounting rod 22 and the rotating disc 23, respectively.

[0024] The locking chamber 5 is provided with four guide rails 51 arranged at equal angles around its central axis, and the inner end of the push rod 21 is provided with drive teeth 61 corresponding to each guide rail 51. The drive teeth 61 are slidably positioned between adjacent guide rails 51. The rotating disc 23 is provided with locking teeth 62 corresponding to the drive teeth 61. A first inclined surface structure 52 is provided on the end face of one end of the guide rail 51 adjacent to the locking teeth 62, and a second inclined surface structure 63 is provided on both sides of the end of the drive teeth 61 adjacent to the locking teeth 62. Furthermore, a third inclined surface structure 64 that conforms to the first inclined surface structure 52 is provided on the end face of one end of the locking teeth 62 adjacent to the drive teeth 61.

[0025] The second water outlet passage 32 is provided with two first through holes 71 for communication with the third water outlet passage 334 and two second through holes 72 for communication with the fourth water outlet passage 35. The first through holes 71 and the second through holes 72 have the same structure and are arranged symmetrically with respect to the lock chamber 5, with each through hole positioned at an equal angle with respect to the central axis of the rotating disk 23. The rotating disk 23 is provided with an extension portion 25 to cover any two adjacent through holes among the first through holes 71 and the second through holes 72.

[0026] When the showerhead is used in its normal state, the water flow in the water supply passage 33 flows into the second water outlet passage 32. When the push rod 21 is pushed inward, the push rod 21 contacts the locking teeth 62 on the turntable 23 via its drive teeth 61, causing the turntable 23 to slide relative to the mounting rod 22. When the locking teeth 62 disengage from between adjacent guide rails 51, the push rod 21 rotates the turntable 23 by 45° due to the guiding action of the third inclined surface structure 64 and the second inclined surface structure 63. At this time, the second spring 24 is compressed, and the locking teeth 62 move to a position corresponding to the guide rail 51.

[0027] Subsequently, when the pressure on the push rod 21 is released, the rotating disc 23 returns to its original position relative to the mounting rod 22 due to the restoring force of the second spring 24, and in this process, the locking teeth 62 come into contact with the guide rail 51. Then, due to the guiding action of the first inclined surface structure 52 and the third inclined surface structure 64, the rotating disc 23 rotates another 45°. At this time, the locking teeth 62 correspond to the drive teeth 61 and slide between adjacent guide rails 51, completing the return of the rotating disc 23 to its original position.

[0028] As a result of the above operation, each time the push rod 21 is pressed, the rotating disc 23 rotates 90°, changing the combination of the first through hole 71 and the second through hole 72 covered by the extension portion 25, and switching the water discharge state at the front of the shower head. Specifically, it is as follows:

[0029] Before pressing, the extended portion 25 covers the two second through holes 72, and water is discharged from the front of the showerhead only through the third water outlet passage 34.

[0030] After the first pressing, the rotating disc 23 rotates 90°, and the extended portion 25 covers one first through hole 71 and one second through hole 72. At this time, the water flow flows through the remaining first through hole 71 and second through hole 72 to the third water outlet passage 34 and the fourth water outlet passage 35, and is discharged from both outlets.

[0031] After the second pressing, the rotating disc 23 rotates another 90°, and the extended portion 25 covers the two first through holes 71. At this time, the water flow flows through the 22 second through holes 72 to the fourth water outlet passage 35 and is discharged from its outlet.

[0032] After the third pressing, the rotating disc 23 rotates another 90°, and the extended portion 25 again covers one first through hole 71 and one second through hole 72, and the water flow is discharged from both the third water outlet passage 34 and the fourth water outlet passage 35.

[0033] After the fourth pressing, the rotating disc 23 rotates another 90° to return to its initial position, the extended portion 25 once again covers the two second through holes 72, and the water flow returns to being discharged from the third water outlet passage 34 through the two first through holes 71.

[0034] Referring to Figure 4, a first pressing member 81 is fitted and fixed to the outer end of the sealing head 12, and a second pressing member 82 is fitted and fixed to the outer end of the push rod 21. This increases the contact area with the fingers when pressing the sealing head 12 and the push rod 21, improving the comfort and reliability of the operation. Both the first pressing member 81 and the second pressing member 82 are slidably connected to the housing. Furthermore, a third spring 83 is provided between the second pressing member 82 and the housing, with both ends of the third spring 83 in contact with the second pressing member 82 and the housing, respectively. As a result, after pressing the second switching member 2, the second pressing member 82 automatically returns due to the restoring force of the third spring 83, ensuring reliable switching of the water discharge state on the front of the shower head.

[0035] Referring to Figures 4 and 5, a guide rod 84 is slidably mounted in the housing, and the central axes of the guide rod 84 and the sealing head 12 are aligned on the same straight line. The first spring 13 is fitted onto the inner end of the guide rod 84. The inner end of the sealing head 12 is provided with a recess 15 into which the inner end of the guide rod 84 is inserted, thereby reducing the constraint that the guide rod 84 places on the sliding distance of the sealing head 12, and ensuring that the sealing head 12 can reliably release the blockage between the cavity of the communication member 11 and the switching chamber 4. The guide rod 84 is arranged parallel to the push rod 21, and its outer end is inserted into and fixed in the pressing member. Furthermore, the third spring 83 is fitted onto the outer end of the guide rod 84. By providing the guide rod 84, the first spring 13 and the third spring 83 are positioned, and stable axial deformation during compression is ensured.

[0036] The contents described herein are merely one embodiment of the utility model. A person skilled in the art in which the utility model pertains can make various modifications, additions, or substitutions by equivalent means to the specific embodiments described herein, as long as they do not deviate from the contents described herein or exceed the scope defined in the claims of the utility model, and all such modifications will be within the scope of protection of the utility model. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0037] 1. All replacement members 2. Second switching member 4 Switching room 5 Lock Room 9 cabinets 11 Connecting member 12 sealing heads 13 First spring 14 Seal rings 15 recesses 21 Push Rod 22 Mounting Rod 23 Rotating discs 24 Second spring 25 Stretching section 31 First water passage 32 Second water passageway 33 Water supply passage 34 Third water passageway 35 Fourth water passageway 51 Guide rail 52 First slope structure 61 drive teeth 62 lock teeth 63 Second slope structure 64 Third slope structure 71 First hole 72 Second hole 81 First pressing member 82 Second pressing member 83 Third spring 84 Guide Rod

Claims

1. A showerhead water channel switching structure, Including a first switching member and a second switching member, The first switching member is used to switch between the first and second water outlet passages and to establish communication with the water supply passage. The second switching member is positioned on the second water outlet passage, and the second water outlet passage communicates with either or all of the third water outlet passage and the fourth water outlet passage via the second switching member. Here, the outlet of the first water outlet passage is located at the upper end of the back of the shower head. The multiple outlets of the third and fourth water outlet passages are all located in front of the showerhead. A showerhead water channel switching structure characterized by its features.

2. A switching chamber is provided between the first water outlet passage and the water supply passage. The first water outlet passage, the second water outlet passage, and the water supply passage are all connected to the aforementioned switching room. The first switching member is located in the switching room. The said replacement member includes a connecting member, The connecting member is fixed inside the switching chamber. The connecting member has a hollow structure. Both the first water outlet passage and the switching chamber are in communication with the cavity of the connecting member. A sealing head is slidably connected to the connecting member to control communication and blocking between its cavity and the switching chamber. The communication point between the switching chamber and the second water outlet passage is located on the movement trajectory of the sealing head. A first spring is provided between the inner end of the sealing head and the housing of the shower head. Both ends of the first spring contact the sealing head and the housing, respectively. Furthermore, the outer end of the sealing head penetrates the housing and is exposed to the back of the shower head. The showerhead water channel switching structure according to feature 1.

3. The second switching member includes a push rod, a mounting rod, and a rotating disc. The second flood passage is equipped with a locking chamber that is connected to it. The push rod is slidably connected within the lock chamber. The outer end of the push rod penetrates the housing and is exposed to the front of the shower head. One end of the mounting rod is inserted into the inner end of the pushing rod and is slidably mounted. The rotating disc is fitted onto the mounting rod and is rotatable. The other end of the mounting rod is inserted into the housing. A second spring is provided between the mounting rod and the rotating disc. Both ends of the second spring contact the mounting rod and the rotating disc, respectively. Inside the lock chamber, four guide rails are provided, arranged at equal angles to surround its central axis. The inner end of the push rod is provided with drive teeth corresponding to each guide rail. The drive teeth are slidably positioned between adjacent guide rails. The rotating disc is equipped with locking teeth corresponding to the drive teeth. In the guide rail, a first inclined surface structure is provided on the end face of one end adjacent to the locking tooth, and in the drive tooth, a second inclined surface structure is provided on both sides of the end adjacent to the locking tooth. Furthermore, a third inclined surface structure that conforms to the first inclined surface structure is provided on the end face of one end adjacent to the drive tooth of the locking tooth. The second floodway is provided with two first through-holes for communication with the third floodway and two second through-holes for communication with the fourth floodway. The first and second through-holes have the same structure and are arranged symmetrically with respect to the locking chamber. The rotating disc is provided with an extended portion to cover any two adjacent through holes among the first and second through holes. The showerhead water channel switching structure according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The first pressing member is fitted and fixed to the outer end of the sealing head. A second pressing member is fitted and fixed to the outer end of the pushing rod. Both the first pressing member and the second pressing member are slidably connected to the housing. Furthermore, a third spring is provided between the second pressing member and the housing. Both ends of the third spring are in contact with the second pressing member and the housing, respectively. The showerhead water channel switching structure according to feature 3.

5. A guide rod is slidably mounted in the housing, The central axis of the guide rod and the sealing head are located on the same straight line. The first spring is fitted onto the inner end of the guide rod. A recess is formed at the inner end of the sealing head for inserting the inner end of the guide rod. Furthermore, the guide rod is positioned parallel to the push rod, and its outer end is inserted into and fixed to the pressing member. Furthermore, the third spring is fitted onto the outer end of the guide rod. The showerhead water channel switching structure according to feature 4.

6. A sealing ring is fitted onto the aforementioned communicating member and sealing head, respectively. The showerhead water channel switching structure according to feature 2.

7. The diameter of the outlet of the third water outlet passage is smaller than the diameter of the outlet of the fourth water outlet passage. The number of outlets in the fourth outflow passage is less than the number of outlets in the third outflow passage. The showerhead water channel switching structure according to feature 1.