Shower head assembly

Abstract

The invention is a shower head assembly 1 for a shower, comprising a shower head 100, provided with nozzles 110 and a shower head chamber 120, a main body fluidically upstream of the shower head chamber 120, comprising a body side wall 210 in which at least one air hole 220 is obtained, and a check valve 300 housed at the at least one air hole 220 and comprising at least one water mouth 310. The shower head assembly 1 is configurable in an open configuration, in which water flows into the shower head chamber 120 and the check valve 300 is in an open position in which the water mouth 310 is open and the at least one air hole 220 is closed, and in a closed configuration, in which water is prevented from flowing into the shower head chamber 120 and the check valve 300 is in a closed position in which said water mouth 310 is closed and the at least one air hole 220 is open.

Description

"SHOWER HEAD ASSEMBLY"DESCRIPTIONField of Application

[0001] The present invention relates to a shower head assembly . In particular, the present invention refers to the field of sanitary systems for dispensing water flow inside civil and residential environments , such as for example homes , commercial buildings , hotels , wellness centres .

[0002] Shower heads are hydraulic devices intended for dispensing water in the form of jets or sprays . Shower heads typically comprise an extremity, provided with a chamber for collecting the water flow and nozzles through which the water flow is distributed, and one or more associated elements , such as fittings or supply pipes , which allow the connection of the shower head to the piping system of the water system .

[0003] Commonly used shower heads operate in such a way that , when the water is turned on from the shower tap, the water flow enters the shower head chamber and exits through the nozzles . When the water is turned of f , the flow is interrupted, but residual water remains in the shower head chamber . This water stagnates and is retained in the nozzles due to the surface tension generated in each nozzle, being gradually released over time when thesurface tension breaks .

[0004] This retention of water in the nozzles disadvantageously promotes the formation of calcium carbonate deposits , which lead to the formation of limescale .

[0005] Moreover, the presence of limescale in the nozzles tends to clog them, preventing the proper outflow of residual water from the shower head chamber to the outside, further aggravating the described problem .

[0006] Finally, the failure to immediately empty the chamber results in a slow emptying over time, with consequent sporadic release of water drops . This phenomenon causes splashes that can wet the surrounding surfaces , causing aesthetic and hygienic issues .Object of the Invention

[0007] An object of the present invention is therefore to provide a device for dispensing the water flow capable of overcoming the drawbacks previously mentioned with reference to the prior art .

[0008] This object is achieved by a shower head assembly in accordance with claim 1 . The claims dependent thereon describe preferred or advantageous embodiments of the invention, involving further advantageous aspects . Description of the Drawings

[0009] The features and advantages of the shower headassembly will become apparent from the description below of some preferred embodiments , given by way of illustration and without limitation, with reference to the accompanying figures , in which :- Figure 1 shows a shower head assembly in an embodiment , in accordance with the present invention;- Figure 2 shows the shower head assembly of Figure 1 in a sectional view;- Figure 3 represents an enlarged view of a detail of Figure 2 ;- Figure 4 shows a connector of the shower head assembly in an embodiment , in accordance with the present invention;- Figure 5 represents an exploded view of the connector of Figure 4 ;- Figures 6a and 6b show a main body and a check valve comprised in the shower head assembly, in an embodiment , with the check valve respectively in the open and closed position;- Figures 7a and 7b show a main body and a check valve comprised in the shower head assembly, in a further embodiment , with the valve respectively in the open and closed position;- Figure 8 shows a shower head assembly in a further embodiment , in accordance with the present invention .Detailed Description

[0010] With reference to the above figures , the reference number 1 denotes overall a shower head assembly .

[0011] The shower head assembly 1 comprises a shower head 100 and a main body 200 .

[0012] The shower head 100 comprises nozzles 110 for dispensing the water flow and a shower head chamber 120 fluidically connected to said nozzles 110 . In other words , the water flow enters the shower head chamber 120 and is dispensed outwardly through the noz zles 110 .

[0013] The main body 200 is located fluidically upstream of the shower head chamber 120 of the shower head 100 . In other words , the water flow flows from the main body 200 to the shower head chamber 120 .

[0014] According to a preferred embodiment , the main body 200 extends about a body axis Z-Z .

[0015] The main body 200 comprises a body side wall 210 , which preferably extends parallel about said body axis Z- Z .

[0016] In said body side wall 210 at least an air hole 220 is obtained . Said air hole 220 is obtained about a hole axis Y-Y .

[0017] According to a preferred embodiment , the hole axis Y-Y is inclined with respect to the direction perpendicular to the body axis Z-Z by a hole angle abetween 0 ° and 45

[0018] In a preferred embodiment, the hole angle a is equal to 0 ° .

[0019] In a preferred embodiment, the hole angle a is equal to 45 ° .

[0020] In a preferred embodiment , a plurality of angularly equidistant air holes 220 is obtained in the body side wall 210 . For example, said plurality of air holes 220 comprises at least a number of air holes 220 equal to 2 or 4 .

[0021] In a preferred embodiment , the air holes 220 of said plurality of air holes 220 are arranged angularly equidistant and located at the same height in the side wall 210 .

[0022] In a preferred embodiment , the main body 200 comprises a coupling end 260 suitable for engaging with shower head coupling means 160 comprised in the shower head 100 . For example, said engagement comprises a male threaded portion and a female threaded portion, or a connector and a housing seat therefor, or a pin and a hinge .

[0023] In a preferred embodiment , the coupling end 260 is a spherical joint , at least partially housed in the shower head coupling means 160 .

[0024] In a preferred embodiment , the main body 200comprises a connector 250 for connection between the shower head 100 and the main body 200 .

[0025] In a preferred embodiment , said at least one air hole 220 is obtained in the connector 250 .

[0026] In a preferred embodiment , a plurality of angularly equidistant air holes 220 is obtained in the connector 250 .

[0027] In a preferred embodiment , the coupling end 260 is positioned in a region at the proximal end to the shower head 100 .

[0028] In a preferred embodiment , represented for example in Figures 7a and 7b, the connector 250 includes a recess 252 at which said at least one air hole 220 is obtained . Advantageously, in this way, even when the shower head 100 is moved with respect to the connector 250 , the air hole 220 remains always accessible to allow the ingress of air .

[0029] In accordance with the present invention, the shower head assembly 1 further comprises a check valve 300 housed in the main body 200 . Said check valve 300 has the function of preventing backflow of water, i . e . , it prevents the water flow flowing from the main body 200 to the shower head chamber 120 from flowing back, allowing the water to flow in one direction only .

[0030] In particular, the check valve 300 is housed in themain body 200 at the at least one air hole 220 .

[0031] In a preferred embodiment , the check valve 300 is housed in the main body 200 at the plurality of air holes 220 .

[0032] The check valve 300 extends about a valve axis X-X and comprises at least a water mouth 310 , suitable for allowing the passage of the water flow .

[0033] According to a preferred embodiment , the check valve 300 is positioned in the main body 200 so that the water mouth 310 is closer to the shower head 100 than the at least one air hole 220 . In other words , the water mouth 310 of the check valve 300 is located at a smaller distance from the shower head 100 than the distance between the shower head 100 and the at least one air hole 220 .

[0034] According to a preferred embodiment , the check valve 300 is positioned in the main body 200 so that the water mouth 310 is closer to the shower head 100 than the plurality of air holes 220 .

[0035] In the embodiment in which the connector 250 is present , a valve seat 240 suitable for housing the valve 300 is obtained in the connector 250 .

[0036] According to a preferred embodiment , the check valve 300 further comprises a movable element 320 , suitable for moving to allow the water flow to pass in one direction .For example, the movable element 320 is an elastic membrane, a disk, a shutter .

[0037] In a preferred embodiment , the movable element 320 is elastically yieldable, i . e . , it is suitable for being deformed by the water flow thus allowing the opening of the water mouth 310 .

[0038] In a preferred embodiment , the movable element 320 is made of an elastic polymer material, preferably of an elastomer, even more preferably of silicone .

[0039] In a preferred embodiment , the movable element 320 is suitable for deforming radially with the passage of the water flow . In other words , with the passage of the water flow, the movable element 320 is suitable for expanding or contracting with respect to the valve axis X-X .

[0040] In a preferred embodiment , the check valve 300 further comprises a fixed element 330 , with respect to which the movable element 320 is positioned radially external . The movable element 320 is suitable for interacting with the fixed element 330 .

[0041] In accordance with the present invention, the shower head assembly 1 is configurable in an open configuration, shown by way of example in Figures 6a and 7a, and in a closed configuration, shown by way of example in Figures6b and 7b .

[0042] In the open configuration, water flows into the shower head chamber 120 and is dispensed through the nozzles 110 , the check valve 300 is in an open position, and the at least one air hole 220 is closed .

[0043] In the closed configuration, water does not flow into the shower head chamber 120 , the check valve 300 is in a closed position, and the at least one air hole 220 is open .

[0044] Therefore, in the closed configuration, air flows through the at least one air hole 220 into the shower head 100 .

[0045] According to a preferred embodiment , when the water is turned off , the shower head chamber 120 does not empty immediately; advantageously, the entry of an air flow through the at least one air hole 220 helps to overcome the surface tension of the water present in the nozzles 110 , which retains the water, thereby promoting its emptying in the moments immediately following the turning off of the water .

[0046] Moreover, advantageously, the absence of water retention in the nozzles reduces the possibility of limescale formation .

[0047] In accordance with the present invention, the check valve 300 is therefore configurable in an open position and a closed position .

[0048] In the open position, which is reached by the check valve 300 with the assembly in the open configuration, the water mouth 310 is open, i . e . , the water flow flows into the shower head 100 through the water mouth 310 of the check valve 300 . Moreover, in the open position, the check valve 300 prevents the passage of air through the at least one air hole 220 .

[0049] According to a preferred embodiment , in the open position, the movable element 320 is radially distal from the fixed element 330 , allowing the flow of water through the water mouth 310 . Moreover, the movable element 320 engages the main body wall 210 , closing the at least one air hole 220 . In the closed position, which is reached by the check valve 300 with the assembly in the closed configuration, the water mouth 310 is closed, i . e . , the water flow is prevented from passing into the shower head 100 . Moreover, in the closed position, the check valve 300 allows the passage of air through the at least one air hole 220 .

[0050] According to a preferred embodiment , in the closed position, the movable element 320 engages the fixed element 330 , preventing the flow of water through the water mouth 310 . Moreover, the movable element 320 is radially distal from the main body wall 210 , opening the at least one air hole 220 and allowing the ingress of airthrough the at least one air hole 220 .

[0051] In a preferred embodiment , the closing of the water mouth 310 , due to the engagement of the fixed element 330 by the movable element 320 , occurs simultaneously with the opening of the at least one air hole 220 . This causes a pressure variation in the shower head chamber 120 , which generates a force acting on the residual water in the nozzles 110 , overcoming the surface tension and promoting the outflow of water immediately after the water is turned off .

[0052] In a preferred embodiment , in the closed position, an air passage gap G is present between the movable element 320 and the main body wall 210 .

[0053] Preferably, said air passage gap G is between 0 . 1 mm and 0 . 4 mm, between 0 . 15 mm and 0 . 25 mm, preferably equal to 0 . 2 mm .

[0054] In a preferred embodiment , the shower head assembly is equipped with air access channels that allow air from the surrounding environment to enter the at least one air hole 220 even when the main body 200 is completely closed, for example cemented . For example, the air access channels connect openings created in the shower head to the at least one air hole 220 .

[0055] In a preferred embodiment , the shower head assembly 1 comprises air access channels that allow air from thesurrounding environment to enter the at least one air hole 220 , even in the case in which the main body 200 is completely sealed with respect to the outside, for example cemented . For example, the air access channels connect openings in the shower head to the at least one air hole 220 .

[0056] In a preferred embodiment , the shower head assembly 1 comprises a connection tube 400 .

[0057] In a preferred embodiment , the main body 200 is housed in the connection tube 400 .

[0058] In a preferred embodiment , the main body 200 is positioned at one end of the connection tube 400 , i . e . , the main body 200 is positioned at the end of the connection tube 400 proximal to the shower head 100 .

[0059] In a preferred embodiment , represented for example in Figure 1 , the connection tube 400 extends parallel to a tube axis T-T, parallel to the body axis Z-Z . In other words , the connection tube 400 is vertical, rectilinear and projects from the ceiling .

[0060] In a preferred embodiment , represented for example in Figure 8 , the tube axis T-T is at least partially curved, i . e . , it has at least one portion that is not parallel to the body axis Z-Z .

[0061] Innovatively, the present invention overcomes the drawbacks of traditional shower heads .

[0062] Advantageously, the shower head assembly allows the outflow of residual water remaining in the shower head chamber once the water is turned off .

[0063] In particular, advantageously, the presence of the check valve facilitates emptying in the moments immediately following the turning off of the water . The valve in the closed position opens the air hole, allowing the entry of an air flow which helps to overcome the surface tension of the water retained in the nozzles , promoting its complete emptying .

[0064] According to a further advantage, the shower head assembly object of the present invention reduces the possibility of limescale forming in the nozzles due to the retention of water in the shower head chamber .

[0065] Moreover, advantageously, the possibility of emptying the shower head chamber through the entry of air from the air hole eliminates the intermittent release of water drops , preventing splashes that could wet the surrounding surfaces .

[0066] Advantageously, the presence of a deformable movable element responsive to the passage of water ensures an optimised opening and closing of the valve, regulated by the passage of the water flow, significantly reducing the risk of jamming or malfunction .

[0067] Moreover, advantageously, the use of a polymericmaterial ensures greater hygiene and resistance to the formation of encrustations or contaminations .

[0068] Advantageously, the presence of a plurality of holes ensures that at least one hole of said plurality of holes always remains open, improving the air inflow and the overall functionality of the shower head assembly .

[0069] Finally, according to a further advantage, the presence of the connector simplifies maintenance or repair in case of malfunction, as it allows the replacement of a single component without the need to replace the entire main body .

[0070] It is understood that , to the embodiments of the above-mentioned shower head assembly, a skilled person, in order to meet specific requirements , could make modifications or replace elements with others functionally equivalent . Such modifications are also within the scope of protection as defined by the following claims . Furthermore, each variation described as belonging to a possible embodiment can be implemented independently of the other variations described .

Claims

CLAIMS1. A shower head assembly (1) , comprising:- a shower head (100) comprising nozzles (110) and a shower head chamber (120) fluidically connected to the nozzles (110) ;- a main body (200) , located fluidically upstream of the shower head chamber (120) , comprising a body side wall (210) in which at least an air hole (220) is obtained;- a check valve (300) housed in the main body (200) at the at least an air hole (220) , comprising at least a water mouth (310) ; wherein the shower head assembly (1) is configurable in:- an opening configuration, in which water flows into the shower head chamber (120) and is dispensed through the nozzles (110) , wherein the check valve (300) is in an open position in which said water mouth (310) is open, and wherein the at least an air hole (220) is closed;- a close configuration, in which water is prevented from flowing into the shower head chamber (120) , wherein the check valve (300) is in a closed position in which said water mouth (310) is closed, and wherein the at least an air hole (220) is open.

2. Shower head assembly (1) according to claim 1, wherein the check valve (300) comprises a yielding movableelement (320) elastically deformed by the water flow when opening the water mouth (310) .

3. Shower head assembly (1) according to claim 2, wherein the check valve (300) extends about a valve axis (X-X) and comprises at least a fixed element (330) , and wherein the movable element (320) is radially outside the fixed element (330) and is suitable for deforming radially so that, in the open position, the movable element (320) is radially distal from the fixed element (330) , allowing the flow through the water mouth (310) and engaging the main body wall (210) , closing the at least an air hole (220) , and in the closed position, the movable element (320) engages the fixed element (330) and is radially distal from the main body wall (210) , allowing the ingress of air through the at least one air hole (220) .

4. Shower head assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims 2 to 3, wherein the movable element (320) is made of an elastic polymer material, preferably an elastomer.

5. Shower head assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the water mouth (310) is positioned closer to the shower head (100) than the at least an air hole (220) .

6. Shower head assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least an hole (220) is obtained about a hole axis (Y-Y) , said hole axis (Y-Y) being inclined by a hole angle (a) between 0° and 45°.

7. Shower head assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the main body (200) extends about a body axis (Z-Z) and the body side wall (210) extends parallel about said body axis (Z-Z) and wherein a plurality of angularly equidistant air holes (220) is obtained in the body side wall (210) , and preferably said plurality of air holes (220) comprises a number of air holes (220) equal to 2 or .

8. Shower head assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a connection tube (400) , wherein the main body (200) is housed in the connection tube (400) or is positioned at one end of the connection tube (400) .

9. Shower head assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the main body (200) comprises a coupling end (260) , wherein the shower head (100) comprises shower head coupling means (160) , said coupling ends (260) and shower head coupling means (131) being suitable for mutually engaging.

10. Shower head assembly (1) according to claim 9, wherein the coupling end (260) is a spherical joint.

11. Shower head assembly (1) according to claims 8 and 9, wherein the main body (200) comprises a connector (250) for the connection between the shower head (100) and the main body (200) , wherein said connector (250) comprises the coupling end (260) , and wherein in said connector (250) said at least one hole (220) and a valve seat (240) suitable for housing the valve (300) are obtained, and wherein the coupling end (260) is placed at the proximal end with respect to the shower head (100) of the connector (260) .

12. Shower head assembly (1) according to claim 11, wherein the connector (250) comprises a recess (252) and the air hole (220) is obtained at said recess (252) .

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