Water supply device and shower head

Abstract

A water supply device (1b), comprising: a main body (2) provided with a water supply flow channel (210); and a waterway control mechanism, comprising a valve stem (4) which is provided in the water supply flow channel (210) and capable of moving in the length direction of the water supply flow channel in the water supply flow channel (210), and a switch (3) which is mounted on the main body (2) and fitted with the valve stem (4). The valve stem (4) comprises a first position state for blocking the water supply flow channel (210) and a second position state for opening the water supply flow channel (210). The switch (3) can drive the valve stem (4) to reciprocate in the length direction of the water supply flow channel (210) so as to switch between the first position state and the second position state.

Description

A water supply device and a shower head

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 2024119882888, filed with the Chinese Patent Office on December 31, 2024, entitled "A Water Supply Device and Shower Head", the contents of which shall be construed as incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This article relates to, but is not limited to, the field of bathroom technology, and particularly to, but is not limited to, a water supply device and a shower head. Background Technology

[0003] Existing showerheads typically feature multiple water flow channels in the spray plate to allow users to select different water flow modes, thus providing a wider range of showering experiences. Current technology also includes flow rate switching devices integrated into the handle of handheld showerheads. These devices usually employ a ballpoint pen-style button structure, which is relatively complex, and single-button switching of flow rates is difficult to identify. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The following is an overview of the subject matter described in detail herein, and this overview is not intended to limit the scope of the claims.

[0005] This application provides a water supply device, including:

[0006] The main body is equipped with a water supply channel;

[0007] The water supply control mechanism includes a valve stem disposed in the water supply channel and capable of moving along the length of the water supply channel, and a switching switch installed on the main body and cooperating with the valve stem; the valve stem includes a first position state blocking the water supply channel and a second position state opening the water supply channel; the switching switch can drive the valve stem to reciprocate along the length of the water supply channel to switch between the first position state and the second position state.

[0008] This application embodiment also provides a shower head, including: a shower head body and a water supply device for supplying water to the shower head body.

[0009] After reading and understanding the accompanying diagrams and detailed descriptions, other aspects can be understood.

[0010] Overview of the attached figures

[0011] The accompanying drawings are used to provide a further understanding of the technical solutions in this paper and form part of the specification. They are used together with the embodiments of this application to explain the technical solutions in this paper and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions in this paper.

[0012] Figure 1 is an overall perspective view of the shower head according to an embodiment of this application;

[0013] Figure 2 is a three-dimensional disassembled view of Figure 1;

[0014] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the valve stem of the water supply device according to an embodiment of this application;

[0015] Figure 4 is a perspective exploded view of the inner pipe and switching switch of the water supply device according to an embodiment of this application;

[0016] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the inner pipe of the water supply device according to an embodiment of this application along the axial direction;

[0017] Figure 6 is a three-dimensional enlarged view of the mounting part in Figure 5;

[0018] Figure 7 is a perspective view of the switching switch of the water supply device according to an embodiment of this application;

[0019] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the water-saving mode of the shower head in an embodiment of this application;

[0020] Figure 9 is a partially enlarged view of Figure 8;

[0021] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of the shower head flow enhancement mode according to an embodiment of this application;

[0022] Figure 11 is a partially enlarged view of Figure 10.

[0023] Detailed Explanation

[0024] This application describes several embodiments, but these descriptions are exemplary and not limiting. Many more embodiments and implementations are possible within the scope of the embodiments described herein. Although many possible combinations of features are shown in the drawings and discussed in the embodiments, many other combinations of the disclosed features are also possible. Unless specifically limited, any feature or element of any embodiment may be used in combination with or in lieu of any other feature or element in any other embodiment.

[0025] This application includes and contemplates combinations of features and elements known to those skilled in the art. The embodiments, features, and elements disclosed in this application can also be combined with any conventional features or elements to form unique inventive solutions. Any feature or element of any embodiment can also be combined with features or elements from other inventive solutions to form another unique inventive solution. Therefore, it should be understood that any feature shown and / or discussed in the embodiments of this application can be implemented individually or in any suitable combination. Therefore, the embodiments are not limited except by the limitations imposed by the appended claims and their equivalents. Furthermore, various modifications and changes can be made within the scope of the appended claims.

[0026] Furthermore, in describing representative embodiments, the specification may have presented methods and / or processes as a specific sequence of steps. However, the method or process should not be limited to the specific order of steps described herein, to the extent that it does not depend on such a specific order. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, other sequences of steps are also possible. Therefore, the specific order of steps set forth in the specification should not be construed as a limitation of the claims. Moreover, the claims concerning the method and / or process should not be limited to the steps performed in the written order, and those skilled in the art will readily understand that these orders can be varied and still remain within the spirit and scope of the embodiments of this application.

[0027] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, this application provides a shower head 100, which includes a shower head body 1a and a water supply device 1b for supplying water to the shower head body 1a (see the dotted box in Figure 1). The shower head body 1a includes a body 11 connected to the water supply device 1b and a water outlet cover assembly 12 that cooperates with the body 11.

[0028] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the water supply device 1b includes a main body 2 and a water circuit control mechanism. The main body 2 is provided with a water supply channel 210 (see Figure 8). The water circuit control mechanism includes a valve stem 4 located in the water supply channel 210 and capable of moving along the length of the water supply channel 210, and a switching switch 3 installed in the main body 2 and cooperating with the valve stem 4.

[0029] The valve stem 4 includes a first position state that blocks the water supply channel 210 (see Figures 8 and 9) and a second position state that opens the water supply channel 210 (see Figures 10 and 11). The switch 3 can drive the valve stem 4 to reciprocate along the length of the water supply channel 210 to switch between the first and second position states.

[0030] The water supply device 1 of this application embodiment is equipped with a water circuit control mechanism. The switching switch 3 of the water circuit control mechanism can drive the valve stem 4 to move along the length direction of the water supply channel 210 to block or open the water supply channel 210, thereby effectively blocking or opening the water supply channel 210 and having a simple structure.

[0031] As shown in Figure 2, the main body 2 includes an outer tube 20, an inner tube 21 disposed within the outer tube 20 and detachably installed with the outer tube 20, and a water inlet seat assembly 22 disposed within the outer tube 20 and detachably installed with the water outlet end of the inner tube 20 (see Figure 8). The water inlet seat assembly 22 may include a water inlet seat, a spring, and a waist-shaped bowl (not labeled). In this embodiment, the main body 2 is assembled from the outer tube 20, inner tube 21, and water inlet seat assembly 22 in a separate manner, but it can also be integrally formed, which is not limited here.

[0032] As shown in Figures 5 and 8-11, the valve stem 4 divides the inner cavity of the inner tube 21 into a water supply channel 210 and a water outlet channel 211. The sealing part 4 of the valve stem 4 controls the connection and disconnection between the water supply channel 210 and the water outlet channel 211.

[0033] In the first position, the outer wall of the sealing part 42 seals the side wall of the water supply channel 210 to block the water supply channel 210 (see Figures 8 and 9), disconnecting the water supply channel 210 from the water outlet channel 211; in the second position, a flow gap 2101 is formed between the outer wall of the sealing part 42 and the inner wall of the water supply channel 210 to open the water supply channel 210 (see Figures 10 and 11), thereby connecting the water supply channel 210 with the water outlet channel 211 to supply water to the shower head body 1a.

[0034] As shown in Figure 3, the valve stem 4 includes a head 41 extending out of the water supply channel 210 and cooperating with the switch 3, a blocking part 42, a positioning part 43, and a water passage part 44 located in the water supply channel 210. The top of the head 41 has a ball 410; the water passage part 44 has a water inlet 440 communicating with the water outlet channel 211; the side wall of the positioning part 43 has multiple positioning ribs 430 circumferentially positioned to slide against the inner wall of the water supply channel 210. The blocking part 42 has a sealing groove 420, and the valve stem 4 also includes a first sealing element 421 (see Figure 9) installed in the sealing groove 420. The first sealing element 421 is a sealing ring.

[0035] As shown in Figures 9 and 11, the valve stem 4 has a water passage 45 that connects to the water supply channel 210. The water passage 45 is a normally open channel. A water-saving plate 5 is installed inside the water passage 45. The water-saving plate 5 can limit the water flow and pressure of the water passage 45 to achieve constant flow. When the water flow is too large, the water-saving plate 5 can lower the water flow channel, thereby achieving the purpose of saving water. In this embodiment, the positioning part 43 of the valve stem 4 has a mounting cavity 431 for installing the water-saving plate 5.

[0036] The water supply device 1b of this embodiment has two water channels: one is a flow gap 2101, and the other is a water flow channel 45. When the user operates the switch 3, they can select that the flow gap 2101 and the water flow channel 45 both discharge water, or that the water flow channel 45 discharges water alone, thereby realizing the switching between water-saving mode and flow-increasing mode.

[0037] In an exemplary embodiment, the water passage 45 may not be equipped with the water-saving plate 5, but the flow area of ​​the water passage 45 may be designed to be the flow area of ​​the small flow gap 2101, and the purpose of water saving can still be achieved.

[0038] As shown in Figures 4-6, the inner tube 21 has a mounting part 212 for installing the switch 3. The front end of the inner tube 21 has a connecting tube part 213 that mates with the water inlet assembly 22. The end of the inner tube 21 has a connecting thread 214, which is configured to connect to a water pipe (not shown). The outer tube 20 has a cavity that accommodates the mounting part 212, and this cavity is isolated from the water supply channel 210 and the water outlet channel 211. The connecting tube part 213 has an elastic locking part 2125 that engages with the water inlet assembly 22.

[0039] As shown in Figure 6, the mounting part 212 is provided with a raised rib 2121 that surrounds and forms a receiving groove 2122. The two ends of the receiving groove 2122 are respectively provided with stepped surfaces 2123, and the bottom of the receiving groove 2122 is provided with a first limiting hole 2124a and a second limiting hole 2124b.

[0040] As shown in Figure 7, the switch 3 includes an operating part 30 exposed on the outer wall of the main body 1, and a support column 31 extending from the operating part 30 into the main body 2. The support column 31 includes a hollow inner cavity 311 and a guide groove 310 communicating with the hollow inner cavity 311 and allowing the ball 410 to be inserted into and limited from the side of the support column 31. The cross-section of the guide groove 310 is C-shaped.

[0041] As shown in Figure 9, the head 41 of the valve stem 4 extends out of the water supply channel 210 and is installed in conjunction with the support column 31 of the switch 3 via the guide groove 310, and is confined within the guide groove 310. The head 41 of the valve stem 4 and the water supply channel 210 are movably and sealingly fitted. In this embodiment, a second sealing element 411 is provided at the connection between the water supply channel 210 and the head 41 to achieve the movable sealing fit between the head 41 and the water supply channel 210. The second sealing element 411 is a V-shaped sealing ring.

[0042] In this embodiment, the operating part 30 is a boat-shaped button. The boat-shaped button 30 is connected to the mounting part 212 through a pivot structure, so that both ends of the boat-shaped button 30 can be pressed to achieve clockwise or counterclockwise rotation to switch positions, thereby switching the working state of the valve stem 4.

[0043] The pivot structure includes latching grooves 301 (see Figure 7) on both sides of the boat-shaped button 30, and shaft posts 2120 (see Figure 6) on both sides of the mounting portion 212 and connected to the latching grooves 301. The ribs 2121 of the mounting portion 212 circumferentially restrict the outer contour of the boat-shaped button, and the shaft posts 2110 are located on the ribs 2121. The bottom surfaces of both ends of the boat-shaped button 30 are provided with inclined surfaces 302, and the stepped surfaces 2123 of the receiving groove 2122 cooperate with and limit the movement of the inclined surfaces 302. A support post 31 extends into and is supported within the receiving groove 2122; the end faces of the support post 31 are also inclined relative to both sides to enable rotation of the switch 3.

[0044] As shown in Figures 6 and 9, the support column 31 is also provided with a ball-operated assembly 6 that engages with and positions itself in conjunction with the first limiting hole 2124a and the second limiting hole 2124a. In the first position state, the ball-operated assembly 6 engages with and limits the first limiting hole 2124a; in the second position state, the ball-operated assembly 6 engages with and limits the second limiting hole 2124a. The ball-operated assembly 6 in this embodiment includes a ball and a spring, and is capable of positioning the valve stem 4.

[0045] In this embodiment of the water supply device 1a, during installation, the valve stem 4's sealing portion 42 is fitted with a first sealing element 421, a second sealing element 411, and a water-saving plate 5. The valve stem 4 is inserted into the inner tube 21 from the water inlet direction, with the head 41 of the valve stem 4 extending out of the water supply channel 210. The switch 3 is fitted with a ball-operated assembly 6, and its guide groove 310 is aligned with the ball 410 of the valve stem 4 for installation. The switch 3 is installed with the mounting portion 212 via a pivot structure, allowing the switch 3 to be pressed and rotated around the fulcrum of the inner tube 21. The cover plate 23 is assembled with the inner tube 21, and the water inlet seat assembly 23 is inserted in the opposite direction of water inlet to engage with the inner tube 21. Finally, the water outlet cover assembly 12 is locked onto the main body 11.

[0046] The water supply device 100 of this application embodiment has two modes when working: the first is a water-saving mode and the second is a flow-increasing mode.

[0047] As shown in Figures 8 and 9, when using the water-saving mode, the user presses the switch 3. The switch 3 rotates counterclockwise around the axis 2120 of the inner tube 21 (refer to the direction indicated by the rotation arrow in Figure 9). The guide groove 310 on the switch 3 also rotates, hooking the ball 410 of the head 41 of the valve stem 4, forcing the valve stem 4 to move in the direction of water flow (refer to the direction indicated by the straight arrow in Figure 9). The ball catch assembly 6 on the switch 3 also moves to the corresponding positioning hole 2124a. The sealing part 42 on the valve stem 4 blocks the water supply channel 210, so that water can only flow from the water passage 45 of the valve stem 4 and flow into the water outlet channel 211 from the water inlet 440, and then into the shower body 1a. Because a water-saving plate 5 is installed at the water inlet end of the valve stem 4, the water path is restricted at this point, thereby achieving the purpose of water saving. The water-saving effect can be configured according to the different specifications of the water-saving plate 5 available. The valve stem 4 may not have a built-in constant flow water-saving plate 5; instead, it can be adjusted by designing the flow area.

[0048] As shown in Figures 10 and 11, when using the flow boosting mode, the user presses the switch 3, and the switch 3 rotates clockwise around the axis 2120 of the inner tube 21 (see the direction indicated by the rotation arrow in Figure 11). The guide groove 310 on the switch 3 also rotates, pressing down on the valve stem 4 and forcing the valve stem 4 to move against the direction of water flow (refer to the direction indicated by the straight arrow in Figure 11). The ball bearing assembly 6 on the switch 3 also rotates and moves to the corresponding positioning hole 2124b. A flow gap 2101 is formed between the sealing part 42 of the valve stem 4 and the water supply channel 210, so that water can flow into the outlet channel 211 from the flow gap 2101 on the outer periphery of the valve stem 4, and also from the water passage 45 of the valve stem 4. The two waters enter the shower body 1a and the outlet. At this time, the water-saving plate 5 on the valve stem 4 only restricts the flow of the water passage 45, and the water in the flow gap 2101 is not restricted. The two waters merge, the flow rate is greatly increased, and the pressure boosting effect is obvious.

[0049] In both water-saving and flow-boosting modes, the valve stem 4 is always subjected to a force in the direction of water pressure and flow, i.e., the water pressure on the cross-sectional area of ​​the valve stem 4. When the water pressure on the valve stem 4 in the direction of water flow is greater than the frictional force of its movement, i.e., the water pressure on the sealing part 42 is greater than its main frictional force (the main frictional force is the sum of the frictional force between the sealing part 42 and the first seal 421, the frictional force between the head 41 and the switching switch 3, the frictional force of the ball bearing assembly 6, and the rotational frictional force of the switching switch 3), the valve stem 4 will automatically return to the water-saving mode. At this time, the water-saving mode already has a considerable shower spray effect, and there is no need to switch to the flow-boosting mode.

[0050] In the description of the embodiments of this application, the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this application 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 application.

[0051] Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined with "first," "second," etc., may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of those features.

[0052] In the description of the embodiments of this application, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise expressly defined.

[0053] In the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, "connection" can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it can be the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise expressly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the meaning of the above terms in the embodiments of this application according to the circumstances.

[0054] In the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature and the second feature are in indirect contact through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0055] In the description of this application, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of this application. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the described features, structures, materials, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0056] Although embodiments of this application have been shown and described above, it is understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and should not be construed as limiting this application. Those skilled in the art can make changes, modifications, substitutions and variations to the above embodiments within the scope of this application.

Claims

1. A water supply device, comprising: The main body is equipped with a water supply channel; The water supply control mechanism includes a valve stem disposed in the water supply channel and capable of moving along the length of the water supply channel, and a switching switch installed on the main body and cooperating with the valve stem; the valve stem includes a first position state blocking the water supply channel and a second position state opening the water supply channel; the switching switch can drive the valve stem to reciprocate along the length of the water supply channel to switch between the first position state and the second position state.

2. The water supply device according to claim 1, wherein: The main body includes an outer tube and an inner tube disposed inside the outer tube and detachably installed with respect to the outer tube. The valve stem divides the inner cavity of the inner tube into a water supply channel and a water outlet channel.

3. The water supply device according to claim 2, wherein: The inner tube has an installation part, and the outer tube has a cavity to accommodate the switch and the installation part. The cavity is isolated from the water supply channel and the water outlet channel.

4. The water supply device according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein: The valve stem includes a head that is installed in conjunction with the switching switch, and a sealing part located in the water supply channel; In the first position state, the outer wall of the sealing part seals the inner wall of the water supply channel to block the water supply channel; In the second position state, a flow gap is formed between the outer wall of the sealing part and the inner wall of the water supply channel to open the water supply channel.

5. The water supply device according to claim 4, wherein: The valve stem is provided with a water passage for opening the water supply channel, and the water passage is a normally open channel. The water passage is provided with a water-saving plate to limit the water flow rate of the water passage; or, the flow area of ​​the water passage is smaller than the flow area of ​​the flow gap.

6. The water supply device according to claim 4, wherein: The outer wall of the sealing part is provided with a sealing groove, and the valve stem also includes a first sealing element installed in the sealing groove.

7. The water supply device according to claim 5, wherein: The valve stem also includes a positioning part, and the outer side wall of the positioning part is provided with a plurality of positioning ribs that slide and position with the inner wall of the water supply channel along the circumferential direction. The positioning part is also provided with an installation cavity for installing the water-saving plate.

8. The water supply device according to claim 4, wherein: The switching switch includes an operating part exposed on the outer wall of the main body, and a support column extending from the operating part into the main body; The head of the valve stem extends out of the water supply channel and is installed in conjunction with the support column. The head of the valve stem is movably and sealingly fitted with the water supply channel.

9. The water supply device according to claim 8, wherein: The valve stem has a ball at its head, and the support column includes a hollow inner cavity and a guide groove that communicates with the hollow inner cavity and allows the ball to be inserted from the end face of the support column.

10. The water supply device according to claim 8, wherein, The main body is provided with a mounting part that cooperates with the switch; The operating part is a boat-shaped button, which is connected to the mounting part through a pivot structure, so that both ends of the boat-shaped button can be pressed to achieve clockwise or counterclockwise rotation to switch positions.

11. The water supply device according to claim 8, wherein: The bottom of the mounting part is provided with a first limiting hole and a second limiting hole, and the support column is also provided with a ball-bearing assembly that cooperates with the first limiting hole and the second limiting hole for positioning; In the first position state, the ball-touching assembly is engaged with the first limiting hole for limiting; in the second position state, the ball-touching assembly is engaged with the second limiting hole for limiting.

12. A shower head, comprising: Shower head body, and water supply device as described in any one of claims 1-11 for supplying water to said shower head body.

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