EP2158972B1

EP2158972B1 - Showerhead structure having functions of temperature sensing and micro-hydro-electric power generating

Info

Publication number: EP2158972B1
Application number: EP08165525A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Chen-Kuang Tsai; Frank Merten; Shaolene Tsai
Original assignee: Tsai Chen-Kuang; Tsai Shaolene
Current assignee: MERTEN, FRANK; TSAI, CHEN-KUANG; TSAI, SHAOLENE
Priority date: 2008-08-26
Filing date: 2008-09-30
Publication date: 2012-04-11
Anticipated expiration: 2028-09-30
Also published as: TW201008540A; EP2158972A1; ATE552911T1; PL2158972T3; TWI346543B

Abstract

A the showerhead structure having functions of temperature sensing and micro-hydro-electric power generating includes a main body (1), a bearing seat (2), a power generating portion (3), an assembling seat cap (4), a circuit board (5), and a cover (6); when it comes to assembling, the power generating portion (3) is first placed in the fastening seat (21) of the bearing seat (2) making the shaft rod (3221) of the power generating portion (3) mount on the second shaft channels (212); afterwards, the fastening seat (21) is covered by the assembling seat cap (4) having the salient post (42) thereof plug in the open end of the second shaft channels (212) to secure the shaft rod (3221) mounting in the second shaft channels (212) in position, then place the whole thing into the containing space (10) of the main body (1) with the protuberant block (46) plugging in the channel seat (12) making the fastening portions (13) fasten to the corresponding lugs (41) by tightening the fastening elements (26) into the screw holes (211,411) to secure with the fastening portions (13); thereafter, the circuit board (5) is placed in and is electrically connected to the power generating portion (3) and the sensing element (47); finally, the cover (6) is covered and fastened by tightening the catching portions (62) and the catch channel (11) of the main body (1); by making use of the water-flow to drive the dynamic element (45), the showerhead structure of the invention is capable of generating electricity for making the light-emitting elements (51) illuminate, and in association with the sensing element (47) to drive the light-emitting elements (51) for illuminating different colors of light after sensing the water temperature; In this way, the showerhead structure of the invention is capable of achieving the objectives of having the functions of temperature warning and intensifying the visual effect.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates to a showerhead structure having functions of temperature sensing and micro-hydro-electric power generating, and more particularly, to a showerhead structure having functions of temperature sensing and micro-hydro-electric power generating making use of the water-flow to drive the dynamic element to generate electricity for making the light-emitting elements illuminate different colors of light to achieve the objectives of having the functions of temperature warning and intensifying the visual effect.

2. Description of the Prior Art

In general, most of the conventional showerhead structure has the design variation on the water outlet mouth making it generate various water sprays. Thereafter, due to the development of technology, the showerhead structure evolves into various massage (spa) showerheads that are capable of controlling the variation on the water flow and water pressure. However, when it comes to using the showerhead, depending on whether or not it is in normal operation, the water heater will generate different instantaneous water temperature. If the instantaneous water temperature is too high, the user is apt to be scalded with the hot water. Therefore, the idea of having the function of temperature sensing is generated.
The US patent application No. 11/980,944 (laid-open publication US 2008/0061557A1 ) and the US patent application No. 11/981,353 (laid-open publication US 2008/0061558A1 ) respectively disclose the generation of power source by making use of a micro-hydro-electric power generating device and utilizing the power source on the water quality filtering structure of water screening program. The prior art stresses mainly on the improvement of the turbine blade structure of the micro-hydro-electric power generating structure and is used on the screening program connected to the general faucet, and is not used on the water temperature sensing and warning. What is more, this idea of micro-hydro-electric power generating is a commonly seen technology.
The Taiwan's Utility Model Patent No. 95212225 "Light-effect Accessory Structure of the Showerhead" ( US patent application No. 11/469,490 , laid-open publication US 2008/0052820A1 ) discloses another case of generation of power source by making use of a micro-hydro-electric power generating device and utilizing the power source for water temperature sensing elements and a multiplicity of light-emitting elements that make use of the sensing element to sense various water temperatures to drive different colors of light-emitting elements to illuminate so as to achieve the efficacy of calling the user's attention to watch the variation of the water temperature.
The PCT (Patent Cooperation Treaty) Patent No. PCT/ KR2003/002747 "Light-emitting Device of Water-flow Feedback Driving Power Source Water Temperature Sensing" discloses further a case of generation of power source by making use of a micro-hydro-electric power generating device and utilizing the power source on the structures of water temperature sensing water faucet, and showerhead, as well as light-emitting elements for warning the variation of water temperature.
EP 1 958 700 A2 describes a shower head with luminous and multicolored water jet, lighted by means of high-intensity LEDs in different colors that are switched on in sequence, powered by an internal generator that is set in motion by the water output pressure.
EP 1 531 204 A1 describes a shower head comprising at least one light-emitting element in the area of the water being expelled. To enable an evaluation of the water temperature a device is provided which realizes a color change of the emitted light dependent from the water temperature.
WO 2007/129174 A1 and DE 20 2007 015 029 U1 describe an integrated system for hydro-thermosanitary apparatuses comprising electric current generating means, a control board, water temperature sensors and LEDs or strips of LEDs arranged near the water outlet section for indicating the dispensed water temperature according to the color with which the light of the LEDs is emitted. An acoustic-vocal indicator may also be provided.
However, the above-mentioned structures of the prior art that make use of micro-hydro-electric power generating are all different. These structures of the prior art are unable to have mass production to become formal merchandise due to the immaturity in use or in structure or owing to the bulky structure or other reasons except the Taiwan's Utility Model Patent No. 95212225 "Light-effect Accessory Structure of the Showerhead" ( US patent application No. 11/469,490 , laid-open publication US 2008/0052820A1 ).

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In light of the above-mentioned demerits of the showerhead structure of the prior art, the invention aims to ameliorate at least some of the disadvantages of the prior art or to provide a useful alternative.
The primary objective of the invention is to provide a showerhead structure having functions of temperature sensing and micro-hydro-electric power generating, by making use of the water-flow to drive the dynamic element, the showerhead structure of the invention is capable of generating electricity for making the light-emitting elements illuminate, and in association with the sensing element to drive the light-emitting elements for illuminating different colors of light after sensing the water temperature to achieve the objectives of having the functions of temperature warning and intensifying the visual effect.
To achieve the above-mentioned objective, a showerhead structure having functions of temperature sensing and micro-hydro-electric power generating of the invention including a main body, a bearing seat, a power generating portion, an assembling seat cap, a circuit board, and a cover, has the following characteristics:
The main body has a containing space furnished at the top end thereof and a catch channel recessed at the periphery of the top end thereof where the containing space has a channel seat and a plurality of fastening portions furnished therein. A handle being positioned at the other end of the main body has a water outlet channel penetrated therein. The water outlet channel has a water outlet mouth furnished near the channel seat at one end of the handle, a filter placed at the opening of the other end of the handle, as well as a washer placed within the containing space;
The bearing seat which is a seat body appeared in circular shape, has a fastening seat, which appears rectangular frame, furnished at one side thereof. The fastening seat has a multiplicity of fastening portions furnished at the periphery thereof, and each of the fastening portions has a screw hole. The fastening seat has a first shaft channel furnished on each side thereof, and these first shaft channels are opposite each other in position. In addition, the fastening seat also has at least a second shaft channel furnished on each side thereof, which is adjacent to the first shaft channel, and these second shaft channels are also opposite each other in position. A gear and a pinion are connected by having a shaft penetrated through them and are mounted on the first shaft channel with the gear positioned out of the a side of the fastening seat while the pinion positioned in between the two sides of the fastening seat. A multiplicity of fastening elements are used to screw in the screw holes of the fastening portions;
The power generating portion further includes a pair of coil seats and an electromagnetic set where each of the coil seats having a coil surround thereof has a containing chamber while each side of the coil seat has a semi-circular shaft channel. The electromagnetic set includes a magnet, a securing socket with a shaft rod, a securing cap, and a gear. The magnet has the securing socket furnished at one end and the securing cap furnished at the other end. The electromagnetic set, after being assembled, is placed in the containing chamber of the pair of the connecting seats and has its shaft rod securing on the shaft channel, and also has the gear position on the outer side thereof;
The assembling seat cap has a multiplicity of lugs, each of which has a screw hole, furnished at the periphery thereof, and a pair of salient portions furnished on each side thereof respectively, and are in opposite position each other. The assembling seat cap has a slot provided at the center thereof. The slot has a pair of triangular shaft flanges furnished at the center section of the side edges thereof and each of the shaft flanges has a penetrating shaft hole. A dynamic element having a teeth portion furnished at the periphery and blades furnished on each side thereof is mounted on the shaft flange through a rotating shaft penetrated through the shaft hole and the shaft hole at the center of the dynamic element. A sensing element is placed in a penetrating hole which is furnished on a slant surface of a protuberant block provided at the lower part of the assembling seat cap.
The circuit board has a multiplicity of light-emitting elements furnished thereon.
The cover has a multiplicity of transparent portions disposed in equal spaces and furnished on the inner side surface on the periphery thereof, and a multiplicity of catching portions at the side edge, as well as a washer for placing therein;
When it comes to assembling, the power generating portion is first placed in the fastening seat of the bearing seat making the shaft rod of the power generating portion mount on the second shaft channels. Afterwards, the fastening seat is covered by the assembling seat cap having the salient post thereof plug in the open end of the second shaft channels to secure the shaft rod mounting in the second shaft channels in position, then the whole thing is placed into the containing space of the main body with the protuberant block plugging in the channel seat making the fastening portions fasten to the corresponding lugs by tightening the fastening elements into the screw holes to secure with the fastening portions. Thereafter, the circuit board is placed in and is electrically connected to the power generating portion and the sensing element. Finally, the cover is covered and fastened by tightening the catching portions and the catch channel of the main body. By making use of the water-flow to drive the dynamic element, the showerhead structure of the invention is capable of generating electricity for making the light-emitting elements illuminate, and in association with the sensing element to drive the light-emitting elements for illuminating different colors of light after sensing the water temperature. In this way, the showerhead structure of the invention is capable of achieving the objectives of having the functions of temperature warning and intensifying the visual effect.
The accomplishment of this and other objectives of the invention will become apparent from the following description and its accompanying drawings of which:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1: is a front outward appearance of the preferred embodiment of the showerhead structure of the invention;
FIG. 2: is an exploded view of the preferred embodiment of the showerhead structure of the invention;
FIG. 3: is a cross-sectional side view of the showerhead structure of the invention;
FIG. 4: is a rear outward appearance of the showerhead structure of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

FIG. 1 is a front outward appearance of the preferred embodiment of the showerhead structure of the invention; FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the preferred embodiment of the showerhead structure of the invention; FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional side view of the showerhead structure of the invention. As shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 2, and FIG. 3, the showerhead structure of the invention includes a main body (1), a bearing seat (2), a power generating portion (3), an assembling seat cap (4), a circuit board (5), and a cover (6).
Among them, the main body (1) has a containing space (10) furnished at the top end thereof and a catch channel (11) recessed at the periphery of the top end thereof. The containing space (10) has a channel seat (12) and a plurality of fastening portions (13) furnished therein. A handle (14) being positioned at the other end of the main body (1) has a water outlet channel (141) penetrated therein. The water outlet channel (141) has a water outlet mouth (142) furnished near the channel seat (12) at one end of the handle (14), a filter (15) placed at the opening of the other end of the handle (14), as well as a washer (16) placed within the containing space (10).
The bearing seat (2), which is a seat body appeared in circular shape, has a fastening seat (21), which appears rectangular frame, furnished at one side thereof. The fastening seat (21) has a multiplicity of fastening portions (22) furnished at the periphery thereof, and each of the fastening portions (22) has a screw hole (221). The fastening seat (21) has a first shaft channel (211) furnished on each side thereof, and these first shaft channels (211) are opposite each other in position. Moreover, the fastening seat (21) also has at least a second shaft channel (212) furnished on each side thereof, which is adjacent to the first shaft channel (211), and these second shaft channels (212) are also opposite each other in position. A gear (24) and a pinion (25) are connected by having a shaft (23) penetrating through them and are mounted on the first shaft channel (211) with the gear (24) positioned out of the a side of the fastening seat (21) while the pinion (25) positioned in between the two sides of the fastening seat (21). What is more, a multiplicity of fastening elements (26) are used to screw in the screw holes (221) of the fastening portions (22).
The power generating portion (3) consists of a pair of coil seats (31) and an electromagnetic set (32). Each of the coil seats (31) having a coil (not shown in the Figure) surround thereof has a containing chamber (310) while each side of the coil seat (31) has a semi-circular shaft channel (311). The electromagnetic set (32) includes a magnet (321), a securing socket (322) with a shaft rod (3221), a securing cap (323), and a gear (324). The magnet (321) has the securing socket (322) furnished at one end and the securing cap (323) furnished at the other end. The electromagnetic set (32), after being assembled, is placed in the containing chamber (310) of the pair of the connecting seats (21) and has its shaft rod (3221) securing on the shaft channel (311), and also has the gear (324) position on the outer side thereof.
The assembling seat cap (4) has a multiplicity of lugs (41), each of which has a screw hole (411), furnished at the periphery thereof, and a pair of salient portions (42) furnished on each side thereof respectively and in opposite position each other. Moreover, the assembling seat cap, (4) has a slot (40) provided at the center thereof. The slot (40) has a pair of triangular shaft flanges (43) furnished at the center section of the side edges thereof. Each of the shaft flanges (43) has a penetrating shaft hole (431). A dynamic element (45) having a teeth portion (451) furnished at the periphery and blades (452) furnished on each side thereof is mounted on the shaft flange (43) through a rotating shaft (44) penetrating through the shaft hole (431) and the shaft hole at the center of the dynamic element (45). A sensing element (47) is placed in a penetrating hole (461) which is furnished on an slant surface of a protuberant block (46) provided at the lower part of the assembling seat cap (4).
The circuit board (5) has a multiplicity of light-emitting elements (51) furnished thereon, and the light-emitting elements (51) are light-emitting diodes (LEDs).
The cover (6) has a multiplicity of transparent portions (61) disposed in equal spaces and furnished on the inner side surface on the periphery thereof, and has a multiplicity of catching portions (62) at the side edge, as well as a washer (63) for placing therein.
When it comes to assembling, the power generating portion (3) is first placed in the fastening seat (21) of the bearing seat (2) making the shaft rod (3221) of the power generating portion (3) mount on the second shaft channels (212). Afterwards, the fastening seat (21) is covered by the assembling seat cap (4) having the salient post (42) thereof plug in the open end of the second shaft channels (212) to secure the shaft rod (3221) mounting in the second shaft channels (212) in position, then place the whole thing into the containing space (10) of the main body (1) with the protuberant block (46) plugging in the channel seat (12) making the fastening portions (13) fasten to the corresponding lugs (41) by tightening the fastening elements (26) into the screw holes (221), (411) to secure with the fastening portions (13). Thereafter, the circuit board (5) is placed in and is electrically connected to the power generating portion (3) and the sensing element (47). Finally, the cover (6) is covered and fastened by tightening the catching portions (62) and the catch channel (11) of the main body (1).
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional side view of the showerhead structure of the invention while FIG. 4 is a rear outward appearance of the showerhead structure of the invention. As shown in FIG. 3, and FIG. 4, when the showerhead structure having functions of temperature sensing and micro-hydro-electric power generating of the invention is in service, water-flow passes the water outlet channel (141) through the filter (15) of the main body (1) and flows in the containing space (10) via the water outlet mouth (142). The sensing element (47) senses the water temperature to gain the signal that is transmitted to the circuit board (5). Moreover, the water flows through the blades (452) to make the dynamic element (45) rotate, and sequentially causes a series of gear train starting from the teeth portion (451), the pinion (25) on the bearing seat (2), to the gear (24), (324) resulting in the rotation of the electromagnetic set (32). Consequently, the magnet (321) in the electromagnetic set (32) and the coil surrounding the coil seat (31) generate electric power to provide the circuit board (5) with electricity which in sequence causing the light-emitting elements (51) to illuminate which is capable of being observed through the transparent portions (61) of the cover (6). Therefore, by making use of the water-flow to drive the dynamic element (45), the showerhead structure of the invention is capable of generating electricity for making the light-emitting elements (51) illuminate, and in association with the sensing element (47) to drive the light-emitting elements (51) for illuminating different colors of light after sensing the water temperature. If the water flowing in having the temperature less than 35°C,the light-emitting elements (51) will generate blue color, if the water flowing in having the temperature in the range of 35°C∼ 45°C, the light-emitting elements (51) will generate yellow color, and if the water flowing in having the temperature greater than 45°C,the light-emitting elements (51) will generate red color. In this way, the showerhead structure of the invention is capable of achieving the objectives of having the functions of temperature warning and intensifying the visual effect.
It will become apparent to those people skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the structure of the invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. In view of the foregoing description, it is intended that all the modifications and variation fall within the scope of the following appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

A showerhead structure having functions of temperature sensing and micro-hydro-electric power generating comprising:
(a) a main body (1) having a containing space (10) furnished at the top end thereof and a catch channel (11) recessed at the periphery of the top end thereof where the containing space (10) has a channel seat (12) and a plurality of fastening portions (13) furnished therein; a handle (14) being positioned at the other end of the main body (1) has a water outlet channel (141) penetrated therein; the water outlet channel (141) has a water outlet mouth (142) furnished near the channel seat (12) at one end of the handle (14), a filter (15) placed at the opening of the other end of the handle (14), as well as a washer (16) placed within the containing space (10);

(b) a bearing seat (2) which is a seat body appeared .in circular shape, has a fastening seat (21), which appears rectangular frame, furnished at one side thereof; the fastening seat (21) has a multiplicity of fastening portions (22) furnished at the periphery thereof, and each of the fastening portions (22) has a screw hole (221); the fastening seat (21) has a first shaft channel (211) furnished on each side thereof, and these first shaft channels (211) are opposite each other in position; the fastening seat (21) also has at least a second shaft channel (212) furnished on each side thereof, which is adjacent to the first shaft channel (211), and these second shaft channels (212) are also opposite each other in position; a gear (24) and a pinion (25) are connected by having a shaft (23) penetrating through them and are mounted on the first shaft channel (211) with the gear (24) positioned out of a side of the fastening seat (21) while the pinion (25) positioned in between the two sides of the fastening seat (21); a multiplicity of fastening elements (26) are used to screw in the screw holes (221) of the fastening portions (22);

(c) a power generating portion (3) further comprising a pair of coil seats (31) and an electromagnetic set (32); each of the coil seats (31) having a coil surround thereof has a containing chamber (310) while each side of the coil seat (31) has a semi-circular shaft channel (311); the electromagnetic set (32) including a magnet (321), a securing socket (322) with a shaft rod (3221), a securing cap (323), and a gear (324); the magnet (321) having the securing socket (322) furnished at one end and the securing cap (323) furnished at the other end; the electromagnetic set (32), after being assembled, being placed in the containing chamber (310) of the pair of the connecting seats and having its shaft rod (3221) securing on the shaft channel (311), and also having the gear position on the outer side thereof;

(d) an assembling seat cap (4) having a multiplicity of lugs (41), each of which has a screw hole (411), furnished at the periphery thereof, and a pair of salient portions (42) furnished on each side thereof respectively and being in opposite position each other; the assembling seat cap (4), having a slot (40) provided at the center thereof; the slot (40) having a pair of triangular shaft flanges (43) furnished at the center section of the side edges thereof; each of the shaft flanges (43) having a penetrating shaft hole (431); a dynamic element (45) having a teeth portion (451) furnished at the periphery and blades (452) furnished on each side thereof is mounted on the shaft flange (43) through a rotating shaft (44) penetrating through the shaft hole (431) and the shaft hole at the center of the dynamic element(45); a sensing element (47) is placed in a penetrating hole. (461) which is furnished on an slant surface of a protuberant block (46) provided at the lower part of the assembling seat cap (4);

(e) a circuit board (5) having a multiplicity of light-emitting elements (51) furnished thereon; and

(f) a cover (6) having a multiplicity of transparent portions (61) disposed in equal spaces and furnished on the inner side surface on the periphery thereof, and a multiplicity of catching portions (62) at the side edge, as well as a washer (63) for placing therein;
wherein, when it comes to assembling, the power generating portion (3) is first placed in the fastening seat (21) of the bearing seat (2) making the shaft rod (3221) of the power generating portion (3) mount on the second shaft channels (212), afterwards, the fastening seat (21) is covered by the assembling seat cap (4) having the salient portion portion thereof plug in the open end of the second shaft channels (212) to secure the shaft rod (3221) mounting in the second shaft channels (212) in position, then place the whole thing into the containing space (10) of the main body (1) with the protuberant block (46) plugging in the channel seat (12) making the fastening portions (22) fasten to the corresponding lugs (41) by tightening the fastening elements (26) into the screw holes (221), to secure with the fastening portions (22); thereafter, the circuit board (5) is placed in and is electrically connected to the power generating portion (3) and the sensing element (47); finally, the cover (6) is covered and fastened by tightening the catching portions (62) and the catch channel (11) of the main body (1).
The showerhead structure having functions of temperature sensing and micro-hydro-electric power generating as claimed in claim 1, wherein the light-emitting elements- (51) are light-emitting diodes (LEDs).
The showerhead structure having functions of temperature sensing and micro-hydro-electric power generating as claimed in claim 1, wherein if the water flowing in having the temperature less than 35°C,the light-emitting elements (51) will generate blue color.
The showerhead structure having functions of temperature sensing and micro-hydro-electric power generating as claimed in claim 1, wherein if the water flowing in having the temperature in the range of 35°C∼ 45°C, the light-emitting elements (51) will generate yellow color.
The showerhead structure having functions of temperature sensing and micro-hydro-electric power generating as claimed in claim 1, wherein if the water flowing in having the temperature greater than 45°C, the light-emitting elements (51) will generate red color.