JP2000312654A - Shower head engine assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a shower head engine assembly having the various combination of continuous pulsing play. SOLUTION: This device is provided with a spinner 30, a stator 20, a pressure plate 60 and a face plate 80, capable of stably holding a shower head and equipped with a means for generating a non-pulsing non-deflected spray pattern when the spinner stops and the face plate is oriented at a first position in respect to the pressure plate, a means for generating a non-pulsing deflected spray pattern when the spinner stops and the face plate is oriented at a second position in respect to the pressure plate, a means for generating a pulsing non- deflected spray pattern when the spinner spins and the face plate is oriented at a third position in respect to the pressure plate and a means for generating a pulsing deflected spray pattern when the spinner spins and the face plate is oriented at a fourth position in respect to the pressure plate.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of US Provisional Application No. 60 / 128,289, filed April 8, 1999.

[0002]

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a shower head
The present invention relates to engine assemblies and water aerators, and more particularly to showerhead engine assemblies having various combinations of continuous and pulsating sprays.

[0003]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In the prior art, a number of showerhead assemblies that operate in a multi-function mode are known. These assemblies provide a fixed spray pattern in combination with the massage action produced by pulsating or rapidly swirling the water through the shower head. Each system includes: (1) A selector disk that is detachably and rotatably mounted in a selector housing. The disc selector has an inlet end facing the inlet end of the selector housing and an outlet end facing the inlet end of the disc selector. The shower head includes a selector face mounted inside the selector housing and a diffuser plate mounted inside the selector housing. (2) A variety of forms of output, including a large diameter, bubble-rich set of streams at high water pressure, a small diameter, bubble-filled set of streams at low water pressure, or a spray instead of a bubble-containing stream. Showerhead assembly that allows for flow selection. (3) A showering system that receives supply from a source of hot water that produces steam. A selectively controlled switch is positioned within the conduit to deflect water arriving from the source far from the showerhead and through an outlet in a mist. The showerhead includes a nozzle driven turbine. The holes in the flow director plate are dominated by the control plate,
A predetermined nozzle is supplied to change the power of the water to be sent. The power of the water depends on the number of open nozzles.

[0004] These systems require the sealing of complex internal components to each other, are relatively expensive to manufacture, and completely leak during use due to the complexity of the components. It often does not work to prevent it. Furthermore, the showerhead outlet is obstructed by impurities, which makes the spray pattern clutter.

[0005]

What is needed is a watering system that overcomes the deficiencies of the prior art, ie, is economical to manufacture, durable in use, and effective over a wide hydraulic range. And energy-efficient conventional showerhead engines that can be selected from conventional continuous spray, aerated spray, pulsating spray, and some combinations of these sprays.
A watering system that provides better spray characteristics than the assembly.

[0006] What is needed is a component that has components that are interchangeable with other assemblies, the number of components is minimal, the interchangeability reduces the number of spare parts required for repair, and the assembly is jet sprayed. A convenient showerhead engine assembly that allows for various combinations of spray patterns, including aeration, deflecting spray, pulsating jet spray, and pulsating deflecting spray, while at the same time self-cleaning.

[0007]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION These needs are addressed by a preferred embodiment of the showerhead engine assembly of the present invention. Here, the showerhead is coupled to the shower fluid supply via an inlet tube and produces a spray by altering the fluid pattern,
It refers to a device that includes (1) a standard showerhead, (2) a pulsating showerhead, and (3) an energy-saving aerated showerhead.

A first preferred embodiment of the showerhead engine assembly of the present invention comprises five plastic parts and an O-ring seal, the parts being a stator, a spinner, an engager, a pressure plate, and a faceplate. Yes, fluid flow is allowed through openings located in the pressure plate and faceplate. Various flow patterns are enabled by the deflection surface on the faceplate.
Spinner rotation depends on the particular spray pattern selected. The stator includes a pair of stop flanges that engage and disengage with the spinner. When the spinner disengages and becomes rotatable, fluid flow through the spinner passage causes rotation of the spinner, creating a vortex. When the spinner is free to rotate, the combination of the spinner, stator, and pressure plate produces pulsation.

[0009] The spray pattern is formed outside the pressure chamber. Spray selection occurs on multiple sides, between the pressure plate and faceplate, and spray selection occurs on water at atmospheric pressure. spray·
The pattern is generated by a deflecting surface located on the faceplate. The four basic spray patterns are:
(1) non-pulsating uninterrupted flow when the spinner is stationary,
(2) non-pulsating deflected flow with the spinner also stationary,
(3) pulsating uninterrupted flow while the spinner is rotating, and (4) pulsating deflected flow while the spinner is rotating.

In a second preferred embodiment of the showerhead engine assembly of the present invention, the engine assembly has only a pressure plate and a faceplate and is pulseless. If the alignment is not proper, the flow of water will be messy, so it is preferable to incorporate an alignment mechanism into the pressure plate and the face plate. Also, a detent mechanism can be used.
The face plate is the same as the face plate of the first preferred embodiment. Two spray patterns,
That is, (1) non-pulsating, uninterrupted flow and (2) non-pulsating, deflected flow can be used.

The pressure chamber located between the stator and the pressure plate in the showerhead engine assembly must be sealed from the spray selection chamber. In contrast to conventional showerhead engine assemblies that require a high pressure seal to provide the required sealing, the showerhead engine assembly of the present invention only requires sealing the pressure chamber from the spray selection chamber. I need.

In still another embodiment, first and second
Preferred embodiments that include a self-cleaning action, similar to the preferred embodiment of Six self-cleaning pins are placed perpendicular to the plane of the spring wire. A circular spring fits into a circular slot in the pressure plate. The six orifice holes of the pressure plate each form a cluster of holes located around a central opening. A pin fits within each central opening. As the relative position of the faceplate rotates around the pressure plate spring combination as the spray selection is made, the edges of the faceplate cause the pins to move axially back and forth within the central opening, creating a self-cleaning effect. The pin translates in the hole by the action of the rotation of the shower faceplate itself, resulting in a self-cleaning action.

The advantages of the showerhead engine assembly of the present invention are many. Its advantages are that the spray pattern is formed outside the pressure chamber, the number of components is dramatically reduced, the number of components is always less, the assembly time is improved,
Costs are reduced and repairs are simplified. The showerhead engine assembly of the present invention also provides a hybrid of the spray pattern and a showerhead engine that provides a variety of spray patterns with interchangeable components.
A family of engine assemblies is created. Other shapes and sizes of orifices on the faceplate allow for the selection of different spray patterns with different spray characteristics. Rotation and realignment of the faceplate with respect to the pressure plate changes the number of orifice configurations and spray selection options.

For a more comprehensive understanding of the showerhead engine assembly of the present invention, reference is made to the following detailed description and accompanying drawings which illustrate the presently preferred embodiment of the invention. It is to be understood that the drawings are merely illustrative and explanatory and do not define the limitations of the invention, as the invention may be embodied in many forms without departing from its spirit and essential characteristics. Absent.

[0015]

Referring to the drawings, FIG. 1 is an assembly drawing of a preferred embodiment of a hand-held embodiment of a showerhead engine assembly 10A of the present invention. FIG.
A, 7B, 8A, 8B, and 8C show yet another view of the handheld showerhead shell and casing 15A. The showerhead engine assembly 10 of the present invention includes a stator 20, a spinner 30, an engager 40, an O-ring 50, a pressure plate 60, and a face plate 80.

High pressure water is applied to the back end of the showerhead shell of the present invention at about 20 to 80 psi (1401.4.
56245.6kg / m ² 80psi (562 between)
45.6 kg / m ² ) Maximum flow rate 2.5 gallon (9.4)
63575 liters) every minute. The water
Rushes into the spinner 30 through the pressure plate 6
0, and is discharged through the face plate 80.
Spinner 30, O-ring 50, and engager 40
Is inserted into the pressure plate 60. Stator 20 is snap-fit to pressure plate 60 and face plate 80 is snap-fit to the engager. A substantially conventional hand-held shell 15A is used.

FIGS. 2A and 2B show the downstream and upstream surfaces of stator 20, spinner 30, and engager 40, respectively. Water is tangentially directed through four equally spaced passages 22 located around the stator 20 in the showerhead engine assembly 1 of the present invention.
Enter 0. This tangential flow creates a vortex in the pressure chamber within the showerhead engine assembly, causing spinner 30 to rotate.

The stator 20 is a flat, circular disk. The stator 20 has a centrally located stator hub 21 with an orifice 2 located in the center of the hub.
4 through the shaft of the engager 40. The stator 20 has eight spokes, and the spokes 23 are arranged at equal intervals and symmetrically around the stator hub 21. The spokes 23 extend from the stator hub 21 to the periphery of the stator 20. The four stator passages 22 are arranged at every other spoke in the middle part near the end of each spoke 23. The stator peripheral passage 22 is defined by and formed between the flag-shaped ridges of the substantially flat surface of the stator 20, with the stator 20 tapering rearward toward the shell 15A. A pair of flanges 26 abut against two opposing stator peripheral passages 22 and extend perpendicular to the plane of the stator 20. Flange 26 extends from surface 20A upstream of the stator and engages the inner surface of shell 15A. The stator 20 is thereby fixed relative to the shell 15, thereby preventing rotational movement of the stator 20 as pressurized water enters the showerhead assembly and the showerhead engine assembly 10 of the present invention. Stator 20 is equipped with all spray
While the pattern is selected, it remains engaged and held by the shell. Stator 20 also includes a pair of stop ribs 28 extending from stator downstream surface 20A.
The stop rib 28 serves to engage the spinner 30 and prevents the spinner from rotating when the spinner 30 is positioned on the shaft toward the stator 20 facing upstream. Stator ribs 28 are positioned so that pads 37 do not impede flow through stator peripheral passages 22 when rotation of spinner 30 is restricted.

The spinner 30 has a circular shape and includes a spinner hub 32 disposed at the center thereof, and an opening 33 is disposed at the center of the spinner hub 32. Spinner hub 3
2 has a generally tubular extension 35 projecting outward from the spinner 30 and extending toward the stator 20. This tubular extension 35 fits inside the stator hub 25. Spinner 3
0 preferably has twelve blades 34 extending from the spinner hub 32 around the spinner and positioned symmetrically and at equal intervals. The blades 34 extend in the axial direction and are positioned so that when the spinner 30 is released from the stator 20, the water entering through the stator passages 22 causes the blades 34 to propel and produce a high speed rotation effect. The blades 34 are substantially radial apart from simulating a helical shape slightly offset from the spinner center. This helical shape increases rotation. Two arcuate pads 3 facing each other
7 extend along the periphery of the spinner 30, and each pad 37 is joined to three blades 34 respectively. Blade 34
Are not fixed at once.

When the spinner 30 is rotating, pressurized water hits the pad 37 and shuts off the flow of water. When the pressurized water does not hit the pad 37, the flow continues. The pulsation effect occurs due to the continuation of the interrupted flow and the uninterrupted flow. The two pads 37 block the flow of water through the showerhead engine assembly 10 of the present invention, thereby causing the jet to have different velocities and thereby create a "massage" effect. Pad 3
7 is configured such that when the spinner 30 engages the stator 20, the spinner is stationary and the pad 37 is not in the path of the water flow, so that all flow is substantially continuous. By increasing or decreasing the number of blades 34 covered by each pad 37, another pulsation pattern is created.

As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the engager 40 includes a shaft member 42. The upstream surface 40A of the engager has a central portion forming a central chamber. Centrally located and extending upstream is a shaft 42. Axis 4
2 has a thick inner portion 42A for engaging and fitting with the spinner hub 32, and a thin outer portion 42B for engaging and fitting with the stator hub 21. Shoulder 4
4 is disposed between the shaft inner portion 42A and the outer portion 42B.
The shoulder 44 prevents axial movement of the spinner 30. The spinner 30 moves axially together with the engager 40 on the shaft inner portion 42A. The stator 20 includes the shell 1
Fixed to 5A.

The spinner 30 is seated on a thick inner portion of the engager shaft 42, and the stator 20 is mounted on the engager shaft 42.
Seated on the thin outer portion 42A. In order to minimize the bearing surface of the spinner 30 with respect to the engager 40, the central passage 31 extends through the spinner 30 and slopes inward, preferably to the upstream edge, so that the friction surface between the engager shaft 42 and the spinner 30 Is reduced.

The outer periphery of the engager 40 is defined by a ring 48 surrounding the central portion 45 of the engager. The ring body 48 is fixed to the central part 45 of the engager by three radial spokes 46, and the engager radial spokes 46 are arranged at equal intervals around the engager 40. The inner half of each spoke 46 is about three times as thick as its outer half to provide strength. Engagement spoke 4
6 divides the perimeter of the engager into three outer portions 47, each peripheral portion 47 having an arc-shaped segment of about 120 degrees. Each peripheral portion 47 has a convex portion 50 arranged at the center thereof, and the convex portion 50 is smaller than the size of the 45-degree portion of each peripheral portion 47. The convex portion 50 is formed by the engager 40
To enhance the engagement of the engager 40 with the pressure plate 60.

A recess 52 and an intermediate chamber 56 are located in the center of the surface 40B downstream of the engager. Three equally spaced ribs 54 extend radially between an inner tubular wall 53 defining a central recess 52 and an outer tubular wall 55 surrounding an intermediate chamber 56. The rib 54 divides the intermediate chamber 56 into three parts, each of which is about 120
It has a degree arcuate segment. Each portion is aligned with three peripheral portions 47 of the engager 40.

The engager 40 sits within the pressure plate 60, but the engager 40 moves axially within the pressure plate 60 with the face plate 80, and the face plate 80 moves axially by manual selection of the spray pattern. I do. Engager 40
Is displaced toward the axial shell 15A, the spinner 30 is forcedly engaged with a pair of opposing stop ribs 28 located on two opposing blades 34 of the stator 20. This engagement locks the spinner 30 with respect to the stator 20. When the engager 40 moves axially downstream together with the face plate 80, the spinner 3
0 is also the engagement axis 4 on the axial face plate 80 side.
2 to release the spinner 30 from the stator 20. As a result, the high-pressure water is supplied to the blade 34 of the spinner 30.
Pass between them, producing a high-speed rotation effect.

The axial force is applied to the O-ring 5 which seals the engager shaft 45A inside the bore of the pressure plate 60.
Controlled by a size of 0. The size of the O-ring 50 and the shaft is determined by the size required to transmit torque between the face plate 80 and the engager shaft 45A.

FIG. 4A shows the surface 6 upstream of the pressure plate.
FIG. 4B shows the surface 6 downstream of the pressure plate.
0B is indicated. Surface 60A upstream of the pressure plate cooperatively engages surface 40B downstream of the engager, and surface 60B downstream of the pressure plate cooperatively engages surface 80A upstream of the face plate.

The pressure plate 60 includes a central opening 64 that receives the outer tubular tubular wall 55. The wall 65 defining the central opening 64 of the surface 60A upstream of the pressure plate is provided with inward and outward ramps. The inner portion of the surface 60A upstream of the pressure plate is surrounded by a concentric cylindrical wall 66. Concentric wall 66 surrounds engager ring 48 during engagement.

A ramp is provided in the opening wall 65, and the upwardly inclined segment 61A, the flat top segment 61B,
It has three downwardly inclined segments 61C and three flat bottom segments 61D. The length and inclination of the upwardly inclined segment 61A are the downwardly inclined segment 61.
Same for C length and slope. Flat top segment 6
The length of 1B is the same as the length of the flat bottom segment 61D. The ramp 61 on the opening wall 65 divides the opening wall into six equal parts. As the engager 40 moves axially and rotationally with the faceplate 80, the ramp 61 is cooperatively engaged with the peripheral portion 47 of the engager. When the engager 40 is positioned forward, the engager spokes 46 are aligned with the flat bottom segment 61D, and the ramp 61 is opened with the engager peripheral portion 47 open.
Fit inside. Engager 40 has shell 15A at the rear
When moving to the side, the ramps 61 align with the engager spokes 46 separating the engager peripheral portions 47 from each other.

The middle part of the pressure plate 60 is 12
Is divided into pie-shaped parts. The alternating portions include clusters 72 of jet orifices 73 that pass through the pressure plate 60. Jet orifice 73
Has a box-type configuration. The clusters 72 of the jet orifices 71 are located at alternately arranged portions. The openings are arranged in two groups of two, the upper group being aligned with the lower group and being arranged above the lower group. There are no jet orifices elsewhere in the alternation. The outer portion of the surface 60A upstream of the pressure plate includes a peripherally disposed recess 68, which is provided with two annular flanges 67.
And 69 for cooperative engagement with the handheld showerhead shell 15A.

The hub 62B of the surface 60B downstream of the pressure plate includes another series of three ramps 71 that cooperably engage with the three ramps 81 of the face 80A upstream of the faceplate. Surface 6 downstream of pressure plate
Each lamp 71 of 0B is the surface 6 upstream of the pressure plate.
It is out of phase with the 0A lamp 61 and is aligned with the lamp 61. The top 71B of each downstream ramp 61 is aligned with a ramp spacing 61D located on a surface 60A upstream of the pressure plate. The ramp 71 on the face 60B downstream of the pressure plate has the same shape and configuration as the ramp 81 on the face 80A upstream of the faceplate, as described below. Hub 62 of pressure plate 60
B and hub 82 on face 80A upstream of the faceplate
Are divided into six equal parts, each of which comprises alternating lamps (71 or 81). The lengths of the top and bottom ramp portions of the engager 40, the pressure plate 60, and the face plate 80 are shown in FIG.
B, 4A, 4B, and 5A, the faceplate 80 and the engager 40 are dimensioned so that they can move freely to the appropriate axial position together. The relative position of ramps 71 and 81 during manual selection of the spray pattern causes faceplate 80 to move axially relative to pressure plate 60. Also,
Each ramp 71 and 81 has an upward slope 71A and 81A,
And downward slopes 71C and 71C. Each climbing slope 7
The lengths of 1A and 81A are the same as and opposite to the slopes of the opposing slopes 71C and 81C. Surface 60B downstream of the pressure plate also includes a cylindrical flange that receives faceplate 80.

The central opening 64 of the pressure plate 60
Is surrounded by an annular sleeve 68. A plurality of platforms 43 are arranged in an arc around the annular sleeve 68. The surface 60A upstream of the pressure plate includes a recess 68 disposed between the outer perimeter 67 and the outer rim 69 as shown in FIG. 4A. The recess 68 stably holds the pressure plate 60 to the showerhead shell 15. Pressure plate 60
Includes a circular lip 70 extending from surface 60B downstream of the pressure plate. The lip 70 is connected to the central passage 63
And accommodates the face plate 80.

The face plate 80 is generally cylindrical and has an upstream face 80A as shown in FIG.
And a generally planar downstream surface 80B as shown in FIG. The faceplate upstream surface 80A includes a medium shaft 84 extending toward the upstream showerhead shell 15A. The middle shaft 84 of the faceplate 80 fits within the central portion of the engager 40. Surrounding the middle shaft is a cylindrical wall having three cuts 85. Each cut 85 is equally spaced and extends from the flat faceplate upstream surface 80A to the end of the cylindrical wall. The notch 85 meshes with the engager rib 54 on the surface 40B downstream of the engager. The central portion of face 80A upstream of the face plate includes three ramps 81 that cooperately engage with ramps 71 of face 60B downstream of the pressure plate, as previously described.

The outer portion of the face 80A downstream of the faceplate includes twelve passages 92 of the same size and shape, each passage 92 being symmetrically spaced along a common circumference about the middle shaft. The inner six passages 92A are hollow and unobstructed non-deflection flow passages. Passages 92B lined up alternately
Is divided into four equal quadrants by each pair of crossover portions 93. The outer peripheral portion of the face 80 </ b> A upstream of the face plate is a cylindrical flange 88 held in the pressure plate 60. Surface 80B downstream of the face plate
Is a convex bubble-shaped deflector surface 98 covering the passage 92B.
It is. The deflected flow occurs when the bubble-shaped deflector surface 98 is aligned with the jet orifice cluster 72 of the pressure plate 60. Undeflected flow occurs when the undeflected outlet passage 92A is aligned with the cluster 72 of jet orifices in the pressure plate 60. The spray pattern selector 99 extends radially outward and then extends rearward from around the faceplate 80. The spray pattern selector 99 ensures a grip that changes the position of the faceplate 80 with respect to the shell 15 and allows the selection of a spray pattern. Since the jet is incident on the face plate 80 only through the bubble-shaped deflector surface 98, the face plate 80 need only be snap-fitted to the engager shaft 42 with a low force.

The spacing 81D between the lamps is sufficient for the lamps on the opposite side to fit between the lamps during spray pattern selection. By lamp
(A) The face plate 80 and the engager 40 can move in the axial direction with respect to the pressure plate 60,
(B) The spinner 30 can be moved in the axial direction with respect to the stator 20 to engage and disengage with the spinner 30 alternately. The incoming spray is applied to the bubble-shaped deflector surface 98 of the face plate 80 and the non-deflecting passage 9.
Alternating via 2A and spinners 30 are alternately engaged and disengaged, so that four distinct spray patterns are available.

The pressure chamber is the area between surface 60A upstream of the pressure plate and shell 15A. The spray selection chamber is located on the surface 60 downstream of the pressure plate.
B and the surface 80A upstream of the face plate.
Water is applied to the stator 20 at 12 and 18 psi (8436.8).
4 and 12655.26 kg / m ² ) and spinner 30 at 7 and 14 psi (4921.49 and 98842.
98 kg / m ² ) and water leaves pressure plate 60 at atmospheric pressure. The engager 40 acts as an adapter that cooperatively engages the pressure chamber with the spray selection chamber. An O-ring 50 is disposed on the face 40B downstream of the engager and seals between the pressure chamber and the spray selection chamber.

The pressure plate 60 is fixed to the shell and does not move relative to the shell in either an axial or rotational position. Similarly, the stator 20 engages the pressure plate 60 and does not move axially or rotationally with respect to the shell. Faceplate 80 rotates relative to the shell during manual selection of the spray pattern. The face plate 80 rotates relative to the pressure plate 60 during the selection of the spray pattern and the face plate 8
0 moves axially inward and outward, and one complete rotation includes six inward positions and six outward positions. The face plate 80 moves axially by alternate position selection, and the pattern is A, A, B,
B, A, A, B, B, A, A, B, and B. All the clusters of holes in the pressure plate 60 are aligned with either the bubble-shaped deflector surfaces or the passages located between the bubble-shaped deflector surfaces to provide different spray patterns.

The preferred embodiment of the showerhead engine assembly of the present invention shown in FIGS. 1-8 includes two pulsating positions and two non-pulsating positions. Since the faceplate 80 is radially divided into twelve equal parts, the spray selection pattern is
Is repeated three times during the complete rotation.

As the spray pattern selector 99 is turned to select a spray pattern, the axial position of the spinner 30 moves in the front-rear direction with respect to the stator 20 as described above.

The peripheral portion 47 of the engager is pressure
When aligned with plate ramp 61, ramp 61 fits into peripheral portion 47, engager 40 moves forward with respect to pressure plate 60, and spinner 30 moves forward with respect to stator 20. The forward movement of the spinner 30 with respect to the stator 20 causes the spinner 30 to move forward.
Is released from engagement with the stator stop rib 28. When the jet orifice 73 of the pressure plate 60 aligns with the non-deflecting passage 92A of the face plate 80,
The water jets continue in a straight, narrow (unbiased) spray pattern. Face plate 80 with shell 15A
, The bubble-shaped deflector surface 98 aligns with the jet orifice 73.
At this time, the water jet is deflected into a wide spray pattern. During rotation of the spinner 30, the stator peripheral passage 22
Pressurized water entering through is stopped from exiting the jet orifice 73 of the pressure plate 60 by the opposing pad 37. The rotation of the spinner 30 enables a deflection pulsation mode and a non-deflection pulsation mode.

For use in the non-pulsating mode, the face plate 80 is rotated again. The ramp 61 on the surface 60 </ b> A upstream of the pressure plate is aligned with the engager spoke 46. As a result, the engager 40 moves backward, and the spinner 30 comes into contact with the stator stopper rib 28. By this engagement, the spinner 30 is blocked, and the jet of water is directed to the showerhead engine
The assembly 10 can exit in a continuous, uninterrupted spray pattern. Pressure plate 60
Jet orifice 73 is aligned with the non-deflecting passage 92A of the faceplate 80, the jet of water continues in a straight, narrow (non-deflecting) spray pattern. By continuing to rotate faceplate 80 relative to shell 15A, bubble-shaped deflector surface 98 aligns with jet orifice 73. At this time, the jet of water is relatively constant in velocity and deflects into a wide spray pattern. Also in this case, accurate alignment is ensured by the detent effect of the engager 40 snap-fitted to the face plate 80 on the pressure plate 60.

The number of seals in the showerhead engine assembly of the present invention is independent of the number of spray patterns. Fewer seals result in less sealing surface. The pressure range in the showerhead engine assembly of the present invention is unique in that the hydraulic pressure of the water leaving the pressure plate 60 is substantially atmospheric.

FIG. 9 shows an assembly view of a second preferred embodiment of the showerhead engine assembly 10B of the present invention. Showerhead engine assembly 10
B is a fixed unit attached to the shell 15B. This showerhead engine assembly comprises the stator 20, spinner 30, engager 40, O-ring 50, pressure plate 6 of the first preferred embodiment of the showerhead engine assembly of FIG.
0, and the same stator 20 as the face plate 80,
The apparatus includes a spinner 30, an engager 40, an O-ring 50, a pressure plate 60, and a face plate 80. Shell 15B is substantially the same as a conventional shell for a fixed showerhead assembly. FIG. 10A
Shows a side view of the showerhead shell and casing of FIG. 9, and FIG. 10B shows a front cross-sectional view of the showerhead engine assembly of FIG. 10A.

The shell 15B has a pressure plate 6
0 is the part of the permanent mounting mechanism that is welded to the shell 15
B is directly fixed to the water connection mechanism of the fixing unit shown in FIG. A bush is attached to the shell 15B by screws. The shell further includes a cruciform rod (not shown) that divides the shower spray into equal quadrants. Care is taken to prevent welding at locations other than the main weld. In some cases, different materials such as ABS resin or acetal resin may be used to define the weld surface. Alternatively, the spinner 30, the engager 40 and the stator 2
0 is assembled to the pressure plate 60 and then the showerhead engine assembly of the present invention is welded to the shell. Next, the face plate 80 is pressed and fitted to the engager 40, and the engager 40 is
Seat firmly.

FIGS. 11A and 11B show the downstream and upstream surfaces, respectively, of an alternative embodiment of faceplate 180 for use in the showerhead engine assembly of the present invention. The face plate 180 provides an aerated spray and a non-deflection spray. When used with a spinner and a stator, a pulsating selection mode is also provided. This faceplate 180 is compatible with the pressure plate 60, engager 40, spinner 30, and stator 20, and shell of FIG. The aerated flow is near atmospheric pressure. The air mixing flow passage 192B alternates with the non-deflection passage 192A,
Includes a centrally located inlet head 196 located on face 80A upstream of the faceplate. As shown in FIG. 11C, each inlet head 196 is surrounded by eight spokes 197 extending radially from the head. Inlet head 196
And the spoke 197 is integral with the flow path 192B, and the spoke 197 does not rotate. The inlet head 196 is dome shaped. The jet of water passing through the pressure plate 60 strikes the inlet head 196, splitting the jet of water and taking air into the flow path 192B. The surface tension is sufficient to deflect the path of the water jet, so that the water jet does not completely leave the inlet head 196 and becomes attached to the top of the inlet head 196. Once attached to the surface, the water jets tend to remain attached due to surface tension (Coanda effect). This occurs when the water jet impinges on the convex surface of the inlet head 196, effectively creating an internal pressure that directs the water jet toward the surface. Inlet head 196 may be used in conjunction with bubble-shaped deflector surface 98 to provide a deflected aerated spray. The inlet head 196 can also be used with the spinner 30 and the stator 20 to obtain a massage spray mode.

The water streams are redirected by impinging the jets on various deflector surfaces located in face plate 80. The deflector surfaces are located in alternating openings in the faceplate 80. Exploded details of the aerated deflector surface are shown in FIG. 11C. The water jet is not deflected through the aperture or redirected upon a series of deflector surfaces, resulting in a more diverse, less directed spray pattern. The selection of the spray pattern is performed by rotating the face plate 80 with respect to the pressure plate 60. The face plate 80 is keyed to the engager 40 and press-fitted. By rotating the assembly, the openings or deflector surfaces align with the jet orifices 73.

FIGS. 12A and 12B show another preferred embodiment of the pressure plate 260 of the showerhead engine assembly of the present invention. In this embodiment, the hub portion of the pressure plate 260 has been modified to eliminate the ramp features 61 and 71 and include a central boss for receiving the faceplate boss 84. This pressure plate 260 is compatible with the faceplate 80 of FIG. 5 and forms a two-piece assembly. No connection with an engager is required, no pressure seal is required, and the O-ring 50 can be eliminated. This assembly includes (1) a non-deflecting non-pulsating spray,
And (2) provide only two modes of operation of the deflected non-pulsating spray. Also in this case, the spray selection is performed by rotating the face plate 80 with respect to the pressure plate 260. This allows the face plate and pressure plate to be interchangeable with similar components in other assemblies, reducing the number of replacement parts required for inventory. A detent feature may be included between faceplate 80 and pressure plate 260.

FIGS. 13, 14, 15, 16A, 16B, 1
6C and 16D show a novel, self-cleaning showerhead engine assembly. FIG. 13 shows an assembly view of a preferred embodiment comprising the showerhead engine assembly of FIG. 1, with self-cleaning cleaning the holes in the pressure plate 60 as the faceplate 80 is rotated relative to the pressure plate 60. Sex ring 110 is included. Similarly, FIG. 14 shows an assembly view of the same self-cleaning ring 110 shown in FIG. 13 and the showerhead engine assembly of FIG.

Six self-cleaning pins 103 are arranged perpendicular to the plane of the spring wire ring 105. The jet orifice 173 has a main central opening 173A, with four small openings 173B intersecting the central opening 173A (see FIG. 16D). Each pin 103 of the spring wire ring 105 is located in the central opening 173A. The pin 103 is made to translate in the hole 65 by the rotating action of the shower faceplate 80, thereby exerting a cleaning action.

As the relative position of the faceplate 80 rotates around the shell-spring combination as the spray selection is made, the edge of the faceplate 80 presses on the pin 103 and the jet orifice 173
To move back and forth in the axial direction. Jet orifice 1
73 and 103 are both tapered.
Moves upward through the jet orifices 173, the interior of the edge of each jet orifice 173 opens and is cleaned.

FIG. 15 shows the self-cleaning spring wire ring and the pressure plate 6 of FIGS.
16 is an exploded view of the cooperative engagement with FIG.
6C and 16D show the face plate 80 and FIG.
And FIG. 14 is an exploded view of the cooperative engagement of the and 14 with a self-cleaning ring.

While a self-cleaning embodiment has been shown with respect to the preferred embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 9, those skilled in the art will appreciate that these principles of self-cleaning are readily applicable to all other embodiments described herein. Will immediately recognize that it is applicable. In addition to being applicable to both handheld and fixed showerheads, the principles of the present invention apply to other types of showers, including lawn sprinklers, dental equipment, and sprinkler systems for manufacturing and processing control operations. ,
It is also applicable to nozzle and sprinkler configurations.

It will be apparent that many alternatives, modifications, and variations of the showerhead engine assembly of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the description herein. It is intended that the scope of the invention be determined by the appended claims rather than by the words of the above specification,
All such alternatives, modifications and variations that form equivalents of one another and which are mutually cooperative are within the spirit and scope of their claims.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a preferred embodiment of a showerhead engine assembly of the present invention comprising a stator, spinner, engager, O-ring, pressure plate, and faceplate held within a handle of a handheld showerhead. It is an exploded perspective view of a form.

FIG. 2A is an exploded perspective view of the downstream surfaces of the engager, spinner, and stator of the showerhead engine assembly of FIG. 1;

2B is an exploded perspective view of the upstream face of the engager, spinner, and stator of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of the upstream face of the engager of the showerhead assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3B is a perspective view of a downstream surface of the engager of FIG. 3A.

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of the upstream face of the pressure plate of the showerhead assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4B is a perspective view of a downstream surface of the pressure plate of FIG. 4A.

FIG. 5A is a perspective view of the upstream face of the faceplate of the showerhead assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5B is a perspective view of a downstream surface of the face plate of FIG. 5A.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged side cross-sectional view of the faceplate engager, pressure plate, and faceplate assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7A is a side view of the handheld showerhead assembly of FIG.

FIG. 7B is a front view of the handheld showerhead assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8A is a front view of the showerhead engine assembly of FIG. 7B when the faceplate position is between a deflected flow and a non-deflected flow with respect to the pressure plate.

FIG. 8B is a top view of the handheld showerhead engine assembly of FIG. 8A.

FIG. 8C is a bottom view of the handheld showerhead engine assembly of FIG. 8A.

FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of a second preferred embodiment of the showerhead engine assembly of the present invention including a shell, a stator, a spinner, an engager, an O-ring, a pressure plate, and a faceplate. It is.

10A is a showerhead engine of the present invention used in the fixed showerhead assembly of FIG. 9;
FIG. 4 is a side view of the assembly.

FIG. 10B is a side cross-sectional view of the showerhead engine assembly of FIG. 10A.

FIG. 11A is a perspective view of the downstream face of another preferred embodiment of the faceplate of the showerhead engine assembly of the present invention, wherein the faceplate has two spray selection modes of operation: aerated spray and undeflected spray. .

FIG. 11B is a perspective view of the upstream face of the faceplate of FIG. 11A.

FIG. 11C is a detailed close-up view of one of the faceplate deflectors of the showerhead assembly of FIG. 11B.

FIG. 12A shows a two-piece faceplate used in combination with the faceplate shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the upstream face of another preferred embodiment of a pressure plate of a showerhead engine assembly of the present invention for forming a showerhead engine assembly.

FIG. 12B is a perspective view of the downstream face of the pressure plate of FIG. 12A.

FIG. 13 further illustrates the showerhead engine assembly of FIG. 1 including a self-cleaning ring that cleans holes in the pressure plate as the faceplate rotates with respect to the pressure plate. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of another preferred embodiment.

FIG. 14 shows the fixed two-piece shower head of FIG.
FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of yet another preferred embodiment of the showerhead engine assembly of the present invention with the engine assembly and the self-cleaning ring of FIG.

FIG. 15 is a partial enlarged perspective view of the cooperative engagement between the self-cleaning ring and the pressure plate of FIGS. 13 and 14;

FIGS. 16A, B, C, and D are enlarged views of the cooperative engagement between the faceplate and the self-cleaning ring of FIGS. 13 and 14;

[Description of Signs] 10A shower head engine assembly 15A shell 20 stator 30 spinner 40 engager 50 O-ring 60 pressure plate 80 face plate

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Moti Lev United States Kentucky, Lexington, Commodore Drive 3316, Unit 481 (72) Inventor Amil Genosal Migdal Haemek, Israel Nitosanim Street 8 (72) Inventor John E 3360, Michigan, Hillsdale, Michigan Road, Petrovic USA

Claims (32)

[Claims] A spinner, a stator, a pressure generator,
A showerhead engine assembly comprising a plate and a faceplate, wherein a stable holding of the showerhead is possible, when the spinner is stationary and the orientation of the faceplate with respect to the pressure plate is in a first position. Means for producing a non-pulsating, non-deflecting spray pattern when the spinner is stationary and the orientation of the faceplate relative to the pressure plate is in the second position; and Means for producing a pulsating undeflected spray pattern when the orientation of the faceplate with respect to the pressure plate is in the third position, and when the spinner is rotating and the orientation of the faceplate with respect to the pressure plate is in the fourth position. Pulsating deflection spray pattern Means for producing a showerhead engine assembly. 2. The apparatus of claim 2, further comprising a ring member having a plurality of pins extending axially therefrom, wherein each pin extends into the water outlet and wherein the face plate rotates with respect to the pressure plate. The showerhead engine assembly according to claim 1, which provides a self-cleaning action. 3. The method of claim 1, comprising less than 10 components.
A showerhead engine assembly according to claim 1. 4. The method according to claim 1, further comprising a pressure chamber disposed upstream of the pressure plate, wherein the selection of either deflected or non-deflected flow is made at a pressure of approximately atmospheric pressure downstream of the pressure chamber. Shower head engine described
assembly. 5. A spinner, a stator, an engagement member,
A showerhead engine assembly comprising a pressure plate, wherein the engagement member is disposed in the pressure chamber upstream of the pressure plate, the engagement member moving axially during spray pattern selection, and engaging the engagement member. Axial movement of the member at the first position causes cooperative engagement between the stator and the spinner to prevent rotational movement of the spinner with respect to the stator, and then axial movement of the engagement member to the second position causes the spinner to rotate. Showerhead engine assembly characterized in that the showerhead is free to rotate relative to the stator, resulting in a pulsating spray pattern. 6. The seal further comprising a number of seals for cooperatively engaging the pressure chamber with the spray selection chamber, wherein at least one of the number of seals is disposed between the pressure chamber and the spray selection chamber. The showerhead engine assembly according to claim 5, wherein the number is independent of the number of spray patterns. 7. The device further comprises a ring member having a plurality of pins extending axially therefrom, each pin extending into the water outlet and rotating when the faceplate rotates relative to the pressure plate. The showerhead engine assembly according to claim 5, which provides a self-cleaning action. 8. The showerhead engine assembly according to claim 5, wherein the selection of either deflected or non-deflected flow is made downstream of the pressure chamber and at a hydraulic pressure near atmospheric pressure. 9. A pressure plate having a plurality of hole clusters disposed therein, and a face plate rotatable with respect to the pressure plate, wherein such rotation is effected from a plurality of spray patterns. A pressure plate useful for selection; and a ring member, the ring member having a plurality of pins extending axially therefrom, each pin tapering inwardly away from the ring member; Extends into the hole of one of the clusters of holes, and the pin moves deeper into the hole by manipulating the face plate against the pressure plate, which cleans foreign matter from within the cluster of holes. Showerhead engine assembly. 10. The showerhead engine assembly according to claim 9, wherein the pins clean foreign matter from the plurality of holes. 11. The apparatus of claim 9, further comprising a pressure chamber located upstream of the pressure plate, wherein the selection of either deflected flow or non-deflected flow is made downstream of the pressure chamber at a hydraulic pressure of approximately atmospheric pressure. A showerhead engine assembly according to claim 1. 12. A showerhead engine assembly comprising a pressure plate, wherein one of a plurality of spray patterns is selectable, a pressure chamber located upstream of the pressure plate, and a pressure chamber. A spray selection chamber located downstream of the plate; and means for cooperatively engaging the pressure chamber with the spray selection chamber, the engagement means including a number of seals, and at least one of the number of seals. A showerhead engine assembly wherein one is located between the pressure chamber and the spray selection chamber, and the number of seals is independent of the number of spray patterns. 13. The apparatus of claim 13, further comprising a number of seals for cooperatively engaging the pressure chamber with the spray selection chamber, wherein at least one of the number of seals is disposed between the pressure chamber and the spray selection chamber. 13. The showerhead engine assembly according to claim 12, wherein the number is independent of the number of spray patterns. 14. The apparatus of claim 14, further comprising a ring member having a plurality of pins extending axially therefrom, each pin extending into the water outlet, and wherein the faceplate includes a pressure plate.
13. The showerhead engine assembly according to claim 12, wherein the showerhead engine assembly provides a self-cleaning action when rotated relative to the plate. 15. A faceplate for use in a showerhead assembly system, wherein the faceplate has a first plurality of openings that allows a selection of a first spray pattern, and a second spray pattern. Wherein the faceplate is compatible with the first showerhead engine assembly and the first showerhead engine assembly provides a plurality of spray patterns. The first showerhead engine assembly has no pulsating spray pattern, and the faceplate is compatible with the second showerhead engine assembly;
A showerhead engine assembly providing a plurality of spray patterns, and a second showerhead engine assembly including at least one pulsating spray pattern. 16. A showerhead engine assembly comprising a spinner, a pressure plate, and a faceplate, wherein the showerhead engine assembly includes means for cooperatively engaging the spinner with the pressure plate. The showerhead engine assembly includes a pressure chamber upstream of the pressure plate and a non-deflecting non-pulsating spray pattern when the spinner is stationary and the orientation of the faceplate relative to the pressure plate is in the first position. The means that arise,
Means for producing a deflected non-pulsating spray pattern when the spinner is stationary and the orientation of the faceplate relative to the pressure plate is in the second position, wherein the spray pattern selection is performed at approximately atmospheric pressure hydraulic pressure. Head engine assembly. 17. The apparatus further comprises a ring member having a plurality of pins extending axially therefrom, each pin extending into the water outlet, and the faceplate having a pressure plate.
17. The showerhead engine assembly of claim 16, wherein the showerhead engine assembly provides a self-cleaning action when rotated with respect to the plate. 18. A showerhead engine assembly including a pressure plate, comprising: a pressure chamber located upstream of the pressure plate; and a faceplate located downstream of the pressure plate, wherein the downstream hydraulic pressure Is about 5 psi (about 3515.35
kg / m ² ) and means for cooperatively engaging the pressure chamber with the spray selection chamber, wherein the engagement means comprises a plurality of engagement means disposed between the pressure chamber and the spray selection chamber. A showerhead engine assembly comprising a seal of claim 1 wherein the number of seals is independent of the number of spray selection patterns. 19. The apparatus of claim 19 further comprising a ring member having a plurality of pins extending axially therefrom, each pin extending into the water outlet, and wherein the faceplate includes a pressure plate.
19. The showerhead engine assembly of claim 18, wherein the showerhead engine assembly provides a self-cleaning action when rotated relative to the plate. 20. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a pressure chamber located upstream of the pressure plate, wherein the selection of either deflected or undeflected flow occurs downstream of the pressure chamber.
A showerhead engine assembly according to claim 8. 21. A showerhead engine assembly including a pressure plate, comprising: a pressure chamber located upstream of the pressure plate; and a downstream pressure of about 5 psi (about 5 psi) located downstream of the pressure plate. A spray selection chamber that is less than 3515.35 kg / m ² ) and means for cooperatively engaging the pressure chamber with the spray selection chamber, including a seal that allows spray selection at substantially atmospheric pressure. An engaging means and a spring disposed in the pressure chamber, the spring including a plurality of pins arranged perpendicular to the plane of the spring, wherein the diameter of the pin is smaller than the diameter of the hole and the pin is selected during spray selection. Showerhead engine assembly that can be placed in a hole in the pressure plate. 22. The apparatus further comprising a ring member having a plurality of pins extending axially therefrom, each pin extending into the water outlet, and the faceplate including a pressure plate.
22. The showerhead engine assembly of claim 21, which provides a self-cleaning action when rotated with respect to the plate. 23. The apparatus of claim 21, further comprising a pressure chamber located upstream of the pressure plate, wherein the selection of either deflected or non-deflected flow is made downstream of the pressure chamber at a hydraulic pressure of approximately atmospheric pressure. A showerhead engine assembly according to claim 1. 24. A showerhead engine assembly including a spinner, a pressure plate, and a faceplate, wherein the spinner is disposed relative to a shaft, the spinner rotates about an axis of the shaft, and the showerhead includes: The engine assembly includes means for producing a non-deflecting non-pulsating spray pattern and a deflected non-pulsating spray pattern when the spinner is stationary and the orientation of the faceplate with respect to the pressure plate is aligned together; and Means for producing a pulsating deflecting spray pattern and a pulsating non-deflecting spray pattern when the faceplate is rotated and the orientation of the faceplate relative to the pressure plate is aligned together, wherein the spinner is centrally disposed therein. Includes a passage, with lip located in the passage Is, the showerhead engine assembly to provide a minimum bearing surface for the lip rotatably held and rotated about the shaft. 25. The apparatus of claim 25 further comprising a ring member having a plurality of pins extending axially therefrom, each pin extending into the water outlet, and wherein the faceplate includes a pressure plate.
25. The showerhead engine assembly of claim 24, wherein the showerhead engine assembly provides a self-cleaning action when rotated with respect to the plate. 26. The apparatus of claim 24, further comprising a pressure chamber located upstream of the pressure plate, wherein the selection of either deflected flow or non-deflected flow is made downstream of the pressure chamber at a hydraulic pressure of approximately atmospheric pressure. A showerhead engine assembly according to claim 1. 27. A showerhead engine assembly comprising a faceplate and a pressure plate, wherein the pressure plate is aerated when the faceplate is in a first rotational alignment with the pressure plate. Providing a mode of operation, wherein the jet spray mode of operation is provided when the faceplate is in a second rotational alignment with the pressure plate, and wherein the faceplate is in a third rotational alignment with the pressure plate. A showerhead engine assembly for providing a pulsating aeration mode of operation to the pulsating jet spray operation mode when the faceplate is in a fourth rotational alignment with the pressure plate. 28. The showerhead engine assembly according to claim 27, further comprising a self-cleaning action of the water flow openings in the pressure plate. 29. The device further comprising a ring member having a plurality of pins extending axially therefrom, each pin extending into the water outlet, and the faceplate including a pressure plate.
28. The showerhead engine assembly of claim 27, wherein the showerhead engine assembly provides a self-cleaning action when rotated with respect to the plate. 30. The showerhead engine assembly according to claim 27, comprising less than 10 components. 31. The showerhead engine assembly according to claim 27, comprising self-cleaning means. 32. An exchangeable face plate,
19. The showerhead engine assembly according to claim 18, wherein one of the faceplates provides at least a deflected spray mode of operation and the other faceplate of the faceplate provides at least a non-deflected spray mode of operation.