JP2002520156A - Swing motion type fluid delivery device - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] The present invention relates to a wobbling turbine provided with a main body having a fluid inlet, a wobbling turbine provided downstream of the fluid inlet, and configured to rotate when a water flow discharged from the fluid inlet collides, Alternatively, there is provided a device provided with a fluid direction changing means provided on the downstream side of the wobbling turbine, such as a fixed type enclosing plate or a chamber, for changing the direction of the water flow. The wobbling turbine can be positioned downstream of the fluid inlet in various ways, but can be axially spaced from the fluid inlet, such as by coupling the wobbling turbine to the body in a free post-sleeve relationship. It is preferable to arrange them. A preferred wobbling turbine includes a convex conical upper surface having an angular momentum inducing member formed therein / on top thereof, wherein the angular momentum inducing member is selected from grooves, vanes, blades, and combinations thereof. The apparatus may further include a wobbling restriction member that engages with the wobbling turbine, such as a stator ring.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Shower heads, faucets and other spray heads or nozzles are commercially available in a number of designs and configurations. Although numerous showerheads and faucets are designed and sold with their decorative styling, there are a number of different showerhead mechanisms aimed at improving or changing the properties of the water spray pattern.
Characteristics such as spray width, spray distribution or trajectory, spray speed, etc. can describe any particular spray pattern. Furthermore, the spray pattern can be applied or designed for a variety of purposes, such as a more comfortable feel to the skin, better performance when washing, muscle massage, water retention, to name a few.

[0002] Most spray heads can be categorized as either stationary or vibrating, as well as having fixed or adjustable openings or jets. A spray head with a stationary and fixed jet is the simplest of all spray heads and consists essentially of a water chamber and one or more jets to create a constant pattern. Spray heads with stationary and adjustable jets are generally of similar construction except that the jet direction, jet aperture size and / or number of jets used are somewhat easier to adjust. For example, showerheads commonly used in new homes have a stationary spray housing with multiple spray jets in a circular pattern, and the speed of the spray is adjusted by manually wobbling the adjustment ring to the spray housing. It is possible.

[0003] These stationary spray heads repeatedly traverse substantially the same path, such as a showerhead jet that flushes water through its holes and directs water to a fixed location on the human skin.
raverse). The user of such a shower head feels that the water flow is continuously in the same area, and especially when the pressure is high or the flow rate is high, the user may feel that the water cuts into the body. The positive effect from the head has been halved. To reduce unwanted sensations from this showerhead,
Various attempts have been made to improve the general distribution of water from the spray head and to provide a vibrating spray head.

An example of a vibrating showerhead is disclosed in US Pat. No. 3,791,584 (Drew et al.).
No. 3,880,357 (Baisch), 4,018,385 (Bruno).
), 4,944,457 (Brewer) and 5,577,664 (He
itzman). U.S. Pat. No. 4,944,457 (Brewer)
) Discloses a vibratory showerhead that uses nozzles mounted on a gearbox assembly to cause nozzle vibration. Similarly, U.S. Pat.
No. 577,664 (Heitzman) discloses a showerhead having a wobbling valve member driven by a wheel gear reducer that circulates between a high flow rate and a low flow rate through a housing. Both of these showerheads require extremely complex mechanical structures to achieve the desired movement. Thus, these mechanisms mount various components throughout the structure and are susceptible to failure due to the deposition of mineral deposits.

[0005] US Pat. No. 3,691,584 (Drew et al.) Also discloses a vibratory showerhead, which is mounted on a mandrel and through a radially provided slot into a chamber about an axis. A nozzle is used that wobbles and rotates while water is applied thereto by the entry of water. This shower head is
Although simpler than Brewer and Heitzman's, it is still composed of many parts, requiring precise dimensions between parts and many connections. In addition, the showerhead relies on small openings to allow water to pass through, which tends to accumulate minerals and be shielded by particles.

US Pat. No. 5,467,927 (Lee) discloses a showerhead with a device having a plurality of blades designed to generate vibration and pulsation. One blade is provided with an eccentric weight that causes vibration, and the opposing blade is provided with a front flange that causes pulsation by momentarily blocking the water jet. Again, the structure of this showerhead is quite complex,
The narrow passages tend to accumulate minerals and are easily blocked by particles.

US Pat. No. 5,704,547 (Golan et al.) Discloses a showerhead that includes a housing, a turbine, and a fluid outlet member, wherein fluid flowing from the turbine provides for wobbling of the turbine. The use of a rotating (spinning) turbine can result in lateral swaying, such as a fluid outflow member wobbling and / or a pendulum.

[0008] US Pat. No. 4,073,438 (Meyer) comprises a housing having an inlet, a water supply structure having a nozzle at one end and a cup-shaped element at an opposite end, and comprising: Discloses a sprinkler head that operates by tangentially flowing through a housing to provide orbital movement of a nozzle. There is also disclosed a disk in which the nozzle is slightly wobbled by wobbling by contacting with one surface in the housing. The cup-shaped element wobbles about the longitudinal axis by the tangential flow of water from the inlet.

Referring to FIG. 35, US Pat. No. 3,091,400 (Aubert) has a wobbling wobbling injector having an injector body having an injector head and bearing components, with a ring around it. A dishwasher is disclosed. The wobbling injection device 10 includes a main body component 12 on which an injection head 14 is mounted and a ring 16 is provided therearound. The body part 12 has an internal conical bearing seat 18 and is disposed on a water supply pipe 20 having a circular edge forming a bearing seat 22. The extending part 12 is provided when the collar 24 is pulled down on the supply pipe 20 and the adjacent outwardly projecting shoulder 26 engages the lower side of the ring 16 so that the ring is turned on when water is supplied under pressure. Wobble on. Water supplied through the pipe 20 enters the distribution chamber 28 and exits through the injection holes 30 of the injection head 14.
The orientation of the bore 10 is selected such that the momentum momentum is set to wobble the injection body, causing the shoulder 26 of the body 12 to wobble on the ring 16 as shown by point 32.

A major disadvantage of Aubert is that the choice of spray pattern is limited because the wobbling movement (wobbling movement) is caused in the tangential direction of the holes in the spray head. Specifically, tangential holes form a very wide spray pattern and may be suitable for dishwashing, but are highly undesirable as a showerhead. Furthermore, due to the mass of the spray head 14 and the annular contact between the shoulder 26 and the ring 16, water must be supplied at high speed and pressure before the spray head begins to tilt wobble.

US Pat. Nos. 2,639,191 and 3,357,643 (both Hru
by) the elongate tubular shaft is received by the bush inside the elongate tubular body and the bush has sufficient clearance with the shaft so that the shaft pivots or wobbles inside the elongate tubular body A sprinkler fountain device is disclosed. However, this device also relies on the tangential flow of the fluid operating the shaft. In addition, the shaft and body are so long that the device is not suitable for many applications.

US Pat. No. 3,009,648 (Hait) discloses a sprinkler head in which a single-piece nozzle is fixed to a fluid conduit, where the inverter cone plug is supported in place by a post. . The plug includes a plurality of blades, causing a wobbling motion on the nozzle. Sprinklers distribute water in a wobbling flow.

US Pat. Nos. 5,439,174 and 5,588,595 (Sweet)
And U.S. Patent No. 5,671,885 (Davisson) discloses a rotating sprinkler having a body portion having a nozzle at one end and having a spray plate supported at an opposite end downstream of the nozzle. . The spray plate has a plurality of water flow distribution grooves formed on one side thereof, and is configured to wobble the spray plate when a water flow discharged from the nozzle collides. The spray plate has a shaft connected to the body via a ball and a cage, a bearing cage or a flexible connector, respectively. The fluid is directed against the spray plate and is radially deflected off the spray plate without fluid control or redirection.

However, there remains a need for an improved spray head, shower head or other uniform and controlled manner of fluid dispensing device for dispensing a fluid such as water. It is desirable that the spray head be capable of distributing water in the desired manner, even at low pressures or low flow rates applicable for use in showerheads or sink faucets. The device preferably causes a minimal pressure drop and distributes the fluid in a directional spray pattern. Further, it is desirable that the spray head be simple and compact with a minimum of parts.

[0015]

Summary of the Invention

The present invention relates to a body having a fluid inlet, a wobble turbine provided downstream of the fluid inlet and configured to rotate when a water stream discharged from the fluid inlet collides, a movable or fixed type. Fluid direction changing means provided on the downstream side of the wobbling turbine, such as a mold shroud or a chamber, for changing the direction of water flow;
An apparatus comprising: While the wobbling turbine can be positioned downstream of the fluid inlet in various ways, it is preferred that the wobbling turbine be axially spaced from the fluid inlet. The apparatus may further include a wobbling restricting member that engages the wobbling turbine, such as a stator ring.

[0016] Wobbling turbines can be provided downstream of the fluid inlet in various ways, but are preferably coupled to the body in a post-sleeve relationship. Preferred wobbling turbines include a convex conical top surface having an angular momentum inducing member formed therein / on top thereof, wherein the angular momentum inducing member can be selected from grooves, vanes, blades, and combinations thereof.

The apparatus may further include a track formed adjacent the fluid inlet, and the wobbling turbine may extend the first surface into rolling contact with the track. One preferred wobbling turbine for use with trucks has a plurality of blades configured to wobble the wobbling turbine upon impact of a stream of water discharged from a fluid inlet, and includes a downwardly sloping deflector for the fluid diverting means. Have. According to the invention, the fluid diverting means may be associated with either the wobbling turbine or the body member.

The present invention includes a fluid delivery device wherein the body forms a housing having a first end configured with a fluid inlet and a second end including a collar. The nozzle assembly is
The assembly may include a first end forming a wobbling turbine and post-sleeve relationship in the housing, a second end having a fluid outlet, and a housing extending through the collar. And a fluid conduit providing fluid communication between the fluid outlet. Further, the nozzle assembly may further include a wobbling restricting member such as a wobbling plate. Preferred wobbling plates have a convex frusto-conical surface that engages the housing adjacent the collar to limit movement of the nozzle assembly. The fluid outlet from the housing comprises a spray nozzle having a plurality of outlet channels formed within the spray nozzle.

Since the features and advantages of the invention described above can be described in detail, a more particular description of the invention briefly summarized above will be rendered by reference to embodiments thereof illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Can be. However, it is to be understood that the drawings are only intended to depict exemplary embodiments of the invention, and thus are not to be considered as limiting its scope, as the invention may be found in other equally valid embodiments. It should be noted.

[Detailed Description of the Invention] Spray Head Assembly Including Chamber The present invention provides a spray head assembly with a mobile spray nozzle that delivers fluid with a substantially uniform spray distribution. The movement of the spray nozzle is a wobbling motion or oscillating motion, and is preferably combined with some wobbling motion. Wobbling motion is caused by placing a wobbling turbine, which is a wobble inducing member or wobble impeller, in the fluid supply path inside the housing. The flow of water through the wobbling turbine causes the wobbling turbine to oscillate and the axis of the turbine to rotate or swing about a reference axis defined by the wobbling limiting member.
ing). The wobbling turbine then wobbles the spray nozzle. The spray pattern generated by the wobbling spray nozzle changes somewhat quickly so that the fluid drip or stream is directed along an arched path over time rather than continuously at a single point. This type of spray water distribution pattern is more gradual than many stationary patterns, and the unique configuration of the wobbling turbine does not include complex mechanical components or significant flow restrictions.

More specifically, the present invention provides a spray head assembly having a housing,
A nozzle assembly, a wobbling inducing member, and a wobbling limiting member are provided. The housing has a first end having a fluid inlet and a second end having a collar or opening formed therein. The nozzle assembly includes a first end defining a post disposed within the housing, a central portion extending through the opening, a second end having a fluid outlet, and a nozzle disposed between the housing and the fluid outlet. It has a fluid conduit for providing fluid communication and a wobbling restricting member. The nozzle assembly is located downstream of the fluid inlet. The wobbling inducing member is located in the fluid channel opposite the fluid inlet and has a sleeve extending therefrom to loosely receive the post therein. Fluid passing through or through the wobbling inducing member causes the nozzle assembly to wobble.

The post comprises at least one inlet, preferably a plurality of radial channels, and a passage providing fluid communication between the post inlet and the fluid outlet.
The inlet may be tangent to the centerline of the passage. The post and sleeve may be conical.

Preferably, the fluid outlet comprises a spray nozzle and a plurality of outlet channels formed in the spray nozzle. A seal member is provided between the collar and the center of the nozzle assembly to prevent leakage of fluid from the housing through the collar.

In another embodiment, the present invention provides a spray head assembly having a housing, a nozzle having a wobbling limiting member, and a wobbling inducing member. The housing has a first end having a fluid inlet and a second end defining an opening.
And an end. The nozzle assembly includes a first end defining a sleeve disposed within the housing, a central portion extending through the opening, a second end having a fluid outlet, and between the housing and the fluid outlet. And a fluid conduit for fluid communication. The first end of the nozzle assembly is located downstream of the fluid inlet. The wobbling inducing member is located within the housing and faces the fluid inlet and the post extends therefrom to loosely engage the sleeve, preferably the post and sleeve are conically shaped.

In another embodiment, a spray head assembly is provided having a housing, a nozzle having a wobbling limiting member, and a wobbling inducing member.
The housing has a first end having a fluid inlet end, a second end having an opening,
A flow channel extending between the first and second ends. The nozzle assembly has a first end provided within the housing, the wobbling inducing member coupled to the first end, and having a central portion extending through the opening, the central portion adjacent the opening. The portion is coupled to a wobbling restricting member such as a wobbling plate and has a second end having an outlet nozzle and a water channel providing fluid communication between the flow channel and the outlet nozzle.

Preferably, the wobbling inducing member is a wobbling turbine head, the wobbling turbine head forming a conical surface with a partially tangential groove facing the fluid inlet end of the housing. In a preferred embodiment, the wobbling inducing member may be a wobbling turbine head having a plurality of radially extending vanes located downstream of the fluid inlet of the housing. The wobbling restricting member may be a ring attached to the blade.

In one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a spray head assembly including a wobbling inducing member or wobbling turbine for wobbling the spray nozzle regardless of the number, configuration or configuration of the spray nozzle outlet channels. More specifically, the wobbling trigger does not depend on the tangential outlet channel of the spray nozzle. Thus, the outlet of the spray nozzle can generate a desired spray width and pattern such as a shower in a house.

In another aspect of the invention, any number and configuration of outlet channels can be included, but preferably the outlets of larger internal dimensions to prevent plugging due to mineral accumulation or particle accumulation A spray nozzle having a smaller number of channels is provided. Due to the wobbling of the spray nozzle, the distribution or coverage of the fluid on the surface is very uniform. Thus, a small number of exit channels are needed to cover the entire surface, and in the case of a shower a gentle feel is obtained. Since a small number of channels are required, each channel may be widened so that the channels are not restricted or clogged with lime, other minerals or particles. Most preferably, the channels are wide enough to allow normal sand contained in the fluid supply.

Further, in the present invention, a major portion of the pressure drop through the spray head, preferably substantially all of the pressure drop, is generated with one large orifice producing a water jet that is guided and distributed under the open channel. To provide a speed system. This speed system is advantageous for reducing mineral accumulation and the weight of spray heads and spray nozzles. The use of a velocity system to reduce mineral accumulation is due to the fact that the outlet channel does not rely on small cross-section openings to separate the water stream into individual water streams, so the outlet channel is widened, Or by being able to reconfigure. The weight of the spray head and spray nozzle is less heavier than the speed system, because the spray nozzle is downstream of the flow restricting orifice so that it does not fill up during operation. Rather, the spray nozzle includes a housing and a diverter within the housing to direct water to be discharged from the orifice. The reduced weight is particularly advantageous for wobbling spray nozzles, since reduced mass will proportionally reduce the angular momentum of the spray nozzle that causes the spray head housing to oscillate. As described and supported by the following figures, the speed system is preferably used in combination with the wobbling inducing member described herein, but the speed system is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,551,635 and Patent No. 4,073,438, which are incorporated herein, can be used with other wobbling mechanisms.

According to still another aspect of the present invention, a wobbling restricting member is provided. The spray width of the spray nozzle of the present invention is determined by both the configuration of the outlet channel of the spray nozzle and the deflection angle imparted to the spray nozzle. For example, if the spray nozzle has a 6 ° spray width when used in the stationary mode and the deflection angle generated by wobbling is off center by 5 °, the effective spray width when used in the wobbling mode according to the present invention is about 16 ° (additional width of 5 ° in all directions). Thus, the wobbling restrictor also plays an important role in determining the effective spray width of the spray nozzle and in determining the extent of the arcuate path each fluid stream traverses in a single wobbling operation.

[0031] A further aspect of the present invention is a wobbling inducing member disposed in direct engagement or contact with the spray head assembly. Although the wobbling inducing member can be coupled, held or secured to the spray nozzle assembly, it is generally preferred that the wobbling inducing member not be integrated or adhered to the spray nozzle assembly. More specifically, the spray nozzle assembly has an end that is proximally distal to the spray nozzle. The fact that the base end of the spray nozzle assembly and the wobbling inducing member are accommodated in a loose fitting relationship with each other, in particular, allows the base end and said member to easily slide or pivot into an unrestricted, moderate relationship. It is preferable in such a case. One particularly preferred configuration is a post-sleeve relationship where the cylindrical post (male) is contained within a cylindrical sleeve (female), the outer diameter of the post being smaller than the inner diameter of the sleeve. Alternatively, the post may have a frusto-conical angle of the post less than the frusto-conical angle of the sleeve to form a frusto-conical surface (male) housed within a frusto-conical sleeve (female). It should be understood that the post may be part of the spray nozzle assembly and the sleeve may be part of the wobbling inducing member, or vice versa. Preferably, the post and sleeve are configured with a sufficient tolerance between them so that the wobbling inducing member can wobble relative to the spray nozzle assembly without joining. Furthermore, it is most preferred to use a wobbling inducing member in which the first diameter conical or frustoconical post is housed in a conical or frustoconical sleeve of the spray nozzle assembly.

One advantage of an equi-loose relationship, such as a post-sleeve relationship to the wobbling inducing member or body of the wobbling turbine, is that there is little friction or other force to overcome before the wobbling turbine begins to wobble. That is. Thus, the onset and maintenance of the wobbling motion according to the present invention is almost independent of the fluid flow rate, and even at flow rates much less than the maximum 2.5 gallons / minute according to many state laws, the showerhead and water Works very effectively on stoppers.

A second advantage of the post-sleeve relationship is that the wobbling turbine is easily conical ridges, shifted or tilted from the axial centerline of the fluid inlet. In fact, even when no fluid passes through the spray head assembly, the wobbling turbine may be stationary at an oblique angle with respect to the centerline of the fluid inlet axis. In order to provide the most effective wobbling motion, the wobbling turbine is designed so that most of the fluid delivered through the fluid inlet is timely directed at any point on only one side of the wobbling turbine face. Preferably, it is shifted sufficiently far from the centerline of the axis of the fluid inlet. Due to the loosely fitting post / sleeve relationship, the fluid drainage device of the present invention requires less components and a shorter longitudinal distance (the distance measured along the axial centerline from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet). )
Within which a sufficient shift of the wobbling turbine can be achieved.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, one or more intermediate sleeves are provided with the post and sleeve described above. In a spray nozzle assembly having a post, a sleeve, and one or more intermediate sleeves, the relationship between the components (post, sleeve, and intermediate sleeve) preferably results in wobbling therebetween.

In another aspect of the invention, the restriction that limits the fluid flow is the size of the orifice just upstream of the outlet channel of the spray nozzle with the flow control washer located on the spray head assembly near the fluid and inlet. As such, it provides a fully open flow channel through the spray head assembly. Thus, maintaining a moderate pressure inside the housing drives the wobbling turbine and produces a moderate water velocity at the fluid outlet to provide a satisfactory shower.

[0036] In yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a spray head assembly having a pin mounted in an outlet channel of a spray nozzle. Due to the wobbling motion and force of the spray nozzle, the pins wobble or oscillate in contact with the inner surface of the channel, thereby eliminating any potential for mineral accumulation. Preferably, the pin has a head held in the spray nozzle and has a shaft mounted on the pin head extending through the outlet channel. Importantly, the pin head and shaft do not block fluid flow through the outlet channel.

It should be understood that the spray head of the present invention and its individual components may be made from any of the well-known materials that are chemically and thermally resistant to the fluid passing therethrough. When the fluid is water, preferred materials include plastics such as polytetrafluoroethylene, metals or metal alloys such as stainless steel.
Other and further materials suitable for use in the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art and are considered to be within the scope of the present invention.

FIG. 1 is a sectional view of the spray head assembly 40. Spray head assembly 40 has a housing 42 that holds a wobbling turbine 44 and a wobbling plate 46. The housing 42 includes a wobbling turbine 44
Form a substantially watertight chamber 43 with an inlet 45 located upstream from. The floor 50 of the housing 42 defines a collar, hole or opening 52 therethrough that slidably receives a wobbling plate 46 inside the housing 42 and a shaft 54 fixed to a spray nozzle 48 outside the housing 42. . Shaft 54
Is sealed in the hole 52 by a lip seal 56 and the shaft 54 is
Water is prevented from leaking from the housing in an inclined and rotatable manner therein. An O-ring may be used to seal the shaft 54 to the opening.

The wobbling turbine 44 has a plurality of non-radial channels 60 (see also FIG. 4) and a conical upper surface 58 forming a generally cylindrical sleeve 62. The upper surface 58 of the wobbling turbine 44 preferably extends beyond the sleeve 62,
An annular protrusion 64 is formed opposite the lower end 62. The wobbling turbine sleeve 62 has an inner surface 68 that defines an inner diameter that is greater than the outer diameter of the shaft 54. During assembly, sleeve 62 slides over shaft or post 54 and wobbling turbine 44 rests on top of shaft 54.

The wobbling plate 46 has a bottom surface 72 taped upwardly away from the floor 50 of the housing 42. The angle between the wobbling plate 46 and the floor 50 determines the maximum range of wobble or wobbling movement that the spray nozzle 48 will face by limiting the tilt of the spray nozzle assembly. Preferably, the bottom surface 72 of the wobbling plate is at an angle of about 1 to about 20 degrees with respect to the floor 50 of the housing 42 when the centerline of the nozzle assembly is aligned with the centerline of the housing, more preferably about 2 degrees. An angle of from about 10 degrees to about 10 degrees, and most preferably about 4 degrees. Similarly, the inclination of the spray nozzle is limited, and the angle between the plate and the housing causes the effective spray width of the spray head to be twice as large as the above angle, ie the same angle increases in all directions.

The shaft or post 54 provides a passage 74 in fluid communication between the shaft inlet (s) 76 and the spray nozzle 48. The inlet 76 is preferably a plurality of channels extending through the wall of the post, and is preferably angled downward from the top of the housing 12 toward the floor of the housing. Passage 74 is 2.5
A speed tube 75 is provided to limit the flow of fluid through the spray head according to a water retention standard, such as gallons per minute (GPM). The passage 74 is then open and in fluid communication with the outlet channel 78 of the spray nozzle 48.

Thus, fluid enters chamber 43 through inlet 45, passes through wobbling turbine 44, enters passage 74 in shaft 54 through inlet 76,
Following a path for exiting the spray nozzle 48 through a plurality of spray channels 78 in fluid communication with a passage 74 in the shaft 54. In operation, a source of fluid under pressure is in communication with an inlet in the housing. The turbine wobble or wobble as the fluid strikes the upper surface of the wobbling turbine. Wobbling essentially means that the wobbling turbine is tilted to one side and turns around the central axis of the shaft such that the inner surface near the lower end of the wobbling turbine is in rolling contact with the outer surface of the shaft. A force is applied to the shaft by the wobbling operation of the wobbling turbine, and the force is transmitted to the wobbling plate through the shaft, and the bottom surface of the wobbling plate comes into rolling contact with the floor of the housing. The spray nozzles also wobble in response to the wobbling motion of the shaft. When the chamber is almost full of water, the water in the chamber enters the inlet in the shaft and flows through a passage in the shaft to the spray nozzle.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the spray head 40 taken along line 4-4 in FIG. The upper surface 58 of the wobbling turbine 44 is shown with grooves 60 formed non-radially. The flow of the fluid colliding with the wobbling turbine 44 is adjusted so that the center point of the wobbling turbine 44 is substantially displaced from the flow of the fluid from the inlet 45, and only one side of the wobbling turbine 44 is aligned with the fluid flow at any point. Then, the wobbling turbine 44 is pushed to the inclined position. Each channel or groove 60 formed in the upper end 58 of the wobbling turbine 44 is non-radial and acts as a vane to cause the wobbling turbine to rotate around the fluid inlet as fluid flows through the groove. Non-radial groove 60, conical surface 58 and sleeve 62 and post 5
Due to the loose relationship with 4, when the fluid flows under pressure to the top of the wobbling turbine 44, the wobbling turbine 44 tilts off-center and begins to wobble. More specifically, the impinging force 31 is generated by the fluid colliding with the conical surface 58 of the turbine 44, and the wobbling force 33 is generated by the fluid flowing through the groove 60. Therefore, the wobbling turbine 44 wobbles clockwise as indicated by the arrow 61 due to the fluid flow flowing through the inlet 45. As the wobbling motion begins, the continuous flow of water maintains the wobbling turbine 44 in a wobbling state. In addition, the fluid flow creates a constraining force on the turbine that pushes downwards and tends to prevent the turbine from displacing from cooperating with the nozzle assembly. Thus, the angle of the conical surface 58 is preferably not large enough to raise the turbine to contact and disengage with the nozzle assembly, but sufficiently large to produce at least a slight tilting force, even if the turbine is already tilted sufficiently. .

[0044] For any wobbling turbine, the wobbling rate or speed can be increased (or reduced) by increasing (or decreasing) the flow rate of fluid through the spray head. However, it is possible to configure the wobbling turbine to increase or decrease the wobbling rate for a given fluid flow rate by changing the wobbling turbine groove angle or pitch. Referring to FIG. 12, the wobbling turbine may be configured such that the wobbling rate is substantially reduced by reducing the pitch of the grooves, that is, by configuring the grooves 162 at a small angle β from the radial direction. Good. Similarly, the wobbling turbine may be configured to increase the wobbling rate by increasing the pitch of the grooves, that is, by configuring the grooves 162 at a large angle δ from the radial direction. Returning to FIG. 4 again, the grooves may be configured with variable angles to further form a “pin gear” type pattern. Further, the wobbling rate can be customized by changing the number and size of the grooves.

FIGS. 17A-I are schematic diagrams showing the wobbling motion (tilt turning motion) between the wobbling turbine sleeve 62 and the nozzle assembly post 54 according to the spray head 40 of FIG. First, regarding the turbine sleeve 62 and the post 54 inclined to the right side of the housing 42, the turbine sleeve 62 and the post 5
4 rotates clockwise around the housing center point 69, where 45
Shown in increments of degrees. Since the post 54 and the turbine sleeve 62 are always inclined in the same direction, their respective center points 71, 73 are substantially radially aligned with the housing center point 69. As the turbine sleeve 62 rotates clockwise (as represented by the movement of the turbine center point 71 about the housing center point 69), the sleeve 62 biases the post 54 to tilt in the same clockwise direction. (As represented by the movement of the post center point about the housing center point 69).

Returning again briefly to FIG. 1, turbine 44 and turbine sleeve 62 are in contact with post 54 at three points. (2) an inner point near the upper end of the sleeve 62 in the direction away from the tilt (i.e., the left side in FIG. 2); 3) The lower surface side of the turbine. Since there are three contact points, it is necessary to slide at one or more of these points in order to wobble the turbine. Although all contact points are wetted by a fluid such as water, the use of a longer turbine may cause some edge wear on the inner surface of the post or sleeve.

FIGS. 10A-I are schematic diagrams illustrating the wobbling motion between the wobbling plate and the housing floor of the present invention. Depending on the angle between the wobbling plate and the floor,
The wobbling plate 4 whose rolling contact circle between the wobbling plate and the floor has a diameter 47 (and circumference) different from the diameter 51 of the second circle of the floor 50 of the housing 42.
6 to define a first circle. In order to maintain contact with the floor, the wobbling plate needs to have a circumferential difference by wobbling. As shown, if the diameter of the circle 47 is smaller than the diameter of the circle 51 (if there is no slippage between the wobbling plate and the floor), the wobbling plate 46 will move in the opposite direction to the wobbling (as indicated by the arrow 142) (arrow Wobble (as shown at 140). Each of FIGS. 10A to 10I shows wobbling in a 45 ° clockwise direction.

First, in FIG. 10A, in the wobbling, the first circle 4 of the wobbling plate is used.
A post (not shown) begins to tilt on the page so that 7 is pushed out into contact with circle 51 of floor 50. For purposes of illustration, the two triangular marks 144, 146 indicate the wobbling plate 46 and floor 5, respectively, adjacent the initial point of contact between circles 47, 51.
0. When the wobbling and thus the contact point moves clockwise,
The wobbling plate wobbles slightly counterclockwise. 10A-I
For a given diameter 47, 51 illustrated in FIG. 5, during one complete wobbling, the wobbling plate 46 rotates about 1/4 of one wobbling in the opposite direction to give a wobbling: wobbling ratio of about 4. Is clear. In the wobbling in this example, the diameter and the circumference of the circle 47 are smaller than the diameter and the circumference of the circle 51 (
That is, since D ₃ > D ₄ ), the direction is opposite to wobbling. It should also be understood that the floor itself is frusto-conical. Note that by increasing the diameter of the wobbling plate and the floor or the difference in angle between them, wobbling:
It should be understood that the wobbling ratio may be increased. The principles for determining the wobbling: rotation ratio described above for wobbling plates and floors are similar for wobbling inducing members or wobbling turbines and posts.

Returning to FIG. 1, the post 54 is surrounded by two intermediate sleeves 80, 82 that are larger in diameter than the shaft 54 and smaller than the sleeve 62 of the wobbling turbine 44 (the use of an intermediate sleeve is optional). ). Sleeve 80, 82
Wobbles upon contact with the inner surface 66 of the wobbling turbine 44 (ie, tilts and wobbles around the shaft). By adding a sleeve,
The wobbling turbine can be tilted at a desired angle while keeping the contact angle between the surfaces small.

The post or shaft 54 further includes a suction channel 84 proximate the opening 52 and opening into an annular cup 86 of the spray nozzle 48. The suction channel 84 receives water leaking around the opening 52 and does not use a seal. The vacuum created by the water flowing out of the outlet channel 78 draws water from the cup 86 through the suction channel 84 and into the passage 74. The channel 84 also supplies air to the space below the speed tube 75 so that the water flow exiting the speed tube 75 maintains its speed and is deflected to be guided below the channel 78. .

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of the spray head assembly. Spray head 90A is similar to spray head 4 of FIG. 1 except for the relationship between wobbling inducing member or wobbling turbine 92 and distal end 94 of the spray nozzle assembly.
It is almost the same as 0. According to the above description, the wobbling turbine 92 includes a post 96 instead of a sleeve, and the distal end 94 includes a sleeve 98 instead of a post. In addition, the post 96 and the sleeve 98 may have frusto-conical surfaces 100 and 102
Respectively, but most preferably have a common pivot point 104 somewhere on the centerline. As with the wobbling turbine 44 described above, fluid flow from the inlet 45 impinges on the surface 58 and tilts the wobbling turbine 92 to one side until the surfaces 100, 102 come into contact. Fluid flow through one side groove 60 of the turbine provides a tangential force to the wobbling turbine 92 (as described above with respect to FIG. 4), thereby causing the wobbling turbine to wobble within the sleeve 94. The rolling component of the wobbling motion is smaller than that of the spray head 40.
The zero configuration is easier to visualize, but perhaps this is because the contact between the turbine post 96 and the sleeve 98 is approximately one instead of the three contact points represented by the turbine 44 of FIG.
Because it is a book line.

FIGS. 18A-I schematically illustrate the wobbling motion of the wobbling turbine post 96 and the nozzle assembly sleeve 98 according to the spray head 90 A of FIG. Since the diameter of the circle 59 formed on the surface of the turbine 96 is smaller than the diameter of the circle 61 formed on the facing surface of the sleeve 98, when the turbine 96 wobble clockwise, the turbine 96 represented by the circle 61 becomes Wobbling counterclockwise. Spray head 90A is preferred over spray head 40 because wear associated with the three points of contact has been eliminated. The reduced friction eliminates three points of contact and reduces wobbling of the nozzle assembly (counterclockwise relative to clockwise wobbling as shown in FIGS. 10A-10I) and turbine wobbling (counterclockwise relative to clockwise wobbling). Direction). Since the post 96 and the sleeve 98 wobble in the same direction, the amount of friction therebetween is greatly reduced,
It may go away. Although the spray head 90A is shown with a post 96 and sleeve 98 having a more preferred frusto-conical surface, the spray head 90A may form a post 96 and sleeve 98 having a simple cylindrical surface.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a spray head having two modified features. First, the spray head 90B has a nozzle assembly with a thin tube 110B that connects the wobbling plate 46 to the spray nozzle 48. The thin tube is a tube 110
In order to reduce the outer diameter of B (compared to tube 110A), it is preferably made of a very rigid material, preferably a metal such as stainless steel. For example, the tubing may be constructed of stainless steel having an inner diameter of about 0.15 inches and an outer diameter of about 0.18 inches.
Reducing the outer diameter of tube 110B can reduce the amount of force required to tilt or tilt the nozzle assembly.

Second, spray head 90 B is shown having one or more bypass channels or slots 112 to divert a portion of the fluid flow around turbine 60. The bypass channel 112 reduces the force exerted by the water on the turbine, thereby reducing the force applied between the turbine and the nozzle assembly, and between the nozzle assembly and the floor, for example, of the force necessary to maintain wobbling. Desirable to reduce the amount. It is believed that the unnecessary large force increases the wear between the moving members of the spray head and may cause noise.

FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the spray head showing the outlet of the spray nozzle. Although the outlet channels may be provided in any manner known in the art, a preferred set of outlet channels 78 is defined by a plurality of fins 79 connected to a deflector 77. The main purpose of the deflector 77 is to provide a curved path for water to flow through the spray nozzle. Preferably, a minor portion of the outlet channel 78 is oriented at a small angle to the axis of the spray nozzle 48 to provide a more uniform spray pattern or coverage for objects that are a short distance from the spray head, such as a showerer. The smaller angled outlet channels 78a are preferably formed spaced apart around the spray nozzle or at a location radially inward toward the spray nozzle central axis (not shown).

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the spray head assembly 120, where like numerals represent like elements of the previously described embodiment shown in FIG. The inlet channel 76 of the post 54 extends into the passage 74 and forms a tangential angle with the post 54 and the central axis of the passage 74 to swirl the fluid. The swirl or spiral fluid 122 travels through passage 74 to spray nozzle 124. No deflectors are needed because the momentum of the swirling fluid forces the fluid outwardly against the passage 74 and the walls of the spray nozzle 124. The spray nozzle preferably also includes fins 79 to reduce or eliminate fluid swirl and to define multiple fluid streams exiting the spray nozzle. Most preferably, the fins are set to allow fluid to flow at an angle of 5 degrees with the center axis of the post.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative spray head 130 constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, wherein like numerals represent like elements of the previously described embodiment shown in FIG. . The spray head 130 connects the pin 134 to the outlet channel 13
6 having a spray nozzle 132 disposed therein. The pin 134 has a head at one end within the chamber or passage 138 and extends downwardly into or through the outlet channel 136 with a generally straight mandrel. The centrifugal force generated by the wobbling spray nozzle rubs the pins 134 and keeps lime or other mineral deposits on either side of the outlet channel 136. This self-maintenance feature is very useful when the water has a high lime or other mineral concentration or in areas where a pressurized spray head is desired.

FIGS. 8A-D show sprays from four spray heads, including three commercially available shower heads (FIGS. 8A-C) and a shower head made according to FIG. 2 of the present invention (FIG. 8D). Fig. 3 schematically shows that the spray pattern is uniform at one distance from the head. 9A-D are similar graphs created using the same four showerheads, but with a greater distance. The spray heads are each connected to a constant pressure water supply, each having a diameter of about 1 /
It was oriented generally downwards into a row of 4 inch glass tubes. The results of this experiment are shown graphically as a side view of the liquid collected in the tube. FIG.
D and the results shown in FIG. 9D clearly show that the water is distributed most uniformly over the width of the spray pattern. Other graphs show that water distribution tends to concentrate at one point or a small area of the spray pattern.

FIGS. 11A and 11B are schematic side views of the pattern of water dispensed by the spray head 40 and the spray nozzle 48 according to FIG. Spray nozzle 48
Is fixed, the spray width defined by the dashed line 150 will depend on the design of the spray nozzle itself. When the spray nozzle 48 is wobbled according to the present invention, the spray width is increased by 2α, where α is the same angle as the angle of the wobbling plate and the floor (see FIG. 2). FIG. 11 further illustrates a unique spray pattern that is visible to the naked eye. The rapid wobbling of the spray nozzle 48 causes the individual drops or streams to split and spread into an arched path. For example, a spray nozzle 12 with three outlet channels 78a oriented 2 degrees off center and 9 channels oriented 6 degrees off center 12
Suppose we have exit channels. When the spray head is designed to wobble twice by making the wobbling plate and the floor a two degree angle,
A total of 16 degrees of spray angle (ie, the angle of dashed line 150) is obtained. Since the two wobbling deflects four degrees (i.e., two degrees in all directions), the three exit channels oriented two degrees have 0 degrees from the axis representing one quarter of the spray head area.
The nine outlet channels directed at 6 degrees eject fluid at angles in the range of 8 degrees, ejecting fluid at angles ranging from 8 degrees to 16 degrees, which is three-quarters of the ejection range. It should be noted that many other exit channel structures and designs can be used with the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative spray head assembly 160 constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, wherein like numerals refer to like elements of the previously described embodiment shown in FIG. Represent. Spray head assembly 160 includes housing 42 that holds wobbling turbine 44 and wobbling plate 46.
Having. The housing 42 forms a chamber 43 with a suction port 45 located upstream from the wobbling turbine 44. The floor 50 of the housing 42 passes through the wobbling plate 46 and the housing 4 inside the housing 42.
A hole or opening 52 is formed for slidably receiving a shaft 54 fixed to a spray head (not shown) outside the two. The shaft 54 is sealed in the hole 52 by a lip seal 56 to prevent water from leaking out of the housing when the shaft 54 tilts and wobbles in the opening 52. An O-ring may be used in the opening to seal the shaft 54. It should be noted that the opening 52 in all embodiments described herein is so wide that the shaft wobbles and pivots about the centerline of the housing, allowing the above-described wobbling movement. The housing 42 is preferably substantially liquid tight, and the passage of fluid between the shaft 54 and the opening 52 is somewhat anticipated, but is within the scope of the present invention.

The wobbling turbine 44 has a conical upper surface 58 having a plurality of blades 165 extending radially, and a substantially cylindrical sleeve 62. The blades 165 are preferably rappered downward toward the centerline of the turbine 44 like a propeller. The blades 165 and the inclined or frusto-conical surface 167 act very much like the grooves of the wobbling turbine shown in FIG. To limit the degree of wobbling, it can be a ring mounted around the blades 165 shown, or formed with the ends of each blade 165 facing upstream as shown in FIGS. A wobbling restriction element 166 is provided. The wobbling limiting element 166 acts to limit the degree to which the wobbling turbine tilts on the shaft, and achieves similar results as the wobbling plate described above. Preferably, the wobbling restriction element 166 causes the passage defined between the surfaces 167, 169 to be aligned with the fluid entering the housing 42 from the jet 171 even when the turbine 44 wobble. A frusto-conical surface 169 that is opposite to the frusto-conical surface 167 is formed. For example, when the turbine 44 is in the generally vertical position, fluid passing through the jet 171 presses against the surface 167 and tilts the turbine 44 to its side. However, the turbine 44 may be
If the surface 169 of the sixth is tilted sufficiently to be drawn into the flow of fluid through the jet 171, the fluid will press against the surface 169. The faces 167, 169 are preferably designed with a sufficient angle and surface area to limit the tilt of the turbine. It should also be understood that the vanes 165 extend between the surfaces 167, 169 just radially (as shown in FIG. 14) or slightly radially rather than radially. Non-radial, larger angle vanes are designed to turn the turbine more precisely in the desired trajectory with little or perhaps no dependence on tracking rings that limit the degree of such tilt. Is also good. It is also effective to provide grooves or ridges on the surface 167 of the tracking ring to increase the relative force applied to the tracking ring.

The wobbling turbine 44 preferably forms a plurality of openings 168 in fluid communication with the passage 74 in the shaft 54. The wobbling turbine sleeve 62 has an inner surface 68 that defines an inner diameter that is greater than the outer diameter of the shaft 54. During assembly, the sleeve 62 slides on the shaft 54 and the wobbling turbine 44
Is mounted on the top of the shaft 54. The wobbling turbine 44 and the shaft 54 can be made of TEFLON or other suitable polymer material so that friction between the wobbling turbine 44 and the shaft 54 is tolerable and the wobbling turbine 44 is free to move around the shaft 54. It is. The vanes may be placed and wobbled substantially by the wobbling plate described above by compensating and controlling the amount of tilt wobbling provided by the shaft and spray nozzles. The wobbling motion (tilt turning motion) in the present embodiment is the same as that described above with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 14 is a top view of the wobbling turbine 44 shown in FIG. Feather 16
5 is arranged at a predetermined angle, and when the fluid flow from the inlet hits the blade, the wobbling turbine tilts to one side and starts wobbling. The wobbling restriction element 166 in the present embodiment is a tracking ring. The ring extends downward and has an outer diameter greater than the outer diameter of the upstream water supply port. The tracking ring
Much like the wobbling plate described above, it acts to limit the wobbling motion of the turbine.

FIGS. 15 and 16 are a cross-sectional view and a top view, respectively, of a sixth embodiment of the present invention constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and like reference numerals are used to designate like parts shown in FIG. Represents similar elements of the embodiment. Wobbling turbine 44
Has a plurality of tapered blades 165 that tilt the wobbling turbine to one side and start wobbling when coming into contact with water from the inlet. The taper of the blade has an effect of restricting the wobbling of the wobbling turbine 44. The wobbling motion using the tracking ring and / or the tapered vanes is shown in FIGS.
Are the same as those described above.

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of a fifth embodiment of the spray head assembly of the present invention, wherein like numerals represent like elements of the above embodiment shown in FIG. Spray head 170 includes a lifting turbine 172 having upper surface 58 with grooves 60 as in the other embodiments of the invention described above. In addition, the elevating turbine 172
Has a sleeve 174 with a fluid passage 176 therethrough, and a wobbling limiting member or plate 178 mounted at the end of the sleeve 174 opposite the turbine face 58. Although the wobbling plate 178 wobbles on the floor 50 as described above in FIGS. is there. Rather, the turbine 172 itself wobbles according to FIGS.

The wobbling plate 178, or another portion of the sleeve, is illustrated as an inwardly directed annular lip, provided in a restrained position relative to a complementary annular groove 184 in a portion of the nozzle assembly 180, such as the top of a post. And an annular elevating ring 182. Thus, the wobbling operation of the turbine 172, the wobbling plate 178 and the lip 182 causes the lip 182 to pull up and down one side of the nozzle assembly 180 at a time by contact with the upper wall 186 of the groove 184, thereby lowering the nozzle assembly 180. Wobbling is performed on the wobbling restriction surface 183. As the wobbling plate 178 wobble, the lip 182 maintains one point of contact with the face 186 of the nozzle assembly 180 and the wobbling plate 178 maintains another point of contact with the floor 50, and these two points are sprayed. It is on the substantially opposite side of the head shaft 69.

FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of a sixth embodiment of a spray head assembly, where like numerals represent like elements of the above embodiment shown in FIG. Spray head 19
0 includes a turbine 44 having an upper surface 58 with a groove 60 as in the other previously described embodiments of the present invention. Turbine 44 also includes a sleeve 62 disposed on post 54 of the nozzle assembly. The nozzle assembly of the spray head 190
Further includes an elongated rod 192 having a first end supporting the post and a second end secured to the spray nozzle 194. Spray nozzle or housing 1
94 is similar to nozzle 48 of FIG. 2 in that nozzle 194 includes deflector 77 and outlet channel 78. However, the spray nozzle 194 does not allow the integral wobbling limiting member 46 to wobble on the surface 196 of the housing 42.
Further included. Note that the wobbling motion of the wobbling restricting member 46 on the surface 196 matches the description of FIGS. Spray head 190-1
One advantage is that the seal 56 may be eliminated and the collar 52 is widened to accommodate the spray nozzle 48. Housing 42 preferably further includes a conduit 194 that directs fluid flow around rod 192 and cooperates with outlet channel 78 of spray nozzle 48. Most preferably, the fluid passage defined between the conduit 194 and the spray nozzle 48 is aligned so that fluid flows smoothly from the conduit to the outlet channel.

Method and Apparatus for Controlling Fluid Delivery The present invention allows a user to adjust or control at least one characteristic of a fluid delivered from a spray head, such as spray width, spray speed or bombardment, volumetric flow, drop size, etc. Provide a spray head assembly that can be used. The spray head assembly includes a housing, a nozzle assembly, a motion inducing member, and a motion limiting member. Types of movement that are more effective than the present invention include wobbling, vibration, and spin. The most preferred movement is wobbling.

The present invention delivers fluid through a nozzle assembly that is coupled to, or at least cooperates with, a motion inducing member. Thus, modifying or controlling the movement of the motion inducing member or the movement of the nozzle assembly itself can modify or control the delivery of fluid from the nozzle assembly. The present invention is directed to (a) changing the force acting on the motion inducing member (ie, increasing or decreasing fluid flow to the motion inducing member, turning), and (b) limiting the range of motion that the motion inducing member can traverse. (I.e., directly or indirectly limit or mitigate the physical boundaries of the motion inducing member), (c) limit the range of motion that the nozzle assembly can traverse, or (d) (a)-(b) ) To modify or control the movement of the nozzle assembly.

The housing has a first end having a fluid inlet and a second end defining a collar or opening therein. The nozzle assembly includes a first end provided within the housing, a central portion extending through the opening, a second end having a fluid outlet, and fluid communication between the housing and the fluid outlet. Providing a fluid conduit. The nozzle assembly causes wobbling by fluid flowing over or through the wobbling inducing member.

The most preferred spray head for use with the present invention is the wobbling spray head described below with reference to FIGS. 1-19, the subject of which is incorporated herein by reference, July 14, 1998. It was disclosed by the inventor in co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09 / 115,362, filed on a date. Therefore,
The wobbling limiting member preferably comprises a wobbling plate, most preferably a wobbling plate having a convex frusto-conical surface engaging the housing adjacent the opening to limit movement of the nozzle assembly. . Further, the wobbling inducing member is preferably a wobbling turbine, and most preferably has a convex conical surface formed with angular motion inducing grooves, preferably non-radial grooves.

The present invention provides a method and apparatus for modifying the fluid delivery characteristics of a spray head having a mobile spray nozzle, preferably a wobbling spray nozzle. The user can modify the fluid delivery characteristics of the spray nozzle by manipulating various simple interfaces including push buttons, cam-mounted knobs, and other simple devices for manipulating or restricting spray nozzle movement. . More specifically, as described above, the present invention delivers fluid through a nozzle assembly that is coupled to, integrally formed with, or at least cooperates with, a motion inducing member. Thus, modifying or controlling the movement of the motion inducing member or the movement of the nozzle assembly itself can modify or control the delivery of fluid from the nozzle assembly. The present invention provides (a) changing the force acting on the motion inducing member (i.e., increasing or decreasing the flow of fluid to the motion inducing member, changing the direction), and (b) limiting the range of motion that the motion inducing member can traverse. Limiting (ie, directly or indirectly limiting or mitigating the physical boundaries of the motion inducing member), (c) limiting the range of movement that the nozzle assembly can traverse, or (d).
The combination of (a)-(c) modifies or controls the movement of the nozzle assembly.

FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional side view of a spray head assembly 200 having a flow washer speed control system. As used herein, the term “flow washer speed control system” refers to the flow rate located downstream of the inlet valve 204 and the motion inducing member 92 (ie, the wobbling turbine) but upstream of the nozzle outlet channel 78. Refers to a spray head having a limiting washer 202. Flow restriction washer 2
02 is designed to maintain a relatively constant flow rate through its central orifice by tightening the orifice as the chamber pressure increases. Further details and the design of the flow limiting washer are described in U.S. Patent Nos. 4,457,343 and 4,508,144, which are incorporated herein by reference.

By locating the flow restricting washer 202 downstream of the motion inducing member 92, the flow rate of the fluid delivered through the nozzle 48 is maintained within the chamber 43 at a given level substantially independent of the fluid pressure or velocity. Is maintained in. A needle valve 204 is positioned to cooperate with the valve seat 206 to create a pressure drop within the chamber 43 and create a flow restriction that increases the velocity of the fluid impinging on the motion inducing member 92. In this way, the member 92 (turbine) is moved (wobbled) at a high speed regardless of the chamber pressure. Further, at low fluid flow rates, the needle valve may be limited (ie, partially closed) to maintain good motion or wobbling speed. Note that high chamber pressures require a small effective inlet opening to provide sufficient fluid velocity for the member 92 to move at high speed. For a residential shower, a preferred flow washer has a hole diameter of about 0.128 inches, a diameter of about 0.130 inches, and most preferably about 0.130 inches.
It can be used with an outlet tube 208 larger than 140 inches.

According to the present invention, a major advantage of the flow washer speed control system is that it can be used to control the impact of fluid exiting the nozzle. As noted above, as the chamber pressure increases, the flow washer orifice decreases, resulting in a faster flow of fluid therethrough. In a conventional shower head, the flow washer is
Since the velocity of the fluid exiting the nozzle is determined by the nozzle outlet, since it must be located at the inlet to the chamber, any benefits of the high velocity flow have dissipated within the chamber. In the flow washer speed control system of the present invention, the outlet channel of the spray housing does not restrict fluid flow, because the overall cross-sectional area of the channel is much larger than the flow washer or speed tube. Thus, the high velocity fluid passing through the flow washer enters the spray housing, is diverted by the deflector, and exits the exit channel at high velocity without any major restrictions.
As a result, the user can select a low impact or high impact spray while maintaining a constant flow rate.

When the needle valve 204 is fully seated (closed), there is no flow through the nozzle. By turning the handle 210 with the cam 212 attached to the needle valve 204, when the needle valve is slightly opened, the fluid flows into the chamber 43 at a high speed, thus providing a high wobbling rate and a gentle wobbling spray. Generates a low chamber pressure that results. Further opening of the needle valve 204 increases the pressure in the chamber 43 and tightens the flow washer, providing a high speed and high impact spray. Optionally, the motion inducer may be slowed or stopped by opening the valve 204 further to create a slow flow, or opening a bypass around the motion inducer to create a higher impulse flow.
Both the gentle spray and the high impact spray provide fluid flow based on the degree of the flow washer 202.

FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional side view of a spray head assembly 220 having a bypass valve 222 that diverts fluid around the turbine 92 or around the speed tube 75. The bypass valve 222 includes a fluid inlet 45 and a channel 224 directed at the turbine 92, a chamber 228 directed to the nozzle assembly 208 within the chamber, but about the chamber 226 or chamber 43 directed around the turbine 92. And selectively communicates with two or more channels selected from. The bypass valve 222 allows fluid from the inlet 45 to communicate with one or more of the channels 224, 226, 228 by turning a handle 230 coupled to the stem 232. The preferred bypass valve element 222 may be described as a cylinder seated in the housing 42, where the cylinder wall is precisely aligned with the appropriate channels 224, 226, 228 as the valve 222 wobbles. Have various holes at radial positions in the longitudinal direction. Detailed operations of the bypass valve 222 will be described with reference to FIGS. 23A to 23F below.

FIGS. 23A-F are cross-sectional side views of the bypass valve of FIG. 22 showing its operation at various wobbling angles. FIG. 23A shows the bypass valve in a position where fluid is directed from the inlet 45 to the channel 224, substantially without restriction. Thus, the nozzle assembly is in a wobbling mode. FIG. 23B shows the bypass valve in a position where fluid is directed from inlet 45 through holes 225, 229 to both channels 224, 226, respectively (45 degrees clockwise relative to FIG. 23A, as indicated by arrow 234). Show. Thus, a portion of the fluid directed through one or more channels 226 bypasses the turbine, and lower flow remains in channel 224, slowing the turbine wobbling rate. FIG. 23C shows the bypass valve in a position where fluid is directed from inlet 45 through hole 229 to bypass channel 226 (90 degrees clockwise relative to FIG. 23A, as indicated by arrow 234), thereby providing a nozzle Eliminating turbine wobbling while maintaining flow through the assembly.

FIG. 23D is the same as FIG. 23A. FIG. 23E shows that the fluid is
23 shows the bypass valve in a position (45 degrees counterclockwise relative to FIG. 23D, as indicated by arrow 335) respectively oriented through the channels 5,224 to both channels 224,228. Thus, the location of the fluid directed through one or more channels 228 (soft wash mode, use of a set of standard nozzles, use of separate outflow channels at the spray nozzles, etc.) bypasses the turbine and is slower. Flow remains in channel 224 and reduces the tilt wobbling speed of the turbine. FIG.
3F shows the bypass valve at the position where the fluid inlet 45 is closed and the spray nozzle is off (90 degrees counterclockwise with respect to FIG. 23D as shown by arrow 235). It should be understood that the incremental rotation of the valve 222 can provide some gradual transition between modes of operation.

FIGS. 24A-E, 25A-E and 26A-E show lines 24-24, 25, respectively.
FIG. 24 is a partial schematic cross-sectional view of the bypass valve in FIGS. 23A to 23E taken along lines -25 and 26-26.

Referring again to FIG. 22, bypass channel 228 extends through the wall of housing 42 and opens adjacent nozzle assembly 48 so that fluid is directed to collection trough 236. Trough 236 is poured into outlet channel 78 at low pressure and speed through a plurality of holes 238 to reduce the overall velocity of fluid exiting outlet channel 78. Flowing a low-speed stream into a high-speed main stream for the purpose of reducing the speed of the main stream is referred to herein as a "soft wash" mode.

FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional side view of a spray head assembly 240 having a bypass valve 242 that controls fluid to a set of fixed fluid outlet channels 244. The bypass valve 242 operates similarly to the bypass valve 222 of FIGS.
42 has been simplified by eliminating channel 229. Clockwise wobbling of valve 242 causes fluid to flow through channel 228 and outlet channel 244.
Orientated through. The channel 244 is connected to the spray head assembly 24.
Preferably, it is oriented at an angle that increases the effective spray width of zero.

FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional side view of a spray head assembly 250 having a bypass valve 252 that diverts fluid around a speed tube 75 through a channel 228 to a trough 236. Bypass valve 252 is camshaft 254 (off-center in the direction out of paper) engaging sleeve 256 that controls the spray width of the nozzle assembly by restricting movement of wobbling plate 46. Further included. When the bypass valve 252 wobbles, the camshaft 2
54 lowers the sleeve 256 so that the annular ridge 258 contacts the wobbling plate 46 to limit the degree of wobbling, thereby reducing the spray width. Lowering the sleeve further stops the wobbling plate and provides a high impact fluid flow.

FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional side view of the spray head assembly similar to FIG. 28, except that the sleeve 266 has a ridge 268 below the wobbling plate 46. As the bypass valve 262 wobbles, the cam 264 raises the sleeve 266 such that the ridge 268 contacts the wobbling plate 46, thereby limiting the range of movement of the nozzle assembly and reducing the spray width.

FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional side view of a spray head assembly 270 having a spray width adjustment ring 272 below a wobbling plate 274. Adjustment ring 272
When is turned clockwise, the adjustment ring 272 is pulled toward the ring 276 by screwing, limiting the range of movement of the wobbling plate 274. All surfaces of the spray head assembly 270 that contact the wobbling plate 274 are preferably sloped toward a common point 278 to center the post 279 on the channel 277.

FIG. 31 shows a cross-sectional side view of a spray head assembly 280 having a bypass valve 282 (of any known type) for directing fluid from the chamber 43 to a nozzle assembly about a speed tube 75 to provide a soft wash. It is.

FIG. 32 shows a wobbling inducing member 292, a wobbling restricting member 294,
FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional side view of a spray head assembly 290 having a nozzle 296.
Fluid flows from chamber 43 through hole 293 and channel 295 to nozzle 296.
To the outer surface of the Additionally, a bypass valve 282 is provided to direct the low speed soft wash flow to channel 295.

FIG. 33 illustrates a cross-sectional side view of a spray head assembly 300 that is substantially similar to the spray head assembly of FIG. FIG. Outlet channel 286 is preferably oriented so that fluid exiting channel 286 joins fluid exiting outlet channel 78, but such that the two fluid streams join only after exiting nozzle 288.

FIG. 34 is a cross-sectional side view of a spray head assembly 310 having an impact (speed) adjustment assembly located downstream of the speed tube 75. The shock adjustment assembly 312 may place the needle valve 314 in the speed tube 75 or other orifice to increase greater flow restriction and velocity of fluid therethrough. As shown in FIG. 34, the assembly 310 may be provided with a gripping member 316 which is a gripping member that stops wobbling of the nozzle assembly when the position of the needle valve 314 is adjusted. Grip member 316 is shown as an annular ring biased upward by compression spring 318. A handle 320 is provided so that the user can pull the grip member 316 downward until the grip surface 322, which is the grip surface, contacts the outer surface of the spray housing 324 to lock the nozzle assembly in a fixed position. . Tab 3 at end of needle valve 314
26 can be wobbled by being pinched by the user's finger. Since the needle valve 314 is screwed through the center of the deflector 328, a desired degree of fluid impact can be obtained by moving the valve 314 back and forth. Preferably, the threads are configured to be sufficient to secure the needle valve position despite long wobbling or vibration of the nozzle assembly.

While the above is a description of preferred embodiments of the invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope, the scope of which is defined by the following claims. It is determined.

1. Additional Spray Head Assembly Including Chamber The present invention includes, but is not limited to, whirlpool tubs, showers, etc.
And a device having a movable nozzle for delivering a fluid used in various applications. Nozzle movements include wobbling movements, wobbling movements, arcuate movements, oscillating movements, and combinations of these movements. The movement of the nozzle is powered by disposing a wobbling inducing member, such as a wobbling turbine, in a fluid supply path inside the housing. The water flowing on the wobbling turbine causes the wobbling turbine to wobble. The wobbling turbine imparts movement to the nozzle according to a defined arcuate path. Movement of the nozzle, or at least a reversal of the nozzle outlet, results in a more satisfactory swirl bath than a number of fixed nozzles. An advantage of the unique configuration of the wobbling turbine is that it does not include complex mechanical parts or cause significant flow restrictions.

In one aspect of the invention, there is provided an apparatus with a wobbling inducing member or wobbling turbine that is directly engaged with a nozzle. The nozzle can have any number of outlet channels, but preferably has no more than about 5 outlet channels, and most preferably has one or two outlet channels that direct fluid at the same or different angles. . The wobbling turbine is preferably mounted on a sleeve or a post located inside the truck, the conical surface at the top of the wobbling turbine facing the water inlet. Since the diameter of the post is smaller than the inner surface of the sleeve or track, the number of revolutions required by the turbine in one wobbling acts to reduce or control the speed of the wobbling. The sleeve may form an elliptical receptacle, thereby flattening the nozzle wobbling angle according to the axis of the ellipse. Optionally, air can be introduced into the water flow path to provide an air-containing water jet for contacting the skin as it passes through or exits the device. Although the detailed description of the present invention describes a wobbling inducing member having a post and a nozzle assembly having a sleeve, the scope of the present invention and the disclosed embodiments each include a wobbling turbine having a sleeve and a post. It should be understood that it also includes a nozzle assembly having In fact, aspects of the present invention are operable in wobbling and rotated combinations with other coupling members capable of supporting the wobbling inducing member.

[0093] In another aspect of the invention, there is provided a device that may include one or more outlet channels, but preferably has two outlet channels at an angle opposite the centerline of the device. In this configuration, the wobbling turbine is loosely housed in the sleeve attached to the nozzle, so that the nozzle wobble with the wobbling of the wobbling turbine. Since the nozzles are wobbling independently of the wobbling turbine, the distribution or coverage of the fluid on the surface is very uniform. The opening in the housing through which the nozzle assembly is housed is slightly larger in diameter than the nozzle assembly, and the difference in diameter can be used to determine the wobbling speed of the nozzle.

[0094] In still another aspect of the present invention, a wobbling restriction member is provided. Optionally, the wobbling limiting member is manually adjustable by a user to obtain the desired jet from the device. The wobbling speed can be adjusted by slightly tilting the wobbling turbine. The degree of tilt affects the radius of the wobbling turbine that the water stream hits. Smaller slopes result in higher wobbling per minute (rpm) than the larger slopes of any turbine with a given taper angle, surface area and groove angle / dimension.

[0095] The wobbling limiting member according to the present invention may be formed in various configurations that define the movement of the wobbling inducing member. These wobbling limiting members include, but are not limited to, trucks, walls, plates, slots, sleeves or cylinders, posts, and the like. The present invention uses any of a number of combinations of the wobbling limiting member and the wobbling inducing member or some of the wobbling inducing members. Typical combinations include (a) a turbine post limited by a sleeve (see FIG. 35), (b) a nozzle post limited by a cylinder (FIG. 36 and FIGS.
4), (c) a wobbling plate limited by a slot (see FIG. 37), (d) a wobbling slot limited by a plate (see FIG. 38), (
e) Wheels limited by trucks (see FIG. 39), (f) Turbine bodies limited by chamber walls (see FIG. 45), and the like. However, these and other combinations will be apparent to one of skill in the art in light of the present disclosure and are within the scope of the invention.

Although the wobbling inducing member is coupled, held or fixed to the nozzle, it is preferable that the wobbling inducing member is not integrated with the nozzle or added. More preferably, the nozzle has an end proximate the wobbling inducing member. When the proximal end of the nozzle and the wobbling inducing member are loosely fitted and housed in each other,
Particularly, it is preferable that the proximal end portion and the wobbling inducing member can easily slide or pivot to have an unrestricted appropriate relationship. One particularly preferred configuration is a post-sleeve relationship where the cylindrical post (male) is contained within a cylindrical sleeve (female) and the outer diameter of the post is smaller than the inner diameter of the sleeve. Alternatively, the post may have a frusto-conical angle of the post less than the frusto-conical angle of the sleeve and the frusto-conical sleeve (
(Female) to form a frusto-conical surface (male). It should be understood that the post may be part of the spray nozzle assembly and the sleeve may be part of the wobbling inducing member, or vice versa. Preferably, the post and sleeve are configured with sufficient tolerance therebetween so that the wobbling inducing member can wobble without being bound to the spray nozzle assembly. Furthermore, it is most preferred to use a wobbling inducing member in which the first diameter conical or frustoconical post is housed in a conical or frustoconical sleeve of the spray nozzle assembly. Examples of various types of wobbling spray head assemblies that are suitable for use in the present invention are described in co-pending US patent application Ser. No. 09 / 115,362, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

In another embodiment or aspect of the invention, there is provided a fluid powered motor capable of driving various devices, such as a nozzle assembly, a mobile sprinkler, a secondary pump, and the like. This motor is particularly useful in applications requiring low output speeds, since complicated reduction gears are probably not required. A motor is provided by a wobbling inducing member that is in a post / sleeve relationship with the drive assembly or nozzle assembly, and wobbling of the drive assembly or nozzle assembly is limited or restrained by a wobbling limiting member. Although the wobbling of the drive assembly is limited, the drive assembly is still wobbling inside the wobbling limiting member and the drive assembly forms the motor output shaft. The wobbling restriction member is
Slot (engaging a wobbling slot on the drive or nozzle assembly), plate (engaging a wobbling slot on the drive assembly or the nozzle assembly) or cylinder (engaging a post on the drive assembly or the nozzle assembly) Is preferable). The wobbling limiting member engages the drive or nozzle assembly with a predetermined dimensional tolerance to limit the degree of wobbling (maximum angle from a central axis) imparted to the assembly. Although the degree of acceptable wobbling is expected to vary depending on the intended use of the motor output, the degree of wobbling should typically be less than 5 degrees off center and less than 2 degrees off center. It is preferable that it is a shift. It should be noted that the motor output shaft may be integrated with any device, whether the device is integrated with the shaft (such as an off-center drive pin), loosely fitted to the shaft, coupled to the shaft, or temporarily connected to the shaft. It should be understood that they may be combined without limitation, whether provisionally attached or not. One preferred motor shaft is
A fluid passageway through which the nozzle assembly is formed. Another preferred motor shaft engages a separate nozzle assembly in a known manner to provide simple movement (such as circular, vibrating or reciprocating) or complex movement (such as oval,
Sweep). Such a nozzle assembly is preferably supported in a ball and socket type attachment passing through the housing on the axle or the center of the assembly. The nozzle assembly may be spherical or cylindrical in shape, and the drive slots of the assembly may be designed to create a desired flow pattern exiting the nozzle.

In another aspect of the invention, there is provided a device that may include more than one outlet channel, wherein at least one channel is aligned with a centerline of the device and the remaining channels are aligned with a centerline of the device. Is preferably arranged at an angle opposite to. further,
The chamber surrounding the wobbling turbine and nozzle assembly need not be much larger than the nozzle assembly itself. By reducing the size,
Since the fluid can be efficiently discharged with almost no speed loss, this configuration is effective in a low water pressure region.

In an alternative embodiment, the wobbling turbine is mounted on the nozzle assembly. The wobbling turbine wobbles in response to fluid flowing into the chamber, and the fluid exits the nozzle assembly to provide a uniform flow pattern. This configuration is particularly useful in low water pressure areas, as water entering the nozzles can lift the wobbling turbine / nozzle assembly out of the collar or slot, making the entire assembly easier to wobble.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the wobbling turbine and post are mounted on a nozzle having a combination of high and low pressure chambers or both. Water flows away from the wobbling turbine and through the posts, as described above, but the water flows to a high pressure chamber having a high pressure outlet, which discharges small droplets of water at high speed. A portion of the water is directed through the flow control member to a low pressure chamber having a low pressure outlet, and a slightly larger, slower drop of water is ejected from the nozzle.
Large and small drops are preferably ejected from the nozzle at different speeds,
This produces two patterns of drops that give the bather uniform coverage and satisfactory water flow.

It should be understood that the device of the present invention and its individual components may be made from any known chemical and heat resistant material depending on the fluid flowing therethrough. Although the fluid is water, the device or each element of the device is preferably made of one or more injection-moldable or extrudable plastic or polymer materials, and is preferably DELRIN (E.M., Wilmington, Del.). I.7Co.
Most preferably, it is made from an acetal resin such as DuPont's trademark. Also, the device can further include elements made from a metal or metal alloy, such as stainless steel. Other and further materials suitable for use in the present invention should be apparent to those skilled in the art and are considered to be within the scope of the present invention.

FIG. 53 is a cross-sectional view of an apparatus 1010 of the present invention. Apparatus 1010 has a housing 1012 that holds a wobbling turbine 1014. Housing 10
12 forms a chamber 1016 with an inlet 1018 located upstream from the wobbling turbine 1014. The floor 1020 or the base end of the housing 1012 passes through the wobbling turbine 101 inside the housing 1012.
Collar, hole or opening 10 slidably receiving a post 1024 secured to it.
22 and a nozzle 1026 passing through the collar 1022. Post 1024
An annular shoulder 102 for wobbling the post 1024 freely in the opening 1022
8 hold in the opening 1022. The annular shoulder 1028 is
The twelve floors 1020 may be tapered upward to provide a frusto-conical surface.

[0103] Wobbling turbine 1014 is disclosed in co-pending US patent application Ser.
, 362, forming a plurality of non-radial channels
Having. The upper surface 1036 of the wobbling turbine 1014 extends beyond the track or track 1030 and forms an annular protrusion opposite the floor 1020 of the housing 1012. The wobbling turbine 1014 and post 1024 are
It is preferably made of LRIN or other suitable polymer material to allow friction between the post 1024 of the wobbling turbine 1014 and the truck 1030, and allow the wobbling turbine 1014 to move freely within the boundaries set by the truck 1030. .

The housing forms a wobbling limiting sleeve or truck 1030 where the wobbling turbine 1014 wobbles. Track 10
30 has an inner diameter several times larger than the outer diameter of the post 1024 so that the wobbling turbine 1014 can move the truck 1030 in a wobbling or tilting motion.
Can roll inside. The truck acts to reduce the wobbling speed of the turbine 1014. The track may have an elliptical opening (top), also flattening the movement of the nozzle relative to the elliptical pattern and the flow path of the water exiting the nozzle according to the elliptical dimensions. Air can be introduced into the water flow path through port 1038, which can provide an air-containing water jet when discharging the spray head. Air-containing water jets are desirable when the nozzle emits a jet or jet into a body of water and comes into contact with the skin in the bath.

Post 1024 provides a passage 1040 in fluid communication between shaft inlet (s) 1032 and nozzle 1034. The inlet 1032 is preferably a plurality of channels extending through the wall of the post, and is preferably angled downward from the top of the housing 1012 toward the floor 1020 of the housing 1012.

Thus, fluid enters the chamber 1016 through the inlet 1018, passes through the wobbling turbine 1014, enters the passage 1040 in the post 1024 through the inlet 1032, and is in fluid communication with the passage 1040 in the shaft 1024. It flows out of the nozzle 1026 through 1034. In operation, a fluid supply, such as a water pipe from a residential or commercial tap water supply, or a pump that circulates and drives water, under pressure causes an inlet 101 in housing 1012 to enter.
8 and penetrates. Turbine 1014 wobbles by fluid flowing over upper surface 1036 of wobbling turbine 1014. “Wobbling” in this context essentially means the condition in which the wobbling turbine 1014 is tilted to one side and the outer surface of the post 1024 of the wobbling turbine 1014 is in rolling contact with the inner surface of the truck 1030. The wobbling operation of the wobbling turbine exerts a force on the shaft 1024, which is transmitted to the water flowing out of the passage 1040 through the nozzle 1026. When the chamber is substantially filled with water, the water enters the inlet of the shaft and flows through the passage in the shaft to the nozzle.

[0107] For any given wobbling turbine, the wobbling speed is increased or decreased by increasing or decreasing the flow rate of the fluid through the spray head. Control of flow rate
This can be realized by providing a valve 1042 such as a gate valve at the inlet 1018.

FIG. 54 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the present invention. Apparatus 1044 has a housing 1046 that holds a wobbling turbine 1048 similar to FIG.
However, the wobbling turbine 1048 is loosely housed in a sleeve 1050 that is part of the nozzle assembly 1052. Housing 1046
Form a chamber 1054 with an inlet 1056 provided upstream from the wobbling turbine 1048. The floor or base end 1058 of the housing downstream of the wobbling turbine is formed with a collar, hole or opening 1060 that slidably receives the nozzle assembly 1052,
It has a sleeve 1050 that supports a wobbling turbine 1048 and a nozzle 1062 that extends beyond the collar 1060.

The wobbling turbine 1048 has a conical surface 1064 mounted on the post 1066 in a manner similar to that described in FIG. Wobbling turbine 1
The upper surface 1064 of the 048 preferably extends radially beyond the post 1066 to form an annular protrusion. The outer diameter of the post 1066 is
The wobbling motion is transmitted to the nozzle 1052 when the wobbling turbine is wobbling within the sleeve, smaller than the inner diameter of 50.

The nozzle assembly 1052 includes an optional washer or bearing 107
2 has an elongated portion having an annular shoulder 1070 mounted thereon. The elongated portion of the nozzle assembly has a fluid inlet 1074 on the annular shoulder 1070 and a fluid inlet 1078 below the shoulder 1070. In addition, the elongated part is the entrance 1
Passage 106 that provides fluid communication between 074 and 1078 and nozzle 1062
8 are formed. The inlet 1074 is preferably a plurality of channels extending through the wall of the nozzle, and preferably slopes downward from the top of the housing 1046 toward the housing floor 1050. The inlet 1078 preferably extends through the wall of the nozzle assembly, and is preferably angled downward toward the centerline of the nozzle assembly 1052. Nozzle 1062
May provide one or more, preferably two, outlet channels 1080 in fluid communication with passage 1068. Most preferably, the outlet channels are angled away from the centerline of the nozzle assembly 1052 and away from each other.

The opening 1060 includes a nozzle assembly 1052 having an inner diameter extending therethrough.
Slightly larger than the outside diameter of This difference in diameter serves to control the wobbling speed of the nozzle assembly 1052. For example, if the inner diameter of the opening 1060 is 0.51
Inches and the outer diameter of the nozzle assembly is 0.5 inches, then at each 360 ° wobbling of the wobbling turbine 1048, ie one of the nozzle assemblies
In the case of wobbling, the nozzle assembly will move 0.03 in the opposite direction to wobbling.
It makes a 1/50 turn around 14 inches or its circumference, resulting in a full turn once every 50 wobbling cycles. In this example, the wobbling turbine 10
48 wobbling at 1800 rpm, the nozzle assembly 10
52 wobble at about 36 rpm.

The flow of water to the housing 1046 is controlled by a needle valve 1082 as shown in FIG.
Alternatively, it can be controlled by a gate valve. Further, the water stream can be air-containing by drawing air into the housing through port 1084.

FIG. 55 is a cross-sectional view of a device 1083 similar to that shown in FIG. 54, where like numerals represent like elements. The wobbling turbine 1048 is loosely housed in a sleeve 1050 that is part of the nozzle assembly 1052. Housing 10
46 forms a chamber 1054 with an inlet 1056 provided upstream from the wobbling turbine 1048. The housing floor 1058 defines a collar, hole or opening 1060 that slidably receives the nozzle assembly 1052, and has a nozzle 1062 outside the housing and a sleeve 1050 supporting a wobbling turbine 1048 inside the housing. The nozzle assembly 1052 includes
An annular shoulder 1070 disposed within the adjustable slot 1088 is formed.
The width of the slot 1088 can be adjusted by raising and lowering the plate 1087, thereby limiting the wobbling speed of the wobbling turbine, as well as the wobbling speed and tilt of the nozzle assembly 1052. Reducing the width of the slot (shown here as the vertical distance of the slot 1088 between the floor 1058 and the plate 1087) reduces the tilt of the nozzle assembly 1052 and increases the number of wobbling, while increasing the number of slots. Increasing the width increases the tilt of the nozzle assembly and reduces the number of wobbling.

FIG. 56 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative device of the present invention. Apparatus 1090 includes a housing 1092 that holds wobbling turbine 1094 and nozzle assembly 1096.
I will provide a. The housing 1092 forms a chamber 1098 with a fluid inlet 1100 provided upstream of the wobbling turbine 1094. The housing 1092 is a floor 1 with an opening 1104 that supports the nozzle assembly 1096.
102. The wobbling turbine 1094 is slidably housed in a sleeve 1108 having an open upper end. The housing 1092 includes the support member 11.
The support member 1110 has a hole 1112 for slidably receiving the lower end of the sleeve 1108. At the lower end of the sleeve 1108, a drive pin 1114 extending therethrough is positioned off center of the longitudinal axis of the sleeve 1108.

The nozzle assembly 1096 is formed with an opening or drive slot 1116 for receiving the drive pin 1114, and when the wobbling turbine 1094 wobbles, this wobbling motion is converted into a rotary motion and transmitted to the nozzle assembly 1096 through the drive pin 1114. Is done. The nozzle assembly is fixed to the housing about axle 1097, thereby providing side movement with respect to nozzle outlet 1120. Also, a ball and socket joint may be used to secure the nozzle assembly to the housing, which allows for circular or arched movement of the nozzle outlet 1120. Alternatively, the driving slot 11 is formed so that the pattern flowing out of the nozzle forms a vibrating side pattern or an elliptical fluid pattern.
Sixteen shapes can also be configured. It should be understood that the wobbling / sleeve / support / drive pin assembly may be considered a hydraulic motor capable of driving many devices known to those skilled in the art.

The nozzle assembly 1096 forms a plurality of fluid inlets 1118 within the housing and a fluid communication in fluid communication with a fluid outlet channel 1120 outside the housing. The fluid inlet 1118 preferably extends through the wall of the nozzle assembly 1096 at a slight angle. Nozzle assembly 1096 can be spherical, circular, elliptical or oval in shape depending on the desired flow pattern of water exiting nozzle or fluid outlet channel 1120.

In use, the water contacts the top of the wobbling turbine 1094, which causes the turbine to wobble within the sleeve 1108. Then, sleeve 1
108 wobbles and generates wobbling from contact with the support member 1110, causing the drive pin 1114 to move in a substantially circular motion where the center of the drive pin is not aligned with the longitudinal axis of the sleeve 1108. As shown in FIG. 56, the wobbling sleeve 1
108 functions as a motor that swings the nozzle assembly 1096 back and forth about the axle 1097 to generate a sweep pattern of water flowing out of the nozzle 1120.

The water stream can be made to contain air by pumping air into the chamber through a port. The flow of water into the chamber can be restricted by actuating the illustrated needle valve or the gate valve described above.

FIG. 57 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the present invention. Apparatus 1122 has a housing 1124 that holds a wobbling turbine 1126 and a nozzle 1128. Housing 1124 defines a chamber 1130 with an inlet 1132 at one end and a collar 1134 or opening at the other end. The fluid inlet 1132 is comprised of a tube 1136 extending into the chamber 1130.

The wobbling turbine 1126 has a lower end integrated with the nozzle assembly. On the uppermost surface of the wobbling turbine 1126, a blade 1144 is provided.
It is preferably arranged around the upper surface to reduce the wobbling speed of the wobbling turbine. The chamber 1130 is connected to the pipe 1136 and the chamber 1
A track 1138 is further formed between the inner wall 130 and the inner wall. The wobbling turbine 1126 has a conical upper surface with a shaft 1140 extending therefrom. Shaft 1140 has a track 1138 formed by chamber 1130.
Has a tracking wheel 1142 sized to be accommodated in the camera. Track 113
The shape of 8 can be modified to reflect the desired flow pattern exiting the nozzle, such as circular, elongated, oval, and the like. Since the circumference of the tracking wheel is much smaller than the track, the turbine turns several times for one wobbling, which can effectively produce a very low wobbling speed.

The nozzle assembly includes a plurality of inlets 11 provided inside the housing 1124.
48 and a passage 1146 in fluid communication with an outlet channel 1150 provided outside the housing 1124. The inlet 1148 preferably extends through the wall of the nozzle assembly 1128. The outlet channel 1150 may comprise one channel or a plurality of outlet channels as described above in FIGS. 54 and 55.

The nozzle assembly includes a frustoconical shoulder 115 facing the floor 1154 of the housing.
2 supported. As the wobbling turbine imparts wobbling motion to the nozzle assembly 1128, the shoulder 1152 is tapered such that the shoulder 1152 is in rolling contact with the floor 1154 of the housing. The angle of tilt achieved by the wobbling turbine is limited by the relationship between the track and the tracking wheel.

FIG. 58 is a cross-sectional view of a mobile jet outlet that can be used in a nozzle assembly instead of the outlet channel 1080 shown in FIGS. The end of the nozzle assembly 1052 is adaptable to accommodate an outlet jet 1081 extending a plurality of outlet channels. The outlet jet 1081 may form a ball that is securely mounted in a socket so that a user can adjust the angular position of the outlet jet 1081 by hand. Preferably, the ball provides relative slippage during use. It is secured to the socket with sufficient friction to avoid, but is easily adjustable by the user. The exit channels formed in the two independent ball hemispheres may be arranged at an angle that spreads apart as shown in FIG. 2, or substantially parallel to each other. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that there are many angles available for the outlet channel.

FIG. 59 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the present invention. Apparatus 1156 has a housing 1158 that holds a wobbling turbine 1160 similar to that shown in FIG. However, the wobbling turbine 1160 does not
164 is loosely housed in a sleeve 1162 that is part of the 164. Housing 115
8 form a chamber 1166 with an inlet 1168 provided upstream from the wobbling turbine 1160. The floor or base end 1170 of the housing
Collar, hole or opening 1172 slidably receiving nozzle assembly 1164
The nozzle 1174 communicates with the outside of the housing, and a sleeve 1162 that supports the wobbling turbine 1160 is provided inside the housing.

The wobbling turbine 1160 has a conical upper surface 117 similar to that shown in FIG.
6 is attached to the post 1178. The upper surface 1176 of the wobbling turbine 1160 preferably extends beyond the post 1178 to form an annular protrusion. The outer diameter of the slightly frusto-conical post 1178 is less than the inner diameter of the frusto-conical surface of the sleeve 1162 so that wobbling motion is transmitted to the nozzle assembly 1164 as the wobbling turbine wobble within the sleeve.

The nozzle assembly 1164 has an annular shoulder 1180 resting on the floor of the housing and a fluid inlet 1182 located above the annular shoulder 1180 and in fluid communication between the inlet 1182 and the nozzle 1174. A passage 1184 is formed. Entrance 11
Preferably, 82 forms a plurality of channels extending through the wall of the nozzle. The nozzle has a plurality of outlet channels 1186 in fluid communication with passage 1184. Preferably, one of the outlet channels 1186 is aligned with the centerline of the nozzle assembly and the remaining outlet channels are angled relative to each other from the centerline of the nozzle assembly 1164.

The opening or collar 1172 has an inner diameter slightly larger than the outer diameter of the nozzle assembly 1164. This difference in diameter serves to control the wobbling speed of nozzle assembly 1164.

The water inside the housing 1158 flows out of the nozzle between the nozzle and the collar 1172 and is randomly jetted from the nozzle assembly. Grooves 1188 may be formed in nozzle assembly 1164 to prevent pressure buildup due to water between the collar and the nozzle. Thus, when water flows out of the nozzle down, the groove relieves pressure,
This causes the water to flow along the outer surface of the nozzle and merge with the fluid flowing out of the channel 1186.

FIG. 60 is a cross-sectional view of a device 1157 similar to that shown in FIG. 59, wherein like elements are numbered similarly. In this embodiment, a groove 1190 may be formed in the collar 1172 to achieve similar results as the device shown in FIG. Further, a sealing element 1191 such as an O-ring may be fitted in the groove so as to keep the water flowing out. The tip of the nozzle 1174 is made of an elastic material such as rubber so that the tip of the nozzle can be bent to easily decompose and remove lime or other mineral deposits.
175 or covered with an elastic material.

FIG. 61 is a cross-sectional view of an apparatus 1200 similar to that shown in FIG. 59, where like parts are numbered similarly. Apparatus 1200 has a housing 1158 that holds a wobbling turbine 1160 similar to that shown in FIG. The wobbling turbine 1160 is loosely housed in a sleeve 1162 that is part of the nozzle assembly 1164. The housing floor 1170 defines a collar, hole or opening 1172 slidably receiving the nozzle assembly 1164, the nozzle assembly 1164 extending through the housing, a nozzle 1174, and a housing supporting the wobbling turbine 1160. With a sleeve 1162 inside. The nozzle assembly includes an annular shoulder 1 mounted on a floor 1170 of the housing.
Further includes a sleeve 1202 forming 204. The sleeve 1202 has an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the collar 1172, and the sleeve 1202 and the nozzle assembly 1
164 wobbles freely in the collar. The nozzle assembly includes a passage 121
A plurality of fluid inlets 1206 are formed that are connected to the plurality of outlets 1208 via the zeros.

As fluid is supplied to the housing through inlet 1168, fluid pressure depresses wobbling turbine 1176, compresses spring 1204 and causes nozzle 11
Depressing 74 causes the fluid outlet 1208 to extend through the lower end 1214 of the sleeve 1202, releasing the fluid. When fluid flow is stopped, spring 1204 biases the nozzle upwards, pulling outlet 1208 into sleeve 1202 and preventing lime or other mineral deposits from forming at nozzle outlet 1208. Fluid inlet 120
With the proper configuration of 6, this action also has the effect of controlling the flow to be constant, even when the linear pressure may vary.

The collar 1172 also has a groove 1216, similar to that shown in FIG. 59, to release water pressure and prevent random injection. Sleeve 1202 may further include a groove to achieve a similar purpose as groove 1216.

FIG. 62 is a cross-sectional view of an apparatus 1218 of the present invention. Apparatus 1218 has a housing 1158 that holds a wobbling turbine 1220. Housing 11
58 forms a chamber 1166 with an inlet 1168 provided upstream from the wobbling turbine 1220. The floor 1170 of the housing 1158 defines a collar, hole or opening 1172 for slidably receiving a post 1222 secured to the wobbling turbine 1220 inside the housing and a nozzle 1126 outside the housing 1158. The post 1222 is held wobbled within the opening 1172 by the annular shoulder 1224, whereby the post 1
222 can rotate within opening 1172.

The wobbling turbine 1220 has a conical upper surface and is similar to the wobbling turbine shown in FIG. Post 1222 provides a passageway 1226 in fluid communication between fluid inlet 1228 and fluid outlet 1230. There are preferably a plurality of inlet channels 1228 extending through the wall of the post, preferably radially toward the centerline of the post.

Thus, fluid enters chamber 1166 through inlet 1168 and passes through wobbling turbine 1220 to post 1222 through inlet 1228.
Follow the path exiting the nozzle through one or more spray channels 1230 in fluid communication with the passage 1226 of the post 1222. In operation, the fluid supply, under pressure, operates at inlet 1 in housing 1158.
168. The water pressure of the water flowing into the housing is utilized for the post 1222 and pushes down the post 1222, enabling wobbling of the turbine. The turbine 1220 wobbles by flowing a fluid on the upper surface of the wobbling turbine 1220. When the chamber is substantially filled with water, the water enters the inlet of the post and flows through the passage of the post to the outlet channel of the nozzle. This configuration is particularly effective when used with a high pressure water flow that provides a shower in bathing and the like.

FIG. 63 is a sectional view of an apparatus of the present invention having a plurality of nozzles. Device 1232
Is shown as a multi-nozzle handheld shower unit in fluid communication with a single water inlet 1233, but using an individual spray head for a single nozzle and using a multi-nozzle housing with another spray head according to the present invention. It may be used together with. Although there may be many elements, 5 to 15 elements are preferred. Most preferably, seven elements having one central element are arranged, six elements are arranged in a circle around this central element, and three such elements 1234, 1236, 1238
Is illustrated in a cross-sectional view. In a preferred embodiment, the elements 1234, 1236,
Since each of the elements 1238 has the same components, only the element 1234 will be described in detail here.

The multi-nozzle unit 1232 is sufficiently open so as not to cause a sudden pressure drop before the fluid reaches the individual elements and provides an unrestricted fluid distribution passage or chamber 1241 to provide a water source. And is in fluid communication with each of the elements 1234, 1236, 1238 through an inlet 1233. Chamber 12
41 is in fluid communication with each element through an individual fluid inlet 1248 and directs fluid to impinge on a wobbling turbine 1242. As the fluid passes through the wobbling turbine, it is redirected to pass in the wobbling nozzle 1256.

Each element 1234 is a housing 12 holding a wobbling turbine 1242.
40. The housing 1240 forms a wall or track 1246 adjacent to a fluid inlet 1248 provided upstream from the wobbling turbine 1242. The floor or base end 1250 of the housing 1240 is a post 1 that is preferably secured to the body 1254 of the wobbling turbine 1242 inside the housing 1240.
A collar, hole or opening 1252 slidably receiving 256 is formed. The post 1256 and the body 1254 are connected to the housing 1240 from the nozzle opening 12.
66 provides a fluid passage for conducting fluid. The post 1256 is held in a wobbling relationship within the opening 1252 by an annular shoulder 1268 such that the post can wobble within the opening 1252. Optionally, a washer, O-ring or bearing 1260 may be located between the annular shoulder 1258 and the proximal end of the housing 1240. According to this configuration, a part of the cylindrical side wall of the wobbling turbine 1242 moves along the inner wall 1246 of the housing 1240.

Although each housing of the multi-element unit needs to form some type of truck or wobbling restrictor, it is also possible for unit 1232 to have open fluid communication between the elements after fluid has passed through inlet 1248. is there. Thus, as an essential element of unit 1232, (a) a dimple having a perimeter, a floor and a number of collars 1252 penetrating the floor, and (b) a respective wobbling turbine passes through one of the collars. There are a plurality of wobbling turbines with one nozzle extending, (c) a fluid distribution manifold that provides a fluid jet aligned with each collar, and (d) a wobbling restrictor for each wobbling turbine. In the embodiment shown, the manifold is formed by a fluid distribution plate fixed above the floor of the well, the fluid distribution plate having a number of inlets aligned with the collar. Further, the wobbling restricting member is formed by a wall extending between the floor of the recess and the fluid distribution plate, but the wall does not need to prevent flow between the housings, and the wobbling restricting member is not formed. It does not need to extend beyond the member.

For each element, the turbine body 1254 has a fluid inlet 1264 and a passage 1262 that provides fluid communication between the inside of the housing 1240 and the fluid nozzle outlet 1266. The turbine body, preferably radially towards the centerline of the post,
Preferably, a plurality of inlet channels 1264 are provided that extend through the wall of the post.

Thus, fluid enters the device through inlet 1233, flows through inlet 1248 into housing 1240, passes through wobbling turbine 1242, through inlet 1264, into passage 1262 of turbine body 1254, and passes through passage 126.
Follow the path exiting nozzle 1256 through fluid outlet 1266 in fluid communication with 2. Fluid outlet 1266 may be a simple outlet as shown, or may have multiple ports at the same or different angles (as in FIG. 59).

In operation, the fluid supply is applied under pressure to the inlet 12
It is in communication with 33. Due to the pressure of the water entering the device, the water is forced into individual inlets 124
8 to individual wobbling turbines 1242. Water is supplied to the turbine 12
A force is applied to 42 to push down body 1254, causing fluid to flow over the top surface of wobbling turbine 1242 to wobble turbine 1242. When the housing 1240 is substantially filled with water, the water enters the post inlet 1264 and
It flows through the post passage 1262 to the nozzle outlet 1266. This configuration is particularly effective in hand-type injectors, but can be used in wall-mounted devices as well. The device can have any number of nozzles, but preferred devices have 7 to 12 nozzles. It should be understood that, in addition to sharing a common fluid supply, the individual elements or wobbling turbines operate independently of one another.

FIG. 64 is a cross-sectional view of an apparatus 1270 of the present invention. Apparatus 1270 has a housing 1272 that holds a wobbling turbine 1274. Housing 12
72 forms a chamber 1276 with an inlet 1278 provided upstream of the wobbling turbine 1274. The floor 1280 of the housing 1272 defines a post 1284 secured to a wobbling turbine 1274 inside the housing and a collar, hole or opening 1282 slidably receiving a nozzle 1286 outside the housing 1272. In a wobbling relationship such that the post 1284 is tilted and rotatable within the opening 1282, the post 1284 is
288 holds it in the opening 1282. In this embodiment, the contact surface 12 such as a high friction or bendable surface such as an O-ring or other suitable structure, with the wall extending inward and contacting by the sleeve extension of the post 1284 rather than the turbine itself.
Except for forming 85, the same wobbling restriction and wobbling generation wall contact as in FIG. 63 is used.

The wobbling turbine 1274 has a conical upper surface and is similar to the wobbling turbine shown in FIG. Post 1284 is connected to fluid inlet 1292 and nozzle 1
A passage 1290 is provided in fluid communication between 286. It should be noted that the particular wobbling turbine 1274 shown here is not limited in that any of the wobbling turbine / post configurations shown here may be used.

The nozzle 1286 has a high pressure chamber 1294 in fluid communication with the passage 1290.
And a plurality of high pressure outlet channels 1296. High pressure chamber 1294 defines an opening 1298 in fluid communication with low pressure chamber 1300. The low pressure chamber 1300 has a low pressure outlet channel 1302. Some of the water flows through the high pressure chamber 1294 to the low pressure chamber 1300 and exits the nozzle at a lower pressure than the water exiting the high pressure chamber, thereby forming large drops. The water flowing out of the high pressure outlet channel 1296 is
Forms small droplets compared to the water escaping from the water.

Thus, it flows through inlet 1278 into chamber 1276, through wobbling turbine 1274, through inlet 1292, and through channel 1290 of post 1284.
The fluid follows the path that flows into it. The fluid then exits the nozzle 1286 through either the high pressure outlet channel 1296 or the low pressure outlet channel 1302. In operation, the fluid supply is under pressure and the housing 1272
Is connected to the inlet 1278. Pressure from the water flowing through the housing 1272 exerts a force on the post 1284, pushing it down and wobbling the turbine. Turbine 1274 wobbles as fluid flows over the top surface of wobbling turbine 1274. When the chamber is substantially filled with water, the water enters the inlet of the post and flows through the passage of the post to the outlet channel of the nozzle. This configuration is particularly useful when used with high pressure water streams to produce low and high pressure drops that provide a generally uniform shower, such as when bathing. Large drops at low speeds are not synchronized with the high pressure drops, which helps to eliminate the pulsating sensation of the high pressure drops.

FIGS. 65, 65A and 66 utilize a roto-nutational motion of the motor output shaft or nozzle assembly 1164, and this movement provides a gear or shaft each having a true wobbling axis. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of two alternative coupling configurations that can be used for wobbling. FIG. 65 and FIG.
8, the housing 1158, wobbling turbine 1160, and nozzle assembly 1164 are substantially identical to the device 1157 of FIG. 8, and like numerals are used to represent like elements. One motor 1310 and 1330 and the other device 1157
The difference is that an additional member is mounted on the nozzle assembly 1164 instead of the nozzle 1174, and the additional member is mounted on the floor of the housing 1158.

In FIG. 65, the nozzle assembly 1164 has an expansion post 1312 that engages a “generic” type joint that provides at least two degrees of freedom that can accommodate the wobbling movement of the nozzle assembly 1164. Pin 1314 is pivotally engaged with the side of post 1312 or is pivotally attached to the side of post 1312. The outermost ends of pin 1314 are pivotally engaged with a radially extending annular ring 1316 in which dual tab 1318 extends.
The tab 1318 is connected to another annular ring 13 provided with a pilot hole 1322.
20 and is pivotally engaged. Annular ring 1320 is maintained in axial alignment by cylindrical bearing 1324 affixed to the bottom surface of floor 1170 of housing 1158. Ring 1320 may be coupled to or include various drive means, including gears 1326 provided around the ring.

In FIG. 66, the nozzle assembly 1164 has a short post 1332 provided with a central opening 1333. The shaft 1334 is connected to the floor 1 of the housing 1158.
Maintained in true axial alignment by a cylindrical bearing 1336 mounted on 170. Shaft 1334 includes a post 1338 extending into opening 1333. The post 1338 has a dual tab 134 extending radially therefrom into a slot 1342 formed in the opening 1333 of the nozzle assembly 1164.
Contains 0. It is an important aspect of the present invention that the motor 1330 is driven by the fluid flowing through another port 1344 rather than the nozzle, and may not require any chamber depending on the application. Such additional ports may be included in the housing 1158 of FIG. 65, but preferably the posts 1312 are closed.

Chamberless Design The present invention provides a fluid discharge device that delivers fluid in a substantially uniform spray distribution. The movement of the device is a wobbling movement, which is preferably combined with the wobbling movement. The wobbling motion occurs by supporting the wobbling inducing member or wobbling turbine in the fluid supply passage by a body member, possibly including a frame, beam, housing and / or other structural members. Unlike conventional open-based nozzles, the body does not need to contain pressure or be liquid-tight, and may actually be substantially open. The water flowing through the wobbling turbine causes the wobbling turbine to rotate and wobble. The wobbling turbine affects the direction of the spray pattern exiting the spray nozzle,
Distribute fluid in a wobbling pattern about the axis of the device. The flow of the dispensed fluid exits the wobbling turbine, is blocked by the deflector, and is turned downward. The pitch and deflector of the wobbling turbine are selected to minimize the momentum loss of the fluid flow. According to the invention, the deflector is provided in any suitable manner, such as with the body or an integral part of the wobbling turbine, or with another element.

The injection pattern produced by the wobbling turbine is such that
It changes somewhat faster so that it is directed along an arched path over time rather than continuously at one point. This type of injection distribution pattern is more gradual than many fixed patterns, and the unique configuration of the wobbling turbine does not include complex mechanical parts or significant flow restrictions. In certain applications, it may be desirable to incorporate a divider into the deflector to divide the fluid stream into multiple discrete fluid streams.

In another embodiment of the invention, the fluid discharge device is provided with a wobbling inducing member or wobbling turbine that also wobble the body or housing supporting the wobbling inducing member or turbine. More specifically, the wobbling inducing member is placed in loose contact with the body or housing of the device, thereby reducing the number of parts required to achieve such movement, as well as providing a housing shower or faucet or the like. Increase the ability of the device to produce the desired spray width and pattern. Fluid is distributed from the face of the wobbling turbine in a wobbling pattern and flows without restriction to the deflector and flows downward to the outlet of the device. The outlet may be a substantially open or may include any unrestricted divider or channel in number and configuration. As used herein, "downward" refers to the fluid dispensed from the rotating turbine at a first angle with respect to the axial centerline of the fluid inlet, where the fluid is oriented in the axial center of the fluid inlet. Means deflected to change to a second small angle with respect to the line.

While it is believed that the wobbling turbine may distribute fluid at a first angle of no more than 90 degrees, the turbine may be no more than 60 degrees off axis, preferably 45 degrees off axis, and most preferably about 30 to about 30 degrees off axis. The fluid should be distributed at an angle of about 40 degrees. The deflector should receive or catch the dispensed fluid from the turbine on a surface that is inclined as well as the first angle at which the fluid was dispensed from the turbine. In addition, the deflector
Although the fluid may be diverted at a number of angles, either toward the axial centerline rather than away from the axial direction, the deflector may provide a tighter fluid discharge when a given turbine is provided. It is necessary to have a smooth, gradually changing slope to redirect the fluid into the pattern. Preferably, the deflector diverts the fluid at an angle in the range of about +/- 20 degrees of a line parallel to the axial center line, more preferably, the four are tilted at 0 degrees and the remaining 8 degrees. Divert fluid at more than one angle, such as having twelve channels 66 inclined at 10 degrees. It should be noted that as the turbine wobbles and, in certain embodiments of the deflector, wobbles depending on or independent of the wobbling turbine, the relative angle and the combination of angles of the turbine and the deflector change constantly, and furthermore, It depends on the degree of wobbling that is possible due to the connection, i.e. the dimensions of the post and sleeve or the configuration of the annular wobbling plate and the spacing limiting member. Finally, the surfaces of the turbine and deflector should be of a minimal momentum loss and convex so that the direction of the water flow gradually changes without excessive splashing or splashing of water. Is preferred.

The wobbling inducing member or wobbling turbine is preferably provided in direct engagement or contact with the body of the device. More preferably, the body member involves a mechanical connection such as a flexible connector, ball and cage type arrangement,
Alternatively, it is more preferable to support the wobbling turbine at an axial distance from the fluid inlet, even with a loose fit such as the most preferred post-sleeve relationship. As used herein, the term "post-sleeve relationship" refers to a post (male connector) forming an outer cylindrical, conical or frusto-conical surface, forming an inner cylindrical, conical or frusto-conical surface. Any of a number of configurations that are loosely housed within a sleeve (female connector) that creates wobbling therebetween. The bottom surface of the post is preferably circular or formed to minimize friction and joining of the member tubes. The sleeve is
The post may be formed as an integral part of the body or housing, and the post may be part of a wobbling inducing member or vice versa. The post and sleeve are preferably designed with sufficient tolerances therebetween to allow the wobbling inducing member to wobble to the body or housing without sticking. Additionally, at least a portion of the post has a conical or frusto-conical surface, and the first diameter of the post is at least one of a slightly larger diameter that is axially spaced from the fluid outlet and is supported. Most preferably, a post-sleeve relationship is used which is in rolling engagement with a conical or frusto-conical surface provided on the part. The conical or frusto-conical surfaces should have a common vertex such that these surfaces make sufficient rotational contact.

The wobbling turbine may be supported by the body, frame or housing of the device in any configuration, but is preferably radially spaced from three or four bodies, frames or housings provided below the outlet channels. Is preferably supported by a series of thin fins extending to The use of thin fins is substantially sufficient to support a wobbling turbine without imposing significant restrictions on all fluid flows. Alternatively, the wobbling turbine may be supported by a single arm extending along one side of the device.

The apparatus can operate with reduced water flow while providing a satisfactory flow of water particularly effective at the sink faucet. Due to the wobbling operation, the distribution or coverage of the fluid discharged from the device to one surface becomes very uniform and the rotation-swing as described in US patent application Ser. No. 09 / 115,362, which is incorporated herein by reference. Characterized by fluid distribution of movement. Thus, due to the distribution pattern, the device has an unrestricted channel with a large cross-sectional area, which makes it less likely to be restricted or plugged by lime, other minerals or particles.

Although the degree of wobbling is limited by the tolerances of the post and sleeve or the wobbling plate and the spacing limiter, the device may further optionally include an active wobbling limiter. An active wobbling limiting member such as a tracking ring operates as a self-centering alignment mechanism of the wobbling turbine.

The device of the present invention and its individual components may be made from any known material, and is preferably a material that is resistant to chemical and thermal erosion through which fluids pass. When the fluid is water, preferred materials include plastics, such as one or more injection or extrudable polymeric materials, but metals or metal alloys, such as acetal resins, stainless steel, are most preferred. Other and further materials suitable for use in the present invention should be apparent to those skilled in the art and are considered to be within the scope of the present invention.

FIG. 36 is a cross-sectional side view of one embodiment of the device 540 of the present invention. Device 540
Has an upper end forming an inwardly extending annular wobbling plate or collar 544 and a lower end supporting a sleeve 546 having an inner generally frustoconical surface 548 opening toward the upper end of the housing. It has a housing 542. The device includes an annular flange 5 adapted to receive a collar 544 of the housing 542.
A water inlet 550 defining 52 is included. Wobbling turbine 554 has a lower end or post 556 provided inside sleeve 546. Sleeve 546
The inner surface 548 has a rounded lower end that has an inner diameter over substantially all of its length slightly greater than the outer diameter of the lower end of the wobbling turbine or post 556.

The wobbling turbine 554 has a generally conical top surface 558 from which a plurality of angular momentum inducing vanes 560 extend. According to the invention, the grooves and the vanes may be used interchangeably to achieve the same purpose. However, with fluid flowing from the turbine surface at a single angle defined by the conical surface between the blades, it is expected that the thin profiled blades will transmit adequate wobbling inducing forces to the turbine. In contrast, a surface having a groove over half of its surface area will discharge half of the fluid at one angle (ie, the groove valley angle) and another angle (ie, the peak angle between the grooves). ) To release half of the fluid.

The upper surface 558 of the wobbling turbine 554 preferably forms an annular protrusion facing the lower end 556. Lower end 556 is a substantially cylindrical post having a rounded bottom surface 563. Preferably, the conical upper surface 558 is rounded at a vertex 562. An optional outer housing 564 may be included for aesthetic purposes, but is preferably kept out of contact with the wobbling housing 542. Housing 542 forms an integral deflector 567 with a divider or channel 566. The deflector 567 is preferably a smooth arc that gradually turns the water downward in a uniform flow pattern with minimal momentum loss.

When assembled, the post 556 of the wobbling turbine 554 is
Leaning inside. The wobbling turbine and sleeve may be made from any suitable material, but are preferably made from one or more injection moldable or extrudable polymer materials, and are made from an acetal resin such as DELRIN. Is most preferred. It should be noted that the wobbling turbine and sleeve are in rolling contact and the material is at least some of the friction required to produce a constant rotational or oscillating motion, but especially at the base end of the post.
It should provide enough friction to not lose the momentum of the water or cause sticking of the turbine. Preferably, the turbine and the sleeve contact each other along the frusto-conical surface, and the contact area is a controllable factor in determining the amount of friction therebetween.

In operation, water flow enters through water inlet 550 and impinges on the top of wobbling turbine 554. When contacting or impinging on the water flow, the wobbling motion of the wobbling turbine 554 is induced by the force on the water flow conical surface 558 and vanes 560 and the engagement of the post 556 within the frusto-conical surface 548.
The wobbling motion of the wobbling turbine 554 imparts a wobbling motion to the housing 542 so that the annular wobbling plate 544 of the housing contacts the annular flange 552 and wobbles around the annular flange 552. Without being limited to the scope of the present invention, it can be seen that when the wobbling turbine 554 wobble clockwise about the centerline of the water flow exiting the water inlet 550, the housing 542 wobble counterclockwise about the centerline. . Water is directed or distributed by vanes 560 to deflector 567 of spray housing 542.

As also shown in FIG. 36, needle valve 5 similar to that shown in FIG. 21 of co-pending US patent application Ser. No. 09 / 150,480, which is incorporated herein by reference.
Flow control means such as 68 may be used to control the water flowing through the turbine.

FIG. 37 is a cross-sectional side view of another embodiment of the present invention, in which the same elements as those in FIG. 36 are denoted by the same reference numerals. In this embodiment, the device 551 has a stationary housing 543 that forms and supports a sleeve 570 that faces the water inlet 550, with an inner frustoconical surface 574 that loosely houses the sleeve 546 defined by the wobbling deflector 571. . The deflector 571 has an upper end 572 that is open and not attached to the water inlet 550 as shown in FIG. The wobbling turbine 554 leans inside the sleeve 546 of the deflector 571, and the deflector sleeve 546 leans inside the housing sleeve 570. As fluid strikes the wobbling turbine, both turbine 554 and deflector 571 wobble.

FIG. 38 is a sectional view of still another embodiment of the present invention. Device 561 includes a water inlet 550 at an upper end and a plurality of thin radially extending fins 575 extending between the inner wall of housing 543 and sleeve 570 to support sleeve 570 within spray housing 542. At the lower end. Wobbling turbine 554 has a conical upper surface 558 with a plurality of angular momentum inducing vanes 584 extending outwardly from turbine 554. Opposite ends of the vanes 584 are connected to deflectors 586, forming a spoke-type structure with the wheels defining the channels 566 therebetween (see also FIG. 39). A flow channel 566 is formed between the vanes 584 and the deflector 586, which vanes 584 serve to distribute the flow of water through the channels 566. The deflector 586 is shown with an optional extension 576 that extends upwardly from the vanes 584 to receive the flow of water exiting the turbine and divert downwardly through the channel 566.

FIG. 39 is a perspective view of the turbine 554 shown in FIG. 38 with dashed lines showing portions that are hidden for clarity and with the extension 576 of the deflector 586 removed. Feather 5
84 extend radially around the post 556, respectively. The blades 584 preferably each have a sloped side surface 590 that imparts rotational movement to the turbine 554 when in contact with the water flow. The sloped side 590 is preferably 5 to 15 degrees with the vertical side,
More preferably, it forms an angle of about 7 degrees. The angular pitch is important in determining how fast the turbine rotates in response to the water flow contacting the blades.
The water hits the top of the blade and travels down the sloped side 590, thereby providing a clockwise rotation direction (top-up in the illustrated configuration, but counter-clockwise wobbling in an alternative configuration). Pushes the turbine 554 in, thereby causing a counterclockwise wobbling or swinging motion of the turbine. How does this move work? Further details are described in co-pending US patent application Ser. No. 09 / 115,362, which is incorporated herein by reference. The vanes have a deflector 5 having an inner surface that opens downward to direct water at one or more desired angles.
Work with 86.

When the water supply is started, the water enters the housing 543 and hits the top of the turbine 558, thereby tilting the turbine to one side and wobbling within the sleeve 570. Water is deflected from turbine 558 and through outlet channel 566, thereby impinging the vanes and rotating the turbine. Housing 543 preferably supports sleeve 570 with about three or four thin radially extending fins 571 that extend from the inner wall of housing 564 to sleeve 570. The turbine begins to wobble immediately and discharges the water in a very even distribution.

FIG. 40 is a cross-sectional view of an apparatus 561 similar to that shown in FIG. Deflector 5
86 may have a wobbling limit or tracking element 580 that acts to limit the degree to which the wobbling turbine tilts within sleeve 570. The wobbling restricting element 580 has a truncated cone opposite to the conical top surface 558 of the wobbling turbine 554 such that when water flowing from the water inlet 550 strikes the surface 582, the turbine is biased toward the centerline of the fluid inlet 550. Preferably, surface 582 is formed.

[0170] The fluid discharge device may be provided with a water control element or bypass 592 to further flow water through the device. Water control element 592 may comprise a compression spring valve seat 584 that seals the inside surface of housing 543 when the valve is in the closed position.

As shown in FIG. 41, if a large flow of water is desired, opening a valve (not shown) activates the spring, and the valve seat is disengaged from the inner surface of housing 543 until the valve seat is disengaged. The water pressure supplied to the device is increased, thereby causing the housing 543
The flow of water through is greater. In the configuration shown here, the additional water flow is directed substantially against the wall of the housing 543 around the wobbling turbine 554, so that the degree of wobbling of the turbine 554 and the spray housing 542 is not significantly affected.

FIG. 42 is a cross-sectional side view of an apparatus 573 similar to that shown in FIG. 36, except that the body or housing 543 has not been wobbled and the optional decorative outer housing 564 has been omitted. The wobbling turbine 554 has a conical surface 5.
58 and vanes 5 extending from the upper surface 558 and directing the flow of water outward from the inner wall 567
60.

The housing 543 supports the sleeve 570 using a plurality of thin fins 594 extending from the inner surface of the housing 543 to the sleeve 570. Housing 543
May be optionally equipped with a ridge or divider 569 that diverts the flow of water from the turbine into separate water flows. Unlike the other embodiments of the present invention described above, the device 573 does not generate a wobbling spray pattern and consists of a number of finely divided drops without using small openings that can be blocked. Provide a water distribution pattern. Another advantage of the present invention compared to current spray heads is that the number of parts can be reduced even when the parts required to create an effective water distribution pattern, such as showers, hand washing, etc. are required. Note that the fluid suction port of the present embodiment may be fitted to a flow control valve in order to provide an appropriate flow of water, as in the above-described embodiments.

FIGS. 43-45 are top views of various conical top surfaces 558 of turbine 554 shown in FIG. The upper surface 558 of the wobbling turbine 554 is shown with the vanes 560 formed in a non-radial shape. The fluid flow hitting the wobbling turbine pushes the wobbling turbine to an inclined position such that the center point of the wobbling turbine deviates substantially from the flow of the fluid from the inlet, and only one side of the wobbling turbine is aligned with the fluid flow at the appropriate time. Is done. Each of the blades 560 formed on the upper surface of the wobbling turbine 554 is non-radial, causing the wobbling turbine 554 to swirl around the fluid inlet 550 when fluid strikes the blades 560. Due to the non-radial blades 560, the conical surface and the loose relationship between the post and the sleeve, the wobbling turbine tilts off-center when the fluid hits the top of the wobbling turbine 554 with pressure (even at low pressure) and the wobbling turbine is tilted off-center. To start. More specifically, the fluid impinging on the conical surface 558 of the turbine creates a tilting force, causing the blades 560
Rotational force is generated by the fluid passing through. Thus, the fluid flow through the inlet causes the wobbling turbine to wobble.

As the wobbling motion begins, the continuous flow of water leaves the wobbling turbine in wobbling mode. In addition, the fluid flow also tends to create a holding force that pushes the turbine downwards and displaces the turbine out of cooperation with its sleeve. Thus, the angle of the conical surface 558 is preferably large enough to generate at least a slight tilting force, even if the turbine is already fully tilted, provided that the turbine is pulled up to engage the sleeve. It is not big enough to lose contact. 36 to 46.
Are equally effective when the wobbling turbine is comprised of a sleeve (instead of a post) and the spray housing is comprised of a post (instead of a sleeve) which engages the wobbling turbine sleeve.

[0176] For any given wobbling turbine, the wobbling speed can be increased or decreased by increasing or decreasing the flow rate of the fluid through the spray head. However, by changing the angle or pitch of the grooves or vanes of the wobbling turbine, or by changing the relative dimensions of the post and sleeve or other similar wobbling and wobbling limiting members, the wobbling speed for a given fluid flow rate can be increased or reduced. It is possible to design the wobbling turbine to be slow.

Referring to FIG. 43, the wobbling turbine has a wobbling rate substantially reduced by reducing the pitch and depth of the blades, that is, by configuring blades 560 at a small angle β from the radial direction. Configurable. Similarly, the wobbling turbine can be configured to have a high wobbling rate by increasing the blade pitch, that is, by configuring the blades 560 at a large angle δ from the radial direction as shown in FIG. . Further, as shown in FIG. 45, the wobbling rate can be customized by changing the number, interval, and size of the blades. In FIG. 45, the spaced blades 560 allow most of the water to pass through the turbine without impacting one of the thin blades 600 and provide the turbine with small angular momentum.

FIG. 46 is a bottom view of the spray head of FIGS. 37-41, showing the outlet channel of the housing. Although the outlet channels may be provided in a manner known in the art, a preferred set of outlet channels 604 is defined by a plurality of ribs or dividers 606 connected to the inner surface 610 of the spray housing 542.
Four fins 608 are attached to housing 543 and extend radially inward to support sleeve 570. The smaller portion of the outlet channel 604 is preferably oriented at a small angle with respect to the axis of the spray nozzle 542 to provide a more uniform spray pattern or coverage for objects that are a short distance from the spray head, such as a showerer. . The smaller angled outlet channels are preferably formed at a location spaced around the spray nozzle or radially inward toward the central axis (not shown) of the spray housing.

FIG. 47 is a cross-sectional side view of a device 581 similar to that shown in FIG. In this embodiment, there is a post-sleeve relationship between the main body 542 and the turbine 554, but the wobbling turbine 554 is loosely accommodated by the post 614.
12 in that the post 614 is integral with the spray housing 542 in FIG.
The relationship is opposite to that shown in FIG. The wobbling turbine 554 comes into contact with water from the outlet 550 and leans in one direction to start wobbling. Next, the sleeve 61
2 contacts post 614 and tilts housing 542 for wobbling.

FIGS. 48 and 49 show that the wobbling turbine 622 has the top 55 of the turbine.
FIG. 37 is a cross-sectional view of an apparatus 620 similar to that shown in FIG. 36, except that it forms a hole 624 that extends through 8 and through post 556, and preferably along the central axis of the turbine. . An opening 626 is formed at the lower end of the sleeve 546. The valve element 628 is provided at the lower end of the sleeve 546 and serves to change the flow of water flowing out of the showerhead assembly 620. The valve element may take any number of shapes, such as a plug valve, a needle valve, a butterfly valve, a gate valve,
Here, a manual gate valve or sliding element 628 is shown. Sliding element 62
When 8 is open, water flows through opening 626 in sleeve 546 through hole 624 in wobbling turbine 622. This flow pattern results in a compact flow of water that is effective for cleaning a razor, toothbrush or other object. As shown in FIG. 49, when the sliding element is closed, water flows through the turbine and exits through outlet channel 566. Alternatively, the inner surface 548 near the lower end of the sleeve 546 may cause the turbine to fall slightly when the sliding element 628 is open, causing the sleeve to grip the post and / or secure the housing to the underside of the wobbling turbine head. It may be tapered inward to be secured by the housing, such as by engaging. It should be noted that any of the embodiments illustrated herein may be applied to use a similar wobbling turbine having holes and a valve element for discharging a narrow stream of water from the apparatus. .

FIG. 50 is shown in FIG. 36, except that the outer housing 564 has arms 632 that rigidly support the sleeve 546 so that the wobbling turbine 554 and the housing 542 independently wobble so that they do not touch each other. FIG. 143 is a cross-sectional side view of a showerhead assembly 630 similar to that. If they do n’t touch,
The forces acting on the turbine 554 are not transmitted directly to the housing 542, and the water passes through the turbine 554 and is redirected somewhat radially on the inside surface of the housing, causing the housing to tilt. As the turbine wobbles, the water flow exiting the turbine 554 wobbles the housing 542.

FIG. 51 is a cross-sectional side view of a device 640 similar to that shown in FIG. 50, except that the sleeve 546 is supported by the cage or cradle element 642 from the fluid inlet 550. The wobbling turbine 622 is similar to that shown in FIG. 14, with a hole 624 extending therethrough. The cage 642 supports the sleeve 546, and the cage and sleeve do not move when the wobbling turbine 622 and the housing 642 are moving. Cage 642 consists of a fluid inlet 550 and an arm 646 attached to sleeve 546. Arm 646 has a reduced cross-section so as not to interfere with the flow of water flowing out of assembly 640. A wobbling limiting ring 648 that limits wobbling of the turbine 622 extends from the water inlet 550 to a point directly above the wobbling turbine 622 such that the top surface of the wobbling turbine cone contacts the inner surface of the ring 648. Similarly, the degree of wobbling of housing 542 is limited by an annular wobbling plate 544 including a wobbling limiting plate 650 that contacts the top of housing 542 to limit the degree of wobbling and by collar or spacing limiting means 552, as shown in FIG. Enables a compact water flow like The wobbling limit plate 650 can be adjusted in the longitudinal direction to change the degree of wobbling of the housing 542.

FIG. 52 is a cross-sectional side view of a device 652 similar to that shown in FIG. This design is particularly useful in low water pressure applications such as showers in residential or rural areas. The angle of the face of the wobbling turbine 554 and the narrow structure of the housing 542 only slightly change the angle of the path that water must travel between the inlet of the housing 542 through the inlet 550 and the outlet from the housing 542. . This design is such that the water flow requires minimal momentum loss, which results in a minimal drop in water velocity.

As in the assembly of FIG. 50, the outer housing 564 firmly supports the sleeve 546, but also for the fins 633, and the wobbling turbine 55
4 and housing 542 can wobble without contacting each other. Without contact, the forces acting on the turbine 554 are not transmitted directly to the housing 542, and the water strikes the surface of the turbine 554 at an angle (α) and is redirected on the inner surface of the housing 542 at a small angle of incidence (β) to cause the housing 542 to rotate. Tilts but the water is only slightly redirected, so that the water loses as little speed as possible.

Note that the angle α is a function of the angle at which the turbine shaft is tilted from a common axis with its water inlet 550 and the angle of the turbine surface with respect to the wobbling shaft. Similarly, the angle β is a function of the angle of the water flow diverted from the turbine face, the angle of the side wall of the housing 542, and the angle at which the housing 542 is tilted with respect to the central axis of the water inlet 550.

Low Pressure Design The present invention provides a spray head assembly with a mobile spray nozzle that delivers fluid at a desired spray distribution with minimal velocity or momentum loss and a controlled drop size. The movement of the spray nozzle is a wobbling movement, preferably combined with some rotational movement. Wobbling motion occurs by providing a wobbling inducing member or wobbling turbine in a fluid supply path with or without a housing. The water flowing through the wobbling turbine causes the wobbling turbine to wobble. The wobbling turbine affects the direction of the spray pattern exiting the spray nozzle.

[0187] The spray pattern produced by the wobbling turbine changes somewhat more rapidly so that the fluid droplets or streams are directed along an arched path over time rather than continuously at a single point. This type of spray distribution pattern is looser than many fixed patterns, and the unique configuration of a wobbling turbine includes:
There are no complicated mechanical interconnections or significant flow restrictions. Fluid distribution of this wobbling roll-swing motion is described in co-pending US patent application Ser. No. 09 / 115,362, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

In one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus comprising a wobbling inducing member integral with a plurality of outlet channels for directing fluid. This arrangement allows for a uniform distribution of the fluid flow over a large area without relying on small outlet channels or orifices, with the fluid flow decelerated. The wobbling turbine is supported by a housing having a bearing or sleeve mounted on a plurality of thin fins extending from the outer wall of the housing. The fins are provided below the outlet channel of the turbine to minimize interference with the overall fluid flow. This type of housing is ideal for providing effective and satisfactory water flow at low flow rates, especially in sink faucets. As used herein, "housing", "body" and "body"
The term "frame" is used interchangeably to mean a securing member or support structure, and is not intended to be limited to a wall surrounding a chamber.

[0189] The wobbling inducing member or wobbling turbine wobble around the water stream contacting the wobbling turbine. More specifically, the wobbling inducing member is placed in loose contact with the housing of the device, thereby reducing the number of parts and providing the desired spray width and pattern of the device, such as a residential shower or faucet. Improve ability. Further, the water is deflected along the wobbling turbine and travels with little restrictions on the outlet channels that can be provided in any number and in any configuration.

Preferably, the wobbling inducing member is arranged in direct engagement or contact with the housing. More specifically, the housing has an end that is proximally distal from the water inlet. If the base end of the housing and the wobbling trigger are loosely fitted and accommodated in each other, especially if the base end and the wobbling trigger can be easily slid or pivoted into a suitable unrestricted relationship. Preferred. One particularly preferred configuration is that the post forming a cylindrical conical or frusto-conical surface (male) is housed in a conical or frusto-conical sleeve (female), and the bottom surface of the post has a rounded shape or friction between the members. And are formed to minimize bonding. Note that the sleeve may be formed as an integral part of the housing, and the post may be a part of the wobbling inducing member. The post and sleeve are preferably designed with sufficient tolerances therebetween so that the wobbling inducing member can wobble without sticking in relation to the spray housing. Further, a wobbling inducing member having a conical upper surface with a first diameter, the conical upper surface formed around a post having a second shorter diameter housed in a conical or frusto-conical sleeve of the spray housing. It is most preferable to use the wobbling inducing member described above.

A preferred wobbling limiting member is a tracking ring formed at the upper end of the housing. The top or top of the wobbling turbine is in rolling contact with the tracking ring when driven by water flowing from the inlet at the top of the housing.
The housing is adjustable in length (vertically as shown in FIG. 67), such as by providing a threaded relationship between the upper and lower portions of the housing, which can change the deflection angle of the wobbling turbine. . Bringing the tracking ring closer to the wobbling turbine reduces the spray pattern width, while moving the tracking ring away from the wobbling turbine increases the resulting spray pattern width.

It should be noted that the spray head assembly of the present invention and its individual components may be made from any known materials, which are resistant to chemical and thermal erosion by the passage of a fluid therethrough. Preferably, it is a certain one. When the fluid is water, preferred materials include plastics such as polytetrafluoroethylene, metals or metal alloys such as stainless steel. Other and further materials suitable for use in the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art and are considered to be within the scope of the present invention.

FIG. 67 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the device 1410 of the present invention. Device 1410
Includes a housing 1412 having an upper end 1414 forming an inwardly extending track 1416 and a lower end forming a sleeve 1418 having a generally frusto-conical surface 1420 opening toward the upper end 1414 of the housing 1412. Have. The device preferably includes a water inlet 1422 at the upper end of the housing and is preferably aligned with a central axis of the housing 1412. The wobbling turbine 1424 has a sleeve 1
418 has a lower end or post 1426 located or extending within 418. The inner surface 1420 of the sleeve 1418 has an inner diameter over substantially all of its length slightly larger than the outer diameter of the lower end of the wobbling turbine 1424 or post 1426. The track 1416 is substantially annular and acts as a wobbling limiting member that defines the degree of wobbling of the wobbling turbine and generates rotation. Note that wobbling turbine 1424 and truck 1416 are in wobbling contact, and the material is at least some friction needed to create a constant wobbling or oscillating motion, but dissipates the momentum of the water or the turbine. It should provide a degree of friction that does not cause sticking. The turbine and truck contact area is a controllable factor in determining the amount of friction therebetween.

The wobbling turbine 1424 has a generally conical top surface 1428, a central portion 1430 forming a plurality of blades 1432 extending radially therefrom, and a lower portion or post 1426. Central part 1 of wobbling turbine 1424
430 preferably has walls 1434 that connect to each blade 1432 such that an outlet channel 1436 is formed between adjacent blades 1432. The lower end of the wobbling turbine has a generally cylindrical post 14 with a rounded bottom.
26. Preferably, the conical upper surface 1428 is pointed at a vertex 1435.
The proximal end of the housing 1412 is generally open and has thin wings 1433 that secure the sleeve 1418 to the housing. The outlet channel 1436 may be of various dimensions, such as the angle or profile of the inner surface 1438 of the wall 1434 to direct water into a uniform flow pattern.

At the time of assembly, the post 1426 of the wobbling turbine 1424 is
Stand still inside 418. The wobbling turbine and sleeve may be made from any suitable material, but are preferably made from one or more injection moldable or extrudable polymer materials, and are made from an acetal resin such as DELRIN. Is most preferred. Preferably, there is little friction between the post 1426 and the sleeve 1418.

In operation, water flow enters through water inlet 1422 and impinges on top surface 1428 of wobbling turbine 1424. When it comes into contact with the water flow, the conical surface 1
The force of the water flow impinging on 428 induces a wobbling motion of the wobbling turbine 1424. The wobbling turbine 1424 wobbles, makes rolling contact with the inner surface of the truck 1416, and rotates counterclockwise about the center line of the fluid flow exiting the water inlet 1422 (when viewed from the water inlet when the turbine blade pitch shown in FIG. 2 is used). )
To roll. Water flows down from the top of the wobbling turbine and deflector wall 1
434 flows into the outlet channel 1436. Wall 1434 preferably extends upwardly above blade 1432 and generally follows an angle such that it converges toward the centerline of the device.

The relative angle between the wobbling turbine surface 1428 and the wall surface 1438 is preferably configured so that the fluid maintains as much velocity or momentum as possible. While it is contemplated that the wobbling turbine may distribute fluid at a first angle of no more than 90 degrees from the axis, the turbine may be at an angle of 45 degrees from the axis, preferably about 30 degrees from the axis, and most preferably about 20-25 degrees. Fluid should be dispensed in degrees. The deflector wall 1434 should receive or capture the dispensed fluid from the turbine at a surface 1438 having an angle from an axis similar to or less than the first angle at which the fluid was dispensed from the turbine. Although surfaces 1428 and 1438 are shown as straight lines, they may be curved, such as turbine surface 1428 being convex and deflector surface 1438 being concave. In addition, surface 1428 may be ribbed or the like to allow fluid to enter channel 1434 more easily.

While the deflector may redirect fluid at an angle toward the axis of the axis rather than away from the axial direction, or at multiple angles, the deflector may have a smooth surface 143.
8 need to be provided sufficiently inclined to divert fluid to a tighter fluid discharge pattern than would be provided for a given turbine. Preferably, the deflector diverts the fluid at an angle in the range of about +/- 20 degrees of a line parallel to the axial center line, more preferably, the four are tilted at 0 degrees and the remaining 8 degrees. Divert fluid at more than one angle, such as having twelve channels 1466 inclined at 10 degrees.

The wobbling angle, and thus the spray width, can be adjusted by changing the position of the top of the housing. The upper part is screwed with the lower part of the housing so that the lower part can be adjusted up and down horizontally with respect to the center line of the wobbling turbine.
Thus, if the user desires a wider distribution pattern, the lower portion of the housing can be adjusted downward to allow more room (greater angle with respect to the axial centerline) for the turbine to wobble. Similarly, in the case of a narrow distribution pattern, the lower part may be adjusted upward to limit the degree of wobbling.

FIG. 68 is a partial cross-sectional view of the turbine 1424 shown in FIG. Blade 14
32 is tilted such that the flow of water indicated by the arrow is directed down out of the turbine, thereby wobbling the turbine and the deflection angle is as small as necessary to eliminate fluid velocity or momentum loss. Is preferred. By minimizing the angular deflection of the fluid flow path from the point of contact with the top of the turbine to the base end of the outlet channel, low hydraulic pressure flows, such as pressures of about 2-3 pounds per square inch (psi), are reduced. Can be used most efficiently. If the water pressure is greater than desired, a water inlet may be fitted to the flow control element to regulate the amount of water flowing into the device. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that the angle of blade 1432 can be modified for a particular application.

FIG. 69 is a perspective view of the turbine 1424 shown in FIG. 67, in which hidden portions are indicated by broken lines. Each of the blades 1432 extends radially about the post 1426. Each of the blades 1432 contacts the turbine 1
424 has an inclined side surface 1440 that provides angular movement. The sloped side 1440 forms an angle with the vertical side preferably of 5 to 15 degrees, most preferably about 7 degrees. The angular pitch affects how fast the turbine rotates in response to the water flow contacting the blades. The water hits the top of the blade and travels down from the sloped side 1440, thereby pushing the turbine 1424 in a clockwise wobbling direction. The blades cooperate with a wall 1434 having an interior surface that opens downward to direct water to one or more desired angles.

When water enters the housing 1412 and hits the top of the turbine 1424, the turbine tilts to one side and the tracking ring 1416 and possibly the sleeve 1418
Wobbling counterclockwise within the limits set by. Water is deflected from turbine surface 1428 and through the outlet channel. The housing 1412 preferably supports the sleeve 1418 with about three or four thin radially extending fins 1433 extending from the inner wall of the housing 1412 to the sleeve 1418.

In one preferred embodiment, the top of the wobbling turbine is a smooth conical surface 1428 having a pitch of about 22 degrees relative to the centerline of the wobbling turbine. The inner surface 1438 of the deflector wall forms an angle of about 17 degrees with the centerline of the wobbling turbine such that fluid flows over the wobbling turbine with minimal redirection and minimal speed or momentum loss. This arrangement works particularly well in low water pressure areas to minimize further reductions in flow or velocity.

FIG. 70 is a cross-sectional view of the second embodiment of the spray head. Spray head 1440 has a track surface provided by an annular ring 1442 mounted in an annular groove 1444 formed in surface 1416 of housing 1412. The annular ring 1442 is preferably made from a material having a smooth sliding surface that contacts the surface 1428 of the turbine 1424, such as rubber, a soft polymer material, or the like. The anti-sliding annular ring 1442 ensures that the turbine rotates during wobbling instead of sliding without wobbling around the truck.

FIG. 70 shows a unique two-part configuration of the wobbling turbine 1424. Rather than a one-piece wobbling turbine / post, the turbine is comprised of a blade assembly 1446 with a post assembly 1448 fitted or fixed below the blade assembly 1446. Referring again to FIG. 66, the blade assembly may be mounted on a post assembly on top of the blade assembly. In the case of a two-part wobbling turbine, these parts can be attached to each other by any conventional means including, but not limited to, adhesives, screws, friction, ridges, welding, and the like.

Finally, FIG. 70 includes a flow control washer 1450 located at the inlet 1422 for the spray head 1440 that controls the flow of fluid through the spray head.
Typical flow control washers operate on the principle of compressed rubber. Such washers are commercially available from Vernay Labs, Yellow Spring, Ohio under the trade name Verney.

FIGS. 71A and 71B are cross-sectional views of a spray head 1460 having a fluid inlet 1422 with an optional variable cross-sectional orifice in a fully open position and a restricted position, respectively. By controlling the cross-sectional area of the orifice, the user can control the impact and the droplet size even when the water speed varies.

FIG. 71A shows an inlet 1422 with a conical or narrow throat area 1466 communicating with a valve or insert 1462 having a first end 1464, with the first end 1464 extending into the inlet 1422. By making it possible, the effective area of the inlet 1422 is reduced. The insertion member 1462 can be in the fully open position shown in FIG. 5A (meaning that the entrance is not restricted by the member 1462), the restricted position shown in FIG. Knob or handle 1468 between any of the positions
It is preferred to be operated by The knob or handle 1468 is
Shown coupled to an eccentric pin 1467 that communicates with a guide hole 1469 through 462, turning the knob 1468 in a first direction causes the pin 1467 to lower (toward the inlet 1422) and to cause the first end of the member 1462 to move downward. Part 1464 into the inlet 1422,
Turning the knob 1468 in the second direction raises the pin 1467 (away from the inlet 1422) and is configured to pull the first end 1464 of the member 1462 out of the inlet 1422. The insert 1462 is preferably made of a flexible polymer or rubber material, and the first end 1464 has a plurality of fingers that bend in contact with the narrow area 1466 so that it can easily extend into the inlet 1422. Preferably, it includes a slot 1465 forming a piece 1463. Alternatively, the member or valve 14
62 is another type of valve known in the art, particularly a valve that allows fluid to flow smoothly through the inlet 1422.

FIG. 71B is the same as FIG. 71A except that the insert 1462 acts to limit the effective cross-sectional area of the inlet 1422 (the valve is partially closed).
At fluid pressures greater than 15 psi, restricting the inlet 1422 reduces the differential pressure across the flow control device 1470 and increases the fluid velocity through the inlet 1422, resulting in a faster fluid exiting the device. . Flow control device 1 due to low differential pressure
470 rises over rib 1476, opening a passage therethrough. Insertion member 1
Retracting 462 (opening the valve) reduces the fluid velocity and increases the pressure in the fluid control to close the passage. Thus, regardless of the fluid supply pressure,
The flow rate is kept constant when variable impact control is possible.

FIGS. 72A and 72B are cross-sectional views of the fluid flow control device 1470 (see also FIG. 71A) in the open and closed positions, respectively. Flow control based on the compression rubber principle is limited in the operating pressure range. 2.5 gal / min (G
A typical flow control washer (as shown in FIG. 70) that provides water (PM) works well with water supply pressures above about 15 psi, but the flow drops sharply as the pressure drops below 15 psi. Thus, the present invention is useful in residential applications with about 1
It provides a bypass that increases the total flow through the fluid inlet 1422 at fluid supply pressures below 5 psi, but below any desired minimum pressure setting for a given application.

[0211] The fluid flow control device 1470 is a floating or non-fixed member formed around the flow control washer 1450, has a rim 1472, and has a plurality of shallow ribs 1476 formed on the bottom side of the rim. Ribs 1476 are preferably radially extending ribs mounted on O-rings 1474 mounted in protrusions or grooves 1478 to provide a fluid passage between ribs 1476 at low pressure fluid supply pressures. The fluid flows and bypasses the control washer 1450 to control the washer 145.
Supplement the fluid flow through zero. As the fluid supply pressure increases, the floating controller 1470 is depressed, causing the ribs 1476 to sink into the flexible polymer or rubber O-ring 1474. At about 15 psi (or other desired design pressure), the ribs 1476 are completely embedded in the O-ring, thereby blocking the entire bypass flow. As the fluid supply pressure (actually the differential pressure) increases, the only path for the fluid is through the control washer, and this or similar system is the pressure of a normal flow control washer, especially where it is particularly well suited to the present invention. Advantageously, it guarantees optimal performance in the extended range of pressures beyond the low pressure of Or,
An O-ring is also attached to the bottom surface of the rim and communicates with the rib formed on the protrusion 1478.

FIG. 73 shows bearing 1 coupling the top of turbine 1424 to post 1426.
FIG. 148 is a cross-sectional view of the spray head 1480 having 482. Bearing 1482 may be formed in any known manner, but is preferably formed by a simple pin 1484 extending from post 1426, which is housed in a cylindrical sleeve 1486 to house the turbine about pin 1484. Make it possible to rotate. In this configuration, the top of the turbine 1424 with the sleeve 1486 may wobble at one speed, while the post 1426 may wobble at another speed or not wobble at all, thereby limiting or preventing turbine sticking. are doing. In addition, the friction existing between the post 1426 and the sleeve 1420, due to the force of the water flow acting only on the turbine, because the outer surface of the deflector 1434, or exclusively the rolling elements of the turbine, begin rolling along the track 1442. Need to overcome bearing friction.

The device of the present invention has been found to provide the desired shower by creating large drops of fluid. These large size drops are mainly due to two factors. First, the fluid flows only on one side of the turbine at a time, allowing a large amount of fluid to be used to form drops. Second, the flow washers allow the use of large outlet channels with little flow restriction.

It is further recognized that the turbines of the present invention contain water to a greater or lesser extent with water. At any given time, only a portion of the channel, such as channel 1432 on one side of the turbine, causes a small amount of air content to flow. If the turbine is wobbling at a very high speed, it is likely that the water will pass through the channel in a lump, a plug flow, and the space in the lump will be filled with air. As water rapidly passes through the channel, it pushes or expels air accordingly.

Returning again to FIG. 73, the air content can be increased by providing a channel that supplies air to the water stream as it passes through the turbine or through the channel. One particular configuration or method for increasing the air content is the turbine face 1
The provision of an annular notch or groove 1488 partially or entirely around 428. As water passes through the notch, the air in the notch is drawn in with or into the water. In fact, if the notch is configured to surround the turbine,
The air can be drawn into the notch by the action of water. However, a portion of the discontinuous or annular notch is filled with air displaced from the water stream. As the notch wobbles toward the water stream, the air therein is drawn to the water to provide air content. One or more notches or grooves according to the present invention can be used in combination, or can be located not only at the top of the turbine, but also at the bottom of the turbine, blades, deflectors, or a combination thereof.

While the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described, other and further embodiments of the present invention can be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof, and the scope is defined by the appended claims. It is determined.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional side view of a first embodiment of a spray head assembly of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional side view of a second embodiment of the spray head assembly of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional side view of a second embodiment of the spray head assembly of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a top cross-sectional view of the spray head taken along line 4-4 showing the top of the wobbling turbine.

FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the spray head showing the outlet from the spray housing.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view of a third embodiment of the spray head assembly of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a sectional view of a fourth embodiment of the spray head assembly of the present invention.

FIG. 8A is a schematic representation of a uniform spray pattern from four spray heads, including the spray head of the present invention, at two different distances from the spray head.

FIG. 8B schematically illustrates that the spray pattern is uniform from four spray heads, including the spray head of the present invention, at two different distances from the spray head.

FIG. 8C schematically shows that the spray pattern is uniform from four spray heads, including the spray head of the present invention, at two different distances from the spray head.

FIG. 8D schematically illustrates the uniformity of the spray pattern from four spray heads, including the spray head of the present invention, at two different distances from the spray head.

FIG. 9A is a schematic representation of a uniform spray pattern from four spray heads, including the spray head of the present invention, at two different distances from the spray head.

FIG. 9B is a schematic representation of a uniform spray pattern from four spray heads, including the spray head of the present invention, at two different distances from the spray head.

FIG. 9C schematically shows that the spray pattern is uniform from four spray heads, including the spray head of the present invention, at two different distances from the spray head.

FIG. 9D schematically illustrates the uniformity of the spray pattern from four spray heads, including the spray head of the present invention, at two different distances from the spray head.

FIG. 10A is a schematic view of the wobbling motion of the wobbling plate and the housing floor of the present invention.

FIG. 10B is a schematic view of the wobbling motion of the wobbling plate and the housing floor of the present invention.

FIG. 10C is a schematic diagram of the wobbling motion of the wobbling plate and the housing floor of the present invention.

FIG. 10D is a schematic view of the wobbling motion of the wobbling plate and the housing floor of the present invention.

FIG. 10E is a schematic view of the wobbling motion of the wobbling plate and the housing floor of the present invention.

FIG. 10F is a schematic view of the wobbling motion of the wobbling plate and the housing floor of the present invention.

FIG. 10G is a schematic view of the wobbling motion of the wobbling plate and the housing floor of the present invention.

FIG. 10H is a schematic view of the wobbling motion of the wobbling plate and the housing floor of the present invention.

FIG. 10I is a schematic view of the wobbling motion of the wobbling plate and the housing floor of the present invention.

FIG. 11A is a schematic side view of the spray head and the pattern / angle of water delivered by the spray head.

FIG. 11B is a schematic side view of the spray head and the pattern / angle of water delivered by the spray head.

FIG. 12A is a partial top view of an alternative wobbling turbine having different groove angles.

FIG. 12B is a partial top view of an alternative wobbling turbine having different groove angles.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional side view of a fifth embodiment of the spray head assembly of the present invention having a tracking ring.

FIG. 14 is a top view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 13 taken along line 14-14.

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional side view of a sixth embodiment of the spray head assembly of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a top view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 15 taken along line 15-15.

FIG. 17A is a schematic diagram showing the wobbling motion of a wobbling turbine sleeve and a nozzle assembly post according to the spray head of FIG. 2;

FIG. 17B is a schematic view showing the wobbling motion of the wobbling turbine sleeve and the nozzle assembly post according to the spray head of FIG. 2;

FIG. 17C is a schematic view showing the wobbling movement of the wobbling turbine sleeve and the nozzle assembly post according to the spray head of FIG. 2;

FIG. 17D is a schematic view showing the wobbling motion of the wobbling turbine sleeve and the nozzle assembly post according to the spray head of FIG. 2;

FIG. 17E is a schematic view showing the wobbling motion of the wobbling turbine sleeve and the nozzle assembly post according to the spray head of FIG. 2;

17F is a schematic view showing the wobbling motion of the wobbling turbine sleeve and the nozzle assembly post according to the spray head of FIG. 2;

FIG. 17G is a schematic diagram showing the wobbling motion of the wobbling turbine sleeve and the nozzle assembly post according to the spray head of FIG. 2;

FIG. 17H is a schematic view showing the wobbling motion of the wobbling turbine sleeve and the nozzle assembly post according to the spray head of FIG. 2;

FIG. 17I is a schematic view showing the wobbling motion of the wobbling turbine sleeve and the nozzle assembly post according to the spray head of FIG. 2;

18A is a schematic diagram showing the wobbling motion of a wobbling turbine post and a nozzle assembly sleeve according to the spray head of FIG. 3;

FIG. 18B is a schematic view showing the wobbling motion of the wobbling turbine post and the nozzle assembly sleeve according to the spray head of FIG. 3;

18C is a schematic view showing the wobbling motion of the wobbling turbine post and the nozzle assembly sleeve according to the spray head of FIG. 3;

18D is a schematic view showing the wobbling motion of the wobbling turbine post and the nozzle assembly sleeve according to the spray head of FIG. 3;

FIG. 18E is a schematic view showing the wobbling motion of the wobbling turbine post and the nozzle assembly sleeve according to the spray head of FIG. 3;

FIG. 18F is a schematic diagram showing the wobbling motion of the wobbling turbine post and the nozzle assembly sleeve according to the spray head of FIG. 3;

18G is a schematic view showing the wobbling motion of the wobbling turbine post and the nozzle assembly sleeve according to the spray head of FIG. 3;

18H is a schematic view showing the wobbling motion of the wobbling turbine post and the nozzle assembly sleeve according to the spray head of FIG. 3;

FIG. 18I is a schematic view showing the wobbling motion of the wobbling turbine post and the nozzle assembly sleeve according to the spray head of FIG. 3;

FIG. 19 is a sectional side view of a seventh embodiment of the spray head of the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a sectional side view of an eighth embodiment of the spray head of the present invention.

FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional side view of a spray head assembly having a flow washer speed control system.

FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional side view of a spray head assembly having a bypass valve that diverts fluid around a turbine or around a speed tube.

23A is a cross-sectional side view of the bypass valve of FIG. 22 showing its operation at various wobbling angles.

23B is a cross-sectional side view of the bypass valve of FIG. 22 showing its operation at various wobbling angles.

23C is a cross-sectional side view of the bypass valve of FIG. 22 showing its operation at various wobbling angles.

23D is a cross-sectional side view of the bypass valve of FIG. 22 showing its operation at various wobbling angles.

23E is a cross-sectional side view of the bypass valve of FIG. 22 showing its operation at various wobbling angles.

23F is a cross-sectional side view of the bypass valve of FIG. 22 showing its operation at various wobbling angles.

FIG. 24A is a partial cross-sectional view of the bypass valve of FIG. 23A taken along line 24-24.

FIG. 24B is a partial cross-sectional view of the bypass valve of FIG. 23B taken along line 24-24.

FIG. 24C is a partial cross-sectional view of the bypass valve of FIG. 23C, taken along line 24-24.

FIG. 24D is a partial cross-sectional view of the bypass valve of FIG. 23D taken along line 24-24.

FIG. 24E is a partial cross-sectional view of the bypass valve of FIG. 23E taken along line 24-24.

FIG. 25A is a partial cross-sectional view of the bypass valve of FIG. 23A taken along line 25-25.

FIG. 25B is a partial cross-sectional view of the bypass valve of FIG. 23B taken along line 25-25.

FIG. 25C is a partial cross-sectional view of the bypass valve of FIG. 23C, taken along line 25-25.

FIG. 25D is a partial cross-sectional view of the bypass valve of FIG. 23D taken along line 25-25.

FIG. 25E is a partial cross-sectional view of the bypass valve of FIG. 23E taken along line 25-25.

FIG. 26A is a partial cross-sectional view of the bypass valve of FIG. 23A taken along line 26-26.

FIG. 26B is a partial cross-sectional view of the bypass valve of FIG. 23B taken along line 26-26.

FIG. 26C is a partial cross-sectional view of the bypass valve of FIG. 23C, taken along line 26-26.

FIG. 26D is a partial cross-sectional view of the bypass valve of FIG. 23D taken along line 26-26.

FIG. 26E is a partial cross-sectional view of the bypass valve of FIG. 23E taken along line 26-26.

FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional side view of a spray head assembly having a bypass valve that controls fluid to a set of fixed fluid outlet channels.

FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional side view of a spray head assembly having a bypass valve for diverting fluid around a speed tube and a camshaft moving a sleeve for controlling spray width.

FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional side view of the spray head assembly shown in FIG. 26, except that the sleeve is located below the wobbling plate.

FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional side view of a spray head assembly having a spray width adjustment ring below a wobbling plate.

FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional side view of a spray head assembly having a bypass valve that diverts water around a speed tube to achieve a soft wash.

FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional side view of a spray head assembly having an external fluid delivery to an external nozzle assembly.

FIG. 33 is a cross-sectional side view of a spray head assembly having a lifting ring.

FIG. 34 is a cross-sectional side view of a spray head assembly having an impact modulating element located downstream of a speed tube.

FIG. 35 is a cross-sectional side view of a prior art spray head used in a dishwasher.

FIG. 36 is a sectional side view of the first embodiment of the fluid discharge device of the present invention.

FIG. 37 is a sectional side view of the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 38 is a cross-sectional side view of the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 39 is a plan view of the device shown in FIG. 38.

FIG. 40 is a sectional side view of a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 41 is a sectional side view of a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 42 is a sectional side view of a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 43 is a schematic view of the top of the wobbling turbine of the present invention.

FIG. 44 is a schematic view of the top of the wobbling turbine of the present invention.

FIG. 45 is a schematic view of the top of the wobbling turbine of the present invention.

FIG. 46 is a bottom view of an exemplary device of the present invention showing an outlet channel.

FIG. 47 is a cross-sectional side view of a device similar to that shown in FIG. 36, but with the post and sleeve relationships reversed.

FIG. 48 is a cross-sectional side view of a device similar to that shown in FIG. 36, wherein an optional feature provides a concentrated stream of fluid.

FIG. 49 is a cross-sectional side view of a device similar to that shown in FIG. 36, wherein an optional feature provides a concentrated stream of fluid.

FIG. 50 is a cross-sectional side view of a further embodiment of the device.

FIG. 51 is a cross-sectional side view of a further embodiment of the device.

FIG. 52 is a cross-sectional side view of a further embodiment of the device.

FIG. 53 is a cross-sectional side view of the first embodiment of the device of the present invention.

FIG. 54 is a cross-sectional side view of a second embodiment of the device of the present invention.

FIG. 55 is a sectional side view of a third embodiment of the device of the present invention.

FIG. 56 is a cross-sectional side view of a fourth embodiment of the device of the present invention.

FIG. 57 is a cross-sectional side view of a fifth embodiment of the device of the present invention.

FIG. 58 is a cross-sectional side view of an alternative outlet channel used with the apparatus shown in FIGS. 54 and 55.

FIG. 59 is a cross-sectional side view of a sixth embodiment of the device of the present invention.

FIG. 60 is a sectional side view of a seventh embodiment of the device of the present invention.

FIG. 61 is a sectional side view of an eighth embodiment of the device of the present invention.

FIG. 62 is a cross-sectional side view of a ninth embodiment of the device of the present invention.

FIG. 63 is a cross-sectional side view of a tenth embodiment of the device of the present invention.

FIG. 64 is a sectional side view of an eleventh embodiment of the device of the present invention.

FIG. 65 utilizes a rotation-swing motion of a motor output shaft or nozzle assembly, and a cross-section of two alternative coupling designs used to use a wobbling motion of a gear or shaft each having a true wobbling axis. FIG.

FIG. 65A illustrates a cross-section of two alternative coupling designs that utilize the rotation-swing motion of a motor output shaft or nozzle assembly to use a wobbling motion of a gear or shaft each having a true wobbling axis. FIG.

FIG. 66 utilizes a rotation-swing motion of a motor output shaft or nozzle assembly, and a cross-section of two alternative coupling designs used to use a wobbling motion of a gear or shaft each having a true wobbling axis. FIG.

FIG. 67 is a cross-sectional side view of a first embodiment of the spray head assembly of the present invention.

FIG. 68 is a partial cross-sectional view of the wobbling turbine shown in FIG. 67.

FIG. 69 is a perspective view of the wobbling turbine shown in FIG. 67.

FIG. 70 is a cross-sectional side view of a second embodiment of a spray head.

FIG. 71A is a cross-sectional view of a spray head having a fluid inlet with a variable cross-sectional area in a fully open position and a restricted position.

FIG. 71B is a cross-sectional view of a spray head having a fluid inlet with a variable cross-sectional area in a fully open position and a restricted position.

FIG. 72A is a cross-sectional view of the fluid flow control device in each of an open position and a closed position.

FIG. 72B is a cross-sectional view of the fluid flow control device in each of the open position and the closed position.

FIG. 73 is a cross-sectional view of a spray head having a bearing coupling a turbine to a post.

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (31) Priority claim number 60 / 108,627 (32) Priority date November 16, 1998 (November 16, 1998) (33) Priority claim country United States (US) ( 31) Priority claim number 60 / 112,357 (32) Priority date December 15, 1998 (December 15, 1998) (33) Priority claim country United States (US) (31) Priority claim number 60 / 141,511 (32) Priority date June 28, 1999 (June 28, 1999) (33) Priority country United States (US) (81) Designated country EP (AT, BE, CH, CY, DE, DK, ES, FI, FR, GB, GR, IE, IT, LU, MC, NL, PT, SE), OA (BF, BJ, CF, CG, CI, CM, GA, GN, GW, ML, MR, NE, SN, TD, TG), AP (GH, GM, KE, LS, MW, SD, SL, SZ, UG, ZW), EA (AM, AZ, BY, KG, KZ, MD, RU, TJ, TM), AL, AM, AT, AU, AZ, BA, BB, BG, BR, BY, CA, CH, CN, CU, CZ, DE, DK, EE, ES, FI, GB, GE, GH, GM, HU, ID, IL, IS, JP, KE , KG, KP, KR, KZ, LC, LK, LR, LS, LT, LU, LV, MD, MG, MK, MN, MW, MX, NO, NZ, PL, PT, RO, RU, SD, SE, SG, SI, SK, SL, TJ, TM, TR, TT, UA, UG, US, UZ, VN, YU, ZWF Term (reference) 2D032 FA04 4F033 AA11 BA04 CA04 DA05 EA01 GA04 KA03 NA01

Claims (117)

[Claims] A body having a fluid inlet; a wobbling turbine provided downstream of the fluid inlet, wherein the wobbling turbine is configured to wobble when hit by a water flow discharged from the fluid inlet. A fluid diverting means provided downstream of the wobbling turbine for diverting the water flow. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said wobbling turbine is axially spaced from said fluid inlet. 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said fluid redirecting means is a shroud. 4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said wobbling limiting member is a stator ring. 5. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a wobbling restricting member engaging the wobbling turbine. 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said wobbling turbine is coupled to said body in a post and sleeve relationship. 7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the wobbling turbine has a convex conical surface forming an angular momentum inducing member. 8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein said angular momentum inducing member is selected from a groove, a blade, a blade, and combinations thereof. 9. The truck further comprising a truck formed adjacent to the fluid inlet, wherein the wobbling turbine extends in rolling contact with the truck.
The device of claim 1, wherein the device has a surface. 10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the wobbling turbine has a plurality of blades configured to wobble the wobbling turbine upon encountering a stream of water discharged from the fluid inlet. 11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein said fluid diverting means is a downwardly inclined deflector. 12. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the post-sleeve relationship includes a post extending from the wobbling turbine and a sleeve supported by the body. 13. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the post-sleeve relationship includes a sleeve extending from the wobbling turbine and a post supported by the body. 14. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein at least a portion of the post and a portion of the sleeve are frusto-conical. 15. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein said fluid diversion means is coupled to said wobbling turbine. 16. The method of claim 1, wherein the fluid redirecting means is coupled to the body.
The apparatus of claim 0. 17. The body defines a housing having a first end including a fluid inlet and a second end including a collar, wherein the wobbling turbine and a post-sleeve relationship are formed in the housing. A nozzle assembly comprising a first end having a fluid outlet, a second end having a fluid outlet, and a fluid conduit extending through the collar to provide fluid communication between the housing and the fluid outlet. 17. The device of claim 16, further comprising: 18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein said nozzle assembly further comprises a wobbling limiting member. 19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein said wobbling limiting member of said nozzle assembly is a wobbling plate. 20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the wobbling plate has a convex frustoconical surface that engages the housing adjacent the collar to limit movement of the nozzle assembly. 21. The apparatus of claim 6, further comprising an intermediate sleeve loosely provided between the post and the sleeve. 22. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the fluid outlet comprises a spray nozzle having a plurality of outlet channels formed therein. 23. The apparatus of claim 17, further comprising a sealing element provided between said collar and an intermediate portion of said nozzle assembly. 24. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the fluid conduit provides an annular channel around the post. 25. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the post has a lifting ring, and the sleeve has an annular lip engaging the lifting ring and a second wobbling restrictor. 26. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein said wobbling limiting member is a ring mounted on said wobbling turbine. 27. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said wobbling turbine provides an air content of a fluid. 28. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said wobbling turbine has an annular groove for providing air inclusion of a fluid. 29. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the wobbling turbine is formed with an air supply channel that provides for air content of the fluid. 30. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the wobbling limiting member is a tracking ring. 31. The apparatus of claim 19, further comprising means for adjusting the degree to which the nozzle assembly can wobble. 32. The apparatus of claim 31, wherein said means for adjusting the degree comprises a sleeve adjacent to said wobbling plate and a cam coupled to said sleeve. 33. The apparatus of claim 31, further comprising means for adjusting a velocity of a fluid directed in the means for wobbling. 34. The apparatus of claim 33, wherein said means for adjusting said speed is a flow control valve. 35. The apparatus of claim 33, wherein said means for adjusting said speed is a bypass valve. 36. A first outlet for selectively communicating from the fluid inlet to the wobbling inducing member and a second outlet for selectively communicating from the fluid inlet around the wobbling inducing member. The device of claim 1, further comprising a bypass valve. 37. A fluid channel having a first end in fluid communication with the second outlet of the bypass valve and a second end in fluid communication with the second end of the nozzle assembly. 37. The device of claim 36, further comprising: 38. The apparatus of claim 36, further comprising a fluid channel having a first end in fluid communication with the second outlet of the bypass valve and a second end having one or more nozzles. The described device. 39. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein said fluid conduit of said nozzle assembly is a speed tube. 40. A third channel for selectively communicating from the fluid inlet to a fluid channel.
Fluid outlet, wherein the fluid channel has a first end in fluid communication with the third fluid outlet and a second end in fluid communication with the second end of the nozzle assembly. 37. The device of claim 36, having an end. 41. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said nozzle assembly further comprises means for adjusting a degree of wobbling. 42. A control valve provided at the fluid inlet; a passive flow control member provided at the fluid conduit, provided with an opening having a first cross-sectional area; 20. The apparatus of claim 17, further comprising: a spray nozzle having a fluid path having a cross-sectional area greater than a cross-sectional area of the opening through a flow control member. 43. The apparatus of claim 42, wherein said passive flow control member is a flow control washer. 44. The apparatus of claim 42, wherein said spray nozzle is a mobile spray nozzle. 45. The apparatus of claim 44, wherein said mobile spray nozzle is a wobbling spray nozzle. 46. A spray nozzle having a speed tube formed in the fluid conduit, a fluid inlet in fluid communication with the speed tube, a plurality of outlet channels, the chamber and the fluid inlet of the spray nozzle. And a bypass valve provided in the bypass channel, wherein the bypass channel and the bypass valve supply fluid to the spray nozzle at a speed lower than the speed of the fluid passing through the speed tube. 18. The apparatus of claim 17, further comprising: supplying a bypass valve. 47. The apparatus of claim 46, wherein said spray nozzle comprises a plurality of open slots. 48. The apparatus of claim 46, wherein said spray nozzle is coupled to said wobbling turbine. 49. A speed tube formed in the fluid conduit, a spray nozzle having a fluid inlet in fluid communication with the speed tube, and coupled to the spray nozzle to reduce an effective cross-sectional area of the speed tube. The apparatus of claim 17, further comprising: a fluid compression member adjustably extendable into the speed tube. 50. The spray nozzle according to claim 4, wherein the spray nozzle generally has a plurality of fluid outlet channels having a cross-sectional area greater than a cross-sectional area of the collective velocity tube.
An apparatus according to claim 9. 51. The spray nozzle is a movable spray nozzle, and has a grip member coupled to the housing adjacent to the spray nozzle and capable of being pressed against the spray nozzle in order to eliminate the movement of the spray nozzle. 50. The device of claim 49, further comprising: 52. The apparatus according to claim 49, wherein said flow compression member is a needle valve threadedly engaged with said spray nozzle. 53. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said fluid redirecting means is stationary. 54. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said fluid redirecting means is movement limited. 55. The apparatus of claim 15, further comprising a tracking ring extending from said fluid redirecting means. 56. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said fluid diversion means wobble independently of said wobbling turbine. 57. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the deflector has an annular wobbling plate that freely engages the body portion. 58. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the deflector is engaged with the body and is provided downstream of the fluid inlet in a post and sleeve relationship. 59. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein said post has a circular base end. 60. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the sleeve is mounted to the body by a plurality of radially extending fins. 61. The wobbling turbine has a longitudinally extending hole formed therein, the sleeve has a hole formed therein that is axially aligned with the hole of the wobbling turbine, and the sleeve comprises the sleeve 13. The device according to claim 12, comprising an element for selectively opening and closing said hole. 62. The wobbling turbine has a longitudinally extending hole, the sleeve has a hole axially aligned with the wobbling turbine hole, and a top portion of the wobbling turbine. 13. The apparatus of claim 12, further comprising an adjustable spaced wobbling restriction ring. 63. The body of claim 1, wherein said body further comprises a housing defining spacing limiting means around said fluid inlet and having an annular wobbling plate freely engaged between said spacing limiting means. apparatus. 64. The apparatus of claim 63, wherein said wobbling turbine is engaged in a post and sleeve relationship with said housing and post. 65. The apparatus of claim 17, further comprising a wobbling restrictor attached to the housing and surrounding the nozzle assembly. 66. The apparatus of claim 65, wherein the wobbling restricting member is a track formed adjacent to the fluid inlet and within the housing, and the wobbling turbine is in rolling contact with the track. . 67. The apparatus of claim 65, wherein said wobbling limiting member is an elongated cylindrical collar. 68. The apparatus of claim 65, wherein the nozzle assembly has a wobbling plate and the wobbling limiting member is a slot formed in the housing that houses the wobbling plate. 69. The nozzle assembly has a slot formed around the nozzle assembly, and the wobbling limiting member forms a plate attached to the housing and extending into the slot. Item 65. The apparatus according to Item 65. 70. The apparatus of claim 65, wherein said wobbling limiting member is a wall forming a part of said housing. 71. The apparatus of claim 65, wherein said wobbling limiting member is a cylindrical sleeve provided around a portion of said nozzle assembly. 72. The apparatus of claim 71, wherein said portion of said nozzle assembly is a post. 73. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein said fluid conduit includes one or more radial channels. 74. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the housing further comprises an air passage extending in fluid communication with the fluid outlet. 75. The apparatus of claim 74, wherein the air passage extends into a position adjacent the fluid outlet. 76. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the nozzle assembly forms a shoulder having a diameter greater than the collar. 77. The fluid outlet according to claim 1, wherein the fluid outlet forms a plurality of flow channels.
An apparatus according to claim 7. 78. The apparatus of claim 77, wherein the flow channel forms an angle with a centerline of the nozzle assembly. 79. The body defines a housing having a first end including a fluid inlet and a second end including a collar, a first end having a wobbling turbine provided in the housing. A nozzle end comprising: a second end having a fluid outlet; and a fluid conduit extending through the collar and in fluid communication between the housing and the fluid outlet. 17. The apparatus of claim 16, further comprising a nozzle assembly rigidly coupled to the nozzle assembly. 80. The apparatus of claim 65, wherein said nozzle assembly has a wobbling plate and said wobbling limiting member is a slot having an adjustable width. 81. The apparatus of claim 65, wherein the collar is formed with an annular groove facing the fluid conduit. 82. The apparatus of claim 65, wherein the fluid conduit is formed with an annular groove facing the collar. 83. The apparatus of claim 65, wherein the collar comprises a resilient gasket surrounding the fluid outlet. 84. The fluid conduit has a slidable member, and a biasing member is coupled to the slidable member to make sliding contact with the fluid conduit when a fluid pressure changes. The described device. 85. The apparatus of claim 65, wherein the wobbling limiting member is a track provided around an upper portion of the nozzle assembly. 86. The apparatus of claim 65, further comprising a nozzle in fluid communication with the fluid conduit, the nozzle having a pressurized fluid chamber having a plurality of outlet orifices, and a reduced pressure fluid chamber having a plurality of outlet channels. 87. The apparatus of claim 65, wherein the collar is axially spaced from the fluid inlet. 88. The wobbling turbine, wherein the body forms a housing having a first end including the fluid inlet and a second end including a collar, the housing extending into the collar, and the wobbling turbine. 17. The apparatus of claim 16, further comprising: a cradle assembly post forming a sleeve that houses the post in a post-sleeve relationship; and a wobbling limiting member secured to the housing and surrounding the cradle assembly post. 89. The apparatus of claim 88, further comprising an output member wobbled to the cradle assembly post by one or more bearings mounted on the housing. 90. The apparatus of claim 89, wherein said output member is a ring. 91. The apparatus of claim 90, wherein said ring forms a drive gear. 92. The apparatus according to claim 89, wherein said output member is a shaft. 93. The fluid outlet according to claim 89, wherein the fluid outlet is on a side of the housing.
The described device. 94. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the body forms a track adjacent the fluid inlet, and the wobbling turbine has a first surface extending into operative contact with the track. 95. The wobbling turbine comprises a plurality of blades configured to wobble the wobbling turbine upon encountering a stream of water discharged from the fluid inlet, and a downwardly inclined annular deflector. Item 90. The apparatus according to Item 94. 96. The track has a larger diameter than the fluid inlet.
95. The device according to claim 94. 97. The apparatus of claim 94, wherein the wobbling turbine is loosely engaged with a support of the body downstream of the fluid inlet. 98. The loosely fitting relationship is a post and sleeve relationship.
97. The device of claim 97. 99. The apparatus of claim 94, wherein said first surface of said wobbling turbine is conical. 100. The apparatus of claim 99, wherein said plurality of blades are provided downstream of said first surface. 101. The apparatus of claim 95, wherein the plurality of blades have a proximal end extending radially outward and coupled to the deflector. 102. The body wherein the upper portion including the track is adjustably engaged with the lower portion including the support member and the distance therebetween is adjustable.
The described device. 103. The apparatus of claim 102, wherein adjusting the distance between the upper and lower portions changes the angle at which the turbine surface contacts the truck. 104. The apparatus of claim 102, wherein adjusting the distance results in a variable spray width. 105. The apparatus of claim 104, wherein a flow control valve is provided in the fluid inlet to vary fluid shock control. 106. The apparatus of claim 105, wherein said flow control valve is an insert. 107. The apparatus of claim 105, further comprising a flow control upstream of said flow valve. 108. The apparatus of claim 105, wherein the flow control valve is restricted to increase fluid impact. 109. The apparatus according to claim 107, wherein said flow control device maintains a substantially constant fluid flow rate through said fluid inlet. 110. The body has a bearing axially spaced from the fluid inlet downstream of the fluid inlet, and the wobbling turbine has a first end disposed within the bearing. The apparatus of claim 95. 111. The apparatus of claim 110, wherein said wobbling turbine has a second end forming a conical surface. 112. The apparatus of claim 110, wherein said bearing is a sleeve. 113. The apparatus of claim 110, wherein the fluid channel is formed around the turbine. 114. The outlet channel is aligned to receive fluid from the fluid inlet as fluid passes through the second end of the turbine.
13. The apparatus according to claim 13. 115. The apparatus of claim 114, wherein the fluid channel is adjacent to the first end and configured to drain fluid. 116. The apparatus of claim 111, wherein said first end of said wobbling turbine is a post and said bearing is a sleeve. 117. The apparatus of claim 110, further comprising a bearing connection between said first and second ends of said wobbling turbine.