JPH0372347B2 - - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Currently, many consumers are aware that their energy consumption is high and would like to take steps to reduce their energy consumption. Boiling water is
Since hot water accounts for a very large proportion of the total energy consumed in a home, any reduction in the amount of hot water used will play an important role in saving energy.

This invention relates to an improved shower head for dispensing hot or cold water, which allows for a much lower flow rate than conventional shower heads. Up until now, attempts have been made to reduce the flow of hot water in the shower head by simply inserting a flow restrictor somewhere inside the head, but these attempts have been difficult for users to It lost its popularity because it didn't feel like it was using hot water.

The purpose of the air-permeable shower head of this invention is to use a much lower flow rate than conventional shower heads, yet still give the user the feeling that they are using a lot of hot water. be. That is, compared to commonly used prior art shower heads that use 10 to 24 quarts (9.5 to 22.7) of hot water per minute, the present shower head uses about 6 quarts (5.7) of hot water per minute. In other words, it is possible to provide sufficient satisfaction to the user even if only 60% to 25% of the conventional amount is used.

Various relationships have been found to be important in achieving this result of the invention, and are discussed in more detail below.

One of the features of this invention is that it not only measures the appropriate amount of water, but also disperses the flow of water, mixes in a controlled amount of air, and also takes the surrounding air with it when the water is diffused and released from the outlet. A measuring cylinder with a measuring orifice so as to give the impression that a lot of water is flowing.
and a nozzle member having a conical discharge orifice terminating in a large diameter discharge orifice.

Another novel feature of this invention is that the metering tube with the metering orifice is made as a separate replaceable part and the nozzle member is screwed on, so that one simply needs to exchange a metering tube with a different metering orifice. This means that you can change the flow rate of hot water, etc. Moreover, in the unlikely event that the metering orifice becomes clogged, it can be easily replaced.

Another feature of the invention is that for the flow of aerated water within the nozzle member, an elongated circular hole is provided leading to a generally conical outlet hole having a considerably larger diameter outlet. This is the point. This shape is necessary to ensure proper water flow.

The outer peripheral surface of the discharge hole of the nozzle member is tapered, and the discharge opening itself has a rim surrounded by a small diameter, ie, a thin discharge rim. This gives it a conical shape, which prevents a swirling flow around the outlet and thus prevents water droplets from dripping.

In many high-rise buildings, shower heads can be subject to excessive water pressure. If the nozzle member of the present invention is subjected to excessive water pressure, its function will be severely hampered. The problem is particularly great in plumbing fixtures where the user simply turns the water on and off, adjusting only the temperature and not the flow rate.
The improved shower head in one embodiment of the invention includes a user-operated valve that allows water pressure in the head to be reduced at will, independent of line water pressure. In this way, the head can function normally even under excessive water pressure. Furthermore, this embodiment of the invention also allows the user to turn off the water completely at the head at will. In some cases, such as where water supplies are severely limited, users should be advised to first wet their bodies, turn off the water while applying soap, and then turn on the water to rinse off the soap. It is something that can be done.
In the shower head of this invention, the valve built into the head is easily accessible and does not require the hassle of hot-cold temperature adjustment settings as with conventional valves. This operation is very convenient because there is no such thing.

Additional features and advantages of the invention will be discussed in conjunction with the description of the preferred embodiments below.

In the embodiment of the invention shown in FIGS. 1-3, the shower head includes a connecting means, such as a standard ball 6 used in conventional shower heads, with a gasket 10 serving as a seal. Cap nut 8 is shown holding nozzle member 12 in place. but,
This part of the shower head is conventionally known, and the shower head of the present invention is attached by suitable coupling means, as is customary.

The shower head of this embodiment consists of two main parts: a nozzle member, generally designated 12, and a metering barrel, generally designated 14. In this illustrated embodiment, the metering barrel 14 has an outer circumferential surface 15 as shown.
is threaded at the tip thereof and screwed into the axially intermediate portion of the nozzle member 12, and the metering cylinder 14 is disposed coaxially with the nozzle member 12.

The distal inlet portion of the nozzle member 12 is formed with a relatively large diameter chamber 16 through which the entrance of a much smaller diameter metering orifice circular bore 18 communicates. A generally conical outlet hole 20 with a gently flared diameter expands toward the outlet of the circular hole 18, and the water is guided to an outlet 22 having a much larger diameter than the inlet of the circular hole 18. The length of the circular hole 18 on the inlet side and its diameter must be a constant ratio to the outlet hole 20.
Moreover, at the exit of the metering orifice, its outer surface, as best seen at 24 in FIG.
Tapered at a 45 degree angle. In a practical example, the entrance to the metering orifice is
From .093 for a flow rate of 1.5 gallons (5.5)
0.095 inch (2.36mm to 2.41mm), with every change of 2
It was 0.116 inches (2.95 mm) for a flow rate of 7.57 gallons (7.57). Outlet 22 is 0.187 inch (4.75 mm) in diameter and outlet hole 20 is 0.187 inches (4.75 mm) in diameter.
It is 0.387 inches (9.83 mm) long and has a radius of curvature of 1.5 inches (38.1 mm), as represented by line 26.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the metering orifice outlet 22 extends into a bore 28 of the nozzle member 12. As shown in FIGS. An air inlet hole 30 is provided radially through the nozzle member 12 at the intersection of the circular hole 28 of the nozzle member 12 and the outlet 22 of the metering orifice. As best seen in FIG. 3, the metering orifice projects into the nozzle member 12 such that its outlet 22 end extends approximately half way over the air inlet hole 30. Preferably, there are four air inflow holes 30 in the circumferential direction of the nozzle member 12, and the hole diameter is 0.125 inches (3.18 mm).
Good to have. It can be seen that in the preferred embodiment, the diameter of the air inlet holes 30 is much smaller, 0.125 inches (3.18 mm), compared to the diameter of the outlet 22, which is 0.187 inches (4.75 mm). Dew. After the air, hot water, and water pass through the circular hole 28,
It enters the substantially conical discharge hole 32 of the nozzle member 12 . As shown in the figure, the outer peripheral surface of the nozzle member 12 is provided with a conical surface 36 that corresponds approximately to the discharge hole portion 32 and whose diameter decreases toward the discharge port, so that the discharge port 38 has a thickness. A thin circular edge is formed. The discharge holes 32 take the surrounding air with them when the water diffuses, giving the impression that a large amount of water is flowing. Moreover, the outer conical surface 36 creates a swirling flow at the outlet;
This prevents water droplets from dripping from the nozzle member 12.

In a practical embodiment, the diameter of the circular hole 28 is
0.625 inches (15.88 mm), the diameter of the outlet 38 is
0.875 inch (22.23 mm), and the conical surface 36 is
The nozzle member has a taper of approximately 20 degrees with respect to its long axis.

Although the edges of the outlet 38 of the nozzle member 12 are slightly beveled, it is important to avoid creating a swirling flow as the water exits the nozzle member.

Next, other embodiments of the invention shown in FIGS. 4 to 6 will be described. Most of the parts in this example are the same as in the previous example, so
have the same number. However, the connection means
Instead of ball 6, a ball 40 is used, which is held in place by a cap nut 8 with a gasket 10 acting as a seal. Ball 40 is preferably made of plastic such as Delrin. The nozzle member 12 and metering barrel 14 are the same as previously described. The latter may be made of plastic.

The valve body 44 is provided with knurling 42 so as to fit into the ball 40 with a snap.
The valve body 44 has a transverse hole 46 into which the valve plug 48 is fitted, held in place by a guard ring 50, and sealed with O-rings 52 and 54. The plug 48 has a handle 56 that allows it to be easily turned. The opposite end of the valve body is threaded 58 for attachment to a conventional water pipe 60. The user is free to adjust the water pressure as desired by simply turning the handle 46, without having to touch the normal shower controls and therefore not having to worry about the balance between hot and cold water. It is possible to do so, and it is also possible to completely stop the flow of water.

The shower head according to the invention can therefore be used with a wide range of water pressures. Although a plug valve has been shown here because it is simple and easy to operate, other types of valves known to those skilled in the art may also be used.

As explained above, the shower head of the present invention has a nozzle member that communicates with the pressurized water or hot water supply side through a connecting means and a chamber provided in the inlet portion, and an axially intermediate portion of the nozzle member. A metering tube is provided in the chamber and is screwed coaxially with the nozzle member so that it can be replaced, and the metering tube is provided with a metering orifice that communicates with the chamber and penetrates in the axial direction, and is provided on the inlet side of the orifice. A substantially conical outlet hole portion whose diameter increases toward the outlet is continuous with the circular hole, and the outer circumferential surface of this outlet hole portion forms a taper whose diameter decreases toward the outlet of the orifice. The outlet of the orifice opens on the side of the discharge port from the cylinder, forming an elongated circular hole with a diameter slightly larger than the outlet, and the diameter of the circular hole increases toward the discharge port at the end of the circular hole on the discharge port side. The approximately conical discharge hole section is made continuous, and a conical surface that decreases in diameter toward the discharge port is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the discharge hole section of the nozzle member to reduce the thickness of the discharge port rim, and the nozzle member is moved in the radial direction. Air inflow holes penetrating through the nozzle member are provided at a plurality of locations in the circumferential direction of the nozzle member, and the air inflow holes are arranged approximately in the center at the outlet end of the measuring cylinder and open in the circular hole, so that the following effects can be achieved. can get.

That is, in this invention, pressurized hot water or water is guided from a chamber to a measuring orifice having a diameter smaller than that of the chamber, passes through an outlet hole that expands in diameter toward the outlet of this orifice, and then flows from the outlet of the measuring cylinder. It ejects into a circular hole with a diameter slightly larger than this outlet,
The flow of water or hot water is diffused just before the air is introduced. Since the central part of the air inflow hole is opened into the circular hole, the opening area of the air inflow hole to the circular hole is narrow compared to the exit area of the metering orifice. It is possible to control and mix the appropriate amount with the flow of diffused water or hot water, and furthermore, the water is diffused and released from the outlet of the discharge hole where the circular hole expands into an almost conical shape. By letting the surrounding air flow with you, you can give the user the impression that a lot of water is flowing, and the amount of water and hot water used per minute can be reduced by 60% compared to the amount of water used by a typical shower head. % to 25%, which helps save energy and is economical to use.Furthermore, by replacing the metering cylinder, the flow rate of hot water or water can be changed accordingly, and the metering orifice is clogged. In some cases, the problem can be solved simply by replacing the measuring tube.

Furthermore, each of the outer circumferential surface of the outlet hole of the measuring cylinder and the outer circumferential surface of the discharge hole of the nozzle member,
Since a taper is formed to reduce the diameter toward the outlet and the thickness of the edge of the outlet is made thinner, it is possible to prevent swirling flow from occurring around the outlet. The pressurized water and hot water that is supplied to the metering tube accumulates on the edge of the outlet hole of the measuring cylinder, making it difficult to drain the water, and the air is allowed to flow into the circular hole of the nozzle extremely smoothly without interfering with the flow of air into the nozzle. It can be sucked in evenly, and the appropriate amount can be mixed with the flow of water or hot water diffused within the nozzle discharge hole, and at the exit edge of the nozzle, there is no problem such as dripping of water or hot water from the outlet edge. This provides an excellent effect of providing a shower head with extremely good drainage.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 shows a shower head according to an embodiment of the present invention.
A longitudinal side view of the head, Figure 2 is the same as the shower head.
An exploded perspective view of the head, FIG. 3 is an enlarged longitudinal sectional side view showing the same metering orifice and the air inflow hole portion of the nozzle member, and FIG. 4 is a longitudinal sectional side view of another embodiment of the invention incorporating a valve. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the head and valve structure shown in FIG. 4, and FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 6--6 of FIG. 4. 6, 8...Standard ball, cap nut (connection means),
12... Nozzle member, 14... Measuring tube, 16...
Chamber, 18... Circular hole of metering orifice, 2
0... Outlet hole section, 22... Outlet, 28... Circular hole section of nozzle member, 30... Air inflow hole, 32... Discharge hole section of nozzle member, 36... Conical surface, 38...
Ejection port.

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] 1. A nozzle member 12 in which a chamber 16 provided in an inlet portion communicates with a supply side of pressurized water or hot water via a connecting means, and a nozzle member in an axially intermediate portion of this nozzle member 12. 12, and a measuring cylinder 14 which is screwed coaxially with the chamber 12 so as to be replaceable, the measuring cylinder 14 is provided with a measuring orifice that communicates with the chamber 16 and penetrates in the axial direction, and is provided on the inlet side of the orifice. A substantially conical outlet hole 20 that expands in diameter toward the outlet 22 is connected to the circular hole 18, and the outer peripheral surface of the outlet hole 20 forms a taper that decreases in diameter toward the outlet 22 of the orifice.
On the discharge port side from the measuring tube 14 in the nozzle member,
The outlet 22 of the orifice opens, and the outlet 2
An elongated circular hole 28 having a diameter slightly larger than 2 is formed in the axial direction, and a substantially conical discharge hole 3 whose diameter increases toward the discharge port is formed at the end of the circular hole 28 on the discharge port side.
2 are made continuous, and a conical surface 36 that decreases in diameter toward the discharge port is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the discharge hole portion 32 of the nozzle member 12, thereby reducing the thickness of the discharge port rim and making the nozzle member 12 radially Penetrating air inflow holes 30 are provided at a plurality of locations in the circumferential direction of the nozzle member 12, and the air inflow holes 30 are arranged approximately at the center at the end of the outlet 22 of the measuring tube 14, and open into the circular hole portion 28. A shower head. 2 The circular hole 28 of the metering orifice 12 is 0.093 to 0.116 inches (2.36 mm to 2.95 mm), the outlet 22 of the metering orifice exit hole is 0.187 inch (4.75 mm), the length of the outlet hole is 0.387 inch (9.83 mm), air The diameter of the inlet hole 30 is 0.125 inch (3.18 mm), the diameter of the circular hole 28 of the nozzle member 12 is 0.625 inch (15.88 mm), the diameter of the outlet 38 of the discharge hole part 32 is 0.875 inch (22.23 mm), A shower head according to claim 1 having the following dimensions. 3. A shower head according to claim 1, wherein the connecting means is provided with a valve by which the amount of water flowing through the chamber can be adjusted. 4. The shower head according to claim 3, wherein the valve provided in the connecting means is a rotating plug type valve.