WO1998017401A1 - Shower head - Google Patents

Shower head Download PDF

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Publication number
WO1998017401A1
WO1998017401A1 PCT/GB1997/002909 GB9702909W WO9817401A1 WO 1998017401 A1 WO1998017401 A1 WO 1998017401A1 GB 9702909 W GB9702909 W GB 9702909W WO 9817401 A1 WO9817401 A1 WO 9817401A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
shower head
cleaning
pins
cam profile
follower
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB1997/002909
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Christopher Samwell
Original Assignee
Newteam Limited
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Newteam Limited filed Critical Newteam Limited
Publication of WO1998017401A1 publication Critical patent/WO1998017401A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B1/00—Nozzles, spray heads or other outlets, with or without auxiliary devices such as valves, heating means
    • B05B1/14—Nozzles, spray heads or other outlets, with or without auxiliary devices such as valves, heating means with multiple outlet openings; with strainers in or outside the outlet opening
    • B05B1/16—Nozzles, spray heads or other outlets, with or without auxiliary devices such as valves, heating means with multiple outlet openings; with strainers in or outside the outlet opening having selectively- effective outlets
    • B05B1/1627—Nozzles, spray heads or other outlets, with or without auxiliary devices such as valves, heating means with multiple outlet openings; with strainers in or outside the outlet opening having selectively- effective outlets with a selecting mechanism comprising a gate valve, a sliding valve or a cock
    • B05B1/1636—Nozzles, spray heads or other outlets, with or without auxiliary devices such as valves, heating means with multiple outlet openings; with strainers in or outside the outlet opening having selectively- effective outlets with a selecting mechanism comprising a gate valve, a sliding valve or a cock by relative rotative movement of the valve elements
    • B05B1/1645—Nozzles, spray heads or other outlets, with or without auxiliary devices such as valves, heating means with multiple outlet openings; with strainers in or outside the outlet opening having selectively- effective outlets with a selecting mechanism comprising a gate valve, a sliding valve or a cock by relative rotative movement of the valve elements the outlets being rotated during selection
    • B05B1/1654—Nozzles, spray heads or other outlets, with or without auxiliary devices such as valves, heating means with multiple outlet openings; with strainers in or outside the outlet opening having selectively- effective outlets with a selecting mechanism comprising a gate valve, a sliding valve or a cock by relative rotative movement of the valve elements the outlets being rotated during selection about an axis parallel to the liquid passage in the stationary valve element
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B15/00—Details of spraying plant or spraying apparatus not otherwise provided for; Accessories
    • B05B15/50—Arrangements for cleaning; Arrangements for preventing deposits, drying-out or blockage; Arrangements for detecting improper discharge caused by the presence of foreign matter
    • B05B15/52—Arrangements for cleaning; Arrangements for preventing deposits, drying-out or blockage; Arrangements for detecting improper discharge caused by the presence of foreign matter for removal of clogging particles
    • B05B15/522—Arrangements for cleaning; Arrangements for preventing deposits, drying-out or blockage; Arrangements for detecting improper discharge caused by the presence of foreign matter for removal of clogging particles using cleaning elements penetrating the discharge openings
    • B05B15/5223—Arrangements for cleaning; Arrangements for preventing deposits, drying-out or blockage; Arrangements for detecting improper discharge caused by the presence of foreign matter for removal of clogging particles using cleaning elements penetrating the discharge openings the cleaning element, e.g. a needle, and the discharge opening being movable relative to each other in a direction substantially parallel to the flow of liquid or other fluent material through said opening
    • B05B15/5225—Arrangements for cleaning; Arrangements for preventing deposits, drying-out or blockage; Arrangements for detecting improper discharge caused by the presence of foreign matter for removal of clogging particles using cleaning elements penetrating the discharge openings the cleaning element, e.g. a needle, and the discharge opening being movable relative to each other in a direction substantially parallel to the flow of liquid or other fluent material through said opening the cleaning element being located upstream of the discharge opening or being actuated upstream therefrom
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B1/00—Nozzles, spray heads or other outlets, with or without auxiliary devices such as valves, heating means
    • B05B1/14—Nozzles, spray heads or other outlets, with or without auxiliary devices such as valves, heating means with multiple outlet openings; with strainers in or outside the outlet opening
    • B05B1/18—Roses; Shower heads

Definitions

  • This invention relates to shower heads usually in the form of handsets and in which provision is included for effecting cleaning of fine outlet perforations which otherwise tend to become blocked or restricted by lime scale or other clogging matter.
  • the invention has particular, but not exclusive, practical application to multi mode shower heads or handsets, e.g. of the general kind set forth in our prior International PCT Patent Application as officially published under no WO95/12456.
  • the object of the invention is to provide an improved arrangement of cleaning pin operation by which cleaning of the fine outlet perforations can be readily effected in a positive manner.
  • cleaning pin means for cleaning fine outlet perforations of a shower head or hand set in which the cleaning pins are axially operated by an arrangement of follower means and co-operating cam profile or track formation within the shower head or hand set head, is characterised by the follower means and cam profile or track formation having a relative sliding interfitting engagement with one another whereby the cleaning pins are cam operated in a positive manner for both cleaning movement into respective outlet perforations and withdrawal therefrom.
  • the cam profile or track formation may engage between opposed faces of the follower means or vice versa in providing their relative interfitting sliding engagement with one another and the follower means may extend in an axially parallel manner from a ring carrying the cleaning pins for co-operation with a cam profile or track fast within the head.
  • FIG. 1 is an axial plane cross section of a multi-mode shower hand set so as to reveal the internal mechanism in which that part to the left of the axis X-X shows the spray mode setting and that part to the right the cleaning mode setting;
  • Figure 2 is a detail elevation showing the cam operation of a follower to the cleaning pins
  • Figures 3 are detail cross sectional views each showing a different cleaning pin to 5 position.
  • the multi-mode arrangement and operation is generally similar to that described and shown in our prior PCT patent application aforesaid but may be varied according to requirements.
  • the head portion 10 of the handset 1 receives for angular setting movement about the central axis X-X therein a cartridge 2 mainly comprising a housing or casing 24 which receives an inner assembly 23 containing the pulse and aerated mode outlets at 30, 31 and water passageways 20, 21 thereto.
  • a spray plate or ring 3 containing the fine spray perforations 32 is fast about, or integral with, the cartridge housing 24 so that they can be together turned about the securing bolt 4 on the axis X-X by a bezel 6 shown having a finger piece 60.
  • the complete cartridge 2 thus comprises the housing or casing 24, the inner assembly 23, spray ring 3 and an upstanding wall 35 from the latter.
  • the bezel 6 is fast about the wall 35.
  • the cartridge 2 has a valve like co-operation with an opening 12 (or openings) in a partition or back plate 13 fixed across the interior of the head 10 for admission of water under pressure from the tubular handle 11 of the handset 1 into appropriate water passageways 20, 21, 22 in the cartridge 2 depending on its shower setting.
  • An annular series of cleaning pins 7 are carried by a ring 70 rotationally fast about the cartridge 2 but co-axially movable relative to it.
  • Follower posts 71 extending from the rear of the ring 70 each co-operate with a corresponding profile or cam track 8 fast or integral with the back plate 13.
  • the follower posts 71 (e.g. three) are equi-spaced on the ring 70.
  • each cam track 8 has a sliding interfitting engagement with its respective follower post 71 for positive axial operation of the follower post in either direction and corresponding axial movement of the pins 7.
  • Such interfitting engagement is shown effected by the cam track 8 engaging a transverse groove 78 in the follower post 71 so as to act between the opposed faces of the groove 78.
  • each follower post 71 In particular reverse angular movement of each follower post 71 relative to its cam track 8 ensures positive withdrawal of the cleaning pins 7 from their perforations 32, i.e. against any tendency of the pins 7 to stick in the perforations 32 due to scale build up.
  • Each cam track 8 is shown formed by an outwardly extending lip or rib of a depending annular flange 138 of the back plate 13.
  • the cam track 8 is received with a clearance fit in the groove 78 of the follower post 71 whilst the opposed faces 780 of the groove 78 are shown of convexly, rounded form (see Figure 2) to facilitate easy engagement with the inclined cam portion 81.
  • the upstanding annular wall 35 from the spray plate 3 contains the pin ring 70, follow posts 71 and withdrawn pins 7 and to prevent leakage is contacted by a sealing ring 9 located about the back plate flange 138.
  • At least one, or preferably all, of the follower posts 71 have a projection or pin and axial slot location 16 relative to the cartridge 2 such as with the interior of the annular wall 35 of the spray plate 3.
  • the cleaning pins may have a small clearance fit in their respective perforations 32 to enable dislodged scale to be washed away and avoid build up of back pressure in the water supply.
  • the perforations 32 may be of taper form to receive the pins 7.
  • Location of the cartridge 2 in any of its showering mode settings is preferably provided such as by "click" engagement of the cartridge 2 with the back plate 13.
  • end stops may be provided acting between the cartridge 2 and back plate 13 to limit angular movement of the cartridge 2 to that necessary for its showering mode settings and the cleaning mode setting.
  • end stops for this purpose may be provided on one or more of the cam profiles or tracks 8 for contact by respective follower posts 71.
  • the cleaning pin operating mechanism according to this invention may be applied to a single mode shower head, e.g. having one or more circular series of perforations in its spray plate or other suitable arrangement of such perforations.

Abstract

Cleaning pins (7) in a shower head or handset (1) are cam operated in a positive manner for both cleaning axial movement into respective fine spray outlet perforations (32) and withdrawal therefrom. As well as full cleaning pin penetration, positive withdrawal of the cleaning pins (7) is also ensured i.e., against any tendency of the pins (7) to stick in the perforations (32) due to scale build up. In order to operate the pins (7) in this way follower means (71) shown in the form of spaced apart posts (71) extend upwardly from a ring (70) carrying the pins (7) and are grooved (78) so that opposed groove faces (780) engage corresponding cam profile or track formation (8) fast within the shower head (1). The groove faces (780) are shown rounded (e.g. convexly) to facilitate easy engagement with the cam track (8) more especially with inclination (81) of the latter and preferably with a clearance fit.

Description

Title - Shower Head
This invention relates to shower heads usually in the form of handsets and in which provision is included for effecting cleaning of fine outlet perforations which otherwise tend to become blocked or restricted by lime scale or other clogging matter.
The invention has particular, but not exclusive, practical application to multi mode shower heads or handsets, e.g. of the general kind set forth in our prior International PCT Patent Application as officially published under no WO95/12456.
The object of the invention is to provide an improved arrangement of cleaning pin operation by which cleaning of the fine outlet perforations can be readily effected in a positive manner. Practical advantages of the invention in this and other respects including constructional features will be apparent from the following description.
According to the invention cleaning pin means for cleaning fine outlet perforations of a shower head or hand set in which the cleaning pins are axially operated by an arrangement of follower means and co-operating cam profile or track formation within the shower head or hand set head, is characterised by the follower means and cam profile or track formation having a relative sliding interfitting engagement with one another whereby the cleaning pins are cam operated in a positive manner for both cleaning movement into respective outlet perforations and withdrawal therefrom.
The cam profile or track formation may engage between opposed faces of the follower means or vice versa in providing their relative interfitting sliding engagement with one another and the follower means may extend in an axially parallel manner from a ring carrying the cleaning pins for co-operation with a cam profile or track fast within the head.
A practical example of shower hand set embodying the invention is shown in the accompanying enlarged scale drawings in which:- Figure 1 is an axial plane cross section of a multi-mode shower hand set so as to reveal the internal mechanism in which that part to the left of the axis X-X shows the spray mode setting and that part to the right the cleaning mode setting;
Figure 2 is a detail elevation showing the cam operation of a follower to the cleaning pins, and
Figures 3 are detail cross sectional views each showing a different cleaning pin to 5 position.
In the example of the handset now described with reference to Figure 1 it provides three showering or spraying modes, viz a central pulsing emission at 30, or an inner annular aerated or "champagne" emission at 31 (outlets not visible) or an outer annular fine spray emission at 32 as shown selected on the left.
The multi-mode arrangement and operation is generally similar to that described and shown in our prior PCT patent application aforesaid but may be varied according to requirements.
Although the present invention is not directly concerned with the multi-mode action, brief background reference is firstly made to it. Thus the head portion 10 of the handset 1 receives for angular setting movement about the central axis X-X therein a cartridge 2 mainly comprising a housing or casing 24 which receives an inner assembly 23 containing the pulse and aerated mode outlets at 30, 31 and water passageways 20, 21 thereto. A spray plate or ring 3 containing the fine spray perforations 32 is fast about, or integral with, the cartridge housing 24 so that they can be together turned about the securing bolt 4 on the axis X-X by a bezel 6 shown having a finger piece 60.
The complete cartridge 2 thus comprises the housing or casing 24, the inner assembly 23, spray ring 3 and an upstanding wall 35 from the latter. The bezel 6 is fast about the wall 35. The cartridge 2 has a valve like co-operation with an opening 12 (or openings) in a partition or back plate 13 fixed across the interior of the head 10 for admission of water under pressure from the tubular handle 11 of the handset 1 into appropriate water passageways 20, 21, 22 in the cartridge 2 depending on its shower setting.
An annular series of cleaning pins 7 are carried by a ring 70 rotationally fast about the cartridge 2 but co-axially movable relative to it. Follower posts 71 extending from the rear of the ring 70 each co-operate with a corresponding profile or cam track 8 fast or integral with the back plate 13. The follower posts 71 (e.g. three) are equi-spaced on the ring 70.
In accordance with this invention and as shown in Figures 2 to 5, each cam track 8 has a sliding interfitting engagement with its respective follower post 71 for positive axial operation of the follower post in either direction and corresponding axial movement of the pins 7. Such interfitting engagement is shown effected by the cam track 8 engaging a transverse groove 78 in the follower post 71 so as to act between the opposed faces of the groove 78.
Other means of interfitting engagement may be employed such as by a projection or rib on the follower post 71 engaging a channel form cam track 8.
When the follower post 71 is engaged by an upper flat portion 80 of the cam track 8 withdrawal of the cleaning pins 7 is effected and maintained, i.e. during and between any of the showering mode settings of the cartridge 2. On further turning movement of the cartridge 2 the follower post 71 is caused to descend the inclined portion 81 of the cam track 8 to a lower flat portion 85 to effect downward axial movement of the pins 7 for their penetration into respective perforations 32 for positive dislodgement of scale. Stages of the operation of the pins 7 in this way is shown in Figures 2 to 5. Full cleaning pin penetration is also shown in the right hand part of Figure 1.
In particular reverse angular movement of each follower post 71 relative to its cam track 8 ensures positive withdrawal of the cleaning pins 7 from their perforations 32, i.e. against any tendency of the pins 7 to stick in the perforations 32 due to scale build up.
Each cam track 8 is shown formed by an outwardly extending lip or rib of a depending annular flange 138 of the back plate 13.
For an easy action the cam track 8 is received with a clearance fit in the groove 78 of the follower post 71 whilst the opposed faces 780 of the groove 78 are shown of convexly, rounded form (see Figure 2) to facilitate easy engagement with the inclined cam portion 81.
The upstanding annular wall 35 from the spray plate 3 contains the pin ring 70, follow posts 71 and withdrawn pins 7 and to prevent leakage is contacted by a sealing ring 9 located about the back plate flange 138.
For rotation of the pin ring 70 with the cartridge 2 but to permit axial movement relative to it, at least one, or preferably all, of the follower posts 71 have a projection or pin and axial slot location 16 relative to the cartridge 2 such as with the interior of the annular wall 35 of the spray plate 3.
As described in our aforesaid PCT patent application the cleaning pins may have a small clearance fit in their respective perforations 32 to enable dislodged scale to be washed away and avoid build up of back pressure in the water supply. The perforations 32 may be of taper form to receive the pins 7.
Location of the cartridge 2 in any of its showering mode settings is preferably provided such as by "click" engagement of the cartridge 2 with the back plate 13. Also end stops may be provided acting between the cartridge 2 and back plate 13 to limit angular movement of the cartridge 2 to that necessary for its showering mode settings and the cleaning mode setting. Alternatively end stops for this purpose may be provided on one or more of the cam profiles or tracks 8 for contact by respective follower posts 71.
Although described as applied to a multi-mode shower head, the cleaning pin operating mechanism according to this invention may be applied to a single mode shower head, e.g. having one or more circular series of perforations in its spray plate or other suitable arrangement of such perforations.

Claims

1. A shower head having cleaning pin means for cleaning fine outlet perforations (32) of the shower head or handset (1) in which the cleaning pins (7) are axially operated by an arrangement of follower means (71) and co-operating cam profile or track formation (8) within the shower head or handset (1) is characterised by the follower means (71) and cam profile or track formation (8) having a relative sliding interfitting engagement with one another whereby the cleaning pins (7) are cam operated in a positive manner for both cleaning axial movement into respective outlet perforations (32) and withdrawal therefrom.
2. A shower head according to claim 1 wherein the cam profile or track formation (8) engages between opposed faces (780) of the follower means (71) in providing their relative sliding inter fitting engagement with one another.
3. A shower head according to claim 2 wherein the opposed faces (780) are provided by grooving (78) in the follower means (71).
4. A shower head according to any of the preceding claims wherein the follower means (71) extends in an axially parallel manner from a ring (70) carrying the cleaning pins (7) for co-operation with the cam profile or track formation (8) fast within the shower head or hand set (1).
5. A shower head according to claim 4 wherein the follower means (71) comprises grooved (78) follower posts (71) (e.g. three) spaced apart on the pin ring (70) for cooperation with corresponding cam profile or track formation (8).
6. A shower head according to any of the preceding claims wherein the cam profile or track formation (8) is of lip or rib form extending outwardly from a depending flange (138) of a support member or back plate (13) fixed within the shower head or handset
(1).
7. A shower head according to any of claims 2 to 6 wherein the opposed faces (780) of the grooving (78) of the follower means (71) or of each follower post (71) are rounded to facilitate sliding engagement with the cam profile or track formation (8) more especially with inclination (81) of the latter.
8. A shower head according to claim 7 wherein the opposed faces (780) are convexly rounded.
9. A shower head according to any of claims 2 to 8 wherein the opposed faces (780) of the grooving (78) of the follower means (71) or of each follower post (71) engages the cam profile or track formation (8) with a clearance fit.
PCT/GB1997/002909 1996-10-22 1997-10-21 Shower head WO1998017401A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GBGB9621987.8A GB9621987D0 (en) 1996-10-22 1996-10-22 Shower head
GB9621987.8 1996-10-22

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO1998017401A1 true WO1998017401A1 (en) 1998-04-30

Family

ID=10801802

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/GB1997/002909 WO1998017401A1 (en) 1996-10-22 1997-10-21 Shower head

Country Status (2)

Country Link
GB (1) GB9621987D0 (en)
WO (1) WO1998017401A1 (en)

Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO1995012456A1 (en) 1993-11-06 1995-05-11 Newteam Limited Multi mode shower head
EP0696476A2 (en) * 1994-08-13 1996-02-14 Hans Grohe GmbH & Co. KG Shower head

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO1995012456A1 (en) 1993-11-06 1995-05-11 Newteam Limited Multi mode shower head
EP0696476A2 (en) * 1994-08-13 1996-02-14 Hans Grohe GmbH & Co. KG Shower head

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB9621987D0 (en) 1996-12-18

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