WATER OUTLET STRUCTURE

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The application is a continuation application of the International Application No. PCT/CN2023/134264, filed on Nov. 27, 2023, which claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202310065441.9, filed on Jan. 13, 2023. The disclosures of the above-mentioned applications are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to the field of sanitary ware, and in particular, to a water outlet structure.

BACKGROUND

Existing sanitary fittings such as multifunctional aerators, faucet pull-out heads, and shower heads are often provided with structures such as a rotating shell, a push-pull valve core, or a press button to switch the communication relationship between a water flow pathway inside the bathroom products and different outlets in a water passing panel, allowing the above water flow pathway to communicate independently or simultaneously with the different outlets in the water passing panel, thereby producing different water spray patterns.

The above sanitary fittings typically require a relatively complex internal structure, or a large number of components to achieve the desired water outlet effects, resulting in a complicated sanitary product structure and high manufacturing cost.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure provides a water outlet structure. The product structure is simplified to achieve the switching of different water outlet states of sanitary fittings.

According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, a water outlet structure includes a water spray shaper and a water outlet end. The water spray shaper is rotatably arranged at the water outlet end and includes a first water passing surface, a second water passing surface, and a water flow passage. The first water passing surface and the second water passing surface are in communication through the water flow passage. The second water passing surface is located on a water inlet side when the first water passing surface is located on a water outlet side, or, the first water passing surface is located on the water inlet side when the second water passing surface is located on the water outlet side. The water outlet structure produces different water spray patterns respectively when the first water passing surface is located on the water outlet side and when the second water passing surface is located on the water outlet side.

According to the above embodiments of the present disclosure, the rotatable water spray shaper is arranged at the water outlet end of the water outlet structure. By applying a force to the water spray shaper, the water spray shaper can be flipped, causing its different water passing surfaces to switch their positions between the water inlet side and the water outlet side, thereby changing the water spray patterns. Compared with the existing products that can achieve the same function, this solution greatly simplifies the structure. Moreover, since the positions of the water inlet side and the water outlet side of two water passing surfaces can be repeatedly swapped, this solution also features a self-cleaning function. Specifically, when either of the water passing surface is rotated from the water inlet side to the water outlet side, the water flow will wash away any impurities originally located on the water passing surface on the water inlet side, causing them to fall off the water passing surface and preventing water outlet channels from being clogged by the impurities, which could otherwise lead to poor water flow or distorted spray patterns.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a three-dimensional view of a water outlet structure according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a water outlet structure in a first state according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a water outlet structure in a second state according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a water outlet structure in a third state according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a water outlet structure in a fourth state according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a water outlet structure according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a water outlet structure in a first state according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a water outlet structure in a second state according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a water outlet structure in a third state according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 10 is a three-dimensional cross-sectional view of a water spray shaper of a water outlet structure in a first state according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 11 is a three-dimensional cross-sectional view of a water spray shaper of a water outlet structure in a second state according to some embodiments of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a water outlet structure according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 5, a water outlet structure 1 includes a water spray shaper 2 and a water outlet end 11. The water spray shaper 2 is rotatably arranged at the water outlet end 11 and includes a first water passing surface 21, a second water passing surface 22, and a water flow passage. The first water passing surface 21 and the second water passing surface 22 are in communication through the water flow passage.

As shown in FIG. 2, the second water passing surface 22 is located on a water inlet side 15 when the first water passing surface 21 is located on a water outlet side 16. As shown in FIG. 5, the first water passing surface 21 is located on the water inlet side 15 when the second water passing surface 22 is located on the water outlet side 16.

As shown in FIG. 2, the water outlet structure 1 can produce a diffused water spray pattern that disperses outward when the first water passing surface 21 is located on the water outlet side 16. This pattern has more scattered water beams and a softer water flow. As shown in FIG. 5, a concentrated water spray pattern that converges toward the center can be produced when the second water passing surface 22 is located on the water outlet side 16. This pattern has more concentrated water beams and a stronger impact.

According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the rotatable water spray shaper is arranged at the water outlet end of the water outlet structure. By applying a force to the water spray shaper, the water spray shaper can be flipped, causing its different water passing surfaces to switch their positions between the water inlet side 15 and the water outlet side 16, thereby changing the water spray patterns.

According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, compared with the existing products that can achieve the same function, the structure is greatly simplified. Moreover, since the positions of the water inlet side 15 and the water outlet side 16 of two water passing surfaces can be repeatedly swapped, this solution also features a self-cleaning function. Specifically, when either of the water passing surface is rotated from the water inlet side 15 to the water outlet side 16, the water flow will wash away the impurities originally located on the water passing surface on the water inlet side 15, causing them to fall off the water passing surface, preventing the water outlet channels from being clogged by the impurities, which could otherwise lead to poor water flow or distorted spray patterns.

According to some embodiments, a plurality of openings 23 are formed in both the first water passing surface 21 and the second water passing surface 22, and an angle formed between a normal direction of an end face of each opening 23 and a direction of incoming water is not 0°.

Adopting such a solution can allow the water spray patterns produced by the different water passing surfaces to be more visually distinct.

According to some embodiments, the angle formed between the normal direction of the end faces of the plurality of openings 23 and the direction of incoming water flow is between 1° and 10°.

Although a larger angle can create a greater difference in the water spray patterns, the processing difficulty is also higher. Therefore, adopting such a solution can balance the complexity of molding different outlet ends simultaneously, the degree of distinction between different resulting spray patterns, and the practicality of the water spray.

According to some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 2 to 5, at least part of the first water passing surface 21 and/or the second water passing surface 22 of the water spray shaper 2 is a curved surface.

Designing the water passing surfaces as curved surfaces can make it easier for the first water passing surface and the second water passing surface to produce different water spray patterns.

According to some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 2 to 6, the first water passing surface 21 and the second water passing surface 22 are located on two opposite end faces of the same water passing panel, and the water flow passage is a through hole 24 located in the water passing panel for communicating the first water passing surface 21 and the second water passing surface 22.

Adopting the design of a single water passing panel, which offers the simplest structure.

According to some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 7 to 11, the first water passing surface 21 is located on a first water passing panel 25, and the second water passing surface 22 is located on a second water passing panel 26. The water flow passage includes a through hole 24 located in the first water passing panel 25 and a through hole 24 located in the second water passing panel 26.

By adopting the design of double water passing panels, the two water passing panels can be provided with completely different shapes of through holes as needed, allowing the first water passing surface and the second water passing surface to produce distinct water spray patterns more effectively.

According to some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 7 to 11, the water flow passage further includes a water passing cavity 27 located between the first water passing panel 25 and the second water passing panel 26.

The water passing cavity can provide a spacing between the two water passing panels, giving the water flowing through it a certain expansion space, thereby allowing the water flow to be better prepared, by streamlining, for a transformation in the spray patters as the water flow enters and passes through the water passing panel on the opposite side.

According to some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 7 to 11, a flow conditioning insert 28 is provided in the water passing cavity 27.

Providing the flow conditioning insert can help to process the water flow by cutting, slowing down, pressurizing, noise-reducing, mixing air into the flow, thereby allowing the water flow to be better prepared, by streamlining, for a transformation in the spray patterns as the water flow enters and passes through the water passing panel on the opposite side.

According to some embodiments, a convex column 29 extends from the first water passing surface 21 and/or the second water passing surface 22 in a direction away from the water spray shaper 2.

The convex column can be provided to reduce the flipping force required to rotate the water spray shaper by using the principle of leverage. The longer the convex column, the less force is required to flip. However, the the length of the convex column must be shorter than the radius of the water outlet end face, otherwise the water spray shaper will not be able to switch between the two water passing surfaces.

According to some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 7 to 11, the convex column 29 is located at the center of the first water passing surface 21 and/or the second water passing surface 22.

Arranging the convex column at the center allows a user to flip the water spray shaper more easily, regardless of the direction in which the force is applied. Moreover, only when the convex column is arranged at the center can it extend to a length that is closest to the radius of the water outlet end face.

On the contrary, if the convex column is arranged eccentrically, force needs to be applied in a specific direction to flip the water spray shaper with ease, and the maximum length that the convex column can extend to is also less than that when arranged at the center.

According to some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, an outer peripheral surface of the water spray shaper 2 is in a partial spherical shape. As shown in FIGS. 7 to 9, an inner side surface 12 of the water outlet end 11 is a spherical socket surface for mounting the water spray shaper 2.

Designing the contact surface between the water spray shaper and the water outlet end as a spherical-to-socket mating surface can achieve the lightest rotation feel and allow rotation in any direction, significantly improving the user's switching experience.

In other embodiments, the water spray shaper and the water outlet end can also complete the process of flipping and switching in a specific direction by using other aspherical surfaces (such as elliptical surfaces and conical surfaces).

According to some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 7 to 9, a plurality of grooves 13 are formed in the spherical socket surface.

The grooves can be provided to reduce the contact area between the outer peripheral surface of the water spray shaper and the spherical socket surface, thereby reducing the friction between the two during relative movement, ultimately reducing the flipping force required for during switching, and further improving the user's switching experience.

According to some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 2 to 5 and 7 to 9, the water outlet structure further includes a sealing member 3, which is elastic and is arranged between the water spray shaper 2 and the water outlet end 11.

The sealing member can prevent water leakage between the water spray shaper and the water outlet end during water flowing.

According to some embodiments, the sealing member 3 is an annular plastic sealing member, an annular rubber sealing member, or an annular silicone sealing member.

The sealing member can be annular to reduce the contact area between the sealing member and the water spray shaper, reducing the resistance caused by the sealing member during switching.

According to some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 2 to 5, the sealing member 3 is arranged on the outer peripheral surface of the water spray shaper 2. Alternatively, as shown in FIGS. 7 to 9, the sealing member 3 is arranged on the inner side surface of the water outlet end 11.

The fixed position of the sealing member can be selected according to the actual design of the water outlet structure to maintain a balance between higher sealing performance and better switching experience.

According to some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 2 to 9, a gap 4 is reserved at least in part between the outer peripheral surface of the water spray shaper 2 and the inner side surface 12 of the water outlet end 11, and the gap 4 decreases as the water pressure increases.

When the sealing member is provided to prevent water leakage between the water spray shaper and the water outlet end during water flowing, the gaps are reserved between the water spray shaper and the inner side surface of the water outlet end. Under water pressure in a water flowing state, the entire water spray shaper is pressed in the water outlet direction, causing the gaps between the water spray shaper and the inner side surface of the water outlet end toward the water outlet direction to become smaller and smaller as the water pressure increases. This allows the water spray shaper to press more tightly against the sealing member, effectively eliminating the possibility of water leakage. When no sealing member is provided as shown in FIG. 6, only part of the contact surface between the water spray shaper and the inner side surface of the water outlet end has gaps, while the remaining contact surface needs to fit completely without leaving any gaps in order to achieve sealing. In the water flowing state, the outer peripheral surface of the entire water spray shaper will be pressed, under the action of water pressure, toward the water outlet direction. Therefore, the original positions in which the gaps are expected to be formed between the water spray shaper and the inner side surface of the water outlet end will become smaller and smaller as the water pressure increases, allowing the water spray shaper to press more tightly against the inner side surface of the water outlet end, thereby reducing the possibility of water leakage.

According to some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 2 to 9, the water outlet structure further includes a limiting portion 14, which is arranged in the water outlet structure 1 and located on the water inlet side 15 of the water spray shaper 2. An inner diameter of the limiting portion 14 is smaller than an outer diameter of the water spray shaper 2.

When being flipped, the water splash former may be pushed into the water outlet structure if the user applies excessive force, causing the water spray shaper to shift out of the working position and resulting in overall failure of the water outlet structure. Therefore, in order to avoid this problem, this solution provides the limiting portion in the water outlet structure to restrict the water spray shaper in an axial direction of the water outlet structure.

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 5, a water outlet structure I can be mounted on a faucet for use as an aerator. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a water spray shaper 2 is provided in a water outlet end 11 of the water outlet structure 1. The water spray shaper 2 is rotatably arranged in an inner side surface 12 of the water outlet end 11 of the water outlet structure 1. An outer peripheral surface of the water spray shaper 2 is an outwardly convex arc surface, and the inner side surface 12 of the water outlet end 11 is provided as an inwardly concave arc surface that matches the arc outer peripheral surface of the water spray shaper 2. An annular rubber sealing member 3 is provided between the outer peripheral surface of the water spray shaper 2 and the inner side surface 12 of the water outlet end 11, and the sealing member 3 is fixed in a limiting groove in the outer peripheral surface of the water spray shaper 2. The limiting portion 14 is provided in the water outlet structure 1. The limiting portion 14 is located at a water inlet side 15 of the water spray shaper 2. The inner diameter of the limiting portion 14 is smaller than the outer diameter of the water spray shaper 2. The limiting portion 14 is configured to limit the water spray shaper 2 in the axial direction of the water outlet structure 1.

An arc-shaped water passing panel is provided in the water spray shaper 2. Two opposite end faces of the water passing panel are an outwardly convex arc first water passing surface 21 and an inwardly concave arc second water passing surface 22. A water flow passage is formed in the water passing panel by a plurality of densely distributed through holes 24 that communicate the first water passing surface 21 and the second water passing surface 22. The angle formed between the normal direction of the end face of openings 23 located in both ends of the through holes 24 in the first water passing surface 21 and the second water passing surface 22 and the direction of incoming water is 1°.

As shown in FIG. 2, the first water passing surface 21 is located on a water outlet side 16, and the second water passing surface 22 is located on the water inlet side 15. At this time, a diffused water spray pattern that disperses outward can be produced in the water flowing state.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the water spray shaper 2 rotates after an external force is applied thereto, and the positions of the first water passing surface 21 and the second water passing surface 22 are gradually switched between the water inlet side 15 and the water outlet side 16 during flipping.

As shown in FIG. 5, after the water spray shaper 2 flips over 180 degrees, the second water passing surface 22 is rotated to the water outlet side 16, and the first water passing surface 21 is rotated to the water inlet side 15. At this time, a concentrated water spray pattern that converges toward the center can be produced in the water flowing state.

Obviously, in order to achieve that the degree of diffusion and the degree of convergence of the water sprays meet the water outlet functions of the product in different usage scenarios, the above angle formed between the normal direction of the end face of each opening 23 and direction of incoming water may also be set within a range of 1° to 10°, such as 2°, 3°, 4°, 5°, 6°, 7°, 8° or 9°.

The rotational movement of the water spray shaper 2 described above can be realized regardless of whether water is flowing through the water outlet structure 1 or not.

This solution allows the water outlet structure I to change the water spray patterns by simply rotating the water spray shaper 2. Compared with the existing sanitary fittings that can also achieve switching of water sprays, the structure is greatly simplified. Moreover, since the two water passing surfaces can be repeatedly switched between the water inlet side 15 and the water outlet side 16, this solution can also enable water flow to wash away the impurities originally located on the water passing surface on the water inlet side 15, causing them to fall off the water passing surface, and preventing the water outlet channels from being clogged by impurities, which could otherwise lead to poor water flow or distorted spray patterns.

According to some embodiments, referring to FIG. 6, a water outlet structure 1 can be mounted on a faucet for use as an aerator. The difference between the embodiment shown in FIG. 6 and the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 to 5 lies in that: the first water passing surface 21 and the second water passing surface 22 of the water spray shaper 2 are both flat surfaces, and the angle formed between the normal direction of the end face of the openings 23 located at both ends of the through holes 24 in the first water passing surface 21 and the second water passing surface 22 and the direction of incoming water is 1.5°. In addition, in this embodiment, the rubber sealing member between the water spray shaper 2 and the water outlet end 11 is omitted, and the outer peripheral surface of the water spray shaper 2 and the inner side surface 12 of the water outlet end 11 are sealed through a friction fit. Therefore, in this embodiment, only a partial gap 4 exits between the outer peripheral surface of the water spray shaper 2 and the inner side surface 12 of the water outlet end 11, and the gap 4 is smaller than the gap in the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 to 5. Under water pressure in a water flowing state, the entire outer peripheral surface of the water spray shaper 2 is pressed toward the water outlet direction. Therefore, the original position in which the gaps are expected to be formed between the water spray shaper 2 and the inner side surface 12 becomes smaller and smaller as the water pressure increases, allowing the water spray shaper 2 to press more tightly against the inner side surface 12, thereby reducing the possibility of water leakage.

In addition, in this embodiment, the entire water spray shaper 2 is formed as an integrated piece, and its water passing panel and the outer peripheral surface that protrudes outward can be formed by integral injection molding.

Referring to FIGS. 7 to 11, a water outlet structure 1 can be mounted on a faucet for use as an aerator. As shown in FIGS. 7 to 11, a water spray shaper 2 is provided in a water outlet end 11 of the water outlet structure 1. The water spray shaper 2 is rotatably arranged in an inner side surface 12 of the water outlet end 11 of the water outlet structure 1. The outer peripheral surface of the water spray shaper 2 is an outwardly convex spherical surface, and the inner side surface 12 of the water outlet end 11 is provided as an inwardly concave spherical socket surface that matches the arc outer peripheral surface of the water spray shaper 2. A plurality of grooves 13 are formed in the spherical socket surface. An annular rubber sealing member 3 is provided between the outer peripheral surface of the water spray shaper 2 and the inner side surface 12 of the water outlet end 11, and the sealing member 3 is fixed in a limiting groove of the inner side surface 12. The limiting groove in this embodiment is formed by the gap between the lower end of an insert of the water outlet structure 1 and an annular convex lip at the lower end of a shell of the water outlet structure 1. The sealing member 3 is pressed by the lower end of the insert to prevent the sealing member 3 from falling out of the limiting groove. A limiting portion 14 located on the insert is provided in the water outlet structure 1. The limiting portion 14 is located at the water inlet side 15 of the water spray shaper 2. The inner diameter of the limiting portion 14 is smaller than the outer diameter of the water spray shaper 2. The limiting portion 14 is configured to restrict the water spray shaper 2 in the axial direction of the water outlet structure 1.

The first water passing surface 21 of the water spray shaper 2 is located on a first water passing panel 25, and the second water passing surface 22 is located on a second water passing panel 26. The water flow passage is composed of a through hole 24 located in the first water passing panel 25, a through hole 24 located in the second water passing panel 26, and a water passing cavity 27 located between the first water passing panel 25 and the second water passing panel 26. A flow conditioning insert 28 is provided in the water passing cavity 27. The two water passing panels 25, 26 can be provided with through holes 24 of completely different shapes as needed to better produce different water spray patterns through the first water passing surface 21 and the second water passing surface 22. Convex columns 29 extend respectively from the first water passing surface 21 and the second water passing surface 22 in directions away from the water spray shaper 2, and the two convex columns 29 are located at the centers of the first water passing surface 21 and the second water passing surface 22, respectively.

Referring to the three-dimensional sections in FIGS. 10 and 11, in this embodiment, the first water passing panel 25 is configured as a porous structure (with more than 100 holes, each having a diameter between 0.2 and 0.5 mm). Each through hole 24 is cylindrical/conical, allowing the first water passing surface 21 to produce hundreds of fine water jets. The resulting water sprays are dense and can produce either aerated dense water or non-aerated strong water, depending on whether the water outlet structure 1 incorporates air. The dense water can be used to clean food or wash hands, while the strong water can be used to rinse tableware or sinks. The second water passing panel 26 is configured as a mesh structure with radial strips extending from the center of the circle and connected by circular crossbars among the radial strips. Each through hole 24 is cylindrical, allowing the second water passing surface 22 to produce a single thick water jet. The resulting water sprays are powerful and can produce either aerated bubbly water or non-aerated clear water, depending on whether the water outlet structure 1 incorporates air. The bubbly water is more water-saving and less prone to splashing, while the clear water has a high flow rate and is noiseless.

As shown in FIGS. 7 and 10, the first water passing surface 21 is located at the water outlet side 16, and the second water passing surface 22 is located at the water inlet side 15. In this case, water flows out of the first water passing surface 21.

As shown in FIG. 8, the water spray shaper 2 rotates after an external force is applied through the convex column 29, and the positions of the first water passing surface 21 and the second water passing surface 22 are gradually switched between the water inlet side 15 and the water outlet side 16 during flipping.

As shown in FIGS. 9 and 11, after the water spray shaper 2 flips over 180 degrees, the second water passing surface 22 is rotated to the water outlet side 16, and the first water passing surface 21 is rotated to the water inlet side 15. In this case, water flows out of the second water passing surface 22.

The rotational movement of the water spray shaper 2 described above can be realized regardless of whether water is flowing through the water outlet structure 1 or not.

Referring to FIG. 12, a water outlet structure I can be used as a shower head. The specific structure of this embodiment is similar to that of the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, while the difference lies in that: the central portions of the first water passing surface 21 and the second water passing surface 22 of the water spray shaper 2 are arc surfaces, while the non-central portions are flat surfaces, and the angle formed between the normal direction of the end face of the openings 23 located in both ends of the through holes 24 in the first water passing surface 21 and the second water passing surface 22 and the direction of incoming water is 2°. Since the water outlet area of the shower head is relatively large, the above arrangement can enable the water outlet structure 1 used as the shower head to produce a different water spray patterns at the center and the periphery of the water passing panel on the same side, respectively, and to also produce different water spray patterns at the center the periphery of the water passing panel on the same side, respectively, after flipping. Therefore, when the first water passing surface 21 is located on the water outlet side 16 and when the second water passing surface 22 is located on the water outlet side 16, four different water spray effects are achieved by fully using the large water outlet area of the shower head in this embodiment, greatly enriching the user experience.

In summary, the present disclosure can achieve different water spray patterns on the same water outlet structure with a relatively simpler design and higher reliability, while also providing a self-cleaning function. The water outlet structure has good application prospects and broad adaptability in sanitary fittings.

The above descriptions are merely embodiments of the present disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of patent of the present disclosure. Any equivalent transformations made using the contents of the specification of the present disclosure and the accompanying drawings, or direct or indirect applications in related technical fields, are included in the scope of patent protection of the present disclosure.