TW202142763A

TW202142763A - Faucet spray head alignment system

Info

Publication number: TW202142763A
Application number: TW110104326A
Authority: TW
Inventors: 亞當威廉崔斯; 歐斯卡洛米羅; 艾凡班史堤德; 里岩詹凡
Original assignee: 美商品譜公司
Priority date: 2020-01-02
Filing date: 2021-02-04
Publication date: 2021-11-16
Also published as: CA3163396A1; MX2022008280A; WO2021138701A1; CN115210435A

Abstract

A faucet includes a faucet body and a faucet spray head being movable from a retracted position adjacent the faucet body, and an extended position away from the faucet body. In the retracted position, the faucet spray head has at least one aligned position with the faucet body. The faucet includes an alignment coupling. The alignment coupling includes first and second alignment elements connected to the faucet body and the faucet spray head, respectively, to align the spray head with the faucet body. The faucet includes a retention coupling that is configured to retain the faucet body and the faucet spray head immediately adjacent one another. The retention coupling includes first and second retention elements connected to the faucet body and the faucet spray head, respectively. The retention coupling is separate from the alignment coupling, and at least one of the first or second retention elements is a magnet.

Description

水龍頭噴灑頭對準系統Faucet sprinkler head alignment system

本發明係關於一種水龍頭噴灑頭對準系統。The invention relates to a faucet sprinkler head alignment system.

液體分配裝置，明確言之，水龍頭，可見於一建築物之諸多不同房間中，包含(但不限於)浴室及廚房。諸多典型廚房水龍頭利用下拉功能，其允許噴灑頭可自水龍頭本體脫離及分開。此允許使用者操縱噴灑頭。當使用者使用完噴灑頭時，噴灑頭通常利用一回拉系統(例如水管上之重量)以允許噴灑頭朝向與水龍頭本體對接之一位置縮回。Liquid distribution devices, specifically, faucets, can be found in many different rooms in a building, including (but not limited to) bathrooms and kitchens. Many typical kitchen faucets use a pull-down function, which allows the sprinkler head to be detached and separated from the faucet body. This allows the user to manipulate the sprinkler head. When the user finishes using the sprinkler head, the sprinkler head usually utilizes a pull-back system (such as the weight of the water pipe) to allow the sprinkler head to retract toward a position where it is butted with the faucet body.

水龍頭通常經設計成具有一美學外觀以配合一特定使用者風格或一特定房間/住宅之風格。例如，水龍頭可具有各種不同飾面、形狀等等以允許使用者根據其喜好裝飾一特定房間。一些水龍頭使用一不對稱噴灑頭設計以當噴灑頭與水龍頭本體對接時達成水龍頭之一特定風格外觀。然而，當將水龍頭與水龍頭本體重新對接時，此產生一問題。若利用一典型回拉系統，則不對稱頭可依各種方式與水龍頭本體對接，其中大多數係與水龍頭本體未對準之位置。此導致一非所要之水龍頭外觀且破壞美學外觀，其係設計水龍頭之第一要點。此外，不管水龍頭是不對稱的還是對稱的，均期望一正確對接及固定之噴灑頭。需要改良。Faucets are usually designed to have an aesthetic appearance to match the style of a specific user or the style of a specific room/house. For example, the faucet can have various finishes, shapes, etc. to allow users to decorate a specific room according to their preferences. Some faucets use an asymmetric sprinkler head design to achieve a specific style appearance of the faucet when the sprinkler head is docked with the faucet body. However, when the faucet is reconnected to the faucet body, this causes a problem. If a typical pull-back system is used, the asymmetric head can be docked with the faucet body in various ways, most of which are misaligned with the faucet body. This leads to an undesirable appearance of the faucet and destroys the aesthetic appearance, which is the first point of designing a faucet. In addition, regardless of whether the faucet is asymmetrical or symmetrical, a sprinkler head that is correctly docked and fixed is expected. Needs improvement.

本發明大體上係關於一種流體分配裝置。在一可能構形中，且藉由非限制性實例，一下拉式水龍頭具有保持水龍頭本體與水龍頭噴灑頭在一對接狀態中彼此緊鄰之固位耦合件。The present invention generally relates to a fluid distribution device. In one possible configuration, and by way of a non-limiting example, the one-pull faucet has a retention coupling that keeps the faucet body and the faucet sprinkler in a docked state next to each other.

本發明之一態樣係關於一種水龍頭。該水龍頭包含一水龍頭本體及一水龍頭噴灑頭，該水龍頭噴灑頭可自相鄰該水龍頭本體之一縮回位置及遠離該水龍頭本體之一延伸位置移動。在該縮回位置中，該水龍頭噴灑頭具有與該水龍頭本體對準之至少一位置。該水龍頭包含一對準耦合件。該對準耦合件包含一第一對準元件，其連接至該水龍頭本體；及一第二對準元件，其連接至該水龍頭噴灑頭。該對準耦合件包含一突出及一錐形槽。該突出或該錐形槽之至少一者可相對於另一者移動，且該錐形槽將該突出導引至該錐形槽之一狹窄部分以將該水龍頭噴灑頭導引至該至少一對準位置。該水龍頭包含一固位耦合件，其經構形以保持該水龍頭本體與該水龍頭噴灑頭彼此緊鄰。該固位耦合件包含一第一固位元件，其連接至該水龍頭本體；及一第二固位元件，其連接至該水龍頭噴灑頭。該固位耦合件與該對準耦合件分離，且該第一固位元件或該第二固位元件之至少一者係一磁鐵。One aspect of the present invention relates to a faucet. The faucet includes a faucet body and a faucet spray head. The faucet spray head can move from a retracted position of the adjacent faucet body and an extended position away from the faucet body. In the retracted position, the faucet spray head has at least one position aligned with the faucet body. The faucet includes an alignment coupling. The alignment coupling includes a first alignment element connected to the faucet body; and a second alignment element connected to the faucet sprinkler head. The alignment coupling includes a protrusion and a tapered groove. At least one of the protrusion or the tapered groove is movable relative to the other, and the tapered groove guides the protrusion to a narrow part of the tapered groove to guide the faucet sprinkler to the at least one Align the position. The faucet includes a retention coupling member that is configured to keep the faucet body and the faucet spray head close to each other. The retention coupling includes a first retention element connected to the faucet body; and a second retention element connected to the faucet spray head. The retention coupling is separated from the alignment coupling, and at least one of the first retention element or the second retention element is a magnet.

本發明之另一態樣係關於一種水龍頭。該水龍頭包含一水龍頭本體，其具有一出口及一軟管，該軟管定位於該水龍頭本體內且穿過該出口。該軟管可在該水龍頭本體內移動。該水龍頭包含一水龍頭噴灑頭，其連接至該軟管且可在一延伸位置與一縮回位置之間移動。當在該延伸位置中時，該噴灑頭與該水龍頭本體之該出口間隔開，且當在該縮回位置中時，該噴灑頭緊鄰該出口定位。該水龍頭包含一對準耦合件，其包含連接至該水龍頭本體之一第一對準元件及連接至該水龍頭噴灑頭之一第二對準元件。該對準耦合件使該水龍頭噴灑頭與該水龍頭本體對準。該水龍頭包含一固位耦合件，其經構形以保持該水龍頭本體與該水龍頭噴灑頭彼此緊鄰。該固位耦合件包含一第一固位元件，其連接至該水龍頭本體，與該第一對準元件相鄰；及一第二固位元件，其至少部分地由該第二對準元件定位於該水龍頭噴灑頭中。該第一固位元件或該第二固位元件之至少一者係一磁鐵。Another aspect of the present invention relates to a faucet. The faucet includes a faucet body with an outlet and a hose, and the hose is positioned in the faucet body and passes through the outlet. The hose can move within the faucet body. The faucet includes a faucet spray head, which is connected to the hose and can move between an extended position and a retracted position. When in the extended position, the sprinkler head is spaced apart from the outlet of the faucet body, and when in the retracted position, the sprinkler head is positioned next to the outlet. The faucet includes an alignment coupling member, which includes a first alignment element connected to the faucet body and a second alignment element connected to the sprinkler head of the faucet. The alignment coupling aligns the faucet sprinkler head with the faucet body. The faucet includes a retention coupling member that is configured to keep the faucet body and the faucet spray head close to each other. The retention coupling includes a first retention element connected to the faucet body and adjacent to the first alignment element; and a second retention element at least partially positioned by the second alignment element In the sprinkler head of the faucet. At least one of the first retaining element or the second retaining element is a magnet.

本發明之另一態樣係關於一種水龍頭。該水龍頭包含一水龍頭本體及一水龍頭噴灑頭，該水龍頭噴灑頭可定位於該水龍頭本體之一出口處且可與該水龍頭本體之一出口分離。該水龍頭噴灑頭具有與該水龍頭本體對準之至少一位置。該水龍頭包含一固位耦合件，其經構形以保持該水龍頭本體與該水龍頭噴灑頭彼此緊鄰。該固位耦合件包含一第一固位元件，其連接至該水龍頭本體之該出口。該第一固位元件包含一固定特徵，其經構形以有助於減少該第一固位元件與該出口之間的相對移動。該固位耦合件包含一第二固位元件，其依一凸緣定位於該水龍頭噴灑頭內。當該水龍頭本體與該水龍頭噴灑頭彼此緊鄰時，該凸緣定位於該第一固位元件與該第二固位元件之間。該第一固位元件或該第二固位元件之至少一者係一磁鐵。Another aspect of the present invention relates to a faucet. The faucet includes a faucet body and a faucet spray head. The faucet spray head can be positioned at an outlet of the faucet body and can be separated from an outlet of the faucet body. The faucet spray head has at least one position aligned with the faucet body. The faucet includes a retention coupling member that is configured to keep the faucet body and the faucet spray head close to each other. The retention coupling includes a first retention element connected to the outlet of the faucet body. The first retention element includes a fixing feature that is configured to help reduce relative movement between the first retention element and the outlet. The retention coupling includes a second retention element, which is positioned in the sprinkler head of the faucet according to a flange. When the faucet body and the faucet sprinkler are in close proximity to each other, the flange is positioned between the first retaining element and the second retaining element. At least one of the first retaining element or the second retaining element is a magnet.

以下描述中將闡述各種額外態樣。態樣可關於個別特徵及特徵之組合。應瞭解，以上一般描述及以下詳細描述兩者僅供例示及說明且且不限制本文中揭示之實施例所基於之廣泛實施方案。Various additional aspects will be explained in the following description. Aspects can be about individual features and combinations of features. It should be understood that both the above general description and the following detailed description are for illustration and description only and do not limit the broad implementation on which the embodiments disclosed herein are based.

本申請案係2019年8月23日申請之美國申請案第16/549,742號之一部分接續申請案；其主張2019年5月17日申請之美國臨時申請案第62/849,570號及2019年8月23日申請之美國臨時申請案第62/722,092號之權利，該等申請案之全文以引用的方式併入本文中。This application is a partial continuation application of U.S. Application No. 16/549,742 filed on August 23, 2019; it claims U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/849,570 filed on May 17, 2019 and August 2019 The rights of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/722,092 filed on the 23rd, the full text of which is incorporated herein by reference.

將參考圖式詳細描述各種實施例，其中相同元件符號表示所有各種視圖中之相同部分及總成。對各種實施例之參考不限制附接至其之申請專利範圍之範疇。另外，本說明書中所闡述之任何實例不意在限制且僅闡述隨附申請專利範圍之諸多可能實施例之若干者。Various embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings, in which the same reference numerals denote the same parts and assemblies in all the various views. The reference to the various embodiments does not limit the scope of the patent application attached thereto. In addition, any examples set forth in this specification are not intended to limit and only illustrate a few of the many possible embodiments within the scope of the appended application.

本發明係關於一種水龍頭，其包含一對準耦合件及一固位耦合件。對準耦合件確保水龍頭之一噴灑頭可靠返回至一對準位置且固位耦合件保持水龍頭噴灑頭緊鄰一水龍頭本體。The present invention relates to a faucet, which includes an alignment coupling member and a retention coupling member. The alignment coupling ensures that one of the sprinklers of the faucet can be reliably returned to an alignment position and the retention coupling keeps the sprinkler of the faucet close to a faucet body.

對準耦合件進一步促進噴灑頭可靠完全對接於水龍頭本體內。對準耦合件包含在水龍頭本體中且相鄰噴灑頭之與彼此介接以提供對準移動之對準元件。在一些實例中，對準元件之至少一者至少部分地圍繞水龍頭之一水管定位。在另一實例中，對準元件包含對準特徵，該對準特徵包含一對應突出及一槽(例如一v形槽)，使得當槽接收突出時，其將突出導引至槽之一狹窄部分，藉此使噴灑頭與水龍頭本體對準。藉由促進可靠對準及縮回噴灑頭，使對準耦合件在不使用時保留水龍頭之美學且進一步最佳化特定用途之定位。The alignment coupling further promotes the reliable and complete connection of the sprinkler head to the body of the faucet. The alignment coupling is included in the faucet body and the adjacent sprinkler heads are connected with each other to provide alignment elements for alignment movement. In some examples, at least one of the alignment elements is positioned at least partially around a water tube of the faucet. In another example, the alignment element includes an alignment feature that includes a corresponding protrusion and a groove (such as a v-shaped groove) such that when the groove receives the protrusion, it guides the protrusion to one of the narrow grooves Partly to align the sprinkler head with the faucet body. By promoting reliable alignment and retracting the sprinkler head, the alignment coupling retains the aesthetics of the faucet when not in use and further optimizes the positioning for a specific purpose.

固位耦合件進一步促進可靠保持噴灑頭相鄰水龍頭本體。此可藉由使用至少一磁鐵及一磁性吸引材料(例如鋼)完成。在一些實例中，固位耦合件包含經構形成彼此不接觸之兩個吸引組件。The retention coupling further promotes reliable holding of the sprinkler head adjacent to the faucet body. This can be accomplished by using at least one magnet and a magnetically attractive material (such as steel). In some examples, the retention coupling includes two attraction components that are configured not to contact each other.

圖1展示包含一水龍頭本體102及可自水龍頭本體102之一水龍頭本體出口106脫離之一水龍頭噴灑頭104之一水龍頭100。如圖1中所展示，噴灑頭104與水龍頭本體102對接。噴灑頭104可自水龍頭本體102移開以允許使用者在使用期間能夠操縱噴灑頭104。此係由具有附接至噴灑頭104且定位於水龍頭本體102內之過剩長度之一水管(圖6中示意性地展示)促進。FIG. 1 shows a faucet 100 including a faucet body 102 and a faucet sprinkler head 104 that can be detached from a faucet body outlet 106 of the faucet body 102. As shown in FIG. 1, the sprinkler head 104 is docked with the faucet body 102. The sprinkler head 104 is removable from the faucet body 102 to allow the user to manipulate the sprinkler head 104 during use. This is facilitated by a water pipe (shown schematically in Figure 6) that has an excess length attached to the sprinkler head 104 and positioned within the faucet body 102.

水龍頭100經構形以自噴灑頭104之一噴灑頭出口112流出之一水源分配水。此外，水龍頭100經構形以經由傳統方法(例如一把手)及/或經由手勢或語音來控制(即，開/關、水量及水溫)。儘管水龍頭100可為一下拉式廚房水龍頭，但本發明涵蓋其他類型之水龍頭，其包含(但不限於)拉出式水龍頭。儘管為了實例將針對一廚房水龍頭討論本發明，但本文中所描述之系統可實施於任何類型之下拉式水龍頭及/或一拉出式水龍頭中，包含一側輔助噴灑水龍頭。在一些實例中，水龍頭100係一淋浴室中之一蓮蓬頭。在一些實例中，水龍頭100係經構形以自其分配流體之任何流體分配裝置。The faucet 100 is configured to distribute water from a sprinkler outlet 112 of one of the sprinkler heads 104. In addition, the faucet 100 is configured to be controlled via traditional methods (such as a handle) and/or via gestures or voice (ie, on/off, water volume, and water temperature). Although the faucet 100 can be a pull-out kitchen faucet, the present invention covers other types of faucets, including (but not limited to) pull-out faucets. Although the present invention will be discussed for a kitchen faucet for the sake of example, the system described herein can be implemented in any type of pull-down faucet and/or a pull-out faucet, including a side auxiliary spray faucet. In some examples, the faucet 100 is a shower head in a shower room. In some examples, the faucet 100 is any fluid dispensing device that is configured to dispense fluid therefrom.

水龍頭本體102可具有各種不同形狀及大小以提供具有不同美學之各種不同外觀。如所展示，水龍頭本體102包含在出口106與水龍頭本體102之對置端之間的一弧形頸108。水龍頭本體102可安裝於各種不同位置中，諸如(但不限於)一台面、一牆壁、一天花板等等。在一些實例中，水龍頭本體102固定至諸如一廚房水槽附近之一位置。The faucet body 102 can have various shapes and sizes to provide various appearances with different aesthetics. As shown, the faucet body 102 includes an arc-shaped neck 108 between the outlet 106 and the opposite end of the faucet body 102. The faucet body 102 can be installed in various positions, such as (but not limited to) a table, a wall, a ceiling, and so on. In some examples, the faucet body 102 is fixed to a location near a kitchen sink, for example.

如上文所提及，噴灑頭104係可脫離的，使得其可自水龍頭本體102分開以允許可由使用者操作以對準噴灑頭104。噴灑頭104可包含定位於其上以允許使用者轉變噴灑頭出口112處排出水之特性之一使用者輸入110。在一些實例中，使用者輸入110之操作可促進轉變定位於噴灑頭104內之一閥(參閱圖22)。使用者輸入110可轉變排出水之特性，諸如(但不限於)水量及/或溫度。在一些實例中，使用者輸入110係一按鈕、觸摸敏感表面或其類似者之一者。As mentioned above, the sprinkler head 104 is detachable so that it can be separated from the faucet body 102 to allow the user to operate the sprinkler head 104 to align it. The sprinkler head 104 may include a user input 110 positioned thereon to allow the user to change the characteristics of the water discharged at the sprinkler head outlet 112. In some examples, the operation of the user input 110 may facilitate the transition of a valve located in the sprinkler head 104 (see FIG. 22). The user input 110 can transform the characteristics of the discharged water, such as (but not limited to) the water volume and/or temperature. In some examples, the user input 110 is one of a button, touch-sensitive surface, or the like.

噴灑頭104之一外輪廓103可具有各種不同形狀及大小以提供水龍頭100之各種不同美學構形。在一些實例中，噴灑頭104可經構形以具有與水龍頭本體102之一外輪廓105配合之一外輪廓103。在一些實例中，噴灑頭104一般呈不對稱的。在其他實例中，噴灑頭104一般呈對稱的。An outer contour 103 of the sprinkler head 104 can have various shapes and sizes to provide various aesthetic configurations of the faucet 100. In some examples, the sprinkler head 104 may be configured to have an outer contour 103 that mates with an outer contour 105 of the faucet body 102. In some instances, the sprinkler head 104 is generally asymmetrical. In other examples, the sprinkler head 104 is generally symmetrical.

在圖1所描繪之實例中，當噴灑頭104與水龍頭本體102對接時，噴灑頭104具有一對準位置。對準位置係噴灑頭104每次與水龍頭本體102對接時自動返回之一位置。對準位置可為各種不同位置，其取決於水龍頭100之美學性及水龍頭100之特定用途。在所描繪之實例中，噴灑頭104具有一不對稱之外輪廓且具有一對準位置，該對準位置使水龍頭本體102之外輪廓(明確言之，頸部108)與噴灑頭104之外輪廓對準。此允許水龍頭100之一個一致外輪廓，其包含水龍頭本體102及噴灑頭104。此外，如所展示，當在對準位置中時，使用者輸入110面向水龍頭本體102定位，以自水龍頭100前方維持一乾淨美感。在一些實例中，當在對準位置中時，使用者輸入110面向水龍頭本體102之左側、右側或遠離水龍頭本體102定位。In the example depicted in FIG. 1, when the sprinkler head 104 is docked with the faucet body 102, the sprinkler head 104 has an alignment position. The alignment position is that the sprinkler head 104 automatically returns to a position every time it is docked with the faucet body 102. The alignment position can be a variety of different positions, depending on the aesthetics of the faucet 100 and the specific use of the faucet 100. In the depicted example, the sprinkler head 104 has an asymmetrical outer contour and has an alignment position such that the outer contour of the faucet body 102 (specifically, the neck 108) is outside the sprinkler head 104 Contour alignment. This allows a consistent outer contour of the faucet 100, which includes the faucet body 102 and the sprinkler head 104. In addition, as shown, when in the aligned position, the user input 110 is positioned facing the faucet body 102 to maintain a clean aesthetic from the front of the faucet 100. In some instances, when in the aligned position, the user input 110 is positioned facing the left, right, or away from the faucet body 102.

在一些實例中，噴灑頭104可包含重量(未展示)以依一方式改變噴灑頭104之重心以促使噴灑頭104至對準位置。在一些實例中，可將重量定位於噴灑頭104之一特定側處，使得重量依重力依一方式自然地旋轉噴灑頭104，其中當在對準定位時，重量變成定位於噴灑頭104之一下側處。此可藉由相鄰噴灑頭出口112放置重量且偏移噴灑頭104之縱軸完成。In some examples, the sprinkler head 104 may include a weight (not shown) to change the center of gravity of the sprinkler head 104 in a manner to urge the sprinkler head 104 to the aligned position. In some examples, the weight can be positioned at a specific side of the sprinkler head 104, so that the weight naturally rotates the sprinkler head 104 in a manner according to gravity, wherein when aligned and positioned, the weight becomes positioned under one of the sprinkler heads 104 Side. This can be accomplished by placing a weight adjacent to the sprinkler outlet 112 and offsetting the longitudinal axis of the sprinkler 104.

圖2至圖5展示噴灑頭104在對接期間至對準定位之移動。此對準由包含一第一對準元件116及一第二對準元件118之一對準耦合件114促進。第一對準元件116或第二對準元件118之至少一者可相對於另一者移動。在所描繪之實例中，第二對準元件118可相對於第一對準元件116移動。2 to 5 show the movement of the sprinkler head 104 to the alignment position during the docking. This alignment is facilitated by an alignment coupling 114 that includes a first alignment element 116 and a second alignment element 118. At least one of the first alignment element 116 or the second alignment element 118 is movable relative to the other. In the depicted example, the second alignment element 118 is movable relative to the first alignment element 116.

第一對準元件116及第二對準元件118可定位於水龍頭100上之各種不同位置處。在所展示之繪示性實例中，第一對準元件116定位於水龍頭本體102內且第二對準元件118相鄰噴灑頭104定位。在一些實例中，第二對準元件118附接至噴灑頭104。在其他實例中，第二對準元件118圍繞水龍頭100之一水管(未展示)定位。在其他實例中，第二對準元件118附接至水龍頭100之一水管。在一些實例中，第一對準元件116及第二對準元件118一體成型於水龍頭本體102及噴灑頭104中。在一些實例中，第一對準元件116及第二對準元件118係與水龍頭本體102及噴灑頭104之分離部分。The first alignment element 116 and the second alignment element 118 can be positioned at various positions on the faucet 100. In the illustrative example shown, the first alignment element 116 is positioned within the faucet body 102 and the second alignment element 118 is positioned adjacent to the sprinkler head 104. In some examples, the second alignment element 118 is attached to the sprinkler head 104. In other examples, the second alignment element 118 is positioned around one of the water pipes (not shown) of the faucet 100. In other examples, the second alignment element 118 is attached to one of the water pipes of the faucet 100. In some examples, the first alignment element 116 and the second alignment element 118 are integrally formed in the faucet body 102 and the sprinkler head 104. In some examples, the first alignment element 116 and the second alignment element 118 are separate parts from the faucet body 102 and the sprinkler head 104.

圖2展示自水龍頭本體102脫離之噴灑頭104。儘管通常將一水管(未展示)連接至噴灑頭104且在水龍頭本體102之出口106內選路，但為了說明而省略水管。出口106允許接入至一路徑122，該路徑122至少部分地安置於水龍頭本體102內，使得水管可選路至一水源。FIG. 2 shows the sprinkler head 104 detached from the faucet body 102. Although a water pipe (not shown) is usually connected to the sprinkler head 104 and routed in the outlet 106 of the faucet body 102, the water pipe is omitted for illustration. The outlet 106 allows access to a path 122 that is at least partially disposed in the faucet body 102 so that the water pipe can be routed to a water source.

圖3展示與水龍頭本體102之出口106部分對接之噴灑頭104。為了說明，展示水龍頭本體102之一橫截面等距視圖。噴灑頭104經展示沿其縱軸在使用者輸入110面向水龍頭100之一側之一方向上旋轉。在此特定實例中，此一位置被視為噴灑頭104之一未對準位置。噴灑頭104可包含複數個未對準位置。在一些實例中，當噴灑頭104與水龍頭本體102接觸時，噴灑頭104未在對準位置中之每個位置被視為一未對準位置。FIG. 3 shows the sprinkler head 104 partially connected to the outlet 106 of the faucet body 102. For illustration, a cross-sectional isometric view of one of the faucet bodies 102 is shown. The sprinkler head 104 is shown to rotate along its longitudinal axis in a direction on the side of the user input 110 facing the faucet 100. In this particular example, this position is regarded as a misaligned position of the sprinkler head 104. The spray head 104 may include a plurality of misaligned positions. In some examples, when the sprinkler head 104 is in contact with the faucet body 102, each position of the sprinkler head 104 that is not in the aligned position is regarded as a misaligned position.

如所展示，第一對準元件116及第二對準元件118經展示為彼此介接以開始由對準耦合件114之構形引起之一對準運動。當噴灑頭104由(例如)一回拉裝置(例如一重量、彈簧、捲線器等等)較接近出口106拉伸時，噴灑頭104經由對準耦合件114朝向對準位置自動旋轉。如圖4中所展示，由於對準耦合件114之第一對準元件116與第二對準元件118之介接，噴灑頭104進一步較靠近對準位置旋轉。圖5展示定位於對準位置中且與水龍頭本體102完全對接之噴灑頭104。As shown, the first alignment element 116 and the second alignment element 118 are shown to interface with each other to begin an alignment movement caused by the configuration of the alignment coupling 114. When the sprinkler head 104 is stretched closer to the outlet 106 by, for example, a pull-back device (eg, a weight, spring, cord reel, etc.), the sprinkler head 104 automatically rotates toward the alignment position via the alignment coupling 114. As shown in FIG. 4, due to the interface between the first alignment element 116 and the second alignment element 118 of the alignment coupling 114, the sprinkler head 104 rotates closer to the alignment position. FIG. 5 shows the sprinkler head 104 positioned in the aligned position and fully docked with the faucet body 102.

圖6展示其中噴灑頭104在對準位置中之水龍頭100之一橫截面圖。圖6亦展示附接至噴灑頭104且定位於水龍頭本體102之路徑122內之一水管124。水管124可依各種方式附接至噴灑頭，其包含附接至第二對準元件118。如所展示，對準耦合件114之第一對準元件116包含一舌片126，該舌片126與軟管124介接且將軟管124自路徑122之一較低內表面120提升。在一些實例中，舌片126經構形以相對於水平H控制水管124進入至路徑122中之一角度θ。取決於水龍頭100之定向及構形，角度θ可改變。在一些實例中，角度θ相對於水平H介於約30度至60度之間。在一些實例中，角度θ相對於水平H係45度。Figure 6 shows a cross-sectional view of a faucet 100 with the sprinkler head 104 in the aligned position. FIG. 6 also shows a water pipe 124 attached to the sprinkler head 104 and positioned in the path 122 of the faucet body 102. The water pipe 124 can be attached to the sprinkler head in various ways, including attachment to the second alignment element 118. As shown, the first alignment element 116 of the alignment coupling 114 includes a tongue 126 that interfaces with the hose 124 and lifts the hose 124 from a lower inner surface 120 of the path 122. In some examples, the tongue 126 is configured to control the entry of the water pipe 124 into the path 122 by an angle θ relative to the horizontal H. Depending on the orientation and configuration of the faucet 100, the angle θ can be changed. In some examples, the angle θ relative to the horizontal H is between about 30 degrees and 60 degrees. In some examples, the angle θ is 45 degrees with respect to the horizontal H.

水管124可為各種不同類型之任何一者，其包含(但不限於)一尼龍編織軟管、一金屬編織軟管、一撓性軟管、一塗層軟管等等。The water pipe 124 can be any of various types, including (but not limited to) a nylon braided hose, a metal braided hose, a flexible hose, a coated hose, and so on.

圖7展示定位於水龍頭本體102之出口106中之第一對準元件116之一側視圖。在一些實例中，第一對準元件116定位於水龍頭之頸部108之一部分內。在一些實例中，第一對準元件116固定於水龍頭本體102之出口106內。在一些實例中，第一對準元件116由一緊固件(諸如(但不限於)至少一螺釘、螺栓、黏著劑及/或其類似者)固定至水龍頭本體102。如上文所提及，第一對準元件116可與水龍頭本體102一體化。在其他實例中，第一對準元件116由一壓合固定至水龍頭本體102。在其他實例中，第一對準元件116依銅焊、焊接或其類似者之方式固定至水龍頭本體102。FIG. 7 shows a side view of the first alignment element 116 positioned in the outlet 106 of the faucet body 102. In some examples, the first alignment element 116 is positioned within a portion of the neck 108 of the faucet. In some examples, the first alignment element 116 is fixed in the outlet 106 of the faucet body 102. In some examples, the first alignment element 116 is fixed to the faucet body 102 by a fastener (such as (but not limited to) at least one screw, bolt, adhesive, and/or the like). As mentioned above, the first alignment element 116 may be integrated with the faucet body 102. In other examples, the first alignment element 116 is fixed to the faucet body 102 by a press fit. In other examples, the first alignment element 116 is fixed to the faucet body 102 by brazing, welding or the like.

在一些實例中，第一對準元件116包含一水龍頭本體對準部分128、一突出132及一環131。在一些實例中，水龍頭本體對準部分128有利於使第一對準元件116正確對準於水龍頭本體102之出口106內。水龍頭本體對準部分128可幫助正確組裝水龍頭100，使得第一對準元件116更容易正確定向於出口106處以促進期望對準噴灑頭104，一旦水龍頭100被組裝。在一些實例中，水龍頭本體對準部分128係一突出及一凹槽之一者。水龍頭本體對準部分128可與水龍頭本體102之一對應突出或凹槽130接合。In some examples, the first alignment element 116 includes a faucet body alignment portion 128, a protrusion 132 and a ring 131. In some examples, the faucet body alignment portion 128 facilitates the correct alignment of the first alignment element 116 in the outlet 106 of the faucet body 102. The faucet body alignment portion 128 can assist in the proper assembly of the faucet 100, making it easier for the first alignment element 116 to be correctly oriented at the outlet 106 to facilitate the desired alignment of the sprinkler head 104 once the faucet 100 is assembled. In some examples, the faucet body alignment portion 128 is one of a protrusion and a groove. The faucet body alignment portion 128 may be engaged with a corresponding protrusion or groove 130 of the faucet body 102.

如所展示，第一對準元件116亦包含一對準特徵，該對準特徵包含定位於路徑122之一頂側121處且自第一對準元件116之環131之頂側延伸之突出132。如本文中將更詳細描述，突出132經構形以與第二對準元件118介接以將噴灑頭104移動至對接期間之對準定位中。在一些實例中，突出132在第一對準元件116與舌片126對置之一側處。As shown, the first alignment element 116 also includes an alignment feature that includes a protrusion 132 positioned at a top side 121 of the path 122 and extending from the top side of the ring 131 of the first alignment element 116 . As will be described in more detail herein, the protrusion 132 is configured to interface with the second alignment element 118 to move the sprinkler head 104 into an alignment position during docking. In some examples, the protrusion 132 is at an opposite side of the first alignment element 116 and the tongue 126.

在所描繪之實例中，第一對準元件116亦包含定位於水龍頭本體102之出口106處之環131。在一些實例中，環131定位於水龍頭本體102內以包圍路徑122。在一些實例中，突出132自環131直接徑向向內延伸且舌片126自其軸向延伸。在一些實例中，環131亦包含水龍頭本體對準部分128。In the depicted example, the first alignment element 116 also includes a ring 131 positioned at the outlet 106 of the faucet body 102. In some examples, the ring 131 is positioned within the faucet body 102 to surround the path 122. In some examples, the protrusion 132 extends directly radially inward from the ring 131 and the tongue 126 extends axially therefrom. In some examples, the ring 131 also includes the faucet body alignment portion 128.

圖8展示安裝至噴灑頭104之第二對準元件118。圖9展示與噴灑頭104之一內腔134間隔開之第二對準元件118。在一些實例中，第二對準元件118固定至噴灑頭104以防止其等之間的相對移動。在一些實例中，第二對準元件118相鄰於噴灑頭104安裝。在一些實例中，如圖6中所展示，第二對準元件118圍繞水管124之端定位。在一些實例中，第二對準元件118安裝至軟管124。FIG. 8 shows the second alignment element 118 mounted to the sprinkler head 104. FIG. 9 shows the second alignment element 118 spaced from an inner cavity 134 of the sprinkler head 104. In some examples, the second alignment element 118 is fixed to the sprinkler head 104 to prevent relative movement therebetween. In some examples, the second alignment element 118 is installed adjacent to the sprinkler head 104. In some examples, as shown in FIG. 6, the second alignment element 118 is positioned around the end of the water pipe 124. In some examples, the second alignment element 118 is mounted to the hose 124.

第二對準元件118包含一對準特徵，該對準特徵包含定位於第二對準元件118之周邊處之槽136。如本文中將進一步詳細討論，槽136經構形以與第一對準元件116之突出132介接以在對接期間將噴灑頭104朝向對準位置移動。第二對準元件118亦包含圍繞其外表面周向定位之定心元件138。定心元件138經構形以與水龍頭本體102之出口106介接以輔助在對接期間定心噴灑頭104。在一些實例中，定心元件138經構形以與第一對準元件116之一部分介接。在一些實例中，定心元件138係鰭，其中鰭之最窄側經構形以首先與水龍頭本體102/第一對準元件116介接。The second alignment element 118 includes an alignment feature including a groove 136 positioned at the periphery of the second alignment element 118. As will be discussed in further detail herein, the groove 136 is configured to interface with the protrusion 132 of the first alignment element 116 to move the sprinkler head 104 toward the alignment position during docking. The second alignment element 118 also includes a centering element 138 positioned circumferentially around its outer surface. The centering element 138 is configured to interface with the outlet 106 of the faucet body 102 to assist in centering the sprinkler 104 during docking. In some examples, the centering element 138 is configured to partially interface with a portion of the first alignment element 116. In some examples, the centering element 138 is a fin, where the narrowest side of the fin is configured to interface with the faucet body 102/first alignment element 116 first.

圖10展示當第一對準元件116及第二對準元件118定位於一完全接合位置中時對準耦合件114之一透視圖。圖11展示部分分解之對準耦合件114，且展示彼此間隔開之第一對準元件116及第二對準元件118。如所展示，第二對準元件118具有一般為一圓柱形之外輪廓形狀且第一對準元件116具有一互補形狀，諸如一圓形凹槽(例如環131)，其用於將第二對準元件118之外輪廓接收於內。在一些實例中，關係可反轉且第一對準元件116可具有一圓柱形狀，而第二對準元件118具有一互補形狀。在本發明之範疇內，可認為第一對準元件116或第二對準元件118可具有各種不同幾何輪廓且不限於一圓柱形狀及對應之互補形狀。FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of the alignment coupling 114 when the first alignment element 116 and the second alignment element 118 are positioned in a fully engaged position. FIG. 11 shows the alignment coupling 114 partially exploded, and shows the first alignment element 116 and the second alignment element 118 spaced apart from each other. As shown, the second alignment element 118 has a generally cylindrical outer contour shape and the first alignment element 116 has a complementary shape, such as a circular groove (e.g., ring 131), which is used to hold the second The outer contour of the alignment element 118 is received inside. In some examples, the relationship may be reversed and the first alignment element 116 may have a cylindrical shape, and the second alignment element 118 may have a complementary shape. Within the scope of the present invention, it can be considered that the first alignment element 116 or the second alignment element 118 can have various geometric contours and is not limited to a cylindrical shape and a corresponding complementary shape.

在一些實例中，第一對準元件116及第二對準元件118之完全接合位置與噴灑頭104之對準位置相對應。在一些實例中，當在完全接合位置中時，第二對準元件118之一縱軸S及第一對準元件116之環131之一中心軸B一般係對準的。在所描繪之實例中，當對準耦合件114在完全接合位置中時，第一對準元件116之突出132被接收且定位於第二對準元件118之槽136內。如所展示，第二對準元件118經構形以定位於第一對準元件116之至少一部分內。在一些實例中，當在完全接合位置中時，第二對準元件118定位於第一對準元件116之環131內。In some examples, the fully engaged position of the first alignment element 116 and the second alignment element 118 corresponds to the alignment position of the sprinkler head 104. In some examples, when in the fully engaged position, a longitudinal axis S of the second alignment element 118 and a central axis B of the ring 131 of the first alignment element 116 are generally aligned. In the depicted example, when the alignment coupling 114 is in the fully engaged position, the protrusion 132 of the first alignment element 116 is received and positioned within the groove 136 of the second alignment element 118. As shown, the second alignment element 118 is configured to be positioned within at least a portion of the first alignment element 116. In some examples, the second alignment element 118 is positioned within the ring 131 of the first alignment element 116 when in the fully engaged position.

圖12及圖13展示第一對準元件116之透視圖。圖14展示一側截面圖。如所展示，第一對準元件116包含環131，其中突出132自環131徑向向內延伸。第一對準元件116亦包含一般在遠離環131之一軸向方向上延伸之舌片126。此外，第一對準元件116包含環131之一較下側處之水龍頭本體對準部分128。在所展示之實例中，水龍頭本體對準部分128係一突出。12 and 13 show perspective views of the first alignment element 116. Figure 14 shows a cross-sectional view from one side. As shown, the first alignment element 116 includes a ring 131 with protrusions 132 extending radially inwardly from the ring 131. The first alignment element 116 also includes a tongue 126 that generally extends in an axial direction away from the ring 131. In addition, the first alignment element 116 includes an alignment portion 128 of the faucet body at a lower side of one of the rings 131. In the example shown, the faucet body alignment portion 128 is a protrusion.

在一些實例中，環131僅係一部分環且經構形以僅部分包圍水龍頭本體102之出口106之路徑122。此外，突出132可在環131上之任何點處自環131徑向向內延伸。例如，如所展示，突出132可自環131之任一側或自環131之底部而非僅自其頂部向內延伸。此外，環131可包含安置於其上之複數個其他對準特徵，諸如(但不限於)額外突出及/或槽。In some examples, the ring 131 is only a part of the ring and is configured to only partially surround the path 122 of the outlet 106 of the faucet body 102. In addition, the protrusion 132 may extend radially inward from the ring 131 at any point on the ring 131. For example, as shown, the protrusions 132 may extend from either side of the ring 131 or from the bottom of the ring 131 rather than only extending inward from the top thereof. In addition, the ring 131 may include a plurality of other alignment features disposed thereon, such as (but not limited to) additional protrusions and/or grooves.

如圖14中所展示，舌片126可包含至少部分地界定一傾斜部分142之一壁140。如上文所提及，舌片126，明確言之，壁140，在遠離環131之一大體軸向方向上延伸。儘管在所展示之實例中，第一對準元件116包含舌片126，但第一對準元件未必包含一舌片126。在一些實例中，第一對準元件116僅包含一對準特徵，諸如突出132。As shown in FIG. 14, the tongue 126 may include a wall 140 that at least partially defines an inclined portion 142. As mentioned above, the tongue 126, specifically, the wall 140, extends in a generally axial direction away from the ring 131. Although in the example shown, the first alignment element 116 includes a tongue 126, the first alignment element does not necessarily include a tongue 126. In some examples, the first alignment element 116 includes only one alignment feature, such as a protrusion 132.

第一對準元件116可由各種不同材料(包含(但不限於)金屬(例如鋁)及塑膠(例如Rulon、Derlin或其他類似PTFE塑膠))構成。The first alignment element 116 can be made of various materials (including but not limited to metal (such as aluminum) and plastic (such as Rulon, Derlin or other similar PTFE plastics)).

圖15至圖17展示第二對準元件118。圖15展示一透視圖，圖16展示一側視圖且圖17展示一側截面圖。15-17 show the second alignment element 118. Figure 15 shows a perspective view, Figure 16 shows a side view and Figure 17 shows a side cross-sectional view.

第二對準元件118包含一第一端144及一第二端146。第一端144經構形以在第二端146之前***至水龍頭本體102中。在一些實例中，第一端144經構形以在一開口147處接收水管124。在一些實例中，第二端146經構形以附接至噴灑頭104之一部分。The second alignment element 118 includes a first end 144 and a second end 146. The first end 144 is configured to be inserted into the faucet body 102 before the second end 146. In some examples, the first end 144 is configured to receive the water pipe 124 at an opening 147. In some examples, the second end 146 is configured to attach to a portion of the sprinkler head 104.

在一些實例中，第二對準元件118包含定位於第二對準元件118之對置側處之一對槽136。在一些實例中，僅一單一槽136用於對準。各槽136包含一起界定槽136之邊界之一對壁148。在一些實例中，槽136具有由壁148界定之一錐形形狀，該壁148自第一端144在朝向第二端146之一方向上彼此延伸。在一些實例中，槽136之錐形形狀呈v形。在一些實例中，壁148自第一端144在一大體軸向方向上朝向彼此延伸。在一些實例中，壁148在部分軸向方向上及部分周向方向上朝向彼此延伸。槽136依一方式構形，使得緊鄰第一端144之壁148依一距離分離以界定槽136之最寬部分。當壁148朝向第二端146延伸時，壁148逐漸縮小槽136直至其等彼此相交。相鄰壁148之相交點，槽136具有其最窄寬度且界定一穴150。In some examples, the second alignment element 118 includes a pair of grooves 136 positioned at opposite sides of the second alignment element 118. In some examples, only a single groove 136 is used for alignment. Each groove 136 includes a pair of walls 148 that together define the boundary of the groove 136. In some examples, the groove 136 has a tapered shape defined by walls 148 that extend from the first end 144 toward each other in a direction toward the second end 146. In some examples, the tapered shape of the groove 136 is v-shaped. In some examples, the walls 148 extend from the first end 144 toward each other in a generally axial direction. In some examples, the walls 148 extend toward each other in part of the axial direction and part of the circumferential direction. The groove 136 is configured in such a way that the wall 148 adjacent to the first end 144 is separated by a distance to define the widest part of the groove 136. When the wall 148 extends toward the second end 146, the wall 148 gradually shrinks the groove 136 until it intersects each other. At the intersection of adjacent walls 148, the groove 136 has its narrowest width and defines a cavity 150.

圖17展示第二對準元件118之一橫截面圖。如所展示，第二對準元件118界定縱向延伸穿過第二對準元件118之一通道152。第一端144處之開口147係通道152之一第一開口且第二端146處之一開口154係通道152之第二開口。通道經構形以在第一端144處之開口147內接收水管124。通道進一步經構形以在第二端146之開口154處連接至噴灑頭104。在一些實例中，通道152可包含螺紋、一凹槽、一系列突出及/或其他類似附接結構，以有助於將水管124及噴灑頭104附接至其。在所描繪之實例中，通道152包含用於附接水管124之內螺紋156及相鄰第二端146之開口154處以接收噴灑頭104之一附接部分之對應突出之一系列凹槽158。在一些實例中，凹槽158允許噴灑頭104與第二對準元件118之間的一卡口連接。圖18展示利用一第二端246處之內螺紋258以附接至噴灑頭104之一第二對準元件218之另一實例。FIG. 17 shows a cross-sectional view of the second alignment element 118. As shown, the second alignment element 118 defines a channel 152 that extends longitudinally through the second alignment element 118. The opening 147 at the first end 144 is a first opening of the channel 152 and an opening 154 at the second end 146 is a second opening of the channel 152. The channel is configured to receive the water pipe 124 in the opening 147 at the first end 144. The channel is further configured to connect to the sprinkler head 104 at the opening 154 of the second end 146. In some examples, the channel 152 may include threads, a groove, a series of protrusions, and/or other similar attachment structures to help attach the water pipe 124 and sprinkler head 104 thereto. In the depicted example, the channel 152 includes a series of grooves 158 at the internal thread 156 for attaching the water pipe 124 and the opening 154 adjacent the second end 146 to receive a corresponding protrusion of an attachment portion of the sprinkler head 104. In some examples, the groove 158 allows a bayonet connection between the sprinkler head 104 and the second alignment element 118. FIG. 18 shows another example of using an internal thread 258 at a second end 246 to attach to a second alignment element 218 of the sprinkler head 104.

如同第一對準元件116，第二對準元件118可由各種不同材料(包含(但不限於)金屬(例如鋁)及塑膠(例如Rulon、Derlin或其他類似PTFE塑膠))構成。Like the first alignment element 116, the second alignment element 118 can be made of various materials, including (but not limited to) metals (such as aluminum) and plastics (such as Rulon, Derlin, or other similar PTFE plastics).

圖19至圖21展示在一噴灑頭104對接期間對準耦合件114之第一對準元件116及第二對準元件118之一實例介接之一系列示意圖。展示第一對準元件116之突出132。第二對準元件118之槽136經展示接近由虛線箭頭指示之突出132。所展示之實例表示噴灑頭104經重新對接至具有突出132之固定水龍頭本體102。FIGS. 19-21 show a series of schematic diagrams of an example of the first alignment element 116 and the second alignment element 118 of the alignment coupling 114 during the docking of a spray head 104. The protrusion 132 of the first alignment element 116 is shown. The slot 136 of the second alignment element 118 is shown close to the protrusion 132 indicated by the dashed arrow. The example shown shows that the sprinkler head 104 is reconnected to the fixed faucet body 102 with the protrusion 132.

如圖20中所展示，當槽136之壁148與突出132介接時，歸因於槽136之錐形性質，壁148在使穴150較靠近突出132之一方向上沿固定突出132滑動。因為第二對準元件118且因此槽136被固定至噴灑頭104，當壁148在突出132上滑動時，噴灑頭104被旋轉且較接近對準位置移動。在一些實例中，第二對準元件118可固定至水管124且水管124固定至噴灑頭104。因此，在由第二對準元件118旋轉水管124之後，水管124旋轉噴灑頭104。As shown in FIG. 20, when the wall 148 of the groove 136 interfaces with the protrusion 132, due to the tapered nature of the groove 136, the wall 148 slides along the fixed protrusion 132 in a direction in which the cavity 150 is closer to the protrusion 132. Because the second alignment element 118 and therefore the groove 136 are fixed to the sprinkler head 104, when the wall 148 slides on the protrusion 132, the sprinkler head 104 is rotated and moved closer to the alignment position. In some examples, the second alignment element 118 may be fixed to the water pipe 124 and the water pipe 124 is fixed to the sprinkler head 104. Therefore, after the water pipe 124 is rotated by the second alignment element 118, the water pipe 124 rotates the sprinkler head 104.

如圖21中所展示，一旦壁148已沿突出132滑動至其中突出132變成定位於穴150內之位置，噴灑頭104在對準位置中且經對接，且因此對準耦合件114在完全接合位置中。此移動係歸因於槽136及/或突出132之形狀而自動完成的。As shown in Figure 21, once the wall 148 has been slid along the protrusion 132 to a position where the protrusion 132 becomes positioned within the cavity 150, the sprinkler head 104 is in the aligned position and is docked, and therefore the alignment coupling 114 is fully engaged Location. This movement is automatically completed due to the shape of the groove 136 and/or the protrusion 132.

如上文所提及，槽136與突出132之關係可反轉，使得突出132定位於第二對準元件118上且槽136定位於第一對準元件116上。在此一實例中，噴灑頭104之突出132將在槽136內移動，因為噴灑頭104被對接且由於錐形V形構形而自動將其定位於槽之穴150中。當在穴150中時，噴灑頭104將定位於對準位置中。As mentioned above, the relationship between the groove 136 and the protrusion 132 can be reversed, so that the protrusion 132 is positioned on the second alignment element 118 and the groove 136 is positioned on the first alignment element 116. In this example, the protrusion 132 of the sprinkler head 104 will move within the groove 136 because the sprinkler head 104 is docked and automatically positioned in the cavity 150 of the groove due to the tapered V-shaped configuration. When in the cavity 150, the sprinkler head 104 will be positioned in the aligned position.

圖22展示噴灑頭104之一透視分解圖。如所展示，噴灑頭104包含一外殼160及定位於外殼160內之一閥162。在一些實例中，閥162經構形以改變當水自噴灑頭出口112排出時之特性。使用者輸入110經組態以控制閥162之操作。如所展示，閥162包含一附接部分166，其包含複數個突出168。附接部分166經構形以連接至第二對準元件118之第二端146。突出168經構形以接收於第二對準元件118之凹槽158中以允許噴灑頭104與第二對準元件118之間的一卡口附接。FIG. 22 shows a perspective exploded view of the sprinkler head 104. As shown in FIG. As shown, the sprinkler head 104 includes a housing 160 and a valve 162 positioned in the housing 160. In some examples, the valve 162 is configured to change the characteristics of the water as it is discharged from the sprinkler outlet 112. The user input 110 is configured to control the operation of the valve 162. As shown, the valve 162 includes an attachment portion 166 that includes a plurality of protrusions 168. The attachment portion 166 is configured to be connected to the second end 146 of the second alignment element 118. The protrusion 168 is configured to be received in the groove 158 of the second alignment element 118 to allow a bayonet attachment between the sprinkler head 104 and the second alignment element 118.

圖23及圖24描繪連接至第二對準元件118之第一端144之水管124。如所展示，第二對準元件118圍繞水管124之一部分定位。如圖24中所展示，水管124包含連接於第二對準元件118之通道152內之一接頭170。在一些實例中，接頭170與第二對準元件118之螺紋156配接。FIGS. 23 and 24 depict the water pipe 124 connected to the first end 144 of the second alignment element 118. As shown, the second alignment element 118 is positioned around a portion of the water pipe 124. As shown in FIG. 24, the water pipe 124 includes a joint 170 connected to the channel 152 of the second alignment element 118. In some examples, the joint 170 mates with the thread 156 of the second alignment element 118.

圖25至圖27展示根據本發明另一實施例之一第一對準元件316。圖28至圖29展示經構形以與第一對準元件316介接以形成一對準耦合件之一第二對準元件318。第一對準元件316及第二對準元件318經構形以具有實質上類似於上文概述之第一對準元件116及第二對準元件118之功能性質。如上文所描述，第一對準元件316及第二對準元件318亦由與第一對準元件116及第二對準元件118類似之材料構成。25-27 show a first alignment element 316 according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figures 28-29 show a second alignment element 318 configured to interface with the first alignment element 316 to form an alignment coupling. The first alignment element 316 and the second alignment element 318 are configured to have functional properties substantially similar to the first alignment element 116 and the second alignment element 118 outlined above. As described above, the first alignment element 316 and the second alignment element 318 are also made of similar materials to the first alignment element 116 and the second alignment element 118.

第一對準元件316經構形以定位於水龍頭本體102內。第一對準元件316包含包圍一通道319之一對斜面348。通道319經構形以接收水管124。斜面348經構形以輔助定位第二對準元件318之一突出332。斜面348經構形以遠離第一對準元件316之一開口317延伸且在一穴350處彼此相交。此一構形允許第二對準元件318之突出332與斜面348介接且沿斜面348移動，最終自動定位於穴350處。當突出332定位於穴350內時，噴灑頭104在對準位置中。The first alignment element 316 is configured to be positioned in the faucet body 102. The first alignment element 316 includes a pair of inclined surfaces 348 surrounding a channel 319. The channel 319 is configured to receive the water pipe 124. The inclined surface 348 is configured to assist in positioning one of the protrusions 332 of the second alignment element 318. The inclined surfaces 348 are configured to extend away from an opening 317 of the first alignment element 316 and intersect each other at a cavity 350. This configuration allows the protrusion 332 of the second alignment element 318 to interface with the inclined surface 348 and move along the inclined surface 348, and finally be automatically positioned at the cavity 350. When the protrusion 332 is positioned within the cavity 350, the sprinkler head 104 is in the aligned position.

如圖28及圖29中所見，第二對準元件318具有一錐形外表面321以易於***至第一對準元件316之開口317中。如同上文所描述之第二對準元件118，第二對準元件318經構形以圍繞水管124定位。在一些實例中，第二對準元件318相鄰噴灑頭104定位。在一些實例中，第二對準元件318連接至噴灑頭104。As seen in FIGS. 28 and 29, the second alignment element 318 has a tapered outer surface 321 for easy insertion into the opening 317 of the first alignment element 316. Like the second alignment element 118 described above, the second alignment element 318 is configured to be positioned around the water pipe 124. In some examples, the second alignment element 318 is positioned adjacent to the sprinkler head 104. In some examples, the second alignment element 318 is connected to the sprinkler head 104.

第二對準元件318包含定心元件338，該定心元件338依與上文所描述之定心元件138類似之一方式工作且輔助噴灑頭104相對於水龍頭本體102定位。如所展示，突出332在一徑向方向上自外表面321延伸。在一些實例中，突出332呈針形。The second alignment element 318 includes a centering element 338 that works in a similar manner to the centering element 138 described above and assists the positioning of the sprinkler head 104 with respect to the faucet body 102. As shown, the protrusion 332 extends from the outer surface 321 in a radial direction. In some examples, the protrusion 332 has a needle shape.

圖30展示根據本發明之另一實例之一第二對準元件418。如上文所描述，第二對準元件418經構形以與類似於第一對準元件116之一第一對準元件介接。因此，第二對準元件418經構形以具有實質上類似於上文所描述之第二對準元件118、218及318之功能性質。如上文所描述，第二對準元件418由與第一對準元件116及第二對準元件118類似之材料構成。FIG. 30 shows a second alignment element 418 according to another example of the present invention. As described above, the second alignment element 418 is configured to interface with a first alignment element similar to the first alignment element 116. Therefore, the second alignment element 418 is configured to have functional properties substantially similar to the second alignment elements 118, 218, and 318 described above. As described above, the second alignment element 418 is made of a material similar to the first alignment element 116 and the second alignment element 118.

如同上文所描述之第二對準元件118、218、318，第二對準元件418經構形以圍繞水管124定位，明確言之，連接至一水管接頭419。在一些實例中，第二對準元件418相鄰噴灑頭104定位。在一些實例中，第二對準元件418連接至噴灑頭104。Like the second alignment elements 118, 218, 318 described above, the second alignment element 418 is configured to be positioned around the water pipe 124, specifically, connected to a water pipe joint 419. In some examples, the second alignment element 418 is positioned adjacent to the sprinkler head 104. In some examples, the second alignment element 418 is connected to the sprinkler head 104.

繼續參考圖30，第二對準元件418連接至一第一端460處之水管接頭419及一第二端462處之一閥組件470。圖31及圖32展示與第二對準元件418分離之閥組件470。Continuing to refer to FIG. 30, the second alignment element 418 is connected to a water pipe joint 419 at a first end 460 and a valve assembly 470 at a second end 462. Figures 31 and 32 show the valve assembly 470 separated from the second alignment element 418.

在一些實例中，閥組件470係定位於噴灑頭104內之一閥之一部分，類似於閥162。在一些實例中，閥組件470使水自第二對準元件418通過且排出噴灑頭104。在一些實例中，閥組件470所屬之閥係經構形以改變當水自噴灑頭出口112排出時之特性之一部分。在一些實例中，閥組件470所屬之閥係經構形以不改變當水自噴灑頭出口112排出時之特性之一部分。In some examples, the valve assembly 470 is positioned at a portion of a valve in the sprinkler head 104, similar to the valve 162. In some examples, the valve assembly 470 passes water from the second alignment element 418 and exits the sprinkler head 104. In some examples, the valve system to which the valve assembly 470 belongs is configured to change a portion of the characteristics of the water when it is discharged from the sprinkler outlet 112. In some examples, the valve system to which the valve assembly 470 belongs is configured so as not to change part of the characteristics of the water when it is discharged from the sprinkler outlet 112.

第二對準元件418連接至第二端462處之閥組件470。在一些實例中，第二端462連接於閥組件470上。在一些實例中，第二端462連接於閥組件470內。在一些實例中，第二對準元件418螺合至閥組件470上。在其他實例中，閥組件包含類似於上文描述之突出168之一突出，以允許第二對準元件418與閥組件470之間的一卡口型連接。在所描繪之實例中，第二端462螺合至閥組件470上且包含至少一第二對準止檔元件472，該第二對準止檔元件472經構形以與相鄰閥組件470之一附接部分466定位之一噴灑頭止檔474配接。The second alignment element 418 is connected to the valve assembly 470 at the second end 462. In some examples, the second end 462 is connected to the valve assembly 470. In some examples, the second end 462 is connected within the valve assembly 470. In some examples, the second alignment element 418 is threaded onto the valve assembly 470. In other examples, the valve assembly includes a protrusion similar to the protrusion 168 described above to allow a bayonet type connection between the second alignment element 418 and the valve assembly 470. In the depicted example, the second end 462 is screwed to the valve assembly 470 and includes at least one second alignment stop element 472 that is configured to be aligned with the adjacent valve assembly 470 One of the attachment portions 466 positions one of the sprinkler head stops 474 to be mated.

在所描繪之實例中，第二對準元件418之第二端462包含一個以上第二對準止檔元件472。在一些實例中，第二對準止檔472可為一突出及一凹槽之一者。在一些實例中，噴灑頭止檔474可為自第二對準元件418之第二對準止檔472之突出及凹槽之另一者。In the depicted example, the second end 462 of the second alignment element 418 includes more than one second alignment stop element 472. In some examples, the second alignment stop 472 may be one of a protrusion and a groove. In some examples, the sprinkler stop 474 may be the other of the protrusion and the groove of the second alignment stop 472 from the second alignment element 418.

當配接在一起時，止檔472、474防止錯誤組裝第二對準元件418與閥組件470。因而，止檔472、474確保一致組裝第二對準元件418與閥組件470，因為第二對準元件止檔472使第二對準元件418在一第一方向F1上相對於閥組件470旋轉達至底部。在一些實例中，第二對準止檔472及噴灑頭止檔474旋轉對準第二對準元件418及閥組件470。在一些實例中，閥組件470依一方式連接至噴灑頭104以防止閥組件470與噴灑頭104之外殼160之間的相對旋轉。因此，若當第二對準元件418與一第一對準元件(例如第一對準元件116)相互作用時第二對準元件418與閥組件470正確對準，則第二對準元件418使噴灑頭104與水龍頭本體104始終正確對準。When mated together, the stops 472 and 474 prevent the second alignment element 418 and the valve assembly 470 from being mistakenly assembled. Thus, the stops 472, 474 ensure that the second alignment element 418 and the valve assembly 470 are assembled consistently, because the second alignment element stop 472 causes the second alignment element 418 to rotate relative to the valve assembly 470 in a first direction F1 Reach the bottom. In some examples, the second alignment stop 472 and the sprinkler stop 474 are rotationally aligned with the second alignment element 418 and the valve assembly 470. In some examples, the valve assembly 470 is connected to the sprinkler head 104 in a manner to prevent relative rotation between the valve assembly 470 and the housing 160 of the sprinkler head 104. Therefore, if the second alignment element 418 is correctly aligned with the valve assembly 470 when the second alignment element 418 interacts with a first alignment element (for example, the first alignment element 116), the second alignment element 418 The sprinkler head 104 and the faucet body 104 are always aligned correctly.

在一些實例中，第二對準止檔472及噴灑頭止檔474防止第二對準元件418與閥組件470過度擰緊。In some examples, the second alignment stop 472 and the sprinkler stop 474 prevent the second alignment element 418 from over tightening the valve assembly 470.

圖33展示水管接頭419、第二對準元件418及閥組件470之一分解圖。如所展示，第二對準元件418包含定位於其中之一密封件總成475。密封件總成475包含一托座476、一軸環477、一第一密封件478、一第二密封件479、一密封件托座480、一彈簧481及一彈簧籠482。FIG. 33 shows an exploded view of the water pipe joint 419, the second alignment element 418, and the valve assembly 470. As shown, the second alignment element 418 includes a seal assembly 475 positioned at one of them. The seal assembly 475 includes a bracket 476, a collar 477, a first seal 478, a second seal 479, a seal bracket 480, a spring 481 and a spring cage 482.

密封件總成475經構形以輔助密封第二對準元件418內之水管接頭419之一球形部分417。允許水管接頭419相對於第二對準元件418移動。明確言之，水管接頭419之球形部分417經構形以形成與第二對準元件418之一球狀連接。The seal assembly 475 is configured to assist in sealing the spherical portion 417 of the water pipe joint 419 in the second alignment element 418. The water pipe joint 419 is allowed to move relative to the second alignment element 418. Specifically, the spherical portion 417 of the water pipe joint 419 is configured to form a spherical connection with one of the second alignment elements 418.

在一實例中，當第二對準元件418連接至噴灑頭104時，與第二對準元件418之球狀連接有利於噴灑頭104易於相對於水管124旋轉。在所描繪之實例中，當噴灑頭104內之水壓提高時，密封件總成475增大水管接頭419上之密封力。當水壓降低時，密封件總成475減小水管接頭419上之密封力。在本發明之範疇內，可認為隨著使用噴灑頭104內部之裝置(例如閥、限流器等等)，噴灑頭104內之水壓可***縱。在所描繪之實例中，當水自噴灑頭104分配時，水管接頭419上之密封力增大且當水未自噴灑頭104分配時，該密封力減小。然而，在一些實例中，當水自噴灑頭104分配時，水管接頭419上之密封力減小且當水未自噴灑頭104分配時，該密封力增大。In one example, when the second alignment element 418 is connected to the sprinkler head 104, the spherical connection with the second alignment element 418 facilitates the sprinkler head 104 to easily rotate relative to the water pipe 124. In the depicted example, when the water pressure in the sprinkler head 104 increases, the seal assembly 475 increases the sealing force on the water pipe joint 419. When the water pressure drops, the seal assembly 475 reduces the sealing force on the water pipe joint 419. Within the scope of the present invention, it can be considered that the water pressure in the sprinkler head 104 can be manipulated with the use of the devices (such as valves, restrictors, etc.) inside the sprinkler head 104. In the depicted example, when water is dispensed from the sprinkler head 104, the sealing force on the water pipe joint 419 increases and when water is not dispensed from the sprinkler head 104, the sealing force decreases. However, in some examples, when water is dispensed from the sprinkler head 104, the sealing force on the water pipe joint 419 decreases and when water is not dispensed from the sprinkler head 104, the sealing force increases.

圖34展示第二對準元件418與水管接頭419配接在一起之一側視圖。圖35展示第二對準元件418及水管接頭419沿圖34中之線35-35之一橫截面圖。FIG. 34 shows a side view of the second alignment element 418 and the water pipe joint 419 mated together. FIG. 35 shows a cross-sectional view of the second alignment element 418 and the water pipe joint 419 along the line 35-35 in FIG. 34.

水管接頭419之球形部分417定位於第二對準元件418之第一端內，使得水管接頭419之一接頭內部通路415與第二對準元件418之一內部通路483連通。The spherical portion 417 of the water pipe joint 419 is positioned in the first end of the second aligning element 418 so that a joint internal passage 415 of the water pipe joint 419 communicates with an internal passage 483 of the second aligning element 418.

托座476經構形以定位於第二對準元件418之一主內腔486內。在一些實例中，托座476可螺合至主內腔486中。托座476經構形以有助於將第一密封件478、第二密封件479、密封件托座480、彈簧481及彈簧籠482軸向定位於主內腔486內。在一些實例中，托座476包含具有一第一端492及一第二端493之一內部密封室491。彈簧481定位於內部密封室491之第一端492與第二端493之間的內部密封室491內。在一些實例中，彈簧481定位於內部密封室491之第一端492與第一密封件478之間。第二密封件479及密封件托座480相鄰主內腔486內之內部密封室491之第二端493定位。The bracket 476 is configured to be positioned in a main cavity 486 of the second alignment element 418. In some examples, the socket 476 may be screwed into the main cavity 486. The bracket 476 is configured to facilitate axial positioning of the first seal 478, the second seal 479, the seal bracket 480, the spring 481, and the spring cage 482 within the main cavity 486. In some examples, the socket 476 includes an internal sealed chamber 491 having a first end 492 and a second end 493. The spring 481 is positioned in the inner sealed chamber 491 between the first end 492 and the second end 493 of the inner sealed chamber 491. In some examples, the spring 481 is positioned between the first end 492 of the inner sealed chamber 491 and the first seal 478. The second sealing element 479 and the sealing element holder 480 are positioned adjacent to the second end 493 of the inner sealed chamber 491 in the main inner cavity 486.

密封件總成475之軸環477包圍水管接頭419之球形部分417之一第一端484。在一些實例中，軸環477具有一錐形孔485以便於將球形部分417***其中。在一些實例中，軸環477可為一橡膠密封件。在一些實例中，軸環477可充當第二對準元件418與水管接頭419之間的一軸套。The collar 477 of the seal assembly 475 surrounds a first end 484 of the spherical portion 417 of the water pipe joint 419. In some examples, the collar 477 has a tapered hole 485 to facilitate insertion of the spherical portion 417 therein. In some examples, the collar 477 may be a rubber seal. In some examples, the collar 477 may serve as a bushing between the second alignment element 418 and the water pipe joint 419.

第一密封件478圍繞水管接頭419之球形部分417定位，緊鄰密封件托座480及軸環477。在一些實例中，第一密封件478定位於第二對準元件418之主內腔486內。在一些實例中，主內腔486收容托座476、第一密封件478、第二密封件479、密封件托座480、彈簧481及彈簧籠482。在一些實例中，主內腔486具有沿其長度之一致直徑以便於將密封件總成475安裝於第二對準元件418內。在一些實例中，第一密封件478係一橡膠密封件。The first seal 478 is positioned around the spherical portion 417 of the water pipe joint 419 and is adjacent to the seal holder 480 and the collar 477. In some examples, the first seal 478 is positioned within the main cavity 486 of the second alignment element 418. In some examples, the main inner cavity 486 houses the bracket 476, the first seal 478, the second seal 479, the seal bracket 480, the spring 481, and the spring cage 482. In some examples, the main lumen 486 has a uniform diameter along its length to facilitate installation of the seal assembly 475 in the second alignment element 418. In some examples, the first seal 478 is a rubber seal.

第二密封件479圍繞水管接頭419之球形部分417之一第二端487定位。明確言之，第二密封件479界定一孔490，該孔490經設定大小及塑形以接收球形部分417之第二端487。第二密封件479緊鄰密封件托座480及彈簧籠482定位。第二密封件479由密封件托座480旋轉捕獲且經構形以由在一第一軸向側488處接收之一力壓縮，該第一軸向側488與面向密封件托座480之一第二軸向側489對置。當在第一軸向側488處接收之力波動時，第二密封件479沿密封件總成475之一縱軸X軸向移動。在一些實例中，當在軸向側488處無所接收之力時，第二密封件479不接觸主內腔486。在一些實例中，歸因於水管接頭419之球形部分417之球形構形，當一力接收於軸向側488處時，第二密封件479之孔490朝向球形部分417之第一端484行進，藉此圍繞球形部分417形成一更緊密之密封。在一些實例中，第二密封件479係一橡膠密封件。The second seal 479 is positioned around one of the second ends 487 of the spherical portion 417 of the water pipe joint 419. Specifically, the second sealing member 479 defines a hole 490 that is sized and shaped to receive the second end 487 of the spherical portion 417. The second seal 479 is positioned adjacent to the seal holder 480 and the spring cage 482. The second seal 479 is rotationally captured by the seal holder 480 and is configured to be compressed by a force received at a first axial side 488 that faces one of the seal holder 480 The second axial sides 489 are opposite. When the force received at the first axial side 488 fluctuates, the second seal 479 moves axially along one of the longitudinal axis X of the seal assembly 475. In some instances, when there is no received force at the axial side 488, the second seal 479 does not contact the main lumen 486. In some examples, due to the spherical configuration of the spherical portion 417 of the water pipe joint 419, when a force is received at the axial side 488, the hole 490 of the second seal 479 travels toward the first end 484 of the spherical portion 417 , Thereby forming a tighter seal around the spherical portion 417. In some examples, the second seal 479 is a rubber seal.

密封件托座480經構形以與第二密封件479互鎖及配接以防止密封件托座480與第二密封件479之間的相對旋轉。在一些實例中，密封件托座480具有不同於第二密封件479之一材料。在一些實例中，密封件托座480係一剛性材料，諸如塑膠。The seal holder 480 is configured to interlock and mate with the second seal 479 to prevent relative rotation between the seal holder 480 and the second seal 479. In some examples, the seal holder 480 has a different material than the second seal 479. In some examples, the seal holder 480 is a rigid material, such as plastic.

如上文所提及，彈簧481定位於托座476之內部密封室491內。彈簧481定位於密封室491之第一端492與第二密封件479之間。在一些實例中，彈簧481亦圍繞彈簧籠482之一龍部分494定位且與彈簧籠482之一凸緣495接觸。在一些實例中，彈簧481經構形以在第二密封件479之第一軸向側488處施加一預定力。如所描繪，彈簧481係一壓縮彈簧。彈簧481可為各種不同類型之彈簧，例如一螺旋彈簧、一波形彈簧、一錐形彈簧、一碟形彈簧等等。As mentioned above, the spring 481 is positioned in the internal sealed chamber 491 of the socket 476. The spring 481 is positioned between the first end 492 of the sealing chamber 491 and the second sealing member 479. In some examples, the spring 481 is also positioned around a dragon portion 494 of the spring cage 482 and is in contact with a flange 495 of the spring cage 482. In some examples, the spring 481 is configured to apply a predetermined force at the first axial side 488 of the second seal 479. As depicted, the spring 481 is a compression spring. The spring 481 can be various types of springs, such as a coil spring, a wave spring, a conical spring, a disc spring, and so on.

彈簧籠482經構形以可移動地定位於內部密封室491內。彈簧籠482包含龍部分494及凸緣495。在一些實例中，密封件總成475不包含一彈簧籠482。在一些實例中，彈簧籠482由一剛性材料構成。The spring cage 482 is configured to be movably positioned in the inner sealed chamber 491. The spring cage 482 includes a dragon part 494 and a flange 495. In some examples, the seal assembly 475 does not include a spring cage 482. In some examples, the spring cage 482 is constructed of a rigid material.

龍部分494定位於彈簧481內部且允許水軸向及徑向流動通過龍部分494且在密封室491內自由流動。在所描繪之實例中，龍部分494呈圓柱形且包含允許水徑向流動通過之複數個縫497。在一些實例中，僅允許軸向流動通過龍部分。在一些實例中，龍部分494及凸緣495係單獨片。在一些實例中，龍部分及凸緣495經單片形成。The dragon part 494 is positioned inside the spring 481 and allows water to flow axially and radially through the dragon part 494 and freely flow in the sealed chamber 491. In the depicted example, the dragon portion 494 is cylindrical and includes a plurality of slits 497 that allow water to flow radially through. In some instances, only axial flow is allowed through the dragon section. In some examples, the dragon portion 494 and the flange 495 are separate pieces. In some examples, the dragon portion and flange 495 are formed in a single piece.

凸緣495定位於彈簧481與第二密封件479之間。凸緣495一般呈圓形且將一力自密封室491分配至第二密封件479。在一些實例中，密封件總成475僅包含凸緣495而不包含龍部分494。在一些實例中，凸緣495係一墊圈。The flange 495 is positioned between the spring 481 and the second seal 479. The flange 495 is generally circular and distributes a force from the sealed chamber 491 to the second seal 479. In some examples, the seal assembly 475 includes only the flange 495 and not the dragon portion 494. In some examples, flange 495 is a gasket.

圖36及圖37展示密封件總成475之一部分之透視圖，且圖38展示密封件總成475之一部分之一分解圖。如所展示，第二密封件479及密封件托座480彼此互鎖以防止其等之間的相對旋轉。在所描繪之實例中，密封件托座480包含由第二密封件479之複數個凹槽499接收之複數個突出498。在本發明之範疇內，可認為密封件托座480及第二密封件479可依各種方式彼此互鎖。36 and 37 show a perspective view of a part of the seal assembly 475, and FIG. 38 shows an exploded view of a part of the seal assembly 475. As shown, the second seal 479 and the seal holder 480 are interlocked with each other to prevent relative rotation between them. In the depicted example, the seal holder 480 includes a plurality of protrusions 498 received by a plurality of grooves 499 of the second seal 479. Within the scope of the present invention, it can be considered that the seal holder 480 and the second seal 479 can be interlocked with each other in various ways.

圖39係密封件總成475之一示意圖。水由箭頭W指示。在一些實例中，密封室491內之水壓對彈簧籠482施加一力，因此經由凸緣495對第二密封件479施加一力。密封室491內之加壓水W對第二密封件479施加一力，藉此使第二密封件479朝向第一密封件478軸向移動。由加壓水W施加於第二密封件479上之力係除由彈簧481施加於第二密封件479上之預定力之外的力。第二密封件479朝向第一密封件478之移動收緊圍繞水管接頭419之球形部分417之第二端487之孔490之連接，因此自動增大圍繞水管接頭419之密封。隨著密封室491內之水壓減小，施加於第二密封件479上之力減小，藉此允許第二密封件479自第一密封件478移開，因此鬆開圍繞水管接頭419之球形部分417之第二端487之孔490之連接且自動減小圍繞水管接頭419之密封。在一些實例中，施加於第二密封件479上之最小力係由彈簧481施加之力。當密封室491內之加壓水W沒有施加力時，此將發生。在一些實例中，歸因於與低流動水相關聯之低水壓，低流動水可僅在密封室491內施加一較小力。彈簧481確保始終對第二密封件479施加一最小力，使得即使在低流動水條件中亦可在水管接頭419周圍形成一最小密封。在所描繪之實例中，水W經由接頭內部通路415進入密封室491。若噴灑頭104正在分配水，則加壓水W流入至密封室491中，增大圍繞水管接頭491之密封，通過密封件總成475且流出噴灑頭104。若水未自噴灑頭104分配，則水W不會通過密封件總成475且密封室491內存在最小水壓。Figure 39 is a schematic diagram of the seal assembly 475. Water is indicated by arrow W. In some examples, the water pressure in the sealed chamber 491 exerts a force on the spring cage 482, thus exerting a force on the second seal 479 via the flange 495. The pressurized water W in the sealed chamber 491 exerts a force on the second sealing member 479, thereby causing the second sealing member 479 to move axially toward the first sealing member 478. The force applied to the second sealing member 479 by the pressurized water W is a force other than the predetermined force applied to the second sealing member 479 by the spring 481. The movement of the second seal 479 toward the first seal 478 tightens the connection of the hole 490 around the second end 487 of the spherical portion 417 of the water pipe joint 419, thereby automatically increasing the seal around the water pipe joint 419. As the water pressure in the sealed chamber 491 decreases, the force applied to the second seal 479 decreases, thereby allowing the second seal 479 to move away from the first seal 478, thereby loosening the surrounding water pipe joint 419 The connection of the hole 490 of the second end 487 of the spherical portion 417 and automatically reduces the sealing around the water pipe joint 419. In some examples, the minimum force applied to the second seal 479 is the force applied by the spring 481. This will happen when no force is applied by the pressurized water W in the sealed chamber 491. In some instances, due to the low water pressure associated with the low flowing water, the low flowing water may only exert a small force in the sealed chamber 491. The spring 481 ensures that a minimum force is always applied to the second seal 479 so that a minimum seal can be formed around the water pipe joint 419 even in low flowing water conditions. In the depicted example, water W enters the sealed chamber 491 via the joint internal passage 415. If the sprinkler head 104 is distributing water, the pressurized water W flows into the sealed chamber 491, increases the seal around the water pipe joint 491, passes through the seal assembly 475 and flows out of the sprinkler head 104. If the water is not dispensed from the sprinkler head 104, the water W will not pass through the seal assembly 475 and there is a minimum water pressure in the sealed chamber 491.

圖40展示包含一水龍頭本體502及可自水龍頭本體502之一水龍頭本體出口506脫離之一水龍頭噴灑頭504之一水龍頭500。水龍頭500，且明確言之，噴灑頭504及水龍頭本體502實質上類似於水龍頭100，且具體言之，上文所描述之噴灑頭104及水龍頭本體102。如圖40中所展示，噴灑頭504在縮回位置中與水龍頭本體502對接且緊鄰水龍頭本體502。噴灑頭504在延伸位置中可自水龍頭本體502移開以允許使用者在使用期間能夠操縱噴灑頭504。FIG. 40 shows a faucet 500 including a faucet body 502 and a faucet sprinkler head 504 that can be separated from a faucet body outlet 506 of the faucet body 502. The faucet 500, and specifically, the sprinkler head 504 and the faucet body 502 are substantially similar to the faucet 100, and specifically, the sprinkler head 104 and the faucet body 102 described above. As shown in FIG. 40, the sprinkler head 504 abuts and abuts the faucet body 502 in the retracted position. The sprinkler head 504 is removable from the faucet body 502 in the extended position to allow the user to manipulate the sprinkler head 504 during use.

儘管水龍頭500可為一下拉式廚房水龍頭，但本發明涵蓋其他類型之水龍頭，其包含(但不限於)拉出式水龍頭。儘管為了實例將針對一廚房水龍頭討論本發明，但本文中所描述之系統可實施於任何類型之下拉式水龍頭及/或一拉出式水龍頭中，包含一側輔助噴灑水龍頭。在一些實例中，水龍頭500係一淋浴室中之一蓮蓬頭。在一些實例中，水龍頭500係經構形以自其分配流體之任何流體分配裝置。Although the faucet 500 may be a pull-out kitchen faucet, the present invention covers other types of faucets, including (but not limited to) pull-out faucets. Although the present invention will be discussed for a kitchen faucet for the sake of example, the system described herein can be implemented in any type of pull-down faucet and/or a pull-out faucet, including a side auxiliary spray faucet. In some examples, the faucet 500 is a shower head in a shower room. In some examples, faucet 500 is any fluid dispensing device that is configured to dispense fluid therefrom.

如上文所提及，噴灑頭504係可脫離的，使得其可自水龍頭本體502分開以允許可由使用者操作以對準噴灑頭504。在一些實例中，一使用者輸入510之操作可促進轉變定位於噴灑頭504內之一閥。使用者輸入510可轉變排出水之特性，諸如(但不限於)水量及/或溫度。在一些實例中，使用者輸入510係一按鈕、一觸摸敏感表面或其類似者之一者。As mentioned above, the sprinkler head 504 is detachable so that it can be separated from the faucet body 502 to allow the user to operate the sprinkler head 504 to align it. In some examples, the operation of a user input 510 can facilitate the transition of a valve located in the sprinkler head 504. The user input 510 can transform the characteristics of the discharged water, such as (but not limited to) the water volume and/or temperature. In some examples, the user input 510 is one of a button, a touch-sensitive surface, or the like.

當與水龍頭本體502對接時，噴灑頭504具有至少一對準位置。噴灑頭504可具有多個對準位置。在一些實例中，噴灑頭504具有兩個對準位置，圍繞噴灑頭504之一伸長軸與彼此間隔約180度。一對準位置係當噴灑頭504與水龍頭本體502對接時噴灑頭504自動返回之一位置。對準位置可為各種不同位置，其取決於水龍頭500之美學性及水龍頭500之特定用途。在所描繪之實例中，當在對準位置中時，一使用者輸入510面向水龍頭本體502定位。在一些實例中，當在對準位置中時，使用者輸入510面向水龍頭本體502之左側、右側或遠離水龍頭本體502定位。When docked with the faucet body 502, the sprinkler head 504 has at least one alignment position. The spray head 504 may have multiple alignment positions. In some examples, the sprinkler head 504 has two aligned positions, about 180 degrees apart from each other about an elongated axis of the sprinkler head 504. An alignment position is when the sprinkler head 504 is docked with the faucet body 502, the sprinkler head 504 automatically returns to a position. The alignment position can be a variety of different positions, depending on the aesthetics of the faucet 500 and the specific use of the faucet 500. In the depicted example, a user input 510 is positioned facing the faucet body 502 when in the aligned position. In some examples, when in the aligned position, the user input 510 is positioned facing the left, right, or away from the faucet body 502.

圖41至圖44展示當噴灑頭504被導引至對準位置時之移動之一實例。此對準由包含一第一對準元件516及一第二對準元件518之一對準耦合件514促進。對準耦合件514實質上類似於上文所描述之對準耦合件。在所描繪之實例中，第二對準元件518可相對於第一對準元件516移動。Figures 41 to 44 show an example of the movement of the sprinkler head 504 when it is guided to the alignment position. This alignment is facilitated by an alignment coupling 514 including a first alignment element 516 and a second alignment element 518. The alignment coupling 514 is substantially similar to the alignment coupling described above. In the depicted example, the second alignment element 518 is movable relative to the first alignment element 516.

第一對準元件516及第二對準元件518可定位於水龍頭500上之各種不同位置處。在所展示之繪示性實例中，第一對準元件516連接至水龍頭本體502且第二對準元件518連接至噴灑頭504。在一些實例中，第二對準元件518圍繞水龍頭500之一水管(未展示)定位。在其他實例中，第二對準元件518附接至水龍頭500之一水管。在一些實例中，第一對準元件516及第二對準元件518一體成型於水龍頭本體502及噴灑頭504中。在一些實例中，第一對準元件516及第二對準元件518係與水龍頭本體502及噴灑頭504之分離部分。The first alignment element 516 and the second alignment element 518 can be positioned at various positions on the faucet 500. In the illustrative example shown, the first alignment element 516 is connected to the faucet body 502 and the second alignment element 518 is connected to the sprinkler head 504. In some examples, the second alignment element 518 is positioned around one of the water pipes (not shown) of the faucet 500. In other examples, the second alignment element 518 is attached to one of the water pipes of the faucet 500. In some examples, the first alignment element 516 and the second alignment element 518 are integrally formed in the faucet body 502 and the sprinkler head 504. In some examples, the first alignment element 516 and the second alignment element 518 are separate parts of the faucet body 502 and the sprinkler head 504.

噴灑頭504由一固位耦合件515緊鄰水龍頭本體502保持。在一些實例中，對準耦合件514對準噴灑頭504且固位耦合件515將噴灑頭504保持於對準位置中。在一些實例中，固位耦合件515包含連接至水龍頭本體502之一第一固位元件517及連接至水龍頭噴灑頭504之一第二固位元件519。在一些實例中，固位耦合件515與對準耦合件514分離。在其他實例中，第一固位元件517或第二固位元件519之至少一者係一磁鐵。The sprinkler head 504 is held by a retaining coupling 515 adjacent to the faucet body 502. In some examples, the alignment coupling 514 aligns the sprinkler head 504 and the retention coupling 515 holds the sprinkler head 504 in the aligned position. In some examples, the retention coupling 515 includes a first retention element 517 connected to the faucet body 502 and a second retention element 519 connected to the faucet sprinkler 504. In some examples, the retention coupling 515 is separated from the alignment coupling 514. In other examples, at least one of the first retaining element 517 or the second retaining element 519 is a magnet.

圖45展示其中噴灑頭504在對準位置中之水龍頭500之一橫截面圖。圖45亦展示可移動附接至噴灑頭504且定位於水龍頭本體502內之一水管接頭524。水管接頭524可附接至定位於水龍頭本體502內且可在其中移動之一水管。Figure 45 shows a cross-sectional view of a faucet 500 with the sprinkler head 504 in the aligned position. FIG. 45 also shows a water pipe joint 524 movably attached to the sprinkler head 504 and positioned in the faucet body 502. The water pipe joint 524 can be attached to a water pipe that is positioned in the faucet body 502 and can move therein.

在所描繪之實例中，第一對準元件516定位於水龍頭本體502內，相鄰出口506。在所描繪之實例中，第一固位元件517定位於水龍頭本體502內，且第二對準元件518至少部分地定位於噴灑頭504內。在所描繪之實例中，第二固位元件519定位於噴灑頭504內，相鄰第二對準元件518。In the depicted example, the first alignment element 516 is positioned in the faucet body 502 adjacent to the outlet 506. In the depicted example, the first retaining element 517 is positioned within the faucet body 502 and the second alignment element 518 is positioned at least partially within the sprinkler head 504. In the depicted example, the second retention element 519 is positioned within the sprinkler head 504 adjacent to the second alignment element 518.

水龍頭500經展示以包含噴灑頭504中之一閥562。在一些實例中，閥562可連接至使用者輸入510且由使用者輸入510操作。The faucet 500 is shown to include a valve 562 in the sprinkler head 504. In some examples, the valve 562 may be connected to and operated by the user input 510.

在所描繪之實例中，第一對準元件516包含一環531及一舌片526，舌片526在一軸向方向上自環531延伸，相鄰水龍頭本體502之出口506。在一些實例中，環531包含在水龍頭本體502之出口506內自環531徑向向內延伸之一突出532。在所描繪之實例中，突出532定位於第一對準元件516之一底側處；然而，在本發明之範疇內，可認為突出532可定位於各種位置中。In the depicted example, the first alignment element 516 includes a ring 531 and a tongue 526 extending from the ring 531 in an axial direction adjacent to the outlet 506 of the faucet body 502. In some examples, the ring 531 includes a protrusion 532 extending radially inward from the ring 531 in the outlet 506 of the faucet body 502. In the depicted example, the protrusion 532 is positioned at one of the bottom sides of the first alignment element 516; however, within the scope of the present invention, it can be considered that the protrusion 532 can be positioned in various positions.

第一固位元件517相鄰水龍頭本體502之出口506定位。在一些實例中，第一固位元件517包含一突出507，該突出507與水龍頭本體502上之一對應凹槽509配接以減少水龍頭本體502與第一固位元件517之間的相對移動。在本發明之範疇內，可認為第一固位元件517可具有可與水龍頭本體502之一突出配接之一凹槽。在一些實例中，第一固位元件517由一緊固件(諸如(但不限於)至少一螺釘、螺栓、黏著劑及/或其類似者)固定至水龍頭本體502。The first retaining element 517 is positioned adjacent to the outlet 506 of the faucet body 502. In some examples, the first retaining element 517 includes a protrusion 507 that is mated with a corresponding groove 509 on the faucet body 502 to reduce the relative movement between the faucet body 502 and the first retaining element 517. Within the scope of the present invention, it can be considered that the first retaining element 517 can have a groove that can be protrudingly mated with one of the faucet body 502. In some examples, the first retaining element 517 is fixed to the faucet body 502 by a fastener (such as (but not limited to) at least one screw, bolt, adhesive, and/or the like).

仍參考圖45，展示螺合至噴灑頭504中之第二對準元件518。在所描繪之實例中，第二對準元件518圍繞水管接頭524定位。第二對準元件518包含一對準特徵，該對準特徵包含定位於第二對準元件518之周邊處之槽536。槽536經構形以與第一對準元件516之突出532介接以將噴灑頭504導向對準位置。在一些實例中，第二對準元件518具有複數個槽536，各槽經構形以與第一對準元件516之突出532介接以將噴灑頭504導向複數個對準位置。Still referring to FIG. 45, the second alignment element 518 screwed into the sprinkler head 504 is shown. In the depicted example, the second alignment element 518 is positioned around the water pipe joint 524. The second alignment element 518 includes an alignment feature including a groove 536 positioned at the periphery of the second alignment element 518. The groove 536 is configured to interface with the protrusion 532 of the first alignment element 516 to guide the sprinkler head 504 to the alignment position. In some examples, the second alignment element 518 has a plurality of grooves 536, and each groove is configured to interface with the protrusion 532 of the first alignment element 516 to direct the spray head 504 to the plurality of alignment positions.

第二固位元件519定位於噴灑頭504中且由第二對準元件518部分固定於噴灑頭504內。在所描繪之實例中，第二固位元件519由一凸緣525定位於噴灑頭504內。如所展示，當水龍頭本體502及水龍頭噴灑頭504彼此緊鄰時，凸緣525定位於第一固位元件517與第二固位元件519之間。凸緣525可為各種形狀(例如厚度)以調整第一固位元件517及第二固位元件519之大小、强度及位置之變化。在一些實例中，當水龍頭本體502及水龍頭噴灑頭504彼此緊鄰時，第二固位元件519部分定位於水龍頭本體502內之第一固位元件517內。在本發明中，可認為第一固位元件517及第二固位元件519可依各種不同方式定位以保持水龍頭本體502及水龍頭噴灑頭504彼此緊鄰。The second retaining element 519 is positioned in the spray head 504 and is partially fixed in the spray head 504 by the second alignment element 518. In the depicted example, the second retaining element 519 is positioned in the sprinkler head 504 by a flange 525. As shown, when the faucet body 502 and the faucet spray head 504 are in close proximity to each other, the flange 525 is positioned between the first retaining element 517 and the second retaining element 519. The flange 525 can have various shapes (such as thickness) to adjust the size, strength, and position of the first retaining element 517 and the second retaining element 519. In some examples, when the faucet body 502 and the faucet spray head 504 are in close proximity to each other, the second retaining element 519 is partially positioned within the first retaining element 517 in the faucet body 502. In the present invention, it can be considered that the first retaining element 517 and the second retaining element 519 can be positioned in various ways to keep the faucet body 502 and the faucet spray head 504 close to each other.

在所描繪之實例中，第二固位元件519係一磁鐵。在一些實例中，磁鐵係一釹磁鐵。在一些實例中，第二固位元件519塗覆有一塗層，諸如一環氧樹脂。在一些實例中，塗層為第二固位元件519提供至少一些耐蝕性。在一些實例中，第二固位元件519由一緊固件(諸如(但不限於)至少一螺釘、螺栓、黏著劑及/或其類似者)部分保持於噴灑頭504中之位置中。在一些實例中，第二固位元件519由環氧樹脂固化至噴灑頭504中。在一些實例中，第二固位元件519並非為一完整環。在一些實例中，第二固位元件519包含多個片。在本發明之範疇內，可考慮第二固位元件519可為各種不同形狀、大小及材料。In the depicted example, the second retention element 519 is a magnet. In some instances, the magnet is a neodymium magnet. In some examples, the second retention element 519 is coated with a coating, such as an epoxy resin. In some examples, the coating provides at least some corrosion resistance to the second retention element 519. In some examples, the second retaining element 519 is partially held in position in the spray head 504 by a fastener (such as (but not limited to) at least one screw, bolt, adhesive, and/or the like). In some examples, the second retention element 519 is cured into the spray head 504 by epoxy resin. In some examples, the second retention element 519 is not a complete ring. In some examples, the second retention element 519 includes multiple pieces. Within the scope of the present invention, it can be considered that the second retaining element 519 can be of various shapes, sizes, and materials.

第二固位元件519及第一固位元件517彼此吸引以保持噴灑頭504。第二固位元件519至少部分地定位於第二對準元件518與一定位環521之間。在一些實例中，一緩衝器523定位於第二固位元件519與定位環521之間，使得緩衝器523至少部分地防止第二對準元件518及定位環521之間的硬接觸。在一些實例中，第二固位元件519係一易碎磁鐵且緩衝器523減少第二固位元件519與定位環521之間的硬接觸。緩衝器523可由各種材料(諸如(但不限於)一橡膠、一泡沫膠帶或其他類似材料)構成。The second retaining element 519 and the first retaining element 517 are attracted to each other to hold the spray head 504. The second retaining element 519 is at least partially positioned between the second alignment element 518 and a positioning ring 521. In some examples, a bumper 523 is positioned between the second retaining element 519 and the positioning ring 521 such that the bumper 523 at least partially prevents hard contact between the second alignment element 518 and the positioning ring 521. In some examples, the second retaining element 519 is a fragile magnet and the buffer 523 reduces the hard contact between the second retaining element 519 and the positioning ring 521. The buffer 523 may be composed of various materials, such as (but not limited to) a rubber, a foam tape or other similar materials.

在一些實例中，定位環521經構形以將第二固位元件519至少部分地定位於噴灑頭504內。在一些實例中，定位環521具有經構形以與第二固位元件519介接之一整體緩衝器。在一些實例中，定位環521螺合至噴灑頭504中。在一些實例中，定位環521係金屬。在一些實例中，定位環521係一塑膠材料。In some examples, the positioning ring 521 is configured to at least partially position the second retention element 519 within the sprinkler head 504. In some examples, the positioning ring 521 has an integral bumper configured to interface with the second retaining element 519. In some examples, the positioning ring 521 is screwed into the sprinkler head 504. In some examples, the positioning ring 521 is metal. In some examples, the positioning ring 521 is a plastic material.

圖46展示定位於水龍頭本體502內之第一對準元件516及第一固位元件517。在一些實例中，第一對準元件516或第一固位元件517之至少一者至少部分地定位於出口506與一頸部508之一頂點之間。FIG. 46 shows the first alignment element 516 and the first retention element 517 positioned in the faucet body 502. In some examples, at least one of the first alignment element 516 or the first retention element 517 is at least partially positioned between the outlet 506 and an apex of a neck 508.

在一些實例中，第一固位元件517固定於水龍頭本體502之出口506內。第一固位元件517可與水龍頭本體502一體化。在一些實例中，第一固位元件517與第一對準元件516一體化。在其他實例中，第一固位元件517由一壓合固定至水龍頭本體502。在其他實例中，第一固位元件517依銅焊、焊接或其類似者之方式固定至水龍頭本體502。在一些實例中，第一固位元件517將第一對準元件516至少部分地固定於水龍頭本體502中。如所描繪之實例中所展示，第一對準元件516定位於第一固位元件517內且與第一固位元件517接合。在一些實例中，第一固位元件517係附接至水龍頭本體502中之一金屬環。在一些實例中，第一固位元件517係焊接至水龍頭本體502中之一不鏽鋼環。在一些實例中，第一固位元件517係焊接至水龍頭本體502中之一2205磁性等級不鏽鋼環。在一些實例中，第一固位元件517係并非一完整環之一嵌件。在一些實例中，第一固位元件517包含多個片。在本發明之範疇內，可認為第一固位元件517可為各種不同形狀、大小及材料。In some examples, the first retaining element 517 is fixed in the outlet 506 of the faucet body 502. The first retaining element 517 can be integrated with the faucet body 502. In some examples, the first retention element 517 is integrated with the first alignment element 516. In other examples, the first retaining element 517 is fixed to the faucet body 502 by a press fit. In other examples, the first retaining element 517 is fixed to the faucet body 502 by brazing, welding or the like. In some examples, the first retention element 517 at least partially fixes the first alignment element 516 in the faucet body 502. As shown in the depicted example, the first alignment element 516 is positioned within and engaged with the first retention element 517. In some examples, the first retaining element 517 is attached to one of the metal rings in the faucet body 502. In some examples, the first retaining element 517 is welded to one of the stainless steel rings in the faucet body 502. In some examples, the first retention element 517 is welded to one of the 2205 magnetic grade stainless steel rings in the faucet body 502. In some examples, the first retaining element 517 is not an insert in a complete ring. In some examples, the first retention element 517 includes multiple pieces. Within the scope of the present invention, it can be considered that the first retaining element 517 can be of various shapes, sizes, and materials.

在一些實例中，第一對準元件516至少部分地由塑膠構成。在一些實例中，第一對準元件516至少部分地夾於出口506內之第一固位元件517後面。In some examples, the first alignment element 516 is at least partially composed of plastic. In some examples, the first alignment element 516 is at least partially clamped behind the first retention element 517 in the outlet 506.

圖47展示安裝至噴灑頭504之第二對準元件518。圖48展示與噴灑頭504間隔開之第二對準元件518、第二固位元件519、緩衝器523及定位環521。在一些實例中，第二對準元件518固定至噴灑頭504以防止其等之間的相對移動。在一些實例中，第二對準元件518相鄰於噴灑頭504安裝。在一些實例中，第二對準元件518圍繞水管接頭524之端定位。在一些實例中，噴灑頭504包含一蓋522。FIG. 47 shows the second alignment element 518 mounted to the sprinkler head 504. FIG. 48 shows the second alignment element 518, the second retention element 519, the buffer 523, and the positioning ring 521 spaced apart from the sprinkler head 504. In some examples, the second alignment element 518 is fixed to the sprinkler head 504 to prevent relative movement therebetween. In some examples, the second alignment element 518 is installed adjacent to the sprinkler head 504. In some examples, the second alignment element 518 is positioned around the end of the water pipe joint 524. In some examples, the spray head 504 includes a cover 522.

在所描繪之實例中附接至第二對準元件518之凸緣525有助於將第二固位元件519固定至噴灑頭504內。在一些實例中，凸緣525與第二對準元件518分離。在一些實例中，凸緣525充當第一固位元件517與第二固位元件519之間的一緩衝器。The flange 525 attached to the second alignment element 518 in the depicted example helps to fix the second retention element 519 into the sprinkler head 504. In some examples, the flange 525 is separated from the second alignment element 518. In some examples, the flange 525 acts as a buffer between the first retention element 517 and the second retention element 519.

圖49展示第一對準元件516之一透視圖。如所展示，第一對準元件516包含環531，其中突出532自環531徑向向內延伸。第一對準元件516亦包含具有一般在一軸向方向上遠離環531延伸之一傾斜部分542之舌片526。舌片526經構形以至少部分地導引一水管附接至噴灑頭504。在一些實例中，第一對準元件516包含自環531徑向向內延伸以輔助對準噴灑頭504之一輔助對準突出533。在進一步實例中，第一對準元件516包含將第一對準元件516定位於水龍頭本體502內之第一固位元件517後面之至少一緊固件535。在所描繪之實例中，緊固件535係一對夾具。FIG. 49 shows a perspective view of the first alignment element 516. FIG. As shown, the first alignment element 516 includes a ring 531 with protrusions 532 extending radially inwardly from the ring 531. The first alignment element 516 also includes a tongue 526 having an inclined portion 542 that generally extends away from the ring 531 in an axial direction. The tongue 526 is configured to at least partially guide the attachment of a water pipe to the sprinkler head 504. In some examples, the first alignment element 516 includes an auxiliary alignment protrusion 533 extending radially inward from the ring 531 to assist in aligning the sprinkler head 504. In a further example, the first alignment element 516 includes at least one fastener 535 that positions the first alignment element 516 behind the first retaining element 517 in the faucet body 502. In the depicted example, the fastener 535 is a pair of clamps.

圖50展示第二對準元件518之一透視圖。第二對準元件518一般呈圓柱形。如上文所提及，第二對準元件518實質上類似於上文所描述之對準元件。第二對準元件518包含一對準特徵，該對準特徵包含定位於第二對準元件518之周邊處之至少一錐形槽536。在一些實例中，第二對準元件518包含一對槽536，其等在第二對準元件518之周邊處之對置側(即，分離約180度)上。取決於對準位置之所要數量及位置，在本發明之範疇內，可認為可使用由各種不同分隔物分離各種不同數目個槽。FIG. 50 shows a perspective view of the second alignment element 518. As shown in FIG. The second alignment element 518 is generally cylindrical. As mentioned above, the second alignment element 518 is substantially similar to the alignment element described above. The second alignment element 518 includes an alignment feature including at least one tapered groove 536 positioned at the periphery of the second alignment element 518. In some examples, the second alignment element 518 includes a pair of grooves 536 that are equal on opposite sides (ie, separated by approximately 180 degrees) at the periphery of the second alignment element 518. Depending on the desired number and positions of the alignment positions, within the scope of the present invention, it can be considered that a variety of different partitions can be used to separate a variety of different numbers of grooves.

槽536呈v形且經構形以與第一對準元件516之突出532介接及接觸以使噴灑頭504朝向槽536之一較窄部分移動，使得噴灑頭504在對接期間移動至對準位置。當噴灑頭504與水龍頭本體502解耦合且間隔開時，槽536及突出532彼此未接觸。槽536具有在導引突出532之一大體軸向方向上朝向彼此延伸之壁537。在一些實例中，第二對準元件518包含與噴灑頭504配接之螺紋539。在一些實例中，凸緣525定位於槽536與螺紋539之間的第二對準元件518上。The groove 536 is v-shaped and is configured to interface with and contact the protrusion 532 of the first alignment element 516 to move the sprinkler head 504 toward one of the narrower portions of the groove 536, so that the sprinkler head 504 moves to alignment during the docking Location. When the sprinkler head 504 and the faucet body 502 are uncoupled and spaced apart, the groove 536 and the protrusion 532 are not in contact with each other. The groove 536 has walls 537 extending toward each other in a generally axial direction of one of the guiding protrusions 532. In some examples, the second alignment element 518 includes threads 539 that mate with the sprinkler head 504. In some examples, the flange 525 is positioned on the second alignment element 518 between the groove 536 and the thread 539.

圖51展示第二對準元件518之另一透視圖。第二對準元件518包含一第一端544及一第二端546。第一端544經構形以與第一對準元件516介接且第二端546經構形以與水龍頭噴灑頭504之一部分配接。第二端546經展示以包含至少一對準止檔548，該至少一對準止檔548經構形以與水龍頭噴灑頭504之一對應噴灑頭對準止檔550配接，如圖52中所展示。對準止檔548、550之操作實質上類似於上文所描述之對準元件。對準止檔548、550有助於正確組裝第二對準元件518及噴灑頭504且對準止檔548、550進一步有助於減少將第二對準元件518自噴灑頭504移除(例如卸下)之機會。FIG. 51 shows another perspective view of the second alignment element 518. FIG. The second alignment element 518 includes a first end 544 and a second end 546. The first end 544 is configured to interface with the first alignment element 516 and the second end 546 is configured to dispensely connect with a portion of the faucet sprinkler 504. The second end 546 is shown to include at least one alignment stop 548 that is configured to mate with one of the faucet sprinkler heads 504 corresponding to the sprinkler alignment stop 550, as shown in FIG. 52 Displayed. The operation of the alignment stops 548, 550 is substantially similar to the alignment elements described above. The alignment stops 548, 550 help to correctly assemble the second alignment element 518 and the sprinkler head 504 and the alignment stops 548, 550 further help to reduce the removal of the second alignment element 518 from the sprinkler head 504 (e.g. Unload) the opportunity.

對準止檔548及噴灑頭對準止檔550包含至少一突出。在一些實例中，如圖51中所展示，對準止檔548可為一突出及一凹槽之一者。在所描繪之實例中，第二對準元件518之第二端546包含一個以上對準止檔。在一些實例中，噴灑頭對準止檔550可為來自第二對準元件518之對準止檔548之突出及凹槽之另一者。The alignment stop 548 and the sprinkler head alignment stop 550 include at least one protrusion. In some examples, as shown in FIG. 51, the alignment stop 548 may be one of a protrusion and a groove. In the depicted example, the second end 546 of the second alignment element 518 includes more than one alignment stop. In some examples, the sprinkler head alignment stop 550 may be the other of the protrusion and the groove of the alignment stop 548 from the second alignment element 518.

對準止檔548包含一彈簧負載片552及一旋轉止檔554，其等經構形以減少第二對準元件516在第二對準元件518與水龍頭噴灑頭504之間的一第一方向F1及一對置第二方向F2上之相對軸向旋轉。當配接在一起時，彈簧負載片552在噴灑頭對準止檔550上方彎曲且旋轉止檔554接合噴灑頭對準止檔550之對置側以減少噴灑頭504與第二對準元件518之間的相對旋轉。因此，當第二對準元件518與噴灑頭504正確對準時，第二對準元件518與第一對準元件516一起工作以使噴灑頭504與水龍頭本體502一致地正確對準。The alignment stop 548 includes a spring load plate 552 and a rotation stop 554, which are configured to reduce a first direction of the second alignment element 516 between the second alignment element 518 and the faucet sprinkler 504 F1 and a pair of opposite axial rotations in the second direction F2. When mated together, the spring load plate 552 is bent over the sprinkler head alignment stop 550 and the rotation stop 554 engages the opposite side of the sprinkler head alignment stop 550 to reduce the sprinkler head 504 and the second alignment element 518 The relative rotation between. Therefore, when the second alignment element 518 and the sprinkler head 504 are correctly aligned, the second alignment element 518 and the first alignment element 516 work together to align the sprinkler head 504 and the faucet body 502 consistently and correctly.

本發明之實例反映於以下實例清單及本文中所包含之申請專利範圍中。Examples of the present invention are reflected in the following list of examples and the scope of patent applications included in this article.

在實例1中，一水龍頭包含一水龍頭本體，該水龍頭本體包含定位於該水龍頭本體內之一出口處之一第一對準元件及定位於該水龍頭本體之該出口處之一水龍頭噴灑頭。該水龍頭噴灑頭包含一第二對準元件，該水龍頭噴灑頭具有相對於該水龍頭本體之一對準位置及複數個未對準位置。該第一對準元件及該第二對準元件形成一對準耦合件，該對準耦合件包含一突出及一錐形槽，其中至少一者可相對於另一者移動，且其中，當該突出定位於該錐形槽之一最窄部分處時，該水龍頭噴灑頭在對準位置中。In Example 1, a faucet includes a faucet body including a first alignment element positioned at an outlet of the faucet body and a faucet spray head positioned at the outlet of the faucet body. The faucet spray head includes a second alignment element, and the faucet spray head has an aligned position and a plurality of misaligned positions relative to the faucet body. The first alignment element and the second alignment element form an alignment coupling, the alignment coupling includes a protrusion and a tapered groove, at least one of which can move relative to the other, and wherein, when When the protrusion is positioned at the narrowest part of one of the tapered grooves, the faucet sprinkler head is in the aligned position.

在實例2中，修改實例1之水龍頭，其中該突出經構形以與該錐形槽之壁介接以對準該水龍頭噴灑頭。In Example 2, the faucet of Example 1 is modified, wherein the protrusion is configured to interface with the wall of the tapered groove to align with the faucet sprinkler.

在實例3中，修改實例1之水龍頭，其中該第一對準元件包含一環及一舌片，該舌片在一軸向方向上自該環延伸，其中該環包含在該水龍頭本體之該出口內自環徑向向內延伸之該突出。In Example 3, the faucet of Example 1 is modified, wherein the first alignment element includes a ring and a tongue extending from the ring in an axial direction, wherein the ring is included in the outlet of the faucet body The inner protrusion extends radially inward from the ring.

在實例4中，修改實例1之水龍頭，該第一對準元件包含一舌片表面，其中該舌片表面自該龍頭本體之該出口在該龍頭本體內延伸，且其中該舌片表面在該龍頭本體之一較低表面上方凸起。In Example 4, the faucet of Example 1 is modified, the first alignment element includes a tongue surface, wherein the tongue surface extends from the outlet of the faucet body in the faucet body, and wherein the tongue surface is in the faucet body One of the lower surface of the faucet body is raised above the lower surface.

在實例5中，修改實例1之水龍頭，其中該第二對準元件一般呈圓柱形，且該錐形槽具有在該第二對準元件之一外表面上依一大體軸向方向朝向彼此延伸以形成一v形槽之壁。In Example 5, the faucet of Example 1 is modified, wherein the second alignment element is generally cylindrical, and the tapered groove has an outer surface of the second alignment element extending toward each other in a substantially axial direction To form the wall of a v-shaped groove.

在實例6中，修改實例1之水龍頭，其中該對準耦合件包至少一定心元件，其中該至少一定心元件經構形以定心該水龍頭本體之該出口內之該水龍頭噴灑頭。In Example 6, the faucet of Example 1 is modified, wherein the alignment coupling includes at least a centered element, and the at least centered element is configured to center the faucet sprinkler in the outlet of the faucet body.

在實例7中，修改實例1之水龍頭，其中該至少一定心元件係定位於該第二對準元件之一周邊處之複數個定心元件。In Example 7, the faucet of Example 1 is modified, wherein the at least centering element is a plurality of centering elements positioned at a periphery of the second alignment element.

在實例8中，修改實例1之水龍頭，其中該水龍頭本體包含一弧形頸，該一弧形頸包含該出口，其中當該水龍頭噴灑頭在該對準位置中時產生一弧形側輪廓，且其中當該水龍頭噴灑頭在該複數個未對準位置時中斷該弧形側輪廓。In Example 8, the faucet of Example 1 is modified, wherein the faucet body includes an arc-shaped neck, the arc-shaped neck includes the outlet, and an arc-shaped side profile is generated when the faucet sprinkler is in the aligned position, And wherein when the faucet sprinkler head is in the plurality of misaligned positions, the arc-shaped side profile is interrupted.

在實例9中，修改實例1之水龍頭，其中當該第一對準元件與該第二對準元件彼此接觸時，該對準耦合件被耦合，且其中當該第一對準元件與該第二對準元件彼此不接觸時，該對準耦合件被解耦合，其中當解耦合時，該水龍頭噴灑頭與該水龍頭本體之該出口間隔開。In Example 9, the faucet of Example 1 is modified, wherein when the first alignment element and the second alignment element are in contact with each other, the alignment coupling member is coupled, and wherein when the first alignment element and the second alignment element are in contact with each other, When the two alignment elements are not in contact with each other, the alignment coupling member is decoupled, wherein when decoupled, the faucet sprinkler is spaced apart from the outlet of the faucet body.

在實例10中，修改實例1之水龍頭以進一步包含連接至該水龍頭噴灑頭之一水管，其中該第二對準元件圍繞該水管固定，其中該水管包含與其連通之一回拉特徵，且其中該回拉特徵將該水龍頭噴灑頭拉向該水龍頭本體之該出口。In Example 10, the faucet of Example 1 is modified to further include a water pipe connected to the faucet sprinkler, wherein the second alignment element is fixed around the water pipe, wherein the water pipe includes a pull-back feature communicating with it, and wherein the The pull back feature pulls the sprinkler head of the faucet toward the outlet of the faucet body.

在實例11中，修改實例10之水龍頭，其中該回拉特徵係附接至該水管之一重量。In Example 11, the faucet of Example 10 is modified, wherein the pull-back feature is attached to a weight of the water pipe.

在實例12中，修改實例1之水龍頭，其中該對準耦合件與該水龍頭本體及水龍頭噴灑頭一體化。In Example 12, the faucet of Example 1 is modified, wherein the alignment coupling is integrated with the faucet body and the faucet sprinkler.

在實例13中，修改實例1之水龍頭，其中該對準耦合件安裝至該水龍頭本體及水龍頭噴灑頭。In Example 13, the faucet of Example 1 is modified, wherein the alignment coupling is installed to the faucet body and the faucet sprinkler.

在實例14中，一水龍頭包含：一水龍頭本體；一水龍頭噴灑頭，其可相對於該水龍頭本體移動；一第一對準元件，其安裝於該水龍頭本體內，該第一對準元件具有一第一對準特徵，該第一對準特徵包含一突出及一錐形槽之一者；及一第二對準元件，其安裝至該水龍頭噴灑頭，該第二對準元件具有一第二對準特徵，該第二對準特徵包含該突出及錐形槽之另一者。該突出經構形以與該錐形槽之壁介接以對準該水龍頭噴灑頭。In Example 14, a faucet includes: a faucet body; a faucet sprinkler head that can move relative to the faucet body; a first alignment element installed in the faucet body, and the first alignment element has a A first alignment feature, the first alignment feature includes one of a protrusion and a tapered groove; and a second alignment element mounted to the faucet sprinkler head, the second alignment element has a second An alignment feature, the second alignment feature includes the other of the protrusion and the tapered groove. The protrusion is configured to interface with the wall of the tapered groove to align with the sprinkler head of the faucet.

在實例15中，修改實例14之水龍頭，其中該第一對準元件包含一環及一舌片，該舌片在一軸向方向上自該環延伸，其中該環包含自其徑向向內延伸之該突出。In Example 15, the faucet of Example 14 is modified, wherein the first alignment element includes a ring and a tongue extending from the ring in an axial direction, wherein the ring includes extending radially inwardly thereof It should be outstanding.

在實例16中，修改實例14之水龍頭，該第一對準元件包含一舌片表面，其中該舌片表面自該龍頭本體之該出口在該龍頭本體內延伸，且其中該舌片表面在該龍頭本體之一較低表面上方凸起。In Example 16, the faucet of Example 14 is modified, the first alignment element includes a tongue surface, wherein the tongue surface extends from the outlet of the faucet body in the faucet body, and wherein the tongue surface is in the faucet body One of the lower surface of the faucet body is raised above the lower surface.

在實例17中，修改實例14之水龍頭，其中該第二對準元件一般呈圓柱形，且該錐形槽具有在該第二對準元件之一外表面上依一大體軸向方向朝向彼此延伸以形成一v形槽之壁。In Example 17, the faucet of Example 14 is modified, wherein the second alignment element is generally cylindrical, and the tapered groove has an outer surface of the second alignment element extending toward each other in a substantially axial direction To form the wall of a v-shaped groove.

在實例18中，修改實例14之水龍頭，其中該第二對準元件包含複數個定心元件，其中該複數個定心元件經構形以定心該水龍頭本體之該出口內之該水龍頭噴灑頭，且其中該複數個定心元件定位於該第二對準元件之一周邊處。In Example 18, the faucet of Example 14 is modified, wherein the second alignment element includes a plurality of centering elements, and the plurality of centering elements are configured to center the faucet sprinkler in the outlet of the faucet body , And wherein the plurality of centering elements are positioned at a periphery of the second alignment element.

在實例19中，用於一水龍頭之一對準耦合件包含：一第一對準元件，其可定位於一水龍頭本體內，該第一對準元件具有一第一對準特徵，該第一對準特徵包含一突出及一錐形槽之一者；及一第二對準元件，其可相對於該第一對準元件移動，該第二對準元件具有一第二對準特徵，該第二對準特徵包含該突出及錐形槽之另一者。該錐形槽包含朝向彼此延伸之壁，且該等壁將該突出導引至該錐形槽之一最窄部分。In Example 19, an alignment coupling for a faucet includes: a first alignment element that can be positioned in a faucet body, the first alignment element has a first alignment feature, the first alignment element The alignment feature includes one of a protrusion and a tapered groove; and a second alignment element that can move relative to the first alignment element, the second alignment element having a second alignment feature, the The second alignment feature includes the other of the protrusion and the tapered groove. The tapered groove includes walls extending toward each other, and the walls guide the protrusion to one of the narrowest parts of the tapered groove.

在實例20中，修改實例19之對準耦合件，其中該第一對準元件包含一環及一舌片，該舌片在一軸向方向上自該環延伸，其中該環包含自其徑向向內延伸之該突出。In Example 20, the alignment coupling of Example 19 is modified, wherein the first alignment element includes a ring and a tongue extending from the ring in an axial direction, wherein the ring includes radially The protrusion that extends inward.

在實例21中，修改實例20之對準耦合件，其中該第一對準元件包含係一突出及一凹槽之至少一者之一水龍頭本體對準部分，其中該水龍頭本體對準部分與該水龍頭本體之一對應突出及凹槽接合以在該水龍頭本體內對準該第一對準元件。In Example 21, the alignment coupling of Example 20 is modified, wherein the first alignment element includes a faucet body alignment portion that is at least one of a protrusion and a groove, wherein the faucet body alignment portion is aligned with the One of the faucet body is engaged with a corresponding protrusion and groove to align the first alignment element in the faucet body.

在實例22中，修改實例19之對準耦合件，其中該第一對準元件可定位於該水龍頭本體之一出口處。In Example 22, the alignment coupling of Example 19 is modified, wherein the first alignment element can be positioned at an outlet of the faucet body.

在實例23中，修改實例19之對準耦合件，其中該第二對準元件一般呈圓柱形，且該錐形槽具有在該第二對準元件之一外表面上依一大體軸向方向朝向彼此延伸以形成一v形槽之壁。In Example 23, the alignment coupling of Example 19 is modified, wherein the second alignment element is generally cylindrical, and the tapered groove has a substantially axial direction on an outer surface of the second alignment element. The walls extend toward each other to form a v-shaped groove.

在實例24中，修改實例19之對準耦合件，其中該第二對準元件可相鄰該噴灑頭定位。In Example 24, the alignment coupling of Example 19 is modified, wherein the second alignment element can be positioned adjacent to the sprinkler head.

在實例25中，修改實例19之對準耦合件，其中該第二對準元件連接至該噴灑頭。In Example 25, the alignment coupling of Example 19 is modified, wherein the second alignment element is connected to the sprinkler head.

在實例26中，修改實例25之對準耦合件，其中該第二對準元件一般呈圓柱形且包含一第一段及一第二端。該第一端經構形以與該第一對準元件介接且該第二端經構形以與該噴灑頭之一部分配接。該第二端具有至少一對準止檔，該等對準止檔經構形以與該噴灑頭之一噴灑頭對準止檔配接以防止在該噴灑頭與該第二對準元件之間的一第一方向上之旋轉，且該至少一對準止檔及該噴灑頭對準止檔包含至少一突出。In Example 26, the alignment coupling of Example 25 is modified, wherein the second alignment element is generally cylindrical and includes a first section and a second end. The first end is configured to interface with the first alignment element and the second end is configured to connect with a portion of the sprinkler head. The second end has at least one alignment stop, and the alignment stops are configured to mate with a sprinkler head alignment stop of the sprinkler head to prevent the sprinkler head and the second alignment element And the at least one alignment stop and the sprinkler head alignment stop include at least one protrusion.

在實例27中，修改實例26之對準耦合件，其中當該至少一對準止檔及該噴灑頭對準止檔彼此配接時，且當該第一對準特徵之該突出定位於該錐形槽之該最窄部分內時，該噴灑頭及水龍頭本體在一對準位置中，其中該水龍頭本體包含一弧形頸，且其中當該噴灑頭與該水龍頭本體在該對準位置中時，一弧形側輪廓產生。In Example 27, the alignment coupling of Example 26 is modified, wherein when the at least one alignment stop and the sprinkler head alignment stop are mated with each other, and when the protrusion of the first alignment feature is positioned at the In the narrowest part of the tapered groove, the sprinkler head and the faucet body are in an aligned position, wherein the faucet body includes an arc-shaped neck, and when the sprinkler head and the faucet body are in the aligned position When, an arc-shaped side profile is produced.

在實例28中，修改實例26之對準耦合件，其中該噴灑頭包含具有一附接部分之一閥組件，該附接部分經構形以連接至該第二對準元件之該第二端，其中該噴灑頭對準止檔相鄰該附接部分定位。In Example 28, the alignment coupling of Example 26 is modified, wherein the sprinkler head includes a valve assembly having an attachment portion configured to be connected to the second end of the second alignment element , Wherein the sprinkler head is aligned with the stop and positioned adjacent to the attachment part.

在實例29中，修改實例28之對準耦合件，其中該附接部分包含其上之螺紋，該螺紋經構形以在該第二對準元件之該第二端內接收以允許該噴灑頭與該第二對準元件之間的一螺紋附接。In Example 29, the alignment coupling of Example 28 is modified, wherein the attachment portion includes a thread thereon, the thread being configured to be received in the second end of the second alignment element to allow the spray head A threaded attachment with the second alignment element.

在實例30中，修改實例26之對準耦合件，其中該噴灑頭對準止檔安置於該噴灑頭之一閥之一閥組件上，其中該閥經由定位於該噴灑頭上之一使用者輸入來控制。In Example 30, the alignment coupling of Example 26 is modified, wherein the sprinkler head alignment stop is arranged on a valve and a valve assembly of the sprinkler head, wherein the valve is input by a user located on the sprinkler head To control.

在實例31中，一流體分配裝置包含：一本體；一噴灑頭，其可相對於該本體移動；一水管，其定位於該本體內且連接至一接頭處之該噴灑頭，該接頭具有定位於該噴灑頭內之一球形部分；及一密封件總成，其定位於該噴灑頭內且至少部分圍繞該接頭之該球形部分定位。該密封件總成包含：一托座，其界定一內部密封室，該內部密封室具有一第一端及一第二端；一第一密封件，其圍繞該接頭之該球形部分定位；一第二密封件，其具有圍繞該接頭之該球形部分定位之一開口；一密封件托座，其定位於該第一密封件與該第二密封件之間，該密封件托座及第二密封件互鎖以減少該第二密封件與該密封件托座之間的相對旋轉；及一彈簧，其定位於該內部密封室內，其中該彈簧定位於該密封室之該第一端與該第二密封件之間。In Example 31, a fluid distribution device includes: a body; a sprinkler head that can move relative to the body; a water pipe positioned in the body and connected to the sprinkler head at a joint, the joint having a positioning A spherical part in the sprinkler head; and a seal assembly positioned in the sprinkler head and at least partially positioned around the spherical part of the joint. The sealing element assembly includes: a bracket defining an internal sealed chamber having a first end and a second end; a first sealing element positioned around the spherical portion of the joint; The second sealing element has an opening positioned around the spherical portion of the joint; a sealing element holder is positioned between the first sealing element and the second sealing element, the sealing element holder and the second sealing element The sealing elements are interlocked to reduce the relative rotation between the second sealing element and the sealing element holder; and a spring positioned in the inner sealed chamber, wherein the spring is positioned at the first end of the sealed chamber and the Between the second seals.

在實例32中，修改實例31之流體分配裝置以進一步包含：一彈簧籠，其定位於該內部密封室內，該彈簧籠具有一第二密封凸緣及一流體部分，其中該第二密封凸緣接觸該第二密封及該彈簧，且該流體部分由該彈簧包圍，其中該流體部分具有一穿孔構造。In Example 32, the fluid distribution device of Example 31 is modified to further include: a spring cage positioned in the internal sealing chamber, the spring cage having a second sealing flange and a fluid part, wherein the second sealing flange The second seal and the spring are contacted, and the fluid part is surrounded by the spring, wherein the fluid part has a perforated structure.

在實例33中，修改實例32之流體分配裝置，其中該彈簧籠之該流體部分呈圓柱形。In Example 33, the fluid distribution device of Example 32 is modified, wherein the fluid part of the spring cage is cylindrical.

在實例34中，修改實例31之流體分配裝置，其中該密封件托座及該第二密封件使用複數個突出及凹槽來互鎖。In Example 34, the fluid distribution device of Example 31 is modified, wherein the seal holder and the second seal use a plurality of protrusions and grooves to interlock.

在實例35中，修改實例31之流體分配裝置，其中該托座、第一密封件、第二密封件及密封件托座定位於該噴灑頭之一主體凹槽內。In Example 35, the fluid distribution device of Example 31 is modified, wherein the holder, the first sealing member, the second sealing member, and the sealing member holder are positioned in a main groove of the sprinkler head.

在實例36中，修改實例31之流體分配裝置，其中該第一密封件、第二密封件及密封件托座未定位於該內部密封室內。In Example 36, the fluid distribution device of Example 31 is modified, wherein the first sealing member, the second sealing member and the sealing member holder are not positioned in the internal sealed chamber.

在實例37中，修改實例31之流體分配裝置，其中該第二密封件可圍繞該接頭之該球形部分之一端部壓縮。In Example 37, the fluid distribution device of Example 31 is modified, wherein the second sealing member can be compressed around one end of the spherical portion of the joint.

在實例38中，修改實例37之流體分配裝置，其中該第二密封件在面向該內部密封室之一側處係可壓縮的。In Example 38, the fluid distribution device of Example 37 is modified, wherein the second sealing member is compressible at a side facing the inner sealed chamber.

在實例39中，修改實例37之流體分配裝置，其中該第二密封件可由水壓壓縮。In Example 39, the fluid distribution device of Example 37 is modified, wherein the second sealing member can be compressed by water pressure.

在實例40中，一流體分配裝置包含：一本體；一噴灑頭，其可相對於該本體移動；一水管，其定位於該本體內且連接至一接頭處之該噴灑頭，該接頭具有定位於該噴灑頭內之一球形部分；及一密封件總成，其定位於該噴灑頭內且至少部分圍繞該接頭之該球形部分定位，其中當該噴灑頭分配水時，該密封件總成自動增大圍繞該接頭之一密封力。In Example 40, a fluid distribution device includes: a body; a sprinkler head that can move relative to the body; a water pipe positioned in the body and connected to the sprinkler head at a joint, the joint having a positioning A spherical part in the sprinkler head; and a seal assembly positioned in the sprinkler head and at least partially positioned around the spherical part of the joint, wherein when the sprinkler head dispenses water, the seal assembly Automatically increase the sealing force around one of the joints.

在實例41中，進一步修改實例40之流體分配裝置，其中該密封件總成包含：一托座，其界定一內部密封室，該內部密封室具有一第一端及第二端；一第一密封件，其圍繞該接頭之該球形部分定位；一第二密封件，其具有圍繞該接頭之該球形部分定位之一開口；一密封件托座，其定位於該第一密封件與該第二密封件之間，該密封件托座及第二密封件互鎖以減少該第二密封件與該密封件托座之間的相對旋轉；及一彈簧，其定位於該內部密封室內，其中該彈簧定位於該內部密封室之該第一端與該第二密封件之間。In Example 41, the fluid distribution device of Example 40 is further modified, wherein the seal assembly includes: a bracket defining an internal sealed chamber, the internal sealed chamber having a first end and a second end; a first A sealing element positioned around the spherical part of the joint; a second sealing element having an opening positioned around the spherical part of the joint; a sealing element holder positioned between the first sealing element and the first sealing element Between the two sealing elements, the sealing element holder and the second sealing element are interlocked to reduce the relative rotation between the second sealing element and the sealing element holder; and a spring positioned in the internal sealing chamber, wherein The spring is positioned between the first end of the inner sealed chamber and the second sealing member.

在實例42中，操作一流體分配裝置之一方法包含：提供一本體及可相對於該本體移動之一噴灑頭；提供定位於該本體內且連接至一接頭處之該噴灑頭之一水管，該接頭具有定位於該噴灑頭內之一球形部分；提供定位於該噴灑頭內且至少部分圍繞該接頭之該球形部分定位之一密封件總成；當該噴灑頭分配水時，使用該密封件總成自動增大圍繞該接頭之一密封力；及當該噴灑頭未分配水時，使用改密封件總成自動減小圍繞該接頭之一密封力。In Example 42, a method of operating a fluid distribution device includes: providing a body and a sprinkler head movable relative to the body; providing a water pipe of the sprinkler head positioned in the body and connected to a joint, The joint has a spherical part positioned in the sprinkler head; a seal assembly positioned in the sprinkler head and at least partially positioned around the spherical part of the joint is provided; the seal is used when the sprinkler head dispenses water The part assembly automatically increases the sealing force around the joint; and when the sprinkler head does not dispense water, the sealing part assembly is used to automatically reduce the sealing force around the joint.

在實例43中，一水龍頭包含一水龍頭本體及一水龍頭噴灑頭，該水龍頭噴灑頭可自相鄰該水龍頭本體之一縮回位置及遠離該水龍頭本體之一延伸位置移動。在該縮回位置中，該水龍頭噴灑頭具有與該水龍頭本體對準之一位置。該水龍頭包含一對準耦合件。該對準耦合件包含一第一對準元件，其連接至該水龍頭本體；及一第二對準元件，其連接至該水龍頭噴灑頭。該對準耦合件包含一突出及一錐形槽。該突出或該錐形槽之至少一者可相對於另一者移動，且該錐形槽將該突出導引至該錐形槽之一狹窄部分以將該水龍頭噴灑頭導引至該對準位置。該水龍頭包含一固位耦合件，其經構形以保持該水龍頭本體與該水龍頭噴灑頭彼此緊鄰。該固位耦合件包含一第一固位元件，其連接至該水龍頭本體及一第二固位元件，其連接至該水龍頭噴灑頭。該固位耦合件與該對準耦合件分離，且該第一固位元件或該第二固位元件之至少一者係一磁鐵。In Example 43, a faucet includes a faucet body and a faucet spray head, and the faucet spray head can move from a retracted position of the adjacent faucet body and an extended position away from the faucet body. In the retracted position, the faucet spray head has a position aligned with the faucet body. The faucet includes an alignment coupling. The alignment coupling includes a first alignment element connected to the faucet body; and a second alignment element connected to the faucet sprinkler head. The alignment coupling includes a protrusion and a tapered groove. At least one of the protrusion or the tapered groove is movable relative to the other, and the tapered groove guides the protrusion to a narrow part of the tapered groove to guide the faucet sprinkler to the alignment Location. The faucet includes a retention coupling member that is configured to keep the faucet body and the faucet spray head close to each other. The retention coupling includes a first retention element connected to the faucet body and a second retention element connected to the faucet spray head. The retention coupling is separated from the alignment coupling, and at least one of the first retention element or the second retention element is a magnet.

在實例44中，修改實例43之水龍頭，其中該第二對準元件將該第二固位元件至少部分地固定於該水龍頭噴灑頭中。In Example 44, the faucet of Example 43 is modified, wherein the second alignment element at least partially fixes the second retaining element in the faucet sprinkler head.

在實例45中，修改實例43之水龍頭，其中該第一固位元件將該第一對準元件至少部分地固定於該水龍頭本體中。In Example 45, the faucet of Example 43 is modified, wherein the first retaining element at least partially fixes the first alignment element in the faucet body.

在實例46中，修改實例43之水龍頭，其中該水龍頭噴灑頭中之該第二固位元件係一磁鐵。In Example 46, the faucet of Example 43 is modified, wherein the second retaining element in the sprinkler of the faucet is a magnet.

在實例47中，修改實例43之水龍頭，其中該第一對準元件包含一環及一舌片，該舌片在一軸向方向上自該環延伸，至少部分地自該水龍頭本體之一出口延伸至該水龍頭本體內，其中該環包含在該水龍頭本體之該出口內自環徑向向內延伸之該突出，其中該第二對準元件一般呈圓柱形，且其中該錐形槽具有在該第二對準元件之一外表面上依一大體軸向方向朝向彼此延伸以形成一v形槽之壁。In Example 47, the faucet of Example 43 is modified, wherein the first alignment element includes a ring and a tongue extending from the ring in an axial direction and at least partially extending from an outlet of the faucet body Into the faucet body, wherein the ring includes the protrusion extending radially inward from the ring in the outlet of the faucet body, wherein the second alignment element is generally cylindrical, and wherein the tapered groove has a An outer surface of the second alignment element extends toward each other in a substantially axial direction to form a wall of a v-shaped groove.

在實例48中，修改實例43之水龍頭，其中該第一固位元件係焊接至該水龍頭本體中之一不鏽鋼環。In Example 48, the faucet of Example 43 is modified, wherein the first retaining element is welded to a stainless steel ring in the faucet body.

在實例49中，修改實例43之水龍頭，其中該磁鐵係一塗覆釹磁鐵。In Example 49, the faucet of Example 43 is modified, wherein the magnet is a neodymium-coated magnet.

在實例50中，修改實例48之水龍頭，其中該磁鐵藉由環氧樹脂保持於該水龍頭噴灑頭中之位置中。In Example 50, the faucet of Example 48 is modified, wherein the magnet is held in position in the faucet spray head by epoxy resin.

在實例51中，修改實例48之水龍頭，其中該磁鐵至少部分定位於該第二對準元件與一緩衝器之間。In Example 51, the faucet of Example 48 is modified, wherein the magnet is at least partially positioned between the second alignment element and a buffer.

在實例52中，修改實例43之水龍頭，其中該磁鐵至少部分定位於該第二對準元件與一定位環之間的該水龍頭噴灑頭內。In Example 52, the faucet of Example 43 is modified, wherein the magnet is at least partially positioned in the faucet spray head between the second alignment element and a positioning ring.

在實例53中，修改實例52之水龍頭以進一步包含定位於該磁鐵與該定位環之間的一緩衝器。In Example 53, the faucet of Example 52 is modified to further include a buffer positioned between the magnet and the positioning ring.

在實例54中，修改實例43之水龍頭，其中當該第一對準元件與該第二對準元件彼此接觸時，該對準耦合件被耦合，且其中當該第一對準元件與該第二對準元件彼此不接觸時，該對準耦合件被解耦合，其中當解耦合時，該水龍頭噴灑頭與該水龍頭本體之一出口間隔開。In Example 54, the faucet of Example 43 is modified, wherein when the first alignment element and the second alignment element are in contact with each other, the alignment coupling member is coupled, and wherein when the first alignment element and the second alignment element are in contact with each other, When the two alignment elements are not in contact with each other, the alignment coupling is decoupled, wherein when decoupled, the faucet sprinkler is spaced apart from an outlet of the faucet body.

在實例55中，修改實例43之水龍頭以進一步包含連接至該水龍頭噴灑頭之一水管，其中該第二對準元件及第二固位元件圍繞該水管定位。In Example 55, the faucet of Example 43 is modified to further include a water pipe connected to the faucet sprinkler, wherein the second alignment element and the second retaining element are positioned around the water pipe.

在實例56中，修改實例43之水龍頭，其中該第二對準元件一般呈圓柱形且包含一第一端及一第二端，其中該第一端經構形以與該第一對準元件介接且該第二端經構形以與該水龍頭噴灑頭之一部分配接，該第二端具有至少一對準止檔，該等對準止檔經構形以與該水龍頭噴灑頭之一噴灑頭對準止檔配接以減少在該水龍頭噴灑頭與該第二對準元件之間的一第一方向上之旋轉，且其中該至少一對準止檔及該噴灑頭對準止檔包含至少一突出。In Example 56, the faucet of Example 43 is modified, wherein the second alignment element is generally cylindrical and includes a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is configured to be aligned with the first alignment element The second end is configured to be connected to a part of the faucet sprinkler head, the second end has at least one alignment stopper, and the alignment stoppers are configured to be aligned with one of the faucet sprinkler head The sprinkler head alignment stop is matched to reduce the rotation in a first direction between the faucet sprinkler head and the second alignment element, and wherein the at least one alignment stop and the sprinkler head alignment stop Contains at least one highlight.

在實例57中，修改實例56之水龍頭，其中該至少一對準止檔包含經構形以接觸該噴灑頭對準止檔之一彈簧負載片。In Example 57, the faucet of Example 56 is modified, wherein the at least one alignment stop includes a spring loaded plate that is configured to contact the sprinkler head alignment stop.

在實例58中，修改實例57之水龍頭，其中該至少一對準止檔包含一旋轉止檔，其中該彈簧負載片及該旋轉止檔經構形以減少在該第二對準元件與該水龍頭噴灑頭之間的該第一方向及一第二方向上之相對旋轉。In Example 58, the faucet of Example 57 is modified, wherein the at least one alignment stop includes a rotation stop, wherein the spring load plate and the rotation stop are configured to reduce the gap between the second alignment element and the faucet The relative rotation between the spray heads in the first direction and in the second direction.

在實例59中，修改實例43之水龍頭，其中該水龍頭噴灑頭具有相對於該水龍頭本體之複數個未對準位置。In Example 59, the faucet of Example 43 is modified, wherein the faucet spray head has a plurality of misaligned positions relative to the faucet body.

在實例60中，修改實例43之水龍頭，其中該第一對準元件至少部分地定位於該水龍頭本體之一出口與該水龍頭本體之一弧形頸之一頂點之間。In Example 60, the faucet of Example 43 is modified, wherein the first alignment element is at least partially positioned between an outlet of the faucet body and an apex of an arc-shaped neck of the faucet body.

在實例61中，修改實例43之水龍頭，其中該第一固位元件相鄰該水龍頭本體之一出口定位。In Example 61, the faucet of Example 43 is modified, wherein the first retaining element is positioned adjacent to an outlet of the faucet body.

在實例62中，一水龍頭包含一水龍頭本體，其具有一出口及一軟管，該軟管定位於該水龍頭本體內且穿過該出口。該軟管可在該水龍頭本體內移動。該水龍頭包含一水龍頭噴灑頭，其連接至該軟管且可在一延伸位置與一縮回位置之間移動。當在該延伸位置中時，該噴灑頭與該水龍頭本體之該出口間隔開，且當在該縮回位置中時，該噴灑頭緊鄰該出口定位。該水龍頭包含一對準耦合件，該對準耦合件包含一第一對準元件，其連接至該水龍頭本體；及一第二對準元件，其連接至該水龍頭噴灑頭。該對準耦合件使該水龍頭噴灑頭與該水龍頭本體對準。該水龍頭包含一固位耦合件，其經構形以保持該水龍頭本體與該水龍頭噴灑頭彼此緊鄰。該固位耦合件包含一第一固位元件，其連接至該水龍頭本體，與該第一對準元件相鄰；及一第二固位元件，其至少部分地由該第二對準元件定位於該水龍頭噴灑頭中。該第一固位元件或該第二固位元件之至少一者係一磁鐵。In Example 62, a faucet includes a faucet body with an outlet and a hose, and the hose is positioned in the faucet body and passes through the outlet. The hose can move within the faucet body. The faucet includes a faucet spray head, which is connected to the hose and can move between an extended position and a retracted position. When in the extended position, the sprinkler head is spaced apart from the outlet of the faucet body, and when in the retracted position, the sprinkler head is positioned next to the outlet. The faucet includes an alignment coupling element, and the alignment coupling element includes a first alignment element connected to the faucet body; and a second alignment element connected to the sprinkler head of the faucet. The alignment coupling aligns the faucet sprinkler head with the faucet body. The faucet includes a retention coupling member that is configured to keep the faucet body and the faucet spray head close to each other. The retention coupling includes a first retention element connected to the faucet body and adjacent to the first alignment element; and a second retention element at least partially positioned by the second alignment element In the sprinkler head of the faucet. At least one of the first retaining element or the second retaining element is a magnet.

在實例62中，修改實例61之水龍頭，其中該第二對準元件一般呈圓柱形且包含一第一端及一第二端，其中該第一端經構形以與該第一對準元件介接且該第二端經構形以與該水龍頭噴灑頭之一部分配接，該第二端具有至少一對準止檔，該等對準止檔經構形以與該水龍頭噴灑頭之一噴灑頭對準止檔配接，其中該至少一對準止檔及該噴灑頭對準止檔包含至少一突出，且其中該至少一對準止檔包含一彈簧負載片及一旋轉止檔，該彈簧負載片及該旋轉止檔經構形以減少在該第二對準元件與該水龍頭噴灑頭之間的一第一方向及一第二方向上之相對旋轉。In Example 62, the faucet of Example 61 is modified, wherein the second alignment element is generally cylindrical and includes a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is configured to be aligned with the first alignment element The second end is configured to be connected to a part of the faucet sprinkler head, the second end has at least one alignment stopper, and the alignment stoppers are configured to be aligned with one of the faucet sprinkler head The sprinkler head is matched with an alignment stop, wherein the at least one alignment stop and the sprinkler head alignment stop include at least one protrusion, and the at least one alignment stop includes a spring load plate and a rotation stop, The spring load plate and the rotation stop are configured to reduce relative rotation in a first direction and a second direction between the second alignment element and the faucet sprinkler.

在實例63中，一水龍頭包含一水龍頭本體及一水龍頭噴灑頭，該水龍頭噴灑頭可定位於該水龍頭本體之一出口處且可與該水龍頭本體之一出口分離。該水龍頭噴灑頭具有與該水龍頭本體對準之一位置。該水龍頭包含一固位耦合件，其經構形以保持該水龍頭本體與該水龍頭噴灑頭彼此緊鄰。該固位耦合件包含一第一固位元件，其連接至該水龍頭本體之該出口。該第一固位元件包含一固定特徵，其經構形以有助於減少該第一固位元件與該出口之間的相對移動。該固位耦合件包含一第二固位元件，其依一凸緣定位於該水龍頭噴灑頭內。當該水龍頭本體與該水龍頭噴灑頭彼此緊鄰時，該凸緣定位於該第一固位元件與該第二固位元件之間。該第一固位元件或該第二固位元件之至少一者係一磁鐵。In Example 63, a faucet includes a faucet body and a faucet spray head. The faucet spray head can be positioned at an outlet of the faucet body and can be separated from an outlet of the faucet body. The faucet spray head has a position aligned with the faucet body. The faucet includes a retention coupling member that is configured to keep the faucet body and the faucet spray head close to each other. The retention coupling includes a first retention element connected to the outlet of the faucet body. The first retention element includes a fixing feature that is configured to help reduce relative movement between the first retention element and the outlet. The retention coupling includes a second retention element, which is positioned in the sprinkler head of the faucet according to a flange. When the faucet body and the faucet sprinkler are in close proximity to each other, the flange is positioned between the first retaining element and the second retaining element. At least one of the first retaining element or the second retaining element is a magnet.

在實例64中，修改實例63之水龍頭以進一步包含一對準耦合件，該對準耦合件包括：一第一對準元件，其連接至該水龍頭本體；及一第二對準元件，其連接至該水龍頭噴灑頭；其中該對準耦合件包含一突出及一錐形槽，其中該突出或該錐形槽之至少一者可相對於另一者移動，且其中該錐形槽將該突出導引至該錐形槽之一狹窄部分以將該水龍頭噴灑頭導引至該對準位置。In Example 64, the faucet of Example 63 is modified to further include an alignment coupling, the alignment coupling including: a first alignment element connected to the faucet body; and a second alignment element connected to To the faucet sprinkler; wherein the alignment coupling includes a protrusion and a tapered groove, wherein at least one of the protrusion or the tapered groove can move relative to the other, and wherein the tapered groove protrudes Guide to a narrow part of the tapered groove to guide the faucet sprinkler to the aligned position.

提供上文所描述之各種實施例以僅供說明且不應被解釋為限制附接至其之申請專利範圍。熟習技術者將易於認識到，可在不遵循本文中所繪示及描述之實例實施例及應用之情況下且可在不背離以下申請專利範圍之真正精神及範疇之情況下進行各種修改及改變。The various embodiments described above are provided for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the scope of patent applications attached thereto. Those who are familiar with the technology will easily realize that various modifications and changes can be made without following the example embodiments and applications shown and described in this article and without departing from the true spirit and scope of the scope of the following patent applications .

35:線 100:水龍頭 102:水龍頭本體 103:外輪廓 104:水龍頭噴灑頭 105:外輪廓 106:水龍頭本體出口 108:弧形頸/頸部 110:使用者輸入 112:噴灑頭出口 114:對準耦合件 116:第一對準元件 118:第二對準元件 120:較低內表面 121:頂側 122:路徑 124:水管/軟管 126:舌片 128:水龍頭本體對準部分 130:凹槽 131:環 132:突出 134:內腔 136:槽 138:定心元件 140:壁 142:傾斜部分 144:第一端 146:第二端 147:開口 148:壁 150:穴 152:通道 154:開口 156:內螺紋 158:凹槽 160:外殼 162:閥 166:附接部分 168:突出 170:接頭 218:第二對準元件 258:內螺紋 316:第一對準元件 317:開口 318:第二對準元件 319:通道 321:錐形外表面 332:突出 338:定心元件 348:斜面 350:穴 415:接頭內部通路 417:球形部分 418:第二對準元件 419:水管接頭 460:第一端 462:第二端 466:附接部分 470:閥組件 472:第二對準止檔元件 474:噴灑頭止檔 475:密封件總成 476:托座 477:軸環 478:第一密封件 479:第二密封件 480:密封件托座 481:彈簧 482:彈簧籠 483:內通路 484:第一端 485:錐形孔 486:主內腔 487:第二端 488:第一軸向側 489:第二軸向側 490:孔 491:內部密封室 492:第一端 493:第二端 494:龍部分 495:凸緣 497:縫 498:突出 499:凹槽 500:水龍頭 502:水龍頭本體 504:水龍頭噴灑頭 506:水龍頭本體出口 507:突出 508:頸部 509:凹槽 510:使用者輸入 514:對準耦合件 515:固位耦合件 516:第一對準元件 517:第一固位元件 518:第二對準元件 519:第二固位元件 521:定位環 522:蓋 523:緩衝器 524:水管接頭 525:凸緣 526:舌片 531:環 532:突出 533:輔助對準突出 535:緊固件 536:槽 537:壁 539:螺紋 542:傾斜部分 544:第一端 546:第二端 548:對準止檔 550:噴灑頭對準止檔 552:彈簧負載片 554:旋轉止檔 562:閥 B:中心軸 F1:第一方向 F2:第二方向 H:水平 S:縱軸 W:箭頭/加壓水 X:縱軸 θ:角度35: line 100: Faucet 102: Faucet body 103: Outer contour 104: faucet sprinkler head 105: Outer contour 106: Outlet of faucet body 108: curved neck/neck 110: User input 112: sprinkler outlet 114: Align the coupling 116: first alignment element 118: second alignment element 120: lower inner surface 121: top side 122: Path 124: water pipe/hose 126: Tongue 128: Alignment part of the faucet body 130: Groove 131: Ring 132: Outstanding 134: Internal cavity 136: Groove 138: Centering element 140: wall 142: Inclined part 144: first end 146: second end 147: open 148: Wall 150: Hole 152: Channel 154: open 156: Internal thread 158: Groove 160: shell 162: Valve 166: attachment part 168: Outstanding 170: Connector 218: second alignment element 258: Internal thread 316: first alignment element 317: open 318: second alignment element 319: Channel 321: Conical outer surface 332: Outstanding 338: Centering element 348: Slope 350: hole 415: Internal passage of the connector 417: spherical part 418: second alignment element 419: Water pipe joint 460: first end 462: second end 466: attachment part 470: valve assembly 472: second alignment stop element 474: Sprinkler head stop 475: seal assembly 476: Bracket 477: Collar 478: first seal 479: second seal 480: Seal bracket 481: spring 482: spring cage 483: Inner Path 484: first end 485: tapered hole 486: main cavity 487: second end 488: first axial side 489: second axial side 490: hole 491: Internal Sealed Room 492: first end 493: second end 494: Dragon Part 495: Flange 497: seam 498: Outstanding 499: groove 500: Faucet 502: Faucet body 504: Faucet sprinkler 506: Faucet body outlet 507: Outstanding 508: neck 509: Groove 510: User input 514: Align the coupling 515: retention coupling 516: first alignment element 517: first retention element 518: second alignment element 519: second retention element 521: positioning ring 522: cover 523: Buffer 524: Water pipe joint 525: flange 526: tongue 531: ring 532: Outstanding 533: Auxiliary Alignment Protruding 535: Fastener 536: Slot 537: Wall 539: Thread 542: inclined part 544: first end 546: second end 548: Alignment Stop 550: Sprinkler head aligned to stop 552: Spring load plate 554: Rotation Stop 562: Valve B: Central axis F1: First direction F2: second direction H: level S: vertical axis W: arrow/pressurized water X: vertical axis θ: Angle

以下圖式說明本發明之特定實施例且因此不限制本發明之範疇。圖式未按比例繪製且意欲結合以下詳細描述中之說明使用。下文將結合附圖描述本發明之實施例，其中相同數字標示相同元件。The following drawings illustrate specific embodiments of the present invention and therefore do not limit the scope of the present invention. The drawings are not drawn to scale and are intended to be used in conjunction with the description in the detailed description below. Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the same numbers designate the same elements.

圖1繪示根據本發明之一實施例之其中一噴灑頭在一對準位置中之一水龍頭之一透視圖。Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a faucet in an aligned position of a sprinkler head according to an embodiment of the present invention.

圖2繪示其中噴灑頭在一延伸、未對準位置中之圖1之水龍頭(不包含一水管)之一透視圖。Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of the faucet (not including a water pipe) of Fig. 1 with the sprinkler head in an extended, misaligned position.

圖3繪示其中噴灑頭在一延伸、未對準位置中之圖1之水龍頭之一透視示意圖。Fig. 3 is a perspective schematic view of the faucet of Fig. 1 in which the sprinkler head is in an extended, misaligned position.

圖4繪示其中噴灑頭在一延伸、未對準位置中之圖1之水龍頭之一透視示意圖。Fig. 4 is a perspective schematic view of the faucet of Fig. 1 in which the sprinkler head is in an extended, misaligned position.

圖5繪示其中噴灑頭在對準位置中之圖1之水龍頭之一透視示意圖。Fig. 5 shows a perspective schematic view of the faucet of Fig. 1 with the sprinkler head in the aligned position.

圖6繪示其中噴灑頭在對準位置中之圖1之水龍頭之一側截面圖。Fig. 6 shows a side cross-sectional view of the faucet of Fig. 1 with the sprinkler head in the aligned position.

圖7繪示圖1之水龍頭之一水龍頭本體及一第一對準元件之一側截面圖。FIG. 7 is a side cross-sectional view of a faucet body and a first alignment element of the faucet of FIG. 1. FIG.

圖8繪示圖1之水龍頭之一噴灑頭及一第二對準元件之一透視圖。Fig. 8 is a perspective view of a sprinkler head and a second alignment element of the faucet of Fig. 1;

圖9繪示圖8之噴灑頭及第二對準元件之一部分透視分解圖。FIG. 9 is a partial perspective exploded view of the sprinkler head and the second alignment element of FIG. 8. FIG.

圖10繪示根據本發明之一實例之包含第一對準元件及第二對準元件之一對準耦合件之一部分透視分解圖。FIG. 10 is a partial perspective exploded view of an alignment coupling including a first alignment element and a second alignment element according to an example of the present invention.

圖11繪示在一完全接合位置中之圖10之對準耦合件之一透視圖。Figure 11 shows a perspective view of the alignment coupling of Figure 10 in a fully engaged position.

圖12繪示圖10之第一對準元件之一透視圖。Fig. 12 is a perspective view of the first alignment element of Fig. 10;

圖13繪示圖10之第一對準元件之另一透視圖。FIG. 13 is another perspective view of the first alignment element of FIG. 10. FIG.

圖14繪示圖10之第一對準元件之一側截面圖。FIG. 14 is a side cross-sectional view of the first alignment element of FIG. 10.

圖15繪示圖10之第二對準元件之一透視圖。Fig. 15 is a perspective view of the second alignment element of Fig. 10;

圖16繪示圖10之第二對準元件之一側視圖。FIG. 16 is a side view of the second alignment element of FIG. 10. FIG.

圖17繪示圖10之第二對準元件之一側截面圖。FIG. 17 is a side cross-sectional view of the second alignment element of FIG. 10.

圖18繪示根據本發明之一實例之一第二對準元件之一透視圖。Fig. 18 is a perspective view of a second alignment element according to an example of the present invention.

圖19繪示介接圖10之對準耦合件之對準特徵之一圖示。FIG. 19 is a diagram showing one of the alignment features of the alignment coupling member of FIG. 10.

圖20繪示介接圖10之對準耦合件之對準特徵之另一圖示。FIG. 20 shows another diagram of the alignment features of the alignment coupling of FIG. 10.

圖21繪示介接與噴灑頭之對準位置對應之完全接合位置中之圖10之對準耦合件之對準特徵之另一圖示。FIG. 21 shows another diagram of the alignment features of the alignment coupling of FIG. 10 in the fully engaged position corresponding to the alignment position of the sprinkler head.

圖22繪示圖1之水龍頭之噴灑頭之一透視分解圖。Fig. 22 shows a perspective exploded view of the sprinkler head of the faucet of Fig. 1;

圖23繪示附接至一水管之圖10之對準耦合件之第二對準元件之一透視圖。Fig. 23 is a perspective view of the second alignment element of the alignment coupling of Fig. 10 attached to a water pipe.

圖24繪示圖23之第二對準元件之一側截面圖。FIG. 24 is a side cross-sectional view of the second alignment element of FIG. 23. FIG.

圖25繪示根據本發明之一實例之一第一對準元件之一透視圖。Fig. 25 is a perspective view of a first alignment element according to an example of the present invention.

圖26繪示圖25之第一對準元件之一前視圖。Fig. 26 is a front view of the first alignment element of Fig. 25;

圖27繪示圖25之第一對準元件之一透視側截面圖。Fig. 27 is a perspective side cross-sectional view of the first alignment element of Fig. 25;

圖28繪示根據本發明之一實例之一第二對準元件之一透視圖。Fig. 28 is a perspective view of a second alignment element according to an example of the present invention.

圖29繪示圖28之第二對準元件之一前視圖。Fig. 29 is a front view of the second alignment element of Fig. 28;

圖30繪示根據本發明之一實例之一第二對準元件、一水管接頭及一閥組件之一透視圖。Figure 30 is a perspective view of a second alignment element, a water pipe joint and a valve assembly according to an example of the present invention.

圖31繪示與圖30之第二對準元件及水管接頭分離之閥組件之一透視圖。Fig. 31 is a perspective view of the valve assembly separated from the second alignment element and the water pipe joint of Fig. 30;

圖32繪示圖31之閥組件之另一透視圖。Fig. 32 is another perspective view of the valve assembly of Fig. 31;

圖33繪示圖30之第二對準元件、水管接頭及閥組件之一分解圖。Fig. 33 is an exploded view of the second alignment element, the water pipe joint and the valve assembly of Fig. 30;

圖34繪示圖30之第二對準元件及水管接頭之一側視圖。Fig. 34 is a side view of the second alignment element and the water pipe joint of Fig. 30;

圖35繪示沿圖34之線35-35之第二對準元件之一橫截面側視圖。35 is a cross-sectional side view of one of the second alignment elements along the line 35-35 of FIG. 34. FIG.

圖36繪示根據本發明之一實例之一密封件總成之一部分之一透視圖。Fig. 36 is a perspective view of a part of a seal assembly according to an example of the present invention.

圖37繪示圖36之密封件總成之部分之另一透視圖。Fig. 37 is another perspective view of part of the seal assembly of Fig. 36;

圖38繪示圖36之密封件總成之部分之一分解圖。Fig. 38 shows an exploded view of part of the seal assembly of Fig. 36;

圖39繪示根據本發明之一實例之一密封件總成之一示意透視圖。Fig. 39 is a schematic perspective view of a seal assembly according to an example of the present invention.

圖40繪示根據本發明之一實施例之其中一噴灑頭在一對準位置中之一水龍頭之一透視圖。Fig. 40 is a perspective view of a faucet in an aligned position of a sprinkler head according to an embodiment of the present invention.

圖41繪示其中噴灑頭在一延伸、未對準位置中之圖40之水龍頭(不包含一水管)之一透視圖。Fig. 41 shows a perspective view of the faucet (not including a water pipe) of Fig. 40 with the sprinkler head in an extended, misaligned position.

圖42繪示其中噴灑頭在一延伸、未對準位置中之圖40之水龍頭之一透視示意圖。Fig. 42 shows a perspective schematic view of the faucet of Fig. 40 with the sprinkler head in an extended, misaligned position.

圖43繪示其中噴灑頭在一延伸、未對準位置中之圖40之水龍頭之另一透視示意圖。Fig. 43 shows another perspective schematic view of the faucet of Fig. 40 with the sprinkler head in an extended, misaligned position.

圖44繪示其中噴灑頭在對準位置中之圖40之水龍頭之一透視示意圖。Fig. 44 shows a perspective view of the faucet of Fig. 40 with the sprinkler head in the aligned position.

圖45繪示其中噴灑頭在對準位置中之圖40之水龍頭之一側截面圖。Fig. 45 shows a side cross-sectional view of the faucet of Fig. 40 with the sprinkler head in the aligned position.

圖46繪示圖40之水龍頭之一水龍頭本體之一側截面圖。Fig. 46 is a side sectional view of a faucet body of the faucet shown in Fig. 40;

圖47繪示圖40之水龍頭之一噴灑頭及一第二對準元件之一透視圖。Fig. 47 is a perspective view of a sprinkler head and a second alignment element of the faucet of Fig. 40;

圖48繪示圖47之噴灑頭及第二對準元件之一部分透視分解圖。Fig. 48 is a partial perspective exploded view of the spray head and the second alignment element of Fig. 47;

圖49繪示圖40之水龍頭之一第一對準元件之一透視圖。Fig. 49 is a perspective view of a first alignment element of the faucet of Fig. 40;

圖50繪示圖40之水龍頭之第二對準元件及一水管接頭之一透視圖。Fig. 50 is a perspective view of the second alignment element and a water pipe joint of the faucet of Fig. 40;

圖51繪示圖40之水龍頭之第二對準元件之另一透視圖。Fig. 51 is another perspective view of the second alignment element of the faucet of Fig. 40;

圖52繪示圖40之水龍頭之噴灑頭及一噴灑頭對準止檔之一透視圖。FIG. 52 is a perspective view of the spray head of the faucet of FIG. 40 and a spray head alignment stop.

100:水龍頭 100: Faucet

102:水龍頭本體 102: Faucet body

103:外輪廓 103: Outer contour

104:水龍頭噴灑頭 104: faucet sprinkler head

105:外輪廓 105: Outer contour

106:水龍頭本體出口 106: Outlet of faucet body

110:使用者輸入 110: User input

112:噴灑頭出口 112: sprinkler outlet

116:第一對準元件 116: first alignment element

118:第二對準元件 118: second alignment element

122:路徑 122: Path

Claims

一種水龍頭，其包括：一水龍頭本體；一水龍頭噴灑頭，其可自相鄰該水龍頭本體之一縮回位置及遠離該水龍頭本體之一延伸位置移動，其中在該縮回位置中，該水龍頭噴灑頭具有與該水龍頭本體對準之至少一位置；一對準耦合件，其包含：一第一對準元件，其連接至該水龍頭本體；及一第二對準元件，其連接至該水龍頭噴灑頭；其中該對準耦合件包含一突出及一錐形槽，其中該突出或該錐形槽之至少一者可相對於另一者移動，且其中該錐形槽將該突出導引至該錐形槽之一狹窄部分以將該水龍頭噴灑頭導引至該至少一對準位置；且一固位耦合件，其經構形以保持該水龍頭本體與該水龍頭噴灑頭彼此緊鄰，該固位耦合件包含：一第一固位元件，其連接至該水龍頭本體；及一第二固位元件，其連接至該水龍頭噴灑頭；其中該固位耦合件與該對準耦合件分離，且其中該第一固位元件或該第二固位元件之至少一者係一磁鐵。A faucet, which includes: A faucet body; A faucet sprinkler head capable of moving from a retracted position adjacent to the faucet body and an extended position away from the faucet body, wherein in the retracted position, the faucet sprinkler head has at least alignment with the faucet body A position An alignment coupling, which includes: A first alignment element connected to the faucet body; and A second alignment element connected to the sprinkler head of the faucet; Wherein the alignment coupling includes a protrusion and a tapered groove, wherein at least one of the protrusion or the tapered groove is movable relative to the other, and wherein the tapered groove guides the protrusion to the tapered shape A narrow part of the groove to guide the faucet sprinkler to the at least one alignment position; and A retention coupling, which is configured to keep the faucet body and the faucet spray head close to each other, the retention coupling includes: A first retaining element connected to the faucet body; and A second retaining element connected to the sprinkler head of the faucet; Wherein the retention coupling part is separated from the alignment coupling part, and where at least one of the first retention element or the second retention element is a magnet.

如請求項1之水龍頭，其中該第二對準元件將該第二固位元件至少部分地固定於該水龍頭噴灑頭中。Such as the faucet of claim 1, wherein the second alignment element at least partially fixes the second retaining element in the faucet sprinkler head.

如請求項1之水龍頭，其中該第一固位元件將該第一對準元件至少部分地固定於該水龍頭本體中。Such as the faucet of claim 1, wherein the first retaining element at least partially fixes the first alignment element in the faucet body.

如請求項1之水龍頭，其中該水龍頭噴灑頭中之該第二固位元件係一磁鐵。Such as the faucet of claim 1, wherein the second retaining element in the faucet sprinkler is a magnet.

如請求項1之水龍頭，其中該第一對準元件包含一環及一舌片，該舌片在一軸向方向上自該環延伸，至少部分地自該水龍頭本體之一出口延伸至該水龍頭本體內，其中該環包含在該水龍頭本體之該出口內自環徑向向內延伸之該突出，其中該第二對準元件一般呈圓柱形，且其中該錐形槽具有在該第二對準元件之一外表面上依一大體軸向方向朝向彼此延伸以形成一v形槽之壁。The faucet of claim 1, wherein the first alignment element includes a ring and a tongue, the tongue extending from the ring in an axial direction, at least partially extending from an outlet of the faucet body to the faucet body Body, wherein the ring includes the protrusion extending radially inwardly from the ring in the outlet of the faucet body, wherein the second alignment element is generally cylindrical, and wherein the tapered groove has the second alignment The outer surface of one of the elements extends toward each other in a substantially axial direction to form a wall of a v-shaped groove.

如請求項1之水龍頭，其中該第一固位元件係焊接至該水龍頭本體中之一不鏽鋼環。Such as the faucet of claim 1, wherein the first retaining element is welded to a stainless steel ring in the faucet body.

如請求項1之水龍頭，其中該磁鐵係一塗覆釹磁鐵。Such as the faucet of claim 1, wherein the magnet is a neodymium-coated magnet.

如請求項7之水龍頭，其中該磁鐵藉由環氧樹脂保持於該水龍頭噴灑頭中之位置中。Such as the faucet of claim 7, wherein the magnet is held in position in the spray head of the faucet by epoxy resin.

如請求項7之水龍頭，其中該磁鐵至少部分定位於該第二對準元件與一緩衝器之間。Such as the faucet of claim 7, wherein the magnet is at least partially positioned between the second alignment element and a buffer.

如請求項1之水龍頭，其中該磁鐵至少部分定位於該第二對準元件與一定位環之間的該水龍頭噴灑頭內。Such as the faucet of claim 1, wherein the magnet is at least partially positioned in the faucet spray head between the second alignment element and a positioning ring.

如請求項10之水龍頭，其中一緩衝器定位於該磁鐵與該定位環之間。For example, in the faucet of claim 10, one of the buffers is positioned between the magnet and the positioning ring.

如請求項1之水龍頭，其中當該第一對準元件與該第二對準元件彼此接觸時，該對準耦合件被耦合，且其中當該第一對準元件與該第二對準元件彼此不接觸時，該對準耦合件被解耦合，其中當解耦合時，該水龍頭噴灑頭與該水龍頭本體之一出口間隔開。Such as the faucet of claim 1, wherein when the first alignment element and the second alignment element are in contact with each other, the alignment coupling member is coupled, and wherein when the first alignment element and the second alignment element When not in contact with each other, the alignment coupling is decoupled, wherein when decoupled, the faucet sprinkler is spaced apart from an outlet of the faucet body.

如請求項1之水龍頭，其進一步包括連接至該水龍頭噴灑頭之一水管，其中該第二對準元件及第二固位元件定位於該水管周圍。Such as the faucet of claim 1, which further includes a water pipe connected to the sprinkler of the faucet, wherein the second alignment element and the second retaining element are positioned around the water pipe.

如請求項1之水龍頭，其中該第二對準元件一般呈圓柱形且包含一第一端及一第二端，其中該第一端經構形以與該第一對準元件介接且該第二端經構形以與該水龍頭噴灑頭之一部分配接，該第二端具有至少一對準止檔，該等對準止檔經構形以與該水龍頭噴灑頭之一噴灑頭對準止檔配接以減少在該水龍頭噴灑頭與該第二對準元件之間的一第一方向上之旋轉，且其中該至少一對準止檔及該噴灑頭對準止檔包含至少一突出。Such as the faucet of claim 1, wherein the second alignment element is generally cylindrical and includes a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is configured to interface with the first alignment element and the The second end is configured to be distributively connected to a part of the faucet sprinkler, the second end has at least one alignment stopper, and the alignment stops are configured to align with one of the sprinkler heads of the faucet sprinkler The stop is matched to reduce rotation in a first direction between the faucet sprinkler head and the second alignment element, and the at least one alignment stop and the sprinkler head alignment stop include at least one protrusion .

如請求項14之水龍頭，其中該至少一對準止檔包含經構形以接觸該噴灑頭對準止檔之一彈簧負載片。Such as the faucet of claim 14, wherein the at least one alignment stop includes a spring loaded plate that is configured to contact the sprinkler head alignment stop.

如請求項15之水龍頭，其中該至少一對準止檔包含一旋轉止檔，其中該彈簧負載片及該旋轉止檔經構形以減少在該第二對準元件與該水龍頭噴灑頭之間的該第一方向及一第二方向上之相對旋轉。For example, the faucet of claim 15, wherein the at least one alignment stop includes a rotation stop, wherein the spring load plate and the rotation stop are configured to reduce the gap between the second alignment element and the faucet sprinkler The relative rotation in the first direction and the second direction.

如請求項1之水龍頭，其中該水龍頭噴灑頭具有相對於該水龍頭本體之複數個未對準位置。Such as the faucet of claim 1, wherein the faucet spray head has a plurality of misaligned positions relative to the faucet body.

如請求項1之水龍頭，其中該第一對準元件至少部分地定位於該水龍頭本體之一出口與該水龍頭本體之一弧形頸之一頂點之間。Such as the faucet of claim 1, wherein the first alignment element is at least partially positioned between an outlet of the faucet body and an apex of an arc-shaped neck of the faucet body.

如請求項1之水龍頭，其中該第一固位元件鄰近該水龍頭本體之一出口定位。Such as the faucet of claim 1, wherein the first retaining element is positioned adjacent to an outlet of the faucet body.

一種水龍頭，其包括：一水龍頭本體，其具有一出口；一軟管，其定位於該水龍頭本體內且穿過該出口，其中該軟管可在該水龍頭本體內移動；一水龍頭噴灑頭，其連接至該軟管且可在一延伸位置與一縮回位置之間移動，其中，當在該延伸位置中時，該噴灑頭與該水龍頭本體之該出口間隔開，且其中，當在該縮回位置中時，該噴灑頭緊鄰該出口定位；一對準耦合件，其包含：一第一對準元件，其連接至該水龍頭本體；及一第二對準元件，其連接至該水龍頭噴灑頭；其中該對準耦合件使該水龍頭噴灑頭與該水龍頭本體對準；及一固位耦合件，其經構形以保持該水龍頭本體與該水龍頭噴灑頭彼此緊鄰，該固位耦合件包含：一第一固位元件，其連接至該水龍頭本體，與該第一對準元件相鄰；及一第二固位元件，其至少部分地由該第二對準元件定位於該水龍頭噴灑頭中；其中該第一固位元件或該第二固位元件之至少一者係一磁鐵。A faucet, which includes: A faucet body with an outlet; A hose positioned in the faucet body and passing through the outlet, wherein the hose can move in the faucet body; A faucet sprinkler head connected to the hose and movable between an extended position and a retracted position, wherein, when in the extended position, the sprinkler head is spaced apart from the outlet of the faucet body, and Wherein, when in the retracted position, the sprinkler head is positioned next to the outlet; An alignment coupling, which includes: A first alignment element connected to the faucet body; and A second alignment element connected to the sprinkler head of the faucet; Wherein the aligning coupling piece aligns the sprinkler head of the faucet with the body of the faucet; and A retention coupling, which is configured to keep the faucet body and the faucet spray head close to each other, the retention coupling includes: A first retaining element connected to the faucet body and adjacent to the first alignment element; and A second retaining element, which is at least partially positioned in the faucet sprinkler head by the second alignment element; At least one of the first retaining element or the second retaining element is a magnet.

如請求項20之水龍頭，其中該第二對準元件一般呈圓柱形且包含一第一端及一第二端，其中該第一端經構形以與該第一對準元件介接且該第二端經構形以與該水龍頭噴灑頭之一部分配接，該第二端具有至少一對準止檔，該等對準止檔經構形以與該水龍頭噴灑頭之一噴灑頭對準止檔配接，其中該至少一對準止檔及該噴灑頭對準止檔包含至少一突出，且其中該至少一對準止檔包含一彈簧負載片及一旋轉止檔，該彈簧負載片及該旋轉止檔經構形以減少在該第二對準元件與該水龍頭噴灑頭之間的一第一方向及一第二方向上之相對旋轉。For example, the faucet of claim 20, wherein the second alignment element is generally cylindrical and includes a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is configured to interface with the first alignment element and the The second end is configured to be distributively connected to a part of the faucet sprinkler, the second end has at least one alignment stopper, and the alignment stops are configured to align with a sprinkler head of the faucet sprinkler Stop matching, wherein the at least one alignment stop and the sprinkler head alignment stop include at least one protrusion, and wherein the at least one alignment stop includes a spring-loaded piece and a rotation stop, the spring-loaded piece And the rotation stop is configured to reduce relative rotation in a first direction and a second direction between the second alignment element and the faucet spray head.

一種水龍頭，其包括：一水龍頭本體；一水龍頭噴灑頭，其可定位於該水龍頭本體之一出口處且可與該水龍頭本體之一出口分離，該水龍頭噴灑頭具有與該水龍頭本體對準之至少一位置；一固位耦合件，其經構形以保持該水龍頭本體與該水龍頭噴灑頭彼此緊鄰，該固位耦合件包含：一第一固位元件，其連接至該水龍頭本體之該出口，該第一固位元件包含有助於減少該第一固位元件與該出口之間的相對移動之一固定特徵；及一第二固位元件，其依一凸緣定位於該水龍頭噴灑頭內，其中，當該水龍頭本體與該水龍頭噴灑頭彼此緊鄰時，該凸緣定位於該第一固位元件與該第二固位元件之間；其中該第一固位元件或該第二固位元件之至少一者係一磁鐵。A faucet, which includes: A faucet body; A faucet spray head, which can be positioned at an outlet of the faucet body and can be separated from an outlet of the faucet body, the faucet spray head has at least one position aligned with the faucet body; A retention coupling, which is configured to keep the faucet body and the faucet spray head close to each other, the retention coupling includes: A first retaining element connected to the outlet of the faucet body, the first retaining element including a fixing feature that helps reduce the relative movement between the first retaining element and the outlet; and A second retaining element is positioned in the faucet sprinkler head by a flange, wherein when the faucet body and the faucet sprinkler head are in close proximity to each other, the flange is positioned on the first retaining element and the second Between retention components; At least one of the first retaining element or the second retaining element is a magnet.

如請求項22之水龍頭，其進一步包括一對準耦合件，該對準耦合件包括：一第一對準元件，其連接至該水龍頭本體；及一第二對準元件，其連接至該水龍頭噴灑頭；其中該對準耦合件包含一突出及一錐形槽，其中該突出或該錐形槽之至少一者可相對於另一者移動，且其中該錐形槽將該突出導引至該錐形槽之一狹窄部分以將該水龍頭噴灑頭導引至該至少一對準位置。For example, the faucet of claim 22, which further includes an alignment coupling member, and the alignment coupling member includes: A first alignment element connected to the faucet body; and A second alignment element connected to the sprinkler head of the faucet; Wherein the alignment coupling includes a protrusion and a tapered groove, wherein at least one of the protrusion or the tapered groove can move relative to the other, and wherein the tapered groove guides the protrusion to the tapered shape A narrow part of the groove is used to guide the faucet sprinkler to the at least one alignment position.