CN103781975B

CN103781975B - bathing system

Info

Publication number: CN103781975B
Application number: CN201280035738.0A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 奈杰尔·保罗·桑姆; 奥斯丁·克里斯多佛·巴姆浦斯蒂德; S·汉恩; C·I·汤普森
Original assignee: Kohler Mira Ltd
Current assignee: Kohler Mira Ltd
Priority date: 2011-05-20
Filing date: 2012-05-21
Publication date: 2015-09-16
Anticipated expiration: 2032-05-21
Also published as: EP2710194A1; AU2017200844B2; GB201208905D0; AU2012260620B2; WO2012160367A1; GB2491044B; CN103781975A; AU2017200844A1; HK1195798A1; GB2491044A; GB201108520D0; GB201214568D0; AU2012260620A1; GB2500948A; GB2500948B; NZ619002A; EP2710194B1

Abstract

A kind of customizable bathing system, described bathing system comprises the modularization blender valve (1) with main part (2), and described main part (2) accommodates the valve for being connected to hot water supply and cold water supply.Removable attachment part (8) is connected to described main part (2) to receive water outlet from described valve via water transport port.Described accessories section (8) have separate with described water transport port for being connected to such as the delivery port (4) of the conveying device of the flexible hose of shower hander.Described system can be customized by the different accessories sections (8) with different functionalities are connected to described main part (2).In other embodiments, described delivery port can be located in described main part.Several accessories sections can be connected in series, and water can not flow through from described accessories section, can flow through some of them accessories section or flow through all accessories sections.

Description

Bathing system

Technical field

The present invention relates to a kind of bathing system for cleaning, and especially relate to a kind of bathing system for shower.The invention still further relates to a kind of method of kit for bathing system and assembling and installation.Specifically, the present invention relates to the blender valve adopted in this device, and especially but not exclusively relate to a kind of modularization blender valve that can be suitable for being used in different system and/or can be provided with one or more annex, described one or more annex can increase or change blender valve and/or adopt the functional of the system of this blender valve.

Background technology

The bathing system of such as shower and so on generally includes blender valve, and water is delivered to outlet by this blender valve, is then delivered to shower head by conduit.Blender valve controls the temperature and/or the flow velocity that are delivered to the water of outlet.Shower mixer valve can be exposed or built-in.Exposed blender valve is installed to wall, and is usually projected into the shell surrounding shower from wall.Built-in blender valve is arranged on wall rear, is therefore hidden in outside the user visual field.Outlet and controller project through wall, and valve body is at wall rear.The present invention relates to the bath douche valve of this two type.

Figure 31 shows a kind of known exposed shower system, and this system comprises the movable shower head being attached to flexible hose, and this flexible hose is connected to the outlet of the bottom side being positioned at blender valve body.In the exposed shower system that another is known, large-scale fixing " drenching with rain " shower head is attached to rigid pipe, and this rigid pipe is connected to the outlet of the top side being positioned at blender valve body.In the exposed shower system that another is known, flow divider is connected to the outlet of the top side being positioned at valve body and can operates to carry water to movable shower head or fixing shower head.

In so known exposed shower system, export integral with valve body and have and be connected axis, connecting axis when installing blender valve and be vertically oriented.In order to adapt to different systems, need two exit positions: exit position has and is positioned at bottom side with the outlet used together with the movable hander of hander; And another exit position has and is positioned at top side with the outlet used together with crown shower or flow divider.(valve has the outlet being positioned at top side to arrange two valves, and another valve has the outlet being positioned at bottom side) add cost, and (outlet is positioned at top side to arrange two outlets in same valve, and another outlet is positioned at bottom side) need blanking plug to close the outlet do not used, this can impair the aesthetic property of blender valve.

Figure 32 shows a kind of known built-in shower system, and this system comprises the movable shower head being attached to flexible hose, and this flexible hose is connected to the outlet of the bottom side being positioned at Outlet connector, and this Outlet connector is installed on the wall adjacent with blender valve.Blender valve body is arranged in the wall at panel rear and is connected to Outlet connector by tubulature.As exposed shower system, connect axis when installation outlet connector and be vertically oriented.

Summary of the invention

Considered and aforementionedly defined the present invention, and the present invention attempts to overcome or alleviate known shower system and the shortcoming for blender valve wherein.

The present invention attempts to provide a kind of customizable bathing system, and described system comprises blender valve, and described blender valve can be configured with different outlet connector according to system type, and does not need to change blender valve body.The present invention attempts to provide a kind of for the blender valve in this customizable bathing system further.The present invention also attempts to provide exposed and built-in two kinds of modularization blender valves.The present invention attempt further to provide a kind of assemble and/or be configured to the blender valve of customization bathing system method and a kind of method of shower shower system of installing blender valve and/or adopting this modularization blender valve.

In one exemplary embodiment, customizable bathing system for cleaning comprises main part, for delivery port and the accessory connector of transport cleaning water, described main part has the water inlet be arranged to for receiving water supply, wherein, described accessory connector comprises water transport port, and described main part is suitable for providing water supply to the described water transport port of described accessory connector, wherein, described system comprises at least two different accessories sections, each accessories section all has different functional, and an accessories section at least two different accessories sections described in wherein said accessory connector is suitable for receiving removably, make the functional performance of described bathing system by being connected to described accessory connector by having desired functional described accessories section and being customized.

Why favourable this is is because bathing system is modular and is easily added by one or more different accessories section is connected to accessory connector and revises.Why favourable accessories section is is that it can strengthen the functional of bathing system, as hereafter will described in further detail.Bathing system makes the bathing equipment of such as shower and so on realize customization, thus it can receive multiple accessories part to adapt to the needs of user.And bathing system can be mounted with the accessories section of a type and can be modified after a while, and does not need to change whole bathing system.

It is possible that accessory connector and main part integral, this is because accessory connector formed main part a part or by tubes connection to main part.Therefore, accessory connector can according to shower shower system be exposed or built-in and be positioned to easily be attached accessories section.

It is possible that accessories section can be connected to accessory connector removably.Why favourable this is is that described accessories section can maybe cannot require or need and the aqueous phase mutual effect of moving when bathing system uses by this bathing system because it makes bathing system be customized by accessories section.

Accessories section can be arranged to receive or utilize from the current in the use of the water transport port of accessory connector.In this case, accessories section is " wetting " accessories section.Alternatively, accessories section can be arranged to not receive or the unfavorable water transport port from accessory connector use in current.In this case, accessories section is " doing " accessories section.

It is possible that accessories section comprises delivery port or is provided to the flow path of delivery port.Why favourable this is is because accessories section is formed for leading water to delivery port thus realizing the manifold that the method for water is carried in customization.Therefore, delivery port can be arranged to the water delivery device being connected to multiple transport cleaning water.Therefore, water delivery device can be for the Flexible Shower device flexible pipe of hander or fill mouth of pipe module or its combination for the fixing rigid pipe of shower head or the flushing flexible pipe of body spray boom or clean shower or bathtub.Therefore, delivery port provides a kind of device used by the user of bathing system, and described device leaves described bathing system via the water delivery device being connected to bathing system removably possibly for making water.Delivery port can comprise the linkage of such as screw thread, and described linkage is attached to shower head by being used for carrying the water delivery device conduit of water.

It is possible that main part comprises delivery port, and accessories section can receive or utilize from the current in the use of the water transport port of accessory connector.Such as, accessory connector can provide second point of delivery port opened or the flow path to second point of outlet of opening.Why favourable this is is because customizable for carrying quantity and the layout of the delivery port of water.Therefore, one or more delivery port can be arranged to the water delivery device being connected to multiple transport cleaning water.Therefore, water delivery device can be the Flexible Shower device flexible pipe for hander or the rigid pipe for fixing shower head or body spray boom or fill mouth of pipe module or its combination for the flushing flexible pipe of clean shower or bathtub.

It is possible that main part comprises delivery port, and accessories section does not receive or utilizes from the current in the use of the water transport port of accessory connector.Why favourable this is is because accessories section can provide the functional and different accessories section not relying on current can be assembled to adapt to required functional.

" do " accessory connector and can comprise device for providing following any element: for the placement socket of shower hander, soapbox, storage rack, soap/lotion dispenser, glass stand, for the fixture of shampoo/soap/washing lotion etc., for being attached the hook of article, clock, radio or other music player, for connecting the USB slot of MP3 or other music player, Wi-Fi or other wireless receiver are (such as, for receiving such as streaming media news, music, the information such as weather renewal or calendar progress chart are to reset to the Baffle Box of Bluetooth of shower user), artistic conception is thrown light on, note pad, as picture display box or the shaving mirror of DPF etc.It should be understood that and the invention is not restricted to the concrete example that these " do " accessories section.

The accessories section that " wets " can comprise the device for providing following any element: delivery port, water temperature display, for measuring the flow meter of the flow velocity of water, for soap being introduced the soap syringe of current, for champignon oil being introduced the champignon oil syringe of current, for introducing the air syringe of air in current, by the close/open valve of press-button actuated, the character measuring current calculates the shower energy use calculator of energy use, the character measuring current calculates the shower cost instrument of shower cost, or make water flow through mirror to make mirror maintenance without the antifog shaving mirror of mist.It should be understood that the concrete example that the invention is not restricted to these accessories sections that " wet ".

It is possible that accessory connector is arranged to engage that accessories section is fixed to attachment connector with the complementary connecting portions on accessories section, described layout constitutes connector system.Further, connector system also can comprise releasing member, and described releasing member is arranged to when having activated this releasing member, accessories section is separated from accessory connector.Why favourable this is is because accessories section will be securely held on accessory connector until activated releasing member.

It is possible that accessory connector comprises: (a) bayonet connector; Or (b) snap-on connector; Or (c) screw thread coupling; Or (d) is for being bonded on the flat head screw in complemental groove formula connector.It should be understood that connector system is not limited to these concrete options, and can be included in and there is suitable sealing integrity and the reliable any suitable connector system connected can be provided between the parts of release property (as being necessary).

Accessories section can comprise another accessory connector for receiving another accessories section.Another accessory connector described can comprise another water transport port.Several accessories sections can be connected in series.When providing a more than accessories section, the combination of these accessories sections can be " doing " accessories section or " wetting " accessories section or " wetting " accessories section and " doing " accessories section.Why favourable this is is because accessories section can connect functional with what add to bathing system increase.Therefore, several accessory portion can be added assign to provide several functions or delivery port to arrange.

It is possible that accessories section comprises removable water delivery lid mouth close these mouths hermetically not use when water transport port or another water transport port (if present).If need to assign to realize that another is functional by adding other accessory portion, described lid can be removed so.

It is possible that water inlet comprises relatively hot hot water supply and relative cold cold water supply, main part comprises for the valve by carrying out hot water supply and cold water supply to mix the water temperature controlling water outlet.Described valve can be controlled by the mixture control be located in main part.Described valve can be thermostatic valve.

It is possible that described bathing system comprises the flow speed controller for controlling to flow to when using the water velocity of delivery port.Described flow speed controller can be located in main part.

It is possible that connector system is snap-on connector system, it treats two coupled parts for connecting, that is, accessories section and main valve body part, or accessories section and for arranging another accessories section of a more than accessories section.This provide easily and firmly connect.Snap-on connector system can comprise: the first locking member, and it is suitable for being fixed to one of them part; And with the second locking member of described first locking member complementation, it is suitable for being fixed to treats coupled another part, and described second locking member is arranged to engage at the rear at least partially of described first locking member to be fixed together by two elements.Described second locking member can comprise engagement lugs, and described engagement lugs is suitable for engaging with the part for fixing described first locking member before engaging with described first locking member.Described first locking member can be arranged to bending in the part supplying to fix this first locking member or rotate, to allow described second locking member to be bonded on the rear at least partially of described first locking member.Described first locking member can comprise the lock ring with elastic flange, described elastic flange engages with one of them part, described elastic flange is arranged so that described lock ring can rotate relative to for the part of fixing this lock ring, and described second locking member comprises the actuating ring with axially extended engagement lugs, described actuating ring is suitable for engaging with the part for fixing described lock ring before engaging with described lock ring, described actuating ring is adapted so that described lock ring and described actuating ring joint in the axial direction impel described lock ring resist the power of described elastic flange and rotate, and its initial position thus described actuating ring is locked in the rear of described lock ring of then rebounding.

In the exemplary embodiment, set of tools can be set to form the bathing system of type described herein.

Why favourable this is is because described set of tools can comprise one or more accessories section, makes user can customize their shower system.Described system can be customized to receive multiple accessories part thus adapt to user's needs.And described bathing system can be mounted with a kind of accessories section and can be modified subsequently, and does not need to change whole bathing system.Such as, accessories section can comprise manifold, its for lead water to be suitable for being connected to accessories section conveying device for use.Such as, accessories section can be connected to the conveying device comprising flexible pipe and movable shower head.Alternatively, accessories section can be connected to the conveying device comprising stationary pipes and rigidity shower head.Alternatively, accessories section is connected to the conveying device comprising flexible pipe and movable shower head and the conveying device comprising stationary pipes and rigidity shower head by current divider, and described current divider is used for one or two conveying device guided to by current in conveying device.These alternative configuration can easily be exchanged.Also can adopt other structures of single or multiple conveying device.

It is possible that described set of tools comprises at least one another accessories section, another accessories section described is arranged to be connected to another connector on the connector of main part or accessories section.

In the exemplary embodiment, accessories section can be provided to strengthen the functional of customizable bathing system (such as shower), described accessories section comprises a part for connector system this accessories section to be connected to removably the accessory connector of customizable bathing system, described accessories section comprises the water inlet of the part as described connector system, and described water inlet is used for receiving from described bathing system in use supplying water.

Why favourable this is is because shower attachment part can have multiple structure and can be used for structure shower shower system.

It is possible that accessories section comprises water inlet, described water inlet is arranged to receive current from bathing system in use.

It is possible that accessories section comprises the delivery port for carrying shower water.A kind of device for being connected conveying device is provided, all shower hose in this way of described conveying device or there is the stationary pipes of fixing shower head or body spray boom or fill mouth of pipe module or its combination for the flushing flexible pipe of clean shower or bathtub with the delivery port that water inlet separates.Therefore, delivery port provides a kind of device used by the user of bathing system, and described device leaves described bathing system via the conveying device being connected to bathing system removably possibly for making water.Delivery port preferably includes the linkage of such as screw thread, and described linkage is used for the conveying device conduit of conveying water to be attached to shower head.

It is possible that accessories section comprises water transport port, described water transport port is arranged through water inlet and receives water supply from bathing system, and described water inlet is connected to another accessories section of described water transport port for providing.Why favourable this is is because accessories section can be connected in series with another accessories section.Accessories section preferably includes removable water delivery lid, to close this water transport port hermetically when not using water transport port.

In another embodiment, bathing system for cleaning can comprise: the main part with water inlet, described water inlet is arranged to receive and supplies water, and described bathing system also comprises: for the delivery port of transport cleaning water, and is suitable for the accessory connector receiving accessories section.

Why favourable this is is because accessories section can strengthen the functional of bathing system.Accessories section can comprise any accessories section described herein.

In another embodiment, the functional accessories section for strengthening bathing system (such as shower) can comprise a part for connector system described accessories section to be connected to removably the connector of bathing system.

In another embodiment, modularization blender valve can comprise removable attachment part.Accessories section can strengthen the functional of blender valve.Accessories section can comprise any accessories section described herein.Modularization blender valve can be for washing one's hands, having a bath and the water system of shower provides saliva.Therefore, outlet can be connected to conveying device, such as, and shower hose or there is the stationary pipes of fixing shower head or body spray boom or fill mouth of pipe module or its combination for the flushing flexible pipe of clean shower or bathtub.

In another embodiment, modularization blender valve can comprise hot water inlet for being connected to hot water supply and cold water supply and cooling water inlet, outlet water temperature for selecting according to user controls the valve gear of the mixing of hot water and cold water, the accessories section of water transport port can be connected to, and the delivery port to separate with water transport port, wherein accessories section can disassemble from water transport port.Why favourable this is is because by selecting as requested and assemble different accessories sections to strengthen the functional of blender valve.Accessories section can comprise any accessories section described herein.

Outlet can be provided by the accessories section being connected to water transport port.Alternatively, outlet can be provided by the part being provided with water transport port of valve.Alternatively, the part being provided with water transport port of accessories section and valve all can be provided with outlet.

At least one another accessories section can be connected to the accessories section be connected with water transport port.Another accessories section this can increase the functional of blender valve.In certain embodiments, another accessories section this can be communicated with the accessories section fluid being connected to water transport port.Like this, two accessories sections all can receive or utilize the current from main part.Outlet can by main part, be connected to main part accessories section or provided by another accessories section or its combination.In other embodiments, another accessories section this can not be communicated with the accessories section fluid being connected to valve body.Like this, the accessories section being connected to main part can receive or utilize the current from main part.Outlet by main part or can be connected to the accessories section of main part or its combination provides.The accessories section selecting and assemble various combination can increase the functional of blender valve further.Usually, the quantity of the accessories section that can be connected in series can be subject to actual consideration and/or the aesthstic restriction considered.

Blender valve can be exposed blender valve, and the valve body of this exposed blender valve exposes (visible) in use, and such as, be arranged on wall or similar stayed surface, wherein water transport port is arranged in valve body.Outlet can be located in valve body or be connected in the accessories section of water transport port.Alternatively, two outlets can be set.Current divider can be adopted to export to select one or two.An outlet can be located in valve body, and another outlet is located in accessories section, and alternatively, two outlets all can be located in accessories section.

Blender valve can be built-in blender valve, and the valve body of this built-in blender valve is such as stashed (invisible) by cover plate in use, and wherein water transport port is arranged in the connector part be arranged on wall or similar stayed surface.Outlet can be located at connector part or be connected in the accessories section of water transport port.Alternatively, two outlets can be set.Current divider can be adopted to export to select one or two.An outlet can be located in connector part, and another outlet is located in accessories section.Alternatively, two outlets all can be located in accessories section.

In the valve of two types, outlet all can be configured to be connected to multiple water delivery device for transport cleaning water.Therefore, water delivery device can be the Flexible Shower device flexible pipe for hander or the rigid pipe for fixing shower head or body spray boom or fills mouth of pipe module or its combination for the flushing flexible pipe of clean shower or bathtub.Therefore, delivery port provides the device of a kind of user for valve, and described device leaves described blender valve via the conveying device being connected to blender valve removably possibly for making water.Delivery port preferably can comprise the linkage of such as screw thread, so that the conveying device conduit being used for water delivery is attached to shower head.

In one exemplary embodiment, modularization blender valve can comprise: the valve body with main part, and described main part is provided with the import for being connected to hot water supply and cold water supply; Valve gear, described valve gear controls the mixing of hot water and cold water according to the outlet water temperature that user selects; And there is the water transport port connecting axis, described connection axis is in use along first direction orientation, described main part can be connected to accessories section, thus to provide from described water transport port by described accessories section to having the flow path of outlet connecting axis, described connection axis is in use along second direction orientation orthogonal with described first direction substantially.

Described first direction can be level or less horizontal, and described second direction can be vertical or vertical substantially.In certain embodiments, accessories section can provide flow path to the outlet of opening in upward direction.In certain embodiments, accessories section can provide flow path to along the outlet of opening in downward direction.In certain embodiments, accessories section can provide flow path to along the outlet that direction is opened up and down, and accessories section can comprise the flow divider for selecting one or two to export.

It is possible that outlet is provided by the accessories section being connected to main part.Accessories section is dismountable.Like this, export by selecting according to required outlet orientation and assembling main part and suitable accessories section and constructing.At least one another accessories section can be connected to the accessories section be connected with main part.Another accessories section can increase the functional of blender valve.In certain embodiments, another accessories section this can be communicated with the accessories section fluid being connected to main part.Like this, two accessories sections all receive water from main part, and outlet can be provided by the accessories section being connected to main part or be provided by another accessories section.In other embodiments, another accessories section this can not be communicated with the accessories section fluid being connected to valve body.Like this, be only that the accessories section being connected to main part receives water from described main part, and outlet is provided by accessories section.The accessories section selecting and assemble various combination can increase the functional of blender valve further.Usually, the quantity of the accessories section that can be connected in series can be considered by reality and/or aesthstic consideration restriction.

Blender valve can be exposed blender valve, and the main part of this exposed blender valve exposes out in use, such as, is arranged on wall or similar stayed surface.Alternatively, blender valve can be built-in blender valve, and wherein, main part is such as stashed by cover plate in use or can be recessed at least in part in wall or similar stayed surface.In the valve of two types, outlet can be configured for the accessories section by selecting to have suitable egress or outlet combination and the main part of valve be fitted together with the accessories section being connected to main part via another accessories section directly or indirectly and be connected to the conveying device of the combination being selected from flexible hose, rigid pipe or flexible hose and rigid pipe.

In one exemplary embodiment, modularization shower system can adopt the blender valve having control module He be selected from the accessory module in multiple accessory module.Control module can comprise: valve body, and it has the import for being connected to hot water supply and cold water supply, and mixing valve, and it controls the mixing of hot water and cold water for the outlet water temperature selected according to user.Control module can have for being connected to foregoing to the outlet of the water delivery device of shower water delivery.Alternatively or in addition, accessory module can comprise for being connected to as previously mentioned to the outlet of the water delivery device of shower water delivery.Required shower system makes water delivery device directly and/or receive water via accessory module from control module and construct by selecting and assemble suitable control module and accessory module.Except selected control module and accessory module, at least one another accessory module is set for requiring adaptive and customization shower system according to user.Some accessory modules can be connected to water footpath from control module.Other accessory modules can be isolated with water footpath.Control module can be selected from multiple control module.Can adopt the various combination of control module and accessory module, thus it is different functional that shower system is configured with.

In one exemplary embodiment, the method of blender valve that assembling is used for shower system comprises: select control module, described control module comprises: accommodate mixing valve and have the main part of the import for being connected to hot water supply and cold water supply and the water transport port of water for receiving from described mixing valve; Select removable attachment module, described removable attachment module can be connected to described water transport port directly or indirectly, wherein, a module in described control module and described accessory module has for being connected to the outlet of conveying device being selected from flexible hose, rigid pipe and combination thereof, and provides fluid to be connected between described mixing valve with described outlet.Described removable attachment module can comprise described outlet.

Described method can provide single control module to use together from the accessory module of the arbitrary selection in multiple different outlet attachment module, thus, by selecting suitable outlet attachment module and the water inlet of selected outlet module being connected to directly or indirectly the water transport port of control module, described blender valve can be configured for different shower systems.When selected outlet attachment module is connected directly to water transport port, the water inlet of selected outlet attachment module can cooperate to provide fluid to be connected between control module and outlet attachment module with the water transport port of control module.When selected outlet attachment intermodule grounding connection is to water transport port, can arrange accessories section between control module and outlet attachment module, described outlet attachment module has the water inlet cooperated with the water transport port of described main part and the water transport port cooperated with the water inlet of described outlet module.A more than accessories section can be set between control module and outlet attachment module.Between control module and outlet attachment module, accessories section is set, described attachment part or each accessories section can comprise feature for monitoring the outlet stream from control module (such as, water velocity or hydraulic pressure or water temperature or its combination) and show the module of value of the feature monitored alternatively.Alternatively, be located at described accessories section between control module and outlet attachment module or each accessories section and can comprise module for such as changing the outlet stream from control module by introducing additive (such as soap, champignon oil, perfume or essence or any additive that other is applicable to) in water

Outlet attachment module can be configured to be attached accessories section.Such as, outlet attachment module can have the structure of the socket of such as isolating with current and so on installation accessories part, that is, " do " accessories section, and this accessories section does not need to be connected to current to perform its function.Therefore, outlet attachment module can support the accessories section including but not limited to following element: for the placement socket of shower hander, soapbox, magazine, soap/lotion dispenser, glass stand, for the fixture of shampoo/soap/washing lotion etc., for being attached the hook of article, clock, radio or other music player, connect the USB slot of MP3 or other music player, Wi-Fi or other wireless receiver are (such as, for receiving such as streaming media news, music, the information such as weather renewal or calendar progress chart are with the Baffle Box of Bluetooth reset to shower user), artistic conception is thrown light on, note pad, as picture display box or the shaving mirror of DPF.Alternatively, outlet attachment module can have the water transport port for being connected with the water inlet of the accessories section being connected to outlet module, and described accessories section receives or utilizes current to perform its function, that is, " wet " accessories section.Therefore, outlet attachment module can be connected to the accessories section including but not limited to following element: water temperature display, for measuring the flow meter of the flow velocity of water, for soap being introduced the soap syringe of current, for champignon oil being introduced the champignon oil syringe of current, for air being introduced the air syringe of current, by the close/open valve of press-button actuated, the character measuring current calculates the shower energy use calculator of energy use, the character measuring current calculates the shower cost instrument of shower cost, or make water flow through mirror to make mirror maintenance without the antifog shaving mirror of mist.When outlet attachment module has water transport port, do not need to be connected to current and can be connected to outlet attachment module with the accessories apparatus performing its function, thus water transport port is closed by accessories section or keep when water transport port is closed automatically closing.

The interchangeability of different accessory module and the option of the assembling from the different accessories section being connected to current or isolate with current is made it possible to utilize universal component to construct various shower system.And, shower system by change accessory module reconfigure and/or can have by add remove or change accessory portion assign to change functional.Like this, terminal use can customize the design and structure of shower system and can change the design and structure of shower system after a while, and need not change mixing valve, and this mixing valve represents the prime cost of any device.

Accompanying drawing explanation

Only with reference to accompanying drawing, exemplary embodiment is described in detail in exemplary fashion now, in the accompanying drawings, same or analogous Reference numeral for representing suitable appropriate section, wherein:

Fig. 1 shows the stereogram of the embodiment of exposed modularization blender valve;

Fig. 2 shows in the past and the modularization blender valve shown in Fig. 1 observed from above;

Fig. 3 show remove outlet module Fig. 1 shown in the stereogram of main part of modularization blender valve;

Fig. 4 shows in the past and from the main part of the modularization blender valve shown in Fig. 3 of upper observation;

Fig. 5 shows the shower shower system adopting the modularization blender valve shown in Fig. 1 to Fig. 4;

Fig. 6 shows the stereogram of the embodiment of the main part of the modularization blender valve with Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 and the modularization blender valve of different outlet modules;

Fig. 7 shows in the past and from the modularization blender valve shown in Fig. 6 of upper observation;

Fig. 8 shows the shower shower system adopting the modularization blender valve shown in Fig. 6 and Fig. 7;

Fig. 9 shows the stereogram of the embodiment of the main part of the modularization blender valve with Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 and the modularization blender valve of different outlet modules;

Figure 10 shows in the past and from the modularization blender valve shown in Fig. 9 of upper observation;

Figure 11 shows the shower shower system adopting the modularization blender valve shown in Fig. 9 and Figure 10;

Figure 12 shows the sectional drawing of a part for the main part shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 and outlet module;

Figure 13 shows the stereogram of the modularization blender valve of Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, wherein " does " accessories section and is attached to outlet module;

Figure 14 a and Figure 14 b shows " doing " accessories section of alternative;

Figure 15 shows the sectional drawing of the amendment of the outlet module shown in Figure 12, to be attached " wetting " accessories section;

Figure 16 a, Figure 16 b, Figure 16 c and Figure 16 d show " wetting " accessories section of alternative;

Figure 17 shows the stereogram of the amendment of the modularization blender valve of Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, to comprise " wetting " accessories section between main part and outlet module;

Figure 18 shows the sectional drawing of the main part of Figure 17 and a part for " wetting " accessories section and outlet module;

Figure 19 shows the amendment of the modularization blender valve of Fig. 1;

Figure 20 shows the amendment of the modularization blender valve of Fig. 1;

Figure 21 a, Figure 21 b and Figure 21 c show the various structures of the shower shower system adopting the shaft-like mixing valve of exposed modularization;

Figure 22 a, Figure 22 b, Figure 22 c and Figure 22 d show the various structures of the shower shower system adopting built-in modules blender valve;

The details that Figure 23 shows the accessory connector shown in Figure 22 b and the accessories section of alternative used together with this accessory connector;

Figure 24 shows the embodiment of the part of connector system;

Figure 25 shows the receiving unit of the Part I of connector system and the Part I for connector system;

Figure 26 shows the Part II engaged with accessories section of connector system;

Figure 27 shows the accessories section that will be attached to the receiving unit in Figure 25 of Figure 26;

Figure 28 shows the lock ring of connector system, rotates when actuating ring is urged into joint this lock ring portion;

Figure 29 shows the actuating ring of connector system, and this actuating ring is buckled in the rear of lock ring to be linked together by each several part;

Figure 30 show connector system with for the sake of clarity lock ring that unshowned accessories section is linked together and actuating ring;

Figure 31 shows the shower system of prior art; And

Figure 32 shows the shower system of another prior art.

Detailed description of the invention

Fig. 1 to Fig. 4 shows the first embodiment of modularization blender valve 1, and Fig. 5 shows and comprises shower system and the bathing system adopting modularization blender valve 1.This first embodiment shows exposed blender valve 1.Other illustrates that the embodiment of built-in blender valve will be described after a while.

Referring to figs. 1 through Fig. 4, blender valve 1 comprises main part 2 or control module.Main part 2 has hot import separately and cold import (not shown) to be connected to cold water supply and hot water supply.In the present embodiment, the back side 3 of main part 2 is arranged on wall or similar stayed surface in use, and import is arranged to hide be connected to and is set to feed pipe after main part 2 by wall cloth.Import also can adopt other layout of import, as be known in the art.

Main part 2 accommodates mixing valve (invisible), and this mixing valve is arranged to for controlling two kinds of mixing of supplying water to provide output water temperature and the water velocity of expectation.Main part 2 comprises temperature controller 5 and flow speed controller 6 selects the gentle flow velocity of saliva for user.In all embodiments disclosed herein, if those skilled in the art is by known, controller 5,6 can replace by regulating the single sequence controller of flow velocity and temperature.Mixing valve can be thermostatic valve or non-thermostatic valve, as known in the art.

The main part 2 of blender valve has accessory connector 7 and removable accessories section 8, or arranges the outlet module being connected to connector 7.Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 shows the main part 2 being connected to accessories section 8, and Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 shows the main part 2 removing accessories section 8.In use, blender valve 1 is preferably mounted on wall or similar stayed surface, wherein, the connection axis of connector 7 flatly or less horizontal ground orientation, wherein, temperature controller 5 and flow speed controller 6 are positioned at the side of main part 2 and accessory connector 7 is positioned at the opposite side of main part 2.

Accessory connector 7 comprises water transport port 10, and this water transport port 10 is received by main part 2 and supplies water.Water transport port 10 comprises closing remains silent and is used for when accessories section 8 is connected to connector 7 as accessories section 8 provides water supply.Water transport port 10 be associated with connector 7 and the seal comprised between water transport port 10 and accessories section 8 reliably to carry water between part 2 and 8.

Accessories section 8 comprises delivery port 4.Delivery port 4 comprises tap 9, and tap 9 is threaded to connect conveying device, and described conveying device is such as being attached with the flexible hose of shower head.In use, delivery port 4 be arranged in blender valve 1 bottom side on and there is the connection axis vertically or be substantially vertically oriented.

In the shower system adopting the blender valve 1 shown in Fig. 5, the delivery port of accessories section 8 is connected to one end of flexible hose 70, and hander 72 is attached to the other end of flexible pipe 70.Hander 72 is arranged in the placement socket 71 of slide track component 73, and slide track component 73 is arranged on wall.Place socket 71 to be arranged in known manner on slide rail 74 and vertically can to regulate with the height regulating hander 72 along slide rail 74.If necessary, hander can be removed manually to guide sprinkling from placement socket 71.

Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 shows the second embodiment of blender valve 1, and Fig. 8 shows and comprises shower system and the bathing system adopting modularization blender valve 1.This second embodiment have employed the main part 2 identical from the first embodiment or control module and different removable accessories sections 8 or outlet module.In the present embodiment, accessories section 8 has and is provided with the delivery port 4 (the same with the first embodiment) of screw thread tap 9 and the one slide rail 74 of slide track component 73.

In the shower system of the employing blender valve 1 shown in Fig. 8, the delivery port 4 of accessories section 8 is connected to one end of flexible hose 70, and hander 72 is attached to the other end of flexible pipe 70.Hander 72 is arranged on to be placed in socket 71, and this placement socket 71 vertically can regulate with the height regulating hander 72 along one slide rail 74.If needed, hander 72 can be removed manually to guide sprinkling from placement socket 71.

Fig. 9 and Figure 10 shows the 3rd embodiment of modularization blender valve 1, and Figure 11 shows and comprises shower system and the bathing system adopting modularization blender valve 1.3rd embodiment have employed the main part 2 identical with the second embodiment from the first embodiment or control module and different removable accessories sections 8 or outlet module.In the present embodiment, accessories section 8 has the delivery port 4 that be provided with screw thread tap 9 the same with the first embodiment and the second delivery port 4 '.Accessories section 8 also comprises shunting valve member (invisible) and shunting valve member controller 11.Described shunting valve member makes the outlet pathway in accessories section 8 switch between delivery port 4 and delivery port 4 '.Therefore, the water received from water transport port 10 branches to delivery port 4 or delivery port 4 ' according to the position of shunting valve member.It should be understood that shunting valve member can make to supply water to both delivery port 4 and delivery port 4 ' simultaneously.

In the shower system shown in Figure 11, the first delivery port 4 is arranged on the bottom side of blender valve 1, and the second delivery port 4 ' is arranged on the top side of blender valve module, thus delivery port 4 and delivery port 4 ' all vertically or substantially orientation vertically.The delivery port 4 of accessories section 8 is connected to one end of flexible hose 70, and hander 72 is attached to the other end of flexible pipe 70.Delivery port 4 ' is connected to one end of rigidity feed pipe assembly 75, and fixing crown shower 76 is attached to the other end of feed pipe assembly 75.The slide rail of the placement socket 71 for hander 72 is held a concurrent post in the vertical portion 74 of feed pipe assembly 75, and hander 72 vertically can regulate with the height regulating hander 72 along slide rail 74.If needed, hander 72 can be removed manually to guide sprinkling from placement socket 71.In modification (not shown), independent slide track component can be mounted on wall or similar stayed surface, as shown in Figure 5.

As the description of the embodiment from Fig. 1 to Figure 11 is become obvious, modularization blender valve 1 is set to have the main part 2 for being connected to hot water supply and cold water supply or control module hot water supply cold water supply.Main part 2 holds the mixing valve being used for selecting the gentle flow velocity of saliva for user.By optionally different accessories sections 8 or outlet module being connected to the accessory connector 7 of main part 2 so that one or more outlet (separating with water transport port 10) is oriented to the water delivery conduit be connected to for supplying water to shower fitting spray nozzle, main part 2 can be configured to be arranged in different shower systems.Therefore, different accessories sections 8 provides interchangeable rigid outlet module or manifold, and this rigid outlet module or manifold easily can be disassembled and allow to use identical main part 2 or control module to carry out custom mix device valve 1 with changing.This modularized design of blender valve 1 makes shower system to customize by the requirement of user and easily to revise.

Referring now to Figure 12, show the cross section of the accessories section 8 running through the first embodiment, this accessories section is connected to the main part 2 (in order to clear, illustrate only its part, wherein, dotted line represents the place that main part continues) of blender valve 1.

Accessories section 8 comprises chamber 16 and water inlet, water inlet comprise be communicated with chamber 16 in eat dishes without rice or wine fastener 13.Mouth fastener 13 is suitable for being received in the water transport port 10 of main part 2.Therefore, water transport port 10 comprises tubular enclosure 14, and mouth fastener 13 is received in tubular enclosure 14.It should be understood that circle 14 can be any applicable shape, such as, as the ellipse or square of non-limiting example.

Water transport port 10 is surrounded by guard shield 19, and guard shield 19 comprises the part distally extending to mouth 10 of main part 2.Mouthful fastener 13 comprises groove 15, groove 15 with the potted component of such as O shape ring (not shown) and so on, sealing component seal tubular enclosure 14.Therefore, water can be flowed into the chamber 16 of accessories section 8 from main part 2 by circle 14 and mouth fastener 13.

Chamber 16 is also communicated with delivery port 4 and allows water freely to flow to delivery port 4 by chamber 16 in the present embodiment.Like this, the water outlet from mixing valve flow to delivery port 4 by the water channel comprising accessories section 8.Because accessories section 8 receives current from main part 2, so accessories section 8 is " wetting " accessories section.It should be understood that any interchangeable accessory part 8 of the embodiment of Fig. 1 to Figure 11 all can be arranged in main part 1 in a similar manner.

Accessories section 8 also comprises end cap 18, and this end cap 18 is removable with the socket 24 in the end showing accessories section 8, and socket 24 is isolated with the current by accessories section 8.Socket 24 is configured for installing another accessories section (not shown) to increase the functional of shower system.Because another accessories section does not receive current from main part 2, so another accessories section is " doing " accessories section.

Figure 13 shows " wetting " accessories section 8 in the first embodiment, and wherein, another " is done " accessories section 8 ' and is arranged on this and " wets " on accessories section.Another accessories section 8 ' comprises and is placed in the base segments 61 in socket 24 and the annular support 60 for installing moveable soapbox (not shown).Base segments 61 can be fixed removably by any applicable device (such as flat head screw) be arranged in the wall of socket 24, the groove extended with the circumference engaged around base segments 61.Support 60 can be oval or any other shape and can be configured to support other article.

Figure 14 a shows " doing " accessories section 8 ' comprising glass stand 62 and cup 63, and Figure 14 b shows " doing " accessories section comprising bottle stand 64 and pump operated soap bottle 65.For a person skilled in the art, other example of " doing " annex that can use together with the accessories section 8 of the first embodiment will be clearly.Second and the 3rd the accessories section of embodiment can be provided with removable end cap for installing " doing " accessories section 8 ' equally.

Referring now to Figure 15, show the amendment of the accessories section 8 of the first embodiment, to comprise another accessories section 49 and another water transport port 17.Accessories section 8 comprises guard shield 29, and guard shield 29 comprises the collar flange surrounding another water transport port 17.In fig .15, another water transport port 17 is closed by removable end cap 18.

End cap 18 comprises tubulose stopper 20 for clogging another water transport port 17 and end cap 21.Stopper 20 extends from end cap 21 and comprises groove 22, groove 22 with the annular seal of such as O shape ring (not shown) and so on to seal between stopper 20 and another water transport port 17.The size of end cap 21 is determined and is arranged as the end of closedown accessories section 8 and contacts with the external surface 23 of guard shield 29.Stopper 20 closes another water transport port 17.Alternatively, another water transport port can be closed automatically.

In use, removable the end cap 18 and accessories section that another " wet " is connected to accessories section 8.Therefore, another accessories section that " wets " can have a mouthful fastener, this mouthful of fastener comprises water inlet, water inlet to be suitable for being received in another water transport port 17 of accessories section 8 and to be sealed by the seal of such as O shape ring (not shown) and so on, and its sealing means is similar to the mode of carrying out sealing between stopper 20 and water transport port 17.Alternatively, " do " accessories section and can be connected to accessories section 8.Therefore, the water transport port 17 that accessories section closes accessories section 8 " is done ".Second and the 3rd the accessories section of embodiment can be provided with removable end cap and water transport port equally to install " wetting " accessories section 8 ' or " doing " accessories section.

Figure 16 a, Figure 16 b, Figure 16 c and Figure 16 d show " wetting " accessories section 8 that can use together with the accessories section 8 of the first embodiment " example.Figure 16 a shows such accessories section 8 ", it has temperature pick up (not shown) and for providing the temperature indicator 66 of the reading of water temperature.To measure the temperature from its water flow through in chamber 16 in the extensible entering part 8 of temperature pick up.Alternatively, temperature pick up can be positioned at water channel wall part on and such as by making heat conduction assign to measure the temperature from its water flow through by wall portion.Figure 16 b shows the accessories section 8 with clock and/or timer 67 ".Clock can operate independent of current, and timer can start when detecting the change by the current of accessories section 8 and stop timing.Figure 16 c shows has on-off switch 68 or the accessories section 8 for the valve that controls the current to delivery port 4 ".Figure 16 d shows the accessories section 8 with soap/oil injection apparatus 69 ".Soap/oil injection apparatus 69 is arranged to for introducing soap/oil in the water flowing into accessories section 8 and flow out through delivery port 4.Because the accessories section shown in Figure 16 a to Figure 16 d utilizes the water to delivery port 4 to provide additional functional, so these accessories sections are " wetting " accessories section.For a person skilled in the art, other example of " wetting " accessories section that can use together with the accessories section 8 of the first embodiment will become obvious.Second and the 3rd accessories section in embodiment can be provided with removable end cap and water transport port equally to install " wetting " accessories section 8 ".In other embodiments, accessories section 8 can comprise any accessories section 8 of appointing in single accessories section ".

In the embodiment described till now, the accessories section 8 comprising the delivery port module with one or more outlet is directly installed in the main part 2 of blender valve 1, and one or more another " wets " or " doing " accessories section can be arranged on accessories section 8.But this is not absolutely necessary, Figure 17 and Figure 18 also show another accessories section 8 that " wets " having and be connected between main part 2 and accessories section 8 or outlet module " layout.

Another accessories section 8 that " wets " " comprise water inlet, this water inlet has mouthful fastener 13 " to engage with the water transport port 10 of main part 2.Another accessories section 8 " also comprise water transport port 17 ", this water transport port 17 " via chamber 16 " with mouth fastener 13 " fluid is communicated with.In the present embodiment, another accessories section 8 " comprise temperature-sensing element (not shown) and temperature indicator 100.Temperature-sensing element be arranged to for measure in chamber 16 " in flowing water temperature and on the temperature indicator 100 be positioned on external surface, present temperature to user.The general construction of outlet module is similar to the accessories section 8 of the first embodiment, and mouth fastener 13 and another accessories section 8 " water transport port 17 " engage, and delivery port 4 can be connected to the water delivery device of such as foregoing flexible hose.Outlet module can comprise other outlet module any described herein.Accessories section 8 and 8 " be connected in series, and more than " wetting " accessories section can be connected between main part 2 and the accessories section 8 comprising outlet module.Alternatively or in addition, after one or more " wetting " or " doing " accessories section can be connected to the accessories section 8 comprising outlet module.In modification (not shown), another accessories section 8 that " wets " " another delivery port can be comprised to be connected to another conveying device, as described before this paper.Contemplate the combination of all possible wet and dry accessories section, these combinations within the scope of the present invention.

Referring now to Figure 19, show the modification of the first embodiment, wherein, accessories section 8 comprises temperature pick up and the temperature indicator 100 for demonstrating coolant-temperature gage.Temperature pick up can be replaced by any other device utilizing fluid stream to carry out those devices as described herein of n-back test.Outlet module can comprise other outlet module any described herein.

Referring now to Figure 20, show another modification of the first embodiment, wherein, main part 2 have be positioned at bottom side for being connected to such as the delivery port 4 of the fluid delivery system of the flexible hose and so on of shower hander, and be connected to the accessories section 8 not outlet of main part 2.In modification, to be connected to the rigid pipe of supply crown shower on the top side that outlet can be positioned at main part.Accessories section 8 can be " wet " as described herein accessories section or " do " accessories section.In fig. 20, accessories section 8 be comprise temperature pick up (not shown) " wetting, " accessories section, temperature pick up utilizes current to monitor leaving water temperature and to provide data readings via temperature indicator 100.Any other can be adopted to receive or utilize current to perform the accessories section of its function.As described herein, the present embodiment can adopt more than one accessories section.

In modification (not shown) in fig. 20, except the outlet in main part, accessories section 8 can have outlet.This outlet can be connected to the water delivery device of all those devices as described in this article.Accessories section can have controller, and controller also prevents/allow current direction annex to export except the outlet for preventing/allowing in current direction main part 2.

Referring now to Figure 21 a, Figure 21 b and Figure 21 c, show another embodiment of the different exposed modularization blender valve 1 comprising shaft-like blender valve, and adopt the bathing system of this valve.

Shaft-like mixing valve shown in Figure 21 a, Figure 21 b and Figure 21 c have tubulose, be substantially columniform main part 110 or control module, this main part has import separately to be connected to hot water supply 111 and cold water supply 112 respectively.Main part 110 or control module hold mixing valve to control mixed hot water and cold water, thus provide leaving water temperature and the water velocity of expectation.Main part 110 comprises temperature controller 113 and flow speed controller 114 selects coolant-temperature gage and water velocity for user.As those skilled in the art is known, controller 113 and 114 can replace by regulating the single sequence controller of flow velocity and temperature.Mixing valve can be thermostatic valve and non-thermostatic valve, as known in the art.Controller 113 is positioned at one end of main part 110.Usually the accessory connector similar to the embodiment in Fig. 1 to Figure 11 and water transport port (not shown) are positioned at the opposite end of main part 110 to be connected to accessories section.

In Figure 21 a, first " wetting " accessories section comprises oil syringe, this oil syringe by champignon wet goods similar item introduce flow through accessories section 8 from main part 110 " water.Another accessories section 8 that " wets " is connected to accessories section 8 " another accessory connector.Another accessories section 8 comprises usually similar to the outlet module shown in Fig. 9 to Figure 11 outlet module to comprise flow divider, flow divider is by via the first accessories section 8 " water that receives from main part 110 guides to fixing shower head 114 via rigid conduit 115 and guides to movable hander 116 via flexible hose 117, and this guiding is separately carried out or combines carrying out.Outlet module 8 comprises control lever 118 to control the delivery port that water is transported to it, and therefore controls conveying device.Outlet module 8 also can have another accessory connector and another water transport port, and this another water transport port is closed by water delivery lid 119.

In Figure 21 b, first " wetting " accessories section 8 " comprise the temperature pick up of the temperature for measuring the water flow through from it and the temperature indicator 120 for displays temperature.Another accessories section 8 that " wets " is connected to accessories section 8 " another accessory connector.Another accessories section 8 comprises usually similar with the outlet module shown in Fig. 1 to Fig. 5 outlet module to be connected activity hander 116 via flexible hose 117.

In Figure 21 c, first " wetting " annex 8 comprises usually similar to the outlet module of Figure 21 a outlet module to comprise flow divider, the water received from main part 110 is diverted to fixing shower head 114 and movable hander 116 via conduit 115 by this flow divider, and this shunting is separately carried out or combine carrying out.In the present embodiment, another water transport port of first " wetting " annex 8 " is done " accessories section 8 ' by another and is closed, and this another " doing " accessories section 8 ' is connected to another accessory connector of outlet module.Another accessories section 8 ' comprises the support for soapbox, but it also can comprise any other and " does " accessories section, all those accessories sections as described in this article.

Up to the present the shower applications described have employed exposed modularization blender valve.Figure 22 a, Figure 22 b, Figure 22 c and Figure 22 d show the various structures of the shower shower system adopting built-in modules blender valve 1.

Figure 22 a shows such system, and main part (not shown) to be recessed in wall and to be stashed by wall-mounted panel or plate 80 within the system.Concentric temperature/flow speed controller 5 and 6 is located on wall-mounted panel 80 to control temperature and the/flow velocity of water outlet.Panel 80 also comprises the accessory connector with accessories section 8, and accessories section 8 comprises the outlet module being connected with delivery port 4.In this example, hold the main part of mixing valve or control module that are used for shower and panel 80 integral, and accessory connector receives water outlet from mixing valve.Accessories section 8 or outlet module can be similar substantially to accessories section shown in Fig. 6 to Fig. 8, and wherein, delivery port 4 is connected to hander 72 via flexible hose 70, and one slide rail 74 is for installing hander 72 with placing socket 71.

Figure 22 b shows such system, and coaxial temperature/flow speed controller 5 and 6 is located on the first wall-mounted panel or plate 81 to control temperature and/or the flow velocity of water outlet within the system.The main part of blender valve (invisible) or control module can be integral and hold mixing valve with panel 81, and mixing valve is controlled by controller 5 and 6.The second wall-mounted panel separately or plate 82 comprise accessory connector, and this accessory connector has accessories section 8 or connected outlet module.Panel 81 and 82 can be set to a face on the other, as shown in the figure, although this not necessarily.Accessory connector can via being positioned at the tubes connection at wall rear to main part 2.Accessories section 8 can be similar substantially to the accessories section shown in Fig. 1 to Fig. 5, and wherein, delivery port 4 is connected to flexible hose 70, and flexible hose 70 is attached to the hander 72 be arranged on the placement socket 71 of slide track component 73.

Figure 22 c shows the layout with the first wall-mounted panel or plate 81 and the second wall-mounted panel separated or plate 82, this first wall-mounted panel 81 is provided with coaxial temperature/flow speed controller 5 and 6 to control temperature and/or the flow velocity of water outlet, should comprise the accessory connector with the accessories section 8 be connected to by the second wall-mounted panel 82 separately.Panel 81 and 82 can be arranged side by side, as shown in the figure, although this not necessarily.Accessory connector can via being positioned at the tubes connection at wall rear to main part 2 or control module.Accessories section 8 or outlet module can be similar substantially to accessories section shown in Fig. 6 to Fig. 8, and wherein, delivery port 4 is connected to flexible hose 70, and one slide rail 74 is for installing the hander 72 that is connected to flexible pipe placement socket 71 used.

Figure 22 d shows the structure similar to Figure 22 c, but unlike, accessories section 8 is substituted to comprise delivery port 4 and 4 ' separately by accessories section as shown in Figures 9 to 11 substantially, flow divider is used for water being guided to hander 72 via flexible hose 70 and guiding to fixing crown shower 76 via rigid pipe assembly 75, and this guiding is separately carried out or combine carrying out.Rigid pipe assembly can have a part for the slide rail of the placement socket 71 being used as hander 72.

It should be understood that the layout of the accessories section 8 shown in Figure 22 b, Figure 22 c and Figure 22 d can be provided with single panel as shown in Figure 22 a or plate 80.The layout of Figure 22 c and the main part (invisible) in Figure 22 d can to describe in Figure 22 b similar.Concentric controller in Figure 22 a, Figure 22 b, Figure 22 c and Figure 22 d can 5,6 can by be separated from each other layout (such as, side by side or any other be applicable to structure) controller replace.

Figure 23 shows the accessories section 8 in Figure 22 b, wherein, removes seal cover 18 to show another accessory connector 49.If necessary, another water transport port 17 is also provided to another accessories section 8 that " wets " " supply water.Alternatively, " doing " accessories section 8 ' can be set to close another water transport port 17.Alternatively, accessories section 8 can be the accessories section of the type shown in Figure 12 and Figure 13 only to install " doing " accessories section.The structure of all " wetting " and " doing " accessories sections all can adopt as described herein.

Figure 23 also show multiple be connected to another accessory connector 49 another " do " accessories section 8 ' and " wetting " accessories section 8 "." do " accessories section 8 ' can comprise: for being attached the hook 90 of the article of such as sponge and so on, for supporting the support 91 of other article any of soapbox 92 or soap dispenser 93 or such as cup (not shown) and so on." wet " accessories section 8 " temperature pick up and temperature indicator 100 can be comprised.Second delivery port 4 ' also can be set up thus provide the selection of more structure shower systems for user.This " wetting " accessories section 8 " another accessory connector 49 ' can be comprised again, therefore can connect another and " wet " or " doing " accessories section 8.The possessive construction of wet and dry accessories section and combination, as described in this article all, all can use together with built-in blender valve.

In each above-described embodiment, accessories section 8,8 ' and 8 " can be interconnected or be connected to by connector system 30 accessories section 7 of main part 2.Figure 24 to Figure 30 shows the embodiment of connector system 30, but is not limited to the specific arrangements shown in Figure 24 to Figure 30 to the reference of connector system.

Connector system 30 comprises two major parts: lock ring 31 and actuating ring 32 as of fig. 24.Lock ring 31 is arranged to be installed in guard shield 19 and 29, and guard shield 19 and 29 surrounds the water transport port 10 of main part 7 or another water transport port 17 of accessories section 8.Actuating ring 32 is arranged to the mouth fastener 13 being mounted to accessories section 8.

Lock ring 31 comprises ring body, and this ring body comprises multiple around the axially spaced mounting clip 33 of its external surface.The mounting clip 33 extended from an axial side of lock ring is hinged by hinge 34 and lock ring.Hinge 34 is flexible and be adapted so that the free end of each mounting clip stand on the radially outward place of ring body and the power can resisting hinge 34 is radially-inwardly compressed.Lock ring 31 also comprises multiple elastic flange 35 or protrusion tab, and elastic flange extends radially outwardly and is in axial direction oriented.Therefore elastic flange is arranged as and bends in circumferential direction.The inward facing surface of ring body comprises the locking domatic 36 of multiple circumferentially spaced.Lock domatic 36 comprise wedge-shaped projection and include the bearing surface 37 tilted to axial direction.Lock domatic 36 and also comprise step maintenance surface 38.

Figure 25 shows the lock ring 31 be mounted in guard shield 19 and 29.Guard shield 19 and 29 comprises collar flange, and collar flange has the antelabium 40 extended radially inwardly, and antelabium 40 is from guard shield free end projection.Guard shield 19 and 29 also comprises multiple axially extended groove 41, and groove 41 is formed in the inward facing surface of guard shield 19 and 29.Groove 41 extends through the antelabium 40 that is in free end and complementary with elastic flange 35.Be provided with two holes 39 diametrically at the either side of water transport port 10 and 17, its object will be described below.When lock ring 31 is arranged in guard shield 19 and 29, elastic flange 35 aligns with groove 41, and mounting clip 33 be arranged to its in antelabium 40 by time compressed about its hinge 34.Once lock ring 31 leaves antelabium 40 and be arranged in its installation site at guard shield, mounting clip 33 just radially outward rebounds to be bonded on antelabium 40 rear, thus is fixed in guard shield by lock ring, and wherein elastic flange 35 is arranged in groove 41.Mounting clip 33 is arranged to prevent lock ring from moving axially in guard shield, but allows in rotary moving, and this rotary motion is resisted by elastic flange 35.

Figure 26 shows the actuating ring 32 be arranged on accessories section 8.Actuating ring 32 comprises ring body 43, that ring body 43 has multiple circumferentially spaced and the rotary teeth 44 extended radially outwardly.Ring body 43 also comprises two axially extended lugs 45, and these two lugs are positioned at the same side of ring body but the position be positioned at diametrically.Lug 45 is complementary with hole 39.Actuating ring 32 is fixed to mouthful fastener 13 (although it also can be frictional fit, circlip or releasable connection) by adhesive

Figure 27 shows the accessories section 8 it being provided with actuating ring 32, this accessories section engages with accessory connector 7 (or another accessories section 8) part of main part 2, and this accessory connector 7 has the lock ring 31 be associated with actuating ring 32 be installed together with sheath 19.The length of lug 45 makes it engage with hole 39 before rotary teeth 44 contacts lock ring 31.Lug 45 prevents actuating ring 32 to rotate relative to water transport port 10 and guard shield 19 and 29 with the joint in hole 35.When accessories section 8 is pushed to main part 2 (or another accessories section 8), rotary teeth 44 engages with the bearing surface 37 of locking domatic 36.

Figure 28 shows one of them rotary teeth 44 when it is pushed along arrow 46 direction.When actuating ring 32 can not rotate in hole 39 because lug 45 is bonded on, rotary teeth 44 is resisted against in locking domatic 36, and thus makes lock ring rotate along the counter clockwise direction shown in arrow 47 in such as figure.The rotation of lock ring 31 makes elastic flange 35 bend, this is because the free end of flange 35 remains in groove 41.This can resist lock ring 31 and rotate.

Figure 29 shows the position of lock ring 31 relative to actuating ring 32, and especially when connector system 30 is positioned at its latched position rotary teeth 44 relative to locking domatic 36 position.Once each rotary teeth 44 has arrived the end of bearing surface 37 all, lock ring 31 just can spring back to its initial position along by direction shown in arrow 48 under the effect of the power of elastic flange 35.Therefore, rotary teeth 44 becomes to be trapped in domatic 36 rears of locking and to be resisted against step and keeps on surface 38.

Figure 30 shows the ring 31 and 32 be connected with accessories section 8, for the sake of clarity removes accessories section.Show the release aperture 50 in guard shield 19 and 29, it allows insertion tool, and this instrument can rotate lock ring 31 to be discharged from latched position by actuating ring 32.Therefore, ring 31 and 32 can separately to disassemble accessories section 8 from main part 2 (or another accessories section 8).Although Figure 24 to Figure 30 basically illustrates being bonded with each other between accessories section 8 and main valve body part 2, when another accessories section 8 ' being connected to accessories section 8 similar elements and principle applicable equally.

Connector system 30 can have the structure of alternative, and the structure of this alternative makes accessory connector 7 or another accessory connector 49 can be connected to accessories section 8 or another accessories section 8 ', 8 respectively ".Therefore, accessory connector 7,49 will have the Part I of connector system, and accessories section 8,8 ', 8 " complementary portion of connector system will be had, thus these parts can securely but be also interconnected movably.Especially, connector system can comprise buckle-type system, and wherein, holding element is located at a part 2,8,8 ' and 8 " on, be arranged to engage holding element rear or within flexible member be then located on another part.Alternatively, connector system can comprise flat head screw and recess arrangement.Therefore, accessory connector 7 and 49 can comprise recess or groove, and accessories section 8 or another accessories section 8 ', 8 " flat head screw can be comprised, this flat head screw can tighten to engage with recess or groove.Alternatively, connector system can comprise bayonet connector.Therefore, a part in part to be joined can be provided with one or more bayonet connector structural member (such as, lug), these structural members become to engage the one or more cooperation bayonet connector structural members (such as, recess) on another part.Bayonet arrangement part connects merga pass opposite action and disconnects by promotion/torsion action.A bias force can be provided to help keep the just joint of bayonet arrangement part, thus the movement (gap) reduced between coupling part and providing unit divide between firm, stablely to connect.Bias force also contributes to making parts separately when taking parts apart.The direction of parts when being connected limits by adopting asymmetric bayonet connector system, and this asymmetric bayonet connector peventing member is assembled mistakenly.

As from describing above and should understanding, blender valve can comprise one or more accessories section, and each accessories section all has different functional, and these accessories sections can be selected and with multiple structure assembling customize the functional of the shower system of employing blender valve.Therefore, blender valve can have main part or control module, and this main part or control module have: mixing valve, its for mixed hot water and cold water to provide the water outlet with preferred temperature; And the water transport port be arranged between mixing valve and outlet, its conduit that can be connected to such as flexible hose or rigid pipe and so on is in use to be supplied to shower head by the water outlet from blender valve.Blender valve is by being connected to water transport port to customize by accessory module.Accessory module can be " wetting " accessory module, should " wet " accessory module via water transport port reception or utilize out current to perform its function.Alternatively, accessory module can be " doing " accessory module, should " do " accessory module closedown water transport port.The accessory module that " wets " can have outlet or be connected to another accessory module with outlet, thus water just flow to outlet from the main part of blender valve by accessory module.Alternatively or in addition, main part can have outlet.The accessory module that " wets " can utilize the water flowing to outlet to carry out n-back test.Such as, " wetting " accessory module can measure the temperature of water outlet, pressure or flow velocity, or can introduce product in current, or change current, or has other purposes any as described herein." do " accessory module can perform and do not need fluid stream to perform the function of its function.Such as, " doing " accessory module can allocated product, or attachment product, or has as described other purposes any herein.A more than accessory module can be provided.Multiple accessory module can be connected in series and can comprise the combination of " wetting " module or " doing " module or " wetting " and " doing " module.Main part can have a more than water transport port to be attached accessory module.The functional of blender valve makes blender valve adapt to by adding, removing or replace accessory module to change on demand, but does not change control module.

As used herein, term " substantially ", " flatly ", " vertically " and similar terms are intended to have common with the those of ordinary skill of the technical field belonging to theme of the present disclosure and can accept to use the wide in range connotation coordinated.Check the description that these terms are intended to permission description and some feature claimed that it will be understood by those skilled in the art that of the present disclosure, and the scope of these features can not be defined as provided precise arrangements.Therefore, these terms should be interpreted as indicating the unsubstantiality of described and claimed theme and inessential amendment or change be considered to be in as in appended claims within the scope of the invention that describes.

It should be pointed out that term as used herein " exemplary " is intended to indicate that these embodiments are possible examples, representative and/or may the illustration (and this term not infer these embodiments must be uncommon or five-star example) of embodiment.

Term as used in this article " attachment ", " connection ", " fixing " etc. mean that two elements are directly or indirectly connected to each other.This connection can be static (such as, permanent) or movable (such as, removable or releasable).This joint can realize like this: these two elements or these two elements and any additional intermediate members is integral with one another is formed as single entirety, or these two elements or these two elements and any additional intermediate members are engaged with each other.

The orientation that (such as, " top ", " bottom ", " top ", " below " etc.) is only used for describing various element in accompanying drawing is quoted herein to the position of element.It should be pointed out that the orientation of various element different and these changes may be intended to contained by present disclosure according to other exemplary embodiments.

Importantly, should note as the mixing valve as shown in multiple exemplary embodiment and associated component, device and system structure and arrange just illustrative.Although only describe in detail several embodiment in present disclosure, but check those skilled in the art of the present disclosure will easily recognize, when significantly not departing from novel teachings and the advantage of theme described herein, many amendments are possible (uses, color, orientation etc. of such as, the change of the size of various element, size, structure, shape and ratio, mounting arrangements, material).Such as, being shown as the element be integrally formed can be made up of multiple part or element, and the position of element can be contrary or otherwise change, and the character of gapping element or quantity and position can change or change.The order of any process or method step or sequence can change according to alternative embodiment or rearrange.Any feature of any one embodiment or multiple feature all can use individually or use together from any further feature of same embodiment or different embodiment or multiple feature, and all possibilities are all susceptible to and fall within the scope of the present invention.When not deviating from scope of the present invention described herein, can also be carried out other to the design of various exemplary embodiment, operating condition and layout and substituting, revise, change and omit.

Claims

1. the customizable bathing system for cleaning, described system comprises main part (2), for the delivery port (4) of transport cleaning water and with described main part integral or by tubes connection to the accessory connector (7) of described main part, described main part has the water inlet being arranged to receive water supply, described main part comprises blender valve (1) with by hot water supply and cold water supply being carried out mixing the water temperature controlling described water outlet, wherein, described accessory connector comprises water transport port (10), and described main part is suitable for providing water supply to the described water transport port of described accessory connector, wherein, described system comprises at least two different accessories sections (8, 8 ', 8 "), each accessories section all has different functional, an accessories section at least two different accessories sections described in the described water transport port of described accessory connector is suitable for receiving removably, make the described water transport port by the functional described accessories section with expectation being connected to described accessory connector to customize the functional of described customizable bathing system, and, after described customizable bathing system is mounted, the user of described customizable bathing system can change the functional of described customizable bathing system by following manner: select different accessories sections, remove and assign to by selected described different accessory portion change the accessories section be connected with the described water transport port of described accessory connector, or, select another accessories section, and this another accessories section be connected to the accessories section be connected with the described water transport port of described accessory connector.

2. customizable bathing system according to claim 1, wherein, described blender valve is thermostatic valve.

3. customizable bathing system according to claim 1, wherein, at least one accessories section in described accessories section is arranged to use the current from described water transport port in use.

4. customizable bathing system according to claim 1, wherein, at least one accessories section in described accessories section comprises described delivery port.

5. customizable bathing system according to claim 1, wherein, described main part comprises described delivery port.

6. customizable bathing system according to claim 1, wherein, described main part is arranged to comprise described delivery port, and at least one accessories section in described accessories section comprises the second delivery port separately.

7. customizable bathing system according to claim 1, wherein, at least one accessories section in described accessories section comprises manifold so that the water received from described water transport port is guided to conveying device for use, and described conveying device is suitable for being connected to described accessories section.

8. customizable bathing system according to claim 1, wherein, at least one accessories section in described accessories section comprises the device for providing following any element: for the placement socket of shower hander, soapbox, magazine, soap/lotion dispenser, glass stand, for the fixture of shampoo/soap/washing lotion, for being attached the hook of article, clock, radio or other music player, connect the USB slot of MP3 or other music player, for receiving information with the Wi-Fi reset to shower user or other wireless receiver, artistic conception is thrown light on, note pad, picture display box, or shaving mirror.

9. customizable bathing system according to claim 3, wherein, at least one accessories section in described accessories section is arranged to receive or utilize current and comprise the device for providing following any element: outlet, water temperature display, for measuring the flow meter of the flow velocity of water, for soap being introduced the soap syringe of current, for champignon oil being introduced the champignon oil syringe of current, for air being introduced the air syringe in current, by the close/open valve of pushbutton enable, the character measuring current calculates the shower energy use calculator of energy use, the character measuring current calculates the shower cost instrument of shower cost, or make water flow through mirror to make mirror maintenance without the antifog shaving mirror of mist.

10. customizable bathing system according to claim 1, wherein, described accessory connector is arranged to engage that described accessories section is fixed to described accessory connector with the complementary connecting portions on described accessories section, and described accessory connector forms connector system (30) together with described complementary connecting portions.

11. customizable bathing systems according to claim 10, wherein, described connector system comprises releasing member, and described releasing member is arranged to make described accessories section be separated with described accessory connector when having activated this releasing member.

12. customizable bathing systems according to claim 1, wherein, at least one accessories section in described accessories section comprises another accessory connector, and another accessory connector described is arranged to receive another accessories section (49).

13. customizable bathing systems according to claim 12, wherein, another accessory connector described comprises another water transport port (17), and described accessories section is arranged to water supply to be directed to another water transport port described in another accessory connector described.

14. customizable bathing systems according to claim 12, wherein, described accessory connector and/or another accessory connector described, comprising:

(a) bayonet connector; Or (b) snap-on connector; Or (c) screw thread coupling; Or (d) is arranged to engage the flat head screw in complementary recess formula connector.

15. customizable bathing systems according to claim 13, wherein, described customizable bathing system comprises removable lid (18), and when described water transport port or another water transport port described do not use, described removable lid closes described water transport port or another water transport port described hermetically.

16. customizable bathing systems according to claim 1, wherein, described main part is arranged to expose out in use make user can see this main part.

17. customizable bathing systems according to claim 1, wherein, described main part is arranged to stash in use, and described accessory connector is arranged to expose out, makes user's energy close to described attachment connector to connect described accessories section.

18. customizable bathing systems according to claim 1, wherein, are provided with the delivery port being connected to conveying device in described main part, and described accessories section can comprise or not comprise the second delivery port.

19. customizable bathing systems according to claim 1, wherein, described customizable bathing system comprises in use for controlling the flow speed controller of the flow velocity of the water to described delivery port.

20. customizable bathing systems according to claim 19, wherein, described flow speed controller is established on the body portion.

21. customizable bathing systems according to claim 1, wherein, provide the device for being connected with lower part with the described delivery port that described water transport port separates:

A) conveying device; Or

B) there is the stationary pipes of fixing shower head; Or

C) body spray boom or the flushing flexible pipe for clean described shower; Or

D) mouth of pipe module filled by bathtub.

22. customizable bathing systems according to claim 8, wherein, other wireless receiver described comprises Baffle Box of Bluetooth.

23. customizable bathing systems according to claim 8, wherein, described information comprises streaming media news, music, weather renewal or calendar progress chart.

24. customizable bathing systems according to claim 8, wherein, described picture display box comprises DPF.

25. customizable bathing systems according to claim 21, wherein, described conveying device comprises shower hose.

26. 1 kinds of kits for the formation of customizable bathing system according to claim 1, this kit comprises main part and an accessories section.

27. kits according to claim 26, wherein, described accessories section comprises another accessory connector being arranged to receive another accessories section.

28. kits according to claim 26, wherein, described kit comprises two for increasing different functional accessories sections to described customizable bathing system.

29. kits according to claim 28, wherein, each accessories section in described two accessories sections is all arranged to optionally be connected to described main part and/or another accessories section.