CN104048072A

CN104048072A - Waterway assembly

Info

Publication number: CN104048072A
Application number: CN201410097379.2A
Authority: CN
Inventors: A·M·德维斯; C·M·麦克奎尔; 库尔特·贾德森·托马斯
Original assignee: Masco Corp of Indiana
Current assignee: Masco Corp
Priority date: 2013-03-14
Filing date: 2014-03-14
Publication date: 2014-09-17
Also published as: CA2845213A1; CA2845213C

Abstract

The invention relates to a waterway assembly. Specifically, the invention relates to a faucet including a molded waterway assembly. The molded waterway assembly comprises a plurality of flexible tubular parts cladded and moulded in a valve interface part and a supporting plate, the plurality of flexible tubular parts are made from polymers and each flexible tubular part comprises a first terminal and a second terminal which are opposite to each other, the supporting plate comprises a plurality of openings which are aligned to the first terminals of the plurality of flexible tubular parts, and the supporting plate is provided with plate hardness. The molded waterway assembly also comprises a substrate which is made from polymers provided with substrate hardness, and the substrate is cladded and moulded around the first terminals of the plurality of flexible tubular parts and the supporting plate, and the plate hardness is higher than the substrate hardness.

Description

Water route assembly parts

the cross reference of related application

The application's case is the U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 13/758 of submitting on February 4th, 2013, 800 the part application case that continues, patent application case sequence number 13/758, 800 is the U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 12/848 of submitting on August 2nd, 2010, 737, it is now U.S. Patent number 8, 365, 770 the application case that continues, patent application case sequence number 12/848, 737 is the U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 11/700 of submitting on January 31st, 2007, 634, it is now U.S. Patent number 7, 766, 043 the application case that continues, patent application case sequence number 11/700, 634 advocate the U.S. Provisional Application case sequence number 60/809 that on May 26th, 2006 submits to, 033 rights and interests, the disclosure of these application cases is clearly incorporated herein by reference.

Technical field

The present invention relates to pipeline utensil substantially, and or rather, relates to the water tap that comprises molded water route assembly parts.The invention particularly relates to a kind of water tap that comprises molded water route assembly parts.

Background technique

Single-handle water-tap generally includes mixing valve, and described valve control hot water and cold water flow to delivery nozzles.These water taps are approved widely, and conventionally through structure so that handle or knob can move to regulate at different direction temperature (, the mixing of hot water and cold water) and the flow rate of water.

Conventional mixing valve generally includes machined brass main body and the brass fittings being associated.Brass main body generally includes hot water inlet, cold water inlet, and mixed water exports.Be generally mix ball or slidably the adjustable valve gating element of plate be temperature and the flow rate of handling to control aforementioned water by handle.In conventional water tap, copper pipe is conventionally soldered on the entrance and exit of valve body and is soldered on the accessory being associated.After brazing operation, conventionally carry out etching or the bright operation of electrolysis immersion to clean the metal surface with pollutant.

Can understand, this type of conventional mixing valve has certain disadvantages.For example, the cost of copper pipe and the extra assembly cost that is associated with soldering and the bright operation of electrolysis immersion are quite remarkable.The bright operation of electrolysis immersion also may cause inappropriate metal deposition on valve body.Thus, knownly use plastic materials can reduce costs, eliminate Metal Contact to water route, and the protections that stop acid and other rodent regimen conditions are provided.In view of more concerns of the quality to potable water, in pipeline utensil, use nonmetallic material to become extremely important.What Environmental Protection Agency, the NSF world (NSF International) and other health were relevant organizes the tenor (, copper and lead) of just actively seeking to reduce in water.

Previous plastic faucet has been attempted being similar to and has been used the method for brass to use plastics, that is, and and as construction package and water distributor.Because the character of the yield strength of most of plastics and hardness and brass is not similar, so this has caused some problems.This may cause using unmanageable more advanced material.Alternatively, for cost and long durability, can use the material that is not suitable for structure applications.

Summary of the invention

According to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention, fluid delivery system comprises water route assembly parts, described water route assembly parts has the first inlet fluid transmission assembly that is formed and had the first and second relative ends by polymer, and is formed and had the outlet fluid transfer assemblies of the first and second relative ends by polymer.Water route assembly parts further comprises substrate, and described substrate is formed by polymer and has upper face and lower surface, and is coated molded around the first end of the first inlet fluid transmission assembly and the first end of outlet fluid transfer assemblies.Valve assembly comprises the first ingress port being communicated with the first inlet fluid transmission assembly fluid, and the outlet port being communicated with outlet fluid transfer assemblies fluid.Valve assembly further comprises the based upper face of face and the lower surface engaging hermetically with substrate.Valve assembly further comprises that the removable valve part being configured is to control the water flow from the first ingress port to outlet port.

According to another illustrative embodiment of the present invention, water tap comprises holder and comprises the water route assembly parts of the substrate of being supported by holder.Hot water inlet's tubular part comprises and is fluidly coupled to suprabasil first end and is configured the second end being fluidly coupled in hot water supply.Thereby cold water inlet tubular part comprises and is fluidly coupled to suprabasil first end and is configured the second end being fluidly coupled in cold feed.Outlet tubular part comprises and is fluidly coupled to suprabasil first end, and the second end.Valve assembly comprises the hot water inlet's port being communicated with hot water inlet's tubular part fluid, and the cold water inlet port being communicated with cold water tubular part fluid.Valve assembly further comprises the outlet port being communicated with outlet tubular part fluid, and the based upper face of face and the lower surface that is coupled hermetically with substrate.Valve assembly also comprises the removable valve part that is configured to control the water flow from ingress port to outlet port.Locking member to be can mode of operation being coupled on valve assembly, and is configured to valve assembly to be fixed on the assembly parts of water route.

According to another illustrative embodiment of the present invention, fluid delivery system comprises valve assembly, the first positioning element that described valve assembly has lower surface and supported by lower surface.Fluid delivery system further comprises water route assembly parts, and described water route assembly parts has the first fluid transmission assembly of the first and second relative ends, and has the second fluid transmission assembly of the first and second relative ends.Substrate comprises upper face and lower surface, and is coated molded around the first end of first fluid transmission assembly and the first end of second fluid transmission assembly.Water route assembly parts further comprises the second positioning element being supported by the upper face of substrate, and be configured to cooperate with the first positioning element of valve assembly so that valve assembly with respect to the suitable orientation of water route assembly parts.

According to another illustrative embodiment of the present invention, water tap comprises valve assembly, and water route assembly parts, described water route assembly parts comprises the first inlet fluid transmission assembly that is formed and had the first and second relative ends by nonmetallic material, and is formed and had the outlet fluid transfer assemblies of the first and second relative ends by nonmetallic material.Water route assembly parts further comprises the substrate that is formed and had upper face and lower surface by nonmetallic material, described substrate be fluidly coupled to first fluid entrance transmission assembly first end, outlet fluid transfer assemblies first end and valve assembly on.Upper case is formed by nonmetallic material and comprises that nozzle, described nozzle have the outlet of being fluidly coupled to outlet fluid transfer assemblies, and for receiving the passage of outlet fluid transfer assemblies.

According to another illustrative embodiment of the present invention, water route assembly parts comprises multiple flexible tubular member, and described parts are formed by polymer and have the first and second relative ends.Water route assembly parts further comprises substrate, and described substrate is formed by polymer and is coated and is molded into described multiple tubular part around first end.

According to another illustrative embodiment of the present invention, water route assembly parts comprises substrate, and described substrate comprises multiple openings.The multiple tubular parts that formed by crosslinked polymer comprise the first and second relative ends, and the first end of multiple tubular parts is received in multiple openings of substrate.

According to another illustrative embodiment of the present invention, fluid delivery system comprises guide of flow parts, and is fluidly coupled to the molded water route on guide of flow parts.Molded water route comprises the substrate with entrance opening and exit opening, and is fluidly coupled to the flexible tubular member on entrance opening.Fluid passage is extended, is passed guide of flow parts and go out from exit opening from entrance opening, and wherein fluid is being upward through entrance opening and is being upward through exit opening in the second party that is different from first direction with first party.

According to another illustrative embodiment of the present invention, the substrate of water route assembly parts comprises upper face, lower surface, the first entrance opening being communicated with upper face fluid, and the exit opening that is communicated with and locates with entrance opening interval with upper face fluid.Substrate is formed by crosslinked polymer.

According to another illustrative embodiment of the present invention, water route assembly parts comprises multiple flexible tubular member, and described parts are formed by polymer and have the first and second relative ends.Valve interface parts are formed by polymer and are coated molded around the first end of multiple tubular parts.Valve interface parts comprise first surface, second surface, extend to the multiple openings that are communicated with in first surface and with multiple tubular part fluids, are defined and are extended and be configured to and valve assembly seals to provide the valve seat of the fluid communication between multiple openings and valve assembly around multiple openings by first surface.

According to another illustrative embodiment of the present invention, water route assembly parts comprises substrate, described substrate has first surface, second surface, extends to multiple openings of second surface from first surface, and is defined and be configured to the valve seat engaging hermetically with valve assembly by first surface.Multiple tubular parts are formed by crosslinked polymer and comprise that the first and second relative ends, the first end of multiple tubular parts are contained in multiple openings of substrate and extend from second surface.Multiple fluid male parts are supported by the second end of multiple tubular parts.

According to another illustrative embodiment of the present invention, the valve interface parts of water route assembly parts comprise upper face, lower surface, extend to the first entrance opening in upper face, and extend to the exit opening of locating in upper face and with entrance opening interval.First flow guiding channel extend in upper face, extend outwardly from the first entrance opening, and with the first entrance open fluid communication.The second mobile guiding channel extends in upper face, extends outwardly from exit opening, and is communicated with exit opening fluid.Valve assembly valve seat is supported by upper face and extends around the first mobile guiding channel and the second mobile guiding channel, and wherein valve interface parts are formed by crosslinked polymer.

According to another illustrative embodiment of the present invention, water route assembly parts comprises multiple tubular parts, and described parts are formed by polymer and have the first and second relative ends.Dunnage comprises multiple openings of aiming at the first end of multiple tubular parts.Dunnage has plate hardness.Substrate is formed by polymer and has substrate hardness.Substrate is coated molded around first end and the dunnage of multiple tubular parts.Plate hardness is greater than substrate hardness.

Following the illustrating after the illustrative embodiment that is known as at present best implementation pattern of the present invention of reference, those skilled in the art more can know and understand other features and advantages of the present invention.

Brief description of the drawings

Specific with reference to accompanying drawing, wherein to graphic detailed description:

Figure 1A is the perspective view of illustrative embodiment water tap of the present invention, described water tap be installed to tank table top and be fluidly coupled to hot water and cold feed line on;

Figure 1B is the perspective view that is similar to Figure 1A, and it shows another illustrative fluids male part of hot water and cold feed line;

Fig. 1 C is the perspective view that is similar to Figure 1A, and it shows another illustrative male part of hot water and cold feed line;

Fig. 2 is the perspective view of the water tap of Figure 1A;

Fig. 3 is the perspective view that is similar to Fig. 2, and wherein escutcheon is removed to illustrate molded water route assembly parts, holder, and valve assembly;

Fig. 4 is the perspective view that is similar to Fig. 3, and wherein bottom is removed to represent the additional detail of molded water route assembly parts;

Fig. 5 is the perspective exploded view of the partial cut of the water tap of Fig. 2;

Fig. 6 is the partial, exploded perspective view of the water tap of Fig. 2, and it shows escutcheon, valve gap, guided rings, and fixed muffle;

Fig. 7 is the sketch of illustrative embodiment water tap, and it shows the molded water route assembly parts being coupled on valve assembly;

Fig. 8 is the viewgraph of cross-section intercepting along the line 8-8 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 9 is the detailed viewgraph of cross-section of Fig. 8;

Figure 10 is the partial, exploded perspective view of the water tap of Fig. 2, and it shows the interface between molded water route assembly parts and valve body;

Figure 11 is the top plan view of the substrate of molded water route assembly parts;

Figure 12 is the bottom plan view of the substrate of molded water route assembly parts;

Figure 13 is the diagrammatical cross-sectional view that shows another illustrative fluids coupled arrangement of water route assembly parts;

Figure 14 is the diagrammatical cross-sectional view that is similar to Figure 13, and it shows another illustrative fluids male part for water route assembly parts;

Figure 15 is the side view of another illustrative embodiment water tap of the present invention in partial cross-section;

Figure 16 is the partial, exploded perspective view of the water tap of Figure 15;

Figure 17 is the detailed view of the cross section of Figure 15;

Figure 18 is the perspective view that shows the molded water route assembly parts of the water tap of Figure 15, and wherein water tap is by tank mesa supports;

Figure 19 is the fragmentary, perspective view of the molded water route assembly parts of Figure 18;

Figure 20 is the perspective exploded view of the molded water route assembly parts of Figure 19;

Figure 21 is the partial, exploded perspective view of the water tap of Figure 15, and it shows the interface between valve body and molded water route link;

Figure 22 is the top plan view of the substrate of molded water route assembly parts;

Figure 23 is the bottom plan view of the substrate of molded water route assembly parts;

Figure 24 is the mobile sketch of fluid showing in the assembly parts of illustrative water route;

Figure 25 is the mobile sketch of fluid showing in another illustrative water route assembly parts;

Figure 26 is the mobile sketch of fluid showing in another illustrative water route assembly parts;

Figure 27 is the fragmentary, perspective view of another illustrative molded water route assembly parts;

Figure 28 is the viewgraph of cross-section intercepting along the line 28-28 of Figure 27;

Figure 29 is the viewgraph of cross-section intercepting along the line 29-29 of Figure 27;

Figure 30 is the perspective view of the dunnage of the molded water route assembly parts of Figure 27.

Embodiment

Embodiments of the invention described herein are also not intended to be detailed or limit the invention to disclosed precise forms.In fact the embodiment who, selects for description is chosen so that those skilled in the art can put into practice the present invention.Although the present invention is described in conjunction with water, should be understood that the fluid that also can use other types.

First with reference to Figure 1A, illustrative embodiment water tap 10 is shown as and is installed at the tank above sink basin 14 or installs on table top 12.Water tap 10 is fluidly coupled on hot water and cold feed or hot water and cold water source 16 and 18 through conventional block 20 and 22 respectively.Hot water and cold water standpipe 24 and 26 can fluidly be coupled to block 20 and 22 respectively on hot water and cold water inlet fluid transfer assemblies or pipe 28 and 30.Although Figure 1A illustrates by fluid male part 32 and 34 and is coupled to hot water and the cold water standpipe 24 and 26 on entrance pipe 28 and 30, but should be appreciated that, entrance pipe 28 and 30 can extend to block 20 and 22 from water tap 10 incessantly by fluid male part 36 and 38, as shown in Figure 1B.In addition, Fig. 1 C shows an illustrative embodiment, and wherein entrance pipe 28 and 30 is coupled in the pipe-line system in building or house at wall 40 rears.

With further reference to Fig. 2 to 6, water tap 10 comprises the holder 42 that is configured to be fixed on tank table top 12.Holder 42 comprises a pair of leg 44 and 46 towards downward-extension, and described leg comprises to n-lustrative respectively the hollow tube with outside thread 48 and 49.The fixed component that is illustrated as nut 50 and 51 by the screw thread 48 and 49 of leg 44 and 46 can spiral way holding.Nut 50 and 51 is configured to holder 42 to be fixed on tank table top 12.Supporter 52 and 54 is coupled to leg 44 with 46 upper end and is connected by bridging component 56.Bridging component 56 then be supported on the supporter 52 and 54 isolated vertical parts 58 in top.

With further reference to Fig. 5, vertical part 58 n-lustrative ground comprise the cylindrical outer wall 59 that supports multiple outside threads 60.The platform 62 around longitudinal opening 64 is supported in the upper end of wall 59.In an illustrative embodiment, holder 42 is made up of polymer in-mold, for example, demonstrate the Long-fiber-reinforced thermoplastics (LFRT) of high-dimensional stability and stronger mechanical property.This type of LFRT is Ticona (Ticona) the obtainable Celstran of company from Florence city, the Kentucky State.But, it should be noted that holder 42 can be formed by other suitable materials such as stainless steel or brass.

With reference to figure 4,5 and 7, molded water route assembly parts 70 is supported by the vertical part 58 of holder 42.Assembly parts 70 n-lustrative ground in molded water route comprise the valve interface parts or the substrate 72 that are ice hockey shape nahlock or disc format, described valve interface parts or substrate have from upper face 80 and lower surface 82(Figure 10) between the hot water inlet's opening 74, the cold water inlet opening 76 that extend, and exit opening 78.Hot water inlet's pipe 28, cold water inlet pipe 30 and outlet pipe 66 are fluidly coupled to respectively on the opening 74,76 and 78 in substrate 72.As described in detail herein, pipe 28,30 and 66 n-lustrative ground are formed by the flexible nonmetal material of polymer etc.

In illustrative embodiment, pipe 28,30,66 and substrate 72 formed by the compatible material of polymer etc. and n-lustrative formed by crosslinkable materials.Thus, water route assembly parts 70 is illustrated as non-conductive.In the time using, comprise to crosslinkable materials n-lustrative the mixture of thermoplastic and thermoplastic and thermosets in the present invention.In an illustrative embodiment, pipe 28,30,66 and substrate 72 are formed by polyethylene, described polyethylene with after through crosslinked to form crosslinked polyethylene (PEX).But, should be appreciated that, can substitute with other polymer.For example, water route assembly parts 70 can be for example, by any polyethylene (PE) (refractory polyethylene (PE-RT)), for example, by polypropylene (PP) (random polypropylene (PPR)), or is formed by polybutylene (PB).Can further imagine, water route assembly parts 70 can see through and use silane radical initiator to be formed, formed by cross-linked polyurethane by cross-linked polrvinyl chloride (PVCX), or through using hydrogen peroxide or silane radical initiator to be formed by crosslinked polypropylene (XLPP).

With reference to figure 9,10 and 12, the upper end 84 of pipe 28,30 and 66 is positioned in the opening 74,76 and 78 of substrate 72.Each opening 74,76 and 78 comprises countersink 74a, the 76a and the 78a that extend and defined stop-surface 75 from lower surface 82 upward, and described stop-surface cooperates with the upper end 84 of pipe 28,30 and 66 accordingly.In illustrative embodiment, substrate 72 is coated molded around the upper end 84 of pipe 28,30 and 66.Or rather, substrate 72 is formed by polymer, and described polymer on the pipe 28,30 and 66 that previously form carries out molded in the mode describing in detail herein.The upper end 84 of coated molded substrate 72 partial melting pipes, illustrates thereby form diagram in coupling between the material of substrate 72 and the material of pipe 28,30 and 66 or bonding 86a, 86b, 86c(Fig. 7).For the ease of mould process, opening 74,76 and 78 and therefore, (Figure 11) aimed at along central axis common 79 in pipe 28,30 and 66 n-lustrative ground.Guide of flow path 10 9,111 and 113 is in the interior formation of upper face 90 of substrate 72 and be configured to be convenient to respectively the fluid by opening 74,76 and 78 flow (Figure 10 and 11).

As shown in Fig. 9 and 12, support or strengthen boss 110 n-lustrative ground from the lower surface 82 of substrate 72 towards downward-extension and around opening 74,76 and 78.Boss 110 provides extra support to the pipe 28,30 and 66 being coupled in substrate 72.

In the illustrative embodiment describing in detail in this article, substrate 72 is formed by polyethylene, and described polyethylene has been coated molded and crosslinked subsequently around pipe 28,30 and 66.The stiffening element that it should be noted that glass fibre etc. can provide in the polyethylene of substrate 72.Although the polymer of crosslinkable polyethylene etc. is the expository material for substrate 72, in certain embodiments, can substitute with other materials for example brass or copper.Additionally, pipe 28,30 and 66 can be with except being fluidly coupled in substrate 72 by coated molded various ways, for example ultrasonic welding of described mode or hot melt.

With reference now to Figure 13 and 14,, it shows the illustrative replacing method for the pipe 28,30 and 66 that is coupled.For example, in Figure 13, the upper end 84 of pipe 28,30 and 66 comprises and is configured to the enlarged 134 that is received in the countersink 135 of cooperation, and described cooperation countersink is in the interior formation of substrate 72.As understood, each enlarged 135 is fixed on the centre of antelabium in the countersink 135 that is formed at substrate 72 136 and the lower surface 102 of valve assembly 100.Enlarged 135 can form entirety or be formed as independent assembly, for example coating mould with each pipe 28,30 and 66 in n-lustrative ground.Shown in another illustrative embodiment of Figure 14, the upper end 84 of pipe 28,30 and 66 can comprise outside thread 137, described outside thread with can spiral way with engage at the internal thread 139 of substrate 72 interior formation.

As described in detail herein, the substrate 72 n-lustrative ground of water route assembly parts 70 are by coated molded being fixed on pipe.It is well known that pipeline is connected to the coated basic principle being molded on pipe.Exemplary coating mould is in U. S. Patent case numbers 5,895,695, U. S. Patent case numbers 6,082,780, U. S. Patent case numbers 6,287,501, and U. S. Patent case numbers 6,902, shown in 210, each Patent Case is by William W Raleigh (William W.Rowley) classify as the inventor, and the disclosure of these Patent Cases is all clearly incorporated herein by reference.

In the method, be positioned in mould (not shown) to pipe 28,30 and 66 n-lustrative, wherein pin or axle slide in each corresponding tube end 84 to prevent its subsiding during injection-molded process.Mould hold parallel alignment pipe 28,30 and 66 end and hold subsequently and be illustrated as poly flowable polymer, described polymer forms suitable substrate 72.As further described herein, the upper end 84 of pipe 28,30,66 is aimed at so that the opening and closing of mould each several part along common axis 79.After polymer fully hardens, mould is opened to discharge substrate 72 and pipe 28,30 and 66.By coated molded, end 84 partial meltings of each pipe 28,30 and 66 and bonding by the overmolded material of coupling 86a, 86b and 86c and substrate 72.This has made the water route assembly parts 70 of monolithic substantially.

As everyone knows, polyethylene is flexible or semirigid, and can be through crosslinked to form PEX.Crosslinked polyethylene by individual molecule link coupling together and prevent cracking.Solidify or crosslinking process can form (for example) PEX-A, PEX-B or PEX-C by any one in some different technologies.PEX-A forms by carrying out crosslinked polyethylene with hydrogen peroxide.Or rather, PEX-A forms by having the polyethylene that is attached to hydrogen peroxide wherein.Heat hydrogen peroxide polyethylene on the decomposition temperature of hydrogen peroxide after, produce " freedom " base to cause cross-linking process.PEX-B forms by carrying out crosslinked polyethylene with silane.PEX-B is by using silane grafted polyethylene to form, and described silane grafted polyethylene carries out " moisture-cured " by being exposed to heat and water subsequently, solidifies also referred to as hot steam.PEX-C is formed by polyethylene, and described polyethylene is cross-linked by utilizing electromagnetism (gamma) or high-energy electron (beta) ray to bombard.

By being coated molded the bonding of material and material that obtain, provide thus the coupling of leakage proof substantially between pipe 28,30 and 66 and substrate 72.The coated molded water route assembly parts 70 producing is cross-linked by method known in affiliated field subsequently, and such as hydrogen peroxide is cross-linked, crosslinked with silicane, crosslinking with radiation etc.Or rather, and as above describe in detail, crosslinked can combine to carry out by silane process or hydrogen peroxide process or its, be wherein cross-linked in heating bath and complete.Each technique all has crosslinking catalyst, and in the time using specific temperature and pressure and/or humidity, described crosslinking catalyst makes crosslinked polymer.In illustrative embodiment, water route assembly parts (, water route assembly parts 70) process under radiating element, and exposure causes crosslinked.Although final product 70 n-lustrative ground are cross-linked, in some cases, crosslinked independent assembly 28,30,66 and 72 can be also suitable.In another illustrative embodiment, can be partial cross-linked before coated molded for the material of substrate 72, being coupled on pipe 28,30 and 66 after, be further cross-linked subsequently.

With reference to figure 2, the second end 92 n-lustrative ground of each entrance pipe 28 and 30 comprise that fluid male part 94, described fluid male part can define the male part 32 and 34 shown in Fig. 1.N-lustrative ground, each fluid male part 94 comprises the internal threaded nut 98 of coated molded Coupler 96 and cooperation.Provide in U. S. Patent case numbers 5,895,695 and 6,287,501 about the additional detail of illustrative coated molded fluid male part, the disclosure of described Patent Case is clearly incorporated herein by reference.

In an illustrative embodiment, pipe 28,30 and 66 can comprise the feature that some is other, for example for improvement of flexible bellows wall, as disclosed on July 31st, 2008 name is called in the U.S. Patent Application Publication case US2008/0178957 of " pipe assembly parts (TUBEASSEMBLY) " and describes in detail, and the disclosure of described open case is clearly incorporated herein by reference.

With reference to figure 5,9 and 10, valve assembly 100 is supported by the substrate 72 of molded water route assembly parts 70.Or rather, the lower surface 102 of valve assembly 100 engages hermetically with Sealing, and described Sealing is illustrated as the silicone rubber gasket 103 of the centre that is contained in substrate 72 and valve assembly 100.Packing ring 103 is contained in the path 10 4 in the lower surface 102 that is formed at valve assembly 100, and seals the valve seat 105(Figure 10 being formed by the upper face of substrate 72).Packing ring 103 extends around guide of flow path 10 9,111 and 113.

As shown in Figure 10, the first positioning element of n-lustrative ground locating pin stake 106a and 106b is positioned on the bottom of valve assembly 100 and from lower surface 102 towards downward-extension.Nail stake 106a and 106b are configured to be contained in the second positioning element that is illustrated as recess 108a and 108b, and described the second positioning element is in the interior formation of upper face 80 of substrate 72.The suitable orientation of valve assembly 100 with respect to molded water route assembly parts 70 is convenient in the position of nail stake 106 in recess 108, and be therefore convenient to the aligning of pipe 28,30 and 66 and corresponding opening 74,76 and 78, with the aiming at of the proper port 116,118 and 120 of valve assembly 100.Engaging between nail stake 106 and recess 108 can also be improved the resistance to the moment of torsion of generation between valve assembly 100 and substrate 72.

As shown in Fig. 9 and 10, valve assembly 100 n-lustrative ground comprise valve rod 112, and described valve rod can activate optionally to make the water of variable temperature and flow rate to be fed to outlet port 120 from hot water inlet's port one 16 and cold water inlet port one 18 by handle 114.The substrate 72 of water route assembly parts 70 is fluidly coupled to hot water inlet's port one 16 in hot water inlet's pipe 28, and fluidly cold water inlet port one 18 is coupled in cold water inlet pipe 30.Substrate 72 is also fluidly coupled to outlet port 120 on outlet pipe 66.

With further reference to Fig. 9, valve assembly 100 n-lustrative ground comprise upper case 126, valve rod group component 128, coupling unit 130, bracket 132, top disk 138, lower disk 144, Sealing 150, and lower case 152.Be included in to valve rod group component 128 n-lustrative the ball 160 being molded as by thermoplastic material on a part of valve rod 112.Longitudinal extension part or knuckle 162 are from ball 160 towards downward-extension.Ball 160 is transferred to the motion of valve rod 112 on top disk 138 by extension part 162 and bracket 132.

Top disk 138 is positioned on the top of lower disk 144 to control mixing and passing through the flow rate of the water of valve assembly 100 of hot water and cold water.N-lustrative ground, top disk 138 and lower disk 144 are all constructed by stupalith, but, also can use any suitable material, for example stainless steel.

In another illustrative embodiment, temperature limiting parts 164 are contained in the centre of coupling unit 130 and upper case 126.Temperature limiting parts 164 limit the horizontal pivot movement of valve rod 112 and extension part 162, and therefore restriction flow through the maximum of water of valve assembly 100 can allowable temperature.

The additional detail of illustrative valve assembly parts provides in the U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 11/494,889 of submitting on July 28th, 2006, and the disclosure of described patent application case is clearly incorporated herein by reference.Although illustrative valve assembly parts 100 is removable disk kind, should be appreciated that, can substitute with the valve assembly of other types.For example, spherical mixing valve assembly parts can obtain the applicability identical with the present invention.Illustrative spherical valve assembly is in the U. S. Patent case of Ulrika Knape (Knapp) numbers 4,838,304, the U. S. Patent case of the U. S. Patent case of Ulrika Knape (Knapp) numbers 5,615,709, Glasberg (Grassberger) numbers 5,927,333, and the people's such as prosperous Lay mattress U. S. Patent case numbers 6,920, in 899, describe in detail, the disclosure of these Patent Cases is clearly incorporated herein by reference.

As shown in Figures 5 and 6, upper case or escutcheon 170 comprise wing portion part 172 and 174, and described wing portion part is contained on holder 42 and by conventional fasteners and is fixed to the upper.Or rather, be contained in leg 44 and 46 to hex head bolt 176 and 178 n-lustrative, and extend through the hole 180 and 182 forming in supporter 52 and 54, and upwards enter in the tapped hole 184 and 186 forming in the bottom of wing portion 172 and 174.Valve assembly 100, substrate 72 and holder 42 are all contained in the hub 187 of escutcheon 170.

With reference to figure 5 and 8, nozzle 188 is formed by the upper nozzle parts 189 of escutcheon 170 and lower nozzle or bottom cover members 190.Bottom cover members 190 n-lustrative ground are coupled on upper nozzle parts 189 by hasp finger piece 191.The boss 192 in bottom cover members 190 with central opening 193 can be aimed at the opening 194 that cooperates, and described cooperation opening forms in the boss 196 of holder 42.Fastening piece (not shown) can be contained in the opening 193 and 194 of aligning further bottom cover members 190 is fixed to (Fig. 8) on holder 42.

Bottom cover members 190 n-lustrative ground comprise the passage 198 that holds part outlet pipe 66.Passage 198 extends to the outlet 199 of nozzle 188 from the hub 187 of escutcheon 170.In the time of assembling nozzle 188, outlet pipe 66 is shelved in passage 198.Or rather, from external observer's visual angle, upper nozzle parts 189 covert channels 198.

In an illustrative embodiment, nozzle 188 is formed by nonmetallic material.Or rather, upper nozzle parts 189 and bottom cover members 190 can be made up of polymer in-mold, for example thermoplastic of described polymer or crosslinkable materials, and be illustrated as crosslinkable polyethylene (PEX).Other illustrative non-metallic materials comprises polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) and thermosets, for example polyester, melamine, melamine urea, melamine phenolic aldehyde, and phenolic aldehyde.Certainly, nozzle 188 can be formed by traditional metallic material such as zinc or brass.The name that the additional detail of another illustrative embodiment nozzle was issued on May 18th, 2010 is called the U. S. Patent case numbers 7 of " nozzle tip attached (SPOUT TIP ATTACHMENT) ", 717, in 133, disclose, the disclosure of described Patent Case is clearly incorporated herein by reference.

As described in detail herein, the first end 84 of outlet pipe 66 is coupled in the substrate 72 of water route assembly parts 70.Be coupled on coating mould assembly 200 to the second end 92 n-lustrative of outlet pipe 66.Coating mould assembly 200 provides and comprises the interface of sealing surfaces and can mode of operation being coupled to (Fig. 8) on aerator assembly parts 202.Provide the name of issuing on July 6th, 2010 to be called the U. S. Patent case numbers 7 of " for the coating mould interface (OVERMOLD INTERFACE FOR FLUIDCARRYING SYSTEM) of fluid delivery system " about the other details of coating mould assembly 200,748, in 409, the disclosure of described Patent Case is clearly incorporated herein by reference.

With reference to figure 5 and 9, locking sleeve or nut 204 are contained in valve assembly 100 and water route substrate 72, and can spiral way engaging with the outside thread 60 of holder 42.As shown in Figure 9, the antelabium 205 of locking sleeve 204 forces the substrate 72 of valve assembly 100 towards water route assembly parts 70, and compression washer 103 is to realize sealing therebetween thus.

With reference now to Fig. 5,6 and 9,, guided rings 206 receives with one heart on locking sleeve 204.Guided rings 206 comprises having the elastic body 208 that is formed on slit wherein 210.Multiple fixing tongue pieces 212 extend upward from main body 208.The fixing tongue piece 212 of guided rings 206 is configured to internal surface 214 frictional engagement of valve gap 216 so that valve gap 216 is fixed in fixed position with respect to locking sleeve 204.

With reference now to Figure 15 and 16,, it shows another illustrative embodiment water tap 310.Water tap 310 comprise many with above about the many identical feature shown in water tap 10.Thus, similar assembly identifies with identical reference number.

Water tap 310 comprises the holder 312 with the cylindrical outer wall 314 that supports vertical part 316.Be illustrated as the fixed component of the pipeline 318 with outside thread 320 from holder 312 towards downward-extension.Nut 322 and packing ring 324 can spiral way engage that with the screw thread 320 of pipeline 318 holder 312 is fixed on tank table top 12.Vertical part 316 comprises multiple outside threads 60 and the platform 62 around longitudinal opening 64.

Holder 312 can be wrapped by the upper end 325 that is molded into pipeline 318.Alternatively, holder 312 can be fixed on pipeline 318 with other usual manners such as locking ring or screw thread.N-lustrative ground, holder 312 is formed by polymer such as Celstran.

In upper case or escutcheon 326 that holder 312 is contained in n-lustrative and is formed by brass.Shell 326 comprises hub 328 and nozzle segment 330.As shown in Figure 13, nozzle segment 330 is configured to receive slidably routine and extracts hard tube 332.N-lustrative ground, extracts hard tube 332 for obtainable 473 models of get Er Da (Delta) water tap company from Indianapolis city, the state of Indiana.Extract hard tube 332 and comprise the coupling unit 334 that is configured to be contained in nozzle segment 330, be connected to the main body 336 on coupling unit 334, and spraying head 338.Comprise and be configured the coated molded male part 339 being fluidly coupled on hard tube 332 to the second end n-lustrative of outlet pipe 66.Coated molded male part 339 n-lustrative ground comprise the annular groove 341 that is configured to hold the sealed members such as O type ring (not shown).The mode that male part 339 can be similar to the male part 96 that described in detail above forms.Button 340 can be provided on hard tube 332 and for example, can mode of operation being coupled to commutator (not shown) above to switch between different operator schemes, spray model and stream mode.

Molded water route 70' is to be similar to the mode of molded water route detailed above assembly parts 70 and to be supported by holder 312 and to comprise the coated pipe 28,30 and 66 being molded on substrate 72'.Entrance pipe 28 and 30 is configured to extend through the lower openings 342 being defined by the wall 314 of vertical part.Outlet pipe 66 is configured to extend through the outlet 346 at lateral opening 344 and the arrival nozzle segment 330 of wall 314 interior formation.

As shown in Figure 16,18 to 23, be illustrated as the first alignment element of multiple aligning fins 347 from the lower surface 82 of substrate 72' towards downward-extension.Fin 347 is configured to be contained in and is illustrated as in the second alignment element of recess 349 that stands part 316 interior formation, so that water route assembly parts 70' is with respect to the suitable orientation (Figure 16) of holder 312.Should be appreciated that, substrate 72' can multiple modes align with respect to vertical part 316, comprises the substrate 72' that has asymmetric shape by providing, and described shape is configured to cooperate with the mating member standing on part 316.

Valve assembly 100 seals and is coupled in substrate in the mode above describing in detail about water tap 10.Valve gap 348 is contained on valve assembly 100 and molded water route assembly parts 70'.Valve gap 348 is can spiral way engaging with the outside thread 60 of holder 312.The annular lip 350 of valve gap 348 engages with valve assembly 100, thus valve assembly 100 and water route assembly parts 70 is fixed to (Figure 17) on holder 312.

With reference now to Figure 24 to 26,, the guide of flow parts that it shows the various illustrative embodiment of water route assembly parts 70 and is illustrated as the cooperation of valve assembly 100.In Figure 24, hot water inlet's opening 74, cold water inlet opening 76 are defined in substrate 72, and exit opening 78.Fluid passage is defined by valve assembly 100 and the exit opening 78 of entrance opening 74 and 76, cooperation.Hot water and cold water in parallel direction (as shown in arrow 352a and 352b) pass through entrance opening 74 and 76.Valve assembly 100 change the direction of a stream of water and make mixed flow in second direction be redirected and down by exit opening 78(as shown in arrow 354).

With further reference to Figure 25, it shows another illustrative water route assembly parts 70 with two independent substrate 72a and 72b.Substrate 72a and 72b can be for Separated water taps separately.Or rather, hot water 352a enters by the hot water inlet's opening 74 forming in substrate 72a, and wherein hot water is redirected by the guide of flow parts that are illustrated as hot water control valve's door 100.Through be redirected hot water in second direction down (as shown in arrow 354a) transmit and by hot water outlet 358a send out arrive delivery nozzles (as shown in arrow 356).Similarly, cold water enters by cold water inlet opening 76 and is redirected by cooling water outlet valve 100b.In second direction, leave substrate 72b arrival delivery nozzles by cooling water outlet 358b subsequently through being redirected cold water.As shown in the figure, before leaving delivery nozzles, cold water is combined with hot water.

Figure 26 illustrates another illustrative embodiment water route assembly parts, and wherein the first and second substrate 72a' and 72b' are provided for one body swimming tap.Entrance opening 74 and 76 is similar to above about those openings shown in Figure 25.Similarly, provide hot water and Cold water tap 100a and 100b to flow to control respectively the fluid that arrives hot water and cooling water outlet 358a' and 358b' by corresponding entrance 74 and 76.Hot water in Figure 26 and cooling water outlet 358a' and 358b' comprise first portion and second portion 360a, 360b and 362a, 362b separately, and described first portion and second portion are settled each other in right angle respectively.Or rather, in a first direction the fluid of (as shown in corresponding arrow 352a, 352b) flow from entrance 74,76 to outlet 358a', 358b' be redirected with on second direction (as shown in arrow 362a, 362b) leave substrate 72a', 72b', described second direction is substantially perpendicular to first direction.Flow subsequently in conjunction with and be sent to the outlet (as shown in arrow 366) of delivery nozzles from the fluid of outlet 358a' and 358b'.

With reference now to Figure 27 to 30,, it shows another illustrative embodiment water route assembly parts 470.Water route assembly parts 470 comprise with above about the many identical feature shown in water route assembly parts 70.Thus, similar assembly identifies with identical reference number.

Molded water route assembly parts 470 can be supported by holder, for example holder 42,312 detailed above.Be similar to water route assembly parts 70, water route assembly parts 470 comprises with valve interface parts or substrate 472 and is coated molded pipe 28,30 and 66.Or rather, assembly parts 470 n-lustrative ground in molded water route comprise the valve interface parts or the substrate 472 that are ice hockey shape nahlock or disc format, described valve interface parts or substrate have the hot water inlet's opening 474, the cold water inlet opening 476 that extend between upper face 480 and lower surface 482, and exit opening 478(Figure 28).Annular groove 483 can be in the interior formation of substrate 472 to receive O type ring (not shown).Hot water inlet's pipe 28, cold water inlet pipe 30 and outlet pipe 66 are fluidly coupled to respectively on the opening 474,476 and 478 in substrate 472.Hot water inlet's pipe 28, cold water inlet pipe 30, outlet pipe 66 and substrate 472 n-lustrative ground are formed by polyethylene, described polyethylene with after through crosslinked to form crosslinked polyethylene (PEX).But, should be appreciated that, can substitute with other polymer.

Valve assembly (not shown) supports in a kind of mode of the substrate 472 by molded water route assembly parts 470, and described mode is similar to the mode being supported by the substrate 72 of molded water route assembly parts 70 as valve assembly 100 detailed above.The lower surface of valve assembly can engage hermetically with Sealing, for example, be contained in the silicone rubber gasket of the centre of substrate 472 and valve assembly.The valve seat that the sealing of packing ring n-lustrative ground is formed by the upper face 480 of substrate 472, and extend around opening 474,476 and 478.

The valve assembly engaging from substrate 472 can have the European motion design different in valve assembly 100 detailed above.Thus, due to the European motion design of valve assembly, pipe 28,30 and 66 with different deployment arrangements in substrate 472.Or rather, hold the opening 474,476 and 478 of pipe 28,30 and 66 and do not aim at along vertical plane, and outlet pipe 66 is no longer positioned at the centre of hot water inlet's pipe 28 and cold water inlet pipe 30.

Be illustrated as the positioning element of recess 484a, 484b and 484c in the interior formation of upper face 480 of substrate 472, and be configured to receive the co-positioned element of valve assembly, for example nail stake.The suitable orientation of valve assembly with respect to molded water route assembly parts 470 is convenient in the position of nail stake in recess 484, and be therefore convenient to the aiming at of pipe 28,30 and 66 and corresponding opening 474,476 and 478, with the aiming at of the proper port of valve assembly.Engaging between nail stake and recess 484 can also be improved the resistance to the moment of torsion of generation between valve assembly and substrate 472.

With reference to Figure 27 to 29, the upper end 84 of pipe 28,30 and 66 is positioned in the opening 474,476 and 478 of substrate 472.Each opening 474,476 and 478 comprises countersink 474a, 476a and 478a, and described countersink extends upward and defined the stop-surface cooperating with the upper end 84 of pipe 28,30 and 66 respectively from lower surface 482.In illustrative embodiment, substrate 472 is coated molded around the upper end 84 of pipe 28,30 and 66.Or rather, substrate 472 is formed by polymer, and described polymer on the pipe 28,30 and 66 that previously form carries out molded in the mode describing in detail herein.The upper end 84 of pipe 28,30 and 66 is partly melted in coating mould substrate 472, thus the coupling between the formation material of substrate 472 and the material of pipe 28,30 and 66 or bonding.In an illustrative embodiment, pipe 28,30 and 66 and substrate 472 are all formed by polyethylene, and described polyethylene is cross-linked after coated molded operation.

Substrate 472 n-lustrative ground comprise that inner support panels 490 for example, to improve the deflection of rigidity and minimizing substrate 472 during high voltage load (, the high hydraulic pressure between valve assembly and substrate 472).The deflection of the minimizing of substrate 472 contributes to make any potential gap forming between valve assembly and substrate 472 during burst testing to minimize.Minimized gap prevents that the Sealing above substrate 472 from moving away from pressure load and being discharged into atmosphere.Dunnage 490 also contributes to provide the upper face 480 of smooth or level in substrate 472.

Dunnage 490 comprises the opening 494,496 and 498 of aiming at the opening 474,476 and 478 of substrate 472.Arc recess 500a, 500b and 500c form to aim at location recess 484a, 484b and 484c in substrate 472, to hold the nail stake of valve assembly in the outward edge 502 of dunnage 490.

Substrate 472 n-lustrative ground are coated molded around dunnage 490.N-lustrative ground, dunnage 490 is sealed in substrate 472, and therefore dunnage 490 is without any part exposure or from substrate 472 outsides.Dunnage 490 n-lustrative ground are formed by the material with the hardness larger than the hardness of coated molded substrate 472.For example, the PEX of substrate 472 has the Young's modulus of about 0.8GPa, and the stainless steel of dunnage 490 has the Young's modulus of approximate 180GPa.

In illustrative embodiment, dunnage 490 is formed by metal.Or rather, dunnage 490 can be formed by stainless steel, and described stainless steel has the thickness of approximately 0.05 inch and the external diameter of approximately 1.16 inches.Should be appreciated that, in the case of having than the larger hardness of the material hardness of substrate 472, the material except metal comprises that polymer can be for dunnage 490.

Although describe the present invention in detail with reference to some preferred embodiment, in as appended claims, describe and be defined in existence in the spirit and scope of the present invention and change and amendment.

Claims

1. a water route assembly parts, is characterized in that, described water route assembly parts comprises:

Multiple flexible tubular member, described multiple flexible tubular member are formed by polymer and have relative first end and the second end;

Dunnage, described dunnage comprises multiple openings of aiming at the described first end of described multiple tubular parts, described dunnage has plate hardness; And

Substrate, described substrate is formed and is coated around the described first end of described multiple tubular parts and described dunnage molded by the polymer with substrate hardness, and described plate hardness is greater than described substrate hardness.

2. water route according to claim 1 assembly parts, is characterized in that, described substrate is formed by polymer.

3. water route according to claim 2 assembly parts, is characterized in that, described substrate is formed by crosslinked polyethylene.

4. water route according to claim 2 assembly parts, is characterized in that, described dunnage is formed by metal.

5. water route according to claim 4 assembly parts, is characterized in that, described dunnage is formed by stainless steel.

6. water route according to claim 1 assembly parts, is characterized in that, described dunnage is sealed by described substrate.

7. water route according to claim 1 assembly parts, it is characterized in that, described substrate comprises upper face and lower surface, the described upper face of described substrate is essentially plane and is configured to and cooperates with the lower surface of valve assembly, and described multiple tubular part is from described lower surface towards downward-extension.

8. water route according to claim 7 assembly parts, is characterized in that, described dunnage is included in the multiple recesses that form in outward edge to hold the positioning element of described valve assembly, so that described valve assembly is with respect to the suitable orientation of described substrate.

9. water route according to claim 7 assembly parts, is characterized in that, further comprises the Sealing of the centre that is positioned at the described upper face of described substrate and the described lower surface of described valve assembly.

10. a water route assembly parts, is characterized in that, described water route assembly parts comprises:

Dunnage, described dunnage comprises multiple openings and has plate hardness;

Substrate, described substrate comprises multiple openings of aiming at the described multiple openings in described dunnage, described substrate comprises substrate hardness; And

Multiple tubular parts, described multiple tubular parts are formed by crosslinked polymer and have relative first end and the second end, and the described first end of described multiple tubular parts is contained in described multiple openings of described substrate;

Wherein said plate hardness is greater than described substrate hardness.

11. water route according to claim 10 assembly parties, is characterized in that, described substrate is coated molded around described first end and the described dunnage of described tubular part.

12. water route according to claim 11 assembly parties, is characterized in that, described multiple tubular parts and described substrate are formed by crosslinked polyethylene.

13. water route according to claim 10 assembly parties, is characterized in that, described substrate is formed by polymer.

14. water route according to claim 13 assembly parties, is characterized in that, described substrate is formed by crosslinked polyethylene.

15. water route according to claim 13 assembly parties, is characterized in that, described dunnage is formed by metal.

16. water route according to claim 15 assembly parties, is characterized in that, described dunnage is formed by stainless steel.

17. water route according to claim 10 assembly parties, is characterized in that, described dunnage is sealed by substrate.

18. water route according to claim 10 assembly parties, it is characterized in that, described substrate comprises upper face and lower surface, the described upper face of described substrate is essentially plane and is configured to and cooperates with the lower surface of valve assembly, and described multiple tubular part is from described lower surface towards downward-extension.

19. water route according to claim 18 assembly parties, it is characterized in that, described dunnage is included in the multiple recesses that form in outward edge to hold the positioning element of described valve assembly, so that described valve assembly is with respect to the suitable orientation of described substrate.

20. water route according to claim 18 assembly parties, is characterized in that, further comprise the Sealing of the centre that is positioned at the described upper face of described substrate and the described lower surface of described valve assembly.