CN111511997B

CN111511997B - Water outlet pipe for domestic water tap

Info

Publication number: CN111511997B
Application number: CN201880083996.3A
Authority: CN
Inventors: G·N·罗维; I·J·普罗塞
Original assignee: Greg Rowe Ltd
Current assignee: Greg Rowe Ltd
Priority date: 2017-10-31
Filing date: 2018-10-31
Publication date: 2021-12-31
Anticipated expiration: 2038-10-31
Also published as: GB2583617A; GB202010324D0; GB201717973D0; US20210140155A1; EP3704319A1; WO2019086873A1; CN111511997A

Abstract

An outlet pipe (10) for a domestic water tap and a method of manufacturing such an outlet pipe (10) are disclosed. A method of manufacturing an outlet pipe (10) comprises forming an outlet pipe body. The body has an inlet end (12) and an outlet end (14). A fluid path (19) is positioned between the inlet end (12) and the outlet end (14). The outlet fitting (16, 18) is press fit into at least one of the outlet end (14) or the inlet end (12) of the outlet body. An outlet pipe (10) for a domestic water tap is obtained by the disclosed manufacturing method of such an outlet pipe.

Description

Water outlet pipe for domestic water tap

FIELD

The present invention relates to an outlet pipe for a tap, and in particular to a domestic tap or cock and a method of manufacturing such an outlet pipe.

Background

Various types of faucets are known, including single or dual lever faucets that deliver a mixture of hot and cold water from a main pipe source, and dual lever faucets that deliver water from multiple sources, including a main pipe source, a filtered water source, a near boiling or boiling water source, or a carbonated water source. The water contacting parts of the tap body must be manufactured from materials approved for domestic water use. Generally, metal such as brass or stainless steel is used.

Faucets typically include an outlet pipe that delivers water to a user from a faucet body where water from a source may be mixed. The outlet pipe is connected to the faucet body through the use of an outlet pipe connector, which is typically welded, soldered or brazed inside the outlet pipe. Similarly, the outlet pipe typically includes a nozzle at the end of the outlet pipe opposite the outlet pipe connector, and also welded, soldered or brazed inside the outlet pipe. The use of separate outlet pipe connectors and nozzles that are brazed, welded or welded together means that the outlet pipe can be customized to the particular type of faucet while ensuring that the two components are permanently held together. However, the welding, soldering or brazing process may deform the outlet pipe during the manufacturing process. This means that the outlet pipe needs to be polished afterwards, and the polishing process may result in some variations in the diameter of the finished product.

It is also known to releasably connect the assembly to an outlet pipe. For example, in US2016/0177551, there is a pull out spray head configured to dock into the end of an outlet pipe. The jets may be docked using a magnetic coupling or other connection. Similarly, US7344094 describes a coupling for releasably securing an injector to the end of an outlet pipe. The coupling may be screwed over the end of the outlet pipe or may be connected by using a compression fit. US2012/0267455 describes a further variant of a tap with a removable spray head. In this arrangement, the outlet pipe is formed with an internal recess to receive a portion of a sleeve that removably couples the spray head to the outlet pipe. In US2014/0116553, the outlet pipe may be removably secured to the mounting base by use of fasteners, which may be locking pins or screws or other suitable mechanisms. Similarly, WO98/48120 shows how the outlet pipe can be connected to the valve by using any quick release mechanism. In each of these documents, the connections are releasable and, therefore, they are not equivalent to brazing, welding or soldering which forms a more permanent connection.

The applicant has recognised that there is a need for an alternative method of manufacture.

SUMMARY

According to a first aspect, there is provided a method of manufacturing a water outlet pipe, the method comprising: forming an outlet pipe body having an inlet end, an outlet end, and a fluid path between the inlet end and the outlet end; and press fitting a spout adapter into at least one of the outlet end or the inlet end of the outlet body.

The outlet coupling is a component of a retrofit faucet outlet, for example as a nipple coupling that provides a nipple fit, or as a connector that allows the outlet to be connected to a faucet body. Press fitting means that the need to braze, weld or weld the outlet fitting to permanently attach the outlet fitting to the outlet pipe is avoided. A press fit attaches the outlet fitting to the outlet pipe so that the two components cannot be easily separated without damage to one or both of the components. Avoiding brazing, welding or soldering means that it is not necessary to polish the outlet pipe body after the outlet pipe coupling has been attached to the outlet pipe body. The operation of forming the outlet body may comprise shaping the outlet body prior to press fitting, for example by bending a hollow tube. The shaped outlet body may also be plated or otherwise coated prior to press fitting.

The applicant has realised that, contrary to the known art, it is not necessary to braze the assembly to prevent failure of the connection. The applicant has realised that a press fit providing an interference fit is sufficient to maintain a good connection even when the pressure increases as water flows through the outlet pipe body to the outlet end, i.e. the press fit connection can withstand water flow pressures which are typically in the range of 2 to 4 bar and can be as high as 6 bar. An interference fit (also known as a press fit or friction fit) is a fastening between two components by friction after the components are pushed together, rather than by any other fastening means. As an example, the force required to press fit the outlet fitting into the outlet body is approximately 120Kg/1176 newtons. The two assemblies are most commonly pressed together by a hydraulic press or by an arbor press. Similar forces and devices are necessary to separate the two components, and thus a press fit may be considered a non-manually releasable attachment.

The tightness of the fit is controlled by the magnitude of the interference between the two components. The interference may be between 0.1% and 0.25% of the total diameter of each component. Thus, it will be appreciated that the force required to achieve or break a press or interference fit is much greater than a push fit, as described in some of the prior art documents, which allows components to be repeatedly inserted and removed.

The outlet pipe fitting may include a body having a deformable collar portion (collar portion). The operation of press fitting the outlet fitting may include deforming the deformable collar portion when the deformable collar portion is inserted into the outlet pipe without damaging the outlet pipe but creating the necessary interference fit. For example, deformation may be considered from a first expanded configuration to a second compressed configuration. Once inserted, the deformable collar portion creates an interference fit on the inner surface of the outlet pipe body. For example, the deformable collar portion may attempt to return to the first deployed configuration to form an interference fit on the inner surface of the spout body. The difference in size between the first expanded configuration and the second compressed configuration may be very small. Note that the interference fit is between the outer surface of the collar and the inner surface of the outlet pipe body. In contrast, US3593961 describes an outlet pipe inserted through a spherical element to form a seal.

The material for the collar portion may be selected to provide the necessary deformability. For example, the collar portion may be formed of metal or engineering plastic. It will be appreciated that forming an interference fit with the metal collar portion requires precise tolerances in the relative dimensions of the collar portion and the outlet pipe. If the dimensions are not correct, the collar portion may be too large to be inserted within the outlet pipe without damaging the outlet pipe, or may be too small, thus not providing a sufficient interference fit on the inner surface of the outlet pipe. In contrast, the more deformable nature of the engineering plastic may allow for relatively large tolerances in the relative dimensions of the collar portion and the outlet pipe. For example, the outer diameter of the collar portion may be up to about 0.05mm greater than the inner diameter of the outlet pipe. It will be appreciated that 0.05mm is merely an example and will depend on the nature of the material. For example, a harder material will require a smaller overlap than a softer material.

Examples of suitable materials include polyoxymethylene plastics (also known as acetal, polyacetal and polyoxymethylene), nylon (i.e., synthetic polymers based on aliphatic or semi-aromatic polyamides), and PTFE (i.e., synthetic fluoropolymers of polytetrafluoroethylene, tetrafluoroethylene). The material may have properties similar to those listed in the following table:

the collar portion may be integral with or separate from the joint body. For a separate collar portion, the method may further comprise: an outlet fitting body having a channel on an outer surface thereof is formed, and a deformable collar portion is installed or attached in the channel on the outer surface of the outlet fitting body prior to press fitting the outlet fitting. The collar portion may be removably mounted to the joint body. The use of a collar portion provides a way of compensating for variations in the diameter of the outlet pipe body at the inlet or outlet end. The use of a collar means that the inner surface of the outlet pipe body may be smooth, without indentations or protrusions to help secure the outlet pipe coupling in place. This simplifies manufacturing.

The surface finish may have a roughness value of between 0.025 μm and 1.6 μm, except that it is smooth in the sense that there are no specific indentations or protrusions. In other words, by using the ISO grade number and the following parameters, the material may have a roughness value between N1 and N7 (more preferably between N6 and N7):

the method may further include installing or attaching an elastomeric seal (e.g., an O-ring) on an outer surface of the outlet joint body prior to press fitting the outlet joint. The resilient seal member may also be deformed from the first expanded configuration to the second compressed configuration during the press-fitting step, and then returned to the first expanded configuration to form an interference fit on the inner surface of the spout body. The elastomeric seal may also provide a watertight seal after the press-fitting step. Such an additional watertight seal is particularly useful when the collar portion itself does not provide a sufficiently watertight seal (e.g. because the collar portion has a gap or is made of metal). The resilient seal and the collar portion may be used together or separately. The choice of final finishing of the material used for the interior of the outlet pipe may also be critical to form a water-tight seal with the O-ring. If the surface is too rough, i.e. above 1.6 μm in terms of roughness value, the O-ring may not seal as desired because the surface is not smooth enough. As defined above, the smoothness of the inner surface to achieve a watertight seal may preferably be between N6 and N7.

The outlet fitting may be a nozzle fitting and the method may include press fitting the nozzle fitting into the outlet end of the outlet body. After press-fitting the nozzle adapter, the method may include fitting (e.g., screwing) a nozzle cap over the nozzle adapter. The outlet coupling may be a connector for connecting the outlet to the faucet body, and the method may include press fitting the connector into the inlet end of the outlet body. Once the outlet tube is completed, the outlet tube may be connected to the faucet body. The method may include fitting the outlet fitting into both the inlet end and the outlet end of the outlet body, i.e. fitting both the nozzle fitting and the connector.

According to another aspect, there is also an outlet pipe manufactured by the above method. The outlet pipe may comprise an outlet pipe body having an inner end, an outer end and a fluid path between the inner and outer ends; and an outlet pipe coupling connected to at least one of the inner end and the outer end, wherein the connection is an interference fit. The inner end can be inspected in the outlet pipe and the outer end is the end overhanging the inner end.

The outlet coupling may include a body having a deformable collar portion configured to provide an interference fit. The collar portion may be made of an elastic plastic, for example, polyoxymethylene plastic (also known as acetal, polyacetal and polyoxymethylene), nylon (i.e., synthetic polymers based on aliphatic or semi-aromatic polyamides), and PTFE (i.e., synthetic fluoropolymers of polytetrafluoroethylene, tetrafluoroethylene). The collar portion may be integral with or separate from the outlet coupling body. In the case where the collar portion is integral, the outlet connection may be made of the same material as the collar portion, for example polyoxymethylene, nylon or PTFE. Where the collar portions are separate, the collar portions may be an annular ring with a gap to assist in placing the collar portions on the outlet coupling body. The collar portion may be seated in a channel in the outer surface of the outlet coupling body. The outlet fitting body may be made of different materials (e.g., metals such as brass or stainless steel).

The outlet coupling may further comprise a resilient seal, such as an O-ring, which may be seated in a channel in the outer surface of the outlet coupling. The resilient seal may be closer to the inner end of the outlet pipe coupling than the collar portion. The indentation in the collar portion may mean that the interference fit is not watertight and, therefore, the resilient seal may be used to provide the necessary watertight seal.

The outlet pipe connection may be a nipple connection in the outlet end of the outlet pipe body. The nozzle adapter may be covered with a nozzle cap.

The outlet pipe fitting may be a connector for connecting the outlet pipe to the tap body, and the connector may be in the outlet end of the outlet pipe body. The connector may thus comprise a connection to the tap body.

According to another aspect, there is also provided an outlet fitting for use in the above-described outlet pipe, the outlet pipe fitting comprising a body having an inner end, an outer end and a fluid path therebetween, the inner end being received within the outlet pipe, and a deformable member adjacent the inner end of the body, the outer end being opposite the inner end, wherein the deformable member is configured to provide an interference fit when the outlet fitting is inserted in the outlet pipe.

The outlet pipe may be included in a faucet that may be connected to multiple water sources. Thus, the outlet tube may form part of a system comprising a tap and at least one hose for connecting the tap to a water source, the at least one hose comprising a connector for delivering water from the source into the inner body. The system may comprise two, three or four hoses, each hose having its own connector, depending on the nature of the tap. For example, in a single or double lever mixer tap that is mixing hot main pipe water and cold main pipe water, there may be two hoses, one for cold water and one for hot water. Alternatively, in a two-lever boiling water tap, there may be four hoses, one for cold water, one for hot water, one for boiling water (or near boiling water), and one for another type of water (e.g., filtered water).

Brief description of the drawings

Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments thereof, given by way of example only, which is made with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Figure 1a shows an exploded isometric view of an outlet pipe according to a first example;

FIG. 1b shows a cross-sectional view of the outlet pipe of FIG. 1 a;

FIG. 1c shows a cross-sectional view of an alternative outlet pipe;

FIG. 2a is a side view of a nozzle adapter that may be included in the outlet pipe of FIG. 1;

FIG. 2b is an exploded isometric view showing the assembly of the nozzle adapter of FIG. 2 a;

FIG. 2C shows a detailed view of section C of FIG. 1b showing the nozzle adaptor included in the outlet pipe;

FIG. 2d shows a detailed view of section C of FIG. 1C showing the nozzle adaptor included in the outlet pipe;

FIG. 3a is a side view of a connector that may be included in the outlet pipe of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3b is an exploded isometric view showing the components of the connector of FIG. 3 a;

FIG. 3c shows a detailed view of section B of FIG. 1B showing the connector included in the outlet pipe;

FIG. 3d shows a detailed view of section B of FIG. 1c showing the connector included in the outlet pipe; and

FIG. 4a is a cross-sectional view of a faucet including the outlet tube of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4b is a front view of the faucet of FIG. 4 a;

FIG. 4c is a schematic view of a water source that may be connected to the faucet of FIG. 4 a;

FIG. 5 is a flow chart for manufacturing the outlet pipe of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is an alternative connector which may be included in the outlet pipe of FIGS. 1a to 1 c; and

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a faucet including an alternative outlet fitting.

Description of the embodiments

Referring to fig. 1a, illustrating a first example of an outlet pipe 10, the outlet pipe 10 comprises an inlet end 12 and an outlet end 14, water flowing from the faucet body into the inlet end 12, water exiting the faucet through the outlet end 14. The hollow tube defines at least one fluid path 19 between the inlet end 12 and the outlet end 14. The hollow tube has a generally circular cross-section and a curved or arcuate overall shape. The outlet pipe is typically formed from a metal (e.g. brass, stainless steel or other metals approved for domestic water supply). It will be appreciated that the shape of the outlet tube is illustrative and that any suitable shape may be used depending on the nature of the tap in which the outlet tube is included. The outlet tube is formed from a relatively thin material having a thickness sufficient to retain its shape during daily use, but thin enough so that a sufficient volume of water can pass through the outlet tube.

The outlet pipe 10 includes a nozzle adapter 16, the nozzle adapter 16 comprising a plurality of components and, as explained in more detail below, is inserted into the outlet end 14 during manufacture. Similarly, the outlet pipe includes an outlet pipe connector 18, as explained in more detail below, the outlet pipe connector 18 being inserted into the inlet end 12 during manufacture.

Figure 1b shows internal details of the outlet pipe of figure 1 a. The outlet pipe comprises an inner outlet pipe 84, the inner outlet pipe 84 being mounted concentrically within the outer outlet pipe 82. Thus, within the outlet pipe body, there are two separate fluid paths between the inlet end 12 and the outlet end 14. Such a faucet may be used with a faucet having multiple sources where it is desirable to separate the output from the sources, for example, in a "four-in-one faucet," the inner outlet tube 84 may be used to deliver boiling or cold filtered water, and the outer outlet tube 82 may be used to deliver mixed hot main tube water and cold main tube water. Such separate outputs may be delivered simultaneously, if desired. As described below, the nozzle fitting 16 and connector 18 are connected to both the inner outlet pipe and the outer outlet pipe. As shown in fig. 1b, the inner surface of the outer outlet tube 84 is smooth and does not include any indentations or protrusions that help retain the nozzle fitting. The inner surface may also be smooth, having a roughness value between N1 and N7 (more preferably between N6 and N7) as defined above.

Fig. 1c shows an alternative outlet pipe internal detail, where there is only a single fluid path 20 through the outlet pipe. Such an arrangement may be used with a standard tap that mixes only main hot pipe water and main hot pipe water. The same nozzle adapter 16 and connector 18 are connected to both the inner outlet pipe and the outer outlet pipe as described below. Thus, it will be appreciated that the type of outlet body may be selected to suit the use of the faucet.

Fig. 2a and 2b show details of the nozzle adapter 16, the nozzle adapter 16 may be included in an outlet pipe as shown in fig. 2c or in a more detailed part of fig. 2 d.

The nozzle adapter 16 has a cross-section that matches the cross-section of the outlet pipe in which the nozzle adapter 16 is included. Thus, the nozzle adapter 16 is also generally annular in shape. The nozzle adaptor includes an inner end 26 and an outer end 28, the inner end 26 being received in the outlet pipe and the outer end 28 being at the opposite end of the nozzle adaptor. There is at least one fluid path between the inner end 26 and the outer end 28 of the nozzle fitting 16 through which water can flow from the outlet pipe out of the nozzle fitting.

The nozzle adapter 16 includes two

channels

22, 24 in the outer surface of its body. The first passage 22 is centrally disposed on the nozzle adapter 16, and the collar 34 is disposed in the first passage 22. The second channel 24 is adjacent the inner end 26, and a resilient seal 32 (e.g., in the form of an O-ring) is positioned within the second channel 24. In this arrangement, the first passage 22 is larger than the second passage 24. The second passage 24 is also disposed closer to the inner end 26 than the first passage 22. In other words, the second passage 24 is arranged upstream of the first passage 22 when considering the direction of water flow through the nozzle. By including the channel in the nozzle fitting, the inner surface of the outlet pipe need not contain a channel, indentation or other accommodating portion to include the nozzle fitting.

The collar 34 (also referred to as a collar portion, and the terms may be used interchangeably) is made of a resilient plastic material that provides an interference fit. The collar may be in the form of a ring with small indentations to facilitate attachment of the collar 34 within the first channel 24. When the nozzle adapter 16 is inserted into the outlet end of the outlet pipe, the collar is deformed slightly to reduce the overall size of the collar so that the nozzle 16 can be inserted without damaging the outlet pipe. Once the nozzle adapter 16 is inserted, the collar provides an interference fit on the smooth inner surface of the outlet end of the outlet pipe. The collar may also have a chamfered inner edge which may assist in press fitting the collar (and hence the nozzle adaptor) into the outlet pipe. The collar 34 has a perimeter that is larger than the perimeter of the adjacent portion of the nozzle body. In this way, the interference fit is between the outer surface of the collar 34 and the inner surface of the outlet tube, rather than between any surface of the nozzle body and the outlet tube.

The outer end of the nozzle adapter has threads 70 on its outer surface. The threads mate with threaded holes on the inner surface of the nozzle cap 72. The nozzle cap has the same external dimensions as the outlet pipe and once the nozzle nipple is inserted into the outlet pipe and covered by the cap, the nozzle cap 72 abuts and is flush with the outlet end of the outlet pipe. Thus, as shown in figures 2c and 2d, no parts of the nozzle adapter 16 are visible in use, and therefore the nozzle body may be made of the same or different material as the outlet tube. In this example, the nozzle body may be made of a different material than the collar. The nozzle body may be made of a material that is more rigid and resists deformation than the collar. For example, the nozzle body may be made of metal (e.g., stainless steel or brass). Achieving an interference fit between two metal surfaces is more difficult and therefore the use of a collar of plastics material having a larger circumference than the metal component addresses this difficulty.

The water flows through the nozzle fitting and therefore any parts of the nozzle body that come into contact with the water must be made of or at least coated with materials approved for use in this context. In the embodiment of fig. 2c, the outlet pipe comprises an inner outlet pipe 84, the inner outlet pipe 84 being centrally located with the outer outlet pipe 82. The nozzle cap 72 also includes a nozzle 74, the nozzle 74 having a connector 76, the connector 76 ensuring an interference fit connection between the nozzle 74 and the inner outlet tube 84. An inner passage 88 extends through the nozzle 74 to provide a fluid path between the inner outlet tube 84 and an outlet end 90 of the nozzle 74. An elastomeric seal 86 (e.g., an O-ring) is also disposed about an outlet end 88 of the nozzle 74. Around the nozzle 74, an outer channel 92 is provided, the outer channel 92 connecting the outlet water pipe 82 with the outlet end 80 of the nozzle. The outer channel 92 is defined by the inner surface of the nipple fitting, and therefore, in this embodiment, this surface must be suitable for domestic water use.

In the embodiment of figure 2d there is a single fluid path 20 through the outlet pipe body. The nozzle adapter 16 is the same as that used in figure 2c and therefore like features have like reference numerals. As can be seen in fig. 2d, the connection between the nozzle fitting and the outlet pipe body is simplified, as there is no need to make a connection with two channels. Thus, the nozzle cap 72 is simply fitted to the nozzle nipple by using screw threads. The nozzle adaptor 16 is retained in the outlet pipe body by press fitting the nozzle adaptor into the outlet pipe body such that the collar portion 34 creates an interference fit on the inner surface of the outlet pipe body. The elastomeric seal 32 around the nozzle adapter 16 may also help create an interference fit, but also create a water tight seal. In this example, there is a single fluid path 30 of circular cross-section, and the fluid path 30 tapers slightly towards the outlet of the nozzle adapter 16. However, it will be appreciated that there may be more than one fluid path through the nozzle fitting (e.g. as shown in figure 2 c), and/or an outlet pipe connected according to the nozzle fitting, the fluid paths may be rectangular or any other cross-section.

Figures 3a and 3b show details of the connector 36. the connector 36 may be included in an outlet pipe as shown in more detailed parts of figures 3c and 3 d. The connector includes an inner end 46 and an outer end 48, the inner end 46 being received in the outlet pipe and the outer end 48 being at the opposite end of the connector 36. There is at least one fluid path through the connector 36.

In addition to providing a fluid connection between the outlet tube and the faucet body, the connector also provides a mechanical connection between the two components. Thus, inner end 46, which is received in the outlet pipe, has a cross-section that matches the cross-section of the outlet pipe in which inner end 46 is included. Similarly, the outer end 48 received in the faucet body is shaped to form a suitable connection with the faucet body. In this example, the connector is in the form of a hollow cylinder having a generally circular cross-section, the size of the hollow cylinder tapering from a larger inner end 46 to a smaller outer end 48.

Like the nozzle, the connector 36 includes two

channels

42, 44 in the outer surface of its body. First passage 42 is positioned proximate inner end 46 of connector 36, and collar 54 is positioned within first passage 42. Second passage 44 is adjacent inner end 46, and a resilient seal 52 (e.g., in the form of an O-ring) is positioned within second passage 44. In this arrangement, the first passage 42 is larger than the second passage 44. Second passage 44 is also positioned closer to inner end 36 than first passage 42. In other words, the second passage 44 is positioned downstream of the first passage 42 when considering the direction of water flow through the connector. As shown, both the O-ring 52 and the collar 54 have a perimeter that is larger than the adjacent portion of the connector 36.

As with the nozzle adapter, the collar 54 of the connector 36 may be made of a resilient engineering plastic material that provides a press fit. As explained above, the use of engineering plastics material allows the tolerances in the relative dimensions of the collar and outlet pipe to be relaxed compared to when other materials are used, such as less deformable metals. Collar 54 may be in the form of a ring having a small notch 66. When the connector 36 is inserted in the inlet end of the outlet pipe, the collar is deformed by the material from which it is made and the force applied to reduce the overall size of the collar. Once the connector 36 is inserted, the collar provides an interference fit on the inner surface of the inlet end of the outlet pipe. The connector 36 cannot then be removed from the outlet pipe without applying a relatively large force, and cannot be removed manually. The notch 66 also allows the collar 54 to be removably coupled to the connector body. The notch in the nipple joint provides the same functionality. As with the nozzle adapter, the collar 54 has a perimeter that is larger than the perimeter of the adjacent components of the body of the connector. In this way, the interference fit is between the outer surface of the collar 54 and the inner surface of the outlet pipe, rather than between any surface of the connector and the outlet pipe.

Connector 36 also includes a central portion 56 between inner end 46 and outer end 48. As shown in fig. 3c and 3d, central portion 56 has the same external dimensions as the outlet pipe and once inner end 46 is inserted into the outlet pipe, central portion 56 abuts and is flush with the inlet end of the outlet pipe. The central portion 56 may also be made of the same material as the outlet pipe if necessary, when the central portion is visible in use. Alternatively, a cover may be used to hide any visible portion of the connector 36.

The connector 36 may also include

additional channels

58, 60, 62, some or all of which may include elastomeric seals to ensure a water-tight seal between the connector 36 and the faucet body or to provide a fluid path between the faucet body and the outlet pipe. The outer end 48 of the connector 36 is shaped to mechanically and fluidly connect to the faucet body.

In the arrangement shown in figure 3c the outlet pipe comprises an inner outlet pipe 84, the inner outlet pipe 84 being centrally located with the outer outlet pipe 82. Inner outlet tube 84 is connected to the faucet body to define an inner fluid path 50 through the connector body between inner end 46 and outer end 48 of connector 36, through which inner fluid path 50 water can pass from the faucet body into inner outlet tube 84. The outer fluid path 53, which surrounds the inner fluid path 51, provides a fluid path through which water may pass from the faucet body into the outer water outlet tube 82.

In the embodiment of figure 3d there is a single fluid path 20 through the outlet pipe body. The connector 36 is the same as that used in figure 3c and therefore like features have the same reference numerals. As can be seen in figure 3d, the connection between the connector 36 and the outlet pipe body is simplified as there is no need to make a connection with both channels, and there is only one fluid path 50 through the connector 36. As before, the connector 36 is held in the outlet body by press fitting the connector 36 into the outlet body so that the collar portion 54 creates an interference fit on the smooth inner surface of the outlet body. The elastomeric seal 52 around the connector 36 may also help create an interference fit, but also create a water-tight seal. It will be appreciated that there may be more than one fluid path through the connector and/or the fluid path may be rectangular or any other cross-section depending on the faucet body to which the outlet tube and spout are connected.

Fig. 4a shows the connector 36 connecting the inner tap body 100 to the outlet pipe 110. As described in detail above, collar 54 and elastomeric seal 52 are within outlet pipe 110. The central portion 56 of the connector 36 abuts the end of the outlet pipe 110. The central portion 56 is surrounded by a retaining clip 51, the retaining clip 51 helping to hold the outlet pipe 110 in place. The retaining clip is threadably engaged with or within a corresponding screw thread on an adjacent part of the charm to retain the outlet pipe within the faucet body. The outer end of the connector is shaped to form a suitable connection with the tap body and includes a resilient seal 63 to ensure a water-tight seal between the connector 36 and the inner tap body 100.

In this example, the faucet 1000 is a so-called "four-in-one boiling water faucet". However, the outlet tube may be included in any suitable faucet.

Fig. 4a to 4c show a tap comprising an outer body 102 and a cylindrical outlet pipe 110, the cylindrical outlet pipe 110 being connected to the outer body 102 and extending from the outer body 102. Water is routed through the inner body 100, and the inner body 100 is contained within the faucet such that the outer body 102 is not in contact with any water flowing through the faucet. The outer body 102 can be made of the same or different material as the inner body 100.

The outer body 102 houses a first valve that mates with one side of the inner body 100 and a second valve that mates with the opposite side of the inner body 100. In this example, the first valve is a filtered water and boiling water diverter valve that allows the user to select filtered water or boiling water, rather than a mixture of filtered water and boiling water. The second valve is a main pipe hot and cold water mixing valve that allows the user to mix hot and cold water in any combination. The faucet further includes a first handle 114 and a second handle 115, the first handle 114 being operatively connected to the first valve and the second handle 115 being operatively connected to the second valve.

By actuating the first handle 114, a user can control the valve to cause water from a filtered or boiling water source to flow through the faucet and be dispensed through an internal outlet in the outlet tube 110. By actuating the second handle, the user can control the valves to cause water from the hot and cold water sources to flow through the faucet and be dispensed through an external outlet in the outlet pipe 110. Such handles, their mechanism and the way in which they control the valve are known, for example, from WO2017/042586 and EP2990703 of the present applicant. The information contained in these publications is incorporated herein by reference.

As shown in fig. 4c, four

hoses

140a, 140b, 140c, 140d are provided to supply water from a water source to the inner body 100 in the faucet. In this example, a first hose 140a connects the faucet to a main pipe hot water source, a second hose 140b connects the faucet to a main pipe cold water source, a third hose 140c connects the faucet to a filtered water source 170, and a fourth hose 140d connects the faucet to a boiling filtered water source 180. The hose may comprise rubber (or similar flexible material) in a braided stainless steel outer sheath (or similar more robust protective housing). Alternatively, the hose may comprise a copper tube to which the connector is welded. These hoses and sources are hidden under the countertop 185 and the faucet is mounted to the countertop 185.

The source of boiling water is in the form of a water heater having a compact design, but which can be easily fitted into a standard cabinet. A compact design can accommodate more than 4 liters. The water heater is connected to a water supply and a power source. The water heater is insulated and efficient so that it uses very little power to keep the water at about 100 ℃ (and above 98 ℃). For example, a water heater may consume less than 1 watt of power per hour in standby mode. For hot and cold supply, the water heater operates at a minimum pressure of 1.5 bar and at a maximum pressure of up to 5 bar.

The outlet pipe of figure 1 may be manufactured using the steps shown in figure 5. The first illustrated step S100 is to form an outlet pipe body as described above and the second step is to form an outlet pipe connection S102. It will be appreciated that these steps may be performed in any order or simultaneously.

The operation of forming the outlet body may comprise forming the outlet body, for example by bending the hollow tube into the desired shape of the outlet. The outlet body may be made of any suitable material approved for use in domestic water systems (e.g. a metal such as brass). Once the outlet body is formed, the operation of forming the outlet body may further include plating or otherwise coating the outlet body with a decorative material (e.g., stainless steel).

The operation of forming the outlet fitting may include forming one or both of a nipple fitting and a connector. This step may include forming an outlet pipe coupling having an inner end received in the outlet pipe body and an outer end extending from the outlet pipe body. The outlet fitting body may be formed (e.g., molded or machined) with an integral deformable collar portion. Alternatively, the deformable collar portion may be removably fitted to the fitting body, for example, within a channel on an outer surface of the fitting body. The integral or separate collar portion may provide an interference fit between the outlet coupling and the inner surface of the outlet body. The operation of forming the outlet coupling may further include attaching an elastomeric seal (e.g., an O-ring) to the outlet coupling. The resilient seal may additionally (or alternatively) provide an interference fit between the outlet coupling and the inner surface of the outlet body. The elastomeric seal may also form a water tight seal to reduce or prevent water leakage.

Steps S104 and S106 illustrate the step of press fitting the outlet fitting (nozzle fitting, connector, or both) into the outlet body. The press fit allows the nozzle and connector to be secured to the outlet tube body without the use of welding or similar techniques. Deformation of the outlet body during the press-fit process is reduced as compared to these techniques. Thus, the outlet pipe body can be fully completed (including the delicate outer coating) before the press-fitting step occurs.

As shown in step S104, the outlet fitting may be a connector that connects the outlet tube to the faucet body, and in this case, the connector is press-fit into the inlet end of the outlet tube body. The outlet pipe fitting may be a nozzle fitting that is press-fit into the outlet end of the outlet pipe body, as shown in step S106. The press fitting includes inserting the fitting into the outlet fixture body. Where a collar portion is used, the press-fit step compresses the collar portion from the first configuration to the second configuration. Once the collar portion is inside the outlet pipe body, the collar portion returns to its first configuration to form an interference fit on the inner surface of the outlet pipe. The collar portion may then not be easily removable from the outlet pipe, for example, manually, but may be removable by applying a significant force with a special machine.

Once the outlet coupling has been fitted to the outlet body, the inner outlet pipe may be pushed through the outlet body. This step is optional as it is only necessary in arrangements where a separate water source is desired (e.g. in "four in one" faucets where water from a boiling water source is fed through an inner outlet pipe and water from a main pipe water source is fed through an outer outlet pipe). Where a nozzle adapter is used, the method may further include fitting (e.g., screwing) a nozzle cap over the nozzle adapter. In this way, the nozzle adaptor is concealed within the outlet body or nozzle cap and may therefore be made of any suitable material. Where a connector is used, the finished outlet pipe may then be fitted into a tap in the normal manner and as described above.

Fig. 6 shows details of the connector 136, and the connector 136 may be included in an outlet pipe as described above. The connector 136 differs from the connector shown in fig. 3a and 3b in that the connector 136 is made entirely of one material, for example, metal or a resilient plastic such as acetal, nylon or PTFE. The advantages and disadvantages of different types of materials have been described above. Thus, the connector 136 includes an integral collar 154 rather than a separate collar as described above. Other features are unchanged and therefore have the same reference numerals.

As before, the connector 136 includes an inner end 46 and an outer end 48, the inner end 46 being received in the outlet pipe and the outer end 48 being at the opposite end of the connector. There is at least one fluid path through the connector 136. The connector 136 is in the form of a hollow cylinder having a generally circular cross-section that tapers in size from a larger inner end 46 to a smaller outer end 48.

Connector 136 includes a passage 44 adjacent inner end 46, and an elastomeric seal is positioned within second passage 44. In contrast to the previous embodiment, there is no passage for the collar because the collar 154 is integral with the one-piece connector 136. As before, the passage 44 for the resilient seal is positioned downstream of the collar 154 when considering the direction of water flow through the connector.

Connector 136 also includes a central portion 56 having the same external dimensions as the outlet pipe and once inner end 46 is inserted into the outlet pipe, central portion 56 abuts and is flush with the inlet end of the outlet pipe. The collar 154 is narrower than the central portion. The central portion 56 may be formed using two stages of the manufacturing process, for example, by initially forming a cross-section having the same cross-section as the collar or other component, and then increasing the cross-section by adding a component (e.g., a retaining clip as shown in fig. 4 a). The connector 136 may also include

additional channels

58, 60, 62, some or all of which may be elastomeric seals to ensure a water-tight seal between the connector 136 and the faucet body. Alternatively, at least one of the channels may receive a component of a retaining clip that assists in retaining the outlet pipe to the outlet pipe body. The outer end 48 of the connector 136 is shaped to mechanically and fluidly connect to the faucet body.

As in the previous arrangement, the collar 154 forms a press fit, in the nature of the material itself as explained above. When the connector 136 is inserted into the inlet end of the outlet pipe by press fitting, the collar deforms to reduce the overall size of the collar. Once the connector 136 is inserted, the collar provides an interference fit on the inner surface of the inlet end of the outlet pipe. The connector 136 cannot then be removed from the outlet pipe without applying a substantial force.

It will be appreciated that while FIG. 6 shows a connector made of a single piece, a similar arrangement could be used for the nozzle body, i.e., with a single individual nozzle nipple formed with an integral collar.

Fig. 7 shows a variant connector 136 connecting the inner tap body 100 to the outlet pipe 110. The connector 136 is formed as a single piece consistent with the embodiment shown in fig. 6. However, in this arrangement, the collar 156 is more centrally located on the connector than in the previous arrangement. Thus, the collar 156 may be considered similar to the central portion of fig. 6. A collar 156 is within outlet pipe 110 along with a pair of resilient seals 152 (e.g., O-rings). There is an additional portion of the connector 136 between the pair of resilient seals 152 which may also assist in the interference fit of the connector 136 in the outlet pipe 110. Retaining clip 151 helps to hold outlet pipe 110 in place. In this arrangement, the retaining clip 151 is fitted around the outer surface of the outlet pipe 110, since a larger portion of the connector 136 is located within the outlet pipe when compared to the arrangement shown in figure 4 a. The retaining clip 151 is secured in place on the connector in the recess and secured in place on the ornament by the screw thread arrangement described above. The outer end of the connector is shaped to form a suitable connection with the tap body and includes a resilient seal 63 to ensure a water-tight seal between the connector 36 and the inner tap body 100.

While water has been described above as the medium being directed and channeled through the faucet, the inner body may receive any liquid suitable for delivery by a domestic faucet. The water sources may be combined into fewer water sources in an example. In some examples, there may be only one, two, or three water sources. In some examples, there may be more water sources.

The above embodiments are to be understood as illustrative examples of the invention. Further embodiments of the invention are envisaged. It is to be understood that any feature described in relation to any one embodiment may be used alone, or in combination with other features described, and may also be used in combination with one or more features of any other of the embodiments, or any combination of any other of the embodiments. Furthermore, equivalents and modifications not described above may also be employed without departing from the scope of the invention, which is defined in the accompanying claims.

Claims

1. A method of manufacturing a faucet outlet pipe connectable to a faucet body to deliver water from the faucet body to a user, the method comprising:

forming a faucet spout body having:

an inlet end;

an outlet end; and

a fluid path between said inlet end and said outlet end, whereby, in use, water flows from the faucet body into said inlet end and is discharged through said outlet end; and

performing at least one of the following press-fit outlet coupling operations: press fitting an outlet fitting in the form of a nipple fitting into the outlet end of the outlet body to provide a nipple fitting for fitting a nipple cap over the nipple fitting and press fitting an outlet fitting in the form of a connector into the inlet end of the outlet body to connect the faucet outlet to a faucet body,

wherein the outlet pipe coupling comprises a body having a deformable collar portion made of resilient plastic; and is

Wherein the operation of press fitting the outlet coupling comprises deforming the deformable collar portion when the outlet coupling is inserted into the outlet pipe to form an interference fit on the interior surface of the faucet outlet pipe body, whereby the outlet coupling is not manually releasable from the faucet outlet pipe body;

wherein the faucet spout body is formed of metal.

2. The method of claim 1, comprising forming the outlet fitting with an integral collar portion.

3. The method of claim 1 including installing said deformable collar portion in a channel on an outer surface of said outlet coupling body prior to the operation of press fitting said outlet coupling.

4. The method of claim 1 including installing an elastomeric seal on an outer surface of the outlet fitting body prior to the operation of press fitting the outlet fitting.

5. The method of claim 1, including both press-fitting the connector into the inlet end of the faucet spout body and press-fitting the nozzle fitting into the outlet end of the faucet spout body.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein forming the faucet spout body comprises shaping the faucet spout body prior to press fitting.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein forming the faucet spout body comprises plating the formed spout body prior to press fitting.

8. The method of any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising forming the deformable collar portion of the outlet coupling to have a diameter of about 0.05mm greater than an inner diameter of the outlet pipe.

9. A faucet spout connectable to a faucet body to deliver water therefrom to a user, the faucet spout comprising:

an outlet body having an inlet end, an outlet end and a fluid path between the inlet end and the outlet end, whereby, in use, water flows from the tap body into the inlet end and is discharged through the outlet end; and

at least one outlet coupling connected to the outlet body,

wherein the at least one outlet fitting is selected from a nozzle fitting connected to the inlet end to provide a nozzle fitting for fitting a nozzle cap over the nozzle fitting and a connector connected to the outlet end to connect the faucet outlet to a faucet body,

wherein the at least one outlet coupling comprises an outlet coupling body having a deformable collar portion made of resilient plastic and which forms an interference fit on an inner surface of the faucet outlet body, whereby the at least one outlet coupling is not manually releasable from the outlet body;

wherein the outlet tube body is formed of metal.

10. The faucet spout of claim 9 wherein said collar portion is removably coupled to said spout adaptor body.

11. The faucet spout of claim 10 wherein said collar portion is an annular ring having a gap.

12. The faucet outlet pipe of claim 10, wherein said collar portion is disposed in a channel in an outer surface of said outlet pipe fitting body.

13. The faucet outlet pipe of claim 9, wherein said collar portion is integral with said outlet pipe fitting body.

14. The faucet spout of claim 9 further comprising a resilient seal disposed in a channel in an outer surface of said spout adaptor.

15. The faucet outlet pipe of claim 9, including both a nipple fitting and a connector for connecting the faucet outlet pipe to a faucet body.

16. A spout adaptor for use in a faucet spout according to any one of claims 9 to 15, the spout adaptor comprising:

a body having:

an inner end received within the outlet pipe;

an outer end opposite the inner end; and

a fluid path between the inner end and the outer end; and

a deformable member adjacent the inner end of the body,

wherein the deformable member is made of resilient plastic and is configured to provide an interference fit on an inner surface of the faucet spout body when the spout adaptor is inserted in the outlet end of the spout to provide a spout fitting for fitting a spout cap over the spout adaptor or when the spout adaptor is inserted in the inlet end of the spout to connect the faucet spout to the faucet body, whereby the spout adaptor is not manually releasable from the faucet spout body when inserted.

17. The outlet coupling of claim 16, wherein the deformable collar portion of the outlet coupling has a diameter of about 0.05mm greater than the internal diameter of the faucet outlet body prior to insertion of the outlet coupling into the outlet.