EP3277433B1 - Buse d'atomiseur - Google Patents

Buse d'atomiseur Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3277433B1
EP3277433B1 EP16715077.0A EP16715077A EP3277433B1 EP 3277433 B1 EP3277433 B1 EP 3277433B1 EP 16715077 A EP16715077 A EP 16715077A EP 3277433 B1 EP3277433 B1 EP 3277433B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
water
outlet
flow
deflector
internal chamber
Prior art date
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Active
Application number
EP16715077.0A
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German (de)
English (en)
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EP3277433A1 (fr
Inventor
Wesley SUGDEN-BROOK
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Neoperl GmbH
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Neoperl GmbH
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Filing date
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Publication of EP3277433A1 publication Critical patent/EP3277433A1/fr
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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B1/00—Nozzles, spray heads or other outlets, with or without auxiliary devices such as valves, heating means
    • B05B1/12—Nozzles, spray heads or other outlets, with or without auxiliary devices such as valves, heating means capable of producing different kinds of discharge, e.g. either jet or spray
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B1/00—Nozzles, spray heads or other outlets, with or without auxiliary devices such as valves, heating means
    • B05B1/14—Nozzles, spray heads or other outlets, with or without auxiliary devices such as valves, heating means with multiple outlet openings; with strainers in or outside the outlet opening
    • B05B1/16—Nozzles, spray heads or other outlets, with or without auxiliary devices such as valves, heating means with multiple outlet openings; with strainers in or outside the outlet opening having selectively- effective outlets
    • B05B1/1627—Nozzles, spray heads or other outlets, with or without auxiliary devices such as valves, heating means with multiple outlet openings; with strainers in or outside the outlet opening having selectively- effective outlets with a selecting mechanism comprising a gate valve, a sliding valve or a cock
    • B05B1/1636—Nozzles, spray heads or other outlets, with or without auxiliary devices such as valves, heating means with multiple outlet openings; with strainers in or outside the outlet opening having selectively- effective outlets with a selecting mechanism comprising a gate valve, a sliding valve or a cock by relative rotative movement of the valve elements
    • B05B1/1645—Nozzles, spray heads or other outlets, with or without auxiliary devices such as valves, heating means with multiple outlet openings; with strainers in or outside the outlet opening having selectively- effective outlets with a selecting mechanism comprising a gate valve, a sliding valve or a cock by relative rotative movement of the valve elements the outlets being rotated during selection
    • B05B1/1654—Nozzles, spray heads or other outlets, with or without auxiliary devices such as valves, heating means with multiple outlet openings; with strainers in or outside the outlet opening having selectively- effective outlets with a selecting mechanism comprising a gate valve, a sliding valve or a cock by relative rotative movement of the valve elements the outlets being rotated during selection about an axis parallel to the liquid passage in the stationary valve element
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B1/00—Nozzles, spray heads or other outlets, with or without auxiliary devices such as valves, heating means
    • B05B1/34—Nozzles, spray heads or other outlets, with or without auxiliary devices such as valves, heating means designed to influence the nature of flow of the liquid or other fluent material, e.g. to produce swirl
    • B05B1/3405—Nozzles, spray heads or other outlets, with or without auxiliary devices such as valves, heating means designed to influence the nature of flow of the liquid or other fluent material, e.g. to produce swirl to produce swirl
    • B05B1/341—Nozzles, spray heads or other outlets, with or without auxiliary devices such as valves, heating means designed to influence the nature of flow of the liquid or other fluent material, e.g. to produce swirl to produce swirl before discharging the liquid or other fluent material, e.g. in a swirl chamber upstream the spray outlet
    • B05B1/3415—Nozzles, spray heads or other outlets, with or without auxiliary devices such as valves, heating means designed to influence the nature of flow of the liquid or other fluent material, e.g. to produce swirl to produce swirl before discharging the liquid or other fluent material, e.g. in a swirl chamber upstream the spray outlet with swirl imparting inserts upstream of the swirl chamber
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E03—WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE
    • E03C—DOMESTIC PLUMBING INSTALLATIONS FOR FRESH WATER OR WASTE WATER; SINKS
    • E03C1/00—Domestic plumbing installations for fresh water or waste water; Sinks
    • E03C1/02—Plumbing installations for fresh water
    • E03C1/08—Jet regulators or jet guides, e.g. anti-splash devices
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E03—WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE
    • E03C—DOMESTIC PLUMBING INSTALLATIONS FOR FRESH WATER OR WASTE WATER; SINKS
    • E03C1/00—Domestic plumbing installations for fresh water or waste water; Sinks
    • E03C1/02—Plumbing installations for fresh water
    • E03C1/08—Jet regulators or jet guides, e.g. anti-splash devices
    • E03C1/084—Jet regulators with aerating means
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E03—WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE
    • E03C—DOMESTIC PLUMBING INSTALLATIONS FOR FRESH WATER OR WASTE WATER; SINKS
    • E03C1/00—Domestic plumbing installations for fresh water or waste water; Sinks
    • E03C1/02—Plumbing installations for fresh water
    • E03C1/08—Jet regulators or jet guides, e.g. anti-splash devices
    • E03C1/086—Jet regulators or jet guides, easily mountable on the outlet of taps
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B15/00—Details of spraying plant or spraying apparatus not otherwise provided for; Accessories
    • B05B15/40—Filters located upstream of the spraying outlets

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an atomiser nozzle, and more particularly to an atomiser nozzle for a tap.
  • kitchens, bathrooms and washrooms typically include one or more taps to dispense water. These are typically activated by manual translation or rotation of a handle, controlling the flow rate of water by opening a valve.
  • the water is typically dispensed as a smooth stream (i.e. having laminar flow), with the stream breaking up with increasing distance from the tap.
  • Hands may be washed or food may be rinsed, for example, using water from the tap.
  • Modern public toilets and washrooms may also have arrays of taps to cope with higher throughput of people. These taps may have mechanisms for dispensing water in limited bursts to avoid wastage, as running taps left unattended may not be noticed quickly, i.e. before large amounts of water have been dispensed and wasted. These taps also tend to dispense water in a smooth stream, and use an aerator to minimise waste, although a single aperture nozzle may be utilised.
  • US 4 221 338 A discloses a spray and aerator faucet appliance, wherein the selection of a water discharge is effected by rotating a water discharge head portion of the appliance until a desired water discharge from the appliance appears.
  • GB 2505257 A relates to tap outlet mountable appliances, like a tap outlet flow adjustor that is designed to change the water flow from a run to a spray.
  • US 5 348 231 relates to a two-stage faucet aerator, which is manually selectable between spray and stream discharge.
  • WO 2012/090118 A1 relates to a mist-producing nozzle with a cylindrical interior and an outlet orifice.
  • KR 2011 0117316 A discloses a water-spraying pistol offering a flow-switching mechanism that can be activated by pushing a knob on the rear of the pistol to direct a flow of water along either a first flow path or a second flow path through a nozzle of the water-spraying
  • an atomiser nozzle for controlling a flow of water from a tap
  • the atomiser nozzle comprising a housing having an inlet, first and second internal chambers, first and second outlets, first and second flow paths from the inlet to the respective outlet, and a flow-switching mechanism for directing the flow of water along either the first flow path or the second flow path, the first flow path directing the flow of water through the first internal chamber, a deflector disposed within the first internal chamber, and the first outlet; and the second flow path directing the flow of water through the second internal chamber, and the second outlet, allowing substantially unrestricted flow by bypassing the deflector; in use, the first flow path yielding an atomised flow of water so that the water emerges as tiny droplets, creating a mist and the second flow path yielding a substantially laminar flow of water.
  • water When water is directed along the first flow path, it is atomised by the nozzle so that the flow of water emerges as tiny droplets rather than a coherent stream, creating a mist or spray with a very high surface area to volume ratio.
  • the flow When water is directed along the second flow path, the flow is substantially similar to the flow from a tap without the nozzle, i.e. a laminar flow of water is dispensed. This permits a user to choose the type of flow provided, allowing a user to save water where possible, whilst not waiting for long periods where large volumes of water are actually needed.
  • the spray pattern from the nozzle can also be carefully controlled at a wide range of water pressures.
  • Traditional atomiser nozzles require high water pressure to create an atomised spray and do not operate effectively under 1.5 bar, and particularly not under 1 bar, but the present atomiser nozzle can operate between from 0.8 bar to 8 bar (to atomise water via the first flow path). This also allows use with both domestic and commercial water supplies around the world.
  • the nozzle spray angle remains relatively constant across the pressure range, which prevents pressure fluctuations causing splashing in use. This in turn minimises the transfer of bacteria via splashes of water from hands to clothing whilst washing hands, for example.
  • the first flow path is particularly advantageous for saving water as it substantially limits the rate at which water can be dispensed from a tap in use, minimising wastage compared to a conventional tap without an atomiser nozzle according to the invention.
  • Water is atomised by the nozzle so that the flow of water emerges as micron-sized droplets rather than a coherent stream, creating a mist or spray with a very high surface area to volume ratio.
  • This allows a user to wet the surface of their hands or rinse crockery, for example, with just a thin film of water, as opposed to a large amount of water having laminar flow, of which most would simply drain away.
  • the overall water savings by using the atomiser nozzle on a tap are around 98% by volume, comparing hand washing routines of fixed length with and without use of the nozzle.
  • the first flow path through the nozzle could be used beneficially in aircraft and ships, for example, which carry or produce fresh water on board.
  • By using nozzles to provide atomised flow via the first flow path over 90% less water would be used per hand washing operation. Therefore, less water would need to be carried by an aeroplane, for example, and so less fuel would be used in carrying the water. Similar benefits could be derived for processing sea water into fresh water on board a ship, for example.
  • the housing may include an upper portion and a lower portion.
  • the lower portion may be rotatable relative to the upper portion for providing the flow-switching mechanism.
  • the lower portion of the housing is rotatable between a first orientation and a second orientation (or first and second configurations). More preferably, the lower portion directs the flow of water along the first flow path in its first orientation, and along the second flow path in its second orientation.
  • the upper portion is static, providing a secure connection to a tap in use.
  • the flow of water can be interconverted between atomised flow and unrestricted laminar flow by simply rotating the lower portion, dependent on the orientation of the lower portion with respect to the upper portion.
  • the first orientation may be rotationally offset from the second orientation by an angle.
  • the angle may be in the range 10° to 180°. Preferably, the angle is 90°.
  • the lower portion may be re-oriented relative to the upper portion by any angle, including those over 360°. This allows for rotation in either direction without inadvertently disconnecting the nozzle from a tap, if connected, and may allow for water to flow along both flow paths, atomising some of the incoming water. Alternatively, rotation of the lower portion may be restricted to a fixed range of angles between the first and second orientations.
  • the lower portion may engage either of the first or second orientations if partially re-oriented and released prior to assuming either of said orientations. This prevents flow being split between the two flow paths.
  • the lower portion may click into place, and/or give haptic feedback to indicate that either orientation has been engaged.
  • the lower portion may include a valve that meets the upper portion when the upper and lower portions are connected.
  • the valve may be a disc.
  • the valve may be ceramic.
  • the valve may be mounted for rotation with the lower portion.
  • the valve may be formed integrally with the lower portion.
  • the valve includes at least one central aperture and at least one peripheral aperture to enable fluid communication between the inlet and the first and second outlets. More preferably there are two peripheral apertures on opposite sides of the valve.
  • the or each peripheral aperture may be a curved slot.
  • the valve advantageously enables the flow of water to be re-directed through either flow path, depending on its orientation with the lower portion.
  • the central aperture permits water to flow through into the first internal chamber and out of the first outlet.
  • the peripheral aperture(s) permit water to flow from the second internal chamber out of the second outlet without restricting the flow in any significant way.
  • the first internal chamber may be disposed centrally within the housing, and the second internal chamber may encircle the first internal chamber.
  • the second internal chamber may be disposed peripherally around the first internal chamber.
  • the first outlet may be disposed centrally within the housing, and the second outlet may encircle (or be disposed peripherally around) the first outlet.
  • the second flow path may be obstructed by the valve when the lower portion is in the first orientation, preventing fluid communication between the inlet and the second outlet. This ensures that the flow of water is directed wholly along the first flow path, as the pressure of the incoming flow and watertight nature of the valve forces the water to exit through the first outlet, thus atomising the flow.
  • the second flow path may be unobstructed by the valve when the lower portion is in the second orientation, permitting fluid communication between the inlet and the second outlet via the or each peripheral aperture.
  • the upper portion has at least one aperture that aligns with the at least one aperture of the valve. More preferably, the aligned apertures are substantially the same in size, cross-section and radial distance from the centre of the nozzle. This ensures that the flow of water is directed primarily along the second flow path and out through the second outlet, giving laminar flow. Only an insignificant amount of water is released through the first outlet as there is minimal or no pressure to force water out through it.
  • the first internal chamber is domed at the first outlet end to accelerate water towards the first outlet.
  • the first internal chamber is substantially cylindrical.
  • the first outlet may be provided by an aperture through the dome.
  • the aperture is through the centre of the dome.
  • the first outlet aperture may have a diameter in the range of 0.1 mm to 3 mm (inclusive) to achieve a wide conical dispersal of water droplets from the swirl of water that enters the first outlet in use, covering a large area of a sink. This optimises the range of droplet sizes dispersed from the first outlet, with smaller droplet sizes being produced by smaller apertures.
  • the droplets generated by the aperture are small (between 0 and 500 microns in diameter) and thus have low masses, ensuring that (on contacting a sink) there is relatively minimal splashing compared to a tap without the nozzle, when the first flow path is in operation.
  • the selected range is advantageous because an aperture of less than 0.1 mm generates too fine a spray or mist, which tends not to wet hands in a way that permits effective hand washing, for example. Equally, an aperture of greater than 3 mm generates too many excessively large droplets, i.e. minimal atomisation, wasting water. In other words, the narrow diameter of the first outlet reduces the rate at which water can be dispensed, minimising waste.
  • annular space disposed between the exterior of the deflector and interior wall of the first internal chamber, the annular space being in fluid communication with the dome.
  • the annular space spans 1 mm or less. More preferably, the annular space spans 0.2 mm or less.
  • the flow of water increases in velocity as it transitions out of the deflector into the narrow annular space (or annular gap), accelerating as it swirls spirally through the space and around the interior wall of the first internal chamber.
  • the increased flow velocity is accompanied by a drop in fluid pressure, which increases the propensity for the water to form a fine mist or spray, aiding atomisation of the water exiting through the first outlet.
  • the deflector may be disposed within the first internal chamber.
  • the deflector is substantially cylindrical.
  • the deflector may include a circumferential lip, and the first internal chamber may include a circumferential ridge. The lip may engage the ridge when the deflector is disposed within the first internal chamber.
  • the lip is wider than the ridge. This allows the deflector to be seated within the first internal chamber such that its lower section is surrounded by the annular space, which supports atomisation of the flow of water in use.
  • the deflector may include a channel disposed along its length, and may include at least one lateral hole.
  • the channel may extend partway through the deflector and intersect the at least one lateral hole.
  • the channel may have an open end and a closed end, and may intersect the at least one lateral hole at its closed end.
  • the channel and at least one lateral hole intersect at a substantially perpendicular angle. More preferably, the at least one lateral hole intersects the channel at a distance inset from the closed end.
  • the channel and lateral hole(s) permit the passage of water from the inlet to the first outlet indirectly, changing the flow path of the water (i.e. deflecting it) by having the channel closed at one end.
  • the flow of water is directed onto the interior wall of the first internal chamber to form a swirl of water.
  • the channel may have a cross-sectional area less than the sum of the cross-sectional areas of the or each lateral hole.
  • the at least one lateral hole may taper outwardly. In other words, the at least one lateral hole may have a smaller diameter at the exterior of the deflector than at the point of intersection with the channel. Tapering the or each hole focusses the flow of water released into the annular space, establishing a coherent swirl of water more readily.
  • the deflector may include at least one notch.
  • the at least one notch may induce swirl to the flow of water within the dome.
  • the at least one notch is straight along its length.
  • the at least one notch may be curved.
  • the at least one notch may be disposed at an oblique angle.
  • the notch or notches help to generate swirl within the chamber, supporting the outward spray of water droplets from the first outlet.
  • the angle and shape of the or each notch vary the properties of the swirl, particularly its direction and speed.
  • a pair of opposing lateral holes and a pair of opposing notches may be provided.
  • the opposing lateral holes may be offset from one another on the deflector about its longitudinal axis. In other words, the holes may not be in-line with one another.
  • the pair of lateral holes is rotationally offset from the pair of notches. More preferably, the notches are disposed closer to the first outlet than the lateral holes.
  • the deflector may have rotational symmetry about its longitudinal axis.
  • the rotational symmetry is two-fold rotational symmetry.
  • the swirl of water can therefore be set up on both sides of the deflector at once.
  • the two components of the swirl i.e. those from each lateral hole, travel in the same direction due to the notches being rotationally symmetric.
  • the two components of the swirl meet and interfere constructively to reinforce the overall swirl within the first internal chamber.
  • the deflector may be spaced from the first outlet to provide a sub-chamber within the internal chamber, between the deflector and the 2. first outlet.
  • the sub-chamber is hemispherical, forming the interior of the dome. The sub-chamber directs and accelerates the swirl of water into the first outlet. It also acts as a reservoir into which water can accumulate and swirl around prior to entering the first outlet.
  • At least one groove 2. is provided in the sub-chamber for directing water to the outlet.
  • the or each groove may spiral towards the outlet.
  • two grooves are provided. More preferably, the two grooves begin on opposing sides of the sub-chamber and spiral towards the outlet.
  • the two grooves may be substantially rotationally symmetric.
  • the groove(s) in the sub-chamber impart swirl to the water flowing towards the outlet. This allows the spray pattern to be controlled at both very high and very low water pressure. It is also beneficial from a manufacturing perspective when moulding the nozzle.
  • the deflector may have one or more chamfered edges.
  • the entrance to the channel is chamfered to improve the flow of water through the channel in use.
  • the base of the deflector is chamfered around its periphery to improve the flow of water within the dome in use. By chamfering the edge at the entrance of the channel, water is guided into the channel in use. By chamfering the edge of the base of the deflector, the base does not significantly disrupt (or introduce turbulence into) the swirl of water within the dome.
  • One or more of the deflector, the first internal chamber and/or the first outlet may have hydrophobic properties to assist atomisation of the flow of water in use, when passing along the first flow path.
  • the housing may include means to connect to the tap at its water-dispensing end.
  • the housing includes a threaded portion to screw onto a correspondingly threaded portion of the tap.
  • the nozzle is designed to fit to a tap with a minimal proportion of the housing protruding from the tap.
  • the inlet may include a filter having a plurality of apertures provided therethrough. Preferably, each aperture is substantially 2 mm in diameter or less.
  • the filter may be disposed at a distance from the first and second internal chambers to permit the flow of water to be substantially switched between each of the first and second flow paths. In other words, the filter may be raised. Apertures may be absent from a central portion of the filter to prevent water filtering along a direct path into the first internal chamber.
  • the filter prevents water-borne debris from entering the deflector, which might adversely affect its operation.
  • the filter is a simple component to remove and clean when needed. Scale deposition from hard water will also be more prevalent on the large surface area of the filter apertures, i.e. prior to the first and second outlets, which prolongs the typical lifetime of the nozzle by minimising the rate at which the outlets become scaled.
  • the apertures are small enough to prevent macroscopic detritus from passing, but not so small that water flow is substantially impeded.
  • the lower portion may have a grip area for manually gripping and rotating the lower portion between the first and second orientations.
  • the grip area is knurled to provide increased grip on the otherwise smooth surface of the housing.
  • an atomiser nozzle for a tap 100 is indicated generally at 10.
  • the nozzle 10 includes a housing composed of an upper portion 12a and a lower portion 12b, and an inlet 14 at the upper end of the housing.
  • the nozzle 10 further includes a first outlet 16a and a second outlet 16b as seen in Figures 4 and 5 .
  • the lower portion 12b is rotatably mounted to the upper portion 12a.
  • the inlet 14 is fluidly connected to the first outlet 16a by a first internal chamber indicated generally at 18, providing a first flow path.
  • the first internal chamber 18 is divided into a first channel 18a and a second channel 18b.
  • Each of the channels 18a, 18b is substantially cylindrical.
  • the lower portion 12b also includes a domed section 20 having a dome 20a at one end. The remainder of the lower portion 12b provides a skirt around the domed section 20.
  • the domed section 20 has a screw thread 22 to engage a corresponding screw thread 24 in the lower portion 12b.
  • the first outlet 16a passes through the centre of the dome 20a.
  • the first outlet 16a is a narrow passage of around 0.3 mm diameter. It will be appreciated that other diameters may be used in alternate embodiments of nozzle.
  • the inlet 14 is also fluidly connected to the second outlet 16b by a second internal chamber indicated generally at 19, providing a second flow path.
  • the second internal chamber 19 is substantially toroidal.
  • the second internal chamber 19 is disposed around the first internal chamber 18.
  • the second outlet 16b has a diameter approaching that of the diameter of the lower portion 12b. This means that the second outlet 16b has a cross-sectional area substantially similar to that of a tap outlet on the tap 100 it is attached to, allowing for relatively unimpeded flow.
  • the nozzle 10 includes a threaded section 26 on the upper portion 12a of the housing to securely connect to the tap 100.
  • An outer washer 28 is seated on an outer area of the upper portion 12a below the threaded section 26 (as viewed), to distribute force from the upper portion 12a onto the tap 100 when screwed together, creating a watertight seal in use.
  • the nozzle 10 further includes a filter 30 across the inlet 14.
  • the filter 30 is raised over the first and second internal chambers 18, 19.
  • the filter 30 has a plurality of holes 30a through its upper surface 30b.
  • the holes 30a are each around 1 mm in diameter, although it will be appreciated that other diameters of hole may be used in alternate embodiments, and that the holes may or may not be of uniform size or shape.
  • the very centre of the upper surface 30b of the filter 30 is devoid of holes 30a, to prevent a flow of water taking a direct path from the filter 30 to the first internal chamber 18.
  • the filter 30 is disposed against the outer washer 28. Screwing the nozzle 10 onto the tap 100 compresses the filter 30 against the outer washer 28 to prevent water leaking around the filter 30 in use.
  • the nozzle 10 includes a deflector indicated generally at 32.
  • the deflector 32 is disposed within the second channel 18b of the first internal chamber 18.
  • the deflector 32 is substantially cylindrical to fit within the second channel 18b.
  • the deflector 32 is rotationally symmetric about its longitudinal axis, having two-fold rotational symmetry in this embodiment.
  • the deflector 32 includes a circumferential lip 34.
  • the second channel 18b has a corresponding, but slightly narrower, circumferential ridge 34a (as seen in Figures 4 and 5 ). The lip 34 sits against the ridge 34a when the deflector 32 is located within the second channel 18b.
  • An annular space or gap 36 is provided between a lower section of the deflector 32 and the second channel 18b. More specifically, a side wall 38 of the deflector 32 lies substantially out of contact with the internal chamber 18.
  • the second channel 18b has an inner wall 40 in close proximity to the side wall 38 of the deflector 32.
  • the distance between the interior wall 40 and side wall 38 is substantially around 0.19 mm. In other words, the annular space spans 0.19 mm. It will be appreciated that other sizes of gap between the deflector and internal chamber may be used in alternate embodiments of nozzle.
  • the deflector 32 includes a third channel 42, and two lateral apertures 44 (both visible in Figure 5 ).
  • the lateral apertures 44 lie directly opposite one another to maintain the rotational symmetry of the deflector 32.
  • each aperture 44 may be provided at an angle through the side wall 38, to impart greater swirl to a flow of water passing therethrough.
  • the apertures 44 may each be provided along an axis that does not intersect the longitudinal axis of the deflector 32 perpendicularly, or indeed intersect it at all if offset to either side of the deflector 32.
  • the entrance to the channel 42 has a chamfered edge 42a.
  • the channel 42 extends downwardly partway through deflector 32, from an open end nearest the inlet 14 to a closed end nearest the first outlet 16a.
  • the channel 42 then branches perpendicularly into the two lateral apertures 44 which are disposed in the side wall 38.
  • Each lateral aperture 44 narrows from where it intersects the channel 42 to the side wall 38, such that each aperture 44 is slightly tapered.
  • the diameter of the channel 42 is greater than the individual diameter of either lateral aperture 44.
  • the cross-sectional area of the channel 42 is less than the sum of the cross-sectional areas of each lateral aperture 44.
  • each lateral aperture 44 has a diameter of 2 mm at the side wall 38, but other embodiments may have alternate sizes of aperture.
  • the deflector 32 also includes a base 46 with a chamfered peripheral edge 46a.
  • the base 46 of the deflector 32 faces the first outlet 16a.
  • the base 46 is spaced from the first outlet 16a to provide a sub-chamber 48 within the second channel 18b of the first internal chamber 18.
  • the sub-chamber 48 is substantially hemispherical in this embodiment.
  • the interior surfaces of the hemispherical sub-chamber 48 are the internal surface of the dome 20a and the base of the deflector 32.
  • the annular space 36 leads into the hemispherical sub-chamber 48 without obstruction, ensuring water flow transitions smoothly between the annular space 36 and the sub-chamber 48 in use.
  • the deflector 32 further includes two notches (or slots) 50.
  • the notches 50 are each cut obliquely into the base 46 of the deflector 32, best seen in Figure 3A .
  • Each notch 50 is straight along its length, although it will be appreciated that the or each notch may be curved in alternate embodiments. In this embodiment, each notch 50 is around 0.45 mm in width and around 2.4 mm in length.
  • the notches 50 are cut at an angle such that the two-fold rotational symmetry of the deflector 32 is maintained.
  • the pair of notches 50 are rotationally offset from the pair of lateral apertures 44 by substantially around 90 degrees. It will be appreciated that the notches 50 may be offset by another angle in an alternate embodiment of the nozzle.
  • the nozzle 10 further includes a valve 52.
  • the valve is fixedly mounted to the upper portion 12a.
  • the valve may be mounted for rotation with the lower portion 12b of the housing.
  • the valve lies between the upper and lower portions 12a, 12b of the housing.
  • the valve 52 is a ceramic disc in this embodiment, although it may be another shape suitable for rotation within the housing in other embodiments.
  • alternative materials may be used for its construction, such as a polymer or metal.
  • the valve 52 has two opposing curved peripheral slots 54 and a central hole 56 therethrough.
  • the upper portion 12a of the housing also has two opposing curved peripheral slots 58 and a central hole 60 therethrough.
  • the central holes 56, 60 allow the valve and upper portion to each fit around the first channel 18a of the lower portion 12b.
  • the curved slots 54, 58 are substantially the same shape and size, and disposed radially outwards from the respective central holes 56, 60 by the same distance.
  • the two sets of curved slots 54, 58 are always aligned with each other in this embodiment.
  • a first seal (or washer) 62 with two retaining clips 64 and a second seal 66 are provided at the top of the first channel 18a to prevent leaks from the second chamber 19 to the valve 52.
  • a third seal 68 is provided below the second seal 66 to the side of the valve 52 to prevent leaks around an inside edge of the valve 52.
  • a fourth seal 70 is provided around the outside of the underside of the valve 52 to prevent leaks from the valve 52 to the outside of the housing, where the upper and lower portions 12a, 12b meet.
  • a fifth seal 72 is provided below the screw thread 22 of the domed section 20 to prevent leaks from the first flow path into the second flow path.
  • the second, third, fourth and fifth seals 66, 68, 70, 72 are all O-ring seals in this embodiment, but may take alternate forms in other embodiments.
  • the lower portion 12b of the housing is rotatable relative to the upper portion 12a, with the valve 52 being rotatable with the lower portion 12b to provide a flow-switching mechanism.
  • the lower portion 12b can be provided in a first orientation (or first configuration) and in a second orientation (or second configuration) relative to the upper portion 12a.
  • the first and second orientations are rotationally offset by 90 degrees from each other.
  • the lower portion 12b includes a pair of curved peripheral slots 61 therethrough (one of which is visible in Figure 3 ).
  • the peripheral slots 54, 58 of the valve 52 and upper portion 12a are substantially out of alignment with the peripheral slots 61 of the lower portion 12b, i.e. they do not overlap. This prevents water from flowing from the second internal chamber 19 to the second outlet 16b in use, forcing the flow to follow the first flow path.
  • the peripheral slots 54, 58 of the valve 52 and upper portion 12a are substantially aligned with the peripheral slots 61 of the lower portion 12b, i.e. they substantially (or completely) overlap. This allows water to flow from the second internal chamber 19 to the second outlet 16b in use, allowing the flow to bypass the first flow path, which has a restricted outlet 16a, and follow the second substantially unrestricted flow path.
  • Rotating the lower portion 12b changes the orientation of its peripheral slots 61 relative to those of the valve 52 and upper portion 12a, thus providing the flow-switching mechanism.
  • the first and second flow paths are disposed concentrically, with the first flow path being inside the second flow path.
  • the first flow path directs water flow from the inlet 14 through the first internal chamber 18, the deflector 32, the domed section 20 and out of the first outlet 16a. Water flow is blocked from exiting through the second outlet 16b when the first flow path is selected by configuring the lower portion 12b to be in its first orientation.
  • the second flow path directs water flow from the inlet 14 through the second internal chamber 19 and out of the second outlet 16b. Water flow is directed substantially away from the first flow path when the second flow path is selected by configuring the lower portion 12b to be in its second orientation.
  • the second flow path excludes the deflector 32. The deflector 32 only affects the flow of water when water is directed along the first flow path.
  • the nozzle 10 is screwed, via its female thread 26, onto the tap 100 which has a corresponding male thread. This establishes a watertight seal so that, when dispensed, water can only pass through the inlet 14, not around it.
  • the tap When the tap is turned on, water enters the inlet 14 and is filtered through the filter 30 to remove any water-borne particulate matter and disrupt the coherent stream of water into multiple flows.
  • the flow of water will follow the first flow path.
  • the misaligned peripheral slots 54, 58, 61 of the valve 52, upper portion 12a and lower portion 12b block the flow of water from passing from the second internal chamber 19 to the second outlet 16b, and the second internal chamber 19 will fill with water.
  • the first and second seals 62, 66 also prevent water from leaking from the second internal chamber 19 to the valve 52 and second outlet 16b.
  • water enters the first channel 18a of the first internal chamber 18, and into the second channel 18b, i.e. the domed section 20.
  • water flows over the chamfered edge 42a of the deflector 32 into the third channel 42.
  • the fifth seal 72 prevents water from leaking out of the domed section 20 and through the second outlet 16b.
  • the water is re-directed perpendicularly to either side through the lateral apertures 44.
  • the flow subsequently engages the interior wall 40 of the second channel 18b, flowing around the annular space 36.
  • the flow of water is substantially disrupted when it first impacts the closed end and then impacts against the interior wall 40, and swirls downwardly around the annular space 36 and the sub-chamber 48 under pressure.
  • the notches 50 in the base 46 of the deflector 32 influence the fluid dynamics within the first internal chamber 18, i.e. the annular space 36 and sub-chamber 48, to set up and maintain a swirl of water.
  • the smooth transition between the space 36 and chamber 48 ensures that flow does not detach substantially from the internal surface of the dome 20a, and also helps accelerate the flow towards the first outlet 16a.
  • the first outlet 16a is very narrow which causes the swirl of water to split into a multitude of tiny droplets at its edge on exit, atomising the flow, and also substantially restricts the rate at which water can exit the tap at a given pressure, saving water.
  • the sub-chamber 48 also acts as a reservoir into which water can accumulate.
  • the large number of droplets produced at the first outlet 16a have a high combined surface area relative to the total volume of water exiting at a given moment, and a minimal individual splash distance as a result of their low mass.
  • a user washing their hands would place their hands beneath the nozzle 10 in use and receive a thin film of water across their hands, rather than a large stream only a portion of which ever contacts their skin. This film of water is sufficient for then lathering soap on the user's hands without wasting large volumes of water, and subsequently using a similarly small volume of water to rinse the soap away.
  • the flow of water enters the second internal chamber 19. Water then courses substantially unobstructed through the aligned peripheral slots 54, 58, 61 of the valve 52, upper portion 12a and lower portion 12b towards and out of the second outlet 16b. Overall, the flow of water is diverted around the first flow path at the centre of the nozzle 10, but maintains a similarly laminar flow to water that would be dispensed from a tap without the nozzle 10 attached.
  • a person can grip and rotate the lower portion of the housing clockwise or anticlockwise relative to the upper portion 12a by 90 degrees. This moves the lower portion 12a from its first orientation to its second orientation.
  • the direction of rotation is moot in this embodiment, as the upper portion 12a is securely screwed into the tap 100, and rotation of the lower portion 12b does not tighten or loosen the upper portion 12a relative to the tap 100.
  • the peripheral slots 61 of the lower portion 12b In rotating the lower portion 12b, the peripheral slots 61 of the lower portion 12b enter into alignment with the peripheral slots 54, 58 of the valve 52 and upper portion 12a, allowing water to flow along the second flow path.
  • a further 90 degree turn from the second orientation causes the peripheral slots 61 of the lower portion 12b to lose all alignment with the peripheral slots 54, 58 of the valve 52 and upper portion 12a, restricting water flow to the first flow path.
  • a portion of a second embodiment of an atomiser nozzle is indicated generally at 110.
  • This portion shows parts of the nozzle 110 related to the first flow path only.
  • the nozzle 110 has similar features to the first embodiment of nozzle, and the following description focuses mainly on the different features.
  • the nozzle 110 includes a housing 112 (partially shown), an inlet indicated generally at 114, and an outlet (or outlet aperture) 116.
  • the inlet 114 is fluidly connected to the outlet 116 by an internal chamber 118.
  • a deflector 120 is disposed within the internal chamber 118 (partially shown). The side of the deflector 120 is slightly spaced from a wall 118b of the internal chamber 118, forming an annular gap 119. The bottom of the deflector 120 and the outlet end of the internal chamber 118 define a sub-chamber 118a.
  • a filter 122 is provided at the inlet end of the internal chamber 118.
  • the filter 122 is a push-fit component, having an undercut (not shown) which fits overs and engages a correspondingly shaped portion (not shown) of the housing 112.
  • a washer 124 fits onto the housing 112 for fitting the nozzle securely to a tap.
  • the filter 122 connects to an upper portion of housing (not illustrated) as described for the first embodiment, and that a lower portion of housing is provided connected to and rotatable relative to the upper portion of housing.
  • the illustrated part of the housing 112 is part of the lower portion of the housing.
  • a return mechanism is provided to return the flow path to a 'default' flow path.
  • a spring mechanism may be provided in the housing to bias the lower housing portion into a particular orientation relative to the upper housing portion. This may, for example, ensure an atomised flow is provided unless the user deliberately twists and holds the housing in a position which gives laminar flow. Releasing the housing would then allow the return mechanism to return the nozzle to an atomised flow configuration.
  • the return mechanism could be set to bias the nozzle to provide a laminar flow, requiring the user to twist and hold the housing in place for an atomised flow. Releasing the housing would then allow the nozzle to return to a laminar flow configuration.
  • the sub-chamber 118a narrows (or tapers) gradually from the base of the deflector 120 to the outlet end of the internal chamber 118.
  • the sub-chamber 118a includes two grooves 126a, 126b, best seen in Figure 8 .
  • the grooves 126a, 126b spiral inwardly from the edge of the sub-chamber 118a towards the outlet 114.
  • Each groove 126a, 126b is rotationally offset from the other by around 180 degrees.
  • the grooves 126a, 126b are rotationally symmetric.
  • the grooves 126a, 126b begin adjacent to the annular gap 119 for swirling water as it enters the sub-chamber 118a.
  • the deflector 120 is a push-fit component that fits into the internal chamber 118.
  • the deflector 120 includes a circumferential lip 120a that engages a corresponding ridge 118c in the internal chamber 118. Pushing the deflector 120 down into the internal chamber 118 allows the lip 120a and ridge 118c to engage one other, fixing the deflector 120 securely inside the chamber 118.
  • the deflector 120 includes chamfered bottom edge 120b.
  • the chamfered edge 120b lies against the slanting wall of the sub-chamber 118a.
  • the chamfered edge 120b overlies portions of the grooves 126a, 126b.
  • the deflector 120 includes a central channel 128 which ends partway along the length of the deflector 120.
  • the closed end of the channel 128 narrows similarly to the sub-chamber 118a.
  • Two lateral apertures 130 are arranged orthogonally to the channel 128, inset from its closed end.
  • the portion of the nozzle 110 shown comprises three main components (disregarding the washer). These are the housing 112, the deflector 120 and the filter 122. This simplifies the manufacturing process and enables fast automated assembly of these parts of the nozzle 110. Therefore, fewer portions of the nozzle 110 can act as bacteria traps.
  • the nozzle 110 is fitted to a tap and water flows through the filter 122 and inlet 114 when the tap is turned on.
  • water is directed from the filter 122 to the deflector 120 via the internal chamber 118 in the same manner as the first embodiment.
  • Water flow is then re-directed through the channel 128 and lateral apertures 130, and enters the annular gap 119, swirling around it.
  • the flow of water is swirled into the sub-chamber 118a via the grooves 126a, 126b.
  • the flow through each groove reinforces the overall swirl of water in the sub-chamber 118a.
  • the water spirals around the sub-chamber 118a and accelerates towards the outlet 116.
  • the flow of water is then atomised through the outlet 116 in a hollow spray cone.
  • the spray cone angle is relatively independent of the mains system water pressure, so that it remains substantially constant in use, irrespective of water pressure fluctuations.
  • the water saving aspects of the nozzle in is atomising arrangement are the same as the first embodiment.
  • the water flows through the second flow path in the same way as described for the first embodiment.
  • the mechanism of switching the flow to atomised or laminar flow is also the same as described for the first embodiment.
  • Figures 9 and 10 illustrate third and fourth embodiments of the first flow path portions of atomiser nozzles 210, 310 respectively, both being similar to the second embodiment in that only partial images are shown. The remainder of each nozzle is similar to the second flow path portion of the first embodiment.
  • the deflectors in these embodiments are viewed from an alternate orientation to the second embodiment, seen along a common axis of the lateral apertures of the deflector.
  • each of the third and fourth nozzle embodiments is similar to that of the second embodiment, narrowing to the outlet.
  • the sub-chamber in the Figure 10 embodiment is recessed into the body of the nozzle, rather than protruding from it.
  • part of the housing extends outwardly and encircles the sub-chamber and outlet portion of the nozzle.
  • the modes of operation of the third and fourth embodiments are substantially similar to the second embodiment.
  • First outlet apertures of alternative diameters are considered for producing smaller or larger droplets of water as needed, with smaller apertures for smaller average droplet sizes (and vice versa).
  • Any combination of lateral holes and notches may be considered for use in the deflector, which may or may not have rotational symmetry.
  • the nozzle may be suitable for use in a shower head, for example, which dispenses water much like a tap.
  • Other forms of filter may be considered, such as a mesh.
  • the dimensions, shape and orientation of the notches may also vary between embodiments to control the swirl of water through the outlet.
  • the first and second outlets may be provided on different sections of the housing, and need not necessarily be nested one within the other.
  • Alternate embodiments may have the lower portion rotatable by another angle (relative to the upper portion) in order to switch water dispensed from the nozzle between atomised and laminar flows.
  • rotation may achieved through a 45 degree rotation, whether clockwise or anticlockwise.
  • the relative arrangement of apertures in the valve and upper portion of the housing may be adapted to facilitate this.
  • the shape and size of the apertures may also vary in other embodiments.
  • the flow-switching mechanism may not be activated via rotation of one portion of the housing relative to another at all.
  • the grip area is not limited to being a knurled grip area, and it may take another form such as one or more flanges, for example, in a different embodiment.
  • the nozzle may not include an outer threaded portion, and may instead be connected directly into a separate adapter already provided on a tap.

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Claims (16)

  1. Buse d'atomiseur (10) à utiliser sur un robinet (100) pour commander un écoulement d'eau depuis le robinet (100), la buse d'atomiseur (10) comprenant
    un boîtier (12) ayant
    une entrée (14),
    des première et seconde chambres internes (18, 19),
    une première sortie (16a) et une seconde sortie (16b),
    des premier et second trajets d'écoulement depuis l'entrée (14) vers la sortie respective (16a, 16b), et
    un mécanisme de commutation d'écoulement pour diriger l'écoulement d'eau le long du premier trajet d'écoulement ou du second trajet d'écoulement,
    le premier trajet d'écoulement dirigeant l'écoulement d'eau à travers
    la première chambre interne (18), un déflecteur (32, 120) disposé à l'intérieur de la première chambre interne (18), et
    la première sortie (16a), et
    le second trajet d'écoulement dirigeant l'écoulement d'eau à travers
    la seconde chambre interne (19), et
    la seconde sortie (16b),
    en permettant ainsi un écoulement laminaire libre en contournant le déflecteur (32, 120) ; et
    dans lequel le déflecteur (32, 120) est espacé de la première sortie (16a) pour fournir une sous-chambre (48) à l'intérieur de la première chambre interne (18) située entre le déflecteur (32, 120) et la première sortie (16a)
    caractérisée en ce que,
    la première chambre interne (18) est bombée au niveau de l'extrémité de la première sortie (16a) pour accélérer l'eau vers la première sortie (16a),
    au moins une rainure (126a, 126b) est disposée dans la sous-chambre (48) pour diriger de l'eau vers la première sortie (16a),
    la rainure imprimant un tourbillonnement à l'eau s'écoulant vers la première sortie (16a), de sorte que, en utilisation, le premier trajet d'écoulement produit un écoulement atomisé d'eau de sorte que l'eau émerge sous la forme de minuscules gouttelettes plutôt que d'un flux cohérent, en créant ainsi une bruine ou une pulvérisation et en économisant ainsi de l'eau en limitant le débit auquel l'eau peut être distribuée à partir du robinet (100) et
    le second trajet d'écoulement produit un écoulement laminaire d'eau permettant ainsi un écoulement rapide pratique de l'eau à partir du robinet (100).
  2. Buse d'atomiseur selon la revendication 1,
    dans laquelle le boîtier (12) comprend une partie supérieure (12a) et une partie inférieure (12b), la partie inférieure (12b) pouvant tourner par rapport à la partie supérieure (12a) pour fournir le mécanisme de commutation d'écoulement, en particulier dans laquelle la partie inférieure (12b) peut tourner entre une première orientation et une seconde orientation et
    dans laquelle la partie inférieure (12b) dirige l'écoulement d'eau le long du premier trajet d'écoulement dans sa première orientation, et dirige l'écoulement d'eau le long du second trajet d'écoulement dans sa seconde orientation.
  3. Buse d'atomiseur selon la revendication 2,
    dans laquelle la première orientation est décalée en rotation de 90° par rapport à la seconde orientation.
  4. Buse d'atomiseur selon l'une quelconque des revendications 2 à 3, dans laquelle la partie inférieure (12b) comprend une vanne (52) qui rencontre la partie supérieure (12a) lorsque les parties supérieure et inférieure (12a, 12b) sont connectées,
    en particulier dans laquelle la vanne (52) comprend au moins une ouverture centrale et au moins une ouverture périphérique pour permettre une communication fluidique entre l'entrée (14) et les première et seconde sorties (16a, 16b) et/ou
    dans laquelle la vanne (52) est montée pour tourner avec la partie inférieure (12b).
  5. Buse d'atomiseur selon la revendication 4,
    dans laquelle le second trajet d'écoulement est obstrué par la vanne (52) lorsque la partie inférieure (12b) est dans la première orientation, empêchant une communication fluidique entre l'entrée (14) et la seconde sortie (16b) et/ou
    dans laquelle le second trajet d'écoulement n'est pas obstrué par la vanne (52) lorsque la partie inférieure (12b) est dans la seconde orientation, permettant une communication fluidique entre l'entrée (14) et la seconde sortie (16b).
  6. Buse d'atomiseur selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans laquelle la première chambre interne (18) est disposée de manière centrale à l'intérieur du boîtier (12), et la seconde chambre interne (19) encercle la première chambre interne (18)
    ou
    dans laquelle la seconde sortie (16b) encercle la première sortie (16a), en particulier dans laquelle la première chambre interne bombée (18) comprend une section bombée (20) ayant un dôme (20a) au niveau de l'extrémité de la première sortie (16a), de préférence dans laquelle la première sortie (16a) est fournie par une ouverture à travers le dôme (20a).
  7. Buse d'atomiseur selon la revendication 6,
    dans laquelle un espace annulaire (36) est disposé entre l'extérieur du déflecteur (32, 120) et une paroi intérieure de la première chambre interne (18), qui est en communication avec le dôme (20a),
    en particulier dans laquelle l'espace annulaire (36) s'étend sur 1 mm ou moins.
  8. Buse d'atomiseur selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes,
    dans laquelle le déflecteur (32, 120) est disposé à l'intérieur de la première chambre interne (18)
    et/ou
    dans laquelle le déflecteur (32, 120) comprend une lèvre circonférentielle (120a), et la première chambre interne (18) comprend une arête circonférentielle (118c), la lèvre (120a) venant en prise avec l'arête (118c) lorsque le déflecteur (32, 120) est disposé à l'intérieur de la première chambre interne (18).
  9. Buse d'atomiseur selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes,
    dans laquelle le déflecteur (32, 120) comprend un canal (128) disposé sur sa longueur et au moins un trou latéral (130), le canal s'étendant partiellement à travers le déflecteur (32, 120) et entrecoupant le au moins un trou latéral (130),
    en particulier dans laquelle le canal (128) et le au moins un trou latéral (130) s'entrecoupent selon un angle sensiblement perpendiculaire.
  10. Buse d'atomiseur selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes,
    dans laquelle le déflecteur (32, 120) comprend au moins une encoche, ladite au moins une encoche induisant, en utilisation, un tourbillonnement dans l'écoulement d'eau à l'intérieur de la première chambre interne (18),
    en particulier dans laquelle une paire de trous latéraux opposés et une paire d'encoches opposées sont disposées dans le déflecteur (32, 120)
    et dans laquelle les trous latéraux opposés sont décalés l'un de l'autre sur le déflecteur (32, 120) autour de son axe longitudinal, de telle sorte que les trous ne sont pas alignés l'un avec l'autre,
    - de préférence, dans laquelle la paire de trous latéraux est décalée en rotation par rapport à la paire d'encoches.
  11. Buse d'atomiseur selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes,
    dans laquelle le déflecteur (32, 120) présente une symétrie rotationnelle multiple autour de son axe longitudinal et/ou
    dans laquelle le déflecteur (32, 120) est espacé de la première sortie (16a) pour fournir une sous-chambre (118a) à l'intérieur de la première chambre interne (18),
    en particulier dans laquelle la sous-chambre (188a) comprend au moins une rainure (126a, 126b) pour diriger l'écoulement d'eau vers la sortie (16a) et
    dans laquelle la au moins une rainure (126a, 126b) s'enroule en spirale vers la sortie (16a).
  12. Buse d'atomiseur selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes,
    dans laquelle le déflecteur (32, 120) a un ou plusieurs bords chanfreinés (42a, 120b)
    et/ou
    dans laquelle un ou plusieurs des éléments suivants ont des propriétés hydrophobes : le déflecteur (32, 120), la première chambre interne (18), la première sortie (16a).
  13. Buse d'atomiseur selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans laquelle le boîtier (12) comprend une partie filetée destinée à être vissée contre une partie filetée correspondante du robinet (100).
  14. Buse d'atomiseur selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans laquelle l'entrée (14) comprend un filtre (30) présentant une pluralité d'ouvertures disposées à travers celui-ci, en particulier dans laquelle chaque ouverture a un diamètre de 2 mm ou moins.
  15. Buse d'atomiseur selon l'une quelconque des revendications 2 à 14, dans laquelle la partie inférieure (12b) a une zone de préhension pour appliquer une force de rotation manuelle,
    en particulier dans laquelle la zone de préhension est moletée.
  16. Robinet (100) avec une buse d'atomiseur (10) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes.
EP16715077.0A 2015-04-02 2016-04-04 Buse d'atomiseur Active EP3277433B1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB1505763.1A GB2525504B (en) 2015-04-02 2015-04-02 Atomiser nozzle
PCT/GB2016/050955 WO2016156884A1 (fr) 2015-04-02 2016-04-04 Buse d'atomiseur

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP3277433A1 EP3277433A1 (fr) 2018-02-07
EP3277433B1 true EP3277433B1 (fr) 2021-11-17

Family

ID=53190153

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP16715077.0A Active EP3277433B1 (fr) 2015-04-02 2016-04-04 Buse d'atomiseur

Country Status (5)

Country Link
EP (1) EP3277433B1 (fr)
CN (1) CN107995879B (fr)
GB (1) GB2525504B (fr)
HK (1) HK1216868A1 (fr)
WO (1) WO2016156884A1 (fr)

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EP4190984A1 (fr) * 2021-11-29 2023-06-07 Grohe AG Régulateur de jet pour une armature sanitaire et armature sanitaire dotée d'un tel régulateur de jet

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WO2016156884A1 (fr) 2016-10-06
GB2525504A (en) 2015-10-28
GB2525504B (en) 2016-04-06
CN107995879B (zh) 2020-12-25
CN107995879A (zh) 2018-05-04
EP3277433A1 (fr) 2018-02-07
GB201505763D0 (en) 2015-05-20

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