EP3591127A1

EP3591127A1 - A fluid distribution assembly for a faucet and a faucet

Info

Publication number: EP3591127A1
Application number: EP19182761.7A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Robert Mellberg; Torbjörn Larsson; Per Carlsson
Original assignee: Villeroy and Boch Gustavsberg AB
Current assignee: Villeroy and Boch Gustavsberg AB
Priority date: 2018-07-04
Filing date: 2019-06-27
Publication date: 2020-01-08
Also published as: SE1850850A1; SE542174C2

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a fluid distribution assembly (15, 15', 15A - 15K) for a faucet (1, 1', 1A - 1K). The fluid distribution assembly (15, 15', 15A - 15K) comprises a body (20, 20', 20A - 20K) having a first receptacle (6c, 6c', 6cA - 6cK) and a second receptacle (8c, 8c', 8cA - 8cK), a first conduit (6, 6', 6A - 6K) and a second conduit (8, 8', 8A - 8K), each conduit (6, 6', 6A - 6K, 8, 8', 8A - 8K) having an assembly end (6b, 6b', 6A - 6K, 8b, 8', 8A - 8K). The assembly end (6b, 6b', 6bA - 6bK) of the first conduit (6, 6', 6A - 6K) is adapted to be received in the first receptacle (6c, 6c', 6cA - 6cK), and the assembly end (8b, 8', 8A - 8K) of the second conduit (8, 8', 8A - 8K) is adapted to be received in the second receptacle (8c, 8c', 8cA - 8cK). The assembly end (6b, 6b', 6bA - 6bK) of the first conduit (6, 6', 6A - 6K) is adapted to retain the assembly end (8b, 8', 8A - 8K) of the second conduit (8, 8', 8A - 8K) in the fluid distribution assembly (15, 15', 15A - 15K) in an assembled state of the fluid distribution assembly (15, 15', 15A - 15K). The present disclosure also relates to a faucet (1, 1', 1A - 1K) having such a fluid distribution assembly (15, 15', 15A-15K).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a fluid distribution assembly for a faucet. The fluid distribution assembly comprises a body having a first receptacle and a second receptacle, a first conduit and a second conduit, each conduit having an assembly end. The assembly end of the first conduit is adapted to be received in the first receptacle, and the assembly end of the second conduit is adapted to be received in the second receptacle. The present disclosure also relates to a faucet having such a fluid distribution assembly.

BACKGROUND

A fluid distribution assembly of the above kind is present in many faucets. These faucets are generally used for any type of fluid, and more preferably for water distribution, such as in a household in a kitchen, a mudroom, or in a bathroom. Other uses may well be contemplated. A faucet is sometimes called a tap and a generally accepted name in the business, for example used in standardisation literature, is a sanitary mixing valve. Below a non-binding example of water distribution in a kitchen to a kitchen sink will be used for illustrative purposes. Other fluids and other amenities will have similar purposes and difficulties. Mainly these faucets are used to mix an amount of cold and hot water or other fluid to deliver it at a desired temperature and flow rate through a tap to a sink or similar amenity. The faucet may be mounted to a slab or other preferably flat surface. These faucets are provided with an intake pipe for cold water and an intake pipe for hot water. The two pipes lead the water to a mixing valve within the faucet, where cold and hot water are entered from each pipe and are mixed. From there the water is lead through the tap out into the sink. There are also faucets which are used to mix water and distribute it to further equipment, such as a dish washer or a shower. The faucet may in such a case be provided with a third pipe connected to the mixing valve, such that water, which is mixed to the desired temperature in the mixing valve, is further lead through the third pipe to the shower. If the third pipe is leading to a dish washer its content is normally not mixed, but either cold or hot water is directly lead to the dish washer in this case. Naturally other equipment may be provided with water in this way, with our without using the provision of pre-mixing any water or other fluid provided to the equipment in question. The third pipe may also be used for intake of water or other fluid to the faucet for tapping. Another faucet of simpler build-up is a cold water tap which does not have any mixing facility. However, such a tap may be provided with a pipe leading water to other equipment as earlier described, such as a dish washer. Such a tap is consequently merely provided with two pipes, one leading into the tap, and the other leading out from the tap.
Assembly and mounting of a faucet of this kind may partially or fully be done at manufacture, partially at assembly at the final use location. At present time it is preferred that assembly takes place at manufacture such that at least cold and warm water pipes and any third pipes are delivered pre-assembled. Since the faucet often is positioned on a countertop, while its mounting fixture is located underneath the same, simple manipulation is preferable. It is also desirable to be able to hold the faucet, whether in nearly full assembly or a mere partial assembly, with one hand during manipulation. When mounted the faucet and its parts are subject to certain wear and tear, and rough handling can occasionally be expected. The parts included in the faucet should consequently withstand such handling and any fittings and their components are particularly exposed.
It is therefore an object of this disclosure to provide improvements regarding the design while maintaining functionality of a faucet and its components, in particular relating to the assemblage and fastening

SUMMARY

The object is achieved by a fluid distribution assembly according to claim 1. This object is hence achieved by a fluid distribution assembly for a faucet, comprising a body having a first receptacle and a second receptacle. It also has a first conduit and a second conduit, each conduit having an assembly end, wherein the assembly end of the first conduit is adapted to be received in the first receptacle, and the assembly end of the second conduit is adapted to be received in the second receptacle. The assembly end of the first conduit is adapted to retain the assembly end of the second conduit in the fluid distribution assembly in an assembled state of the fluid distribution assembly. Such a fluid distribution assembly is easy to assemble through the retention of the assembly end of the second conduit by the assembly end of the first conduit. In other words, one assembly end holds the other one. There is consequently no need for separate fixation means for each assembly end, since the second one is retained by the first one. A firm grip is thus achieved in the assembled state, and during assembly it is less likely to drop a conduit thanks to the simplified interlocking of the conduits such that the person assembling the fluid distribution assembly needs to hold fewer parts at the same time. It may be enough to hold the first conduit, since the first conduit, in turn, retains the second conduit. A compact design is also achieved since the first and second conduits according to the present disclosure preferably are located close to one another for retention purposes.
According to a first embodiment the assembly end of the first conduit is adapted to retain the assembly end of the second conduit in a longitudinal direction of the fluid distribution assembly, preferably only in the longitudinal direction of the fluid distribution assembly. The main forces acting on a fluid distribution assembly and its conduits act in the longitudinal direction, and hence it is the direction for which it is advisable to make to most efforts to accomplish a reliable and strong assembly. Forces may for example act in a longitudinal direction of the first and/or second conduit.
According to an embodiment the body has a third receptacle, and the fluid distribution assembly has a third conduit having an assembly end which is adapted to be received in the third receptacle, wherein the assembly end of the first conduit and/or the assembly end of the second conduit is adapted to retain the assembly end of the third conduit in the fluid distribution assembly in the assembled state of the fluid distribution assembly. The provision of a third conduit having a third assembly end only accentuates the advantage of at least one assembly end holding at least one other assembly end, such that the need for additional fixation means is limited and assembly becomes simpler to perform.
According to an embodiment the body has a third receptacle, and the fluid distribution assembly has a third conduit having an assembly end which is adapted to be received in the third receptacle, wherein the assembly end of the third conduit is adapted to retain the assembly end of the second conduit in the fluid distribution assembly in the assembled state of the fluid distribution assembly. This embodiment combines the advantages of enabling three assembly ends to be located close to one another to reduce space needs for retention, with an improved strength and effectiveness in particular in the longitudinal direction. The improved strength originates from the fact that two assembly ends retains a single one, and that the two assembly ends in turn may be held in any way found adequate.
According to an embodiment each receptacle is adapted to retain each assembly end in a transversal direction of the fluid distribution assembly in the assembled state of the fluid distribution assembly. The receptacles are consequently used not only for distribution of fluid, but also for location of the conduits such that assembly is made easy and predictable in the sense that manipulation and assembly of the fluid distribution assembly also may be made when and if the artisan has not full visibility of what he or she is doing. The division of retention in a transversal and a longitudinal direction respectively, simplifies each retention part and may each be optimised in terms of strength properties for its purpose.
According to an embodiment each receptacle has an abutment against which each assembly end is adapted to abut in the assembled state of the fluid distribution assembly. There will hence be a simple yet stable base against which each assembly end will be positioned. An abutment of this kind may also be used for a simple and improved sealing against fluid leakage in use of the fluid distribution assembly.
According to an embodiment each one of the assembly ends of at least the first and the second conduits has a nipple, wherein the nipple of the assembly end of the first conduit cooperates interlockingly with the nipple of the assembly end of the second conduit in the assembled state of the fluid distribution assembly. Each nipple may be made in one piece with the conduit, or may be preassembled and fixated to the conduit. Either way, interlocking cooperation between the nipple of the assembly end of the first conduit and the nipple of the assembly end of the second conduit is a simple means for retention.
According to an embodiment each nipple has a rim extending at least partially in a circumferential direction of the nipple, wherein the rim of the nipple of the first conduit abuts the rim of the nipple of the second conduit in the assembled state of the fluid distribution assembly, thereby retaining the second conduit in the fluid distribution assembly. The rim of the second assembly end is consequently overlapped by the rim of the first assembly end as seen in a transversal direction thereof. The first and second conduits may this way be positioned close to each other in the assembled stated. Preferably but not necessarily each rim extends all around each nipple, or in other words has circumferential extension. Preferably also each nipple is rotationally symmetrical, i.e. circular in cross-section.
According to an embodiment the rim of the nipple of the first conduit and the rim of the nipple of the third conduit abuts the rim of the second conduit in the assembled state of the mixing valve assembly, thereby retaining the second conduit in the mixing valve assembly. Abutment of the rims of each assembly end is a simple yet space efficient means for accomplishment of retention.
According to an embodiment the rim of each nipple is in one piece with the nipple, i.e. each rim is a single entity with its corresponding nipple. This results in a simple and strong design, which is also simple to manufacture.
According to an embodiment at least one of the receptacles, preferably all of the receptacles, penetrates the body from an assembly end thereof to a generally opposing end thereof for fluid distribution through the fluid distribution assembly. The at least one, and preferably all, of the receptacles consequently stretch all through the fluid distribution assembly from its assembly end to a generally opposing end thereof, in other words in a longitudinal direction of the body. The fluid may hence be distributed from one end of the body to the opposing other end. The at least one, and preferably all, of the receptacles may consequently be described as through holes in the body.
According to an embodiment the body at an assembly end thereof is provided with fastening means for retaining the first, and preferably also the third, assembly end in the assembled state of the fluid distribution assembly. If fastening means are present in the fluid distribution assembly no further fastening means are necessitated for retaining the assembly ends of the conduits in the body. This simplifies the design of any surrounding features, such as the faucet itself. It also simplifies the handling of the assembled fluid distribution assembly, since the conduits will be held in place by the fastening means and hence will not fall out again.
According to an embodiment the fastening means are a pin, locking washer or yoke which is transversally located in the assembled state of the fluid distribution assembly. Such fastening means are simple yet efficient and strong.
According to an embodiment the fastening means are a screw, a screw thread or a nut.
According to an embodiment the fastening means are adapted to retain the assembly end of the first conduit, and preferably also the assembly end of the third conduit, in the fluid distribution assembly in an assembled state of the fluid distribution assembly. The fluid distribution assembly may hence be pre-assembled during manufacture and delivered to a final assembly point without further measures for retaining of the fluid distribution assembly in the assembled state.
The object is also achieved by a faucet according to claim 16. This object is hence achieved by a faucet having a fluid distribution assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the faucet at a mounting end thereof has a housing for receiving the fluid distribution assembly in an assembled state thereof, wherein the faucet has a rim between the housing and the mounting end for retaining the fluid distribution assembly within the housing. The advantages of the above disclosed fluid distribution assembly apply also to the faucet when provided with such a fluid distribution assembly. The rim of the faucet is a simple and strong means for maintaining the fluid distribution assembly within the faucet, and furthermore for maintaining the retention of the conduits of the fluid distribution assembly within the receptacles during assembly and use. The mounting end of the faucet is to be understood as the end of the faucet which is adapted to be positioned or installed against for example a slab.
According to an embodiment the rim at least partially protrudes inwardly within the faucet, wherein the fluid distribution assembly is adapted to abut the rim in an assembled state of the faucet. The fluid distribution assembly may in its assembled state as a non-limiting example be inserted into the faucet from an end opposite to the end at which the rim is present such that the fluid distribution assembly end up in a position in abutment with the rim.
According to an embodiment at least one of the first, second or third conduits is a pipe, and which, at an end away from the fluid distribution assembly in the assembled state thereof, has a fastening means, preferably a screw thread, adapted for fastening of the faucet to a slab. The conduit in question, in other words the pipe, may consequently be given dual purpose. On top of the fluid distribution it may be used for fastening of the faucet to its slab. Space is thus saved.
According to an embodiment the faucet has a housing, which housing has a fluid tapping portion and a base portion, the base portion being provided with the mounting end of the faucet, wherein the housing is provided in the fluid tapping portion and the rim is provided in the base portion at an end opposite to the mounting end. The faucet may be built up by two or more details for easy manufacture and handling, and through the provision of the rim on a base portion the mounting of the faucet to a slab may be made in a series of steps whereby the assembly of the fluid distribution assembly on the base portion is simplified.
According to an embodiment at least one of the first, second and third conduits is either a pipe, a hose or an adapter. An adapter may be used to provide a different fastening means towards a fluid or water distribution system in the house. Different countries have different standards in terms of interconnection between parts of a water distribution system. The versatility of the faucet is consequently improved. A hose may have the benefit of being elastic and hence the faucet may be easily fitted to a fluid or water distribution system in the house which comes at a sharp angle or in an otherwise difficult position.
According to an embodiment one or several of the receptacles is located in the body such that an orifice thereof is located at a distance from the body. It may be advantageous to have the assembly end of one or several of the conduits located at a distance from the body.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The present disclosure will in the following be described in view of the accompanying figures, in which

Fig. 1a illustrates in a side view a faucet according to this disclosure,
Fig. 1b illustrates in front view the faucet of Fig. 1a,
Fig. 1c illustrates in an exploded view parts of the faucet of Fig. 1a,
Fig. 1d illustrates a view from underneath the faucet of Fig. 1a,
Fig. 1e illustrates a fluid distribution assembly with three conduits from the faucet of Fig. 1a in a perspective view,
Fig. 1f illustrates in a mixed view the faucet of Fig. 1a,
Fig. 2 illustrates in a mixed view an alternative embodiment of this disclosure having two conduits, and
Figs. 3a - 3k illustrate in cross section alternative embodiments of this disclosure of different fluid distribution assemblies with three conduits.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

With reference to the accompanying figures the disclosure will be discussed in more detail. Starting with Fig. 1a a faucet 1 is shown which is supplied with the present disclosure, and which may be used in e.g. a bathroom or for a kitchen sink. The faucet 1 is useful also in many other spaces and for other uses, but it is mainly used for occasionally tapping water in a household. The faucet is fastened to a horizontal deck 10, which deck 10 might be a wash basin, the kitchen sink, or other stable support 10. The position and design of the support 10 might be other than the one in Fig. 1 without departing from the present disclosure. The design of the faucet 1 is also only exemplary, and may take many different shapes and forms. Faucet design is in itself a matter which changes over time due to changing trends and is not as such the focus for the present disclosure. As will be seen in more detail below the faucet in Fig. 1 is a manually operated faucet 1, but many other options are available and conceivable. Such a common alternative modern day faucet involves automatic and non-touch or touch operation of the faucet, in which e.g. electronic sensors are used to identify user intentions. The size or other configuration is also as such not relevant for the present disclosure.
According to this embodiment of the faucet 1, the faucet 1 is provided with a housing 2, a spout 3 and a handle 4 for operating the faucet 1. The faucet 1 of Fig. 1 is sometimes referred to as a single-handle, single-hole faucet. The spout 3 is at its forward end and underneath provided with a spout outlet 5, in which an aerator is optionally provided. Water W is spouting through the spout outlet 5 if and when the handle 4 is opened through a vertical tilt, indicated by arrow V. The temperature of the spouting water may be chosen through a horizontal tilt of the handle, indicated by arrow H.
The faucet 1 may be releasably fastened to the deck 10 by a pinbolt 12 with accompanying screw. A washer 11 is positioned between the pinbolt head and the deck 10.
Water is supplied to the faucet 1 through a set of conduits. A first conduit 6 supplies hot water and a third conduit 7 supplies cold water. The third conduit 7 is not visible in Fig. 1a, although in Fig. 1b. This may be arranged in an inverse relationship. A second conduit 8 is provided which may be used to supply water to an auxiliary appliance, such as a dishwasher or a hand shower, neither shown in the figure. It should be noted that for the general functionality of the faucet 1 hot and cold water may be delivered to the faucet 1 in any one of the first to third conduits, 6 - 8, and similarly, the water which is delivered to an auxiliary appliance may be delivered in any one of the first to third conduits, 6 - 8. Generally, the faucet 1 is installed in a hole through the desk 10, such that the first to third conduits 6 - 8 run through the hole from underneath the desk 10 and enters the faucet 1 from vertically below at a mounting end of the faucet 1. At lowermost ends of each conduit 6 - 8, i.e. at the ends located away from the faucet 1, a fastening device 6a - 8a is provided, such that each conduit 6 - 8 may be assembled with the water piping of the building in which it is installed. Such water piping is not shown in the figures and is not the focus of the present disclosure. The fastening devices 6a - 8a used here are commonly known threads and bolts. Other fastening devices may be used between the conduits 6 - 8 and the building water piping. The length of each conduit 6 - 8 is generally irrelevant as long as their installation and assembly with the desk 10 and the building water piping is not impaired. A presently preferred length however is between 20 and 50 cm for easy handling and storing, and at the same time simple and efficient fastening to the water piping. The material of the conduits 6 - 8 is preferably a flexible plastic which is suitable for contact with foods or other items used for human consumption, in order to be easily bent to meet respective fastening ends of the building water piping. Other materials may be used, both flexible and non-flexible ones and plastics and materials such as metal alloys depending on type of piping system.
Turning now to Fig. 1b the same faucet 1 as in Fig. 1a is shown in a front view. In this view it is clear that in this particular embodiment there are three different conduits 6 - 8 present, generally vertically underneath the faucet 1. In this embodiment the first and the third conduits 6, 7 are located in a side-by-side position, whereas the second conduit 8 is located slightly retracted in relation to the other two ones. The latter may be gleaned from Fig. 1a. Other positions may be used. In Fig. 1c the inner parts of the faucet 1 may be seen. Starting from the three conduits 6 - 8, each one is at the vertically top end provided with a nipple 6b - 8b. Each nipple is sized and configured to enter a respective through hole 6c - 8c in a body 20. A nipple is one embodiment of an assembly end according to the accompanying claims. Each through hole 6c - 8c is one embodiment of a receptacle according to the accompanying claims. Each through hole 6c - 8c leads through the body 20 from its vertically lower side 21 to its vertically upper side 22. Each one of the first and third through holes 6c, 7c for the first and third conduits 6, 7 is intact and water impermeable all the way through the body 20, and consequently there is no water exchange between any ones of these through holes 6c, 7c in this part. The second through hole 8c is also generally intact and water impermeable, but has a connecting conduit 100 leading from the through hole 8c generally horizontally to the outside of the body 20. This is more clearly indicated by dashed lines in Fig. 1f and later in Fig. 2. Water which has been mixed in the cartridge 30 may consequently be lead either out into the spout 3 through the connecting conduit 100, or down into the second conduit 8, depending on the user's setting of otherwise known input levers on the faucet 1 and the auxiliary equipment. Vertically above the body 20 there is a cartridge 30, which is used for mixing hot and cold water from the first and third conduits 6, 7 and then distributes it to the spout outlet 5 vertically upper parts of the second through hole 8c and through the connecting conduit 100. It is noted that the connecting conduit 100 generally is connected to the through hole of the body 20 which is used for distributing water (or other fluid) to the outlet (in this case the spout 5) and/or other auxiliary equipment after mixing in the cartridge 30.
On top of the cartridge 30 there is a cartridge lever 31 which cooperates in the assembled stated of the faucet 1 with the handle 4 in order to open and close the through holes 6c and 7c of the body 20, such that the intended amount of water from each conduit 6, 7 enters an inner space (not visible) within the cartridge 30 to mix. On the vertical top 22 of the body 20 each through hole 6c - 8c has a mouth or opening (not shown). At the vertical bottom 32 of the cartridge 30 there are corresponding mouths or openings, corresponding to the through holes 6c - 8c in both size and location. In the assembled state of the faucet 1 the cartridge 30 is placed vertically on top of the body 20, such that corresponding openings of the cartridge 30 is cooperating sealingly with openings of the body 20. The function and design of the cartridge 30 is well known and is not the focus of the present disclosure.
Turning now to Fig. 1d, there is a view of the faucet 1 and of parts of a deck 10 from underneath the deck 10. What can be seen are the three different fastening devices 6a - 8a which are coupled to the conduits 6 - 8. There is also the fastening pin 12 and the washer 11. From this view it may be gleaned that space is scarce and that many items compete for space.
In Fig. 1e the first, second and third conduits 6 - 8 and the body 20 are shown in an assembled state. Together these form a fluid distribution assembly 15 according to the accompanying claims. In general, it may be gleaned from Fig. 1e that the nipple 6b of the first conduit 6 is adapted to retain the nipple 8b, i.e. the second nipple 8b, of the second conduit 8, in the fluid distribution assembly 15 in an assembled state of the fluid distribution assembly 15. It may also be gleaned that in this particular embodiment both the first nipple 6b and the third nipple 7b are adapted to retain the nipple 8b of the second conduit 8. In the present embodiment it is presently preferred to assemble the fluid distribution assembly 15 to the state shown in Fig. 1e, and to thereafter bring the assembled fluid distribution assembly 15, with the lowermost ends 6a - 8a of the conduits 6 - 8, through the housing 2 from vertically above until the fluid distribution assembly 15 meets and abuts an internal rim 40, which is located at the lower part of the housing 2 towards the mounting end of the faucet 1. The internal rim 40 may be seen in Fig. 1f. In the present embodiment the internal rim 40 runs all around the inner wall of the housing 2, although this is not necessarily required. An advantage with the present embodiment is that the housing 2 is this respect consequentially is rotationally symmetrical and that the rotational position of the fluid distribution assembly 15 during assembly and use hence becomes arbitrary. The internal rim 40 consequently blocks the fluid distribution assembly 15 from falling out of the housing 2 and of the faucet 1 in a direction vertically downwards. Mainly, the housing 2 retains the fluid distribution assembly 15 in the vertical direction when fully assembled and installed, i.e. the conduits 6 - 8 are retained from being pulled out of the through holes 6c - 8c of the body 20. Furthermore, as a secondary effect of the rim retention, the nipples 6b - 8b of the conduits 6 - 8 are also retained in position in the transversal direction of the housing 2, since each through hole 6c - 8c holds the respective nipple 6b - 8b in place in this direction. In Fig. 1e is also clear that the first and the third conduits 6, 7 are located towards the outer perimeter of the body 20. The second conduit 8 is located more centrally in the body 20 as seen in this view. It might seem as if the body 20 is made in two pieces, one upper and one lower one, from Fig. 1e. This is however merely an illusion. From Fig. 1f is it clear that the body 20 is a single piece item and that the middle part has an optional "waist" which is narrower in diameter than the surrounding parts.
From Fig. 1f it may be gleaned that the second conduit 8 is held in place by the first and the third conduits 6, 7 in the assembled stated of the faucet 1. Each nipple 6b - 8b has a rim 6e - 8e extending in a circumferential direction of the respective nipple 6b - 8b. Each rim 6e - 8e extends all around the respective nipple 6c - 8c. This may be designed differently. In this particular embodiment the nipples 6b - 8b are designed similarly, but that is not necessary. The rim 6e of the nipple 6b of the first conduit 6 abuts the rim 8e of the nipple 8b of the second conduit 8 in the assembled state of the fluid distribution assembly 15, thereby retaining the second conduit 8 in the fluid distribution assembly 15. In this embodiment consequently also the rim 7e of the nipple 7b of the third conduit 7 abuts the rim 8e of the nipple 8b of the second conduit 8 in the assembled state of the fluid distribution assembly 15, thereby retaining the second conduit 8 in the fluid distribution assembly 15. Each rim 6e - 8e of each nipple 6b - 8b also abuts, on an opposite side of each rim 6e - 8e, a surface around each through hole 6c - 8c of the body 20 on the lower side 21. From both Figs. 1e and 1f it may be gleaned that the rims 6e and 7e of the first and third conduits 6, 7 are protruding almost all the way out to the outermost perimeter of the body 20. The reason for this design is for the rims in question 6e, 7e to reach and to abut the internal rim 40 of the faucet 1. This may be best seen in Fig. 1f.
From Fig. 1f it may be gleaned that the fluid distribution assembly 15 together with the cartridge 30 is held in place within the housing 2 by a nut 35. The nut 35 is releasably connected to the housing 2 through an outer screw thread, which has its corresponding screw thread on an inner side of the vertically upper part of the housing 2. Other releasable fastening means may be used. The nut 35 merely applies a vertically downward pressure on an upper part of the cartridge 30 and is not coupled or connected to the cartridge 35. It merely holds it down through abutment.
Sealing of the fluid distribution assembly 15 towards the housing 2 may be accomplished through an upper seal 23 and a lower seal 24 both of which are located on the outer perimeter of the body 20. Both seals 23, 24 are positioned such that they provide a respective seal between the body 20 and the housing 2 at a vertical upper part and at a vertical lower part of the fluid distribution assembly 15. Finally, each nipple 6b - 8b has its own set of seals around a protruding part thereof, in this particular embodiment each nipple 6b - 8b has two O-rings for proper sealing against the interior of each through hole 6c - 8c. This may be designed differently. As has already been discloses hereinabove, there is finally a seal between the body 20 and the cartridge 30. The water temperature from the faucet 1 is chosen by the operator through bringing the handle 4 towards right or left, corresponding to cold and hot water. The cartridge 30 hereby selects, in an otherwise known manner, to open and close the through holes 6b, 7b to select the corresponding amount of cold and hot water from each conduit 6, 7. The thus tempered water is mixed within the cartridge 30 and let out, partly around the outer perimeter of the body 20 and then through the spout 3 and the spout outlet 5. Between the upper seal 23 and the lower seal 24, around the outer perimeter of the body 20, there is consequently a volume, which, when the body 20 is installed in the housing 2, provides for a free space for water to pass from within the cartridge 30 to the spout 3.
Turning now to Fig. 2, what is disclosed is an alternative embodiment, which mainly differs to the embodiment disclosed in Figs. 1a - 1f in that there here are only two conduits, a first conduit 6' and a second conduit 8'. These conduits 6', 8' are adapted to preferably provide the faucet 1' with hot and cold water like in the Figs. 1a - 1f embodiment. In the following like parts will be referred to with like names and numbers, except for an apostrophe ('). Generally the function of the respective parts in the different embodiments which have been given like names and numbers are similar. The faucet 1' of this embodiment is not capable of forwarding water to an auxiliary appliance. Hence, the connecting conduit 100' leads directly from the cartridge 30' and the vertically upper part of the body 20', through the body 20', and towards the outside of the body 20' and the outlet of the faucet 1', i.e. towards the spout 5'. In this embodiment the connecting conduit 100' consequently does not pass any one of the through holes 6c', 8c'.
In general, it may be gleaned from Fig. 2 that the nipple 6b' of the first conduit 6' is adapted to retain the nipple 8b', i.e. the second nipple 8b', of the second conduit 8' in the fluid distribution assembly 15' in an assembled state of the fluid distribution assembly 15'. The rim 6e' of the nipple 6b' of the first conduit 6' abuts the rim 8e' of the nipple 8b' of the second conduit 8' in the assembled state of the fluid distribution assembly 15', thereby retaining the second conduit 8' in the fluid distribution assembly 15'. The internal rim 40' blocks the fluid distribution assembly 15' from falling out of the housing 2' and of the faucet 1' also in this embodiment. The internal rim 40' simultaneously blocks the rim 6e' of the nipple 6b' of the first conduit 6' from falling out of the fluid distribution assembly 15' and consequently retains the rim 8e' of the nipple 8b' of the second conduit 8' in the assembled state. This also corresponds with the embodiment of Figs. 1a - 1f.
For both of the embodiments disclosed hereinabove, the internal rim 40, 40' is designed such that the relative angular position between the housing 2, 2' and the fluid distribution assembly 15, 15' is arbitrary. Hence there is no need for the person assembling the faucet 1, 1' to take any notice of this during assembly. This could however be designed differently, such that the relative angular position indeed is important. In such a case either one or both of the housing 2, 2' and the body 20, 20' may be provided with markings or even tracks of some kind to make certain that the relative position is always correct.
Turning now to the Figs. 3a - 3k, these generally disclose only parts of the fluid distribution assembly generally marked as 15, in some occasions the figures however also disclose the housing (generally marked 2) or other complimentary parts needed for clarification. Again, like parts are given like names and numbers, in this case with the addition of a capital letter corresponding to the figure letter. For all of the Figs. 3a - 3k embodiments the disclosure comprises three conduits, but each one would work equally well with only two conduits. It is contemplated that even a fourth or further conduit(s) could be added if needed and found advantageous for some appliances. Furthermore, in order to improve legibility of Figs. 3b - 3k, a reduced number of reference numerals are given in the figures, although all are given in the text below. Like numbers however still refer to like details as in earlier figures. In Fig. 3a all reference numerals used in the text below are however given also in the figure.
Fig. 3a discloses an embodiment in which the second conduit 8A retains the first and the third conduits 6A, 7A through a rim 8eA of the nipple 8bA on the second conduit 8A. This is thus the opposite situation to the earlier disclosed embodiments. To retain the second conduit 8A in the corresponding through hole 8cA of the body 20A, the nipple 8bA of the second conduit 8A is provided with a threaded section 60A which corresponds to a similar threaded section 61A within the through hole 8cA. The threaded section 60A is provided on a forward end of the nipple 8bA, i.e. on an opposite side of the rim 8eA in relation to the conduit 8A. Hereby any feature within the housing 2A of the faucet 1A, such as the internal rim 40, 40' of the earlier embodiments, is merely used to retain the fluid distribution assembly 15A in place and is not involved in the retention of any conduits in the respective through holes. A generally similar embodiment could be to exchange the threaded section 60A on the nipple 8bA and the threaded section 61A in the through hole 8cA with e.g. complimentary shaped and sized friction locking, or a push-and-twist locking. Other fastening means could be contemplated.
In Fig. 3b the first 6B and third conduits 7B retain the second conduit 8B in place in a manner already disclosed above. The body 20B is provided with a number of circumferentially located hooks 62B, which give way for the respective nipple rim 6eB, 7eB when each rim is pushed against it. Each hook 62B has a triangular front shape at the leading end. When the nipple rim 6eB, 7eB has passed the triangular base portion of the hook 62B, at a trailing end of the hook 62B, each hook 62B snaps back and locks the respective rim 6eB, 7eB into place. Unlocking of each rim 6eB, 7eB is done through manually bending the hooks 62B backwards, away from the respective rim 6eB, 7eB which it retains, and thereby releases the respective nipple 6bB, 7bB and conduit 6B, 7B which may be removed. Since the rims 6bB, 7bB of the first and third conduits 6B, 7B retain the rim 8eB of the second conduit 8B, the backward bending of the hooks 62B lead to the removal of also the second conduit 8B from the body 20B. The number of hooks 62B may be adapted to suit the size of each nipple 6eB, 7eB and rim 6eB, 7eB, and whether the fluid distribution assembly 15B should be arranged in an arbitrary angular position within the housing 2B, or in a dedicated one.
In Fig. 3c the first 6C and third conduits 7C retain the second conduit 8C in place like earlier disclosed. In this embodiment a circular pin 63C is inserted into a bore 64C, which bore 64C is located at a position within the body 20C such that the underside of the nipple rims 6eC, 7eC of the first 6C and third conduits 7C, abut the pin 63C. The bore 64C extends from the outer perimeter of the vertically lower end of the body 20C in a horizontal manner towards an opposite position of the body 20C, where it ends with a bottom 65C in the proximity of the outer perimeter of the body 2C, without fully penetrating it. The pin 63C consequently carries the three conduits 6C - 8C through abutment firstly between the pin 63C and the nipples of the first 6C and third conduits 7C, and secondly between the nipples of the first 6C and third conduits 7C and the nipple of the second conduit 8C.
The pin 63C may be of other cross-sectional design, such as triangular, rectangular or elliptical, and may have a greater extension in the horizontal plane in comparison to the disclosed embodiment. The pin 63C and the bore 64C may for instance penetrate also the opposite outer perimeter of the body 20C without having a bottom 65C. It may also have more than one leg, such as having two legs abutting the underside of the nipples of the first 6C and third conduits 7C. Such an embodiment could be e.g. a clip or a U-shaped washer. The bore 64C and the accompanying bore bottom 65C would be complimentary designed to accommodate the alternatively designed pin 63C. As may be realised from Fig. 3c the bore 64C is not a continuous bore starting from the outer perimeter of the body 20C and ending at the bottom 65C, and the pin 63C extends for a great part of its length in generally open space. The pin 63C is however positioned such that at least its forward end and rearward end, or in other words its outer ends, are held in place at an orifice of the bore 64C at the outer perimeter of the body 20C, and at the bottom 65C of the bore 64C. A mid part of the pin 64C, between its forward and rear ends, is consequently available for retention of the conduits 6C - 8C. When the fluid distribution assembly 15C is assembled within the housing 2C, the pin 63C is retained in position by the housing inner wall.
In Fig. 3d the second conduit 8D retains the first and third conduits 6aD, 7aD through a rim 8eD of the nipple 8bD. This is thus a similar retention as in the embodiment disclosed in Fig 3a. In the Fig. 3d embodiment the rim 8eD of the nipple 8bD of the second conduit 8D abuts the rims of the nipples of the first and third conduits 6D, 7D on an forward side thereof. On a rearward side thereof the rim abuts the internal rim 40D of the housing 2D. The second conduit 8D is consequently located towards an outer perimeter of the body 20D such that the internal rim 40D may abut the rim 8eD of the nipple 8bD of the second conduit 8D in the assembled stated of the faucet 1D. The internal rim 40D consequently retains the fluid distribution assembly 15D within the housing 2D.
In Fig. 3e the third conduit 7E retains the second conduit 8E which in turn retains the first conduit 6E. The rim 7eE of the nipple 7bE of the third conduit 7E is retained by the internal rim 40E of the housing 2E. The order in which retention is achieved by of the conduits 6E - 8E is unessential by itself and any other order may apply, such as the third conduit 7E retaining the first conduit 6E retaining the second conduit 8E, or the first conduit 6E retaining the second conduit 8E retaining the third conduit 7E. The lowermost one of the nipples 6bE - 8bE of the conduits 6E - 8E should be located towards an outer perimeter of the body 20E such that the internal rim 40E may abut the rim of the nipple of the conduit in question in the assembled stated of the faucet 1F.
In Fig. 3f the retention of the conduits 6F - 8F corresponds in general terms to the one in for example the Fig. 3b embodiment. What is shown is a view from below of the fluid distribution arrangement 15F. The fluid distribution arrangement 15F is in this embodiment self-sufficient in terms of its retention, which in other words means that the fluid distribution arrangement 15F, when assembled, does not need any housing 2F or other means to stay assembled. Retention is achieved through a screw 66F having a screw head 67F, which screw head 67F may abut a washer 68F, which washer 68F abuts the rims 6eF, 7eF of the nipples 6bF, 7bF of the first and third conduits 6F, 7F. The screw 66F may alternatively have a screw head 67F which is large enough to itself abut the rims 6eF, 7eF in question. Instead of a screw 66F any fastening means which is capable of remaining within an appropriately adapted body 20F, and to retain the conduits 6F, 7F in place, is adequate.
In Fig. 3g the retention of the conduits 6G - 8G corresponds in general terms to the one in for example the Fig. 3a embodiment. In the present embodiment the second conduit 8G retains the first and third conduits 6G, 7G via a specifically designed washer 69G. The rim 8eG of the nipple 8bG of the second conduit 8G is retained in position by the internal rim 40G of the housing 2G. Between the rim 8eG of the nipple 8bG of the second conduit 8G and the rims 6eG, 7eG of the nipples 6bG, 7bG of the first and third conduits 6G, 7G the washer 69G is arranged. The washer 69G is shaped like a semicircle and has one circular outer edge 70G and one straight edge 71G. The washer 69G has one circular hole 72G sized and positioned to accommodate the nipple 8bG of the second conduit 8G in an inner position, and has two semi-circular seats 73G, 74G, one each for the first and third nipple 6bG, 7bG. The two seats 73G, 74G are located on the straight edge 71G of the washer 69G. The two seats 73G, 74G are sized such that they may accommodate each nipple 6bG, 7bG. The rim 8eG of the nipple 8bG of the second conduit 8G thus abuts a rearward, or lower, side of the washer 69G, and the rims 6eG, 7eG of the nipples 6bG, 7bG of the first and third conduits 6G, 7G abut a forward, or upper, side of the washer 69G. The washer may be designed having a different outer perimeter design. It may also for example be designed having three full holes instead of one hole and two seats.
In Fig. 3h the retention of the conduits 6H - 8H corresponds in general terms to the one in for example the Fig. 3b embodiment. In the present embodiment the housing 2H is provided with a base portion 80H which is separate from the remaining parts of the housing 2H. The base portion 80H constitutes an integral part of the housing 2H and is needed to form the full faucet 1H in an assembled state thereof. It is positioned at a rearward end of the housing 2H and closest to the slab or deck 10H on which the faucet 1H is placed. The internal rim 40H which retains the fluid distribution assembly 15H within the faucet 1H is in this embodiment located within the base portion 80H. The internal rim 40H could however still be located within the housing 2H as an alternative. In the disclosed embodiment the base portion 80H is fully visible, but it may also be covered fully or partially by the housing 2H such that it is either merely partially visible, or not at all. In Fig. 3i the retention of the conduits 6I - 8I again corresponds in general terms to the one in for example the Fig. 3b embodiment. In the present embodiment the fluid distribution assembly 151 "stands on", or in other words abuts, a washer 81I. The washer 81I in turn "stands on", or in other words abuts, the internal rim 401 of the housing 21. The washer 81I is a generally circular washer having an outer diameter which corresponds to, or is slightly less than, the inner diameter of the housing 21, and has a circular through hole which has an inner diameter which is large enough to accommodate the first to third conduits 6I - 8I therein.
In Fig. 3j the fluid distribution assembly 15J corresponds in general terms to the one in the Fig. 1f embodiment. The second conduit 8J is also of a kind which has already been disclosed in the same embodiment. The first and the third conduits 6J, 7J however, are of different design. The first and the third conduits 6J, 7J are used for fastening of the faucet 1J to the slab or desk 10J. The first and the third conduits 6J, 7J both disclose a dual design, comprising an upper fixing part 6Jb, 7Jb and a lower fixed part 6Ja, 7Ja, wherein each fixing part 6Jb, 7Jb has a short length, which on a lowermost part is provided with an outer threaded section 82I, 83I. Each fixing part 6Jb, 7Jb may be seen as a pipe which is generally inflexible, at least as seen in relation to the more flexible fixed part 6Ja, 7Ja. The fixed parts 6Ja, 7Ja of the first and third conduits 6J, 7J are each fixed through an internally threaded section 87J, 88J to the threaded section of the respective one of the fixing part 6Jb, 7Jb of the first and third conduits 6J, 7J. Fastening of the faucet 1J to the slab 10J is achieved through at least one nut 84J, 85J on each upper fixing part 6Jb, 7Jb, which is tightened towards the slab 10J. A washer 86J which is positioned underneath the slab 10J is used to protect the slab 10J and to improve the tightening effect of each nut 84J, 85J. In the disclosed embodiment both the first and the third conduits 6J, 7J are used for fastening of the faucet 1J to the slab or desk 10J, but it may be contemplated that merely one conduit is used for this purpose. In such a case any one of the conduits included may be used for fastening to the slab and the other conduit be of "normal" kind.
In the Fig. 3k embodiment the retention of the conduits 6K - 8K again corresponds in general terms to the one in for example the Fig. 3b embodiment. In the present embodiment the second conduit 8K is also of similar kind as the in the Fig. 3b embodiment, having a rim 8eK for retention. However each rim 6eK, 7eK of the first and third conduits 6K, 7K are elongated or elliptical in shape. Each rim 6eK, 7eK of the first and third conduits 6K, 7K are also rotatable at least through 90 degrees according to the arrows 90, 91. Hereby each rim 6eK, 7eK may be rotated into retention position and again be rotated away therefrom. As an alternative the rims 6eK, 7eK of the first and third conduits 6K, 7K may be of generally cylindrical or other shape, but have a discontinuous outer perimeter for assembly.
The alternative embodiments which have been disclosed above may be combined in any way which is found advantageous, unless anything else is explicitly stated, as long as the features of the main claims are fulfilled.
It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and illustrated in the drawings; rather, the skilled person will recognize that many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the appended claims. Such changes may involve the use of the third conduit not to supply water to an auxiliary appliance, but rather to supply water to the spout outlet if the water is mixed to an intended temperature elsewhere, such as underneath the faucet and the deck. The third conduit may also supply nearly boiling temperature water, or sparkling water. The faucet may also be equipped both with a manually operated handle and with a distance operated sensor for short term water supply. The handle may also be replaced with a touch or other depressible button for operation.
An alternative embodiment which has been discussed above is a faucet having a second conduit connected to a dish washer. In such an embodiment the fluid distribution assembly is normally adapted not to mix water for distribution to the dish washer, but delivering either hot or cold water directly from the hot or cold water conduit. This water will however pass through the fluid distribution assembly and out through the second conduit to the dish washer. In this embodiment there will not be a through hole for the second conduit leading from the vertically lower side to the vertically upper side of the body. It will however comprise a second hole leading from the vertically upper side of the body towards the outer of the body which is used to deliver water to the spout of the faucet for normal use. It will also comprise a second hole leading from the vertically lower side of the body upwards within the body and intersecting either one, or both of the first and third through holes in the body. At the vertically lower side of the body the second hole will be connected to the second conduit leading to the dish washer. At the outer perimeter of the body there may be room in the form of for example a cavity for a manoeuvring lever or valve connected to the faucet for a user or operator to switch between using either cold or hot water flow towards the dish washer, or whether to completely shut it off as a safety measure. As a further alternative, the cartridge is adapted to divert the mixed water directly out towards the spout of the faucet without passing parts of the body. In such a case the cartridge has a bottom part which in itself has a passage for mixed water from within the cartridge, towards a side of the cartridge, where it meets a similarly designed housing of the faucet which has a passage towards the spout in this position. A body which is designed to accommodate such a cartridge does consequently not need a hole or receptacle for distribution of mixed water.
It should be noted that in the above disclosure any rims and nipples have been disclosed as having a generally circular outer shape. Other geometrical shapes may however apply, such as rectangular, star shaped or triangular.

Claims

A fluid distribution assembly (15, 15', 15A - 15K) for a faucet (1, 1', 1A - 1K), comprising
a body (20, 20', 20A - 20K) having a first receptacle (6c, 6c', 6cA - 6cK) and a second receptacle (8c, 8c', 8cA - 8cK);

a first conduit (6, 6', 6A - 6K) and a second conduit (8, 8', 8A - 8K), each conduit (6, 6', 6A - 6K, 8, 8', 8A - 8K) having an assembly end (6b, 6b', 6A - 6K, 8b, 8', 8A - 8K), wherein the assembly end (6b, 6b', 6bA - 6bK) of the first conduit (6, 6', 6A - 6K) is adapted to be received in the first receptacle (6c, 6c', 6cA - 6cK), and the assembly end (8b, 8b', 8bA - 8bK) of the second conduit (8, 8', 8A - 8K) is adapted to be received in the second receptacle (8c, 8c', 8cA - 8cK);
characterised in that the assembly end (6b, 6b', 6A - 6K) of the first conduit (6, 6', 6A - 6K) is adapted to retain the assembly end (8b, 8b', 8bA-8bK) of the second conduit (8, 8', 8A - 8K) in the fluid distribution assembly (15, 15', 15A - 15K) in an assembled state of the fluid distribution assembly (15, 15', 15A - 15K).
A fluid distribution assembly (15, 15', 15A - 15K) according to claim 1, wherein the assembly end (6b, 6b', 6A - 6K) of the first conduit (6, 6', 6A - 6K) is adapted to retain the assembly end (8b, 8b', 8bA - 8bK) of the second conduit (8, 8', 8A - 8K) in a longitudinal direction of the fluid distribution assembly (15, 15', 15A - 15K), preferably only in the longitudinal direction of the fluid distribution assembly (15, 15', 15A - 15K).
A fluid distribution assembly (15, 15', 15A - 15K) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the body (20, 20', 20A - 20K) has a third receptacle (7c, 7c', 7cA - 7cK), and the fluid distribution assembly (15, 15', 15A - 15K) has a third conduit (7, 7', 7A - 7K) having an assembly end (7b, 7b', 7bA - 7bK) which is adapted to be received in the third receptacle (7c, 7c', 7cA - 7cK), wherein the assembly end (6b, 6b', 6A - 6K) of the first conduit (6, 6', 6A - 6K) and/or the assembly end (8b, 8b', 8bA - 8bK) of the second conduit (8, 8', 8A - 8K) is adapted to retain the assembly end (7b, 7b', 7bA - 7bK) of the third conduit (7, 7', 7A - 7K) in the fluid distribution assembly (15, 15', 15A - 15K) in the assembled state of the fluid distribution assembly (15, 15', 15A - 15K).
A fluid distribution assembly (15, 15', 15B - 15C, 15F, 15H-15K) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the body (20, 20', 20B - 20C, 20F, 20H - 20K) has a third receptacle (7c, 7c', 7cB - 7cC, 7cF. 7cH - 7cK), and the fluid distribution assembly (15, 15', 15B - 15C, 15F, 15H-15K) has a third conduit (7, 7', 7B - 7C, 7F, 7H - 7K) having an assembly end (7b, 7b', 7bB - 7bC, 7bF, 7bH - 7bK) which is adapted to be received in the third receptacle (7c, 7c', 7cB - 7cC, 7cF. 7cH - 7cK), wherein the assembly end (7b, 7b', 7bB - 7bC, 7bF, 7bH - 7bK) of the third conduit (7, 7', 7B - 7C, 7F, 7H - 7K) is adapted to retain the assembly end (8b, 8b', 8bB - 8bC, 8bF, 8bH - 8bK) of the second conduit (8, 8', 8B - 8C, 8F, 8H - 8K) in the fluid distribution assembly (15, 15', 15B - 15C, 15F, 15H-15K)in the assembled state of the fluid distribution assembly (15, 15', 15B - 15C, 15F, 15H-15K).
A fluid distribution assembly (15, 15', 15A - 15K) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each receptacle (6c, 6c', 6cA - 6cK ,7c, 7c', 7cA - 7cK, 8c, 8c', 8cA - 8cK) is adapted to retain each assembly end (6b, 6b', 6bA - 6bK, 7b, 7b', 7bA - 7bK, 8b, 8b', 8bA - 8bK) in a transversal direction of the fluid distribution assembly (15, 15', 15A - 15K) in the assembled state of the fluid distribution assembly (15, 15', 15A - 15K).
A fluid distribution assembly (15, 15', 15A - 15K) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each receptacle (6c, 6c', 6cA - 6cK ,7c, 7c', 7cA - 7cK, 8c, 8c', 8cA - 8cK) has an abutment against which each assembly end (6b, 6b', 6bA - 6bK, 7b, 7b', 7bA - 7bK, 8b, 8b', 8bA - 8bK) is adapted to abut in the assembled state of the fluid distribution assembly (15, 15', 15A - 15K).
A fluid distribution assembly (15, 15', 15A - 15K) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least each one of the assembly ends (6b, 6b', 6bA - 6bK, 8b, 8b', 8bA - 8bK) of the first and the second conduits (6, 6', 6A - 6K, 8, 8', 8A - 8K) has a nipple (6b, 6b', 6bA - 6bK, 8b, 8b', 8bA - 8bK), wherein the nipple (6b, 6b', 6bA - 6bK) of the assembly end (6b, 6b', 6bA - 6bK) of the first conduit (6, 6', 6A - 6K) cooperates interlockingly with the nipple (8b, 8b', 8bA - 8bK) of the assembly end (8b, 8b', 8bA - 8bK) of the second conduit (8, 8', 8A - 8K) in the assembled state of the fluid distribution assembly (15, 15', 15A - 15K).
A fluid distribution assembly (15, 15', 15A - 15K) according to claim 7, wherein each nipple (6b, 6b', 6bA - 6bK, 8b, 8b', 8bA - 8bK) has a rim (6e, 6e', 6eA - 6eK, 8e, 8e', 8eA - 8eK) extending at least partially in a circumferential direction of the nipple (6b, 6b', 6bA - 6bK, 8b, 8b', 8bA - 8bK), wherein the rim (6e, 6e', 6eA - 6eK) of the nipple (6b, 6b', 6bA - 6bK) of the first conduit (6, 6', 6A - 6K) abuts the rim (8e, 8e', 8eA - 8eK) of the nipple (8b, 8b', 8bA - 8bK) of the second conduit (8, 8', 8A - 8K) in the assembled state of the fluid distribution assembly (15, 15', 15A - 15K), thereby retaining the second conduit (8, 8', 8A - 8K) in the fluid distribution assembly (15, 15', 15A - 15K).
A fluid distribution assembly (15, 15', 15A - 15K) according to claim 7 and claim 4, wherein the rim (6e, 6e', 6eA - 6eK) of the nipple (6b, 6b', 6A - 6K) of the first conduit (6, 6', 6A - 6K) and a rim (7e, 7e', 7eA - 7eK) of the nipple (7b, 7b', 7bA - 7bK) of the third conduit (7, 7', 7A - 7K) abuts the rim (8e, 8e', 8eA - 8eK) of the second conduit (8, 8', 8A - 8K) in the assembled state of the fluid distribution assembly (15, 15', 15A - 15K), thereby retaining the second conduit in the fluid distribution assembly (15, 15', 15A - 15K).
A fluid distribution assembly (15, 15', 15A - 15K) according to claims 8 or claim 9, wherein the rim of each nipple (6e, 6e', 6eA - 6eK, 7e, 7e', 7eA - 7eK, 8e, 8e', 8eA - 8eK) is in one piece with each respective nipple (6b, 6b', 6bA - 6bK, 7b, 7b', 7bA - 7bK, 8b, 8b', 8bA - 8bK).
A fluid distribution assembly (15, 15', 15A - 15K) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the receptacles (6c, 6c', 6cA - 6cK, 7c, 7c', 7cA - 7cK, 8c, 8c', 8cA - 8cK), preferably all of the receptacles, penetrates the body (20, 20', 20A - 20K) from an assembly end thereof to a generally opposing end thereof for fluid distribution through the fluid distribution assembly (15, 15', 15A - 15K).
A fluid distribution assembly (15A, 15C, 15F, 15G, 151) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the body (20A, 20C, 20F, 20G, 201) at an assembly end thereof is provided with fastening means (61A, 63C, 66F, 69G, 81I) for retaining the first (6bA, 6bC, 6bF, 6bG, 6bl), and preferably also the third (7bA, 7bC, 7bF, 7bG, 7bl), assembly end in the assembled state of the fluid distribution assembly (15A, 15C, 15F, 15G, 151).
A fluid distribution assembly (15C, 15G, 151) according to claim 12, wherein the fastening means (63C, 69G, 81I) are a pin, locking washer or yoke which is transversally located in the assembled state of the fluid distribution assembly (15C, 15G, 151).
A fluid distribution assembly (15A, 15F) according to claim 12, wherein the fastening means (61A, 66F) are a screw, a screw thread or a nut.
A fluid distribution assembly (15A, 15C, 15F, 15G, 151) according to claims 13 or 14, wherein the fastening means (61A, 63C, 66F, 69G, 811) are adapted to retain the assembly end (6bA, 6bC, 6bF, 6bG, 6bl) of the first conduit (6A, 6C, 6F, 6G, 6I), and preferably also the assembly end (7bA, 7bC, 7bF, 7bG, 7bl) of the third conduit (7A, 7C, 7F, 7G, 7I), in the fluid distribution assembly (15A, 15C, 15F, 15G, 151) in an assembled state of the fluid distribution assembly (15A, 15C, 15F, 15G, 151).
A faucet (1, 1', 1A - 1K) having a fluid distribution assembly (15, 15', 15A - 15K) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the faucet (1, 1', 1A - 1K) at a mounting end thereof has a housing (2, 2', 2A - 2K) for receiving the fluid distribution assembly (15, 15', 15A - 15K) in an assembled state thereof, wherein the faucet (1, 1', 1A - 1K) has an internal rim (40, 40', 40A - 40K) between the housing (2, 2', 2A - 2K) and the mounting end for retaining the fluid distribution assembly (15, 15', 15A - 15K) within the housing (2, 2', 2A - 2K).
A faucet (1, 1', 1A - 1K) according to claim 16, wherein the internal rim (40, 40', 40A - 40K) at least partially protrudes inwardly within the faucet (1, 1', 1A - 1K), wherein the fluid distribution assembly (15, 15', 15A - 15K) is adapted to abut the internal rim (40, 40', 40A - 40K) in an assembled state of the faucet (1, 1', 1A - 1K).
A faucet (1J) according to any one of claims 16 to 17, wherein at least one of the first, second or third conduits (6J, 7;, 8J) is a pipe, and which, at an end away from the fluid distribution assembly (15J) in the assembled state thereof, has a fastening means (82J, 83J), preferably a screw thread, adapted for fastening of the faucet (1J) to a slab (10J).
A faucet (1H) according to any one of claims 16 to 18, wherein the faucet has a housing (2H), which housing (2H) has a fluid tapping portion and a base portion (80H), the base portion (80H) being provided at the mounting end of the faucet (1H).