GB2407975A

GB2407975A - Apparatus for dispensing liquid

Info

Publication number: GB2407975A
Application number: GB0326545A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Dean Barlow
Original assignee: Jacuzzi UK Group PLC
Current assignee: Jacuzzi UK Group PLC
Priority date: 2003-11-14
Filing date: 2003-11-14
Publication date: 2005-05-18
Also published as: GB0326545D0

Abstract

An apparatus for dispensing liquid, such as a tap, is described. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a liquid outlet 38 for dispensing liquid and a light 40 for lighting liquid as it emerges from the liquid outlet in at least a first or second colour. The apparatus further comprises a controller which is arranged to control the colour of the light dependent upon the temperature of the liquid which is dispensed. A second embodiment shown in Figure 6 is related to an apparatus for dispensing liquid into a Jacuzzi which has at least one jet. The apparatus includes a liquid outlet for dispensing liquid. The apparatus also includes a controller which is arranged to control the flow of liquid through the liquid outlet and is also arranged to control the at least one jet. The second embodiment may also light the liquid emerging from the liquid outlet in a colour of light dependent upon the temperature of the liquid.

Description

Apparatus for dispensing liquid The present invention relates to apparatus

for dispensing liquid, and in particular to taps for use with basins, baths and jacuzzis.

A variety of electronic taps are known. These taps typically comprise a valve which can be controlled electronically and a sensor. When the sensor is activated the valve is turned on.

For example, the sensor could detect the presence of a user via infrared. It could then open the valve to cause the tap to turn on. An example is the "Apprendo A" mixer tap manufactured by Lux-O-Tap. The tap can receive a cold water supply, a premixed water supply at a predetermined temperature, or can incorporate a manually operated mixer valve which mixes l o heated and unheated water supply according the position of a lever on the side of the tap.

Electronic taps such as those described above essentially operate in the same way as normal, mechanical taps, but replace the control of the flow of the water with electronic components.

The only way for a user to determine the temperature of the water is to touch it. This can scald the user if the water temperature is too hot.

The present invention provides an apparatus for dispensing liquid which can light the liquid as it emerges from the tap. The colour of the light indicates the temperature of the liquid. A user can therefore know the temperature of the liquid without having to touch it, reducing the risk of scalding.

The present invention also provides an apparatus for dispensing liquid which can control the flow of liquid through the apparatus, and also control the jets of a jacuzzi-style bath.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided an apparatus for dispensing liquid to a receptacle, the apparatus comprising: a liquid outlet for dispensing liquid; a light for lighting the liquid as it emerges from the liquid outlet in at least a first or second colour, and a controller; wherein the controller is arranged to control the colour of the light dependent upon the temperature of liquid which is dispensed.

The colour ofthe light allows a user to easily identify the temperature of liquid emerging from the outlet. This reduces the risk of a user of being scalded by water emerging from the tap, as the temperature of the liquid can be determined without any need to touch the flow of liquid.

As the liquid emerges from the tap, the light will refract at the edges of the liquid flow, and also at the boundary of any turbulence within the liquid, so that the user is presented with a solid colour which is easy to see. The light could be a conventional incandescent bulb, a fluorescent light or an LED, or an array of LEDs. The controller could be located within a lo single body of the apparatus, or located elsewhere from the liquid outlet and light.

Advantageously, the apparatus can further comprise a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of liquid dispensed from the liquid outlet, and wherein the controller is arranged to control the colour of the light dependent upon the temperature measured by the sensor.

The use of a temperature sensor allows the light to be controlled so that it accurately reflects the actual temperature of the liquid being dispensed, rather than a desired temperature set by a user. For example, when a hot temperature is selected, the colour of the light can indicate to the user when the correct temperature has been achieved, rather than simply indicating the selected temperature. The sensor could be a contact device, such as a thermocouple arranged in the flow of the liquid, or a non contact device such as an infrared sensor in view of the so liquid.

When the apparatus includes a temperature sensor it is preferable that the apparatus further comprises desired temperature data storage means for storing a desired temperature. The controller can be arranged to control the colour of the light dependent upon a comparison between the desired temperature and the measured temperature.

This allows the light to indicate when a desired temperature has been reached. In this case the colour of the light is related to the comparison between the actual temperature and the desired temperature.

In one preferable arrangement, the controller is arranged to control the colour of the light to be a first colour when the measured temperature is not within a predetermined range of the desired temperature and to be a second colour when the measured temperature is within a predetermined range ofthe desired temperature. This allows a user to identify quickly whether the desired temperature has been reached. There i s no need to test the temperature of the water by touching it. The predetermined range oftemperature is necessary, because even with a very advanced control system, the temperature of the water as it emerges is unlikely to be exactly equal to the desired temperature. The predetermined range can be 5 C, 3 C, or more preferably 2 C. The range may also not be symmetrical about the desired temperature. For lo example, the range could be + 1 C, 3 C. This reduces the risk ofthe temperature exceeding the desired temperature to the extent that a user is scalded.

Preferably, the controller is also for controlling the flow of liquid through the liquid outlet.

This means there is no requirement for separate mechanical controls on the apparatus.

When the apparatus can control the flow of liquid, it is preferable for the controller to be l 5 arranged to control the mixing of an unheated liquid supply and a heated liquid supply to achieve a desired temperature. This allows the controller to control the temperature of water emerging from the apparatus, for example to stop scalding hot water emerging, or to allow a user input temperature to be achieved.

Preferably, the apparatus further comprises a display, and wherein the controller is arranged to control the colour of the display dependent upon the temperature of liquid which is dispensed. The colour of the display can change as well as the liquid being lighted. This provides an additional visual prompt for a user.

Advantageously, when the apparatus can control the flow of liquid, the apparatus further comprises a sensor for determining the liquid level in the receptacle, and wherein the controller is arranged to control the flow of liquid based on input from the sensor. The sensor allows the flow of water to be controlled to ensure that the receptacle is not overfilled with liquid. The sensor may measure the level of liquid in the receptacle using time of flight calculations from an optical or acoustic sensor. Alternatively sensors may be installed in the basin which are activated when the liquid is at a certain level, for example a simple, low voltage electrical circuit which is completed by the liquid in the receptacle.

Alternatively, when the apparatus can control the flow of liquid, the apparatus can further comprise a sensor for measuring the flow of liquid through the liquid outlet, and wherein the s controller is arranged to control the flow of liquid based on input from the sensor. By measuring the flow rate, the controller can calculate the total volume of liquid delivered from the outlet. Preferably, the apparatus further comprise volume data storage means for storing the volume of the receptacle, and the controller is arranged to control the flow of liquid through the liquid outlet to deliver a volume of liquid equal to a desired fraction of the volume 0 of the receptacle based on the flow measured by the sensor. The flow rate through the apparatus is known, and this can be used to calculate the total volume of water delivered.

When the volume delivered equals the desired fraction of filling of the receptacle, flow can be stopped automatically.

Preferably, the controller also has an output for controlling an electronic waste outlet in the IS receptacle. This enables the control of the waste to be included in the tap, giving reduced clutter on the surface of the receptacle and allows the waste outlet to be opened automatically if there is a risk of the receptacle overflowing. In particular, the electronic waste may be of the push-pull type which opens and closes by operation of an actuation rod. Other types of outlet are also possible, for example a simple sliding cover for an aperture.

Preferably, the above described apparatus is used for filling a bath, a basin or a jacuzzi. The term jacuzzi is used to refer to apparatus in which water in a container is agitated using at least one jet. The at least one jet can be a jet of water or a jet of air.

Preferably, the above described apparatus for dispensing liquid is a tap or faucet According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an assembly including 2s a bath, basin or jacuzzi; and an apparatus for dispensing liquid as described above.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is also provided an apparatus for dispensing liquid into a jacuzzi, the jacuzzi having at least one jet, the apparatus comprising: a liquid outlet for dispensing liquid; and a controller; wherein the controller is arranged to control the flow of liquid through the liquid outlet, and also arranged to control the at least one jet.

This allows a single device to control both filling ofthe jacuzzi and also the jets ofthe jacuzzi.

Fewer devices are required which simplifies installation of the jacuzzi and also reduces the number of units which must be present on its surface.

lo Preferably, the apparatus further comprises a sensor for determining the liquid level in the jacuzzi, and wherein the controller is arranged to control the flow of liquid based on input from the sensor. The controller can then ensure that the jacuzzi is not overfilled. The sensor can be an optical or acoustic time of flight type. The sensor can also be an electrical type, for example a low voltage electrical circuit which is completed by the liquid when it reaches a certain level.

Preferably, the apparatus further comprises a sensor for measuring the flow of liquid through the liquid outlet, and the controller is arranged to control the flow of liquid based on input from the sensor. Advantageously, the apparatus further comprises volume data storage means for storing the volume of the jacuzzi, and the controller is arranged to control the flow of liquid through the liquid outlet to deliver a volume of liquid equal to a desired fraction of the volume of the jacuzzi based on the flow measured by the sensor. This allows the apparatus to fill a predetermined fraction of the jacuzzi, for example quarter full, half full or three quarters full. The volume of liquid delivered is known because the flow of liquid through the outlet is measured by the sensor and can be used to calculate the total volume delivered.

Preferably, the controller is also arranged to control an electronic waste outlet in the jacuzzi.

This further simplifies the controls which need to be mounted on the surface of the jacuzzi.

It also allows the controller to carry out more advanced control schemes, such as automatically opening the waste outlet if the jacuzzi is in danger of overflowing. The waste outlet can be a push-pull type, or a sliding door type as described above.

Preferably, the controller is arranged to control the mixing of an unheated liquid supply and a heated liquid supply to achieve a desired temperature. The desired temperature could be entered by a user, or preset to a temperature. This eliminates the need for a user to obtain a temperature by trial and error, and also improves safety as there is a reduced risk of scalding.

Preferably, the apparatus may further comprise a light for lighting the liquid as it emerges from the liquid outlet in at least a first or second colour, wherein the controller is arranged to control the colour of the light dependent upon the temperature measured by the sensor.

lo Preferably, the apparatus may further comprise a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of liquid dispensed from the liquid outlet; and wherein the controller is arranged to control the colour of the light dependent upon the temperature measured by the sensor.

Preferably, the apparatus may further comprise desired temperature storage means for storing a desired temperature, and wherein the controller is arranged to control the colour of the light dependent upon a comparison between the desired temperature and the measured temperature.

Preferably the controller is arranged to control the colour of the light to be a first colour when the measured temperature is not within a predetermined range of the desired temperature and to be a second colour when the measured temperature is within a predetermined range of the desired temperature.

Preferably, the apparatus further comprises a display, and wherein the controller is arranged to control the colour of the display dependent upon the temperature of liquid which is dispensed.

These features allow the apparatus to indicate the temperature of the water visually. There is no need for a user to touch the liquid to determine its temperature. This also reduces the risk of a user accidentally scolding themselves on hot water. The construction also allows the advantages of lighting the water discussed above to be obtained in the apparatus for dispensing liquid into a jacuzzi.

Preferably, the apparatus for dispensing liquid is a tap or faucet.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided and assembly s comprising a jacuzzi; and an apparatus for filling a jacuzzi as described above.

The present invention will now be described, by way of example only, and not in any limitative sense with reference to the following drawings in which: Figure 1 illustrates a first embodiment of the present invention installed on a jacuzzi; Figure 2 illustrates the layout of controls on the first embodiment of the invention; l o Figure 3 depicts the display indications when the temperature of water is adjusted in the first embodiment of the invention; Figure 4 depicts the display indication when the apparatus of the first embodiment is used to control the jets of a jacuzzi; Figure 5 depicts the connections between the apparatus of the first embodiment and other components which it controls; and Figure 6 illustrates a second embodiment of the present invention mounted on a basin.

Figure l depicts a tap 2 of the first embodiment mounted on the side of a jacuzzi 6. The tap 2 includes a liquid outlet 4 through which water emerges to fill the jacuzzi.

Figure 2 illustrates the controls present on the tap 2. The controls include a temperature so control 8, a jet control 10, a jet activation control 12, a top up control 14, a button 16 to start/stop dispensing water and which also controls the waste outlet of the jacuzzi, and a pair of controls 18, 20 used to increase 18 and decrease 20 user variable settings. The tap 2 also includes a display 22. The display indicates the present status of the tap, or allows the user to view changes to variables easily.

Figure 3 illustrates thc display ofthe tap 2 when the temperature ofthe water is being changed.

T o enter this mode, the user first presses the temperature control 8. The temperature can then be increased or decreased by activating the increase/decrease controls 18,20. The display 22 indicates the desired temperature as both a number, in C, and as a bar chart between minimum and maximum. The background colour of the display behind the numerical indication changes with the selected temperature. For example, when the temperature is sufficient to scald the user the display colour turns red.

Figure 4 illustrates the display indication when the jets are being controlled. To control the jets, the user first presses the jet control 10. The desired setting of the jets can then be adjusted l o using the increase/decrease controls 18,20. During this operation the display shows "jets" and also includes a bar chart indicating the strength of the jets selected by the user. The jets are started or stopped by pressing the jet activation control 12.

Figure S shows the connection of the tap 2 to other elements of the jacuzzi. A control line 24 connects the tap 2 to a valve control box 26. This valve control box 26 is connected by control line 28 to a servo valve 30. The servo valve 30 mixes an unheated water supply 32 and a heated water supply 34. The mixed water supply 36 travels through the tap 2 to be dispensed from a slot 38 at the front of the tap.

The tap includes a set of lights 40 mounted below the outlet so that as the water is dispensed, it passes over the light and refracts its colour. The lights 40 are an array of coloured LEDs The controller of the tap 2 can adjust the colour of the lights 40 to reflect the temperature of the mixed water feed 36 passing through the tap.

The colour of the light 40 can be controlled on the basis of the expected temperature, knowing the proportion at which the unheated and heated water supplies have been mixed by the servo valve 30, or on an actual measured temperature. If a measured temperature is used, the tap can incorporate a sensor inside which can detect the temperature of the water prior to its emerging from the slot 38.

The light can also be controlled to continuously vary in colour from, for example blue indicating the coldest setting to, for example red indicating the hottest setting.

The tap 2 also includes a control line 42 which is connected to the jets of the jacuzzi. A further control line 44 connects to an electronic waste.

s A second embodiment of the present invention is depicted in figure 6. In this embodiment the tap 44 is for filling a basin 46. The construction ofthis embodiment is the same as above, save as described below. The tap 44 of the second embodiment does not include a jet control.

However, it does include an additional sensor (not illustrated) which can detect the level of water in the basin. This sensor can detect the water level by using time of flight from an l o infrared or an acoustic sensor mounted on the underside of the tap 44. This allows the level ofthe liquid below the tap to be determined. The position ofthe tap above the basin is known, so the level of liquid in the basin can be determined. This enables the controller to fill the basin to a specified level, or to automatically open the electronic waste 48 when there is a risk of the basin overflowing.

In an alternative embodiment, instead of a level sensor, the tap 44 can be programmed with the volume of the basin and include a sensor for measuring the flow of water through the tap 44. Using the input from the flow sensor, the controller of the tap knows the volume of water delivered into the basin. The controller also stores the volume of the basin, allowing a precise fraction of the volume of the basin to be filled. For example the basin could be filled to one quarter, one half or three quarters of its volume.

In an alternative embodiment, the user can choose the numerical display to be in OF or in C.

In another alternative embodiment, the display could comprise only a numerical display, or only a bar chart display.

In a further alternative embodiment, the display colour may change continuously as the 2s temperature is increased or decreased, for example between blue at the minimum temperature and red at the maximum temperature.

ln still another alternative embodiment, the light 40 may be mounted inside the apparatus so the water is lit prior to its emerging from the slot.

In another alternative embodiment, the lights could change colour or flash to indicate a temperature of water which might scald a user.

It will be appreciated that the features of the above described embodiments are not mutaully exclusive and that the features of alternative embodiments could be combined. - 1 1

Claims

1. An apparatus for dispensing liquid, the apparatus comprising: a liquid outlet for dispensing liquid; a light for lighting the liquid as it emerges from the liquid outlet in at least a first or second colour; and a controller; wherein the controller is arranged to control the colour of the light dependent upon the temperature of liquid which is dispensed.

lo

2. An apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of liquid dispensed from the liquid outlet, and wherein the controller is arranged to control the colour of the light dependent upon the temperature measured by the sensor.

3. An apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising desired temperature data Is storage means for storing a desired temperature, and wherein the controller is arranged to control the colour of the light dependent upon a comparison between the desired temperature and the measured temperature.

4. An apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the controller is arranged to control the colour of the light to be a first colour when the measured temperature is not within a predetermined range of the desired temperature and to be a second colour when the measured temperature is within a predetermined range of the desired temperature.

5. An apparatus according to claim any one of the preceding claims, wherein the controller is also for controlling the flow of liquid through the liquid outlet.

6. An apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the controller is arranged to control the as mixing of an unheated liquid supply and a heated liquid supply to achieve a desired temperature.

7. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a display, and wherein the controller is arranged to control the colour of the display dependent upon the temperature of liquid which is dispensed.

8. An apparatus according to any one of claims 5 to 7, further comprising a sensor for s determining the liquid level in a receptacle, and wherein the controller is arranged to control the flow of liquid based on input from the sensor.

9. An apparatus according to any one of claims 5 to 7, further comprising a sensor for measuring the flow of liquid through the liquid outlet, and wherein the controller is arranged to control the flow of liquid based on input from the sensor.

l o

10. An apparatus according to claim 9, further comprising volume data storage means for storing the volume of a receptacle, and wherein the controller is arranged to control the flow of liquid through the liquid outlet to deliver a volume of liquid equal to a desired fraction of the volume of the receptacle based on the flow measured by the sensor.

11. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the controller Is also has an output for controlling an electronic waste outlet in a receptacle.

12. An apparatus according to any one of claims 8 to 1 1, wherein the receptacle is a bath, a basin or a jacuzzi.

13. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the apparatus for dispensing liquid is a tap.

14. An assembly comprising: a bath, basin or jacuzzi; and an apparatus for dispensing liquid according to any one of the preceding claims.

15. An apparatus for dispensing liquid into a jacuzzi, the jacuzzi having at least one jet, the apparatus comprising: - 1 3 a liquid outlet for dispensing liquid; and a controller; wherein the controller is arranged to control the flow of liquid through the liquid outlet, and also arranged to control the at least one jet.

s

16. An apparatus according to claim 15, further comprising a sensor for determining the liquid level in the jacuzzi, and wherein the controller is arranged to control the flow of liquid based on input from the sensor.

17. An apparatus according to claim 15, further comprising a sensor for measuring the flow of liquid through the liquid outlet, and wherein the controller is arranged to control the lo flow of liquid based on input from the sensor.

18. An apparatus according to claim 17, further comprising volume data storage means for storing the volume of the jacuzzi, and wherein the controller is arranged to control the flow of liquid through the liquid outlet to deliver a volume of liquid equal to a desired fraction of the volume of the jacuzzi based on the flow measured by the sensor.

19. An apparatus according to any one of claims 15 to 18, wherein the controller is also arranged to control an electronic waste outlet in the jacuzzi.

20. An apparatus according to any one of claims 15 to 19, wherein the controller is arranged to control the mixing of an unheated liquid supply and a heated liquid supply to achieve a desired temperature.

21. An apparatus according to any one of claims 15 to 20, further comprising a light for lighting the liquid as it emerges from the liquid outlet in at least a first or second colour, wherein the controller is arranged to control the colour of the light dependent upon the temperature measured by the sensor.

22. An apparatus according to claim 21, further comprising a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of liquid dispensed from the liquid outlet; and wherein the controller is arranged to control the colour of the light dependent upon the temperature measured by the sensor.

23. An apparatus according to claim 22, further comprising desired temperature storage means for storing a desired temperature, and wherein the controller is arranged to control the s colour of the light dependent upon a comparison between the desired temperature and the measured temperature.

24. An apparatus according to claim 23, wherein the controller is arranged to control the colour of the light to be a first colour when the measured temperature is not within a predetermined range of the desired temperature and to be a second colour when the measured l o temperature is within a predetermined range of the desired temperature.

25. An apparatus according to any one of claims 15 to 24, further comprising a display, and wherein the controller is arranged to control the colour ofthe display dependent upon the temperature of liquid which is dispensed.

26. An apparatus according to any one ofthe preceding claims, wherein the apparatus for dispensing liquid is a tap.

27. An assembly comprising: a jacuzzi; and an apparatus for dispensing liquid according to any one of claims 15 to 26.

28. An apparatus for dispensing liquid substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

29. An assembly comprising: a bath, basin or jacuzzi; and an apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the,{ accompanying drawings. <)